Trip to D.C.

We took a quest to try to visit the D.C. Zoo while visiting with family. Due to the high visitor volume, the day found us at Arlington Cemetery. We watched the changing of the guard for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers as well. We even found some of my ancestors that were buried there.




The popcorn tree we found while we were there.....


The granddaughters and my beautiful sister.




My sister and her beautiful family


My family connecting with our roots... well, sort of.

Easter Egg Hunt

During our visit with family (our mini family reunion) we had an Easter Egg Hunt between General Conference sessions on Saturday at the church.

Perrydell

Occasionally when we visit my parents in the great state of Pennsylvania, we visit a family owned farm called Perrydell. They make their own ice cream and everything! We used to get milk from there for a time while we were growing up. We stopped by with all the kids in tow to get some ice cream and see the cows. Destructo-girl was so excited about the cows, but was deathly afraid to touch one. Little Momma loved petting the babies and wanted someone to pet her when she stuck her head through the cow cut out that they have their for pictures. My least favorite thing was the bees. Yikes! I really dislike flying bugs of all kinds.

Lovin' Life

As I was driving the worst roads in this country, I was thinking on the last leg of how much I really love my life.

I LOVE:

* the way 64 looks in the Spring (minus all the red lights)
* The trees, the flowers, the blue sky. It's absolutely wonderful!
* my children (most of the time)
* that my life is mostly simple
* my husband and really hope he's coming home soon
* that the next 3 years may be the best we will have so far
* to hear the birds in the morning
* that it stays light out later
* the feel of new beginnings and the feeling of hope that accompanies this season
* Rita's
* all the awesome fruit available at the stores - and I also love watching the prices go down this time of year

Despite all of my trials and the continual trial of being the "lonesome" parent, I genuinely feel happy. I pray that it continues to be that way.

SPRING!.....well, sort of

Lately, we have been having some really crazy weather. Most days this past week felt like summer. I got back from my early spring break trip to PA to find everything (yes... everything) coated with a layer of yellow pollen. SO my least favorite thing in the world to see in this state. THANK HEAVEN for the rain last night that finally washed away that film so I don't walk around outside, then when I enter my house, leave yellow footprints of pollen on my tile.

On the up side, I am loving the sunshine and the breeze. The trees have known for about a half month now that it is most definitely Spring. Now that it's finally here... you know what else is?? Project time! I hope to get a lot accomplished and made this spring and summer. Couldn't be happier that the weather has finally changed.

Rita's Tribute

Boy o boy, I am truly slacking these days. I didn't get to remind all you wonderful people (all of you pretty much knew already) about free Rita's! It was this past Saturday. Sorry for those of you who missed it. If you mosey on in to see them on 21st street and sign up for their email list - they will send you an email each day of their flavors (or tell you when your favorite flavor is there). It's kinda handy when you are craving something truly fabulous. I hope you enjoyed your freebie. I think I'll have to just sample the PEEPS flavor just to say that I have tried it! hmmm... is it friday yet?!!
image courtesy of their website

Cake decorating with YW

Earlier this month, the Beehives learned some cake decorating skills. They did pretty well, don't ya think?

 

Of course we can't go without a BIG thank you to Tara - the talent that inspired all of this fun.

THANKS TARA!!

Lastly, here is my creation. I was stinkin proud of myself - thanks for showing me how to do it Tara! (and reminding me how un-crafty I am!)



VOILA!!

COUNTDOWN!!

guess what i put on this morning??? after seeing the change on my scale since i was sick, i decided... let's go ahead and dust off those 10's. whaddya know? they fit!! EVERY SINGLE ONE!! I just took a picture of the first one though. hey... stop drooling!! heheh just kidding. might i also add that i am wearing a medium shirt as well?! bring on the medium size range - lovin it up!

March Madness

For anyone who knows us - they know that March is kinda a crazy month for birthdays around here. Thank heavens all the birthdays belong to adults (that would be NUTS for birthday cakes). Yesterday was Jeremiah's mom's birthday (53), today is my sister - Jamie's- birthday (23), Tuesday is Jeremiah's (big 2-9), and my Dad's is the last day of the month (big 5-0)!! Happy Birthday everyone and I'm grateful you are in my life. I hope this year ends up being GREAT for you all!

Bubby is 6 months yesterday!

Can't believe how time has flown! Let me tell you though - he is the sweetest little man I could have ever dreamed of! I just love him up. If I would have known boys could be this fun... I totally would have had them first! (like I had a choice) Here's a mug of this handsome child of mine:
I think he may have a bit of those killer eyes his biggest sister has been blessed/cursed with. Whaddya think?

Freebie

I love it when people think of my little family to give things to. Yesterday we were outside enjoying the sunshine and a neighbor comes over and offers us this:

for free! Thank you to all the nice people who have thought of us and handed us down some clothes and fun stuff. I know that you are blessed!

Thank YOU TARA!!

Totally love bug bombs now. We got them awhile ago in hopes to get rid of the "water bugs" that thrive in this area. (knock on wood) So far so good as far as continuing to work. As much as bugs aren't fun... I would much rather come across a dead one than a live one. I've even found some itty bitty spiders dead as well!! Here's to hoping my house stays bug free until the next bug bombing.

First for everything

Friday was the first day that I consumed all of the water that I was supposed to in a day's time. That's 80 oz of water! Man... did my bladder hate me for awhile. That is what my new goal for myself is - to drink that much water everyday. Other great news... I lost almost 3 lbs this month (bad weight loss... good last week!). However.... I will totally be losing more weight this month. Hooray! By the way: congratulations for winning the month Brooke!

