Bloggin' Bout Boston

About 2 years ago (April 2008) JB took me to one of his favorite cities, Boston. I quickly fell in love with everything about the northern city. JB and I have gone twice together now, and I am craving another visit... but there is not trip on the agenda (others are in line first!) planned to Boston at this point - so reminiscing in photo memories will have to do for now!

Boston Common 

Boston Harbor

Red Sox game with JB

1

Boston Duck Tour - being a tourist for my first time in the city!

Fourth of July, 2010 -- most amazing fireworks!

Lazy day @ the Aquarium

Freezing by the harbor!

Ready for my first game! 

I so thought JB was going to propose here... nope! Ha
He did a week later in Charlotte to my surprise

Until next time... I'll be missing you, Boston! 

Go Red Sox!

Thankful for...

answered prayers

quality time with my mom & sister

healthy baby niece

the sunset on the sound

sister's friends giving E a beautiful baby shower at the beach

the tornadoes not being in my direct path on my way home

cell phones while being away

the hall's fire department for a safe haven during the storms

making it home safely

john garth & kim's engagement

celebrating & catching up with friends

2 year 'engagiversary' with jb 

most of all

-God's Grace-

seeing the destruction across eastern nc was scary and horrifying

my heart hurt(s) for the families who lost everything

and for those who lost anything at all

unimaginable

looking forward to doing my part,

whatever that might be 

to helping those in our community 

who need it the most

it is in these times that we are forced to see

that the material belongings are not what is important

we must hold on to what we have in Jesus Christ

and the promises that we have in

Him

thankful that through everything we all still need to remain

thankful for the healthy momma and e-to-be!

thankful for God's beautiful creation
sunset on the sound at the spouter's inn, beaufort 

thankful for a niece to love on in a month!
adorable centerpiece at the shower 

thankful for love
john garth & kim - engagement party - botanical gardens in fayetteville

thankful for friends
ashley & i

THANKFUL 

Book Club!

Some friends and I are starting a book club here in the next month or so, and I could not be more excited... especially since summer is right around the corner for me and I'll have plenty of time to read by the water! 

I have already read the first book, Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin. It's first on our list so we can talk about the book then go see the movie together when it comes out. The movie trailer makes it seem like it is going to be a wonderful version of the book. Although books are usually hard to beat, I have a feeling that bringing Darcy, Rachel, Ethan, and Dex to the movie screen is going to be a big hit! Can't wait! If you haven't read this book... 

get. it. now! 

in. theaters. may. 6th!

I have also already read the partner book to Something Borrowed, naturally titled, Something Blue. The two books are from the two main female characters' points of view on the same issue. . . which makes for impossible-to-put-down-reads! Now I am reading Giffin's third book of this series, Love the One Your With. I've only just begun, but I am excited to see where it goes. 

I have not always liked to read, but since JB and I got the Barnes & Noble e-reader, the Nook, for our Christmas presents we both have been reading one book after another. A few others I have enjoyed lately are: 

The Big Bad Wolf  -  James Patterson

Safe Haven  -  Nicholas Sparks

Heart of the Matter  -  (also) Emily Giffin 

What books do you recommend? 

Any advice for a beginning book club? 

A Reason to Celebrate

For the past 15 months my husband has been training to be in the Army's Special Forces. The first phase of this training is to go through a grueling 3 weeks at Special Forces Assessment and Selection. After being selected, JB went to the Army's Captain Career Course in Fort Benning, GA. We got married in November 2009 during his time in GA and then he moved back to NC when he was done in December. January 2010, JB began the second phase of SF training, six months of language training. He did very well during this phase and enjoyed learning Arabic. I even learned a few words and phrases! Phase III consisted of Small Unit Tactics and SERE school... all which was done "in the field"... which meant 3 months without a husband this past fall. The first couple weeks were definitely the hardest, but thankfully I kept busy and the time went by quickly. Phase IV was the Military Occupational Speciality(MOS) phase, so JB had his Captain leadership training for this duration. This phase also had spurts of "field training." The next phase, Phase V, was Robin Sage; a month long cumulative field exercise to test the trainees on all of their training. 


