On a Bright Note!

Baby Girl started sitting up on her own last night! yay!!!!! Big kudos to her latest milestone!!!!!

Weigh in wednesday

Ok...no progress, but hey, I'll get there! I finally got back to the gym last night. I think Hubby and I finally figured out a plan! Maybe!
I started coming up with my own workouts because Hubby is way too busy with his own stuff to worry about my fitness. So I devised a way for me to easilly start running. Our track in the gym is 1/10th of a mile. So 10 laps = 1 mile. Yesterday I walked a lap, then ran the next until I reached a mile. Which inevitably got me to run for 1/2 mile and walk the remaining half. I hope to continue this until I can start running more than one lap and decreasing the amount that I walk. Same concept that Hubby was trying to get me to do, but easier for me to visualize.

Weigh in...staying strong at 210!!! no gains, no losses

Weigh in Wednesday

Last weeks Weigh in: 210lbs

This weeks: 210lbs

Total lost: ZERO.

It's ok, I'm not upset. My family and I are under a HUGE amount of stress at the moment. My exercise routine which got off to such a positive start has already gone by the wayside. So I'm going to try and try to get back on track.

I'm not watching what I'm eating, or the amount of water intake, but with the amount of stress I'm under. I'm not totally concerned about it. If anything I'm probably undereating. Which, if any of you happened to have caught "The Biggest Looser" last night will know, this too can sabotage a diet into plateau.

I would love to make it a point to loose about 15 more lbs by News Years. But with the Holidays coming up, I'm thinking this might be an impossibility? But I'm going to try. If I loose 15 more lbs. Then I'll be sub-200 and I will be heading towards the lower 190s. I think that would be an accomplishment in itself.

Good luck to everyone this week!

hahaha...I'm such a bad daughter!

My mother called today. Haha...this still has to do with my last post!

She decided to bring up Christmas and the fact that I haven't given her the girls Christmas list. Then proceeded to tell me about the things that she has already gotten for them.

I band her from buying them anymore stuff for this Christmas. She got Gabby 3 toy type things, Baby girl 3 toy type things and both of them are getting a ton of clothes...THAT'S ENOUGH!

Mom's now mad at me! I overruled Grandma!

Oopth...Oh well! muahahahah....

Ahhh, November

I think November is probably my favorite month. Probably because it is the month of my birth...Yep, that's right folks, I was a Butterball baby...I can't even tell you how many times my birthday has actually fallen ON Thanksgiving day!

This year though, I'm not sure why, but I'm just not feeling it! For one thing it's been colder than most Novembers that I can remember. I don't think it helps that this military house is rather drafty!

Also, I think my family is still reeling from all of the excitement from October. We are still getting over Hubby coming back early from training, and then of course the other family riffs that occurred during the last few days, and then of course the hyped up Halloween day. It's all very exciting and at the same time stressful!

Then of course there is the impending doom of the "Christmas Countdown" UGH...

I tried to lift my spirits on Sunday by giving the old College try and going out to the stores and trying to get ready for this pending holiday season that is so quickly coming upon us.

So we went to yea old PX to make "THE LIST." Gabby was THRILLED!!!!! ::rolls eyes::

Surprisingly for Hubby and I however, she only had us write down about 5-10 things (Hubby was doing the writing and I didn't count it up yet) But seriously, the list wasn't that long.

Now you gotta love 5 year olds. They see something absolutely amazing to them on a tv commercial and it's all they can talk about for the next 10 weeks! So given that she's been going insane over every toy, doll, video game, princess accessories (etc) commercials, a scant list is WAY surprising.

It then occurred to my husband and I. Looking around the PX this year, they don't have THAT much of an assortment for Gabby's age. They have ALOT of Leap Frog stuff and the like, but you can't buy a child ALL of that stuff, it gets boring! And even most of those items were more for Baby girl than for Gabby. So I guess we actually have to brave the stores off post this year. I guess we have to go and make another list.

I was honestly hoping to do some shopping around. Take the prices from the PX then go to other stores such as Wal-Mart, Target, Toys R Us...etc... and find the best prices (and of course factor in tax on everything) It is really important for us to do SOMETHING for these two precious girls this year, but we already know that Santa will probably only be able to bring 1 or 2 gifts. Which in all fairness is not a bad thing.

Hubby and I have been trying for YEARS to cut down on Christmas. But every year our two mothers go insane. Luckily, his parents are having just as bad a year as us, so I know their stuff will be cut down. (I just realized I said "Luckily" don't think me cruel, I don't mean for their misfortune, I mean it's luckier for US that they won't over do things).

My mother however...WOW, that's a whole nother story all together. Irregardless of how bad things are, yeah... My mother will ALWAYS spoil the grand kids over having to pay a bill! It's a blessing in some ways. But lately, it's been getting on my nerves.

I've asked her several times now to hold off on buying ANYTHING for Christmas for my two girls until I let her know what we are getting them and what she CAN get them. She doesn't listen to me. The one very special toy that I wanted to get my daughter, Holiday Barbie...SHE ALREADY BOUGHT IT! UGH...True, I'll give her the fact that it was on sale and cheaper than at the PX, but then I realized she had to factor in the tax, and they were about the same price! And this came not even an HOUR after I had the conversation with her that I didn't want her to buy them anything yet! WTF OVER!!!!

I guess in the end it's not us being ungrateful to what my parents and his parents buy our girls. It's the idea that they are outdoing us, and no matter what I say (to my mom) they don't listen. It's hurting US (Hubby and I) and it's not doing the girls any good either. Gabby has grown to expect big Christmas'. Something that Hubby and I have been trying so hard to explain to her "just because you ask Santa, doesn't mean you will get everything you want" or "just because you put this on your list, doesn't mean that you will necessarily get it."

I just totally depressed myself.

The one thing that Gabby REALLY wants is a Baby crib. She wants to be able to put her dolls to bed like I put Baby girl to bed. I don't mind this idea. My mom has already tried twice to get me to allow her to buy ones that she's seen. I want to be the one to pick this out though. I looked at one on Sunday at the Holiday Bazaar our local Officers Spouses club was putting on. It was hand made and absolutely beautiful! And it was $59! I don't know if I can justify spending $59 on a dolls bed? I want something that is not going to be junked the next time her friends walk through the door, but I also don't want to pay that much money just for ONE gift. I wish I knew how to woodwork. I guarantee I could make one myself.

Hmmmmmm....I see a trip to Michael's craft shop in my future! I bet I could find all the pieces there.

Anyone have any other ideas? Let me know! This Christmas, I need all the help I can get!

Happy Boo To you!!!

So It's Halloween!!! YAY!!!!! Boyo it's been a long week already, hey at least today is Supposed to be fun! Hopefully the weather will hold out. It's rather cold up here today!

Anyway...today is a very scary day indeed...it's WEIGH IN WEDNESDAY everyone! EEeekkkk...

Last weeks weigh in: 212.5

This weeks Weigh in: 210

Total lost: 2.5

Goal weight....I'll wait until I'm sub 200 to actually make an end goal!

Whooo hooo...2.5lbs!!! So, running can help you loose weight! hahahaha...

This past week my husband and I embarked on a run fit program. I'm not sure if Mr. Man made it up himself, or if he used one from his many running books or Runnersworld.com.

Anywho, It is a program to get a person who is not currently a runner, into becoming a runner...(enter my name here!)

