Worth the Wait

Phil has a new job!!!!!!!!

It seemed like it would never happen. Years of unemployment on and off, it just seemed like we were in such a rut.

Then he applied for an Active Guard Reserve job doing radar in Mountain Home back in February. We found out he needed a higher electronics score on the ASVAB in order for him to even quality. So we kind of put it out of our minds as an option, but then his interview went REALLY well.

He got permission to re-take the ASVAB on March 4th and after studying for less than a month, did well enough. We found out a week later that he got it!

I'm not exactly sure what Phil will be doing but he explained it to me as "pretty much playing real life video games with the jets". What?!

What does this mean for us?

Complete Medical/Dental Coverage

Guaranteed Retirement

Full-time, Guaranteed Work

A raise

Active Duty Benefits like a lower interest rate on all credit accounts

Peace of mind!

It also means we're moving to:

Biloxi, Mississippi

http://www.biloxi.ms.us/

When, you ask? Could be next month, could be next year. Gotta love the military.

Phil has to train for this new job for 8-9 months there. And he SHOULD be able to take us with him.

I've been dreaming about the beach, warm weather, delicious southern food, a new adventure, etc. I'm sure I will not be a fan of the bugs or hurricanes but I think we can handle 8 or 9 months knowing we'll be coming back to Boise.

Start saving up now so you can come visit. We can hang out on the beach, go to New Orleans, Mississippi boat rides, and eat delicious food!

We have been BLESSED!

Sophie's 1st Haircut

I know you're thinking what the heck? She is 3 1/2 and hasn't had a haircut?

Well, when she didn't even start having hair until about 2, it hasn't been that long. And luckily, her hair grew in beautifully so we didn't have to fix a mullet or anything like that.

We went to a salon made just for kids. She just got a trim but also had her first blow-dry, then a small braid, curls and glitter. She loved having princess hair.

6 Months Already

Caitlin is growing fast. And she is still a little angel. Still smiley as ever. I hoped she would be cuddly, but she is squirmy just like her sister was. She is rolling and scooting around all over.

We took her Saturday to get her ears pierced.

My favorite thing is when you smile at her and she smiles back HUGE with her lips shut and sticks her tongue out a little bit. I've been trying so hard to get a picture of it but haven't caught it yet.

We borrowed a saucer and johnny jumper from our friends and she's been a big fan of both.

Madama Butterfly

Phil and I were able to go to the opera the other night. I procrastinated buying tickets so when I called to get them, they only had 3rd row, front and center left. For some reason I just felt like I really needed to go so I splurged and bought them. Opera Idaho is now performing in the Egyptian Theatre and I knew it would be more intimate and I wanted to experience it. I am SO glad I splurged. It was AMAZING. We get there, I open the program and my totally rad voice teacher, Michele and her husband Jason had major roles: Suzuki and Sharpless

We were practically sitting with the orchestra and we were so close to the stage, it felt like we were part of the story. The story of Madama Butterfly is so moving and for those of you who aren't familiar with it this is the synopsis:

ACT I. Japan, early twentieth century. On a flowering terrace above Nagasaki harbor, U.S. Navy Lieutenant B. F. Pinkerton inspects the house he has leased from a marriage broker, Goro, who has just procured him three servants and a geisha wife, Cio-Cio-San, known as Madama Butterfly. To the American consul, Sharpless, who arrives breathless from climbing the hill, Pinkerton describes the carefree philosophy of a sailor roaming the world in search of pleasure. At the moment, he is enchanted with the fragile Cio-Cio-San, but his 999-year marriage contract contains a monthly renewal option. When Sharpless warns that the girl may not take her vows so lightly, Pinkerton brushes aside such scruples, saying he will one day marry a “real” American wife. Cio-Cio-San is heard in the distance joyously singing of her wedding. Entering surrounded by friends, she tells Pinkerton how, when her family fell on hard times, she had to earn her living as a geisha. Her relatives bustle in, noisily expressing their opinions on the marriage. In a quiet moment, Cio-Cio-San shows her bridegroom her few earthly treasures and tells him of her intention to embrace his Christian faith. The Imperial Commissioner performs the wedding ceremony, and the guests toast the couple. The celebration is interrupted by Cio-Cio-San’s uncle, a Buddhist priest, who bursts in, cursing the girl for having renounced her ancestors’ religion. Pinkerton angrily sends the guests away. Alone with Cio-Cio-San in the moonlit garden, he dries her tears, and she joins him in singing of their love.

