Christmas list ??

Here is a little collage of my Christmas wish list :)

2nd Chance by James Patterson

Saturday Morning I finished 2nd Chance by James Patterson.  This was a typical Patterson book, had the twist at the end that I always look forward to.  It was a good book, keep me interested the entire way thru it.

Weekend painting

This weekend we decided to paint the kitchen and breakfast area :)  Next weekend will be the Living room ... :)

Veterans' Day

Hayley's school had a Veterans' Day program yesterday morning.  It was awesome, Rik went in his uniform, here are a few pictures.

Job Benefits

A cool benefit of my job!! Upholstery swatches:)

New Job

Well, I finally am employed again... actually have been for almost a month :)  Anyway, I work for a furniture broker.  We are a small office, family owned.  There are a total of 4 1/2 of us in the office.. it is great and I am loving it !!

I am trying to get back into a routine so I can keep the blog updated... but it's been really busy with work and the kids.

Cancer SUX !!!

Friday night my aunt passed away !  :(  We all knew it was coming as she was very ill.  It hit me alot harder than I imagined it would.  She was such an inspiration to everyone.  She had had Breast cancer, a brain tumor. 

This weekend is her "Life Celebration".  Please keep my family in your prayers as we struggle thru this difficult time.

(left to right: Marleen, Mattie (mom), Irene (RIP))

Apologies...

I want to apologize to all my readers (hahaha .. all 2 of you !)  I have been a bit MIA lately.  I got a job !!!  Yes, you heard that right .. I GOT A JOB !!!  It is great, it is only 15 minutes from my house, in a small office (only 4 people), and I am learning alot of new things !!!

Having started this new job, I am trying to get back into the swing of doing a few things ... blogging .. running... reading... you know, those things you take for granted really. 

I have alot of things I want to blog about, so bare with me... the next couple of days I will be posting some back dated posts. 

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

This book was recommended by one of the ladies at the library.  I have to say I was very skeptical since it is not the type of book I normally read.  I started reading it and got to a page somewhere in the100's and had to stop and read another book.  It was just not keeping my interest.  However, I did not give up, this weekend I decided I would finish the book!!  I got a bit farther and the story really started to come alive and the book was enjoyable.  There was a little mystery in it which I liked since most books I read are Mystery.  I understand now having finished the book that the beginning, as boring to me as it was, was needed for character development.  This is a book I love to see made into a movie... it's one of those kinds of books. 

Homecoming !!!

Well, tonight is the Homecoming game and tomorrow the dance tomorrow. I made Shelby's mum to give to his girl friend.. and before I add the picture, I thought I would give a little history on what it is.
From this site :

 What some call wacky, others call a way of life. Take the Texas  Homecoming Mum-- a symbol of Texas football and an annual rite of passage for high school ladies.

Bought by the girl's date, the mum is a mix of flowers, yards of ribbon, trinkets, charms, stuffed animals and sometimes even cow bells ... all pinned to the shirt. The mum's size has a direct relation to how much the guy likes the girl. Some mums require a lanyard around the neck to support the weight. That's a whole lotta love.

Wordless Wednesday - Pounds lost !

Sail by James Patterson

I finished this book today, it didn't take me long to read it.  James Patterson is such a great author, every time I start to read one of his books I can't put them down!  And I always look forward to the twist in the end!

This book was great, just as all his book's I have read so far are great!!!

A little revamp

Well, I spent today playing with my blog... doing a bit of redecorating ... what do ya think?

Weekend ...

This weekend we finally had some nice weather .. by nice, I mean DRY!!!  The previous week we had 4+ inches of rain!!!  The sun is finally out!!  

Saturday... I forced the kids had family movie night.  The kids and I watched Dirty Dancing. 

Sunday ... that was yesterday, so I can remember ... lol

I took the boys to mow the 2 yards there were to mow (both being a few towns away)... and then we went and played Tennis and walked around the track.  I haven't been able to run since Thursday cause I have hurt my knees.. but I managed to walk a mile. (details at HOPEless Runner )

I guess it was a pretty boring weekend .. but I did take a few pics ...

