We're Back! Vacation Part I

We finally arrived home from vacation today. It was sad knowing that our week of "away" time had already come to an end. However, with Hurricane Bill off in the Atlantic, it made parting so much easier this year! On the way home we encountered numerous bits of congestion with people stopping for 2 inches of water on the roads. Then the roads were lined with parked cars - people waiting to catch a glimpse of the waves. There were plenty of surfers out there just checking out the surf. I couldn't see the water from the road because the dunes were so high... but I could see the people hanging out at the tippy top of the dunes so I guess the waves were coming in pretty close.

Anyway... .
the beginning of the week started with the girls, boys, and Dads on a "monster truck" ride at the Grave Digger attraction. The girls were loving it and screaming the whole way. Wyatt was um... yeah... pretty terrified. He kept screaming (in a frightenend kind of way and trying to cling to Jeremiah) and Justin loved it so much that he cried when he had to get off! I'll do what I can to post the video I got, I don't seem to have the best luck at posting those. Hopefully this time we will be successful! They also had a little "petting zoo" that wasn't really being run at the time. The kids just looked at the pigs and chickens - but really enjoyed seeing them for sure



Then we had tons of time in the pool - swimming almost everyday. The girls really took to the water this year, I'm smelling swim lessons for this fall! Then we headed off to the beach.




Since we went so far south this year, there was 4 wheel drive access at the beach we went to and Jeremiah drove the Xterra onto the beach where we were "camped out". After loading up all of our gear (plus ourselves) we got a little stuck in the sand. After a few minutes of letting a bit more air out of the tires and having a Sand 101 lesson, we were as good as gold!

OcraJoke

Since we are staying further south than we have in the past, we thought it would be fun to see some of the "sights" near by. There was a map in the vacation guide of Ocracoke Island. In order to get there - you need to catch a free ferry ride from Hatteras Island to Ocracoke. Needless to say.... we had to wait 2.5 hours to get on the ferry for a 30 minute ride to the Island. Then upon finally arriving...quite a few places were closed/out of business and there was WAY too few parking spaces available for the different shops. It seemed as though the beaches were catching the biggest crowds. We would have loved to see the lighthouse there, but there were no parking spots and definitely no space on the road to park anywhere and walk to it. Quite a disappointing (not to mention hot as well) day. Fortunately, once we finally turned back for home... the return wait for the ferry was about 20 minutes. YAY! I think the girls enjoyed the ferry the most out of the entire day. The sights were so disappointing, I didn't even get pictures! Poor Jeremiah was excited to see Teach's Hole (Blackbeard exhibit) and was so disappointed, he didn't even stop to go see! Upside is, it did have some great views when you could see over the dunes to the ocean or sound sides.

Hanging in Hatteras

Here are a few of the things we've been up to this week. It's sad that our time away from home is almost over. Jeremiah and I went for our first massage at a spa today - I forgot to get a picture of the place... so we'll run by tomorrow so that I can have documentation.

 

Having Fun

We arrived here in Salvo, NC safe and sound on Sunday afternoon and checked into our "home" for the week. We took a few stops along the way to stretch and get those kiddos out of the car a bit. I think overall everyone enjoyed it. By the time we reached the house I was wishing Hunter was already here so I didn't have to be so uncomfortable. I even got sunburned on my right arm and right knee (where my shorts stopped)from sitting in the car so long. Ugh. OH WELL!! We also quickly discovered that we had left all but one of the girls swimsuits at the house (Jeremiah washed them up on Saturday and we just forgot to get them in the bag). Needless to say - we bought a new one Monday so that Julia could go swimming - we hope to go to the beach early this morning before the temperatures get too warm. So excited!

Drum Roll....

It is almost vacation time, I am so stinkin excited. I hope this year is extremely relaxing as I think that is going to be the only key to my survival with these past crazy stressful months/weeks/days. Here is the place we will be calling "home" for a week starting Sunday. It should be fun and I hope I don't go into labor while I'm gone!

Explaination

For those of you who saw my facebook and noticed I had a pretty rotten day yesterday and care to read my small novel, let me elaborate.

