Goodbye 2012

This year has been a full one, that's for sure. Many many happy times, some scary times, firsts, tears, etc. I like to think that we all learned so much about ourselves and our accomplishments this year. McKenna in her dance class, McKaela in really opening up with her speech and personality, Maisie with a whole lot of firsts; words, steps, birthday! We, as a family, have learned that goodbye's are the hardest but the reuniting makes it all worth it. 

Mark is already gone back to VA so he was not able to spend New Years with us this year. The girls and I went to my in-law's house and ate dinner and set off some fireworks.

And I think that this last picture sums up our year. We had a wonderful 2012 but are looking forward to 2013 with great amusement! Happy New Year's followers! 

P.S. Just in case you are wondering, I'm not sad that I can't kiss my husband on New Years, I'm proud because he is selfless enough to put the nation before himself.

Cleaning and Organizing

Well, today was VERY productive! I took the girls to Margie's this morning and I spent the day cleaning and organizing. I didn't feel that it was, but goodness, after everything I KNOW that it was!!

After 5 hours, however, this is what I accomplished...

Fair enough, Jacksonville, fair enough. You host some people whom I wish you wouldn't. You host some people with whom I wish 'delete' and they would. But all in all, having grandparents in home and a mile down the street is amazing!!

Sad, sad day

Well, Mark has gone back to Virginia. He left this evening. First off, however, let me backtrack...Sunday night I was sick. Daddy was sick. Eric was sick. However, I am the only one who threw up. Last night, however, Mark got it. He was sick last night and today. In fact, mom  was sick, too. He never threw today but he slept pretty much up until we had to get ready to leave for the airport. He woke up and said, "I have good news and bad news." "Um..ok, what is the good news?" "I feel better." "Yay! Bad news?" "I wasted most of the day." :( Nonetheless, we had to take him to the airport and it was so hard. It was hard enough when I was taking him to the dock by myself or with a 2 week old baby but it was just about murder taking him with a 4 year old, 2.5 year old, and a 1 year old. The older two know what is going on and he is kind of attached so it was much MUCH harder. We got to the airport and McKenna had fallen asleep so he woke her up....

(McKaela)

 (McKenna)

I know that you are wondering where Maisie is but she sits in the middle and him giving her a hug and me getting a pic through tears is not as easy as you may think.

McKenna had a hard time and cried as he got out of the truck and on the way home but she is a trooper and she understands and is doing amazing!

 

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas, Readers!!!! I hope that your day has been a wonderful one!!! Mine has been wonderful! It started on a laugh...I told Eric that the girls always woke up between 0700 and 0800 but they had been waking up closer to 7 lately. So he is up and read to go at 7. Seth was here and ready to go. So they are all waiting on us to get up and see what Santa has brought. Eric is ready to wake up and trying to wake us up so he comes into the living room and grabs a couple of the chocolate coins and throws them at McKenna and McKaela......it doesn't work. LOL However, *I* wake up and wake the girls up. They had a blast!! It was insane! There was so much going on that McKaela was just overwhelmed. They all had a great time though!

After we opened presents, but before we went to have Christmas with Mark's family, the girls made gingerbread men with Uncle Eric.

Christmas with Mark's family was just as good and the girls were spoiled, once again. All in all, it was an amazing Christmas!! I would have to say, however, the best present of all this year, was Mark. We have had our fair share of time and holidays apart, I know just how lucky we are.

'Twas the Night Before Christmas

Blackhawk

If you ever get the chance and are in Jacksonville, go look at the Christmas lights in Blackhawk off of Girvin Rd., they are so great!!! It is beautiful!! We went tonight after church and only made it through half of them before it started getting too late and the truck started acting funny. Just be prepared for it to take a while because there are so many people! It is so much fun though! Everyone is so happy and a lot of the residents are out in their yards watching everyone go by and partying themselves. I wish our truck hadn't been acting so funny because I would have loved to see the other half.

Jacksonville Zoo Lights

We took the girls to Zoo Lights at the zoo tonight! They were SO excited.....*I* was SO excited! LOL It was a good time and we had a great time but I was a bit disappointed.I'm not really sure why or what I was expecting but I felt like I waited in lines more than anything. The lights that they have are fun but...I don't know.The train ride is a one way ride do you get on at the beginning, it takes you to the back, let's you off, and you walk. It might not be so bad if you do it first thing and work yourself forward but, again, the line was already forever long. The Polar Express ride, you have to be 42" to ride but the line was so long that McKenna and I didn't eve get to ride. They had jump castles but there were so many people that we didn't even attempt those. The line to see Santa, we won't even go there!! It was so long that we didn't even attempt to see him. I am not sure how long the line was but the lines for the Polar Express and the Train were 45 minutes a piece. And this is not even considering the snack bars! Those, too, were IN-SANE!!! All in all, the girls had fun but I was a bit disappointed. I wish that I could pinpoint exactly what it is that I expected but I can't. I just left feeling like it was almost a waste. :( Oh and because of the freeze the giraffes were not out. The stingrays were open.....but they only feed them during the day so the rays don't want anything to do with you. All of that being said, I am glad that the zoo started doing something for Christmas but there is definitely room for improvement. BUT room for improvement is a good thing!! I just know that next year is going to be even better!!!

