T O P I C R E V I E W |
batznthebelfry |
Posted - Mar 07 2011 : 6:42:29 PM My hubby has been in the military for close to 30 years now & I just sent him off to afghanistan.....with his Army Reserve Unit.....he did a 15 month tour in Iraq back in 2204-05....Now I am not complaining I am just wondering if there are others out there who have had to do this or are doing it & how they are doing?....I seem to get through these times just fine but I know others don't & maybe this can be somewhere you can vent or talk....I am a good listener & can try to help....or some days I may just whine awhile...lol....Michele'
Chickens rule! The Old Batz Farm Hen #2622 |
25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
traildancer |
Posted - Jun 23 2011 : 09:26:09 AM Thanks, Michele. I agree that there is a reason this injury happened. God has a plan for Keith. Right now, the SEALs just isn't it.
Other than the disappointment of recurring injury, Keith really likes the Navy. I think he's found where he wants to be.
The trail is the thing.... Louis L'Amour |
batznthebelfry |
Posted - Jun 22 2011 : 1:28:10 PM Loyce I am sorry about Keith's shoulder & the pain the poor boy is in...but to be totally honest I feel there is a reason this happened again to him & that though his heart was set on being a seal thats not where he is truly suppose to be...but try telling a kid that & they will roll their eyes at you......There is a place for him in the marines but he hasn't found it yet that is meant to be his....plus a military person is taught that disappointments come with being a military person & to roll with it...so I do hope he doesn't let this set back make him quit on the idea of serving....My hubby was Special forces but is now a computer man with the army...it was hard on him to have to walk away from that due to age/injuries but he is now in his true element & seems content with the change but it took years for him to get over no longer being a Special Forces....for some reason I see wonderful things ahead for your boy so don't worry Momma....Michele'
Chickens rule! The Old Batz Farm Hen #2622 |
traildancer |
Posted - Jun 22 2011 : 10:03:10 AM Thank you, ladies. Unfortunately, the congratulations are misplaced. Keith dislocated his shoulder on Saturday. INDOC was supposed to start Monday. So disappointing. Of course, I am wondering, "Did I not pray enough?" "Am I too proud about being the mother of a SEAL?" "Why did God get him through preBUDS and then allow this?" So, now Keith is out of this class.
They are talking about surgery. I guess there is a surgery that will prevent this from happening again.
When I think about it, I just want to cry. I know that God has a plan and this is part of it. But why did He keep our hopes alive for so long and then dash them? My prayer is that Keith will not blame God or turn his back on God. He's (Keith) been disappointed before. The first time his shoulder dislocated was Gradustion Night last June after the Recruiting Officer just annouced that Keith got an extra bonus for signing on as a SEAL. He had to wait six months before his shoulder was fit enough to re-enlist.
The trail is the thing.... Louis L'Amour |
Mariebelle |
Posted - Jun 21 2011 : 8:36:11 PM Loyce, Congratulations to you and your son for getting into the SEAL program. That is awesome!
Born in the wrong era... Marie |
LucyLobo511 |
Posted - Jun 16 2011 : 12:26:38 PM Wow the SEAL program thats a huge deal to get to do that Congrats to him. Congrats on your daughters graduations. Our son has been gone since Oct 2010 AF Bootcamp and Tech school. I sure am missing him. He should be home in July. Then on to being stationed at Whiteman in MO. The service is a world of all its own. I have a whole new respect for every single service person. They work so darn hard and no one knows it.
Insane and Blissfully Happy Mari-lyn
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traildancer |
Posted - Jun 16 2011 : 11:51:14 AM Here's one to make you proud. Saturday my daughter graduated from Oregon State University (Go Beavers!) OSU has an ROTC program and about 30 people graduated. They asked the individuals to stand and the stadium started clapping and standing up for these kids and would not quit clapping. It was awesome. Finally we stopped and sat down. A high-ranking officer then administered the oath of office to these individuals. When he was down, the crowd did the same thing. I cried. It was so wonderful to see and hear the support for our troops.
