ACU wreath

He's Okay

Sorry to leave everyone hanging.

Now that we are in the clear, I'd like to let everyone know my husband is going to be fine. He gave us quite a scare and we are very, very lucky that he's alive. It very easily could have gone the other way.

I'm not going to go into details until after the deployment is done because of OPSEC but for those of you who left encouraging words, thank you very much.

The Call No Military Wife Wants...

And I got it.

I'm grateful he is alive.

The words med-evac just ring in my ears now.

We aren't 100% in the clear. He is under observation for a few days.

I still feel numb.

I'm Back! And with a MilSpouse Fill in!

1. Were you named after anyone?
My first name was just a name both of my parents liked and my middle is after my great grandmother, Marie.

2. What color, if any, are your toenails usually painted?
I usually go french or a deep red.

3. How do you flush a public toilet? Hands? Feet? Something else?
Depends on how skanky the bathroom looks but mostly my hands and I just wash very well afterwards.

4. When you were a little kid, what TV character did you have a crush on?
JTT. Yep, I admitted it. Well more so Leonardo DiCaprio. I swore I was going to marry him.

5. Let's say you had to lose one of your five senses (sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell). Which one would you choose?
I think taste. I'm not one of those "food lovers" so I could go with everything tasting bland. Sure would help with weight loss :)

Wordless Wednesday

Update about not updating

(I've needed a whole lot of this lately)

I am going to be MIA for the next few weeks. I am drowning in school work and with finals only a week and a half away I need to be focused on getting through those.

Have I mentioned I haven't even looked at the syllabus for them yet?

These classes are going to be the death of me. I have had the heaviest work load without much room to take time and work on my final bit by bit.

Its almost over. Then I've got to figure out how to pay for the next two until myCAA actually does their job and pays my tuition like they promised.

2 months till we head back!

Milspouse Friday Fill In

1. Are you a night owl or an early bird? I kind of have to be both at this point serving dual roles as a mom and a student. Shane is up anywhere from 6:30 to 7:30 and I am up to usually midnight working on school work.

2. What makes you jealous? Moms who bounce back like they didn't just have a baby. It's been a long road for me...

3. Have you started Christmas/holiday shopping yet? When will you finish? (There’s only 63 days left!)

Yes and am actually almost done. I have everyone's gift picked out if I haven't already ordered it! I plan to not be in a retail store after December 1st.

4. What would you have a personal chef make you tonight? Ohhh... some sort of fabulous salad with steak and gorgonzola cheese. Okay mouth is officially watering.

5. Where was your first kiss? Is it bad that I don't really remember? I remember the first silly kiss when I was like 10, but I really can't remember my first actual kiss.... I DO however remember Matt and I's first kiss. All of our first (well ALMOST all... you'll see why its an almost) happened on a front porch of some sort. The first time we kissed was on our friend Paul's front porch and the first time he said "I love you" was on his parents front porch.

It's the MOST wonderful time of the year!

63 days.

63 days till Christmas.

Can that even be real????

With all the changes/moves we have in my family, I really like to make sure we send out a fabulous Christmas card to our family and friends all over the country. The military has allowed us to make some great friends and also take them away from us so we're spread across the US, Europe, and Asia.

Shutterfly is a great (and affordable) place to create your Christmas cards. I'm excited to create and share our Christmas card this year with our family pictures we had done while Matt was home on R&R. Check out their holiday photo card designs! Also, I don't know about you, but I DESPISE writing out my address over and over so here's some adorable ideas for Christmas address labels. Besides Christmas cards and labels, Shutterfly also has some fabulous places for gifts as well. Just visit the main site and see for yourself! I've ordered my husband a few photobooks through them!

And for all my penny pinchers: Shutterfly is offering 20% off all holiday cards!

So keep an eye out for our cards in the mail in the next few weeks!

It's truly the little things in life

Food blog?

Okay so here is my new personal challenge:

One new meal and one new baked good every week.

In lieu of that, I was thinking of maybe a blog about that challenge a) so I don't annoy those who follow and don't want to look at my cooking and b)to have an online recipe list for myself for when I want to make that particular dish again.

Any suggestions? Yay or Nay?

Garlic Lime Chicken Fajitas!

These were FABULOUS and a nice play on the normal chicken fajitas! Really quick and easy too! My only suggestion was to add more than the recommended amount of vegetables.

1tsp minced garlic
1 tsp minced onions
3/4 tsp ground cumin
3/4 tsp oregano leaves
1/2 tsp cilantro leaves
1/2 course ground pepper
1/4 lime juice
1/4 cup orange juice
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 lbs boneless chicken breasts cut into thin strips
1 medium green or red pepper cut into thin strips (I used one red and one green)
1 medium onion thinly sliced (again, I used 2)
Flour tortillas


Directions:
Mix juices, oil, all of the spices and salt in a small bowl. Reserve 1/4 cup of the marinade. Place chicken in resealable plastic bag. Add remaining marinade; turn to coat well. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes or longer for extra flavor.

