I love DC with a passion. Its one of my favorite places, along with Disney World! Since my family lives in Northern Virginia its always a must place to visit whenever we go home. Last month my great aunt died and though I have very few memories of her, I felt I needed to go home to support my grandfather. So, I found a great deal for the dates I needed and off the boys and I flew to DC. It was James' first plane ride and both boys did a host of firsts while in VA! Will stayed home because he couldn't get off work and had a lot of homework for his classes he needed to get done!
I was nervous about how the plane ride would go, but both boys did great on the first flight. I love flights that have perfect timing between meals and such! The second flight was threw the afternoon and James refuses to take a nap anywhere but at home or in the car- there is just too much going on! So, I knew it might be interesting, but I thankfully had some amazing people on our flight and one guy was more than happy to play with the boys the entire way. He said it was his way of saying thank you for my husband's service! So we made it off the plane just in time for some dinner with Grandma at Taco Bell! The boys passed out on the way back to my parent's house.
Keirnan got to sleep in a regular twin bed with nothing on the sides and did great- he didn't fall out once! Such a big boy! James got his first experience out of a crib or pack and play and did fairly well also! Mom had put the other twin bed on the floor in a corner of 'my' room and he slept there. He didn't fall off the bed until the 3d night! (And thankfully it wasn't a big fall. That was the same day he took 2 tumbles down the stairs! Poor Kid had a really bad day!)
The boys did pretty well at the funeral, I took them out into the hall for the second half of the service, but they sat still for about the first 10-15 minutes, what more can you ask from a 1 year old and a 2 year old!?! After the service, everyone went to my grandparents house. I feel bad saying we had a good time, but we did. I think the general consensus was that though Aunt Effie will be missed, her death brought the wider family together. As my second cousin said- she hadn't seen me since I was 3!! It was nice getting to meet and talk to members of my family I had essentially never met. And the boys had a wonderful time running around Nanny and PopPop's house, which meant so much to me as I want them to know all their great grandparents!
Friday evening we went to Rainbow (IORG) with my parents, for a pot luck and game night. Keirnan's friend Danial was there as well as my friend Erin and her 3 kids. Keirnan loved playing with Daniel, Noah, and Ryan, and James made a friend in Erin's little girl, Ella, who is a few month older than him!
Saturday Mom and I took the boys downtown to the Natural History Museum. It was interesting to say the least! lol James was grumpy on the Metro ride down, but cheered up when we got off the rail (Keirnan LOVED the 'train' ride!) and got some street vendor hot dogs for lunch! We walked the long way around the seriously too big USDA building and across the Mall to the museum in the very cold wind. When we got to the museum, it was all I could do to keep the boys from running off in excitement! We started with the mammals, which Jams loved, moved on to the Humans (Bones) which Keirnan was more than enthralled with, into the ocean and then dinosaurs areas. All of it was a success. Keirnan never stopped running trying to see everything at once. It was such a joy to watch my boys have such a great time in a museum! By the time we finished it was time to head home. James did much better on the Metro ride home, and both boys we're exhausted!
Sunday we all went to the Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum where the boys again ran round trying to everything! My boys love planes and spaceships, especially Keirnan. We even got lucky enough to be up in the tower when an AirFrance A380 came in to land on the runway right next to the museum. That was awesome to see, and made my day! After the museum we just had to make the drive to Fredricksberg for some ice cream. (Yes, we drove 2 hours each way for ice cream!) Carl's had opened for the season the weekend before we got there, so Grandpa had to introduce the boys to his favorite ice cream! They loved it, of course!
Monday evening the flights home were not bad. They weren't good, but they weren't bad! lol That's all I will allow myself to remember about the flights home! I might never get on another plan with my children if I remembered anymore! But we were all very excited to see Daddy waiting for us as we came out of the terminal!
So, that was our visit to DC. My boys got to experience so much, from meeting part of their family to seeing Bones, dinosaurs, and spaceships! And I'm so glad I got to see my family. I miss so much being away from them and hope that one day we'll be much closer and get to see them more! Now, I will eventually get pictures up!
