Christmas Wrap Up

~Christmas Eve~
I wasn't so sure about Christmas this year and how my usual cheerful spirit would weather the storm of R being deployed, but it turned out! We celebrated our Christmas on Christmas Eve because of the time difference in Afghanistan and when R could meet us over Skype. Which turned out awesome! We actually got to spend 3 hours with him just watching SugarCube babble as she opened gifts, and naturally do what most kids, this age, do. Ignore the toy and play with the the box, ha! But she had a ball with all her adoring fans cooing and ooing over her ANY interaction. I swear. She lifted a finger and we all went "AWWWE!" It was great. My favorite and most cherished moment though, was when SugarCube connected with the fact that her daddy was inside the computer.

 Half way into opening gifts, she started babbling and caressing his face for a GOOD 10 minutes while trying to find "daddy" behind the computer screen. She'd push the laptop down to see behind it and was throughly confused when daddy wasn't there, lol.  It was the sweetest display of affection we've seen yet and totally made my Christmas Eve morning! We sealed our amazing day with the traditional pot of chili and corn bread, dressed in our jammies and watched movies until it was time to say goodnight. 

~Christmas day~

After such an amazing time with R, the next day was Christmas. I dressed SugarCube in her sunday best and of course took many pictures of her lil' puddin'face. You know I have to document this year in true mommy fashion with a bajillion photos ;)  And I also just HAD to capture these zebra print shoes on film, no? Aren't they the CUTEST! And that rocking horse--- ADORB! 

Unlike true mommy fashion, I'll go ahead and tell on myself and say that I was a bad mommy this year. I didn't go all out with baking cookies for Santa, buying elf on a shelf or even taking Alyssa to see Santa her first Christmas. I just feel like a lot of that's wasted on such early years. But I am rethinking Alyssa's absent Santa pictures, after the fact...I didn't want to deal with the large lines at the mall, only to pay for a picture where my daughter is frightened out of her skull and screaming her head off, but now I'm thinking she might feel jilted later on... The awful baby screaming on Santa's lap pics are kinda tradition in most homes....  

~Baby Loot~

After opening our gifts on Christmas eve (SugarCube and Mommy was spoiled)  Christmas morning we played with them! Well, not in these pics but you get the idea. 

Baby girl got some pretty sweet books including one of her favorites, Mickey Mouse! It came with a Mickey shaped radio and 20 different songs to sing along with. That's been a hit since day one! Your first radio, awe... Daddy insisted you needed blocks for when he returned, so he bought you a heaping amount of tender years blocks which are super soft and actually float so you can take them into the bath! You also got a few puzzles, a neat twisty ball that rattles and rolls and your super intrigued by the elephant shape sorter that was in the gift pile. Your Mickey Mouse phone was a big hit too, as well as your plush Mickey. Can you tell you're into Mickey this year ;) Mommy thinks your first birthday might have something to do with that silly little Mouse...  

My favorite toy from your stash, is by far, the handmade wooden rocking horse Grampa "G" made, however you're still making friends with it and not quite sure what's expected. We're working on that. Maybe once mommy paints the face, stirrups and saddle you'll connect with it more but if you could talk, I know you'd say your favorite toy was DEFINITELY the one your Great Grampa brought over. A Minnie Mouse bean bag!!! By Christmas evening, you had me launching your cute baby buns over it while you squealed with delight. It was so cute and has made me giggle until my sides hurt :)

~Mommy Loot~

I didn't get any pictures of my Christmas stash but it was good! I got a nice pair of VS pajamas,  my 13" MacBook Pro (YEAH YEAH) a BEAUTIFUL jewelry box, a Diamond Back climbing harness, carabiner and GriGri belay device (climbing shoes and chalk bag to come) a boat load of good thick running socks and cozy socks, a stocking full of goodies, a $50 visa card and an SLR Nikon D3100 camera!!! Holy moly that sounds like a lot when I write it all down. I couldn't be more excited for my new toys!!! I've already used the climbing gear twice since Christmas! This is one of the BEAUTIFUL spots we climbed. 

I wasn't able to get any pics of me on the rock but it wouldn't have been that impressive anyway seeing as I bailed 1/4 the way up each time, lol! Lets just say I've got a lot of improving to do (outside) but super excited to put in the work! 

  

I'm still in love with my shiny laptop which allows me to throughly enjoying the blogging experience and now I have this awesome new camera to correlate! It couldn't have come at a better time because I have some fabulous aquarium, zoo and first birthday bash events planned, which will be in need of good pictures! 

