Taking a Break from Packing

So, we're moving this week and I'm sick of packing boxes. I figured I would write a little something on here about my thoughts on life recently. Well, today a friend had a misunderstanding 'fight' with her husband. Sometimes I feel with things like that... that women take the opportunity to complain about their husbands. So, oddly enough... my other friend vented a bit about her husband (trying to console the other) and I kept my mouth shut! I don't know if it's just because he hasn't been home lately, or if I'm truly forming a better appreciation of him and hopefully a better understanding as well. Sure he does things that make me mad, but what man doesn't make you mad at least sometimes? It's a difference in gender. Anyone who has read Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus understands what I mean. Men just are wired differently (obviously) and for that reason, don't always see things the way we do. This is definitely true about my husband. But, you know what??? That's OK!! There are so many things I miss about him and can't wait to have back (yes, even quite a few of the ones that bothered me before he left) that I just can't justify complaining! So, I'm sorry to all the women out there who can't stand their husbands most of the time. However, and I can't quote this because I wasn't able to FULLY pay attention to it at church yesterday (Children) but... one of the speakers said, "If I say a mean or hurtful thing to my wife, I am saying it to my Savior." (again... paraphrased a bit) That really hit home for me! I remembered past disagreements we've had and words that have occasionally been exchanged towards the other and I am going to make that 'quote' a standard I live by. It makes perfect sense! Christ said that if we do something for someone in need, it's like doing it to him. Why wouldn't it make sense that If we say something hurtful to our spouse, we're saying it to Him? So, I am going to try to remember that before I even THINK about saying a hurtful thing to my Husband. I encourage all of you out there to do the same.
Marriage is just such a difficult thing for people these days. Divorce rates have gone up since past years. Why can't we realize that in order for us to be willing to MARRY some one, we must REALLY care about them!! I know that I REALLY care about Jeremiah. He means the world to me! I would never want to divorce him! I've heard some really good advice through my 'years of learning' that I will share on the subject. Divorce starts with selfishness. It truly does. Once you no longer put each other first in the relationship, then it starts to fall apart. I've found that if I'm upset with my husband, it usually starts with me being selfish or not communicating the way that I should so he can understand my thoughts and feelings. So, don't stop trying to understand each other. If you ALWAYS put your spouse as your #1 priority and make sure they feel that way, your marriage will always be strong! Take a walk together, hold hands, buy flowers, go on a date, get a sitter for the kids, anything you can think of to show the other person that you care. Not that I'm a pro at marriage, I'm just working hard to make it work. More people need to make that resolution.... you need to WORK to make it WORK!!

Sleepless Nights

Ever thought about having children? Well, make sure you take into account that you will but UP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT just like I am right now!! Some children do it for years, others for the first few months of their lives. Which child you get is ENTIRELY up to the Lord. So, pray you get a good one if you are going to have children! Now, I love my children, don't get me wrong, but... it's just a LOT to deal with when your spouse is away. So, imagine being the ONLY one to get up with your children (sick, bad dreams, just restless...etc.) and then try that for 8 months! Hopefully things will get better soon. If they don't, at least they will get better once Jeremiah comes back! Well, I better try to get Julia to bed!

To the Love of My Life....

