It Happens Every Year and My First Giveaway

It's that time of year again.  No, I'm not talking about being snowed in or tax returns, I'm talking about Valentine's Day.  For all of you guys anyone reading this and you forgot, you're welcome for the reminder!  You still have time to go get or make something for everyone you love.  You know- those people?  Every year it seems like there are two groups of people divided on how to feel about that day.  I am a glass half full kinda girl, so I land squarely into the "love it" crowd.  I feel it's my one day to tell the special people in my life how I feel about them- mostly love LOVE!

Life before kids, The Hubs and I would try and do something special.  He's really not the romantic type, which pains me because I am.  But, I accept it and I puffy heart him anyway.  There were years of flowers, of chocolates (after I bought them for myself), and I think I remember the year he gave my a tiny figure of some cartoon animal- I'm not kidding.  Oh, how I wish I was!  I mean, thanks honey!

Now, life with kids, the Hubs and I really don't get to do anything special.  Actually, come to think of it, I don't think we've been together on the last 2 Vdays!  We're lucky if we're together on any holidays really.  So, suffice it to say we usually don't make it that special for us.  But, the girls?  I try and make it super sweet for them.  Of course, they have school parties and make valentine's for all their classmates.  That's fun and all, but I like to do a little more at home and take one day and make it special.  I decorate, mostly from the dollar store, but I do decorate until the house bursts with pink and red and hearts all over- the girls love it!  This year I found some very cute heart light strings to put in the girls' rooms from Target in their dollar bins!  I even found some cute pink and red kitchen towels to spruce up the kitchen.  For breakfast I like to make heart shaped pancakes, lunch I may do a heart sandwich in their lunch box, and then for snack I bake them up something extra special. 

This year I found Shutterfly.  Have you ordered from them before?  They have some super cute card designs here.  They also have some really awesome personalized gifts here.  And, if you're not into Valentine's Day, but you're still a nice person, they have great thank you cards here, you know, for all the Valentine's gifts other people are giving you.  So, this year I'm thinking maybe I'll try and make it extra special for the Hubs- ssshhh...don't tell him, and maybe I'll make it special for the little ones of the house, and maybe for the teachers, the school nurse, the mailman, the neighbors, the dance instructors, babysitter, etc. 



How cute is this card?



Or how about custom stickers?

Shutterfly has offered to give me a code to pass along to one of my readers good for 25 free Valentines Day cards.  "FREE?"  You say?  Why, yes!  Since this is my first giveaway, take it easy on me.  I only have one code to give out, people.  Here's the rules:  Leave me a comment after this post telling me something you love, or hate about Valentine's day, or let's make it something juicy?  You can share with us!  It's ok, we don't judge here.  On Thursday, I will randomly select a winner.  Please make sure you include your email address or follow me on ye ole blog here so I can find you!  Then, you go and get yourself some Valentine's Day loot!  Sound good?  Okay, Go!

Military Monday Bloghop

 After this weekend's Blizzard Bloghop I found so many great new blogs to read and people to connect with.  A big shout out goes to my new followers; Hi there!  I hope we can get to know each other better!

Alot of the blogs I visited this weekend were military families blogging through life.  I came across one blog of a Marine family.  They had a great idea to connect to more military blogs by starting a Monday Military Bloghop.

Just click on the button above and it'll take you to the linky.   

Here's to more hoppin'!

Schedule, Schedule, Schedule

I'm a schedule driven person. I have a need to plan and prepare for the day/week/month ahead of me. (Hence my awesome MomAgenda) I carried this over to my kids when I had my first baby and put us on a strict routine. Everyday we did the same stuff in the same order. And you know what? I felt like it helped me and the baby be more settled and secure. This isn't to say that I have no room in my life for the unexpected. I am a Army wife after all, that's in the job description. But, knowing what came next is big. There are parenting articles out there to back me up on this, too. With each baby I've had and with the way life changes from having a newborn to having a kindergartner, I am less routine oriented with my kids. I guess I've let it slip. It got lost in the thing we call life. Today, I'm bringing it back. Have you ever notice that if you tell your child it's time to do something it may or may not happen? Or you may have a reluctant participant? Now, ever try putting the timer on your microwave or oven on and tell them they have a specific time frame to get something done in? My experience is that they pay more attention and are more willing when there's hard evidence to the claim. There's actually something backing mom up telling me to do something. And with weekends being so free from routine there's a lot of reluctance going around here. So, I got out our chalkboard easel and set up today's schedule. Avery was so excited about it that she helped me vacuum the house, do the laundry and make lunch. Each time something was done, she got to check it off the list.

