Proud and Sad

I don't even know how to describe today. Exactly six months ago, James signed up for the Army. It was such a crazy time of our lives, and six months seemed so far away. Then, the last couple of weeks flew by, except last week. We went to Buxton, NC for vacation with some of my family, and I had prayed that God would let the time go by slowly. He answered my prayers! Even James said it went so slow!

Yesterday, I felt like I just couldn't get enough time in with James. It was like I had a to-do list of things to say and do before he left, but they just all didn't happen. I have been dreading today for 6 months now, and now it's over! I thought I would cry all day and hide in my room in the dark wanting to see or talk to no one. But, I have a God who can comfort, and He did just that today! I had so many people telling me they are praying for me, and I can feel those prayers! I don't consider myself a strong or independent woman, but God gave me strength today that can only come from God!

James woke up before me. I stayed in bed and prayed while he got ready for the day. Then, JJ woke up, and James brought him to bed with me. We shared the sweetest time singing, then he broke out in a sweet prayer and wanted me to pray after him! He just started praying while on vacation, and it is the sweetest thing I have ever heard! I got ready, and James said his goodbyes to JJ. It was really heartbreaking, but I didn't cry too much.

We stopped at WaWa for some drinks and a little breakfast, then headed to Richmond to meet his recruiter. We had a nice drive and had a good conversation. I have been quieter than normal the last couple weeks for fear of saying the wrong thing and just trying to soak in my time with him. We ate lunch at Chick Fil A, then walked to Wal-Mart to get a couple last minute things, then we browsed through Home Depot. I teared up a few times realized that we wouldn't do anything like this for quite some time.

When his recruited got there, we talked for a while. He seemed to really put my mind at ease with his encouraging words about the Army. I am very thankful for that. Our last hug and kiss were so sweet! I will cherish them for the weeks to come! As he rode off with the recruiter, I followed until we took our separate exits. I had prepared myself for possible pulling over from eyeballs full of tears, but that didn't happen. I cried for a bit, then I just kept thinking 10 weeks is not that long. I know it really is, but I'm trying to be positive here! I talked to my sister, Sarah for a long part of the drive.

On the way home, I saw a U.S. Army charter bus, and I felt so proud! I wanted to chase it down and thank everyone on the bus! Crazy, I know!

When I got home, JJ was still napping. James has had his bike listed for sale, and a man stopped by today to check it out! Thankfully, he bought it! This was a learning bike for James, so he seemed happy to let it go. Of course, he has plans for getting another.

When J woke up, we picked/cut some flowers for my mom. JJ wanted to help, so he was the one who gave them to her!

I got to talk to James for a few minutes tonight, which was really nice! We can still text, so that has been comforting. This week, he will be in reception, so I think I should be able to hear from him. So, to me the ten weeks will be more like 9 weeks.

I got an idea of having a countdown 'til we see Daddy, and I do not need to eat chocolate everyday. So, I have a huge Ziploc bag full of dum dums that JJ can eat everyday. He loves lollipops (pop pops), so this will be super fun! He got his first tonight and wanted Daddy to have one.

When I put him to bed tonight, he prayed, then asked for Daddy to pray. We've been taking turns praying the last few nights. I had to tell him Daddy wasn't here, but we could pray for him. He liked that idea! Maybe this is just the "honeymoon" phase, but I think I may be able to do this! Please pray for us if you can, and especially for JJ. He loves his Daddy to pieces, and I'm sure this will be hard on him.