North Carolina Getaway!

This last weekend was our last time to go on a spontaneous weekend getaway before Josh deploys.  So what did we do??

We went with another couple to Nags Head, NC, and Roanoke Island, NC!  SOOOOO FUN!  We played on the beach, ate at a wonderful restaurant, went kayaking, and strolled around the cutest little town.

Here are a few beach pictures:

Our friends brought their dog, Finnegan (Finn), who is only one month old and just SOOO cute! 

This is my friend Caty...such a sweet girl!

All the boys digging holes in the sand.

This was the neatest sign in downtown Roanoke Island, NC.  It showed where all the tourists sites were to make sure people hit up.  So crafty!

Here we are about to board our kayaks for a cruise out in the bay of Roanoke Island and then out into the waves of the ocean!  If I wasn't so afraid of tipping (which none of us did) I would have taken a camera with me, but I'm not that dumb!  So this is all we have to show for our kayak adventure.

Sunset across the street from our hotel.  Too bad we didn't get an ocean view of the sunset. :-(

Out for pizza and ice cream!  YUM!!!

Might I just say this was the BEST way to spend a weekend out before Josh leaves in less than two weeks.  I will soon start packing the apartment up (soon as in I should have started today) to put all of our belongings into storage.  While Josh is gone I'll be spending the summer at my parent's place in Fordland, MO.  During the fall school year I'll actually be living in Shawnee, OK, with Josh's parents while I take Philosophy to finish up my degree.  I've been putting it off for a long time, but I think everyone would agree that this will be the perfect time to get my degree finished up!

On The Ship Again

Josh is on the ship right now for another work up. I'm hoping this is the one that gives us lots of info on when he leaves for his deployment. But of course if I'm honest with myself, we probably won't find a thing out at all. Josh isn't working his usual job on the ship this time around. He is working TAD, meaning he's in the Galley, meaning he's working in the cafeteria. Ugggg. Until you make rank, everyone has to work TAD sometime. Hopefully he'll make rank before the long deployment so he won't ever have to do that again. For his sanity and MINE! Since he's not in his shop working on the flight line like normal, he doesn't has access to email. I've only heard from him two days out of the 5 days he's been gone. He emails me through someone elses email, but only the same time this guy checks his email...which isn't often. His emails have been VERY short, just checking to see if I'm safe. The only thing he has said about his working in the cafeteria is that he's working really hard and people are complimenting him. And to all of you that comes as no surprise as Josh is the hardest worker I know. I'm sure when people are assigned TAD they don't have a very good attitude about it and don't give their all the the job. I'm so happy he's making the best of it and working hard...what a good example he is to the others around him! Keep him in your prayers!!

**Update on 3/28: His email finally got set up, so I'm hoping that I'll be hearing from him more often! The last I heard from him was that the boat was extremely rocky this time around, but all in all it's been good. He's been eating A LOT and think he's gained 7 pounds! hehe I guess that's what happens when you work in the food area!**

1 YEAR!

We made it a year!! A growing year for both of us, but a blessed year indeed! Feb. 13 we celebrated our 1st anniversary by going out to P.F. Changs, Josh got a massage, and we bought ourselves a new sound system and a few bluerays! ;-) After supper we came home and watched one of them...The Wizard of Oz!!

FAMILY!

First off.....JOSH CAME HOME!!!!!!!!!!!! YIPPIE!!! It's been a few weeks now, but it's so nice to have my baby back!

To welcome him home, his family from Oklahoma drove to Norfolk to spend some time with Josh while he had a few days off. It was the perfect time because Josh didn't have to go into work one time while his family was here! They were here from a Thursday night until Tuesday afternoon. We spent the 4th of July together on the beach enjoying the sun, sand, and fireworks! It was delightful...except for the sunburn and the lame firework show. haha I LOVE fireworks and was so looking forward to seeing them over the ocean, but I guess since the economy they cut down this year. It was kinda slow moving and pretty short. I enjoyed them while they lasted, but was definitely let down from all the hype I had heard about them. No matter what, it was good to have Josh there with me. We also went to Busch Gardens while his family was here and it was a blast! Below are some pics I took with my phone when we saw them posted on the screens...that's why the quality isn't as good.

BEACH FUN!

