tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30518855980341512892024-03-06T00:09:49.658-05:00Our Adventure Awaits...Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18212480480341985067noreply@blogger.comBlogger166125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051885598034151289.post-77023511217319248342012-04-05T08:08:00.002-04:002012-04-05T08:08:26.029-04:00the unknown is scaryWe've been house hunting the last few days here at Camp Lejeune, our future home in about 6 weeks. It's been a struggle to find a decent rental without paying out the nose or having to deal with horrible base traffic. <i>I was so looking forward to not having to deal with traffic anymore!</i><br />
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Our favorite house was snatched out from under us just hours after viewing it, but we didn't learn about it til the next morning. I started to panic. I'd love base housing but there's now a 6-8 month wait for the 4 bedroom, which we desperately need. Most 4 bedroom rentals are up in Jacksonville, but Ryan would have to deal with horrible traffic to and from work. The commute from the southern part of the area would be fantastic for Ryan but there are only a handful of rentals, and one less now that our favorite house is off the market. My brain hurts just recalling all the options we have. Do we wait til he checks in to find out the base housing situation and risk not getting a good rental in town, or do we secure housing now and get on the inactive housing list. Choices, choices, and more choices.<br />
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The best thing about this trip is seeing the excitement in the kids faces as we reached the top of the sand dune and they saw the ocean for the first time. Olivia loves the water, Justin loves the sand and Liam just loves to be with me on the beach. Can't wait to come back to the beach for a full day of sand, sun and relaxation!<br />
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<i>Pictures are loading wayyy to slow and the beach rental must be cleaned before we leave. Will post more pictures about the beach from home!</i>Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18212480480341985067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051885598034151289.post-6171767329823634292012-03-16T13:07:00.001-04:002012-03-16T13:07:39.372-04:00no more ice creamThere's a wonderful place, well...it used to be wonderful. There's a place about 3 miles from the house that serves soft-serve ice cream called JoJo's. <i>Is it just called soft-serve or can we add the ice cream description? Mmm, not sure. Anyway. </i>The weather has been fantastic so we ventured out to JoJo's for soft-serve.<br />
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You can see Ryan behind the little girls head who's looking at the camera, waiting to order our yummy dessert.</div>
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Last time we went Liam wasn't born yet, so it was super fun to take the whole family to JoJo's.<br />
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Because of the warm weather, there were lots of people so it took a while for us to get our order.<br />
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I have no idea what kind of face she's making but this is what I got when I said "Smile."<br />
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As Ryan put it, in concern for keeping Justin's teeth healthy, he gave him all the banana's he wanted and bit the bullet by eating all the ice cream! That man can make a simple banana split into a funny HAHA.<br />
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There's even a place out back for the kids to play while for their yummy dessert.<br />
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Olivia got her standard chocolate cone, Ryan got the banana split and shared with Justin. I took a chance and got the Strawberry Shortcake Shake. Oh. My. Goodness!! It was heaven. Just the right amount of shortcake combined with the cream smoothness that comes with cream, cream and oh, more cream. I don't even want to know the amount of calories I consumed that night but it was soooo good.<br />
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Apparently, we need to teach J-Man how to hold the bat.<br />
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I mentioned in the beginning that JoJo's WAS a wonderful place to go on a warm spring night for soft serve. <i>Because</i>, it came out in a news report the owner of JoJo's was arrested on child molestation charges stemming from an investigation that started back in August 2010. He's charged with 23 counts of various acts that are far to many to mention. It's really sad to think about such a wonderful local family attraction has someone so vial operating the business. JoJo's contributed a lot to the community, which is wonderful, but doesn't make up for what this horrible man did to a young 13 year old boy.<br />
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We will be making the 7 mile trek south to the franchise Maggie Moo's if we want ice cream from now on. Or maybe, we'll just get our own ice maker and create our own ice cream. Maybe we'll even spring for the electric version, although I do have fond memories of turning that crank because if we didn't help, we didn't get ice cream!Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18212480480341985067noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051885598034151289.post-31909724174612721722012-03-05T14:03:00.000-05:002012-03-05T14:03:03.114-05:00mind jarSingle parenting is hard! Single parenting with 3 toddlers is very hard! Single parenting 3 toddlers, when 1 of the 3 is nursed exclusively is extremely hard! So, to cope I have made a Mind Jar. <i>Thank you Pinterest.</i> Drinking is not an option right now, darn it.<br />
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Start with an empty mason jar. Only had jamming jars available to me so I went with it.<br />
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Add water.<br />
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Add food coloring of your choice. <i>I matched my coloring to my glitter.</i><br />
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Depending on the size of your jar, add at least half a bottle of clear tacky glue <i>to help suspend the glitter in the water</i>. You can also use glitter glue but that makes the project a bit more expensive, and well...I'm cheap <i>when I want to be. </i>The smaller the glitter particles, the less glue you'll need. Play around with the ratio of water, glue and glitter til you find the perfect suspension.<br />
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Mix well.<br />
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Watch the swirling, beautiful glitter. Breathe in deeply and slowly. Relax.<br />
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Clear your mind. Slow your breathing. Relax.<br />
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Hopfully, my mind is clearer and I am more clam. When things start feeling like they're spiraling out of control, I must sit down, swirl my Mind Jar...and relax. Let's see if this thing will do the trick!<br />
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Breathe.Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18212480480341985067noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051885598034151289.post-56382098514468280932012-03-02T21:37:00.000-05:002012-03-02T21:37:07.159-05:00time fliesLiam's 4 month check up was today and he's a whopping 13 Ibs 1 oz and 24 inches long. Only in the 19th percentile. I guess he's just small, like the doctor's thought before he was born. <br />
