Deployment Day...

We started our Deployment Morning by going to

Justin's Favorite place...Waffle House!!!!
I think you can tell by his expression how he felt about this! lol

Me and Justin posing together ;o)







Making sure he has everything packed up and if any additional items are still needed.


Seems like we kept making more trips...

I actually caught Justin smiling and all eyes open! ;o)

I think Dioge was in denial, didn't want to hang with Justin.He just wanted to go outside and play ball. His normal routine...

Murphy was like this all day with Justin, he would not leave his side.He just wanted to cuddle and be close to him.

Justin and Dioge "playing ball" together - this was heaven for Dioge!!






Justin putting out our American Flag as we make our way from the house to Fort Bragg.

On our way to the drop off zone, Justin decided he needed to "touch up" on his shaving. I just had to take a pic, and they give us women grief about putting on make-up?? Really?

This was the final picture I got of my Sarge before he went in with his Unit to Deploy. So Handsome!

I have had emails from him since he has arrived at his new home and this makes me feel much better. And, today I received my first Skype message with him before he worked out and went to bed. So, at least I know how well he is doing and reassured of his safety (as much as possible).

He LOVED getting all of my letters/notes & pictures that were hidden in his packages. He said that it really made his day after such a long trip to get these messages. I'm glad that it helped him, as it helped me prepare for him to leave as well.

Now, time to get started on with the care packages!!!

SGT Addison

"SGT Addison with his New Rank"

********************************************

The beginning of the Ceremony - separated on 2 sides:

"Leaders" & "Followers" ~ basically "NCO's" & "Soldiers" - Justin started out as a "Soldier"

Justin & Brito called up to the front of the Battallion for their Promotion Ceremony.

At this point, we as the Family were also called up to stand behind them infront of everyone. ;o)

Captain Lowe giving a very good speech about both Addison & Brito's profiles & then about how they need to "break all ties" and "cross over" to become a Leader....

However, all I got out of this speech was MO'MONEY!!! lol

Captain Lowe Ripping off Old Rank....

Sgt Martinez Slapping new Rank on!


1st Sg Craven giving Justin his Orders

After the Ceremony and the changing of the Ranks, and both "SGTS" gave acceptance speeches, Captain Lowe stated that this had to be "Sealed with a Kiss"

- at this point I stepped up and gave my SGT a kiss!!! WOOT WOOT!

Then, me and Brito's Hubby left the stage for the rest of the Ceremony...

1st Sg Craven given the Speech to the New Leaders

about "Crossing Over" and asked them if they were

ready to accept the Challenge.....they both accepted....

Then he asked the Leader side if they will

accept these 2 to their side...

They accepted....HOOAH....

At this point, they were ordered to go to their new, deserved place in line.....They Ran over there!

Taking their place on the "Leaders" side

They sure did fit right in...

Getting Congratulated from everyone -
it was a very long line!

Jumpmaster for Justin

Justin has decided to take the Jumpmaster test so he has been studying hard every night this week. The test is next Thursday and I just know he will do Awesome! In case you don't know what a Jumpmaster is exacly, I found the below that explains the job:


There are two types of Jumpmasters within the US Army; Military Free Fall and Static Line. This explanation will be focused on Static Line Jumpmasters, or generally just referred to as Jumpmaster. Jumpmasters are easily identifiable in Army formations by their ability to earn advanced rating for their Parachutist Badge. Senior Parachutists are entitled to a Star atop their wings while Master Parachutists wear a Star and Wreath. In some units Jumpmasters identify themselves to jumpers by wearing a bright red or yellow armband. Red is worn by the active Jumpmaster Team. Yellow is worn by any Jumpmasters who are jumping, but not actively participating on the Jumpmaster Team. In addition to this armband all members of the Jumpmaster Team may wear a fixed-blade knife on their lower leg. The purpose of this knife is in case a jumper somehow becomes entangled during the exiting process, becoming a towed parachutist, and must be immediately cut free. Other units simply nominate the Jumpmaster team and they are introduced to the jumpers at initial manifest.

