Almost PT Ready!

Got some more letters today. I really have no idea how often he is sending these because I got 3.
Skyeler says that his PT is almost where it should be. For basic he needs to do 31 push ups, 43 sit ups, and the 2 miles in 17:30. As of the 23rd he is able to do 59 push ups, 47 sit ups, and the 2 miles in 17:50. So he only has to lower his run by 20 seconds. He really has been improving. In January he was able to do 55 push-ups, 33 sit-ups and the run in 19:38. So he really has improved on his running.
Things are getting easier for him as they get more difficult. He is very thankful for the prayers that he has received. His platoon still needs a lot of work but he still has 7-8 weeks left. They will get there.

Skyeler is getting ancy for some letters but this was as of Feb 23 so we have only had his address a few days... I'm sure once they start coming in he will be quite thankful. I think it takes a good 4 days. Got to love snail mail. I don't know about you guys but I hate talking to paper and having to wait two weeks just to have a conversation. 1 week-ish for your letters to get there then another week-ish to get it back. I love getting letters though. Just hate the wait. Thanks again for writing him... Oh an don't worry about putting the 4 on the back. He is in Platoon one not four so put a 1 on there instead. (he should have crossed that out) Oh well it will still get to him regardless.

An Unexpected Surprise

Skyeler surprised me today. How you might ask, he is 2,000 miles away. I will tell you.

So I was actually doing my homework and I was listening to Pandora the Michael Buble station and a song came on that I really liked "Lucky" by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat so I went and was organizing my music on the computer (windows media player) and was organizing my music on my phone as well. (yes I got quite distracted from my homework)
Well then I wanted to put some more songs onto windows media player and so I went and got my cd's from the car and was rip-ing them. Well as I was putting them on the computer I noticed some unknown albums.
So I clicked on one and I was a little frustrated because it is a pet peeve of mine when you don't have the song title and it just says track 2 or something like that.
So I go to this unknown album and to this track 1 or whatever it was and I started to listen to it and..................................
I realized it was Skyeler playing the guitar and singing to a switchfoot song. I seriously started to cry. I miss him so much. It has been almost 22 days since I saw him last. Yes I've received letters but there is just nothing like having your husband right there with you.

So I organized a playlist and I have that on repeat. I just play it over and over.... I don't think Skyeler did it on purpose but It was needed today. Today has been my "one of those days". Now I have my hubby on my phone and I can listen to his voice whenever I want. It is like on P.S. I love you when Hillary Swanks character calls her husbands phone over and over just to listen to his voice-mail so she can hear his voice. That is almost exactly how I feel.

Anyway I just had to let everyone how amazing my husband is. It doesn't matter if he is trying or not. He is just amazing.

MAIL TIME!!!

I got another letter, I really don't know when or how often to expect letters but it really has been helping me receiving them as often as I have. Today's letter was on Skyeler's birthday.. He found it strange not being around loved ones but the went to the "Victory Tower" and he said it was mostly an absolute blast. Skyeler got to do a series of rope/climbing/rappelling activities. (I'm just going to type was he says)

"First we climbed across three different rope bridges. One with two ropes on top, one on bottom. One that was just a thick rope that we slide face first down. And one that was one rope on top, one on bottom. (you can probably look it up on youtube "victory Tower fort Jackson) I totally aced it. After the rope bridges we waited on cold bleachers for our group to finish. It was so cold outside. After a while we were instructed on how to make a "Swiss Seat", the rope harness used for rappelling. It was painful to install and even worse to wear for any period of time. After that we moved to the 100 ft tower, climbed it and freaking rappelled off of it. I didn't have the slightest fear or anxiety. Not even when stepping off the edge or moving backwards to straighten my legs. IT WAS AWESOME.......the real basic training started today. Now were gonna do more than just morning PT chow and class after class. Were gonna do some of the more fun stuff now. We shot blanks through our weapons yesterday. It was alright but there was very little Kick, and it wasn't very loud. I can't wait to get shooting though. For my birthday I treated myself to 2 glasses of chocolate milk for evening chow. I mixed each glass with some skim milk and loved every flippin drop of it. That was my present to myself. The Victory Tower was the Lord's gift to me."

