Ok so here's an update since I haven't written since April.
I've started work again, full throttle and Joe has as well. I love my store that I'm working in, all the girls are fantastic and super friendly. Joe is sitting at a desk, not his usual MO but you know- I'm grateful that he won't be deployed from here.
We hang out with our awesome neighbors a lot now, we have a cook out or just hang out about every other weekend. Jake, one of our neighbors, will often stop over to have a beer with Joe and just chat since he lives by himself (his girlfriend is studying abroad but gets back in June).
All of the wedding preparation is getting into high gear now. I'm overwhelmed with decisions to make on programs, seating, favors, hair and makeup... and let's not forget paying all those wonderful people like the caterer, wedding planner, venue, baker, and DJ. However, they are all paid, thank the Lord for tax returns lol. It's been insane the past few weeks! I still have to get my dress fitted but my grandmother is doing that, and I'm pretty sure Joe is trying to give me a heart attack because he hasn't been fitted for his dress blues as of yet. Not to mention there is drama about Joe and I having a registry even though we've been married for two years. Let me clear this up/vent a little bit...
When Joe and I got married, I was a college student (hint- nearly broke and no housing decor or kitchen stuff whatsoever) marrying a bachelor (video games, one full bed, a couch and a TV). I have to be honest and say that Joe had some really nice things when we got married like our couches, the TV, and good DVD collection. But when it comes to pots and pans, kitchen utensils, kitchen table, etc- I was on my own in finding these things when I moved into our house while he was deployed. Thank God for Peggy-Gail (close friend of the family) who gave us our wonderful pots and pans from Revere Ware. My grandmother has pretty much suited my kitchen from top to bottom with a mixer, gorgeous plates, and some serve ware. I'm very grateful for all of the nice things Joe and I have been blessed with, but the point I'm trying to make can be split into two parts: a) Joe and I never had a wedding and therefore didn't get to do the whole ritual of bridal and engagement showers b) We are in need of some things for our home and we are still a couple just starting out.
Sorry, I needed to get that off of my chest.
On top of all of this, I still have to go to school this summer and get ready for Fall. Geezy peezy.
Joe is doing great though, I have to say. He gets along well with the people he's working with, and he's started studying for taking his CLEP exams and is going to begin school here pretty soon.
Overall we've been incredibly blessed with this move, and even though this summer is going to be super hectic and exciting, we love it all!
Friday, May 29, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Softball! Glorious Softball!
When I got my sponsor from Fort Jackson, she invited me to be apart of a softball team she had helped to organize for several Army wives (and an awesome female DS). So I've started on the team and it was AWESOME. I love meeting all the new people and hanging out just goofing off. The only thing is that our shout at the beginning and end of a game is "Not in the face!" and basically that was to be obnoxious because they kept denying us the names we were picking for our teams because they were "offensive" or "anti-army". Whatever, so basically it means don't throw it in our face (lol). Anyways, we plated tonight and it was such a good time! Joe went to support me, quietly griping when I handed him my wedding band because I didn't want it messed up. But when the game started, I heard a familiar voice hollering "don't swing at the [insert profanity] pitches baby!! Choke up on the bat!.... GOOD JOB BABY GO GO GO" lol After the game Joe was all, "we need to go to the batting cages this weekend and work on the swing". What a good snack mom lol.
Friday, April 17, 2009
NC this weekend!
Well, this weekend we will be in North Carolina, visiting the Burnette family! It feels so weird to say that, because I knew Molly and Josh when they weren't a family yet(lol). Josh was Joe's roommate at the time that we started dating. Molly was living there and she and Josh were getting ready to get married and move to Fort Lewis, Washington. They had a little boy soon after they were married, and I have to say that little boy has the cutest little cheeks ever, and is just going to be a big heart breaker when he gets old enough! So anyhow it's just kind of surreal to look back and realize how far we've come from the day we all were hanging out in that ridiculous town house that the boys lived in. Joe, God bless his heart, was the biggest pain in my hide when we first started dating. I sort of met him when he was at a crossroads and getting him to choose a direction was work to say the least. But he chose wisely, I like to say! Josh and Molly were married in March (I believe, I know that's terrible I don't really remember) and Joe and I were married July of the same year. Now we're all still happily married, and Josh and Molly have a BABY. Gosh, yeah I can't get over it. They're just terrific parents too.
