Just for the record I had planned on talking about the book I'm reading, 1001 things to love about the Military, tonight and discuss the first chapter. I hope to do that tomorrow night, but tonight Murphy struck, again, so I guess I'll share my latest adventure.
My latest adventure deals with the hot tub. So a week or so ago I noticed it wasn't heating up and was flashing a code on the temperature pad. I went into the pool place we bought it from (thank goodness its under warranty) and they originally told me that it was just needing a new filter. However, after I completely cleaned out the hot tub and changed all the filters, it still wasn't working.
I called Monday and they said they could send someone out Wed (today) to look at it. Well, the computer board was fried and they have to get the part. Hopefully before Friday when I have the girls coming over.
At any rate, that isn't the worst of it. Oh no, it gets way better. I have mice in my hot tub!!!!! Well, when the computer part shorted out a mouse was close enough to get fried so my father-in-law took off the whole front cover and showed me--its been chewing on insulation and leaving little droppings everywhere. I am so disgusted!!! So now that needs to be cleaned up, I have to set mouse traps, and I have to get the hot tub working--or figure out when they are coming back to finish fixing it since they didn't do that.
Oh and not to mention that Danny brought up the fact that mice attract snakes!!!! I guess when I go get the weed and feed and grass seed from Lowe's I'll be getting some snake away. All the sudden I have visions of a snake climbing down my shoulder while I'm in the hot tub. Let me tell you that if that ever happened I would abandon the hot tub--probably the whole back yard.
All I have to say is that I am extremely thankful that my father-in-law is here visiting during this latest attack from Murphy. I know I could have handled it, but I am really glad I don't have to do this adventure on my own. I love that he can come visit and that it is such a low key visit. Jace was really excited that he was here for his football practice, and is super psyched that he'll be here for the game tomorrow night. Jace even gets to run the ball a little bit! My father-in-law has been so thoughtful--bringing us dinner last night before the practice and making dinner for us tonight. Again,
Thank goodness for good family!!
Family Photo 2011
Just before the deployment
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Anything you can do I can do better.....
Remember that song? "Anything you can do I can do better, I can do anything better than you." Well that song was running through my head today, although not for the reason you think. It was running through my head because really that should be Danny's song to me ;) He really is a Jack-of-all-trades. He knows how to do everything. And he's good at it. Me, not so much.
Today I finished weed eating and edging the lawn. Yay me! LOL. It didn't take too much time. But I did want to show you the reason I shouldn't be allowed to do yard work. The bruise and cut happened yesterday, but I didn't realize how bad the bruise was until mid afternoon today. So here are my battle scars from doing the lawn.
Not quite sure how I got the cut on my leg, but my arm I definitely remember. I was standing too close to the deck/bench and when I yanked on the cord to start the lawn mower, I threw my arm into the corner of the wooden bench. It did not feel very good.
But I did get the yard done. I have a sinking feeling I'll be doing the same thing next weekend since the weeds...I mean grass...have been growing so fast. Here is the yard:
I also was able to wash out the hot tub. I have been needed to change a filter because the guys at the pool and spa place said that's all I needed to do to get the hot tub to quit saying FL 1 and to start heating up again. However, it hasn't started heating up yet, so I've got to add calling them to my to do list. I have plans for some ladies and I to use that hot tub on Friday so I better get it fixed. I wanted to be able to post this pic and say, "hot tub anyone." Hopefully it'll be fixed by Friday so I can say "hot tub anyone," and mean it. Here is the nice and clean tub getting filled back up.
But wait...there is more. I even caulked the counter top and filled in a hole with the expanding foam. Both of which I needed to do last week, even had the stuff, but I thought it would require more work and I would have a horrible time getting it to turn out right. But, I bit the bullet and did it anyways. Just like always, my fear kept me from doing something extremely easy. The caulking was super fast, and the expanding foam was okay. I touched/took my gloves off before we were done and shouldn't have. My hands were supper tacky because of that expanding foam stuff. So, if you ever do it--be real caferfull.
This line turned out well.
This one too.
Not so pretty, but there was a bigger space that I needed to fill up.
Here is the before pic of the holes
Here is the After pic--I still need to cut it down after it has sat the 8 hours to cure on recommendation.
So--as you can tell, even though its done, it is by no means done better than what Danny would have done. It would be done nicer with Danny doing it. I'm just glad I finished the project.
Yay me!!
Today I finished weed eating and edging the lawn. Yay me! LOL. It didn't take too much time. But I did want to show you the reason I shouldn't be allowed to do yard work. The bruise and cut happened yesterday, but I didn't realize how bad the bruise was until mid afternoon today. So here are my battle scars from doing the lawn.
But I did get the yard done. I have a sinking feeling I'll be doing the same thing next weekend since the weeds...I mean grass...have been growing so fast. Here is the yard:
I also was able to wash out the hot tub. I have been needed to change a filter because the guys at the pool and spa place said that's all I needed to do to get the hot tub to quit saying FL 1 and to start heating up again. However, it hasn't started heating up yet, so I've got to add calling them to my to do list. I have plans for some ladies and I to use that hot tub on Friday so I better get it fixed. I wanted to be able to post this pic and say, "hot tub anyone." Hopefully it'll be fixed by Friday so I can say "hot tub anyone," and mean it. Here is the nice and clean tub getting filled back up.
But wait...there is more. I even caulked the counter top and filled in a hole with the expanding foam. Both of which I needed to do last week, even had the stuff, but I thought it would require more work and I would have a horrible time getting it to turn out right. But, I bit the bullet and did it anyways. Just like always, my fear kept me from doing something extremely easy. The caulking was super fast, and the expanding foam was okay. I touched/took my gloves off before we were done and shouldn't have. My hands were supper tacky because of that expanding foam stuff. So, if you ever do it--be real caferfull.
