Pics of Graduation

I haven't had a lot of time to post pics on here yet (trying to spend ALL of my time with Andy!) But, I did post them on my myspace. Here is the URL. You just have to click the tab that says pics or pictures. Then there is a seperate folder for Andy's NAVY Graduation! It should work for everyone.. I hope!

http://www.myspace.com/karrielynn37

Dear Daddy 12-23-08

Andy~

We will be leaving here within the hour, so I thought I would get one last "blog" in before we go. I just did my make-up so I won't say very much (in hopes of holding back some tears and saving some time re-applying :).. Just know that I love you SO much and can not believe that I will be seeing you tomorrow for the first time in 2 months!! I am so grateful for you and your love for me and the boys.. and am SO SO SO SO PROUD of you, I really can't say in enough.. You are the best Christmas gift ever, I wouldn't want anything else!!! I can't wait until you get to see the little boys our babies are growing into.. I love you.. and I will see you tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!

LOVE YOU,

Karrie

Dear Daddy 12-23-08

Today is the day.. yeaHY! We will be om our way to Chicago this afternoon!!! I am SO excited!! Then I wil get to see you tomorrow.. and for the next 10 DAYS.. it's going to be AMAZING! Hopefully we will get to leave here by 3pm.. so that we aren't checking in to the hotel too late. Well, I just wanted to leave a quick note.. I love you!!!!!!! SEE YOU SOON!

Love,

kaRrie

Dear Daddy 12-22-08 Part II

It's almost here babe! I am leaving tomorrow!!!!! I can hardly stand waiting anymore.!.. Today Katie came over and we hung out and passed the day away.. it was fun :) I think I have pretty much everything packed and ready to go. You know me.. I have to make a list and check EVERYTHING off! I hope that the roads are not too horrible.. I think that we will be OK. Were leaving AS SOON as my mom gets home from work.. I AM SO GEEKED! I just want to be in the same state as you ..lol..! I miss you like crazy and can't believe that tomorrow I will be able to say that I will get to see you tomorrow!! Did you get that? Did it make sense? I LOVE YOU.... I hope I can sleep tonight :) I am VERY tired so it shouldn't be a problem. Dom cut both of his bottom 2 yr molars on Saturday (I think I told you on the phone) and today Brecken cut one of his top teeth.. (funny it's not one of the center one's.. hehe he's going to look goofy!) So basically, they are both crying on the monitors at all different times of the night.. So I am exhausted ;@.. Well, i am going to go try to sleep.. (Dom is still talking in the monitor.. he went to bed 25 minutes ago!) so we'll see if I can.

I LOVE YOU SO MUCH and can't wait to just give you a hug! Ugh.. only one more day baby.. ps. your my life!

Love u

Karrie

Dear Daddy 12-22-08

v gggggffffdvrdvdrfnsduuuuuuuuuuuuuzjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjxkolo,x grfds fzz Love, Brecken

Dear Daddy 12-21-08

Hi Babe!

OM GOSH only one more day before I leave for Chicago!! I AM SO EXCITED!! Unfortunately, I didn't get a call from you today :( Although now I may be able to sleep a little better... For some reason on the days when I talk to you .... that night.. I just go OVER AND OVER every little thing that we said to one another.. so like I said... maybe I'll be able to get a little more sleep now that I don't have fresh conversations to dissect!.. We'll see ! I miss you like CRAZY.. and can not wait to see you! Do you want to hear a funny story? OK here it is.
Dom was sitting in his high chair eating hot dogs and veggies. When he was done, he was just playing in the ketchup and stuff. So I said "Dom are you ready to get down?" He said "uh, nope"! So, I left him there for a little bit. Obviously he continued to play in his left over food and ketchup. So I asked him again if he was done and wanted down. He AGAIN said "NO"! So I told him "Well, I am going to take this tray off and wash it anyway" He said "WHATEVER" Are you kidding me? It was hilarious!! My mom and I both just started laughing ... I can't believe he told me that!! He is SO smart!.. WOW, we miss you.. I can't wait to see you babe... Please don't forget what you are supposed to do when you see us all in the stands OK :)..lol.. LOVE You !

<3>

Blue Candle Lighting on Chritsmas Day!

On Christmas day there will be blue candles lit around the world starting at 12:00pm. We are lighting these candles in honor of the men and women around the world who will not be home with their families this Christmas. I will be lighting one and I encourage you all to do so as well. This song is amazing!! Try not to cry... I did.

Dear Daddy 12-20-08

Hi daddy.. It's me.. Breck3n.. I just wanted to let you know that I took 2 steps today!! I'm SO BIG!! Mommy was helping me stand and pointed me towards the couch. Then, she let go and I took my 2 baby steps to the couch.. Maybe you can help me walk more when you get home?! Mommy told me that you were the one who really helped Dom walk!! I love you and miss you!

See you in 3 days daddy,

Breck3n

Ps. Yesterday, I threw Dom down to the ground. He was wearing his Spongebob hooded towel (u know.. the one that goes over him like a gown) anyways .. hehe.. I snuck up behind him, grabbed the towel and pulled him down on top of me. I know you told me to take it easy on him, but I couldn't help myself. Sorry daddy.