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Monday, February 13, 2012
My Rockin' Body Journey
I am starting week 4 (The final week) of the Rockin' Body program and its been nuts! Ok, really its been a lot of fun, though a bit stressful trying to fit it in everyday. I have really come to love getting in my 45 minutes (give or take) of working out each evening after the boys are in bed! And when it ends this Sunday, I will probably keep at it on a modified level!
What is Rockin' Body? Its one of the many programs by BeachBody, the makers of P90X. And its done by Sean T, who also does the Insanity workouts. He is pretty goofy, but so motivating! Most of their programs are a bit expensive, but this one is only $28, after shipping! I took beginning pictures but forgot to get measurements until a week into it. So, I'm a bit bummed about that, but still can't believe the difference between just a week into it and 3 weeks into it, a couple days ago when I measured myself!
In 2 weeks I lost half an inch in my chest and an entire inch from my waist (read love handles!!!), which I am so stoked about! I am hoping to get rid of the rest of the little bit of chub on my back and thighs so if we do decide to try for kiddo #3 I am down to a good starting place and am already conditioned for working out so I can continue into the pregnancy!
So, how will I be modifying my workouts next week once the program is done you ask? Well, I'll be dropping the dance videos because I am just so white I can't dance to save my life! lol I'll be keeping the "Rock it Out" 45 min. workout 2 nights a week, and the other 3 nights on the week I'll do the 10 minute Abs and 30 minute Booty Buster workouts. Weekends will be my 'rest' days. (maybe I'll go for a run! OMG)
I thought about jumping into TurboFire or Insanity, but decided I am not going to jump into that at the same time we *may* be starting to try to get pregnant! So, I will wait and see what comes with that and keep on keeping with this for now!
The best part of doing this this past month is, I started out having to do the 'modified' moves with no jumping and smaller lunges, but have been able to slowly move off it and am now fully doing each of the moves! I never thought my knees would be able to handle this high intensity type workout again, but I have slowly built them up this month and am so happy about it! Maybe once its all said and done, I'll post the before and after photos. Will, and even I, can see the difference already! I love it!
What is Rockin' Body? Its one of the many programs by BeachBody, the makers of P90X. And its done by Sean T, who also does the Insanity workouts. He is pretty goofy, but so motivating! Most of their programs are a bit expensive, but this one is only $28, after shipping! I took beginning pictures but forgot to get measurements until a week into it. So, I'm a bit bummed about that, but still can't believe the difference between just a week into it and 3 weeks into it, a couple days ago when I measured myself!
In 2 weeks I lost half an inch in my chest and an entire inch from my waist (read love handles!!!), which I am so stoked about! I am hoping to get rid of the rest of the little bit of chub on my back and thighs so if we do decide to try for kiddo #3 I am down to a good starting place and am already conditioned for working out so I can continue into the pregnancy!
So, how will I be modifying my workouts next week once the program is done you ask? Well, I'll be dropping the dance videos because I am just so white I can't dance to save my life! lol I'll be keeping the "Rock it Out" 45 min. workout 2 nights a week, and the other 3 nights on the week I'll do the 10 minute Abs and 30 minute Booty Buster workouts. Weekends will be my 'rest' days. (maybe I'll go for a run! OMG)
I thought about jumping into TurboFire or Insanity, but decided I am not going to jump into that at the same time we *may* be starting to try to get pregnant! So, I will wait and see what comes with that and keep on keeping with this for now!
The best part of doing this this past month is, I started out having to do the 'modified' moves with no jumping and smaller lunges, but have been able to slowly move off it and am now fully doing each of the moves! I never thought my knees would be able to handle this high intensity type workout again, but I have slowly built them up this month and am so happy about it! Maybe once its all said and done, I'll post the before and after photos. Will, and even I, can see the difference already! I love it!
Monday, January 23, 2012
Recent Readings
I have actually gotten some reading done in the past couple weeks. And have really enjoyed all my choices. Talk about eclectic though, a historical romance, classic remake, and adventure!