Here is the After pic--I still need to cut it down after it has sat the 8 hours to cure on recommendation.
So--as you can tell, even though its done, it is by no means done better than what Danny would have done. It would be done nicer with Danny doing it. I'm just glad I finished the project.
Yay me!!
Saturday, March 24, 2012
I'm going to be sore tomorrow
Before I get to why I'm going to be sore I have to recap the last couple of days. I have had an absolute great couple of days. I've been missing Danny A LOT, but I haven't been feeling lonely. I had the ball and that was a blast. Its still a blast watching everyone post their pics.
The next day we had a mental health day for the kids and went and watched the Lorax. It was a great movie. Sad, but great. In fact, Jace, my 7 year old, said that he really liked it but it was pretty sad that all the trees got cut down. So, we decided that during spring break we are going to go to Lowe's or Home Depot and find some baby trees and each of us will pick one out and plant it in our back yard.
By the time we got done with the movie it was pouring outside. The kids of course LOVED running in the rain and still wanted to go to Golden Corral for lunch. My kids love that place. Something about being able to choose the weirdest food combinations ever, I think. Plus this one has a chocolate fountain and they love making chocolate covered strawberries. Notice I said making--they don't necessarily like eating all the stuff they dip in the chocolate. :/
Here are my two drowned rats after having to run into Golden Corral because the monsoon was still going strong. When we got done eating and were driving home I knew I had done the right thing when Jace said that this was the best day ever.
After Golden Corral and going home to get dried off we went over to the low country boil/crawfish cookout--whatever you call it. It was really nice and low key--they kids were enjoying themselves and I got to chat with some of my fav ladies again. I took some pics of the crawfish and such and of course there is a pic of me trying the ugly little things. I am still NOT a fan of crawfish--the texture is too crunchy for me and I still didn't like the taste. But I told Danny I'd try one so I did.
The bag Eric is holding is full of live crawfish--ewww!
Here the guys are taking the crab out of one of the pots.
Me trying the crawfish after Wes had properly deheaded and cleaned it. I still didn't like it--too crunchy--yuck!!
Another pic to prove to Danny that I got up close and personal with a crawfish. Danny had me promise I'd try one--and I did. My first and my last ;)
Okay--now onto why I am going to be sore tomorrow. Well, first today started with a 5K for Beautiful Feet to raise money for missions trips. So here is a random thought--why call them 5 K--I think its to intimidate people. It sounds a lot longer when you say 5K instead of 3 miles. Sorry--back on track. So the 5K was first this morning. I walked it with a good friend Chasity. Here are our before and after pics. We walked so of course we aren't as sweaty as we could have been LOL.
Top is before and the bottom is after.
But that's not the whole reason I am going to be sore. I ended up getting a wild hair and mowed my yard. Yes, Danny, I mowed--so pick yourself up off the floor. In case you didn't know--I HATE mowing. It is strictly Danny's job. I hate weed eating and edging and all the stuff that goes with the yard. But--I want a nice looking yard and to make sure there aren't any snakes in the tall grass. So I mowed, and mowed, and mowed. I just sold the riding lawn mower. I still don't think it would really work for our yard but our yard is still pretty good sized so it took awhile.
I also did the edging/weed eating with the electric weed eater. Thank goodness Danny bought me the electric one. Its so much easier than the gas powered one, lighter too. My hands and arms were getting sore by the time I hit the back yard with the electric one--I can't imagine what it would have been like with the gas powered. I didn't get to finish because I ran through 5 batteries--none of them must have been fully charged so I put them all on a charger and will finish up tomorrow and then finish cleaning the hot tub. If I can move that is. Mowing is no joke. Now I know why I never volunteered to do it as a teenager.
I did notice I need to find some weed killer and some grass seed. I'm also hoping to do some minor (very minor) landscaping over spring break. As much as I hate mowing, I love being able to be outside and to be home. I feel a sense of accomplishment for actually getting such a big project done. I like being able to tell Danny that I did something big like that every once so I can prove I can handle this (or any) deployment. I take pride in being independent, but not too much pride that I hate giving all these jobs back--but enough to keep me strong enough to survive and thrive this next year.
Well, 5K, mowing, and serving in children's church have exhausted me--time for me to get in bed!
The next day we had a mental health day for the kids and went and watched the Lorax. It was a great movie. Sad, but great. In fact, Jace, my 7 year old, said that he really liked it but it was pretty sad that all the trees got cut down. So, we decided that during spring break we are going to go to Lowe's or Home Depot and find some baby trees and each of us will pick one out and plant it in our back yard.
By the time we got done with the movie it was pouring outside. The kids of course LOVED running in the rain and still wanted to go to Golden Corral for lunch. My kids love that place. Something about being able to choose the weirdest food combinations ever, I think. Plus this one has a chocolate fountain and they love making chocolate covered strawberries. Notice I said making--they don't necessarily like eating all the stuff they dip in the chocolate. :/
The real reason we went to Golden Corral
Here are my two drowned rats after having to run into Golden Corral because the monsoon was still going strong. When we got done eating and were driving home I knew I had done the right thing when Jace said that this was the best day ever.
After Golden Corral and going home to get dried off we went over to the low country boil/crawfish cookout--whatever you call it. It was really nice and low key--they kids were enjoying themselves and I got to chat with some of my fav ladies again. I took some pics of the crawfish and such and of course there is a pic of me trying the ugly little things. I am still NOT a fan of crawfish--the texture is too crunchy for me and I still didn't like the taste. But I told Danny I'd try one so I did.
