A Sailor and his Family

What does FAMILY mean to you....

2011-12-11T08:14:00.000-08:00

Lately it seems like things are falling apart. Family doesn't mean what it use to it feels like. I see young families and older families and so badly i wish for what they have, but I know it not easy work to have what they have. But at the same time this is my family and I'm happy with that cause I love them. There have been many changes to our extended family and it's hard to watch and be apart of. It's hard cause we, me and Billy, now don't really have a family to look up to to strive to be like, only what not to do. Broken families should be no big deal for me. I've deal with it all my life. I think that is so that I can help others threw their hard times and its been really hard with my mother in laws devoice. So I'm glad I have these experiences to help him. But at the same time I feel forgotten about. And in a time of need.

Why is it that friends seem to be more like family at times. At my last job I had a small group of friends that pretty much knew everything about what ever was going on. They were there for me to give me advise, to listen, to tell jokes, to be there for me when i needed it the most as well I was there for them. We may have had moments where things were said we didn't want to hear but needed to hear. When it came time for gifts they were some of the most thoughtful. I miss my group of friends but am in the market for new ones.

Over all I have stepped backed and will only be focusing on my family the four of us. They need me and I think if we can stay a strong that things will work out for the best. I really hope that we can be an example for my sister. She's seen and delt with alot and even thou she's miles away i hope i can still be a good sister for her.

Thanksgiving

2011-12-11T07:59:00.000-08:00

I'm a little late on this due to not having the Internet, but I wanted to share with you my thoughts. I am so thankful to be where I am today.

I am thankful for my husband. He has done more for me than he thinks. He's there for me to talk to when I need support. He supports me in the things I do. He has a hard demanding job that allows for me to stay home with the kids. I love him very much and I'm so happy to have him in my life.

I am thankful for both Dax and Vera and the lessons they teach me. They are the sweetest and I couldn't ask for better.

I'm thankful for my mom and dad. As i've grown up I've been able to understand things better. Im thankful that my mom being across the states still calls me every day and wants to be a part of my life. I haven't seen her since the wedding 6 years ago but someday we will get out to AZ and she will get to meet her grandkids. I'm thankful for my dad with all the wisdom and funny emails. He is now not in the same city/state as we are and I find that we miss having him around. We always have so much fun together and Dax just adores him.

Im thankful for the things I have in my life. It may not be perfect but it's good enough for me. Im thankful for the church in my life for it guides me and gives me hope. Im thankful for the the Navy and the opportunities it's given to my family. Im thankful for my friends who are sometimes closer to me than family.

At this time of the year and with the birth of my daughter I'm still really emotional and have been doing alot of thinking and I'm so happy and miss my family and can't wait for everyone to meet my sweet girl. To be closer to the family for a while and start a new chapter in our lives.

Day 6

2011-11-07T08:01:00.000-08:00

Vera is now 6 days old. Coming home has been interesting. First you have Dax. I have been worried about him and these moments. I think he's doing well. The first day we were home two hours and I don't know what came over him but he ripped his bed sheets in half. Yes he is 3 and no his daddy isn't the hulk. So that was out of the blue. I have been trying to make special effort to included him on things and to not hide out in rooms and send him away. When she is sleeping i try to play with him or read books. The first day or so I told him i could play pirates cause i was doing something. He put his head down and dropped what was in his hands and walk away. A little dramatic but it broke my heart so we played. He's been really good with baby sister and really likes having her around. So with the help of Billy we are trying to be better about that. Its just hard when the build up to this was going to the park every day and going to story time. So it's been crazy having all of us locked up, but it's also getting colder out side and it's just not happening.

Billy has just been a huge help around the house it's just awesome. He's looking out for me and helping get things done. He gets to stay home with me for 14 days. So he'll have to drive me places when we need to go. Like Vera's dr appt she had and we are getting pictures made this week! He's such a great husband. He has fallen in love with his daughter and can't get enough. He can just watch her sleep. He's so glad that things have gone the way i want he knows its all important to me.

I have been healing great I am able to do most things for my self. I do take it easy cause I still get a bit swollen in my feet and just tired but it's really been great. Compared to last time when I really couldn't do anything didn't want to eat or drink anything, I had so much extra weight on me I just wasn't in a great state. This time has been great I'm still sore down there and will be for a while, my stitches are sore but otherwise I'm always hungry and losing pounds by the day. So far I have lost 15 pounds and it's been 6 days. Breast feeding has also been something new to me. I tried with Dax and it just wasn't happening. Towards the end of my leave I found a nipple shield. With out this I would not be able to nurse. Its the only way either of them will take. But seeing that I was going back to work in two week I stopped pumping and started formula. Seeing that I get to stay home with the kids this time I plan on nursing for a while. Its been hard she's had her good days and we've had our bad. Staying up all night has been crazy hard running on 2-4 hours of sleep every night to wake up and do it again. Im not napper I just can't. So time is all we need.

Vera is doing great she's eating alot so I'm hoping by the time her next appt comes she's back to birth weight at least. I love to just watch her I mean she sleeps alot but she's so darn cute. Dax loves it when she looks at him he loves to look at her eyes. With my help I let Dax "hold" her and she just looked up and stared at him. You can tell they are going to get along well.

Juliet the dog. What can I say she's crazy. She didn't really care much while I was pregnant, but I think too we scared her a bit when we left in a hurry but now that we are home she wants to be so motherly to her. When every she cries or starts moving she's there by her side. The first night we were home I was asleep getting ready to wake up and feed her soon. Vera in her bed next to me, Billy on the bed on the computer. All of a sudden Juliet tries to get in the bassinet. Billy goes to check it out and Vera is choking. Neither of us heard her so now we more alert.

Vera's birth story....

2011-11-06T17:36:00.000-08:00

This is my birth story on how Vera came into out family. This is something special and dear to me. I'll warn you now that there might be TMI in this post so just a heads up. With having a VBAC I want to share my story and how it all went down.

October 31

Last after each time I had to get up and pee I would jump back in bed like every other night. But this night every time I got back in bed I felt a little gush. In the early morning right before Billy got up for work I started having cramps come in and out. They were little but not like able. So I felt that I should get the fluid check to make sure my water bag wasn't leaking. As we were getting ready to go Billy called and asked if we could bring him his work out bag he forgot. So on to base we went and the whole way there I was still getting these cramps. We get to his work and he was on his way out to go to lunch. Well just our luck his truck wouldn't start. Being in the state i was we really needed his truck to work. So it took a few hours to go to the auto store come back and fix the truck and it still not work. In the mean time I'm timing these things. Most the time they came in twos and were 8 mins apart then a space of 10-15 then two more.

So we decided to leave the truck there. But on our way out Billy's friends pulled in and offered to fix it for us so we could go to the hospital. I dropped Dax off at a friend house and off we went. We got to the hospital at 1:30. When the dr came in and checked me i was a 2. Just to hear that was music. That meant my body was going into labor on its own something I didn't do with Dax. So we walked for a while and they brought me dinner and nothing was happening so we left. I was kinda sad we weren't having a Halloween baby. I was also sad cause I missed out on Halloween with Dax. But i know he had fun with his friends. He was bumble bee from transformers this year.

We picked him up and at this point I'm still having small gushes. He never really told me what it was only what it could be. So we go home and put Dax to bed. I get in the warm tub cause the contractions were going into my back. Once I got board I got out. As soon as i got out of the tub they were stronger. I came and sat on a puddle pad on the couch while Billy and I watched a movie. I thought maybe I could just sleep on the couch. I started getting really bad contractions. I wasnt' going to time them till tomorrow seeing that most people labor for a few days. Billy was the one who started timing them. Yeah for like 30 mins they were 2 mins apart and intense. Then all of a sudden I sat there to make sure. Yes it was my water broke for real it was about 10 pm. I told Billy and it was on. He got Dax in the car. No pants no shoes... Called two people, got me a towel and we left. I didn't care these things were hurting I got in the car no pants no shoes as well. The lady who was watching Dax for us was meeting us at the hospital. The GPS took us somewhere crazy before we got to the hospital. Not cool. So he dropped me off at the emergency room entrance. i had my towel wrapped around me. The door guy took me up stairs. As we went into the L&D area the same nurses were there and in tears i said im back. This time they knew it was for real.

So i got in the bed and Billy and Dax came in. Dax was only in there for a min so that was good I didn't want him to see me in pain. He gave me a kiss and said mamas don't cry. When he left i remember him not wanting to leave me. But as soon as he saw his friend's mom he was totally fine. Kids , candy, toys...yeah he's good. So we got ready and answered all the same dumb questions from before. We got there close to 11pm when things got started. The pain was so much i really haven't had to deal with this kind of thing before. Well that ended up with me throwing up everything. It took a while to get the epidural, so in that time I had to deal with the contractions. This is where I thought of my friends who do hypnobirthing. I can really see where it can help with birth. The nurses were talking to me and trying to get me to relax and just go with it. I was able to handle the contractions a bit better. Then I told Billy to leave and I got my shot.

We were able to be there all night and rest while my body labored. I was so happy this was all happening but it was so fast. I really didn't think things could progress this quickly. So there i laid for a while.

November 1st

I woke up and things were still going great. I was still going on my own. This is where I met the two drs that would be here with me. They were both from the hospital on base and both went to UT. So that made Billy happy. The guy dr is a resident here at fort Gordon. So later in the after noon I was able to get to a 6 all by my self!!!! With Dax I had drugs induce me and take me to an 8. So seeing that I wanted a VBAC they started off low with 1mg. I think in total they went to 3mg at the most. In asking most people being induced get like 20mg so i pretty much was still doing this on my own. Even with the epidural i started feeling alot of pressure down there. Then more and more so they gave me a stronger dose of epidural. Let me tell you from the back down i felt nothing!!! I mean i was so worthless in the legs it was funny. So i got all the way to a 10 and we let it be for a while then the pushing would start.

Even thou i had an epidural and i couldn't feel anything my body was still working hard trying to get baby in the right spot. I am soo tired at this point. So we started pushing and this was about what I thought things were going to be like. Billy got to help and hold one leg while the nurse had the other. We were just moving her down. My epidural at this point is now wearing off. I ended up using the whole bag! So we keep at it and then the call is made and everyone comes in and gets dressed. I really don't know what was going on or who was in there cause I had my eyes closed the whole time. Im not one for blood and needles and stuff but I knew Billy was right there by my side and that's all I needed to know. I have seen the baby story on TLC I have read everything I could to get ready for this, and it just seemed so different from all that. Funny thing was, it hurt more when I wasn't pushing. But my goodness I for real could have fallen asleep I was so tired. I was really surprised but Billy watched the whole thing! He later informed me of things I didn't realized happened...lol but her head started to come and they saw her hair and you could tell that Billy was getting excited. It was so sweet that Billy getting excited. Once her head came and then her shoulders I heard her cry. It was just so amazing to know that I just did that. Really i just did that. I always underestimate what things I can accomplish and this was one of them I really didn't think this was something I could do but there she was crying and getting cleaned off. I didn't know what to expect when she came out (bloody or white stuff) so I told them clean her up and then we will visit. So now that she was out and the other stuff was out they were just cleaning up. I layed there while they did their thing and just cried. Cried cause what I did just hurt and what they were doing hurt and the fact I just had a baby and she had the sweetest cry and it was all over. So many things going threw my head in the end I was just to happy. At this point I just wanted people to stop touching me and get me a juice. For being my first birth I was told I did great and I did not tear but instead got side lacerations. So I did have to have a few stitches. That was not a great feeling but what choice did i have.

about 30 mins old. I had been crying

30 mins old with he daddy, he's so in love

Everything was looking good. They got everything cleaned up and I told Billy to go look at her. You could tell he was already so in love with her. So much so that he wouldn't come closer to me to let me see....haha he came closer and I got to see her. She is he most perfect thing every. She is so beautiful and I couldn't have been more happy. I had to stay in this room for a few more hours and in that time we got to know our little one. I was so happy that I did not have to have a c section. I was able to get up and walk around just two hours after having her. I didn't have to have a catheter most the time and I was able to have a full hot meal for dinner, where as last time i was on a liquid diet for a while.