He continues to say that mail is starting to come in. He hasn't gotten anything yet. (really I'm surprised other people have gotten mail since I didn't have his address till the day this was written). His battle buddy is sad he hasn't gotten anything and he always sings the mail-time song from Blue's Clues. I hope his battle buddy will get something soon. I hope Skyeler gets my letter soon.. Thank you to those who have let me know you have written him. It makes me smile knowing how much he is loved by his family. Also I guess a private dislocated his shoulder on one of the rope bridges and had to be picked up by the ambulance. Skyeler reassured me that he will be ok. I just hope it doesn't post pone his graduation date.

Again thanks for all you do and I hope you enjoy Skyeler's updates. I sure do enjoy getting his letters!

3 new letters.

I got 3 letters from Skyeler yesterday and it made my day. I have been feeling kind of down just because I really miss him and I didn't know when I was going to get another letter. I didn't know if he was going to wait for me to send one and then send me one or how it was going to work but I got letters and I was soo happy.
Skyeler is staying positive and optimistic. I knew he would but I was slightly worried. But his platoon is needing some help. He has a lot of younger guys who thing they are all bad A and they just make things miserable for his whole platoon. Sky just wants to get through it and do what he is told but they are making everyone look bad. Sky has been getting discouraged just because he missed me and everyone back home. He has been losing some weight (we all knew he would right) but they don't have a scale so he doesn't know how much. He is determined to continue eating from the green menu and he has given up all drinks except water and milk. For those of you who know Skyeler well giving up even chocolate milk is a big thing. He sure does love his chocolate milk. My next letter was him saying that he was going to allow himself to drink chocolate milk on Saturdays! :) oh he is so funny I just love him. PT (physical training) is getting easier for him so I am optimistic that he will do just fine on that portion of the test for graduation.
On Sundays he is able to attend an hour and a half of church. So sacrament meeting and part of priesthood. He was really feeling the need to go and be spiritually uplifted. I am so glad that they encourage going to some sort of religious service. I think all the SIT (soldiers in training) need it. Also on Sundays the soldiers eat the MRE's since the dining facility closes early and again Skyeler enjoyed his meal. Makes me wonder if they are not suppose to like it?
Sky would like to thank everyone for praying for him to be able to sleep, it has been working. I would also like to mention that I think Skyeler has learned a lot the past couple of weeks and is growing as a person. He is going to be such a better individual coming out of basic than going in. I knew he would but I have already started seeing the change in him. He is such a special person and I love him so much. Please continue to pray for him and his platoon. Sky has been getting discouraged but he continues to be positive and optimistic. What a wonderful example.

New Friends...

It has been a very interesting couple of days for me. Yesterday I went out to dinner with my step-sister and her friend after making or attempting to make flowers out of plastic spoons. (yes it is possible and they are really cool). Anyway while I was at dinner I got a friend request from someone who's husband is in the same group as Skyeler at basic. They are actually friends and the only reason why I continued to look into this friend request is because I recognized the last name from one of Skyeler's letters.
yesterday I was also trying to find anything I can about basic after talking to my step-brother and him mentioning you can find facebook pages about certain companies at basic. So I found a couple of sites and met another friend who's husband is also in the same group as Skyeler.
Technology is amazing and I am very blessed to have it. I have been able to find friends who understand what I'm going through right now because they are experiencing the exact same thing. I have also been able to find information and so I'm not so worried or confused about what is going on or what to expect. Why I didn't find out about this earlier who knows but I'm glad that I have found out about it now instead of after it is all over with and wishing I knew about it.
Nothing new about Skyeler.... I am just waiting for another letter. I send him my stack of letters on Wednesday (I had 12 letters and 2 birthday cards, Plus a letter from his cousin who is serving in Finland). I think he will be quite happy when he gets that. But I have heard that for every letter it is 10 push-up and more if it is on colored paper or the envelope is all girly looking. :) That means I have caused him at least 120 push-up. I wonder how many push-ups it is for birthday cards because in the same envelope dad and Kandie sent one to so that is technically 3 birthday cards..... Guess we'll find out later.

