It's been a whirlwind of a month so here's the synopsis! I started my
first week of school at Coyote Hills on August 13, 2012. On August
14th, yes Tuesday - day 2 of school, Andrew received his official orders
for Naval Station Norfolk, VA! On Friday, we planned the
packers/movers and they came on Wednesday, August 22nd. Cinders and I
stayed with our awesome friends Katie and Tony for a week and a half. Andrew graduated from A-school on Tuesday, August 21st and headed to Norfolk that afternoon. He spent a night with his brother Tyler in North Carolina and made it to Norfolk on Wednesday night. Thursday morning we went immediately to the housing office and we were told a 3 bedroom/2 bath house was available TOMORROW... WOOHOO!!! We got soooo lucky!! Andrew moved in the next day and began work that Monday. He spent a few nights sleeping on an air mattress in an empty home.
Andrew flew out early to get me on August 31st. So that Friday was my
last day teaching at Coyote Hills... and another dear friend Jenny got
to take my place and got her first teaching position! Andrew and I had a
weekend together and I celebrated my 28th birthday on Sunday with many
of my dearest Colorado girlfriends. Andrew and I then HIT THE ROAD!!
We drove about 8 hours on Sunday evening and stayed in Topeka, Kansas.
We spent another day driving on Monday and made it to Louisville, KY.
Finally, we made the LAST LEG of our trip on Tuesday and arrived to
Norfolk at about 11pm. WHEW!!!
Then the real fun began! Our
movers came on Thursday (Sept. 6) and we spent two days unpacking, decorating, and
organizing. On Saturday we got an almost 8 week old, German Shepard
PUPPY and named her LUNA. Luna was the coffee shop that was our hang
out in college where we used to study and hang out all the time... we
figured it was meaningful and suiting. She is the sweetest girl and so
well behaved. We've had just a few accidents in the house but she goes
to the back door now and will even nudge the bell with her nose!
Andrew
went back to work on Monday the 10th and I spent the week job hunting
and applying for child-related jobs. Luna and I got to spend lots of
time together, hence all the Facebook photos of her! I got the best
call ever on Friday, September 14th when a principal wanted to interview
me for a teaching position. The interview was on Monday
(Sept. 17) and it went so well I was offered the job on the spot! I am
going to teach KINDERGARTEN!! I can hardly
believe it! I will be observing in the classrooms this week, and go to
an orientation on Monday. The principal hopes to get me into my own
classroom by mid-next week. It is going to definitely be a huge change
as this school is very very diverse but I know it will grow me in ways I
can't even imagine.
Andrew and I are continuing to thank the
Lord for his FAITHFULNESS. Since before Andrew left for boot camp in
January, I have relied on the promises that the Lord would continue to
provide for us as we follow where He leads. My "theme" verse for this
period in our lives continues to hold true. 1 Corinthians 2.9 "No eye
has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived, what God has prepared
for those who love Him."
Monday, October 29, 2012
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Pensacola update 6-16-12
We're moving to....... Norfolk, VIRGINIA! Andrew made his request for his first duty station! He has been officially assigned (but still awaiting orders) to work in the "Rawhide" squadron VRC-40 (Fleet Logistics Support Squadron Four Zero). He will be assigned to the C-2A Greyhounds which are high priority planes that provide carrier onboard delivery (COD) which can be cargo, mail, or personnel. These planes also have provided disaster relief in Haiti. This squadron is 1 of 2 in the entire Navy and the "Rawhides" recently reached one of the highest honors in Aviation
Safety by successfully completing 25 years of class "A" mishap free
flying. From what Andrew has heard, he will be deployed anywhere from Norway to the Middle East, all the way down to South America, most likely in the Mediterranean Sea and Persian Gulf. This plane does not take off or land on a carrier at night and because of it's large size does not stay on a carrier long. This means much of his deployment will be spent on land staying in hotels and eating a local restaurants but working 7 days a week, 12 hours a day, sometimes only having 1 day off a month. There is a 90% chance that these orders will stick but we have to wait until they officially "pop" to be 100% sure. We are excited about what the future holds but are still unsure of when our future move will take place. We are anticipating a fall transition.
