Gone Again!

Well Brandon is back at Camp Pendleton. I must say it was much easier letting him go this time. I've already received a text message from him telling me he arrived safely! He's going to have to adjust to eating just three meals a day...as since he has been home he has been eating non-stop! We really enjoyed having him home and being a family again. He is very happy and I truly believe hie is doing what God wants him to do at this time. If anyone wants to send him a letter the address will be different. We will post it as soon as we get it.

He's Home!

Family Day - We finally got to hug!!!

What a day! We were able to watch Brandons company practice and then we were able to go eat. Brandon wanted pizza! He made a couple phone calls and was just so happy. It was so nice to all be together again. He looks good and cannot wait to get home. A couple blisters on his feet, but other than that, doing great! Tomorrows graduation, then home. A fun day...full of contentment.

Platoon Videos are Out!

Here's Brandon's Platoon Video! Apparently, a platoon video doesnt have much action...it just scrolls through and shows their faces. One must take into consideration that some parents havent seen their "men" in months, so its a pretty big deal! They all look very serious! Wouldnt want to mess with them!

Another Letter to His Cousins!

We got another letter from Brandon! He really, really misses home and is very anxious to be done with his basic training. He was pleased to receive another UFC Fight update (as we send them every now and then). He said you can "endure yourself here with the right mindset, but i'm really starting to miss home." He tries to stay busy so he doesnt think about missing home! It wont be long now!!! We love you Brandon and are so very proud of you!!

Mother's Crucible Prayer

When you awoke this morning to begin the crucible
Did you know I walked every step with you that was possible?
When you humped all those miles over rough terrain,
Did you know I was by your side again?
When your rations were low and your belly was hungry,
Did you know that I wished it wasn't you but instead it was me?
When your feet ached and blistered from stress,
Did you know that I was carrying you deep in my chest?
When you were tired and sore and almost ready to fall,
Did you realize I would have carried it all?
When you had little sleep and your eyes were red,
Did you know I would have given you my bed?
When you had to push and pull for that extra mile,
Did you know that I was so proud and so tall, with such a big smile?

When you went to bootcamp, I went to one too,
It's the one where mom's worry over all you go through.
I couldn't eat dessert, knowing that you had no treats,
I felt quilty for wanting a pedicure, when you had tired feet.
I anguished over ever tough moment, I thought you had
I cried when I missed you, I cried when I was sad
I cried over your letters, that declared your love for "Mom"
I cried over thinking about the day you would come home.
I cringed if I thought someone was yelling at you
Even though I knew it's waht they had to do.
I lost sleep just wondering how you are
I prayed and thought and even wished upon a star.

Now your almost through and soon you will be
One of The Few The Proud, a New MARINE
I get an Honor too for going through the bootcamp for Mom's
I get to hug you and hold you in my arms
I get to see how handsome you really are
I get my bright shining star
No I don's get a medal or a pin to wear
I don't get to sport that awesome Marine Hair
My reward is one that can't be seen
It's called "Being the Mom of a U.S. Marine."

Home Stretch!

Hi Everyone!

We are on the home stretch…………less than 3 weeks! OOH RAH (that’s marine talk! LOL)

On August 18^th all of the recruits will begin the CRUCIBLE…….which is the test of everything they have been trained on thus far. It is a grueling 54 hours where they will work together to problem solve various situations, go through obstacles, cover 40+ miles, are both sleep and food deprived, and God knows what else………………..a very challenging event.

After this they will receive their EAGLE, GLOBE and ANCHOR pin and a warriors breakfast………probably the best meal they will get while they are there! LOL

If you can and wish to, now would be the best time to send a letter to let Brandon to let him know we are praying for him and his fellow recruits and also encourage him for this final event. All the parents will be forming a prayer chain due the the difficulty and importance of this test. From what I have heard, he won’t be able to get letters after the 18^th

I have attached the Mom’s Crucible Prayer (warning it is quite a tear jerker) but very true………except for the dessert part and the pedicure……..don’t think I had a problem with either of those…….but the rest is absolutely true! ;-)

His is address is to the right of this post.

Thanks again for all your prayers and support.

Finally! Another Letter!

After three weeks of silence, we finally received another letter from Brandon yesterday! He sounds so happy, but ready to come home. "I'm enjoying the ride, but still cant wait to get home." He qualified as a Sharp Shooter on the Rifle Range. He said some of the best food comes "in those little bags" you get when you're out on the field. He is very thankful for all the letters he has received. Due to time constraints, he will not be able to write everyone back. "Five weeks and five days left" (from when he wrote the letter...over a week ago). We booked our flights for graduation and we cannot wait to actually be able run and give him the longest hug! We are so proud of him. Thank you all for your continued love, support, and prayers. I could not have made it through this without each of you!

WooHoo Another Picture!

Here's another picture of Brandon...making one of his famous smirky faces! Sooooo good to see him straight on and not from the back!! What a good looking guy! Not sure who is friend is...but its good to see him too!

I Can Only Imagine

Here is a video/photos of chapel service yesterday! You can see side shots of Brandon...actually standing in the sun...when the song talks about it! Very grateful for any shots of Brandon I can get...and the ones from chapel service make me feel especially grateful. I tried to download the video but couldnt...so here is the link.

"I Can Only Imagine"