Merry Christmas from Heaven

I still hear the songs

I still see the lights

I still feel your love

on cold wintery nights

I still share your hopes

and all your cares

I'll even remind you

to please say your prayers

I just want to tell you

you still make me proud

You stand head and shoulders

above all the crowd

Keep trying each moment

to stay in His grace

I came here before you

to help set your place

You don't have to be

perfect all the time

He forgives you the slip

If you continue to climb

To my family and friends

please be thankful today

I'm still close beside you

In a new special way

I love you all dearly

now don't shed a tear

Cause I'm spending my

Christmas with Jesus this year

-- John W. Mooney Jr.

I love you, Momma... Merry Christmas

It's not a life for the faint of heart

Whew... the past few weeks have been... well, less than enjoyable really. I mean, things have been ok, mostly good even, but boy I am just over some things. It's been rough.

Three months down with BW being gone... wow! I am glad that three months are over, but I am ready to be done. Can't we call it good and just bring my boys home? I am over the lack of and frustrating conversation. I am thankful for email... but, I miss a phone call. I miss personal interaction. I miss having him here. But, three months down... that's about one-third done! I can do this. And, with those three months down the friendships that have been built between "us girls" are so important to me and I am so thankful for them! I don't know what I would do without my girls... be a crazy person (even more than I am now!) I am sure! They are fabulous and I look forward to our time together each week as if it has been years since I have seen them. There is guaranteed laughter, relaxation, understanding and great times to be had whenever we are together.

The past few weeks have been hard with missing other people who at one time or another were very important to my life and now, for one reason or another, are no longer in my life. I hate when those things happen.. whether it be because of a "falling out" or because of a move or because of a death... whatever the reason, I hate having a place in my life that once was filled by someone now be somewhat empty. There were people that I counted on to be with me through things in my life that are now gone, and it makes it harder to go through those things, but at the same time it shows me how wonderful other people in my life are. I am thankful for the friends I have who have stuck by me through so much and are always there when I need anything and who I know I can always count on.

Today sucked. Today was the first "event" that the next three months contain that I would like to forget about... if I could have gone to sleep this weekend and woken up in February that would have been okay with me! Today would have been my momma's birthday. This is the first time in years that I have worked on her birthday. I think this year it helps make the day go by, but it still sucks. I want to spend the day with my mom for her birthday. I want to call her and talk to her and find out what she is doing to celebrate her birthday, neither of us ever worked each other's or our own birthdays. I just want my mom. It's hard when the calls stop. When the friends who would call on this day the past couple years don't. Not because they don't care. Not because they don't miss her. But, life goes on, I understand that. But, today sucks.

Happy birthday, Momma. I miss you and love you... always!

So, from this day I move on... my birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, BW's birthday, the day my momma left this earth... all days that are important to me. It's hard to go through them without my mom, and this year without BW. BUT!! I have my fabulous "Bluffton family" to be with along with other friends and family spread all over the country to lift me up and celebrate with me and make the most of these hardest days. And I am looking forward to spending those days with them and celebrating with them. And by the time they are over and it is February, deployment is almost over and there will be plenty to look forward to!

Even though everything about right now or the upcoming months may not bring a smile to my face, there is plenty for me to look forward to!!

• I'm going to San Diego in one week!! Who-Hoo!!! I cannot wait to get out there and spend some time with Alicia and have some more amazing A&J time! Not to mention all the other wonderful girls and guys who I am friends with who will be around to help celebrate my birthday (a little early) weekend!! It's going to be fantastic!
• MY BIRTHDAY!!! I love my birthday, I can't help it. That is one day I am a princess =) I am very excited for it... and am looking forward to what the next decade of my life will hold. AHH!! I'm turning 30!!!
• Dad and Tressa are coming to visit. I am so very excited for them to come to SC and see me. I am sure we will have a great time.
• I will be going to Ohio the weekend before Christmas for some family holiday time. And, I am flying so I won't have to drive an entire day and worry about nasty weather. I always look forward to time with sweet Cody and the rest of my family, especially around the holidays.
• January is another wonderful trip to San Diego for more birthday celebrations... this time on a cruise!!
• Not to mention all the weekends of fun here in Bluffton with my fabulous friends here.

So, I am excited... sure, some days will suck like today, but there is always tomorrow and more fun to look forward to!

Pumpkin Time

It's fall time!! My favorite time of the year... I love the smells, the colors, the weather, the food... everything! Even though the weather down here may not-so-much resemble the cool fall weather I was used to in other parts of the country, I still love it!
This past weekend my sweet girls came over to my house for some pumpkin carving fun! I absolutely love these girls and look forward to whatever we do each weekend -- we have all already warned the boys that they are going to have to keep liking each other when they get back because we are going to continue our girl social times! Once again, this weekend was just what we all needed... some great girl talks... great food... fun and relaxation! I will tell you, these weekend times together get me through my weeks and I am so thankful to have these girls to go through the ups and downs of this deployment with me.

Kayla and Siena participating in the fun =)

(It sure doesn't hurt that two of the girls have the cutest little girls of their own!!)

Kathryn and Laura hard at work...
It's hard to believe we were carving pumpkins on my back porch
and sweating because it was so hot out there! Gotta love SC

Our finished products...

and I had to get some cuddle time with sweet Siena =)

Love you girls! Am so thankful for our friendships!!!

