Crossing into the Blue

You know those events in your life that are totally life-changing? The ones that take you down a new pathway? Today was one of those days...

Just hours ago Shawn was sworn in as an Air Force officer. Congratulations Shawn!

He made the decision to apply for the military scholarship just after starting school, almost 2 years ago. Boy, what a roller coaster ride that took us on. He initially applied for the Navy and was accepted. Then they decided they couldn't fund any scholarships for his graduating year (thanks economy). We were bummed. Literally the next day, he decided to apply for the Air Force. We RUSHED to get his application in because the deadline was already approaching. There were 4 openings for the scholarship in the nation. We waited and waited.... but after the Navy burn we didn't get our hopes too high. Then, the call came that he was accepted, yeah!!! Not only was our family accepted, but our good friends, the Reeds, who had also been through the roller coaster with us. Today was the big day, the day it became official.

What does this mean for our family?

Shawn will continue school as usual. The Air Force will pay for his last 2 years of school and help us out with a monthly stipend. In return Shawn will give them 3 years of service as a Captain working as an Optometrist. And maybe more if we love the Air Force! Right now the idea of it sounds GREAT, we love everything we hear about it. We're so excited! No, I'm not worried at all that he could get stationed who knows where. It actually thrills me to think of where our family could go. This is such a blessing for our family. I feel grateful that Shawn's been awarded this opportunity. It feels so good for Shawn and for our whole family. The only people disapointed are the boys; when I tell them that Daddy will still be an eye doctor... they were really hoping he would be a "warrior."

We went to the school this afternoon for the official swearing in. The greatest part of it was that one of Shawn's favorite teachers, Dr. Smith did the honors. It seemed so simple…. an afternoon after school, a classroom on campus, a quick oath and salute. But it was such a big step, a huge step in Shawn's life… in OUR life.

I, Shawn William Skinner having been appointed a Second Lieutenant, United States Air Force do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same;
that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion;
and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter, SO HELP ME GOD.

I think Shawn looks shocked here. Maybe he's thinking about how his life is no longer his own…

Dr. Smith with Shawn and I

The Reeds

Brandon and Shawn

I wish I would have gotten a picture of ALL of us together.

Jen and I got a babysitter for our kids and we went out to eat afterwards to CELEBRATE OUR FANTASTIC HUSBANDS and our new Air Force lives. It was a great experience. Dr. Smith, who served in the Air Force for 20 years, had A LOT to share with us about what to expect.... I think it got us even more excited! We're so happy to be on this journey now.

We've officially "crossed into the Blue"