It's the End of the World!!

Here are a few of my favorite pictures of the day...

4. 

3. 

2. 

and my favorite...

1. 

Here We Go Again

Wow, what a day!! It started out pretty good until Maisie just started deteriorating fast and before long was just miserable so we took her to Urgent Care...the left ear was "a little red" but the right one, the one that we went for anyway, was bulging. I got a "good job" from the doctor for noticing that something was very wrong and bringing her right in. Yes, that was a proud moment. haha Then we went to pick up her antibiotics and ear drops, that was a hassle. We went to Walgreens but they don't accept Tricare anymore so we went to Publix and they didn't have the drops but they had another brand so they had to call the doctor and ask if those would be ok and if so they needed them to fax over the prescription...goodness, what a mess. After that we came home we ordered pizza because by this time no one felt like leaving the house again or cooking, and now all three babies are down. *whew* I am exhausted.

So Many Questions!!!

So the world is supposed to be ending tomorrow huh? That's too bad. I never found out who let the dogs out, the way to get to Sesame Street, why Dora doesn't just use Google maps, why we don't ever see the headline "Psychic Wins Lottery", why women can't put on mascara with their mouth closed, why "abbreviated" is such a long word, why lemon juice is made with artificial flavor yet dishwashing liquid is made with real lemons, why they sterilize the needle for lethal injections, why do you have to "put your two cents in" but it's only a "penny for your thoughts"? Where's that extra penny going to? Why did Joanie love Chachi? If a deaf person has to go to court is it still called a hearing? Can a hearse carrying a corpse drive in the carpool lane? Does the alphabet song and twinkle twinkle little star have the same tune? Why did you just try to sing those two previous songs? And just what is Victoria's secret? You see, the world just has to keep going. I have too many questions!!!!

(I did not write this...I wish I did but, alas, I did not.)

I'm accomplished!!!! But a terrible friend.

Oh my goodness, I feel so accomplished today! Woke up, showered, went to lunch, got 2 (yes, TWO) of the girls down for a nap, cancelled Banfield coverage (still have my dogs but found a good vet with better prices), got new PCMs for the girls and I, got dental coverage for the girls and I, AND updated DEERS. *whew* 

That being said, I completely got my days and dates mixed up and messed up and TODAY is the wedding of a good friend of mine. I thought that it was Saturday!! I had the weekend all worked and planned out. :( I am so upset. I can't believe that I am missing one of the most wonderful days in her life!! I so wish that I was there to share it with her. :( Congratulations, I miss and love you, Amy Variell-now-Thayer!!!!

DA-DA!!

My husband got in late last night, the girls were already in bed long asleep when we got home, actually. He went in and kissed them, told them that he loved them, and then we went to bed. Now, he bought them U.S. Navy Pillow Pets so we put them in our room at the end of the bed for in the morning; we didn't want them moving around and kicking the pillow pet to the floor. So Baby M wakes up at about 6am and notices that he is there and from then on until she woke everyone up she yelled, "DA-DA! DA-DA! DA-DA!" It wasn't too long that McK1 and 2 came in and yelled, "DADDY!!!!!!!" It was such a glorious reunion! Though *I* could have done with a later time than 6. SO. TIRED.!!!

Answers

The answers to your questions? Yes WAS able to come home for Christmas. He was NOT wearing his blues (boo!!). He was NOT too tired. He DID come with presents. And, no, he was NOT able to wait to give them to us. The girls will get theirs in the morning when they wake up but *I* got an iPad 3!!!! Totally NOT expecting that one!!!! Yes, my husband is pretty awesomely amazing!! And, yes, I do know just how lucky I am.

All I want for Christmas, is you!

My husband WAS able to take time off of the ship and spend Christmas with us!!! How awesome is that?! I absolutely cannot wait to see what he has in store!!! He gets in tonight at about 11 and I can't hardly wait!!!! Will he be wearing his blues? Will he not?? Will he be tired? Will he not?? Just a few more hours and I will see!!!!!!

Another Ear Infection?!

