Okay... so what have we been up to over the past three months? I definitely won't get this out in the correct order, I'll just go by topic.
TRAVEL:
I have been home to Texas twice, Kyle has been to England, Spain, Mali (Africa), various American states, and is in fact in Texas as I type this post.
My first time trip back to Tejas was in October. I flew into Houston and then drove to College Station for the Texas A&M v. Texas Tech football game, and of course to see my family. Kyle and I were supposed to go together, but for some work related reason that I forget, he didn't make it, and I traveled solo. My brother Chris and sister Kerri and b-i-l Stephen live in C-Stat, so my dad & other brother Bryan drove down there so we could all hang out during the weekend. It was a really short trip, Friday to Sunday, but I still enjoyed myself. Friday was sibling bonding time, Saturday was game day, and Sunday was just enough time for a late breakfast and then I had to get outta there. I thoroughly enjoyed myself, and here are some pictures from the visit:
Fightin' Texas Aggie Band!!
Mi familia.
Mi familia.
In November Kyle & I went back to Texas, this time to Mt. Pleasant, and to Arkansas to be with my family on the first anniversary of the death of my precious Momma, November 22nd. That was a hard (but comforting) visit, which I wrote about here, on the Nov. 29th post. Also, my Aunt Teresa wrote a nice post on her own blog about our visit, which you can see here, on her Nov. 25th post. Below is my favorite picture from our visit. It is of my mother's headstone and to me it captures the peace & serenity of that location... I also like how mine & Kerri's reflections can be seen under our maiden name. It's who we are...Atkinsons and our mother's daughters.
Momma's resting place.
Twinkies!
The cutie on the left in that picture is my second cousin Tyler (son of my cousin Daniel). After our visit to the cemetery, we went over to my Aunt & Uncle's land to see the "new farm", which is where my Aunt & Uncle are putting up a new home/retreat for their family. (Be sure to check out the rest of her blog, there are a ton of cute pictures of their grandkids.) Anyhoo... you can see from the photo why I had snap this picture - how cute are the incidental twins!?
Speaking of Kyle, let's talk about him!!
Right now my husband is in Texas, San Antonio to be exact. He is on a banner mission (Presidential support), but I have no clue what in the world he is doing. All I know is he left last night at 12:30am and will be back here at about 3:00pm tomorrow.
He's also on the schedule to go someplace really, really cool in a few weeks, but I don't know if I'm supposed to broadcast that on the world wide web. So, for now I'll just tell you that he go to go to some other really cool places a few months ago. For his "dollar ride" (first trip overseas) in the C-17 he took a trip to Mildenhall, England, Rota, Spain, and Mali, Africa. He took some pictures, but I'm not sure if he wants me to post those on the web either, so for now I'll just say he had a really nice time and if he tells me later that I can put those up, I will do so.
He's also done some some flying to various places stateside for some locals and some training.
A couple of months ago he also took a roadtrip to Newport Rhode Island for the wedding of one of his buddies from pilot training. I didn't make the trip because of work, but I think he's secretly glad I didn't because he got to have guy time without the wife cramping his style. :) I don't blame him at all, but I'm sad I didn't get to see Kerri & Jamie's beautiful wedding!! Several of his pt buddies came in from various places... California, Arizona, New Jersey, Texas.
Kyle and I also FINALLY made it up to Philadelphia a few months ago.. the weekend after Halloween actually. We spent Halloween night in New Jersey at McGuire AFB. Kyle got scheduled for a sim (simulator) up there at the last minute, and so I tagged along just to see something new. The next day we detoured to Philly, which was just a quick trip, but still fun! We did a few tourist-y things: the Liberty Bell, Franklin Square, Reading Terminal Market. We saved Independence Hall until our families come to visit (hint hint Atkinsons & Modells - get yourselves up here!)
Speaking of Kyle, let's talk about him!!
Right now my husband is in Texas, San Antonio to be exact. He is on a banner mission (Presidential support), but I have no clue what in the world he is doing. All I know is he left last night at 12:30am and will be back here at about 3:00pm tomorrow.
He's also on the schedule to go someplace really, really cool in a few weeks, but I don't know if I'm supposed to broadcast that on the world wide web. So, for now I'll just tell you that he go to go to some other really cool places a few months ago. For his "dollar ride" (first trip overseas) in the C-17 he took a trip to Mildenhall, England, Rota, Spain, and Mali, Africa. He took some pictures, but I'm not sure if he wants me to post those on the web either, so for now I'll just say he had a really nice time and if he tells me later that I can put those up, I will do so.
He's also done some some flying to various places stateside for some locals and some training.
A couple of months ago he also took a roadtrip to Newport Rhode Island for the wedding of one of his buddies from pilot training. I didn't make the trip because of work, but I think he's secretly glad I didn't because he got to have guy time without the wife cramping his style. :) I don't blame him at all, but I'm sad I didn't get to see Kerri & Jamie's beautiful wedding!! Several of his pt buddies came in from various places... California, Arizona, New Jersey, Texas.
