The Durbin Family

Day on the Delta

2009-08-10T12:38:00.000-07:00

So, we had a blast Sunday going to the Delta with Eddie, Mom, Greg, and Baby Ezekiel. It was Ezekiel's first day on the boat and he had a blast. Joshua loved it and we almost got him to try the knee board behind the boat, but instead he just had fun riding and holding the flag. Eddie almost landed his back flip and I finally cleared the wake... It was so much fun and the weather was perfect. Can't wait to go again!!!

Graduation Ceremony

2009-06-17T07:43:00.000-07:00

Graduation Weekend

2009-06-17T07:40:00.000-07:00

The Graduation Weekend began with Joshua taking a tumble out of his loft bed and a trip to ER to make sure that he was okay... No broken bones or concussion, just some bruising on his nose and a fat lip. Praise the Lord! Chris put back up our railing on the bed and so no more chances!

Chris's mom, sister and niece arrived after midnight on Friday night and my family and Alexandra (David's girlfriend from WA) arrived that next morning... So by Saturday we had a full house. The party began on Sunday with a bad bounce house being delivered and us waiting for the better (and bigger) one to be delivered but once it got here we had a blast! Great food, company and even some Rock Band. After the official time of the Open House passed we all decided that we were still having so much fun, so we decided to grill some burgers and tri-tip. So much fun!!!

Coming next is pics of David's graduation...

Trina's Birthday

2009-06-07T11:03:00.000-07:00

So last night we went out with our friends Trina and Damon for Trina's birthday. We had a great time going to dinner in University Heights then on to Rollerworld for some good ol' fashioned fun. It was a suprise for Trina to be going out for her birthday so it was great fun. Unfortunately Neal split his jeans trying to be young again... haha just kidding Neal!

Well, hope you all are off to a wonderful June and enjoy your summer. Hope to be able to see you all soon!

xoxo,
taryn

And then...

2009-05-09T06:52:00.001-07:00

So May has brought about a lot of changes for our family. Chris came home last week and informed us that they are not leaving after all the first of June and so instead of the humanitarian cruise that they were going to do for the next four months they will be doing sea trials and getting work ups done to be ready for deployment. We aren't sure when they will be going on a WestPac but it will be some time this summer. We are praying that this means that he will be here for David's graduation and party. In about ten days I will be getting my surgery done and I must confess that is kind-of scary. I am mostly scared about the unknowns of what to expect afterward, not the surgery itself as I am confident that this is what I want to do, momentary pain for a lifetime of benefits. My grandma is coming out to help me and it looks like Chris will be able to take off a week also to help out. I am very blessed to have family and friends that are willing to help me out after the surgery.

I am currently waiting for David's graduation announcements and stuff to get here as I wanted to get them done before my surgery, so pray they get here next week. David is almost done with his senior year. I was talking with my girlfriend last night and she asked me how long david has lived with us and I had to stop and think, it will be 5 years in August. I can't believe that it has been 5 years. Hard to believe he is graduating and moving on... His current plan is to move back to WA to be nearer his girlfriend up there. We are going to be working on getting stuff at yard sales and flea markets for him to move out, such as towels, kitchen stuff. So if you have anything that you wanna donate I am sure that he would be grateful... Anyway, time to get up and get going today, not sure what the plan is but I am already ready for a nap (guess that's what happens when you stay up reading till midnight and your 3 year old gets you up at 6am...) so so long and goodbye for now. We send our love to you all!

April 2009

2009-04-28T12:29:00.000-07:00

April has passed by in a blur. I can hardly believe that it is only a couple of days from being May. Easter was such a joy as Aimee and Eddie were in town to help us celebrate. We had around 20 or so friends over and had an Easter egg hunt and a great BBQ. We are have been blessed with great friends in San Diego and a wonderful Church family.

The month of April has also brought around a great change, Chris has passed his Chief's exam and is going to board now. We should hear something by the end of June or July (Chris thinks by July). If Chris does make Chief then we will be choosing new orders (at least that is what Chris is telling me), so we may have to move if he cannot get orders to another ship in San Diego. I have also received a surgery date of May 19th. I am praying for a quick recovery as four weeks after my surgery date my mother-in-law, sister-in-law and her daughter, along with my mom and step-dad and brother and sister will all be coming in town for David's graduation on June 15th. My grandmother is coming into town for two weeks for the post-surgery recovery. Chris leaves on June 1st for four months so I am thankful that she will be coming into two to help out.

Chris is busy working and getting ready to be heading out to sea. He has been working long hours and trying to get everything done. His Master Chief and FSO (Supply Officer) feel confident that he will make Chief this time around but we are just praying that God's will be done. Pray for Chris to find peace in the outcome, whatever it may be.

I am still working on my credential issues and praying for more trust in the Lord's plans. I know with so much going on in my life currently that I am having to seek more patience and peace in what God's plans are.

Anyway, that is a quick update from the Durbin family. We send our love to you all!

Five Year Anniversary

2009-04-05T10:35:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful Anniversary yesterday. Celebrating 5 years. It is hard to believe that we have been together for over six years and married for five. Time has really flown. I know that is the cliche that all people say but I feel that it is so true. When Chris and I were married we were living in Chula Vista, I was teaching and living in a 600+ sq ft apartment while Chris was getting deployed. Now 5 years later, we have two boys, David who is a senior and graduating this June and Joshua who is almost 3 and a half and such a blessing to watch learn new things. We are living in Pacific Beach in a three bedroom home with a garage. How times have changed.

