The Phrog

After our big Thanksgiving feast we took the family to Camp Pendleton to show them where Zane works and the CH-46. The kids had a blast playing around in the cockpit and checking out all the cool gadgets and Zane enjoyed teaching everyone a little bit of what he does on a day to day basis. My hat goes off to Grandma for being such a trooper and climbing up in the the helo to check it out. Those are some big steps and she handled it like a champ.


Grandma climbing aboard

Chaz checking out the cockpit

Michelle and Amaya

A Thanksgiving Reunion

This year we were blessed to be able to share Thanksgiving with family. We had all of Zane's family come from all sorts of different parts of the country and we all gathered together at our house to share a wonderful meal and catch up on lost time. Mary, Zane's mom, along with Geraldine, Zane's grandma, drove down from Coos Bay Oregon while Michelle, Zane sister, and her 3 kids Amaya, Chaz, and Mylee followed. Michelle's husband Greg flew down a day later from Oregon and John, Zane's dad, flew in from Tennessee. We also had Bev, Zane's aunt, and her family Scott, Rachelle, Faith, Brandy, little Scott and baby Aj drive up from Yuma for the big get-together. All in all there were 16 of us total and although a bit chaotic at times it was great to have everyone together. A huge thanks to Mary who pretty much took over the kitchen and Thanksgiving dinner, I couldn't have done it without her.

Zane, Mylee, Michelle and Greg

Mary working hard

John carving the turkey

Part of the fam getting ready to eat dinner

Michelle listening to one of Grandma's stories

A Table for 4 Please...

After having such great success with the construction of the cabinets, I quickly put Zane back to work and asked him to build me a cocktail style dining table that we can use on a day to day basis. So we put our heads together and designed the perfect table using some left over granite tiles that we found in the house when we moved in. It only took Zane but a few hours to put it together and I couldn't be happier with it. I'm so lucky to have such a talented husband...

My Very Own Handyman

When we bought our house I fell in love with the layout of the kitchen. It was definitely one of the selling points for me. It has a ton of cabinet and counter top space, a large island, beautiful granite counter tops and a great open feel. The only problem was that the cabinets were not only horribly stained in a two-tone color but done very poorly. So my only concern and condition when buying the house was that we must replace the cabinets as soon as we could. Well Zane being the handyman that he is suggested that instead of purchasing them, that he would build them instead. I must admit, I was a bit hesitant at first because I'm a bit of a perfectionist and had a certain look in mind but he convinced me to let him take a shot at it. After picking out the type of wood and color of the stain, I stepped back and watched my very talented hubby create his masterpiece. The deal was that I was supposed to help him with the project and we together would do it, but I have to admit that he did most of the work. Yes, I sanded and stained a bit but I have to give Zane all of the credit. He worked many long hours and did an amazing job. I absolutely love my kitchen now. We still need to paint the walls, and redo the flooring but the cabinets are done and I couldn't be happier.

Tearing down the old cabinets

Putting together the cabinet doors

Some of the cabinet doors

Refacing the old cabinet structure

The handyman

Getting closer

Adding the fancy crown moulding

The finished look

2008 Marine Corps Ball

Another ball came and went and as usual we celebrated with our fancy dresses and stunning uniforms. This year the ball was held in Anaheim, CA. Anaheim is located about 1 hour north of where we live so I anticipated my "ready time" to be about an 1hr and 10 minutes from when the ball was to begin.However, as I was coming back from my hair appointment Zane called me and said that there was a huge wildfire and the road we would usually take was closed and that we would have to take another route therefore we'd have to be leaving as soon as I got back. Of course that was gonna be impossible given that I still had to put on my makeup and get dressed. Well I hurried as much as I could and we where on our way. After being on the road in stop and go traffic for an hour we realized that the route we decided to take everyone else had decided to take as well so we decided to turn around and go back another way although after such frustrations we were tempted to just go home. Three hours later we arrived at the ball, in the middle of the guest speaker's speech and just in time for dinner. We ate, danced one dance, and we where on our way home once again. After all of that, I was exhausted and my feet where killing me in those heels. All in all it was a good time, but short one at that.

