Getting Closer!

I'm so unbelievably excited because we have 20 days left until our big Europe trip! I can barely focus on Thanksgiving I'm that anxious. Twenty days until we leave, 28 days until we get to Weisbaden to see my Mom, brother, and sister, and 29 days until my Dad comes home from Iraq. It is going to be an amazing trip. Not too sure what we are doing for Thanksgiving yet since Jeff may be serving at the Mess Hall. We will either leave that afternoon for Augusta or stay here and be thankful for our friends who have offered to share their dinners with us. Planning ahead for our 3 week trip has been a little overwhelming. Trying to plan out what we should send ahead of time, buying Christmas presents, how to pay bills, and our taking care of our pets all has to be decided a month in advance. Luckily we have two wonderful families who have willingly offered to watch Hayley and KitCat while we are gone. Ten days at one house, 12 days at another. The separation will be harder on Jeff and I then on them I suspect.
Other than our trip we have nothing new happening. Jeff continues to learn the ways of the Army in his Platoon Leader position. He has decided (after consulting with his commander) that going to Ranger School while a PL will only hurt his leadership experience. Therefore we hope he will continue with Ranger School after his PL time is over next November. I am looking forward to my first coffee group (a social group for spouses in the unit) in December. This will hopefully help me feel more connected to the wives in the unit and maybe make some new friends. Since we came here just as the soldiers of 1/15 were returning home from deployment everyone has been busy readjusting to their families so there hasn't been much going on to get involved with. Hoping that will change come January when we welcome a new Battalion commander. Hope everyone has a very Happy Thanksgiving week.

Happy Fall

We have had ourselves a very busy October. Jeff has been busy with welcome home stuff for the Unit and has just been made Platoon Leader this week. As for me I have traveled to Chicago and Orlando this month. One was a girls trip with Sarah Faulkner and the other was to take my cousin to her Disney World Character audition. Which she made it!!! Very exciting. We had a lovely Halloween weekend. First we had the Doughboy Bowl which was a football game between 3rd Brigade and Columbus State University. On Friday Hayley had a very important "Howloween" party to attend at the dog park. We had a blast and even though she didn't win anything we came away with a rockin door prize which she has destroyed already. Saturday was post wide trick-o-treating so we went to some friends house for dinner and to pass out candy. Sunday we went to church and had a nice lunch out at Olive Garden with my sister and Jeff's buddy JP. We have had gorgeous weather but now it is starting to get colder. Which I'm really ok with.

Hayley's Costume for the Howloween Party

Burt's Pumpkin Farm


My Sissy and I at Burt's

We've Moved!

We are unpacked and settled down at Fort Benning, GA. I will spare you the dirty details except to tell you that we moved ourselves. We found out officially we were moving on a Friday, Jeff graduated on a Tuesday, we were in Benning on a Thursday, unloaded the Uhaul by ourselves that night, and on Sunday Jeff left for Ranger School. Whew, are you tired?? Because this move has lovingly become known as the move from Hades. Unfortunately since Jeff was on a waiting list for Ranger school he was placed in the back 100 for the PT test. Since the class is usually overbooked they pretty much find any reason they can to release you. Since Jeff is stationed here at Benning they said he had plenty of opportunities to come back to Ranger. So he came home on Monday. Although he was severely disappointed it really was God's will for him to be home. Both of us felt very unsettled about him leaving on top and I didn't know what I was going to do in a new place, not knowing anyway, and in a new house. It worked out and he plans to attend a class in March 2011. The best news is we have our tickets for Europe in December. We will be spending one week with Jeff's mom where we will be traveling to Brussels, Paris, and Normandy. Then heading to Germany to welcome Dad home from Iraq and celebrate Christmas. Then a week of skiing in the Swiss Alps. YAY

Still Waiting...