Billy left and got Dax closer to 4pm. He brought him to see us. The kid came in the room asking where his baby sister is. He saw me holding her and was like mamas give her back that's my baby sisters. He already knew who she was and like us was already in love with her. It just melted my heart. so he got to kiss her and love on her. This was the next big challenge. Going home with out mama. He did well only cause Vera got him a new toy. But off went the boys and there I was with my new daughter in my arms.

This hospital is a bit different than what i'm use to. It's real small and they don't really have a nursery. So they do everything in your room. If I had known what they were doing i would have gotten more pictures. But there she was getting her first bath and loving it! So around 8pm I was able to go to my room. It was nice and i was able to get some rest.

November 2

We knew she was coming and we knew where we would be but we also knew that it wasn't in the cards for friends or family to be here with us. So it was strange this time not having anyone come to the hospital to see us but at the same time i feel like from that bed i was sooo busy. So this is the time for recovery. I must say that i can not believe how much better i felt and feel that i did last time. Im able to do so much and worry less on my cut. I do have those nasty stitches that are not in the greatest of places but no complaints here just need some time to heal.

By this after noon the boys showed up and they did so at just the right time. The photographer came in to my room to take pictures. Yeah another strange thing. She took them with my bed sheets on my bed. They weren't the greatest but they were cute. She wanted way to much for them so we might buy one later. Dax got to lay down with Vera in one of them and boy that kid couldn't have been happier to be touching her. He got a button with that picture on it, so cute. But to see Billy holding her and talking with Dax it was just like wow now there is 4 of us. Its just crazy. So i got to go home the next day.

I'm healing great, feeling good (all except the stitches) . Just happy. I love the family that I have and cant' wait to see what's in store. The next step with all this is settling down. We are still trying to find that happy medium. Dax is having a bit of a hard time with the new baby but he's just a 3 year old boy with lots of energy. He can't help it. But being home for two hours ands he rips his bed sheets in half?!!! What is that about and how. So me and Billy have alot of work to do on that. Other wise feeding are going great. Im so glad that I am going to be able to nurse my baby. All in all this was a great experience. Im glad not to be pregnant any more and more happy to have this girl in my arms now.

I do have to note that threw this pregnancy and these last two weeks Billy has just been such a huge help with everything. He was so in tuned with me and what was going on the whole time. I do think things would have gone as smoothly with out him. He was by my side the whole time. He knew Dax was my first priority and was on the ball with him. Made sure the sitters had him and he was good, took him to McDonlads and bought him a movie! I called one night and they were still up at 9pm...lol He held my hand the whole time and talked to me the whole time. He told me how proud he was of me over and over and he couldn't believe I did what I did. And that was the best to hear him say. I love him so much and he's so great.

Vera Alta Ledbetter

7 pounds 11 onces

20.5 inches

2:33pm

These are my thoughts on my VBAC:

If we have another child yes I would so do this over again. Not only did I feel more fulfilled as a women but it was just the complete opposite of having a c section. I was able to walk soon after having her, I was able to eat solid foods but one of the most important things was it was more of a bonding experience. I will be able to work out and do things for my self alot sooner than i could last time. I was always worried about my cut. If we don't have another child then I'm really happy I got to experience what my body was made to do. I have been thinking about this moment since I learned about it soon after I had Dax. But then on the flip side I was really nervous about do this too. Having certain drugs can increase the chances of rupturing your scare from the inside. That was always on my mind but I was confident things were going to be fine. I was able to get a blessing just a few days before so I felt comforted. But yes I am so glad for this chance I had cause I was talking with my husband the other night and we both agreed on this. We both feel a greater bond with Vera compared to Dax's birth. It has nothing to do with him but everything in the birth. We both were more involved so much more with this one. After I had Dax I really didn't fall in love with him for a while. It was great that I had him but I just didn't fall in love and I felt bad. But dealing with the pain and disappointment of the c section it just was like yeah my kid is over there. I put it this way. I walked in to a hospital with no pain, given an epidural, taken to surgery, and handed a baby. I didn't do alot of work, but this time well this time was a lot of work. Every step of the way.

Still pregnant!

2011-10-25T11:20:00.000-07:00

This week I am not 39 weeks pregnant with Vera and for right now she had no intention on coming out soon. My due date is next Wednesday, I have a dr appt the day after. So next week if she is not here he wants to talk about being induced. Well I'm not sure how i feel about the situation. I was induced with Dax and well ended up in a c section for failure to progress. It's looking like a repeat right now. He said we will talk about ways he can induce with out drugs so i'll listen to that first. I have read things here and there about being induced with pitocin and still being able to have a VBAC. But I've also heard that pitocin and a c section scare are not good friends. So I'm a bit torn at this. In a way it kinda makes me sad cause this is what my body was made to do. This is a women's calling and well my body just doesn't want to deliver. With Dax i got to walk in to the hospital feeling fine and get in a bed and be pumped full of drugs only for 12 hours later to be in the OR. I was so happy to finally hear that sweet baby cry but it wasn't my dream birth. At that time it was the safest and if that's what we needed then i'm willing, but i did leave disappointed.

This time around i want to go in to labor and i want to labor at home for a time and walk around and get to push her out only to have my sweet girl laid on my chest. Once again I will do what I have to, to make sure everyone is safe and healthy. So lets hope she comes in the next week!

Baby girl Vera,
Everyone wants you here and it's now ok to come at any time. Your strong and your healthy. Your big brother can't wait to play with you your daddy wants to kiss on you and mommy just wants to hold you in her arms. Your going to fit right in and be showered with love and kisses. Good things are here waiting for you........(still waiting)

love your mommy!

This is me at 39 weeks and tired as all get out for not having a good night. On my way to the dr.

37 weeks...

2011-10-10T17:47:00.000-07:00

Im now full term! So she is allowed to come anything now. I had my hospital tour last week. It really made everything so much more real. We got to see the L&D room. Boy was it small. I had Dax at "the" place to have babies in Nashville. This room was so small i don't know how everyone will fit in there. Then we went to the rooms and there where nice. Once again smaller but it's just us this time i really don't think we will have any visitors. We didn't get to see the nursery. This hospital is one of the smaller ones and i've heard alot of good things about this place. So im really excited about being taken care of here.

At 37 weeks i have the car cleaned and her car seat in the car. I also have her bag packed and in the car. I have 4 freezer meals made. Her room and bassinet are ready for her. I'm more tired than I have been the whole pregnancy but keeping up with Dax isn't helping. Im not sure if she's drop or dropping, im not sure if im having braxton hicks. I just hope that things start happening soon so i can feel better about going in to labor. Cause im scared im not going to......She's still moving a ton! I for real felt her foot the other night. She pushed it so hard in to my hand. Her family is just here wait now.

My son Dax....

2011-09-20T09:54:00.000-07:00

I love and care for my husband very much he means so much to me. I love my son as well but the feelings I have for him are so different. This child is so awesome. He's my light. He is 3.5 years old. With in the last few weeks I've been looking at him. I had to buy him new shoes this week, size 11 ( they have room to grow) and we got him some new jeans, size 4T. He had to give blood for us to get on WIC. He was such a good boy let the dr do her thing it just couldn't have been better. He's getting so big so fast and it makes me sad but it's just crazy the things he does and says and it makes me happy that he's getting big and lerning. My favorite it when he says, please, thank you, your welcome, or just gives hugs and kisses all on his own. He's now reads me stories and says his own prayers. He looks out for us too! If i have a oochy he'll get me a band aid and kiss it and tell me it's going to be ok. He's getting better at playing at the park with kids, he's getting good use out of his imagination. He's the sweetest little boy every, i just love him and im so blessed that i can have him in my life.

I mean look at his kid who can't love this child!

On the other hand I have roughly 6 weeks before my little girl is here. I could not be any happier to hear that. I want her here with me. I just still can't believe we are having another child and that's it's a girl. At the same time I'm really nervous. Its been almost 4 years since having a newborn in the house and this time I have a high energy 3 year old. I just dont' know what to expect. I know things will be fine cause many people have more than one child. I'm also nervous cause I really want this birth to go smoothly. I was approved for a VBAC and that's really exciting but I just hope that my body is too. I have a few more thing around the house to get in ready order but we are almost there and ready for Vera to make her presence known.

Here I am at 8 months (33 weeks) just 6-7 more weeks!

Twenty five

2011-08-29T15:21:00.000-07:00

My birthday was a few days ago. I turned 25 years old! I had been thinking about it for a while. I feel every ounce of 25. I don't see that as a bad thing either. I feel like I am where i should be. I feel like a mother, I feel that after 6 years I'm a good wife, I feel responsible..... I have recently taken on more responsibility with becoming a Navy wife too. Here is a picture getting ready for church. Twenty five years old at 31 weeks pregnant with baby Vera. I feel great!

I want to thank all my friends and family for my birthday wishes. It's hard not being around everyone but we are making friends and getting along here. Can't wait to start getting visitors!

It's time to start thinking ahead

2011-08-12T11:52:00.000-07:00

Well i had my first baby dr appointment today here on base. It's so different from when we were in Pensacola with the Navy. This base is an Army base so things are a bit different. I will see my dr here on Ft. Gordon and then deliver at a different hospital cause they don't delieve babies here. So I talked with the nurse and on Monday i'll talk with my actual dr. But she was very much open to me having a VBAC! So once i talk to the Dr and let her know what is going on and i get my c-section report in i should be able to have one. This makes me so happy I can only hope that my body will go in to labor at a decent time or else it's another c-section for me. But I was just so excited to hear that they do them all the time. When i told my last Dr. in pensacola he really really tried talking me out of it. I don't think it helped that he was a guy so I don't thing he really understood why I wanted this but I still have one more person to talk to about it. But it's a huge possibility!

The beast

2011-08-11T10:00:00.000-07:00

This is Billy's new truck. It was a pain in the butt to get. To get this truck it was 3-4 hour drive. The first weekend we went up there to look at it to see if it was worth anything. Then the next weekend we drove up there to pay for it and pick it up. Well it took us like 5 hours to get home that night. Our GPS was taking us all these crazy ways and it got to the point where it was like just take me to the interstate. What a pain. But it's a nice truck it needs some small things on it. It is huge! It has 38 inch wheels and it just a big body on it. Every since we have been married he has always wanted an old bronco. This is for him to just drive to and from work seeing that we don't live but like 5 miles away. So it's fun and it sits in front of out house now....

Every day life.....

2011-08-01T07:51:00.000-07:00

right not there isn't to much to write about. I'm still unpacking and putting things in it's place. Kinda still stuck at home till we get another car. We need a few shelfs here and there and we need a few dressers and a rug for the living room. But all that fun stuff will come in time. So I just do my thing all day. Me and Dax have fun, and at the end of the day Vera makes known she's there too. Its so funny to sit and watch my belly move. I'll be 27 weeks this week. Just 10 more to be considered full term. It's seems like for ever but then again it doesn't. I feel that i'm so not ready. There are two important things i really need to get for this baby. I was hoping to have a baby shower even just a diaper shower. But not sure how that's going to be done. I could go to Nashville one weekend, but i would think that in the gas/food money we spent i could just use that on diapers. I don't know anyone here and there's a ton of pregnant ladies at church so i don't see anything happening there.....But other wise I'm almost to the tired trimester!!! Just two more weeks! I can't wait to have her here and to have some family come and see me. Until something interesting happens.

News, News, News.....

2011-07-27T07:13:00.000-07:00

Its been awhile I do have to say that but its' been so busy.

So update. I'm not in Hawaii. Yeah sad but true. The day before the movers came we got official word that my husband was not of rank to take dependents "overseas". So with all the down sizing we did and the money spend on the dog we were not really happy. So about a month later we got new orders to Augusta Georgia. Not the same but in the big picture most likely better for us. It's closer to home and we aren't sure Billy is going to be here for the birth of the baby. But it's a bit different, it's an army base and not many Navy personal here. I'm still trying to make friends and learn about the area. Its very green and trees everywhere. It takes a good min to get most places and only 8 from our house to base. The base it's self is like 140,000 acres and its huge!!! There's not really alot on base but more than Corry station. So For now we are here and settling in. Oh and we are having a baby in November! And its a GIRL!!!! We couldn't be happyier. I have a lot of sewing projects to finish before she comes. Baby Vera Alta Ledbetter.