20 Weeks Pregnant and Growing

Our baby girl has gotten super active within the last month. I can definitely feel her moving around like crazy and she likes to kick her momma pretty significantly sometimes. Zane too has been able to place his hands on my belly and feel her kick however she's pretty defiant at times and doesn't necessarily kick when I want her to, go figure.

I have been feeling great and watching my belly as it grows more and more each day. I am officially wearing maternity pants which are heaven sent, by the way. There are things that are starting to become more difficult to do without my belly getting in my way or at least noticing that its there. I know I have a lot more growing to do so it will be interesting to see how I manage to adapt to my new figure.

Work has been going great and hasn't affected my pregnancy at all. I think that I am now used to the hours and sleeping schedule which is a bit chaotic at times but I'm handling it pretty well. I honestly feel amazing and can't complain. This pregnancy has been really easy so far and I just hope that it stays this way until she's here...oh and it can remain "easy" after she's here too, but I have to be realistic, after all, she's a girl! haha.

We decided to start working on the baby room. We tore up the floors and painted the walls. Zane will be making and installing new wood floors and my very talented neighbor Erin and I will be painting some designs on the walls. We still need to shop for all the furniture and all that fun stuff but we couldn't wait to get started. The wall color is a sage green and I plan to paint pink and yellow flowers on the wall. I can't wait until it's all done...until then, it's a work in progress.

It's a girl!!!!

Today was my ultrasound appointment to find out the sex of the baby. Zane and I were super excited and couldn't wait to hear the news. When we got there, Zane was asked to wait in the waiting room while they started the ultrasound. I spent 20 minutes in in there while the ultrasound tech checked to make sure everything looked good healthwise. I too wasn't able to see anything during that time so I was just getting more and more anxious as time went by. Finally, after all the official medical stuff, Zane was called into the room and the tech turned the screen so we could both see.

There she was, floating around and waving her hands, stretching out her legs, and looking oh so adorable. We spent a good 10-15 minutes watching her and looking at her every angle. It was amazing. Finally it was time to find out the sex of the baby. The minute the tech put the ultrasound picture at an angle where the sex could be seen, I blurted out, "It's a girl!" I knew right away. It was pretty obvious. I was very surprised because I had been thinking boy this whole time but I was thrilled at the same time. When I asked Zane about what he thought he said he was in shock, he too thought it was going to be a boy. After the initial shock wore off he became super excited and started talking about names, baby room colors, and all that fun stuff that comes along with having a girl. We can't wait until she's finally here so we can love her and give her an amazing life.


Girl parts

A salute to Daddy

Profile

Drinking the amniotic fluid (mouth open)

Stretching our her legs

In Case of an Emergency...

People always say that nursing is one of the best professions to have because they are needed everywhere and finding a job would be a piece of cake. I too was under that impression. After graduating nursing school and passing my boards I couldn't wait to get out in the real world, have a real career, and make real money. My plan was to get settled into the house and go down the street to the hospital and get a job. To my surprise, since I was a new graduate they required an extensive new grad training program that had just started a month prior and the next one would not start until February of next year. I was devastated because I knew that I couldn't start a 6 month program being 8 months pregnant and having to take time off in between that time. So I looked around for what seemed like forever and I kept coming across the same issue, new grad + no experience = not hireable.

Finally I decided to look at a nearby town and check out their hospital to see if maybe, just maybe, they would be willing to train a new grad. I contacted HR and was pleased to find out that they did in fact train new grads. I soon had an interview and I just found out that I got the job! I will be working in the Emergency Room, 12 hour shifts, 3-4 days a week, from 7pm to 7am. Although I'm not necessarily thrilled about working the night shift, I am super excited about having the opportunity to work in the ER since new grads are usually not placed in a "specialty" area. The ER is a great opportunity for me to see various groups of people, from infants to the elderly, and apply my critical thinking skills. I can't wait. I just hope that I am able to adjust to the night shift without too much difficulty and that my pregnancy will not be an issue during work although I know that by the end of it I will be waddling down the halls.