Yesterday we started the day off by me getting up early and heading to a job fair. Afterwards I came home and we left to go look at open houses and then off to see a movie - Fast and Furious. It was a great movie and I really enjoyed it. We then hurried home to get ready to head out to our reservations at Island Prime - a VERY nice steakhouse on Harbor Island. We enjoyed an amazing meal and have leftovers for days. We also shared a great bottle of wine.

Today we revert back to our normal routine of taking care of Joshua, making coffee and hopefully going to the pool later to get some laps in. Hope you all have a blessed week!

Easter is almost upon us...

2009-03-25T18:51:00.000-07:00

Where has the month of March gone? We have been busy it seems with little down time for us to relax. We are either with friends or out running errands, playgroups and mommy time. We have been blessed to have made some good friends here through our church family and I feel blessed that the Lord has brought each and every one of them into our lives. Joshua is growing and thriving. I just can't believe that he is looking more and more little a boy instead of my little guy. He is now my little man!
I have been subbing quite a bit this month and am thankful for the money that the Lord is providing. We also were blessed to get our tax returns so fast as that money helped pay for the unfortunate situation of having to replace Chris's tires on his motorcycle as he picked up a bad nail in his back tire. Luckily last week he was on leave and able to get it taken care of and get some much needed down time, but now he is back to work as usual. He found out yesterday morning that the exam to make Chief that he took a couple of months ago, he actually passed it. So now he has to put together a synopsis of his career and his awards and such and submit it to the Board (a Board comprised of many Master Chiefs and such that will sit around and pick apart each candidate and decide who they wish to actually advance), if he makes it past this then I believe, but could be totally wrong, that he has to go before the Board and then go through induction if they so select him to be advanced... But of course, I could be totally wrong :) His Master Chief is really excited for him and planning on helping him get this all going and such so... It is so funny because Chris always said that he has had no aspirations of making Chief but now that this has happened I don't know how he feels about it :)
I have had my second interview and I believe that it went really well. They said that they should get back to me within a week or two. It will be a week tomorrow since my 2nd interview so just waiting to find out.
I contacted the Dept. of Plastic Surgery at Balboa to find out when (if ever) I will be getting my consult in for the reduction and was met with a big no, not now as we are all full still and we will contact you when something becomes available.
I know that I can't have it all - reduction, job and a baby (pregnant), there is just no way that I can have all three at the same time, so I am constantly remembering to pray "Lord, make the desires of my heart to match the desires that You have for my life." I pray that if I am to only have Joshua that the Lord gives me peace with that:)
Thank you to my dear sisters in Christ that have been helping me and praying for me... You mean the world to me!

Okay enough for now, I will post some new pics under the photo link so check them out:)

Love you to all and miss you!!! Can't wait to see you all soon!

So where has this year gone so far?!?

2009-03-03T16:36:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that it is already the first week of March. Before you know it summer will be here. Chris leaves the last week of May or June 1st and so I know that is coming faster than I thought it would. I still haven't heard from the Doctor's office regarding a consult with the Plastic Surgeon so I am waiting for that. I haven't gotten pregnant and my old due date is rapidly approaching. I know that I don't want to be pregnant right now so that I could get the surgery done before the summer but now even that doesn't seem to be working. I am trying to remind myself that God has a plan better than what I have for my life but I admit I am struggling being happy about it.
I am subbing this week and possibly next which will be nice to have some extra money (but really is it extra?!?)... We are also going to start potty training the end of March so pray for us as we undertake this wonderful thing called Potty Training:) Anyway, time is up on the computer Joshua is ready to go play outside:) love to you all!!!

New Year's Resolution: 20lbs and in better shape

2009-01-09T07:12:00.000-08:00

So I am sure that many of you have made your new year's resolution: stop spending money so much, save more, go on a diet, etc... Well, I decided that I was bound and determined to lose twenty pounds and get in better shape before the summer. I started on Saturday and have been on this plan for about a week... Boy am I sore!!! To start I am keeping a food journal and tallying the points (based on Weight Watchers), but at the top of it I am keeping my weight and whether or not I workout. When I say workout I am talking about doing the Jilllian Michael's DVD The Biggest Winner. Can I just say that those workouts are kicking my butt. In the last six days, I worked out 5 of them and I am sore. They combine cardio with light weight training, but it is such a power-filled workout. I love it because it is something that I can do in my room and Joshua watches his shows... But now is my time to vent - you know when you are trying to lose weight and you look at the scale and you lost two but gained one back over the course of the week... mind you it is from muscle as I have been told:) BUT it is still frustrating to have to look at that number go back up when you really want it to go down.
I meet with my doctor today, for those of you that don't know, I am requesting a reduction... I decided that I am not going to wait to have another baby but rather take advantage of the fact that I am not working currently and will not have to take time off of work to recover but I will be healed by summer... I don't know what my doctor will say but she seemed supportive of me getting it done for medical reasons. I pray that this is the direction that the Lord wants me to move. I am scared to death of going through the surgery and the pain afterward, but I know that I am almost 31 and I still have so much life to live and wouldn't it be wonderful to do that active and healthy and able to not have such big boobs. HAHA, okay for those of you guys reading this, sorry that I have to go off on this but this is sort of my outlet right now about my health and diet and weight and the weight that I have to carry around ALL THE TIME!!!

