Fun, Fellowship & freezer Meals

I’m a homebody.  Actually, I tend to call myself antisocial.  Sure, I like people and I have friends but I really prefer to just be at home with my family.  Friends are nice and I do make an effort.  So when my friend K asked a bunch of us if anyone would want to get together to make a bunch of freezer meals together, I jumped all over it.  Time with friends while getting dinner out of the way sounded like an excellent plan to me!

K did ALL of the planning this time around, so it was easy for me.  I basically just showed up on the appointed day and time.  K however, picked the recipes (and decided that instead of doing 12 we’d do six cause who wants to buy that much chicken at once?!?!?), figured out how much we needed of each item and  went grocery shopping (an overstuffed cart and $500 dollars later at Costco plus a stop at Winco.) Five of us went in on this though only four of us made the meals, as one friend had a kid commitment (we didn’t mind doing the meals for her….her husband is in and out, she has a two month old and five other kids….yup, we can cover it for her!)  So six recipes and 4 ladies.  I was thinking we’d be there a couple of hours, not really thinking it through.  Yeah….

Liebster Award

My friend Fran from Freeborboleta honored me with the Liebster award.  It’s been awhile since I’ve gotten one so I thought it would be fun to do.  Plus, she came up with great questions! 

 

LIEBSTER AWARD – THE RULES

Thank the person who nominated you and link them in your post.
Tell 11 random facts about yourself.
Answer the 11 questions provided by the person who nominated you.
Choose 11 blogs you like and link them in your post.
Write 11 questions for these bloggers, so they can answer them.
Go to their page and let them know that you nominated them.

Facts:

1.  In real life I’m not a rule breaker.  At all.  I very much like to follow the rules.

2.  I’m going to rebel and break the Liebster Award rules and not share ten facts about me.  I shared some back in October so you can go read those if you want!

3.  If there is something you’re dying to know, let me know in the comments and I’ll do my best to answer.

Now on to the fun part, Fran’s questions:

1. If you had to move to a city you’ve never been to, which one would you choose?

I’ve already done this!  After college I moved to Changchun, China to teach English to Chinese high school students.  From there I moved to Viet Nam, spending a year each in Hai Phong and in Thai Nguyen.

Now? Singapore.  The Man has been and really liked it there.  It’s pretty Westernized and I think the adjustment wouldn’t be too bad.

2. What’s your favorite thing to order from Starbucks?

It depends on the season.  During the winter,  I get a non-fat mocha, lite whip.  In the summer, I like to get a refresher, usually the lime one.  Sometimes I’ll get a double chocolatey chip frappicino.  In the fall, I like to get either a nonfat gingerbread latte, lite whip or a caramel apple cider (it tastes like you’re drinking a caramel apple…YUM!)  In December, I like to get a nonfat gingerbread late with lite whip.  I like to change it up so I don’t get bored!

3. Pie or cake? And which kind?

The correct answer is chocolate.  It can be pie or cake, I don’t care, as long as it’s chocolate.  I do like other kinds of pie, like apple and pumpkin and berry.  When it comes to cake though…it must be chocolate.  Marble is ok and I just don’t understand vanilla cake.  What’s the point?

4. You’ve won an all-paid trip of your dreams, where would you go?

I’d do an around the world trip.  There are so many places I want to go!  Highlight would include Ireland, Norway, Luxemburg, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Croatia, Thailand, Cambodia, Loas, Vietnam, China, Japan and Tahiti.  I haven’t been to most of these countries and some of them I want to visit again.  

 

Can you guess the different place in the pictures?  I’ll give you a hint: They are all in Asia!

5. Which book would you like to insert yourself in and why?
I’d love to be in the Narnia series, especially The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.  It’s my favorite book in the series (the movie is horrible.  I don’t want to be in the movie!)  It’s full of adventure and I think it would be fun.  I also want to hug Reepicheep, not that he would let me.  I think he’s cute!

6. Name 1 historical figure or fictional character with whom you’d like to have dinner. Why him/her?

I’d like to have a small dinner party with Mr. & Mrs. Darcy and Mr. & Mrs. Bingley.  I think it would be fun to converse with them.  And I want a tour of Pemberly!

7. Which time-period would you like to live in?

This one is hard.  There are several that appeal to me on a “romantic” level, like midevil times.  But I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t be part of the nobility living in castles (which are drafty and don’t seem too comfy) but would be working my fingers off in a hovel. 

The other time period that appeals to me is during the Wild West.  I think it would have been interesting to be a settler moving west into unknown territories, claiming land and taming it.  It would have been a lot of hard work but how satisfying.  Can you imagine traveling the Oregon Trail (and not dying along the way?)  I think living in the west in all that wide open space instead of the crowded cities in a tenement and working in a factory. 

So honestly, I think I’m quite happy living right now.