When looking toward the future, Andrew and I are excited to explore the east coast. You may not know but Andrew's dad was stationed at Langley AFB in Virginia when Andrew was in 1st to 4th grade and at the Pentagon (D.C.) for 7th and 8th grade. Their family has many friends in the area who we look forward to seeing and Andrew's parents look forward to re-connecting with. Andrew also has an uncle, aunt, and three cousins who will be nearby as well. We have also begun to research tourist spots and discovered we'll be 3 hours from D.C., 6 hours from the Big Apple, and right across from the Chesapeake Bay near Virginia Beach. Let the adventures begin!!
For more info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VRC-40
In the meantime, Andrew began his 2nd round of classes on June 13th called "AWAT" which stands for Aviation Warfare Apprenticeship Training Course. He is learning basic safety of aviation, the ins and outs of being on a ship and on shore. It is not specific to his job yet; every member of the Navy goes through this training. Some focus areas of this course include: safety, HAZMAT, aircraft handling, flight deck awareness, understanding manuals, corrosion control, planned maintenance, and sealants. This short course is 7 training days and then he'll move into his final AE STRAND where he learns about his rate (job). From AE STRAND, Andrew will go to Virginia for C-school. This is where he will learn his specific aircraft platform (C-2A Greyhounds).When looking toward the future, Andrew and I are excited to explore the east coast. You may not know but Andrew's dad was stationed at Langley AFB in Virginia when Andrew was in 1st to 4th grade and at the Pentagon (D.C.) for 7th and 8th grade. Their family has many friends in the area who we look forward to seeing and Andrew's parents look forward to re-connecting with. Andrew also has an uncle, aunt, and three cousins who will be nearby as well. We have also begun to research tourist spots and discovered we'll be 3 hours from D.C., 6 hours from the Big Apple, and right across from the Chesapeake Bay near Virginia Beach. Let the adventures begin!!
Above is a photo of Andrew carrying the Navy flag at a Memorial Day gig at Veteran's Park in Pensacola.
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Pensacola Update 5-26-2012
Classes officially began on May 3, 2012. Andrew got woken up at 0455 and was told to meet in the Megabuilding at 0700. Shortly after he found out he was in an all navy class with 25 students and has night classes. Usually classes are split half Marines and half Navy but not his. This is the first series of classes called Aviation Technical Training (ATT). It is a computer based class with two Marine instructors and this first course is 23 class days long (he has 10 left). The class is on basic electronics like circuits, capacitors, conductors, power supplies, etc. Andrew has class Monday - Friday from 1500-whenever they finish, usually about 2300 with an hour dinner break that he comes back to his room to Skype. When class ends each night, he has another 1-2 hours of physical training Monday-Thursday which usually gets him back into bed about 0100. This has made for a busy schedule as Andrew still has commitments with the performing unit. Being that he has been out of school for 4 years, getting back into learning has been a hard adjustment that he's had to get used to.
Andrew's commitments with performing units has changed since he has classed up. He now has practice Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 0930 to 1100. He has colors every other day at 0730; if you remember this is posting the ensign and other flags outside the Megabuilding. He continues to have gigs whenever he is needed but the need has slowed down. When he completed his first 3, he decided to qualify for "team 3rd's". This means more responsibility much like a promotion in a job. The test consists of an hour oral board with a drill master while maintaining impeccable military bearing. He has done a total of 9 gigs which means with one more he qualifies for "team 1st's" which is the highest achievable rank in performing units. He made a decision not to test for "team 2nd's" until after ATT is completed so he can focus on his studies. "Team 2nd's" and "team 1st's" are in the near future.
As you can see, all of this takes up a lot of Andrew's time. On the weekends he spend a large majority of his time with Williams, a Navy buddy from Pennsylvania. They see a lot of movies, go golfing, and go to small local restaurants. Andrew has enjoyed local events like the Jazzfest, Crawfish festival, car show, and Art in the Park. He has tried some southern style cooking like crawfish, poboy sandwich, and steamed crawfish (you suck the juices out of the head).
That sums it up! More to come when his second round of classes (AWAT) begins.
