Adventures in Blue

Thursday Thoughts!

2012-02-02T14:00:00.000-06:00

MiB will be back tomorrow! Happy Dance! Happy Dance!!!

I will be thrilled to see him again and catch up on all the details of the trip. He gets in somewhat late and I am sure he will be tired so I imagine a sleep in Saturday then perhaps just some hanging out! My kind of day. He did a great job keeping up his blog so I feel pretty up to date but I know there is more and I want to hear alllllll about it!

This weekend is the SuperBowl. Even if you are not a football fan you can appreciate the getting together and eating part can you not? I can. But I do like football as well. I will cheering on the Patriots, I like their colors, RW&B. So go Pats! Looking forward to another neighborhood gathering as we talk, eat and do a little game watching. Making a big pot of veggie chili to share along with some pineapple cupcakes!

And if you are wondering the teeth are waaaaay fine, like back to normal. I'm also trying to be a better flosser. It's the little things!

Thursday Thoughts

Loving the weather here!
Ready for some pizza on Sunday.
Still undecided on spring break :/
Snowmen have been put up for the winter...

I be all green!

2012-02-01T23:55:00.000-06:00

MiB made it safely to the BigO and indeed did see LilBlue. I be green with envy...she fixed dinner for him. Well, okay not really, but it seemed like it! Wednesdays are "family night" and she and her roommates plus or minus a few others always plan to have dinner together. I love it! MiB got to join them! I don't know what they had but the pictures looked yummy!

I don't know why he chose to take one of her driving unless to show me she is still gorgeous no matter what she does...and make me notice she is wearing classy pearl earrings. She do take after her momma!!!

Pretty sure these are their dinner plates...looks uber yummmmmm!

I'm thinking this is after they ate, but I could be wrong. Since I got NO commentary with the photos I'm jus guessin here!

This is at Orange Leaf where she took him for dessert! Should of talked to her about that...he really don't need no dessert :/ This travelin' and eatin' the past two weeks is killing his girlie figure!

Anyway, I think they had a fab time and I am REALLY, really happy that his schedule allowed (even if he ditched dinner with his colleagues to see her) him to spend some time with her. It was about a month ago we put her on the plane to go back to the BigO

Lest you think I was alone and having a pittying me party I was not, it was WW and we had a fabulous time as always!

And we took us a picture too, so phffff! And we missed YOU, Ms SpeechWriter!

MiB also got to reconnect with some of our Offutt buddies!

Awww...

This is a "boy" we knew from our first assignment! We were in the same squadron as his parents and now he is all grown up wouldn't ya say? His birthday is tomorrow...he will be only like 10 or so cause we haven't gotten any older since that assignment 24 years ago or so!

So off to bed it's waaaaay past my bedtime and I gotta get me some sleep so I can be at the Attic all day tomorrow! Not to be confused with IN the Attic, we don't have an attic, well, we do it is on the base, but it's not an attic, we just call it the Attic. I know you completely understand this now... NIGHT!

Almost 2-1-12

2012-01-31T17:26:00.000-06:00

Can you believe we are almost ready to close the books on January 2012? It's been a quick month. So with January closing out that means the snowmen get put away and the Happy Heart Month things come out. I am not a big seasons decorator, but since I have started shopping my own space I find I can make up some pretty decent seasonal settings. That's exactly what I did today. I really do not have that many Valentine's decorations but I do have several red things and by bringing all of it together it looks pretty good I think!

In the center of the BIG table (and yes that is my same plate from Christmas and my BUNCO winner candle AND those are beads from my Christmas tree)!

This is just a little area that I am never quite sure what to do with...I like it!

These are from two areas on the buffet. I took a picture of the who thing but it wasn't very good so I used the closer ups. That note is from 1984. MiB sent me flowers at school and this was the card with them, I know right, alltogethernow, "ahhhhhhhh"

Speaking of MiB just got a text and he has landed outside of St Louis for the night and then on to the BigO tomorrow. I know he will glad when he arrives back home, it's been a whirlwind for him for sure. I hope he is home long enough next month that we can move. You did know I'm moving next door, right? Oh, well, in due time I am sure I will post about it but yes, we are supposed to move in February RIGHT NEXT DOOR. I'm thrilled, NOT.

Are you ready for the new month? Well ready or not it's here :)

OUCH!

2012-01-30T18:09:00.001-06:00

I returned to the dentist today...my teeth hurt now...I hope it is temporary!

MiB is now here having a very swankydanky time and I am home with miserable molars, you DO NOT want my life tonight! He blogged how good the digs are and I am having soft foods for dinner. Who knew?

I do have lovely new heavy duty sealants on my teeth again though and for that I am happy. I just don't remember my teeth hurting this much last time.

I do have to say that I popped some acetaminophen a little bit ago and it is already helping. I also have already googled it and found way more then I did not want to know about sealants. I know there are different schools of thoughts on EVERYTHING. Got it, but I have had sealants and I think they have been instrumental in keeping me cavity free; so I got them again. I personally like not having had cavities, even if there are some drawbacks to sealants, for me, at my age, I feel the benefits outweigh the risks. Thankyouverymuch.

I'm going to have a little dinner now. It will not be the lovely egg salad I made earlier since I loaded it up with celery and onions and biting on those crunchy things is not going to be conducive to my somewhat tender tooth situation. Looks like perhaps a bowl of vegetarian chili might be in my future sans crackers, I don't need the extra calories anyway and I think crunching saltines would be hurtful to my molars as well. I think I sound like a wimp, sorry!

Have a great night!

Flippin' Awesome

2012-01-29T15:26:00.000-06:00

Warning you may need a napkin so your don't drool on your keyboard...

OMG this was amazing!

You see I had this avocado that was sorely in need of using and I definitely was not going to let that wonderful little gem go to waste. I also had a few grape tomatoes that were past their prime, so I decided to smash up the avocado and combine it with the grape tomatoes that were very finely diced and a bit of chopped onion. I added some salt and lime juice and made a a sort of guac dip. Oh yeah, it was extremely delightful, like why have I never done this before? I don't know but I can tell you I will certainly be repeating it because it was flippin' AWESOME! And before you say, it's just guac, ah, no, no it was not, but it was good! I have had guac many times and it never tasted like this, this was not so smooth and creamy, it was smooshy and very tart, again I liked it but it was not traditional guac. All right enough...

In case you were wondering it is just another low key day here in my world...and I am loving it! MiB is visiting here today. Can you say jealous? J-E-A-L-O-U-S, yes I am, just a little bit anyway! He did send me a text last night and tell me that they were going to be able to stop at the PX while there so I am hopeful he will come home with something neat for me...t-shirt, sweatshirt, local something or another? Who knows...but I'm sure I will let you know when he returns!

In other news I have nearly finished the Vegas book, I have to print a couple more pics for the last page and do a bit more journaling and it will be done. On to Hawaii next I think. But not sure if I will do our book or LilBlue's, decisions decisions!

And no, I did NOT lick the bowl! LOL But I did run my finger around it and lick my finger! I just could not let any of that green goodness go to waste!

Slow Saturday

2012-01-28T14:34:00.001-06:00

I love days like today, well, for the most part I do. I like it more with MiB around but since he is off ~~playing~~ on a very important work trip it's not quite as lovable. I am still in PJs, I have piddled, I have eaten two bowls of lima beans, I am enjoying doing nothing. The TV is on and I am not watching it but it's on for noise, as today silence is not what I feel. I've caught up on all emails, gotten my calendar up to date and think I will soon take a shower, maybe. I may not. Who will know, who will care? Uh, NO ONE.

My beans! They were awesome! Little fresh chopped onion with them too!

And a few days back I said I hadn't been cooking much but since then I have. I did a lovely roasted cabbage yesterday. It was a "pin" I did from that web crack site pinterst. If you have not been there I am just warning you to stay away unless you have a bazillion minutes to spend oogling all the eye candy cause it's so addicting you will forget you have a real life to live and find yourself sucked in for waaaaaaay too long. Not that I know this first hand, I'm just sayin'

It was tasty!

I'm off to find some more things I'm not going to do today! And the dental receptionist called to ask me to come in on Monday rather then Tuesday for my new sealants. I am also getting a military discounts since our insurance does not pay for sealants for adults and I don't want cavities EVER cause I have never had one and I don't want to start now. I love military discounts!

Marriage Choices

2012-01-27T10:35:00.000-06:00

A FaceBook friend posted this link recently and it caused me to take great pause. I have some really strong feelings about marriage (not that I have ever voiced them on here). Ha, yeah right, that is a joke! You also know I have some very strong feelings on divorce and have blogged that subject as well. So when my FB friend posted this link, the title made me click because I have already married the one I love and I'm like wahhhaat? So I read it and thought hmmmm. Now I am sharing with you and wonder what you think...

I'll tell you the title gives my mind a challenge from the getgo! I mean seriously then why would you marry if not for love? At least that is what my brain is saying...however, some of the points she makes, make sense to me. Like I said it made my brain go hmmmmm.

I am linking the entire article and I am cutting and pasting the entire article is as well. I hope this isn't against any bloggy copyright rules. If it is and I am informed you will see the content disappear but the link will remain. And just to be safe the author of this piece is NOT me it is Marie Hartwell-Walker, Ed.D. I want to make that abundantly clear, this is not me, it's something I read from a FB post and I am sharing because the whole think was extremely thought provoking IMO. Without further ado!

Five Reasons Not to Marry the One You Love

For many young girls, being a bride is the closest thing possible to living out childhood fantasies of being a princess. The wedding industry and bridal magazines collaborate in spinning the myth. Find the perfect prince, put on the perfect wedding pageant and live happily ever after. It’s an alluring story for almost everyone. How could it not be? For the unhappy, the alone, and the lonely it can be an intoxicating idea. Getting married can seem like the end of all a girl’s problems. Getting married can seem like a way to get a new start.

It doesn’t work that way. Marrying as a solution to painful circumstances almost never leads to a good and lasting marriage. Marriages that are a conscious or unconscious way out of a difficult situation don’t have the staying power that comes with mature love, shared values and a commitment to the future by two mature adults.

Here are my top five mistaken reasons that people marry:

1. To escape the family of origin.

Jackey’s parents are brutal. She hasn’t felt loved just about ever. Her mother is constantly critical. Her father scares her, especially when he drinks. Her younger sister seems bent on setting her up to be the target so she can fly under the radar of parental chaos. For Jackey, marrying her boyfriend as soon as they graduate from high school this June seems like a way out.

Yes, some families are abusive. Some parents don’t know how to love and protect. Some are so toxic that the only way to survive is to flee. But flight into an early marriage with a teenage sweetheart or just anybody who is willing isn’t a good enough foundation for a marriage. The fear that spurs flight can cloud a person’s judgment about who would really make a good partner. It’s easy to romanticize someone who offers an alternative to daily ridicule and pain.

2. Because it’s the next logical thing.

Tony and Melody have been dating since they were 14. Neither of them has ever dated anyone else or even considered it. They’ve been best friends and lovers through their teen years, went to the same college, and have been talking for years about what kind of house they’d like to have someday and what their kids’ names will be. Tony’s parents adore Melody. Melody’s parents think Tony is a fine match for their daughter. It only makes sense for them to get married. Or does it?

Neither Tony nor Melody has a clue about who they are without the other. They have never tested themselves as individuals; never been anywhere or done anything significant that didn’t involve the other. Sometimes couples like them can last. But often enough, the growing up that happens in the 20s means growing apart. As they enter careers that introduce them to new people and new experiences, one or the other of them may well begin to wonder if they would make the same choice now as they did when they were 14.

3. To fix the other person.

Joey and Maryanne agree on one important thing: He needs fixing. He needs her. He feels empty and desperate without her. He says he will die if she leaves him. He has even threatened suicide if she tries. She has an idea that she can rescue him and that she gives meaning to his life. That idea gives meaning to hers.

Neither of these people has a strong sense of self or life goals they are passionate about. The intensity of their relationship consumes them and distracts them from finding and maintaining good friends or good work. They are each other’s everything. What they fail to understand is that by being so wrapped up in the drama of “saving” him, neither one of them is developing personally into the adult they could be. It’s unlikely that Maryanne can “save” Joey when Joey doesn’t really want to stand on his own feet. A marriage created on these terms is likely to be disastrous for them both.

4. To legitimize sex.

Angie and Nick both come from deeply religious families. Angie pledged she would stay pure until marriage. Nick agreed that it was very important to wait until their wedding to have sex. But a combination of hormones and alcohol overtook those good intentions. They had sex. They liked it. They rationalized continuing to be intimate but the guilt that came with it made them both miserable. To them, getting married makes going against their own values at least a little okay. Never mind that they each had some doubts about the relationship before they fell into bed with each other. Never mind that they each still kind of blame the other for what happened. Those seeds of doubt and blame are likely to fester and grow. Marriage may make them feel less guilty about having sex but it won’t resolve other issues that undermine their relationship.

5. To avoid being alone.

Robyn is terrified. She’s always had a boyfriend since she was 13. She has dated a number of guys but always had someone new lined up before she ended a relationship. Now 22, she’s just been dumped by the most recent boyfriend for being too needy. A demanding project at work has meant long hours at the office and no time to look for someone new. She hates being alone in her apartment at night. She doesn’t know what to do with herself on weekends. She feels empty and scared. She’s tried calling her ex but he’s put off by her tears. She’s running through her files for someone, anyone, who can fill up the hole in her life. She’s likely to fall into marriage with the first guy who shows interest just so she’ll never have to feel this way again.

Marriage does provide a partner in life but it doesn’t guarantee that the partner will be good at partnering. Sometimes people like Robyn luck out and find someone who is truly willing and able to be their best friend and companion. More often, they are terribly disappointed. In their rush to marry to fend off their fear of abandonment, they didn’t take the time to find someone who shared their interests and values.

Men can be as vulnerable to making these mistakes as women. Older people aren’t exempt either. Regardless of age or gender, the desire to marry, to have a constant partner, and to share a life is a healthy one. However, a wedding that’s a mistaken solution to personal or couple problems won’t guarantee a happily-ever-after marriage. That requires a union of two complete and whole adults who love each other deeply, unselfishly, and respectfully and who share a commitment to keep their wedding vows. Only then can a bond be created that withstands life’s challenges and deepens over time.

What say you? I know there are readers out there and you do not comment, you check in faithfully, sometimes you email me privately a comment or even comment my FB page about a blogpost you liked, loved or whatever, however, I would love to see some comments here on the blog itself. Come on, come out of lurker mode, it's painless, really! Besides I know you are visiting, I have blogtracker on my blog. Yeah, I know you probably didn't realize that. Sorry, it's just a way for me to see if people are reading and they are they just aren't commenting. I do that too on some of the blogs I read so it's not like it's not okay but I would like to hear from you, so check it! Just do it, okay? All right, good!

Thursday Thoughts!

2012-01-26T06:30:00.000-06:00

You may or may not know that MiB is gone right now, has been for 5 days and will gone for 8 more, I know this is a small amount of time in the big scheme of things BUT I MISS HIM. I just felt like sharing that...

Other Thoughts:

Enough memorial services...
S P R I N G B R E A K...I'm ready!
I think I am ready whenever MiB is :)

Not been cooking much with MiB gone and I have to say it is helping my poundage reduction plan. I know I should not focus so much on this but I so do. I am not where I want to be and that causes me to be not happy being me. I do not like my pants to fit too snug. It's just how I am, sorry. I am hoping I am removing the snugness however I find it is my constant battle. Ugh! Of course the red velvet cake last night did NOT help!

Today I am back at the Attic, fun day as always when I am there. However, I am getting out the dooe EARLY to the dentist. Yeah me, I finally made a dental appointment! If only I would decide on the eye doctor and get myself in there and get some new glasses...

Hope you have a great day as well :)

Happy Birthday Mrs Marine!!!

2012-01-25T22:47:00.001-06:00

It is WW and we are celebrating Mrs. Marine's birthday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

Mrs. Munsey made a red velvet cake, it was super yummy, I even had a little sliver.

Each week we come together. It's not like we solve the world's problems or anything but we have a good time trying! It's a great group and we are brought together by a common thread, our husbands, who defend out nation. They have answered a call that not all do or can and we are proud military wives. We are instantly bonded. It's awesome!

It is always a fun get together on WW; to see what's new, who is doing what and when, plan the next neighborhood gathering, dish about the latest and share our life. We all come from very different walks of life but for a few hours each week we connect and I love it! These are some awesome women, I am learning much from them, not all good, but I am still learning! LOL

Happy Birthday Mrs Marine! Thanks for sharing a little bit of your busy life with us :)

I won!!!

2012-01-24T21:30:00.000-06:00

Oh yes I did, I won! WooHoo!!!

Hold on though it's not like I won the Publisher's Clearing House Sweepstakes or anything. I didn't even win PowerBall. But I did win! It would have been really cool though if it had been the Prize Patrol showing up at my door...

I won at Bunco tonight. If you have never played Bunco then you are missing out! Seriously, it is one of those really fun games. So anyway, I won, I had the most Bunco's and that means I was the winner.

The prize was a really nice candle, I like candles a lot, even though fire scares me, I do like candles and I especially like ones that smell nice. This one is aloha vanilla, which made me smile.

So that is all for me, I'm off to bed. Tomorrow is WW and we will be celebrating Mrs. Marine's birthday. There will be red velvet cake and hopefully I will remember to take pictures. I wish I would have remembered to take pictures at Bunco, but I did not. There was lots of good food and snacks that I resisted with the exception of one chunk of pineapple. The other 11 ladies and I had a great time! Oh course, you would expect me to say that since I was the WINNER :)

TMI - read at your own risk!

2012-01-23T17:10:00.000-06:00

Back in December MiB and I both had doctor appointments and each had labs ordered. It just so happened we went to the lab the same day and I told them NOT to mess up my blood with his. They thought this was funny and so did I. We were both having our cholesterol test among other things.

For the record I DID NOT pass out when they took my blood. I have been known to do that ya know, so I'm always happy when I do not. The tech did, however, use the "butterfly" and I did not even ask him too, he just took a look and decided to on his own. Since I do not look when they do this I didn't know he had actually done it until we were done. I told him that was nice; sometimes they do not and I am usually bruised before I ever get out of the chair.

Anywho the reason it might be TMI is that Ima tell you our results, if you don't want to know, that's fine just look away NOW! For the rest of you noisy people just scroll on down for the tantalizing results! LOL

MiB

Total = 229 (target <200)

LDL = 142 (target <100)

TRI = 81 (target <150)

HDL = 71 (target >60)

Mrs Blue

Total = 211 (target <200)

LDL = 117 (target <100

TRI = 51 (target <150)

HDL = 84 (target >60)

Now I'm not sure either one of us have really WINNING results, but I am declaring myself the winner between the two of us and that's all I have to say about that! Well, except that we will be putting the oat bran and apples back in our diet cause one can always do better with lower numbers in this arena!

