Gotta Play Catch Up

The last time I blogged was right before my husband came home from his deployment. Well, here is an update. Daniel arrived back home on May 12 around 1 in the afternoon. We were all so happy to have him back home. Unforunately I got sick that evening and was bed ridden for about a week with a nasty stomach bug. Since then, we have gone on vacation. Daniel and I went to the mountains to celebrate our anniversary, went to Georgia to spend some time with family and then went to Disneyworld and Seaworld with our daughters. Life calmed down after that for a little bit, but now with school getting ready to start back, we are about to get hectic again. School, soccer, dance and church!!! Very busy. Oh, did I mention that I am going to try and go back to work and maybe start school in the evenings. Daniel also got orders out of his squadron and is going to the school house so he won't be deploying for at least 3 years. YAY!!

Day 49--Beautiful Babies

Yesterday was my babies dance pictures. I have the most beautiful girls ever. They are so photogenic to me and they look so much alike.

Day 48--Favorite Sport Team/Relay Day

Well, today is the last day of spirit week and it is favorite sport team or wear your relay shirt day. We are proud Georgia Bulldog fans at our house. So, miss priss is decked out in her red and black today. GO DAWGS!!!!!

Day 47--Camouflage or Pink/Purple Day

Today they got to choose between camo or pink/purple. Well, even though Lauran's daddy is a Marine and an avid hunter, she has no camo, but she does have plenty of pink and purple.

Day 46--Favorite Character Day

Today is Favorite Character Day and Lauran chose to go as Princess Aurora (Sleeping Beauty)....although I hope she doesn't decide to sleep in class today.

Day 45--Crazy Hair Day

Today is Crazy Hair Day!! WOW!

Day 44--Pajama Day

It's Spirit Week this week at Lauran's school. They are doing this in support of Relay for Life. Today is Pajama Day!!!

Day 43--Sweet Strawberries

These are probably my all time favorite fruit. I love them. I am trying to eat healthy now days and I could probably eat my weight in these. My children love them too. Especially Lauran. So, I took some and washed them and put them on a plate for her with a bowl of sugar...mommy didn't have the sugar though and she went to town. MMMMM.......the sweet red goodness!!!

Day 42--ALOT BEHIND....

My life has been a little crazy the past few days. I haven't had time to sit down and do the blog. I haven't given up on it, even though I am sure my husband must think that I have. I am jumping back into this...full force. I have alot of things to write about, so I am looking forward to getting caught up.

Day 41--Women's Ministry Spa Party

I go to an amazing church with amazing women. Last year, a few of us ladies decided we wanted to start a women's ministry and get together monthly for a devotion, mission and a little fun. Last night we had a spa night and talked about the virtuous woman. I feel as though I have alot of work to do to become that kind of woman. I am doing pretty good, but I have a long way to go. So, one of the games we played was a blind makeover. Me, being the crazy fool that I am, decided that I would play guinea pig and get my make up done by someone who was blindfolded. Prior to this game, I had my makeup already done, so I had to go and remove it all. I don't normally like the way I look without makeup, but I thought this was a pretty good picture.

Me and my makeover partner, Deanna

Day 40--This Man Is My Forever!!!

I am truly the most blessed woman on this Earth. I married my best friend and the love of my life. This man is truly my FOREVER!! I love you Daniel!

Day 39--Little Fashionista

My 6 year old has decided that she wants pictures of all her outfits....heehee. I used to buy this child nothing but Gymboree. She has now decided that she has enough Gymboree and wants some other kinds of clothes. She still likes Gymboree but likes other things too. Did I mention that my child looks just like her Daddy? Craziness......looks like he popped her out instead of my. So, anywho....outfit 1 is compliments of Justice and outfit 2 is compliments of Old Navy!!! I think I have a model on my hands....or maybe she is just a little ham.

Day 38-- My Crazy Kids!