Kyle and I also FINALLY made it up to Philadelphia a few months ago.. the weekend after Halloween actually. We spent Halloween night in New Jersey at McGuire AFB. Kyle got scheduled for a sim (simulator) up there at the last minute, and so I tagged along just to see something new. The next day we detoured to Philly, which was just a quick trip, but still fun! We did a few tourist-y things: the Liberty Bell, Franklin Square, Reading Terminal Market. We saved Independence Hall until our families come to visit (hint hint Atkinsons & Modells - get yourselves up here!)
Us!
EMPLOYMENT
Our next topic in the life of the Modells will be our jobs. Both are still going well, while Kyle's has changed a bit since I last blogged.
You all know that Kyle is a pilot, but when the pilots aren't flying, they have other jobs within the squadron that they have to fulfill. A few months ago Kyle was assigned to a job in the director's office, which he enjoyed, but now as of three weeks ago, Kyle has a new job! He was asked by his commander to become an exec with the Operational Support Squadron (the OSS), which means he is now part of another squadron and will definitely be busy with the desk job and his flying.
He also began classes for his Masters, which he plans to get in Homeland Security. So, needless to say, Kyle is extremely busy these days, which is a big change from 5 months ago when he was in the midst of the clavicle debacle. (Which, by the way, is totally healed and good to go, according to his last doctor's visit two weeks ago.)
A while back, I left work early to drive back to Dover for the arrival of the last C-17 at the base. Kyle's squadron is a new one, so they've been steadily receiving their new planes over the last months (or is it year(s), not sure). The "Spirit of Delaware" was the last one to arrive, and it was fun to see it in the air and on the ground.
My job is going well, as well. I've been working on some really fun projects. We just got a set of drawings out for a historic church in Bryn Mawr, PA. It is a beautiful piece of architecture, and I am really excited to be a part of its restoration. I've also dabbled in the drawings for historic homes, and barns, and buildings at the historic Nemours Mansion. On Monday I am traveling to Gettysburg, PA to survey a historic church that served as a hospital in the Civil War (!!). Now how cool is that!?
I am still working a 4 day work week, which is still a blessing and still very appreciated. The commute is still a bummer.... it's dark when I leave the house at 6:30am and its dark well before I leave the office I night. I've been getting home at 7:30ish, which doesn't leave a lot of time for me to make dinner or be domestic. Luckily, I am married to THE sweetest man in the world, and he has really pitched in to help me, where I can't seem to help myself. He oftentimes makes dinner on Monday through Wednesday or Thursday, and then I take over on the long weekend.
We certainly cherish the weekends, which is where we really get to spend our time together. Part of the past two weekends were spent at our office Christmas parties. Mine was two Sundays ago at the Dilworthtown Inn Keeper's Kitchen. The Inn has been around since 1780, while the part of the complex our party was in (the Kitchen) serves as a modern culinary teachings school. There was a cocktail hour followed by dinner (I had crab cakes, Kyle had veal) and dessert. Gifts were presented to my bosses and it was really nice to to see everyone outside of the office environment.
Last Friday was Kyle's holiday party. His was at the Sheraton here in town, and it was a good time as well. The emcees were funny, there were a ton of door prizes, our dinnertable company was great, and the food was good as well. We one a free cake from a local bakery... but uh.. no birthdays or events in sight. We'll have to maybe have a celebratory cake when our families come to see us (Hint Hint #2).
That next Saturday we went to another party, and that brings us to our next topic -
A SOCIAL LIFE:
We have some pretty amazing friends and neighbors and we truly love where we live. We like to spend time with those guys, and we enjoy how the time is spent - hanging out at our houses and just chilling. Game nights, Guitar Hero World Tour nights, Christmas parties, its all just FUN!
Last Saturday was the monumental Bruyere Tacky Christmas Sweater Party. I made sweatshirts for Kyle & I with the following cartoons. Can you guess which one I wore?
EMPLOYMENT
Our next topic in the life of the Modells will be our jobs. Both are still going well, while Kyle's has changed a bit since I last blogged.
You all know that Kyle is a pilot, but when the pilots aren't flying, they have other jobs within the squadron that they have to fulfill. A few months ago Kyle was assigned to a job in the director's office, which he enjoyed, but now as of three weeks ago, Kyle has a new job! He was asked by his commander to become an exec with the Operational Support Squadron (the OSS), which means he is now part of another squadron and will definitely be busy with the desk job and his flying.
He also began classes for his Masters, which he plans to get in Homeland Security. So, needless to say, Kyle is extremely busy these days, which is a big change from 5 months ago when he was in the midst of the clavicle debacle. (Which, by the way, is totally healed and good to go, according to his last doctor's visit two weeks ago.)
A while back, I left work early to drive back to Dover for the arrival of the last C-17 at the base. Kyle's squadron is a new one, so they've been steadily receiving their new planes over the last months (or is it year(s), not sure). The "Spirit of Delaware" was the last one to arrive, and it was fun to see it in the air and on the ground.
Kyle has a really, really, really cool job, and he flies a really, really, really cool plane.
(Do I sound like a proud wife? Because I am.)
(Do I sound like a proud wife? Because I am.)