The first was the romance. I am very particular about what romance novels I read. I usually skip most of the steamy parts and just enjoy the main story. Needless to say, its often hard to find good stories in the romance section. I have a few authors I just love. Johanna Lindsey's Mallory series was my first. I love those Malory's! I also love Jo Beverley and Stephanie Laurens. Between the two The Bastion Club and Company of Rogues are my favorites. My favorite quote is out of a Jo Beverley book! (And I have it quoted in the signature block of my military wives forum, as well as on my Facebook, and Myspace before that!) She even emailed me once to say how much it meant to her that I chose something she wrote as a favorite quote! How cool is that?!?! Anyway, I am currently in love with Stephanie Laurens' Cynister family. I have been rereading the entire series and finally got around to buying the ebook of their protege Giles Chillingworth! It was great seeing him fall!
Next was a book that has been on my shelf for as long as I can remember, though I'd never read it. My parents bought me the book when I was a teenager. Its called "Return to Oz." Its about Dorothy trying to go back to Oz when they need her again, but her granddaughter goes in her place. Its a very interesting story and I wish I had gotten around to it years ago. My favorite part has to be the names of the wizard's son (Ura Wizard) and the wicked witch's daughter (Ima Witch), oh and Itsa, her pet dragon! My sense of the ridiculous was peeked!
The most recent was a Clive Cussler. I have to say the man is a genius when it comes to the sea and adventure on it! I love his 'Oregon Files' books. Juan Cabrillo and his crew are such a dynamic cast of characters! (I love his NUMA Files series also.) This book was about a fanatical environmentalist who tried to create a hurricane and cause a major toxic oil spill to get the world to pay attention to global warming. Its a fast paced chase around the western countries of Africa that does not stop until the very last page!
So, if you are looking for something new and different to read, here are some great authors to check out, wherever your interest lies! As part of my Project 365 is to read every book on my shelves, I know I'll have more to share with you in the future!
The first was the romance. I am very particular about what romance novels I read. I usually skip most of the steamy parts and just enjoy the main story. Needless to say, its often hard to find good stories in the romance section. I have a few authors I just love. Johanna Lindsey's Mallory series was my first. I love those Malory's! I also love Jo Beverley and Stephanie Laurens. Between the two The Bastion Club and Company of Rogues are my favorites. My favorite quote is out of a Jo Beverley book! (And I have it quoted in the signature block of my military wives forum, as well as on my Facebook, and Myspace before that!) She even emailed me once to say how much it meant to her that I chose something she wrote as a favorite quote! How cool is that?!?! Anyway, I am currently in love with Stephanie Laurens' Cynister family. I have been rereading the entire series and finally got around to buying the ebook of their protege Giles Chillingworth! It was great seeing him fall!
Next was a book that has been on my shelf for as long as I can remember, though I'd never read it. My parents bought me the book when I was a teenager. Its called "Return to Oz." Its about Dorothy trying to go back to Oz when they need her again, but her granddaughter goes in her place. Its a very interesting story and I wish I had gotten around to it years ago. My favorite part has to be the names of the wizard's son (Ura Wizard) and the wicked witch's daughter (Ima Witch), oh and Itsa, her pet dragon! My sense of the ridiculous was peeked!
The most recent was a Clive Cussler. I have to say the man is a genius when it comes to the sea and adventure on it! I love his 'Oregon Files' books. Juan Cabrillo and his crew are such a dynamic cast of characters! (I love his NUMA Files series also.) This book was about a fanatical environmentalist who tried to create a hurricane and cause a major toxic oil spill to get the world to pay attention to global warming. Its a fast paced chase around the western countries of Africa that does not stop until the very last page!
So, if you are looking for something new and different to read, here are some great authors to check out, wherever your interest lies! As part of my Project 365 is to read every book on my shelves, I know I'll have more to share with you in the future!
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Ours
Taylor Swift is such an amazing artist. She is too cute for wards, has a beautiful voice, and her songs always touch me! Her latest song "Ours" is one of those songs that I feel describes a part of me so well! In this case its my relationship with my husband. So many people over the years have thrown doubt our way, but while its not a perfect love, its ours and perfect for us!
