Pilot Rescue in Libya

One of my greatest fears with Mike's job is that his jet will malfunction and he'll go down behind enemy lines after ejecting. This happened to two F-15 pilots on Monday in Eastern Libya.  Marines and several aircraft from the USS Kearsarge were called to rescue those two Marines and did so extremely quick.  It's a huge comfort to read about how quickly we responded and had those pilots back safe.  Here's the article.

I've had the news on a lot during this because I want to be informed, and AK has been picking up things here and there from it. Yesterday she asked me, "so what's going on in Olivia today?" :)  She thinks the anti-aircraft shots are fireworks.  Their innocence is so sweet.

I cannot wait until the operation is complete and Mike is away from it all.  And when I can stop feeling paranoid with one ear tuned to the news all day.  Only a few more weeks, and he is set to come HOME!!!  I am elated at the thought of seeing his face and being in his arms.

Libya Update

I finally heard from Mike via email.  He is very vague and isn't permitted to tell me any details... I keep asking, "Is it you? Did you fly today? Will you be flying tomorrow?" But he can only respond with "I love you. How are my girls?"   ... but we're learning plenty from the news.  Read this article!  (It's a quick read with two pictures - one of his ship off the coast of Libya and another of his fellow pilot, Freedom Carlson - no joke, that's his real name not his call sign!)

I do know that his group of nine Harrier pilots aboard the USS Kearsarge have been striking several areas with perfect precision and they will be performing more air strikes today, which is night over in Libya. From what I can tell, their strikes are all happening in darkness.  I don't like the thought of them flying at night over there, but this is what they've been training to do for a long time.

It's unnerving and scary to know that Mike may be in the air over this crazy regime as I type this.  But I am so proud of him and all of his fellow pilots.  Thank you so much for your continued prayers and words of encouragement.  He'll be home safe before we know it!!!

Prayers for Mike

If you've been watching the news, you're aware of the situation in Libya.  Yes, Mike is over there in the middle of it and they are sending USMC Harriers to do air strikes.  I have no idea of any details other than that because they've cut off our communication.  All I've received are recorded messages from the CO of their squadron telling us that the pilots are well prepared and up to the task - and that the aircraft is in good condition.  Please pray for Mike and all of the service members overseas.  I have anxiety as you can imagine, but faith that God will protect them.  Just wish I could hear from Mike.  Hopefully in the next day or so...

More updates to come.  Here's a short article if you want to read more.

Moving Along

We are moving along and growing fast this year so far.  The last two months went by quick.  We've enjoyed getting outdoors in the spring-ish weather and already made a trip down to the beach when my mom, Carrie and nephews came to visit last month.

This & header pic by Carrie Carnes, vintagebluephoto.com

Abby Kate still loves school and dance and church activities.  She is a huge helper at home and plays well with her sister most of the time.  She has learned many words using her flash cards and enjoys anything educational, which I am so happy about!

Avery is 19 months.  She is full of laughs and is quite the clown.  She says tons of words and pretty much understands everything I say to her.  She has learned to throw away empty things like raisin boxes and plastic baggies.  The down side is that I find empty sippy cups, empty plastic bowls and the occasional toy in the trash. :) I love watching her play and learn. Perhaps my favorite thing is when she randomly sees a picture of Mike and says, 'Dada.'

Mike is floating around somewhere in the Mediterranean now.  I'm not positive if the Harriers will be involved in any of the Libya turmoil if a no fly zone is implemented, but I do know their cargo planes have been flying Egyptian refugees from Libya back to Egypt.  Mike has remained in good spirits.  He stays busy, but is so excited to get back home to his girls. He comments about how much they appear to have grown in photos I send him. He will be shocked when he sees them. They are so much bigger. I can't wait to watch them run to his open arms!!

Recent pic of Mike on the boat workin' hard. haha ;)

And the days are nearing!! Mike's homecoming is under two months away if all goes as planned. Um, which never happens, but still... :)  After the first couple of weeks into this, I had successfully pushed down all my emotions and quickly got a handle on life this way.  I found it was the best way for me to deal.  Now that the end is in sight, I'm finding all that emotion coming back to the surface.  I can't stand the excitement and anticipation of his homecoming!! Before this deployment I would've thought two months was an absolute eternity, but now it seems like just around the corner! 

Thanks so much for your continued support and prayers!!