The first eight days you take brisk (and I mean until you are panting like a dog BRISK) walks the first four days is 20 minutes, the next 4 are 30 minute walks. On day nine you start running.

Day nine was this past Monday. I unfortunately didn't get to finish the entire workout due to a bad cramp in my left leg, but this is how I was SUPPOSED to do it.

Warm up on treadmill, bike, or eliptical 5 minutes

Run for 2 minutes, walk for 4 (repeat this 5 times)

Cool down and stretch.

I only made it through three repetitions because of the cramp and because I could hear baby girl screaming bloody murder from the child care center in the gym. Rather distracting!

This whole routine is supposed to be repeated 4 times this week. It is kind of getting screwed up with trick or treating tonight though, so Hubby and I are going to change our run days. The original schedule called for runs Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. We are going to change that to Tuesdays, Thursdays, Sat & Sundays. Those days aren't used as much by all of the other extra curriculars that the two of us are involved in.

The whole program is supposed to be 10 weeks long, with the person training to run being able to complete a 30 minute run by the end of week 10. (whooo...that is a LONG WAY from where I am!) But it is perfectly understandable, and acceptable to lengthen it. We will probably do each week twice...Especially if you don't get it right the first week, you can practice and do it by the end of the second week before you move on to the next step.

Each week you increase the time of the run and decrease the time of the walk. So you are definately increasing your exercising output in just a few short weeks.

This is really a great work out. Something that will definately show improvements in a short amount of time and something where each day you go, you feel you really accomplished something.

I'm especially lucky cause Hubby LOVES to run, and wants me as his running partner, hence the reason I got talked into this. But, honestly, I watched hubby go from being approximately 275lbs and literally running it all off. It's one of the best ways to get healthier. And with all the new gagits and gizmos out there, it can really be alot of fun.

So...Crank up the music and move!!!!

The Roller Coaster

I'm not sure where to start, or what to say. I really don't want to make public the goings on of my family this past weekend anymore than to say that we are all ok. I know I scared some of you. Hey...I'm scared too.

It's a funny thing when a major issue consumes your life. It sends you hurling into the atmosphere at mock 3 and then of course somewhere in the event of flying towards the moon gravity pulls you back to earth faster than a speeding bullet.

I'm on this roller coaster ride that is being laid out before me. I'm not in control, and will never be in control of this situation. The situation doesn't lie with me...

All I can do for now is strap in, hold on and pray that the next drop has a safe landing at the bottom of it. The initial drop...you know the largest one...yeah, that's already occurred. I made it through...

Right now I seem to be on that second accent into the atmosphere. The one that isn't as high and not as scary, but still fills you with nervous enthusiasm upon hearing the cranking sound of the gears beneath you pulling you higher.

All I can do for now is maintain life. Keeping my arms and legs inside the car at all times and hope to be able to get off this ride soon.

As for everything else that I have tried to get started. Things are going to be at a stand still for a while. I don't care right now about coupons, or meal planning, or scrap booking, or anything other than the absolute Must-Haves of the day. Most of which mean I have to retain order in this house, which has never truly happened. The disorganized caeous that is my life is going to hopefully somehow become more organized. Taking into advice columns and blogs I've read lately on little tricks of the trade on keeping house. It's not the keeping house that's so hard, it's keeping house in a house that has never truly been totally organized...yeah...that's the tricky part. I never have had the time to lay out organization. My time and efforts go elsewhere, mainly to the family. But I think it's necessary. So today starts a new chapter there. Maybe...I first have to tackle all the other situations of the day.

In any case, I won't be blogging as much...So if you miss me I'm sorry. I have to organize my life before I can give any other person in this world advice on how to be or how to live.

devestated

How do you make something private after it blew up and became public?

I am so lost, hurt, astounded, sadened, pissed off and so very confused right now.

Where do I go from here?

Weigh In Wednesdays

Well...Today is weigh in day. It's been an odd week for me.

Previous weight: 212

Today's weight: 212.5

gain of .5lbs.

I'm really not all to concerned about that .5. That is actually down from my Monday weigh in, which was back up to 215. So I'm ok with basically maintaining.

This past Friday Hubby and I started an exercising routine. This path is basically going to turn me into a runner before to long.

"Kill The Beast"

Hahahaha...

I love the title! Ok, so that didn't EXACTLY occur yesterday during the parent/teacher conference. It more was along the lines of "Kill the Parent" Ummmm....no, that's not quite right..."Kill the over protective mom" Yeah, that's more like it!

Hubby and I walked into the classroom to not only Gabby's Teacher, but the principal of the school (hmmmmm....Backup?) I guess I gave the teach a "Walking through the door with a pitchfork in hand" image also!? (I dunno where all these people are getting this image from...I'm not THAT bad with people...muhahahahaha)

So we allowed teachy to talk. And talk and talk she did. She IS actually teaching...amazing to me considering all of the worksheets. But whatever...Gabby's doing fine in her eyes.

Then it was our turn to talk....(Man...Can't find the dang pitch fork!!! CRAP!)

So Hubby talked first and brought up the Bully thing. So the Teach tells us that the girl is a "jokester" and she'll "talk" to her. She is "thinking" about moving the kids around since some of them chat it up anyway. I brought up the idea that this girl and the girl sitting next to her got Gabby a time out...Teachy just smiled sheepishly and shrugged (Not an apology in my book...where'd I put that pitchfork again?!" )

Then I brought up the worksheets and the homework.

HAHAHA...yeah....Evidently in this school, I'm the ONLY parent who takes issue with our children doing so many worksheets. The two of them actually told us that on week number one of school a parent DEMANDED that the teacher start giving homework to the kids! WHAT???? Hello, only week one, and they are only in KINDERGARTEN!!! What stupid parent made THAT complaint!

So, the teacher admitted that they get a sheet when they walk into the classroom in the morning (no directions are given for these, cause they are just busy work!) She gives two sheets after reading to assess their skills (ok, I'll buy that!), She gives a sheet after math for that same reason (ok), and maybe a sheet after religion (k...) So if in all honesty they were the only sheets she gave, I wouldn't have a problem...that's still five sheets a day, equalling 20 per week, BUT...these sheets seem to be coming from her text books...so I'm ok with that.

BUT...then she went on to say that they also have to work on their own while she is dealing with one of the reading groups

(DING! Ok, here's the point...here is the busy work....They have reading 3 times a day...there are three reading groups. So therefore, two of those periods are spent with the remainder of the children, 2/3rds of the class, doing busy work!!!) PROBLEM WITH THAT...

Then I went on to the homework subject. My question to the teach was this..."When you plan out your week, do you automatically plan the homework too?" (trick, very loaded question...) Her answer was yes!

(*DING!!!! Ok, which means that she is not giving this homework based on the NEED to give the homework because the children NEED to work on these skills more. NOPE in our lovely principal's own words "Well, at this school we give homework at this age so they can practice having homework." WHAT???)

So in the end, none of my concerns were paid attention to, and my husband for some unknown reason agreed with them on every level (WTF over!) ::rolling my eyes::

So I'm gonna have to suck it up, and pretend to like this teach.

To top it all off, the conference gets over and the principle looks at me and says "So, are you still going to help out with the music classes? You are so greatly needed in there."
HA! Why, so I can teach the classes for you and not get paid! Nice.
Of course, why, Cause I'm a SUCKER!!!!

