A Troop's Girl

Wednesday Weigh-In: Week 12

2012-02-01T16:38:00.000-08:00

Happy Wednesday, everyone! Hope you guys are all having a good week.

This week was a tough week... we had a lot going on and some extra unwanted drama. So that with some icy roads made it a difficult week for me to get to the gym. I did make it twice, and I can honestly say that those two workouts were some of my best. I was focused and pushed myself 100% both days.

I went in yesterday and got some blood work done. One of the labs was for my thyroid, which I get tested every 6 months. I'm now going on 9 years with only half of my thyroid... so I'm anxious to see next week when I see my doctor, what my thyroid levels are like. That could be a link to why I haven't seen much weight-loss in 12 weeks. I'll keep you posted.

No weight gain or loss this week.

Here are my workouts:

Monday -

75 minutes of cardio including the Elliptical machine and stationary bike

Tuesday -

60 minutes of cardio including the Elliptical machine and stationary bike

My goals this week are to get to the gym at least 4 times and start eating more fruits and vegetables during the day.

Proud Mommy Moments: Grace's Bedtime Reading

2012-01-26T07:41:00.000-08:00

Although she's technically not supposed to be reading books at bedtime, I was happy to see her reading selection on her nightstand last night. Just another reason why I love Grace and her sweet little heart.

I Found a Few New Friends in Army Wives

2012-01-25T20:06:00.000-08:00

Since Joel went to Iraq the first time, I always get asked whether I watch Army Wives. Mostly, it's non-military who ask me... maybe they assume since I'm a milspouse that Army Wives has to be my #1 can't-miss show. But since we live all fancy-like and don't have cable, I've never seen it. But now we're living like royalty and have Netflix, so I've been able to watch all the cable shows I've heard so much about. For some reason, though, I could never bring myself to watch Army Wives.

Last week I decided to see what all the talk was about. And I'm now officially 100% hooked. I've been watching a few episodes each night and have cried more over the last few nights than I have since Joel was deployed last year. Seriously.

I can see why so many milspouses are hooked. Although there is a whole lot of drama in that little group of army wives, there are so many things that are completely relatable, heartwarming and heartbreaking. Since we don't live on post/base, I don't have a lot of military friends. Most of my friends are civilians. And if it weren't for the milspouse blogging world, I would know only a handful of military wives and families. So, during Joel's deployments, I've leaned on family and friends. And I love them. They try, hard, to empathize - but there's a lack of understanding for the military lifestyle that make them unable to sympathize with our life, our separations and our struggles.

One thing that's really moved me about the show is the sense of community amongst the group of friends. They all truly understand each other's emotions. They know, by just a look, why there's a distance in their friend's eyes while her husband is away. They know what to say and not to say when their friend's marriage is struggling because of the stress of deployments. They fill in the gaps when their friend's husband is at war.

Since we are Guard, we have very limited interactions with other military families. Mostly because we don't live on post so we're not involved with each other on a daily basis. But I really want that to change. I need it to change. At this point in our military life, I really need a community around who understand the emotions and the stresses of this lifestyle. I've finally connected with a few families from Joel's unit and it's so refreshing to have other women who understand our husband's "shop-talk" and lifestyle. It's taken 8 years for me to finally feel that I have a few other military wives in my life, who live in the same town, who I can talk openly with about the good and bad of this life.

I really want to make a commitment to that - to work on forming relationship with other military families. I want my kids to know other military kids. I want to do better to reach out to other women who may be struggling in their marriage post-deployment (just like Joel and I have) and offer some support and encouragement. I just want to be better connected and bonded.

After sifting through all the drama, Army Wives has taught me that in order to survive and thrive in this lifestyle, we need to depend on each other.

Wednesday Weigh-In: Week 11

2012-01-25T09:38:00.000-08:00

I'll keep this short and simple... This week I did great with my eating (except for those pesky Thin Mints), I was completely lacking motivation to get to the gym and stay at the gym, and I didn't gain or lose this week.

Here are my workouts:

Friday -

45 minutes of cardio including the ARC Trainer and Stationary bike

20 minutes of strength training

Monday -

40 minutes of cardio including the Elliptical Trainer and Stationary bike

Wednesday -

60 minutes of cardio including the Elliptical Trainer and Stationary bike

My goal for this next week is to get to the gym at least 4 times and workout out for a minimum of 60 minutes each time. Cross your fingers!

Wednesday Weigh-In: Weeks 9 & 10

2012-01-18T20:23:00.000-08:00

Yes, I've been a naughty blogger and skipped my post last week. Good excuse though, on my part... the stomach flu decided to hang out with me for a few days. I love when it does that. There's nothing as awesome as laying on the bathroom floor in the middle of the night, wishing for death. I did play a little game and kept the scale nearby so I could weigh myself throughout the day and see my numbers change. That being said, I'd rather work my butt off in the gym than lose weight via the flu.

Over the last two weeks, I lost 1.5 pounds. I'm still over my initial weight, 10 weeks ago. But I keep reminding myself that muscle weighs more than fat. And I've seen major changes in my body already, so I know there's truth to that. Although, the truth still kinda stinks.

Week 9 Workouts:

Thursday -

50 minutes of cardio, including the stationary bike and elliptical machine

Friday -

40 minutes of cardio, including walking on the treadmill and the ARC trainer

Saturday -

65 minutes of cardio, including the elliptical machine and stationary bike

Sunday -

20 minutes of walking (non-gym day)

Monday -

45 minutes of cardio, including the ARC trainer and elliptical machine

Week 10 Workouts:

Friday -

25 minutes of cardio on the elliptical machine (non-gym day)

Saturday -

25 minutes of cardio on the elliptical machine (non-gym day)

Monday -

20 minutes of cardio on the elliptical machine (non-gym day)

Tuesday -

30 minutes of walking (non-gym day)

Wednesday -

35 minutes of cardio on the elliptical machine

Top 11 Beauty Faves of 2011

2012-01-04T16:22:00.000-08:00

For those of you who may think you're lost... you're in the right spot. This is indeed A Troop's Girl. But as some of you know, I am a major beauty product junkie. I love makeup, skincare, haircare... I'm obsessed with the stuff. So, as many of you may blog about recipes and home DIY projects, I thought it would only make sense to share some of my beauty obsessions with y'all.

Here are my top 11 beauty products of 2011...

1. MAC Smolder Eye Liner - This is a really rich-black liner that actually stays in the water line. It's been around forever, but I've just discovered it in 2011 and have worn it nearly every day... and there's still a tiny stub of it left!

2. Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation - I got super pale last winter and needed a new foundation that would work well with my skin that was extremely dry at the time. I watched a couple YouTube reviews on it and bought it online without getting a color match. This is a medium to full-coverage foundation that gives a luminous finish without looking too oily and keeps my dry spots from looking too flaky. If I could only buy one foundation for the rest of my life, this would be it.

3. Nars Deep Throat Blush - I have a lot of blushes. But I've always been on the pursuit of the-perfect pink blush. This is it for me! It gives a wonderfully natural flush and lasts for most of the day on me.

(image from Temptalia)

4. Urban Decay Naked Palette - I'm a sucker for eye shadow. I've tried a million different brands from drugstore to upscale department stores. I own a ton of shadows. And most of them are neutrals. I'm obsessed with neutrals, because you know, all browns are not created equal. This palette has been out for a while and has been all over beauty blogs and YouTube . I just picked it up last month (one for me and then later, one for my sister). It is an awesome neutral palette. The colors run on the warm side, so it may not suit you if you're more cool-toned. But the colors have great payoff, are really finely-milled. The only downside, is that some of the more sparkly shadows do have some fallout. So, I usually have to clean up my under-eye area when I'm down with my eyes. But other than that, this is an awesome neutral palette.

(image from Temptalia)

5. MAC's 217 Eye Shadow Brush - Oh my gosh. This is seriously the best eye shadow brush ever made. It has a great density and the fibers are soft but maintain their shape well. I use this for my crease and my outer-corner and use it every single day. I own 3, so I don't have to clean it every day. And if I could justify it, I'd have more! If you want to invest in one good eye shadow brush, get the 217. Heck, get 2!

6. MAC Cultured Lipglass - As much as I've been obsessed with finding the perfect pink blush, the hunt for the perfect pink lipgloss has caused me to now own loads of lipgloss. Literally, maybe a ton. Anyway, for me, this is a perfect pink. It rosy and bright, but not too pale. You know, Kim Kardashian, pale. This is not that. This is really feminine and can be worn with a full-on smokey eye or just a simple neutral look.

7. MAC Falsies Mascara - God did not give me great lashes. I have itty-bitty ones that hardly hold a curl. I've tried a billion mascaras in my life, and right now, this is my favorite. MAC just came out with a really rich-black version of the original. And it's totally awesome.

(image from Style Bakery Beauty)

8. Paul Mitchell Skinny Serum - I have reasonably straight hair. But I have some weird waves mixed in. I've used this serum for a few years now and love it. I work a few pumps in my hair before I blow dry. It helps keep my hair straight and it also speeds up my drying time. I'm not sure what's in this stuff. But it's amazing, although a bit pricey. I save up coupons from JCPenney and wait for this to go on sale in their salon. Last time I got 2 bottles that resale for $17.99 each. They were on sale for buy one, get one for 1 cent!! And I had a $10 coupon. So I got two bottles for about $8.

9. Peter Thomas Roth Gentle Complexion Correction Pads - Right after I had Grace, but skin went nuts. As much fun as acne is when you're 15, it's even worse when you're in your 20s. I use one of these pads, at night, right after I've washed my face. It helps with whatever residue is left and has AHA and BHA's, which help dead skin cells and clogged pores. This product smells great and leaves my skin feeling fresh, not dry, like so many toners and acne products do.

10. Essie's Protein Base Coat - If you know me, you probably know that I always wear nail polish. I do my nails about every 3 days. So with that much polish and polish remover, my nails have started to peel. This is a great base coat - it helps keep the polish from staining my nails and also helps to keep my nails healthy.

11. Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer - Thanks to my two wonderfully awesome girls, I have dark circles. And thanks to my labor with Grace, I have a dark vein that is now visible underneath one of my eyes. I found this concealer this summer and have worn it every day since. Even if the rest of my face is makeup free, I'll still put this on.

Let me know what you think of my beauty picks & I would love to know what you're obsessed with! If you would like more beauty-related posts in the future, leave a comment below or send me an email.

Wednesday Weigh-In: Week 8

2012-01-04T05:56:00.000-08:00

Happy Wednesday everyone! Hope you are all enjoying the first few days of 2012... and keeping to your resolutions. Personally, I don't keep resolutions. But I guess my resolution to lose weight that I started 8 weeks ago will carry me through 2012. So, that's my resolution - to keep on.

I've completed 8 weeks of pretty faithful workouts and decent eating habits. I heard on the news this week, that people usually drop-off their workout-kick at about 3 months. I can see how that would happen, especially if they are like me, and faithfully working out without really much weight loss to show for it. This week is much of the same - no change from last week. It still seems like my goal is far-off. But I'm going to remain faithful with getting to the gym and try better this week to stay on a better eating routine.

New Years killed me food-wise. Once the girls were in bed, I decided each night to treat myself with a plate full of nachos while I watched Bridezillas. A great mix! This week, I'm going to cut-off snacking by 8 pm and will limit snacks during the day to fruit, instead of my normal handful of Nilla Wafers or something equally as nutritious. I'm also going to try to get the gym 5 times this week.

Onto my workouts for week 8:

Friday -

45 minutes of cardio including the elliptical machine and stationary bike

Monday -

50 minutes of cardio including the elliptical machine and stationary bike

Tuesday -

70 minutes of cardio including the elliptical machine and stationary bike

The One Where Autumn Runs Out of the Bathroom...

2011-12-30T08:18:00.000-08:00

We went out to dinner with some friends last night. While we were waiting for a table (at the wrong restaurant, mind you), I went to change Autumn. There was a changing table in the handicap stall, so I changed her and decided to take care of my own "things" while I was in there.... no need to make another trip. So I'm, um, sitting there, and Autumn is touching everything. Because you know, she's a toddler, and to a toddler, even the sanitary napkins basket is super exciting. I'm freaking out because all I can think of is germs. But she gets bored of the sanitary napking basket and moves on to trying to unlock the door. She's a smart kid, so in about 1.5 seconds, she's figured out how to open the door.

This has all taken place in about 5 seconds. In 5 seconds, Autumn has managed to touch every disgusting spot in the stall, and has also figured out how to unlock the door. Her 5-second adventure has already bored her. And I guess she decided she was totally bored with the stall, so she decides to leave. She crawls underneath the stall door and out of the bathroom while I'm sitting there. I'm not done.

So, I pull up my pants in about a millionth of a second, because Autumn is already long gone. I leave all of our things in the stall and chase after her. Once I finally get a hold of her, I grab her and drop her on Joel's lap. He obviously knew, from my expression, that something went horribly wrong - but I don't have time to explain. This is still an emergency and I have to get back to the bathroom.

With all that being said and shared, I do not understand why public bathrooms don't include the fold-down seat with a 5-point harness for situations such as these. Mom's are not magicians. Toddlers are pretty much uncontrollable. And a seat that we can strap them in so that they don't touch every unthinkable space in a bathroom and then leave the bathroom, would be great. As a mom, I just want 2 minutes of worry-free time in the bathroom. 2 minutes. That's all I'm asking for. So public restroom owners, please do all of us moms a favor and give us a seat for the kids! It's a need, not a want. I promise.

Wednesday Weigh-In: Week 7

2011-12-28T18:06:00.000-08:00

I've been sick. And sick equals zero motivation to get to the gym. I tried, several times this week, to get up before every one else in the house and get to the gym, but every time my alarm went off, I was beyond-exhausted and opted to stay in bed. But I did make it today - my first day in a week working out - and I thought I was going to die every time I saw another minute tick off on the gym equipment.

Since I wasn't getting to the gym, I did try to keep track of what I was eating each day and balance things out with all the sweets that were around. So, with somewhat balanced eating and one workout this past week, I lost 1.2 pounds. And considering my record the last few weeks, I'm happy to take the 1.2 pounds!

My one measly workout this week:

Wednesday -

45 minutes of cardio, including the elliptical trainer and stationary bike

Wednesday Weigh-In: Weeks 5 & 6

2011-12-21T17:26:00.000-08:00

Yes. I know. It's been two weeks since my last weigh-in post. For good reason, too. See, I gained 2 pounds last week and was in no mood at the time to share it with you all. I needed some quiet time to reflect and mourn.

I've been a pretty good girl - still going to the gym regularly, and up until last week, I was keeping a food journal. I stopped the food journal because I feel I have a much better idea of what the calorie value of foods that I eat regularly are and that my food journal was keeping me way too focused on food... to the point of thinking about not a whole lot except for food.

