News from around the house
On the Air Force front: we learned that we will probably be waiting until the T-39 accident investigation is over before Tobin can finish his last two flights and get winged. Probably. Things can always change. That means about 2 months off for Tobin. In the meantime, we are trying to get some leave so we can go on vacation.
On the home front: I’m officially a housewife at the moment, taking a hiatus from work that involves paychecks for a while. Here are some pictures of what we’ve been up to in our free time:
Strawberry picking! Did you know sometimes these berries are available in JANUARY down here??? Crazy, huh? And they don’t have two seasons, just one. We barely got there in time to get some.
Sewing project again! We sewed light-blocking material onto the back of our curtains, using Grandma Norma Jean’s sewing machine. It worked like a charm! Tobin did the sewing, but we cut the cloth and pinned it together.
Proof! I was there helping.
And there are always the dogs. Here are some pictures and videos of what they’ve been up to.
First introduction to a turtle. Tobin found this guy in our backyard. Well, Rogue did, and was barking up a storm until Tobin went out to see what was up.
They didn’t know what to do when the turtle took off. We released him outside our fence soon after this video. I don’t think the turtle or the dogs would have been happy about having the other around any longer.
Here are the rest of the videos we took, but the best 2 are linked above:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuGnhFOJ9vs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kUPJpuACfM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyg7AxqnZ8I
We got the dogs a new doggie door, one that fits into our sliding door frame. We got rid of the one in our window, which keeps the study a lot cleaner. We like this a lot better so far.
Tobin’s birthday
Tobin turned 24 on May 7. Finally, he can’t make old jokes anymore…until next December.
I made him wait to open gifts until some had arrived through the mail (he’s always trying to get me to let him open them days in advance). So here are Tobin’s birthday pictures!
He also got a game, Call of Duty (World at War, I think) to play on the PS3. The next day, another package arrived and he got a variety of things, including dinner at Olive Garden. We used it right away!
For dinner on the 7th, we went out to a new Asian restaurant, 2 Stix. It was wonderful, the sushi being the best part, although we sat at a hibachi table and that was very entertaining.
Happy birthday, Tobin! Thanks for all the phone calls, cards, and gifts. We will enjoy them immensely.
We’re still alive
…we swear.
Sorry for the delay in pictures/updates about us! We will be posting again soon with those kind of fun things.
Truth is, things have been kind of nuts around here the past few weeks. Tobin is in his second-to-last block in training, meaning he is scheduled a lot and studying constantly. He is doing a great job! He should finish up within a month; maybe a month and a half.
I (whine whine, I know I know) will have worked 24 days in a row as of this Wednesday, so I haven’t even thought about posting recently. In fact, I’m at work right now…but seeing how it’s Sunday, I figure I’m entitled to a break. Speaking of breaks, this Thursday/Friday I’m taking vacation, so toodle-oo work! Maybe I’ll have time to catch up on that housework that’s been waiting for me…sorry, Tobin!
We’re excited about the changes coming our way, including a winging ceremony for one hard-working airman. Until then, just give us a call if you want an update, it’s faster that way. Catch ya later!
Fence!
Here’s what we’ve been up to the last few weeks (PS we didn’t build it):
And a youtube video: CLICK HERE
The dogs (and we) love it! It’s already seen a lot of use, including barbecues and campfires.
Spring is coming to Florida! We hope to see all of you very soon…come down and enjoy some warm weather. It actually hit the 70′s today, woohoo! Can’t wait for warmer days & especially nights.
Two Year Anniversary
This post is belated, Tobin and I actually had our two year wedding anniversary yesterday, the 23rd. He’s the greatest! I can’t believe two years have flown by already!
Funny thing is, last year Tobin was in training so we only had time to go out to Olive Garden for dinner on the 23rd…this year, Tobin is still in training and we went to Olive Garden again! Haha, but on the 22nd this time, because the 23rd was crazy busy. In fact, we actually only saw each other for about 1 hour yesterday, mainly due to 5:30 briefs yesterday and today, lots of study time on base, and an evening volleyball game (for me…don’t I have it rough? Poor Tobin…).
So….long story short, we’re going to celebrate for real another day, probably after Advanced is over.
Happy Birthday, Titus!
