New Chapter

In 2010, Tim and I took a huge leap and moved to California. For the first time ever, we left our friends and family and traveled across the country to our first duty station. We didn't know what to expect so we were excited but a little nervous too. It was like we were starting our lives all over again - from scratch - without any of our closest friends or family.

We got here and Tim immediately dove into work; we arrived on a Friday, he reported to post that evening, and started work promptly that Monday. I quickly learned this post did not allow a lot of free time with your hubby so in a way I had to fend for myself. Once I started going to church on post I knew this is where I belonged. I started working with the youth group and I established a catholic women's group. Through these outlets I met some amazing women and families and quickly felt at home at Holy Family Catholic Church.

For the last 2 1/2 years I have worked with some amazing youth and have done some great events and studies with the women of MCCW. Today at my catholic youth group meeting, I informed my kids that next week will be our last meeting for the school year and my last meeting with them... my heart broke when I told them.

I never expected to make the kind of relationships here that I have. I have had the privilege of working with some extraordinary teens; they have taught me so much and I hope they have gained some knowledge and insight from me. I have also met some amazing women through MCCW and several "mommy" groups on post. I've shared my ups and downs with these women for the last couple of years and have learned how to survive this crazy Army life through all of them. Luckily with all the technology we have I hope to continue these relationships at our next post. Hopefully I'll feel as welcomed and loved at our next post as I have here <3

As long as everything goes as planned, Tim, Liam, Patches, Daisy, Baby O #2 and I will pack up and travel across the country this summer and settle in at our new home at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Things are still "processing" but hopefully if all goes as planned we'll be there by August. We've decided to come "home" to help out with my family more and to hopefully save some money since we won't have to fly across the country to see our friends or family. So I'm anxious and excited to be closer to my family and to get to know more Army families at Fort Belvoir : )

Welcome to SoCal : ) 

First trip to the Pacific! Seems like forever ago... 

First youth retreat I participated in at Big Bear. 

Some of the amazing ladies of the Military Council of Catholic Women. 

Honored to work with these inspirational youth leaders every week : )