Monday, May 31, 2010

How I am reminded of Drew each day

Each morning I awake very early to start my day (2-3 AM) I usually grab the flashlight and head out to our backyard and garden area. About 2 weeks past we placed one of Andrew’s a high school graduation gifts in our garden. It is a solar light with the U.S. Navy insignia on it

This is the first thing I see each morning. I think of Andrew each day, wondering what he is doing, where he is at sea and hoping he is happy. It’s nice to see the Navy insignia each morning.It reminds me of Drew and how much I love him. At times, tears trickle down my cheeks.

Sunday, May 30, 2010

To Andrew: Naughty Cat!

Disclaimer:  Sometimes this blog will be a way for me to tell Andrew something . . . even when he's on his ship, half way across the world.  I've decided that jotting a note to him here will be a good antidote to missing him!

Hey Babe!

OMG . . . you taught your cat a very naughty trick!

I was sitting at the computer doing some work when I heard scratching on your screen, and guess who it was.  Yep, it was Bud cat.  He crawled to the top of the screen, was hanging by all four paws and meowing sadly (and loudly) so I'd let him in.  I opened the curtains to yell at him, but when I saw him hanging there, I didn't have the heart to scold him.  So I let him in.  And he was very thankful.  But, he's still a very naughty cat!

Then, Papi tried to scare me with his ball picker.  That didn't work because he made so much noise outside I wasn't surprised when he scratched on the screen.  He wasn't very scary when I could hear him gathering his supplies.  Good thing he's not a bank robber by trade.  He wouldn't be very successful!

Hope you're having a great night.  Call or e-mail when you can. 

Love you HUGE!!!!!
Smooches xoxoxoxox

Saturday, May 29, 2010

USS Rodney M Davis FFG 60

Thanks to Adams, here's a great site to learn more about Andrew's ship and the base at Everett WA.

http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/FFG60/Pages/default.aspx

And, a photo of Andrew's ship at sea!

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Anchors Aweigh

The Benefits of Small Town Living!

Here's a direct benefit of living down the street from Andrew's friend and Navy Recruiter:   It's not uncommon to stand in the front yard and chat awhile.  :o)

Tonight when I got home, Adams was outside with his family.  We started talking, and he asked about Andrew.  When I told him how much I miss hearing from him, he assured me it's normal that Andrew doesn't have time right now to call, e-mail or write a letter.  He said Andrew is so busy getting used to his new ship and everyone on the ship that he doesn't have time to think about home.

Plus, Adams is going to get Andrew's mailing address for me.  He told me that it takes about a month for Andrew to receive any packages and/or letters, but anything sent will be greatly appreciated.  Adams suggested putting together a "care package" to send to Andrew.  He said to put snacks like beef jerkey, trail mix, packaged cookies, etc., in the box because that kind of stuff is not available on the ship and Andrew will greatly appreciate getting such a box of goodies.  He also suggested sending DVD movies because the ship has a limited supply of movies to watch.  Adams said to send some photos too because despite the fun he's having, Adams knows Andrew misses friends and family so a photo would be a great thing to send him.

So, now I have my weekend job.  Get an "I love and miss you Andrew" box ready to send as soon as I get the address from Adams.

Guess there are benefits to living in a small town!!

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

A New Reality

Today was the first day without any communication from Andrew, and it felt weird!  As soon as I got home, I was tempted to ask David if he'd heard from Andrew yet.  I almost asked the question, and then realized we're not going to hear from him each day.

As usual, David and I ate dinner together but tonight we didn't say much.  We both confessed it felt odd not hearing from Andrew.  BUT - we reminded ourselves that Andrew is living out his dream and we should be thankful he's getting to do it.

Safe travels to Andrew . . . Hope you're loving your adventure so far!

Monday, May 24, 2010

Anchors Away . . . Well, Almost!

Around 2:00 this afternoon, Andrew called me at school.  Luckily, today we didn't have kiddos because as usual, our secretary transferred his call to my classroom.  She knew it was Andrew and knew I'd want to talk to him.  She's an AWESOME secretary - one of the best, but when I have kids in my room, it's hard to stop in the middle of my teaching to answer the phone. 

Anyway, Andrew called to tell me he loved me and he was leaving Houston headed for Panama City.  He sounded tired (only slept 2 hours last night) but very happy and excited.  He's not sure what to expect when he gets to his ship, but he's sure it will be an adventure.  And I hope it's an adventure of a lifetime!

So, safe travels to Andrew.  I'm anxious to get his next call!

 October 2009
Basic Training Graduation Photo

May 2010
Home for a visit before heading to Everett WA