Dear Jessie,
Today was a good day. Last night I started sleeping on the ground, midway through the night a drill sergeant woke me up and told me to get into bed. After he left I was trying to think of another solution for my back and then it came to me. I have 2 sets of sweats - so I put these in the middle of the bed. Today my back felt better then it has in many days. I am happy to repot that I have no doubts anymore that I will have to come home early.
Guess what? I cursed! I said the "F" word without even knowing it. I had a delayed reaction. I was repeating what someone else had said and it ook me a minute to relize what just came out of my mouth. Don't worry - I won't be cussing when I graduate.
We have a test on combat life saving and if you pass it the first time D.S. said he would give us 30 minutes on the phone, so I am going to study really hard. I may not be able to write you as much because I will be studying. Good night.
Friday, August 31, 2007
8-31-07
Hey Sweetie:
Amy, Lara, Jane, Caleb, and I are heading up to campus to walk around and help Amy find her classes and I'm going to put these two letters in the mail for you. I'm going to take care of your deferment form while I am here. The bishopric was at our house last night to visit Lara and Adam, so I went over there while the bishop was there and got your form signed. So I'm going to take your form onto campus today.
The lyrics for today are a little cheesy, but it's a song I heard on the radio last night and of course I thought of you. It's Avril Lavigne's “When You're Gone”:
I always needed time on my own. I never thought I'd need you there when I cried. And the days feel like years when I'm alone. And the bed where you lie is made up on your side. When you walk away I count the steps that you take. Do you see how much I need you right now? When you're gone, the pieces of my heart are missing you. When you're gone, the face I came to know is missing too. When you're gone, the words I need to hear to always get me through the day and make it okay. I miss you... I've never felt this way before. Everything that I do reminds me of you. And the clothes you left, they lie on the floor and they smell just like you. I love the things that you do. When you walk away I count the steps that you take. Do you see how much I need you right now? When you're gone, the pieces of my heart are missing you. When you're gone, the face I came to know is missing too. When you're gone, the words I need to hear to always get me through the day and make it okay. I miss you... We were made for each other. Out here forever. I know we were. Yeah, yeah... And all I ever wanted was for you to know, everything I do I give my heart and soul. I can hardly breathe I need to feel you here with me. Yeah... When you're gone, the pieces of my heart are missing you. When you're gone, the face I came to know is missing too. When you're gone, the words I need to hear to always get me through the day and make it okay. I miss you...”
Like I said that song is a little cheesy, but it says a lot of things I feel. I want you to know how happy I am even though I do miss you. I've missed you more here in Utah staying at your house with your family. I also went to our house last night to get a few things I forgot like a UCCU check book and a recipe, etc. It was hard to be at the house and I missed you a lot, but at least I can look forward to when we will be there together again in January. Also, Aaron and Salisa put a lot of our stuff away, but they did it very carefully and they took most of our things off of the walls like our picture boards, but they told me that they took pictures of the walls so that they can put it back exactly the way it was. I think they are going to do a good job living in our house. I took Jane swimming yesterday and she had fun. Then Tim watched her and took her on the swings (I took some pictures that I will send you later...I'm taking lots of pictures for you, I try to take pictures every day) while I did laps in the pool and it felt so good. I did it until I was totally out of breath and exhausted. It was pretty awesome. I haven't been walking here since I don't have a double stroller so I think I'm just going to do laps every day while I'm here. Do you guys have any place to swim at boot camp?
Love-Jess
Amy, Lara, Jane, Caleb, and I are heading up to campus to walk around and help Amy find her classes and I'm going to put these two letters in the mail for you. I'm going to take care of your deferment form while I am here. The bishopric was at our house last night to visit Lara and Adam, so I went over there while the bishop was there and got your form signed. So I'm going to take your form onto campus today.
