Together

I'm married.

Did you hear me? I'm MARRIED. What the hay?

Yep, March 13, I married my BFF and I could not be happier. Well, actually, yeah I could. If Kyle were actually HOME. That's right. Less than a week after Kyle and I married, he left for North Carolina and will be there for the next 10 weeks. So much for being newlyweds. We still are, but it's like a long distance newlyweds thing. It's weird. Our phones are all we have, so that will have to do. I can visit him eventually, I'm just not sure when.

He's been gone almost a week now. I told him the past week had actually gone by a lot faster than I thought it would. Probably because we've been able to talk and even face time a couple of times. :) So, you can understand why our phones are all we have. It definitely beats writing letters two or three times a week. Wanna talk about life sucking? Go 3 months without speaking or seeing your significant other. It was hard, but we got through it.

I'm hoping mine and Kyle's lives will begin to fall into place. After North Carolina he will go to Chesapeake, Virginia for 6 weeks and then he will get his orders and be stationed somewhere. No leave time between any of that. At some point we will have an actual wedding to celebrate our marriage with family and friends. Then we will move me to wherever he is and really begin our lives as a married couple. I hope the transition into married life as well as a new home, and most likely a new state, and quite possibly a new part of the country.... goes smoothly. I know there will be times of stress and I'll be homesick at some point, but I feel like as long as Kyle is with me I will be fine. Being without him hurts my heart and I don't feel whole without him.

I would like to say that marriage is all I had ever hoped for. But, Kyle and I haven't truly experienced marriage together yet. But, for the past 2 weeks, I'm the happiest I've ever been. Kyle and I may not be physically together, but our hearts are always together (cue the gag noises). I know I'm corny, but it's the way I feel.

He truly is my BFF. I couldn't imagine life with anyone else. I love him and would do anything and everything for him. I can't wait to pick out our first home together, to move in together, to wake up every morning together, to eat dinner together, to watch movies together, to have babies together....

Well, that last one can wait a little while. But, you catch my drift. I want to live and love life with him for as long as God keeps us on this planet. I love my husband. :)

Our marriage certificate!

Our first night as husband and wife! 

Time Flies

Kyle has been home almost a week now and the days, hours, minutes, and seconds have truly flown by right before our eyes. For those of you who want to know Kyle's plans for the next few months, here they are: He will leave Monday and report to Jacksonville, North Carolina for 12 weeks where he will be in SOI (School of Infantry). He will then go straight to Chesapeake, Virginia for 6 weeks to train for his MOS (his job). After, he will be stationed somewhere and at some point-we will get married and have our ceremony.

I couldn't have asked for a better week. Though our time has been spent rushing around, doing errands, and taking care of business before Kyle leaves, it's still been nice to have him around. In the car with me, holding hands, or just sitting beside him at a restaurant. I've really cherished every moment with him. Kyle told me in a letter before he came home that he was going to be a "Rachel hog" when he got home. So, no complaints here! After all, I AM his bride to be. :) I've certainly shared my Kyle time with others though. Every night we have gotten together with a friend, family members, etc. As long as I am with Kyle, I don't care who we see or where we go.

This time has been weird, though. This is the last time Kyle will actually "live" here- if that makes sense? He will be able to come home on the weekends, but he obviously won't do that every week. Maybe once or twice, if that. After Virginia, he will be based somewhere. He won't come home to Carrollton. Kind of strange to think about. But exciting at the same time, because we will start our lives together-on our own.

I'm very thankful for the time I've had with Kyle-though it has passed too quickly. Hoping this weekend will slow down a bit so we can spend some quality time together.

Reunited & It Feels SO good!

As most of you know, today was the first day I have seen Kyle in 3 months. I've posted a lot of pictures on Instagram and Facebook but, I thought I would add a little more detail to our day for those of you who are interested. I am writing this post from my phone, so pardon any grammatical errors you may see. :)

Let me first start off by saying how peaceful and Christ-filled our ride was yesterday. Mom drove the whole way there (about a 5 1/2 hour drive). On the 157 mile stretch to the Savannah area on I-95 I started playing some contemporary Christian music. My mom and I sang together and worshiped our Lord in the car. Wake up call: church isn't the only place you can worship. I know most people relate worshiping to church- but boy, we listened to some good gospel hymns and just let lose and praised our Savior. It was awesome. Made me feel at peace about our trip and smoothed over some anxiety I had. God is good.