Projects on the brain

Yes... I've got close to MILLIONS of projects on the brain, just no time or materials to execute them! Yikes! I am getting excited though - nice weather + projects on the brain = completed projects and so much fun! Trying to keep the "spirit" of living alive. I think a lot of times, the women of the deployed get depressed and in a funk - well, here's to hoping that funk stays away!! If any of you have stumbled across some fun projects I could do (and maybe even finish)- tell me about them please! I have a craft swap that I am in right now and could use the ideas!

some of my "brainstorms"
* aprons (me and the girls - for cooking)
* paint and stencil bookcases
* Make some things to hang in the girls/Hunter's room
* jumpers for the girls (with the fabric I've had for months)
* car "trash bag"
* baby legs (all of them are almost done)
* door hangings for all the upcoming holiday's/seasons
* quilts for spring/summer
* bookshelves from the pottery barn catalog (I want to recreate them)
* a diaper bag
* magnetic spice rack stuff
* etc.

Got my Physique 57 videos!

I tried the 30 minute express video and I was TOTALLY feeling the burn! Holy COW! I am lovin' them though. We'll see if those "inches" melt off like they say. If anyone wants to come try 'em... give me a holler. You all are more than welcome to do them along with me. (I won't be lending them out any time soon - sorry)

Day 3

In a pretty great week so far. Despite the icky weather we are experiencing. I have been able to enjoy my kids this week so far and look forward to a really rewarding/enjoyable week with them come Sunday.

Not to mention I finally sent Jeremiah a package (it will be his one and only this deployment I fear) that will hopefully get there by his birthday (23rd). I took the box to a different Post Office this time... and guess what?? MUCH BETTER SERVICE! hooray! I was probably the 4th or 5th person in line... but I didn't stand in line longer than about 5 minutes. It was FABULOUS! yeah, I guess that word is sticking to me these days.

FABULOUS book store!

My sister lives on the west coast and stumbled across (aka... intentionally went after hearing about it) this gem of a store. She said it took up an entire block! The wonder store? POWELL'S BOOKS. Stinkin heaven on earth! I got online and made an order (by the way... you will want to order at least $50 worth so you can get free shipping - on qualified orders - otherwise you will pay an arm and a leg for it). I found books that were super hard to find around here (let alone... getting peace and quiet when there with my 3 hoodlums). The best part is: they sell used books as well! All of the books that I bought were used - so I ended up with a pretty great deal overall. I will post about their condition when I get my HUGE box full of books in 2 weeks! I am SO excited!

Clean Slate

I have finally decided (yeah... my skull is pretty thick) to wipe my slate clean. All of my "to do's" aren't "to do's" anymore. For the duration of the deployment, I am cutting back on my extracurricular activities. My priorities will be my children, the gym, and young womens. Nothing else will be added (of course grocery shopping is a must on occasion as well as the errands) to my list unless my priorities have been met and I have a) cleaned my house and b) spent quality time with my kids. I'm refusing to run around like a chicken with my head cut off. Done. Believe me, with 3 children to care for, shopping, laundry, cleaning, dr.'s appts, etc. I will have PLENTY to keep me busy!

Physique 57

Ok, guys. I gotta bring out the big guns. I finally ordered myself some physique 57 dvd's and equipment to help me on my weight loss challenge. If you haven't heard of them before, Kelly Ripa really likes their workouts and I think does them regularly. I am excited to try them and just know I will have a blast with them. SO MUCH FUN!!! I'll let you know how it goes. In the mean time... anyone have some really good de-stressing advice? I'd love to hear how you "unwind".

Kidding me, right!?

Just attended an AWFUL "get together":
- awfully chaotic
- awfully attended
- awfully few leaders
- awfully disheartening for the youth


Honestly, come one people! Our youth deserve more than that. If WE can't attend an activity and support them, you can guarantee that they are not going to want to be there. I just feel badly that there isn't enough guidance and support for them. They are our future. Sometimes I think, maybe we are what makes the youths' lives harder.... by not being there for them.

Bi-polar day

Today was quite an intense one. It started off with "I HATE YOU!!" repeated just short of a million times before school. My middle child followed it with "You are the best mom EVER!" upon returning home from taking said child to school. Then I was just told minutes ago that, "You are the best cookie chef EVER and EVER!" (by the girl who hated me this morning). Ugh.... it's been a day. As a young mother, you think that inevitably someday one of your children will say those words to you. I.....hate....you... I thought that I would just be able to shrug it off and continue about my day. I might have been able to do just that had I not continued looking at her as she repeated those words over and over with tears streaming down her face. Ouch... yup, that one hurt me.

Happy Valentines Day!

I hope that today wasn't too much of a bummer (since it is Sunday, and maybe your hubby isn't around either). My dad made heart shaped pancakes for us and the girls helped to make some heart sugar cookies for all of us for dinner. Since I made so much stinkin lettuce for the cafe rio stuff at the baby shower, I went ahead and did cafe rio for dinner tonight for the family (and in-laws). Everyone liked it. I'm still waiting to find out what Jeremiah did for me for Valentines. Due to slow internet and the fact the the ship just can't do anything without my husbands help, I haven't gotten the present yet, but I am WAY excited to find out what he did. I am so grateful for the internet and telephone technology to keep us in touch and make it seem as though he isn't as far away as he is. Plus, you can still receive gifts from them in time for holidays/birthdays/anniversaries! I love that all of you are my friends and I'm so blessed to have you all in my life. Thank you for your friendships!! To my family and husband, I couldn't have asked for a better bunch of people to spend eternity with.

