Every mother wants what is best for their child. We want them to be happy and healthy. We want them to grow up to be strong and idependent. We want them educated. We do our best to teach our child good habits to prepare them for the world. We make sure they dont watch 'bad' TV, we make sure we teaching them to share and be friendly to other.One huge thing is, we want them to be healthy. We have spent countless hours researching what is good for our childs health. If you are anything like me, this started while you were still pregnant. I wanted to make sure I started off breastfeeding, I wanted to make sure he was getting enough. When I made the decesion to switch to formula I spent days researching which brand is the best. From there it was baby food. I started off making my own. That is the big thing these days. Its easy, its cheaper, and most important its healtier!! I had to pick the right foods to puree and read exactly how to do it. Now that MJ is a toddler I continue to research foods that are best for him. The perfect amount of veggies and fruit and meat. I have been on countless websites finding meal ideas for him. As I sat there today watching MJ eat, from the kitchen, his peas, applesauce, and chicken nuggets, I looked down at my own 'plate' Chocolate pop tart. Yep that was my lunch. Here I was hiding in my kitchen behing the bar eating my bad food. Why dont I sit at the table at least do you ask??? Because if my child saw what I was eating he would refuse his food and want mine. Matt and I do this routine often. We do not want our child eating that junk, yet we do it ourselves. We do not want our child to watch bad TV but our whole DVR is full of recorded reality shows. I bet you are thinking you are guilty of all of this. I know you are. There isnt a parent in the world who hasnt snuck a candy bar while hiding in the bathroom or watched your shows late at night after the kids are asleep. Its so funny to think about really. We work so hard on making them perfect that we stop working on ourselves. Now Im not saying it is bad, I am guilty..Im the queen of all of this. Its just something to think about. Our children learn the best by watching our actions so we need to make sure they are good. Until then, I hope our new house has a large pantry where I can eat the cookies while MJ isnt looking!! :)
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Things a Military Spouse knows ( Repeat)
I had this posted in a previous blog...way way back when. I also had it On my blog layout BUT decided to delete it. I wanted to post it here one last time because I really find these to be true. And for you who are knew to the military, you will soon learn each one of these!
- The thought of being alone for a year doesn’t bother me. The fear of being alone for a lifetime—does.
- Flat rate boxes can hold twenty whoopee cushions, four kindergarten projects, and five perfume-scented letters.
- Technology can be a double-edged sword—one side delivering his face; the other a brutal live-action feed of explosions and camouflaged body parts.
- Murphy’s Law is a constant companion. The moment he walks out the door, anything that can break, collapse, bleed, or explode–will .
- Five hours of uninterrupted sleep is a gift from the deployment gods
- Holidays are hard, but manageable.
- Deployments come and go, but sand from his boots never leaves.
- Nothing can replace a handwritten letter. Through those beautifully folded pages, he is holding my hand again.
- When the National Anthem is played, I know goosebumps will rise on my arms, and a lump will fill my throat.
- The silence in communication following a war zone attack is agonizing.
- Laughter is a powerful ally.
- Each deployment offers two options: grow or regress. This is a choice.
- Cereal is always a dinner option.
- Videos of lost teeth, ballerina recitals, and preschool graduations can be emailed to Iraq nearly instantly.
- Five powers of attorney and the intimate details of his will are needed to navigate a deployment.
- White out blizzards can actually bury a truck in five minutes.
- Rosie the Riveter was right: We can do it.
- Children cling to hope and the promise of tomorrow.
- Living in each moment together is possible when facing the fear that it could be your last.
- Welcome home kisses are sweeter than the finest chocolate.
- Anger will grip me and depression can hold me, but another military spouse will steady me.
- A six-year-old child can feel the absence of her father so deeply that she can suffer from clinical depression.
- A military spouse will often hold her/his tongue, silencing a story, for fear of sounding “unpatriotic.”
- The sound of a bugle can make my heart swell with pride or collapse in sorrow.
- Duct tape and a monkey wrench can fix nearly anything.
- Despite the protestors and those who tell me I “knew” what I was getting into, I know there are countless American citizens who will go above and beyond to show they support us.
Trendy TotsTuesday
I saw another blog post Trendy Tots Tuesday. I think this is absolutely amazing. Why didn't I think of that!!! We all know how MJ has to be in the best clothes and shoes. Now I have to admit I have my days where he is a normal one year old boy, messy and in sweats, but for the most part I try to keep him clean and looking good. He has just as much shoes as we do. So Today starts the tradition of Trendy Tots Tuesday. Here is what little man wore (yesterday) to a going away lunch. Now I want to apologize in advance, taking his picture is a struggle these days. So they will never be that great!
Monday, April 29, 2013
Thankful Monday
Thankful Monday
I am thankful for a good pair of shoes... come on yall know you have those one shoes that you love
I am thankful it was warm this past weekend so we could spend some time outdoors
I am thankful that M gets to take a little time off so we can go meet my mom in Reno before he leaves
I am thankful Kemba is doing even better on his training besides the fact I have a huge hole in my finger from when he got the treat out of my hand...still learning 'easy'
I am thankful for Gabby and the few others that I can just be myself around and have a good time. August is coming so quick and although we are excited I am going to miss her and the others I am close to. I will be thankful for social media, email, and skype so we are able to keep in touch all the way over seas.
