Yosemite

With only a few more days in Cali we wanted to visit our mountains one last time so we decided the best way to do that would be to visit Yosemite with our moms.

It was so beautiful in Yosemite and we will really miss it!

Love,

Mrs. Messinger

Merry Christmas

There is something about waking up in my old room in Christmas PJ's and finding a fire in the fire place and wood stove that makes me feel like a kid again.  The only thing different these days is the addition of a couple husbands
(Mr Messinger & Mr Hershey).

Christmas PJ's

Whit's new sewing tool box and Brett's camping stove.

(I am in love with her pink tool box... she better watch out or I may try to fit that in my carry on to AK)

Thank you Special K

Thank you Mom and Dad for the jackets!

Merry Christmas!

Love,

Mrs Messinger

Christmas Eve

This year we spent Christmas Eve with the Mr's side of the family.

I always forget how fun it is to be around all of the little ones during the holidays.

Here are some of my favorite pictures from the day...

Check out those eyes...

Trying out Uncle Mike's shooting range.

Time for presents...

Merry Christmas Eve!

Love, Mrs. Messinger

Christmas Tradition

Our first Christmas as a married couple (2009) we decided to start the Christmas Ornament Tradition.  

Every year Hallmark comes out with a Mickey and Minnie Ornament and here is this years. 

Enjoy!

We can't wait to see what next years ornament looks like!

Love, Mr & Mrs Messinger

P.S. Happy Birthday Mr Messinger

Welcome Home

For the first time in 6 months we are both at home in the mountains. 
We couldn't be happier...

Look Who I Found...

The Mrs is so happy to have the Mr home for the Holidays!

Ring Phone Ring

28 July 2011

It is only Thursday but Sis and I are waiting for AB Messinger to call.

How cute is she???

Week 4 of BMT

We are half-way there! Here are some of the things our Airman will be doing this week:

Haircuts
Chapel
2nd Uniform Issue: BLUES
Chemical Chamber run
BMT Obstacle Course
Chemical, Biological, Nuclear Defense Training
Improvised Explosive Device Familiarization
Anti-Terrorism Training
Dress and Appearance II
Weapons Evaluation
Dormitory Care and Cleaning
Flight Picture
Individual photos
M-16 Breakdown practice
Obstacle Course
Physical Training
Security Class
Transitory Drill
Weapons Breakdown test
Wear of the uniform class (Blues)

~Thanks AF WingMoms~

What is BMT?

25 July 2011

Today I was challenged with explaining why I was driving Andrew's truck to a two and four year old. Turns out that is easier to do than answering questions about BMT to the same little ones (ie: where did all of their hair go, why do they match, do they have to wear those silly glasses, why do they cry when they hug...) 

Thank you AF BMT pictures for making me put BMT into childrens language.

~Messages from the Mrs.~

Phone Calls Home

24 July 2011

Mr. Messinger got to make a 15 minute phone call today. He is doing well and couldn't stop saying how much he loves BMT. He is the laundry chief which is stressful but makes the time go by quickly. Ice cream this week after KP was a huge bonus. As always grilled cheese and Jesus day was a hit and he can't wait to take the family to church after graduation (tear tear). He looks forward to the gas chamber and the obstacle course this week and laughed when the wife told him to smile in his pictures.
Moral is high with one month down and one to go.

Mr. Messinger would also like to give a special shout out to Ben Daniels who will graduate this weekend.

P.S. The Mrs. would like to apologize to all of the Target shoppers who had to listen to the crazy lady encouraging her husband. Sorry

~Phone Calls from the Mr.~

3rd Letter Home

23 July 2011

I start the 4th week tomorrow and it only feels like it has been two weeks.  So I forgot to tell you that I am the laundry chief.  It sucks because the whole flight gets mad at us.
On a happier note I am having a blast and I love it.  We have all become best friends except for a few people that do not like each other.  The only thing that sucks is missing home.  I wish I could go to the lake and drink soda.  I can't wait to see the family at graduation.  It will be a blast.  This week we practiced graduation and it is going to be so long.
Week four is going to be fun.  It will be a very busy week which is good.  How is home?  I hope you are doing well.
I miss my electronics and can't wait to get on Facebook.
Well I love you and I will write again soon.
Love, Andrew

~Messages from the Mr (Edited by the Mrs.)~

Pictures from BMT

My Airman

Want to see more pictures???

The USAF Basic Military Training blessed us with pictures of Andrew's flight. 

He looks so handsome in his uniform. 