15 Weeks Pregnant

Here are some pictures of my belly at 15 weeks. I have been feeling fabulous and getting excited that I finally have a belly to show. People still aren't sure if I'm pregnant by looking at me but when I look at these pictures I don't see how they can ever be mistaken. The baby is doing great and I have been starting to feel him/her move around a bit. It's still pretty subtle but he/she is still pretty tiny. I can't wait until I can feel the baby doing flips in my belly and daddy can feel him/her kick. What an incredible experience it will be!!!

Memory Lane

Before I can begin to share what is going on with our lives now, I only think it's fair that I take the time to show you what's gone on in our lives since we've been together. Here are just a few pictures to give you a vague trip down our memory lane. (To be continued...)

September 2008- Home Sweet Home!!

After 3 long months of searching we finally found the perfect house. When we originally moved to CA, we expected to go out with a realtor a few times, find the perfect house, make an offer and move in no more than a month later. However, we quickly learned that the situation in the southern CA market would definitely delay our plans. After seeing house after house, battling with lenders, and watching the interest rate creep up more and more each day, we finally found the house that we had been looking for.

On the day we moved in, we were greeted by neighbor after neighbor who all were quick to volunteer their help in moving in all of our things. After trying to lift a few things here and there by himself (since I'm pregnant and not much help), Zane took one of our neighbors, Mike, up on his offer and they quickly unloaded the truck as Erin, his girlfriend, and I got to know each other. All of our neighbors were so nice and generous and it made us feel great about our decision in picking this house.

The house is located in Murrieta, CA and it is a 2 story, 5 bedroom, 3 bath, 3 car garage house located in a beautiful neighborhood. We have no rear neighbors and an amazing view of rolling hills from our back yard with plenty of running trails for the dogs. It has a great layout but we plan on "cosmetically" improving it as we go with new paint, floors, cabinets, etc. to make it our home. I am looking forward to all the projects and changes we are going to make to make this house a home.

Zane, Mike and Erin after moving everything in

A very small part of the chaos



Family Room/Dining Room

Guest bedroom downstairs

Guest bathroom downstairs

Part of master bedroom /Master Bathroom

Guest Bathroom upstairs /Loft

Upstairs Laundry Room /1st Guest Bedroom upstairs

2nd Bedroom upstairs /3rd Bedroom upstairs

August 2008- HMMT 164- The Knightriders

Days after arriving in CA, Zane checked into his new squadron, HMMT-164 (Marine Medium Helicopter Training Squadron 164) where he's learning how to fly the CH-46, aka the phrog, the flying banana, or the bus. Once a marine graduates flight school, he is sent to a training squadron for several months to learn how to fly the specific aircraft and only after that, does he get to actually go to the "fleet" and use all that knowledge and skill. So he was back to studying, now learning about a whole new helicopter to fly and preparing for "briefs" and flights that would test his abilities all over again.

I went to go check out his new aircraft and play around in it while he showed me all cool gadgets that come with it. He is pretty excited about his new toy and I know that he will definitely enjoy his time flying it.

August 2008-Pregnancy update

My 1st trimester went really well. I must say I really can't complain. I was definitely feeling pretty exhausted and wanting to sleep nonstop which worked out great since I wasn't working and was stuck in a condo until we found the perfect house to buy. I was lucky enough not to have too much nausea and I never threw up. As the days went by, my very slight nausea diminished and I was feeling really good. I had my first doctor's appointment and it was amazing. Zane and I went together and we got to not only hear the heartbeat but actually see our baby through an ultrasound. Hearing the heartbeat and seeing our little one for the first time was such an amazing feeling! I have to admit, I got a bit choked up. It is amazing how two human beings can create a life, what a miracle!

9 weeks pregnant

11 weeks pregnant

Ultrasound 11 weeks ( head-top left circle, arms-two small dots on each side of body, legs are tucked away)




July 2008-Baby News-I'm pregnant!!!!