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| Here is a 'live' photo of an outfit I posted from polyvore last week |
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Orahami Owl Party
Today a friend of mine is having an Oragami Owl party. Its Sunday, lazy day for me usually. Our group of friends like to host parties ( pampered chef, scentsy, jewelry, etc.) on Sundays. It is the only time we all are not working or have plans with the husbands. It works best for us. So usually at these parties Im pretty laid back with my outfit. Who wants to wear heels on a Sunday besides at Church??? Not me! So this is my attire today. The shirt is a new one, first time wearing it. Perfect for M's upcoming 7 week TDY. My coach earrings are my favorite for casual fashion. Love my BKE jeans and Naughty Monkey shoes from the Buckle which I need to replace because I loved them a little too much... And of course no outfit is complete without a Coach purse!! This is my newest purse from the Coach Outlet Casual and Comfy!!
T
T
Friday, April 26, 2013
Stress Free!!! Ya Right
Im a stresser ( is that even a word?) I stress. I stress all the time about everything. I will stress about going to the grocery store, over weekend plans, money, how I am gonna patch the holes in my backyard before we leave, getting out evites for lunch bunches and more. You name it I stress over it. That is just me. I am major OCD. Everything has to be perfect. Everything has to be planned and I must be on time. I have to admit that I have become a little more laid back since MJ was born because lets face it, its hard to be on time with a child. Now a little more laid back for me just means I dont get upset when Im one or two minutes late, but five minutes..nope that is not ok
Anyways my point, this PCS has got me stressed out! We finally got Matts class date June 12, which is a huge relief. We know can plan a tiny bit more. We now can plan everything that needs to be done before he leaves. We have an idea when we will be moving out of Mt Home AFB and we know that it will be ONE of the four locations we asked for, Medina Ohio, San Dusky Ohio, Ft Meyer Florida, or St Petersburge Florida. Now I think you can guess why I am stressed, besides the stress that comes with any PCS. How in the world am I supposed to plan a move and look for a house and be gone in 4 1/2 months if we have absolutely no idea where we are moving to!! I have seriously done what I can up till this point. I have saved about 60 houses on my real estate app for Medina Ohio. I have saved maybe 5 for San Dusky because I am having the hardest time finding something we love. And I have saved no houses for Florida, I havent even looked at Florida houses. Can you tell we really want Medina?? We will be moving to a place where we dont know much about, scratch that Matt knows a ton about Medina and San Dusky but couldnt tell you what neighborhoods are good or bad. We know nothing about Florida other then what our friend who is from Ft Meyer and our friend who lives in St Petes telling us. This isnt like we are PCSing to another base where I can just get on base housing and no have to worry about good neighborhoods. I have to do this on my own!! When I say on my own I really mean on my own. Matt is busy with work and squadron exercises, then leaves for recruiter class. He will be too busy in his class to be involved in the search for a house. I can show him some houses and he can tell e if it looks nice or not but other then that I cant expect him to have any time to help me out. We even have to apply for the VA loan BEFORE he leaves for class so that is all taken care of so we dont have to bug him when he is gone. Now if it is Ohio it will be a little less stressful, in a way. This is because Matts family is out there. Within 45 min of each location. That means that his mom and sister can go and take a look at houses for me so I am not just buying off of a picture. Also it means that while Matt is away at school, MJ and I can fly to Ohio for a week after narrowing down to a few houses, pick one, and start the buying process and pray it doesnt fall through after I head back to Idaho. So I actually get to see the house before we move into it. Now this trip to Ohio is a whole new issue on its own... I will get back to that in a minute. Now if its Florida we are screwed. I refuse to fly to Florida by myself and pick out a house alone. The only reason I am willing to do this in Ohio is because Matts mom knows about this kind of stuff, I do not. So she is pretty much helping me. I find a house I love, she looks at the important things about it and the paperwork side. Florida is a no go for this. I will wait until we move there to purchase one. I just cant do it alone. Now remember this is all being done in the next 4 1/2 months of course!! Seems impossible to me really.
Now back to the stress of a trip to Ohio to buy a house if we get Ohio. I had wanted to take MJ down to see Matt in Texas for a few days during 4th of July. It would be good for Matt to see MJ and I really want to take MJ to Sea World since we are missing out on our SD trip this year. We planned to fly out the 3rd, stay there till the 7th or 8th then fly from there to Ohio and look at houses and deal with that for a week or so, then fly back to Idaho. Sounds fantastic to me! Well Matts mom has a crazy work schedule so she needs us to come out the 5/6th because she goes back to work the 12th and well I need her off in order to house hunt. So that would mean A. Move my TX trip to June 29-July 5 then fly to Ohio 5/6-11. Ok not bad really... but we have a friend from the shop who we really trust with the house and dogs who is on vacation pretty much during that time... ahhh now what do I do the there is B. Cancel TX all together...bummer. So Now of course I am stressing about that.
I really need to sit back and stop until we know where we are going really. Who knows, maybe we get Florida and the Ohio trip stress is all for nothing..but then that means there is a whole new set of worries. I am so exited to PCS. I have wanted this since the day I moved to Idaho, but like I said I stress, that's just who I am. I am gonna be grey...or bald before Im 35 at this rate..
Just breathe!!
