Christmas is coming!

Jeff is excelling at OCS. He is doing so well at his pt test and working hard to keep his class standing. I've gotten to see him a few times on the weekends and he had a pass for Thanksgiving. That was so nice. My sister came and stayed with me and we made the LONG trip down to Columbus to pick up Jeff. With traffic it made a two and a half hour trip into about a 5 hour trip. We spent Thanksgiving day in Woodstock with my Mom's brother and his wife. Then on Thursday night My sister, Jeff and I set up Christmas. Our little tree is so cute. I'll take pictures soon. We have finally figured out what we are doing for Christmas. Trust me it was tough trying to figure out how we were going to work family stuff. With my Mom, Dad, sister, and brother being in Germany I am feeling a desperate need to connect with my family I have here. So it made it difficult to decide how we were going to divide Christmas Eve and Christmas. Whew! I'm worn out just thinking about it. My job is the same old thing. I have been tossed around into every classroom except my own. However, I'm still responsible for my classroom. Juggling the other classrooms and trying to find time to do lesson plans and make sure everything is going okay is overwhelming. I asked for my vacation and was told that I may not get it due to the fact I may have to cover for another classroom. Again, not my class. Please pray that I will get it, if not, pray that I will have to courage to stand up for myself.

Seeing my Hubby

I just got back from Ft. Benning to see my Jeffrey and go to my Big's baby shower. It worked out perfectly that Danielle's shower and Jeff's off weekend was at the same time. Jeff convinced me that I shouldn't move down to Columbus unless we find out we get stationed there. I'll admit I like Ft. Benning the second time around. I was really mad at it the first time we went, but once I got my bearings I was impressed with it. The new housing they have is awesome, and the old housing is gorgeous and classic. The PX is better than I've seen in awhile too, so okay I'm not mad at it anymore. Probably because I was able to see it in the daylight. I had a lovely weekend with my hubby and visiting Joe and Danielle. It was so fun to see Joe and Danielle prepare for their new baby girl due in like 7 weeks. The drive down to Columbus isn't so bad only about 2.5 hours. As long as you can get through Atlanta traffic you are pretty much set. It is making me miss Jeff a lot more. I get to talk to him and now he has a new computer and we can skype everyday. That is hard because to use a cliche term he is so close yet so faraway. Grrr. We enjoyed one of two dog parts this afternoon. Hayley was able to run to her hearts content while we enjoyed some food. Bless her heart, she slept the entire way home and is still exhausted. Jeff is so ready for OCS. I have been so in awe at how much he wants to be successful. He is doing extra PT so he can max his test and getting class notes from OCS grads so he can prepare for his own classes. I knew that when he puts his mind to things he never backs down. I mean come on, that's how he got me! He is one determined young man and he proves that to me every minute! I LOVE IT!

Keep Moving Forward

We are finally through the 1st phase of Jeff's training. He graduated on Friday and we raced home to unpack then pack again for OCS. Saturday we drove down to Ft. Benning, GA and Jeff reported there to work detail until November 22nd when OCS starts. He has nights and weekends free so it will help us feel more connected, maybe even make the separation go by faster. It is absolutely going to kill me that he has this time that we can be together and I'm here in Dawsonville. It is only a 2 and a half hour drive but when you are trying to see your true love it feels like forever. But at least I get to see him and that is all I can ask for. Jeff was really excited about getting to the next phase in his training. This one feels more like we are in the Army if that makes any sense. Maybe because we have more involvement together rather than just him. Hayley was a little weirded out to see him. We woke up in the middle of the night to her sitting between us staring at him. He was in her spot so I'm sure she was hoping he would move. Anywho, it was wonderful to have our little family together for one night. In keeping with my Aunt's favorite motto...KEEP MOVING FORWARD.

Time is my Enemy

Why is next week coming soooo slow?! I have less than a week to see my Jeffrey and I can hardly stand it. Luckily my sister has come this weekend to keep me from going insane with myself. We are going to try to make it to Burt's Pumpkin Farm, even though Halloween is basically over. I didn't get to go this year so I figured I could get some pumpkins for Thanksgiving. My mind has been so off this past week. I have had the weirdest dreams, I have cold, and work just seemed drag on with its usual frustration. It has to be because I'm so preoccupied with seeing Jeff and what next week could hold for us. It is possible that we could be moving to Columbus, GA because Jeff may not be able to start OCS until January. The thought of moving is not affecting me the way I thought it might. I'm surprisingly OK with it all, but it would mean moving farther away from our friends. I do know a few people down in that area. Plus I would get to see Jeff a heck of a lot more than I would if he stayed down there and I stayed here. Talk about gas money and hotel funds flying out the window! We only have one car so I don't know how that would work. All this stess and there is no guarantee that we have to move. I'm way too much of planner, I'm such a mess!! Good thing there is a man who loves me!

