Our Second Baby Girl...Devine June Papillion

For a early birthday present for me, we went ahead and got a 3D/4D ultrasound done of our 2nd baby girl Devine June. Can I say...it was the best experience ever. I love my baby girl!! She definitely has character and has my attitude already (as per Daddy...LOL). Alexia, my oldest baby girl was excited to see her baby sister again and couldn't stop saying how cute she is.

Of course my hubby and my Mom says, Devine is a spitting image of her big sister, Alexia. Can we say...I'm going to have another mini-me running around the house. I feel horrible for Daddy. LOL

The Tech wanted to make sure Devine June was still a girl though when we started the session and of course she's "Still a Girl"

Here's a couple of photos from our ultrasound yesterday evening. This was the best birthday present ever. I can't wait to hold Devine in November. She is definitely my 2nd miracle. I love her so much and so does Daddy and Big Sister.

At the end of the session, Devine started yawning and then she got really fussy. We have a DVD of her getting fussy and yapping up a storm. She made sure to tell the Tech that she was done with the photos, but putting her hand on her face and then she ended up putting both hands to block. Gotta love her!! She definitely is going to be a character when she comes out and I look forward to meeting her and seeing what her personality is going to be.

Just a few more hours. =)

I just thought I type up a quick blog to finish my countdown in the Navy.

At exactly 2400 or 0000 or midnight (for civilians)...I will be officially a CIVILIAN again and I'll have my freedoms back that I gave up in 2001 when I joined the military.

I already received my Dependent ID card this morning with my hubby in tow helping me get it. Tomorrow we're tackling Tricare to make sure I go under his Medical and so does Alexia. I will be still seeing my OB/GYN I was seeing before I get out...which I'm happy about since Dr. Graeff is AMAZING.

So for the next few hours I'm going to enjoy counting down to the last minute I have as a Active Duty Sailor. No more Bosses to go to...no more stressing out over petty stuff...and no more B.S. I'm ready for the civilian world and I'm definitely ready to go to College.

I'm ready for my next Challenges in my life. I'm happy to get have my family there with me every step of the way without me having to go underway.

HAPPY DAY for me!!! =)

XOXO,

FranJessca

What it's going to be like starting in October?

Starting the end of September, I will be a full-time Mommy to my daughter, Alexia Renee. Why do I say that...because I have to take 3 months off from school thanks to a scheduled C-section in November. I didn't want to miss any classes during my 2nd quarter so I decided to take the quarter off while I prepare for my C-section and prepare for my 2nd daughter's arrival. I will be out of commission longer than someone having a baby naturally due to having stitches and being put on medication. We also will definitely be down to one income in the house which means I will be a coupon addict and staying home more, instead of traveling, like I'm used to. I won't be able to travel anyways starting the end of September. I'm so used to getting up and going somewhere, but unfortunately I will have to wait to travel again probably until Christmas time when we're trying to plan a trip to Florida.

I'm looking forward to meeting my 2nd baby girl, Devine in November. She has become such a little kicker lately. Kicking me in the ribs and pushing down my bladder during the day. I've become accustomed to it. I definitely look forward to being home with her for two months, getting to breastfeed her and also get used to having two children in the house. Alexia, her big sister is going to be really helpful around the house when I first come out of the hospital and so will Daddy of course.

I've never been home for 3 months without having a schedule...so this is going to be interesting for me. For 3 months I will be a full-time SAHM. I wonder if I'm going to go insane without my usual adult interaction that I'm used to. I guess we'll see. I look forward to it. I look forward to volunteering more at my daughter's school and going to the library more. I also have my sister-in-law's, my friends and my old co-worker's to turn too.

I'm excited for everything in the next few months. I'm looking forward to starting school next week and getting a feel of it, and then going back in January after I'm all healed and able to adjust.

3 more days as a active duty Sailor...and then it's off to be a permanent Retired Navy dependent. =)

Hope everyone has a GREAT weekend!!!

XOXO,

FranJessca

My School Schedule August 18-September 24

I went to my Jump Start Program at my school yesterday and received my unofficial school schedule. It's well...it's definitely different than what I was expecting, and it's going to take some adjustment once Alexia starts school and being 27 weeks pregnant when I do start school. I'm going to need to know not to overdue it.

