Five Question Friday!

ITS FRIDAY!!!!!!!!! HOP ON OVER and visit MAMA M. at My little Life!!!!!! I love to just answer random things about me!!!!!!!! Have a SAFE and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!!!

1. What were you doing the last time you really had a good laugh?
It was at our Bunco Night I believe!!! My friend Julie had the most outrageous costume on and we just had some awesome laughs! I do laugh alot with my family though, but that was a belly laughing kind of night!
2. Who was your first CELEBRITY crush?
MICHAEL JACKSON!!!!!!!!
3. What is one talent that you wish you had?
I wish (only one?!??!) I knew how to Knit... REALLY Well... I dont know how to knit at all but I would so love to know how. I wish I could play the guitar too. There are so many things....
4. How often do you and your spouse go out w/o the kids? Is it frequent enough?
The last time was March 6th. SO... does that answer your question? And the time before that was I think in 2006. NO it is NOT frequent enough. That sort of counts as NON EXISTENT
5. What colour(s) is your bedroom?
White. We live in military housing and I have not been brave enough to change it because even though we know it would look a million times better, we would have to change it back before we move out to the nice generic military economy paint.

Soccer 2009

I will add Kiley whenever we get her photos back!

Browsing the Sears Brochure...

... I have decided there are some non-essentials I could live without... but wouldnt mind having anyways.... Well, some are non non-essentials....

Just because I can, I am going to share my list with you!

I already have a Kitchen Aid Mixer. It was a 30th birthday gift from my hubster. He also got me a Dyson and a Mom-to-Be Massage/pedicure/manicure package... oh and they did a hair wash/dry thingie. That was 2 years ago!..... I dont use it much... so, like I said... Non-essentials. I dont need one of those. Scratch it off the list.

Ginsu Knives. I wouldnt mind giving them a whirl. Nothing like having a good knife in the kitchen!

I DONT need a fondue... and it is a non-essential I dont care to try. What about you?

I dont need a kegorator, humidor or wine chiller... Non-essentials for sure. Add that to the list with the fondue. Oh, and also include in that list the Shot Chiller. DO people REALLY Use that stuff THAT often??? I would think those are bar essentials.. for a commercial bar... not someone's home. But, I am a simple gal... so.. maybe you need one??? If you do.. Sears has them.

I could definitely use some GOURMET COOKWARE... THAT would be an ESSENTIAL... My son pulled a frying pan off the counter waiting to be washed... and the whole handle snapped off... down a frying pan. He was actually trying to get the tray to his high chair off the counter... the frying pan came with it. Gates on the kitchen... definitely a good idea. So, the cookware would end up on a list of NEEDS vs. WANTS. The red set is nice!!!! Throw in the matching tea kettle!! I make single serve coffee....

OH WAIT... DID YOU SEE HOW MANY COLORS THEY HAVE FOR THE KITCHEN AID MIXER?! I have light pink... The Susan Komen one. GOOD. GOOD CAUSE. BUT... no... I dont need ANOTHER one... but the COLORS.... How would I CHOOSE?!?!?! Pear??? Boysenberry??? Cornflower blue??? Cobalt Blue?? Ice?? Oh lord... so glad I dont have to choose... I already have one... I DONT use it.

A NEED is a nice decent sized Food processor. I love falafel and my attempt at making some was GLORIOUS! BUT I had to do it in increments... my little tiny food chopper was a little too small.... 9 cup Food processor... HERE I COME!

GRIDDLER GRILL... You can come home with me. You would help me eat more healthy so you belong in my kitchen. Just remind me you are there so I can remember to include you in my weekly menu. OK?

Rotary Waffle maker... We dont need you... but you remind me of college and how we could make waffles. Big mess... big PITA... but I think we could have a blast with you. Make your way to my shopping cart... we will decide when you get there if you should stay there....

LOOK! A toaster oven! We have had a couple of them... barely used them. Do I need another one??? PROBABLY NOT... but... but.. it is red and would match the cookware I mentioned earlier. OH.. and a matching coffee pot AND regular 4 slice toaster... That could be awesome! WITH the RED FOOD PROCESSOR!!!!!!!!! SCORE!

