I Love You Brother

9 Months

I am 22lbs and 30 inches tall! I have 5 teeth and 2 more on the way! I am walking along furniture and no desire to crawl! Table food is the best! Here is a picture of me with my first spaghetti O's!
Correction! G has 7 teeth. 2 more popped through this week!

New Hair

Well, I can take growing my hair off of my deployment bucket list . I am just not a longer hair gal. Love a cute short style. I needed a change... So I had several inches cut off! Love it! Hair was cut by my sister Jamie and styling products are from Healium Hair! Love their whole line! Tell them I sent you!

 

 

Catching Up - AJ's Time Home

AJ has been home for a few days and time is going so fast. Today was the first "normal" day. No Christmas activities. It was really getting exhausting! We woke up (early) today and just enjoyed the morning. I got to take down a few Christmas stuff and play around organizing some gifts. AJ wanted to go to breakfast, so we scooped up everyone and headed into town. We got Graycen's first shoes, Brayden shoes, and AJ treated himself to a new coat. It was nice just to get out! Today we are looking forward to taking the big boys on a date. Love our little Monkey, but it is much needed. He and puppy Miley get to go play with Mamaw.

Having AJ home has been nice. He has not let me do laundry, sorted the socks,  and has taken care of the dishes. The dishwasher started leaking a few days before he got home, so we had to call a repair man. So nice when he is here to wait for the repair man! The boys are trying to get used to having two parents again. They ask me, then they ask AJ. Honestly, I usually say "yes" and he is in to saying "no". So , we have struggled with that. He has had a few moments where he forgets we are not Marines. It has to be hard to shut it off. I finally told him " You are not the boss of me.". =) He had a good friend die Christmas Eve, so he is attending the visitation today. Hoping the rest of the week includes more fun and relaxation. I have enjoyed a bath, and a daily nap this week. Not to mention, I sleep very hard when he is home. Graycen has been doing better. Not last night, but I am sure he is on overload like we all are!

9 Months

I have 5 teeth. No desire to crawl. Walking along furniture and getting braver everyday. Love big people food and baby food and babas (bottles) can go away. I love water in my cup! I can say Mama, Dada, Ball, Pop, Hi, and Bob.

First Real Shoes!

Look at me and my teethy smile!

Mamaw's Chollis

My Mamaw was the best cook! I always loved watching her and she taught me a lot about cooking. She wasn't Italian, but made a lot of yummy Italian food for my Italian Papaw. Our favorite was her Chollis aka Mostacholli with Meatballs. We used to ask for it everytime we visited and sometimes made her make it twice for us! I have perfected her recipe and we had it for Christmas Eve. Graycen loved it (as you can see). I decided to share the recipe!

Italian Meat Balls

1 cup Bread crumbs

1 lb ground beef

2 eggs

1/2 cup fresh Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons Oregano

1 tsp Salt

Dash of Pepper

1 clove garlic, minced

Mix all together with hands. Roll into balls and line them in an olive oiled pan. Cook at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until both sides are brown.

Spaghetti  Sauce

3/4 cup chopped onion

1 clove garlic, minced

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 1-lb cans tomatoes (4 cups)

2- 6 oz cans of tomatoe paste

1 8 oz can of sauce

1 1/2 tsp of Salt

1 1/2 tsp of crushed oregano

1/2 tsp of Pepper

Cook onion and garlic in hot oil until tender. (Not brown) Turn of heat and let "sweat" for 5 minutes. Add to blender with other ingredients. Blend all together then add to crock pot. Add meatballs and cooked Italian sausage. Let simmer on low for 4-6 hours. Serve over pasta.

Valentine's Day- Printables

I woke up ready to start putting Christmas stuff away. I am slowly putting up Valentine's Day stuff. I found some great printables! I love the first one as it is adapted from one of my favorite book, Love You Forever. You can copy and paste the printable here. I copied it and opened it and stretched it in a Word document.

The second printable came from Becky Higgin's Site (Project Life). You can download several sizes here!

Another Pinterest Creation!

This was our breakfast yesterday! So easy and so yummy! Click here for the recipe!

A Grateful American

Since April we have received monthly tokens of appreciation from a Grateful American. We were blessed with a huge gift the day before Christmas and some gift cards that will make AJ's visit home a bit easier and more fun! The gifts have come to an end and we are so honored to be the recipients. Now if only we could find out who was behind these gifts!

First Christmas

Graycen loved Christmas!

Christmas Came Early

AJ got in this morning. Graycen did awesome and went right to him. We are enjoying a quiet day at home all snuggled in. Merry Christmas!

Fun Gift Idea

I found this fun gift idea. I am obsessed with Subway art! I needed a few more gifts and had some extra bottles of wine and margaritas laying around. Yes! LOVE!

To get the printables click here. Thanks to A Thoughtful Place for the idea!

