Michelle The "Rib"

Drill Sergeant Duty!

2012-02-12T10:25:00.000-08:00

We have finally come down on assignment!

My husband is going Drill! I know most families dread that word, but my family is very excited about it.
Sr. has always wanted to be a Drill Sergeant, its actually a personal goal of his. He wanted to be able to mentor young soldiers as soon as they crossed the tracks and now he will. As for me, well I have always felt my husband would make a fantastic DS. He is a great motivator and his heart is in the right place. I hope to help him on the trail by helping families understand what their son, daughter, brother, sister, husband or wife is going through. Seeing as we are being stationed in Oklahoma, my husbands new pupils will be male, but still I hope to help give families a warm welcome into the military. My training as an FRSA will allow me to do this, and I am grateful that I have the knowledge to share.

Now know it will not be all rainbows and pancakes but wonderful things come from hard work and my husband and I are no stranger to hard work. We will make it like we always do, and I am just so grateful that he and I have been given this rare chance. Plus I will admit, I think the drill hat is sexy =)

So let me ask you, what do you wish someone would have wrote you and told you while your family member went into the Service? Did you get a warm welcoming while he was in BCT?

Good-Bye USAEUR!

2012-01-10T04:40:00.000-08:00

Soon!
~~and with the way I feel about it, not soon enough~~

My family will be leaving Europe.

When we first arrived in country my family looked like this

And six years later, we now looks like this

My little Junior was only one when we moved to Germany

Now he is seven and.........

He has two siblings

My husband has been through 3 deployments

2006

2008

2010

Him and I have changed during these separations.

We have grown in our marriage and as individuals.

For six years our family has grown and thrived in Europe.

Where we are on to next?

I can't quite tell you but I am sure we will grow more and learn more.

Until then I purge.

The Rib

P.S. I am leaving Germany with a Shrank, Grandfather clock and two babies!

I have fulfilled the omen =)

First Post of the New Year!

2012-01-09T08:35:00.000-08:00

HA-HA-HA

Im late!

By nine days.

Better late than never, right?

Stay tuned! Ill post after I come home from Scouting!

Rib

A Million Little Pieces

2011-12-30T00:03:00.000-08:00

Life

Its a million little pieces

Its that green ball over there,

No not that one, the other one,

Yea that one

That represents the love I have for my family

Oh and you see that perfect pink one

The one signifies my admiration for the strength of the women in my life.

Then there are the mass color representatives,

like the Sunny Yellow balls,

Those ones make up the MANY wonderful people in my life that bring

Joy and happiness into my days when I am feeling less than Sunny.

There are a little bit of blue, orange and purple balls,

Those are the ones I have yet to discover in my life.

But the White Balls, those ones are the best,

The white ones represent the love I have for my Lord,

And if you notice, all those white ones touch the other ones,

Because he is always apart of everything I love.

Reintegration things that make you go, "hmmmm".

2011-12-28T09:52:00.000-08:00

Not even one month ago I spent the day getting my "sexy on" for the return of my husband.
A friend of mine braided my hair, I painted my toe nails and did my last minute eyebrow touch ups and well, lets be honest ladies, did that last minute leg shaving.
His unit marched into the gym at 0200 on a cold December night and it marked not only the beginning of a wonderful holiday season for us, but also the beginning of reintegration.

My husband and I have been through three deployments and every deployment there are certain things I know to expect when he comes home. Our earlier deployments, I must admit I was too young to even try to dissect them, but now, a little older and a little wiser I am starting to understand his process.

When Sr. comes home, its as if he has ants in his pants. He is so used to being on the go down range, that sitting still and enjoying down time is hard for him. In the first week he was home, that man came up with so many things we "needed" to do. These are things that I know can wait, but to him they cant wait, its a mission that needs to be complete. SO we pack up the kidletts and go.

Next, he reorganizes my house. I wake up to my counters full of cans and plates, my computer is full of new folders and tabs. When I walk into a newly reorganized area, he proudly smiles at me and says," Look Rib, now you can reach all the cups and plates, and I put this up here because we hardly use it". Of course I smile and nodd, and thank him for his help and let him be.

Things like this will continue for about a month, and they are things Ive come to expect from dealing with the first two deployments, and it wasn't until now did I realize what it was he was trying to create or build for himself.

By reorganizing things the way he wanted, he was creating a sense of control. Down range he is in control of his soldiers, his truck, his time and space. Then a year later he comes home to an environment where the kids control the mess and Ive been in control of everything else. This is where I had one of those Oprah Ah-ha moments.

So I sit back and watch him piece it all together like Junior with a new set of Legos.

But Ive also had other moments arise that I have not quiet been able to figure out. Since Sr. has been home he has been trying very hard to help me in the household, this includes doing dishes. I will admit I am a freak when it comes to dish sponges. The yellow one is for the dishes, blue one is for the counters, and the neither one shares the others duties. Well, one evening he was doing the dishes with the BLUE sponge! OMGOSH! I wanted to jump out my skin, and say, "WAIT! STOP! YOUR DOING IT WRONG!" But I didn't, I held it in, and watch with squeamish eyes and then waited until he wasn't looking to re-do them, and of course he saw me.... I should have just left that one alone, and I am still learning to deal with situations like those.

So, that's alittle about what my family is doing right now, how does your family handle reintegration.

Rib

The Stutter

2011-12-04T12:44:00.000-08:00

This blog is a continuance of my previous entry’s under the tab, Speech Delay and ADHD.

In my last entry I mentioned how we went in for juniors beginning of the year IEP and that he had developed a Sutter. Apparently around age 4 this is normal and not worrisome unless the child does not improve within 6 months. And as our luck would have it, no improvement was made. So another goal was added to Juniors IEP.
His speech pathologist Mrs R.'s findings were this:
"Brandon exhibits moderate to severe dysfluency of speech. The dysfluencies are characterized by initial sound repetitions and blocks accompanied by physical tension".

Basically when Junior speaks he repeats the begging sound like ," B-b-b-b-ut" and blocks are when he can’t "spit" the word out, that is accompanied by physical tension, his whole body tenses up.
So as part of his IEP they started working on "soft touches". Soft touches is a tool used to help Junior recognize this blocks and physical tensions, and by him touching his throat or cheek, calm himself enough to speak the work with no dysfluencies. And I must say, it works. So all year long they worked on his speech and his stuttering with much improvement.
Over that summer Junior regressed a little bit, but as soon as school started up, and he was forced to speak in front of his kindergarten class and with more friends he got better.

One thing that bothers me about his stutter is that people think because he stutters that something is wrong with him. That his intellectual ability is not what it should be. Well let me say this, people who stutter is just that, people who stutter. They are as smart as any other person, they just have difficulty speaking. I met a Mr. M the other day, the new receptionist at the day care my other two boys goto, and he asked Junior how he was doing. Of course Junior spoke and had his disfluencies and I told Junior to slow down, take a deep breath and then continue when he got stuck, and once the conversation was over we walked away to get his brothers from their class rooms, I didn’t think twice about it. On our way out, Mr. M stopped us and pulled us aside and quietly spoke to me about how until he reached the age of 12 he stuttered horribly. No one could understand what he said; he struggled in school but that he overcame it. With the support from his mother, who encouraged him and invested time in him, he overcame it. I almost cried, and was so thankful he told me his story, because it means Junior can overcome too.
My next entry will of Juniors ADHD, and that one is a doosie.

Rib

It almost time!

2011-10-15T09:30:00.000-07:00

Its been almost twelve long months since the Black Knights occupied their barracks, and now it is time to start getting ready to bring our hero's home.

Today the Lady Knights gathered for a day of cleaning and decorating.

For six hours we decorated posters and walls,

Stuffed baskets full of goodies

And hung ribbons

We had a blast, but I had even more fun with one of my tasks.I was tasked to go get condoms from the health clinic for our soldiers. I thought the pharmacist was going to give me a box of condoms, not a Sam's Economy Sized Bag! And two of them at that!

I don't think I need to tell you I hauled ass to the car so no one would think I was a sex crazed maniac!

So the original intent was to put these in our cute baskets, which we did but we still had a ton left over. So to add some humor to our barracks I made a grab and go.

Waste not want not, right?
Oh and did I mention the condoms are strawberry and banana flavored? Who knew the army cared about how it tasted. LOL!!!

What kind of funny decorating have you done?
Would you like to share some ideas?

Texas

2011-08-08T09:29:00.000-07:00

Where football is life.

Where football is love.

27 Days until the kick-off of The University of Texas at Austins football season!

My co-workers will be seeing a whole new side of me!

Who will you be cheering on this season?

Cake in a Jar

2011-08-05T12:42:00.000-07:00

So ill be honest, I don't know where I was, or what I was doing when I heard of cake in a jar, but it sounded pretty darn awesome and inventive! It also sounded like an easy and perfect gift to put in the rooms of the single soldiers for redeployment! Anyhow, almost immediately after hearing about cake in a jar, I googled it. I found lots of recipes, but the one at Loving a Soldier, Living the Life (Army Wife Network) seemed to be the one for me.

I purchased jars at a little German grocery store.

Washed them. and boiled them.

I did not really know how to boil jars, so I googled that too.

Then here is the best part of the recipe.

Mr. Dough boy

The recipe is a cake box recipe! Prepare as directed. Fill the jars half way.

Bake at 400 for 30-35 minutes.