I love my babies!! They are my entire world.....even on the days that they drive me nuts!! I love to catch them playing together nicely...........even though those moments are few and far between because of their age difference. We were all outside playing the other day and I talked them into jumping off the deck so I could get a picture. Well.....I guess their faces in the picture shows just how much enthusiasum they had.....lol. I guess they get their adventurous side from their Daddy.

Day 37--Jumping For Joy

So, we got the mass communication call today to stop sending mail to our hubbies because it would be redirected back to the states. WAHOO!! This call means that we are one step closer to our homecoming. I am so excited and so ready to see him. YIPPEE!!!! I just want to jump for joy!

Day 36--Shutter Speed

Photography is probably one of my most favorite things to do in my spare time. I like to take the most random pictures. My favorites are the ones where the person is not paying attention and I catch that moment. Well, I have been trying to figure out how to get the shutter speed on my camera to take action pictures without making them blurry. I finally did it!! My cousin Jason was my model that day and this is what we did..........

Day 35--A Little Behind

So, I am a little behind on my blogging. My computer crapped out on me the other day and I have been super busy and just haven't had time to do it. So, with that said....stay tuned for the newest photo blogs!!!!

Day 34--Frustrated...GRRRR!!!!!

The picture should sum it up pretty well!!!!

Day 33--Is It Over Yet???

I am so sick of this deployment already. All I wanna do is wrap my arms around my husband and never let him go. I can't wait until I get that phone call with the homecoming date and time. I know that it is right around the corner, but jeeze...hurry up already. I miss my husband and I want him back now. I am ready to see my kids happily and anxiously awaiting the planes on the day of his return. I can't wait to see them run and jump in his arms and say Welcome Home Daddy! I am ready to fall asleep and wake up next to him again. Praying for a safe and speedy return. I love you husband!!!

Day 32--Soccer 2011...Go Little Heat!!

Soccer has officially started for the 2011 Spring Season and my baby is a Little Heat this year. She played her little heart out today. She only played defense in 2010, but this year her new coach wanted to let her play both offense and defense and she did an amazing job at both. Sitting on the sidelines....all I heard from other parents was that she was so good and she had a leg on her and some awesome kicks. That's my baby girl. I sure wish that her Daddy was here to see her play. I can't wait until the fall season when he is able to be here to watch. She is gonna be a fantastic soccer player if she keeps this up.

Day 31--At A Stand Still At The Bottom Of A Mountain

I close my eyes and try to picture it. Try to picture me. The way that I want to see myself in a few months. The sad part is.....I am so far from that picture. It isn't even close to being within reach. I cry about it and I get mad about it. I scream and I stay silent. I am at a stand still and I can't seem to find the drive or the will. It has dissappeared and I am constantly trying to figure out a way to get it back. I feel like I am at the bottom of a mountain and my goal is to get to the top. I want this so bad. I think that I want it more than I have wanted anything in a really long time. I want to be proud of myself. I want my husband to be proud of me and to be smiling from ear to ear when he walks with me or when he introduces me to people. I think I just need a good swift kick in the ass to get me back on track. Maybe just maybe......I can only hope and pray that I am able to accomplish this. I am going to work very hard at it and in the end when it is all said and done, I will be able to look back and say.....See....I told ya so!!!

Day 30--Tanning Rocks!!

After only 2 visits to the tanning bed, I can already see a difference. I love laying in there to tan....not only to get dark, but it is the most relaxing 15 mins of my day. AHHHH!!!!

Day 29--HAPPY 30TH BIRTHDAY DANIEL!!!!

"Happy Birthday To You....Happy Birthday To You....Happy Birthday Dear Daniel....Happy Birthday To You"

Now make a wish.........

I love you and hope that you have the best birthday that you can possibly have being overseas!! We are gonna make up for it and celebrate when you get back!!!

Day 28--SISTERS

My sisters came up to visit me in NC for the first time since 2005. I had the most amazing weekend with them. I was sad to see my sister Kristy leave this morning. I miss her so much already. My sister Michelle is leaving tomorrow and I am going to be sad to see her leave too. I really enjoyed having them here. We laughed so much during their stay. I haven't laughed that much since my husband deployed. I can't wait until we are all able to get together like that again. We are going to try and do it at least once a year. I wish that we could do it each year for all of our birthdays. That would be amazing. I love my sisters so very much and have been so blessed by them!!