Neighborhood Progressive Dinner

2012-01-22T13:00:00.000-06:00

Oh what a night...the neighborhood group decided to do a progressive dinner so four homes, 10 people, 5 hours and full bellies later we think we will do this again, it was sooooo much fun!

We started off at the MUNSY house with some soup. The corn chowder was delicious, but I thought the tortellini soup was da bomb. After soup we headed to our house for salad, the wedge salad with the homemade bleu cheese dressing was a huge hit, but the tossed salad with the homemade ranch was also very tasty if I do say so myself!

The guys after salad...

The girls after salad!

It was then on to the GSC House for the main dish. Pork with balsamic vinegar, I tasted it and though it was indeed yummers. However, my favorite was the twice baked potatoes and green beans, dem be real good :)

A Marine contemplating what he got himself into with all these USAF dudes!

Lastly, we went to the Marine House for the MOST AWESOME dessert ever. I love white cake, it is the mostest in my book, but this was white cake with strawberries and a bit of a not too sweet but yet lovely yum frosting. I am telling you it could easily make me happy ANYTIME to eat this cake! I loved it, I wanted to eat two pieces but I did not, cause ya know I am still fighting too tight jeans. YUCK! And it was in celebration of our GSC ladies birthday so we did a little birthday celebrating as well! I savored every bite! I love white cake, I love strawberries, it was heaven!!!!

THE Cake

The Birthday Girl and the Cake Baker AKA Mrs. Marine

It was a great evening and we are planning to repeat it soon. But in March we will schlep to MAIN base and enjoy the hosting of Ms Speech Writer, however, we do have February to plan first and who knows what we will come up with on that! What I know is that we are an unlikely group, but a group that works, it's quite fun when we get together and you never know what will happen at these gatherings but it will always be interesting for sure!

Hmmm, what can I say? She writes speeches....

My LOVE!

My LOVE and me :)

Thursday Thoughts!

2012-01-19T09:00:00.000-06:00

Hmmm, this week has been a wee bit down for me, I think it has to do with LilBlue having a birthday. And thinking about MiB taking off for a 3 weekish trip and finally scheduling my long overdue dentist appointment for a checkup and cleaning Yeah, that's my exciting life! LOL

The weather here has been unbelievable, it was over 70* this week and now it had dropped to cold temps again. It's those cold days that I wear my Uggs even in the house! When we first got here I thought they would probably just stay in their box, I am pleasantly surprised they are getting use!

I have ~~had~~ made the time to work on my scrapping lately and it has been AWESOME, I have completed the 1999-2010 years in the new CM books. I will be starting 2011 in the even newer 12x12 format. However, I still have to finish my Vegas trip mini album, do the two Hawaii mini albums and finish MiB CMSgt Promo mini album and I want to get those done first before I tackle 2011.I also plan to do a couple projects digitally. After I see how that goes I am contemplating switching to digital for this year...it's a tough choice and I'm not totally sure I will like switching, but I am giving it a go. I will do a small project to see how I like it first. I love that I have been able to play with our pictures again, it has been too long! I am also planning to get our early year albums into better albums. That will be a huge undertaking and I will be getting the replacement albums at Hobby Lobby as funds and sales coincide to complete this huge task! That is not to mention I need a sale on the pages and protectors so I can procure the new 12x12 size supplies since I have none. Did I mention I am trying to SAVE money...yeah, well, I am, it's new year's plan and so is getting the scrapbook albums done so I guess those two sort of work against each other, hmmmmm.

I also have a couple sewing projects I would like to work on/complete. I am waiting til after this weekend then I am getting out LilBlue's sewing machine to tackle those. I am setting it up on the dining room table and I anticipate it could be there a few ~~days~~, okay weeks, as I snatch moments of time to work on the the projects I have. I'm so glad she let me bring it down to play with :) Love you LilBlue!

Thoughts:

Spring Break - what to do, what to do??
Couple more "home" days would be nice...
My ice dispenser in the door is still not fixed!
I need a haircut or at the very least my bangs trimmed!
Neighborhood progressive dinner this weekend, oh yeah :)

Happy Birthday LilBlue!

2012-01-16T00:30:00.000-06:00

Oh my, can I just say I am having a hard time believing you are 21...it just DOES NOT seem possible! Let me just say I think you are ABSOLUTELY amazing...I mean seriously, you are incredible. You have faced so much in just 21 short years. You have braved many a path, crossed several bridges and literally jumped hurdles to get where you are. When I say, "you is kind, you is smart, you is important" I hope you believe it deep within you.

I have blogged about your birth already, and I have another post to share my thoughts of that day you were born, and then last year when you entered the 2's I made mention of that big milestone. So this year as you enter the age of what many refer to as "adulthood" I will once again share my thoughts...like there was any doubt that was gonna happen! And you may or may not be thrilled about that. Some may think you are a little old to hear this but I think most of these things bear repeating...so here goes! (And I did get the inspiration for these thoughts from another blogger, but I did not bookmark the page, I cut the info into a word document, so I apologize in advance and if you read this too and remember where, send me the www and I will link it - I am now starting using pinterest for saving many things and I have also started to paste the weblink into the things I save in a document not on this totally addicting website!)

EVERYONE is NOT doing it - you have heard this your entire life and it does not change ever...it can and will relate for the rest of your life. But I hope you know now that you are the legal to buy one that you will not succumb to any pressure to do things you know will forever change your life. Trust me, you are not the only one who won't and the sad thing is the ones who are, are most likely thinking and wishing they wouldn't of. And if all else fails see #7
Do not pretend you are dumber than you are...this is pretty self explanatory but it is worth reminding you on. I know that being the "stupid girl" can and often does have it's perks but it's a short street; so don't be dumb it's not cool!
Do modesty it IS classy - Cover yourself up appropriately always. Showing the world what you have is why men your fathers age are looking at girls your age and it's just wrong! You have a ~~great~~ I mean impeccable fashion sense; keep it and keep it covered, all of it!
Marry someone similar to your father...I know that sounds nuts but trust me on this. Your father is an absolute fantabulous husband. He loves me with all his being, he cherishes me and most of all respects me. You want someone like that...seriously! Also pay attention to how your potential mate treats his mother. Lots to be said there.
SEX - yes, I am going there! I know many of your peers believe that casual sex is harmless and the world makes no mistake in advertising this as true, but it's NOT true, it's a big fat lie. It might feel right and all that! But the bottom line is sex was designed for marriage...no one ever regrets waiting til they are married; plenty do regret that they didn't. You get my drift.
Girls are mean - I know you know this, you have experienced it. So please don't be a mean girl, it's not becoming. You are still fresh enough out of high school and in the middle of your college life that this is still a player so just remember this. Remember to be the girl who let the drama roll and not be in the midst of it, starting it especially. Be the girl who treats others with kindness who rises above the meanness of others.
We can and will ALWAYS be your excuse, use us! We are okay with you using us as the reason you cannot or do not want to fillintheblank. It can get you out of many an uncomfortable situation and we DO NOT MIND being thrown under the bus, in fact we would love it. Trust me! We want you to be able to say no in your own right but you can always just toss out the "I can't my parents would kill me" or even "my parent's won't allow me to" or the one that would be spot on "my mom would have a coronary" it's sooo okay! REALLY! If it helps you NOT to end up in a bad situation that's the point and come up with whatever it takes.
We love you! I know we haven't done it all right, in fact we have probably done more wrong, but we did what we thought was the best for you at the time. Looking back we know we were wrong in some situations, sorry! We also hope you will stick with your roots and trust HIM, who never fails. It's fact, He don't mess up, we do...He loves you even more then we do, look to Him. He will help you to be beautiful on the inside and it will carry over to your outside, promise!

So daughter, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I know you are going to be an amazing adult, we are so so very proud of you, and we love you much more then you could ever fathom. And if you have read this far you deserve a little pictorial treat. So I leave you with the last 10 years of birthdays beginning with that most spectacular day ever, the day you were born!

1991- Just hours after you were born! (OKC, OK)

1992 - Happy 1st Birthday!

(Your party pictures are really dark and did not copy well)

1993-You were really into the blowers!

1994 - With your two favorite men!

1995 - Hakuna Matata :)

1996 - Chuck E. Cheese was a huge hit!

1997 - Making cupcakes at school (COS, CO)

1998 - Growing up right before our eyes!

1999 - Requested homemade angel food cake this year!

2000 - Oh gee, you are not a baby anymore! (DC)

2001 - Back to angel food and going double digits!

Happy, happy birthday LilBlue, we do most certainly love you...

It was just that kind of day...

2012-01-15T20:00:00.000-06:00

It wasn't cold here, it wasn't even close to being winter like, but it WAS a veggie soup kind of day for us. Yep, that's right we had a big ol pot of soup today. It was certainly yummy and we ate til we were too full. MiB also had ham & cheese croissants. I think he enjoyed them cause there were only 2 left and Ima not even going to tell you how many we started with and I didn't eat any...

YUM

Thursday Thoughts...

2012-01-12T08:00:00.000-06:00

Another week is nearly in the books, hard to believe. It's been such a full week and I will be ready for the weekend for sure. I do wish we were able to have pulled off the road trip we had tentatively planned but maybe next time. It's still all good.

Thursdays have quickly become my near favorite day of the week. I enjoy my time at the Attic. It's such fun to interact with the young ones . Today has a bit more then just the Attic since I will also be going to a MLK event this morning and then this afternoon there is a Shirt retirement. Good stuff!

I may stop in the commissary on my way home, but hopefully not! I'm trying to avoid all shopping, using what we have in the pantry and already own. This is not a new concept to me, but one I sort of got a way from and I want to get back to it. I want to really ask myself do I need it or do I want it. This is not really in regards to my food shopping, but more for our other buying. However, with the food shopping I want to ask myself is it good for me or do I just want it. I am still on that quest of ridding myself of those #'s so thought this mindset might help. We'll see.

Anyway, on to thoughts!

Do I need that?
Do I really want that?
I don't like shopping anyway...
Weekend plans will be low key!

Another loss...

2012-01-07T18:29:00.004-06:00

We have lost another member of The Blue...it's such a sad day when we learn of these things.

I had to get out and do life today...to feel the warmth of sunshine on my face, to see the beauty around me. To get my body moving, my heart beating and my chest heaving to know how alive I am; to feel invigorated, to experience living. I had to, as there has been too much death...

Seeing a bright blue sky with just enough clouds to make it picture perfect did my soul good.

I came across this quote and thought how appropriate it seemed.

In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on.
-Robert Frost

Very sad day in the Blue...

2012-01-06T19:00:00.000-06:00

These are not the days you want to live through, but you make it happen and somehow do.

We have lost a member of Team Barksdale. One of our elite EOD troops was killed yesterday in Afghanistan, it was a young one, with a young wife. My heart breaks for her...

After our visit with her this morning she has been constantly on my mind as I imagine the things she will have to face over the course of the next few days, weeks, months, years. You never think it will be you, I am sure this was not in her life plan, she is going to have some rough days ahead, I spoke this to her, and I told her nothing can prepare anyone to go through a situation such as this, but to please know that she is not alone. We, your AF family, are right here with you, for you, to help you in any way we can as you begin to navigate this unforeseen situation...what else is there to say? My heart is so very heavy. I CANNOT even begin to imagine what she is going through, I pray, that's what I do and I will continue to do so throughout the days, weeks, and months ahead.

There are no more words that come to me. I am still so very thankful for those who serve and so sad that this is the reality of that service...

Thursday Thoughts...

2012-01-05T08:30:00.000-06:00

Oh, my here we are in the start of another year and what do I want to do? You got it, take off some weight, eat healthier and take time to enjoy life. Seems like that is the story of my life! LOL Yep, once again I am needing to reduce my poundage, maybe it's not once again, maybe it is still...hmmmm, a thought to ponder. I did really well until MiB returned then it was just way over the top with him wanting to eat and enjoy all things USA. Settled in to LA and then the holidays brought on some extra #s. So holidays are over, pounds are still here and they NEED to go. I have mixed emotions, I know I should be better on getting back on the exercise wagon. I am not thrilled that the gym is so far away. I also know that the weather is really not that big a player here and I should just go walk right out my front door and take my exercise right here where I am. Hmmm, yeah, I just NEED to do it, stop ovethinking it, stop whining, stop procrastinating and DO IT. Okay, that's my plan, DO IT.

Thoughts:

Easier to put it on then take it off...
Lots of decisions seem to be looming.
Excited we had LilBlue and G for the holidays!

I'm off to the Attic this morning! Lots of little projects have been accomplished this week already in the organizing, purging, decluttering departments and it feels good to have less in our space. I know one day we will live in MUCH SMALLER accommodations. I do not want to have too much to rid ourselves of when that time come so my thought was we we will start downsizing now. It's a new adventure some day and that some day may be sooner rather then later, one never knows. Just trusting in God to continue to guide us and give us the wisdom for our future. We shall see, it's exciting and scary all the same :)

Ima all alone (well sort of)...

2012-01-02T17:20:00.000-06:00

Today we delivered LilBlue to the airport! So anyway, we snapped a few more pics, then said our goodbyes and off we went and so did she. This little airport is little I cannot stress this enough!

This was the absolute smallest airport I have ever been too, going through TSA was unlike any TSA I have ever seen... Keep in mind this is a little airport in Texas, there is no jetway, you walk to and from the tarmac... and that's really all I'm going to say on that :) Well, let me remind you I already warned you it's little, just sayin'!

MiB and I stopped for a early lunch, which was REALLY yummy, we had the BBQ. We had ventured in here on our way to pick up LilBlue last week. We had us a little snack after we used the facilities. The carrot cake was really awesome. Today we took a piece to go. Ima tell you that it was the WORST carrot cake ever...why? It was not made today that's for sure, awful, hard, stale and so not edible. I was soooo disappointed as I was really looking forward to enjoying a repeat of the piece we had last week. So when MiB opens it up and it's yuck, grrrr. On a side note, MiB let them know and we will have a free piece should we ever stop in again :)

This was the BUDs first trip to TX; which was really last week when they arrived.

It was also his first trip to LA.

They are now safely back in the BigO and the big ole house is once again empty and we are all alone...it's okay, we are good, we are adapting well to this empty nest thing, I mean we aren't newbies to this gig but we do enjoy our girl and we certainly DO NOT get to see her enough...

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T00:30:00.000-06:00

We spent the NYE day messing around, catching a movie, MI2, lunch, trying to get some pictures and a couple stops at the grocery store to pick up those last minute needed items for our part of the party food and then onto the party. We did a local in the 'hood party with our Munsy Neighbors hosting.

Downtown Shreveport picture taking!

LilBlue totally wanted to disown us for being so silly!

I had to stand on a little wall for a couple shots!

This was hilariously fun!

On a side note, LilBlue is pretty stoked about the reported building of a Chick fil a in her area later this year, I think the BUD will like it too since they have asked to eat there like three times since they arrived :)

Anyway, on to the ringing in the NEW YEAR. Food was plentiful, lots of choices and yummy stuff to boot. LilBlue made us a dip to go with veggies, yeah, too bad it was totally off the charts calorie wise but still it was really good and I did eat it with vegetables! There was cheesecake bites, totally good, along with an awesome rum cake. I liked the black bean corn salsa a lot too!

Neighborhood NYE Gathering...

EVERYONE had a hat or tiara...

Playing one of the many games...

the CRAZY couple :)

MiB and I

The evening got somewhat competitive when the spoons game was broke up. I was a spoon virgin and totally SPOONS first, so just call me a loser, cause I was...but it was a, uh, fun, sure, yeah, fun game, sort of, though I may need to wear gloves and a helmet next time we play!

SPOON playing...this is where is got really nuts!

There were even INJURIES!

If you are wondering about the LilBlue dip it is simply this: a large tub of cottage cheese, the big thing of sour cream, a small jar of Hellman's mayo and a package of ranch dip mix. If I ever make it and I think I will, I am going to use two packages of the dip mix, cause I think it would be yummier and I might leave out the mayo, but LilBlue insists that would be gross, we'll see...

HAPPY NEW YEAR...I think we brought in 2012 in style with party blowers, hats, tiaras and poppers~ Woohoo praying for good health, sustained friendships and new adventures along with tremendous blessings to all our family and friends.

Time is just flying by...

2011-12-30T23:25:00.000-06:00

After spending most of yesterday shopping, but also taking a movie break and having to say goodbye to G we have been out and about doing random things today...

One of the cute pair of new shoes from her shopping excursion yesterday!

Today we did some tourist stuff, we went to the 8th AF Museum and it's always a good choice for visitors and the outside static displays are always hugely popular.

Strolling the air park outside the 8th Museum

It was Olive Garden for lunch after we stopped off at Kohl's for a price adjustment on some undies LilBlue had got Tuesday that went on sale on Wednesday. I was not thrilled to learn this since I had asked if they were starting a sale and was told, "no, not that I know of"... Riiiight, we get home and find out a sale starts in the morning. They will be $3.00 cheaper and since she bought 5 sets I knew we would be going back to get a refund (or price adjustment as they preferred to call it... whatever I just knew I was getting some money back). Lunch was with a high school buddy from Omaha that LilBlue knew and I blogged about earlier this month.

Then we did a few more shopping stops and on to get more surfboard plans printed before making it back home for pizza then on to a night of bowling fun...yeah, I said bowling! What a hoot, the four of us are not good bowlers but we had fun!

The BUD and I had the lowest scores for BOTH games!

Second game scores...

As we made our way home we took to looking at the Christmas lights around the base. Many have already taken theirs down and some that were still up just were not lit. Kinda bummerish, we always leave ours up til New Year's.

MiB loved this house!

It's late and I need to get on to bed, if you haven't checked in lately you won't realize I just made some catch up post...if you have checked in and thought I had dropped off the blogging world posting bubble, you were nearly right, I just had not had time or wanted to take the time away from LilBlue to post, but tonight we are sitting here, she playing with her iPad and me doing catch up blogging! Life is good, but I am tired and I have a pulled groin from bowling...like you really needed to know that, but now you do :) Night!

ThursdayThoughts...

2011-12-29T23:30:00.000-06:00

It's been crazy trying to pack in a lot of doing, loving, living in the time we have with LilBlue, I feel the minutes are flying by and I hate it, so I am trying to focus on enjoying and not thinking about the time slipping away. But I am constantly aware of our limited time with her and want to take advantage of all the moments, it's hard, she is a sleeper inner and we want to wake her at the crack of dawn to be with her. Did I mention we are trying to restrain ourselves? Geez it's hard!

So since she has been here we have done a lot of shopping, movie going, eating and just hanging out playing with all the new toys we have all gotten. I think the iPad is a huge hit along with the goof board.

G had tried it out before he gave it to MiB so he had a bit of an advantage!

MiB playing on the GOOFBOARD!

