Sometimes the blessings in my life overwhelm me, inspire me and keep me moving forward.
39 more days
39 more days
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Monday, January 16, 2012
Mean Mommy
I hate having to wear my mean mommy hat but we're dealing with hitting at the moment. I had to take away all of Miles' bowling pins, his beloved new Christmas toy and he's been crying for his bowling sets but hitting in our house is just plain unacceptable.
We also ordered a book on Amazon.com called Hands are Not for Hitting. I figure if I read it to every night for a couple of weeks it will hopefully drive home the point. I'm not sure if he's picking it up at school or it's just one of those random phases. Sure does test my patience though.
On the flip side, hands are fun for shadow puppets. And I promised Lainie I would learn some new ones for bedtime :) Maybe this link will be helpful for us
http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/ground-hog-day/hand-shadows/
We also ordered a book on Amazon.com called Hands are Not for Hitting. I figure if I read it to every night for a couple of weeks it will hopefully drive home the point. I'm not sure if he's picking it up at school or it's just one of those random phases. Sure does test my patience though.
On the flip side, hands are fun for shadow puppets. And I promised Lainie I would learn some new ones for bedtime :) Maybe this link will be helpful for us
http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/ground-hog-day/hand-shadows/
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Today
Amongst the rain and snow mix of the Northwest this morning, I am absolutely feeling the deepest aches of separation in the military.
It isn't just the separation, but I am in such a bad place in my life, emotionally. I feel void of a purpose and feel overwhelmed with where to start looking for one.
Some people can throw their all into being a mother. While that may work well for them, I haven't had a baby in almost five years and now both of mine are off to school. On the brink of stepping into my thirties, I'm not sure I want to start all over again with the motherhood thing. And having a third baby means committing to the full-time job of motherhood, which isn't a problem for me but Ahron has not expressed any desire to have more children so we're out of sync on that subject.
I want to find part-time work, something that will enable me to use my skills again. However, I'm so worried about finding the right care for both of my children. In our uprooted household I want to keep the stress of altering their routine to a minimum. If I don't start working, I'm looking for some volunteer opportunities. Maybe need to visit the state Vet's home around the corner since my emails have gone unanswered.
I know I have the power to change things, it's just easier to get lost in the loneliness and negative feelings. I'm hoping I have the strength to change things soon because right now everything seems so bleak.
It isn't just the separation, but I am in such a bad place in my life, emotionally. I feel void of a purpose and feel overwhelmed with where to start looking for one.
Some people can throw their all into being a mother. While that may work well for them, I haven't had a baby in almost five years and now both of mine are off to school. On the brink of stepping into my thirties, I'm not sure I want to start all over again with the motherhood thing. And having a third baby means committing to the full-time job of motherhood, which isn't a problem for me but Ahron has not expressed any desire to have more children so we're out of sync on that subject.
I want to find part-time work, something that will enable me to use my skills again. However, I'm so worried about finding the right care for both of my children. In our uprooted household I want to keep the stress of altering their routine to a minimum. If I don't start working, I'm looking for some volunteer opportunities. Maybe need to visit the state Vet's home around the corner since my emails have gone unanswered.
I know I have the power to change things, it's just easier to get lost in the loneliness and negative feelings. I'm hoping I have the strength to change things soon because right now everything seems so bleak.
Monday, January 2, 2012
New Year, final separation begins
Ahhh, familiar territory we are in this morning. We always have to drop Ahron off at some unGodly hour of the morning when he leaves. Of course the kids are confused and half-asleep so they cried on the way home. When we woke up this morning though, everyone was in better spirits. The house is way too quiet without Ahron and I feel slightly down though. Luckily I have a couple of projects on the horizon to keep me busy.
Ahron flies to New York City where he'll have a layover, and then he should arrive in Baltimore around 7pm EST. We found out that he'll likely be staying in the original barracks that we met and fell in love in. The Navy barracks were recently remodeled. I'm sure it will bring back many memories for him. One of the things I always loved was that it was right across the street from the chapel.
It's strange though. We started sea duty with a C-school in which he left in January 2008 and now we're starting shore duty almost three years later to the day with another C-school. I guess in a way we've come full circle. That's all for today. I'm going to spend the day taking it easy and spend time with my babies who need me.
Ahron flies to New York City where he'll have a layover, and then he should arrive in Baltimore around 7pm EST. We found out that he'll likely be staying in the original barracks that we met and fell in love in. The Navy barracks were recently remodeled. I'm sure it will bring back many memories for him. One of the things I always loved was that it was right across the street from the chapel.
