Chris has landed safely, home from his Korean adventure where he ate food like baby octupus and some other things with tentacles.
He came baring amazing gifts, and we are so happy to have him here. particularly since we had a ridiculous wind storm last night that would have scared the beejeezus out of me. Instead I slept blissfully wrapped up in his arms, not worried about a thing.
He is off again in a few weeks, and that's strange to know. I feel bad watching him poke around the house. I know he feels sort of alien to the contents of it and to our routines, and I want him to feel like he is home, and not just at a temporary stop. It's hard though, when we had almost just moved in. I think he knows though, that home is where his family is.
And I hope to solidify that next week when we go to cut our Christmas tree down. I couldn't be more excited to do this for my very first time. I absolutely love the ritual of getting out the Christmas boxes and remembering all of our stuff and am thrilled that we get to do this part with him. I feel like he will be with us and our kids at Christmas, even though he physically won't; be here. Putting everything up together gives us the opportunity to start some new traditions in our new home.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Happy Valentine's Day!
So Happy Valentine's Day to everyone, although I am postponing the holiday until Chris gets home. Hah!
Jessica and I went to Harry's Seafood Bar & Grill last night. We had one of those grown up dinners that start with drinks at the bar and last three hours. It was a wonderful night out without Zoe, and we got to try a lot of new things, plus we met a fabulous bartender who recommended everything we should eat throughout the entire meal and I found an amazing bottle of Chilean red wine! See Beth if you are ever going to the Harry's in Carrollwood.
Zoe got flowers at school from Christopher. She feels so special and keeps bragging about them to anyone who will listen.
I have also been asked to write a military spouse blog for USAA. It's a huge honor, and I am looking forward to sharing my experiences with everyone there so that next time they get a spouse on the line maybe they will have a better idea of what they are going through. The crazy part is that they have hired a professional photographer to come take pictures of me and it is scheduled for two and a half hours! NUTS! I have no idea what to wear! Help!
Jessica and I went to Harry's Seafood Bar & Grill last night. We had one of those grown up dinners that start with drinks at the bar and last three hours. It was a wonderful night out without Zoe, and we got to try a lot of new things, plus we met a fabulous bartender who recommended everything we should eat throughout the entire meal and I found an amazing bottle of Chilean red wine! See Beth if you are ever going to the Harry's in Carrollwood.
Zoe got flowers at school from Christopher. She feels so special and keeps bragging about them to anyone who will listen.
I have also been asked to write a military spouse blog for USAA. It's a huge honor, and I am looking forward to sharing my experiences with everyone there so that next time they get a spouse on the line maybe they will have a better idea of what they are going through. The crazy part is that they have hired a professional photographer to come take pictures of me and it is scheduled for two and a half hours! NUTS! I have no idea what to wear! Help!
Monday, February 9, 2009
I DID IT!
So not to pat myself too much on the back or anything, but I just finished my first class! With an A! While going to work full time, taking care of a three year old and having a deployed husband! So not to toot my own horn or anything, but YAY ME!
Alright, enough with the gloating. I have a week off between classes and I am really excited about it. Zoe and I joined the YMCA and I have actually managed to work out 2 of the last 3 days. They do a "parents night out" twice a month, so I get to drop Zoe off to play for three hours from 7 - 10 for only $5.00. And before you go assuming I am going to have an exciting night out, let me tell you - I might get my hair cut and possibly shampoo some bedroom carpets! Hah!
My Aunt Eleanor is in the hospital, but I think she is going to be okay. I am really wishing I could be with my family right now, but it would be hard to juggle there in NJ with a three year old. I might try to make it work soon anyway.
Zoe knows her continents! It's very cool! She is also becoming quite the whiz at adding and subtracting.
We are hoping to get Chris home somewhat soon. We are really, really missing him! I haven't been able to speak to him in a few days and I just can't get used to how that feels.
Happy Valentine's Day! Any exciting plans anyone? I have a hot date with Zoe, some foam Easter projects and some sushi! Hah.
