Right after the last post (Good Friday to be exact) Jerry got a call at 0245 informing him that there were soldier issues up at work that he needed to deal with. After getting dressed and heading in to work, he got a call from forward that the battalion had suffered a great loss in Iraq just a few hours before. One of platoons that was out on patrol that day had been hit by a suicide bomber. Reports confirmed that the suicide bomber was actually aiming at a military police station and that the soldiers were merely caught up in the action. A dump truck loaded with thousands of pounds of explosives was detonated and five American soldiers, husbands, daddy's, sons, and brothers lost their lives while fighting to maintain our freedom. When I first heard the news, I had no idea the chain of events that would be set into motion when dealing with this many deaths at one time. The whole battalion was struggling with the losses as it came as a shock to everyone. As the battalion's rear detachment commander, Jerry, along with other Army personnel and volunteers, spent countless hours with the families as they dealt with the news of the loss of their loved one. I went to work with Jerry the next two days to help out with anything I could. I felt like I needed to be strong for everyone as the commander's wife, but when we got home that first night after midnight, Jerry held me and the tears started to flow. I felt so selfish thinking it, but I was just so thankful that my husband was home and safe. I don't know what I would have done had I been one of those wives who answered the door that day to a uniformed Soldier informing me that my husband died a hero...

After a few days, funerals were scheduled and soldiers from the rear detachment were sent to each of them. We had the post wide memorial service for all five soldiers about 8 weeks ago and again, I couldn't hold back the tears. Watching my friends, those young mamas stand there husband-less, with their young children who had no understanding of what was going on... watching sisters and brothers of other soldiers weep over the loss of their big brother... watching loving mothers sob uncontrollably knowing that they would never see their son again... it was almost too much to bear. I don't know how they do it. Please continue to pray for each of the family members of the soldiers that died that day. The rippling effects of the loss of their lives are still being felt today.

Moving on... while dealing with this loss to our battalion, we found out that my mom was re-diagnosed with breast cancer. Many of you already know this but for those that don't, she had breast cancer 13 years ago and it has come back. The medical care available on the island where they live is not all that extensive, so she and Dad decided to have further testing and treatment done stateside. While she was in the states visiting her parents in Dallas, she had more tests done and set up numerous appointments with multiple doctors. I flew down to be with her for some of them and was so glad to see her. I knew she was going to be fine, but I was anxious to give my mama a hug! She was given permission by her doctors to be able to go back out to the island for a week or two so she could wrap up the school year with the kids and pack up and prepare for treatment and chemo back in the states. C.J. finished his semester at the University of Guam and when the family arrived in the states, they had a high-school graduation and 18th birthday party for him. After prayerfully considering where to live during Mom's treatment, the family set up a temporary residence at my grandparent’s home in Dallas.

Mom successfully had her surgery on May 20th so thank you to all of you who prayed her through that. I was able to fly down for the week and be there while she was in the hospital. I was doing fine until I saw her come out of surgery... something about all of the tubes and oxygen hooked up to her made the tears flow. I was 12 when she went through surgery the first time and I don't really remember that much. But like I said, she did great and has had a good recovery so far. She went to a follow up appointment the other day and received good reports! One fabulous piece of news is that her tumor was .5 centimeter short of her having to have radiation after chemo... we are all thanking the Lord for that! She received her first round of chemo yesterday, so please be in prayer as she begins that long journey.

 In order to help out my folks some, Jerry and I have taken my three younger siblings for the summer:) Several days after Mom's surgery, I flew back to Colorado with them (and all 13 of our bags!) and they are set up to stay with us for several months. Our days have been full but fun and I'm learning so much about parenting! My mom keeps reminding me that most people get kids one at a time and they start out small... Jerry and I are getting them at 10, 8, and 5! We are all adjusting to being together and getting settled into somewhat of a routine. I keep reminding myself too that these kids have been through so much and are really doing fabulous in a new home and environment without their parents:) Jerry and I love them so much and are glad that we are able to help out. I could not do this without my hubby... he has been so supportive every step of the way and I love and appreciate so much his willingness to do this with me!

