Not many pictures from Thanksgiving. It was the day that he actually got home... Jacob went right to him and was attached to his hip the ENTIRE time Derek was home.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
A School Grad
I wasn't able to attend Derek's A school graduation in San Antonio, TX but some friends of ours were. They were nice enough to take a few pictures once they got through the gate. Sadly the front gate gave them trouble and were not able to see the whole thing.
Derek also spent time with our new friends after his graduation and his new 'Aunt Mia' took him to the air port the next day. We are so thankful to Mia and her family for everything they did for us while Derek was there at school.
Derek also spent time with our new friends after his graduation and his new 'Aunt Mia' took him to the air port the next day. We are so thankful to Mia and her family for everything they did for us while Derek was there at school.
Boot Camp Grad
These are from Derek's boot camp graduation. There aren't many of them because we weren't supposed to take any pictures while outside... So we got one and thats it... Jacob did really well this trip dispite what it looks like in all the pictures of him but I will say it was the most difficult turn around trip I've ever taken! 
The lighting in the grad hall was awful! So the pictures didn't turn out great.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Just to hold you over!
Ok, so I'm WAY back logged on pictures as Derek had our computer with him at school and it had my saved info on it for blogger. Sooo.... here are a few things to hold you over until I can get everything updated... which probably wont happen until I get my new computer.... So in the mean time... Enjoy!!!
I made him try everything on so I could see! =)
I'm really going to miss those curls!
We made signs to welcome him home. He was very surprised to see all that was waiting for him at home. Jacob went right to him and said "Hi Dada" and even gave him a kiss and said " I love you". We were very excited Jacob knew who he was!!!
It has been SOOOO nice to have Derek home and he is going to be greatly missed. Japan is very lucky to have him. Like I said... I'll do a big update soon! Thanks for looking!
Jacob and Daddy at Sea World. 
I must say, I love a man in uniform! Very spiffy!
I made him try everything on so I could see! =)
I'm really going to miss those curls!
We made signs to welcome him home. He was very surprised to see all that was waiting for him at home. Jacob went right to him and said "Hi Dada" and even gave him a kiss and said " I love you". We were very excited Jacob knew who he was!!!
It has been SOOOO nice to have Derek home and he is going to be greatly missed. Japan is very lucky to have him. Like I said... I'll do a big update soon! Thanks for looking!
Friday, October 3, 2008
Derek is a real SAILOR now!
I just got the call that he passed Battle Stations and was capped this morning. He said it was a very emotional experience! It sure was nice to have a REAL conversation with my husband for the first time in 2 months. I'm so proud of him and can't wait to finally see him next Friday! He'll be competing in Captains Cup tomorrow. Softball volleyball ect... that should be fun for them. Sunday they get sent to "Rickey Heaven" They'll have computers and all kinds of fun stuff.... He'll be able to use the phone again too. YAY! Just wanted to share our exciting news.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
7 days until Derek Graduates!
I got my weekly letter today. Well, 1 of the 2 he said he's sent out. I'll probably get the first half of the letter tomorrow.
Derek is doing very well. He is no longer sick. He says no news is good news this week but MAY get a phone call Friday which leads me to believe he MAY be doing Battle Stations tonight. There is a website Navy for Moms and they've posted that divisions 376 and 377 will be in Battle Stations tonight but I'm not sure how accurate their information is. If Battle Stations is indeed tonight then we'll have a REAL sailor come tomorrow. That's exciting! Keep Derek in your prayers tonight. He said that he will also have his last test this week but has not doubt that he'll score 5.0 of 5.0. I'm so proud of him! He said that the weather there has been beautiful! Though I've heard that ICY weather is on its way... ICY? That's not in this Southern California girls vocabulary! Should be pretty chilly when we're there October 10th. AHHHH.... Good thing I bought new coats for Jacob and myself. He says his division is doing pretty well but they still have some talkers that can't seem to keep their mouths shut.
Fingers crossed for a phone call tomorrow!
Derek is doing very well. He is no longer sick. He says no news is good news this week but MAY get a phone call Friday which leads me to believe he MAY be doing Battle Stations tonight. There is a website Navy for Moms and they've posted that divisions 376 and 377 will be in Battle Stations tonight but I'm not sure how accurate their information is. If Battle Stations is indeed tonight then we'll have a REAL sailor come tomorrow. That's exciting! Keep Derek in your prayers tonight. He said that he will also have his last test this week but has not doubt that he'll score 5.0 of 5.0. I'm so proud of him! He said that the weather there has been beautiful! Though I've heard that ICY weather is on its way... ICY? That's not in this Southern California girls vocabulary! Should be pretty chilly when we're there October 10th. AHHHH.... Good thing I bought new coats for Jacob and myself. He says his division is doing pretty well but they still have some talkers that can't seem to keep their mouths shut.