Okay--now onto why I am going to be sore tomorrow. Well, first today started with a 5K for Beautiful Feet to raise money for missions trips. So here is a random thought--why call them 5 K--I think its to intimidate people. It sounds a lot longer when you say 5K instead of 3 miles. Sorry--back on track. So the 5K was first this morning. I walked it with a good friend Chasity. Here are our before and after pics. We walked so of course we aren't as sweaty as we could have been LOL.
But that's not the whole reason I am going to be sore. I ended up getting a wild hair and mowed my yard. Yes, Danny, I mowed--so pick yourself up off the floor. In case you didn't know--I HATE mowing. It is strictly Danny's job. I hate weed eating and edging and all the stuff that goes with the yard. But--I want a nice looking yard and to make sure there aren't any snakes in the tall grass. So I mowed, and mowed, and mowed. I just sold the riding lawn mower. I still don't think it would really work for our yard but our yard is still pretty good sized so it took awhile.
I also did the edging/weed eating with the electric weed eater. Thank goodness Danny bought me the electric one. Its so much easier than the gas powered one, lighter too. My hands and arms were getting sore by the time I hit the back yard with the electric one--I can't imagine what it would have been like with the gas powered. I didn't get to finish because I ran through 5 batteries--none of them must have been fully charged so I put them all on a charger and will finish up tomorrow and then finish cleaning the hot tub. If I can move that is. Mowing is no joke. Now I know why I never volunteered to do it as a teenager.
I did notice I need to find some weed killer and some grass seed. I'm also hoping to do some minor (very minor) landscaping over spring break. As much as I hate mowing, I love being able to be outside and to be home. I feel a sense of accomplishment for actually getting such a big project done. I like being able to tell Danny that I did something big like that every once so I can prove I can handle this (or any) deployment. I take pride in being independent, but not too much pride that I hate giving all these jobs back--but enough to keep me strong enough to survive and thrive this next year.
Well, 5K, mowing, and serving in children's church have exhausted me--time for me to get in bed!
Friday, March 23, 2012
MI Ball 2012
I am exhausted. I had a great time but I am exhausted! Yesterday was the BDE (brigade) MI Ball and it was a blast. The only thing missing was my hubby.
I started the day thinking we'd be rushed but I made a conscious effort to enjoy the day off. I didn't want to stress about a thing. The day started off with breakfast and getting to meet another wife in the company--always a great time. Then the pampering started. I got my nails done and my toes done. Then we went to a new salon--Aqua Salon--were we had our makeup and hair done. I also found my new stylist.
Just a side note--it is hard when you move to find a new stylist--it has taken me a year and a half to find someone I clicked with enough that I want to keep going back. None of the other stylists were bad--just didn't click. But Taylor from Aqua Salon did an awesome job and I'll be going back in a couple weeks to get my hair cut off. (Shoulder length dear--don't have a heart attack).
Okay so back to our day--after pampering we found my last minute jewelry, took the kids' stuff over to Vicki's since her mom was so wonderful and was watching my kiddos overnight, and then headed to the hotel. We got dolled up and proceeded to have a great time! Here are some pics from earlier in the night:
Me in a hotel room with really bad lighting
My hot date for the evening--my Battle Buddy Vicki
Some of my lovely friends--thank you FRG for bringing us together :) From L to R--Kat, Sabrina, Me, Vicki, Ashley, Tracy, and Lindsay
Wes was wanting to show Danny some love via pics too :D
Some more lovely ladies showed up--so from L to R--Kat, Sabrina, me, Vicki, Lindsey, Ashley, Tracy, Tiana, and Erin
So Vicki chronicles each day with a photo for her hubby and this was us
trying to get one after the ball. All the same ladies trying to squeeze
into a booth ;)
So we let the husbands try and take a pic and this was there attempts--I laughed so hard I'm surprised my phone doesn't just show a blur.
Erin trying to pose them and them failing miserably at taking directions.
The pic above was the best the guys could do.
I have to hand it to these guys. They helped take care of us four single ladies out with the group. They were very protective of us and it was very sweet. I have found through all of Danny's deployments/TDYs/training etc, that his fellow soldiers have always done a good job of trying to take care of me. I feel blessed to be part of an Army family and blessed to have met the people the Army has brought into our lives.
The only downside of last night was that the four couples that were with us were so sweet and perfect for each other it made me miss Danny--my perfect match-- even more. I know that Danny would have had a blast with us all and I look forward to next year when Danny and Mike are here to take Vicki and I to the ball.
There will be more pics coming--many more friends were at the ball and we took pics together--only they have the pics so I'm waiting on them. The ball had so many beautiful women dressed in such beautiful gowns--it was wonderful and magical.
But now on to a mental health day with the kids--we're going to see the Lorax, got to Golden Corral, and go to a low country boil?? Not sure what its called--there will be crawfish and such--not that I eat it, but we'll enjoy ourselves!
I'm sure I'll blog again tonight or tomorrow about my wonderful day with the kids.
I started the day thinking we'd be rushed but I made a conscious effort to enjoy the day off. I didn't want to stress about a thing. The day started off with breakfast and getting to meet another wife in the company--always a great time. Then the pampering started. I got my nails done and my toes done. Then we went to a new salon--Aqua Salon--were we had our makeup and hair done. I also found my new stylist.
Just a side note--it is hard when you move to find a new stylist--it has taken me a year and a half to find someone I clicked with enough that I want to keep going back. None of the other stylists were bad--just didn't click. But Taylor from Aqua Salon did an awesome job and I'll be going back in a couple weeks to get my hair cut off. (Shoulder length dear--don't have a heart attack).
