Merry Christmas!
Enjoy your family~
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Monday, December 24, 2012
The most precious gift
I was blessed today and I just had to share.
My sister, Jackie attends F.I.T. boot camp classes throughout the week and the day after Thanksgiving I went with her to one of the boot camp classes. I knew a few of the women in the class and I knew of the instructor, Erica but just as an acquaintance. All the other women in the class were strangers to me.
Some of the women were aware of Joe's deployment and in the days to follow the Thanksgiving workout Erica came up with the idea to bless me this Christmas.
Today I opened my front door to presents that were left for me from the class. There were the most precious cards/letters that made me cry. Reading the words of these women (most of who were strangers to me) on the cards they wrote was touching. These women are thankful to me for the sacrifices I am making during this deployment. The sacrifices that is allowing them to be with their families this Christmas. Erica put together with the help of all the women in the class a gift bag for me including hand weights, hair ties to wear while working out, leg workout DVD (which is great because I want my legs to look like Carrie Underwoods), chai tea that I love and a couple hair bows for my girls.
Thank you Erica for coming up with this idea to bless us this Christmas. You will never know just how much it warmed my heart. Thank you everyone else who took the time to write cards and gave money towards my presents. Being the spouse of a deployed member is hard and trying but days like today make it worth it. Just to know that people are thankful for ME really means a lot. You girls made my day- My week- My month. Thank you again for blessing me and I will be sure to pay it forward-
Please contact Erica if you would like to join her boot camp class. Let me tell you, its an awesome workout. This summer I will be joining and I can't wait. She knows her stuff and she even offers mens F.I.T. boot camp classes now.
Enjoy your family~
My sister, Jackie attends F.I.T. boot camp classes throughout the week and the day after Thanksgiving I went with her to one of the boot camp classes. I knew a few of the women in the class and I knew of the instructor, Erica but just as an acquaintance. All the other women in the class were strangers to me.
Some of the women were aware of Joe's deployment and in the days to follow the Thanksgiving workout Erica came up with the idea to bless me this Christmas.
(Erica is in the pink standing next to the lady wearing yellow)
Thank you Erica for coming up with this idea to bless us this Christmas. You will never know just how much it warmed my heart. Thank you everyone else who took the time to write cards and gave money towards my presents. Being the spouse of a deployed member is hard and trying but days like today make it worth it. Just to know that people are thankful for ME really means a lot. You girls made my day- My week- My month. Thank you again for blessing me and I will be sure to pay it forward-
Enjoy your family~
Friday, December 21, 2012
I could keep this short and sweet and just say: This sucks.
Or I could say this sucks because:
We are treading on new territory and I had no idea what to except. I thought that Christmas was going to be easy but Oh my word, it's not. I freaking miss you and it's making my heart hurt. My heart literally has a piece missing and that piece is you. This home, the couch we sit on, the table we sit at, the living room floor you lay on to play with the girls, our bed you lay in, the drivers side of the car is empty. Everything is empty.
Explaining it is hard, my emotions are all over the place and I just want you to know that I am okay. This is just a rough patch for me. Christmas screams family and part of my family is gone. I want it to be over with so I can put all the decorations back in the attic and get back to normal life. Watching my girls still love everything about Christmas this year makes my heart happy. I know the Lord has everything to do with that. As a whole they have been doing amazing. He has comforted them, given them strength and covered them in his blanket of love. He has done the same for me but sometimes I cant hold it together 100% of the time. I try to be strong for them because I have noticed that the few times I have broken down in front of them, they cry and get sad also. I don't want them to cry or be sad so I try to not be emotional with them. When the day to day life of dishes, laundry, sweeping, homework, stress, making lunches, refereeing our two ultimate fighters and keeping the house picked up catches up with me sometimes I just break down. I need my tag-team partner to come into the ring and rescue me.
Looking forward to a new year and seeing you sooner rather than later.... I love you.
Enjoy your family~
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Christmas Themed Dinner
Traditions mean a lot to me. I love starting them and continuing them. Christmas is a great time to have traditions. The last several years we have taken Ava Christmas caroling. She loves going house to house singing for our friends and handing out their goodie box. The first year we took her she was so little and I loved seeing her face light up, she was singing and smiling at the same time. Every year after that we have gone caroling. We do the normal traditions of making gingerbread houses, decorating cookies and this year we added in our elf on the shelf, Si. The girls love looking for him each morning. Christmas morning is spent just the four of us, in our home. After presents we eat a big breakfast then we head out and make our Christmas stops. Joe and I love getting everything set out the night before and I'm like a kid on Christmas Eve because I am so excited for the next morning. Having kids and watching Christmas thru their eyes is amazing. Last week the girls and I started a new tradition. It was our Christmas themed dinner.
The menu: Snowman Pizza
The menu: Snowman Pizza
(he was a smidgen browned... lost track of time)
(Christmas Tree Brownies)
(Grinch Punch)
(Lime Sherbet, Sprite, little green food coloring. Blended up)
While we were drinking our Grinch punch we watched (of course) How the Grinch stole Christmas.
The girls had a fantastic time, we turned on Christmas music while making the pizza and I can honestly say it was one of the best nights I have had with them. Cant wait to do it again next year.... WITH DADDY!!! The traditions continue....
Enjoy your family~
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Happy Birthday Mom
I wrote this about my mom and it still rings true.
I love you Mom with my entire heart and I hope you have a fantastic birthday today. You are beautiful inside and out. If I know my mom at all I am sure I'll be getting a call today asking why I posted so many pictures of her on my blog. "But my hair looked bad" "I was blinking" "I look so old"
Dearest Mom, If I look 1/4 of how good you look when I am your age I will count myself lucky. You are getting more beautiful as the years pass and I truly mean that. I wanted to show you off a bit.... :)
I love you Mom with my entire heart and I hope you have a fantastic birthday today. You are beautiful inside and out. If I know my mom at all I am sure I'll be getting a call today asking why I posted so many pictures of her on my blog. "But my hair looked bad" "I was blinking" "I look so old"
Dearest Mom, If I look 1/4 of how good you look when I am your age I will count myself lucky. You are getting more beautiful as the years pass and I truly mean that. I wanted to show you off a bit.... :)
(Old Picture. No, Jackie is NOT pregnant now. She was weeks away from giving birth to O man in this picture)
( Mom and 'old school' EJ)
(Nini with her 4th and last grandchild)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM! I LOVE YOU!
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
This past Friday me and the girls went to Christmas Train. It is affiliated with our church: Church on the Move. If you haven't gone its a great place to visit at least once. There are puppet shows for the kids, pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, restaurants to eat, free wagon rides, go carts, ropes course, bumper cars, carousal, salt water taffy and homemade fudge shops, arcades, amazing cinnamon rolls with hot chocolates or coffee plus a lot more... Lets not forget about the train. It tells the story of Christmas. While riding on the train it starts with the beginning where God created the heavens and the earth, the birth of Jesus and eventually the crucifixion of Jesus and His Resurrection. If you have small children be warned that the scene with Jesus on the cross may scare them. Ava always shuts her eyes in that part.
The Christmas train has became a tradition for my family. We missed daddy being around with us this year but we cant wait until next year and he will be walking around with us again and making memories. Side Note: Emma actually sat on Santa's lap this year for the first time. (without crying)
Enjoy your family~
Friday, December 7, 2012
Our love story: Pt 2
Read part one HERE
Sorry it has taken me awhile to write part II but I was going back and forth on how I was going to start the story. Sounds odd doesnt it? You think, just start the story. Its your story.. start from where part one left off... Most of you dont know the next part of our story and after contiplating on what to say I decided to be real and honest. I have regret over how it came to be but absouluely no regrets with the end result. Confused yet? Read on and allow me to explain:
Last we left off I was driving home after seeing Joe excited about what was in our future. He was leaving for Qatar in a few weeks time and I was sad to see him go.