Ta-da!

Oh! I forgot to mention!

I invited Betty and Duncan over to see how they do in the jar!

So far, so good!

R&R and the unreliable forcast

2011-08-02T11:37:00.000-07:00

R&R and perfect weather almost never fit together in the Rhineland-Pfalz area. Rain, rain and more rain is mostly what we saw while Brandon was home, but instead of letting it ruin our outdoor plans, we brought the outdoors, indoors.

We made indoor smores.
=)

These tea light candles made perfect individual miniature camp fires.

Such delicousness takes much concentration from the man-folk.

Doesn't like look just delicious!

I like my mollows a little burnt, how about you?

I think they are a hit, we've got two pinkie salutes!

Child Find (Speech)

2011-07-31T07:04:00.000-07:00

A request was recently submitted to me through email to update on J.R.s speech impediment. I have added a tab at the top of my blog titled," Speech Therapy and ADHD". In that tab I will post all the links related to this topic in my blog so they are easily access able.

Right now I am going to take a break in blogging about our R&R, and blog about the beginning of our Speech therapy Journey.

Background: In 2008 is when we decided to find intervention for J.R. and what to seem as a speech delay. My husband grew up with problems in speech/comprehension and reading. Sr. grew out of this by the time he was nine years old, had confidence J.R. would do the same. I, however, could not leave the situation up to genetics and time, so I contacted our local EDIS office, but since J.R. was already three he could not participate in their program and would instead have to go through, Child Find, which is a DOD program used to evaluate children for learning disabilities.

In February we went for our evaluation, at one of our local elementary schools. They asked J.R. lots of questions, they had him play ball, and a few other motor skills type tests. We waited 5 months before we got a letter in the mail with his results. His motor skills were at or above normal, but his speech and comprehension were below average for his age level. This came as no surprise, we knew he was struggling in this area.

He was accepted into the program. We started making arrangements for J.R. to attend one-on-one instruction with Mrs. R, twice a week for thirty minute sessions. This plan was called his IEP and would follow him into Kindergarten. August 2008 is when he started, and he loved going to see Mrs. R. His speech did not improve over night but it got better. When Junior started out with Mrs. R, he did not have a large audible vocabulary, and called every woman he came into contact with, "Mom", but over the year he learned. He learned to pronounce and remember every ones names, he learned to communicate better his wants and needs, and Mrs. R taught me of ways I can help him at home over the summer since Child Find only runs through the year.

-The speech pathologist finding was that J.R. had weak oral muscles which is why he struggled with pronunciation, he also spoke from the back of his throat instead of the front of his mouth. Example: instead of saying Dog, he said Gog, the G sound coming from the back of mouth compared do the D sound coming from the front. (Did you try it?)-

So June 2009 his first year of speech ended with slow progression. August 2009 we go in for another evaluation to see what J.R. has remembered from the previous school year, and also for me to inform them that J.R. has developed a stutter.

Ill end this post here, and continue with that post another day.

Day 1: Becoming a Man

2011-07-29T09:14:00.000-07:00

This R&R was different for my husband.

It seemed it came home with a motive of teaching our boy to become a man.

Which is weird to say since J.R. is only six.

I guess being in a danger zone for 7 months put an urge in him to start unloading his knowledge of life into his six year old boy. ( I had to help him pace himself)

For my husband, one of the steps to man hood is learning to fish.
(Survival in the wilderness)

The first morning he was home, he woke us ALL up at 0500 to prepare to go catch us a big one.

*Note: I was not planning on getting out of bed for 24 hours, especially since we didn't get to bed until almost midnight the evening before. I was not a happy camper*

Any who, so adventure one: We go to ODR to get poles, new tackle equipment and bait. we head out to the stock pond, ~~I slam my pole in the door and break it in half~~, and he starts the careful process of teaching J.R to bait his hook, and even though we have the worms we bought in the shop, he also teaches him to catch his own bait, the kind of bait the fish in the pond will bite for, which is trout so we go cricket hunting. He teaches him where to hook the cricket, and explains the whole cricket skeleton VS casting momentum formula. (It was pretty interesting stuff)

Once we have baited Jiminy, he teaches J.R. to cast his own line.

He teaches him to watch for people behind him, so he doesn't catch a person rather than a fish. He teaches him to lock his reel once he casts, and tells him to sit, wait and be patient.

Surprisingly, J.R. sits as his Dad instructed.

J.R and Sr. fished for four hours that day.

Sometimes they talked, sometimes they just sat there and waited.

Until finally they got alittle tug.

The fish was not a whopper but it was an amazing process to watch.

To sit and watch J.R. admire his father, and for Sr. glow with pride at his sons eagerness to learn.

On our way home Sr. put his hand on my leg, and softly said,

" I feel like I did some real parenting today".

I was amazed.

R&R Surprise

2011-07-28T08:23:00.000-07:00

It was not long ago that I "baby sat" my cell phone waiting for a call from him

letting me know his where abouts on his journey home for R&R.

You see, it has been seven long months since my Sarge. deployed.

We went through Christmas, Birthdays, our Anniversary and other various holidays

one after the other without him and any close kin near by.

This R&R was a much needed break for the both of us.

So like I mentioned, I literally sat on my phone for 3 days waiting to hear from him.

Everyday I grew more nervous not hearing a peep from him,
so nervous I was unable to sleep.

One Wednesday morning the FRL from our battery came into my office at work to

let me know he would be picking my husband up from the airport the following morning.

"Odd?" I thought, "Why didnt he call me?"

" because the phones were backed up," he was quick to answer

but said he had heard info from the liaison downrange that Sarge. was on his way.

I was so excited, I finally had information, that I didn't question him further.

So on my lunch break I left the office to do my produce shopping.

I picked up my purse and walked out the building gleaming with the little bit of information I had.

I was in a daze, looking down at my shoes, smirking at the thought of him walking through the front door the following morning, when I looked up to point the clicker to unlock the car, and saw my old man running towards me from across the parking lot with a dozen roses.

I was in such shock, I couldn't move.

He surprised me.

((I hate surprises))

I screamed

(maybe beat him up a little)

He smirked, "Hey baby, where you going?"

I replied: "Uh, grocery shopping for your home coming TOMORROW!?!"

I look behind him at my mischievous FRL smiling with pride that he fooled the clever Mrs. Mims. It most definitely was home coming to remember. I cant wait to share our most recent adventures with you as we reconnected over 14 days, and then prepare to say good bye.

Dead Ahead

2011-06-08T10:43:00.000-07:00

Recently I celebrated the 6 month mark of our 12 month deployment. While celebrating, the most surprising things crossed my mind.

1) Oh Shit, I havent saved enough money.
2) Ugh, I havent lost enough weight.
3) I need start researching our next duty station.
4) THERE IS NOT ENOUGH DAMN TIME!!!

The list goes on and on, but in that moment, I felt the end of the deployment was nearer than it really was. I started to panic. I felt alot like the bells in this picture. There was nothing stopping that ball from hitting one bell after the other. And once it reached the end, that was it, it fell off the track.

Have you ever felt that way once you've hit that six month mark? Like it was going to be all over so soon and you did not feel as accomplished as you wanted?

What did you do to help ease your anxiety?

Me, well I started making lists. I counted out my pay dates and realized I had plenty of time to save more money. Lose more weight. And Ive already started planning our next move to our perspective duty station. Making these lists made me feel MUCH better. But I am a list kinda Gal. I mean seriously, Ive got lists everywhere.

On another note, as kind of an update.

I am doing okay.

I am most definitely not thriving this deployment, I am in survival mode 24/7.

I am going to attempt to turn this around for me by taking up a new hobby/interest.

I am starting guitar lessons next month!

SERIOUSLY!

I bought a new guitar and tuner! Ive contacted a teacher, I am so excited!

And I really need this.

I need it to relax and de-stress.

I need to do this for me.

So stay tuned for those adventures.

Rib

Our Sunday Walk

2011-06-07T07:11:00.000-07:00

There is no better way for me to get ready

to start another week, than to take a walk.

Of course walking with three, sometimes four children,

there has to be a purpose as to,

"Where are we going"

So every Sunday,

as my time to reflect and enjoy my children

we walk to our local Ise Cafe.

This ice cream is the BEST in the world.

It is a family ran Italian Ise Cafe.

And we have no objections of their product

I love seeing my kids so happy enjoying their treats.

Finding new adventure along the way.

Oh by the way, there is Isaac. He comes along too!

What do you do to reflect on things?

Military Postal Service (MPS)

2011-06-05T03:45:00.000-07:00

Living at an APO address has its advantages

when your service member is deployed.

One of those advantages is being able to use the Military Postal Service

otherwise known as, MPS.

Shipping from APO to APO is free!

Letters and packages.

(packages under 60 lbs)

And its expedient for the most part.

Packages usually get to their destination in a couple days.

Letters on the other hand, well those can take a couple weeks.

For example.

My Mothers Day letter from hubby.

The post mark said he shipped it 27 April.

I did not receive it until the last week of May.

I was expecting this letter for a while.

So I am sure you can tell I wasted no

time opening it carefully.

Here is what it said:

Sacrifices have to be made, in which you have accepted.

Due to that you are often left behind and neglected.

Late at night instead of cuddling, you are found alone.

I am off fighting while you are taking care of our home.

You give so much but ask for nothing in return.

So I train hard to ensure it is to you I return.