Anyways my point, this PCS has got me stressed out! We finally got Matts class date June 12, which is a huge relief. We know can plan a tiny bit more. We now can plan everything that needs to be done before he leaves. We have an idea when we will be moving out of Mt Home AFB and we know that it will be ONE of the four locations we asked for, Medina Ohio, San Dusky Ohio, Ft Meyer Florida, or St Petersburge Florida. Now I think you can guess why I am stressed, besides the stress that comes with any PCS. How in the world am I supposed to plan a move and look for a house and be gone in 4 1/2 months if we have absolutely no idea where we are moving to!! I have seriously done what I can up till this point. I have saved about 60 houses on my real estate app for Medina Ohio. I have saved maybe 5 for San Dusky because I am having the hardest time finding something we love. And I have saved no houses for Florida, I havent even looked at Florida houses. Can you tell we really want Medina?? We will be moving to a place where we dont know much about, scratch that Matt knows a ton about Medina and San Dusky but couldnt tell you what neighborhoods are good or bad. We know nothing about Florida other then what our friend who is from Ft Meyer and our friend who lives in St Petes telling us. This isnt like we are PCSing to another base where I can just get on base housing and no have to worry about good neighborhoods. I have to do this on my own!! When I say on my own I really mean on my own. Matt is busy with work and squadron exercises, then leaves for recruiter class. He will be too busy in his class to be involved in the search for a house. I can show him some houses and he can tell e if it looks nice or not but other then that I cant expect him to have any time to help me out. We even have to apply for the VA loan BEFORE he leaves for class so that is all taken care of so we dont have to bug him when he is gone. Now if it is Ohio it will be a little less stressful, in a way. This is because Matts family is out there. Within 45 min of each location. That means that his mom and sister can go and take a look at houses for me so I am not just buying off of a picture. Also it means that while Matt is away at school, MJ and I can fly to Ohio for a week after narrowing down to a few houses, pick one, and start the buying process and pray it doesnt fall through after I head back to Idaho. So I actually get to see the house before we move into it. Now this trip to Ohio is a whole new issue on its own... I will get back to that in a minute. Now if its Florida we are screwed. I refuse to fly to Florida by myself and pick out a house alone. The only reason I am willing to do this in Ohio is because Matts mom knows about this kind of stuff, I do not. So she is pretty much helping me. I find a house I love, she looks at the important things about it and the paperwork side. Florida is a no go for this. I will wait until we move there to purchase one. I just cant do it alone. Now remember this is all being done in the next 4 1/2 months of course!! Seems impossible to me really.
Now back to the stress of a trip to Ohio to buy a house if we get Ohio. I had wanted to take MJ down to see Matt in Texas for a few days during 4th of July. It would be good for Matt to see MJ and I really want to take MJ to Sea World since we are missing out on our SD trip this year. We planned to fly out the 3rd, stay there till the 7th or 8th then fly from there to Ohio and look at houses and deal with that for a week or so, then fly back to Idaho. Sounds fantastic to me! Well Matts mom has a crazy work schedule so she needs us to come out the 5/6th because she goes back to work the 12th and well I need her off in order to house hunt. So that would mean A. Move my TX trip to June 29-July 5 then fly to Ohio 5/6-11. Ok not bad really... but we have a friend from the shop who we really trust with the house and dogs who is on vacation pretty much during that time... ahhh now what do I do the there is B. Cancel TX all together...bummer. So Now of course I am stressing about that.
I really need to sit back and stop until we know where we are going really. Who knows, maybe we get Florida and the Ohio trip stress is all for nothing..but then that means there is a whole new set of worries. I am so exited to PCS. I have wanted this since the day I moved to Idaho, but like I said I stress, that's just who I am. I am gonna be grey...or bald before Im 35 at this rate..
Just breathe!!
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
35 Things You Are Sure to Find in Every Military Home
I wanted to repost this from Military Spouse web page!!
Take a look around your humble abode and you are sure to find a few items that your friends with civilian spouses don’t seem to have in every crook and cranny of their homes. A group of our talented Military Spouse contributors put their heads together and came up with a list of all those unique, interesting and sometimes down-right funny things you are sure to find in the home of someone serving our country. Oh, we know that not everyone has every single item on this list… but chances are if you are military family long enough, you will find most of these items lurking around. Which items would you add to our list?
“35 Things You Are Sure to Find in Every Military Home”
35. Tan socks and protein powder. (in our case its green socks and 4 containers of protein)
34. Bedroom furniture in the living room.
33. Black shoe wax and spray starch.
32. Customs forms and flat rate boxes. ( This is a major one)
31. A countdown poster, paper chain, or calendar.
30. Boxes of clothing from a completely different climate-- which you don't dare get rid of because you don't know where you'll be stationed next!
29. An unlimited supply of Motrin!
28. Magnets and take out menus from places you no longer live! ( Im OCD proud to say this is not true)
27. 23 bottles of shampoo from the last case-lot sale.
26. Baggies full of dammits, pins, patches, ribbons and medals.
25. Canteens, and waterproof notebooks.
24. A dish that someone left at the cookout you hosted.
23. Spices or dry goods from six moves ago.
22. Flat, white sheets and a box of paint to make the next homecoming banner.
21. Daddy Dolls
20. Sports team memorabilia from a team thousands of miles away. (O-H-I-O)
19. Beautiful furniture in the garage. It fit in the house you just left… but won’t fit through these doors.
18. A scattering of "frogs" (pin backs) on every counter - the bathroom, the kitchen, the shelf in the laundry room…
17. Skiing gear in HI and beach toys in AK.
16. A driveway full of cars with license plates (and inspection stickers) from three different states.
15. CamelBaks… multiple CamelBaks.
14. White Walls.
13. Little piles of things from pockets. Usually a pen and then odd notes that resemble scratchings from the Davinci Code.
