Saturday, June 28, 2008
A Trip to the Zoo
Paula and Lauren took Dayden to the zoo Friday. She must have had a wonderful time because she is still talking about it and the tigers. Apparently the tiger exhibit is her favorite.
Thanks Paula and Lauren. Dayden LOVED her trip to the zoo!!
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Thursday Thirteen
13 reasons I am stressed...
1.) My husband is deployed.
2.) My taxes aren't filed only because the lady doing them is SO S-L-O-W and I could really spend some money on myself. (yes, I filed an extension)
3.) Time is standing still.
4.) I really need to get the A/C looked at in my car but I don't want to have to wait 40 minutes for him to run the stupid test.
5.) My husband is deployed.
6.) I need to decide on a birthday party for my almost 2 year old and I can't seem to make any adult decisions these days...
7.) I really want to get Ashlyn's room all designed up and I have no designer sense, patience, or skills in this area.
8.) I haven't transformed into a super model body while my deployed husband has been deployed.
9.) I have a ton of dental work that needs to be done and I need to wait 6 months so I can opt in for the better insurance plan and I really need to get some of the work done now.
10.) THE COST OF GASOLINE.
11.) Cost of retirement. I know, it's crazy, but I have increased my 401-K contributions twice in the last 2 months because I don't want to rely on Medicare and my children and I am afraid I will have to live in a nasty, run down nursing home because I won't be able to afford anything else.
12.) My life will turn upside down again in a couple of months. Even though I am so ready for David to be home, safe and sound, we will have to "re-do" our lives again to adjust to him being home. We quickly fell into a routine that works really well and it will be turned all catywampus when he gets home...but I know it's only for a little while.
13.) My husband is deployed.
1.) My husband is deployed.
2.) My taxes aren't filed only because the lady doing them is SO S-L-O-W and I could really spend some money on myself. (yes, I filed an extension)
3.) Time is standing still.
4.) I really need to get the A/C looked at in my car but I don't want to have to wait 40 minutes for him to run the stupid test.
5.) My husband is deployed.
6.) I need to decide on a birthday party for my almost 2 year old and I can't seem to make any adult decisions these days...
7.) I really want to get Ashlyn's room all designed up and I have no designer sense, patience, or skills in this area.
8.) I haven't transformed into a super model body while my deployed husband has been deployed.
9.) I have a ton of dental work that needs to be done and I need to wait 6 months so I can opt in for the better insurance plan and I really need to get some of the work done now.
10.) THE COST OF GASOLINE.
11.) Cost of retirement. I know, it's crazy, but I have increased my 401-K contributions twice in the last 2 months because I don't want to rely on Medicare and my children and I am afraid I will have to live in a nasty, run down nursing home because I won't be able to afford anything else.
12.) My life will turn upside down again in a couple of months. Even though I am so ready for David to be home, safe and sound, we will have to "re-do" our lives again to adjust to him being home. We quickly fell into a routine that works really well and it will be turned all catywampus when he gets home...but I know it's only for a little while.
13.) My husband is deployed.
Monday, June 23, 2008
CHEESE!!!!
This little ham has totally figured out how to work the camera. Here she is for a few poses to send to Daddy. Check out the lochun (lotion) that she must have at all times. The kid LOVES the stuff and I HATE the stuff. Again, did I do anything except bake her for 37 weeks?? Where is my DNA?? (look closely at her lips...she loves the taste too-YUCK!)
Big Girl Rooms
So Ashlyn (almost 9 going on 19) is getting a room makeover. Bless her little heart-she hasn't had much in the way of "decor" at all. Her choice is really teen like if you ask me. It's been a very s-l-o-w process getting her things all together, but we have finally made some progress. The bedding came in Saturday. We found her loft bed on Craigslist and Hobby Lobby has tons of pink, black and white stuff to accessorize. I spend a lot of time watching HGTV so we have decided to paint her existing furniture and even upgrade a few old things to look new again. I haven't decided if I am going to attack painting the room and furniture myself or wait until David gets back into town. We'll see how brave I am...
The picture from eBay...not her real room!