~And what before my eyes did appear... But a slobbery baby with tiny reindeer ears~

Christmas Jammie Cuteness! 

Can you tell I just loved SugarCube in her Christmas jammies ;) The second to last one here just cracks me up. She was actually laughing.

We wrapped up Christmas evening, relaxing over peace and quiet and a simple meal of ham, scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce and dinner rolls. I have to thank my mother in-law for that because I was so pooped by the end, I wasn't ANY help in the kitchen. Thanks again Mama "G!" I don't think I could've asked for a better Christmas, with the hubby being deployed but here's to a repeat next year, only with daddy sitting NEXT to us! And for the record, that's all the gift I'll need ♥

~What was your one exciting gift this Christmas?~

Cha Cha Changes!

Here's the big reveal! But don't panic. I haven't moved, so no need to update your readers... However, I have been overhauled with a new name and makeover. Check me out! 

 I couldn't be more thrilled with the finished result. It took some time to finish because I had no real direction to give my designer. And what little I was able to tell her, drastically changed the more we delved into the process but it's finally time and I'm ecstatically excited to show it off! I'm fiercely in love with this design and new name y'all! It really has captured the true heart of me; a bubbly, mostly sunny spirit just enjoying life and living. Sarge & Sunshine,  writing under a new name, is still about me, my soldier and our little life. Nothing changed there. But I do have some new fabulous links here displaying a life list, thoughts on dealing with R's deployment, foodie adventures and of course, my pursuit of fitness and a place to brag on my adorable SugarCube! Most of them are still "under construction" for a short time, but feel free to check out the ones I do have up!    

Finally, a big shout out to my designer Fran, for being so patient and making any and every change I asked for... I mean we're talking 50+ emails of ideas, likes and dislikes y'all. It got redic on my part. So thank you Fran! It all turned out so fabulous. EXACTLY the cheery look I was hoping for!  blog'o'sphere. If you're currently in the market for a designer, I would highly recommend Freeborboleta Designs. As you can see, she's fabulous! 

I Was A Good Girl, And Santa Noticed!

Merry Christmas to all my friends!!!  Today was very blessed in the way that we got to spend THREE hours with my hubby over Skype; opening gifts (Santa came early) sharing smiles and laughter and of course watching our daughter experience the joy of Christmas for the very first time! We celebrated a day early because of the time difference and also not wanting anything to get in the way of meeting R for this exchange, if it could be helped. And seriously.  I couldn't have asked for a better day; considering my love is completely on the other side of the world and yet, it felt like he was sitting right there in the living room with us...  I shall return with a proper Christmas recap, because OMG I got spoiled! I must have been really good this year because Santa definitely delivered. But the festivities are not over! The best part is still to come---Tomorrow is still the big feast where we shall gorge on roast beast! Haha, I've been reading How the Grinch Stole Christmas maybe a little too much this month ;) I also need better pictures before I post a recap. I COMPLETELY failed to wash and fix my hair and dress in anything other then yoga pants today, so having an opportunity for a redo is welcomed!   Until then---From my home to yours,  I wish you all a very Merry Christmas full of warm smiles and laughter! Have a wonderful time making beautiful moments with the ones you hold dear, and remember to take time out of the hustle and bustle to really look and appreciate the blessings you've been given. I for one, feel so blessed and thankful for my husband, our beautiful baby girl and a wonderful 3 hours spent in the eyes of my love, on this special day, where the distance didn't seem so distant...  Go forth and be MERRY!!!!   

This (Mac's) Me Happy!

Santa came through and delivered! 

I'm now the proud owner of a brand new 13" MacBook Pro yo! I published this exciting news on Facebook today and someone asked me if I was allowed to open it early. The answer was and it. Yes. Because technically, in this instance, I'm Santa! But then again, maybe not because I only found the AMAZING deal and clicked the appropriate buttons while Hubby paid for it, ha! So I guess I'm the elf?  Thank you very much babe!!! Your wifey is uber happy, elated in fact, and cannot wait to show you just how much! Now what shall I name it... Chiclet 2.0? 

Stay tuned for the blog makeover reveal! It is finished and ready to install. I can't hardly wait to show it off and brag all over my amazing designer Fran

♥

Happy Hair!

This is what I wanted

This is what I had

This is what I got!!!