Elevator buttons and morning air
Stranger's silence makes me wanna take the stairs
If you were here, we'd laugh about their vacant stares
But right now, my time is theirs
Seems like there's always someone who disapproves
They'll judge it like they know about me and you
And the verdict comes from those with nothing else to do
The jury's out, but my choice is you
So don't you worry your pretty little mind
People throw rocks at things that shine
And life makes love look hard
The stakes are high, the water's rough, but this love is ours
You never know what people have up their sleeves
Ghosts from your past gonna jump out at me
Lurking in the shadows with their lip gloss smiles
But I don't care 'cause right now you're mine
And you'll say don't you worry your pretty little mind
People throw rocks at things that shine
[ From: http://www.elyrics.net/read/t/taylor-swift-lyrics/ours-lyrics.html ]
And life makes love look hard
The stakes are high, the water's rough, but this love is ours
And it's not theirs to speculate if it's wrong and
Your hands are tough but they are where mine belong in
I'll fight their doubt and give you faith with this song for you
'Cause I love the gap between your teeth
And I love the riddles that you speak
And any snide remarks from my father about your tattoos will be ignored
'Cause my heart is yours
So don't you worry your pretty little mind
People throw rocks at things that shine
And life makes love look hard
And don't you worry your pretty little mind
People throw rocks at things that shine
But they can't take what's ours, they can't take what's ours
The stakes are high, the water's rough, but this love is ours
Elevator buttons and morning air
Stranger's silence makes me wanna take the stairs
If you were here, we'd laugh about their vacant stares
But right now, my time is theirs
Seems like there's always someone who disapproves
They'll judge it like they know about me and you
And the verdict comes from those with nothing else to do
The jury's out, but my choice is you
So don't you worry your pretty little mind
People throw rocks at things that shine
And life makes love look hard
The stakes are high, the water's rough, but this love is ours
You never know what people have up their sleeves
Ghosts from your past gonna jump out at me
Lurking in the shadows with their lip gloss smiles
But I don't care 'cause right now you're mine
And you'll say don't you worry your pretty little mind
People throw rocks at things that shine
[ From: http://www.elyrics.net/read/t/taylor-swift-lyrics/ours-lyrics.html ]
And life makes love look hard
The stakes are high, the water's rough, but this love is ours
And it's not theirs to speculate if it's wrong and
Your hands are tough but they are where mine belong in
I'll fight their doubt and give you faith with this song for you
'Cause I love the gap between your teeth
And I love the riddles that you speak
And any snide remarks from my father about your tattoos will be ignored
'Cause my heart is yours
So don't you worry your pretty little mind
People throw rocks at things that shine
And life makes love look hard
And don't you worry your pretty little mind
People throw rocks at things that shine
But they can't take what's ours, they can't take what's ours
The stakes are high, the water's rough, but this love is ours
Friday, January 6, 2012
Keep Your Enemies Closer
I've been thinking about this topic for awhile now, but haven't actually written it because I didn't want it to be a complaint, or construed as whining! Because some of my closest friends seem to think I'm the world's biggest complainer and are regularly telling me to stop whining. The funny thing is its usually while I'm stating a fact, not even an opinion, none the less a complaint! So, this is my attempt to write this without it coming off as a complaint!
I recently was talking to a friend and she said she never saw me as the one to be a stay at home mom while we were growing up. The way she said it was almost scornful, like she expected more from me and I made a bad choice in how I chose to live my life. The funny thing is, I didn't see my life this way either. I always knew I would marry a military man, and I always wanted a family, but I ALWAYS thought I would have a career also. God had a different plan for me and I struggled for a few years trying to figure out what that plan was after college.
He has blessed me by finding a way for me to stay home with my children in their early years. I know if I had a choice, I would be at work full time and my boys would be in day care. I still struggle some days to remember that I am envied by so many because I get to stay home with my boys. We are blessed enough to be able to live comfortably on just my husband's salery. (Though I'll admit we'd be a lot more comfortable if we didn't have the credit card debt, but that is for another day, and I don't regret $1 put onto those cards!)
Needless to say, after that conversation I really looked at our relationship. I didn't like where it had gone over the past 10 years, and as a result I decided it was time to move on. I deleted her from my Facebook friend list! I wondered if she would say anything, or even notice, but I guess I wasn't that important to her since I haven't heard from her in the couple months since doing so!
The conversation was with another long standing friend present, she agreed, and went on to make a few comments that bothered me, so at the same time I signed off the first friendship, I signed off this one too. The only response I got from her was a quick note saying she would get a book of mine she had back to me asap. That really hurt.