Anyway, Joshua is doing great. We will be getting video of him soon riding his new bike (SKUUT). HE LOVES IT!!! He is getting to the point where he cruises so fast on it and it is great to see his smile as he is gliding along. Chris is really busy with work and David is doing good in school and band. He is loving Jazz Band and it is so fun to watch them play.

Well, have a wonderful weekend and hope to see you all soon!!! Come visit us in SD, we would love to have you!

Christmas 2008

2008-12-27T08:23:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2008 was such an amazing experience. We began our festivities the week before Christmas by taking Joshua to the First Class Petty Officers Christmas night (group of 1st class PO's from Chris's along with Chris put together a fun night for the kids). Joshua got a bell painted on his cheek (his choice) and then sat in Santa's lap and got a matchbox car:) Then two nights later Chris and I attended his ship's Christmas Party, where I won a door prize, which happened to be a Wii System Sports Pack. How incredibly awesome was that!!! The very next day we loaded up our car and headed for Santa Maria to stay with Scott and Keela till Sunday. On Sunday we drove to San Jose and enjoyed a wonderful week with our family. We did Christmas Eve with my dad and Sue. We all went over first thing in the morning and eat an amazing breakfast and played some games. Then Joshua went down for a nap while the boys all played Xbox 360. That afternoon/early evening Sue, Kelsey, Ryan, and Sue's family came over and we enjoyed an amazing night filled with games and laughter, along with some wonderful food. On Christmas morning, we woke up to find a present for Joshua, a Skuut - bike without pedals. His face was great:) We spent the day opening presents, eating good food, enjoying a game of White Elephant gift exchange, and more great food. It was a fun-filled day, blessed with many wonderful memories:)

I pray that you all had a blessed day as well and made wonderful memories of those you love...

2008 Recap: What a difference a year makes!

2008-12-16T07:42:00.000-08:00

It is hard to believe that 2008 is almost at an end. Last year at this time we were stuck in snow and wet and cold. Now we are in wonderful San Diego and loving it. Well, I say that but right now it is raining and cold outside, haha, what can you do:)

In January, Taryn took a job at a local junior high in Silverdale, WA, teaching Algebra/Geometry to 8th and 9th graders. Joshua was placed in a home daycare provider while Taryn worked. David attended Bremerton High School. He made some good friends and even practiced playing guitar more and more with them. Chris was aboard the USS Emory S Land, which went into drydock so that it could be converted to a Merchant Marine ship... With that being said, they shut the galley down and informed us that we had to pick orders fast. We were very blessed to get orders to San Diego, where Chris is now stationed aboard the USS Dubuque. We were also blessed that we were able to finish out the school year in WA so that David was able to finish his Junior year there and Taryn was able to finish her contract. We moved to San Diego the day school ended, literally. We packed up the week of finals and after grades were turned in we drove to San Jose. Chris took leave and we were able to stay with Taryn's family for a month. Chris had to fly out to meet up with the ship which was on WestPac. Taryn and the boys moved to San Diego mid-July. We were able to get David enrolled in Mission Bay High School and Taryn is now subbing for the local school district. She is really enjoying being able to be home with Joshua regularly. We know that next school year she will need to get a job, but we are praying that the Lord opens the right doors for her and her career. On a high note, Taryn completed her Master's Degree in Education and is thankful to be done at this time.

We pray that God would continue to guide us and bless us through this next year. We are thankful for the many blessing that we have received from Him. He is to be praised. Chris and I have found a wonderful Church that we are really getting connected with, The Rock Church. We have been involved with Bible Studies and Young Married Cafe, which is a great place for married couples to get together and focus on our marriages and also incorporating God in them... Awesome:)

We pray that all of you have had a blessed year as well. Please know that our door is always open if you want to make your way to San Diego... Come and stop by:)

2008-11-10T18:42:00.000-08:00

So we had an amazing weekend in Capitola. There were 9 of us total this year: My mom Jodi, Aunt Sheryll, Betty, Grandma, Jessica, myself, Robin, Cholena, and my dear friend Jackie... We arrived on Friday and left on Sunday. We stayed at a beach house near downtown Capitola. We drank some wonderful wine and danced and sang on Friday night, then on Saturday we relaxed and had lunch at Zelda's. We then went back and watched a movie and relaxed. Then around 5pm, Jessi, Jackie, myself, and Cholena went to Cava's Wine Bar in Capitola. We enjoyed some wonderful wine, great conversation, and then of course I can't forget the great cheese tray:) That was amazing cheese, but can't recall the name... We got back to the Beach House about 10:15pm and the ladies were still on the couch enjoying a movie and we had a great time! I can't wait for next year!!!!