So long story short, Josh got orders to go to Fort Bragg in October of last year I think. He's in the middle of training for the Army for something I don't know how to explain. So use your imagination. Joe got orders for Fort Jackson, and we all realized how close we'd be to each other :) So hopefully we can hang out a lot more than we could when they were at Fort Lewis and we were at Fort Campbell!
So long story short, Josh got orders to go to Fort Bragg in October of last year I think. He's in the middle of training for the Army for something I don't know how to explain. So use your imagination. Joe got orders for Fort Jackson, and we all realized how close we'd be to each other :) So hopefully we can hang out a lot more than we could when they were at Fort Lewis and we were at Fort Campbell!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Home Again Home Again...
We're home from Florida! I'll add more to this tomorrow, but I just wanted to say our drive was pretty smooth and short. The drive to and from FL is really not that bad, which is a nice change from when we lived in TN. I love you all and I'll report more tomorrow. As for right now, it's time for some ordered in chinese food and an old movie... Real Genius anyone? ;P
Sunday, April 12, 2009
On Leave...
Hello All! It's Easter Sunday and things have settled down here at Gama's house. We're relaxing with my Grandmother (whom we all call Gama, because as a small child I couldn't see the point in saying the whole word "Grandmother". Just watching movies and I thought I'd start this blog up again because I'm missing all my wonderful friends back in Tennessee, and I see this as a sort of way to keep every one updated on the Orders' happenings.
So we've left Fort Campbell, and boy was that hard. Saying goodbye to all of the wonderful women that I had made friends with and packing everything up just to move to a place where I know nothing and no one.
However, there's so much excitement! Our house is pretty much unpacked, except for our clothes, which have made their temporary home our master bedroom floor. The house we're in now is about 400 square feet bigger than the one in TN so we've got loads of room. The backyard is MASSIVE and Zeke and Muffin have set out to memorize and terrorize every inch of it! It is a very cozy and lovely house though. I want to add that there is plenty of room for visitors, especially Melissa, Lisa, Lizzy, and Sara *wink*. We also have terrific neighbors and since we live on a cul de sac every one seems to be very close. The day we moved in, we immediately met the neighbors on either side of our house. They came out introducing themselves and offering help. It was a very warm welcome. Even our landlord is a nice guy! Joe's parents came to help us move in and I have to emphasize they were an asset to our sanity and an incredible help to us. We couldn't have done it without them there. So it seems that God has blessed our arrival in SC and we couldn't be more grateful for the way things have panned out.
I have a wonderful sponsor from the post named Shannon, and she's invited me to be on the softball team she's helping to coordinate. I'll start that when we get back from Florida, it'll be a nice way to meet people.
As for work, Joe starts the 20th and I have no idea when I start. I've transferred to the VS closest to us, and they seem very nice. However I'm thinking I might start looking for something that might be more cohesive to my spending/saving needs and also for my school schedule. Any ideas folks? Anyhow, we're both very anticipatory about starting at our new work places here in SC.
We've visited both Ohio and now Florida on leave now, and it's been a nice relaxing vacation. I have to say we got a little bit pink here in the Florida sun but it's been perfect weather to be out and about. We are busy though planning for our Vow Celebration this summer, and we've got most everything done! We've met with the florist and even have the picked the caterer and menu we want. On the 9th we went and took the engagement pictures we never got to have (lol). A wonderful photographer named Brandon Shope (www.brandonshope.com) did them for us. There is no amount of enthusiasm that I can express to say how awesome this guy is! He's photographing our wedding on a special deal he worked out with us based on Joe's service in the Army and probably just the kindness out of his own heart. His wife Sarah is fantastic, I totally recommend if you have an event, or just want pictures done, he's your guy. We'll be getting the pics back in about 2 weeks and I'll make sure I post a few.
