He, Me, & B

Nursing is NOT for sissies

2011-09-22T20:01:00.000-07:00

I found that little title gem on pinterest ... my new favorite hobby.

I just wanted to write a little update on my nursing school.

I'm level 3 currently working towards an ADN. I want to further my education and get a master's eventually, but for now I'm focusing on the latter.

I am in what I think I want to do currently, which is OB, more specifically L&D. I got to work in L&D on monday and I ADORE it. I saw 3 deliveries and they were amazing.

I seriously had to keep my professionalism on and not cry when the babies actually came, but it is amazing. It is such a happy moment when all goes well. And luckily, even the stat c-section had a happy ending.

I had my 2nd out of 4 test for this flex today and passed with flying colors. Super proud of myself because, like I said, Nursing is not for sissies!

If all goes well, I will graduate in May of next year ... If all also goes well, we will be in serious consideration for another baby ... or maybe even pregnant.

(did I just say that out loud on the world wide web? o, yes i did ;))

nothing ever comes easy

2011-09-09T06:34:00.001-07:00

I have begun the one thing I loathe.
I pretty much hate it more than anything I EVER have to do.

I wish I could be one who loved it.
One who dreamed about it and then woke up and went at it.

This mystery I'm talking about is.... WORKING OUT.
So I hired this personal trainer to "motivate" me.
Let's just say its not going so well, because I have no endurance.
Thought I did, but it went missing right before I began.
Today is day 2 and I'm dreading it

The good news is... I will be in shape one day.
Hopefully by december.
Maybe I'll even have my dream body one day.....

Only time and work will tell

Miss her still

2011-09-01T18:16:00.000-07:00

It's almost been three years.

Three years since I lost an amazing friend. A confidant. A role model.

I always wonder, did I tell her how much I loved her?
How much I respected her? How much I enjoyed spending time with her?

Or was I too busy venting to her? Listening to her, but not saying Thank you?
Taking all that beautiful time we had for granted?

I guess all I can do is hope.
Hope that she knew just how much.
Hope I made her proud.

She is a woman I can only dream to be.
She had a shining personality until the day she went to her Father in Heaven.
Positive. Beautiful. Loving. She had a light about her
And so He has her now ... in the best shape of her life, more positive and beautiful than ever.

I know she is an amazing angel.
And I can't wait to see her again.
To tell her about my life and B.
To hope that I made her proud.

Back & Better than Ever

2011-08-27T14:52:00.000-07:00

Hello blogger friends!

It has been quite a while ... I wanted to do a quick update before I delve into writing again.
Here has been our last year in a nutshell:
1. B turned 3 about 2 weeks ago. Hello kitty party chosen by the one & only: B!
2. Mister decided to get out of the military. He has been made many offers, but we're pretty set on an offer on the East Coast (more about that later)
3. We made it through our deployment :)
4. I am in semester 3/4 of nursing!!! YAYYYYYYY
5. I have recently become addicted to pinterest.
and last, but not least, I miss writing. So here I am.
Blogs will come soon, probably not daily, but weekly!
Thanks to all of you that continued following

Birthday for B

2010-08-08T09:15:00.000-07:00

Wow! Two years today I have had an amazing little girl in my life. Mister and I are so blessed to have her. When I sit back and think of how much she has grown, it brings tears of joy to my eyes. She is brilliant and beautiful and blessed and so much more than I ever expected in my child. She has a smile that lights up my life and a personality that always makes the worst days better. She is full of a pure love for life and everything in it. She sees things through pure eyes. She does not know of war or lies or criminals or hate. She is loved more than she could ever imagine, as I am sure we, as individuals, all are by someone.

Today my B turns two and we are throwing a wonderful party. I am sure she will have a great time with too many gifts. Considering she has too much now, that will not be hard. We will have fun and laugh and swim, but all the while missing daddy. She knows he is not here, but that he still loves her. I know that he loves her and longs to be here with us too. One month down, too many to go.

I am so thankful for my baby. I am blessed beyond belief. And I hope that my little girls knows I will always love her uncondtionally -- even through the tough years. I don't know how I lived without her. She just fits with mister and I so very well. Almost like a complete puzzle.

*Party pics coming to a blog near you*

Fly, Fly, Fly Away Home

2010-08-05T23:22:00.000-07:00

I am packing up and heading out early this morning.
Saying good bye to that unique Germany green.
Saying goodbye to schnitzel and eiscaffe's.
Saying goodbye to a great friend, which I hope to see again soon.

The trip was amazing and very fast! I saw more than I could've hoped for in four days thanks to a great ~~tour guide~~ friend! I would like to thank her for that southern hospitality she knows so well. For letting me stay in her happy home with the boys. For introducing me to Household 6 (an up and coming zazzling blogger, who happens to be one of the best people I have ever met). For all the things she doesn't even know she did. Green Enough 4 Me is exactly what she is. A breath of fresh air. A life of insanity, but in the most beautiful poetic way. Thank you so very much!

