Sophie had her checkup yesterday. Everything looks good, but still no word on a boy or girl yet. We just thought we'd share some pictures and a video the sonogram made.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Monday, November 2, 2009
In Germany, and Alot Going On
It seems we have let our Blog fall to the way side, mostly because so much has been going on, but now we have settled a little, so allow me to update you:
The Move to Germany
We now live in Germany, as many knew was about to happen. We left Fort Benning, GA on 7 August and arrived in Vilseck on the 9th. After two weeks of inprocessing and a class in German Culture and Language, I started work at 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment in the S3 shop (Staff Office for Operations). We decided to live off post, to experience German culture and such, so we moved into a house in Auerbach in der Oberpfalz.
Travels Around Germany
Though we have not yet had to opportunity to see the rest of Europe, we have done what we can to see as much of Germany and the local area as possible. We took a train to Nuremburg on our first week here. And a week or so after getting a car, we drove to Bertesgaden, which is in the German Alps on the border of Austria. We didn't go up to the Eagle's Nest (Hitler's vacation home) because we had the dogs with us, but we stayed in the valley and hiked around Lake Konigsee, which was still worth the trip.
Training Deployment to Bulgaria
On the 20 September I left for Bulgaria. We had a two day delay at Ramstein AFB, where I got to eat at a Macaroni Grill (emm a taste of home), to make it better it was on Sophie's Birthday that we went, so I gloat as often as possible. A week into my time in Bulgaria, my commander let me know that I would be taking over Eagle Companies 2nd Platoon, who I would shadow during thier training rotation. The training went very well and included a trip to Sliven a local town. I just returned 5 days ago, and have since taken over my platoon.
The Big News
About a week before leaving for Bulgaria Sophie called me at work telling me she needed to go to the doctor, a couple hours later it was confirmed, she is pregnant. At the time she was 6 weeks along, and is now 13+ weeks along. Though the past 7 weeks are hard, she is relieved to be in her second trimester and looks forward to feeling better. We hopefully find out tomrrow whether it is a boy or a boy.... just kidding, we are excited either way, and pray only for a healthy child.
As for now Sophie and I are getting unpacked from our move on post. Sophie's mom came for a couple weeks while I was in Bulgaria to help her out and ended up helping with the move. The weather is getting colder, fast, and we are both adjusting. It only goes along with all the other changes going on in life.
We appreciate all the prayers and ask you continue them. We'll do better with updating the blog to help all out loved one keep informed. We Love You all.
As for now Sophie and I are getting unpacked from our move on post. Sophie's mom came for a couple weeks while I was in Bulgaria to help her out and ended up helping with the move. The weather is getting colder, fast, and we are both adjusting. It only goes along with all the other changes going on in life.
We appreciate all the prayers and ask you continue them. We'll do better with updating the blog to help all out loved one keep informed. We Love You all.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Quick update =)
Hey all! My sister Natalie and her boyfriend Kyong went to San Diego about 2 weeks ago. He proposed to her there on the beach! YAY!! I am so excited!!! Tell them congratulations/Best wishes if you see them :) Im her Maid of Honor (I refuse to be called a Maitron of Honor when Im only 21 years old) and I am soooo happy about being in her wedding! I am sure I will be updated about their wedding plans as they come along. She is visiting Ben and I next weekend here at Fort Benning, GA. It should be fun. So about Germany.... Our last days of work are July 24th. There is a good possibility that ten days after that we will be off and moving to Germany!!
Love,
us
Love,
us
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
My Bens at Ranger! Pray for him! He needs it!
Hey!
Ben is at Ranger school and doing great! He wrote me and said he needs prayer! So that'd be awesome if y'all could!! I love him so much and am so blessed by what he does. Ranger school is so tough and he has done so well so far. The first week went great, he is of course tired as I read from letters and so sweet. His 8 hour pass is next Friday June 5th! Already! I cant wait to see him, Ive heard it goes by really fast, he will be super hungry and tired. But even if I just nap next to him (and do his laundry) for 8 hours it will be amazing to be with him :)
I am here working at the day care here on post! Its long hours and a lot of training since it is a department of defense job. We will see how it goes once I get into my actual classroom. I have observed in the infant room, toddler, preschool and preK room. My favorite is PreK. I will be a teacher in the toddler room starting Thurs so hopefully all goes well!