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This time has just flown by and there's nothing I can do to slow it down. He's giggling everyday and smiles so big his face just lights up a room. Teething is a big part of his days, and when he's not biting my shoulder, he's got his fists shoved into his mouth.<br />
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Tummy time is still a challenge, but when his older brother and sister play with him, he loves tummy time.<br />
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I really do miss my sleep at night but love holding him after he passes out when he's done nursing. He's not much of a snuggler anymore, but when he is full and settles into my shoulder and breaths deeply, my heart melts. I hold him as long as I can before I feel myself falling asleep and put him back in his crib.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYRjJR9Qcm19D-bQ471GEft5D7Dt0KIq3gI7s0M3A5Io5LZMkxigCmA9mq9mPGsbhP3JFKbggXfMKvCCg-PvM-MwCxep0VVVdVDGoBR-DSxhnK9vNoaCNPkiLMudmEOoKiYhoMN1Duxf_t/s1600/Photo0336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYRjJR9Qcm19D-bQ471GEft5D7Dt0KIq3gI7s0M3A5Io5LZMkxigCmA9mq9mPGsbhP3JFKbggXfMKvCCg-PvM-MwCxep0VVVdVDGoBR-DSxhnK9vNoaCNPkiLMudmEOoKiYhoMN1Duxf_t/s400/Photo0336.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">just a newborn</td></tr>
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I cannot wait to see his little personality come out and how he's different than his siblings. Each child is unique, but I see a lot of their dad and me in them as well. I love my family. I miss itty bitty babies but know that they must grow up. It just happens way too fast!Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18212480480341985067noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051885598034151289.post-17564826045260679212012-03-01T09:10:00.001-05:002012-03-01T09:10:09.406-05:00no jackets for us<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Woke up after a rainy night to beautiful weather. Warm enough we didn't need coats or jackets at the bus stop this morning. However, the nice weather is here for a few days until it disappears again. Oh, well. Must live it up while we can.Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18212480480341985067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051885598034151289.post-86871803212639385912012-03-01T09:04:00.003-05:002012-03-01T09:04:58.539-05:00happy birthday, dr. seuss<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Olivia has been learning about rhyming at school and needed to read 5 Dr. Seuss books for homework this week. Thanks to the wonderful world of Pinterest, we celebrated Dr. Seuss' birthday early yesterday by crafting. </span></div>
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She absolutely enjoyed getting her hands painted. One picture went to school with her today for her wonderful teacher, Mrs. Smith. Then she wanted to paint her feet.</div>
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It tickled. A. Lot.</div>Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18212480480341985067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051885598034151289.post-71603535395029049142012-02-26T14:26:00.001-05:002012-02-26T14:26:10.276-05:00single parenting<div style="text-align: center;">
Daddy is away on a cross country field trip for school. So, I'll be single parenting 3 muchkins for a while. Today hasn't been bad but it hasn't been all that great either. Let hope my hair doesn't completely fall out by the end of this. On the up side, it will give me a glimpse into what deployments will be like with three kids <i>insert sarcasm here.</i></div>
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Thank goodness for Daddy Dolls! He came to the commissary with us this morning.</div>
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<i>Note: This picture was taken when the kids first got their Daddy Dolls, back in April 2010.</i></div>
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Oh, and Sweet Pea decided to randomly ask how babies come out of mommy...lucky for you dad, you were done! I told her it was like magic. She's satisfied with that answer for now.</div>Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18212480480341985067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051885598034151289.post-55506492028565744382012-02-13T21:29:00.002-05:002012-02-13T21:29:58.269-05:00Happy Birthday to MeA week or so ago, Olivia went out with Daddy (Justin went too) to pick out my birthday gifts. That night at dinner, I asked her how the trip went. Before I could finish my sentence with, "and don't tell me what you got me because its a secret," she blurts out, "we got you a robe, Mommy!"<br />
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Ryan and I could only look at each other and laugh. How could we get mad at such an innocent and excited little girl? Not more then 10 minutes later I mention, "at least I can still be surprised since I don't know what color it is." Spoke too soon again, "it's purple, Mommy!" Says Olivia.<br />
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We do love her so much!</div>
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Thank you for my wonderful "surprise" birthday gift.</div>Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18212480480341985067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051885598034151289.post-90720242699947885632012-02-13T21:24:00.000-05:002012-02-13T21:24:04.060-05:00Colorful WorldAfter finding the cutest idea for homemade Valentine's Day card on the small little website called Pinterest (wink wink), I couldn't wait to try it out for Olivia's class.<br />
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Collect discarded, broken, old crayons from around the house (or new crayons for more vibrant colors) and take off the wrappers. It helps to use a knife to make a slit down the crayons to easily peel the wrapper off.<br />
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Cut crayons into small sections </div>
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Place crayons into silicone mini cupcake mold. </div>
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I suppose you could use a metal pan but silicone is much easier to clean up.</div>
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Place in a 300 degree oven for about 15 minutes or until melted, checking regularly.</div>
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Remove from oven and let the mold cool completely. </div>
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Then pop out the new crayons.</div>
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Have your resident artist decorate the Valentine's Cards.</div>
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Attach crayon in a creative way to decorated card. </div>
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Then write a cute quote to finish off the most adorable homemade Valentine's Day Cards. Ever.</div>
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We made 24 heart shaped crayons (the number in the mold) and I am so proud on how they turned out. Not as pretty as the original Pinterest picture but they are made with lots of tender loving care. I think I'm more excited to give these away than Olivia (I get to help with her class party tomorrow, yipee). Did not want to give candy away, knowing she'd be getting quite a bit back herself, this was the perfect alternative.</div>