January 30, 2010…Titus’s first birthday! We celebrated by making him a cake…ok, I made the cake. Tobin thought it was all a little silly. But here are the dogs enjoying their carrot/peanut butter cake with plain yogurt frosting!
Here’s the two scalliwags:
Here’s what they do when they get a soft squeaky toy:
Don’t worry, they got the squeaker out!
Also, I received my green belt in 6Sigma from Pall! Here’s the green belt, certificate, and award to prove it! I had to give a presentation at a “roadshow” Pall had at a local hotel. There was a vice president there as well, and some other bigwigs. I was in a group of about 13 other people who got green belts that day. The presentation was supposed to be 1 minute long, so it wasn’t a big deal to talk for that long. But I am very excited to be done with this project and to finally have a green belt. :)
Tobin is doing very well in training, something like 13 events left. He has a flight scheduled tomorrow, but has recently been canceled due to weather, so we’ll see if he gets to fly or not. He’s been enjoying a few days off, although he’s studying most of the time and he also worked a night shift, so he didn’t really have time “off”. We’re looking forward to the winging ceremony, hopefully coming up within a month’s time!
Ah, the military…
We are back in the swing of things, that’s for sure! Tobin has not been put on the schedule for the past two days, so he has been able to spend a lot of time in the simulators and even got to ride along on a flight to see what would be expected of him.
But then late last night we got a lovely surprise! 
Tobin has completed ground school and is in the sim phase, so all he has done so far is his very first simulator training (which he was rushed into anyway). He’s supposed to do many more of these sims, then go flight side. But, instead, we learned he was scheduled for his first flight this morning at 6:45 AM. 
And that’s the military for you. He’ll be flying to somewhere in Georgia today, and probably won’t be back until late.
Work is workish for me, no news there.
But, on a positive note, we had a wonderful Christmas holiday in Michigan with my family. We even got to see Tobin’s parents and grandparents on our way back down to Florida.
And the best news of all: Emily was home for Christmas! She is doing wonderfully, better than I expected and improving every day. She is able to speak and think as clearly as ever. Her mobility is back, she is walking and cooking and going on shopping errands…but not driving yet. Besides getting over the general weakness that a month in the hospital gave to her, her major obstacle is getting complete control back of her left arm and hand.
Thanks for all your prayers, the family really appreciates all the support that has been sent her way. Cards and gifts and encouragement from people who have never even met her…it’s been amazing and a great way to keep Emily’s environment positive and inspiring.
Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s!
Advanced
Tobin started Advanced yesterday, Dec 7.
Emily updates
Please go here for updates on Emily. The latest is she was rushed for an emergency CT scan last night because of a major headache, and more bleeding was found. She’s in a ton of pain right now.
Emily
Please be praying for my beautiful sister.
Emily (25 years old) woke up on Saturday with short-term memory loss, and had been having headaches and intense pain a couple days before that. Her husband Dan took her to the ER, and they gave her a CT scan. They found abnormally formed blood vessels in her brain (appears to be a birth defect), and apparently there was some bleeding, which is what caused the short term memory loss.
Let me tell you a little bit about her. Em is one amazing person! She is tiny but so strong. Her most recent hobby is running 10k’s, crazy girl. Her soft heart just breaks when she sees someone else in emotional pain. I’ve received so much comfort and advice from her. She also works full time and has passed her first actuary exam (smarty pants). She’s the most organized person I know (even more than Mom, I think) and can multitask like a pro; I could never fit as many activities into a day as she magically and effortlessly can. I can’t imagine her stuck in a hospital bed and not running around with the world on her little shoulders. She’s always so capable and confident; it is absolutely awful to hear her scared and unsure of what’s going to happen next.
Em has been in ICU since Saturday, and they are just waiting for a final MRI today and for the neurologist to decide what the next course of action is. Surgery is likely, but not for sure at this point.
Emily lives in Michigan, so right now it’s not likely that I can head up there to visit her. I really covet your prayers for her, as that is all I can do for her right now.
I know there’s a plan for all of this, even though it’s difficult to keep that perspective right now. I can’t wait to tell you all about all of the awesome things God did during this situation. To start with, Emily has SO MANY friends and family up there with her right now. My grandma made the long drive to come see her yesterday, and my parents and siblings were all with her this weekend. She saw her Sunday school class and her good girlfriends. She is surrounded by tons of love and support, and that’s pretty amazing.