In order to obtain this coveted rating an individual must hold the minimum rank of Corporal and have no less than 12 military static line parachute jumps. The individual must also be a graduate of The United States Army Advanced Airborne School. This school is roughly three weeks in length and consists of five key examinations:

1. Nomenclature Exam
2. Pre-Jump Training Exam
3. Written Exam
4. Practical Work In Aircraft (PWAC)
5. Jumpmaster Personnel Inspection (JMPI)

Generally speaking, it takes a potential jumpmaster at least two attempts to pass the course (less than 30% of attendees earn a first time Go). In recognition of this, returning students are commonly referred to as “alumni” by their Black Hat instructors. There is also a common joke that those who pass on their first attempt actually tested out early from the “full six week course”.

A soldier is inspected by a Jumpmaster from the 4th Quartermaster (Airborne) Detachment, Camp Hialeah, 2000.

Duties of a Jumpmaster included:

1. Organizing and mustering their “stick” or “chalk” of jumpers.
2. Inspecting all items of equipment prior to loading of the aircraft (to include ALICE or MOLLE pack, M1950 series Weapon Case, and any Special Items of Equipment).
3. Inspecting all jumpers for proper donning, fit, and serviceability of their helmet (Ballistic or Advanced Combat) and parachute (T-10D, MC1-1D, T-11).
4. Confirmation of in-flight navigation in accordance with flight diagram and Navigation Officer.
5. Safety inspection of the Paratroop Door, Jump Platform, and Clear to the Rear of the dropping aircraft.
6. Identification of in flight reference points.
7. Proper control of the Paratroop Door during exit.

During the above stated activities a fellow Jumpmaster acts as his Safety and assists primarily with Practical Work In Aircraft. In addition to the roles of Jumpmaster and Safety a Jumpmaster may be called upon to act as the Drop Zone Safety Officer (DZSO) or Departure Airfield Control Officer (DACO). The DZSO inserts into the drop zone prior to the jump and is on hand with the pathfinder team to aid the drop aircraft in navigation. The DACO works at the airfield which the jumpers are lifting off from and functions as a liaison with the US Air Force.

Notable movie performances of Jumpmasters are included in The HBO series “Band of Brothers - Day of Days” and “A Bridge Too Far”. However, perhaps the most hilarious to fellow Jumpmasters is that of John Wayne in “The Green Berets” when he exits the aircraft without ever hooking his static line to the anchor line cable.

So, let's keep our Fingers crossed for Justin as he ventures into this new and exciting adventure!! ;o) GOOD LUCK JUSTIN YOU CAN DO IT!! XOXOXO

1 Year Anniversary...

10/04/09

We Made It!

We decided to get all "dolled up" and go out for a nice night out. Grandpa Addison & Grandma Nancy sent us a nice gift card that we graciously accepted & used for this evening.

We went to Flemings Prime Steakhouse in Raleigh and it was absolutely Delicious!! I had the Filet Mignon and Justin had a Barbeque Salmon (doesn't sound good, but he LOVED it). My Steak was a little under-cooked to how I ordered it, but it was so dark in there, I couldn't tell, and right as I noticed it (cuz Justin asked for a bite, and he only likes it mooing) - a Manager walked by and asked how our dinner was, and before I could tell him I think my Steak wasn't Medium-Well he told me it was Medium-Rare and took it from me. I was still eating the HUGE potato (I mean like Jason's deli half size huge) so I was good. When the steak came back it was PERFECT. The customer service was so good, I honestly forgot about the steak not being right.

And, to make things even better, the Manager sent us a dessert on him..... and it was a Chocolate Lava Cake - rich chocolate cake with a molten chocolate center, served with vanilla ice cream and chopped pistachios. This made the night just perfect!

If you haven't been to a Flemings, I HIGHLY recommend it. ;o)

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

Back to School...

