New Years Resolutions... Yes or No?

Several of my friends have posted New Years Resolutions on their Facebook page. I'm a little conflicted about this. I do intend to make some changes in 2012, but I'm not sure I want to tag it as a resolution since resolutions seems to be short lived.

I have been telling myself I am setting goals rather than resolutions. Goals you can measure; where resolutions are more general. I promise to be a better person... How do you know? Do I include the 20 plus hours of volunteer time toward that resolution? I don't know? I have decided that goals are better and have to include something measurable. For example, I am working on losing weight over the next 6 months. I've decided that I will lose approximately 3 pounds/ month. Yeah, I know that doesn't sound like much, but it's a healthy start, and the important thing is that I'm not only losing weight, I'm getting healthy off the couch and moving. With that goal in mind, I'm set myself up with a Beach Body Coach that one I am accountable to and two will help me if I get into a "funk". I also have scheduled (yet I actually made a calendar) my gym/ work out time. No more excuses of I don't have time. I've put it on the calendar and just like work I have set myself up to commit that time to working out.

I can't really say my resolution for 2012 is to lose weight... I feel more confident in saying my goal for 2012 is to lose 3 pounds/ month. So what do you do? Do you resolve to do something in 2012 or do you have a goal for 2012?

It's Okay to Grieve

It's been three years since my Mom passed away. I still remember that day as if it were yesterday. I even remember the neighbor down the street calling to see if my oldest could come down and play. Santa brought a Wii for our family, and I had come down with the worst stomach bug EVER! My Mom's death wasn't a surprise. She had been diagnosed with cancer the year before and they had only given her 6 months to live. She lived much longer than the 6 months she was given, and in good spirits and good times. It wasn't until the last 4 months of her life that things began to slip and quickly at that.

I live with the guilt that I wasn't there as she passed. I wasn't there to hold her hand as she crossed over to Heaven. My Mom was always there for me... I still feel incredibly guilty that I wasn't there to hold her hand. I pray it wasn't scary and that she forgives me for being away. With Mark gearing up for a deployment and no child care for my boys, I just couldn't get there, and my Mom made me promise that the boys wouldn't see her die. I really didn't know what to do?

Today her loss impacts me significantly. There are so many times when I wish I could give her a call and just "Blah! Blah! Blah!" about whatever. I know people tell me to just go ahead and talk, but it isn't the same as when your Mom commiserates or offers a friendly tip.  I know Mom is around me, but sometimes I just long for that shoulder to cry on or that gentle hand to pat me on the back. It's amazing what a touch can do or the sound of a loved ones voice.

Facebook and Social Media always get the best of me when I see posts about Mom's and Dad's. I am so envious that my Mom isn't here and that theirs is. I have to be honest, I get so mad at God for taking my Mom away that I want to just spit! Why did he take her??? I don't wish for my Mom to have traded places with anyone else's Mom, but why did he take my Mom? She was too young to die. She had too many people who loved her to die! I understand that our lives are not meant to be on earth forever, and that we learn lessons and graduate on, but death is so permanent especially for those left behind.

So today I want to grieve, and it's okay to do that. I don't need to be perked up or inspiration. I just want to wallow in my sadness for one day, and "cry in my beer." I miss my best friend. No one will replace her. I miss you my dearest friend!!! I love you!

December... December... Where did you go? I can't believe it is Christmas already!

I'm sitting here in the 5 minutes of peace on Christmas Day reflecting on the last 30 days. I can say that "We made it!" with few bumps along the way, and it seems that everything is falling into place and settling in nicely. 

Oh... Did I forget to say that over the last 30 days we have been prepping for and actually engaging in another PCS (Permanent Change in Station). These moves always suck during the holidays! If you aren't scrambling enough trying to make cookies and buy presents  or actually trying to enjoy the season; you throw in a move which entails a sea of boxes, sad good byes, and a tailspin of trying to keep up with everything. This move was a bit unconventional. You see in the past, we have had my Mom to help us. She has been our intermediate step to keep things sane until after the holidays. When we moved to Europe, she let us camp at her house through the New Year. We mailed our presents to her and she wrapped them and kept them hidden until Christmas Eve (Bless her heart). With Mom's passing in 2008, we've (mostly I)  had a huge void in our lives (especially for me in the sanity department). I think she would have been proud of us though. Like I mentioned above, we made it through relatively unscathed. I am sure she has been watching over us carefully or nudging our guardian angels to really keep an eye out for us. :)  

I have to admit, this move was not something I wanted to engage in and both M and I fought it tooth an nail. You see it is a short tour, so we are only here for 6 months. Six months means uprooting your family and packing 12,500 pounds of HHG (household goods) to live some place for only a minute and then do it all again. That is no fun, let me tell you! Not to mention having to go through goodbyes AGAIN which for the boys and I are hard.

Our new base has treated us very well! Our neighbors are very friendly and there must be two dozen boys ranging in ages close to C and B's ages. Since we moved in a week ago, the boys have been outside stopping through the woods playing from sun up to sun down. (I have dreamed of this day for so long!) Our house is large too. We are one of the smaller families on our street with 5 of us; most of the other families have 7 plus people in their homes. We love it though! Just for Christmas we has Santa ride through our neighborhood with the local police department, and some of our neighbors banded together to go carolling. Both fun activities and it really made me feel like the base and the community cares.

We are slowing unpacking our stuff... Who am I kidding? We had 99% of our boxes unpacked within 3 days of receiving them. (I guess M was tired of living out of a suitcase. Ha ha ha). I have to admit if I never see, "Misc." on a box again I will be one happy lady! I've also started my strategy for our next pack up... I will label where things are to go so that they arrive in the right room at our next assignment, and minus, "Misc." Ha ha ha... Hopefully anyway!

I'm still in awe that within the last 30 days we have lived in our house in Texas with furniture, our house in Texas without furniture, a cabin on base, 2 different hotels, a cottage at our current base and our new house. We lived in these places and we didn't kill each other, and we only had a few melt downs (mainly over people we miss).  I think I'm going to like it here. I have some big plans for myself over the next few months and my goals have been set to attain those plans. And in 6 months... I hope our move goes as smoothly again! :)


Pictures of our fun along the way. :)

Packing up is fun!

Cabins with swings are even more fun!