And, on a personal note, Wednesday, my son left Chicago for San Diego to enter the SEAL program!!!!! He passed the preliminary training in Chicago. I am so excited and happy for him. He wants this so bad. I can't wait to see how he does.
The trail is the thing.... Louis L'Amour |
Mariebelle |
Posted - Jun 11 2011 : 07:54:46 AM Congratulations on the promotion! I always cried at those, i cry at just about anything- happy or sad. I surprised myself at graduation this year, i didn't really cry till i climbed in bed that night. I do miss active duty. When we travel we try to stay on military bases if possible. We feel so at home there and it makes me proud to walk around and see all the young active duty members- just something about it.
Born in the wrong era... Marie |
woolgirl |
Posted - Jun 10 2011 : 12:42:11 PM WE loved the aqaurium at Pine Knoll Shores! The admission is so reasonable and I think it is one of the better aqauriums we have been to. We went to the Shedd here in Chicago and I like my little NC one better! We honeymooned in Savannah and Charleston. The history in those cities is so incredible.
On a military note, my husband was promoted to HM1 today. It was very exciting as he was the only one from the entore command that advanced this cycle. It was funny because they always tell you tol hold your applause til the end, and he was the only one, so people didn't know whether to clap or not...lol! A blue side frocking ceremony certainly is different than a Marine green side one though! When I was in they were short and sweet, this was quite the production!
Liz Farmgirl #1947 |
batznthebelfry |
Posted - Jun 09 2011 : 9:45:16 PM thank you all you new hens for writing in...it means alot to me & I know to others like us that have to deal with the military life in some way or another....All this tall about the south has made me miss the time we were stationed in Georgia....We were at Fort Benning...now I did nt care for most of the military people that came in with their high & mighty attitudes but I will say I adored the people of that areas who were raised there....I spent alot of my growing up years in Missouri & got used to the way people treated each other....the hello's, the yes ma'ams, saying please & thank you...& I got that in the south as well plus it seems people were more willing to stop for a bit just to chat even if they didn't know you....& I am so bad at this....a 5 minute run into a store can be 30 minutes if I am talking to someone...lol...Now don't get me wrong Massachusetts is a beautiful state & thank goodness the small town we moved into 3 yrs ago is like this.....they have more of that southern/midwestern attitude about visitin' with others whether we ever see each other again. When we lived in Fitchburg I couldn't even get the shop keepers to smile...& forget about them saying hello....its hard for someone like me who wants the interaction of others when I am out...yes I have my bad days but if I am out I am always aware of my actions & try to be a good nice person....I will say that I have opened more doors for men than I ever have up here & very seldom hear a thank you from them...now in the south I would probably get a wink with the thank you...lol....funny how this country can be so different in so many areas....i enjoy my farmers laid back way of dealing with others & its so much less pressure too bad not everyone has figured that out..hey if my chickens are feed & watered its a good day...so my household is happy what more can I ask for?!....Michele'![](http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/Snitz/Images/kids dustbathing 004.jpg)
Chickens rule! The Old Batz Farm Hen #2622 |
Mariebelle |
Posted - Jun 09 2011 : 7:34:18 PM Liz- I agree, since going back to visit i would not live in J'ville now. I love Swansboro, we were members to the NC aquarium the kids loved it and going to the one on Emerald Isle, just outside of Swansboro was easy and quick to get to, the kids never tired of going there. Then once you are members you can visit any of the aquariums and make some day trips out of it. Yes, i love Savannah and Charleston too. My husband too me there when he returned from Afghanastan, then we've since made a trip back and will go more as long as i live out here- the southeast is my choice for vacation spots. We last stayed at Edisto Island, SC that was great.