Dear Daddy ~ 12-20-08

Good Morning~ Today is SATURDAY!! I leave in 2 days.. it's already hard for me to sleep at night.. I toss and turn and then just keep thinking about how great it is going to be to see you!! (and how COLD it is going to be waiting outside to get into the building :) I can't wait to give you your graduation gifts from me and the kids.. We NEVER keep presents from each other and now I AM FORCED to.. it's driving me CRAZY!! I almost told you what they were on the phone last night.. Isn't that terrible? I am just so excited to be able to have a conversation with you.. Dom and Brecken are great and all, but the conversations are just a little bit different with them if you know what I'm saying! More like "juice please, more juice".. "WAHHHHHHHHHH"....... "BANG....oops sorry kecken"..... WAHHHHHHHHH......... Yup, it's great! I know how much you miss them and are looking forward to seeing them.. only 3 more days! I can't wait to go out to eat too!! YUMMY.. BROWNIE OBSESSION... That is almost as exciting as getting to see you .. like I said..ALMOST :)
Today we helped Grandma wrap presents!! (mom) The boys had fun playing with their toys before and while we were wrapping them :) ..Dom spent a lot of the time playing with Grandpa's golf clubs, finding the scissors EVERY 30 seconds, and putting holes in the already wrapped gifts!.. He is so big and such a big helper!! Brecken spent ALL morning eating!! He at 1 1/2 pieces of french toast, a bottle, some mixed fruit, and then STILL wanted some juice! The kid is ALL HULINGS in that aspect! Hmm.. what else is new..
Oh, this is going to be fun.. Mike, Amber, and I are taking ALL of the kids to Penny's tonight to get their pics taken together.. YeaHy.. it's going to be so much fun (sarcasm intended). Hopefully we don't have to wait too long.. Ugh.. 3 kids under 4.. it's going to be a miracle to get a good pic!! We'll see!
I hope that you are allowed to call tomorrow! Knowing that you are done with pretty much everything is SO exciting and has me looking forward to another call! Please try to avoid the duct taped phone this time OK! Well, I am going to go try to do something productive.. Love you !! <3
Take care the last couple of days!
Love, Karrie

Dear Daddy 12~18~08

Dear Andy!
OM GOSH! I am so glad that I got to talk to you tonight!! I LOVE incoming calls from ILLINOIS!! I knew you would pass.. but it was a nice relief to hear it from you! I'm so glad that you got your NAVY hat, you deserve it :) I wish I could just talk to you for more than 15 minutes.. ugh.. but only 4 more days until I can see you again.. let's hope I can make it! Well, I guess I don't really have a lot more to say b/c I just talked to you.. So I'll write more tomorrow~! I LOVE YOU and am SO PROUD of you.. can't wait to take you home!
Love you
Karrie

My baby is a United States Sailor!!!

~For those who I haven't talked to .. ANDY DID IT!~ He passed battle stations !! As did his ENTIRE division :) Now, we wait..... We wait three more stinkin snowy days!! He didn't say a whole lot about BS except for that he thought he FAILED. They were doing a fire fighting test and he was on the hose. The RDC or whoever said something and Andy thought he was talking to him, so he let go of the hose. ANDY GOT CHEWED OUT.. then he was told to get out and take all his stuff off. He got yelled at pretty bad I guess at first and then the guy explained to Andy why what he did was wrong. Andy said he thought for sure he had failed

:( Said he almost threw up.. poor guy... But we got to talk for about 15 minutes and this time he got to talk to Dom too!! Gramma S even got to tell him HI!! Whew!! Finally, now I can get some rest!

So..

Ok So Andy just called.... I don't even know how to blog about this...

Long story short.. he was stuck in a group with "all the immature" kids (of course) and they missed passing by ONE MARK!!!

So he doesn't even know if he is going to graduate noW!!!!

I COULD FREAKING SCREAM!!!!!!!!!!



























~J/K.... (Kristie) that was for Andy.. I'm sure he would like me to mess with you.. :P

It's 7:50 am ...

It is 7:50 am our time.. So in Chicago it is 6:50 am.. Battlestations HAVE to be over by now or SOON!! Whew.. I hope that the division did well. I guess more importantly I hope Andy did well. He told me previously that his next phone call is scheduled on the 19th of December... TODAY!! I think that he is supposed to be able to call home and let me know that he passed :) ! I sure am looking forward to that! I slept a little bit last night..but woke up quite a few times and found myself thinking about what Andy is doing at that very moment.. although I really have NO CLUE :) I am just hoping for a call today.. I'll be sure to let everyone know when I hear something!!! ~This morning is when Andy will get his Sailor cap and get to throw out his Recruit cap!!! YEAHY!! He is a REAL SAILOR now.. ( I am VERY confident that he passed!!) Way to go babe!!

Yup, a little sick to my stomach :(

I am getting sicker and sicker to my stomach thinking about Andy and his division going into battle stations tonight (about 15 minutes from now!!).. UGH..... ouch.... In my heart I know that they will do fine, even if Andy has to carry the whole division himself... I know he would.. but I am just really nervous for him. This is the last task in boot camp!! Then, he is DONE.. I will just continue to pray for them all and give this concern of mine to GOD. He will comfort me and guide Andy and his division.. It's all yours GOD, take care of him!

