Sunday, March 4, 2012

February Update in March!

I just realized I haven't updated in a while so here goes.....

As of today, Chaz has decided to medically retire from the Army. Chaz has learned that he really likes being a family man. He hasn't had the chance to really enjoy being a Dad until now. He has served our country for almost 14 years now. Our oldest daughter will be 10 in September. Here's a true fact for you, she has not had her Daddy with her for a full year of her life yet. Neither has Ryann, but Deryn has been in existence for 32 months longer. In case you don't know, we were still doing the back and forth stuff this time last year. If we're together a few more months, then we'll finally be together for one consecutive year.

Right now Chaz feels like that it's time to move on to a new chapter in our lives. He is not making his absolute decision until we get all of the facts and options. I bet you all can understand why we would want to know everything we can before making the final decision. So that's where we are today.

They think Chaz is done with all of his VA appointments, but we won't know for sure until we are a little further down the road. For those who don't know, before we can leave Maryland for good, Chaz has to complete the Medical Board process. This includes being evaluated by the VA for their disability rating. As of last week, he doesn't have anymore appointments with the VA. He still has a ton of Army appointments left. We are still waiting to learn what we are doing about his elbow. Also the bones are still growing in his legs and he needs to have them cut back. So we are waiting on that decision as well. In the meantime, it's PT every day and then random appointments are tossed in each week.

Here's a funny story for you. For years, I have told Chaz he needs a hearing aid. He always dismissed me. So last month, he goes to the VA and guess what he needs, oh yeah, that's right a hearing aid. So guess who can't use the "I didn't hear you" excuse much longer?! ;) I really think he'll enjoy hearing again. I don't think he realizes how excited I am for him to really be able to hear again.

Here's the funniest VA story (so far). The VA evaluator asked Chaz, "How many times have you been near explosions and/or fired a gun during your career?" Chaz said he looked at her funny. He then said, "Um, do you know what I do." She says, "Yes Infantry, but I need a number." Chaz said, "How about we go low, like 10,000?" She says, "Are you sure?" Chaz says, "I'm sorry Ma'am, but I lost count. I was a little busy." She said, "So you're telling me you were involved in or with explosions and direct fire 10,000 times." He said, "No that's the minimum." He said she just stared at him. Ahh, our tax dollars at work. I can't tell you how many times I giggle at people who are so clueless as to what our guys actually do. And the ones that really make me laugh are in the medical profession trying to help our warriors heal. Maybe they should do a little background research when they agree to take these jobs. Just saying?!

The girls have really had a lot of fun on our many outings together. They really enjoyed taking Daddy on the Metro for the first time. I let them explain it all to him. They were super proud to be Daddy's teachers.
Thanks to Operation Ward 57, we got to treat the girls to Disney On Ice. As you can see from that big smile, we had a great time! We also enjoyed our monthly horse back riding lessons thanks to Dropping The Reins and the Yellow Ribbon Fund. We also joined other Wounded Warrior families and watched the Secret World of Arriaty thanks to the Yellow Ribbon Fund. The girls are also taking gymnastics lessons once a week thanks to Our Military Kids. We are still homeschooling and had a lot of fun with Dr Suess' birthday. The girls woke up to green eggs and ham. I greeted Chaz and the girls with pancakes on National Pancake Day. We also enjoyed our King Cake for Mardi Gras.


What's going on with me?! Well I have been working, a lot. I've been working on several surprises for caregivers. Two of them are going on this month. Don't worry, you'll hear more later. One thing you all have probably figured out is how much I love surprising people!! So sorry it's all top secret right now. I have also been meeting with important people who care and listen and want to make things better for our wounded families. Changes are happening and I am honored that my opinion matters so much. Once again, more details later.

We are hoping to get back to TN next month, but we do not have dates or anything like that. We are ready for some TN time with our friends back home. We need a TN recharge that's for sure. I seriously could not live here forever. Knowing it's all temporary helps me get through it all!

So there you have it, we are doing great and are just moving right along! We hope you are all too!

5 comments:

  1. God bless you, Chaz and your family! Ho-ahh! <3

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  2. Huge decision! Praying for wisdom in Seattle!
    Psalms 28:6-7 Blessed be the LORD, because he hath heard the voice of my supplications. The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

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  3. Lifting up prayers right now!
    Psalms 28:8-9 The LORD is their strength, and he is the saving strength of his anointed. Save thy people, and bless thine inheritance: feed them also, and lift them up for ever.

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  4. Know that I'm here praying!!!
    Psalms 63:1-2 O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.

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  5. Continuing to lift up prayers!
    Psalms 63:5-8 My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.

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