8. Chicago Style pizza or New York style pizza? You will be judged based on this answer.

As awesome as Chicago is, I prefer New York style pizza.  I grew up in MA and went to college right out side NYC, so my answer makes sense.  Garlic knots as a side are AMAZING as well.  Pizza was #1 on my must eat list when we visited NYC last month.  I was a happy girl when we got slices TWICE!  

9. What’s your favorite recipe?

This is a hard one. The first one that comes to mind is Collard Greens Stew with Chorizo & Garlic.  This recipe is OUTSTANDING!  You need to try it, even if you don’t think you like collard greens.  It is so, so good. 

10. If you could rid the would of one thing, what would it be?

The gray hairs that are appearing with alarming regularity.  How many I see depends on where my part is.  Some days I don’t see any.  Other days there are a ton.  I’ve been toying with the idea of dying my hair but I don’t have the energy to keep it up. 

11. If you had to dye your hair a crazy, non-conventional color, what color would you choose?

I’d do a bright, non natural red.  Or maybe purple.  In high school a few friends and I dyed some strands of our hair green and purple while at school.  My hair is so dark you could barely see it.  I don’t think I could do a whole head of a funky color for more than a day or two.

My questions:

1.  If you were going to pick an author to write your autobiography, who would you pick?

2.  If you could do any job, without worrying about paying for school to get the skills needed, what job would you pick?  Why?

3.   You win a million dollars.  What do you do with it?

4.  What is one thing you want to accomplish this year?

5.  What’s your favorite Disney character?  Why?

6.  If you could run the Amazing Race, who would you run it with?  Why?

7.  What’s your favorite city?  Why do you love it?

8.  Would you participate in a Flash Mob? What kind? (Dancing, playing an instrument?)

9.  What do you prefer, dogs or cats?  Why?

10.  What’s your favorite sport to watch in the Winter Olympics?  In the Summer games?

11.  Please rank, from favorite to least favorite: planes, trains, automobiles and boats.  Why? 

 

I’m tagging:

Cat at Cartwheels and Windmills

Wifey at Wife of a Sailor

Abby at Life is Wonderific

Kristy at Twist & Sprinkle

Jenn at Life with the Lieutenant

Jodi at Jodi Bean’s Blog

YOU!  If you answer the questions, let me know! I’d love to read your answers.

A Winter Wedding in Maine

My friend Megan got married in Maine last weekend. It was small, intimate and perfectly Megan.  I was privileged to stand  with her while she said her vows.  

The day started with Megan, her Maid of Honor, Sam and I getting our hair done together.  Megan changed into her dress in the salon.  She was (is!) gorgeous.  The dress was perfect for her.  Then Sam managed to get us to the bakery to pick up cupcakes and eat lunch and to the restaurant where the wedding was being held in one piece.  This was quite a feat as it was raining/sleeting and the roads and sidewalks were icy.  What do you expect in January in Maine? 

At the restaurant we were joined by the other three bridesmaids.  We avoided the groom and his men, hung out with Megan’s family and took some photos while we waited for the appointed time for the wedding to start.

The wedding was officiated by Nicole, a friend from Law school.  The ceremony might have lasted 5 minutes but it was perfect. It fit Megan to a T.  Her husband too, but I don’t know him as well.  However, from what I can tell, they are perfect for each other.  It brought me great joy to watch them together.  I’m so glad they found each other and wish them many, many years of happiness together.

Munchkin had a great time looking out the window and the ducks and dancing.  She was a hit and everyone thought she was adorable.  She would go to anyone who would take her to the windows or out on the little deck to look at the ducks.  She was fascinated with looking out the window.  She also enjoyed dancing.

Megan planned this well, as she is moving to Australia.  When they celebrate their anniversary, it will be summer.  I think that if they ever do this again, in January, they should do it someplace warm.  How about the Florida Keys?  Then we wouldn’t have to worry about ice!

Recovering

Last weekend The Man, Munchkin and I travelled to Maine for a wedding of a dear friend, Megan.  My goal was to blog about it on Monday but I’m still recovering.  Flying back and forth across the country has made me more tired than I expected.  The trip was well worth it and I’m so glad we went.

I met Megan in 2008 when I moved into an apartment in a nearby town.  The apartment was in a three story house that had been turned into three apartments.  I was renting the one on the second floor and lived alone.  Megan was renting the first floor apartment and had a roommate she met through Craigslist.  The roommate turned out to be strange (she left a stick of butter on the couch…who does that?!?)

We became friends and we decided to rent a new place together.  She needed a new roommate and I wanted to save money for my upcoming wedding.  Megan is my friend that The Man knows the best (from before marriage) and she helped me cope with his deployment and kept me sane through the wedding planning process.  Oh, the stories we have!

When The Man was confined to the boat for drinking and was unable to fly to MA for Thanksgiving and drive my car back to WA, Megan took on being my co-pilot.  She was not working at the time and was excited to drive with Molly and me.  She didn’t even hesitate when I asked her.  She even drove over Mt. Shasta in the snow because I didn’t want too.  We had a great time stopping in Ohio, Missouri, Texas (where we made sure to see Cadillac Ranch), seeing snow in the Southwest, a  three hour stop at the Grand Canyon and a drive by the Las Vegas Strip.

