Halloween

I can't believe Saturday starts October...where did the year go? But do you know what this means? We are closer to Halloween!! Halloween is one of my favorite seasons second only to Christmas. I like the trick or treaters, the costumes, the decorations, the parties, etc. I love the cutesy and the scarey Halloween stuff. I can't wait to dig out my Halloween decorations and this year I'm decorating the house. My neighbor and I have made a pact. My only concern with decorating is having someone mess with it. But we'll see how it goes.

So what is your favorite season? Do you decorate for Halloween? If so what do you do? 

Land of the Free...Because of the Brave

 Ok maybe it is the way I was raised...maybe it is because I'm a military brat...maybe it's because I'm a military wife...maybe it's because I'm an American...but there are a few things I believe...

• Respect the National Anthem.You should stand, take your hat off, stop talking, and put your hand on your heart (or at your sides) when the National Anthem is sung or played.
• Respect the American Flag. If you put a flag out you have it lit or take it in at night, get rid of it properly if it is looking ratty or otherwise torn, and make sure it is not touching the ground.
• Respect the President. Whether you like him (or her) or not, respect the President of the United States because they are the President of the United States.
• Respect the Men and Women who serve in the military. I'm sorry you disagree with our actions in other countries but the freedom of speech does not give you a right to bash the very people who defend that freedom (the military protesters kill me). 
• Respect our Country. Ok I get it you don't like what the government is doing and yes it is your right to ask questions and challenge them to do better. But that very country/government that you bash is the reason you can bash it. If you lived in a lot of other countries you would be drug out in the street and beat or killed for saying anything against the government or the country. So respect and appreciate that you are an American. 

I'm sure there is more but I've ranted enough for one day so for today I'm done.

Today is not one of those days...

I applaud the Navy (all military) wives that can talk about how awesome deployment is and how they love it and what a great thing it is for their relationship, etc. some days I can do that too. Today is not one of those days. As some of you know my husband is on Geo Bachelor assignment to Japan so ours is a bit different. He left in September of last year and came home in June for R&R. The next time it is likely he'll be home is next fall sometime. I'm ok with this I handle it ok most days.

Today is not one of those days. We've been able to talk to each other on the phone a lot lately but now due to some changes in duty he and I are back to talking by email randomly. Now I know email is better than nothing and that some people go much longer than that without talking to their spouses so I'm grateful about email but I'm having issues today with not getting to start my day hearing his voice. And to top it off I missed a call yesterday afternoon from him which would have been the last for a while.

I know this is temporary and I know that this is not a crisis but today is not a good day for me.

Running Along Side the Wagon

 

Oh about a couple months ago I fell off the wagon of eating and exercise... I am currently running along side of the wagon trying to get back on. And frankly that's the most activity I've had in a long time. The kicker is I know what I need to do. I know what foods are healthy and what activities are good for me but I lack motivation and energy. I know I know if I exercise it will help my energy same thing with my eating. I swear I could write my own diet book. I've been on every plan from Weight Watchers to Slim Fast to Prism to First Place 4 Health. 

I admit I wrestle with this a lot because I'm still the leader of First Place 4 Health but I'm not following the plan as far as eating and exercise. I feel like I'm saying do as I do not as I say. I acknowledged from the beginning that I was in it with them. I struggle and I don't have it all figured out. I know I need to do something. There is a history of heart disease in my family along with other health issues. So I'm working on it. As I said I see the wagon I can almost touch it and I will get back on it.

What do you do to lose weight?

Mil Spouse Roundup #54

 

Head over to Crafty Camo Lover and link up.

Mil Spouse Friday Fill-In

1. My favorite thing that happened this week was getting an amazing night's sleep and actually waking up rested. (I know this sounds boring but when J is deployed I don't sleep well)

2. Find a penny, pick it up and all day long you’ll feel like I have better luck even if I don't.


3. Autumn is officially here and my favorite part of the season is the cooler weather and the leaves changing. I love the Colonial Parkway this time of year...just wish J were here so we could ride the bike.

4. One of the things I’d like to do before winter arrives is get my front porch painted. It has taken a beating thanks to the weather and needs it badly.

5. I (((would/would not/might))) be willing to participate in MilSpouse Secret Santa. (sorry folks, just trying to get an idea here on how many would participate, so please circle/underline/bold one)

Now head over to Wife of a Sailor and Link Up

Wordless Wednesday - Erin Condren Life Planner

I went home at lunch to take out the dogs and there it was...

Just opening the box brought a smile...

Enjoy!!

Presentation is everything

Pretty Notepads

My Planner!!

 I love it!!