Zoomed in for detail...
Dayden's room got a tiny makeover too. I've been so undecided on bedding for her that I have decided not to decide until we convert her bed to the toddler stage (if I can remember where the instructions are...). I did do some rearranging and I bought her one of those really cute dollhouse bookshelves. I put it together myself I might add. It looks really cute and she LOVES to read and to be read to, so it's a perfect addition to her sweet lil room.
I'll update pics as we progress. Stop laughing...I will...eventually...
**As for B-man, his room was pretty much done when we moved it. It has a sports theme which is right up his alley. Hopefully we can get a few more things on the wall and all 3 kiddo's will be all set.
My New Motto
Tough times don't last but tough people do.
Only a couple of months left!
I've been checking airfare lately. David and I have decided I should go ahead and book our flight since we know the fares will only increase. We have a pretty good idea of when he will be home as they have reserved the venue for the homecoming event. I guess it's better to pay the change fee than to wait until the last minute to buy?? Does anyone have any suggestions on low fare websites? Military rates aren't any help and we will have to buy Dayden a ticket since she will be 2 yrs of age at the time of travel. At least I won't have to pay to check her carseat...(somehow I don't see that as a wash...) I am not a seasoned traveler so any suggestions / advice is greatly appreciated!!
Also, Dayden usually sleeps in a pack-n-play when we travel as she has never slept with me. (Pat on the back, b/c the other two did!) I really don't want to check that because it's heavier than the weight allowed and will cost me even more. Do hotels offer cribs? Is that gross?? Should I just pay for it?
Only a couple of months left!
I've been checking airfare lately. David and I have decided I should go ahead and book our flight since we know the fares will only increase. We have a pretty good idea of when he will be home as they have reserved the venue for the homecoming event. I guess it's better to pay the change fee than to wait until the last minute to buy?? Does anyone have any suggestions on low fare websites? Military rates aren't any help and we will have to buy Dayden a ticket since she will be 2 yrs of age at the time of travel. At least I won't have to pay to check her carseat...(somehow I don't see that as a wash...) I am not a seasoned traveler so any suggestions / advice is greatly appreciated!!
Also, Dayden usually sleeps in a pack-n-play when we travel as she has never slept with me. (Pat on the back, b/c the other two did!) I really don't want to check that because it's heavier than the weight allowed and will cost me even more. Do hotels offer cribs? Is that gross?? Should I just pay for it?
Friday, June 20, 2008
The Sweetest Thing
Bailey and Ashlyn have been gone the past week spending some of their summer vacation time with their bonus grandparents. As you can imagine, Dayden has really missed them. She asked for them each morning after about the 3rd or 4th day of their absence. So last night, when I picked her up from daycare, I suprised her with Bailey and Ashlyn waiting for her in the car. She squeeled with delight when she saw them. I cannot begin to describe her elation.
This morning we were on our way to drop her off at daycare. It's typically a little more quiet in the morning (sleepy heads). Dayden decides to break the silence and says, "Hey guys!...Dayden is SOOOO happy!"
I guess she is still thrilled to have Bailey and Ashlyn home...and of course, Mommy is too.
This morning we were on our way to drop her off at daycare. It's typically a little more quiet in the morning (sleepy heads). Dayden decides to break the silence and says, "Hey guys!...Dayden is SOOOO happy!"
I guess she is still thrilled to have Bailey and Ashlyn home...and of course, Mommy is too.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Dear Family and Friends of 2/24,
As we pass the halfway mark in our deployment, the Marines and Sailors of TF Mayhem continue to do a magnificent job in all areas. In fact, we are now planning for the arrival of the 1st Bn, 2nd Marines Advance party from Camp LeJeune.
We continue to move forward with the development of the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF). Their operational capability is improving on a daily basis and they are taking a leading role in the planning of and carrying out of operations. The Marines and Sailors of Task Force (TF) 2/24 have been instrumental in that development.
