I fully intended to keep up with this blog and write it in at least monthly...life happens. We settled in NOLA pretty well and have really enjoyed this past year. Officially, we've been in LA a little over a year. Byron was sent on an IA (Individual Augmentee) which is basically a deployment, just with another group of Navy, instead of his home base. He was gone 8 months and got home in August! He wasn't in major danger but it was still nerve-wracking and I'm glad it's over. Who knows when another trip like that will happen...and it will. We just don't know when.
Emma and I have amazing support from our church family and our earthly family. Degaulle Dr. church of Christ is a mix of funny, precious, sweet people who really took are of us and made us laugh. New Orleans is an amazing, colorful place. We are really blessed to be here and experience so much. We've ridden in horse-drawn carriages, eaten more beignets than any one person should and loved this Cajun-French culture.
Emma just had to have some dental work, which I'm just going to have to get over. She did fine, I was a nutcase the whole time. She's got to have some more but at least it's only teeth and not something more serious. Yes, I'm concerned that people will see the silver in her mouth and quietly judge me but I'm glad that we are fixing the problems now and she can have super strong, healthy adult teeth.
Byron and I are doing pretty well, he's busy with work and I'm busy with doctorate work. We have a couple vacations planned (Disney with the kiddo and a cruise, just for the two of us). We really enjoy spending time with our church family, made some wonderful friends and I'm just excited to know we have the hope of spending eternity with such funny, wonderful people. I'm happy, Byron's happy and Emma's happy! Life is good.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Offically...I'm fine.
Well, sort of. Byron is starting his journey and no, I won't tell you where because of OPSEC (Operational Security). I'm learning about OPSEC (http://welcometotheblogofanarmywife.blogspot.com/2010/01/how-to-practice-opsec.html) and basically, it means don't discuss anything sensitive to anybody in anyway that might be overheard or read. So, if you know where he is going, it's because I told you and if you wouldn't mind erasing any messages I sent that *might* have sensitive info in it, that'd be great.
Anyway, many of you know that when Byron and I were dating, he went overseas for 7 months. We wrote letters and some emails, talked occasionally on the phone and it was tough. Worth it, but tough. This time, we have all kinds of technology and I'm grateful for that as well! It sucks, deployment. There is no better word for it, honestly. I don't really like that word but really, deployment tends to suck the life out of you for about a week and then once you are *used to it*, it jumps up and reminds you to be sad for a day and then back to the grindstone!
I love my husband. Emma loves her Daddy. She seems to be functioning pretty well. We've prepared her as best we could, telling her Daddy will be gone for lots of days and we won't be able to touch him, but we'll be able to see him and talk to him on the 'puter (computer). She seems like she's ok today, but I know she misses him and I'm sure the tough days for her are ahead.
Yes, I'm sad. Yes, I'm worried. I'm glad he's not going to any of *those* places that CNN frequently discusses but I think about the wives/husbands whose spouses are in *those* places. I miss him terribly. BUT, I think, in perspective of recent life events, we have it easy. So many of our friends are hurting right now over diagnosis' they weren't supposed to get or situations that weren't supposed to happen. I think about Blake and his parents every single day, many many times a day. I'm a little obsessive for that matter. He's not my kid but he's one of my best friends' kids and I was there the day they brought him home and I've kissed his little head so many times I can't count. I digress. I think about Byron and in comparison, we have it easy. I don't want to complain or cry for that matter. I don't like crying, it makes my head hurt and I can't breathe through my nose for days after I cry so I just let about 10 tears flow, wipe them off and get on with my life. I don't like being sad, who does, really?
Well, maybe someday you will be able to read the blog where I blow off some steam and yell and vent but it's not today. I'm too...blah, bored, numb. Thanks for the prayers.
Anyway, many of you know that when Byron and I were dating, he went overseas for 7 months. We wrote letters and some emails, talked occasionally on the phone and it was tough. Worth it, but tough. This time, we have all kinds of technology and I'm grateful for that as well! It sucks, deployment. There is no better word for it, honestly. I don't really like that word but really, deployment tends to suck the life out of you for about a week and then once you are *used to it*, it jumps up and reminds you to be sad for a day and then back to the grindstone!