I’m been so blessed by Megan’s friendship.  I’m so happy that she has found an amazing guy to take care of and that he’ll take care of her.  I’m sad she’ll be moving out of the country. A silver lining is we now have a great reason to visit Australia! 

My Beloved and My Friend {A Review}

I was provided with a complimentary copy of My Beloved and My Friend by Hal & Melanie Young for the purposes of this review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Man & I have been married for four years.  When it comes to marriage, we’re still newbies.  We have great examples to follow, as both of our parents have been married 30 plus  years.    We’ve learned a lot four years but we both know there’s still a lot to learn.  We enjoy being married to each other and we both enjoy spending time with each other.  Even after adding a baby to the mix, we’re still enjoying this crazy ride.  There is great joy in spending everyday with your best friend.

When I saw the chance to review My Beloved and My Friend by Hal & Melanie Young, I thought it would be a good opportunity to see what other people have to say about being friends with your spouse.  The Young’s have been married for almost thirty years.  Hal was diagnosed with stage IV cancer a few years ago and they wrote their first book Raising Real Men.  This book, My Beloved and My Friend, is what they want their children to know about “how to lay a foundation for a successful marriage, or how to start resolving things if the relationship wandered off course or went sour, somehow” (page 4.)  I think they do a good job of providing this information for their kids and as a side benefit, for us. 

In My Beloved and My Friend, the Young’s share what has worked for them for a number of topics.  I like how they showed a scriptural basis for the points they are talking about.  There were no new huge insights for me as The Man and I are already doing most of what the Young’s write about.  I found the book to be an easy read, relatable and practical from a couple who truly enjoy being married to each other.  They cover topics such as communication, submission, sex, children, and fighting.  They offer sound, reasonable advice on how to become friends with your spouse.  Even though there was nothing new to me, many of the topics were good reminders and prompted me to pay attention to things I had let slide. 

One part I did not agree with was when they write about natural childbirth.  Now I’m all for natural, unmedicated childbirth and wanted one for myself.  I felt like they were saying this was the only and best way to have children.  While I can agree, there are so many factors in play during childbirth that and a mom doesn’t need this kind of pressure to try to have the PERFECT childbirth.  There are many ways to have a successful childbirth. 

I think the book would be excellent for those who are engaged or newly married.  This book is also a good resource for those who have been married awhile and want a better friendship with their spouse. I think the Young’s are right on when they say:

We can choose to enjoy one another.  Choose to see each other as our best friends.  This is really, seriously one of the most satisfying things you will ever do. Make your mate your best friend. (page 46)

 

My Beloved and My Friend is available for preorder for $12 and will be available for Christmas delivery, two months before it’s official release date of February 14, 2014.  If you wait until the book is released, the book will be $15.  If you’d like to read more reviews, you can go here.

 

Join the Movement

I know the week is almost over but I wanted to share for those of you that don’t know that April 21-27, 2013 is National Infertility Awareness Week.  Did you know that infertility affects 7.3 million people in the U.S? That means that 12% of women of childbearing age, or 1 in 8 couples are dealing with infertility. I bet you know someone who is dealing with infertility!

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse (six months if the woman is over age 35) or the inability to carry a pregnancy to live birth.  I have family and friends who are dealing with infertility.  The Man and I also experienced it, as we tried for two years to get pregnant before seeking help (yes, longer than we should have!)  I was convinced that the next cycle would be “the one.” Thankfully, we got pregnant one cycle after seeking help and we have a happy ending to our infertility story.  There are many who do not.

It can be hard to know what to say to someone who is dealing with infertility.  Telling them to relax doesn’t help…trust me, I know this from experience.  Infertility is a medical diagnosis and relaxing does not fix it.  Would you tell someone with cancer to relax?  I think not.  It’s the same with infertility.  I strongly encourage you to check out this page for things to do or say to someone who is struggling with this diagnosis.  I had so many people tell me to relax or tell me how easy it was for them to get pregnant.  Neither helped.  I was that women who blocked/unfollowed people when they announced a pregnancy.  I just couldn’t handle it.  It was hard, so hard.  I didn’t talk much about how hard it was.  It feels like you are broken, especially when everyone around you is getting pregnant. 

Knowing how long it took us to conceive Munchkin makes me a little nervous to expanding our family.  We both want more children.  I do wonder how long it will take to get a little brother or sister for Munchkin. I try not to dwell on it as I know it won’t help.  But the thought is there, lingering in the back of my mind.

Even if we don’t have anymore children, I am so thankful for my baby.  I am so blessed by her.  I’m thankful that I was able to carry and give birth to her. I treasure that experience.  I don’t take it for granted. 