Well, I am exhausted. McKaela went to bed at 7p last night and at 11p she woke up crying. I thought that maybe it was because Mark wasn't here but she kept scratching he ear. I tried not to notice but there was no getting around it. She would fall asleep and within minutes she was crying again. I was so tired and so frustrated initially because she would not even tell me anything was wrong or anything hurt. I didn't want her waking her sisters up plus I figured that if it was an ear infection sitting up would feel better so I brought her to the couch. It didn't matter. She still cried. It wasn't until 4am that she passed out cold. And of course by the time that I was able to fall asleep Maisie started to cry. I settled her and she went right back out....and so did I. I got a couple of hours of sleep before McKenna and Maisie woke up for the day and when I checked on McKaela she was burning up! I had already decided but it was now confirmed that as soon as Urgent Care opened I was taking her in. I did so and it was confirmed...ear infection. I made it almost 4 years without any ear infections at all whatsoever and here it is, the second one in about a month. *sigh*

"Let the little children come to me..."

Today is another day that will make the history books. I am sad to announce that this is the 3rd major school/church shooting in lifetime so far and I hope to never go through another one! My first was the Columbine school shooting. I was in high school and remember just watching the news and crying. The second was the Wedgwood church shooting in Fort Worth, TX. I, again, was in high school and this one hit close to home because I was supposed to be there. It was a See You At The Pole rally and my youth group was supposed to be there. At the last minute my youth minister made the announcement that we were not going to be going because he felt that we were not supposed to go. I remember him saying that he didn't know why but he felt that God was telling him that we were not to go. It was during Backstage, our weekly youth service, that someone came in and let us know that there had been a shooting during the rally. I remember immediately breaking down in tears and falling to my knees and praying. All I could think was "I was supposed to be there" and "Thank you, God, that Johnny followed your direction....that could have been me/us." I went home that night and turned on the TV and just watched...in shock...tears streaming down my face. I don't remember much more of that night. I don't remember turning off the TV. I don't remember going to bed. I DO remember my grandfather calling to see how I was and I was just in a trance the entire time on the phone. I didn't say much more than "uh-huh.....yeah.....ok..." and I remember him praying with me..though I don't remember what was said. It was a horrible feeling and one that I hoped I would never have to go through again. Then comes today. I can't say that it is the exact same, seeing as though I am not in CT so I wasn't supposed to be at the elementary school but I am a mom and as soon as I heard my heart broke. All I keep thinking is why?! Why babies?? 20 children..TWENTY 5 to 10 year olds!!! What did they do to you?? Then I find out the guy who did it was a parent (he wasn't but at the time that came out...) and it was "what?! How could a parent do that?" but at the same time thinking "well maybe the mother was keeping the child from him and he felt "if I can't have mine than no one can have theirs." Make sense? Not really but to my human brain it was an excuse that made more sense than anything. Then it comes out that the shooter was 20 years old. Ok, so not a parent...but his mom was a teacher at the school. Ok, still doesn't make sense but at the same time does make sense; he got mad at her and decided to "hurt her" by shooting her kids and then her. Nope. Wrong again. The mom *was* found dead....AT HER HOUSE. Um....WHAT?! And the brother in the woods and the fact that the shooter wore a bulletproof vest yet killed himself.......IT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE!!!!

So what *does* make sense, you ask? God is in control. He makes sense. Someone made the comment on Facebook today that the events of today are the reason that he doesn't believe that "everything happens for a reason." Well, I can see that. I am angry, too, but I also remember that God is in control and we don't know His plan. He says in John 9:3, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life."  We don't know God's plan but He is the Ultimate and He knows what He is doing. If one person comes to know Christ as their personal savior through all of this then it is all worth it. Sound bad? I agree, but maybe this is the something that it takes to ensure that one person who has ignored all other calls from Christ will live eternal life with Him. Don't you think that these little children, who may have known Christ, some were too young to understand, and other were never given the opportunity to know Him, are now sitting on Jesus' knee talking to Him and rejoicing that their mother/father/brother/sister/whomever are now going to be joining them one day?? These children have seen the face of God and touched His nail-pierced hands! We are hurting here on earth wishing we had them with us to hold and to kiss but they are sitting up there with God pleading for us to accept Him so that we, too, can all join them and hear the story one day of how they went from being scared and fearful to an instant of the most overwhelming peace they never knew existed!! Don't get me wrong,  I am as confused and angry and brokenhearted as the next parent but I also believe that God is in control and He knows all of the answers and if I trust in Him than one day I, too, will know those answers.

Do you know that if you were to die you would be standing hand in hand with Jesus?

Romans 3:23  "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

We all have sin in our hearts. We all were born with sin.  

We were born under the power of sin's control.

- Admit that you are a sinner.

Romans 6:23a  "...The wages of sin is death..."

Sin has an ending.  It results in death.  We all face physical death, which is a result of sin.  But a worse death is spiritual death that alienates us from God, and will last for all eternity.  The Bible teaches that there is a place called the Lake of Fire where lost people will be in torment forever.   It is the place where people who are spiritually dead will remain.