Impatiently Yours

Last week I braved Atlanta traffic and drove to Ft. McPherson to get my military ID. First I dropped Hayley off at doggie daycare (yep that's right daycare) and then sat 2 and half hours in traffic for what should have been a 45 min drive. After discovering that my dear husband doesn't organize his important papers in his car and flashing my eye lashes at the MPs I was allowed to get on post. Then I signed a few papers, took a few pictures and was handed my fabulous Military ID. It feels so nice to have one those again. Now I can go get my eyebrows waxed and get a discount. Yes!! This past weekend and this week have just been CRAWLING by. I think it is because Jeff is almost done with BCT and the chance of seeing him soon is pulling at my heartstrings. The plan is...well there is no plan...but if there was one Jeff will either leave Ft Jackson this weekend after is FTX or he graduates with the rest of his glass Nov. 5-6. This means that I have to be prepared for anything. So, the directions from home to Jackson, from Jackson to Benning, from Benning to home are printed and in the car. A bag is packed in case Jeff calls this weekend and says he is released. I have turned in a time off request for next week and I'm about to make hotel reservations, just in case. It sounds like I've got it all together but I don't feel like it at all. Truth be told I feel completely overwhelmed and its only TUESDAY!! That is what makes it hard is that I will know by this weekend what is going on, I just have to wait until then. The fact that I may get to see my husband at the end of it makes it that much harder to be patient. I am anxious, nervous, excited, and impatient. Just another reminder that GoD is in COMPLETE control of my life and I am not. I love my GoD!

There's Gold in Them Thar Hills

This weekend was the annual Gold Rush festival in Dahlonega, GA. My freshman year I attended my first Gold Rush and I fell in love! It brings the best out of my beloved Dahlonega square. Anyone who knows about "the Square" knows that it is not very big. It is like walking down the streets of an old 1800's boom town. But when gold rush comes to town people from all over bring beautiful handmade pottery, furniture, and more. It also brings out the best of the Appalachian country folk. There is folk music, the best food, and of course seeing many college friends who come from all over just for Gold Rush. We had an Alpha Gamma Delta Alum lunch, which makes me feel so old! It made miss Jeff, he would have loved being there again. By the way it was the coldest, wettest, Gold Rush I've ever experienced. But that is the great thing about this festival, Dahlonega is still busting at the seams to get a taste of it. All in great spirits. I spent the day with our dear friends Brad and Sarah who were gracious enough to let me 3 wheel it with them. Things to get on our list: Kettle corn, turkey legs, roasted corn, caramel apples, fudge, lemonade, and fried Reese's Peanut Butter cups. Yes, a fried candy bar. I'll admit it was a first for the three of us, but we decided we simply had to try it. There are just no words to describe the ooey, gooey, mess the vendors handed us, topped with powder sugar of course. Just looking at it made our faces break out and our booties gained 10 pounds. Oh my goodness! It may be someone else's favorite food, but for us it was too much! At least I can say "been there, done that, bought the t-shirt." And I don't ever have to wonder what could have been. By the way the saying "There's Gold in Them Thar Hills" actually originated when gold was discovered in the Dahlonega hills. Just a little fact for you.
Jeffrey only has a few more days at BCT before he heads to Ft. Benning, GA. He was allowed to talk for 10 minutes so he was able to tell me about his FTX. He said it was fun despite the fact he has a few burns on his neck. He is okay. The biggest news is that there may be a chance that I will get to see him soon. If it is okay with his company commander at Benning, then anyone within driving distance of Benning can come pick up their soldier and take him to OCS. Wouldn't that be FANTASTIC!! I'm so not getting my hopes up, but I am keeping my figures crossed.

Jerry Springer in Chicago

I LOVE my Little

TRL

Yep, That's Craig Morgan

Did you clean behind the toilet?