I have friends who are still trying to have a baby.  If you’d like to follow their stories, I know they’d love to have you follow along.  Wife of a Sailor and Lauren are trying to conceive their first child.  I recently found Courtney’s blog through  the Ultimate Blog Party 13 and she is dealing with secondary infertility and is going to be doing IVF to conceive her second child.  Brittany is doing an IUI to try to conceive her second child.  Then there are those who decided to adopt to become a mom, like ArmyMomma.  This ladies are all amazing, incredible moms.

If you or someone you know is struggling with infertility, they don’t have to do it alone.  Please check out the resolve website for information and support.  You can find a infertilty 101 and more information on NIAW.  You can also reach out to me or to any of the ladies I mentioned above.  You are NOT alone!

Insert Interesting Title Here

I know I haven’t been posting very much.  Munchkin and I were in MA for two weeks.  I was busy showing off my daughter to friends and family.  We had a great time but I’m glad to be home.  There’s something so nice about coming home to your own stuff after being away.

Even though I have been writing very many posts over the past few months, I have been thinking about posts.  I think about what I want to write and even compose paragraphs in my head as I go about my day.  Then I sit down and I can’t get the words out.  They sound so much better in my head.  So I start a post and never finish it.  I can no longer finish a post in one sitting anymore anyway, since Munchkin normally needs my attention before I’m finished.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m loving being a mom (have a blog post started on that.)  Priorities have changed and I’m still figuring things out.   What I really need is technology to take my thoughts and turn them into blog posts.  Or maybe I just need to invest in a voice to text program.  Someday I’ll get all the blog posts written…hopefully before Munchkin goes to college!

Pt. Defiance Zoo

We’ve lived in the PNW for just under three years.  We’ve managed to get into Seattle multiple times and even over to the Olympic Peninsula.  Somehow we haven’t gotten to the zoo.  It’s only 30 minutes away.  I’ve been wanting to go for AGES.  A friend has a membership and is able to bring two guests for free so they brought me.  I’m looking forward to getting our own membership cause I think Munchkin is going to love the zoo!

It’s a small zoo but perfect for kids.  It was a little crowded but that’s because there were a bunch of school kids there for a field trip, plus it was the 30th birthday weekend of one of the walruses.  It was also the first sunny and warm day we’ve had in about a week.

There is a gorgeous view on Mt. Rainier and Puget Sound from the area where you walk into after getting your tickets. If you look in the middle, kinda right above the kid in the red shirt, that white thing is Mt. Rainier.

It was pretty warm and it made some of the animals sleepy.  The elephant was snoozing and enjoying his midmorning nap!

The tiger was sleepy too.  I wasn’t quite ready for a nap yet but a few hours later I would have loved to be snoozing too!

The thing in the middle that looks like a rock?  That’s a walrus swimming around.  It was kinda stinky so I didn’t stick around for long.

A cute meerkat.  They’re not just cute, their meercute!

One of my favorite birds is a puffin.  I think they’re really cute!

This is my new favorite maternity picture.  I love Mt. Rainier in the background.  I think I look pretty good too.  As big as I feel, at least the mountain is bigger!

Sadly they don’t have any giraffes, my favorite but there is a good selection of animals.

What is your favorite animal to see at the zoo?

Things That Made Me Smile; May

I found the blog, Emmy Mom, that hosts this meme during the Ultimate Blog Hop back in April.  I think it’s a wonderful way to recap a month so I’m linking up for my first time.

May was a pretty good month over all for me.  Here’s what really made me smile:

1.  Visit from mom.

My mom came to visit because she wanted to see my baby belly.  She saw it in February when I visited for two weeks but I wasn’t very big yet.  I’m much bigger now and she enjoyed seeing it and getting to feel her grandbaby moving around.  We had a great week.  We explored Poulsbo, Edmonds and even got to enjoy Pike’s Place Market in Seattle in the warm sunshine!  She also spoiled me by cooking dinner, doing the dishes and the laundry and vacuuming. 

2.  Time spent with The Man

I love my husband and spending time with him.  We are enjoying the last few weeks have just the two of us.  Don’t get me wrong, we’re super excited to meet Munchkin but we know life as we know it is going to change and it will never be the same again.  So we’re making the most of it while we can!  Late nights at the drive in and day trips in the area are great ways for us to have quality time together.  Sorry about the dark picture…we were in the back of the pickup as Battleship was starting when we took it.

3.  The furbabies.

I love our animals, all 4 of them.  I know their worlds are going to be rocked with Munchkin’s arrival.  I’ve been trying to make an effort to make sure they each get attention every day.  Not tons, but one on one time so they know they are loved.  I’ve even let the pups up on the sofa for a bit every once in a while for some snuggle time. I know they miss it since we’ve banished them from the sofa.

4. Getting the GD under control

While being diagnosed with GD definitely DID NOT make me smile finding out more about and and getting it under control did.  I’m still working on my fasting numbers but they are getting better.  What made me smile even more is knowing that I can stay under the care of the midwife I’ve been seeing.  Even better is knowing that IF I do need to go on medicine, she’ll work with an OB and I’ll still get to see her. 