I'm loving my cheery new look!!! And just in time for Christmas photos :) 

Dear Santa

I remember the awful night I stopped believing in Santa. It was very crushing and so disappointing to a curious three year old, but I guess that's what you get with a stubborn streak a mile wide and refusing to stop until you get answers, ha! It's also been that long sense I last wrote a letter to the big man in a suit! But I remember doing that as a kid and I had so much fun... Oh, the possibilities! The idea that you could wish for anything and one of those gifts would be selected. COME ON! That's like a real life game of Candy Land!!! So this year, I've decided to join in with some of you and write my very first wish list in almost twenty-five years.  Oh boy. I'm just giddy with excitement! And feeling a smidgen like that three year old innocent admirer again.  Family and friends, this list is in no way intended to take inspiration from. I do NOT expect any of these items (as you can see, I dream big ha!) hence why I am not linking to where I found them. This was just a fun exercise for the holidays and a time to dream!   So here we go... 

15" MacBook Pro

 Go big or go home, right? I've been dreaming about this computer since I was sixteen... It's definitely my white elephant, heehee

Alabama's Christmas Album

I just love this album. It's from my childhood and one of good memories. My mom played this every Christmas season while whipping up baked goodies in the kitchen and I so enjoy the warm feeling these songs evoke. Now that I have a daughter of my own, I want to pass this tradition onto her. Who remembers Thistle Hair The Christmas Bear? A CLASSIC!  

Anne of Green Gables

 Oh my gosh, yes! Another childhood favorite. I grew up on stuff like this and miss it! This is another warm piece of my childhood I'd like to pass onto my daughter. 

Bear Paw Meadow Boots in Birch

 I remember when this whole trend took off, and while I'm not usually a trend follower, these I do love! Last year on Black Friday I went and bought some like it, however they had the crappy fake soles. Which you can imagine how well those held up in good'ol rainy, slushy Washington ;)

ByBethany Navy and Red Chevron Bifold Wallet. 

 This is a find off Etsy (omg I love Etsy) where I also bought my gray and white chevron purse/diaper bag last year. I guess you could say I'm obsessed with the chevron pattern and since my current Walmart special is literally falling apart (seriously, I have cards and change falling out of holes daily) this is the perfect replacement!

   

VS Dreamer Pj's 

 These are just the best Pj's. So comfy and cute! My sister in-law gave me a pair for Christmas last year and I fell in love. So naturally I need another pair, lol! Even the hubby doesn't mind these ladies. Double score! Where in the world can you get comfy sleep attire ANNNNND come hither looks from the man, eh!

Naturalizer Juletta Riding Boots  

 Again, I do not normally follow trends but this one is really sassy and so chic! I love most all of the looks I've seen created with riding boots and find I like this look and color the best. Now, all I need is a wardrobe worthy of this fabulous pair!  

New Haircut and Hair Color

 Couldn't you see me rockin this haircut and color dressed in those adorable riding boots above?! I'm in desperate need of a new look and I figured, while the hubby is a way, the wife could play! With my hair that is ;) I've never been adventurous with new looks because the hubby likes my hair long and natural. But I want and need a change! If I hate it, I can just grow it out, right?! 

   

Oakley Gretchen Bleiler Sunglasses

 I have NEVER owned an expensive pair of sunglasses in my life and I'm not going to start now. But I WILL eventually. I just need to get my daughter past the toddler stage of  flushing things down the toilet, throwing things in the trash and hiding mommies precious(s) in the couch for me never to find because, lets face it, most of us only lift the couch cushions for overnight visitor and that's about once a year in this house. But these... These are nice. I would feel like a Hollywood gem in these!   

Saucony Womens Guide 6

 New running/gym shoes! I've heard great things about Saucony and these are just fabulously lite with color and style. I'm in love with these and definitely have my eye on them for when I replace my Asics. 

Naked 2 Urban Decay

 If you google this eye shadow palette you'll find a crap load of new ways to do up your eyes. And a lot of them are fantastic! I fell hard for this palette but at the time, $50+ was hard to swallow when I still needed things for our bundle that was on the way! I have blues eyes and fair skin so these colors would be just awesome to have!  

Vine Street Market Perfect Jersey Scarf 

I LOVE THESE! And would love every color. I've liked a page on Facebook called "She Steals" and although I don't usually like what they post deals on, occasionally I do and fall in love. Like here! Going into the colder season (okay okay, temporarily living in Arizona, that sentence is a but of a joke but) I could really use these! I can see it all now...My fabulous new cut and color, new shimmering goldy eye shadow, A-lister Oakley's, riding boots, these scarfs, skinny jeans and an equally flattering top, I'd look like I just walked off the cover of Cosmopolitan! HAHA!     So tell me, What's on your Christmas wish list this year? 