For several days I had been feeling like I was coming down with a cold. My throat was hurting and I was feeling a bit achy. Zane was gone on 24 hour duty at the squadron and after going by to bring him some dinner I headed home and went to bed not feeling all that great. I woke up several times during the night not really knowing why but I just knew something was up. Finally at around 6am I got up after rolling around in bed for several hours trying to sleep. I was only a few days late and didn't really want to "waste" a pregnancy test since it was so early. After researching my "flu-like" symptoms online trying to find out if it could ever resemble pregnancy symptoms I decided to take a test. Almost immediately I saw the double lines and I was ecstatic. After jumping around in the living room with the dogs going crazy, I realized that I needed to figure out a way to tell Zane. I knew Zane was coming home at 7am after having worked 24 hours and I didn't have much time to plan a cool surprise so I cleaned off the test and put it in a long jewelry box and wrapped it. It had been Zane's birthday just two weeks prior so when he got home I told him that his "other" present had just come in the mail...I grabbed the video camera wanting to record his reaction and I anxiously watched as he opened the package. He was definitely surprised and really happy about it although his reaction was a bit more mellow than mine. However, if you know Zane, you know that's just him...he doesn't show too much emotion, ever. But we are so excited to welcome our little one into this world and know that he/she will have an amazing life. We are truly blessed and can't wait to hold our baby in my arms!

July 2008-Happy 4th of July

Living in Florida for the past two years, we got used to taking the boat out as much as we could so when the opportunity came to take the boat out in CA, we jumped to it and we figured what better time than the 4th of July. We drove up to Lake Elsinore, a lake near Temecula/Murrieta where we had been looking to purchase a home. We wanted to check out the area/lake since it could be our future docking place. So we grabbed Stafford and Layla, the grill, some burgers, fruit and the boat and we headed off to the lake. Although it wasn't what we were expecting, we still had a great time sunbathing and swimming while eating some good food and watching the fireworks. It was great to be together on such a fun day. We had a blast just the four of us.











May 2008- One Great Month

May was a very big month for both Zane and I. On May 5th, after a long 2 years in nursing school, I finally received my nursing pin and a degree as a registered nurse. Throughout the time we were in FL, I spent most of mine in school or in a hospital doing clinical rotations. I was lucky enough to meet two wonderful friends along the way, Linda and Kim, who shared the same nervousness as I did as we gave our first injections, passed a super tough test, and saw the not so pretty but rather gross stuff that comes along with nursing. I had a great time in nursing school but was very glad to finally get it over with. After graduation, we celebrated with dinner and drinks and lots of funny memories.


Linda and I

Kim and I

Me, Zane, Linda, and John (Linda's husband)




Soon after my graduation, Zane completed Helo school. He too worked very hard for the past 2 years and had many accomplishments along the way. From API, to primary and now finishing Helo training, it was official, he was a naval aviator. After alot of studying and flying around FL Zane was to receive his gold wings. But before the big ceremony we were going to get some very crucial information regarding his military career as a naval aviator. Yes, he graduated helo training but now it was time to decide what type of helicopter we would fly. Zane put in his selections which included the type of aircraft he wanted to fly as well as the location, where we would like to move to. Although the Marine Corps tries to give everyone one of their top choices, the needs of the Marine Corps are always a priority and it is not always possible. This meant that he could very well get his top choice or his twelfth choice, depending on what type of helo pilot the Marine Corps needed at that time and where they needed one. After a long weekend of waiting for the big news, Zane was called in to see his commanding officer and was told that he received his first choice, the CH-46 Helicopter in Camp Pendleton, CA. We were ecstatic. I was relieved to know that he would be flying his aircraft of choice and that we'd be back in the west coast. Now all that was left was some packing and lots of celebrating to do.

Zane was winged shortly after and his parents John and Mary were able to be there with us to share this exciting and huge accomplishment. I along with John, his dad, pinned on his wings of gold. It was a huge honor knowing how hard he worked for them. The wings were the same wings worn by his dad 25 years earlier and it was great to see such an amazing tradition be passed down.