(I am in no way shape or form condoning my actions but it did happen) Couple weeks passed and Joe and I consummated our relationship. Believe it or not in the years past he and I never did anything. We had a normal, clean dating relationship. We decided to wait. That is until after I saw him again. (this is where the regret comes into play. I was raised better than that, I knew it was wrong but I went ahead and did it anyway. I do regret not waiting. We had waited for so long but I lost my willpower. I was trying to make it right in my head by saying I love Joe. I know we will be togther forever and he's being deployed in a few weeks.)
Moving on: Whew that was a hard paragraph to write. All those who didnt know... no judging please.
Joe left for his deployment and 4ish weeks later I was feeling weird. Tired wasnt even the right word it was more like exhausted to the 100th degree. I could not function and working 50 hrs a week was not helping. My heart was palpatating so I decided to go to the Dr to see what in the world was going on. June 10, 2005 I got the call at work that changed my life. The nurse on the other end told me that my pregnancy test came back positive. Please excuse me while I pick myself up off the floor. You have GOT to be kidding me. There is no way I was pregnant. Oh, there was a way and now I had to break the news to Joe and even worse, my parents. Dread took over my entire body.
How would you like to recieve news that you are going to be a dad? Well over the phone of course. Joe called and I broke the news to him. I wish I was able to see the shock on his face when he heard the news. Fast forward to late August and we were married. We knew we would eventually get married but with the current situation we decided to speed up the process.
The next few months were filled with Dr visits and we eventually welcomed Miss Ava in the winter of 2006. She was the "end result" that I in no way shape or form regret. She was the jewel that came out of Joe and I's actions and we couldn't have been more happy.
And they are living happily ever after....
Enjoy your family~
Sorry it has taken me awhile to write part II but I was going back and forth on how I was going to start the story. Sounds odd doesnt it? You think, just start the story. Its your story.. start from where part one left off... Most of you dont know the next part of our story and after contiplating on what to say I decided to be real and honest. I have regret over how it came to be but absouluely no regrets with the end result. Confused yet? Read on and allow me to explain:
Last we left off I was driving home after seeing Joe excited about what was in our future. He was leaving for Qatar in a few weeks time and I was sad to see him go.
(I am in no way shape or form condoning my actions but it did happen) Couple weeks passed and Joe and I consummated our relationship. Believe it or not in the years past he and I never did anything. We had a normal, clean dating relationship. We decided to wait. That is until after I saw him again. (this is where the regret comes into play. I was raised better than that, I knew it was wrong but I went ahead and did it anyway. I do regret not waiting. We had waited for so long but I lost my willpower. I was trying to make it right in my head by saying I love Joe. I know we will be togther forever and he's being deployed in a few weeks.)
Moving on: Whew that was a hard paragraph to write. All those who didnt know... no judging please.
Joe left for his deployment and 4ish weeks later I was feeling weird. Tired wasnt even the right word it was more like exhausted to the 100th degree. I could not function and working 50 hrs a week was not helping. My heart was palpatating so I decided to go to the Dr to see what in the world was going on. June 10, 2005 I got the call at work that changed my life. The nurse on the other end told me that my pregnancy test came back positive. Please excuse me while I pick myself up off the floor. You have GOT to be kidding me. There is no way I was pregnant. Oh, there was a way and now I had to break the news to Joe and even worse, my parents. Dread took over my entire body.
How would you like to recieve news that you are going to be a dad? Well over the phone of course. Joe called and I broke the news to him. I wish I was able to see the shock on his face when he heard the news. Fast forward to late August and we were married. We knew we would eventually get married but with the current situation we decided to speed up the process.
The next few months were filled with Dr visits and we eventually welcomed Miss Ava in the winter of 2006. She was the "end result" that I in no way shape or form regret. She was the jewel that came out of Joe and I's actions and we couldn't have been more happy.
And they are living happily ever after....
Enjoy your family~
Thursday, December 6, 2012
The true meaning of Christmas
Please take 4.5 minutes out of your day to watch this video. It is incredible and translates into the true meaning of Christmas. Christs birth. It is not a 'classic' Christmas tune but it is amazing regardless. Faith Hill does a beautiful job telling this story. I absolutely love love love it. For as long as I can remember I have loved music. Music touches my soul in a way that doesn't happen to others that often. The first time I heard this song, I played it on repeat, closed my eyes, listened to every word, tears welling in my eyes and goosebumps on my arms. Every song I hear I try to imagine myself in that place in time and with this song in particular I was imaging Mary and how scared she must have been when she found out she was pregnant, all the traveling she had to do, giving birth. She was young and she was having a baby. The baby that changed everything.
Hope you love it as much as I do.
Enjoy your family~
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Little About Me
I love God.
Raw chicken scares me but I cook with it often and I hate to prepare it. Touching it grosses me out.
Germs also gross me out. My home is not always tidy, things are out of place but you better believe
my home is sanitized.
When falling asleep at night I must have a blanket touching my cheek
When falling asleep it scares me to have my hand or arm hanging off the side of the bed. I always think of something reaching up and grabbing me. With that being said:
I'm a scaredy cat. I hate haunted houses, I hate horror movies or anything with suspense.
I LOVE music of all types. It's a 4th and counting generation thing. My grandpa has a love for music, my dad, me and now Ava.
I don't understand people who drive and are in a hurry to stop. The car that races past me only to stop at the light .02 seconds later.
I have a slight crush on Oklahoma State's head coach: Mike Gundy
My feet are very ticklish. I squeal during pedicures.
I don't like it when people clap loud. The normal clapping I can handle but then you get those 1-2 people in a crowd that have the loudest clap. I sat in front of one at the Nutcracker and I wanted to turn around and smack the guy.
I'm a cat person.
My happy place is laying in bed at night next to my hubby
I hate Britney Spear's voice. Just the way her voice sounds when it comes out of her mouth.
I consider my birthday a holiday.
Homebody isn't even a strong enough word to describe me. My mom says I could be one of those people who live in the country and only 'come to town' once a month. She's correct.
Strangers who invade my personal space irritate me.
I hate ironing. It's right up there with folding laundry and putting it away. toilets are better to clean in my opinion.
Every morning before Joe left for work he would start my coffee. I miss that.
I miss being pregnant. I would totally be a surrogate for someone if they wanted.
I am generally a happy person or what people call an optimist. I don't get the 'debbie downer' or 'negative nancy' lifestyle. Pessimists wake up on the wrong side of the bed everyday. That's no way to live life.
Enjoy your family~
Raw chicken scares me but I cook with it often and I hate to prepare it. Touching it grosses me out.
Germs also gross me out. My home is not always tidy, things are out of place but you better believe
my home is sanitized.
When falling asleep at night I must have a blanket touching my cheek
When falling asleep it scares me to have my hand or arm hanging off the side of the bed. I always think of something reaching up and grabbing me. With that being said:
I'm a scaredy cat. I hate haunted houses, I hate horror movies or anything with suspense.
I LOVE music of all types. It's a 4th and counting generation thing. My grandpa has a love for music, my dad, me and now Ava.
I don't understand people who drive and are in a hurry to stop. The car that races past me only to stop at the light .02 seconds later.