I feel so blessed by the amazing friends here on post and those from school, my amazing parents and sister, and my inlaws! They are all so supportive. I hope Ben feels all this from where he is. If you want to write him an encouraging letter. Probably not too long because his lack of sleep there I know he would love the encouragment and prayer! His address is on his facebook page under notes. I copied it here too!
Ben wrote this before he left:
Ben is at Ranger school and doing great! He wrote me and said he needs prayer! So that'd be awesome if y'all could!! I love him so much and am so blessed by what he does. Ranger school is so tough and he has done so well so far. The first week went great, he is of course tired as I read from letters and so sweet. His 8 hour pass is next Friday June 5th! Already! I cant wait to see him, Ive heard it goes by really fast, he will be super hungry and tired. But even if I just nap next to him (and do his laundry) for 8 hours it will be amazing to be with him :)
I am here working at the day care here on post! Its long hours and a lot of training since it is a department of defense job. We will see how it goes once I get into my actual classroom. I have observed in the infant room, toddler, preschool and preK room. My favorite is PreK. I will be a teacher in the toddler room starting Thurs so hopefully all goes well!
I feel so blessed by the amazing friends here on post and those from school, my amazing parents and sister, and my inlaws! They are all so supportive. I hope Ben feels all this from where he is. If you want to write him an encouraging letter. Probably not too long because his lack of sleep there I know he would love the encouragment and prayer! His address is on his facebook page under notes. I copied it here too!
Ben wrote this before he left:
Ranger School Info
Im headed to Ranger School...again, we've been reassured we wont get admin dropped again. I should be in at:
Fort Benning Phase from 17 May - 6 Jun
Mountain Phase: 6 Jun - 27 Jun
Florida Phase : 27 Jun - 17 Jul
17 Jul is my anticipated Graduation Date for anyone who wants to come to the graduation (info on the Ranger School Webpage). It sucks to plan for this contiingency, but contact Sophie at sophie.winchester@us.army.mil prior to the Graduation to make sure I didnt have any recycles which would push back the Grad, shell have all info. Below are the addresses you can write me, please do, to keep me sane. Thanks Everyone.
FORT BENNING ADDRESS:
2LT Benjamin Winchester
4th Ranger Training Battalion
ATTN: 007-09
10850 Schneider Road
Fort Benning, GA 31905
MOUNTAIN ADDRESS:
2LT Benjamin Winchester
5th Ranger Training Battalion
ATTN: 007-09
1 Camp Merrill
Dahlonega, GA 30533-1802
FLORIDA ADDRESS:
2LT Benjamin Winchester
6th Ranger Training Battalion
ATTN: 007-09
6069 Walkers Lane
Camp James E. Rudder
Eglin AFB, FL 32542
When you write, alteast 5 days before he goes to the next phase I would start writing to that next address. Just my opinion and what I have heard from other wives who have gone through it. Thank you!! Pray pray pray. I know God is with him, he is so strong... and me... to be able to be strong while he is away!!
With love!
Fort Benning Phase from 17 May - 6 Jun
Mountain Phase: 6 Jun - 27 Jun
Florida Phase : 27 Jun - 17 Jul
17 Jul is my anticipated Graduation Date for anyone who wants to come to the graduation (info on the Ranger School Webpage). It sucks to plan for this contiingency, but contact Sophie at sophie.winchester@us.army.
FORT BENNING ADDRESS:
2LT Benjamin Winchester
4th Ranger Training Battalion
ATTN: 007-09
10850 Schneider Road
Fort Benning, GA 31905
MOUNTAIN ADDRESS:
2LT Benjamin Winchester
5th Ranger Training Battalion
ATTN: 007-09
1 Camp Merrill
Dahlonega, GA 30533-1802
FLORIDA ADDRESS:
2LT Benjamin Winchester
6th Ranger Training Battalion
ATTN: 007-09
6069 Walkers Lane
Camp James E. Rudder
Eglin AFB, FL 32542
When you write, alteast 5 days before he goes to the next phase I would start writing to that next address. Just my opinion and what I have heard from other wives who have gone through it. Thank you!! Pray pray pray. I know God is with him, he is so strong... and me... to be able to be strong while he is away!!
