Life is what happens while you're busy making plans

While we were in Washington we discussed having Eric's youngest sister come live with us. She just turned 18, and graduated from High School in May. Since Eric and I both have become very familiar with college over the past few years we felt we would be able to help her by giving her a place to live while she attends school. Plus, she could give me a hand every once in a while when the babies come.

Once we got home we talked even more about Eric's original plan to try to cross commission into the Air Force. The more we talked about it, the more the answer was clear. For stability, and peace of mind, it would be best for him to stay Army, and put in a packet for Officer Candidate School (OCS) for the spring. We are going to wait until the beginning of the year because we didn't want to run the risk of him being in school, in another state, when the babies come! So, after talking with the re-enlistment guy at work we discovered that if Eric changed his MOS (Military Occupation Specialty) from 11C (Mortar) to 11B (Infantry), that the difference in the bonus is almost $10,000!

So, after scrambling to get paperwork done Friday, and this morning, Eric calls me and says, "I re-enlisted! Do you want to come for the ceremony?" Now, I had only fallen asleep 2 hrs prior & was half awake so I said, "I'm off Wednesday, does that work?" He said, "I guess," and I hung up the phone. After about 30 seconds it hit me that they would probably do it in the morning, and Wednesday morning I could be coming off a 12hr shift. So, I called him right back and said, "ok, I'm awake & computing...what are the options?" He laughed and said that they had planned to do it at 1000, which was in 1 hr! So, I brushed out my bed head & headed out to the Ranger Camp.

These are always really short & sweet, but I was glad I was able to be there for his very last re-enlistment. The Army does things a little differently, and if you re-enlist after you've served 10 yrs, it is a commitment to retire. So, go big or go home, right!?!

Here are some pics :o)

Eric & Maj. Lowell:



Me receiving a certificate of appreciation for being a kick-a Army Wife:

If you can't read the small print, I'll summarize. "Way to go Chica!! Your husband is awesome, but the Army needs amazing women like you to truly make it Army Strong. We are excited to have complete and utter control over your husband's life until he retires, but being able to retain you as an Army Wife is what really matters. Ranger Chicks Rock!!"

Me & my Sexy Army Ranger!