Fingers crossed for a phone call tomorrow!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Letter day!!!
I got my letter from Derek today! Good news and some not so good news.
He did awesome on his marksmanship! I guess you need a 228 for the expert marksman and he got a 227. The Chief Gunner's mate told him he might give him the extra point he was very impressed! haha All those video games paid off I guess. He was the best in his division and 3rd best of the day. That's pretty cool. I'm proud of him! He goes on to say that he shouldn't have been there anyway and that he should have been in sick call. The next day they made him go and he had a fever of nearly 103 and everything else that goes a long with it. So they made him stay in his bunk for an entire day and the next day put him on light duty. He was back to regular duty on Thursday though. He says he's feeling better now. Poor guy! I wonder how he'd do if he wasn't sick... They only missed a few points for their drill inspection (I'm not sure what that is...?) So they flagged for drill. I think this means they get an extra flag to represent his division during graduation. His whole division passed their second big test and he got a 4.6 of 5.0 which I guess is really good. I'm hoping that means a phone call. I'm crossing my fingers. I know it did the last time. We'll see, I'm trying hard not to get my hopes up too much. He also talked about all the uniforms they issued him working whites and working blues he said that he wont ever wear either! He also said that they didn't have dress white in his size there so we'll have to get those and his camo as soon as he gets to A school. All he'll wear with his job is camo. He said this is his last week of real training and is excited about that. That means he'll be doing battle stations some time next week. I've heard they get an hour long phone call if they pass. So all in all he's doing well. Just the minor hiccup with being sent to sick call. But it wont affect his PIR. Thank God! 14 more days and I'll finally get to see him again. Looking back it really hasn't seemed like a long time but I think someone has hit the slow motion button cause if feels like these last few weeks have been dragging on.
He did awesome on his marksmanship! I guess you need a 228 for the expert marksman and he got a 227. The Chief Gunner's mate told him he might give him the extra point he was very impressed! haha All those video games paid off I guess. He was the best in his division and 3rd best of the day. That's pretty cool. I'm proud of him! He goes on to say that he shouldn't have been there anyway and that he should have been in sick call. The next day they made him go and he had a fever of nearly 103 and everything else that goes a long with it. So they made him stay in his bunk for an entire day and the next day put him on light duty. He was back to regular duty on Thursday though. He says he's feeling better now. Poor guy! I wonder how he'd do if he wasn't sick... They only missed a few points for their drill inspection (I'm not sure what that is...?) So they flagged for drill. I think this means they get an extra flag to represent his division during graduation. His whole division passed their second big test and he got a 4.6 of 5.0 which I guess is really good. I'm hoping that means a phone call. I'm crossing my fingers. I know it did the last time. We'll see, I'm trying hard not to get my hopes up too much. He also talked about all the uniforms they issued him working whites and working blues he said that he wont ever wear either! He also said that they didn't have dress white in his size there so we'll have to get those and his camo as soon as he gets to A school. All he'll wear with his job is camo. He said this is his last week of real training and is excited about that. That means he'll be doing battle stations some time next week. I've heard they get an hour long phone call if they pass. So all in all he's doing well. Just the minor hiccup with being sent to sick call. But it wont affect his PIR. Thank God! 14 more days and I'll finally get to see him again. Looking back it really hasn't seemed like a long time but I think someone has hit the slow motion button cause if feels like these last few weeks have been dragging on.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Nor Cal Trip
Very out of order... Sorry!
Andrew and Susan were so kind to let Jacob and I tag along with them up North to attend Brittney and Dustin Wrights wedding. It was beautiful!
Andrew and Susan were so kind to let Jacob and I tag along with them up North to attend Brittney and Dustin Wrights wedding. It was beautiful!
Great news from Great Lakes!
Letter day came early this week and as you can imagine I was pleasantly surprised to see a letter waiting for me! =)
Derek will indeed keep his job as MA and he and I are both so excited about this! So the same day as his Graduation he will fly to Texas for school. Grandpa Jacob and my layer also happen to be in TX. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we're on the same plane. I'd be thrilled since we're being jipped out of time together because he is grad and go. What an incredibly long turn around trip this will be with a one year old. Good thing I've got a great kid!