The Soft Patch Ceremony-Zane and his Onwing Major O'Connor telling one of many funny stories of Zane's flying techniques and making Zane reenact it.


Pinning on his wings of gold

John, Mary, Zane and I with the TH-57, his training helicopter

So proud of him

Celebrating his accomplishment


After lots of celebrating and while taking advantage that John and Mary were still in town, we began to pack our things. Jon and Mary brought us down their moving truck and we slowly began to load it up and soon filled it to the brim. It was a long day of packing and loading but we got it all done with the help of Zane's parents. In fact, I don't think we would have been able to load everything that we had if it wasn't for the concise and exact measurements of every nook and cranny that John took and stuffed something in. I must say that if it would have been Zane and I packing, we would have had to leave alot of things behind since we never would have anticipated not having enough room. So thanks Jon for your perfectionism!

The following day, Zane left to the base to "check out" while I stayed behind and did all the cleaning of the house to have it ready for the renters. After a very long day, we met up on base, took the dogs to the beach for one last time and headed off to the west coast. I drove the Jeep stuffed with anything and everything you could think of along with one of the dogs in the front passenger seat. Zane drove the 22ft moving truck that was towing the boat along with the other dog. We drove nonstop until the middle of Texas, pulled off the road and slept for two hours and then continued onto Arizona....36 hours straight of driving with only 2 hours of sleep in between. Our goal was to make it to Yuma and stay with my sister, Erica, however exhaustion got the best of us and we were forced to stop in Tucson, only 3 hours away, to take another short nap before finally making it to Yuma. When we finally got there, we rested at my sister's house for a few days and were back on the road shortly after to finish the short stretch of the trip that was left. Finally we made it to California filled with excitement and lots of exhaustion.

Our load

Sign courtesy of Linda

The co-pilot

Layla trying to stay awake

Stafford battling boredom


December 2007-Christmas in Denver

It was that time of year again and since we spent our last Christmas in VA just the two of us, we decided to head up to Denver to spend this one with my parents and the rest of the family. I was thrilled to have the chance to hang out and visit with my mom and Zane couldn't wait to head up to the mountains and get some snowboarding in. After helping my mom make Christmas Eve dinner, we opened presents like we have traditionally always done, at midnight. Christmas morning my brothers Mikey and Danny joined Zane and I as we headed up the mountain to get do some snowboarding. It was cold and windy with continuous snow fall but it was great to snowboard in some fresh powder. We spent all day there and headed home to some warm chili courtesy of my mom which was the perfect thing after a long cold and super fun day. Zane of course, did not have enough so we headed back up the mountain the following day. This time my mom joined us and while the boys snowboarded, we hung out at the resort drinking hot chocolate and visiting. All in all, our trip to Denver was a great one and we really enjoyed ourselves and the time spent with family.











October 2007-Happy Halloween

Fall was officially here. We finally were living in a house, not an apartment, and knew that our kid filled neighborhood would be a busy one on Halloween night. The past years we had always bought candy for the little ones but only got maybe one or two trick or treaters since an apartment complex isn't the most kid friendly Halloween location. But this year, being in our house we were well prepared for all the creatures and princesses that would be coming our way. We carved a very traditional pumpkin and sat outside with Stafford and Layla while tons of trick or treaters came by to get the goods. It was a fun time seeing all the neighborhood kiddos out and about having a blast.







July 2007-Life lessons-A visit from my family

My parents decided to take a trip down to Mexico for a few weeks so they shipped my two youngest brothers, Mikey and Danny, down to FL to spend a month with Zane and I. Zane had just finished primary and had a small break in between that and the start of Helo school and I was on my summer break from school so it worked out perfect. We spent the month out on the boat enjoying the beautiful waters and teaching them how to wakeboard, at the beach, camping, visiting all sorts of new places, and just having a good time. Many times Zane would take them alone and they would jump off trees and bridges, go shoot guns, and just do boys stuff. He spent many hours teaching them about engines, aircrafts, and how to be real "men." The boys really enjoyed and listened intently at all he had to say and Zane loved that, of course. My parents joined them in FL for the last few days that they were there and we all got to hang out and visit and really had a great time.