Slaving away

Got myself on another organizing kick. Let me tell you though, it's kinda tough stuff, and a very slow process. I hope to be able to get rid of some of my girl clothes and send them to my nieces here soon. Just figuring out how many stinking books we have and trying to down size as much as possible. (No honey, I'm not throwing our books away) It's something I am really really really wanting to finally attain - organization!!! Let's hope it happens soon.


On a great note, Old Navy still had their clearance on clearance yesterday when I went. I saw a pair of pants in the size I hope to be by the time the weight loss challenge is over. For right around $5 for a pair of jeans, I figured it wouldn't be a very expensive bit of decor. I am going to hang it up in my room so I can see it everyday. WATCHING my goal. So yes, between trying to get organized, the gym, and my children, I am DEFINITELY slaving away at life. But... I have to admit, it's kind of fabulous (for now).

crazy week

I have most definitely had a crazy week. I do not wish to EVER visit this past week AGAIN!! Thank heavens most things in life are visited only once. Too much to even share really. The big highlights were: not being able to really get to the gym, taking julia to the hospital twice between Sunday and Thursday to FINALLY get that bead out, and getting sick this whole weekend. I must admit that I am grateful I took an absence from life the past few days because I think I will be all the better for it this week. I look forward to unwinding and hopefully getting a lot accomplished. For those ladies who are in the challenge with me, this month isn't going to look good for me on the scale. I have HIGH expectations that I will find myself only about 10 lbs lighter than I started earlier this month. I won't be the biggest loser this month. I have had a LOT of set backs. Good luck to you other ladies though.... I'm excited to see who gets it this month.

Which would you choose?

I've been kind of in a Jane Austen funk. Good kind of funk though. I watched a different take of Pride and Prejudice yesterday and came away thinking.... hmmm... which would I rather, Darcy or Bingley?? I am still trying to assess which one exactly I have married. I will update with my answer later. So, which would you ladies rather, Darcy or Bingley and why? Or do you prefer one and find you have married the other? (but are of course extremely happy)

Julia's operation

As an update to Julia's little "predicament" - she will be in an OR on Thursday if things do not change. Finally able to get the bead out of her ear. I'm not quite sure how many hours I will get to add to the 11 I have already spent trying to save her ear from further damage. I spent 4 hours at the hospital this morning and spent most of them waiting in the pre-op area to have a 30 second meeting. I had an epiphany while I was there. If the world seems to think this standardized health care thing is such a great idea, you should talk to a military dependent. If you want to wait for an average of 2.5 hours to get a prescription filled at the pharmacy, go on wild goose chases, or spend 11 plus hours trying to get a bead out of a child's ear - then Obama's health care is for you!!!

Lend me your ears.....

So, Julia somehow got something in her ear. Not sure when, not sure how. I just "happened" to be doing ears today and checked hers, noticing there was something in it. After 7 hours at the Naval Hospital - it's still in her ear. She will be going to an OR room later this week to have it removed by an Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist. She had had about enough of people looking/poking in her ear and would not sit still long enough to get it out (about 3 seconds - according to the specialist). So, OR - here we come!! It better come out or else I think I will have a conniption fit! Ugh!! Due to all other circumstances, this was pretty much the only option we had left. Upon returning to the ER, the doctor that discharged us from the hospital was the same doctor that helped deliver Julia. Small world, eh? No wait... that's what happens when you never stinking LEAVE!! This next week looks pretty shot as far as my working out goes.... so ladies, you'll win the money this month... but next time - it's on like donkey kong!! (hehe)

Let's all keep our fingers crossed that Julia doesn't do this again... please????!!!

SALE SPOTTERS

on my latest adventure to find some sales, we (tara and I) found some good ones.


MILITARY MEMBERS - for this weekend only, you get 10% off your entire purchase at Old Navy, so if you aren't lucky enough to have an in store coupon, show them that ID!!

ALSO AT OLD NAVY - went to the one in Chesapeake, but the clearance sections (all over the store) are an ADDITIONAL 50% off lowest ticketed price. I didn't pay more than $3.50 for anything. (plus, if you are military you get an additional 10% - if you are lucky, you can get some AWESOME stuff CHEAP)

THE CHILDRENS PLACE - most of the store is $5. They have sweaters, jammies, shirts, pants, tights, etc. ALL for $4.99 (oh and brooke, don't get any accessories for that cute green sweater of Jude's - I bought a coordinating accessory for you)


GYMBOREE - they have their semi-annual sale going on and you can use your GYMBucks if you have earned any so far.

BATH AND BODY WORKS - their semi-annual sale is about to end. hurry in for your $5 wallflowers (which includes the aromatherapy versions that are NOT found with the other wallflowers. they have the same regular price listed, but are indeed $5) 4 for 10 soaps and a lot more.

I think that about sums it up for now, if you've found something great that we don't have posted, send us a line - we will put it up here AND we'll probably visit the store - we love a good deal. TTFN!

