Dear Mom and Dad

Since I am writing letters publicly I figured I would do as my husband a.k.a MY Favorite Sailor as suggested me to do MANY times... I am going to write my parents. Tonight as part of my healing and yet still mourning process....

I carry very deep feelings about my parents within myself and never express them publicly until now...

Dear Mom and Dad,

I miss you so much.

I know that my brothers and sisters miss you both so much as well.

There are many times that I turn to pick up the phone to call you both and then realize that I can't.
I know that you hear me in my thoughts and see my tears but I want you to know that you are not forgotten.
Everyday I think of you both and wish that you were here physically to see all of the greatness that all of your children have done and could have shared in it here with us physically here on Earth.
I do think that it is amazing that you have the best seat in watching all of us from heaven and so that you never have to feel that you are not dividing your time amongst all of kids evenly.
It is even more great that I never saw you grow old or gray, I will always remember you as young vibrant parents.
I know that it is because of the holidays that makes these feelings so much more profound but there is NEVER a day that I don't remember you all. I love you mom and dad and thank you for teaching me all that I know today.
When I think of my struggles I remember that it is because of you I have the opportunities that I have today, not once did either of you complain about your struggles in life or did you feel robbed for knowing that your life was to be too short.
You taught us not to worry about the material things and not to worry about what others thought or did and to live life to the fullest because we all know that it can be too short.
I hope to live my life as you have taught me and dedicate everyday to you both.
Miss and love you.

Jai

Dear Not So Little Bro...

This time next week you will be a married man. WOW!

I must admit this has me a little choked up.
I wanted to call mom and tell her about the last minute thoughts and ideas that I had and when I remembered that I couldn't I wanted to share with you that I know that you are about to have the best day of your life and not to worry, MOM and DAD will be there both with you all.
(This goes without saying but big sis will be there if you need me to give you a mama hug. :) )

I know that they are watching the preparations and smiling with happiness.
I know I am and I am only stuck on this rock. LOL

MY Favorite Sailor and I wish you and your wife to be nothing but the best.

This past year and a half has been one heck of a ride for MY favorite Sailor and I and we want you both to know that we are here for you both.
Marriage is a beautiful relationship that you both will learn how to love and appreciate every aspect of throughout your lifetime. We both are still learning ourselves and we thank God for the opportunity that he has given us and we respect that He will guide us just like He will guide you both.

Take your time and enjoy it, you have a whole lifetime ahead of you both.
Love you and can't wait to come home and see you all!
I am TEXAS bound! :)

Aloha <3

Dearest Love...

Have you ever reread an email or letter 100000000 times?

ME?

Guilty!

I am finding that when I need a moment or two, ok.... MORE often than NOT.

I am reading MY favorite sailor's email/letters over and over....

Guess it's the darn holidays and the holiday spirit catching up with me.

So..Lub if you're reading... I LOVE YOU and your emails make my day!

Baby Showers Galore!

It's that time of year, ladies and gentlemen!

Baby time!

NO, NOT OURS!

I have been to two baby showers in the last 7 days!

Wowzers....

I am taking a break...I hope the next one I go to is my own.

LOL

Belly rubs for the new moms-to-be!

Back to studying and researching....

ALOOOHA!

What to do in Aloha land at 06:00?

Interesting question, huh?!

This Saturday morning I woke up just to watch the infamous TEXAS/ou game.

I must admit that the Texas State Fair and Texas weather looks GREAT!

The game is finally taking off, after the first half of nothing but field goals, touchdowns are finally happening.

I am especially proud to watch one of my very own students play and SCORE for TEXAS today!

That is very exciting and definitely a PROUD highlight of being a teacher.

So, this is a great way to start my weekend, I am eating pizza that I saved purposely from last night and watching a GREAT football game.

-ALOHA-

Jai

No paper needed...

So Friday afternoon, (yes I am a NERD) I stayed up at school to start some research on one of THREE research papers for this term. I was looking up articles and books to find out one of three things:

1) I am getting old and technology is getting better faster

2) Students are really lazy

3) Paper use is really being minimized

I say this because, I was searching and on the computer screen with my search results there was an option to text or email the book/article information to my phone...

WOW!

University life has really changed since my undergrad days....

I will try to remember to take a pic next time....

Better get to writing.....or not....

Where have we been?

Howdy Everyone!

I mean.... ALOOOHA!

Well, please excuse our absence as the summer took us by storm. This past August was a whirlwind! We returned back to good ol' Texas for a family emergency and we are happy to report that things are looking up! Look at how we have ALL grown up!! Mom and Dad would be sooooo proud!!