FIREWORKS!

Left to Right: Random kid, David, Ryan, David Searles...I'm next to David Searles, but got put in a separate pic (I'm on the left of the next pic).

WE HAVE NEW FAMILY MEMBERS!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes that's right......KITTENS! They are adorable and so fun to play with. They of course get hyper and into lots of things now and again, but for the most part they just like to lay around with you and snuggle up against you. Which of course I love! When we got them, they were named Lynx and Leo. I liked the names, but Josh wanted something else. Each cat has taken to one of us, so we claimed that one and named them. I'm still working on mine...ANY SUGGESTIONS?? Josh has named his...Walker. He's trying to convince me to name my Texas Ranger. haha I don't think so. Lynx and Leo go together nicely, but now that it's Walker and Lynx it doesn't sound as cute. So, any suggestions would be nice. He's the small black one.


Continuing on about my family, my next post will be full of my side of the family! I fly to Springfield TOMORROW to ride down with my mom to Dallas for Mary Kay Seminar. The most fun thing all year long to go to...we look forward to the next one as soon as we leave Seminar that year! On our way down to Dallas, we'll stop off in Oklahoma City to see my sister, Lauren, and her husband, Will! Then we'll head to Wichita Falls to see my cousin, Kara and her new baby, Preston, plus my oldest sister, Jenny, and her three kiddos, Bryson, Ashlyn, and Canyon! I'm sooooooooo excited to see everyone! I haven't seen people in Wichita Falls since last Christmas...so I'm very eager to hug their necks. After Seminar, I'll stay in Springfield for two days to get to see everyone there and maybe hit up Silver Dollar City with mom.

Until then....

Josh Update Plus Apartment Pictures!

Well I haven't given much of an update since Josh left and there are no wedding pictures up yet! So, let's get to the juicy details. Well I don't know about juicy...but here are the details!!

JOSH WILL BE HOME ONE WEEK FROM TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WAHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you couldn't tell by all my exclamation points, I'm just a little excited. hehe We have fortunately been able to e-mail back and forth...even several times in one day sometimes. If we catch each other online at the same time then we get a chance to message back and forth rather than waiting hours or until the next day to hear from each other. Although, I really do wish I could hear his voice. :-(

He hasn't really liked being cramped on a ship the last month, but who would really. He said that ship life is really hard and very stressful. I did write in my last update that he's getting to work on the deck and not scrubbing dishes, but I think some days he wishes he were scrubbing dishes. It's definitely manual labor on the deck moving really heavy chains, doing all the needed jobs to ready the place for planes to land, and some mechanical work. He works from about 6am-6pm with a break now again...which is his e-mail time! It's definitely been a growing experience for him and I both...but probably more so him. Since he's been gone our things from Louisville arrived and I am DONE decorating!! Well, done decorating with all the things we already own that is. Our room still needs furniture in it and there a few wall things I would like to add. Josh's mom will be bringing a few things when they come visit in August that are some Navy memorabilia from his grandpa that I can't wait to display. Basically, I feel more at home now!

I've visited a church the last two weeks that I really enjoy! I met a girl named, Amy, last week and as we got to talking she's from SPRINGFIELD, MO! She is just here for the summer living with her sister and brother-in-law while doing an internship at the church. She'll be graduating from CBC in December and walking in May. Which means, if I move back home during Josh's long time away, she'll be in Springfield and we can continue our friendship! We've been tanning on the beach a few times this week and she and her sister came over last night for a girls night. The Lord is definitely blessing me. Speaking of blessings....I GOT A JOB!! Unfortunately it doesn't start until August. A slight turn of events happened on their end and will end up having help until the end of July when they thought they needed someone else. But like I said, the Lord is blessing us and providing financially for us in lots of other ways! He is so good...ALL the time.


Below are some picture updates of what the apartment looks like so far!!


Look familiar? This is our guest room.

Our room...not much in it....gotta get more stuff later.

Dining room!

Fun Fiesta Ware always brightens things up!

The only addition to the kitchen (besides more serving ware)...a favorite IKEA item that
has followed me through all three apartments thus far!

The piano that hopefully I can relearn to play!

Finally a cozy living room!

Goodbye...

Goodbye to what?