3 years ago

2011-04-28T17:53:00.000-07:00

Three years ago my little Dax was born. I'm so blessed to have him in our lifes. He's such a sweet little boy. He's growing so much and learning things everyday. It makes me sad to see him so big but I also love the new things he does. He's in to anything boy right now and its so much fun. To my Dax i love you very much and i can't wait to see what's in store for you later. i know that you are going to be a great big brother!

I feel so alone.

2011-04-28T17:51:00.000-07:00

I do I feel so alone. I know most people are a call away or an email. But I've realized I miss my job, I miss my friends I saw every day at work. I had people stop my my cubical just to talk or see what i was wearing that day or what not. I miss talking to people all day. I also miss getting all dressed up and wearing heals and doing my hair. I miss i think the most is that feeling that I'm a part of something and people depended on me for things. I liked feeling needed. I liked having people to talk to.

Now I am a stay at home mom. I always thought that would be cool, it was something I had wanted. I felt bad having to go back to work and not be there for my baby. But now that I have that I just don't know what to do. I know in the last 6 months I've really sucked at it. I've tried things. I even got a bike and a trailer for Dax. But it's too hot in the day and I just can't ride the bike like i use to. I know he depends on me and needs me but it's not the same. I talk to a 3 year old most all day. It would be nice to talk to someone or hang out. I'm learning that this is something I will have to learn to deal with. My one friend that i really connected with here moved. She is also a Navy wife. Our ward out here is small and full of order people. I can't wait to get to our next command. We should be there for a few years and I plan on making tons of friends. There is a BYU in the area so I'm hoping to make some good friends.

I'm just feeling a little alone for the moment. I hardly see Billy and when he's home he's doing things. I have a 3 year old all day and no friends. Its hard for me to get a job cause of Billy's schedule and our now one car. I'm hoping things look up soon. But for the record, Tennessee lottery I miss you and all your great employees. It was a great almost 4 years!

At last!

2011-04-28T17:40:00.000-07:00

An update on where I have been. Its been a crazy few months down in FL. It hasn't been the best. Our house sucks, I'm now a stay at home mom who has no idea what she's doing, and Billy's sechedual keeps changing. Our house has window units that don't work as well as cental air. It's so hot down here now and not to talk about humid. My family came down here to visit us for 3 weeks and that was hard. But nice to see them. Dax is now potty trained. He did so well with it I;m really happy how it all turned out. He's getting so big. Also in big news, I'm pregnant! We are so excited. We were tring on this one and what would you know it happened the first time we tried. Within the first month my test said yes. We can't wait for our baby to be here in November. Well most likely in October. I am having another C-section so i pray it goes better than last time. Billy got his orders so we are waiting for his hard copies. We are almost out of this dumpy place and i am so happy. Not much has really been going on. We have just been the 3 of us mostly. Cleaning house, going to the park, watching movies....I have been cooking more so that's always good. Well i do plan on updating more often now that we got the computer fixed and internet working well. You know with all our changes going on.

I'm Back!!!

2011-02-22T06:24:00.000-08:00

What a crazy few months. To bring you up to speed:

*moved to Pensacola
*cooked my first thanksgiving and had 3 sailors over
*went back to nashville for christmas
*Dax broke the camera and the computer
*officially a stay at home mom
*Billy graduated A school
* Billy started his next school today
*planted flowers
*Got a bike
*consignment sale
*opened etsy store
*potty training
*girls nights out

It's been a change the last three months nothing has been the same. I think we are really settling in. The weather is finally getting warmer and the family is coming down soon. We are one step closer to moving. Hopfully in the next two weeks we will be getting good news! I'm back and ready to keep you all updated on things...

STill here!

2010-12-01T10:59:00.000-08:00

So yes we did make it to FL!!! It took us only 8 hours and everyone did great! The house is cute needs some love but we are here and we are the 3 of us again. Thanksgiving went well I made a ton of food and even made a pie. Billy had 3 of his friends over and it was really fun. Dax started school today. I now know what moms feel like when their kid goes to school. It's never been a big deal cause I had to work. Now that I really don't it's sad to see him go. But he needs to be in school and its what ever I need to do for him. So now it's time to find a job! Not much is going on here for now hopfully we will have the internet in the house soon. I miss is soo much.

I gave in!

2010-11-12T07:10:00.000-08:00

So I've had my eye on some bedding for a few months now. It wasn't on clearance and it wasn't on sale, but it was perfect. This is the picture I saw and knew it was it.

These two pictures is what got me on the colors. But the bedding in the first pictures is now discontinued as it always happens with me. So I found some at target. I went this week and bought it. Yep I was so proud of my self. Not only did I buy something I wanted but it was new and not on sale. I did buy if for cheaper than the normal person. It's listed for $69.99 and with online promo codes and free shipping I got it for cheaper than that. It felt good.

There were these two pillows that go with it that I really liked but not for $50 liked. So I went to joanns this weekend and bought fabric for them. I could have bought two pillows for $50 or spent $15 to make two of them. I also changed it up a bit so they aren't the SAME but similar. I think they are cuter...lol We are still making them so pictures to come soon. I also am looking for those cool lanterns.

Airport

2010-11-12T07:02:00.000-08:00

In just a week I'll be picking up my honey at the air port. He's flying up here to help us move. I'm so excited to see him it's been a while now. He'll be walking off that plane in his dress blues!

I'm really excited about moving. I can't wait for it to be the 3 of us again. How much I miss having a family. I'm excited that we'll be in a house with a yard. I'm excited that we will have more than two friends. I'm nervous about not going to a new job right away. I'm nervous about not having any family around and not really knowing the area. These are little step we are taking in our new life journey and I'm really excited. Oh the people we'll meet and the place we'll go and the things we'll see. I can't wait!!

Power tools and paint

2010-11-12T06:56:00.000-08:00

So with us moving soon I felt I needed to have a few things done. Billy wants to invite a few of his sailor friends over for Thanksgiving. Well I don't have a table or couch for us to all sit on. So this last weekend was the 50% off everything at good will. I found a set of 4 chairs. They were $3 each! They aren't the cutest thing....yet.

So after we stood in line for an hour we were off to Joanns'. I bought some fabric and then we went home. I got started with sanding them. I sanded all 4 of them. Later that night I took off the old fabric and cleaned what was left. I then put on my new fabric. The seats looked AWESOME! I also put a sealer on the seats. Sunday I then painted all of them two or three times. They were looking good.

So I had a few days off. I went to the storage unit and found my table. It was a small round table that could hold 4 people at it. My mother in law found TWO leafs for it. That made all the difference. I then sanded and painted the table black as well. This set is looking so good.

I also found some oval frames. I've been looking for frames like this for a while. I found two of the same size and one larger one. Ummm not really what I was wanting but I can make it work. So I have my silhouette project coming up soon!

Happy Halloween!

2010-11-02T07:39:00.000-07:00

So Friday night we went on a Haunted walking tour of down town Nashville. If your city does this you should do it. I learned so much about some of the buildings and history of the city. We started off at The Hermitage hotel. This place is beautiful! The doormen wear top hats and walk your dog. This is also where we have a lot of the celebrities stay. Then we walked to the Capitol building. Who knew there were two dead guy's tombs in the building! There is also the 10th president buried on the grounds. This is where we captured orbs. Orbs are round balls of energy from sprits that you can capture on film. After capital hill we went to this old church. Now back during the civil war time this church was used to house injured soldiers. There were 300 men who died on the chapel floor. Not only that but there has been seen the ghost of an old bishop. One day while rewiring the chapel they had to pull up the floor boards. Yep there was a coffin and in the coffin 120 years later was the man of the walking sprit. The catholics believe that the saints would not decay and they there were preserved perfect. Maybe that's what they wanted for this man or maybe they knew he's be safe from grave robbers here. We'll fast forward and he is there as of today. There is a room where his coffin sits. You can go in the room and pray along side this old Bishop. I don't know about you but knowing 300 men died on the floor and there is still an dead body in the building. I don't think i could go to church there. We then followed her to the Ryman house. I've been here before and it's sooo pretty. We learned of the stories here. All in all this was pretty cool. I've done this once before on my honey moon in New Orleans. Now that city is FULL of history and stories.

Saturday we went to my church party. This year they were soooo unorganized and it wasn't all that great. But Dax went and he had fun running around in his costume. At one point he came up to me eating the bun of a hot dog. This kid wont eat hot dogs. I was just hoping that he didn't take it from some one. These older boys were shooting dax with their guns. It scared Dax. I don't know who would let a kid bring a fake gun to a church party. I guess that's just me. I dressed up in my sailor girl out fit! I tried going for the more pin up girl look. Big curls, short hair and red lipstick. Everyone loved it.

Sunday we went to Heather's church party. Her Halloween parties are always so cool We go in and get our pictures taken and then off to eat some chili. After chili we went and jumped on the bounce houses and the play ground. After we did that we were in line for the pony rides. Well this night didn't go so well. Dax took an early nap for when we went to church. We didn't go to church, we were doing other things since lexis was in town. So after we left the party (early) I got him some chocolate milk he calmed down and fell asleep at 6:45pm. I had to wake that kid up this morning...lol he had a rough night.

He got the keys!

2010-10-26T10:02:00.000-07:00

Yep in just a few short weeks we will be moving to Florida! We will be a family again! I'm so excited. I'm sad that I will be leaving friends but they will not be forgotten and will still have many calls to their phones. It's a great feeling to know that I'll be cooking for my family (and friends) and that we will have a house. I mean we are just renting but thats so cool. I'll be keeping you updated!

Road trip round 2

2010-10-19T09:36:00.000-07:00

So I've been really busy in getting things ready for last weekend. This last weekend Dax and I drove to see Billy. It was really worth the trip and I'm glad that we did it.

Friday at two am I put Dax in the packed car and we were off. On the road we were. Just as we were coming into Florida Dax woke up at 7:30. We still had about an hour and a half before we got to base. Once we got there we went to McDonlads and ate. I got the text that he was done with work. So we changed and went on base. I texted him that we were waiting. I will post the video later but Dax was SSOOOO happy to see his daddy. That moment there was so worth the trip. They were so happy to see each other. So we went and played on the playground to get the wiggles out of Dax. It was so nice to get the two of them together again. We left and went to the mall. This mall in the area is soo cool and has way better stores in it. We left to the hotel. This time I stayed at the Navy Lodge. This is on base so everyone who was there was some how related to the military. I had an ocean view it was beautiful. Took Billy back for roll call then to sleep. Boy was I sleepy, pulled almost a 24 hour day.

Saturday we got up and went to get his buddy James. We took him to go ship something off and to look at the house we were looking at. Only to find that someone was moving in..bummer. We went to waffle house. It seemed that Billy's room mates took up half of waffle house. Dax ate so good this time around and was just having a ball with James. We went back and picked up another sailor friend and went to the mall. Any chance these guys have of getting off base I'm willing to help. They get so bored all the time. We hung out at the mall and did some shopping. Dropped the boys off to get ready for the ball while Dax helped me get ready. Took Dax to the child care and picked up the 3 boys. We got there and it was just beautiful. The tables were pretty and the planes all around us. We ate and listened to the speakers. They gave away doorr prizes. We won free child care!! After dinner we got our pictures made and danced all night. It was so much fun. I just felt so pretty in my dress. It's nice to get dressed up once in a while.

We picked up Dax, Billy did his roll call and off to bed we all went. What a day we had.