I'll be seeing you Germany...
Auf wiedersehen!

Life is a roller coaster, but I'm enjoying the ride

2010-08-03T11:13:00.000-07:00

WHAT A MONTH! I am at home visiting and spending time with family. It has been a roller coaster! One bad thing after the other, but lots of blessings too.

The first week I was here I wrecked my dad's car. I feel awful about it still and the damage was pretty expensive. B and my mom were in the car. Thankful we are all safe, but we had a few bruises and sore muscles. It was the first one since I was 16 ... which happened a week after. I haven't been the luckiest, but at least I haven't had more.

The second week I was here a family member dropped my iPhone and shattered the screen. I wasn't expecting it, but I ended up ordering the new iPhone. Which works for me, because I think it is awesome!
Nothing else too badhas happened since then. Those seemed major at the time because it was one after the other. God worked it all out in the end though.
On the blessing side, I found out a good friend is pregnant again, got registered for nursing school (not the ideal schedule, but still), am planning B's birthday for sunday,reconnected with an old friend (who happens to be moving in for a semester), and visiting a great friend in Germany. I will definitely be blogging about all of it.

Germany is absolutely amazing!! It is so beautiful! The weather is perfect and it is so green. A different green from the states. I have enjoyed spending time with my friend and her family and soaking up the history of towns and castles. I would move there in a heartbeat, anywhere in Europe to beexact!

Just wanted to give an update, It has been too long. As usual, my life and mimind are very busy!! Love to all.

my heart is screaming no, but i have to let him go

2010-07-12T19:44:00.000-07:00

The time has come to say goodbye. It is way too close. I am uncomfortable and sad. I am heartbroken. I pray he will come back safe and sound. I trust that he will. Still, I am scared. Can I do this?

I know he must go though. For me. For B. For every free person in the US. For himself. For the airforce. And for the very same reasons, I will get through this. Well maybe not for every free person, but for me and him and B. The countdown begins.

Luckily, I have been very busy and will continue to be until December 11th. I have nursing school and B's 2nd birthday and just life. I am also going to Germany to visit a friend I haven't seen in ages and I am VERY excited.

I will try and write more. I am back in the south and very busy with family, but I miss blogging. I am going to work on it, I just have a lot going on right now.

Also, Some may have noticed my amazing new blog design! I want to get (an overdue) but very sincere shoutout to Mrs. Muffins for doing this for me! It is so perfect and I would not have been able to do it on my own. If you are interested, head here and get one of your own especially for you!

Baby on the Brain

2010-06-30T13:59:00.000-07:00

So lately I have been thinking a lot about another child. Still not even close to want to conceive another one -- so that answers that question. But still ... the thought has planted itself in my brain. I have come up with a time line for all mother's out there, let me know what you think!

Birth - 6 months: O my baby is absolutely amazing, but if someone says "Are you having another one?". My answer was somewhere to the effect of H-E-double-hockey- sticks NO!!! I enjoyed being a mother, but my future went from having 3-4 kids to ONE. I like spoiling my one. I didn't want to go through waking up multiple times a night again - once for my darling child currently was plenty for me.

6 - 12 months: A baby I have no more. Cry me a river ... she is growing up so fast and learning all the time. From sitting to crawling to walking in a very short time. First birthday party crisis. MUST THROW A BLOWOUT PARTY ... she only has ONE first birthday! Now people ask "When are you having another one?" I was not as graphic with my answer, but it was still a solid "Never." or "Not anytime soon!".

12 - 18 months: Little toddler she became. Getting into EVERYTHING! Developing speech and personality. Growing out of clothes rather quickly therefore my money is only saying "Goodbye" I get a small inkling of that "I miss having a baby", but very quickly my angel comes to my shoulder and says "Remember when this happened, aren't you glad that's is over??". And I sat in silence because I knew she was right! O yes, I do love my child more than anything ... but am I really ready for that? The answer was and is still No, thank you.

18-24 months: The idea has become more a plant instead of a pesky weed. I go off into my own world and my future now consists of 2 and maybe even 3 children running around and getting into things. I remember the bad, but what I thought was so horrible is now a "cute" or "worth while" memory. I want a playmate for my little one and another one to be proud of and love more than my entire being. I ask "Could I ever love someone more?". I don't know the answer, but I am assuming that yes, I could. The plant gets watered every now and then by the glance of a mother and newborn or a daddy playing with his children. However, my answer is now "Maybe sooner than later ... but not now"

I realize that for everyone their time line is different. I may have had sporadic thoughts of "O yes, right now, I want one" but they were VERY short lived. This is pretty much how it has been for me. I do think about it more and more often. However, things prevent me from doing it at this point (nursing school, a deployment). It is funny how different men are. Mister wanted one the day after the first one! He always respectfully said "Whenever you are ready, I know your life changes more than mine." I don't know if I agree 100% with that statement, but I do believe it is somewhat true.

