A few randoms...

A trip to the batting cage! Derek showed me his skill!

Emma dancing on the counter...that girl is crazy!!

Some shots of Bella.....

In the laundry...

Eating handfuls of popcorn (thinking of Swankle)

Daddy likes to wrap her up...

De-stuffing a new toy...

Kill that toy Bella...

Yummy enchiladas for dinner one night!

Home Sweet Home....almost!

As I said before, Derek and I are in the process of buying our first home! We are closing this Monday, the 15th!!! We couldn't be more pleased with what we found and the family we're buying from. They are so sweet and are going out of their way to make this whole process smooth and enjoyable. I only have a few photos from the listing site, but no worries, there will be more to come once we move in!!

Trip to Charlotte

So, back in October, Derek and I decided to take a semi-impromptu trip down to Charlotte, not only to see his parents, but also to go a Panthers game. We had a great time with his family and an awesome time tailgaiting. Although it rained, there was still yummy food, great people, and some cornhole thrown in there for good measure. The game was a good one (we had great seats) but unfortunately, the Panthers lost. I did, however, get to see Ochocinco "up close" and personal!

Derek's time on the ship

Derek has been spending lots of time on the ship, working hard. He is becoming much more comfortable with his job and is making some good buddies. He has taken some trips on the ship, which is called "going underway", one of which took up almost the whole month of October. Not that I like having him gone, but I think it's a good way to build up to the looming 6 month deployment that will happen in January. Derek is currently putting in his 90 days of FSA (food service attendant) that the majority of enlisted guys have to do. Here are a few photos that I am allowed to post of where Derek has been spending much of his time, the USS Leyte Gulf.

It's been awhile (this one's for you Alicia!)

So it's obviously been way too long since I've updated!! Life has been so busy! Here's a brief list of what's been going on since September:

* Derek has taken a few trips out on the ship
* I have continued teaching 5th grade and also started tutoring after school
* We made a trip to Charlotte for a Panthers game
* I got to visit the ship two times! (very educational and eye-opening)
* I have started acting as Vice President for the ship's Family Readiness Group (FRG)
* My mom and sister have booked tickets to come out for Christmas
* Derek and I (mostly me, because he was gone) have started, worked through, and are getting ready to finish the home buying process!!

So, I will split up the next few posts by topic so that the photos are organized in some way, shape, or form.

We sure do miss all our friends and family and can't wait to get moved in to our new house so that everyone can come visit with us! We will have plenty of room!

Here come the 5th graders!

Well, I have been through my week of new teacher training and a week of preplanning with my new colleagues. I will meet my new 5th graders for the first time on Tuesday! Technically I met a few at open house, but it was such a whirlwind of a night, I don't really remember the few that came very well. I am anxious for school to start and to get the first week under my belt and get into a routine.

Derek came home last weekend finally after being gone for most of August. We were expecting to spend 3 days together, but because of the hurrican and some other issues, he got to stay home for a whole week! It was awesome to spend so much time together. He is gone now for about a week, will be home for a few days, gone for a few more, and then home for almost 3 weeks. What a life we are living...it's crazy, but makes us appreciate each other that much more!

While Derek was home we went to the beach one day, I introduced him to Jeff and Crystal and we all went to dinner at a Hibachi restaurant, and we spent a lot of quality time together. We are starting to look around at realators and loan officers. Planning to start the home buying process soon, as Derek will be gone on and off so often. Our plan is to close on a house sometime in December. I think we are going to make it work!

I made sure that Derek brought his camera with him off the ship so that I could take photos and post them here (since my camera bit the dust). Like a great husband, he did exactly what I asked. When I sat down to upload photos today, I realized that our usb cord is still on the ship. So...I won't be uploading any photos for another week.

My mom was in Virginia with her friends this past week and was planning to come down and visit for a few days with me. But, because of the hurricane, they decided to head home early. I can't blame them, but of course, the hurrican took a turn back out east and we only got a little wind and rain. Oh well...I will see them sometime soon!

Going to enjoy having Labor Day off to prepare an extra day for school. Hopefully will have some fun stories this week from the first few days!

End of the summer...