He's Gone

  I've decided the "he's gone and we're dealing" post couldn't wait until the reveal of my new makeover. A girl needs to talk after such huge events and after reading a fellow blogger's "dealing" post over at Learning As We Go (her husband deployed shortly after R) I felt really inspired to write mine...
I wrote in my last "quick" update that R did in fact leave and we made it to his folks in Arizona. And again, saying "Goodbye" to R was really tough. It felt like we'd been building up to this moment for MONTHS and then it finally came and I wasn't ready. But I had no idea the degree of pain I'd feel, watching him buckle our nine month old daughter into her car seat while saying " I'll see you real soon puddin'face. Be good for mommy."  I'm certain that a small force of outer beings decided to recolonize the life source known as my heart, right then and there because...OUCH! I swear I wasn't breathing as he kissed me one last time and I begged him to be safe. 

Taken while we were waiting to say "goodbye." She was such a cuddle bug with her daddy this day, sitting in his lap perfectly for 2 hours! That never happens. I think she understood daddy needed some baby cuddles.

Thanks to my sister in-law we got a nice family photo before he left (this probably isn't the time to bring up how chunky I look and that I hope the camera added those extra pounds, but wow I thought I looked thinner then this! MORE CARDIO)

It was pretty windy and cold that day, but SugarCube just kept smiling :) 

 Eight hours after we parted ways though and I had gotten my bawl on (silently) I got the text.. My sis in-law Suzi and I had already ordered and devoured a large pizza and wine and dark chocolate was setting the scene. We were doing this right! But there it was, a text from hubby staring me in the face

"So the plane is delayed for an unknown amount of time. May get canceled altogether. I'll let you know more as I find out."
I felt very confused and torn y'all! Don't get me wrong. I was GIDDY excited at the possibility of seeing him again, but the thought of doing this all over at a later date was not a highlight. Turned out, his flight was in fact canceled and I did get to see his handsome face again. The next few days to follow were torture though. It took three days before they deployed but each day, it was unknown if they'd leave. So we had to prepare like he was deploying every afternoon. OMG what a fantastic emotional roller coaster that was! We'd drive him to his company, they'd unload bags, grab weapons and gather into a formation as the 1st. Sgt delivered the news.  It finally came down to us dropping R at the Rainier Inn on post, the afternoon before he left and hitting the open road ourselves. We had already handed our keys over to the rental agency, everything was packed and stored and it was just time to rip the band aid. We were also uncertain of when he'd finally exit the country, at the time, and with my sister in-law needing to get back to school and work, it was the right decision. But what a HORRIBLE wifey position to be in...Oh well; it's done and over and we're finally settling into a place of accepted change. 
In terms of our new home and the large transition that naturally is, Jessica from Learning As We Go has put, perfectly, into words where I'm at with that...     "I'm figuring out where the little things like cutting boards, strainers and baking pans go. This seems like a little thing, I'm sure, but it makes me feel more at home. You know how it is when you are visiting at someone else's house and you try to empty the dishwasher for them, but you don't know where anything goes? Yeah, I hate that."
Ha! If you've ever done the blending families thing in a home not your home, you can totally relate to this! I read this and was like, YES! This is exactly the time and place I'm in. I still feel like a visitor most days but I'm slowly learning where things go, what foods my in-laws like to eat, how they like their time spent etc. I've already goofed though and keep leaving the stove burners on (a sign of a multi-tasker) I never clear out the extra minutes on the microwave after using it (which I'm not sure if that drives my mom or dad in-law nuts or maybe both,  lol!) and when I drive my dad in-laws truck I'm always forgetting to move his seat back. R's family are giants so my 5'6 frame doesn't cut it for driving space ;) These are all trivial things that I'll get the hang of soon. But I feel like this time oddly resembles the first years of marriage and that tickles my funny bone, haha!  
My in-laws are, really, just wonderful people though who are truly making this transition fun and simple. They have embraced their granddaughter and I completely, spoiling SugarCube into a puddle of maple syrup. They worked so hard on making a special space for the room baby girl and I share and even took the time to go antiquing for a wooden highchair which Grampa "G" cleaned up and Grammy "G" bedazzled! Grampa "G" does amazing things with wood and also had an adorable wooden rocker made and ready for SugarCube's cute baby bunz. She loves each piece and it means the world to this mama's heart. Could I have asked for a better extended family to spend nine months with? I THINK NOT! Mama "G" is really quick to offer any extra sleep, time alone or baby sitting services whenever I want too. I feel like I'm on vacation y'all but trying not to get too spoiled or take advantage, lol! 
Slowly, this town is starting to feel slightly comfortable and familiar. I still NEVER leave the house without my smartphone and Google Maps loaded on it, but I'm recognizing more and more landmarks and street names each day. I've scoped out the local Target (a survival must) malls, grocery stores, gas stations, post office (because I should literally camp there for the next nine months) and of course every girl needs her Starbucks or an equivalent! We're also lucky to have an Air Force base 30 minutes from here so Alyssa will still be seen by a  military doctor. Which I'm excited for! This means familiarity y'all and that is my life line right now; solders in uniforms, those aggravatingly slow speed zones due to PT hours, Commissaries, Exchanges, and even the "this gets really old every darn time" check points. I'll also have an excuse to use my military I.D again! You have no idea how much I miss needing that thing...Even though my picture is a disgusting 34 week pregnant shining ( not the good kind of shine more like I'm stretched to the max with water weight shine) face smiling back at me (okay my smile no longer existed either)... It's still familiar, makes me feel connected to R, which releases a smile each time! It's the little things y'all...
There is so much more I could write but I'm afraid I lost you back in Washington, ha! So in an attempt to learn the art of pacing myself, I'll save these next edge of your seat posts for a later time. Don't you just love how people go for long periods of time, then BLAH! They deliver a 10 page article??? That's pretty much been me the past 2 years. But I feel the rumblings of a strong blogging itch, so that's soon to change!
Hope everyone had a fabulous Thanksgiving!!! 