IRON SKILLET.. dont know what I would do with you. I think Ju had one when I was in Louisiana visiting. Maybe one would like to be here with us???? Maybe not. I dont think it would feel very loved.

Ahh... the AS SEEN ON TV specials...

Aqua Globes! YEAH! YES! ME! ME! Oh wait... not only would I forget to water my flowers... so, Aqua Globes could be USEFUL... I WOULD PROBABLY FORGET to fill the AQUA Globes... JUST like I would forget to change the garden flag or refill the bird feeder. Sorry Aqua Globes... not in my house.

Smooth Away... you think???? No hair? No shaving??? Has to be a scam. Nothing in life could be THAT simple... and ON TV... People pay BIG BUCKS for hair removal... I dont believe you Smooth away. Sorry.

Pedi Egg... might be worth a try... OR I could see a doc about the skin problems I have. Yeah, the latter is PROBABLY the better option. No Pedi Egg...

Strap Perfect for the brassiere... I dont think you work on ginormous bras. So, you get to stay where you are. You are not welcome here. UNLESS I have my issue resolved... medically. THEN maybe I could find you useful.

Snuggie. Seriously. A blanket will do.

Pedi Paws... use to go by a different name. It used to be the Pedi File. Seriously. GOOD JOB changing your name. Won't buy you. Sorry.

Slap Chop... I am faithful to my little food processor.

Rotisserie. WAY easier to walk to the supermarket on a whim to get one made already. WAY less work... WAY less cleanup. NO rotisserie for me!

Well... my awesome son walked away from me with my catalog. Maybe he is going to get a job and buy me something!!!!!! So, there you have it... my thoughts as I browse the Sears Brochure!

I get anxious when...

Recently I have been feeling anxious and probably need to follow up with the doctor. It seems to be PMS related (I know TMI) .... but here are some things that bring the anxiety on full force...

*Living paycheck to paycheck and feeling like payday will never come....
*Not having a job of my own to contribute to the house
*PMS
*being late for an important date
*worrying about where we will be moving in 8 months or so
*a full schedule
*not knowing exactly what I am supposed to be doing with Sydney and all her recent evaluations and the school. Which way is up?
*watching my Sydney work her butt off during soccer, trying just as hard if not harder than her peers.. and playing a total of 7 minutes of a game.
*the incredible mess this house becomes
*van woes that need to be un-woe'd
*Dishes in the sink
*laundry in the bedroom waiting to be folded
*thinking of living here another whole year without my husband
*having to find new doctors for Sydney when we move
*my son fighting me because he can... all the time (at almost 2!)
*how cr%ppy halloween will be for my son since he is allergic to peanuts. Karma really got me on that one.
*Eczema and fighting lotion.
*the thought of freezing cold temperatures
*not having time for myself.
*wanting to give my kids the world and everything they want.
*not being able to do the above.
*the kids NOT being grateful for the fact I (we) bend over backwards for them (something they will not understand until they are grown.)
*the fact I have not worked in over 6 years. That gets me down.
*being eligible for WIC when my husband has been in the Navy on active duty for 15 years.
*swine flu

I could go on and on about the misery... I am sure many people are feeling the crunch of the times...

I am SO SO SO grateful for...
*being able to be home for my kids.
*I have a vehicle. It is running. I can put gas in it when I need to.
*my parents making it possible for us to visit them for Thanksgiving. EVEN getting a trip to Disney World!
*I will get to see the faces of my children at Disney World... PRICELESS.
*My husband has a steady job and it more than provides for our needs.
*The ability to see the world and experience life in different places.
*my children are healthy.
*we have(mediocre) health coverage.
*We have a roof over our heads and we have plenty of bedrooms for everyone.
*the generosity of people we know and people we dont know.
*free snow boots for our children. Given anonymously.
*reduced and free school lunch.
*WIC
*Turkey Dinner and Christmas gifts for the children given anonymously by generous people.
*My daughters awesome doctors.
*my children are eager to learn new things and be active and fit.
*awesome friends and family.
*finding joy in the small things. AND the big things.
*having a full schedule.
*knowing that everything always seems to work out. No matter what the outcome.