Day 27--SURPRISE FROM THE HUSBAND!!!

My husband is amazing!!! Absolutely amazing! I get an email from him saying that he bought me a gift and that it was a big surprise and that he wished he could be here to see my face when I got it. I was so clueless as to what it was. I couldn't have imagined what was in that box. I was so excited to see the UPS man on Friday morning. I ran down stairs and there was the box on the front porch!! YIPPEE FOR SURPRISES!!!

The box was super heavy. I was thinking...what in the world is in here.

Ok...it's blue paper. What is this???

I was so stinking happy at this point.

My husband got me the KitchenAid Professional Series Mixer that I have been wanting for a couple of years! Thank you husband!! I love you!

Day 26--Gettin' My Tan On!!

I love this time of year. It's time for me to start tanning this pasty white skin!! It normally takes me about 2 months to get the color that I want. I started yesterday and I have a 3 months worth of visits on my account at TLC Tanning and Boutique in Jacksonville, NC. I can't wait till my hubby gets home and sees my beautiful tan skin. Let's face it.....tan fat looks better than pale fat...heehee!!

Day 25--Time

Have you ever wished that time would speed up, slow down or even stand still??? Well at this moment in my life, I am wishing for time to speed up so my husband can be home. But at the moment that I wrap my arms around him for the first time in 9 months, I am going to be wishing for time to stand still and then once we let go, I am going to be wishing for time to slow down so we can enjoy each other until he has to leave again. I miss my husband so much and all I wish for is to have him home and never let him go again, but being military, I know that is impossible. So for now, I am just going to stay busy until the "time" comes for him to be home and then spend every moment I can with him until the "time" comes that he must leave me once again.

Day 24--My New Friend

So as I have previously stated before in some of my other blog posts, I am trying to lose some weight...alot of weight. One of my biggest obstacles that I have faced is cutting out my soda intake. Oh my....it was soooo hard. I tried to stop drinking them cold turkey...well that one failed. So I decided to limit myself to one a day. Then it eventually died down to about one a week until I wasn't drinking sodas at all. Well, I went to GA for the holidays and back pedaled a bit. I started drinking sodas again along with my water. I hated myself for that. Even though I gained no weight from it, I was so dissapointed in myself for "falling off the wagon". Well, I have a new friend. This pretty pink water bottle that holds 24 ozs of water. I fill it up in the morning and continue filling it up throughout the day until I go to bed. By the end of the day, I have consumed about 4 to 5 full bottles of water. I take this thing everywhere I go. To the gym, to the store, to church, to soccer practice and even all over the house with me. I know it sounds crazy, but I feel like if I have it with me and I am constantly drinking the water out of it that I won't go for a soda or that crazy bad food. Here's to my new friend.......

Day 23--Spring Cleaning in February!

It's only February, but the weather has been so beautiful that it has caused me to get into the mood to spring clean. So today I am spending the day deep cleaning this house. Throwing stuff away, cleaning baseboards, decluttering closets, sweeping, dusting, mopping, washing cabinets.....the works. It is going to be a busy day, but at the end of this busy day, my house will be nice and clean and smelling fresh. So let's open the windows up and do this!!!!

Day 22--Work in Progress

Back in August I started my weight loss and getting healthy journey. As of today, I have lost 30 lbs and I feel so much better about myself. I am still not 100% happy, but I am getting there. I have a lot of hard work ahead of me, but I have faith in myself that I can do it. I never struggled so hard with anything before, but this is one of the hardest things that I have ever had to do. I want to be around for my children and my husband. I want my husband to look at me and be like WOW MY WIFE IS HOT! He says that it doesn't matter, that he loves me no matter what, but I still want him to have that HOT WIFE. Hopefully, that will soon be the case.

