A Graduation

Wow, up at 2 a.m., can't sleep.  You see, my oldest daughter, Alyssa graduates in just 2 days from the United States Air Force Basic Military Training program.  After 8 1/2 long weeks I get to hold her in my arms again, kiss her face and tell her how much I love and am proud of her.  I have been watching a few videos of what her celebrations and graduation will be like and I cry like a baby.  Just the anticipation I believe.  She has an Airman's Run on Thursday morning where the flights run 2 1/2 miles in formation and we (families of the Airmen) stand on the sidelines and cheer them on, see our babies for the first time and even hold up HUGE banners like this one here that we had made for her.

Then we head off to a coin ceremony which is a HUGE moment in an Airman's career where they reaffirm their oath to serve their country and receive a coin commererating their completion of this first step in their military career.  After this event ends, all of the graduating Airmen stand at attention until someone from their family comes and "taps them out".  Which just means they receive their first hug, kiss or even just a pat on the back from their loved ones.  Man how I can't wait for that moment!  After the completion of the coin ceremony, we will have a picnic lunch (Mom - my Mom that is, is making chicken salad, yum!) and then we check into a base hotel at 2 p.m.  We decided to stay on base because that day they are only allowed base liberty (meaning they can't leave base ) and so that we could get out of the heat and so Alyssa could have a place to relax for 5 1/2 hours before having to be back in her dorm.  Plus, it will make it much easier on us when we have to be back on base anyway the following morning at 8 a.m. for the actual graduation ceremony.

Friday is her actual graduation ceremony, which is actually a parade of Airmen marching.  I am not quite sure yet which of these events I will feel the most pride or if they will be equal in significance for me.  I just know that I am going to be one proud Mommy and am so wired I can't sleep.  Thus, up at 2 a.m. blogging to anyone who might be reading.  After her ceremony, we are leaving base and taking her out for a steak dinner (her request) and then coming home so she can relax a few hours before having to return to base for the night.

Saturday she gets to leave the base again and after we pick her up at 9 a.m. she will come home with us for a short while before going out to lunch with her real father and that side of her family.  Then most likely she will once again be here for some relaxation before we take her back to base again for the night.

Sunday she only has base liberty once again so it's going to be a long, hot day in Texas with over 100 degree temperatures.  We will be there from 9 a.m to 6 p.m. because I don't want to miss a moment with her.  After that day, when I say goodbye at 6 p.m., she will once again leave us for a 3 to 5 month stay in Tech School.  From there, she gets her duty station and that is the scariest part of this whole career move for me.  Where will my baby end up and will that mean I don't get to see her very often over the next 6 years of her life.  Tech School location is great.  In San Angelo only 2 1/2 hours away so I will go see her at least 3 times during her visit there.  Woohoo!

Here is my baby before she left, getting sworn in for the first time, vowing to serve our great country.

She told me the other day that she has gained 8 lbs. over the last 8 weeks ( no doubt it is solid muscle) and for the first time in her life she weighs over 100 lbs. LOL

Anywho, I have a ton to get done before my family gets here and better get started.  I just wanted to capture these thoughts and memories before the moment passed me.

I will leave you with a few layouts I have done recently because well, I am a scrapbooker......right?  I don't want to take the time to list credits today but, they are linked to my gallery at DST in case you are interested and want to leave me some loves.  ;)

You know the drill....until next time.....
HUGS!!!