The second year has been my favorite out of the two I have been blessed to be a mommy. She is curious and fun and everything is so exciting for her. I love that look on her face because it gets me excited too. It brought back a time of my life that has passed, but a fun time for me to go through with her. Mommyhood has been extremely enjoyable and while there have been and will be hardships, it is completely worth it. I get scared about having another one of course. Questions such as "Can I do it?", "Is it something we can afford?", "Will I be giving up things that I wanted to do with one if I now have to do it with both?". I have come to the conclusion that there is never a perfect time for a baby. I'll never have enough money. I'll never be prepared. I'll never be able to give one or two or three children everything I want them to have or think they deserve. But that is why I have faith. I know I will be able to if it happened. I know by the grace of my God, I will somehow have the means to get by. I will and can be a mommy to two or three or whatever God has planned.

question for the blogosphere

2010-06-08T19:13:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I know you are supposed to respect your elders. And for the most part, actually always, I feel like I do.

BUT what do you do when an elder is wrong? I mean downright, plain for the world to see, wrong. I am having a little bit of a conscience battle about this. There may or may not be some words that need to be said to a certain distant family relative. Now, it may even be too late. But the way this person is treating others is not right, in any universe.

It makes me sad really. My great grandfather died today. And instead of grieving and focusing on celebrating his life, there are other focuses. That is all I will say about that. I was just wondering what you would do if an elder was treating other horribly wrong?

Would you let it go?

Would you open your mouth?

Or would you pray really hard that someone taught her a lesson?

5Q Friday

2010-06-04T18:59:00.000-07:00

1. If you could go back to college would you change your major? Or, if you were to go to college right now...what major would you choose?

Well, I am in college and I chose nursing. But let's say I was the single me from a very long time ago, the other road would've been something in fashion. I would've planned for NYU or something. Glad I am the married me though and really excited about nursing!

2. What do you love most about your home?

Which home? The home I live at I think I would choose my bedroom. It is relaxing and full of pictures. It makes me feel safe and comfortable. Plus, I love laying there and watching a movie or cuddling with my mister and/or B. In alabama, my favorite thing is my family. I miss them all so much! They are my life and they make me who I am. And my heart's home is with my husband. And I love pretty much everything about him. But mostly, his positive and happy attitude. He can always make me smile and see the best in life. He balances me out perfectly and my heart is happy exactly where it is at.

3. What types of books do you like to read (if you like to read at all)?

I love reading! But mostly romance. Not the sex filled ones. The "twilight" series, "harry potter" series, or "confessions of a shopaholic" series. I guess those aren't based on a whole love story. But they entertain me and I get engrossed in another world. I do not really go for murder mysteries or killer ones. They scare me. But I do love reading and I LOVE suggestions, so feel free to leave me some :)

4. What is the grossest thing you've ever eaten?

Hmm. I don't like a lot of things. Seafood, steak, and hamburgers are not really my thing. The worst thing would probably be a raw baby octopus or escargot. YUCK! All I can say is "No thank you" and try not to gag. I could never be on "Survivor" because of the food challenges. I would not eat a bug, even for a million dollars.

5. If you HAD to be a character on a TV show, whom would you be?

Today I would say Carrie from Sex & the City because I love her wardrobe! That is pretty much the only reason. I just saw SATC2 so that is where my mind is at currently.

A Sunny Boot Shoot

2010-06-03T19:58:00.000-07:00

So a couple months back, I saw an awesome post about a boot shoot by Mrs. G.I. Joe! I thought her pictures were amazing and creative, so I decided to have one done too. I wanted to get them done for my mister before he left. It didn't work out exactly as planned, but still I like most of them! My amazing photographer, Mrs. Sunny Jones got some great shots and I wanted to share them! So here they are ...

long time, no writing

2010-06-02T20:12:00.000-07:00

I am sorry for the long break. I wanted to spend as much time with my mister as possible and I made a trip home in May. My time has been full and mostly happy. There are, of course, things that happened that were not much fun ... but still all my time with my mister was full of smiles and laughs and love.

My trip home was pretty exciting! I wish my mister had come as planned, but he could not due to some awesome military orders *sarcasm* I went to the beach with B for the first time, six flags with my parents, spent time with my awesome family, saw almost all of my great friends, and even got a photo shoot done by the very talented Sunny Jones. I will share those pictures as soon as I get them --

O and also got the BEST news (non military related): I got into NURSING SCHOOL!!! Yay! Seriously, it was such a huge surprise! It really put things in perspective for me and I feel like God has me where He wants me. I know it will be hard, but I am super excited to dive in and get done!

