Sorry!

I have not been keeping up with this blog-thing...but my new goal is to TRY HARDER! A dear friend of mine said to me that she still looks to see if Ive posted anything....and it really showed me that people do care! (Thanks Lori!) So I will do my best, hopefully I don't fall into old habits!

Okay, so its been another 6 months since Ive written to you....time sure does fly!!

Since January...my husband Jake moved to Florida with me (we came for the holidays but he went back to CA to finish up his time in the Marine Corps and to see that our stuff got put on a moving truck). Jake's dad flew out to CA to help him drive our car back to Florida....unexpected road trip but they had a ton of fun! They pulled up the drive (on February 16th) with flowers in hand because they missed Valentines Day with us (Darlene and I). Darlene took me out on a date to the Cali Shack down the road to reminisce on our times in Cali and eat some two dollar tacos (yum!).

Jake and I moved into his Grandma's condo...it over looks the water with floor to ceiling windows....talk about AMAZING views! Needless to say, we were reluctant....KIDDING!!!

Jake taught me more about fishing...we lived it up!

OMG is that a basketball under my skin?!

Jake was asked to be in the Seminole parade with Congressman Young...

Congressman Young is an amazing man. He has done truly life saving things for us and our family. We owe him and his wife Beverly a HUGE thank you!!!!

In April we stumbled upon a house for rent across the street from my in-laws. We peeked int he windows and decided to give the owners a cal. The price was right and they agreed to let us rent the house...thank goodness, because this baby was coming soon! We moved in on April 7th. We joke that we're living like the TV show Everybody Loves Raymond!

Man, that belly is BIG!

Thanks guys for doing all the heavy lifting! And thanks to the ladies who helped me clean and unpack (and the guys)....and for yelling at me for working too hard!

Ten days later this guy arrived....

And our lives have never been the same!

I've never known a love like this. I knew it existed but theres just no explaining it, you have to feel it.

I spend most of my days with him because I'm breastfeeding (and I work from home, that's a blessing too!). It was important to me to get him all the milk and nutrients I could. Turns out, he's a GREAT eater. He exceed the expectations of the nurses at the hospital. His pediatrician said he's gaining and growing just like he should, I should even cut down on his intake. He had (and still has) some rough days. He get acid reflux, mostly because he was filling his belly too much (partly my fault). We try to keep him upright most of the time, even while sleeping. The medicine helps a lot.

This is what I wake up to every morning! Its the best! Better than morning coffee :)

We've had lots of visitors and gifts...thank you all for EVERYTHING!

Thanks especially for both sets of grandparents for all your help and support! Couldn't have done it without you!

There are billions of pictures of this little guy...you can see the best ones on my facebook. But I do want to share with you a picture from our 4 year anniversary that we just celebrated.

Seems like just yesterday it was June of last year and my other half was half way around the world fighting in this brutal war that's going on. I cant believe it's been a year.

We celebrated Jake's Alive Day. June 10th was a year anniversary that he got wounded in Afghanistan. It's the only wound you can physically see....but trust me the damage from that deployment is astounding. My strong courageous husband (and many others) hide it well though. But that's a different story for another day. All in all, I am so blessed and thankful he came back alive. I am one of the lucky ones, and I don't take that for granted. Thank you Lord for bringing him back to me.

On another note, I'm working a lot, doing insurance. Jake is working and going to school. Trying to stay on top of the VA as well. We're making new friends and reconnecting with old ones. We are so thankful for all the wonderful things that have come our way in the past 6 months. Life has truly done a 180 for us. I will part with a few of my favorite pictures from the past few months and I will be back shortly with more blogging! Adios!

My aunts, my mom, and myself at my baby shower!

When I first arrived at the hospital. My water broke around 3 am at home :)

Oh labor is not so bad when you've got your best people by your side!

A NEW YEAR!

Holy moley.....I cannot believe its been over 6 months since I've blogged! Sorry to everyone who kept checking in. Lets just say it's been a whirlwind!

So to catch you up....

June 10th, 2011 Jake was hit in the face by shrapnel. LUCKILY it missed everything major...but a few inches to right and he wouldn't be alive today. Thank the Lord! He was promoted in Afghanistan on June 11th to Corporal! Long over due! His brother and Gunny surprised him at the FOB (forward operating base) to pin him. It was a special moment to be reunited with his brother after many months of separation.

You can see the wounds on his face...they ended up getting infected for a bit but are all healed now. The old ladies always try to wipe the "lipstick" off his face!

Then on July 18th we heard some bad news...Max stepped on a 25lbs IED. That's big. He had his right leg amputated through the knee. His left leg was in pieces but saved, barely, and causes him much pain. And his left hand was peppered by shrapnel, but was also saved and has gained most mobility back. He is now walking on a prosthetic, passed a driving test, goes on trips with the Wounded Warrior program, and is looking forward to many physical activities like skiing and biking.

The first day he walked again

We all saw him through the days in the hospital. His parents flew out and stayed for a few months. And we made the best of the situation. He moved into a house in San Diego and loves it!