Cook and stir chicken in large heated skillet on medium high for 3 minutes or until lightly browned (doesn't have to been cooked through). Remove chicken from skillet. Add peppers and onion and reserved marinade and cook and stir for 5 minutes or until veggies are tender. Return chicken to skillet and cook another 2-3 minutes until heated through.

Place tortillas between two damp paper towels and heat in microwave for 45 seconds.

I served the fajitas with some shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and some extra hot sauce!

MilSpouse Fill in Friday

1. What are some things on your bucket list? I haven't thought to much about this. I'm so used to living day to day and "hurrying up and wait" but I know I want to buy a house, travel to Greece, visit the Eiffel Tower...
2. How long have you been a MilSpouse and where have you been stationed so far? I have been a milspouse for 5 years and we have been stationed at Fort Myer, VA and Fort Campbell, KY.
3. What is a list of songs that sums up your life so far? Come Home- One Republic, Just Another Day in Paradise-Phil Vassar, Better Life-Keith Urban
   
4. What is your favorite kind of pizza? ANY kind of veggie pizza. I hate meat on my pizza. Just no olives please!
   
5. What are three good things in your life right now? First and foremost, my husband. I am blessed that he is in good spirits and healthy during his deployment. Second, my amazing little boy. He is beyond a blessing and I am so incredibly amazed at how much I could love someone. Third, my fellow milspouses. I don't know how I'd be getting through this deployment without them. It is so nice to have a group of women I can trust to talk to and know they understand exactly what I am going through.
   

Wordless Wednesday

Fill in Friday

1. What is the longest road trip you've ever taken?

Massachusetts to Tennessee. It took us 3 days with a 6 month old. Stopped in DC, then Knoxville, then the 4ish hours to Clarksville. We hit a rain storm about 25 minutes from Clarksville and we couldn't see 2 feet in front of the car the rain was coming down so hard! Luckily, drivers down there have come up with a method to drive safely by putting on their hazards to avoid accidents. I wouldn't have been able to see the car in front of me otherwise. Needless to say, its not a drive I ever want to do again but I'll be doing it in a few months.

2. Do you collect anything? Tell us a bit about it.

No but I love to take lots and lots of pictures. One of these days I'll create something with all of them.

3. What is your favorite part about being an adult?

Having my own space. Although since February I feel like a teenager again living in Mommy and Daddy's house.

4. What song brings a tear to your eye?

"Just a Dream" by Carrie Underwood. Something I try not to think about but having your husband in a very volatile combat zone, its something I have needed to accept and realize is a very real possibility. But I still don't like to think about it.

5. Describe your first plane ride. (how old you were, where you were heading, etc.)

I was a baby, flying to Texas to visit my mom's twin brother and my godfather. I obviously don't remember but my parents said I was a pretty good flier.

Want a pretty blog??

Love Mrs. Muffin's Blog Designs as much as I do?

Thanks to Mrs. Muffins and The Adventures of Mr Superman and Mrs S, you too could be the owner of a fabulous new blog layout!! Go to her page to find out how to win!

Here's what you win!

Your choice of a 1, 2, or 3 column template

Custom Background

Custom Header

“Grab” Button

Post Signature

Favicon

Sidebar Titles

Basic Navigation Link Bar

Coordinated Font Colors

Removal of Blogger Nav Bar

Free Installation

So now go, enter, WIN!

Pumpkin Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies

I have to give some credit to the fabulous Tearah at Always Onward for giving me the recipe (I tweaked it just a bit) for these fabulous cookies! I used my Kitchen Aid stand mixer to make these bad boys and for some reason they always come out a bit better than when I make anything stirring my hand...maybe its all in my head. So without further ado...

Pumpkin Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup shortening or margarine (I used shortening because we didn’t have margarine)
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs
3 cup oats
1/2 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup pumpkin
1 cup dried cranberries





Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

Sift together your flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg & salt in a small bowl. Set aside

Cream together your margarine, oil, brown sugar, white sugar, pumpkin, and vanilla until smooth.

Beat in eggs, one at a time. Then gradually mix in your sifted dry ingredients. Once your wet & dry are mixed well, stir in your oats. Mix well. Add your cranberries last.
KEY: Refrigerate dough for at least an hour before baking.

Spoon onto cookie sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes & let cool on wire rack. Mine were done around 9 minutes.