Honeymoon by James Patterson

I just finished reading Honeymoon by James Patterson.  I actually only started the book last night !!  It was that good.  I couldn't put it down. It is a typical book by James Patterson as it has the surprise ending.  I loved this book !

My Crazy Morning ....

This morning is one of those mornings I am glad I am not working !!!  Here is how it went...

6:30 am ***Alarm goes off (got to sleep in an hour cause there was no Cross Country practice today !!) Wake up Kids....

7:10am ***Realize Hayley has to leave for school in 5 minutes and she isn't downstairs yet (thinking sleeping in the hour is going to make my day nuts!)  Hollar for her to hurry up and come downstairs!!

7:18am ***Hayley leaves for school, luckily she rides her bike and not the bus!

7:25am *** Shelby tells me his GF is going to take him to band practice (which is at 8am) .. Ok, but doesn't she need to get ready for school ( school doesn't start until 8:55)  So, she decides it would be better for me to take him since she isn't dressed yet ....

7:30am ***Time to take Shelby to band practice.  Kaleb wants to go also so he can turn in his Biology project before school starts...  We stop and pick up Shelby's friend so he doesn't have to walk .. then see Kaleb's friend and pick him up... which was when Kaleb realized OPPS, he forgot his project on the couch !  Good think school doesn't start till 8:55am !!  Soo, I drop off 3 of the kids at the band hall and back home I go with Kaleb to get his project... oh yea, and I got a call on my cell phone from an 808 area code.. so I ignored it !

7:40am ***Cuss the fact that I live on the morning busy street in my neighborhood !  Kaleb jumps out and runs in the house, gets his project.. and off we go again to the school.  Get a Text from Shelby that the Cross Country meet for tomorrow is cancelled due to the hosting school got 11 in. of rain and the course is flooded .. and they are having a swim meet instead ... (hmm, is he serious??)

8:00am *** back home .. decide to look up here the 808 area code is from .. .Hawaii .. ut oh Rik is in Hawaii .. I start to worry thinking something is wrong...

8:04am ** Text Shelby to ask if he is giving blood at school today.. cause I am sure he would need parental permission -- he doesn't know yet ...

8:30am *** call comes on home phone from 808 area code ... it's Rik !  He needs to know the population of our little town... which leads to me having to call the Fire station (he is a volunteer firemen and I know the AA)

8:32am *** phone beeps while I am talking to Rik .. so I better answer .. it is Hayley ... she needs to me to email her Power Point pres. to her teacher. (forgot to put it on a thumb drive for her this morning cause we were running late!)

8:34am *** Shelby calls, needs me to come back to the school and sign the form... he thinks ... he says he will call back

8:44am *** Shelby's girlfriend calls and asks if I can come sign his form, she has it and will bring it out to me to sign (good thing cause I haven't had a shower and don't have a bra on !)

8:46am *** Go BACK to the school to sign form .. also confirm with Shelby's GF about the XC meet.. which is canceled... back home I go !!

If I would have had a job .. I wouldn't not have been able to do anything but drop them off at school the first time !!  Too bad I don't get paid to run around for them!!!

Red-Headed Stepchild by Jaye Wells

This book was great!  I have read the entire Twilight series and this book seems more like a grown up vampire book.  The author gives alot of background about vampires and there are other "creatures".

I learned about this book from a previous coworker, the author is a relative of her.  She has a blog.. Jaye Wells  She is working on another book, The Mage in Black!  I can't wait till it comes out.

TV Overload? or TV Heaven?

This week and next week it seems like my DVR is working overtime with all the new shows.  I can't wait to watch them all... it seems like it is going to be a good season with some good shows !

Here is a collage of all the shows I plan on watching...

First 5k !!

So, this morning I registered for my first 5k !!!  It is Nov. 21st.  I am excited, but a little scared.  Right now I am fighting knee pain, if it continues tomorrow... I will make a Dr. Appt.

Loose ...

My shorts are LOOSE!!!! I am soo excited!!! I actually checked the scale and I have lost 2 lbs !!!!  This is a good motivator !!!