"You can steal my sign, but you can't steal my vote"

2008-11-03T06:39:00.001-08:00

So yesterday I walked outside after Joshua's nap and my McCain/Palin sign was gone... I have heard stories all over San Diego County of signs being taken down by people. There was actually a couple of people arrested a couple of weeks ago for doing such... The title of this blog is a quote that someone wrote on a new sign and stuck in their yard after their "Yes on 8" sign was taken. Most of the people that I have heard of getting their signs taken were McCain/Palin and "Yes on 8"... Makes you wonder what the other party is so afraid of?!? I think that the issue of banning gay marriages is very important. I dislike the fact that Gay Activists are claiming that they want equality for all!!! Give me a break, the institution of marriage began in the church and now you want to "force" churches to perform something which they deem unGodly? How is it that we are allowing the minority in our state to dictate what the rest of us do? Is this really democracy at work? I pray for our state and our country as Nov. 4th (tomorrow) nears. Chris and I have already discussed what we will do if Prop 8 fails and gay marriages are taught in our schools, we are either homeschooling or going to find a way to put him in a private school. We believe that a 2nd grader is not mature enough to handle this and we don't want him exposed to it by his family where we can help show him God's word... Marriage is a Biblical union, set forth by God, to unite a MAN and a WOMAN...

Okay enough about the elections but I just can pray for our Nation and State and I ask that you are doing the same!

Happy Halloween

2008-11-01T09:04:00.000-07:00

I hope that everyone had a safe and fun Halloween...

Joshua at first was NOT happy about dressing up, but once he realized that if he held his bag and said "trick-or-treat" that he got treats, he was ready to go. We had a good time walking around with our neighbors around the neighborhood. There were some great costumes out there... there was a little boy, no more than 18 months that was an indian with a full head dress... It was cute. We have a few more pictures on the photos section... We send our love and Happy Holidays to you all...

xoxoxox

Holiday Season is upon us!!!

2008-10-25T20:28:00.000-07:00

So, the wonderful holiday season has begun... We have had the wonderful opportunities of going to a couple pumpkin patches and also the Pacific Beach Fest and Little Italy Festa. Joshua has really had a great time with the pumpkins and the inflatable slides and rides. We are thankful for the things that we have been able to do with him and there are many more pictures under our picture link up above... Check them out:)

Miramar Air Show

2008-10-05T17:43:00.000-07:00

We had a blast at the Miramar Air Show. I don't know if most of you know but Joshua loves big jets, so he was soooo excited by all the planes and helicopters there... We arrived around 9:30ish and were by the flight line by 10. We saw some great manuevers and some amazing different old planes. Joshua was able to sit in the cockpit of some helicopters. He was a little afraid when the really fast jets flew by, due to the fact that they were SOOOO loud after they passed, not sure if he understood it:) Anyway, we walked forever and were tired by 1pm, so we left and he slept in the car on the ride home. He woke up talking about the big jets and hasn't stopped. It was a great day... Check out the Durbin Pictures for the amazing pictures... Just too many to post on here.

Finished with my Master's Degree

2008-10-01T08:33:00.000-07:00

So I am now a post-graduate student, well, when I decide to go back to school... I officially now have my Master's Degree in Education for Curriculum and Instruction. I am sure that I will one day go back to school but for right now, I feel such peace about not doing anymore school work and being away from my family.

We are enjoying watching Joshua grow and talk more and more everyday. On our trip up to San Jose last week, we stopped at the Gilroy Outlets and during the course of our two hours there, Joshua put his pacifier down and we didn't see, so it was left there. He has done Great! without it. He was ready for it and I am so thankful that there was no crying. We had a great time in San Jose, spent time with family and even was able to go play some tennis with Jessi.

Today I go finish my paperwork for subbing but of course we are still waiting for daycare. Chris is back in town and starts his class on Monday. He will be here for a month taking that class and by that time, his ship will be back in port and they will be in port through the holidays. We aren't sure when they are headed back out but it could be as early as March or May... We are just having to play it by ear. We are also excited about David's graduation this coming June. anyway, gotta run, joshua is done with breakfast:) love you all, talk to you soon!!!!

Coming home...

2008-09-05T12:47:00.000-07:00

So, as the beginning of September is now upon us and school is back in session, it is great to be home with Joshua. He is exploring and playing in the dirt and loving it. We are working on letters and just having fun outside. It is great to be able to see him learn new things each day and he is just so happy. David has started his senior year and boy do I need to get going on graduation stuff and also contact the school about all of that stuff... It is amazing what has to be done the last year of high school.
Great news came today as it looks like Chris will be back next week. He does not have tickets in hand but said that I should be ready for a phone call once he lands:) So fingers are crossed and praying that it is soon:)
I was planning on coming to SJ to see family but I think I will be waiting till Chris is here and we can take a long weekend and go... So I am holding off on making any plans.
I will be getting on the sub list for the district starting in October. I have completed all the requirements to start teaching right now, but I really don't want to. I am enjoying my time with Joshua and also it is great being able to be home to take care of paperwork and getting settled into our new home here in San Diego.
It has now been over a week since we lost the baby and I am doing well. I am healing well both physically and emotionally. I have really leaned on God and His grace and believe that He has a plan bigger than this and that through Him we will move on and try again. The miscarriage has really made me open my eyes to the issues that Satan has been attacking and making me unhappy. I have opened my eyes and heart to the fact that I have been allowing myself to not be happy and rather focused on things that I don't have and so forth. I am embracing my family and my life now and chosing to make good choices for us as a whole. I can't put off being happy, it has to come now. I am sure that I am rambling on but I want to convey to everyone that only you can chose to be happy, no one else can make you happy... Does that make sense?!? ANYWAY, I love you all and look forward to Chris coming home... Keep in touch and don't be a stranger!!!