Promises often broke, and rarely kept,

Just as many smiles and tears are wept.

While I am gone you fill your life with projects and work,

which puts you in a daze,

please just take the time to remember

I love you

Happy Mothers Day.

My old man has always been good work words.

The wait was worth it.

Friday MilSpouse Fill-In

2011-06-03T13:24:00.000-07:00

1. It’s now June (woot!)… what plans do you have for the summer?

Work, Work, R&R and more Work =)
2. What is your favorite summer memory as a kid?
Going to the lake with my Mom and brother. We'd take a picnic and just go out there and hike, fish and roast hot dogs.
3. If wild animals could be made pets without fear of them ever being dangerous, what kind of exotic animal would you want as a pet?
Not really an animal type person.
4. Is there anything about deployments that you do like? submitted by The Thrifty Military Wife
I like that it is easier for me to save money.

This post has been linked to Wife of a Sailor.

Deployment Juju

2011-06-02T13:44:00.000-07:00

Bad Juju.

Have you heard of it?

I am sure you have.

Its a term meaning a sort of bad luck, or vibe.

Well I am adding a term to the "Juju" family.

"Deployment Juju".

All of us Military Spouses have heard of it, and had it.

It those times where we talk about the car breaking down, the kids getting sick

and the wash machine starting to make noises, and this happens

ONLY when he leaves.

-DEPLOYMENT JUJU-

In my community, and with my job, Ive been hearing about others deployment juju,

so I thought Id share alittle of mine.

Last deployment!

((oh your going to love this story))

I was caravanning with some friends to a Fall Fest not to far from our post.

And of course being the free spirit I am, I HAD to jam the whole way.

So I whipped out my ipod and while plugging it in
Igottoclosetotheguardrailandhitit.

I use to have pictures of the accident, but I cant seem to locate them.

Anyways, after that happened, I put the car in the shop
and rented a Mercedes!
Oh it was awesome!
Leather seats, dark tint, the horse power!
*drool*

Anyways while doing errands on the second day of my rental
Ihitaparkedcar.

Yup.

And paid out of pocket to fix it.
Deployment Juju.

And of course deployment juju grabbed me again with our new car.

Yup.

That is my 2010 Dodge Journey stuck on a rock.

I swear that rock jumped out from no where.

I was stuck in such an add way on this rock that not even the tow truck could lift me off.

So a wonderful soldier teamed up with the wrecker guy and decided.

"You lift, and ill pull the rock out from under with my truck."

Luckily it was alittle cosmetic damage that isn't going to cost me much to fix.

And Laura your right, I was able to laugh at myself.

This deployment juju gets us all.

Eventually.

And you can either let it get you down.

Team up with someone and figure how to get off that damn rock!

Homie and his new "Dew"

2011-05-31T03:45:00.000-07:00

I’ve gotten word on

Homie!

Yea!

Last time we heard from Homie

he had gotten counseled for his hair being out of regulation.

These two guys here are the platoon barbers

Payne and Downing.

I guess they cut everyone’s hair with a knife?

Or maybe this is some kind of induction into the cool guys club.

Seeing this picture was almost painful.

Poor Homie!

I felt like a mom who had let my husband take the boys for haircuts.

Which I have done that, ((ONCE)) and yup, they pretty much came back with no hair.

The end result.

How do you like the new "dew"?

30 May 2011

2011-05-30T07:49:00.000-07:00

Written by my Father In-Law

Army Retired.

Memorial Day

2011-05-28T06:53:00.000-07:00

One of the questions from this past Fridays

Mil-Spouse Friday Fill-In

was:

1. Do you think civilians, in general, understand the meaning of Memorial Day?

My answer:

"No, I do not".

Then I started to think of what Memorial Day meant to me.

And to me, it is the day we recognize our fallen hero's.

The soldiers and families who gave all.

Then I Wikipedia'd what Memorial Day was.

"Began as a ritual of remembrance and reconciliation after the civil war, by the early 20th century, Memorial Day was an occasion for more general expressions of memory, as ordinary people visited the graves of their deceased relatives, whether they had served in the military or not. It also became a long weekend increasingly devoted to shopping, family gatherings, fireworks, trips to the beach, and national media events such as the Indianapolis 500 (since 1911) and the Coca-Cola 600 (since 1960) auto races.[3]"

How sad I thought.

A day that started as a day of remembrance is also a "long weekend devoted to shopping".

Which brings me to my week at work.

In front of our Battalion we have a memorial for the fallen soldiers of the Engineer Battalion.

This memorial has so much symbolic meaning than I thought when I first saw it.

When my CSM brought three barriers home from Iraq last deployment,

and set them in front of the Battalion, I didn't understand how they would serve as our memorial.

So I asked him, and I got a deeper answer than I expected.

And it went something like this"

"Mrs. Mims, when you are down there, you are surrounded by these barriers.

Evey where you look, there they are, Its your home".

My chest tightened as he went on.

So this past Monday, the spouses of our Battalion gathered to

re beautify this special place in honor of them.

With care they pulled weeds and planted flowers.

Three of the Battalions FRLs laid the wreaths.

And many gathered to pay respect.

This memorial day,

I will not be shopping the specials in my PX or commissary.

I will be attending the Garrison memorial event, and spending the day

reflecting on what other soldiers and families sacrificed for me and my children.

What will you be doing?

My Old Man is-a-Comin! (Milspouse Friday Fill-In)

2011-05-27T03:55:00.000-07:00

I am off work today!

WOOT-WOOT!

And all the kids are in school!

Can I get an AAAMEN?

AMEN!!

So now that I have a moment to myself after a hectic couple months,

I am cleaning out the casa, and taking care of business..

Like the kind of business when you find out your husbands

R&R has been moved up by 2 months.

*YIKES!*

No, I am not shaving my legs yet, ill do that the morning of.

One of the big pre-R&R preparations for me is

The Grocery Shopping!

Now, I don't know about most, but when my Joe is away

my grocery bill goes down about $200.00.

And now that he is a-comin' home I need to do some serious shopping.

I started planning meals.

Of course all of his favs.

Then I went shopping.

I bought everything that could survive in the pantry or freezer

until he arrives.

Now Ive still got alittle over a month until he comes home.

But the way I figure it.

If I buy all the frozen stuff now, there will be very little I need to buy when he comes.

So we will have more money to play with during the pay period he is here..

Which will keep me from dipping into savings.

Does that make sense?

Anyways, the end result from my shopping trip

One thing that I did forget is the joys of carrying massive amounts

of groceries up the stairs.

Okay this is a random photo, but I have to share.

I grabbed these for the kids for dinner on TK Days, and when I saw them

the front of the box said," Americas Best Selling Pizza".

And I couldn't help myself and said out loud,

"Yea because its cheap!".

Didn't realize the Mom standing to my left who started giggling at my comment.

(Background: Me+Husband+Poor College Students=Totino's Pizza)

Well now I am off to clean!

***Add on****

1.Do you think civilians, in general, understand the meaning of Memorial Day?
No I do not. I think its just another day for them to BBQ.

2.What are your plans for the Memorial Day Weekend?
I plan to go to the Memorial Ceremony in my community.

3.What skill/talent do you wish you had? submitted by The 3 Turners
Hmm.. A skill... The gift of the Gabb. I wish I had that skill.
4.Which came first: the chicken or the egg? submitted by I Married Into The Army
The chicken... How does an egg survive without a chicken?
And where in the hell did the egg come from?
A CHICKEN! LOL!

5.What is the best thing about your post (base)? The worst? submitted by Randomly, Robyn
The best thing I would have to say is the Spouses. They can be so helpful to each other and supportive.
The worse thing... the spouses.. They can also be mean to each other and hurtful.

This post has been linked to, wife of a sailor.

Baby Feet

2011-05-18T01:34:00.000-07:00

While waiting for my Sunday Photoshoot to start

I decided to take a few pictures of my boys.

Ive always wanted a picture like this one.

I dont know what it is about baby feet, but I love them.

I love them so much I am going to enlarge, framed and hang this in my living room.

Rib

P.K.A

2011-05-14T03:45:00.000-07:00

So, Ive decided to create a new group.

This group is going to be for all people who love plants, but cant seems to keep them alive.

I shall all this group,

"Plant Killers Anonymous".

P.K.A

I swear, so many poor plants have come into this home, and just don't survive.

I hear whispers from plants as I walk by them at the store

"Please don't pick me, please don't pick me".

So, I have given up on that journey.

I just ooo and aww at people I know who have that wonderful green thumb.

So all that being said,

I am sure you can imagine how I felt when Junior brought this home

At school, they are learn about the spring season.

And they planted these plants.

No clue what it is.

So Junior brings it home,

All proud and excited.

Hands it to me and says,

"Look Mom! My plant! Please don't kill it".

*That's alot of pressure*

Do you have a green thumb?

MilSpour Friday Fill-In

2011-04-15T13:37:00.000-07:00

1. With PCS moves happening every few years, do you take the time to paint and decorate your home?

I have decorated and painted my home. Because if I dont, it doesnt feel like home, it feels like a space I am justing filling until the next PCS.

2. If you could live in any home on a television series, what would it be? submitted by Standing By Him

OOO! That would be Brothers and Sisters! OMGOSH! There is so much that goes on in that show!