Wordless Wednesday

Our Army Life

October 27th marks 5 years that hubs has been enlisted in the US Army. It's been a long journey that's taken us through 2 duty stations and 2 deployments. His enlistment would have been up had we not re-enlisted in March of 2009 at the end of this month. I know he doesn't want the Army to be his life, he has so much potential and is a really smart guy (not that people that are lifers aren't smart). He doesn't want the Army to define him. If we had gotten out now, we'd be screwed. I am still working on my degree and with the economy the way it is, we'd be lucky to find jobs that provided benefits. I know it was the right choice for us. Despite having to go on another deployment, we've used this bittersweet time to pay off a lot of our debt and get on better financial standings. We'll have a fresh start and a way to put away money for when we do get out in 2013.

Yes, we are getting out. And yes, I am supportive of that decision. I know that Matt would never let us go without the necessities and I've seen him go above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable. He took on a second job when we found out I was pregnant. A second job while still working the 60+ hours the Army required of him. It was tough having him gone all the time and put a strain on our relationship but I knew the reasons he was busting his ass was for Shane and I. The only way I know how to repay him for his sacrifices is to finish my degree as quickly as I can so that he can take it easy and go to school when he gets out and pursue his dreams.

While he is in though, he wants to accomplish as much as possible. He is looking to go to Ranger school and get his Ranger tab as well as go back to Airborne school (he injured himself last time) and he'll be going to Air Assault when he gets back from Afghanistan. He also wants to try for pathfinder which is right at Fort Campbell. I am 100% supportive of everything he wants to accomplish. But that does not mean I want him to stay in. I know he'll have temptations to re-enlist once he gets all gung-ho about some schools, but I'm going to have to bring him back to reality and not let him give up on his other dreams too.

I could not be prouder of what he has accomplished in the last 5 years, both in the Army and out. I am proud of our little family and that we are standing on our own two feet and doing what we need to do.




“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.”

Wordless Wednesday: On it's way to Afghanistan

Random about Me's!

1) Do you prefer taking a shower or a bath?
I'm sure most of my fellow mothers can agree that a bath is idealistic now a days. Every once in a while I enjoy a good bath, but showers leave more time in the day for other things.

2) What jewelry do you wear on a daily basis?
I always have my wedding rings and Tiffany's bracelet on. I carry Matt's dog tag on my keys so I rotate wearing his dog tag with other necklaces. As proud I am of him, it gets repetitive to answer everyone's questions when they see it.

3) Have you read any good books lately?
Just finished "Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" and working on "Three Cups of Tea." Both excellent reads! I am always looking for another good book, so your suggestions are welcome!

4) What’s the oldest item in your closet?
Well considering I just had to buy all new clothes last spring thanks to shedding the baby weight but not quite fitting into my teeny bopper clothes, I'd have to see my Reef sandals. They are 4 years old now! I think next summer I need to invest in a new pair.

5) What toppings do you put on your popcorn?
I don't eat popocorn so that's an easy one! Can't stand feeling it stuck in my teeth!

6) Does your house have stairs?
My parents house does yes, 2 actually. but the house we are looking at in TN won't. YAY for less baby proofing!

7) Are you a morning person or a night person?
Neither really. I enjoying doing things in the morning, working out, shopping, I feel more accomplished, but I enjoy my nights that are all to myself!

8) What’s the healthiest decision you made today?
Going to the gym! And my new eating plan! Counting calories was a lot scarier than I thought it would be! You really have no idea what you're consuming until you count servings and add those calories up! Makes you much more conscious of what goes in your mouth!

8. If you were a shoe, what shoe would you be and why?
I don't think I can really answer this one because I feel like I take on so many roles! The wife part of me wants to be a 4 inch red patent leather stiletto, the mom in me wants to be a pair of monkey slippers, the athlete in me wants to be a pair of running shoes.



9. What talent do you wish you had? Would you pursue learning or brushing up on that talent now?
I wish I was musically inclined. My husband is and I have this little fantasy of having a little family band!


10. What is your fondest childhood memory?

Summers on the Cape.


11. What is your favorite song? What lyrics strike you the most?

Okay this is the most unfair question ever, but as far as a classic, I'd go with "Don't Stop Believing" I am a big Journey junkie!

12. If you could go back in any period of time before you were born, where would you go, what would you do?
Roaring 20's, for sure. Right before the great depression hit. The Great Gatsby is one of my all time favorite books.


13. Who is your role model?
Another hard one. I'd have to say my fellow milspouses who are the definition of strong and dedicated to their marriages even while their spouse is halfway across the world.



14. Pick a scar. Tell us it's story.
On my arm. Bar fight. My first and some idiot was stealing our drinks and when someone said something to him, he swung at her, so I grabbed him and he threw a glass at me. Luckily he missed and I only got cut by a piece.