Jeremiah - this is a short message to you about how wonderful you are. I felt that I needed to write something to you to let you know of my appreciation. As the time you have left at sea gets shorter my thoughts are turned to you more often and what life is going to be like once you get home. I can't imagine what it is like being on a ship for 6-8 months and sleeping in a big room full of smelly men. I don't want to know what it is like waking up and having no sun come through your window (you don't even have a window) and working on a mostly windowless ship. The only light you get is from those fluorescent little bulbs that glow above you. You live in a small city, about 6000 sailors. Your life is crammed. You have a tiny bit of space to eat, sleep, and work. I think I overlook all of that while I'm here at home taking care of the children. I don't think of all the cussing and fighting and ugliness that surrounds you. I get to get up on Sunday's and go to church. I get to work out (because I want to) and come home to OUR home. I can sleep in a room with a queen size bed and a window. I am able to have some variety in the things that I eat. I don't have to worry too much about people possibly blowing my "shelter" up. I don't have to listen to planes launching off the flight deck to save some more American soldiers. Your life is truly different and more stressful than mine. I am sorry that I would have ever thought that it was easier. Other than being able to sleep through the night, there isn't anything that you have better. I appreciated your service to our country. I appreciate all the crap you have to deal with day in and day out. I believe in you honey. I know that you can accomplish anything (and I mean ANYTHING) that you are determined to do. I know that you think of us often and know that we think of you. I want so many things for you. I wish I could provide them all for you, but I can't. Hopefully one day I will be able to. You are an amazing father and a wonderful husband. You think of my feelings and are concerned about me. You make me laugh. I love you for all that you are. Love you Honey!

Potato Peels

So, like a newlywed, I put potato peels down my disposal and it stopped up yesterday. Yeah, according to my brother-in-law (BIG UHOH!), so I call my sister and mother-in-law to see if they have some Liquid Plumr. They saved the day (because they had some... and they ALWAYS save the day!) by bringing it over. We called my brother-in-law to make sure we were going to do this correctly. He told us not to use the liquid plumr. We were to take the trap apart and let the water drain, then reassemble it once we got the potatoes out. So, my sweet sister-in-law gets down under my sink (it's nasty under there... we are in apartments) and takes the trap apart. Now, my sister-in-law is 5 months pregnant and she gets under there and does all this stuff for me! Then, while the water was draining, she moved the pipe and it ended up spraying all over her! Not the best smell in the world (those of you who have fixed plumbing problems in the past... yeah, you know that smell) and so the poor dear smelled of potato peels for the rest of the night! However, the plus to all of this is, I now know how to take care of something like that. Moral to the story, NEVER put potato peels down the SINK!!

Sick Children

Anyone get sick and tired of having sick children? I know I do! My children have been sick (with one thing or another) since December! Now, my oldest, Melanie has a fever! Taking them to the military doctors don't help. They just tell me that they sound fine and to just give them sudafed or tylenol!! I'm starting to get worried about these poor little children of mine! I couldn't be more frustrated. The only upside to having sick children is that they cuddle with you more and are much more relaxed than usual. (Any of you that know what 2 year olds are like... you know what I mean) So, I have amazingly had the chance to pack some more things in preparation for our move next month. I know I am not alone in this, there have been many ill children the past few months (off and on like mine) because the weather continues to change and can't make up its mind! One day, 70-80 degree weather, the next....45-50 degrees. The little ones just can't take a 40 degree difference from day to day. I don't care what doctors say... the weather DOES have EVERYTHING to do with children being sick!

Melanie's First Snow

Well, March 17th (St. Patties Day), was Melanie's First snow experience. We traveled to PA to visit my parents and get some things done for the car. The night before, the state had a substantial snow fall. The total accumulation was about 8 inches in the Southern Pennsylvania cities. Melanie rode in a sled with her Aunt and liked to drag her hands through the snow! Once she dragged her hands through the snow, she would lift them up in the air. She wouldn't touch anything while her gloves were covered in snow. The hat she wore wasn't the right size for her head and kept falling off. Needless to say, she wasn't out there for long before she started to get cold. Then we all came inside and had some hot chocolate! (Melanie didn't like hers)

