The funk...I hear it's going around

I've spent the past two weeks in pre-mourning. Eric left Sunday morning for OCS (Officer Candidate School) and will be gone until just before Christmas. We've done separations from 6 weeks-13 months, and no matter the length of separation, it just plain sucks. Mainly, I've been dreading not having help. Help with cleaning, food, and especially with the boys. I know I will survive, but it isn't something I'm looking forward to.

So, I have some advice for all (two) of my readers. If you live near ANY military bases/posts, there are women that need help. Don't offer vague services, instead:

-Call and invite their kids over for a sleepover.
-Invite them to go grocery shopping together (whether it's at Wal-Mart or the commissary).
-Call and tell them you are coming over the next day to clean the gutters/mow the lawn, or any other chore that the husband would normally do.
-Call just to chat.

I know there are more (and for my military wives out there, share!!) but these were some of the things I remember doing/helping with during our last deployment. I'm not begging for help, but I know how I am, and unless I have a day & time for help, I'm not inclined to ask for it.

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On a lighter note, one of my bloggy buddies recently did a post on Vagina Power. This made me laugh hysterically and also reminded me of frequent conversation I have with a close friend about the "Magic Wand" and all the power that goes with it.

This power enables the man to always be right (no matter if it is your area of expertise or not), have the last word, and the ability to phrase scenarios so the blame is forever one someone else...just to name a few. And just today we were discussing those men that like to wave their magic wand around in public b/c it's under lock and key at home. How have you seen the "magic wand" used lately?

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And, on an even better note, I have decided to host a table at a tea party benefit. One of the nurses that I have had the pleasure of knowing for a few years, has cancer and is unable to work while getting chemo. So, two of the nurses I work with have put together this tea party benefit! I've decided to go with a Hawaiian theme (b/c as it has started to cool down, it makes me miss HI even more) and I'm going to serve my FAVORITE herbal tea, Coconut Macadamia Nut, and plan on making my double-decker pineapple upside-down cake, chocolate haupia tarts, pineapple-macadamia nut bread, pineapple scones, mango butter...and anything else I can come up with. (I so wish I could get my hands on some poi to make rolls) So, I have 4 seats left at my table to sell. If you are in the Crestview area and want to have great food, conversation, and entertainment (Dr. Cunningham will be singing) then let me know! It is November 20th from 1830-2100 @ the Crestview Community Center, $20 a ticket (which is less than you would probably spend seeing a movie). Also, if anyone has great recipes, or ideas please pass them along.

Review, but no giveaway

I know, I know. You were hoping I would give away something other than cool points, but I'm cheap and don't have the connections to get stuff for free.

While I was still pregnant I asked many people about what they preferred, slings/wraps/peekaroo, and my SIL, Michelle, said a wrap was the way to go. So I ignored her and found two slings that I wanted to try because they just seemed easier than a wrap. I purchased a Hug-a-Monkey sling, and was less than thrilled. It didn't feel like there was enough fabric to safely hold the boys, wasn't adjustable (which I knew before I bought it) and I got the wrong size. So, I set out to find a better one and purchased a Maya wrap (which is really a sling). Cooper hated it from the beginning, but Carter didn't mind, until he didn't want to stay in a safe position for it anymore and wiggled out. So, once again I had to resort to using harnesses that dug into my shoulders & gave me a headache...not good.

My other SIL, Sarah, mentioned awhile ago that she was taking pictures for her friend for a new website, So Nurturing, and the great wraps she made. I was meaning to visit the site, but kept forgetting.

After spending a Saturday holding the babies while we were out and about, I knew couldn't do it again (I've had crazy pain in my hands/wrists since I was 6 months pregnant, and frequently drop things).

I went to the site and purchased one of the cuddle soft wraps ($45, without the matching hat) in Teddy bear brown.

And, I decided to let Mr. Fussy Pants (aka Cooper) be the judge.He loved it!! And, it doesn't dig into my neck, is a lightweight fabric, AND is available in super cute colors! Also, I was terrified about being able to tie it right, but the website has great step by step pictures that even I can follow. Oh, and it also folds up small enough to fit into the smallest diaper bag.

So, if you have a little one, or need a gift for a baby shower (or want to buy me the one in soft black bubble so I can have one to match any outfit...I mean...for the other baby) check them out. Shipping is very reasonable, and it was shipped within a week, and at my house 3 days later.

ALSO, if you are in the Olympia, WA area and in need of a fabulous photographer...check out Sarah, not only is she an awesome photographer, but an absolute sweetheart.

