Mother's Day

Mom, we miss you so very much
On every Mother’s Day;
And not just then, but every minute,
Since you went away.

You were the center of our lives
Before your soul passed on;
It’s just so hard for us to believe
That you are really gone.

But we celebrate the life you lived
And all the things you gave us;
Our wonderful memories, Mom, of you
Are the things that will comfort and save us.

Please think of us, as we think of you
With hearts so full of love;
We’re looking up at you, sweet Mom,
As you look at us from above.
By Joanna Fuchs

I love you, Momma. Thinking about you and missing you, today... and always

Adjusting

Life is "right" again in our little world, and we are adjusting to BW being home and all that that entails. It has been great to "get to know" each other as well as readjusting to our schedules and to life with both of us in the same place. ha! Work has been good for me, a little get away sometimes, now that I am back to only working my three nights each week, instead of all the overtime shifts I had been picking up (although, my bank account is a little saddened by this change! ha!!). And the weekends have been amazing... we have had so much fun just staying busy and thoroughly enjoying the beautiful weather together either laying by our fabulous pool (remember the lazy river?? =)) or going to the beach during the day and cooking oysters with friends in the evenings. This week our vacation starts on Thursday after we finish working and I can't wait!!! Thursday night will be a fun night at the baseball game, Friday we might go to the golf tournament on Hilton Head and then Saturday we leave for a WEEK LONG CRUISE!! Then, when we get back from the cruise we fly to Ohio to visit with both of our families for a short time. Whew... then I go right back to work.

Life is good today! =)

All is Right

After 8 long months...

A phone call that said it would "not be today"....

Another long 24 hours...

Another wonderful girls' night with the best girls...

Welcoming a dear, sweet friend's new baby girl with her...

Anxiously waiting on the flight line....

All is right again in my little world!

Another weekend down, a few more to go!

Been staying busy. Work all week (most weeks four nights, which makes a long week), then play on the weekends. The weather was warm for one weekend, even made it to the beach with Layla and the girls one Sunday. Only worked three nights last week, which was a great break -- although I am not so sure my checking account will be as happy come pay day! Oh well, the rest and night of fun was worth it. Had a great four-day weekend this past weekend and spent time with lots of different friends.... dinner and a movie, night out, baby shower and lots of fun with the girls, watching the Hockey game and wishing the USA would have won... all in all, a great weekend. Even if it wasn't as warm as last weekend, the sun was still out so that counts!! And its another weekend down...

Going to be a busy week with work and a conference in Savannah. Hope it is interesting and there will be good stuff to learn and apply to work. To-do list starting to get long, but the weekends are staying busy so that is great. And, the sun is out and the temperature is starting to rise which is very exciting!!!

Monday Madness

There has been plenty going on I could write about... I just haven't taken the time. Oops. Oh well. This will be my "catch-up-with-no-real-organization" version of life the past few weeks. Speaking of few weeks, I can count the number of Saturdays left on one hand!! Yay =) He is on his way home, a slow journey around the world, but on his way none-the-less.
I've done lots of working, an extra shift a week really adds up. Started working out three times a week (remember I can count on one hand how many more weekends?? haha). And then lots of catch-up sleeping on the weekends. I may or may not have slept for 22hrs a couple Fridays ago... maybe.
Have started going to oyster roasts. Yum. Saw snow in South Carolina this weekend, not a fan of that but at least it was gone the next morning. Spent lots of time with some fabulous girls and their adorable kiddos. Would never have made it through this deployment without these wonderful ladies I have come to love and cherish! And I look forward to our weekends yet to come. Got my truck back after the accident New Year's Eve, that's fabulous. Finally took my Christmas lights down... maybe in February =) Got a new phone this weekend, its way too smart for me but I am learning!
Mainly, working and counting down days =) Will try to be better about keeping up... no promises though, I do kinda enjoy those 22hr sleep days!! haha

Always in My Heart, I miss you Momma!

To my dearest family,

some things I'd like to say...

but first of all, to let you know,

that I arrived okay.

I'm writing this from heaven.

Here I dwell with God above.

Here, there's no more tears of sadness;

here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy

just because I'm out of sight.

Remember that I'm with you

every morning, noon and night.

That day I had to leave you

when my life on earth was through,

God picked me up and hugged me

and He said, "I welcome you."

"It's good to have you back again;

you were missed while you were gone.

As for your dearest family,

they'll be here later on.

I need you here badly;

you're part of my plan.

There's so much that we have to do,

to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things,

that he wished for me to do.

And foremost on the list,

was to watch and care for you.

And when you lie in bed at night,

the day's chores put to flight.

God and I are closest to you....

in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth,

and all those loving years

because you are only human,

they are bound to bring you tears.

But do not be afraid to cry;

it does relieve the pain.

Remember there would be no flowers,

unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you

all that God has planned.

But if I were to tell you,

you wouldn't understand.

But one thing is for certain,

though my life on earth is o'er.

I'm closer to you now,

than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you

and many hills to climb;

but together we can do it

by taking one day at a time.

It was always my philosophy

and I'd like it for you too...

that as you give unto the world,

the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody

who's in sorrow and pain,

then you can say to God at night......

"My day was not in vain."

And now I am contented....

that my life has been worthwhile,

knowing as I passed along the way,

I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody

who is sad and feeling low,

just lend a hand to pick him up,

as on your way you go.

When you're walking down the street,

and you've got me on your mind;

I'm walking in your footsteps

only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go....

from that body to be free,

remember you're not going.....

you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)

©Copyright 1998-2006

http://www.ruthann1.com/

In My Thoughts

I know your life
On earth was troubled
And only you could know the pain
You weren't afraid to face the devil
You were no stranger to the rain

Go rest high on that mountain
(Mom), your work on earth is done
Go to heaven a shoutin'
Love for the Father and Son

Oh, how we cried the day you left us
We gathered round your grave to grieve
I wish I could see the angels faces
When they hear your sweet voice sing

Go rest high on that mountain
(Mom), your work on earth is done
Go to heaven a shoutin'
Love for the Father and Son

All my love, Momma

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