Sunday morning Billy wakes me up and asked me where I put Dax to bed at last night. Tha kid was sitting on the floor in front of Billy saying hi daddy. He had for the first time climbed out of his pack and play. My crazy kiddo. So we spend the day together and we went back to take Dax to see the air planes. He just loved it. He loved seeing all the different air planes and getting in them. Daddy was even so nice to have bought him a little Blue Angel plane. This was the only day this weekend we got him to nap. It was nice to take a break. We later dropped him off at base and said good bye to him and James. It was nice to come and see him this weekend. Saying good by is always the hardest and with Dax not really knowing what is going on it was hard to see that. When we drove off all he could do was cry for his daddy and I could do was cry. It was a busy and full weekend. I had gotten a speeding ticket, backed up in to a car, and dropped my Nikon. Poor Dax ran in to a window, fell and cut his knee, peed in every out fit I put him in, and cut him self here and there while misbehaving. It was a weekend. I took Dax back to the hotel and we watched toy story while I packed. I let him sleep in the bed with me.

Monday morning I woke up at 7:30am and the kid was still asleep. I had to wake him up. He watched Mickey mouse house while I packed up the car. We were out of there by 8:30. On the road wasn't to bad but it could have been better if I hadn't has lost the DVD player power cord. I know right horrible mother. So we stopped like 3 times. he cried alot, threw toys, put his toys in time out and sang. It was ok. By the time we got in to TN he fell sleep. What a good boy. So he slept for 2 hours on the way home. He was so happy to see everyone at home but was still asking where daddy was. We all got our showers and cleaned up and put to bed. The trip is over. I don't know when I'm going back out and I don't like that feeling. I miss my husband so much. The times where we just hand out and he holds my hand and helps me with Dax. I know that we are getting one step closer to being the 3 of us again for a while. It's just hard know that he's not deployed yet. Just living some where else and I'm not living there with him. So it's all in good time.

Day 11: What I wore today

2010-10-06T11:34:00.000-07:00

Today is one of those days where you decided on something. Today I have decided not to let little things bother me as much. They are not important and just stress me out. So as of today I will be in a better mood. Today I have chosen to wear my new dress I bought from anthopoligie. Yeppers I got this dress for $20! Orginally $100 so I must say I did pretty good. It fits great and I love the color. I am wearing a black 3/4 sleeve sweater over it that I got from good will. With that a long black necklace and my black sandles. I have to say I look pretty cute today. I don't have to many of those day's where I get all put togeher...lol

Day 9: A moment

2010-10-04T15:27:00.000-07:00

One moment I can get real emotional about is my son. From the day I found out we were pregnant to the day I had him. I remember waking up and taking the test. Billy know I was going to take one just not that morning. I didn't think it was a big thing. That 2-5 mins your suppose to wait got me thinking and felt like forever. I had to wake him up cause I wasn't sure how to read the darn thing. Well it was positive! We were so excited and just didn't know what to do. I remember the phone call I got while I nervously waited for my name to be called. It was Billy. He was on his way to school and he said he'd been crying. He was really excited and nervous but he loved me either way and wanted to make sure I was ok. He told me how happy he was. They too said it was positive.

The day I went in to have him Billy had a finial to take at school so my step mom took me to get induced. I was so scared and unsure of what I was about to do. I was so ready to have my son in my arms. Everything went well up until 12 in. I started dilating backwards. I had to have a c section and boy did I cry. The next day I had little Dax in my arms. He was so little and so awesome. What a sweet boy he was and is today just bigger and louder. I remember these moments and they make me happy. These two boys are all I've dreamed about.

Day 8: My beliefs

2010-10-04T15:16:00.000-07:00

To keep it short:
I Believe in.....
♥ love at first sight
♥ ghosts
♥ being happy
♥ keeping promises
♥ God
♥ there is good in everyone
♥ trust
♥ good friends
♥ family is forever
♥ Positive attitude
♥ that I am beautiful
♥ good things happen in Gods time
♥ keeping promises
♥ ME!

Road trip

2010-09-30T13:21:00.000-07:00

I have been MIA for the past few days. I took a much needed trip down to Pensacola. I went and spend a wonderful weekend with my husband! It was so great to just get away and spend some time with him. I left work a bit later than I had planed. Left at one got there at 7:30pm. It was a nice smooth drive. I got in to town and you could tell it had been raining. So I pull in pick him up and off to check in to the hotel. We check in and just relaxe. It was a long drive and boy was I tird. So we Billy said he wanted to go back to base so I could sleep in the next morning. They failed thier room inspection so he had to try again. So we spent the whole day together it was so nice. We picked up his friend and had lunch. We went to the NEX store and that was cool. Everything you could every need/want is there and for a discounted price. We went to the beach and had a great time. It was just soo beautiful there and the sounds are so relaxing. We spent all day sunday together. Went to the mall and just chilled in the hotel. It was so cool just to hang out with him. I miss having him around so much. Now is the time for sacrifices. Just getting started and buliding up and paying bills. This time apart will be short and if for a good cause. The family. I love him so much and can't wait to take Dax down there to see his dad. I should be going down there soon and he should be coming home for christmas soon too!

Day 7: My best friend

2010-09-21T14:12:00.000-07:00

Ok so let me talk about my best friend. I had a talk with my husband about this. How with everything going on right now I feel that no one understands. I feel that no one really "gets" me. If that makes any sense. For real Billy is my bestest friend. He understands me and the way I think and do things. He knows everything about me. I can trust him with my life and know that I'm safe. We have fun together, we talk together, we confide in each other, we are there for each other. He would do anything for me as I would him. he there threw my tough time and I'm there for his. He is my best friend.

Right now a close runner up would be my buddie Heather. She is awesome. She's so smart and I know that I can go to her with ANYTHING and she will have a real life answer and tell me how it is. She is full of information. She's helped me out alot the past few years. She also has a family life very very similar to mine. Well it's changed a bit now but she's got a little boy almost exactly a year older than Dax. So he's gotten all of Gavins hand me downs and what a huge help that is when it comes time for clothes shopping. We do a lot of things together. We work the consignment sales, go to the zoo and other fun things. We come over and play. Dax just loves playing with Gavin. They are buddies. As far as the husband thing. They are so alike but have small differences. It was just scrary when we all met. I think Heather is awesome and I'm lucky to have her as a friend.

Day 6: My day

2010-09-20T09:08:00.000-07:00

Let me tell you about my day yesterday.

We woke up and had eggs, beacon, and biscuits. After that was done and over with we headed to the store. Yes it was Sunday but both Rachel and Dad were having issues with sneezing. So we went and got some meds. Came back I took a shower and started getting ready for church. Dax was in his room reading a book while trying to take a nap.

We all left and went to church. Great fun that was. Three hours later we were on our way to Darlene's house. Once we got to Billy's mom's house we helped get things ready. The floor in her kitchen is in the process of being ripped out. It's bad. So we all ate out side. It was for Shelby's birthday. Present there for dinner was Beth, Chris, Phoenix, Lindsay, Chris, me, Dad, Rachel, Dax, Shelby, Darlene, Mike, Grannie, Cindy, Marrissa....Too many people. So we ate dinner and let the kids run around and play.

No-nap-Dax deiced to show up and make a secan so we cleaned up and left. I get home clean up Dax read a book and off to bed with him. After he's in bed I can go down stairs and spend my hour a day with Billy on the computer! Then I watched a show then off to bed only to wake up and leave late and not have a lunch and not feel good!

Day 05 – Your definition of loveDay

2010-09-18T17:19:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure if this is any different from valentines day but here are my thoughts on that.

So Valentines day is a day of love. But if you really love someone then you would be doing stuff for them all the time. I do like Valentines Day don't get me wrong but I do try to make a special effort to do nice things for my husband threw out the year. Weather it be cooking a nice dinner from time to time for just the two of us. Or bringing home a movie and spending some time together. Some of the most special things to me are those ones where he doesn't ask me to do something or just something that needed to get done. For me it's the little things that give me those love butterflies. A cute note here or a text. Flowers picked up from kroger. A simple kiss when I walk in the door is always a good way to come home. These all work both ways. A complment can really make someones day. A funny story is my husband is pretty good about complmenting me on things. Most the time its after the fact or a day later...lol he's so funny.

But Love day should be every day. I just have so much love for my husband it would be an overload on him if he only got it one day a year. It's what's keeps us stronge.

Day 4: What I ate

2010-09-18T17:17:00.000-07:00

This really isn't anything to exciting today.

I had a slim fast (chocolate) for breakfast on the way to work

I had some home made pizza for lunch and a salad

And I have a pot pie for dinner.

I know sorry not a very interesting day....

Day 3: My parents

2010-09-18T17:16:00.000-07:00

A little bit about my mom:

♥ She lives in Arizona

♥ She is a huge animal person

♥ She is loveable

♥ She is always looking out for everyone

♥ She always finds cool things

&hreats; She enjoys being out and about doing things

♥ She's in school

♥ She has lived in many states

♥ She's funny

My Dad:

♥ He's always fixing or making something

♥ He will watch anything that anyone want's to watch but would prefer sports

♥ He's always helping someone

♥ He know everything about computers

♥ He's funny

♥ He's so easy to shop for

Day 2: My first love

2010-09-15T11:14:00.000-07:00

My first love well this is an easy story. All threw high school I never got asked out. Not on a date, not to a dance. I did get asked to dance at church dances and that always felt nice. So we moved to Nashville right before my senior year. I didn't really know anyone and it was such a culture shock for me to not be surrounded at every moment by Mormons. So I started talking with this guy from church. We were friends for that year. We were all pretty close at church seeing that we were it. We were the Mormons in Mount Juliet. One of my other guy friends pressured this one in to asking me to his prom. He did. He ditched me for most of it so that was great. I thought that we were dating. For about 6 months I and everyone else thought that. It wasn't until a few months after he left I found out we were nothing. It hurt so bad I thought I loved him.

Before that boy went off to school we all had made welcome home signs for the missionary returning home. We go to the airport and out walks this 21 year old guy in a suite! Boy was he good looking! So everyone was in line giving him a hug. I was like heck I want a huge from the cutie. So get in line got my hug and then realized it was all his family.....yeah talk about embarrassing. After the guy who I thought I was dating left for school I started to see Billy. We'd talk at institute. Sit next to me at meetings and talk. Finally he asked me on a date. We went to see resident evil 3 and went to stake and shake. After that it was still only 9pm. So we went to the lake to talk. Yeah at 3 am we realized it was way to late and I was going to get in so much trouble. So I got talked to and stuff, but later that day I went with my friend David to church to watch conference while they went to Bell buckle. The next day Sunday I asked if I could go to Billy's house to watch conference on their TV. They said yes. We were having singles FHE at his house Monday night. Guess who showed up. Me! That was it no one else came. So that was kinda cool. That was also our first kiss in his driveway when I left. It didn't take long but I knew I was in love with him.

January first comes, it was time for him to go and he just couldn't. We started talking and it went in to, I want you to be my wife...i love you......and some other stuff I can't remember. A few weeks later the ring came in. Six months later we were married in the Nashville temple. It's been 5 years now. To tell you the truth I feel in love a second time too. It happened 2 months after I had my son. I am truly in love with my boys.

Day 1: Introduce Yourself

2010-09-14T11:26:00.000-07:00

My name is Stephanie. I'm now 24 years old. I have a 2 year old son and have been married to my best friend for 5 years now! I was born in Redondo beach, CAL. Moved to Arizona when I was 3. I have a brother who is 2 years younger than me. I later moved to Nashville, TN the summer before my senior year. I graduated. Met my husband and was married at 18. When I turned 21 I found out I was pregnant!

I'm a wife a mother a friend and a sister. I try to be a good expamble for those around me. I like to have fun and be with good company. I like to smile and laugh. I like to spend time with my family and make memories. I'm working on bettering my photography skills. I'm involved with our church. I'm a very happy person and I like to stay positive. Life has been good to me and I'm happy where it has brought me....

30 Days of Stephanie

2010-09-13T11:41:00.000-07:00

I've decided to Do a 30 days of Me. I stole this from Christina over at her blog.

I'm hoping it gives you all a look in to who I am and how it came.