I love my husband. Emma loves her Daddy. She seems to be functioning pretty well. We've prepared her as best we could, telling her Daddy will be gone for lots of days and we won't be able to touch him, but we'll be able to see him and talk to him on the 'puter (computer). She seems like she's ok today, but I know she misses him and I'm sure the tough days for her are ahead.
Yes, I'm sad. Yes, I'm worried. I'm glad he's not going to any of *those* places that CNN frequently discusses but I think about the wives/husbands whose spouses are in *those* places. I miss him terribly. BUT, I think, in perspective of recent life events, we have it easy. So many of our friends are hurting right now over diagnosis' they weren't supposed to get or situations that weren't supposed to happen. I think about Blake and his parents every single day, many many times a day. I'm a little obsessive for that matter. He's not my kid but he's one of my best friends' kids and I was there the day they brought him home and I've kissed his little head so many times I can't count. I digress. I think about Byron and in comparison, we have it easy. I don't want to complain or cry for that matter. I don't like crying, it makes my head hurt and I can't breathe through my nose for days after I cry so I just let about 10 tears flow, wipe them off and get on with my life. I don't like being sad, who does, really?
Well, maybe someday you will be able to read the blog where I blow off some steam and yell and vent but it's not today. I'm too...blah, bored, numb. Thanks for the prayers.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Well, it's been a LONG time since I wrote anything on this blog! Wow. We've been busy and having fun in our new city, New Orleans. Technically, we live in Belle Chasse on the Navy base but we are only 20 minutes from NOLA so it's just as accurate.
We have visited a lot of the city, not nearly half of it but we've been to the Zoo a few times, the Aquarium a few times, walked downtown during the day and afternoon and just shopped. It's really nice to shop any store we want, even if we don't buy anything since living in Paris means you have to travel at least an hour to get to the bigger stores.
Emma has a babysitter, Marica, who is a Corpsman at the clinic Byron works at. She is really sweet and loves spending time with Emma. Having her allows Byron and I to go out on dates and just spend time together. We've been to the movies, out to dinner, we've gone downtown and rode in horse drawn carriages and eaten at Cafe Du Monde. It's so nice to experience this city with him. I really love the area, for the most part. The ONLY thing I don't like about NOLA and surrounding areas is the drivers. I have NEVER seen drivers like the people in NOLA. I literally got run off the road yesterday with my rims hitting the sidewalk because people here just cut you off and keep on going. Speeding here is crazy and nobody seems to care if they run up on your bumper. Think of the worst driving experience you've had in a city and double it. The roads aren't very good either, with lots of bumps and hills right in the roads and Byron says all I do is complain about the roads. It's true!
We've traveled some for Byron's career, to Denver CO and to Pensacola FL. It's been fun to be able to go with him while he has things to complete and we know we are lucky to be able to do that. I'm glad Emma is getting to experience things that she might not have if we hadn't come back into the military. I say we a lot when I talk about the military because really, he's the one with the career here but we are in it with him. There are so many resources for military spouses and I've really invested in them. I'm reading books and learning I'm not alone in some of my feelings. When Byron was in the Navy before, we lived off base so I really didn't get the military wife experience. I'm getting it now!
Most of you know that Byron will be deploying next year. I can't say where or when but if you'd like to know, text me and I'll let you know! It's not exactly safe to send this info over the internet. Byron will be gone for a few months and we are as prepared for this as we can be. I've learned things I need to know and activities that will be good for Emma and I to do when he's gone. He will be participating in a medical/humanitarian mission and I'm so proud of him. He really is amazing. I'm proud to be a part of this Navy and his career. IA (individual augmentees or deployments) is part of what Byron needs to do in the Navy and we were prepared for this before he signed his contracts. I didn't think it would be so soon but we are doing well so far. I know it will be an adjustment and we will all struggle sometimes but we all have such wonderful support, I know we'll be fine!
We have a wonderful church family and they are all really sweet to us. We've jumped in with both feet and will be helping with activities as much as we can. The preacher and his wife, Scott and Melissa Cain, have 3 boys and Emma calls them "my boys". One of them is my youngest nephew's age and is Emma's buddy. They "run" together at church and since Emma is the only girl there all the time, it's fun to see her interact with the boys. She, at this point, only has boy cousins that she's been around most of the time so she tries to tackle the boys at church like she does with her BB and Cameron but sometimes it's not as successful and I have to remind her that not all boys like to be tackled. Melissa teaches her boys that girls are "delicate" which I think is precious but we all know Emma isn't delicate all the time :) The eldership at this church is very supportive and involved and I appreciate them so much. It almost makes me sad to know that we will be only be here 3 years because of the relationship we are forming with the church folks here.