I have school Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Friday is going to be a 8 hour day which will be tough at first, but we'll see if we actually stay in class that long. I'm taking Introduction to Drawing first and Introduction to Design Applications. It's Summer Semester so it's going to be 8 credits total. Monday, Thursday and Saturday will only be 4 hour days. Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday will be my off days, which is going to help out since Alexia will be starting school on a Tuesday and I will be there for her the first couple of days of first grade.

I was a little worried about not seeing her much while I'm school...but I've made my mind up that I'll be volunteering alot in her classroom this year to make it up to her. She's going to be spoiled by having me there for her. =) I'm going to love every minute of it.

I'm looking forward to going to school and having a set schedule again. Here comes the studying and here comes classes that I have no idea what are going to be like.

I'm up for any challenges though and I know Alexia, my oldest daughter will look forward to seeing me home more.

My biggest question is how my school is going to handle me having a baby in the middle of my next semester. Guess we'll find out in November. =)

Hope everyone has a great Tuesday. Today is a day of cleaning and staying indoors thanks to the wildfire that is causing smoke outside.

XOXO,

FranJessca

Who Me...a College Mom...Oh HECK YES!!

It's creeping up on me and I still can't believe it. I have to pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming...but I got a call from my College Advisor and my Financial Advisor stating I have a "Jump Start" Program to go to on Monday 4:30pm-7:00pm to meet with some of my peers, fix up loose ends with administration and finanicial aid, receive my photo id card for school and review my preliminary schedule for classes. It's going to be crazy...but I'm going to love it. Then on August 17th, I go to Orientation in the morning and then the fun begins August 18th when school official starts. The semester will last until September 23rd. Can my hubby handle me going to school? Well, he better, is all I can say. My daughter of course is excited to know her Mommy is going to be attending school. She was kind of weird about it at first, but once I told her I wouldn't be working crazy hours and would be home more, she was beyond excited.

So to one extreme, being in the Navy for 10 years and having a schedule that fluctuated alot to another extreme, going to college and now following a set schedule. I think I'm going to be one of the college students who will arrive earlier than expected and may leave later than the others to make sure to do everything I need to do. I can't wait!!

Navy Sailor to Full-time College Student...Yup...that's Me and I'm definitely excited about it. I love knowing I'm going to school for something I love doing and learning from the highest technological equipment and learning everything the industry is doing now and what big companies are looking for. I'm also going to help expand my business more and the competitors out there, may get a little jealous of everything I'll learn and work with. That's what a business is about though and I'm ready for it. I'm ready for the challenges and I'm ready to get my name out there even in magazines and maybe get offered at a dream job at a major magazine company later on. Who knows...what the future holds...but all I know is I'm looking forward to every step I have to take to get there.

XOXO,

FranJessca

24 weeks 4 days =)

I decided to do something different for showing off a belly photo. I wanted a shadow one and I wanted to include Alexia in the photo. She was definitely up for it. The photographer who took it was my hubby with the direction of me of course. =)

I'm 24 weeks 4 days along here and I definitely feel pregnant. Baby Devine sure loves to kick my bladder and she just recently got me in the ribs. Her big sister didn't even kick my ribs when I was pregnant with her. Guess we can also say, Devine has some really long legs and she is already really tough. She pushes out my belly all the time with her butt and back. She loves to kick when I'm eating and when I'm about to go to bed.

I'm enjoying every minute of being pregnant and I can't wait to meet my 2nd baby girl this Fall.

WE ALL LOVE YOU, DEVINE!!!

It's Official...

I received my DD-214 today from the Navy Separations Office. I was so nervous and excited all at once. Nervous because I've only known the Navy for 10 years and it's going to be a weird adjustment to be called my first name again and not by rank or by my last name. I'm excited because I'm going to be home more with my family and pursue my degree finally. So what my my plans now...well...Monday I start my Separations leave until August 15th. August 16th will be my official first day as a Civilian / Navy Dependent. My hubby is retired Navy so I'm turning in my Active duty id and receiving a dependent one, my last day in the Navy.

After that I'm off to start school on August 18th to pursue my degree in Photography and minor in Graphic Design. While also preparing for Baby Devine and having a 2nd baby girl in the house. Alexia is really excited to meet her baby sister. Just the other day she got to feel her sister kick and move around.