It's strange though. We started sea duty with a C-school in which he left in January 2008 and now we're starting shore duty almost three years later to the day with another C-school. I guess in a way we've come full circle. That's all for today. I'm going to spend the day taking it easy and spend time with my babies who need me.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Christmas time 2011!
We've had a wonderful time building up the excitement and anticipation to Christmas this year.
I feel so sad when I think about our shipmates and families on the USS Abraham Lincoln who will miss yet another Christmas together.
Still, many Army Soldiers are coming home to their families and it's a joyous time for them.
WELCOME HOME TO OUR TROOPS!!
The past couple of weeks we've been busy shopping and preparing for Christmas in my hometown of Yakima. It will be nice to visit family and eat lots of amazing food.
I'm sure it will be even more fun working off said amazing food after vacation.
I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Peace and Goodwill to all!
I feel so sad when I think about our shipmates and families on the USS Abraham Lincoln who will miss yet another Christmas together.
Still, many Army Soldiers are coming home to their families and it's a joyous time for them.
WELCOME HOME TO OUR TROOPS!!
The past couple of weeks we've been busy shopping and preparing for Christmas in my hometown of Yakima. It will be nice to visit family and eat lots of amazing food.
I'm sure it will be even more fun working off said amazing food after vacation.
I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Peace and Goodwill to all!
Monday, November 21, 2011
Sharing With You: USS Abraham Lincoln coverage from HeraldNet
The Herald, the Everett and Snohomish area newspaper did a lovely farewell piece on the USS Abraham Lincoln leaving its homeport after 15 years in the area.
Please think of all of the families on the ship that will endure another Christmas apart for the second year in a row. Our hearts go out to all of them, and after 3.5 years assigned to this ship we are ready for some shore duty.
Good-Bye Lincoln
Please think of all of the families on the ship that will endure another Christmas apart for the second year in a row. Our hearts go out to all of them, and after 3.5 years assigned to this ship we are ready for some shore duty.
Good-Bye Lincoln
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Sailor-of-the-Year and Stand down is finally here!
We have had an absolute whirlwind couple of weeks.
It all started when Ahron came home announced that he was up for Senior Sailor of the Year and his board would be on Halloween.
For Senior Sailor of the Year, Ahron competed against six other amazing, stand-out Sailors. He was nervous going into the board, where he was asked certain questions by a panel of various Chiefs, as well as required to recite the Sailor's Creed. But, in the end, he felt he did well and spoke honestly and from his heart.
Shortly after the board, he found out the results would be announced at the upcoming holiday party that Thursday. Monday to Thursday. And since he told me when Monday was almost over, I went into panic mode.
We hadn't planned on attending the holiday party for three reasons. One, the tickets were $50 too expensive and we're trying to save for Christmas. Two, the drive is long to Everett (2 hours) and three, Lainie had school the next morning.
But two days, a new dress and a haircut later, we were ready to go on Thursday afternoon. The holiday party was fun and I'm really glad we went. The food at Tulalip Casino was amazing as usual. We had a couple of drinks and I taught Ahron how to do the Cupid Shuffle, ha! The time came to announce Senior Sailor of the Year. By this time we were exhausted and we wanted to get going for the long drive home, but it was worth the wait. Ahron was chosen as the Senior Sailor of the Year for his aircraft carrier!
It was definitely a surprise for him. MC's rarely get awarded this. I was absolutely beaming inside and out, I was so proud of him. This award was really a reflection of all of the hardships of the last 3.5 years at sea.
Here's a photo taken of us:
It all started when Ahron came home announced that he was up for Senior Sailor of the Year and his board would be on Halloween.
For Senior Sailor of the Year, Ahron competed against six other amazing, stand-out Sailors. He was nervous going into the board, where he was asked certain questions by a panel of various Chiefs, as well as required to recite the Sailor's Creed. But, in the end, he felt he did well and spoke honestly and from his heart.
Shortly after the board, he found out the results would be announced at the upcoming holiday party that Thursday. Monday to Thursday. And since he told me when Monday was almost over, I went into panic mode.
We hadn't planned on attending the holiday party for three reasons. One, the tickets were $50 too expensive and we're trying to save for Christmas. Two, the drive is long to Everett (2 hours) and three, Lainie had school the next morning.
But two days, a new dress and a haircut later, we were ready to go on Thursday afternoon. The holiday party was fun and I'm really glad we went. The food at Tulalip Casino was amazing as usual. We had a couple of drinks and I taught Ahron how to do the Cupid Shuffle, ha! The time came to announce Senior Sailor of the Year. By this time we were exhausted and we wanted to get going for the long drive home, but it was worth the wait. Ahron was chosen as the Senior Sailor of the Year for his aircraft carrier!