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Happy Valentine's Day!</div>Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18212480480341985067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051885598034151289.post-68082093850381436972012-01-19T12:15:00.002-05:002012-01-19T12:18:19.953-05:00twinsEver since Olivia was born, people have said she's a spitin' image of Ryan. I agreed when she was a baby but people are still saying it, and its something I can't see anymore.<br />
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Now that Liam is getting bigger, I think he's a good blend of both Ryan and myself, but people are again saying he looks just like Justin. So I decided to do some investigating back into our collection of pictures. Turns out everyone is right!<br />
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Holy Crap! They are like twins!! Both photos were taken when the boys were two months old. Can you guess who is who? Justin is on the left and Liam is on the right.<br />
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The more I look at them, the more differences I see, but at first glance, I thought I needed glasses. They are definitely brothers. Makes me excited to see what Liam will look like as he grows up. <i>We also think Liam will have curly hair since he has the same hairline as Olivia, while Justin has a different hair line. Hopefully we won't have to wait til Liam is a year old since Olivia couldn't grow hair til after she turned 1!</i><br />
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Here's a picture of Olivia and Justin at the same age in our Oklahoma kitchen. Just goes to show how much faster my boys grow than my girl.<br />
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Justin at 13 months on the left and Olivia on the right. J-man is certainly taller than the second drawers and Olivia is not!Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18212480480341985067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051885598034151289.post-22694891614364238762012-01-10T09:21:00.002-05:002012-01-10T09:21:29.588-05:00snow bunnyWe had our first real snow here in northern Virginia yesterday. I knew it was going to rain but instead it snowed. Olivia and Justin were super excited to see the snowflakes fall to the ground. Actually, I don't recall Olivia ever actually seeing it snow. Nothing stuck to the ground at first but then the flakes got bigger and fatter and wetter. Perfect snowman making material.<br />
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Liam was outside for just a little bit for his first snowfall. Once that cold snowflake hit his warm cute face, he wanted to go back inside. I don't blame him at all.<br />
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After dinner Olivia headed outside to play. Why no pictures of Justin? He preferred to stay inside where it was toasty warm. I dragged all three kids out to go to the commissary after nap time and I think he got his fair share of the snow. It was coming down pretty hard.<br />
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Olivia woke up this morning talking about making her snowman. It was super fun to play in the snow with her. She would have stayed outside longer if I let her but her tiny hands were getting too red!Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18212480480341985067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051885598034151289.post-47900306647604572152012-01-05T20:37:00.002-05:002012-01-05T20:42:47.255-05:00gas is grandOne thing I hated about moving to our first duty station was the gas stove. I only knew how to cook on electric, but since that first move, I've fallen madly in love with gas stoves. Currently, I have a gas stove. It's fantastic when the power goes out due to an east coast hurricane. Food can still be prepared <i>(although we just went out for lunch up the road that particular day)</i>.<br />
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Another great feature, and probably the best feature, of a gas stove is the option of making yummy smores with the kiddos INDOORS.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">super excited to make her own smore</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">she was very careful</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">yummy bliss</td></tr>
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Not knowing how many people wanted smores at our New Year's Eve Firepit gathering, I over bought. However, that wasn't a bad thing in this family. It all just. has. to. be. eaten! But the chocolate in the house combined with my lack of will power, my intended progress on losing this baby weight is hurtin' !<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">J-Man's turn</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">just a pose for the picture. mommy did most his work</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">enjoyed mouthing the marshmallow, but not a true fan</td></tr>
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<br />Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18212480480341985067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051885598034151289.post-71276153285260386372011-12-28T21:27:00.001-05:002011-12-28T21:55:17.108-05:00National Marine Corps MuseumToday was a day I've waited over 5 months for... We toured the National Marine Corps Museum as a family. It's one of those things you are always meaning to do, you know, sight see in your own city. When visiting a far off land, you cram so much into a short vacation in order to see it all but not when it is literally in your own backyard. Oh, no, that's when it gets put off til next week, then the next and so forth. We only had to travel the 2 miles up the road from our house to the museum but I was determined to get us out of the house to sight see this Christmas Vacation.<br />
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Although the museum is fantastic, the location stinks. Sure, it is here at the Marine Corps base at Quantico, but not to many tourists from the city will venture down here to see it. Picture this...<br />
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You enter this gigantic atrium and look up to see this...<br />
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The entire atruim has this glass ceiling with several aircraft haning above. The kids were in awe of the entire space. During the day you can see the tippy top of the museum from the highway and at night the lights shine bright up into the night sky...it's breath taking!<br />
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Next, you're guided through the history of the Marine Corps, starting with "Making A Marine." The famous yellow footsteps start your journey through time.<br />
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Your brain is overloaded with the sights and sounds of boot camp. There
are two telephone booth size displays you can enter to listen to what
grunts hear from drill instructors, one for males and one for females.
The entire museum is laid out in such a way that you just stroll through
each period of time, reading, looking and learning, so
effortlessly...it's wonderful. <br />
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There are display
cases everywhere, vehicles, and aircraft but also life size, walk through displays.