- Understand that you deserve death for your sin.

Romans 6:23b  "...But the gift of God is eternal

life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Salvation is a free gift from God to you!  You can't

earn this gift, but you must reach out and receive it.

- Ask God to forgive you and save you.

Romans 5:8,  "God demonstrates His own love for us, in

that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us!"

When Jesus died on the cross He paid sin's penalty. He paid the price for all sin, and when He took all the sins of the world on Himself on the cross, He bought us out of slavery to sin and death! The only condition is that we believe in Him and what He has done for us, understanding that  we are now joined with Him, and that He is our life.  He did all this because He loved us and gave Himself for us!

- Give your life to God... His love poured out in Jesus on the cross is your only hope to have forgiveness and change.  His love bought you out of being a slave to sin.  His love is what saves you --  not religion, or church membership.  God loves you!

Romans 10:13  "Whoever will call on the name of the Lord  will be saved!"

- Call out to God in the name of Jesus!

Romans 10:9,10  "...If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, you shall be saved; for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting  in salvation."

- If you know that God is knocking on your heart's door,

ask Him to come into your heart.

Jesus said,

Revelation 3:20a "Behold I stand at the door and knock, if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him..."

- Is Jesus knocking on your heart's door?

Will you answer? Did you answer? Have you answered? If you have not or you are not sure, please talk to someone who can help you understand and answer His call. Christ is knocking, will you answer Him?

Thankfulness Day 27

Day 27 - Today I am thankful for warm fuzzies. Sometimes they come when we least expect it and other times they come when we watch Hallmark Channel Christmas movies. <--i love="love" p="p" them.="them.">

Thankfulness Day 26

Day 26 - Today I am thankful for Day/NyQuil. I was over the flu before we left on the cruise but it seems that most everyone else got a cold so I am feeling pretty bad again. Great. Some family, huh? ;) However, after some Quil, I am feeling a bit better.

Thankfulness Day 25

Day 25 - Today I am thankful for our Calvary family. We may not be in Moncks Corner right now but they are still a big part of our hearts. 

Thankfulness Day 24

Day 24 - Today I am thankful for air conditioning. Last night some of Mark's cousins and I stayed up to play a game and the cruise line actually turned off the AC at one point!! It got HOT. We, no lie, congregated in the hallway because it was SO hot in the rooms!! So I am thankful for AC and the control of it!!!

You Are Blessed!

Have you ever stopped to think about just how blessed you are? So many time we allow the stresses of life to get the best of us and overtake us. YOU ARE BLESSED!!  No matter the tough times you may go through. You are!! Did you wake up to another day today? Another breath? Another meal? Another laugh? Don't let the stresses of every day life take over your life. Remember, you were given another day to live, to love, and to laugh. YOU, my friend, ARE BLESSED!

How do you remind yourself to breathe and remember that you are blessed? What or who is it that you can always count on to remind you?

Thankfulness Day 22

Day 22 - Today, I am thankful courage!! We went sailing today and it was AWESOME! I wasn't as scared as I was when we went white water rafting but I was a bit nervous.......it was amazing! I had SO much fun!! I also have to say that Mark is my courage. He pushes me to my limits and sometimes farther and I love him for it. (Zip-lining will NEVER make the list though! No, sir! No, thank you!!!!)

Sailing

I sailed today!! Like, honest to goodness, was the crew of a sailboat! My boat was The Stars and Stripes and we were competing in the American Cup race...well, a reenactment. Apparently, the Americans held the American Cup until 1983 when Australia won it from us. We held it for, like, 131 YEARS! Pretty awesome, huh? I didn't know that until today but, um, awesome!! I was a Wench on the crew but I had a job to do...not what you think. haha I actually helped with the sails and all. It was incredible! How many people can really say that they have been on the crew of a sailboat before??? Well, this girl can now! And I had a blast!! I wasn't too nervous initially but once I heard that we would be tilted like 20-25 degrees one side or the other when turning it made me stop and go "um..." But it was nothing like I suspected! No fear at all!! Oh my goodness, I'd do it again! Kind of like white water rafting, I suppose. I was SUPER nervous then and have the pictures to prove it. Haha But I'd do it again...I think. *wink* Anyway, awesome, AWESOME!! 

Do you face your fears or do you run from them?

A Perfect Husband

So, as every woman in a happy marriage says, I pretty much have the best husband EVER! Not only does he put the girls and I first but he does whatever he can to make us (me) happy. He truly realizes that "if mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy." What brings this post on?  You ask? You always say that. You say. Well, tonight we are on our Thanksgiving family reunion cruise and while I normally want to go to the shows, especially the comedians, I really didn't feel like going so Mark, though I'm sure he didn't necessarily want to, went. He left it up to me and offered. Such a good man. 