With love!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Just some catching up!!
Hey y'all!
I just want to say Thank you for all the prayers for my Daddy! He had open heart surgery 5 bypasses done and is doing remarkable. I got to go spend a week with him the end of march after the surgery!!
He is healing so well and now can begin doing things again! God healed him so fast. they were supposed to keep him in the hospital for minimum 5 days and they let him out on the 3rd day! Keep him in your prayers as he can slowly begin to exercise and get back on track!
Well, Ben during his time not in Ranger school was able to go to Air Assault school. He graduated from there so now he is Airborne and Air assault qualified! Now he is working with a basic training unit at Sand hill. His schedule ahsnt been to busy lately so we have been enjoying this time together and the GA weather! Last weekend Ben and I were able to go to Columbia where we saw some friends! It was awesome to visit our Alma Mater! USC Gamecocks!! On Sunday at Lake Murray My Ben ran his first triathalon, it was called a sprint triathlon and he did so great!! I loved watching him and cheering him on, I started running again and maybe I can do it next time :) I got to talk with alot of people there I didn't know but I love talking to people so it was great! It alos was very inspirational being there seeing people push themselves and being so supportive of each other! It was truly a great experience and a great weekend the Ben and I got to spend some time together!
Skylee got spayed yesterday poor girl, I cant believe she is already 4 1/2 months old!
and Sammy I think is enjoying her being all drugged up and tired. He gets a break from puppy teeth biting at him all day! 
Yesterday and today I played racket ball with my great friend Myra and Melissa, some awesome Army wives here! We had a blast...and tonight since Ben will be out in the field I will be seeing my friend Monica who is expecting a baby girl Mary Clare Kennedy! I cant wait till May 16th I am throwing her and Jenna Hulst who is also having a baby girl baby showers!! Keep them and their babies in your prayers! as well as Ben and I as we get ready for Ranger School starting again! Hope you enjoyed the little catch up on our lives! We would love to hear from all! Write us or email us!!
With love!
I just want to say Thank you for all the prayers for my Daddy! He had open heart surgery 5 bypasses done and is doing remarkable. I got to go spend a week with him the end of march after the surgery!!
My Ben didn't end up going to ranger school! They over filled the class and he got admin dropped and is going back on May 17th! Hopefully he will go through straight in 61 days so he will graduate July 17th, right before his 23rd birthday!! Crazy right!? I cant believe it! Then after he gets back from Ranger school the Army will likely send us straight to Germany. He may have to go to Stryker course first but we will see! We should have some leave time to visit our families before we ship out! We found out that our two puppies will cost 1,100 dollars to send them with us on the plane. I guess we love Skylee and Sammy a lot... haha! God is great and will provide! He has already abundantly in our lives! The awesome part about Ben not going to Ranger school back in March was that he was here for our anniversary on April 5!! It was great. We had friends over the night before to have a barbecue and we danced into our anniversary! I cant believe its now been over a year that we have been married!
I got a job at the child care center on post! Since its run by the department of Defense it takes a while to be hired so I haven't actually started working yet! They had to do my security clearance and physicals! I hope to get to start working soon so we can tackle these student loans!! Yay! I also am so excited to work with kids! It should be great and keep me busy while Ben is at Ranger school! Also, getting a job with the government will help me now at all posts because I will have been cleared already by the Department of Defense and gives me a better chance to find work on all the Army posts we will go to! I love PWOC which is the bible study here on post. The women I have met are so amazing, We have studied how to have a spirit more like Mary! I have learned alot about being an Army wife and I love it! The community here on post is so close. I feel like I am surrounded by my sisters! I miss Ben when he goes to do training but I feel so blessed to have a husband serve our country, train all day and sometimes nights not only for me but for everyone in the USA! He is such a great man and I am so glad to call him mine!