Truth be told the BUD is probably the best at it of everyone! But he is also the youngest so we are blaming it on that... LOL

Playing on the iPad!

Thoughts:

We are soooo blessed!
We have so much to be thankful for...
We are so thrilled to have LilBlue here!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-27T22:22:00.000-06:00

I know Christmas was on the 25th but in our world it was today...we waited until LilBlue was here, she arrived, FINALLY, after a delay getting out of Dallas and after stopping to eat Mexican on our way back to Shreveport last night but we finally had our girl at home with us!

The BUD came out wearing his new long

johns from Uncle G!

This morning we did stockings, then had a great leisurely morning of opening gifts, eating, more gifts, more eating, more gifts, movies, snacking (which is eating if you are wondering), more gifts and playing with new gifts. If was awesome, we laughed, we nearly cried, we ate too much, we laughed some more and then went to bed so we could have another big day together! We are thrilled to be together again, ALL of us and life is good!

Stockings were a big hit, lots of NEAT things!

Uncle G is surprised with a new coffee machine!

MiB really gets surprised with a new goof board!

Lil Blue helped with the handing out gifts on the second go round!

We had so much fun playing with MiBs goof board, there is also some GREAT video floating around on FaceBook. They also did multiple riders at one time, personally I am just very, I mean VERY thankful we did NOT end up in the ER. I was soooo thinking this would not end good, but again, thankfully, we did not make an ER trip! Whew, course there is always tomorrow!

Hope you had a very Merry Christmas! We are so thrilled we were all together and have enjoyed every minute and know our time is so short we are trying to pack a lot in and so far so good!

Thursday Thoughts!

2011-12-22T23:30:00.000-06:00

This time next week all the wrapping will be ripped off, the turkey and ham will have lost it's appeal and we will be thinking more seriously about fighting off the holiday pounds that have crept on. Maybe this isn't true for you but for most it is.

This week has been full and fun. I am glad that we are receiving our first house guest tomorrow and then LilBlue will arrive soon too! That is what I am looking forward to most. I hope I continue to live in the season, to really enjoy the season, to continue to believe in the season, to not ever take for granted how very fortunate I am and to not ever lose sight of the real Reason for the Season...

My Thursday Thoughts this week:

I want less...
I am so not creative
I am sooo not a shopper.
I do not receive or give well...
I so enjoy the neighborhood WW.

PAR-TAY

2011-12-21T11:00:00.000-06:00

The Barksdale ESG gathered this week for a great time of fun, food and fellowship. There was also a little cookie exchanging going on along with an ornament gift exchange (you know that kind you draw a number then pick a gift and it can be stolen three times then it's frozen type thing).

We enjoyed the evening with lots of talking, eating and a little business. We elected a new President, and a new Vice President. At this point in time we have a full slate of officers. It will most likely be short lived but we are enjoying the moment. I am not usually one to be involved in the basewide spouse group, I'm more of a group or squadron girl; however, it is necessary and needed so here I am doing my best...

Conducting a little business!

More business talk going on...

Ornament Exchange

Baking, baking, baking!

2011-12-20T16:30:00.000-06:00

It was a productive day. There are many, many mini loaves of pumpkin, cranberry bread ready to be iced and delivered. This evening I will take some to my gathering, then others will go as needed and some will be shared with neighbors. It was fun to make the mini loaves and the icing was a new thing for me but we had gotten bread with a "schmear" of cream cheese icing and I thought it was divine, so I did cinnamon cream cheese layer in mine. Oh MY, talk about a bit of heaven, oh yes!

I mixed up two full batches!

The cranberries were actually a last minute spontaneous add...

AND they were quite delightful, they were a nice little tart burst in

amongst the cinnamony pumpkiny goodness :)

First batch...

They are all now baked and cooled and the first batch goes out tonight to be delivered. I put that layer of filling in these and thought I was going to eat all of them, oh heavenly days I love me some pumpkin bread and cream cheese anything!

Ready to go :)

Decorations...

2011-12-19T16:00:00.000-06:00

Everyone that decorates for Christmas seems to have "special stuff" We are no different. There are some things that make me smile...

The Precious Moments Tree

Our first PM ornament :)

The centerpiece on the BIG table, I love it!

And of course at our house decorating for Christmas ALWAYS includes snowmen...LOTS of snowmen, I love snowmen. Some are squishy, soft and cute, while others are just rotund with a great look to them. They are all fun to look at and I enjoy displaying them throughout our home. They are special in that they will stay out even after the Christmas decorations are put away, in fact they stay out continuously til early February when the Valentine's decor is brought out.

Some of my favorite snowmen...ah, heck, who am I kidding, I really don't have favorites I LOVE THEM ALL~

Have a great night, I think we are home, first time in I can't even tell you how many days. Tomorrow I have an evening event, then we are entertaining on Wednesday, I think we may be home on Thursday but I could be wrong, since my calendar is not in view, but I hope it's another home night for us, I am ready for several of those! And that is going to happen soon, very soon, WOOHOO!

More Party Fun!

2011-12-17T22:00:00.000-06:00

The way they do Santa's in Blue was new to us but we liked it, in fact we thought it was pretty darn impressive. This program hooks up the foster children in the area with a really spectacular lunch, Santa visits, presents, and lots of attention and memories made. It was once again a reminder of how good we have it!

Santa delivers a stack of gifts to a young man at SiB

Andy the Airman and I with my little buddy!


Sparky makes a new friend!

After our SiB time we headed for lunch, then did a few errands before making our way to yet another children's party. This one on the base for our Maintainers. WOW, what a party it was...they even had a PRINCESS! This was hugely popular!

Cinderella with Princess Aurora, Cinderella's Fairy Godmother and MiB

There was also a Santa, I mean it WAS a children's Christmas Party so you know there HAD to be a guy in a red suit! And there certainly was, he wasn't very chubby and I seriously think his HO, HO, HO was in need of a little work but the "kids" didn't seen to mind!

MiB w/Santa

There were snacks, popcorn and lots of activities to do, you could "ice fish", bowl, play basketball, drive remote control cars, make several different take home crafts and of course play "cake walk" and take home your own cupcake. There was a also a face painter, a VERY talented one at that!

Ms A getting her face painted...isn't she ADORABLE?

We left HH for home where we caught up on a few household chores...well one of us did the other did a little catnap! Then it was a clothes change to start the circuit of adult parties. Only three tonight, piece of cake! We started at a casino, which was very nice, the room was well appointed and quite elegant. Then we headed on over to a swanky place in downtown where we got to see one of MiB surfer buddies and met several great students and saw lots of baby bumps, oh my! After that we made our way back to base where we stopped in at a masquerade party. Some had a mask, some did not, some reminding me of the Venetian mask, some were party store variety, others just had the standard issue handed out at the door to help everyone join in. The one that caught my eye is below...

My favorite mask!

It was not your average mask...it is painted on...yes, you read that right, it is painted on, it was amazing. It was embellished, it was detailed, it was very cool! It they were giving a top prize I think she deserved it!

So that's it another nights of party hopping in the books, whew, I'm beat and heading to get some sleep, tomorrow we have one final hoohahaha. It should be great fun, it is not an official visit type function but the local chapter party. We are looking forward to it! Night!

Party Marathon!

2011-12-16T23:55:00.000-06:00

Holy Moly it was the great party attendance marathon to match all others! We hit seven parties tonight and had a great time at each event. It was a touch and go all over the city and we shook many hands, gave out lots of hugs and holiday wishes, many of which were MERRY CHRISTMAS! We were honestly ready when we arrived at the last one and the name tags came off!

Believe it or not and ima not saying this in the complaining way but it is work to do this...I mean I really am not the outgoing person most of you think I am. I am the one who'd rather be the wall flower that no one notices; I have had to learn to embrace this smiling, howyadoin thing, it does not come naturally. I do think there are some people it does come more easily for then others, but maybe I have that all wrong... So why do I do it? Cause I know what it's like to be on the other side, I have been the only other spouse there and it's always made me feel so much better when there is another spouse around no matter. I am most certainly what I call in tune to "the new girl" or the one who needs to be encouraged a little to join in, and the inclusive attitude. Now, I do not always get it right, it's easy to see those you have already met and immediately be drawn to them, but we always try to make sure we find new ones and get around to the ones we have not met! AND trust me, it's OKAY, really okay, to come up to me and say hey, I say you at XYZ, or we met at ABC, how are you or anything else, cause I do try to remember you and your name but sometimes it can be great for you to approach me and remind me we met and usually I remember you and the encounter, but sometimes, I am sorry I do not... but trust me it is nothing to take personal, it's just we see and meet A LOT of you and we love to do that but we do forget some names and faces, it just happens.

So if you really do know me and you think I make it look easy (and I appreciate that you tell me that, really I do) but it's not easy no matter how I make it look!

No to share several photos from the Party Marathon with you!

MiB with a DEFENDER and Red Sox fan (this was for RocketBoy from 3DD)

Not the best shot but this ELF was hilarious at the BS gathering...

As we headed on over to party #4 we were still going full steam and ready to meet and greet maintainers, we were not really prepared for this crowd. They really party...

The winning play-doh sculpture...

The losing Commander's hair cut!

This group had quite the evening of entertainment and games on tap. They had a competition to see which tables would eat first, then before the evening was over they raised money to "MoHawk" the Commander's hair. What a good sport, I saw him the next day and he had it fixed into an acceptable military cut but was sporting a hat :)

MiB w/ Lt Newcomer LOL

The funniest thing that happened at this event was while we were standing near the door getting ready to take our leave and a young man engaged us and continued to tell us how much he enjoyed the casino and that he often visited to play poker and how good the help was, etc, etc, etc and I whisper to MiB, "he thinks we work here" MiB says no he doesn't I said, uh huh and about 8 minutes later while he is still singing accolades of the place and telling us waaaay more then we should/wanted to know MiB finally gets it that in fact he does think we work here and let's him know we do not and we are from the Wing. He felt pretty silly, but he said I saw you were wearing name tags and just assumed you were the managers! LOL THAT WAS PRICELISS...

Me with the ROACH who thinks we are managers!

Me with the EXTREMELY TALL emcee.

This is TINY, LOL! He was a hoot, I walk up to him and look like a total midget, and say wow, you are pretty tall, he dead pans and says, yeah and you are incredibly short :) It was priceless, but I did go on to say I was vertically challenged, and he said yeah, so am I. He was hilarious!

From one maintainer event to another and sadly no pictures from the second one, don't know how that happened...but there was some happening stuff going on to say the least and shake weights, hoola hoops and marshmallows were involved and that's all I have to say about that!

Finally home and over to the neighborhood gathering, which I so thankful for because there was a lot of yummy food. We were starving as we had not eaten all evening, but we did leave the house at 5:20 with a bowl of soup in our bellies, but at 9:44 we were ready for some party food and party food we did consume! The spread was phenomenal...was to go Maj GM!

I had to take a picture of these shoes for SS, she would have thought they were AWESOME :)

MoHawk Commander eventually stopped by this gathering as well!

Night all hope you had a great Friday night, we did and tomorrow is a brand new day :D

Thursday Thoughts!

2011-12-15T12:30:00.000-06:00

I am getting sooooo excited for LilBlue's arrival and it still seems soooooo far away, I hope I can make it til then! Life this week has just been plain full. Full of GOOD things but full nonetheless and I am looking forward to MiBs return.

Since I had a full calendar this week, I did not get to accompany him on this latest trip. I am sad and I miss him and I am ready for him to be home. We have a graduation this evening so he will get in, change into his Mess Dress and we will take off for that. Then home again to rest up for the weekend which is jammed pack with Christmas parties and then more Christmas parties on top of that! I think we have 6 to stop in at tomorrow! Can you say marathon touch and go? LOL I am going to try to take pictures this weekend of all our partygoing! Last weekend I did not carry a purse to most of the events so I did not have my phone available to snap any shots. The few I did have are from MiBs phone so at least I had something!

That's it, that's all I got that can go public...life is good, we are still livin' the dream and I'm going to get out the door to finish some errands before MiB arrives back home! Be safe and hope you are enjoying and NOT stressing over Christmas. I have said it before and I will say it again, it ain't about what is or is not under that darn tree, breath and take in the true meaning of the season... It truly hurts my heart to know that people are going deeper into debt, spending what they do not have to do something that is so not going to REALLY matter in the coming years.

SO my thoughts today are...

Love me some homemade soup!
I am ready for a sunny vacation!
Is is time to look at the next chapter?
And, what will retirement look like???

Dropping In...

2011-12-09T20:34:00.001-06:00

Tonight we dropped in on two Christmas parties, one waaaay south of town here, which looked like a pretty neat place, though not very well lit and a bit hard to find since it is off the main road and down around the corner. But we did find it and then did some well wishing to the legal folks who were having a fine time and about to enjoy what appeared to be a fine evening. I think it is a place MiB and I might like to return to and try out for ourselves, they seem to have a nice menu with several different options that sound pretty nice!

Then we headed back to the base and hit the second party of the night, made the rounds and visited with some awesome Airmen along the way. The funniest thing we encountered were the USGs. What are USGs you say? Glad you ask, they are the Ugly Sweater Guys! LOL They were a hoot.

USGs

And I give them HUGE props for coming up with a great silly idea to peg the night's fun meter!I mean these gatherings are what you make of them and the fact that they took the initiative to make it a little more jolly was exceptional! Kudos to you USGs!!!!

Not only did you have the USGs, you have folks VERY dressed for the evening, I mean, we saw what was almost the equivalent to a tuxedo, seriously, there were also some really spiffy suits, some with suspenders and others with vest. The ladies were not being shown up as they had some knock out wear too! Cute dresses, holiday sparkly sweaters and some very nice jackets! It was a also a night for some tie wearing and there were reindeer, snowmen, jazzy Christmas patterns and some traditional ones too. Then you had this, well, I'm not even sure I can come up words to adequately describe it so I will add the other picture here...

???

Yep, I think we have one of the elves, and well, I'm not really sure who the other guy is or what I can call him...he leaves me speechless. LOL

Goodnight! Hope you get to go to a Christmas gathering this year and that you look forward to it and that you have a grand time. I personally think they are a lot of fun and we enjoy going to all these around the Wing. We get to see lots of different gatherings that have had a lot of work put into them and for the most part there are some pretty neat ideas we see too, it's amazing what they come up with. I think most are having a really good time! I wish I had some of their energy, enthusiasm and creativity!

Thursday Thoughts

2011-12-08T23:30:00.000-06:00

Booyah! It's BUSY, but I am making sure we are taking the time to remember the season, enjoy each other and keep it all in perspective! You gotta be your own monitor of your calendar otherwise it gets way too overfilled...

Thoughts:

Love, love, love pumpkin bread!
Looking forward to LilBlue's arrival...
Our lights look fantabulous, just sayin'!
Must get some cards mailed next week!

Food for CHRISTmas thought...

2011-12-07T07:30:00.000-06:00

I recently ran across THIS blog...I think it is a MOST worthy read.

However, you may need to put on your big girl or boy pants as it might make you bristle. As for me I didn't have any issues with it, after all, we were and still are some of those people who just don't and never have really BOUGHT into the materialistic side of CHRISTMAS.

In fact our kid is one of those who did not have the Santa experience and so far she has not been in therapy for it and we feel she is going to turn out all right! We told her he was just a fat silly Christmas clown. She also gets three gifts and she knows why.

We try to keep the main focus on the real thing. Just our way, it's not for everyone, we know it and we are okay with those who hold to other beliefs. But I still felt like sharing.

So I did, again, my blog, my thoughts...

Cookie Day!

2011-12-06T19:00:00.000-06:00

Today is one of the FUN days! We collect cookies (preferably homemade) all across base for our dorm dwellers. Not only do the base folks give us lots of cookies we also get lots of cookies from the local community as well. In fact there were some really BIG donors that really helped us give to ALL our Airmen in the dorms! Thanks so very much Barksdale community!!!!

We started with the packaging, a dozen cookies per plate please!

Double Ks filling the plates!

MiB filled plates with us, too!

Lots of DIAMONDS there to help!

After the plates were filled they were taken to the baggers. We had a great group doing this and things went very smoothly. The baggers were busy that is for sure!

My neighbor and Ms MAC busy packing!

After the baggers bagged, then there was counting and sorting. Then came the delivering. That was the real treat. A contingent of myself, MiB, Chappy, KF and a few DIAMONDS and some dorm management personnel. It was a bit chilly here today which was perfect since we wanted to be in the Christmas spirit as we delivered the goods. However, I will tell you by the time we were done my feet WERE COLD. I was glad to get back in the heat to warm up! Anyway, some of the Airmen were in their rooms when we delivered and the cookies brought smiles to their faces. Others will return home to find them in their rooms! It was a fun day, one of those type of days you really feel good about! I like that, I liked today.

Delivery Crew :)

WELCOME HOME!!!

2011-12-05T21:30:00.000-06:00

Truly this is one of the GREAT things we get to do in this job! When troops return from being gone we love to go and say welcome back! Today was one of those days for several of our troops who are now safely back home and just in time for Christmas. Isn't that AWESOME.

One of the coolest things about this particular return is that a young Airman our daughter knew was one of the returnees. It was priceless to welcome him home today, I think he was surprised to see us there and that made it even better! MiB attends these things, I do when my schedule allows, or I know some of the families but again this is one of the more awesome things we participate in and I enjoy seeing all the returnees and the reunions with there families. We have been in their shoes MANY times...

MiB w/the Papio Airman

Too bad MiB looks like the one who had the 18 hour flight...we are certainly not getting all the Zzzzz's we need, it was a full weekend and late nights since the GSC Conference last week. I hope we make it through the month!!

I loved watching the families in the waiting area as they anticipated the return. The children with their signs, the guys with flowers, the families with their banners, the balloons, it was all fabulous to see. The waiting was hard, but finally the plane was chalked and the offloading commenced.

Ahhhhh!

MiB came to retrieve me from the big waiting area to go to the be near the doors where they would enter in the hall. That was pretty neat, it's pouring rain and for the most part these folks were smiling and jovial as they passed through a bunch of leadership welcoming them back and then on down the hall to hand in some paperwork before F I N A L L Y reaching the room where their friends and loved ones awaited.

Welcome Back!!!

Great to have you back!!!

Another great day in blue! This makes some of those other days that aren't so great in blue better...our Airmen rock!

Weekend Wrap Up!

2011-12-04T23:30:00.000-06:00

The holiday season has kicked off! Started on Friday morning w/decorating for the BIG Wing WinterWonderland! Lots of pine cones, trees, branches, snowflakes and tea lights, it looked fab. Why I did not take a picture I do not know! Oh well. Some pictures from the event I do have!

The newest STAR!

The Munsy Neighbors

Kentuckians!