It was definitely a surprise for him. MC's rarely get awarded this. I was absolutely beaming inside and out, I was so proud of him. This award was really a reflection of all of the hardships of the last 3.5 years at sea.
Here's a photo taken of us:
And then this one of Ahron accepting his plaque from his Captain, John Alexander.
It was a great moment in his, well, I consider it "our" career. Being a military family is truly a group effort. The arms of the group stretch from my parents, to his siblings, to our children (among many others) and of course, the great God we serve. God has truly given us the greatest of all blessings, and now as we look forward to this stand down and family time I hope we can share blessings with others around us.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Almost Done!
Well we are 26 days into our final underway with our ship. It has been a long 26 days and I miss my husband so much. I'm so glad we're almost done.
This past weekend we traveled down to my hometown to celebrate my Dad's 50th birthday. Road trips alone with two kids and two dogs are often stressful but I'm lucky they are such great little travelers. I decided to take Ahron's SUV. I always feel a little safer in a bigger car. Despite a little rain and wind, it was smooth traveling. I've done so many trips alone it has become like a second nature but I always prefer to be the passenger on road trips.
The party went off without a hitch and I was really pleased with the turnout. My grandma's neighbor provided a giant bouncy house for free and the kids absolutely loved it.
This week I'm mostly going to be staying home and hiding out from the rain. Fall is definitely upon us and I'm craving lots of comfort food lately. Anyway, the wait is almost over. I can't wait to have my best friend home where he should be. Then it will be time for lots of fun Halloween and fall activities!
This past weekend we traveled down to my hometown to celebrate my Dad's 50th birthday. Road trips alone with two kids and two dogs are often stressful but I'm lucky they are such great little travelers. I decided to take Ahron's SUV. I always feel a little safer in a bigger car. Despite a little rain and wind, it was smooth traveling. I've done so many trips alone it has become like a second nature but I always prefer to be the passenger on road trips.
The party went off without a hitch and I was really pleased with the turnout. My grandma's neighbor provided a giant bouncy house for free and the kids absolutely loved it.
This week I'm mostly going to be staying home and hiding out from the rain. Fall is definitely upon us and I'm craving lots of comfort food lately. Anyway, the wait is almost over. I can't wait to have my best friend home where he should be. Then it will be time for lots of fun Halloween and fall activities!
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Happy Anniversary
Nine years tomorrow. It's been full of joy, sorrow, love, loneliness, laughter and fun among other things.
We won't be together tomorrow, but we'll be thinking of each other. And maybe I'll even make myself a cake. And then we can celebrate when he gets home.
We won't be together tomorrow, but we'll be thinking of each other. And maybe I'll even make myself a cake. And then we can celebrate when he gets home.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Keep Your Eyes on the Prize
This post title is inspired by the song off of Sara Groves' new album, "Invisible Empires"
http://www.saragroves.com/
Well, here we are. On the first day of our final underway with our ship. It's hard to believe we began this journey in January of 2008! By the time it's completely said and done, it will have been almost four years we've been assigned to the ship.
When we started, Lainie had just turned three and Miles was only nine months old. Now I have a first grader at six and a half, and a Pre-K student, and almost four and a half. Oh, how the years go by.
We are looking forward to the fall and holiday season. It will be so nice to have Ahron home for so many special occasions this year! There will be a separation period in January and February as Ahron heads back to the East coast to complete another school, but after that we have shore duty to look forward to!
In so many ways we've all changed and grown as God carries us forward. I may be lonely, but I'm never alone and that thought is comforting to me. I'm looking forward to pumpkins, a chill in the air and remembering all of the blessings we've been given.
http://www.saragroves.com/
Well, here we are. On the first day of our final underway with our ship. It's hard to believe we began this journey in January of 2008! By the time it's completely said and done, it will have been almost four years we've been assigned to the ship.
When we started, Lainie had just turned three and Miles was only nine months old. Now I have a first grader at six and a half, and a Pre-K student, and almost four and a half. Oh, how the years go by.
We are looking forward to the fall and holiday season. It will be so nice to have Ahron home for so many special occasions this year! There will be a separation period in January and February as Ahron heads back to the East coast to complete another school, but after that we have shore duty to look forward to!
In so many ways we've all changed and grown as God carries us forward. I may be lonely, but I'm never alone and that thought is comforting to me. I'm looking forward to pumpkins, a chill in the air and remembering all of the blessings we've been given.
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