I will update you all on the surgery, if and when it is scheduled.
A-Pool
*I was mistaken about the C-Pool thing. Apparently, that was what Tobin was in when he was waiting for Primary to start. Now he is in A-Pool. I have updated the About Us page, scroll down past the pictures to read the latest.*
Thank you all so much for praying for and encouraging Tobin! He has completed Intermediate! He passed his final check ride November 1st, and all we are waiting on is his official graduation before he checks into A-Pool. (that’s basically where he waits to class up for Advanced).
VT-10 is the training squadron Tobin has been in for both Primary and Intermediate. After graduation, he is done with VT-10 and will move on to VT-86, his final training squadron before leaving Pensacola. Hopefully there will be a nice break in between the squadrons so Tobin can rest and recuperate (and I can have him all to myself!).
Check out the About Us page for changes in the upcoming days as we get more news on Tobin’s next steps.
Guess I Look Like a Criminal
I was accused of stealing three 2 liters of pop and a bag of grapes yesterday. In the middle of a public parking lot. While walking casually away in 4 inch heels. Yes, folks, it could easily have been misconstrued that I was making a break for it.
While being humiliating at the time, I can laugh now; plus, I got lots of sympathy from a random guy and two ladies in the parking lot. Can’t say I wasn’t fuming afterwards, though. Of all the people to accuse of stealing! Especially when they probably were legitimately stolen from five times earlier that day…
But I can’t say I’ll boycott Winn Dixie, because they do have great deals (85 cent 2 liters, hello!).
Sent this out to the fam, but for the couple of people who aren’t on my immediate family mailing list, and for Tobin’s relatives, here’s a few photos of Pall Life Sciences at our United Way Day of Caring project. About five of the pictures are of our group, but there were 88 other groups from other companies too. I guess we were just more photogenic!
While Tobin was in Boston on his cross country (where he got to visit his old roommate Brunner at MIT), I got to visit with Ashley (Tobin’s classmate’s wife) at the Whiting Field anniversary celebration & a neighbor’s Halloween party, then help throw a small wedding shower for a couple in our life group. I got plenty of exercise too, chasing Rogue outside for what felt like 20 minutes after I lost hold of her leash. The lady down the street stood in the street and gave me very helpful advice while I was running frantically through the grass. Things like “If you throw the ball for her, you will teach her to come!” Not helpful right now, lady! I even tried a cartoonish leap through the air and just missed the end of her leash before landing sprawled out on the grass. Stupid dog. Once I went and got Titus, she came right to us and I was able to grab her leash. Could’ve had some delish hot dogs that night if you’d been driving through Pensacola.
As for Tobin, he is double turning tomorrow. THREE flights left, if all goes well, before Intermediate is over! I am so proud of him! Please keep praying for him and his classmates. He has a tough day tomorrow, then I suppose it’s a check ride on Wednesday, although I’m not sure. His graduation is set for this Friday, if weather holds out and the flights go as planned. It will be a late night tonight!
Ground School complete
Tobin finished his last test in ground school today. He has his first flight tomorrow (no rest for the weary!) and may possibly have a cross country this weekend. He is busy busy busy! I wanted to thank all of you for supporting him, I know it has been an encouragement to him. The weeks he spends flying are generally the most stressful, so these next two weeks or so are pretty huge. Once he finishes his final check ride (or solo, not sure what the last flight is), Intermediate will be complete!
I will try to post some cute pictures soon. My computer is making a horrid noise; I’m hoping it sticks around a couple more years, so that’s not good!
Things are really moving along at work. There is plenty of work to keep me busy and I am feeling challenged each day. It looks like things might be looking up in terms of demand, and we are re-hiring after some of the recent layoffs.
It’s a little premature, but I am getting psyched for the holidays already! It looks like we might have a lengthy Thanksgiving holiday in Ohio and an equally work-free holiday for Christmas. Plus we get to see family!
Oh, and on a side note…I wouldn’t put this past my family…did someone sign us up for something baby-related? I am getting baby mail left and right. One was reminding me to register my new family member (for what, I don’t know) and another was a baby magazine. Someone’s laying down some hints, and they’re not too subtle!