There are not too many men these days who put their wives before themselves and I am lucky, and honored, to say that I have one of them. He is pretty much the epitome of a good man, a great husband, and a perfect gentleman (most of the time. *wink*).

Excuses, Excuses!!

So many times people are under the impression that cruise means one or two things; 1. It is uber expensive and they, therefore, cannot afford it or 2. You can't do it with children, much less young children. I used to think that way but have sense learned that both of those are just excuses. First off, the money. Just think about how much you spend going to Disney World/Land. You drive or fly there, you pay admission (which, worth it albeit, is astronomical, even for FL, and I am sure CA, residents), you pay for a hotel/motel, you pay for food and souvenirs in the park, etc. You're looking at hundreds of dollars! For the same amount, and usually cheaper, you can get a stateroom on a ship, pay your gratuities (usually about $10 a day per person), and your entertainment and meals are free. Sure, there are restaurants you can pay for onboard, if you or your child(ren) want a Coke you pay for it (or you can get a soda card for the week for about $40-$50 that allows unlimited cokes and juices, OR bring them on yourself! You can bring on a small amount of drinks. We usually bring a case of water and a 12-pack. Now, for you adults who wish to indulge in some "adult beverages", sure, you can buy them OR there are ways to sneak bring them on (we'll get into that another time, if you wish)! Not to mention, you are allowed a bottle of wine per adult so there you go (just be sure to bring a cork screw or they charge you something like $10-$15 in a corkage fee..sneaky sneaky, huh?) Other than that, some of the best times I have had in port is when we just browsed and shopped or got a cab to take us around on our own. You don't HAVE to do the excursions, and if you want to than look out in town because it is usually much cheaper to do it that way than to go through the cruise line. 

Next, cruising with kids/young kids. We have cruised with my oldest since she was 6 months old and it has never been a problem. Sure, we usually go along with my inlaw's or parents and that helps but it can SO be done with just mommy and daddy! Not only are there shows and food and ice cream but they usually have a kids camp as well where you can take your kids and drop them off and the staff play with them and take them on tours of the ship and make crafts. It is awesome! AND they give you a pager of a walkie-talking so that if your child is done and needs you they can get ahold of you. For the older kids, they have dance clubs and arcades and parties especially for them. All in all, it CAN be done and the only stress is what you put on yourself. 

Don't fall victim to the excuses and the rumors and get out there, get on a boat, and have some fun!

Thankfulness Day 21

Day 21 - Not coughing!!!! I still have a slight cough but it is nothing like it was!

Thankfulness Day 20

Day 20 - Family. I don't mean family that I was born into but family that I married into and have accepted me fully as I am. Not many people can say that but even just these past few nights on this cruise have reminded me once again how great it is to be accepted by a family with whom you chose, and whom chose to accept you.

Thankfulness Day 19

Day 19 - Days at sea. I love days at sea when I can just do what I want, when I want, and not have to go through security or customs. I LOVE sea days!!!!

Thankfulness Day 18

Day 18 - Today I am thankful for early arrivals. We got to the cruise terminal early and did not have to wait in any lines hardly at all!!! With 3 children ages 3, 2, and 1, that is quite a blessing!!

Thankfulness Day 17

Day 17 - Taxi drivers!!! I have taken taxis not only all over the US but also abroad and O.M.G. there are times I know I would die if I were the one driving!!! Holy cannoli!!! So on this day, I thank God for them!!!!

Thankfulness Day 16

Day 16 - I am thankful for pilots. Those men and women (though all of my pilots ever have been men..*shrugs*) who sacrifice parts of their lives to travel the world so that I don't have to drive for days.

Thankfulness Day 15

Day 15 - I'm thankful for my fellow CM MODS. Most of you who read this will not understand but those who do will know that those fellow MODS are not just faceless but they are friends. You ladies have been there through a lot and without you I would have gone crazy! You know who you are and you know that I love you.

Thankfulness Day 14

Day 14 - I am thankful for Facebook where I have reconnected with SO many old friends that otherwise I would have lost touch with all together. Also, for connecting me with family where I can keep up on the engagements, weddings, pregnancies, and babies. 

Thankfulness Day 13

Day 13 - I am thankful for my dogs. They are a mess and have caused me more stress and near-heartattack's than I can even count but they have been there with and for me through many times when I needed them. No matter how many times they run away, don't listen, knock my drinks over, eat off of my plate, they are also the ones who were there through my stalker (alerted me a time or two even), Mark's many underway's and deployments, and they have been there to give me laughter, smiles, and kisses when I was having a bad day; both along with and before kids. And for them...I am eternally grateful!