Not much to report other than we are still waiting to found out exactly whats happening with Jeff's follow on school. Ranger School is set for August 22nd but no word yet on if that is actually the case. If it is...do we or don't we move?? One good thing is that Jeff completed his final phase of FTX (Gauntlet phase) with excellent marks and will continue on to graduate on the 17th. That being said we have 13 days before Jeff supposedly takes off for 62 days of the most intense training he will ever endure. There are some nervous butterflies floating between the 2 of us but we are certain that he will succeed. Be praying for his safety and peace of mind as, like I said, will be the most intense training he will ever have to endure. Physically, Emotionally, and Mentally. I am so proud of what he has accomplished and ready to support him in his next chapter of training. Us Military kids are always up for an adventure!!

Two Days Off!

Jeff returned from the field on Saturday, had a briefing on Sunday, and has had Monday and today off. My days are so thrown off. I kept thinking yesterday was Saturday. He leaves tomorrow for 10 days for his final phase of field operations. It is times like this that I am glad I am not working because the way his schedule is I would NEVER see him. But we are so, so close to graduation. We will be receiving orders within the next week or so. As of now Jeff's follow on school ( Ranger) has not been added, so until it does we expect to move to Benning in the next month or two. Basically, it could all change tomorrow so no planning yet! Jeff wants to move ourselves and that just seems so daunting of a task its overwhelming. My theory is if the Army wants to pay to pack and move our stuff...why not!! Other factors involved with both choices seem to make this an on going discussion in our house. So I'm off to enjoy my last day with Jeff for the next 2 weeks.

By they way...our big TV has finally run its course and we've moved our 19 inch TV into the living room. It is quite comical seeing this tiny TV sitting on this huge stand. Oh the joys of budgeting.

Off to Georgia

It is amazing to me how quickly our stay here in Kentucky has gone by. Jeff is already preparing for STX 2. This just means he is going into the field for the second time. He'll be doing tank missions which he is very excited about. I am taking the opportunity to go to Georgia and visit with my grandparents and cousins. After that he'll go out into the field two more times then graduation is just around the corner. Then the madness begins! Still no news on what will happen after that. More than likely Jeff will TDY leaving me here until October, unless we figure something else out. The unknown makes it so hard to plan! But God is in total control and like last time it will all work out for the best.

At the moment Jeff has barricaded himself in the office/nook to study for his big tank test he has before he leaves for the field. I am waiting for the laundry to get done so I can busy myself and fold it. Luckily there is a Harry Potter marathon on so I am one happy camper. LOVE IT!!

And So it Begins

Jeff and I at the Horse Race

Jeff has started the final phase of AOBC. He goes into the field every 4 to 5 days and comes home smelling and looking like full Army Man. Unfortunately he came home this last time completely covered in Poison Ivy. I spent the week prior to 4th of July in Vermont and New York with Jeff's family. I absolutely fell in love with that area. We were in upstate NY and Burlington, VT. People were so nice and it was just beautiful. I've decided Jeff and I will have to go back there someday for a vacation.


We spent the fourth of July weekend hanging out with friends and neighbors. On Saturday we went with our friends John and Laura to Churchhill Downs Race Track (where the derby is held) and spent the day losing money. Yay for us!! We had great seats though. We had Millionaire seating, which is where people like Donald Trump sit during the Derby. On the off season the tickets aren't that expensive. They had a buffet included and all day appetizers. Jeff was in heaven. Plus it was air conditioned. During the race we would go on the balcony then head back in to our comfy seats. We had a ball! Sunday was kind of a lazy day. We could barely get out of bed to make it to church so we watched it on TV. Ahh the age of technology. Our neighbors hosted a cook out then we simply stepped out of our front day and watched the fireworks. It is fabulous to live across from the airfield.


Another plus to the weekend is that we found out what courses Jeffrey got after he graduates. He got Armor Reconnaissance Course and Ranger. But since Jeff's sister is getting married in November we've decided not to do ARC and just do Ranger. SO, as of now, he graduates August 17th and starts August 22nd. So the stress begins of "when will we move." Due to the immediate transition from AOBC to Ranger the Army will most likely TDY (temporary duty) him. The Army will not move me or our house. So I'll be here until October. The other option is that we do get moved in between graduation and Ranger. YIKES. Most likely he will TDY. If that happens we'll figure it out from there.

