Back At It

I was finally able to get back to the hospital to do a day of clinicals today. We had a slow day, but we seemed to log a lot of miles today. I am ready for bed at 7 p.m. and honestly may take my medicine and go to bed. G had a busy day with his Aunt Shell today and he is already out.  It felt good to get back into a little routine. I have a large test tomorrow, and while I have spent some time reviewing tonight... I feel that I just need to let the knowledge that I have stay put and pull it out tomorrow. I had a great study session over the weekend with my professor, and I feel pretty prepared. After watching a sweet 90 year old lady say her final good byes to her husband today, I now know that I am dying when AJ dies and that I'm going to squeeze him a little tighter everyday.

My cough is a lot better and I am finally starting to breathe out of my nose again. I really didn't have any large coughing fits until I got home. I'm hoping that by the end of the week I can get back to the gym. I really miss my workouts and that time with AJ.

Well, my bed is seriously calling me. More later.

Mamaw Day

4 years ago I lost my best friend, my Mamaw Grace to cancer. She has been the most influential person in my life, an I hope someday I can be half as selfless as she was. Here were some photos of her last few days at home with ushttp://conradsusmc.blogspot.com/2009/01/our-favorite-lady.html at the time when I posted these I had so much hope she would still pull through. Makes me sad to see that one of my goals for that year was that she would get stronger and that we would get to see her daily. * sigh *

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

We are making our own chicken and broccoli stir fry tonight for dinner. I thawed out thin boneless/ skinless chicken breasts and marinated them. I then threw in a bag of precut broccoli and let them sit for 1 hour. The marinade is super easy. We also use it for salmon!

You will need:
1/3 cup of brown sugar
1/3 cup of soy sauce
2 tbsp of olive oil
1 dash of garlic powder
Pour all into a large resealable bag and add chicken and broccoli.

Once all the chicken and broccoli marinates, cut the chicken into bite size pieces and begin to cook together. When the chicken is white and broccoli is tender, serve over cooked brown rice!

Meal Planning

One of our goals in setting up a working budget, was to create a more efficient meal plan/ shopping list. Far to often, I don't plan and just run out the door. Finding myself wandering with a two year old trying to climb out of the cart and fill his mouth with bananas and the other snacks I put in my cart. If he isn't trying to crawl out or eat what I am putting in the cart, he is trying to push the cart without my help of course. Before he was born I was a devout couponers. Once I had to manage him in the cart and the coupons... that rarely happens. I have started cutting and printing more coupons off before heading to the store, but I still needed a better solution. We have started eating a mostly clean eating lifestyle. I was excited to see that a meal planning service not only plans meals for the week, matches the items with local store sales, but also gives me clean eating meals and a grocery list! eMeals is the perfect tool for our crazy busy family who wants to have healthy quick meals! I also noticed that they have different family size options when you sign up. This would also be perfect for someone with a deployed spouse.


I then write down what we are having for the week in my fancy Erin Condren planner and on the fridge for all to see. I also found a coupon code SKINNY that you can enter for 20% off the meal plan order of your choice. Let me know if you use a meal planning service, use eMeals , or plan to to give eMeals a try!

In love with my eMeals plan! 

Could It Be?

Could it be... day 10 and I am starting to feel human again? The cough about pushed me over the edge yesterday. I woke up this morning with less of a cough and energy I haven't had in a few weeks. I think I am driving AJ crazy. We zipped around and wiped counters, vacuumed, and started laundry. I even took out something for dinner, got dressed in normal clothes, and did my hair and make up. I am determined to get out and get lunch today... Chipolte, and get a few things in case we get the 6 to 8 inches of snow they are forecasting. I am taking tomorrow off from my clinicals due to doctors orders. As much as I want to get back, I know I can't rush it. So, I will take advantage of snuggling with my monkey tomorrow and getting caught up on things around here and school work.