Blessing and Prayers

As a lot of you guys already know, my sister (not my youngest that most of you have met..) had to go in for an emergency surgery last night. She has two sweet little girls at home and a loving husband and was rushed to surgery last night upon finding out that she had an ectopic pregnancy that has been causing her pain for about a month. Unfortunately, she had an underlying symptom that caused the doctors to miss it at first. The pregnancy put strain on the fallopian tube which in turn pulled the appendix and moved her rectum as well which caused the intense pain she suffered at irregular intervals. They had to remove the fallopian tube with the pregnancy in it because it had ruptured and was completely irreparable. They also noticed that the appendix was under strain and therefore inflamed so they took that out as well to save her another surgery within the week. Her mother-in-law was blessed enough to fly out first thing this morning to be with her family to help with the girls. Her youngest daughter, Ella hadn't been able to take a bottle up until this time - but her grandmother worked her magic and she had her first bottle while her mother was still at the hospital. I know many of you have been thinking about her and praying for her - thank you so much! The power of prayer is an amazing thing and we are so lucky and blessed to have it in our lives and to be able to exercise and ask for His help. Once again, thank you so much to everyone! Those of you with younger siblings, you know how you feel as though you need to protect them - so naturally I was afraid for her to have to go into a surgery and basically have her life saved.

It's that time again......

Close to meltdown? Why? Oh, just because my husband is gone, that's all. It's amazing the things that will go wrong when my husband is gone (AND NOT EVEN FOR A WEEK YET!!). What broke down/went chaotic this time you ask? Oh, just my only mode of transportation. The "service engine soon" light came on on Friday night. Yup, way fun. The blessing of it all (and may I also add that with every crisis while my husband is away, there is a tremendous blessing that accompanies it) is that the problem isn't too serious. Unfortunately, it looks like the fix may be a bit involved which means that if that is the case, I will be donating some money to the Nissan dealership here pretty soon. Gotta love those forced donations, I really miss my wonderful "fix it" husband at times like these!! On a slightly nicer note, I still have been doing well with my exercising and weight loss goals. I'll have to weigh in on Monday to see how well I've done. Keep up the good work ladies, I know you all have been working hard.

Excited.... again!

More people have joined the group for a healthier 2010! I'm so excited. I just want to go run a 5K or something!! Ladies, we can do it! I hope that snow doesn't show up so that I can get to the gym tomorrow. Nighty Night!

Tooting my horn.....

Yes, sometimes in life, I believe that you need to toot your own horn. Why, you ask? Because I'm so stinkin excited!!! I have been faithful for a full two days so far on this weight loss journey. I feel amazing, I have stuck with it and I'm really proud of myself! Sadly, I'm even going to miss a special birthday celebration lunch because I don't want to go over my calories for the day. (sorry Deborah... hopefully I see you at the gym so I can give you your present). Yeah, pathetic huh? BUT... that's how I roll! I have to do it that way or I don't have a shot at winning. Well.... gotta hit that gym!

So excited

I'm extremely excited that you all are going to be seeing less of me very soon. I'm starting a "biggest loser" challenge with some friends tomorrow and I'm getting really excited. I think it will be a lot of fun and it will be awesome to achieve our goals together. I've been diving into quite a few books lately about eating and exercise and I have a few things that I want to try out. I've even gone so far as to print out some intimidating pictures of Jillian Michaels off the computer to put around my kitchen/house. Whenever you all come over, you're going to see all sorts of motivation up on the walls/cabinets. That's my defense to the wonderful (yet unhealthy) sugars and ice cream waiting to be consumed. I'm pumped to get pumped. YAY!!

I'm also really excited about the new YW personal progress program. Since they recently added virtue to the list, they have come out with some new books and guidelines. Now any woman can do this program! Mothers can do it with their daughters, non-members can do it, and I can do it! The medallions have changed a bit and are so exciting, that I HAVE to earn one! So, I will be working on my Womanhood recognition medallion this year as well. Oh... to achieve. I just have so much hope and look forward to this year. Clean slate, and I'm determined to stay on track! CARPE DIEM!!!

Happy New Year!!

Now to start our 2010!!! A new year, new beginning, better life. At least we are striving and hoping for a better life this year, after all, that is what I am constantly striving to achieve. I think 9-12 church will be a nice start..... ahhhh. Sunday naps.... here we come!

A few of my resolutions are:
* lose 30 lbs
* become more organized
* do better at saving $
* better at scripture study


Let's see if I can tackle these first - that will give me enough work to get the year started.

Patient Much???

Ok, I stumbled across this just now while trying to check that weather for the coming week. STINKIN HILARIOUS!!!! Be sure to notice the time in the bottom left hand corner of the video.

Merry Christmas!

After a day of hustle and bustle around our neck of the woods, we are VERY happy to be taking it easy today. A nice day at home, with family. I'm already up with Hunter (didn't I predict it?) and the girls should be up shortly to begin our present pandemonium. Last night's shepherd's dinner went well, even though it happened a lot later in the evening than I was planning. Most of all, I wish you ALL a very Merry Christmas. May you always remember the reason for this season and try to keep that with you all year long.

Christmas Eve Photoshoot

Our family had a quick photoshoot today to get some last minute gifts for grandparents and to make sure we have a family photo before Jeremiah ships off. If you want to see our mugs... click here. I know, my face doesn't look the best in some of them. I guess me and white don't get along much.

One more night....