So here you go ladies...It doesn't matter how involved in your child's education you are. How much the school says they need you. If you have a problem with the teach, the school is ALWAYS going to side with the teach...even if what she is doing is just really wrong on so many levels.

I would love to honestly hear from some other parents on this subject. I CANNOT Possibly be the only person in this country who feels this way!

So to this subject I hope to say "Bon Voyage."

Unfortunately, something is telling me that I will be returning to this again in the future! OYE...May God help me through this year and hope for the best next school year!

The changing tides

Well, my mood has been changing back and forth from totally uptight and tense like I was on Wednesday to calm and in a "I don't care" attitude. I think part of it is hormonal. For most women this would be the reason. However, I think some of it is stress related.

Hubby returned early from his training, and for a lack of a better explanation he gave up, why? Because of all of the "issues" at home. He doesn't think I can handle things on my own. I've definitely figured that out this week. I mean, I WOULD be handling all of this stress on my own right now would he not have given up on the training and come home...SOooooo, why Can't I handle it?

Sure I definitely have had my moments of breakdown, but that doesn't mean that as a whole, that I cannot handle myself and this family. I've found that in the past week I've been greatly criticised for how I do things, the way I handle myself...etc..... All the while he's sitting there telling me how tense I am...YEAH...NO SH*T Sherlock! I'm being told that everything I'm doing is wrong...I'm not supposed to get tensed up?

It went from subject to subject this morning. From when I actually woke up, to what we were feeding Gabby for breakfast, to how to handle the teacher at the parent teacher conference. Evidently I'm giving off the vibe that I'm going to head into the classroom with pitchfork in hand ready to kill the beast! I dunno, something about me not being able to handle people...::snicker::

Sure I'm mad, but I'm not so naive as to think that I can go in with guns blazing and bite her head off (even though I'd like to!) But on the other hand, I'm not about to take this first year teach by the hand and guide her along the path...that's not my job! That's what she went to college for!

My hubby's point of view on that subject greatly differs from mine. Being a former teacher himself he sees this as her inability to bring anything else to the table of learning. I know for a fact that there are GOBS of books out there on how to create a more creative learning environment. The Internet is Full of ideas AND other teachers' lesson plans! COME ON! She can do better than worksheets! But, maybe he's right? Maybe this one is a loosing battle. I don't know how much she truly cares for these kids, and how much she sees this job as more than just a paycheck. She hasn't truly convinced me of anything positive about her.

I can truly say that for the first week since the beginning of the year Gabby has seemed to have brought home new skills. She's learned graphing and how to figure out syllables. I will also say that I have Definitely found that she has mine and my hubby's stubbornness. Something IS what SHE says it IS, even if we prove to her it's WRONG! lol... As in Minnie Mouse has three syllables...no Gabby, Minnie has two, and mouse has one...No...there's three! No, Gabby, they are two different words, you don't add them together...This argument went on for about 5 minutes in the car. UGH...

Another battle to be won in the classroom is the fact that we just found out this morning that Gabby has a bully. In Kindergarten? NO WAY! Yep...I guess they are training 'em young these days! I want the child kept away from mine...Hubby wants the teacher to decide what to do. Now Hubby and I both endured really hard childhoods where other kids were concerned. I grew up with barely any friends, and those that were my friends were there as a matter of convenience when THEY needed me! Hubby wore glasses, was awkward looking and well...the prime target to be picked on. So we both have experience in this sort of thing. I think My experience being with the Caddy girls are more closely related to what Gabby is dealing with, and so I am more apt to be able to figure out the best ways to handle these things. Number one rule, Walk away...Number two...Make the teacher aware that there IS a problem, and separate them in class. The only thing keeping them next to each other all year is going to do is bring both of their attention levels down as the one constantly interrupts the others learning. Gabby had a time out on Tuesday due to this child's talking-according to Gabby...she wasn't doing anything. So Hubby is right to a point. We aren't in the classroom and need to find out from Teach what is going on...BUT...she doesn't really "see" any problems. I hear of time outs, but I personally have taught this class in music and have seen that it's not working. This is definitely not the class from last year. The one that actually LISTENED! Something is wrong here. And I'm not sure what the answer is.

So in a few hours I will be walking into enemy territory. I hate to think of it this way, but from my understanding of other parents' dealings with her, she's not to apt to change her ways, she's on the defensive. And I'm on the prowl! hahaha...A mother Eagle tending her brood! Muahaha...yeah...

I don't want to have tensions between this teacher and I all year round, but it's hard not to when you say something to her and she doesn't even nod in acknowledgement. She just stairs through you, like she didn't hear a thing.

Which ever way this day goes, hopefully we'll be able to get past it. Even hubby has seen that Gabby's eyes sink heading into the classroom. Last year she LOVED school and couldn't wait to go every morning. And she was so excited to start off this year. But now, the glamour is gone, and she's lost her luster. Sad really...What one individual teacher can steal away from a child. And I guess I'm not blameless in all this. I've had the nasty habit of talking about the teach and the school in front of Gabby...I've tried not to, but she somehow walks into my conversations.

God willing her school year can be revived and she can become a happy little girl again...not that she's all THAT unhappy, but a mother can tell!

Thanks to all the well wishers the past few days. I've really needed the extra little words of encouragement.

My mood....it stinks!

I've been in THE WORST mood today. I woke up ok, but I just started to blow up by the time I reached Gabby's school. She was so tired. She actually fell asleep on the way to school this morning. I felt bad because there have been several changes in our routine this week, and unfortunately, I think it is affecting her. We now have to wake up, well I have to wake up an hour earlier, and she has to wake up 45 minutes earlier than she's used to.

So I get her to school and we sat in the car for several minutes allowing her to wake up. As we sat there I asked her if everything was ok, and if anything was bothering her. Nothing was wrong, she was just tired. But then she remembered she had "tons of work to do" when she got to her class. I said "what kind of work?" "Well, we didn't finish some of our worksheets from yesterday, so I have to finish them this morning." I got rather miffed at this.
This has been an ongoing issue in our household. While that line, out of context, seems perfectly suited to her young educational life, it's becoming a huge problem! Her teacher is BRAND NEW, Hot off the presses. AND...well, let's just say she's got a lot of issues! Her teaching strategy thus far in the two months that we've had her...Death by worksheets.
I've never known a kindergartener to have finished SO many worksheets in such a short amount of time. By this morning she had already completed (and yes I actually counted) approximately 20 worksheets both in and out of school. IN TWO DAYS...she did 20 worksheets! To me that doesn't sound like the teacher is teaching. More like she wants to give all the kiddies busy work. And when they aren't doing worksheets they are having recess. Yep! My child has THREE recesses a day.
Class starts at 8:30am and finishes at around 2:30pm every day (they have 15 minutes before class in the morning to get ready to start the day, and 15 at the end to get ready to go home). So in 6 hours, they have 3 recesses, one of them has lunch attached to it. Then they have this thing called "Work factory" at the end of the day, which to me is an indoor recess. So they technically have 4!
So 4 recesses and 20 worksheets, doesn't seem like she's actually teaching them anything. I'm seriously not sure how she has time to! So luckily parent/teacher conferences are this Friday, and BOY-O is she gonna get an earfull!!!!
So I walked away from school fuming at that whole mess.