I'm going to enjoy being home more with my family and not missing one more holiday or event.

For now...I'm going enjoy being with my husband and daughter while I'm on separation leave...while preparing myself to become a college student real soon. =)

Hope everyone is having a GREAT Friday!!

XOXO,

FranJessca

Friday...A VERY Important Day

Friday, July 22, 2011...will be a VERY important day for me and my family. It will be the day I receive my DD-214 from the Navy. It will be a BIG step for me. I celebrated my 10 year Anniversary in the Navy on July 17th. I can't believe it's already been that long. I have several Senior Enlisted at my Command that were trying to convince me to stay in the next 10 years to finish my time...but unfortunately I've challenged myself all that I want in the Navy. I've accomplished what I wanted to do. I wouldn't change a thing either. I would go back in October 2000 and join the Navy all over again. July 17, 2001...I will always remember and so will my parents. The day I went to Boot Camp. It was the first step of becoming something I wanted to become. I wanted to be independent. I wanted to do things my peers weren't doing. I wanted to serve my country, pay for my own college and travel outside of the USA. I accomplished and conquered and I'm ready to challenge myself with something else. I want to pursue in my Photography and Graphic Design passions and also be with my Family more. I want to see my daughters grow and spend more time volunteering at Alexia's school. I want Baby Devine to see her Mommy everyday. Her Big Sister had to see me go on ship in 2006-2007. She didn't like me being away from her. She didn't even like me going to work at my shore command.

My husband of course says...he's glad I'm getting out because he really didn't like me going underway either. He also didn't like how I would stress out from the Navy. He wants me away from the drama and with the family.

I have to agree with the drama part since the Navy is turning out to be a Big Corporation and not the Military. 10 years ago the Navy was different...heck when my Great Uncle was in the Navy, the Navy was different. He still thinks if a Female Sailor gets pregnant, they get kicked out of the Navy. He found out with my first pregnancy that wasn't true. Trying to convince a World War II Veteran that the Navy has changed since then....is kind of hard. Hopefully, I can convince him in the next couple of weeks when I visit him. I can't wait to share stories with him on my adventures and hear his too and also hear about my rebellious Grandfather's stories.

Just one actual working day left in the Navy and the rest is checking out processes and getting paperwork. July 22nd...will be the day I will never forget...it will be one of the most memorable when I receive that one piece of paper that will change my life forever.

So in the next couple of days...I will become an Official Navy Veteran...and also a Navy Spouse.

I'm going to miss my co-workers and hopefully I can hold back the tears on Thursday...but highly unlikely since they had me crying last Friday for my luncheon. I've met some lifetime buddies and I really look forward to hearing my junior sailors tell me stories about their sea duty adventures...like I did with them.

I'll posting another blog later on this week...and hopefully it won't be a tearjerker.

I'm excited to finally be home more with my family...but I'm going to miss my extended family.

XOXO,

FranJessca

A Going Away Luncheon and a 6 year's old Party...Complete =)

Two days of parties can be tiring for a 22 week pregnant lady.

Yesterday, 7/15/11, I had my Going Away Luncheon at the Cheesecake Factory and was I surprised to see over 35 people show up and take over tables. I really was only expecting 20 people. It seems I have alot of people that I've made a difference to or like they've told me...my smile and warm heart has made a great asset to the Navy. I even had people come from previous commands that I was stationed with and people who had retired/separated from the Navy. It was hard to hold back the tears and that means, next week is going to be even more tougher on me to say good-bye to some amazing shipmates. I even had my Senior Chief tearing up a bit. He doesn't really want me to leave. He wishes he could've worked with me longer. I think he was hoping I would change my mind at the last minute and re-enlist. I'm going to miss everyone I worked with in the Navy, but like I've told them before, I'll still around for a little awhile and they'll see me on base since I'll be a Navy dependent and not Active Duty anymore.

Then there was today, with my daughter, Alexia's 6th birthday party at Chuck E Cheese. Alexia had over 10 kids show up to her party and she received alot of gifts that we're still trying to sift through. Alexia had a blast with some of her classmates from her Kindergarten class and even got to meet another little boy the same age of her that I knew his Mom from when we were pregnant with our children together back in 2005. She even had Max there who has a big crush on her. All I can say is this pregnant Mama is beyond exhausted and needs a day of break...but it seems tomorrow will be a day of swimming in the new pool. Alexia is enjoying her summer and this Mama is enjoying watching her have an Amazing summer. Tomorrow may be a day of shopping at the Outlets or going to the Antique stores.