3. What inspired you to start your blog? submitted by Pink Combat Boots

Well, I am an FRSA, and the Chaplian of the BN I work for had a blog. And he got me all hooked up on Google Reader to follow his blog, and then I started following his wifes blog, and then I started following a few others. And then one day I thought, " How nice would it be to just have a place to write". And so I did.
4. What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever seen on base? submitted byAdventures in Life

The weirdest thing I have seen on post... Hmm.. I wouldnt call it weird, but funny. One day I was driving through a parking lot here on post, and there was MPs all around. And as I am driving I notice them all looking at me like I was doing something wrong.. Naturally I start looking around, for what that might be, when i notice a box labeled, IED. LOL! I was driving right thought their rehersal.
5. Which historical figure (politician, writer, artist, scientist, actor, etc…) would you like to have dinner with? submitted by Army of Two

Mozart! That man was an interesting fellow! His laugh was pretty odd too! Id love to pick his brain about a few things.

This blog has been linked to Wife of a Sailor, Friday Mil-Spouse Fill in.

Homie has Adventured!

2011-04-15T13:23:00.000-07:00

Homie has gone quiet a few places since Ive last written about him.

And I know it has been a while.

So our mean, green, cotton filled ~~Fighting~~ traveling machine

has left the safety of the Camp and is traveling with his brothers in arms.

Homie traveled from city to city.

And while doing so, he noticed something interesting.

He noticed that in all the round abouts, there was always some sort of sculpture in the center.

And he became infatuated with taking pictures of them.

Maybe alittle too infatuated.

After hours of travel, and picture taking, Homie and his friends arrived safely at their destination.

But were very tired.

While resting with his friends, one of them noticed...

Homies hair is out of regulation!

So they put him on Guard Duty!

And apparently this will be corrected once they return to Camp.

Welcome Back

2011-04-08T09:28:00.000-07:00

Its been alittle while since Ive blogged.

Life sometimes gets a bit over whelming for me, and I take a huge step back from multiple hobbies

and only concenrate on one.

Which is of course my favorite hobby, photography.

The last 2 weeks of March were brutal for my family and I.
I lost two Aunts in those two weeks.
1 died from MS and 1 died from Diabetes.
I am most certian I lost another family member that week, but I will honestly say,
the details are lost to me coping with the loss of the first two.

Even though I lost those two family members, I continued to go on with work
as if nothing was going on in my life. Which maybe was not emotionally the best thing for me todo,
but was best to keep my mind busy.

As well at the end of March I started seeking helping for my sons attention problem.
Junior has a VERY hard time with being able to focus. This has led to other problems in his academics.
I sought help through our clinics behavior health center,
and was very disappointed when the Dr.'s first solution was medication.
Although I mentioned to her numerous times that behavior and the ability to sit still is not an issue for us,
she still tried to talk me into medication. So, heart broken, with still no answers I have put Behavioral Health on the back burner, and am pulling resources from the ladies/teachers in my community to help Junior.

In these same two weeks, my son and I both got sick with the gastrointestional virus that was circling through our small military community, so that in its self was another downer.

And then most recently, our community suffered a loss.
As most headlines have already released the news, I dont feel the need to do it again.
I also dont feel it is my place.
But my prayers go out to the suffering families that lost their loved ones that day.

So, like Ive said.
Its been a while since I have blogged, and I apologize.
I as well apologize for not keeping homie updated.
We are having issues with uploading pictures from downrange, so its an issue we are working on.
My friend in the training room over there might have to help me out.

So let me ask you,
How have you been? What are you doing through?

HOMIES BUTTON!

2011-03-21T12:52:00.000-07:00

Homie has a button!

Please take the code and post to your blog and follow him in his adventures!

Help spread the word!

&lt;/P> &lt;P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">&lt;BR>&lt;/P> &lt;P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">&lt;a border="0" href="http://michelletherib.blogspot.com" target="_blank">&lt;img src="http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m516/mmims04/button-1.jpg"/>&lt;/a>&lt;/P> &lt;P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">&lt;BR>&lt;/P> &lt;P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">

Please leave comments!

Homie's Paparazzi are following along too!

I'm sure they'd love the read your thoughts!

Rib

Proud Mama!

2011-03-21T10:36:00.000-07:00

I am proud to announce

I am the Momma of a White Belt/ Yellow Stripe.

Ok, okay. OKAY! I know that's no black belt,

but I am sure we are well on our way!

My Junior did his test last weekend.

He was so nervous!

But once he got into his fight stance...

He looked like a pro.

I love how Master Park rocked sneakers with his suit

This double kick, had Junior for the longest!

But he got it!

Getting his Yellow Stripe

My baby!

Check this kid out!

He is only 8!

He is a black belt!

He was amazing!

Whether Junior makes it to black belt or not,

we are proud of him.

We have always kept him involved in sports.

Even when he was three, he played Bambino Soccer.

Learning the concept of Team Work at a young age was important to

my Husband. He, himself played sports all his life, and at a young age

help him to cope when he Dad was away.

Does your child play sports?

Which sport gets you going as a parent?

For me, it was wrestling season! OMGOSH!

Watching my baby wrestle was the best!

Homie Readys for Adventure

2011-03-20T06:10:00.000-07:00

* Sorry this post is late, LIFE happened to me on Friday, LOL*

So just when Homie thought he was ready to travel,

some enthusiastic soldier reminded him,

" Um, Homie, I'm pretty sure there is some training you need to complete before heading out"

So Homie spent a day in

Medevac Training

I don't know if Homie is helping lift the litter, or comforting the soldier.

Either one is an important job =)

Here they are laying on top of the "injured" soldier, protecting him.

After all that training, Homie felt the need to let his nerves down a little

So he joined in a game of rummy with some Mechanics.

After he won, lost, won and lost,

He got the word it was time to ROLL-OUT!

Good Luck Homie!

Look forward to seeing where you take us!

Rib

Tune In Tomorrow!

2011-03-17T13:19:00.000-07:00

To give some order to Homies Adventure,

Fridays will be the day Ive decided to Feature him.

That way it gives Homie some time to do a few things.

Fit in some photo-ops with his hectic schedule.

So tomorrow Friday, 18 March

Tune in and see what Homie has been up too!

Rib

Meet Homie

2011-03-15T11:03:00.000-07:00

Hello Readers!

I would like for you to meet

Homie.

Homie is a mean green, cotton filled

fighting machine!

Just kidding

Homie is our families version of a

"Flat Stanley".

Homie has his own personal paparazzi.

A number of soldiers will be taking pictures of him as he travels his new territory

and embraces new cultures.

We hope you will follow him on his adventures!

Dreaming

2011-03-13T06:05:00.000-07:00

Before I start this post I have to say this:

I am a Christian

I don't believe in black magic

and well, your just going to have to trust that I believe in God.

Why is she saying all this you might ask.

Well I am tell you this because I am going to tell you a secrete about my family.

Members of my family have a gift.

We can predict the events to come by interpreting certain dreams we have.

Yup, I'm crazy.

but seriously its true.

We don't know why we have this gift.

Maybe its something we inherited from my Great Grandfather

Natalio Perez who was a tarot card reader for Pancho Villa.

*Neat piece of my families history*

Any who, so certain dreams mean certain things.

Like most recently my mother and my grandmother both had dreams of weddings.

Which to us, means someone is going to die.

In the month to come,

my Aunt Beatrice died and my Aunt Betty died.

Spooky, huh?

Today, while napping, I had a dream.

I had a dream that I was about to loose my teeth.

It was painful, I could barely talk.

I was searching for my mom for help.

A dream about loosing your teeth means something BAD is going to happen.

Hmm.

So many bad things could happen right now.

My husband is deployed.

My brother works nights in a club/bar

My cousin lives in the Bay area

I have Family in Hawaii

And then there are other things that could happen that are not so obvious.

Other dreams we interpret are:

Dreaming of a faceless baby= Someone is pregnant

Dreaming of clear water= Something big and wonderful is going to happen

Dreams of getting lots of money= you are going to loose money

Dreams of poop= You are going to get money (that dream is my fav)

I know most probably think I am full of it with all this dream mess.

But, it's never been a bad compass for my family.

Friday Fill In

2011-03-11T11:23:00.000-08:00

1. During military separations (whether short or long) how do you keep yourself positive and motivated? submitted by Married/Single Parent

Its hard to keep myself motivated. I noticed if I look at the long calendar, it just gets me down. So instead, I create my own short calendar of events that make the deployment seem shorter, and that gets me going.
Example: My husband left in December, so my self motivating calendar sounded something like this:
Christmas will happen, then Juniors Birthday, then Brandons Birthday, then valentines, the Isaac's birthday, then Easter, then Mothers day, then Schools out, then fourth of July, then he will come visit, then my birthday, then Seanns Birthday, and Turkey day and thennnnnn He will be home! LOL! I don't know why saying it like that seems shorter to me, but it does.

2. What is your favorite concert you have ever been to? submitted by Young but Not (Completely) Dumb

Ive never been to a rock or hip hop concert. My Mom use to always take me to Christian Concerts and my favorite one was Steven Curtis Chapman. He is so awesome! His music feeds me Spiritually.

3. What do you miss most about your “hometown”? submitted by A Florida Girl and Her Soldier

What is there not to miss about San Antonio, Texas? Its such a family friendly town. Fiesta, the River Walk, The San Antonio Spurs, the food! OMGOSH! But most of all, I miss that my family is all there. They all live with in about 5 miles of each other. Its fantastic.