Look how cute our pumpkins are with their candles lit up!

and I just think my front porch is so adorable with my fall decorations... =)

Hope you are enjoying your fall time too!

Pictures from Far Away...

I have been telling BW since he left that I want him to send me pictures of whatever... I enjoy seeing what he sees, where he is, what he's doing... just anything! Because it helps me to feel connected to him while he is gone I guess. Well, today he came through =)

This is a picture BW took one night while on the boat during a lightening storm, obviously =)

I think it is one of the coolest pictures ever and love seeing his photography ability.

He is a real perfectionist when it comes to his pictures,

so I love seeing the ones he actually thinks are good!

This, of course, is my absolute favorite picture!!!

It's been a little over 2 months now... the days are going by... its a new season even! Keeping myself as busy as I can and looking forward to whenever it is he will be back home again with me! Lots of things coming up that will be bittersweet, I know, without him here... but, I (we) will make it through those days as well. I could not be more thankful for the wonderful girls that I am surrounded with who keep me busy and laughing. They have become my "family" and I love them dearly.

Fly safe, babe. I love you!

All too Real

The reality of not having my mom anymore hits me sometimes a lot harder than others. Obviously I am aware every day that my mom is no longer on earth with me. But some days are harder than others, some days (like last week) I say out loud, to myself, "I really want to talk to my mom today" There is no understanding of why so many of us here on earth have to go through the pain and heart-ache of losing a loved one. There are no answers to the many questions our earthly minds can come up with. All we can do is cling to the promise that GOD has a greater plan and that HE is with us through all of our hard times.

Recently, I have been reminded of the scary and painful days my family went through when my mom first was diagnosed with cancer. And, I know that my aunt has been reliving those days as well. A dear friend of mine has recently learned that his mom is now facing lung cancer and will be fighting this fight and his family will be going through the ups and (hopefully not) downs that we did.

It is all too real to me.
The emotions are still fresh.

The questions still come quickly.

The pain is still there.

The fear comes quickly.

But, I know that my momma fought with all that she was. I am thankful for the example that she was during this fight and that we never saw her faith waiver. She knew who was in control of her fight and who was on her side. And I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that she is no longer fighting. She is no longer in pain. She is no longer sick. My momma was HEALED in the early hours of the morning on January 23, 2007. I won't forget the days and months that lead up to that morning. I won't forget the way I felt that morning. I won't forget the days that followed. But, I will always know where my momma is. And I can rejoice that Heaven is a much better place for her!

Tonight I was "catching up" on the blogs I enjoy reading when I learned of a young family that is in the middle of a horrible time. First let me say that after reading this friend's blog I was reminded how much the wonderful friends I have made over the past 5 years have become like family to me. My "family" extends across this country and around the world, between families and friends stationed in other countries to those loved ones who are currently deployed... but, back to tonight. Tonight I was reading a familiar blog when I read of The Sullivans and the tragic circumstances they are facing. I sat here and read their previous posts to "catch up" on all they had already been through. Tears filled my eyes as I finished reading their story and where Brady Sullivan is now and what he is facing. Tonight my heart is hurting for this young family and I am praying for GOD to give them peace like only He can. I may not know this family personally, but I feel that one of "our family" is hurting tonight as he is a jet pilot for the Air Force. Tonight I ask that you remember this young man and his family in your prayers too.

All too real.
The pain.
The loneliness.
The feelings of "where do we go from here"
and "what do we do now"
But, we are not alone!

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear,

though the earth give way and

the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

though its waters roar and foam and

the mountains quake with their surging. (Psalm 46:1-3)

September 11... then and now

September 11, 2001... It was my senior year of nursing school. I woke up that morning and drove to work. As I was on my way I was listening to the radio and heard the DJs begin talking about an "airplane crash" in New York.
As they continued to talk I listened as they watched the second Tower get hit by the hijacked plane...
I listened as they realized that these were attacks and that they were intentional.
Once I arrived at work we called and had someone bring us a TV so we could see what was happening.
As we watched the Pentagon get attacked and then heard of the brave Americans who took down Flight 93 the reality of it all set in.

Who would attack the United States?
We were not at war... why was this happening?

We went home for the day. As I got out of my car my dad asked why I was home and I remember telling him that "America is under attack!" I remember watching the news stations just wanting more and more information and answers.

I remember the tears,
the sadness for all those people who were lost,
the fear of what would happen next.
I remember wanting the fear to go away
and the safety that I once knew to come back.

The next few days were spent watching more "coverage." I do remember the day I was driving to clinicals and I remember seeing one of the first planes that was allowed to fly again in Columbus. As I drove up the freeway and watched it fly through our city buildings, I remember the fear that I was about to witness the same type of attack in my own home and what it was like for those who watched it in New York. I still remember watching that plane...
I remember thinking mostly of the impact this situation had on the firefighters in New York.
(at this time in my life, there were no military attachments for me) I remember thinking about

MY HERO
the firefighters
my dad

I remember dad saying that he wanted to go help with the search and rescue and how proud of him I was for what he does. Daddy's Girls heroes are always (and will always be) their daddy's. I remember not wanting him to go because I didn't want anything to happen to him, as I had watched the Towers collapse. Dad's department didn't send anyone, but he was on the list to go.

