The Unexpected Week

Where do I begin? Last week was a crazy, unexpected week. Here's a few of the events that happened:
1. I was driving home Tuesday night, after working 13 1/2 hours and my mom's jag wouldn't accelerate. Wednesday morning we took it to the shop and later that day we found out it needs a new electronic piece and the total cost to fix it is $3,850.00. Yikes!!!!!! I was then out of a car. I couldn't get to work Wednesday, Thursday and Friday so I had to borrow my moms car to go pick up Jackson, drive straight home and have Kellie (Jackson's mom) pick him up after she was done with work. I was trying to think of all my options on how to get a car: renting a car for a week in a half and driving our car from Montana down to Texas after Christmas. But out of this mess and not knowing what to do, the family I nanny for decided to buy a truck from his dad for me! Jason (the dad) flew up to Arkansas on Sunday and drove it straight down so that I could have a car. What an amazing and generous family I work for!!!!! I'm so blessed.
2. The next fiasco had to do with our mailbox. Kellie had to drop Jackson off at my mom's house since I didn't have a car and as she was leaving she backed into our mailbox. It was a big brick mailbox that crumbled into pieces. Now Ron is getting estimates to get it fixed. Just Lovely.
3. Since I was working on potty training Jackson, Kellie brought over his potty. Well......right as Kellie came to pick up Jackson I went to pick up the potty toilet and as I was reaching down my cell phone fell out of my jacket pocket and landed in the toilet. I quickly got it out, blew dry it and my wonderful cousin told me to put it in a bag of rice until the following day. I was phoneless for a day and the next morning I took it out of the rice and it worked!!! Hallelujiah
4. Amidst all these things I got a cold and horrible sore throat from Jackson, which was the worst timing because my cousin, Aunt Becky and baby Syenna came that day. Thankfully I didn't get anybody sick.
5. Since I didn't have a car I had to cancel my reservation at the Sheppard Lodge and Chet had to rent a car and drive down Saturday morning and drive back Sunday evening.
Even though it was a crazy week it was still fun because Shauna, Aunt Becky and Syenna came to visit us. We had a blast going to the mavericks game, Fort Worth Stockyards, shopping, Galleria, and eating a ton! Syenna is the cutest baby.

I thought the craziness was over until I got a call from Chet last night. He told me that his base is not allowing anyone to go 250 miles outside the base, which means he can't come to my mom and Ron's to celebrate Christmas. We're celebrating an early Christmas and my sister's birthday this weekend. My brother flew in form California and Court and Nick drive down Friday. Now I have no idea what we're going to do, but it sure does stink. Pray for a miracle! At least we will be flying to Montana on the 22nd. Only 7 days left!!!!!!!

The Joy of Potty Training

I woke up this morning knowing today was going to be quite interesting because it was Jackson's first day of potty training, but it was a long and challenging day. They wanted me to potty train him because I worked a 14 hour day today and will work a 10 hour day tomorrow so I'll be with him the most. I got to work this morning and Jackson had a cold, cough and runny nose that didn't stop all day. Instantly I knew it was going to be even harder because he had a cold and didn't sleep well last night.
He woke up before I got there so his mom tried to make him go pee pee in the potty but he threw a fit and wouldn't stop crying because every time he wakes up he wants to be held. So the first try didn't work out too well.
I tried to be creative and make potty training as fun as it can be. So I printed out a 'Cars' potty chart, bought a hot wheels car and used stickers. We taped the potty chart on the door and every time he sat on the potty, went potty, flushed the toilet and washed his hands he could put a sticker on each column. Every time he went potty he could have one M&M. I put a stack of books next to the potty and I would read to him as he was trying to pee. Lastly, once he filled up the entire potty chart he could open his gift I got him, the hot wheel car.
After breakfast I took him to the potty and he went!!!!! I was so happy. But the only problem was he didn't push it down so it squirted on the seat and tile floor. Guess who had to clean it up? Me! Yes, the joy of potty training. That happened not just once but twice.
After his nap I tried to have him go potty and he cried and cried and cried some more because he just wanted to be held. So we came back to the potty five minutes later and he did it again. I kept reminding him to push it down (it = his wee wee) so it doesn't sprinkle everywhere, but he kept saying "Roo do it." By the way, he is going through this phase where he wants roo to do everything (He calls me roo because he couldn't say corynne). I responded "No, I can't push it down Jackson. You have to do it." We went back and forth, but finally he stopped asking, thankfully!!!! Afterwards he wanted to wear big boy underwear. So we put them on and I was continually reminding him that if he had to pee to tell me and he would use the potty. I said it several times while we were playing in his room, and as he was standing next to me pee was coming through his underwear and it went ALL over the carpet. I quickly picked him up and brought him to the potty. Switching to big boy underwear was way too soon for him.
Even better, I laid on his floor right where I had just cleaned up the pee and got it on my sweater. So I took it off and he said "Roo hot?" and I said "No, I laid down where you peed so I had to take off my sweater." and He replied "Oh, Sorry roo" (in a sweet voice). I couldn't help but just forget about it. I guess you just get used to things like that because I'm daily changing smelly poopy diapers, wiping off snot and now cleaning up pee on the floor! Ohhhh the joy of potty training.
Hopefully day two will go better

God is Good!

