Friday, May 30, 2008
Army Times
I just wanted to let every one see Tom's name in the Army times. Look under Master Sergeant and click on the picture and it will come out better, closer up. Sunday is his big day. And remember the mail going to him stops this weekend. 
Tommy in his room
Tommy and I were chatting on line and he sent me two pictures from the web cam, he' so silly. I'm so lucky because I've been talking to him every morning and then we get to chat on line before he goes to bed. I'm loving it. In just a few days, I'll be able to say he'll be home this month!!!!!!!! I can't even begin to tell you how nice that feels. This third deployment has been by far the hardest but as a military wife you TRY to stay together, if not for you then for your kids.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Tommy promotion
I know I have told everyone who will listen but Tommy gets his E8 on Sunday June 1ST. I am so proud of him. He is going to be pinned by my brother-in-law that's over in Iraq as well. Damon is married to my sister Rebecca or as we call her Boo! If he can't have me and the kids there at least there will be family there. As soon as I get pictures sent my way I will post them. I have asked a few people for pictures so hopefully we will get them right away.
Tommy's name from the promotion list for 1 JUN
SPIES THOMAS ALLAN 15Z5 MSG 01 JUN 2008 UA31 20140630
Sunday, May 25, 2008
10 things never to say to a person with a deployed spouse
I have been through a few deployments myself and I'm always amazed by some of the comments received. Through our time in the Army, I've heard quite a few and heard many more that have been relayed to me by other Army wives. So I decided to develop the top ten things you should never say to someone who has a soldier deployed. Ready?
1. I don't know how you do it.
Well, guess what? In all honesty, I don't know how I do it either. I just do. Because really, what other choice do I have?
2. I could never deal with it if my husband was gone for that long.
Hmmm...how does hearing how someone else can't deal with it help me to deal with it?
3. Are you scared that something may happen to him while he's there?
This one has always really perplexed me. Of course, I'm scared. I wouldn't be human if I wasn't. But being reminded of the fact that something may happen to him doesn't help me out.
4. Do you miss him?
Every time I was asked this, I just wanted to respond "Oh, no, definitely not. I like it when he's gone. It gives me the chance to be all by myself 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Who wouldn't want that?" Of course, I miss him. Wouldn't you miss your husband?
5. I know just how you feel. My husband was on a business trip last month for three days and I just thought I would die.
Are you kidding me? First, I barely notice now if my husband is only gone for three days. Second, unless his business trip was to a place where everyone is openly carrying a gun in the street trying to kill him and suicide bombers and roadside bombs are prevalent, its not remotely close to being the same. The only thing I may give you on this one is that you know what it's like to sleep in an empty bed.
6. Do you worry about him cheating on you? Or along the same lines...How can you go without sex for so long?
Well, people, it is a little thing called self control. That and a love for my husband and respect for my marriage. Do some people cheat? Sure they do - both here in the states and overseas. But people cheat in civilian marriages too. Being in the military has no bearing on that.
7. How can you sleep at night knowing your husband is a murderer? Won't you be afraid when he comes home?
This one sets me off more than any other. No soldier is a murderer. Have they had to kill someone? Quite possibly. But there are a great many soldiers who never have. It's not something they talk about in daily conversation. Regardless of what they do overseas, it does not make them a murderer. They are in a war zone and following orders. I have never once even had an inkling that I should be afraid of my husband because he is a soldier.
8. I'm so sorry your husband had to be deployed. Don't you just hate President Bush?
My husband joined the military of his own free will AFTER 9/11 knowing full well that he would probably be deployed. The President may be the one running the show, but both my husband and I knew what we were getting into when he joined. I'm proud of him and his accomplishments. And I don't discuss politics or religion with anyone. :-)
9. If you truly supported your husband, you would be protesting so..he wouldn't have to deploy again/could be brought home/the war would end.
Really? My definition of support must be much different than the definition of support by these people. Supporting my husband means supporting him in what he does and what he believes in. It does not mean disrespecting the men and women who volunteered to defend our country and our rights. If it weren't for them, I wouldn't have the right to protest in the first place. I'm certainly not putting myself in a position where it could be construed as anything other than 100% support for our troops and their families.