Well, Ben during his time not in Ranger school was able to go to Air Assault school. He graduated from there so now he is Airborne and Air assault qualified! Now he is working with a basic training unit at Sand hill. His schedule ahsnt been to busy lately so we have been enjoying this time together and the GA weather! Last weekend Ben and I were able to go to Columbia where we saw some friends! It was awesome to visit our Alma Mater! USC Gamecocks!! On Sunday at Lake Murray My Ben ran his first triathalon, it was called a sprint triathlon and he did so great!! I loved watching him and cheering him on, I started running again and maybe I can do it next time :) I got to talk with alot of people there I didn't know but I love talking to people so it was great! It alos was very inspirational being there seeing people push themselves and being so supportive of each other! It was truly a great experience and a great weekend the Ben and I got to spend some time together!
Skylee got spayed yesterday poor girl, I cant believe she is already 4 1/2 months old!
and Sammy I think is enjoying her being all drugged up and tired. He gets a break from puppy teeth biting at him all day! 
Yesterday and today I played racket ball with my great friend Myra and Melissa, some awesome Army wives here! We had a blast...and tonight since Ben will be out in the field I will be seeing my friend Monica who is expecting a baby girl Mary Clare Kennedy! I cant wait till May 16th I am throwing her and Jenna Hulst who is also having a baby girl baby showers!! Keep them and their babies in your prayers! as well as Ben and I as we get ready for Ranger School starting again! Hope you enjoyed the little catch up on our lives! We would love to hear from all! Write us or email us!!With love!
Friday, March 20, 2009
Ranger School Haircut
Hey everyone, we cut my hair tonight and we thought we would share them with everyone, so maybe yall could get a least a fraction of the amusement out of this as Sophie did. By the way, thanks for the clippers mom and dad.... not.
Im going to miss my hair
----------------------
Before Haircut...
---------------------
Sophie thought it would funny to cut a mohawk in my hair, i mean, why not add to the humiliation, right?
----------------------------------
Real Funny
------------------------------
Smoothing out the final touches...
----------------------------
...After Haircut
------------------------------
I must be ready for Ranger School, all my happiness is gone (its laying in that pile on the floor)
----------------------
Before Haircut...
---------------------
Sophie thought it would funny to cut a mohawk in my hair, i mean, why not add to the humiliation, right?
----------------------------------
Real Funny
------------------------------
Smoothing out the final touches...
----------------------------
...After Haircut
------------------------------
I must be ready for Ranger School, all my happiness is gone (its laying in that pile on the floor)
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Our life in the Army
Our time is soon to be coming to a close here at Fort Benning...thankfully. We love southern Georgia, but its time to move on. This time is marked by my recent graduation from Infantry Basic Officer Leader Course (IBOLC), which I started in November. It was fun, I met a lot of great guys, and Sophie, who became really involved with the Family Readiness Group and PWOC met a lot of great friends too.
The last week of IBOLC, I did receive official notification that Sophie and I will be going to Germany. I will be assigned to the 2nd Squadron of the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment. The 2SCR is the oldest Cavalry unit in the Army, they have a lot of history and traditions, and now they field the new Stryker combat vehicles, which will an incredible opportunity for me to be a part of.
Of course, before any of that happens, I an headed to Ranger School. Mostly because a blue doesn't mean much with out that black and gold balancing things out on the other sleeve... Im just kidding. Infantry Lieutenants are lucky to have to opportunity to attend Ranger School as a part of their normal training, when other soldiers throughout the Army have to go through a lot of red tape to get there. It is a school that tests a soldiers ability to lead under stress, with little food and sleep, and physically draining missions being graded to faultless standard. Sophie is about to go crazy with it being the center of my attention and concern, but since when have I not drivin' her crazy! But really, Sophie has been amazing in her support.
As for now, please continue to pray for us and the big changes we're going through and the adventure we continue to travel. And enjoy the few pictures from the graduation and the family visit.
The last week of IBOLC, I did receive official notification that Sophie and I will be going to Germany. I will be assigned to the 2nd Squadron of the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment. The 2SCR is the oldest Cavalry unit in the Army, they have a lot of history and traditions, and now they field the new Stryker combat vehicles, which will an incredible opportunity for me to be a part of.
Of course, before any of that happens, I an headed to Ranger School. Mostly because a blue doesn't mean much with out that black and gold balancing things out on the other sleeve... Im just kidding. Infantry Lieutenants are lucky to have to opportunity to attend Ranger School as a part of their normal training, when other soldiers throughout the Army have to go through a lot of red tape to get there. It is a school that tests a soldiers ability to lead under stress, with little food and sleep, and physically draining missions being graded to faultless standard. Sophie is about to go crazy with it being the center of my attention and concern, but since when have I not drivin' her crazy! But really, Sophie has been amazing in her support.