~On a much lighter note~ On that Navyformoms website I saw that this is AN INDIVIDUAL performance test. Andy will be fine. The ship will probably be named The USS AJ Hulings by the time he is done :)

Dear Daddy 12-18-08

~Hi And~! We will be praying for you ALL day today.. we know that your BS are tonight and know that your division can use some REAL TEAMWORK!! We hope that you all do well and exceed! Your amazing, and we know that we can count on you to pull the division together :) Your just that kind of guy !! I am VERY HOPEFUL that I will get a phone call from you tomorrow.. telling me how well you did.. and just to converse with you. WE MISS YOU!! It's getting SO close now, that it is very hard to wait. I am looking forward to Tuesday when I get in the car and leave for Chicago. I know I won't sleep that night, but I'm sure the boys won't sleep much in the hotel either. I am FINALLY going to get some real sleep when you are here next to me. UGH.. I can't wait! Well, today Mike brought the WII over and Katie hooked it up for all of us :) All of the kids are having a BLAST playing. Dom thinks that he is AWESOME!!.. I didn't tell him that he has a "playstation" controller :) He'll never know.. it's my little secret !! It's fun to play, I can actually win at something because your not here to beat me :P Anyway, I love you and PRAY that you guys will do GREAT tonight!! Your my world... well.. 1/3 of it :) Love you baby!

Thank - You

It's been QUITE a journey these last two months. There have been tremendous changes in our lives and I just want to thank everyone who has been there for our family. Even those who simply follow the blog, it really does mean a lot to me. Not only because you are reading this, but because I know that each and every one of you genuinely care about Andy and our family. I can't tell you how much it means to me to know that there are so many people in our corner, hoping for the best for our family. It is really quite humbling to know that everyone of you care enough to read about it .. almost everyday.. so THANK-YOU! Even though I HATE to admit it to myself.. I am sure that this is not as bad as it will get. I have to be honest with myself and think about how one day Andy will more than likely be deployed.. :(.. It's really hard to do, but knowing that there are SO many people behind us, makes the thought of it much easier. I know that Andy is very thankful for everyone as well. Thank-you to everyone who sent him letters filled with encouragement, stories of home, and kind words. It means more to him than he will probably ever tell you. We love you all. Again, Thank-you!

Karrie, Andy, Dominic, and Brecken

Battle Stations TONIGHT!

Ok, So I hope everyone checks this today. Remember, Andy and his division have Battle Stations tonight!! Starting at 8:00pm. We really need to be praying for the entire division to do well. From the sounds of Andy's last letter, the guys are really getting under his skin.. so let's pray for some TEAM WORK !! I'm REALLY nervous, but confident at the same time.. hopefully I will be able to get some kind of sleep tonight :) Andy's last letter also said that he should be able to call the day after BS, or soon after. He also said that once they are done with BS, they are pretty much done with everything. Then he should be able to use the internet and phone in his "spare time"!! He can also go to the NEX and get a snickers and red bull :P

So I'll be sure to let everyone know whats going on AS SOON as I hear something!!

For all the ladies who check this, there is an AWESOME website that has been very helpful to me, if anyone wants to check it out. It's navyformoms.com. This site has specific groups for Andy's PIR date (12/24/08) and for his specific division!! All of the members have family in the same PIR date or division. Anyone can join it .. aunts, sisters, mom, wives, etc... You don't HAVE to be a NAVY mom to have a profile on there. There is also a navyfordads website :) But, I have learned A LOT about the NAVY and certain things at GL from it. Kim you may really like talking to other NAVY moms on there! I haven't looked a whole lot yet, but I know that there are groups about Andy's job and everything!! (His AECF program that he will start in January!) Anyway, I just thought I would share this with everyone.

Again, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, be praying for Andy and his division. ONLY 4 DAYS UNTIL I LEAVE FOR CHICAGO!!

Dear Daddy 12-17-08

Hi babe!
I got a letter today!! In the begining you sounded really stressed.. but then it seemed like you got a little better :) Just think.. BS tomorrow.. and then ALL of the tough stuff is over! WOW getting beat down by the SEAL'S RDC that sounds like "fun"! But, you did it, it's done, and it's something you will never forget. We are REALLY missing you and wishing you were here. We love you SO much! Your letter just really made me want you here even more.. it was a sweet one ;).. I like how you sent ALL of your letters home.. .but kept the pics.. that's cute babe! So, Ashely and Bobby had their little baby bot today!! 3:20am.. Ugh that was a long labor.. 1 1/2 days ~ no thanks~!! I bet he was SO excited to get to call her !! Well, I wish you and the guys LOTS of luck tomorrow! you have SO many people praying for you and the division.. GOD is with you baby!
Love you
Karrie

Dear Daddy 12-16-08 Part II

Hey babe! I thought I'd write a little tonight before I head off to bed. Cute story for you. While watching the nightly LE, Dom and Brecken had the tupperware of Fruit Loops and were having a snack... Well, Brecken decided (for some reason) to shove like 5 in his mouth at one time.. Soon after he proceeded to spit 4 of them back out, because obviously as we know.. he couldn't eat 5 at one time. Greedy Dominic swoops them off the floor and goes to stick them in his mouth. Realizing they were SOAKING with Brecken's spit, he quickly throws them on the floor, scooches them toward B-reck and says "here you go Brecken" and wipes his hands on the carpet!! (Notice the fruit loops on the floor in the pic!) It was too cute!! Of course, then Brecken didn't want THOSE ones, he had to get more out of the tupperware.. I was laughing pretty hard! Moments like this just stink when your not here to share it with : ( BUT, only 6 more days until I am on my way to see you!! I hope your battle stations go well and I get a call from you on Friday!! I love you... and CAN'T WAIT to see you.. FINALLY!!