The past 15 months have been challenging, but this weekend when he graduated and earned his green beret it was truly a reason to celebrate! 


Graduation was on Thursday, so family & friends began to arrive on Wednesday afternoon. JB's parents and brother all came on Wednesday, as well as their long-time friends from their past home in Connecticut who surprised them here in NC. We had dinner here at our home on Wednesday night, and then rested up for the fun weekend ahead. 


Thursday was graduation day! We all got ready here and arrived at the arena to get in line early for good seats. My family (who lives here in town) met us there. It was a warm, spring day and a perfect day to celebrate such an accomplishment. We were seated and had time to look over the program before the bagpipes started playing, "Scotland the Brave." The 103 graduates filed into the arena as the family, friends, and members of the Regiment stood to applaud their efforts about to be rewarded. Noted members of the Regiment were introduced, the guest speaker spoke, specific awards were given, and then the newbies officially graduated - each walking across the stage as their name was called. I am proud to say that JB graduated in the top 20% of his class, earning a spot on the Commandant's List! The members of the Regiment that were present toasted to the new graduates and then they were ordered to don their berets for the first time. What an honor to put on the green beret that is held in such a high regard. 


This was not my first Army ceremony, as I have been to a few of my brother-in-law's.. but it was my first ceremony as a military wife. I have to say, I have never felt prouder than I did when he put that beret on his head, looked over to where we were seated, and smiled. Although the training was challenging and difficult, and many great soldiers didn't make it to graduation -  I knew in that moment that this is what he & I were both destined to do. 
During the past months,  I have been forced to rely on my faith and I have grown more independent in all aspects of my life. This training process has helped me prepare mentally and physically for upcoming deployments with his new group, and for that, I am thankful that we both went through these 15 months of training! 


What do you to make memories last?? Take pictures of course! Pictures, pictures, and more pictures! 

JB graduating (hate that it's blurry!)

"Gentlemen, don your berets!"

Proud wife of a Green Beret :)

After many more pictures, we headed to my parents' house for a graduation celebration. My family had dinner, drinks, and desserts for all of us which was the perfect ending to an unforgettable day! My sister even made a cheese ball in the shape & color of a green beret! Too cute.. 

The next night, Friday night, was our turn to host the party. About 25 of us gathered at our home for BBQ & the dressings, drinks, and a good time. I made a memory tree (like we did for Dad's birthday) but JB's had pictures of all of his military life... West Point events, Jump Team photos, USMA Graduation, Ranger School + Honor Graduate Photos, Deployment pictures, and now SF Graduation. A trip down Military Memory Lane..

The party went off without a hitch and a good time was had by all. We are both very thankful for the friends and family that supports us both! 

Another great creation by my sister! JB's graduation cake!

Two new Green Berets, Tim & JB

JB and I at his party

One of my favorites, Jennifer (fellow Army wife)

A fabulous weekend was had by all of us, and we couldn't be more proud of JB and his accomplishments. There are surely more challenges ahead, but we are looking forward to what this next leg of our journey brings us!

Spring Has Sprung!

Spring seemed to sneak up on me this year, but it sure hasn't been boring! 

As usual, there has been plenty to keep me busy. Last weekend was Sister's first baby shower. I helped host the shower along with 4 other ladies; three of my moms friends and one of Sister's friends. We had a great time, and baby Eleanor is already spoiled rotten! She's got more clothes than she'll probably be able to wear before she grows out of them! Ha... She must belong to the right family! Here are a few pictures from Sister & E's shower! 

front door

spread

delicious cake!

hostesses: sabrina, anne, myself, diane, & faye

sister & e 

lovely momma-to-be

gifts, bumbos, gifts, and more bumbos! haha

JB has been gone for a month finishing up his last phase of Special Forces training. Although it is hard to go weeks without any word from him, I got through the days writing to him in a journal each night. It was a way that I still got to tell him everything on my mind and heart. This was the first time that I did this, but definitely won't be my last. It helped me get through those days that I just wanted to tell him about my day. He got back this past Saturday and I could not be more proud of all of his accomplishments! We have a few days together until family comes to town to celebrate his graduation. Bailey, of course, was so glad to see JB.. and this is what I came downstairs to on his first night back:

I am so thankful that JB came home when he did on Saturday, because I needed to put him to work! We had a couple of plants die in our front landscaping area that needed to be replaced before Sunday when I was hosting a baby shower for a friend here at the house. So, after a trip to Lowe's, we got to work on the yard. We replaced the dead tree with a Flowering Pear Tree which I already love in it's new place! 