1.) Josh
He left for his one month training deployment yesterday. Am I sad? Of course. But it's only a month and I know he's safe! It's only for training so I know he won't be harmed at all. Ask me again if I'm a mess in 4 months when he leaves for the Persian Gulf for 9 months. AH!
**Update on his time on the ship....He isn't working in the galley scrubbing dishes!! He's actually on the flight deck doing better work! YIPPIE! Also, he informed me that Master Chief is working on helping us get all that back pay from the beginning of boot camp. I don't know why he's wanting to help, but God is good and is providing! Please pray it really does come through this time!**

2.) The "Pet"
I'm not sure what was going through Josh's mind two days before leaving me for a month, but he came home with a domesticated pet rat....cage and all. I couldn't believe it!!!!!!!!!!! I mean, of all things a rat??? Why not a fish or a CAT?! It went back to the pet store today! They only gave me my money back for the rat, not it's giant cage that cost $70. UG! I'll try that one on craigslist. Anyhoo, I'm rid of that and enjoying the apartment...rat free! I told Josh in our last e-mail that I took it back and he didn't say anything about it when he responded! PHEW! I escaped that one!

So far, so _____...

We got some not so good news on the first two days of Josh starting his new job.

1.) Josh leaves for a one month deployment for training on June 9.

2.) Josh leaves for a 7-9 month (they said their Squadran is usually gone for 8-8 1/2 months) deployment starting sometime in October. Which means he'll be gone for our first Thanksgiving and Christmas being married, my birthday, and our 1 year anniversary. :-(

3.) As for now, Josh doesn't get to touch an engine for about a year and a half. This is the most upsetting for him besides the deployments. This is why he joined the Navy...to work on planes! Instead, he'll be motioning in air planes as they land for a year and a half. UG!

4.) Since he doesn't get to work on engines, during his long deployment he'll be doing dirty work like dishes, scraping scum off the side of the ship, and motioning in planes on the ship deck.

5.) He is in one of the most awarded Squadran's, therefore they go on ALL deployments. Meaning he'll most likely be home for 6 months and then leave for 7-9 months again. An officer told him on his first day to prepare himself and me for him to be gone the next 5 years more than he'll be home. :-(

6.) We WILL be getting our things from Louisville around June 8th, but it will probably be limited cost. Which means they'll pick up all our stuff and then a few weeks later inform us if we owe anything or not. We don't even get the option of seeing if they'll be charging us before they pick it up to see if we could do it ourselves for less.

But among the cruddy stuff, Josh and I are having some really good times. We've been out and about in downtown Norfolk a time or two to see a movie and to just get out of the apartment. I had no idea he actually wrote in the journal his family gave him before bootcamp, but he pulled it out and read me two journalings last night. The first spoke of our engagement. His words were so sweet to hear. He wrote about how much he cared for "His Dear Lane" and can't wait to actually be in the same place. The second one he read was written after we eloped. He talked about what a great decision he made and how happy "His Dear Lane" makes him. I don't think I've ever heard him refer to me as "His Dear Lane", but I guess in his mind that's how he thinks of me. So sweet! He has definitely been my rock through this move and I know for a fact it would have been impossible without him. He has provided for me and taken very good care of me.

I'm currently working here and there to build up my Mary Kay business here in Norfolk handing out business cards. I actually miss my salon job (and the free perks) a little bit...so I found an upscale salon in downtown Norfolk that's looking for a coordinator for only 2-3 days a week. I applied for it in hopes that it'll help me meet some new people!

Everything will work out. God isn't surprised by the things that happen in our lives (thank you to my Father-In-Law who reminded me of that), so it's comforting to know that everything is for a reason. The time away from Josh can only make us stronger!

Thank you all for your prayers and support! LOVE LOVE LOVE to all of you!

Blogger Behind Here!

Hello....remember me? I'm just a little behind here.

SOOO much has happened these last 5 weeks. Where do I begin. After returning home from my elopement weekend I had to really get on with planning our reception!

We have a WONDERFUL photographer, Climer Photography, and am so extremely excited to be working with Lance and Amanda. I have yet to have the sweet moment of meeting them, but Amanda and I have spoken on the phone and e-mailed a lot...I feel like I already know them! So to you Lance and Amanda, I look forward to meeting you on May 2!!