Mid August... summer is almost gone

2008-08-13T10:42:00.000-07:00

So we are about settled, just getting into a routine. However we leave tomorrow to head to San Jose for 10 days for Grandma's 75th birthday bash. We should have a wonderful time. Joshua and I will be heading up there while David stays here with the cats... He starts his new job at Vons as a bagger tomorrow so he is really excited. I am very proud of him getting a job and I hope he does a great job...

Chris is supposed to be back about a month ahead of schedule as his command wants to send him to a class here in San Diego the month of October, so keep your fingers crossed that he will be able to be home the end of September instead of mid November. We are hoping and praying that is true. I still haven't heard anything about the two job applications I have submitted but I will keep doing it. I start one of the final four classes I have to finish my Master's Degree on the 19th, so I am excited about being that much closer to being done. I have to also put together a petition to the state of CA to get an extension to clear my credential. When you first earn your credential it is a preliminary due to the fact that over the next five years they want you to keep taking classes and participate in a program through the school district. Well, since I haven't lived in the state of CA for the last 4 years I was never able to complete those requirements, so I am now at the point of I need to do this now to get the documentation in before my credential expires. So, I will be busy working on that when we get back from San Jose.

Well, that is it for now, we are off to SJ tomorrow (thursday) and so I can't wait to see my family again:) Love you all, miss you, take care and hope to see you soon... and if any of you make it south to SD you better come and visit:)

We are here... boy do we have a lot of stuff...

2008-07-25T07:25:00.000-07:00

So we made it and we are here... We were overwhelmed with the amount of boxes and items that we have. The moving company is supposed to ask if you want them to remove the boxes (which means that they have to unpack some stuff) but they dropped things off and left, they didn't even help put back together the items that were taken apart, which meant that Chris had to do all of furniture. I have spent the last three days unpacking box after box after box! I have managed to finish the kitchen, not sure I like where I put everything but it is done for now. The dining area is great but still not sure yet what to do about the fact that the flooring is uneven, we have folded napkins under a leg of the table now but I need to find something better... The living room is great but I need to get the pictures on the walls and maybe buy some drapes or something to decorate the window trim with... Joshua's room is getting there, we have a lot of toys with little place to put them. Our room is slowly getting there, we have bags of clothes that need to be put away and some other items that we need to find homes for but we are coming along just fine........ Okay write more later, time to get up and get some more work done. Love to you all!!!

Our time...

2008-07-13T15:41:00.000-07:00

So we have had a wonderful time here with family in CA. We were able to go spend three days in Cayucos with my mom, greg, aimee and aaron. We went to the beach and had a wonderful time. David learned to surf and we couldn't get him out of the water. He did AWESOME!!! He is very excited to get to San Diego now and surf all the time:) Anyway, we are set to leave San Jose in a little over a week and head to San Diego. Housing is available and we will be living about a mile and a half from Pacific Beach. I am so excited that we will be that close and I can take Joshua down there. We will be close enough to ride our bikes down there for the day.

Chris is still in San Diego and not sure yet when he will be flying out to meet up with the ship but I am crossing my fingers that he won't have to leave till we are there and set up again. He has already scheduled our household goods to be delivered as well as the cable and internet. So we should be good to go... Now I just need to find a job and we will be set... Oh yeah, David will be attending Mission Bay High School for his senior year. We are not yet sure when graduation will be but we will let everyone know as soon as we find out... Anyway, have to run right now but will put more pics up soon of our time in Santa Maria with Keela... Love you all.

trip to the beach in cayucos

So we made it...

2008-06-23T13:18:00.000-07:00

Well, we are finally in San Jose and enjoying the sun... We managed to leave Bremerton on Friday at about 2pm... We drove until 2:30am when Chris finally had to stop and shower/wash his face, his allergies were SOOOO bad. We drove through the "Grass Seed Capitol of the World" according to the sign, somewhere in Oregon. Well that did it for Chris his allergies were so bad. I drove from 2pm to about 10pm then Chris drove till 2:30. We stopped in Redding at a hotel and got some sleep (about 4 hours) and then had the free breakfast and got back on the road. We made it to SJ by about 1pm... It was wonderful getting here. Of course it was hot and sticky trying to get the Uhaul unloaded but boy did that pool feel good:)

We are now just relaxing and trying to get settled. I will send out more updates later, cuz I am off to lay out by the pool:) Love you all, glad to be back in SJ...

So we are moving

2008-06-07T05:47:00.000-07:00

Well, our time here has come to an end in wonderful wet and cold Washington. We are very excited about the move. Originally we were going to do our packout and load up and go the week after school gets out but Chris decided that he could handle the packout and load up while David and I finish up our responsibilities at school... So we are now taking off on the weekend after school gets out. We are leaving here on the 20th or 21st. I believe that we are going to head straight to San Jose for a couple weeks and fax our housing request into San Diego to hopefully get housing so that we can head down there after 4th of July weekend and get moved in... But again, it is the waiting game.

