Fall, finally!

It's Fall, my favorite season.

I love the smells, colors and holidays...but definitely not the part about school starting again. This is my last semester at at Santa Fe, it's taken me forever just to get this far and I'm excited that it's almost over. I was accepted into St. Leo, but with Corey going into the Marines we've decided to wait and see where we're going to end up before I start my BA since it all varies state to state for my major. No point in starting at a school and transferring, not knowing if any of my credits will transfer with me. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it.

Finally, things are starting to fall into place. Corey swears into the USMC on September 1st in Jacksonville! After that we'll know his for sure leave date for bootcamp. I'm glad things are finally happening, it makes me feel better knowing actual dates and not just time frames. I'll add pictures later of my hubby swearing in! He makes me proud!

Corey goes on Friday to get his wisdom teeth taken out. I hate it for him...I had mine taken out two years ago and he took such good care of me the entire time. It was not a fun experience for me but he's tough and I'm glad we are able to get this taken care of before bootcamp. It gives me a little more peace of mind that it will be one less thing he (and I) has to worry about.

I officially met my niece, Elli, for the first time last night. She is absolutely perfect, of course. Erica (my sister-in-law) was induced a month early due to a few complications and Elli made her grand entrance via c-section. Josh and Erica brought her home on Friday and she already has everyone wrapped around her extra tiny finger. It's cute seeing my brother with a baby, especially since it's his baby. I love being an aunt...very few things make me happier than spending time with my nieces and nephews. Corey and I can not wait to start a family, but until then I will enjoy my sister and brother's kids as much as I possibly can :)

I will try to keep everyone updated on whats going on with Corey. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers, they are truly appreciated!!

Oh, Look what I found....

This was 2003, our Junior Homecoming. HILARIOUS! Just wanted to share :)

Happy Birthday Elli

Elizabeth "Elli" Madison Darden

Born August 17, 2010

4 lbs. 8 oz.

18 inches long

The most beautiful baby girl!

Proud Aunt KK

Daddy & Elli

She never cried...just checked everyone out the entire time.

Sweet Angel. Answered Prayer. Miracle.

Happy Birthday Princess Elli!

Congratulations Josh & Erica...you are going to be amazing parents.

The Hardest Part

"Do not be dismayed by goodbyes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends."

I remember meeting Brittney when we both worked at Winn-Dixie in high school. We became friends right away and just never stopped. Six years later, she is still like a sister to me. Tomorrow, Britt is leaving for boot camp. She enlisted in the Army Reserve sometime last year and her husband, Joe, is active duty in the Army. When she graduates from bootcamp and AIT, her and Joe are moving to Kentucky, where Joe will be stationed. To say that I am proud of Britt is an understatement. She has gone through so many obstacles in her life that could have easily steered her in a very bad direction, but instead she has made herself into a person that I look up to. I admire her in so many ways...for her strength, loyalty, honesty and her heart.

Britt, you have been my best friend for the past 6 years. You have made me realize what it means to make sacrifices...for family, for love, and for our country. To tell you that I will miss you just doesn't seem like enough. I hope you know how proud of you I am. I hope this journey that you and Joe have set out on is filled with success, happiness and joy. I will miss our dinner dates and shopping trips and I just hope Skype doesn't start charging! I love you Britters!

Jordann, Kacie and I (and Joe) decided a few weeks ago to throw Britt a Surprise going away party...the only problem is that Britt always finds these things out! With a lot of planning and secret phone calls and text messages from Joe, we successfully pulled off the surprise!! Jordy, Kace and I had a blast planning everything and seeing it all come together.

You'll always be my little croissant :)

"Hurry up and wait...."

"I find the great thing in this world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving." -Oliver Wendell Holmes

As of right now, Corey and I are still waiting to hear when he will be leaving for boot camp. We've been given some ideas but the actual date has not been nailed down yet. It's such an exciting time for us...I feel like we are getting ready to plan our entire lives. It still seems so far away, but each day that passes I am more and more grateful for the time we have together now. I know all of this is going to change in a flash and a part of me is scared to death, but a bigger part of me is so proud of my brave husband, it's hard to put into words.

Becoming part of this military family has opened my eyes to so much. It has helped me gain a far greater appreciation for the men and women who are fighting everyday for our freedom. I know that isn't something we should ever take for granted. So, in the meantime we are anxiously waiting to hear when Corey leaves for bootcamp. I am just beyond ready to get the ball rolling!