BRITT IS HOME SAFE AND SOUND

We have been waiting and planning for this day for over four years now.  I can't believe it's been that long, and quite frankly that I've been as patient as I have been.  Well, Britt might tell you otherwise.....lol.  It is such a comfort to know that we won't be saying "until I see you again" in a few weeks, and that we are both here in VA together now.

The week before Britt got here, was pretty rough, as we didn't know if he would actually be able to leave Japan as planned.  After looking forward to the day that Britt would transfer from Japan and be on his way to be with me here in Norfolk was one that we had both been looking forward to for so long.  Then, within a week of Britt's transfer date, Japan was hit with a 8.9 earthquake and a devastating tsunami.  Mother nature trumped us and we were forced to potentially wait on her.  It was an especially rough week, as up until the end, it didn't look like Britt was going to be able to leave as planned and that he would be providing humanitarian assistance to a devastated and radiation ridden country.  

A week prior to Britt's scheduled transfer date, he had a scheduled underway period, which at this point, is routine for us.  However, with the events of mother nature just a few days before, you can imagine how things changed quickly.  What isn't routine is the phone call you get an hour after you say "good-bye for now,"  a "good-bye for now" that was only supposed to last three days.  On the other end is Britt, not wanting to, but having to tell me "baby, we may be tasked with a new mission during this underway period."  What that translates to on the other end of the phone is "I won't be home as planned, and I don't know when I will be."  Not something a girl wants to hear, as she is looking forward to greet her man at the airport gates in only a matter of days.  With emotions ragging, I say "be safe, I love you and come home to me as quickly as possible."  Now, there were a few more words spoken, as I looked for answers that Britt just didn't have.   I learned a few things in that moment:  1) Just because I'm a Chief in the Navy doesn't make it any easier to hear this news on the other end of the phone, and 2) it was my job to be supportive and ensure that Britt knew he had loving arms to come home to.  That was the hardest thing that I've had to do.  As my mind raced for a few days, and as I prayed harder than I can remember ever praying, I was reminded of not only my own faith, but the faith I have in our military; we never blindly send our own into harms way and never act without a tested and tried plan of action.  

A few days later my prayers were answered, and Britt was safe back in Yokosuka and on a plane back to the States while our shipmates continued their mission, and still continue their mission today.   It is difficult for a Sailor to leave "the mission," but there is one thing I know for sure:  everything happens for a reason, and the Lord places us where we need to be, when we need to be there.  

So, the plans now start for our own mission......our future together.  

      Who wouldn't be all smiles in a candy store?  Stopped for a few sweet treats while visiting Colonial  Williamsburg this week.  

BACK TO THE GRIND

Not much to report this week.  We are both back to the grind and keeping busy with work and school.  Britt is underway again, so school started just in time for me to keep busy while he is out.  I keep reminding myself that it's only a few more weeks, so I'm praying they go by quickly.

Britt on the decks preparing to get underway

Tugs in place 

Watching the Steelers game with Britt on webcam.....

The man knows what to do in the kitchen.....

A FANTASTIC CLOSE TO 2010

Blessing have been flowing these past couple of weeks, and Britt and I have been so fortunate to be on the receiving end of them.  I am a firm believer that all things happen for a reason, and when you're patient in God's plan, love shines through even the hardest of times.  Though Britt's trip home over the holidays this year was an unscheduled one, it was a great one.  We were so busy it was crazy, but we got so much done....and had a wonderful time together while we accomplished it all.  We spent some amazing time with family and friends, creating the beginning of a lifetime of memories.  I don't know what it was about this holiday season, but love was flowing abundantly.

Even visiting with high school friends that I hadn't seen in years, it felt as if we had just seen each other yesterday.  Life has a tendency to take over and by the time we realize it, 10 or 15 years has passed us by.  These past couple of weeks have shown me that if we just stop and enjoy the moment that we are in, we will find something amazing that we probably more times that not, would miss......who wants that to happen?  I know I don't, at least I don't anymore.  I want to live each of my blessing and be able to pass them on.  More over, each time Britt and I are together, I realize how lucky I am.  Britt is an amazing man and I look forward to our many years together.

Ok, so I'm a bit sappy tonight, but I can't help myself....I have an amazing man in my life that I love beyond words, I have an amazing family, and loving and fun friends.  I am truly blessed beyond words and look forward to what 2011 brings with eagerness.