I get home and I just couldn't let it go. I then became depressed after talking it over with my mom because as she so wisely put things..."Well, if you take her out of that school, where are you going to put her?" I quickly said I was thinking about home schooling her...and of course to make matters worse mom's loving reply to that is..."How are you going to do that when you are looking after another child once or twice a week and babygirl, AND you have NO patience with Gabby!" ( Yeah...that just made me feel SO much better) So being defeated in my thoughts, I hung up and just became in a more miserable mood.

Then came another lovely phone call from the Broker. You see, we are trying to sell our house to our Renter...(the house we used to live in before the military!) Seems that now I may have to repair said house before we close...Not to mention that I haven't received rent for the last two months! What ever happened to selling something "As Is!" Ugh, whatever..."Moving on..."

And to top my day off, I dropped (ok, Babygirl knocked it off the counter) my favorite coffee mug, a present from my college for giving to their alumni fund. It broke into pieces.

Feeling like eating out and pigging out...so much for dieting! I need chocolate! Whhaaaaa....I want a plate of brownies! lol...

So much drama today...

God willing, tomorrow will be different.

G-night all.

Weigh In Wednesday

This is going to be short because I lost my original.

previous weight: 212
today's weigh in: 212
weight lost this week: 0
total weight lost: 3

No progress, but I also didn't gain, so for now, I'm ok with this.

Meal Planning Monday

Had a trip to the grocery store today, mostly for veggies and fruits, but we got some meats as well.

Anyway, not really too into writing today, so onto the meal plans...

• Monday:Leftovers
• Tuesday:Leftovers (had alot in the fridge)
• Wednesday: Fish with pasta
• Thursday: BBQ Turkey tenderloins
• Friday: Ravioli
• Saturday: Chicken
• Sunday: Leftovers

Hope you enjoy your week. If you would like more ideas please go to http://orgjunkie.blogspot.com

Big HUGE surprise for Gabby tonight!

Sooo...I'm supposed to be cleaning, but I HAD to sit down for a few minutes. I've been cleaning straight (with the exception of needing to take care of Baby girl and getting some dinner) since around 10am this morning! It's now close to 8!

Hubby arrives tonight at 10:26!!!! Yes...he's coming home NOW! Gabby doesn't know! I'm not going to tell her either. I think I'll just play it off as "I need some Starbucks, so lets take a ride!" She misses him so much...I know she's gonna be SO excited!

She just walked in...I should go. It's not like she can read what I'm writing yet, but I should get back to work. I completely revamped my bedroom today, including our closet! EEK...I don't know if I should have taken on that task today, but I'm getting near to being done, now I just need to put away the laundry that is being cycled through.

Getting really tired, but CAN'T wait to see HUBBY! I miss him so!

Weekly Weigh in Wednesday

Ok, so for any of you who have been keeping up, this is only my second weigh in, and I've changed it from Monday's to Wednesday's, why? Cause I just plain forgot to do it on Monday. hehe

My previous weigh in was 215 lbs.

My current weight...212lbs

Total weight loss for the week-3 lbs!

Not bad for just completely falling off the wagon and really not trying!

Ok, so I haven't been trying, but I haven't TOTALLY been sabotaging myself either (well, until yesterday...Keebler cookies were on sale...Gabby HAD to have them! lol) Mainly I've been eating chili!
CHILI...I can hear the collective gasp now! Before Hubby left for his training we had a BBQ, we decided to make chili, and boy do we have leftovers! So since I'm the only one that is willing to eat it, I figured why let all that good food go to waste? It actually is a very high veggie recipe. It has a whole lot of tomatoes, and 4 different types of peppers. On top of all of that there are about 4 or 5 types of beans and of course your meats (which we used ground beef and churisso (spelling?) sausage). I'm assuming that I lost weight for one of two reasons. 1) I lost the pounds because of the way chili so lovingly flushes out my system... OR 2) My metabolism boosted itself because it got used to eating the same thing every day. This is sort of along the same lines as the Special K diet or to a lesser extent the slim fast diets.

In either case I'm just happy to know that I haven't gained any weight this week. I've been under and enormous amount of stress and have just put a load of responsibilities on my plate. So I guess even though I'm not able to get to the gym, I'm up and out of the house, so my body is still keeping itself busy?

Well, I hope to do better next week. I just need to get things organized here, and then hopefully I'll be able to start walking again.

Good job to all those who are working hard to loose weight! Keep up the good work!

How do we do it?

I'm in a bit of a rut today. I'm not sure why, but today is the day that all of my feelings and emotions decided to collide at once. And what is even more ironic to me is that today is the first day that I actually heard from Hubby!

So how do we do it? How is it possible for us Military wives (ok being pc I should say "Spouses") to keep up appearances? I have actually done so well up to this point. And sure, most of you veterans are saying, "He's only been gone for 2 weeks!" True...but, it's been an on again off again situation since baby girl was born in April! He'll be here for about 3 weeks, and then he leaves for more training, or is sent out into the woods...if it's not one thing, it's another! It's tiring. And what's funnier about all of this. I'm still the one sitting here writing back to him cheering him on...how am I doing this?

He briefly mentioned deployment in his letter. I'm watching closely as friends of ours are coming back. Their wives are going stir crazy right now. They are quickly unravelling under these final stages. I'm helplessly watching from the sidelines, awaiting my turn I guess!

And then there's my neighbor. Oh gosh, I feel so horribly for her. I barely ever talk to her. We are neighborly when we see each other, and every once in a while our daughters will play together. I met her out at the mail box yesterday and got the shock, and the earful, of my life!

You see her husband returned on R & R yesterday. I was happy about that, and thought she was too, and then she explained her issues. Back in August she received an email from him declaring that he was no longer in love with her and wants nothing to do with her! Gosh! How horrible! But it gets worse...
She knows he's got a girl over there, she is also military and is also married. For all of you who don't know...this actually means both of them would get a court marshall. BUT...the Rear D can't find any substantial evidence of his affair! Ok, so the email to her isn't something? The myspace account that he denied his wife as being his friend on, with the other woman as his #1!!!! that's not evidence? The fact that he made a phone call to her yesterday from the Dallas airport asking her if she took off, and then getting irate about the fact that she took off the whole time he's home and hanging up on her just hours before they reunite...that's not evidence??? Based on his behavior I'm concerned for her safety. So I've already gave her an open door policy to my house. If he does something, she's to come here, no matter what time of the day!

UGh...

I just don't know how I'm finding the strength to deal with not only my own issues, but others as well. I guess I'm just one of those strange creatures that somehow stays calm under pressure...then goes home and looses it after sun down.

Don't let the sun catch you crying...

Topic of the Day...Why do parents do what they do at Kid's parties?

Yesterday Gabby, baby girl and I had the pleasure to go to a kids party (please note the extreme sarcasm there!) The party was for a girl approximately 9 in age (I never did find out how old she was!). As we walked into this pretty nice set up at the community center, the noise hit us like a bolt of lightening! Wow...teeny boppers can be VERY LOUD!!!

I could have guessed walking into that atmosphere, that #1-I wouldn't really get to socialize with the host, who had never even met Baby girl until now, and #2-this sinking feeling in the back of my head was telling me this was not going to be a fun afternoon!

Gabby tried to go and interact with the birthday girl, someone she considers as a good friend. Yeah, this never happened...Birthday girl absolutely ignored Gabby's existence in the name of she's too young, and not as cool as us! Yeahhh...whatever!