I remember thinking... What now??

September 11, 2009...
As I started writing the date last night at work it started to hit me.

I have always remembered the day
and thought about those who were lost
and thought about where I was that day...

Today it was harder.
Today I also remember that my guy is gone
and fighting for our freedom
Today I miss him, but am so proud of him
and so proud to call him My Hero as well

To hear the songs, to see the many tributes from friends and others. To see the reactions as people ask "what's today's date?"... these all brought more emotion today than I expected. The memories and emotions are just as strong, probably stronger, today than they were 8yrs ago.

Who would have thought this is where I would be?
In love with a Navy Jet Pilot.

Knowing that he has made a choice
to give of his time and life to serve and protect our country.
And knowing that I have chosen to support him in every way I can.
Today I not only think about BW
but also about all the friends we have made along this journey.
The ones who are home and the ones who are away.

Today, I am proud to be a part of this crazy Navy life
and am proud to call him mine.

I remember those who were lost
I remember those who were directly affected
I remember those who are fighting today to keep us safe.

Ohio

As has become my "routine" every year, I went up to Ohio for Labor Day weekend. This is a great weekend for me to plan a trip up there because

1) I usually can manage a long weekend

2) it's Cody's birthday

3) the first OSU Football game of the season!!!

So, this year was the same. I was able to drive up to Ohio on Thursday and stay until Tuesday morning. The drive is long, but this was the best driving I have done making this trip -- it was beautiful and sunny on my way up and even though it rained some as I left OH on Thursday it started clearing around WV and just became sunnier and prettier as I got closer to home. All-in-all not a bad drive! It was nice to have something to check another weekend off the calendar, even though I realized (again) that I even missed BW while I was there because I couldn't call and tell him the funny stories (ie the rednecks shooting a cow out front the first night...* ) or about what we did. But, I did hear from him so am thankful for that! =)

But, back to my visit... I arrived Thursday night which was Cody's 5th birthday! I cannot believe he is 5yrs old... I remember flying to Ohio 5yrs ago from LA to be there for his birth. He is so cute and so smart and just such a great boy! I am so in love with him...

Thursday night we had pizza (Tressa has learned the way to my heart =) and always shows up with Donatos... she's the best!!) and then dad had a little birthday cake for Cody, which he loved! Then Friday dad had planned a fun day of celebrating... he, Tressa, Cody and I went to Galaxy Golf were Cody was able to run around and play in the tunnels, play games and win tickets, we all played putt-putt and of course he opened presents!! What fun I had buying presents... kid's got it made with Aunt Jessie living out of town so I may or may not completely spoil him when I do come back to Ohio =) and boy do I love to do it!!

We played 18 holes of putt-putt, now let me just say I never enjoyed that game when my brother used to choose to do it every single year for his birthday... and I am still no good at it! But, I had a blast spending time with Cody and dad and Tressa. We all hit holes-in-one on one hole or another, mine was probably the most difficult hole on the course!! =) And Cody just had so much fun. It was a great day!! I am so glad I was able to spend that time with him (and them).

Saturday was GAME TIME!!! I absolutely-with-all-I-am L.O.V.E. college football, and especially Ohio State Football!! It just makes me so happy =) So I am super excited for college football season to be here. I especially love the fun and excitement of being on campus with my friends tailgating and then being in the stadium watching the game!! I love my OSU friends (Lori!!) and really appreciate getting to take part in all the fun of football Saturdays with her/them!

This game was especially exciting for me since Ohio State was playing Navy and BW is an USNA grad... but it sucked, too, since he couldn't be there with me. I will admit I was slightly torn... for a second... on who to cheer for, but never fear! I wore my RED and cheered with the best -- loudest! -- of them!! =) Although, it was much more exciting for me to watch the fly-over at this game than it ever has been before, and it was fun to know "what kind of airplane that was" whenever that question was brought up =) I answered proudly, "THAT was a F-18!"... quickly followed by "my guy flies those!" hehe

After a not-so-great game by my dear Buckeyes,

the scoreboard still tells the story! =)

OSU 31 Navy 27

Layla was very tired after all of her cheering as well! But she loves her new OSU collar!

GO BUCKEYES!!!

Those were the highlights of my trip. I enjoyed being back up in Ohio for a bit and had a great time with my friends and family. I hate missing football season more than anything and that was renewed this weekend with all the fun I had being at the game and around my 351,785 Buckeye Friends! =) But, I will watch and cheer from home the rest of the season (even have a Buckeye Football Club at my housing community to watch and cheer with!)!

My trip ended, however, on a disappointing note... I was planning a "detour" of sorts on my way home to visit with someone who used to be very close to me who is celebrating an exciting time in her life. However, at the last minute, that visit was cancelled (not by me) and that made me incredibly sad. I've seen life change and have seen the effects of life's changes effect friendships in many different ways... this is one I always thought would be there and would be close, but it has been made very evident lately that that will not be the case here. I am incredibly sad and hurt by this, but will move on... I learned from my momma to love my friends usually until it hurts, and will never regret doing that -- in this situation or any other. I am beyond thankful for the new friends I have to go through this deployment with as well as the ones that have been around for awhile and are still fabulous! It is always hard and sad to see a friend, especially one that was so close, turn away.