15. If you had no computer, tv, or phone for a whole day (YIKES!) what would you do with yourself?
Skip-Bo. Hubs and I were TV less for a couple weeks last year and we just played cards, read, and talked. It was actually really nice. He wants to not get a TV right away when he gets back so we can spend "genuine family time".

Early Intervention

I am truly blessed to have delivered a perfectly healthy baby boy and I never forget that. I know not everyone is as lucky as I am and I count my blessings everyday. So far, we haven't discovered any major allergies, aliments, or injuries. However, I felt that he wasn't talking as much as most almost 18 month olds are. I try my very hardest not to compare him because babies do things at their own pace the first few years of their lives, but I felt uncomfortable and luckily my pediatrician took my concerns to heart and recommend he be evaluated by Early Intervention to easy my worries and to help him progress.

I was pleasantly suprised how quickly he was able to get into the program. I called immediately after his appointment (a Friday) and was called back Tuesday to set up the intial meeting. They came the following day! I was very nervous because I didn't want them judging my baby but the first meeting was mostly paperwork, getting background information, and lots of signatures. We set up an appointment for his actual assessment for the following week.

The assessment was a bit difficult for me because he was not doing ANYTHING they wanted him to do in true Shane fashion and I knew he could do the things asked of him. He was ready for his nap so that may have contributed to his lack of interest or the fact that out of the 3 ladies here, he had only met one of them before. I was shocked to see that he scored right on age for verbal but they scored him at 10 and 12 months for two other categories (one was fine motor skills and the other had to do with his interest level). Because he was 30% delayed (he'd have to be at 12 months for any of the sections to be eligible) we were eligible for services. (Side note: his fine motor skills are totally fine. He can stick my car key in my ignition and use a fork. He was just not having the game one of the ladies was trying to do with him)

Yesterday we developed his ISVP, which is basically goals and deadlines for both Shane and I. They gave me a list of resources that were available to me which included a tot time for Shane and a Mommy's group for me. Right now they are going to come work with him at least twice a week at home, more if we need it.

These are the goals I set:

Learn 10 new words in 3 months.
Develop an stronger attachment to daddy's voice/picture to help to form a healthy social/emotional bond
Help him to communicate better with me to avoid tantrums.


In addition to the regular home visits, I am receiving sign language classes, stress management classes, and financial planning classes! I was amazed that this program has so much to offer me and not just little man! But the more I think about it, this is really a family assignment. Shane can't be learning these things without me helping him so I need to be as equipped as I possibly can be. And the fact they provide these wonderful services to me for FREE makes the icing on the cake that much sweeter.

Heaven.

Wordless Wednesday

You make me smile ♥

Okay, I have to do one of those posts. The ones where you gush about your husband. What can I say? He's pretty freaking amazing.

Matt recently switched companies. He was attached to a forward support company as an infantryman which I knew as soon as he came home and told me, was not going to be good. Not to sound like a snot (and I'm not an infantryman) but infantry guys have a certain level to which they like to perform and they have a way of doing things not all other MOS's understand. Just from being at this new company for a week, I have seen SUCH a change in him. He is happy, he feels like is part of a brotherhood, he feels included and that makes for a happier husband and happier wife. I hated hearing himself be down on himself or have something crappy happen. Deployments are tough as it is and he was miserable being away from us and miserable in that company. It has been night and day.

I cannot use the word "proud" enough. I am SO proud of my husband, of his battalion and of his brigade. They have done amazing things in the areas they have been controlling while they have been there and have gained some really positive attention from some pretty important people. Matt made a decision to go to this unit for the opportunity to deploy again. And while having him deployed hasn't been a walk in the park for me, he is doing what he wanted to do and all I can be is supportive. Keep things together on the home front so he has nothing to worry about but the mission. Raising Shane has been a challenge but he is such a great kid and I was thrilled to know that Matt really appreciated everything I've done and that I'd been doing a good job with him. This is my first time raising a child so it's foreign territory for me and more of a challenge than I had expected. But I love being a mom and he is so worth it!

We are in the home stretch of this deployment (only 3-4 months left!!!) and while his new mission doesn't thrill me, I am confident in him as a soldier and NCO and the guys that he's with. I will be moving back (depending his redeployment date) in about 2.5 months so I can set up house and get some of my sanity back. We are on the waiting list for housing so I am praying that a house will be available when we need it. I don't want to have to sign a lease anywhere.

So that's it for now. I love that husband of mine and I can't wait to have my "mountain ninja" home.

Flashback Friday

Since Matt and I will be celebrating 6 years being together in a few weeks (we officially began dating October 5, 2004) I figured I'd share some of the beginning of our journey together.



Old school. Superbowl 2004. Pats won. He had facial hair.

Just a few...