The "Impossible" Task

Monday, January 22nd, held an impossible task for me. Although, I didn't know it as I started my day. I got the girls up and got ready for the gym (like I always do) and out the door we went. On the way to the YMCA, we got a screw stuck in our tire. The reason I noticed was because the tires didn't feel right. So, upon arrival at the gym, I checked the tires to find a fairly large screw stuck in my tread! "GREAT!", I thought, "now what I am going to do? Who can help me? I don't know anyone that knows how to fix that kind of thing besides Jeremiah and my dad." So, since Jeremiah and my dad aren't able to easily come and fix it, I was on my own. So, I called my dad to ask his advice and for him to tell me what to do. Then, went to Walmart to get the tire plugging kit and off to my friends house to use the extra parking space available to get my car 'fixed'. I said a prayer before I started, then I got to work. The screw gave me the hardest time in the world! I think it knew that a wimpy woman was trying to dislodge it. However, it finally came free (after much working and black knuckles) and I was able to rough up the hole to prep it for the 'gew' that went in to plug the hole. Then, I stuck the gew into the leak and proceeded to work hard again to get it through! So, finally... all was finished and I checked the hole for any leaks. There weren't any... so, with Heavenly Father's help, no task is impossible!! Even if it's a tire that needs plugged!

The Busiest Day so far....

Well, January 2nd was by far.... the busiest day so far as a mother of two. In the morning, I dropped off Julia so Melanie could go to the doctor, took Mel to the doctor. Then, there was no line for prescription... and I was running a little ahead of schedule... so I figured... why not? I went to get my prescriptions... and THEY TOOK 20 MINUTES TO FILL THEM!!!! Boy, did that make me outrageous! (I had a VTC with Jeremiah in less than an hour) Bless this lady's heart... but there was this really old woman, who explained EVERYTHING to me and took FOREVER to figure out what to do for Melanie's prescriptions! She even explained the medicine "syringe" to me!! Like I had never given my children medicine before!! Goodness! So, then... about 10 till 12 (My VTC was at 12:30 and I was SUPPOSED to be there 15 minutes early) I'm on my way to pick up Julia. Then, I rush over to base.... only to find on my way there that my inlaws were finally trying to get a vehicle pass (mind you... the pass office usually takes at least an hour!... but... luck was working in THEIR favor - until one of the bits of information needed was expired). So.... I had to pick up my brother-in-law before going through the gate so he (along with us) could talk to Jeremiah for 6 minutes! Man... the things a woman will do just to see her husband for real! Then... my in-laws hung out until Sam had to fly home (4:30). So, it made for a long day for me. I just wanted to pass out! I think Julia is finally asleep so I can go lay down now. So, I'll write more later!

New Year's Resolutions

I decided that I will make a list of my New Year's Resolutions so that I have more motivation to complete them. I am going to try and make them realistic and attainable. So, those of you that see this, please leave words of encouragement!

1. Exercise at least 3 times a week for at least 30 minutes.
2. Eat more healthy foods and drink 8 glasses of water a day.
3. Take time to spend with each of my children individually.
4. Be a better support and source of strength to my husband.
5. Learn to fix more things (mostly car things).
6. Learn how to sew more things for my home.
7. Write in my journal at least weekly (and my blog too!)
8. Read my scriptures and pray every day.

Those are what I am going to start on for now. If anyone wants to share their resolutions - I will help to keep you motivated as well! Happy New Year!

Montel

Another thing that has happened in our lives is being on one of Montel's Holiday Shows over the Christmas break. On December 22, we aired on national television. Montel had traveled to Jeremiah's ship to talk with him about being away for the holidays and such. He took with him a little message that was taped of me and the girls at a previous date to show him. The show was wonderful, focusing on families that are separated for the Holidays and unable to be with each other for those things that families cherish most. The 'important' thing that Jeremiah missed during his deployment was Julia's birth on October 13, 2006. I'm sure that was what deemed us 'eligible' for the show. He was asked why he joined the military. In response he said, "Others have gone on before me to serve when I was unable....they said yes to defend this country....it's my turn." which of course made me cry because that is definitely him in a nut shell. He's always been the protector. He sent a little message to me which was also very sweet. It was so good to see him - it's the best thing I've had since he left. Please pray for those troops out there! Most of the men who sign up for this are doing just that, protecting their families, their freedoms, their country. I wish there were more men like Jeremiah out there willing to do such a thing for those reasons.
Also, as a side note, Jeremiah lost a friend to the war on terrorism recently. He gave everything so that YOU can worship how you want, be free from dictators, and be safe from terrorism. He believed in this country enough to be willing to make such a sacrifice. He was only 24 years old. Here's a tribute to Shawn Murphy, a good man who sacrificed all to help this country stay free of evil acts. May the Lord bless his family in his absence and bless him for his willingness to serve.