These two friends were two of my oldest friendships, they were the girls I grew up with, but things first started going south with our friendships almost 10 years ago. It became noticeable at my wedding, since they were my Maid of Honor and my Bridesmaid. You know there is a problem when you are saying by the day of the wedding, I should have chosen different attendants! Well, being my stubborn self, I didn't! Such is life, and we learn. So 8.5 years later I have learned that they are my past, and just as my adulthood is something very different from what I imagined, so are my friends!
Its beyond hard to let go of your oldest friends, especially two at the same time, but life changes, we change, and we can't dwell in the past. So, after a good cry over lost friends, I moved on. It took some time, but now 5 months after starting this, I have become accustomed to it and have found I can enjoy memories and finally let go completely!
As I start this new year, its with a great many good friends who may not have known me as a child, but know me now, and are happy to be friends with who I am. For that I am eternally thankful. Because while I have an amazing husband, two beautiful and smart little boys, and a bevy of friends who care about me, they are still trying to find their way. I pray they will find it and find the kind of happiness I have!
I recently was talking to a friend and she said she never saw me as the one to be a stay at home mom while we were growing up. The way she said it was almost scornful, like she expected more from me and I made a bad choice in how I chose to live my life. The funny thing is, I didn't see my life this way either. I always knew I would marry a military man, and I always wanted a family, but I ALWAYS thought I would have a career also. God had a different plan for me and I struggled for a few years trying to figure out what that plan was after college.
He has blessed me by finding a way for me to stay home with my children in their early years. I know if I had a choice, I would be at work full time and my boys would be in day care. I still struggle some days to remember that I am envied by so many because I get to stay home with my boys. We are blessed enough to be able to live comfortably on just my husband's salery. (Though I'll admit we'd be a lot more comfortable if we didn't have the credit card debt, but that is for another day, and I don't regret $1 put onto those cards!)
Needless to say, after that conversation I really looked at our relationship. I didn't like where it had gone over the past 10 years, and as a result I decided it was time to move on. I deleted her from my Facebook friend list! I wondered if she would say anything, or even notice, but I guess I wasn't that important to her since I haven't heard from her in the couple months since doing so!
The conversation was with another long standing friend present, she agreed, and went on to make a few comments that bothered me, so at the same time I signed off the first friendship, I signed off this one too. The only response I got from her was a quick note saying she would get a book of mine she had back to me asap. That really hurt.
These two friends were two of my oldest friendships, they were the girls I grew up with, but things first started going south with our friendships almost 10 years ago. It became noticeable at my wedding, since they were my Maid of Honor and my Bridesmaid. You know there is a problem when you are saying by the day of the wedding, I should have chosen different attendants! Well, being my stubborn self, I didn't! Such is life, and we learn. So 8.5 years later I have learned that they are my past, and just as my adulthood is something very different from what I imagined, so are my friends!
Its beyond hard to let go of your oldest friends, especially two at the same time, but life changes, we change, and we can't dwell in the past. So, after a good cry over lost friends, I moved on. It took some time, but now 5 months after starting this, I have become accustomed to it and have found I can enjoy memories and finally let go completely!
As I start this new year, its with a great many good friends who may not have known me as a child, but know me now, and are happy to be friends with who I am. For that I am eternally thankful. Because while I have an amazing husband, two beautiful and smart little boys, and a bevy of friends who care about me, they are still trying to find their way. I pray they will find it and find the kind of happiness I have!
Monday, January 2, 2012
I Don't do Resolutions, so Here are my 2012 Goals!
I know I'm 2 days late, but we were still on vacation and I barely got my Goodbye to 2011 out, and haven't gotten to my great (and lengthy) blog about everything Disney in the eyes of my 2.5 and 1 year olds done yet! So here goes my list of Goals to accomplish in 2012!
1. I know this one is on my list every year, but this time I actually have a plan to finish my MAS! I finished my last class the week after Keirnan was born but between having him, having James, moving to KS, and getting through a deployment, it got put on the back burner! So this will be the year that I finish my final requirement for graduation! I have to finish or else Will might get his MS before me!! (That's a definite no go!!)