You know those things your mom always said to you over and over? Your mom probably didn't think you would ever remember. Good news Mom's we remember. Everytime I clean my bathroom I hear my mother's voice in the back of my mind practically screaming at me "Don't forget to clean behind the toilet!" Ugh, we used to have battles over this in my house. My sister and I would split the bathroom up and we would have to clean it. During inspection more than likely we would hear "did you clean behind the toilet?" For the rest of my life whenever I clean my bathroom I will always hear my mother. Which in it's own way is quite reassuring. And yes, Mom, I did clean behind the toilet...twice.

This weekend has been a wonderful zin weekend for me. Friday night I hosted a bachlorette party for Jessi and we had a blast! First we went to Sambuca's Jazz Club then headed to the Opera Night Club. Thanks to Jessica Stowe and Brittney Bruner we got VIP passes and didn't have to pay a cent the rest of the night. I haven't danced so long since prom! On Saturday after picking Hayley up from the Paw Spa and Resort, I rested then got busy! I got motivated to clean and neaten. I sorted stuff and added to the pile of things to donate. I'm going to try and find a place to donate all this stuff to the flood victims. The BEST part my Saturday was that I got to talk to Jeffrey for 30 minutes!! Since they have doing so well in the White Phase they were allowed their phones. It was WONDERFUL to hear his voice. He sounded sooooo good. Then today I went to church and really cleaned my house. It was a very cleansing feeling. My friend Natalie came over for dinner. Now I am wrapped up in my Army blanket watching Extreme Home Maker. All in all I'd say it was a pretty darn good weekend. Hopefully this week will be the same.

Happy ONE YEAR Anniversary

I can not believe it has already been a year. Technically our anniversary is tomorrow, but I probably won't be writing tomorrow. Since Jeff is not going to be here my sister and I are going to the Fox to see Chicago. He planned this months ago with the intention I go with Sissy. Today I received the sweetest card in the mail. I was so excited when I got it that I sat right down on the curb to read it. Of course I cried because it was so encouraging and loving to hear how much Jeff loves me. I am so lucky. He got the highest PT score of all the males and he was soooo excited. He is already talking about improving his score. I've never seen (or read) him so pumped about anything, so I am pumped too. Each letter I get is more confirmation that God has him where He wants him. Not that we doubted before, but there was some worry that Jeff would not enjoy it. However the deeper into training he gets the more excited he gets. He loves it! Which only excites me more. I'll admit this afternoon was a little hard with out him because I am thinking about our anniversary, but even with him gone he has managed to make it very special. I couldn't ask for more than that...well, except to have him here!

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

How awful am I?! I have not updated our blog since Jeff left and I promised I would. Not that there is much to report. Jeff has been diligent in writing my letters the past three weeks and I have really enjoyed reading them. The deeper into training he gets the more excited he gets about it. He LOVES it. Which is true confirmation that he is where God wants him to be. He sounded like a little boy when he got his M16 and he came in 4th in a competition to disassemble and assemble his weapon. Yay for Jeffrey! I have been keeping busy by redecorating out living room and working. I am so grateful for my friends who have been loyal enough to call and check up on me. I was fortunate enough to go to the Kicks Country Jam to see Craig Morgan in Concert with my good friend Kellyn. I say a Craig Morgan concert because he was the only one worth seeing. Although Kellyn and I both agreed that Love and Theft rocked the show and we are now fans. The best part is as soon as we entered the gate we were handed backstage passes to meet Craig Morgan. What an awesome night!!
I have been waking up each day saying I just have to make it to the end of October because that is when I would see Jeff. I needed a goal to get to, if that makes sense. Unfortunately, Jeff will not be apart of the BCT graduation ceremony because he has to start OCS on time. This means that I won't see him at the end of October and now there is no definite date when I get to see him. You know, I know better than to get my hopes up about anything in the Army. All Army Wives know this, but that doesn't mean we don't hope against all odds that the Army will not change things at the last minute. HAHA! But I can not dwell too much on this. As my mother always says "Someone always has it worse." So very true, but I like to tag on "It doesn't mean I can't cry about it." I could not be more proud of Jeffrey though. Even though I miss him something terrible I know he is where he is supposed to be. I wouldn't change that for the world. God has blessed us and I pray that he will continue to bless our time apart. So that we can grow closer to Him and only strengthen our love for each other. Jeff has proven to be a bit of a romantic when it comes writing letters. It is refreshing, since words are often not is forte. But I love him for it!!