I just have to start out by saying that God is good. He has a perfect plan for us all and if we would just give our life to Him then he can show us His way. For example, when Chet and I were engaged we thought that his entire training for the Air National Guard would only be four months and that I would be living with him wherever he went. But God had a completely different plan for us. Thankfully, we let Him guide and show us the way.
The first thing we found out was that the training was going to be eight months total and were now on our fifth month. So we're more than half way over! Woooo Hoooo. The next part of the plan was that I was not going to live with Chet. At first I was upset and didn't understand why God didn't want us to live together, but I soon learned why he had a different plan. If I were there I would be a distraction to Chet and he wouldn't be able to give his 110% in class. So I ended up living with my mom and Ron, which has been one of the biggest blessings. They have allowed me to use their extra car to drive every day, and they have to put up living with me for several months. I am forever grateful for all they are doing for Chet and I.
The next reason why God is so good is that he found me the perfect job: being a full time nanny for a great Christian family. There were a lot of limitations for me, because I needed time off for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and off at a reasonable hour on Friday so I can drive to see Chet. Well it sure has worked out perfectly because the little boy I nanny for, Jackson, is so adorable! I've had so much fun nannying for them. My next big adventure I get to experience with him is potty training, which will start tomorrow. I'm a little nervous seeing that I've never potty trained any kid before but I'm up for the challenge.
God is also good because I'm only a two hour drive away from Chet. Every Friday after work I drive to see him. Typically, I'll bring a home cooked meal that I'll pack in an ice chest that morning because I go straight from work. We have our happy hour, dinner and he gets to spend the night with me in the hotel. Saturday morning he can check out of the base at 6am, so we normally get up at 5:45am to check out and head down to my mom's house for the rest of the weekend. We normally say our goodbye's Sunday evening when I drop him off at a mall an hour from my mom's house so that he can get a ride with another airman. We have been doing this routine for nine weekends and counting! Yes, it is tiring at times, but it's so worth it because I will do anything to see my hubby one extra hour.
Being apart from each other Sunday night until Friday night is not fun. We both wish we could be like a 'normal' married couple and sleep in the same bed every night, but that's not the case for us, at least for the time being. Prayerfully, mid-March will be the end to all this craziness. It's not always easy, but I know were in the best situation possible because at least we can see each other every weekend.
All I can say is God is good. He has worked everything out perfectly. I give Him all the glory and honor. I continue to give my life to Him and I pray you do too because it makes life so much easier. I mean why worry, stress or fret about things that aren't in your control. Just give it to God.

Our First Thanksgiving

Chet and I spent our first thanksgiving, as a married couple, in Texas. He couldn't go further than 250 miles outside the base so we spent the holiday at my Mom and Ron's, which was a blast! It was one of the best weekends because Chet and I got to spend time together from Wednesday evening until Sunday evening, which is the longest time we've spent together since he left for training in July. Also, nanny, Bill, Chris, Courtney and Nick all came to Texas for thanksgiving, and it was so great having everybody together. The only problem was it went by too fast. Before I knew it the weekend was over and Chet and I had to say our goodbye's again.

Thanksgiving morning Chet and I got up at 5:30am to check-out of our hotel, sign him out at his dorm and drive two hours to Mom's house. The drive is never bad because I get to spend quality time with my love, which is my love language. :-) We got to the house safely and had a delicious sausage and egg casserole with cinnamon rolls. Great way to start out the holiday! After that breakfast we definitely had to go for a walk. It was in the high 40's so we had to bundle up. Ron's family came over later in the afternoon and there ended up being 27 people at their house. Mom and Ron cooked two delicious turkey's with so many side dishes. It was yummy! I had to watch how my mom prepared the turkey because next year I'll be doing it in Montana with Chetters! :-) Now if you know me well enough you would know that I get grossed out with certain raw meats. It wasn't the most pleasant thing to see my mom open up the cavity, pull out the liver, boil the neck (which is used for the gravy.....eewwww), wash the turkey, dry it and stuff the stuffing inside the turkey with her bare hands........yikes! All I have to say is next Thanksgiving might be a bit difficult when having to prep the turkey.
The following day Chet and I made two quiches: sausage and broccoli and sausage and spinach served with zucchini bread or pumpkin bread. We're practicing now for the Bed and Breakfast. Afterwards we went over the Ron's sisters house. The guys golfed while my mom, Chloe and I followed behind with another golf cart. After the game was over we did more eating!!!!
Saturday my mom made danish abelskiver's, which is a family breakfast we make every Christmas Eve morning and sometimes Thanksgiving. Later on we all headed to the Fort Worth Stockyards and had fun walking around, shopping and eating at a delicious steak house. People are right when they say Texas steak is the best.
Overall, we had a great Thanksgiving. I just wasn't ready to say goodbye to Chet again, but soon enough this will all be over with. It's crazy how fast time if flying by and it's already December 1st, which means we fly to Montana in just 21 days. :-) Woooooo Hooooo

Cabin Creek Landing Bed & Breakfast

The Bed & Breakfast is still under construction but it’s almost done! It’s been so exciting to hear all about the B&B and seeing new pictures that I thought I should share it with everyone else. Rick and Mary have been spending a lot of their time working on the B&B and trying to get it done before Christmas. It has been snowing a lot and from the pictures it looks like a winter wonderland. It looks gorgeous! They’ve already had to plow the driveway and workers now have to do staining and painting in the hanger because of the cold. It’s currently 25 degrees and snowing!!!!