Craziness came along with the second half of this year....but we made it through. It was tough in every way, stressful, but looking back we had some good times! We all thank God for the days we have together. Its been amazing experiencing the support from all of our friends, family, and even strangers throughout the past six months for both Max and Jake.

They are my HERO'S!

Both received many awards, including Purple Hearts.

Through it all you can see...they didn't loose their sense of humor!

Backing up a little bit...

Bad news hit a second time August....this deployment was tough on all of us...but not as tough as it was for Sgt. Robinson and Sgt. Gonzales' families. These two Marines were killed in action on August 7th, 2011. Both died fighting for our country, doing what they loved. Josh Robinson left behind a wife and two children, and a large AMAZING family. Adan Gonzales left behind a wife and three children, along with a huge AWESOME family. We had the pleasure of getting to know all these people in the following months....and we are so blessed to have them in our lives. We feel for them. The pain will live in all of us for the rest of our lives. All gave some...some gave all.

Some of the sniper platoon visiting the Gonzales'

And a picture with some of us with Josh Robinson's wife

You can see these two heroic men in this deployment video...along with the other 15 men who were killed from the 1st Batallion 5th Marines.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpmpkgNCgh8&feature=related

Shortly after the tragic news...on August 23rd I took a pregnancy test...and it came out POSITIVE! We had been trying for a long time...and finally our dreams and prayers came true!

This is from the day we found out....

I had gotten back to the weight I was when I got married: 125lbs! I worked hard along side my good friend Jenny while my husband was gone, to get back in shape for myself and for Jake!

Everyone jokes that we conceived the day he got back...but the doctor said it happened on August 7th...only God will know :) Our due date is May 2nd.

In October we celebrated the homecoming of the battalion and lots of our friends!

 And my birthday came later in the month

November came upon us quickly. We spent lots of time with family, friends, and the dog. Within two weeks we went to Vegas for the 236th Marine Corps Ball

and to Phoenix for Thanksgiving! LOTS of my family live there and some were visiting from out of state as well. It was some of their first time meeting Jake! It only took 3 1/2 years! Haha

In December we were blessed with a trip to Florida to see all of Jake's family and mine.

Prior to our trip we attended a platoon party, which of course included guns (before the beer came out of course!)

The twins were greeted with the most INCREDIBLE homecoming I've ever seen! An out-pour of our local people came out to greet us at the airport! There was a 100+ motorcycle escort...fire trucks and police cars...big-wigs...and hundreds of strangers all came out to welcome the twins home. I could not be more blown away. It was a day that they deserved and will never forget!

We bounced around for two weeks trying to see everyone, do everything, and have fun. Most things were accomplished. It's hard to balance everything and not hurt feelings. Most couples know how this feels. But there were lots of good times and laughter celebrating Christmas and the New Year!

Christmas at Grandma Brennan's

Christmas at the Pechin's...looking at our new calendar that my mom makes for us every year!

This is Jake's famous "Underwear from Santa!" face

Christmas at the Gauthier's...their parents gave them new fishing poles!

We brought in the new year with some great friends and family! We played games...

We danced (of course!!!)....shot fire works...and toasted to the new year as the ball dropped!

We had a blast and are welcoming the new year in with much joy, prosperity, and happiness! We wish that for everyone around us as well! 2011 was a tough year. We were definitely ready to kiss it goodbye.

(Sorry for the not-so-many pictures of me...I tend to be the photographer most days.)

Oh...and did I mention the latest big news...??

Since the twins went back to California..I have stayed in FL. I'm working two jobs and enjoying being back in the same city as our families! Jake finished up his contract this month. He will be home (in FL) with me soon. Max is staying in California to continue therapy. And I am SOOOOO ready to have my husband back with me so we can start this new chapter of our lives!

California was a good chapter....even with the challenges, we made some good memories and grew stronger though our experiences. We learned how to survive a deployment, how to keep our real friends close, trust in faith and family to get us through to the next day, how to heal, and love each other more everyday. I think 2011 was a year of learning...lots of lessons learned...and we made it to the other side! We started 2012 year off right and we're looking forward to all that is to come!

Goodbye for now to lots of friends who have become extensions of our family...come visit us in Florida! You're all welcome here anytime. There are white beaches and pina coladas waiting for you!!

The Marine Corps was a great begining to our lives as a couple. We said in the begining, "If we make it through this, we can survive anything." And we were successful! The roller coaster of the Marines....I wouldnt wish it upon anyone...but it sure was good for us and I'm glad we did it! I love being married to a Marine! Goals were set and accomplished, love grew stronger and stronger, and life was flashed before our eyes many times. I am so thankful for everything, good and bad. I have watched my husband and myself grow up...(no offence to anyone) but I believe the military would make anyone grow up faster, that includes the spouse. To our SDP family and our SSP family....WE LOVE YOU!!

Thanks to everyone who stuck by us. We are forever grateful!!!!!!

Almost Halfway!

