OSUT (One Station Unit Training)

The first stop…the first true test. Not just a test for him, but a test for me as well.
Lets look back approximately a month ago, shall we? I’m standing in the official “Swearing In” room at the MEPS center. Seeing my husband swear in was kind of…a mix of emotions, I suppose. Bitter sweet, some may say. Proud that I’m married to a man who wants to be part of the “bigger picture” and frustrated/saddened that the Army now “owns” him and for the next 5 years, WE do as they say…and (as for those of you who know me…) I start balling once I hug him.
Then, I load myself, my son, & and my aunt into the car – we drive to the airport. I know what’s waiting for me there…more tears. Expecting to get some special time with my husband before he boards, he comes into the airport from the shuttle bus – lead of his group. He has to coordinate 6 other people to get to the gate and board on time without flaw (I call it his first true test J). He was doing wonderfully until “miss little truck driver” decided she wanted nothing to do with getting orders from someone who was a “her”. She took off and just met everyone at the gate (upon arrival at the Saint Louis airport, she decided she wanted more time to eat her lunch…so got smoked by the drill instructor, big time).
Well, everyone arrived at the gate & boarded. No time for “special time”. We watched his plane leave and that was it.
I must say, that was the hardest week for me. I was in a serious slump. But, here I am…at the one month mark and I’m doing just great. I’m anxiously awaiting his arrival home for Christmas – he’ll be home for 2 weeks and then he goes back. But what an extremely special Christmas that will be! I don’t need a gift…mine will be walking off the plane in ACU’s J.
Our plans for 2 weeks? Spending special time together…drinking a little too much (while our little guy is with a sitter, of course!)…see a movie, eat awesome holiday food,…relax, and share the beautiful Christmas season together. Also, on December 17th, our beautiful baby boy, Noah, will turn ONE! How exciting that Daddy will be home to celebrate his birthday!!!
We’ve come a long way to get to this step in Adam’s career and essentially, his dream. He’s finally there…I’m so proud of him!
As for me…this newly labeled “Army Wife”, I’ve never been more happy and proudJ. I plan to take every experience and learn from those experiences. I know there is much…much…much for me to learn along the way. In what ways can I best support my husband/soldier? How can I comfort him when he needs it? How can I give him encouragement when he needs it? And how can I be the best wife and mom possible? With all these questions, I keep coming back to the same answers…
Love and Faith. Prayer…

God Bless & thanks for reading –
Amanda

Introduction to our journey!

I’m really excited to share my journey with you. I’m a 23 year old mom and Army Wife. Our Army journey began very recently ago (November 18, 2009). My husband is currently at training for 31B – Military Police in Fort Leonard Wood, MO. He will be there until April 2010. My husband is my hero and my best friend. He’s living his dream and I am, as well. I never thought at 23 years old I’d be happily married with a beautiful 1 year old boy who keeps me on my toes every waking hour!

Professional plan of mine?...School is in the horizon as soon as we get to our first duty station. I’m still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up ;). Right now…my main focus is being the best mother and wife I can be.

I hope you’ll follow me on my journey as I document the joys, trails, frustrations, and whatever else may come from being an Army wife and mother.

God Bless,
Amanda -