The wood floors look great! The floors are done in the suites, staircase, our apartment, and they’re finishing the living room and dining room this week. The kitchen is almost finished and Mary said the pictures don’t even do it justice. It looks spectacular! I can’t wait to cook our first meal over Christmas! This week they’re finishing the light fixtures and trim. The fireplace is completed and Mary said it looks amazing. The furniture is going to get delivered this week and I wish I were there to help Mary!

The first picture is of the beautiful chandelier and the second photo is our living room. Mary took the picture today and there is tons of snow. The fifth and sixth picture is of the kitchen.

Chet and I will be flying up to Montana on December 22^nd and we both can’t wait! We’re so excited to set up our apartment, get organized and actually have a place to ourselves for the first time in our marriage. J

The website is still under construction but check it out: www.cabincreekbb.com

Mom and Ron's new baby

My mom and Ron decided to add to their family and get a chocolate lab puppy. Her name is Chloe and she is only 6 1/2 weeks old. She weighs about 6 pounds and is so precious! They picked her up Sunday evening and she came to her new home. I think she is already realizing how lucky she is because she is so loved. I'm already attached to her and I treat her as my own dog. She makes me want one of my own.
Yesterday morning my mom went to Bible study so I had Chloe duty. I decided to do my insanity workout video upstairs in the media room. I brought Chloe with me, along with her toys and chew bone thinking she would be pre-occupied with her toys but I was wrong. She was trying to follow my feet and chew on my shoe laces throughout the entire DVD. I then did an ab workout and she was jumping on my face and stomach trying to play with me. And every time I would lay all the way down she would snuggle next to me, but it became a problem because I couldn't do the exercises. So I would scoot the other way and she would follow and snuggle next to me again. It had to be the best workout because it was so entertaining.
She is definitely a cuddle bug, which I love. Last night she slept in my bed with me until 1am. Everyday after work I get so excited to get home to see little miss Chloe.

I got a nanny job!!!!!

Now that I live with my mom and Ron in Aledo, Texas I wanted to find a job. I needed to find something that was only during the week, because I drive to see Chet every weekend. I only needed something until end of January or mid-February. So I decided I wanted to find a nanny job, because I thought it would be the best thing for what I needed. I made a profile page on five different nanny websites and I was constantly in prayer that the Lord would bring the perfect family to me. Well I can say that God is good and he answered my prayer and gave me even more than I asked. I got a full time nanny position with the Cross family. I had one interview and they called me back to come the next week to play with their two year old boy, Jackson. The following day I got a call and Kellie (the mom) said I got the job! I was excited and blessed. They are a great Christian family and their boy is so precious. I'm already attached! :-) They have one boy and are expecting their second boy end of January. Jackson and I have so much fun together and I'm having an absolute bast with him. We has the cutest smile and it lights up his whole face.

Visiting Chet at Sheppard AFB

Two weekends ago I visited Chet for the first time after his graduation weekend from boot camp. He did receive a hotel pass, which meant he could come into my hotel room between the hours of 8am - 11pm. He couldn't stay the night with me, but at least we had some alone time. I got there on a Friday afternoon and when I was checking in the lady upgraded me to a mini-apartment with a family room and kitchen at no charge. I was so excited because I had made a dinner at home and was going to bring it to him expecting to just eat on the bed. But just in case I packed a black table cloth, which came in handy. Chet hadn't had a home cooked meal in almost three months so I surprised him and brought one to him. I had the table set with the black table cloth, candles, wine, and everything else. When he came in he was completely surprised and so happy I did that. We had happy hour, appetizers, salad and dinner and chocolate covered strawberries for dessert. It was the best night ever!
Chet and I had a spectacular weekend. It was so great being with him after being apart for 19 days. He is doing very well!
This past weekend I stayed on base at the Sheppard Inn again, but this time Chet didn't get a hotel letter. His MTL made a special exception for him the first weekend and said he wouldn't get another one until he's in phase 3, but we still had a great weekend. It always stinks having to say good-bye for five days until we see each other the following weekend, but I always pray the week goes by fast.
I already made reservations for this weekend at the Sheppard Inn and cannot wait to see my hubby. I hate being a part from him, but I know it's making us stronger and it's for the better. This will all be over soon and we both can't wait. We're very anxious to get it over with and start living together like a typical married couple. :-)
Please continue to keep Chet and I in your prayers. After today he begins his new phase of schooling where he'll get to work on the jets and be more hands on. Pray that he continues to excel in the school and that we both keep God first and each other second.

The Bed & Breakfast

the lake picture is what Montana looks like in the fall. The trees are beautiful! Here are some new pictures of the Bed & Breakfast. The siding on the outside is all finished. They are working on the rock work around the B&B. Inside they are finishing up dry wall, texturing, painting, tiling the kitchen and bathrooms and the kitchen cabinets are going in this next week. The landscape is going to be done very soon. The furniture is going to be delivered the second week of November. Things are moving right along and everything is looking great!

