Greetings from Bella Napoli (at least thats what they call it),
Well, it's been quite a while since I sent out my last family update. Between the new year, figuring out the rest of our lives, training for my 5k, and keeping up with two babies, life kind of zoomed by me. All is going well over here in Italy.
At the start of the new year, Paul and I had to really sit down and look at this year as it holds a lot of changes for our family. Somehow, 3 years is already coming to an end and we have to figure out where to go from here. We have some awesome neighbors who have little bit more life experience than we do who encouraged us to keep seeing the world while we are young without children in school. So, we tossed around MANY different ideas such as taking orders to Bahrain (AWESOME), but the navy said no; taking 2 year instructor orders back to VA, but that wasn't a fit; taking 2 year orders anywhere in Europe, nothing out there for us; getting a civilian job in Germany, only a few available; and then finally we came to our ideal decision. God-willing, Paul will be getting out of the Navy and we are hoping to move to Charlottesville, VA. Random, right? Not really. In looking at all of the civilian and government job listings we kept seeing Charlottesville pop up. After looking into it, we found out that the DIA is relocating over 900 jobs there this year (expecting 45% of them to become vacant). With the DIA comes MANY civilian contract companies as well. The list of job oppurtunties seems quite endless and we are hoping that Paul fills one of the many openings.
Aside from the job aspect of our plan, Charlottesville has everything that Paul and I have always talked about wanting for our family. It is surrounded by the mountains which offers endless outdoor activites. The city itself has an AMAZING recreation commitee that offers so many different activities, sports, excersice groups, and classes. It has just enough 'city-feel' to fulfill that need but more or less is set in somewhat of a rural setting. On my end, I have already verified that there is an Ann Taylor Loft, an Outback, a Costco, and a TJMaxx within a very reasonable driving distance...I'm set! Paul is in heaven with the amount of bike shops and ads for mountain biking trails. On top of it all, there is even a pro-life, NFP teaching Family Practicioner in Charlottesville. As far as grandparents, aunts, and uncles are concerned, Charlottesville is about 8 hours from Atlanta and 11 hours from Manchester. Both totally do-able drives.
Obviously, this is still somewhat tentative, although we are willing to go to great lengths to make it work. If you know of anybody who has any connections for a job for us, please let us know. We are not shy to ask for help. So, what's next, you ask? Well, Paul and I have decided that it would be best if the kids and I move back to Atlanta with Grandmama and Granddaddy at the beginning of May. This will make our transition back to the states a lot smoother than if we all waited for our quick transition in August. I will be able to have all of our basics lined up and ready when Paul arrives mid August. So, PRAYING that things go well, thats the plan!
As for the here and now, we are all doing VERY well. Catherine is already 7 months and Paul is turning 2 in April. My baby girl already has 3 teeth coming in and is trying her best to crawl. She is desperate to get moving. Paul is also doing very well. He is such a good big brother and loves his sister dearly.
We are headed out to Athens, Greece next Friday (the 12th) for the weekend and we are so excited to see all of the amazing sites. Seriously, how crazy is it that I can say "We are headed to Greece for the weekend"...my goodness.
Paul and I are also doing very well. Paul has been putting in some EXTREMELY long days at work as he tries to finish up his bachelors degree. Once work is over at 4, school begins. Many nights, he doesn't get home until 7:30-8. I am so proud of him for his hard work and I can't wait for him to be able to walk across that stage as a college grad! He sure has worked hard for it! My 5k training is going very well, as I have already run farther than the needed 3.2 miles. My girlfriends and I have been training together and let me tell you about competition! One runs 2.8 miles, so the next runs 3! Last night, two of us ran 3.6 miles and the other one went out and ran 4! It's a little crazy but SO MUCH FUN!
I think that about wraps it up from the Duval homefront. I have many pictures to put up and will try and get to it as soon as possible! I hope you are doing well and I hope to hear from you soon!
Love,
Jeanne