Making the visitors feel as part of the history was apparent.<br />
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Some display areas had doors closing off the area from the rest of the museum. Below, is the Korea War. The room was small but ice cold. Marine figures were "talking" to one another about the conditions of the cold weather. We truly felt transported back in time!<br />
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The kids did not like the Vietnam display walk through room because the helicopter vibrated making them uneasy. I loved it...I felt like I was in a operational helicopter about to disembark to fight the enemy.<br />
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Being that we are located so close to Walter Reed Hospital, there was a children's section where they could draw pictures and letters to send to recovering service men and women. Of course my kids aren't old enough to draw something well enough that strangers can read and interpret the message but they had fun coloring anyway.<br />
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The museum designers wanted to make learning fun and a family affair so there were several stations throughout each historical time period with uniforms we could try on.<br />
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Today was truly a fun filled day. Olivia told us that the museum was not scary for little boys (Justin was pointing at everything clearly enjoying himself) but scary for little girls (she was not a fan of the loud noises and guns not behind glass) but it is ok because Daddy was there for protection! She understands everything was pretend but that did not comfort her when the floor of the helicopter was vibrating and the speakers were playing sounds of disembarking!!<br />
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Now to just go back without any kids so I can actually read the writing on the wall, all the stories about heroism and courage. I was inspired today to continue feeding my love of history and learn more... since I was also humbled by how little I actually remember about history!<br />
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</div>Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18212480480341985067noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051885598034151289.post-59489552233845043632011-12-06T14:05:00.001-05:002011-12-06T14:39:21.083-05:00Christmas Traditions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: black; font-size: small;">Before we had kids, we never really thought about blending our Christmas Traditions. Every year, even after our first two kids were born, we traveled back to our parents homes to celebrate like old times. This year is different. With Little Guy being so tiny, we're staying put for the holidays. So, we are now blending our childhood traditions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Ryan grew up with artificial trees (<i>I can't call them fake since technically they are in the shape of a tree just not living).</i> I grew up with real trees <i>(or as Ryan would say, recently cut down trees).</i> He let me have my real tree since I'm willing to fork over big bucks for a great artificial tree on sale after the holidays. <i>See our real tree in the far right window of the house...beautiful!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I lived in Germany for a few years as a kid and every year we took part in the local traditions, like Advent Calenders. Our good neighbor's here in VA are from Germany and asked if we would let them get the kids Advent Calenders. Of course I said yes since I was planning on getting them some myself. It was extra special this year because the tradition was explained to them by Germans and I got it on video. <i>J-Man is super excited to open his calender every day, as is his big sister.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Update: Another German tradition is a visit from St. Nicolas on December 6th, who leaves treats and toys in children's boots. Our home was visited this year and we were all pleasantly surprised.</i><i> </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Ryan's parents own this super ugly, green avocado colored, paper mache angel from the 1970s that they continue to use every year as their tree topper. Ryan would fight with his sister as to who would get to put the angel up, so his parents came up with, "One for show and one for keeps." Meaning, one child would put the angel up for show, it would come back down and the other child would put it back on the tree for keeps. Brilliant!! It switches every year so each child can put the angel on and there are no fights as to who's turn it is that year. <i>We're going to have to do some serious calculations to figure out a way for all three of our kids to put the angel on and make it fun!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">As far back as I can remember, my sister and I made Christmas cookies with our dad. Mom was never involved other than taking our pictures. This is something I'm continuing with my kids, although Ryan takes the pictures now. <i>Justin got to help this year and I can't wait for Liam to help in a few more years.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The kids get to decorate the tree every year, with the help from mom and dad <i>in the form of moving ornaments around the tree to even them out since they seem to get clustered at the bottom of the tree.</i> This is something I always did and our kids enjoy putting the ornaments on so much I have to fight them off of the ornament box so they don't break anything!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">This year the kids will open a new family game each and we'll play them both on Christmas Eve. We'll leave carrots out for the reindeer, and Daddy will read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas" in to the kids right before bed. Watching Olivia this year and Justin as well is such a blessing. Seeing the excitement in their eyes and joy on their faces is just wonderful. Some say you can spoil a child, but not at this time of year!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">One family tradition that is brand new is Mr. Pop-In-Kins. He's a special Elf who pops in and out of the house watching the children's behavior. He then reports back to Santa on Christmas Eve with any and all naughty and nice acts the kids displayed. Olivia and Justin enjoy searching for him every morning. <i>Watch out...he can't be touched or he loses his magic and must report back to the North Pole immediately to have it restored.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Merry Christmas!</span></div>Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18212480480341985067noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051885598034151289.post-84617830759780053402011-11-29T15:35:00.000-05:002011-11-29T15:35:26.180-05:00I finally got one!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW6eD2r-ias1B00X_IK8POw2G3PEOvycYj7fegC8p0ZmHZlLOKIhabe31C_3CJEskPiFTfCUqiBnZEijNiAGjIn1pKG-qD70vD1ju3SH4530qalajozPyNn0KSIP-mHg4t8NcLy0AKO33W/s1600/IMG_4315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW6eD2r-ias1B00X_IK8POw2G3PEOvycYj7fegC8p0ZmHZlLOKIhabe31C_3CJEskPiFTfCUqiBnZEijNiAGjIn1pKG-qD70vD1ju3SH4530qalajozPyNn0KSIP-mHg4t8NcLy0AKO33W/s640/IMG_4315.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