Hiyo!

 I know...  It's been almost 3 weeks and you've been waiting to hear from me after the dreaded "goodbye" and LONG road trip from Washington to Arizona. Well, I'm just popping in to say, he did leave and my heart is still recovering...That was by far, the hardest thing I've had to endure so far. Also, my sweet baby and I DID make it to Arizona where we're currently enjoying 75+ degree sunny shine shine weather and we're happy as happy can be without our solider around.  I'll definitely be updating this blog in great detail and WAY MORE OFTEN (real soon) but I'm currently working on a blog makeover that I cannot wait to show off so I'm holding out on you for just a bit longer. Maybe another 5-6 days! Until then, I hope you had a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving, a fun successful Black Friday (If you shop Black Friday. I sure did and it was a blast!) and that you're enjoying the days leading up to Santa's big visit! See you real soon with a fun, cheery new look and a name change!  Stay tuned...     

Tick Tock, Tick Tock

Yesterday was my birthday and it pretty much blowed.  People were arguing over politics (what's new) and this "I can't breath" anxiety feeling over R's I could scream it's so close deployment just keeps mounting. Yesterday was my worst day yet, dealing. I didn't feel like playing. I didn't want to put a smile on my face and I certainly didn't feel like acting. Yesterday, everything "wasn't" okay. It was my birthday dang'it and I was going to spend it how I wanted; refusing to fake a smile that wasn't there. Which is why I'm THRILLED that today is a much better day.  If you've been following me for any length of time, you'd know that I'm usually a VERY upbeat positive person. I use A LOT of "exclamation" marks in my writing because that's my natural state! I'm excitable and cheerful most of the time. I never "like" being gloomy and negative. It just doesn't feel good inside so I try to deflect it.   However, right now, it's taking a lot of energy to hold it together. I haven't slept a solid 4 hours in 3 weeks. And when I do sleep, its very forced, full of thrashing and frustration. NO sleep aid has helped. That has got to be taking it's toll right?  It sucks, but the special moments we do attempt seems to be forced, which falls flat, leaving us disappointed with yet another failed attempt to connect. Worst feeling EVER! That mental ticking clock might as well be a torture device y'all... However, we still fight for it. We fight to connect and push aside the pressure of time. It' important! We know, if we don't, we'll allow the bad to suffocate the good with what little time we have left. Kind of like yesterday. I seriously failed in that department, but I've picked myself back up today, determined to make it better... That's all I can do right?  I just hope this phase will subside after the bandaids been ripped off and he's on that flight. I feel like all of this "yuck" is stemming from him still being here...And possibly, in some lil' delusional part of my brain, I think that equates to...I can control this! I can stop him from leaving. But I can't...And I know it. The anxiety of his exit date, is making me crazy. "NO, you wouldn't say!" I feel pressure to have this MAKE sense in our lives and to find peace with it. To also find strength and deny the inevitable "bawling fit" that's sure to come. I'm really scared of that...Are you getting the sense that I don't deal with emotion well? Yeah, me too... For those of you, who are going through this or have gone through this, does it get better once they leave? Am I onto something or does it only get better once they're home?  I promise to polish, pick myself up and bring back the usual sunshine state of this blog, once R leaves. But for now, I feel we'll have to settle with a muted dawn...I'm working with a wonderful gal on a new blog design that's full of color and cheer, so I think the reveal will be perfect timing with the above! Thank you for reading!!!  Until then-- 