Honestly, I don't know who gets more excited about Christmas time...me, or my kids. I think I'm going with me this year. Yes, they truly showed a bit more excitement this year for those "traditional" Christmas beliefs, but I sure do enjoy watching them open their presents and watching Jeremiah open his too - even though he usually already knows what they are. I love the Christmas Even Shepherds dinner, that really just makes it feel real (if you haven't heard about it already, you can ask me sometime). Then, sleeping that night is like the night before the first day of school or a Homecoming (Navy). You get all jittery, so stinkin' excited for what the morning will bring.
I'd like to say that the whole, matching pj's and robes thing is TOTALLY the picture you would capture on Christmas morning as we walk in our slippers (also matching) to open presents and have some REALLY AWESOME breakfast. However... that is still a big ginormous dream for me. One day we will look like a picture out of a Sears catalog, just not this Christmas. I foresee it actually going a lot more like: Hunter keeps us awake all night so we have black bags under our eyes by the time the girls drag us out of bed. Then, we hobble down the stairs and watch the girls open their presents WAY too fast, and end it bumping around the kitchen trying to scrounge up that really great breakfast. Sounds way too exciting, right? Well... I'm going to love it either way.

As a WAY awesome side note, I stayed on target today with my eating log. Hooray!!

Health Blip

My progress from my post awhile ago to lose weight after baby really hasn't gone anywhere. I'm pretty much stuck at the same weight from before - so I'm taking it a bit further by posting my game plan and maybe even starting an incentive for anyone else interested in losing weight with me.

Game Plan: I have my pieces of paper up in my kitchen to remind me to drink more water, eat more fruits and vegetables, and stop eating sugars. I need to remind myself that eating too much sugar leads to diabetes, that is something I definitely don't want to struggle with as an elderly member of society - so I'm going to try to pretend that I have it now. I will allow myself one SERVING of a sweet that I've been craving all day long. I am not going to give in to every craving I have throughout the day. Also, if I'm watching a movie with my kids/husband or just on my own....I'm going to do crunches while I watch as well as some other simple moves I can do in front of the Teley. I will stop eating foods at 7pm and only allow myself to have water. I am also sticking to a 1500 calorie diet to help me jump start my weight loss. I plan to burn a minimum of 500 calories at the gym 6 out of 7 days of the week. That way, I am burning close to 2 lbs a week. I am hoping to almost be completed with my weight loss goal by the time Easter rolls around. My goal is 140lbs - which puts my body in a size 8. I know for some of you that is bigger than you are - but for me that is a good weight/size. I envy those of you that are naturally thinner than that!! I wish I could have gotten a few of those genes =0)

As an extra incentive/push to stay on track - I am looking to enter the 14K run on February 13th for Valentines day in Virginia Beach. Yes, 8.67 miles. I am going to train (I know it doesn't give me much time - I am aiming to get as much training in as possible) Right now I have sick kids at home which doesn't allow me time to get to the gym - so I'm going to do my best with exercising around the house and then hopefully get a run in once Jeremiah gets home from work. I have two options that will still allow me to run wherever I have happened to train to by then.

My question for any of you that are on a weight loss quest. I think we should start a pool of money that someone NOT in the program holds on to for us in a jar - that is rewarded to the winner by the end of the period of time. For example: we go by body fat percentage lost in a 6 month period of time. Whomever has lost the most body fat will be awarded all the money. I think it would work best if we did an amount that most definitely is worth the work. I know 50 bucks is a little steep - but if 10 people do it, that's 500 in your pocket if you win! I like to think of it as a small wardrobe account for you to go buy some fabulous new clothes. Body fat percentage is the fairest way to measure progress simply because everyone is at a different fitness level. Anyone interested? We aren't stuck on the $50 investment...we'll talk about it if anyone wants to join in the fun.

These are our Devils Food Cake Crinkle cookies. Only one of the almost half-dozen cookies we baked this year.






Here's Melanie salivating over the peanut butter kiss cookies. YUMM! Yeah, we ended up having a TON of those!

December's Wagon

After 3/4 of a year of wanting to attend the Home Depot Children's Workshop, we finally got there for December's craft. The girls enjoyed making it - I think we may have to reinforce some of the pieces with real nails so that they'll keep for a bit. Mel whined at first but finally relented and joined in the building. Guess what their favorite part was?? The hammering of course! Hunter wasn't too fond of the outing and cried most of the time if he wasn't being held. Oh well. Hopefully we'll make it to more this next year!!

At it again...

So, one day I come upstairs to see this:

worst part was....I'm pretty sure the bandaid was Mel's used one for some minor cut I'm sure. The silly goose decided she was going to make a mustache out of it.







I tell ya.... some of the crazy.....disgusting things my daughter does. It would shock you!!

Thanksgiving

I know, Thanksgiving has been gone for almost a month now and here I am blogging about it. I was just too lazy to upload any pictures from the event and I really didn't get very many anyway! I was too busy keeping track of my little ones and trying to make sure I gave everyone a hug that I hadn't seen in years! Most of my cousins were there minus about 6 or 7. Here's the clan...



And then my little girlie decided to help rake leaves when we arrived.
>

Got around to....

I actually got some things checked off my list in the past Month! Hooray! Here's the VERY short list....

1. Making some hair bows for the kids. I loved it and look forward to making more. I couldn't get the best shots of them, so you'll have to settle for this.



2. Finishing a Project. Jeremiah found this sucker outside for trash and snatched it up. It really didn't appeal to me at first, but once we sanded it down and got it painted, it started to grow on me. Sorry, no before pictures, just this almost after one. I sanded the edges a bit to try to "antique" it - yeah... not as easy as it looks. P.S. Yes, the circle spot is from the sunlight, it wasn't on the finished project, promise!