I celebrated my 30th birthday with MY favorite Sailor

and what a day it was!

I am now a proud Graduate Assistant at the University of Hawaii-Manoa and teaching Undergraduate Spanish while I pursue a Masters in Spanish.

My 30th birthday has come and gone...........................

......and it was not a bad thing at all. I love the look that my students gave me when they asked my age and I said "30". No one seems to believe me. MY loving husband and favorite Sailor surprised me with a dinner at Top of Waikiki to celebrate and it was a very romantic dinner. We had been there before for our 1st wedding anniversary and it has quickly become a family favorite. He had taken the day off to prepare my gift and dinner reservations, what a loving hubby! He even was my personal driver that day, driving me to and fro Manoa for class. I did feel bad though that I was so tired at dinner, I had been in school all day and that was the end of my first week back in school and it was a KILLER!

I am not a supermodel at the age of 30 and disappointed that I didn't lose the 30 pounds I wanted to but I did accomplish something. I am back in school.

I am so happy and blessed to have this opportunity to attend grad school for GRATIS and trying to earn my place in the program. It is VERY time consuming and I felt like I was neglecting MY favorite Sailor.

Speaking of MY favorite Sailor he is out playing battleship here and there and well that's sea duty....So, now I have NO excuse to do nothing but study. (I guess...)

I must say that our marriage has really progressed even though it has only been a year and half, this last goodbye was NOT that bad. We held it together and smiled and waved. Quite honestly, we are just getting used to it. Not to mention this is our 3rd time to play battleship and it helped that he did not man the rails, it wasn't as gut wrenching to see them leave. I am also very blessed to be surrounded by great friends, military and non military that genuinely care. MY favorite Sailor had his birthday recently and well I will just say this he is one hot Sailor...he DOES NOT look his age either!! HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY LOVE!!! He didn't want me to make a big deal about it, but I still did!!

Well, that is all that I have time to write for now, so much for to say but I must read.

I do not remember my undergrad studies being this hard?!?! This degree is very demanding, and not to mention, EVERYTHING is in Spanish! Ay yay yay....

Today Was Inspiring.....

Today is Monday, July 13, 2009.  What seemed like a typical Monday, turned out to be an inspiring day.  As most of you all know, I used to be a High School Spanish teacher and  now I teach little ones at the Navy Elementary in Honolulu.  (changing your job comes with the territory of being a Military Spouse) I have been wanting to blog about my latest adventures in cycling to work.  I was held back by the shear negativity of the many faces that I have encountered the past weeks.  

First of all, I would like to say how disappointed I am.  Personally, I ride my bike for the physical activity and exercise.  As many of you know, I try to jog and I am not a marathon runner, but I try.  Here lately though...I have been starred at for riding my bike as if I had two heads or something, maybe WORSE.  Geez! I have been asked if I can't afford a car. Quite honestly, yes my husband and I can easily afford a second car.  (I left my civic in Dallas for my little sister, bc I think she needed a better car, long story...short version - I LOVE MY SISTER)I have been ignored at the crosswalks waiting for the walking white cartoon pedestrian and better yet, when it pops up cars try to beat it and put the pedal to the fall and drive off without a care and could have ran me over if I didn't know that some ppl were just being a jack@$$.

One of my favorite questions: Don't you get hot riding your bike? Ugh, yeah.  I am not that big of a princess, I plan for it, like change my shirt and wash my face at work and then apply makeup or who cares if I am going home.  I've been lucky though the trade winds have been awesome and makes for a pleasant ride.  I even venture to Target after work with my bike or the exchange and even picked up a few groceries at the commissary, only to be starred at by some wives with the pitiful .... oh my gosh look. (now I know what the poor homeless people feel like being starred at, because you would have thought I was digging through trash and I organized my backpack with groceries) I personally thing the pity should be given to them for wasting their time on staring at me.  Lastly, the poor Target security guy who thinks I am going to steal because I carry a backpack instead of purse well, because have you ever tried to bike with a purse?

Well...

Despite every rant I just typed and negative look and feeling...

TODAY IT WAS ALL WORTH IT!

One of my little girls in class wanted to be just like me. (PLEASE, don't think I want my kids to be like me, that is not it AT ALL! I want them to make good choices and think about their future)

She rode her scooter to school. 

High 5 to the mom!

This mom bikes with her kids to school regularly, I think that is AWESOME!