This past month has seen TF 2/24 conduct Operation Sargon in the northern part of our AO. Operation Sargon was carried out by both Weapons and Echo Company. The Battalion cleared
and accumulated census information along a 20 kilometer stretch of a critical seam that insurgents had been suspected of using to infiltrate into parts of our AO. A number of caches were found and we detained several suspected insurgents.
Fox Company provides security and tactical watch over the ISF in the area surrounding Camp Habbaniyah. As the Marines and Sailors make their presence known, they are building the trust and confidence of the people.
Golf Company maintains control of the Saqliwiyah area. Their partnerships with the Iraqi Police, Highway Patrol, Provincial Security Forces and the Iraqi Army are a model for the rest of the
CF operating in the area. The Marines and Sailors of Golf Company have cracked the code on ISF integration and operations.
All day, everyday, H&S Company supports the Marines of the Battalion by keeping the Battalion fed, supplied and equipped with everything they need to maintain the security of the AO. During
Operation Sargon, the Forward Command Post moved to support Echo and Weapons Company. Meanwhile the Marines and Sailors at Habbaniyah pulled double duty to keep Golf and Fox
Company in the fight.
“They never fail to deliver,” that is the motto of our Truck Platoon. They are the best support that can be found in Iraq. While the Combat Engineers have again demonstrated that there is no project too big or too small for them. Whether it is fixing a bridge, building a hut, or improving
the positions at an IP Station, they make the crew from Extreme Makeover: Home Edition look like rank amateurs.
I know many of you are anxious to see your loved ones. Everyone here is anxious to see family and friends as well. However, when we return to CONUS we must make sure that the emobilization process is complete. All of the Marines and Sailors will need to conduct medical and dental screens, some may require treatments. I want to make sure that every problem is
identified before we come off of active duty. Surely all of you want our Marines and Sailors to receive the medical and dental care they need and deserve. The time at the RILOC is short and a great deal needs to be accomplished. All Marines will be required to attend a variety of classes and briefs along with their medical procedures. With that in mind, please do not make any plans to come to Southern California where we will conduct our reverse ILOC. Our time in California
is still part of our deployment, respect that. Marines and Sailors will not be able to see any family while in California.
We ask for your continued support and prayers as our time in Iraq winds down. This remains a complex, dynamic and transitional environment. There is still an enemy out there that is dangerous. The Marines and Sailors of Task Force 2/24 remain strong, vigilant and ready. They are truly magnificent.
God Bless and Semper Fi,
Mayhem 6
As we pass the halfway mark in our deployment, the Marines and Sailors of TF Mayhem continue to do a magnificent job in all areas. In fact, we are now planning for the arrival of the 1st Bn, 2nd Marines Advance party from Camp LeJeune.
We continue to move forward with the development of the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF). Their operational capability is improving on a daily basis and they are taking a leading role in the planning of and carrying out of operations. The Marines and Sailors of Task Force (TF) 2/24 have been instrumental in that development.
This past month has seen TF 2/24 conduct Operation Sargon in the northern part of our AO. Operation Sargon was carried out by both Weapons and Echo Company. The Battalion cleared
and accumulated census information along a 20 kilometer stretch of a critical seam that insurgents had been suspected of using to infiltrate into parts of our AO. A number of caches were found and we detained several suspected insurgents.
Fox Company provides security and tactical watch over the ISF in the area surrounding Camp Habbaniyah. As the Marines and Sailors make their presence known, they are building the trust and confidence of the people.
Golf Company maintains control of the Saqliwiyah area. Their partnerships with the Iraqi Police, Highway Patrol, Provincial Security Forces and the Iraqi Army are a model for the rest of the
CF operating in the area. The Marines and Sailors of Golf Company have cracked the code on ISF integration and operations.
All day, everyday, H&S Company supports the Marines of the Battalion by keeping the Battalion fed, supplied and equipped with everything they need to maintain the security of the AO. During
Operation Sargon, the Forward Command Post moved to support Echo and Weapons Company. Meanwhile the Marines and Sailors at Habbaniyah pulled double duty to keep Golf and Fox
Company in the fight.