Maybe I'll get to sleep in tomorrow....but we shall see. LOL

XOXO,

FranJessca

Happy 6th Birthday to my Beautiful Princess!!!

It's that time of year again...my beautiful baby girl's birthday. Alexia Renee is now officially "6" year's old. I can't believe it!!! She is growing up way too fast on us. We love you, Alexia Renee very much!!! We can't wait to see your expression on your birthday party this Saturday. You are OUR WORLD!!! You complete us.

Happy Birthday, Alexia!!!

It's July so time for some UPDATES

It's July 4th which means in 9 days my baby girl, Alexia Renee will be "6" years old. I still can't believe it! Where has the time gone. I remember yesterday just finding out I was pregnant with her. She is my WORLD!! My exact mini-me...I should say. She wants to be just like me and she is already trying to wear my clothes. I catch her a night wearing some of my t-shirts as nightgowns. What am I going to do with her? I still haven't figured out what I'm going to give her for her birthday this year. I'll know once her party gets closer, I guess.

On to my other baby girl girl who is still in my tummy and loves to kick and punch my insides. "Devine June" who I've loved since the moment I found out I was pregnant with her. She is keeping me company right now as I type since my hubby and little girl are out and about. Although, Devine June seems to love making feel ill still. Just like her sister used to. I think I'm about to have another Alexia running around. I just recently decided for baby Devine June, I will become a cloth diaper Mama. I'll finding it more cheaper and also more adorable. Cheaper is always better I may say. Although...right now it's expensive since I'm trying to buy the cloth diapers already online. I'm also going to go to local cloth diaper store. I'm also going to try breastfeeding Devine June as long as everything goes well. Her big sister didn't want to latch and we both were exhausted after the delivery since I had have a C-section with Alexia. I'm already going to be scheduled for a C-section with Baby Devine also since doctor recommended it. I had too many complications in labor with Alexia and of course I want to make the right decision for my 2nd baby girl just like I did with Alexia. I want to meet the little dancer inside of me.

Onto the Navy life...I have 12 working days life...that's right...12 days. I'm so excited and a little nervous also since hubby is going to be taking care of the bills for awhile when I'm in school. I'll be waiting to hear back about my veteran's disability and that won't be until about 5 months out. Then I'll be able to pick up the bills I need to pick up again. I have my Photography Business and Boutique Business to help which my Photography Business is going full-force this summer thanks to my co-workers sending referrals and also my co-workers asking for photos and such. I even have a pin-up session in the works in the next few months before a Sailor comes home from his deployment. His wife wants to surprise him with a gift. =)

I'm still planning my trip to Florida, but it may be shorten since we've had other things come up.

I'm just looking forward to being home with my family more and finally tackling things I couldn't really do in the Navy. First thing I'm doing when I get out is getting my hair done the way I want it and also my nails painted the way I want it to be. The life of a Retired Navy Wife. =) I'm going to love it!! I'm also going to love going to school for something I love very much.

I promise to update more in the upcoming days...but for now...it's time for movies and popcorn to celebrate the rest of 4th of July. Hopefully Baby Devine will ease up on the kicking and punching for a bit.

Much Love,

FranJessca

Ballerina #2 ????

I'm starting to think I have another little dancer inside of me. Baby Girl #2 likes to kick, stomp, and move around alot with music. Today she decided to stomp and kick my bladder on the way to my watch at work while I was listening to the band "The Veronicas". She's definitely proving to be just like Big sister was when I was pregnant with her in '04-'05. Guess I will have to start listening to music even more often and see what she likes and doesn't like. Alexia loved "Rob Thomas" when I was pregnant with her. She would go crazy inside of me. Guess my music experiment will happen a little earlier with this baby.

I'm just hoping she will cool it down a bit that way it doesn't feel like I'm going to pee my pants whenever she kicks me...like she did today.

XOXO,

FranJessca

It's a....

GIRL!!!!!

Hubby and I are blessed with another little girl. My Hubby of course is tickled pink because that is definitely what he wanted. He can't wait!!