Danny jumping from a tree

Zane and one of his many "life lessons"

Mikey (left) and Danny (right) wakeboarding

Manly talks

Mikey jumping from a rope

Dinner with the family

Zane and I camping

A race to the bottom

My mom on the tube

My dad wakeboarding


January-June 2007-Working Hard, Hardly Working

2007 was a pretty busy year for us. Zane started primary flight school in January and I was in my second semester of nursing school. We were both pretty busy with our studies but still tried to find some time on the weekends to have some fun, hang out with great friends, and work on the house.

First day of primary, checking in

Trying our his new gear

A get-together at our house

My 24th birthday (and later that night)

Out with the Skelton's

Zane's promotion to 1st Leiutenant

My trip to 29 Palms and San Diego

Enjoying Florida on the weekends

Dog Sitting


November 2006-Happy Birthday Marine Corps- The Ball

The Marine Corps came into existence on November 10, 1775 and it's a tradition to celebrate the Corps' birthday every year on or close to this day. Marines get together in their dress blues and bring their dates for a night filled with celebration. There's always a motivating guest speaker, the traditional cake cutting with the sword, the acknowledgement of the youngest and oldest marine at the ball, the presentation of all the prior uniforms worn from past to present and of course lots of dancing and drinking. It's a great time to get all dolled up and dance the night away. We had a great time dancing and celebrating with our friends!













July 2006- The Best Summer-Getting our Boat

We knew the minute we got to FL that getting a boat was an essential. We looked around for a few weeks and finally, thanks to Ebay, found a great deal in Birmingham, AL. Zane was not starting flight school until late August so we were lucky enough to have the chance to spend as much time in the water as we could, and we did just that. The four of us spent all summer out in the beautiful FL waters wakeboarding, skiing, and enjoying the hot sun.















June 2006-Becoming Homeowners-Our First Home

While Zane finished TBS, I flew out to FL to find us a place to live. We were ready to purchase our first home so I met with a realtor and within a few days I found the perfect house for us. It was difficult making such a big decision by myself without showing what I had seen to Zane, but after a few discussions we went for it. Before I left FL to head back to VA, we made an offer and had started on the paperwork towards our first home. We were thrilled.

Two days after Zane graduated TBS we headed off to FL with Stafford and Layla. Lucky for us, we didn't have to pack or move anything since the Marine Corps provides us with movers. At this point, we had sold the Tahoe and I was driving a Mercury Mystique while Zane drove the jeep. The dogs rode with me for the most part due to the summer heat.

We stopped in Ft. Bragg, NC to visit old friends, Rachel and Michael Jensen, and had the chance to finally meet their beautiful daughter Zoe. Although our stay was short, it was great to see them.

The next day, we finally made it to FL were we settled after a few days. We closed on the house and soon were making changes to make it ours; installing doggie doors, painting the walls, tearing out carpet and laying down tile, etc. The dogs fell in love with the fact that we were surrounded by woods on three sides and could explore and run around through the trails as they pleased and we loved the freedom of being able to do what we pleased, change what we didn't like, and have the satisfaction of saying that we were homeowners.













May 2006-TBS Graduation

(Zane 2nd from left)

After 6 hard months filled with 14 hour days, classes, tests, 10 mile hikes, week long expeditions in the woods, and lots of time "waiting for the word," Zane graduated TBS, The Basic School. Every officer in the Marine Corps is required to attend TBS. There they learn how to become great leaders and a Marine Corps Officer. At the end, when all the grades tallied up, they select their MOS and future career in the Marine Corps. Zane, having signed a flight contract before joining the Marines was already guaranteed a slot in flight school and did not have to worry about what career he may end up with. This was a nice perk since most guys were having to wait for their superior officers to select their careers for them based on their preferences, grades, and needs of the Marine Corps. The stress of not knowing where you were headed to next or what you will be doing was immense. Luckily for us, we got to enjoy this time and plan ahead knowing that we would be headed for Florida. It was a great day seeing Zane graduate TBS. His parents, John and Mary surprised him last minute and we all got to watch proudly and share the joy of his great accomplishment.









