After several months with my computer in storage, and no access to a computer, I am happy to say "I'm Back!”

Since my last post, my life has been very busy, and fill with many events; most of them wonderful. I hope over time I will be able to explain them all, but I will do it in bits and pieces, for if I tried to explain everything in one journal, it could quite possible wind up several hundred pages long.

The two largest, and most wonderful events that have occurred, are as follows: The reunitement of our family, and the birth of son.

In August of 2007 my husband, who is in the Navy, completed his A school training. We were all very proud of him, and excited at the prospect of being reunited; upon graduation of A school most Sailors are sent to the fleet/their permanent duty stations, where they are reunited with the families, and reside for several years.

Unfortunately/fortunately, the Navy decided to send my husband to a C school. Now you may think that that last sentence is a little odd, but let me explain: A C school is a more specialized training. It is designed to give the Sailors a better knowledge of the systems they will be using aboard ship.

The unfortunate part comes from the fact that the C school meant anther four months of separation. The fortunate part comes from the fact that this particular C school would give my husband a slight edge over the other Sailors. (You see there are approximately 3,000 Sailors in my husbands rating; however only about 150 Sailors, or those who have completed this particular training, are considered qualified on those systems.

On the bright side of the unfortunate, my husband and I did some fast thinking and were able to come up with a most wonderful solution to the extended separation. Upon graduation of A school my husband received his official orders; these orders told us to which permanent duty station he was assigned. With this knowledge we were able to set up our PCS move. (That is where the Navy provides, fee of charge, a moving company. The movers come to the house, pack up all your belongings (for you), and ship them to wherever you will be residing. Or if you do not have a residence prior to the move they will provide a ninety day storage.)

Now here comes the fast thinking part! We intentionally had the movers send our stuff to California, and put our belongings in to storage. Then we temporarily moved to Florida to be with Jerril ….errr sort of; it was more like an extended vacation, than a move. This enabled my husband to be with me/me to be with him, for the second big event---the birth of our second son!!

We are both proud to report that Artemis Jerril Batchelor was born happy and healthy on November 28. He was a robust 7.9lbs, and 20” in length.

Shortly after his birth, my husband graduated from C school (congratulations him!!), and we move to bright and sunny California. Which is where our real adventure begins; especially with his impending deployment. But I will leave that for another time.

P.S. I finally figure out how to post my art! YAY!