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition - Preview Review

My little blog is going big time...a little while back I was approached by Corby Pons from Different Drummer to watch the upcoming season premiere episode of Extreme Makeover: Home Addition. I was so excited to be chosen I was chomping at the bit to see the episode. When I got the link I watched it immediately. I was not disappointed. It is a special episode from a military perspective. Barbara Marshall, retired Navy Officer (chaplain) and her late husband James started the Jubilee House for homeless female veterans and their children. The goal of the Jubilee House is to help these women get back on their feet and according to Barbara to "help women get back into the game of life." They gain housing, career counseling, and much more to help them restore themselves. As usual it was a moving, emotional episode, that reminded me of how blessed I am and what people can do when they work together.

Tune in Sunday, September 25th at 

7:00 PM/6:00 central on ABC to see the Season Premiere!!!

Some of the highlights:

• The show opened with going to the White House to meet Mrs. Michelle Obama who is very active in Joining Forces.
• Then we met Barbara, her son, and the other ladies of the Jubilee House. 
• Barbara took Ty on a tour of the house to show him some of the areas that were in desperate need of repair including the "swamp" basement that had standing water/mud.
• The families from the Jubilee House were sent to Disney World to have fun.
• All branches of the military were involved in helping with this makeover. It was fun to see them working side by side.
• There were many surprises throughout the show for the ladies who live at Jubilee House and for those who have been through the program including a Career Expo put on by Sears.
• Another big surprise was a well known superstar singer.
• Ty worked very hard to give Barbara a space for herself. 
• The other designers worked to give the current residents of the Jubilee House a special space with special touches just for them.
• And of course an amazing reveal of the house with surprise after surprise!!

I cannot encourage you enough to watch this show. If you are military, former military, a military spouse, a military brat, or a civilian you will be moved by Barbara's story and by the stories of the other women at the Jubilee House. It was a fun, exciting, moving episode!

Thursday Top 10

Top 10 - Things That Make Me Think About My Husband and smile...

1. His clothes...I find random pieces every once in while like a sock or a t-shirt
2. His body wash...I leave the partially used bottle in the shower
3. The Garage...it's his space and it reminds me of him
4. His Jeep...it sits in the driveway waiting for him
5. Our Kitchen...before we met he renovated our kitchen and it is his pride and joy so every time I cook I think of him and smile
6. Our basement...when he was home on R&R he reorganized our basement which has made things much easier for me
7. His cologne...ok true confession...sometimes I spray a bit on my pillow case
8. Our house in general...it is the site of our first date...our first kiss...etc...and it has a lot of memories for me
9. My wedding ring...he's given it to me twice and I never take it off...every time I see it I smile
10. Our song...we danced to "Then" by Brad Paisley at our wedding and it fits us so much...I still remember the tear on his cheek as we danced (he would kill me for sharing that)

Wordless Wednesday - Blessings

Bead Class - Leather Wrap Bracelet

I had a great time at Bead Haven (if you're ever in Hampton, Va I suggest you check it out) this past Sunday learning how to make a leather wrap bracelet. It is a skill I'd been wanting to learn for a while so I was thrilled when I saw the class come up. Had a nice small class with a great instructor. I look forward to making many more and I'm trying to figure out how to make it more masculine to make one for J. We'll see how that goes.

Dreams...and cars

 

'75 Super Beetle

Ever since I was 18 I've loved the VW Bug. I tried to talk my parents into letting me buy one no luck. The other day I'm driving down the road when I see this beauty for sale. I admit I stopped and looked and it is a good deal but I doubt I will buy it. It isn't really a practical car and frankly I don't have an extra few thousand dollars to throw into a car if it isn't running right, etc. But the dream was fun and she was pretty.

Remember 9-11

Today is the 10th Anniversary of 9-11. 

Please keep the families of those who died in your prayers.

In remembrance of 9-11 I want to thank the men and women of
 the U.S. Military, firefighters, police, and all other first responders
 who are willing to risk their lives to save ours.
Your sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Wordless Wednesday (almost)

Fall Favorites

Weather cool enough for a fire...

It's Back!!!

Hot Cocoa...yummy

Sweaters and Sweater Dresses

Back to School

Last night I had to go to Office Max to get some supplies for work. I admit it was a tad bittersweet to see all the displays of school supplies and know I didn't need them. I haven't for quite some time but I still miss going and buying notebooks, pens, dividers, paper, folders, etc. I still think the biggest highlight for me was getting the 64 count box of crayons with the built in sharpener. It had such potential of creativity.

I decided since I'm not in school anymore that I'll find other sources of mental stimulation. I've signed up for two bead classes at my local bead store, Bead Haven. One is a leather wrap bracelet and the other is a metal stamping class. I can't wait.

Happy Back to School Day!!

Happy Anniversary!!

We had some fun with the cake at this wedding.

Two years ago today in a picnic pavillion by a lake at a campground I married the most amazing man I know who is also my best friend!! I can't believe it's been two years. Happy Anniversary baby!!