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Showing posts with label military. Show all posts
Showing posts with label military. Show all posts
Thursday, March 29, 2012

Sad days...

Our strike fighter community lost one brave warrior yesterday. My heart breaks for the young family affected. Its a very sad time around these parts.


Source: af.mil via Hbake5 on Pinterest




We toast our hearty comrades who have fallen from the skies, and were gently caught by God's own hands to be with him on high. To dwell among the soaring clouds they've known so well before, from victory roll to tail chase at heavens very door. And as we fly among them there we're sure to hear their plea, "Take care my friend, watch your six, and do one more roll for me."
Thursday, March 8, 2012

Vegas Baby Vegas

That's right, I'm off to Vegas today to see my hubby. He's been down for a couple of weeks now I can't wait.
Thursday, March 1, 2012

The Most Hated Month of the Year

Today is the 1st day of March. Do you know what that means....



Its the 1st day of Mustache March. This is the only good part of Mr. Jetplane being gone all of March. (Praying he's shaved when I head down to Vegas next week.)
You can read up on Mustache March here and the great fighter pilot, Robin Olds, that inspired it. I highly suggest reading his book Fighter Pilot, its amazing.
It would be a great gift for any guy or gal if you're interested in fighter pilot history. Olds was quite a character. I've listened to it on CD twice, since my husband was so obsessed. And Mr. Jetplane received a signed copy of the book by Robin Old's daughter as a gift from his commander while he was deployed.
We've been lucky enough to meet and speak with someone that knew and fought side by side with Olds. It was an honor and a privilege to hear his old war stories about people and events that you've only read about and he lived right through them.
Anyway...I digress
So tell me why would a guy with a face like that want that nasty thing on his face :(
Tuesday, February 28, 2012

I know this feeling...




So Mr. Jetplane left on Friday. He's TDY in Vegas for a few weeks. He's down there playing war games or whatever else it is that they do down there. Its Vegas so I don't feel too bad for him, but he is putting in long hours.

Thankfully I'm heading down there next month for a long weekend. Hopefully he'll be off the night schedule by then.

I missed him a lot this weekend. You never get used to them being gone. But, and I only speak for myself here, I start to feel bad when I complain that he's gone for only 4-6 weeks when it could be 6 months. Its all perspective I guess.

Here's to the time flying by :)
Thursday, February 16, 2012

Truth Time...



First of all I apologize for being weird and vague out here in blog land lately. Some major things have been going down and some things I'm still not going to share... but a big one is that we thought Mr might be deploying again...like real soon...like reallllly soon. Yeah I know. I lost it. I lost it all.

He dropped the bomb (no pun intended) on me in a restaurant, which I was pissed about and may have appreciated somewhat. I was shocked. I thought he was joking. We have a messed up sense of humor, so I seriously thought he was joking. He hasn't even been back 5 months yet. When I found out it, he hadn't even been home 4 months.

We needed to prepare that he might be gone again for 6-7 months. He was a short list, a very short list, of people that were going to get volun-told to go.

I thought I was going to be physically ill. I just got him back. We have trips planned. Heck he's going to be TDY back and forth for the next 4+ months anyway...but still at least he wouldn't be at war.

So I prayed and I prayed. I cried and got pissed off. And then I may have got drunk and pissed off again. Hey just being truthful here.

BUT!!!! Thankfully it doesn't look like its going to be happening. Praise the Lord!

So that is a BIG reason why I have been weird lately so I apologize.

But even though it looks like my love doesn't have to go and I am so thankful for that, I am still praying for those that do.

Godspeed....
Monday, February 6, 2012

on my mind today....

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Let it snow...

You may have heard last week the Northwest got one heck of a snowday. At our house we probably got 10" in under 12 hours. This is midway thru the snowstorm. I emailed the picture to Mr. Jetplane who was enjoying his time in Vegas for work last week. It was great that we got some snow because our ski resorts hurting. And in an ironic twist we went on our squadron ski trip just days before the great snow.
Here's the view from our driveway, not bad huh? This resort got over 24" of new snow in 24 hours 3 days after we leave. Yeah I know....painful right?
No fear we still had a great time. Here we are warming up and nursing our bruises. Well my bruises Mr. Jetplane is a pro at snowboarding.
This is the bunny hill I spent most of the time on.
There is Mr. Jetplane getting ready to get on the big ski lift.
Mr. Jetplane headed up the Squadron Ski Weekend, so we had to live in the big house and organized the party the first night. We had a great house. Here are a couple of shots from the main floor. It was a 3 level house. The lowest level had 3 more bedrooms, bathrooms, game room and media room.
Here is where we enjoyed watching all the playoff games. Yes we definitely need ones of these in our forever home...which with the Air Force probably isn't going to happen for a very long time :(
But all in all it was a wonderful weekend getaway, light snow and all. Its wonderful to get to take these quick getaways together, especially with how much time these guys work. We're one big ole family and its great to enjoy some down time together.
Monday, January 9, 2012