10. I can't believe your husband did this to you. Aren't you mad at him?
Um, what?! My husband didn't do anything to me. He honors his agreements and he follows the orders of his superiors. There's certainly nothing sad or maddening about having a husband who fulfills his commitments. Don't feel sorry for me. I'm proud of my husband and I completely support him
1. I don't know how you do it.
Well, guess what? In all honesty, I don't know how I do it either. I just do. Because really, what other choice do I have?
2. I could never deal with it if my husband was gone for that long.
Hmmm...how does hearing how someone else can't deal with it help me to deal with it?
3. Are you scared that something may happen to him while he's there?
This one has always really perplexed me. Of course, I'm scared. I wouldn't be human if I wasn't. But being reminded of the fact that something may happen to him doesn't help me out.
4. Do you miss him?
Every time I was asked this, I just wanted to respond "Oh, no, definitely not. I like it when he's gone. It gives me the chance to be all by myself 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Who wouldn't want that?" Of course, I miss him. Wouldn't you miss your husband?
5. I know just how you feel. My husband was on a business trip last month for three days and I just thought I would die.
Are you kidding me? First, I barely notice now if my husband is only gone for three days. Second, unless his business trip was to a place where everyone is openly carrying a gun in the street trying to kill him and suicide bombers and roadside bombs are prevalent, its not remotely close to being the same. The only thing I may give you on this one is that you know what it's like to sleep in an empty bed.
6. Do you worry about him cheating on you? Or along the same lines...How can you go without sex for so long?
Well, people, it is a little thing called self control. That and a love for my husband and respect for my marriage. Do some people cheat? Sure they do - both here in the states and overseas. But people cheat in civilian marriages too. Being in the military has no bearing on that.
7. How can you sleep at night knowing your husband is a murderer? Won't you be afraid when he comes home?
This one sets me off more than any other. No soldier is a murderer. Have they had to kill someone? Quite possibly. But there are a great many soldiers who never have. It's not something they talk about in daily conversation. Regardless of what they do overseas, it does not make them a murderer. They are in a war zone and following orders. I have never once even had an inkling that I should be afraid of my husband because he is a soldier.
8. I'm so sorry your husband had to be deployed. Don't you just hate President Bush?
My husband joined the military of his own free will AFTER 9/11 knowing full well that he would probably be deployed. The President may be the one running the show, but both my husband and I knew what we were getting into when he joined. I'm proud of him and his accomplishments. And I don't discuss politics or religion with anyone. :-)
9. If you truly supported your husband, you would be protesting so..he wouldn't have to deploy again/could be brought home/the war would end.
Really? My definition of support must be much different than the definition of support by these people. Supporting my husband means supporting him in what he does and what he believes in. It does not mean disrespecting the men and women who volunteered to defend our country and our rights. If it weren't for them, I wouldn't have the right to protest in the first place. I'm certainly not putting myself in a position where it could be construed as anything other than 100% support for our troops and their families.
10. I can't believe your husband did this to you. Aren't you mad at him?
Um, what?! My husband didn't do anything to me. He honors his agreements and he follows the orders of his superiors. There's certainly nothing sad or maddening about having a husband who fulfills his commitments. Don't feel sorry for me. I'm proud of my husband and I completely support him
The Phone
When my husband joined the Army, I never knew I would have a love/hate relationship with my telephone. During his training, I hated waiting for it to ring, never knowing if it actually would or not. I wanted to throw it across the room when I missed the first few times he was able to call me. But on the rare occasions when I was able to hear his voice on the other end of the line, it would absolutely make my day. I remember thinking after he graduated that at least I wouldn't have to be a slave to my phone any more.
Was I ever wrong about that. Since he's been with his unit, the love/hate relationship continues. Whenever he deploys, I find myself again having to wait anxiously while I will the phone to ring. And it is instant disappointment when I see a phone number that doesn't belong to him. I loathe having to take my cell phone with me everywhere I go, including to the shower. I'm always so happy when he's home because I no longer have to worry about sitting at the very back of the church so I can slip out the door if he calls. Or having to sit in the front of the theater with my phone in my lap so just in case it does ring, I will see it light up.