I got my invitations in the mail...finally! They are just adorable and simple...which I love simple. Now if I could just finish with postage stamps and sealing. I believe some girlfriends are coming over tomorrow to help me - that is unless one of those girlfriends goes into labor. I'M SOOOO HOPING SHE DOES!!! (More on that later.)

Let's see....we found a tent guy and I need to book him for sure tomorrow. It seems as though tables and some centerpieces have been lent to us from friends....total blessing! A friend in Branson is so sweetly helping me with flowers, some of the reception food, and catering our BBQ that we're having with family and the wedding party after our reception! We will speak in more detail later this week, but from e-mail it seems like she'll be a saving grace!!! THANKS DIXIE! I need to order the cake, finalize what our centerpieces will look like, FIND BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES!!!, after finding dresses I need to coordinate what the groomsmen will wear, I still need to alter my dress (I'm moving in two weeks...think I can get it done that fast...doubt it!), and let's see...I know there's more. Oh gosh....I GOTTA GET CAUGHT UP! Here a few pictures from a fun girls outing to look at some dresses! This style was one of our faves!





FLASHBACK ANYONE???



Ok next.

Just a few weeks ago I threw one of my best friends a baby shower that was so fun! Katherine and her husband, John, are expecting a little boy OR a little girl on April 7. They have chosen to make it a surprise on the gender. I thought that it would drive us all nuts, but we have actually really loved not knowing! It adds so much to the excitement! We had a great time and she got lots of fun stuff. Thanks so everyone who came!!! Here are some pics to celebrate the occasion. PS: WE ARE ALL HOPING THAT THIS BABY COMES THIS WEEK!!





Putting her "Breast Friend" to some good use. ;-)


Ok next.

Last weekend I had the most wonderful blessing to get to see Joshua! We ended up having enough money left over after paying LOTS of bills this month to be able to drive me down there and stay the weekend. Of course, it rained the whole time, so we didn't get out to do much of anything. Josh doesn't sleep well on base so he napped A LOT! We watched lots of Disney Classic movies, ones we grew up with, on YouTube to save money on going out to the movies. haha We also had a little kitchen in the hotel room so we cook all our meals! So, since we didn't go out and do anything, I have no pictures from the weekend. :-(

Ok next.

MY NEPHEW, BRYSON, TURNED 10 TODAY!!!! Seriously? TEN? I'm not by ANY MEANS old, but THAT makes me feel it. I know I was young when he was born, but I grew up fast when he came....never would I change a thing. If you don't know, I took care of this sweet boy A LOT (and I'm not exaggerating at all....I mean, I helped raise him it was so much) for the first two years or so of his life. He and I have such a special relationship and I love him as if he were my own. He get's more handsome everytime I see him. I can't belive my sweet boy is already ten.



LOVE YOU BRY!

Ok next.

My dear girlfriends I work with at Jerry Heston's Hairdressing threw me a wedding shower last night. It was actually planned on a weekend that a lot of people already had plans, so it was a small crowd, but a quality crowd I must say. Josh and I got some more fiesta ware from everyone at the salon, and then the girls individually got me some fun lingerie! (Pictures so come soon....I haven't uploaded them and can't find my card reader right now.)


My goodness...I think that catches us up. This next weekend I'll be vising Overland Park, Kansas, for a Mary Kay Career Conference! I'll be staying with a good friend, Mandy Avery, and her little boy, Lucas! Her husband, Terrance, is currently in basic training with the Army. I figured instead of just visiting with her for a few hours, I would stay and keep her company for a few days! I'm looking forward to it!

It looks like Josh will be starting his schooling in a week...YIPPIE SKIPPY YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW EXCITED I AM I COULD JUST PEE MY PANTS!!!!! How do you like that? So, if all goes as hoped, he'll be done with school around April 23, have a few days in holding, get his orders and start his ten days off, have a reception, go back to Louisville to get all of my stuff, and head to wherever we get stationed. PHEW! All of that will happen in a two week time span. Ya, you're telling me. No wait, I'm telling you. THIS SUCKS! I won't be able to visit him again before the reception....which also sucks major bad.

Okay okay...I think I'm done for now. Hopefully I wont take so long to update next time! ;-)