Hey... is that light at the end of the tunnel????

Well, it's that time again. I want to do a "project" or activity with my girls each week leading up to my husband coming home to get them a little excited about his homecoming and to have some things to give him to make him feel important. Any ideas? I know a lot of you are VERY crafty - so please send ideas my way! Thanks!

The Phantom Tollbooth

Last night was book club at my house. We had a good time and discussed the book, The Phantom Tollbooth. Everyone that came and had read it said that they liked the book. Yay, that's 2 for 2 so far for me!! I'm always so afraid that someone won't like the book. For any of you out there that haven't read this book yet, or it's been a decade or so..... grab this from the library (or borrow my copy... it's already on loan) and read it to your little ones if not for yourself! If you have read it, drop me a line and let me know if you liked it! (photo courtesy of Wikipedia)

Members Night at the Zoo

We got a flyer a few weeks ago telling us about a special night at the zoo for members. I was a bit excited to see that it was after the zoo closed - so hopefully the weather would cooperate and we could enjoy some pleasant weather. The outing was both a success and a disaster. Disaster being the end when my children ran away from me - and laughed about it the whole time. Needless to say, it was good that we were done seeing the animals - because we went STRAIGHT home! I actually brought my camera this time and got some pretty good picture of a few of the animals. Melanie wanted to photograph the giraffes (they were inside this time... it was threatening to rain).

 

The picture in the center is of one of the Red Pandas. The occasion was supposed to welcome Oscar - the new red panda to the zoo.... not really sure if we saw him or not.... I guess the picture is of Yen (the female red panda up in her usual perch).
Melanie loves to check out the snakes every time we go to the zoo (not really sure why) so we had to have one in our collage. The goats photographed are the ones who I'm sure learned very early in their stay at the RITZ (read ZOO) that they would definitely get hand fed for the rest of their lives! The Rhino was in an AWESOME spot (and not sleeping amazingly.... and neither were the hogs for that matter)!

IKE Children's Half Way Party

 

The beginning of June was the Half Way party for the children whose mom/dad is aboard the IKE. Actually, for those of you who know how soon my hubby comes home... it wasn't half way at all - more like... ALMOST DONE party. Anyway, the party was held at Ft. Monroe (I just LOVE that place!). Each time I go there, I like it even more. The girls had great fun jumping in the inflatables, getting their face/arm painted, princess balloons, cupcakes, and Melanie even participated in a game! (Where she ran a poor girl with her across the finish line for 2nd place (just behind Mackenzie and her running mate). I'm proud of her - it was pretty much the first thing she's ever competed in.

Why is it.....

That our current President can go on and on about how much our military sacrifices and how much the families go through while they miss their loved ones, yet propose a 2.9% pay increase (full 1% DECREASE from this year) for next year after taking away all bonuses? I'm thinking that he thinks in the back of his mind as he says these things about military families that we are going to continue to SACRIFICE because we will be required to continue to live on less and less each year. (Photo courtesy of Yahoo news)



Our local library system is CELEBRATING national Gay and Lesbian month?? Hm... I think society is getting a little confused, dontcha think? Now we aren't only acknowledging that there are people in the world that are a little confused, we are CELEBRATING them and giving them their own MONTH!!?? Ugh!


KFC gave out some coupons for their new chicken in May and still haven't sent out their replacement meal vouchers. The coupon was a little too popular and they ran out of supplies to provide for the coupons - so they say they will send out a meal voucher to families that turn in their coupons. I really hope they keep their promise.... because otherwise I am thinking.... SCAM!! (photo courtesy of Wikipedia)

Happy Father's Day!!

Warning to Readers: IF you don't want to read what I have to say about my husband and Dad, skip this post

I wanted to be sure to pay a tribute to the "Dads" in my life today. First of all, there are a great many men that I know that I would also like to say Happy Father's Day to. My best friend's dad for one, Dale; Cameron, my brother-in-law; Ben, another brother-in-law; Grandpa Burton; Pa Laidley; my friends' husbands; my uncles; etc. The list could go on forever... and I'm sure I am missing someone. I wanted to touch on two of the men that I know best - my husband Jeremiah, and my Dad.

Jeremiah: Even though you are pretty much on the other side of the world right now, you are still an amazing father. The girls love to talk to you on the phone and listen to you better than anyone else. (Too bad for me right now, huh) Your sense of humor always brightens my day and your laughter is contagious. I hope our son has your sense of humor and love for life. I really need to catch more of that "care free" attitude you have sometimes though. Six years into this (marriage) I still wouldn't have changed a thing. I can't wait to spend more time with you and continue to raise our children together. I am sure the best is yet to come!! LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!!




Dad: You have taught me so many amazing lessons in my life. Much of the wisdom I have today came from you. You truly are our number 1 fan. You supported us in everything we did - I don't think I could actually recall enough times to count on ONE hand when you weren't able to make it to something. I think in some ways you were too perfect of a dad (you left the rest of the guy world lacking). I don't see that adversely though because now that I will be blessed enough to have a son of my own, I can teach him the many things that you did (and Jeremiah does) right and help him become one of those outstanding gentlemen every girl will want to marry. I love you and Happy Father's Day!!