The very, very bad news is that I am up 2.2 pounds in the last two weeks. I'm super disappointed, frustrated and mad - but I'm not giving up on what I believe is a healthy, steady way to lose weight. Although I'm gaining weight. So perhaps I have no idea what I'm talking about.

One things that I'm considering may be the culprit is my thyroid. Nine years ago, I had half of my thyroid removed because of a golf-size nodule that was getting large and at a fast rate. I get my thyroid levels tested regularly and have always had perfectly good levels - even through two pregnancies. I'm due for another blood test next month, so we'll see if my thyroid may have anything to do with my current situation.

Enough of that.... on to my workouts..

Week 5:

Friday -

60 minutes of cardio including the Elliptical, Arc Trainer and the Stationary Bike

Monday -

60 minutes of cardio including the treadmill, Arc Trainer and the Stationary Bike

This past week:

Friday -

60 minutes of cardio including the Elliptical, Arc Trainer and the Stationary Bike

Saturday -

60 minutes of cardio including the Elliptical, Stair-Master and the Stationary Bike

Monday -

50 minutes of cardio including the Elliptical and Arc Trainer

Wednesday -

40 minutes of cardio including the Arc Trainer and Elliptical

An End in Iraq

2011-12-15T16:47:00.000-08:00

I knew the end was coming soon to our time in Iraq, but as I was reading the news this morning, it shocked me to know that our troops were done with our mission there. I don't know about you, but I've had mixed emotions today about it - happy to be out, anxious of what may happen in the future and hopeful that they sacrifices made there will be known and remembered.

I never served there. I never touched the soil or looked into a face of an Iraqi. But Joel did. And because of him, I feel somewhat invested in Iraq.

I hope that as our troops come home, that we would remember their sacrifice to a country that is not theirs and that we would continue to be prayerful for the people of Iraq.

Well done, USA. And welcome home.

Wednesday Weigh-In: Week 4

2011-12-07T07:49:00.001-08:00

Boo. Hiss. This is getting old. Guess what? I didn't lose an ounce this week.

Now I have gotten a lot of comments from people like muscle weighs more than fat and it's more about how I feel and how my clothes fit rather than what the scale says. And they are right and it's been good for me to keep that in perspective. Honestly, I can totally tell a difference in how my clothes fit. My muffin top is now a mini-muffin top so my pants fit a lot better around the waste. My arms are totally toned-up - they have always been my easiest body part to tone. My legs are firmer and I have a lot more definition in my calves than I've probably ever had. So, with all of that said - I know my body is in better shape, even without much weight lost this month. And most of all, in less than a month, I've doubled the amount of cardio that I can do in one session.

Another thing I'm considering are the types of foods that I'm eating. I'm using an app on my phone to record my calories-in and calories-out. The app also gives me a report about how much fat, sodium, cholesterol, carbs and vitamins I'm getting from my food. It also gives me a breakdown of what percentage of my foods come from carbs, fat and protein. My percentage of protein is pretty low in comparison to my carbs, so I'm working to balance that out with lean protein.

My workouts:

Friday -

70 minutes of cardio including the stationary bike and elliptical

30 minutes of strength training

Monday -

55 minutes of cardio including the stationary bike and the ARC trainer

(Note: the ARC trainer is new for me and probably the most torturous piece of equipment I've ever used.)

20 minutes of strength training

Wednesday -

45 minutes of cardio including the elliptical and stationary bike

10 Things to Smile About: November

2011-12-02T08:43:00.001-08:00

1. My newest niece, Paige!

2. Watching Gracie as The Little Red Hen in the Kindergarten musical. She did awesome!

3. Catching Autumn reading my US Weekly. Yeah, we're both intellectuals.

4. Starbuck's Carmel Brulle Lattes.

5. Lots of great time at the gym with one of my dearest friends.

6. Nearing completion of my Christmas shopping.

7. Friend dates. Karla and I had dinner out at one of our favorite restaurants and then cheered Bella and Edward

on at their wedding. It was a perfect night.

8. Eggnog season is here!

9. Thanksgiving dinner. It was awesome.

10. Getting our first real Christmas tree. Grace helped Joel bring it home for us & Joel's thrilled to finally have a real one this year!

Wednesday Weigh-In: Week 3

2011-11-29T17:33:00.001-08:00

Ok. So a wee bit of good news this week. I've lost .6 of a pound. Part of me is happy to have finally lost something, but I'm still kinda frustrated that after 3 weeks of being dedicated to the gym and a reasonably healthy diet, that I've hardly lost weight. But I'm going to keep at it with hopefully an hour of cardio tomorrow. We shall see.

My Workouts:

Friday -

65 minutes of cardio including the elliptical machine and stationary bike

Saturday -

20 minutes of cardio on the elliptical (non-gym day)

Monday -

45 minutes of walking (non-gym day)

Tuesday -

45 minutes of cardio including the elliptical and stationary bike

Thankfulness

2011-11-24T16:50:00.001-08:00

O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His loving kindness is everlasting.

- I Chronicles16:34

A very Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! As I get a little bit older (just a bit older), I start to realize how truly special Thanksgiving is. And I'm really starting to understand how truly blessed I am. I've read so many blogs and Facebook posts this month focused on thanksgiving and writing about what people are truly blessed by. It's been so insightful to read what people are truly touched by and I've noticed that it's about the people in their lives 99% of the time.

I'm beyond blessed by the people in my life. Foremost, I'm grateful to have Joel with our family, safe and sound this year. It was great to sit around our table and spend part of today together. I'll never forget what it's like to celebrate holidays apart - they will always be more sacred now. I'm also so thankful for the family in my life - we have a wonderful family and each year I learn to love them better and appreciate their place in my life. This past year, I've been incredibly blessed by friends. Good friends. True friendships. So for those who walk life with me, pray with me, cry with me, laugh with me and love me - thank you. God has blessed me beyond anything I could have ever imagined with so many wonderfully loving friends.

Finally, I'm thankful for my readers. This blog has been a great outlet for me and I'm thankful that you take the time to read about my life. But most importantly, I'm thankful for your comments and emails that encourage me, make me laugh and teach me something new.

I hope that you've had a blessed day!

Much love & thanksgivings,

Jill

Source: shabbymomma.blogspot.com via Rhonda on Pinterest

Wednesday Weigh-In: Week 2

2011-11-23T07:58:00.001-08:00

Happy Wednesday everyone!

I'm finished with my second week of workouts and better eating habits. It was a frustrating week for me - mostly because a flare-up of hives kept me from getting to the gym twice. But, I can say that the time I was at the gym was worth it. My endurance is already picking up pretty significantly and I've noticed I'm not as exhausted as I was when I started this two weeks ago.

Week 2: So that's the good news, the bad news is I still haven't lost any weight. It's a major bummer and a slight blow to my enthusiasm. But I'm going to keep going and I know my efforts will pay off down the line nonetheless.

My Workouts:

Thursday -

60 minutes of cardio including the treadmill and the stationary bike

Friday -

40 minutes of walking (non-gym day)

Saturday -

20 minutes of walking (non-gym day)

Monday -

60 minutes of cardio including the treadmill, the stationary bike and the elliptical

15 minutes of weight training

Tuesday -

30 minutes of walking (non-gym day)

Wednesday -

30 minutes of cardio on the elliptical

30 minutes of weight training

Wednesday Weigh-In

2011-11-16T18:33:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! Hope you guys are having a great week.

Well, I've been a faithful little patron to the Y this week. I'm really surprised by how quickly I'm becoming addicted to the gym. I've never been a gym person, but there's something about having 1 1/2 hours with a friend while child-free that makes working-out a bit less painful.

As you may remember, I tracked my weight loss while Joel was in Iraq last year, but I didn't give too many specifics in my weekly posts. But this time around, I'm hoping to share more of what I've been doing - a way for me to keep accountable for my workouts but also, I hope that it'll help those of you who are losing weight, too.

One thing that I've found incredibly helpful is to track my workouts and calories/nutrients. I'm using the My Fitness Pal app on my iPhone and it's really easy to use. I entered my current weight, my goal weight and how much I want to lose each week - it then determines, based on my activity level, what my calorie intake should be per day. It's a great tool and is helping me to keep on track. Oh, and it's free!

Week 1: No weight loss to report. Sad, but true. However, I feel more energetic than I've felt in a long time. To me, that makes the fact that I haven't lost weight kinda okay.

My workouts:

Friday -

30 minutes of cardio on the stationary bike

25 minutes of weight training

Saturday -

45 minutes of cardio, including walking and stationary bike

Monday -

76 minutes of cardio, including jogging, stationary bike and walking

25 minutes of weight training

I have a 5:30 date at the gym tomorrow morning. Hopefully Joel can motivate me (*ahem* push me out of bed) when the alarm goes off.

MilSpouse Friday Fill-In: Veterans Day Edition

2011-11-11T08:12:00.000-08:00

First off, a very happy Veterans Day to all of those who served our great country. I'll admit that this day had very little meaning to me until I married Joel and began to understand who a veteran really is and how treasured they are. I am beyond proud to not only be married to a veteran but to have so many in my life that I can call friend. We are all better because of what they have done and continue to do for us - with complete dedication, focus and sacrifice.

Hop on over to Wife of a Sailor to read what other military spouses had to say.

1.Freedom is never truly understoodd until it is taken away .

2.Veterans are quietly dedicated to a cause not many of us really understand. They are sacrificial, self-less, loyal and one of our country's greatest treasures .

3.This country is the only country I ever want to live in .

4.Veteran’s Day means that we all have an opportunity to give back to those who have given us the most, and if anything, just say thanks .

5.A hero is someone who is so dedicated to the cause that they will put themselves on the line to fight for it, no matter what the cost .

Source: alittlecrafting.blogspot.com via Jill on Pinterest

Wednesday Weigh-In: Oh, Hello Again!

2011-11-09T09:12:00.000-08:00

Yeah. It's been a really long time since I did a Wednesday Weigh-In post. If you're new to my blog, I used to do a weekly post to track my weight loss, exercise and healthy eating. I did it while Joel was in Iraq last year and lost nearly 30 pounds during his 7-month deployment. The posts pretty much stopped once he came home, mostly because I stopped working out regularly, starting snacking at night and started making more stick-to-your-ribs kind of meals.

So although I was beyond thrilled to have my husband home, I pretty much lost track of my new healthy lifestyle. It happens, right?

I have worked out off-and on since he came home. But not at all regularly. And because of that and my new-found love of nachos, I put on about 10 pounds.

Right now, Joel and I are beginning to talk about baby #3. We don't have a timeline or anything in place, but I know before I am really ready to get pregnant again, I want to lose about 10-15 pounds. Mostly because I want to have less weight to lose post-baby and also because I just want to be in a really healthy place before I get pregnant again.

And that is why I'm back with my Wednesday Weigh-In posts. I'm ready to get back on track and I hope that sharing with you all my highs and lows, that I'll have some accountability.

I got a membership to the Y this week and I have a friend who's going to go with me to workout. Wish me luck!!

10 Things to Smile About: October

2011-11-01T05:00:00.000-07:00

Hop on over to EmmyMom and join in on the fun!

1. I'm so happy that the new TV season is here and there are some really good new shows out there. I'm loving New Girl on Fox, Once Upon a Time on ABC and Fox's The X Factor.

2. Fall colors... seriously, I love this season and our neighborhood is lit up with every shade of red, orange and yellow.

3. Date nights. Joel and I went with some friends of ours to a Third Day concert. We had so much fun... I haven't laughed that hard in a long time.

4. Autumn is walking! Oh, and she's getting into everything, but she's so stinkin' cute that it kinda makes up for the disasters she leaves behind.

5. Hummus. I love the stuff.

6. The New Testament. A friend and I are reading through the NT this month - picking out the different names of God. Even though I just finished reading through the whole Bible this summer, I've loved reading 15-20 chapters a day and having some accountability with it.

7. Family time with trains. Joel and I joined another family and took our kids to a local train historical society. We got to check out a bunch of cool stuff and ride a caboose. The girls had so much fun... and Joel did, too. Of course.

8. Praying friends. A few friends and I started to get together this month for prayer and accountability. It's so nice to know that there are those who love you and are praying for you daily. It helps me to keep perspective when I'm lifting others in prayer.

9. Financial progress. As Joel and I continue on our path toward financial freedom, we are so relieved to have a solid budget, so when life happens, we don't get anxious.

10. Halloween = kid cuteness. I mean, seriously. These two are beyond cute. And it being Autumn's first year trick-or-treating, she picked up on the concept immediately. Now we'll have to train her not to take candy for strangers.... until next year.

MilSpouse Friday Fill-In

2011-10-28T04:00:00.000-07:00

Thanks Wife of a Sailor!

1.The best part of October was connecting with so many wonderful friends, drinking tons of Starbucks and seeing Autumn walk .

2.The worst part of October was all of us taking turns with a nasty cold and paying over $1000 to fix the damage our neighbor's tree did to our property .

3.For Halloween, I’ll be a Mom Trick-or-Treating with a really sweet fairy and a super cute watermelon. I'll also be helping myself to a few Twizzlers along the way .

4.I hope that in November I can make a bunch of pumpkin recipes, get up our Christmas decorations early and get a good start on Christmas shopping.... oh, and that we'll get a great snowfall.

5.Wifey has posted MilSpouse Secret Santa. I will not be participating.

Source: None via Jill on Pinterest

The Man on the Corner

2011-10-27T20:00:00.000-07:00

Today I had a conversation with a man I will never forget. His name is Michael and I noticed him sitting in a wheelchair at an intersection near Grace's school. After I picked up Grace and got ready to head home, I saw a sign taped to the back of his wheelchair. It read "Disabled Veteran". I drove off with the girls in the back of the car and knew I needed to turn around and talk with him.

So, I drove around the block and pulled into a nearby parking lot. For a few minutes we chatted. Michael is disabled - his left leg is amputated. He is an Army veteran and having a tough time in life. I gave him what little cash I had on me, but I know it won't solve any of his real needs. He seemed lonely - eager to talk to somebody. Eager to share a bit of his story.

I don't know where he's at in life... I don't know if he has a family or any friends. I don't know where he lives or if he has a home. These are all things I wish I had asked. I told him "thank you"... whatever that may mean to him, I don't know.

After ending our chat and saying goodbye, I drove home with the girls. I was shaken. I cried when I got home. War changed Michael as it does all of our men and women in uniform. His life is forever changed. And now he has one leg, a wheelchair, and is in need of money and companionship.