Luckily for me, there was a friend near by who also attended and who also got completely ignored as I did! We were both outcasts from the start. Which made me wonder...Why were we even invited?

Birthday girl obviously did not want Gabby around, and Gabby did not have fun at all...She was caught in the middle between being too young to hang with the older kids, and being too old to hang with the toddlers who were also invited (who were there mainly because their older sibling was invited!) Every game made Gabby very unhappy. So much so that at one point during the party She disappeared!!!! COMPLETELY WENT OUT OF MY SITE!

Hostess took all kids outside to do a pinata...something didn't work right, or it started raining, so they all came back inside. But Gabby didn't! Gabby was being so ignored that she saw it fit to go entertain herself at a playground that was sort of attached to the community center. BUT...she never told anyone where she was, and it was too far away for us to be able to see her! Not to mention the fact that it was raining! So she got in trouble for disappearing, but I felt horrible for her. She was being shoved aside any time they did any games or anything. She was plain and simple not being included by the kids-hostess was doing her best.

Now as for the two adults in this story, me and my friend, well we had an excuse, we have two little ones, baby girl and T, and were not in the spirit of trying to lug these two precious little ones around to play "games" where the older kids were just plain being mean!

So we stayed put and talked amongst ourselves. I guess we alienated ourselves, but we were also being alienated by the other adults in the room. One woman kept giving us really nasty stairs...especially when her toddler tried to get in Baby girl's face, who at the time was sound asleep! I had to keep holding her back away from her, and not only was she just not being watched by her parents, but she was oozing some type of candied juice from her mouth that got all over baby girl's car seat...did I get an apology? NOPE....I got a death stair for touching her kid! WHAT?? Man...it makes you really think why some parents act the way that they do. Hostess is included in this mad parenting comment.

These older kids...including birthday girl were running wild...fine, it's a birthday party have fun, but have order too! She was allowing the girls to go into the boys bathroom, she was allowing them to poke each other with the cocktail umbrellas, they were putting gross things into each other's drinks to see if that person would drink it and not realize that there was something in it! eww... And then... the kicker...It was pouring rain out...we are at a community center that is used by...THE COMMUNITY! So there were two boys there who went to birthday girl's school. I have never seen such rude behavior allowed in children. These girls opened the doors and yelled at them to go home (pouring rain!) opened the doors, threw stuff at them, it was a constant ordeal that lasted for about an hour until the party was ending. Obnoxious little brats man! Oye...

The party was supposed to last until 4:30, we promptly left at the first sign that things were finishing up. The rain had finally died down, and the kids, they were continuing to be more and more obnoxious! I didn't want Gabby to be anymore terrorized than she had already been. And I just couldn't take the noise and the lack of parenting any more. I thanked the hostess, Gabby got a goody bag and we went on our way! THANK GOD! I have never been to a party where people have been so ignored. Oh yeah...Not to mention that I never got thanked for her gift which was not exactly cheap!!!!

In case any of you were wondering. I am kind of anti-kids party. I think people take them WAY too far sometimes. We attempted one for Gabby's 5th birthday this past year, and out of the 10 invites, only 2 kids showed...we had 2 other couples and their 4 month old baby's come too, but for Gabby, only two kids showed...the only one who stayed the whole time?...The birthday girl from yesterday. Wow...things change in 6 months, don't they!? I'd rather take Gabby out for a nice night on the town of her choosing (which most likely will be Chuck E Cheese) But at least she'll have all of our attention, which is the way it should be!

Meal Planning Mondays

So today is the first day that I'm doing the ole Meal Plan Mondays thing. Thanks to my friend M. over at Momnmore for giving me the ideas. Still not sure how to do the whole linky thing back to the original person who started all this, but I'll work on that! hehehe

Monday: Turkey Meatballs w/buttered noodles and stuffing

Tuesday: Scambled eggs and toast

Wednesday: Chicken Nuggets and Mac n Cheese

Thursday: Hot Dogs and green beans

Friday: Homemade Pizza

Saturday: Waffles

Sunday: Leftovers or whatever we please :)

Pretty generic meals...I'm dealing with having to please a five year old!!!! So why try gourmet when I know she'll eat generic! Less stress on me! Not to mention, the bulk of this stuff is what we have in our house, so I didn't have to spend extra money at the grocery store this week.

Happy Columbus Day Everyone!

For the Frugality of it ALL

So for the past several weeks a group of us gals, now known as the “Coupon Mamas” have been scouring the net and papers in search of the good deals. Today was my first actual trip using the tips learned from some other frugal mom’s as well as several e-newsletters.

First off, I made sure to make a list. Not only did I make a list, but it was detailed.

Secondly, I made sure that I searched high and low for coupons for EVERYTHING on my list. Well, unfortunately, I couldn’t find coupons for everything, but I did have them for the bulk of my list, which really did make a difference.

Lastly, I shop at the local commissary, so along with the coupons; I’m also not having to pay taxes!

Toilet paper, 12 pack: Price $5.99, minus coupon, I paid $4.99.
Dora Yoplait Yogurt: Price $1.95, minus coupon, I paid $1.40
Pop secret popcorn: Price $.90, I paid $.30
Pampers diapers: Price: $15.11, I paid $13.61
Pampers Wipes: Price 5.96, I paid $4.96
Deodorant: Price: $2.33, I paid $1.83
Shampoo: Price: $1.99, I paid $1.49
Conditioner: Price $1.99, I paid $1.49
Paper towels, 3 rolls: Paid $1.88 (no coupon, they didn’t have the kind for the coupon I did have)
Bisquick: Price $2.99 (no coupon-searched really hard for one too!)
Mac N Cheese, special 5 pack: Paid $2.50
Bread: Paid $1.09

Total bill came to: $44.68
Minus coupons -6.15
Plus surcharge +2.23

Total paid out today $40.76

Not too bad if you consider that the bulk of the list was personal care and baby care items!
I wish I could do better on the diapers and wipes, I realized today that Pampers just raised their prices! I used to pay somewhere in the amount of $14 something, and today they were up to $15.11!!! I may be switching brands. I need to shop around and see what I like.
I hope your shopping trips go as successful as mine did. It took a bit more planning, but if it saves us time and money, than I’m willing to give up those extra few minutes to make the list and ensure that I have coupons for the exact items that I want to buy.

If you were all wondering why I don't have other things on my list such as food items or baby formula. Well, as for the food, we aren't needing as much of it lately since Hubby is away at school and it is just me and my 5 year old. As for the formula we are on WIC, so THANKFULLY, that is one expense that we have not had to pay since Baby girl's birth! I highly recommend WIC. I know public assistance seems...ummmmm undesirable to many (as it was to me when this was first suggested) But, a really good friend of mine who has three children put it to me this way. "These programs are in place, if you qualify, take full advantage! Our men are fighting for this country, and you know darn well we don't get paid that much in return! We qualify, go take advantage and get the things you need!" So it was after that conversation that I started taking advantage of the programs provided. It is not just a military program, so for anyone who is pregnant or has a small child and knows that they will be on formula...do yourselves a favor and go and see if you qualify. The worst that can happen is that they'll say you make too much! But hey, It is absolutely worth that little bit of time to call up and go to an appointment!!!! The average cost of Formula now a days is approximately $15 to $30 depending on the can and size that you buy! My own little one goes through approximately 3 cans that are 12.9 oz a week! On average that would cost me over $60 a week, JUST FOR THE FORMULA!!!! Like I said, it's definately worth a try.