An Update on Mr. & Mrs. Todd

The Life of Mr. & Mrs Todd has been a bit hectic but things will soon get better. I was in California for six days and this past Thursday I started the drive to Oklahoma with Courtney and Nick. We drove 15 hours on Thursday and made it to Albuquerque New Mexico. We stayed in hotel, got a great night sleep and drove another 14 hours on Friday. It was a total of 29 hours!!!! It was an experience.
Chet is currently at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas for his pilot training school. He started classes yesterday and is doing very well. Phase two starts on October 4th, which means I get to see him on weekends. ☺ Since his school will be so difficult and time consuming I will not be living on base (in Wichita Falls). The plan changed last week. Here is the new plan: I’m flying to Montana to get us winter clothes and the basic necessities for the next three months and then flying to Dallas, Texas next Thursday (October 7th). I will be living with my mom and Ron in Aledo, which is only two hours from Chet. I’m currently trying to find a nanny/babysitting job near her house for the next three motnhs and I’ll drive to Chet every weekend. During phase two he can’t stay the night with me in a hotel and he has to stay in Wichita Falls. October 8th – 10th is Chet’s first weekend for phase 2 and I will be driving to visit him. We both can’t wait to be together again.
Once phase 3 starts, in the end of October, if he gets it approved he can come down to my mom and Ron’s house in Aledo. If he gets it approved I’ll pick him up each weekend and we will be able to spend time at their house. That will be the first time for us to spend the night together since July 19th.
I’m excited to move to my mom’s house and get settled in. I pray I find the perfect babysitting job. Please pray I find the one God wants for me.
Chet will be done in Wichita Falls around January 13th. He will then fly to North Carolina for 3 ½ weeks to do more training at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. As of now we will not be able to live together during that time, so I might just fly out on weekends to visit him.

Syenna Finally Graced us with her presence in this world…

Syenna Lee Magcalas was born on September 30th at 4:44pm! She is 7 pounds 5 ounces and 19 inches long. She is beautiful and very healthy. The hardest part of labor was only about four hours for Shauna. It was an easy birth for her firstborn. Syenna has a head of dark hair and she is doing great. Aunt Becky said that Shauna’s motherly instinct kicked in instantly.

Unfortunately, I was not there when sienna was born. I was helping my sister and Nick drive to Oklahoma, but I can’t wait to meet beautiful Syenna. She is precious, and a gift from God.

The Life of Living out of a Suitcase

From the day I got married, on May 22nd, and until the end of next March (2011) I am living in a suitcase. Our life has been far from normal but it every step of the way has been amazing and so worth it. In June we moved to Montana and lived at the lake house because our apartment is still getting built. A month later (July) Chet left for Basic Military Training in San Antonio, Texas. The very next day I left Montana for three weeks. I flew to California to visit family, drove to Texas with my mom and Ron to help them move, then flew back to California for my cousin’s baby shower and then flew back to Montana. Once I arrived in Montana, after being gone for three weeks, Mary and I left the very next day to run a Bed and Breakfast in Missoula for a week. After that was over we drove back to our home in Marion, Montana and I was able to work for the Todd’s and help with the B&B. Eight days after I got back my dad, em and sister drove to Montana pulling their enclosed trailer behind their motor home to bring up everything Chet and I owned. The enclosed trailer was packed to the max with wedding gifts, furniture and tons of boxes. After they left Montana I flew the very next day to Aledo, Texas to visit my mom while Mary and Rick went to California. I was in Texas for a week and then flew back to Montana. Once I arrived home my mom and Ron flew to Montana the very next day! I got to spend about five days with them and once they left I flew to San Antonio Texas for Chet’s graduation. I got to see Chet for four days and we had a blast! Being reunited after 8 ½ weeks from being apart was blissful. That Sunday night I had to say goodbye I drove with my mom and Ron back to their house in Texas and spent almost four days with them.
While I was with my mom, in Texas, we decided to take a day trip and drive to Wichita Falls to try and find myself an apartment. It was only a 2 hour drive and the first thing we did when we got there was drive to the base to talk to the housing office. Now Sheppard Air Force Base is huge and I wanted to see Chet so bad, but I had no idea where he was. So my mom and I prayed that we would run into him. Well……He answered our prayer. Mom and I stopped at the wrong building while trying to find the housing office and as we were walking out Chet was walking in. It was a miracle!!!!!!!! The odds of us running into each other at the base was less than a 1% chance. Of Course we couldn’t hug or get close to each other but we were able to talk for maybe 30 seconds at the most. I know that’s seems like such a short time but it felt much longer. He had to go or else he would have been in big trouble talking to his wife. But seeing him for those 30 seconds was well worth the two-hour drive. I was all smiles the rest of the day. It was an answer to prayer to run into him.
Anyways, we drove all around town looking at all the apartments for me and they were so dumpy, ghetto, scary and run-down. After apartment hunting for a few hours we found one apartment complex fifteen minutes away. But our first choice is for me to get a house on base. I pray our application goes through and they have an opening for me. The only problem is the house is not furnished one bit. ☹ But my amazing mother and step-father have enough extra furniture and housing items that will make due during my 3 months of living in Wichita Falls. So right now I’m trying to figure out where I’m going to live starting October 4th and also trying to find a job. Finding a job is going to be a little difficult because I will only be there for three months and one week. So pray that we find the perfect place for me to live at and the perfect job. As of now Chet will not be able to live with me but I pray that he will get it accepted starting the end of October. It’s in God’s hands and only He knows!
So now I’m flying to California to visit family, hopefully meet baby Syenna, help out at my sister and Nick’s going away party and then drive with my sister and Nick to Oklahoma to help them move. Once I get to Oklahoma I’ll fly to Texas and then drive to Wichita Falls to start living there. I am now becoming a great packer and learning to travel light. In a nutshell my life has been crazy and I’ve been on the road constantly, but it sure has been a fun adventure. I’m blessed beyond measures to be able to do everything I have done the past 4 ½ months. Thank you Jesus! I give Him all the glory!