Thankfulness Day 12

Day 12 - I am thankful for modern technology. We are so blessed to have the technology that we have today; cell phones, email, computers, internet, video games, etc. Mark had to go back to South Carolina today to get one more load of stuff and to check out of work tomorrow morning and on the way he listened to an audio book on the iPod through the truck stereo, and he was able to call me a few times on the road to check in, let me know how things were going, and tell me he loves me. And once he got to the house, where nothing is hooked up, mind you, he was able to hook up his laptop to the TV and play video games to pass the time all while texting me. And while he is deployed we will be to email and he will be able to call (hopefully) a few times. These are all recent advancements in the grand scheme of things and I thank God that He has given the people who came up with and perfected these technologies the brains to do so. Sure, technology can be used to evil but what can't in this day in age? Technology, for me and my family, has been a blessing.

Thankfulness Day 11

Day 11 - I am sure that this is a cliche' today but I am thankful for our men and women in uniform, both past and present. We had a little exhibit at church tonight after the service and some men and women of the church set up tables with awards and pictures and memorabilia from their time in service and it was amazing to see some of the stuff! Mark and I set up a table as well and it was just so nice to see so many people who have devoted their lives to serve a country who many times have a funny way of showing their appreciation. These men and women give up their civil liberties so that we can keep ours and all too many times it goes unnoticed. Now, I am not saying that these men and women do it for the recognition but they deserve to be recognized every opportunity that arises.

Thankfulness Day 10

Day 10 - I am thankful for Aunts and Uncles who spoil my children. haha My Aunt Jeanie and Uncle Karl came into town for a family reunion that is going on this weekend and they have spoiled the mess out of my girls...if nothing other than lots of love and fun.  

Thankfulness Day 9

Day 9 - I am thankful for safe travels! Mark and I made the trip from South Carolina down to Florida this afternoon and the trip went beautifully! We were in two vehicles and it was probably a perfect trip! I plugged in my iPod, turned it on shuffle, and jammed out to Backstreet Boys...along with other artists but I never get to jam to BSB anymore! haha 

Thankfulness Day 8

Day 8 - I am thankful for good business people who become friends. Mark and I met a guy when we first moved to South Carolina who is very talented in what he does...which is a little bit of everything! He is our "go-to" when we need anything done around the house...or when my dogs get out and I cannot simply leave 2 children in the house to run around town looking for them. That has happened more than once. haha Anyway, he has been a lifesaver so many times and even now that we are getting our house ready to rent, he is the one who is taking care of everything for us. Without him and his wife (who is the one who designed our beautiful entertainment center and my awesome closet) I am not sure where would be!

Thankfulness Day 7

Day 7 - I am so thankful for Navy. They really do take care of their own. If we had to pack and move everything that we own on our own it would take FOREVER! Being that shore duty is up and we are now going back out to sea, the Navy not only pays for us to move but the movers that they get to come in and move our stuff where ever we want it, essentially, have to pack everything. I loved it last time we moved TO South Carolina and I love it again this time. However, this time I must say, I think that I love it even more because not only do we have more stuff since we have 3 children as opposed to just 1 but I have been so sick that to have to pack and load and move things would have been terrible! So my thankfulness for the day is for the US Navy in doing what they can to take some of the stress off during such a crazy time.

Thankfulness Day 6

Day 6 - Today I am thankful for modern medicine. I don't know if you suffer from migraines but I sure do and they can be so debilitating. I have come down with the flu so along with sneezing, coughing, body aches, fever, chills, sweats, etc. a migraine came along. Not only have I been laid out on the couch all day but I haven't been able to open my eyes because the light has been unbearable. Were it not for some strong pain meds that I have I don't know where I'd be right now. Actually, I do, still laid out on the couch, probably in tears, not being able to sleep from the pain. I know that some people say that all you need is prayer and faith but I say that God knew what he was doing when he gave those men and women the knowledge and intelligence to become doctors and nurses and scientists who have put so much of their lives into finding ways to help people live long comfortable lives. 

Thankfulness Day 5

Day 5 - Today I am thankful for my parents. I have really been blessed with wonderful parents who have always been there and continue to always be there for me whenever I need anything. They have always pushed me to do my best at whatever I do, be my best at whatever I am, and most of all they have taught me that it is ok to not be the best and to fail as long as I did, in fact, do my best. I made mistakes and they let me but they were always right there when my mistakes brought me heartache and pain. My parents have been prime examples of Godly parents, role models, and what it means to have God at the center of a marriage. It is because of them that I know Who holds my tomorrow and because of them that I am ultimately the person that I am today.