Okay so back to our day--after pampering we found my last minute jewelry, took the kids' stuff over to Vicki's since her mom was so wonderful and was watching my kiddos overnight, and then headed to the hotel. We got dolled up and proceeded to have a great time! Here are some pics from earlier in the night:
I have to hand it to these guys. They helped take care of us four single ladies out with the group. They were very protective of us and it was very sweet. I have found through all of Danny's deployments/TDYs/training etc, that his fellow soldiers have always done a good job of trying to take care of me. I feel blessed to be part of an Army family and blessed to have met the people the Army has brought into our lives.
The only downside of last night was that the four couples that were with us were so sweet and perfect for each other it made me miss Danny--my perfect match-- even more. I know that Danny would have had a blast with us all and I look forward to next year when Danny and Mike are here to take Vicki and I to the ball.
There will be more pics coming--many more friends were at the ball and we took pics together--only they have the pics so I'm waiting on them. The ball had so many beautiful women dressed in such beautiful gowns--it was wonderful and magical.
But now on to a mental health day with the kids--we're going to see the Lorax, got to Golden Corral, and go to a low country boil?? Not sure what its called--there will be crawfish and such--not that I eat it, but we'll enjoy ourselves!
I'm sure I'll blog again tonight or tomorrow about my wonderful day with the kids.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Finding Balance
I think I'm on the way to finding balance again. I can't believe I fell into the trap of making myself too busy again. I didn't do it too much the first three deployments, but four and now five I've struggled to find the balance between being too busy and just busy enough. Its a fine line I always seem to jump over and then struggle to get back to. Maybe, like I said in an earlier post, the other deployments were easier to stay on the line because the kids were smaller and I was less brave about taking them anywhere alone.
I know the nature of having kids getting older means they are involved in stuff and therefore parents become busier. However, I don't want to be too busy to enjoy that stuff with them. Monday I got to sit at Jace's practice and not run around the whole time. It was nice to enjoy the weather and chat with the other parents.
How was I able to do that? I finally decided to start downsizing my schedule. I had to take a long hard look at our schedule and admit that we can't do everything we/I did when Danny was here. I had to make some hard decisions about what was best for my family. And they were hard. I had breaking a commitment, especially to friends and people I admire. Some of the commitments are the only time I get to hang out with some of my favorite people. But, my family needs to, and should, come first and we've been struggling with all of the running we've been doing lately.
So, I gave up my American Sign Language class. Again, I really wish I didn't have to. I've wanted to learn ASL since I was in high school, but even though now is a good time, its not the best time for me to do it.
I backed away from some commitments at church. I loved doing it, but I don't feel like I was doing it well. I couldn't put 100% effort towards it right now. Maybe come summer I can step it up again...and I probably will. I miss being at church during the week. Journey is one of my favorite places. I am still serving. I won't ever give it up completely. I love serving and learn so much from it. But I just downsized my role a little bit.
The last thing to back away from is the FRG. The new CO has a wife so we are learning to balance and its great being able to have her help--or me help her--however its working it is taking a load off my shoulders. Again, I'm not going to back away completely--I enjoy it too much--but I am going to downsize what I do. I realized today that I don't have to be at EVERYTHING the CO (company) or the BN (battalion) has--they are all parents and understand the running around aspect. I can let some get-togethers go. I have been feeling like in order to do a good job as an FRG leader, that I have to be at everything and that's just not true.
I know the nature of having kids getting older means they are involved in stuff and therefore parents become busier. However, I don't want to be too busy to enjoy that stuff with them. Monday I got to sit at Jace's practice and not run around the whole time. It was nice to enjoy the weather and chat with the other parents.
How was I able to do that? I finally decided to start downsizing my schedule. I had to take a long hard look at our schedule and admit that we can't do everything we/I did when Danny was here. I had to make some hard decisions about what was best for my family. And they were hard. I had breaking a commitment, especially to friends and people I admire. Some of the commitments are the only time I get to hang out with some of my favorite people. But, my family needs to, and should, come first and we've been struggling with all of the running we've been doing lately.
So, I gave up my American Sign Language class. Again, I really wish I didn't have to. I've wanted to learn ASL since I was in high school, but even though now is a good time, its not the best time for me to do it.
I backed away from some commitments at church. I loved doing it, but I don't feel like I was doing it well. I couldn't put 100% effort towards it right now. Maybe come summer I can step it up again...and I probably will. I miss being at church during the week. Journey is one of my favorite places. I am still serving. I won't ever give it up completely. I love serving and learn so much from it. But I just downsized my role a little bit.
The last thing to back away from is the FRG. The new CO has a wife so we are learning to balance and its great being able to have her help--or me help her--however its working it is taking a load off my shoulders. Again, I'm not going to back away completely--I enjoy it too much--but I am going to downsize what I do. I realized today that I don't have to be at EVERYTHING the CO (company) or the BN (battalion) has--they are all parents and understand the running around aspect. I can let some get-togethers go. I have been feeling like in order to do a good job as an FRG leader, that I have to be at everything and that's just not true.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
A much needed break
I owe a huge thank you to my awesome friends who took my kids for a night this weekend. Thank you so much Steve & Kristen and Priscilla and Mike!! Jace spent the night with his friend Matthew and Bryce spent the night with her friends Alli and Kiersten. I really owe it to my friends for letting the sleepovers happen.
Both families took the kids early in the afternoon Saturday and I picked them up after lunch. It was so nice to have some me time. I can't explain it but at one point I felt as if I could let out the breathe /tension I had been holding in for forever.
It was also nice because I really think the kids and I needed a break from each other. They had been fighting with each other more than normal and just picking at each other and trying to push me to my limits. Today they have been back to their mostly nice selves.
However, it did make me realize one thing. I am rushing around too much. I can't keep juggling all the things I'm juggling. I feel like I'm so over extended sometimes that I'm not doing anything well--especially parenting. I am out of the house so much that I never get a chance to say "hi" to my neighbors and my kids are missing hanging out with their friends. My house is relatively clean, thanks to my new chore system (it really works!!), but my "to-do" list keeps getting longer.
