The End has come.....

I have spent the last 8 years of my life devoted to the United States of America. I have had great time, wonderful memories, and life long friends. I am sadden to say that my time as a United States Sailor has come to an end. I just found out that March 17, 2009 I will hang up my uniform for good. It was not in the cards for me to stay in. Due to over manning in my job field I am being involuntarly separated.
I have loved my time as a sailor. I have seen things and been place I never dreamed I would have seen or done. I am grateful for my service. And if I could stay I would. I am grateful that I was able to be stationed in Florida, to meet Corey and Timi who never stopped believing in me. I am grateful for the experiences I had in Mississippi, with Bishop White. I found my way back to Christ there is the hills of Mississippi. I was able to find the love of my life in Charleston, and found very dear and precious friends in Denver. I am most grateful to my family for their support and love over the last 8 years. Time really does fly by. I will always remember how I feel putting on my uniform, knowing that I am part of something so wonderful. I am grateful for this Country. I have given of my time and my freedom to ensure that of my friends and family. I am grateful for what this Country stands for. I will never forget where I was on 9/11. I will always remember my time spent on board the USS John F. Kennedy. And how I felt when I was able to say that I was able to protect this Country. I love this country. I love and honor the flag and what it stands for. I am afraid that those coming behind me do not look at the flag of this nation for what she stands for. I am honored to have been a United States Sailor. I am sad for what I am leaving behind. I am excited for the future. I am praying that all works out for us.. I am excited to stay in the Denver area a little while longer. I am grateful all of your support.

California

Time for catch up. We spent the last week out in California for Jenn's niece's wedding. We started out the week taking Dakota to Sea World, which he really enjoyed the shows and getting to visit the hands on pools.

Dakota and Mommy at See world on the Flying Elmo Fish

Dakota playing on the toddler area

"look mommy I'm building a house"

Peter and Dakota on the rope bridge

Part of the Dolphin Show

Dakota and Daddy in the shark cave

The awesome Shamu Show

What Beautiful creatures Killer Whales are

The Tidepools, that water is COLD!!!

On the Sky Ride over the Pacfic Ocean

The highlight of the week for Dakota though would most likely be Wednesday. We told him he would get to go to Mickey's House on this trip and so he was excited to go to Disneyland. It was a great day and Dakota got to see his favorite Disney pals. We chose Wednesday to avoid traffic and it worked we walked on almost all the rides we wanted and the longest waits were probably 15min. Jenn's favorite part though of this day would probably be getting to visit with her friend Melani and her daughter Emily. Emily and Dakota became fast friends and enjoyed some rides together, along with a fun show, Playhouse Disney Live on Stage. Dakota got to see all his "friends" from the Disney Channel. Jennifer had gone to Melani's wedding just recently and so this November has been a great time for them to catch up on things in person. We also got to enjoy the day with Jenn's niece Whitney and now husband Lars, and also her nephew Skylar. Of course getting to Disneyland was half the fun that day. On our way the driver rear tire blew. So Jenn got us to as good as place on the side of the freeway and instead of waiting on road side assistance we changed it ourselves. Nothing too big of a challenge other than the trucks whizzing by a foot away from us as we made the change. It was good though cause that probably saved us 2 or more hours. Which we really enjoyed at the park staying until closing and Dakota was awake for most of it only taking one power nap right before the Peter Pan ride. Well we had those two fun days a parks and then ended our week with two great days. Friday we had a dinner honoring the couple to be with a great movie made by Lars' Dad. Then Saturday we went to the temple for the ceremony followed that night with the reception for the new couple. And the weather the whole time couldn't have been better. Only regret probably being not bringing more shorts . We did get to LA on Saturday with all the fires. But that was cleared up by Tuesday, Sunny 75 to 80 degree days.

The Heros of the day!

This is what are tire looked like

Whitney, Skyler and a very sad Dakota on the side of the the 57.

After we met the Dream Team.. we all got Mickey Ears! A million bucks would have been better.. but Mickey Earswill have to do.

Whitney and Lars getting in some parenting pratice

Mom, dakota and Mikey Mouse

Emily and Dakota. Best of Friends. This is the first time meeting each other!

Playhouse Disney Live on Stage

Quick Power nap before Peter Pan. Mom's favorite ride!

First time riding a horse all by himself. He is growing up so fast!

The newlyweds.. well not yet! Cute Hats! who got you those?!

Best friends.. Now both mommies! Love you Melani!

Emily and Dakota. Awww how sweet!