BW is doing well... somewhere far away. Email has become a very important part of my day and I never knew how exciting a 20 minute phone call could be or the impact it could have on my day, but I am so thankful for it! Be safe, my love! I miss you!

*The first night I was at dad's was beyond entertaining... dad went to bed, I put Cody to bed and was just sitting down to read when I heard a helicopter outside (it's about 11pm), I look out and realize it is a police helicopter and is shining its light around outside... this is fun, I think, looking for someone right outside... no sooner does that thought cross my mind do I hear GUNSHOTS! Huh, getting more interesting by the minute!! Dad comes downstairs just as I start up to get him, says he saw a Sheriff pull up out front with lights on and we hear more gun shots... so out we go to find out what on earth is going on. After about 30+ minutes dad comes back in with the story... the redneck neighbors shot a cow!!! Apparently about 3 months ago 18 cows got loose from one of the close-by farms. With-in the first couple days 17 were caught but they just couldn't get the last one, apparently. So, the farmer said recently that if anyone found it they could shoot it. Well, of course that gets the local rednecks all excited and they have been out hunting this cow/steer ever since!!! Apparently Thursday night a Columbus police officer was on his way to work and saw the cow at the creek by dad's house, called his station who sent out the helicopter which then got the attention of the redneck neighbors and they came out and shot the steer in the field across the street from dad's house! I can't even make this stuff up... Dad said the crazy redneck was out there posing for pictures with his wife-beater on, barely covering his beer-belly and his foot up on the steer... had I known what was going on I would have taken a picture myself! Only in Ohio, I tell you!

One Down!

The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you;

He will never leave you nor forsake you.

Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

(Deuteronomy 31:8)

One month down!! Who-hoo... but wow, the drama and problems that can come about in just a month. I feel like every time I think I am doing okay, then WAM! I am hit with some out of control drama that I didn't even see coming. From dealing with people just trying to cause trouble, to dealing with unknown issues with people who are supposed to be good friends to the fuel pump going out on my car... it has been a long month!

But, with each "issue" there have been other reminders of things and friends to be thankful for. BW has done *fairly* well with communicating; writing emails is not something he enjoys, but he is putting forth an effort and for that I am thankful. Plus, there were a couple days he spent off the boat and I have never been so happy to hear my phone ring at 3am!! =) It's amazing the joy and sadness all at once a single phone call can bring, but wow am I thankful for it!

Each weekend I have been getting together with my new "Bluffton family" which consists of the wives' of some of the guys in the squadron who all live within 5-10min of me. They are amazing girls and I am so so so thankful to have them and so happy about the friendships that are growing between all of us.

This past weekend Alicia came back out to visit, which is always a great time. I love spending girl time with her and just enjoying whatever we are doing. We had a great time enjoying stadium food at the Sandgnats game, relaxed and did nothing on a rainy day, spent the next day at the pool and then hosted a little dinner party for the Bluffton girls... the weekend went too fast, but we will have more time together soon.

As I am excited to have one month down I have started to look forward to the month of September... what a fun time it will be! I will spend about a week in Ohio starting Thursday and cannot wait to go to the opening Ohio State football game! Celebrating Cody's birthday, there is no way he is 5yrs old already... and just spending time with my friends and family. Then I will come back and work a couple days. Have a fun night with the wives' club planned for the next Saturday -- along with college football every Saturday now too!!! Have signed up for more overtime the next week, so will possibly work 5 nights... some girl time on the weekend. A few more days of work, then off to Texas for a friend's wedding weekend which I am so excited about! A couple more days of work and then it will be October... another month down!!! I might be able to do this... =)

I have been reminded that with each drama situation that I have faced, I am not alone. Not only do I have friends and family who support me and are here for me, but God will never leave me and will always be a source of joy... as long as I turn to Him and lean on Him.

Keep the Days Moving

I don't think I have ever been so excited for summer to be over. Not that I want summer to end, but as it does that means the days are going by and I am that much closer to BW coming home! Plus, things that we have enjoyed doing together just are not as much fun to do alone. I love some "me time" but... I think I have met my quota for awhile! Plus, once summer ends that means it is FOOTBALL SEASON!!! Actually I have been able to stay pretty busy the past couple weeks since he left... work is booming which is great for me picking up plenty of overtime and working extra not only brings in extra $$ (retail therapy, anyone??) but it also makes the days go by much faster... eat, work, sleep, repeat. The weekends are then filled with time with Layla and the girls.

I spent a weekend on the beach in Jacksonville with Amanda.

Always enjoy my time with Beth.

Have had dinner with the other "Bluffton" girls, and am so thankful to have all of them!

And Layla and I are both enjoying our new bike lead which allows us to take bike rides together... good exercise for me (when I get to pedal) and great exercise for her as she runs her little heart out!

The days are going by... I wouldn't complain if they went a little faster, but I am enjoying the time that I have. I know he is doing things he has been trained to do and has been looking forward to actually putting into practice. And, I am so proud of him. But, as the days go by I am counting down to when he will be back home with me so we can start having fun together again!

I love you and miss you Skeeter.

Actually Underway

So, yes BW left last week... but not really. The squadron went out to San Diego and had just a little more training to do before actually pulling out. So, the boat pulled back into SD this week (Wed) and the guys were all off the boat until Friday morning... when it actually pulled out and is now on its way

somewhere to do something important.