I met Britt at the Charlotte NC airport on the 15th of December and we were SC bound to spend time with his mom and family.  I flew to WA for a quick visit with my mom, dad, brother, and niece for Christmas and then flew back to SC for a few more days. While home I was able to catch up with my cousin Sarah, and two great high school friends.  Both of which were long overdue.  Britt drives up here to Norfolk on Wednesday, and then returns to Japan on the 9th.  After that, we are on the two month countdown to when Britt transfers to Norfolk for assignment to the USS WASP.

Being able to spend my birthday with Britt this year was a gift I am so thankful for.  We haven't always been able to be together when we want to be, but during 2010, things really worked out well for us.  This year is going to be even better!

Here are a few pictures of our great times over the past couple of weeks......

Car is loaded, and I'm on the road to Charlotte NC to pick up Britt.  I left town just in time to escape Norfolk's blizzard of 2010.

Britt and I at the airport.  So happy to see each other!

Britt and his new toy.....such a happy man!  :)

Swan Lake Fantasy of Lights.  The pictures really don't do the light displays justice, it was just beautiful.  

Swan Lake Fantasy of Lights.

Headed to Mom and Dad's for Christmas, and baked up a good number of treats, that I really didn't need to be eating.....oh, but they were oh so good!  Bailey was a great little helper, and is going to be great in the kitchen when she grows up.

Mom and I enjoyed a few toasts......and then a few more......

Bailey enjoying one of her MANY Christmas presents.  

......and modeling her new hat and scarf.....too cute!  

My brother Wesley and I.

Priceless!  Dad and Bailey enjoying their apple pie.

Out to dinner with Britt's family.  (L to R:  Britt, Wanda (Britt's step-mother), me, Tyler (Rhonda's son), Jami (Britt's sister),  Rhonda (Britt's sister) holding her son Dylan, Wyatt and Michael (Jami's husband).  We had a great time, but were missing Britt's oldest sister Ruth, her two children, along with Rhonda's husband John and daughter Brooke.

We took a drive to Columbia SC for the day and Britt took me to see the Williams-Brice Stadium, home of the South Carolina Gamecocks.  

Check this out.....these are used for tailgating.....how much fun would that be!  I'm game!

......and her sled wasn't the same again.  Sleds today just aren't made like they used to be......

 

IT'S OFFICIAL!!!

Britt's orders are in, and he'll be transferring to Norfolk in March!  Hallelujah!  I am so excited, I can't stand myself.  We are both really looking forward to being together after 4 years of long distance.  Thank you Lord for answered prayer!

Britt is underway again, and is keeping busy, as usual.  I have one semester of college down and 7 to go.  Slowly knocking them out, and I will be very happy when I'm done.  Britt is heading home next week and we'll spend a couple weeks with his family in SC.  We are really looking forward to our time together, and the opportunity to spend it with family.

Britt and I hope that everyone is enjoying their holiday season and that blessings surround you and your family.

Pattaya Thailand, one of Britt's port visits.

View from Britt's hotel room in Pattaya

My Man! xoxoxo

So, this is one of my Christmas creations.  Made some homemade hot chocolate and packaged it like this to give away as presents.  I love them!  

This was taken a couple weeks ago, just down the street from the house......I love this time of year, so pretty!  We even had snow flurries here last night.  It was very pretty to watch.  I'm glad there wasn't enough to stick though.

Keeping Busy

Britt is underway again, and is actually about 1/4 of the way through his deployment.  I have started school again, and am really kicking myself for not finishing school years ago.  After this semester, 7 more classes and I'll have my BA in Human Resources......so, the end is in sight!  With deployments and school, Britt and I are keeping ourselves busy and thankfully, time is going by pretty quickly.

Settled into Norfolk, I had my first visitors since mom was here and helped us move in.  Aunt Linda and Uncle Jim drove up for the night on their way back home and we had a great time catching up over a wonderful dinner.  It was so great to see them.

Just a few pictures from over the past few weeks......

Britt at the 2010 Chief Petty Officer's Pinning Ceremony, on board USS COWPENS, 16 Sep 10

During the 2010 Chief's Induction Season final day/night,15 Sep 10

All in a days work.  Britt and the crew working to bring some cargo on board that had fallen over the side of  another ship that is underway with them.