12. Brand new cleaning supplies because the movers can’t pack them. ( i HATE THIS)
11. Those little, black clicky pens.
10. Covers, which no husband can ever seem to find.
9. A few, bad formal gowns.
8. A case of MRE’s in the garage.
7. Tuff boxes full of gear taking up the spot in the garage where the car is supposed to be.
6. Red, yellow or blue stickers (moving stickers) under a few pieces of furniture.
5. Unit and challenge coins.
4. An assortment of alcohol glasses from different balls.
3. An unpacked box that seems to follow you wherever you go.
2. Sets of curtains, not currently being used.
1. Boots, boots…and MORE boots!
Source
(Contributing Writers: Morgan Slade, Erin Whitehead, Monica Pugh, Clarice Williams, Stacy Huisman, Beth Garland, Lucha Reyna, Samantha Dean, Tia Johnson, Jen McDonald, Kate Dolack, Cyndia Rios-Myers)
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
2013 Summer Must Have shoes
We al Know that I am obsessed with shoes. Out of all the clothes and make-up and just fashion, shoes is my number one. I often will find a pair of shoes and then find the perfect outfit to match. Its hard to find the perfect shoe. I am so excited to be moving because this past weekend I maxed out my space for shoes in this house and summer isnt even here yet. I think I need a closet just for shoes. Even Matt loves shoes, well basketball shoes. Even MJ loves shoes!! Well his parents do so we force him to own too many shoes. Sorry shoes are just fabulous. So here are some of my Summer MUST HAVE shoes for 2013.
Monday, April 22, 2013
Thankful Monday
Thankful Monday
MJ did well with us taking his binky away and we no longer need to use it
That Kemba is doing so well with his potty training these last few days
That M is here and watches MJ so I could have a much needed girls day this past weekend
My OCD because it means the laundry is always done and the house is always clean
That M found out when he will be leaving for Texas for recruiter school and we can no simi-plan the next step in our life. Although its not a location at least its a date we know that he will be gone, when he comes home, and that we will be going to ONE of the 4 locations we asked for.
Hopefully next Monday I can be thankful that we know our next PCS location!!
Binky Be GONE
Well I have to say that I am proud of myself, and M. I really didnt think it was ever going to happen, that we wouldnt need a binky anymore. Well lets not say wouldnt need but that we would ever not have the binky. Today is day 11 with no binky!! Not one tiny bit. Not for bed time, or nap time, or the car. Not one second!! I threw them away that Friday morning and never looked back, well except for the one I still have hiding in my purse for major emergencies which I will probably keep until the end of the month, and of course the ones I randomly found in hidden areas of the house. But as soon as I found one, it went in the trash. It was rough. It probably wasnt a good week to start this. MJ is teething...bad. He is getting a few back teeth and I hear those can be the worst, and they sure do seem like it. Its not fun. He no longer looks for his binky anymore. He also falls asleep rather quickly, much better then the first few days. He even found Little Hanna's binky and did nothing with it the first time, the second I guess it was a tad more tempting but he just tried to chew on it...blame it on the teething. So sleep has been not so good this past week but Im not so sure it was the binky. He was like this even before. Then on top of that he got the beginning of Croupe again Friday..yay So we are getting rid of that. But we never gave in and this week was definitely a test of patients for us both.
Our next goal is dealing with his night time sleep schedule. My little man who had slept through the night from 2 months until about 5 months has not slept good in months. Im sure it started with the ear infections that lasted months and months. So that is what we are going to deal with now, after MJ is over this cold because we all know colds arent fun. Matt leaves in June for recruiter school and I NEED him to be a good sleeper while he is gone. I already wake up dead tired and there are two of us here! So I am really hoping this goes as well as the binky did. Hopefully it only has a few bad nights and then we are fine!! But I have a feeling this one will be harder for M and I to deal with. We have a habit of just pulling him into bed with us when we are tired which I know has med his bad habit even worse. So blame it on us if you want!! So wish us luck with this next hurdle we are working on!
Our next goal is dealing with his night time sleep schedule. My little man who had slept through the night from 2 months until about 5 months has not slept good in months. Im sure it started with the ear infections that lasted months and months. So that is what we are going to deal with now, after MJ is over this cold because we all know colds arent fun. Matt leaves in June for recruiter school and I NEED him to be a good sleeper while he is gone. I already wake up dead tired and there are two of us here! So I am really hoping this goes as well as the binky did. Hopefully it only has a few bad nights and then we are fine!! But I have a feeling this one will be harder for M and I to deal with. We have a habit of just pulling him into bed with us when we are tired which I know has med his bad habit even worse. So blame it on us if you want!! So wish us luck with this next hurdle we are working on!
Sunday, April 21, 2013
A new Favorite
Casual Denim by lesley-gainer
Here is a New favorite outfit of mine. I absolutely love my coach hoops and comfy buckle sandals. Also who can resist some leggings and a denim button up?? Perfect for a play date!
I Dont have the watch yet but hint hint M...Mothers day is soon :)
Here is a New favorite outfit of mine. I absolutely love my coach hoops and comfy buckle sandals. Also who can resist some leggings and a denim button up?? Perfect for a play date!