I GOT A LETTER!!! AHHHHHH!!!

Skyeler made my day today. I got a letter from him and I haven't been able to stop smiling yet!! It is also his birthday today so it is like he gave me a gift for his birthday. I hope I will be able to sleep tonight.

Skyeler is doing well. The "Shark Attack" wasn't as bad as he was thinking it was going to be. He has made friends with his battle buddy and they get along really well.... They got to eat a MRE and he liked it, had to throw away all the sweets and candy though. His is getting better at his drill but as a platoon they struggle a little there are a few individuals that like to continue talking when they are not suppose to. He got his M-16a2 and have been doing drills with them as well as crawling through a sand pit with their faces in the ground.

So overall he is doing well. He is staying optimistic and positive and learning a lot. I am so blessed to know and have him in my life. I know I have said this 1,000 times now but it is true. I am so blessed he is my hubby..

If you want his address please leave a comment and I'll email it to you or get it to you somehow. (as long as I have your contact info) I don't want to put it up on a public site, you never know who could be viewing it.

Home Alone-ish

This past weekend I have had the house to myself! It has been quite the experience and I am glad that I had the time and quietness in order to get caught up on some homework. (I got behind because of the trips to Blanding and Vegas and then Skyeler being gone totally threw of my routine. Especially since I was having sleep issues waking up every couple of hours, ick I know). But I am almost back on top of homework.
Today has probably been the most interesting though, I woke up and went to church on my own. No parents, hubby or siblings. Its kind of weird for me especially since I went to the temple by myself this past week as well. But anyway I'm glad that I know I can go and do things on my own once in a while and not always have to have someone by me so I don't feel like I look weird.
Last night I was writing to Skyeler and in my journal and I realized that today was going to be the 12th anniversary of my Grandma Kunzler's Death. It's amazing how detailed I remember that day. I felt really alone and it has kinda meshed into today as well especially with being alone in the house. Not saying it is a bad thing or anything just a learning experience that's all because we all know we are never truly alone. Especially when we are living the gospel and are blessed with a constant companion and that our Heavenly Father is always watching out for us. I'm glad that he is and I think it was because that I went to church and didn't have anyone to talk to during sacrament meeting or the other classes that I was able to really take in the talks and lessons and really know for a fact that someone is always there.
I really do feel blessed with all that I have and for who I am. I would always think nobody would ever want my life it is so boring and I have so many complaints about it. But I know that I am where I want to be and that I am happy with me and my life around me. I am grateful for my examples around me and for the examples that are left behind as memories from loved ones. It is amazing how much I have learned in the 2 very short weeks that Skyeler has been gone. I knew that this would be a time of growth and learning and I was right for it has already started.
I had an interesting though earlier today when I was thinking of my life and today and Skyeler but for some reason I feel that he isn't alone while at basic and that he has some special people watching out for him giving him strength. I really do believe in guardian angels and I can think of a few that would be watching out over him so he won't feel alone just like I don't really feel alone even though I'm "home alone".