It's no surprise that I have a heart for veterans. I'm proud to be married to one and am happy to know so many. But there seems to be a great divide - something that is lost and broken after they come home. We forget to say "thank you", we forget to check in. Fortunately, many veterans have a good support system. But obviously many do not. Too many are left behind after they've served. I believe progress is being made, but it's too slow and not enough.

Veterans Day is a few weeks away. I hope that we can all find a way to practically thank a veteran and let them know that we don't take them for granted and we won't forget what they've done.

MilSpouse Friday Fill-In

2011-10-21T04:00:00.000-07:00

This post should have been quick & easy. But in normal Jill-fashion, I completely over-thought it. So I erased all of that and went with my gut for each answer. Hop over to http://wifeofasailor.com/ and join in this week!

1.I want another baby. There, I said it. I'm ready, but we're waiting on the right time. And that time, my friends, is not now.

2.I have a laundry basket full of clean, folded clothes just sitting in front of my dresser hoping that someone will put them away. Anyone?

3.I wish a million dollars would drop in our laps so Joel could quit his 2nd job, we could pay off all our debt and I could buy a Land Rover. Now we don't need a million to do all of that, but I'm just putting it out there .

4.I hope that I will see a cure/successful treatment for severe peanut allergies in my lifetime .

5.I wonder what our life will be like, one year from now, when we are hopefully nearly debt-free .

Wednesday Wit: Listening

2011-10-19T16:32:00.000-07:00

Over the past few months, I've noticed that I've had to repeat myself constantly to Grace. After school on Friday, I was literally repeating everything I said at least 2-3 times. So, I finally told her (with complete honesty) that I was considering taking her to the doctor to get her hearing checked. She didn't say anything about it... I thought maybe she simply didn't hear me. HA!

Well, on Sunday at lunch, out of nowhere, she says, "Mommy, I can hear you when you talk to me. I don't have a hearing problem. It's just that I don't want to hear what you say."

And then today she tells me that she can hear her teacher at school just fine, it's me that she can't/won't hear.

Thanks, Grace. Yet one more person who tunes me out.

Saying Goodbye to the Feather & New Color

2011-10-12T16:25:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but I love to get my hair done. Fortunately, Joel hasn't limited my salon visits with the new family budget. So, on Monday, I spent 3 hours with my dear friend, Kelly. I said goodbye to the feather hair extension I've had for the last 2 months and darkened up a bit for fall.

Our Financial Freedom Journey: A Look at September

2011-10-11T07:49:00.000-07:00

Last month, Joel and I began our journey toward financial freedom. You can read more about our plan to become debt-free here.

Our biggest adjustment was going to to a cash system. I take $250 out every two weeks - $200 of that goes toward groceries and $50 is what we call walking around money. I manged pretty well with just $100 per week in grocery money. I forced myself to go through my freezer and pantry and start to use up things that, for some reason, I've been storing away. I've realized that I'm a bit of a food hoarder - I like to stock up on things when they're on sale and then I forget they're there. So we have a full pantry and freezer that has fed us well.

Right now, I'm still trying to figure out how to budget for household goods - toilet paper, toothpaste and laundry detergent or absolute necessities but they add up fast and are eating into our grocery budget. Two days before the end of the month, we had 1 roll of toilet paper in our bathroom and I literally had $1 in my wallet. I ran out and stocked up - putting it on my Debit. But I need to figure out a way to avoid that this month.

I'm also having to adjust my shopping habit. Joel and I both get $100 each month to do with as we like. At the end of September, I still had quite a bit left... mostly because I was afraid to spend it just in case I came across a pair of boots that I couldn't live without. But I have to admit that it has been hard on me to have to be limited while I'm shopping. I like clothes, makeup, shoes, accessories and purses. Actually, I love them. And when I see something I like, I just get it. And that's probably why we're financially behind and having to make this big life change. I'm a shopper and I don't like to be limited.

So instead of shopping, I've been going on walks, taking the girls to the library and reading. Those things have been fun but I do feel like I have shopping withdrawals right now.

September was also a great month for Joel and I as a couple. It's a good feeling to know we are on the same page with our finances and our future. We still have some things to work out. Those things will come in time though. And I'm sure it'll get easier as we learn more through this process.

So, one month down and a little bit less in debt.

Source: prairieflowerfarm.blogspot.com via Jill on Pinterest

10 Things to Smile About

2011-10-02T17:32:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to join Emmy Mom, in doing her monthly blog post "Ten Things to Smile About". I love reading hers each month and I thought it was finally time to join in and share with you what things I've loved from September.

1. Kids who keep learning & growing -

and one who recently discovered how to use our copy machine. Oh, Autumn...

2. Starbucks coffee. I love when the new coffees come out in the fall and winter -

right now I'm loving the Salted Carmel Mocha.

3. Happy kids in cars.

4. Pinterest I received an invite a few weeks ago and am hooked. Do you Pinterest?

5. The start toward financial freedom!

6. Joel's Birthday. Not only was he in-country this year, but I pulled off

a surprise party for him.

7. Along with a birthday comes cake. I love cake and

I'm thrilled that Joel's as crazy about chocolate cake as I am.

8. Cooler temps. I adore fall - especially those perfectly crisp days.

9. For those of you have been with me for a while, you know I'm a major beauty junkie.

Yesterday I picked up a new Chanel foundation that I'm loving.

And since I returned some product I wasn't loving, I didn't pay a cent for it.

10. Happy kids!

MilSpouse Friday Fill-In

2011-09-23T04:00:00.000-07:00

Another fill-in-the-blank week brought to you by Wife of a Sailor. Join the fun!

1.My favorite thing that happened this week was being able to have 2 lunch dates with dear friends.

2.Find a penny, pick it up and all day long you’ll wonder what gross person dropped the penny and what germs came along with it.

3.Autumn is officially here and my favorite part of the season is the trees changing colors. (I love fall so much, I named my daughter Autumn!)

4.One of the things I’d like to do before winter arrives is paint my purple front door blue (please, honey!!!).

5.I –would/would not/might– be willing to participate in MilSpouse Secret Santa. (No offense, Wife of a Sailor - I think it's a lovely idea... we're just on a super strict budget right now.)

MilSpouse Education Opportunities

2011-09-22T08:00:00.001-07:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Martinsburg Institute for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

When I graduated college in 2003, I decided that I was "done" with school. I was worn out and exhausted and just wanted to work. Then in 2006, I left my job so that I could stay home with Grace and be a full-time mom. It was a hard decision to leave a job I loved, but I felt, as a military spouse, that Grace needed me home in order to provide her some security while Joel was deployed or away for training. Well, in her 5 years of life, Joel's been deployed overseas 3 times - so I'm glad that I made the decision to stay home with her.

Over the years, though, I've been wanting to go back to school. But I haven't decided whether I want a Master's Degree or just to go back for some additional training and education that will benefit my career down the line.

But it's hard with 2 kids, a house to run and a husband who seems to deploy all the time. We live a unique life - full of constant changes. And a lot of the time we are single parents. I'm not aware of any education programs geared toward "us" - military spouses. Until now...

Recently I discovered a school geared toward education for military spouses, service members and veterans - programs created for our unique lifestyle. The Martinsburg Institute offers distance learning courses for those in our never predictable but always-exciting lifestyle.

Currently they offer programs in Medical Billing and Coding, Electronic Health Records, Human Resources, Financial Management and Accounting, Business Communications, Project Management, Medical Transcription and more! These programs are so practical and can be used anywhere - and our lifestyle requires job flexibility! Personally, I'm interested in the Financial Management and Accounting - I think it would go well with my background in Public Relations and Healthcare Sales. And especially as we work to become debt free, classes in financial management would be so valuable.

Right now, there is $4000 in grants available with MyCAA. So this would be a great time for you to look into how Martinsburg Institute can help you further your education.

Financial Bumps

2011-09-21T16:52:00.000-07:00

I wrote earlier this month about mine and Joel's plan to become debt-free. We've only been going by our new budget for a few weeks now and have already seen huge progress. I'll blog more about that at the end of the month to recap things.

But isn't it just like life to throw a wrench in your game-plan? At the end of August, as we were gearing-up to our new live-like-we-have-no-money lifestyle, a chunk of our neighbors tree fell on our fence and my car. And because it was an act-of-God and not our neighbor's fault, it goes against our insurance. Now, I cannot even begin to tell you about the amount of homeowners claims we've had or how many times my poor car has been in the body shop. So, this is an old story for us.

So, as we're working toward financial freedom, life happens, and it puts a major kink in our plans. Normally this would get us down and it would really bother us... Why does it seem like life is against us sometimes?

But I have to tell you, even though we're bummed that we're going to have to pay some deductibles and some out-of-pocket expenses for this, we are beyond grateful to be in a position that we can pay for these things. Yeah, I'd rather be paying down debt. But we created our new budget so we could take a "hit" from life and not have to worry if we'll be able to pay our bills.

We feel blessed - even with a few financial bumps at the start of this journey.

Source: behance.net via Jill on Pinterest

Wordless Wednesday - Laundry

2011-09-21T06:29:00.000-07:00

MilSpouse Friday Fill-In

2011-09-16T15:35:00.000-07:00

It's still Friday... so I can still participate with Wife of a Sailor, even if it's later than normal for me.

1.Right now, our weather is in the high 50s and overcast, but what I’d really like is a whole lot more sun out there and some fall colors on the trees.

2.I like to let my hair down and sing in the kitchen as I do my housewife-thing.

3.Mommy Rambles made a post about heroes… my hero is my father, because throughout his life he has always lived with such integrity, grace and strength.

4.It’s a weird combination, but I swear salt and pizza are a perfect pair!

5.Some may see the glass half empty and others may see it half full, but I can't see how full it is because my coffee's well hidden inside a Starbucks cup.

In-Processing

2011-09-15T11:13:00.000-07:00

Right now, as I type, my husband is running around base - getting a few last signatures to finalize his AGR job. I felt like buying balloons and streamers to decorate the house because I'm so unbelievably excited for our future and so proud of him.

We've waited 8 years for today. There have been lots of tears (on my part), frustration, anxiety and a heavy sense of uncertainty.

Today feels like a fresh start.... everything is flowers and rainbows to me right now.

Source: tumblr.com via Jill on Pinterest

Wordless Wednesday: Tool

2011-09-14T13:29:00.000-07:00

Our Jouney Toward Financial Freedom

2011-09-08T04:00:00.000-07:00

I mentioned earlier this week that Joel got an AGR job at our local base. Not only is this a great pat-on-the back for him, but it's a huge boost for our family's financial stability. During the last 8 years, we have probably gone through nearly $20,000 of our savings during periods of unemployment. We are thankful that we had that money to rely on, but going through that much hasn't allowed us to move forward.

As of September 1st, Joel and I started on our journey toward financial freedom. Our goal is in the next 18 months, to be debt free. And by debt free, we mean paying off all debt besides our mortgage. We now know how much is coming in each month and we can finally count on that income. Now we need to make that money work for us and begin to make forward progress.

So, as of the first of this month, we are living like we are broke. Or close to it.

Here are some of the changes we have made:

Allowances - Joel and I each get $100 at the beginning of the month to do as we like with. So, if there's a big-ticket item we want (*ahem* a new Micahel Kors purse), we will have to save up for it.

Walking around with cash - I am taking out $400 in cash per month for groceries & $100 in cash per month for walking around money (ie fast food, trips to Target, Starbucks, etc.) Once the cash is gone, it's gone.

No Cards allowed without permission - First of all, credit cards are off-limits. No exception. The only card we are allowed to use is our Debit, which comes directly out of our checking account. The Debit can be used for things like filling the cars with gas or picking up a prescription. Any other purchases on the Debit card has to be cleared with the other spouse.

Total honesty - Have you ever heard of financial infidelity? Well, it's a huge problem, and I have to admit to being unfaithful financially. But there's something to be said about letting your spouse know all of you, even your mistakes. Joel and I have sat down and shown each other all of our "numbers". Everything is out in the open.... and it feels unbelievable! What a relief.

Loving communication - Discussing money with your spouse can be hard. It's been hard for us. But we've made a rule that we can discuss it with "safety". It's a topic that has to be talked about, and you have to be able to discuss it knowing that you can be honest and that the other person is going to still love you at the end of it. It hasn't been fun to discuss it, and it can get heated. But we continue to remind each other that we're working toward the same goal. And in the end, it'll be worth it.

It feels good to get this out there. I can't wait to share our progress with you all. I'm sure we will make mistakes along the way, and I'll share those, too.

Source: lh4.ggpht.com via Jill on Pinterest

First "Sick" Day

2011-09-07T12:42:00.000-07:00

Grace is into her 3rd week of Kindergarten. Less than 2 minutes after I came in from dropping her off, I get a call this morning, that Grace is complaining of a headache and is inconsolable. Her kindergarten teacher said "I think you should just bring her home".

So, I got back into the car, wondering why Grace would possibly start feeling sick... or why she would say she felt sick. I just dropped her off and she was in good spirits. Her only complaint was that there would be pineapple at lunch. I know the adjustment from home full-time, to being at school all day has been hard. She's tired. She's whiny. But she loves school. So I prayed for wisdom and picked her up.

Right away, on our way back, she tells me that she feels fine but she just wanted to be home with me today. I figured as much. I tried to explain to her, as my mother did to me when I was young, that school is her job. Just like Daddy has to go to work each day, she has to report to school and be a good student.

We had a little chat when we got home - that today wasn't a play day. We cuddled together in bed this morning and took a nap and she seemed to do better after that.

What do I do? I know she needs more time with Joel and I. So we'll make that happen. But this can't be a habit. She has to go to school. She's going to private school - we're paying for private school. Help! What's a momma to do?

Labor Day Thanksgivings

2011-09-05T17:50:00.000-07:00

Source: blog.catchmyparty.com via Delta on Pinterest

Happy Labor Day, everyone. Joel thinks it's a bogus holiday, and I kinda agree. But today got me thinking...

Through our last 8 years of marriage, Joel has never had a job we could really count on. He's been more-or-less activated the entire time, but there have been many times that he's been off of orders and we've had to rely on our savings to get by.

We've prayed a lot these last 8 years that God would provide a job and give us stability. We've had many moments of anxiety. We've worried too much. But we've never gone without. Our bills have always been paid and there's always been money in the bank.

Even though we've struggled in this area, God has always provided. We've tried keep faith. We've tried to live simply - although not always - not knowing what would happen 6 months down the road.

A few weeks ago, Joel got great news - he got an AGR job on base. This means stable work - until he retires. It also means that we can stay where we are and not have to go the active duty route. Oh, and it also means he gets to do what he loves to do.

We are so blessed. And relieved. We can finally breathe a little easier and start planning for our future.