After a few mishaps at the beginning of the Fall Semester, I was able to get registered at: Fayetteville Technical Community College

I am currently attending the 8 week Semester that will run through December 12 - it's a shorter semester since I had to register later in the Fall.

This Opportunity was presented to me and made available through MyCAA, which is My Career Advancement for Army Wives. They granted me $6000 for Financial Aide for College, this goes towards the Courses, however, we have to pay for the textbooks. Little did I remember that that the books cost as much as the classes! Luckily, we have found a bookstore that sells the books new & used for ALOT less AND on Amazon.com as well, if we can get registered in advance and know what we need. *whew*

I have decided on my Major of Criminal Justice, as this is the only subject that has ever kept my interest and that I got decent grades. I had all my transcripts sent from my prior Colleges and with this Degree Plan I require 76 hours and 19 of my prior hours will transfer towards this degree, leaving me with 57 left to take. I am only taking 6 hours this semester, since it is my 1st semester back and night classes, I wanted to get back in the swing of school before getting too crazy (and they are 3 hour classes/4 nights a week).

Below are my 2 classes & descriptions - the cost for both of these books $240 - the cost for my tuition for both of these classes $330...insane!! I was able to take one book back (told them I dropped the class) and went to that bookstore I mentioned and got it new there for $50 cheaper. Craziness....




My Monday-Wednesday night class is Procedures in the Justice System. It is about the practices in the Jail Systems - my Professor is a Fayetteville Police Officer (15 years) and he is straight by the book.

He tells alot of stories of his work and it is very interesting, it helps relate to what we are studying to the real world.





My Tuesday-Thursday class is "Corrections in the 21 Century" - this course compares the difference in the way the Correctional System is now compared to the past. From the way the prisoners were punished, and the way the Correctional Officers jobs are handled.

My professor in this class is a Magistrate and he also has some VERY interesting stories, from marrying inmates to just Court cases (that can be shared). He is having 2 case managers come in next week to share stories with us as well.

In 2 weeks, we are taking a "field trip" (at our on discretion) to a nearby Prison to see how it works. I did this many years ago to the Huntsville State Prison, but I am still gonna go to this one as well. For some odd reason, it does intrigue me.

So far, it has made me happy that I have chosen to continue in this Criminal Justice Field as it has kept my interest!

With my going back to school, it has urged Justin to get his act together and go to the EArmyU and see what he needs to do in order to get himself into College as well. And, he just needs to get his transcripts sent in and he will be able to register in mid November for the Spring Semester!! HOOAH!!!

So....Thanks to the Army for sending us both back to College!!!

I'm Back!

Ok...I've been HORRIBLE at keeping up with this blog in the past few months....But I've made myself a promise that I will do better at maintaining it again.

I'm going to start with October and go back with the next few posts....ENJOY!!!!

The Time Has Come...

Well...we all knew that this time would come and it has....

We have been advised that Justin's Unit will be Deploying to Afghanistan in August to be with the 82nd Airborne. Obviously, this is what they have been trained to do, and the Soldiers are all excited and ready to go meet up with their Brothers, however, I do not share this joy. I know that there will be alot of feelings that I will have between now and then, but I think the main one will be that of sadness for Justin being so far away.

There are wives here that have been through other deployments and will be able to help us that this is our 1st one, but there is also the "FRG" - Family Readiness Group that will make sure that we are constantly up to date on the what is going on overseas as well.

"Luckily" the 82nd has already started their tour overseas, so our guys will only have a 6 month tour - it could've been alot longer for Justin's 1st one, so for that I am Thankful.

My mom has already enlisted his Unit for her "Care Package" & will make sure that those guys are taken care of constantly and will not want for by any means. I know that she will follow up on that & I'm sure his family will too - but there will be alot of Soldiers over there, so anyone willing to "adopt a troop" let me know and I can give ya the address once we get it... ;o)

Month End *sigh*

April was my 1st full month back at work since October and I'm feeling it now....

