Mississippi Bound!!!

That's right!! Three weeks from now I will be in Mississippi! I am beyond excited to take a few days and go see Ross!!

Right now, three weeks seems like a ways off, but then I think about the day Ross got his orders. His orders came exactly three weeks before he left... and those three weeks FLEW by! Perhaps those three weeks went so quickly because I didn't want Ross to leave... but I choose to think they went quickly because that's simply what time does.

I'm flying Delta, as I have for every trip I've taken in the past 6 months. The airline charges a $25 fee to check a bag, so in an effort to save $50, I'm planning on taking just a carry-on. Now, I'll be the first to say, I'm a great packer. For one vacation, I managed to get ten days worth of stuff in a suitcase most females can only get about five days worth of stuff in... but I'm nervous about packing for this trip. I'm only going to be gone for four days, but I'm already strategizing what, and how, to pack. I have never been to Mississippi or the Gulf Coast. I checked the average temperatures for the middle of October and according to weather.com, it should be around 85 during the day and 72 at night. So I'm thinking through what clothes I can pack that will allow plenty of space for all the other "female necessity" items required for getting ready in the mornings! I've always been a list person when it comes to packing. Who knows how many "clothing options" lists I'll have by the time I really pack! Ha!

I might need a bigger suitcase.....

I love them!

I spent this past weekend with my family in Kentucky. Everyone, except Ross, was there. It was so fun being all together!I couldn't help but wish Ross was with us though! I miss him! I cannot wait to go visit him and take little weekend trips with him once he gets home!!

I'm planning a trip down to Mississippi in October! Can't wait!!!!!!!

Change

I've decided it's time for a change.

Don't get too excited. I'm starting small. Partly because I was raised Methodist and change isn't our thing, and partly because I just can't make up my mind.

I started with my blog. I decided the old background was just that... old. That was the original background I set up when I started this journey. It was time for a change.

Next comes Fenway. He's been eating the same puppy food since he was a wee little guy. He's over a year old now, so it's time to make the transition to "big boy" dog food. It's time for a change.

On to making my bed. I used to be really good at making my bed daily. Then Ross left. Once Ross left, I stopped making the bed every morning. I don't know why, but it feels so much better crawling into bed when it has been made. The sheets feel more fresh. I'm going to start making my bed daily again. It's time for a change.

Now for the biggest change. Getting up earlier. I need to start getting up early enough to eat a healthy breakfast at home instead of keeping a stash of poptarts in my desk at school. Sure, that's the easy option, but it's not the best option. It's time for a change.

Here comes the hard part... putting change into action.

Wish me luck.....

These Things I Know For Sure.....

... school has officially started - and I miss summer!
... my family pretty much owns my heart!
... I have a crazy, energetic and mischievous dog, but I love him!
... there are three fantastic girls I have grown to love tremendously! They are my WaWa's!
... wing night with the B Dubbs Crew is perhaps my favorite night of the week!
... I have found very few things that cannot be cured with a good girlfriend and a glass of wine.
... the state of South Carolina has a special place in my heart.
... my husband is my hero.
... being by myself is not my idea of a good time.
... photography is perhaps my favorite form of self expression.
... fireworks make me proud to be an American - they bring tears to my eyes.
... I live for opening day of football season and baseball season - and two hour delays.
... I proudly wear a KIA bracelet for an incredibly honorable soldier - I wish I could have met him.
... Jesus is one cool dude!
... Mega Smartie Lolly Pops are my favorite candy.
... the older I get, the more my Mom becomes my best friend.
... 108 days without my husband is 108 days TOO MANY!!
... my brother makes me one incredibly lucky sister!
... my job is the most rewarding career I could have chosen.
... I am blessed to still have all four of my grandparents.
... my dream as a child was to be as tall as my Uncle Dan (6'4") - today I'm thrilled to be a foot short of that dream!
... this life I am living is not always glamorous.
... with God ALL things are possible!

Day 92

Ross has been gone for 92 days. Can't wait for him to come home for Christmas!!! I still miss him as much as I did on May 4th. One day at a time....

A Week In Paradise

Ahh, vacation! Nothing says relaxation, to me, more than a week at the beach. Last week I was lucky enough to go spend an amazing week in South Carolina with my Aunt and Uncle. It was fantastic and I cannot tell you how blessed I feel to have spent the week in paradise with such awesome people!

Our week held no agenda except for getting me to the airport for my flight home on Saturday. Our days were spent eating, laying out on the beach, splashing around in the ocean, floating in the pool, and eating some more. It was GREAT!

I got up in the mornings and walked the beach looking for shells, sand dollars, and viewing some of the most gorgeous sunrises I have ever seen. As I walked the beach listening to the waves and watching the sunrise, I found myself thinking (in disbelief) that there are people who can question God's existence. I will never understand that questioning. It is such an amazing world we live in and and amazing God who created it all.

My week in sun and relaxation was refreshing. My next trip... Mississippi.

Lackland AFB

Finally! After 56 days my countdown ended!

One week ago I flew down to San Antonio, Texas and proudly watched as Ross graduated from Air Force BMT. I cannot describe the pride I felt while watching him receive his Air Force coin from his MTI! Wow!!

I am also incredibly proud of the person he has become. His confidence and character have grown tremendously! It is so awesome to see him so confident and social! Yes... I said social! It is obvious that others looked up to Ross while they were at BMT.

The guys who went through this program with him are also incredible. These guys have such an amazing bond. Ross, and the 48 other Airmen went to hell and back together to get to where they are now. I did not meet a single person whose intentions I questioned. Each Airman is unique in his own way, yet provides so much stability and strength to the group. I pray these are guys Ross is able to keep in touch with forever. They have become part of his family, and in turn, part of mine.

I am so thankful for Ross' MTI for instilling the qualities necessary for being an American Airman into my husband, and proud of each and every member of the 320th training squadron, flight 446 for all they have achieved... together!!!

And can I just say... It felt SO good to give Ross that first hug!!!!