Dada Love

I just obsessed with watching G and AJ interact. It is the most precious thing.

Back Together

Mamaw Day

Today we remember the greatest women that ever lived. The biggest inspiration in my life. The creator of mamaw's chollis and my biggest fan. I miss her everyday. I thank her for sending us "red birds" as a reminder she is still around.

Yesterday I had lunch with a friend when I quickly noticed her "red bird " photo. Realizing I needed her to explain the photo, we found out we both say that cardinals are our passed grandparents. What are the odds? Truly a reason we are connected and maybe our grandparents are too;) on Mamaw day we get AJ home, Jodu's shower, and a special cholli dinner in her honor. Love you Mamaw!

Spring Is In The Air

It is no secret I love printables and Pinterest! Here are some spring time decorations from Pinterest. Click on my Pinterest tab to follow my finds!

Today's The Day!

We are ready for a little visit from AJ!

Our Week

We are a few days until AJ gets home. As you can see, we have been busy. Graycen started to sleep through the night! I really think its the Zantac making the difference. I am also switching him to milk. He got his first taste of ice cream this week! I think I created a monster! He also shared some of my pizza! You can see he is a good eater!
AJ has been back in service areas. It's been wonderful to talk nightly and get a few Skype dates.
Keegan signed up for his 8th grade trip. He will go to DC next year. Our baby will fly and stay in a hotel without us! I thought about going, but it is a huge expense right now!
Brayden finally got to play his favorite board game! I got a little umbrella Pinterest project done. I've been working on my grad school essay!
Back to my to do list. Eek few more days until our little break!

Somedays

Somedays I am just plain exhausted. Somedays I am ready to throw in the towel. Somedays I dream of what it would feel like to have my partner at home with me. Somedays I don't want to be the strong one. Somedays I just want him to walk thru the door and take over. Somedays I want to remember what it feels like to have someone take care of me. Somedays I get so mad at one more day of being both mom and Dad. Somedays I wish this all was over and I can have our life back. Today is one of those days. Although AJ's visit is coming quickly I realize it's just a visit, all small break in our reality. The long separation hasn't even hit.

10.5 Months

1st Birthday Prep

We have just a few weeks until we will celebrate G's first birthday. I have family and birthday pictures scheduled right before the party. Here are a few ideas I have for photos. Of course we are going to do the tradional cake smash too!

Source: betterphoto.com via Beyond The on Pinterest

I like this idea, but want to do it with AJ's boots.

Source: flickr.com via Beyond The on Pinterest

Love the frame idea!

Source: vi.sualize.us via Beyond The on Pinterest

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Source: thebmcreport.blogspot.com via Beyond The on Pinterest

I love this. I want to do it with the word "Faith".

We are doing a monkey theme. I have plans to do something like this

Source: 4.bp.blogspot.com via Beyond The on Pinterest

A wreath to start our birthday month!

Source: howdoesshe.com via Beyond The on Pinterest

I have a cake ordered, but for his actual day. I am going to make these!

Source: images.search.yahoo.com via Beyond The on Pinterest

Have I mentioned how much I love Pinterest?

Catching Up

We are down to single digits until AJ is home for his little time off. We are very excited to get to spend some good quality time with him. We have plans to do his birthday early, Graycen's early, and just spend time as a family. Amazing the little things you miss when you can't do it together. We originally had plans to go away for a few days with the boys, but now that G is finally sleeping better. We are leaning towards sticking at home. I am sure AJ would much rather sleep in his own bed for as long as he can.

It is starting to look like Spring around here. I saw a tulip popping up and some dandelions in my yard. I never thought I would be excited to see weeds! We will enjoy 55 degrees today! Hoping for a walk outside.

Working out is going well. I have been going to the pool 3 times a week, and trying to lift weights at home and do some other type of cardio, whether it be cleaning, elliptical, etc on the days I don't go. I am seeing differences in my inches and the pounds are starting to come off! I was able to get rid of a few of my bigger jeans and found some sweaters in my tubs that I can now wear. I can't wait to show AJ, my baby roll is finally going away.

The other day while in Target, I realized that Graycen has now almost had all of his 1st holidays. The last one is St. Patrick's Day. He has now been around almost a whole year. Wow... has this year gone by fast! We have also almost been in our house a full year. I can't believe that either! I still feel like I am figuring out where everything is and still have things to organize!