On Saturday we started early on with an afternoon of Civic Leader socializing; then onto not one but two squadron Christmas parties before returning to the 'hood for the local wine tasting. Yeah, I have no pics of that either but the wine MiB and I picked out at World Market LOST! LOL that was classic. It was a pinot grigio tasting, we don't even drink white wine, we picked it out solely based on the picture on the label. I don't recommend that method cause obviously it lost :/ But the label DID have a cool picture of a horse on it!


The tree was really pretty!

There were these SUPER CUTE little edible penguins!

MiB helps out one of FLOGS wind blown flamingos get its hat back on!

Sunday we stayed pretty close to homes since it rained and rained and then rained some more. Though MiB did some work on the Christmas lights and we made a town run and stopped at the commissary as well!

But amongst the raining, the garage was dry so MiB spent some time in the garage starting on his new project...this I'm sure will make many future blog post...it's going to be a learning adventure and I can't wait to see how it all plays out...so stay tuned for that!

In due time something that will glide on H2O will come forth from our garage...

And amongst all this fun I made over 200 treat bags of various treats for the Airman Cookie Drive tomorrow. Cause ya know I just don't really do cookies...so treats it is, lemon squares, muddie buddies and smore's mix. All yummy stuff that will be devoured by our Airmen in the dorms!

Hope you had a great weekend! We were busy but life is good :)

Thankful for LilBlue!

2011-11-30T12:00:00.000-06:00

Last, BUT CERTAINLY not least I am thankful for our LilBlue! I mean that is an obvious one but I wanted to take the time to state the obvious while in this series of thankful post!

She is our one and done! She is our sunshine! We have called her STORMY and stickgirl among other things. She rocks the hugs. She is indescribable on many fronts. She can dance, man can she dance! And she can sing, oh my!

We would not trade this girl for anything, she is a oneofakind irreplaceable best of both of us (okay, and worst ; /)! She has been and continues to be a MAJOR source of joy in the lives of many, along with gray hair! Can I get an amen on that? LOL

Yes, to be realistic she has also been the source of many tears, what child isn't? From hurt, frustration, disappointment and anger, that's the growing up part that is the truth of rearing a child, it's the part that stretches you to get through it. It's when you hurt as a parent...When you are all to aware that you are a parent as opposed to a friend to this soon to be independent person you are charged with raising. It's not easy, and some days it's not even fun and you wonder what in the world you have gotten yourselves into and how bad have we screwed it up? After all, she did go through her teen years... It was a time of growing and unbelievable stretching for all involved (cause I have mentioned maybe once or twice we were the involved parents, who asked lots of questions and didn't allow as much as others, some might even say we were strict...too strict...). She was trying to become her own person, become independent, have opinions, you know all the things we want for her, but we don't like so much how you get'em there and that she's "getting it" with an attitude! It was a hard time, those teen years, they are definitely not times I would want to live over again, I'm glad she is where she is. She is twenty now you know? Shikey's in just a few weeks she will be, uh, 21!

She has some great people skills, and she is still head strong in her thoughts, she is a solid moral person and she is way more intelligent then she gives herself credit for. She is right in the middle of learning "adult life" and I think she is on her way to the "good life"whatever that may be! And I feel like she is truly thankful for her family, she knows the importance of that even though she is not as physically near to us now she knows we are available to her and would move heaven and earth need be to be there for her. She is in the midst of life training and so far, so good. It's not been easy for her, EVER, but she keeps putting one foot in front of the other, even IMO when others might not of.

She has a pretty good sense of humor, but as with most (including me!) doesn't enjoy being laughed at...though she will laugh at herself most of the time! Oh, and surprise, she doesn't like to lose at anything (hmmm, wonder where she gets that from?), she has OCD, which sucks, but she has learned and is still learning strategies to work with it and we continually pray that battle will be won in her life! She is social, she is kind, she is beautiful. She likes to take LONNNNNG hot showers, she likes to sleep in, she likes to watch movies, she enjoys her seafood! She may not admit it cause I think she is thinking she will be in NE forever but she does have a bit of the wonder lust, she enjoys travel! She loved our HI trip earlier this year as well as traveling all over Europe with us! She wants us to take her here too!

So back to the original thought...I am, as well as MiB, so VERY THANKFUL for LilBlue! 143 :)

Thankful for music

2011-11-29T16:30:00.000-06:00

I love to have the radio on when I am at home and I enjoy it on low in the car. I don't have a singing voice, but I love to listen to those who do. I enjoy all types of music from country, to classical, to big band (one of my favs!), to hip hop and I even like some rap from time to time. I enjoy the oldies, I love jazz, I like bluegrass. It's something that relaxes me, it makes me smile, it calms me. I discovered this fun place and even have it on my phone!! Love it!

As we unpacked the Christmas boxes I loved finding the Christmas CDs, can't wait to listen to them, but not yet, I don't do that til after 1 December. In fact right now if Christmas music comes on the radio I change it, it's too soon, I'm funny like that.

Personally I wish I would have been blessed with a "voice" and I really wish I would have stuck with the piano lessons and flute playing, but I did not. I had trouble with the whole reading music thing, I mean I really stuck at it and therefore grew frustrated cause I always felt lost. I loved the instrument but I was not musically inclined and so I just gave it up. I am glad that MiB has musical talents, I love it when he sings, especially to me, LilBlue is also talented, she definitely got vocals. I am thrilled and I love to hear her sing too! I wish she did it more!

I'm off to tidy up, it's been a full day and I was not at home so I need to get a load of laundry done and run the vacuum. I might even dust if I'm feeling especially bold! HA This morning in the bathroom, I threw the hand towel in the corner to knock down a cobweb...I think I need to do more then tidy up but I fear that's all that is going to happen for now!I have to tackle the Christmas boxes that need to be put away first!

Thankful for my experiences

2011-11-28T16:20:00.001-06:00

I really am thankful for the experiences I have had, those that were good and not so good. These experiences have shaped me, made me who I am, good and not so good! I have thoughts, very passionate thoughts on many issues due to the things I have experienced. One of those is divorce. I hate divorce, I am a product of divorce, I have such disdain for the process, I have no doubt I will not change my thought process on this but I do understand it. Doesn't mean I like it, I hate it, but I already said that. It's how I feel due to my own personal experience. I'm sure you have your own life shaping experiences. And even with the negative experience I have in regards to divorce it has made me have a determination to not experience one in my own marriage.

Another one for me is the military. I love the military and all that it means, and trust me I GET IT, what it truly means. After 25 years of being married to the military I'm pretty sure I can speak to the military lifestyle as far as from a spouses perspective. Those who have never served, or been impacted by someone who has served just cannot grasp this in my opinion. And since less then 1% of our nation's population chooses to serve there are many who do not get the concept of the military. This is through no fault of their own, however, I do wish more people would realize this is a great sacrifice and not take their freedom for granted. Still I love our military experiences and would not want to have it any other way!

I am also thankful I have had the honor of being a parent. It has not been easy, in fact it's been downright tough on many a day, we have had our portion of trials; we are not perfect parents, we did not have a a perfect child. The teen years nearly killed us, not to mention the couple years leading up to those teen years. However, God sustained us and here we are with a full blown legal to vote nearly legal to buy booze child. Scary isn't it? I know getting through the teen years was challenging and MiB and I never took on the parenting style of being your child's friend. In fact, we were the ones who were probably more involved and more accountability then most of our child's peers parents. LilBlue had a tough road, we did not allow her to roam free, we mandated check ins, calling in for change of plans, meeting dates before dates, chaperoned events, etc. Even with all this we still experienced some lying issues, a little rebellion, a lot of attitude, oh my, I'm thankful those days are behind us. However, I am also thankful we did not have a teen pregnancy, we did not have illegal drug use, alcohol incidents or trouble with the law. We have much to be thankful for and I would not trade the parenting experiences we have had though I would do some things differently given the opportunity.

So those are are just a few of the experiences I have had that have made me who I am...there are many, many more but I am going to leave it at this...it's supper time and I am ready to sit down and enjoy a quite evening at home. MiB will be along shortly after a little ice breaker social for his conference this week. One nice thing is that it is a local conference so he will be home each night :)

Thankful for breakfast in my own kitchen...

2011-11-27T11:19:00.001-06:00

I know I have lamented about the eating establishments around this area or more specifically the lack thereof that appeal to MiB and I so as of late every time MiB suggest eating out I counter offer, "how about I fix ya something special" or "nah, I just feel like eating in". This serves two purposes, it keeps us from being disappointed yet again with the local flare and saves us some $$ and who doesn't want to save some $$? Dontcha know I feel so smug :)

So this morning, we considered our options and our plans for the day and then we decided on a plan...we would make breakfast! We have some awesome ham from our day after Thanksgiving meal, we had a few hash browns left in the freezer from another recipe and of course we had eggs on hand and bread for toast. It was very yum, MiB utilized a leftover kaiser roll and made a sandwich with his hard egg and ham and added a nice slice of cheese. I went the traditional route and had a soft egg, toast (whole wheat even!) with jelly (sugar free cherry! YUM) and ham and we both enjoyed the hash browns!

Breakfast is served!

So in reality the thankfulness is for our breakfast this a.m. but in the bigger picture of this thankfulness season it is more about that...that I am thankful that we have food, that we are not in need, that we have a pantry that is well stocked, a freezer that is pretty darn full and a refrigerator that although at times it does not always contain what we want, it does hold things that will sustain us, we are not wondering where our next meal is coming from, that is what I am really thankful for.

We are fortunate that this is the case when so many are not certain where they will sleep tonight, how they will pay their bills or make their next meal. So many are needing jobs. It's a sobering thought and I know it doesn't always hit home how blessed we are, we have not personally been touched by circumstances such as this. However, volunteering at the Airmen's Attic and seeing the gratitude on these young ones faces that we offer food as part of our program and that we increased the limit from 5 food items to 10 this last week made me realize that right here within our own blue suits times are not easy! It's sobering...

I've said it before and I know I will say it again, it's all in perspective as to how you feel about where you are...there is ALWAYS someone doing better then you and ALWAYS someone doing worse The takeaway I get from this is to be thankful for where ya are and whatcha got!

So imma out of here, we are off to find an adventure today!

Thankful for holiday decorations!

2011-11-26T13:21:00.001-06:00

It may seem silly, but I am thankful for our holiday decorations. They are not designer, the are not all matchy, matchy, but they are ours, some are faded, some have had to be glued, some might even qualify as ugly...but they are all special in some way and they have great stories or memories to them.

What to do with all this great stuff!

It's such a treat to bring out the boxes and boxes of our holiday decorations, to reminisce about when we got what and where, and how and why. It's so much fun, it's usually more fun with LilBlue around as she remembers things in such a way that always amazes us. But this year MiB is helping with the decorating, which is not usually the case. It's usually LilBlue and I or just me the last couple of years. Since LilBlue is not here to help it is a bit sad. But it's all part of the process of life. We are enjoying the memories of her anyways!

I have a few items on a list to look for to help complete the holiday decorating scheme. We have weeded out a few things this year, couple things were broken from this latest move and some things, well they are just too tired to use anymore. And as tired as they may be they cannot be gotten rid of, not just yet anyway maybe in another year or two but not this one!

The snowmen waiting to be placed!

In the dining room I am trying to have the blues and silvers of our decor and in the family room area the greens and reds. Most of the snowman things are going to end up in the entry and then there will be the nativities scattered throughout. It's hopefully all going to come together. Right now we are taking a break to watch a little football after having had lunch. Holiday decorating takes time you know, you can't rush it!

Ummm, yes, MiB was taking pictures! I was unaware...

So the fact that today's post has pictures at all is courtesy of MiB, thanks honey, you know pictures always make a post better in my book, even if the pictures aren't that great...LOL

Thankful for loooong weekends!

2011-11-25T16:35:00.001-06:00

I am so thrilled to have an extra day with MiB. That's a big bonus in my book! It looked at first like we were taking a road trip, which would have been fine by me. One direction would have taken us south to the beach, but then the "wave outlook" changed and it just wasn't going to be worth it to drive there without waves. Then we were going west and well, that just didn't work for any number of reasons, so we ended up just hanging out right here in our own area. And NO, we did not do Black Friday! In fact we did not contribute to the success of any retailer today with the exception of a grocery store stop. You couldn't pay me enough to partake in that madness. Seriously, I am not a shopper anyway and to shop on this day is just not in my plan EVER. I get it, great deals can be had, you can have my portion! For me, it's not worth it in any way, shape or form, period. I will pay a little bit more, IF there is even anything I want, which I couldn't even tell you! I don't know because I did not even look at the ads. Usually someone goes to buy a paper just to see what's available, but we didn't this year. I am not feeling like I missed anything.

Now part of this could be that I am not shopping for much in the first place, I mean our one and done will be 21 and what she is getting has already been got. And remember I am not a shopper! MiB and I are pretty low key in our gift giving, in fact most of the time we do not exchange gifts. We do, however, do stockings. Then there are the nieces and nephews that we buy for and our parents and a few others and that is it. So it's not a big list and it's not a big deal and I am 90% done with the shopping. The other things I need, I need MiB to weigh in on and then finalize a group gift that we are participating in, so it's easy low stress holiday shopping in my world and I am soooo okay with that. Hence, one of the BIG reasons I enjoyed the day with MiB and we just took a little drive, went to a movie, made a grocery store stop on our way home. I just enjoyed awesome leftovers and now we are going to watch a bit of football as we enjoy the rest of our day together. It's been a great day.

Looking forward to a replay tomorrow...not the same things we will do, or maybe we will, I don't know, but I do know we will enjoy each other and whatever we do and continue to love the long weekend!

So, yeah, for long weekends! I am thankful for them!!!

Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T14:30:00.000-06:00

It's a day I love, lots of food, friends and family, or just friends or just family and NO presents! I am sure I have mentioned that before but I think it bears repeating cause it's one of the things I love about this holiday season! It's a great gathering time and there is no pressure. It's one of those you can pull off as a potluck or totally formal with name cards and all, you make it your own, you can change it up each year or you can continue with those traditions you love yearly. It's a make it your own sort of thing in my book and no two years have ever looked the same for us. That being said there are some standards. We have certain traditions that no matter where we are we try to keep.

Breakfast...Nutella filled croissants! These are not a tradition, but it may become one! These brought back memories from our time in Italy. Especially staying here in Rome!

Serving at the dining hall is something we have done for many years. In the early days we served Airmen. Since times are tough, the dining hall has opened it's doors to the public (those who hold id cards in some form) and now we mostly serve retirees. I mean where else can you get a complete Thanksgiving dinner for around $5.00?!?

Ready to serve!

MiB helping the ladies with their trays!

As far as other traditions go a lot of ours have to do with food...one of those for us is NOODLES, hello, can you really have Thanksgiving without NOODLES? I think not. Turkey, yeah, you CAN have Thanksgiving without that at our place, in fact it's been happenin for years that way. We are ham people and this year we are not even that! So take that Porky and Tom! Simply put if you the have noodles, you need mashed potatoes, so we have those as well. Then you must also have SWEET POTATOES, the kind that you bake in the oven with mini marshmallows on top, after you've candied the potatoes in butter and brown sugar, oh yeah, those are the ones we really love. Then there is the PIE...no matter your choices you gotta have pie. For us the traditional pumpkin is a must. It's LilBlue's fav, MiB loves it too and I am very fond of it as well so it's a big seller in our world. Lastly there are the ROLLS. Rolls are big for us, we have our favorites, we have our "those'll do" and we have our "absolutely not". I used to always do the frozen ones that you thaw, let rise and bake, but after a couple not so great turn out pans I have moved on to find other brands that will work. Right now this is this year's winner. I hope they work out for us! We had them at a friend's house and thought they were great.

I am seriously thankful for many, many things today. For LilBlue and her schooling going so well, for MiB and his contentment most days in this assignment, even more importantly that he has a job in this economy, I am really thankful for that! It's a tough market out there on several avenues and I feel we are blessed to be where we are. I am thankful for the looks like it is sold house deal! Thankful for solid running cars with no car payments, for family that we have a relationship with and even those we don't, never know what a new day will bring. I am thankful for the unconditional love MiB continues to shower on me, I know I pale in comparison in return but we are still working daily at our union doing what it takes to sustain and make it solid, I am thankful we are still committed to our marriage. I am thankful for the relationship with LilBlue that we have as well even though I still wish she were here with us...

My favorite INDIANS! LOL

So Happy Thanksgiving!!! I hope you have much you are giving thanks for today (and everyday in your world). I think we take too much for granted, I know I make a conscious effort to be thankful and I miss the mark often! I am trying to invest more time and effort in what matters, to shed the superficial, to purge the excess so to speaks, it's tough, but it's a work in progress that I am happy to working through. I hope it is helping to prepare me for our next chapter, whatever that may be...

Thankful for ...

2011-11-23T18:30:00.001-06:00

Thankful for __________ (you fill in the blank)

It's been a productive busy day and I have so many things going through my brain right now! The pie is in the oven the sweet potatoes are candied, the noodles are drying. I am thankful my "to do" list got done. I have just a few minutes before the neighbors arrive for a chillaxin' evening. I am thankful for that.

Again, it's been a full day and I'm ready to sit down put my feet up and relax. Life is good, seriously, what are YOU thankful for? It's that season and time to make sure you got something poppin' outchu mouth or running through your brain; take a moment, figure out your thankfulness and be thankful. Have a great evening!

Just Thankful!

2011-11-22T09:25:00.001-06:00

I don't think I am always outwardly thankful, but inwardly I feel I am at least in the big picture kind of way! I am not always so verbal in my thankfulness, but I think I show it in other ways. How are you thankful? Some give gifts out of their thankfulness (not usually me), some verbalize (again, not so much), others show it (this is more me). I DO things, I might write a note and send to someone out of the blue cause I have been thinking about them and how thankful I am for them. I might DO something else for someone, an act of service (bake favorite treats, cook favorite meals, clean out car, mow lawn, paint, clean house, shop, etc) that I know they would do themselves or want done that they just haven't found the time to do or can't. I might hire someone to do what someone wants done if I cannot do it on my own or distance is an issue. I might endorse a purchase someone wants to make but they think they shouldn't (mostly with MiB even though we can afford it).

My thankfulness looks different depending on the circumstances, not only ours but theirs. I'm sure this is true for you too. Though I want to be clear it is not about just giving for me, it's also much about the doing and that doing is preferable what I personally can do. Me giving up my time or resources for someone else. It's that kind of thing. I am choosing to do this because I am thankful for them or my own circumstances that has allowed me to help them. Hope it makes sense...

Honestly, this happens more with those I know, and usually know well, but I also find thankfulness when doing for those I don't know very well or at all. Giving out of abundance for something or someone you don't know can be humbling. Not just writing out a check, but getting in the trenches to do. Bell ringing comes to mind since we are approaching the Christmas holiday and they are looking for bell ringers, but there are many other examples too! And over the years I am thankful we give even when it means we have to cut back in our own budget to do it (some call this sacrificial giving) or you don't know exactly how it will impact your own circumstances (giving based upon faith). It's kind of risky when you do that but we have never been disappointed in the outcome! Faith plays a pretty big part on us when we do this type giving.

