I know, I haven't posted on my blog in forever. It has just been the craziest summer ever recorded in the Braud household, and I could never really find the time or the words to write. Since we have just celebrated a momentous occasion, I feel I can not wait any longer.
We spent much of the summer doing a lot of "lasts" with Andrew. It will go down in history as the summer before Andrew went to the United States Air Force. We had a fabulous going away party for him. Over 50 people were in attendance and I was told more than once it was the best party ever. I had an absolute blast. All of it was fun. The planning, the prep, the cooking, the decorating and best of all, the prizes! I bought tons of prizes and most of them had a patriotic theme to them. I smoked chicken and shredded it for BBQ sandwiches, homemade potato salad, baked beans and a wonderful cake with a chocolate mascarpone cheese filling! Oh, and punch! The punch was the hit of the party. How could I forget that? Truly, it was momentous, at least to me.
Flash forward just a bit, surviving boot camp was no easy task.....for me. I am sure Andrew could say the same, but for different reasons! Ha ha! Basically, we were unable to talk to Andrew the whole time he was in boot camp. He was allowed to call twice, but they were timed calls and it was crazy. I wrote to him almost every day, and he even wrote a few times, also. In October, we made the 18 hour drive to San Antonia and had the best time ever. It was so special and meaningful and emotional and all those other types of emotions. All good. I have never felt so proud as when I got to see Andrew marching in his dress blues. He is now stationed at Beale Air Force Base, in California. He will be flying back and forth to Korea once his specialized training is complete. I feel certain he will get to visit my sister whom lives out there, and that would be wonderful!
Our summer was very full, with several house guests. I love having friends come to visit, and was so thankful that several of our really close friends were able to visit. I swear, I have no greater pleasure than to cook for friends and then eat with them. LOVED IT.
Michael and James have been enjoying having less people to share their goodies with, as Chris also moved out in late August. He made an attempt at living just off campus in a small apartment. Unfortunately, the job market was lousy and he was unable to become gainfully employed. He is back home now and we are all adjusting nicely.
We lost Keith's dad in September. It was very sad and very emotional and we just totally miss him. When we were in Louisiana for the funeral, the house felt so empty without him. The guys and I pray for his wife and Keith's sisters often. He was one of a kind!
Well, I am now realizing this blog post is sort of "meh", but if I don't post something soon, I fear it will just fade into the sunset. I really do want to keep blogging, if for no other reason than to record important events for the guys. I feel certain one day they will actually treasure this blog. One day.
