Our Own Little Movie Scene

As most of you know, when I left for my flight I didn't know at what point I would see Kevin. Would I see him in Atlanta? Would I get to the Dominican first? Or would he get there first? I got to Atlanta and made it to my gate. As I sat there waiting to board the plane, I was talking to my mom a little bummed out because I didn't see Kevin anywhere. As I talked to her I found myself continuously scanning the crowd. Suddenly I saw a soldier that caught my eye walking in my direction. I was so excited, I hung up on my mom (oops!), ran over to him and wrapped my arms around him. It was so hard for me to let go of him. I felt like it was a scene in our own little movie! Handsome soldier in his uniform walking down the terminal, when his girl spots him in the distance. She runs to him, not noticing anyone else around her. All she sees is him...

After Kevin peeled me off of him, he went on to explain that he was originally suppose to fly out the next day, but he had already talked to the pilot and got a spot on the plane and a seat by me! It was the most wonderful moment ever! Shortly after that, we boarded the plane together! I couldn't have been happier or prouder to be with him right then; as we got onto the plane full of beach bound travelers, I walked on holding on to his arm. ....Let the R&R begin!!

On Our Way To Some R&R!!!

Hi Everyone -
I just wanted to send out a quick note to you all again. Things have been so busy for me getting ready for the trip that I almost forgot to post another blog!!

Things are going pretty good for Kevin, but I'm not going to lie....he's VERY ready for his 2-week leave in the Dominican Republic. Things are getting HOT, people are getting tired and worn out, and he really needs some down time for himself.

Last week his group tried to do something fun called a "Hub Off". The goal was to complete the rebuilding of all the hubs on the trucks, and they had different rules to go by. It was something they did to make it a little fun for them. Then when they were done with that they were able to grill out! Kevin was the grillmaster and cooked the burgers and hot dogs for everyone. I have some pictures that I'll have to attach next time so you can see a little better what I'm talking about. I'm not at my home computer right now, so I don't have them right now. ...but I'll put them on here eventually.

On May 18th, they decided to switch their hours to 11pm - 11am. This is to help them work in the cooler hours of the day since the temperature is climbing into the 100's. It's gettin' toasty there!! So Kevin had a couple overnight shifts before they let him go on his leave. He left this morning to start all the paperwork and briefings, then he would get his flights and be on his way. I haven't heard from him yet, so I have no idea when he'll get to the Dominican or what types of flights he's on - - but I'm sure he's going to be exhausted when he gets there!! I will be leaving tomorrow morning (Thursday) and will be there by 1:30 in the afternoon. I'm SO excited for us both to get there and have some down time and R&R - on the beach!!!! I think we're both needing it right now!! We will be in the D.R. until 6/5 - and we're planning on enjoying every minute of it!! I'm sure the next post I put out here will have some pictures to show everyone. It's going to be perfect - I just know it!!

Speaking of which, it's getting late and I need to get to bed for my early flight tomorrow morning. I will talk to everyone soon - take care!!!

Wow, Time is flying!!!

Hello From Kuwait!!!

I snapped this picture of Kevin on the webcam - and had to put this on here for you all to see! He's doing great and wanted me to say hello to everyone and that he misses you all!!

I just realized that it's been about a month since I last updated the blog! Wow, time has been going fast and really got away from me!

Kevin has still been working the long 12+ hour days; and he has a little bit more on his already full plate! More soldiers from Iowa have gone over to help them out, so now he has about 20 guys under him! That definitely is keeping him busy busy busy! Kevin said that his group has really been working hard and couldn't help but brag a little bit about the problems they have found and are now resolving. He said he can definitely tell the difference between the troups from IA as apposed to other states. The Iowa troops have an amazing work ethic and are really doing us proud over there!

On another good note, he has been receiving 1 day off a week! He usually uses this time to catch up on his laundry, a little sleep, and maybe go swimming or catch a movie. Last weekend on his day off he actually got to see the Star Wars movie! That hasn't even come out in the U.S. yet - How awesome is that?!?!

Below is a picture of Kevin and one of our good friends, SSG Kevin Rossmanith. The Charlie Daniel's Band went over for a visit - so this is the Kevins hanging out and having a little fun!!

For those of you that don't know, Kevin has decided to take his 2 week leave! Kevin and I will be meeting in the Dominican Republic on May 21st for his time off. We wanted to go some place where we can truly get some R&R, and we thought of no better place than a warm, sunny beach! We are SO excited and the trip can't get here fast enough!!! Kevin has been working so hard and he truly deserves this trip! I couldn't be prouder of what he's doing in Kuwait!

St. Patty's Day Fun Run

Kevin had another "Fun Run" yesterday for St. Patty's day. He had to be up for it by 4:00 am (a little too early for me to run)! This is one of the runs that the whole base can run in...army, navy, air force, etc; and then they get a t-shirt for it at the end. Kevin did pretty good - I think he said he finished his 3+ mile run in about 25 minutes! He thought he could have done it faster, but there were so many people there and everyone was getting in each other's way. Next time he's going to try to start a little closer to the front and see how he finishes then!

Here's a picture of Kevin his friend Kingsley after the run.

Surprise!!!!

This past Saturday, March 14, my family and friends threw a surprise birthday party for me!

This is how my Saturday started....I had to work that morning, then I came home and talked to Kevin online. Later that afternooon, I was suppose to meet my friend Heather for a manicure/pedicure. Well, when it was time to get off the phone with Kevin, I was sad and just missin' him. I said my good-byes, then headed over to Heather's house. I walked in the door and her house was FULL of people!! I was SO surprised. Not only was all my friends/family there....KEVIN was on the webcam right there when I walked in the door! It was just crazy - I had so many people there and it all meant so much to me...and also got to see Kevin and my sister Lisa (who lives in Kenya) via webcam!! It was TOO perfect!!! Kevin said he could tell I was sad having to say good-bye, but he was loving every minute of it because he knew he would see me a few minutes later at the party!



My birthday is actually Friday, March 20th....the BIG 3-0!!! So yeah, they got me good!!! ...and KEVIN was in on it!!!



I'm still waiting for my mani & pedi!!! :)

Surprise!!









Me Talking to Kevin on Webcam




Me & My Lil' Sis...Jody!

SSG Olson on the KJJY Website!

On one of the country stations here in Des Moines, they have been talking about honoring your soldier on their "Hall of Heros". There are a lot of really neat pictures out there of our soldiers past and present. I uploaded a picture of Kevin to all the other heros. Go out and check it out!! There is also a picture of one of our good friends, Sgt. Kevin Rossmanith, on the website too. He is currently deployed with Kevin right now.

Enjoy the pics!! I think it's a really neat page!


http://www.kjjy.com/photoWallPhoto.asp?wallID=15644&photoID=3536584

Pics of Kevin's award from the General

Here are a few pictures I took of Kevin's award he received. These are webcam pics, so they aren't too clear. Pretty awesome if you ask me!


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