The other day, AJ was running errands. When we bought our new house, we decided to rent out our old house. It is just a block away, and we constantly drive past. Sometimes a good thing, sometimes not so good. Well.... AJ came home the other day and asked me if I had forgotten to tell him something about the renter. I had to think because yes I have been on and off of codeine the past few days. I didn't think there was anything I hadn't told him. He told me there was a Uhaul truck out front and he was moving things out. Um... our lease was until early Fall with him. So, I immediately called him. He said he was going to tell us. Supposedly he had a letter he lost to give to us. Ugh... talk about more stress. However, rentals go very fast around here. There are not many and everyone wants a house. We have two people already wanting to see it. However, I have no idea what condition the house is in. That drives me the most crazy. This is actually a blessing. He was late on rent 90% of the time, it was a constant stress for me. Praying we get a good renter and that the house is not torn up.

Well, off for class. I hope you all are well and have a great week!

Origami Owl Online Party and Giveaway

I am so excited to be hosting an online party for Origami Owl Jewelry Bar! By ordering from my party this week, you will be entered into a drawing for a free chain and charm. A value up to $28-$50 giveaway! Here is how you order: 

1. Go to www.MindyMountjoy.OrigamiOwl.com   Jen's party id: 288176
2. Add items to the cart
3. A FREE account will have to be created
4. Pay online and have it shipped directly ($6.95 S/H)

Her current specials are
- Buy 4 charms, get the 5th for FREE 
- Spend $100 and get a $15 gift certificate to be used on a future purchase

Then go below and enter to be part of the giveaway!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Truth Is

Truth is I am sick on my couch. As I lay here I am thinking of all the things that I wish I had the energy to do. If you have been reading the blog as Beyond the Cammies for awhile, you know that I thrive on balance. If I feel if something is out of line, it throws everything off. What is balance to me? Balance is when all the pieces of my life run smoothly together. I find that this is the hardest thing for me. I tend to focus on one thing at a time and forget to make then pieces work together. Sometimes I feel like I am super focused on working out.. that becomes my focus. Sometimes I get super wrapped up in my school work... that becomes my focus. Sometimes I get super focused on being the best house manager... that becomes my focus. I think so many times we strive to be perfect in all areas. I think that there is just to much pressure on being perfect. Especially with the Instagram and Pinterest age. We want to reflect the perfect picture all the time. I even admit that I only want to post on my blog the things are perfect in my life. I need to be more honest and I know by doing that I will help someone else. Truth is.. it's time to be real. Not that what I post on my blog is not real, but you understand... I love when blogs I read show me their human side. So here goes:

Truth is the adjustment after a deployment is hard. Everyone posts this beautiful picture of balloons happy times, vacations, and parties. What happens when all that goes away and two people are forced to get to know one another all over again. Now, I am not saying that we have had months of problems. That is not the case. AJ and I have great communication skills and we may lash out at each other trying to get our point across, but we always work it out. Finances after a deployment is hard. AJ went on deployment expecting to be overseas for several months. Overseas = more pay. Well after spending a year away, we had three months overseas. That coupled with a trip to Florida, and two other plane tickets for him didn't result in the goals we had planned. Also, me stopping to work to be home with the boys and then starting grad school. Made things difficult. The one thing that I have wanted our hole 16 years of marriage is to do bills and plan for our future together. It has always been my responsibility because he has come and gone so many times. For the first time we sat down, entered all of our debs in a spreadsheet, and are keeping track of where things are going. I have to admit it has been an adjustment for me. I am used to spending whenever and whatever I want. A problem, yes. I love the closeness and honesty that has come from us working together.

Truth is going back to school at 34 has been an adjustment. Honestly I feel that I am going to be a much better social worker with having all the life experiences I have had. I think that I am able to communicate with my clients in ways I never could have in my 20's. Although I complain about the homework, I love the decision I made. I am also done with my first year, and then one more year to go. I LOVE my internship, and was frustrated when I had to leave early Tuesday for this darn bug. My doc wants me to sit out Tuesday as well, but I am determined to get back as long as I am not coughing up my lungs. I know now that I want to work with cancer patients or the medical community. I am still struggling where I want to try intern next year. Part of me always thought I would be a therapist and specialize on military families. So, we will see. I have asked God to take this and run with it.

Truth is my boys are amazing. Mr. G is almost 2. Sigh. He has grown so fast. But he is honestly the funniest little man I have ever known. He has been having an aversion to keeping his clothes on lately. He has had his clothes off (diaper and all) 3 times today. I told AJ that if it continues, we are going to just potty train. B is just like my Dad. Super sensitive. He loves to cook and do special projects. Like me he doesn't love the everyday chores. Keeg is growing so fast too. Highschool is on the horizon. I love how my boys all love each other and are excited to see each other after a day apart.