I can not believe it is already June. Time is passing and hopefully it continues on at a somewhat rapid speed. B is talking so much and is like my little echo. She says full sentences and even recognizes letters on her own! She will be 2 in two short months and is so very smart! Potty training is still a no go. I honestly haven't even had time to work on that. I know I have to start very soon though ... On another note, she is a little water baby. She is swimming in the big pool with only floaties on and can go under water without screaming, she also puts her face in the water and blows bubbles!

I am ok. Going through a little bit of depression, but it will pass. I have so many things to be happy about and thankful for -- and I honestly am, it is just harder when he is gone. I started P90X yesterday and all I can say is I already hate it! I am going to try my hardest to finish the program, but it is no joke or fun. I am constantly thinking of blogs, but not writing them -- so another goal I have is to start this a lot more! I miss writing and it is a great release, even if no one reads it!

I hope you all are healthy & happy
xoxo

Never Enough Time

2010-04-25T17:12:00.000-07:00

So today I am little bit down. Last week I got the unfortunate news that my mr.'s deployment got moved up an entire month and that he is leaving for training May 1. I may or may not see him again before he goes to the sand box...

This news was overwhelming to say the least. Mr. has really been spending as much time with us as possible since he found out and I really appreciate it. However, I do not think it will ever be enough time with him before a deployment. I am trying to be strong and happy for him before he leaves. I want make great memories before he leaves. It is just all too soon.

I was preparing myself for August and now it may be this coming Saturday... I know God is faithful and will guide me through this. And B will keep me strong. But gosh, I am really going to miss him so....

wishful thinking

2010-04-20T20:16:00.000-07:00

Today I am making my wish list. There are so many things I currently want, but only these THREE that would make me jump up and down, turn around CRAZY for you ;)

1. a DC25 all floors. This vaccuum is absolutely the creme-de-la creme of vaccuums. I love it. I borrowed a friends Dyson Animal this week and it picked up so much, I had to empty it twice!! (That doesn't make me dirty, I clean my floors a lot--surprising vaccuuming is my favorite chore, just not with my current Kirby)

2. This beauty. The Kitchenaid Mixer with all the fixin's (in red of course). If I had this cool gadget, I am liable to bake something everyday of my life! This may cause weight gain, but it just makes it so easy and fun!!!

3. That's right everyone, it is a VAN! Well I don't care, a van makes sense. I want it with all the extras too! Of course this is something I will must continue to wish for until money grows on trees (which in case you are wondering, it currently doesn't...i've checked). This little baby makes sense. We drive a lot. We could travel. It is comfortable enough for me to lay down in and we could add more little people when the time is right. <3

Well, that is my wish list wednesday. Rocket on over to here if you want to grab the wish list and make your own ;) Have a fantastic day!

potty training---why is that so scary?

2010-04-08T09:10:00.000-07:00

Well let me tell you why ... because i have NEVER had to train anyone. Not even my dog, my mom somehow ended up potty training him within two weeks of us visiting her. If I can't do it for my dog, how will I possibly do it for my beautiful baby B?!@ Every time I hear one of my friends say it about their child, I close my eyes and go to my la la land. That is how afraid I am to even begin.

However, I think I am going to take the plunge in May or June with my own big girl panties on! It is harder because she is in daycare and I don't think they will be as consistent with her as I could be. So I will need her home with me for a few weeks. The reason May would be good is because we are visiting home before Mr. begins his training for deployment and such. The reason May is not so good is the same reason. I am not sure if it will throw her off that we aren't at our actual home with her stuff. We will be traveling from place to place for 3 weeks. Will that stress her, what about me? I am looking for advice from my blogger buddies out there. Please let me know of ANY thing at all that worked or didn't work for you.

Also, for those of you who miss my writing (if anyone) -- I am taking the next two months to be with my Mr. as much as possible before his training begins and this is also the last month of school and I have a lot of studying. Blogging is something I enjoy so much, but have little time for at the moment. I have so many blogs I want to write in my head, but unfortunately that is where they have stayed.... I am going to try and do better. But know, that as soon as June hits my time will have been multiplied. No more nights with him :( It will be lonely, so I should have plenty of time to blog. I am keeping up with my reader though. I read all of my favorites about every other day. Which takes up time in itself. So anyway blogosphere, I still think of you and will try and write more!

Don't forget advice on potty training.
And my dave ramsey project in addition to couponing and meal planning is going quite well. I will update you all on this next month after I have done it entire month :)

A,B,C's as of late

2010-03-24T19:17:00.000-07:00

A: appointment: B had her kidney appointment. It went alright. The doctor said the cyst was nothing to worry about, but that she did want to do a urinary reflux test. She gave her some antibiotics and told me to continue to give them to her until the test. The next scheduled test is April 13. The results are immediate and we will discuss whether she needs antibiotics daily, surgery, or hopefully -- NOTHING. I was really nervous, but i'm glad it went well. Mister wasn't able to go, so i'm really glad my friend Courtney went with me.