It all started on Friday, July 10 when I went to the temple. I hadn't been in ages and I wanted to have my little sister Jocelyn down for a visit before she had to get back to school (and I had to gear up to have a baby). We were traveling 95 south and was still in North/Central Virginia (interpreted as still over 100 miles until home) in CONGESTED traffic. I know that is so hard for all of you who have ever traveled up to the temple to believe. (sarcasm) It was about 3 pm too. Anywho.... a State Trooper decided he wanted to pull over the pregnant lady from Pennsylvania and accuse her of going an outrageous speed in such conditions. Not to mention that I saw at least 20 State Troopers on the road that day up and down 95 (I really counted and there were AT LEAST that many). So... he pegged me with 77 in a 65 and didn't even bat an eyelash when I told him it couldn't have been me and that I was traveling safely at a speed of 70mph. He gave me a ticket (my first ever) and proceeded to let me continue on my journey home (which took 4 hours by the way.... yup, you guessed it.... it took me 7 hours to get home from the temple that day). The court date on the ticket was for August 13 (a day I think I will always sleep through from now on) at 9:30 am in HANOVER county VA. Jeremiah was hoping to get off work but the request was denied due to his duty day conditions (he was the only one there for duty in his entire division... doesn't make for much opportunity to get off work then... eh). I took the trip with the girls - we left at 6 am to make the 100 mile trip (with plenty of time to spare incase of traffic) to Hanover County. We arrived at 7:40am and walked around the court house and administration offices for the county for about an hour. Then we went into the court house and had a potty break and tried to settle in for the appointed time. 9:30 came and went, 10:30, 11:30, 12:30... all passed without me being called (I was waiting in the lobby area due to my two children having to tag along with me and the baliff was supposed to come get me when it was time). Finally a little after 12:30 the baliff comes out and says I'm getting close. Ok... FINALLY. They call me in... I plea not guilty to the judge, police officer adds his dity and the judge makes me raise my right hand and swear to tell the truth (to which I agreed). I proceeded to tell him the truth but was honestly scared to death and didn't really know what to say other than I had a clean record, I was only driving 70 mph and I was being passed by other cars on the road when the officer decided to come after me. By the time I explain I was being passed (all less than 30 seconds mind you) he was looking over at the officer with the most bored expression on his face that could be humanly possible. He didn't even give me two glances... he says, "Ok... you're guilty but I will dismiss the charges if you are willing to take a driving course" I asked what that would entail (as I am holding Melanie, Julia is asleep in the stroller and I have this huge belly) and he told me I could even take it in Pennsylvania if I wanted to. So, I humbly agreed and went to wait my turn AGAIN for the clerk's office. I ended up paying half of my ticket ($61 court fee that is AKA processing fee on a ticket) and then sent on my merry way to make the 100 mile trip home. My children put in a 6.5 hour day before the judge even saw me. Then add another 2 hours to that to travel home. Upon reaching home and reading the information I was given about driving school... I called the courthouse to verify some information. I was told I would have to take a course that was recognized by the state that issued my license. Ok... check with PennDOT... fine. I call PennDOT and am told they do not have such things. So... call back the court house and the lady tells me she's never heard of that and that she doesn't know what I'm going to do and, I quote "Nobody else here is going to know what to tell you either."

Eight and a half hours with my children (no food allowed during most of that time) - and we all know my kids... they screamed and had their fits throughout the waiting. I had cried a total of at least 3 times throughout the day and I just broke down crying after talking to this rude woman. She finally told me that I could write to the judge and explain my situation. If he didn't listen to me even after he made me swear to tell the truth... what makes a letter better than looking at my face!?

Then, the power goes out at our house (happens a lot... maybe that's the military's way of cutting down on housing costs is to shut down the power a few times every few weeks). Upon restoring our electricity... my computer dies. (I am writing this on Jeremiah's laptop) Thankfully we bought a large capacity hard drive shortly after Jeremiah getting home and put our pictures and music on it. So, I only lost my word documents so far. I am still trying to get the computer up and running and will hopefully only have to purchase a new mouse instead of a new PC. As of bedtime last night though - I had no luck in restoring my computer to working condition.

Poor pregnant lady has to attend driving school before the beginning of Nov, had to pay half the ticket for court costs, drove 200 miles round trip and spent 8 hours of my day waiting to be basically told that I didn't have a fighting chance against this ticket anyway.... and all before I was able to get to bed.