What Snow in So Cal? Doesn't the Castle look Beautiful? Now that is the kind of snow I can handle.

Driving the Fire Engine

First Time on a Roller Coaster

The whole gang!

Just one of the Family. A long lost brother

End of the day! What a great day!

We had an awesome time. We will have to post wedding pictures later. This post is long enough. Hope you enjoy the pictures! We sure enjoy being there.

8 crazy things

8 TV Shows I Love To Watch
1. Jon and Kate plus 8
2. Little People Big World
3. CSI: Las Vegas
4. Dr G's Medical Examiner
5. Extreme Home Makeover
6. Army Wives
7. Untold Stories of the ER
8. Raising 18 Children and Counting

8 Favorite Restaurants
1. Chili's
2. TGI Fridays
3. Hickory House 
4. Red Robin
5. Sweet Water Cafe (Charleston SC)
6. Yokosho's (Charleston, SC)
7. Texas Roadhouse
8. Mexi Casa (Anaheim CA)

8 Things That Happened Yesterday
1. Had Mexi Casa for Dinner
2. Saw my best friend and her sweet daughter
3. Went soaring over California
4. Took my son to Disneyland
5. Went on Space Mountain for the first time
6. Had a Churro. 
7. Took Dakota on Pirates 
8. Walked until my feet felt like they would fall off.  Had a great day

8 Things I'm Looking Forward To
1. Whitney and Lars' wedding 
2. Heading for home on Sunday
3. Thanksgiving with good friends 
4. Starting Christmas cards
5. Going to Estes Park the Day after Thanksgiving. (Thanks Staci... we would love to go with you..if we can work that out)
6. Listening to Christmas music<----agrees with Melanie!
7. Figuring out what is going to happen in our lives. 
8. Going to Salt Lake for Christmas.. 

8 Things On My Wish List
1. A Wii
2. A New wardrobe 
3. A bedroom set
4. A clean house
5. to sell our condo
6. To know that we are going to be okay with whatever happens in our life. 
7. to lose some more weight
8. to be more organized 

8 People I Tag
1. Rachael Walker

2. Rachael Waldron

3. Kelli

4. Mary 

5. Staci

6. Timi

7. Lisa

8. Sue

Jennifer's Navy Career

For those of you who have been following my career, and the roller coaster we have been on, we just got word that I did not make the next pay-graded I needed. I got word yesterday, so when I get back to Colorado, I will be talking to my Master Chief in Oklahoma City, and see what my next step is. We have a few options that we can choose from. But it might be that we will be out of the Military by March. Your thoughts and prayers on behalf of our family would be much appreciated. We aren't sure what the future holds for us, but we pray that Heavenly Father will continue to bless us, and help us find the opportunities that will best benefit our family. We are grateful for the time we have had in Colorado. And we might be there a whole lot longer then we ever planned. (which is okay with us, we love our Colorado Family) Thanks in advance for all your prayers.

Well I did it

For those of your that have been following my progress with my Physical Fitness test for the Navy. I finally passed it. YEAH!!!
Run 1.5 miles-17:05
Push ups- 30
Sit ups- 48

This is something I have been working on. Unlike a lot of my friends, I am not a great runner. I have to work hard to get my time to where it is now. I plan on keeping up with my exersice routine. So hopfully next march when I have to take it again, I will be able to pass it the first time around. I am just happy I was able to pass. Now I can go to California with no worries.
Thanks to all those that have encouraged me along the way.
Have a great day!

Halloween

Well it was another great October and I think Dakota enjoyed it a lot more this year. He definitely is not as scared of the decor this year. He loved going to the stores and making the various figures do the shrieks and stuff. As he says I want to push the button. Last weekend we took him to a trick or treat at a local medical center. It was our second time going and was a lot of fun. Dakota loves the barrel trains and this year he rode a miniature pony for the first time. Then this past Thursday he had trunk or treat followed yesterday by trick or treating in the neighborhoods. So he has lots of candy that of course makes him happy. His favorite type is suckers followed by chocolate. On the chocolate side probably m&ms being his favorite. And as a favorite of ours we carved pumpkins. Jenn went to a party and carved two and then Thursday I carved 4 more freehand no stencils this year. We as tradition carve one pumpkin for each family member. If you do the math though this year we did two per person just out of fun. It seems though we only got pictures of the final three and if you happen to notice the cracks in the little one. Dakota knew it was his and wanted to help mommy carry it, so it took a tumble. Well hope everyone had a fun and safe Halloween and continue to enjoy the upcoming holidays. It is a great time of year.