In a small town near our cabin in Texas, we made glass ornaments for Christmas. This is C's.

Lunch along the way!!! Yum!

 Our new home.

Wooo... I'm taking 10!

I HATE MOVING! I think that phrase should be bold, in the biggest font with blinky lights because I can't emphasize it enough! Ha ha ha... Well, we are a mobile Army family, so moving is practically the name of the game. This time we are moving for 6 months and then we move again. Yeah, really... It's gonna shake down that way. I have to admit, I'm ready for change, but over the last 4 months I have met some amazing people who have really gotten me through some tough times, and I will miss them. Not to mention that I won't get my nursing degree completed before we go, BUT the silver lining is this... I was accepted into UNC, and that is a pretty good deal! So, for the next 6 months I can relax for a bit and then I have to hit the ground running again in the summer. Yay! I still hate moving! So I'm taking 10!

OK... So rant over, let me tell you my story... I posted a picture a few days back with C,B, &A. :) You see, I was trying to get a cute picture of the three of them for our Christmas card (bear with me people if you don't get a card until New Year, I think the packers packed them up. Ha ha ha). The picture I posted was one of the better ones.... You see, Miss A has really come into her own little personality. :) We placed her on a little box so that she wasn't so little sitting next to the boys. Well, this was awesome to her!!!! She tried to jump off it, stand on it, oh and....

 Sample our brother's hair gel... Yep, she really liked to lick his hair gel. Ha! Ha! Ha!

Or she was easily distracted by older brother C's lack of hair gel, and was totally annoyed that he put his arm around her so that she couldn't hop off. :) Thats' my girl though... Not the itty bitty I posted pictured of back in April. She is out in full force! Santa beware!!! This little one is on the move!!!

I am back... And Alive!!!

Well I am for the moment, but I will be hopping on and off over the next two weeks between a move and Finals! Yes, I have 2 finals over the next two weeks, a baby AND we are a mobile Army family.... Stay tuned for details and check back soon! :)

I cannot wait to blog again... I have missed you, my dear blog!!! :)

Here is a Christmas teaser.... I have a very cute story behind this photo... Stay tuned. :)

What are your Easter Traditions?

I love Easter traditions! There are so many out there that it seems that every family puts their own unique touch to the holiday. I hear about egg hunts and bunnies and then there is the Holy side of Easter. All of the traditions are fabulous!!! Have you ever looked into the history of Easter and how the correlation between the resurrection of Christ and bunnies ended up co-existing together? If not, check this out!

When I was a little girl, we combined both holidays like many families today. We would dye Easter Eggs! This was a BIG deal in my household! My Dad was usually home for Easter, so the family always did this holiday a little bigger than many other families. (BTW, my dad was in the Navy and out to sea 4-6 months out of the year). My Dad was king of dying Easter Eggs too. They weren't fancy, but he really enjoyed dying eggs! It wasn't uncommon for us to dye up to 5 dozen eggs! Wow! Right?

This is me around 7 years old. We were just getting started dying Easter eggs. :)

After all the eggs were dyed, we would set them out for the Easter Bunny to hide them. He didn't hide all 5 dozen unless we had company, but he would hide a dozen or two outside in the yard! We lived on an acre lot too... It was green and lush around Easter so there were MANY places to hide Easter Eggs!  The Easter Bunny always brought wonderful gifts and treats too! I remember one year I got a bike and a kite! My neighbor used to get this large egg that was made of peanut butter and coated with chocolate every year from the Easter Bunny. The two of us would eat that egg until our bellies hurt! :)

This is me hunting my eggs. One egg at a time! Thank goodness I had cousins to help me! :)

In the late afternoon we ALWAYS had ham, potato salad, cranberry salad, coleslaw, biscuits and of course every year my aunt Wally would make her famous Easter Bunny cake... Complete with jelly bean droppings! Ha Ha Ha... It was great to be around family!

I have to admit, Easter was one holiday that my family didn't spend much time in church. I think it's because we spent endless hours re-hiding eggs and hunting them and basically spending time as a complete family. Easter was a fun holiday and a time to spend with friends and family! (And don't get me wrong, we were very schooled in the resurrection of Easter Sunday).

Today, I try to stick with the traditions I grew up with. We dye Easter eggs (not 5 dozen, usually 2), and the kids make signs to warn the Easter Bunny about our cats. Of course the Easter Bunny comes and hides eggs, but plastic eggs have given way to the "real" eggs at our house especially now that we live in Texas. :) And of course the boys and the baby will get an Easter Basket. The most important thing we will celebrate this year is togetherness and many many laughs I hope!




Ahh... Making silly eggs!




Baby A enjoying her first Easter Egg Dying



Egg Dying is INTENSE!

Silly Boy!

Now I know where my kiddos get it from! :)

Happy Easter my friends!!! May your traditions bring happiness to your family too! :)

Happy Easter 2011

Friday Fragments

I sit in front of this computer almost daily to start a blog, and unfortunately everytime I'm interrupted. Most of my blogs are fragments in themselves these days and never get posted, so I'm going to take my blog fragments and share them with you this week. :) Hope you enjoy!

"7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 48.... Hut!" Oh wait!!! I mean 56, 63, 70, 77, 84.  What are all these numbers about? Well it is multiples of 7 of course! In our house you'd think that my oldest child, C, was getting ready to try out for the football team! Over the last few weeks we have been working on our multiplication tables. I have to tell you now that we have gotten up in the higher numbers, it's almost comical to listen to C recite these tables!

Does anyone watch "Food Nation?" I absolutely detest that show. It just irks my nerves! Only in America can you find someone from a foreign country on TV criticizing Americans for poor diets. Seriously, we let this happen! Let someone go into another country say, The Netherlands, and see if that flies! Grrr...

Now, don't get me wrong, do I think we have a child obesity problem? Yes, I do but I think it is more than just diet which is probably another reason why that stupid show irks me! Let your kids run and play without restriction! We keep our kids confined to a postage stamp sized yard or inside where they play video games... Get 'em out and let them run!

Okay, so last Friday I was glued to the TV to see if our family is going to be paid for April, and then stewed at the fact that yeah, maybe we weren't going to get paid, but what about a newly widowed spouse? Really Congress and Mr. President? Really??? Oh yes, I forgot it was more than saving money... We had to talk about abortions. Seriously? No offense, I believe that women have the right to have one if they want one, but really??? I pay for my birth control. I think Mr. Obama could work things into his Health care Reform to include BC for those in need. After all he wants health care for all. Grrr... Too many issues to discuss here on a fragment post, but look for a more detailed rant on this subject.