Well, I'm not sure that we really want to count October since we only attended Classes on Resume Preparation and Interviewing Techniques. And, let's not forget the afternoon Movies and Poker games. lol. So, let's say September was my last real Month End in the Mortgage Business.

Needless to say, we were busy that we were given unlimited OT (yay!) and I was all about that! We exceeded projected goal for April and already are given the unlimited OT into the month of May as well, so Month End has not Ended. Looks like the next refinance boom is definitely here. Good for me! ;o)

Work now, sleep later....

Army Easter (delayed)...

My Nephews & Niece have come to expect from me that I am never on time for the Holidays...so they were very excited when their Easter Box arrived within a week after Easter.

That was pretty good timing...for me! ;o)

It's really not bad either, I can toss in more goodies cuz items are then on sale (and the kiddos are catching on to that now too). lol











The kids are so excited when they receive a package that I have to make it to the attention of "Cassidy Kids" & not to one specific so that they can all open it together.


My brother said they LOVE to see the Fed Ex truck arrive - every since the movie Castaway - remember..."WILSON"....









They sure got after it when they got the box - not sure what they enjoyed more, getting the box or getting the goodies....or as you'll see....getting the bubble wrap.













Ahhhhh.... Bubble wrap.....


Who doesn't love it????!!!!!!!









I made sure that they all got the same stuff, but Miss Kaitlyn got the "softest" Teddy Bear and her TShirt has the Pink on it and her Basket is Purple, and the boys are Army Green.

Gotta be equal, but yet a little different. ;o)

Nolan displaying the "Airborne" shirts that I got for the boys

I'm thinking Kaitlyn likes the bouncing Airborne Tigers that I got for each of them??

Justin was playing with them here as I was preparing the baskets, and they almost didn't get sent, as the dogs liked them too. lol











Little girls and their Teddy Bears.....Just Precious....















I was a little more particular with the type of eggs I put in Kaitlyn's Basket too....They were a little more prettier than the ones in the boys...I don't think they cared (probably didn't notice, but I bet she did)

I got a magnet for them to put on their Refrigerator to think of Uncle Justin every Morning.

Now....after all the excitement of opening the presents is over, then the real fun begins....

Nolan & Brayden seen here jumping on the Bubble wrap....do you think they even noticed that I also put the movie "BOLT" in there too for them???

Oh well, I bet Kaitlyn is off somewhere in her TShirt with her Teddy watching it w/o them....nice and quiet....lol....

Happy Easter Cassidy Kids! LOVE YOU!!

XOXOXO

Chicken Pen

So, I get an email from my Brother stating that he took the week of my Nephew's Spring Break to help them build a "Chicken Pen" for their new baby chicks???

I was not aware of this project and found it to be quite interesting....they decided it cost too much to purchase it on their own, so they built it. A friend of my brothers had the building that was old and so he bought it from him and they got a picture of the chicken pen off the internet on how it was done and just did in on their own, instead of spending thousands, it was just a couple hundred. Very impressive.




This is Brayden....he has already named about 4 of the chicks already - I told him to just use food coloring to tell them apart?

I thought that would be easier to tell them apart? lol - He thought I was silly.











Nolan is also posing with the chicks but he didn't tell me if he was naming any of the chicks or not.

Here's both of my Nephews with the chicks in the Pen as it's being built. Not quite finished.

You see they had a make-shift home in the garage while they were finishing up the Pen.

I like the expressions that my Niece, Kaitlin keeps giving them, she was a little more cautious around them. Good to see she's more of a girly girl. ;o)






Kaitlyn petting one of the chicks here, wonder if she will help clean up after them? hmmm...




Here's the finished product....pretty cool, huh?

I'm thinking since they live on a few acres, once the "critters" start hearing the chicks - they will have some unwanted visitors....







My Brother & Sister In Law have already discussed this with the kiddos in case some of the chicks end up missing.

I'm so proud of all the boys though with this Chicken Pen Project.

This is for Nolan & Brayden to learn how to take care of animals so that they can eventually get a Dog! Yeah!!! I'm sure they'll do great!!