I have ran 10 days ... I am trying to eat better and keep track of my calories ... I downloaded an App for my iphone called Lose It .. it helps you keep track of your calories.. and best of all IT'S FREE !!! 

 

Menu Plan Monday 9-14

Monday - (Fireman meeting)

• YOYO (Your on your own)

Tuesday - (Drumline practice)

• Tacos

Wednesday - 

• Baked Tilapia
• Carrots
• Egg noodles

Thursday

• Spaghetti
• Meatballs
• French Toast
• Salad

Friday (Kids have friends over)

• Pizza

Saturday (Cross Country Meet)

• Chicken Pot Pie
• Spinach salad
• Dump cake

Sunday

• Italian Chicken
• Angel hair pasta
• broccoli
  

Sticks and Stones

I just thought I would post this for the handful of people who read my blog in hopes it will change someones thought and not use the r-word. 

Here is an awesome essay .. Sticks & Stones

Missing the base

I have really been missing the base lately.  Since we have been stationed here, a little over a year now, I don't have that "part of the family" military feeling.  I thought after soo many years always living on the base I would like this remote duty.  

I don't like it !  I can't go to the commissary without making a plan cause it's an hour away!  I can't go to the gym on base (which is free).  I can't go to the base library and hang out with other military wives.

My hubby is gone more here than any other place we have been stationed and we are the farthest from the base than we have ever been.  That just doesn't seem right.  I think I took the "family" feeling of being on a base for granted.  I understand that I am the one who chose to live "out in the country" .. but I didn't think I would miss the base soo much.

Training Day 7

HOPEless Runner

ran 2.01 mi on 9/10/2009 at 12:07 PM with a pace of 14'40"/mi Nike +

Treadmill

5 min. walking warmup... 10 sec running, 50 sec walking-10 sec running, 50 sec walking... repeated until 2 miles complete 

Wordless Wednesday - Running

Training Day 7

HOPEless Runner 

ran 2.72 mi on 9/9/2009 at 9:16 AM with a pace of 15'51"/mi Nike +

Today run I ventured outside and ran in my neighborhood.  It was HOT outside!!  I can't wait till Fall gets here !! 

When I got up this morning, I really didn't expect I would run today.  I was just feeling blah !  Then when I decided to do it outside .. well, I had to find the Camelback, then my hat.. oh and my shades ! That alone would have given me a great excuse to not go.. but I did it anyway!!  I am really proud of myself!!!

Military Wife

Each one may look different and each is wonderfully unique, But this they have in common:

Lots of moving...
Moving...
Moving...
Moving far from home...
Moving two cars, three kids and one dog...all riding with HER of course.
Moving sofas to basements because they won't go in THIS house; Moving curtains that won't fit; Moving jobs and certifications and professional development hours.
Moving away from friends;
Moving toward new friends;
Moving her most important luggage: her trunk full of memories.

Often waiting...
Waiting...
Waiting...
Waiting for housing.
Waiting for orders.
Waiting for deployments.
Waiting for phone calls.
Waiting for reunions.
Waiting for the new curtains to arrive.
Waiting for him to come home,
For dinner...AGAIN!

They call her 'Military Dependent', but she knows better:
She is fiercely In-Dependent.

She can balance a check book;
Handle the yard work;
Fix a noisy toilet;
Bury the family pet...

She is intimately familiar with drywall anchors and toggle bolts.
She can file the taxes;
Sell a house;
Buy a car;
Or set up a move...
.....all with ONE Power of Attorney.

She welcomes neighbors that don't welcome her.
She reinvents her career with every PCS; Locates a house in the desert, The Arctic, Or the deep south.
And learns to call them all 'home'.
She MAKES them all home.

Military Wives are somewhat hasty...
They leap into:
Decorating,
Leadership,
Volunteering,
Career alternatives,
Churches,
And friendships.
They don't have 15 years to get to know people.
Their roots are short but flexible.
They plant annuals for themselves and perennials for those who come after them.