Speaking of my Precious... we just celebrated our 4th anniversary on May 28th! It's hard to believe it's already been four years... it seems as it has gone by so fast. With 4 moves, 2 deployments to Iraq, multiple weeks in the field training the last several years, and career progression related job changes, I guess it's easy to pass the time quickly. I just want to say though, that in the midst of our busy and crazy army life, the last four years have been incredible! I am so thankful for the man that I married and for the life we have made together. He seems to have a way about him, with his adorable smile, contagious laugh, and big "Jer-Bear hugs" (as my family has affectionately dubbed them:) that makes me love my life and look forward to every day with him! He is a man of God, a leader, a provider and protector. He is so sensitive to my needs and takes my wants and desires into consideration without fail. I thank Jesus for him and don’t take for granted the extra time we have been given while the rest of the battalion has been deployed. Thank you Darlin for your love and complete devotion to me, and me alone. Happy Anniversary! I love you forever!

Without boring any of you any further, here are some pictures of Jerry and I with the kids over the last couple days… hopefully I’ll get better about making regular updates…

 With love to you all, Jerry & Erin

Thank you all for checking back! Yes, it is true, my Soldier is home to stay! I can hardly believe it. Tuesday of this week was the 15 day mark for us, indicating that had Jerry only been able to come home for the original R&R, he would have already boarded a plane to head back for Iraq to serve the remaining 5+ months of his tour. Instead, the Lord has blessed us incredibly and answered a prayer of mine in allowing Jerry to not have to re-deploy to Iraq for this rotation. Thank you Jesus!

On March 4th at approximately 0500, I was sleeping soundly in my room out in Guam. The plan was for me to stay out there until around March 10 when I would head back to Texas to begin making preparations for Jerry's return, work ahead on school, take exams, etc. Jerry was scheduled to fly to Texas (DFW Airport) for R&R (a total of 15 days of leave) around the latter part of March and I was going to pick him up in Dallas, then drive back to Houston, get all of our things and we were going to drive back to Colorado together. It was going to be a whirlwind of activity but we were BOTH looking forward to it! I was counting the days and minutes!

But like I said, everything changed on that Wednesday morning. I got a call from a number that popped up on my caller ID as a Colorado number and I answered it with great trepidation thinking that something was wrong. I wasn't sure who it was calling at that hour, but come to find out it was a very stressed and tired sounding JERRY! After the usual "Hi! How are You?" he got right down to why he called. He says, "Are you awake?" I respond, "Yes, of course!" Then he says, "No, are you really awake?" Slightly puzzled, I said, "Yes, Babe, I'm awake!" Then a third time, "Because I really need you to be awake so I can talk to you." First annoyed, then frustrated, then scared, I responded a little frightened, "What's wrong?" (With the 7 hour time difference between Guam and Iraq I was known to drift slowly to sleep while talking to Jerry in the early morning hours... his voice was always so calming and reassuring...I know, I know! I was terrible! Anyway... now you know why he asked so many times!) He says to me, "You need to get on a plane TODAY and head back to Texas. Due to circumstances beyond my control, I'm taking leave sooner. That is all I can tell you right now." I was shocked. I was scared like I said, wondering what was going on... Jerry never talked like this and I could tell something was wrong. After reassuring me that everything was ok he said he needed to go.

So, I got out of bed and started packing. I began throwing things together, all the while trying not to cry or worry wondering what in the world was going on. Why the sudden change? Why couldn't he tell me what was going on? Why the rush? An hour or so later my family started to surface and gathered for their usual morning Bible study and wisdom search. I was already showered and ready for the day at this point, my room in complete disarray still, and I went out to talk to my dad about what was going on. He too was concerned and went to get on the computer to see if there were any flights available for me to fly out that afternoon. God had his hand in everything the whole step of the way. Dad had already been looking at the loads for me for the following week when I was going to fly out and even 8-9 days out they were filling up fast... like 1-2 seats left on some flights and in some cases already oversold. However, when he checked that morning, there were seats on ALL THREE planes and all at the right times for me to make the connects!!! Just amazing. The Lord knew... it all caught me completely off guard, but He had his hand in everything.