R&R

"Tough times never last; tough people do"

Right now, I hate R&R. I wish it didn't exist. Ask me how I felt about R&R two weeks ago, I'd probably have a very different opinion. I definitely needed to see him but having him ripped away after 2 weeks is quite possibly the most painful thing I have ever gone through. Shane doesn't understand where his daddy went again but I can tell he knows something is up. Feeling like a family was the happiest I've been this whole year. I loved being able to do just the simple things with them, getting coffee was exciting.

And now we're back to being just the two of us. 56% done. I need time to keep flying...

I will write a full detail of R&R when I'm not feeling so blah.

He's Home!

Feelings

Does anyone ever feel like their feelings aren't respected? Like the way you are feeling is wrong and that somebody always makes you feel guilty for feeling that way?

Please tell me someone does so I'm not in this alone.

I wish some people would understand that MY feelings are MINE. They don't have to agree with them or even like them, but they need to realize they are mine and I have every right to feel the way I do. I don't expect sympathy or for you to side with me, just don't tell me I'm wrong for feeling that way.

I try SO very hard to be nice to everyone, to go out of my way, and to be an overall good person but there comes a time when I've been shot down, pushed around, and ran over so many times than I am just done. I can only do so much and feel so many ways without hitting that dead end. I'm at that dead end now and not only does it suck, its just plain uncomfortable.

Because of being shot down so much, I have a hard time communicating how I am feeling because I am sick of hearing "you're wrong" or "that's just stupid". Essentially I feel like you're calling me stupid. Why on earth would I keep on wanting to expressing myself then?

So that's where I'm at right now. Frustrated beyond belief and just tired.

Bad blog mommy!

I have seriously been neglecting my duty as a blogger lately and been posting super short posts really with not a huge update on life! So I guess from taht you can deduct, its been a pretty hectic last few weeks! So here goes the fill in:

Shane had his 15 month old check up last Friday. He is 34 inches and 26.4 lbs! BIG BOY! He is golden on all the physical movements he's supposed to be doing but I addressed my concern about how little he talks. He was a late babbler when he was a baby so I don't know if this is following that pattern but I'd much rather be safe than sorry and if he is having trouble talking, I want to get it check out ASAP. I've decided to call Early Intervention and have him evaluated to be on the safe side. I'd much rather be overly cautious on this than denying he might have some trouble and letting it go too far. Best case scenario is that he just needs a push in the right direction and I need some tips to help him and worse case is there is actually a developmental issue but at this age it will be a much better outcome if he is diagnosed and we get him in with a speech therapist. He is smart, that I cannot deny. He figures things out quickly and has already shown an interest in puzzles. He brings me objects when I ask for them and he shows desire to want to communicate with me. To be perfectly honest, my biggest fear is autism. Matt's youngest brother was diagnosed with Aspbergers 3 years ago so that is always in the back of my mind since we don't know what causes autism. So other than that, things have been great with my bug. He is growing SO much and learning to do new things every day! He LOVES to eat. I talked to Matt about it and his reaction was "My poor wallet". I guess its payback for his teenage years!

Speaking of the hubbs, we don't have much longer till R&R! Its definitely hitting me and the anxiety and anticipation has been driving me wild! I have been really trying to push myself during my work outs and trying to do something every day instead of every other day. I started tanning to fix my horrible tan lines from taking Shane in the pool. The next week or so I have everything planned out to what day I get the car washed (which HOPEFULLY will be fixed by Tuesday) to getting my pedi/mani. I am trying my hardest to stay busy which has been a struggle since I do have a lot to do just not really things I want to do. School has been kicking my ass lately. I have NEVER had a class where I've had so much work to do in such a short period of time not to mention I have to have my finals turned in early since the weekend they are due happens to be when Matt and I are away in Maine with NO internet connection (not that I'm wanting to bring a laptop anyway :) ). So in the next say week and a half I have to do three weeks worth of school work including two final projects and get myself ready for seeing my husband again for the first time in 6 months. I need a drink just thinking about it!

Update on my poor Corolla: The other driver was found negligent in the accident so I paid no deductible and it didn't affect my insurance rates. I was so thrilled when i got the copy of the police report that he had placed her at fault even though no citation was issued at the scene. So right now my baby is being fixed but the adjuster made some mistakes and not all of the parts were ordered to fix it so now I am waiting on the supplement from the other drivers insurance. I dropped the car off a week ago so I am getting anxious to have her back!

So really that's it for now! Stayed tuned...

I just want him home

I've had enough.

I want my husband back.

I want to know he's safe and all his limbs are attached.

I want to feel his arms around me.

I want our family to be a family again.

I don't want my son having to point to pictures and say "dada". I want him to say "dada" to his daddy.