Ok, I've rambled enough and I know I need to add pictures but honestly, most of you are facebook friends and I add pictures there all the time :)
We have visited a lot of the city, not nearly half of it but we've been to the Zoo a few times, the Aquarium a few times, walked downtown during the day and afternoon and just shopped. It's really nice to shop any store we want, even if we don't buy anything since living in Paris means you have to travel at least an hour to get to the bigger stores.
Emma has a babysitter, Marica, who is a Corpsman at the clinic Byron works at. She is really sweet and loves spending time with Emma. Having her allows Byron and I to go out on dates and just spend time together. We've been to the movies, out to dinner, we've gone downtown and rode in horse drawn carriages and eaten at Cafe Du Monde. It's so nice to experience this city with him. I really love the area, for the most part. The ONLY thing I don't like about NOLA and surrounding areas is the drivers. I have NEVER seen drivers like the people in NOLA. I literally got run off the road yesterday with my rims hitting the sidewalk because people here just cut you off and keep on going. Speeding here is crazy and nobody seems to care if they run up on your bumper. Think of the worst driving experience you've had in a city and double it. The roads aren't very good either, with lots of bumps and hills right in the roads and Byron says all I do is complain about the roads. It's true!
We've traveled some for Byron's career, to Denver CO and to Pensacola FL. It's been fun to be able to go with him while he has things to complete and we know we are lucky to be able to do that. I'm glad Emma is getting to experience things that she might not have if we hadn't come back into the military. I say we a lot when I talk about the military because really, he's the one with the career here but we are in it with him. There are so many resources for military spouses and I've really invested in them. I'm reading books and learning I'm not alone in some of my feelings. When Byron was in the Navy before, we lived off base so I really didn't get the military wife experience. I'm getting it now!
Most of you know that Byron will be deploying next year. I can't say where or when but if you'd like to know, text me and I'll let you know! It's not exactly safe to send this info over the internet. Byron will be gone for a few months and we are as prepared for this as we can be. I've learned things I need to know and activities that will be good for Emma and I to do when he's gone. He will be participating in a medical/humanitarian mission and I'm so proud of him. He really is amazing. I'm proud to be a part of this Navy and his career. IA (individual augmentees or deployments) is part of what Byron needs to do in the Navy and we were prepared for this before he signed his contracts. I didn't think it would be so soon but we are doing well so far. I know it will be an adjustment and we will all struggle sometimes but we all have such wonderful support, I know we'll be fine!
We have a wonderful church family and they are all really sweet to us. We've jumped in with both feet and will be helping with activities as much as we can. The preacher and his wife, Scott and Melissa Cain, have 3 boys and Emma calls them "my boys". One of them is my youngest nephew's age and is Emma's buddy. They "run" together at church and since Emma is the only girl there all the time, it's fun to see her interact with the boys. She, at this point, only has boy cousins that she's been around most of the time so she tries to tackle the boys at church like she does with her BB and Cameron but sometimes it's not as successful and I have to remind her that not all boys like to be tackled. Melissa teaches her boys that girls are "delicate" which I think is precious but we all know Emma isn't delicate all the time :) The eldership at this church is very supportive and involved and I appreciate them so much. It almost makes me sad to know that we will be only be here 3 years because of the relationship we are forming with the church folks here.
Ok, I've rambled enough and I know I need to add pictures but honestly, most of you are facebook friends and I add pictures there all the time :)
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Stuff
Tomorrow, finally, we will have all our "stuff"! I cannot explain how wonderful it will be to have plates and silverware. :)
Here's a little thing though: We have "stuff" in our house here in LA that we needed. We have exactly what we need (except for laundry machines) but we have clothes, food and shelter. Isn't that what anyone truly needs on this earth? We have found a place to worship and we meet with the elders on Sunday. We are thrilled about that so our earthly life is covered and our spiritual life has found a home as well. Emma loves it and we are excited to begin working there!