I have a slight crush on Oklahoma State's head coach: Mike Gundy
My feet are very ticklish. I squeal during pedicures.
I don't like it when people clap loud. The normal clapping I can handle but then you get those 1-2 people in a crowd that have the loudest clap. I sat in front of one at the Nutcracker and I wanted to turn around and smack the guy.
I'm a cat person.
My happy place is laying in bed at night next to my hubby
I hate Britney Spear's voice. Just the way her voice sounds when it comes out of her mouth.
I consider my birthday a holiday.
Homebody isn't even a strong enough word to describe me. My mom says I could be one of those people who live in the country and only 'come to town' once a month. She's correct.
Strangers who invade my personal space irritate me.
I hate ironing. It's right up there with folding laundry and putting it away. toilets are better to clean in my opinion.
Every morning before Joe left for work he would start my coffee. I miss that.
I miss being pregnant. I would totally be a surrogate for someone if they wanted.
I am generally a happy person or what people call an optimist. I don't get the 'debbie downer' or 'negative nancy' lifestyle. Pessimists wake up on the wrong side of the bed everyday. That's no way to live life.
Enjoy your family~
Monday, December 3, 2012
Week 10
Week #10 is in the books. Right now its hard to believe that yes I will be living through week #20 and #30 and even weeks after that. They seem far far away. Is this deployment over yet? No? Wishful thinking... Hope the next 10 weeks go as fast as the first 10.
Before the deployment I mentioned several times that even though I would miss Joe tremendously over the holidays, at least it IS the holiday season which gives me and the girls something to look forward too. Halloween, Thanksgiving, family, food, hustle and bustle, Christmas.... I thought those months would just fly by and actually they have been but I was not expecting to miss Joe that much. THIS much. I am such a 'holiday' person. I love birthdays, I love celebrations, I love traditions old and starting new and I LOVE my husband being home to spend the Christmas season with us. I miss him when we go look at Christmas lights, I missed him at Thanksgiving, I missed him when we decorated the tree, I missed him when we did our gingerbread house... So, yes the days are going fast but the emptiness in this house and in our hearts is huge.
Highlights of my week:
All the Christmas shows were on this week. We DVR'd all of them and have been watching them. Its great to watch the same shows with my girls that I watched as a little girl.
We made our gingerbread house and it wasn't a failure this time. I learned my lesson from the Halloween haunted house and for the gingerbread house I bought the pre-built one. Much easier.
I made a new 'email' buddy. Another wife of a husband who is deployed with Joe. HI Tina! Thanks for emailing this week :)
Friday morning before Ava left for school I asked her what I could do for her so that when she got home from school, whatever she picked me to do would make her very happy. I told her to pick something that she wanted me to do for her to bless her. Her pick: Cleaning her room. Nice move Ava. The look on her face when she got home made it all worth it. She ran into the kitchen, had the biggest smile on her face and thanked me for cleaning her room. I loved that moment and that I was able to make her day.
Sunday afternoon I took the girls to a children's performance of the Nutcracker or Buttcracker as my Aunt calls it. Ava loved it and was chatty cathy throughout telling me all about the dancers and their costumes, she was excited when the Nutcracker turned 'real' and Emma was ready to go 8 minutes after it started. Luckily I sidetracked her with a coloring book but when that fun wore off it was time to leave.
Enjoy your family~
Before the deployment I mentioned several times that even though I would miss Joe tremendously over the holidays, at least it IS the holiday season which gives me and the girls something to look forward too. Halloween, Thanksgiving, family, food, hustle and bustle, Christmas.... I thought those months would just fly by and actually they have been but I was not expecting to miss Joe that much. THIS much. I am such a 'holiday' person. I love birthdays, I love celebrations, I love traditions old and starting new and I LOVE my husband being home to spend the Christmas season with us. I miss him when we go look at Christmas lights, I missed him at Thanksgiving, I missed him when we decorated the tree, I missed him when we did our gingerbread house... So, yes the days are going fast but the emptiness in this house and in our hearts is huge.
Highlights of my week:
All the Christmas shows were on this week. We DVR'd all of them and have been watching them. Its great to watch the same shows with my girls that I watched as a little girl.
We made our gingerbread house and it wasn't a failure this time. I learned my lesson from the Halloween haunted house and for the gingerbread house I bought the pre-built one. Much easier.
I made a new 'email' buddy. Another wife of a husband who is deployed with Joe. HI Tina! Thanks for emailing this week :)
Friday morning before Ava left for school I asked her what I could do for her so that when she got home from school, whatever she picked me to do would make her very happy. I told her to pick something that she wanted me to do for her to bless her. Her pick: Cleaning her room. Nice move Ava. The look on her face when she got home made it all worth it. She ran into the kitchen, had the biggest smile on her face and thanked me for cleaning her room. I loved that moment and that I was able to make her day.
Sunday afternoon I took the girls to a children's performance of the Nutcracker or Buttcracker as my Aunt calls it. Ava loved it and was chatty cathy throughout telling me all about the dancers and their costumes, she was excited when the Nutcracker turned 'real' and Emma was ready to go 8 minutes after it started. Luckily I sidetracked her with a coloring book but when that fun wore off it was time to leave.
Enjoy your family~
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Thanksgiving Week
When I think of all the things I am thankful for this Thanksgiving, my list is endless.
My husband. He is my life, my everything and spending this holiday without him is only making me more thankful for him. I miss him and now that he is gone I realize how much of the little things and day to day things we take for granted when he is home. I can not wait until he is home and I can wrap my arms around him and not let go for hours. I am thankful for his job and as I've said before I am grateful and honored to be his wife.
My dad, the other man in my life who I love deeply.
Mom. My counselor, my "dr mom" and my best friend. I love her and I am beyond thankful for her.
My sister, Brother-in-law and my nephews. Thank you for the dinners and for keeping me company these last 8 weeks with many more to come. Thank you to my 'rent-a-husband' for coming over to set up my Christmas tree, fix my laptop and my shower doors... the list goes on and on... Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to come help me.
I am thankful for my Aunt, Uncle and my two cousins. Thank you for watching over us and making sure we are alright. Thank you for bringing dinners over, countless texts when the kids are ill and for just being there for me. Your love and support mean a lot to me and to Joe. I am thankful for our growing relationship and for the friendship that has happened.
I am thankful for technology. I am thankful for Iphones and FaceTime. I am thankful that I have only gone 2-3 nights without being able to FaceTime Joe.
I am thankful for all my other family and friends who have called or text me. Emailed, texted Joe, mailed him letters, cards and goodie boxes. Thank you everyone for loving Joe and for loving my family. I love you all.
Everyone please think about what Thanksgiving is really about. Be thankful for your family and your husbands. In honor of me please hug/kiss your husbands tomorrow because there is no one else I would rather see tomorrow.
Enjoy your family~
My husband. He is my life, my everything and spending this holiday without him is only making me more thankful for him. I miss him and now that he is gone I realize how much of the little things and day to day things we take for granted when he is home. I can not wait until he is home and I can wrap my arms around him and not let go for hours. I am thankful for his job and as I've said before I am grateful and honored to be his wife.
My dad, the other man in my life who I love deeply.
Mom. My counselor, my "dr mom" and my best friend. I love her and I am beyond thankful for her.
My sister, Brother-in-law and my nephews. Thank you for the dinners and for keeping me company these last 8 weeks with many more to come. Thank you to my 'rent-a-husband' for coming over to set up my Christmas tree, fix my laptop and my shower doors... the list goes on and on... Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to come help me.