 I am also hoping that the hydrangeas that I planted last spring will continue to grow and maybe even produce a few blooms this year! Do y'all have any gardening advice?

I am just getting started, I definitely want to plant more flowers this year. Suggestions for NC weather?




With the help of JB, the yard and house was ready for guests on Sunday. We even had time to go to church on Sunday before the shower... we tried out a new Sunday School class for young married couples at Snyder, and absolutely loved it. We had been praying for a group that we could connect with and that would challenge us as a married couple in our walks together and as Christians. It is an answered prayer that this class has started. Each couple in the class was military... one went to West Point, one guy in SF training with JB, and the teacher is in 3rd Group where JB will be going after graduation, and a few girls are teachers. It was really nice to be back in Sunday School in a small group atmosphere where we both felt comfortable. We are looking forward to getting to know everyone and growing together. 

Sunday afternoon, the fifth grade team that I teach with at VanStory threw a baby shower for another fifth grade teacher, Carly. She is due a week after Sister in May, with baby boy Wyatt! We are so very excited for Carly & Jeff! Wyatt's nursery is done in a cowboy theme, hence the cowboy decorations at the shower!

JB & I before the shower

table's ready!

VanStory friends & Carly's family 

Carly with the awesome diaper cake and goodies from 2nd grade 

My wonderful 5th Grade Teammates. Love them!
Myself, Vanessa, Sharon, Carly, Jackie, Stephanie, and Kathleen

It's been a busy last couple of weeks, but I wouldn't have it any other way! Exciting events coming soon with JB's graduation, another shower for sister, and John & Kim's engagement party! Spring has Sprung, and I'm loving it! 

A Teacher Moment

The past couple weeks have school have been crazy. All of the children are ready for a break, and let's face it... the teachers are too! We still have another 3 and 1/2 weeks before Spring Break arrives, and so I am faced looking for new and inventive ways to keep my class involved and even more engaged than usual. Last week in the midst of these thoughts, I thought back to when I was a kid (sorry teachers!) and how I know all of my peers and myself were probably driving our teachers absolutely crazy.. it's a little weird now being on the other side. As children, we weren't deliberately trying to make them crazy, it was just needing some outlets to release that anxiousness of spring fever. I realized that this weekend after seeing two of my past teachers. Yesterday, my sister & I volunteered with JLF for the American Girl Fashion Show, a fundraiser for the Child Advocacy Center in Fayetteville. There, I saw my 5th grade teacher, then Ms. Bass, now Mrs. Brock. Her daughter, who is now in 4th grade, was in the show yesterday. I approached her and told her who I was, and that I now teach in the same 5th grade classroom that she did when I was her student. We chatted for a while, and then I thought about how years from now how happy I would/will be when a student that I taught years ago tells me about where they are now. At that moment, I don't think I will think of the days I went home thinking of how bad I wanted Spring Break to arrive, bur rather the times we spent laughing and learning in our little VanStory classroom.. the same way I did growing up. The same is the case for my high school history teacher, who instilled in me the love for Social Studies and studying the world in which we live. I never knew sitting in her classroom in 9th grade that I would go to college to earn a concentration in Elementary SS. Teachers have profound effects on the lives of their students, and in return their students give back to them. I am so thankful that the teachers I had in school did not make it clear to me that they were looking forward their Spring Break! Seeing these teachers who had such an influence in my life made me realize that I need to make sure my students see the same in their teacher every day.. no matter how bad I might be wanting a break! Here's to having patience for the next 9 weeks of this 2010-2011 school year! 