I just erased a little message that was in this spot and I'm glad I did. I was about to defend my parenting decisions but you know what? I don't have to defend what I do or don't do for my child. She is healthy and active and beautiful. End of rant.
We went to Byron's office yesterday. Emma was flirted with by some of the medical staff and I told her we'd have to find her a good Navy man. She just smiled but played shy. Shy is fine with me until she's 35. Seriously.
Here's a little thing though: We have "stuff" in our house here in LA that we needed. We have exactly what we need (except for laundry machines) but we have clothes, food and shelter. Isn't that what anyone truly needs on this earth? We have found a place to worship and we meet with the elders on Sunday. We are thrilled about that so our earthly life is covered and our spiritual life has found a home as well. Emma loves it and we are excited to begin working there!
I just erased a little message that was in this spot and I'm glad I did. I was about to defend my parenting decisions but you know what? I don't have to defend what I do or don't do for my child. She is healthy and active and beautiful. End of rant.
We went to Byron's office yesterday. Emma was flirted with by some of the medical staff and I told her we'd have to find her a good Navy man. She just smiled but played shy. Shy is fine with me until she's 35. Seriously.
Friday, July 22, 2011
NOLA...so far
Well, we've been here officially about a month! It's been hot but you know what, I'm pretty used to it. I never thought I would say that but the heat doesn't really bother me anymore. I don't stay out in it for hours or anything but at least I have a tan and that hasn't happened in several years!
We have a daily occurrence of jets flying over and afternoon rainshowers. I love the smell of the rain.
We have a really nice neighbor who brought me some red potatoes yesterday and she and I got to chat some yesterday. It was nice to talk to an adult!!! Once school gets started, the base will have more programs and things going on for us to do. We've been to NOLA a few times, the aquarium, the zoo and shopping in Metarie. Metarie has a wonderful mall and I told Byron if he ever wants to do something really nice for me, he just needs to give me some money and send me to Metarie for the day!
If you read my facebook, you've already seen this pictures but I thought I'd add some just for fun. :)
We have a daily occurrence of jets flying over and afternoon rainshowers. I love the smell of the rain.
We have a really nice neighbor who brought me some red potatoes yesterday and she and I got to chat some yesterday. It was nice to talk to an adult!!! Once school gets started, the base will have more programs and things going on for us to do. We've been to NOLA a few times, the aquarium, the zoo and shopping in Metarie. Metarie has a wonderful mall and I told Byron if he ever wants to do something really nice for me, he just needs to give me some money and send me to Metarie for the day!
If you read my facebook, you've already seen this pictures but I thought I'd add some just for fun. :)
Friday, July 8, 2011
Thoughts on moving and LA
Every time I type "LA", I think someone will mistake it for Los Angeles and think we've moved to crazyland. Anywho, I've been putting off writing anything until I could come up with something other than "we moved and have very little of our belongings thanks to the military movers".
So here's what I've got: We moved and I wish we had just moved ALL our stuff ourselves. By this point, I would probably feel a little more settled. At least we brought some things to make it feel homey. Don't get me wrong, this house is home but having our stuff would make it even better. :) At least Byron gets to come home at lunch and anytime from 4-5.
Speaking of Byron, he's doing well. They aren't letting him do much at work! They said they would work him up to see 20 patients a day. HA! Little do they know he was seeing 40 a day at the clinic and 50 a day (sometimes) at the ER! He has an office he will share with another PA, who is a civilian. Here's a little sidebar: This clinic is in need of Doctors and PAs as they are understaffed. If anyone feels like they need a change or frizzy hair, come on down!
Our families are adjusting to the move. They were really sad and still may be but at least they aren't crying every time I talk to them :) Emma is adjusting, has adjusted. She always says she wants to go to the new house and rarely asks about the other house. I've been keeping her busy. We've gone shopping to all the stores and as a family, we've gone swimming and gone to the Aquarium. We bought a pass that covers the Zoo and Aquarium but it's too hot for the zoo right now. Emma can open the doors here so we've bought door knob covers and alarms for the doors. We also bought a gate for the top of the stairs and she is trying her best to shake the thing off the wall. It's pretty funny. She's also learned to throw major fits at the grocery store so that's fun.