Chet is an Airmen First Class

This past weekend Chet graduated from Basic Military Training (BMT). He was at The Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio for 8 ½ strenuous weeks going through what most people call boot camp. Chet graduated in the top 10% of 610 Airmen. He did an outstanding job, and went above and beyond what was asked. Chet was picked to be an element leader and watched over 12 other men. He was their leader and had to do many extra things during BMT. If one of his men got in trouble over something as little as not having their shirts face the right way in their closet than that guy and Chet would both have to do push-ups or sit-ups. Anytime one of his men were in trouble, Chet was too. Out of 610 Airmen only 61 men graduated with honors, and being a top physical fit airmen. Chet received a high A for his final written exam and he also received an excellence in physical training, therefore he was an honor graduate and there was a separate graduation honoring those men. I am so extremely proud of him. He deserved it! Graduation on Friday was magical (as Mary mentioned). It was a ceremony filled with integrity and honor.
From Thursday to Sunday Chet and I were able to spend time with each other. It was so amazing to finally be with my husband. We were not allowed to show any PDA on base, which was very hard. ☺ Every night I dropped him off at the base so he can report back in the dorm by a certain time. Sunday late afternoon it was time to say goodbye and I couldn’t help but cry because the last thing I wanted to do was say goodbye, again, to my husband.
Yesterday, September 20th, Chet arrived on a bus with other Airmen at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas. Wichita Falls is only 113 miles from my mom and Ron’s house in Aledo, Texas. The main reason I am writing this blog is because I need all my friends and family to start praying for us. Last night I got a call from Chet and he found out very important information about the different phases at Sheppard AFB. Chet’s time at Sheppard AFB is divided into 3 main phases. Phase one is September 20th – October 3rd. Phase 2 is October 4th through October 24th. Phase 3 is October 25th until the end of his time at Sheppard, which is mid-January. He is spending four months at Sheppard AFB. Phase 2 we can start seeing each other after he is done with all his schooling each day, and every night he has to report back to the base. Now here is the bad news: the paperwork says that during phase 3, if approved by the squadron commander, we can live together. But everyone Chet talked to last night said this commander has never approved anyone!!!!!! Which means he doesn’t allow spouses to live together. Once Chet told me this I began to cry. Pretty much this commander is a jerk and never approves any airmen to live off base with their spouse, which means Chet and I will not be living with each other for over 6 months (between boot camp and now tech schooling).
Last night I was very upset and heartbroken. I can’t imagine Chet not being able to live with me until end of January. That seems absolutely ridiculous. Why wouldn’t a commander allow the airmen to live with their spouse? To me it’s ludicrous. As I was going to bed last night I began to pray and try to process this horrible information, and it dawned on me…. With God ALL things are possible! God is much bigger than this squadron commander, and I believe God can change this commanders decision and approve Chet to live with me during phase 3. I strongly believe in prayer and I believe that with everyone’s prayers God can allow us to live together. So I’m asking you to start praying daily that the Lord will change the commanders heart and approve Chet and I to live together starting October 25th. Please, please pray for us and don’t stop! God can answer prayers and I pray this is one of them!

Day 1 of BMT Graduation

The day had finally come! It was 8 ½ weeks since I last saw my husband. It took me a long time to go to bed because I was so anxious and excited to see my hunny. Right when that alarm went off at 5:30am I woke up and had the biggest smile on my face because I knew today was the day I get to see my man. All morning I was so anxious. I had butterflies and felt the way I did on my wedding day. The excitement of just seeing my husband in only a few hours brought joy to my heart.
After a $55 dollar cab ride I had finally made it to the base. I dropped my bags off at the Lodge and headed over to watch the ‘Airmen’s Run.’ The run was a 1.5 mile and they sang their ‘joddie’ song while running in formation. It was during the run that I saw my hubby!!!!!! The moment I saw him my eyes started to fill up with tears of joy. He saw me and smiled but that was the only contact until later on in the day. After the run I went to an orientation briefing, which was very insightful and taught me everything Chet had been doing the past 8 ½ weeks. Following the orientation was the Coin Ceremony. I waited in the bleachers for over 40 minutes and I finally spot Chet from afar, but I wasn’t 100% positive it was him because he was with the marching band. And as far as I know Chet doesn’t play an instrument. Well……I was wrong about him not playing an instrument but right that it was really Chet. He somehow forgot to tell me that he was picked to be in the marching band, had band practice the past 8 ½ weeks and plays the base drum! Not too sure how he forgot to tell me that small little detail but I was so shocked to see him in a band. During the Coin Ceremony Chet received his coin and was no longer a trainee but an Airmen. It was such an awesome Ceremony filled with God’s presence. Right after the ceremony was over I ran to Chet but all I could do was give him a quick hug. NO kissing, long hugs or even hand holding. NO PDA whatsoever, which is absolutely ludicrous seeing that I haven’t seen my husband in 8 ½ weeks. It was weird and awkward. I wanted to run and jump into his arms and kiss him, but I was dreaming. It was not until we weren’t in public that he could hug and kiss.
I followed him into the reception center for the next event, which was the honor graduate ceremony. Chet was not only an honor graduate, but he was also one of the top physically fit Airmen. Out of 600 Airmen graduating only 61 received either of these two awards and I was so proud of him! It’s a huge accomplishment to graduate from BMT, but also graduating in the honors is outstanding. He is such a stud! You would all be so proud of him.
Besides not being able to hold hands with my husband, he can’t even stay the night with me in a hotel room. He has to report back to his squadron at 7 or 8pm. I mean come on….We’re married! But that doesn’t matter to the Air Force. As of right now they own Chet! But at least I’m able to see him for four days and spend quality time with my wonderful, stud muffin husband. He only had base liberty today so the rest of the day we spent on the base and I said goodbye at 7pm and went back to my hotel. I can’t wait to see my hubby tomorrow.
Not seeing him for this length of time was not easy and I’m so glad it’s over. But during this time apart I have realized what true love really is. Some people have told me they don’t know how I was able to go 8 ½ weeks without seeing Chet, but when you’re deeply in love with your spouse you will do anything it takes to keep that love growing stronger and stronger everyday. You do whatever it takes. And now I will NEVER take Chet for granted. He is the most amazing man in the world and I am so blessed to be his wife.