Hey all, check out this amazing song written and sung by my uncle, John Berry. It is a very powerful expression of his love for God, family, and country. I love this song and what it stands for.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrwNGPFAm2c

Phase I

Jeff officially left this evening to start Basic Training. He was so excited and ready to go, but he had his sad moments, which then made me sad. But we know that GOD has a great plan for us and we are sooo excited. He looked so cute getting ready to walk into the hotel. The prep for all this has been madness and stressful. I was so afraid we forgot something. Guess we'll find out tomorrow. Basically he will go through a 4 day in-processing, then start his hard core training after that. It hasn't quite hit me that he is gone for 9 weeks but I plan on keeping myself busy and the time will just fly buy. I managed to hold myself together until we had to say good-bye and even HE got a little teary eyed. Then GOD showed me a rainbow on the way home and reminded me of his promise. Everything is going to be okay. We have wonderful friends and two of the sweetest pets a gal could ask for. I am actually looking forward to the challenge of being on my own.Of course when I came home Jeff had left me a beautiful bouquet and tickets to see Chicago at the Fox Theater. They are for our one year anniversary. What a good man?! Now I have something to do on our 1 year anniversary in September and won't be all sad. My sister and I will have a blast!!

Separation Pay

We are now heading into the final days before Jeff leaves. Tomorrow, after work, Jeff and I are taking the weekend and going to Myrtle Beach. Unfortunately I tried very hard to get a half day off of work but my efforts have failed so we will make the long drive to the beach and spend Saturday and part of Sunday at the beach. So Worth It!! Had we known what our situation would have been we would have planned to take the week off. But due to the uncertainty and unstable scheduling for both of us we weren't able to do so. No worries though, we are still very excited to be able to get out of town. Next week will be filled with last minute paperwork, organizing clothes, dinners with friends and families, and a haircut (for both of us), details for his going away party, and then of course work in between. Jeff is getting more excited by the minute and I'll admit I am anxious as well to enter into our new chapter. We have been trying to figure out what we will be getting as far as a paycheck. Jeff informed me that I get separation pay. Trust me it is not a lot but I have dubbed it "Emily's Shopping Therapy" hehe He hates when I say that. But he knows I am just kidding....sort of. I have had some sad moments this week, but that is to be expected. I am going to miss him VERY much.

My sissy comes home this Saturday, but I won't get to see her until Jeff's party. It will be sooooo nice to see my sister and have her back in the states. She is now a year older. While I was being diagnosed with bronchitis she was celebrating her 21st b-day in PARIS!!! What a lucky girl. I know she was absolutely thrilled and I am so glad she had that opportunity. Once in a lifetime memories.

I still have not packed and our apartment is a mess and I HATE coming home to a dirty house after a vacation. I better go see how productive I can be with Shark Week on t.v.

Workitis

Jeff is excitedly counting down the days until he leaves. I told him he has to stop that. It is finally starting to sink in that he is leaving in like 30 days. I'm prepared mentally, but my heart is not. But I am excited for him and our new direction of life. I've been battling a sickness for 3 weeks. It started out as a cold turned into a cough and back into a cold. Weird. Through it all I continue to work and fight the urge to just leave and never come back. Today we went to the Art Barn and had a blast. We played with animals and painted. It kinda made OGA redeem itself a little bit. I played with baby bunnies and piglets. I'm holding a 3 week old baby who I called Frisky. He was precious and fell asleep on me. Jeff starts working grounds crew next week so he has weekends off now. YAY!! This weekend we are going to help Brad and Sarah move into their new house. Fun times! This past weekend Jeff and I attended my Little's (sorority sister) wedding. It was beautiful and she looked stunning of course. I also was able to get a picture of the car I simply must have one day. It is funny because I told Jeff that I would die to have it and then we see it at the wedding. It is a 1960's red Mustang convertible. We saw one for sale on the way up and I about lost it. I was so psyched! Isn't it Pretty? Now I need to go do something a little more productive. BOO!!