The lyrics for today are a little cheesy, but it's a song I heard on the radio last night and of course I thought of you. It's Avril Lavigne's “When You're Gone”:
I always needed time on my own. I never thought I'd need you there when I cried. And the days feel like years when I'm alone. And the bed where you lie is made up on your side. When you walk away I count the steps that you take. Do you see how much I need you right now? When you're gone, the pieces of my heart are missing you. When you're gone, the face I came to know is missing too. When you're gone, the words I need to hear to always get me through the day and make it okay. I miss you... I've never felt this way before. Everything that I do reminds me of you. And the clothes you left, they lie on the floor and they smell just like you. I love the things that you do. When you walk away I count the steps that you take. Do you see how much I need you right now? When you're gone, the pieces of my heart are missing you. When you're gone, the face I came to know is missing too. When you're gone, the words I need to hear to always get me through the day and make it okay. I miss you... We were made for each other. Out here forever. I know we were. Yeah, yeah... And all I ever wanted was for you to know, everything I do I give my heart and soul. I can hardly breathe I need to feel you here with me. Yeah... When you're gone, the pieces of my heart are missing you. When you're gone, the face I came to know is missing too. When you're gone, the words I need to hear to always get me through the day and make it okay. I miss you...”
Like I said that song is a little cheesy, but it says a lot of things I feel. I want you to know how happy I am even though I do miss you. I've missed you more here in Utah staying at your house with your family. I also went to our house last night to get a few things I forgot like a UCCU check book and a recipe, etc. It was hard to be at the house and I missed you a lot, but at least I can look forward to when we will be there together again in January. Also, Aaron and Salisa put a lot of our stuff away, but they did it very carefully and they took most of our things off of the walls like our picture boards, but they told me that they took pictures of the walls so that they can put it back exactly the way it was. I think they are going to do a good job living in our house. I took Jane swimming yesterday and she had fun. Then Tim watched her and took her on the swings (I took some pictures that I will send you later...I'm taking lots of pictures for you, I try to take pictures every day) while I did laps in the pool and it felt so good. I did it until I was totally out of breath and exhausted. It was pretty awesome. I haven't been walking here since I don't have a double stroller so I think I'm just going to do laps every day while I'm here. Do you guys have any place to swim at boot camp?
Love-Jess
P.S. Adam just found out that he wasn't accepted into the Construction Management program because of his grades (he got a C+ in Calculus and Physics). Bummer huh? He's going to retake those classes this semester and try to apply again.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
8/30/07
The above sounded pretty bad, it really wasn't that bad. I just needed to vent. BIG NEWS FROM LONDON! I think I found the problem with my back - again. It's the bunk! Remember on my mission I had to sleep on the floor? I'm pretty sure that is what's happening here.
I also received 2 letters today. One from you with 3 awesome pictures and one from your parents - B-day card. Have I told you that I really like that you are sending me lyrics to songs? I sing them while I am in the shower. I really do miss music. I really wish we could bring I-pods and maybe cell phones. These days are finally starting to go by a little faster. I feel we have gotten into a rythym and I will just stay in that rythym.
The picture of Jane putting on the slippers is really cute - but the best is the one of us kissing in the pool. I really miss your lavios mmmm...Sorry I'm back. Now - I still haven't cleared it with Drill Sergeant but I think sleeping on the floor should do the trick. The floor here is lenolium tile that gets swept every day so I should be fine. I have also been issued a sleeping bag that I could use, but its so hot here I rarely sleep with any covers. They have fans going all night but the thermostat is set at 78 so it stays pretty hot in here.
I also really like the Sudoku you have been sending me. That reminds me - I saw one in a magazine on the plane out here and they had written all around it but not much in it and at first glance I found 2 numbers that he hadn't.
Here is what I read tonight:
The Allegory of the Olive Tree - Jacob 5. I don't have enough time to really study so you can go ahead and read it. I went through every cross reference and it is really cool.
Love-Bradley
P.S. Tell your parents thank you for the card.
I also received 2 letters today. One from you with 3 awesome pictures and one from your parents - B-day card. Have I told you that I really like that you are sending me lyrics to songs? I sing them while I am in the shower. I really do miss music. I really wish we could bring I-pods and maybe cell phones. These days are finally starting to go by a little faster. I feel we have gotten into a rythym and I will just stay in that rythym.