This last week completely FLEW by!...which is good and bad in itself. Good because it means Derek will be home sooner, but bad because it means it's closer to getting started with school. I oficially start my new teacher training on Monday. That is every day this week M-Thurs. Then the teachers start back to school on August 30th. We have 5 days of preplanning/professional development. Then, the kids start back the Tuesday after Labor Day. It will be here before we know it!

My mom will be traveling to Virginia with some friends around Labor Day weekend. I will get to see them for a few days and will hopefully get to do some fun, touristy type things while they are here. It will be great to see her before school starts!

I've been able to email lots still with Derek and he even got the facebook chat to work today so we actually got to talk! (sort of) It was really great, but made me want to talk to him in person even more. That day will be here before I know it though!

He has been doing awesome things out on the ship! I don't know all of the terms and jargon, but basically he's been working his butt off getting all the qualifications he had to for this short trip and his supervisors are noticing his hard work. I'm sure that will pay off for him and for us as he continues to work his way up the food chain. I'm proud of him!

I've been continuing to go to the gym with Crystal and been running. We are thinking of signing up for a 5K race to give ourselves a goal. There is a cool one the first weekend of October that goes through Back Bay (a really pretty, scenic area). Of course I've been spending time with her awesome kids as well! Just love them!

I attended a meeting for the ships Family Readiness Group (FRG) this week. It is basically the families and spouses of the sailors. There are monthly meetings to discuss business and questions, but also social events for fun and to keep us busy while our boys are away. I got a ton of helpful information (which made me realize that I have more things to add to the to do list) and met some very fun and sweet people! There are a handful of girls around my age who are also newlyweds and new to the area, so it's going to be great to have them around!

I am very anxious to get started back to work. I am hoping to learn a lot of things about 5th grade here and all the different language arts programs that are used. I feel like I still have so much to figure out and learn. But I know, from experience, that it will all get figured out and I will do just fine!

What a great week!

Derek has been gone for almost two weeks now...less than two weeks until he comes back! Unfortunately he will only be home for a few days and then is taking off for a few weeks again. However, I think we will get a few whole weeks together in September, which is great!

I have been spending my week with my awesome new friend Crystal and her amazing kids, Emma and Lily, and her husband, Jeff.

Crystal and her husband, Jeff. Such great people and an awesome family!

Their beautiful (but sometimes rotten) girls, Emma- 3 years, Lily- 5 months

They have treated me like one of their family and I am truly blessed to have met them and become so close so quickly! We've already had a few sleepovers and lots and lots of play time with the kids! It's given me a nice taste of what it will be like when Derek and I have kids of our own.

Crystal and I have been encouraging each other to get in better shape and have been working out quite a bit at the gym. She and I ran a total of 13 miles this week. This is a huge feat for me, as I have always despised running. But I have to say it feels so good to know that I'm working on getting back in to shape. And who knew...I'm not half bad at running! We've also been doing weight training and have tried out a few fun classes. It's a very nice facility with tons of options. Crystal and I run in a room called the Cardio Cinema. It's a room with lots of cardio equipment and it's dark. There is a big movie screen and they play a different movie every day of the month. It's nice that it is dark so other people can't see you huffing, puffing, and jiggling all over the place! It's also very nice to have the movie playing to take your mind off running.

Students do not come back to school until after Labor Day, but I start new teacher training the week of the 23rd. So, I will be going in to school quite a bit this week to get some things done. I'm anxious to get into the routine of the school year. But I am definitely enjoying the summertime!

We've made contact!

The last few days have been different now that Derek has taken off on his ship for a few weeks. I realized that this was the first time since we'd met that we had gone for more than a day without communicating in some way with one another. Luckily I didn't have to wait more than a few days. I got a few emails from Derek today!! It was such a nice surprise. I wasn't sure when I would be able to hear from him.

It sounds like Derek is doing well out on the ship! No sea sickness and he's able to get a good amount of sleep. He is enjoying his time familiarizing himself with procedures and the people he works with. Hopefully I will get to hear from him most every day, so I can keep everyone else updated.

As for me, I am doing what I can to keep busy. I have spent the last two days at school working on bulletin boards and sorting through my boxes. I am waiting for the custodians to move the other things (that are from the old literacy roon) out so that I can start getting unpacked and organized.