Valentines Day 2012

Wow, this post isn't going to be about Skyeler... This year for Valentines day I was somewhat dreading it since I knew Skyeler was going to be gone but then I got the idea while talking to a friend that we should go hang out and I should get out of the house and just have a fun evening.
That is exactly what I did...... My night started out with my friend Jessica and I going to the store to get some supplies for dinner. OOH it was so good I made french toast and we put strawberries, whipped cream, and chocolate syrup on it. It was very yummy. Jessica's singles ward was having a "Tangled" party and since Skyeler wasn't around I was invited to go. I had a ton of fun even though I knew nobody I broke out of my shy hide in the corner self and was able to really socialize and get to know other people. Ya they were all "single" but I found a few with a lot of similar interests and had a really good conversation. (I really thought Skyeler and I were the only weird ones who liked to watch the special features of every movie) guess not.
At this party the individuals in charged really wen tall out. they had the bags with lights leading up to the front door, had the purple flag banner things with the sun on it draped everywhere, then homemade lanterns on every available space on the ceiling. For dinner someone made an amazing butternut squash soup and then had the most amazing looking cake ever. (once I get to it I'll post a pic from my phone) It really was awesome. Then we had smaller little station activities such as coloring on the tables that had paper on it for Rapunzel's wall murals, fingernail painting, and then hair braiding with flower clips! The whole thing was quite girly but like I said before a TON of fun. I'll have to steal some of those ideas for when I have a little girl and need to throw a princess party.
The party probably ended around 10:30 ish but Jessica and I stayed to help clean up then we got talking to one of the girls that was there that wasn't in the ward but knew the family that lived in the house we were at.... Well we got talking and again had a lot of similar interests and we exchanged numbers so I made a new friend. Yay me!! (we ended up staying till after 1:00 am.
So all in all I had an amazing time and so grateful that I have friends that were willing to get me out of the house on Valentines day and so I didn't mope around. It was a hard day not having Skyeler there but I felt blessed at the same time. I felt blessed because I was truly happy for those who were able to spend time with their husbands or get a valentine from someone who they like, but even though my husband is 2,000 miles away from me that I know that he is doing all of this for me. I don't know a lot of people that would sacrifice all that Skyeler has in order to better their lives. Joining the military is a big thing especially basic training and they go through. It is a lot of mental and physical exercise and I guess I am just so blessed with knowing how much my husband loves me. I am surprised (sorta) on how well I am doing emotionally. I have broken down a few times but I think I can feel the prayers from everyone with the strength to carry on and learn from this adventure. I am glad that I have a positive outlook and that I can still be optimistic and have a good attitude even though on a day that is meant to spend with your love I wasn't able to. But I know I felt of his love and I hope he felt of mine, cause I was sending it his way all day!!

Officially at Training!

Skyeler is officially at training and all done with the processing. It was quite an experience for him. But I know he did just fine. Around 8:10 this morning I got a 2-3 or so second phone call. It sounded quite rehearsed and rushed. I think there must have been a Sargent making sure he didn't take longer. My phone call went a little like this..... (in a groggy voice) hello. Skyeler- "I am in the Bravo company #260 (or however he said it) Expect a letter in about a week". End of phone call. Seriously that was my phone call.
So yay for Skyeler for getting there. I guess I can somewhat count down days. I should be getting a letter from someone saying when graduation will be and I'm sure I'll have at least 2 countdowns. I sort of already do... I have one till my graduation from USU, then 2 days after I graduate Sky has to be in Maryland for his AIT (Job training) so it's kind of a count down till I move out there. Give a week or so.
I can't wait for this to be over. I miss him tons, but Patriot my little soldier bear from Build a Bear keeps me company and is so squishy that it is like a little stress ball. I am so glad that we got it. I basically carry it around with me everywhere and I couldn't care less about what people think. I must admit I would probably give someone the same look if I saw some 23 year old girl carrying around her stuffed animal. :) But it is super special to me and I'm sure if anyone was in my shoes they would understand and maybe do the same thing. I know that some individuals will never understand but that is ok. I kind of want to tell people... You try being around your best friend everyday then have him be shipped off and people telling you when you can or can't talk to him. Having to sleep alone and adjust to having to warm the bed all by yourself. (lol I am always freezing!!) Then not having your best friend to tell all your good news to or show them those funny things on the computer. Then not getting to do anything for their birthday or even talk to them on Valentines day.
To me this bear is Skyeler while he is away and I can talk to it and tell it all my exciting news about school or my worries and constantly tell it how much I miss Skyeler and it just smiles back at me. In a way it is like talking to Skyeler. Therapeutic really. We all have our ways of coping and adjusting to life and the trials it brings.
I am glad for our adventure and the growth and learning that we are both going to have. It is just that sometimes growing and learning takes hard work. But I'm going to stay positive and that way the time will go by faster and I will appreciate what I am going through more and what other people have and will sacrifice. Skyeler and I are going through this for a reason and we will be better for it. So who cares if I take my teddy bear a long for the ride. Peter Pan did on Hook. (sorta) :)