Andrew's commitments with performing units has changed since he has classed up. He now has practice Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 0930 to 1100. He has colors every other day at 0730; if you remember this is posting the ensign and other flags outside the Megabuilding. He continues to have gigs whenever he is needed but the need has slowed down. When he completed his first 3, he decided to qualify for "team 3rd's". This means more responsibility much like a promotion in a job. The test consists of an hour oral board with a drill master while maintaining impeccable military bearing. He has done a total of 9 gigs which means with one more he qualifies for "team 1st's" which is the highest achievable rank in performing units. He made a decision not to test for "team 2nd's" until after ATT is completed so he can focus on his studies. "Team 2nd's" and "team 1st's" are in the near future.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Pensacola Update 4-10-12
To continue with updates of Andrew's journey joining the Navy, we felt it was time to update about life in Pensacola, FL. So here goes...
Andrew received his job position (his rate) as an AE right before leaving boot camp. Here is a link http://usmilitary.about.com/od/enlistedjob1/a/ae.htm if you'd like to read more about his actual job but to sum it up, he will be an Aviation Electrician's Mate, "a wire chaser". He will be working on a specific type of aircraft (called a platform) and he will know that when he picks his orders months from now. After arrival, Andrew found out what he will not "class up" (begin his basic electronics course) right away. It often takes weeks if not months before he begins class; it usually takes longer than expected. They are currently backed up in his rate which is the reason he doesn't start right away.
After arriving, Andrew was feeling stressed and confused about rules, expectations, and freedoms of the Navy. Going from a very string regiment and plan everyday at boot camp, there is a lot of down time where he has to keep himself busy. One of the rules of living in the barracks is that when he leaves he must always have a liberty buddy - this can be any other sailor, family or friend. He can also do a 3 hour checkout alone if he wants to make a quick trip into town, however this liberty is limited to before 2000 (8:00). The navy prides itself on always watching out for each other, keeping each other's back. Living in the barracks is very similar to a lifestyle he may have being deployed on a ship. He has to ask "Permission to come aboard" and "Permission to go ashore" when coming and going, always signing in and out. Andrew began in Phase 1 which means he has to wear his uniform at all times on and off base, muster (take attendance) at 2145 (9:45), and has to be back in the barracks by 2200 (10:00) on weekends also.
When he originally moved to Naval Air Station Pensacola (NAS), he was placed into "Foxtrot" barracks with a buddy named Bucky from boot camp. This barracks allowed for more freedoms, but that didn't last long because he was soon moved into a barracks called "Charlie" with a new roommate named Mendez. Mendez is an 18 year old who likes to leave his stuff all over the room. Well, with mandatory inspections on Thursdays, and possibility of random inspections anytime, you can imagine how great of a match they are.
The first week consisted of barracks support which is primarily cleaning and odd jobs in other departments like stocking, more cleaning, etc. He lives for free and doesn't have an assigned job until he classes up so barracks support is his "job". During the first week, he also had indoctrination which was class on rules and regulations. He also took a financial course, airplane firefighting class for 1 day, and a Saturday class which was an extension of rules.
Shortly after getting settled, he found out the recreation options on base. There is MWR which is similar to a community center for adults. It has billards, the Portside bar, fast food restaurants, video games, computers with internet and a movie theater. There is also a bowling alley at the Corry Naval Station which is an extension of NAS. Jilayna and I enjoyed this while we were visiting.. He has also played in a volleyball tourney through the SADD (Sailors against Destructive Decisions) organization and they won!
Andrew was moved to phase 2 on March 26th (right before Marisa's visit) after being in Phase 1 for 2 weeks. He had to complete watch qualifications to move up. Watch qualifications are where Andrew has to observe several types of watches so he can then "stand" them. For example, a quarterdeck watch is when he has to stand at the front door and allow people to enter and egress. In Phase 2, he can now wear civilian clothes when not on duty and when he goes off base and has privileges to stay out on weekends until 2345 (11:45).
Marisa and Jilayna (her sister) came to visit on March 30th to bring Andrew the car and we quickly made our way to Pensacola beach. Andrew's expectation of the beach was very different than expected - it's a lot nicer then he imagined. It has dazzling white sand and clear blue water, lots of seashells too! There is also a beach on base which is more secluded, a shorter beachfront, and shell-filled as well. It is an easy walk from the barracks.