I've Made It

Well, it's been one week since he's been gone. Don't worry, I don't think this will be an every week update, but it's always hardest when you are first separated!

I've gotten myself way more involved this week than I think I ever would with Hubby around. I'm just trying to maintain my own peace of mind, and at the same time, trying so desperately to keep this house in order. A task I am so miserably failing! It'll get there, and That's the way I look at it. This is MY home, if it's messy, OH WELL! I have two kids, and I'm here on my own, trying to figure out my path, and also my schedules. I know full well, however, that if the house were neater, I wouldn't be so stressed. So that's one of my goals this weekend. To get this home in working order again. So I'm not so overwhelmed as I am now.

Being the way the house looks now, he probably wouldn't be too proud of me. But I think he would be extremely proud of me for stepping up and volunteering at the school. Especially since I'm getting experience in my field of study. I need to start developing a plan for some of these classes. Vocally these children are not being guided enough to develop the voices that they already have. Especially the 7th graders! That is the class that I am most involved in as of now. I'm hoping as time goes on, I at least kind of move into taking part in all of the middle school grades. The younger ones are easy! They love music and will sing to their hearts content! My daughter is living proof of this. But the older ones, well...they are starting to hit puberty and getting to that awkward age where they are so self conscious. This makes them crawl into themselves and not allow themselves to be open and free with artistic things, such as music, and drama...they feel like they are being judged 24/7.

So, once I have my house straightened, then I'm going to be looking for my college books. I need them to aid me in which direction to take these kids. I already have ideas. And I'm kinda of given free reign right now, which I am cautiously moving ahead on. I'm not the music teacher, so I don't want to hurt her feelings in any possible way. She just honestly needs help in developing the program more. And I truly believe, I'm the one to do it!

Trying to learn this thing called Blog!

So, as most of you know, I'm rather new to this blogging thing. I've used online diaries before, but I've never truly "Blogged."

So a friend of mine is trying so desperately to set me up, and get me started. So if you see all the new changes to my page, well...that's due to my friend over at momnmore. Thanks, M!!!!

Little by little I will get this all set up, and then hopefully I'll be able to really get things moving and shaking!

Education is a curious beast.

I am finding out more and more about myself as time lingers on. It's not very often that I do things for me. For example, I barely ever get to exercise or eat what I want to eat, watch what I want on TV...it's a mom thing...we get bowled over by all of the Have tos and Need tos of the day.

Sunday morning I was invited out to breakfast with several members of our Church's choir. With this meeting came a pleasant discussion with Gabby's music teacher (who is in the choir). After talking for a while about a new art teacher to the school, she discovered that I was going to be helping out the Art teacher's class voluntarily. To that she replied, "Wow, everyone in the school has an aide, but me!" I looked at her oddly, I said, "well...You haven't asked me!" Now her and I have only talked in courteous terms before this point. Nothing too personal. However, I noticed the program last year was lacking a bit, and what experience it would be if I helped. I mean, after all, I graduated college with a vocal performance degree! Anything relating to that degree right now is a GODSEND!

Coming out of High School, I found it hard to figure out what career I should go into (Que the scene in "Office Space" where they talk about What would you do if you had a million dollars...) I went from career to career to career....I mean, seriously! I was into Culinary arts (I wanted to be a baker!) Music, Art, Dance, Theater, English...The list goes on! And out of everything, I finally chose music...it seemed to fit me the best. I loved to sing, I loved to be on the stage.

I went into the first college I attended as a Music education student. It was the first day of class when I realized how over my head I truly was. THE FIRST DAY!!! It was from then on that I realized that Music was a great thing, but it wasn't me...Singing was me...not music. Unfortunately, scholastically, they are two TOTALLY different things. I left that college after just one semester. I then attended a local community college, brought my grades back up, and met the best vocal teacher and friend in my life!

Since then I've bounced from college to college (all told I actually went to 4 different colleges...some of them more than once! don't ask!) I finally graduated in 2004 with a Vocal performance degree. I was So proud of myself that day. I had a 2 year old little girl, my hubby was going into the military, and I FINALLY did the one thing that everyone said that I couldn't do...I Finished College!

Here's the rub though...

I've NEVER done ANYTHING with this degree! NOTHING! I've sat here on my butt for the past three years not being able to start anything. I've popped from lame job to lame job, with no end in site and no value to any of them.

But now...

I have an opportunity. Even though my aiding these classes is on a voluntary basis and not paid, I'm still working in the field in which I was degreed. And MAN...it feels SO good. I really hope this continues. I hope I become more than what I am now. I hope I change some of these kids' perceptions of music (middle schoolers, OYE!)

But more importantly, I hope I find my true calling. Maybe it is teaching? I was told that today by Mrs. M. I was only there for 15 minutes helping her with her very first class, and when that class ended she turned to me and said "Why aren't you a teacher!?" I smirked..."Because all throughout high school that's what EVERY family member said I would be...I'm still revolting!"

Maybe I should stop? The question now is, can I honestly afford (both monetarily and physically/mentally) to go back to college? Can I be a student again to be born a new as a teacher?

Something to ponder.

Everything you want in life takes work.

Today is the first official day of my eating and exercising routine to loose weight. I refuse to call it a diet. I really don't have the means to do a "Diet" because every "diet" on the market costs money! So I'm just going to start portion controling and eating more healthy items such as fruits and veggies (something I'm sooo bad at!)

Since today is the official start, of course I had to brave the weigh in! Eeeekkk! A shiver goes down my spine!

My current weight: 215lbs (wow...I've really put on since high school!)

My exercise for the day: A brisk one mile walk around the track

This actually made me feel good about myself. Of course the medical reason would be because exercise releases endorphines and helps ease stress and other minor mental incompacities. But the REAL reason I felt good! Hahah...this is funny. There were a group of MPs doing a PT test. There were at least 3 guys that I LAPPED!!! I was walking!!! They were running! hahahaha. I thought it was pretty funny!

I do want to give a hat tip to this one guy, WOW...he ran two miles in 10:34 min! an incredible pace.

Anyway, I'll be doing my updates every Monday. They'll be my weigh in days.

Wish me luck! I have until December 14th to loose weight. (that's the day hubby comes home from training!)

As I Wait

So he's gone again. For several months this time. Harder on him, harder on our 5 year old.

It's 20 after midnight, and I sit aimlessly stairing at a computer screen, talking to it. I'm bored. I can't seem to stay awake, but I don't want to go to bed.

Being alone is so dull. I see many late nights ahead...

Home Again

Hello all...

It's been a while. Mainly because the family and I have been traveling across the country for our baby girl's christening. Time with family means many things to me. It means that I get to catch up, hug, love, and cherish those that are close to us...But on the flip side of things, it also means MAJOR stress for me and the family.