Perhaps the most frustrating thing about phones and the Army is that it seems like I'm no longer allowed to make outgoing calls. He's in charge of the communication. I can only sit and wait for it to ring, never knowing if it actually will. If I want to tell him something, I have to make notes and be sure I have them with me (along with the phone) if and when he does call. Since obviously its impossible for me to just pick up the phone to call him.
Then the phone call comes and you get to deal with the *pleasure* of the call being dropped mid-sentence or it sounding like he's in the middle of a category 5 hurricane. Oh and don't forget the delays. It's always fun when you're talking over each other because of that. But regardless, when I answer the phone and hear "hey, baby", a smile creeps on my face and I'm again in love with my phone. Now if I can just figure out a way for entire deployments to go by as fast as phone calls do, I'll be set when the next one rolls around.
No matter what though, I always look forward to the day that I can turn it off, leave it at home and take a shower without my little "friend". That is true freedom!
Was I ever wrong about that. Since he's been with his unit, the love/hate relationship continues. Whenever he deploys, I find myself again having to wait anxiously while I will the phone to ring. And it is instant disappointment when I see a phone number that doesn't belong to him. I loathe having to take my cell phone with me everywhere I go, including to the shower. I'm always so happy when he's home because I no longer have to worry about sitting at the very back of the church so I can slip out the door if he calls. Or having to sit in the front of the theater with my phone in my lap so just in case it does ring, I will see it light up.
Perhaps the most frustrating thing about phones and the Army is that it seems like I'm no longer allowed to make outgoing calls. He's in charge of the communication. I can only sit and wait for it to ring, never knowing if it actually will. If I want to tell him something, I have to make notes and be sure I have them with me (along with the phone) if and when he does call. Since obviously its impossible for me to just pick up the phone to call him.
Then the phone call comes and you get to deal with the *pleasure* of the call being dropped mid-sentence or it sounding like he's in the middle of a category 5 hurricane. Oh and don't forget the delays. It's always fun when you're talking over each other because of that. But regardless, when I answer the phone and hear "hey, baby", a smile creeps on my face and I'm again in love with my phone. Now if I can just figure out a way for entire deployments to go by as fast as phone calls do, I'll be set when the next one rolls around.
No matter what though, I always look forward to the day that I can turn it off, leave it at home and take a shower without my little "friend". That is true freedom!
A nice lady.....
While we were down town today I was looking at some pictures and a lady started talking to me because she notice my purse, which is made of the uniform they were in Iraq. And she asked if I was married to a military man and i said yes. She then asked if he was in Iraq, I said yes. She asked when he left, when he was coming back and how many times he has been gone. So we talked a bit then she said I have something for you. She gives my a poem of The Silent Ranks, so I've posted it for you all to read. It was very nice of her. She said she stood behind our guys and women who serve but she stands behind the spouses as well. So I thanked her and she wished me luck. So I thought I would post it for you all to read.
We enjoyed our self and the kids got treats from the USO and were thrilled with that. Hannah had her friend Hanna with her, and Irma was with me. It was another day down, so that's another day closer to being with my husband. We are just so excited about his return. It just can't get here soon enough.
We enjoyed our self and the kids got treats from the USO and were thrilled with that. Hannah had her friend Hanna with her, and Irma was with me. It was another day down, so that's another day closer to being with my husband. We are just so excited about his return. It just can't get here soon enough.
The Silent Ranks
I wear no uniforms, no blues or army greens.
But I am in the military in the ranks rarely seen.
I have no rank upon my shoulders. Salutes I do not give.
But the military world is the place where I live.
I'm not in the chain of command, orders I do not get.
But my husband is the one who fires the weapon, who puts his life on the line.
But my job is just as tough. I'm the one that's left behind.
My husband is a patriot, a brave and prideful man
and the call to serve his country, not all can understand.
Behind the lines I see the things needed to keep this country free.
My husband makes the sacrifice, but so do our kids and me.
I love the man I married. Soldering is his life.
But I stand among the silent ranks known
as a Military Wife.
But I am in the military in the ranks rarely seen.
I have no rank upon my shoulders. Salutes I do not give.