The next few hours were quite busy and I don't remember much. It took everyone to get me packed and ready. I had been living out there nearly 3 months and to try and pack all of my school, clothes, etc. was quite an event. Dad and Mom listed me for flights, others did my laundry and packed things in my bags and the little ones brought me cards and letters to pack up and give to Jerry. There were quite a few tears, especially from me... I felt like my world had turned upside down and I was quite scattered. But the Lord and my family helped keep me in check and within 2 hours, I was heading to the airport to board a plane to go meet Jerry! As excited as I was, I was praying constantly for Jerry still not knowing what was going on and trying not to worry and cry too much. At the same time, I was sad to be leaving my family so abruptly. I like having a plan and everything mapped out in my mind, and this was not how I envisioned everything. I just hoped and prayed that Jerry was ok.

So as not to write a long novel (hah!) I'll just sum up what happened next: I arrived in Texas and stayed at the Roland's a couple days waiting for Jerry to arrive. He was able to fly right to Houston which was great, and I picked him up on Sunday evening, March 8th in baggage claim. As I saw him come off that escalator it was all I could do to not cry... I ran up to him and gave him the biggest hug and kiss! HE WAS HOME... I didn't want to let go... I wanted the moment to last forever! As I stood there hugging him and causing a small scene I'm sure, he pulled me away briefly and told me to look at his face... as I did he held me and shared the best news...that he wouldn't be going back to Iraq... that he was going to stay home! WHAT? HOW? WHAT'S GOING ON? IS EVERTHING OK? Come to find out, he is going to take command of the Rear Detachment for the remainder of the deployment. For various reasons regarding the prior staff, they were removed and Jerry was assigned as the commander. I'm still in shock! There are hundreds of wives in the battalion who all have husbands over in Iraq... and of all of them, MY husband gets to stay home. It was (IS!) quite amazing and humbling all at the same time.

The next day was spent with the Roland's and visiting with family. After that, we hit the road for Fort Carson. He had to get right back to the office and assume command immediately (this was the reason for the initial urgency as it was imperative that Jerry get home sooner than later) so we didn't get any "days off," but that's ok with me... I'm just thankful he gets to come home each night. So, here we are now at day 17 that he has been home and already it's been quite busy. Yesterday we attended a memorial service for a fallen soldier from the unit and that was hard. I know the next several months are going to be long (especially for Jerry) but we are both just so glad and thankful that he is home!

For all of you faithful prayer partners out there... THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts! God indeed answered your prayers in allowing Jerry to stay safe while he was gone for 6+ months and He gave us an additional blessing by allowing Jerry to stay home. Thank you for rejoicing with us! We have received emails and phone calls already from many of you and they have blessed us both. Please continue to pray for all of the Soldiers still over there. They have several months to go and need your prayers.

So, here are a couple pictures of Jerry and family right after he came home. I didn't get a single one of us in the airport and I was so bummed! I had on a cute little dress and everything! Oh, well... here are some from the following day...

The Petty's came out to take some pictures for the whole Roland family that afternoon, so this is just a crop of Jerry and I. I'm hoping the others look a little better... we both have huge smiles in this one... I wonder why??!!

More Smiles...

Lots of Hugs...

Much Gratefulness...

Excitement from the little ones... (not sure what's with the glasses on Tim!)

An extra bonus was that Dean got to be home on leave at the same time... it was great seeing the "brothers" together!

Two proud Army wives with their Soldiers! It was a great day indeed!