6 Months!

.Saturday the boys were officially 6 months old...which makes me 6 months older as well *sigh* Carter decided to commemorate this occasion by doing his version of crawling. He gets up on his hands and knees, pushes forward with his legs, lands back on his tummy & repeats. His motivation for this...getting close enough to Koa to grab his paw, watch Koa walk to the other side of the floor, so Carter turned around and started again.

They also had their check up yesterday. Carter is 27.74" and 16lbs 13oz. Cooper is 28.5" and 17lbs 10oz. They are both growing very well, and soon we hope to switch them off Nutramigen ($23 a can = almost $600/month) to a less expensive formula!

(if you notice, Cooper's hair is getting really long...and it's starting to resemble Kate Gosselin's bad haircut! He may get that high & tight Eric has been wanting very soon.)

First, and foremost...

I don't think it could have been said better.

the address from Pres. Bush:

Good evening.

Today, our fellow citizens, our way of life, our very freedom came under attack in a series of deliberate and deadly terrorist acts. The victims were in airplanes or in their offices: secretaries, business men and women, military and federal workers, moms and dads, friends and neighbors. Thousands of lives were suddenly ended by evil, despicable acts of terror. The pictures of airplanes flying into buildings, fires burning, huge -- huge structures collapsing have filled us with disbelief, terrible sadness, and a quiet, unyielding anger. These acts of mass murder were intended to frighten our nation into chaos and retreat. But they have failed. Our country is strong.

A great people has been moved to defend a great nation. Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve. America was targeted for attack because we're the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from shining. Today, our nation saw evil -- the very worst of human nature -- and we responded with the best of America. With the daring of our rescue workers, with the caring for strangers and neighbors who came to give blood and help in any way they could.

Immediately following the first attack, I implemented our government's emergency response plans. Our military is powerful, and it's prepared. Our emergency teams are working in New York City and Washington D.C. to help with local rescue efforts. Our first priority is to get help to those who have been injured, and to take every precaution to protect our citizens at home and around the world from further attacks. The functions of our government continue without interruption. Federal agencies in Washington which had to be evacuated today are reopening for essential personnel tonight and will be open for business tomorrow. Our financial institutions remain strong, and the American economy will be open for business as well.

The search is underway for those who were behind these evil acts. I have directed the full resources of our intelligence and law enforcement communities to find those responsible and to bring them to justice. We will make no distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts and those who harbor them.

I appreciate so very much the members of Congress who have joined me in strongly condemning these attacks. And on behalf of the American people, I thank the many world leaders who have called to offer their condolences and assistance. America and our friends and allies join with all those who want peace and security in the world, and we stand together to win the war against terrorism.

Tonight, I ask for your prayers for all those who grieve, for the children whose worlds have been shattered, for all whose sense of safety and security has been threatened. And I pray they will be comforted by a Power greater than any of us, spoken through the ages in Psalm 23:

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil for you are with me.

This is a day when all Americans from every walk of life unite in our resolve for justice and peace. America has stood down enemies before, and we will do so this time. None of us will ever forget this day, yet we go forward to defend freedom and all that is good and just in our world.

Thank you. Good night. And God bless America.

Please take the time to remember what our men and women are fighting for, the sacrifices they've made, and continue to make.

A crap ton of fun

Sorry for the weird title, but I'm in a weird mood...and it made me laugh!

My wonderful little sister was in town the past two weeks, and it has been such a blast!! She was such a huge help with the boys, and it was nice to talk to an adult all day without having my phone permanently attached to my ear.

We didn't do anything big, but had many laughing fits reminiscing about our childhood and being stupid just for the sake of being stupid. It was great!

We also had the opportunity to help out with a retirement party for a friend of Eric's that has completed 20 yrs of service in the Army. Carolyn, his wife, and I decided about six weeks ago that the traditional phallic shaped cake had been done enough...it was time for *cough* bigger and better things. So after much deliberation, here is the end result:
I was so happy with the end result, and I wouldn't have gotten this far without the help of The Cake Cow, aka Jessica G. (not sure if she wants to take credit for helping me or not). I practiced making different elements of the cake twice, and made changes as I went along. I used white cake with chocolate butter cream for the base of the cake, and red velvet cake with vanilla butter cream for the top.

We had a BBQ at the beach the day before the big party, and the boys had their first encounter with the ocean.

Cooper is now a huge fan of water, and even had a blast on Monday at the pool at the Ranger Camp with Eric.

I have a lot of catching up to do with blog posts, so please be patient with my comments...they're coming, slowly but surely!