Thankfulness Day 4

Day 4 - I am thankful for my husband who always puts our daughters and me before himself. He is probably one of the most selfless people that I know and I thank God every day that He picked Mark out specifically for me. Sure, we have our disagreements at times but who doesn't? And isn't it those disagreements and those hard times that really show you so much about not only yourself but your partner? I don't know where I would be without my husband and I hope that I never have to find out. In his line of work, his call of duty, I know, firsthand, what it is like to NOT have him home at the end of the day and NOT have him home for holidays and NOT know-that-I-know-that-I-know that he *will* be home "tomorrow". I try and cherish each and every moment that I get to spend with him. And along with that I thank God each and every day for those moments. My husband truly is my other half and my better half. He is the one who keeps me on my toes and in check. Where would I be without him, you ask? Not where I am today. 

Thankfulness Day 3

Day 3 - I am thankful for my beautiful daughters who are my life, my world, and my heart. They left today with their grandmother so that Mark and I could get things around the house done and packed up and moved. It was terribly heartbreaking and I was a mess. I don't know how long I cried but it seemed like forever. Usually, it isn't a problem and they are happy to be going to their grandma and grandpa's and Mymy and Poppy's houses but this time McKenna was so strong until she turned to say bye to me and she started crying "I just want to stay with my mommy!" It was SO heartbreaking!! I was a mess all afternoon. :( Going through that, however, just made me love and cherish them even more. I thank God so much that He chose me to be not only *a* mother but my girls' mother. It is because of those three little girls that I am who I am today.

Good Business

I love when businesses do what they can to please their customers. Last night we ordered pizza from Papa John's because I was sick and didn't want to cook. I did, however, want the Spinach Alfredo Chicken Tomato pizza. I placed my order online and about 2 minutes later got a phone call from Papa John's saying that they were out of the grilled chicken that they put on the pizza. Boo! She asked if I wanted to add another toping or get another kind of pizza. Well, I didn't really want anything else (we got a Works pizza as well) so I asked her just to cancel that pizza. She said ok and then looked and asked if I had paid online, I had, she then said that she couldn't cancel it because I had paid online, had I not than she could have. Shoot. I said, "oh..well then..." and she stopped me and said that if I wanted to replace that pizza with another one that she would credit my account with a large pizza so that the next time I order I will have a large pizza on them. Awesome! It really shouldn't shock me or surprise me when things like this happen because you would think that a business would want to and strive to go above and beyond for their customers who keep them in business but so many times today, with all of the entitlement that people feel, we, as customers, get tossed aside. So whether you are a business owner or simply an employee, remember how you like to be treated as a customer and also remember that those customers are the ones that keep you employed! Thank you, Papa John's, for reminding me that there are still businesses out there who care! 

Thankfulness Day 2

Day 2 - I am thankful for my beautiful friends...and the ugly ones. ;) KIDDING! I am very thankful for my friends. I am happy to say that I have friends that have been around since grade school and a few from even before then! Now, are we close or even as close as we used to be? No. But I still consider them friends because although we have moved on and grown up, talking to them is always like we are picking up where we left off. I think that is something that many people tend to not think about, just because you move away or they move away or you lose touch for whatever reason it doesn't mean that you stop being friends. Sure, that happens but if you were ever truly friends than once the opportunity arises where you see that person next or talk to that person next and you pick up right where you left off you can count your blessings that they were, and are, a true friend. 

Thankfulness Day 1

I tried this last year and I think I made it to day 13 before it got pushed to the side. Oops! So this year I am going to try it again and see if I can make it all the way up to Thanksgiving! So let's give this a try, what do you say? Of course, there are so many more things that I am thankful for other than the things mentioned but just to name a few and in no particular order...

Day 1 - I am thankful for a God who loves me unconditionally even though I fail each and every day (usually numerous time). He is always there to catch me when I fall and He never holds a grudge even when the things that I may say, think, or do break His heart. 

A Mother's Intuition

McKenna and McKaela have hidden my baby monitor somewhere, I am assuming the play room somewhere but I can't find it, and, therefore, I have no way of hearing Maisie when she cries. Our bedroom is on the bottom floor and the nursery is on the top floor on the other side of the house. It is hard to hear anything with that range when the nursery door is pushed closed but not latched. If I go into my bedroom and close my door, I will not hear her. Anyway, back to the title at hand, A Mother's Intuition. So my monitor is hidden and I have no way of hearing, or seeing, Maisie when she cries during the night. "But she's sleeping through the night, right?" is what you're asking. The answer is...now. Up until all of this, and it probably was all coincidence, she was waking up once somewhere between midnight and 2AM for a diaper change and milk. Every night after the monitor was lost I prayed "God, please let me hear her if she needs me." The first two nights I heard, nor "heard", nothing. The third night, however, I was woken up at about 3AM to the sound of a baby cry. What?! Is that MY child whom I have not heard in a good two solid nights?! Mind you, I am on the other side of the house  AND downstairs. I was in a deep wonderful sleep and all of the sudden, for no reason, my eyes popped open. I remember thinking, "Why am I awake?" It was at that time that I heard a faint cry. I jumped up and ran to the stairs to listen and see if I was actually hearing her for real or hearing things. There was a cry. It was her. Maisie. As I went up there and picked her up, changed her diaper, and gave her the small amount of milk I remember saying "Thank you so much, God, for waking me up and letting me know that she needed me."

