Mike's 1st day in the Navy

It wasn't quite as exciting as he thought it would be. He was awakened at 4am at the hotel. He was taken to breakfast and then shuttled over to Fort Sam Houston Base to MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station). He then went through a mini-physical, contract info, orientation, but basically a bunch of sitting around waiting. He called Mom to come over for his swearing in, where we both then sat for about 2 hours waiting. After the swearing in, I gave him a big hug and told him I loved him and to make us proud. It was very hard to walk away.

It wasn't quite as exciting as he thought it would be. He was awakened at 4am at the hotel. He was taken to breakfast and then shuttled over to Fort Sam Houston Base to MEPS (Military Electronic Processing Station). He then went through a mini-physical, contract info, orientation, but basically a bunch of sitting around waiting. He called Mom to come over for his swearing in, where we both then sat for about 2 hours waiting. After the swearing in, I gave him a big hug and told him I loved him and to make us proud. It was very hard to walk away.

He then was shuttled to the San Antonio airport for a 5:30pm flight to Chicago. The next thing I know was getting a phone call at 2am, saying that he had arrived. I told him one more time that I loved him and to work hard. After hanging up, I wished I had just kept talking to him until they kicked him off the phone, but I probably would have gotten him into trouble.

Now, I sit sometimes just wondering what he's doing now. Is he tired? Is he hungry? How is he holding up? It's hard not being able to talk to him or text him or email him. The not knowing is tough. I can't wait for my first letter. I did get a package from the Naval Base today. It was Mike's clothes and shoes that he wore there. No, I didn't smell them to get his smell. He wore them for 2 days before getting issued his recruit clothes. Gross!

Mike's Last Days

Saturday, August 23, 2008: We had a going away party for Mike. Some of our friends and his came over. We had hot dogs, chips, soda, ice cream, etc. The boys watched movies upstairs while the girls hung out downstairs talking and eating. Mike showed off his new laptop and they played around taking weird pictures with the camera.

(I can't get this picture off now that it's here...oh well)

Sunday, August 24, 2008: Mike gave hugs and kisses (mostly received them) and took some last minute pictures with the family. After a nice family dinner of pork roast (his request), potatoes, corn, he climbed in the car with the clothes on his back, his wallet and address book. We took him to the Holiday Inn downtown, where he checked into MEPS. They gave him a dinner and breakfast meal ticket; they told him the rules (no guests in their rooms, no drinking, no drugs, in bed by 10, etc.). We gave him a hug and were on our way.

Michael is on his way - Anchors Aweigh

My little boy is no longer little; he's becoming a man. It's pretty hard to see that from my viewpoint, but others can see it easily. He will be leaving on Sunday night to a hotel reserved for those heading off to boot camp. He will be picked up on Monday morning and put on a plane to Chicago, Illinois. He will then be transported to the U.S. Naval Training Center in Great Lakes, Illinois, where he will begin his career in the Navy. He is so excited and ready for this new adventure. I know he will do great and will come out of this experience a stronger person, both physically and mentally and I hope spiritually. I hope he will remember to pray when he needs to feel those heavenly arms around him. Mine will of course be there all the time. I hope he'll be able to feel them.

Whenever my kids have gone away from home, I have always told them that when they see the moon and stars, to remember that I am looking at the same moon and stars and will be thinking of them. Although I'm ready for Michael to head off on his own, I sit here crying for the loss we will feel here at home. I want him to know that I love him and have taught him everything I know to help him succeed in this world and I hope he will always remember what is important: that he is a special son of a loving and kind Heavenly Father who loves him very much and that his mommy will always love him, forever and ever. I know he will represent me and his family well and will be a great example and missionary to those who he meets out there in his travels.

Michael will not be able to get in touch with us for the first month or so, but I will make sure to update this blog as I hear from him. If you would like to send him your well-wishes, his email is cyprusman08@hotmail.com.

Slideshow of pictures will follow soon!

Zion National Park

Kellee and Marshel had a blast playing in the river at Zion National Park with their cousins. You can see Kenzie and Ryan in the background, but Haylee, Spencer and Camden were there as well as Grandma and Grandpa Welch, Bobbie and Greg, Brandon and Roxanne.

Marshel Zion Canyon

Marshel loved playing in themud in the river. The water was freezing.

Kellee swimming

Kellee is working on being a great swimmer. She even loved watching the diving during the Olympics. Maybe that will be her someday. You never know.

Marshel swimming

Marshel is working on swimming above water. He does really well underwater, but flails around a lot above. At least I know he can do it and won't drown.

Video of Marshel and Kellee with Sparklers

Marshel was writing his name with his sparkler. He was very impressed with himself. Kellee just liked the fire and light it put off.

Summer Plays

We love going to the summer plays with Grandma Jackson every year. We missed them last year because we had just moved to Texas and couldn't afford to turn around and go back. This year, Grandma took the adults to see The Taming of the Shrew at the Utah Shakesperean Festival. Martin couldn't make it because of work, so I went without a date. I have never laughed so hard at a Shakesperean play, but it was so funny. I loved every minute of it.

Next was Tuacahn. When Martin arrived, we had all of the kids together (except Mike) and went to the Sound of Music. Besides contending the millions of bees at the beginning of the play, we had such a great time. We laughed, sang, cried and then met the actors afterwards.

The next night we left Marshel and Kellee home and went to see Les Miserables. Nate wasn't sure he would enjoy it, but afterwards said he loved it and couldn't wait to see another opera. I cried of course. This is one of my favorites. We met the actors afterward. Rachel got an autograph and a hug from the cute 13 year old boy in the play. I told her it's Summer Lovin'. Thanks again, Grandma. It's one of the highlights of our summer every year.

Our day at Zion National Park

We loaded up the 2 cars and headed to Zion. We parked at the Visitor Center and then took the bus that goes through the Park. It makes about 5 or 6 stops. We got off at the last stop, the Riverwalk, where we walked for about 1/2 mile and then played in the river. The water was freezing, but the kids didn't care. They had a great time. It was fun and we decided we might come back in November with dad and the older kids.

My little swimmers

We spent a lot of time at Brandon's pool. Marshel practiced his swimming technique and Kellee decided if Spencer could do it, so could she. She was right. She just jumped right in. We had to watch her like a hawk, because she would purposely wait until we weren't watching and then jump as far away from us as she could. She's a little daredevil.

Bobbie and Greg were visiting with Haylee and Ryan. The kids had a great time hanging out with them also. Jennie and Paul came over to visit a few times.

Fireworks in St. George

As if it wasn't hot enough in St. George, we then decided to light up the sky and the street. The kids had fun playing with the sparklers and watching the fireworks Uncle Brandon and Uncle Paul bought. Kellee and Marshel were so happy to spend some time with their cousins, Kenzie and Spencer.

You're my great grandma!

Kellee and Michelle headed off towards Utah to spend a couple of weeks with the family there. On our way we stopped in Tucson and spent a day with Grandma Morris (Nian). Kellee was so excited to see her. She kept saying, "You're my great grandma!"


Grandma couldn't wait to read a story to Kellee. She stuck with it for about 5 minutes and then was off, so Grandma finished reading the story to Michelle, something she hadn't done in many, many years.
I loved this picture where Kellee was helping Grandma hold the page of the book. What sweet little hands.