Notice there's no breakfast or free time on there that our mornings usually consist of, I blame the lack of caffeine in my brain. My idea came when the glorious juice of the coffee gods marinated my brain.

As you can see, it's now nap time. And, yes, that does say Dance party. It was actually fun! I might have burned enough calories to go eat that nutty buddy in the pantry now.

Next up- snack time! Woo hoo!

Do you have a daily routine? Do you post it for your kids to see? Does it help them?

Snow Days

With the Hubs gone and having schools cancelled 2 days in a row, I have no idea what day it is anymore. Having accepted that I've lost my brain somewhere (if you see it please let me know), I got on with it and we got all dressed up and ready to go play in the snow. The girls have never sledded before, so I was a little nervous about that. Last year, we had the snowpocalypse of 33 inches of snow and the girls really didn't want anything to do with it. So, today I took a deep breath, put my big girl panties on and kicked us all outside. Did I mention that Hubs is gone and I had all. three. girls. outside. and took pictures? Hmmm?

Here's Campbell NOT wanting to go outside, but rather play on the computer. She grew horns and threw a fit and ran to her room screaming something that sounded a lot like "Wait till you're asleep, mom!" I laughed, told her I loved her and took a photo. Who can resist those braids and snow pants?

Here she is 15 minutes later loving the sled. Notice the other two conspiring together. Boy, are we in trouble when they're teenagers!

Ella laughed her head off most of the 2 hours we were outside. Eating it was high on her agenda. Oh- and hitting it with stick. That's my girl!

Avery loved sledding too. She was concerned that her tooth would fall out and would get lost in the snow, though.

Love having snow days, but gotta love my regular routine too. Crossing my fingers there's school tomorrow! Mama needs some sanity!

Blizzard Bloghop 2011

For those of you who do not know much about the blogging world there are conferences. A few of them are pretty big. They are held all around the country to get bloggers together to meet and learn about how to become better bloggers. Right now there's a big conference in Nashville called Blissdom. I would LOVE to be there right now meeting all my favorite bloggers and to get out of this house. OK, pretty much to get out of the house. But meeting these women who blog would be pretty cool too. I've followed them through their blogs and twitter and some on Facebook and through their writings I can't help but feel like I can relate to them. They are women just like me; mothers, daughters, wives, and friends. One of these women I have followed calls herself Household 6. Yep, you guessed it, she's an Army spouse. She, too, is bummed about not going to Blissdom and has created the Blizzard Bloghop. What a great idea! Meeting new bloggers and blogs at home! So, here I am, and here you are.

I am a wife to my high school sweetheart, married for almost 9 years. We met when I was 16! I share custody of the Hubs with the Army and we've moved around quite a bit including Puerto Rico, Texas, Alaska, northern VA and now Maryland. We've been through 2 deployments, one very recently to Afghanistan. We have three gorgeous little ladies, Avery 6, Ella 4, and Campbell who is 3. I stay at home with them and serve as their maid, chef, chauffeur, butler, nurse, and activity director, AKA, mom.

I started this blog to keep in touch with SoldierMan while he was deployed, then it was for family, and now I'd like to expand. I blog about our life in all it's chaotic-ness. I am sarcastic at times- allegedly. I will try anything to keep the peace in my home. I've been known to make my own laundry soap. I'm just about the most awesome person on twitter and this is pretty much the most awesome blog ever. Pretty much. I hope you come back and visit!


Thanks to Household 6 Diva for creating this bloghop!


This post is linked to Household 6 Diva's Link party.

The Happenings

"What's been going on?" ,you ask. Well, not much. First, the Hubs is gone again, off to play soldier for a little bit. We'll get to talk to him on the phone, so you know it's not too bad.

Second, I've been contemplating my life lately. What I currently have is great, I'm very blessed to have three beautiful and healthy children and my best friend as my husband. However, I can't help but feel that there is a part of me that's not being fulfilled. When I went to college I will admit that I was thinking about having fun in life, I mean, that's all I needed right? Money would just come later. I was pretty sure I would be marrying the Hubs then, but I did not have it in my head that I would live off of him. I have always worked. Two and three jobs at a time even, all through school. So, when we did get married I didn't work for one reason or another and now, 9 years later, it seems I can't find a job. Did I tell you that I've been looking for a year now? A YEAR! It sucks. Nap times and down times can find me on the computer scouring the Internet for every website and job search I can think of. Can you think of one? Yep, been there. I can't count the number of resumes sent and job openings applied for. I even had an interview. Apparently I bombed it though. (How do people get jobs??) So, the plan for a couple of years has been for me to go back to school and get a degree that will guarantee me job security. The only one that fits that criteria and my personality and interests is something in health care. Currently, I'm thinking nursing. I hope this works out. I'm ready to challenge myself and find out if my brain is mush or not.