B: Budgeting. A word I absolutely despise, however, mister and I have begun dave ramsey's zero balance budget. Basically all money has its place and there is an envelope system and so on. We begin April 1. We have made out our budget and ordered the starter envelope system from daveramsey.com. I really think it is a great idea, and I hope we can stick with it for a long time.

C: Couponing: I just recently got interested in couponing. It is something I pretty much know nothing about. I bought this last sunday's paper and clipped away. Now I have all these coupons and no filing system....If you have any advice, please share! I also started "attending" Dee's couponing 101. You can find it here.

D...E...F...la la la...L

M: Menu Planning. Something I have never heard of until I started blogging! I am going to start trying this starting next week. It is supposed to help save money and not overspend on groceries. I will let you know how all that goes after a few weeks of trying it.

N: New friends. I am working on a blog about the new girls I recently met. Most of us just started hanging out friday, yet I feel like we've known each other way longer. I am so thankful that God placed them in my life. I know they will be my support system when TJ leaves. I have no doubt that they will be in my life a long time and look forward to more girl time and getting to know them more!

O: Organize. I am trying to start a home making binder of sorts. Kind of a place where I make goals for each day and complete the tasks for that day. I have heard of them around, but never actually seen one.

P...Q...R...

S: School. The horrible thing that takes up all my time! Which leaves no time for blogging or anything else I want to is almost over. Six more weeks. I am doing ok in all my classes. A's & B's. Wish I could have all A's, but I don't... O well. I do my best. I also only have one class left as a pre req. for nursing, so that is exciting!

T: Taekwondo: My new adventure. I enjoy it so much!! My friend, Shannon and I started about a month ago. I have really learned a lot about self defense and have so much fun! It is something for me that I can work hard at. I am nowhere near where I would like to be, but i'm just starting out. It is quite the interesting pursuit.

Anyway, that is all the letters I can use for now. I wanted to update all of my readers on life as of late. It is good, just very busy. My mister has a birthday this weekend. I am looking forward to celebrating the big 24 with him! I even have a few surprises up my sleeve ;) SHHH! It's a secret.

Check out one of my friends new blog, it is awesome!

five Q friday

2010-03-12T13:07:00.000-08:00

1. How much time do you spend on the computer a day?

at least 2 hours a day. it is usually after B goes to bed, but that includes tweeting on the phone.

2. Will you pay for your children's college or raise them to pay for their own way?

hmmm. i have not really discussed this with my husband. i know we are saving the GI bill for our kids, but depending on how many depends on how much they get. i think we will pay for them as long as they do well.

3. Have you ever been in a car accident?

yes. once. SEVEN days after i turned 16. the first time i had ever actually driven alone with my new license. i was turning left and a girl ran a red light, however, my fault because i was turning left. boo.

4. What is your favorite book?

twilight and more specific, Eclipse. i know i know. very predictable of girls my age. blah blah blah. but it is an easy read and you get totally entwined with the story and characters. it really is great.

5. Do you make your bed everyday?

no. i wish i could say yes. but the answer is no. i try and straighten though and fluff the pillows...does that count ?

mono-magnet

2010-03-10T19:29:00.000-08:00

mononucleosis: a viral infection causing ~~high fever~~, sore throat, and enlarged lymph nodes- especially in the neck.

Now according to the all-knowing webmd.com, adults do not get this virus because we are immune. I am not sure what webmd.com considers an adult, but I myself consider most people adults over the age of 21. And many websites say adults are 18+. So I ask you, blogger buddies, WHY do i repeatedly get this virus? This will be the fourth time in my life. I seem to get it every 3-4 years and usually at very big times in my life. For example, my last case was 4 days before my wedding (February 14) and the case before that was diagnosed right before my 16th birthday. I don't necessarily believe in luck, but if I had any, I think it would be bad in cases of sicknesses you should only get ONCE a liftime.

I would back this up with the fact that I've also had chicken pox THREE times. And they were progressively worse.

I am starting to become increasingly concerned about my immune system and am currently wondering if I should have it tested. I am not exactly sure if you can do that, but I think I should bring it to the doctor's attention and maybe take some vitamins??

On a side note, here is the best and only medicine that has helped me:

I think I have already used this photo, but I need to upload more and just haven't felt like it. I am very tired and sluggish and being a mom is slightly hard to relax completely, even with all the help of my loving mister. He has been taking care of me as much as he can, but there is nothing you can do. I know how it goes -- last 2-4 weeks, lots of rest, lots of fluids -- but I don't have time for any of that...except for the fluid part. So I hope that this case hurries on by because I am ready to run with my B without wheezing after one lap around the couch. It really takes a lot out of you. Sorry my blog is not consistent lately, with the sickness and school and motherhood and wifely duties and ... well you get it .... my time is quite pressed. But I promise to work on it!