Britt made Senior Chief!!!!

What an exciting week for us!  The biggest excitement is that Britt made Senior Chief!  The results were released Friday, 16 July and Britt was just beside himself when he realized that he was selected.  He was pinned this past Wednesday and I am so proud of him.  The Navy made a great decision to advance one of it's best.

Mom and I left San Diego on Friday, 16 July, with Norfolk, VA as our destination.  I've learned that I'm not a very good traveler anymore when we are on a strict time schedule.  As I would've much rather have stopped along the way and enjoyed the sights, we didn't have time on our side to be able to do that, as the House Hold Goods delivery date was already scheduled, and we had to make sure we were there to meet all our stuff.  I'm glad mom was there to keep us on track.  We did make a stop in Memphis for dinner and a few beers on Beale street.  That was fun.  On one of our last nights on the road, we stayed with Ryan (my cousin) and his wife Susie in NC, which was great.  I haven't seen them in years and it was fun to catch up with them and the kids.  We really had a great time there.  Always nice to have family in the area.  Mom and I worked our butts off as the movers delivered all the furniture on Wednesday, 21 July.  In only about 5 hours, we had everything unpacked, unwrapped, stagged in the right room, and the movers were able to leave with all the packaging and empty boxes.  Then the real work began as we organized, put everything away and found the right place for everything.  By the time Friday came, we pretty much had everything done, including the curtains.  Wow, I think that was a record.  

Me, Mom, Sonja, Ryan, Alex and Ty (Not pictured:  Susie, the photographer).

A few pics from this week.

USS COWPENS and her crew.  This was their last day in dry dock.

The dry dock being filled so that she can float again and return to her mission.

From my award ceremony on Tuesday, 12 July.  It really has been a great tour because I've learned more that I ever thought I would, and had such a wonderful team along side me.  Thank you to all of you!  Now, on to the next adventure.

One more week to go.....

One more week to go and I'll be VA bound! The increase in the number of earthquakes that I've experienced in the past few months, the 60 degree weather that we've been having and most of all, Britt being guaranteed east coast orders, doesn't leave any desire for me to stay here in Southern California. The sun did show itself last week though, long enough for me to enjoy a walk along the San Diego Bay boardwalk in downtown Coronado.

Britt and the COWPENS are now out of dry dock and making preps for their next underway period. We are counting down the time for his transfer, and still eagerly waiting his assignment to VA with me. Keep your fingers crossed for us!
  Not a sight you get to see all the time of one of our vessels. Look at those screws! This was taken on their last day in dry dock.

Wow, it's been awhile......

First of all, let me just say that Britt and I had a FABULOUS time during my visit to see him in Japan. It was so nice for both of us to not have to work, and be able to just enjoy each other and our time together. We were and continue to be truly blessed. We made sure to take time for ourselves and to not pack each minute with activities, and it really worked out well. I put together a slide show of a lot of the pictures that we took during the three weeks that I was there. Britt really has an eye for a picture, I can't take credit for that, it's all him. The slide show is a bit long, but I think you'll really enjoy it. The Japanese landscapes are just breath taking, and the people are more than friendly. I couldn't believe how clean everything was, even though you won't find a garbage can anywhere. The amount of respect that the Japanese have for their people, culture and environment is truly noteworthy. I've never experienced a place of such trust and non-violence. Britt and I would continually see groups of children that couldn't have been more than 7 or 8 years old, out on the town by themselves, crossing the busy streets and navigating their way through the train stations. OH, and don't expect to have any personal space riding the train during rush hour. They load the train by literally turning their back to the open train door, and push their way onto the train. When the train doors close, just hope that you're not the one against the doors, because you will leave a DNA sample on the door, from being pressed up against it. Britt is stationed in Yokosuka, but we stayed in Yokohama, and commuted everywhere by train, bus and foot. Our hotel room had an amazing view that we enjoyed each morning. We would look out the window and say, "let's go see what is over there today." I think that the day trip that we took to Mt. Fuji and the Hakone Region was one of our favorites. The views were breathtaking. One of the last days of our trip, we visited a garden just outside of Yokohama that was recommended by the hotel, and it was amazing. We could've spent all day there. Britt and I are both back to the daily grind, and are getting ready for the next adventure the Navy has for us; our move to VA. The apartment is all packed up, and our things are on a truck headed to Norfolk as we speak. I'm in a hotel on base for the next few weeks, turning things over and getting last minute items completed. Mom flies in on the 16th, and we hit the road for another cross country adventure (her and I seem to do this a lot). We are still waiting for Britt's orders to Norfolk, but we have faith that it is all going to work out for us and we can put these webcams to rest for a bit. Enjoy the photos, and I hope everyone has a happy, healthy and fun Fourth of July weekend.