Dear Daddy ~ 12-16-08

Hey babe!
Today my parents left for Las Vegas, Nicole has an ultrasound to find out what the sex of the baby is (for sure) and KATIE IS COMING HOME!! I say that Nicole will find out for sure, b/c she was in a car accident a week or so ago and went to the E.R. There, they did an ultrasound and the tech said that she "highly doubted" she was having a girl. Plus, Nicole said she saw a.. well you know!! When my parents started planning their Vegas trip ..like.. a month ago I WISHED so bad that it was the day they were leaving. Back then, we still had over 35 links on our chain.. and now we are down to 7!! SEVEN!! one week and I will get to see you!! Ugh, I am so excited! Like I said in the last letter, Dom is SO READY to see you!! He is being more vocal about you lately... it's like he knows that we are going to see you soon. Really, it's weird. I'll keep telling him how many days and that we will be on our way to see you! He is going to go CRAZY at your graduation when he realizes that daddy is there! I hope that I can keep him still in the stands.. This may be a BIG task. I honestly think that he is going to want to run down and get you when I point you out.. I guess we'll have to wait and see! Brecken on the other-hand really doesn't care much about what is going on as long as he has something to eat... he must get that from you! I can't wait to see you and the boys together.. FINALLY!! I'll write again later, but I have to go clean this place up!! I LOVE YOU!!
~Karrie~

Letters to Daddy

Since the mail that arrives to Great Lakes, is about a week or so behind ~ yesterday I wrote my last paper letter to Andy/daddy! I never thought that the end of this would be almost as difficult as the begining :) Since Andy will be reading this when he gets home, I am going to be writing my daily letters to him on here. It may not be the best reading material for you all, but I know that Andy will be happy that I continued to write him until the day I left for Chicago!! Be prepared everyone.. there may be a couple letters a day.. just a fair warning :)

Only one week left....

This week is going to be a tough one. I am SO excited to get in the car on the 23rd and drive to Chicago ~ knowing that Andy is right around the corner. At the end of this week, Andy and I are going to be able to say that we have done it. We have completed the 1st step in our journey of the NAVY! Eight weeks is a long time for any couple to be apart, but I would say especially hard for us. We have been together for TEN years, and have never spent more than a night or two away from one another. Now, we have made it through roughly 60 nights without one another. Andy without me or the kids, and me without him, taking on the role of full-time single mommy.



I cant believe that the end of boot camp is finally this close. I can honestly say that this is by far THE HARDEST thing that I have ever had to do, being away from my best friend and the person that I have fallen in love with over a million different times. I am actually getting really nervous to see him again. It feels like I am a freshman in high school all over again :) I am SO PROUD of my husband and all that he has accomplished in such a short amount of time. I believe with all of my heart that this is what our family is meant to do and that GOD is in control. Andy has made us all SO proud and I know he will continue to do so throughout this journey! I have never believed in or been more proud of anyone.

Trying to pass the last 9 days!!

The kids had a BLAST outside!! I am really trying to keep things normal around them while daddy's gone.. so we had to go outside and have some FUN!!!

Brecken LOVED the sled!!

So did Dom... especially when we "Whoa Nellied" over bumps!!!

Brecken with big smiles and having lots of fun!

Dom is trying to think of how to ditch Brecken :)

Rockstar wanted a turn pulling Dom (he really pulled him around the yard!!)

Then, Dom and mommy went sledding Down a little hill!! He kept wanting to go "gen"


It was SO much fun playing with the kids outside!! Only a little over a week until daddy can come play with us!! Miss you Andy!

Snowman for daddy!

Tonight, Dom and I decided to make a snowman... We made him daddy style :)

Here are a couple pics of our snowman!!

I gotta be honest, this is the first snowman I have made in a LONG time!! He turned out pretty good I think !!

Told You I would remember!

I forgot to say that Andy is now E-3!! He moved up in ranking because of everything that he has been doing so well in bootcamp!! Usually they don't start getting paid for their advancement until the start of A-school, but Andy said that he is going to actually be getting back pay for now being an E-3!! So pretty much my husband, your son, brother, nephew etc. it the MOST AMAZING person EVER!! Glad he's all mine :) (I'll share a little.. maybe)

~*Andy I am so proud of you!! I knew that you would excel in the NAVY and you have made ALL of us so proud! You are the most amazing man I have ever met, and I love you so much! Thank you for everything that you do for our family... You are the best daddy and hero for our little boys! Forever and ever, til' death do us part babe~*

Forgot a couple things.

I forgot to mention that Andy did the gas chamber last night. And because he is the RPOC he was the last one out. Which means.. more time in the gas :( he said it SUCKED! He didn't puke or anything so that's good. He said that they usually light 1 tablet of gas, but for them they lit 2 1/2 tablets.. how nice of them :) But, at least he got to call me afterwards !! He sounded GREAT! ~I think I am forgetting something else that I wanted to say... hmmm.. there may be another post coming soon ..

StARpoC callED aGAIN!

As I was on this blog last night, Andy called again! 2nd time in 5 days!! EXCITING! He said that their battle stations are FOR sure the 18th of Dec! He also said that they are done with ALL of their inspections except for one. They have one more drill inspection. But, for battle stations they will arrive there at 10:00pm and will be done roughly around 8:00am the next morning!! So let's make sure that we are thinking and praying for Division 038!! Other than that Andy said that they are pretty much done :) He said he's ready to come home!! Only 10 more days babe!