I just pray you are thankful, that you have a thankful heart, especially if you are reading this...I mean if you are reading this that tells me you are able to be on the internet, that you live in such a way that you are free to do so. Make sense? It does to me...and I just want to make it clear I AM thankful everyday for the life I have, even when it might not appear that way, even when my attitude needs to be in check. I so know I am blessed beyond measure, I live in a free country, I have plenty of food in my pantry, I have heating and cooling at the flip of a switch, I have running water, I have transportation, I am clothed well and the list could go on and on in the material realm. I am also thankful in the human relation realm, I have family, friends and neighbors! Relationships. Those are all things I am thankful for as well. Honestly, I live in such luxury when you get right down to it it's almost embarrassing, so do you...think not? Seriously? You probably do...

I am thankful, just very thankful...

Thankful for Twin #2

2011-11-21T11:30:00.000-06:00

I have MiB, but did you know there are two? Yes, MiB is a twin. This amazes most people that there are two...seriously, meet either one of them and then find out there are two and well, most people just cannot believe it.

I originally met them separately. I actually met Twin #2 first, we became friends immediately and we are still friends to this day and would be even if he were not my brother in law. We have forged a relationship in addition to our now being related, I know I can count on him, he knows he can count on me. It's a good thing.

As of late (read that, since he got his big ugly DIVORCE) we have seen and talk to him sooooo much more. Sure it sucks he went through (and is still wading through the settlement muck of it) the big D but MiB and I were discussing it after a recent weekend with him that we have probably talked to him and seen him more in the last 3 months then in the last ~~13 years~~ several years. We are thrilled! Just wish it wasn't under the circumstances it is. The relationship Twin #2 and MiB has is not anything I have ever tried to totally understand, I just went with it and instantly accepted it. It is. There is also an unexplainable bond between Twin#2 and LilBlue, she is his in a way that we all accept as well. Again, it is.

Twin # & I in OKC not too long ago

When we were with LilBlue a few weekends ago I was thrilled to learn how up to date on him she was, I was proud! MiB was amazed. I think they are communicating more then ever, it is awesome to see and hear. I am glad for them both, I mean we are all family, we do not really have to like each other however, we do and that makes life good. It does my heart good. So if there can be a silver lining in the Big ugly D perhaps this is it...something to ponder for sure.

Twins recently at the MiBs office!

Thankful for our vehicles!

2011-11-20T12:00:00.000-06:00

Today and yesterday we worked on cleaning up our vehicles. They had gotten a bit in disarray and neither of us likes that. Little Red was still suffering from the trip to MO a few weeks ago with wedding transport remnants and some trash scattered all around. Those mums made a mess in my cargo area and needed to be cleaned in the worst way! The back seat was also just in need of de-cluttering as it had become the catchall for all things from the reusable shopping bags, sunshade, snacks, cooler and such to tissues and extra shoes! Now it is back in good order. It's been wiped down, vacuumed and washed. It's a nice sight! It's a pretty little red vehicle!

SMARTIE was in just as bad shape if not worse...MiB is hard on a car. He tosses everything in it. It's his home away from home and it gets ahead of him quickly if we don't take time to undue all the clutter he accumulates regularly. So we got that sorted out and straightened up then wiped her down inside and out as well as vacuumed her. He loves using this product on her and she shines just like new after every application! She still houses his needs but she is more put together and squeaky spiffy clean now!

So today I am not only thankful for the vehicles that allow us to get from point A to point B but for the fact that they are now all shiny nice and clean. I am thankful they are paid for also, that they are in good solid running order, that they are not gas hogs that we have to continually visit the petro station for and that they are reasonable in insurance premium costs. All those things are great in my book of thankfulness! I am glad we are able to utilize such nice modes of transportation, we are blessed. I am very thankful to be able to ride instead of walk or bike to get where we want to go. I am grateful they are road worthy and we do not have to think twice about road trips. Again, it's not one of those things I give much thought to on a daily basis, but it is something I am thankful for as I am sure you are too if you take the time to think about it!

Thankful for...well, the little things!

2011-11-19T08:00:00.000-06:00

Today, I am keenly aware of the little things. I am thankful for them and I am glad that I have realized I should be. You know putting the ole "take time to smell the roses" philosophy into practice more then just for the big things. It was an easy saying to modify when we lived in Colorado several years ago and we said it a lot when we knew life was getting too full...we would say take time to look at the mountains.With all the busyness of a college setting, so many experiences available and lots of opportunities to succeed (read that lots of working hours to put in) we made sure we took time to look at those mountains. Here there are no mountains...

So in LA I am learning to take the small and I do mean small things as in little bits of time that aren't relegated to "duty" and not dwell on what isn't but to live with what is. To be sure I am living in the here and now of the amount of time we have and what is. That is tough! MiB works loooooong hours here to be sure, (he always has, but it seems more so here or maybe I'm just getting older and less tolerant!). I see him more at official events and functions then I do at home during our waking hours. He is constantly on the go, I know it comes with the territory, this is a BIG air base and there are many, many needs with so much going on. I am not complaining (well maybe a little, but I am making more of an observation for the time we are in). So as I am reflecting on my thankfulness for the little things this is what comes to my mind. I am right now happy to have the little bits of time that we are able to carve out. Like today! It's important and I try to take every little bit that we can find and make the most of that; I am acutely aware that we need to make sure we are not letting life keep us from living. Yes, that sounds a bit strange dontcha think? But read it again, say it out loud even... Make sure you don't let life keep you from living!

And WE DID enjoy the fireplace last night, it was cozy! We also had a lovely dinner together after he made it home, it was a great evening, even if we were in bed exhausted by 9 PM!

Hopefully, we have an uneventful weekend, so far a BBQ for tonight and then a few other loose ends to be tied up for the job and a meeting this eveningbut praying for many little moments together...heck, even BIG ones!

Brrrr...I'm thankful for heat!

2011-11-18T07:55:00.001-06:00

Oh my we have some COOLER weather here in LA, like low 30s, yes I know, unreal since it was near 80 earlier in the week and will be high 70s this weekend. I am not so fond of the coolness, yesterday I had a scarf on with my lightweight jacket with my ensemble. By mid afternoon I needed neither (but I was still wearing my blazer) as it was gorgeous out. I love nice days. I wish I would have felt like being out in it more. However, after the lunch I was pretty much wiped out and came home to a hot tea and sitdown kinda afternoon! At this time of year mornings often roll in cool but by lunchtime it is my kind of day!

This morning I did cave and flip the switch to heat!

Bit nippy in here at 65* this a.m. brrrrrr

Not sure what my attire will be when I venture out today...you did read that right, I am venturing out. I am feeling sooooo much better, not totally over this but definitely feeling better and have things that I have put off all week that I would like to have done before the weekend. Just a few errands that I really would like to get out of the way, stop at the commissary AGAIN, geez I feel like I go there EVERY time I am on main base, BBB, Ross, Michael's or Hobby Lobby, you know the mundane little things.

My best friend this morning until the heat took the chill off!

Can you believe we were still using the AC merely two days ago! CRAZY!!! But the silver lining for me anyway is that the SUN is shining, yes, that makes cool (or even COLD) weather waaaay more tolerable in my book! So I am thankful for not only heat in my house today but for the sunshine!

I think that if at all possible, we will be firing this thing up now that they "fixed" it and enjoy some cozy time together right in front of it! I know, right, you're jealous again? Don't be! Go make your own thankfulness today, tomorrow and the next day, it's a choice you know?!

Thankful Thursday!

2011-11-17T15:04:00.000-06:00

I am still a bit under the weather, I have been "out" only once this week other then to go to the doctor on Monday. I felt I should attend an evening meeting yesterday, so I went, I left, I came home, I crashed, cause it "took it out of me" so to speak. Which speaking of speaking, my voice is sort of kind of back. It's not 100% but it's getting there. However, today I am went out again, went to a fancy smancy shindig, I hope I am germ free...I feel much better, but I know I am still fighting this mudbug!

MiB and I attended a luncheon for a really neat lady we met soon after we arrived LA. She is a retired Chief's wife, she is also a widow. She is quite spry, she is always smiling. She is an advocate for ALL things military. She works with the local Military Affairs Council, she works with the Chamber, she attends lots of events, she financially supports many, many things, she also leverages her employer to support Airmen and other worthy causes as well.

Today she was being honored for all of those things and many more that I have not mentioned. She invited us to the luncheon. We are honored she chose us. She is a true gem!

Thanks Ms Helen for ALL you do!

Thoughts:

I love soup on a cool day!
Follow up calls sometimes annoy me...
Thanksgiving...one week away, what to do?
Losing your voice makes talking on the phone tough!

Oh and these are my new red shoes, aren't they just too cute? I love them. I have already worn them twice and then again today. I love that they truly are that POP of color I needed to feel all pulled together and trendy. Even though I was skeptical of getting them, I think it was $ well spent. Now if I could only find a pointed toe flat that has that same POP quality, I think my fall winter wardrobe would be in pretty good shape.

Ciao!

Thankful for FACEBOOK!

2011-11-16T08:00:00.000-06:00

Really, I am thankful for FB! It's a craze I know and I kept up with it much better in it's earlier days, but I still love it. It's such a neat avenue to keep in touch.

I have to admit I have defriended people, I know, I know, but I'm still a pretty nice person! It's just that after we are friends I see that your posts are pretty raunchy for me and my world so I hit DELETE. I have also just ignored friend request, seriously, I have! I have sometimes felt kind of bad about that, like if I know you or I just don't know you well enough to be my friend or if I just think it's awwwkward. So if we just met or you know my husband don't friend me cause I'm pretty sure I'm not going to confirm you! Other times I have just honestly not known you. I have even messaged some of our "friends in common" to try and find out who you are and still been uncertain. I feel good about having some parameters with FB it works for me.

Oh and I have totally been defriended as well...yeah, I know, GASP, right? Earlier this year my, at the time, SiL defriended me. She has since become my no longer SiL. I wasn't really sure why at first I was defriended then it became apparent it was an across the board defriending as she defriended all things Mxxxxm. When the whole Big D started going down I had thought there might be some sort of neutral contact/relationship but once the defriend thing happened I guess that pretty much told me/us that option was off the table. Not to worry, I still get messages from her..yes, you read that right and I personally find it totally, well, awkward. I mean you defriend me then you wish me Happy 25th anniversary and Happy Birthday, I just don't get that. But then again I always did have a hard time wrapping my brain around her inner thought processes. I felt we had much to agree on, we were after all married to Mxxxxm Men, but when push came to shove it is my belief she never fully committed to or trusted hers. Enough of this though! The post is not about that it's about my being thankful for FB.

So anyway, I am a FB fan, it's been a wonderful way to stay in touch with those who we have been closer to at one time or another. It's a neat way to see into the lives of those you once shared so much more with and do to time or location that is no longer possible. It's awesome to sit and read up on what's going on with those you enjoy. I am thankful I have that. It's the little things...one of my friends had this post recently and it sums it up pretty well!

To every single one of you who are on my friends list --I enjoy catching up, hearing
about you and your family, sharing jokes and news, along with getting and sometimes giving support during good times and bad times too. I am not only glad
to count you as my friends, but also as my family. Thank you all so very much for being part of my life!!

Happy Wednesday!

Thankful for her...

2011-11-15T09:30:00.000-06:00

Honestly, I am very thankful for all my nieces! Even the ones I don't really know...but that's another post, maybe. But since HER birthday is today she is singled out for some extra words...

She was born while I was away at college. However, when she was just over a year old, I got to spend quite a bit of time with her since I was "home" while waiting to join MiB at our first duty assignment. So we hung out lots and we had a great few months in those early years. Then I came home to visit for an extended time period the next year and we again re-bonded and spent lots of time together. She's a quiet one without many words. But there IS a giggle that she still has to this day. She doesn't ask for much ever and she is somewhat last minute on things, usually important things too...but she is who she is and we love her! She is the mother to "the Littles" as well!

She's the one in the wedding dress :)

Today is HER birthday, so Happy Birthday to SLC-M!

"You is kind. You is smart. You is important!"

The Help

Thankful for Health

2011-11-14T09:30:00.000-06:00

Wow, I have had a crummy feeling weekend. It was made worse because we had great company and I felt so yuck. I still was able to function pretty well, though I feel like I napped a lot. I did cook some good food and we laughed a lot even though my voice is gone. Now I think I might have pink eye, exactly, HOW did I get that? Not sure but I googled it and it says it will go away on it's own in 7-10 days.. I went to bed with a red left eye Saturday night, had a real red left gooey eye on Sunday along with a slightly pink right eye and well today, both are reddish eyes. And it was the right one that was gooed up this a.m. The left eye I can feel, it doesn't really hurt, I can just feel it. Sounds strange I know but when you think about it do you really feel your eyes in your face/head? No, I think not; I know I do not feel my eyes on a daily basis. I know their there, but I don't feel them, today and yesterday I can feel the left eye.

I had yet to navigate the "appointment line" here, I was sort of dreading it, don't know why, it was painless minus the 12 minute wait to speak with a TriCare representative. I got in, 10:40 today, not with my PCM but who cares! I'm in! I know I still need to make some follow up appointments that I have been putting off so I will be calling back to do that later. As Monday a.m. is just NOT the time to get your routine appointments taken care of especially when you have no voice. I mean the lady didn't even grill me as to why I needed to come in, guess she assumed! I really have to make these other appointments as I have exhausted the wait until we are settled excuse, ugh, did I mention I just have this thing about NOT LIKING TO GO TO THE doctor? I will have to act...and soon.

Anyway, I am still thankful for my health. I suffer from no major medical issues that I am aware of. I rarely am sick. really! I am in good overall health. Right now I have what is probably something viral that will clear on it's own. I think I just have not built up any immunity to these MudBug Cajun germs around here! I really have been blessed with great health; I go to the doc only when necessary, cause as you know, I do NOT LIKE TO GO TO THE doctor, in case you skipped over that point earlier! You know, I need that yearly female appointment and all that jazz. I am also due for an eye exam. In fact if I would have had a voice when I made the appointment I would have asked should I go to the optometrist or see my PCM? I mean my main issue are the red green gooey eyes. Not to mention I really am overdue for new glasses and it's nearly time for my next dental check up too! Yee Haw! Oh yeah, I am so jumping for joy, NOT, for all these upcoming needed appointments. And now I am thinking why did I wait so long, I mean, knew I should have scheduled some of these back in August and now here we are in November. If I would have already seen an eye doctor I could have just called there for this but since I do not have a doc yet I didn't think I would be able to be seen for the first time as a sicky!

Still I say again I am thankful for my health...that is the point! And since I am a bit under the weather I am thankful that I have it. I hope you can find something to be thankful for today and really everyday...because honestly, we do have so much to be thankful for we just need to make sure we take time to remember that It doesn't matter your circumstances at the moment take a big picture look, YOU DO HAVE things you can be thankful for I'm pretty sure of it. And well, if you don't, do something about it!

Thankful for Christ

2011-11-13T09:30:00.000-06:00

I am so very thankful that I have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This is something I am extremely happy about, something that I am thrilled to have had for a number of years. I did not have one of those life changing adult come to Jesus conversions. I know people who have, their stories are usually very emotional. I am thankful for them and the relationship they have found but I am thankful God had a different plan for me.

I was a little girl who attended Vacation Bible School in the early 70s and felt a tug in my heart that sent me seeking out Brother Willard. He was a very tall man and he always had a smile on his face. He was the preacher at Calvary Baptist Church in my town. I told him I wanted to have Jesus in my heart. He took me into his office and talked with me and then we talked with my dad and I prayed with Brother Willard to ask Jesus to come into my heart. I know I was young, but I also know with everything a 7 year old knows that I made a decision and I have stuck with that choice. I am not saying I haven't had issues or sinned, but I know that there is not a question or doubt in my mind about the relationship that started way back when. I am forever grateful to those who prayed for me along the way, who discipled me, who held me accountable, who taught me and who loved. It's not always been an easy road, but it has always been a relationship, a continually growing one. And honestly, it has waxed and waned (only on my part!) However, I have always known that I am forgiven, known that I am accepted and I know without a shadow of a doubt that I have a place in eternity. It gives me hope, it helps me to have purpose, it's important to me. I do not find it always easy or enjoyable but for me I find it necessary. It does not make me perfect, I am far from it, but I have grace. If you do not believe in God, I am sorry, if you are offended by my post, I am not sorry, it's my blog, I get to write what I want. If you are not the believin' kind, I say to you, what do you have to lose? In my opinion not much really, but you have everything to gain. If you are uncertain you may want to "check you hold card" as BW used to say and I'll leave it at that.

So back to my original thought...I am forever grateful for Jesus Christ and the relationship I have with him.

Thankful for the Weekend

2011-11-12T12:30:00.000-06:00

With MiB off yesterday, having him again today is B O N U S! It's just so great to hang out with no agenda, we don't have a huge amount of commitments today or this weekend so we are able to just putter around, explore and have a great time! WooHoo :) This is so the life. I am really thankful for the weekend! Just wish I felt a little better, my voice is completely gone and I have a sore throat still, but nothing else except I'm really tired!

Hope you are having an awesome Saturday, if you are not, do something about it! Get out, enjoy the beautiful weather, if the weather is not beautiful then still engage in an activity that will bring a smile to your face or someone else's. Remember life is too short to not enjoy it.

Thankful for ALL those who serve!

2011-11-11T08:10:00.001-06:00

It is Veteran's Day!

Today we take time to honor those who have committed to serve our nation, those who love our country enough to defend her with perhaps the greatest sacrifice of all, it's not just a day off, though that is a nice perk. I think we as American's should be thankful, forever grateful to the men and women of the armed services who daily suit up to protect and defend us. I have said it before and I continue to say it AND believe it, it is unfortunate that our nation does not fully even realize or care that we are a nation at war. We have men and women in harm's way 24/7/365. Our country is defended by the best and the brightest, we are fortunate that there are so many willing to voluntarily serve. There is no longer a draft, though MiB and I just had a conversation about the Selective Service Registration requirement for most males turning 18, but that's perhaps a whole other post on another day. The reality is we have people who volunteer every day to serve OUR nation...that speaks volumes. In fact, if I understand it correctly we are being pretty selective on who can come in, it's highly competitive. So booyah, we have the best of the best, and if there's a doubt, they get weeded out over time. If you can't, don't or won't you will be replaces by someone who can, does and will. So let's all take time today to remember those who have served already, those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice and those who are serving today. They are not just a nameless face, they are brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, mothers, fathers, grandmothers and grandfathers, they are the world to someone, they are the defenders of our nation!

So Happy Veteran's Day to all those in uniform! THANK YOU for your dedication and service to our country, I for one appreciate you!