In a year from now

2010-03-05T11:24:00.000-08:00

I have no idea exactly where we'll be, but I am excited about things to come. We have big plans. Of course, they are only plans, but I pray it is God's will for those things to all work out. This year will be half full of a deployment, but out of that still comes good things. They aren't always the easiest to see, but I know it will help him in his career and our finances and most importantly, the country. So with all of that, I guess I can let him go. It isn't something I want to do, but it's happening.

We are planning a trip home in May before all the training chaos begins. We are going to spend time with family and hopefully get a little time for just us. We plan on going to the beach and just relaxing and loving each other. It should be a lot of fun! I so look forward to sunshine and swimsuits. Well maybe not the swimsuits to much, BUT I am working out! I have worked out 5 days a week for the past 2 weeks and I just started TaeKwonDo with a friend. Hopefully I will learn a little self defense along with toning.

B is a verbal volcano! Everyday she says something new. We are well over 30 words at this point and I think that's great! Currently working on manners and potty words. Haven't begun training, but just getting her to be aware I guess.... I am not really sure, but I am working on something towards that. My goal is for her to be potty trained by the time mister gets home.

At the end of this year, B and I will be going to bama alone. And a trip to Jackson Hole is in the works. I am super excited about this one! I haven't gotten to snowboard in a while and last time I went I was prego, so I'm looking forward to all things snow with family and B. Wish mister could go, but he just can't this time. Look at this though:

Those are the tetons in winter. And I fully intend on enjoying them on a board :)

Anyhow, that is just a few things in the mix of this upcoming year. Mister and I discussing a lot more and trying to be positive about the future ahead!

I need a little sunshine in my life...

2010-03-04T10:10:00.000-08:00

And no, not in the happiness sort of way...actual sunshine!

like this:

or this:

I just want some sunshine or heat! I am ready for spring. For shorts, cute sundresses, b's new clothes, and nice days at the park. Anyone with me?

I WANT

2010-02-23T19:29:00.000-08:00

I hate using the words "I want" because they sound selfish. I know this world does NOT revolove around me, but tonight I can't help but want!

I want my husband home. I am dreading august. I know many military wives do this all the time, but I still want him here.

I want to tone up magically...without working out. Since that won't happen, I want to stay consistent with this workout routine I've started.

I want to menu plan. However, I don't know how to start. Maybe one day soon.

I want in to nursing school. I may regret this want later because of how much time and effort I will have to put in, but I finally really want something for a career.

I want B to sleep. She has been having trouble the last few nights. I don't know why, which is incredibly frusttrating. I think she just want to be held. But I can't hold her always, I am tired too.

I want to go on a vacation to somewhere hot. asap. with the mister and B.

I want so much more, but I think I'll stop being selfish now. I feel better...thanks for listening and goodnight.

PRAISE THE LORD!

2010-02-20T09:21:00.000-08:00

Our condo is FINALLY rented. I am so thankful and I really hope it works out better this time around. I learned a few lessons I would've rather not last time, but hopefully I fixed those things this time! I am so thankful God answered our prayers. We really needed this.

For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. - Jeremiah 29:11

Valenniversary

2010-02-18T17:41:00.000-08:00

So this week love was in the air ... especially for me. Valentine's day was Sunday and our wedding anniversary is today. ~~Unfortunately~~ However, the US of A is more important than my wedding and they whisked my mister away for 10 days.

Luckily, ya-ya (my mom) is in town for a couple of weeks and watched our B while we went to dinner and a movie on Monday. We chose that because it is between the two and because his scheduled agreed. We decided to go to The Melting Pot and a movie. We talked about calling to make reservations, but decided against it since it was President's day and a Monday...didn't think it would be too busy...

We decided we would leave around 4:30 to beat the traffic and make it over there by about 5:00 or so. We began getting ready and got some pictures before we left.

We left on time and were on our way. As we were driving a super ~~mean~~ police officer decided to pull us over for speeding. And not only, did he comment on how smart my husband was and that we were frrom alabama (he didn't know we'd been here a year) and made nice chit chat...he STILL gave us a wonderful anniversary gift - a ticket. That put a slight damper on mister's mood towards other, but we just laughed it off and continued on our way.

When we got to the Melting Pot, we waltzed in expecting to sit because it didn't look too crowded. We were starving and I hadn't eaten all day in preparation for a fondue feast! We went up to the front and politely said "$$$$$$ for 2" and what a surprise we got. "We're sorry but do you have reservations?". Us - "No". Her - "Well we are full until 9:00 tonight and you are welcome to make your reservation for then...". Us - Surprised looks at each other, a smile, and then "Yes, that would be great!".