Also, we bought a (nicely discounted) grill! Our very first, the propane type. The store was sold out, so we bought the model; and have already broken a piece. Darn. And we don’t have propane yet. But sometime soon, we will be able to grill out on our little patio!
Corporate Cup Games
I ran my race yesterday, Saturday the 10th. I’m not quite sure of the time on my mile, but it was probably between 6:20 -6:35. Tobin timed me at 6:38, but he timed me through the chute instead of at the finish line. So I’d estimate 6:30. I beat my personal goal and personal best time!
The surprise is that I actually came in second! There were 29 female runners competing against me in the one mile road course. One girl took off in front right at the beginning, and I thought she was going to run a 5 minute mile; but she kept slowing down and slowing down, then doubled over and stopped! I’m pretty sure she had a cramp; we all called the volunteers over but we weren’t stopping either!
For a brief minute, I was front of the pack! The turnaround point was my downfall, though; it was the steepest hill of the race, and as I made it through the turn chute and started downhill, a UWF college girl passed me and stayed about 10 paces ahead of me the rest of the race.
But I finished much better than I expected and am grateful I completed the race. I don’t know how our corporate cup team finished overall, because I left right after the tug-of-war; but I do know one of our ladies won in the hula-hoop contest, my team got third on the blindfolded wheelbarrow, and our company’s egg toss team won second. I got a nifty cup for the wheelbarrow race, but nothing for the run because it was a cumulative score between me and our male runner. Since he wasn’t in the top 8, we didn’t get that great of a cumulative score.
If I get pictures I’ll post them. I know our company got pictures of the runners.
Back to work
Not that he had a huge break or anything, but Tobin is back to studying today; his first day of T-1 ground school! That’s right, folks, he will be flying in JETS from now on! I am proud of him. He has been trying to get ahead during his “break”, so hopefully it won’t be quite as overwhelming this time around.
Check out the “About Us” page for updates on training for Tobin & running (or not) for me. My race is this Saturday!
Oh, and happy birthday, Ava! My beautiful niece is turning two today.
Couples Retreat, Andalusia, AL
An amazingly talented couple in our life group (Robin & Jackie) put together a couples retreat for us at a lake house owned by one of their parents. It was absolutely wonderful and beautiful. There couldn’t have been a more perfect time for Tobin & I to take this break. We were able to relax, enjoy the company of our life group, and learn a whole lot about ourselves as a couple. We were also fed WAY too much food and I learned a lot about feeding 16 people, so I should be ready for Christmas, fam!
Titus & Rogue spent their first weekend away from us; we boarded them at the breeder’s. They looked healthy & happy when we came to pick them up, so we were satisfied with the care they got. In fact, Rogue looks way more fat now; not sure if that’s a good thing or not! How does a puppy gain that much weight in two days?
The group picture, couples from left to right: Michael & Candice, Tim & Melody, Chris & Kim, Tobin & Erin, James & Mary, Greg & Rachel, Robin & Jackie. Bryan & Brittany had already left by then, but they are another the picture by themselves.
And last but not least, there’s also a picture of how Titus & Rogue look now. You can ignore the girl in the background. It was raining that day, so Tobin let me wear his hat & coat; I know, it’s totally my look, right?
What’s up with training?
Tobin completed his T-6 training last week with his final formation flight. Currently, he is studying up for T-1 ground school; that means new boldface (memorized emergency procedures), new systems, new procedures.
T-1 ground school starts this Wednesday (10/7) if his schedule doesn’t change. Ground school is two weeks long, then he heads directly flight side and has eight or nine flights (both instruments and vnavs).
So in about a month, he will be done with Intermediate and will be in (A?)-pool waiting to class up for Advanced.
There’s your training update!
I will try to post later today about our amazing weekend. We went on couples retreat with a bunch of people from our life group at Hillcrest. It was very worth it and so rewarding. I highly recommend going on one someday. It was a very needed break for Tobin and I as well, since work and training have been so stressful lately. Ok, I’ll try to post soon about that.