Born in the wrong era... Marie |
woolgirl |
Posted - Jun 09 2011 : 7:26:21 PM There are things I miss about it, and things I don't. We lived in Swansboro, and I loved that area, but not Jacksonville. New Bern was pretty too. We will probably be back there in a few years, and I want to be out more towards Morehead City or New Bern. The town has really gotten big even from when we first got there, but it is not a very family friendly area, which is important to me with a 3 year old, which is why I think I like New Bern better. I love SC and GA, Charleston and Savannah and the most gorgeous cities. I always wanted to move to Savannah, but I love the Midwest and its fields, so I guess I am torn too!
Liz Farmgirl #1947 |
Mariebelle |
Posted - Jun 09 2011 : 7:13:23 PM Liz, Do you miss NC? I sure do. I want to move back either NC, SC or GA-- that is in my blood (even though i was born a Yankee) I dream of small farm there some day-- or a house on the beach, really torn about that, but it would have to be craftman style with a porch and clothesline!
Born in the wrong era... Marie |
woolgirl |
Posted - Jun 09 2011 : 1:23:19 PM We just came from Camp Lejeune Marie! 6 years there. My husband is itching to get back to an infantry unit. Like you said, it is in their blood!
Liz Farmgirl #1947 |
Mariebelle |
Posted - Jun 09 2011 : 12:06:56 PM Michele- My husband is a retired Marine. He now works for the Army Corps of Engineers and he VOLUNTEERED to go to Afghanastan last year. He went for 6months, he is on the list to go again. It's in his blood, especially for the career guys. You should have seen him, after being out for 11yrs- with his camis and boots, he was like a little boy going to camp!! He just loves being with other military men. He believes if he is still healthy enough he should be doing his part- i support him and all the military in their unselfish service for the rest of us. Most people don't understand that i could let him go, now that he is retired. It's something you just can't explain and only military wives understand. We've been married 26yrs this month have two kids, our oldest son (20yrs old) was born in Okinawa, JP our daughter was born on Camp Lejune, NC. He retired in 2000 and we moved to WA state where his family is. Our daughter just graduated high school. - Now what do we do???
I do work outside the home 3 days a week, but anytime you need to chat or vent or cry you just go ahead and do so- i will cry along with you and pray- it's all we can do.
Born in the wrong era... Marie |
batznthebelfry |
Posted - Jun 08 2011 : 2:27:56 PM thank you Reina...he is set to come home for good in April 2012 so its still a long haul but the R&R will be so nice....have a great day sweetie...Michele'
Chickens rule! The Old Batz Farm Hen #2622 |
rosarita78 |
Posted - Jun 08 2011 : 1:39:53 PM Hello Michele, I was just wondering about you and all the other hens too. Life is busy here in Kansas. And it's HOT outside. I'm the fRG leader so I've been working on pre-deployment stuff.... my turn! But other than that it's been great. I'm glad your R&R is coming and I hope you enjoy it. You've made it this far!!!!! How much longer? Enjoy your vacation!
I'm anxious to hear from the other hens as well, I hope all is well!
Reina
http://reinascountrykitchen.blogspot.com http://icookinnewmexico.blogspot.com |
batznthebelfry |
Posted - Jun 08 2011 : 12:02:00 PM I am sorry for not writing earlier its been one of those months....had a dog get into the chicken run & kill 5 of my girls...needless to say coming home after a nice visit with a friend was ended when i saw that....also been battling a limp node infection but am now doing much better.....good news is Thomas gets to come home for 2 weeks the beginning of July so that will be real nice...I am flying us to Vegas to see his folks & my little sis in AZ is driving down there to spend a few days as well....so that will be really really good for me.....ok now that you know how I am how is everyone else doing?