“They never fail to deliver,” that is the motto of our Truck Platoon. They are the best support that can be found in Iraq. While the Combat Engineers have again demonstrated that there is no project too big or too small for them. Whether it is fixing a bridge, building a hut, or improving
the positions at an IP Station, they make the crew from Extreme Makeover: Home Edition look like rank amateurs.
I know many of you are anxious to see your loved ones. Everyone here is anxious to see family and friends as well. However, when we return to CONUS we must make sure that the emobilization process is complete. All of the Marines and Sailors will need to conduct medical and dental screens, some may require treatments. I want to make sure that every problem is
identified before we come off of active duty. Surely all of you want our Marines and Sailors to receive the medical and dental care they need and deserve. The time at the RILOC is short and a great deal needs to be accomplished. All Marines will be required to attend a variety of classes and briefs along with their medical procedures. With that in mind, please do not make any plans to come to Southern California where we will conduct our reverse ILOC. Our time in California
is still part of our deployment, respect that. Marines and Sailors will not be able to see any family while in California.
We ask for your continued support and prayers as our time in Iraq winds down. This remains a complex, dynamic and transitional environment. There is still an enemy out there that is dangerous. The Marines and Sailors of Task Force 2/24 remain strong, vigilant and ready. They are truly magnificent.
God Bless and Semper Fi,
Mayhem 6
Thursday Thirteen
Thirteen things I remember about high school:
1.) My closest friends
2.) Backroads
3.) Friday night football games
4.) Tight rolled pants
5.) Tails / Mullets / perms for guys
6.) Being named Football Sweetheart
7.) Marching/Stage band ( and I am not a band geek)
8.) Trip to London
9.) Graduation
10.) Getting braces 3 days before senior pictures
11.) Missing my final basketball game against Rogers..which I believe we would have won if my mother hadn't told coach my ankle was too hurt to play.
12.) Our Fight Song
13.) Crushes on boys
1.) My closest friends
2.) Backroads
3.) Friday night football games
4.) Tight rolled pants
5.) Tails / Mullets / perms for guys
6.) Being named Football Sweetheart
7.) Marching/Stage band ( and I am not a band geek)
8.) Trip to London
9.) Graduation
10.) Getting braces 3 days before senior pictures
11.) Missing my final basketball game against Rogers..which I believe we would have won if my mother hadn't told coach my ankle was too hurt to play.
12.) Our Fight Song
13.) Crushes on boys
Monday, June 16, 2008
Weekend pics
For whatever reason I don't feel like saying a lot. So, I'm not going to. I got to visit with Devin again this weekend and then I spent Father's Day with my pop-n-law and that side of my family. It was really nice. David called and got to talk to Dayden and his dad...
Richard gave a wonderful blessing over the incredible spread of food. I was just fine until he mentioned the "dads" serving our country and one in particular. Man! I love it that everyone remembers him but DAMN it's hard somedays...
Here are a some shots of Dayden swimming at the Father's Day celebration at Richard and Amanda's.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Someone PLEASE help me!
As of right now there are 1,439 hours before David leaves Iraq.
Yep, this is my life on a Friday afternoon at quitting time. It could be worse I guess. I could be a drunk...which by the way...a nice glass of wine would probably do me some good right about now. He emailed yesterday that he had no time to email me. Yes, he really did. I love it that he can check in with me via email. But, I get really put out when it's just a line or two to tell me what's going on and that he's okay and that he isn't going to be able to chat. I want lots of words. Lots and lots of words. As I have mentioned before, I'm just losing patience. Don't get me wrong. I love the updates, but I really miss being his priority. Selfish, huh? Oh well, it's almost over.
BTW-I later found out he was in meetings all morning (our time) making their return plans. Now don't I feel like a jerk for being so needy??
Yep, this is my life on a Friday afternoon at quitting time. It could be worse I guess. I could be a drunk...which by the way...a nice glass of wine would probably do me some good right about now. He emailed yesterday that he had no time to email me. Yes, he really did. I love it that he can check in with me via email. But, I get really put out when it's just a line or two to tell me what's going on and that he's okay and that he isn't going to be able to chat. I want lots of words. Lots and lots of words. As I have mentioned before, I'm just losing patience. Don't get me wrong. I love the updates, but I really miss being his priority. Selfish, huh? Oh well, it's almost over.