As thankful as I am for those last few days to talk to him and have him back... it meant the good-bye's all over again.

I hate good-bye's. Period. Always have. I can remember hiding behind the couch as a little girl when my aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents whoever had come to visit would be leaving so I would not have to tell them bye. I remember crying every time they left. I cried (almost) every time I left one of my travel assignments. I cried every time I left BW during our visits while we lived apart.

So, to have to say good-bye again sucked.

And this time... I know it was for real.

This time he isn't out for a week or a month and then coming home....

this time the countdown REALLY does start!

So now I am back to work... back to spending time with the girls... back to thinking of him and knowing how proud I am and being reminded daily of how much I love him.

And, now I get to look forward to this!

A New Day... Another Week

It has been a week since BW left. It sucked... but I am doing okay. I am back into a routine with work and making sure my weekends and days off stay busy. Had lots of fun this past weekend in Jacksonville on the beach and just relaxing and catching up on some much need rest. Working this week and looking forward to this weekend when I will be spending time with lots of the girls from the wives' club. Should be lots of fun... usually is =)

Still thinking of him and missing him.

Lots.

But, am doing okay...

And loving the anticipation for when he will

COME HOME

that is already building up.

Lots! =)

I love you, Skeeter.
I am so proud of you.

Fly Safe

Brian left yesterday.

Kinda

The squadron is in San Diego

The Carrier will pull out tomorrow

They will do some last minute qualifications

Back in San Diego for a couple days

Then

They will be underway.

The countdown starts.

I miss you, babe.

But I am so proud of you.

I know time will fly...

I am ready for it to get going though =(

All my love <3

It's the Little Things...

Sometimes it catches me off guard

How much I miss my mom.

I mean, its not like I don't think about her

Daily

And still wish she was with me...

But sometimes it just hits me

When I want to call and tell her

The littlest, silliest things.

Like this morning...

So, I will just remember

And know that she would have laughed along with me

And wish (again) that

I could make that one call that

I just can't.

I Love you, Momma

Final Countdown

With the big D-day looming ahead of us... BW and I have continued to keep all non-working days/hours packed full of fun activities and great times together. Which leads to why it has been so long since I have posted anything (that and I just got my computer back this past weekend so I need to work on getting some photos uploaded).
I will try to give a quick run-down of our latest adventures in Bluffton since we came home from our vacation...

• we both worked 3 days/nights the week after we got back... I guess it was nice to "ease" back into the regular schedule (for BW anyway)
• Farewell party for one of the guys' in the squadron at our community center. It was super fun to be together again with our squadron "family" and especially for me to see all the girls again! With the boys home we all go our separate ways and as much as I love having him home, I do miss the girl time we have when they are gone. We will miss the couple who is moving on, but wish them lots of luck and happiness! We had a blast that night at their party.
• Fourth of July... celebrated at another couple's community center with the squadron "Bluffton" friends as well as other friends. Boys and fireworks... wow, probably a bad combo! But, we had a great time, and no one was burnt!
• Lots of time spent in the sun either at our lazy river.. ahh, my favorite place!!! Or at Hilton Head Beach. Sushi dinner, pretty much a weekend tradition! We both had 5 days off over the holiday weekend so it was fun to spend it together.
• Again, back to work for the week
• Friday night we had dinner (sushi, of course) and went out in Hilton Head with a couple of the guys from the squadron
• Saturday test drove a couple cars -- BW is actually looking at maybe laying the Tahoe to rest... man I wish he would!! That evening we went to the local seafood store and bought some shrimp and craw fish to take home for dinner. WOW! I have a new favorite!!! This was my first experience with craw fish (BW had had them in New Orleans one time before) and I L.O.V.E. them!!! Plus, it is always so much fun to have the guys come over and cook up some seafood and sit out on the patio and enjoy the weather and food. We went that night and saw the 80s cover band that the boys' are in love with, always a good time.
• Sunday was a nice relaxing day... some time at the lazy river, an afternoon nap for me =) a bike ride with BW, Layla and I (which, just FYI means I pedaled my little heart out and BW just sat on his bike holding Layla's leash as she runs). Dinner with BW and the roommate... overall a great day!
• and now it is back to work again

We have been able to re-organize some things at the house to help with putting away more of my things. And we are now looking forward to another weekend (maybe even to include... more craw fish and sushi =) yum!) at the end of this long work week to spend together.. I know there are probably 150,387 things that will need to be done to "get ready" but I am looking forward to just being together. Everything else will fall into place.... which means, I will take care of it later =)

Our emotions are both running a little crazy... stress not only from the big day looming over us, but we both have stress from work things as well. We are adjusting... and doing the best that, I think, can be expected. I will try to get some pictures uploaded... we will see if I can find that kind of time =) Have a great week!

Home Again

Wow! What a great time we had on vacation. 10 whole days of time for BW and I to spend together was amazing... more than any other time in our relationship... although by the end it was nice to have other friends around for each of us to talk to =) So, a quick run-down of our time...