ACT II. Three years later, Cio-Cio-San waits for her husband’s return. As Suzuki prays to her gods for aid, her mistress stands by the doorway with her eyes fixed on the harbor. When the maid shows her how little money is left, Cio-Cio-San urges her to have faith: one fine day Pinkerton’s ship will appear on the horizon. Sharpless brings a letter from the lieutenant, but before he can read it to Cio-Cio-San, Goro comes with a suitor, the wealthy Prince Yamadori. The girl dismisses both marriage broker and prince, insisting her American husband has not deserted her. When they are alone, Sharpless again starts to read the letter and suggests Pinkerton may not return. Cio-Cio-San proudly carries forth her child, Dolore (Trouble), saying that as soon as Pinkerton knows he has a son he surely will come back; if he does not, she would rather die than return to her former life. Moved by her devotion, Sharpless leaves, without having revealed the full contents of the letter. Cio-Cio-San, on the point of despair, hears a cannon report; seizing a spyglass, she discovers Pinkerton’s ship entering the harbor. Now delirious with joy, she orders Suzuki to help her fill the house with flowers. As night falls, Cio-Cio-San, Suzuki and the child begin their vigil.

ACT III. As dawn breaks, Suzuki insists that Cio-Cio-San rest. Humming a lullaby to her child, she carries him to another room. Before long, Sharpless enters with Pinkerton, followed by Kate, his new wife. When Suzuki realizes who the American woman is, she collapses in despair but agrees to aid in breaking the news to her mistress. Pinkerton, seized with remorse, bids an anguished farewell to the scene of his former happiness, then rushes away. When Cio-Cio-San comes forth expecting to find him, she finds Kate instead. Guessing the truth, the shattered Cio-Cio-San agrees to give up her child if his father will return for him. Then, sending even Suzuki away, she takes out the dagger with which her father committed suicide and bows before a statue of Buddha, choosing to die with honor rather than live in disgrace. As she raises the blade, Suzuki pushes the child into the room. Sobbing farewell, Cio-Cio-San sends him into the garden to play, then stabs herself. As she dies, Pinkerton is heard calling her name.

It was such an amazing experience for me, I had to share. Phil loved it too. How did I get so lucky to have an opera-liking husband? Maybe someday, it will be me performing in the opera chorus!

www.operaidaho.org

Bright, Happy Eyes

Caitlin started rolling all over the place a couple of days before her 5 month birthday. Whenever I lay her on her back, she instantly rolls to her stomach. She is such a joy to us and will bring me out of any kind of a bad mood with her huge smile and bright, happy eyes. She will smile at anyone, even random strangers when they smile at her first. She sleeps in her own room now and I have to say, it's been nice to have my room back even though I miss her.

Valentines Fun

Phil took me out for Valentine's Day on Saturday and everything was a SURPRISE! In almost 7 years of marriage this is the first time he has planned everything and kept it a secret. I love surprises!

Everything he planned was downtown so we parked in a garage and started walking. Even though it is still very much winter (we had snow yesterday) Saturday night was WARM. It was so refreshing to just walk around from place to place.

First he took me to Cazba for dinner. One of our favorite Mediterranean & Greek Food places, YUM. Then we walked to Le Cafe de Paris for dessert. If you have never had their chocolate mousse, you MUST. You can even get it to go if you want. Then we walked to the Qwest arena and saw an exciting hockey game. Steelheads v. Bakersfield and we won!

I am so blessed to have a husband like Phil! Thanks honey, I love you.

And here are our most favorite Valentines:

28 Years

Phil turned 28! He wanted a gun so he can go hunting with his dad this year. So here it is, a 30-06.