Yesterday I got to spend some time with Crystal, who I will be teaming up with teaching 5th grade. She is awesome! I am really blessed with the school I got placed in. There are great people so far who are going out of their way to make me feel welcomed and at home here in an area where I know no one. They have invited me to a couple 'gatherings' this weekend and next and we might even go see Zac Brown Band on the 12th! I'm glad I am able to find things to keep me busy while Derek is away. I can't wait for him to get home!

The apartment is pretty much unpacked and organized, minus a few little things. If I had a working camera, I would take photos and post, but mine is dead and Derek has his out on the ship. So, photos will have to wait. Or maybe I'll go buy a new camera....;-)

A few photos...

A few photos to go along with the last post and from other events this summer!


Playing some beach volleyball in my mom's pool!


Driving into the Cumberland Gap on our way to NC!


We stopped in the mountains to see the B-K clan. Me with Lily and Cassidy! Love this family!


Derek and I before our zip line tour in the mountains!


Getting ready to hike the Profile Trail. (Hence my profile shot!) There was a sign posted at the bottom of the trail that a mother bear and 2 cubs had been spotted. Yikes! Luckily we didn't see them!


Derek stopping on the trail for a photo op! I think he got a little tired of me stopping to take pictures all the time.


Derek and I enjoying a boat ride on Lake Norman at his parents' house!


Derek's parents, Chad and Wanda

Watching the Robinson boys play some golf!


Derek on the golf course!


First dinner in our first home together!


Bella got a new toy to go with her new home!





Derek talking with Bella after a long walk. She was so tired and Derek was having fun talking with his 'new' doggie!

Lots of big news!

It's been about 6 weeks since I've updated...oops. Not keeping up my end of the bargain! Let's recap the last 6 weeks!

After the wedding, Derek and I spent a week on the beach in Virginia Beach. While there, we found an apartment to live in that would be ready for us to move into on the 20th of July.

After our 'honeymoon,' I was home in Indiana for about 10 days, and then Derek drove from Virginia to visit after graduating from his most recent round of training. Wespent about 5-6 days in Indiana visiting with my friends and family. Then, we packed up and drove to the mountains in NC to see our good friends, the Birks-Kilmans. We got to spend about 24 hours with them, which is never enough, but were able to fit in a hike in the mountains where Derek went to college, a zip line tour, and a yummy dinner at a Japanese steak house. Then, we packed up and finished the trek down to Derek's parents' house outside Charlotte. We spent about 10 days there, took a boat ride just about every day, did lots of relaxing, laying out, and also cleaning out all of Derek's old things (which his parents greatly appreciated.)

I flew home to Indiana and from there I had about a week to get my apartment packed up for the movers and to say all my goodbyes to friends. I got to have a nice dinner with Carly and hit up the 4-H fair with Tabatha and her adorable kids. The movers came on the 16th to get all my things. I had oringinally planned to leave the 19th, but got a call from a school to come interview, so I left a few days ealier than planned.

That interview was for a 5th grade gifted class. I didn't get hired for that job (which I know was meant to be), so I was back on the hunt. The principal there said they really liked me and would put in a good word for me at other schools. Derek and I got moved in to our apartment on the 20th, and I made some trips out to schools to drop off resumes and cover letters to principals. Lukcily, one of those turned up an interview for a 5th grade position at a 'normal' school. I was asked back after my interview to meet the rest of the 5th grade team, and was offered the position today!! It feels so good to have that weight lifted off our shoulders!! Let the school work begin!

Just an update...

I am back from my week in Virginia Beach with Derek. It's tough, of course, to be away, but it feels good knowing that we will be living together permanently very soon. We found our apartment and our move in date is July 20th. We are in the process of taking care of a lot of busy work...name changes, moving paperwork, job applications, etc. It's keeping me very busy, which is good, as there's just not much to do in Wabash.

Our wedding pictures are up on the website...www.emily.lifepics.com Go to recent events and click on our link. You can view them as a guest without having to sign in. I have all the CDs and the copyrights of the photos, so we can now print off whatever ones we want. Our photographer was great! He is from Seymour, IN and comes highly recommended from us! He is wonderful and very affordable!

Derek finishes his school on the 25th and is traveling up bycar to stay with me for a few days. Then, we will be road tripping together to NC where we will hopefully meet up with the Birks-Kilman family for a day or so, and then head to Derek's parents and spend the holiday with them. Can't wait to see Derek again!

