US Navy Presidential Ceremonial Honor Guard at Norway

Graduation Here We Come!

Just got news that Bryan passed out-PFA.  He had a personal best with 55 push-ups (only needed 41), 70 sit-ups (51) and he ran the 1.5 in 11:19 (13:45).  I feel like I can finally breath.  We still have this week and three more to go.  With the Navy you never know what could happen.  I will continue to pray, but we are one step closer to graduation. 

I love to eat!

      Last night Ari must have been really hungry.  She ate a thing of sweet potatoes and then a container of applesauce, all while munching on her teething cookie.  BTW she finally has her first tooth.  Don't worry I didn't put her to bed like this.  She had to take a bath and get new jammies.

Liberty at Last!

Well, I'm writing this entry from the liberty center here on base in Newport, RI (think glorified student lounge...there are computers, televisions, video games, billiards, bowling, etc.). We were finally granted liberty after our class dominated the 8th week personnel inspection, and then passed (all but one of us) the navigation test. The liberty is on-base, but hey, it's still liberty. I went to Starbuck's with my roommate, who about wet himself waiting for his first taste of coffee in 8 weeks (I enjoyed a nice carmel spice cider), then we went to the store and got some junk food (not too much, though). And I'm writing this while watching the BYU-AF football game. From here, we're off to the bowling alley to get some real food. Tomorrow, the base's chapel is putting on a Thanksgiving dinner for all the students, so I'm going to enjoy myself some fine pumpkin pie (the rest of it will be ok, but I really want my pumpkin pie). We were told that we won't get liberty for Thanksgiving, but that may change between now and then.

Anyway, I just wanted to post a quick note to say thank you to everyone who has supported me through letters, prayers, fasting, etc. It has made all the difference in the world, and I know I couldn't have made it this far without you all. We just have one major evolution left (the exit physical fitness assessment) on Monday, and then we're on to CandiO phase and should be in the clear to graduate on 18 Dec. Again, all your prayers are very much appreciated!

Check This Out...

Check out the new button on my sidebar! Helen, a friend from the vollleyball family, and her husband Ryan are hoping to adopt a second child.

I am posting this to hopefully help them spread the word, so for any of you out there who read this, please, if you know someone who is looking to place their baby or you hear of something; please keep them in mind. They are super great people!!! Feel free to pass the button along. Thanks!!!

Lindsey thanks for the heads up.  Praying for Helen and her cute family. 

Rifle Drill

Bryan got to be a part of class 03's graduation last Friday. 

Can you find him?

If you cannot he is on the left at the very back. 

I knew it was him because of his jawline. 

My first picture of him in 8 weeks.  I cannot wait to see him.

Bryan Update

I am a little behind, but with a good excuse.  Ari and I once again got sick.  This time Ari got it really bad.  She got croup.  My poor little thing couldn't even cry because it hurt so badly.  After two trips to the doctors she was finally able to kick the nasty bug.  I really don't like cold weather, especially when it brings this white stuff. 

Well, last week was a busy week for Bryan.  He was preparing for a test on maneuvering boards and also his class had a rifle drill competition (which they kicked butt at).  Bryan's whole class passed the maneuvering boards on the first try, doesn't happen very often (especially when you have 55 in your class).  Later that same day they had their rifle drill competition.  It is very important that they do well because it reflects on their DI.  Needless to say Bryan's class set the year record in the competition. They were one point away from tying the all time record.  Go class 06!

After a week like that his class was hoping for some liberty, such as phones. They didn't get any liberties, just a nice well done.  Bryan is actually fine with this. He thinks that it will keep his class focused and it gives him something to look forward to at the end of the week. 

This week he has his last test and it will be on navigation.  He will also have another PI (personal inspection), which he will be wearing his blue uniform.  Next Monday he will have is out PFA and then he will hopefully be secured and get those phone privileges.  There is only one class left ahead of his, which means his class will have more responsibilities. 

We are on the home stretch and continue to pray that Bryan will be able to make it through these last couple of weeks.  With the Navy you never know what could happen. 

Super Sunday!

Well, I got a phone from Bryan today and he is doing great.  Continuing to work hard and enjoying the experience.  He has three more weeks until he is secured.  He prays that his class will stay on track and not ease up.  He has a lot of prior military in his class and that helps a ton.

This week he has maneuvering boards and rifle drill competition on Thursday.  His class was going to practice for two hours today.  They will only have Monday and then if the class chooses to they can practice on Wednesday.  They have Wednesday off for Veterans Day. 

He wants to thank everyone for the letters and says to keep them coming.  It is the best part of his day.  Mine don't always say much sometimes it is just sports clipping about one of his favorite teams or my team the Colts.  Go Colts!  But Bryan says he still enjoys getting them.  Bryan and I would also like to thank everyone for the prayers. 

I almost forgot he got his blue uniform and informed me he looks very snazzy.  I know it is hard for you all to believe that Bryan would make a comment like that about himself.  :o)  Have a great week everyone.

He passed!

So I have been dying today wondering how Bryan's Physical Fitness Assessment went along with his ORLP.  I told myself that if I made it to 5pm Utah time then I didn't need to worry anymore.  Yeah right!  When I got home tonight I had an email from Bryan stating that he passed the Mid PFA, and the ORLP. The following is from his email: "The Lord really had his hands full with me today!"  I am thankful that he realizes who is helping get him through this adventure. 

Our family truly appreciates all the prayers and fasting that has been made on our behalf.  We hope that we will one day be able to do the same for each of you. 

We're almost half way!!!

Bryan is almost half way through the program.  Week four was a big week and week six is pretty much like week four.  He has ORLP, which is room, locker, and personal inspection done by an officer.  A little less stressful than a Drill Instructor doing the inspection. They will have the inspection done while they are wearing their white uniform.  Bryan will also have is mid physical fitness test on the same day.  Tomorrow is a big day for Bryan.  If you can include him in your prayers please. 

The journey so far has been one of faith for Bryan. He has trusted in the Lord that he will help him pull through when he feels like he can go no further.  I almost forgot he had two academic tests last week and he scored 94 and 96 percent.

Halloween 2009

Well, Ari and I didn't do much for Halloween since I was working the 1A, 2A, and 3A State Volleyball tournament.  Thanks to Unc and Auntie Christina, Ari had a fun halloween.  Here are some pictures of the little bug.