The past few months

I'm seriously slacking on blogging, and after my last post about my cruise (in October) the rest of the year has flown by way too fast!!

I had been looking forward to Halloween since I decided on our costumes this summer.  A tribute to Toy Story. 

 The best part was when Cooper found a little girl dressed up at Jessie & held hands with her for the rest of the neighborhood.  When he first spotted her, he yelled out "Jessie, wait for me!"  

November flew by and we made a major change.  After having the most amazing nanny, Erica, with us for a year, the boys made the change to daycare.  They cried for the first 4 days, and now only occasionally.

In December we experienced a great Christmas program where Cooper danced, sang and had the time of his life...and Carter stood in the front, maintained a disgusted look on his face, and refused to move for all 4 songs.  It was great.

We are enjoying our Christmas break, doing little excursions and Eric is working on his Capstone Exam.  I was most excited that Santa brought me 12 gauge Mossberg 500 for Christmas.  We went to the range yesterday so I could get comfortable with it, and I was very impressed with the result.

I told Eric I should post this target on the front door as a warning :o)  It was a SO much fun, and I told Eric that I need a gun bag and to learn to clean everything so shooting can be my next hobby!




It has been a relaxing week with the hubby & the kids and we look forward to what the next year brings!

Cruisin' with my Homies

Early this spring, soon after Eric finally joined us here in NC, I decided to go on a cruise with a girl from work.  Charleston, SC is a short drive away and the prices were considerably lower in the fall.  We ended up planning on the same cruise as a few other girls from work, and the planning began.  We organized sitters, planned our adventure and anxiously awaited our 5 day adventure.

October couldn't have come soon enough, and we planned, sent numerous messages & texts, had impromptu meetings and finally set off.  We all piled in the hubby's truck and headed for South Carolina.  Parking was quite the ordeal at the Charleston port, but soon enough we were had our bags in our rooms and headed to the Lido deck to relax and let the vacation begin.

I spent most of the time in my floppy hat, sunglasses & cover-up while drinking ice water and catching up on some recent purchases on the kindle.  It was GREAT!  The food left a little to be desired, it was really hit and miss, but by the second day I knew what I liked and looked forward to not being on anyone's schedule but my own.

Our first stop was in Nassau where my roomie was nice enough to wander with me through the Straw Market as every vendor was peddling the same thing and trying to squeeze every dollar they could.  Due to copyright laws in the US, fake designer handbags are against the law...but supposedly a person could find a vendor to take that person to a hidden area above a real store where supposedly there is a wide selection of great knock-offs.  Supposedly.  And supposedly the entrance to this fictional location was scary enough that SOMEONE was almost abandoned as they walked up the stairs naively.  I hear everyone survived and came back unscathed.

That night was one of the girl's birthdays and we had decided on dressing up to an 80's theme.  I was at a loss but with A LOT of help I decided on Punky Brewster.  My roomie, Lisa, was Run DMC (equipped with a boombox), and we also had Richard Simmons, Cindy Lauper, & Jane Fonda.

This is my tribute to Stephan Colbert, and Lisa was nice enough to oblige.

We then hit up Freeport where I bought a few more things and enjoyed reading and laying around.

As we headed home, all of us DEDICATED mothers (despite some rude Facebook commenters), were well rested and anxious to get home.

I had such an amazing trip with amazing women!!!  I truly suggest a girls cruise to every woman!  But, next time I want the hubby to come :o)

When I grow up...

...oh yeah, I am already there.

Although there is no specific age declaring you are fully grown, I'm starting to realize that I should really have all my ducks in a row by now.

I am now in my 30's, married with kids, have a job I love and we are always planning for potential possibilities in the future.

With all of that you would think I would feel "grown up," but it wasn't until a Dr appointment last week that it all really sunk in.

I have had chronic back and neck pain since I was 15. FIFTEEN years of pain, physical therapy,  chiropractic care, massages, pain killers, and muscle relaxers all without any substantial long term improvement.  Six years ago, when I was at my most healthy weight, I was told I had bulging discs at the base of my neck and did six months of cervical traction that wasn't helping, then I started getting massages on a regular basis that gave more pain relief and made my migraines more infrequent.  I've continued my own routine of monthly massages with occasional muscle relaxers until this summer when I knew something else had to be wrong.  The 2 bulging discs are now both herniated.

I'm only 30!  SERIOUSLY!

My NP was baffled that I had not been in a car accident or some other traumatic event to have caused this, and why I wasn't asking for pain meds.

So, I guess I am finally a grown up, with knees that predict storms and a neck/back that gives me good and bad days.

All that being said, my game plan is not going to change.  I've always had the goal of getting into Nursing Education after having 10 years experience, and this is my kick start back to school!  I'm going to continue to work where I am at because I am happy there and have learned more in the last year than I ever thought possible.

I am no longer in denial, and look forward to the journey ahead :o)

What experience made you realize you were a "grown up?"

Just another Girls Night Out

One of the most important things every military wife has is friends.  They are there to share moments of sadness, frustration, but also joy.  Spending numerous months away from your spouse just plain sucks sometimes, especially for holidays and birthdays.  Lora and I took a weekend getaway back in June to Charleston, SC where we both decided to force our husbands to retire there and share a row house together in downtown.  So, when it came time for her birthday, I knew it needed to be fun.  Since the hubby and I had so much fun at Zip Quest, I figured it would be the perfect thing for Lora and I to do!

Since I didn't have pictures of me & the hubby , here are some great ones of me & Lora!