I am thankful for my Aunt, Uncle and my two cousins. Thank you for watching over us and making sure we are alright. Thank you for bringing dinners over, countless texts when the kids are ill and for just being there for me. Your love and support mean a lot to me and to Joe. I am thankful for our growing relationship and for the friendship that has happened.
I am thankful for technology. I am thankful for Iphones and FaceTime. I am thankful that I have only gone 2-3 nights without being able to FaceTime Joe.
I am thankful for all my other family and friends who have called or text me. Emailed, texted Joe, mailed him letters, cards and goodie boxes. Thank you everyone for loving Joe and for loving my family. I love you all.
Everyone please think about what Thanksgiving is really about. Be thankful for your family and your husbands. In honor of me please hug/kiss your husbands tomorrow because there is no one else I would rather see tomorrow.
Enjoy your family~
Monday, November 12, 2012
week 7
The day he left was a very bad day and this past Thursday was hard as well. For the past 5ish weeks he has been in New Jersey. Even though I missed him, I knew he was in the USA. I knew that I could pick up the phone and call or text him at any moment. I knew that the time zone was only an hour ahead of me. We talked several times a day, Face Timed and sent many texts back and forth. Almost a week ago he made his way to Qatar and from there he has headed to Afghanistan. Even though I knew that the call from him was coming saying that he got his flight and he's headed out, it hit me hard. He was only able to give me a 4 hour notice before his flight left. I knew it was coming? I was expecting it. Why was I taking this so hard? I was scared that he was no longer in the states and now he was going to be 10 hours ahead of me, I wouldn't be able to just pick up the phone and call him. I knew that when I talked to him now I had to watch my words and there are some things we could/could not talk about, questions he's not allowed to answer over the phone and even the simplest of questions regarding him he is not allowed to talk about. That puts a damper on our phone calls. I like to know what's going on and where he's going and what he's doing etc.. but some things I can't know and its just aggravating. It makes me feel out of the loop in his life and I dont like that feeling.
My girls have been incredible this week. They have helped me and given me a lot of hugs and kisses. I am thankful for them. Thank you girls for loving on your momma more this week.
Enjoy your family~
My girls have been incredible this week. They have helped me and given me a lot of hugs and kisses. I am thankful for them. Thank you girls for loving on your momma more this week.
Enjoy your family~
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Anybody can be a blessing
There have been several times in my life that strangers have impacted me, my day or my life.
I never got their names and I never gave them a proper 'thank you' for being in my life at the right time. They may not know it but they blessed me and I am thankful for them. I know they will never read this but I just wanted to put it out there:
Starting from the beginning:
I want to thank whoever the anesthesiologist was on duty at St. Francis hospital that cold day in February 2006 when I was there having my first child. It was a man and I wish I would have remembered his name and was able to send him a Thank you card. The drugs got the best of me and I forgot his name. So, to him I say Thank you for being patient with me, checking and double checking to make sure I was comfortable. Thank you for adjusting my oxygen tubes when they were pinching my nostrils and Thank you for taking the time to explain everything the Dr. was doing and for rubbing my shoulder's to calm me down. Thank you for reassuring me that I was doing great and Thank you for announcing the time of birth of my daughter in my ear. Thank you for staying beside me even after Ava was born when Joe went to look at his daughter. Thank you for loving your job. I could tell you loved what you did and it made those stressful moments and little less stressful. Thank you Dr. anesthesiologist man.
Thank you to the Highway patrolman who pulled me over on the Creek Turnpike after I was speeding on my way to seeing my parents. Thank you for only the warning you gave me even though I was going over 10 miles over AND I did not have my updated insurance cards in the car. I could have gotten in uber trouble and I know I found favor when you came back to my window and said that the insurance thing can just be between us and to print out the current insurance when I returned home. This was the first time I was pulled over with the girls in my car and I also want to say Thank you for taking the time to talk with them and ask them questions about their day. It made them less frightened of the entire concept on a police man and I just want to say Thank you. To this day, the second I receive my insurance card in the mail, I stick it in my glove box. Thank you for blessing me that day Mr. Highway patrolman.
Lastly, Thank you to the family of four but more importantly the husband and dad of that family who pulled me from Joe's truck when it was totaled in the ditch. March 28, 2009 there was a freak snowstorm and stupid me decided to go ahead and drive to work and doubly stupid me I decided to drive a truck. I remember fishtailing, and remember over correcting, I remember thinking I'm going to crash, I remember the impact, looking around the truck shocked and shaken. After looking at the passenger side I remember I was SO THANKFUL that Ava was not in the car because that was the side she sat on and he legs would have been crushed or something even worse could have happened. I was thankful that I wasn't on the passenger side because there was basically no passenger side left. It as crushed in. I had to find my phone to call Joe and by the time I shifted thru all the glass to find it there was a knock on the driver side window. It was the dad of that family. They were traveling in the opposite direction and they saw the crash happen. He asked if I was alright and amazingly I was other than my side hurting a little. The door wouldn't open and the window would only go down a little so he asked me to climb out the window if I could. Electrical wires had fallen due to the impact and he was very cautious of those when helping me out the window. He took me to his car where his family was waiting and went back to the truck to retrieve my purse. He called 911 and soon after the firetruck and Joe arrived he left with his family. Thank you sir for stopping and for helping me. It meant a lot to me and to my family. At the time, I was shaken and emotional and I wasn't able to get your name and I was never able to Thank you properly.
I never got their names and I never gave them a proper 'thank you' for being in my life at the right time. They may not know it but they blessed me and I am thankful for them. I know they will never read this but I just wanted to put it out there:
Starting from the beginning:
I want to thank whoever the anesthesiologist was on duty at St. Francis hospital that cold day in February 2006 when I was there having my first child. It was a man and I wish I would have remembered his name and was able to send him a Thank you card. The drugs got the best of me and I forgot his name. So, to him I say Thank you for being patient with me, checking and double checking to make sure I was comfortable. Thank you for adjusting my oxygen tubes when they were pinching my nostrils and Thank you for taking the time to explain everything the Dr. was doing and for rubbing my shoulder's to calm me down. Thank you for reassuring me that I was doing great and Thank you for announcing the time of birth of my daughter in my ear. Thank you for staying beside me even after Ava was born when Joe went to look at his daughter. Thank you for loving your job. I could tell you loved what you did and it made those stressful moments and little less stressful. Thank you Dr. anesthesiologist man.
Thank you to the Highway patrolman who pulled me over on the Creek Turnpike after I was speeding on my way to seeing my parents. Thank you for only the warning you gave me even though I was going over 10 miles over AND I did not have my updated insurance cards in the car. I could have gotten in uber trouble and I know I found favor when you came back to my window and said that the insurance thing can just be between us and to print out the current insurance when I returned home. This was the first time I was pulled over with the girls in my car and I also want to say Thank you for taking the time to talk with them and ask them questions about their day. It made them less frightened of the entire concept on a police man and I just want to say Thank you. To this day, the second I receive my insurance card in the mail, I stick it in my glove box. Thank you for blessing me that day Mr. Highway patrolman.