Here are the days:

Day 01 – Introduce

Day 02 – Your first love

Day 03 – Your parents

Day 04 – What you ate today

Day 05 – Your definition of loveDay

Day 06 – Your day

Day 07 – Your best friend

Day 08 – A moment

Day 09 – Your beliefs

Day 10 – What you wore today

Day 11 – Your siblings

Day 12 – What’s in your bag

Day 13 – This week

Day 14 – What you wore today

Day 15 – Your dreams

Day 16 – Your first kiss

Day 17 – Your favorite memory

Day 18 – Your favorite birthday

Day 19 – Something you regret

Day 20 – This month

Day 21 – Another moment

Day 22 – Something that upsets you

Day 23 – Something that makes you feel better

Day 24 – Something that makes you cry

Day 25 – A first

Day 26 – Your fears

Day 27 – Your favorite place

Day 28 – Something that you miss

Day 29 – Your aspirations

Day 30 – One last moment

Skype

2010-09-05T17:04:00.000-07:00

Pictures of my talking with my husband on skype how awesome is that. I love that not only can i talk with him almost when ever I want but I get to see him too! I miss him so much it's so good. Soon enough we'll be together soon!

Going Private!

2010-08-31T13:10:00.000-07:00

ok so we are now going private due to our new life style. We want to stay close with our friends and family but we need to have a bit more privacy now. I will give two weeks for everyone to email me or message me or facebook me their email so I can add you to the list.

Graduation, My birthday, My Sailor!

2010-08-31T13:06:00.000-07:00

Thursday August 26th

We woke up at 3am. I got Dad in the car and Dax in the car and off we were to get the mother and sister in law. We were out and on the road at 4. Every one fell asleep. We just kept driving. We stopped a few times. They watched movies and played with toys. We stopped for lunch in Chicago! We stopped at the beach at the lake. We started to get in the sand and Dax wanted nothing in his toes. We got to the water and he wanted nothing to do with the water and such it was so funny. He was in and then he was out. After that he LOVED the water and wanted to go deeper and deeper. He also got to pet a horse for the first time and he was all about that he thought it was the coolest thing it was way too cute! After we left the beach we went to Wrigley Field and that was cool. It was just such a lovely place and so pretty. People were out and about running jogging, roller blading and such you don’t see that here in Nashville. So we made it to the hotel and it was nice. I later left to go to my meet and greet with the moms and wives of the website wwwnavyformoms.com we had a great time and I got to meet a lot of very nice women. I saw most of them the next day too. I got back at like 9 and went to bed!

Friday August 27th

We woke up at 5:30 am to get to the 6:30 shuttle. We got on base and Dax starts talking a storm to this older guy dressed up in military uniform. We get inside and wait. We waited forever! Dax was being awful because he was tired and sleepy and only wanted his mommy. As things get started Dax clamed down a bit. You had the color guard and you hand the band and you had the drill team and you had the state flags. Then they sailors came in. Oh boy when that door went up your heart just stops. It was so great to see him marching in line. They had a few speakers. Honestly I couldn’t tell you what was said I was to busy keep track of Dax taking pictures and looking for Billy. I had told him to wait where he was and I would come get him. So after it was all done we went down on the floor. We found each other and he gave me a big hug and a kiss. Dax went right to him smiling and gave him a hug and kiss saying oh my daddy. It was to cute! Then we left. We went to the NEX while Billy went to get some things. Then we left. We went back to the hotel and he made some calls. We went out to eat. We couldn’t find the place we were looking for so we ended up at a Chinese buffet. Not my cup of tea but I knew that Billy enjoys that so we stayied. So after we ate we went back to the hotel where my dad was putting Dax to bed. After I gave him his food he took the girls to the mall so me, Billy and Dax could have family time. It was nice to have a few hours with just the 3 of us. I miss that. So it came time for dinner. Now being my birthday long story short we ended up at burger king. They don’t even have cheese cake  So after dinner we went to the hotel took some pictures and said good bye to Dax and my dad. We took Billy back to base. We hung out for a while and went to the store they had there. I bought a hoodie and a shirt for Dax. When it was time for him to leave he didn’t give us hugs. He just really didn’t want to get in trouble cause there’s not PDA on base. So we said good bye.

Dax's tattoo!

My heart stopped when this door opened!

Saturday August 28th

Yes I woke up at 2:30am to see my man. I drove all by my self to the O’ Hare airport. There was a toll road and a train I had to take. So he’s calling me and my phone isn’t working well so I could barely hear him. I found the terminal I got my security pass and I found the USO office. I got up there and there was my honey! There were sailors everywhere. So we sat and talked and talked with his friend. Later I made them go down and check there bags. I had to help 4 sailors get their boarding passes it was funny. So we made it back to the gate where we got to hang out for a while longer. This gave me 4 more hours with him and the chance to give him his back pack. In the back pack I was able to give him the laptop, ipod, cell phone. So that’s been nice. They called his section and up we went. I gave him one more big hug and one bigger kiss. Then he was off and on a plane. Yeah I cried it was sad to send him off again after only having now total 11 hours with him.
I got back to the hotel as everyone was getting up. We went and had breakfast and there were two sailors in there. I was so sad to see that they got to spend the night when mine had to leave so soon. So off we were on the road on the way home. My sweet heart called to tell me we left the toy story dvd in the laptop and wanted to know what to do cause he knew that Dax would be wanting it. How sweet is that. We have plenty of the toy story movies so he was good. But he called a few more times and texted me. One of the things that was said to the young sailors before leaving the airport was not to be stupid. Do not spend your money on stripper and hookers, there are other ways to get a lady. To those who are married make sure your wife knows that she is your one and only. So while driving I texted him and asked him that. He texted back and said that I was his one and only forever and for eternity. It was sweet.

Billy has called me every day. He has text me sweet dreams. He has texted me good mornings. Also just nice things threw out the day. It’s so nice not to have that communication barrier any more. It’s still hard not having him here but it’s nice that I don’t have to guess when he’s going to call.

He called later this night as I was getting ready for bed. He told me that things have changed. AGAIN! So now school starts in two months, then he’ll be there for over a year or something like that. So looks like we’ll get to live with him soon! I’m so excited to be closer to him.

Oh man....

2010-08-24T07:35:00.000-07:00

So I'm just so antise right now. Billy should have finished up battle stations this morning. Meaning I'm getting my call in like 6 hours! I'm so excited! My last day this week is tomorrow. Then Thursday it's off to IL. Yes I will have a full car, yes the MIL is riding with us, yes I'm stressed beyond belief but I'm going to be in the arms of my best friend come my birthday! Im going to be tons of pictures and I'm taking my huge lens too. I've got some things packed in the car already and finishing up tonight. I've got my map and my parking passes and everything.

One thing I'm really excited about is the night before graduation. I found this website http://www.navyformoms.com/ and there I found a group. This group is alot of the mom's and wives of sailors who are graduating this weekend. We are having a meet and greet the night before and its really going to be cool to get to meet some of these women who have loved ones in Billy's group. One girl said she has received 14 letters from her new husband. I just couldn't believe it! Billy did very well in sending 5. There was even on division that only sent one and has not called or nothing. So we are getting to the bottom of that.

I'm really excited for this whole thing. This is the first time Billy has "waked" at a graduation. This is really a huge deal for us. This is the beginning of something new and great for our family. It will be hard at time and we will have great times. There will be much learning for Billy and a change to get a bachelors degree. So much is in store for us we don't even know. I'm really excited!

I had a date last with....

2010-08-23T13:03:00.000-07:00

...this man last night!!!

Not really but you know....lol That my friends is Claudio Shanchez. He is the lead singer of Coheed and Cambria and you bet they were here last night. I didn't take the digital incase it was taken up but I did get pictures. Billy wanted to make sure I went seeing that this is our FAVORITE band! They were head lining too! The venue was beautiful. I stood in line and got my wirst band for the ground standing area. I bought Billy a shirt and I was first. I was standing on the gate it was awesome.

The show it's self was good. The first band was not very good and they playied for 30 mins. The second band wasn't very good either and they playied for 1.5 hours!!!! It was aweful each one of their songs was like 15 mins long. NO JOKE. Finally my man shows up. He's lost some weight and cut his hair some. One thing I love about this group is he sounds just like he does on the cd. I just love this muisc. Such passion and feelings. Everyone knew his songs all he would have to do is play while we all sang. It was a perfect night. There was no pushing and no mosh pit this time. I was up front I was having fun for a while. Until I relized how perfect it was and got sad that no one was here to share it with me. I was there alone. After I recived a few text I wasn't feeling it any more and left early. I would never normally do that but I'm so stressed right now. It was a good time and I really enjoy seeing this band. Look them up if you have never heard them before. Good stuff.

What a lucky day!!

2010-08-17T08:28:00.000-07:00

So my sister called me and said I have 3 letters from Billy. Yeah I just couldn't believe that. Of course one was about the insurance stuff.

One thing we talked about before he swore in was the part about being arpart. That was one thing that was holding me back from letting him go. I told him that I liked being married and I liked having him around. I've grown attached to him in the 5 years we've been married and then you have Dax needing his daddy there. Well I've done well with him being gone the last 9 weeks but he writes that he crys alot. Don't get me wrong I miss him sooo much and when I miss his calls I ball my eyes out and when I found out he was a grad and go I cried. He's just now realizing that this is really going to be hard on everyone. He wrote one time about how he didn't know how he was going to make up this time not spent with me and Dax. I told him you can't you can't get back time or make more. You can only make best of the time you have. It's only been 9 weeks. I just can't imagine how this is going to be on us when it's 6-12 months at a time.....We just take one step at a time and wait.

He called back!

2010-08-15T08:49:00.000-07:00

So after hearing the news about Billy being a grad and go then him calling the next day and me not answering I was really sad. Well Saturday we all headed down to Lebanon for my sister's pancake breakfast for soccer. After we were done eating we left. On our way back to pick her up he called! I was so excited but there was one problem. I just couldn't hear. For the 10 min phone call we had I only heard maybe 2 mins. He said he's doing great and it's all about test and inspections right now. It's jam packed. This next week is all fighter fighting. He's really enjoyed this part as well as the fighting part. He got a ribbon for the shooting part and qualifies to be a sharp shooter. Not sure what that is but it was still cool. I guess those video games came in handy. But the last week he's there he has gas chamber on Tuesday and battle stations on Wednesday and some time in the next two weeks he's got the captains cup. His division has won all their flags. He's enjoying to church on base. He's looking forward to see us. Oh yeah he also bought $120 worth of his pictures! So hopefully there is more than one pose....lol It was so sad to hear in his voice the disappointment when I told him his dad would not be able to go. All he wanted was for him to be there and to give him a hug and tell him how proud he is. So the count down is on and I'm really excited. I bought my new dress this weekend.

This week at some point I'm getting my hair cut. I will be mapping out our tip and getting our tickets for 6 flags. Getting all the snacks and food together. It's going to be a very emotional weekend. But at least I get to be with him on my birthday!

NOT again...

2010-08-13T07:14:00.001-07:00

I know I shouldn't beat my self up to much but wow I always have a way of messing things up. The last two calls we've had my crappy phone died. I didn't even get to say good bye. With being in boot camp you know that phone calls are far and few. Last time it was because he won a challenge. So I've told him I've learned my lesson and I now keep my phone charged and near me at ALL times. Well yesterday I spaced and thought I had my phone but didn't. That's when he chose to call. At 4:13pm and I was at work at that time.

:( I was so mad. I didn't know why he was calling and he didn't leave a message. From the letter I just got he could have been telling me he got an award or he could have just won again. After learning about him being a grad and go I really needed this phone call....

...and a 3rd letter!

