RWW-Austin, TX July 2011

RWW: Returning Warrior Workshop - Returning Warrior Workshops (RWWs) are a key component of the Department of Defense Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program. Designed to honor Sailors who have completed an Individual Augmentee (IA) assignment in combat zones or those Sailors exposed to highly stressful situations during deployment, the RWW addresses personal stress generated by deployment activities. Although a Reserve Component event, Active Components are strongly encouraged to participate.

My husband is a big advocate for family workshops when it comes to dealing with deployments. A representative came to my husbands unit and he jumped all over it. We really did not know what to expect but boy were we impressed and highly recommend it to those who are ever presented the opportunity. All expense paid trip for the Sailor and a guest (whether it be a significant other or a friend that truly supported them through this hard time). We applied to the the one in Austin, TX. In the midst of summer, July is not a time to visit the East side of Texas. With temps in the 100's, 75% humidity you can imagine that staying in doors is all we wanted to do. But we did get out. We were able to visit the Capitol, 6th Street, and other parts of town. Luckily, the hubs had family in town so we were able to site see in the 3 days that we were there.

In the 3 day that we were there, they provided a lot of presentations from various speakers that were also sent to a combat zone. In terms of being the supporter of my sailor, with these presentation, it gave me a better insight on how my husband was feeling and ways to deal with it as a supporter of what they called my "warrior" It also gave an assurance that my husband was not the only one feeling they way he felt when returning back to the "civilian life". I really enjoyed it and got to meet other really good people from all walks of life. It made me and my husband that much closer and I would do another one if we were given the opportunity.

Its not easy having a loved one shipped over seas. But with this workshop, we were given tools and technique as a starter to getting back to where we wanted to be not only as a couple but as a family. I am proud of my Sailor and thank all those who sacrifice the ultimate most to serve their county. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your service.

Historical Moment!

May 1, 2011 will be now placed in U.S. history book! After tens years of defending for those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, Justice has been served. Osama bin Laden was announced dead. This is a day that every men and women that serve in our armed forces live to hear. This man is responsible for the death of many innocent people and those defending for our country. Obama made a well commenced speech last night that bought america together as one. Patriotism is at its fullest. I am proud to be an America.

Where you been hiding?

So I have been away for a while
Husband came and went on R&R
He treated me to a trip to Lake Tahoe,CA which I absolutely fell in love with. My baby's first recital just passed and it was cuteness up the wall. I hope I find enough time in the day to give you a real blog entry. But until then here are some pics for you to gock at! Take care everyone

Happy Veterans Day!!!!

Happy Veterans Day! Shout out to all the armed forces who dedicated their lives to fight for our freedom! You have sacraficed everything to make sure our country is safe and for that we appreciate your service. Especially my veterans! It runs in my family. Pop's, brother, and my love, Mike.

The parade must go on!

So Mike has officially been gone for 3 days. I am still in denial that he will be over there in less than 3 months since we can still be able to communicate thank goodness to cellphones and he is still in the proximity of the US and will be back in December to celebrate Christmas with us.

Before his departure, we both took time off from work to spend time together as a family. We were planning on making adventurous trips but a stay-cation was a better idea. It was great. We went to our fav stores to supposedly window shopping and hours later we come out with bags in our hands and our wallets empty. Lately, I have been so inspired to take picture of random things that hubs graciously bought me a new spiffy camera. A CANON POWER SHOT SX20 IS. I swear this is the best toy ever. He said that it would be great to feel our walls with great photos and keep me somewhat busy with odds and ends project.

Check out the cool photos:










Im sure you get my drift.... but the photos are awesome.

As the days came closer for his departure, everyone kept asking me how I was feeling. I really didnt feel anything. I was in denial that the day of him leaving would never come. Then it did.

We woke up early to make sure everything was in order. His bag. Check. His paper work. Check. We kid around the whole morning with the girls. It was wonderful. We were actually on time going out the door without a rush for once. If you know our departure, we are always on a rush and in a hurry to get out the door. We hit up some breakfast on the way and did some qtime in the airport. Then he started his speech with my eldest on how he wanted her to be a good girl and not give mommy a hard time. I tried really hard to hold back the tears but my emotions got the best of me and tear drops were rolling down my face. I kept telling myself to think of this as if he was leaving on his yearly annual training but I just didnt grasp that concept and all that can see was him training to be shipped overseas. It was awful feeling. But he got a hold of me and made his speech to me that I was a great woman and that I will do awesome holding the fort down while he is away. Which of course made me ball like a lil 2 year old. I collected myself before my oldest could see me cause I didnt want her to feel something was wrong. We exchanged our goodbyes and daddy hugged his lil girls for bit before getting on the escalator. My husband is a very strong man. Doesnt show his emotions to anyone esp me ...lol. But when it comes to our daughter it strikes him to the core. We waved as he went up and we were on our way to our car without our other half, daddy!

Mike is doing well and getting his training. He cant talk much cause of OPSEC reason and they are in and out of briefings throughout the day. But we miss him dearly.

Pray for us!!

We love you daddy! Come home soon!!!!