So Sorry

Well Folks I have failed you completely. I have not kept you up to date on the kaftyness of the Krafts. However, there has honestly not been enough excitment happening here to report. Jeff continues to excel and learn all there is to know about tanks and other armored vehicles. He turns into a little boy when he gets to go shoot the big guns at the range. I have certainly enjoyed having the freedom to enjoy every chance I have with Jeff without the responsiblilites of work. I'll admit recently I have found myself twiddling my tumbs trying to figure out exactly what I want to do with my life. All in God's time. I have made a few friends, one in particular I have come to enjoy on a daily bases. Laura's husband is in Jeff's class so their schedules are the same. She is expecting her first baby girl in August. I have had the privilage of experiencing this with her by attending doctor's appointments and looking at baby registries. As much as I enjoy being with her while she experiences these things personally, I am very content in being joyful for her and her future baby girl. At my count I know 12 people expecting or who have had a baby in the past 6 months. At times I feel very overwhelmed by babies and talking about babies. But I know in my heart it is not the time in our lives to be blessed with such a gift. I have kept myself busy by learning to crochet (self taught), scrapbooking, and taking AFTB classes. I recently graduated Level III and hope to continue on to Instructor training. We are looking forward to moving to Ft. Benning sometime in the fall. Please start praying now that housing on post will be available and that I will find a job that will allow me to have an extended visit to Germany. I will do my best to be more consistant in updating you.

In the process

We have been in a whirlwind of a week. Monday the movers came, Tuesday we drove to our new house, Wednesday we did something I can't remember, Thursday our household goods arrived, and today we started unpacking it all. My Goodness! Our new home is very cute. Old but cute. Hardwood floors through out all the rooms with dark beige walls and dark brown molding. Stone tile in the kitchen and bathroom with sage green walls. Basically kind of perfect for my stuff. We have 2 bedrooms, living room, dining room, an office "nook", 1 bathroom, and kitchen. We also have a huge basement with 2 other storage rooms, only problem is I don't do basements. BTW the laundry room is down there. Yikes. I managed to get the kitchen unpacked with the help of my sister who generously devoted her spring break to tagging along with Jeff and I to KY. Today I attempted to start our bedroom, but it isn't done yet. Finding places to put things will be a challenge. We don't have as much closet space as we did in our apartment. Its weird because it seems like we have more space, but at the same time we don't. My sister leaves Sunday and I am preparing myself for the void that will inevitably unfold after she leaves. I've been scoping out my neighbors and so far I've established that the people next door have a husky but are never home. There is a couple who looks like they are expecting their first child and they have a very happy puppy. Plus they have waved at us a few times so I'm seeing some potential there. LOL it has been so long since I've had to make new friends I forgot how to do it! Church hopefully on Sunday and maybe that will put us in the loop of social connections.

New Adventures

As you can imagine there has been nothing interesting going on in our lives until literally this week. I have been working, Jeff has been living and working in Ft. Benning and now we are finally embarking on our new adventure.

So to catch up:

Last Thursday (18th) Jeff finally received offical orders which told us he had to report to Kentucky Feb. 28th, in a week!! The only good news was that I was included in the orders, so the ARMY IS MOVING US!!! This is fantastic news since I was severly worried about my glass table. That Friday (19th) was my last day at work and I said good bye to my sweet babies and kids. Saturday I went to Athens to view my cousins Showchoir performance and he did an amazing job singing and playing his guitar, I was so proud. Then home to clean and pack for weeks trip in Columbus,GA for Jeff's graduation. Monday I had a shopping date with Jeff's mom and then drove down to Ft. Benning.