I stood in Home Depot this weekend about ready to cry because I was so overwhelmed that the simplest things got to me. I couldn't find what Danny told me to to get and no one was around to ask, so I just skipped that--went to get air filters and couldn't find those right away--and then I had no clue where to look for silicone caulk or foam filler. Luckily by the time I was looking for the last two items I must have looked pretty pathetic because someone finally asked if I needed help. Let me qualify this mini-breakdown with the fact that I normally am pretty capable in Home Depot and can find what I need. But today for some reason it just got to me.
So I have to learn to step back and say "no." Its not a word I'm very comfortable with. I'm getting better, but I hate disappointing people. Or rather I hate not keeping a commitment I've already made. However I need to say no to some of those commitments because I haven't been able to do other things I need to do. Like grocery shopping. I haven't done a real grocery shopping trip in about a month--which isn't good on the check book or my waistline. I made a real dinner tonight and the kids asked me what the special occasion was :/ It wasn't even anything hard or complicated--just chicken, some minute rice, green beens, and peaches (from a can LOL). At least I've set the bar low so that when I do go all out at Easter they will be amazed. Although I'm not sure how "all out" I'm going to go for the three of us but obviously it doesn't have to be much--deviled eggs and a pie and they'll be over the moon.
I know I have a lot still on my "to-do" list but I'm going to go to bed so I can wake up early to work out, pray, and have a great day. I might even get something done off my list in the morning--but nothing but pinterest or facebook will happen in the funk I'm in right now.
On the bright note (I can't leave you on a negative note) I only have three days of work this week. The MI Ball is this week and I took Thursday and Friday off to enjoy it. A group of us gals who have hubbies away decided we were all going to go have a good time and I am so looking forward to it.
Both families took the kids early in the afternoon Saturday and I picked them up after lunch. It was so nice to have some me time. I can't explain it but at one point I felt as if I could let out the breathe /tension I had been holding in for forever.
It was also nice because I really think the kids and I needed a break from each other. They had been fighting with each other more than normal and just picking at each other and trying to push me to my limits. Today they have been back to their mostly nice selves.
However, it did make me realize one thing. I am rushing around too much. I can't keep juggling all the things I'm juggling. I feel like I'm so over extended sometimes that I'm not doing anything well--especially parenting. I am out of the house so much that I never get a chance to say "hi" to my neighbors and my kids are missing hanging out with their friends. My house is relatively clean, thanks to my new chore system (it really works!!), but my "to-do" list keeps getting longer.
I stood in Home Depot this weekend about ready to cry because I was so overwhelmed that the simplest things got to me. I couldn't find what Danny told me to to get and no one was around to ask, so I just skipped that--went to get air filters and couldn't find those right away--and then I had no clue where to look for silicone caulk or foam filler. Luckily by the time I was looking for the last two items I must have looked pretty pathetic because someone finally asked if I needed help. Let me qualify this mini-breakdown with the fact that I normally am pretty capable in Home Depot and can find what I need. But today for some reason it just got to me.
So I have to learn to step back and say "no." Its not a word I'm very comfortable with. I'm getting better, but I hate disappointing people. Or rather I hate not keeping a commitment I've already made. However I need to say no to some of those commitments because I haven't been able to do other things I need to do. Like grocery shopping. I haven't done a real grocery shopping trip in about a month--which isn't good on the check book or my waistline. I made a real dinner tonight and the kids asked me what the special occasion was :/ It wasn't even anything hard or complicated--just chicken, some minute rice, green beens, and peaches (from a can LOL). At least I've set the bar low so that when I do go all out at Easter they will be amazed. Although I'm not sure how "all out" I'm going to go for the three of us but obviously it doesn't have to be much--deviled eggs and a pie and they'll be over the moon.
I know I have a lot still on my "to-do" list but I'm going to go to bed so I can wake up early to work out, pray, and have a great day. I might even get something done off my list in the morning--but nothing but pinterest or facebook will happen in the funk I'm in right now.
On the bright note (I can't leave you on a negative note) I only have three days of work this week. The MI Ball is this week and I took Thursday and Friday off to enjoy it. A group of us gals who have hubbies away decided we were all going to go have a good time and I am so looking forward to it.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Finally, an afternoon at home
I don't think there have been more than one or two afternoons since Danny left were the kids and I got to stay home after school. Today we finally got to do it again and it was so nice. I thought I would get something done on my to-do list, but nope. I got sucked into kids' arguments, facebook, and pinterest, and email. I did get some FRG stuff done, but not much else. And it felt good. I think I might actually get into bed before 11 tonight. I'm not too worried about my to-do list. I have tomorrow night with lots of time to do stuff.
Today was a perfect day to be at home too. 80+ degrees. I was able to open all the windows and air out the house. It was perfect--well except for the neighbors probably heard me yell at my kids 4 or 5 times. :/
This weekend, thanks to some wonderful friends, that happen to have kids the same age as mine, my kids will be at sleepovers Sat afternoon till Sunday. I adore my kids. But every once in a while I think its good for us to get a break from each other. I am so thankful!!
Today was a perfect day to be at home too. 80+ degrees. I was able to open all the windows and air out the house. It was perfect--well except for the neighbors probably heard me yell at my kids 4 or 5 times. :/
This weekend, thanks to some wonderful friends, that happen to have kids the same age as mine, my kids will be at sleepovers Sat afternoon till Sunday. I adore my kids. But every once in a while I think its good for us to get a break from each other. I am so thankful!!