I had asked before for pray regarding his leg. He tells me that he is doing much better this week. His toes are constantly numb from having to stand watch and in stand in formation constantly. Poor guy! The Navy has given him a lot of ambition and I'm so proud of him! I knew he had it in him he just needed the Navy for a push. I've never heard him so passionate about something as he is his new job. His goal as of now is to become career and move as far up in rank as possible. Derek passed his physical tests so we're on track for graduation. That's exciting! This week he has live fire so he'll have fun with that. I'm excited to hear how that goes. He was very sick when I talked to him on the phone a few weeks ago and started to get better. Since there have been so many hurricanes one on top of the next and all the weather travels up to the Great Lakes and camps out for a bit. He said it has been raining non stop and RTC has flooded. They had everyone on hold because of it. Of course with rain comes more sickness. He isn't feeling 100% but said he has learned to work though it. Derek has never worked through being sick in his life. This is a big step for him... haha He can't wait to be done with boot camp and expressed a desire to eat at Taco Bell. YUCK! I guess its right across the street from RTC so I'm guessing they march past it and are probably able to smell it. I just can't see why you would want Taco Bell when you are in Chicago... I've heard amazing things about the deep dish pizza. I'm going to reward myself with one and plan to get Derek his gourmet Taco Bell. haha
Please continue to keep him in your prayers. If you are writing him keep it up! He needs all the support he can get to press through these last few weeks. Thank you!
Amanda, pictures will soon follow! Promise! =)
Derek will indeed keep his job as MA and he and I are both so excited about this! So the same day as his Graduation he will fly to Texas for school. Grandpa Jacob and my layer also happen to be in TX. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we're on the same plane. I'd be thrilled since we're being jipped out of time together because he is grad and go. What an incredibly long turn around trip this will be with a one year old. Good thing I've got a great kid!
I had asked before for pray regarding his leg. He tells me that he is doing much better this week. His toes are constantly numb from having to stand watch and in stand in formation constantly. Poor guy! The Navy has given him a lot of ambition and I'm so proud of him! I knew he had it in him he just needed the Navy for a push. I've never heard him so passionate about something as he is his new job. His goal as of now is to become career and move as far up in rank as possible. Derek passed his physical tests so we're on track for graduation. That's exciting! This week he has live fire so he'll have fun with that. I'm excited to hear how that goes. He was very sick when I talked to him on the phone a few weeks ago and started to get better. Since there have been so many hurricanes one on top of the next and all the weather travels up to the Great Lakes and camps out for a bit. He said it has been raining non stop and RTC has flooded. They had everyone on hold because of it. Of course with rain comes more sickness. He isn't feeling 100% but said he has learned to work though it. Derek has never worked through being sick in his life. This is a big step for him... haha He can't wait to be done with boot camp and expressed a desire to eat at Taco Bell. YUCK! I guess its right across the street from RTC so I'm guessing they march past it and are probably able to smell it. I just can't see why you would want Taco Bell when you are in Chicago... I've heard amazing things about the deep dish pizza. I'm going to reward myself with one and plan to get Derek his gourmet Taco Bell. haha
Please continue to keep him in your prayers. If you are writing him keep it up! He needs all the support he can get to press through these last few weeks. Thank you!
Amanda, pictures will soon follow! Promise! =)
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Letters from our Sailor!
I got a letter from Derek today. He is doing really well and really likes what he's doing now. He just wishes Jacob and I were with him. He is still sick but starting to finally feel better. He hurt his leg but isn't going to go to sick call for it because he doesn't want to be held back for his grad date. Please keep this in your prayers! They still only know him as preacher boy he said he is fine with that nick name. He'd rather be called that than some of the other things people come up with. Derek says he thinks this could be his career he really likes the military life style. His RDC said that he is very detail oriented and like when he is on watch. Thats surprising. I've never known him to be very detailed. He said week 4 (starts tomorrow) they will be working with weapons. I know he'll enjoy that! Week 5 he'll do fire fighting and gas chamber (twice!) Then week 6 he'll do battle stations. I think this experience has been really good for Derek! I'm so proud of him. I'm thrilled that he is happy and excited about this new chapter in our life. 28 days until his graduation. Grandpa Lansdale Jacob and myself fly out really late on the 8th and come home Friday the 10th in the evening. Its getting close! I can't wait to see him at PIR!
A normal day for Derek is:
0500-0600- Wakeup, this is different everyday.
0600-0645-Brush teeth, get house on spot
0645-0730- Chow
0800-1000- Class Room (Computer based training)
1000-1130-RDC Instruction
1145- 1230- Chow
1300-1430- PT
1500-1545- Hygiene
1600-1700- RDC Instruction
1730-1815 - Chow
1830-2000-Recruit Study
2030-2130- Evening Routine
2130-2145- MAIL CALL
2200- TAPS (Lights out)
Jacob and I are doing well. I've got pictures to update but I'm going to save that for later.