After sleeping on it and trying to figure out my court problems this morning, the day has so far gone much better. I was able to find out that since PA doesn't have any policy about driving courses, I can just take a VA course and that will be sufficient. They accept online courses as well which will be good since I'm having a baby in a month. Then with reformatting the hard drive on my computer... hopefully that will be fine after I fix the water damage my children did to the mouse while I was trying to get everything done this morning. Not to metion Julia taking my deodorant to our television screen last night while I was having a nervous break down (Jeremiah had duty). Pretty emotional past two days. I think I deserve a vacation... don't you??

A day of "FUN"

Lately, not much has worked out for our little family to have much time to plan anything fun to do together. Jeremiah has had a day off here and there - only to be called back into work for an "emergency". (Basically... he's the only one that can fix anything - and no one else wants to do their job or figure it out - so he has to "Save" them) Saturday was FINALLY the first day we didn't get a phone call from the boat and were able to enjoy our day together. (Honestly, we didn't stick around near home long enough to give them much of a chance at getting us to come back home to "rescue" anyone) We took off for Williamsburg for some adventures. Since my husband is from around here - a lot of the area on that side of the tunnel is his old "stomping ground" and since we won't be around much longer... it was great to let him reminisce. We will have to do it again soon and take pictures of all the places he wants to remember. We headed for the outlets to check out some clothing stores (for the girls of course!! ;) haha... and Hunter too) that I had coupons for. We ended up running into some friends we were hoping to visit with over there and the girls got to play with their grandchildren (also girls). They had a BLAST! We went swimming (I conveniently had swimming suits for the girls already in the car and we stopped in at Motherhood Maternity Outlet to grab me a colorful - yet cheap suit of my own to use at the last minute), cooked out, and really enjoyed catching up. Their daughter, who already has 2 daughters as well, is close to Jeremiah's age and is also expecting a boy (their third child too)that's due next month (just like me!!)It was nice to get to know her better and visit with another pregnant lady (that doesn't mind talking about babies). I would have liked to take some pictures of the day - most of it was reminiscing, running around to different stores, walking, checking out Pepperidge Farms outlet, bathroom breaks, and lots of playing with new found friends. It was great starting the day with no expectations, so that we could really fully enjoy the day together.

Baking time coming to an end

This pregnancy is almost done. I can not believe it! I know that having 6 1/2 weeks left for most is FOREVER (and it can be) but with how time has been flying in this family, it's just around the corner!! The last 2 weeks of Jeremiah's deployment went fast and now he's home starting his first week back to work! In two weeks, I'll have a month left until my due date! Yikes! Once it all gets down to the "nitty-gritty" time frame.... I get all anxious about how the delivery will go. Naturally, the prayers are starting up about the baby not being too big, delivery going well, baby Hunter being healthy, etc. I'm looking forward to the family vacation this year and hoping that I get some time to kick back and have some "re-charge" time. I'm just so eager to see what this little guy is going to look like! Our family is incredibly blessed!

He's Home

Hooray, he's home!! We picked him up from base about 2:30ish on Thursday and have been enjoying a work free day with him today. I am super excited about having him back and the girls are just loving him to death!! He was supposed to get off the boat sooner than he did, but they decided they wanted him to help hook up the boat instead of getting off to be with his family. I wasn't expecting for them to be finished with all of their work when I got the call from him saying he was getting ready to leave the boat. I had just gotten the girls out of the tub - so we quickly dressed and did hair and off we went! We parked the car and took a short (yet hot) stroll to the pier to find Jeremiah. When we got there - we saw him coming toward the gate and waited there. I showed Melanie where he was and when he walked through the gate - she kept looking around him for a different guy that was supposed to be her dad (he had sunglasses on and they never see him in his whites). So... she looked right past her daddy. If you notice the picture where she has two lollipops - she insisted on bringing one to the pier to give to her Daddy. I guess she figured he would like the same flavor she did .... green apple! Julia later told him, "Daddy, we found you!". Everyone got hugs and kisses when we got back to the car. Here are a few pictures....


The girls posing before we head down the road for a short stroll to the pier to pick up Daddy!













Here is my little family.... all reunited again!

