Military Wives quickly learn to value each other:
They connect over coffee,
Rely on the spouse network,
Accept offers of friendship and favors.
Record addresses in pencil...

Military Wives have a common bond:
The Military Wife has a husband unlike other husbands; his commitment is unique.
He doesn't have a 'JOB'
He has a 'MISSION' that he can't just decide to quit...
He's on-call for his country 24/7.
But for her, he's the most unreliable guy in town!
His language is foreign
TDY
PCS
OPR
SOS
ACC
BDU
ACU
BAR
CIB
TAD
And so, a Military Wife is a translator for her family and his.
She is the long- distance link to keep them informed; the glue that holds them together.

A Military Wife has her moments:
She wants to wring his neck;
Dye his uniform pink;
Refuse to move to Siberia;
But she pulls herself together.
Give her a few days,
A travel brochure,
A long hot bath,
A pledge to the flag,
A wedding picture,
And she goes.
She packs.
She moves.
She follows.

Why?
What for?
How come?
You may think it is because she has lost her mind.
But actually it is because she has lost her heart .
It was stolen from her by a man,
Who puts duty first,
Who longs to deploy,
Who salutes the flag,
And whose boots in the doorway remind her that as long as he is her Military Husband, she will remain his military wife.
And would have it no other way.

--Author Unknown

My New Blog...

I decided to create another blog to keep track of my running.

HOPEless Runner

True Blood season 1

It has taken me Months! to finish watching Season 1!!! I have gone to Blockbuster I don't know how many times.. get 1 disk at a time. I finished watching the last disk today.

I have read a couple of the books that this show is based on. It seems to be a downside that I have read some of the books. First, I knew who the killer was the whole time. I also knew who was going to sleep with who, ect. It kinda took the mystery out of the whole season. I have only read the first 3 books in the series, so I am hoping some of Season 2 will be "new" to me.

I really thought Bill would be better looking. I have to say, reading the book, I was hooked on Bill. But now watching True Blood... I like Sam and Eric !!

Now, I have Season 2 DVR'd... so now I have to get to watching it !!

Training Day 6

ran 2.01 mi on 9/8/2009 at 8:22 AM with a pace of 16'19"/mi -- Nike +

Treadmill
Sore from yesterday

Training Day 5

ran 2.03 mi on 9/7/2009 at 4:50 PM with a pace of 15'34"/mi -- Nike +

Bike ride - 3 miles

Today it took alot of motivation to get on the treadmill !! We had a bbq and I ate way too much and didn't want to run at all !!! But... I got on the treadmill and did it !! ( I am patting myself on the back) I normally listen to an audiobook when I run, but today I decided to listen to a 10k training thing I downloaded on iTunes. I did alot better, felt like I got a good workout!

After I did my 2 miles ( wanted to do 4 but just couldn't do it) Kaleb wanted me to go run with him ... I told him I would ride my bike ..cause I couldn't keep up with him ! Soo, I rode my bike .. actually me, Rik and Hayley rode our bikes. We did 3 miles ! I am going to be soooo sore tomorrow.

Training Day 4

ran 3.11 mi on 9/5/2009 at 3:12 PM with a pace of 16'13"/mi-- Nike +

Treadmill -- This was a much better run the ones in the past !

Training Day 3

ran 2.03 mi on 9/4/2009 at 8:39 AM with a pace of 15'49"/mi -- Nike+

I ran this on the treadmill.. as always !!

Training Day 2

ran 1.37 mi on 9/3/2009 at 7:16 AM with a pace of 16'15"/mi -- Nike +

I ran this on the treadmill. boy my knee and hip were hurting at the end.

Nike Human Race 10k

Me and Kaleb registered for the 10k. Kaleb will do it with out a problem cause he runs alot for cross country... me on the other hand .... I am out of shape .. unless you consider round a shape :)

Wish me luck !!

Nike Human Race 10k

Training Day 1

1.6 mi - 27:52 min.- 17:23 pace

I have decided to get back into running. This was my first day training for the 10k.

Wordless Wednesday - Homeownership