These last few weeks before R&R have DRAGGED on and I cannot find enough to keep me busy. I feel like I'm losing my mind a little bit. I have NEVER felt this anxious or stressed out in my life. I just keep praying for patience and peace.

Slave to schoolwork

I am busting my butt to get my degree finished so this is a typical image of me. If I'm not running or running after my little one, I'm camped out working on school work. I have 3ish weeks before all my finals are due which will just in time for the hubs to come home. Hopefully that will keep my motivated and focused... ya, right.

Thirty-One gifts

New business venture guys!

www.mythirtyone.com/amk

Please check out my site and let me know if you'd like to order anything or have questions! I have fallen in love with their products and the quality is amazing and the prices are affordable! Everything comes in several patterns which you can view on the online catalog and can be personalized!

Here are some of my favorite products:

Utility tote $29.50

Stores everything! I love to put mine in the back seat of my car to keep all of my son's things organized! And its so easy to bring in and out!

Thermal lunch tote $14

I have used mine that came in my starter kit quite a few times already! It's perfect for us mom's on the go!

Weekender Tote $72

Perfect for those unexpected getaways!

There are so many more amazing products so don't be shy and take a peak! I am currently hosting an online party for all of my own of the area friends from the 14th-24th. You can e-mail me at amkthirtyone@yahoo.com with questions or an order!

Shane's First Haircut

Yep, I did it. I cut off the curls. He was started to get knots in his hair and it was just way out of control. It took me 3 months to get to this point and I'm really glad I just went with it and didn't take him to an actual hairdresser. I just ambushed him in the tub while he was distracted.

So yep, that's it! He looks so old now!

Kennebunkport

One of my favorite places in the entire world. I have been coming here since I was little and I can faintly remember walking over the bridge into town and the toy shop where I would buy little silly things from.

This is now Shane's second time here although last time he was only 3 months old and slept through the majority. I love being able to show my son these places I spent so much time at during the summer. It's this whole life completing a circle kind of thing that gives me the chills.

(And the first picture of Matt and I on the left side of my blog-is next to that toy shop I talked about. It was taken during his R&R in 2007)

Mamarazzi Monday #3

As promised, our third Monday mamarazzi picture!

Running on 2.5 hours of sleep

I know I said I didn't want this blog to be a sympathy blog or me feeling sorry for myself, because I'm not but its just been one of those weeks. Well past few days really. With the car accident and feeling totally overwhelmed with school as well as a few other situations, I would really love it if I had my husband here to support me. I need a hug and to hear "baby it's all going to be okay".

Its been a bit since I've heard from the DH. I know he's been really busy with his mission and everything that's going on over there so I don't blame him. It's always these lapses in communication when something goes wrong. It's like clockwork.

So I am going to put my big girl panties on and deal with it, like I always do. I don't have the time to break down or give up.

"Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength.”

My poor Corolla

My BRAND NEW CAR had a boo-boo today. Technically I hit her, I had no other choice. She pulled out from a stop sign/flashing red light when I was driving down a MAIN ROAD. Thank goodness I had already slowed down so I only hit her going maybe 25 instead of the normal 40 mph. The police haven't put anyone at blame (yet) but I am sure going to fight for her insurance to totally cover me. She should have been paying attention and looking. If she had actually looked, she would have seen me. My car is not hard to spot and while that intersection isn't the greatest, everyone in my town knows you need to be careful.

The most important thing is that Shane is totally fine. I have been having some neck and shoulder soreness from tensing up when we hit but so far Shane has shown no effects at all. God was truly looking out for us that day. If I had been going any faster, I may not have walked away from that situation (she would have t-boned me) and that is a scary enough thought for me to truly be sure that He was looking out for us.

So here's some pictures of my poor car. I am already itching to get her fixed!

Bad blogger...

Apologies for the lack of blogging lately.

Last week was a FUBAR of school, work, and daily life. I barely had time to think never the less blog. This week has been significantly less hectic but I'm been attempting to find the marbles I lost last week which has been quite the process. Here we, Friday, and about 5 WEEKS till R&R(!!!!!!!!!) Can you tell I'm just slightly excited???

The next several weeks are going to be tad bit insane as well. Sunday-Monday night bugger and I are heading up to Maine to visit my parents while they are on vacation. I would have LOVED to go up the whole week like we did last year but their time share room is just way too small for all of us. So we are just going to go up for two days. I could spend a lifetime in Maine but Matt and I will be back up there for our romantic getaway in just a few weeks. The In-Laws will be visiting the 16th-whenever (not sure what is planned) but I have a lot going on that week too with appointments and such so I probably won't see them much. The following week is the BEGINNING OF AUGUST which means preparation for R&R will be in effect.