3. Taking the kids to get a picture with Santa. We went to the Pembroke Mall and finally got our children in a mug with the jolly fellow himself. They were so excited for that this year. (It's the first year we took them to a mall Santa and get pictures at that!) To make a long story short, we waited for him over an hour (not because of a long line, we got there when he was going on break), Julia had an accident in her pants 20 minutes before he got back, then Mel had to go potty, then Hunter needed to be fed, oi it was crazy! Perks were that Santa was so sweet, writing down what they wanted for Christmas this year on a little notepad (i.e. ponies and barbies for Mel and ponies and Dora for Julia) and then autographed/personalized a little book for each of them.

Happy Birthday Me

So, happy birthday to me (yesterday that is). Thank you to all who sent me birthday wishes/cards/shared a meal with me. It was wonderful to know I was thought about on my "special" day. I'm finally a "Classic"! (Thank you for the terminology Tim) A quarter of a century has gone by. What exactly have I accomplished, you say? High School graduate, two broken wrists, 12 stitches (as a kid), a year of college completed, a temple marriage, and the delivery and raising of three children. Doesn't really sound like a whole bunch, huh? Yeah.... I'm thinking the same thing. Ugh! Boy do I have to make up for it in the next 25 years!! Hopefully I'll get to see a bit more of the world and do a few more things by then. Any ideas of some things I should definitely do by 50?

Finally December

Finally, one of my favorite times of year - well, my favorite month simply because it's the month I was born, I got married, and the month we celebrate Christmas! So many wonderful things happen during these 31 days. This year, it will be a bitter-sweet month. Jeremiah will be heading out for a while just after we have these wonderful 31 days together. The last few weeks before a deployment are always pretty hard on me.

Besides that, things are progressing. We have our Christmas tree up (which I finally realized - although practical for military families that move a lot - our tree sadly needs to be upgraded) along with our other few decorations for the house, we started (and finished) an entertainment center project that I think will end up being FABULOUS, and sorting through our "junk" is coming along nicely. Still way too much left to sort through, but we are getting there.

I dragged our little family out to see the "Beach Lights" last night. They were WONDERFUL! They had a section set aside for the 12 days of Christmas. Each light we passed represented part of the song. I loved it. Too bad Mel fell asleep and no amount of yelling or shaking could wake her up. She missed the WHOLE thing. Poor girl didn't even wake up until we got home. Julia loved the outing, she kept pointing out things that she thought were exciting and she tried to console her brother while he had a few crying spells along the way. Mark my words, Julia is going to be some sort of jokester/comedian when she grows up. It's just a little sad that most of the funny things she has/will pull are going to mortify her mother and maybe even scar me for life! I may never venture out in public again with her in tow.

Black Friday.... or er.... Thursday???

By the time we got back to PA from MD we didn't have a whole bunch of sleeping hours before the Gettysburg outlets opened up for their deals. The outlets there opened at midnight. Our plan was to wake up at midnight and truck it out there to look at the stores. Jocelyn ended up waking me up at 12:18, that's what happens when you try to set an alarm you aren't familiar with in the dark - so we put on our shoes and went out the door. Carters, Childrens Place.... I have to say that I am VERY disappointed!! Old Navy ended up being the only place we bought anything. When we got inside and tried to look around - the line wrapped all over the store - so we ended up just getting in line and Jocelyn held our spot while I jumped out of line to look at what we were passing by at the time. Yes, guilty of shopping in line. The line went fast though and I think we were out of there about 30 minutes after we got in line. Overall, not bad. The next place in our line of fire was Walmart. We got there way earlier than 5 am though - so we looked at the ads in the car for a second. Then we realized that the things we wanted to get (most of them at least) were all day things and since Walmart was open 24 hours, we jumped in there to buy them. It was so funny to see the people "camping out" near the items that they wanted to buy. One person actually brought a chair. It was funny to see and much harder to get around at times because sections were roped off for lines. I'm sad I wasn't back home for all the ribbon and fabric deals. I missed out on all of them. I am so mad!! Oh well, I still made off with some pretty great loot. I was so tired for the rest of the weekend. I got to see my best friend Erin though later that day. I got to see her in her wedding dress - she looks SO beautiful!!! I tried on my dress, and well, let's just say that I need to keep losing the baby weight. I can do it!!!

A Thanksgiving to be Thankful for

We had a fabulous Thanksgiving. This year was our year to see my family for Thanksgiving and since Jeremiah is getting ready to deploy again (not to mention our upcoming move) he wanted to see my extended family too. So, on our way to PA we stopped in MD to see my extended family. My grandparents got to hold their first great grandson for the first time and got to see how the girls have grown. I got to see almost aLL of my cousins on that side of the family. THANK YOU MIKEY AND CHRIS for coming to visit for a bit. We were missing Little Dean and Uncle Marty's family. It was wonderful to see who we did. We sat down before dessert and shared up to 3 things that we were thankful for. Hearing everyone's responses was truly heartwarming. I love my family and I hope I get a chance to see them more often real soon. I don't think I could have had a better Thanksgiving this year.

2 months

Before he's no longer 2 months old, I wanted to take a minute and recap my memory of this stage. Hunter just started smiling this month (on purpose). He most definitely does not love his mother very much since he seems to always be awake at night these days (Just kidding about the not liking me thing...). Most of all, he HATES not being held! He could be asleep, so you lay him down, yup... 9 times out of 10, those eyes pop back open and he starts to cry. Which in turn, of course makes it almost IMPOSSIBLE to do anything around the house. I have a feeling that baby wrap is going to be attached to me most of this week as we get things ready for the holidays. On the flip side, he is the sweetest little man you ever did meet. When he isn't keeping you up in the middle of the night. We'll have to have a talk about that when he gets a little older. =0)

I found this....