5.  Being 33 weeks on Memorial Day.

Only 7 weeks to go, 4 till I’m full term.  I can see the light at the end of the tunnel!  I’m going to miss the kicks and punches I’ve been feeling (well, not the ones to my bladder.)  I’m not going to miss trying to get comfortable to sleep.

6.  New Shoes & Dresses

While Mom was here she bought me some new flip flops and two new dresses.  I’m loving both!  I’m really loving the dresses because they are so comfortable.  We got them thinking they would be great for me to wear after Munchkin arrives.  I’m sure they will be but I’m getting plenty of use out of them now.

7. The Wedge

While I was at my prenatal massage this month, my massage therapist used a wedge for my belly.  Let me tell you this thing is amazing.  It was so amazing that I had to go out and buy one myself.  I had seen them but didn’t think that it would be much use.  I WAS WRONG. The wedge is so comfy under my belly and works so much better than a pillow.  When I’m laying on it I can’t even feel it.

8. Coming home to a vacuumed house

Enough said.

9. A Baby Shower

My church had a baby shower for me this past month.  It was on a Sunday after church and it was a great time.  It was nice and small but many people who couldn’t make it left gifts and I was overwhelmed by their generosity.  We were blessed by our church family and we’re looking forward to raising munchkin there!

What made you smile this month?

I’m link up with:

Tight Knit Community

One of the things I love about the military community is how close knit it is.  Even if you’ve never met, you’re still a brother/sister to one who is also wearing the uniform.  It’s the same with Milspouses.  I’ve been blessed to become friends with some incredible women, most of whom I’ve never met.  Even though I’ve never met most of them in real life, I know details about them that goes beyond a casual acquaintance.  I read their blogs, tweet with them on Twitter and are friends with some of them on Facebook.  I talk about them to The Man as if I know them.  I do know them.  We share laughter and tears.  We celebrate and mourn together.  When one of them hurts, we all hurt.   

Several bloggers have been receiving emails (not one but several) about casting for a new reality TV show.  This show is going to be about war widows who are starting to date again.  To many of us in the milspouse community this is disrespectful and in bad taste.  My friend Erika, who blogs at Chambanachik has written a much more eloquent post.  I would appreciate if you would read her words about this situation.  Several of us would like to see a stop to these email and ultimately to the TV show.  You can join us by blogging about it and sharing it on your blog.  Erika created the image above and is allowing people to use to share this story.  You can also tweet with us using the hashtag #istandwithmilwidows.  Taylor, another milspouse blogger has drafted a letter that you can use to send to CBS to protest.  You can find her post here.  At the end of her post is a linky with other posts on this subject.  The more noise we make the more people will know about it and will stand with us. 

Thank you!

MA Trip

I’ve been home about 2 weeks from MA and I haven’t told you about it at all!  I had a great time.  In an effort to not leave anything out, I’ve made a list of things that I did while I was there.

1.  Ate yummy New England food. 

There are just some things I can’t get in the PNW, like a good Italian sub.  I crave them and I was so happy I was able to have a couple while I was there!  I also got in pizza from Papa Gino’s and the local House of Pizza, Chinese food and Sully’s.  SO YUMMY!

2. Spent time with my mom. 

My mom and I are friends and I miss our hang out times.  It was so nice to be able to just spend time with her!  We didn’t always have something planned but even just trips to Target are fun.  I’m so glad she’ll be heading my way soon!

3. Spent time with friends.

I love my friends in MA.  I was able to connect with many of them which was nice.  I was able to hang out with J, my friend from college and meet her new son S!  A day was spent on the Cape with C and her son M.  I miss these ladies so much and we make due with Facebook, email and phone calls but it’s not the same.  It was nice to have some face to face time. I can’t wait that next time out east I’ll have munchkin and she can play with the boys!  I also got to spend a morning enjoying the gorgeous weather at the “park” With my friends A, K and E and their kids. 

3.5 Met a bloggy friend for dinner

I was able to meet Jodi from Jodi Bean’s Blog for dinner one night. I love meeting bloggy friends in person!  We had a great dinner and dessert (ice cream, what else?!?) You can check out her post on our meeting.

4. Spent a weekend in Plymouth, MA for a retreat

It was fun to spend a weekend with women from my old church.  We learned a lot and were also very silly.  Good times, friend, good times!

5. Got a prenatal massage

After I fell, mom got me a prenatal massage.  It was the BEST massage I’ve EVER had.  Chandra, the masseuse, was amazing.  She was so good and even longer than she was supposed to.  I would definitely go back to her again!

6.  Spent time with family

One of the hard things about being so far away from family is that I don’t get to spend a lot of time with them in person.  I miss that a lot.  I spent a few days in NH with my Aunt, cousin and her family.  It was so much fun.  It was a little bitter sweet since my cousin & family is moving to Michigan soon and I don’t know when I’m going to see them again.

