Good Morning Dad!!

Today we had the great and unexpected pleasure of talking to Jet Pilot before our school day actually started.
It was fan-friggin-tastic.
I forgot how much I like his voice.
And his face.
And his personality.
It's funny how the subconscious handles separation. Or depressing, depending on your outlook. :/

Phone calls like this one make living this lifestyle a teensy bit easier to handle. Plus it was a great way to head into our weekend!

Hang in there love, we miss you bunches and bunches but we will talk again soon!!!

Heavy heart

As of late I have had the comings and goings of a heavy heart. Unless you have been under a rock recently you know that 2 F/A-18 Pilots died recently. There was a shooting in Coronado (the small resorty islandish city off the coast of San Diego) on New Years Day.

Now when you get to where we are in Aviation training it soon becomes apparent that everyone knows everyone. Mainly because all these pilots have been stationed together at one point or another.

And it is with a heavy heart that I say we knew one of those pilots affected by this incident in San Diego. Bob Reeves. He went through training in Mississippi with us. He was actually in Jet Pilot's class and went to the Aircraft Carrier to get qualified on the boat with him.

I happened to find out about the story because I read it on the Internet (without all the names initially) and being that the Aviator pool is so small and the fact that we actually know several pilots who live in San Diego I texted Jet Pilot and asked him to call Bob and make sure he was ok. I'm really not sure why I was so adamant that Jet Pilot do this I just felt this weird sense of urgency. When Jet Pilot finally called me back he told me the news, Bob was one of the people who was dead and all the details were still sketchy but it didn't look good.

I'm not going to rehash the details of the story, that's what Google
Is for, and honestly it's so sad I don't want to dredge it up again.

The authorities are saying Bob committed this horrible act, for that I have no words- he was a friend and nice guy and always seemed happy around us.

I do not know how to take all this...so I am giving it over to the Lord and asking for His hands to touch the minds and hearts affected by all this senseless tragedy.

I pray for the three families who's loved ones are gone, and I pray tonight for all the pilots who knew one or both of these Aviators. As a friend and co-worker I'm sure there are a multitude of questions or concerns that have rolled around in their heads and I pray for their peace of mind. God's plan is always at work.

I went back and forth as to whether or not I should publish this post but thanks to a good friend I decided I should. And honestly, I'm glad I did. It's like a load has been lifted-closure, or something.

So tonight hug your littles, kiss your spouse and never take it all for granted.
Because it could all be gone in a flash.

Realignment CHECK.

The earth has realigned itself and the stars are all in correct orbit.

My husband is home.

A little worse for the wear but not as bad as I thought.  He finished Jet Pilot training stuff out in the wilderness and now he is home.

In time for Valentine's Day and Bonnie's Birthday.  YAY!

We are all so glad he is back, the littles missed him and I know I was feeling like something was missing while he was gone.
(Not to mention the 38942 things that "almost" broke while he was gone--had me stressing about telling my husband we needed a new this or that.  Not counting the printer because we both knew that was on its way to expiring.)

Welcome Home Darling and Happy Valentine's Day!!

The Next Step-Selection

Six years ago when Jet Pilot and I were both in the Navy we went to a Blue Angels Airshow and toured all the planes.  As luck would have it the Air Wing that I had deployed with was the one who's planes were on display at this particular airshow.  We walked around and I chatted up with all the pilots that I had previously become very familiar with (after all you spend 6 months with someone and try to NOT become friends thru it all), it was at this time, this day, these hours that a dream was born.  Jet Pilot looked over at me and said "I think I could do this...how cool would it be if I could become a Fighter Jet Pilot?" 
And like the good wife I agreed. 
This conversation sparked a series of events that have 1000% changed our lives in a very short amount of time.  From the beginning he always wanted to fly the F/A-18, now if you are not a super Aviation geek then you may not know all this but there are about 3493 types of F/A-18's. 
Well not that many but you know what I mean. 
And from the beginning he always wanted to fly the F/A-18.

So fast forward 3 years and we are here.  Jet Pilot is still in school (Navy or civilian), learning one Naval Aviation-ish thing or another and STILL wanting to fly F/A-18's.  And I want him to fly those scary awesome and amazing planes.  Fast forward a bit more to me sitting in a Navy conference room (with our friends the "G" Family, the Navy wife who helped me survive the carrier qual week) complete with a Ping Pong table, Navy dudes and a popcorn machine waiting to see what decisions the Good Lord would bestow upon us as our next adventure. 

Not my ideal location-but again, what the heck do I know right?