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Honey-Do list
My husband might just have a list a mile long when he comes home for R&R. I love that my hubby is handy around the house, and the yard, and the cars....and well, everything. You name it he can fix it. However, I realized yesterday that its no longer a "honey-do" list--but an "I must do" list. Not as much fun to start that list.
It all started with me noticing the air filter was whistling a bit, so add "run to Home Depot" to my list. Then I notice that I need to clean out the hot tub and such. By Tuesday I've found ants again.
Let me tell you--I hate ants!! I don't think I told you, but I ended up purchasing the extra ant service because we kept getting them so bad in the house. Every time I turned around they were somewhere new. So I called my trusty Terminix guy and he came over. I almost cried at first because he told me he thinks they are in the floor and walls. Why oh Why doesn't this kind of stuff happen when Danny can take care of it. He said that he's seen it a lot in newer homes where they start putting up walls before the concrete has completely set and it causes spider cracks in the concrete--perfect areas for ants to get in through. UGH!!
At any rate after the extra potent yard treatment, then him coming and killing the last batch, I find more on my bar area. Not a lot--5 to 10 at a time--but there are still ants!! John comes over the same day I call him and says that they are probably in the wall (okay--every time he says that it freaks me out). So he lays some bait for them to eat and take back to others and kill the nest. That was yesterday, and today we are ant free--so far. So--the honey-do part comes in because John says you need to get your husband to run silicone all along this crack, and then you need to get the expanding foam to fill in this hole around this pipe, etc.... So I'm going to put my big girl panties on and do it--hopefully this weekend with the rest of the "I must get done" list. So I'm going to go act like the girl I am and ask for the spreading foam thingy. Wish me luck ;)
Oh--and just 'cause I can't go without bragging about my kiddos--because I'm a mom & that's what we do--report cards come out and Bryce has straight A's--all year so far. I was pretty amazed by the fact that her highest grade was Language Arts and it was a 100% for the semester--and her lowest grade was a 94%. Jace is still on that number system, but he also made huge improvements!! I'm so very proud of them both!
It all started with me noticing the air filter was whistling a bit, so add "run to Home Depot" to my list. Then I notice that I need to clean out the hot tub and such. By Tuesday I've found ants again.
Let me tell you--I hate ants!! I don't think I told you, but I ended up purchasing the extra ant service because we kept getting them so bad in the house. Every time I turned around they were somewhere new. So I called my trusty Terminix guy and he came over. I almost cried at first because he told me he thinks they are in the floor and walls. Why oh Why doesn't this kind of stuff happen when Danny can take care of it. He said that he's seen it a lot in newer homes where they start putting up walls before the concrete has completely set and it causes spider cracks in the concrete--perfect areas for ants to get in through. UGH!!
At any rate after the extra potent yard treatment, then him coming and killing the last batch, I find more on my bar area. Not a lot--5 to 10 at a time--but there are still ants!! John comes over the same day I call him and says that they are probably in the wall (okay--every time he says that it freaks me out). So he lays some bait for them to eat and take back to others and kill the nest. That was yesterday, and today we are ant free--so far. So--the honey-do part comes in because John says you need to get your husband to run silicone all along this crack, and then you need to get the expanding foam to fill in this hole around this pipe, etc.... So I'm going to put my big girl panties on and do it--hopefully this weekend with the rest of the "I must get done" list. So I'm going to go act like the girl I am and ask for the spreading foam thingy. Wish me luck ;)
Oh--and just 'cause I can't go without bragging about my kiddos--because I'm a mom & that's what we do--report cards come out and Bryce has straight A's--all year so far. I was pretty amazed by the fact that her highest grade was Language Arts and it was a 100% for the semester--and her lowest grade was a 94%. Jace is still on that number system, but he also made huge improvements!! I'm so very proud of them both!
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Bucket List
So my bucket list isn't for things I want to do before I die, but rather for the things I want to do with my kids before they graduate high school. I started thinking about this the other day because with Danny gone on a deployment or training all the time, we actually have to plan more. I do not want to get to either kids' graduation day and say "I wish we had done...."
So I mentioned it to Danny the other day and he is supposed to be working on his list and then we'll compile them. But I got to thinking that his list isn't going to include some things that I want to do with the kids. For example, I really want to take the kids camping--not campsite camping--but real, we have search for a place, camping. No ready made spaces for cars, tents, or campers. Danny, however, doesn't want anything to do with camping unless it involves an RV. So maybe this is something I need to gather up my courage and do with the kids alone?
The other reason I want to make this bucket list is that we get so caught up in the vacations we "should" take--ie vacations to visit family--that sometimes these things get shuffled to the side.
At any rate, Here is my list so far--it is a work in progress, and there is no specific order--remember all these things are to do with the kids.
1. Take the kids to Lego Land
2. Visit Sea World
3. Go camping
4. Dance in the rain
5. Play Mud volleyball/have a mud fight (thank you Journey Community Church for doing this every year so I can)
6. Visit Universal Studios.
7. Run a 5K with one or both of my kids.
8. Visit Europe--Ireland, England, Scotland, France, Italy, Germany
9. Visit the Grand Canyon
10. Go to Alaska
11. Go to Hawaii
12. Visit Yellowstone National Park
13. Go snow skiing
14. Go snowmobiling
15. Grow a garden together
16. Teach both kids to cook & bake some of the family favorites.
17. Go on a cruise
18. White water rafting
19. Go to the very tip of Maine
20. Visit Philadelphia
21. Visit Boston
22. Visit and experience everything in New York City--shopping, theatre, time square, etc.
23. Go see the Nutcracker Ballet
24. Take the kids to music concerts--ie Winter Jam
25. Travel on Amtrak
26. Take the kids to CA to see the Golden Gate Bridge
27. Lake Tahoe
28. visit the only North American Rainforest
29. Take the kids to Monterey, CA
30. Pick apples from an Apple Orchard
31. Pick strawberries
32. Zip line adventure
33. Mountain climbing/trail hiking
That's all I can think of right now, but I will add to it as I come up with ideas.