A Few Random Photos

Here are some photos that my aunt took over the weekend. The reason I have these few is because she took them and then my cousin, Andy, loaded them onto our new iPad they got us...SO AWESOME!!!! Here are just a few...more to come later.


My new brother-in-law, Jamie, and my new, adorable neice, Riley!


Myself, Derek, and another new brother-in-law, Zach at the rehearsal dinner


Riley and me...what a ham!


Some of us at Applebees after the reception...cousin Andy, his beautiful girlfriend, Audrey, me, Derek, and cousin Susan. So good to see family again!


Brother-in-law, Zach...apparently no one else wanted to look at the camera.


A little dark, but a good photo of my new father-in-law, Chad, and me. What an awesome guy!

The Knot Has Been Tied!

Well, June 5th has come and gone and it was a great weekend! It was so wonderful not only for Derek and my family to get together, but to also have all of my other friends and family in the same place on the same day! Talk about a great time...I just wish we would have had more time to spend with them.

It rained on and off all morning on Saturday, but I've heard that's supposed to be considered good luck! I am very happy that we ended up doing the ceremony inside. We were able to get a lot of outdoor photos as well, so that made me happy!

I'm spending this week in Virginia Beach with Derek. I wouldn't call it a honeymoon, because he is still in class everyday and I'm hanging out on my own at the beach. However our condo is right on the beach and there are plenty of things to do, so I can't complain. Not to mention the weather is amazing!

I will have photos posted soon for everyone to see. Our photographer did a fantastic job and is such a great guy! Comes highly recommended from us!

Derek and I are going to look at a potential apartment tonight and hopefully fill out an application for this place. We are planning to live here for roughly 6 months and hopefully find a house to buy before the end of the calendar year (which is when we think Derek may be shipping out for the first time). Hopefully that goes well!

Busy, Busy, Busy!

The last week has been full of appointments, wedding to-do lists, and finishing up the end of the school year. We only have one day of school left with the kids, and it's a no brainer...academic awards in the morning and field day in the afternoon. Piece of cake! My mom and I came to school today and loaded up all my stuff and brought it home to keep in her garage until I move. It will feel really good to be done with school in about 36 hours!

Last weekend was my bachelorette, which was a huge success! We started at Mi Pueblo, a little Mexican place in Wabash, for dinner, and then carpooled down to Indy to Embassy Suites. We did gifts and a few drinks and then headed out to Howl at the Moon. Good times with the ladies!

This week is going to be crazy busy getting things ready for Saturday. I can't believe the day is almost here, but I'm so ready....mentally at least! Lots to do with the food, getting decorations organized and just running around finishing things up.

I will be traveling back to VA Beach with Derek after the wedding to spend a week on the beach. He will still be in class for the week, but it will be nice to spend some time together. Derek thinks he found an apartment for us near the beach in a nice area, so we are going to check it out when we are there and hopefully fill out an application too. If it all works out like we hope, I will be moving down there in the beginning/middle of July.

Can't wait to see everyone on Saturday! It's forecasted to rain...but oh well! At the end of the day, we will be married, and that's all that matters!

Nothing Too Exciting...

So, I realized it's been a week and a half since I posted anything. Ooops...

However, nothing too exciting has happened in that time. I had a visitor last weekend, which was great and we had a lot of fun! Always good to have him here! The last few weeks have been full of last minute wedding planning and pulling all the little details together. I am to the point of confirming reservations, putting finishing touches on the decorations, and getting all my own items together. I definitely couldn't do any or all of this without the helo of my mom and sister...hooray for them! I can't wait for the day to get here....only 15 to go. CRAZY!

Only 6 days of school left. I am excited for Monday to come as I am using our team's new Elmo machine to present the student's projects. I think I am more excited about it as the kids. Makes me hope that wherever I will be teaching I will have all this technology at my fingertips.

I just realized I do have a big important piece of information to share...duh....

Derek found out yesterday that his orders are to VIRGINIA!! I'm so glad we finally know where we are going. I'm not going to lie....I was hoping for Florida, but it will just be great to be near Derek, and honestly, anything is better than Midwest weather. We will be close to the water, and I'm getting excited to start a new adventure. So now I'm in the process of applying for my Virginia teaching license. Lots of hoops to jump through and papers to fill out. But it will get done.