Just a puddle of brain thoughts.... Hope you all enjoy the last week of October... 2nd Brrrrrr month... 2 to go... then we get in the misery of the new year fridged temps!!!!!!!

Five Question Friday!

1. Whats your favorite horror movie?

Hmm... They are definitely not my favorite genre of movie. I am trying to think of the movie that I saw recently that was just creepy. If I can remember... oh, it wasnt horror but it was called Obsessed. Totally recommend.


2. Bath tub or Hot tub?

HOT TUB! I NEED ONE! Our bath tub is too puny for my big butt... but I do read in there once in a while.


3. Do you prefer to view a movie at the theater or at home?

I havent been to the movie theater since I lived in Texas (early 2006) so I would have to say at home. I am too frugal to spend the money! Although, I should check out the free movies on base more often.


4. If you could chose a maid, cook or chauffeur, which one would you choose?

MAID! As long as that also includes doing the dishes after I cook up an awesome dinner! I Will share the dinner with her.... she has to do the dishes though.



5. Electric Slide, Boot Scootin' Boogie, or the Macarena?

Ahh... the Macarena... I went to Cancun after graduating high school in 1995 and the macarena was not here in the US yet. I brought back an authentic CD with the macarena on it and introduced it to a bunch of people.... Then it became big... SO FUN! HAHA!



Hop on over to MY LITTLE LIFE and share your five questions on this FRIDAY!

A New Hobby!

LETTERBOXING!!!!!!!!!!

Totally recommend it! If you enjoy taking hikes with friends and family ... even your dog. Some are accessible on bike rides... if you want to get out and enjoy the great outdoors... if you are looking for something that is typically FREE... this is the hobby for you!

*cost could apply for getting in to areas such as state parks where a fee may be applied to entering the park.

Yesterday I went to Wadsworth Falls State Park with my girl scout troop to find out what this letterboxing hobby was all about. I had briefly heard about it and have heard of people doing it on facebook but didn't know exactly where to start or what I was supposed to do. The ladies who led the excursion were WONDERFUL and completely KNOWLEDGABLE about the park and the trees and everything. We learned about different kinds of Oak trees, Hemlock, and of course the STATE Flower of CONNECTICUT!
The GIANT Mountain Laurel which is also an EVERGREEN! This is the same one we saw only I didnt get a picture because a million other little girls from other troops were sitting on it! This tree was somewhere between 200 and 300 years old!
We saw some poison ivy vines which I never would have known what it was and would have reached out to touch it because it looked so soft and nice to touch...

and in the same area we saw a grape vine which wasn't nearly as pretty but definitely produces something much more delicious and yummy! We saw Beech, Maple and Birch trees. We saw a beautiful hawk. You have to have an awesome awesome awesome eye to find some of the DEER Tracks the guide showed us! I never would have seen the tracks in a million years... even if I was trying! We saw some old foundation of a home from the 1800's. It was just an awesome trip and we found 4 letterboxes.

I can't wait to find more! I have already printed out 6 boxes in a state park near my parent's house in Florida which I am hoping to locate when we take our trip to their house next month!

Give it a try! Let me know how it goes! OR.. let me know about your recent letterbox finds!

Wordless Wednesday.... My Second Born

*This will not be so "wordless"... MckMama had posted a pic of her second born... and well... There is just something about second born's. They weren't first, and they aren't last... they are floating somewhere in the middle of a bunch of kiddos... they look up to the eldest and guide the young ones. They try to find their own niche... knowing what the oldest is up to... and trying to feel their way around this world while becoming who THEY are...
My second born has certainly kept me busy. She has been so easy going through everything and I am eternally grateful for that. She has been teaching me and showing me strength. She has a brave face. She has a strong will. She won't let you down. She won't let herself down. She is an amazing kid and I am one lucky lady to be able to say I AM HER MOM! Everyone needs a little Sydney in their life.....

Where in the World?

Where in the world is this place?

Do you know?

Have you been there?

Do you know anyone who has ever been there?

What is it called?

How long do you think you would survive there?