As for now, please continue to pray for us and the big changes we're going through and the adventure we continue to travel. And enjoy the few pictures from the graduation and the family visit.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Valentines Day
Hey everyone,
Its, been a while, but we're still here. Not really a whole lot going on. I am almost done with Infantry Basic Offier Leaders Course; Thursday I will go out to the field for our final culmination, which it be complete two weeks from now, and Ill gaduate a week after that on 5 March. As far as I know, I will be starting Ranger School on 22 March.
For Valentines Day, we visited Historic Banning Mills Lodge. It is a beautiful place a little ways outside Atlanta, that overlooks the ruins of a number of historic mills on Snake Creek. The cool thing about this place is they have a tree canopy tour that has rope bridges and ziplines all built up in the tops of the trees. The final zipline is about a half mile long and is one of the largest in the world. It turned out to be a great time, and some of the most fun Soph and I have had together. We got to stay in a room with a jacuzzi and had a great dinner. The next day we decided to head into Atlanta to see the World of Coca-Cola museum, which was way more fun than I thought it would be (stay away from a soda call Beverly or Stoney.)
Thats pretty much it for now. Im off to make Soph and I some Bubble Tea, if you dont know what it is, check it out, or come by and let us make you some. Until then, check out out pics from this weekend at our pics link on the right.
Its, been a while, but we're still here. Not really a whole lot going on. I am almost done with Infantry Basic Offier Leaders Course; Thursday I will go out to the field for our final culmination, which it be complete two weeks from now, and Ill gaduate a week after that on 5 March. As far as I know, I will be starting Ranger School on 22 March.
For Valentines Day, we visited Historic Banning Mills Lodge. It is a beautiful place a little ways outside Atlanta, that overlooks the ruins of a number of historic mills on Snake Creek. The cool thing about this place is they have a tree canopy tour that has rope bridges and ziplines all built up in the tops of the trees. The final zipline is about a half mile long and is one of the largest in the world. It turned out to be a great time, and some of the most fun Soph and I have had together. We got to stay in a room with a jacuzzi and had a great dinner. The next day we decided to head into Atlanta to see the World of Coca-Cola museum, which was way more fun than I thought it would be (stay away from a soda call Beverly or Stoney.)
Thats pretty much it for now. Im off to make Soph and I some Bubble Tea, if you dont know what it is, check it out, or come by and let us make you some. Until then, check out out pics from this weekend at our pics link on the right.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Some Pics
These are just some pics of us on a recent trip to Nashville, our stop at the Jack Daniels Distillery, as well as a little Mountain Biking.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
New Family Member
UPDATES!!
So we have had some changes since winter break began. We loved getting to spend time with our families and friends! It was so awesome! So Merry late Christmas and Happy New Year! Well, we got back to a house filled with boxes... and I really am not exaggerating! You would think us newlyweds probably have nothing but ummm wrong, we had so much stuff! I loved getting back here to Fort Benning and working hard to make the home a home! Ben was back to work in training keeping busy and coming home to have lunch with me. He kept me company when he could and I think I even impressed him with how fast I got those boxes out of here! It was my workout :) This past week Ben was in the field doing cool stuff with big guns... he could explain better... Im so proud of him! I love my Ben... I didnt like my Ben being away but I decided to be spontaneous this past week... :) So Monday I chopped my hair off 12 inches! I decided to give it to cancer patients because I was touched by how much a wig can make an impact! So there my hair went! Well, I have been lucky to meet 2 other officers wives Dicie and Darcie who are awesome... We went to the gym... went to dinner... went to animal shelters.... Okay so what you all are waiting for... WE GOT A NEW PUPPY! Ben just got home today with a new baby girl puppy waiting for him, yep what a surprise... his wife with short hair and a new puppy :) She was happy to meet her daddy and become a Winchester today! Her name is Skylee "sky" Winchester. She is 7 weeks old about and about the size of our feet! So small. Sammy Boy is being timid around her, hopefully he will realize that he is about 6 times her size... we love Sammy so much and are happy to have a sister for him! I know Ben loves Sammy, our matchmaker, but this little