One night as I was trying to stagger my older children's bedtimes, Julia asked to hold her little brother. After a short time, she got bored with holding him and he fell sleep. So, she was content with just sitting there next to him, playing the role of big sister. Then, I turned around to find this:





Yeah.... I thought she had her role a little backwards!! The funniest part was that they both just continued to sleep on - like nothing was amiss and as though Julia definitely wasn't crushing Hunter's innards!

First ever Diaper Cake

We threw a shower for Lori this past week. I decided to try my hand at a diaper cake. All in all it was a learning experience for me. We had a ton of fun and we still didn't know what she was having. However... two days after the shower, Lori had her DAUGHTER (Leah) and has given me my very first daughter-in-law!! haha. Just kidding, I wonder though......

Tara made the cake, how stinkin cute is that?? Then there is Lori with our one and only Mia Maid - Meghann! We played a couple of fun games (that I really hope everyone enjoyed): my water broke, candy bar pregnancy, baby scramble, and had a baby dressing relay. Thanks to all who came!!!

Scottish Festival

Sometime in Sept or October... not sure, we attended a Scottish Festival near us. Jeremiah and I both have Scottish in our family tree and had never been to such a festival, so we tried to walk around a bit and take it all in. Here's a bit of what we saw...



Jeremiah's favorites..... bagpipes!






What every parent likes to see.... finished lunch!! Melanie finished every last piece of their shepherds pie! Yum!



Our scary little Scottish "mutt"

We even found his family "tartan" (kilt pattern). I wasn't sure of my family clan so I didn't look that one up. Overall it was pretty neat and we had a pretty good time.

New Tradition

This year for Christmas, I'm thinking of doing it a little bit different. Before my children get stuck on the gobs of presents under the tree for them being in direct correlation to who is loved the most, we're changing it. I love that my children are still young enough that it won't matter much to them. I provide them with their needs throughout the year and with some wants for birthdays and special treats. I am on a quest to simplify and focus on the true reason for the season: Christ.

I've heard of people doing three gifts per family member, just like Christ received 3 gifts from the Wisemen. I have even heard an explanation of what each present was to represent. I am asking for some ideas. I was thinking along the lines of a need, a want, and something homemade. Not sure. Or, something physical, spiritual, and educational. Help me out please - I'd love to hear your thoughts! I hope this will help my children gain greater understanding and appreciation for the Christmas season as we try to adopt our own traditions. Even if you just have a favorite Holiday tradition you would like to share (and you wouldn't mind me possibly adopting/adapting for our family).

What was I thinking???

I've been thinking that more often than I should the past little bit. I know as a mother, even more so as a YOUNG mother, you tend to get in funks that bring you down. I am currently riding one. Don't you love it when the day starts with a few slip ups, you overreact a bit, and WHAM! most everything goes wrong for the rest of the day?

We finally get a chance to walk Mel to school since the weather is cooperating for a change, and I hear nothing but whining from my two children that CAN walk!! They beg me for it only to tell me how tired they are and they need me to hold them. No such luck little ones! Since my life has been a little special in the sleep department lately, I've been extra cranky. On our trek to school this morning, I kept replaying the questions, "What was I thinking having children now?! Even worse... THREE!!! I must have been extremely foolish when I signed up for all of this (Navy wife, mother of three, being "blessed" with a Julia)!" Not to mention the occasional anger that flows through me at my dear husband for leaving me all the time. (Even though I know perfectly well that it isn't really his fault - or his choice to be on the boat that he is) I know, I know... tough, that's life. Believe me, I tell myself that all the time too.

So, with Thanksgiving around the corner, I decided I was going to do all in my power to keep Hunter awake during the day so he would HOPEFULLY sleep all night, put my girls to bed ON TIME, and tuck myself in right after them. Doesn't really help me in the quest for "me" time, but I am happy to trade that for some Z's.

Neverending

Sometimes the monotonous items on my "To Do" list seem as though they will never be scratched off. Just so I don't get too discouraged with the "I have nots", I'm listing some things I have accomplished in the last week.

* Read the last two books in the Twilight saga
* Gotten an average of 3.5 hours of sleep per night
* Realized that I have a desperate need for a scale so I can figure out how my exercising is going
* Mostly organized the two rooms left in the house that really needed it
* Gotten my shopping done (even with all 3 kids in tow)
* Managed to keep my children alive
* Made a new recipe
* Gotten to the gym to work out
* Kept up with the dishes (laundry is another story)
* Maintained order well around the house for having 3 little ones

Might not seem like a lot to you - but it's progress to me!!

