2 Weeks Down

I guess its about time I updated this.

It's been just over 2 weeks since Matt's left. 2 down, 50 to go. Shane and I have settled in up north in the cold New England weather. Can't say I missed it although looking at DC's winter this year, I sure am glad we aren't there!

Matt reached his final destination earlier this week and is also settling in. His job puts him on 6 hour shifts so he calls when/if he can. Contact has been sporadic. Sometimes every other day, sometimes every day, sometimes every 3 days. Internet is available for $100 a hook-up. I am still in shock they are trying to charge that much. You would think the least the Army could do is provide free or close to free internet for our guys. They are underpaid and under appreciated enough. He is doing well otherwise, missing home and his baby like crazy but we'll get through this like we did our last one. We're strong and are fully committed to our marriage.

No news on R&R yet. Hopefully we'll know more in a month or two. I'm already counting down the days till we take that long awaited drive to the airport.

School started for me this week and although my classes are pretty basic, I'm enjoying having something to do and keep me busy. I'm hoping to be able to jump right back into classes after this block but the Department of Defense cut off my main funding for this first year of school so I'm not sure if I'll be able to afford to go back until July when financial aid kicks in. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

That's all for now! More to come!

"It's never goodbye...."

Matt left yesterday for Afghanistan. It's been an emotionally challenging week for all of us which including but was not limited to: a very sick baby, moving, manifest day getting moved up... I am surprised I have an ounce of sanity left. It was really hard saying "see you later" (we NEVER say goodbye) but we made it short and sweet and not drawn out. It's hard enough as it is...

My trip home was long and stressful. Almost didn't make my connecting flight thanks to some weather in Chicago. But we made it here around 11:30 last night. Shane did great, slept almost the whole time which was much needed for me.

Matt emailed me this morning (and called but I just missed his phone call) and let me know he had a short layover in Germany. I probably won't hear from him again until he gets to his final destination.

So here we go, round 2.

News for Andrea

This doesn't have anything to do with Matt deploying (well not directly) BUT I have finally started the getting back into school process. I talked with a University of Phoenix admissions representative who deals strictly with military and we got 99% of my stuff done including my application and FAFSA. Now I am just waiting for him to look over my UML transcripts to see what transfers so they can place me in classes. I am hoping to get my associates finished by the time Matt gets home. I am really excited about going back to school even if it is solely online. Wish me luck!

Some Deployment Info

Just for anyone wants it, here is Matt's address in Afghanistan:

SGT Kenney
FSC 1-187IN BN
FOB Orgun-E
APO AE 09311

Our FRG leader said mail is known to be really slow, about 3-4 weeks so allow plenty of time for holiday/birthday mail. Just a heads up, his birthday is March 20th :) I am going to be sending out one big care package a month and will be posting any special requests he has on here. If you want me to throw anything into his package, please let me know and I'll save you the shipping! I know things like beef jerky, sunflower seeds, Camel Lights (yes, its a filthy habit), Gillette fusion razors, Twizzlers would be much appreciated!

He will have internet access so emails should be pretty frequent unless lines go down or there is a reason for them to shut down communication. His email address is mattkenney31@gmail.com.

Time is flying...

In only a few short weeks. my husband will be leaving everything he knows and loves to fight in a war thousands of miles away. I don't know if it has truly hit me yet since I am going through everyday knowing he is coming home that night for dinner. I am wondering when/if it'll even hit me before he leaves. My house is a war zone of boxes and rubbermaid containers which is driving me bananas. We are eating on our couches since I sold our dining room table. I am thankful Shane has moved out of his only wanting daddy stage and hope it remains that way for the rest of Matt's time here. I don't want to have the image of ripping my son away from his father as he leaves. I think that's the hardest thing for me. I know I'll be fine, I understand he needs to go, but Shane won't. I don't want to be a "single" parent. I signed up for this, he was BORN into this. I just pray I am strong enough to be everything he needs while his daddy is off kicking the bad guys butts. I am going to give my all to being the best mother/temporary father that I can be. He deserves it and the last thing I want is for Matt to have to worry about either one of us. He needs to focus on the task at hand and coming home to us. Please pray for him and his family because the next few weeks are going to be hard on our hearts.