After 7 years of marriage and 7 fake Christmas Trees, I finally got my REAL Christmas Tree! Reason...we're staying put for the holidays and I can tend to my real tree without feeling like it will suddenly burst into flames while I'm gone. The smell in the living room is intoxicating...like standing in a forest.<br />
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When we got it home and I cut the plastic wrapping off...I fully expected to feel a rush of cold air coming from inside the tree. Not this year. It was in the mid-60s the day we got our tree instead of snowing like in past years. <i>I'd be at my parents house in WI to pick out a tree hence the need to feel old air coming from the tree. </i>Olivia informed Ryan on several occasions during naptime that she just CAN'T wait for Christmas!<br />
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Ryan and I are super excited for the holiday season and Christmas this year because Olivia is at the age when this is just pure magic. She believes Santa's real and he's coming to our house instead of Nana's. She is super excited to paint Christmas trees in art class at school, something she's already informed us she's done. Justin is excited because his big sister's excited. And Liam just doesn't want to miss a feeding, LOL!<br />
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Hope all your Christmas shopping goes well...we went a bit overboard at Target today...will tally everything up after the kids are asleep. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfpZMxDgkCvpM6cQcwC2eAkanLr1F8xJ-NYzpOlr3vSUF_FseaZap9RZinyRkItHoluCCoP6RpfBRUhQEpodsu7Y0XOdwbPhsG5ak-ucN8jgkdeQHD3tSxw9mFJ3sFcmN5_rQssDARR9QC/s1600/IMG_4322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfpZMxDgkCvpM6cQcwC2eAkanLr1F8xJ-NYzpOlr3vSUF_FseaZap9RZinyRkItHoluCCoP6RpfBRUhQEpodsu7Y0XOdwbPhsG5ak-ucN8jgkdeQHD3tSxw9mFJ3sFcmN5_rQssDARR9QC/s400/IMG_4322.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liam</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18212480480341985067noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051885598034151289.post-81856816587833751792011-11-09T08:33:00.001-05:002011-11-09T08:33:29.569-05:003x5 Folded Card<div class="sflyProductPreviewWidget" style="width:425px; height:494px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetTop" style="height:6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/top.gif);"></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetCenter" style="height:482px; padding: 0 6px 0 6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bg.gif); background-repeat:repeat-y;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewLogo" style="width: 105px; height: 34px; padding: 14px 0 0 14px;"><img src="http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/logo.gif" style="padding: 0; background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none;"></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewContainer" style="height:350px; text-align:center; padding: 0;"><a href="http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AbNG7Rk5atWLC8g&cid=SFLYOCWIDGET&eid=115"><img src="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/prs/v1/0AbNG7Rk5atWMg/0AbNG7Rk5atWMu4A/p/67b0de21b3127d902548/JPEG/1320845591000/0/" style="padding: 0; background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none;"></a></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewMessageContainer" style="height:55px; background-color:#f4f4e9; text-align:center; padding: 15px 0 15px 0; line-height: 19px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewTitle" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 15px; color: #333333; font-weight: bold;"><span>Truffle Ruffle Blue Thank You Card</span></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewSEOText" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 13px; color: #333333;"><span>Turn your photos into <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/thank-you-cards" style="color: #6666cc;">thank you cards</a> at Shutterfly.com.</span></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewViewCollection" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 13px; color: #333333;"><span>View the entire <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery" style="color: #6666cc;">collection</a> of cards.</span></div><img width="1" height="1" border="0" style="padding: 0; background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none;" src="https://os.shutterfly.com/b/ss/sflyshareprod/1/H.15/111?pageName=sharekey&c1=msc&c2=blogger" /></div></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetBottom" style="height:6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bottom.gif);"></div></div>Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18212480480341985067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051885598034151289.post-85885890641892181662011-10-19T04:18:00.000-04:002011-10-19T04:18:12.997-04:00been BooedA new tradition began this year at our house, we've been Booed. Yesterday morning, as Ryan left the house for work, he found a bag on our front steps with a ghost on it and the word Boo. To our surprise, it is a game the neighborhood is playing this year. I've been seeing the ghosts taped to front door's and was wondering if I missed an email from housing about displaying something for Trick-or-Treating.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFZsh6_Drj9-UXZjZBGxyCbtjxdzOyb6w4PyDEeJdyUX6JbyJQ-CF4s7FE6KYFb98YjaHctapxHNtK1s5b3L9_P_5vH9L-_3oOj7tFoPURurMcXyMQS_kA3j7cMnfg2nZuNidkt6aBTwN/s1600/DSC_7568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFZsh6_Drj9-UXZjZBGxyCbtjxdzOyb6w4PyDEeJdyUX6JbyJQ-CF4s7FE6KYFb98YjaHctapxHNtK1s5b3L9_P_5vH9L-_3oOj7tFoPURurMcXyMQS_kA3j7cMnfg2nZuNidkt6aBTwN/s400/DSC_7568.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><br />
The object of this game is to keep it going. There is a ghost in the bag, a poem and lots of Halloween goodies for the kids. You put the ghost on your door so you don't get booed again and pass the boo onto two other families in the neighborhood. Basically, you place a brown paper bag with candy in it on the door step of any house without a ghost on the front door. The poem is super cute and its a wonderful game to play with the kids.<br />