May 2006-The Redbone-How Layla Joined the Family

After hanging out with Carolyn on a daily basis and seeing how great it was for Diesel and Tater to have eachother I realized that Stafford needed a friend. Although I'm sure he was perfectly content getting all of the attention, I knew that there would be plenty of times where Zane and I would be gone and Stafford would need someone else around to beat the boredom.

After discussing it with Zane and doing some research on breeds we decided to find a Redbone Coonhound. I called a breeder in Chesterfield, VA and soon we were on our way to pick up a sister for the boy. We discussed names and decided to name her Layla, after the song. When we got there, the breeder took us to a pen of puppies who were overly excited. He couldn't find Layla anywhere (she was the only female left) until he lifted the little dog house and there she was terrified as can be. She had on a collar which none of her other brothers had so I think she knew she was "next." Little did she know that she was going to live one great life. We took her home that day. I was a bit worried about how Stafford would react when he saw her but all my worries faded away when he sniffed her and then "marked her" as if saying, "she's mine." After that, Layla followed him everywhere and they have been best friends ever since. We love having Layla around. Although a bit mischievous at times, she is smart, friendly, and absolutely beautiful. Our family was now complete.







April 2006-Our wonderful neighbors-Meeting the Schroders

While Zane attended TBS, I had gotten a job in a physical therapy office. After getting Stafford it soon became very difficult for both Zane and I to be gone for such long hours working since we lived in an apartment and Stafford would have to "hold it" all day. I was so overcome with guilt that I quit my job to stay home with the boy, it wasn't too difficult of a decision mind you. I know, you're probably thinking to yourselves that we are crazy dog people...well I'm afraid I have to agree, we are.

Months earlier, Zane had met another marine, Brandon, who was just a little ahead of him and would always stop by and talk with Zane for hours while our dogs all played. During that time I never met Brandon because they would always stay outside although I always heard about him from Zane. He kept insisting that he was married and his wife wanted to meet me. I never paid much attention to it.

Meanwhile, I was going to have sinus surgery and I had no one to watch Stafford since Zane was going to be out in the field for a week. So late the night before my surgery I called Carolyn, Brandon's wife, and asked her to come by while I was gone to let Stafford out so he could get some relief. She was super friendly and didn't hesitate one bit. The next day when I came home, I found flowers on my kitchen counter from Carolyn. I thought it was the nicest thing since she was the one who was doing me the favor. Well if you know Carolyn, this gesture is not at all surprising. Typical Carolyn to always be so thoughtful.

Soon after we began to hang out. She has 2 beautiful labs, Diesel and Tater, and she too is a crazy dog person so we hit it off right away. We spent the rest of our time in VA at eachother's house everyday and playing with our dogs while our husbands worked. It was so much fun. She is now one of my closest friends and I don't know what I would ever do without her!!




December 2005-It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year-Our first Christmas

Although we spent the Christmas prior to this one together, this was our first official Christmas as husband and wife. Not only that, it was the first Christmas that I had ever spent without my family. We decided that we would spend this first Christmas at home, in VA, together with Stafford. Although quiet, it was great to be together just the three of us on such a special day. We had a blast opening presents and playing in the snow.
















November 2005-Stafford the Boy-How Stafford Joined the Family

We had been looking to get a dog for sometime and one day while searching the interned I found the perfect dog. I ran to the living room and told Zane to get his stuff ready and that we were heading to Lynchburg, VA which was 4 hours away. I told him that I had found our dog and although he was a bit surprised he was pretty excited so we headed off to Lynchburg right there and then. While driving we began to discuss what we would call him and then it dawned on me that Stafford, the city in which we lived in, would be a great name. Plus, I thought it would always remind us of our first military duty station.