Diana...how is your daughter? Are they able to work on things now? Erica & Reina what is going on with you?
drop me a note here ladies/hens so I know you all are alright...Michele'
Chickens rule! The Old Batz Farm Hen #2622 |
batznthebelfry |
Posted - Apr 19 2011 : 7:37:20 PM It is good to hear from you again Diana...I am glad to see that your Daug & son-in-law are talking & that she is flying down to see him...I know this is so hard on you but its a big step forward for him...I think he has a bad case of PTSS...we can never fully understand what they go thur over in another country, the fear of getting shot or blown up....the being on mental guard 24/7, never knowing when you leave one area for another who might meet you on the way....Like any nightmare his has not ended just because he came home...asked Vietnam soldiers who still can't get their minds right....i know Thomas came home from Iraq different...for a low key guy he was always mad & it hadn't gotten any better before he left this time....so I can't wait to see what comes home to me this time....I just hope your daug still understands this isn't about her per say...she did nothing wrong but he had no one else to lash out to so she got it....its so sad the ugliness he saw over there came home with him & he had to pass it on to your daug.....I honestly feel he never meant to hurt her as he did...he just has so much bottled up from being over there that it came out in an attack on her...he needed to fight but didn't know how to stop all the ugly things he said to her......even though it sounds like he is still trying to work things out he has a ways to go but maybe this visit with your daug so he can talk & maybe explain some of the things going on in his head will be a help to both of them. I can say thought that every military personal I have met thur the years who had to go to war never ever came back the same....some drank or did drugs to cope with it, others wondered or became homeless & I have known a few that ended their lives because they couldn't go thur another night with their eyes closed. We will never get or see or understand what this did to them, all we can do is try to be there even when things are really bad to let them know we still love them & aren't giving up on them.....Michele'
Chickens rule! The Old Batz Farm Hen #2622 |
Fiddlehead Farm |
Posted - Apr 19 2011 : 06:00:02 AM Good morning my fellow military wives! I am so glad we can support each other through this forum. Update on my DD-her DH is really not himself. They have been talking on the phone and e-mailing the last couple of weeks. He says he is really sorry for what he has done to her and wants to have her come down for a few days. She is flying to SC on May 6th. I am so worried. He sounds like he is going through a nervous breakdown. She is really torn between staying in WI or moving back to SC. She wants her marriage to work, but is worried about him and how he is acting. Go through all the re-moving back and waiting for the next next heart break. After the initial shock and hurt, she seems to be really feeling like her true self again. Well, I got to go take a shower and get ready to head to the base to update my military ID! No matter what you do to look good, the ID photo always looks terrible!
http://studiodiphotosite.shutterfly.com/ farmgirl sister #922
Happy to be a "Raggedy Ann" in a Barbie World!
I get up every morning determined to both change the world and have one hell of a good time. Sometimes this makes planning my day difficult. - E. B. White |
batznthebelfry |
Posted - Apr 18 2011 : 8:56:33 PM Hello hens, just checking in to let everyone know things here are fine...I hope all of you are also doing good at the moment...we have had 3 days of rain so I am missing being in the yard...had started raking leaves....funny we have no leaf dropping trees in our yard but I sure get a lot to rake up each year from the neighbors & the forest...lol.....haven't heard from Thomas but I am sure he is alright...they are probably still trying to adjust body wise to the big change...but no news is good news to me....have a great week everyone...Michele'
Chickens rule! The Old Batz Farm Hen #2622 |
batznthebelfry |
Posted - Apr 06 2011 : 6:49:30 PM Just a note to let ya all know Thomas flies out of Texas tomorrow to head to Afghanistan. The sunday chat with him was so nice & I was glad to get to hear his voice...so now it beginning & the countdown begins as well for him to return. My little sister (age 51 lol) has been calling me about every 3 days not to ask about Thomas but I think she understands that this is hard for me to go thur again & is just being there for me...we talk & laugh & its so nice to have her do this without me having to make the 1st step. I am so blessed to have her as a sister...Michele'