As the CO walked in and started swapping out old arm patches for new ones that showed the type of plane the guys were going fly I could literally feel myself on the verge of puking.

It was soo bad I asked the other wife in the room to hold my hand...and to slap me if I looked like I needed it, lol, yes I am that much of a basket case.  I used to be tough, I swear.  First guy to get his patches swapped out-BLAM gets his first choice platform and location!  Second guy-FIRST CHOICE platform and location again!  Literally like 30 seconds has passed at this point but in my head it might as well have been 30 years...I don't think I was breathing.

Then my husband's turn, (can you tell I am green at this point?), deep breaths, woo-saah, (swallow the puke) and the CO SLAPS ON THIS:

HIS FIRST CHOICE PLATFORM AND LOCATION-WEST COAST!!
I didn't cry (much) but I was soo ecstatic for the husband that I don't think I could form coherent words...although I know I announced that I was going to pee in my pants from all the stress and build up and excitement.  Cuz they don't think I am crazy enough right?

That's disbelief/joy in his face

So we will be moving to California very soon and we are all so excited.  Nervous. Relieved.  Blessed. Extraordinarily blessed.  It has been an amazing ride and I am eternally grateful that the Lord has blessed me to be the one at Jet Pilot's side through this awesome journey.  Its a wonderful, amazing life.  

Now he is pumped about it!

Its the only kind of life that I can see myself living, cuz after all--change is good.  And with the Military-change is inevitable.

Happy Family post-Selection!!  WE ARE GOING TO CA!!!

The last thing left is the official ceremony.  To put it all in stone and cement it into the fabric of our lives forever.  I can't wait.  None of us can.  We have family coming in from out of town and they are all going to help us celebrate this momentous occasion.

He made it!!!

I have been on a serious hiatus lately.  With the baby growing and me being exhausted and Jet Pilot finishing up Flight School it has been BEYOND CRAZY!!  

BBBUUUUTTTT.....through it all God has seen fit to bless us abundantly again.  

Naval Tradition dictates that when the student Aviator completes their final flight in Advanced Flight School their loved ones get to HOSE THEM DOWN WITH A FIRE HOSE as their form of congrats!!  (Crazy right??) 

But as one of his loved ones, I am totally down.  LOL. 

After that water show, the Big Kahuna (CO or XO at the squadron) pins "Soft Wings" (nametag with actual Aviator wings on them, its just unofficial until the Winging Ceremony) on the Student and welcomes them as part of the crew now.  The Naval Aviator Crew.  

Bonnie getting ready to spray Dad

Jet Pilot was running to get his "Wetting Down"

And she got him!!

The XO changing out his name tage

And then "tacking" it on, so it stays!

The Executive Officer (2nd in Command for the squadron) came out and switched Jet Pilot's name tag from Student to Winged Aviator.

The final BEAUTIFUL "Soft Winged" product!

It was a great day for Jet Pilot, well for all of us really and we were so blessed to celebrate with our friends.  The next steps are finding out what type of plane Jet Pilot is going to fly, where we will be stationed and pretty much determines how we will be spending the next 10+ years of our life. 
No pressure right.
But in my heart of hearts I know God has an AMAZING plan for us and I know that letting Him take charge (even though I really do enjoy leading the helm on our ship...lol) is the best thing. 

Stay tuned for the results of our next adventure!!

Wordless Wednesday (and a peek at some Carrier Qualified Pilots)

Instructor in the blue tee and some new Carrier Qualified Naval Pilots!!

Sidenote on the Wordless Wednesday post...I literally have like 894 pictures I want to share but since I should only pick one or two...well...maybe there will be additional posts on Thursday and Friday as well so I can share all the great things that have gone down lately!!

Jet Pilots+Carriers=FRAZZLED WIFE

Jet Pilot is in Sunny Southern California this week because he is "training" (translation, trying his hand at landing on an Aircraft Carrier, by himself ALONE in the jet.)
Yes I am a ball of nerves.
I know he is awesome.
I know he knows his stuff.
But I am still a knee knocking, nail biting, overly anxious cleaning housewife right now.
And I have to be this way til I hear from him sometimes tomorrow.  I was hoping by some random act of universe love he would call tonight but no such luck.  Or at least another wife who's husband is also "training" with my Pilot would call them and I would have some sort of update.  Sadly, this is not the case.

But I have everyone I know praying for him and I have been praying and sending love and light his way all day.  So I know it doesn't get any stronger than that. 