Battle Stations

This week, Andy and his division will be going through battle stations. This is his divsions final test before PIR. Here is a link just posted from CNN that describes the battle stations a little better (acutally filmed at Great Lakes!!). Andy's division must pass battle stations as a group in order to graduate. This is a REALLY big deal. When I spoke to Andy last Sunday he said that he believed his BS were going to be on 12-18! LOTS OF PRAYERS !!

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2007/07/18/oppenheim.navy.disaster.ship.cnn

Another story from our "STARPOC"

Starpoc-both jobs that Andy is doing put together (Strarboard Watch and RCPO, they call that RPOC?)

Andy wrote me yesterday to tell me how last week went with all of their inspections. I'll share a story he wrote. Word for word.. maybe just a couple of spelling and grammer enhancements :)

"When we got back (from A PFA test) we had to do a 3 hr personal inspection and weapons turnover inspection. You know, things where I lead it all and if I do anything wrong a big part comes off our score. Yeah, I was nervous as hell because you never know how the inspectors will be and I have to talk to them the whole time. But, it went well, we passed everything. I only did one thing wrong. Out of all the orders they give me. They tell the RPOC prepare your divison for weapons turnover inspection adn I am supposed to say "Division you have 5 minutes to prepare for WTI" and I forgot the 5 minutes part. So we got marked down once. Then, after the whole thing was over, the inspector was int he office w/ y chief. They yelled my name to go into the office and the inspector hands me this paper and tells me to fill it out. I look down and VERY BIG at the top of the paper it says "Demerit CHIT" which is really bad. Only 1 person has got one so far and they bring our overall division score way down. So I am freaking out. I didn't know what to do, so I look at my cheif and she throws a pen at me and tells me to just fill in the info that has the X's by it and sign. She looked pissed. So here I am alone in the office with both my chiefs, my petty officer, and 2 inspectors. I am freaking out, I think I even started to sweat. So, I fill it out and give it back to the inspector, who is intimidating as hell. She writes something on it and tears off a carbon copy, hands it to me and says "Get out of this office". So, I don't even llok at it and I walk out of the office wondering what I did to deserve this. The last kid actually cried when he was apologizing to the division for his. Anyway, so I get back to my bunk trying not to let people see what I have in my hand. I finally look down and read it and it says all this GOOD stuff about me. How I did exceptionally well and things like that. Apparently, they give out BZ's, whatever that means, on the same paper. They give them out when you are recognized for doing something really good. And they negative out any bad ones that the division gets. So I am relieved. I look back at the office and they are all laughing and smiling through the windows. They knew I was scared and worried as hell."

Just another awesome story about how great my husband is!

Sunday December 28, 2008

The day that we have chosen for the family get together is Sunday December 28, 2008. Dan and Kristie are allowing this to be held at their house.. (same place as Andy's going away party). It will be at 4:00pm!! I'm sure that Andy is looking forward to seeing everyone there, so hopefully you will all join us!! ONLY 13 MORE DAYS!!

Of course Andy would!!

I got a call from PRIVATE today. It was ANDY!! He was calling me from the Chief's office. Apparently, he is on the Chief's good side so he let him call home today! We got to talk for 8 minutes :) It was a GREAT surprise!! (Only 15 more days until I leave)! Anyway, Andy said that he got his "old job" back, Starboard Watch. NOW HE IS DOING BOTH JOBS. He is the RCPO and the Starboard Watch :) I guess that they didn't have anyone good enough to do his old job and now he is doing both! My husband is amazing! Keep praying for him please! Not that much longer :)

My letter to Santa

Only 20 more daYS!

Only 20 more days until Andy graduates! (19 until we leave for Chicago!!). I am so excited that I could cry!! Well, I recieved a letter from Andy on Monday and he is still the RCPO and he said that people are really respecting him and listening to him and they are finally coming together as a team ! YEAHY! He told me a little story that I will share with you.

"Everytime we go to eat, we walk in a line to the galley. Once we get there, we line up in columns of two until one person goes in and finds out what table's we will be eating at. Then, they come back and they tell the RPOC. The RPOC then says "Division 038 we will be eating at tables 3 and 4 fall out".. And at bootcamp when someone tells you something to do you are supposed to say "Aye-Aye" and then thier title. Well, with all of the other RPOC's no one ever said anything at all. But, the first time we went to eat and I was the RPOC it was crazy! Without even telling anyone to do it, I told the tables to fall-out and all 86 people yelled "AYE-AYE RPOC"!

That's right recruits.. respect The Hulings :)

Anyway it was just a cute story from Andy that I thought I would share with everyone. It is getting SO close now! Andy is actually starting to send letters back home, that he has recieved to make room for new ones!! I can't believe that it's almost over!! I'm ready and I know that the boys are ready.

Happy Thanksgiving Andy!

Baby,

Today is Brecken's 1st Thanksgiving!! and of course Dom's 2nd.. (wouldn't want to leave him out!!). It's not gonna be the same without you. Times like these really make me realize HOW MUCH I miss you and wish you were here with us. We will be thinking about you all day and hoping that your Thanksgiving is going well (and that you are writing us a LONG letter!) .. I hope that they have good food today just as you had anticipated they would :) We love you and can not wait to see you.. only 26 days.. WE LOVE YOU !

~With All of Our Love~

Karrie, Dominic, and Brecken

A message from the Chief Honcho ..hehe..

I recieved a letter from Andy today! He wanted to make sure that I blogged a Thank-you from him to everyone who has written him letters. He said that he is sorry he doesn't write, but he isn't given much time, and when he is allowed, he likes to write to check in on us :) He also said KEEP THEM COMING. So thanks everyone, Love Andy!