I ride my bike to stimulate my body, clear my mind, save money (hey...more $ for me later at Target) and.....

HELLO help the environment!

In the grand scheme of it all, I have helped make a positive impact on one of my students and that to me is a sign that I am doing my job!  

I can't explain the pride I felt when the little girl came up to me today before class and said Mrs. ........  Can I park next to you?" "Or course you can sweetheart!" 

Her mom told me, she wanted to be like me...

What an inspiration! :)

Our Awesome Homecoming Pics

 The following were taken this past Homecoming, April 2009. 

A big MAHALO to Gwen at Butterfly Kiss Photography!
Gwen is an awesome, kind person to begin with.

She follows her instinct and captures true emotion.

I am so blessed to have found her, she was more than my photographer that day, but my friend!
Thank you for capturing our memories Gwen! Check out her website for our complete portfolio! :)

One Whole Year, Plus Some

Well friends...

I have been living in Hawaii for over a year now. My love has been here for over 2 and we are really loving the Aloha life.
The past year has been full of events:
-I survived my first deployment (his 1000000)
-We got MARRIED! (here on the island) and had our honeymoon in Waikiki
-became an "official" Navy Wife
-We finally PCS-ed our stuff from Texas
-I moved from Texas to Hawaii
-We moved into our first married home
-I have travelled to two neighboring islands, Kauai (with my love for our anniversary) and the Big Island (thanks M*)
-I was an extra on Lost
-I was on the set of Lost all day
-I have survived countless luaus, the first 3 were great...
-MIL has come to the island
-My bro and sis have visited the island
-My first principal I have ever worked for came out the island and we had a great dinner
-I finally found a job at the Navy elementary
-I became a librarian (I NEVER SAW THAT COMING!!!)
-I am going to grad school for FREE
-I will be teaching at the University of Hawaii-Manoa
-I have met some wonderful new friends
-My old friends haven't lost contact with me
-I have survived my SECOND deployment (his 1000001)
-We celebrated our FIRST anniversary TOGETHER!
-survived countless FRG meetings
-learned how to garden, grill, and keep my sanity during deployment
-welcomed new friends into this world, congrats to the new moms

I am sure that I haven't listed all of the things that this past year has brought, but it's an awesome feeling to have found the love of your life and wake up every morning happy with your life.

God Bless Everyone....

I hope to update more soon.....

Happy First Anniversary!

My love and I have celebrated our first wedding anniversary on May 7, 2009.
Wow!
Where has the year gone?
Words can't express how fast and amazing this year has been.
We have survived our first PCS move together, second deployment together, job hunting, sharing one car (because I left the Honda for my sister) and various adventures in our new home state of Hawaii.
I am so astonished at the fact that DH has been here on the island for just about 2 years and myself for one.
Where did the time go?
I can't believe it!
Our anniversary was absolutely beautiful!
It was full of emotion and love.
(I guess the fact that he just got back from another deployment also added to the emotions)
You would have thought that we had just gotten married with our tears of joy and absolute bliss.
I wish I could say that this first year was a piece of cake and marriage takes away all of your problems, but it doesn't.
You just learn to make decisions together and the problems and struggles are no longer your own to carry but "ours" and now that is easier.
When you have a spouse who will help you carry the weight and make decisions together that is something to be proud of!
I am very proud of all that we have accomplished this past year.
I pray that each year we will continue to build on the previous years and our relationship will continue to grow.
We both have committed ourselves to letting the seeds of ourselves grow and we will decide together which direction we will go.
We are so proud of our home and all that we have accomplished.
I still live in amazement when I look around at the island of Hawaii and think, WOW, this is OUR home!
I love married life!

More to come...
I have to cover my dear friend Susan's baby shower and HOMECOMING!
(but the season finale of Lost is on...gotta go!)

A Whirlwind Month

Hi ALL!

It's been a whirlwind of a month! I am gearing up for homecoming soon enough and this past month has been crazy.
I have been blessed with the greatest news in regards to my education. I will be attending the University of Hawaii beginning this fall as masters degree candidate in Spanish. Here is the best part: for FREE! The next two years will be covered by the university as I will be a TA, teaching undergraduate Spanish while I pursue my degree. How awesome is that?!?! I will even be paid a stipend! My husband and I are so happy that this opportunity has come our way.

This past month, I have been out of it as I gave myself a concussion.
For those of you who really know me, I am a short, clumsy person.
I do not know how I manage to hit my head on things but I do.
I have had bad headaches and just trying to get back to normal.
I had to go to the ER and had a CT scan and thank the Lord all is well.
I will need about a month to recover completely.
BTW, I will go ahead and admit it...I hit my head on a sink at work in the restroom.