Wanna be Blizzard of '09

I'm not sure how many of you actually grew up on the East Coast, so I'll enlighten you. Normally when we hear (ok... so I'm an east coaster AND Yankee....it apparently makes a difference) Nor' Easter we think: BLIZZARD. This week when I heard Nor' Easter I thought someone was smoking something. Surely the temperatures were not that low to be able to welcome snow!!?? Of course they knew there would be people as dense as I was out there checking the weather/news so they threw up the definition for us. So, we buckle down and figure, what's the worst it could get? Thursday came and like a true Yank, I headed out the door with Melanie in tow to take her to school. We drove up to her school to check and see if there was indeed a school day ahead of us, only to find no cars in the parking lot. Ok... no school, check. So, I pull the car to my front door (literally) and drop Melanie off. Then I back it up to the actual street (and my parking spot) and get drenched as I come back to the house. Mind you, on our trip TO school, the umbrellas we were using blew inside out and no longer served their purpose for us outdoors. Yes, the wind was THAT strong (as I'm sure those of you that ventured out past your front of back doors are well aware). Also being a Yank, you hear that the snow to rain ratio is 10 inches of snow to every inch of rain. The reported rain fall for this wonderful bit of weather we've experienced is anywhere between 8 and 12 inches. Could you imagine 80-120 inches of snow??? That would be the biggest blizzard I have EVER seen if that happened! The last time I experienced 5-6 feet snow drifts, we were snowed in for over a week (pretty much everything was shut down). I certainly hope the earth recovers quickly because I don't want to be stuck inside much longer! Thank Heaven the wanna be blizzard never attained its dream!! Even though I would love to have some white around here for once! Plus as an upside, the base was closed yesterday and today - not sure if it would hold true for Jeremiah's boat if it was here...but we might have had him home with us for a VERY long weekend!!

Kindess of a Stranger

Saturday was, well, shall we say.... difficult. Alright, so ALL of last week was pretty difficult! My most challenging days though, were Friday and Saturday.

Friday because I was trying to get my string bean of a daughter some new pants for school and shirts that would be long enough so she could raise her arms in school. Off to the mall we went....and I dreaded almost EVERY minute of it! We get to Gymboree, Mel: "Mom, I have to go potty", so off to the elevators we go to hit the 3rd floor for the restrooms. After her freaking out and NOT going to the bathroom.... I drag them down to the first floor again.... about 15 minutes later, Mom... I have to go potty. Well... too bad, you missed your chance. We finally get done with Gymboree and I decide to let them have a few minutes to play. We do that and then we leave the mall for the night, off to get some dinner. After dinner we ended up cutting our outing short because Julia spilled her soda all over herself, it was dark, and I didn't feel like fighting them the whole way through Walmart and then maybe a thrift store. We go home and hit the beds.

Saturday we wake up WAY too early (yes, that is life with MY children), and finally get off to the store. We stop at Target first.... As soon as we get in there... Julia: " I have to go potty...." Me: "Well, you'll just have to go in your pull up" Julia: "I can't breathe!!" Me: "What do you mean??" Julia: (getting sick all in her new coat from Old Navy) We book it out of the store, as quickly as possible without looking like we just shoplifted something. Once outside, we clean Julia up. I didn't have a spare jacket in the car though... so, the poor girl had to sport a t-shirt in the chilly weather. Mark my words... I will be better prepared with extra emergency clothes for the next time. She tells me she is ok now and she's not going to be sick anymore. I'm thinking, "Good, because we were going to go back in there anyway... I have SO much to get done!!"
Back in the store we go... finish our shopping (put a bunch of whining in there too and you'll be pretty much on the nose for that trip), and off to BJ's for salad - after that one, they told me how hungry they were. I roll my eyes and think, wow... maybe you should eat some breakfast for a change! The last stop on our run was Walmart. After the stress of that and the waiting in line thing was finally done, I take BOTH carts to the car (one for kids, one for Melanie to push) and lecture them on how hard it is for me to take all three of them shopping. An older man was walking towards the store as I unloaded my children. When I got done buckling Melanie in (she is #2 of the buckling process - those of you with more than one child will understand what I mean), I come to get Hunter and see the man standing near my car. "I'll go ahead and take your carts for you once you unload that precious bit of cargo" he says. I grab Hunter and start walking him around the car, the man notices that we have out of state tags, "Is your husband military, Are you military?" Me: "Yes, my husband is." Him: "Wow, well thank you very much for your service."

Yeah, TOTALLY cried as I was buckling Hunter in the car and the man walked away. All because he offered the simplest bit of assistance! I like to park as close to a cart corral as possible to make the distance I have to walk after loading my children in the car the shortest possible. I was literally one parking space away from the cart corral and this gentleman offered to take my carts the WHOLE way to the store for me. Then, to Thank me AND my husband for our service to our country. I will be forever grateful to him and people like him that notice us young mothers struggling. Whether we are at the very end of our extremely stressful day of shopping, errand running, etc or in the middle, thank you all for noticing and lending a hand! Sir, you made my day with that bit of service you showed me AND my family. Thank YOU!!

Taking some advice from the Young Women

Today's lesson was on the Word of Wisdom. Before you start thinking about what kind of great dirt you can get on me, I'm sure it is one we ALL struggle with. I need to decrease my consumption of sugar. Yes, that's right.... sugar. All things in moderation...right? Plus, that whole... "run and not be weary, walk and not faint" promise sounds really good for a girl trying to get back into the swing of things at the gym. BTW Jocelyn and Mom - they do have Zumba at my gym! Should I take it?

Since my new-found freedom (i.e being 6 weeks postpartum), I have been on a quest to lose that baby weight, as quickly as possible while still being healthy. I am making it official by sticking it up on my blog..... I AM ON A QUEST TO LOSE WEIGHT!! I don't want to say how much for fear of putting myself in a bad light...lets just say that my goal is to weigh 10-15 lbs less than I did before getting pregnant. So, I have a nice number to subtract from my current weight. =o\ I'm giving myself until mid-May to reach my goal. PLENTY of time! I'll periodically update with how much weight I've lost to date. So long nightly ice cream pow wows and sweet "highs". I will have you in moderation, maybe even just on Sundays. Good Bye American portion sizes, seconds, and prepared foods, from now on... it's realistic portions and "whole" foods for me! Oh how I'll miss you!!