When we got there there was about 8 puppies all huddled together. All the males were let out in the yard and one of them ran straight back to the other pups, the other one began to wander, but Stafford ran right up to Zane and licked his face. We knew he was the one. We took him home that night and he's been our best friend ever since. He is our pride and joy! Our boy....



















September 2005- Virgina is for Lovers-Our first move

Zane received his first orders and was scheduled to report to his first duty station in Quantico, VA in September 2005. There he would attend IFS (Introductory Flight School) and TBS (The Basic School). It was my first military move and I was pretty excited about it. We were living in Phoenix at the time and I went to my last day of work and left my house just as it was everyday before that. When I came back, everything was gone. It was all packed away and already on it's way to VA. It was a great feeling to think that I wouldn't have to pack a single item. The next day we headed out to the east coast. We made a short stop in Denver and saw my family and then continued on. The Tahoe towed the Jeep and Zane and I took turns driving and sleeping. We made it to VA in 2 1/2 days where we began the wonderful life of a military family.

June 2005-Back to the Old Country-My trip to Argentina

After 15 years of living in the U.S. I decided that it was time to take a trip back to Argentina. My mom and younger brother Carlos were planning a trip and I joined in. We spent a month traveling the country visiting amazing places like the Iguazu waterfalls, Buenos Aires, and Patagonia. We visited old friends and family and I got to relive a bit of my childhood. I also had the opportunity to see my dad, whom I hadn't see in 15 years when my brother and I traveled to El Calafate. All in all, it was an amazing experience and one that I will never forget.

My dad, brother, and I

My brother, mom, me, Uncle

Horseback riding with my cousins

My mom' s side of the family

Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires

La Casa Rosada ("the Pink House")-where the president resides

Iguazu Waterfalls

Iguazu Waterfalls


May 2005- Becoming an Officer-Zane's USMC Commission

After 4 years of hard work in college Zane graduated in May 2005 with a bachelor's degree in Political Science. Just a few days later he was commissioned as a United Sates Marine Corps Officer. He swore the oath and received his first salute as his family and I watched proudly. I, along with John and Mary, his parents, had the honor of pinning his 1st Lieutenant gold bars which were originally worn by John 25 years earlier and were now being passed down to Zane with great pride.

Swearing the Oath

First Salute

Pinning his bars



Zane and Grandma Betty



Zane and John




March 2005-The Getaway-Our Hawaiian Honeymoon

We celebrated until about 1am at our wedding...we didn't want to leave because we were having so much fun. We stayed at a local hotel and woke up about 3 hours later and drove to L.A. to catch our flight to Oahu, Hawaii. We were exhausted but nevertheless very excited to get away and celebrate our new life together as husband and wife. We spent a week in Hawaii snorkeling, hanging out at the beautiful beaches, hiking, and just enjoying eachother's company. We had an amazing time.


Hiking in Hawaii

Turtle Bay





At a Luau

Waikiki Beach




March 12, 2005- The Best Day of My Life-Our Wedding:

Zane proposed shortly after our Florida trip, in September 2004. We planned to get married in May 2005 but wanting an outside wedding in Yuma, AZ, we knew that we'd have to bump up the date due to the extreme heat. We decided March 12th would be the perfect date. Zane was in his last semester of college and he had spring break that week which gave him some time off of school and the opportunity for us to take a honeymoon.

Family and friends came from all parts of the country to share our beautiful day. Looking back at it now, I only wish I could relive that moment for it was truly the best day of my life.

The Wedding Rehearsal-March 11th, 2005

Practice makes perfect

The mothers

The groomsmen

Our Wedding-March 12th, 2005

My Family

My sister Erica and I

Zane's Family



Our Niece and Nephew-Amaya and Nick









The Wedding Party












August 2004- Where it all began-Our Trip to Florida

Zane and I decided to take a trip to FL, as friends. But somewhere there, we began to fall in love and I realized that everything that I have ever wanted was standing in right front of me.