The picture of Jane putting on the slippers is really cute - but the best is the one of us kissing in the pool. I really miss your lavios mmmm...Sorry I'm back. Now - I still haven't cleared it with Drill Sergeant but I think sleeping on the floor should do the trick. The floor here is lenolium tile that gets swept every day so I should be fine. I have also been issued a sleeping bag that I could use, but its so hot here I rarely sleep with any covers. They have fans going all night but the thermostat is set at 78 so it stays pretty hot in here.
I also really like the Sudoku you have been sending me. That reminds me - I saw one in a magazine on the plane out here and they had written all around it but not much in it and at first glance I found 2 numbers that he hadn't.
Here is what I read tonight:
The Allegory of the Olive Tree - Jacob 5. I don't have enough time to really study so you can go ahead and read it. I went through every cross reference and it is really cool.
Love-Bradley
P.S. Tell your parents thank you for the card.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
8/29/07
Dearest Jessie,
I'm having a pretty tough day. My back is really hurting. I haven't told anyone yet but I think I might have to. Going to sick call is an all day process and I don't want to miss something important. If I go to see a doctor about this there is a chance I could be medically discharged and I have worked too hard for too long to let my back mess all this up. We go on 4 different day marches with ALL of our gear. The last one is a 15K. I don't know if my back can handle packing 80 lbs. of gear for 6 or 7 miles. My emotions have been running a little high today as well so when I didn't get any mail from you that tipped me over. I went to the bathroom and broke down. I prayed really hard for help. I really want this to work!
I miss you so much. That would be one good thing if I was discharged. I would get to see you and my little girls. How are they doing? Is Maren laughing anymore? Is Jane still throwing fits? Are they getting any worse?
We did an obstacle course or team work exercises today. It was pretty fun. Things like getting everyone from point A to point B using 2 2x6's and a rope without touching the ground. My group did pretty well.
I'm having a pretty tough day. My back is really hurting. I haven't told anyone yet but I think I might have to. Going to sick call is an all day process and I don't want to miss something important. If I go to see a doctor about this there is a chance I could be medically discharged and I have worked too hard for too long to let my back mess all this up. We go on 4 different day marches with ALL of our gear. The last one is a 15K. I don't know if my back can handle packing 80 lbs. of gear for 6 or 7 miles. My emotions have been running a little high today as well so when I didn't get any mail from you that tipped me over. I went to the bathroom and broke down. I prayed really hard for help. I really want this to work!
I miss you so much. That would be one good thing if I was discharged. I would get to see you and my little girls. How are they doing? Is Maren laughing anymore? Is Jane still throwing fits? Are they getting any worse?
We did an obstacle course or team work exercises today. It was pretty fun. Things like getting everyone from point A to point B using 2 2x6's and a rope without touching the ground. My group did pretty well.
8-29-07
My dearest Bradley:
My grandfather passed away this afternoon during a nap, in his sleep. I'm sad because I will miss him, but it is such a good thing because he was pretty miserable there at the end. I'm in UT now with your family, but I will be back in time for the funeral because it will be next Thursday and I'm going home on Wednesday (your birthday). Anyway, I'm just really happy that my grandma and my grandpa get to be together again.
“We might kiss when we are alone. When nobody's watching, we might take it home. We might make out when nobody's there. It's not that we're scared, it's just that it's delicate.
Here's my update on the girls: Maren is getting so big and chubby. She eats so much, she just chugs down the formula all day long it seems like. I'm already going to need to get a bigger bottle because she is never satisfied with just one 4 oz bottle so I always have to get up and make another. She is so smiley, she just smiles all of the time. I haven't been able to get her to laugh since that first time, but I'll keep trying. Also, she is consistently sleeping through the night, which is great for me, and she's even starting to get on a pretty good nap schedule. She is sleeping right here next to me in the bouncer that I borrowed from Lara and Adam, and she is kind of snoring, so cute! Jane is having a lot of fun here with your family. She just started to say “meow” when she sees a cat or a picture of a cat. She is still wearing hats and dancing and talking up a storm. She still hardly ever chooses to walk on her own, only when we stand her up and tell her too. She still prefers to crawl. She's in a funny eating stage where she only lets you feed her like 2 bites of something and then even if she liked it she's over it, she wants to feed herself. Also food is more fun to play with than it is to eat for her these days. She's playing with the little red push car from “Cars”, “Oh yeah, Lightning is ready!”