2011 is gone...




Obviously this is a late post, considering we're well in 2012 now. But I feel like it needs to be acknowledged.



2011

What a year it was.



It was challenging on so many levels. We were challenged and tested, and I'm proud to say we came out on the other side stronger.


2011... I sent the love of my life off to war for the 1st time. I'm sad to say that its probably not going to be the last. This is the picture a took when I came home the night he left. It was freezing out there on the flight line. I have never felt so much pride and sadness at the same time. He was so unbelievably strong and I was a total mess.



But we made it through 7 months. He went 7 months without a day off and without a decent meal or shower. And then he came back to me.





And it was wonderful. He is more than my husband. He is truly my best friend in the whole, wide world. And I truly felt like I was missing half of myself each and every day he was gone.


But we got through it and I think we now have a deeper love, trust, and understanding of each other.


2011 kicked our asses that's for sure, but we came out on top.


Here's to a great 2012...


We can't wait to see what it has in store for us....
Wednesday, December 7, 2011

A Date that will live in Infamy



70 years ago today the attack on Pearl Harbor happened.




We were lucky enough to visit Pearl Harbor when we were in Hawaii last month. Its something that I had to see. Its a beautiful monument and due to my husband's insane thirst for military knowledge he knew alot about everything.




I highly suggest you go visit the memorial. Its free and quite moving. First you watch a brief yet informative movie about the attack. I will freely admit I cried. I don't know if its the fact that this place is where the actual event occurred or the fact that I was holding the hand of my recently deployed husband during the film but I cried.



You then take a short boat ride to the memorial. Its a beautiful memorial dedicated to those that were lost that horrible day. The ship underneath you is their tomb. Hundreds of men died in the very stop you are standing.


I can't imagine the fear and shock that was occurring that afternoon in such a beautiful and serene location. It was paradise just earlier in the day and then all hell broke loose.



For those of you that aren't aware of what happened on this day 70 years ago...


The area was attacked by 353 Japanese fighters, bombers, and torpedo planes in 2 different waves, launched from 6 aircraft carriers. All 8 U.S. Navy battleships were damaged, with 4 being sunk. All but 2 of the 8 were actually raised, repaired, and returned to service later in the war. The Japanese also sank or damaged 3 cruisers, 3 destroyers, an anti-aircraft training ship, and 1 minelayer. 188 U.S. aircraft were destroyed, 2,402 Americans ere killed, and 1,282 wounded. Japanese losses were light 29 aircraft, 5 subs lost, and 65 servicemen killed or wounded. 1 Japanese sailor was captured.



Today we honor those we lost that fateful day.

Remember Pearl Harbor.
Monday, November 28, 2011

Holiday Hangover

Jet Lag + Work+ Thanksgiving+ Home Improvement+Christmas Decorating = one tired couple Shh....don't tell Mr. Jetplane I snapped this picture of him while we on our layover in Denver on the way to Hawaii.

We had quite a busy weekend. I have a lot share with you and I promise to make good on it. I just downloaded all our pictures but I haven't gotten to my luggage yet. Anyone else hate unpacking as much as me.

I had to drop Mr off at base this morning at 0530. He's TDY in Florida for 2 weeks...I know he did just get home and we're already saying our goodbyes again...

Hope everyone has awaken from the food comas and back into the swing of things.
Friday, November 11, 2011

Pug Friday - Happy Veterans Day





Hello all... my lil Milo wanted to let you know today is a very important day...its Veterans Day. He wanted you to know that he's 1 very proud pug to have a daddy like Mr. Jetplane.



He's also happy that daddy has the day off and is hanging out with him all day (and may have let them sleep in a little).




