So, my sister, Emily, moved to North Carolina today. It is definitely bittersweet to see her go. I am so happy for her and excited about her starting this new chapter in her life, but the selfish part of wants her here. Just the thought of not seeing her on a regular basis makes me miss her already!
The move has been up in the air since she and Michael got married last month. They were told that it would be about 3 months or so before housing on the base would open up. A couple of weeks ago, Michael and Emily decided that they would put they would 'settle' for a house they weren't too crazy about in the meantime, just so that they could move Emily and be together. I can only imagine how miserable I'd be if I had to be away from my hubby....maybe no so much NOW, but DEFINITELY when we were newlyweds! :) hahahah! (Just kidding, JAY! I love you and am THRILLED for every moment I have with you!)
Anyway, when Michael went to put their names on the 'other list', he spoke with the woman there and worked the good ol' Michael Ryan charm. After painting a poor, pitiful picture of this lonely soldier and his new young bride, who was living 1200 miles away, the best the woman said she could do would be a house in 4 months, so Michael left. When he got in his car, the woman called him and told him that there was a house that was 'prime property' - backs up to the community center with the pool, etc.... The house was newly renovated and had just become available. She told him she had spoken with her boss and painted the same sad story, and then told him the house was theirs!!!!!!!!!!!!! TWO DAYS later, he had the keys in his hand, and Michael has been living in the house ever since!!!!
When Emily and Michael got married last month, she had slowly started packing up her apartment, knowing that at any moment, Michael could call and say that they had been approved for housing. Once she started packing, she basically moved in with my parents, so we have been able to spend a lot of time together the past few weeks. It really has been so great, but makes her leaving even that much harder!
Needless to say, Michael and Emily are so excited! We're so excited, too, but still hate to see Emily go. Last night, we had a family dinner to send Emily off. Her friends, Christina and Courtney joined us, along with Courtney's boyfriend, James.
My dad made Emily's favorite supper....red beans and rice with French bread....YUM!
Before dinner, we gave Emily her 'going away' gifts. Jay and I bought webcams for Emily, my parents and us so that we can still see Emily on a regular basis. My mom actually started crying because she was so excited!
A party just isn't the same without party hats!
Sarah made a 'sister' scrapbook for Emily that was filled with photos of Emily and Sarah together. The two of them are really best friends and are so close. They confide in each other and support each other. The scrapbook truly was the perfect gift from Sarah.
After opening gifts, we all had dinner and visited for a while. When Jay and I headed out, I gave Emily a hug and told her to call me when she got to North Carolina. It wasn't until I drove away that I broke down.
Emily - I love you so much and already miss you terribly! I know it's going to be hard adjusting to your 'new life' at first, but God has blessed you with a wonderful husband to support you and help you through tough times. Turn to him, confide in him and lean on him. It will strengthen your marriage more and more each day. I also know that you are an AMAZING woman with so much to offer to others. Be open to new people, new friends, new experiences. On the other hand, don't EVER hesitate to call at any time about any thing. I'm looking forward to our DAILY web chats!!! North Carolina is going to be great. Enjoy the time while you can. It will go by faster than you realize. I love you, Emily!
"If nothing ever changed, there'd be no butterflies." - Author Unknown
Sarah & Jay in Grand Isle
Emily, Emma & Truett
Our attempt at getting a picture of Emma's 1st tooth....HAHAHAHHA! Notice, there are STILL no pictures!
Papa & Emma relaxing on the porch in Grand Isle
Here are a few pictures of Emma getting a hold of Truett's snacks....
Her first OREO cookie....The look on her face is like, "You've known about this and have been holding out on me????" 
Her first OREO cookie....The look on her face is like, "You've known about this and have been holding out on me????" 