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Who ever booed us knew we had two kids and a girl in the house. Olivia got a candy necklace and bracelet, there were two of every candy, some crayons and glow sticks. Again, this is such an awesome game. We immediately went out to return the favor. Some friends down the street had not been booed yet so we set our sights on their house.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS5__Zuiha4nXuUAH3JtyWG3iV4v7T9SvbwytsiLunNHmyCSsOJ029noXQUVrOMsK9lb4Hi9vCesDVJTx4_6dTI7joFdDUIc7wMCV2Ezr8hOWJf1xTpD6pIiqcDo0Ew7pNj4OC7x8AuOkI/s1600/DSC_7574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS5__Zuiha4nXuUAH3JtyWG3iV4v7T9SvbwytsiLunNHmyCSsOJ029noXQUVrOMsK9lb4Hi9vCesDVJTx4_6dTI7joFdDUIc7wMCV2Ezr8hOWJf1xTpD6pIiqcDo0Ew7pNj4OC7x8AuOkI/s400/DSC_7574.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5IbN-mJiPWcloMWskDC2HdBnilz71vxgDbzXuLikWCJa43YqYE09qf5vxmt2_Jw0RABdfqbXY0ROoNdpJdoGaeRvNoENovHGfwo4_HfCjvrcwpQIDnukDYvkWRhgpkV8TiGQTvjJDuabz/s1600/DSC_7576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5IbN-mJiPWcloMWskDC2HdBnilz71vxgDbzXuLikWCJa43YqYE09qf5vxmt2_Jw0RABdfqbXY0ROoNdpJdoGaeRvNoENovHGfwo4_HfCjvrcwpQIDnukDYvkWRhgpkV8TiGQTvjJDuabz/s400/DSC_7576.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><br />
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We filled the bag with goodies and Olivia delivered it after dinner. It was scheduled to rain in the morning so we risked getting caught to ensure we were the ones to boo our friends. And...we got caught! Despite not seeing any lights on in the house, they were home and answered the door. Despite my best efforts to run back down the street pregnant with a two year old by my side, we were spotted. Oh well, its still a fun game and Olivia had so much fun carrying the bag up to their house and ringing the door bell then running like mad!!!Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18212480480341985067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051885598034151289.post-16254994673492088022011-10-08T08:31:00.001-04:002011-10-08T08:31:34.405-04:00love for daddyThe kids know something is up...that their brother is small, mommy has to go to lots of appointments, and he'll be here soon. Olivia more than Justin, maybe, but they both know.<br />
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It breaks my heart when Ryan leaves for work or to go running and both kids spiral out of control. When tired, they break down and cry, not wanting him to leave. I feel helpless in trying to console them, but try my best. <br />
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Justin wants nothing to do with me for a few minutes and Olivia just stands there looking out the window. Even though it breaks my heart, its nice to see them show so much love and emotion toward their dad. They love him so much and I know the next deployment (whenever that is) will be super hard on them, and me.<br />
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We are a very close, snuggly kind of family and I wouldn't have it any other way!!Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18212480480341985067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051885598034151289.post-20435974238535676562011-09-28T14:49:00.001-04:002011-09-28T14:52:09.931-04:00No news is good newsWOW! I need to step up my blogging. But sometimes I feel I have nothing interesting to say or no body is reading, so what's the point. Well, I have news!<br />
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Don't worry, the baby is fine, due date still Nov. 7th, measuring on track, however, we won't know where we're going next until Feb.<br />
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We are in limbo until sometime early 2012 when we'll get word we'll move cross country, down south or around the world! I've learned not to hold my breath about getting a particular duty station, considering my complete meltdown during TBS. <i>I actually pounded my fist on the steering wheel when told we were heading to 29 Palms, California but little did I know waiting for me was a person I consider one of my best friends.</i> <br />
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Now, I'm kinda excited to not know where our next destination til after our little lad is a bit older. Takes one more thing off my shoulders right now that I can deal with later. Between not sleeping well at night and having only 1 month<i>ish </i>left til baby arrives, I don't want to deal with the mental task of reorganizing my house in my head before I have even planned where my Christmas decorations are going in this house.<br />
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Some people HAVE to know where to go, <i>I being one of those people last time</i>, but not now! No, sir!! I am content in living in the moment, walking my daughter to her school bus, giggling with my son for an hour and not getting my work done because we took a walk!! Sure, I have preferences and dreams of the perfect house, but know I have friends around the world and that's all that matters. <br />
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Living in a new place is always exciting to me. After learning to love 29 Palms, <i>a place I would not mind going back to</i>, and having a wonderful labor and delivery at a hospital where so many horror stories circulated, I've come to the conclusion...you make a situation great by searching out what makes it great!! <br />
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So...I'm off to organize my to do list for the spouse coffee I am hosting tomorrow. Oh, and clean the house, which I already did on Monday but alas must do again!!Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18212480480341985067noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051885598034151289.post-81679851388701750292011-09-15T16:15:00.000-04:002011-09-15T16:15:54.642-04:00Webcam 101 for Seniors...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/FcN08Tg3PWw?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>I truly hope this is what Ryan and I will be like when we are seniors! These two are still so in love and it shows. "Drop your dress a bit and see your boobies!" says the man. HILARIOUS!Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18212480480341985067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051885598034151289.post-16582401540484003292011-09-10T16:04:00.001-04:002011-09-10T16:05:12.467-04:00starting her education early...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZvCaulRxDgm1JzkoKBNj9dcc1pOEyu2hS3VAtgXSrIsliXAzA6ZxaffH5Yf5SbkcypVHJuCy3jtmiKEll3FR2w6QzUep-Rpdt9x33C0nFGLVuVVXcLCO0SzG0D52wvnrlhzS9Wjur386S/s1600/IMG_3861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZvCaulRxDgm1JzkoKBNj9dcc1pOEyu2hS3VAtgXSrIsliXAzA6ZxaffH5Yf5SbkcypVHJuCy3jtmiKEll3FR2w6QzUep-Rpdt9x33C0nFGLVuVVXcLCO0SzG0D52wvnrlhzS9Wjur386S/s320/IMG_3861.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5w78E-jBAJqQptCE3frh_XRuHoC9OWIaV4-d8n7iBXDAMwsTK0xilD9f40Pr4v3n4x3nYT4ACGXld4h1pfwvRnc3GcXhbWIO8EYUp6syo0sZsycYeX32FOFNgxMkaGTKD2u_QX6EyqXPj/s1600/IMG_3862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5w78E-jBAJqQptCE3frh_XRuHoC9OWIaV4-d8n7iBXDAMwsTK0xilD9f40Pr4v3n4x3nYT4ACGXld4h1pfwvRnc3GcXhbWIO8EYUp6syo0sZsycYeX32FOFNgxMkaGTKD2u_QX6EyqXPj/s320/IMG_3862.