Well, off to take the boys to school. Graycen has an eye appointment. Last time they were flagging him for glasses. I am just sick by this. I can't imagine having to deal with glasses with him, and his eyes are so gorgeous. I just can't see how he can't see. He is a wild man!

Our Week

Sorry for the lack of posting. As you can see, I have been busy enjoying life. Here are photos from our week.

Working Hard!

The best card ever!

Daddy knew I would like this bear!

Beautiful!

Virtual Wine night with my Marine Wife friends!

Brayden starting martial arts.

Braver every day!

Bye Bye

I am a lucky girl!

Over It

I don't know what it is, but I have had an emotional day today. Not sure if it's because I'm worn out and didn't get my catch up day this week or hormones. Geeze, everything making me cry today. I think it's a mix of wanting this over, wanting AJ home, Valentine's weekend, and whatever else. AJ has been very busy this week, so out conversations are quick and to the point. I am dying to see the Vow and would kill for a date night.

Moving Forward

I have done more research and through my husband's post 9/11 GI Bill, I can attend masters for almost free, and get a monthly house allowance. I got on to change it to my name, when I had this sudden feeling of guilt. It can also be transferred to our kids, but how do you decide which kid and will it even be there for them when they are ready? I have talked to several other spouses, and they all thought about the same thing. We agreed that we have sacrificed a lot. It is wonderful that this benefit can be transferred to us, and we are silly for not using it. I started my application yesterday. I have to write my statement of purpose this weekend. I am honestly very excited about this opportunity!

G went to the chiropractor for his second appointment today. He slept great the first two nights, the third night was rough, and last night he was up once and then ready to go at 5:15. We will see what tonight brings. He had a great morning nap before his appointment, but then dozed in the car this afternoon. That is all I got so far. He started our day by sharing our puggle's food with him. I wanted to grab my camera so bad, but then realized he had a mouthful and both hands were full. Hard not to laugh...but yuck!

A Day With My Monkey

Graycen was a hoot today. I couldn't help but snap photos of him today. He also is sporting a wristband to support his Dad!

Masters

God help me to be who you want me to be. I have prayed this prayer over and over. I have such a passion with working with military families. I see the need for counseling these families during a deployment, after a deployment, and as veterans adjust. Especially in our reserve units, we are forced to find our own resources . Many times those resources don't have an understanding of what we go through during a deployment. I have prayed and prayed about this. For God to show me how I can work with military families as my career. Yesterday it just came to me. For years I have contemplated getting my masters and go into counseling. I recently found a Masters in Social Work program that has a focus in military families. I have talked to a few friends in the field and they have said the program sounds great. There is also such a need. I started my application today. I figure what do I have to lose? I have had people offer to write me recommendations. I talked to AJ about it today. He said he always saw me doing something like that. I think I will give myself the summer and start in August. If I go accelerated part time, I can be done before Graycen heads to school. The field experience wouldn't start until AJ got back. I just have this feeling I am suppose to do this ... Now ! I will keep you all posted on what I decide.

My Little Comedian

I thank God everyday for this little guy. He sure knows when I need a smile. We took him to the chiropractor yesterday. I have never been, so I was skeptical. He looked at him and immediately felt a misalignment. He said he wanted to start treatment and see him twice a week for four weeks. Last night he sleepy from 7 to 4. No fighting it! It was scary to watch but I think we have it figured out. Fingers crossed for tonight!

BQ Meatloaf and Parmesan Potatoes

This was dinner last night. Super easy and healthy! Ignore the burnt part of the meatloaf. ;)

Meatloaf
1lb of 95% Lean Ground Beef
1/4 cup of bread crumbs
1/4 cup egg whites or 1 egg
1/4 bottle of your favorite bq sauce.

I miss all together and leave a little bq sauce to go on top. I season with salt and pepper. Cook 45 minutes on 400.

Parmesan Potatoes
6 potatoes washed and cubed
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Salt
Pepper
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
3 tbsp of olive oil

Mix together. Cook 45 minutes at 425. Stop halfway to stir. Cool until crispy.

I put the recipe into My Fitness Pal. Calories are 195 for the meatloaf and 85 for potatoes.