C25K is going well. I am really enjoying running and looking forward to it the days that I do. I haven't worked in a workout every day just yet because I don't want to overextend myself or exhaust myself and then give up. I haven't noticed the number on the scale go down (actually I think I've plateaued) but I have noticed a difference in my shape and how clothes fit so I am trying to judge by that. Still have been off diet soda (YAY!) and I have the occasional decaf coffee. But I have found a friend in my own Arnold Palmer with green tea and lemonade (both Crystal Light packets) and I drink a lot of that on top of the massive amounts of water I've been inhaling. The heat we've had has made it easy for me to take in the recommended amount of water and I can feel a huge difference when I am not properly hydrated.

So that's it for now. I have the house to myself next week so I will try and update when I can!

Mamarazzi Monday: Week 2

Spending a few minutes chilling out on a hot, hot day in Boston. Shane got to meet his second cousins Nils whom we haven't seen in over 10 years!

Happy Independence Day!

Mamarazzi Monday

Thanks to my new found military spouse blog site that I found, I will be posting a picture of the booger every Monday! I know many of you follow my Project 365 (which I know I need up update and put on here) but this is going to be just an added bonus!

Sophie and Dani (Shane's two girlfriends) came over for some play and swim time this morning. I don't know if Shane is quite liking behind chased around by girls already, but he better get used to it. He's a stud!

**Insert scream of frustration here**

WHY do my instructors feel it necessary to pile on load of work the week of my FAVORITE HOLIDAY!?

I have 3 mini-papers, one large paper, 2 discussion questions, and participation posts (2 posts, 4 separate days) to complete by Sunday.

Did I mention I was working three nights this week and Saturday 10-3? And a baseball game with my family Saturday night? And then there is this little holiday called 4th of July Sunday where we are having about 20-30 people over the house.

And to do all this on top of my daily routine with Booger AND keep with my C25K challenge.

Did I mention its about 6 weeks till DH comes home? So I am now starting to get those millions of little things written out and planned for. Its so stressful with so many things being up in air right now. We have "kind of" dates but until I know his flight schedule and that he's on his way to the US, I won't be at ease.

Progress

So its been 2 full weeks since starting my C25K challenge and a week since I cut out all soda and caffeine from my diet. I must admit, giving up caffeine was something I wasn't at all looking forward to. I really love my coffee and Diet Pepsi. But it has been completely worth it. I feel a new kind of energy, not the up and down roller coaster of living off caffeine but an actual long lasting energy. My skin has cleared up a ton and I over all just feel great. I have noticed small changes in my body as well. I am hoping the further I get into the running program, the more inches I begin to lose. I have been drinking strictly water and eating (for the most part) very healthy with lots of lean proteins. R&R is right around the corner and I want to look my best for the hubs! I have already lost 15 lbs since he left and I'd really like to lose another 10 or so by the time he comes home.

I'll keep everyone updating on my progress!

Do you believe in angels?

Sometimes I feel like I am truly being watched out for, that God has put certain people in certain places at the time when you need it the most. I haven't had a real feeling like this in quite a while but I'd like to share a story about a woman I met at the Nashville Airport.

I had JUST dropped my husband off at his company to leave for Afghanistan for a year, had to rush back to our townhouse for move out inspection, and then speed to Nashville to catch my flight home. All with a recovering from a stomach bug 10 month old. The day had obviously not started off well with a lot of tears and "see you laters" but to top it off when I dropped off our rental car at the Hertz drop off at the airport, I left one bag, the one that contained pretty much every piece of Shane's 12-18 month closet, in the car. Unbeknownst to me, I went to the check in counter and then realized this bag was missing. I knew I didn't feel like my hands were full enough! So I trekked back down to the Hertz center and waited forever for them to see if they could find it. I was starting to get worried after 10 minutes because I knew it had to be in the car. Finally they came out with the backpack and I rearranged all my bags to head back up to go through security.

At security, I was held up because I forgot to change in a HUGE bag of change for cash at Walmart that day. So my bags were searched because they couldn't tell from the scanner what it was. I then had to rearrange everything in Shane's diaper bag plus manage to get my shoes back on and deal with a fussy baby who didn't want to be stuck in his stroller.

I made my way to the gate where I found out the plane was already going to be late. Awesome. I chatted with the flight crew who of course fell in love with Shane. I had just bought my ACU diaper bag and they soon asked about it. I explained that his daddy had just left today and they apologized and offered me to pre-board when the flight came since they could tell I had my hands full.