Anyone have any tips for going back to school? Particularly for nursing? Any milspouses out there who have gone through Army Ed Center?

Coffee and Donuts

I had a shift at the USO last night. Loved it. Got out of the house and talked to some service guys who looked very lonely and travel-weary. I thought about sharing their stories with you, but they are not my stories to tell. Let's just say that these service members who have fought in Afghanistan and Iraq, and some in WW2, are just like me and you. They have bills to pay, they have girlfriends or boyfriends, kids, mothers, fathers, etc. And, I usually attract the ones who are lonely. The ones who are travelling by themselves and have been stranded at the airport for a couple of days sleeping on the chairs wherever they can, hoping for a flight out soon. They talk to me about where they just came from and where they are going. Some don't really have a clue about where they're going though, or what to expect. Poor guys. I offer them coffee and a donut and an ear. They leave an hour later thanking me for listening to them. It doesn't sound like a lot to me, but I hope I have given them some sort of outlet. That's all I can really do. I wish I could do more. These service members need our support any which-way we can give them. If you see a military member, active duty or reserve or guard, please tell them thank you, or pay for their meal. I promise they will appreciate it.

I Love You Because...

* you are strong, both mentally and physically

* you work hard to provide for our family

* you always support me and my decisions, both good and bad

* you have such strong convictions that I may or may not agree with

* you get on the floor and roll around with the girls

* you let me have "me time" when I declare it necessary

* you love me for me

* you take charge when I can't

* you stand beside me in church

* you fight for our country

* you are my hero

* the girls love you

* you think hot dogs are ready when they float

* you feel like home

* you will be beside me rocking on the front porch watching our grand kids play (with our hearing aids turned off)

I have loved you all my life and will continue to do so until my last breath.

Weekend Wrap-Up

Yes, I know it's Tuesday! But, this weekend seems to be the one that never ends. It's like that annoying song I used to sing "This is the song that never ends, it just goes on and on, my friends...." Remember that one? Ugh. Anyway, Hubs had Friday and Monday off, so we all got to spend some good time together. And then last night came and the Ice Gods thought we needed some ice. We woke up this morning to schools being called off. Yay. More quality time. And the forecast for tonight? More ice and rain with snow in the morning. So, I'm not really holding my breath for schools to be in session tomorrow either. Yay. Cue the cabin fever. There are only so much I can do to keep these precious-children-whom-I-can-never-get-enough-of happy and entertained. Arts and crafts, movie times, dress-up, playing in tents, blocks, computer time,playing beauty salon, baking, etc. It gets old. Quick.

Anywho, Saturday Avery and Ella had their very first basketball practices. Ella's league is parent-child, so I tasked out The Hubs to do that. It's only fair, I did soccer all summer- he can do basketball, right?

So, here's Ella and Daddy.

She likes it so far. Still trying to figure out how to dribble though.

That afternoon, Avery had a birthday party to go to. I volunteered for that since Daddy had basketball duty that morning...and there was cake. Yeah, pretty sure it was for the cake. But, it was a skating party, something she had never attempted before. She surprised me and skated! I had to hold her hands 98% of the time, but she was gaining in her confidence enough to hold hands of her friend and sister.

Taken 2 seconds before they all fell down and busted out laughing.

And, by the way, it was the first time I had stepped into a skating rink since I was probably 10, and it hasn't changed at all. The same old arcade games, disco balls, loud music, and overly excited/shady DJ are still there.

So- questions for the day- what cabin fever cures do you use? I need help! Also- did you ever go skating when you were younger?

Welcome!

So, notice anything different? No, I didn't get my hair cut- I mean the new design, silly! You likey? (Who are you, my husband?) I started a twitter account shortly after beginning the party here and met up with Jumping Jax Designs. She does amazing work and I thought that if I still wanted to blog after Hubs came home from being deployed I should treat myself to a custom design. Well, around the time I got really bored at looking at the same ole, same ole and looking at other awesome blog designs, Becca offered a great sale for her blog makeovers via twitter. So, not only did I get a great person to work with, but also a great deal! Sa-weet! I called it my birthday present and I'm so excited to finally show it off!

Let me take you on a tour- see up there- right under the header? Those Labels? I can now put posts in their rightful places. It's like organizing for blogs! Love it! I know some of you only want to see the grand kids, so now you have your very own page for that. Now, all I have to do is figure out exactly how to use them!

