Christmas

Four Wheeler! 

Santa Came!

Love Dukey

Sisters

Unwrapping with Uncle Bob

Mamaw and her little guys. 

Our teenager! 

Puppy Snuggles

Christmased Out

This and That

We had a fabulous Christmas. More details later. We have had a lot going on the past week. We lost an amazing Marine that served with AJ in 2003 and 2004. In 2004 he was blown up by an IED and has spent the last 8 years living with the effects from that day. He passed away from a freak accident the day after Christmas. I became close with his Mom in 2004 and am to this day so amazed by her unconditional and selfless love for her son. Such a horrible turn of events for this hero, but he is bringing together so many former Marines to honor him. I feel so blessed to be a part of the Marine Corps family and it is true that Marines stick together especially during the most difficult of times. AJ has been working nonstop the past few days getting information to people who are coming into town and making sure the Marine that passed has a sword detail and service full of honor and respect that he so desperately deserves. You can read more about him here and here. Please keep him and his family in your prayers over the next few days.

My prayers were answered from my internship. I will be at one of the hospitals in Central Illinois working in Social Services. The social worker I will be with services oncology and ER. I have felt that my calling is to work with cancer patients, and God is directing me further. I am beyond excited to get going this month! I am enjoying a few weeks off, free from no homework and papers!

AJ has been off the past week. It has been awesome having him home. Staying in our PJ's and sneaking off to movies after G goes to bed. A huge perk of having a teenager old enough to babysit! We got out today to do some shopping and had a fun kid filled day complete with pizza, bouncy houses, and frozen yogurt with our nephew. We both laughed several times today how much we forgot how fun a three year old was and how inquisitive they are.

I hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas!

Our Handsome Nephew! 

This is so cool ! 

Helping clean up the tree needles! 

Snow

Ok. First snow is gorgeous, but I am over the blizzard conditions and flickering lights. Of course hubby is off to work in it. These are times I wish I was maybe the wife of a 8 to 5er. So is the life of a police officer's wife. Good thing I have had good training as a military wife.

Parenting

Our 9 year old wrote us this not after AJ talked to him about listening. http://instagr.am/p/TeoGJAuOsB/
It is so hard not to giggle ;)

This and That

Whew. It has been awhile. I have sat down a few times to update the blog, and then I get side tracked. My finals are officially done. Proofreading my last tomorrow and off it goes. I get to enjoy a few weeks off. I am still homeless for my internship. I was suppose to be at a foster care agency, then we hen I got to the interview they told me that they were not in the position to take interns. Then I got word that I would be at one of the local hospitals to find out that I may be competing with others for one position. Keep in mind this is all suppose to start on the 22nd of January. Luckily I only have to do  16 hours. I am hoping that it works out that I will be gone the days AJ is home. I hate the waiting game. I am such a planner and would love that everything be done before Christmas.

New Cross fit Shoes! Early Christmas present! 

I am still going strong out our Cross fit gym. I know I am getting stronger everyday. I did awesome with the Paleo Zone last week, this week has been a little difficult because my hormones have had other plans. It definitely has taught me portion control and to think about what I eat. I have been good and have not baked, but I am definitely getting the urge.

We are expecting our first snow of the season in the next few days. I am excited. I just wish it would snow more, but guess it is no fun when AJ still has to get to work. There is another chance of snow Christmas Eve... it would be so fun to get snowed in. =)

All my Christmas prep is done, minus a few Christmas cards. I just can't stomach the cost of the postage. I will close with some photos from the past few weeks. I lost my blond hair today. My husband didn't love it at first. He doesn't get me. But, I think I like the warmth it gives me. What do you think?

Our elf rocking baby Jesus. 

Our elf making smores. 

Our elf playing with the remote control car. 

Our elf turned our milk Red. The boys will tell you he peed in it. =)

And the tantrums have begun. This is after AJ walked out the door for work. 

Basketball hoop from Great Aunt Monu. 

He has decided life is more fun without clothes on! 