I've got several more pictures to post, including more from Guam that I never had time to add. So, I'll write more again soon. Also, my dad and mom along with CJ and NellieMae are all in Israel right now on a 14 day trip with folks from their church. So, please be praying for them as they're getting to see all sorts of incredible things. The three younger kids are staying in Guam with other friends from church, so please be praying for them too as Mom and Dad are gone. Thank you all so much! Love and hugs, Erin and Jerry

Hello once again! I feel like I should say Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and Happy Valentine's Day too since I haven't been on here in forever:) I made it to Guam around December 10th and have been really enjoying my time out here. It did take me a couple days to get adjusted to the 16 hour time difference;) My family, like all of the other family I've stayed with during my 5+ month trip, has been so welcoming and made me feel right at home. I missed them all so much and it has been a blast getting to spend time with each one. As for Guam, it is great to be back on the island. So much has changed from when I was here about 18+ years ago. I can see why my family likes it so much... beautiful weather... gorgeous ocean... amazing ocean view apartment... a fabulous church... and some great friends that they have made along the way. I am quite spoiled living here already and have come to really enjoy my frequent trips to the beach or even the pool to sit out and enjoy the sun:) Having said that though, I miss my home in Colorado and am really looking forward to going back. Being with all of the family has really helped to pass the time Jerry has been gone; it's hard to believe we're about half way through the deployment already!!!

I am going to post some pictures from Christmas since I haven't done that yet but first an update on Jerry... thank you once again for your all of your prayers. He is doing well and I thank Jesus for that every day. Jerry says hi from northern Iraq and he can't wait to get back home! He actually just finished moving the battalion to another FOB... yes, all 900+ of them picked up and moved "homes." Not sure exactly why (seeings how they were nearly half way into the deployment) but it had something to do with the fact that their battalion was needed somewhere else. Being the officer in charge of supply and logistics, I think it was pretty much a nightmare for him, but as usual, he pulled it off. I know it meant many short nights for the poor guy too. I don't know how he keeps going... he never ceases to amaze me. (Did I mention that I love him and miss him terribly?) The traveling part always makes me nervous so I am glad that he is there and safe. Mail has started to run again and I love getting packages in the mail to him. It gives us both something to look forward to. Our phone conversations have been quite intermittent the last 3 weeks or so... it just makes me so thankful for those days when we could talk for 20 or so minutes without phone interruptions. I guess there really aren't any cell towers where he is and the signal that he sometimes is able to pick up is distorted by the bad sand storms they have tear through their part of the world. We have been able to email and we're pros at that since that was mainly how we communicated during the first deployment. The great news is that Jerry officially has his leave date for R&R so I should be able to see him Lord willing the last week of March! Hurray! Hurray! When he arrives, we'll be 7 months into our 12 month deployment so the 2nd goodbye shouldn't be as bad (yeah right!).

Anyway, I'll close with a couple pictures from Christmas and once again, thank you for checking back. I'll post more in a couple days or so... I've got hundreds of Guam pictures now!

Love and hugs to you all, Erin and Jerry

This was taken the morning after I arrived. The pastor's wife and several other girl friends all got together with my mom and sisters and took me out to breakfast at one of the local hotels. We ate outside and ...

This was our view... just amazing!

This is all of us standing by one of the huge out door Christmas trees located in downtown Oahu. Dad was taking us out to a nice dinner that evening and boy was that fun!

At the hotel where we stayed, there was complementary shuttle/trolley service all over the island. Its amazing what you learn to live without... I couldn't believe I was in Hawaii again and was anxious to go sight see.... my family however hadn't been to Wal-Mart in over 6 months so that was the first stop we made! Who would have thought? Go to Hawaii to go to Wal-Mart? We're still laughing about that!

Me on the phone with Jerry... I was watching the sun set on Waikiki Beach... It was beautiful and brought back so many memories of our honeymoon in Maui... hard to believe that was almost 4 years ago:) I miss my Jerry so much...

This was the beautiful sunset... just breath taking!

Well, this is it for now. Like I said I've got so many pictures... I'll have to sift through them and post some more in a couple days... Cheers!