BEFORE--AUG 2010

AFTER--FEBRUARY 2011

Day 21--Beautiful Weather!!

Today is February 18 and it feels like it is April 18. The weather today is absolutely beautiful. We have 75 degree weather with a slight breeze. I only wish that my husband were here. We could go to one of our favorite spots and have lunch. Oh I can't wait till Spring is here!!!

My husband and I love to come here when he is able to leave and go to lunch with me!! The Marina!

Day 20--The Five Love Languages

I couldn't have been happier when my Sunday School class decided to study Gary Chapman's book, "The Five Love Languages". I had been wanting to read it for a while, but never took the time to do so. Boy am I ever glad that I did. I actually finished the book in a day. I loved it so much that I sent a copy to my husband in Afghanistan. He is not a big reader, but he said that he couldn't put it down and that he finished it in 2 days and that it was the best book that he has ever read. It changed my views on love and marriage and makes me want to work hard and strive to have the best marriage that I can possibly have. I never want my husband's love tank to run empty again and as long as I am living, it won't. I recommend that everyone read this book. EVERYONE!!!! There is an edition for singles, children and teenagers as well. I am looking forward to reading the children and teenager editions and applying it to my parenting. This book is an amazing eye opener!!!! I love you Daniel and can't wait to start filling up your love tank!

DAY 20

Day 19--Soccer Time Once Again

So, Lauran has played soccer for two seasons now. One fall and one spring. She was a Pirate with Coach Paul for both seasons. This season, she is now a Little Heat with Coach Phil. She got back on the field today for her first practice of the 2011 Spring season and played like she had never left. She mainly played defense as a Pirate, but today she played around on the offense and scored 3 goals. She likes her coach and she even has a little boy on her team that she was a Pirate with, so that made her happy. She did pretty good if I say so myself. It is so much fun to watch her play. I think I have a little Mia Hamm on my hands. Stayed tuned for game day pictures in the coming weeks!!

My soccer baby!

Day 18--Happy Valentine's Day

Well, Valentine's Day is upon us again. I did something sweet for the girls this year. I got them a little bag with some chocolate, gum, ring pops, and lip gloss. Also inside was a pretty single pink rose from their Daddy who you all know is in Afghanistan. Such a sweet Daddy! They also received a balloon. I just wanted them to know how much I loved them on this Valentine's Day!

Day 17--Valentine's Banquet

Today was our church's Valentine's Banquet. They do it every year. I went last year as well, but my hubby couldn't attend because he was at home in the bed sick with a stomach bug. Well, this year was a little different. He couldn't go this time either, but for reasons that weren't in his control. He is still in Afghanistan. So, I decided to go with another date....this year I went with my friends, Rhonda and Ashley, both of whom whose husbands are in Afghanistan as well. It was a lovely evening. I got to spend time with my great friends.....Rachel, Paul, Matt, Mandy, Rhonda and Ashley. Thanks everyone for making me smile and laugh tonight!!

Me and my dates, Ashley and Rhonda!

My friends Paul and Rachel have the sweetest little boy ever. Pauly went to his Mom and told her that he wanted to get a special Valentine for Lauran because her Daddy was in Afghanistan and he didn't want her to be sad on Valentine's Day. So, he chose flowers. It was the most precious thing ever. Rachel and Paul are doing a tremendous job in raising him. He is amazing!

My friend Rachel decided to bring me flowers too. Along with the flowers, she gave me a letter. It made me smile and cry at the same time. I have such an amazing best friend in Rachel. Here is what the letter said.

I know that today may be a sad time for you and that I am not the Valentine you were hoping for. However, Valentines Day is a day for LOVE and that you are. There are many people in the world who would all they want is for someone to love and cherish them. Do not think for one moment that just because he is not here, you are not in his world. He might not be able to hold you and tell you it face to face this year, however, his actions are speaking it loud and clear. He is not here because he loves you so much that he is willing to fight for you, and your family, because he wants to provide the best life for you, because he is over there it only means that you are safe right here. You see, you have so much to be happy about today, because your Valentine is full of honor and integrity. The Bible says that there is no greater LOVE than that of a man who lays down his life for his friends. So even God agrees with me that your man could not love you, his best friend, any more or show you in any greater way. I wanted to do something for you today to show you how much I love you and cherish our friendship. I hope that today we can celebrate together our love for one another and our wonderful friendship. I love you!!!