I Dont have the watch yet but hint hint M...Mothers day is soon :)
Deployments and TDYs pre and Post Children
I was sitting here last week thinking about this upcoming TDY that M will be going on in June, oh yea did I tell you he got his class date? He will only be gone 7/8 weeks but it will
be the longest, well the first time he has been gone since MJ was born. I was totally fine with it, but shortly before we found out when he was leaving I started freaking out a little. Then when we found out for sure the date, I started freaking out a little more. I began to think about this last deployment, the one before we got pregnant with MJ. How I spent my six months and compared it to how I might spend these 7 weeks M is gone. I realized how different it is going to be. yes it is only 7 weeks, and M wont be in a dagerous spot which makes it easier in that aspect but I have a child now. Im not that wife with no kids that can hang out with the girls and have a little fun to pass the time. After talking to a friend of mine
about how different the two are I decided to write a post about it... I wanted to write it out and really see how different the two are.
Pre Children
I cook and eat junk for breakfast lunch and dinner
I lay around in scrubby clothes all day and dont get out of bed most of the day when I am feeling lazy or down
I get to skype with M and not have to compete to talk..except with LeBron who loves to hog the camera
I go out with the girls as often as I can during the days and nights which include drinking lots of wine and girl talk
Wine is the main drink in my house. Wine and water.
My house is pretty much spotless since I only have one person to pick up after and my laundry load is about two a week
Deciding what to wear for Ms homecoming is the most important thing the last month of the deployment
Post Children
I have to cook three meals a day, healthy meals
I have to get up and actually get dressed and shower everyday
I will be the second important thing on Skype since little man will be number one
Going out with the girls will consist of play dates not going out for drinks
Juice and Milk are the main beverage in my house
My house is just as messy and my laundry load just as large even with out the extra adult
Making sure my house is clean and I dont have food in my hair is the most important thing the last month of deployment
To say Im nervous about this ONLY 7 WEEK TDY is an understatement. you will have to stick around because IM SURE those post will be ammusing to read.
be the longest, well the first time he has been gone since MJ was born. I was totally fine with it, but shortly before we found out when he was leaving I started freaking out a little. Then when we found out for sure the date, I started freaking out a little more. I began to think about this last deployment, the one before we got pregnant with MJ. How I spent my six months and compared it to how I might spend these 7 weeks M is gone. I realized how different it is going to be. yes it is only 7 weeks, and M wont be in a dagerous spot which makes it easier in that aspect but I have a child now. Im not that wife with no kids that can hang out with the girls and have a little fun to pass the time. After talking to a friend of mine
about how different the two are I decided to write a post about it... I wanted to write it out and really see how different the two are.
Pre Children
I cook and eat junk for breakfast lunch and dinner
I lay around in scrubby clothes all day and dont get out of bed most of the day when I am feeling lazy or down
I get to skype with M and not have to compete to talk..except with LeBron who loves to hog the camera
I go out with the girls as often as I can during the days and nights which include drinking lots of wine and girl talk
Wine is the main drink in my house. Wine and water.
My house is pretty much spotless since I only have one person to pick up after and my laundry load is about two a week
Deciding what to wear for Ms homecoming is the most important thing the last month of the deployment
Post Children
I have to cook three meals a day, healthy meals
I have to get up and actually get dressed and shower everyday
I will be the second important thing on Skype since little man will be number one
Going out with the girls will consist of play dates not going out for drinks
Juice and Milk are the main beverage in my house
My house is just as messy and my laundry load just as large even with out the extra adult
Making sure my house is clean and I dont have food in my hair is the most important thing the last month of deployment
To say Im nervous about this ONLY 7 WEEK TDY is an understatement. you will have to stick around because IM SURE those post will be ammusing to read.
Monday, April 15, 2013
Thankful Monday
Thankful Monday
My friends who are always there for me when I need them
The fact that we are leaving this year to move to a new location to start new memories
My cars because everyone knows I love them both lol
That the sun is shining and although it probably wont warm up today I still can look out my window and pretend its a beautiful day
Monthly squadron lunch bunches so I can catch up with some of the squadron ladies who I dont get to see very often throughout the month.
Today when I woke up I was not thankful because its a Monday and everything bad happens on a Monday, especially when you get no sleep the night before. But its Thankful Monday so I must turn my day around and remember that I have so much to be thankful for in my life so I cant dwell on the small amount of things that are bad.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
PTSD
So sticking with the theme of my favorite Magazine Military Spouses Magazine, I wanted to post something on a common area in our lives as a military community. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, also known as PTSD, is so common in our world. Not only does it effect our Military members but others as well. Rape victims, disaster victims, victims of many crimes but number one our military men and women. You may pass over this post because you think it doesnt affect you and that you already know about it but I hope you take a second to read this.
PTSD can really happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere. It doesnt take a man to be in a horrible combat zone and see many fatalities in order to return with PTSD. You may think that your S/O is a strong person, that their personality just isnt like that, well I bet the wives of the soldiers who have it didnt think it would effect their spouses either.
Take a look at these statistics below provided by PTSD Foundation of America
I bet you didnt know those facts did you? I know I didnt. PTSD is that serious. Today suicide rates in the military are the higest they have ever been. I know of two people last year that took their own lives, that is something I never wanted to say.