The Most Frustrating Thing Ever….

Would you like to know one the most frustrating thing ever? Well let me tell you..…Personally, the most frustrating thing happened to me yesterday: We were driving back from Possum Kingdom Lake and I got a phone call from Chet. Well you’re initially thinking that’s not frustrating, that call should have made my day. Well I wish it did, but let me explain what happened. Before we got into good cell phone range I got a call from him and he had 15 minutes for a phone call, which only turned into a four minute conversation because we had to continue to drive to get a little bit of phone service. We kept pulling on and off the side of the highway to get service, and eventually I was on the side of the highway sitting under a little shaded area talking to my husband for only four minutes. I was so unbelievable frustrated that I couldn’t stop crying. I was actually pissed because I have been waiting for a phone call for a week in a half and a fifteen minute phone call only turned into four minutes, but I guess I need to look on the bright side. At least I got to talk to him for that little bit. Hearing his voice is still amazing, but hearing that he is sick is not good. Chet said it’s normal to get sick because once one person does everyone else does too. He had to tent for five days and said that wasn’t too much fun. He feels icky and just wants to be done. We both can’t wait to be with each other again. It’s been 50 days today since we last saw each other and only nine more to go, yet it feels like an eternity. People get sad about leaving their spouse for just a few days and I tell them to try 59 days. In the past 50 days we have only talked on the phone three times, a total of 25 ½ minutes. Yeah I said that right, only 25 ½ minutes in the past 50 days! That is so little considering we used to talk on the phone for longer than 25 ½ minutes in one single day. We are both ready for this to be over with and be with each other again like a normal married couple. So please keep us in your prayers daily, especially Chet that the Lord will heal him from being sick and give him the strength and endurance to finish boot camp strong.

Day 39 of BMT!

Today is 39 days since Chet left for Basic Training! He only has 20 days left of BMT. I have to say the past 39 days have gone by quickly but I hope the next 20 days go by even faster. I want to see my husband so bad. Well, I got my 2nd phone call today from my wonderful husband. It was only 7 1/2 minutes long, but at least we were able to talk. It was so great just hearing his voice. This time I didn't cry, which is a step better! I was proud of myself because I was balling during the 1st phone call. He is doing well for all of those who are curious. He said he can see the light under the tunnel and can't wait to be done and home with me!!! He is still the element leader and has to watch over 12 other guys. If one of the 12 guys mess up or are not moving quickly enough then Chet has to do push-ups with them. He said that next Monday they leave to go camping in tents for five days. So that will be interesting to hear about. That's about it for now, but he did say that they got a new instructor this week so he might start getting phone calls once a week, which is what he is supposed to have in the first place.
Please continue to keep us in your prayers, especially my love because he has it far worse than I do. Pray that he has the courage and strength to get through each day. Thank you for your prayers. They are helping both of us tremendously. It is because of God, family, friends and your prayers that we are both getting through this hard time in our lives. I continue to remind myself that this is only one short chapter of the rest of our lives. It will be over before we know it.

How Do You Know You’re a Montana Girl?

Well you know you’re at least starting to be a Montana girl after taking a couple shooting classes and being able to explain different types of guns and which one you want for hiking and jogging and home protection. Mary, Grandma Jean and I took another shooting class on Monday, August 23rd. It was only the three of us so the instructors were able to spend more time with us. We shot several different types of revolvers, semi-automatics and shotguns. I am definitely getting more comfortable shooting a gun, which is a very good thing out here. When I go jogging by myself, which rarely happens, i take my phone and pepper spray. I know that is not the safest thing, but hopefully when Chet gets back we will get a 38 special revolver for self protection that i can put in a holster and where with me jogging. That will be the moment when I'm a true Montana girl. I will feel much safer and I know Chet will be at ease. Until then pepper spray and a big stick will have to keep the deers, bears and weirdos away.

Our B&B under Construction

Cabin Creek Bed and Breakfast is still under construction and will be for a few more months. We have a great set of workmen and they are at the B&B daily. Everyday there is so much work getting done. I sent Chet pictures of the B&B, but by the very next day it already looks different. The work being done looks marvelous and we can’t wait to see it finished. The roof is completely done, and all the decking is finished. The Todd’s are doing beautiful rockwork on both sides of the house and the chimney, and logs all throughout the outside and inside of the building. Currently, the workers are working on the plumbing, electrical, installing windows and doors, putting up the siding on the outside of the house and much more.