I just want to say...my Mom who lives all the way in IL was right again. =) I love my Mom! She should've been a midwife because she definitely knows alot about pregnancy and what the baby will be and everything.

I'm really ecstactic to have another baby girl and can't wait to meet her in November.

Alexia our oldest is excited to be a BIG sister to her little sister.

I've never seen a little girl so happy until today when she found out she was going to have a baby sister to take care of. She couldn't wait to tell her friends.

This Mama of course called my Mom first to let her know she was right. I can never not tell my Mom everything since we are inseparable. My Mom will always be my #1 bestfriend.

I showed off the ultrasound pics to all my co-workers who thought I was having a boy. They couldn't believe it. Guess I'm only going to have girls I guess..which I definitely don't mind. Girl's are so much fun. =)

Bring on the tutus, dresses, and having the babygirl wear my high heels like her sister does...again. =)

I'm READY!!!

We'll announce the name as soon as we can.

As of now...I'm glowing. =) Like my Mother says...is the reason why she knew I was having a girl.

Two daughters who definitely have my heart forever and always. I can't wait to meet my 2nd baby girl.

Tomorrow!!!

Tomorrow is the BIG day of finding out the gender of the Baby. We can't wait!! Once I'm able to scan the ultrasound pics and post them I'll announce on my BLOG. We've already picked out names and we'll also share that as soon as possible tomorrow too.

Tomorrow is GOING to be ONE EXCITING DAY!!! =)

18 weeks along =)

18 weeks along as of June 15, 2011....and next week on June 22, 2011...we find out the gender of the baby. Hubby and daughter will be able to go too which is going to be an amazing experience for Alexia. She didn't get to see the first ultrasound and this will have her even more excited.

How is Mommy doing? Well...let me just say, I'm still dealing with morning sickness at 18 weeks. Baby doesn't like Mommy getting overheated I guess. If it's too hot or my body temperature rises for some reason...it's off to the bathroom Mommy goes. There are days when Zofran doesn't help. Ugh! Guess this baby is just like big sister. I've only gained 7 lbs and I tend to lose and gain depending on how bad the morning sickness gets.

How is the baby doing? Baby is kicking and dancing in my belly. Always before and after I eat and always at night time when I'm going to bed. Daddy has felt the movements and Alexia even says she's felt the baby move.

Alexia...the BIG Sister...is ready to know what the baby is so she can tell everyone she knows. She is one EXCITED Big Sister who can't wait to help out with the baby's nursery and picking out clothes and such. She wants to be involved with everything which Mommy has no problem with. I know she's going to be an AMAZING Big Sister.

Daddy is getting anxious to know what the gender is too and he wants to start buying baby furniture and preparing for baby.

So in 6 days....I'll announce on a blog post what we'll be having and also announce the Baby Shower date that my co-workers and friends are planning. =)

Hope everyone is having an AMAZING Thursday!!

XOXO

FranJessca

16 weeks and 1 day...along

Happily 16 weeks and 1 day along in my pregnancy. Morning Sickness is still there every once in awhile, but not as bad as before. A week ago I felt the baby move for the first time. It was an amazing feeling. Baby loves to move before lunch and when I'm driving. I can tell he/she is going to be a mover just like Alexia was. Hopefully, she won't stretch out the left side of my belly like Alexia used to do. I should be able to find out the gender this month or at the latest the beginning of next month and boy everyone is getting very impatient. They want to know what I'm having already. Onto other news also...I have 49 days left at my Navy Job and I'm so looking forward to being on vacation and being a Civilian again. Hope everyone has an Amazing weekend!! I know I will. We're preparing for Alexia's Recital for next weekend, so this weekend and this week will be a busy one. XOXO, FranJessca

My countdown to getting out of the Navy is....

Getting shorter and shorter. I have 86 more days left until I'm no longer called IT2, Petty Officer, and Pappy (since no one can pronounce my last name at all). I'll be called Fran, FranJessca, Frannie, Mrs. Papillion and even Ma'am (although I get that already).

It's going to feel weird to be out of the Navy. I've known the Navy for 10 years now...but it's time to challenge myself in something else....by going back to school to get my degrees in Photography/Graphic Design. Yes...I'm getting away from Information Technology and Network Security all together...but apart of me will always know my heart still belongs to the PCs. I enjoy securing a network and also showing a customer how to work their computer properly. My heart's passion is photography though. My camera has been an attachment to me since my daughter was born....actually before then since I traveled all over Europe and got to see some amazing sights and also got to experience some things in the Navy I wanted to share with others.