Cleaning responsibilities. I am glad that I have an amazing husband who works so hard:) He is a blessing. He was busy shampooing the carpet in the living room last night and today we have to do the boys bedrooms and tomorrow we have to do ours. There is a lot to do to get ready for this move as we have to clean the windows, the blinds, the screens, the outside of the house, the carport, the backyard, the front yard, not to mention the house itself. We are going to try to get a cleaner in to do the kitchen and the 2 bathrooms as it is worth my time and energy (and sanity) to pay to have someone else come in and go over it much more thoroughly than I want to. Mind you, our house is not that dirty as we have only lived here for six months, but I guess that it needs to be done:)

Packing. Can I just say that it is hard to sit around and wait for the movers to come?!? I find that I want to just start boxing things up to get them out of the way and make room for me to clean more efficiently. I have already gotten three boxes packed (of course, it is just DVDs and pictures from our Entertainment Center that we took down yesterday) but I just can't pile things up, I need to box them and make them easier to store... It frustrates Chris that I get all worked up about what to do, what to pack, because the way he sees it is that the movers come, pack it all up, load it up and you don't have to lift a finger... The way I see it is that we have to separate out what we DON'T want them to pack and lock it up and make sure that they can't get to it. Also make sure that I went through everything and threw away stuff we don't need or want anymore, plus make sure that it is all clean before we load it up... Lots to do, but actually not so much... differences of opinions:)

Well, I am looking forward to seeing you all real soon. I can't wait to be by the pool at my mom's and spend time with you all... love you all!!!!

New Orders

2008-04-20T16:13:00.000-07:00

As some of you know, Chris has received new orders... We don't know his departure date but it will be in the next month we think. The ship is stationed out of San Diego (which we are soooooo happy about) and is leaving on WestPac some time in May. Hopefully in the next week Chris will know more about his report date... So as we get more information we will pass it on to you.
In regards to Taryn, David and Joshua... We will be staying here to finish out this school year and then pack out and pack up a Uhaul for my car and head to San Jose. We will stay there for a couple of weeks and then hopefully get into housing in San Diego. Speaking of housing, anyone out there want two of the most loveable and adorable cats??? We aren't sure yet if we will be able to get housing (since the stuff that is nice doesn't allow pets) and we aren't sure what the wait list will be like during the summer months which are the biggest flux of housing in the military. Anyway, hopefully that means that the wait won't be to long. :) We will just have to wait till Chris gets his orders so that we can contact housing down there. In regards to work for Taryn, the community colleges in CA require a MA, so that means that those four classes that she is putting off till we move will need to be done before she can get a job at the community college level. So I guess that means that I need to start applying down there for a position at a high school... however, I want to live near the school so it would really help if we knew where we were living. I will also be taking my 4 online classes so that I am done by Christmas, so that will be a stressful time this fall... Lord willing, things will go smoothly and all will work out.
Now, as some of you do know, Joshua is supposed to be having a surgery this Tuesday but he woke up with a bad fever this morning... He seems to be doing better now but we are praying that it is gone by tomorrow so that they will perform the surgery and we don't have to wait another 6 months or so until we get to SD... So, I will update once we find out more about the surgery tomorrow.

Love to you all... we can't wait to be in CA with our family and loved ones... we miss you all!!!!

March coming to an end...

2008-03-30T07:21:00.000-07:00

Wow, this month has just flown by... We have been so busy with my trip to San Jose for Jessica's baby shower, then Easter with three other families, and now getting ready for April... I start teaching at Olympic College on Tuesday the first. I got a position teaching one 5 unit night class of Intermediate Algebra. I am really looking forward to this experience as Chris and I have been talking about what I will do when we move for work... I am thinking that I want to get out of middle school level and maybe move into upper level math, such as upper sections of math in high school, or get into community college settings... I am four classes away from being able to teach any math class at the community college setting, but right now I can teach the first three courses offered at the community college. I should be finished with my classes by the end of the year.
Anyway, Easter was interesting since it was pouring down rain in the morning and we ended up having to have the egg hunt in our living room. We had three other families over, so there were four boys and one girl all three and under. We BBQed and had a nice time, except for the fact that it was loud:) It was nice though being able to celebrate with someone else. Joshua was overwhelmed with all the people over, so that was a bit overwhelming for me... But we made it through:)
This past weekend, Chris and I bought me a bike and also a stroller/trailer for Joshua. We have only been able to get him in it for a few minutes before he starts to yell that he wants to walk. He loves being free to run around... Well, yesterday we went on a walk for about an hour and Chris brought his bike with the trailer attached and so Joshua rode in it for a bit but was not that happy... so we let him walk and walk and finally when he got tired he sat in there and just watched the world go by, so we are going to try it again today. We also bought me a new laptop as my old one finally is on its last leg... So we used our tax refund this year for all of these fun things... We really are hoping that we will be moving to San Diego so that we can go riding more... I know that there are some trails out here that are supposed to be great but with the weather so cold and wet (it was actually snowing the past two days - it didn't stick in most places but it did snow) that we just don't want to load up the car and do that...
We still have not heard anything about the move or orders so we are still waiting... But we did find out that we will be out of here by October for sure... but whether that means San Diego, Texas, Georgia, Everett, or Virginia who knows... We are still playing the waiting game, and guessing game... So that is us for now... I miss you all and love you, hope to see you soon... Hopefully my mom and Greg will be coming up here in May after Ezekiel is born... Alright, love you all!!!!