Five Question Friday

I have not participated in a five question friday in quite some time! So, hop on over and visit Mama M. and join in the fun! It's the WEEKEND! And a 3 day weekend at that! WOOHOO!

1. What is the one thing that you reach for the most in a day (excluding phones and computers)?

My Soda! Diet Pepsi usually!!! (and this is excluding grabbing my rabid son from one disaster or another)

2. What is the farthest you have been from home?

I used to live in Waipahu, Hawaii on Oahu. I went to visit it before I lived there though when my dear hubby and I were not married yet! I went for a visit on spring break as he was already stationed out there. I was living in Rhode Island at the time.

3. What kind of cell phone do you have? Love it or hate it?

I dont know!!! LOL! It is a good phone though! has a keyboard. Reddish color.

4. Coke or Pepsi?

PEPSI (Diet please! I consume too many calories as it is!)

5. If you could go back and change anything about your wedding day, what would it be and why?

I got married in Hawaii!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What would you change?! LOL! I guess have it where I grew up so more people could be there and share our day with us!

In the mountains of new hampshire

On the day I entered my 33rd year of life... we decided to go and enjoy the leaves changing color in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. As I turn another year older, the leaves turn color and the tree begins a new phase. I am hoping that there are only good things to come and that I can change. I hope to be healthier in this 33rd year so that I have many more birthdays to come. I wish that the photos could really show you how beautiful the mountains of New Hampshire are at this awesome time of year. I have to say, I think the fall is my favorite of all seasons. EXCEPT when the bitter cold settles in. We had to make the most of the opportunity to head up to the mountains because we do not know where our journey will bring us in 9 months. (NO BABY)... in 9 short months, Chris is due to transfer. We do not know where or what will happen but we need to make sure we make the most of our experience here in the northeast.

If you ever get the chance, you have to see the leaves of the mountains as they change color and give your senses an awesome invigorating sensation! Oh, and the SMELL... I wish I could bottle it up... incredible.

Wordless Wednesday... Leaf Peeping...

Wearing babies is HOT!

ESPECIALLY for DAD's!!!!!!!!!!

I love when my husband wears our son... even at 22 months old I can't get enough of it. The Ergo has been our greatest blessing. A friend of mine let me borrow it and I used to wear Kiley in it when she was nearly 4. And I would push the baby in the stroller (or vice versa)

Now our little man is eager to climb aboard and go for a ride. You cant even tell when he is on you! I was not able to return the Ergo to my friend before she moved to Japan... so, we still have it but it is still getting used to the max! I love that both my husband and myself have mastered getting our son in the Ergo without anyone around to assist. I recommend the Ergo to ANYONE! It has been a life saver for us and will be making the trip to Florida next month! ,

Go check out the girly twins on their daddy and mommy... There is NOTHING like a baby toddler wearing.