Lastly, Thank you to the family of four but more importantly the husband and dad of that family who pulled me from Joe's truck when it was totaled in the ditch. March 28, 2009 there was a freak snowstorm and stupid me decided to go ahead and drive to work and doubly stupid me I decided to drive a truck. I remember fishtailing, and remember over correcting, I remember thinking I'm going to crash, I remember the impact, looking around the truck shocked and shaken. After looking at the passenger side I remember I was SO THANKFUL that Ava was not in the car because that was the side she sat on and he legs would have been crushed or something even worse could have happened. I was thankful that I wasn't on the passenger side because there was basically no passenger side left. It as crushed in. I had to find my phone to call Joe and by the time I shifted thru all the glass to find it there was a knock on the driver side window. It was the dad of that family. They were traveling in the opposite direction and they saw the crash happen. He asked if I was alright and amazingly I was other than my side hurting a little. The door wouldn't open and the window would only go down a little so he asked me to climb out the window if I could. Electrical wires had fallen due to the impact and he was very cautious of those when helping me out the window. He took me to his car where his family was waiting and went back to the truck to retrieve my purse. He called 911 and soon after the firetruck and Joe arrived he left with his family. Thank you sir for stopping and for helping me. It meant a lot to me and to my family. At the time, I was shaken and emotional and I wasn't able to get your name and I was never able to Thank you properly.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
VOTE
GO OUT AND VOTE TODAY!
NOW. GET UP AND GO.
GO WAIT IN THE HORRIBLE LONG LINES OR DO WHAT I DID THIS YEAR AND VOTE VIA ABSENTEE BALLOT.
Enjoy your family~
Monday, November 5, 2012
Week 6
You all don't know this but I had the opportunity to fly to New Jersey and spend 3 days with Joe BUT that didn't happen. What happened instead? Sandy! Oh Sandy. Sandy tore up the East Coast, shut down airports and Joe was in the middle of it. He makes a joke of it saying mother nature hates him because back in August of 2005 he was in/around the area that Katrina hit while trying to make it home for his own WEDDING. In October of 2006 he was in Hawaii when a 6.7 and a 5.8 magnitude earthquake hit. Moral of the story: Don't travel with Joe because natural disasters follow him. The end.
We have had a busy couple of weeks. Halloween, trick or treating, fall festivals. Big thank you to the girls Grandma and Grandpa for keeping them overnight so I could enjoy an evening to myself. It was a very productive day as I got 85% of my Christmas shopping completed.
Thank you everyone for your continued thoughts and prayers. We have only scratched the surface of this deployment. There is still a long time to go. Even with the busy holidays approaching please don't forget about our military men and woman.
Enjoy your family~
Monday, October 22, 2012
Week 4
One month has come and gone. For the most part this month has flown by. I blinked and 4 weeks passed by. I really really hope the remaining months pass just as quickly. For all those wondering, Joe is doing well. He is still in the states completing a combat skills training course (CST) before he heads overseas. He does not enjoy the food selections seeing as most nights they serve fish with rice. He text's me nightly dinner pictures and 5 out of the 7 nights it's fish and rice. Luckily he has a pretty awesome wife who has mailed him several goodie boxes.
While at CST they practice anything from rifle and pistol marksmanship (he was the number 3 shooter in the rifle category and the number 2 shooter in the pistol category out of 89), Combat Life Saver training where he learns how to treat casualties by starting IV's, treating leg, arm, head lacerations, inserting NPA's (Nasopharyngeal Airway's), administering chest decompression needles and applying tourniquets for arm and leg amputations, learning how to maintain conduct after capture and how to survive in a POW (Prisoner of War) situation, training with MRAP vehicles and how to survive and escape vehicle rollovers.
He has also had training on how to use the radio's in the vehicles along with a cool system that allows others to see his vehicle locations and status'. He said it's pretty neat stuff that the Air Force never gets to do. He starts Counter-IED (Improvised Explosive Device) training along with Land Navigation training. He'll finish the 30 day training up with a 3 day "pack out" to a practice FOB (Forward Operating Base) where they will combine all the training that they have received into the last 3 days.
Enjoy your family~
He has also had training on how to use the radio's in the vehicles along with a cool system that allows others to see his vehicle locations and status'. He said it's pretty neat stuff that the Air Force never gets to do. He starts Counter-IED (Improvised Explosive Device) training along with Land Navigation training. He'll finish the 30 day training up with a 3 day "pack out" to a practice FOB (Forward Operating Base) where they will combine all the training that they have received into the last 3 days.
Enjoy your family~
Monday, October 15, 2012
Week 3
Three weeks. Holy cow. I have made it 21 days. The girls are adjusting well. They talk with Joe every night and most nights they are too busy for him. They run in to say their hello's and I love you's then run off to resume playing fighting. This week has flown by. It has been the fastest week yet which is good because this has also been the week that I have really started missing Joe. I was trying to make it a full month before I started badly missing him but I fell a little short. Before he left he told me that the YMCA offers free membership to the spouses of deployed members. Even though my relationship with working out is a loathe/loathe relationship, I decided to sign up at the gym. Mom called frequently to tell me to sign up. She knew I wouldn't do it otherwise. Motivation. That's my middle name. Maybe I'll even lose a pound or 20.
Highlights of my week:
EVERYONE WAS HEALTHY! I didn't have to pry any mouths open this week in order for anyone to take their antibiotics. There was no bribing going on, no asking over and over to please open their mouth to take the disgusting tasting medicine. Nothing, and it was nice.
Back in May, for Mothers Day the girls bought be a facial GC and I finally used it this week. It was just what I needed.
Sunday, my mom and I took the girls to the pumpkin patch. The girls rode their first ever camel, fed goats (or doggies as Emma called them) and rode on a hay ride. They had a great time walking around the mazes and a not so great time posing for pictures. I got a few good shots.
Lows of my week: My girls have been bickering and arguing a lot. Both of them are guilty of egging the other one and just doing things that they KNOW irritates the other. They bicker over silly things. Ava is singing and Emma yells at her and tells her to stop over and over. Ava yells at Emma when Emma is not playing pretend the correct way or when she wants to stop playing pretend.
Some idiot in my neighborhood must have the wrong dates on his calendar because last I heard the 4th of July was on the FOURTH OF JULY and not on October 12 and 13th. 10pm and BOOM BOOM POP POP and then BOOM BOOM Emma is awake. And scared. Thank you idiot neighbor.
I dont know, maybe I'm wrong, maybe I missed the "We're moving the celebration of America's freedom" memo?
Here's to a great week # 4
Enjoy your family~
Highlights of my week:
EVERYONE WAS HEALTHY! I didn't have to pry any mouths open this week in order for anyone to take their antibiotics. There was no bribing going on, no asking over and over to please open their mouth to take the disgusting tasting medicine. Nothing, and it was nice.
Back in May, for Mothers Day the girls bought be a facial GC and I finally used it this week. It was just what I needed.
Sunday, my mom and I took the girls to the pumpkin patch. The girls rode their first ever camel, fed goats (or doggies as Emma called them) and rode on a hay ride. They had a great time walking around the mazes and a not so great time posing for pictures. I got a few good shots.
Lows of my week: My girls have been bickering and arguing a lot. Both of them are guilty of egging the other one and just doing things that they KNOW irritates the other. They bicker over silly things. Ava is singing and Emma yells at her and tells her to stop over and over. Ava yells at Emma when Emma is not playing pretend the correct way or when she wants to stop playing pretend.
Some idiot in my neighborhood must have the wrong dates on his calendar because last I heard the 4th of July was on the FOURTH OF JULY and not on October 12 and 13th. 10pm and BOOM BOOM POP POP and then BOOM BOOM Emma is awake. And scared. Thank you idiot neighbor.
I dont know, maybe I'm wrong, maybe I missed the "We're moving the celebration of America's freedom" memo?
Here's to a great week # 4
Enjoy your family~
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Dear dad,
My dad.