Alright, enough with the gloating. I have a week off between classes and I am really excited about it. Zoe and I joined the YMCA and I have actually managed to work out 2 of the last 3 days. They do a "parents night out" twice a month, so I get to drop Zoe off to play for three hours from 7 - 10 for only $5.00. And before you go assuming I am going to have an exciting night out, let me tell you - I might get my hair cut and possibly shampoo some bedroom carpets! Hah!
My Aunt Eleanor is in the hospital, but I think she is going to be okay. I am really wishing I could be with my family right now, but it would be hard to juggle there in NJ with a three year old. I might try to make it work soon anyway.
Zoe knows her continents! It's very cool! She is also becoming quite the whiz at adding and subtracting.
We are hoping to get Chris home somewhat soon. We are really, really missing him! I haven't been able to speak to him in a few days and I just can't get used to how that feels.
Happy Valentine's Day! Any exciting plans anyone? I have a hot date with Zoe, some foam Easter projects and some sushi! Hah.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Crunchy Eggs!
Zoe and I have been having a great weekend. She helped me cook eggs yesterday morning, she cracked all the eggs herself! Very impressive.
Today we are going out to buy an elliptical, we have been doing lots of research and Christopher is getting it for me! Whoo! I am so excited. I can't wait to exercise at home after Zoe goes to bed.
I hope everyone has a great super bowl Sunday.
Friday, January 30, 2009
This is how lame I am..
But I am ridiculously excited about the grocery store trip I just had! I saved over $50 in coupons at Albertson's and got some amazing deals. It was definitely a stock-your-freezer kind of trip!
Some of the highlights: \
I got 9 pounds (about 12 steaks) of sirloin steak for $20! They had a coupon for buy 1 - get 2 free! This is going straight in the freezer for when Chris gets home - he will be so excited!
Turkey bacon is the one healthy item I can't sell in my house. Both Chris and Zoe will gladly tolerate whole wheat pasta, multi-grain tortilla chips, whatever but you can not take away their bacon. A compromise - we get center cut (it's a little less fattening). They had a buy one get one sale, so I got six packages of bacon for $15.00!
I had clipped two coupons for wholly guacamole a few weeks ago not sure I would ever use them, because it's pretty expensive, but they had a sale of 2/$4 (about half off). I had coupons of another $1.50 off, so I got two packages of guacamole for $2.50. Wholly guacamole is super natural with no added preservatives, so that was WAY CHEAPER than buying avocados and doing it myself.
I got 5 lbs of groun beef for $8.00. I separated it and put it straight in the freezer.
Philly cream cheese was on sale for 4/$5. I had three .25 cent coupons, so I got them for .99 cents each. I use fat free cream cheese to bulk up everything!
Sargento shredded cheese was buy one get one free! Again, one went straight in the freezer.
There were a few other really exciting deals, but I am sure this is boring enough.
All told, I had get this - $56.93 in COUPONS, and $49.05 in store savings. So a grocery bill that should be beenabout 223 was only $117! And I literally won't have to shop for a month!!!
Some of the highlights: \
I got 9 pounds (about 12 steaks) of sirloin steak for $20! They had a coupon for buy 1 - get 2 free! This is going straight in the freezer for when Chris gets home - he will be so excited!
Turkey bacon is the one healthy item I can't sell in my house. Both Chris and Zoe will gladly tolerate whole wheat pasta, multi-grain tortilla chips, whatever but you can not take away their bacon. A compromise - we get center cut (it's a little less fattening). They had a buy one get one sale, so I got six packages of bacon for $15.00!
I had clipped two coupons for wholly guacamole a few weeks ago not sure I would ever use them, because it's pretty expensive, but they had a sale of 2/$4 (about half off). I had coupons of another $1.50 off, so I got two packages of guacamole for $2.50. Wholly guacamole is super natural with no added preservatives, so that was WAY CHEAPER than buying avocados and doing it myself.
I got 5 lbs of groun beef for $8.00. I separated it and put it straight in the freezer.
Philly cream cheese was on sale for 4/$5. I had three .25 cent coupons, so I got them for .99 cents each. I use fat free cream cheese to bulk up everything!
Sargento shredded cheese was buy one get one free! Again, one went straight in the freezer.
There were a few other really exciting deals, but I am sure this is boring enough.