As a wife or S/O to a military member I believe it is our job to recognize the symptoms of PTSD and to get help for your loved one. The military member with PTSD will almost never realize they have it nor will they seek help for it. Not only is this effecting out member so greatly but it effects the family as well. It can ruin a marriage, hurt kids and more.
Here are some symptoms of PTSD that you can loo for when your member returns from a deployment, a TDY, and each and every day
Re- Eperiencing symptoms, such as flashbacks and nightmares are the most common symptoms of PTSD
Avoidance symptoms and emotional 'numbness' this can be when a spouse become isolated from the family and their friends. They feel depressed and disconnected like they dont care about anything anymore. They may self medicate with alcohol and drugs. a spouse that was loving before a deployment may become angry and aggressive.
Hyper Arousal is when a military member stays on 'high alert' at all times. They are constantly scanning the environment for enemies and IEDs.
Its important to remember that just because your husband seems fine the first month they are home does not mean they do not have PTSD. It often takes time to sink in and for symptoms to show.
If you ever notice any of these symptoms, even just one it is important you get them help. Also giving them a 'role' in everyday life such as chores and childcare can help them feel needed and will help them reconnect.
Last remember to take care of your self and your children. AS I stated above PTSD does not only effect the military member but the entire family.
Below are a few organizations that assist with PTSD. You can find out more about them, PTSD and how you can help on their sites.
Batteling Bare and One Warrior Won Batteling bare and one warrior won came together to help both the military member as well as their families
PTSD Foundation of America
United States War Veterans PTSD Foundation
There are many more but these are a few on the top ones.
All information provided by Military Spouses Magazine Battling Bare article
Image Provided by PTSD foundation of America
PTSD can really happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere. It doesnt take a man to be in a horrible combat zone and see many fatalities in order to return with PTSD. You may think that your S/O is a strong person, that their personality just isnt like that, well I bet the wives of the soldiers who have it didnt think it would effect their spouses either.
Take a look at these statistics below provided by PTSD Foundation of America
I bet you didnt know those facts did you? I know I didnt. PTSD is that serious. Today suicide rates in the military are the higest they have ever been. I know of two people last year that took their own lives, that is something I never wanted to say.
As a wife or S/O to a military member I believe it is our job to recognize the symptoms of PTSD and to get help for your loved one. The military member with PTSD will almost never realize they have it nor will they seek help for it. Not only is this effecting out member so greatly but it effects the family as well. It can ruin a marriage, hurt kids and more.
Here are some symptoms of PTSD that you can loo for when your member returns from a deployment, a TDY, and each and every day
Re- Eperiencing symptoms, such as flashbacks and nightmares are the most common symptoms of PTSD
Avoidance symptoms and emotional 'numbness' this can be when a spouse become isolated from the family and their friends. They feel depressed and disconnected like they dont care about anything anymore. They may self medicate with alcohol and drugs. a spouse that was loving before a deployment may become angry and aggressive.
Hyper Arousal is when a military member stays on 'high alert' at all times. They are constantly scanning the environment for enemies and IEDs.
Its important to remember that just because your husband seems fine the first month they are home does not mean they do not have PTSD. It often takes time to sink in and for symptoms to show.
If you ever notice any of these symptoms, even just one it is important you get them help. Also giving them a 'role' in everyday life such as chores and childcare can help them feel needed and will help them reconnect.
Last remember to take care of your self and your children. AS I stated above PTSD does not only effect the military member but the entire family.
Below are a few organizations that assist with PTSD. You can find out more about them, PTSD and how you can help on their sites.
Batteling Bare and One Warrior Won Batteling bare and one warrior won came together to help both the military member as well as their families
PTSD Foundation of America
United States War Veterans PTSD Foundation
There are many more but these are a few on the top ones.
All information provided by Military Spouses Magazine Battling Bare article
Image Provided by PTSD foundation of America
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
MAKE-UP MAKE-UP MAKE-UP
Today I signed up for the ipsy Glam Bag!!! I am so extreamly excited. I love make-up..I even love the word make-up, make-up and nail polish! Now Im a simple girl, really I am. Not one to sit and take hours getting ready everyday..come on now I am a mom who has that time!? But it doesnt mean I dont like to look pretty. If you know me at all you know that I love my heels, my jewelry, my coach purses, and my makeup..and of course dont forget the hair!!! I suck at hair though so we will skip that.
A friend of a friend posted a picture on facebook saying she got her first glam bag! What is this Glam Bag you speak of?? I had no idea what she was talking about. Like me, she loves make-up. So I went ahead and checked it out. Ipsy is awesome how had I never heard of this site before!? This is like pintrest for glam, seriously it is! You can watch different tutorials and 'pin' what you love. Now you can sign up for the glam bag. For $10 a month you get a bag of GLAM, about 4-5 different beauty products that match your 'style' ( you fill out a little quiz that will help them better match your skin and style, they also keep an eye out on things you watch and pin to help pack the bag). Now really ladies think about it... $10 How much does your mascara cost? Now how about your eye liner? Nail Polish? You get the point. If you spend any money on make-up monthly then you are spending way more then $10. Now you dont know what you get until it comes which makes it even more fun. I will post a picture of a bag that came for someone this month below.