2010-08-12T07:55:00.000-07:00

Dang I got a 3rd letter from Billy yesterday. This one melted my heart and I broke into tears most the night and most of this morning. He starts off beating him self up saying he's not sure how he can make this time up away from me and Dax. Well it's time and you can get time back. But the time we do have together can be great! He tells me about all this test and inspections he's having and how's he's passing them with flying colors. He's doubled everything how many push ups he can do and sit ups and how fat he can run his mile. He's doing great. They had a simulated fire they had to put out. The next day they had a real fire to put out and that is really cool. He also laid a big one on me. It breaks my heart. I haven't seen him in weeks boot camp is a bit longer than two months. I've talked to him maybe twice and now have gotten 3 letters from him. It's my birthday the day he graduates. It's a big day for the whole family. He says he's a grad and go. That means I will have 6 hours tops with him before we have to take him back to boot camp. The next day he's on a plane and leaving for A school. So while everyone else gets to be with their sailors the whole weekend I only get him for 6 hours. I cried all night. I've been reading on groups and posting about the navy since we started talking about it. I should have seen this coming. Everything is last min and the complete opposite from what you were hoping for. So I guess I will go shopping for my new dress and get a hair cut next week, go to my concert the next weekend and then get ready for a 8.5 hour long car ride with my 2 year old. :(

One thing I'm looking forward to is seeing him in he's dress whites! Man in a uniform.

My second letter!

2010-08-05T10:41:00.000-07:00

Yep I got a second letter from my honey. He said that last week was their medical week. All those shots you get and the dental work. He said the shots were fine it was just the last one that sucked. It's nicked named the peanut butter shot cause that's what it feels like. He said it hurt to walk a few days later. He got his wisdom teeth and two molars removed. He said that worked out great. He got to spend two days in his bunk and took lots of meds. He got fitted for all his uniforms. He said he looked good in them and he's really excited for the peacoat. They have pictures in a week and a half. They start gun training this week.

This letter was really sweet. We are both trying to stay busy but it's still hard to put the fact to the back of your mind. It's hard in every way not having him here. The other day it would have been nice to have him pick up Dax and go to his open house, but I had to go to the Mac store after work and then go to the open house it was a mess. He misses us so much. I sent him some pictures and he said he cried and all the guys said he's such a big boy and looks like Billy. He's excited to see us on graduation. Just a few more weeks!

One of those weekend....

2010-07-26T14:08:00.000-07:00

Yes I had one of those weekends and it sucked. I had to make the decision weather or not to go to the reunion. Well as much as I wanted to go I just couldn't take Dax to the farm house being as hot as they say it's was and not have a house with air. So we didn't go. That was cool with me. Saturday didn't feel great and we did some shopping for Dad and just hung out. Sunday I woke up and wasn't about to have any part of the day. I felt awful. So Dad and Rachel went to church and Dax was in bed. I watched the shinning for the first time and make flowers out of ribbon. It was fun. So when everyone got back and woke up it was potty time. Dax has not given me any trouble with the potty training at all. So he sat and we read and wow he pooped on the potty and he thought it was so funny. So I get him down and clean up the books and what not. I looked around the corner for Dax and there he is just getting done squatting on the kitchen floor. He laugh and ran up stairs. I was in shock on what he did. My parents in the other room were like what is wrong. I told there there was a huge turd on the floor. Yep they all laughed it was funny until I had to clean it up. But I think he's understanding a bit more on what he is to do.

So later Sunday night I get a call on my phone. Yes it was my husband! I was so excited to hear from him. I was his prize for winning his challenge. So we talked for two mins before my phone died. I know I good for messing things up. So I ran in the house all up in tears having everyone looking for my charger. I knew that was it. I didn't even get to say good bye. Well he had called back and said he was going to try his mom but he loved us. For the time I did have he got to go to church for the first time this week. Got his dog tags and religious medallion yesterday. Tomorrow he goes under to get his wisdom teeth and two molars removed. He starts gun training next week. He's really enjoying it and I'm glad for that, but dang I'm really missing him and having a hard time with this. It's been 4 weeks now. I know that it's going to be 6 months at a time. I should have more contact with him when out and about but I love being married. At times I feel so alone. He gets me in ways that others don't. I don't have many friends out here in Tennessee. It's just something we are going to have to learn to deal with it's just hard right now. So hopefully I can feel better soon and keep the stupid phone charged. Lesson learned.

My little Cowboy doll

2010-07-23T08:59:00.001-07:00

This is how my son left for school today. Daddy necklace, check, Buzz in hand, check, Woody's hat, check? Yeah this kid really thought this was part of his outfit and had to wear it to school today. The whole time he's howdy howdy howdy. Its too funny. We found this hat at Joann's. He also had to wear his nemo underwear to school. But he's not potty trained yet so they are just over his diaper. What a silly boy I have and man is he all boy. His new thing to recently is polly pockets. He just loves palying with them and handing them out and dressing them. It's really funny.

Anchors away

2010-07-22T09:00:00.000-07:00

I got this necklace off of etsy from Aghalo . It's a cute sterling sliver anchor necklace. I plan on wearing it to graduation. It's my way to show my support for my sailor.

After 3 weeks!

2010-07-22T08:54:00.000-07:00

I finally got my first letter from my husband! He's been at boot camp now for 3 weeks. Tonight I was suppose to get a call but we'll see if he still does seeing that he technically called me last week (but only for info) so we didn't get to really talk. I was sick at home yesterday so it was really nice to have gotten a letter. I can already hear a new tone in his words.

He said he's doing well. He's passing all he's test and inspections. He says it's alot like collage tons of classes. Boot camp would be easy if you just shut your mouth. He didn't realized how hard it was to get a 18-19 year old to just shut their mouth. Because of that they get "beat" they work out until they just can't. Looks like Billy's nick name is Glasses! It was really sweet cause one of the thing that he said was that he was sorry he didn't take the extra time every day to tell me how much he loved me and how beautiful I am. I mean don't get me wrong he did alot for the most part. He's just missing us a ton. I can't wait to see him on my birthday! Only 5 more weeks!

Toy story

2010-07-19T13:05:00.000-07:00

This weekend is the weekend I told Dax I would take him to the movies to see Toy Story 3. I waited 3 weeks cause I knew what he was going to do, and he did. It was still pretty packed. He talked the whole time! "My buzz light year, rrroooaaarr, Mr. Pigg oink oink. Oh no!" It was soo cute and he totally loved it. I'm glad we took him. After that we went to walmart. We were on a mission to get a potty ring. He picked out a Thomas the train potty ring. He was so happy to have it until we went pass the bedding row. Well, no that we moved in with the family, Dax has Rachel's old room. Yes it's totally girly. Pink, yellow, purple and flowers growing up the walls with flowered sheets on the bed. So we got him toy story sheets in hopes it makes the room more boyish! I washed them and put them on his bed. Later that night I told him it was time for bed and he walked right up there. When we got in his room," Oh my gosh its Toy Story! My buzz and Jessie!" It was just to cute he's totally in love with them.

On Sunday we tried out the potty ring. He likes it and never put up a fight with me. He even peed in it once! He did so good. We try every day now. We also gave up the plug. I will not be buying any more for that boy. He crews threw them one a week. They are $4 a pack and he's a big boy. He did good last night. only cried for 10 mins then fell asleep so we'll see how he does tonight.

Also Billy called again Friday night. I really dont' want him calling if I can't talk to him. I have no idea what's going on. I haven't gotten a letter and i haven't gotten to talk with him. Every time he calls it's hey you need to do this or I need this from you. He had to retake his swimming test and we didn't get to talk about it. I don't know when he's suppose to call me now so I guess I'll just have my phone on and ready.

Who's on the phone?

2010-07-14T11:45:00.000-07:00

Yeah I had to ask twice. My husband had been trying to call me all morning. Well I didn't know he would be calling so I wasn't ready. But he needed a bunch of information. He called me like every 5 mins! It was really nice to talk with him. He was able to fit in that boot camp is hard but he's enjoying it. When they get in trouble they have to go to their room and work out until they walls start to sweat. GROSS! His swimming test is tomorrow. After I got all the stuff he needed we knew that this was most likely our last call. You could tell some one was near. He got all quite and was like hey, hey listen. I miss you so much. He started to get all teared up. He said that he misses us alot and he loved us very much. I told him I would get to see him soon and that I loved him too. So it was nice to have gotten to hear his voice but we didn't get to talk. This counted as my 3 week call now I have another 3 weeks before I hear from him. :(

5 years and counting.....

2010-07-13T12:10:00.000-07:00

I have been married for 5 years as seen in the post below talking about your anniversary last month. I love Billy so much! It's crazy how head over heels I for him. I love the little family we have. I know that it's hard being a military wife. This is something we've talked about and we understand. Like I say for everything. You get what you put in. I'm tired of people being blunt with me saying," You know your marriage isn't going to work now right."

We got married in the temple in Nashville, Tennessee 5 years ago. We've been threw alot. Ups, downs, and everything in between. With him being in the Navy it's going to be hard but if we want it to work it will. People do it all the time. I love him and plan to be with him forever. I guess it just makes me mad that these people know me and know better to say that...well I sent him my first letter. I can't wait till he gets it.

Here is a link on how to make marriage work while in the military.

Mail call

2010-07-13T12:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a good mail day. I got TWO packages! One from Jemma that was extra cute snack bags that she made and the other was from Billy. It was a box with the clothes and shoes he wore the day he left. It was kind of a weird feeling opening it up. He forgot his calling card in his pants so I sent it back.

Graduation

2010-07-12T12:10:00.000-07:00

This weekend I got some information on Billy's graduation. When I got his letter it looked funny. You could read the writing on the front and it was all in caps. I open it up and the first thing I see is his writing and it says, " Happy birthday! This is the best birthday present I can give you. I love and miss both you and Dax." I was like what the heck is he talking about it's not my birthday. So I read on this packet he sent and well he graduates on my birthday! So I'll be in Illinois for my birthday spending the day with my sailor in his dress uniform! So now is the planing for the hotels and the driving. I'm so excited to see him.

Also this weekend I sold Billy's car! Yeppers I did I was so excited to see it gone. I didn't get all I wanted for it cause it had a few more things wrong with it that I could tell. But I got a chunk of change.

The fourth of July

2010-07-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

So today me and Dax went to the Mount Juliet ward with my parents. Oh have things have changed. There were alot of new people there but being the summer time alot of my old friends were there I havent' seen in a while. During first hour where we are all together my dad was showing Dax some pictures on his phone. It was testimony meeting today so it was some what quite in there. Dax sees a picture of him that has Billy in the background. As loud as can be, "My daddy my daddy at home! My daddy." yeah he's missing his daddy alot. I've been trying to tell him you know daddy's at camp and we'll see him later but he's 2. I think this whole move and daddy be gone is getting to him. He's not eating at all with me. This long weekend he's maybe eaten enough for one day's worth. I'm trying to get him to eat anything right now.

Other wise after first hour I took Dax to his class to come back and not know where Sunday school was. So I went and asked my friends and they were all like oh its down the hall. Well I over heard one of the guys say it was in the chapel. So we walked down the hall and I was going in the chapel and the guys weren't. I was like hey I thought it was in here. "Oh this is the singles class so yeah I guess you do have to go in there..." So I went to Sunday school by my self. It was sad not having any one in there to sit with. It didn't help that the guy teaching reminded me of Doug off of that old cartoon. So I went to talk with Bishop Lasson. Asked about my records being transferred and talked about how I was going to be there for 7ish months. He felt bad he didnt' get to say good by to Billy. It was all so fast.

It was good. After church we went to Billy's mom's house for dinner. After dinner Dax was starting to tell me he was tired. So we went to Providence and walked around some. After some time the parking lot lights when out and the fireworks started. It was just me, Dax and my sister Rachel. We couldn't really see the fireworks so after about 20 mins we started to leave. We weren't really in the mood for them tonight any how. As we left the real ones started and they were huge! So we pulled in a dirt lot and watched. Dax was like Oh pretty! it was so cute! Then we bailed early. I think everyone is still getting use to the idea that Billy's gone and now we have other people we live with. The dogs got in like a real dog fight the other night. It was scary. Juliet is so little. Dax isn't eating and I don't feel like my self. It's been almost one week so I hope it gets better soon.

I got a call!

2010-07-02T09:58:00.000-07:00

Last night at 11 I got a call and Billy made it and he was tired but he's ready to go. This first week might be hard on him. It's mostly processing, paper work, shots, and removal of wisdom teeth! I should hear from him in 3 weeks and get a package from him in a week.