2. Get my butt in shape!! If you look back to last spring you can find my post about how I'm a skinny fat person. (I really think I should patent that by the way!) Anyway, while I am the skinniest I've been since I started college, I am not in shape and have some definite problem areas. So, I will be working on that this year. I am not looking to lose weight, or look good, just be a healthier and more active me! I am starting this with a friend, who is a beachbody coach, and the support group she is starting for one of the beachbody workouts. Beachbody is the company that does P90X and TurboFire. I am hoping to get some more use out of my way awesome Cadillac of a stroller this summer too!!
3. Now that both boys are going to the CDC for a few hours a couple days a week, I want to start volunteering somewhere on post. I need something to keep me busy, but more importantly, to help me feel like I am doing something with my life. I love being a stay at home mom and I have an amazing group of friends, but I need/ want something that is just for me. And with the CDC thing not being a set thing, just hourly care, I can't really get even a part time job!
That's about it! They are pretty common things, but I think I can actually get them done and not just be the normal person who throws out their resolutions by March 1! So, here's to a new year that will hopefully make me a better wife, mom, and person!!
1. I know this one is on my list every year, but this time I actually have a plan to finish my MAS! I finished my last class the week after Keirnan was born but between having him, having James, moving to KS, and getting through a deployment, it got put on the back burner! So this will be the year that I finish my final requirement for graduation! I have to finish or else Will might get his MS before me!! (That's a definite no go!!)
2. Get my butt in shape!! If you look back to last spring you can find my post about how I'm a skinny fat person. (I really think I should patent that by the way!) Anyway, while I am the skinniest I've been since I started college, I am not in shape and have some definite problem areas. So, I will be working on that this year. I am not looking to lose weight, or look good, just be a healthier and more active me! I am starting this with a friend, who is a beachbody coach, and the support group she is starting for one of the beachbody workouts. Beachbody is the company that does P90X and TurboFire. I am hoping to get some more use out of my way awesome Cadillac of a stroller this summer too!!
3. Now that both boys are going to the CDC for a few hours a couple days a week, I want to start volunteering somewhere on post. I need something to keep me busy, but more importantly, to help me feel like I am doing something with my life. I love being a stay at home mom and I have an amazing group of friends, but I need/ want something that is just for me. And with the CDC thing not being a set thing, just hourly care, I can't really get even a part time job!
That's about it! They are pretty common things, but I think I can actually get them done and not just be the normal person who throws out their resolutions by March 1! So, here's to a new year that will hopefully make me a better wife, mom, and person!!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Goodbye 2011!!
Well, another year is about to go into the history books and I'm so glad its behind us! 2011 wasn't exactly a bad year, not even a particularly long one, but its been one of the hardest (if not THE hardest) year of my life! I have always been proud to be an Army wife but never so much as I am after surviving a deployment with "2 under 2!"
I have learned so much about myself this year and become such a stronger person. I have made some amazing friends and sadly had to end two of the longest friendships of my life. But, these friends have all contributed to making me who I am, and therefore I am so thankful that all of them have been a part of my life!
Now that the hubby has returned we can focus on the future. I have a few very exciting events to look forward to this year, from dear friends welcoming their long awaited babies, to finishing my MAS... finally!! lol As I enter this year (my last in my 20s!)I am finally able to look back and be completely happy with the path I've taken thus far and with what I see for my family's future! Most of all I've learned some very important lessons from a very unlikely source, Kate Gosslin! (But to hear those you'll have to wait until I have the time and energy to write that blog! ha!)
I have learned so much about myself this year and become such a stronger person. I have made some amazing friends and sadly had to end two of the longest friendships of my life. But, these friends have all contributed to making me who I am, and therefore I am so thankful that all of them have been a part of my life!
Now that the hubby has returned we can focus on the future. I have a few very exciting events to look forward to this year, from dear friends welcoming their long awaited babies, to finishing my MAS... finally!! lol As I enter this year (my last in my 20s!)I am finally able to look back and be completely happy with the path I've taken thus far and with what I see for my family's future! Most of all I've learned some very important lessons from a very unlikely source, Kate Gosslin! (But to hear those you'll have to wait until I have the time and energy to write that blog! ha!)
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