I took Baby A for her first well baby visit. She is growing by leaps and bounds. She weighs 12 pounds 6 ounces and is a whopping 22 3/4 inches long! So much for the cuties patootie 0-3 month sleepers... She is moving on up! :) I was a little bit caught off guard when the pediatrician told me NOT to give her any pain medication unless her fever was over 101 for her vaccinations. Wow! When did this change? I always gave my kids' meds before their well baby visits. Apparently fever reducers can affect a person's immunity by not allowing the body to fight as hard as if no medication was given. Woo! Baby A suffered a low grade fever... Just enough to make her pretty irritable, so I opted to take the pain meds for MY headache! :)

This weekend is B's birthday party. I am super excited as we are having a "movie" birthday party. B invited 5 of his friends to see the movie, " HOP" and then we will all come home and have hot dogs and cake. We are all excited! I'm not sure if this is going to be anymore economical that just paying for a party at Chuck E. Cheese, but I am saving my receipts to see how we fare. Wish me luck! :)

I leave you all with our blue bonnet picture... Why are we not sitting among the tiny little flowers? Well.... I am highly allergic to bee stings, and I was worried I might be stung. :( I wish I had sucked it up a little since it just doesn't seem the same when you are so big compared to the tiny blue bonnet flowers. :( I can't wait to see the other pictures though... Stay tuned!

Well, that is all I have tonight! If you get a chance and you want more fragments, stop by Mrs4444's blog and see whats' going on!!!

See you next week... Hopefully! ;-)

Friday Fragments

Hello Hello Hello again! No, no... I didn't fall off the earth, I just had a baby and then the hubby was away so I took over all of the responsibilities here at home. It's been a little busy. LOL I'm back this week with a Spring version of Friday Fragments!

It's official Spring in Texas has begun! I started seeing ground cover wildflowers about a week ago and then up popped the first of the bluebonnets! I love these little petite flowers! They add such color to the landscape that seems completely drab from the dry winter months. :)  I give it about 2 weeks and there will be fields of these cute little flowers!!! We are having out pictures taken in them! Stay tuned!

I took this picture of Baby A this week because after I took 9,000 pictures of her over the last few weeks this picture summed it up! I think she was telling me enough already! LOL

I ran into my first lizard this week. No,no the above picture was taken over the summer, but he looked just like this lizard. Lizards creep me out! They are just sneaky and they walk in the house behind you without you even knowing. Or they stare at you while hanging on the screens outside....Ick!

Isn't this a beautiful quilt? My friend Amber's Mom made it for Baby A. I absolutely love this quilt and wish that I had the skills and creativity to make such a beautiful piece of artwork! I just love looking at all the colors and patterns and pointing them out to Baby A. It was so wonderful of Mrs. B to think of me and the baby. We are really enjoying her gift!

We lost a teacher at my boys' school this week. He was the technology teacher and loved by many. The boys and I had to have a conversation about death and how Mr. M went to heaven. My boys were sad, but happy that Grandma had someone who could fix her computer up in heaven. (My boys are sweeties! :) )

Well it is time for me to get the boys ready for school and Baby A up and around to run errands. :) I hope you all have a wonderful week! Happy Friday!!!

Want more Friday Fragments? Stop by and visit Mrs. 4444 at Half Past Kissin' Time.

Hodgepodge Wednesday

 

I'm back! I'm back! I'm back! :) Did you miss me??? I thought I would start this week with my Hodgepodge Wednesday! Bear with me if my answers are a little lopsided... I'm still very sleep deprived!

Stop by Joyce's blog and check out other Hodgepodge answers. :)

 

1. March 2nd is Dr. Seuss's birthday so I'm wondering...do you like green eggs and ham? Okay-how about this...how do you like your eggs? Or don't you?

I like eggs, as a matter of fact we have breakfast for dinner AT LEAST once a week in our house and the request are that we have eggs and bacon as must haves and then the rest is whatever else. Ha Ha Ha... I prefer my eggs poached almost hard over buttered toast. :)

2. Is March coming in like a lion or something less ferocious where you live?

You know, I was just contemplating this yesterday... Does starting the morning out in the low thirties and then finishing the day in the upper 70's Lion vs Lamb??? I just don't know? I can say that the temperatures dropped for March a little because we were seeing upper 70's and 80's from about mid February until the end of the month. So, my answer to this question is... I don't really know???  

3. Do you work better or worse under pressure.

Both really... I do not do well with pressure when I have had only a few hours of sleep. I am and my kids are learning this right now. I can usually pop something out relatively quickly when asked to, but under groggy conditions who knows what you might get??? LOL

4. March Madness-are you a fan? It's college basketball in case you're wondering. And if you're outside the USA tell us, is there any sort of 'madness' taking place during March in your part of the world?

I am a fan, but alas my school is not contending this year.... Go figure! :( We don't even think we qualified for the Not Invited Tournament (NIT) Sigh... I guess I will cheer for the hubs team then... Go Notre Dame! (Weak cheer)

5. Under what circumstances do you do your best thinking?

Believe it or not, at night especially while I nurse the baby. Weird, I know, but I have to keep my mind going or I would simply would crash right there in the middle of nursing. Truth be known, the night time right before bed has always been my best thinking time.

6. What item of clothing from your wardrobe do you wear most often?

My blue jeans!!! I love them!! And I FIT in them again!!! Oh blue jeans how I have missed you! I love my Blue Jeans!

7. Do you use sarcasm?

Never! 8) Ha Ha Ha... Yes, I use it and quite often too. Not maliciously or to put someone down, but yes, I use sarcasm. :)  

.

It's a GIRL!!!

I know... MIA for 2 weeks almost. Sorry! It's been 2 weeks worth of recovery and adjustment. :) I'm excited to announce that we have our girl!!! She was born on 13 February, and she is perfect! Just look at her~

Isn't that the sweetest little smile you have ever seen! I am so completely in love with her!!! Well, not just me... Her dad and brothers love her too!

Welcome to our family, little lady!!! I have no idea how one can fall so completely in love so quickly!!!