20 Day Challenge... Days 14-17

Well, with the hustle and bustle of Christmas, I had a few days I didn't focus on a challenge. This weekend I spent it being with my boys and enjoying friends. We are busily getting ready for AJ's arrival this week. Today Graycen and I went to the grocery store. I was exhausted after and ended up napping both times he did. I said I was going to post my savings from coupons this week. Well, I didn't get the Walgreens deals I wanted. I didn't push my luck. So, we went to Target and Kroger. I saved 40.00 at Kroger and 20.00 at Target. I realized this morning that I had 3.00 in coupons I didn't give to the cashier at Target. Oops. Guess that is what happens when you shop with a 8.5 month old!

I did get my pantry cabinet organized and it is packed now after our shopping trip today. I'd take a photo, but it really isn't much to look at. I just drool over these super organized, labeled pantrys. Maybe in my next home. =) I also got all of the gear and clothes that Graycen has outgrown donated. It felt good to get it out of the house and know we no longer need it.

Days 18, 19, and 20 will all be focusing on baking, laundry, and deep cleaning. I have two recipes I found on pinterest I can't wait to try. I will be making Rolo Pretzel Turtles (my favorite), but I have never made them, and a smore cookie. Watch for the recipes and photos tomorrow!

Out of Iraq

I sit here this morning holding back tears as I watch the coverage of the last convoy out of Iraq. 9 years ago I sat watching the coverage of the beginning of the war. Very pregnant and fearful of what war would bring. Later I found out AJ's group was one of the first convoys to enter Iraq. Couldn't help to be emotional seeing the gate close between Iraq and Kuwait. What we all need to remember is that we may mostly be out of Iraq, but most of those will be heading to Afghanistan. Many wives have expressed frustration with the public not understanding the difference in the two wars and that they are going in in two different places. I keep encouraging them that it is our job as Marine Wives to educate them.

Visit With Santa

Santa came to see all of the Marine kids today! What a fun day for all!

Brushing Those Chompers!

8 months

5 teeth!

Finally! The top fangs broke through! We have 5 teeth and 2 more on the way! Whew this teething has been hard work! Do I not remember being this exhausted with the other boys or am I just old?

Day 13 Neighbor Gifts

I got this fabulous idea from one of my favorite blogs, Sunny Side Up. So I goofed by getting the candy cane kisses and regular M & M's but they still are so good. I think I am addicted to the candy cane kisses! I did one tray of with the M & M's and decided I liked them without better.

I found these tins at Joanne Fabric for 50% off. I took these adorable pictures of Graycen with the lights and printed a message using Shutterfly and Picasa. Yes, I realize it looks like he has a light in his mouth. Well, He did begin to try to chew on the light strand, I quickly got it away from him but had to snap this photo. I promise, no baby was hurt in taking this photo. Look at those rolls!

Taking the wrappers off of the kisses, is definitely a job for an 8 year old. =)

Day 12- Picture Organization

Well, I haven't organized my photos like I would like to, but I made this amazing book for AJ for Christmas. Just what I was looking for. I had to hold back tears as I made it. You can view it by clicking here.

Oh Exhaustion

Oh what I wouldn't do to have my hubby walk through the door right now. I am drained from my class and test. Exhausted from running each night this week, and done fighting my baby to sleep. We gave finally gotten on a nap schedule, and he is almost 9 months. He is up at 5 am this week, but thankfully sleeping better at night too. But, when 630 rolls around he is ready for bed. With games 3 nights this week and a christmas concert, he drifts and then I fight with him for a good hour. Luckily I can lay him down half a sleep when he settles down and he will sleep. Now to break the midnight feeding. Hey, whatever gets me two good stretches of sleep.

Hubby is out of the field and enjoying a dinner out on the town. Well deserved, but can't say I am a bit jealous. Jealous he gets grown up adult time and jealous he is out in Southern Cali.

Praying this week goes fast. I am so ready to hand over the laundry and a few nighttime routines. No matter how hard I try, I just can't get a good laundry system. If anyone wants to volunteer their time this year to do our socks and come fold laundry... The job is yours!

Day 11- Break Day!

Ok. So I said I was going to do a 20 day challenge. Today my challenge was to take my real estate broker class and test. So no other organizing will be going on today. Tomorrow I am hoping to tackle Walgreens and Target. Maybe Kroger too? I am purely exhausted today and we still have a basketball game to attend to. I am truly loving my blessing of being able to work from home and not venture out every morning at 7:30 with 3 boys.

AJ has been texting today. They are leaving the field. That means he is closer to getting home. I can now see the date he arrives on weather.com. Love it! I can not wait to get him home. Even though it means another good bye. I will take it.

AJ in the field

I was so excited to get this photo first thing in the morning! He looks tired and cold. It has been raining and down right cold in Southern CA the past few weeks. The funny thing about this picture is that he also sent me one from the last deployment. (See below). I just noticed yesterday that he sure has aged since the last deployment. I guess War will do that to a person. I joked with him that I actually prefer the more seasoned version. (Not sure he thought that was to funny.)