I have started jogging again and it feels so good to get outside when the wind isn't pushing me around and jog.
I have also taking up jogging on a treadmill those days that the trade winds are just so powerful and working out on the elliptical and lifting weights.
I am back on track to losing 30 before 30.

This past month, I have also continued my regular church schedule.
I really enjoy the bond that I have reestablished with the Lord and thank him everyday for all that we have been blessed with.
I feel and live his presence in me even more.


Seems like the last month has been full of birthdays, baby showers, and meetings.
I have been going non stop!
Much happiness to all that celebrated this last month!

Last but not least, I am giving one of my new good friend S* a baby shower.
Well, if you know me...I don't like to skimp on details.
I am from Texas and everything has to match and have a bow.
Needless to say, even the water bottles we will be serving even have bows.
I really hope that all will have a great time at the shower, it is coming soon and I will breathe much easier once it is over.
I really want the "mommy to be" to have a great shower surrounded by friends and family.
Every mommy deserves this.

Well, thanks to all for reading my latest rambling.
I may be gone for quite a bit as MY BELOVED is coming home soon.
We are planning to spend some quality time on vacation on another rock in the middle of the ocean.
I can't wait to see him and know that my husband is a real person.
Not just a man I get random phone calls from at odd hours or emails on a nearly daily basis.
LOL
He is my love.
I know that for some; deployments can crush a marriage or put unneeded strain.
I want those who have faith to know that it doesn't have to be like that.
My husband and I are blessed in that we know that our love is strong and has endured so much way before my last name even changed.
We know that this time apart gives us the strength to endure many things.
We value each other and know that we made the right decision by choosing each other to continue on our paths in life as one.
As one very wise man told me: "I may not be the luckiest man who has luck in his everyday life, but you are the best thing that has ever happened to me".

All of our love,
Jai and Hubby

Happiness

Aloha Everyone.

I wanted to post that all is going well here on the homefront.
I have been very blessed to have found my way back to church and I feel that it has given me a renewed spirit these days.
Actually, the last month.
I wish I would have brought myself to remember the good memories I have of my entire family going to church, EVERY Sunday and talking about the word of the Lord. My heart warms itself with those fond memories of my mom and dad. I am ashamed for not giving God the chance to help me more in my life. I know that we all have to come to terms with our own self first and that is exactly what I am doing. After my mom and dad died, with each individual death, I felt resentment towards God and especially organized religion.
But, now I find myself remembering nothing but good memories because of God's love and acceptance.
I have found strength and courage also, in being a Military Wife and have come to accept the challenge with open arms.
I have learned to embrace our Navy life and really appreciate all that it has to offer.
I can not wait to share all of this with my loving husband.
He is the greatest!
He never pushes himself to be first but always tells me, take care of yourself that is the best thing you can do for me.
I agree.
We can not waste our lives while we are here on this earth, live life to the fullest and make everyday count.
I am very proud of my life .. :)
I LOVE MY FAMILY!!

Jai

The Men CURRENTLY in MY Life

Here they are... I promised I would share this a few posts back...They keep me company while the hubs is playing battleship...

Target Goodness!

Target has finally arrived in Hawai'i!

This makes me VERY HAPPY!

Now, if only I could have ONE more thing!

It is a beautiful store, upon entering the lights of the Target gods where shining on me and I felt like a celebrity with the team members lining the aisles clapping and cheering upon our entrance.

What a magical experience!

I will share my buys in a future post.

Thanks to all of my HMW friends for stopping to say "aloha", especially S* who was my partner in crime and is doing VERY well in her pregnancy which did NOT impede her shopping today!! She was toooooo cute!

YAY for Target! :)

Happy Birthday Daddy!

This is for my dad!

I wish you a very HAPPY Birthday !!! (you would be 63)

I know that up in heaven, you are so proud of ALL of your kids!
I pray that one day I will make such a profound impact on my very own children just as you and mom did with me.
I can not feel more blessed than to have such wonderful parents whose short time on earth has given me a lifetime of memories and love.

It has been a long 17 years dad that you have been gone but I want you to know that you are not forgotten.
Today as I sat through Ash Wednesday service, I can't help but wonder how you would be today.
I know that no matter what, no matter where I am, you and mom are with me.
Without a doubt, you would have a blast here in Hawaii.