Amniocentesis and Friendship

No Friday Frags this week friends. I am sure I can dig up many since this week was one of THOSE weeks, but I thought I'd blog about this because well, it's something I am thankful for.

Yesterday start off completely on the wrong foot. I was scheduled for an amniocentesis to check for fetal lung maturity. (Basically, Baby A is very large:7 pounds at 35 weeks and 5 more weeks to add about a pound more a week, and I am suffering from polyhydramnios : too much amniotic fluid). Nothing was too serious, but coupled with my age and my fear of still birth, my perinatologist recommended an amnio. No big deal... Worse case scenario at 37 weeks is that you have to give the baby surfactant, and we may spend a few days in the NICU if the procedure pops the amniotic bag and labor begins.

Yesterday, I woke up to a husband with a "man cold" and my youngest with pinkeye; oh and that my amnio was not on the schedule for the day. Huh??? Not on the books? I'm not really sure what happened there, but the Labor and Delivery Charge Nurse assured me she would have it under control and get back to me.

I guess it was a blessing of sorts since I was able to get my youngest to a doctor for his pinkeye, and my DH treated for his man cold. I have to admit, I was kinda worried about the husband since this "cold" seemed VERY nasty!!! Anyway, in the midst of going from doctor to doctor, the Labor and Delivery nurse calls and tells me that she needs me in L&D now. Oh yes!!! I am going to have a procedure that could lead to labor without my husband.... Ummm, I was scared! Not to panic though because I COULD do this if need be... Not that I wanted to, but I could!

I had started to map out a plan the night before when M came home from work and looked horrible. I would sleep in the baby's room for the night and I called my dear friend, Ginger and put her on baby alert for the next day. She was ready, so I knew I could call her. Could I call her NOW and have her meet me at the hospital? Everything had been stop and go to this point, so I figured she would be busy with her day... I couldn't just call and say, " Help!" I did though! I called and asked if she could be there to keep M informed and to keep me sane ( I was pretty nervous!) Believe it or not, she was there before me! LOL

We trekked up to L&D together and I checked in and was directed to a "birthing suite."  Of all the birthing suites I have been too between myself and visiting friends... Umm, this one was quite tiny. Ginger had to climb between the bed and the baby warmer just to get to the chair in the far back corner of the room. And I geared up for this test.

The first part of an amnio is making sure your baby and yourself are in good condition, so they hook you up to a contraction monitor and a fetal heart rate monitor. The NST part is boring, and it gives you lots of time to think about everything that is going to happen "in a minute." I have a grand imagination, so you can only imagine WHAT is going through my mind. I'm glad Ginger was there because I must have asked a zillion questions about different things like what was the NST monitor reading? What in the heck were the disco lights/mirrors in the ceiling at the foot of the bed going to be used for? Why did my IV site burn (being a nursing student, trust me they aren't supposed to burn)? All kinds of things. The nurse even thought she was my sister. I could see that, we both have dark hair and look like we could pass as sisters... If I could have picked a sister, I would have picked her because besides my friends Amber and Renee, she is probably the most calm cool and collected woman I know. I need that side to help me out sometimes. :)

And then it was time... Thank goodness they didn't do a BP on my at that moment because this was it... This was the moment that scared me to death. Why??? DO you like needled going into your stomach??? Nerve wracking!!!. Ginger stood up and stood by my bed and we watched as Dr. H scanned my belly. I have to tell you, the highlight here was when the doctor asked me if I knew what I was having, and Ginger lit up. When I told Dr. H yes, but just make sure one more time, I could really see Ginger light up and get excited. I wish I had taken her to all of my ultrasound appointments, but then it might not have been so novel. I think ultrasounds (for babies) are fun! They move and wiggle and have their own little personalities in the womb, and it was awesome to share my experience with me one who seemed as excited as I was.

It gets better though... Ginger got to watch the entire procedure of the Amnio. Now, let me tell you... I DID NOT! I watched the ceiling and babbled about how we picked baby A's name until it was 100% completely done. Ginger loved it!!! I swear she would make a good PA because she just has the knack for that kind of thing. She is REALLY good at it, and I'm pretty confident that she could have done one on her own after seeing the one performed... She's just good like that. I really picked a good partner when it comes to medical stuff. After it was all over, and I was back on the monitors for baby checks. She was still excited and we spent the rest of the time talking about what we thought the results could be, and that we were really only moments away from seeing Baby A, and how did time fly. I thought about how I couldn't wait until one of her girls was pregnant and having a baby. How exciting that is going to be! They are young for now, but in not too many years they should be ready though. I can't wait to see her excitement with them (minus the amnio of course).

Tomorrow if the L&D department isn't swamped and Baby A doesn't decide to come on her own tonight... I should be induced. M (if he's better) will be on one side and then Ginger will be on the other. Both will be my strength and I go through labor one more time. I couldn't ask for better support especially from a friend, my battle buddy. :)

Thanks Ginger for being a big part of my life here in TX. Military friends float like dandelion seeds... We hang on to each other for dear life sometimes then separate and have to drift alone, but we all land in the great big field. Thanks for being my battle buddy through deployments, TDY's and crazy field exercises. I have no idea what we will do when you guys head to your new assignment. I think I might have to become a flight attendant so I can visit you all at least two times a year. :) Maybe a flight doctor? Do they have those on commercial airlines? :)

Hodge Podge Wednesday

I'm joining Joyce again with my Wednesday Hodge Podge! Stop by her blog On This Side of the Pond and see what is going on. :)

1. What is more important-doing what you love or loving what you do?

Oh... I think these are the same thing just phrased differently. I TOTALLY believe that you should love what you do!!! Someone once told me that if you chase riches, it will run from you. If you chase knowledge riches will always follow. Basically, if you don't have passions to pursue something to the next level and are complacent than riches, whether it is money or happiness or growing, will not happen. If you open your mind to grow and do what "feels right" happiness, riches, knowledge will follow. If at the end of the day, you can smile even though life threw you lemons than you will be happy.

2. Do you like bleu cheese?

Oh good heavens YES! And so does my husband and youngest son!!! Yum!! Yum! Yum!!

