And so it begins.....

Well, the new chapter has begun in our life. Yesterday morning Ryan left to report to Basic Training (the above picture: saying good-bye to Julia that morning). He arrived to Kansas City just fine in the afternoon. Thanks to complimentary phone cards from their hotel, he and the others he's with were able to call home and let loved ones know they got in. Oh it was so good to hear his voice! He said to tell everyone that he misses them but "am excited to begin this new adventure--and don't tell my mom I said that!" LOL. I love this guy so much! He also called this afternoon from the airport in Kansas City. It was around 12:30 and he said that his flight wouldn't leave til 5pm. Hurry up to wait is their motto I guess. He informed me that when they weighed him this morning that he was 226 lbs. Ok people, he hasn't weighed that since our first year of marriage!!!! I'm so proud of him! Just this August he was at a whopping 266! Weight watchers point system and training for the army does wonders for a person. :)
A really cool thing that happened the day before he left: he was able to baptize one of his really good friends (Glenn). He's been waiting to do this for, oh, 3 years now? The baptism was originally set for Wednesday night, but seeing as Ryan was leaving that morning, it was moved to Tuesday. Baptisms are about the person being baptized, not the person doing the baptism, but it was soooo wonderful that he was able to attend. It meant so much to him. Dad spoke on baptism while Mom offered one of the prayers and I lead the music. It was a wonderful experience which we will always remember (Glenn, you'll probably remember freezing above all things). ;)




Later that night we had one last dinner with Mom and Dad (Meg and her kiddos were there too). It was a nice turkey dinner and we mainly enjoyed one another's company.



It was so weird last night for me...I kept telling myself that he really is gone and that he won't show up some time in the middle of the night (that has been our norm for about 3-4 years now with his work schedule). Instead, Evelyn slept in the bed with me. We are adjusting well so far I think (of course he's only been gone 24 hours). Julia is the one I think that feels it the most (or is the one most aware of the situation). She's a bit sad, but understands that what Ryan is doing is a good thing. We look forward to the time when he won't ever have to work Friday evenings or weekends! We just hold on to that vision. She and Jacob were able to talk to Ryan when he called yesterday. I think that really helped boost their spirits. We love him and miss him so much.
I'd like to thank everyone who has given their love and support. I've received numerous emails from family and friends letting me know that they are there for me, asking me if I need anything, and giving tips on how to get through this tough time. It's very uplifting to know that I have so many people to turn to. Thank you so much. Ryan said that he'll call or write as soon as he knows his address. I'll pass it along as soon as I get that info.