I haven't gotten a letter from you for a couple of days so I'm hoping to get one tomorrow. Are you able to mail letters every day or do you have to save them up and mail a couple at a time? Also, does the mail come in every day or are mine building up before you receive them? Brad, I love you so much and I'm so proud of you. I just feel like I can't tell you those things enough. I feel them too big for words. In my prayers tonight I was trying to express to Heavenly Father how much I love you and need you in my life and how grateful I am to Heavenly Father for Him giving you to me and letting you be in my life. You are my everything and I can't wait to we can be together again and be a whole person together. Keep working hard and know that we are all doing great here, but that we miss you!
Love-Jess
My grandfather passed away this afternoon during a nap, in his sleep. I'm sad because I will miss him, but it is such a good thing because he was pretty miserable there at the end. I'm in UT now with your family, but I will be back in time for the funeral because it will be next Thursday and I'm going home on Wednesday (your birthday). Anyway, I'm just really happy that my grandma and my grandpa get to be together again.
Well the flight to Utah this morning was very interesting. I had both girls by myself and it was quite a challenge, but ended up working out really well because everyone around me was bending over backwards to help me because they could all see I was in a precarious situation. I got a ride to the airport from Sara and my cousin Vange and they helped me get my bags and the car seats checked. Then I had Maren in the Baby Bjorn, the back pack (which I was using for the diaper bag) on my back, and Jane on my left hip. I was going to have Jane in an umbrella stroller, but at the last minute we couldn't find it and we think that it got stolen (not ours, my parents), it was in the parking garage. So I got to security and could tell that was going to be tricky, especially because I had the laptop in the back pack that I was going to have to take out. So, I asked an airport employee if there was someone available to help me get through security. The lady next to me over heard my request and offered to help. So she carried Jane through security with her boarding pass and I took Maren and the back pack and it was still a little tricky, but much easier than it would have been by myself. Once we got through security, got the laptop back in the back pack (which the guy behind me helped me with), and got our shoes back on, we went to our gate. I found a couch and sat down next to this young married couple who happened to be LDS, lived in Provo, went to BYU, and was majoring in Construction Management. So they helped with Jane (kept her entertained) while we waited to board the plane. I was able to pre-board with the girls and I still had Maren in the Bjorn and I was able to strap Jane in to her seat. Once everyone was on the plane I could tell that I was going to have an extra seat so I knew Jane would be able to play on those two seats and on the floor since I was sitting in the aisle seat so she wouldn't be able to get past me. Maren was pretty upset because she was really tired and every time I would get her to sleep I would have to bend over and do something for Jane and that would wake her up. So, there was a nice LDS couple across from me that the wife offered to hold Maren for me. So I took her out of the Bjorn and she slept in Julie's arms the entire flight and I was able to play with Jane. Then that same couple helped me get my luggage in SLC and get out to the car where your mom was waiting. I really couldn't have done it without them. But the good thing is now I know I can do it by myself when I come in to UT in October before I come to you in OK.
“We might kiss when we are alone. When nobody's watching, we might take it home. We might make out when nobody's there. It's not that we're scared, it's just that it's delicate.
So why do you fill my sorrow with the words you've borrowed from the only place you've known? And why do you sing Hallelujah, if it means nothing to you? Why do you sing with me at all?
We might live like never before when there's nothing to give. Well, how can we ask for more? We might make love in some sacred place. The look on your face is delicate.
So why do you fill my sorrow with the words you've borrowed from the only place you've known? And why do you sing Hallelujah if it means nothing to you? Why do you sing with me at all?”