Days 9 and 10

I have spent the last few days organizing coupons and going through old magazines that seem to pile up since I have had Mr. G. I was a pretty faithful couponer last year, and once I had Mr. G, it seemed to take a back seat. I decided it is ridiculous not to use them. Free money! I used to use a coupon binder, but now have decided to go back to my coupon envelope. A few of the sites I like to use are:

www.hip2save.com
www.raininghotcoupons.com
www.krazycouponlady.com

I shop at three stores, Kroger, Walgreens, and Target. So, I split coupons up in those categories in my envelope, and then have an extra slot for extra coupons. The key to saving money and not becoming a hoarder, is to only buy what you will use or can donate. I do occasionally use more then one coupon on an item to get a good stockpile on cereal and hygiene items. The key also is to match store coupons with manufacture coupons or get register rewards (from Walgreens). Watch to see how much I save this week!

Day 8- iPhone Organization

I made the jump into an iPhone last month and love it! I just needed some help to figure out the apps I would love. I have an iPad and have been using it a lot. But, again needed some good apps. I came across this site this morning, because I had a 5 a.m. wake up call from Mr. G. Lots of time to do some mindless surfing. Today I will get my iPhone organized!

Source: beckyhiggins.com via Jen on Pinterest

First Present

Graycen opened his first present from Aunt Monu yesterday. The paper was the biggest hit!

Green Goddess Dip

I love this dip! It is my go to party item! So easy. 2 packages of cheese, 1 bottle of Green Goddess dressing, a tomato, and an onion! Serve with a bag of tortilla chips!

Day 7 - Weekly Planner

I use my iPhone to keep my calendar, but needed to see the week laid out on paper. I ordered this great weekly planner from I Heart Organizing. I love that I can see what is going on, what I need to buy for the week, and any other notes.

Talking Boy

Graycen is 8.5 months old. My mom taught him last night "Mama Baba" when he wanted his bottle. Last night at 11:45, I heard "Mama Mama Baba". Hmm... Yep that is what he wanted! So far he can say Hi, Dada, Mama, Pop (for his grandpa), and today it was Bye Bye when we went to get his brother!

Day 6 Bill Organization

I have always struggled with how to get my bills organized. I ordered a spreadsheet from one of my favorite organizing blogs, I Heart Organizing. I decided that I need a binder with pockets to display my spreadsheet, organize bills by paydate, keep my check register, and to keep important papers. This is what I came up with. Now, to work on a budget.

Talking to Dada

Day 5

I apologize for not posting yesterday. I spent the day kid free and took full advantage of house cleaning and took a nap!
We have a yearly tradition to buy each kid and a family ornament that represents what happened in our year. A favorite tradition of my husbands! When the boys have their own families , they will have their own ornaments to fill their tree!

Day 4- Cleaning

Now that I stay home a bit more with the boys. Cleaning the house is an exhausting task. Some days I wonder why I bother. I have been looking for a weekly cleaning sheet to keep me on track. Here is a great one I will be putting into use!

You can download your own copy by clicking here.

Day 3- Meal Plan

Have you checked out E-mealz yet? For a small fee, you will get a weekly printable grocery list with full recipes. It is also endorsed by Dave Ramsey. For example, I signed up for the Kroger list. During this deployment, I am looking for ways to save money on groceries and still provide and cook good healthy meals for me and the boys.


I like to display on my fridge my meal plan. So, that I can write down what I need and what the week looks like. I found this cute one online.



http://www.kamleylane.com/2011/06/cooking-challenge.html

I like to display on my fridge my meal plan. So, that I can write down what I need and what the week looks like. I found this cute one online.

Day 2

I struggle with keeping my mail and things I need to keep easily accessible organized. I found a fabulous solution next to my computer to collect all the mail I need to go threw, but it's time I empty it! I also love a basket on my counter to contain pills I need to take, contain my keys, and hold receipts I I may need. It took needs to be emptied. Today I will tackle these areas!

20 day Challenge

We have 20 days until Christmas and about the same until AJ gets home. I have decided that in order to prepare myself for Christmas, I am going to do a project a day. Please follow along if you would like!

Day 1: Daily Schedule to include daily workout. I found a fabulous printable on Pinterest. You can print your own copy below.

Thanks www.lifes-a-journal.com!

Weeks End

I have to say the first week went really fast. I filled with with seeing friends, getting caught up around the house, and spending time with my little men. I had one kid get sick last night and a teething, non sleeping fussy baby today. I sort of hit a wall and really wished my husband would walk through the door and just take over. It is times like that I can't imagine another 380+ days of this. I love that I can stay home, but dread the fact that when I am purely exhausted... it is just not in the cards for me to rest. Luckily, the baby went down early and I was able to do something special with the bigger boys. After two wake ups already... he is resting peacefully. I only pray it lasts. I have read every book on getting your baby to sleep through the night. This child just doesn't need to sleep. He is up at least 2 times every night and then a nap was pretty much nonexistent today. Here it is after 10 and I should be in bed. But, holding on to the fact that my husband will be able to call in the next hour. He has been able to text with me occasionally throughout the days, but phone calls and E-mails have been nonexistent. It really is hard when all of a sudden, the person you turn to just can't be there for you. I know it is not by choice, so I try really hard to be positive and not get angry at him. I have to remind myself that the anger is at the situation and I really can't spend the next year angry. Praying for a good night and a peaceful day tomorrow.

Another Pinterest Creation

Sour Cream Sugar Cookies!
Amazing!