FLORIDA!!

Making the decision on what to do with your life and more importantly what to do with your family's life is probably the hardest decision ever!! Brandon and I had decided a while back to get out of the Army and move either to Florida or Reno, Nevada. Then we decided it would be easier to stay in for a couple more years, and leave the Army while we were already in the states. Well, it would be easier to stay in the Army, but just because it's easier, doesn't mean it's the right thing to do for our family. After getting a few signs that the Army lifestyle isn't for us, we are making the difficult decision to leave the comfort of the military and venture out on our own. The decision was not made lightly at all. These are the signs me got:

• Was told we could re-enlist for Arizona (where we want to go) but would be forced to go to New York
• Was told we could have 2 years at least until Brandon deploys again, and he would have to deploy right away again and miss the first year of our 3rd child's life
• I didn't get excepted into State of New York University teaching program
• Got accepted into Southern Florida State University teaching program
• Brandon failed his first PT test in over 6 years of military service
• Brandon's back and knees are starting to give out
• We have to ask permission to travel more than 2 hours away

These aren't even all the signs that we should leave the military, only a few. After weighing the odds, we found that no amount of money is worth constantly being a part and me having to raise our 3 children alone. The Army has cause countless arguments and fights because we have to schedule our lives around it, and we have to give up everything and put what we want on hold. It's just not worth it. We have had pay issues since the get go. The Army owes us over 2 grand, and they still haven't fixed it. We aren't aloud to raise hell because Brandon will get in trouble. That is ridiculous! Yes, we'll have to work in the states, but our family will come first for a change, which will be nice. I want our kids to grow up in the same area, not constantly moving around. So anyways, we are leaving the military. The tentative plan for now is for me to leave in August, so that I can start school at the Southern Florida State University, and Brandon would come in December. He will miss the birth our bitsey, unless he or she wants to be a couple weeks late. Bitsey (nickname) is due December 19th and Brandon won't be home until December 24th. At least he should be home for Christmas. I am probably going to stay with my grandparents for a minute so that I can get settled in and wait for Brandon to come in December. I want to be in an apartment no later than November. I want to have the the apartment all set up and ready for Brandon and the newest baby to come. Plans are still a little sketchy, but I'll let you know what the actual plans are when I know for sure!