Our New Home

We finally get to move into our new home on Iroquois Point in Ewa Beach, HI. We have been without all our belongings since March 18th. Tomorrow will be three months to the day, June 18th. I am so excited.

I miss my bed, other furniture, my clothes, Gwyn's new high chair (which she has never been able to use until now), and so much more. There are some of you out there that know exactly how I am feeling right now. Some, not so much.

I can now say... the bed and breakfast is open for business.

Let us know when you want to come for a visit.........

Hawaii, Here We Are

We finally arrived in Hawaii on Tuesday the 9th. It was a long and gruelling trip with a 9 month old on a 9 1/2 hour flight. But, we made it. The hotel was, however, a nightmare in the beginning. The first room wasn't clean and had ants around the kitchen sink. The second room wasn't safe for Gwyn. The shower spout was all mangled and ragged. The transition piece from tile to carpet had screws sticking out. So, we settled in on our third room. It's nice, finally.

In two days, we picked up the car, found a temporary place to live, took care of Hera's trip over and went to the beach. The car was already here which made things so much easier. Now, all it needs is a bath. I am still working on that. Hera will hopefully be flying over on the 22nd. She has no idea what is about to happen to her.

Our temporary house. Well, I believe the community used to be government housing. We have a three bedroom house with a beautiful view of the beach. There is a fitness center, day care, preschool/elementary school, Nex mini-mart and gas station. It's not the most beautiful house in the world, but it puts a roof over our head and money in our pockets.

Below are a few pictures from around the island. There will be more to come.

Last Day In CONUS

In case you were wondering, CONUS stands for the CONtintental United States in government acronyms. Most of you all know that there are more acronyms than there are words in the english language - just kidding. It just feels that way sometimes in the military.

Well, Monday was Gwyn and my last day in Tennessee before heading to Hawaii. My other daugther, Hera the Great Dane, went to the groomers for a spa treatment. She was pampered and bathed. I know she doesn't appreciate the spa, but owners benefit the most from the better smell and beautiful, shiny coat. She looked wonderful!

Gwyn, Mom and I went shopping a little while Hera was being treated to luxury. I know we shouldn't have been buying more clothes. Lord knows, I have no more room in my luggage. My poor mom is using half a suitcase, while Gwyn and I have 5 and a half suitcases for this trip. I have maxed out two of the pieces and stuffed the other three to their brim. But still, I found a lovely pair of capris and a simple white skirt. Just what I needed, right?

After the shopping, we ate some lunch at home and then proceeded to finish the packing (which was started on Saturday). I kept finding more and more stuff all over the house. It's amazing how much you can spread out when you have been somewhere for three months. I know there are some things we could do without. However, I have been without all my belongings for the past three months with no end in sight as to when I will get it all back. How terrible, huh?

The best part about today was visiting with my Aunt Linda. Gwyn, by the way, is named Jane after my Aunt Linda. That's how special she is to me. Aunt Linda cooked a wonderful Southern meal that (as we say in the South) would make you slap your momma. I once again overate. And, where else can you get true southern sweet tea than at home. We had such a great time. I wish we could have stayed longer but we all needed to get home for showers/baths and sleep.

So, as you can tell, I am not sleeping. Right now, I am a little worked up over tomorrow's events. For those of you who know me, I am a planner. I have lists and reminders and so much going through my mind. I am not sure if I will go to sleep tonight. But, God will take care of everything. I am confident. Trust in the Lord, and He will provide.

For all of those we visited, we had such a wonderful time seeing you. For those of you we missed, I am truly sorry I couldn't meet with you. It breaks my heart that I didn't get to see you, and you didn't get to meet Gwyn. But, on the bright side, you can always come to Hawaii and see us. You are always welcome at our home (that is, once we get one).

We love you all! See you in Hawaii!!
Jen and Gwyn (and Wes will see you later)

Another Trip to FL (and SC)

Gwyn has become quite the American traveler. She has been to more states in her first 9 months of life than most people in their whole life. This trip, she was able to visit South Carolina. We spent the weekend with our friends in Charleston, whom we miss very much. Our friends from CT, the Randle family, have now moved there too, which makes the city even more desireable to visit.

Waterpark Fountain in Charleston

So, Gwyn and I spent a few days in Charleston and then headed on down to Jacksonville to spend some time with her cousin, Conner. I thought we had a couple of days to spend with them before we had to pick up Daddy. But, come Wednesday afternoon, Daddy called and said he was ready to go. My dad (Pops) packed up the car for us and away we went. We ate at a little place in Cocoa Beach for dinner with Wes before we drove back up Daytona Beach to stay for a couple of days. (Thanks Mom so much for allowing us to crash at your house while you are away!!) Thursday night, we had dinner with Uncle Kirk and Aunt Dawn. Thanks so much for making us dinner and doting on our daughter!!