Same Old Routine

Unfortunately there is not much to report in the Kraft life. Jeff and I have been getting our affairs in order so everything will be set when he leaves August 18th. He is very excited and I am too, just not as happy that he is leaving. I say there isn't much to report but it seems like we have not stopped moving in weeks. I have been sick for almost 2 weeks and working through it all. Jeff is working his very last Sunday at the resort (the Kraft-owned Forrest Hills Resort) Starting week after next he will have the weekends free. An arrangement we made so Jeff and I can have some time together before basic. We've gone to a few Braves games and to the mountains with Brad and Sarah. I'll post pictures as soon as I get my NEW COMPUTER!!! I am so excited. OMG, there is some big news. How could I forget?! Jeff and I had been discussing selling my car, which we mentioned to our mechanic. I think it was Tuesday night and Charlie (mechanic) called and said he had a guy who was willing to buy Bojangles (my car). So in a frenzy we rushed to Athens to get my sister's car, made a bill of sale, and cleaned Bo till he shined. That's how we came about buying me a new laptop, because we sold my very first car. I'll be honest...I cried, but it was time to move on. Mom and Dad seem to be doing well. I talked to them yesterday and they were enjoying the German version of an American Fourth of July. I can't wait until we visit them. Although who really knows when that will be. All in all we are doing okay and just trying to keep a float in this crazy time.

It seems as though Jeff and I have not been in the same room in over a month. My parents left for Germany last Monday. It was really tough saying goodbye to my family, but it was straight back to work. Then Wednesday Jeff and I took Jake (the great dane) to the airport where they loaded him up in a huge crate and put him on the cargo plan. I was so worried about him, but my parents said they unloaded him with the horses so he had some company. Work has been way super hectic and it seems to be getting worse everyday. My hours are completely unpredictable and they change the rules by the hour. Jeff and I agreed that I would stay until he is done with OCS in February, but it is getting to the point where I may not be able to stay that long. Pray that the stress will go away. Now I get to start planning a bridal shower for my friend Jessi who just got engaged. YAY!

Finally Moving Forward!

Today Jeffrey was officially sworn into the Army and finally given a ship out date for basic training. He will be leaving August 18th for basic and then OCS (Officer Candidate School) 2 November. We are so thrilled to have dates and a commitment set in stone. It is such a relief. Jeff is really excited about having a career in motion. Naturally my Dad is ecstatic and asking all sorts of questions and "talking shop". Now we are in a hurry up and wait stage. We will continue to pray for God's guidance and look for opportunities to be patient. Meanwhile, I am struggling to cope with the idea that my parents and brother will be leaving in two weeks to Germany. It is not easy, but I have managed to hold it together and soak up all I can with my parents. They are here in Georgia and are what we call "Army declared homeless" as they are between homes. I am grateful for the advice my Mom has been giving me and hopefully I can be as good of an Army wife as my Mom is. She basically rocks and makes all the tough decisions and situations the Army throws at her look easy. Her patience, kindness, and selfless service she shows to anyone and everyone she meets in the Army is an example I would like to follow. It is a bittersweet transition for us. We love being near all out friends and family, but are relishing in the thought of discovering our own adventure.

Huge Turning Point

Yay for Jeffrey!! He had his interview this morning and it went really, really well. Unofficially, he has been accepted into OCS, but we won't know until later tonight. We are sooo excited and can't wait for God to reveal what is next for us. Thank you for your prayers!!

An important day in history

This is a very special day when I, Emily Kraft, have become a blogger. I have no idea what compelled me to do something completely out of my "computer" routine. You know the e-mail, facebook, back to e-mail, then back to facebook routine. I think I felt inspired while checking up on some friends on fb who have so diligently kept up with a blog, that I thought I would give it a try. Who in their right mind would want to read the daily life of Jeff and Emily Kraft is beyond me. Except for maybe my Mother, who along with my Dad, brother and two dogs will be moving to Weisbauden Germany come June 15. Maybe this is a way to keep my mom informed of every little detail I like to fill her in on during my drives home from work everyday. Yes, I call my mom EVERYDAY. Since I can't call long distance everyday, she can check it whenever she feels the need to check up on me.

We have a big week coming up. I start summer camp with my kindergartners and 1st graders. We have a full schedule of water days, field trips, and fun days. This means I will be driving the bus A LOT. Something I am not looking forward to. Please Pray for my nerves! Jeff will be working as usual, but Wednesday he has an important interview that could change our lifestyle completely.

January of this year Jeff began to contemplate joining the Armed forces. First he researched the Air force, then decided on the Army. Which is great for me since I am a recently retired Army brat. After a lot of prayer and conversations with my Dad (aka Colonel Mark E Calvert) we began to speak to a recruiter. Four months later we have hit every road block imaginable. Paper work not filed on time, missing forms, and postponed meetings and interviews. Hopefully this Wednesday we will finally know where God's plan will be taking us.

I cannot guarantee that I will be as diligent as my dear friends in keeping up with a blog but until the next time GOD BLESS