Hola!

Yesterday we hit the 40% mark of the deployment! Woohooooo!!!

And today happens to be a SPECIAL day in our household. Since I am not joined by my husband, I'm going to share it with you guys!

Today is our THIRD ANNIVERSARY!

This is June 11th, 2008

Happiest day of my life!

June 11th, 2009

June 11th, 2010

I am so greatful for these past 3 years. My life has changed in so many postive, countless ways. I dont know if I would have ever lived in Washington, DC or in Southern California, had I not been forced to (and I dont mean forced in a bad way!). This has been an amazing journey and it's never slowed down! I am a better, stronger woman after being married to Jake and the Marine Corps. It has opened my eyes in many ways. I cherrish every memory....thank goodness for pictures, otherwise I would have forgetten a lot of the little things. I am truely blessed!!!

Here's to many more!!

On another note, June 11th, 2011 is a very special day in another way...it marks Jake's 4 year enlistment date, Max as well. Four years ago I couldn't fathom this day if I tried. I wouldn't have guessed I'd be married to my best friend, going through a deployment, owning a dog, living in SoCal, etc. I never imagined all the things Jake would accomplish over these 4 years. I remember watching them drive away in that van, headed to Parris Island. And coming out 3 months later....

(Each picture, Max is on the left and Jake is on the right.)

Look how much they've changed...they turned into men.

November 2010

Well....most of the time....

So this day means a lot to us.

Congrats to my guys, 4 years is a big accomplishment!

And Happy Anniversary to the love of my life! <3

5K

Greetings from SoCal!!

I am sorry for boasting about myself, but I dont do it often, and I think today is a good excuse to do so!

Today I reached two small goals of mine...

I ran a 5k without stopping! And I am down 5lbs since my husband left. I did not really start working towards my goal until just about mid-April. So in a month and a half I went from ZERO cardio - it was a struggle to run half a mile - to 3.1 miles!

If any of you know my cardio abilities, it's not my strong suit. Sure I used to run up an down the lacrosse field in high school, but those were more like sprints, not endurance. And that was 3 years ago! I have worked out after school, but it hasn't been the same, not being apart of a team.

So now here I am, 3 years to the day of graduating high school, and I can run a 5k! This is not a small accomplishment for me. I have never been able to pat myself on the back for any endurance workout before. I'm thrilled!

I have to thank my work-out partner Jenny Durkin! She is on the same journey I am. We secretly out-do each other everyday. So congrats Jenny! I am so proud of you for making this goal with me and I'm so thankful I have you beside me, pushing me to do better.

Now maybe we can keep up a little bit along side our husbands working out?!?

Wishful thinking, I think. They have a 4 year head-start on this whole long distance running.

Sexy beach body....HERE I COME!

Wee Bit of Me Wednesday

<center><a href="http://www.myleighashley.com" /><img src="http://i616.photobucket.com/albums/tt244/leighbenner/weebitsbutton-2.png"; width="350"; /></a></center>

{one} when was the last time you used a pay phone (if ever)?Probably the time I went to France in eighth grade. I used a pay phone to call my parents!

 

{two} did you ever fail a subject in school?NO! And proud of it! I think I only got A's and B's for the most part.

 

{three} where do you go to get your favorite hamburger/cheeseburger?Yumm! I love burgers. I cannot get enough of Mr. Pete's Burgers in San Clemente, CA. So delishious, and BIG! If I had to choose a normal fast food place....I like Jr. Woppers from Burger King. I used to walk down the road get those before volleyball practice in high school :)

 

{four} have you ever served jury duty?Nope, thank goodness. I have been sent a post card summoning me...but they sent it to me in DC for Florida jury duty....OBVIOUSLY I live in DC if you sent it to my address. Duh. I said I was married to a Marine and they let me off the hook. I would hate to have to buy a plane ticket just for jury duty.

 

{five} how old were you when you moved out of your parents’ house?I was 18, fresh out high school and a newlywed :) Parents and family were'nt too thrilled with my decisions at the time!

 

{six} what is your favorite color to wear?I love to wear white, but I end up using a lot of stain remover at the end of that day!

 

{seven} do you have a pair of shoes that you wear all the time?I wish I could report differently, but I wear my work shoes the most. If I'm not working I prefer going barefoot or wearing flip flops.

 

{eight} do you enjoy talk radio?The only talk I can listen to for a decent amount of time is Ryan Seacrest's War of the Roses.

 

{nine} if you could turn one unhealthy food into a healthy one, what food would it be?Ice cream. I cant get enough.

 

{ten} who is the best speaker you’ve ever heard in person?Off the top of my head, I've never really hear too many speeches....but probably my the head of my program (Pinellas County Center for the Arts) in high school, Mr. Nurmela. He was filled with wisdom and had the UTMOST patients. I have never met someone so caring in a school administrative position.

New pottery!

Here's some of newer stuff!

They've all been fired pretty recently, so I have to turn them in for a grade pretty soon. I hope I get an "A"!! Which one do you like??