Thank you for being a wonderful father and you never let us forget how much you loved us, I really do think God just needed you more than we do here on earth. Say hi to mom for me and know that we are trying to lead life just like you taught us.
Somehow tonight at mass, I found comfort that you were there. In some strange familiarity of mass it's like the years haven't passed.

I am still the little girl who loves her daddy very much and would follow him anywhere.

Once a daddy's girl, ALWAYS a daddy's girl

I love you.

Do you find yourself...

Wondering around a store, just because you don't want to go home?

Tonight, as I pout and stomp that that MY favorite Sailor won't be picking up the pineapple phone to call the big rock because he is about to go play more battleship. As you know, MY favorite Sailor is out playing battleship and well..that's his job. Unfortunately, it does take him from our glamourous casa for months at a time. I went to the exchange just to look at some shoes, and I ended up buying some instead. LOL See what I do when I don't get a two hour phone call from the hubbs?!?!?

I notice that when I don't want to be home alone I just piddle. I cleaned "enough" over the weekend and just didn't feel like going home yet. I decided to shop instead. I think our bank account will be happy once this deployment is over. I find myself buying senseless crap just because I want to try it or 6 bags of Mini Chips Ahoy chocolate chip cookies because I feel the need to fill a care package with him. I think my husband is going to start returning the boxes to sender! I have even gotten so bored and that I bought him a remote control Wall-E to play with on the ship well because I thought it was cute and who couldn't use a remote control Wall-E?????!!!

Did I mention that I also bought myself TWO new guys for our bed at the Disney store too?(while, the hubs is gone I sleep with the stuffed animals my husband has given me and my beloved Sailor teddy bear my sister got got me...thus "the guys") I bought myself a stuffed Winnie-the-Pooh and Stitch. HEY, don't HATE!!!! I am preparing EARLY for Halloween! (I am going to be Lilo darn it!!) See what I mean about buying crap that I don't need. But to make the purchase worthwhile, the stuffed animals were buy one get one FREEEEEE!

You think I would be excited that I am not tied to the phone for hours but the honest truth is that I would sit next to any phone in ANY weather element just to hear his voice. Afterall, after talking with my husband who is NOT a phone person for 6 hours over the weekend (yes, in increments) he told me a very enduring secret. I learned how much my voice meant to him, this only makes me LOVE him more.

Well, shoppers this blog is coming to an end.
Until the next time...ALOOOHA!
-Jai

Stomach Flu 1 - Jai 0

I was beat the past 3 days by the stomach flu.

It wasn't fun.

I realized yesterday at the commissary (military grocery store) that I must have looked like I had an eating disorder with my purchases. No wonder the couple behind me was staring.
I bought MANY bottles of Powerade -ZERO (yup, powerade has a calorie free version), crackers, grapes, bananas and 5 bags of various cookies.
The cookies are for MY favorite Sailor's care packages.
I have a problem listening to my husband when he says, NO MORE BOXES!
The man probably runs the other direction when he hears that mail is being distributed.
I have sent him too many boxes already, and he has said "please cut back".
Well....

Back to my story..

So, I got the wonderful stomach flu that is going around and I didn't know so much stuff could come out of ones body. Just gross! I had fever, loss my appetite and I was too afraid to goto the ER for fear of throwing up on myself or worse.

I thank the P* family for bringing over vital Gatorade to me, as I hid in my house until I was able to see the dr.
I am doing much better and after nearly 15 hours of sleep, I am refreshed and I am slowly gaining an appetite back.

I hope everyone is doing well...All of my love...

-jai

Our First Married Valentine's Day

I got a card EARLY from MY favorite Sailor and I was a good girl and waited until this morning to open it.
I love my husband!
No matter how near or far we are, we know how much each other is loved.
That is all that matters.
I smiled and am more than happy with just a card from MY favorite Sailor as I know that he took the time and effort to mail it from God knows where, and it has the USS Someship Stamp...awww.

Although this is our first married Valentine's day, it isn't dampened by the fact he is playing battleship. In fact, I am proud of the fact that he is serving our country and sacrificing chocolates and dinner with me for the welfare of our country.

I know that some people don't celebrate Valentine's day but for us it just another awesome reminder why we are together. We don't need fancy things or gifts in general just our love to lead us through our journey of life and give love to those we will encounter along the way.