7. Got my hair cut

I’ve been going to the same hairdresser for about 15 years now and there’s no one else I trust with my hair. I learned this the hard way! I love that I can walk in and tell Kim what I want and she does it.  It works just fine that I’m not in MA that often as I usually only get it cut about once a year anyway.  She did a great job this time, as always!

8. Looked at lots and lots and lots of baby stuff with mom

It’s fun to plan and dream about a new baby.  It’s fun to do it with mom.  We reminisced about when I was a baby all those years ago.  I was able to get my christening gown for Munchkin to wear and some of my  baby blankets and sweaters.  

9. Enjoyed 70 degree weather!

I very much enjoyed the nice weather.  It was sad that the morning I woke up in my own bed back in WA, there was snow falling.  Not a fan of the snow…I  much prefer the nice weather!

10. Was blessed by a baby shower

Munchkin and I were showered with love at a baby shower.  It was so nice to see everyone.  We were blessed with many books for munchkin (I can’t wait to read them to her!) and clothes and blankets.  I even managed to get most of it home.  Just the books are left in MA and mom will bring those when she comes out.  My favorite part was the advice I was given.  Even my 9 year old niece had advice for me! I know I’ll be looking through the advice when I’m at my wits end.

That’s a recap of my two weeks in MA.  I hope you enjoyed!

Wife of a Sailor with her Huzzy

I'm still having a great time in MA.  I have another guest post for you today, this time from Wife of a Sailor.  If you've never participated in the Milspouse (First) Friday Fill-In, you should check it out.  You can read the questions and answers from last Friday.  It's a great way to get to know other bloggers.  She's another blogger that I've been able to meet in person.  I love that I've met so many great people through bogging!  Anyway, she's going to talk about the uncertainity of life with a submariner.


The military life is such an unknown. Sometimes the submarine life is even more so, I think.

Right now, we are in the middle of our last deployment (which is called a patrol due to the type of sub
Huzzy is on) and about to head into shore duty. It’s pretty much our first one. I say pretty much because
I met Huzzy on his last “shore” duty, which was recruiting. Let me tell ya, that’s no picnic and there’s a
reason they give recruiters an extra $400 a month of “hardship duty” pay.

So Huzzy will be nearly 13 ½ years in and going on only his second shore duty—and the first “real” one—
in May. I’m really excited, but also a bit hesitant. You never know what the next change is going to bring.
Huzzy was so excited to get off recruiting duty and go back to the subs. He chose an SSGN and when he
got there, it wasn’t exactly what he was expecting. So when they were looking for a volunteer to go back
to an SSBN (or “Boomer” as they are known), he jumped at the chance.

Now? He realized the grass isn’t always greener on the other side and really likes the GN platform.
But here we are ready for shore duty. He chose the duty he did because it has the best leadership
opportunities for him. They are way undermanned and apparently work really long hours. And Huzzy
has heard one of the divisions in need of someone is the “paper pushing” department and he and I both
know he’d absolutely hate it.

So I’m cautious to see if this shore duty is really all it’s cracked up to be. I hope it’s at least some sort
of break for him and that he’ll have the chance to really bang out his college education and get his
Associate’s and a good chunk of his Bachelor’s degree done.

As for some of the unknowns of being a sub wife? Well, I knew the target return date when Huzzy left
for his patrol. But until we are within 24 hours of the actual timeframe, we don’t know and aren’t really
told. We could meet our ombudsman in person and ask if it changed, but they don’t know for sure,
either, until they get the call.

Another unknown is email. We never know if our emails are getting to the boat and never know when
an email is going to be sent to us. When the boat is doing what it’s meant to do… there’s no email
coming off it. They can usually receive email because it’s a different system that doesn’t require them
to do transmissions. But we’ve had email show up months and even a patrol later! It’s definitely not a
reliable system in any stretch of the word. And of course, we don’t hear their voice until they return. No
cell phone towers 20,000 leagues under the sea!

The unknowns of military life really can get to a person. But the Navy is slowly beating the Type A
personality out of me. I don’t think I’ll ever completely be removed of my Type A, but maybe I’ll become
a Type AB!

Guest Post with Sierra



Sierra and her Hubby



I'm having a great time in MA! I hope to catch you up on my trip when I get home but for now, you get a guest post from my friend Sierra.  She blogs over at The Tervo Times.  I've been able to meet her when she visits home (for her) for Christmas.  I've loved getting to know her in person!  She's a Navy brat and an Air Force wife, so she knows a bit about moving around.  She's sharing some tips with us about making friend in new places.  I hope you find in helpful!

=====================

Since the military likes to move people around, spouses have to learn how to continually make new friends and try to keep the important ones from before.

I'm gearing up right now for a PCS several states away. This isn't my first time moving... I moved around as a Navy Brat, moved away to college, then moved around with the Air Force. Over the years I've gleaned and learned for myself several ways to make and keep friends.