Processing -Pre Basic Training

GUESS WHAT!! I got a call from Skyeler about 4:30 this morning! I was so excited. I have a certain ring tone for when he calls and so I was quite surprised, excited, and in all honesty somewhat confused when I herd it and was trying to figure out what was going on. Well anyway, Skyeler mentioned that while they are doing all of the pre-stuff before basic (doc appointments, getting his ACU's (uniforms), and whatever else) that they have the privilege of having their phone with them and that they can make phone calls when they have some free time. That doesn't happen a lot from what he was saying. Either way I am so grateful that I got a call. Even if it was at 4:30 am.
Skyeler told me a little about how his days have been going. The day starts really early. He gets up at 3:00am (1:00 Mountain time) and gets ready for the day and at 4:00 his drill Sargent person comes and get him. Yesterday they did all of the appointments so the dentist and eye doctor etc.. He also talked to someone about pay and paperwork etc... So I guess when Skyeler said that a guy had 3 min to eat that was accurate. Sky has to eat him meal as quickly as possible. I wonder if by the end he will have more time to enjoy his food once he has more privileges. Skyeler's last stop last night was to get his boots. He is in a Platoon(?) of 15 guys and when they got there they kept having the groups of 60+ go in to get them so they had to sit and wait for a couple of hours just to get boots. Once they finally got their boots it was off to the barracks and they were able to have a quick shower and head to bed. He said they go to bed either at 10 or 11. Doesn't give them to much time to sleep. That is only 4-5 hours. He did say that at the actual basic training they try to give them a full 8 hours. That is good I know they will need it.
At meal times when they go and get their food there are 4 different options. Each option has a different color assigned to it. So each color represents different health options I guess it the best way to put it. But the green options is a high energy with lots of greens and not a lot of calories. (I think your eating habits have rubbed off on him Dad and Kandie) So he will have that for lunch and dinner and for breakfast he has his bacon (of course) and whatever else is there. Skyeler did mention that just about everyone has an accent, the ladies that worked in one of the offices has Pictures of the President everywhere and on another one of the ladies desk there was a figurine of Jesus with two sheep, but that Jesus was Black. :) It really has been quite an experience for him. He said it was exactly like the MTC just more busy and a lot more swearing.
Lastly Skyeler is asking for prayers so that he can sleep at night. He has only been getting about an hour worth. He has never had difficulty sleeping and I assume that it is just being in a new place, he is probably still anxious and excited, then all of the new learning and having a face paced day. So please please add that to your prayers. I don't want him not feeling good and getting headaches because of lack of sleep. Thanks again for your thoughts and prayers. We both need them.

Flying out.

Yesterday was basically the last time I was able to talk to Skyeler. He called me when he got up at 5:30 and again at 8:00am when he was boarding his plane at SLC airport. I'm glad he called even though it meant I didn't get a restful sleep. From Salt Lake Skyeler flew to the Atlanta Hurtsville-Jackson airport and was there for about an hour. He was going to call me when he was there but I guess it was a rush to get off the plane, get food, and get over to where he needed to be for his next flight. This flight was only about 30ish min (or so it felt to Skyeler). This flight was from (obviously) Atlanta to South Carolina to the Columbia Metropolitan airport. When he landed him and the couple other recruits went to a room full of food and they could have whatever they wanted. :) This is when I got my last phone call and my last few texts. He only had about an hour before the Sargent came to get them. I assume that when the Sargent got there they went straight to post and into reception where they take your phone and other belongings and give you your new wardrobe and you get all up to date on medical exams such as an eye exam and a dental visit. This process takes about a week maybe longer. So I don't know when I will get to talk to Skyeler again but when I do I should have an address to give out. We were told at his meeting Saturday that it will probably only be a 30 second phone call. Better than nothing!! So I guess this is the last of his updates for a little bit.