The Crazy Sunday

So, today, I load up my two children (like I always have for the past two and a half months) and finally get out the door 15 minutes later than I wanted to. Upon arrival, we sit with some friends in hopes that Melanie will do better sitting through church. Which, she does. However, Julia needed a diaper change and bottle about half way through Sacrament Meeting. The other family we were sitting with also had problems with their youngest (which is Melanie's age) and needed to take care of that. Basically, today is just one of those days that I can't seem to get things together. I forgot to put the dinner in the crock pot before leaving for church. Melanie is still coughing and stuffy. Julia keeps messing up her schedule. I am having a hard time with all of this. The Lord must really have something good planned for my future if I HAVE to go through this now without a husband. It's bad enough having to split my time in two and be able to feel as though I have given enough love and attention to both of my wonderful girls. I want them to turn out good. Those people who have helped me have been such a blessing in my life! I really appreciate all that they do. They are wonderful women, most of which have been in a similar situation to mine. Oh how I appreciate those other Navy wives in my life! Thank you to all who have been there for me. Your help has been a help far more than you know.

To my husband...

This is a little 'shout out' of sorts to my husband... Jeremiah. I love you so much. I definitely love you more today that I did yesterday. But, not as much as I will love you tomorrow. These past 3 years have been the best of my life. We've started a family together and have two beautiful girls to show for it. Most of all, and Best of all.... we have each other. We will never have to be alone again! That's definitely a plus for me. I wish you the safest of travels and I hope that you know how very proud your family is of you and your service to our country. Words cannot express how very much I love you. Not to mention how much the girls really love you. I know that Julia loves you, even though you haven't met her yet. She is anxiously awaiting your arrival, I am sure. She will probably get tired of me and feel as though i am SO boring by the time you get back. Just come home safe and know that SO many people love and miss you back home.

Another Good Night's Sleep

So, Yet another good nights' sleep. Almost... I'm still up, right? Anyway... things here are going well. I just found out today that our youngest daughter now weighs 12 lbs 10 oz and is 23 inches long at her two month appointment! Yikes! But boy was she a trooper today with shots. She cried during the prick (who wouldn't?) and then she was just fine not even a minute after all of that. She was so brave!! Melanie is next!! And, probably me... YIKES! Anyway... Melanie now puts the headphones on her head to listen to music. She loves to watch movies and is getting better about playing with people. She has had a cough and cold lately... but... she is finally getting better (after about a week!). Julia is the sweetest baby you will ever meet. She is so full of life and has the sweetest little spirit. I am finally getting the hang of what she preferrs. Well, I'm supposed to be getting cleaning done and all of that wonderful stuff!! So, back to 'work'.

The Good Nights Sleep

Yeah, So I was able to get a really good night's sleep last night! I had a friend that offered to take the kids for a night (thank Heavens!) so that I could get some much needed rest. You know, adjusting to life with two children is definitely a feat! Not to mention that the house gets clean A LOT faster when the children are gone and you know that they will be gone for a little while. It gives you that extra motivation to just get down to cleaning and save the rest for AFTER the work is done! Yeah, I am one of those moms that HAS to have ac clean home to think clearly and function without too much stress. I know I need to relax a bit on the tidiness of toys of course.
Anyway... I digress..the best part was, they did well for my friend and allowed her to get some sleep as well! So, now they have a well rested mama to take care of them! It's amazing how true friends have that sense of pulling together and helping out. I am so lucky to have friends like that. Thank you to all of my friends that are always so willing to help out and lend an extra hand.