On the down hill stretch

I don't really know if anyone reads this, but I'm terribly sorry I'm so bad at blogging. One of my goals is to get better at doing it, especially when school is over and the wedding is done, that way friends and family can keep up with all the new and exciting things God is doing in my and Brad's life.

Since the last post, I finished summer school for the last time until nursing school (whenever that may be). I did well in both classes, and am so glad they kept me busy to make my time pass quickly while Brad was gone. LDAC was successful for Brad (not like I didn't think it wouldn't be), and he graduated the program on Aug. 5 after a long month of training.

The Saturday after his graduation he had a 4.5 hr layover at DFW. Starting at 0500 (need to get used to military time :-P), and YES, I was there at 0500 to pick him up for breakfast at IHOP. We were so excited to see each other even if it was only for 2.5 very short hours. He showed me the pictures he took, and told me stories that I'm sure he will carry with him for the rest of his life. Later that day he arrived in Leesville, LA to continue onto what is basically an internship at Ft. Polk. He spends his time with two LT's who happen to both be Aggie alums.

This past weekend I made the trip to Ft. Polk to spend some time with Brad, because his weekends are free. It was SO good to see him. We talked about anything and everything, and just had a great time. I miss my best friend and am ready for him to be home. He only has a little less than two weeks left before he makes his way back to College Station just two days before school starts up. Poor thing won't catch a break until probably Christmas time.

On top of school and wedding planning, the next big thing we are awaiting is finding out his branch. We hope to know sometime in November, but for now we will focus on each other, our last year of school, and planning our special day.

So far so good...Army wife test run

Bradley has been gone for just around 4 days now. It feels like much longer than that, but I'm keeping a positive attitude. I even have two countdown apps on my phone. One counts down the days until I will be able to speak to him over the phone/skype, and the other is until he returns to Texas. Fortunately, after he left, I spent the weekend with family and that kept me distracted. However, now that I'm back in College Station it is very quiet.

On the other hand, I found my wedding dress. It's perfect and that is all I'm saying about it. It was very exciting! No, I didn't cry and neither did my mom, but we aren't happy criers. Actually, Mom just plum never cries.

Short post, but that is all I have to report. Right now I am considering my Army wife test run as easy. Staying strong and happy, because that is what he needs to know. Thank goodness I'm very independent!!

Can't think of a witty title...

With only a little over two weeks left before Bradley leaves, all of it is starting to hit me. If I spend too much time thinking about it the tears start rolling, so I do my best to avoid it. I'm trying to savor every minute we have left by holding onto every hug a little longer, giving him two kisses instead of one, and telling him how much I love him every day. I know this will not be our last time to go this long without seeing each other. We've done 3 months after we first started dating, BUT we Skype-ed almost every day. Not being able to speak to him or hear from him is going to drive me bonkers. There's nothing easy about thinking something you want to tell your best friend and not being able to pick up the phone and call, but we will pull through. I know I will have the support of my loving family and his. Prayers for strength are very much appreciated!!

Over the past several weeks I've stayed fairly busy. I've been commuting to Denton just about every weekend to accomplish something toward the wedding. We've booked a DJ, gotten a few more decorations, I tried on dresses for the first time (lots of fun!), and took care of some detailing with the wedding coordinator. So far, minus one "Bridal meltdown," everything has been smooth sailing. This coming weekend we will meet with a photographer and taste cake. The goal is for all the booking of stuff to be done by December. Here's to hoping we accomplish our goal!!

I ordered a book off of Amazon last night called "What No One Tells the Bride." Anxious to see what it says!! I found it while browsing in Barnes&Noble yesterday, but wasn't willing to pay almost $20 for a paperback book, so I looked on Amazon and got one for $0.01, and after paying for it to be here within 6 days, I only dished out $7. I like a good deal :-)

Summer is Finally Here!

Finals are over, and grades are in. WHOOP!

After finals, Bradley and I headed to Gruene, TX to spend a few days with his family. His dad is home on R&R from Afghanistan, so it was especially good to see him. We did all the fun Gruene things- ate at the Gristmill, listened to some music in Gruene hall, shopped, and floated the river. This year's river experience was much more enjoyable than the last.

I got the opportunity to spend some time at the condo with just Mr. and Mrs. Bergfeld. They taught me a lot about the Army, and what I can expect. I'm so excited, but nervous at the same time. There are quite a few rules I have to remember...eek!

Currently, I am having what I like to call an "Army wife test run." Brad is doing a preparation week for the camp he will attend over the summer. It's only the second day, and I miss him so much. He isn't allowed to call, but he manages to sneak in a text or two every now and then which leaves me pretty much glued to my phone at all times. He won't be able to text when he is at the camp in July for four weeks...it will be hard, but I will be ok.

This military lifestyle is a whole new world to me. Thank goodness I'm very independent, but I know I will have my rough days. Prayers of strength would be much appreciated.

Jeremiah 29:11

I'm sure by now most of you have seen that God's plan for me is to be a US Army wife. Brad and I are very excited to start this journey together.

Anyway, God's plan has been on my mind lately. In my opinion, it is one of the hardest lessons to learn. Recently, Brad had his cadet evaluation. The purpose of the evaluation was to inform Brad of where he stands as he enters LDAC this summer. He was a little bummed after the evaluation, because he isn't where he thought he would be. I don't really want to go into the details about how all of it works, because I'm not even clear on them. All of this made him concerned about what will happen as far as his first choice goes for what branch he will be placed within the Army.

He was probably a little miffed when I wasn't exactly being sympathetic with him, but while I sat there and listened to his concerns all I felt was peace. God has already placed him in the perfect position. He mapped out his life before he was even placed on this earth, just like he has done with the rest of us.

I find a lot of comfort in knowing that. I know it's hard to let go, and let God. BUT his plan is best. His plan will not harm us. His plan will prosper us. His plan will give us hope. His plan will give us the best future we could ask for.

I hope someone will take away from what I just wrote. It's a hard lesson to grasp, but it's totally worth it!