Botanical Gardens and the Beach

Virginia Beach
We went to the beach today to help the girls get used to it so we can have some fun on our family vacation this summer. Jeremiah took Melanie out and pretty much scared her (not intentionally) note picture above. They both enjoyed playing in the sand with our sand toys and then Julia resorted to eating the sand. (Just when we thought she was over that). So, I guess she is going to like gritty foods for the rest of her life! Maybe there is oatmeal and grits in her future!? Then, they left the beach holding hands. It was a pretty great day. Mommy was tired by the end though.

We love to go to the Botanical Gardens (when time and temperature allow). We just went Thursday and I took some really fun pictures of the girls sporting their bathing suits for the water. While we were there we found a Canadian Goose feather. Melanie picked it up and was playing with it - then a worker from the gardens came and told us we couldn't have it because "It might be a Bald Eagle Feather. There is a federal fine for having a Bald Eagle Feather. I'm pretty sure it's not an Eagle feather but because they are in the area, we collect any feathers we can find.". So the man took the feather from my poor two year old child!! She was so devestated! Enjoy the pics!

My Weight Loss Log!

So, I've been trying to get some weight off since I gained a little bit the past year since Jeremiah came home. Mind you - I had gained 8 lbs by February. Then, I joined the gym and gained another 5!! In order to help motivate myself (my husband has a sweet tooth too and it makes it hard to "be good") I have decided to put up some pictures of me and take pictures in the same outfit as time goes on. So, I will have an exercise log and such on the computer so that I can motivate myself and keep track. For those of you who check my blog (I know there aren't many it any at all) please continue to motivate me!! I look at some pictures of myself from around the time Jeremiah came home last May and then some recently and thought (YIKES!!). So, here I go. I'm really trying and I am taking every effort I can to make it a success!! My goal is to lose 20 lbs (look better than even when Jeremiah came home). I will update frequently. So, please cheer me on!! Thanks! - so I've decided I need a better picture! I'll add one soon!

Blessings come in many different sizes

Well, today we were given a blessing in an unusual package. Jeremiah had his court date finally for the accident that occured in August. (It got rescheduled quite a few times before it finally worked for all schedules involved.) He had to get dressed up in his dress blues and take one of his "higher ups" (as I call them) along. The judge threw out the charges due to the testimonies of both he and the Policeman. So, our finances have been saved the court and ticket fees that went along with the accident. It's amazing how blessings come in different sizes. I am so grateful for the people in my life that are blessings to me. I appreciate my friends and my family and the roles that they play in my life. I am thankful for the blessings given to my family and try to live my life so that I can continue to receive blessings - in whatever size - in the future.

Melanie's Busted Lip

So, another Holiday packed full of fun for the Clores! We got through most of Veteran's Day without any problems until Melanie decided to climb up on the furniture, fell, and busted her upper lip. The piece of skin that attaches your top lip to your upper gums was lacerated. I knew she couldn't get stitches inside her mouth but wanted to make sure I took the best course of action to help her heal quickly. I just remembered what that piece of skin is called - it's called a frenulum. So, she lacerated that and cut another part of her gums. she is doing fairly well now and likes that she was 'prescribed' popsicles. No hot or spicy foods for her until she is recovered. She didn't much care for those kinds of food anyway. So, poor Mel has a fat lip for the next little bit. It took the ED at NMCP a little over two hours to get us out - a fairly quick time on my watch for an Emergency Department visit. While there she pushed around child sized chairs and stuck her hand in the water fountain. She also found an exit door that would open up for her as she walked towards it and tried to play "Catch me if you can" for a few minutes. What an Adventure!!

Julia and the Sand

This is Julia in August while we were in North Carolina. She was EATING the sand! How crazy is that?! She would make a sour face after she ate it, but kept on bringing that sand up to her face! She is the funniest little girl! Anything she finds goes to her mouth. No matter what! She even got one of those long pieces of brown seaweed in her mouth too! She is such a happy baby though! We are so truly blessed to have her in our life! She smiles all the time and has lately been clinging to us for dear life! Having two children is definitely hard for me right now. However, I wouldn't change it. I might change it by having my husband home more often though!

Military Life

Well, sadly, my vacation came and went WAY too quickly. It was mostly enjoyable. I just hope to make next year more enjoyable and do some things that I didn't do this year. But, on to my topic. I want the general public to know how much military families really do go through. It is tough stuff. Now, it's not ALL military families. Some are quite lucky. Our family, I feel is one of those that isn't that lucky. Sometimes it just isn't enough for your husband to be gone for 8 months and miss your childs' birth. No, no, no! By all means, he must be gone LONGER, MUCH LONGER! So, that is something we may possibly face in the near future. Saying good-bye AGAIN (he hasn't even been home for 8 months) for up to a year or so. This wouldn't even be entirely voluntary (although they say this particular thing is ENTIRELY voluntary). Military spouses just aren't given enough credit for what they go through. Believe me, they go through a TON! So, the next time you want to protest against the war or praise people for not signing up for the military. Think about us. Think about the women whose husbands have to go to a combat situation BECAUSE YOU WON'T SIGN UP FOR THE MILITARY. Think of how many children are losing their fathers because you are too good to serve your country. I guess it's easy to find the great men in this world - they are serving in our military.

VACATION

Boy, do I really need a vacation! I'm finally here too! So, we'll see how everything goes once this week is over. I hope to do some things I haven't done down here and have a great time! The trip down was interesting (getting lost - a little - and having my kids scream wasn't fun for sure). But, I got a good night's sleep. Who could ask for anything more? haha. Well, drop me a line and let me know how things are going for all of you.

Isn't It Funny.....