MilSpouse Friday Fill-In

2011-09-02T05:52:00.000-07:00

Thanks Wife of a Sailor for another fun fill-in-the-blank Friday!

1.My plans for this weekend include sleeping in tomorrow, going to church, bbqing and relaxing with just the 4 of us, but what I’d really like to do is .... I don't know, right now our plans seem pretty perfect.

2.I consider the Labor Day holiday an end to summer and bittersweet start to the routine of school.

3.My favorite meal for cookouts is BBQ chicken, BBQ shrimp, steaks, potatoes on the grill , sweet tea and some sort of pie, but my scale wouldn’t agree.

4.So far, my favorite part of summer has been spending time with those I love... my wonderful family and friends.

5.When it comes to deployments, my philosophy is to be honest with yourself, be real with others, support your spouse and press on.

Two Weeks In

2011-09-01T06:40:00.000-07:00

Grace is now into her 2nd week of Kindergarten. My baby is now away from home for 7 hours a day. She is learning. laughing, growing, exploring and changing.

It's hard for a parent sometimes to let your little ones let go of your hand and explore life on their own. It's our job, though.

On Grace's first day of school, Joel had to tell me it was time to leave her classroom. It was difficult to walk away - not knowing if she'd be sad that we were leaving and not knowing how the rest of her day would go. I did cry a bit- no surprise there. But I can't even tell you how thrilling it was to pick her up later that day and see how excited and happy she was about her first day of school.

So, for 7 hours a day, our little Gracie is on her own adventure. She loves school. She loves to learn. And every day, I cannot wait to go and pick her up. I cannot wait to hear all that's she's done.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-31T12:35:00.001-07:00

MilSpouse Friday Fill-In

2011-08-26T05:46:00.000-07:00

Having fun filling-in-the blank with Wife of a Sailor today!

1.The first thing I think of when I get up in the morning is check my messages on my phone.
2.Lately, I’ve been craving nachos because carbs loaded with cheese is just plain awesome.

3.Whenever anyone says the word tornado, it reminds me of my childhood because my hometown was torn-up by a tornado when I was young and I will never look at storms the same.

4.The happiest word I know is shish kabob, but it's actually two words.

5.My spouse may hate it, but I absolutely love sharing meals at a restaurant - he gets one thing and I get another - 2 meals in one. But Joel never lets me do it.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

MilSpouse Friday Fill-In

2011-08-19T04:00:00.000-07:00

It's fill-in-the-blank week with Wife of a Sailor. So easy and fun!

1.My spouse and I rarely agree on the amount for my clothing/shoe/purse/accessories/makeup allowance, but always agree on pizza night.

2.If I could use one word to sum up the way I feel right now, it would be achy.

3.One of the things my spouse does that grosses me out is leaving fingernail & toenail clippings "around".

4.My readers may think I’m crazy for doing this, but I really love to mop floors with my Bissell steam mop.

5.Frankly, my dear, I don’t care if you want to recline your seat in front of me on the plane when I have a child on my lap.... I will let them kick you and I won't feel bad about it.

Autumn Lovin'

2011-08-18T21:04:00.000-07:00

Seriously, this child is beyond cute.

Just thought I would share her with you today!

The Baby Question

2011-08-08T04:00:00.000-07:00

Source: ravelry.com via Michelle on Pinterest

After you're married for about a year, everyone starts asking when you and your husband are going to have a baby. Everyone wants to know.

And then you have a baby and everyone seems happy with that.

Until that baby is about 1 1/2 and then everyone starts asking when you're going to have another baby.

Well, Autumn is nearing that age. She's apparently old enough to need/want a younger sibling.

So, everyone's been asking.

I don't usually mind. But sometimes the question just feels like more pressure.

So here it is: Yes. We would like more kids. Maybe 1 or 2.

But now just isn't the right time. We are trying to be smart about everything and make sure life is in order. As much as life can be in order.

Don't worry. We will tell you when the time is right.

Bible in 90 Days: Final Reading Schedule

2011-08-07T16:40:00.000-07:00

This is a bittersweet post. Just about 14 weeks ago, we started our adventure of reading the Bible together in 90 days. It's hard to think that it's nearly over now.

As I look back at what we've read this past week, the theme of Christian growth continued to come to mind. The Old Testament is full of reminders of God's desire for holiness, His disdain for sin and His will to be in a relationship with His people. The New Testament starts out by clearly offering a means to holiness (sanctification) and redemption of our sins through Christ's death. These two things (sanctification and redemption) offer us a relationship with God. But it doesn't stop there.

Most of the remainder of the New Testament talks about Christian growth and maturity. The process for us doesn't (and shouldn't) stop at the time that we confess our sins and accept Christ's salvation. Our life as a Christian only starts there. The journey from that point is to know Christ, study His Word, live in faith, live a life of works because of our faith and yearn to grow each day to become more like Christ. The Christian life has to be about growth - growth naturally springs forth from redemption.

I'm sure we all know Christians who are stunted in their Christian life. They are not growing. There faith almost seems dead. There are also a lot of Christians who are all-too content to continue to be fed "soft food". They don't want to dig into the Word. They don't want to deal with the ongoing sin in their lives. Maybe they're intimidated by what we call theology. They are content to just be.

But that is not at all what Christ wants for us. And that's not what I want my life to be.

"Put on them, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other, as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the father through him. - Colossians 3:12-17

Tomorrow's reading schedule:

Day 90, Monday, August 8th
Revelations 18:1 - Revelations 22:21

Where Do You Nap?

2011-08-05T15:54:00.000-07:00

What do you do when you're 5 years old, you don't want to take a nap and you don't want to be in your room? Oh, and you're really tired but won't admit it.

This...

Oh, and don't worry. I had that very important don't-sleep-on-the-stairs-or-you-may-fall-off-the-stairs conversation.

Proud Mommy Moments: Singing Sisters

2011-08-04T16:34:00.000-07:00

Every night, Grace goes to bed with her CD player on. She listened to Christmas music through June (when Mommy took away the Christmas CD's)... but right now Grace is listening to Christian kids praise music. The CD player is on all night, and I can't tell you how many times I just want to turn that thing off. But she loves it - so it stays on.

Most mornings, Grace ends up in Autumn's room while I struggle to get out of bed. Sometimes they throw toys at each other, but most often, Grace ends up singing songs to Autumn. Usually Grace just makes songs up and Autumn claps along. But last week, I woke up to the sound of Grace singing praise music to Autumn. I can't remember what song it was, but Grace knew all the words. And Autumn loved it.

I hope that in 10, 20 or even 30 years from now, those songs, specifically those words are still on my little girl's heart.

Bible in 90 Days: Week 13 Schedule

2011-07-31T16:50:00.000-07:00

I wasn't sure how I would enjoy reading through all four gospels, one right after the other. I thought it may be redundant after the second. But, fortunately, I didn't find that at all. I really enjoyed it and was given a fresh perspective about Who Christ was and is today. Of the four gospels, I think John moved my heart the most. John's account of Christ's life, death and resurrection is different than the others. Not only does it include more stories about the life of Christ, but the tone of it is entirely different than Matthew, Mark and Luke.

If you ever wondered who Christ was, claimed to be and came to do, John provides those answers! Many say that Christ was a good person, a leader, a teacher, a wise man or a prophet. But you cannot read the account of Jesus' life in John (or any of the other gospels, really), and hold to that. The book even starts out by saying the Jesus and God are one. They are the same. And then Christ himself makes six "I Am" statements throughout John's account:

I am the bread of life
I am the light of the world
I am the door of the sheep
I am the good shepherd
I am the resurrection and the life
I am the way, the truth and the life
I am the true

Did something stand out to you this week as you finished the gospels and read through Acts?

We are almost done with our adventure through the Bible together this summer. After this week, we will only have one more day of reading. Now, I know some of you are behind. And that's ok. I'd recommend that you see if you can plan it out so that you will finish by the end of next week.

Here is this week's schedule:

Day 83, Monday, August 1st
Romans 15:1 - I Corinthians 14:40

Day 84, Tuesday, August 2nd
I Corinthians 15:1 - Galatians 3:25

Day 85, Wednesday, August 3rd
Galatians 3:26 - Colossians 4:18

Day 86, Thursday, August 4th
I Thessalonians 1:1 - Philemon 25

Day 87, Friday, August 5th
Hebrews 1:1 - James 3:12

Day 88, Saturday, August 6th
James 3:13 - 3 John 14

Day 89, Sunday, August 7th
Jude 1 - Revelations 17:18

MilSpouse Friday Fill-In

2011-07-29T04:00:00.000-07:00

This week, Wife of a Sailor has us doing "or's".... so here is mine.

1.Facebook or Twitter?
Facebook. Every once in a while, I'll check on someone's Twitter, tweets, whatever they're called; but I feel like I get more out of what people have to say on Facebook. And I'm totally addicted to Facebook! Any one else ready to admit it with me?

2.Hard Tacos or Soft Tacos?
Soft Tacos. Hard tacos are messy. Once you take a bite, you instantly have parts of the shell as well as the filling on you. I like that soft tacos neatly pack away all the goodness!

3.Gardening or crafting?
Gardening. I often say to my crafty friends that I like to buy crafts, not make them. I'm not artistic and I'm not handy, oh, and I hate messes. So crafts just aren't my thing. But I really appreciate those who are crafty, because I can use them when I need them.

4.Fruit or vegetables?
Honestly, I love both. But I eat a lot more fruits than veggies. I love the summer, especially when the raspberries are ripe.

5.Motorcycle or bicycle?
Bicycle. Simply because they're safer. I rode on a motorcycle with someone in college - and honestly they were probably the safest rider out there, but I was still not comfortable. About 8 years ago, I so a motorcyclist hit a curb and fly off his bike onto the sidewalk. I'll never forget it. And my girls are never going to ride. Ever. Sorry Grace (she wants one).

Wednesday Wit

2011-07-27T13:12:00.000-07:00

During snack time today...

Grace: Mom, I'm still hungry.
Me: OK, what else would you like?
Grace: Do you have a menu?
Me: (laughing hysterically) I'll see what I can do.

8 Years

2011-07-26T14:31:00.000-07:00

Eight years ago, I married my best friend. These eight years have been full of challenge, growth, love and a deeper appreciation for one another. I'm so blessed to be married to such a wonderful man.

Bible in 90 Days: Week 12 Schedule

2011-07-24T15:50:00.000-07:00

As of today, we've read through most of the Gospels. It has been so neat to read through the Gospels - one right after the other. It's certainly helped to cement some of the parables into my memory!

So, what has struck you most by reading through Matthew, Mark and most of Luke this past week? Have you noticed any themes that struck you?

One things that stood out for me, was how many times Christ talked about faith. As much as Christ taught about Himself, God' purposes and what is right, He taught a lot about faith. There are numerous passages this past week where Christ directly deals with the issue of faith:
Matthew 8:10, Matthew 9:12, Matthew 9:22, Matthew 9:22, Matthew 15:28, Matthew 17:20, Matthew 21:21, Matthew 23:23, Mark 2:5, Mark 4:40, Luke 5:20, Luke 7:9, Luke 7:50, Luke 8:25, Luke 8:48, Luke 17:5, Luke 17:6, Luke 17:19, Luke 18:18 and Luke 18:24.

Christ taught about faith. He loved those who had faith. He healed those who had faith. He wants us to have faith. He saves those with faith. And He wants us to grow in our faith.

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for,

the conviction of things not seen."

- Hebrews 11:1

Here is this week's schedule:

Day 76, Monday, July 25th
Luke 20:20 - John 5:47

Day 77, Tuesday, July 26th
Grace Day

Day 78, Wednesday, July 27th
John 6:1 - John 15:17

Day 79, Thursday, July 28th
John 15:18 - Acts 6:7

Day 80, Friday, July 29th
Acts 6:8 - Acts 16:37

Day 81, Saturday, July 30th
Acts 16:38 - Acts 28:16

Day 82, Sunday, July 31st
Acts 28:17 - Romans 14:23

Bible in 90 Days: The Old Testament

2011-07-20T17:54:00.000-07:00

I was a bit shocked to turn the page in my Bible on Monday and realize that we were in Matthew. When we started this journey 71 days ago, I had the attitude on Day 1 that I couldn't wait for the New Testament reading to begin. Initially, I wasn't looking forward to reading through the Old Testament. But soon I became immersed in the stories of God and His people - their journey together.

Now that we're in Matthew, I'm still going back in my head to the truths of God that the Old Testament reveals. It's so obvious to me that in order to be a healthy Christian, you have to be rooted in the God of the Old Testament... because He's the same God of the New Testament. I've often thought (and said) that the God of the Old Testament seemed distant and harsh to me. But I can firmly say that I no longer believe that.

Some things that I learned about God through our Old Testament reading....

He wants genuine relationships with us
He loves through discipline
He cannot stand sin
He requires holiness
He offers a way to holiness
His plan is perfect
His heart is hurt, like a father, when we walk away from Him
His love for us is at the center of all that he does
He is always in control, even when things seem chaotic
He is just
He knows our heart and desires it
He created perfectly
God works through us, even with our imperfections
He desires our praise
He desires our heart
He can use our failures
His love never fails
His love never ends
His Word is life

For those of you who are Christians, especially those who have been saved for a long time, these truths are not ground-breaking. They are truths about God loved by His people. And although we may know them in our mind, too often we do not know them in our heart. We do not always live like we believe them.

I've learned that it is easy to be academic in our understanding of God. But that gets us no where. And God doesn't want that. The last 71 days have been heart-changing for me, and I pray that they've been that way for you, too!

Source: janefarr.blogspot.com via Ashton on Pinterest

Bible in 90 Days: Week 11 Schedule

2011-07-17T16:50:00.000-07:00

Hello all!

Today's post is going to be brief. Our family recently lost a loved-one and I don't feel like I can put together a complete thought right now, so be on the lookout for a post mid-week.

Here is this week's schedule:

Day 69, Monday, July 18th
Zechariah 11:1 - Matthew 4:25

Day 70, Tuesday, July 19th
Matthew 5:1 - Matthew 15:39

Day 71, Wednesday, July 20th
Matthew 16:1 - Matthew 26:56

Day 72, Thursday, July 21st
Matthew 26:57 - Mark 9:13

Day 73, Friday, July 22nd
Mark 9:14 - Luke 1:80

Day 74, Saturday, July 23rd
Luke 2:1 - Luke 9:62

Day 75, Sunday, July 24th
Luke 10:1 - Luke 20:19

MilSpouse Friday Fill-In

2011-07-15T04:00:00.000-07:00

Thanks, Wife of a Sailor!