Chickens rule! The Old Batz Farm Hen #2622 |
batznthebelfry |
Posted - Apr 03 2011 : 3:18:27 PM Finally got to talk to Thomas yesterday instead of phone tag/messages. He will be leaving out next tuesday or Wednesday, was nice to hear his voice & chat. he is doing good but ready to get on with it, which I can understand. I am doing good as well, been sewing which is always nice & caring for the chickens. we had snow on April Fool's day but thank goodness it melted so I can see the ground again. I have my seeds already to start planting once the ground warms up, am looking forward to the fresh beefsteak tomatoes this year....Michele'
Chickens rule! The Old Batz Farm Hen #2622 |
batznthebelfry |
Posted - Mar 31 2011 : 11:12:00 AM glad to hear you are getting out for the day Erica...yeah I have I guess about 27 yrs experience with the being a Army wife....it sure doesn't get any easier some days. Yes I went thur the training bit with Thomas in January so it was like hit & miss of when he would be home. I too, understand the getting 'sick' of it all....there are days that I just can't take anymore of anything. I am glad though I got thur this last bad one & am now better...even went to H&R block to do the taxes today.....usually that is done as soon as the W-2's are in but with all the stuff going on am finally getting it taken care of...I even did something of a good deed today...I was in a shop getting coffee & a older woman who had just finished her lunch was getting a homemade brownie in the pastry area so I paid it while they were giving it to her...don't know her but she was so sweet & I just felt I had to do it for her.That really brightened my day to see her smile....Michele'
Chickens rule! The Old Batz Farm Hen #2622 |
LeighErica |
Posted - Mar 31 2011 : 08:24:09 AM Glad to hear things are looking up Michele. Thanks for being understanding...sometimes I question myself after I write a response in fear that I have hurt someone's feelings. But, with 18+ years of experience under me being a military wife, I hope I have something to offer other spouses through friendship and comfort and care. And, even though I have it in me...some days/weeks I struggle too. I feel like I am warding off an emotional breakdown right now actually....CST training is coming up in a few weeks...that means a month apart and few other trainings kicked in before the actual deployment. So much is happening and many changes for us....I have it in me to make it...I am just sick of it all too. So, I am going away today...have to hit the post office and do some shopping....just need to think about something other than this. I know you get what I am saying...hope you have a good day today. Hugs, Erica |
batznthebelfry |
Posted - Mar 31 2011 : 05:53:30 AM Thank you Erica, to all of you that have been concerned do NOT ever think you are being preachy....good advise is good advise & when someone is down they need that from others....I want you all to know I am out of my funk.....I actually bathed!...yeap no more stinky me...I had to go into another town to do things so got out & actually talked to others & went to see my neighbor girl. I think it is funny I started this for others & I was the one who needed the help right off the bat....I love the idea of changing the bedroom....I too, do the put his things like shoes & coats away that are out...cause its too hard to look at...but his hiking boots & leather jacket are out cause I use them....the hiking boots I put on to tend to the chickens as they are big & can handle my bulky socks....the leather jacket cause I love the smell of the leather....I have a hanging rack in the laundry room that is full of his clothes I plan to put in the closet & bring out my warm weather clothes to hang there....its funny but I find stuff of his in the oddest places...right next to the washer is a small table & I guess he would empty his pockets of his uniforms there cause I have a dog tag, military tool ect there I found....funny how you don't notice this stuff when they are here but then..... Anyway thank you hens for all your prayers, kind words & checking up on me....I love you all for that....Just remember I too am here for you as well. Loyce congrats on the sons graduation. they grow so fast...one day they are little messy boys who make you want to pull out your hair & then they are all grown up & you hope that you did the right thing by them. My son is 33 & he just bought a mobile home so I can quit worrying about where he will live. He says it needs work on it but I am so thankful he finally figured out that he needed a place where no one could kick him out...ie apartment. It took a long time for him to grow up but I couldn't be prouder of him....Michele'
Chickens rule! The Old Batz Farm Hen #2622 |