This is the best picture I found on my camera of our little family. Photography isn't a strong point in our family.









Daddy taking a nap while the girls watch Bolt. It was the cutest thing.

My hair

I figured I would post a picture of my "do". It is too short up front because of me. I can't blame anyone but myself. Hopefully it will grow out fast and I won't have to sport the almost "perfect" bob for too long. P.S. Leg shine courtesy of Venus (thank you!)

Dresses.... check!

The paper links are almost gone, the to do list is getting shorter. One of the biggest things I needed to get done to get ready for the return of my "better half" is make those white dresses for the girls. I finally finished them at 1:30 am this morning. I worked (along with a long time favorite "A Knights Tale")late last night to get them all together and I absolutely love how they turned out. They are very simple, and they give me the chance and the option to dress them up with flowers, bows, whatever I want basically. For now they will stay simple and the girls will have a bow accessory courtesy of the fabulous Tara (thanks again!). They tried the bows on this morning and LOVED them!! Here is the finished product. I'm so proud of myself! Stay tuned... I hope to have some actual Homecoming Day pictures to load later in the week and then I'll have models for those dresses!

Too excited!!

I just have to say (since it's the most recent thing going on in my life... that I'M excited about) I am too excited to deal with it! I am getting all the final preparations in order and just am tickled pink to have some exciting stuff happen a little later this week. I hope to even get a little bit ahead of myself and get some things accomplished that I will need to have ready for the next few weeks (Visiting Teaching handouts and Birthday Cards for Card exchange... here I come!). I love it when I try to make a plan and things sort of work out for me - almost giving me time to sit on my bum and ENJOY some relaxin!! Oh golly.... so stinking happy. I will most definitely post more about this week as the week unfolds. I got my haircut today with a good friend (Tara) - her's looks AWESOME! Mine is a little different than I was hoping for (kinda my own fault though... not so good on the communication sometimes). Next time will be better - plus... having it a bit shorter than anticipated gives me a little more to play with for Hunter's arrival. I'll get my next trim after his debut. I'll post a pic of my hair a little later.

Ever Been.....?

Have you ever been 32 weeks pregnant and had the most incurable sweet tooth? The whole wives tale about craving salty things with boys is definitely a myth for me!! I had a "quick trip" to Walmart today and over HALF of my little bill was sweets!! YIKES!! Maybe I'll get to put some of it to good use so I'll have something to "munch" on while I sew tonight and tomorrow to get final preparations in order for the big day. BTW I FINALLY found my free motion quilting foot so I can get Hunter's blankets started on the top stitching! I'm glad he's a baby (and a boy) and won't care that my pattern is most definitely flawed. I think the overall outcome will be fine though. Cheers to the next 8 weeks (as I hold up my glass of ice water) when I can start losing some of this weight! Ugh! Not to mention the gorgeous baby boy I'll get to carry around everywhere.

Gotta see this

If you haven't seen this... you HAVE to! I thought it was very good and definitely not as scary as it could have been portrayed. Sure it's darker than the others - but with a super evil wizard running loose, what do you expect?! I am excited to buy it when it comes out on DVD. I wasn't there to share the midnight viewing with a lot of you ladies, but I was there Friday night!! I got to take my little sister with me and I'm glad I had her company. Jeremiah will usually tag along with me when I want him to... but he doesn't understand what's going on. He's not a big Harry Potter fan. I'm sure he's glad I took Jocelyn along too!

Family Celebration

 

Melanie decided last year that she wanted to have a castle cake. Yeah... definitely will have to work on the next birthday creation a little more ahead of time. Not to mention take a cake decorating class of some sort. However, it was completely edible and that's pretty much exactly what happened to it! I think there are 3 pieces left. She enjoyed the presents and all of the birthday phone calls. She was quite practiced by the end of the day yesterday. "Thank you so much!! Yes, ..... I four." That's pretty much her responses to her fans. We all about died laughing at her supermodel photo poses. She is a natural! Here are a few fun pictures from her day of cake and ice cream and her choice of spaghetti dinner.