Nailed It!

I posted this quote on Facebook as well as my holiday event, and now here! 

Because I L.O.V.E it so much!!!

I woke up this morning with these words blaring in my head and decided, today---  I AM GOING TO PUSH MYSELF!  And I did.  I went out, while the hubby watched our daughter, and NAILED 4 miles!!!  Could this mean I'm getting my running legs back?? I sure hope so!  

SugarCube's First (BIG) Holiday Was A Bust!

A failing on my part, to plan costumes and get it done!  However, while she didn't trick-or-treat this year, she did join the festivities in this cute lil' pumpkin butt outfit! 

Truth be told. I did plan costumes. But I was afraid SugarCube would refuse to relinquish her HARD bedtime of 6:00 p.m, in order to make first year Halloween memories. And I was right. She was DONE by 5:55 p.m last night. Notice my inability to capture cute baby smiles above? So I was glad I didn't waste the money on it. I had planned on R dressing up as a wild west sheriff, I was going to be the bank robber and SugarCube, my stolen bag of gold. What a cute idea right! I'm kinda bummed that it didn't work out, but maybe an idea for some of you next year?!?! I had found a family photo online that did modern day robbers having the baby as a stolen bag of money. So to be somewhat original, I just threw in my own twist, with the wild west theme :) 

We did, however, give out candy. Which was my first time and so fun! We live in a rather large, nice neighborhood. I would say we have a good eight hundred homes here, so our door bell started rockin and rollin around 5:00 pm and didn't stop until 11:00!!! Crazy fun :) So many cute lil' ghosts, goblins and witches. 

Loved reading about all your Halloween festivities this morning! 

Anyone sporting a candy hangover? ;)

P.S Thank you for all your encouraging, supportive comments on my last post. It meant the world and truly gave me a moment of calm, knowing that I have awesome people thinking about and praying for my family <3 Thank you!  

I Finally Understand

I finally put SugarCubes daddy bear together the other day and as much as I love seeing lil' Roscoe in her crib and how much she loves him, this bear has me tied in knots! 

We were playing on the floor yesterday, with books and toys and of course Roscoe too, when I started pointing to the picture on his belly saying "dada-dada-dada. Can you say dada?" She, of course, looks at me with fascination but not really "getting" it and moves onto a book, intent on slobbering all over it :) I sat there watching her play, but then REALLY starting looking at that picture. BAD IDEA! I almost lost it right then! The tears and, what's bound to be, the ugliest emotional break down in my life, feels all too close these days. I can no longer say, "we have a month, three weeks or even two!" The thought that we'll only have that bear to hug and hold onto VERY SOON, is just...Wow...There's not words! I've determined that I cannot talk about this without my heart feeling like it's being squeezed into a raisin. And Lord, the horrible stab of pain at knowing our time together is down to almost nothing is brutal... Truth be told y'all. I used to be a pretty emotionally detached person until the birth of our daughter. Don't get me wrong. I HAD passion and the ability to be a good friend. I'd just learned not to get TOO involved and attached to people, places or things. An entire life of being on the move, hopping from one place to the next, will do that! So this new me, is definitely uncharted waters and a learning curve. I'm not used to feeling so strongly on a daily basis and WANTING closer relationships!  Point in case: When R and I said our vows in December of 2008, that ended a LONG, long distance relationship, I found the wonderful world of blogging and better yet, a copious and thriving community of fellow MilSpouses! I was thrilled!!! However, I would stumble upon posts LIKE this one; wives and girlfriends in shambles over the departure of their significant other. And I remember thinking, I definitely feel badly for them and I wouldn't wish that fear and anxiety, deployments dump, on ANYONE but what's the big deal! You SURELY will not DIE sweety. I promise. If I can do 5 years of being apart from my man, so can you!  To be blunt. I thought some of those posts were a little over the top and really focused on dramatizing the situation. Keep in mind, these girls were writing of their concern with time spent apart, not the terrible fear of something bad happening to their loved one ;) However, I realize that goes without saying ;) Fast forward almost four years later and BOY, how times and people change!!!! I feel terrible for my unemotional lack of understanding and disrespect of others feelings, no matter that I NEVER voiced them a loud. What I was forgetting, is that those girls had actual, physical memories and TIME spent with their significant other. They had built strong bonds, having that person IN their lives daily! Not to mention, some had added children to the mix. That changes things SO MUCH! I know... They weren't used to using Skype, Facebook, emails and texting as a form of personal connection. No. They used hugs, kisses, touches and smiles. After 5 years of not having that, I finally experienced what REAL connection was. And I can say it definitely changes the heart while strengthening your bond more then I thought possible!   I'm not really sure why I've chosen to share this, other then to voice recurring thoughts and note the change within myself. To also say "I Get it!" If you're dealing with a deployment, or absences of your loved one, I understand and I can relate.  And to also ask for prayer or positive thoughts for my family, as we transition "back" into time spent apart...  

