Graduation

Friends and Family:

Here's an update of our time with Spencer:

We arrived in Oklahoma on Wednesday evening late, ready for bed, but so excited for morning to come. Family Day was Thursday morning. The soldiers demonstrated what they had learned over the weeks at Basic Training and then when that was over we were able to see Spencer. He was able to stay with us off base until 8:30 p.m. We had so much fun meeting his friends and hearing story after story of his experience.

Friday morning we were up and off to graduation. What a wonderful ceremony they had for the soldiers. There were 207 soldiers graduating. Now I must brag -Spencer graduated with honors. He was in the top 10%. I was so glad I didn't wear buttons that day because I would have popped them off! After graduation the day became very long as Spencer had to move to a new location on base where he will be for the next 6 weeks for AIT (Advanced Individual Training). He got moved in and all his paperwork done and then he was able to leave on a weekend pass! He stayed in the hotel with us 2 nights! We had so much fun. He pretty much just wanted to sit around, watch TV and eat junk food! It was so wonderful having him with us.

We took him back to base on Sunday around 1:30 p.m., as we had to get on our road home. Believe it or not, I didn't shed a tear leaving him. He seems to be so happy and knowing that in 6 weeks he gets to come home for 10 days helped too!

We feel so blessed to have had this special time together as a family. It was a precious time and I thank God for allowing us all to be in Oklahoma together.

Dawn
"Proud Army Mom"

Graduation Week!

It's here, finally ~ graduation week! Nine weeks tomorrow we said good-bye to Spencer with promises of seeing him at graudation in nine weeks. Nine weeks seemed like an eternity, but here we are getting ready to go see him!

I was really bumming this morning because we hadn't heard from him in 2 weeks, but the day got brighter. Around 2:00 p.m., my phone rang and I looked down and to my surprise it was Spencer! Was I ever glad to hear his voice on the other end. He sounds so good. He said they had been out in the field for 4 days and then when they got back on base they had to start cleaning and preparing for graduation! He said he'd be able to call more now because they get to keep their phones with them!

I asked if there was anything he wanted me to bring him and he said, "yes -Mountain Dew or A & W Cream Soda and Fudge Rounds". I asked him how about if I bring you both Moutain Dew and Cream Soda? His response, "That would be sweet!" (that's my boy)

I thought this was so funny he said, "Hey, Mom, Whitney sent me this picture of her and Taylor - Taylor is wearing one of my shirts. Has he been wearing my clothes?" (I told Taylor not to but he didn't think Spencer would find out). Taylor you're busted! He sounded more like my Spencer during this conversation!

He told me that he just found out today that he would be receiving an Honor Grad Award at Graduation. I guess just a few soldiers get picked to receive this so it's quite an honor. He has excelled in all areas of his training. I know I'm bragging but I can't help it. We are so proud of our Soldier!

Well next time I'm on here I will be posting graduation pictures. Can't wait to share with you.

As always, thank you friends and family for your prayers for Spencer. It has been such a comfort to know so many of you are lifting up Spencer's name to Lord every day. Let's remember all our soldiers in our prayers.

Dawn
Proud Mom of a U.S. Army Soldier

P.S. It suppose to be in the 80's and 90's in Oklahoma! Could be hot but better than cold in my books!

The Countdown Has Begun!

We leave for Oklahoma in 17 days! Graduation is April 22 but we will be heading down on the 20th so we will be there for Family Day on the 21st. We are getting so excited! We can't wait to see him and I'm pretty sure Spencer is feeling the same way. He is anxious for us to meet his new friends.

Spencer sounds really good. He is upbeat about his training although he said he is ready for basics to be over. He said the hardest thing is not having any alone time. You are with the same people 24/7 with no breaks from each other. He is also missing hearing country music! He said that they sing alot but they are all starting to forget the lyrics to songs since they haven't been able to listen to them. I asked him if this was making him appreciate the little things in life and his answer was, "Definitely"!

He said they don't get yelled at near as much anymore. He said the Sgt.'s are actually starting to joke around with them.

They are beginning to get more phone privileges. He said today he had an hour that he could talk. He talked to us and then called Whitney. Whitney definitely enjoys hearing from him.

I am so anxious to see him in his uniform. He said they got their dress uniform and shoes and their berets. He said they get to start wearing their berets the last week of basic. He is very anxious to get wear it!

Thank you to everyone who has written him. He really appreciates the letter and cards. We all appreciate all of the prayers that you have been saying for Spencer.



Dawn
"Proud Army Mom"