And the most special shout out of all goes to my own personal veteran, MiB!. So MiB should you happen to check in and read today's post, you should know that I am very, very proud, thankful and grateful for your service, you are a true American Airman who certainly does defend his country with his life. You have already willing put your life in harm's way and would do it again I know, you eat sleep and breathe your service to our country and I am so very proud of you, you are my H E R O!

Unfortunately, I am a bit under the weather today so I am very thankful for a hot beverage, a warm blanket and a hubby who is off to spend the day with me. I think I have the makings of something yukky. Headache on and off for three days now along with a sore throat. This morning I awoke with a snuffy nose and I also had a bit of a cough in the night, yukky is all I know to call it. I don't like it! However, I am not going to let it stop me from enjoying this Veteran's Day with my MiB even if we only stay home and enjoy the quiet together. Maybe it will be another pajama day...hmmm, I think I could go for that :) We'll just have to see.

Thankful Thursday!

2011-11-10T07:07:00.001-06:00

We are here at another Thursday, I am thankful that as of right now when I am done this afternoon I am coming home and we having nothing tonight. This makes me really thankful, it has been well over a week since we have had nothing in the evening. Mix that with the travel we have done lately and I need some at home time. I have a load of laundry going now and hope to finish it before I get out the door this a.m. I also have hopes of clearing the dining room table. My basket is there and all those things need to be put away! I still have some of the weekend travel remnants to stow away and I should do a bit of tidying up, you know those little things that just need to be done to keep a home in good order!

Ugh, I need to get off here and get moving and it's just now 7:00 a.m. I have been productive in the 30 minutes since I have been up but there is so much more so short and sweet today!

Thoughts:

I have a sore throat :(
I am not going to be sick!
I really cannot be sick at this time!
I am looking forward to the weekend!

Nothing profound there, sort of feeling it's already the holidays with the craziness of our schedule, but I know it's not and it will get even worse...yeah, I am sooooo excited, NOT! LOL Oh well, tomorrow's another day and MiB is off and I'm super excited!

Thankful for Charity Events

2011-11-09T17:25:00.000-06:00

Today was the OSC Basket Auction! This is a worthy event that raises funds for the Hap House Christmas party! The BESG contributed so they invited some of us to attend. Wow these ladies have deep pockets, I did put some bids in early on but I was unwilling to keep up. Worthy or not I have my limits! I did end up with a basket...it was not one of the baskets I originally wanted however I did really like one of the paintings in this basket! It was just such an odd assortment with no real theme but no matter I was the winner and now I have a pretty cool fleur de lis along with another painting I may use!

I'm on my phone and I will add a couple other pics later!

Updated with a couple pictures!

The only thing I wanted out of the basket!

I could potentially use this one...not sure.

Thankful for New Friends!

2011-11-08T16:40:00.002-06:00

Today was the November Girls birthday lunch. What fun we had, the food was good but the conversations and laughs were the bestest! I am glad to be included with such a neat group. We have been many places and served with many faces but these are truly some of the best. The cupcake was awesome yum and I wanted to eat the entire thing but I had one bite! Yeah for me :)

I am thankful for the many friendships we have forged over the years as MiB has worn the blue suit, it's been awesome and we are still in touch with so many of these folks. They are so much more then friends in so many ways; they are family. We are thankful to have been blessed enough to cross paths with such a great group. In retirement, which really isn't that far off, we hope that we can reconnect with others that we have served with. That will be so much fun! We are both looking forward to that!

Happy Tuesday to you and a BIG Happy Birthday shout out to my own father as he celebrates another year...he is 81 today! While he does face some unfun stuff he is blessed to be surrounded by the Littles on a regular basis along with other immediate family in the area and they certainly do him good. The Littles especially provide him with much laughter and stories to share. He is doing okay despite a few areas that he wishes were better, I think for 81 he is doing swell!

Happy Birthday Dad!

Thankful for myMiB

2011-11-07T12:10:00.001-06:00

We arrived home shortly after 1 AM this morning...it was a great weekend for many, many reasons but that drive, which is 8+ hours no matter how you slice it is killer. However, we are safely back, LilBlue is safely back and it's all good. I noticed this a.m. that the post for yesterday went up wordless. I did it from my phone and there were words when I sent it but I have yet to figure out the trick to where the wording goes that it gets actually posted when I do it like that. So I re-added them this morning.

The two I love the mostest :)

I sit here this a.m. drinking awesome good cappuccino sitting next to a great man who even though we made it back and could have gone to work this morning chose to stay in and enjoy a fuzzy, lazy morning with me. Going to a wedding always makes me recall our own day and how blessed I am to be married to this man, a man of great integrity, a man with a solid work ethic who provides so abundantly for our family, a man who has patience with me in my moments and love for my family, a man who takes care of all things. Thank you to MiB for being the man in my life who is just totally amazing; you are loved by your two girls more then you will ever know and we are so thankful for you.

Since we are back the job calls and we do have an event to attend this evening and laundry ~~calls~~, uh screams my name! Amazing how being gone just a couple days can generate this much stuff to wash! I am glad I have time to catch up before the week gets rolling, it's a full schedule. What are you thankful for today? If nothing quickly comes to mind besides chocolate you need to re-evaluate...just sayin'! Seriously, chocolate is a lovely thing but there is WAAAAAY more to life then chocolate. Start living in the real world, get your priorities straight on the things you are thankful for and make your life count is way that matters to you and those things or people you are truly thankful for.

Wedding...Thankful we could be there!

2011-11-06T17:07:00.000-06:00

The Littles were adorable at the wedding...I'm so very thankful we could be there to help out with the festivities! We had the fun of being last minute planners, decorators, errand runners and all around helpers to do what ever was asked of us! We also did some "what we thought should be done" things too! A garage was transformed! It was really neat to be apart of it! I pray for their future and happiness, I pray they stay as committed as it takes to make it work!

LilBlue caught the bouquet and of course is ready for that day in more then a day dreamy sort of way as most young women her age are...I fear that day will be hear sooner then we want! We know of course this is a natural progression in a relationship we just pray that they know we believe it should be for better or worse; should not be entered into lightly for convenience sake or any other reason then to be married and become one and work as a team on a life built together, period.

I'm so thankful for the weekend with family! It's great to be able to get together for fun things such as a wedding! Now we are in the car headed south for the long drive home and LilBlue is headed north. Prayers for all of our travels to be safe!

Thankful to be together!

2011-11-05T09:00:00.000-05:00

Today is our all day together day, it's been too long...we are just going to hang out and be us. We will do a little visiting with extended family but for the most part we are going to be us three. I am soooo thankful for this opportunity and will enjoy every second.

Oh yeah I am so thankful!

2011-11-04T09:00:00.000-05:00

Today I will focus on being thankful for my family...they are the good, the bad and the ugly but they are mine, they are all I have and I love them. I am the first to admit sometimes I don't like them, but honestly I do ALWAYS love them. That's the truth, come hell or high water I love my family. I am thankful for the additions to the family I have had. I am glad we have a relationship in spite of being second go round related. It's nice to honestly say we love each other but even nicer to know we like each other too!

I am thankful for my family, oh yes I am!

Oh and it's my very own special day...yep, Happy Cake day to me! I think I am getting an awesome homemade cake from a high school friend and I am pretty excited about that :) Course, I am not too thrilled about the calories I will consume enjoying said cake but hey that's how that sort of thing seems to work!

Thankful Thursday!

2011-11-03T08:30:00.000-05:00

So today is crazy and if all goes well we will be on the road headed north...praying it all goes well!

Short & Sweet!

Thursday Thoughts:

I try to understand...
I don't understand a lot!
I have a low tolerance for "things"
I am trying to be more tolerant of "things"

Over the moon excited we will see our LilBlue tomorrow :) WOOHOO!!!!!!

Thankfulness...

2011-11-02T09:30:00.000-05:00

This morning as I watch the news and such I am thankful I am not experiencing cold and snow in my world. I am also praying that the weather holds for our travels this weekend. We will be making a quick to trip to MO this weekend and LilBlue will be coming down as well, so I am praying for good travel weather for all involved.

I find as I mature (yeah, you can read that age if you want!) I prefer a warmer climate. In fact as MiB and I discuss retirement plans we are keeping that in mind. While we don't know where we will end up ultimately, we know if we have our druthers we will be choosing a warmer climate over a colder one to be sure. Course if the MiB has his way we will be in Hawaii and while I think that would be okay for a while I am not sure living there all the time would be thing either.

So today I sit here with a headache after a very little sleep night...not sure what's up with that. I have had a few days of uneasiness...that is usually not a good thing in my world. I am still trying to pinpoint the heart of it. I know I am juggling several things and feeling somethings are taking way too much of my time and other things I should be giving more time to, it's a balance. I still have not reached a balance here. I still do not feel connected here. I don't think that is really bothering me but maybe it is. The job here is bigger, has way more to it and I don't feel quite like I have a handle on it and the expectations are there. I know I will not be all things to all people and I have never tried to do that anyway; however, I do try to keep up. I try to keep the big picture in mind and not get too in the weeds, nonetheless, I do find myself out there, taking on too many little things that really someone else should have done at a much lower level but didn't and then it's really become an issue with someone or something. I am trying REALLY harder to stay out of those weeds...

I have a small to do list today, so now that I have had my cappuccino I should really get on to it. I hope the things I need to pick up do not prove difficult, I am once again on a mint hunt. I had this same hunt going on last year about this time for a birthday bash. I also need nuts, that will be the easy one!

I am outta here, enjoy your day. Oh, and it's an uber good friends b-day today so Happy Birthday LS!

Being Thankful...

2011-11-01T09:30:00.004-05:00

November, being the month of Thanksgiving and all I am going to try and make daily post (I said TRY) of things I am thankful for... what are you thankful for? Even in the worst of times and situations I think there are always things we can be thankful for that we tend to forget and also take for granted. If you are living in America, you have the BIG ONE, your freedom. Too many of us take that one for granted.

That is the one I am using for today. I am thankful for my F R E E D O M and for the men and women who continue to bring it to us every day. I am thankful I am able to be around those men and women every day, they are awesome people! These folks are real heroes and they don't even act like it's any big deal, they are "just doing their job" Yeah right, but I also like it that they are modest and humble or whatever you want to call it about it. that makes them all the more cooler!

So thank you to all the men and women in the armed services, you are responsible for our freedom and I for one am VERY THANKFUL for that.

And today I also remember the birthday of one who has gone on...a neat guy, a real character so to speak! I know he is deeply missed by his family. They have carried on, become stronger, maybe a bit more tender, maybe not nonetheless they still think of you and talk about you ofter.

RIP Papa

31 Days of Military Life ~ Day 31

2011-10-31T15:33:00.003-05:00

Wow, here we are, last day, unbelievable; some days it was TOUGH getting a post up, sometimes I thought what am I going to put up on the blog today? But in the end there was always something I could post. It wasn't hard so to speak, but challenging and I think that was the point of the whole thing. Challenge yourself, I did, I would do it again, I would give it more thought, I would name it more appropriately, I would have a better plan. I mean seriously I jumped in and had no plan...sooooooo unlike me. I am not the spontaneous type, but this was good for me, I enjoyed it for the most part. I probably won't continue to blog daily...in fact I know I won't, but I might try to be more bloggerly (yep, I just made that word up!). Sounds cool dontcha think? I do LOL

So that's it, that's all, we are finished, day 31 is going in the books, it isn't even a spectacular post, nothing to send you to the moon, over the rainbow or any of that jazz. Going out low key, that's the way I like to roll anyway, low key. Though I can see where over the years I maybe shoulda done a better job of being a bit more over the top, I didn't and I am not losing any sleep over it now. It is what it is so to speak...so take care and see you in a day or two or three, OR who knows maybe I'll see ya tomorrow. Just don't know :)

Bye!

31 Days of Military Life ~ Day 30

2011-10-30T14:46:00.000-05:00

It's the day before the LAST day of the challenge, I have almost done it...WOOHOO! I have learned a lot! I have much more admiration and respect for those "real" bloggers who do write daily - they make it look EASY, it's not, some days I thought I was going to be in a pickle. Thank goodness for my phone. I also jumped on so quickly that I had no real plan for the 31 days of writing. I should have had a better plan, but in the end I stuck with it and I have a record of lots of things that happened this month.

So on to today the almost last day! It's an ordinary day in our world, we just had a pancake and sausage lunch, we tried the Morningstar sausage, not bad stuff. We had the links but I also got some patties so we shall see on those another day! The pancakes were awesome, since there were no fresh blueberries in the produce section we had frozen but they were still nice according to MiB. He requested the pancake meal. They were yummy, I ate two, I could have eaten a lot more, but seeing as how I am trying to take off pounds not put them on I used restraint.

The day is gorgeous so MiB went for a run, I hope to get a walk in before the day is done. It's too nice to really be inside but we are catching up on some house things. It's all good. Happy Sunday to you and hope you enjoy the day whatever you find to do!

31 Days of Military Life ~ Day 29

2011-10-29T17:52:00.000-05:00

Today was my kind of day!!! Shhh don't tell but I am in my PJ's and have been ALL day! I know, right? You wish you were me today! I mean honestly how often does that happen? We had NO commitments today soooo we just slept in, had coffee in bed, did some reading (which has NOT happened since we moved into the house!), had an awesome lunch of riblets, salad, baked sweet potato, corn and bread, little college football and now I'm getting ready to read again. MiB has an event tonight so I'm hanging out doing my own thang still in PJ's :p life is good! Hope you are having a great weekend in your world! Maybe tomorrow we will do something a
little more blog worthy but as for me and what we did today...I'm absolutely loving it!!!!
Sent from my iPhone

31 Days of Military Life ~ Day 28

2011-10-28T11:51:00.000-05:00

GOAL DAY = day off ;)
Spending the day with MiB...just had veggie fajitas for lunch and now I think we are off to the movies!
Happy Friday to you!!!

31 Days of Military Life ~ Day 27

2011-10-27T08:36:00.001-05:00

Taking the easy way out today since it is a full schedule, starting out at PWOC then on to the Attic for the afternoon, PTA and AF101 this evening. I will be ready to meet my bed again tonight :) Still not certain on the "goal day" plans but know it will be time together for sure!!!

Thursday Thoughts:

THE DRIVE is still a =(
Gotta ebay me some BE...
Prayers for wisdom & our future...
Neighborhood is getting friendlier!

It may be a dreary day here (and it is weather wise) and there is MUCH NEEDED rain in the forecast but I am grabbing my raincoat and getting out the door for whatever life brings today! I hope you are meeting the challenges you face with a positive can do attitude cause anything less is just not acceptable. Take your circumstances for what they are, evaluate how you got there and make the needed adjustments to get where you want to be. Heck ya it's scary but it's your life and if you want to LIVE then start doing it and quit making excuses...

Outta here!

31 Days of Military Life ~ Day 26

2011-10-26T14:49:00.001-05:00

Oh my, I'm all over the place today! Been out and did errands and a commissary stop, now I am tidying up the house since I have ladies coming over this evening. I would love to get in gear and get a run/walk in. I'm wearing those Sprinkles Cupcakes, literally, I can tell big time! That's what happens when you are barely over 5 foot tall. I would love to have a few inches it would help my poundage for sure, but since I don't I have to take on other means to try and keep balance.

Still working on the auction basket for the Hap House. This has to be done and delivered next week before we leave to go out of town, I'm waiting still on some contributions from the others. I have it put together and itemized but still need a few goodies to add in.

I am ready to relax this evening, it is a neighborhood lady gathering, not sure how many will show, but I know two are, we'll see and we will have a good time no matter. It's good to get to see and chat with them other then at official functions. I am liking the whole getting together around the block thing. I know it can be a lot of work but I don't mind and since we are the childless ones we have been opening up our home more and more, it is not so tough to keep things ready to go. I also remember the days of feeling like our home was too small to have anything but I know that was just my thinking, no one else thought so. Anyway, it is good to have people in no matter the size of your place, the shape of your things or what's on your menu. The point is to build community and get to know one another and no one else really cares about the other stuff!

We are supposed to be getting a cold front in and the weather will cool off, today is gorgeous and while warm it is pleasant I hope we don't cool off too much, I am liking the mildness of the temps lately. Looking forward to Friday as it looks like we are getting a "goal day" which really just means a day off! WooHoo!!! We had thought about going to Dallas for the weekend, however, we have an event Saturday night so now we are not sure. We may just stay local and go exploring. I have several things on my to do list before we head to MO and this will be the last chance to do that so not sure. Whatever it ends up being, it will be a day with MiB which I will gladly take any day of the week!

Enjoy the rest of your day, I know I am :)

31 Days of Military Life ~ Day 25

2011-10-25T22:34:00.000-05:00

Awarding the diplomas!

Big day in the blue...the graduation was a lot of fun and we enjoyed some pretty decent food as well! It's late so I'm off to bed! Tomorrow will be another day...posting from my phone so it's kind of funky :)

My MiB chatting after the graduation...he's a talker!

31 Days of Military Life ~ Day 24

2011-10-24T10:37:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday Little #1

In just a few short days I will get to see this little guy again and I am so excited! I love him, he's my "buddy"! While MiB was deployed this past year I tried to spend lots of time with him and his little sister or "my little echo" as I liked to call her and I soooo enjoyed every minute with them. The two of them make up "the Littles" I have blogged about them several times! They crack me up every time I see them, they come up with the funniest things and they are a hoot to be around. And they love to dance.

I cannot believe he is 5, oh my, how they grow and the time is passing so quickly! I remember the day he was born I think we all do, bit of a surprise but we were all instantly in love with this little guy with the black hair and eyes. He stole EVERYONE's heart. Gigi and G-Pa especially! He has been the most inquisitive child I have ever been around, asking questions, I mean real questions continuously. He is such a deep thinker, although he has a sort of "worry" factor in his questioning as in, "what happens if" type thing, he also has a great imagination and gets on board quick with playing anything to do with movement, such as planes, trains and automobiles. I cannot tell you how many hours we spent building train tracks, racing cars with the most detailed scenarios I have ever heard. He also loves to play Legos and be read to.

In addition to playtime we spent many a lunch hour together at the counter, where in no short order he usually requested scrambled eggs with salt or noodles and crackers. He also made sure I was aware that I do not have a place at the counter...there is only room for himself, G-Pa and sister. This boy likes his routine and he did not want me coming in to mess it up :) He would also like some peaches or applesauce with that too thankyouverymuch! And for a prelunch snack I would take two chocolate tookies please :) This might also be a request after lunch as well. This boys knows what he likes and likes what he likes; not an adventurer in the food arena to be sure as I would try to talk him into at least trying what I was eating on a regular basis. My plate usually contained food very different then what he was having :) He would have none of it, oh he might make me think he would try it but then he would tell me why he couldn't! Silly boy!