Yet here I sit, nervous...pacing and unable to sleep.  I hope I get some shut eye in before the morning comes.  Otherwise I will be useless as a mom tomorrow.  So if you happen to be reading this, please say a prayer for my husband.  Or at the very least..think calm landing safe on a GIANT AIRCRAFT CARRIER pleasant thoughts.  Thanks luvies...I appreciate it.

I really do.

Yes....he is always able to spare 5 seconds in the Jet to have a good time!!  The mustache was a Navy "tradition"-- you grow it out to show that you are going to the "Boat" Aircraft Carrier soon.  Jet Pilot's mustache was the thickest and fiercest of all the guys in his training detachment.  Cuz he just has to be the best at everything...even growing a thick "stache" for the trip!!  In this case...I think its pretty serious looking and I know he was proud of it.

P.S.   I have been a military wife 9 years (4 as an active duty member myself and 5 years as a dependent/SAHM)....and it is still as hard this time being apart as it was the first time we separated because of duty.  It never gets any easier....you just learn to embrace the emotional roller coaster ride a little better.

P.P.S.  That last line was meant to increase my own confidence....thanks for letting me talk thru that!!

For the Man in my life

Just a short little post to tell the man in my life Happy Birthday!!  Jet Pilot's Birthday was today and I just want him to know that I appreciate him and I am soo blessed to have such an amazing man as my husband!! Happy Birthday Honey and I know even though we did not do much it was a great day for me because we were able to celebrate together as a family.  And I know in coming years that is not going to be case, there will be A LOT of special occasions that we will be apart.  So thank Heavenly Father this birthday we were together...I love you more than words could ever express and I am so proud of the career path that you have chosen and the dream you are making coming true everyday!! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HONEY!!

My Jet Pilot and his EA-18G Flight

So for the new followers on this blog you may not know this about me- I am married to a Jet Pilot.  A real "Student" Naval Strike Fighter (he has been in Navy flight school for over 2 years now), yes I know exhilarating.   

And I am so proud.  EVERYDAY.  

He works hard.  
Too hard sometimes.  
But its his dream and I fully support him and I love this military life.  And sometimes since my Jet Pilot is such a hard worker he gets to reap the benefits of all his efforts.  Case in point:  My Jet Pilot got to take a EA-18G Growler Plane.  Now to most people (myself included to an extent, I mean I did 4 years in the Navy but that seems like eons ago..lol) we have no idea what a Growler plane is.  

Here is a little insight from the Naval-technology.com site:

The EA-18G Growler is an airborne electronic attack (AEA) aircraft which operates from either an aircraft carrier or from land-bases. The Growler has been developed as a replacement for the United States Navy EA-6B Prowler aircraft which entered service in 1971 and is approaching the end of operational life.

The Growler is a derivative of the combat-proven two-seat F/A-18 Hornet, the US Navy's maritime strike aircraft. The aircraft missions are mainly electronic attack (EA) and suppression of enemy air defences (SEAD), particularly at the start and on-going early stages of hostilities.

The first operational aircraft was delivered to NAS Whidbey Island in June 2008 and operational evaluation began in October 2008 onboard the USS John C Stennis (CVN 74) aircraft carrier. The SDD programme will conclude with an initial operational capability in late 2009 when the first of ten electronic attack squadrons (VAQ) will begin EA-18G operations."


Sounds fierce and new right??  I think soo too.
I could go on about all the weapons and radar and blah blah military nerd stuff but I will lose you; important takeaways--BRAND SPANKIN NEW MILITARY JET that is A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH.

This is the plane my Jet Pilot got to hitch a ride in.  

BECAUSE HE WANTED TO.
**Wife's heart is all a flutter**

I will not rehash all the details of going Mach speeds = REALLY SUPER DUPER fast, crazy spiral-y turns that if you drew them out they would look like my 3 year was doodling, and other crazy Naval Strike Aviator stuff.
But he came home after that flight with a MILE wide smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye that I don't think I could have put there as his charming wife. ;P

Here are some photo highlights:

Flying over the state of Mississippi

I think this is a hand signal for I am ready to have a blast and go really fast!

My Own Personal Top Gun

Isn't he handsome?? (He is I swear..lol)

He thinks that me posting stuff like this is silly but its important to give attention to all his milestones.  6 years ago this was just a dream we were talking about.  It is fast becoming our reality,  and I am afraid that if I don't write it all down I will forget how excited and happy we are during this time.  I have said it 3479843 times, but Jet Pilot I am proud of you and I am soo stoked that you got to catch a backseat ride on a Growler Jet!!  GGGRRRRAAAAWWWW!!!!