After the wedding I will be going out to VA with Derek for a week, so we will be able to apartment hunt and hopefully find a decent place to live for the time being until we are ready to buy. (That sounds really weird to be saying that about myself)

This weekend is my bachelorette party and I can't wait! I will be enjoying an evening of yummy Mexican food and even yummier beverages in downtown Indy. We are going with a Hawaiian theme...I'll let you figure out the play on words we are going for. HA! Should be a great time with good friends and family! I'm sure there will be photos to post soon!

15 Days of School To Go!

Today was the beginning of the last 3 weeks of school! I can't wait to be done with this school year. Of course there is the added excitement of getting married and moving away, but I can safely say that I would, under no circumstances, teach 8th grade ever again. Today was a great reminder of just how trying 8th graders can be on my nerves. I have no idea what I will be doing 10 years down the road, but in the meantime, I have no desire to teach anything higher than 6th grade. Crossing my fingers that I can find an elementary position wherever it is Derek and I end up.

On a different note, my mom, sister, and I worked on creating a master list/schedule of everything that needs to get finished for the wedding (I'm sure we forgot plenty of things). I feel much more organized, but we are down to the little nit-picky details, and there's many, many of them to do. I'm confident it will all get done, but we are definitely getting down to the wire! Only 26 days to go until the big day!

PS...RSVPs are "due" this Friday...if you're reading this and haven't sent it in yet...get a move on!

My First Visit With Jack!

This weekend I was lucky enough to have some free time (and a mom who will dog sit) so, I headed up to Lockport to see my good friends Katie and Rick and their (sort of) brand new son, Jack! I wanted to be able to spend some QT with them before moving. Thankfully they are making the trip down for the wedding, but I know it will be a crazy day, not much time for bonding.

Jack is a beautiful, healthy boy and it's the best when he smiles! He only pooped on me once and spit up on me twice, but, according to Katie's mom, that just means he's comfortable around me! So, I think I made a great first impression. He is a great baby, and sure does love his mommy and daddy.

Not only did I get to spend time with Jack, but did some fun things with his parents as well. On Friday, I got to see Jenna, their cousin and Jack's godmother, Katie made a wonderful dinner and we enjoyed some Dairy Queen afterwards. On Saturday, we had breakfast, took a walk to the library, and Rick and I bonded over some old-school Nintendo game time. It's always fun spending time with those two, and Rick sure does keep me on my toes!

Here are a few photos of Baby Jack:


Hanging out on his blanket



A better angle...one I'm sure Rick will like much more



Nap time in the swing

A Trip To Texas

I wanted a chance to meet Derek's sister Ashton, her husband, Jamie, and their 2 year-old, Riley, so we made an impromptu trip out to Texas a few weekends ago. We had such a great time, and I'm so glad they are going to become a part of my family, and I a part of theirs. Riley is a little spitfire, but so adorable and so much fun! We didn't end up taking too many pictures, because we were so busy the whole weekend, but here are a few:


Riley modeling my sunglasses on the way to the stockyards. What a cutie!



She's ready for her close-up!



Riley sitting on the animal with mom, Ashton, at the stockyards, while we listened to the live music.




Riley and I getting silly while she's dressed up in mommy's cowgirl boots. What a ham!


So apparently I should have title this "The Riley Post!" We did lots of other fun things in Texas: grilling out, going for walks, and Jamie teaching me all about the "two pour," but Riley is obviously the most fun to photograph! So glad we got to make the trip out and are looking forward to seeing the Loverns again soon at the wedding!

Let's Try This Again...

Now that I feel like my life is finally taking off...I'm going to try this again, for the sheer fact that I have no idea where it's taking me. Rewind...not entirely true. Let's recap:

Known Facts-

1. I am getting married on June 5th (to Derek...he rocks)
2. We will be moving this summmer, thanks to the US Navy
3. I am ecstatic

Unknown Facts-

1. When we are moving
2. Where we are moving
3. Where I will be working

So, we will see where all of this takes us. But, since I figure I will be far from many of my friends and family, this will be a great way for me to keep up with everyone and post info and photos. Enjoy!