It has been about six and a half years now that we have lived away from our collective family. And for most of those years we would travel the great distances to go "home." But, in light of all of the travel and stress that goes along with traffic or airport hoopla, comes the stress of the family. It becomes a no win situation, where one family always feels slighted due to the time spent with the other. ::rolling my eyes::

I am actually rather glad that last year we were unable to travel at Christmas due to me being ordered on bed rest while I was pregnant with our youngest. For the first time in...Gosh...12 years since I've known and been with Hubby, we had our OWN Christmas, Our OWN traditions and rules. No other family telling us where we had to be when. Let me give you the typical Christmas day when we would travel home a few years back. Wait...back up...We'll start with Christmas eve.

Christmas Eve...We'd get ready and dressed by around 5 or 6ish. Get something to eat (either at home at my parents house or out to dinner with his parents), then we would head off to church (his parents church) by around 7:30/8:00ish, we would sing in the choir there, so had to be there before church actually began. Church would start at 9:00 and sometime about an hour or two later, would finish. We would then hop in the car and go out to his Aunt's house for "Christmas" with her and her family. Then we would quickly rush everyone through their presents and food so by 11ish we would be heading out the door, giving our best wishes along the way, to head off to My parents church or should I say "Church the second!" Church there would end sometime after mid-night or close to and we would all go home to My parents house and go off to bed (being sure to help Santa put all the presents under the tree before retiring to our rooms).

Christmas day we would wake up and open gifts at my parents house. My aunt and Uncle would come over at around 9 to give us their gifts and have breakfast. Then hubby and I would quickly have to get dressed and ready for a 2 hour drive north to HIS families' houses. His parents would drop by and pick us up at around 10. The first stop on the Northern tour is always his father's parents. Not extremely well liked by the maternal side of the family, so this stop was always kept to under and hour! we would give our well wishes there, then off to the Aunt's house...which one depended on who wanted to host! There we would spend HOURS smooching all of the relatives we never see. Each one giving us a gift, each one probably expecting a thank you card (sorry...I don't believe in giving thank you cards if I opened the gift in your presence and I said thank you verbally to your face...just me! I guess I'm tacky like that!) So for those hours that we were there, at least one fight between 2 or more family members would break out, at least one person would get drunk to the point of crying, there would always be catty talk behind other family members backs going on in the kitchen, and of course...TONS OF FOOD! All together ending in the most un-enjoyable, uncomfortable, stressed out holidays ever!

I love my family...This includes Hubby's family too. But wow...going through that year after year has made me quite tired and quite sick of all of the drama. I am sure that I do not help with the mere fact that I have become more outspoken as I become older. However, I don't know how fair it is to treat us the way we are treated when we come "home," especially given the circumstances and how hard it is for us to even MAKE it "home."

So even though it was not Christmas, the family celebration that we held felt like it was just that...un-enjoyable, uncomfortable, and stressed. Not all of it was this way, the actual celebration was wonderful and in my own mind I ignored all family members in attendance. Or at least I tried until I got a strict talking to by my hubby about how you have to "acknowledge" an Italian family as soon as they walk through the door...visions of the Godfather went flowing through my head...actually, about every mob movie I've ever seen went flowing through my head! So, I got up...went over...and said hello to everyone...
Honestly didn't think this part of things was that big of a deal...we WERE in church, and it was getting pretty close to the start of the ceremony! Smooching every aunt was truly Not my priority at that moment!

The whole point of the dinner afterwards was for the smooching! hehehe.

The Dinner...now THAT was stressful! The restaurant couldn't accommodate us...I allowed our mothers to set this up...yeah...I should have seen the warning signs on this!

We had reservations at this little Italian bistro for 35 people. They said..."Sure...we can do that in our front dining room, we'll push tables together, and you'll just order from the menu" Ok..Note the fact that I said "LITTLE"...

Hubby and I were the last to arrive because we were the only ones that would allow his paternal grandparents to follow us (See comment above regarding the love between maternal family and paternal family!) We arrive to find that most of the tables were not set, and there was no more room at the inn. Who then gets slighted??? No, not his family...MINE... My aunt and her entire family (which includes 4 little girls and 4 adults) stormed out of the restaurant because there was no room (Note...They were the first in our party to arrive!!!). So my mother and I remained very upset for the rest of the night. At the beginning of the Dinner, hubby and I weren't even seated together because NO ONE bothered to save us a seat. Momma in law and the brood started to drink, as my family remained under the radar as I unraveled the wrath that is me!
The owner of the establishment promised us the back room if we could wait just 15 more minutes...OK...fine...15 goes by...our waitress comes out to me to say..."it's going to be another half hour to 45 minutes!" By this time, half of MY family had left, and his family had already opened the wine...so why move! I proclaimed, "We had a reservation...you said you could accommodate, you did not accommodate, YOU HAVE TO ACCOMMODATE!!!! We are here, we didn't make plans for us to go anywhere else, so you need to work your butts off to make this work!"

Now business minded people...why would you slate a group of 35? especially since the average meal cost us $14, and most, I'm sure, were more like $20-25!!! Instead they were trying to accommodate other customers who might have two people in their party that probably only brought them about $30 in business! It's simple economics, you cater to the bigger business...you make sure they are happy and well supplied for, because in the end, you'll get more business!

We finally got settled, as insufficient as the accommodations were, and we ate dinner. Because of my pure rage, I stayed away from most people. I didn't (and couldn't due to the set up) talk to my family, so they left in a bit of a huff, his family ruled the night, and that was that. They had a good time, I think, (honestly, not that I care!) By the end of that night, I was so stressed about the response I would get from my family, that I could care less about anything else that was going on.

The food was decent, and if it were just hubby and I, I probably would eat there again...but I would NEVER trust them with a party!

Going "home" to see our family is always great...

But...

It is GREAT to be back HOME.

topic of discussion...TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN

There has been a lot of press in the past year regarding parents being deplaned due to an unruly child. So being that I will be traveling this week. I figured I'd open up a panel for discussion over how to handle travel with small children.

I personally have found in the five years of being a parent that car trips are best. However, within this day and age. With this military life that we live in, it is simply not feasible at all times. So to the airport we must go.

So I've compiled some simple tips and rules for anyone to take advantage of.

Number one....Travel with more than one Adult. When possible always bring a friend or Hubby on the trip with you. It honestly makes life sooo much simpler. But this is not always possible...so...

Number Two...When traveling solo with small children do not be scared to ask others for help. I found it rather interesting on my last trip. Going through the security check point at the Philadelphia airport with two small children, a stroller, and 3 bags...I must have looked a mess to those around me. I got help from not one, but two other airport goers. The girl in front of me helped me collapse and put the stroller up on the conveyor belt for the x-ray machine, and the gentleman behind me assisted my oldest in getting the trays and putting her bag and shoes in them, then all together we pushed through to the "gateway to freedom!" I actually did not ask, but stopped and realized that if they did NOT help me, everyone behind me would have had to wait on me! So it was in THEIR interest to help out! lol. Same goes for airport personnel though...they are there and get paid to help!!! Don't let them tell you otherwise!

Number three...Sounds horrible to some parents, BUT... giving a baby or a small toddler some Motrin or Tylenol approximately 30 minutes before the flight cuts down on the amount of pain they may feel at take off. It also helps them relax.

Number four...for infants and toddlers make sure you have a bottle on hand to help them swallow when their ears start to pop. For older children, have gum or tootsie rolls (or similar) on hand for the same reason.

Number five...ALWAYS pack a carry on bag as if you are taking an over night trip with at least 1 change of clothes for yourself, AT LEAST one for each child (more if it's an infant), and essentials like formula food, money...etc. You never know when you'll hit a layover, and by this time...the airport already has your luggage!