4. If you could run in any race, which charity would you choose to support? submitted by Wookie & Co.

I'm not sure. I would support anything with a good cause.

5. You find out Willy Wonka is your father, what 3 course meal do you INSIST he create in that stick of gum? submitted by A{muse}ing Mommy on a Pink Park Bench

OMGOSH! That would be 1) A chicken Cesar Salad followed by 2) Steak Strips with noodles, and 3) Italian Eis.

This blog has been linked to Wife of a Sailor.

Facebook: The Love/Hate Relationship

2011-03-09T11:46:00.000-08:00

Ah facebook.

The micro-blog.

Or at least I am told that was its original purpose.

We all love it.

Its quite addicting.

Especially with all the cool games and apps.

I myself am a fan of Fronterville.

One of the FRLs I work with, he is so into his Fronter,

he sets his alarm for when he needs to harvest crops!

Even if it means getting out of the bed at 3 a.m.

Now that's dedication.

Besides for the cool games and apps

families and friends are able to stay connected all over the world.

View pictures and video.

Its a wonderful thing that facebook.

Its so wonderful, even our Armed Forces are utilizing it.

But as much as I love it.

I also HATE it.

No-really-I do.

I live in a ~~really~~ small military community and everyone knows,

EVERYONE!

And for that matter, everyone elses business.

So when something happens, guess what?

ITS ON FACEBOOK!

People are so eager to spread the news, that they don't stop to think if they should.

They don't stop and think, that maybe whom ever the post is about, that they don't want their

Service Member to find out about the situation back home via facebook.

That it would be nice for the spouse to be the first one to tell the service member,

"Hey Honey, we have a situation, but its under control".

That when posting someone else's situation on facebook

a certain amount of anxiety is brought to the readers on the other end.

That by posting the situation, you leave room for speculation and rumors.

That the Service Member is reading via facebook that something tragic

has happen in the house hold, and they are calling home,

cant reach no one,

AND THEY ARE FREAKING OUT!

So, here is what I say.

Unless the situation is yours to own.

Don't post it.

Leave others to their business.

And when or if they are ready to tell everyone.

Trust me.

They will.

Balloons on a Windy Day

2011-03-07T08:56:00.000-08:00

Every weekend for the past 2 weekends

I have forced myself out of the house to go take pictures.

Not pictures for clients, but just pictures.

Things I want to try.

Ideas I thought of.

My Mom use to do this quiet a bit with me and my brother when we were little.

Any who, this weekends adventure was

First Birthday Pictures for baby I.

Thing is.

Baby I wasn't in the mood to take pictures.

So I put him in the car and let the boys run around

with his birthday balloons while I let him rest.

They had a blast

Just enjoying the day.

The Sunshine.

Until I asked Seann for the balloons back.

He threw the strings at me, instead of handing them to me.

And.

Away flew $20.00 worth of balloons.

And as frustrated as I was at that moment.

I realized it wasn't the end of the world that I didn't get to take Baby I's birthday pictures.

That in all, my boys had a fun day in the sun with balloons.

And if $20.00 worth of balloons flying away was going

to be the worse thing to happen to me that day.

Ill take it.

Oops! Catching up.

2011-03-02T10:11:00.000-08:00

I did not do my 30 day blogging challenge for four days.

Catch up time!

Day 4: Something you have to forgive someone for.

For not being the person I thought they were.

For using me for what I am.

For using my strengths against me.
For talking about me, like it would never get back to me.

Day 5: Something you hope to do in your life.

Buy a home.

My husband and I have been talking about buying a home when we PCS

and rent it out to military families .

Day 6: Something you hope you never have to do.

Bury my husband or children.

Day 7: Someone who has made your life worth living for.

My husband and children.

They are the world to me.

When they wake up at 0'dark-thirty

When they are barfing everywhere

When they make a total mess of my neat home.

They are it for me.

They make me.

They are me.

Brothers

2011-02-28T10:22:00.000-08:00

A brother is someone

with fun-loving ways

with wit and good humor

to spare.

He does thoughtful things

without any fuss

and when you're in trouble

he's there.

A brother is more

than just part of the family..

he's also a friend

through and through.

And that's a description

that certainly fits

a wonderful brother like you.

-Author: Unknown

I can only imagine how they will be when they are older.

The secretes they will have.

The cover stories they will tell for each other.

The loyalty of each other as brothers.

It will be amazing.

Pictures on a Sunday

2011-02-27T10:51:00.000-08:00

I had this spontaneous urge to take pictures today.

Not normal around the house pictures, but nice outdoor pictures.

They looked so handsome in their suites

These are some of my favorites

My Moo-moo

J.R.

I love taking patriotic photos

I think over all I took about 150ish pictures.

The boys and I had a blast

(Baby "I" was with a friend, it wasn't quite the kind of weather you bring a baby in)

What did you do today?

This blog has been linked to:

Army Wife's Creed

2011-02-26T03:32:00.000-08:00

I wish I could just print this on a t-shirt and wear it everyday!

MilSpouse Friday Fill-In

2011-02-25T11:05:00.000-08:00

1. Aside from no deployments, what is one thing you would want to make the MilSpouse life “perfect”?
More Command support for spouses. I know soldiers are their priority, but we are the soldiers priority.
You take care of their families, and you will have happy soldiers.

2. Just how many peppers did Peter Piper pick? submitted by Married into Army

Peter Piper picks peppers? I thought that was a pizza place! LOL!!

3. If you could have any career in the world with nothing holding you back, what would you do?

I would be a Dental Hygeneist

4. Do you have a service oriented tattoo and if so what is it. If you don’t what would you get?

Well I have about 4 tattoos, none of them service oriented. I want to get another of all my kids names in arabic, I guess the arabic part is the closest to military ill get.
5. Imagine a block of time has opened up in your busy day for you to take a class in anything you like. What subject would you choose? submitted by To The Nth

A time management class.... Im constandly over booking myself.
This post has been linked too Wife of a Sailor.

Day 3/30: Something you have to forgive yourself for.

2011-02-25T00:02:00.000-08:00

Day 3: Something you have to forgive yourself for.

That would be, working instead of staying at home with my children.

Sometimes I feel bad about not being there 24/7 watching them grow

and sometimes on the weekend being too tired to be the Mom I use to be.

I hear allot of Moms who are tired of being a SAHM.

And I understand that, because when I was a SAHM,

I was tired of kiddo talk all day every day.

Sticky tables. Barney.

But I look back on those days and which I savored it more.

Appreciated the time more.

But now I work 40+ hours a week.

Time is very limited.

Sometime I’m too tired to finger paint, fly a kite or play water guns outside.

And then I look at my week and ask myself,

"Is what I am doing for other families worth what I’m loosing with mine?"

Well yesterday, my question was answered.

There was a spouse in the BN I work for who had an emergency and had to leave her home rather quickly.

She did not have time to grab cosmetic items, but only time to grab her wallet and her

Pre-Deployment Packet.

The pre-deployment packet is an accordion folder full of important deployment information.

I spent hours making these for over 300 hundred families,
and when I walked into her hospital room and saw it on her table,
I felt instantly fulfilled.

I helped another mother.

A now single mother.

I helped her, help herself.

I helped her to be prepared in a stressful situation.

Which will ultimately lead to her coming home to her family sooner.

That made it all worth it for me.

I know no matter what, my children will always be okay.

The time I do share with them, I make it as memorable as possible or atleast I will try harder too.

When they get older, they will understand my job and why it was so important.

And maybe they will find pride in that they shared time with their Mom, so she could help other

Moms and Dads.

Rib

Day 2/30: Something I love about myself

2011-02-23T22:17:00.000-08:00

Day 2: Something you love about yourself.

I love that I am versatile.

I can do just about anything.

The intro of myself on my blog says,

"I'm a jack of all trades and a master of none".

Oh so true. Ill elaborate.

I was a musician for 13 years.

Its what I went to college for.

Got scholarships and everything.

*When we move back to the states I will start playing again*

Crafty? Why Yes I am.

Crocheting, decoupage, tile pendants, scrap booking, you name it I can do it.

Baker? Oh, yea that too.

And I can decorate cakes like no other.

I built an Engineer Castle out of Rice Crispy Treats this year.

Oh, and I am a photographer, that can fix her own car.

Oh, did I mention I am also a Certified Dental Assistant?

(Okay ye,s I am tooting my own horn now)

VER-SA-TILE!

That what I love about me

Day 1 of 30 Days of Truth.

2011-02-23T00:20:00.000-08:00

While blog hopping Ive noticed a trend among bloggers.

Lots of them are doing a
30 days of truth
or a
1, 000 things to be thankful for.

So I am jumping on the band wagon and doing the same.
Hopefully this will get me in the great habit of blogging everyday.

So here we go...

Day 1: Something you hate about yourself.

Oh goodness. Do we have to use the word, hate?

How about, dislike.

One thing I dislike about myself.

I dislike that I am a bit anti-social.

I'm not really the type of person who can walk up to someone

and instantly be their best friend.

I'm more of the, observing type.

Quiet, independent...

A loner.

Which all has great benefits.

But some people perceive me as maybe mean, because I am

not all warm and fuzzy.

Do I wish I could be more social?

Actually not.

I know lots of super social people, and the have TONS of friends.