So I mentioned it to Danny the other day and he is supposed to be working on his list and then we'll compile them. But I got to thinking that his list isn't going to include some things that I want to do with the kids. For example, I really want to take the kids camping--not campsite camping--but real, we have search for a place, camping. No ready made spaces for cars, tents, or campers. Danny, however, doesn't want anything to do with camping unless it involves an RV. So maybe this is something I need to gather up my courage and do with the kids alone?
The other reason I want to make this bucket list is that we get so caught up in the vacations we "should" take--ie vacations to visit family--that sometimes these things get shuffled to the side.
At any rate, Here is my list so far--it is a work in progress, and there is no specific order--remember all these things are to do with the kids.
1. Take the kids to Lego Land
2. Visit Sea World
3. Go camping
4. Dance in the rain
5. Play Mud volleyball/have a mud fight (thank you Journey Community Church for doing this every year so I can)
6. Visit Universal Studios.
7. Run a 5K with one or both of my kids.
8. Visit Europe--Ireland, England, Scotland, France, Italy, Germany
9. Visit the Grand Canyon
10. Go to Alaska
11. Go to Hawaii
12. Visit Yellowstone National Park
13. Go snow skiing
14. Go snowmobiling
15. Grow a garden together
16. Teach both kids to cook & bake some of the family favorites.
17. Go on a cruise
18. White water rafting
19. Go to the very tip of Maine
20. Visit Philadelphia
21. Visit Boston
22. Visit and experience everything in New York City--shopping, theatre, time square, etc.
23. Go see the Nutcracker Ballet
24. Take the kids to music concerts--ie Winter Jam
25. Travel on Amtrak
26. Take the kids to CA to see the Golden Gate Bridge
27. Lake Tahoe
28. visit the only North American Rainforest
29. Take the kids to Monterey, CA
30. Pick apples from an Apple Orchard
31. Pick strawberries
32. Zip line adventure
33. Mountain climbing/trail hiking
That's all I can think of right now, but I will add to it as I come up with ideas.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Care packages for my soldier
Today has been a pretty great day. Before I get to talking about care packages, I have to brag about Jace for a second (especially since Danny reads this and I might forget to tell him this). So, I try and avoid being at Jace's football practices because experience from the last two seasons has taught me that when I'm there Jace doesn't listen or try as hard. He will also get "hurt" more because someone is there to baby him. However, today I was actually able to pick Jace up from practice and went about 15 minutes early. I was so proud of him. He did a great job as center, he hustled when the coach told him to hustle, and he did up-downs and running with 100% effort. On top of that--Jace didn't go off-sides during the off-sides drill. The coach had the kids in a line and would call "hut, hut" and see if anyone would move. If someone did the whole team did up-downs. Jace didn't give a false start once. This is huge improvement from his first season. It is so awesome to see how much he is improving--both in skills and attitude.
Okay, so now that I got my bragging out of the way. Now we can talk care packages. I have made it a goal to do a whole lot better this deployment than last on the care packages. Last deployment, as I've already mentioned, I did not do so hot. I think I might have sent one in a year. I was so overwhelmed by me and my issues with money. Care packages meant money and since Danny told me (like he always does) that he is good, I figured why bother.
Well, it hit me recently how utterly selfish I was last deployment. Care packages aren't supposed to be because he needs something, but because I want to send him some love in a tangible way. I was really good Danny's first and third deployment (I was deployed with him during the 2nd one). So I want to get back to being really good at them again. Luckily, Army Wife Network, armywifenetwork.com, has a whole list of different themed care packages.
So, I've sent Danny three packages in three months. The first didn't really count because it was a whole bunch of stuff Danny asked me to get--like clothes and such. I had fun and threw in some fun things but it wasn't so much of a care packages as sending him things he forgot to take. The second and third packages I sent at the same time. I took a picture of one, but forgot the other. Both ideas came from Army Wife Network.
The last two packages were a Green theme/St. Patrick's Day box, and the second was a small, "I'm blue without you" package where only things that were blue were included. Here is the green one:
So in this box are two different flavors of gold fish, Girl Scout thin mints, some Jalapeno chips, 2 different flavors pringles, a St. Paddy's day shirt, the kids' four leaf clover art (it looked better on pinterest), a green yo-yo, green energy Mio, a note from Bryce, and some Ande's mints. His chewing tobacco is also green, but that doesn't count :/ The kids and I also decorated the box. I think its the first time I've ever done that, but I really wanted to show our love to Danny. I think he liked it--he said he's keeping the box ;)
The "I'm Blue without You" box was put together more quickly--I had a blue package of Boy Scouts white chocolate covered pretzels (one of Danny's favs), a huge sheet towel in blue, and blue pillow cases with my perfume on it. I think I also threw in some small samples of stuff.
My next care package--why an Easter basket of course. :D I'm already starting to collect the stuff as I see things that catches my eye.
FYI--for those of you who have soldiers deployed and they will be gone over their birthday--you might want to stock up on some limited edition Birthday Cake Oreos. The reviews have been awesome.
Okay, so now that I got my bragging out of the way. Now we can talk care packages. I have made it a goal to do a whole lot better this deployment than last on the care packages. Last deployment, as I've already mentioned, I did not do so hot. I think I might have sent one in a year. I was so overwhelmed by me and my issues with money. Care packages meant money and since Danny told me (like he always does) that he is good, I figured why bother.