So Happy Birthday to you little guy who is getting so BIG, I miss you and I will see you soon! We will have fun as we plan for another BIG day, more on that another day!

31 Days of Military Life ~ Day 23

2011-10-23T11:09:00.000-05:00

Sunday, a day of rest. I hope so!! MiB should be available most of the day, we don't have much planned and I like days like that especially on Sundays. Makes it low key and those days are nice! I do have to take that meal this afternoon but that will be pretty easy. I am going to get some baked beans put together and ready to bake shortly. I just finished my morning cappuccino and the last of my SPRINKLES cupcakes for breakfast. SO it was a great start to the day.

I wanted to share a couple pictures from yesterday too...

The crew, one in action, the others just waiting for the rush!

This is Sam the Pickleman, he didn't always have much business so invented little snacks to eat!!!

We were steady but not overwhelmed at any point, we were expecting it to be busier. It was a homecoming game so we really thought it would be a packed house, it wasn't. However, we were told they were two of the smaller schools in the area. That was another thing I had not heard of but I liked. The high schools in the area share this stadium. What that does is put the stadium to use more then just on Friday nights. They have games on Saturdays and also Sunday afternoons on some occasions. Pretty nifty and cheaper for all.

On to today, low key and not much on the agenda, awesome! So I'm outta here to start some baked beans and see what we find ourselves up to after the meal delivery is taken care of!

Enjoy your Sunday!

31 Days of Military Life ~ Day 22

2011-10-22T09:30:00.000-05:00

EXERCISE EXERCISE EXERCISE...that is the name of the game this week.

Since MiB has been out of town I have been minimally affected by this, however, this a.m. way too bright and early he was out the door headed to the Warrior Center. He will be onsite to take part in what's been going on most of the week. This type of operation happens frequently at this base due to the importance of being ready to complete worldwide missions at a moments notice. We have a very unique mission here and we MUST be ready to engage without fail at any time. Should you be intrigued about national security you should read up on the mission of the B-52 which is the aircraft we have here. You will be in awe or at least I was, then you will know that these men and women are an integral part of keeping the world safe.

In addition to the exercise we are working the concessions at a game today to earn monies to help offset the cost of the annual awards banquet that will be held in February next year. Then there is a little social gathering of the "niners" that we will drop in on. Just another day in the blue.

Should you be wondering I did have a cupcake for breakfast...it was divine, paired nicely with my cup of joe, in fact I had to show great restraint in not eating two, I MUST PACE MYSELF, but it was really good, I had the dark chocolate and talk about decadent, it was!

Off to get myself together, finish laundry and make a side dish to take the the social gathering, also need to figure out what I am taking to a family tomorrow for dinner, I know it will involve chicken but that is about it. Certainly not going to be as easy as the mac n cheese, corn dogs and cookies I delivered last night to a family in need...hmmm, I better get busy daylight is burning and besides that my coffee cup is empty!

31 Days of Military Life ~ Day 21

2011-10-21T22:17:00.000-05:00

MiB is back and you will not even believe what he brought with him...

SPRINKLES

Okay, so this is sooooo gonna be bad for my waistline...and he brought a WHOLE DOZEN, it's bad! I won't even tell ya that I already ate the pumpkin one! Oh yes I did! And I might of had a red velvet one too, but it wasn't that great (only because I don't really like red velvet, but he brought an assortment). Really funny thing is that I was telling future DOC P about Sprinkles over lunch! Ha little did I know MiB was bringing some home with him!

My busy day included lunch with a friend from Italy days! It was so fun to be able to see her again and her baby. Said baby was only 7 mos old when they left, she is in 2nd grade now. Gosh, I'm aging :/

P & ME

DOC P & P

Lunch was really good, I mean honestly, really good; MiB and I will be going back together for sure! It's got ambiance and the food was t a s t y, I want to go back so I can try some of the other things on the menu, especially spanakopita! There were so many choices I can see several future trips! I thoroughly enjoyed Yeero Yeero for sure :o)

It's late I know! And it's been a full day after a short night and tomorrow is another full day so I am off to bed with a two cupcake full tummy, ugh, I'm gonna be unhappy when I step on those scales in the morning...oh well, there is always the two walks a day options I suppose or I could run more. Geez, life is so difficult sometimes!

Night anyway, I will probably dream about the lemon coconut cupcake, dark chocolate and milk chocolate cupcakes still left...one of them will taste might fine with my salted caramel cappuccino in the a.m. for sure!!!!

31 Days of Military Life ~ Day 20

2011-10-20T18:18:00.000-05:00

It's Thursday and the quick way out is to post Thursday Thoughts!

I love fall!
Thankful for "good people"
Glad MiB will be back tomorrow!
Love getting to know the neighbors.
Need to get a walk in today before the sun goes down...

So today the Protestant Women of the Chapel did a lunch for the Chaplains since this is Pastor Appreciation month, it was very nice, I couldn't stay long as I had another commitment but it was nice. I kind of took the easy way out and brought chicken tenders from Wal-Mart. I love chicken tenders! I was going to get them at Albertson's but they don't go on sale til tomorrow and W-M was closer.

In addition I also am making a meal for another family in need tomorrow night. It is only for two little guys so they are getting homestyle mac and cheese and corn dogs. Another family in need will be getting the Albertson's onsale chicken tenders and some sort of side that I make but not sure yet what they will be and that will be win-win cause I bet some of those tenders make it home for MiB and I :)

It's a fall like day and I am loving it! I had a full day. The Attic was BUSY and an First Term Airman class stopped in then we had the monthly drawing. That is always fun. We do a drawing on some of the neat higher value items that come in

The incredible Ms M making one of the calls to let AMN S know he won the ipod!

I just finished my salad and have to work on the claim for our moving damages. ALL pictures have now been taken and uploaded and now I am working on values. It is a daunting task and one I do not enjoy. I know it HAS to be done we are running our of time so I am making myself do it tonight.

Go CARDINALS!

31 Days of Military Life ~ Day 19

2011-10-19T16:57:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday Ladies!

Today we gathered to celebrate the October birthdays. What fun we had! We ate at a new Mexican place, ToMolly's. I thought it was tamales when they told me the restaurant, funny! Anyway it was pretty good, I had the enchilada special, which is every Wednesday, three enchilada's (cheese, chicken or beef) with rice and beans for $4.99. My kind of deal, I brought two home for my dinner!

Our birthday girls!!!

JH made a gluten free cake, my first taste of such a thing, it was tasty, I had a sliver! Chocolate is not my first choice, gasp! I would prefer lemon, carrot or pumpkin, call me crazy but they are way better then chocolate any day in my book!

With the traditional sombrero, I mean we were at a Mexican restaurant. They also brought them a sopapilla topped with strawberries and whipped creme, now that I would go for, but I had already had my sliver of the chocolate cake so I said no!

After our lunch I did a little shopping, well I also did some before our lunch too :) The area were the restaurant is has lots of stores and I don't make it up to that neck of the woods much so took advantage of it while I was there. I scored at Target! They had cute paper goods marked down to 56 cents a package. That's a bargain in my book, 10 count dessert plates, 20 count napkins, oh yeah, next neighborhood gathering is covered for plates and napkins :) Then I headed south to World Market to pick up some new SF syrups. I got a bottle of almond and a salted caramel. Looking forward to trying those! We have tried the brown sugar cinnamon and won't be buying that again, I like the pumpkin pie, MiB not so much, vanilla is a keeper and so is English toffee, there are only about 30 others to try! Some don't ever sound appealing others I hope to get next!

I also sadly report that I am struggling with that horrid 7#s again...I know, it totally bums me out. I have got to make time to get back on the exercise wagon cause for me and my body it make a huge difference. I can watch what I eat, count my calories and all and what my fat and if I don't get my booty moving it just doesn't help me to keep the weight off. So I haven't been getting the walks and occasional runs in and this a.m. the scale (and yesterday and the day before) really told on me. With cooler weather and all the holidays coming up I have to get back on top of this. Right now I sit at needing to get back off about 5#s but I know that could easily be the 7 if I am not careful. And eating at Mexican places doesn't help :(

So right now I gotta run! LITERALLY!!! I just got a text from MiB he is headed to the gym so I am headed out for a walk and depending on how I feel since it's been a while I MIGHT run a little, but irregardless I am going to get this body moving cause that is a start and you gotta start back somewhere, CIAO!

31 Days of Military Life ~ Day 18

2011-10-18T12:39:00.001-05:00

Can you say GREEN with envy? Or maybe orange, red and yellow with envy! This is a picture MiB sent me this morning...

G. O. R. G. E. O. U. S.

I think the changing of the trees in fall is just beautiful and here in LA we are not seeing that. For one the trees seem to be dead and those that aren't are still green. However, today it is cool, and I like the cooler temp, what I am NOT enjoying is the wind, brrrrr. That stuff is yuck. So I hope you don't start to think I am never happy about the weather here... It does tend to be a topic I choose to discuss often. Think about it, weather happens in some form EVERYDAY so I am going to notice and mention it dontcha know?!

I'm getting this post done before the rest of my day takes off, I had an early meeting, then cookie drop off, commissary run, gassed up (and gas went up AGAIN--ugh!) now I am back at the house for a couple hours before going to a couple meetings. I do not think it is a real busy day but I do have enough to keep me busy. I am trying to get some things done at the house and hope to wrap up a couple projects before the meetings!

We are officially starting to work on the annual awards banquet and hoping for a good turnout. Trying to keep ticket prices low and attendance high. Not sure we will have a theme but it could work out, hoping to get across the board participation in planning, execution and attendance. It will be here before we know it (February 2012) and we have to get the ball rolling now. Making some phone calls and getting some email out this afternoon regarding this event!

Happy Tuesday to you :)

31 Days of Military Life ~ Day 17

2011-10-17T14:49:00.001-05:00

Monday, Monday...that's all I know, well, I mean I think it's a song but I don't know any more of the words. I know I could google it, you can google anything nowadays and sometimes you really shouldn't but we do... LOL!

Not a lot to report today except that I was up at O dark thirty, okay really it was 4:56 but I like the sound of O dark thirty, hahhaha and on my way with MiB to the office and then to the airport. It is bosses day today and we needed to drop off the acknowledgements before he left town. Honestly, we have had some AWESOME bosses, some really great leaders and I have mostly fond memories of each one, well, there was that one in, oh wait, I will just leave that detail off. So anyway here in LA we have another one of those good guys, who really "get it", who is doing what he can at his level to take care of our Airman, he values the enlisted perspective and is taking some steps to take even better care of our Airman. It's just great to work with good people, so Happy Bosses Day to those who are in that position. And hey, remember you were probably a little guy at one time too so don't forget where or how you got to where you are... and while I don't mind these "days" I just think it's a Hallmark ploy to sell more greeting cards. I mean we have a a"DAY" for everything, secretaries day, bosses day, friendship day, sweetest day, earth day, the old standbys of mothers/fathers and valentines day of course. However, it's those other ones that get me...I mean really?

So MiB is on the East coast at a leadership conference this week, which leaves me to hold down the fort on my own. I am good with that and hope it is uneventful. So far, so good and we are not even 24 hours in. Even though I did get a surprise phone call from my cousin and it was neat to chat, it's been a while. She shared some crummy news though...praying for another cousin who is going through a rough patch and hope it all works out. I have a pretty light week if you compare it to the last two, which is kind of nice, then it gets going again, but I am not going to think about that right now!

Hope you have a great Monday, Monday...I am! And if you are looking for blogs with a lot better reading then mine check out all the other 31 day-ers here! There are some really good reads and ideas out there! Here are a couple I am enjoying...ONE and TWO and really two is one I have on the side of my page that I read all the time anyway, so I guess that's kind of cheating, but whatever, THREE, FOUR and that's enough from me, click around and find some that you like too!

31 Days of Military Life ~ Day 16

2011-10-16T08:30:00.001-05:00

So it was late last night and somewhat early today...that's my life, crazy like that and I love it...most of the time! LOL

The 5:45 a.m. phone call was a ~~GREAT,~~ okay, seriously on a Sunday a.m. it was a not so GREAT! It was not the way to I wanted to wake up this morning. And honestly, when the crackberry goes off before 6 a.m. I already know it's not good. So I just start prayin. Same is true when it rings after midnight, you know it's not good. It wasn't good, another DUI, ~~crap~~, uh, I mean darn! I mean really, can we just use some sense around here folks. You are the nation's best and brightest, you are protecting the entire FREEDOM's of our nation and for that matter the freedoms of many other nations as well. Then you go make the most STUPID decision of all to operate a vehicle under the influence.

Okay, you're done, we have just lost a lot of training dollars, manhours of many not to mention you have just ruined your career, was it worth it? Well at this moment, you may not realize the horror of your error and thank God no one was injured in your escapade. But trust me you were downright dumb to do that. We have a 24 hour manned phone to drive you should you find yourself in this type situation, my husband has personally given out his cell number to over 2/3 of you on this base, you have friends, remember, it's called a WINGMAN, and you still made this decision to operate a motor vehicle under the influence.

Lest you think this is a big military issue, it is not, it happens in the civilian world as well, daily and it's not the alcoholic joe, it's lawyer's and doctor's too, the drink makes eveyone stupid. Either stay off it or have a plan. It's not like there aren't options, ever heard of a cab? Yeah, a friend will come to get you at 3 a.m. and they won't mind, especially, to save your life or the lives of someone else. However, I would be remiss if I don't add in that if you are calling every weekend there is a problem. You are drinking too much and you are drinking without a plan, BOTH are unacceptable. Get a life. If you are only finding life in a bottle or can you need some help, get it, it's out there.

So on to phone call number two...not so bad 7:45 a.m. I am still lightly awake from the first call. Off to work for hubby today, we are playing so that in the event real things happen we are ready. In our world this is an "EXERCISE" and it's what keeps us top notch. So I am now up and ready to tackle my day since all prior plans have been derailed...no pancake and bacon breakfast and movie this a.m. it's now a little laundry, cleaning and commissary run along with a few off base stops as well. It's all good, it's another gorgeous day out and I'm nearly ready to meet the public and get on with living.

Take care and enjoy your Sunday no matter what you chose to do :)

31 Days of Military Life ~ Day 15

2011-10-15T20:58:00.001-05:00

Wow, the day got away from me...we got home from church and I made dinner and thought, oh my I still need to get a post done! OOPS

I am going to keep it short and somewhat pictorial.

From the MAC picnic, yesterday!

Oh, the veggie chili turned out AWESOME, I did make several tweaks to the recipe I posted and it was yummy! The dinner was great, there was lemon cake for dessert and yes, I had two slices! I know, those scales aren't going down if I'm doing that, but I am SUCH a sucker for all things lemon! And hey, I won the "high girl" score for the card game we played, which was a new game for me. You moved tables each "hand" and if you moved that meant you won, if you were 1st you collected two points, 2nd you received 1, so I got the most points and won for the girls! I know right? Starbucks gift card is now mine :)

Today we did get a few things accomplished and we supported the current ALS (Airman Leadership School) class by getting BOTH of our cars washed. They did a good job!

At the "car wash"! Lil Smartie was EASY to wash!

After our car wash we took a drive, it was a nice way to spend the afternoon and explore the area. We found a few back roads and short cuts that could be handy in the future. We really didn't have a plan we just drove and looked and ohh and ahhed in a few neighborhoods, then found our way home before making our way to church.

Dinner tonight for me...cauliflower crust pizza, really good, honestly, I blogged about this already so if you are intrigued or want to know more see here!

MiB had regular crust cheese and onion pizza, I did have a SMALL SLIVER of his :)

G'night!

31 Days of Military Life ~ Day 14

2011-10-14T17:15:00.000-05:00

It was a great day for a picnic! I am glad it was a good afternoon. The morning was somber as we attended a memorial service for a young, way too young Airman. He left behind a young wife and an even younger little girl. I cannot even begin to fathom the shoes she is walking in right now. I can pray for her to continue to have strength and I will, I think she is doing good in the big scheme of things, but this is not just a one day thing, she will live everyday on this earth without him, the love of her life and although I did not know him nor her until today, I am grieved. But I committed to pray for her and I will, it is the least I can do.

So, again it was a great day for picnic, the weather was awesome and the food and drinks were plentiful and we enjoyed seeing our fellow Airman enjoying this event. It is wonderful to be in a community that takes such great care of our Airman, we are looked after, and given offers to help without a second thought. They are always saying , please let us know if we can help. Let us know if there is anything we can do. We are really supported and it is a good thing. This is not just unique to LA, we have had great community support in OK, CO, FL and NE as well, it's amazing and wonderful and sometimes very humbling.

So I am finishing the chili that I talked about yesterday, I have tweaked the recipe a bit, as I did roast the veggies and I have also added corn to the pot along with a small can of rotel sauce. Did you even know they had such a thing? I did not but saw it amongst the tomato products so grab one to add to the chili. I just hope it does not add too much kick, I'm a wimp and I want to enjoy this chili!It's just a little can so it should be fine!

Gotta run change clothes for the third time today and head on out for the gathering. Hope you have a happy and safe evening!

Oh and I am smiling extra big cause I talked to LilBlue today and that always makes my day! She is going to be in MO for the wedding so I will see her for a couple days! WOOOHOOOO that REALLY makes me smile :)

31 Days of Military Life ~ Day 13

2011-10-13T16:46:00.001-05:00

Well that rain I told you about yesterday didn't amount to much. Today is another gorgeous day in LA. And while it still feels like summer out there right now, this a.m. it was a bit crisp and I liked it. It's been such a busy today and tomorrow will hold even more I have not been out much to enjoy it. But I plan to sit in the sunshine in just a few minutes while my veggies are roasting.

I am making a new chili recipe to take to the Commander's house, I sure hope it taste good. It is a vegetarian recipe and it uses carrots and sweet potatoes. This is the recipe but again I am roasting my veggies not sauteing. I also doubled the recipe. I will let you know if I like it!

Ingredients:

2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, diced
2 small sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
2 medium carrots, sliced
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped (optional)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 15 ounce can black beans
1 15 ounce can diced tomatoes or tomato sauce
1/2 cup vegetable broth
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp cayenne (or to taste)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Preparation:

Saute onions and garlic in olive oil for a minute or two, then add sweet potatoes, carrots and bell pepper until onions are soft, about 5-6 minutes.

Reduce heat to medium low, and add remaining ingredients, stirring to combine well.

Simmer, partially covered and stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes, until flavors have mingled and vegetables are cooked.

I spent my morning at PWOC and then my afternoon was at the Airman's Attic, a quick stop at the commissary again for the "cold" stuff I needed and then straight on home where I am prepping for the chili above and dinner tonight. I am hoping to finish getting pictures for the claim as well. Then I am praying an early arrival home this evening from MiB so we can enjoy a quiet evening at home!

Since it IS THURSDAY here are some of my thoughts!