Gwyn at Sea World

Since we have all been in Daytona, we have visited Sea World and Typhoon Lagoon. I believe we all had a wonderful time at the parks. Gwyn had a blast at both places. On Saturday night after a day at Typhoon Lagoon, we visited our Orlando friends, Mark, Michelle, Cole, Cameron, Dave and Marie. We haven't seen any of them for two years. It's amazing how much everyone changes over time.

Today, we went to church with all our friends at Holly Hill Church of Christ. We were bombarded with hellos, hugs and smiles from all our church family there. (Bombarding from friends and family is wonderful!!) Lunch was very special with Remie, Wiley, Sheila, Mason and Alena. I love seeing them all. I hope one day they can come and visit us in Hawaii.


Since March, Gwyn and I have been trying to visit with as many friends and family as possible. I hope we are able to see everyone, but at times we may miss some. Please forgive us if you were missed. It is definitely not intentional. We love you all. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers for our journey and move. Without you, our lives would not be as joyous as it is.

Gwyn at Typhoon Lagoon in Disneyworld

Long Time, No Type

I realized that I hadn't posted in a while, so I thought I should update you all on what's the latest. Gwyn and I have been staying at my parents' house since we returned from CT on the 30th. We were able to spend a quiet Mother's Day together on Sunday. Then, on Thursday we both (Grams and I) had a massage. It was wonderful!! Of course, I was sore for quite a while afterwards, but it was worth it.

The following Saturday, we had a nice, big party for Gwyn. This time my Dad's side of the family came and ate. It was wonderful to see all my aunts and uncles with their children and grandchildren. There were so many that I hadn't seen in so long. Everyone loved Gwyn! She was the belle of the ball.

Yesterday, Gwyn, Grams and I went to Atlanta to see my very good friend, Joanne Bradshaw. This was also the first time she had met Gwyn. Catching up on all the people I knew from church and my neighbors and finding out that many of the young people I knew were now married and had children was amazing. I wish we could have stayed longer to see more people, but it was only a day trip.

We are getting closer and closer to our flights to Hawaii. I am starting to survey all the stuff I have to take with me. It's amazing sometimes all the material things you collect without noticing. I have been trying to pare down some of our stuff, but then we will go to the consignment shop or Target and I will gain so much more. I try to remind myself that I can buy things over there. But, it's just so tempting when the prices are much cheaper here than there. I am sure none of you have ever had this problem.

Well, the hubby is out again floating through the water somewhere. We are hoping to see him soon for a visit before we all head over to Hawaii in separate ways. He's going by boat and I by plane. We miss him dearly but he has a job to do. I am proud of him for what he does and who he is. I could have never asked for a better husband than Wes.

We wish you all happy days this summer. As soon as we get a house established, the bed and breakfast will be open for business. Have a great weekend. We look forward to seeing some of you very soon (this weekend and next week)!!

To All the Mommies

Happy Mother's Day to all the new and seasoned mommies out there. This will be my first year as a new mommy. And, to make it extra special, I will be spending it with my mom and Gwyn (and my dad, too). Wes is unfortunately still in Ct.

Today we are having a little gathering with my mom's side of the family. Since we have been in CT for almost all of Gwyn's life, most of the family has not met her. So, we are throwing a little party for Gwyn. Next Saturday, we will be doing this all over again for my dad's side of the family. I'll try to post some pictures (if I remember to take any).

On a sad note, I am requesting prayers for a sailor's family and for the crew of the USS Hawaii. I can't say much. We had a sailor pass away unexpectedly yesterday morning. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and all the members on the boat. And yes, this is Wes's boat. (He is doing fine all of this.)

We hope all of you are doing well this weekend. If you have good weather, please enjoy it for us. It's raining and dreary here. Hopefully, the rain will subside and the sun will shine soon. We love you all and miss you.

Gwyn Visits Her First Boyfriend

Tuesday night, we all went to visit our friends, the Tanksleys. Really, Gwyn had to spend some time with her boyfriend, Rad, before flying off to Hawaii for a few years. Rad shared some of his toys with Gwyn. She checked out all his bling to make sure he was able to provide for her in the future. He had all the essentials a girl could ever need - a cute smile, great parents, and lots of stuff.

While Rad was sleeping off some dinner, Gwyn decided to excercise a little to keep up her girlish figure. She found the coffee table and did some pull-ups. Here is one of them to show off.

(I'm still trying to get a video to upload. I'll try again soon. Sorry!)

Unfortunately, Gwyn and Rad will be apart for quite a while. They will be busy growing up and becoming beautiful, little persons. (I look forward to watching Rad blossom into a Christian gentleman that his parents will teach him to be.)

Thursday, we had to say "goodbye" to Daddy. It's always disappointing to do such things, especially when it's Daddy. He was able to get off work in time to take us to the airport and help us with all our luggage. We all stood together in the line for security. We said our farewells and headed through the security. We miss him already.

I hope none of you ever have to spend weeks or even months from your loved ones. Before I was married, I never thought I would ever feel this way toward another person that I do toward Wes. And now, I cherish each moment I have with Wes because I know I may not have the time later. But I do know I will see him again soon. No matter how long I have to wait, we will always be together. I will always love him.