1.If you could have a private concert with any singer, who would it be? submitted by An Air Force Wife’s Blog
Oh. My. Gosh. Seriously? That would be a dream. Now, you're either going to laugh at me or be in complete agreement. Hands-down, Josh Groban. I love his music! Joel and I went to a concert (really, Joel took me there and sat next to me) in 2005 and it was amazing. He's a rare artist - one of the few who actually write their own music, can sing as well as they record and can play instruments - well. He's referred to as "my boyfriend" at home.

2.Is there anything you do to supplement your family’s income? submitted by Our Life, One Adventure at a Time
No. I choose to blog for myself and not for profit. If anything, I try to take advantage of any coupons I can use - they're free money!

3.During your pregnancy (whether past, present, or future), what did you nickname your unborn baby before you knew the sex? submitted by Explosions of Love
Joel nicknamed Grace "bubbers" and we still call her that. I think we called Autumn "The Baby". Original. I know. One thing we didn't call either child was - it. I hate that. If anyone ever called the girls "it" while I was pregnant, they were corrected.

4.Have you ever won a blog giveaway? If so what did you win? submitted by Mrs. O’s Life
I haven't. I haven't been great about submitting for a lot of them.

5.If I looked into your refrigerator right now, what would I find? submitted by Married to the Army
This is one of my favorite questions ever! I used to get Rachael Ray's magazine and loved the last page that had a photograph of a celebrity's refrigerator - it's so telling.
Milk, cheese, juice (lots of juice), strawberries, grapes, condiments, mars capon cheese, whipping cream, Diet Coke, hot dogs, tortellini, Lunchables, yogurt, ricotta cheese, Cabernet sauvignon, Jello-O, pudding, homemade strawberry jam, buttermilk, wheat germ, coffee

Wednesday Wit: Vurp

2011-07-13T17:10:00.000-07:00

My friend, Janna, has a really great blog - full of honest moments as a mom and wife. She does a regular post called Wednesday Wit, which is full of all the crazy things her kids say.

I thought I should join in on the fun.

While in the car tonight...

Grace: Sometimes I get those funny burps.
Me: Really? What is a funny burp?
Grace: When a little bit of the stuff comes up from your stomach. The yellow stuff. It gets in your mouth, but I just slurp it back down.

Is it okay to tell her that it's called a vurp?

Homemade Strawberry Jam

2011-07-12T09:03:00.000-07:00

Our family loves strawberry jam. We go through tons of it - between Joel and his English muffins and the rest of us and our sunflower butter sandwiches. Joel doesn't like us to eat a lot of high fructose corn syrup, so I end up spending a lot of money of jam that is simply fruit and sugar. It's about $4 for a small jar.... for just fruit and sugar!

My friend Karla over at The Culinary Enthusiast, recently posted a recipe for strawberry freezer jam that I knew I had to try. Her and I have canned jam before and the process was just too much for me. Last week, I had a bunch of beautiful strawberries and gave strawberry jam another try - and it was so worth it!

Here is what I did:

4 lbs of clean strawberries

I used a huller clean up the berries

4 pounds of hulled and halved strawberries

Instead of mashing 4 lbs by hand, Karla recommended using the food processor.

I pulsed the berries until I got the texture I wanted.

Here are the pulsed berries

4 cups of sugar & 12 Tbsp of no-cook pectin

I combined the sugar/pectin mixture for 3 minutes & then filled-up my freezer jars.

The jars sat out on the counter for about 30 minutes before I put them in the freezer.

4 lbs of berries made approximately 15 cup of jam.

I used freezer containers that I purchased from Bed, Bath & Beyond.

This recipe is really, really easy!!! I couldn't believe how simple it was and how quickly I was able to make 15 cups of jam. I think in total, it took me less than 1 hour from the time I rinsed the berries to the point I was able to put everything in the freezer. You'll have to try it.

To see Karla's recipe and much prettier pictures, head over here.

Bible in 90 Days: Week 10 Schedule

2011-07-10T16:28:00.000-07:00

Week 10!!!!!! Holy smokes, I can't believe it!

There was a lot of heavy material in our reading this past week. While reading through Isaiah and especially Jeremiah and Lamentations, we saw a God sick of sin. He was angry and wrathful - not two of His most warm-fuzzy attributes. But His anger and wrath are as much part of Him as His love, grace and mercy. In the midst of Lamentations, where things are desperate, there is a wonderful theme of mercy that prevails.

But this I call to mind,

and therefore I have hope:

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;

his mercies never come to an end;

they are new every morning;

great is your faithfulness.

"The LORD is my portion," says my soul,

"therefore I will hope in him."

The LORD is good to those who wait for him,

to the soul who seeks him.

It is good that one should wait quietly

for the salvation of the LORD.

-Lamentations 3:21-26

Here is this week's schedule:

Day 62, Monday, July 11th
Ezekiel 23:40 - Ezekiel 35:15

Day 63, Tuesday, July 12th
Ezekiel 36:1 - Ezekiel 47:12

Day 64, Wednesday, July 13th
Ezekiel 47:13 - Daniel 8:27

Day 65, Thursday, July 14th
Daniel 9:1 - Hosea 13:6

Day 66, Friday, July 15th
Hosea 13:7 - Amos 9:10

Day 67, Saturday, July 16th
Amos 9:11 - Nahum 3:19

Day 68, Sunday, July 17th
Habakkuk 1:1 - Zechariah 10:12

One Year Ago

2011-07-09T09:42:00.000-07:00

One year ago, Joel and I had a restless night's sleep. We woke up anxious. I cried about a million times before we loaded all of his bags and our two girls into the car. We gave lots of hugs and kisses and said goodbye, not knowing what the next many months would be like.

Over the past year we have

grown

cried

struggled

learned

prayed

adjusted

worked

maintained

healed

loved

I have learned so much this past year. God has been ever-faithful. Our family is strong. And there is an abundance of love in our lives.

I am so thankful to be in a different place today than one year ago. I am thankful we are together again.

Source: imagecache.artistrising.com via Ashton on Pinterest

MilSpouse Friday Fill-In

2011-07-08T04:00:00.000-07:00

Thanks, Wife of a Sailor!

1.Does your Significant Other read your blog? Why is this a good or a bad thing? submitted by Mrs. Alana’s Miscellany
Sometimes. I think Joel read it more while he was overseas - it was a good way for him to get insight into what I was feeling and going through while he was gone. I usually felt reserved while we were on the phone because I didn't want to burden him with the stresses at home. But this blog, I think, helped him to get a better idea of what I felt about his deployment.

2.What is one item in your house that holds the most sentimental value and why? submitted by The Albrecht Squad
Besides my wedding ring (because it's usually on me).. I would say the manger that Joel made for me several Christmases ago. When I was young, my dad along with our neighbor, built a manger to hold my mom's nativity scene. It is something that I've always loved and probably my favorite Christmas decoration that my parent's have. A few years ago, Joel took some rough measurements without me knowing and completely surprised me when he revealed the manger that he built for me that looks nearly identical to the one my dad built for my mom.

3.When it comes to water fun in the summer do you prefer the beach, the pool, a lake, or the sprinklers? submitted by The Turvo Times
I love the water, so it's a toss-up between the pool and the lake. I love lounging by the pool and doing laps, but I also love boating.... haven't been in the water much, though.

4.What is the one special thing that you do for yourself to get you through the first week of a deployment/separation? submitted by A Creed and a Psalm
I try to stay busy so that I'm distracted. Last time, I spent the first day at my parents and then had playdates and activities with friends planned throughout the week. I think the first month and the last month are the hardest.

5.What is your biggest guilty pleasure website? submitted by Christine’s Little Blog
I'm going to pick two. I just love anything beauty-related. So, I have two beauty blogs that I visit several times a day:
I love Karen at Makeup and Beauty Blog. She's so funny and has a good balance of providing great product information with entertainment. Hers is the first blog I ever read, and for the last couple years, I've been an active follower. She's also great about replying to comments, which I really appreciate!

I also really enjoy Christiana's beauty blog - Temptalia. She has tons of posts a day - great swatches and product reviews. She's really straight-forward and I trust her opinion.

Source: cherry-blossom-world.blogspot.com via Vicki on Pinterest

Happy Friday, everyone!

Happy 4th!

2011-07-04T04:00:00.000-07:00

(image from life123)

"Where liberty dwells, there is my country."

-Benjamin Franklin

From the daughter of an immigrant and a wife of a hero, Happy 4th of July! Have a safe and blessed holiday celebrating our great nation.

Bible in 90 Days: Week 9 Schedule

2011-07-03T16:51:00.000-07:00

I will admit that the more we read, the more things are blending together. I have to look back at the reading schedule from the week before just to keep track of what we've read. And I've had a lot of "oh, right... that's what we read!" moments.

Because we've been reading through things so quickly, I've been able to pick up on connections. One connection from this week is all the references in Isaiah from Kings and Chronicles. Isaiah's been a good reminder of the good and bad kings, but also God's redemption and mercy for the Israelites. I've really enjoyed the prophecy of Christ in Isaiah and have caught myself humming a few Christmas songs... you know which ones!

One of my best friends recently finished a book study on Isaiah. It had a great impact on her... So, Karla - if you're reading this, please share what you've gained from reading through Isaiah again and what has struck you this week. No pressure!

We have finished eight full weeks of Bible reading so far. Can you believe how far we've come?

Can't wait to get started on Jeremiah this week!

Here is this week's schedule:

Day 55, Monday, July 4th
Isaiah 66:19 - Jeremiah 10:13

Day 56, Tuesday, July 5th
Jeremiah 10:14 - Jeremiah - 23:8

Day 57, Wednesday, July 6th
Jeremiah 23:9 - Jeremiah 33:22

Day 58, Thursday, July 7th
Jeremiah 33:23 - Jeremiah 47:7

Day 59, Friday, July 8th
Jeremiah 48:1 - Lamentations 1:22

Day 60,Saturday, July 9th
Lamentations 2:1 - Ezekiel 12:20

Day 61, Sunday, July 10th
Ezekiel 12:21 - Ezekiel 23:39

Giveaway Winner

2011-07-02T07:13:00.000-07:00

Thanks to those who participated in my first giveaway. A winner was selected using random.org. And the winner is....

Emmy from

Emmy Mom One Day at a Time

Congrats, Emmy!

I really enjoyed doing the giveaway, and have some ideas swirling for another giveaway sometime this summer...

MilSpouse Friday Fill-In

2011-07-01T06:44:00.000-07:00

It's been a really long time since I joined Wife of a Sailor and the other MilSpouse bloggers in the Friday Fill-In... Feels nice to be back!

1.Have you (spouse) ever considered joining the military and what do you think of dual military couples? submitted by Project Army Wife
Never. Ever. They wouldn't want me. I remember being called by recruiters in high school and trying so hard to convince them that I wouldn't be a good fit. I don't like sweating, getting dirty, wearing ugly clothes, being forced to wake up early, camping, hiking.... I can't read a map. I don't do well when people yell at me... The list goes on. I am thankful for those who can do it, but it's not for me.

I give major credit to couples who are in together. I feel like it's a lot of sacrifice to be the spouse of a military member, but I can't even think of how it would be if Joel and I were both in the military. So kudos to those who do it!!!

2.What is your idea of a perfect Sunday afternoon? submitted by A Few of My Favorite Things
Lunch after church, followed by a mandatory family nap, a family walk through the neighborhood and BBQ for dinner - sounds perfect to me!

3.What do you usually do for the 4th of July holiday? submitted by Anchor’s Away
It depends on where we are for the 4th. Usually we end up going to my in-laws - we hang out and wait until dark. Then Joel goes out and year after year, scares me to death... he becomes a different person around fire and fireworks.

4.If they could make an Olympic event JUST for you that you know you’d medal in, what would it be? submitted by Pants are Confusing
Shopping. And I would get a gold medal every time.

5.What have you been doing to get yourself bathing suit ready for the summer? submitted by Not Just an Army Wife
Ugh. I'm not sure I'll actually be in a bathing suit this year, but I've been doing lots of squats and sit-ups and trying to eat more fruits and vegetables.

Blog Anniversary & Giveaway

2011-06-27T06:12:00.000-07:00

Happy one-year anniversary!!! Last year, on June 10th, I did my first blog post. Through all the ups and downs of deployments, marriage and mommyhood, this blog has been a safe haven - a great place to put my feelings out there and connect with so many great people. I cannot imagine going through this past deployment without all of the MilSpouses out there who encouraged me along the way. And I'm so thankful that this blog has allowed me to share my heart, my worries and my joys. For those of you who have been following - thank you for your support!

To celebrate, I'm doing my first giveaway! My cousin, Beth, has an Etsy shop - Busy Bee Gifts. She has the crafty gene, that I didn't get and has been busy making totes, wristlets, earrings, key fobs and insulated tumblers. She created a tumbler, just for this giveaway. It will be personalized with the winner's name, once the winner has been selected.

Here is an idea of the finished product - of course with the winner's name!

Here is the cup - just waiting to be personalized

To enter the anniversary giveaway, all you have to do is:

- Be a follower of this blog

- Leave a comment telling me if you are a new or "old" follower &;

tell me what you're enjoying most about your summer so far.

Easy Breezy! The giveaway will close on Friday, July 1st at 11:59 EST. I will announce the winner on Saturday, July 2nd.

Bible in 90 Days: Week 8 Schedule

2011-06-26T15:24:00.000-07:00

I really enjoyed reading through the Psalms this week. Psalms has always been a book that I turn to when life gets hard and I need reminded of Who God is. The book is full of truths - His power, His mercy, His creation, His wonder... and His steadfast love. I never noticed before how much David uses that term - steadfast love.

I wrote about wisdom in my Week 6 entry, so I won't go into that again with Proverbs. But if anything important comes to mind, is that we should hold Godly wisdom in high esteem. We should actively seek after it and also be weary of those in our life who are not wise. The company that we keep and the counsel that we seek should also be seeking wisdom in their lives.

Do you have a favorite Psalm or Proverb from this week? Or is there a Psalm or Proverb that you cling to on a daily basis? Psalm 46:10 has been a verse that I've held on tightly to the last few years. It says, "Be still and know that I am God". That verse has gotten me through three deployments and some dark days in my marriage. God is sovereign and He holds all things in His hand.