So far this year. . .

It must be pretty obvious since my last post in January that I have been nothing but busy! Busy with work, birthdays, committee meetings with church & JLF, visiting with friends, and then JB leaving again for his last bit of training.
A few highlights from the past couple months have been: 

Birthdays! 

Dad turned 60 in February, and we had a party for him. It was a great time. We had desserts at my parent's house and the biggest hit was the photo tree. This had pictures of Dad and all of us from over the years... some of which he might not have wanted everyone to see! 

My grandmother & her twin (Aunt Betsy) turned 90 as well! We had a gathering at my grandmother's nursing home with family coming from North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and California! It was wonderful to see family members that we don't get to see except for special occasions... and this certainly was special! We're all hoping for many more birthdays with Gan and Aunt Betsey! 

Sister's birthday was celebrated on St. Patrick's Day... as always! We had dinner at my parent's house, followed by birthday presents for Sister, baby Eleanor, and the nursery! I got Sister a John Winn "E" charm for her bracelet! We are excited for her baby shower this weekend, and getting things ready for E to grace us with her presence in a couple months!! Last birthday with a bebe!! 

Marriage Matters Now Retreat

In February, John and I went to a marriage retreat that Snyder put on. They had Steve and Debbie Wilson come from Louisiana. I was nervous. I thought that marriage retreats were "corny" and only for couples that had issues. But, let's face it... ALL couples have their issues. I cannot tell you how amazing this weekend was for John and I. We learned about Steve & Debbie's "6 Mosquitoes," and that you have to choose to work things out, no matter how simple or intense the issue or situation going on. We took a leap of faith getting real with each other and were challenged by their testimony to put God at the center of our marriage. It was clear to me why we were there when Giles Blankenship closed the Friday night session with, "The Servant Song." Giles played this song while we took communion at our wedding almost a year and a half ago, and it has kind of been our theme song for out marriage since then. 

Brother, let me be your servant Let me be as Christ to you Pray that I may have the grace To let you be my servant, too We are pilgrims on a journey We are brothers on the road We are here to help each other Walk the mile and bear the load I will hold the Christlight for you In the night-time of your fear I will hold my hand out to you Speak the peace you long to hear I will weep when you are weeping When you laugh I'll laugh with you I will share your joy and sorrow Till we've seen this journey through

When we sing to God in heaven
We shall find such harmony
Born of all we've known together
Of Christ's love and agony

Brother, let me be your servant Let me be as Christ to you Pray that I may have the grace To let you be my servant, too

Going to this retreat was the single best $60 we have ever spent on our marriage. If you ever have the opportunity to go hear Steve & Debbie, make every effort to go! They promise to be a blessing to all. I am truly thankful for their powerful ministry. 

Visiting Friends

In February our friend Patrick, who is deployed, came home for R&R before he takes command of his first company in Iraq this week. Of course John & I wanted to see he & his wife Jennifer while he was home, but we didn't want to intrude. Luckily, they felt the same way and we got to visit one evening over dinner and drinks. We have had some great times together and while we will be sad to see them go to Kansas this summer,  I know that we will be forever friends! 

We also went to Charlotte for a night to visit friends and do some shopping! John & I shopped and had dinner with Kaitlin (my little sister in ADPi) and her boyfriend Jonathan, and then got drinks and caught up. I absolutely loved going to school in Charlotte, and I am so glad that I still have friends there... I just love the city. There is so much to do, see, experience, buy, and EAT! Charlotte seriously has the best restaurants.

What I am loving this month:

Shellac! 

Shellac keeps your nails looking fresh and shiny with NO CHIPPING for 2 weeks. Perfect for the working lady who loves her nails painted, but can't stand the chipping = me! Find a nail salon around you that does it... NOW! 

Looking forward to staying busy this Spring: Sister's baby shower, Carly's baby shower, John's Q Course Graduation, beach baby shower for Sister, John & Kim's engagement party, Spring Break, my niece being born(!!!), and closing out my 2nd year of teaching! Here's to good times to be had, great memories to be made, and more blogging to come!