~Messages from the Messingers~

Phone Calls Home

20 July 2011

Andrew was rewarded today with a phone call home. After 21 days in basic he is homesick for his wife and family. He loves you all and thinks about you often.

~Phone Call from the Mr.~

Phone Calls Home

18 July 2011

Andrew called and is doing really well. He is having a great time and very happy with his decision to join the Air Force. He is making friends by teaching the other guys to put peanut butter on chocolate chip granola bar. I am a happy wife.

~Phone Call from the Mr.~

Grilled Cheese & Jesus Day

17 July 2011

Today is grilled cheese and Jesus day for Drew and I guess he can still use his debit card in BMT. I don't think I have ever been excited to see money leave our bank account before. After not talking to him since Monday it is nice to know he is still alive :-)

Messages from the Mrs.

Week 3 of BMT

Our Trainee is already heading into Week 3 and nearly halfway there! Here's some of what he will be doing:

Job Classification Interviews
Base Details
CPR Training, Self Aid and Buddy Care
Chapel
Drill Precision
Dormitory Care and Cleaning
Job Interviews and Qualifications
M-16 Breakdown practice
Physical Training
Tent Build Class
Transitory Drill

Thanks AF WingMoms

2nd Letter Home

16 July 2011

I really miss home but I am holding up. Today is the last night of the 2nd week. We had our 2nd PT evaluation and all of my numbers went up. During PT we do the same amount of reps as the 8th weekers. On Friday we did details all day and most of my flight went ot KP Duty while me and 6 others stayed behind and worked around the squadron all day. Also I bought a letter writing kit today because we use lined paper a lot. If we mess up we have to write something 200 to 300 times (ie: our reporting statement... Sir trainee Messinger reports as ordered). Tomorrow is church and I am stoked.

Chow has been good and I am learning to make it more enjoyable such as a chocolate chip chewy bar smeared with peanut butter. You should try it. It is like a candy bar. My favorite thing we have had is pizza bread and chicken nugget with ranch. Ranch makes everything better. I miss your cooking.

I am starting to enjoy BMT because I am getting used to the whole being quick thing. You would not believe how tired we all are. We probably get smoked 4 to 5 times a day. Our MTI says he doesn't smoke but he has a whole pack of trainees ready to be smoked.

I got a letter from my mom and sister. Kaelyn & Ivan wrote me and drew mew a picture. I really want to go to the lake and swim.

Oh yeah back to food... I now love sweet potato fries with ranch. It is really hot here but I am so hydrated that my body stays really cool. I will try and write in a few days.

Messages from the Mr. (Edited by the Mrs.)

Pocket Pat Line Dance

15 July 2011

Tomorrow morning starts the WingWife line dance..pocket pat panic!

Everyone put your cell phone in your pocket and lets go..(cue the music) step to the right, pat the pocket, step to the left, pat the pocket..spin right, make sure its on, spin to the left, volume check...10 steps forward, PANIC...its on the table 10 steps away...(big finish) run 8 steps back and DIVE DIVE DIVE!!

~Thanks AF WingMoms ~

So thankful to have found AF WingMoms. I have found a great group of ladies that have been so supportive. I can't wait to meet them at Andrew's graduation.

~Messages from the Mrs.~

1st Letter Home

12 July 2011

BMT is not very hard, it is just stressful. It is mostly paying attention to detail. It is very hot here but a lot of the time you don't really notice it. In zero and first week we probably marched over 10 miles put together. PT is not very hard (yet). Getting smoked is the worst, but it is only making us better.

We are starting to work together as a group now which is good because at first we were total individuals.

I love getting letters everyday, it motivates me to keep pushing on. I passed my clothing drawer inspection and tomorrow we have our locker inspection. I am very tired probably the most tired I have every been but I only have 6 weeks left.

I live chow to chow, Sunday to Sunday. Church is really fun and they sing some interesting songs.

P.S. Tell everyone hello and I miss and love them!

~Messages from the Mr. (Edited by the Mrs.)~

Phone Calls Home

11 July 2011

My cell phone lit up with "Hubby" this morning and made me the happiest wife on the planet.

We got to talk for 13 minutes and he is doing well physically but is homesick for his wife and good cooking. 

The food has been making him sick so hopefully he gets used to it soon.

He gets to sleep 6 hours a day which is enough. 

The heat isn't bad... Just hot and sticky.

 He loves church and the grilled cheese to follow.

