December 30, 2012

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?~

December 29, 2012

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! 


December 24, 2012

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!!!!   

December 21, 2012

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



December 20, 2012

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 :) 


December 12, 2012

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? 

December 6, 2012

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!!!