Things I miss about Paris: Close proximity and decent drivers. Everything is pretty spread out, not like Paris or even Jackson. Most of the stores and restaurants are spread out pretty far. The Outback here wasn't very good and that made me sad. There are so many Subways, Popeyes chickens and drive thru Daiquiri places that we never drive too far before we see another one. There are also a lot of stop lights so there are lots of stop and gos and people cutting you off. I do not enjoy driving in this area.
I do love having a NEX (Navy Exchange) and Commissary (grocery store). They are both tax free and accept coupons! The funny thing to me is the Commissary is only open from 10-6 and the NEX not much later than that. There are some things that neither have that I have to venture into town for :).
Hopefully within a few days, a moving company will have an open date to be able to move the rest of our stuff here. I also hope someone will buy our house...I hope it gets shown or something! We'd like to not have to pay that mortgage for much longer. :)
So here's what I've got: We moved and I wish we had just moved ALL our stuff ourselves. By this point, I would probably feel a little more settled. At least we brought some things to make it feel homey. Don't get me wrong, this house is home but having our stuff would make it even better. :) At least Byron gets to come home at lunch and anytime from 4-5.
Speaking of Byron, he's doing well. They aren't letting him do much at work! They said they would work him up to see 20 patients a day. HA! Little do they know he was seeing 40 a day at the clinic and 50 a day (sometimes) at the ER! He has an office he will share with another PA, who is a civilian. Here's a little sidebar: This clinic is in need of Doctors and PAs as they are understaffed. If anyone feels like they need a change or frizzy hair, come on down!
Our families are adjusting to the move. They were really sad and still may be but at least they aren't crying every time I talk to them :) Emma is adjusting, has adjusted. She always says she wants to go to the new house and rarely asks about the other house. I've been keeping her busy. We've gone shopping to all the stores and as a family, we've gone swimming and gone to the Aquarium. We bought a pass that covers the Zoo and Aquarium but it's too hot for the zoo right now. Emma can open the doors here so we've bought door knob covers and alarms for the doors. We also bought a gate for the top of the stairs and she is trying her best to shake the thing off the wall. It's pretty funny. She's also learned to throw major fits at the grocery store so that's fun.
Things I miss about Paris: Close proximity and decent drivers. Everything is pretty spread out, not like Paris or even Jackson. Most of the stores and restaurants are spread out pretty far. The Outback here wasn't very good and that made me sad. There are so many Subways, Popeyes chickens and drive thru Daiquiri places that we never drive too far before we see another one. There are also a lot of stop lights so there are lots of stop and gos and people cutting you off. I do not enjoy driving in this area.
I do love having a NEX (Navy Exchange) and Commissary (grocery store). They are both tax free and accept coupons! The funny thing to me is the Commissary is only open from 10-6 and the NEX not much later than that. There are some things that neither have that I have to venture into town for :).
Hopefully within a few days, a moving company will have an open date to be able to move the rest of our stuff here. I also hope someone will buy our house...I hope it gets shown or something! We'd like to not have to pay that mortgage for much longer. :)
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Update!!!
Byron graduates from Officer Development School on Friday!! Mom, Emma and I are flying out to Rhode Island Thursday and Byron and I will get to have a nice dinner with his class that night and then Mom, Emma, Byron's parents, Jimmy and Brandon will all get to watch him graduate! Long time coming!!!
We've had some difficulty with getting movers to have an open date to pick up our stuff anytime soon, Byron and I will plan to take beds and other necessities on down to Belle Chasse on the 29th and Emma will join us by the weekend. Hopefully, the transportation office will be able to nail down a moving company soon!
We had someone look at our house this past Friday and they seemed interested so hopefully we might have a sale soon! It's gonna be a busy busy month ahead but I'll be so glad for us all to be together and get back to normal! Whew!!!
We've had some difficulty with getting movers to have an open date to pick up our stuff anytime soon, Byron and I will plan to take beds and other necessities on down to Belle Chasse on the 29th and Emma will join us by the weekend. Hopefully, the transportation office will be able to nail down a moving company soon!
We had someone look at our house this past Friday and they seemed interested so hopefully we might have a sale soon! It's gonna be a busy busy month ahead but I'll be so glad for us all to be together and get back to normal! Whew!!!
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