Less than 1% of Americans serve in uniform and I'm honored to call 1 of those brave men and women my husband. Even though I hated every second of the 7 months we were apart this year while he was deployed, I still felt pride in every single one of them.



Take some time today to thank a Veteran, they deserve it!




I know I'm gonna take some time and love on mine today :)
Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Just keeping it real...

Thank you all for the kind and sweet comments, emails and texts over the past few days. Its been wonderful having Mr. Jetplane back.





Our life is almost back to normal...as you can see :)

I hope to share with you more in the coming days... off to enjoy a couple's massage this afternoon with my husband :)
Thursday, September 22, 2011

Coming home...










We had our 1st wave of homecomings yesterday and it was glorious. I was moved to tears numerous times....driving to base...walking in the hanger...feeling the 747 fly over us...watching the door open to cheers...and seeing these families reunite. It was beautiful and it made me so proud. Only a few of our squadron members came home yesterday but it was wonderful to see them back on U.S. soil. Our squadron color is red. Our wives group has decided to try to wear red dresses when our spouses come home. These ladies were looking good yesterday :) Here is the plane arriving. Everyone anxiously awaiting their loved ones. I didn't know the majority of the people coming home yesterday but it didn't make it any less emotional. I was standing behind this family. The deployed father surprised them from behind. It was so cute...and then I cried some more :) This lovely family had their 2nd boy while daddy was deployed. He is meeting his new lil boy for the 1st time. This couple is close friends with Mr and I. We came to Idaho together and he flies with my husband alot. It was beautiful to see them reunited. We've shared the pain we've been going through without our husbands. Only a fellow milwife can really understand what you're going through.
The fun (and tears) are just beginning folks. We have a lot more homecomings coming up. Who's ready???

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Hey there September....

Bout time you finally showed up. We've been expecting you. We're so happy to have you :)

It brings such joy to my morning reading all my fellow wives' Facebook updates...everyone so happy that we're in the final stretch. So much to do this month, I honestly think it will fly by...quite unlike that bitch August. She stuck around well after the party was over. She's not welcome round these parts anymore.

Its September!!! He's been really busy and I can tell in his voice that he's tired. He's worn out and ready to be out of there. I don't know what he's been thru or exactly what he'll be like when he gets home, but we'll adjust.





I just want him home. I miss the weight of him in my bed sleeping next to me. I miss the sound of his boots walking down the hallway. I miss his hugs and the kisses he gives me on my forehead. I miss holding hands. I feel like when I get him back I'm not going to physically let go of him for days. I'll probably just stare at him like he's not real or something.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Come on....




August has been the longest month of my entire life. I woke up today, looked at my calendar and shouted "Come on....how can it STILL be AUGUST!"


But the good news is its almost September. This is a HUGE month. Mr. Jetplane will start coming home. There is a light at the end of the tunnel...albeit its still a long ass tunnel but its getting shorter!!! Yeah!!!


And now comes the time when my heart fills with joy for myself but I feel pain for our friends. Our friends that have the sad countdown to when their spouse leaves to replace our squadron. They are in the boat I was in months ago. Trying to fit as much as possible into each and everyday you have with your hubby. Its a vicious cycle, but it is comforting that you know you have a whole group of ladies willing to stand by you and help you at any time day or night. It truly feels like a sorority in way. I feel like kinda like we've went thru freshman year together, learning the ropes, dealing with in immense amount of drama, and growing together.


A military wife is strange breed that you don't really know or understand till you've lived it. These women are AMAZING and I'm so proud and honored to call them my friends and my sisters.


Now...Let's get our men home!

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Guess What?

Its almost end of the summer...


While most of the world is probably sad about that fact I am not. I'm freaking happy the summer is almost over. You know why? The end of summer means my hubby will be heading home. Its all classified so I can't tell you anything specific but in the coming WEEKS (WEEKS PEOPLE WEEKS, NOT MONTHS! WEEKS) he will be packing up and heading back to America. WOO HOO!


Hey sexy hubby....get your fine ass home ASAP :)




The Jetplanes have been discussing a lil post-deployment vacay and we've finally booked it. We're going to Hawaii!! Honolulu to be exact. Mr has been once but I haven't been before. Now that we live on the western side of the US it makes the trip a lot easier and less expensive. We'll be staying at Hale Koa Hotel . Its a military resort on the island which we've heard great things about.



