Who am I and where am I going?

Welcome to my blog.

Before I begin my blog about the journey I am embarking on, it's only fair to give a little background into who I am.

I'm from a small town in Tennessee where Walking Horses, Girls' High School Basketball and Sharpies are made and perfected.

I have two siblings.

My older sister is a MSG in the TNANG/AGR. She's a decorated combat veteran and is such a great Sr. NCO. To say she's amazing and remarkable would be a gross understatement. She holds a BS and is currently beginning her pursuit of an MS in Marketing. She has had tremendous trials in her personal and professional lives, yet she has always maintained her composure and her conviction. She has an inner strength like no other I've encountered. She's married to a CW4 who loves her beyond reason. They truly complete each other. Together they have 4 amazing kids and one gorgeous grandson. The blessings never stop in their family!

My younger brother left the Army as a CPT after 10 years. He's also a decorated combat veteran. He was most recently in Afghanistan, Iraq before that, Korea before that. He was prior enlisted and once he earned 2 degrees from the University of Tennessee, he attended OCS and got his commission. He's now applying and testing with different states to work in his chosen field of wildlife biology. (Did I mention he's crazy smart?) He's married to a great girl (also prior military!) who is on her path to Law School!!! She tries not to rub his nose in the fact that she has more jumps than him with the 82nd ABN! Together, they have created the most beautiful little boy.

My father passed away in 1999. My mom started a new career at age 60 and is now a proud flight attendant with Southwest Airlines. She finally met someone new. His name is Rich. He's from Houston and my mom just thinks he's the cat's pajamas. They really seem to make each other happy. Mom is the quintessential Southern Lady. She has mastered the art of forgiveness, has an unshakeable faith, loves with her whole heart...if she doesn't get into heaven none of us have a chance. She is my rock, my inspiration, my confidant, my very first best friend.

I was married before I met Jon. It went bad after only about 6 years. The divorce was ugly and an experience I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. I don't think I would have appreciated Jon had I not gone through that. The upside is the daughters that I get to watch grow up every day.

Fast forward 5 years to 2003: I'd been a single mom for 4 years, I went to Fort Bragg to see my brother off before his deployment to Iraq. Little did I know that I'd meet the man I would marry just 10 months later. Jon was my brother's roommate. They met in Korea and when they both got stationed to Fort Bragg, they decided to rent an apartment together. My mom said that when Jon and I met, it was as if the rest of the world just fell away. We got to know each other for the rest of the weekend. He and my brother deployed to Iraq a few days later. Jon and I kept in touch via text messages, instant messaging, emails, letters, pictures...however we could. We considered each email, text, etc a 'date'. We had all the conversations a new couple has when they are dating. We knew before he ever left US soil that we were going to be married. He came back from Iraq in April and we married in June of 2004. We raise our 2 daughters and live our Army life.

That's me in a very large nutshell.

Now, onto the journey!