What can I say about that man? I love him with my entire being. He is in my blood (literally) and he is a part of me. He was the first guy that I loved. He took his job as a dad to two girls very seriously and he showed me and my sister constant love. Constantly hugging, kissing and holding us. We never lacked in that department as we grew up and I think that is very important for a daddy to do for his girls.
Every night he would come into my room, kneel down, put his hands over his forehead and pray for me. Some nights I didn't even close my eyes I just watched him. It was very sweet and another wonderful memory I have of him. He was reliable and I never had to wonder if he would be there at night to put me to bed and pray for me because the answer was always yes. On the flip side, every morning without fail he would come into my room before leaving for work, kiss me and say I love you. At 18 years old he still came into my room doing to same thing.
I remember one night the house was dark seeing as it was past my bedtime. I was thirsty and went downstairs to get a drink. I heard music coming from the living room so I peeked around the corner. The living room lights were out and I could see my dad sitting in his rocking chair, legs extended, through the glare of the TV. He was watching some country music channel and the video "My Maria" was on by Brooks and Dunn. I remember seeing his foot just move right along to the music and his hand tapping his leg. I don't remember if I said anything to him that night but that is one of my many many favorite memories of my dad. Watching him enjoy the music. I don't even know if he knew I was there in the kitchen. Soon after dad got hooked with My Maria he quickly fell in love with Shania Twain's music. Many years ago I took my dad to a Shania Twain concert. We had an amazing time and pretty sure our voices were gone for two days after. We sang the songs and were all smiles when the streamers and confetti fell on us when the concert was over.
For as long as I can remember my dad has always put his family first. He always has an open lap, open arms and an open shoulder to cry on. If I were scared at night he would lay with us in bed until I would fall asleep. The day Joe left he held me for as long as I needed. He is always and will always be there for me and I love him for that. I love you dad.
What can I say about that man? I love him with my entire being. He is in my blood (literally) and he is a part of me. He was the first guy that I loved. He took his job as a dad to two girls very seriously and he showed me and my sister constant love. Constantly hugging, kissing and holding us. We never lacked in that department as we grew up and I think that is very important for a daddy to do for his girls.
Every night he would come into my room, kneel down, put his hands over his forehead and pray for me. Some nights I didn't even close my eyes I just watched him. It was very sweet and another wonderful memory I have of him. He was reliable and I never had to wonder if he would be there at night to put me to bed and pray for me because the answer was always yes. On the flip side, every morning without fail he would come into my room before leaving for work, kiss me and say I love you. At 18 years old he still came into my room doing to same thing.
I remember one night the house was dark seeing as it was past my bedtime. I was thirsty and went downstairs to get a drink. I heard music coming from the living room so I peeked around the corner. The living room lights were out and I could see my dad sitting in his rocking chair, legs extended, through the glare of the TV. He was watching some country music channel and the video "My Maria" was on by Brooks and Dunn. I remember seeing his foot just move right along to the music and his hand tapping his leg. I don't remember if I said anything to him that night but that is one of my many many favorite memories of my dad. Watching him enjoy the music. I don't even know if he knew I was there in the kitchen. Soon after dad got hooked with My Maria he quickly fell in love with Shania Twain's music. Many years ago I took my dad to a Shania Twain concert. We had an amazing time and pretty sure our voices were gone for two days after. We sang the songs and were all smiles when the streamers and confetti fell on us when the concert was over.
For as long as I can remember my dad has always put his family first. He always has an open lap, open arms and an open shoulder to cry on. If I were scared at night he would lay with us in bed until I would fall asleep. The day Joe left he held me for as long as I needed. He is always and will always be there for me and I love him for that. I love you dad.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Math is of the devil
It's well known that I was never the best student while in school. I didn't earn the nickname "get by ang" for nothing. On many occasions, too many to count I would have my weekly school work folder with a lot of C's, D's and "F" mainly in the math department. The "F" paper required a parent signature to be returned to school. My teacher wanted to make sure that my parents saw my poor excuse for school work.
The folder was due back by Monday. Sooooo, late Sunday night I would place to folder in the kitchen probably with a note of some sort trying to explain myself and head off to bed. The first few times it happened on Monday morning mom would talk, talk, talk about it and I would go on auto pilot shaking my head in all the right spots: "uh, huh. yeah, I know. Yeah, I'll do better" "I'm not good at math" yada yada yada...
After awhile, I would just find the folder signed by her. I think she had given up. Clearly, the conversations were not helping my academic ability in the math department.
Thank you Mom for just signing the papers. Sorry I had to take pre-algebra 3 times and I still only skimmed by with a D+.
Enjoy your family~
The folder was due back by Monday. Sooooo, late Sunday night I would place to folder in the kitchen probably with a note of some sort trying to explain myself and head off to bed. The first few times it happened on Monday morning mom would talk, talk, talk about it and I would go on auto pilot shaking my head in all the right spots: "uh, huh. yeah, I know. Yeah, I'll do better" "I'm not good at math" yada yada yada...
After awhile, I would just find the folder signed by her. I think she had given up. Clearly, the conversations were not helping my academic ability in the math department.
Thank you Mom for just signing the papers. Sorry I had to take pre-algebra 3 times and I still only skimmed by with a D+.
Enjoy your family~
Monday, October 8, 2012
Week 2
This has been a week. After running a fever for over three days straight, two trips to the Dr, one negative strep test we found out that Emma has some viral infection, with Pharyngitis. Basically, it makes you miserable for 4-5 days but luckily after trip #2 to the Dr they prescribed her some medicine. Her little body was struggling to fight the infection so I am thankful that the Dr finally gave her something.
Hopefully Emma will feel better enough to make a trip to the pumpkin patch tomorrow afternoon. Ava has been begging me to take them but sickness has not made it possible.
Highlights of this week: The unwavering support from my mom and dad, my sister and my aunt and uncle. Those 5 people have made these 2 weeks run smoothly and quickly. My aunt and uncle posted this picture of the flag pole at their home. They are OU fans mind you but for the duration of Joe's trip they have traded in their OU for an OSU flag in honor of Joe. They say that every time they look at the flag they are reminded of him and the sacrifices he and I are making. Seeing that picture was definitely a high-light of my week. Thank you Jan and Marc!!!
Finally feeling the cooler weather.
The quite early COLD Saturday morning with nothing to do and no where to go. I was drinking hot coffee when Emma came into my bed and curled up on my chest. I listened to her raspy breathing and soothed her when she swallowed and winced. I rubbed her back until she fell back to sleep. I sat there with my sweet girl praying over her and enjoying the moment.
The lows of this week: Emma's illness and our lack of sleep. She is on the mend and this isn't a low but I wanted to say thank you to my aunt for literally texting me (I went back and counted) ten times in four days to ask how Emma was feeling.
Thank you everyone for your continued prayers and support.
Enjoy your family~
Hopefully Emma will feel better enough to make a trip to the pumpkin patch tomorrow afternoon. Ava has been begging me to take them but sickness has not made it possible.
Highlights of this week: The unwavering support from my mom and dad, my sister and my aunt and uncle. Those 5 people have made these 2 weeks run smoothly and quickly. My aunt and uncle posted this picture of the flag pole at their home. They are OU fans mind you but for the duration of Joe's trip they have traded in their OU for an OSU flag in honor of Joe. They say that every time they look at the flag they are reminded of him and the sacrifices he and I are making. Seeing that picture was definitely a high-light of my week. Thank you Jan and Marc!!!
Finally feeling the cooler weather.