Christmas and beyond !

Andy and I have been getting a lot of questions as to where we are going on Christmas Eve, Christmas, and when are we gonna go and visit with so and so. So here is the answer. After discussing this with Andy today, we have decided that we will not be going anywhere on Christmas Eve or Christmas. We will also not be driving from place to place to visit with people. We have instead decided to take ONE day and have everyone get together to visit with Andy and the fam. This way we are still able to spend the majority of the time that he is here as a family. I know that Kim has offered her house as a place to do this so hopefully she (you:)) is/are still interested. We will probably not decide on a date until after graduation, so hopefully everyone will be able to come and see Andy. This is just the easiest way for our family to do this. We don't want to offend anyone or anything, but 10 days really isn't that long and Andy really wants to relax and spend (MUCH NEEDED) time with his wife and kids (he actually said that his times on the phone (2) were the longest has sat the entire time at bootcamp!) Anyway, I hope this helps to clarify our plans and doesn't upset anyone.

Talked to Andy again TODAY :)

Andy was allowed to call home today to "finalize" travel arrangements for after graduation. But, because he isn't going anywhere different for A-school, we just got to talk!! He informed me that he is no longer the Starboard Watch person anymore.. So he said is finally able to get some sleep. The reason he isn't the Watch person anymore is because he got a promotion to RCPO which is the following:

Recruit Chief Petty Officer (RCPO)
The RCPO is the Chief Honcho among recruits. The RCPO is the primary recruit assistant to RDCs and is responsible for:
1. Maintaining good order, discipline, and security within the division at all times.
2. Ensuring compliance with standing orders and regulations.
3. Assisting RDCs with implementation of schedules.
4. Reporting any abnormal condition to RDCs, including violations of good order, discipline and security, when RDCs are not present.

Yeah, my hubby is the head recruit!! He will walk in the front of the rest of the recruits in his division for graduation and carry the sword. By the way, Andy told me before he left for boot camp that he would be doing this :) Anyway, it is an awesome accomplishment that he has made. His name will actually be called at graduation as the leader of his division!! YEAH!! Way to go babe !

He said that he is enjoying boot camp and it's really pretty easy and it isn't bothering him a bit. His division is the junior division there now. Meaning there is only 1 division above his there. So basically he is in the better half of boot camp now :) I am so proud of him!!

COUNTDOWN in PROGRESS!!

The boys and I (hehe.. I) decided that it would be cute if we made a construction paper ring countdown until we get to see daddy!! We tried to make it as close to the NAVY colors as possible. Today, we only have 31 days left!!!

Brecken and Dom enjoy pulling off the numbers and playing with the rings :)

They are starting to get how to do it a little better :) I have had to "fix" the entire chain once or twice!!

Graduation

I got the packet in the mail today about Andy's graduation! Obviously, it is the 24th of Dec, unless something comes up to hold Andy back (it better not!). The only thing that it said about other people attending is that there MAY be seating and if there is it will be on a first come first serve basis. They also sent a parking pass (only 1) to get access onto the base. So, as for others attending I am not sure. I don't know the base, but I also don't know if they allow anyone on it without the proper parking pass, especially if they are not on the access list. Maybe Andy will have some more information the next time I talk to him? But, as for now, this is what I know.

pAnTS

Andy's pants were rolled up because after they did a bunch of crazy stuff (sh#* as he called it) they made all of the new recruits roll up their pants to make sure that they didn't have contraband of any kind in thier socks :) Then they immediatey went into the room where they stripped down, put on their tight whites and sweats, and boxed up their civilian clothes !

letters from daddy!

We got a few more letters from Andy today!! I got a couple on Monday as well! He is still doing good and said that the phone call home really helped.

**I guess a few days before he called home his RDC asked if anyone knew.....10 of something... and Andy stood up because he knew them.. Well, he messed up on the 7th one (just forgot to say Petty Officer) after he messed up he found out that if he would have done all 10 correctly HE WOULD HAVE GOTTEN A 10 MINUTE PHONE CALL home! He said he was pretty ticked off and told the kid that ended up winning it that he would pay him $500.00 to have the call. In other words, he really needed the one that he got :)

Anyway, he said that he should be able to call home on the 24th or so to "finalize" his travel arrangements after graduation etc.. I still haven't gotten his packet for graduation so I don't know if anyone else will be allowed to go. The internet site says absolutely not, but Andy said there may be a chance. So I guess we'll see when I get the info. I'll keep everyone updated! Keep sending him letters please!! He can use all of the encouragement and stories from home !

Christmas!

We just want to let everyone know NOT TO BUY US GIFTS this year!! With Andy entering the NAVY and not getting paid yet, we will only be buying gifts for our kids this year. We don't want anyone to get us ANYTHING so please... don't :) ONLY 35 more days!!

Andy got his phone call TODAY!

I just got off the phone with ANDY!! We got to talk for like 12 minutes!!!!! It was flippin wonderful! He also told me that his division is doing something that only 12 other divisions are doing...... wanna know what that is??.....................????...........??.....................................?

HE'S COMING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS!! That's right.. he'll be coming home with me on Dec 24th after his graduation and doesn't have to be back until Jan 4th!! WOW, I am surprised and SOOOO EXCITED!! He also told me the 4 people that he put on the access list for his graduation. It's Me, David, Kim, and my mom Kathy. He said that is who HE wanted to go. He also said that in the packet they are sending me it says others may attend, but they won't be "guranteed" seating.. so once I get the packet I'll try to see what's up and if it looks promising or not. He is doing fine in bootcamp.. passed his swim test and his phys fitness test (needed to graduate!).. said to tell everyone to SEND all kinds of letters!! He really misses home :( He also said that his next call is scheduled on the 19th of Dec!!

kEeP YOU fingerS crossed !