All told, I had get this - $56.93 in COUPONS, and $49.05 in store savings. So a grocery bill that should be beenabout 223 was only $117! And I literally won't have to shop for a month!!!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
The very first time I am glad Christopher is gone.
Today during a practice jump at MacDill Air Force base, one of the Special Ops paratroopers somehow got blown off course and ended up underwater. He died later at Tampa General Hospital.
I can't imagine what his friends and family must be going through, my heart really goes out to them.
This has hit entirely too close to home for me. I always worry when Chris has a jump, but I guess the reality of him being hurt has never really hit me. I couldn't stop shaking for about 30 minutes after I read the news article, and I haven't been able to get it out of my head all day. I am just, for the first time ever, so thankful he is deployed right now because he certainly would have been on that jump had he been home today.
I can't imagine what his friends and family must be going through, my heart really goes out to them.
This has hit entirely too close to home for me. I always worry when Chris has a jump, but I guess the reality of him being hurt has never really hit me. I couldn't stop shaking for about 30 minutes after I read the news article, and I haven't been able to get it out of my head all day. I am just, for the first time ever, so thankful he is deployed right now because he certainly would have been on that jump had he been home today.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Procrastination!
I wish I could remember what circle of Hell that the procrastinators were in Dante's Inferno, but I am too darn lazy to look it up.
My internet time, lately, has been spent on homework and so my blog has been sadly neglected. And I have all kinds of exciting news too. Well, it's not that exciting. But I did make hummus using my food processor. I spent $1.78 making a two months supply that I would have ordinarily spent at least $32.00 on! So exciting!
And I found this fabulously disguting recipe that I would never eat in a million years, but I am going to use it as the big surprise coming home dinner for Chris:
http://www.bbqaddicts.com/blog/recipes/bacon-explosion/
It's like, a bacon weave, with sausage smashed in, and a whole bunch of other disgustingness. But given the fact that he refuses to wake up on weekends unless he can smell bacon, I think he might approve!
I promise to do my best to update more often. We are well, we are both about finished with our current classes, and we each have an "A" thus far. Zoe ate her weight in calamari and gelato tonight, and has parent/teacher conferences in two weeks. That should be interesting!
My internet time, lately, has been spent on homework and so my blog has been sadly neglected. And I have all kinds of exciting news too. Well, it's not that exciting. But I did make hummus using my food processor. I spent $1.78 making a two months supply that I would have ordinarily spent at least $32.00 on! So exciting!
And I found this fabulously disguting recipe that I would never eat in a million years, but I am going to use it as the big surprise coming home dinner for Chris:
http://www.bbqaddicts.com/blog/recipes/bacon-explosion/
It's like, a bacon weave, with sausage smashed in, and a whole bunch of other disgustingness. But given the fact that he refuses to wake up on weekends unless he can smell bacon, I think he might approve!
I promise to do my best to update more often. We are well, we are both about finished with our current classes, and we each have an "A" thus far. Zoe ate her weight in calamari and gelato tonight, and has parent/teacher conferences in two weeks. That should be interesting!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Toddler Talk
I saw a man yesterday wearing a shirt that said "question everything." Clearly, he does not have a toddler or he would realize how annoying that can be!
Zoe is learning the art of "pretending". Yesterday, she wanted spaghetti but we only had rice so she pretended the rice was spaghetti. Okay, score one for mom on that one. Five minutes later she pretended to be a "grown up" and told me I better drop the attitude or she was going to spank my butt! And earlier today, she kept asking me to pretend to be daddy. I walked around the house, got close to the kitchen and said "oh, we have a room here! Wow, I wonder what happens in there..." I think the humor might have gone slightly over her head.
The best news of the day, though, is that my parents were gracious enough to take Zoe overnight! They are watching her tomorrow since school is closed, and I desperately needed a break and a good night's sleep, so nana and pop to the rescue! Whoo hoo! She was thrilled to death to be going over there, anyway and is apparently in the process of kicking nana's butt at go fish. She knows all the cards already, and can shuffle, thanks to my dad. Chris will have her playing poker by kindergarten! My plans for the night? Season premiere of Big Love and then BED! I am so lame!
