VERY PROUD!

This weekend was a weekend of some very proud moments, as I sit here I am still smiling, beaming with pride and crying all at the same time!  First, let me start by saying that Macey got to meet Aunt #3 this week.  Aunt Jill came to visit last Monday and stayed just two days.  Macey and Aunt Jill were just so happy to be together.  Macey is really starting to smile and react a lot more and she LOVED Aunt Jill.  I do not have a picture, but I will post one later.

Friday afternoon Kevin, Macey and I headed to San Antonio.  This is a 5 hour drive without traffic.  My first proud moment is because our 8 week old is such a trooper.  She traveled so well, we expected it to be so much harder than it was.  She slept a lot of the time and only fussed when she was hungry.

Now, we could care less about San Antonio, but this weekend was different.  Macey's cousin Mark (Jill's oldest son) was graduating from basic training.  Mark spent the last 6 weeks at Lackland AFB working his butt off, and this weekend was a celebration of his hard work.  Being there to see him was such a privilege.  I had no idea how proud I would be.  I can't even explain to you what it was like to see him in his uniform.  He grew up so fast in the 6 weeks that he was there.  He carries himself different, and takes his new job and role very seriously.  

We are not from a military family, my grandpa served many years ago, but he is the only family member who spent time in the service.  I hear of families that are so proud of  their sons, daughters or fathers who serve, and until now I had no idea what that meant.  It wasn't about pride for our country, I realize that is important, but this was different.  This pride comes from seeing an 18 year old walk with a visible sense of honor and respect for himself and for the authority put above him.  It came from seeing this same 18 year old talk so sweetly to the newest member of his family.  I cannot even explain how proud I am of Mark, and I know I speak for his Uncle Kevin as well.  He was given the opportunity to apply for a top clearance job in computer systems control and he got it!  After his training he may be working with the Joint Chiefs of Staff, what a privilege.  His flight was also awarded the distinction of "Honor Flight" which was only the 6th time in 2008 for this honor to be given. 

Right now Mark is in Mississippi for 16 weeks training for his new job.  After that he will be sent to his first assignment, but we will not know where that will be for some time.  I've never been one of those girls who ga-gas over a man in uniform, but I must say, my nephew may have just changed my mind.  He is very handsome and professional looking.  Here is a picture that Kevin wanted to take...

We'll let you decide if you think Mark could kick Kevin's butt!

Here is Macey meeting the first of her 10 cousins!

Macey has a onesie that says Air Force cousin that she wore the day she met Mark.

Here is Macey with Grandpa Max.

So, needless to say we enjoyed our weekend.  We would ask that you keep Mark in your prayers as he continues his career in the Air Force.  Enlisting during a time of war is very courageous and admirable.  Mark we are so proud of you and can hardly wait to hear about all your experiences while serving our country.