All finished and quick update

2008-03-09T14:04:00.000-07:00

While I may not be completely finished with my MA Ed. I am completely finished with my Action Research Project (my education thesis) and am so HAPPY!!! I turned it in yesterday but won't know my grade for another week or so, but it just feels good to know that it is done. I still have four more classes so that I can get my specialization in Mathematics Education. With that specialization I can teach at the community college level the higher level math classes. Currently I can teach the lower three math classes, basic college algebra and such. I actually have an interview on Thursday with Olympic College to possibly teach a class this coming spring (which starts on March 31st). It would be a 5 unit class that would meet 3 days a week probably in the afternoon or nights, and it would be till the first week of June I believe. It would be a few hundred dollars more a month, so I am not sure if I would accept if I got the offer, but it is a great experience being able to interview for this level of education.

I leave am leaving next weekend and heading to San Jose for Jessi's baby shower. I am so excited to see everyone and also to have some girl time. Keela is meeting me up there and we are going to be able to spend some time together too! I am looking forward to also seeing my sister's baby belly and talking to my new little nephew:) Can't wait!!!

Joshua is doing fine. He is getting over a cold and so he still has a nasty cough, but he should be fine. He has been getting up at 4:30 am for the past few days! We have tried changing his bed time to later than 8:30, so between 9 and 9:30 and it isn't making a difference... So, we have been getting up way to early on the weekends. It was great this morning though because Chris let me sleep in:) Anyway, time for me to go, we are going to go shopping for Easter stuff. We are having some friends over for an easter egg hunt and then BBQ-Potluck kind of afternoon, so gotta go get some plastic eggs:)

MA Ed. Curriculum and Instruction & Mathematics Education

2008-02-22T17:37:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I am almost done with my Masters program from University of Phoenix. I am currently taking a big class right now where I have to submit my Action Research Proposal, basically a thesis of sorts, and am so overwhelmed. They break the actual proposal writing process into three classes and so far I had done well with my Chapters I-IV but I just got back a grade on my revisions from this new professor and I got a B on it! I should be glad since another gal in my Learning Team got a C- on her's. The biggest thing that bugs me is that while we are supposed to be fixing all the things that she saw that was wrong on it and also write the final chapter (about 6-10 pages more) and submit it, we are also supposed to do these other assignments! I understand that it shouldn't be easy to get your master's but at the same time, shouldn't we have enough time to work on this without distraction from other assignments? The program is online and geared towards working educators, meaning we have little to no free time. On top of that, there are those of us that are wife and mother as well. When do we have time without staying up all night? I know what you are going to say, "nothing of that importance should be able to be reached without some work," or "come on you can pull an all-nighter if needed for a couple weeks," or even "stop your whining Taryn and get back to work!" Okay, I will, but I just wanted to share with you all how I am overwhelmed at the moment! Love ya all... There are some other great things happening here, Joshua is talking so much better, I can't believe how much clearer he is saying his words... I will take some time soon to give a better update for everyone. We love you all and miss you!!!!

Our Day in Seattle

2008-01-17T19:24:00.000-08:00

We left on Sunday morning and parked the car near the ferry and took the ferry to Seattle.
It was a great ride into Seattle. It took about an hour for the ferry but it weaved through the islands around the area and we saw some really beautiful homes and area. We then went to the Aquarium and had clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl (it was great!). We then decided to go walk around Pike's Market and saw some very interesting sites:) Afterwards we walked back to the ferry and rode home. Joshua was wiped out and slept most of the walk back and ferry ride home. We had a great day together.
I saw this lady walking around tailing her husband and son and she had such a scowl on her face. It made me upset that I know there have been times that that woman had been me before. It really is a choice each day to thank God for the blessings He has given you and remember that each day is a new day to teach your son and spend time with those you love. I made a decision then that I would try to remember that woman and not let that be me again. I pray that you all have a chance to be reminded of how precious our families are and that God has truly blessed us. Have a great long weekend, I think we are headed back to Seattle again on the ferry but this time I think we are going to go to some museums and maybe even the Space Needle. Love to you all!!!!

2008-01-12T20:42:00.000-08:00

Here is our fun day at the Seattle Aquarium. Joshua just loved the sea creatures and the fish tank... He also had a great time on the merry-go-round on the pier next to the Aquarium. He would have been happy going on that all day long if we would have let him:)

2008

2008-01-05T22:12:00.000-08:00

Hello Family and Friends,

Welcome to 2008! Wow, can you believe that it is 2008, where did 2007 go?!? I pray that you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Years!

Joshua and I arrived back in Seattle late on the 31st. We finally made it home by 10:30pm and went to bed. We did not stay awake to welcome in the new year. We were wiped out! Also, I don't think New Years Eve will ever be as spectacular as it was in Naples, Italy watching from our balcony as the Italians lit off fireworks in a 180 degree view! It was amazing!!!