Now, onto today (Thursday). Our alarms were set for 4:15 a.m. We were wide awake at 3:30. 3:30, people. Holy smokes. We got ready, got breakfast at 5 and then hit the road for the 10 minute drive to Parris Island. We drove over the bridge onto the marshy island and it was such a pretty ride. Even though it was dark, we could see the beauty of the island very clearly. We were on base and out of the car by 6 a.m. and found a good spot on the side of the road to claim so we could see Kyle clearly during the motivational run, which began roughy at 7 a.m. I've never been more excited to see someone or something in my entire life. Kyle's platoon was 2nd in "line". They were all wearing their sharp looking wind suites (can a wind suit even look "sharp"?). I already knew Kyle's place in formation, so I knew he would be towards the back. I was SO scared I wouldn't see him because, well, lets face it. Kyle's not the tallest guy in the world. Standing at about 5'7", the other new Marines definitely towered over him.

BUT! Never fear, I can pick his perfect face and head out from any crowd. He said I was the first one he saw. He acknowledged us by giving a little 2-finger wave as he jogged by. They ran around a couple of buildings and then ran back in front of us again! I saw him really good that time. And then I started my bellowing (not really, but it felt like it). It was a wonderful moment. I just collapsed in my mom's arms and cried a bit. Felt good to let that out.

We then retired to our vehicles to thaw out our frozen fingers, feet, lips, ears, legs, arms, and any other body part that needed de-frosting. We sat there for about 10 minutes and then went into the All Weather Training Facility to wait out the next gruesome 2 hours. Talk about counting every second. Seesh!

They began the "Liberty Briefing" around 9:30 a.m and they finally brought the new Marines in around 9:45 and they were released to us by 10. Mom told me that she had never seen someone move so fast when I went to find Kyle. It was the best hug I've ever had. When I finally got to him I couldn't really cry. I was so caught in the moment and a little shocked that I couldn't get tears out. I could only tear up. Which I was glad- though there is no shame in crying- I didn't want to cry in front of Kyle. At least not let loose. He was very excited to see us. You could tell by the look on his face. It was so awesome.

After we gave our xoxo's to Kyle and he introduced us to a couple of people, we headed to his barracks and saw where he slept, and did his bathroom business (gross, by the way!). After that we had some lunch and visited. He showed us around the base- where he trained for different things. That place is huge! It was great seeing all of the places he'd been challenged and to see the end result and how he overcame it all- something to be proud of, for sure!

After the 6 hours rushed by, Kyle said his goodbyes and the new Marines went to the Peatross Parade Deck and watched them practice for graduation (which is tomorrow at 9 a.m).

With all of that said- we're exhausted! We came home and basically collapsed on our beds- then stuffed our face with snacks until Dan went to pick up Applebee's to go for us. Then we stuffed our faces some more, I took my bath and now I'm here! So very thankful for a marvelous day with our brand new Marine!

Let me just say- there is something totally incredible about seeing a platoon walk in formation- not a fresh, new platoon, (we saw a few of those and bless their hearts, they were all over the place), I mean a "veteran" platoon. It's so crisp and slick- it's something to see, truly. It made sevaral of us emotional just to see Kyle in formation with everyone. Kyle even said at one point today that it shouldn't be called "boot camp" it should be called "drill camp". He said he HATED drill. They beat it into your head that you do it without thinking, kind of.

Proud doesn't even begin to cover it! All praise goes to Christ through all of this. He saw Kyle through to the finish line and now, Kyle has made something of himself and will always be a part of a brotherhood.

My cup runneth over, y'all!

Till' tomorrow--Semper Fi.

I may not be a parent yet, but...

I already know the kind of mother that I want to be to my children one day. I know this because I have had a marvelous example of how a mother should treat her children. Thanks, Mama.

Maybe when I get older and I actually become a mom my thoughts on parenthood will, in fact, change. But, as of this moment I know several things that I do want to do and several things I don't want to do when that joyful, precious gift from above comes into my life.

Do's:

- Talk to your children. You're probably thinking, "Well, duh." I don't mean just every day chit chat. I mean be real with your kids. Have such a strong relationship that you're able to talk to them about almost everything. Obviously when they're toddlers and even elementary/middle school the conversations may not be as in depth as those you may have when they get older. But, I think communication is key in any relationship. I can recall having numerous conversations with my mom and brother when I was growing up. We would sit in my mom's bedroom hours on end just talking about anything. Sometimes the talks were light hearted, other times they were deep and very heavy. Talking with your children will help you understand them and help them understand you.