My job is going well, as well. I've been working on some really fun projects. We just got a set of drawings out for a historic church in Bryn Mawr, PA. It is a beautiful piece of architecture, and I am really excited to be a part of its restoration. I've also dabbled in the drawings for historic homes, and barns, and buildings at the historic Nemours Mansion. On Monday I am traveling to Gettysburg, PA to survey a historic church that served as a hospital in the Civil War (!!). Now how cool is that!?
I am still working a 4 day work week, which is still a blessing and still very appreciated. The commute is still a bummer.... it's dark when I leave the house at 6:30am and its dark well before I leave the office I night. I've been getting home at 7:30ish, which doesn't leave a lot of time for me to make dinner or be domestic. Luckily, I am married to THE sweetest man in the world, and he has really pitched in to help me, where I can't seem to help myself. He oftentimes makes dinner on Monday through Wednesday or Thursday, and then I take over on the long weekend.
We certainly cherish the weekends, which is where we really get to spend our time together. Part of the past two weekends were spent at our office Christmas parties. Mine was two Sundays ago at the Dilworthtown Inn Keeper's Kitchen. The Inn has been around since 1780, while the part of the complex our party was in (the Kitchen) serves as a modern culinary teachings school. There was a cocktail hour followed by dinner (I had crab cakes, Kyle had veal) and dessert. Gifts were presented to my bosses and it was really nice to to see everyone outside of the office environment.
Last Friday was Kyle's holiday party. His was at the Sheraton here in town, and it was a good time as well. The emcees were funny, there were a ton of door prizes, our dinnertable company was great, and the food was good as well. We one a free cake from a local bakery... but uh.. no birthdays or events in sight. We'll have to maybe have a celebratory cake when our families come to see us (Hint Hint #2).
That next Saturday we went to another party, and that brings us to our next topic -
A SOCIAL LIFE:
We have some pretty amazing friends and neighbors and we truly love where we live. We like to spend time with those guys, and we enjoy how the time is spent - hanging out at our houses and just chilling. Game nights, Guitar Hero World Tour nights, Christmas parties, its all just FUN!
Last Saturday was the monumental Bruyere Tacky Christmas Sweater Party. I made sweatshirts for Kyle & I with the following cartoons. Can you guess which one I wore?
(both are copyrighted of course, can't take credit for the funniness.)
Here's a pic of some of the girls - Amanda (her daughter), Lori, Rachel Tall, Rachel Small, me, and Robyn
Here is picture from a Christmas Eve gathering at the Houcks. That party was also fun. Boy/girl segregation and lots of fun talk and good spiced wine. :)
Rachel Tall, me, Rachel Small, Lori, & Kristin
Rachel Tall, me, Rachel Small, Lori, & Kristin
Let's back up a holiday. Thanksgiving was a blast as well! Since Kyle and I went back to Texas the week before Turkey Day, we stayed in Delaware and shared the day with Jack & Lori (the Houcks). We cooked all day, and created quite a spread! See below:
Yesterday was Christmas, and we spent that holiday in Delaware as well. And while we missed our families, it was really nice to have our first "alone" Christmas. We had our first tree (a real one) and are beginning our own family traditions. We exchanged gifts and opened those from family back home, and it was just a really nice day. We had a really easy lunch, as I have come down with a cold and do not feel 100%. We napped yesterday evening so Kyle could be ready for his midnight-thirty show time, and boy did I enjoy that. There is nothing I appreciate more when I'm sick then a good nap!
Kyle will come back tomorrow and then I imagine we'll have a fairly boring weekend. We'll play with our new toys and attend church on Sunday, and afterwards Rachel Tall will tempt me with lunch at a mexican food restaurant, I will cave, talk Kyle into it, and then we'll indulge ourselves.
We've found a church that we're really enjoying. The music is more praise & worship than traditional, which we weren't sure about, but now we really like it. The message is preached well, and the church members couldn't be more friendly. It's a good place to be, and we are happy to attend there.
And that brings me to my conclusion. God has blessed the Modells IMMENSELY! He has been so good to us, and we are so thankful for everything we have - our great jobs, our friends, our families, and each other!!
Thank you for reading the blog and catching up on my very belated post. I hope you are all well and thriving, wherever you might be. Take care of yourselves, and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!
-Jill
Kyle will come back tomorrow and then I imagine we'll have a fairly boring weekend. We'll play with our new toys and attend church on Sunday, and afterwards Rachel Tall will tempt me with lunch at a mexican food restaurant, I will cave, talk Kyle into it, and then we'll indulge ourselves.
We've found a church that we're really enjoying. The music is more praise & worship than traditional, which we weren't sure about, but now we really like it. The message is preached well, and the church members couldn't be more friendly. It's a good place to be, and we are happy to attend there.
And that brings me to my conclusion. God has blessed the Modells IMMENSELY! He has been so good to us, and we are so thankful for everything we have - our great jobs, our friends, our families, and each other!!
Thank you for reading the blog and catching up on my very belated post. I hope you are all well and thriving, wherever you might be. Take care of yourselves, and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!
-Jill