Here's my update on the girls: Maren is getting so big and chubby. She eats so much, she just chugs down the formula all day long it seems like. I'm already going to need to get a bigger bottle because she is never satisfied with just one 4 oz bottle so I always have to get up and make another. She is so smiley, she just smiles all of the time. I haven't been able to get her to laugh since that first time, but I'll keep trying. Also, she is consistently sleeping through the night, which is great for me, and she's even starting to get on a pretty good nap schedule. She is sleeping right here next to me in the bouncer that I borrowed from Lara and Adam, and she is kind of snoring, so cute! Jane is having a lot of fun here with your family. She just started to say “meow” when she sees a cat or a picture of a cat. She is still wearing hats and dancing and talking up a storm. She still hardly ever chooses to walk on her own, only when we stand her up and tell her too. She still prefers to crawl. She's in a funny eating stage where she only lets you feed her like 2 bites of something and then even if she liked it she's over it, she wants to feed herself. Also food is more fun to play with than it is to eat for her these days. She's playing with the little red push car from “Cars”, “Oh yeah, Lightning is ready!”
I haven't gotten a letter from you for a couple of days so I'm hoping to get one tomorrow. Are you able to mail letters every day or do you have to save them up and mail a couple at a time? Also, does the mail come in every day or are mine building up before you receive them? Brad, I love you so much and I'm so proud of you. I just feel like I can't tell you those things enough. I feel them too big for words. In my prayers tonight I was trying to express to Heavenly Father how much I love you and need you in my life and how grateful I am to Heavenly Father for Him giving you to me and letting you be in my life. You are my everything and I can't wait to we can be together again and be a whole person together. Keep working hard and know that we are all doing great here, but that we miss you!
Love-Jess
P.S. I'm sleeping in Amy's room because she moved out today and is going to live in her dorm now. BYU starts on Tuesday, September 4th.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
8/28/07
Dearest Jessie,
Believe it or not I am writing you during some free time I have today. We were practicing making our bunks perfect as fast as we can then they said finish them and they took off.
We had another P.T. test today. A week ago I ran a mile in 7:28. Today I ran it in 6:44. It felt really good. I really strode out and focused on my breathing. I am proud of myself. But now I have set the bar for myself. I have to do better every time. I really want to hit that 13 minute two mile mark.
We spent 2 1/2 hours today before lunch and the 3 more after lunch in a classroom being taught the weirdest stuff. For example, a soldier can be written up for rectal sex. We had a health nurse come and talk. She talked about hygiene and washing your hand 40 times a day, then she started talking about sex. It got really graphic. She had 2 guys come up and with a plastic penis and condemn demonstrate how to put on a condemn. It was so gross.
I am really looking forward to seeing you in October. Have you recieved the email from here giving you all the information about family day? I wonder if they will shuttle you out of if you'll have to rent a car.
It feels good to finally have some time behind me even if it is just 2 days of week one. I am hoping these first bad weeks go by fast so we can go have some fun without the drill sergeants going nuts all the time.
I just got your first 2 letters!! They are so great. The pictures are perfect, even Drill Sergeant said the girls were cute. They made me so happy. I hope I get some more tomorrow. Your request for my scriptural insights might be a little weak because I don't have a lot of time to really get into it. I usually just read a little because sleep time is a precious commodity. But I did read one chapter that I really liked.
Jacob 4:6-7 Cross references with Ether 12:4. The hope that turns to "substance" or faith makes them powerful instruments in the Lord's hand but at the beginning it says they "search the prophets"=study the scriptures. Even powerful instruments strengthen their faith the same way as everyone else. Then verse 7 brings us back down reminding us that none of this is possible without the Lord.
I love you more than anyone has ever loved another. Thanks again for the letters.
Brad xxoox - 9526 x and o on top of each other = at the same time
Believe it or not I am writing you during some free time I have today. We were practicing making our bunks perfect as fast as we can then they said finish them and they took off.
We had another P.T. test today. A week ago I ran a mile in 7:28. Today I ran it in 6:44. It felt really good. I really strode out and focused on my breathing. I am proud of myself. But now I have set the bar for myself. I have to do better every time. I really want to hit that 13 minute two mile mark.
We spent 2 1/2 hours today before lunch and the 3 more after lunch in a classroom being taught the weirdest stuff. For example, a soldier can be written up for rectal sex. We had a health nurse come and talk. She talked about hygiene and washing your hand 40 times a day, then she started talking about sex. It got really graphic. She had 2 guys come up and with a plastic penis and condemn demonstrate how to put on a condemn. It was so gross.
I am really looking forward to seeing you in October. Have you recieved the email from here giving you all the information about family day? I wonder if they will shuttle you out of if you'll have to rent a car.