After doing Honor Guard at boot camp, Andrew decided to join NAS performing unit which consists of color guard, rifle brigade, and NAV-t. Due to his joining this unit, his duties have also changed and he is no longer obligated to stand watches or muster with his barracks. He now trains with the performing unit daily from 9-2 Monday - Friday. He has additional practices on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 1630-1800 (4:30-6:00). His main focus is color guard which is rifle and staff handling; they practice uniformity for gigs which are performances for retirements, funerals, parades, etc. He's currently signed up for 4 gigs in the coming weeks. Part of the job with Color Guard is to post and retire the main base colors outside the Mega building (major location for offices of the big wigs, classes, air hanger, etc.) which he has to do every 3-4 days.
Weather here is so humid like Minnesota. It rains for short periods of times but then is all sunshine after.It has been in the 70's and low 80's consistently. He's working on his tan.
After taking time to adjust, it's still hard to be away, but he mostly hang out with people from boot camp, though he hopes to find more men his age. As a side note, he has no mandatory PT until he classes up (could be weeks or months away) but he is staying active. Andrew hopes to experience Florida for all it's worth - sky diving maybe? :)
Andrew moves to phase 3 Monday the 16th of April. The only change will be that he can stay out overnight on Fridays and Saturdays when Marisa comes to visit.
Thanks for reading, until next time....
Anchor's Aweigh,
Andrew and Marisa
Andrew received his job position (his rate) as an AE right before leaving boot camp. Here is a link http://usmilitary.about.com/od/enlistedjob1/a/ae.htm if you'd like to read more about his actual job but to sum it up, he will be an Aviation Electrician's Mate, "a wire chaser". He will be working on a specific type of aircraft (called a platform) and he will know that when he picks his orders months from now. After arrival, Andrew found out what he will not "class up" (begin his basic electronics course) right away. It often takes weeks if not months before he begins class; it usually takes longer than expected. They are currently backed up in his rate which is the reason he doesn't start right away.
After arriving, Andrew was feeling stressed and confused about rules, expectations, and freedoms of the Navy. Going from a very string regiment and plan everyday at boot camp, there is a lot of down time where he has to keep himself busy. One of the rules of living in the barracks is that when he leaves he must always have a liberty buddy - this can be any other sailor, family or friend. He can also do a 3 hour checkout alone if he wants to make a quick trip into town, however this liberty is limited to before 2000 (8:00). The navy prides itself on always watching out for each other, keeping each other's back. Living in the barracks is very similar to a lifestyle he may have being deployed on a ship. He has to ask "Permission to come aboard" and "Permission to go ashore" when coming and going, always signing in and out. Andrew began in Phase 1 which means he has to wear his uniform at all times on and off base, muster (take attendance) at 2145 (9:45), and has to be back in the barracks by 2200 (10:00) on weekends also.
When he originally moved to Naval Air Station Pensacola (NAS), he was placed into "Foxtrot" barracks with a buddy named Bucky from boot camp. This barracks allowed for more freedoms, but that didn't last long because he was soon moved into a barracks called "Charlie" with a new roommate named Mendez. Mendez is an 18 year old who likes to leave his stuff all over the room. Well, with mandatory inspections on Thursdays, and possibility of random inspections anytime, you can imagine how great of a match they are.
The first week consisted of barracks support which is primarily cleaning and odd jobs in other departments like stocking, more cleaning, etc. He lives for free and doesn't have an assigned job until he classes up so barracks support is his "job". During the first week, he also had indoctrination which was class on rules and regulations. He also took a financial course, airplane firefighting class for 1 day, and a Saturday class which was an extension of rules.
Shortly after getting settled, he found out the recreation options on base. There is MWR which is similar to a community center for adults. It has billards, the Portside bar, fast food restaurants, video games, computers with internet and a movie theater. There is also a bowling alley at the Corry Naval Station which is an extension of NAS. Jilayna and I enjoyed this while we were visiting.. He has also played in a volleyball tourney through the SADD (Sailors against Destructive Decisions) organization and they won!