The quite early COLD Saturday morning with nothing to do and no where to go. I was drinking hot coffee when Emma came into my bed and curled up on my chest. I listened to her raspy breathing and soothed her when she swallowed and winced. I rubbed her back until she fell back to sleep. I sat there with my sweet girl praying over her and enjoying the moment.
The lows of this week: Emma's illness and our lack of sleep. She is on the mend and this isn't a low but I wanted to say thank you to my aunt for literally texting me (I went back and counted) ten times in four days to ask how Emma was feeling.
Thank you everyone for your continued prayers and support.
Enjoy your family~
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Our love story. Pt 1
Lets go back in time shall we?
Take a little trip down memory lane.
My 21st birthday was on a Sunday. I was a brand new manager at the restaurant Tony Roma's. That day was my very first solo shift and man did I feel like big stuff that morning when I was counting inventory and making the day's prep sheet. I knew that day would be a great day but I had no idea I was about to meet my future husband.
One of the servers on shift that morning had a friend (Joe) come in to sit in her section and eat lunch. I was walking around the restaurant doing my manager duties of discounting appetizer coupons, talking to customers making sure their lunch was good and monitoring just how many smoke breaks the servers actually took in one shift. There was this tiny staircase that was right by the section that Joe was sitting. I walked up the staircase and made my way to the host stand. I remember seeing a guy look up at me and stare but I didn't think anything of it. Some time later his friend, my server, walked up to me and told me that her friend asked if I was single and he thought I was very pretty. I walked up to his table and we said our hello's. Nothing more was really said because I did have a boyfriend at the time. He respected the fact that I had a boyfriend but just wanted to introduce himself.
Fast forward 9-12ish months later and I was boyfriendless. I started getting to know Joe better after several friend group get-togethers. He was hot on my tail. He was all about doing whatever he had to do to date me. At the time, I was into the 'bad boy' thing and the way Joe was ended up annoying me instead of wooing me. I thought he called too much. I thought he was too clingy. I liked him as a friend but nothing romantic. Slowly but surely... he did start to woo me and we eventually started dating. On our first date we went to the OSU/OU baseball game with his dad AND his grandpa. Roooomantic, let me tell ya. We dated for awhile and then we broke up. Then we dated, and broke up. That went on for about three years. Finally after I grew up a little and once he 'let me go' I realized how much I loved him and needed him in my life. One night I was sitting home alone and I had to see him. I drove all the way downtown and went to the bar (GASP) that he was bartending. I've never been a big talker when it comes to feelings so I thought if I couldn't tell him how I felt about him maybe I could at least show him that I loved and cared about him by out of the blue showing up at his place of employment. There I sat at the end of the bar watching him work. I still remember that he was wearing a Napoleon Dynamite VOTE FOR PEDRO t-shirt. He was on the other end of the bar getting a drink order when I saw a lady selling single stem roses throughout the bar. She walked up to Joe then walked up to me, handed me a rose and said "its from the bartender down there" as she was pointing in Joe's direction. I looked at Joe and he winked at me. "He still loves me" I thought and my heart started racing. It was at that moment when I knew we would be together forever. I knew I would marry him.
Once it was time to leave Joe walked me to my car, gave me a big hug and kissed my forehead. I drove home on cloud 9 and excited for my future with him.
To be continued...
Enjoy your family~
Take a little trip down memory lane.
My 21st birthday was on a Sunday. I was a brand new manager at the restaurant Tony Roma's. That day was my very first solo shift and man did I feel like big stuff that morning when I was counting inventory and making the day's prep sheet. I knew that day would be a great day but I had no idea I was about to meet my future husband.
One of the servers on shift that morning had a friend (Joe) come in to sit in her section and eat lunch. I was walking around the restaurant doing my manager duties of discounting appetizer coupons, talking to customers making sure their lunch was good and monitoring just how many smoke breaks the servers actually took in one shift. There was this tiny staircase that was right by the section that Joe was sitting. I walked up the staircase and made my way to the host stand. I remember seeing a guy look up at me and stare but I didn't think anything of it. Some time later his friend, my server, walked up to me and told me that her friend asked if I was single and he thought I was very pretty. I walked up to his table and we said our hello's. Nothing more was really said because I did have a boyfriend at the time. He respected the fact that I had a boyfriend but just wanted to introduce himself.
Fast forward 9-12ish months later and I was boyfriendless. I started getting to know Joe better after several friend group get-togethers. He was hot on my tail. He was all about doing whatever he had to do to date me. At the time, I was into the 'bad boy' thing and the way Joe was ended up annoying me instead of wooing me. I thought he called too much. I thought he was too clingy. I liked him as a friend but nothing romantic. Slowly but surely... he did start to woo me and we eventually started dating. On our first date we went to the OSU/OU baseball game with his dad AND his grandpa. Roooomantic, let me tell ya. We dated for awhile and then we broke up. Then we dated, and broke up. That went on for about three years. Finally after I grew up a little and once he 'let me go' I realized how much I loved him and needed him in my life. One night I was sitting home alone and I had to see him. I drove all the way downtown and went to the bar (GASP) that he was bartending. I've never been a big talker when it comes to feelings so I thought if I couldn't tell him how I felt about him maybe I could at least show him that I loved and cared about him by out of the blue showing up at his place of employment. There I sat at the end of the bar watching him work. I still remember that he was wearing a Napoleon Dynamite VOTE FOR PEDRO t-shirt. He was on the other end of the bar getting a drink order when I saw a lady selling single stem roses throughout the bar. She walked up to Joe then walked up to me, handed me a rose and said "its from the bartender down there" as she was pointing in Joe's direction. I looked at Joe and he winked at me. "He still loves me" I thought and my heart started racing. It was at that moment when I knew we would be together forever. I knew I would marry him.
Once it was time to leave Joe walked me to my car, gave me a big hug and kissed my forehead. I drove home on cloud 9 and excited for my future with him.
To be continued...
Enjoy your family~
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Monday, October 1, 2012
Week 1
One week down and let me tell you that I'm surviving. We have been able to talk to daddy each night and he even took part in the girls bedtime reading one evening via video chat. Looking at my girls I see strong beautiful little ladies. I notice that they are trying harder to obey me, play nicer and have patience with one another. It's amazing how I need them around. I don't want to be away from them. I need their noise. I need their hugs. I need their constant chattering. They give me strength and I don't see myself being away from them any time soon. We are a package deal. The three musketeers. Sure, there will be days that I will need a break but for right now they are sticking with me. They are my constant and I am theirs.
The highlights of my week: Being supported by my amazing parents, aunt and uncle and my sister and brother-in-law. I got many many texts from extended family and it meant the world to me. Friends called and extended their offer to help in any way that I may need.
Talking to Joe each evening was also a highlight. It was nice to see him and talk about his day.
Ordering and receiving our "Elf on the Shelf" and seeing my girls reaction when they opened the box. We are looking forward to the holidays to see just where Si the elf will show up. Yes, his name is Si as in Uncle Si off of duck dynasty. (side note: that is the funniest show ever... guilty pleasure for sure)
Watching the OSU game. It was somewhat comforting and left me with a sense of normalcy that I'm used to. It made me feel closer to Joe in a weird way. I was able to text him updates and believe it or not it was a good game that kept my attention even though I know nothing about football.
The lows of my week: The obvious: Leaving Joe.
Listening to Ava cry after going to bed Sunday night because she missed her dad.
Taking Ava to the doctor Friday only to find out that she has Strep throat. (Poor A has had a bad week)
Here's to week # 2. I know it will be a good week.