Also- look over there on the right. See the birdie and letter? You can now hit those buttons and they will link you up with me via twitter or email. My twitter-verse is fairly small right now, so I'd love for us to be tweeps! Email me if you have anything to say, or please just leave a comment.

Also- if you like what you read, or if you're just curious to know what our life is like, or if I know where you live, please hit the "Follow" button over there. I know you visit and you're not a follower! So, come on, make a girl happy and follow! Everyone else is doin it! (sorry, a bit of peer pressure sometimes works)

Am I missing anything? Oh yes! Of course, if you have a blog, or are thinking about starting one- please look no further than Becca at Jumping Jax Designs! She was so very patient with me and all of my questions. From the very little guidance I gave her, she created an awesome design. Thank you so much Becca!

What do you think of the new design?

Wordless Wednesday- old school

Campbell at 4 or 5 months

Coming Soon!

There have been some exciting things in the works for this blog for about a month. I'm so excited, I wish I could show you right now, but you'll have to be patient- or I'll have to be patient for a few more days.


Stay tuned!

Meanwhile, talk amongst yourselves. I'll give you a topic, The Partridge Family was neither partridges nor a family. Discuss!

Neti Pot? I think NOT

Holy Moley y'all! I've been sick since the day before Christmas with what has grown into a sinus infection. When I was in high school and my early college career, I used to get them every year. If you had them you know just how miserable they can be. The absolute worst part about it all is not being able to breathe out of my nose. I'm not a mouth breather, your mouth is for eating and your nose is for breathing, right? It might not help at all that I suck at being sick.

So, once when I had an infection, my parents brought me to this ancient doctor who had to have been the first doctor in Florida. Seriously, he could have treated De Soto. I remember his green fingernails always freaked me out. (why would a real doctor have green fingernails? *shudder* Wouldn't he have access to medicine to treat that??) Anyway, so here I am, feeling miserable, can't breathe through my nose so you might as well shoot me, and this old guy comes in. After he diagnoses me with a sinus infection they have me lay down on the exam table, dim the lights and a nurse comes in to assist. "Assist with what" you may ask? I didn't really know, but trusted him. So, out comes this foot long wood skewer. He proceeds to stick it into my nostril ALL. THE. WAY. DOWN. UNTIL. IT. WAS. IN. MY. THROAT. IN MY THROAT!!!! One end of this thing was in my nostril and the other end was in my throat. I'm not lying, people! My stunned parents watched the whole thing. They couldn't believe what they were watching him do. I may still be freaked out about that. Maybe.

Anyway, so whenever I get a sinus infection Afrin has always been there for me like a trusted friend. She understands what it means to be a nose breather and how important it is to breathe. Besides, my lips get so dry if I can't breathe properly. So, Afrin became my cold cure. I think I've done alot of damage to my poor sinuses though. Regular Afrin doesn't even work for me anymore. My sinuses laugh at it now. So, now I have to go for the Afrin Sinus No Drip formula 12 hour stuff. Yeah, except it only works for like, 8.

Ok, back to this week. I finally get to the doctor (not the above mentioned one- Heck NO!), and she gives me some antibiotics and asks my about using a neti pot. I believe my response was something like "Absolutely not!" And she said "Oh, you're one of those patients." Ha Ha Ha! Seriously, I guess you love them or hate them, but I am NOT pouring saline in one nostril so it can swirl around in my sinuses and dribble down the other side of my face. It's just not hot. No way. I'll take steaming showers, humidifiers and Afrin for $1000, Alex!

Netti pots are disgusting.

I understand that some of you may LOVE this contraption, but I promise you I will never use one. I think it's great if it works for you though. Now, excuse me, it's time for a date with my friend, Afrin.

Random December Pics

Let's get December out of the way shall we? After I play catch up, I'll be able to move on to 2011. So- here it goes:

Hubs surprised me with a night's stay at the B&B we got married at almost 9 years ago. Commence collective "awwww...." Yep, I think I'll keep him. Us on the massive wrap around porch after having a scrumptious southern breakfast.

Hubs and Avery on GDaddy's 4-wheeler. We all got a turn, and had a blast!

Ella modelling at the old Army tent GDaddy put up for us to play in. It was the site of the ghost stories later on.

Campbell cheesing it up for the camera. I wanted to take some 3 year old pictures of her and she delivered!

And, the obligatory 'all the kids in front of the tree' shot Christmas Eve.

We had a great 2010. We're looking forward to an even better 2011. I mean, hey, at least Hubs isn't being deployed this year!