Hello Folks! Happy Thanksgiving! Hard to believe it's that time of year already, huh? I'm dreadfully sorry for just now posting. So many things have been going on and one day last week I thought I would take a moment to catch up. So, I changed the background...and that was it. But after many emails and calls from friends and family, I figured it was indeed time to update again! I've been all over the place it seems... Dallas (with grandparents), Montgomery (with my older sister), Conroe (with the Roland's), Quinlan (a visit with Dad's sister and her family), and so on. So, here is a not-so-quick update!

Before I go into too many details, let me first say thank you again for your continued prayer support for my husband. Jerry is doing well and continues to work long days (like 18 and 20 hour days) serving his battalion. He works between two different FOBs (Forward Operating Bases) since the battalion is somewhat spread all over. He has "homes" at both places and thankfully he gets cell phone reception in both places too (most of the time). It is really a blessing getting to talk to him so much. It was quite the opposite during the last deployment (as many of you know), so the frequent emails and phone calls from him just brighten my life and comfort my heart. He is such an energy-giver and I feel many times he is the one encouraging me when I feel like I should be doing that for him. He is just amazing! I have fun buying him things and sending him packages and he has even surprised me a couple times and sent things to me too! Speaking of which, I do have his address for those who would like it. I don't want to post it here so if you are interested, just send me an email (erinmollyroland@yahoo.com) and I'll send it to you.

Thanksgiving was quite different for both Jerry and I this year as we were both so far apart. I had to work hard to not wallow in self-pity the whole day. I only cried once but thought about crying about 10 other times. I drove to Dallas to spend the weekend with my grandparents since they were going to be all alone. As most of you know, my grandpa was diagnosed with Acute Leukemia about 6 weeks ago and got to come home from the hospital this week for the first time! I was in Dallas earlier in the month for about 2 weeks helping while he was in the hospital but left to go back home (to Conroe) to get more school done, take exams, and do some sewing for a wedding. But like I was saying, our families were all spread out this time which made it a little untraditional. But thank goodness for cell phones! We were all talking to each other multiple times throughout the day! The Giese's were all out in Guam, Christina was home sick with her husband and kids, CarrieLynn was with her husband's family, the Roland's were at their house celebrating with Dad Roland's family, and Jerry worked the whole day (poor guy!). I know they did have a Thanksgiving meal and he told me he also got a visit in with the BDE commander when he came down to spread "Thanksgiving cheer."

 Anyway, things have been going well for me too. I've had my head in my books as much as possible trying to finish the semester. Thankfully finals are right around the corner and I can be done with school -- until January. I'm still planning on heading out to Guam around the second week of December to spend some time with the Giese's. They came down for a visit for a couple weeks in October and it was so good to see them! It had been almost a year since we had seen each other, so it was long overdue and quite welcome!

Well, so as not to bore you with anymore details of our lives, I'll close with some pictures of the goings on. I wish I had some of Jerry but I don’t. When he comes home for R&R sometime in March I’ll make sure I send him with a nice camera so he can take some pictures for all of us! Thank you again for checking back… I’ll try to be more faithful in getting things posted! Love and Blessing to you all, Erin (for Jerry too)

Grandma and Grandpa on Thanksgiving Day

I tried for over 15 minutes to get the self timer to work on my camera so I could take a picture of the three of us! I needed Jerry... I clearly do not do well with operating electronics:( Needless to say, this is a little up close... it was one of those hold-the-camera-out-and-snap-it pictures. hehe

Here is one of the 4 of us kids goofing around at Christina's house last month! It was so good to be together again!

Here is Grandpa with Mom and Grandma. This was taken the first week that he was admitted (around the middle of October).

I took the kids and NellieMae to a fall festival in Dallas when they were here the end of October. They had fun rock climbing and jumping on those big jumpy things, or whatever they're called!

This was from the quick trip I took with Dad to go see the Hopsons (his sister and family).

Melissa and Heather came in too! It sure was great visiting and spending time with those gals!

I couldn't post without including one of my Presh. No, he's not fishing up in Iraq... these were taken on the San Juan River in Pagosa Springs, Colorado over block leave this past summer! We had so much fun:)

How I love that precious smile! I miss him so much! He'd be on the river every day fly fishing if he could!