Bad Becca!

Weapons of Mass Reduction Holiday Exchange & Fitness Challenge

Click Photo To Join!

This will be the last time I post for this event, I promise! But I'm feeling kinda bad that I threw this up, pretty quickly, the other day and failed to really explain/ reach out/connect with my followers on the back end!! Sorry y'all! I definitely didn't represent when it came to how we bloggy lovers do things round here!!! 

So this one's for y'all... It's not a cut and paste post from the event site, but an honest to gosh "I am super excited for this event, your involvement and would love to see you there!" 

Its no secret to my husband and family that I love this time of year!! As soon as October shows on the calendar, I immediately start feeling even better about life! However, my husbands deployment next month is weighing on my cheerfulness this time of year...As a form of coping a few nights back, I devoured an ENTIRE bag of Kit Kat Bars in less then 24 hours. OIE! No Buono! 

It was then that I realized I need an outlet. A better form of coping. This goal setter needs some GOALS baby! I've realized, this is the only way I'll have a chance of dealing... So I started to brain storm and came up with a fun holiday exchange & fitness event idea! I've managed to incorporated my love of the holidays while managing to also set health goals. FABULOUS! And just in time too, before I'm faced with my favorite holiday sweets;)

I want to make it clear that this challenge is TRUELY for anyone. Whether your goal is to lose weight, tone up, eat healthy/be healthy or just stay accountable through the barrage of holiday feasts to come, there is a spot for you! We have the cheery and fun holiday exchange that everyone is involved in once you join. As well as 3 prize categories of $20 or more: Best Fitted Jeans, Mr/Ms Energy & Biggest Loser! I've been blown away by the response from just my friends and family. We have 16 members so far and the list is growing! Our group ranges from the serious contender to the holiday weight watcher so don't allow any predefined notions of what this is about, stop you from joining!  

Sadly, the ability to join this event ends this Sunday Oct 28, 2012 at 11:59 pm. As much as I would love an open 30 day challenge, having tricklers in unison with a holiday exchange makes that tough. So if you'd like to join, follow this link

  Weapons of Mass Reduction Holiday Exchange & Fitness Challenge

before time runs out. Or send me a Facebook friend invite with this email grabbin_life84@hotmail.com and I'll make sure you receive an invite! 

Just one last request!!!

Even of this isn't for you, could I ask that you link to and share my event on your blog??? Pretty please:) I'm wanting a large, fun, explosive group to fuel these next 30 days (as well as numb and distract the ol' ticker while I say "so long to my love." *sigh*

So far the group is AWESOME. We have A lot of great attitudes and energy but we can always use more of a good thing!! 

Thank You All, 

And hope to see you there!!!   

8 Months

 Happy 8 months & 1 week SugarCube! 

It's hard to believe that 8 months & 1 week has passed, already, since I held you for the first time. You were such a tiny, soft and beautiful angel baby; snuggled deep in my shaking new mommy arms. And now you're all wiggles, giggles and "let me explore mom!" 

I couldn't believe it then and I still can't believe it now; what a blessing daddy and I were given all those months ago. The day you entered our world and we truly became your parents, was the best day of your mama's life SugarCube!