It feels good to finally have some time behind me even if it is just 2 days of week one. I am hoping these first bad weeks go by fast so we can go have some fun without the drill sergeants going nuts all the time.
I just got your first 2 letters!! They are so great. The pictures are perfect, even Drill Sergeant said the girls were cute. They made me so happy. I hope I get some more tomorrow. Your request for my scriptural insights might be a little weak because I don't have a lot of time to really get into it. I usually just read a little because sleep time is a precious commodity. But I did read one chapter that I really liked.
Jacob 4:6-7 Cross references with Ether 12:4. The hope that turns to "substance" or faith makes them powerful instruments in the Lord's hand but at the beginning it says they "search the prophets"=study the scriptures. Even powerful instruments strengthen their faith the same way as everyone else. Then verse 7 brings us back down reminding us that none of this is possible without the Lord.
I love you more than anyone has ever loved another. Thanks again for the letters.
Brad xxoox - 9526 x and o on top of each other = at the same time
Monday, August 27, 2007
8/27/07
Dearest Jessie,
I conquered the Treadwell Tower. It was really easy. We had to repel down a 60 foot wall and then climb or slide on some ropes courses. One we had to slide on top of one single rope. You had to leave one leg hanging down to keep your balance and then slide up or down the rope. We marched a mile adn a half with some of our gear and it really hurt my back. I was in a lot of pain and have been for a while. I have been thinking that this might get me kicked out of the Army, but I don't want you to worry, I think I have fixed it. If I purposely lean back with my shoulders it feels good. I just need to remember to sstand that way whenever we are standing (which is most of the day). I am hoping one of your letters will arrive tomorrow or maybe Wednesday.
Tomorrow is going to be a hard physical training day. I am ready. I want a good hard day. I have a goal to get the perfect score on the P.T. test. I need to run 2 miles in 13 minutes, do 75 push-ups in 2 minutes, and do 81 sit-ups in 2 minutes. I think I'm already pretty close on the push-ups. The sit-ups will need some work and the running will need a lot of work. The last 2 miles I ran was in 16 min and 30 sec.
For some reason we are getting up at 3:30 tomorrow morning and going to bed one earlier tonight. It might be to work out in the cool of the morning longer because it gets really hot here.
The new drill sergeant is not as bad as I thought. He came in going a little crazy this morning - tipping bunks over - mine included, but he is 5'5". So if he ever yells at me he will be looking up at me like the other 2 as well.
I love you more then all the luggage in the whole world.
Brad
P.S. What would you think about visiting me on a weekend while I'm in El Paso.
I conquered the Treadwell Tower. It was really easy. We had to repel down a 60 foot wall and then climb or slide on some ropes courses. One we had to slide on top of one single rope. You had to leave one leg hanging down to keep your balance and then slide up or down the rope. We marched a mile adn a half with some of our gear and it really hurt my back. I was in a lot of pain and have been for a while. I have been thinking that this might get me kicked out of the Army, but I don't want you to worry, I think I have fixed it. If I purposely lean back with my shoulders it feels good. I just need to remember to sstand that way whenever we are standing (which is most of the day). I am hoping one of your letters will arrive tomorrow or maybe Wednesday.
Tomorrow is going to be a hard physical training day. I am ready. I want a good hard day. I have a goal to get the perfect score on the P.T. test. I need to run 2 miles in 13 minutes, do 75 push-ups in 2 minutes, and do 81 sit-ups in 2 minutes. I think I'm already pretty close on the push-ups. The sit-ups will need some work and the running will need a lot of work. The last 2 miles I ran was in 16 min and 30 sec.
For some reason we are getting up at 3:30 tomorrow morning and going to bed one earlier tonight. It might be to work out in the cool of the morning longer because it gets really hot here.
The new drill sergeant is not as bad as I thought. He came in going a little crazy this morning - tipping bunks over - mine included, but he is 5'5". So if he ever yells at me he will be looking up at me like the other 2 as well.
I love you more then all the luggage in the whole world.
Brad
P.S. What would you think about visiting me on a weekend while I'm in El Paso.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)