Enjoy your family~
The highlights of my week: Being supported by my amazing parents, aunt and uncle and my sister and brother-in-law. I got many many texts from extended family and it meant the world to me. Friends called and extended their offer to help in any way that I may need.
Talking to Joe each evening was also a highlight. It was nice to see him and talk about his day.
Ordering and receiving our "Elf on the Shelf" and seeing my girls reaction when they opened the box. We are looking forward to the holidays to see just where Si the elf will show up. Yes, his name is Si as in Uncle Si off of duck dynasty. (side note: that is the funniest show ever... guilty pleasure for sure)
Watching the OSU game. It was somewhat comforting and left me with a sense of normalcy that I'm used to. It made me feel closer to Joe in a weird way. I was able to text him updates and believe it or not it was a good game that kept my attention even though I know nothing about football.
The lows of my week: The obvious: Leaving Joe.
Listening to Ava cry after going to bed Sunday night because she missed her dad.
Taking Ava to the doctor Friday only to find out that she has Strep throat. (Poor A has had a bad week)
Here's to week # 2. I know it will be a good week.
Enjoy your family~
Thursday, September 27, 2012
My obsession with the Amish
What do you think about when you think of the Amish? For me, the first thing that used to cross my mind was they were the people in simple looking clothing who didn't believe in cars and drove a horse and buggy. I've had a fascination with the Amish for a few years now. I watch all the TV documentaries on them and here is just a little of what I've learned about them.
Amish speak Pennsylvania Dutch which is like German.
They believe in signs and everything that happens good or bad is a sign from God.
We are considered the "English" world. They call everyone who aren't Amish, English.
There are 13 or so different kind of Amish communities and each community has different rules and bishops.
Old order Amish are the severely strick Amish
The men grow beards when they get married. Wearing a ring is considered vanity so they grow beards to represent their marriage.
All Amish only have an 8th grade education.
They drive a horse and buggy. No electricity. No modern technology.
The Amish consider themselves Christians but yet they believe that you cant know for sure that you are really saved.
When the kids are 16 they have the opportunity to experience what the Amish call Rumspringa. It is a period of time in which the kids can go out in the 'English' world and choose if they want to live the Amish life or if they want out of their Amish communities.
They can leave their Amish life but that also means leaving all they have known. Leaving their families. The kids parents, church and bishop will shun them and never talk to them again. That's the kicker for me. How can they disown or shun their child? I look at my girls and I could never ever ever and I mean EVER disown them. They may do some dumb stuff growing up and make some bad decisions but that will never mean that I wont be there for them. I can't fathom what that would be like and if the parent ends up supporting their child then the entire community will turn their back on the parent as well.
There's your Amish lesson for the day.
Enjoy your family~
Amish speak Pennsylvania Dutch which is like German.
They believe in signs and everything that happens good or bad is a sign from God.
We are considered the "English" world. They call everyone who aren't Amish, English.
There are 13 or so different kind of Amish communities and each community has different rules and bishops.
Old order Amish are the severely strick Amish
The men grow beards when they get married. Wearing a ring is considered vanity so they grow beards to represent their marriage.
All Amish only have an 8th grade education.
They drive a horse and buggy. No electricity. No modern technology.
The Amish consider themselves Christians but yet they believe that you cant know for sure that you are really saved.
When the kids are 16 they have the opportunity to experience what the Amish call Rumspringa. It is a period of time in which the kids can go out in the 'English' world and choose if they want to live the Amish life or if they want out of their Amish communities.
They can leave their Amish life but that also means leaving all they have known. Leaving their families. The kids parents, church and bishop will shun them and never talk to them again. That's the kicker for me. How can they disown or shun their child? I look at my girls and I could never ever ever and I mean EVER disown them. They may do some dumb stuff growing up and make some bad decisions but that will never mean that I wont be there for them. I can't fathom what that would be like and if the parent ends up supporting their child then the entire community will turn their back on the parent as well.
There's your Amish lesson for the day.
Enjoy your family~
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
He left on a jet plane...
The day has come. The day has gone. The day was hard. Extremely, extremely hard. I didn't want to let go of him when it was time for the final hug. I wanted to hang on for hours and hours but I knew I couldn't. I wanted to sneak him out of the airport and return home with him. I am proud and honored to be his wife. Deployments are hard but there is also a sense of strength I feel with each passing day. The feeling of 'I can do this. I will do this. I am doing this. I am proud of myself.' Right now I'm taking it day by day.
Thank you everyone for all their prayers and support during this time. The car ride back from the airport was pretty raw. There I was in the front seat crying, Ava was in the back seat crying and Emma was patting Ava's shoulder trying to comfort her. Once I made it to a place I could safely pull over, I stopped the car, opened Ava's door, bent down and gave her a big long hug. We spent the afternoon at my parents and besides the breakdown I had in my mom and dad's arms, I didn't cry the rest of the day. I could feel everyone's prayers over me and it was comforting.
Joe will still be in the US for a few weeks for some training before he heads overseas. We are able to video chat with him each night before the girls go to bed. It's making it a smoother transition for my girls. Thank you again for everyone's continued thought and prayers. I truly appreciate it.
Enjoy your family~
Monday, September 24, 2012
I love you Joe
"A part of you has grown in me.
And so you see, it's you and me
Together forever and never apart,
Maybe in distance, but never apart."
- Anonymous
And so you see, it's you and me
Together forever and never apart,
Maybe in distance, but never apart."
- Anonymous
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Joe's Buddy
As soon as she opened her eyes to look at him, It was love at first sight.
Daddies Girl
Enjoy your family~
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Orange Power
This past Saturday we went to watch the Oklahoma State Cowboys. This specific game was special to me for a couple reasons.
1. It was great seeing Joe watch the Cowboys. Having our incredible seats didn't hurt either. I love going to the games with him and going to this one was especially sweet since it will be the only game he will attend this season.
2. My dad went with us. It was his first ever OSU football game and it was such an odd thing to see him in an orange shirt. Normally, he wears Crimson. But, like the great man that he is, he donned the shirt and I think he secretly enjoyed it. :-)
It was great being able to spend the day with the 2 men that I love the most in this world. What's equally as great is seeing the bond that is growing and continues to grow between the two of them. They have mutual respect for each other and its wonderful to see them nurture the 'in-law' relationship. When Joe and I started dating he was taken aback by how much my family truly loves each other and how close we are. At first he thought we were fake. He thought that no family could really be the way we were. Slowly, we started proving him wrong and he began to realize how much the original Fournier foursome means to each other. Years later, add in 2 husbands and 4 kids and we all love and respect each other. My family is the absolute best in the whole world. I am glad that Joe gets to witness and be apart of my family.
2. My dad went with us. It was his first ever OSU football game and it was such an odd thing to see him in an orange shirt. Normally, he wears Crimson. But, like the great man that he is, he donned the shirt and I think he secretly enjoyed it. :-)
It was great being able to spend the day with the 2 men that I love the most in this world. What's equally as great is seeing the bond that is growing and continues to grow between the two of them. They have mutual respect for each other and its wonderful to see them nurture the 'in-law' relationship. When Joe and I started dating he was taken aback by how much my family truly loves each other and how close we are. At first he thought we were fake. He thought that no family could really be the way we were. Slowly, we started proving him wrong and he began to realize how much the original Fournier foursome means to each other. Years later, add in 2 husbands and 4 kids and we all love and respect each other. My family is the absolute best in the whole world. I am glad that Joe gets to witness and be apart of my family.
Thank you Dad for going to the game with us. We had a great time and hopefully started a tradition.
Enjoy your family~
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