Then I met Kris. Kris is a fellow Army wife. Her husband is out of the Illinois National Guard and she was returning back to Chicago after a business trip in Nashville. We got to talking and since my flight from Chicago to Boston was going to be tight and we kept getting delayed, she offered to put me up for the night just in case I got stuck in Chicago. Now, I don't know about you but I have met very few people who would invite essentially a complete stranger to come to their home with them and then drive them to the airport the next day. We finally left Nashville and were on our way to Chicago Midway. We got to Chicago a lot faster than I hoped we would and my anxiety about not getting home that night lessend greatly. Then we were told we were going to have to circle because of there not being anywhere for us to land. We circled for an HOUR. I watched the minutes pass and the time my plane was supposed to take off passed. Every few minutes I could connect to the southwest site on my phone and saw that my plane had been delayed about a half hour. I knew we'd be cutting it close. I jumped off the plane as fast as I could with my hands full of bags and a baby. Kris was right behind me. She ran, yes I literally RAN, all the way to my next gate which of course was in a completely different terminal. She made sure I got on that plane and was on my way home safely and made me promise to let her know as soon as I was home safe.

I think I would have fallen apart that day if it hadn't been for Kris and her compassion and kindness. She has literally been a Godsend. We are still in touch and I always enjoy chatting with her and her encouraging words. She is an AMAZING woman with more accomplishments on her list that I could ever imagine. Meeting her was a reminder that there are good people out there and that even on your hardest days, God is looking out for us all. I consider Kris to be my guardian angel that day and I am so lucky to have met her.

23 years young

Yesterday was my 23rd birthday. I have come to expect nothing grand or it being the "most special day of the year" anymore. I don't know if that's because of years of crappy birthdays or just getting old and realizing its not that big of a deal. This year's birthday consisted of homework, laundry, working out, and keeping my 14 month old busy. Pretty much an ordinary day besides our dinner out and a few gifts. Since Matt's been in the Army we've spent 2 of my birthday's together and NONE of his together. Last year I wouldn't even consider him being around because he had a 24 hour CQ shift and slept until 5 PM when we went to get dinner. So maybe I am a bit jaded over it all. But at least today I was surrounded by people that I love very much (minus the DH) and really that's what it should be about.

Father's Day

I don't have enough words about Shane's father/the love of my life. Even from Afghanistan he is such an amazing father. I know he can't wait to see his monster.

"Can we hike this Freedom Trail?"

Since SOMEONE gave me crap about not writing about our visit and even though I should be headed to bed, I will blog just for her!

Monica and Luke (my two favorite Indiana-ians) came in last Saturday for a long weekend of fun! Being around another Army wife and new mommy was such a nice change. While I do have a support group here, there is NOTHING like being with someone who completely understands your struggles, bad days, and the time needed to be spent on the phone/skype with your soldier. Saturday was pretty crappy weather wise so we laid low, did some quick shopping up at the mall I work at, and had pizza and watched a movie.

Sunday I was able to show her some of the history of my wonderful state that I am so proud of. We went to North Bridge in Concord where the Revolutionary War essentially began. I enjoy history probably a little more than I should and the thought that I am standing on the ground where so many men lost their lives in order to gain our independence gives me goosebumps every time. We learned that brakes on baby carriages are a MUST and that trees aren't always as easy to climb as they appear to be. We had a great lunch down in the center of Concord then headed back to Westford since the babies had enough of our sight seeing.

Monday I took her into good ole Beantown where I had to explain to her why we were called Beantown. Our first stop was Make Way for Ducklings in the Public Garden and then I proceeded to illegally feed the ducks at the pond. Whoops! I'm glad she enjoyed how gorgeous the park was. I have always had a soft spot for that area especially this time of the year. We walked through the common and followed some of the Freedom Trail into Fanueil Hall for a bit of souvenir shopping and lunch at Cheers. We stopped by the Old Town Hall where the Declaration of Independence was read to the public and where the Boston Massacre occurred. I wish I was able to take her over to Bunker Hill and Paul Revere's house but the little ones were definitely being pushed to their max so we headed back home. That night was a bit of a shit show if I do say so myself. That day also happened to be the Army's 235th birthday so we drunkenly baked and decorated a cake. I don't think much more explanation is needed. I'll let you use your imagination.

On their last full day here, we went up to Maine which really sparked the idea of her whole trip. Ogunquit is probably my favorite place ever. Matt and I have great memories up there and my parents have a time-share up there every July so I've spent quite a bit of time up in that area. Luke had his first ocean experience and Shane had his second which resulted in a very wet toddler for me and a drowned camera for Monica. We did some souvenier shopping and then drove a bit down route 1 for some lunch at the Maine Diner (YUM!). I promised her a trip to Coach so we hit the Kittery Outlets on the way back. We both made out pretty well at the outlets without using my discount.

Overall, it was such a great time to spend with a wonderful friend. I am sad we don't live closer but I know in this crazy Army life we may end up sharing a duty station again. Until then, I am going to look forward to our joint family vacation in a few years! Love ya favey!!!