~Be friendly! I know this sounds like common sense, but I'm amazed every time I go someplace how hard that can be. There's a lot of frustrations and stress that come with moving. I'm not always the nicest person during that time. Smile at strangers. Strike up conversations with servers at restaurants, the hotel desk clerk, random people at the commissary. You may not make a friend with them, but they might know of places to go or groups to attend where you can make those friends.

~Go places! When we first moved to Albuquerque I was very lonely. Actually, anytime I first move someplace I'm lonely. Anyway... it wasn't until I started attending our base's PWOC Bible Study that I made real friends. These were women I could hang out with on base, off base, kids with similar ages, and similar points of view. What a blessing! We also found a church and slowly started building relationships there too. Additionally, there are spouse clubs on base you can participate in. It doesn't matter really... find a group or activity where several people meet with similar interests and make connections.

~Communicate! This goes with making AND keeping friends. Acquaintances move from just that to friendship when you spend time with that person. Make the calls. Meet for lunch. Go to the park. Travel together! With active duty spouses there can be a lot of alone time at the house... and the military has given us the opportunity to see the world (or at least the state or surrounding cities where you're stationed). I absolutely treasure finding a fellow spouse (with or without kids) who will gladly come with me on random outings of exploration. In fact, I have a trip planned to go to Santa Fe with a fellow spouse friend and I'm soooo looking forward to it.

~Communicate! Part 2! Being on the move it can be hard to stay in contact with those precious friends you've made. I am one of the first to admit that when I move I do not keep in contact with ALL the friends I had at our last place. Facebook and e-mail are such a godsend! Sometimes a friend will come to mind and I just shoot off a quick message and I'm so tickled to hear back to find out how that person is doing. Don't forget a cardinal rule for milspouses--- send Christmas cards! It may just be a check-in once a year, but it keeps in touch. If you're like me, you send a letter with the main points throughout the year and what life has brought you. It doesn't sound like much, but when you're traveling across country it is nice to know who is in what state in case you need a place to drop by.

~Be a friend! Another that sounds like common sense, but this can be hard. We're needy people. If somebody is reaching out to you, reach back. Once a person gets settled sometimes they just don't feel the need for more "friends"... but you can always do with another. You may be all happy and satisfied, but maybe that person is the one who needs the friend. Smile. Take the 5 minutes to take the phone call. Invite them out when you go places with other friends or even if you're doing some random errand by yourself. Make them feel included. Make them feel like they matter and treat them like they do.

So there ya go. 5 quick tips on how to make and keep friends in the military life. I realize a more introverted person may have some difficulties with some of these, but let me put it out there that if you at least start going places or getting involved with a group SOMEBODY will start talking to you. Trust me... I'm usually that person who starts talking to the shy newbies. Keep yourself open. SMILE. Somebody will become your friend. And if not... then e-mail me and I'll be your friend.

Thanks for the great tips Sierra!  Please head on over to her blog and show her some love!

Abundance

Our garden is doing better than either of us expected.  We're getting some great summer squash and zucchini.  Now, The Man doesn't enjoy summer squash or zucchini and let me plant them cause he loves me and know that I enjoy these veggies.  I'm on a mission to get The Man to eat these veggies.  Thankfully he's kinda on board.  He wants to eat the ones we grown but he doesn't like the taste.  I have to be creative and hide them in food.  I made a stir-fry and chopped the zucchini and summer squash up very fine and mixed it in with the rice...the man got a few tastes of it but he ate it.  SCORE!  Another way I'm trying to hide it is in our dessert. Yes, you read that write.  I'm trying to use the zucchini in dessert...brownies to be exact.

I saw that a friend from college was making zucchini brownies so I requested the recipe.  Jill sent the the recipe and I was super excited to try it.

 Here's what you need:

1 cup melted butter
2 cups brown sugar
2 eggs
2 Tbsp water
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp vanilla
2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups shredded zucchini
1 bag chocolate chips
Chopped walnuts and/or raisins are optional

If you read through it carefully, you'll see that there is no cocoa in this recipe.  I didn't realize that until I was in the middle of making them.  So I sent Jill a message asking if there should be cocoa and made the executive decision to add 1/3 cup of cocoa.

The recipe is pretty easy:

Mix melted butter and brown sugar together. 

Add eggs and beat well.

 Add water, baking powder, baking soda, vanilla, flour and cocoa (if you're using it).

Mix well. Stir in zucchini.

Grease & flour 9x13 pan. Pour batter into pan and sprinkle with chocolate chips.

 

I forgot to put the chocolate chips one so I added them about 5 minutes after I put it in the oven.

Sorry it's blurry.  I used chocolate peanut butter chips.

Bake at 350 for 35 -40 minutes. Great served with vanilla ice cream.  

 

You don't get a photo of the finished product cause we ate them before I remembered to take one.  Not the whole thing but a good portion was missing and it would have made a bad picture.  Just trust me when I say they are DELICIOUS!