Inn keeping Gibson Mansion B&B

Mary and I ran the Gibson Mansion Bed and Breakfast, in Missoula, for five days. Tom and Nancie are the owners of Gibson Mansion and they have been innkeepers for 9 ½ years. Their B&B is absolutely gorgeous! They have up to ten weddings a year and their grounds are remarkable. Nancie and Tom do all their own gardening and it’s so pleasant to sit and enjoy their beautiful backyard. They were going to their daughters’ graduation in Oregon, and this was their first time handing their B&B over to inn sitters. Mary had stayed at the Gibson Mansion in the past, and Tom and Nancie knew we are building a bed and breakfast so she offered Mary and I to run their B&B for hands on training and experience. We accepted the offer, and Mary and I came two days early to do our training. We spent one 10-hour day of training with Tom and Nancie. It was one very long day, but at the same time it was very helpful and beneficial. They left the morning of the 12th and Mary and I were then on our own for the next five days.
Gibson Mansion offers a coffee and freshly baked scone tray sent to your room at the time you request, as well as a full breakfast in the dining room. Every morning we would wake up very early, prepare the homemade scones, set up the coffee and tea trays, and deliver the trays right before their room at the time they requested. Mary and I did try the scones and they were amazing! After the trays were done we would begin preparing breakfast. Throughout the days we made banana macadamia nut French toast, berries and cream French toast, Hawaiian style Belgian waffles and tomato asparagus crustless quiche. The breakfasts’ were made from scratch and they looked and smelled delicious. Several of the guests loved the presentation to the point that they wanted to take a picture before eating it or didn’t want to eat it at all because it looked so nice, which was very rewarding for Mary and I to hear because we knew we were doing our job well.
We had wonderful guests and enjoyed talking with all of them. After breakfast was finished we would start our daily routine of cleaning the kitchen, fixing up the house, watering all their gorgeous pots, and cleaning all the rooms. Almost everyday was a full house, so people were checking out and checking in daily. Therefore, Mary and I had to do a deep clean on the rooms that were checking out to prepare them for the people checking in that same day. We had a great routine going and we worked as a team. The first day we had to deep clean two rooms that had a horrible mucky and BO smell that literally brought Mary to tears because of the awful smell. Thankfully not every room was like that, which made it a hundred times better. In between cleaning rooms we were doing the laundry, and we would end up doing it until 8 or 9pm everyday. The last thing to do each day was checking people in and giving them a tour of the Mansion. I gave the tours and ended up enjoying it a lot. It was great experience and interaction with the guests. After we were finished with the daily checklist we finally had a break. Mary and I would take the dog on walks, go hiking, ride bikes, and enjoy the city and B&B. We went to great restaurants that were so delicious! And of course we enjoyed our happy hour in the garden.
Overall, running the Gibson Mansion B&B was excellent. It was a lot of hard work, but also fun. The experience was priceless and well worth it. It benefited Mary and I for our B&B, and we are now even more ready and equipped to run ours. Running a B&B is not rocket science but it is about figuring out what works best for us. I enjoyed it very much and look forward to running Cabin Creek Bed and Breakfast with my hubby. I know we will work great as a team and have tons of fun while doing it.

Our 1st official day running Gibson Mansion B&B

So I want to explain our first day at the Gibson Mansion Bed and Breakfast. Tom and Nancy are the innkeepers, and they are going to their daughters graduation so Mary and I are running their B&B for five days, but we came two days early to do our intense training. They are very nice, high-energy people. They do more in one day than anyone I know. They kick my butt! We are also taking care of their adorable black lab, Peyton. She is precious and she makes me want to take her home. I can't wait to get a dog with Chet.

After 7 hours of non-stop training Mary and I needed lunch and a break. Tom and Nancy took us to a delicious asian/thai place and right when we got back they wanted to go straight into more training, but Mary needed a nap and I wanted to work out. So after all that we did another two hours of training. Once we were done Mary and I picked up wine and dinner and brought it back to the B&B to have our happy hour and dinner, in the gazebo. It was so relaxing after 9 hours of training. After dinner we had to do prep for the following mornings breakfast. And finally at 12pm I was in bed and asleep. Phheewwww! Our first day was over with and we were both relieved. It ended up being 10 hours of training in just one day. We experienced the day in the life of an innkeeper.