Zoe is learning the art of "pretending". Yesterday, she wanted spaghetti but we only had rice so she pretended the rice was spaghetti. Okay, score one for mom on that one. Five minutes later she pretended to be a "grown up" and told me I better drop the attitude or she was going to spank my butt! And earlier today, she kept asking me to pretend to be daddy. I walked around the house, got close to the kitchen and said "oh, we have a room here! Wow, I wonder what happens in there..." I think the humor might have gone slightly over her head.
The best news of the day, though, is that my parents were gracious enough to take Zoe overnight! They are watching her tomorrow since school is closed, and I desperately needed a break and a good night's sleep, so nana and pop to the rescue! Whoo hoo! She was thrilled to death to be going over there, anyway and is apparently in the process of kicking nana's butt at go fish. She knows all the cards already, and can shuffle, thanks to my dad. Chris will have her playing poker by kindergarten! My plans for the night? Season premiere of Big Love and then BED! I am so lame!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Somehow I can’t believe that there are any heights that can’t be scaled by a man who knows the secrets of making dreams come true. This special secret, it seems to me, can be summarized in four C s. They are curiosity, confidence, courage, and constancy, and the greatest of all is confidence. When you believe in a thing, believe in it all the way, implicitly and unquestionable. - Walt Disney
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
If I am not able to answer questions..
I feel bad and kind of silly sometimes, because I haven't been able to answer a lot of questions people have been asking me.
There are probably two reasons for this. The first, and most likely, is that I don't know anything more than you do! haha..
The second reason might have something to do with this. I understand that this seems a bit dramatic, but it's a crazy world and always better safe than sorry.
Source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operations_security
Be smart, use your head, and always think OPSEC when using email or phone!
There are probably two reasons for this. The first, and most likely, is that I don't know anything more than you do! haha..
The second reason might have something to do with this. I understand that this seems a bit dramatic, but it's a crazy world and always better safe than sorry.
Source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operations_security
OPSEC Rules:
Don’t discuss future destinations or ports of call!
Don’t discuss future operations / Exercises or missions!
Don’t discuss dates and times of when we will be in port or conducting exercises!
Don’t discuss readiness issues and numbers!
Don’t discuss specific training equipment or lack thereof!
Don’t discuss people’s names and billets, Regiments in conjunction with operations!
Don’t speculate about future operations!
Don’t spread rumors about operations!
Don’t assume the enemy is not trying to collect information!
Don’t discuss future operations / Exercises or missions!
Don’t discuss dates and times of when we will be in port or conducting exercises!
Don’t discuss readiness issues and numbers!
Don’t discuss specific training equipment or lack thereof!
Don’t discuss people’s names and billets, Regiments in conjunction with operations!
Don’t speculate about future operations!
Don’t spread rumors about operations!
Don’t assume the enemy is not trying to collect information!
Don't discuss Security Procedures, movements, or arms.
BE AWARE!
Be smart, use your head, and always think OPSEC when using email or phone!
And be sure that you realize that information can be put together.. if you leak a bit here and a bit there, it doesn't take much to put it together for the whole pcture- and there are those out there with nothing but that goal in mind..
Monday, January 12, 2009
Container Gardening
So my next adventure will be this..
http://www.amazon.com/Edible-Container-Garden-Fresh-Spaces/dp/1856752208/ref=pd_sim_b_2
container gardening. I have realized that a ridiculously high percentage of my grocery budget comes from fresh produce. I have managed to sub in beans and eliminate a lot of meats, but I just don't want to increase our consumption of overpackaged and overprocessed foods.
My mom always had good luck with tomatoes while I was growing up, but I don't have that kind of space. Any recommendations or assistance?
http://www.amazon.com/Edible-Container-Garden-Fresh-Spaces/dp/1856752208/ref=pd_sim_b_2
container gardening. I have realized that a ridiculously high percentage of my grocery budget comes from fresh produce. I have managed to sub in beans and eliminate a lot of meats, but I just don't want to increase our consumption of overpackaged and overprocessed foods.
My mom always had good luck with tomatoes while I was growing up, but I don't have that kind of space. Any recommendations or assistance?