But the military world is the place where I live.
I'm not in the chain of command, orders I do not get.
But my husband is the one who fires the weapon, who puts his life on the line.
But my job is just as tough. I'm the one that's left behind.
My husband is a patriot, a brave and prideful man
and the call to serve his country, not all can understand.
Behind the lines I see the things needed to keep this country free.
My husband makes the sacrifice, but so do our kids and me.
I love the man I married. Soldering is his life.
But I stand among the silent ranks known
as a Military Wife.
Friday, May 23, 2008
VERY EXCITING NEWS
Well the time has come to share some exciting news with you all. I was informed that I will be having a very Happy 4TH of July with my HUSBAND!!!!!!!!! Yes he will be home before the 4TH, we can't give you a date but will let you know when the time comes. He is coming home early. I am so very thrilled and happy. There's so many emotions going on right now it just seems unreal. It's been a very long deployment and we are almost done. Thanks for all the support and prayers from our families and friends. Please keep all of the men and women in your thoughts and prayers until they are all home with their families. Love Sara
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Birthday flowers
My mom surprised me with Birthday flowers this year and they are beautiful. I had a very nice Birthday and enjoyed ever bit of it. I got to talk with Tommy a couple of time we even enjoyed some IMing for a while. The kids made me some amazing gifts and Tommy got me a running watch with a GPS on it and it keeps track of your heart rate and all kinds of neat things. You can use it for the bike as well. I got calls all day and got to enjoy a mommy movie while the kids were at school. My friend Irma and her daughter Jasmine took me and the children out to dinner. So all and all the day went by nicely. I had a hard time at the start of the week because I was turning 39 and felt sorry for my self and Tommy told me to remember it's only a number. I thought about it a while and realize he was right, and life goes on. The only thing missing this year was Tommy but we will makeup for that soon. This deployment will be done before we know it. (YES) Thank you everyone who called and emailed me Birthday wishes. I'll keep you posted on what's going on with Tommy as I find out. Love Sara
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
E Mail Address
Hey there everyone. We have changed our email address to teamspies@yahoo.com , we will no longer be using the thirdidwife one. So please make note of this because your emails will be sent back to you if you use the thirdidwife one. I hope that everyone is doing well. Have a great night! Love Sara and family
Great News!!!!!
Well I just wanted to let everyone know that my husband is getting promoted on the 1ST of June. We have been waiting for this for a while so we are very excited. Things are starting to come together. Now the next big step will be getting him home. Thanks for all of you who have been asking and keeping up with this. I'll post pictures when he sends them. Please keep praying for his safe return along with all our other men and women there. Love Sara
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
The Spies' have a new duty assignment!
We are so thrilled to be able to tell you all that we will be on our way to Germany by Christmas. Our report date is not until January 10TH but we want to get over so the kids don't miss much school so going during their winter break will work out better for us. It's a three year tour so we should have plenty of time to go visit many places. So pack your bags and come for a visit. We are so excited! This is our year, Tommy will be coming home soon, he will get his new rank and we will get a new duty station. What else can we ask for. I'm ready!
Early Birthday Gift
A Message in a Bottle
Happy Birthday
Better friends could never be found you can look high and low the whole world around. Of good time and bad mile after mile the memories we've made always make me smile. So, a hug and thank you in this bottle I send to show you my love because you're my best friend. Happy Birthday!!!!
I love you, Tommy
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Mother's Day Flowers
I have to say that Tommy out did himself on my flower this time. They are by far the most beautiful ones I have gotten so far. They came today and it was a nice surprise. He also got me a wonderful book that had a tear of two (three) to my eyes. Thank you Tommy for making my dream come true of having the Greatest Husband and two wonderful kids. My life is great. And in a few months when you get home it will be even better. I love you Tommy, Thanks for all you do to keep me going. Can't wait until we are together as a family again. Soon, I know soon!
