I'm just an ordinary girl doing ordinary stuff.

I just happen to be a single mom in the military.

My kids are part of the military too.

When I deploy, their heart breaks too.

They're strong little guys.

Being their mom is the most humbling experience I've ever had.

Follow the adventures

See if you can keep up with me as I serve my country holding my kids in my arms.

Saturday, March 28, 2015

NCO Academy Grad!

I've spent the last 6 weeks in the Noncommisioned Officer Academy (NCOA). I admit that NCOA was not what I was expecting.  I thought it was going to be a cheesy, unrealistic let's-play-leader course. Instead, I've been studying ethical leadership, joint warfighting, professional development, negotiating, and many many more lessons!  I've given briefings on religious freedom and strategic initiatives. I've made friends.  I feel as if I've grown in just a month and a half. 

The days were jam packed with lessons, we were drinking from a fire hose. The nights were ridiculously late with homework. We had briefings and papers due each week. We slept 3-5 hrs a night. Weekends were blessings!!  I slept on the weekends. 

Caden had a dental issue during the week of my first test (gum swelling from slamming into another kid during rough playing). Instead of reviewing the night before the test, I was up all night helping him cope with pain. I failed that first test. That weekend, he got some antibiotics and I had my nose in my giant book for hours each day. I rocked the final test. I scored 10 pts above the average student. Thank you, God. 

Bruce was my audience during briefing practice. He'd stare at me in confusion as I gave him 3-5 minute briefings on religious freedom and strategic initiatives. If it wasn't for the wine, I'd have been laughing the whole time. 

My class graduated yesterday. It was a great day. My boss and two of my subordinates came to attend the ceremony. I was so proud! 

Now on to the next Air Force milestone: Korea.