Thanks to all of you who have been writing Derek and supporting him. Keep it up! It helps to keep his spirits up!
A normal day for Derek is:
0500-0600- Wakeup, this is different everyday.
0600-0645-Brush teeth, get house on spot
0645-0730- Chow
0800-1000- Class Room (Computer based training)
1000-1130-RDC Instruction
1145- 1230- Chow
1300-1430- PT
1500-1545- Hygiene
1600-1700- RDC Instruction
1730-1815 - Chow
1830-2000-Recruit Study
2030-2130- Evening Routine
2130-2145- MAIL CALL
2200- TAPS (Lights out)
Jacob and I are doing well. I've got pictures to update but I'm going to save that for later.
Thanks to all of you who have been writing Derek and supporting him. Keep it up! It helps to keep his spirits up!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Great Day!!!
Today was the best day yet! I've been stalking the mailbox since 9 this morning. We have a new mail man so he has been running really late. Mail didn't get here until 1:30! I got a letter from Derek a whole 5 pages. Thats probably one of the longest letter he's written in his life. haha It told me all about all the dental work he has had to day and his new dog tags and his new friends. He also said that he really likes his Chief and how great of a leader the Chief is. He said that all his PO's (Petty Officers) like him and call him preacher boy because Derek leads his division and division 376 in prayer every night. But they like that he does it because it is bringing the divisions closer together. He said he was going to be the Religious Petty Officer but if he did that he would have to give up his Sundays to write home and he couldn't do that because thats what keeps him going. He said all the girls like him because he is very respectful and all he talks about is me and Jacob and how much he loves us while all the other guys talk about the girls and how so and so is cute. He's always been a great guy! He said he's made a lot of good friends. He's too easy to get along with not to have made friends!
Well, after I finished reading his letter the phone rang and there he was!!! I could hardly believe it was him. I was so excited. What perfect timing!!! He told me about graduation and how they got their uniforms. He'll be graduating in the blues which sucks because they have to spend all that money on them only to get issued new ones next year because they are phasing out the blue uniforms. Oh well. He is VERY sick poor thing. I knew he would be though. 99.9% of the guys there do get sick. But he said he isn't going to go to sick call because that'll set him back in boot. He said he is very soar and wasn't in as good a shape as he thought he was. He didn't pass the first physical test by like 30 seconds. He'll make that up for sure! He said they got a phone call because they did well on their first test. It's out of 5.0 and they got a 4.6 or a 4.8... something like that. I'm just so proud of Derek. He is doing a wonderful thing for his family!
Thank you to everyone who is writing him! The mail is what keeps him going. Again, if you want to send him anything he can receive phone cards and stamps. Thats about it. No newspaper clippings or anything else. Letters ONLY!
Well, after I finished reading his letter the phone rang and there he was!!! I could hardly believe it was him. I was so excited. What perfect timing!!! He told me about graduation and how they got their uniforms. He'll be graduating in the blues which sucks because they have to spend all that money on them only to get issued new ones next year because they are phasing out the blue uniforms. Oh well. He is VERY sick poor thing. I knew he would be though. 99.9% of the guys there do get sick. But he said he isn't going to go to sick call because that'll set him back in boot. He said he is very soar and wasn't in as good a shape as he thought he was. He didn't pass the first physical test by like 30 seconds. He'll make that up for sure! He said they got a phone call because they did well on their first test. It's out of 5.0 and they got a 4.6 or a 4.8... something like that. I'm just so proud of Derek. He is doing a wonderful thing for his family!
Thank you to everyone who is writing him! The mail is what keeps him going. Again, if you want to send him anything he can receive phone cards and stamps. Thats about it. No newspaper clippings or anything else. Letters ONLY!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
YAY A LETTER!