This last week was all about getting back into our routine and cleaning up. Joshua has way too many toys:) But I know he doesn't mind! On Friday though, things got a little crazy around here as I was offered a .6 (to become a .8 at the end of January) position at Ridgetop Junior High School in Silverdale. It is about 15 minutes away from here. The reason that it is so crazy is that they want me to start this coming Monday. I accepted the position and am still without official daycare. One of my friends has agreed to watch Joshua on Monday and Wednesday morning and Chris will watch him on Tuesday since he is on holiday stand-down for one more week. There is a gal here that is a Child Development Home Provider that has a position opening up on Thursday, so I am going to call her tomorrow and try to meet her... I am just praying that the Lord has His hand on this situation. The great thing about the position is that it will be bringing in more income to help with our bills and also will only be from 7 to 12 and that will give me time to work on my 5 classes that I have left for my Masters. It will also allow for me to spend time with Joshua and my family. I thank God for how He is helping my family.

I will try to get some pictures up from Christmas. Also please pray for Chris's "brother" Dean as he is heading off to Iraq at the end of the month with the Army National Guard. He will be stationed there for 400 days! Please pray for him and the rest of the soldiers over there and also for their families. Okay, enough for now. Will post more later to give everyone an update on Chris's job and his duty station... Miss you all!

Joshua turned 2!!!

2007-12-21T07:22:00.000-08:00

Well, Joshua turned 2 a few weeks ago and I finally have some pictures of his presents... He got the scooter from my dad and his fiancee, the helmet and thermal pjs from my grandparents and meema... It has been wonderful to see him grow so much over the past few months. He is changing so fast. I know it won't be long before he is riding a bike and not wanting to give his mommy kisses... Boy how time flies. Anyway, there are more pics on our online albums - just use the link above.

Coming home for the holidays

2007-12-19T07:40:00.000-08:00

I am so excited, in three days we are flying to San Jose to see my family for Christmas! While we were blessed to spend one of our Christmas's with my dad in Italy, it is still wonderful to be going home to be with everyone. With Aimee and Aaron getting older, I am wishing that I was even closer than WA in order to spend time with them. I can't believe how old they are getting and how big. I think Aimee is taller than me now and so it finally happened - ALL my younger brothers and sisters are taller than me!!! Anyway, I am looking forward to Chris being able to be with us all and experience the joy of the holidays with the many wonderful traditions that my family celebrates! I am looking forward to the seafood ciappino that is a staple to our Christmas dinners.

In looking back on Christmas's past, I am reminded of the blessing that the Lord has given to us. I know that the Lord has provided for us each year and it is to Him that we need to give the glory. I know that this year the Lord has really blessed my family. With Jessi pregnant I am even more excited about the changes in our family. Thank you Lord for your grace and your guidance, please continue to guide us and remind us of your love.

Okay all, I hope that if you are in San Jose that I get to see you this holiday season... I am at my mom's so stop by or give me a call!!! Love to you all!!!

Blessing from God

2007-12-12T12:29:00.000-08:00

So, in regards to buying a house, we realized that we have more pressing matters but that, Lord willing, by the end of the year we should be in a much better position to buy...

But the real blessing is that we found out today that the Navy is going to reimburse us for the ticket that I bought for Joshua and I to come back in August. Originally the Navy said that since we bought them with British Airways that they wouldn't reimburse us, so we said oh well, not much we could do about it... BUT we decided to try one more time by submitting our travel tickets with our travel claim and amazingly they said OK... So we are getting that money back! What an amazing blessing. So anyway, just wanted to share with everyone God's blessing in our life this holiday season.

Okay, take care and talk to you all soon! Happy Holidays!!!

Buying a home

2007-12-08T20:15:00.000-08:00

So today Chris and I began looking at houses... We are not in a position to buy at this moment (I have no job) but we saw a place last night that we thought was beautiful, so we went and looked. In talking with the realtor she thought of another listing that we should go see. It was also very nice and probably more in our range (once I am working).
I have been so against buying as I am afraid of getting in over our head, but the truth of the matter is that we get money from the Navy each month for housing, why not be putting it to better use than just paying rent... so yeah, why not?!?

Please pray that as this new year begins that I can find a job. There are a couple of current vacancies at the local schools but until I have my Washington certification (about 2 months I think from now) I am not able to teach in a classroom... so, I am able to interview but I don't know if there is any way around the time line I seem doomed to have to face. Anyway, hope everyone is having a great weekend... Tomorrow we are heading down to see Chris's sister and husband and their new boy. He was born this morning and his name is David Coy Birdsong. He is named David after Chris's father who passed away last January. The amazing thing is that today is David's birthday if he were still alive.... Amazing how life works:)

Take care all, and keep in touch:)

So I am officially starting a blog:)

2007-12-07T09:17:00.000-08:00

So I decided that it is time for me to start a blog, to get away from using Myspace and Facebook to post updates. I believe that since I am nearing 30 (don't tell anyone) that it is time that I grew up:)

To start off let's give a quick update of my family:
Chris is the new LPO for all the Mess/Food Services on the USS Emory S Land. We are stationed out of Bremerton Washington. We will be here for 2 years and then at that time we will be re-stationed, where we don't know but some where... I am currently pursuing jobs in the schools around here. David is a junior in high school and seems to be enjoying Bremerton High School. Joshua is busy as ever and keeps me on my feet all day long. I am enjoying spending time with him and having this chance to bond with him.

I cannot promise that I will be good in updating this blog, but I promise to do my best!
tay