I love fall, where is it?
Need some new wardrobe items...
Wish I could be in two places at once...
Ready for a road trip to Dallas & SPRINKLES!
Going to MO in a few days for a wedding, woohoo!

31 Days of Military Life ~ Day 12

2011-10-12T12:32:00.001-05:00

Shhh, that IS wet pavement outside my patio door...it's sort of raining, sprinkling for sure and they say it will continue this the rest of the afternoon and possible into the night. WoooooooooHooooo. We so so so need rain, it's been one of the HOTTEST summers on record here, triple digits for over 69 days with not any measurable moisture in a long time, so I am hoping this wet pavement sticks around for awhile.

Just to be even more honest, I am thrilled I am home. I had an early meeting (read that o dark thirty), then stopped by the commissary, dry cleaners and shopette before I made my way back home. I am one who likes to be at home in inclement weather. I know rain hardly qualifies as inclement weather but for me it does :) It's just my personal preference not to be out in it; I have even postponed car travel due to rainy weather, I just don't like to be out in it. I don't like to be out in snow either.

So now that I am home, it's a catch up afternoon. I need to finish my Bible study for PWOC tomorrow, that is Protestant Women of the Chapel and also do more laundry, I think that never ends, not to mention, I really have to spend some time working on our household goods damage claim. It's all electronic now and we have pictures that will have to be uploaded plus I have to find some time to get to a Target or the like to get prices on some of the items. It's a big pain really, but we had significant damage this time so we will be filing. Our bedroom suit which we just got in FL was really beat up and then we had several broken and damaged items. Crazy how some moves are worse then others.

Oh and the meeting I attended this morning was the "Shirt Meeting" These guys (and girls, though no girls were at this meeting) are that AND a bag of chips, the real bomb. They are the care takers of all things Airman. It's a rough job, it's a calling to wear the diamond, those who do so, usually do it well, those who don't usually get out of the field. It's not easy getting the 3 a.m. phone calls, or midnight notifications; delivering tough news to family members, having to know more of the story then anyone else, having to be the "bad guy" when no one else will, being the "heavy" always on duty, taking the time, money and no credit for helping those who need it most on a daily basis. I know they are awesome, that they are doing a phenomenal job, but they still need to be told, yes, they do. They need to hear, they should hear it! That is the case for most people, they do their job, no one says squat, they mess up and everyone is all over that. I am trying very hard to thank those who do their job and do it well, making a conscious effort to be a builder upper, not a complainer. There is plenty to gripe about, really, trust me on this, but there is also lots to brag about about. Try it, you'll see, it's so very true, focus on the positive and others around you will catch that same spirit and attitude and everyone will benefit.

My motto here since just a few days after arrival has been keep it positive and productive; if you can't or won't maybe you need to move on. I refuse to be a part of the problem I am going to be a conduit of change and help keep it positive and productive, period! Join in won't you?

31 Days of Military Life ~ Day 11

2011-10-11T15:20:00.001-05:00

Since yesterday was a holiday, today feels like Monday!

Not a lot going on but I did make a trip out and found an awesome grey shirt ON SALE at SteinMart and also a grey cardigan at Loft, again, ON SALE!!! I was really wanting to incorporate more grey in my wardrobe since it seems like it is one of those good classic colors that can be seasonless. I am still on the search for a cute little pointy toe flats in a "pop" color and also a new handbag, again in a color that will somewhat "pop". I'm what I call fashion challenged, I try, I really do, I think I have come a long way, but I still feel totally inept and most of the time not that pulled together, which IS what I would desire. So while this 31 day challenge is going on, I have taken to reading a couple new blogs. If you would like a little wardrobe help try checking out these two blogs!

Oh and I did and am still doing laundry, yeah, those very fun necessary things, I do them too!

The evening holds an event for us, it will be at a location I have not yet been, kind of excited about that as it is a pretty cool location from what I'm told. This is a full week, something nearly every night, next week MiB will be gone. I still need to make some decisions on my going to MO. I am not so much concerned with the going it is the getting back that makes me concerned. The weekend we need to be there is a CRAZY busy weekend here, so MiB's attendance at this point could be questionable. This really makes me sad and mad all at the same time! I mean he has missed so much already from his being gone, like really gone, TDY , deployed, however, the fact that he is here but just can't get away irks me. I know it will pass, it always does, but since I am just now facing that reality I am a little fresh with my dislike :(

Well, more laundry awaits and a bit of paperwork dealings, along with tidying up the house after our long weekend so I must go be productive. Hope your Tuesday is awesome!

Ciao!

31 Days of Military Life ~ Day 10

2011-10-10T11:20:00.000-05:00

So in case you are just stopping by or not sure why I am on a posting frenzy, it is a challenge going on within the blogging world of some of the bloggers I enjoy reading. I jumped on the band wagon at the last minute (even figured out how to link and make a "button" with a little help). Now I quickly came up with the "title" for this challenge and really I feel it is a bit misleading...I mean it is not really truly "military life" so to speak, it is just ordinary stuff in our life as a military family but I committed to blog EVERY day of this month. That was the biggie, blogging every single day! There are 700 or so others who made this commitment as well! Check it out here!

There are some REALLY, really good reads, some really, REALLY talented writers, I am not at all in the same class as them, we are all on a journey and I am sharing part of our journey on this blog! I just decided to join in last minute, which is really out of character for me and it's been kind of fun and scary all at the same time! I am having fun at this spontaneous decision, who knows what I might try next :)

So on to DAY 10!

It's Columbus Day, MiB has the day off, most people didn't even realize it was a holiday, not many people get the day off for this particular holiday. Banks and Federal employees I think are about it. Schools are still in session (at least in this area), stores are all open, so it's a pretty low key holiday. That's okay with me. I'm enjoying the time with MiB, something I will take any day of the week for any reason. It's all good in my book when we have a non committed day.

This afternoon we do have the New Kids on the Block gathering and other then that we have no commitments, WOOHOO!!!

The grill was wheeled down the street! Thanks COL!

We did have a sprinkle but thankfully there was a great canopy brought out, then the rest of the time was spent visiting and getting to know each other, overall I say SUCCESS!

In fact everyone wanted to know when we would be doing it again, soooooo we are already mulling over ideas for November. I am now the "get together coordinator and we also have a volunteer offer to put together some game nights, so we are on our way to a building great community relations with our neighbors and most of us seem really excited about that :) I know I am, and so is MiB!

What are we doing on our non-committed day? Enjoying a lazy day...yeah, I know, not very exciting and I am STILL in my PJs and soooo okay with that even though it just passed the 11 o'clock hour! I am going to fix lunch soon, but wanted to get my post up first. I hope I will update it later this evening with some of the "gathering' photos!

I hope you are enjoying your day! That's all :)

31 Days of Military Life ~ Day 9

2011-10-09T19:10:00.001-05:00

Oh what a nice day, it was again gorgeous weather wise and after a nice easy start, a run for MiB, a run for me (but to the commissary, LOL) we started our day. I did an experimental recipe for lunch and we both agreed it was a keeper. May tweak it a little but we liked it. What's not to like about pizza, I love pizza, MiB loves pizza and this recipe is less calories then "real" pizza so it's win-win!

Before you make a determination, give it a try, it is made with a grain free crust...yes, I know sounds nuts but it really was good. The crust was made with 2 cups steamed cauliflower, 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese, 2 T cottage cheese, and 2 eggs. Sprinkle in a generous amount of garlic powder and Italian seasoning along with a little black pepper and you have the crust.

Ready to be steamed!

The process for me was this:

I clean a head of cauliflower and steamed it in my Pampered Chef steamer with a couple tablespoons of water; it took 7-8 minutes. I wanted it more steamed rather then less since I was going to food process it, if I were eating it I would go less. Cool it for a bit, then put it in your food processor, with the seasonings, cheese and eggs. Process til smooth, Here's the tricky part, it's pretty sticky at this point, so I put some parchment paper down on my baking sheet (I used an airbake rectangular sheet; rather then my Pampered Chef pizza stone for this) and spread it out with a spatula. I tried to get it as even a possible. Then I baked it 450* for 15 minutes, it was a nice golden brown. When I do this again I will attempt to "flip it over and get the otherside golden as well" about half way through.

Before baking the second time

Then you top is with your favorite sauce, cheese and for us zucchini, onions and roasted red peppers. Though I would roast my zucchini before I top the pizza next time as it did not get quite as "done" as we would have like, but it was still good, just a tad bit firm.

Over all, we thought it was awesome, the crust did get more brown on the edges were it was "thinner" so I will try to spread it better to keep that from happening and again, I am going to try and cook both sides. I still have enough steamed cauliflower to do it again so I will later this week and I will tweak some more, I may try more cottage cheese less moz, but we'll see.

Just before cutting and eating!

Hope you have a fantabulous Sunday, we are just back in after a Sunday Drive around the East Reservation and also a few errands. Just so you know this was NOT an original idea, I saw it on another blog that I sometimes read. You too, can read the blog post with the original recipe here and there are some other tips on making it too!

We have already had mashed cauliflower and love it as substitute for mashed potatoes so this was not such a stretch for us to try this but for some I realize it will be a real stretch, I say give it a whirl, you may love it, you may not, but you won't know til you try it!!! I plan to try the granola bars off this site at some point as well! And yeah, I will probably blog it!

31 Days of Military Life ~ Day 8

2011-10-08T20:29:00.001-05:00

What a beautiful day in LA. We had a LATE night, so we got a slow start on our day. However, we did make it to the AFSA Picnic where MiB played on the kid toys. It was a great day for a picnic and we enjoyed meeting some new folks. It was great to put faces with names and meet the "other half" of some of the folks we had already met.

After the picnic, which we did not actually eat since we were talking and playing, we went to a new diner. Yep, well it's a onefer, we went once and won't need to go back. The cheeseburger MiB had was not able to finished, barely started actually...what I got was okay but nothing to bring me back. That's a neat thing of living in so many different places you get to try lots of different eateries. Unfortunately, since arriving here in LA we are not having much success of what we would define as "good". But we are still taking suggestions and looking for places on our own.

Short and Sweet today, military life was pretty simple, the night was long, phone calls and such, but the day was great. It will be early to bed for us and tomorrow will be a new day! We shall see what it holds...I do know there is a parade scheduled and also maybe a movie for us :)

31 Days of Military Life ~ Day 7

2011-10-07T13:33:00.000-05:00

WooHoo, it's Friday, yeah, I am ready for the weekend! It's been a busy week here in the blue. Actually, I think the weekend preceding this week was busy so starting out this week I was already feeling a bit run out.

Tonight we are doing AFSA BINGO. Not sure I am ready for this experience but it is for a good cause so I'm good for at least a onefer! Since AFSA is such a HUGE supporter of the military locally and worldwide along with going to bat for us in Washington DC we like to support them as well. AFSA is a leading advocate for military benefits, they are amazing in their efforts to make sure our men and women in uniform are well represented on the hill. It's a great organization and are proud to be a part of it!

In other areas today I am spending some much needed time doing those little things around the house that need to be done but when you are in and out so much they sometimes get forgotten. I have cleaned the bathtub and all the toilets along with several loads of laundry. I have also downed three cups of joe. I will be up late tonight so I am not so worried about caffeine consumption. I hope to tackle mopping floors before the afternoon gets away; I also plan to do a little dusting. IF I still have a few moments I will also run the vacuum.

After BINGO we are going to Taco Mania. This will be another first for us. I'm excited! I heard it's pretty good. I also just got the name of a good Italian place I hope we can try it next Wednesday. Notini's is the name. I know we are Italian food snobs but that is what happens after you live in Italy, what can I say, I'm sorry! But I will let you know what we think of this place after we try it. We also got the name of another pizza place, PieWorks. Not sure when we will try it since we just had pizza last night. And this need to lose a few pounds body of mine cannot have pizza again for awhile!

So happy Friday to ya, I'm ona roll and need to get back to the little chores on my to-do list for today! This whole blogging everyday is TOUGH. I really admire those who have much more meaningful and relevant post then I but I am committed to the task of doing it daily so you get what you get and that's all I have to say about that!

31 Days of Miltary Life ~ Day 6

2011-10-06T16:30:00.000-05:00

Last night we chose to "celebrate" with some new found friends. Actually celebrate is a little off, we went out together before he heads off to the AOR. If you are non military acronym savvy that just means he is going to be now be working in an area that isn't very safe. Deployment is another word for this. It is usually a negative word in our business. However, that is only typical on the spouse end. After all, we are the ones staying behind to be both mom and dad, continue to keep everything running smoothly and maintain a sense of sanity. Not easy! The member that goes isn't on vacation, but they are in the fight so to speak. For the most part they are loving the experience of feeling like they are making a difference, working nonstop and days passing quickly but months drag on. They are on the tip of the spear, gaining knowledge and wisdom that only "boots on the ground" can, they are observing first hand what many never will. It's a proud moment. Being in the AOR is a honor and many while hating the being away from their own families part do and would return again and again. Serving in this environment is unlike serving anywhere else. I cannot fully describe it but I have been around enough to know that these men and women in uniform volunteer to go back again and again because they love what they do. They are America's best and they are proud to serve!

Good luck Chief F! We will help as much as we can on the home front while you are serving on the forefront.

As far as my journey today I attend Suicide Awareness training. While not a real fun brief to go to I did picked up some new insight. Suicide happens, it happens in all walks of life and unfortunately we see if far too often in the military. I'm reminded again to be very sensitive to certain signs and behavior of those around me and not to just let an off day or comment go, dig deeper. It was a good refresher.

Oh and I think even though I am on this 31 day roll I will still do Thursday Thoughts:

So today my thoughts are:

Smitty's was darn good!
Road trip to MO coming soon...
Wedding bells will soon be ringing.
B I N G O this Friday night, then tacos.
Suicide training, necessary but not at all fun!

Just to clarify, the wedding bells are NOT LilBlue but my niece.

31 Days of Miltary Life ~ Day 5

2011-10-05T09:10:00.000-05:00

Today is a milestone for us! And since 1984 we have celebrated this day. It was on this very day back in 1984 that MiB asked me to marry him. PLEASE NOTE this is NOT the day we got married just the day that he asked! It is the day I said, "YES"! We celebrate this day every year, we make it special, we do fun things. One year I got him a tie and told him I would "tie the knot with him again any day" other years we just take the time to go to dinner, just us and away; other years I have made a special dinner; he has also been the dinner maker...he does an awesome steak on the grill with a baked potato and a nice green salad!. There have been several years where we have not been together on this day but we still try to make it special. we usually do cards. We have done funny, serious, sentimental and even homemade. I have filled his car with balloons, he has brought me flowers, and even candy! It's just a day we celebrate in our world.

Oh yes he did!

As far as relating this to military life, well, sometimes you have to make your own fun, your own traditions, your own way. You don't usually have blood relatives around, so you make it with who and what you got. It works and it's fun! Everyday is not a celebration, but I recommend ALWAYS taking the time to celebrate; take time to smell the roses so to speak. Life is way too short and too precious not to celebrate. And celebrate the little things right along with the big. We have seen families lose loved ones unexpectedly, it's not fun, so be a celebrater, doesn't matter that it's not a BIG day, make it BIG in your world, fuss about the great things, make a party out of an accomplishment little or big cause it's those things you will remember and will hold on to as some of your best moments! Trust me, so get out there and find something to celebrate or make something up, life is good, but you may have to work at it sometimes to get it that way.

In 2009, I made note of this day... and I did it again in 2010, the post from 2010 has more of a military life feel to it as we were far apart. But both are a pretty good read if you have the time!

31 Days of Military Life ~ Day 4

2011-10-04T14:43:00.000-05:00

Calendar Meetings...these are typical and help get information out. The ones here are awesome. Other places awesome as well and then not so much. Really, as with many things military or not, it all depends on your leadership. You have all sorts of different leaders and leadership styles; everyone is different so you just learn to roll with it and realize not everyone is like you or thinks like you but as long as the we all keep the big picture in mind it will be fine. Sometimes, TRUST ME, that is easier to type then to walk...we'll leave it at that :)

These meetings also provide an informal gathering time to get to know the other spouses on the leadership team. It's really nice to be able to get to know the others and be able to enjoy each other at the various functions you attend together. I prefer not to have to make mindless small talk every time I see someone because we never see each other anywhere else. It is very nice to know that so and so just returned from seeing a new grand baby or that unfortunately someone just had a death in the family or that their child is on the football team, in the band, running track or whatever. It's neat to actually learn about the others and then be able to really talk and enjoy each other and you cannot do that if you never get to know them. So it's my experience that these gatherings are good!

However, I will say some do this better then others and I have been at things with people and we have sat next to each other and chatted and I learned about them and then see them again and we "re-meet". Yes, it's true and it's awkward, I hope I don't become like that. However, in defense, you do meet many, many people and keeping it all straight is a chore, but the ones you seem to see over and over again, I do remember them and I find in wonderful when they remember me but when they don't I feel odd. But our motto is adapt and overcome, so we do.

We meet monthly for our calendar meetings, during the busy season it might be more, during other times we may go 6 weeks, it just depends on the business going on around us that we support and attend to! Again, it's a necessary thing and depending it can be fun and educational!

Until tomorrow, salute smartly and press!

31 Days of Military Life ~ Day 3

2011-10-03T13:38:00.000-05:00

Life is too short not to know your neighbors. Especially when you are military and you never know when you or them may be moving. It happens quickly so over the years we have developed a jump in attitude cause you just can't take that wait and see route in this business. So we are the newest kids on the block and have not really had the opportunity to meet the rest of those on our street. We were planning a "New Kids on the Block Party" to remedy that and I happen to mention this to another relatively newbie in the neighborhood and she said they would like to join in with us...then we thought we would ask the other semi newbie down the street to join in as well. Thus the planning coffee was scheduled! This morning we met for coffee/tea and formulated our gathering plans.

It's all set for next Monday, that's a holiday for us so we thought what a perfect way to end a long weekend! There will be food and goodies and I know a good time will be had by all who attend. Invitations are printed and ready to be delivered, we divided and will conquer the semi circle this evening. I can't wait, we will finally meet the neighbors :)

Part of the reason for the gathering stems from the fact that no one came to welcome us to the neighborhood when we moved in. To us that was odd, I mean we are all in the same boat, military families, H E L L O, we should know each other, really! And do life together, after all, this isn't just a J O B, it's a lifestyle and a pretty unique one at that. So having great friends as neighbors makes it so much more fun! I could be all up in arms about the nonwelcome we got but I'm not. I'm just not going to let that happen to anyone who moves in on my watch! (Which they have and we've already been over and took goodies). I mean I know it's been super hot here and people have not been out and about but I still want to get to know you! I also notice that people are pretty busy around here, but so am I, I still want to get to know you!

Since the par-tay is during this 31 daysathon, it WILL be a blog post! So if you want to know how it goes come back to visit and read all about it!

Until Day 4, enjoy your world!