Carnival Cruise

Jacksonville, FL to The Bahamas (Nassau and Freeport)

We had a blast on the cruise! We had both been on cruises before with friends, obviously mine just a few weeks ago =) So it was nice to go with just the two of us. The sun was shining and it was warm every day, except for a short afternoon shower in Nassau it was all sun! We spent lots of time by the pool, made a couple new friends who were at our dinner table (aka the kids' table), wandered around The Bahamas visiting The Atlantis, snorkeling, shopping in the straw markets, seeing the beaches and crystal clear water... wow, it was fabulous. And the time off to just be together and relax without distractions like places to go, people to see and CELL PHONES was just what we needed. I cannot wait to go on another cruise =) ... and with him!

Phoenix, Arizona

Visiting his family

The day after we came home from the cruise we flew out bright and early* to Phoenix/Scottsdale to visit with BW's family and friends. We spent a few shorts days (only 2 nights) in AZ so it was quick. Tuesday we spent visiting with his mom and that evening she made a wonderful dinner of steaks (for BW), salmon, king crab legs and tater tots (also for BW). YUM!! That night we spent the evening with a friend from TX who now lives there and one of BW's childhood friends, lots of fun. Wednesday we went over to hang out with BW's dad and spent some time enjoying the heat at the pool. That evening we all went up to Desert Mountain and looked at million-dollar houses, I picked out one or two =) Then we had dinner at Apache, also very yummy. Another night spent with the guys from the night before, this time it was "Wii Wednesday" at the bar so we played some Wii games for awhile... not BW's favorite thing =) Thursday morning we were able to go see his sister's new house and visit with her before heading to the airport to fly to San Diego! Quick trip, yes, but it was nice for him to get to visit with his family before deployment.

*I don't do mornings... and a 730a flight means getting up at 515a... not a fan*

San Diego, California

Rob & Siouxsie's Wedding

We spent the weekend back in beautiful San Diego, CA with lots of friends we had not seen in over a year or more. The weather was gorgeous when we arrived and it was like "coming home" (I know I have said that before, but it still was!) and we were both so happy to be back. We checked into our hotel, made a few phone calls to start rallying the troops and then headed to our favorite sushi restaurant in PB and had dinner. Amazing. After dinner we met up with a couple of my girls and then all headed downtown to meet up with the friends in town for the wedding. What a crazy fun night... It is always so much fun to see old friends, and I love seeing BW with his old friends and having so much fun. Friday we spent some time at the pool, ate some In-N-Out, a CA must! And then went to see the soon-to-be newlyweds' new house and just relax a little with them. Friday evening we met up with Doug & Michelle who had just arrived in town and the four of us enjoyed a beautiful southern California sunset from the ocean-view seating at George's in La Jolla. The food was fabulous and the time together always enjoyable. That night we met up again with friends in PB for a little while before heading home. Saturday we all hung out at the pool again for the day before the wedding, which was very nice on the first hole of the golf course. The reception was fun with all the gang together again and we hung out late into the night. Sunday it was up and out to get to the airport for our full day of travel back home, including a 3-hr layover in Houston... as much as we love Texas I think we both could have done without that. Oh well, it was nice to have that time alone together again before heading back to real life.

Now we are both back to work, finishing our work week with me at work tonight actually, and will both be off all weekend. We have lots going on this weekend (not that that is unusual I guess) with a Farewell for one of the fun couples in the squadron =( Thursday night and then a huge 4th of July / Going Away Bash on Saturday. BW and I are both off work Thurs through Mon so that should be nice and hopefully we will be able to get some things done around the house as well that need to be done within the next few short weeks...

Happy 4th of July!

By the way... my computer is still lost in the land of FedEx (not my favorite company right now, but that is another story... ahem) so I am unable to upload all the wonderful pictures I have from these 10 days and share some favorites with you. My hope is to at least get them uploaded to BW's computer this weekend and then share them from there until my computer finds its way back home to me...

BON VOYAGE!!

Wow... my "to-do" list never got shorter this week! A few things...

• pack up remaining things at apartment
• take remaining things to Goodwill -- how do I end up with sooo much stuff!?
• wives' club projects
• wives' club emails regarding projects
• laundry
• try to unpack and feel settled at home
• run errands
• pedicure -- very important, you know!
• work!
• take layla to aunt Amanda's
• dinner
• sleep...
• PACK for VACATION!!!
• talk to landlord

Not all of them got done. Some did. Not everything is on the list. Not crossing everything off my to-do list causes me great stress. But... it doesn't matter now!!

It's time for VACATION!!! WHO-HOO!!! =)

As you are reading this, our Carnival Cruise ship is pulling out of Jacksonville, FL for a fabulous four nights. Sailing into port in Nassau Bahamas as well as Freeport Bahamas! I am so excited. Bring on the fun in the sun!! (the weather this time looks much better than my last cruise!)

10 days off work. 10 days with Brian. Another cruise... a couple days in Arizona... a weekend in San Diego with dearly missed friends... aahhh. I wish it would never end...

