FURNITURE!!!

Today, I GOT MY FURNITURE!!!! I'm so excited. I acutally bought it last weekend with my friend Jana, but it got delivered today. I am no longer sitting on a camping chair or bean bags. YES! I now have plenty of places for people to come and sit, so come visit me!!!!

New Apartment and a New Job

I am now living in Gallatin, TN in my new apartment. I love it. My WHOLE family came down and helped me move in. Now that I'm only a little over and hour to both Mark and Diane and Matt and Lori they can come for just a visit! :) We got me all moved in on Saturday and I have been trying to decorate ever since. For those of you who know my skills in decorating...watch out! It seems like every day is a busy day for me. I had meetings at school yesterday and I have one again this Friday. I'm going to be working on my classroom a lot this week so maybe I can spend a few days at the trail ride this summer. We'll see. I have A LOT to do on my classroom. I think I'm going to go with the "survival" theme. I'm really looking for to the idea. Gotta reorient myself to the middle school mind again! I"m excited.

Gloria and I made it all the was across the U.S. in one piece. Really it wasn't a bad trip even with all the animals. We got to visit with the Pirtles for all of 24 hours. Which wasn't long enough for any of us but beggers can't be choosers. We actually did the trip in 4 days which is stinking amazing with 2 cats, a puppy, and a 10 month old baby.

I have included some new pictures of my nephew and niece. They met for the first time this weekend! I get to go to Lori's ultrasound today so I'll get to see my 2nd nephew today.....in the womb! :)

Deployed, Packed, Ready to Go...

Today marks a different kind of day. Ryan left early this morning. Gloria and I have the "container" all packed and ready for storage. We're finishing up some last minute things and then we're taking off in the morning. It seems like things are in slow motion right now - especially for Gloria. Acutally the day is going about like we thought it would. Very sad and full of emotion but she seems to be taking it in stride....as much as you can when your husband leaves for a year to go to "work". She is keeping herself busy with packing and taking care of her daughter. Elayna keeps saying "dada, dada, dada" over and over again. Which is probably a unconcious thing for her since she is just learning her sounds right now, but it is always followed up by Gloria saying, "Could we come up with a different word for right now". Very cute but gut-wrenching at the same time. I would say both are doing well and staying busy.

Last night, Ryan wanted to take Elayna swimming. It was her first time swimming and he didn't want to miss it. I have posted some pictures for your enjoyment. My next post will be while we are "on the road" so stayed tuned.

LONG overdue

I know, I know. It's way overdue for me to blog. You would not know how busy it's been - seriously! I technically live at my parents for the summer but I've probably only been there about 2 weeks total. Sad - I know. I guess you could say I live there because my stuff is there. I've been going back and forth between Mark and Diane's house and mom and dad's house. It's crazy but wondeful! Aaron was born ONE day after I got out of school, and I have been going ever since. He is absolutely wonderful! My sister-in-law and I actually sat there and stared at him for atleast 3 hours on Saturday. He just makes you smile! I couldn't be prouder!

I've also been helping my parents on their log cabin. Sadly my camera has been so busy taking pictures of Aaron that it took a break - so no pictures of the cabin. Sorry! Anyway, it's coming along nicely. The staining is finished on the inside and they are starting the walls this week. The outside is almost finished with stain and sealer. It is looking soo beautiful!

So, tomorrow at 6:55am I am getting on a flight and going to Seattle, WA to drive back with Gloria and Elayna. We are leaving on the 10th and heading toward Melber. We will be making "a few" pit stops along the way but hopefully making our way rather on the quickly side. Ryan will be deploying on the 9th. Please keep him and his family in your prayers while they are separated from eachother. Please also pray that we will have a safe trip. Me, Gloria, 10 month old baby, 2 cats, and 1 puppy - HERE WE COME!