So 86 more days in the Navy...what is my mind thinking. I'm not going to miss it all...but my heart is saying I'm going to miss the traveling a bit. Although, I'll still be able to do it by MAC flights...thanks to my hubby.

I'm going to enjoy being home more with my family. Alexia will have a hard time adjusting for awhile since she's used to me leaving to go to work at strange hours. Now she'll get to see me everyday doing homework along with her, since I'll be in school along with her.

I'm really looking forward to what the rest of 2011 has to offer for me and my family and what 2012 has in store for us.

I'm really looking forward to being called by my first name from now on.

86 more days and believe me I am counting.

64 days until I'm on separation leave though...that's even a sweeter deal.

XOXO,

FranJessca

So in love...

I didn't take that many pregnancy photos with my daughter, Alexia and I promised myself I would take more this pregnancy.

Hubby is getting a kick out of my belly already popping out a little bit and Alexia can't stop giggling and talking to my belly. Baby is probably thinking she's way too loud. LOL

I decided to have my hubby to take some photos of me at the Baseball Fields near our house so I could show some more off with family and friends and this one was my fave of the bunch that he took. I'm so in love with my belly right now and so in love with our baby growing inside of me. I'm ready though for the morning sickness to be over with. I'm glad this baby is allowing me to eat foods that Alexia wouldn't let me eat, but the first thing in the morning sickness is driving Mommy bonkers. Thank goodness for nausea pills. I have the same cravings though...spicy food, watermelon, salad, strawberries and much more fruit and vegetables.

Now let's see if my Mom is right next month when I find out the gender of the baby. She says Girl...and the ironic thing is she's all the way in IL....but I'm having a feeling she's right because she was right with Alexia. We'll see though. Even Hubby is saying we will be blessed with another girl. I'll see for myself in the ultrasound next month. I can't wait...since we still need to decide on names. =) Hope everyone is having a terrific Monday. I know I am.

XOXO,

FranJessca

12.5 weeks Pregnant...& Lovin' Every Minute of it!

My husband took a photo with his Iphone for me so I could finally post a pic of me being pregnant. Here I am at 12.5 weeks pregnant. I wanted to prove to some of my co-workers that I am showing...but you can't really tell in my Uniform at work. I hide it well...I guess, but when I wear a dress, you can see my little belly poking out. What I love is that you can still see my abs. =) What can I say, I enjoy situps/crunches. It is required in the Navy. It's one of my favorite exercises that I enjoy doing, next to the elliptical. After I have this baby, I will be back to my exercise routine. As of right now though...walking and mild exercise at the gym is what I've been doing. Also it helps craving salad and fruits all the time. Hubby is always asking me what I want and the menu has been, salad with Italian dressing, strawberries, watermelon, oranges, blueberries, pineapple, and cantaloupe. Yum!!

I promise to post more belly pics once I keep growing. =)

Some AWESOME News =)

This year started off being heartbreaking due to an amazing woman passing away in our life...my Beautiful Mother-in-Law who is thought about everyday. Then came some other bumpy roads that life throws at us that we thought we wouldn't get through, but ended up succeeding. It only makes us stronger.

Now March came around and I was taking my college placemat tests for the College I was applying for. As soon as I was done, I had a feeling something was going to change in our lives and was I RIGHT!!!

Coming home and finding out I'm expecting my 2nd child...my next beautiful and amazing miracle. Hubby and I were ECSTATIC and we couldn't wait to share the news, but we promised to wait a little while to announce to the world. So here it is...we're announcing to the world...we're expecting our 2nd child. We told Alexia and she was jumping up and down with joy. Her first question of course was if it was a boy or girl? LOL We'll find out the end of June and we've already picked out the names...which we will share later on. Now it's time for morning sickness, being tired all the time and being VERY, Very moody. In the end though, it's well-worth it and I'm so glad to experience being pregnant again. I can't wait to meet my 2nd miracle and hold her/him in my arms. She/He are going to be very well-loved....as he/she is now.

It's April, already?