When Andy arrived in bootcamp on the 29th he was able to call home (obviously everyone knows that;) Anyway, he had said that he would be allowed to call home in about 3 more weeks... which would be sometime around NEXT WEDS!!! He said in his letters that he doesn't believe that the phone call about the DL (that he HAD to make) would count as his call home, but I guess we will have to wait and see! Hopefully, I will be getting a phone call this week!!! Keep your fingers crossed!!

Andy's Address

Ok, Andy said I can give out his address. BUT...... he would like people to keep their writing kind of small (to fit more in smaller area) and PLEASE mail them in small envelopes...no cards please.. He doesn't have that much room for storage! Also use dark ink.. he said his bunk is kind of dark so it's hard to read writing when it is with light colored pens! Here it is:

I think that everyone who wanted this got it.

I removed it so creepy people that surf blogs

don't send Andy nakey pics at bootcamp:)

Call me if you still need it and I

will get it for you !!

**Please be courteous of Andy's requests**

Got 4 letters toDAY!1 Dom and Brecken got 1 too!!

Of course today (the day I did all of the CSI work (kristie)) I get 5 letters in the mail confirming that Andy's graduation date is December 24, 2008!!! YEAHY WOOT WOOT! I am so excited I could scream.. but then the kids would cry and it would be a mess:) Andy said it isn't 100% for sure, but like 92% that he will graduate that day. He did hurt his toe though...... he and his division sandwiched it inbetween 300lb sand bags or something :( BUT.. he hasn't gone to the Dr. because he doesn't want to set back his grad date... he also said it was like 2 times the size and is PURPLE! Eh.. let's pray that gets better! But, he is doing well in bootcamp, he just misses us like crazy! He said he can't even talk about us because he will cry.. Awww.. he is so cute! Once I read them again, I will post more info.. I was a little busy BALLING MY EYES OUT!

I THINK I'M ON TO SOMETHING!!

OK, so I am still checking out that site and I THINK I KNOW WHEN ANDY WILL GRADUATE!! (if he passes everything and isn't injured..knock on wood!) It says on this link that Divisions 036-047 will graduate on Wednesday December 24, 2008!! Andy is Division 038 :) ... I think that is what all of this means... Ummm David.. your the smart military experienced one.. is this what you get from this site?? YEAHY that means that the boYs and I may get to be with Andy on CHRISTMAS!!!!! I am so excited!! I hope this is TRRUE :))))))

http://www1.netc.navy.mil/nstc/rtcgl/family/upcominggrad.html

aNd then there were 4!

I was re-reading the little pamphlet that I recieved from the NAVY. it suggested a website so I checked it out. I had actually been there before, but I just saw that they had info on the recruit's graduation. There IS a limit on the number of people that can attend. They are only allowed to have 4 people attend. It does say that children under 2 do not have to be on the "access list", but I am unsure if they count towards the 4 people or not? I can't quite tell what they are trying to get at! SO I guess we'll have to wait and see what Andy says and who is able to attend. I know this kind of stinks, but I am sure we would over-populate the arena if this wasn't a rule! I'll update more when I know. Here is the link to the site if anyone wants to check it out :)

http://www1.netc.navy.mil/nstc/rtcgl/family/grad.html

I talKed tO andY yesterday!

It wasn't a long conversation or anything, but I did get to hear his voice!! YEAHY! Of course he called as I was standing in the middle of the Reba/Kelly Clarkson concert.. I had to push people aside and RUN out of the Van Andel just so we could hear each other.. Also by -passing numerous security people and COMPLETELY ignoring them! The first 30 seconds of the conversation went as follows:

K: "hello"

A: "babe... babe.. can u hear me?'

K: "hello, hello, babe!!"

A: "babe! babe.. hello?"

K: "babe don't hang up just a min.. hang on"

A: "babe i don't have that long.. hello"

K:"babe!!..babe.. hang on!!"

A: "Hey babe?..babe!!"

K: "Almost there. just a min.. DON'T HANG UP!!!

A: "Babe are you there?"

HEHE.. of course he would call the ONE NIGHT I am out of the house and in the ONE PLACE where I couldn't hear ANYTHING!

It wasn't a phone call to chat, it was simply an instruction for me so that I could go and get my military ID.. But I did sneak in a how are you and he replied.. good.. Then he asked how the boys were and I told him good, really good! Then he had to go. We told each other we loved each other and that was the end of the call. At least I we were able to tell each other we loved one another :) But, man what a bad time to get one of the most IMPORTANT calls EVER!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Well, it's not really a birthday unless there is CAKE! At least that is what the boys and I thought! Here are some pics of the kids enjoying daddy's birthday for him! WE LOVE YOU ANDY!

Anyone interested in what the heck Andy is doing??

Well... STILL no letter.. or phone call... or ANYTHING! But I did research a little about the Great Lakes bootcamp and found a breakdown of what Andy is probably going through. It may have changed some, but I found it helpful (sorta) to read some of the experiences he is going through. Here is the link :)

http://usmilitary.about.com/od/navyjoin/l/aanavybasic1.htm

i gOT IT!