Me, not super social, and I have a handful of friends.

But my friends are quality friends.

(Quality VS Quantity)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Well Id better go.

Just One Bite

2011-02-22T12:20:00.000-08:00

When my husband and I were dating we both worked at Home Depot.
He worked in the lumber yard from 6 am-2 p.m. and I worked as a Cashier from 9 am- 5 p.m.

My husband is an early bird.
I am not.

Every morning, my then boyfriend, would wake up make himself
two sandwiches for lunch and store them in the lounge refrigerator.

Now being that I am not an early bird,
I would literally wake up 20 minutes before I had to clock in.
Breakfast is something that never happened for me.

So when I got to work, I would sneak in the fridge,
Carefully unwrap each sandwich, and take ONE bite out of each
Wrap them back up.
And put them back exactly where I found them.
Cute, huh?

Drove-Him-NUTS!

Today I dropped in at the commissary for a few things.
And I noticed they had one of our favorite seasonal items.

When ever they have the Christmas Tree Reese's or the Valentine Heart Reese's we get them.

So now that I am in my flirty, frisky phase of deployment.

I thought id re-create that memory for us.

I took the egg out of the box, and cut a bite size piece off.

I would have bitten it myself, but I don't think germ-wise that would have been smart.

Tho I did try to cut it with grooves for the realistic effect.

After I put it back in the box, I wrote this little note.

I hope it puts a smile on my soldiers face.

The "Other" Side

2011-02-22T10:11:00.000-08:00

The conversations in my office are most interesting at times.

Especially in the days leading to deployment.

Recently, I had a conversation with SGT "G".

SGT "G" is one of the seven awesome FRLs that I work with.

He was telling me how it was killing him to see spouses cry when they put their SM on the bus.

Ill admit I gave him a raised eyebrow look.

"Why is it killing you?"

"Because I've never been on this end" he said

"This end?"

"Yea, I've always been the one to leave and say good-bye, but now I get to see the other side".

I thought that was interesting.

I never looked at it from that point of view.

Speech Delay? Impediment?

2011-02-21T02:56:00.000-08:00

My oldest son Brandon has a speech delay?

Or impediment?

Something of that nature.

I don't really know what to call it.

We first really noticed his speech problem shortly before he turned three.

It took us almost a year to get him started in a Speech therapy program because,

well the process is a lengthy one.

So since he was three, he has had help.

His speech improved immensely.

Now he is in Kindergarten, and its over whelming for him

and its over whelming for me.

I worry all the time.

My husband, not so much.

He thinks Junior will grow out of it like he did.

(My husband had the same speech problem)

I guess I am just impatient.

I wish, I could just make it right for him.

Ill be honest.

There are nights I go into his room, and I kiss him on the head.

I ask God for just a little help.

I asks him to take from me, and give to him.

Something. Anything.

I'm scared of kids making fun of him.

It would just break my heart.

In fact I have friends who mimic his stutter to his face and mine.

I don't think they realize how much that makes me angry.

This weekend, we worked extra hard on his wall words.

I don't know if it will pay off or not.

Hopefully it will.

I guess that is all I have in this.

Hope.

These Boots and Letters from Home.

2011-02-20T02:56:00.000-08:00

As an FRSA I have access to a lot of resources.

Which can be a good thing and a bad thing.

Good because the information I find, of course I share with families so they can learn,

and through them I can learn too.

Bad because sometimes its so much information, a few good items get over looked.

I'm planning an event soon.

And at this event I am giving away every book, DVD, CD, Teddy Bear,

Daddy doll that I have in my storage.

I'm not a hoarder, I'm a purger.

All of the things past FRSAs of my BN didn't give away for God only knows what reason,

will find a home at this event.

So while going through all of these things, I came across this CD.

These Boots.

Now I have seen this CD before, in fact I have ordered this CD before and given it away

to other spouses, but I, myself have never listened to it.

Now I am a strong believer in,

"you cant expect others to drink the Kool-aid if you don't drink it too."

So this past week, instead of bumping my speakers to some Black Eyed Peas

I was listening to Jacey Eckhart, talk about walking tall during a deployment.

She spoke on the many stages families go through in preparation of deployment.

She gave advice about in laws, and managing your expectations,

and with that she talked about communication.

Jacey mentioned something about historians worry that with technology today and how easy it is to send an email, that families will stop writing letters. And that piece of history being lost.

Hmmm, I had never thought of letters to my husband being part of history.

But its true.

Maybe they wont end up in some museum, but, they will be part of my families history.

Ive read letters that my Grandpa wrote my Grandma when he was at war.

So, starting this past week, Ive written my husband a letter almost every day.

Ive written him about our goals and dreams.

Ive asked him questions that I haven't asked him since we were dating in college.

Its going to be neat to see what he writes back with.

*Rule: we cant talk about what we write in letters on the phone, makes it more interesting*

This post has been linked too JaceyEckhart.com

To get your FREE copy of the CD, These Boots please visit: Militaryonesource.com

Wine and piercings

2011-02-19T03:42:00.000-08:00

Last night I attended a Wine Tasting hosted by our local spouses club.

The wine was fine and the company was superb.

Sometime that evening while sampling wines, our table got onto the subject of tattoos and piercings.

I mentioned to the table how I use to have my nose pierced but removed it when
I applied for my FRSA position.

Talk continued, and then a good friend of mine mentioned that she and another lady were

going to our local tattoo & piercing shop the next day if I would like to join them.

So I got her number and mulled it over that night.

At 1100 a.m. today this is where I was.

This is, well I don't know his name, but I have let him pierce my nose twice.

He's real nice and really funny.

Today's story was about a 50 year old woman who got her "woohoo" pierced and passed out in the chair.

Now this is my new friend.

When Mr. Piercer up there asked who was first,

she had no problem throwing me under the bus.

That's okay, she was nervous.

And here is cute me with my new nose ring.

Hopefully by Sunday I have will be able to change it out, I can only imagine what my FRLs are going to say.

Friday Mil-Spouse Fill-in

2011-02-18T05:08:00.000-08:00

1.What is your favorite MilSpouse blog (not including Wife of a Sailor who we all love, or your own)?
I cant say I really have a favorite. They are all well written and I enjoy reading them all very much.

2.What are your favorite perks about your s/o being deployed?
My favorite perks of my SM being deployed is the childcare benefits provided by the Army Family Covenant. We get 20% discount off full time care, $350.00 per child of free Skies classes, and 2 free CYSS sports and 16 free hours of free childcare per, child per month. Plus free child care for FRG meetings. I don't know how I would survive deployment without these benefits. My husband and I involve our children in sports, so this really helps with the bill. It paid for J.R.s first 6 months of Tae kwando and it will pay for Seanns soccer and J.R.s wrestling.

3.How long did you date your husband before getting engaged? Married?
We were promised first, and that happened about 6 months after we had started officially dating. Then about 1 year after that we got engaged, and 6 months after that we were married.

4.What do you think your husband would do if s/he wasn’t in the military?
My husband would be a football coach and a HS history teacher. That's what he was in college for before we joined the military.

5.If you could talk to the Secretary of army what is one suggestion you would like to bring to their attention in order to improve the lives of military families?
LISTEN! Thats all they have to do, is listen. They dont have to fix everything, just fix the big things, please.

This blog is linked to : Wife of a Sailor

From Saturday and Sunday

2011-02-17T03:17:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to share alittle from my Saturday and Sunday shoots.

This Mil-Spouse was celebrating her 9 year wedding anniversary.

This Mil-Spouse is expecting her first baby here in a few weeks.

From starting a military family to celebrating many years as a military family,

it was neat to have these two shoots the same weekend.

M. Men

2011-02-15T11:04:00.000-08:00

Its been a long time joke in my husbands family that *M* Men can sleep...

Anywhere...

Standing...

Or sitting..

I guess my Isaac is a true *M* .

Happy Heart Day!

2011-02-14T03:25:00.000-08:00

I received a delivery today at the office.

Which included a cute little card.

Obviously written by whom ever took my husbands order.

But most definitely they were his words.

Happy Valentines Day to you and your loved ones.

I hope it is special no matter how you choose to celebrate.

Perfectly Captured

2011-02-13T13:22:00.000-08:00

This past weekend

I was quite busy with my photography.

During the process of set up, I usually distract Isaac with rice puffs

but this particular day, I was out, so instead I gave him a cookie.

Long story short, he made a mess and I was forced to give him a last minute bath.

As I walked past my setup

I couldn't resist capturing some cute naked baby pictures.

This one ended up being my favorite.

You are beautiful

2011-02-12T05:56:00.000-08:00

When I was a teenager

my mother use to build self confidence, pride and self awareness in us

by having us stand at the mirror and tell ourselves

"I am beautiful"

"I am smart"

"I can do anything"

"I am beautiful"

So today I am telling you

You can do anything.

You are smart.

With love

It's okay to be sad.

2011-02-11T10:59:00.000-08:00

My oldest son J.R. is six years old and this is his third deployment.

And although he has been through this all before things are

plane and simple, the boy misses his Dad.

He asks when Dad will come home.

If we can call him.

And of course my favorite, "What is taking him so long?"

Right now we are three months into our deployment,

and I think J.R. is starting to feel the distance.

He has his sad moments, which is totally okay to have.

I know I have mine.

During one of his recent sad moments we talked about how its okay to be sad.

We talked about the reason he was sad.