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">Ryan put it best, "Went to Border's close out sale. Instead of picking out the Berenstain Bears or a Dora book, Olivia purchased W.E.B Du Bois. I would like to think my little girl has an advance intellectual curiosity of the African American struggle. Yet, the odds are, she pick the book because it was purple."</span></span></h6><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"> She carried this book around the entire store and wanted it so bad. After realizing it was only a few bucks, I thought...<i>Sure, why not, at least she can use it to learn her numbers and letters.</i> Since coming home, it hasn't left her side!! </span></span></h6>Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18212480480341985067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051885598034151289.post-91756073303417252372011-08-24T10:26:00.000-04:002011-08-24T10:26:43.788-04:00Willie the Giant Stomps OutsideAccording to Olivia, our earthquake yesterday was caused by Willie the Giant stomping on the ground outside the house. It took her less than 5 minutes after I settled myself down in the living room to come up with that explanation! I love her imagination!!<br />
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Yes, a 5.9 magnitude hit our house yesterday afternoon, worse quake in over 3 decades. I was sitting downstairs at the computer while the kids were resting/napping upstairs. Oh, and it was Olivia's first day of pre-k, so this day will be extra special day! All of a sudden, I felt the windows shake. <i>Curious...I didn't know artillery fire was occurring today</i>. <br />
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Then it didn't stop, it got worse. My brain is going through all the different possibilities of what this might be, but earthquake didn't even cross my mind until I realized the kids were on the second floor. Have you ever seen a 7 month pregnant lady bound up 15 steps to collect her kids from a natural disaster? Me neither til yesterday. As I climb the steps, I trip but caught myself with my hands. Again, did you know that as you climb the stairs to a second level, the shaking gets worse? My brain knew this but in my state of mind, I completely forgot. I hit the top floor, round the corner, bracing myself with my hands against the walls as the house continues to shake, and make my way down the hallway.<br />
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Olivia is just laying in bed as I burst into her room. "What is it mommy?" <i>What, you don't feel your bed is shaking like you're on an amusement park ride?</i> I pull her out of bed and plop her in her doorway, "Stay here in the door frame!" At least I remembered the safest place is in the doorway if getting outside isn't an option. I tear into Justin's room just as the shaking starts to subside. He was super tired but his eyes were open, telling me he felt the rumble. I stand in the middle of his room as the shaking dies down, also hoping he'd just put his head back down and close his eyes. No such luck, he wanted out of his crib.<br />
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My heart is racing, and I immediately take the kids downstairs and find my cell phone. First attempt to call Ryan, fail. Network busy! Great!! I walk outside expecting to see everyone out of their homes, but there were just a few neighbor's out. We exchange the "holy cow's" and "was that really...?" and I text Ryan. "We just had an earthquake. We're ok. Hurry home!" He was scheduled to come home in about an hour but walked through the door 15 mins later. <br />
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Our eyes met and then everything came pouring out. <i>Can you believe that?...CRAZY!!... Did you feel that?... Where were you?... How long did it take to realize what was going on?. </i>Apparently, he was in a large auditorium finishing up a lecture, gathering his papers when the earthquake hit. All the Captains stare at each other in disbelief. They thought the same thing I did, <i>was that really an earthquake?</i> Then it started to sink into their brains that if they felt the shaking, their families felt the same thing about 2 miles away. They were dismissed immediately.<br />
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Needless to say, since the quake was felt up in NYC, news central, it was all over the news stations in less than 5 mins. Local stations reported the epicenter was in Mineral, VA located about 63 miles southwest of our house, 1.5 hrs by car. It was a 5.9 magnitude quake, buildings start falling at 4.5, and a very shallow quake, making it more dangerous. We were lucky not to feel any aftershocks this far north, but I will always remember yesterday. <br />
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To celebrate yet another historic weather event, we all went up to the commissary and stocked up on non-perishables for Hurricane Irene scheduled to hit us this weekend. Fun time for our family. Olivia's first day of school and an earthquake...epic! We ended the day by going up to DC and enjoying the Sunset Parade at the Marine Memorial. Despite Olivia not napping and Justin's rude awakening from his nap, they both did awesome and we all enjoyed ourselves. <br />
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Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18212480480341985067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051885598034151289.post-47012281893096749592011-08-09T15:08:00.000-04:002011-08-09T15:08:07.921-04:00Overwhelmed!With Ryan having already gone back to school, my goal was to have every box unpacked...yeah right, in this house hold, forget it!! I know I need to relax and take a load off my feet, however, I have this nagging feeling to get everything in its place. Nesting maybe?<br />
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After having cleaned out our old house in Oklahoma to sell it, everything was so much easier to keep clean. Of course, I only had two little one's and myself to keep after so it was pretty easy to clean up after meal time because I rarely cooked full meals. I want to get this house feeling like everything has its own place, but I'm struggling...big time.<br />
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Not only am I dealing with a bigger house with a few less storage options (we had built in shelving in all of our closets) despite having more linen closet space and a huge laundry/storage room. We've already given several boxes away of things we do not need anymore and have many more to give, but bending over and picking up every little thing is getting to me. I tire our much more quickly. Yes, I am 27 weeks pregnant but feel more like 34 weeks!!<br />