It wasn't only a few minutes after I posted the last post that I recieved a letter from the Department of the NAVY. It said yadda yadda... ADDRESS!! So I sent my first letter to Andy today. I believe that this is the letter that Andy had anticipated them sending me. He told me that they would send a letter to let me know this or that and he would just have to sign his name. BUT I got a cute little note from Andy.. Here is what it said (he's gonna kill me when he see's I'm posting some of this :)

Karrie I miss you so much. Its so hard not being able to see you and talk to you. I've only been here I think 2 days and it feels like forever. I miss the boys so much. I can't wait to see you and hold you guys again
Love Andy
(you r my other half)

This was the best way to start my week. Just this morning I broke down. It's just so hard missing him and having to take care of the boys all by myself. And just the little note on the bottom of the page helps me put things into perspective. I LOVE YOU ANDY!

Ps. As I was getting the kids ready to RUSH to the Post Office to send our letter.. Fed X pulled up. What do you suspect it was ? Yup all of Andy's items he couldn't bring with him :( I didn't see a wedding ring or the family picture that he brought. He must have been able to keep those!! YEAHY! But, I did get his "undies" back Kristie.. it's just too bad isnt it? Also, his pants were rolled up to his knees! Anyone have an idea why this would be?

Address Update

I called Andy's recruiter again this morning.. (just as he told me to when I talked to him last Friday). He said that he is not in the office right now, but he will be back there at about 2:00pm and I could get the address to Andy then! YEAHY! Finally, Andy will be able to get a couple new pics of the boys and a letter telling him how they are doing :) So, anyone who would like to get a letter to me feel free to do so anytime! In the letter I'm sending Andy, I asked if he still only wanted a couple of letters or if I could send more so I will update everyone on that after I get to hear from him!

I attended church this morning at Faith Baptist in Spring Lake. A friend showed me a verse that has meaning to her and it can not fit my families situation any more perfectly.

Jeremiah 29:11

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future"

How awesome is it that I would stumble upon this verse? What an amazing GOD we have!

I was informed last Tuesday that I could call the recruiters on Friday to get an address for Andy. Unfortunately, when I called yesterday they did not have it yet. But, I did want to make sure that I let everyone know that Andy does not want a lot of letters while in bootcamp. I was hoping that anyone who would like to write Andy could get their letters to me so that I could send them all at once. I think that this would be the best way to do it. I will be sending Andy a letter or 2 a week once I receive the address. So anyone who is interested in writing him can get ahold of me and I will be happy to put their letter with the boys and I's. Andy also made is very clear that he DID NOT want ANY birthday cards while in bootcamp. He doesn't want to give anyone any reason to single him out. So please no birthday cards :) We'll hold onto those until we get to see him in January !! I will keep trying to get ahold of his address from the recruiters so that we can all stay in touch! I will post again soon, take care everyone and please continue to pray for Andy.

Looking forward to the day !

Andy an I listened to this song NON-STOP before he left, so I thought I would share it with all of you.. I can't wait until he will be home and we can enjoy our sons and each other !

Last Night

Last night I recieved a PHONE CALL from Andy!! My phone rang at 9:30pm and it was a number that showed up Illinois! YEAHY! I was sleeping already at the time, but I still remember the call and the majority of what was said :) He just called to let me know that he made it to bootcamp and that he loved and missed us VERY MUCH! He also informed me that he wouldn't be allowed to call for another 3 WEEKS.. :( So I won't be hearing his voice again for a little while.

He also said that this has already shown him that he never wants to be away from us again and then asked how the boys were. (previous he told me he only has like 2 min to talk) I let him know that Dominic was asking for him as SOON as I arrived home and that they missed him too. about a second later I heard (in Drill Sergent Crazy Pissed Off Voice) "Let's GO! YOUR DONE!" He said K babe gotta go love you.. love you too babe.. (banging, bang, click of the phone) That was a much shorter version of the phone call I would have liked to have, but it was enough. Just hearing his voice and him say that he loves us and misses us helped me rest much easier. I am sure it did the same for him as well. I am definetly looking forward to the next call in the weeks to come!

See ya Scruff!

I figured I would post the pics that I shot of Andy shaving before we left for Lansing. I LOVE his scruffy face, so this was quite a shot to the gut for me :) He looks GORGEOUS either way so I guess it doesn't really matter. You can see his clean cut face in the next post (holding Dom and B-reck) !

October 29, 2008

I was lucky enough to be able to stay with Andy last night. We had to stay at a hotel in Lansing in order to ensure his arrival at 6:00am this morning. We were able to spend one last night together before he was off to MEPS and then later to bootcamp. Jamie rode with us to the hotel and also stayed, in order to drive me home today. It was quite nice to have something else to focus on other than just the situation at hand. Jamie and myself were able to go to MEPS with Andy and wait while he finished up his last weigh-in and paperwork before getting on the bus to go to the airport. It was a long wait, but well worth the last couple of hugs and kisses I recieved before he boarded the bus. His flight out of Lansing leaves (or left) at around 1:00pm today. He will arrive later at Great Lakes, Illinois where his bootcamp is located. I am hopeful that I will get a phone call today letting me know he made it there safely and is one step closer to home. It is quite a journey that we are taking and any step that brings me closer to Andy is welcome. I know it has only been a few hours, but my heart is already aching and I am ready to see him, hold him, and tell him that I love him.

I will be keeping this blog updated as I recieve letters.. and hopefully a couple of phone calls from Andy. Please keep our family in your prayers. Thank YOU!