Be Still and Know by Steven Curtis Chapman

Be still and know that He is God

Be still and know that He is holy

Be still, O restless soul of mine

Bow before the Prince of peace

Let the noise and clamor cease

Be still and know that He is God

Be still and know that He is faithful

Consider all that He has done

Stand in awe and be amazed

And know that He will never change

Be still

Be still, and know that He is God

Be still; Be speechless

Be still and know that He is God

Be still and know He is our Father

Come rest your head upon His breast

Listen to the rhythm of His unfailing heart of love

Beating for His little ones

Calling each of us to come

Be still, Be still

Here is this week's schedule:

Day 48, Monday June 27th

Ecclesiastes 3:1 - Song of Songs 8:14

Day 49, Tuesday June 28th

Isaiah 1:1 - Isaiah 13:22

Day 50, Wednesday June 29th

Isaiah 14:1 - Isaiah 28:29

Day 51, Thursday 30th

Isaiah 29:1 - Isaiah 41:18

Day 52, Friday July 1st

Grace Day - Enjoy a day off from reading!

Day 53, Saturday July 2nd

Isaiah 41:19 - Isaiah 52:12

Day 54, Sunday July 3rd

Isaiah 52:13 - Isaiah 66:18

Hope & Comfort

2011-06-19T21:17:00.000-07:00

(image from Norma Peace Stuff)

I've written before about Jessica at {Mis}Adventures of a Lifetime. She inspired me about a year ago to take the jump into blogging and over the last few months has gone through a lot of personal struggles.

I've really appreciated her honesty during this deeply personal time and her willingness to open her life to the blogging world. Jessica's been on my heart these past few months, and often comes to mind. Although I've never met her, I pray for her often - specifically that she would find God's purpose in all that's happened recently.

Last week she wrote a beautiful post about her struggle with depression and her journey through it. I have struggled with depression some while I was in college and I know it can be a very dark time, especially when you only look within yourself. Jessica's perspective through this is refreshing and I'm encouraged to see where God is taking her.

One of my favorite passages in Scripture is in 2 Corinthians 1:3-7. It says:

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings we suffer. Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort."

What an awesome promise. We can find purpose in our suffering, because God promises that we can someday comfort others who may be going through similar heartache. Time and time again, God has given me opportunity to share about my own struggles so that I can not only comfort those who are hurting, but offer some kind of hope. We will be buried in self-pity while in our own struggle if we don't believe there's purpose sometime in the future.

Bible in 90 Days: Week 7 Schedule

2011-06-19T15:53:00.000-07:00

This past week, we finished up 2 Chronicles and read through Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job and started Psalms. What a wide range of characters, stories and Biblical lessons! As we've read through all the good and bad kings of Chronicles, the stories of Nehemiah, the redemption of Esther and Job, I've constantly thought about God's steadfast love and his never-ending mercy. It can seem in God's dealings with the Israelites that He is judgemental and hard, but if you look at the consistency of his redemption, it is clear that His LOVE is behind all of His works. Love is the driving force behind all of Scripture, and that has really been driven-in for me the past few weeks.

I wasn't sure how I would like reading through the Psalms in such a short period of time, but they seem to be at a perfect spot - right after the story of Job and his testing of faith. Psalms offers so many promises of God's faithfulness, love and constant presence in the lives of those who love Him.

As we continue with our reading, please try to keep in mind the attributes of God. He is forever faithful, loving, merciful, gracious, eternal, all-powerful, all-knowing, holy, truthful, good and just.

Here is this week's schedule:

Day 41, Monday June 20th
Psalms 45:15 - 69:21

Day 42, Tuesday June 21st
Psalms 69:22 - 89:13

Day 43, Wednesday June 22nd
Psalms 89:14 - 108:13

Day 44, Thursday June 23rd
Psalms 109:1 - 134:3

Day 45, Friday June 24th
Psalms 135:1 - Proverbs 6:35

Day 46, Saturday June 25th
Proverbs 7:1 - 20:21

Day 47, Sunday June 26th
Proverbs 20:22 - Ecclesiastes 2:26

Bible in 90 Days: Week 6 Schedule

2011-06-12T18:36:00.000-07:00

I have to say that this week has been a great week of reading. We've read through the majority of Kings and Chronicles... books that are full of dates, history and names. I felt overwhelmed two weeks ago when we started I Kings, but instead of trying to remember all of the details, I've tried to focus on the bigger picture: who are the kings, what God did they serve and what was God's purpose for them?

I've noticed that the kings' success was reliant on God's influence in their lives. When they tried to do things on their own, apart from God, their Kingdom fell apart. When the king tore apart centralized worship, their Kingdom was doomed. When pride got in their way, and their focus feel away from God, God pulled His blessings and protection from them and their people.

Our pastor today, preached on wisdom. It struck a cord in me because for the past year I have been praying constantly for God's wisdom in my life. A passage that has been close to my heart has been James 1:5-6. It says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of sea that is driven and tossed by the wind." This promise is incredible because God promises an abundance of wisdom if we ask and seek Him with complete faith.

I loved reading about Solomon and how God blessed him because he asked for wisdom instead of prosperity. God prospered Solomon because of this - in both wealth and wisdom. Kings from other nations went to Solomon for advice! He was the wisest man (besides Christ) who ever lived and it is because He sought God and sought God's wisdom.

In reading through the stories of the kings, I see that they continued to seek poor counsel, poor advice and poor wisdom. They often looked toward false gods and idols or asked wicked men for counsel. It's because of their lack of wisdom and their unwillingness to seek the One who is wise, that their kingdom's failed.

God again and again cries out to His people. He wants to be their God. Their only God. God is yearning for them to know Him. It seems that throughout all that we've read, God is constantly pleading, let me guide you, let me teach you, let me protect you, let me provide for you, let me lead you, let me love you... let me be sufficient for you. He is hungry for their worship and acknowledgement of who He is and He wants the best for them. But Israel continues to turn their back on the One who has always provided and loved them the most.

How many times do we turn on God when pride gets in the way? How often do we seek the counsel of the unwise, when God offers us supernatural wisdom? How often do we forget to thank Him for all that He has done for us?

Here is this week's schedule:

Day 34, Monday June 13th
2 Chronicles 35:16 - Ezra 10:44

Day 35, Tuesday, June 14th
Nehemiah 1:1 - 13:14

Day 36, Wednesday June 15th
Nehemiah 13:15 - Job 7:21

Day 37, Thursday June 16th
Job 8:1 - 24:25

Day 38, Friday June 17th
Job 25:1 - 41:34

Day 39,Saturday June 18th
Job 42:1 - Psalm 24:10

Day 40, Sunday June 19th
Psalms 25:1 - 45:14

Have a wonderful week! Please feel free to share what you've been learning through your reading.

Conundrum

2011-06-07T07:27:00.000-07:00

(image from Committed Indians)

I had quite the conundrum today while at the doctor's office. I was finishing up with the appointment - making small talk with the nurse practitioner when she said something shockingly beautiful. She said my body mass index (BMI) was low. I was underweight. Underweight? I was totally baffled and told her I was hoping to lose another ten pounds or so, and she told me "no", "don't". I actually needed to gain a few pounds, according to her.

As I got dressed, I was in a state of bliss. Wonderful bliss. My fight this last year to lose weight in a slow and healthy way, got me to a point where I actually needed to gain a few pounds. Then I took a peek at my chart and my bliss ended right then. The nurse had inaccurately written my weight from today. And I mean the number was way off... like my freshman year of high school - off.

I had a moment when I didn't know what to do. I mean, I knew what the right thing to do was. But I really liked the feeling of bliss I had, no matter how delusional it was at the time. I thought I could keep that feeling going if I just let that number stay there in black and white, until I had to go back next year.

I took my delusional self to the nurse's desk and revealed the error. The glorious error.

Now, according to their records, I am no longer underweight. Sad but true.

Reality isn't as fun as delusion.

Bible in 90 Days: Week 5 Schedule

2011-06-05T16:50:00.000-07:00

We are onto week 5, and I must admit that some of the stories are starting to get all mixed up in my head. I've been trying to review the names and relationships to keep track of all the stories we've read so far, but suddenly I'm trying to figure out who was married to whom and who was related. I've gotten a bit behind in my reading the last few nights, so I have a bit of catching up to do tonight.

How is your reading going so far? Are you struggling to keep on track with the schedule?

I really enjoyed reading about Samuel, Saul and David this week. There is so much in those stories, that I'm looking forward to going back when all this is over and re-reading their narrative. The one thing that really stood out to me this week was the relationship between David and Jonathan. They were dear friends, woven tightly - just like brothers. They understood each other's heart and really, truly loved one another.

It made me think about those in my life who know my heart and are willing to push me in the right direction. I'm blessed by a few close friends who speak truth to me regularly and inspire me to draw closer to God. You know who you are, and I am beyond blessed to have you in my life!

Here is this week's schedule:

Day 27, Monday June 6th
2 Kings 4:38 - 2 Kings 15:26

Day 28, Tuesday June 7th
2 Kings 15:27 - 2 Kings 25:30

Day 29, Wednesday June 8th
1 Chronicles 1:1 - 1 Chronicles 9:44

Day 30, Thursday June 9th
1 Chronicles 10:1 - I Chronicles 23:32

Day 31, Friday June 10th
1 Chronicles 24:1 - 2 Chronicles 7:10

Day 32, Saturday June 11th
2 Chronicles 7:11 - 2 Chronicles 23:15

Day 33, Sunday June 12th
2 Chronicles 23:16 - 2 Chronicles 35:15

Memorial Day

2011-05-30T10:11:00.000-07:00

They fell, but o'er their glorious grave

Floats free the banner of the cause they died to save.

- Francis Marion Crawford

(image from Conservative Blog Therapy)

In May of 2007, while Joel was serving in Kirkuk, Iraq, I took Grace for a trip to see some of my family. On the plane ride there, I met a woman who forever changed my heart. As I got Grace settled in her seat, a woman across the aisle noticed a picture I had of Joel in Grace's diaper bag. It was a picture of him in his dress blues at our wedding - a picture I kept with me all the time so that I could see his face while he was so far away. The woman across the aisle asked me about the picture and my husband. I told her a little bit about him and that he was overseas in Iraq. At that moment, her face changed - she looked somber, in pain and weary.

She said that her son served, too. Served. Past tense. The tears started flowing from her eyes and she began telling me about her son who was a Marine and had recently died in Iraq. She, along with her other son, who was sitting beside her, were on their way to meet his body as it came to the base.

At that point, we were both crying and although I only knew her for five minutes, I reached across the aisle and held her hand while she cried. Passengers were still getting settled in their seats, and while all the world was in motion, her and I shared an understanding that no one around us could possibly know.

Throughout our flight, we exchanged glances and smiles and both had tears in our eyes. Every once in a while she would pat my leg and I would reach across the aisle and squeeze her arm.

Her son had paid the ultimate price for our freedom and our liberties.

Joel and I haven't known too many who have died in this war. Thank God for that. But many have been lost, and it's those lives that make today so special and meaningful.

I hope that as you enjoy time with friends and family today, that you would take a moment to remember those who have died for us and pray for those who fight for us today.

Bible in 90 Days: Week 4 Schedule

2011-05-29T17:30:00.000-07:00

Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua and Judges are all behind us. There were some muddy parts - those areas that seem tedious and are kinda hard to get through... all the names, numbers and details that bog me down. When I started this, I knew that the Old Testament was going to be hard. All the details can lead me to confusion and I knew that since we were reading through some tricky areas so quickly that I would have a hard time retaining some very important details. But I keep praying that God would help me to stay focused and open my heart and eyes to those things I've never noticed before and allow me to understand some areas of Scripture that are just plain hard.

One thing that really stuck out to me during this week's reading was how many times a passage started out "and Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord." Again and again they turned their back on God - worshipping false gods and idols and forgetting the laws that God had put in place for His people. God had moments of compassion, confusion, hurt and anger toward Israel and continued to remind them of where He brought them from and all that He did for them to rescue them from slavery and oppression.

I was reminded of how God demands holiness from us and reverence in our worship. I'm often way too casual with my relationship with God. Although I feel close to Him and feel that my relationship with Him continues to grow in width and depth, I often come before Him with a lack of understanding for the holiness He demands from me. From us. When did it happen that we stopped revering God and became buddies with Him?

So, although I was slowed down this week by details, I came away realizing how I need to keep God's need for holiness at the forefront of my prayer, worship, study and daily walk. He is my God, who is righteous, mighty, holy, just and true and He deserves my humble heart and mind.

Here is this week's schedule:

Day 20, Monday, May 30th
I Samuel 2:30 - I Samuel 15:35

Day 21, Tuesday, May 31st
I Samuel 16:1 - I Samuel 28:19

Day 22, Wednesday, June 1st
I Samuel 28:20 - 2 Samuel 12:10

Day 23, Thursday, June 2nd
2 Samuel 12:11 - 2 Samuel 22:18

Day 24, Friday, June 3rd
2 Samuel 22:19 - I Kings 7:37

Day 25, Saturday, June 4th
1 Kings 7:38 - 1 Kings 16:20

Day 26, Sunday, June 5th
1 Kings 16:21 - 2 Kings 4:37

Bible in 90 Days: Week 3 Schedule

2011-05-22T18:19:00.000-07:00

We've finished Exodus and Leviticus this week!!! So many things have stood out to me this past week:

How horrible were the plagues? I cannot even imagine having to experience them and then to have to live in the country where the leader continues to turn his eyes away from the Truth.
I'm amazed at the position God gave Aaron, considering his half-truth about creating the golden calf. I was reminded that even though I've done some horrible things in the sight of God, that He can still use me, in spite of my downfalls.
There is so much that I want to learn about the tabernacle. I had to stop myself from sitting and studying the maps in my Bible. I know there is so much great meaning there and I would love to go back after these 90 days are over, and take some time to really study the meaning of the tabernacle.
There were some tedious moments reading through Numbers. I have to admit that I had my iPhone YouVersion app read chapter 7 to me.
I often stopped and laughed when the Israelites yet again bombarded Moses with their whining about leaving Egypt only to wander and be without. Again and again they complained about where they were - forgetting where God brought them from and what God promised to them. It's easy to read these stories and criticize the Israelites, but I must admit I do the same thing. Why has God not provided? Why are we not moving forward in life? Why are we again in a tough spot? Why? Why? Why? But God has really shown Himself this week and shown us again, in great ways, how He always provides, always cares and always loves us. He does so in big ways - in ways that we often don't acknowledge. So, although I'd love to criticize the Israelites for their lack of trust and acknowledgement for God's great care for them, but it's a human flaw. A great one.

Tell me, what have you learned this week? What do you want to know more about?