The Recipe:
1 cup melted butter
2 cups brown sugar
2 eggs
2 Tbsp water
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp vanilla
2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups shredded zucchini
1 bag chocolate chips
Chopped walnuts and/or raisins are optional

Mix melted butter and brown sugar together. Add eggs and beat well. Add water, baking powder, baking soda, vanilla and flour. Mix well. Stir in zucchini.

Grease & flour 9x13 pan. Pour batter into pan and sprinkle with chocolate chips.

Bake at 350 for 35 -40 minutes. Great served with vanilla ice cream.

Being A Tourist

I hate being a tourist.  I like to blend in.  I think it comes from living overseas and wanting to blend in even though there was no way I was going to.  While Meg was here the one place she wanted to go was Pike's Place Market.  I LOVE Pikes Place.  The only thing I love more in Seattle is the Space Needle (I have an ongoing fascination with the Space Needle and will use any excuse I can think of to visit it!).  It was no hardship to go with Meg.  I even brought my camera so I could play tourist.

We got there mid-afternoon on a Sunday.  I didn't realize that the market closes around 5 so we didn't have that much time.  We did have enough though.  We strolled by through the market looking at all the wares the vendors were selling.  I love just looking.  We tasted all sorts of caramel and jellies, tried different kinds of fruit that were being offered and watch some fish being tossed.  I got some of the gourmet pasta that The Man  & I love.  Meg got some Christmas gifts.  My friend A also came and she picked up a few things as well.  

Since I had my camera I as able to get some good shots.  Here they are for your enjoyment:

A very bad picture of the market

Meg taking a picture of the market before we got Starbucks

The setting sun

This made me think of the Narnia series.

A pretty sunset

Mt. Rainer with Qwest & Safeco Fields

I love the lights as the sun sets

Do you have a favorite touristy place?  What is it and why do you like it?

A Month of Thanks; Wise Women

I am extremely blessed to have wise women in my life.  I'm very thankful for them.  These are the women that I can turn to for advice, prayer and wisdom.  They don't judge but offer practial advice.  They are women of God who aren't afraid to be honest but do so with love and kindness.  They point out sin and aren't afraid to admit that they sin.  They share their experiences to give encouragement.  They seek God in all circumstances.  They are not perfect.  They seek God's wisdom for themselves and others.  They are teachable and willing to share what they have learned. 

These are the older women that I look up to and hope to one day be like.  They are a blessing to me.  I know that I can pick up the phone and call anyone of them at any time of day for any reason.  Some people don't have 1 person in their life like this.  I have seven.  Seven amazing women who love me for me and who support me and encourage me in all of life's ups and downs.  Thank you Lord, for these women. 

Surprising People

I was driving back to my parent's house the other day and realized that it would be the perfect time to stop by the school I used to work at.  The school day was done and most of my friends would still be there.  What better than to drop in and surprise people?  So I did.

I parked in the back where I used to park and thankfully one fo the gym doors was open.  They are supposed to be locked at all times but they weren't...that hasn't changed.  I walked down the hall towards my old classroom hoping to see J, who teaches theater and was across the hall from me.  A new teacher was in her doorway talking to her as she closed her door, ready to head to a meeting.  She squeled when she saw me and gave me a big hug.  I know she misses me and we have plans to get together while I'm here.  I need to meet her youngest son and can't wait to see how big the other one's gotten.  Her squel drew the orchestra teacher, M out and I got a hug from her too.  It was so great to see them and do a little catching up.  Then I headed to see B and I surprised her too.  I saw the occupational therapist on the way.  I stuck my head in his office and said hi.  He looked up and said hi.  I could see the recognition cross his face and then the surprise.  I fit in the setting since I used to work here but it took a second to sink in that I was there since I don't work there anymore.  It was great to see pictures of his kids and how big they've gotten.  After I talked with him & B I went to the office to let them know I was visiting (should have done that first but oh well).  I was hoping to see the secretaries but they had already left.  I did see the vice principal.  It was the recognition and shock all over again.  I loved watching people's faces!  She told me that I should come back to see the secretaries and other people.  It's great to know that I can go back during the school day to see more people and maybe some kids.  Visitiors aren't always welcome since they can disrupt classes and it's nice to know I'm a welcome visitor!  I had the current 8th graders when they were in 6th grade and it will be interesting to see if any of them remember me. 

The school looked mostly the same.  Being back felt right.  I miss my colleagues and the kids but DO NOT miss the politics.  So many things have been going on and I was caught up on a few.  It makes me glad that I'm not there dealing with it.  The class sizes have gotten so big!  Some classes have 35 kids in it!  I can't imagine the discipline issues that come up with having that make kids.  The schedules keep changing as well.  I know many of the teachers are just thankful to have a job even with the undesirable changes.  I'm not sure I like the direction public school education is headed (to be honest, I am sure...I don't like what it's becoming!) and am thankful to know there are still teachers who are working hard to do the best they can.  I worked at a good school with some amazing people.  I'm thankful I can say that!