Truth is... I need a nap. I need to pull myself together for a review session tonight for my first big test. If you are a reader, please leave me a comment. I know I have readers, it is just nice to feel the love!

Changes

I have been doing a lot of thinking lately. I started Beyond the Cammies to help me cope with deployments and our military reservist lifestyle. As we are still a military family, I feel that Beyond the Cammies does not fit who I am. Right now it BALANCE is what it is all about. Balancing family, life, love, school, health, fitness, and finances. I need to be more accountable in some of these areas, so you will see me focusing more on how I balance and work to balance it all. I hope that you still continue to follow me. I will still be discussing some things about military life, but like I said it just isn't completely who I am any more. Stay tuned and thank you for your patience with the changes!

Sick Day 9

I woke up this morning completely done with being sick. I have been sick for 9 days. I have been on antibiotic for 5 days. I still couldn't breathe, coughing up my lungs, and coughing so hard it made me throw up several times. Not to mention a fever and no energy. This was unacceptable and I decided to brave the prompt care on a Saturday. After waiting 45 minutes to be checked in (not because it was busy) but because the lady moved the pace of a snail.. I finally got checked in. Then 45 minutes later saw the doctor, got an X-ray, and got out of there. I really thought I had pneumonia. As of right now... I have bronchitis and a concoction of steroids, antibiotics  and cough meds. Honestly after one dose... Im already noticing a difference and I can breathe! Aj let me rest this afternoon, the boys mopped, cleaned bathrooms, and picked up. You can tell that we are getting a little stir crazy. G tried to get his coat on with only a diaper yesterday and he wanted his two toes painted like Mom. The doctor prescribed rest until Wednesday, meaning I have to miss clinical on Tuesday. I am not going to believe that is the case. I think I am going to need to get out by then! Plus side is AJ and I were suppose to attend a party tonight, and he has the next few days off. I'm not going to be that fun of a date... but it will be nice to have him home. Pizza party at our house tonight and research methods studying for me. Watch out now!

G stripped down to his diaper and wanted to go in the car after a long week at home. 

Wanted toes like Mom. 

My concoction to make me feel human again. 

Nasty Bug & Chicken and Noodles

Four out of five of us have been infected with the nasty bug that has been going around. Our little snot monster shared with with AJ and I after wiping his faucet of a nose and all the coughing in our faces he did. It hit me pretty hard this weekend and I tried so hard to do clinicals. My instructor took one look at me and tried to start convincing me I should go home. I was determined to pull through. It was after I couldn't even talk to patients without me nose running or coughing that I decided it was time to go home. Luckily I got right into prompt care and got an antibiotic. I have taken three doses, and feel a ton better. The darn cough lingers and I literally coughed until I threw up last night. However it made me feel wonderful and I slept all night. I decided that I was not well enough to go again today. I just can't risk infecting my cancer patients. So, I took advantages of my spurts of energy.. did some laundry... made a great dinner... and watched my hubby sleep while I chased G. Hmm... How does that happen? To his defense he is working tonight and is coming down with it as well. I have a big test next week in my social work research class... and I keep dragging my feet to open the book. (Hence why I am writing in my blog right now). I started the semester so upset with myself. I received the lowest grade a B- ( I know.) on a paper last week. I thought for sure it was a great paper. But, was quickly disappointed to find out that she wanted more elaboration. I then was pleasantly surprised by an A paper received in another class. I keep reminding myself.. new teachers... new classes. I just have to get a feel for what the professors want.

AJ and I were able to grab a quick date night this past week thanks to the USO. They gave away Jersey Boy tickets. It was so nice to just pay for parking and our drinks (note to self: vodka does not kill this nasty bug.) 

The best cuddle bug ever. Even if he infected us all =)

Nothing better then homemade chicken noodles. 

This is how I get to rest when I am sick. 