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ONLY 17 MORE DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!

......and I'll be on a plane to Yokosuka! YEAH!!!!!! So, today I go shopping! Isn't that what we all do, we never have anything to wear in our closet, so there is ALWAYS a reason to go shopping.

We got word this week that the ship is going into dry dock for some repairs, which means, no underway period for Britt while I'm there! Great news! Now we will be able to enjoy all of our time together, without interruption. I can't wait!

Went home last weekend for a quick visit with the Mom, Dad, Wes and Bailey. It was so fun to see Bailey and spend some time with her. I can't believe what a "little woman" she is growing into. It was so nice to see Wesley too and be able to visit with him. Had a wonderful time!

I don't know where she gets it......

Bailey and I shopping with Grandma.  Doing what us girls do best!

I love this picture of us!

Enjoying our visit!

Preparing for that which I BELIEVE

The boxes are finally out of the kitchen, after a week of tripping over them....uuuggghhh!  And, the cleaning out of things I don't need, and things I haven't used continued this week.  I don't know why, but it seems like I do this every time I transfer.....probably because I do!  I don't know how I accumulate so much stuff every 2 - 3 years, well actually I do......it's because I don't purge things when I find that new thing that I can't live without.  I need to change that!

Made a trip to the Thrift store today with two huge garbage bags full of clothes.  Now, I just need to refrain from trying to fill in the empty space in the closet, and enjoy it.  When Britt transfers to Norfolk (yes, we are still waiting on his orders.....he'll negotiate with his detailer here if a few short months.....I HAVE FAITH that we will be together, geographically, here really, really soon!) he'll fill that space with the rest of his wardrobe.  See, I'm making the appropriate preparations for that which I have faith in....thank you Lord, for your continued answer to prayer.

Below is a great picture of Britt, modeling the new Navy Working Uniform.....such a stud!

Such a motivational Sailor! Doesn't he look great!

Happy Saturday!

It was a beautiful and productive week!  Not much to report from Britt and I, however, with each day we are closer to being able to see each other again.  We have been planning a much needed trip for awhile now, and it is finally within sight.  I will travel to Japan next month to spend some much needed time with Britt, and we are both so excited!  I think we have both started the count down.  47 days and counting.....I can't wait!

After I get back from Japan, I'll only have about a month here in San Diego, and then, I'll make the trip across country again, as I transfer from San Diego to Norfolk VA.  Mom will be making the drive across country with me, and I'm really looking forward to it.  It will make for some great times, and great memories.  The last cross country trip we made, we had loads of laughs that we still talk about today.  Remember our time in New Orleans, Mom?  :)  LOL.  Can't wait!

I took the plung last week, and finally had bangs cut back into my hair style.  I'd been contimplating it for ahwile, and I'm so glad I finally did it.  Today, I started the moving preps and cleaned out the storage room.  Who knew that such a small room could hold so much junk!  It's amazing what we think we need to hold on to over the years.  For some reason, I have aquired the trait of thinking that I need to hold on to every singe box that I aquire.  Now, I have a kitchen full of empty boxes that I need to break down and take down three flights of stairs to the trash.  That's another thing, I vow (with some influence from Britt) that the next place that we live in, will be on the ground floor.  I'm done with having to climb three or four flights of stairs each day.  What have I been thinking all these years? 

Hope everyone has a great week ahead of them.  I know I'm looking forward to the next few weeks passing quickly.

What was I going to do with all of these boxes?

The new do, and I'm loving it!

After much anticipation, Bailey was finally able to open the Easter package from Britt and I.  She's holding up two of her favorites here.  I remember getting Pez in each of my Easter baskets as well.  It is so fun seeing the joy on her face, what a precious little angel!

 

 

Sunset Cliffs

A beautiful day to be outside today!  I headed to Sunset Cliffs for a great walk/hike.  I'm really going to miss this San Diego weather!  Enjoy the pics.....