Tomorrow is his 1st inspection so start your praying :)

~Phone Call from the Mr.~

Sunday Prayer

10 July 2011

Lord, we thank you now & in advance for the many blessings that you have chosen to bestow upon us! We thank you for your goodness & mercy everlasting. We ask you to watch over AB Messinger, bless him, protect him, & keep him in your loving arms. Bless him with mental endurance, physical strength, & a spirit of obedience. Keep him free from injury& illness. Bless the AB’s in TRS 324 with patience, comfort, support & positive outcomes. Bless our military & their families with protection, increase, career advancement, & stability. Bless those affected or facing disaster with aid, abundance, & your perfect peace. Bless the TI’s & authority figures with wisdom & encouragement. Bless the families of all the AB’s with traveling grace, mercy, safety, protection,& financial increase. In Jesus Name, we pray Amen!

~Thank you AF Wing Moms!~

Week 2 of BMT

Here comes Week 2 for our Trainees and here's some of what he will be doing:

Base Defense Training
Bed and General Area Inspection
Chapel
Clothing Drawer Inspection
Dormitory Care and Cleaning
Integrated Defense
Weapons Cleaning
Career Guidance
Recruit Living Area Progress Check
M-16 Breakdown practice
Physical Training
Wall Locker Inspection
Transitory Drill
Security Drawer Inspection

~Thanks AF WingMom~

Thank You Air Force

9 July 2011

For all of you who would like to give me the best birthday gift ever I would like to tell you what your up against.  The US Air Force decided to make my birthday Hugs and Tapping Out day for AB Messinger.  In other words they have decided to let me hug my husband for the first time in 2 months.  Thank you Air Force in advance for the best Birthday gift ever. 

Messages from the Mrs.

Week 1 of BMT

It's the first full week of Training (WOT) for our Airman - here's some of what they'll be doing:

Weapons Issue
M-16 Breakdown & Reassembly
First Week Briefing
Records/ID Processing
Medical & Dental Processing
Chapel
Commander's Briefing
Dress & Appearance I
Dormitory Care and Cleaning
GI Bill Briefing
Rank Recognition
ID Card Processing
M-16 Trainer Issue
M-16 Class
M-16 breakdown practice
Law of Armed Conflict
Human Relations Training
Nutrition and Fitness
Rendering Courtesies
Warrior Role
Records Processing
Immunizations cont.
Stationary Drill
Transitory Drill
Wear of the uniform class (ABU's)

Thanks AF WingMoms

Happy 4th of July

4 July 2011

Happy 4th of July 

Andrew has been gone for a week already. Today my dad took down the basketball hoop that only Andrew has used for the past 4 almost 5 years and put up a flag in honor of him. Happy 4th of July AB Messinger!

Messages from the Mrs.

First Phone Call Home

3 July 2011

Today Drew called and talked to my brother.  He is doing really well and says BMT is easier than he expected.  He gave Hunter his address so I can send him letters. 

I didn't think he would be able to call until next week so I went to the lake with his family and sadly missed the phone call.  I am so thankful he was able to talk to my brother but I feel awful that I was not able to talk to him. 

No more lake trips for me on Sundays :-(

Messages from the Mrs.

The Mr. Made It

29 June 2011

Andrew made it to Texas this afternoon.  Tonight this wife's heart was tested with a phone call home from Andrew saying he made it. He sounded normal but was reading a script and couldn't answer questions. The phone call lasted about 30 seconds and ended as soon as he finished giving me his address. Jesus, please watch over my man.

Messages from the Mrs. (Proud wife of AB Messinger)

MEPS Bound

28 June 2011

This morning Andrew was up before the sun to go to MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station).  He swore in and is now boarding a plane for MEPS. 

The view as he got on the plane

Off He Goes

27 June 2011

Today is the day that Mr. Messinger will start his adventure as an Airman.  We woke up early to say the last tearful goodbyes and then it was off to Fresno.  We got to Fresno early and had time to take our last stroll around Costco.  As we waited for the van to arrive we watched a mother and sister saying goodbye to their son and brother.  Finally it was time for the inevitable...We said "see you later" and off he went. 

It is funny how see you later can mean see you in an hour or in two months but it doesn't make it any easier. 

 The Goodbye Kiss

 Uncle Anroo & Waylon

 

 Driving to Fresno

The Adventure of a Life Time

26 June 2011 

Welcome to Messages from the Messingers. 

Tomorrow is the big day... 5 years ago when Andrew told me (Taylor) that he was going to join the Air Force I thought that is cool, but dreams will change. Little did I know that we would be married and going on the adventure of a life time together just 5 short years later. For the past few months it has felt so far off but tonight as goodbyes are being said and tears are being shed it is all feeling "real".  

We would both like to thank all of you for your support over the last 7 months and even more so in the weeks and months to come.

~Messages from the Mrs.~