Belated Labor Day Weekend Post
We had the pleasure of entertaining Tobin’s parents, Mike & Jacque, for Labor Day weekend. We had a great time! We celebrated Jacque’s birthday with a double layer chocolate cake with chocolate ganache and raspberry filling (it was a little lopsided, but tasty!). Our two major activities were going on a dolphin cruise (and visiting the house of throwed rolls!) and trying out a local shooting range.
Here are some awesome videos of the dolphins:
Intermediate
I realized after talking to my sister-in-law today that some of you hadn’t realized Tobin was already in Intermediate. Yep, he finished Primary a few days before Labor Day weekend, and started Intermediate this past Tuesday. They are pushing the guys right through; Tobin is in the visual navigation stage, and they are already done with ground school and one simulator. He has a few more sims next week and then he starts flying again. It’s going so quickly now! One of Tobin’s classmates’ wife also keeps a blog, and she gives a good description of what training is like at this point for the guys. Be sure to check it out!
I have updated the About Us page, it has some info on Intermediate and Advanced as well. Keep an eye open for pictures and videos from our most recent visit (Tobin’s parents). Teaser: there are dolphins involved!
Finito!
Don’t know if that is the correct spelling or not, but who cares, Tobin is done with primary! He finished this week on the 2nd with his check ride. It took less than 3.5 months to complete; he started May 26th and finished on Sep 2nd. He’s in the ‘tween stage right now, waiting for Intermediate to start. We think he has a week or two off, since they seem to be starting the guys in two week shifts.
Speaking of shifts, Tobin had the night one last night. Once students aren’t actively training anymore, they get put into a pool and every once in a while get picked for “watch”; Tobin got the short straw and had overnight duty. So he’ll be sleeping while I’m at work today!
Later tonight, Tobin’s parents are coming into town for the weekend! We are excited to spend a few days with them; it’s been too long since we’ve seen any of our relatives. Some items on the agenda include birthday celebrations (Jacque’s) and water activities for Labor Day.
Thanks for checking in on us, and enjoy your Labor Day weekend!
Final Primary Days
Tobin is flying his 4th to last and 3rd to last flights today. If all goes well weather-wise, he’ll be flying his final two flights of primary on Monday! That includes a check ride, so it’s very important for him. Thought you all should know how well he is doing; and how fast he is progressing!
We don’t know yet when Intermediate will start, but at the pace they are pushing the candidates through, we might not get a break at all. We’ll let you know!
Cross Country
An update on Tobin:
He is flying a cross country this weekend! He is planning to fly to Traverse City, MI today & fly back on Sunday. His alternate destination is Denver, CO; he’ll fly there if MI weather is bad. I’ll update you all on his adventure when he gets back.
UPDATE: Tobin stopped in Nashville & I think they are not going any further for some reason. I haven’t heard the specifics. :) They’ll be flying back on Sunday.
Accountability
About Zilla’s comment: Zach, that program is really cool, I used it once ( & crashed, hehe); we definitely would need better computers, though. We’ll see, maybe someday!
And…deep breath…our company has its Corporate Cup Games coming up in mid-October, and I am going to be entering in the one-mile run. Now, it’s a just-for-fun thing, but since I am out of shape anyway, I am going to be training to get my mile time down. No snickers from the running audience, now; my goal is a pretty steep one for me! I once ran a mile in 6:45, but I was in pretty good shape at the time. So, my goal for this event is a 7 minute mile, flat. And while I still have the bravery to agree to it, I’m making you all my accountability partners. Yep. Keep an eye on the “About Us” page for an update about my running schedule. And if it’s been awhile since you’ve seen an update, feel free to ask about it! I’ll be putting together a run plan tonight.
Ok, there we go, I bit the bullet and now 7 minute mile here I come!
Moving up
Tobin finished his instruments phase simulator flights today! Tomorrow we expect him to be scheduled for a real flight; I believe he has 15 flights to complete before the instruments phase is over. From what I have been hearing, the program is pretty intense, and he will be double turning frequently. Double turning means having two flights in one day. Also, he may have a cross country or two as well, which will count for several flights; the cross country flights are generally on weekends as they go overnight.
We really appreciate your prayers and encouragement. This is definitely an intense and high stress training program, and Tobin spends about 12 hours every day either studying or flying…if not more. He handles it really well, but he can really use all the support you can give him. We miss you all, hope to see you soon.