And it starts....again.....

Today marks the 1 month countdown until the day my last baby celebrates another birthday. I still can't believe he will be 4! Then exactly 1 month and 3 days after his birthday comes the birthday of our little Princess, who will be 6. Seriously, where does the time go?

When I look at my life, it’s divided into two clear sections: before kids and after. The day our Princess was born, my life began. I almost can’t remember what my world was like before that day. From that point on, everything had changed; I had a purpose. It was completely and utterly clear that I was put on this planet to be a mother to this child. Then, 23 months later, that feeling intensified as we welcomed our second bundle of joy into the world.

For the past almost 6 years, I've immersed myself into these children. Oh, the things we love to do: we go to the park, do arts and crafts, go digging for bugs, make forts—you know, all that cute little-kid stuff. But now, those things are slowly no longer appealing to them—rightly so. But they still appeal to me. Doesn't that count for anything?

I long for those baby days. I miss those days. Yeah, it was hard and I struggled to keep it all together. But I also loved it with every fiber of my being.

So I find myself at times  crying over toys that my children no longer desire. Every time I get like this—I try to remind myself of the beauty that is my children growing up. I think of all the things that are cool about their not being babies anymore. Truth be told, we do have a lot more fun as a family these days. We can take in a movie that does not include cartoon characters, go out to eat without a fuss, amusement parks, fishing, museums, hiking, and so much more..... oh how I enjoy watching my kids enjoy themselves.

I love who my children are today. I love seeing their little personalities develop and grow—yet I yearn for the past. But I have recently begun to ask myself: If I were go to back in time to hang out with them as toddlers, would I miss the older children they are becoming today? 

Yes… I would probably miss it all very much. The fact is—and what I need to continue to remind myself with each little meltdown—that each age and stage brings something new and exciting. The hard part, however, is saying goodbye to the stage before—to the little pieces of innocence that keep chipping away.

But even given that fact, I still miss the days when they were real little and completely dependent on me. And I wonder what will become of me when they no longer need me.

I miss the adorable little people who used to place me at the center of their world. But I am so proud of the little people they’re becoming. I must force myself to see the beauty in that.

I belong to a group, one people like to write about.....

So I’ve been reading up on the latest books out there regarding being married to the military and how to cope with our lives in this environment. All I can say is WOW! There are a few pretty good books out there! Most, if not all are just very vague, simply stating ‘military’ or 'soldier' and from their point of view being in just their husbands MOS but still vague and sometimes inaccurate pertaining to the masses. If you or someone you know isn't aware please inform them that our guys are Marines and NOT soldiers! Depending on how "moto" your Marine is he may rudely correct the unsuspecting individual of how strongly these men feel about going through the toughest boot camp around and a part of the "Few and the Proud". Marines may be the smallest force, but have been a part of every major war requiring the strongest punch in the face and show of force for the United States or our allies.

One of the lady authors referred to the traditions and abbreviations our husbands use on a daily basis as ‘really stupid acronyms and jargon’.

I get utterly flabbergasted and kind of ticked off to read these books! Thank goodness most are for informational purposes only. 

My hope and prayer is to put out more clearly defined information which helps everyone that has anything to do with the Marine Corps a better understanding of why our lives are the way they are. As the Marine Corps have proved time and time again, this organization is unique and is set apart from all the rest. So our traditions, views, organizations and ways of life are just as different. We are proud, patriotic, close knit and take care of our own at all costs. I’m off to go and do some more research!

Take a LINKS class! You'll get a lot of info that way. If you like the gossip, well just keep that to yourself ;P

I didn't mean I wanted to be sick on my "sick day"!

Why is it that when Moms get sick life must still go on? Isn't there a Substitute Mom line that we can call when we need to take a sick day? I sure wish there was, because this girl would totally be dialing those digits!

I am so sick of being sick. I have had this terrible sore throat and fever for 2 days. I mean really. I rarely get sick & when I do it usually lasts less than a day. This crap (whatever it is) has found my Kryptonite. My healthy cells have surrendered & are waving the white flag!

This is serious stuff...

I wake up sweating so bad & gasping for breath that I throw my hands in the air & wave them like I just don't care...but I do care, because at that very moment I am not able to move or swallow! I hobble around like an old lady to the bathroom, soak a washcloth with scalding hot water & breathe in the vapors. I am able to catch a breath long enough to tell Matt...I am seriously going to die. 

When I eat anything, I get that tickle in my throat just about the time to swallow & the pain starts again . 

I've been sick before and should remember how to handle this kind of situation a little better without thinking I should start planning my funeral every time the disease arises.. I know...now you know where my drama Queen and King get it. Right?

Nighttime is actually the best time for me if I can just get to sleep...because once asleep the pain stops. No wonder my body has been wanting me to nap like 4 times a day, all this sickness can wear you out!

Sleep is good when you are sick!!!

Sleep is not allowed when you are a Stay At Home Super Mom of 2 busy children

Must keep eyes open & on them at all times...It is my JOB!

Must kick this sickness...I need my JOB!

Wish I could call in a Substitute Mom...

Anyone have the number?

Anyone wanna SUB for me for a few days while I catch my BREATH...Literally!

Matt has been amazing. Even though he has gotten home after 2 am the last couple of days, he has stayed on me about resting. And still loves me even though I look pathetic and like death.  I have a doc appointment in the am, I hope they can "cure" me! 