- Forgive. Children say really hurtful things. My mom has told me things I said to her when I was in high school and she seriously should have washed my mouth out with soap. She told me (many years later) that she cried herself to sleep one night that I yelled at her in front of my friends. She didn't know what to do. But, after many apologies, she forgave me. The whole saying "forgive and forget" is totally bull. You may forget the exact words a person used to hurt you, but you will never forget how the words made you feel. I think the saying really means to forgive the person and not bring the incident up again. Forgiveness is key to moving on and strengthening a relationship.

- Let them make mistakes. A lot of parents want to keep their child from ever stumbling and making an "uh oh". I understand protecting your kid, that's a natural feeling to have. But, when kids get older, they tend to not listen to anything (and I mean anything) a parent will tell them. No matter how hard you try, sometimes they're just going to get it wrong. Afterwards, they will probably come crying to you and telling you how they should have listened. This is NOT when you say, "I told you so" or "You should have listened to me" or "I tried to tell you". Who really wants to hear that? Just comfort them, and let them know that yes, they did fall, but they can still get back up. Help them understand how to NOT make the same mistake twice. That's when they will really feel stupid. 

- Be a role model. I look at my mom and I think, "Wow... I hope I can be exactly like her one day." I definitely wouldn't have said that 5 years ago, but I was also 16 and a total moron. I admire her for so many reasons. In the past 3 years I've really noticed her good qualities. Maybe it is because I'm going to be a wife soon and I pay attention to how she treats my step dad, and how they handle "grown up" issues. Maybe it is just because I'm getting older and smarter. Either way, my mom is awesome. Why? Here are some reasons:

1. She is so giving and generous of her time and her talents. She should probably say no more often, but that's the kind of person she is. Always willing to help others and serve where it's needed.
2. She's an extremely hard worker. She was a kick ass single mom and took extremely good care of my brother and I.
3. She has dedicated her life to her family. She has really become "the anchor" of our family. She holds it together and then loses it behind closed doors.
4. She loves and I mean loves the Lord. She sings at church and sometimes a song will get her so emotional that she will get choked up when she's singing. I'm not sure if it's happy tears, sad tears, or a a mixture of both. But, I know she loves having a relationship with Jesus.
5. She gives incredible advice and always knows exactly what to say. My brother and I always turn to her for help. She knows how to handle any situation so eloquently.

Those are just a few reasons why I admire her so much and ultimately why I am the way I am.

Now, onto the Don'ts:

- Use harsh words. Cussing your kid out won't get you anywhere. In fact, all it will do is make them lose respect for you and throw your relationship even further down the drain. Sure, you're going to let a "damn" "hell" "shit" "bitch" slip every now and then, and that's okay. Your kids also need to understand that you are human and that you may not always choose the best words to express your feelings. BUT, dropping the F bomb every time you get angry at them will not sit well in their minds. When you talk like this to or in front of your child and you're surprised that your kids are cussing their friends out, or even you out, blame yourself for that one.

- Run away. It doesn't do any good. So many parents turn their heads from the problems they have with their children. They shut the door and ignore it. Wait for it to get better. You really think a 16 year old kid can solve a problem like that on their own? This is where you as a parent have to step up and help. This is where the talking comes in. Brushing a problem under the rug is the worst thing you can do. No, your kid may not want to talk about whatever situation is going on, but you will regret not addressing the issue. Always be there for your kid, even when it may make you feel uncomfortable or you don't know the words to say. Just listen.

- Be a loud person. I describe people who are abrasive, in your face, or haughty as "loud" people. You know when you walk by someone who takes your breath away because they have too much perfume/cologne on? You make a "something smells" face, squinch your eyes, and wrinkle your nose and you hurry up to get away from the stentch. That's how "loud" people make me feel. Don't be a loud parent. Don't smother your kids and make them feel claustrophobic. Especially when they get older. Also, don't be someone that your kids don't want to bring their friends (or better yet their girlfriend/boyfriend) around because they're afraid of what you'll say in front of them, or how you'll act. It's not a good quality to have. It makes people think, "God, I'd hate to have a parent like that."

- Be selfish. When you have kids, I feel like life should officially be focused on parenting and raising your kids to be respectable people. Of course, you need "you time" and date night, etc. But, as far as selfish tendencies- throw them out the window. It's not about you anymore. This really needs no further explanation.

So, there you have it. What I will and won't do when I become a Mama. Who influenced these do's and don'ts? Well obviously my mom influenced the do's. Who taught me what not to do?

I'll never tell. :)