3. What is the most difficult emotion for you to handle?

Sadness. I cannot hide that very well at all, and it isn't just pregnancy. I'm a passionate person to begin with. I believe in myself and hold high standards, but it seems that there are more people out there that would rather dash my dreams or try to hold me back and while I'm a fighter (not physical) I tend to be sad about my loss and theirs.

4. Fresh flowers or a box of chocolate?

Neither... Well, maybe some REAL Lindt Chocolate or Belgian Truffles (I'm sorry folks, the stuff in the US... Not so yummy compared to what is served overseas. I think we are in mass production mode and the Europeans are more relaxed and enjoy their delicacies).

5. What's a song you love that has the word 'love' in its title? It doesn't have to be a 'love song'.

Love in Any Language by Sandi Patty What a fantastic song!!! I remember singing it in the 7th grade choir and it has always stuck with me. I love this song for so many reasons!!!

6. Are you the person you wanted to be when you grew up?

I'm not sure what expectations I really had for the adult me. I knew I wanted to be successful, but I don't think I clearly knew what that was at the time at the time. Today, I am really impressed with who I am. My Mom must have done a good job raising me. :) I can say this... I may not be a millionaire, but I can take care of my family on my own. I'm strong and smart and work hard for what I have.

7. Any special Valentines Day plans?

Nope nothing anymore special than every other day. I don't believe we should just share one day of how we care about others. I think we should celebrate our friendships and our love randomly throughout the year. Yes, we have anniversaries and birthdays, but how nice is it to open the mailbox on any given day and find a card or trinket? Now that is and awesome thing.... On Valentine's Day, it just becomes a money making holiday that everyone tries to outdo the other.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I have been studying the Human Genome Project as part of a class I am taking this semester. I have to admit, I am pretty aware of the basic science perspective of the project, but was really unaware of the money and fights over the various parts of who can patent genetic code for profit and how it impacts so many other parts of the medical science.

Now, don't get me wrong... I am not talking about human cloning or anything that is way over the top like that, but did you know that companies and the government are patenting our genetic code? (Yes, 99% of us is made of the same genetic code. It's the 1% that makes up the individual that we are). Anyway, when genetic codes are patented then drug companies who are in search of developing drugs to help overcome certain diseases (i.e. certain specific cancers) they must buy the code from who owns the patent. Crazy right? So now, the drug company has to pay for the patent, pay for the research (research can take many many years and then it has to be approved by the FDA. This is costly to drug companies and they have to recoup their money so they pass it on to the users of the drug therapy), and wait to see what comes of their product. All of this is crazy and driven so much by money... Anyway... If you want to learn more please check out Cracking the Code of Life. You don't have to watch the entire 2 hours... Skim it. I think you'll be surprised!

There is plenty of good information in here too besides the money issues... How the Genome Project touches on cures and other genetic issues. It's a very fascinating topic to learn about.

Oh Yes, I have Become that Parent

I remember when I was growing up I had total freedom. If there were really any rules, I wasn't clearly aware of them. I remember staying up as late as I wanted, ate what I wanted (although we didn't have nearly as many convenient "comfort foods" as we do today), drank sodas, and pretty much had free roam of the neighborhood and waterways. I had two really close friends and several neighborhood friends that I played with when I was little, and we ruled the world. As time when on and we grew a little older (10 ish), I always felt bad for one of my closer friends. He was nerdy, had ADHD, asthma, and couldn't eat or do some of the "stuff" we used to do. I remember he ALWAYS had to call his Mom and ask if it was okay to eat at our house and of course my parents would have to provide the menu. He wasn't allowed sugar... So no Jello, no soda, no Popsicles, no cookies... The sandwich would have to be approved. Ugh... It was mess! I always felt sorry for him. Everyone always picked on him, and that is what eventually pushed us apart. Well, that and puberty... Ha Ha Ha.

This afternoon/ tonight my son was invited to go the Bounce House with a friend of his. I knew he wanted to so my husband gave him $12 and he was on his way. While out with his friend's family, my oldest child decided to eat a TON of candy, no dinner, a LARGE Mc Donald's Coke, a Sprite from the Bounce House and candy from a goody bag. Now, unlike my upbringing, I lay down rules. (Yeah! Yeah! Beat my up about not following my up bringing, but I had bad teeth and extensive dental work as a result of the above bad habits, AND I ate vegetables, fruits and chicken. And yes, today I border on having diabetes. Trust me... You pay what you put in!) I don't allow candy unless you eat dinner first. I don't allow my kids to have a soda unless it is a special occasion and I ONLY allow a 6 oz cup of Sprite at most.

So what is the result? My son comes home with an upset tummy and "freaks out" because he is afraid he might throw up. Tonight I told him this is what happens when you over indulge in good things.There is always a price to pay, and how many times does he have to do this (he's done it at school holiday parties) before he realizes that more than a piece of candy without eating something healthy will make your stomach hurt? Is it bad that I almost wanted him to throw up because maybe that would sign the deal and he would FINALLY get the point that overindulging in the "good stuff" is not a good thing! Ugh!!!

So sitting there hugging C, I looked at my husband and told him the story about my friend mentioned above. Do I really need to send a note with C every time he leaves the house to remind other parents that my child doesn't have self restraint yet, and that he can't have soda or candy. Oh and that he MUST eat decent food before even a piece or a little bit of sweets can be considered? How embarrassing it was to my friend, but maybe that was the only way his Mom could keep things in check and maybe teach her child a lesson???

So what do I do? If my son ate more than the 3 things I can count on my one hand I wouldn't be so restrictive. I am turning into THAT parent... The controlling one. :( I really don't like it either!!!

Hodge Podge Wednesday!!! Yippy! :)

Oh yes!!! We have made it to Wednesday!!! Yippee!!! So I am joining Joyce From This Side of The Pond again this week to share my Hodge Podge Wednesday answers.... I hope she has some toasty questions because I need a little warmth down here in Texas!!!!

 

 

 

 

1. Would you rather be seen as a person who did their duty or forged their own path?

Oh, I don't know??? I guess I'd like to be known for both. Does anyone really forge their own path? Not really without the help of others and that is doing your duty. I guess I'd be a mash....  

2. This week's Wednesday Hodgepodge happens to fall on Groundhog's Day. In keeping with that theme, if you could have a do-over of any one day out of the last seven, which day would it be and why. If you haven't seen the movie Groundhog Day this question will make absolutely no sense but that's okay....you can answer anyway.