Happy Mother's Day
Happy Mother's Day to you all. I hope you have a great one. For all of us who are here with out our spouses, get out and enjoy your self. This is your day and you have earned it! I will post our pictures from what we do soon. Take care. Love to all Sara
Friday, May 9, 2008
Military Spouse Day, 2008 as told by President Bush
President proclaims Military Spouse Day, 2008
Military spouse embody the courage, nobility of duty, and love of country that inspire every American. On Military Spouse Day, we pay tribute to the husbands and wives who have support their spouses in America's Armed Forces during times of war and peace.
The legacy of military spouses began when colonial Americans were fighting for independence. Martha Washington boosted the morale of her husband's troops by visiting battlefields and tending to the wounded. Since then, members of our Armed Forces have served our nation accompanied by the steadfast love and support of their spouses and Families.
While our men and women in uniform are protecting our country's founding ideals of liberty, democracy, and justice, their spouses live with uncommon challenges, endure sleepless nights, and spend long periods raising children alone. Many military spouses are also committed volunteers, serving other military families and local communities. Our nation benefits from the sacrifices of our military Families, and we are inspired by their courage, strength, and leadership.
On Military Spouse Day and throughout the year, we honor the commitment spouses have made to freedom's cause. To learn more about ways to support our troops and their spouses and Families, I encourage all Americans to visit http://www.americasupportsyou.mil/.
NOW THEREFOR, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and law of United Stats, do hereby proclaim May 9,2008, as Military Spouse Day. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities and by expressing their gratitude to the husbands and wives of those serving in the United States Armed Forces.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight,and the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.
GEORGE W. BUSH
Military spouse embody the courage, nobility of duty, and love of country that inspire every American. On Military Spouse Day, we pay tribute to the husbands and wives who have support their spouses in America's Armed Forces during times of war and peace.
The legacy of military spouses began when colonial Americans were fighting for independence. Martha Washington boosted the morale of her husband's troops by visiting battlefields and tending to the wounded. Since then, members of our Armed Forces have served our nation accompanied by the steadfast love and support of their spouses and Families.
While our men and women in uniform are protecting our country's founding ideals of liberty, democracy, and justice, their spouses live with uncommon challenges, endure sleepless nights, and spend long periods raising children alone. Many military spouses are also committed volunteers, serving other military families and local communities. Our nation benefits from the sacrifices of our military Families, and we are inspired by their courage, strength, and leadership.
On Military Spouse Day and throughout the year, we honor the commitment spouses have made to freedom's cause. To learn more about ways to support our troops and their spouses and Families, I encourage all Americans to visit http://www.americasupportsyou.mil/.
NOW THEREFOR, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and law of United Stats, do hereby proclaim May 9,2008, as Military Spouse Day. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities and by expressing their gratitude to the husbands and wives of those serving in the United States Armed Forces.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight,and the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.
GEORGE W. BUSH
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Mail for Tommy
I wanted to let you all know that June 1ST is the cut off date for mail to be sent so please don't send anything after June 1ST. If anything changes I'll let you know. Take care
Tommy
Tommy is back at Camp Stryker and is doing well. We have been very lucky with being able to talk to him everyday. The emails come everyday as well and it sure is making this half of the deployment easier. The kids really get a kick out of him calling them before school and I think it makes him feel good as well. August can't get here soon enough. We have already started making plans for a family trip for when he gets home a much needed one by then. He'll at least have a month to spend with the kids before school starts up again. Well enjoy your weekend and to all the mothers out there Happy Mothers day. We are going to the beach to get seashells and to do lunch with Irma and Jasmine. It should be fun, we wish the guys were home to be with us but there is always next year.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
First off sorry it's been so long since I have posted, no excuse just lazy. (I guess) Some friends of ours went with us to Oatland Island and the kids really enjoyed it. This is our third time there. I did take more pictures of the animals but they did not turn out so great so maybe next time. Irma and Jasmine live across the street from us, she is married to a good friend of Tommy's that we have known for awhile, his name is Timmy. He is also over in Iraq doing what has to be done. But our time is getting shorter and shorter every day. It's over a year now and we are very ready for it to end. We miss Sunday cookouts and to be honest everyday simple things that some don't even think twice about. It's really the little things we miss the most, well the husbands are the most but you get what I'm saying. So until they are home please keep them in your thoughts and prayers along with the rest of our men and women over there. I hope you enjoy the pictures.
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