Our 1st phone call

I was flying all day Monday, August 9th. It was 21 days exactly that I last saw and talked to Chet. By this time I was eager to hear from him. I mean the rules do say one phone call a week for fifteen minutes but we had just finished week three and still no phone call. Since I was flying, I was praying all day that if he did call me today it would not be while I was in the air. So, I made it to Spokane Washington and I was waiting for Laurie to pick me up from the airport. As I was sitting at baggage claim talking to my Aunt Janice I received an incoming call and I look at my phone and it says ‘my husband.’ I was completely shocked!! I instantly told my Aunt Janice I had to go and clicked over and heard my husband’s voice. Wow was it an amazing moment. I was so caught off guard. Hearing his voice and the first words he said to me made me cry. I was so extremely excited and shocked to get a call from him that I couldn’t hold in the tears. The past few weeks I kept saying in my head ‘when I get that first phone call do not cry Corynne. Be strong!’ But when you haven’t heard your husbands voice in 21 days it feels so amazing just to hear those words ‘I love you, I miss you.’ As I was talking to him I was literally pinching my skin so I would stop crying, but it wasn’t helping all that much. Throughout the conversation he would tell me how much he loved me, missed me and wanted to be with me. Even though I have heard those words before it meant so much more then. After hearing all those things there were moments of silence because I had to wait to say it back or else I would have plainly bursted into tears, and I mean it.
But besides me being very emotional my amazing husband is doing great. He is doing well and getting through boot camp like a champ. He was very positive by saying only one more week and I will be half way through, which means I’m closer to seeing you. Chet said it’s not harder or easier but it’s the yelling, 30-second showers, and making your bed perfectly in so little time. I did say 30-second showers, and if you know Chet he is infamous for his 30-minute shower not 30-second shower. Chet takes the longest showers and is known to fall asleep as well. So taking a 30-second shower must have been tough to get used to. He goes to bed at 10pm and has to wake up at 4:25 EVERY single morning. Now that is not fun, but he didn’t make it sound all that bad. But my Chetters was picked to be the element leader and I am very proud of him. The element leader is in charge of his group or areas per say. He has more responsibilities than the others and has to watch over the guys. I am very proud of my man! ☺
In conclusion, the phone conversation went great, and I can’t wait to get my 2nd phone call. My phone is attached to my hip at all times because I don’t want to miss his phone call.

A Challenging 21 Days

Where do I begin? So much has gone on the past 21 days…..
21 days ago I took Chet to the airport and we said our goodbyes for eight weeks. He is currently in boot camp in San Antonio, Texas. The following day I flew to California and my brother picked me up from the airport, and we headed to my dad’s house. I surprised my dad and em, and yes they were surprised! At first my dad was more confused than anything, but it was so good being with the family. I was able to spend a few days with the family before they left for Africa on a mission trip.
My mom, Ron and I were originally going to drive to Texas on Sunday July 25th, but of course closing escrow never goes as planned. The Lord had different plans for us. Since it was put on hold I got to spend an extra five days in California to hang out with friends and family, which was amazing!
On Friday, July 30th I received my first letter from Chet, and let me say it was amazing. He only had five minutes to write the letter so it was short but sweet. As I was reading the letter tears were falling down my eyes. It was the best love letter. It put a huge smile on my face and made my day!
The following day, July 31st, our journey began to Texas. Movers were done packing, house was clean, uhaul and explorer packed and we started the drive. We decided to drive all the way through because mom and Ron had to sign papers for their house, in Texas, on Monday. It took us 26 ½ long hours…….it was long, but not too bad, because mom and I watched four movies and I did a ton of knitting. Yes, I knit. People look at me strangely when they see such a young girl knitting but I find it relaxing and fun. I am knitting my first baby blanket for my dear cousin Shauna who will be expecting her first baby September 23rd. Anyways, we got to Texas safely and right when we got to the hotel we unpacked, took a shower and went to bed. A shower and real bed had never felt so good. The following day they were supposed to sign loan docs for their house but like I said before things never go as planned. Even though they guaranteed mom and Ron to sign papers Monday it didn’t happen. The company then guaranteed them that they would close Tuesday, but of course it didn’t happen. You see the pattern here…. But I believe God was teaching them patience. Finally the day had come. It was two weeks later than expected, but they closed their house on Wednesday, August 4th. They got the keys and we met the contractor at the house to finalize all the remodeling details. Later than night we celebrated my moms birthday with all of Ron's family.
I learned a few things in Texas. First, everything is bigger in Texas (even the bugs). Texas houses are gorgeous and BIG! The price you can get for a house in Texas compared to California is amazing!!!! Mom and Ron’s house is a beautiful customhouse located in a gated community. They are going to love it!
Unfortunately, I left the following day, Thursday, to fly back to California. It was my first time flying as Corynne Todd and seeing the print out of my ticket put a smile on my face. I love my new last name. Anyways, I spent the next three days at my sister and Nicks place. We had a great time hanging out, going to the fair, the beach, making dinner, going to get thai food and working out. I enjoyed staying with them so much.
Before I knew it it was Sunday, August 8th, which was Shauna’s baby showers! The first one was at a Tea House in Glendora and it was adorable. It was a great baby shower filled with friends and family. We enjoyed having tea, scones, sandwiches, dessert, games and of course tons of gifts. The second baby shower was a BBQ at Breanne’s, and it was a great turnout. Sadly, my mom couldn’t come to the baby shower. She had to cancel her flight to California to stay in Texas, because the movers were coming to unload everything.
And now I sit here in the airport anxious to get home to Montana. I have had a great 21 days, but now I want to be home. I miss my husband immensely and want to be with him so badly. I have not received a phone call yet, but I have hope it will be soon (hopefully not when I’m flying today). So far, I have only had one letter in the past 21 days, but my mother-in-law called me from Montana and said there are two letters awaiting me in Montana. I cannot wait to get home tonight and read my love letters. Only 38 days left until I can see the love of my life. Can’t wait!
Thank you family and friends for your support through this hard time. It is not easy being apart from your husband, especially when you have only been married for 2 ½ months. But your prayers and support help tremendously. Thank you! Thank you!