Sunday, January 11, 2009
As if I didn't hate McDonald's enough already...
They had to come out with a stupid commerical that shows a little girl who won't eat her last chicken nugget...because she is saving it for her mom, who just then shows up in uniform home from deployment.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OhPPYB5JKk
Please, pretty please, stop exploiting these situations for ridiculous commercial gain. It's absolutely insulting.
And Christopher, if Zoe hands you a chicken nugget upon your return, you have permission to stick it in my nostril or something.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OhPPYB5JKk
Please, pretty please, stop exploiting these situations for ridiculous commercial gain. It's absolutely insulting.
And Christopher, if Zoe hands you a chicken nugget upon your return, you have permission to stick it in my nostril or something.
My very first crafting injury!!!
So dabbling in something officially becomes a hobby when you suffer an injury in its name. I decided on this rule today. Having said this, I am not an official crafter. I got my very first crafting injury today, an extremely nasty looking blister from a hot glue gun. I was making this lovely Valentine's Day wreath for our door.
While I was busy maiming myself in the name of art, Zoe was going to town churning out scrap book pages. She literally made every single thing you see in these pictures. And when she was done, she took a roll from the paper towels I was about to throw out, grabbed a few sprigs of fake flowers, put some stickers on the cardboard and declared it a vase of flowers for her daddy! So cute, and I have no idea where she got the creative genius from.
We also went to a really awesome park we just discovered and had a picnic for lunch. She got to play and then I threw her in the stroller so I could walk around the lake and get some exercise. They have an awesome trail, and it's open until 10 pm. I am so excited!
We had spaghetti for dinner (I even snuck in a bag of peas!). All in all, I kind of feel like a real mom today! I had a really great day with her.
Off to finish a few homework posts and pack some lunches! Hope everyone is well.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
I have been slacking.
I have been slacking with the posting. I really need to first and foremost, thank both of my parents for taking so much time off over Zoe's winter break to help me take care of her. For them to give up vacation time was a really awesome thing, and she truly benefited from her time with her nana and pop. She loved having them sleep over and play with her toys, and has had really amazing happy reports about good behavior since going back to school! Other really cool news - my mom is going to be on the field at halftime during the superbowl with Bruce Springsteen! Crazy awesome stuff. She even gets to wear pink, I am SOOO jealous!
I started school this week, and before I even think about complaining about being busy, let me say that Chris started school this week too. And he has been up at 600 every morning his time and on the phone with me until after midnight his time. The man has got to be exhausted. Send him an encouraging message if you get the opportunity! He never ceases to amaze me with the amount of things he can accomplish without ever whining.
I started school this week, and before I even think about complaining about being busy, let me say that Chris started school this week too. And he has been up at 600 every morning his time and on the phone with me until after midnight his time. The man has got to be exhausted. Send him an encouraging message if you get the opportunity! He never ceases to amaze me with the amount of things he can accomplish without ever whining.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Happy 2009!
Good morning and HAPPY NEW YEAR! Jessica and I are getting the black eyed peas and prosciutto all ready to go, with pictures to follow of course!
Did you resolve to learn more this year? I did! Start off the new year right with this incredibly article about the mystery of JD Salinger's solitude. It is making me want to reread all the Glass family stories, which just might remind me that my family is not THAT crazy.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/31/books/31sali.html?em
Did you resolve to learn more this year? I did! Start off the new year right with this incredibly article about the mystery of JD Salinger's solitude. It is making me want to reread all the Glass family stories, which just might remind me that my family is not THAT crazy.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/31/books/31sali.html?em
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Happy New Year!
I just wanted to take a moment to say Happy New Year to e3veryone.
I had a really nice few days...I was feeling kind of depressed but some amazing people came to my rescue. Thank you so much. I don't want to brag too much here, but suffice it to say that I got everything on my wish list and more this holiday season. I also had an incredible dinner, and a great phone converstaion with my in laws.
Christopher has been busy, incredibly so, but found the time to send me a wonderful birthday card and make sure that I felt happy and loved today.
I really think this has been my BEST YEAR EVER. Everything is falling into place, and I have NEVER been happier. I have the best people in my life, and more than anyone could ever ask for, who worked so hard to give me memories that will last forever.
