6 years later...... We are thankful for so much!

Veterans Day

Today is Veterans day! We are so appreciative and thankful for our Soldier or as we call him Daddy! It was only six years ago on November 17th that we said good-bye to our hero as he was leaving for basic training. What a journey we have been on since then.

We left our family and headed to Oklahoma, our first duty station. When we first arrived all I could think was where did he bring us too. It was so different from anywhere we had ever been, but it grew on us. Not even a year after we arrived we added a new member to our family, Brady :) We went through so many changes while we were there, and had some awesome adventures. We also made so many great friends that will always hold a place in our hearts. But we missed out on many of things we weren't use too, holidays, birthdays, and even the births of some nieces and nephews.

Shortly before we left Fort Sill, Steven re-enlisted for 4 more years of service and that re-enlistment brought us to Fort Bragg North Carolina! Not to long after we got here we found out that Steven would be deploying, we always knew this was a possibility and we prepared the best we could. We took the kids out and made some really fun memories and on October 19, 2009 we said good bye to our Daddy for a short while.

Steven missed a lot that year, and we missed him. We all made it through, there were many tears shed but many smiles too! One of my favorite memories was Steven watching the kids open their presents on the web cam. Luckily we were able to talk to him almost daily and it helped to make us miss him a little less. With the love and support of our family and friends we all made it through Steven's deployment.

Being an Army Family can be hard sometimes, and we miss being close to our family and all things that happen when we can't be there. Even though we miss out on a lot we have had some great experiences, our kids have seen so many things and experienced a lot more than I could ever imagine. We love our life, and all the people that have come into it since we became an army family.

We are so proud of our hero, and are thankful that he was able to come home safely to us. We just want to thank all the Veterans in our family that have given so much we are so proud of all of you and thankful for your sacrifices. Also to all the Veterans for all they have given, and especially to those who gave it ALL!!

SGT Steven Sloan 

WE LOVE YOU!!

Sometimes life gets crazy and you get lost in the craziness!

So it has been forever since I have posted, I am kind of upset with myself because I really wanted to write often and keep track of all the great things that happen to our little family. So much has happened in the months that have passed we had a whole summer filled with amazing memories.

The kids have grown and changed, and started new journeys. We decided to take a break from home schooling, Lilli started 8th grade this year and she is doing amazing. I was so worried about her skipping a grade and being away from the public school setting for 2 years. She made some great friends the very first day and is a social butterfly. Her grades are great too, I could not be any prouder of our princess.

Jason is now in 1st grade and growing up so fast, I remember when he was my little monkey and all I did was fuss over him now all he wants to do is run away from me and be with his friends :) Oh Brady that little booga started Pre-k, and he's mister popularity everyone seems to just fall in love with that little guy. I'm in big trouble when he grows up ;)

Andrew's year has been a little more difficult for him and me. Because of his autism and a lot of things we have been going through I really wanted to make sure that he had everything he needed in place before he started school It took so many phone calls, emails, and meetings so I could make sure that he would be successful in school. He is now going into his 3rd week of 6th grade, we are starting off easy he goes half days for now and we will gradually increase his day. We are hoping to have him in full days after Christmas.

Steven and I are both still in school as well working hard towards our degrees, I am hoping to start substitute teaching within the next few months. Steven still doing great at work I could not be more proud of him and all he does for us. 

I am hoping I can get back on track and keep up with posting our adventures for everyone to see!