Ashley is NOT tone deaf

Tonite while watching television we accidentally switched it to one of those local television stations that often has "fundraising" efforts to "save" the television station. I am sure you all know the channels I am speaking of.
Anyways... it was a beautiful accident to have landed on this station.
This station made bunch of amazing lightbulbs go on in Ashley's little 9 year old brain.
At the beginning of the school year Ashley had decided she wanted to be in the orchestra again and play her Violin. So... like the great mom that I am, I sent the paper back in to school.
THEN... we got the paperwork from the Band. She wanted to be in the band. We attempted to get her to understand the success she has had with her Violin and the opportunities out there for great violinists. We tried to explain what happens when you join the band and the opportunities for kids who are in the band vs. orchestra. Well. She is 9. That didnt matter. What matters is TODAY. So. I sent the paper in to the band director like the good mom that I am and she was selected to play the clarinet in the band. THEN... the day orchestra had practice, her teacher went down to her room and told Ashley she WAS going to be IN the ORCHESTRA. NOT band. She wasnt going to let Ashley go. Ashley of course was a bummed little 9 year old pretty much stomping her feet because she wanted to be in the band.
Of course at her age they cant quite grasp the idea that one day they will be 90 and look back and think "Maybe I should have stuck with the violin". No regrets right?
I tried to explain to Ashley that she could have the band instruments as a hobby and the Violin as her "job" so to speak. We would try and get our hands on some band instruments for FUN and she can just work with the orchestra teacher on getting her Violin lessons and skills.
That sort of made her happy. NOW Sydney has gotten the Cello so it is another instrument Ashley has been able to sort of toy with. She HAS the skills.
So. Tonite on our accidental television mishap... We stumbled upon a man named David Garrett who was playing his Violin... and he is INCREDIBLE. For a pledge of 70.00 you could get a ticket to his concert in Hartford. Well. We tried. My mom was going to purchase 2 tickets for Ashley as a birthday gift so I could bring her to see David. Well. We didnt get tickets. After much research tonite I know why. This man has set the world record for being the fastest violinist. He has been playing since he was 4 years old and has not mastered the Violin. He plays on a multimillion dollar Violin. Amazing. Ashley is enamored. She was SOLD when she heard him playing smooth criminal on his Violin. The lights went on. She GETS it... SHE SEES now what practice and hard work can get you. She pulled the seat closer to the television and was gone. She was in the zone. She has a new idol. When she got the opportunity she went to her room and reappeared in the living room with her trusty 3/4 Violin. She thought for a minute... and then... there it was.... she played the beginning of Michael Jackson's smooth criminal in under a minute. WITHOUT looking at anything. This child is amazing. She just might have some talent! I am SO glad she stuck with the violin and didnt act like she was so completely stuck in the mud and wasnt going to budge in her decision to join the band.
I hope to one day get her to see David Garrett but, I dont know that my wallet would survive a ticket sale!!! The 70.00 tickets were a DEAL.
My kid GETS IT... SHE SEES that she can play ANYTHING on her violin. She doesnt have to practice what the teacher shows them in their little handbook. SHE CAN DO IT. She can hear a note and quickly place it CORRECTLY on her instrument! She is incredible.

I know why...

people think about military wives the way they do.

I guess you could say I was ignorant that people could be so selfish and self indulgent?

I guess you could say I thought that almost everyone who went to the alter to get married really believed the words they spoke.

I guess you could say that I have been completely mistaken.

I am absolutely disgusted with the things that have been going on around me.

And, this stuff... is not just the wives. So, the stigma should include husbands as well.

I hardly leave my house but all gossip makes its way to my ears and I am often picking my jaw up off the floor.

I just dont understand.

Why? Why? Why?

IF you decide you are wanting to take the plunge in to marriage... do it with the strong belief that your love is everlasting.

LISTEN to the words you say.

DON't just HEAR them.

When you make a commitment before the Lord.... STICK TO IT....

What is the deal with "Open" Marriage?

WHY on earth would you get married?

WHY?

When your husband is away, it doesn't mean you get to play?

The things I hear are DISGUSTING...

What example are you trying to set for the children at your feet?

If you want to have a relationship with someone other than your SPOUSE... GET DIVORCED.

I take the vows I spoke SERIOUSLY and to watch people disregard the vows they took is pathetic.

Did you do it for the dress?

Did you do it for the gifts?

Did you do it because you like a party?

Did you want to be the center of attention?

Was it the shoes?

Was it the BENEFITS?

Was it the "FREE" housing?

Was it for the adventure?

YOU ARE NOT SINGLE when you are MARRIED.

There are people who would LOVE to have everlasting love.

There are people who would LOVE to be a good example for children at their feet!

I understand some people are able to work through an extramarital affair and make it work out. GOOD FOR YOU!

Seriously.

YOU RECALL the reason you got married.

Would I ever be able to forgive my husband?

The answer is NO.

I have not been in the situation but I am not tolerant of it.

At all.

People who are habitual cheaters.

People who have excuse after excuse for their downfalls are ridiculous.

People who walk with their heads held high as if they did nothing wrong disgust me.

They lie.

They cheat.

They set a bad example.

Then they have their spouse return home and what?

Oh, they smack a kiss on the person's lips as if they have done no wrong.

I will not ever accept that what these people are doing is ok.

If your marriage is bad, there are things you can do about it. BEFORE you go and give your body/mind and/or soul to another person.