Our Weekend

With BW home for our final countdown of weekends *sniff sniff* we are having lots of fun whenever we can! This weekend had potential for being not-so-fun and I was super stressed about it (as evidenced by the nasty canker sores in my mouth! ouch!!)... However, things turned out perfectly and we had a blast!
Friday I napped for a couple hours before the calls started coming in from the girls wanting to join me at our lazy river.. so I got up and headed out.. turns out no one else came over until BW got home from work and he and one of the guys came out, but I still had a nice day. I napped on my chair for a bit but quickly realized it was WAAY too hot for that, so I found a raft and started floating... and napping =) Woke up at one point to realize I had floated out of the lazy river into the main pool and some poor boy was pushing me back into the lazy river so I could keep floating in circles!! haha thanks, little buddy! =)
Friday night BW, myself and two of the other guys headed down to Savannah for sushi and went to The Wing to see a band I was super excited about. We had lots and lots of fun!!
Saturday we slept in... love those days! And then it was out for lunch and a couple things and back to the lazy river! Where else would one want to spend a gorgeous weekend?? I need to post some pictures of the river so you can understand why it is so amazing... Then Saturday evening one of the couples in the squadron had a cookout and we all went to their house to hang out for awhile before heading out to see a different band play in Bluffton that night. At the cookout I got to snuggle with Miss Siena our newest addition to the squadron =) She is about 3wks old and is adorable!!! It is always fun to snuggle with normal babies after seeing the ones I work with everyday.
Sunday... I think you can guess what we did =) Lunch and then lazy river for a few hours. We did have to spend Sunday evening at my apartment finishing up the packing and sorting for Goodwill. WOW, I accumulate a lot of stuff... and stuff I don't need! (but, I have learned that BW is the biggest pack rat of them all! The kid still has clothes he wore in high school and has not worn since then!!! Then again... he kinda reminds me of Vic... hmmm...) So we did lots of packing and moving.
Today I was able to sleep in some before having some wives' club things to finish up and a couple other things to do. It was great to text him at 11a and have him ask why I was up so early =) After a nap I went to the apartment again to load up my car with the Goodwill stuff before work so that all that is left to do is clean and take out the last bit of trash! Yay =) It is great to be done with all that because....

THURSDAY STARTS OUR 10 DAY VACATION!!!

I am so excited!! We will be....

Going on a 4-night cruise... Yes, I did just get back from one but I am going again! =)

(and canNOT wait!!)

Going to Arizona for a couple of days to visit his family...

Going to San Diego for a friend's wedding!

Wow... all in 10 Days! But it will be lots of fun and I am so looking forward to the time together.

Stand-by for fun pictures... **side note, my computer is broke =( so uploading pictures is difficult... but I will try to get the ones from this weekend up before VACATION!**

Summer Fun

I just realized it has been a really long time since I have posted anything... guess that means there is nothing super exciting going on... or that I have just been too busy to actually sit down and write anything =) probably a combination of both!
With BW and his squadron finishing up the last stage of work-ups (that goodness they are over!!!) the wives' club has been busy trying to get lots of "surprises" in the works for them while they are gone. I am so happy to be included in this wonderful group of girls and really am thankful for the support I have found in them (and will have during deployment) and the friendships that have been built. I look forward to the time we will be spending together while the boys are gone. As happy as we all are to have them home right now... I miss my girls and our dinners and times spent together!
BW came home last weekend -- who-hoo! -- and so we are now in our last few weeks together before the actual deployment. It's bittersweet... enjoying the time we have but knowing what it is leading up to, but then knowing that the sooner deployment starts the sooner he will be home again =) and learning to deal with the stress of many people pulling us in many directions as well as all the emotions we are both dealing with... whew! I spent the week before he got home packing up and getting things together to move up to the house in Bluffton where I will be staying while he is deployed. I wanted to have the majority of this done before he got home, and amazingly enough I did! (Even with working all week and picking up overtime shifts!) I was able to sell all my furniture from my apt on craigslist easily for the same amount I had spent on it, so basically was able to use it for 6 months for free! And BW and I are now working on getting things re-organized at the house so that I have room for my stuff while he is gone and his stuff that he is not taking will be put away. It's a daunting task, but we are getting there =)
I am so happy to have him home, and it has been great to get to see him every evening this week for dinner before I left for work... but I have to keep in mind not to get used to this, but I am still thankful for it! We have planned a great vacation for our time off during these weeks -- a cruise, some time in Arizona with his friends and family and then a weekend in San Diego for a friend's wedding! -- and I am looking forward to it. Standby for great pictures from that time.
Wow... I am exhausted all over again just reading through this post... what else is there to say? Basically I am just thrilled to have my honey home with me for now and am cherishing every moment I get to spend with him during this time!

I have also gained a renewed respect for my mom lately and the amazing relationship she and I were able to have (not to leave out the wonderful relationship my dad and I have built lately as well!)... I have been reminded that it is amazing when parents can reach a point where they realize their children have become adults and both parties are able to respect each other as adults. I appreciate my parents and they way they have always supported me and taught me how to have relationships and friendships with other people who are important in my life. Being reminded of this has made me miss my mom lately... some things I would love to talk to her about and vent with her about... I can only imagine her laughing and agreeing with me, I am Debbie's daughter, ya know!

Hope you are all enjoying your summer so far as well!

Girls, girls, girls

Unfortunately while I was on the cruise my camera battery died... I was sure I had packed my battery charger, but when I looked for it I could not find it anywhere*! So I relied on the girls to take pictures for me -- something that was very hard for me to do as I love taking pictures! So far I have not been able to get my hands on the pictures the girls took to share them, but one of the lady's at our dinner table was nice enough to email me this picture of Amanda, Candice and I at our last dinner on the cruise. We had lots of fun dressing up for dinner and I, of course, loved being able to have whatever my little heart desired off the menu! One of my favorite parts of the cruise =)

*turns out my battery charger was in my suitcase... right where I had put it... in the inside secret pocket that I never use! Great thinking, Jess, great thinking!