HELP! Advice Needed!!

Here it goes....what should I do with my children?


Dilemmas:

Mel: She talks like her mother "Julia, stop or your going to your room!" "Mommy, I'm going to count to 3" "Leave me alone" I know this shows me in some bad light.... but really, try being the ONLY one there for your children 24/7 for 5 or 6 months at a time - no set of extra hands coming at 5 pm (or sometimes earlier). I rest my case. So... she smart mouths me (I am inclined to start putting soap in her mouth when she does these things - almost like Ralphie on The Christmas Story), she hits her sister and pulls her hair (I am resorting to sending her to her room when she does these things and taking away privileges when we are in public) and she whines when she has to clean up - like it is SOOOOO hard!! (which I plan to remedy that with a nice little chore chart and implement them on a daily basis to teach her a little about responsibility... if any of you have any cute layouts or ideas for the chore chart feel free to send them my way)

Julia: Not as big of a problem with her though. She is just busy busy and practically "destructo-kid". Any creative ideas to have that energy go somewhere constructive would be an answer to my prayers!

Also, any ideas of how I can explain to the girls that I cannot pick them up anymore due to the growing belly (and baby) without resorting to "blaming" it on the baby - I would like the suggestions too!

I look forward to your help! I look up to all of you ladies and am grateful to have the opportunity to ask your opinions.

Keeping our fingers crossed.....

This morning we get Melanie's TB test read and then we are off to turn in her paperwork and hope that she gets in to Pre-K this coming school year. We decided to use our "one chance" on the school down the street (Camp Allen Elementary). We could walk her to school and walk her home everyday. Plus, when the time comes for Hunter to arrive.... it would make it that much easier for whomever helps us out with the children. Not to mention, I really just need the break. Especially with one last deployment looming over our heads for the start of next year. I'm not very good at juggling it all I guess. Having time with just Julia will be nice and I think will be beneficial for her. Time will tell if the Lord sees fit to send Melanie to school this year. I hope it will be a good environment for her and she'll get into a wonderful class where she will learn a TON! I'll let you know if she gets in!

Appointments and Getting Better

Today was Melanie's appointment for school. Didn't know I was WAY behind that bus, but I am. So, off we went to the doctor first thing this morning. She'd been having a little bit of a fever/cough/drainage. We decided to have her all checked out for everything. Besides, for any of you Tricare folks... getting an appointment is a NIGHTMARE!! Good thing her problems came around her appointment! Julia came along (because it was so stinkin early in the morning) and it ended up working out alright. I guess I navigated the clinic well today because our "check up" only took 3 hours!! WOOOHOO!! She had waxy maxies clogging her right ear - so she needed that irrigated and is all better with that. Then, she we off to the Lab for routine blood tests - we grabbed a number at the pharmacy on the way there in hopes we wouldn't have to wait an additional hour or so after all the "work" was done. So... we waited and waited and checked back at the pharmacy twice. The second time was the charm this time around and we saw we were only 2 numbers away! We jumped in and got her medication for her congestion/cough. Then... back to the lab in hopes they hadn't already called our name for the blood work! We waited there for 15 minutes or so (couldn't really tell because they took all the clocks off the walls so people have NO clue how long they actually wait). Finally, we got the blood work done and she was a TROOPER and won herself a Barbie bandaid and a BlowPop. Then off to immunizations to get the TB test needed for school and make sure she was up to date. She will need to go back after her birthday next month and get a few boosters - but at least that is all we'll need next month. Since Julia was along for the ride, we finally got her her 18 month shots (only 14 months late)!! She is up to date now... although probably not really liking me. AND... she won herself a lollipop - and a few regular bandaids. Now my children are up to date on where they should be and will hopefully be "low maintenance" for the next little bit. YAY! Oh... and as an up note - I have been able to sleep lying down for the past few nights now. I had a pretty uninterrupted night last night and am ENTIRELY grateful for that. Hooray! I go for my glucose test tomorrow morning and then have my OB appointment next week - followed by Julia's check up the week after that! We'll eventually get all of this down...... someday....

26 weeks and counting

It has now been 26 weeks since a new life form decided to come live inside my uterus (with lots of prayers from his Mom and Dad). Things have been going well enough. I think I will be pain free within the next few days. I am starting to think maybe this little boy is just sitting in one of the worst places ever - (meaning that head of his is nudged real low in that poor pelvis of mine). I fully anticipate recovering from what has been bothering me. I want to thank everyone that is praying for me for their help and continued faith. All of your prayers have been giving me more and more strength each day. The best part?! MY HOUSE IS CLEAN!!! Not every room is pristine and in the condition I want it necessarily for when Hunter comes home from the hospital, but those rooms have to be a gradual process. The house as a whole is looking great and I am so happy that I was able to have the energy and ability to do it on my own. I seem to be doing my best with the pain when I am up and doing things. I can't believe I will be within my last 10 weeks of pregnancy when I get to welcome my sweet, amazing husband home!! He won't be home for a grand total of even half of my pregnancy...... but he'll be here for the most important part! I can't believe it's already been 16 weeks that he's been gone! Wowser! I can't wait to see him (and get one of his great massages too). COME HOME SOON HONEY!!! WE LOVE AND MISS YOU!