"I miss Daddy".

I asked, "what do you miss most about Daddy?"

J.R.: His hugs.

Mom: Oh I miss those too! Daddy gives big hugs! Like this!

(BIG HUG)

~J.R. gave up alittle half smile~

Mom: What else do you miss about him?

J.R.: I miss wrestling with Daddy.

Mom: Oh you and Daddy had fun wrestling last season didnt you?

J.R.: Yea.

Mom: Well when Dady comes home, you will wrestle again and maybe he will pin you like this.

(Mom makes a poor attempt at some kind of wrestling move)

~Junior lets out a giggle~

Mom: How do you feel? Still sad?

J.R.: No I feel better, but Mom?

Mom: Yea baby?

J.R.: I miss Daddys pancakes, Im tired of your oatmeal.

Happy Birthday Daddy

2011-02-10T11:26:00.000-08:00

Today is my husband is celebrating his 27th birthday in Afghanistan.

And we too are celebrating his special day here at home.

To start:

I went to the commissary and bought a cake and topped it off with 27 candles.

I mean really a birthday isnt a birthday unless you put ALL the candles on.

As in our family tradition I put a 28th and left it unlit for next year

We called Daddy and sang at the top of our voices so he could hear how happy we were.

*Im sure my neighbors appreciated that*

(Notice the phone)

Seann even added, " And many more!"

Then as fast as we could, we helped him blow out all of his candles.

Im sure if we kept them burning any longer, cake would have caught fire.

Thank God I got the email today about the new 211 for emergencies.

Happy Birthday Honey.

(And yes old man, the jokes start NOW!)

What a week

2011-01-30T09:36:00.000-08:00

How I felt by the end of this week has been summed up by this picture.

I place Isaac in this bouncer when there are things I need to do around the house.

There are so many toys on this thing to keep him occupied for at least 2 hours.

Then you can hand additional toys on the bars and you can buy yourself probably an additional 30 minutes

He played and played and played until he passed out.

My week resembled this bouncer very much.

I had so much to do at work and of course I hung the extra toys of

volunteering, photo shoots and child extra-curricular.

By today, I very much feel like passing out.

Dont get me wrong, my week was FABULOUS!

But I am definitely out of fuel.

How was your week?

Taking the time to spoil OURSELVES!

2011-01-27T03:12:00.000-08:00

So I have been married for almost 7 years

(Yikes)

I have had 3 children in those 7 years

(Gulp)

And I have been through 3 deployments

(On the third one right now)

In all those years, I have spoiled my husband like no other.

Especially once he joined the military.

He is a soldier, and I felt he deserved it.

Long hours=2 bottles of Jamison every other week.

Troublesome soldiers=xbox+games+assesories

Deployments=New Computer + Ipod

My children.

Well I spoil them too.

I feel bad that their daddy is gone a lot, which equates to awesome toys and DVDs.

When I added up my husbands habits alone, for one year, well it was a pretty penny.

(I’m not complaining)

I have a shoe habit; I think we all know that by now.

But I usually only buy shoes when I am sad.

I’ve never really bought something for me to seriously enjoy.

Something relaxing.

Something...

EXPENSIVE.

Well today I did just that.

I bought the Nikon D90.

The people at AAFES looked at me with wide eyes when the cashier scanned it.

(ill admit for 10 seconds I felt guilty for spending that much money on myself)

Then I thought.

Nope.

I deserve it.

40+ hour work weeks

3 Children

Their extra circulars

Plus keeping up with his needs down range.

I deserve something fun.

And Mil-Spouses

So do YOU!

Now I am not telling you to go drop your whole pay check on a camera.

but, spoil yourself.

Take the time to reward your week of doing the toughest job.

Supporting your man

Taking care of your household.

And just putting up with life.

And don’t feel guilty.

Guilt is a feeling that stems from doing something bad.

And it is not bad to take care of you.

Thank you

2011-01-19T09:55:00.000-08:00

Thank you to my readers whom have listened to me rant the past thirty or so days.

Ive been dealing with too many things, and my blog turned into my outlet.

So,
Thank you for reading, and doing just that.

Its nice to know you all are out there relating to the way I feel, but letting me have my moment and space.

Not commenting on every little thing I say.

Today I think I got to the bottom of it.

I let it all fly out of me to a chaplain.

(A very awesome chaplain if I may say so)

He did the same thing my readers do.

Just sat and listened

He let me express the way I felt, exactly how I needed to express it to make me feel better.

No judgement.

It was fantastic and I feel some what better.

So,

Thank you all for being just....

There.

Just getting started

2011-01-17T21:37:00.000-08:00

As an Army Wife

Being separated from my husband is nothing new.

30 day schools

40 days field problems

12-15 month deployments

The year in which my husband was on "dwell time"

He attended 5 schools, had 2 field problems

And is now on deployment.

Each time he has disappeared from our lives I take a deep breath and make plans for

A better me

A better us

By this I mean, new systems of household organization

Better management of the kids schedules

And I start taking care of myself.

And as of now, my family is about to head into the 3rd month of our deployment and I am there.

My home is organized

Ive discovered the time I need to wake up in the morning to get 2 kids to daycare ,1 to school

and myself to work on time.

And Ive started taking my vitamins and I will be back in the gym..

TODAY!

And let me tell you, I'm just getting started.

2011 be ready for the new me

Sitting with rollers in my hair

2011-01-09T14:31:00.000-08:00

Seriously,

I am sitting here with

Hot Pink and Neon Green Rollers in my hair.

Look Ill show you

I have a briefing tomorrow, which means Ive got to whip out the high heels, and do the do.

I wonder how many people still use these foam rollers.

I like them alot better than the heated ones.

Anywho.

What did you do this weekend?

Me? Well.

I slept.

Took care of the kids.

Cleaned house.

Did some shopping.

Made a Dr. Suess Birthday Cake

Called the family.

Picked out earrings for the St. Barbaras Ball.

(I think these are the pair I am going to wear)

And I did massive amounts of laundry.

But it still needs to be folded.

Anyways, back to sitting here with the rollers in my hair.

Ive been thinking about all the things Ive done this weekend and the crazy week to come.

And well I hope to hear from my Pookie soon.

He is the one person I havent really heard from all weekend.

Where he is at, connections are not good.

And they havent been good for over a week.

I know he is fine.

But I would love to hear his voice.

Anyways..

So, do you take pictures of yourself to see what you look like when picking out clothing?

Or am I the only one whoe does that?

One of the best videos recognizing Military Spouses.

2011-01-05T10:09:00.000-08:00

This is one of the best videos

I have seen of someone recognizing military spouses.

Please watch the whole thing.

It will make you laugh.

And even make you alittle teary eyed.

Dont be fooled by the introduction to the video.

An "easier" day

2011-01-05T03:06:00.000-08:00

So like I shared yesterday that this week seemed to be one of "those" weeks

and how a loving, supportive, spontaneous email from my husband turned things around for me

(he also called last night for the first time in a couple days)

Well today is turning out to be a better day.

Ive mentioned in my profile that I am an FRSA.

A Family Readiness Support Assistant.

My job is hard to define because I do so many things.

I coordinate, advise, research and well just lots and lots of things.

(For about 400 families)

I love my job, its tuff at times, but very rewarding.

And planing briefings is part of the tuff part.

Especially when you are trying to get everyone on board.

(That was what part of my post was about yesterday, people making things harder than they have to be)

But today people seem ready to work.

I like that.

Because that means I can work.

I like that too.

PLUS

My oldest son is better! The baby is better! The middle child hasnt gotten sick at all!

AND

I did better at dragging myself out of bed this morning.

(Ive been having trouble sleeping)

So its lookin' up.

One of "those" weeks

2011-01-04T12:19:00.000-08:00

This week just seems like one of "those" weeks.

You know, that week where nothing seems to go right.

Where you feel like everyone is telling you, "no".

Making things harder than they really have to be?

All the while you are thinking

"Seriously?"

Three young kids

And 2 out of those three are sick.

And my favortie kind of sick

Vomiting!

Oh and as we speak my stomach is bubbling, yup I think I am next.

Oh yea, husband deployed + three young kids, which two of are sick+as we speak my stomach is bubbling.

AND! the weather where I live is depressing and horrible.

husband deployed+three small kids, which two of are sick+as we speak my stomach is bubbling+crappy weather+people making things harder than they have to be+40 plus hour work week+volunteering

And yea.

Its one of those weeks.

So just when I was ready to throw in the towel, throw my arms up, and lay on the floor and throw a tantrum

I get this email from my husband.

" Baby Gurl, I just wanted to let you know that I'm stupid in love with you Boo.

I really wish I was there to hold you and give you that new years kiss you deserve.

I been thinking about you all night and day.

I truly do Love you and hope and pray all is well. Muah take care my Love"

And just like that, I knew I would make it.

That this too shall pass.

And I knew it would pass because I have someone praying for me.

Somone who believes in me.

Who knows I will find a way to MAKE it work.

I love you Brandon.

The New Multi-Cam

2011-01-01T10:47:00.000-08:00

When he got it, I had to try it on.

Classic Mil-Spouse Picture.

Press once for yes, twice for no.

2010-12-31T11:06:00.000-08:00

I was recently telling my friend Ann

about how the communications in Afghanistan aren't up to par with how they were in Iraq.

My husband whom has been deployed for almost a month calls home at least once a week.