In a world where we are basically told what to do, what not to do, how to do it, and where to go, we have learned not to rely on not only our God-given talents but on our intuition, as well. We, as a society, have lost so much faith in ourselves that we look to someone (or everyone) else to let us know what is ok and what is not, how to do it and how to not. This is just sad and unacceptable, if you ask me. We, as mothers, need to learn that it is ok to trial and error, it is ok to ask for help (I have a problem with this one, to be honest), and most of all to believe in ourselves!! We need to rely on ourselves and, in turn, in God, to know what we need to do. What did they do before video baby monitors? "They slept in the same room and in the same bed", you say. Maybe. But if you are like me and your children are like mine, they do NOT sleep better in our room or in our bed. What I am getting at is that before the technology of video monitors and all, mother's relied on their intuition and their ability to know what their children needed and when they needed it. We need to go back to that!!!!

My charge to you is to give yourselves a chance! I'm not saying to "lose" your monitor and see what happens but rely on yourself and give yourself a chance to know what is best for you and for your child. After all, he/she is YOUR child. A part of YOU. You can do this! And if you come up against something that you just don't know about, please don't hesitate to ask for help in figuring it out. No one will look down on you and those that might are not people that you need to look up to or need in your life anyway.

YOU are awesome! YOU are special. And YOU were handpicked by God for your child.

Sometimes All They Need Is A Little Push

Children, that is. All that my two older girls have wanted to do today is watch Mickey Mouse and Handy Manny (where that came from, I do not know. She just randomly asked to watch it the other day..haha). I turned off the TV and told them to go play. My oldest, 3, pitched a little fit...mind you, this is after she told me that she was bored and wanted someone to play with but then wouldn't play with her sister who wanted to play with her. Aarrgh! Nonetheless, the TV went off and before I lost my temper I told them that Mommy needed a time-out and to find something to do quietly so as to not wake the baby. I then went into my bedroom (right off the living room where they were so I could hear everything) and closed and locked the door. I just stood there. Sure enough, not a minute later, guess who had found something to do and someone to play with? *ding ding* You've got it! A stubborn 3 year old and her little sister (who is also quite stubborn, mind you). 

Sometimes all children need is a little push. A little time to be left alone. Time to be themselves and get their own creative juices flowing. We live in a society where we think that we have to run our children's lives and we have to hover and make sure that they are coloring between the lines and they are playing in the bubble in the yard with the toys and the activities that we have planned for them. We don't give them a chance to be the CHILDREN that they are!! I don't know if you have realized this but being an adult is not all it is cracked up to be. Sure, we get to vote (though some should not be allowed to), we get to drive, we get to buy wine and enjoy it whenever we please, but other than that it really is just a bunch of responsibilities that we never thought about when we were 16 and wanting to "grow up." 

I challenge you this today, dear friends, let your children be children. Let them go outside and make mud pies; don't scare them with "germs" or "bugs". Let them grab a piece of paper and a crayon or a marker or even a pen and just scribble their hearts out! Don't worry about lines or instructions, just let their minds run free! And for heaven's sake, if your child wants to get some friends together and play Red Rover...LET THEM! After all, don't you remember the fun of running full speed at two of your friends only to change directions at the very last second and catch another two off guard? Life is about living it and as much as we want to protect our children, if you hold them too tight, ultimately, you are hurting them more than you may think.  

More Key West Fun

He has a way with birds.

Toucans!

Amazons..

African Gray

I finally got a hold of him!

Pretty cockatoo!

Again, he has a way. smh

A Scarlett and a Blue and Gold

Need I reiterate? haha

He was a showoff!!

Pretty Scarlett.

Key West Pub Crawl

A Sloppy Rita from Sloppy Joe's

A Key Lime Colada from Dirty Harry's

Mark's Bloody Mary from Rick's Bar.

Margarita's from The Bull and Whistle Bar

Drinks and Jello Shots from Fat Tuesday's. We were bought 1-2 more jello shots after this from the owner.

Woo hoo!! Some irresponsible fun!! LOL

Sailing Away!

These are pictures that I took the first day as we officially started our vacation!

And we're off!!!

Our Ship

Coming up on the bridge.

Under the bridge

Almost there...

OFFICIALLY ON VACATION!!!!

Teeny-tiny sailboat. haha

We went right between two rainstorms.

Lover and I