Phase 1 Training Complete

I just wanted to make an official post and say that my wonderful Jet Pilot has finished Phase 1 of Advanced Flight Training.

What does that mean you ask??
Well it means that he is about halfway through Advanced Flight Training and that he will for sure become a Strike Fighter Jet Pilot.

Up until this point it could have gone either way, he could have gone Strike (think Top Gun) or he could have gone done the E-2 which is an American all-weather, aircraft carrier-capable tactical Airborne Early Warning (AEW) aircraft OR the C-2 which is a twin-engine cargo aircraft designed to land on aircraft carriers and provide critical logistics support to aircraft carriers. Now these are both highly respected platforms to fly for our wonderful US NAVY but Jet Pilot's heart has always been to fly just that-Strike Fighter Jets!!
And while it is a little scary for me to think about sometimes I think that there is no job more suited for a smart, charming, patriotic and motivated man such as my Jet Pilot.

He is set to get his Naval Aviator Wings (aka Graduate) in December sometime and shortly after that we will move somewhere new. We are kinda hoping for California/West Coast FRS (Fleet Readiness Squadron) but we will be happy with going to Virginia/East Coast FRS (Yeah, it will be the 5th move in 5 years..lol), as long as we are together. That's what matters.

He thinks I am silly for bragging about this but I am soo proud of him and all the work he has done to accomplish HIS dream.
I remember 6 years ago when were talking about the idea of him putting in an application package to finish college and pick up a Naval Officer's Commission and then work on becoming a Strike Fighter Pilot. It seems so long ago when we first talked about it. But everyday we get closer and closer to that dream becoming less and less a dream and more and more a REALITY!

Honey, I am so excited you are Phase 1 Training Complete, even though I am not 100% sure what all that means!! I LOVE U AND I AM SOO LUCKY TO HAVE YOU!!

To the man that makes it all possible

Today is Father's Day and I want to take the time to thank a special man for all the love and joy he brings not only into my life but to Bonnie and Clyde's as well.

Our Jet Pilot.

I don't know that I can accurately articulate how awesome our Jet Pilot is but I will give it a shot.

When I first met Jet Pilot over 8 years ago I had no idea just how intelligent and driven he was. We were young and in the Navy when we started dating and I didn't really give it much thought, figured it would last or it wouldn't. Soon after I began to see how driven this young man was, how motivated he was to always be the smartest, the most successful but yet the most level headed person. He had dreams (bigger than I ever thought to have) and aspirations and for some reason completely unbeknownst to me-he loved me and wanted to fulfill all these dreams with me at his side. Now I am not a big believer in fate, I believe that our Most Awesome God has a plan for all us, that He sets people and places in our path for a reason and my path (thankfully!) involved Jet Pilot.

Within 6 months of meeting each other Jet Pilot and I got married. There was some whispers from our family but we knew in our hearts we were meant to be together. Shortly after we celebrated our 1 year anniversary we found out that we were pregnant with Bonnie and from the very first day Jet Pilot was every over indulgent pregnant wife's dream. He was so supportive, so gentle and always willing at the drop of the hat to do whatever random food run I asked for. (Poor guy, I was a whale and he loved me in spite of it!!) When Bonnie decided to make her arrival he was the best labor coach a girl could have asked for (even after 26 hours of labor). I have heard stories from other women who said their husbands panicked, got overwhelmed or just sat their stupified during the birthing process, not my Jet Pilot- he had his eye on the prize, focused and determined to help me get this baby out so we could meet her! The man could have doubled as a doula I swear. When Clyde was born he was awesome again, he had to take a more drill sargeant approach with me (our son's birthing process was hard and fast, wonderful and horrible at the same time) but so true to his character Jet Pilot knew exactly what I needed to get the job done.

Now that our little blessings are here and getting big he is the best father I have ever seen. Gentle yet firm, kind but truthful he leads this family like the Patriarch the Lord intended. Jet Pilot parents to our children with such wisdom and strength that at times its hard to hold back tears of pride over the values and morals he is instilling in our kids.

Jet Pilot is everything I would have asked the Lord for in a husband if I would have been smart enough to know what to pray for and on this special day I want to just take this time to thank him for his selfless sacrifice to serve his country, loves his kids unconditionally, lead his wife and most importantly love God wholeheartedly.

"I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.
When you walk, your steps will not be hampered;
when you run, you will not stumble.
Hold on to instruction, do not let it go;
guard it well, for it is your life."

Proverbs 4:11-13