You've caught me on a good week... I really wouldn't want to do any of them over again.

You thought my question was going to be weather related didn't you?

3. Hot cocoa...yay or nay on the marshmallows?

Oh YAY!!! I love Hot Cocoa and I LOVE marshmallows! I knew she had to havea warm and toasty question in there tonight!!!

4. Do you wear makeup every day? What are the top two must haves in your daily makeup routine?

I most certainly do. I know it's vain, but I think it makes me look complete rather than a mom that runs around like a chicken with her head cut off. It's bad enough I put my hair up most days. :) Must haves include concealer and blush... Maybe mascara too. :)

5. Is it more important to you in a relationship to be loved or understood?

Both. Can I have both? It's hard to love someone you don't understand, don't you think? I mean you can love someone for their generous actions, but without understanding where that comes from you don't truly know that person well enough to love them as a person. Of course no one completely understands everyone at every given moment. That is what keeps things interesting. We would be boring if our spouses knew every intimate detail about us, right? I think you can't have one without the other or the love isn't really love.

6. Parsley sage rosemary or thyme... your favorite?

I cook with all of them, but cannot say that I have a favorite herb. :(

7. What do you do when you feel angry?

Oh I am a hornet! Be prepared for a fight if you cross my path... I'm kinda a female version of the Incredible Hulk. I'm working on that though... I'm trying NOT to raise my voice or yell, but walk away regroup and then go forward. I can have a sharp tongue though, so it tends to get away from me sometimes, but I have been trying to hold it in and let it out in a more constructive way. I just told a dear friend tonight; when you are a raving lunatic yelling and firing off and the other person is too, nothing gets accomplished. No one hears what the other says and it's wasted energy and time. I have really be working on that. :)

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I'd really like for the sun to come back out and stay awhile, the winds to diminish and the temperatures to warm. It is entirely too cold here in Texas this week!!! And I have witnessed entire too much tumbleweed blowing across the road. BTW, that tumbleweed has to end up somewhere, but where does it end up??? Hmm... I think I'll ponder that while sipping my cocoa with marshmallows.

 

Have a great week my friends!!!

Woo! What a weekend!

Yeah, it is Monday and while I did not like the 6 AM wake up, I am thankful for the routine that Monday brings our home! This weekend was awesome, but at the same time a little on the wild side! Let's just say that after having 2 weeks of really cold weather (for our part of Texas) it warmed to a wonderful sunny 78 plus degrees. You would have thought summer was here again! My kids spent most of the day playing outside in the sun. Running around with no heavy coats on or gloves of hats. They played so much that when it was time to go to bed, they literally fell out!

Mark and I took the time to finish cleaning up the house. I really love my husband because he will help me out cleaning when I need it. Of course I clean military style and while he is in the military does not clean quite that way... Maybe it's a man thing... Maybe it's a flash back to the days of having to use a tooth brush when you messed up in basic? I don't know? I do know that I APPRECIATE the help though! I do not know too many men that are willing to clean or do laundry, so I consider myself blessed. :)

C is also working on a project for school. It's building to a research paper and he has it mostly under control, but the warm weather tends to make our minds drift away from books and off to a game of tag or Army men. So I only kept him an hour to work on it. I figure over the next few days, he will have plenty of time as the weatherman tells me the temperatures are going to drop down into the 20's tomorrow.... Lovely! Back to bundling up again.  : (

Ah Monday... I have missed you. It's quiet and for a few hours it shall remain this way. : ) And then the circus will arrive with tales of the their day and things to show me and messes to be made. I love all of that, but I will take this moment of silence and reflect... On warmer days... On playing outside... On finished housekeeping (for the moment)... And how blessed I really am to have my entire family together this weekend! God is good! : ) Happy Monday!

Friday Fragments

I'm joining Mrs. 4444 at Half Past Kissin' Time by linking up my Friday Fragments! It's been quite a week in our household so grab a cup o' joe, sit back and get ready for Shannon's Friday Fragments! :)

Saturday was my son's Pinewood Derby Race for Cub Scouts. This is one thing in scouts my son looks forward to EVERY year. Each year he gets more responsibility with the car such as using more of the tools and taking over 100% ownership of the car. This year he did pretty much everything himself. I have to admit I am really proud and his car has come a long way from the Tiger Derby car he made a couple of years back. C & M have been working on this car since Christmas Break (M was set to be in the field for several weeks after the New Year, so they decided to get the car pretty much ready). They did a masterful job! It was designed and called the "First Team" car after First Cavalry Division 1st Brigade Combat Team. 

I have to admit, we were a little rushed to get the wheels on the car, but C did it and his car came in 3rd in his age division. He was over the moon proud of the car before, but now... It is awesome!! He was also recognized by the First Cavalry Division 1st Brigade Combat Team's Commander. Here is his proud picture!

Baby Update: Monday was my first day regularly schedule biweekly NST (Non-Stress Test) for the baby. Apparently, the baby was in no mood to really be social and decided that taking nap would be a good idea instead.... I don't know if you have every had a NST, but if the baby doesn't move, the technician can't get a read on if the baby is reacting correctly to movement (when a baby moves, the heart rate should go up. When the baby goes back to resting it should go down). Anyway, they had to use a "buzzer" to wake her. I had wondered about this "buzzer." Let me tell you one little 3 sec buzz completely freaked the baby out!!! So much so that I swear for a second there I saw the imprint of the front of the baby through belly! I couldn't help but giggle.

*** They have also scheduled an early induction. Baby A looks like she is 7 pounds already at 35 weeks, and the amniotic fluid was very high. Both of these things could lead to bad things for both Mom and baby if I were to go into spontaneous labor.... Which does not look to be soon. :( So... IT looks like Baby A will arrive a few weeks early.

I am a bit jealous of my husband this week. After spending a few weeks in the field, he got to come home visit with us a few hours and then leave for a retirement ceremony back home in NC. While he was only there for about a day, he got to see old friends, eat good food, and well be close to home! Of course, I'd like to stay for more than a day, so we will see what the summer brings...

Never thing that an online class is easy!!! I am taking an enjoyable Psychology class for my Nursing Degree. I love the class and the book is very interesting. I was even excited when they told me the tests were take home non-proctored tests! Woo Hoo!!! Yeah, right!! I will study the material for the next test like it was gonna be in the classroom! I got a B on the first test, but it was not easy flipping back and forth in my notes... In the book... Nah! It's better to just study and know the material!