Today, here on the big rock..
I did have the wonderful blessing of spending Valentine's day with my friends.
The afternoon starting with an afternoon with the FRG where we made posters for our guys to show them that we miss them and they will be sent to the ship to boost morale.
I need to say, my poster was attacked by someone's kid!
Sigh, well...what is done is done. I was letting my sign dry when some kid got ahold of it with a green marker.
Oh well, I just wrote, sorry the sign was tagged. Child's (not ours) artwork! :(
I guess it added depth to my sign...

Later in the afternoon and evening I spent time with C and her boys.
They are soo cute!
We had a nice dinner and at the end we were even given our own box of chocolates from the waitress, now wasn't that nice!
We then did some shopping and hung out and watched a movie.
It was so much fun!

I will never get tired of saying this...friends and family are what makes your life!
Thank God for them!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Thank You, Team Tae Bo

Thank you Team Tae Bo for my VERY thoughtful gifts!

I have hung my autographed photo up for inspiration and just love my new gear!
Thank you for your inspiration and devotion to helping others and taking the time to thank "the little" people like me!
Your actions speak so LOUDLY, by taking the time to contact me and sending me some wonderful gifts! I have begun the tae bo regime again and it seems that my body is just so much more in tune with exercise because of my previous tae bo routine and jogging is coming along nicely!

I sincerely thank Billy for his hard work and dedication and may God bless Him and Team Tae Bo!

(I meant to post this some time ago, as my gear arrived very soon after being contacted!)

Aloha Y'all

Howdy Everyone!

It's been a while since my last post, so I thought I would take the time tonight to say hi!
I have been so busy trying to catch up with some personal things and had some things pop up in the mean time. All is going well here and I thank my friends and family for checking in with me. Contrary to popular belief, I do have a life, even though I do not have kids just yet! LOL

Recently, I had an amazing shopping day at the mall. I haven't done that in such a long time. I didn't have to drag my poor husband about or kids or anyone! Thanks E* for that! I saw the movie, "He's Just Not That Into You". I just laughed. I actually owned that book at one point in my life. YES, OBVIOUSLY before I met my WONDERFUL, LOVING, A-MAZING HUSBAND!

This past weekend I was so happy to find a care package from my brothers and sisters back home.
LOL
It seems that they have learned a thing or two about sending care packages, after watching me pack and mail many of things to MY FAVORITE SAILOR! It was like Christmas all over! Thanks sis and bros!

I got a card from MY FAVORITE SAILOR, it looks like a Valentine, but I am saving it until Saturday, the 14th...the suspense is killing me!

I am back to working out, as I realize this year I am turning the BIG 3-0 and I hope to lose at least 3-0 by this August! We will see! I should post embarrassing photos of myself for motivation because I know I need it. Jogging tonight was relaxing and peaceful..wish me luck.

Thank you all for your well wishes and prayers for DH and he sends his greetings and thanks from afar.....

More coming soon, stay tuned!

Peace out!
Aloha.....

Happy Birthday to My Bro!

Wishing you many, many more!! Hey, did you see your shadow today? I like your prediction, doesn't really pertain to the weather here in Hawaii! Take care bro and miss you sooooo much! HAPPY BIRTHDAY J*!

It's been 3 years

So.......
As happy as I have been for my husband in emails it has been a small roller-coaster here at home.
Nothing major! But definitely much more positive and upbeat that the last battleship tour!

On Friday, it was three years that my mom passed and it struck me as I was watching my students play on the playground.
Funny how life goes on, but yet I still felt a twinge of guilt.
I tried so hard not to dwell and strange thing, I could feel my mom telling me to stop it!

She was totally with me that day and from what I heard from my siblings she was with them too. They made it through the day with flying colors and I am so proud of them. We are truly growing up!

Friday was also one of my best friends birthday dinner and outing and I wasn't going to miss that for the world!
I am so glad that I went out and I had a blast.


I realize that life is definitely what you make it.

I want this deployment to be a good one and I am doing everything in my power to make it easier for my husband to do his job without worrying about me.
NO NEED TO!

Just like my note said from my friend, they are here to take care of me and in return I am here to take care of them!

Tonight as I begin a new week...I am just so blessed to have a great support group of wonderful friends.

I can't say that this week has been boring, I have been blessed with so many sending their thoughts and well wishes and dinner invites.

For all of you I am truly thankful.

For MY MAMA - YOU ARE MISSED AND LOVED
I hope you are smiling down on me and proud! :)
----R.I.P. January 23, 2006-------

Deployment blues are really setting in...

That is all I have to say.
I know that my best friend will be home soon.
I send him my love with a big wet kiss and hug.
I miss you but I love you MORE.

See you soon.