One last day with Skyeler

Today was a good day, even though it was my last day to see Skyeler. Sky had to be in bed and lights out by 10 pm last night and had a wake up call at 4:30. He had to go to MEPS and he was there for about 7ish hours and he was need for only 30 min. The rest of the time was waiting for everyone else.
Around 2:30 I was able to go and spend some time with him. We ended up going and sitting in the hot tub, swimming, dinner, then relaxing while watching a movie. It was a great afternoon. Again I feel so blessed to have him in my life and I know that this is the right path for us. Even though I know the next couple weeks will be hard.
So as of now I am waiting for Skyeler to finish writing in his journal so he can text me and I'll be able to talk to him for most of the day tomorrow. He flies out at 8ish am and he goes to Atlanta Georgia and they will drop off a couple of recruits and then off to S. Carolina. Once he gets there his phone will be taken away and I have to wait 2ish weeks before I get any word on what his address is. I'm not exactly looking forward to that. I usually do really well when he is gone if I can call or text him at any given point. But I'll make it through. For every moment that he is gone it means that I am one moment closer to being with him again!!

An official Army Wife

Well I dropped Skyeler off at the hotel a couple hours ago. It was quite an interesting experience. I was slightly emotional but I was trying to put on a happy face for Skyeler because he was so nervous and anxious. I think it worked or at least I hope it did.

I gave Skyeler his surprise and I was with him as he read through all of the encouraging messages. Boy was that part emotional. Skyeler felt so loved and blessed from all of the messages and you could just tell how much he loved all of the notes from his best friends and family. I am so glad that I was able to do that for him and that I got that idea. I think it really made his night and he even said that it was the most perfect thing that I could have given him and lots of other mushy stuff. I am so glad that I was able to be there while he read them.

I never have really been good at recognizing promptings from the spirit and it is my goal to be better, but after I got home I was talking to my Dad and was talking about how I got the idea for Skyeler's surprise and Dad just simply mentioned its a good thing you followed the promptings of the spirit. I was kind of surprised but as I look back on it I know that that idea came from the Lord. He knew that Skyeler would need that and I am so glad that I was able to follow the promptings and help Skyeler. I know it will be hard for him to leave behind all he knows to go get yelled at by drill Sargents and jump out of air planes, but I think this gift will help him. I know that I couldn't have done this on my own. I really depended on a lot of other people to help me out and I am so glad that it came together. This gift to Skyeler wasn't just from me but from everyone. It didn't matter if you sent me a message or not I know that Skyeler felt love from many many people.

I feel extremely blessed to have the Husband that I do. I have learned so much from him and I am so blessed that I have someone that is willing to sacrifice so much for me and our future family. I know that the next few weeks will be very difficult for me. Especially since I will be Skyeler-less for both Valentines day and his birthday but I know all things happen for a reason and that I am going to be a better person because of it. It is my goal not to be a little hermit or whatever and lock myself in my room and be all depressed till I see him. I don't think I'll learn anything if I do that. I hope that I can become who I am to become through this experience. I hope Skyeler will be able to learn all he can and get an advantage in film-production stuff. I am very glad that Skyeler will finally be able to have a job where he can use his creative skills and talents. He is such a talented person and I know he will do well.

Thanks again to everyone who helped me with the messages. You have no idea just how much it meant to him to receive it. It truly was a blessing. Thank you.

Basic is basically here

Skyeler is leaving in approximately 26 hrs from now. I don't know if I can accurately describe my feelings... I don't even know if it has really hit me yet since he is sitting on the floor right now going over his orders and not gone. All I can think about is that this is his last night at home. Then no more Skyeler till the end of April. I have a lot of worries and stress when thinking that I am going to have to take everything and what if I don't know where to go or what to do. I know that there are programs and people everywhere willing to help Military families but in all reality I just want Skyeler to be the one to fix everything or make sure that all is in order.

I am very glad that I was able to make Skyeler a little gift before he goes. I have a collection of notes that I have put together in a binder from a variety of family and friends and I know he will appreciate it. Skyeler is such a special person and I'm so glad that there are so many out there that care for him and willing to take time out of their lives to type up a little letter.

Thanks for all the love and support everyone has given us.