Real Jared came home safe and sound and everyone was beyond happy to see him. Even the baby (now 2) didn’t shy away and I credit our Flat Jared with much of that.
It’s been quite the adventure since RJ came home, nothing’s really the same after so long apart and it’s hard to figure everything out. Accept that it’s much like starting all over and try to keep the right perspective. Be willing to talk and be willing to ask for help. The Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America website has links for soldiers about the transition, as well as a section for friends and family. Remember that it won’t be perfect and you’ll at least start out headed down the right path.
We had a fun family vacation a few weeks after RJ returned and it was a ton of fun watching him and the kids interact. Mira became quite the daddy’s girl and the boys were just happy to have someone to wrestle with. Now RJ is back to work and almost done with his degree. FJ is tucked away in a closet awaiting his next adventures, though we’re not really in a rush for that to happen!
I hope to have very random updates about other Flat Daddy news from time to time, and please send the link(or at least the Flat Daddy idea) out to anyone you think could use it. Deployment can be excruciatingly lonely for families, particularly Reserve and National Guard families, and it’s always nice to have a connection to others in your position. Thanks to all of you for your visits and support here. Lots of love from our family to yours!
January 12, 2010
Well, it’s come and gone
Posted by Us under A worthwhile cause, Family Time, The KidsLeave a Comment
August 13, 2009
when you’re going a little crazy…
Well, after 13 long months it’s finally here. Real Jared is scheduled to fly in tomorrow and we are all on pins and needles around here. It’s been a very busy few weeks, and it was easier to just forget about this blog rather than try to post something worthwhile 
So, until I can get around to posting about something else, here are some pictures my sister in law took of their 4th of July with Flat Jared…
July 26, 2009
with no kids!
July 26, 2009
4th of July festivities in Halfway Oregon. The sign says “Home of Baker County Fair” but there were so many trees I couldn’t get a good shot:
Watching the barrel races with FJ and a new friend. When you take a Flat Daddy with you new friends just come out of the woodwork!
July 23, 2009
Getting ready to paint somethin!
July 20, 2009
The kids spotted a new food place in town a couple weeks back and we finally had some time to pop in and check it out. Joel was pretty much in heaven because they serve hot dogs exclusively and he is a hot dog fiend. All sorts of hot dogs and toppings, they even have 5 different kinds of relish! I think RJ is going to really like this place when he comes home!
There’s a big screen TV with cable and they have an air hockey table. Don’t forget the PS3 and the Wii. Oh, and wi-fi. Can you tell we live in a college town? They tried like a hundred different types of hot dog before settling on the ones they carry, and they were pretty darn good.
Everyone had a good time:
July 20, 2009
There was this guy. He had a cool car(I love suicide doors). I asked if I could take FJ’s picture in the car. He said yes. The end.
July 12, 2009
Only in small towns do you find the flag planted right in the middle of the only “major” intersection in town
Do you think he’ll help us float if we jump in?
The door of my grandparents guest cottage. They know how to represent y’all
June 28, 2009
More pictures direct from Okinawa:
I love the sign that says “Meet Jared”
And this:
The writing says “Jared, Best wishes Nice name”
Tell me that didn’t make you laugh out loud!
June 21, 2009
I look at how long it’s been since my last post and it makes me feel so lousy. These 10 hour days have been rough on our schedule, and all our spare time is spent cleaning up and running errands, so it’s easy for me to set this to the side. It’s been a busy month and it’s hard to believe there’s only 2 months left until RJ’s return! We recently had more friends head out so please remember all the soldiers, airmen, sailors, and Marines in your prayers long after RJ comes home.
The most exciting thing to happen the last few weeks was Jeff’s birthday! He turned 7 and we had a fun party at our local kids museum.
Hard to believe that the little boy who started our adventure as parents has survived for 7 whole years!!
Stumble It!