Here is this week's schedule:

Day 13: Monday, May 23rd
Numbers 32:20 - Deuteronomy 7:26

Day 14: Tuesday, May 24th
Deuteronomy 8:1 - Deuteronomy 23:11

Day 15: Wednesday, May 25th
Deuteronomy 23:12 - Deuteronomy 34:12

Days 16: Thursday, May 26th
Joshua 1:1 - Joshua 14:15

Day 17: Friday, May 27th
Joshua 15:1 - Judges 3:27

Day 18: Saturday, May 28th
Judges 3:28 - Judges 15:12

Day 19: Sunday, May 29th
Judges 15:13 - I Samuel 2:29

Our Preschool Graduate

2011-05-21T17:42:00.000-07:00

Gracie graduated from preschool last night. Now I know what you're probably thinking - preschool graduation is kinda pointless. I thought so, too, until I went. I realized last night while all the kids were singing their songs and sharing the verses they memorized how much God has done in their lives so far and how they are now transitioning from toddlerhood to kidhood. I think that's a transition worth recognizing and celebrating.

Grace's class shared Psalm 23 and a few songs that were all too cute. As each kid came on stage to receive their diploma, the preschool director shared what that particular kid said they wanted to be when they grew up. There were a lot of policemen and policewomen in the group, a few veterinarians, a carpenter, a babysitter, a robot, a batman, a werewolf and a kid who wanted to be 6 when they grew up. Grace said she wanted to be a doctor, and I have no doubt that she could be that if she wants to.

So, now her next step is Kindergarten. She's so ready for it. But I'm not. I can't believe how quickly these five years have gone and that in a few months, I'll be dropping Grace off for Kindergarten. Why does all of this happen so fast? I just wish time would pause, and I could have more time with a kinda-mobile 1 year-old and bright-eyed preschooler. I love this stage!

Bible in 90 Days: Week 2 Schedule

2011-05-15T15:54:00.000-07:00

We finished Week 1! How did you all do? I must admit, that on Tuesday night, right before the Bible in 90 Days began, I had a bit of a freak-out moment - realizing what was ahead for me. Reading through the entire Bible, every word and every verse, in 90 days with a household to run and two children to take care of is a big commitment. And I didn't really consider that until Tuesday. So, Wednesday night, when the girls were both in bed and Joel was at work, I sat down on the couch and began. It was only a few verses into Genesis that I started to feel overwhelmed. Right then I stopped and prayed that God would give me the focus I needed and that He would open my heart and mind to His Word. I have started the last few days of Scripture reading with the same prayer and it has really helped me to enjoy the time in the Word and to not feel overwhelmed. Actually, it seems that so far, every time I finish that day's reading, I can't wait to start tomorrow's.

I've really enjoyed reading through Genesis during the past few days. I've enjoyed reading the interactions between God and His people - how He converses with them, how He relates to them and how very patient He is with them. There are so many connections that I made this week between Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph that I've never noticed before. And I can only say it's because I'm reading their stories in such a short period of time that they read more of a whole story than separate life stories.

What has stuck out the most to you this week?

Here is this week's schedule:

Day 6: Monday, May 16th
Exodus 15:19 - Exodus 28:43

Day 7: Tuesday, May 17th
Exodus 29:1 - Exodus 40:38

Day 8: Wednesday, May 18th
Leviticus 1:1 - Leviticus 14:32

Day 9: Thursday, May 19th
Leviticus 14:33 - Leviticus 26:26

Day 10: Friday, May 20th
Leviticus 26:27 - Numbers 8:14

Day 11: Saturday, May 21st
Numbers 8:15 - Numbers 21:7

Day 12: Sunday, May 22nd
Numbers 21:8 - Numbers 32:19

Blog Award

2011-05-10T17:30:00.000-07:00

Thank you Military VA Loan for this blog award! I'm still relatively new to the blogging world, so this really means a lot!

Over the last eleven months, this blog has been a great place to vent, share my struggles and connect with others out there who live this very unique lifestyle. I'm so blessed to be part of this community and I hope that I continue to have the opportunity to share all the highs and lows of life and be encouraged in the meantime.

Bible in 90 Days: Week 1 Schedule

2011-05-08T16:16:00.000-07:00

Just three days until Joel, I and a group of friends are going to start reading through the Bible - completing all the reading in August. If you haven't though about it, I pray that you would consider joining us!

Here is this week's schedule:

Day 1: Wednesday, May 11th
Genesis 1:1 - Genesis 16:16

Day 2: Thursday, May 12th
Genesis 17:1 - Genesis 28:9

Day 3: Friday, May 13th
Genesis 28:20 - Genesis 40:11

Day 4: Saturday, May 14th
Genesis 40:12 - Genesis 50:26

Day 5: Sunday, May 15th
Exodus 1:1 - Exodus 15:18

Allison at WebDev_Army Wife made a great comment on a post of mine last week that you could use www.youversion.com or their Bible app to read through, too. I'll probably go between my ESV Study Bible and the ESV version on my iPhone. Just a thought.

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T05:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms, grandmothers, daughters and aunts out there!

And a very blessed day to my mom, my mother-in-law and all the very special ladies who have shown me what it takes to be a dedicated, loving and God-honoring mother! There are so many of you out there that have taught me so much and continue to do so.

Oh, and Joel, thank you for helping me to become a mother and supporting me and loving me as I try my best to figure this momma-thing out. Love you!

Bible in 90 Days - More Details

2011-05-03T17:10:00.000-07:00

SOME BACKGROUND
On May 11th (that's just 8 days away!!) I'm going to start reading through the entire Bible, finishing August 9th! Several months back, one of my dearest friends told me about the movement to read through the Bible - it's a movement to get those who have never read the Bible to read it and it's also an opportunity for Christians to dive-in to God's Word.

I knew the moment that my friend, Karla, brought this up that I wanted to do it - badly. Joel was still overseas at the time, so I emailed him that night and asked if he would do this with me when he came home. He was on-board. So, right now, Karla, Joel, me and several other friends are going to start this together, and hopefully in doing so, keep each other accountable.

WHY?

I've read through the Bible before... my first year of college, I went to Bible college and one of the requirements was to read through the Bible during the academic year. I did it. But I can't say that I really enjoyed it. At that time, I was in college-level Bible classes all day and felt, in a way, overwhelmed by reading more of the Bible.

Over the years, my faith has grown. Actually I would say that in the last year or so, my faith has grown by leaps and bounds. I'm stronger in my Christian walk now than I've been before. I clung to Scripture when Joel was gone and read and studied most of the New Testament.

I also have a tendency to read and study the New Testament over the Old Testament. I get lost in the names, dates and history of the Old Testament - and the New, often just seems more applicable to my life. It may feel that way, but I know that isn't the case.

So, this is an opportunity to read through the parts of Scripture that seem harder, more difficult, less warm and fuzzy...

WHAT'S THE POINT
First of all, the point is not to come away from this experience, on August 9th and have complete comprehension of what you just read. That just is an impossibility. The point isn't to have a stack of commentaries next to you to examine every detail....

For me, the point of this is to:
1) Spend my summer in God's Word, rather than some easy-breezy stack of fiction
2) Come away from this experience with a better and more clear view of Who God is
3) Understand the relevance of the Old Testament to the New Testament
4) Have a better understanding of the themes that Scripture shows us
5) Come together with my friends and family and discover God's truths together

WHO CAN JOIN?
Everyone and anyone! Really, I'd love for you to consider joining!!! Whether you're a devout Christian, a wavering Christian or have never picked up the Bible, I hope that you'd consider where this journey may take you.

WHAT'S THE PLAN?
I have a reading schedule selected. On average, we will be reading between 12 and 16 chapters a day.

On Sunday night, I will post a reading schedule for the coming week - from Monday to the following Sunday. I will also post a few of my own thoughts about the Scripture reading from the week before and invite you to share what you've learned and what God has shown you through His Word.

I want to this to be interactive. As I read and grow, I really want to know what you've been learning, too!

So, there's 8 days to go! Praying that you'd consider joining us!

Game Changer

2011-05-02T06:58:00.000-07:00

Last night, I went to bed with an anxious heart. The news that many of us heard late last night brought up so many mixed emotions: excitement, joy, anxiety... For those of you who have a loved one serving today, you know this is a game-changer.

I prayed last night that our country and our servicemen and women would be safer because of Bin Laden's death. I prayed that our country would be united in this victory. And I prayed that for those of us who have much invested in this fight, that our hearts would find rest.

"Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the LORD, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'" -Psalm 91:1,2

Bible in 90 Days

2011-04-28T12:10:00.000-07:00

Some of you may have already heard about a movement to read the Bible in 90 days....

I'm going to post about this in more detail, but I am planning to start this adventure on May 11th and read through the entire Bible this summer. My plan is to post weekly with a reading schedule as well as my thoughts about the previous week's reading. I'm praying that you would consider joining me!

More to come soon!

HE Lives!

2011-04-24T15:51:00.000-07:00

A very happy and blessed Easter to each of you!

"But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ - by grace you have been saved - and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." - Ephesians 2:4-10

Autumn is 1!

2011-04-20T17:29:00.000-07:00

My baby girl is 1! I had a hard time kissing her goodnight yesterday, because I couldn't get over the fact that Autumn would be one in the morning. She has grown up so fast, and I can hardly believe our first year with Autumn is behind us.

She is our love-bug. Our chubby baby who loves to giggle, explore the house and dance to the music. She is our blessing. The baby we waited for. And she has given our family more love than I ever imagined.

Autumn's 1st ice cream at McDonald's (although I suspect Daddy may have shared some before)

Tower of white cupcakes with butter cream frosting

(Head over to my friend, Karla, the Culinary Enthusiast, for the frosting recipe)

Support for a fellow MilSpouse

2011-04-18T07:12:00.000-07:00

Last June, I started playing around with the idea of starting a blog journaling my life as a military wife and momma. The very first milspouse blog I happened across was Jessica's at {Mis}Adventures of an Army Wife. Her posts are always so honest, refreshing, straightforward and funny. She's encouraged me with her positive attitude and real perspective on all that's good, bad and ugly as a military spouse.

Last Monday, Jessica posted a final farewell to the blog world. She was depressed, lonely and feeling completely shattered by a life that suddenly seemed to crumble around her. It's really best that you read her post here to understand all of her hurt and pain. She was at the end of her rope and feeling that she couldn't go on anymore.

Thank God, her suicide attempt failed. Her mother posted a note on Saturday from Jessica - she's in the hospital and getting the help she needs. Her parents posted a comment on that note, asking the blogger community to come out and support her. Here is what they said:

"To all the wonderful people who responded to Jessica on her "Misadventures of an Army WIfe" blog,

Tom and I want to thank all of you for the kind words you have posted on Jessica's blog. Jessica is currently in the hospital for an unknown lenght of stay and will require continued therapy afterwards. I was able to vist with her for about 1 1/2 hours on Thursday, 14 April, and she is starting to realize her actions last week as well as the events that led to her depression and suicide attempt. I did print out all your comments from her blog and was able to give her a hardcopy.

One of Jessica's friends had a great idea that Tom and I are following up on....an Easter Basket filled with notes and cards of encouragement, empathy, stories, understanding or good 'ole humor! If we could be so bold to the virtual community, we would like to ask you to send your thoughts, notes, cards, etc. to the P.O. Box below that we have now estabished:

Jessica
P.O. Box 292138
Columbia, SC 29229

I will gather them into an Easter Basket of Cheer for Jessica this week to continue to let her know she is not alone nor are the events she experienced isolated to just her.

Please do not send gifts or money....just your words of encouragement and prayers.

Please let the our request spread.....

Thanks again to all you,
-- From the parents of Jessica....Tom in NM and now Sue in SC"

I've learned time and time again, that we have a great milspouse blogger community! When Joel was overseas, I was overwhelmed by the amount of love, support and encouragement I received by a group of milspouses who really understand all the ups and downs that I felt and experienced. Right now, we have an amazing opportunity, to surround Jessica with love and prayers. Please consider sending her a note to let her know that she's valued, understood and loved.

MilSpouse Friday Fill-In

2011-04-15T05:00:00.000-07:00

Thanks, Wife of a Sailor!

1.With PCS moves happening every few years, do you take the time to paint and decorate your home? submitted by Life as Mrs. JPT
We're a Guard family, so fortunately this isn't something I have to worry about. Major kudos to you who do - I cannot stand moving and can't imagine packing up and moving every few years.

2.If you could live in any home on a television series, what would it be? submitted by Standing By Him
I love Nora's house from Brothers & Sisters. I'm not personally a fan of the Southwest architecture on the outside, but her kitchen it amazing!

3.What inspired you to start your blog? submitted by Pink Combat Boots
I started this blog about a month before Joel left to go overseas. I thought it would be a great way to connect with other military families, share some of my feelings along the way and also allow my family and friends to understand my life as a military spouse a little bit better.

4.What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever seen on base? submitted by Adventures in Life
I don't go on base enough.... no funny stories, sorry!

5.Which historical figure (politician, writer, artist, scientist, actor, etc…) would you like to have dinner with? submitted by Army of Two
One of my favorite books of the Bible is James. It's an incredibly practical book and I always come away from it reminded of God wishes us to life out our faith. The thing that really interests me is the fact that James was the half-brother of Jesus and only came to believe in Christ after His crucifixion. I've always been interested in James' perspective of brother and why it was that it took so long for him to believe and convert.

The Transition Back

2011-04-05T18:28:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to write this post for a few weeks now, but I've had a hard time putting together my thoughts and feelings about it all.... the transition from deployment life to homecoming and now to normal life.

Transitions are hard and there is always a giant unknown regarding the outcome. Will we come out of this transition stronger, weaker, tougher, sadder, exhausted, hopeless, renewed or broken? I don't know of any serviceman or military spouse who can say in the middle of a deployment how things will turn out 3, 6 or 9 months after the homecoming. The homecoming is awesome, but the days following a homecoming don't shine a truthful light to how life will be once things settles and routines get rolling.

I've talked pretty openly about our struggles in 2007 when Joel came home from Iraq. Take a peek at part one and part two to read more about that. So I knew how hard life has been for us post-deployment. My hope was that we learned valuable lessons from that experience and that we wouldn't follow a similar path. I also knew since I spoke about our struggles so honestly that those around us would be keeping a closer eye on us this time around and that we would have a better support system and accountability around us.

Well, all those things are true. Joel and I talked openly weeks leading up to his trip home about what his homecoming may and may not be. We were absolutely dedicated to keeping our marriage strong and focusing on the health of our family. We weren't going to pick each other apart for the changes that occurred over his 7-month deployment. We were dedicated to being patient, honest, loving and encouraging. We knew we'd have to give each other room and ease into our "normal" married life.

So, over the past two months, I've gotten countless emails and calls wondering how we were adjusting. That has meant a lot to us. It means a lot to know that so many people who love us, understand our past better and are willing to be there with us, no matter how good or bad things are.

Every time someone has asked how things have been, one word always comes to mind - peaceful. Things have truly been peaceful in our relationship. We are choosing not to bicker, to pick on each other's annoying habits. We are choosing to listen, no matter how hard words can be to understand. We are choosing to make our marriage, above all else our priority.