Thought I would also share a lovely picture of the ladies from the wives' club for BW's squadron, also known as the "WinderChicks." We had a little function this weekend and then had dinner to celebrate one wife joining us and another leaving. We have a great group of ladies and I am very thankful to be included in it (seeing as how I am not a wife... but that is a whole other post!).

Obviously I am not looking forward to BW deploying soon. However, I am thankful beyond words for the excellent group of girl friends that I have made and will have as support through this next step in our relationship. The friendship that I have built with Amanda and the girls at work is amazing and I am thankful over and over for it. She has been here for me in in ways that she definitely has not had to so early in a friendship, but boy am I thankful she has been! And I cannot begin to express what a blessing it is to be a part of a group of women like the WinderChicks and feel the connection that we have. Sure, you put that many women from all different backgrounds and beliefs together you are bound to have some drama... but for the most part we all get along and are very supportive of one another. I have built a very close friendship with Beth (sitting to my left in the picture) already and am so thankful for that as well. Yes this group of women, like I said, come from different backgrounds and do different things, but we are all going through the same thing with work-ups and the upcoming deployment. Some have been through deployment before (some many times) and a couple of us are on our first... but the support that is in this group lets me know we will all make it through.

All of this being said, I am still of course very thankful for the friends I have made who are spread across the country and cherish each of those friendships as well. Alicia is irreplaceable, and the understanding that we have with each other is unbelievable. The girls in Ohio (Lori, Dena, Jen) are fabulous and I always look forward to the times we are able to spend together. The friends I have in NC (Alix, Lisa, UNC girls, Erin) are wonderful and I hope to spend time visiting with them these upcoming months. And, of course my girls in San Diego are forever in my heart and I miss them dearly. The Navy friends I have met along this journey (Cara!) are unbelievable and I love you; you have taught me so much while watching you go through this journey too.

I am blessed.

Back to Real Life

I have returned from my rocky and rainy cruise to Nassau Bahamas. Overall the cruise experience (since this was my first time) was a blast, but the weather did suck. However, we made the most of it, made new friends and ate plenty =) That is probably my favorite part... I can order and eat anything I want? And its all free? And I can have 3 (or more) soft-serve ice cream cones each day if I want?? Amazing. I cannot wait to go on another cruise, stand-by for those plans though.
As for now I am back to work (actually finishing my first night back now). Of course Memorial Day would be the first sunny day we have had in weeks and I did not get to celebrate with friends and cook-outs, but had to come to work, and not get paid holiday pay but that is a whole different story! I did enjoy a couple of hours of sun at the pool this afternoon so I am thankful for that.
This week is exciting because my fun friend Lisa (aka KitKat) from NC is coming to town and I can hardly contain my excitement!! Lisa and I met while I worked at UNC this last time, but unfortunately our friendship started closer to the end of my time there and not the beginning =(
But at least we have remained close since my leaving and geographically I think we can manage many more fun reunions and we are looking forward to this one tons!
After Lisa leaves I work a few more days again and then BW comes home (again) for the last time before his actual deployment. I am so excited to be done with work-ups. For those of you who don't have to experience them you are lucky, they are the worst part I am certain. For those of you who have been through them, I am sure you can understand!

I do hope that y'all had a wonderful holiday weekend and a great Memorial Day. I did spend a lot of time thinking about the day and those loved ones of mine who the day is meant for. I remember with a heavy heart those lost just this past week in an accident off BW's boat during a training exercise in preparation for their deployment. I remember a dear friend, Eric, who gave his life for my freedom. And I remember so many others who I love who have served and given up so much for my freedom as well. THANK YOU is not enough... for those who serve or for those who are at home supporting and missing them, but it is the best I have.

And the rest of the Pictures!!

Our weekend in Va Beach was a blast!!

We were able to stay with Cara and Patrick and had so much fun!

Cara is a dear friend of mine. And Krista was able to hang out too!

One of my best guy friends Dave was in town for a class

(my main reason for going!)

So it was great to spend some quality time with him as well.

Me and my favorite boys!

The best thing about the Navy is all the amazing friends I (we) have made along this journey.
And so many of them live in VA Beach...

It was a big reunion with so many of our friends!

Layla got to visit her friend Shiner too!

They love each other!

After our weekend in VA beach we were back to work and then the weekend before BW and the boys left again we had everyone over for Oysters.

This is the view of our back porch on oyster nights...

we really have so much fun and will miss these nights when we leave here!

Amanda and I with our pile of destruction!

Friday Favorites

Finally I have uploaded all the pictures from all the fun that has been going on. I am going to try and pick my favorites (but there really are sooo many to choose from!) to share.

These pictures are from the DAR Cemetery in Savannah.

It was a beautiful day and I had some time to kill so I walked around the park.

This headstone (as well as many of the others) dates back to 1824!!

If you remember back, I spent a day on the boat and beach with Amanda and her family...

Loving our day on the beach; hanging out with Amanda and her sister.

Later we all went to Forsyth Park to see the Sidewalk Chart Art...

So many of the displays were soo amazing!

These were just a few of my favorites.

If you are at Forsyth Park you have to take a picture by the Fountain

Amanda, me, Candice and Mallory