This year is flying by fast it seems. I still can't believe it's April....which means I have about 109 days left until I'm on separation leave from the U.S. Navy. What does that mean, exactly? That I will get a break from the Navy before I officially separate. What will I be doing on that leave? Well....let's see...I'm planning a trip to Central Florida July 25th-31st...and a trip to Long Island, NY the beginning of August. My last official day from the Navy will be August 15th and on August 18th I will be a Full-time college student. =) How lucky am I?

I will be there more for my family and I'll be pursuing my degree in the studies that I want.

My daughter of course thinks it's weird that Mommy will be attending school. I'm wondering how long it will take her to adjust seeing more at home and actually seeing me do homework along with her. We'll find out, won't we?

This Sailor is really looking forward to being a Veteran and being a College Student. This is why I joined the Navy in the first place. I wanted to earn college money since my parents couldn't afford me going to Hawaii Pacific University back in 2001. Now I can say I traveled the world and I can continue traveling when I get out on MAC flights due to my husband being retired.

My next goal is to get my passport before I get out though.

I will update more later on...and boy...do I have BIG news to share later on this month. =)

Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend.

XOXO,

FranJessca

Updates...

I thought I told myself I would update this regularly, but it seems life has gotten the best of me and it's been keeping me really busy.

Well, since I have the duty blues today (of course at home...gotta love shore duty). I figured it's time to update.

As you can tell from my counter at the bottom of this blog...I have 175 days left in the Navy. I have about 150 days until I actually start terminal leave. What am I planning on doing when I get out? Well...let's just say I'm finally going to COLLEGE. Wahoo!!! It may just be a Community College at first until we can finally decide it we're staying in the area permanently or moving back to Florida. We haven't really decided. We still have our eyes on Atlanta, Georgia.

Other things that have been going on....Alexia is enjoying Kindergarten and is required now on having 3 days of homework. How much Kindergarten has changed since 1988 when I attended because I definitely don't remember homework. Her teacher's excuse is their preparing for first grade...which I guess will have 5 days of homework. That is crazy!

Alexia is still in Ballet and can't wait for June when she has her Recital. Her outfit is absolutely adorable! I'll post a picture of her in it, once the Recital gets closer. She is looking forward to being back up on stage at the Chrysler Hall.

I will update more often when I can since we're going through Inspection in a few weeks at my Command. I definitely need to update on other things that is going on with us in the Papillion household...but for right now I'll leave you on the edge of your seat.

Hope everyone is enjoying their President's Day Weekend!

XOXO,

FranJessca

Alexia's Paris Hilton Dog

Someone please help little Nasya. The poor little dog is being carried around in Alexia's purse. I happened to ask where Nasya was and Alexia came and showed me where she was. Awww...poor Nasya! I guess Alexia thinks she has a Paris Hilton dog. Guess I'm going to have to hide all of Alexia's purses and maybe even mine so I can save the dog from terror like this.

My Project 365

I decided I would post my Project 365 Photos over on another Blog. What can I say...I'm a Blog-A-Holic. =)

The link is HERE.

I'm enjoying this Challenge though because everyday I'm thinking about other things to do. Tomorrow, I'm working on something special to do and next weekend will be the BEST. I can't wait!!! I'm definitely not giving up on this Project 365 now.

2011 Project 365 Day One

Well, I thought I start posting the photos from Project 365 here. I kind of changed my mind at the last minute tonight and decided to go ahead and share on my Blog. Forgive how the photo looks here on the BLOG. It doesn't give it Justice at all. I took this photo tonight while taking down the ornaments off the Christmas Tree. It's an tradition to take down the tree on New Year's Day. Alexia couldn't wait and had already started. She's very impatient. I had her pose with her ornament she made for me and Daddy in her Kindergarten class. It's the cutest ornament ever and I'm going to treasure it always. She painted it with her hand and painted snowment on her fingers and thumb. It's called the 5 little snowmen ornament. She couldn't wait to give it to us on Christmas Day. I started crying of course. It's been the BEST Christmas gift ever. I love handmade stuff and this one touched my heart because it was made my little girl. Thank you, Alexia!! I edited this photo in Lightroom with Pretty Presets "Pretty Girl". Can't wait for tomorrow's photo. I'm actually very excited to this project. I'm also doing a project of Photos of myself for every month, I'll post a picture of myself on how much I change because believe me you'll see changes, especially when I'm out of the Navy. Thanks for letting me show off my first photo of the year. Hope everyone has a BLESSED 2011!! P.S. I purposedly focused in on the ornament and not Alexia in this photo to emphasize the gift she gave me and Daddy. =)

2010 is GONE and 2011 is HERE

Let's RECAP on 2010 first and then I'll talk about 2011.