We left the restaurant and outside looked at the time. We looked up the movie we had decided to see and it started at 7:25 at the theater that was nearest to us. Looked at the time again....5:17. So what do we do? He asked me if I wanted to shop for anything and for the first time ever, shopping was the last thing on my mind. We discussed going somewhere else for dinner, but decided to wait it out. So we drove towards the theater and wasted as much time as possible at Marshall's and GameStop. Looked at the time again... 6:27. Ugh! Well we thought it was early enough to get tickets and go in....

When we got to the movies, we thought there would be an arcade... but there were only 4 choices for games - racing, some block thing, the claw, and a shooting one. Mister wanted us to race and so we did. I won one, he won two. He beats me at EVERYTHING except spending money or crying or i'm sure something competitive... We saw When in Rome. I loved it! I thought it was super cute and i absolutely adore happy endings! Mister thought it was funny but he doesn't like predictable endings, and that is what it had.

When it was finally time for dinner, we were so hungry! We got there at 9:15 and had to wait 20 more minutes to sit down. Mister was getting a little impatient, but i understand, because he loves to eat and it was getting late! When we got to the romantically lit cozy booth, we sat down and they told us how it goes and about the menu. We decided on the "Fondue Fusion". It had filet mignon, lobster, ravioli, NY strip, chicken, shrimp, and bratwurst. We took a few pictures while our pot was warming --

REVIEW: the first course was cheese with vegetables, bread, and apples. It was extremely garlic-y and tasted better on the vegetables and apples. For us, it was a bit strong, but we still enjoyed the experience. Our second course were salads. He had caesar, and I had the garden salad. The garden salad was delish! It had the Melting Pot house dressing which was so good! Mister said his was as good as mine, but we didn't try each others. He has good taste, so I trust him. Our main course was the meat. I don't really enjoy steak or seafood, so I ate the ravioli, chicken, and shrimp. I even tried the lobster! We cooked it in the cafe boullione and we enjoyed it! It really brought out the flavor that was already on the meat. You cook it yourself, so you have to make sure you cook it all the way through or you could get food poisoning -- which they warn you of on their menu. Our final indulgence was dessert. I love fondue dessert and we got the S'more. It was milk chocolate, marshmallow cream, and crushed graham crackers. It was heavenly! Mister even tried it and enjoyed it, which was a surprise since he hates chocolate. Here is a picture, so you can dream...

And that was our adventure. Most of all, I enjoyed his company. It was so nice to be alone and have quality time together. I love him with all my heart and I wish he was here today, but since he can't be, Monday was divine! The last four years of my life have been so full. Full of surprises, full of joy, full of anger, full of sadness, but MOSTLY full of love. He is all I could ever wish for and I am so proud of him. He works hard for all of us and is an amazing father! He is so special to me. And even though we get on each other's nerves and we aren't always perfect, I don't doubt for a minute that I want to spend the rest of my life with him.

Happy anniversary mister! I LOVE YOU BIG :)

Word-full Wednesday

2010-02-17T19:29:00.000-08:00

Outside my window: it is dark as night, with a few bright stars shining down on the dew-kissed lawn.

I am thinking: about how much i adore my baby girl and miss my hubby. about how it is our 4th anniversary tomorrow and i wish he were home. about how it sucks to be without him, even if just for a day.

I am thankful for: a sexy, sweet, loving husband. a rambunctious, stubborn, happy, fun little girl. the most supportive family i could ever ask for. a Savior that knows all my needs and KNOWS the plans He has for me. good plans at that!

I am praying: that tj made it safely. that brylee sleeps soundly. that my nephew feels better. and that my condo rents asap.

From the kitchen: it is shut down completely. we grabbed taco cabana for dinner. tomorrow it reopens for chicken devan. YUM!

I am wearing: jeans that are too big. socks to warm my feet. and a blue bunnery t-shirt from jackson hole, where I will be snowboarding in december.

I am reading: all the blogs I have missed for the past 4 days while enjoying quality time with my hubby and girl and mom.

I am hoping: that something works out soon with the condo situation.

I am creating: a current blog, a plan to menu-plan, and a possible dive into couponing.

Around the house: everyone is sleeping and all i hear is the sound of my fingers typing. a possible "Lost" episode after blogging.

One of my favorite things: is shopping. especially for B.

A few plans for the rest of the week: blogging, school, catching up on things that need to be done.

And a picture: of me and my hubby from our valenniversary dinner that we had monday night. more on that tomorrow :)

o, how time flies!

2010-02-12T21:32:00.000-08:00

This week was filled with doctor appointments. One for me, one for he, and two for B. My husband and I only had pinkeye, so it wasn't that bad. They basically looked at us and gave us medicine two seconds later. Brylee on the other hand had a follow up and an 18 month wellness check. Her follow up was for an ultrasound she had last week. I hadn't heard anything, so I expected all to be fine. However, we found out she has a small cyst on her right kidney. After stressing out and crying on tuesday and wednesday because the first doctor told me it could or could not be seriou. She couldn't answer any of my questions,so basically I felt lost, confused, and worried.