Crappy thing about this glam bag is its a newer business so they have low inventory and sooo many people want it so they have a wait list. Once you sign up you go on a waitlist until they are able to place you in the rotation. But once your in you are in until you decide you dont want to be, so Im on the wait list. Boooo Im so impatient. I am hoping I get an email soon saying Im getting my first bag!!
Im really big into these new monthly subscription things lately. We have a spoiled rotten box for the dogs that comes monthly with goodies for them, now this Glam Bag AND when MJ is about 3 there is this one that has different toys and activities! Sooo cool. Im a stay at home mom it takes little to get me excited!
Keep an eye out for more post about whats in MY glam bag soon!!
A friend of a friend posted a picture on facebook saying she got her first glam bag! What is this Glam Bag you speak of?? I had no idea what she was talking about. Like me, she loves make-up. So I went ahead and checked it out. Ipsy is awesome how had I never heard of this site before!? This is like pintrest for glam, seriously it is! You can watch different tutorials and 'pin' what you love. Now you can sign up for the glam bag. For $10 a month you get a bag of GLAM, about 4-5 different beauty products that match your 'style' ( you fill out a little quiz that will help them better match your skin and style, they also keep an eye out on things you watch and pin to help pack the bag). Now really ladies think about it... $10 How much does your mascara cost? Now how about your eye liner? Nail Polish? You get the point. If you spend any money on make-up monthly then you are spending way more then $10. Now you dont know what you get until it comes which makes it even more fun. I will post a picture of a bag that came for someone this month below.
Crappy thing about this glam bag is its a newer business so they have low inventory and sooo many people want it so they have a wait list. Once you sign up you go on a waitlist until they are able to place you in the rotation. But once your in you are in until you decide you dont want to be, so Im on the wait list. Boooo Im so impatient. I am hoping I get an email soon saying Im getting my first bag!!
Im really big into these new monthly subscription things lately. We have a spoiled rotten box for the dogs that comes monthly with goodies for them, now this Glam Bag AND when MJ is about 3 there is this one that has different toys and activities! Sooo cool. Im a stay at home mom it takes little to get me excited!
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| This is the friends bag I told you about!! |
Week-END from Hell
When MJ was born Matt and I decided that MJ will be binky free by his frist birthday, not starting on his first birthday but be done with it. I decided this because I thought it was a gross habit to have. have you ever seen a child probably around the age of 2 1/2 3 walking around the store with a binky in his mouth needing to pull it out to talk. Come on now!!! Why does he still have a binky the kid is practically a teenager! haha not quite. But Its just gross.
I thought it would be an easy habit to break but I quickly learned it is not. We started at about 8ish months. We took it away from him during the day. He only received it for nap time, bed time, and car rides. After a few days that was all fine and dandy. We hid them so they werent constantly out to remind him he 'needs' one.
I then attempted the car ride. This one was actually doing really well. I cut a hole in his car binky and the second he received it he would laugh and just play with it, this kid is smarter then you think. But then we back spiraled. Little man has had constant ear infections since he was 7 months old. Both ears almost all the time. So we became a little lineant on the binky. He got it in the car rides again because the poor kid was not happy, because of the pain. Also because we were making a 32 hour drive to Colorado and Ohio for Christmas and I needed a calm kid.
Then we were to take it away right when we got back from Ohio. Well MJ ended up with another ear infection. Then March hit and he got Croup..and another infection! Seriously??? Poor kid needed his binky. He had to have tubes put in this past week so we let it slide. He got it a little more then usual. But this is it. There should be no reason this kid needs his binky anymore. Yes his ears may be a little sore, he is teething whatever!! This Friday I am throwing ALL binkys away, well keeping one for a super emergency but I refuse to tell Matt where it is because he gives in when Im gone. This weekend is Binky Bootcamp and the Weekend from Hell I am already prepared. No sleep, lots of screaming, and taking forever to go down. I am sure it will go into next week but parents are reassuring me that it will only take a few days and then he will forget about it.. until he sees another kids binky.
I know it will all be worth it. No more getting up in the middle of the night to tend to my child, who used to sleep thorough the night, to help him find his binky that he probably threw on the floor because he was mad. No gross habit to have as he is walking around as a 16 year old boy...what girl would want to date a guy like that?? Orrrr maybe I should let him keep the binky, keep those girls away! Lol my poor child is doomed really he is.
Well here it goes.... many parents have gone throught this..well just about all parents have gone through this BUT if I do not survive you will all know why.
WISH ME LUCK!
I thought it would be an easy habit to break but I quickly learned it is not. We started at about 8ish months. We took it away from him during the day. He only received it for nap time, bed time, and car rides. After a few days that was all fine and dandy. We hid them so they werent constantly out to remind him he 'needs' one.
I then attempted the car ride. This one was actually doing really well. I cut a hole in his car binky and the second he received it he would laugh and just play with it, this kid is smarter then you think. But then we back spiraled. Little man has had constant ear infections since he was 7 months old. Both ears almost all the time. So we became a little lineant on the binky. He got it in the car rides again because the poor kid was not happy, because of the pain. Also because we were making a 32 hour drive to Colorado and Ohio for Christmas and I needed a calm kid.