Beach Fun

I took the girls to the beach on Melanie's birthday. I thought it would be a fun outing and my sister really wanted to go while she was here visiting. Friday was our best bet... SO.... off we went! First our quest for sand toys didn't go so great and we ended up getting some very overpriced (yet very cool) sand toys from Target. (Sigh) Oh well! The last time we went to the beach the girls didn't want much to do with the water - so I figured this trip would be more of the same story. BOY WAS I WRONG!! Julia took off (literally) to the water once we got settled. No regard for whether or not anyone was there with her or watching her. It scared me to death! Melanie loved "wading" in the ocean and feeling the waves come up on the shore. Jocelyn got quite a bit of time with the girls in the water and jumped waves as they got closer to the shore. I spent some time in the water with them and tried to help them make a bit of a sandcastle (that they continued to destroy). Mostly I was just so excited looking out to the horizon and thinking of how soon my husband will be crossing it to get home!


This girl got stuck in her diaper - soaked it (OF COURSE)- and still got most of her enjoyment from playing in the sand. She didn't eat much of it this time around.... watch out North Carolina - JULIA is on her way next month!


We even got to bury Aunt Jocelyn and I think the girls had a pretty fun time at that!! It's fun now that they are a bit older and can appreciate/enjoy the little things.



It was great fun and we were able to scoot out of there before it got too crowded (or hot).

Happy Birthday Melanie!

Today my first baby turns 4!!! I can't believe it!! She has grown up so much in the past year and is turning out to be a pretty great helper. Not to mention she for sure reminds me of what I need to work on (by acting JUST like me and using some of my favorite phrases). I'm telling you - things will get better when I get my husband back. Melanie, we are so blessed and happy to have you in our family and are excited to continue to watch you grow up and become a fantastic person!
 

Wish I could....

Here lately, I've been finding Julia asleep for the night in these places:

Under Melanie's Bed:





In the Closet:




Lastly, the big blue chair after swimming in the "kiddie" pool out back:



Lately there is something extremely fascinating about NOT sleeping in your own bed. I love it!

Taking a Survey

I've gotta get my hair trimmed and I need some advice?! I'm trying to "shop" around for some places with a good hairdresser to help maintain my shorter hair. I'm in desperate need of a trim. Please let me know where you've all been that has left you a happy victim.

Got Talent??

Came across this on NBC. I don't get the chance to watch the competition... crazy!! You won't believe it!

Happy 4th!!

Well, we have arrived. It happens once every year. Today celebrates the day of our country's independence. I am so grateful to our forefathers for listening to the promptings I am SURE they received from the Lord in helping to organize and start this country. I am grateful to them for having the courage to sign their names on the "dotted line" . That VERY courageous, bold act lead to the restoration of the gospel and to my family being here so that my children and I could be born in a free country. I am grateful to a wonderful husband who sees how important our country is and recognizes the need for us to have upstanding military members to help ensure our continued freedom. Thank you honey!!! However... I'm sad to say that our forefathers would probably slap most of our politicians in the face and ask, "WHAT ARE YOU THINKING???" I hope that my children are still able to see plenty of good in their lifetime. Enjoy yourselves today - have a blast!! (Pun TOTALLY intended)

Travel? NOT TODAY!!

I am GLADLY staying home this evening. I had a few plans - but quickly realized that if the HRBT is closed... Norfolk is a MESS to navigate! I'm starting to believe that there is no real emergency plan for much of anything around here - what is the country coming to? The news will tell you to have your own emergency plan, but the state doesn't?? This is why I think there should be more than 2 (yes... only two) ways in and out of this area! Yikes! Hopefully the tunnel will be back up to speed by tomorrow morning - or else I might not go much of anywhere tomorrow either!! Anyone get stuck in traffic today???

IT'S JULY!!!!!!!!!!!

Couldn't be more thrilled that it is FINALLY JULY! My littlest sister got her tonsils taken out of her head yesterday (gone forever)and I anticipate to hear that she got the best rest of her LIFE last night. That makes July great... Gettysburg and our country's Independence Day are a couple other perks. None quite as exciting as getting my other half back though!! Ok... maybe they are all a close tie! Not to mention my first baby is going to be 4 this month! Great month for our little family. WOOHOO!

UPDATE....Just called Melanie's school and she got in the pre-K program and will be attending this fall!! I am SO relieved and excited for her!!!

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.