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I want to relax with my kids, play with my family, cook wonderful meals for my husband, but feel everything else gets in the way. It was hard for me to fall asleep last night because I could not shut my brain down thinking of all the things that need to get done. Finding wall space for all our pictures, putting them up or back in a box, getting a desk for Ryan's school work, do we need a bench next to the back door for shoes, bags, my purse and diaper bag? yes, but what kind, the budget needs to be looked at again and recalculated. Lots going on inside my head, not to mention our little baby boy loves to go his gymnastics when I lay down to sleep!<br />
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Ryan is so supportive of me during this pregnancy, but sometimes I feel I am not doing my job properly. Everything about this pregnancy, including my energy level and capability to complete tasks, is so different from my last two pregnancies. I just feel like I am falling behind and cannot keep up or get ahead. I know that things will improve, they must since the baby's room is still full of boxes. <br />
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All I can do at this point is take deep breaths and slow down...hopefully!Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18212480480341985067noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051885598034151289.post-57865246632092353392011-08-04T15:30:00.000-04:002011-08-04T15:30:23.288-04:00summer fun<div style="text-align: left;">While we have a gorgeous swimming pool at our disposal here on base, the kids and I prefer to play in our tiny, <i>but functional</i> backyard.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuDCEqk1AGOZ6SVxuYOzsb51Yg31lI1pGufbmzE-qFwr7UqDQkXooNj7lnt_3x97q5s8sPBi-cjTDrPR_Lx0tMn3qPDpe2ID4A_NVMc76jXGi6MBYs_F-4_DoVWCS0_WfVpKGX7VgYCPdo/s1600/DSC_6837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuDCEqk1AGOZ6SVxuYOzsb51Yg31lI1pGufbmzE-qFwr7UqDQkXooNj7lnt_3x97q5s8sPBi-cjTDrPR_Lx0tMn3qPDpe2ID4A_NVMc76jXGi6MBYs_F-4_DoVWCS0_WfVpKGX7VgYCPdo/s320/DSC_6837.JPG" width="214" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Justin is getting to the point he loves to do things <i>by himself</i> including filling up the pool.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKS6Ad41tSwRi03H7mxNZDhcTdJ0G1msRDVkgfBD56ghNUoPdlgpkhWWnitVNNGL3cN_pNQs9vWI2__VoL81tPpiNCzg-M2ZX9zOkw_iQCYwiFD-Xv214DgTvcfvv0F9uYUPqfhdtjNxBg/s1600/DSC_6844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKS6Ad41tSwRi03H7mxNZDhcTdJ0G1msRDVkgfBD56ghNUoPdlgpkhWWnitVNNGL3cN_pNQs9vWI2__VoL81tPpiNCzg-M2ZX9zOkw_iQCYwiFD-Xv214DgTvcfvv0F9uYUPqfhdtjNxBg/s320/DSC_6844.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I played around with my camera settings and got this great action shot. They kept giggling with the water going everywhere. It was super hot and humid so the cool water was very refreshing. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYknUeCc1uixE1jDWPWfVMqh9VK7p_joyCZypFL6olRSZuDkS7qW0rYvWJfla_fUvvgKOgHUFyJLZ9ca_TIEf_dYuIwAgQSLYPxuKu2CyjbiRYk-XE2tEGlld6BCBfDHSWOVbDv5o-xnqe/s1600/DSC_6847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYknUeCc1uixE1jDWPWfVMqh9VK7p_joyCZypFL6olRSZuDkS7qW0rYvWJfla_fUvvgKOgHUFyJLZ9ca_TIEf_dYuIwAgQSLYPxuKu2CyjbiRYk-XE2tEGlld6BCBfDHSWOVbDv5o-xnqe/s320/DSC_6847.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>Ryan pulled out this Buzz Lightyear Rocket water toy from a box and I was super worried it wouldn't work. Got it for Christmas last year and the Oklahoma winds would have frozen the water before it even hit the ground, so it was great to see it actually work. They <b>LOVE</b> this toy!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(the rocket is just above the white garage doing flips in the air)</i></span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5BioEEr67oIE0g8fA5CG3j5vDmVXaQdSTGCbGuu4DQbOwSnLnrW8dE-61rDa11oqz_xkKtg72dHflqykVP9Cbj1kI24RgoNbzsdseMQrrd5ZOjgOyZlHzonS4dmLn7aIR5B0fEP1HaWP2/s1600/DSC_6852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5BioEEr67oIE0g8fA5CG3j5vDmVXaQdSTGCbGuu4DQbOwSnLnrW8dE-61rDa11oqz_xkKtg72dHflqykVP9Cbj1kI24RgoNbzsdseMQrrd5ZOjgOyZlHzonS4dmLn7aIR5B0fEP1HaWP2/s320/DSC_6852.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">It was hot enough, I was more comfortable in my swimsuit than clothes! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymVA8Sl0I5LRWUeBr-LJphDh8XHdyrJcXi0w04oeEIA20G55B1aNaaKQG46hT5nSE98XwpfHwlHShxeGI7gWyybjFPbl_zheNe7VfJTKATmdOiogGlHdTa_xBZdptYu2Vv33DiDEGLQ_e/s1600/DSC_6861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymVA8Sl0I5LRWUeBr-LJphDh8XHdyrJcXi0w04oeEIA20G55B1aNaaKQG46hT5nSE98XwpfHwlHShxeGI7gWyybjFPbl_zheNe7VfJTKATmdOiogGlHdTa_xBZdptYu2Vv33DiDEGLQ_e/s320/DSC_6861.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>Olivia enjoyed taking the pool water and <i>painting with water</i> using some sort of seeded weed bud. She kept painted despite the ground being completely saturated with water. Justin joined her on the steps to watch. I got lucky with a few shots, but of course, none include both looking at the camera lens at the same time.<br />
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We're still unpacking the last few boxes, full of random little crap, and trying to find a place for everything. Even though our house is bigger, the closets do not have as many built in shelves as the closets in Oklahoma, so we're down furniture and organizational tools to get everything straight. Got the garage partly completed to put the van back in the garage, just have to stash all the decorations up in the rafters (plywood already up to create a huge shelf). It will be nice when everything is completed!! Pictures to come later!<span id="goog_1836339979"></span><span id="goog_1836339980"></span>Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18212480480341985067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051885598034151289.post-34931788728378917662011-07-20T10:40:00.001-04:002011-07-20T10:40:31.305-04:00i'm still heredon't worry, i'm still here. so much has happened since the last post. ryan turned 30, we traveled to virginia via ohio, my great- uncle passed away, we got our house but wont have internet til monday. typing a post on a cell phone keyboard isnt much fun...so until we get intrnet, i'm going to complain just a bit because i'm pregnant and can.<br />
<br />
*i'm tired of mcd's for lunch<br />
*tired of rolling out of bed onto th floor<br />
*no internet<br />
*sittig on th floor<br />
*aching body<br />
*baby boy kicking @ all hrs of nite preventing sleep<br />
*no internet<br />
*aching body<br />
the last two are very important<br />
<br />
all in all the kids are doing great! thank goodness something is going well. <br />
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hope to get out furniture bight and early in two daysTinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18212480480341985067noreply@blogger.com1