My pajamas are so overrated. =)

Paleo Zone

If you have been a reader for long, you know that I have been working on getting fit and losing the last baby weight. I started swimming last Spring, then got into grad school and that went out the window. I longed for something AJ and I could do together. Biking was a great activity when it was warmer. It got me hooked on getting a work out in daily. a few months ago a new crossfit gym opened up. Aj had been into it in Iraq and did some in Afghanistan . I signed up and encouraged him to go. Turns out we both love it. We even went to class together once and I found it great for our relationship and I loved that he could see that I could keep up with him. Maybe not in weights but in reps. I decided that although I haven't seen the scale go down, I have lost inches, feel better, and am developing muscle. It was time for the next step. I met with the nutritional consultant yesterday. Crossfit uses the Paleo Zone way of eating. He broke everything down for me into 5 meals. This is stressing me out a bit. I feel like I will be eating a ton of food! Every meal I have to get in a certain amount of protein, fat, and good carbs. I will eventually cut out dairy. This is a bit scary. I love my cheese. Aj and I have already done a great job cutting out pastas and potatoes. Yesterday he didn't think he wanted to eat like this. But, when I reminded him how buff and lean I was going to look he changed his mind. He has won half the battle with me buying the food already. Next I have to get in 64 ounces of water and 2 fish oil tabs. I will be peeing all day for sure! Stay tuned on my progress. I will post anything I find helpful.

Merry Christmas!

I promise I will do more updating this week. I have been trying to get back to reality, chase our crazy 20 month old, and trying to get the semester finished. I can't wait to share what has been going on in our lives and share our beautiful vacation details! I am slow to get our Christmas card going this year. We are doing something a little different this year. More details later. This is the first part of it! 

Last Day ;(

We have had the best time. Both of us soaking up every minute, but ready to get home to our kiddos and furry babies.
More soon...

Getting Ready

I am sorry for the lack of posts. I have been busily getting everyone packed and organized for our trip. I can't believe it is coming so fast! I started packing early, because it all usually causes me a great amount of anxiety. I finally finished packing myself today and decided to work on homework tonight so that I have nothing to worry about on our trip. I just can't explain how excited I am to get some great quality time with my hubby. I asked him today if we would have enough to talk about for 5 days. =) I was going through my old blog and found our pictures from our last trip to Cancun. It sure was fun to revisit our last trip. =) We had Thanksgiving with AJ's family last week. We were lucky to have his brother and new wife here. We snuck off to see Twilight the other night with them. I hope each and everyone of you have a great Thanksgiving. Thank you for following me!

Exciting Day

I have lots of exciting things going on today! Today I am thankful for sweet friends that could love on my little guy during my classes today. We are so blessed with the friends that God has put in our lives!
Our sitter was out of town, and my sweet friend offered to watch G today. He had an awful night and was so crabby this morning. I had these visions of him screaming the whole time I was gone. I was wrong! He didn't even cry and had the best time. Not to mention I got a 3 hour nap out of him. =)

Thanksgiving school break for me has began. I have a few things to get done before we leave, but all in all... I can relax for two weeks! I got my first clinical assignment that will start in January. I will be working at a foster to adopt agency. I am pretty excited to get to work with this population. I am seeing through this process that I also have found a love with working with the geriatric population and would possibly like to do hospice and cancer patient therapy. I will be adding these to my final placement list. Amazing what God leads you to when you ask. =)

My mind is so ready for Mexico. Now.. my house, and my nerves are not. I have started making lists and more lists for everyone. 3 kids to back for two houses, 3 dogs going 3 different places, and then us. It will be a miracle if I remember everything!

I had an awesome workout today. I dead lifted 85lbs 5x for 5 reps. I can't believe how strong I am getting. Love it. Going for day 5 this week tomorrow. Figured I better get it in before vaca eating begins!

Blessings

If you have been reading for awhile, you know that fitness and weight loss was the last little goal that I have been lacking to achieve. I am so excited that I found a gym and a trainer that motivates me and makes me miss the workout when I dont' get to go. I am already seeing changes in my body and wondering where she was a year ago when I wanted my body back! AJ has even started going and it is fun to have another thing in common. Of course we dont' go at the same time because he would probably make fun of me the whole time.

We are down to a little over a week until MEXICO! While this excites me, I also get anxiety over what I need to do to get everyone ready and a bit sad to leave the kids. But, I know that we NEED this and it will be so much fun! 

I have been working away on school work. Final papers are starting to loom. I had the opportunity to interview a beautiful lady for a life study for my Human Behavior class. She was just diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and has just been given 6 months without treatment. I know after spending just a bit of time with her, she in no way is going to let that happen and has way to much more living to do. It really made me reflect on my life and remember that my kids are a BLESSING even when they are screaming or fighting and that you should never have any regrets in your life. 

The diabetic dog is doing well. If only I could get G to stop feeding him treats. He is getting used to his carrot treat diet and new food. He goes Friday to have a screening to make sure the insulin is doing what it is suppose to, but he absolutely looks and acts so much better. 