And when he does, about 10 minutes into the conversation I find myself saying:

"Hello? Baby, you there?"

(In the background I can hear something, just not him.)

Me: "If your there press a number."

Him: "Boop"

(Yes, I'm here)

Me: "Okay so your there, did you hear everything I just said?"

"Press a once for yes, twice for no"

Him: "Boop"

(Yes)

Me: "UGH! I hate these crappy connections"

Him:"Boop"

(Yes)

Me: "Can you hang up and call me again"

Him: "Boop, Boop"

(No)

Me: "Ugh, well I love you, call me again soon, and please be safe in whatever you do".

Him: "Boop, boop, boop, booooooop"

"I-LOVE-YOU-TOOOO"

Gotta love a man who can work the numbers on a phone to say " I love you ".

Just thought Id share.

How does this deployment differ from other ones for you.

My new favorite cookie!

2010-12-26T22:15:00.000-08:00

Recently while catching up on my blog reading

I visited one of my favorite reads

" I Should Be Folding Laundry".

And in one of her most recent post she blogged about her, Ritzy Peanut Butter Cookies.

They looked like the simplest cookies to make in the world.

Plus they looked delicious!

I mean seriously, who doesnt like chocolate, peanut butter and Ritz crackers.

So I mentioned on her blog that I would give it a try.

And I did.

Three times.

And another time tonight.

Im addicted.

So all you really need is:

Ritz Crackers

Peanut butter

Almond Bark

Wax paper

AND THATS IT!

Now, I live in a VERY small military community.

Our commasarry did not have almond bark, so I used regular white chocolate.

Anyways first you make peanut butter cracker sandwiches.

Leave the flat side of the cracker on the outside.

I used all diffrent amounts of peanut butter.

But the more peanut butter the better.

Now after youve made all these wondeful little sandwiches its all down hill from here.

You melt the white chocolate in the microwave.

(She uses a double boiler, I use microwave, no clue how to use a double boiler)

And give your sandwiches a nice little bath in the chocolate.

Put them on a wax sheet of paper, and then in the fridge to cool.

For fun, I melted some semi-sweet chocolate and added alittle extra art to my cookies.

Quick. Simple.Delicious!

Have you tried any new recipes from your favorite blogs this week?

Its almost over

2010-12-26T03:44:00.000-08:00

This year, my boys and I did the holidays

"just us".

My husband is deployed.

Again.

For the third time.

Usually, I just go straight through Christmas as if he was here.

I decorate.

I bake.

I take tons of pictures.

But those Christmas' were about 9 month into a deployment,

where I was fully functional and use to be being by myself.

SUPER MOM.

But this deployment is different.

He has not even been gone a month.

Im still finding my "footing".

Its Isaacs first Christmas,

And it sucks.

I didnt decorate.

I didnt bake.

And this shutter bug left the camera in the drawer.

Now dont get me wrong, I had fantastic friends who invited me to their homes.

Which I appreciated.

(and I went)

But Im sure they could tell I really wasnt in a great mood.

I didnt mean to seem so down and well, weird.

But my husband is gone and theirs is still here.

Im not jelous, I am happy for them, that they had their husband home to spend Christmas with.

Their children had their daddies there to put together their toys.

But we didnt.

It feels weird to spend time with friends and their husbands.

Almost the third wheel feeling, with the addition of my three little wheels.

I dont know.

It just feels weird.

When I am sad, I.....

2010-12-23T06:05:00.000-08:00

I have a confession to make,

*Ahem*

When I am sad, I buy a new pair of shoes

(The newest member to the family)

How do you deal with sad days?

Vacation Memories

2010-12-21T05:48:00.000-08:00

Not too long ago, my family took our yearly vacation to Berlin, Germany.

We woke up early in the morning all bright eye'd and bushy tailed ready to make the 7 hour drive.

(We were a family of four at this time, I was pregnant with Isaac here and didnt even know it)

When we arrived in Berlin, we visited the Berlin Aquarium

We saw a few historical sites

And we went to the famous Berlin Zoo.

While we were at the zoo, the funniest, most embarrassing thing happend..

We were at the enterance of the Zoo, reading the site map, planning out our day

when I realized Junior was no longer at my side!

I freak out, and instanly turned in every direction possible

It was then that I found him, not to far off

With his pants around his ankles

Peeing in a bush!

Me: WHOA! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!

Junior: Going potty?

Me: Who told you this was okay?

Junior: Daddy

Then came the glare of death upon my husband.

His answer:

He's a boy, and that what boys do! We pee outside!

Not too long after this incident we came upon this statue at the Zoo

Its one of my favorite pictures from our vacation.

I cant wait to tell his future girlfriends about this!

What are your funny vacation memories?

-M-

Embracing the cold

2010-12-20T01:10:00.000-08:00

I am proud to announce I am a

TEXAN!

From San Antonio to be exact.

I LOVE hot and humid summers, warm falls, and cool winters.

Notice I said cool winters not cold.

Us Southern Texans, we dont do cold, or like my Grandpa says,

"We dont participate"

Well living in Germany, I have no choice but to particiapate in cold weather

and I will admit I am stuggling with embracing any part of it.

Look at this leaf

I wish I could give snow a big ole' hug just like this leaf is.

Check out my kids

Junior embraced it with his whole body by making a snow angel

And Seann well he embraced winter gastrointestionally by eating as much of it as he could.

And Isaac we pulled him around in a laundry basket, he had no choice

I need to learn to embrace my surroundings.

Winter and everything that comes with it.

Where are you from? And where are you now?

How do you deal with the climate changes?

-M-

The BEST Mommy bag!!

2010-12-19T01:03:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I found the greatest Mommy Bag-ever!

Its a bag for the Mom who is usually carrying a million things, and still trying to keep track of the child holding her hand.

Drum roll please

TADA!

Its called a motherchildbag.

Its spacous, it has a place for your cell phone and it gives you a third hand!

And it did not cost me an arm and a leg!

Only $12.50!

My three year old LOVES it!

(and so does Mommy)

He even says the picture on the bag is him and Mommy.

As a Mommy of three young boys

(5,3, & 9 months)
This was the best find ever!

-M-

This bag can be found at

http://www.reisenthel.com/

*disclaimer: I was NOT paid to write this post, or given any free merchandise*

This post was purely the thoughts of a satisfied customer

Double Exposure?

2010-12-18T02:13:00.000-08:00

The other night during my extreme boredom brainstorming sessions, I thought Id take a self portait. Now the lighting in my bathroom isnt the greatest, and was I working on manuel settings.

Which created shutter/exposure nightmares.

But I caught this picture.

In the days of film I guess we would call this a double exposure.

But in the digital world, what would this be called?

-M-

Photography (Foto Friday)

2010-12-17T06:45:00.000-08:00

Part of my blog is deticated to Photography

Its something Ive grown up doing being a part of my Mothers Photography buisness

(AD Photography)

I love taking pictures

Especially scoping out places I think will be great for photos.

Last summer I found a little trail that was awesome for photos.

This location is my favorite place to take pictures.

I call it," My hiding spot"

Recently in my little town in Germany we have been getting tons of snow

And while dropping the kids at day care I wondered

"What does my hiding place look like now?"

So I drove over and this is what I found:

It was beautiful

So many photo opportunities!

I just wanted to lay down on my back, concentrate on one leaf and shoot.

Problem was I had no blanket

And I was literally knee deep in snow, feeling frost bite nibble at my toes

It was so worth it though.

-M-

This post has been linked to household6diva Foto Friday and I Should be folding laundry.

Friday Mil-Spouse Fill In

2010-12-17T00:19:00.000-08:00

Its been a while since I have been able to do the Friday Fill-In, and I am super excited to be able to participate today! Here we go!

1.What is the best gift you have ever received or given?

The best gift I have ever given would be, a place for a couple to stay after the deployment. we had known this soldier a while, and he got married over MAX leave, and when the guys redeployed his wife wanted to come out and be here for the home coming, so we openned our little home to them, they stayed with us almost a month. I was happy that we were able to give them time together, and he was able to come home to someone.
Best gift I have ever received...... recently my mom gave me a camera... Its an old school camera that takes 35 MM film, but it has sentimental value to me. My Mom use to have her own photography buisness. She did weddings, quinces, Senior photos, you name it she did it. And as part of my up brining I was her assistant. I carried her equiptment, and set up her tripod, reloaded cameras and batteries.... Anyways, recently she gave me one of her cameras, and it just reminded me of all the fun we had together, and without even realizing it, she taught me another trade.

2.Do you celebrate holidays differently when your loved one is deployed/gone or do you keep tradition?
While he is gone I dont decorate. I dont want to have to drag everything up from the basement by myself, only to have to drag it back down by myself. So I bought a little 5.00 Christmas tree and me and the kids make due with that.

3.If you celebrate Christmas, do you put an angel, star or something else on the top of your tree?
We have both and put up whatever we are in the mood for that year. I am still looking for an awesome angel though, the current one we have doesnt do anything special, we bought it at AAFES the first year we were here.

4.What are your three favorite websites? My three favorite websites:
household6diva.com, facebook.com and gojane.com ( I am a shoe fanatic)

5.On your man do you prefer… boxers, briefs or boxer briefs? Or commando?
Commando of course!! LOL!!!

-M-

This post has been linked to the Mil-Spouse Friday Fill-In.