Running On Empty

I seriously could use a caffeine IV today. Week 3 of 5 days of class and a sick baby, makes for an exhausted Momma. G is such a restless sleeper, that having him in our bed is just not an option. I think it was 3:00 before I got my bed back to myself. This is my first semester of "Full Time". Normally I have 16 hours of clinicals and 3 classes with this schedule. USC threw in 3 weeks of a seminar in the middle of it, so everyday has been a class day the past three weeks.  On top of adjusting to being out of the house, making time for homework, writing ten page papers, this Momma is feeling a bit exhausted today. I honestly think I could sleep for days. =) I'm just praying after getting coughed in the face an wiping snot for days the little bug doesn't get to me. I am so ready for Spring and the germs to go away!

Perfect Valentine's Day

Just to have my husband home, was the best Valentine's present ever. We decided no lavish plans this year. My hubby got me a book I had been asking for ( read Brandi Glanville's Drinking and Tweeting if you need a little escape) and I got him his favorite K cup flavor. We were suppose to go for a gym date and then get carry out. But, our little guy has been sick the past three days and I chose to stay home and let AJ go. We enjoyed yummy Mexican carry out and just some quiet family time. AJ and I did the 5 Love Languages of love quiz and discussed. I always like to predict what he is going to answer. I have to say I was probably 99% right.

I was surprised by my little love text that concluded my night. I completely love this man and am so blessed by the three sweet Valentine's he has given me. I really like to think that Valentine's day is celebrated daily in our house. Love is so important in our relationship and in our family. After all " Our family is a circle of strength & LOVE."

Time ... Slow Down

The busyness in my life lately, and signing our oldest son up for High School this week, has made me realize the boys are growing way to fast. Graycen turns 2 next month! I am not sure where the 2 years went at ALL. I have no idea how my oldest is almost 14 and our middle guy is almost 10! It has been so important to me to spend as much time at home with them as possible, as I worked full time the first part of their lives. I realized that I missed so much. I can't imagine how AJ feels at times, when he really was gone half of their lives it seems. We have been trying to figure out what to do for vacations this year. We both wanted to get the boys to Florida, but for a handful of reasons getting there this Spring is just not in the cards. It is important to both of us to get the boys to Michigan this summer. A place our family has loved to go for many many years. We looked at the tax refund that we are actually anticipating this year with me not working, AJ being overseas, having three child tax credits, and an educational credit and decided that this is the year we NEED to do Disney. I always steered away form Disney, as when I think of vacation, I think of beach and relaxation. However, this maybe one of the last years that we have our whole family available and ready for a vacation like this. AJ and I have been budgeting, calculating, and planning. It will be fun to surprise the boys with this vacation. Now the dilemma: it is so expensive to fly. We can do the 18 hour drive each way with the boys. Sure we can! That is what I keep telling myself!

Picture Catch Up

These are a few pictures that made me smile this week. The week was as busy as ever. I had school everyday last week and poor G was shuffled around. Thanks to our sweet babysitter and dear friend we had plenty of people to love on him. G had his first hair cut with clippers. So handsome, but he looks so big. He will turn 2 next month. His words grow daily. Yesterday it was gecko, monkey, and milky. He tells me no when he doesn't want something and he is not to into sitting and eating these days. We took a night last week and had a family fun night. G bowled for the first time ! I love those nights when we can shut everything out and focus on having fun together.
Aj is back at drill this weekend. Our life was a lot quieter with the few months away from it. I'm so bummed... We bought the boys Jeff Dunham tickets at Christmas. Because of the Super Bowl, it was pushed back a weekend and of course AJ has to miss it. Seriously don't think I can take another 10 years of this! Aj plans to do 26 years. Ugh. Well a late night is ahead of me. I feel a nap coming on!

Good Bye My Baby

It has been a week I'd rather not remember. We lost our dear Lab/ German Shepherd this week. Thankfully he waited until Aj got home from work and we believe he was awake to see the boys up. He died in our living room in the middle of our morning chaos. He had a long battle with different health issues in his life, even flipping his stomach. We thought we would lose him several times. He was my strength during all of AJ's deployments, my protector on those dark scary nights, and a great friend to our boys and other dogs. I will miss him everyday. The vet took his paw print. What a special keepsake for us. It is sitting on our mantle where we can always remember him in the middle of the chaos. We are all doing ok. I find myself yelling at him to stop barking when I hear the dogs barkingp. My house feels empty without the 115 lbs of black fur and G still walks around looking for him;( . Rest in peace dear friend and we will see you again someday.