It has been nearly one month since my last blog, and I feel like I am just getting a chance to sit down to type. Many things have happened in the month of July. I have constantly been on the go with beach trips and visiting Columbus AFB! Yes- Steven came home! He passed his solo check ride (which made me a nervous wreck) and did great on all of his tests! He actually got to come home a little early. The wait at the airport felt like a decade. I remember standing there thinking; “this whole waiting thing at the airport” is going to become a major part of my future. He will be stationed in Columbus, MS until next summer so my airport “goodbyes” and “coming home” visits will not be happening for a while! It is crazy to think about but incredibly worth it!

I was fortunate enough to spend a few days at the beach with my Lake View friends before Steven’s return. Let me just say that I have some of the most amazing co-workers! Some of the women at LVES have truly become my family, and I am so thankful to have them in my life.

Steven and I spent the next week getting him moved in to his dorm on base. Trying to make a military dorm look like “home sweet home” is like trying to get an elephant to fly. BUT we did an okay job at putting up a couple photos and adding a rug J It gradually came together and ended up looking pretty darn good.

The Lake View crew met at Donna’s pool to say, “Farewell” to one of my closest friends. Coach Cameron and I have worked along side each other for two years now, and he has decided to take a coaching/teaching position at Hale County High School. This was a long and thought out decision that he and his family has prayed over for quite some time now. Jeff and I have known each other for two years- two years that have felt like a lifetime. He is not just a co-worker or a man I stand beside all day. He is a friend, a mentor, and man of God. He has gotten me through some tough times in my life, and he has been my number one prayer warrior. I have also been blessed to know and cherish his family. I have had the privilege of teaching two of his children and so blessed to have done so. He, Diana, and their children are some of the most amazing and beautiful people I will ever know. Their friendship will always be apart of me where ever I go. It is so hard to say good-bye to someone you work beside eight hours a day for five days a week. He’s my sidekick, and it will not be the same without him.

I will miss ordering 2 coffees at Dunkin Donuts in the morning. I will miss his OCD about my non-matching logos when it comes to clothing. I will miss his favorite sayings and his “famous” nicknames for the little ones. I will miss telling him that it’s time for a haircut. I will miss his constant picking at Coach Moore and myself. I will miss our lunchtime dance sessions. I will miss seeing his peanut butter & bread on the shelf. I will miss having to show him how to work the computer. I will miss his “dancing on the table.” I will even miss his temper. I will miss his heart and compassion for our students. I will miss his thrive for excellence in the game.

I can truly say that I have worked with one of the best. I am so fortunate to have known Jeff and learn from him. He has taught me so much about not only teaching but also about life in general. He has been a spiritual leader in my life, and I can see God working in him every day. I hope and pray that I can be half the teacher and leader that Coach Cameron has shown me. I am blessed beyond words. I will miss my friend- my sidekick.

The next week it was finally time to take the annual Simmons family beach trip! We had a wonderful time. Steven was able to come down and stay a few days with us, but he had to return to base on Monday L Addy was so grown up on this trip swimming like a pro! It made me sad to think about how little she used to be. I remember when it was just she on the beach trips with all of us. Cole is swimming like a fish! He said, “goodbye” to his water wings and took off! Every morning I heard, “Mommy, I’m ready to go to the beach!” I must say that he is so much like his Daddy at the beach- POOL all the way! Lucy… A.K.A. “Little Tornado” was EVERYWHERE! This was her first beach trip walking, and boy did she show it! She dominated the beach in her stylish beachwear every day, and loved the water! Her first word when she woke up, “POOL” then “COLE!” I think it’s safe to say that she is completely rotten.

I came back from the family beach trip at PCB on Wednesday then left Thursday for Orange Beach with the Shelton softball crew. I didn’t even unpack! I rode down with Laura and Sarah, and there was never a dull moment! I love being around the softball crew- we are the type of friends that can go months without seeing each other and pick up right where we left off. This year was the first year that husbands & boyfriends were invited on the trip. We had a great time remembering old times and making new memories. I am glad the guys got a chance to see us girls as a whole J we are a crew that will stay together forever. I truly believe that we will still be vacationing when we’re all old and grey (Sarah- the “grey” part excludes you since you are already starting the process). People say you meet friends in college, but I must say that I have meant lifelong friends in college. These girls (and now their spouses) will be apart of my life for many years to come! I am truly so blessed and thankful that God has allowed us to remain so close throughout the years of trial and triumph.