Number six...For older children make sure you pack some type of activity for them to do one the plane. Even a two hour flight gets old to a five year old! For the little ones. Pack plenty of diapers, wipes, formula, bottles, and a toy or two (age specific) try things that don't necessarily make noise to not annoy other passengers.

Number Seven...pack your kids favorite goodies. Sugar them up baby!!!! Make them happy, who cares that they haven't had lunch yet, who cares that they'll spoil their dinner. The only thing that matters is keeping them happy. Most children are not satisfied by the junk...er...snacks provided by the airline. Also, if your child does not drink soda or juice like mine...ask the flight attendant for water or milk (some of the airlines do carry the milk boxes that are out now that look like juice boxes.)

Number eight...Take advantage of early boarding. You have an infant. You have the right to be one of the first people on the plane along with all those who are rich enough to afford the expensive seats! This way you get on the plane while it is fairly empty and it feels less claustrophobic to the children. Lots of bodies make little ones nervous! this gives them a chance to look around and get comfortable with the new environment.

Number nine...If the kids gotta go...IGNORE THE SEAT BELT SIGN! Some flight attendants are more apt to be a pain in the you know what than others. The bulk of them however realize that with long flights, and beverages...comes the inevitable potty break. Same goes for if the baby is REALLY fussy. If you feel that it is safe to be up, then don't worry about it...it is only a warning.

Number ten...When having to take long flights...do overnights!!! I have found in the many times that we have flown cross country it is so much easier on the child if it is a red eye. The child will automatically sleep because it is his or her natural bed time. You have to entertain them less, and they wake up in a new place. It's so much more relaxing to them. Now to the parents...not so much. The last trip we took I slept maybe...oh I dunno...about 3 hours out of the whole flight. That was for different reasons though, I was placed on the isle seat with my infant fast asleep in my arms and the attendants kept coming by with the carts, and I was scared they would hit her on the head. So, I'd also recommend, sitting on the window side.

Well, I hope this helps those scared first time moms who will be traveling soon. In all honesty, you gotta do what works for you. In the end, make sure you and your child are as comfortable as possible, get to the airport early, and try to get through the security lines when there is no one else there.

And do not EVER allow an airline to throw you off a flight. You paid for the flight just like the next Joe. You have the right to fly and so does your child. But at the same time...also be overly kind to the attendants...they are just doing their job...even if they do have attitudes sometimes.

Busy Week behind me, Busy Week ahead

Wow, this past week flew by me, and my head is still spinning.

Wednesday night was Back to School night at my daughter's school. It was nice to see all of the teachers and also to meet some of the parents of Gabby's new classmates.

Thursday and Friday were spent with Hubby and I trying to get the house, and him in order for our upcoming trip and his upcoming training.

Saturday was spent mostly cleaning. Saturday night we finally were able to have the BBQ that was planned for last week. It was a minor success. Not man people came, so there is TONS of food leftover...We will be eating chili for the next month! Oye!

Finally, today we had church and then rushed around to get Gabby ready for her first Cross Country meet. She did pretty good considering the lovely skies above the Northwest finally opened up and showed what they are truly made of! She placed 26th in her division, which for the first time out, for the first year that her school is even involved, it's not that bad! There is another little girl from her class that is also on the team and her daddy is also military. So you have two big bad mil dudes being drill Sgt like to these two little girls. Totally awesome! They (meaning the race coordinators) made these kiddies run a 1/2 mile! Now, to most fit persons that doesn't seem like anything. But think back to when you were in Kindergarten! Yeah, it's a run!!!! So, We were very happy with 26th! (And no...she was not in last place! hehe) She was more mid-pack.

Tomorrow is the start of the new week, and with that always comes new challenges. We will be heading back home tomorrow night, and we still aren't packed. No big really. It's just for a week, AND, Hubby is off tomorrow.

Back east we go to family and friends to start another fun filled week of jealousy and anxiety over who we see and who we don't see! UGH...I hate being far away from home, but I DETEST going home just for the reason of being pulled in all directions.

I basically told Hubby that since the girls and I went home in August, it is completely up to him on what we do and where we go. So hopefully this week will not be as stressful as the last vacation I took! ::rolls eyes::

Wacky Wednesday

Don't know if I'll keep that persona going for Wednesday, but it's very fitting for today.

My oldest woke up this morning with a tummy ache. Which in the end turned into, er how to politely say this....ummm....upchucking into the toilet, not the nicest way to say it, but I'm on a strict timeline today and don't have much time to sift through the thesaurus inside my head!

So anyway, because of this we kept her home. haha...BUT she's got a dental appointment later this afternoon, so yeah. She seems fine to me. I think she was overly hungry because she barely ate any dinner last night. So, the rule in this family is, you don't eat what we make, you go to bed hungry! I guess she lied to us when she left the table saying she wasn't hungry. She sure has her appetite back this morning though! She's already had two breakfasts and is bugging me for lunch and it's only 11:25am!!!!

Hubby is also sick, he and I think his immune system was compromised with all of the physical training he's doing right now...times running short, so he needs to get himself physically ready for this next school.

Baby and I seem to be the only one's NOT sick yet. But I'm just a waiting for it! I see it like a black ominous cloud slowly creeping in from the East.

Yeah, we leave on a jet plane late Monday night for the long trip back home to see friends and family. So, we all know what's going to happen. Either I, or Baby, or Both will be sick by Monday! Yep, it's gonna happen! We all know it to be so...Murphy's law and all...

I'm fighting the urge right now to not spill my guts over financial issues. Let me just put it this way...GGGGGGGGRrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. Yep, that should do well enough!

If anyone knows of any job openings, please pass them my way. Something that is in the range of 8-2ish Monday through Friday. Yeah, that's about all I can handle right now. So feel free to let me in on any prospects!

Oh well, nothing to compelling or overly philosophical on this post! Just my rant for the day....Hmmmm...maybe that will be Wednesday's persona...Wacky Ranting Wednesday...I think I like the sound of that!

Six years ago...

Last night I found a blog that I wrote in a diary 1 year ago. It was funny how profound it truly was.

In 2001 when the Twin Towers fell and the Pentagon lay in shambles, I was pregnant with our first child. I remember that day and how incredibly scared I was. What kind of world was I about to bring this little girl into, I wondered?

Last year on the fifth anniversary of September 11th, ironically once again I was pregnant and wondering how I was going to handle my children in this world. Within those five years, my husband joined the military. A lot has changed in this world, and in our own lives.

On this six year anniversary, we are once again looking forward, and at the same time looking at our past. Realizing that within the year he will be deployed, realizing that this frenzied life in the military that we have come to embrace will become harder than it has ever been. The idea that no one truly knows how this war will end, when or if it will ever end.

Six years later...there is still a paralyzing fear wafting over us like the dust settling after the Towers fell.

The First Of Many...

"Today is a new day", quoting a Disney/Pixar favorite!

My name is Shelby, and this will be my pallet from which the colors of my life will spring forth. Wow. I guess by this time of night I get really waxing poetic, huh?

Ok, so seriously...

I'm a housewife, a homemaker, but more so...I'm an Army wife. Not only am I that, but I'm also a mother of two beautiful little girls.

This is The life and times of an Army wife.

Goodnight for now all...more on me and my life tomorrow.