BTW-I later found out he was in meetings all morning (our time) making their return plans. Now don't I feel like a jerk for being so needy??
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Congrats Graduate!!
My beautiful and talented niece, Sutton, graduated from high school this past weekend. She is an outstanding young lady and I know she will continue to impress as she moves on to her next chapter in life. Sutton is an excellent athlete and has worked very hard to achieve a FULL volleyball scholarship!! Not only does she incredibly talented, she is equally as smart. To read more about Sutton, check out Devin's blog. Sutton was born the year I graduated from high school. All I could think about was where have the last 18 years gone???!
I have a couple of pics from graduation that I took. That is, until my batteries went dead. I thought I was all prepared for the picture taking and grabbed my spare batteries...which were as dead as the ones in the camera. So to see pictures...you will have to go to Devin's blog.
She was also surprised with a NEW CAR!! You have to see her face in the pics...so for that-you will need to go to Devin's blog. ( Do you see a pattern here?)
Oh yeah! One of the funniest cards she received was from my brother, Ryan. It was all written in Spanish. He signed it..."hope you took Spanish!" It was TOO FUNNY!
I have a couple of pics from graduation that I took. That is, until my batteries went dead. I thought I was all prepared for the picture taking and grabbed my spare batteries...which were as dead as the ones in the camera. So to see pictures...you will have to go to Devin's blog.
She was also surprised with a NEW CAR!! You have to see her face in the pics...so for that-you will need to go to Devin's blog. ( Do you see a pattern here?)
Oh yeah! One of the funniest cards she received was from my brother, Ryan. It was all written in Spanish. He signed it..."hope you took Spanish!" It was TOO FUNNY!
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Having Trouble
Ugh! I'm still feeling like time is standing still.......
I talked to David on Sunday. It always makes me feel better to hear is voice. Dayden got to talk to him too-and this is always heartwrenching and wonderful all rolled up in one. She loves him to death and she knows his voice and his pictures. We talk about him ALOT...I just pray she is as loveable to him when he gets back as she is to his pictures. I have tried really hard to make sure she knows who her daddy is. She senses how much I miss him. When we have to hang up I guess it's written all over my face. She knows Mommy needs a hug and she always makes sure I get one. She is so intuitive for a 23 month old!!
I talked to David on Sunday. It always makes me feel better to hear is voice. Dayden got to talk to him too-and this is always heartwrenching and wonderful all rolled up in one. She loves him to death and she knows his voice and his pictures. We talk about him ALOT...I just pray she is as loveable to him when he gets back as she is to his pictures. I have tried really hard to make sure she knows who her daddy is. She senses how much I miss him. When we have to hang up I guess it's written all over my face. She knows Mommy needs a hug and she always makes sure I get one. She is so intuitive for a 23 month old!!
Monday, June 2, 2008
Memorial Day Weekend Pics
I have a very patriotic family. My dad has always been very proud of this country and the American service member and has made certain that each of us knew what America stands for. He has taken us to Ft. Hood a bizillion times to visit and watch their holiday fireworks celebrations. We celebrate all patriotic holidays. Right now, I find the ceremonies very hard to attend, so I didn't attend any. I am so proud of David and what he does for our country. I get very emotional when it comes to anything military. I wanted to post something great and wonderful about our servicemembers and those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, but I cannot muster the courage to do so right now. Here are some pics of the kids proudly wearing their red, white and blue.
"Lewis"ville Sluggers
Lynn, Jimmy, Nathan, Tina's man and Tina
Jim coaching 3rd base and Lynn leading off (illegal in this tourney!) and Steph on 2nd.
Gary, Nathan, Debbie and Tina
Steph playin' catcher
Over Memorial Day weekend Stephanie and her family asked me to play on their family softball team. Each year the Westphalia group hosts a softball tournament to raise money for the ball field for improvements and such. We finished 4th in the tournament. It was hot, sticky and a ton of fun. There are no pics of me because I was behind the camera...
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