Well, it hit me recently how utterly selfish I was last deployment. Care packages aren't supposed to be because he needs something, but because I want to send him some love in a tangible way. I was really good Danny's first and third deployment (I was deployed with him during the 2nd one). So I want to get back to being really good at them again. Luckily, Army Wife Network, armywifenetwork.com, has a whole list of different themed care packages.
So, I've sent Danny three packages in three months. The first didn't really count because it was a whole bunch of stuff Danny asked me to get--like clothes and such. I had fun and threw in some fun things but it wasn't so much of a care packages as sending him things he forgot to take. The second and third packages I sent at the same time. I took a picture of one, but forgot the other. Both ideas came from Army Wife Network.
The last two packages were a Green theme/St. Patrick's Day box, and the second was a small, "I'm blue without you" package where only things that were blue were included. Here is the green one:
The "I'm Blue without You" box was put together more quickly--I had a blue package of Boy Scouts white chocolate covered pretzels (one of Danny's favs), a huge sheet towel in blue, and blue pillow cases with my perfume on it. I think I also threw in some small samples of stuff.
My next care package--why an Easter basket of course. :D I'm already starting to collect the stuff as I see things that catches my eye.
FYI--for those of you who have soldiers deployed and they will be gone over their birthday--you might want to stock up on some limited edition Birthday Cake Oreos. The reviews have been awesome.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
The Zoo
Today the kids and I joined up with the Flores clan and went to the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, SC. It was a short hour trip (thanks to DSI's and Iphones). It didn't start that way--can I just say that from now on I will not plan anything the morning of the day we spring ahead!! The boys were cranky and we actually thought about the time change and had them go to sleep early. Bryce had a sleep over at a friends and stayed up late and was not in a good mood either. We did manage to shake the bad moods by the time breakfast was over. Thank goodness because I was ready to have Vicki take me back to the house.
So we are at the zoo and it was AWESOME! The best zoo I think I've ever been to--not the biggest, but definitely the best. First, and this was probably a seasonal & weather thing, the animals were more lively than I'd ever seen them. We say the big monkeys playing around and swinging (not just sleeping), we say the tigers, lions, and Gorilla's moving around--the Gorilla's were even putting on a bit of a show by tearing off parts of the bushes and eating them--and going to the bathroom (the kids loved it)--right in front of the window. The snakes were swimming in they water or moving on branches. So, it was a great time for all of us. Oh--and the kids got to feed birds. Jace was somewhat of a bird whisperer and the birds would come to him.
The kids also got to do a multi-level rope bridge type course. All six of us started out--Zak got scared as soon as we walked up the stairs and ended up going back down. Tyler and I made it over one obstacle and then he didn't want to do anymore either and I used him as my excuse to go down ;). Vicki, Bryce, and Jace were troopers and finished the whole 3 story course. I was impressed!! Vicki didn't even scream ;).
So we are at the zoo and it was AWESOME! The best zoo I think I've ever been to--not the biggest, but definitely the best. First, and this was probably a seasonal & weather thing, the animals were more lively than I'd ever seen them. We say the big monkeys playing around and swinging (not just sleeping), we say the tigers, lions, and Gorilla's moving around--the Gorilla's were even putting on a bit of a show by tearing off parts of the bushes and eating them--and going to the bathroom (the kids loved it)--right in front of the window. The snakes were swimming in they water or moving on branches. So, it was a great time for all of us. Oh--and the kids got to feed birds. Jace was somewhat of a bird whisperer and the birds would come to him.
The kids also got to do a multi-level rope bridge type course. All six of us started out--Zak got scared as soon as we walked up the stairs and ended up going back down. Tyler and I made it over one obstacle and then he didn't want to do anymore either and I used him as my excuse to go down ;). Vicki, Bryce, and Jace were troopers and finished the whole 3 story course. I was impressed!! Vicki didn't even scream ;).
Picture above--Jace on the ropes ;)
Vicki making it across!
Yes--that blur on the very top by the sun--that's Vicki too!
A View of the whole course
Another view of the whole course
It was a great day. The kids had a blast and so did I. I am so glad I have Vicki to be by Battle Buddy during this deployment.
I also wanted to post about something I'm asking Danny to do on his end & what I'm going to post here sometime later this week. I brought up to him that I want to create a bucket list. Not a bucket list for us--but a bucket list for what we want to do with the kids before they graduate high school. So look for my list later this week!
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Our little football player
I love football more now as than I ever have before. There is definitely something about your son (or daughter) playing a sport that makes it seem more interesting. This is Jace's 3rd season in tackle football and he loves it.
This season got off to a rocky start--I believe I blogged about how disappointed I was that we didn't get the coach from last time. However, I am so glad that we are on the team we are on. He has a great coach and the kids seem pretty great too. I haven't had a chance to really meet any of the parents because I've been running so much. I haven't been able to just hang out. I'm looking forward to getting to meet them now that I can hang out more with my schedule slowing down a bit. Here are the pics I took tonight:
The only downside for me to tonight was that this is Danny's thing--he loves watching Jace play. I can barely follow what is going on ;) But I did take some pics of the superstar tonight. He is number 72--I think Danny wanted him to have 12 but we didn't get to pick--but his number was 72 last season too. So maybe that is his lucky number now ;) The coach said that he is doing a great job as center--that he snaps the ball great. He even told Jace and I that the offense wouldn't have worked without Jace snapping the ball like he did. Jace also played on defense (don't ask me what position 'cause I really don't know). He really enjoyed himself tonight.
This season got off to a rocky start--I believe I blogged about how disappointed I was that we didn't get the coach from last time. However, I am so glad that we are on the team we are on. He has a great coach and the kids seem pretty great too. I haven't had a chance to really meet any of the parents because I've been running so much. I haven't been able to just hang out. I'm looking forward to getting to meet them now that I can hang out more with my schedule slowing down a bit. Here are the pics I took tonight:
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