I went back to the doctor Thursday. Now, at military facilities, I've never seen the same doctor ONCE. Not me or B. So thankfully I saw a knowlegable doctor who was extremely nice and able to answer all my questions. It was a relief to find out that they are only sending us to a specialist to do some more test, but that they really don't find anything worrisome about the current cyst. It is very small and not affecting any of the kidney function. There are a few problems that run in He's side of the family, so they want to cover their bases. It was very nice to hear.

Also at this doctor appointment, they updated all height and weight, etc. She is 24 lbs and 30 inches tall. She is in the 16th percentile on height, so basically, she is a shortie! She is doing well on all her milestons and I'm really not concerned with anything. The only thing I'm currently thinkning about is potty training, but I'm not going to worry about it. I know she'll be interested in it soon enough...

Anyhow, I can not believe how much she has grown in the past 18 months. She is so beautiful and outgoing and so fun! She has just recently started saying so many words. Just this week, she has learned 6-10 new ones. She is such a blessing in my life and I'm so thankful for her, no matter how much she can drive me crazy! I love her more than the world... look at this...how could you not?

Wordless Wednesday

2010-02-10T14:42:00.000-08:00

Pink is not always my favorite color...

2010-02-08T10:12:00.001-08:00

And this shows precisely why.... This photo has not been enhanced in color. I just took away all the colors but my eye. Yes. You got it! I have pinkeye! And can i just say ... OUCH. The last case of pinkeye I had was many years ago. I have had times where my eyes is pink due to allergies or just irritation, but this is NOT one of those times. This is definitely a good 'ol case of conjunctivitus. Thankfully, my sweet husband (who also has a case due to me) went to the doctor and got us both some prescription eyedrops. He took my appointment because I had to go and take an awesome (but not really) chemistry test. Well, that's it for today. I need to rest my eye....or eyes rather.

THAT news...

2010-02-07T18:00:00.000-08:00

So last week we recieved THAT news. You know, THAT news that military wives never want to hear. THAT news that you can't change. THAT news that takes away your other half for weeks, months, and sometimes even longer. And so it came for me. THAT news will prevent him from being with his family on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and a handful of birthdays. THAT news will take him farther than I'd rather he be without me & b. And THAT news that knew would come. I've known it from the day I said "I do" that it could come, that it would come...

I've done better with THAT news than I thought. I have tried not to think on it too much or focus. I have thought about and focused on it at times. Those times when I can't seem to focus on anything else. The baby getting into this. The dog barking at something. The house that needs to be cleaned. And here is my current thought on THAT news.

It sucks. Yes. Many military wives have received it and many more will after we do. I want to make these days count. I want to make each hug last longer, each kiss be deeper, each "i love you" mean more. I want to cherish those little moments that I have, at times, taken for granted. I want to be everything for him. I want to prepare myself to be strong and independent so when that dreaded day comes I will be strong for us. I know it will be hard. It would never be easy.

And so I have also realized, that I don't just want to make everyday count because we got THAT news. I should and do want to make everyday count just because. Life is too short. I am so thankful for the time that God has given for me. I'm thankful for knowing that time does pass, no matter how slowly when he is gone. I am thankful I believe that God will protect my husband along with many others overseas. I pray that it doesn't sneak up too quickly, even though it will. I pray that everything will be ok, and I trust that truth.

And so, in short, THAT news is bringing a goodbye closer and closer. But I will not let THAT news bring me down. And I will have fun with my husband and child until that day comes.

And so the journey begins...

2010-02-04T14:33:00.000-08:00

Bonjour everyone! My name is Lydia...Lydia Nell $$$$$ (classified...you understand :)) to be exact. I'm a 23 year old girlie girl who loves to have fun! Now the kind of fun I'm referring to is not that of drinking and going out, it's that of being a wife to a US Airman and a mother to my beautiful daughter, Brylee...or B as we call her most of the time.

My husband and I have been married for almost 4 years (on February 18th) and they have been full, that's for sure! full of trials and triumphs, good and bad, but most of all filled with that thing we call love. On 8/8/08 we welcomed our little blessing into this world. Wow! What a whirlwind it has been since she arrived and how things have changed! She will be 18 months in just a few days...and oh boy, does she have a personality?!

I am beginning this blogging journey and hope to grown and learn through other bloggers I know. This is my place to be me... I hope to inspire, make you laugh and cry, and most of all, let you know you're not alone! So come and join me as we trek on through that which we call LIFE....

He, Me, & B

Nursing is NOT for sissies

*nothing ever comes easy*

*Miss her still*

*Back & Better than Ever*

*Birthday for B*

*Fly, Fly, Fly Away Home*

*Life is a roller coaster, but I'm enjoying the ride*

*my heart is screaming no, but i have to let him go*

*Baby on the Brain*

*question for the blogosphere*