Lee's info

I just realized that a lot of you may not be aware that Lee has started a deployment blog. you can find it here:

http://oef2011.blogspot.com/



He also has a new cell number and we have his mailing address, please contact me if you want this information.

Goodbye

All packed up.

Deployment bears provided by the Iowa National Guard Officer's Association Auxiliary.

Family photo.
(My hair WAS straightened and cute until we had to walk through the rain on the way in and stand out in the HUMID and HOT air afterward...oh well)

Cute baby girl.

The Vandewater clan.

Watching the kids...wondering what the next year will bring.

I think it's a blessing that the kids don't really get it.

Saying goodbye.

Saying goodbye.


Thank you to all of you that came out to show your support, AGAIN! It was an emotional day, however Lee and I both felt at peace at the end of the day. God is already answering prayers! We have the first day behind us and are feeling ready to face this thing, with the support and love of our family and friends, along with the strength we know God will provide.

Deployment Ceremony

Check out picture number 7!!!!

(disregard the incorrect spelling of her name)

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Site=D2&Date=20100730&Category=NEWS&ArtNo=7300806&Ref=PH

More to come from our camera...

Grant's photography

Grant took some pictures the other day...here are a few of my favorites!

My favorite green coffee cup, half full. Kind of has a "modern" art look to it, maybe???

One of my Red Wing stoneware pieces.

A picture of our family pictures that are hanging on the wall.

Deployment Send-Off Party

We had 85 people come out to show their love and support for us. It was a great time and we are truly blessed. I have NO doubt that we will be well taken care of this upcoming year. A great big THANK YOU to everyone that came out and to all the FAMILY that helped get everything set up and then cleaned up!!! WE LOVE YOU!


I was not good at getting pictures of the event, but here are a few.

The food!

My friend, Anna (husband is deploying too), helping Brynna with her sweet corn.
Sure glad Brynna likes her. I'm sure we'll be seeing A LOT of her and her girls this year :)

Hay ride!!! There were lots of kids there.

Church and Bible study friends!

Fun on Leave!

Lee has been on leave (vacation) for two weeks leading up to deployment. We've been having lots of fun, at home and away!

We went to the zoo with Uncle Matt, Aunt Tiffany, and Owen.

We had friends over to play. (The Schau's) - Lee went to IOBC with Neal, and Lisa and I hung out during the last deployment...before we had all these kids!!!

Washing the car...

...and the Gator.

We took Grant to Adventureland (Grandma Paula stayed at our house with Brynna).

Airplane ride

The Frog Hopper!

His very own POP!!! It was nap time and we had TONS left to do, he needed a little caffeine :)

The new water park at Adventureland, VERY cool!!!!

Riding with Mommy.

This little girl got in with Grant (we don't know her) because she didn't want to wait until the next ride. THEN she took over the controls...not sure that Grant was too thrilled about that! Darn girls anyway :)

Brynna in her church dress...I just let her wear it all day! She has SO many dresses :)

Owen REALLY wants to ride Grant's bike...some day, Buddy!


Brynna showing off her tummy :)

Deployment!?!?!?!

Wow, this IS really happening!!!

I've read handouts, websites, information, etc about the various stages of deployments, feelings, emotions, reactions, behaviors, etc that I and the kids are going to feel, do, be, etc. In the end, it's pretty simple.

1. My husband (and the kids' dad) is going to be GONE (as in, 1/2 way across the globe) for one year. Well, technically 3 months training stateside and 9 months in country, with hopefully some leave in the middle of that, but still GONE FOR ONE YEAR! If you are a fellow military family, this is NOT abnormal, if you aren't...you don't know how I/we are going to survive.

2. Yes, it's going to be hard. YES, I'm going to be sad. YES, the kids will really miss their Dad, YES, I wish the war were over, YES, I wish the troops could all come home...BUT, YES this is all a part of our life and even more importantly, a part of God's sovereign plan for our lives. We don't necessarily like it, but we accept and it and just pray that we handle it with composure, strength, grace, and total and utter reliance upon God!

3. It is important to focus on the positive. We only have about two weeks left with Lee, but it can't get over until it gets started! I'm NOT looking forward to the upcoming year, but I am looking forward to a few things ABOUT it; lots of fun times with fellow Army wives/kids, wonderful Bible study time and support from my local Bible study girls, time to serve at church and in our community since I won't have as many duties at home, wearing sweats ALL day (inside joke), and mostly I am excited to see how God is going to work and use this year long deployment for HIS glory and HIS purpose!!!!

So, please pray for us and check in on us, but don't feel sorry for us!!! We kind of like our crazy Army life :)

Lee's Party/Send Off Info

Lee is getting ready to begin his second tour in Afghanistan. Help us wish him well and let him know he has the support of his family, friends, and neighbors at home!

Come and go style sweet corn feed.
Bring your lawn chairs.

Date:	Saturday, July 24, 2010
Time:	4:00pm - 7:00pm
Location:	Vandewater Family Farm
Street:	3100 270th Street, Orient, Iowa

Please RSVP by July 19, if possible!!!



For those in the area, here is the official send-off ceremony information:
Friday, July 30
10:00am
DMACC Campus, Boone, IA




FYI: Lee's current cell phone will be turned back in to the Guard SOON,
we will let you know his new contact information when we get it.