Today I am off to a Dedicate a Day Ceremony in honor of the General our elementary school is named after. I'm pretty proud of a few of our 5th graders who came up with the idea. Basically, kids in the school can nominate their military family members telling why they think the military member should have the morning flag raised in their honor. The military members are picked and assigned a day that the morning flag will be raised in their honor. The family can participate by watching the flag raised and the military member is presented with a certificate. Then a morning announcement is read along with the sweetest heartwarming words I have ever heard in my life about why that military member is important to the child who nominated that military member. I cried and my husband was choked up when they read about what my boys thought of their Dad. It isn't easy being a military child, and I imagine sometimes the military is the last thing on earth he/she would want to be a part of and no choice it really given. It's obvious though that many children are proud of their military parent(s), and I'm proud to be a part of this day too!

Hope you all have a great week!!! We will see you all at the same place... Same time next week. :) Take care!!!

Hodge Podge Wednesday

I'm joining Joyce From This Side of the Pond in sharing my Wednesday Hodge Podge. I have so much to say, but not enough to really put into a blog blog.. .Or maybe I would put it in a blog and then you guys would be SHOCKED... I think I'll wait until Friday though... So don't for get to come back and visit my Friday Fragments!!!

1. Will you watch the Super Bowl? If so, who will you cheer for? If you are not from the USA what is the 'big deal' sporting event in your own country?

I know that the Super Bowl will be on in my house, BUT I am hoping to use that precious time of distraction to finish up a few projects for school. I am taking a Psychology class and cannot wait to get ahead in reading and maybe do a little people watching on the side. ;)

2. Is ignorance bliss?
Oh this is a tough one... I do in somethings. For example, when mean people say horrible things about you and then someone warns you that the mean things have been said... Sometimes ignorance is bliss because you know who you are as a person does it matter what a mean person thinks in the infinite amount of people out there you have touched? To me the details aren't worth it and they are entitled to their opinions.

Now, pretending you didn't know the water bill was due on the 15th in hopes that magically someone else will pay it??? Not such a blissful thing.

3. Which of the seven dwarfs are you? (and just in case your Disney is a little bit rusty, here they are-Bashful, Doc, Dopey, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, and Sneezy).

I think if you asked most of my close friends this question these days you would probably hear that I am Grumpy. Well, what do you expect? I am 9 months pregnant, uncomfortable, and have a laundry list of things to accomplish in one day... And I waddle! LOL

4. When you are riding in the car with another couple how do you organize seating? (Men up front? Women up front? Couples sit together?) And thanks to Lori at Mountain Woman at Heart for the question. Everyone go say hi to Lori.

Hi Lori! :) It just depends really. My husband usually drives, so if he knows the "man" of the couple it would more than likely be the two men upfront and the ladies in the back. I also consider leg room. I'm short, so I don't need much. I wouldn't want to put a 6' 6" man in the back seat of my car. LOL  

5. What is beauty?
Hmm... Depends on what you define as beauty. One can have a beautiful heart, and when we look at her she radiates beauty. Does this he beautiful? I don't know. To me if we look at this as an attraction descriptor, I would say that outer beauty attracts us to the person, but inner beauty is what keeps us close to that person. Look at that show "Housewives of Atlanta." Those women are very attractive, but they are so mean and bitter inside that it's hard to see any inner beauty. :(

6. If someone asks you to bring an appetizer or a dessert to a party in their home, which would you choose?

I think it would depend on the type of party. I have several great appetizer recipes and several great party dessert recipes. I love desserts, but so do many other people. I would probably make the appetizer.

7. What is your crowd pleasing go-to appetizer?
Hawaiian bread and spinach dip, nachos and cheese, chicken/ cheese spread/dip with crackers, crab dip and crackers... I have many many favorites. :)


8. Insert your own random thought here.

I love getting ideas from teachers. Today I was sitting in using a computer to show a parent something and there was a class using the computers behind us. The teacher was teaching the kids how to start writing research papers, and she showed the kids how to look for information on the computers, but more importantly how to organize their ideas. It was a neat way to organize ideas, and I have to admit I am taking some of her ideas to help my son with his project! I wish there was a parent workshop out there (well, near where I live) where parents could learn tips and tricks on how to help their students be successful. I really have trouble googling resources and then I'm afraid I may be teaching my children wrong since teaching has really evolved over the years. If you are reading this and are a teacher with great resource pages... Please let me know of them... I am a parent that likes to be actively involved in my child's education... It isn't just the teacher's job.


Have a great Wednesday my friends and be sure to check out Joyce's Hodge Podge answers!! :)

Friday! Friday! Friday Fragments! :)

Well Hello Again from sunny and warm Texas! Okay, so cold and windy Texas! :) It is Friday once again and I am joining Mrs. 4444's at Half Past Kissin' Time for Friday Fragments! Hope you all had a good and crazy week... Boy I know I did. : / So sit back, relax and enjoy... Then stop by Mrs. 4444's because you are sure to take a smile away!

* I think it may be time for me to purchase a good old fashioned dictionary. This week between my two boys, I have been looking up definitions or explaining what words mean almost every day. What does "mortal" mean? What does ___ mean? I think it is time to have the dictionary out on the school cart so they learn not just the meaning, but how to look it up. :)

* I got a kick out of a status posted this week from my friend, Karen. He status said, " My 8 year old just came in and told me his throat hurt and his angina." Now, being a nursing student... I am just thankful that it isn't just my kid that says things like this, because just after reading that status, my oldest son came in and said, "When I stretch my tummy muscles hurt. I think it is a mortal (see above) sign that I am dying because I stabbed myself in the chest with a pencil today at school." Errr... My reply was Nope, you are okay other than stabbing yourself at school, why would you do that? Response: I was just playing around. Okay...

* I start bi-weekly NST appointments next week. I am not looking forward to that...

* Made a major decision today... I stepped down from out PTO. :( It is sad, but I really feel like it is a good decision for me. I just have too many things in the fire and need to refocus on me and the fact that my baby is due in 6 weeks!!!! Yikes!

* When my dryer buzzes it sounds like the "X" sound in Family Feud.