Andrew was moved to phase 2 on March 26th (right before Marisa's visit) after being in Phase 1 for 2 weeks. He had to complete watch qualifications to move up. Watch qualifications are where Andrew has to observe several types of watches so he can then "stand" them. For example, a quarterdeck watch is when he has to stand at the front door and allow people to enter and egress. In Phase 2, he can now wear civilian clothes when not on duty and when he goes off base and has privileges to stay out on weekends until 2345 (11:45).
Marisa and Jilayna (her sister) came to visit on March 30th to bring Andrew the car and we quickly made our way to Pensacola beach. Andrew's expectation of the beach was very different than expected - it's a lot nicer then he imagined. It has dazzling white sand and clear blue water, lots of seashells too! There is also a beach on base which is more secluded, a shorter beachfront, and shell-filled as well. It is an easy walk from the barracks.
After doing Honor Guard at boot camp, Andrew decided to join NAS performing unit which consists of color guard, rifle brigade, and NAV-t. Due to his joining this unit, his duties have also changed and he is no longer obligated to stand watches or muster with his barracks. He now trains with the performing unit daily from 9-2 Monday - Friday. He has additional practices on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 1630-1800 (4:30-6:00). His main focus is color guard which is rifle and staff handling; they practice uniformity for gigs which are performances for retirements, funerals, parades, etc. He's currently signed up for 4 gigs in the coming weeks. Part of the job with Color Guard is to post and retire the main base colors outside the Mega building (major location for offices of the big wigs, classes, air hanger, etc.) which he has to do every 3-4 days.
Weather here is so humid like Minnesota. It rains for short periods of times but then is all sunshine after.It has been in the 70's and low 80's consistently. He's working on his tan.
After taking time to adjust, it's still hard to be away, but he mostly hang out with people from boot camp, though he hopes to find more men his age. As a side note, he has no mandatory PT until he classes up (could be weeks or months away) but he is staying active. Andrew hopes to experience Florida for all it's worth - sky diving maybe? :)
Andrew moves to phase 3 Monday the 16th of April. The only change will be that he can stay out overnight on Fridays and Saturdays when Marisa comes to visit.
Thanks for reading, until next time....
Anchor's Aweigh,
Andrew and Marisa
Saturday, April 7, 2012
My hubby in uniform
First day wearing his dress whites - April 2nd
wearing his NWUs - Navy Working Uniform - April 2nd
Wearing his NSUs - Navy Service Uniforms (and his green rope for color guard) - April 4th
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Saturday, March 10th
Andrew in his Navy Service Uniform, also known as his "Peanut Butters"
With his parents before they head back to ND.
Chicago's BEAN in Millennium Park
Marisa and her dad with the BEAN
Andrew having a true Chicago Dog - smothered in pickles, hot peppers, onions and everything else gross!
Us with a great view of Chicago overlooking Lake Michigan. It was a great day in the Windy City!
Finished our night having Chicago style pizza.
Monday, March 12, 2012
GRADUATION March 9, 2012
Navy Bootcamp at RTC, Great Lakes, IL....WooHoo!!!
Andrew came out with the Honor Guard and marched the drill deck for pictures before graduation began.He found us right away because we were sitting VIP because of his dad's Colonel rank. He snuck out and came up to us in the bleachers before graduation started! I was so surprised and we got to talk :) 
second row, second from the left
They looked great with their rifles!
Graduation begins! The 50 state flags march in and shape spelling out "NAVY". It was impressive, one of my favorite parts of the performance. 
In march all the divisions. There were a total of 487 graduates this day. They came in from the 35 degrees outside wearing their black coats. They then took them off and piled them in a heap behind their division lines. 
Here comes the Honor Guard.... Andrew is now second row, second from the right. They will be inspected by a Colonel.
This is one of my favorite pictures from graduation. I love all the flags in the back.
Looking sharp!
This is another part of the Honor Guard that did rifle throwing and spinning... pretty sweet!
If you remember, Andrew was selected for DIV 917 which is the staffing division. I was pretty impressed with my focus skills on this shot!
Our first embrace since he left January 11th! Andrew and his parents, Steve and Meredith
Andrew with my dad and me
I am so proud of Andrew, my Navy Sailor!!
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