REPOST-Thought this posting was better!

Today.... my heart sailed away.

I watched until I couldn't see the ship anymore; I gathered what was left of my gut from the pier and made my way home.
We have all been through deployments and no matter how many times you've said "See You Soon" (we don't say good bye) it still stings. You still cry. Maybe you do not cry as hard or as much but it still hurts.

I am not home for 5 minutes when I see the light blinking on the phone that there is a message. NoBODY ever calls my house number! I am thinking, ok...DH must have called and left me a msg to find. He does this. I check it, and nope not him.

I have a missed delivery. Please call us back with a convenient time for you to have your arrangement delivered. WHAT??!!! No, I know DH...he's sneaky but it's not Valentine's and I know his mannerisms and I already peeked at my surprise last night. (Don’t tell him I peeked before he left)
No, I am thinking my sister. Either my biological or my non-biological sister!

I text the suspected person and she claims to know nothing about a delivery! NADA! Maybe your husband sent you something!?!?!? "Furniture", she says....yeah right....where in the heck do I put another thing in this house??!! I get another call that my edible arrangement is on the way...


I hear the doorbell not even 30 minutes since my heart sailed away; my frown is turned upside down by the most pleasant smelling edible arrangement EVER!

ALLBLUEZOO is sooooooo AWESOME!

She sent me an arrangement on HER birthday AND anniversary! (I KNOW!! I couldn't make this up, IF I wanted too!!! I MUST THINK OF AN AWESOME GIFT FOR HER!)
Not to mention she is working for me today on her special day!
She is so selfless, WOW!

We are truly sisters taking care of each other while our men are deployed. Thank you for taking me in!

She truly envelops everything a good friend and person should have instilled in their heart and soul.
She is a hard working, talented, loving, funny, strong willed, intelligent-wife, mother, sister, and BEST FRIEND!

Just a matter of months earlier I knew nothing of this woman, but now as we have banded together as Military Wives we are blessed to have such a wonderful friendship.

I thank you, M.
You have changed my life for a lifetime; our friendship is just beginning. Who knew that in a place where I felt so alone and frustrated, now I have a friend that I can call anytime and you have taught me so much!
You know that I would do anything I can for you or the boys.
I truly always wanted an older sister as cool as yourself.
Wishing you the best today and always sis!
¡Que Dios te bendiga!

Thanks for teaching me the "Navy Wife Ropes"; I am sure we will have a whole lifetime to laugh at each other with every mover whether we are near or far!!!
DH thanks you too! He told me before he left that I am in good hands with all of my newfound family here in Hawaii. (You, ShannonK, Patti, Erin, Susan,Steph, Lynn, Shadow)
<3
Jai

P.S.
Just when you think that you are alone or no one cares about you, I can testify somebody does.
Yes, of course my family and friends back home are there for me but NEW friends that make such a big impact on your life spread sunshine and teaches you how to carry the warmth on to others when they least expect it.

I am blessed and honored to be a military wife.

I hope one day to spread the same sunshine you have shared with me!

P.S.S.
I know, I know.
No makeup today...please excuse the photos.
There was no sense in wearing makeup that would rub off on a white uniform.
We are so eating this tomorrow night during the LOST premiere!

I AM LOVED!

Thank you M*!

You have shown me true friendship in such a short amount of time and I want you to know that it doesn't go unnoticed.

You are truly amazing and can only hope to aspire to be more like you.

I can't believe you took time to brighten my day! You did this on YOUR special day, HAPPY BIRTHDAY & HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!

My Heart Sailed Away...

Today my heart sailed away.

I gather up strength and find comfort in my love and I know that he is safe.

This is his career, he is a military man.

I know that sooner rather than later he will be back in my arms safe and sound and making me laugh with something silly.

Today at the pier, I stood there all alone wondering how many more of these will I endure.

As I stood there, sounds of "daddy",  "dadddddyyyyyy", "byeeee daddy", really stood out to me.

WOW! I can only imagine what this is going to be like when we have a family.

I was blessed to see my love before he left even though he had duty the night before and we had some quality time on the ship.

I took him lunch and dinner and ice cream throughout the day, I started to feel like one of the crew.

Right now I am just a ball of emotions, I am not falling apart by any means but my brain is just so frazzled from the day's events and I need sleep.

I bought DH a TON of movies and TV shows for his iPod and well dumb me bought them under my Apple ID so it wouldn't let me put it on his iPod, so he left with my iPod. That doesn't bother  me, what bothers me is the non transferability of purchases!