* I celebrated 10 years with my hubby this week. He was away, but it's okay. Check out the link to the right to see us then and now. :)

Well, my friends that is all I have this week, and I need to jump in the shower to warm up! Brrr... It should NOT be this cold in Texas!!! Or this overcast!!!! I hope you all had a great week!!! And I look forward to viewing YOUR Fragments! See you next week... Same time same place! :)

Happy Anniversary to the Love of My Life

It's my 10 year Anniversary today, and of course the Army has called my DH to duty. It's okay though. I married into the Army, so I knew what I was getting into. ;) Here is what it looked like 10 years ago...



January 20, 2001


We were married on post by my husband's unit Chaplain, and had our reception down the road at the Officer's Club. It was a magical day surrounded by friends and family. I don't think either one of us really knew what was going to lie ahead of us that first year...

Here are some statistics from the last 10 years:
* We have lived in 2 countries and 3 states, visited 10 countries, and too many states to count
* We have experience 9/11 (4 days before our honeymoon) and the Iraq War/ Afghanistan Operation
* We have owned 6 cars
* We have/had 11 children to include pets (if you name it, it becomes family) and kids
* We have been through two major deaths of loved ones.
* I have lost track of all the deployments and TDY's we have been through

All in all it has been great fun! :) I wouldn't change it for the world! So here we are today:



Fall 2010
Picture courtesy of Angela Breckenridge Photography. Any replication. distribution or printing of this photo is violation of the artist's copyrights.

 This is part of our 11 children. LOL Our two boys and  a baby on the way. Neither one of us would have thought that our lives would bring us here, but we are blessed and God has truly looked out for us. 

Here's to many many more anniversaries!!! I love you, M!

Hodge Podge Wednesday

Woo Hoo! It's Wednesday ALREADY! We are halfway to the finish line of the week and to be honest I am READY! M has been very busy at work and I am hoping for some down time with him before he gears up for another busy week next week. Phew!

I'm joining Joyce From This Side of the Pond to share my zany answers to Hodge Podge Wednesday! :)

1. Do you like your name? Were you named after someone? If you have children how did you settle on their names?
I do now, but I can remember when I was younger I didn't. :) My name is Shannon. It's a beautiful Irish name, and can be used suitably for both a male and female. I hated it when I was younger for just that reason. It seemed like there were more boys names Shannon than girls, and all my friends had trendy names like Jennifer or Tiffany. I wanted a trendy name that came on all the stickers and pencils and yes, those mini bicycle license plates. I wasn't lucky enough for that until I grew older and they didn't matter much anymore.

My first name is 100% mine. When I was born, my Mom was fully prepared to name me, Katherine Quinter (I don't know HOW she came up with that and never really asked. Ha Ha Ha), but my dad held me for the first time and said, "She is most definitely a Shannon. Small, but wise" So that is how I got my first name. Now I have a family name as my middle, and I guess it adds insult to injury about the above mentioned boy connotation mentioned above, and with that I shall keep it to myself. ;)

2. How do you define success?
Oh... Success is something (I feel) is defined on many levels. It isn't cut and dry. I believe that I am successful... I went to a great college, married and great man, have two and half beautiful children that are turning into great young people with values I admire, and have had a successful career and working on another one. I call it successful, because I have no regrets. Every path I have take has taught me something whether it was hard, sad, easy, enjoyable, etc. I have taken something away that has made me grow. Even failures are a success if you learned from them.

3. Wheel of Fortune or Jeopardy?
Jeopardy, but these days I am intrigued by the game show Are you Smarter Than a 5th Grader. Some of the stuff they need to know even in 1st grade is not so easy! :)


4. If you could own any single object that you don't have now, what would that object be?
Hmmm... A toughie, but a goody. I don't know just sitting here at the moment. I did enjoy the ring I saw on the Rachel Zoe Project that was 5.8 million. LOL I just can't think of anything right at the moment.


5. What is something that inspires you?
People who work hard and aren't afraid of failure, or they fail but they keep going. I think they inspire me to keep going even when the going gets tough. I met a man in the Wounded Warrior Program... He was in his early 20's with a young wife and a baby and he had lost both of his legs in an IED attack. He wasn't using a wheel chair to get around... He was determined to use prosthetic legs. Did he fall? Yes! Did he cry from pain? Yes! Did he have an idea of what he wanted to be when he grows up? Yes! He told me that he was inspired to be a Nurse just like I was learning to be. He wasn't going to quit just because he had a disability. I was inspired after hearing that because while I have my own obstacles I can work on them one at a time just like he did.


6. Meatloaf-yea or nay? If its a yay how do you make yours?
Yea!!!! I don't make mine in a bread pan like most. I like to make mine in muffin pans. I find that my family prefers the "crispier" edges, so the muffin pans allow for everyone to get an "end" piece. I also use a Rachel Ray recipe... It's out favorite. ;)


7. Which is more admirable-the ability to organize and be methodical or the ability to adapt and make do?
Can you have a 50/50 trait here? I am an organizer. I like to have everything planned out just exactly right and have everything go according to plan. BUT I live in a world that throws curve balls, so I know that sometimes you have to adapt and make do. So while I tend to fall more on the organized side of life ( and wish others did too), I still think that rather than crying over spilled milk or something that didn't/ won't happen you make do, find a new plan and start planning from there.


8. Insert your own random thought here.
Why is it that when you take too many things on, the pot boils over and you end up with a mess? I did just that I think, and I really know better. I am 34 weeks pregnant with SPD and gestational diabetes. I attend on average 4 doctors appointments a week not to mention run a cub scout den and I had to take an online class to keep my Nursing Degree active and not lose my spot, and I am trying to find a nanny for my 3 kiddos so I can finish my Nursing Degree.  I also took on a Bike Run for my sons' school and Box Tops Chairman. While I have been trying to manage all of this, slowly things are slipping. I feel horrible, but I have made people aware. I have pushed my myself for my kids, because they are my kids and I don't want them to do without, but doing it as a single parent I have found is exhausting. I'm not complaining... I just don't know what to do? It seems that no one wants any of the above, and I can't say I blame them. And when I try to do something, I fall short and disappoint. And this is making my stress level shoot through the roof. :( I need suggestions... I know the long term one will be NOT TO OVER DO IT, but I need a bandaid one right now.