A resolution- I do not want to fixate on negative things. So everyone in my life, when you catch me focusing on negative things, please remind me of this and SHUT ME UP! I want to remember at every moment how I have.
I love you all. May your 2009 be wonderful.
I had a really nice few days...I was feeling kind of depressed but some amazing people came to my rescue. Thank you so much. I don't want to brag too much here, but suffice it to say that I got everything on my wish list and more this holiday season. I also had an incredible dinner, and a great phone converstaion with my in laws.
Christopher has been busy, incredibly so, but found the time to send me a wonderful birthday card and make sure that I felt happy and loved today.
I really think this has been my BEST YEAR EVER. Everything is falling into place, and I have NEVER been happier. I have the best people in my life, and more than anyone could ever ask for, who worked so hard to give me memories that will last forever.
A resolution- I do not want to fixate on negative things. So everyone in my life, when you catch me focusing on negative things, please remind me of this and SHUT ME UP! I want to remember at every moment how I have.
I love you all. May your 2009 be wonderful.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
2009 Inauguration Information
I am kind of a geek, so I have been checking this website daily:
http://inaugural.senate.gov/2009/
The theme this year is celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Gettysburg address. Also, you can kind of follow a photo blog watching the stages and platforms be constructed.
I am kind of considering taking that day off of work. I did for the last inauguration, but all I can actually remember of it was Donald Rumsfield actually wearing a fedora; feather and all. Hilarious, he just absolutely showed to the world that yes, he was the bad spy from the Mad magazine spy vs spy comics.
Regardless, the website is interesting and chock full of information. For example, I just assumed they used an event planner, but there is actually a Senate Committee of Inaugural Affairs. I suppose this makes sense, there seems to be a senate committee for most everything.
http://inaugural.senate.gov/2009/
The theme this year is celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Gettysburg address. Also, you can kind of follow a photo blog watching the stages and platforms be constructed.
I am kind of considering taking that day off of work. I did for the last inauguration, but all I can actually remember of it was Donald Rumsfield actually wearing a fedora; feather and all. Hilarious, he just absolutely showed to the world that yes, he was the bad spy from the Mad magazine spy vs spy comics.
Regardless, the website is interesting and chock full of information. For example, I just assumed they used an event planner, but there is actually a Senate Committee of Inaugural Affairs. I suppose this makes sense, there seems to be a senate committee for most everything.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Birthday Wishes to Joann.
Joann,
You are one of the most absolutely amazing women I have ever had the privilege of knowing. Honestly, it amazes me always to watch you give of yourself so completely and selflessly to everyone. It's impossible to be in your presence (or your warm, comfy, quilty home) without feeling amazing. There are times in my life that I would not have made it through without having you there to show me how amazingly graceful you can be in times of great turmoil.
Erica Janelle is one of the luckiest girls I know, Joann, because every little girl and woman should have the opportunity to watch you live your life (and eat your baking, make mud pies, play witches brew with spices, take scarecrow walks with puppies, drive through the snow, nake English muffin break, go to farmer's markets, scrapbook, quilt, eat sandwiches in the park, have a coffee at a bookstore, and on and on and on!)
From the bottom of my heart, I love you! Happy Birthday!
You are one of the most absolutely amazing women I have ever had the privilege of knowing. Honestly, it amazes me always to watch you give of yourself so completely and selflessly to everyone. It's impossible to be in your presence (or your warm, comfy, quilty home) without feeling amazing. There are times in my life that I would not have made it through without having you there to show me how amazingly graceful you can be in times of great turmoil.
Erica Janelle is one of the luckiest girls I know, Joann, because every little girl and woman should have the opportunity to watch you live your life (and eat your baking, make mud pies, play witches brew with spices, take scarecrow walks with puppies, drive through the snow, nake English muffin break, go to farmer's markets, scrapbook, quilt, eat sandwiches in the park, have a coffee at a bookstore, and on and on and on!)
From the bottom of my heart, I love you! Happy Birthday!
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Why I love having a girl..
Every week when I sort the laundry, there is always a "pink" load and I look forward to the pink lint in the dryer trap.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