Well, I have more homework to get caught up on while my fussy 19 month old sleeps. Whew.. it has been one of those mornings! Blessing... Blessing. =)

Happy Birthday Marines!

We had a fabulous busy weekend! Complete with a Veteran's Day program, graduation from the fire academy for my brother in law, and the Marine Corps ball.
As I stood watching the Veteran's Day program, I reflected on where we were a year ago. How overwhelmed and anxious I felt. Such a relief to be on this side. It seems that the year went fast when looking back, but time sure did stand still.
My husbands 89 year old grandfather was our date at the ball. I love that AJ can experience this with him ever year. The realization he is aging and won't be around forever hit AJ that night. I remember that feeling when my Mamaw was sick. Grandpa danced until 10:30 and was up bright and early. It was so nice to see the family that got through the past year with us. Friends for life for sure.

Diabetic Dog

We noticed something was going on with our sweet 7 year old Puggle. He was losing weight, drinking and eating a ton, and not himself. He was also having accidents in the house. Poor guy was diagnosed with Diabetes. He know has a special food, no treats, and a diet of special food and veggies. We also give him two shots of insulin a day. In just one day we are seeing a huge improvement. Poor guy just didn't feel good ;(

Working On My Fitness

If you have been a follower, you know I have struggled with my baby weight and getting fit. I decided it was time.. No excuses. A new crossfit gym open the next town over and I decided to join. I have gone two days in a row. I love the one one one attention and the mix of weights, cardio, and Pilates. I'm sad I can't go the next few days! I'm sore but it's a great sore! Il be ready for that bikini yet in a few weeks!

New Normal- Adjusting After A Year Long Activation

Our one year military activation has come to an end. This is always a time of reflection for me. Reflecting on my fears from a year ago, my goals, what I accomplished, and what I wished I had accomplished. I am overall happy with how the past year went. Aj was gone for almost a year and only spent a few months in Afghanistan. The negative was all that deployment money we were going to save didn't happen. he came home safe and sound and I can truly say our marriage is the strongest it had ever been.

I applied and have most finished two semesters of grad school. This ales me excited and nervous. It is a huge financial undertaking attending USC. I know that God is leading me to counsel and guide other military families and veterans. I just have to trust he has a plan. It all has just bent to perfect.

I have fallen in love with Jesus. Growing up and raising our family as Catholic no longer felt right to me. I longed for more of a relationship with him and for Jesus to be a light in my marriage. I was lead to meet a dear soul who has led me to a new church home. Our whole family loves the change and Aj and I get sad if we can not make service. Fear not! We can watch online it download the message on iTunes!

I still struggle with my 3rd baby weight. Screw it.. I'm wearing a bikini in Mexico. I'm going with my husband and he loves me and my curves.

The next few weeks we will be adjusting again. Aj is back to the police department starting with SWAT training all week. Then next week back to nights. Keeping G quiet and out of our room will be a huge stressor. ;)

Blessings

There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of my Mamaw. I have been missing her a lot lately and been a bit down that her Michigan house was sold last week. Aj and I were enjoying our last bottle of wine from our Michigan trip the other night. We told some Mamaw stories and joked that we should keep the bottle because it will be awhile before we get to head up and get more. Well, the other day I was grocery shopping by myself (pure joy) and discovered our local Kroger had our favorite Michigan wine. I know this is something new! I walked around the store with a little grin like it was Mamaw giving me a little gift. ( I honestly believe it was). I immediately texted photos to AJ, my Mom, and my sisters;) If you like a semi sweet wine, look for it! I hear our local Friar Tuck has the white as well.

Our Boys

We were lucky to get away to visit some of our Marine friends this weekend and stayed in a hotel last night. I was getting ready this morning and looked over and I noticed them snuggling, chatting, and kissing their little brother. Love my boys and truly beautiful souls they have.

Breakfast Crescents

I love this recipe! A lady at my small group last week brought these, and I just couldn't stop thinking about them. I thought it would be fun to make them for dinner one night. The kids didn't necessarily think they were as cool as I did... but they were yummy and easy. You will need: 

1 roll of crescents

3 eggs

6 bacon strips

cheddar cheese 

milk

Scramble the eggs with milk. Cook completely. Add cheese and bacon. Roll out the crescents and spoon the mixture into each one. Roll each one up when full. Cook according to the crescent role directions.