I'm so excited! Thank you so much for those of you that have provided help and advice for this trip, I really appreciate it. Anyone else have any recommendations for things to do and see while we're there, I'm happy to take all the suggestions I can get.

But keep em' PG. My mother busted me out on Facebook letting me know that she'd like to get some grandkids out of this romantical vacay.... yes I about died when I read that as well. Subtle huh? Yeah...that's never been her strong suit!


Here's to time flying by (no pun intended)...
Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Sometimes I forget

Sometimes I forget how cool a job my husband has. And then I get a picture like this emailed me to me. Is it from my husband? Oh no... its from a fellow mil wife who's husband's jet is creating the shadow of the F15 on the side of the tanker. My husband's jet is the one refueling. She thought I would enjoy the picture...and of course she was right.

Its amazing to see it, even though I can't really see him. I'm not gonna lie, it may have brought a tear to my eye..or 2...or 3.

Happy Tuesday!


Monday, August 8, 2011

No words...

My heart breaks at the news from this weekend about the helicopter crash and the American lives lost. My heart goes out to the family and loved ones of those brave souls.


When your spouse deploys you fill out paperwork outlining what you prefer to happen if something god forbids happens to your loved one. Who do you want at your house. Who do you NOT want at your house....etc.etc.etc.

Its a painful but necessary step. Mr. Jetplane's job is dangerous, even under the best (non-war) circumstances. He's always said no news is good news. Since the family of the fallen are to be contacted first, Mr. Jetplane wouldn't be able to call me and tell me he is ok. Because if he did that, we're a small group and it could be obvious very quickly who has been affected prior to the military being able to make contact first.


As I said a prayer for those families several times this past weekend, I put myself in their shoes. The painful wait for the knock on the door telling you that your husband isn't coming home. And then I prayed a little more...for them, for my husband, for the fellow warriors out there, for myself, and for this all to get over sooner rather than later.

Thank you to those brave warriors out there that gave the ultimate sacrifice. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

God Bless You and God Bless America.


Thursday, August 4, 2011

It creeps up on you sometimes...

I like to say I'm a pretty strong brawd. I can deal with alot and you'll never see me sweat. So far during this deployment I've taken some pretty strong hits and stood my ground.

I haven't broken down and cried very much and think that's a pretty big accomplishment. But I'm not too proud to admit that I randomly cry while I'm driving. I don't cry at the thought of him being gone but I cry at the thought of him coming home...is that weird? I start daydreaming about his homecoming and the tears start to flow. I allow myself to fantasize about what its going to be like to see him and running to him. I start thinking about what it will feel like to be in his arms again and feel his kiss on my forehead... and I lose it.

You know what else gets me going...music and this particular song.




I seriously felt like this song was written just for us...songs do that for all of us right? Mr. Jetplane tells me I'm crazy all the time so its only fitting.


On top of that we often say to each other "I miss you like a crazy person" or "I love you like a crazy person". I know it might not make sense to you, but it means something to us. We're both kinda weird and thankfully we found each other, no one else might be able to deal with us :)

But the good news is there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Our homecoming briefing is scheduled for next month...hot damn that excites me to no end. Can't wait to have my man back where he belongs... Mr got delayed getting into country, so I'm pretty sure he'll be one of the last guys back. Sadly I might have to attend 3 or 4 homecomings before I get to enjoy my own. Such is the life...
Tuesday, July 26, 2011

The little things...

Its the smallest things that make me happy lately...I'm pretty sure that's what deployment will do to you. It will make you appreciate what you have. Seeing pictures of your husband smiling and enjoying himself while living and working in the middle of a warzone will make any girl happy, right?



Mr. Jetplane's birthday was earlier this month. He turned the big 3-1. Since he didn't want me to send him any big gifts over there I thought 1 gift I would send him would be a Cubs flag. They fly American Flags in the jets all the time but I thought it would be a nice and fun thing for him to fly a Cubs flag as well. Mr. Jetplane is a Cubs fan, obviously.



Here is 1 of the pictures I got. He looks happy and that makes me happy. He's growing his mustache back which doesn't make me happy but...you win some you lose some right?

In case you were wondering those green, weird-looking pants are their gsuits. The suits help them deal with the g forces while they are flying. Its purpose is to prevent them from blacking out, it restricts the blood from pooling in the lower part of your body, which would deprive the brain of blood.

Which is obviously uber important...

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