The last two weeks

2010-07-01T12:04:00.000-07:00

In the last two weeks it's been so busy. It was ok cause it helped me not to focus on Billy leaving. We hit our goal and got all of our stuff out of the apartment on Thursday. We were so happy. So here's the great part. Friday we left for Gatlinburg. It was our 5 year wedding anniversary. We spent the weekend kid free in a cabin on the top of a mountain. It was great. The second day we were there we went and walked around Gatlinburg and went to the aquarium. We got home at like 3 it was so hot and we were so tired. All we wanted to do was get back and fall asleep while watching TV. The TV broke. Yep it worked that morning and stopped when we got back. It took them 3 hours to tell us what they were going to do about it. Well they offered us an extra night but we couldn't do it cause Dax was being watched and we didn't have extra money for things. So we played alot of shuffle bored and foss ball. We tried to fill the 4 person tub up but the water was brown it was so gross so we hung out in the hot tub out side alot. The trees and the sounds were so pretty and relaxing. It was nice to spend our anniversary and our last weekend together.

On the way back we stopped by the farm. We stopped by and hung out on the porch swing. This year there was corn. Almost all the way up by the farm house. There was grass over grown everywhere, it was kinda strange I've never seen it like that before. After that we went up to the cemetery to see his family and his grandpa. Alot of his family was in the military. He wasn't going to be able to come up there for a while and we always go see Grandpa Billy when we come to the family reunions. I love road trips we always have fun.

So we got back in town Sunday night. Monday we went and talked with Grannie for most the day. She's so funny. I love Grannie advice. She also made Billy two blankets. He will get those for Christmas. They are TN VOLS fleece blankets!!!

Tuesday Billy was getting really nervous and he thought I was mad at him. He worked out all day and I think he really stressed him self out. This last two weeks I've really tired to be supportive and we've talked about the boot camp thing and how we both felt and I think everything was left on a good note. Tuesday night we went over to his mom's and most the family was there for hot wings! They all had some advice to give to him and then they all said their good byes. Then off to work out again. Oh a side note Dax was AWFUL that night. He was mean to both Phoenix (1) and Chris (3). Pushing, taking toys, dumping juice on Phoenix's head, screaming, kicking hitting the 3 dogs. Then hitting mommy and pinching her. Yep he was in time out most the night. He can wear me out some nights.

Wednesday came. I've been pretty good not to let Billy see me cry. I wanted to be strong for him and let him know I'm proud of him. It's sad he's leaving but it's all for the good. I let him sleep in. We got ready and by 9:30 we left the house to go to his mom's. He wanted to work out one more time. Now this poor kid hasn't been eating much at all the past 3 days. So on top of being nervous he's really hungry. So he works out and weighs in. 193....He can't weigh any more then 196 so he's in the good! And boy does he look good :) So he took a shower and while he did that I went and got a calling card and Dax a Buzz lightyear sippy cup. When I got back his mom had gotten off work. We ate lunch then took some pictures at his mom's. We drove to Galitan and I got to meet his recurtior. He was nice but not what I had pictured. We got there and filled out some paper work. They gave Dax some balls to play with and boy he had a ball it was so cute.
I didn't know I could see him off at the air port so this was my last time seeing him. As we left the center his recurtior went to the rest room and while we walked down the hall way back out to the parking lot the tears came. I didn't want him to see but he thought it was cute. Dax being 2 didn't and wont really know what's going on and for not having a real nap that day he did give hugs and kisses. It was sad seeing him off but it was bound to come sooner or later.

And off goes the car to the hotel, and mine back home. Before we went home I had to get my mind straight. You ask how...Shopping! We went to walmart and I got Dax his new jammies! Aren't they just the cutest!! I've found that he likes Buzz better than woody. He still calls Woody Dora for some reason. I got a top for $1 for me and a few tops for Dax for $2 for the winter. Then off to target to get a bigger Buzz. He has one that's the size of like two quarters on top of each other it's small. So I got him a bigger one and I put his name on the Bottom of his foot. That's his favorite part. But Buzz flys everywhere its to cute. When we put his new jammies on he flipped out he thought it was just the coolest. We then went to old navy. I found alot of cute stuff there but I think I walked out with 2 items. I know it's silly but getting maternity clothes in extra small you can never tell. But for $3 you can't pass that up. As we were there Dax lost his plug. I could not find that stupid thing any where. This is the year we ARE getting rid of it.

We got home that night. I had a head ache, I had cramps, and I was sad. I cleaned up more of my junk around my dad's house and made Dax dinner and gave him a bath and put him to bed. I really wasn't in the mood for much. Dad made me soup and we watched that Percy Jackson Lighting thief movie. It was good just long. I went to bed at 10. I just lied there for a while and just cried. I know this is for a good reason and I know he's doing it for the family and wow is it going to be great for us and a great opportunity for him. But heck I'm going to miss him so much and I'm going to miss his hugs and the random information he has in his head. I got scared. Knowing that for the next while I'm mostly going to alone, raising Dax, doing things just the two of us. I"m going to miss being "married". I love that he's my best friend and we have fun together. But I guess now what I'm looking forward to is seeing him in his dress blues at graduation. He's going to look so different in 9 weeks!

The Phone call

2010-06-21T09:39:00.001-07:00

Last week Thursday Billy got a phone call. They had moved his boot camp date up. So instead of leaving September 8th he leaves next Wednesday. Yep, so that gives me two weeks to move out and move in with the parents while celebrating my 5 year wedding anniversary and spend time with hubby before he leaves. So this last weekend we got most of everything out of the apartment. We still have a few things but that should all be out in two days. We had our last church service with the Hermitage branch and in two weeks me and Dax will be going to the Mount Juliet ward. Billy isn't working this week he is to stay home and pack. He takes his PT test today and I know he's going to do good.

I have two weeks left before boot camp!

2010-06-16T14:23:00.000-07:00

Yes!!! I have two weeks left with my husband before he goes to boot camp. He got the call today and he's off to boot camp July 1st. It's alot sooner than we planed for but it's a good time to have this happen. So I will now be moving in my my family out here for the next 7 months. We are really excited! After the 9 weeks of boot camp we will go and see him at his graduation. We will get to spend the weekend with him then off to Florida for training. After the first week of training we will know where we are moving to! So here we go...

2010-06-11T11:37:00.001-07:00

People always say that, when you love someone, nothing in the world matters. But that’s not true, is it? You know, and I know, that when you love someone, everything in the world matters a little bit more.

— Jodi Picoult, Handle with Care

Bree Tanner

2010-06-08T13:27:00.000-07:00

You can now read The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner: An Eclipse Novella for free on-line. I'm so excited this is out and I'm going to start it tomorrow. This means the movie release is soon!

get it out there giveaway

2010-06-01T08:36:00.001-07:00

So my friend Jemma is trying to get her business up and going. These are her first product to hit the store. She is asking that you go to her page and enter for her giveaway.

To learn more about the bags see HERE.The first item that will launch is the reusable sandwich and snack bags. They are so cute and so handy!
1 person will win the set of 3 bags, 1 person will win a sandwich bag, and 1 will win 2 snack bags.

These are so cute! Good luck Jemma!

update

2010-05-25T08:37:00.000-07:00

Well it's been 3 weeks and Billy is still have problems finding a job. It's stressing all of us out and that's not fun. Dax starts going to day care only twice a week next week. So he's going to be hanging out with daddy 3 days a week now. With summer coming up and school is in their last week, and with him only needing a summer job why is it this so hard. We've applied everywhere! September 8th is the big day I send my husband off to boot camp. We really can't wait...

State of emergency

2010-05-05T17:29:00.000-07:00

I know you've heard about the car bomb, and the oil spill and the AZ immigration law but did you hear about the FLOOD in Tennessee? Yes my family and I live in Nashville. We're fine but this is such a big thing that it's still awing.

Alot of people haven't. The only other thing that has happened to Tennessee of this degree was the civil war. Lives have been taken and are rising every day. Nashville and surrounding areas were consumed by the rains. The Cumberland river rose and creeks, ponds and other bodies of water flooded Nashville.

(this is in hermitage down the street from us)

(this is Percy priest dam. That water is never that high when falling in to the holding part. It was coming over the dam so they had to let it out. It's also rare to have all 4 open)

Water damage to all those historic buildings. There was 8 ft of water inside the Titans stadium (football), in sided the Good year stadium (hockey and such). Opry mills mall is under water as wall as the interstate that runs next to the mall. Lets not even get in to Opryland Hotel. Those pictures make me want to cry. Any one who has been there can tell you how special of a place it is. Very beautiful. I saw a picture were a guest was sucking up the water from the floor. The guest from Opryland were evacuated.

(this is opry mills mall and that big boat is the general Jackson. I had my senior prom on that)

(these next few pictures are in the Opryland hotel)

I don't live in down town but I work down there. I haven't been to work all week. We can't. It's flooded. So here I am at home just spending time with my family praying for those in need. Hermitage is right down the street from us. We have a bunch of family who lives there. We tried to go see them and we got redirected. the big red barn on the side of the road with the beautiful houses was almost consumed completely.

(this is at river front looking the titan's stadium)

(in the middle of this picture was a nice river. It has taken over the beautiful river front park and the following roads around the area.)

( this is a just some neighborhood close by)

(that building is the music hall of fame museum. Right next to the hockey arena and the new symphony center)

I still don't understand what some of the terms are that they are using like 500 year old flood. I just know that it's been 6 days now and I still can't go to work. People are still with out homes, water, food. I got word yesterday that all the fish in opry mills have all died and the ones that are still alive (peronas) are swimming around. I'm not sure I believe that part but that's what I heard. Today they are letting in key people into metro center. a few of our VP's are going to get to go in our building. I can't wait to go back to work....

The birth of my son

2010-04-29T07:18:00.000-07:00

There is this woman at my work who is pregnant. Her due date was the day before Dax's due date. She is now a week late and being induced as I write this. She was pregnant at the same time of the year as I was. I got to share my stories with her and my experiences. She is having her baby girl today. The same day I had Dax and I think it's too funny. Our kids are exactly 2 years apart!

But as I think of today and mothers day coming up, I think of all the hard work as a mother I've had to do the past 3 years. First it was eating right and taking my vitamins. Then it was not getting so stressed out and not being on my feet so much. Then it was safely delivering the baby and having to have surgery. After all that it's now caring and loving my little man. Making sure he gets the food he needs and all the love he can handle.

He's a handful but everyday we thank God for the blessing of this child. He's amazing and we love him so much. Everyday it's something new something that just blows us out of the water. He's so smart.

At the age of two he is now obsessed with Thomas the train. He says a new word everyday but still isn't talking in sentence. He can put his own pants on. Drinks from a straw. Can sing ANY theme song. Sleeps in a big boy bed. He's so sweet, he'll run across the house just to give you a hug.

The first time I saw him.

Just a day or two old in the hospital.

First birthday pictures.

Two years old!

I needed a change....

2010-04-26T12:44:00.000-07:00

I woke up Friday and didn't like my hair. Tried a few things and just wasn't having it. So I decided. Yep I'm doing it I'm doing it I'm cutting it. I needed a change. As much as I love my long curly hair it will grow back in time.

This was taken Easter Sunday.

This was taken at Dax's party on Saturday. They took 8 inches off! No more funky color and no more split ends :) This makes me happy.

A clue a clue guess who's two!

2010-04-26T09:10:00.000-07:00

So Saturday was Dax's birthday party. We had to do it this weekend so that his daddy could come, and seeing that he might not be here for the next we wanted him to come. It rained all day. We had a tornado warning. So once again we picked the most awesomest weekend to do this. All the family was there and we had our good friend Stephanie and little cutie come. Dax's old baby sitter and her 3 kids came. We had a blast. We made tickity tock and we had cupcakes and we open gifts. Dax wasn't to sure on what to do so Dawson and Carter helped him. He got all kinds of cool stuff. He was so good to. He shared all his toys but his trains of course. He was a happy boy and looked so cute in his Steve shirt.

This was Dax opening his first gift. It was a Thomas video from my dad. Look at his face and how happy he is.

