Happiness is having my boy home...if even for 2 short weeks. Gosh I missed him!
He had lots of hugs to go around. I didn't let go for a long time, so the boys had to share hugs.
Kyle's not much of a huger so they wrestled instead...boys! :o)
We baby sat Mark today and took him to church with us. Cole sure loves him. He'd fed him and burped him too. Such a good uncle.
This is the first time Chad has seen him because he was still in the hospital when Chad left for boot camp. Sorry, I forgot to turn the picture and I'm too tired to re-do the whole thing to fix it now....tilt your head and it looks just fine. :o)
Grandpa Mark can always get a smile from baby Mark. :o)
Chad and Sandy. Such a cute couple. They really love each other.
These were taken after church. Chad wore his class A uniform and looks so handsome. The colored bar is for entering in time of war, he got a metal for sharp shooter and another one for expert in grenades. Chad already has his orders. On January 3rd he goes to Fort Brag North Carolina for 10 weeks of training, then a 9 month tour in Afghanistan. That news breaks my heart and also makes me proud. It's so scary to me and it's such a long time. Sandy cried half the way home. She is trying to be strong, but knows it's going to be so hard to be without him for a whole year. We should get to see him for 2 weeks inbetween the training and leaving the country. Let me just say that two weeks is not long at all.The family party was nice. The food was great as was the company. Everyone is in bed, which is where I'm heading. I promise to catch up on blog reading, questions and emails when I can keep my eyelids open without the use of toothpicks.
26 comments:
I am so happy for you Jolene! Gosh but he is such a handsome young man!
He and Sandy make a gorgeous couple.
The pictures of the baby are all so sweet too.
I know the time is short and this is so hard for you...I will be thinking about you and sending cyber hugs. I will keep Chad in my prayers. All will be fine but I know how you worry. I am like that too. I still have no idea how I spent 27 years as a military wife. Really! I do not know!
I know you are proud too...you should be! He is a fine young man.
Blessings to you all.
Warmly,
Sue
Lovely to see Chad home with you even if it is just for 2 weeks. He looks very proud to be wearing his uniform and I can understand why you are all so proud of him as well. It's not easy being a Mum and sending your son to army is a very difficult one. Our prayers will be with you all. Enjoy the time you have together over Christmas.
Yes, there is "something" about a man in uniform!!! He's such a handsome guy. You have a wonderful family and your pictures reflect your love for one another.
Although a year sounds like a long time, it will go by quickly. You will all be in my prayers.
Very handsome young man! You look like a very proud Mom!
I'm sorry to hear he's leaving for a year. I guess the worrying doesn't stop after they grown up and leave your house. Hang in there. Please tell him thank you from my family for keeping us safe! We truly appreciate the sacrifice our military men and woman make for our freedoms.
i'm not sure who is holding on tighter to the other...Chad or you.
Love the photos - Chad looks a little too grown up! Baby Mark looks soooo good - it's almost enough to make me forget how sick he was!
Prayers, of course for your boy when he gets shipped, as well as all the boys & girls over there.
Get some rest!
Great photos!!
He sure does have good posture :)
Wow, I have to say, without bringing you down or making you feel lousy...that the Afghanistan tour would scare the crap out of me :(
Any plans for he and Sandy to get married?
Welcome Home Chad...
Pictures are great.
These 4 months flew by, hopefully his tour will also.
((hugs))
Jolene, I am going to say whatever one else said too ... wow ... what a handsome young man. He looks so proud and strong in his uniform.
I'm sure the year will pass in no time at all. Enjoy these two weeks you have with him while he's home.
Oh my gosh! So happy for you that he is home. Even if it is for such a short time! What a great Christmas gift. I was shocked to see the picture of baby Mark. he is getting so big already! The cutest baby ever! You are one lucky grand momma! Cole looks so happy in the picture with Mark, actually your whole family always looks so darned happy in pictures. Isn't life wonderful?
I'm happy to hear Chad got home safe -- I can't believe the long car ride though! I guess I shouldn't complain about the 12 hours it takes to get to my parents house!!
Baby Mark is looking soooo cute too!
Those are SUCH GREAT pictures!! I can really feel your excitement just from reading your words. Such a joyful time, I know!! Thanks to Chad and all the others who do so much for our country!
Have a wonderful Christmas!!
A picture is worth a thousand words. You look so cute with Chad. Sandy is very pretty girl, she actually looks alot like you.
That's wonderful you will get to visit Chad for 2 weeks, you will be in my neck of the woods as we southerner's call it.
Enjoy your time together. Forget about sleep for the next two weeks.
As I always say, "I can sleep when i'm dead". LOL
Have a Great Day!!
Wendy
oh...my eyes are just filled with tears...you all look so happy, and I'm glad you can be together for the holidays!
PS Yeah...I finally tried the Kisses...so, I'm um, gonna go back for some more today in between errands!
Hi, Jolene.
WONDERFUL PICTURES! I'm glad that Mark, Chad, and Sandy arrived to AZ safely.
How was the party?
I LOVE to see people dress up for church. You don't see too much of that in AZ. In fact, I've gotten out of the practice, and I feel horrible, since I was taught to always give God my best on Sundays. Granted, church isn't a fashion show, but if you dress nice for work, you most definitely should dress great for church.
Whew! I'm off my soapbox.
Did anyone ever tell you and Mark that you resemble each other?
Beautiful pictures, the one of Cole and Baby Mark is so sweet such a nice smile he has. His unlce sure looks taken with him. Enjoy your visit.
Such a nice post!
Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas!!
Welcome home Chad! Spend lots of time with your mom, okay? :) And stay safe.
That picture of Baby Mark and Cole is soooo cute! What cute boys. Baby Mark sure does look like a happy baby.
I'm so glad you are all together for the holidays! Chad looks so grown up in his uniform. I hope he'll have magical holidays with you before he's off for more training.
Baby Mark is sure looking adorable. Wonderful photos, Jolene!
I found candy cane kisses this weekend and bought the last 4 bags. LOL As I suspected, Josh LOVED them!
Hugs,
Tember
http://septemberradecki.typepad.com
I got teary reading your post and I don't even know you! It's so touching to see pics of Chad's homecoming because I know what a hardship his departure has been for you and your family (and him!) He looks so handsome in his uniform. You must be so proud of him for serving our country and for doing so well during this first phase! Enjoy your precious time with him, how nice that he is home for the holidays! Loved the new pics of baby Mark, too, he is such a cutie!
Lara in CA
I am so happy that you get to spend the holidays with Chad. I know you are going to miss him when he leaves again.
Thanks for sharing the pics. You have a wonderful family.
So glad that Chad is home safe!! You have such a beautiful family Jolene!!
Have a great day!
Jolene, I'm so glad that Chad, Mark and Sandy made it back safe and sound... Cherish every minute you have until he leave again.... I wouldn't worry too much about blogging... Your family is more important.....Love the pictures and Baby Mark sure is growing like a weed.... Take Care..... T
Chad is very handsome. Two weeks is not a long time at all. I hope you have a wonderful time with him home and pray that the next year goes by quickly and safely for him.
He is a handsome guy! I can only imagine how proud you are of him.
He looks so handsome!!! 2 weeks definatly isn't a long time. Especially when he will be leaving for such a long time and also since you have to share him with so many other people who love him too!!
These pics make me cry.
God bless him for what he is doing for our country.
TFS :)
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