You remain to be the sweetest and most loving baby  ♥ Daddy and I say all the time what a good kid we have. And we mean it! You hardly cry. You rarely whine except when your REALLY REALLY tired which usually means mama missed your attempted signals. You go to sleep with a smile on your face and you wake with an even brighter disposition. Your such a tough baby too. Full of curiosity and life!

Your puppies and kitty remain to be your steady source of grins and giggles. It never fails. As soon as you wake, your focused on finding those furry pals and chasing after them. They're not so sure about you these days though, now that your crawling and able to corner them. A lot like last night at dinner! You had them corralled really well baby girl!

Piper (your brown puppy) loves to lick your face and fingers which has ruminates of your latest snack or meal, no doubt. And Bella (your white puppy) just stares at you with this look of uncertainty while sniffing your face. Which you then counter with a lick to her nose before mommy can stop you! And Peanut (your kitty) well he tries to steer clear of you most days. But occasionally he'll allow you to get close where he can paw your quick lil' hands. He's good about keeping the claws retracted though so I think that means he secretly likes you;)
   

And you made a new friend this week! 

Daddy brought home this lil' guy and you named him Roscoe. He's going to take daddy's place for the 9 months your papa's deployed and go with us EVERYWHERE! You already love Roscoe a lot which makes us smile so big:)  

I don't have your weight and height updates this time SugarCube. Mommy got a bit behind on scheduling your appointment so we won't know how big and healthy your getting until closer to your 9th month. That will be sometime, right before our big move to Arizona! However, I can tell you're gaining weight because the waist in your pants are fitting more snug and you've moved up to size 4 diapers! Daddy's also made comments about seeing more chunk in your thighs which I agree. This makes me happy because you've always been so petite. I'd love for your weight to finally be above the low teen's at your next appointment! Either way, your still so perfect!

Your favorite place to explore, these days, is your nursery and I love it! Mommy put a lot of love and time into creating the perfect little baby room. It makes me happy that you're able to enjoy it and even like it! You love your bookshelf because it holds the "bow and ribbon" basket which you dump on a hourly basis. You've also discovered your cow humidifier and frequently pull up on it. WHICH REMINDS ME! That is your newest milestone SugarCube! How could I miss that! You've been pulling up on most EVERYTHING that's waist level. Like the packed boxes around the house, or a laundry basket and mommy's knees while she's sitting on the floor reading you books:)

So lets see...You have your favorite pet (peanut because he's a little guy like you I think)  and your favorite room but you have favorite activities too! You LOVE when mommy takes you for walks in the BOB...

Which ultimately ends at the local park where we swing in the baby swing. You weren't so sure about the swing at first but now you love it! We're still working on the slide;)

You're favorite person is STILL your daddy. And I still love watching every minute of it! He comes home from work and you immediately light up. Over the weekend you learned to give hugs (which I have yet to receive) and play the kissing game which melts daddy's heart:) You were lying in bed with us watching Polar Express (mommy and daddy were trying to get a few more minutes of sleep while you thrashed and cooed. But who were we kidding. That wasn't going to happen) when you started planting wet open mouth kisses on daddy's cheek!! Mommy, of course, squealed in delight which made you want to do it all the more;)

We sure are going to miss that guy! But mommy has lots of plans for the time he's away baby girl. For starters, we're going on a BIG road trip with your puppies and kitty and Auntie Suzi to live with your Grammy and Grandpa "G" in Phoenix. From there you'll get to celebrate your first Thanksgiving and Christmas (SO EXCITED!)  and of course the big one. YOUR FIRST BIRTHDAY! Which, sadly isn't too far away! I've already started thinking about your cake, decorations and birthday theme;) We'll take many sunny shine shine walks, read books, play with toys, Skype with daddy, visit Auntie Suzi in Flag Staff and your Auntie Mary in Las Vegas! We're going to fly back to mommy's home in Tennessee so you can meet your other grandma and grandpa (my parents) and all your other aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews! There's a lot;) You're going to make new baby friends too because mommy plans on enrolling you in song and dance classes. And I'm sure you'll find your way in daycare a few times so mommy can get her sweat on;) Those are always good place to make friends! So you see. We're going to be VERY busy SugarCube but we'll have a lot of fun!

We sure do love you SugarCube and are so enjoying your cute lil' baby self and sweet smiles. How about working on some kisses and hugs for mama this month. K? Oh and saying "dada or daddy" before daddy leaves would be great too. But no pressure! :)

Love,    

Mama & Dada