skylee might have him wrapped around her finger soon! :) Ben is home now for the weekend and we are headed up near Nashville, Tenn. to see Kelly Dues (one of my bridesmaids) and staying at her cousins house. Kelly had a break in nursing school so we get to go see her, her boyfriend David, her friend and two cousins! Our two babies...Sammy and Skylee will be coming too! Its a family vacation. Hopefully Ben gets to rest because they sure are keeping them out in the cold making him work hard. We hopefully can squeeze some mountain biking in and maybe going to the shooting range too, we love doing crazy things together! I hope to find a part time job and just finished updating my resume today! Besides that I will work hard to become a better cook (I really am slowly getting better its so exciting) and take care of the puppies! I love it here at Fort Benning and really like the wives. We had a meeting last night to plan the wives social and plan the days we get to bring our husbands lunch in the field while being in awe of all the cool missions and training they do. Ben loves it which is great. He is great at what he does too! We are both really happy and glad to be in one home! We will try to be better at updating the blog. Ben is a little better at keeping it short as you can tell but I hope you enjoyed keeping up with us! We hope to hear from everyone, email us and write us if you'd like,
Ben and Sophie Winchester
947-D Burr Ave
Fort Benning, GA, 31905
Thank you for being a part of our lives! With love and Ben took some pictures so check them out :) :)
So we have had some changes since winter break began. We loved getting to spend time with our families and friends! It was so awesome! So Merry late Christmas and Happy New Year! Well, we got back to a house filled with boxes... and I really am not exaggerating! You would think us newlyweds probably have nothing but ummm wrong, we had so much stuff! I loved getting back here to Fort Benning and working hard to make the home a home! Ben was back to work in training keeping busy and coming home to have lunch with me. He kept me company when he could and I think I even impressed him with how fast I got those boxes out of here! It was my workout :) This past week Ben was in the field doing cool stuff with big guns... he could explain better... Im so proud of him! I love my Ben... I didnt like my Ben being away but I decided to be spontaneous this past week... :) So Monday I chopped my hair off 12 inches! I decided to give it to cancer patients because I was touched by how much a wig can make an impact! So there my hair went! Well, I have been lucky to meet 2 other officers wives Dicie and Darcie who are awesome... We went to the gym... went to dinner... went to animal shelters.... Okay so what you all are waiting for... WE GOT A NEW PUPPY! Ben just got home today with a new baby girl puppy waiting for him, yep what a surprise... his wife with short hair and a new puppy :) She was happy to meet her daddy and become a Winchester today! Her name is Skylee "sky" Winchester. She is 7 weeks old about and about the size of our feet! So small. Sammy Boy is being timid around her, hopefully he will realize that he is about 6 times her size... we love Sammy so much and are happy to have a sister for him! I know Ben loves Sammy, our matchmaker, but this little skylee might have him wrapped around her finger soon! :) Ben is home now for the weekend and we are headed up near Nashville, Tenn. to see Kelly Dues (one of my bridesmaids) and staying at her cousins house. Kelly had a break in nursing school so we get to go see her, her boyfriend David, her friend and two cousins! Our two babies...Sammy and Skylee will be coming too! Its a family vacation. Hopefully Ben gets to rest because they sure are keeping them out in the cold making him work hard. We hopefully can squeeze some mountain biking in and maybe going to the shooting range too, we love doing crazy things together! I hope to find a part time job and just finished updating my resume today! Besides that I will work hard to become a better cook (I really am slowly getting better its so exciting) and take care of the puppies! I love it here at Fort Benning and really like the wives. We had a meeting last night to plan the wives social and plan the days we get to bring our husbands lunch in the field while being in awe of all the cool missions and training they do. Ben loves it which is great. He is great at what he does too! We are both really happy and glad to be in one home! We will try to be better at updating the blog. Ben is a little better at keeping it short as you can tell but I hope you enjoyed keeping up with us! We hope to hear from everyone, email us and write us if you'd like,
Ben and Sophie Winchester
947-D Burr Ave
Fort Benning, GA, 31905
Thank you for being a part of our lives! With love and Ben took some pictures so check them out :) :)
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