We had such a blast last week. Tuesday we had a very elegant formal dinner with Jeff's Cadre and classmates. Wednesday was by far the most exciting day for me as I went to greet my grandparents in the hotel lobby and sitting there was my MOM and my BROTHER!!!! They flew in from Germay that day to surprise me. Of course I immediately burst into tears and did not stop crying for at least 30 minutes. I really missed my family. Thursday was Jeff's graduation, I was so proud of him. He looked so handsome in his uniform and we were both so excited that we finally got to pin those butter bars on! We came home for a minute then drove to Athens to see my Sister play Lady Montegue in "Romeo and Juliet". I have a very talented family....what happened to me? =0)

Jeff drove up to KY yesterday and will spend this week looking for a house and hopefully getting leave to come home in time for the movers who come on March 8th. So, I am home organizing and preparing for our first big move. After 6 months I will finally get to be with my husband. WHEW!!

Like I said....There has been nothing going on in our lives until literally this week.

Horse races and Derby Hats

Well folks it is official we will be heading to Fort Knox, Kentucky after Jeff's graduation in February. He got his first choice which was Armor and he has been so excited ever since. Looking up all the tanks he is going to learn about and reading up on all sorts of things about Branch training. Needless to say he is pumped. We will not find out exactly when we will be heading that way until the first week of Feb. I am a little worried about working out the moving situation. We have been told that Jeff will still be in TRADOC mode (training mode) so I will not be included in the orders which effects everything. BAH (basic allowance for housing), whether this is a PCS or TDY in route, is there housing, and etc., etc. You can see how it can get overwhelming. Who really knows if Jeff is going to be there to help or not? We are so super excited though. I lived there years ago but Jeff has never been. Some friends and I have decided to go to the Derby just so we can buy fancy hats. LOVE IT!! Anyway, God will work all this moving/housing stuff out and we will be great. It hasn't hit me that we are moving to a different state. I've been in the same place for almost 6 years. The longest I have ever lived anywhere, so it is weird to think I'm starting my brand new adventure with the hubby in a new state. GET THIS: My parents started their Army career together at Fort Knox, KY with a black cat and a black dog. WE are starting our Army career together at Fort Knox, KY with a black cat and a black dog. Eerie huh?

Our Christmas

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! 2010!!

Overlooking the grounds at Biltmore...we're going to live there one day

It was really cold

Fire!

Already sleepy...Christmas Day

Where are you Christmas??

How did this happen? How did Christmas come and go so quickly? I swear I thought I was ahead of the game with Christmas presents. The next thing I knew it was a day before Christmas and I had barely even started. The moments I usually try to cherish during this season seemed to pass so fast. However, I did enjoy those moments while they lasted. Like setting Christmas up with my sister and hubby, listening to the our favorite Christmas carols, and drinking egg nog. Or driving to the MANY places we wanted to be Christmas Eve, day, and the day after with Jeff and enjoying just sitting quietly next to him. Despite my best efforts to subdue my emotional craziness, I was a little disheartened. I missed my family and with my Dad's deployment only a few days after Christmas they were constantly on my mind. Jeff was so compassionate and knew just when I needed a hug. We really had fun though. Seeing all of our families (the ones in state) and not having to worry about work was very relaxing. Santa was very good to us and we used some of our "Santa" money for our vacation the following week. What a relief it was to know I didn't have to be at work for 11 days, including weekends. I just needed a break and I got it. God is good. Asheville, NC is so beautiful and there was snow!! Okay, a little bit of snow but just enough to make me and Jeff happy as we crunched through every pile we found. We skied, shopped, visited the Biltmore, and got ourselves a couples massage. Fabulous. The wonders of technology made it possible for Jeff and I to video chat with Daddy just two days after he landed in Iraq. It was great because we got some great advice, aren't parents awesome?! Sunday Jeff and I were very quiet and sad, we drove down to Ft. Benning and I dropped him off and headed back home. I think Hayley and KitCat were very happy to have their spot back in the bed. But I was still a little lonely. Anywho, we're back in the swing of things and counting down the days until Jeff is assigned his branch in two weeks. We are very excited about that. Off to bed, looking forward to seeing my sister tomorrow. She survived the new security measures at international and stateside airports. Albeit a little frazzled.

A Quote to Inspire

Around here, however, we don't look backwards for very long.We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things, because we're curious... and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.
~ Walt Disney