While the Hubby is Away.. The Wifey Will Play..

          Brenton has been gone a little over three weeks and I miss him like crazy!! But let me tell you I am having a great time! I have learned that living a military life is what you make out of it. You can sit at home and do nothing all day and be bored and choose to remain lonely, or you can get out there, make friends, and jump at every opportunity given to you. I choose the second option.

           My first 'adventure' as I will call it, was a trip to Virginia to visit my aunt/uncle, cousins, and grandma. While the plane rides there were anything but pleasant, the visit there was fun and definitely worth the uncomfortable plane rides! I got to spend some much needed time with that side of my family and even managed to cook them all dinner one night. The whole trip was fun. We went to an art exhibit at Yorktown, went to a ginormous mall in Norfolk, and explored Newport News. Definitely a visit I will remember.

          One week after I get back from VA, I decided to make a trip to visit my mom. This was my next adventure, and thankfully it didn't involve any planes. Just a 4  1/2  hr car ride. I really enjoyed my visit. Unfortunately it was very short, but I am thankful I was able to visit even if it was just for a day. Hopefully next time it will be longer. I did drive by a lot of my old "hang out" places I guess you would call them. It was just so crazy to me to look at some of the places I frequented back in the day and then to look at myself now. I even drove by where I used to live when I graduated high school. I drove by the bench that Brenton and I sat on, looking into the distance contemplating life decisions and thinking about our futures and how everything would turn out. It was amazing to think about how far we have come since then, what all we have accomplished, and currently be almost a year into marriage! It is so crazy how life changes, and how fast it happens.

         In addition to plane rides and road trips I also have school so that has kept me busy as well. And I would just like to say I am very proud of myself.. over half way done with this session and have received all A's. Let's hope I can continue! In between school work I have enjoyed numerous late nights with one of my friends, Jaime. She as well as some other ladies have really been such a blessing. Jaime and I stay up late, eat yummy snacks, watch movies, and chat girl talk.. definitely not things that we could do if our husbands were home. (No offense Brenton, I love you!)

         I have definitely enjoyed myself, but I do have to say that I miss Brenton terribly. I am just so thankful for all of these opportunities that have been given to me, and all of the people in my life right now that has made this experience better. Brenton should be home soon and starts pilot training in April, that is when our lives will really start to change. I am excited for him, excited for our future, and can't wait to see what God has in store for us next!

And He is Gone...

                       As I woke up this morning, I almost forgot that Brenton had left in the wee hours of the morning. I turned over to snuggle with him, but all I woke up to was an empty bed and Occie Jim laying and purring in my neck. Oh how thankful I am for that little guy! I forget, I have my other cat Charma, and I love her too. It really is amazing how pets can make such a big impact in your life. Perhaps I should give them an extra treat or two tonight..

                      While it has certainly not been the first time Brenton and I have had to be apart, its different this time with having no family around. I understand its only for a short amount of time that he will be gone, but we have been together almost 24/7 for the past four months (despite the twenty minutes out of the day that he has to go and lock/unlock doors.) We have learned a lot in these few months. Not only are we husband and wife, we are best friends! We have been through so much together and that is how I know we can get through this and future deployments.     God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, nor sun without rain. But he did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way. While it may not always be easy, with God's strength we know we can get through anything, just as our past proves!  I love you Brenton, I will be praying for you and I know you will do great! See you soon!

Bye-Bye Brenton

             So in 48 hours Brenton will be on his way to IFS. It is finally happening, and I think he is so ready for it! He has turned half of our living room into an airport, complete with a runway and all of his planes. So for any of you who have gave him toy planes for gifts ever, well lets just say they are definitely coming in handy! He says it makes for a great study aid. Oh and I don't know if you have ever heard of "chair fly" but this guy is really good at it! I can say that I have helped him prepare for IFS too. I have spent a lot of nights quizzing him on what he needs to know. With all the studying he has done and hours of "chair flying" he put in I am sure he will do great!

             In the mean time, while he is gone at IFS I will be using some time to go and visit family. Not exactly sure my cats will appreciate this, but I sure am looking forward to it!

             Well, here is to getting through February and IFS and starting our new adventure in March/April!

the jones' airport