We went to Gatorland on Saturday and had a blast with my family! Joe and my dad joking threatened my 11 year old sister that they were going to feed her to the alligators. Funny enough, about 5 minutes later she was dropping leaves and little berries to try and stir the gators and try to get them to move. My family razzed her for it, because it was just the same as if she was tapping on the glass of an aquarium (just annoying). Then we saw a sign that said "Those who throw objects at gators will be asked to retrieve them". Nikki was living in fear for the rest of the observation walk (it's like a nature walk on docks above the water). We also watched them feed the gators by hand in the Jumparoo show, and Joe was fortunate enough to get to hold a python about the size of texas in a show they had called "Up Close Encounters". I would also like to add that that was my least favorite attraction because I was a little too close to an Emperor Scorpion than I would like to be, thank you very much. My mom made us laugh by trying to make the Emu do tricks for the feeding corn she had. We dutifully explained to her that she could not make every animal as smart and obedient as Maisie (my family's Australian Shepherd who is also related to my little terror, Zeke). After a few hours in the swamp though, my Buckeye husband was ready to go home.... the gators were eyeing his Tennessee Vols hat with waaaaay too much enthusiasm I guess ;P
Today was Easter and we got up super early for church, and were seated in a pew by 8:45am sharp. Get ready for this one folks, it was my parents who were late! Yeah I still don't believe it. Anyways, as always, Dan Holland preached a brilliant and inspiring message to us all: to proclaim our faith daily, and not to encourage relativism. It's like that christian song, I don't recall who sings it, but he says "Live out LOUD". After meeting and greeting people I haven't seen in a blue moon, Joe and I headed back to Gama's to start cooking. Well I should say for me to start cooking. Joe did his part though, he went and bought extra eggs and the wine (lol). It truly was a feast though, we had ham, red mashed potatoes, deviled eggs, cornbread, gravy, macaroni and cheese, and all sorts of desserts. We were full and happy! It was a wonderful day to celebrate the resurraction of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! I am so blessed to be surrounded by such loving and wonderful family.
Speaking of a celebration, I would like to end with how relieved and happy I am for Capt. Phillips who was rescued by Navy Seals today from the Somalian Pirates. After a long and grueling hostage negotiation my prayers are with Capt. Phillips and his family after this ordeal. God Bless the military men and women who worked so hard to get that man back alive, and God Bless Capt. Phillips and his family. The best thing that was said at the news conference we watched this afternoon was when Vice Admiral Gortney said something like "we don't negotiate with terrorists" when asked by a reporter if there was ever an option of just giving the pirates the 2 million they were asking for. I agree. It's time we stop acting so complacent, terrorism is a threat to every one and we're not the nation to be sitting by allowing it to happen. I hope that the pirate on the U.S.S. Boxer is brought back to America to be tried for attacking a FLAGGED American vessel. But anyways, thank God that Capt. Phillips is headed home to his wife and family.
I love you all! Good night!
So we've left Fort Campbell, and boy was that hard. Saying goodbye to all of the wonderful women that I had made friends with and packing everything up just to move to a place where I know nothing and no one.
However, there's so much excitement! Our house is pretty much unpacked, except for our clothes, which have made their temporary home our master bedroom floor. The house we're in now is about 400 square feet bigger than the one in TN so we've got loads of room. The backyard is MASSIVE and Zeke and Muffin have set out to memorize and terrorize every inch of it! It is a very cozy and lovely house though. I want to add that there is plenty of room for visitors, especially Melissa, Lisa, Lizzy, and Sara *wink*. We also have terrific neighbors and since we live on a cul de sac every one seems to be very close. The day we moved in, we immediately met the neighbors on either side of our house. They came out introducing themselves and offering help. It was a very warm welcome. Even our landlord is a nice guy! Joe's parents came to help us move in and I have to emphasize they were an asset to our sanity and an incredible help to us. We couldn't have done it without them there. So it seems that God has blessed our arrival in SC and we couldn't be more grateful for the way things have panned out.
I have a wonderful sponsor from the post named Shannon, and she's invited me to be on the softball team she's helping to coordinate. I'll start that when we get back from Florida, it'll be a nice way to meet people.