It was 2.5 hrs in the treetops with amazing zips and great conversation.  We actually had one of the same guides, Amanda, both times and so far everyone has a great sense of humor and making sure you have a great time is their job.

So, if you want to come visit Fayetteville, NC be sure to check them out AND hit up Pierro's on Hay Street, you won't be disappointed!

Reviews, reviews, and reviews

When I find something that makes me happy, I love to pass it on and share the joy!

Last month I had the joy of reading a great book by Bethanne Strasser, "For Love or Duty."  I was first attracted to her blog, as she is a fellow Army Wife, and then was intrigued that she was also a writer.  I purchased the Kindle version of her book and was thoroughly pleased with the read.  I am not a fan of traditional romance novels because of all the sex.  I just don't want to read OR see it.  Bethanne did a tremendous job portraying the two main characters passion for one another without making me blush.  It made my heart smile!  It was sweet and kept me rooting for a romance to blossom while each character faced their fears.  I recommend this to not only my fellow Army Wives, but to anyone looking for a great, clean, read!

I have a confession.  While everyone is OBSESSED with Pinterest, I'm addicted to Etsy!  I love one of the kind things, and love supporting small business.  I recently purchased a necklace that is fast becoming my favorite accessory.  I have wanted a necklace like this ever since I found out I was having twins, but it makes a perfect mommy necklace with the option of up to 4 pearls.  From the day I purchased this necklace, to it arriving at my house was less than a week.  It was even in a pretty white box with blue ribbon!  Also, if you are an etsy fan too, find me so I can see some of your favorite things!

Last, the hubby and I went to Zip Quest here in Fayetteville to celebrate our 11 year anniversary this month.  I've heard people at work talk about wanting to go, and I thought it was a perfect thing for the hubby and I.  We did the fancy dinner last year, so flying through the tree tops seemed like the best idea!  When we arrived at 1630 it was 103 degrees outside and the hubby was already sweating.  We got rigged up and after properly demonstrating that we knew how to slow down, stop, and able to pull ourselves a short distance, we headed out.  It was SO much fun, and our guides, Ryan & Amanda, were fantastic.  If you are ever coming to the area, Zip Quest is a must.  It would also make a great girls, or guys, night out.

Sorry I don't have any great pix or my own, but PLEASE check out the links, you won't be disappointed!

Happy 4th of July!!!

I hope everyone is enjoying this wonderful holiday that celebrates the founding of this nation of freedom.  I want to give a big birthday wish to my Sexy Beast!!!

The 82nd Airborne Choir is an LGOP (little group of paratroopers) here at Bragg that recently performed at my brother's residency graduation.  His amazing wife was able to record two of the songs they performed, and today is the perfect day to share them with you.

So, grab some kleenex, and God Bless the USA!

 

It's that time of year again, PCS season!

After almost eleven years of being an Army wife, I am truly ready to move after three to four years in the same place.  As I have said before, we have been exceptionally lucky when it comes to duty stations.  Eighteen months after our wedding, we boarded a plane and spent the next three years on the glorious island of O'ahu.  Three years later we headed to the swamps of Northwest Florida where we spent almost six years.  Then, the boys and I headed to North Carolina last year.  I have made all kinds of friends in our journey, and am thankful for every one of them.

One of the main reasons that lead to our decision for moving to NC while the hubby went to school, was that my brother was stationed there.  Most people have the opportunity to grow up with family close by, but I never have.  And until this last year, I didn't know what I was missing.

We found a house that was only 3 miles away, and I secured a job and a nanny.  Although my Sexy Beast was away, there was always the comfort of knowing I had family close by.  I had someone to spend holidays, birthdays, and lonely days with...until this weekend.

I have been fortunate enough to attend my brother's High School, College, and Medical School graduations, and finally, his Residency Graduation.  It was a gorgeous day and I would have enjoyed it more if I wasn't already mourning their impending departure.

Gonna miss you guys!!!

It's just a number, right?

Yesterday marked a big event in my life...I left my 20's behind and boldly embraced being 30!  Well, I let it sneak up behind me and saw no feasible way of holding it off any longer.  I woke up bright and early at 0430 and slowly got ready for work.  I had originally had the day off, but needed to switch shifts for something more important on Friday.

I have truly been dreading my birthday.  Birthdays had a way of disappointing me.  There were two disasterous surprise parties in my teenage years, but nothing compares to being stood up on your sweet 16.  I realize now I had unrealistic expectations, and it was my own fault for expecting the world to stop turning so everyone would have the opportunity to recognize how amazing it was that I had aged yet one more year.

I had a nice steady day at work with people I LOVE.  I have worked in quite a few different places in my life, and I can honestly say that I look forward to going to work.  I've learned more, and certified more, in the last year than I ever thought was possible.  One of the things I love about the medical field is that it is forever evolving.  New procedures, medicines, and practices are discovered constantly, and the best part is that I never know what I will encounter.  I have both laughed and cried at work, but nothing beats having a patient or family member thank you for simply doing your job.  My favorite yesterday was when I asked a new mother if she had any other questions or concerns after I gave her discharge instructions, and she asked if she could have my phone number.  I laughed and assured her she was doing great and to keep an open communication with her pediatrician.

The highlight of my day was when my Sexy Beast surprised me with lunch from Panera Bread and my favorite strawberry cake, AND he was able to eat with me.  Love that guy!

He also held off getting promoted until today so I could be there.  Yesterday starts out a 10 day celebration together as we celebrate both our birthdays and anniversary.

I am a very lucky person, and am grateful for the knowledge and experience I have gained in the last 30 years, and I look forward to many many more!

My Next Thirty Years