First True Test as an Air Force Wife

Yesterday at 6:15am Fred kissed each of us good bye (I got the longest kiss) until December 22nd. He arrived at Keesler, an AFB on this little peninsula jutting out from Mississippi, before noon the same day.

For those who don't know, he's in the Accounting Budget Department on base. They've kept him busy since we've moved here, but he hadn't completed his technical training yet. That's what he'll be doing for the next 11 weeks.

The kids handled it well enough, although Gregory was keenly aware of what's going on... at least the part about his papa being very far away for a "long" time. They've all since enjoyed chatting with Fred on the phone.

I've decided to see this as an opportunity to "practice"for if and when he deploys someday. I've been assured officers in his field don't deploy until they make Captain, so not for about 5 years from now. It's certainly less stressful knowing he's limited to battling alligators and tourists this time around.

It's also good timing and sad timing at the same time... I said "time" 3 times... now 5. Yes, I'm a dork. Anyways, this is typically the busy part of the year, meaning time shouldn't drag as badly. Unfortunately, it also means he'll be missing Halloween, Thanksgiving, and some other little holidays. We're just glad he'll be home for Christmas! His original training date was supposed to be Nov 2nd-Jan 26th, but another 2nd Lieutenant asked to trade with him because he was selected to compete on Jeopardy in the middle of October. I call that one of the Lord's tender mercies on our part.

Don't feel too bad for us, though. I've gotten several offers from friends and neighbors to help watch the kids so I can get consistent "Me Time". I have loving visiting teachers and the ward is great, so we are in good hands.

Anyways, I'll be using the blog to fill Fred in on what he'll be missing, so I may end up being accused of excessive blogging, but I don't care :)