So I got a bit side tracked with other things yesterday... what I really wanted to update on was that I received my first letter from Derek. He is doing well but says he is very homesick. He misses his boy! Chief doesn't know his name yet so he said that was a good thing. Chief knows all the guys who act up already and he says his class can't seem to keep their mouths shut so it sounds like he has had to do a lot of IT. He passed his swim test!! I was very happy to hear that! If you've seen Derek swim you know he floats like a rock. He can swim well but ask him to float on his back you'll have to rescue him at the bottom of the pool. He said that the food isn't too bad, no sugar to caffeine all low calorie. Wish he would eat that way at home! Derek doesn't mind bland but I'm sure he misses putting crushed red pepper on everything (something he has started doing in the last year or so...). We did find out that his division is a grad and go, meaning I'll fly in for the graduation and have a few hours with him, and then he'll be off to where ever school is. Thats a big bummer. I'm debating if I want to stay an extra day or so, so I can experience Chicago. I hate to fly all the way out there and not even get to explore at all. We'll see. His rate (job) is up in the air as of now but when I know whats going on with that I'll let everyone know. As far as Jacob and I go, we're hanging in there. Derek and I made some videos of Derek reading to Jacob and counting and such. We watch them daily and that is Jacob's FAVORITE part of the day. When you ask him where Daddy is he goes to our lap top. He has also been carrying around a picture I had printed out of the two of them. Derek is a bit worried Jacob will forget him but so far I really don't think we'll have that problem. Say a prayer for Derek and if you can send out a letter! I'm sure he'd love the encouragement. Thanks for all the prayers and support!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
You know who you are. For the others i'm sorry you have to read this.
This is not for most who read this blog. This blog is for my family and friends. I'm sorry some of you will have to read this but I will do everything I must to protect my family. If you are not a family or a friend that is concerned/curious of the going on with my husband, my child, or myself you are not welcome to post here. Do what you will with your own space.
If you have something you would like to talk about concerning my husband being shot at or any other terrorist threat you might have, as well as anything else your heart desires I will be happy to meet with you at your home and discuss these with you, with a Redlands Police Officer present for mediation.
I will not play your childish games and I am serious about that. I am documenting everything that has happened. I will be happy to turn what I have over to authorities. My family, my self, and my relationships with others are none of your concern. So if you would like to meet with me please let me know and I would be more than happy to arrange it.
Thank you in advance for discontinuing your verbal online abuse.
If you have something you would like to talk about concerning my husband being shot at or any other terrorist threat you might have, as well as anything else your heart desires I will be happy to meet with you at your home and discuss these with you, with a Redlands Police Officer present for mediation.
I will not play your childish games and I am serious about that. I am documenting everything that has happened. I will be happy to turn what I have over to authorities. My family, my self, and my relationships with others are none of your concern. So if you would like to meet with me please let me know and I would be more than happy to arrange it.
Thank you in advance for discontinuing your verbal online abuse.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Jacob's first hair cut!
Jacob had his first hair cut yesterday. He wasn't very happy about it! His hair was just too long and needed to be cut badly! So him and Daddy are twins now. I'm sure Derek's hair is just as short if not shorter!
Saturday, August 23, 2008
FINALLY!
I finally got a call from Derek today. He seemed really down and he said he hasn't received any letters so he asked if I have written him yet. He is going to get a ton once they get there! That'll be a good day for him! They say the first feew weeks all the recruits are down like this. It's very normal. It's just so sad because Derek is always and up beat positive guy so it is very out of character for him to be upset! I only got to talk to him for about 30 seconds so the phone call is almost a blur. He said it sucks and he is really tired. The only reason he got a call today was because he didn't get one once he got there a week and a half ago. Poor guy. I had mentioned to those of you who asked for his address not to send anything well thats changed. If you really want to help him out send stamps and a phone card. Pictures are fine too just don't expect him to come home with them as they don't have much storage space and end up tossing most things.
His graduation date is also finally posted on the website. October 10th. Thats exciting! http://www1.netc.navy.mil/nstc/rtcgl/family/upcominggrad.html
I'll keep you all updated!
His graduation date is also finally posted on the website. October 10th. Thats exciting! http://www1.netc.navy.mil/nstc/rtcgl/family/upcominggrad.html
I'll keep you all updated!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Bath time!
He has gotten so big. He wont fit in the sink much longer!!! Check out how long his hair has gotten! He really needs a hair cut. I'm just not ready to give up his beautiful hair just yet. He'll have one before we go to see Derek in Great Lakes though.
Art projects for Daddy!
We don't have his address but we're getting lots of things ready to send out as soon as we do to show Daddy just how much Jacob loves him!!!
Before I took him to his recruiters to leave.
He had a hard time saying good bye to his boy. We're so proud of Derek and the decision he has made for his family. Thanks to all of you who have supported us in this new chapter of our life.
Family time.
Daddy and Jacob spent a lot of time together the week before he left.
This is Jacob in his most favorite spot in the world. He loves to just sit and cuddle with Daddy!
He has finally learned how to get on and off his horse.
This is Jacob in his most favorite spot in the world. He loves to just sit and cuddle with Daddy!
He has finally learned how to get on and off his horse.
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