Isn't it funny how you forget about what your children did not even 48 hours previous and Love them more than Life itself? Well, I've done that today with my girls. Melanie was pulling Julia up by her hair, throwing things, and picking up dog doo on Tuesday. Now on Thursday (today) she is saying Please and Thank you without being asked twice, saying sorry to her sister if she hurts her and giving her a kiss. Not to mention giving hugs and kisses to me! She is genuinely a Happy Kid. Only a Mother's love could be like this. I love her all of the time, but more at some times than others. I'm sure all the mothers out there know what I am talking about. I just had to write how happy I am to have such wonderful children. I couldn't miss the opportunity to publicly voice my thanks.

Julia Girl

This is my Julia girl! She loves cuddling and climbing up on things to stand up. She really likes her Daddy. Julia is extremely strong! She pulls up on just about anything and when she grabs your hair (and she LOVES to do that) there is no letting go! There have been a few times where I have seen clumps of Melanie's hair in her hands. Melanie of course is crying her eyes out because of it though! She's 9 months and 22 lbs! We love her so much and are happy that she is in our family.

Wyatt Benjamin Jeffs

This is Wyatt Benjamin Jeffs. My nephew by blood. My sister-in-law gave birth to him on July 12th 2007. He weighed 9lbs 6oz and was 20 inches long. He is two weeks old in this picture. He was supposed to be adopted by the Jeffs family, but his biological father decided to make things difficult with the adoption process. (He was abusive to my sister-in-law and they broke up. She can't give him what she wants him to have - two parents and all the toys he wants!!haha) So, he's been taken under the family's wing for the time being. He is a cute little guy, huh? He actually has a scratch that he gave himself pretty much in the same spot that Julia scratched herself after she was born. Definitely part of the family already!! We hope for the best with the adoption and the Jeffs family.

Melie Ann

Hello All! Things are going alright here at our house! This is a picture of Melanie pushing her Birthday present around. She is two! Can you believe it? Well I can't! She loves babies - so imagine how happy she was when she got a baby AND a stroller for her baby! She loves to take baby everywhere. She also likes to sport her sunglasses! She loves to help with her cousin Wyatt and with her little sister. Although Julia isn't that little compared to Melanie. They are very close in weight. Well, drop us a line sometime! We love you all!

CRUNCH TIME!

So, another few weeks have gone by since my last entry and we've gotten a few weeks closer to seeing Jeremiah again. Our paper link chain is getting much shorter these days! But, the reason I'm writing is to shed some light on the "Your kids get crazier as homecoming gets closer". Maybe it's because they sense you're excited/stressed. Excited because you don't have to change all those poopy diapers by yourself! Stressed because the whole house needs a good scrubbin' and you get nothing done because.... the kids won't sleep! So, yeah. Any other time it wouldn't be that big of a deal, just wait until the girls cooperate and stuff. But, it's CRUNCH TIME! That means there is not time to wait a few days and say... eh, I'll get to it later. It just doesn't happen that way! So, each day up until he comes home needs to be extremely successful. Not to mention that I just recently moved (about a month ago now). So... TOTALLY STRESSFUL! I definitely feel like I've been through it all. Although... some icing on the cake has been actually getting our registration sticker (after 2 months) and then getting the washer and dryer from our friends. There are things I haven't washed in such a long time! I'm glad I finally have the means to get it done. Which also means, loads and loads of laundry! I need to rewash everything that has been sitting for the past 8 months so he has something to wear that doesn't smell like a box or outside. Oh, and speaking of cake, I need to make one for him too the day before he gets home. So, a lot to do and a little bit of time. I'm so glad that he's been safe though. That is such a blessing! Well, I'm sure I'll be writing again real soon!

Update

Just taking a break from 'life' and decided to write. The girls are growing and learning every day. Julia's first tooth broke through her gums on Tuesday. She now is very close to crawling, she reaches ahead of herself, then scoots to get to where she wants. So, an army crawl with a little bit of real crawling in there too. So, I'm sure it won't be long for that milestone. The girls get along very well. They are good sisters to each other. I hope they will learn to be close friends. I'm continuing to unpack and get things organized so that I don't have to worry about reorganizing for the rest of the time that we live here. Our new place is very quiet. I think they made the walls pretty thick so that most of the outside noise does just that, stays outside! Last night I got together with some friends and had a good time visiting with them. I feel so bad that I haven't been able to hang out more with people since I have the extra baggage of two children. I went shopping today and had the hardest time with the girls. I anxiously await the day that I can leave them with Jeremiah and I can actually go shopping ALONE. What a concept! I am just so - wow. I just am really excited about that. I hope he doesn't think that I don't love him because I am leaving the girls with him more when he finally returns home. I just can't wait to have that 'freedom'. Then there's Jeremiah. He's ready to be home, can't blame him because I'm ready for him to be home too! I look at pictures of him and wonder how I am going to react to seeing him for the first time in almost a year. He just seems so distant. Not only physically, but emotionally too. It's hard to describe what I am feeling. I just don't know how to say it really. I am so excited for him to be home, but I am scared to death too. I'm not going to know how to act. I think I'll end up treating it like a first date where you don't know if they like you, but you really think they are cute. I just know I am going to be shy and not know what to say to him. I don't want to react that way, but I don't know how else to act. I've lost 40 lbs since he's been gone. Is he going to like the new me? Is he going to love our daughter (the one he never met)? How will Melanie react to him? What if he's not attracted to me!?
Then there's the side of me that is angry. Angry at him for leaving me alone to have our baby, for making me deal with all these hard things on my own, and for not being more excited about coming home.
Then there's the overwhelming part of me that is just lost. Lost without him by my side. Just wanting him to be home. But, that will eventually happen. Well, I gotta run.... take care!

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!