The world is still kind

I honestly believe that being able to bless others in life is a true way to humble ones self.  

Sometimes I can't seem to understand why some people don't help others. And I'm not talking about lending people money, giving them your clothes, or sharing your vehicle (although those are all fabulous things to do). I'm talking about helping them out with simple things. Things that cost nothing, like helping someone unload groceries, clean their home, or watching their child.

I have seen GOD working in different ways in so many peoples lives this week. I have witnessed the power of a giving heart and the way it can touch someones life. 

I am selfish by nature, but I am a giver at heart. I spend countless hours giving my time to people and things that aren't my own. These cost me nothing but time. I understand that time is money, but if you do right by others, GOD will definitely bless you. 

Sometimes I just wish the world was a little kinder. I know we can't get everything we wish for in life. If I could have one wish it would be for people to care more about other people. Sometimes I wonder how this world we live in got so cold. 

My life hasn't been easy. I have my own struggles and triumphs. But I stay positive and push forward. I've made it my daily "work" to still find it in my heart to help others daily. 

My heart is filled with so much joy and admiration of all the women (and men) that have pulled together and made things happen this week. I am grateful to be part of a community that is so gracious and giving, even when it sometimes feels like it is the very thing that takes so much away from us. So I leave you with this quote "Harness the power of today. Seize the blessings of today! Make something happen, enhance your life, make someone laugh, help a friend, love, love, love!"-Steve Maraboli

Oh Kindergarten...I'm glad my kid loves you :P

Summer is dwindling and the time has come for us to have some significant structure back in our lives. My children have been fabulous all summer and the past few days they have been fighting. Brycen misses his playmate. Alanna  started kindergarten this year. I cannot believe it.  I have spent countless hours testing Alanna. She has made huge strides in every way. I cant wait to see the progress she will make in the year to come. I have been so excited about it that I hadn't stopped to think about how my heart was feeling about my Princess's journey into school.

The first day of kindergarten was an emotional one for me. It is a sure sign that my children are getting older and entering a new chapter in their lives. Everything that I have invested in them about life and how to treat others is going to be be put to the test. 

I went to Alanna's school to meet her teacher and fill out her paperwork the day before school started. The moment I stepped out of my car, my stomach started turning. NEW place, NEW faces, NEW voices, NEW smell...totally nervous...while all the while my little Princess was just as happy as can be. 

As I walked out of the building I was holding back the tears that I just couldn't dare to show. She was so happy and I was so sad.  So back home we went to prepare for her 1st day of Kindergarten.

So the BIG day came and she was excited as can be. She even had me straighten her hair. Then the time came to walk up the hill to the bus stop. She was so excited to see familiar faces and quickly clung to her favorite friend. As I heard the cheers coming from all the kids and the joy that took over their little faces, I had a moment of clarity. BUT it still didn't change the fact that MY baby was among those exciting little people and I was all of sudden having my life flash before my eyes. 

That day seemed like the longest day ever. The time came for her to get off the bus. Her face lit up when she saw me and when I asked how her day was, she said, "It was the best ever! I love Kindergarten!"  

Our Princess is a big girl and we are so proud of her.

Pray with me that her teacher and her assistant will see her heart. That she will bring them joy. That they can smile and appreciate all the life she brings to those around her and feel the love that she truly brings to my heart each and every day. 

This time always sucks!

So the summer has come to an end! Well at least the part of it we get with Caitlyn. 

This part is always rough....honestly....It sucks!!!

I'm really gonna miss her! Even with all the attitude and drama, she is still the same little ray of sunshine she was when I first met her. The love and admiration she has for me, her daddy, her brother and sister, and us as a whole is enough to melt anyone's heart.

We have had one heck of a summer. Full of fun, fun, and more fun!!!

I'd be lying if I said it's all rainbows and butterflies when we are all together. We spend a lot of time having to adjust to each other, and then by the time we got it down, it's time for her to leave again. But one thing that never changes is the love we all have and the anticipation of the next time we all get to be together again.

We are a blended family. A modern day poster of what life is like for a lot of people....and we wouldn't have it any other way!

Dang schedule!

So most of you that know me....know that I take most things in stride. I am not too much of a complainer and I try to stay positive and optimistic about most things. But the last month has proved to me just how much I seriously dislike my husband working nights. I used to think it wasn't so bad. Okay I retract that last statement, it's always been bad lol
I love that Matt's job provides lots of security for our family, but it's never ending cycle of inconsistency can wear on ones life (mostly mine j/k). And being that in a recent conversation with my husband we came to the conclusion that we have spent more than 1/2 our relationship with him on nights (not including deployments or "trips"), makes me sad.
I am not only a stay at home mom. I volunteer, run around with the kids, and try to keep myself sane with "me" time. But when most of what I do revolves around my husbands schedule and it all of sudden changes at the drop of a hat, it can be pretty frustrating. So here I am...doing dinner, the night time routine with the kids, watching worthless television, and going to bed alone. I want him home, not only to be here to help, but because the kids and I actually like to be around him. Maybe I'm being overzealous!

Maybe lots of you can relate. Maybe this is foreign to some. This is not a "bitch fest" on my behalf. Just simply an insight to how overwhelmed I feel here lately. But I am gonna keep on smiling and cherish the moments we do get together. After all, he is mine until the end of time :)