Then we were to take it away right when we got back from Ohio. Well MJ ended up with another ear infection. Then March hit and he got Croup..and another infection! Seriously??? Poor kid needed his binky. He had to have tubes put in this past week so we let it slide. He got it a little more then usual. But this is it. There should be no reason this kid needs his binky anymore. Yes his ears may be a little sore, he is teething whatever!! This Friday I am throwing ALL binkys away, well keeping one for a super emergency but I refuse to tell Matt where it is because he gives in when Im gone. This weekend is Binky Bootcamp and the Weekend from Hell I am already prepared. No sleep, lots of screaming, and taking forever to go down. I am sure it will go into next week but parents are reassuring me that it will only take a few days and then he will forget about it.. until he sees another kids binky.
I know it will all be worth it. No more getting up in the middle of the night to tend to my child, who used to sleep thorough the night, to help him find his binky that he probably threw on the floor because he was mad. No gross habit to have as he is walking around as a 16 year old boy...what girl would want to date a guy like that?? Orrrr maybe I should let him keep the binky, keep those girls away! Lol my poor child is doomed really he is.
Well here it goes.... many parents have gone throught this..well just about all parents have gone through this BUT if I do not survive you will all know why.
WISH ME LUCK!
Monday, April 8, 2013
THANKFUL Mondays???
There are plenty of bloggers out there who have a themed day of blogging, I used to even. One Popular one is Thankful Thursday. This is exactly what it reads, you post 5 things you are thankful for in your life every Thursday. A close friend of mine started this one last week and I decided to join her, but instead of Thankful Thursdays I want to do mine on Mondays. The reason behind this is because Mondays are no fun. Nobody likes them. We all dread them. Everything bad that can happen usually happens on a Monday. So what Better day then a Monday to sit and remember what we are Thankful for what great things we have in our lives!!! Maybe this will each Monday, a little better.
Thankful Monday
Thankful Monday
My husband who works so hard to take care of our family and is the most amazing Husband and father a person could ask for
My son who has the best personality ever. He has changed our lives in so many ways and we love him for this.
My home, although it is not Ideal and we are excited to move it is our Home that we started our Family in
Our 3 dogs who are all so good with MJ now that they are settled in with him when I have seen so many others have to give theirs away.
The Military who has made me crazy and stressed constantly BUT it has given us security, education, success, strength, memories, and experiences we would not have had otherwise. I am so happy M decided to join 8 years ago. It is giving us this life we are living and its really a great one!
ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT EVEN ON A MONDAY, THERE IS SOMETHING TO BE THANKFUL FOR!
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Am I crazy?
As some of you may know, we have added a new addition to our family! Meet Kemba, yup as in Kemba Walker from the Charlotte bobcats.. really? Did you really think we would name him something OTHER THEN an NBA player?? Thats just silly! He is our 8 week old Yellow Lab. Now before you sit here and call me crazy, because trust me I have thought that myself, listen to my reasoning about getting a THIRD dog, when I have a one year old son.
We have two dogs, Maui our 5 year old Mutt who acts more like a cat, lazy and grumpy, and only plays with LeBron on her terms. I love her, she is my baby but she acts way older then she really is. She isnt fond of MJ she lays in bed most of the days and she only plays with LeBron once a day for like 5 minutes. We take them to the dog park and she chases bugs...yep real dog like right? She does love walks though!
Then there is LeBron, our 3 year old Chocolate Lab who is really a great dog if he werent sodumb silly. He has never rellly been a problem. He never chewed anything, was quickly potty trained besides his accedents during his month long bladder infection he had as a puppy and is so ski-dish he would never really do anything majorly wrong. But he is hyper. Wayyy hyper, come on now he is a Lab! He loves walks, he loves the dog park, he loves his Frisbee and by that I mean that is his obsession. He so badly wants to play with Maui who just wont have it. He loves MJ a little more everyday I think only because he has to.
So our reasoning of getting a third dog you might ask?? For LeBron really. We really think that he will love it after Kemba grows out of this puppy stage. Right now he isnt too sure about him. When Kemba is just a little bigger I really do think they will play constantly which in the end will help me because LeBron really needs a friend and to play..constantly.
Its been a crazy few nights because he for sure isnt Maui or LeBron when it comes to training but he is a pretty good puppy. Always wanting to be outside which is strange to us. Its going to be extreamly crazy in this tiny base housing with a tiny yard but we will have PCSd and moved into a way bigger house with wayyy more land and hi and LeBron are going to just love it.
So see my thinking here??? Add a little crazy to the house in order to calm the crazy. Yep genius
We have two dogs, Maui our 5 year old Mutt who acts more like a cat, lazy and grumpy, and only plays with LeBron on her terms. I love her, she is my baby but she acts way older then she really is. She isnt fond of MJ she lays in bed most of the days and she only plays with LeBron once a day for like 5 minutes. We take them to the dog park and she chases bugs...yep real dog like right? She does love walks though!
Then there is LeBron, our 3 year old Chocolate Lab who is really a great dog if he werent so
So our reasoning of getting a third dog you might ask?? For LeBron really. We really think that he will love it after Kemba grows out of this puppy stage. Right now he isnt too sure about him. When Kemba is just a little bigger I really do think they will play constantly which in the end will help me because LeBron really needs a friend and to play..constantly.
Its been a crazy few nights because he for sure isnt Maui or LeBron when it comes to training but he is a pretty good puppy. Always wanting to be outside which is strange to us. Its going to be extreamly crazy in this tiny base housing with a tiny yard but we will have PCSd and moved into a way bigger house with wayyy more land and hi and LeBron are going to just love it.
So see my thinking here??? Add a little crazy to the house in order to calm the crazy. Yep genius
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