This is what he looked like when we told him to open the next one. We had to take the video away. Daddy put mailbox on his head. It was raining with a tornado warning so mailbox didn't make it out side.

Dax is his funny little thinking chair. It was a last minute thing.

He was loving his Thomas balloon.

The present table with mailbox.

This is Dax eating Dawson's cup cake.

This is what it looks like when Daddy smashed a cup cake in your face.

The boys playing with new toys!

These trains make him so happy. There are times where he sleeps with them he eats with them. They are attached to his hands. His favorite part is looking at them in the face. At church there is a giant ride on Thomas. The first thing he does is get on his belly and say hi to Thomas. Oh and it's not Thomas any more it's Tom...lol

I've missed placed my other memory chip but I have a ton more pictures to post later.

This was Sunday morning when we let him open his train set.

He put his pants on all by him self. He couldn't get them over his diaper so he started walking over to me with an arm full of his trains. It was too funny.

Three years in the running

2010-04-23T09:50:00.000-07:00

So today marks my three year anniversary with the Tennessee Lottery. Yep this has been the longest job I've ever had. I love it here, the poeple are so kind and there is something always going on.

This job was a blessing when I got it. I had been working for this small company that bought some sprint stores, I had been there for 2 years. When I decided I needed a job with insurance it was a long journey. I did everything! I put my resume out there for everyone. There was this lady at church and her calling was to help people in the ward get jobs. She knew when and where to find them and if there were openings at members jobs. This took all of 10 months. Yes, it took me 10 months, countless interviews, and much prayer. I got this call one day, I really wanted to be a flight attendant, from South West Airlines I think looking for Stephanie Ledbetter. Well here I was and what would you have of me? Well long story short they were looking for they wanted me to report for like a 5 month training in Texas and I couldn't see my husband and I don't think it was paid or something. Well this would have been like the finally call I would have received if this phone call was for me. They were looking for Stephanie Ledbetter who lived in Texas. Yep and then the tears came.

So this lady at church would send me emails about job openings like every day. This one came across for a receptionist for the Lottery! Well how cool would that be. So I applied and had an interview and then a second interview and within 2 weeks of applying I had the job! Yep so I sat at the front desk answering phones and making badges.

After two and a half years here I am in my own cubical with a visitors chair in the mail room. I have alot more responsibility and a lot more freedom. This has really been an awesome thing for me and my family. After only four months in working here I got pregnant. My boss threw me a baby shower. We sadly lost someone who was deeply loved here. So much has happened and changed. It was a blessing to have been so young and to have been giving this opportunity.

Three years and counting!

Random happenings

2010-04-22T15:15:00.000-07:00

Getting ready for church. Eating cereal with a spoon. He's pretty good with it.

The tie that Aunt Becky made for Dax for Christmas. It fits now and is ever so cute. Thanks again Aunt Becky!!! This was taken after church it's nap time.

I'm on a path to losing weight right now and so I'm shopping here and there. All the new stuff i buy is stuff "out of my box" and this out fit is it. I got everything for $18! I was so proud. New top, necklace and purse!

Big boy bed

2010-04-22T14:23:00.001-07:00

So while at Gavin's party two weeks ago. Dax needed a nap so he slept in Gavin's converted crib. Dax stayed in bed the whole time and when he woke up he waited for me to come and get him quietly. So last weekend I thought maybe it was a good time to convert his crib. So we did and he LOVES it!!

He really liked it after he realized it wasn't nap time.

We learned how to get in and out.

Then he played with his bus.

Then read his Memo book. (nemo)
Later that day. Big boy bed in action!

After a week he is so good with this change. We've told him he can get up and play but he just sits there waiting for you. It's kinda sad but to funny. Some times you hear him knocking on the wall. That's our bedroom wall. He's a big boy now. Maybe next month we can start the potty chair again. I'm not sure where he learned it but for the little bit of what he does say he can tell me he has poo poo in his diaper. It's to funny. Smart boy he is.

Gavins Birthday

2010-04-22T08:59:00.000-07:00

Now that I have the pictures, two weekends ago we went to Dax's friends birthday party. I'm friends with Gavin's mom from work. She's awesome! Gavin was turning 3, it was the pirates who don't do anything party.

Dax playing out side (finally) being a pirate this was too funny.

Dax telling me something interesting....
I couldn't decide what one I liked so I posted most of them :) I just love that smile of his.

We were learning how to pick flowers. He was so proud of that little yellow flower he showed everyone.

Mommy Duck

2010-04-16T14:57:00.000-07:00

Two days ago!

Yesterday at 5:30 after work they were only hours old. We saw about 9 or 10.
She took them for a swim before work. She had 13 cute little ducks

Sneak peek!

2010-04-15T15:19:00.000-07:00

The other shirt I had gotten for Dax was to small so back on ebay it goes. I did find this awesome one at target on SALE! It was only $4. I'm so excited and I hope that everyone can make it to his party. My little man is turning two! Just wait for the other pictures to come. Blues clues is such an easy and fun birthday idea.

Finially

2010-04-09T09:56:00.000-07:00

So after 3 years I FINALLY have a name plate!

The day of Billy's birth

2010-04-09T08:20:00.000-07:00

This is how me and Dax left the apartment this morning so when Billy came home he would see it.

Billy was so surprised when he got home from work at 12:30. After I got home at 6:30 I let him open his present that had been staring him down for hours. It is a suit! It's a Volcom suit who knew they made those. It is cut and sewn a bit different from a normal suit. The pants are a tighter more skater fit. He loved it!!

Doesn't he looks oh so handsome in it! I love a well dressed guy.

After he opened his gift we went out to dinner. We were going to go to buffalo wild wings but it was packed! So we headed over to stake and shake. Dax was such a good boy. They gave him this car to put together and the whole night it was car, car, car, Tom, car. Once we got our food he had to get in his seat. He started eating all his food up. Such a good eater last night. He even got some of mommy's ice cream. It was a good night and Billy had a good day at work.

Next: Dax's Party so far I think it's going good.

♥ Clean out basement

♥ get food

♥ wrap presents

♥ figure out blues clues game

♥ FIND THE CAKE PAN!!

♥ finish goodie bags

♥ send out invites this week

♥ get two year old pictures taken

♥ find blues clues music

2010-04-07T14:22:00.000-07:00

To my husband:

You are awesome! I love you. Today you are 27. I can remember when you were 21 getting off that airplane looking just so handsome. Who knew that I would get to share your 27th birthday with you and our son. Today is your day I hope you don't mine the mess me and Dax made this morning in the apartment and I hope you like the gift we got you.

In 27 year you have done some much and touch so many people's lives. Everyone you meet is thrilled to have you in their lives. You are a sweet person and is found to be a special person to so many, you are the bestest and we love you.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

P.S. Dinner is on me! Buffalo wild wings!

Jury Duty

2010-04-07T13:41:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was able to have the day off to go to jury duty. This was my first time doing this so it was all new to me. I took Dax to school this morning and did some birthday shopping for the boys. Then cleaned my apartment! Yes you can see the floor to my bed room. I was so happy. Then I left to sit in the wrong court house parking lot in Lebanon. After I found the right one we went to sit in the court room. The judge came in and talked to us about why we are here, how we got here and what we are to do. Well I was in the last group called. I am in panel 11. I am committed to jury duty for 2 months! YIKES!! Yes for the next two months I have to call in almost every night to see if my panel is called to court the next day. There are mostly one day trials but there are a few two day and some 5 day. Now I do get paid the big bucks to do this everytime I go. Yes a whole $10. So I will be in and out of court the next two months. :) Oh joy...

My first week of P90x

2010-04-05T15:07:00.000-07:00

Yes Billy and I have talked about it and we are committed to doing the 90 day program called P90x. I have finished my first week (and more) and man it is hard. I am sore every night. We are eating better. We are following the eating plan a bit. I need to read up on it and really go shopping for it to really get the full effect. But every night we do our videos drink our shakes and that other starter stuff that's nasty... lol I will be taking our before pictures this week.

If you want more info on it you can go to www.beachbody.com you rea read about the food plan and print off your sheets.

So in 90 I should be looking good for this summer. I'm getting a new swim suite!!!

Easter weekend

2010-04-05T11:29:00.000-07:00

Easter morning we finished coloring our eggs. I had Dax up on the counter and he was being very careful to paint our eggs. He didn't like it when I Pulled the bag up on the egg. These were tie dye eggs. So I let him pant one that wasn't tie dye. He was so cute.

So after they dried we went to my parents house. As soon as we got there he was bombarded with eggs filled with candy and trains. They had these eggs at Target that had Thomas and friends in them. So he got a Thomas and Percy and Charlie. We asked him what color charlie was. We asked him a few times. Then finally in the middle of the room he threw his hands out and yelled "Purple". Dang sorry I asked. It was funny. Lexi had her boyfriend over this weekend from school. He was nice. I got some pictures of the two of them. We also got pictures of the girls before she went back to school. Then later when we were leaving to go to Billy's mom's house we took some family pictures. Yes he's mine and all boy!

Once we got to Darlene's house we had hamburgers and cake. Little Phoenix is a year old now! He's so cute he's up and walking really well now. So Darlene went out and hid some eggs for the kids to find. Dax didn't understand and didn't want to do it until he realized they had candy in them. But it's a two step deal here. You pick the egg up and but it in the bag. He picked the egg up and threw it across the yard. You could hear Darlene yelling across the yard, " That's a real one don't let him throw it!" It was to funny.

We had lots of food and spent time with the family and had fun. It was a little odd that we didn't go to Church rather it was on tv this year. But it was still good.

Billy's Birthday trip

2010-04-05T08:48:00.000-07:00

Good Friday I took off from work. Got the oil changed, took Dax to my parents and got a dog sitter. By 10 we were off. We spent the weekend in Atlanta, GA. Billy's birthday is this week and I told him since there were so many shows in this month that he could pick one. My fault for not putting a parameter on that. He choose one out of state. That's fine we had fun. We took his little sister with us to. It took us 3.5 hours to get to Shelby's friends house. We visited for a while and then left for our hotel.

We stayed on Peachtree st in the heart of down town. We were 8 mins away from the venue. I haven't posted anything about it yet but we've been doing P90x work out. So we were pretty sore. So how tonight was going to play out I just wasn't sure. So we leave and go to The Masquerade. We waited in line for a good while. We are here to see one of his favorite bands, A day to remember. Well I didn't know there were 5 bands playing total. That's a LONG night! So this place looks like a small old factory. You climb the stairs and get into the main room. We were right up front. The people started piling in. The first band played and they were really good and had a girl drummer. She was awesome.

Then the second band got on an hour later. By this time it felt like everyone was there and had made it in. For a sold out show there was 600 people in there. This was Enter Shikari. Well I'm not a big fan of the screaming, grunting, growling stuff. It's just not good for me.... They don't have to much in there but the computer nosies were so cool. I got to meet them and they were really nice. Billy wanted one of their shirts so I made a trip over there.

After about the 3rd band I was tired of being in the mosh pit area and having been to a good amount of shows why did I wear pants? I was burning up. So after August burns red I high tailed it to the back. I got my water, found our friends from earlier that day and hung out with Ben and Tanner the rest of the show.

It was so scary cause you could feel the wooden floor bouncing with every jump the crowd took. So after the show we all met up and went back to the hotel. Funny story, after Shelby had left the front of the crowd to come find me Billy went in the middle of the mosh pit. While moshing he had lost his shoe, found it and then contained to mosh with his one shoe in his hand. My husband might be crazy, but I love him for it.

Ok so now that we are all hot, sweaty and tired tell me when hotels stoped giving out shampoos? Yes I know we were at a super 8 motel but they aways have that kind of stuff. So we had to go buy some it was funny. But on our way home we decided to go to the Chattanooga aquarium. Oh boy was that fun. We got to see so many cool animals. We went to the butterfly garden and I actually held one, right! We saw sharks and otters, alligators, penguin's, jelly fish. It was so dark in these places it was hard for pictures so we were lame on this trip. But here are some of the fun things we saw and did:

Nashville vs. