The life and times of Me

Spice up February

2012-01-24T11:26:00.001-06:00

We all know what "holiday" comes in February. And although I don't really buy into lets get each other chocolates and a card that says how much I love you, I do try to do a little something.

This year I'm taking to EdenFantasys to see if I can't spice things up a bit. Who doesn't love a good massage? Throw in some of the massage products offered, and it's sure to spice up some alone time. I was even looking at some massage candles to add to my collection as well. I am actually thinking about ordering the Life Afterglow sample to play around with and see if it's something my SO and I will enjoy.

And let's not forgot an adorable new bedroom outfit! I happen to think the I love you Babydoll would make an adorable Valentine's Day outfit (for the night of course, after the kids an all have went to bed). Me personally, I like to make sure I have really well, and I found this shave cream that is amazing! It leaves the area I shave nice and smooth and I don't get any annoying shaving bumps.

I also noticed as I was looking at the site this morning that Edenfantasys is offering 25% off sex toys and massaging products right now.

Head on over, have a look around and see what kind of nifty things you can find!

EdenFantasys, is an online retailer. All opinions are my own.

Being Healthy

2012-01-19T11:32:00.000-06:00

A few months, I don't think I truly realized just how unhealthy I was being. Then things started to change, I started eating better, working out, and just in general taking care of me. This time last year I was near 190 pounds. I yo-yo'd the beginning of last year, meaning I'd work out, but not eat right, or I'd eat right but not work out. But when I meshed the two together magical things started happening.

I didn't fall into the diets, or "magical" pills.... I just started living healthier. I'm really happy with the progress I've made the last few months, and even the effect it is having on my kids. We went out to eat a few weeks back and the kids both ordered chicken fingers, the waitress said grilled or fried, both boys were like grilled please it's healthier. Talk about making me a proud mommy!

As of today I am 155 pounds, and am wearing between an 8 and a 10 (just depends on style and brand). Last summer I was in a 14-16... Needless to say I'm so excited and proud of myself.

Here's hoping to losing 15 more pounds and more toning up :)

Finally a diagnosis

2012-01-17T08:27:00.000-06:00

If you go back a few years into my blog, you'll read about some struggles I have faced with my oldest son. He was diagnosed at the age of 6 with extreme anxiety.. And for a while that diagnosis sufficed.. However as time went on I just felt like there was more, it was more than just anxiety. I watched a documentary on Asperger's and was left feeling like my very own son could have been in that documentary.

So after much searching in this town (must be a lot of forked up people here cause finding a counselor is hard work) I was able to find a Psychologist who would do a complete testing. After 2 months of testing, we finally have a diagnosis. Jo was diagnosed with generalized anxiety, OCD, oppositional defiant disorder, and Asperger's.

Now I imagine some of you may be thinking how can she be excited about that? Well, I'll tell you... Now I can finally get him the help he needs! We know exactly what we are facing and can take all the steps to help Jo achieve and grow. We are currently in the process of working with the school to get him in a smaller class size. The school counselor and I really feel this will be a great thing for Jo and really help him thrive in school. He's smart, to smart for his own good sometimes, but his grades don't reflect it because of being in a class with 25 other kids.

I would love to hear from other mommy's who have kids with similar issues :)

Resolutions

2012-01-06T07:49:00.000-06:00

I've been reading various blogs lately and everyone is talking about their resolutions and stuff. I kind of feel bad that I haven't even bothered to make any. Truth be known, I never stick to them anyways so I figured why bother. I know one of the biggest ones everyone make is the whole losing weight thing. However I took steps months ago to change my eating habits and hitting the gym 5 days a week, so to make it a resolution just wouldn't be right.

So in short, this year I'm rolling with no resolutions. I have a few goals I'd like to met, but I'm keeping them to myself cause it seems like when I share them, I falter.

He who breaks a resolution is a weakling;
He who makes one is a fool.
~F.M. Knowles

The hustle and bustle of the holidays are over, now time to shop for what I really want

2012-01-03T22:00:00.002-06:00

Whew! I successfully made it through the holidays, all in one piece too! Now that the holidays are over and I've bought stuff for family and friends, I can finally spend some Christmas money on things that I want. Which leads me to the reason of this post. After some searching on web, I came across EdenFantasys.com.

Now if you're anything like me after seeing the name of the website, you're instantly thinking it's only a sex toys site, but oh no my friend! You are sadly mistaken. They have sooooooo much more than that, and after an hour or so of virtually shopping I've got my wish list way more than started.

I've been hitting the gym 5 nights a week for the last two months and have lost 15 pounds (weighed in today at 160) and lost 6 inches. To say I'm feeling really good about myself would be an understatement. So I was looking at some lingerie I'm sure wearing these cute little boy short panties or some pin-up ruffles will help add to my confidence (and of course make me feel all sexy).

So, head on over to EdenFantasys and have a look at all their neat stuff.

EdenFantasys, an online retailer, provided me with a gift card in exchange for this post. All opinions are my own.

Life Lessons.....

2011-11-18T10:15:00.001-06:00

The past few months I've been faced with many life lessons, knowing when to hold em and when to fold em. The problem with this is, sometimes you just never know when the right time to fold em is there, even if you've known it for quite some time.

"Sometimes you make the right decision, and sometimes you make the decision right"

That quote is so incredibly true.

I am of firm belief that everyone that comes into your life is there for a reason, they are there to teach you a life lesson. Some lessons are great, and others not so much.

I've cut two people from my life in the last few months. One was a hard decision because that person had been there for me through many ups and downs, but in the end even after a 20+ year friendship, I had to walk away. This person taught me that even best friends can drift apart. I know in the end if we ever truly needed each other, we'd be there in a heartbeat.

The other person I hadn't known quite as long, but for the length of our "friendship" it was like I was being tied down to weights. Without even realizing it, this person talked down to me, often times making me feel like I was less than human. And even though so many people told me to walk away, I just couldn't. It was bound to happen at some point though, it was sure I'd reach my breaking point. This person taught me that some people just think they are better than others, that some people just are not good people or good friends.

I'm a much better person now, after having cut these people from my life. I smile more, I don't feel weighted down with their life drama. Don't get me wrong though, at times I miss the friendships, but then I remember how each one treated me, and I know for certain I am a much better person than to continue to allow them to treat me the way they did.

Now I'll leave you with this quote from a movie I watched recently.

“I promise to pray for you every day, ask for forgiveness, grant you the same and be your friend always.”

I can't believe it....

2011-10-11T14:16:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it is already 2 weeks into October. I was looking at the calendar this morning and realized we only have 5 paychecks until Christmas. Holy smokes! I realize Christmas is the same time every year, and every year I feel like the entire year flies by way to fast.

Guess it's time to start figuring out what I'm going to get everyone for Christmas this year. The boys are fairly easy, especially since when we visit a toy store all I hear is "Oh I'd like to have this" or "OMG I so want this" (thankfully the boys know the difference between wants and needs).

I'm not sure if I'll do Black Friday this year or not (let's face it, I enjoy my sleep), but I'm sure my mom will want to hit up a few stores.

I've also recently become real interested in coupon'ing and getting some really good deals. I'm doing pretty good thus far, but can't wait to be saving even more money so we can take some really neat family trips.

Off to play mom and get some homework accomplished.

Have a good day y'all!

Bacon Ranch Chicken

2011-09-18T19:13:00.001-05:00

I've been getting back in the habit of using my crockpot. I tell you, I just love that thing! Makes things so easy on everyone (mainly me) but once I start working it will be a staple in the house considering Rob can't cook all that well.

Anywhoo.. Wanted to share my most recent recipe I cooked that we all enjoyed.

You'll need:

4 boneless skinless chicken breats
2 tablespoons real bacon bits (I cooked up a couple pieces of bacon and just crumbled it)
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 packet ranch dressing mix
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 cup of sour cream
egg noodles

Whatcha do:

Place chicken in bottom of crockpot
Combine bacon bits, garlic, ranch mix, soup and sour cream in a bowl and mix well and pour over chicken
Cook on low about 7-8 hours
Shred chicken (this is optional of course)
Boil egg noodles and place in crockpot during the last hour of cooking

Viola! It was super yummy and the kids requested it be made again soon.

You win some, you lose some

2011-09-17T21:06:00.001-05:00

So, I really don't think I'll get the job, and I'm okay with that. I mean really what other choice do I have? My lack of experience in the professional is what is hurting me. The guy who interviewed me kept telling me how much he liked my resume, and then would say how he would really prefer someone with more experience.

After he said that a few times, I was thinking to myself Okay dude, I got it, you want someone with experience. Finally I spoke up and told him I understood what he wanted, but how am I suppose to gain experience if everyone is looking for it and won't hire someone without it?!?! He chuckled and said I had a very valid point.

After all was said and done, he told me he'd get back to me in a couple day. Like I said I doubt I get it, but I went ahead and sent a thank you note to thank him for taking the time interview me.

Other than that, we haven't been up to much, just hanging out around the house. The boys went to their friends birthday party tonight and we had a good time. Tomorrow is laundry day, and my youngest sons' birthday.. Hard to believe my lil man is going to be 8 *sad face*

I'm so stoked!

2011-09-14T20:32:00.001-05:00

Just wanted to share with my readers (If I even have any) that I have a job interview tomorrow. I'm so stoked, and extremely nervous. I haven't been on an interview since like 2005! I hope I get the job, but if not I'll completely understand. I'm interviewing for a job that I don't have any direct experience in and I was completely upfront in my cover letter and when I spoke with the guy on the phone... But he still wanted to interview me.

I'll post tomorrow evening with all the info and how I think the interview goes...

Wish me luck, I need it :)

We made it...

2011-09-13T20:51:00.002-05:00

Hey ya'll!

We made it to TN last Tuesday and things have been plum crazy since. As we were driving up the moving company called and told me the driver was in town and wanting to deliver our household goods.. ummm SAY WHAT??? Delivery was set up for Wednesday. The lady proceeds to tell me if we don't accept our stuff that day it would go into storage for a week if not more.

Well crap! We literally weren't suppose to be in town until noon or so, and had a 1pm appointment to sign for our house. She tells me she'll make a few calls and call me back, I wait... and wait.. and wait some more. I call her back but nothing, so I get hubs to call her. She says there was a misunderstanding and although the driver was in town, he wasn't going to deliver our stuff until Wednesday.. PERFECT!

Fast forward through over an hour of stop and go traffic thanks to a wreck near Nashville, and getting to post, we make our way to the housing office. As hubs is filling out the paperwork, I get a phone call from the driver. "Mrs. H, I am here at your house to deliver" SAY WHAT?!?!?!?!? We haven't even done our walk through!

He wasn't joking either. As the leasing agent brings us to the house to do our walk through, there the truck sits, with all our stuff on it.

Some would say we were lucky to get our house and stuff so quick, but let me tell you, we have had problem after problem. However I'll save that rant for another time :)

I'll leave ya'll with a pic of our new house. Much smaller than what we moved from, but it gives us motivation to start working toward buying our own house.

Cute.. huh?

Action packed week

2011-09-05T20:55:00.002-05:00

Hey Ya'll! I know I've been absent the last few weeks, but things have been totally crazy around here. As I said in my last post, we were gearing up for our move, which is currently underway.

It all started last Wednesday. The movers showed up to start parking all of our possessions, then on Thursday they came back and put pretty much everything we own on a moving truck.

After our house was pretty much empty, we all 4 took to scrubbing baseboards, scrubbing carpets, cleaning window seals, windows and blinds. The biggest tasks were the kitchen and bathrooms. My darling husband offered to do the bathrooms (all 3) and I got stuck with the kitchen. After 2 hours, I was finally done scrubbing the oven, refrigerator and cupboards.

We finally got to bed around 1, only to wake up at 6 and finish up some last minute things and get the vehicles loaded. At 10 the office manager showed up for our inspection. All in all, it wasn't to bad. There were a few things we had to pay for, but nothing to big.

After the inspection we hit the road to head to my parents house. Was really no point in driving to Campbell and spending the holiday weekend in a hotel.

On Saturday we all headed out to Stone Mountain. A great time was had by all, hopefully we can make it a yearly family trip. The main reason we went was for my birthday, it's what I requested we do.

I adore Stone Mountain. When I lived near Atlanta as a teen, we'd always go a few times during the year. I have dearly missed going....

Sunday was more or less a lazy day. We all went out to brunch then home to watch football (LET'S GOOOOOOOOOO MOUNTAINEERS!!!!!) and do some reading. My dad and Rob headed down to Atlanta Motor Speedway for the Sprint Cup race, but if you're a race fan, you know the race was postponed because of the weather.

Today mom and I went and bought some groceries for my birthday dinner (my birthday is tomorrow, but we'll be traveling). I LOVE LOVE LOVE my moms fried chicken so I asked her to make it for me. My sister and her boyfriend came over for dinner as well. Today is actually her boyfriends birthday, so my sister made two cakes, one for him and one for me.

Apparently my sister thinks turning 30, makes someone over the hill.

My sister was so proud of herself for making the cakes, and I have to admit they were very yummy.

Now everything is settling down, the boys are tucked in bed. Rob is playing the DSI, and I'm blogging. Fixin' to head to bed soon so we can drive the 5 hours to Campbell and sign for our new house, then on Wednesday our stuff should be delivered.

I should be up and running with internet by the weekend. So I'll be posting pictures of our new house and perhaps some pics from the trip....

Hope everyone had a great holiday weekend!

My long absence

2011-08-19T15:02:00.000-05:00

Lord, I haven't posted since Mother's Day. How horrible am I? Honestly, I haven't had much to blog about, which really isn't an excuse because Lord knows I could have blogged about something, anything.

We're gearing up for our big move that happens in 2 weeks.

We actually drove up to Fort Campbell last weekend and took a look around. Kind of made all of us feel better about the move.

So, if any of my readers (if I still have any) are at Campbell, get with me, I'll be looking to make new friends!

Happy Mothers day!

2011-05-08T08:10:00.001-05:00

Just wanted to say Happy Mothers Day to all of you mommies out there!

Hope you all have a wonderful day!

Bikes, homework and laundry

2011-04-30T15:43:00.001-05:00

Never thought I'd lump those 3 things into the same category, but that's been our life lately. On top of golf lessons for Jo and soccer stuff for AJ. Rob is now back to work (booooo) But on the plus side, it's his last cycle of being a Drill Sergeant (yayyyyy)

A few months back I posted about possibly having orders, and it's true. Come late August, first of September we are out of here! We're excited about the upcoming move, and we're going to Fort Campbell, which is exactly where hubs wanted to get.

Rob's oldest son has been coming over, and things have been going pretty good with that. Trying to get Rob to realize he needs to be a father-ish figure to A is proving to be a bit difficult though. And it's looking like before the end of the summer, K will be moving back in with her parents. I just hope we're making the right decision about K, we've been in turmoil over this whole thing. Thank Gosh for my mom and friend Kathleen for being my "shoulder" when I need it.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend! I'm off to do homework and fold some laundry (ugh!).

Down with the sickness

2011-04-05T09:18:00.000-05:00

Apparently either the pollen is messing with me, or yet again have another bad cold. I always joke that hubs is the worst when he is sick. However I've noticed that I'm the biggest baby ever. Not as in I whine and cry, I'm just extra witchy! Like super extra, as in I'm going to bite some heads off of innocent people.

I'm trying to curb my desire to just yell at everyone. So far, so good!

I suppose it doesn't help that I'm ~~trapped~~ surrounded by boys in the house this week. They all apparently think that since I'm the only female in the house, I'm certainly the only one who can do the dishes. We'll see how they feel about that thought process when there are no clean dishes in the house.

On a side note: Why are so many blogs going private? I hate it when I find a good blog to follow, then a few months later (without warning) poof it's private. I then have to resort to scouring blogs again to find a new fav.

Now, enjoy some pics we took at Disney World, I'll post more later.

I'm back!

2011-03-30T07:14:00.000-05:00

Well, we've been back since Saturday evening. We got back around 6:15pm and had to rush in, get changed and head to the hockey game where my oldest son sang the National Anthem with his chorus group from school.

Sunday, was a relaxing day as we were all simply exhausted. All week I've been playing catch up on schoolwork and housework, so hasn't been much downtime.

I will post more about our trip later. In the meantime, check out this video I took of the kids. Again they had no clue where we were going. (Just excuse the pillow in the video, we had the van completely loaded).

I'm blowing this popsicle stand

2011-03-21T05:00:00.004-05:00

We're off and headed to Disney World. We'll be back next weekend, be on the lookout next week for our adventures.

Hope everyone has a great week!

Payphone?

2011-03-18T22:29:00.000-05:00

Do you remember that last time you used a payphone? I surely don't.. well until this evening that is.

Karley and I were going to have a girls evening out. Haircuts, shopping, dinner... But as usual hubs work schedule messed all that up. So it was Karley, the boys and myself. I kind of rushed out the door so I could get to the bank and forgot my cell phone. After haircuts, Bed Bath & Beyond, Old Navy and Walmart, it was nearly 7:30 and I sooooooo did not feel like coming home and cooking dinner.

So I had the bright idea to call hubs from a payphone. Well, let me tell you, they are not easy to locate. Seems every place I looked I couldn't find one. I finally found one outside of Walmart. Put my 50 cents in (I miss the quarter days) and dialed the number. I didn't think I needed to enter the area code for a local call, because I don't have to from my home phone.

I hear a ring, then a prerecorded message telling me I need to dial the area code. I push the button for coin return and the phone hangs up and I hear my quarters fall *kerplunk*

NOOOOOOO, those were my last two quarters *insert sad frowny face here*

My friend said it best on my FB status " Payphone epic fail"

easy peasy pot pie recipe

2011-03-15T16:15:00.001-05:00

I'll let ya'll in on a little secret... I love to cook! I love to try new recipes and make new concoctions. I found this recipe a few years back and LOVE it, it is one of those go to meals in our house. And you can use whatever type of meat you want.

Ingredients

6 tablespoons butter

6 tablespoons flour

2 cups of broth (if making chicken use chicken broth, beef use beef broth)

1 cup heavy cream or half & half

2 cups of veggies (corn, peas, carrots) I use canned veggies with the juice drained off

2 cups of meat (again depends on what kind of pot pie you are making) make sure it's cooked and cut up
4 white potatoes, cubed up small and cooked
2 pie crusts (I totally cheat and buy the pre-made ones)

Next you'll want to melt the butter in a pot and stir in flour to form a thick paste, add salt and pepper. Once all mixed up, add stir in cream and broth, cook on simmer until it turns thick.

Add veggies, potatoes and meat to the pot and mix will. Pour mixture into pie crust

Next top with the other pie crust and poke holes in top to vent (I just cut a few slits)

Cook this at 375 for 35-45 minutes

Enjoy! If you make it, link up and tell everyone what you think of it :)

So tired of driving

2011-03-14T08:41:00.000-05:00

Typically, I love to drive, and travel. But here lately, I'm just exhausted, and the last thing I want to do is drive for 12 hours in two days. I can't avoid the trips either as we have to make them one weekend per month in order for Karley to visit with her parents.

So all weekend this is what I had the pleasure of seeing

The weekend was pretty good though. Mom and I went out to dinner, did a bit of shopping and saw a movie. We saw Beastly, which was a very cute movie. An adult version of Beauty and the Beast. I'd totally watch it again.

My driving escapades are not over either, as this time next week we'll be on our way to Disney World! The kids still have no clue, they just think we're going on a week long camping trip. I'm so excited!

Now I'll leave you with this. Really puts things into perspective a bit, no matter how bad I have it, someone out there is going through a worse time.

Look what I've done

2011-03-10T08:57:00.001-06:00

So, as I told you in my earlier blog, hubs and I spent most of last week cleaning. It wasn't fun, but it had to be done. Trying to stay up on it is proving to be difficult though. The kids, lord the kids. I don't quite understand how my mom managed to keep the house "picked up" with my sister and I running around.

I feel like all I do is harp at the kids to keep stuff picked up. In reality, it's not a hard concept. When you're done playing with something, put it away. It's that simple. However trying to get them to understand that isn't quite so simple.

Now I'll leave you with some before and after shots of some of my cleaning.


Before


After


Computer Desk before, it gets used a lot

And After

Another thing I found to really help in my cleaning was my new Shark Steam Mop. I found mine at Sam's for quite a bit less than other places so I jumped on the chance at buying it. I was absolutely amazed at how well it steamed my floors, and I was going to take a picture to show just how well it did, but I won't lie I would have been embarrassed to show it.

I highly suggest getting one, you won't be disappointed.

Too pooped to pop

2011-03-07T19:33:00.000-06:00

First off, sorry for my absence. The last week has been insane around here. Last Wednesday hubs got a wild hair up his ass and decided it was time to do some spring cleaning. So we spent the next three days cleaning up a storm around here. In the process we discovered that we have accumulated a lot of crap and began tossing things out, 8 garbage bags later, we're all done. We finished up our spring cleaning Friday night, and then Rob drove to Atlanta to pick up his son who was coming down for the weekend. We haven't seen him in 9 years, (our youngest son hadn't even met him, again that's a long story, one in which I might divulge later).

Saturday afternoon we went to AJ's soccer game, then came home and the boys spent some time playing video games, while I worked on homework and Karley just wondered around the house. Later that evening we went to the local hockey game. None of the kids had ever been and all liked it except one of them. Jo is really a hoot at hockey games, he had everyone in our section laughing up a storm. I think we're now going to become a family of hockey fans.

Sunday was pretty laid back, I cooked pancakes for everyone then we all just lounged around. About 3 we had to leave to take Avery home, then we grabbed some waffle house and headed home for showers and bed time.

This morning I started my other two classes, so I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed right now with school and home life. I've joked and told my friends that I feel like a ticking time bomb and I'm either going to explode or hold it all in and end up in the psych ward. Bad part is.. I'm not joking, sadly.

10 years ago today

2011-03-01T18:29:00.000-06:00

I'm feeling exceptionally old today. On this day, 10 years ago, I gave birth to my first child. I was only 19 at the time and scared shitless.

I'll fully admit that I am having a hard time wrapping my brain around the fact that I have a 10 year old. In 1096 days I'll have a teenager! Lord help me.

Jo loved his birthday presents and all is now quiet in the house.

On a side note: I go to the physical therapy tomorrow for my shoulder, but I'm going to talk to her about my torticollis. Hubs is thinking the two are connected somehow.

We almost made it

2011-02-25T19:55:00.000-06:00

We've been living here at Fort Benning since July of 2009, and before today no one in the house had the pleasure of visiting the emergency room at the hospital. I, of course, ruined it by hurting my neck.

We're not sure exactly what I did. I woke up feeling fine, but about 45 minutes later I couldn't move my head. It hurt. really. bad. I actually cried, and if you know me, I rarely cry. I called hubs at work and told him I needed him to drive me to the ER because I couldn't take the pain anymore.

I dread ER's. Most of them are overcrowded with people who actually don't have an emergency, they just didn't want to wait and see a doctor. But anywhoooo. We only had to wait about an hour for me to be seen (that's good right???).

Doc said I have Torticollis, which basically means muscle spasm. Now I know you're probably thinking, "she went to the ER for a muscle spasm" Well let me tell you, if I cry from pain, that means it really hurts. And just so you know I tried several things to help it feel better for almost 5 hours.

They did a saline lock on me to deliver a gazillion (okay really only 5) medicines to me so it would hit my system quicker and sent me packing. After a quick stop at the pharmacy to get my prescriptions hubs and I came home. I called my bestie Kathleen who was getting some good laughs at my expense because apparently I was telling her the same story (several times over).

Now I'm just relaxing and finishing up some homework (and well blogging) before I turn in for the night. I have to drive my niece to SC for her visitation tomorrow.. Should be interesting!

Orders? Possibly..

2011-02-24T07:35:00.000-06:00

We are nearing the end of our time here at Benning, and hubs is getting close to the end of being on the trail (being a Drill Sergeant), so we've been anticipating orders to our next duty assignment.

We know where we would like to go, since hubs is nearing the end of his career we are really thinking "settle down" time.

So just about every other day (okay sometimes everyday, multiple times a day) I check hubs AKO in hopes that orders will just pop up. But nothing so far. That is until this morning. I check in the on assignment location and nothing is listed, so I check the requisitions expecting to see Bliss and Drum since they've been on their the last few weeks. And BAM, it states You are on assignment instructions...

WOOHOOO right??? Okay but now the question is to where?!?! So at 0630, I'm calling hubs with excitement telling him we have orders, he was like to where. Well.. ummm.. That one I can't answer, but we have orders!

So now he's at work trying to track down something that states where we're going, and when.

I'm like a kid on Christmas day waiting to hear where we'll be moving.

Giving up or moving on

2011-02-22T15:42:00.000-06:00

Hello fellow bloggers! Sorry for my absence lately. Life has been pretty hectic the last week or so and blogging was the very last thing on my mind! With Rob and I both in school, and AJ starting soccer practice and Jo doing golf lessons, we've been run run running everywhere during the past week.

Rob and I are facing some upcoming changes in our life, and needless to say we are basically at a crossroad. Each direction of the road holding a completely different path, and we're so utterly afraid of making the wrong decision.

Part of the changes include his son coming back into our lives. There is a really really long story behind all of that, so perhaps I'll share that at a later date after we see where things are going.

“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.”

That quote really fits fight now, as Rob and I try to decide if we'll try one more time or move on.

Stride Everyday Winner and Teen Mom 2 Recap

2011-02-17T10:41:00.000-06:00

Good morning all! Let's get the giveaway winner out of the way shall we...

The winner of the Stride Everyday Giveaway is Rheanna over at Cammo Style Love. Congrats! I'll be emailing you today to get your info!

Now, onto Teen Mom! This week wasn't that very interesting, at least that's how I felt, until the end of the show.

Kailyn has decided that she doesn't want to be with Jo and tells him this after Jo and his dad have a talk and his dad tells him they can move back into the house, but have to make things work. Kailyn had a talk with her mom, and her mom told her to really think about being a single mom "I just really want you to think about it, Being a single parent is probably one of the toughest things you'll ever have to do." As someone who was a single teen mom, I hope the best for Kailyn. Thankfully, I had a very supportive mom and dad, seems Kailyn doesn't have this.

Jenelle, it's no secret I'm not a big fan of Jenelle. But I have to give her some credit. I think her decision to go to school is a good one! And now that her mom has custody of Jace, it's the perfect time for her to do that. Thankfully her mom filled out the financial aid forms so Jenelle can go to school. I have no doubt that Jenelle loves her son, she just needs to quit being so wild and be truly responsible for Jace. I know many people out there don't like Barbara much, but I think she just wants the best for Jenelle and for Jenelle to stop acting like a person who has no responsibilities in life.

Leah and Corey are cute, too cute. All the lovey dovey stuff is getting a bit old. I did get a good chuckle when Leah was talking to Corey about crying. I've been with my husband for 10 years and only seen him cry twice, when AJ was born and when his dad passed away. Next weeks show looks interesting as Leah takes Ali to the eye doctor. Corey told Leah he wants to have another kid, a boy. Leah wasn't to sure what to say but says they need to get married and settle down before having another kid.

Chelsea, oh my my my... This is a hot mess right now. Adam and Megan are not getting along at all! And Chelsea feels caught in the middle. Chelsea's dad says Adam needs to pay rent since he is living there, but Adam throws a fit saying he can't pay both child support and rent. Then goes on to say that Megan should have to pay rent as well. Adam jokes about texting Megan about paying rent or moving out, but he wasn't joking, he really did it. After staying at her parents house for a few days, Megan decides the new living arrangements just aren't working and is moving back into her parents house. Chelsea asks her dad why she should have to choose between her "family" and her best friend. Megan has a few choice words for Adam as she's moving out and as she's walking out the door says something about how she's been there for Chelsea when Adam was treating her like shit.

I think Chelsea needs to wake up, Adam is a dick and she's being dumb right now. What's the old saying? Bro's before hoes? Apparently Chelsea hasn't heard that one.

I'm sad...

2011-02-14T21:11:00.000-06:00

No, not because it's Valentines Day and hubs didn't get me anything, we don't do Valentines Day. We don't need a specific day of the year to get each other cards, grab dinner, or buy each other chocolate.

I'm sad because one of my favorite shows aired its series finale last week. I, as you know, watch my fair share of what I call "drama" TV, and I like Grey's Anatomy, and Desperate Housewives, but just because they are funny. It's rare that a show really grabs me in and makes me sit on the edge of couch waiting for the next episode.

So, which show am I talking about? Friday Night Lights. I won't post any spoilers, because I know the show will air it's finale season on NBC starting in April (if you have't watched it, you don't know what your missing!!!) It didn't have a big fan base, but those who were fans were passionate about the show.

I did however find this video and thought I'd share it. LOVE LOVE the speech at the beginning. It's one of those grab you in little speeches and make you think.

And this clip here, is by far one of my favorites ever!

Give all of us gathered here tonight the strength to remember that life is so very fragile. We are all vulnerable, and we will all at some point in our lives, fall..We will all fall. We must carry this in our hearts, that what we have is special, that it can be taken from us and that when it is taken from us we will be tested, we will be tested to our very souls. We will now all be tested. It is these times, it is this pain, that allows us to look inside ourselves.

Clear eyes, Full hearts, Can't lose!

School.. School.. School

2011-02-10T20:00:00.000-06:00

(I totally had a Jan Brady moment when I typed the title)

As the title reads, I am back in school. I admit, having the 2 month break from school has been nice, extremely nice. But now it's time to jump back in and work toward getting my Bachelors degree. I'm actually really excited to be back in school, and I think this term is going to be fun. I just started Spanish 1 and American History to 1877. Next month I start American Government 1 and Intro to Sociology. It's been a while since I've taken more than 2 classes at a time, so I've got to get better at time management.

I foresee lots of late nights in my near future. Hubs is also in school, so we are juggling doing our homework and being parents at the same time.

In other news, we are currently waiting on orders, as we should be moving the end of the summer to early fall. We are really trying to orders to Fort Campbell because that's where want to buy a house with land for hubs retirement.

Oh, got to run... Grey's Anatomy is on!

Did you watch??

2011-02-09T13:17:00.000-06:00

So, did you watch Teen Mom 2 this week? I did! Let's recap shall we....

First up, Kailyn- Last week we seen a caring Jo start to emerge. Kailyn and Jo talked about making it work, but it seems that the stress of being in the real world (work, college, baby) is once again taking a toll on this couple. Jo's dad Eddie, had a one on one talk with Kailyn and basically told her the fighting every. single. minute. really needs to end. Later in the day Jo calls Kailyn and tells her she can't go back to the house that his dad blew up and kicked them out. Jo then takes Issac to New Jersey for the night, and Kailyn crashes with a friend. The next day they meet to have dinner and talk, Jo wants them to get an apartment together, Kailyn is very unsure about this because well all they is argue.

Jenelle- Can anyone say Train Wreck?!? She cries to Kiefer about all this, and he tells her well you bring some of it on yourself.. That has got to be the smartest thing that kid has said since he's been on the episodes. Jenelle was suppose to be home Saturday morning to babysit Jace, but she instead decides to stay at a friends house with Kiefer, and slept through her alarm. When Jenelle finally goes home, Mike (her moms boyfriend) speaks up for the first time (at least on the show) and asks Jenelle why she wasn't home. Barbara gets mad and kicks Jenelle out (whoever didn't see that coming is crazy). "You don't watch this kid all but five hours a week," he yells, Jace in his arms. "Five hours! You call that a mother?! Mothers are 24/7. On call!" AMEN Mike! Jenelle gets all hissy pissy and goes to her mom. Barbara comes home and says some things to Jenelle and then kicks her out. Jenelle vows she's going to do the right thing, and be a better mother than Barbara was to her... Wake up Jenelle, you've got a far way to go before becoming mom of the year!

Leah- The excitement of her and Corey moving in together is slowly fading as she is learning that even though you have a baby daddy in the house doesn't mean you still aren't on call 24/7, especially when he works a full time job and you stay home. It happens Leah, deal with it. Leah invites her mom and step dad over for take out (does no one cook for their company any more?) and they talk about Leah and Corey "moving to fast" when they moved back in together, and about how Leah wants to go to school, but it's going to take Corey stepping up to help because school is no easy joke. The two love birds start bickering because Leah tells Corey she wants to go to school, but doesn't trust that he'll be able to take care of the kids. Corey vows he can, but Leah isn't so sure of it.

Chelsea- Crazy thing let Adam move in and is keeping it from her dad. But dad isn't so stupid, well he can snoop like the rest of them. He goes to the house when no one is there and has a look around and discovers a lot of Adam's things are there, and asks if he's moved in, Chelsea tells him yes and her dad isn't to keen on the idea. Chelsea thinks having Adam around with help her in being able to finish her high school work, but Adam seems to do nothing but play video games while Chelsea still takes care of Aubrey. Adam took Aubrey to his moms to give Chelsea a break and what does Chelsea do? Goes and gets her nails done. Hey sweet pea, I'm really tired of hearing you talk about needing to get your school work done but yet you can't act responsible enough to do it. It's time to grow up and accept responsiblity, or you'll find yourself flipping burgers to support you, Aubrey and Adam.

So there you have it, my take on this weeks episode. Next weeks previews look to be very interesting, so I'm once again counting down the days until next Tuesday. I also watch the Biggest Loser each week, they inspire me and I do good for a few days, but then I need my Tuesday fix to get back on the losing weight bandwagon.

What do you buy?

2011-02-07T20:20:00.000-06:00

My youngest son AJ came home today with yet another birthday party invite. Now I get it, if you send invitations to school, you're suppose to include one for all the students in the class so no one feels left out.

My beef? My kid thinks he has to go to every gosh forsaken party he's invited to. Which I guess is an okay thing, he's just super friendly (and so lovable, but I'm a bit biased).

So here's my question... What do you buy for a classmate that your child doesn't really know? If it helps any, she's a girl in first grade :)

Stride Everyday Review and Giveaway

2011-02-06T22:18:00.000-06:00

I recently had the opportunity to review Stride Everyday. I'm fairly certain that I'm not the only person who has this problem, but after having children (really noticed after the 2nd one) my bladder just isn't as strong as it once was. I've been to the doc several times about this little problem, her advice more kegals. Okay lady, I'm doing kegals 90% of the day but this isn't helping me.

My problem? Sneezing, laughing, jumping jacks, running, they all ended with my bladder leaking. Talk about embarrassing! I learned that 1 in 3 women actually suffer from these small bladder leaks. I wore these panties while working out this past week, and I wasn't worried about leaking due to the technology behind them.

I now know I'm not the only person with this little problem, and this is what prompted Wendy Spencer to design these truly awesome panties.

"In her own words she comes from a family of "leaky" women, and as a mother, business woman, and lover of exercise and activity, she decided to create a product for all women who experience light leaks, and were tired of using disposable products".

Stride Everyday comes in five popular styles (that are really stylish, I admit I was skeptical), that are machine washable. The OQUOS technology behind these panties is really remarkable, I was so impressed that I have plans to purchase more in the next few weeks so I have many stylish options to choose from.

Stride Everyday has offered my readers a promo code to save some money if you'd like to try these panties out (Don't worry, you're not the only one who has a leaking problem! I'm right there with ya:)) They are offering my readers 30% off on orders over $35.00 Just go to there website check out stylish selections they have, if you decide to purchase anything, just enter STRIDE818 at checkout for the savings (good now through the 28th of February).

Also, Stride Everyday has given me the opportunity to allow one of my lucky readers to win a sample of their own. Just leave a comment here for your name to be entered. I will choose a winner on the 18th of February.

A little of this and a little of that

2011-02-03T19:37:00.000-06:00

Okay first things first.. Hubs and I have been talking and we've decided....

We're going to Disney World!

We aren't telling the kids, at all. We've decided to stay at Fort Wilderness Resort and camp. We love to camp and had talked about camping this year, so we're killing two birds with one stone. We've decided we're just going to tell the kids we're going camping (don't worry, they don't read my blog) so they can utterly excited when we get there. Think I'll need to have my video camera rolling once they figure out where we're going.

Okay now on to my guilty obsession. . . Teen Mom 2!

I missed recap'in last weeks episodes because I was insanely busy, so I vowed (to myself) I wouldn't miss it this week.

Leah- After spending some time at the beach, Leah tells Corey that she's happy the girls have brought them closer together. Corey tells Leah he thinks they should move back in together, her mom was not to thrilled, but they take the leap and rent a place to live. Mom thinks they're moving to fast, but meh maybe she doesn't know best in the situation.. There really isn't much here, they're just too cute together.

Chelsea- Now this chick is moving way to fast, to bad it's with a good guy like Corey though. She's been spending a lot of time with Adam, and way neglecting her school work (I see trouble in the near future). Her dad heard rumors about her hanging out with Adam and does not seem very thrilled about this, and makes it well known to Chelsea. Adam wants to move in with Chelsea, Aubrey, and Megan. Megan is not to keen on the idea, and tends to agree with Chelsea's dad on the whole Adam situation.

Kailyn- She broke it off with Jordan, and decides to focus on Issac and school. After finding out she had a balance for school, she asks her mom for help, but mommy dear says she doesn't have it to help. So Kailyn asks Jo for the money and after playing around for a minutes tells her yes. Seems maybe Jo is growing up just a tad bit and talk to Kailyn about where she see's their relationship going. (from the previews of next weeks show it appears that Kailyn, Jo and Issac are moving into their own place) I really hope Jo can change his attitude.

Jenelle- Sweet baby Jesus- this girl is a HOT mess! Last week it appeared she was going to try and be better, you know focus on school, get a job, and just be a better mother overall for Jace. But sadly this didn't last long. Jenelle goes out on a Friday night and meets a guy (Keifer). The lines he used on her, wowzers, glad I'm not in the dating world! If a guy had used those lines on me I'd still be single. Needless to say Jenelle ops to stay out all night with her new found love and comes home the next morning covered in hickey's. Barbara isn't happy, at. all! Saturday is Jenelle's one day to "babysit" Jace but after her mother figures out she's hungover she tells Jenelle she's not leaving Jace with her. Jenelle denies being hungover, she's just tired, has a headache and feels like throwing up.. HELLO sweet pea, that is a hangover.

Overall the show this weeks was a bit boring, hopefully it picks up intensity next week.

Do you watch Teen Mom??

Turning Blue and Graduation

2011-01-30T17:32:00.000-06:00

The last few days have been a bit hectic in the house as the company had Turning Blue (when Infantry soldiers are corded with a Blue cord signifying them as Infantry Soldiers) and Graduation.

All in all the the last few days were good, was suppose to get a pedicure for the first time (sooo close to being able to cross out another 101), and going out for drinks and dancing fell through, but on a positive side hubs and I spent some quality time together just lounging around on the couch, watching TV and talking.

Now I'll leave you with a few pictures taken the last few days.


The CO, Hubby and myself after Turning Blue Ceremony


It wouldn't be a ceremony without some 4 count pushups

Flowers I got from one of the spouses

Part of demo sqaud. Hubs is on the left

Brand new Infantry soldiers at Graduation

Exhausted.. busy week

2011-01-25T15:42:00.001-06:00

This week has been pretty busy, and has been busy since Saturday. Had to take Karley to SC to visit with her mom, thankfully we only have to take her half way instead of all the way. My mom actually lives in NC during the week for work and is only an hour from where I meet Karley's parents.

So after dropping Karley off with her mom, the boys and I drove over to Asheville to spend some time with my mom, aunt and uncle. Most of Saturday was filled with shopping as Jo and Karley needed new jeans. Then we just relaxed that evening and played wii with the boys. Sunday morning we got up and went to breakfast at the Moose Cafe. Seriously the best. food. ever... We've now had lunch and breakfast there, I can't wait to have dinner there one time. If you ever find yourself in Asheville NC, do yourself a favor and eat at the Moose!

We got back Sunday night and I've been in go mode, nonstop. My bestie Kathleen is coming into town tomorrow, and my house desperately needed to be clean. On top of Kathleen coming into town, this is graduation week for the current group of soldiers, so there is lots of prep work for all involved. We have something very special happening at the Turning Blue this week, so stay tuned for what the big surprise is!

Kathleen has big plans for us, pedicures, shopping, Zumba, and going out. I'll be slap wore out by the time next week gets here. I should be finishing up my cleaning but I'm a bit tired of cleaning so I've decided to finish up in the morning before she gets here.

Today is also Tuesday... which means Teen Mom 2! Woohooo I'll be sure to post my thoughts tomorrow :)

DVD Giveaway Winner!

2011-01-24T08:25:00.000-06:00

I threw all the entries into a hat and hubs pull one out...

The winner is......

Becca over at Just a little. . . R & R

Becca, please email me with your mailing address so I can get these DVD's on their way to you!

CONGRATS!

They're Happy

2011-01-20T19:28:00.002-06:00

Ever since the age of 5 the kids have had their chores, vacuuming, dusting, dishes. It all started out easy then we've just added more over time. They moved onto bathroom cleaning last year and that was the last big chore that was added.

Yesterday at a luncheon, I was talking to some other moms and they were telling me that their kids all started doing their own laundry in second graded (supervised of course). Hub's has been on me about getting the kids to laundry for the last few months but I just couldn't let go of the fact that they still needed me to do their laundry.

A few weeks back I started to think about it as all 3 of them have decided to just pull clothes out of their closet for me to wash. I threatened to make them start doing it, but they were totally calling my bluff.

Yesterday hubs and I took the plunge and bought them their own laundry baskets and assigned their laundry days. Since Karley was assigned Tuesday we let her do hers last night before AJ did. As soon as the dryer buzzed she got her clothes out, folded them and put them right away. AJ did the same thing. Today was Jo's day, and I figured he would just do it after school, but nope he came downstairs first thing this morning before school with his basket ready to start his laundry.

I keep telling hubs I'm kind of upset. I wanted to them to pitch fits, cry, scream they couldn't do it, but nope they are doing just the opposite. We'll see how they feel about it in a month LOL

In all honesty though, I'm glad we are teaching them responsibility, last thing I need is for them to grow up with a false sense of what responsibilities are like. Sometimes I think they think playing video games is a responsibility :)

My Tuesday night guilty pleasure

2011-01-19T19:15:00.001-06:00

I'll admit I don't watch much reality TV. Jersey Shore just doesn't appeal to me. I grew tired of the Bachelor/bachelorette after the first 2 seasons.

So, my guilty pleasure? 16 and pregnant and Teen Mom. I'm not sure what draws me to these shows, perhaps it was the fact that I was a teen (though I didn't get paid money from MTV).

I anxiously awaited last weeks season premier of Teen Mom 2 (even had a reminder set on my phone so I made sure not to miss it).

Last night was no different. So let's recap what happened.

Jenelle- Okay first things first, I know she would wait to go out after Jace was asleep, but what good did that do the next morning when she was to busy sleeping to get up with her son and Jenelle's mom was up with him?!? I think Barbara (her mom) truly has Jace's best interest in mind by filing for custody of Jace. So far Jenelle has proven she's not exactly motherly material.

Point in case, she admitted to getting high. I have to say, the look on that lawyers face was priceless! Really?? You want custody of your child because you think you can handle it, yet you admit to smoking marijuana, not wise my friend, not wise. Apparently, she was recently arrested for breaking and entering and drug possession <----click there to read more.

Moving on.. Next up. Kailyn- I actually feel bad for her. Jo in my opinion is an ass and treats her wrong (but hey you all know what they say about opinions). Recently Kailyn met a guy (Jordan) at her work and hung out with him a few times, even introduced her son to her new beau. At one point she even has Jo drop her off for a date with Jordan (awkward). After her date with him she was hanging out with some friends and asked them how she should tell Jo.. Their suggestions???? None other than Facebook of course! Totally a teenager move right? So after her FB relationship update she goes back home (Jo's parents house) and pretty much gets bombarded with questions about her new relationship. I can't wait to see next weeks episode to see how this plays out.

Leah- My heart truly goes out to Leah. After thinking that something was wrong with one of her twins, she makes a doctors appointment to have Ali checked out. She tries to get Corey to go with her, but he said he had to work, so his dad and step mom accompany Leah and Ali to the appointment. They did an x-ray and the (rude) doctor comes in and basically says yes there is something wrong, she needs an MRI because he thinks it's a nerve problem. Then walks out. Okay dude, really? You can tell she's a young mom! At least talk to her. This new problem they are facing is bringing Leah and Corey together.. By the way.. isn't Corey just the sweetest? There needs to be more men like him :)

Last but not least, Chelsea- I must say she is one lucky girl. Not many single moms can have their parents pay for a house for them and a roommate.. but anyways.. Chelsea is contemplating getting back together with Adam (her daughters father). Instead of doing homework (which her dad is threatening to cut her off if she doesn't buckle down) she let's Adam come over and see Aubree. They have a talk and Adam says he misses her and wants to work things out. Even though Chelsea seems cautious, to me it seems like she's jumping right back in that boat. Her roommate thinks it's a bad idea, and told Chelsea she hopes it's not a "I told you so" situation.

So there you have, my week 2 recap.. Needless to say I am anxiously awaiting next weeks episode..

Do you watch Teen Mom? If so, what are you thinking so far?

Speechless

2011-01-18T20:12:00.001-06:00

"That act is not tolerated here at all. Let me tell you one reason why: because of the bible, of course. And then we have little children," Harris says. He then added that if a gay person wants to change their sexual orientation and turn their life over to religion, he would consider serving them.
Is this what passes for compassion at the House of Mercy shelter? As WRBL notes, all other homeless shelters in the area have pledged to serve all clients, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Yet the House of Mercy refuses, and suggests that gay people belong on the streets.

Okay, now I understand they have their reasons, but why should homosexual people be denied a place to get back on their feet?

Luke 6:37

“Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven;

Things I learned today

2011-01-17T21:40:00.002-06:00

Trying to sleep in with 3 kids in the house is a no go for me. I can only ever get one of them to actually sleep in while the other 2 are up bright and early
Having the kids out of school and hubs home from work, means I don't get to watch any TV at all and am forced to find other things to
some women are just vindictive, mean and down right hurtful
I have forgotten how much I love reading. When I'm in school I don't read as much for pleasure because I'm constantly reading for school
I'm coming to terms with the fact that Karley may end up going back to VA this year
Trying to clean house with the kids home is like trying to get a tan when it's night time
I've got to get back on my sleep schedule, I'm draggin butt to much during the day
I LOVE white chocolate mocha's
Taking a 24 hour break from Facebook did me some good (and saved what little bit of sanity I have left)

#A Humbling Experience#

2011-01-15T16:36:00.007-06:00

I've mentioned before that my husband is a Drill Sergeant. He's an OSUT (One station unit training) DS. This just means that he trains new infantry recruits, at one location. Other MOS's often attend basic and AIT in different locations, however infantry is in the same unit for 14 weeks.

I remember seeing the current group when they stepped of the buses, they were scared shitless. You could see it in their faces.

Picture taken by me on pickup day

Lugging their bags around, they tried to make sense of the chaos going on around them. Drill sergeants were screaming directions and these poor guys were doing all they could to follow the directions, but nothing they did was right.

Picture taken by me, the chaos

That was 12 weeks ago, when those pictures were taken. These guys have experienced training like they've never even thought of. Countless push-ups and sit-ups, Drill Sergeants pushing them to be the best they could. I've heard stories about these soldiers for the last 12 weeks. I've been fortunate enough to converse with many of their parents and spouses in the course of that time as well on our company facebook page. I guess you could say these guys and their families have earned a place in my heart. I've been a sideline cheerleader for them. When hubby would come home and tell me one of them had problems with shooting, I'd tell him, tell him he can do this, he has to do this, he'll be proud of himself for doing it.

On the flip side of being a sideline cheerleader to these guys, I've helped new Army Wives try and better understand military life. I've answered questions, talked them through missing their soldiers and formed bonds with many of them. See, I remember what it was like when hub's was in training, except at that time we didn't have facebook for updates, so unlike them I was left in the dark. I remember what it is was like to be completely new to this awesome yet sometimes confusing lifestyle.

During their 12th week of OSUT training they do a week long FTX (field training excerise), at the end of the 12th week they do a 12 mile road march (called the Bayonet) back to Honor Hill, and attend a Crossed Rifle Ceremony. I have never seen men stand so tall and so straight. For about 30 minutes, the world stopped as these soldiers stepped across the threshold into the brotherhood of the infantry.

They enter the fortress of Honor Hill through two huge wooden doors bearing crossed rifles.

Above them is an arch inscribed with the words, "From this gate emerge the finest Soldiers the world has ever known. Follow Me." And below that, the words, "Fortes Fortuna Juvat" - Fortune Favors the Bold.

Once inside they stand in formation, drink toasts of grog, and the Drill Sergeants get up on a stage with a United States flag as the backdrop and present a history lesson to the privates, a history lesson about the Infantry.

Picture taken by 1Sgt's wife

After that is when they get pinned with their Crossed Rifles. Last night however, my husband couldn't pin anyone because he as pink eye, and didn't want to run the risk of infecting the entire company (can ya'll imagine how fast pink eye would spread among 200 men?!?! wouldn't be pretty). My husband and a Master Sergeant from the battalion had asked me if I would like to pin these guys. I of course quickly said no, I feared I'd mess it up and look like a total dork. But when it came that time my husband motioned for me to come over and help him. I stepped up to the first guy and he put his right hand out, in his palm was his precious crossed rifle. I took it from his hand and pushed it into the collar of his uniform and told him congratulations. Down the line we went, as I was pinning them, my husband would tell me a little fact about the soldier "this soldier got in a fight, but after evaluating him, we decided he deserved to go" I told the private, no more fighting "Yes Ma'am" he replied, then I told him congratulations "thank you ma'am." Next one, "This is my runner (last name)" "Oh yes I know him, I've talked to his mom many times, your mom thinks the world of you" he cracked a big grin as I said congratulations "Thank you ma'am" he replied.

Everything these guys have worked so hard for has paid off. You could see it in their faces; they had made it. When these guys first got here, they looked so fragile. Now I see men with self-confidence, assurance and a sense of accomplishment.

I will forever remember the feeling of getting to pin these new Infantry Soldiers. It's truly something I will cherish forever.

Here is a video I took with my cell phone of these soldiers reciting the Infantrymen's Creed. Gives me chills

Occupation.. Army Wife?

2011-01-13T15:34:00.000-06:00

[credit]

This afternoon after my workout I was sitting here eating my lunch and looking at a few facebook profiles. A little back story, hubs is a Drill Sergeant so I get on the Fort Benning facebook page and answer some "newbie" questions. Every now and then my curiosity sets in and I click on someones profile.

Today I click on about 6 profiles and under the works at section several of them at "U.S. Army Wives"

Now I know these are all new wives and they are uber excited to be a military spouse. But does that really make them employed as being a military wife? Last time I checked I don't get a paycheck for being a military spouse.

I know in my header I have that I'm an Army wife, college student and mommy of 2, those are just descriptive things about me, but they don't define me, or the person I am. I could also put that I'm a reader, music junkie, friendly, etc. But those things don't pay me. I can't fill out a job application and put down "employed by my super awesome friendly ways".

Don't get me wrong, I think being a military spouse is cool. It's afforded us some great opportunities along the way. And I'm about as patriotic as a person can get. But I won't be telling people that I am employed as a military spouse.

Will I ever have a day alone?

2011-01-12T16:23:00.000-06:00

The last two days, the kids were out of school due to an ice storm that moved through the area

Needless to say, I was doing a happy dance this morning as they all went out the door for school.

Not even 20 minutes later the hubs came home from the field. I assumed he was just in to shower like he typically does. He wasn't in a hurry, got some breakfast, made some coffee, then settled down on the couch and starting playing the xbox. I was like aren't you going back to work.. and that's when I heard it. "Nope I have the day off"

Craptastic! Are you for real? I get the kids out of the house thinking I'll have my day all alone, but nope I had to share my day with him.

I guess I can't complain to much, we sat down to watch Green Zone and within 10 minutes I heard him snoring. SCORE! So although he was home, it was kind of like I was home alone, aside from him annoying me by snoring.

Restrepo

2011-01-11T17:14:00.002-06:00

I know, I'm behind the curve because this was on TV a while back, seeing things late is just how I roll. Jo and I sat down to watch Restrepo today (don't even start on me about a 9 year old watching it, what can I say, he loves everything Army), and I must say it is one of the best documentaries I have seen.

I've seen other war documentaries, but for some reason this one just struck home. I was talking to my friend and told her sometimes, I wish they had done this for Rob's last company. Yet at the same time, I'm glad they didn't. In theory I know he faces similar types of situation during deployment, and I can watch others going through it, but I think actually seeing Rob or his men in a documentary would just be a bit too much.

Restrepo has been nominated for an award, and I'm hoping that my readers will go vote for this documentary. You can go here to cast your vote.

If you haven't seen this documentary yet, I highly recommend watching it, even if you have no affiliation with the military. I know Netflix has it on instant queue.

Whatcha think?

2011-01-10T15:01:00.000-06:00

If you have read my 101 in 1001, then you would know one of them was to get my blog redesigned. I even posted about looking for someone to do it last week. After much looking, I found someone to redo my blog. I loved her portfolio, and she is just the sweetest thing to work with.

Anyone looking to have their blog redesigned, seriously head on over here and work with Tenille, she is awesome!

So what do you think? I LOVE it.

Lazy or not... You decide

2011-01-09T11:44:00.003-06:00

Yesterday, the family and I went to Sam's to pick up a few things. We always like checking out the "middle section" as hubs likes to call it. We seen a Roomba on sale. Because this was an unexpected find, we hadn't really done any research on them. So there, in the middle of Sam's, hubs and I did the only thing we could. We busted out the phones and hit google.

After much searching, we couldn't really find any bad reviews, so we made the leap and purchased it.

I couldn't wait to get home and use it, but of course it had to charge. As soon as his light (I've named him George) turned green I put him to use. I was amazed at how well he did.

Most of our downstairs is hardwood floors and we have two dogs and two cats. I vacuum twice a day as it is, so hubs suggested I let George vacuum once a day to help me out.

So far I am loving it, and I'll keep ya'll posted on how I like it here in a few weeks.

My sister (who is 19 by the way) said I was lazy for getting a robot vacuum. I think I'm a genius...

What do you think?

Pork chops and potatoes recipe

2011-01-08T18:24:00.001-06:00

One of the perks of having neighbors from different locations, is learning new recipes. My best friend gave me this quick and easy recipe a few years back, and it is a dinner eaten often around here.

1 pack boneless pork chops (I cut the excess fat off)
1-2 cans cream of mushroom soup (I get the healthy request)
5-6 red potatoes quartered
Milk

Place quartered potatoes in bottom of a 13 x 9 baking dish

Brown pork chops in skillet then place over potatoes

In a bowl mix the cream of mushroom soup (I use 2 cans for 8 pork chops) and about a can of milk together (I like mine thicker so I use less milk) mix well then pour over potatoes and pork chops. Make sure the potatoes are are covered and the pork chops are mostly covered.

Cover with foil and bake at 350 for about 2 hours.

Enjoy!

Guessing Game

2011-01-07T21:17:00.001-06:00

Went back to the doctors today, as I'm still not feeling like myself. Doctor told me to stop taking the antibiotic I was on, and put me on the Z-pack again. He also sent me for a chest x-ray, and I have to do a follow up next week. I'm beginning to think all my doctors are doing is playing a guessing game with me.

I'm really really really hoping this round of medicine will knock this crud out of me. I'm so tired of being sick and tired. No joke, I sleep 6-8 hours a night and am exhausted all day long. Because of this my working out has been placed on the back burner and its killing me! Okay not really killing me, but you get the picture.

I've been needing some new pots and pans, but I forbid hubs from getting me any for Christmas. Sooooo. . . I went out the other day and bought a set. So far I am freaking loving them!

What kind of pots and pans do you have?

Moron...

2011-01-06T15:28:00.001-06:00

mo·ron
noun \ˈmȯr-ˌän\
Definition of MORON

1- usually offensive : a person affected with mild mental retardation

2- a very stupid person

That's how the Merriam-Webster dictionary defines moron. Unfortunately, hubs and I are dealing with one of these right now. And no matter what we do, the moron just won't disappear out of our lives. It's okay though, we are getting a really good giggle out of certain people right now. Sad part of the moron's is that our buttons are being pushed, a bit too much.

Some other exciting news, Kathleen and I were contemplating moving to Texas. Needless to say, hubbies were not/are not impressed with our idea... and shot us down. To read more about that, head on over here.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-01-05T05:42:00.001-06:00

New You Giveaway!

2011-01-04T14:19:00.004-06:00

I'm sure many, like me, have decided that this is the year you're going to change. Get healthier, lose all your unwanted pounds. Well, you aren't alone in this quest!

I to have decided this is the year! Dangit, I'm going to reach my goal weight this year.. I AM!

In the spirit of new years resolutions and me wanting to do a giveaway, you have the chance to win not 1, but 2 DVD's by Jillian Michaels!

Banish Fat Boost Metabolism

Yoga Meltdown

So, how do you win? It's easy... Just leave a comment, and you'll be entered to win. You can also blog about it (just comment back here with a link to your blog post) and have your name entered a second time... And you can be a follower (make sure you comment to let me know you're a follower) for a third chance to win!

Sounds easy, right? What are you waiting for... Get your name entered! The winner will be announced on 25 January.

Wanted

2011-01-03T12:20:00.002-06:00

I'm looking for a blog designer to help me get my blog looking all spiffy. If you know one or are one, please leave a comment here so I can get in contact with you :)

Do you?

2011-01-02T20:37:00.000-06:00

Do you have a best friend? A person who knows any and everything about you?

Today on our trip to pick Karley up, I got to thinking about friends, and while sometimes I think I have a best friend or two, I think they are more acquaintances more than anything.

I've had best friends, but distance has somewhat lessened those friendships. I have a friend that we only really make contact near the holidays. Not because we don't have anything to talk about, it's just life. Her life is busy, as is mine, and we just don't talk like we use to.

You know how single people close of their heart to potential lovers? I think I've done that with friends. Just this past year I was friends with someone whom I thought was a best friend. I ignored others around me who kept trying to tell me she was crazy and rude, and just in general not best friend material. I chumped it up to them being jealous of the friendship I had with her. But in reality, they were right. She was a user, as in she uses people to gain whatever it is she is after, and once she can't keep using you, she'll start pushing you aside.

I could go on and on about the friend I thought I had in her, but I'll stop there. The only reason I brought it up is because I think she has somewhat caused me to become more guarded and reserved. I'm not even worried about having friends, isn't that sad??

In the end it boils down to me not wanting to be used any longer, and I figure if I don't subject myself to making friends, then they can't hurt me.

So do you have best friends? Acquaintances? or both?? And how do you know the difference between the two?

New Year

2011-01-01T15:36:00.000-06:00

Hope everyone had a great New Years Eve, and was safe in what ever they you were doing.

We didn't do much, lounged around the house, watched some TV, the kids played some XBox. All in all it was pretty low key. Rob and I were up until midnight but by 12:01 we were in bed and on our way to dream land.

It's amazing, 5 years ago, I would have been the party girl out living it up and bringing in 2011 with a bang but the older I get, the less I have any desire to go out, or drink for that matter. My sister asked me last week when the last time I drank was. I had to think about it for a few (which should be an indication that it's been awhile) but then I recalled drinking a few drinks when we went to Tybee with Kathleen, and that was back during the first weekend of October.

I've been reading everyones New Years resolutions on facebook and here in the blog world. I've never really been good at doing resolutions, so I've decided not to call them resolutions and partake in the 101 in 1001. Go take a lookie at my list and tell me what you think. Some of them are pretty easily done, and others will take some planning. I'm going to have fun ~~crossing~~ things off my list though.

Picture this...

2010-12-31T18:33:00.000-06:00

So, here I am, plugging away at making my list of 101 things in 1001 days. I made it all the way up to number 70 and wham! Computer screen goes blank, list is all gone :(

Sooooo, now I'll be hand writing my list then putting it all on my blog.

Hope everyone has a great New Years! And I look forward to reading all the new blogs!

The results

2010-12-30T12:59:00.000-06:00

Rob convinced me to go to urgent care yesterday since I've been feeling yucky and some dizziness with the feeling yucky. After waiting only an hour to be seen, I informed the doc upon her walking into my room that I was in fear that immune system has decided to take a winter vacation and it can't be good for me.

After a good 15 minute examination she informed me that I have an ear infection (woohoo explains the dizziness) and I still have pneumonia. I had told her I was on the Z pack about a month ago for the pneumonia, and felt better for a few weeks. She put me on a different antibiotic, a cough medicine and a medicine for the dizziness (which that medicine also has a side effect of dizziness... color me confused).

So I'm starting to feel a bit better, but with the dizziness I find myself still just lounging around. Needless to say my house is really starting to pay, but on the plus side, I've been getting in a good amount of reading!

On a side note: I think I have a blog stalker.. How cool is that?!?!?! (hi stalker)

Where I've been, and what I've been doing

2010-12-29T00:06:00.000-06:00

First off, can you believe that 2010 is nearly over?? I know some people are excited for 2010 to come to a close, but not me. This year hasn't been to bad for me.

So, the day after Christmas, we had to drive to Greenville, South Carolina to take Karley to her parents for their week long visitation. Let me tell you, it was not a fun trip at all. As some of you may know, the east coast was hit with a pretty good storm, and Jack Frost did not skip Georgia. Everything was fine until we got a bit north of Atlanta then it all turned to hell. People in GA typically do not do well in snow or ice, and this past Sunday was no exception. During our 5 hour road trip, we seen a lot of this

And also tons of this

Because of the weather, the trip took us longer than it should have and our Sunday was shot. After we got home from driving up and back, we all pretty much just played lazy. Then Monday I woke up feeling really craptastic, and am still feeling craptastic. It seems my immune systems has taken the last few months off since I'm constantly sick here lately.

Today was really no different than yesterday, tons of fluids, yucky medicine and just lounging around, which is killing me! Tonight I decided to sleep on the couch so Rob could get a good nights sleep, yet now I'm not getting any sleep. I watching TruTV, facebookin' and bloggin'.

Please send good vibes that I knock whatever it is out of me for good and remain healthy for many many months to come :)

Merry Christmas All!

2010-12-25T18:54:00.000-06:00

I don't know about anyone else, but I am so glad this day is winding down and coming to an end. My lovely kids who typically are not up before 7, decided to get up well before that. The oldest one got up at 5:15, the next got up at 6:10, and the last one was up at 6:20 (but not by choice). Then we had to wait on my parents to get here because they stayed in a hotel since it's way closer than their house.

Soooooo... Now onto the goodies I got today

I got this from my parents, after months and months of begging and pleading that I really really wanted one. I kept asking hubby to get it for me, but all he kept saying was no, that I would never use it, and I didn't need. Needless to say he knew they bought it for me.

Hubby got me this, which I highly suspected he would after I explained how so totally cool it was. Needless he say he feel in love with it. He also got me a variety box of k cups to go with it, so we are having fun trying them all out.

For the last year I have been saying how much I want a waffle iron, but just never got around to actually buying one. So my darling husband got me this, but let's be honest, I think the only real reason he bought it for me was so I'd make him waffles ;)

I also got a funnel cake mix set. Rob knows how much I LOVE funnel cakes so he bought me the set so I can make my own anytime my heart desires. My sister got me a 15 dollar itunes gift card (which I am totally going to put it to use later).

And lastly, hubby bought me this, as a total shocker! A while back (like a long time ago) I made the comment how I'd like to have a TV in the kitchen/dining room area for when I'm in here cooking and baking..

All in all, it was a great day. I'm so very happy I got to spend today with my family, couldn't have been any better :)

So what did you get?

It's been too long $

2010-12-21T18:10:00.000-06:00

Okay, I know I've been absent, and some of you may have been following my 30 day challenge towards weight loss. Needless to say I think I picked the wrong time of the year to start on this journey. Not really because of all the sweets and totally unhealthy food that keeps being sent to us. Just because the holiday season has turned out to be keeping us really busy.

As you may have read in my last post, my sister and her boyfriend broke up (well kind of). But anyway, Rob and I offered for my sister to come spend the week with us and we'd pay for her hunting license as part of her Christmas gift. She had taken the hunter safety course a few months back but just never had the money to buy her license (and a gun). So she came down and we took her shopping for some camo's and got her license. Here she is all ready to go hunting for the first time.

Another reason for my absence is my oldest son has pneumonia. He woke up the other morning with a sore throat and fever, and beings that Karley had just gotten over strep throat, I decided to take Jo in and get him tested. After giving Jo the exam, Doc quickly said nope to strep and gave him some antibiotics to treat the pneumonia.

So between Jo being sick, the other 2 kids and my sister down here visiting, we've been pretty busy. So while I've been working out and still watching what I'm eating, I'm sorry to admit that I haven't been taking pics (and as you know I haven't been blogging).

I shall work on getting better at blogging my weight loss, and blogging in general.

Not today...

2010-12-18T20:14:00.000-06:00

As much as I hate to admit it, I didn't work out today. I just wasn't feeling it today, and hubby said it was perfectly acceptable to skip a day. So that's exactly what I did.

Last night my little sister called me because her first true love broke up with her. I've never heard her so upset, and I'm not the emotional type so I had no clue what to say to her. To be quite honest, I didn't much care for her boyfriend. It wasn't that he was controlling, but she changed big time when she started dating him. She stopped doing things that she liked, she made him her everything, but he didn't return the gesture. He put his family and friends way before my sister, but she was too in love to actually see it. I feel so bad for her experiencing this heart ache, but I honestly feel deep down that she'll grow from this and hopefully take some valuable lessons away from it.

My sister and I aren't as close as we could be, but when you're 10 years apart in age, there really isn't much to be had in common.

I was browsing through Etsy today and found this cute little lucky penny necklace that I think I might order.

Do you Etsy?

El tercer dia

2010-12-17T19:21:00.000-06:00

Day 3 is winding down, thank gosh. It took all I had to actually work out today. Besides being ~~a bit~~ extremely sore from the last two days (tmi alert) it's that time of the month, so I've been sluggish ever since I rolled out of the bed this morning. I fought off the soreness, sluggishness and overall feeling of not wanting to do it, and did it.

I of course did the 30 day shred, and did a 25 minute Zumba workout, oh and wrapped some presents. Wrapping presents surely burned some calories as well (right?!?!).

That's about all I did today. I won't lie, other than the DVD's and wrapping presents I didn't do much but lounge around complaining about my sore body and aching tummy.

Here's numero 3 picture (I know I look like hell, just goes to prove my bad day)

MilSpouse Friday Fill-in #25

2010-12-17T06:59:00.001-06:00

1. What is the best gift you have ever received or given?
Every gift I have ever gotten was the best. Growing up I was taught to cherish anything I ever got, and that's exactly what I've (attempted) to do. I do have to say though, whatever my husband gets me is great, because there is always love and thought behind what he gets me.

2. Do you celebrate holidays differently when your loved one is deployed/gone or do you keep tradition?
Nope, we keep it the same whether he's here or not. We have a family "rule" that we don't travel on the holidays, and even when he's gone I follow this "rule" even when we were in WA far far away from family, I didn't travel.

3. If you celebrate Christmas, do you put an angel, star or something else on the top of your tree?
A star, hubby grew up with a star, I grew up with an angel. In an attempt to get him into the holiday spirit, I decided to go with the star.

4. What are your three favorite websites?
Amazon, facebook and Etsy

5. On your man do you prefer… boxers, briefs or boxer briefs? Or commando? (yeah, I’m starting to get desperate for questions!)?
Well, let's be honest, I like him commando (keeping it clean), but he prefers boxer briefs :)

Day 2

2010-12-16T18:36:00.002-06:00

Whew, I can safely say that I completed day 2 of the 30 day challenge. I will fully own up to the fact that I was saying some pretty vulgar curse words in my head at Jillian today. My arms and chest hurt, and my thighs (oh dear lord they hurt). At any rate, I completed day 2 (without crying.. go me!) on level 1

A few things I learned today.

I can't do a correct push-up
I desperately need a breast reduction
I can keep my chin away from my chest while do crunches, however I cannot keep my chest away from my chin
I'm thinking by next week I'll be able to level up
The 20 minutes didn't seem quite as long today, though it is still a very long 20 minutes
my pecs were not and still are not liking Jillian

Aside from the 30 Day Shred DVD, I also did Zumba Abs. I felt great today after doing my workouts. On top of working out, I am also becoming more aware of what I'm putting into my body (I had salmon today at Cheddars instead of something fried and completely unhealthy for me).

Day 1

2010-12-15T14:53:00.001-06:00

My friend Kathleen and I have embarked on a 30 day challenge following the 30 day shred by Jillian Michaels. You can read more about our challene here.

Today was day 1, and the verdict is still out on whether I liked it or not. I did level 1, and honestly don't foresee level 2 in my immediate future. I do have to admit, I like how fast paced it is, even though it is only 20 minutes, my arms and legs are feeling like I actually spent some time in the gym today. I guess doing Zumba this morning probably added to that feeling.

So since today is Day 1, I must divulge my starting stat's *gulp*

Okay.....

Here goes, I am currently 175 pounds and by the end of the 30 Day Challenge I would like to 162, and fit comfortably (read not having a muffin top) in a size 10.

Do you have the 30 Day Shred? Join in on our challenge! Make sure you leave a message so we can follow along with your progress :)

Secret obsession

2010-12-14T06:19:00.001-06:00

I'm going to let ya'll in on a secret obsession/collection. I love cookbooks. If I go somewhere and see an interesting cook book, 9 times out of 10 I'm going to buy it. I have a really good one that was put together from wives here at Fort Benning, and my good friend Kathleen over at Hawkerswife is giving away a copy of the cookbook.

The giveaway ends tomorrow, so head on over there by clicking here and get your name entered to win!

Good luck!

Joys my heart

2010-12-13T16:22:00.000-06:00

If it's one thing I've learned having a child with high anxiety, it's that finding something they feel confident in enough to participate is no easy task. We've had Jo in t-ball, baseball, soccer, and flag football. He says he doesn't like these things, and we aren't the type of parents to push him to do sports so we've just let him find his own little things.

He got a set of golf clubs for his birthday and we just haven't been able to get him any lessons (read supporting a child 100% that isn't yours can put a bit of a financial strain on things). After winter though, he is getting his golf lessons! I don't care what I have to do to be able to afford them.

Thankfully school saved us and introduced him to a new activity that he really enjoys. Chorus. I never thought Jo would like Chorus, but he really does, and I'm so happy that he has finally found something that his anxiety doesn't ruin for him.

Last Friday the chorus had their first field trip to go sing for Drill Sergeants and other workers at 192nd Battalion. I was worried his anxiety would get the best of him, but much to our surprise he did great, and I couldn't be more thankful.

Here is a picture of Jo all dressed up for his chorus field trip :)

Looks pretty snazzy huh? (Yeah I realize I may be a tad bit biased.

2 weeks

2010-12-12T19:44:00.000-06:00

No I'm not talking about how many days on Christmas, I'm talking about how long the kids and hubby will be home. I'm already preparing myself for the bickering and fighting and the possibility of wanting to hurt 1 (or all of them).

I will say though, I am very thankful that Rob will be home with us again this year for Christmas, as I know so many families will not have their loved ones home. So please don't mistake my whine as being ungrateful.

I just loathe having the kids at home, every. single. day for 2 weeks. I suppose one bright side is that we'll be down one kid for the 2nd week, but we'll be full of worry during that week because Karley will be with her parents. I trust sister-in-law to be clean around her more than I do her father. Especially considering he can't call here and leave a message and not sound all fubar'd.

This week is a pretty laid back week, 2 of the kids have dentists appointments tomorrow, other than that no big plans. I plan on being lazy before the storm (ie 2 weeks of kids home) hits.

Oh, and on a side note, we've been having snow flurries here in middle GA all evening. Soooo not warm here at all like it should be.

Cleaning and Laundry.. OH MY

2010-12-11T14:30:00.001-06:00

You want to know why I absolutely loathe being a stay at home mom sometimes? Well then.. I will tell you, it's all the dang cleaning! It never fails I'll spend my day cleaning and the kids will have it all tore up within 15 seconds of them getting home. Then I get into the mood what forget this, why I should even clean at all.

But alas my strike can only last about a day, then I become fed up at looking at the clutter so I clean it.

This past week I faced a new struggle in life. It has been no easy feat to raise someone else's daughter and I learn this every day over and over again. But this past week, Karley got a cold so I took her to the doctor to learn she has strep throat. Now, for those of you that have sons and daughters, you know that boys and girls are way different. My boys, when they get sick, aren't the cuddly just laying around type.. OH no! They are even more rambunctious and you can't keep them down. Now Karley on the other hand, is not like that. I sort of blame her mom for that because she was always doped up when Karley was sick and SIL just wanted to lay around instead of taking care of Karley, so she would force Karley to lay around all day. So now that Karley is feeling better, getting her to actually play is like like pulling teeth. She wants to do nothing but lay around, and I won't lie it's driving me ape shit!

Thankfully, she is now up and moving (after I made her get dressed despite her fighting me on it). And we are even going to a movie. I'm going to get her up and moving even if it kills me! And then home to write out a grocery list and finish up laundry since the laundry fairy skipped my house this week.

Mil Spouse Friday Fill-in

2010-12-10T18:00:00.002-06:00

1. What do you see your life like in 10 years?
Hubby will most likely be retired by then, we'll be living in Tennessee on our farm. Jo will have graduated from high school, and AJ will be close to graduating. And I will hopefully be employed in the law field.

2. What do you like most about your job?
I don't work right now, but I do work in the home. I love being a stay at home mom (most of the time) and being able to complete school. Thankfully my husband has been 120% supportive of me going to college.

3. What are three things you do every day, no matter what day it is?
Drink coffee, talk to Kathleen and play on Facebook

4. What would you do with an extra five hours in the day today?
wrap Christmas presents.

5. What is your favorite Christmas (or whichever holiday you celebrate) cookie recipe (please share!)?
Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie

1 cup maraschino cherries
1-1/4 cups packed brown sugar
3/4 cup butter-flavored solid vegetable shortening
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 large egg
1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Pre-heat oven to 375 F. Drain maraschino cherries and chop coarsely. Place on a paper towel to soak up excess liquid. In a large mixing bowl, beat sugar, shortening until creamy. Beat in extracts and egg. In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt and baking soda. Stir into creamed mixture. Stir in chips and cherries. Drop by heaping tablespoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Cool 2 minutes on baking sheets then remove to wire racks to cool completely

How I feel today

2010-12-07T08:59:00.000-06:00

"A friendship that can end never really began"

The.End

Sticker shock

2010-12-05T20:50:00.001-06:00

When most people talk about seeing sticker shock, it has to do with purchasing a vehicle, or some big item like that. Not me, I get sticker shock by watching money flee our bank account.

You may remember that my husband recently re-enlisted, which gave him the option of a re-enlistment bonus. Part of that bonus went towards buying him some fancy schmancy bow he has been wanting. Couple that with the fact that he knew I spent about $400.00 on him for Christmas.

Today he went shopping for my gifts, which is odd that he went this early, but hey I'm not complaining I got to enjoy an entire afternoon being lazy and watching movies on the Hallmark Channel. Fast forward to after dinner, getting kids bathed and into bed, I sat down at the computer to balance our checkbook. This is where the sticker shock comes into play. I admit it, I'm not one of those people who enjoy having money spent on them, so when I learned my husband spent roughly $700.00 on me, I just about fell out of my chair (don't believe me? Ask Kathleen, she was on the phone with me).

I'm not angry at him, and I haven't said anything to him. He seems really proud of himself right now and I don't want to ruin his Christmas Spirit.

On a side note, the other day I started the process to get enrolled in a Bachelors program, believe it or not, I'm very much looking forward to it!

Going to Join.. MilSpouse Friday Fill-in

2010-12-03T09:21:00.001-06:00

1. If you were given $1,000 right now, how would you spend it?
I wouldn't spend it, it would actually just going into savings. Or perhaps would be a good time to start a retirement fund?

2. If you had to choose a movie title (a real one that already exists) for your life story, what would it be?
Fireproof, sounds odd I know. Though we don't do the 40 dares over and over again seems like we do them periodically without thinking.

3. If you were a teacher, what subject would you like to teach?
I'll be honest, I'd never be a teacher. I love kids, but can't handle them in mass quantities, hence the reason we never go to Chuck E Cheese

4. Has being a MilSpouse changed how you view holidays or how your holidays are celebrated? If so, how? If not, what hasn’t changed?
Honestly, no it hasn't. Hubby had a 3 year break in service and this was actually the time we met, got married and made babies. But from the very beginning we set down holiday rules (ie not traveling on holidays, being in our home on Christmas Day) that even if he's not around, I still stick by them. Even when I lived 3000+ miles away from family and hubby was gone for both Thanksgiving and Christmas, the kids and I stayed home. I will say having good friends makes the holidays easier.

5. What is your favorite Christmas (or whatever holiday you celebrate) memory?
All of them! Not one stands out, but each year has brought about it's own memories that will last a lifetime.

Dear.......

2010-12-02T21:47:00.001-06:00

Dear Neighbors- I'm not sure what happened when I was gone for 4 days in Virginia, but you 3 are making me embarrassed to a girl. This little game that ya'll are playing is absurd, believe it or not all 3 of you can be friends at the same time. Not 2 of you, then 1 leaves the friendship and the other steps in.. Fer reals.. Grow up.

Dear Sister in law- what on Earth would ever make you think that people are jealous of you? I mean really?!? You are 33, have no job, can't support yourself, don't have custody of either one of your kids, don't pay child support and more than likely are still an active drug user.. I'm fairly certain that people are not going to be jealous of these facts.

Dear Kids- Please please please start cleaning your rooms. I am so very tired of harping on your everyday to do this.

Dear (Blank)- Please don't think you were ever the best friend a person could ask for. You and your family have way to much drama for my liking. I know I have drama in my life, but not nearly the amount you do. Also, please think about talking to someone about your drinking, it's a bit excessive if you ask me and I feel sorry for your kids.

Dear ____- Wake up and smell the roses honey. She isn't your friend- she's just using you because everyone else has figured out that she ain't nothing but drama and full of some really good lies (until you start catching onto her lies, then she just appears to be a dumb ass)

Dear Kathleen- Thank you soooooo much for keeping me grounded! I'd be lost without your friendship and I can't wait until we live in the same state.. Watch out Tennessee!

Dear Hubby- I love you to pieces! Thanks for being your cute (cuddly) self this week when I was feeling really bad. I'm so glad that I married my best friend, and can't wait to grow old with you.

YAY It's December

2010-12-01T14:05:00.000-06:00

I've been waiting for this day for 364 days. I love love love this time of year. Christmas Shopping for my kids, husband, parents and friends.

I'm pretty much done with my shopping, got a few more presents to get for the kids and we'll call it a good year. This year I got my husband some awesome presents, I can't wait until Christmas day so I can see his face when he opens his gifts. The kids are going to be happy. I have to tell you though, adding a 3rd child to our holiday shopping this year made me realize I shouldn't/can't spend as much money as I want on my kids.

The only bad thing that I hate about this time of year is the sickness that spreads like wildfire. Now I admit I hate going to the doctor, partly because I hate taking time for myself. I know it sounds ridiculous. And believe me, I am now paying the price for it because the doc told me yesterday that I have walking pneumonia. Great right?!?!

On a side note, the other night we were out at a local pizza buffet and Rob and I were sitting there talking. This older lady walked up to us and was like I don't mean to interrupt you but you two are just the cutest couple I've seen in a long time, you two have just been sitting here talking and laughing, so adorable.. and of course I ate that up :) I am truly blessed to be married to my best friend.

Week in review

2010-11-27T10:46:00.000-06:00

So my week was pretty good. Got all my finals done and turned in for school. One of my classes has posted final grades and I got a 96, still waiting on the other class to post final grades.

Wednesday hubby re-enlisted, making his time in the military indefinite now. Just means between now and 8 years and 11 months from now that there is no more re-enlisting.

I also spent part of Wednesday prepping a few dishes for Thanksgiving, sadly I didn't think about taking any pictures. Thursday morning hubby and I got up at 4:30 to get the turkey ready and in the oven, then he went hunting. I was going to go back to sleep but decided I'd fold some laundry and do a bit more picking up before Kathleen and her family got here. So I decided to watch the Notebook (and yes I admit I'd never seen it before despite friends telling me how good it was).

So there I am folding clothes and my doorbell rings. My first thought "who the heck is at my door at 7:30 in the morning". I open the door slowly, and was pleasantly surprised to see my parents standing there despite their insistence all week that they wouldn't be down.

Fast forward to Friday, Kathleen and I hit up A Bit of Benning so she could get an ornament. Then later in the day we drove to Pine Mountain to hit up an antique shop. We got back about 3 hours later to find that my husband has lost my dog, thankfully someone found him and called the MP's. Bad news is that since the Vet Clinic on post isn't open on the weekends I can't get him back until Monday. So my adorable beagle mix is currently in doggy jail for the weekend. Needless to say hubby feels bad, and I'm not making the situation any better.

Today is looking to be a lazy day with just lounging around. Who knows what we'll get into today.

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!

Crunch time....

2010-11-22T12:13:00.001-06:00

I have 2 papers to write before midnight tomorrow, and what am I doing? Making my blog prettier! I'm thinking at this moment I don't exactly have my priorities in order. To my defense though, I've done all the research for my papers I just need to actually write them, which shouldn't take me to entirely long.

After I get all my homework done, then I can start focusing on Thanksgiving dinner! I actually very much enjoy cooking dinner for friends. This year a friend of mine and I are splitting the dinner, she's cooking half and I'm cooking half, and a few other friends are bringing various side dishes.

My friend Kathleen, her husband, and son are suppose to be coming down from Fort Campbell to join us as well. So in all as of right now we are up to 16 people for Thanksgiving dinner.

Rob made the comment "that's nothing" and people look at him crazy. But you have to understand that in the past we've cooked the entire thing for over 30 people for 2 years in a row.

I'm glad it's not quite that many this year!

Small Victory

2010-11-16T19:48:00.001-06:00

Well, court went pretty good today, all in all it was a small victory in our favor. Visitation was changed from us having to bring Karley all the way to Virginia once a month, to them having to meet us half way once a month. They also will get her for a week during Christmas break, not to include Christmas eve or Christmas Day. The judge said since our house is Karley's home, that she shouldn't have to be away from her home on Christmas.

It was a bit crazy for a minute because all her parents wanted to do was complain about having to pay child support. HELLO, she is your daughter, so yes, you should have to pay.

I happen to think they are selfish, like big time. I understand they miss their daughter, but all they are worried about is their visitation and they don't really take Karley into consideration. As of now, we will meet halfway at noon on Saturday for them to pick her up, and they have to have her back by 2pm on Sunday. That's 26 hours of time they get with her. Now it will take them about 4 hours to get back here to Roanoke after getting her, so about 4, then you figure if bed time is between 9 and 10, that's only 5-6 hours of time they actually get with her that doesn't involve being in a vehicle. Then they'd have to get up and leave about 10 on Sunday morning.

And that time has to be split between 2 parents who are separated and are dating other people.

But whatever, I guess these small victories will add up to big victories in the end.

Sitting in the hotel

2010-11-15T21:17:00.001-06:00

Now, before you go and get all jealous thinking I'm somewhere tropical, or some place out of this world cool, think again!

I'm here

What on EARTH are you doing in Podunk VA Amie you ask?!?!?! We have court tomorrow! Just a visitation hearing regarding my niece that we have custody of. Trust me, this was not our idea of a vacation spot, though Roanoke does have some really neat attractions.

Like the star! When we lived here many moons ago, I would constantly beg my husband to drive me up to the star. I'm not really sure why, but the star itself is just pretty and I loved going up there and looking down at the hustle and bustle of the city.

Doesn't it just look peaceful? I love up there, but since it is raining this trip, we haven't been able to get up there. And hopefully we will not be making this trip again anytime in the near future, but I guess what happens at court tomorrow will play a big factor in how soon we have to come back.

Please send good vibes for court :)

Tis the Season...

2010-11-12T20:31:00.003-06:00

To start Holiday Cards! I don't know about you, but I love this time of year! In years past I would just buy the premade cards at the store and throw in a picture of the family. A few years back I went to photo cards but was never really impressed with them. That is... until I found Shutterly. A while back I kept hearing my friends just rave over the Photo Books which I think are absolutely adorable, I've just never taken the time to actually do one (though I might remedy that in the near future...can you say Christmas gift?!?).

Every year I comb different sites to find the cutest (yes I just said cutest) cards possible to send to friends and family. This year I am giving Shutterfly a shot because I love their selection of cards.

At first I was at looking this card because it's just so stinkin' cute

However since we now have a 3rd addition, I think I am going to go with a slot for each of the kids, and then a family pictures. You can order this card here

So I did some more looking at all the choices they have to offer and found this one which I love and I even uploaded pictures of the kids and had the card all made up, then I saved it and kept looking.

And then. . . I found the one that just screamed "hey, pick me, pick me" Who am I to tell this card no?!?!

I adore this card and can't wait to get it all ordered and sent out to everyone. But, now comes the difficult part of actually getting a good family photo!

Right now, Shutterfly is even offering 20% off on their holiday cards! Just click here and get started on your Holiday Cards!

(PS..Bloggers can get 50 free holiday cards from Shutterfly… sign up Here)

Thank You to our Veterans Past and Present

2010-11-11T10:30:00.001-06:00

I'm hooked

2010-11-10T21:52:00.001-06:00

I don't typically get into decorating our house with a bunch of "pretties" as I like to call them, because we are never in a place long enough (in my opinion) to really do this.

Buttttttt... My husband is re-enlisting soon, and it happens to be indefinite. Which in theory means that in a few ~~long~~ 8 years, my husband will be at 20 and can retire. We are 99.98% sure where we'll be PCS'ing next year and are looking at buying a house. Not just a house on a little piece of land either. Oh no! My husband wants a FARM! Now, I won't lie. . . I'm scared, anxious, nervous, excited, joyful (I think you get the point here) at the thought of settling down. But holy cow, us settle down? and buy a farm? Oh yes!

We have even began to look at places in the area we'll more than likely be moving too and when I look at the pictures of these houses, I'm now thinking about how I can decorate them.

Like this for AJ's room
And this would be great for Karley
And Jo would simply go ape crap over this one

So with that said, do you like to decorate your home? If so, how?

I got one!

2010-11-09T19:37:00.001-06:00

Don't worry, I'm not going to scare everyone and post a picture, but I did want to let everyone know that I did get my first deer over the weekend. I ~~was~~ am over the moon excited about it!

Now on to other issues that are twirling around in my head. My oldest son, Jo, was diagnosed with childhood anxiety about 3 years ago. We were so very thankful to actually find a reasoning to his behavior, but I'll be honest... Even though we have a reasoning behind it, it surely does not make it any easier to deal with.

The strange part is, we don't really have problems with him at home, but at school, good Lord! For about the whole month of September I swear I was at the school everyday. Thankfully that has slowed down, but now his teacher is blowing everything out of proportion when it comes to his behavior. It's not like she is a younger teacher, so I'm sure she has had her fare share of "problem" children, and although my child is no angel, he's not the devil either!

I have a conference with her in the morning, so please send good vibes I keep my cool with her, as she is really really starting to push my buttons.

I'm not lost.. and a new hobby

2010-11-04T15:54:00.000-05:00

So, really I haven't been lost. It seems when I really start blogging a lot, life really throws a damper in me taking time to blog.

All in all things have been pretty good around here. Hubs is busy with a new cycle, the kids are trucking along in school, and I'll be a graduate in 3 1/2 weeks :0 I'm shocked, it feels like just yesterday I started down this 2 year path.

So, my new hobby is probably controversial with many people, so I'm not telling you all my new hobby so you can pass judgement. So with that said. . . My new hobby is hunting. Yes, carrying a gun sitting in the woods and hunting. I've not actually shot anything, I think at this point it's the calmness that excites me. I don't hear "mom he took my toy" "Aunt can I have this?" "Can we go out to eat?"

I get to sit out there, by my lonesome (and with my husband) and just enjoy... nature. I have gotten lucky and seen a deer one of my days out, however I froze. By the time it registered in my brain "yes you dodo head, that is a deer" I couldn't get a shot on it.

Of course Halloween was last weekend, and I took the kids T r T'ing. I had 2 ninja's and a spider countess. I was going to post a picture, but it keeps giving me an error code.

Tons of firsts

2010-10-20T18:44:00.001-05:00

So this year I have experienced a lot of firsts. For starters this is our first time a non line unit, and let me tell you, aside from the deployments line units are soooo much better than TRADOC. Most wives just don't care to interact with other wives or get to know each other like in a line unit.

Second thing is I've been served with court papers twice this year! TWICE! Granted both times have been due to having custody of our niece, but still, I went 27 years without having to appear in court.

Third, today I had the joyful experience of learning how to get a temporary restraining order. Now before you go thinking this was for school (since I am less than 2 months away from getting my paralegal degree) this was actually against my sister in law. Let's just say she went a lot crazy and we have to get it through to her that she can't do these things.

All in all things have been going good, our trip to Tybee was fun, though because someone decided to be a craphead and put a bad mood on the trip for all involved. I adored the Tybee area though and want to make plans for a trip there in the spring.

What is one of your favorite areas to vacation?

Weekend getaway...

2010-10-01T06:41:00.000-05:00

Packing our bags this morning and heading out. My parents are coming down to stay with the kids and Rob and I are head off with my friend and my cousin. This will be the first time Rob and I have went on a full weekend getaway with.... NO KIDS!!!!

Where are we going you ask???

We are going here:

I'll blog about my adventures next week :)

Fall is here!

2010-09-26T16:11:00.000-05:00

Although the temperatures aren't exactly fall-ish type weather, football and fall soccer mean the season is here!

My youngest son is playing soccer again, he really likes it. This makes the 5th team he has been on since he was 4, and I'm really hoping this year since he is 7 he will start taking it a tad bit more serious instead of being the kid out there doing handstands, playing in the dirt, or picking flowers. He makes it pretty comical though

My niece Karley is participating in Cheerleading this year, which is the first time she's been able to do anything extra and is just tickled pink about doing it. Part of the reason she wanted to do cheerleading is because her sister has been cheering for quite a few years now. I'm not much of a girlie girl so this is all very new to me, but it's a great learning process, for both of us.

Jonathon isn't doing sports this year, but is awaiting golf lessons and told us the other day that he would like to join chorus. So I'll be signing him up for chorus this week.

Rob just finished with another cycle on the trail, and they graduated Friday. Rob was on the demo squad and really enjoyed that, though he didn't too much care for having to stop every time they went to get up for pictures and more pictures. I managed to snap one while they were still on the field, just excuse the gate and head in front on me.

History on Benning

2010-09-20T20:38:00.000-05:00

I will fully admit it, I'm not really a history person. No offense to anyone, but I just find history to be a bit boring. However there are certain things I do enjoy. On Fort Benning, there is tons of history to learn about, and my most favorite thing happens to be Doughboy Stadium.

Doughboy Stadium was built by U.S. Army Infantrymen during the 1920's as a memorial to Infantrymen killed during World War 1. The construction of the stadium was funded completely by donations of Infantrymen from all across the nation.

There are events still held at the stadium. Last year after we moved here, two local high school football teams played their game on the stadium. We went to the game and it was just so amazing to think of all the sports and other events that had taken place in that very stadium.

Outside the stadium

Inside the stadium

Another interesting thing I find amazing is the speech that was delivered by LTC Hal Moore prior to being deployed to Vietnam, which most of us have seen in We Were Soldiers.

Have you ever had the chance to visit or see Doughboy Stadium? What kinds of history do you enjoy?

Eye balls deep in Volunteer work

2010-09-17T06:28:00.000-05:00

Who is the person that typically can't say no to volunteering?? ME! However, a few weeks back I came to a point where I had to let one of my volunteer jobs go, and I decided on the FRG.

I love volunteering since I don't actually have a real job right now. It keeps me occupied and I just feel good helping others out, and of course meeting new people!

My main volunteer job is with the Community Spouses Club of Fort Benning. I love working with all the ladies on the board to make sure all of our members feel welcome and appreciated. This is my first year on this board and I took something easy-ish, which is hospitality.

There are a few reasons I step down from the FRG. Big one is, after the first of the year, my husband is suppose to be switching battalions. The other reason is I've learned that working with reservists (no I'm not hating on the reserves) can be difficult at times. When you come from a line unit FRG, where the wives actually enjoy getting involved, to a unit that only had 3-5 helping out, it is a major culture shock. I'll still be helping out when they need me, I just couldn't be the leader any longer, or you might have been reading my posts from the psych ward :)

What about you, do you do any volunteer work? If so, what kind :)

Family Law

2010-08-23T12:04:00.000-05:00

So, as most of you know, I'm currently in an Associates degree program working to my degree in Paralegal studies. I'm on board to graduate this November, and plan to go back after the holidays to work towards my Bachelors.

This term I am taking family law, which interests me to no end, but don't really think I could ever work in the family law field. Especially after going through what we are with our niece.

It infuriates me to no end, that her father gets his monthly visitation without any financial obligations. He doesn't pay child support, hasn't paid Karley any child support since April. Heck his oldest son is 20 and they are still trying to get him to pay back 5 years worth.

He didn't help with school supplies, or school clothes. He didn't help with her cheerleading sign up costs. We have to be responsible for all costs associated with taking her to VA for his visitation.

Someone please explain to me why Rob and I are trying to do the right thing, but are getting the short end of this deal with all the financial aspects? This ~~dirtball~~ low life gets to have the fun with her he wants, but has no responsibility for her. How in the world is this right???

Three scoops of crazy...

2010-08-15T18:25:00.000-05:00

I'm not sure what is going on lately, but it seems like nothing but crazy people are involved in my life right now. I'm not sure exactly why, perhaps I have "I like crazy people" tattooed on my forehead but I can't see it. All I know is, the crazy needs to stop! Like yesterday.

1st crazy on our list is my nieces father. He tends to take the cake on being crazy, though really I think the crazy is drug induced. He called yesterday morning and talked to his daughter (dawtr is how he spells it, total winner right?) and she told him we wouldn't be home until late and she would call him today. He called twice while we were gone. First message sounded fairly normal, stated the time and day of his call, and to call him back. Fast forward 2 hours to the next message, it didn't sound so normal, quite the opposite actually. He stated the time, and day, though he had it wrong (claimed it was Friday), and stated that he hadn't talked to her in a few days.

UMMM Hello! You had just talked to her less than 12 hours earlier. See? Told you maybe not ~~crazy~~ but drug induced.

Next we have a close to 40 year old woman who got extremely mad that she couldn't walk in and take over a volunteer job. After throwing a huge fit, you know, posting the "I'm mad at people who do this" Cause people totally can't figure out who you are talking about. She took it even further and deleted her facebook page.

All I could think was what the heck! This woman is close to 40, and supposedly and "outstanding" Army wife, though she truly did not carry herself as such.

Next, we have my ~~mother~~ monster in law. This crazy hag (yes I know, not nice) had the nerve to email my husband (you know, the one in the Army, working is tail off from 4:30am to roughly 10:00pm each day) and tell him that me and him are not broad minded, and that our house is not an emotionally stable environment for our niece or even our own kids, and that being bad in many ways is not good.

Ummm Okay! Where the heck did that come from?? So I'm guessing niece's mom, who left a drug treatment facility and has warrants out for her is a better emotional environment? Or how about her dad who can barely carry on a conversation and forgets which day it is because he's so messed up on drugs?

Needless to say, monster in law and I had words and I don't regret it one little bit. To be truthfully honest, it's been a long time coming!

In a nutshell, that's how our last week has been... Hope yours has been better!

Giveaway winner!

2010-08-09T22:37:00.001-05:00

And the winner is.....

Chelle over at It's a Hooah Life

Thanks to everyone who entered! Be on the lookout in the future for more giveaways!

Chelle, I will be emailing you tomorrow to get your order :)

I'm tired of the trail

2010-07-27T14:46:00.000-05:00

I must admit, we do see our soldier a lot more than in a regular unit, but I am tired of him being on the trail.

Okay, I don't really think I'm tired of it, I think with adding the stress of having custody of our niece and having to take her to VA once a month is just a lot on me. Especially with school starting up for the kids. We recently submitted a motion to review the order, so hopefully we'll be getting a court date soon.

Rob's reenlistment window opens up in August, we already know he'll be reenlisting, so not to much to talk about there, however we are looking forward to finding out where we'll be getting stationed after he is done on the trail.

Last weekend the kids and I were in VA, the boys and I took time to visit the local zoo, we had a great time even though the zoo was pretty small and didn't have much. Here are my two little men at the entrance.

Post 102... Giveaway Time!!!

2010-07-22T17:13:00.000-05:00

Hello in blog land! I haven't done a giveaway in quite some time, so I thought now is the perfect time to do so.

So, are you wondering what I am going to be giving away? Well, as a celebration to my new business taking off so well, I will be doing a Scentsy giveaway! If you aren't sure what Scentsy is, click the link and explore around a little bit.

For this giveaway, I will be doing a Scentsy Plug-In System. You will get to choose which Plug-In you want, along with which 3 Scentsy Bars you want. This is a $25.00 dollar value and I will cover the taxes and shipping :)

So how do you enter? It's simple, leave a comment to this post with your email address and your name will be entered. If you don't want to leave your email address as a comment that is fine, just make sure you check back to see if you are a winner.

But wait, there are two more ways to enter! One way is to be a follower of my blog, if you are a follower, let me know when you leave a comment.

The last way is to mention my giveaway in your blog, just make sure you send me a link to the blog post.

So there you have it, your name can be entered up to three times! Told you it was simple!

The winner will be announced on August 9th! Goodluck!

It's almost school time!

2010-07-20T18:24:00.000-05:00

For the kids that is! I am still trucking along in my degree and will be finished, with the associates, in November.

Now the kids on the other hand start back the first week of August. I'm excited and sad all at the same time! I like having them home with me, but soooo ready for a break during the day!

I'm dreading school shopping though, with an extra kid to get stuff for and no support from her parents, it should be interesting!

What about everyone in blog land, ready for school, or wishing summer was longer?

The court came through!

2010-06-28T19:05:00.000-05:00

I know I am way late in letting you all (well those who read) about our court date. All went well, and we have been given custody of our niece.

She is doing good and adjusting well.. It helped that she had been living here before court, so it wasn't a big change for her. Now we are trying to get her enrolled in DEERS so we can have her put on Tricare, and be able to attend school here on post with the boys.

And boy I tell you, it is a whole lot different having 3 kids versus just my normal 2! And a girl no less, I now know there is a reason God didn't give me girls.

Post 99!

2010-05-24T16:36:00.000-05:00

This is my 99th post, I know normally people do a giveaway for the big 100, however I'm not quite ready for that. However stay tuned because I will be having a giveaway coming up soon!

So much has been going on in our lives, we are currently in the process of getting custody of our niece, my sister in law was living here, however she is now living in a "sober living facility."

Long story short, sister in law has been addicted to drugs for a long time now, and called us back at the beginning of the year, we agreed to help her and our niece, but she had to move down here so we could really help her. Truth be told, we weren't going to send her any more money because we knew what the money was going for.

Sister in law has some very big problems, as most addicts do, and it just became too much for Rob and I too handle. Sister in law promised us she would never use drugs while living under our roof, I point blank told her that I don't care if she allowed drugs to be around her kids, but drugs were not to be around my kids. Granted we don't think she ever actually brought them into the house, but she did them while living here, so big NO-NO.

Sad part is, she kept denying it, even after failing numerous drug tests. I've actually learned quite a bit from having an addict live here, and I am so thankful that neither Rob or myself have that kind of problem.

What about you, do you know someone with an addiction problem? If so, how has it affected you?

Wow! It has been a while!

2010-05-17T09:56:00.002-05:00

I honestly swear I have not forgotten about all my "friends" in blog land. Things have been crazy busy around here, and I just haven't had time to blog. I've sooo missed blogging and have a bunch to catch up on. I vowing now to update my blog at least twice a week...

It can't be that hard, can it??

Nothing to really say....

2010-02-14T09:14:00.002-06:00

So I figured I would share with the blog world what I put as my Facebook status today

Why does everyone get so excited about Valentines Day? I'd much rather my husband stop and get me a card and stuff on any other day but today.. Why you ask? I don't need to get stuff on a day that Society says my loved one has to get me something. We celebrate our love for each other every day.

I hate red phase!

2010-02-08T13:24:00.000-06:00

For those that don't know what red phase is, it's the first 3 weeks of basic training for infantry soldiers. Drill Sergeants work insane hours during this time, sometimes I think he works more now than he did on a line unit, however once red phase is over he does a bit more time off.

That's part of the reason I haven't been blogging much. On top of Rob being in red phase, I started back to school, and we are currently in the process of trying to get temporary custody of our niece. She hasn't had the best life, and we are trying to make things better for her.

On a side note, I am still going to the gym daily, although I did have to miss today because I had to take care of some legal stuff and get a few errands done. That's okay though, I'll be back in there tomorrow working my butt off!