Now what?

*"Now what?"  This is a question that we have gotten from the moment Matt graduated.  I myself have had several similar question that will be answered in time.  We are now traveling another road of the unknown.

The things we do know: Matt still has other trainings to complete before returning to Fort Smith...

• IFF (Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals) training from May 12-July 13 in Enid, OK.  This training was suppose to start 3 days after Matts graduation; however, due to unknown reason, this training was pushed back a month.  
• Water Survival Training.  This training is said to last just a few days.  Dates and location- TBA????
• SERE's (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape) Training- This training is said to last only a few weeks.  Dates and locations- TBA???
• A-10 training in Tuscan, AZ for 5-6 months.  Dates- TBA??  

As you can see, we are still in the dark as to when Matt will return to Arkansas for good!  Our fingers are crossed for the first of next year, but of course this is the military and there are no definite answers as to WHEN things will happen until they happen!!!  We knew all of this going in, but it can still be very frustrating.  

The next question I get frequently is "what will you do?".  This answer I do know.  I will remain traveling to Enid on the weekends as long as Matt remains there.  When he begins his other trainings, we will move all of our belongings and myself to Fort Smith for good and I will visit him where ever he may be whenever I get the chance!!  Because none of the other trainings are more then 6months each- they are considered TDY's (temporary duty yonder)- his HOR (home of residency) will be in Fort Smith where I will reside awaiting his return!!  

It will be very hard on me when the time comes for his training in Tuscan, AZ.  But I have to remind myself that I need to enjoy life right now and know that I have amazing friends and family who will keep me sane during those 6 months!! :)

Matt trying not to smile.

As for the past two weeks:

Matt has been enjoying his time with the 25th squadron (a.k.a Limbo flight) where he has been keeping up with his flying and sim's before beginning IFF.  I have been working non stop with end of the year conferences and evaluations in the schools.  I am SO ready to be done with the ridiculous amounts of paper work!!!  

This weekend, we spent most of our time with our Enid family (Russ, Heather, and Kramer) as our time together in Enid is coming to an end.  Kramer Graduates this Friday and leaves for his next part of training in Little Rock, AR.  Heather and Russ will then leave the day after Russ's graduation on May 20th.  It will be very hard for Matt and me as we see them leave.  We have been so lucky to have made such wonderful friends who will, with no doubt, remain life long friends of ours!!  

Here is a fun little video of Cheeto enjoying his birthday gift from Grandma Nan!  (yes, Im a crazy cat owner!!)  Song on the video  is"Presence of greatness" by Nick Flora.  He is an AMAZING singer/song writer!! We were so lucky to have him sing at our wedding!! His new cd is wonderful!!!

Happy Birthday to all April birthdays!!  Last weekend my grandmother (my moms mom) turned 95!!!  So happy birthday Grandma!!  I love you!!!  Here is a picture of her with Mackenzie, mom, and Mal!!

I hope everyone has a great week!! Those of you who are getting all the stormy weather- be careful and stay safe!! 


*Oh, and I have had many people ask where Matt got my camera bag-  It is a Kelly Moore camera Bag and he found a really good deal for it at Bedford Cameras.