Rachel

Day 16--PAINTING!!

So, I had a guy come and give me an estimate on painting the inside of our house. I am super stoked!! He is doing it for pretty cheap and he does an amazing job. I can't wait, because the husband is gonna come home from the deployment with a pretty decorated house! YAY!!!

Day 15--SNOW??? AGAIN??? Really??

So, the schools are on a two hour delay because well...it's Eastern North Carolina and it's snowing and raining this morning. I think the snow is beautiful...when it is just snow. Not this rain/snow mix mess. YUCK! I am just ready for spring...to hear the birds chirping, to see the grass turning green, to plant pretty flowers and veggies/fruit....oh and my husband comes home from his deployment!! YIPPEE!!!

Day 14--AGGHH!!! The 55gal Fish Tank!

If you have ever owned an aquarium, you know that you must clean it regularly......right??? Well, this tank is quite the cleaning job. It's huge. Draining all the water is a pain in the rear. Then, cleaning the sides. Then cleaning the filters. Then cleaning the rocks. And so on and so on!! I was going to turn it into a salt water tank, but that's just way too expensive. So now, it's off to the store to buy the new filters and fish and food to fill the tank with and have just a regular fresh water tank!

Day 13--I need a pedicure!!

AAGGHHHHH!!! My feet haven't seen the salon in forever. I need a pedicure!! I want a pedicure! Maybe when my husband gets home he will rub my feet for me. Hopefully by then I will have had a pedicure so they aren't too rough for him to rub. Daniel...if you're reading this....*hint hint*

Day 12--In a Funk!

Today has just been one of those days. I didn't wanna get up out of bed this morning. I didn't wanna go to the gym. I don't wanna do anything but climb in bed and sleep the next 3 months. I can't quite figure out why I am in this mood today, so I am just gonna blame it on the fact that I miss my husband terribly. I have good days where I keep myself so busy that I don't think about it. Then there are days like today........today I wish I could just see his face and touch him. Please Dear God......let the next few months fly by quickly and then slow time down for me. I love you Daniel!

Day 11--SUPER BOWL PARTY!! GO PACKERS!!!

So.....it's Super Bowl time and my house has turned into the party zone! I have a house full of friends and kids and we are just hangin out eatin good food and watchin the big game!! I do wish my husband were here though! GO PACKERS!!

Day 10--TIME TO MAKE SOME MONEY!

Well, it's that time of year again. Time to clean out Lauran's summer wardrobe and try and make back some money. My friend Rachel got me started on the whole Ebay thing. I have only sold for one season so far, but I did pretty good. So now comes the time for the ironing and picture taking and getting the clothes posted on Ebay to sell. This is the most time consuming part.....ironing and taking pictures. I hope I do pretty well this time. I do have to replace her summer wardrobe with new stuff and this will be the money I use to do so. Wish me luck!!!!

Married to One of the Few, The Proud, The Marines!!!

Not that I am partial or anything, but I think that I am married to the hottest Marine ever!!!

Semper Fidelis!!

Day 9--Rain Rain Go Away

I normally love when it rains. It's so peaceful and the best sleeping weather ever. However, it has rained and snowed and rained and snowed and well....ya get the picture. It has done this so often lately that the yard is unable to catch up and dry up, so this is what happens after it has only rained for a few minutes. I am so ready for some warm weather so my grass will turn green again and it will be warm enough to dry up the yard after a couple of hours.

Day 8--The Fab Four Gets Recognized

This was so cool to read this morning on the Lighten Up Onslow website. I have never had anything written up about me before and to share this with some of my closest friends was amazing!!

http://lightenuponslow.org/weekly_team.html