5K.... anyone???

This morning is our Relief Society's 5k walk/run. Now you don't have to go that far if you don't want to (I probably won't with my soreness). I do look forward to buckling my children into their stroller and rolling off for a little bit though. We'll have a little breakfast when it's all said and done. Hopefully more people will remember their canned goods. We are doing a "food drive" in conjunction with our bout of exercise to donate to a local food bank. Bring your cans and do as much of the 5K as you can!! I will post pictures later if I am able to get any good ones. Hope to see you there!

Prayers Needed

Hello all. Quick update on us: the girls are well - Julia had a fever earlier in the week but is doing much better now - Melanie is as healthy as can be.

I, unfortunately, am in need of some prayers. I have recently learned that I am a sufferer of Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD). Basically, my pubic bones are separating sooner than they should and are causing stress/pain to my legs and surrounding ligaments. Monday night I couldn't sleep at all and was in a great amount of pain, Tuesday I was doing a little better but couldn't lie down without pain as well. I did get some sleep (thanks to a Priesthood Blessing administered by my Home Teacher) Tuesday night (mostly gotten from sitting up in our recliner). Today was not a good day. I couldn't walk without a great deal of discomfort and can barely climb the stairs in my house. Hopefully I will sleep better tonight though (I think a hot water bottle filled with warm water will help - I'll keep you posted). I wholeheartedly believe in the power of prayer and am asking for anyone that can spare a line or two for us in their daily prayers to please remember us. This condition is especially difficult because my husband is still gone and I have two little girls to still take care of - not to mention normal day to day activities that need to be accomplished. Thank you all for thinking about us - I will let you know how things go.

A few sales and a few deals

I wanted to give everyone the "news flash" before time ran out on a couple places that are having sales/deals right now.

First off, Bath and Body Works is having their semi-annual sale. Check in there periodically for some great buys ($5 wallflowers, handsoaps, I found the wallflowers in the store for $4 each on Friday, etc).


Next up is The Children's Place with clothes on sale for $5 or $6. Not everything is on sale, but there are quite a few in that price range.


Yankee Candle has also got a really great deal. Their large jar candles are $15 or 2 for $25, with their medium ones being $12 or 2 for $20. That's all I really concentrate on in that store, there are quite a few other things on sale as well check out their website.



For those of you Vera Bradley fans (that are also Military) the NEX is having some selected styles on sale for 20% off the regular (already reduced from the mall) price.

Getting a bit of time without the Children

Last night after our trip to Krispy Kreme I was able to enjoy a few hours without my children. As an afterthought - we totally should have invited some more happy wanderers as well. Or maybe we could have just had a pool party with a whole bunch of people in the HUGE puddles we found navigating downtown during the downpour!! Just kidding. You'll have to let us know if you want to come to the next one! haha. Anyway - Tara and I decided to use ours and go strolling the mall without children. Just to figure out what that feels like again I guess. Haha. It was pretty great, considering I got to walk into Yankee Candle without seeing my entire savings account vanish before my eyes (due to the fear of my children destroying EVERY candle there) and I actually got a chance to find some mad cute clothes for my children (all 3 of them). It was fun to not have to worry about extra people and to just be stress free for a brief period of time. Thanks for the company Tara!

Happy Fasnacht Day!!

Yesterday was National Fasnacht day. Krispy Kreme was giving away a free donut of your choice to honor it. Tara and I packed the kids in the car and took off to take advantage of the opportunity. Only to then find out at the YMCA's Parents Night Out that they got donuts from Krispy Kreme! Haha!! Never fear, my children didn't really eat their donut anyway. They mostly ate Bethannie's sprinkles. THEY LOVED THE HATS THOUGH!
P.S. Excuse the mess all over Melanie's shirt. Kind of a long day - so I didn't feel like changing it!!!

Showing off

Just wanted to show off my BEAUTIFUL little sister and her BEAUTIFUL little girl!! (Not to mention MY beautiful NIECE too!!) Enjoy!!



Little Ella was born at 2:40 pm yesterday in Utah (busiest hospital in the U.S. I'm sure). She was 7lbs 12 oz and measured in at 19.5 inches!!

Hilarious!

Ok... so my sister Jocelyn LOVES the Jonas Brothers. I guess, what teenage girl doesn't? I found this online and it just made me chuckle. I hope you enjoy it. Boys.

So Proud of you Honey!!

This is a picture of Jeremiah getting "Frocked". He made 2nd class and got his "certificate" this past Friday. Too bad it wasn't money... we'll have to wait a few months for that to trickle in. How do you all like the 'stache??? haha.