So, peace has ruled for the past two months. Our marriage is strong, despite some bumps in the road since Joel's been home. We are easing into normal life, as much as life lets you ease back. And when life pushes back and things get tense, we try to remember that we're on the same team and working toward the same goals, and that somehow works things out.

Thanks to all of you who have stood by us, prayed for us and encouraged us along the way. And keep checking-in and ask how things are going!

Wednesday Weigh-In & Other Randomness

2011-03-30T07:47:00.000-07:00

Hello all! I feel like I've near abandoned this blog during the last several weeks. I keep meaning to do update posts and let you all know how life has been since Joel got home, but my follow-through has been poor, at best.

So, let's start with my weigh-in. I've been keeping up with weighing myself on Wednesday mornings - every week. Unfortunately, I don't have much to brag about. I haven't lost any weight and I can't honestly say that my eating's been all that great. I've been cooking healthier, but the Oreos and ice cream always seem to sneak in around bedtime. I'm pretty much shooting myself in the foot with this. I haven't worked out in two weeks.... I'm in the middle of a second wicked cold in the past three weeks. My asthma has been terrible because of all the junk in my lungs, so I honestly can't go out for a run or get on the elliptical machine until it's all cleared up.

But, I do have plans to get back into running regularly. Joel would like us to maybe run a race together soon. I've never run for any reason besides health and torturing myself - so the idea of racing makes me laugh. I keep telling him that a race wouldn't be much of a race for me. He just responds by saying that he'll keep up pace with me. I'm not sure he knows what he's committing to...

And if my marathon-running father-in-law is reading this... No. You don't want to run with me when we come out to visit.... You'll lose any respect for me that you may have at this point. Promise!

Besides not losing weight, not working out, being sick and being a terrible blogger... life is going pretty well. I have much to update you all on and will hopefully get back on the horse soon!

Hope you're all well. Thanks for hanging in with me!

MilSpouse Friday Fill-In

2011-03-25T04:00:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Wife of a Sailor and the other MilSpouse bloggers for this week's questions!

1.What is your must have gadget? submitted by Flying High With My Flyboy
I can't leave the house without my cell phone... I feel naked without it by me.

2.How does your adulthood compare to what you imagined it would be like when you were a little kid? submitted by L to the Third
That's such a tough one, because like any kid, my idea of adulthood was pretty idealistic! I think I imagined that I'd live in some cookie-cutter neighborhood, driving the exact same minivan as my neighbors and living a pretty cookie-cutter kinda life. Life is not that at at... we life in a historic and diverse part of town where each house on the block looks different from the others. And there's no minivan for me - although I've never wanted one more than I do right now!

3.What is your favorite chocolate recipe? submitted by Our First Deployment
I haven't made it in years, but this chocolate turtle cake from Betty Crocker is delicious!!!

4.How do you deal with military life when it gets to be to much or to hard? submitted by Combat Boots And Pointe Shoes
I can't say that I've ever been to the point of thinking that it was too much or too hard. However, there have been plenty of times that I've been beyond frustrated with the politics and poor communication. I hate the "games" that are played and that it seems that those with the best heart are often over-looked.

5.What piece of advice would you give a new Military spouse facing their first deployment? submitted by The Albrecht Squad
First, have a good support system around you - people that will be there to laugh and cry with. And make sure that if those people are civilians, that they know that you don't want advice, but just a listening ear. Secondly, set goals for yourself for the duration of the deployment so that you have something to reach for and so that you can feel a sense of achievement at the end of the deployment. And lastly, set aside time and money for yourself so that you can get away for a day and pamper yourself.

I Survived the First Day of My 30s

2011-03-21T07:01:00.000-07:00

Birthdays are usually lots of fun, but for the last several months the big 3-0 started to approach too quickly for me. Something about that number scares me. Maybe I can't let go of the constant transitions that the 20s bring. Maybe I think that I'll suddenly be too old to be kinda cool and fun. Perhaps it's that I'm kinda vain and I'm worried about seeing any new tiny lines on my face. I think most of the fear comes from remembering a birthday party that I attended as a child for a family friend who turned 30. I don't remember much about the party, but I do remember seeing lots and lots of black and over-the-hill signs. There was doom in turning 30.

I didn't want any big to-dos for my birthday yesterday. All I really wanted was to enjoy a nice quiet day with my three favorite people - Joel, Grace and Autumn. I told Joel that all I wanted was to go to church as a family, go out to one of my favorite restaurants for lunch and then just have a relaxing day together. Well, Autumn was up throughout the night with some terrible chest cold - coughing, sneezing, an abundance of mucus and lots of crying. Grace was up, too, because she thought she was missing out on some middle-of-the-night party. When the girls were in bed (finally), I was up because my stomach was bothering me. So, come 7 o'clock the next morning, we weren't going to church and my day simply wasn't going to go as planned.

Instead, we all slept in and enjoyed the morning in our pj's. We cuddled, played and watched movies together. And later yesterday afternoon, we managed to all get dressed and pulled together so that we could go out for dinner. Dinner was lovely. The kids were amazingly well-behaved and we had so much fun talking and enjoying the most wonderful food. To top it off, I got my tiramisu for dessert.

We came home and the girls went to bed without much fuss and then Joel and I curled up on the couch together and watched Eclipse. He even managed to watch most of the movie without making comments about the storyline or the fact that I know as much Twilight trivia as he does Star Wars....

So, my first day as 30 was not terrible, as I had imagined. I keep hearing that it's the 30s when you really find your groove in life and start to feel settled. I'm praying for that and can't wait to see what God has in store for me. I also hear that 50 is the new 40 and perhaps 30 can be the new 20. Whichever it is, I'm going to celebrate 29 forever!

MilSpouse Friday Fill-In

2011-03-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

Head over to Wife of a Sailor and join in on this week's questions.

1.What are some of your ideas for staying connected with family…you know, those people we moved thousands of miles away from? submitted by Live it. Love it (or not). Write About It.

Well, we don't live on an active duty base in some far-away land, but we do have family on both coasts... Facebook has been a great tool for us to use to keep family connected with us and the girls. We try to do a trip out East to see Joel's family about once a year, although that doesn't always happen. My sister and her family live in California, so I try to make one to two trips a year with the kids.

2.What’s the most romantic gift you have GIVEN? submitted by Painting My Canvas
For Christmas this year, Joel ordered a diamond tennis bracelet for me. He had it sent to my mom and then she gave it to me on Christmas while we were in California. It meant so much because it was one thing I've always wanted and then on top of that, I knew that Joel probably spent days overseas online looking at them and researching them.

3.Would you encourage your child, if they came to you and wanted to join the military? submitted by Perfectly Imperfect
Absolutely! I would be so proud of them for wanting to serve in that way.

4.What is your least favorite bill to pay and why? submitted by A Little of This, A Little of That
My credit card bill. It never seems to go away. It would be great to wake up one day and not have it hanging over my head!

5.What is the proudest moment you’ve had as a military spouse? submitted by Our Okinawa Life
Not just one moment, but three! Every time I see Joel come through the gate at the airport after a deployment... those emotions are indescribable, but I feel such pride to call him my husband.

Happy Birthday, Grace!

2011-03-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

Five years ago, Joel and I were blessed when Grace Elizabeth became a part of our family at 10:21 am. She brings such joy and purpose to our life and she has been my little buddy throughout all life's ups and downs.

Our little Gracie loves makeup as much as trains, is so proud to be a big sister to Autumn and loves all that life has offered her. She is tender, sweet, thoughtful, funny, insightful and a wee-bit sarcastic.

I can't imagine my life without her and am thankful that God blessed us with her just 5 years ago.

Love you, my sweet Bubbers!

Our Getaway

2011-03-07T07:48:00.000-08:00

Two weeks ago, Joel and I left for a little post-deployment getaway. We left Grace and Autumn with my parents and headed to out of town. Our getaway was as much to get away from the stresses of life as it was to work on strengthening our marriage.

Seven months apart changes a person and it changes a marriage. A deployment marriage is hard - communication is limited and the time that you do get to talk is brief, at best. Joel and I knew from our experience after he came back from Iraq in 2007, that our marriage has to be first priority. And after seven months apart, we knew we had to get away together after he came home.

We rented a cabin in the middle of the woods - away from everything. For four days, we read, slept, watched movies, ate and enjoyed the quietness that nature gave to us. We woke up every morning with no stress - no expectations on me for the day ahead. It was great to cook together, laugh together over last season's Office and focus on each other.

The view from our bed

There were lots of dead things hanging from the walls

MilSpouse Friday Fill-In

2011-03-04T05:00:00.000-08:00

Head over to Wife of a Sailor and join in this week!

1.Do you or your {spouse} ever wish your {spouse} was in a different branch of the military? submitted by The Turner Family

Joel talks frequently about wishing he had enlisted with the Army instead of the Air Force. Honestly, though, I much prefer the Air Force deployment length!

2.What duty station(s) are on your “No Way, Hell No, Not Going, Have Fun Unaccompanied” list and why? submitted by Every Branch

We're Guard, so unless Joel goes to an active base, this isn't something we've ever discussed.

3.If you could be one age forever, what age would you choose and why? submitted by Three Krakens

I'm turning 30 in just a few weeks. So, I'm picking 29.

4.If you were a breakfast cereal, which one would you be? submitted by the C.W.

Lucky Charms. It's fun, colorful, deliciously sweet & it makes you happy. But there's still room for improvement. (Hello, nasty oats)
5.What is your morning beverage of choice and why? submitted by NH Girl Displaced

Besides the usual coffee with lots of cream, I love the Bolthouse Farms Berry Boost smoothie!

Wednesday Weigh-In

2011-03-02T18:00:00.000-08:00

Joel and I were away last week on Wednesday, so I had a week break from the scale. I was back on it this morning and was happy to see that I'm back to where I was before Joel got home. I have about 3 pounds to go now at this point.

Tomorrow, I have a date with my running shoes... and my inhaler.

A Very Naughty Blogger

2011-02-28T19:11:00.000-08:00

I know I've been slacking as a blogger since Joel came home. There have been so many times that I planned to sit down and do a post, but I've been constantly distracted lately.

I do have plans to blog more soon - I want to share about how our adjustment has been, the getaway that Joel and I took last week and an update about Autumn's helmet. I'll be back on it soon. Promise!!! Miss you all.

MilSpouse Friday Fill-In

2011-02-25T05:00:00.000-08:00

Thanks, Wife of a Sailor!

1.Aside from no deployments, what is one thing you would want to make the MilSpouse life “perfect”? submitted by Oh How Delightful
A free on-call maintenance man during deployments.

2.Just how many peppers did Peter Piper pick? submitted by Married into Army
Probably 8

3.If you could have any career in the world with nothing holding you back, what would you do? submitted by It’s My Party and I’ll Cry if I Want To
With some education first, I would love to go into landscape design.

4.Do you have a service oriented tattoo and if so what is it. If you don’t what would you get? submitted by The Squid’s Accomplice
Ahhhh, the great tattoo debate... If I were to get one, I would get beloved in a very discreet spot.

5.Imagine a block of time has opened up in your busy day for you to take a class in anything you like. What subject would you choose? submitted by To The Nth
Botany

Welcome Home Banner

2011-02-20T18:16:00.000-08:00

About a month before Joel came home, I ordered his welcome home banner. I had heard about a company who offered free custom welcome home banners and cards for soldiers, but it took a bit of digging to track down the company. BuildASign.com has a selection of welcome home and "In Memory" banners that are completely customizable. It took me less than a minute to change the text on the banner to read as I wanted. The company also has jumbo cards that would be fun to send for special occasions while your troop is deployed or to bring with when they come home.

The banner was free. All I paid for was the cost of shipping. The banner is really well-made and I'm sure we'll have no trouble using it again. It took less than a week for it to be delivered and the communication from the company was outstanding.

Just through I'd pass this on to you - hope it'll be useful. And I'm more than happy to give credit to a great company who supports our troops in such a practical way!

NOTE: I am in no way affiliated with BuildASign.com

MilSpouse Friday Fill-In

2011-02-18T05:00:00.000-08:00

Head over to Wife of a Sailor to see what other MilSpouses are saying this week.

1.What is your favorite MilSpouse blog (not including Wife of a Sailor who we all love, or your own)? submitted by Our Crazy Life (Wifey note: whaaaat? You can’t say my blog? No fun! LOL, just kidding)
I love {Mis}Adventures of an Army Wife. When I was thinking of starting up a blog, she was actually the first blogger that I found and I've really enjoyed keeping up with her since.

2.What are your favorite perks about your s/o being deployed (we all know there are perks)? submitted by Ramblings of a Marine Wife
Well, we just finished a deployment, so right now all that comes to mind are the 1,000+ perks of having my husband home! But I guess there are a few benefits - no day-to-day bickering, no "Joel messes" around the house and deployments give us a bit of a financial boost.

3.How long did you date your before getting engaged? Married? submitted by Utterly Chaotic
Joel and I dated for 6 months before we got engaged and we were engaged for just 3 months.

4.What do you think your would do if s/he wasn’t in the military? submitted by Adventures of M-Squared
My guess would be that Joel would have been an engineer.... he's more than halfway through his engineering program, but I'm not sure he'll ever pursue that professionally.

(I cheated and decided to ask him. I was right!)

5.If you could talk to the Secretary of (fill in your appropriate branch) what is one suggestion you would like to bring to their attention in order to improve the lives of military families? submitted by My Life as His (Air Force) Wife
I know this is pretty broad, but I think I would suggest they pursue more effective ways to communicate about military benefits. It seems that each unit on base is responsible for communicating these benefits, and some do a much better job than others. I feel that there is so much information that we need or could benefit from that we just don't know. And I'm not sure if that's unique to the Guard or if Active Duty also has these problems.

Wednesday Weigh-In

2011-02-16T05:57:00.000-08:00

This morning was a little depressing. I'm pretty sure I heard the scale laugh at me when I got on it this morning. I haven't worked out at all since Joel got home and our kitchen is stocked with lots and lots of junk food - cookies, cake, ice cream, chips, dip, and more cookies. And since Joel is still not back to his normal sleeping schedule, he's been getting up very early in the mornings and making us pancakes, coffee cake and muffins for breakfast. A far cry from my bowl of Special K.

I did grocery shopping on Monday and have a week of healthier meals planned. Wish me luck!

Today I start back on regular exercise - the elliptical today and I'm going to go into respiratory distress tomorrow by running. I haven't run since before I got pregnant with Autumn, so I'm sure to get reacquainted with my inhaler at some point soon.

Here's the cake from Joel's welcome home party -

half of which came home with us and was quickly devoured.