As for work, Joe starts the 20th and I have no idea when I start. I've transferred to the VS closest to us, and they seem very nice. However I'm thinking I might start looking for something that might be more cohesive to my spending/saving needs and also for my school schedule. Any ideas folks? Anyhow, we're both very anticipatory about starting at our new work places here in SC.
We've visited both Ohio and now Florida on leave now, and it's been a nice relaxing vacation. I have to say we got a little bit pink here in the Florida sun but it's been perfect weather to be out and about. We are busy though planning for our Vow Celebration this summer, and we've got most everything done! We've met with the florist and even have the picked the caterer and menu we want. On the 9th we went and took the engagement pictures we never got to have (lol). A wonderful photographer named Brandon Shope (www.brandonshope.com) did them for us. There is no amount of enthusiasm that I can express to say how awesome this guy is! He's photographing our wedding on a special deal he worked out with us based on Joe's service in the Army and probably just the kindness out of his own heart. His wife Sarah is fantastic, I totally recommend if you have an event, or just want pictures done, he's your guy. We'll be getting the pics back in about 2 weeks and I'll make sure I post a few.
We went to Gatorland on Saturday and had a blast with my family! Joe and my dad joking threatened my 11 year old sister that they were going to feed her to the alligators. Funny enough, about 5 minutes later she was dropping leaves and little berries to try and stir the gators and try to get them to move. My family razzed her for it, because it was just the same as if she was tapping on the glass of an aquarium (just annoying). Then we saw a sign that said "Those who throw objects at gators will be asked to retrieve them". Nikki was living in fear for the rest of the observation walk (it's like a nature walk on docks above the water). We also watched them feed the gators by hand in the Jumparoo show, and Joe was fortunate enough to get to hold a python about the size of texas in a show they had called "Up Close Encounters". I would also like to add that that was my least favorite attraction because I was a little too close to an Emperor Scorpion than I would like to be, thank you very much. My mom made us laugh by trying to make the Emu do tricks for the feeding corn she had. We dutifully explained to her that she could not make every animal as smart and obedient as Maisie (my family's Australian Shepherd who is also related to my little terror, Zeke). After a few hours in the swamp though, my Buckeye husband was ready to go home.... the gators were eyeing his Tennessee Vols hat with waaaaay too much enthusiasm I guess ;P
Today was Easter and we got up super early for church, and were seated in a pew by 8:45am sharp. Get ready for this one folks, it was my parents who were late! Yeah I still don't believe it. Anyways, as always, Dan Holland preached a brilliant and inspiring message to us all: to proclaim our faith daily, and not to encourage relativism. It's like that christian song, I don't recall who sings it, but he says "Live out LOUD". After meeting and greeting people I haven't seen in a blue moon, Joe and I headed back to Gama's to start cooking. Well I should say for me to start cooking. Joe did his part though, he went and bought extra eggs and the wine (lol). It truly was a feast though, we had ham, red mashed potatoes, deviled eggs, cornbread, gravy, macaroni and cheese, and all sorts of desserts. We were full and happy! It was a wonderful day to celebrate the resurraction of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! I am so blessed to be surrounded by such loving and wonderful family.
Speaking of a celebration, I would like to end with how relieved and happy I am for Capt. Phillips who was rescued by Navy Seals today from the Somalian Pirates. After a long and grueling hostage negotiation my prayers are with Capt. Phillips and his family after this ordeal. God Bless the military men and women who worked so hard to get that man back alive, and God Bless Capt. Phillips and his family. The best thing that was said at the news conference we watched this afternoon was when Vice Admiral Gortney said something like "we don't negotiate with terrorists" when asked by a reporter if there was ever an option of just giving the pirates the 2 million they were asking for. I agree. It's time we stop acting so complacent, terrorism is a threat to every one and we're not the nation to be sitting by allowing it to happen. I hope that the pirate on the U.S.S. Boxer is brought back to America to be tried for attacking a FLAGGED American vessel. But anyways, thank God that Capt. Phillips is headed home to his wife and family.
I love you all! Good night!
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