Well, my brain is shutting down!

I need sleep!

I didn't sleep because I was on the phone with DH all night, why...well why not!

I love my hubs!

Our first...BAD weather day!

I am accustomed to Texas weather, which I swear changes on a daily basis.

I have seen snow, sleet, funnel clouds, and heard my fair share of sirens.

I have even endured a category 5 hurricane, "Emily" in Cozumel.

Today, I am at home, it's our first bad weather day. (Of course, the Navy doesn't have such a thing )but with me working at a school, I am at home enjoying a 4 day weekend.

Now, I am going to learn all about Hawaii weather! 

I assume the fear of another island wide power outage is feared.  Just a few weeks ago, a storm caused an island-wide power outage and better to be safe than sorry. 

Sorry kiddos, guess no library today! I must admit I am relieved! No librarian duties today!! I am going to enjoy the extra times with the hubs as he is going to play battleship soon. YAY! Quality hubs time this weekend!! Going a date....to be continued!

Love to you all! 

Happy Belated Birthday to My Sister!

21 is damn old!!

LOL

Wishing you the absolute best and you know you are cooler than Elvis, don't know why he has the nerve to share your birthday! LOL, I know you LOVE Elvis! Not many 21 year olds do!

Mama demands you take taxis and I wish I was there with you !! 

God's blessings and love to you!!

Continue to do well in school, oh my...senior year is just around the corner! Another UNT grad in the works!

Jai is damn proud!!

I LOVE YOU LULU!

I have to say...

I saw something the other day that I haven't seen in quite some time.... someone using a pay phone!! I don't see them anymore to begin with...I should have snapped a pic. I was nosey and as I walked by, this wasn't a little 10 second "where are you call" but....a real conversation.  Interesting! Hope everyone's new year is off to a great start! 

Jai

Question: When is the last time you used a payphone?

Answer: I have no idea, I had a cell phone for just about 10 years.

2008 in retrospective...

This past year was an incredible journey...My family and I experienced one heck of an adventure..

Sit back and enjoy....

January 

After Seashell and I rung in the new year...we took time to make some goodies to mail our favorite sailor...

February

 Last packages mailed to ship.... 

 Happy Valentine's from MY favorite Sailor...good thing the ship has the internet!! :) Don't look at my messy classroom! 

March

 

Cheer Banquet

I miss these girls!! :(

Happy Easter!

Seashell coloring the eggs...what a girl!

Sister time at the Easter egg hunt at Joy's

Easter Sunday! 

April

 Road Trip to Lubbock! We're cool! Happy Birthday MOM! (RIP)

We drove to Lubbock to put flowers on her grave for her birthday :)

 Seashell's personal letter from DH, he's coming home!! 

"THE ONE"

This photo was from my final alteration, those months of tae bo and jogging paid off!

 This was fun...wedding gown shopping!

 I thought I wanted a short gown for the beach...but I didn't

 Getting ready for homecoming!! 

Wedding shower! One of my very BEST friends in the world! I admire you, H!

 My sister and !! She always makes me feel so short!

 My wonderful department! I miss you ALL!!! RHS was so good to me! Thank you for giving Gabe and I a wonderful wedding shower! 

 Me and My fellow Texas peeps, we are the best cheer coaches EVER!! These two women taught me sooo much and helped me through my rough times! These two women are absolutely hilarious! They made me laugh so much, ahhh that was some fun stuff! Good times! 

May 

****(this month will have MANY photos, as we got married this month and DH went home to Dallas and left again for HI)****

 Getting ready for the ship to pull in!! Hanging up Seashell's sign on the pier! 

I am so proud of my sign and I am soo HAPPY and NeRvOus!

Where's Waldo???  (they all look the same!!!!!)

He's real!!! 

Getting our marriage license, we promise we are not related.

     We did it!! We're married!!

Field Day!

Back home in Dallas, riding the "Big" bike! 

June

Home Sweet Home Hawaii! Our first grilled steak! (We left our other grill in TX) (notice the no shoes already....)

Our first meal!

 Family Cruise on USS Some Ship

Our baby is born!

DH loves me!! Something to keep me busy while he was working and our stuff  was in route to our new home!

July

Cleaning up! What a great hubby! Our stuff is on it's way!!

It's here!!

 Are you getting those numbers right??

Yes, I am!

Unpacking madness!

 So many boxes!! Who knew that two people could own so much stuff?????

I pause here, as I am tired and so Aug- Dec will have to wait.....

Until then....

-Jai