Let's just say 2010 had some GOOD times and had some HORRIFIC times. Let me just say this, that my POOR Hubby had it the worst and I feel terrible for him. He had bad news about his car, work and then his Mom. He kept having issues with his CTS the beginning of the year and it just got worst towards the end of 2010. His wheel axle got messed up while traveling the long distances to FL so he had to fix it, but ended up having some cheap place do it and then made it worst. He then had to work on several Holidays during this year which would a damper on us as a Family. We felt like he was in the Navy again, but at least he's home everyday after this 12 hour watch and is getting paid a good pay check every 2 weeks. He then had to deal with several other things before he found out the bad news with his Mom. All I can say, my husband is a very STRONG person and of course I was there for him every step of the way. In September, we got the news his Mom was diagnosed with Colon Cancer and just recently she was taken off the Chemo treatment and now she has a few weeks to a few months to live. We are taking it rough. I feel so terrible for my husband. He had to make a couple trips to Pensacola to spend some time with his Mom.

Now on to the downfalls with me with 2010: I had been diagnosed with migraines in April of 2010 and was given migraine medication for it. I found out my migraines were sparked by shift work and was taken off of shift work by summertime after my Surgery. It doesn't help also when you work in a place that has flourescent lights. Then in May of 2010, I had my 2nd surgery and this time for my right femur...to remove the tumor out of my bone. It was a scary moment, but it was worth it at the end. I still have pain in my leg, but at least I don't have to worry about other complications that the tumor would've caused later on. I was afraid though that the doctor would've broke my femur bone, but thank goodness everything came out perfectly. The other thing I had to deal with limping for awhile and having a big scar on my leg. Then in June of 2010 after I had my surgery, I found out my Great Aunt in Florida was put on the heart donor list to receive a heart. She was given a year to live and right now so far so good. In August of 2010, I found out my Grandmother was put in the Hospital for having issues with her Back. She is now going through Physical Therapy.

That is the BAD news that 2010 gave us.

As far as the GOOD times in 2010...All I can say is, I'm so thankful to have a very supportive and loving family and an amazing daughter who keeps me smiling and my husband who keeps me laughing even though he has gone through alot. My daughter of course had her BEAUTIFUL Recital in June that even though I couldn't walk right, I still went to. Nothing was stopping me. I also photographed a co-worker's Wedding in the end of June even though I was still limping. My daughter had an amazing 5th birthday at Chuck-E-Cheese in 2010 with my Mom and StepDad flying in. Then Alexia started Kindergarten in the Fall and although, I was a little upset, it's always great to know that my daughter was looking forward to it. Alexia is loving every minute of school and her Ballet Class. She is looking forward to starting Cheerleading in the Fall of 2011.

Let me just say also I met some amazing people in 2010 and I look forward to keeping in touch with everyone of them when I leave Virginia in 2011 or 2012. We haven't decided when we'll leave now.

I could type more about 2010, but I'm tired of looking into the PAST.

I'm here for the PRESENT and the FUTURE of 2011.

Here's to 2011 being a better Year for my Husband and me of course. Although I already have a feeling 2011 will be the BEST year of my LIFE...not only because I'm getting out of the Navy the end of the summer, but because I'm making changes in my Life that need to be done. Photography Business is going back in full-swing close to the end of 2011 and I'll be going to school to get my degree in Photography and Graphic Design. I'm slowly, but surely starting to get my Boutique up too. I enjoy making girlie items since I have such a girlie girl at home with me. I'm looking forward to what 2011 has in store for me. I also have several other things, but I won't tell them here since their a secret. Shhh!! =)

Happy New Year, everyone!! I hope you have a heathly and Prosperous 2011!!!

XOXO

FranJessca

P.S. Let me not forget I promise to Blog more and also I'll be doing the 365 Project, but I haven't decided if I'll post the pictures here, or you could just see them on my Facebook page.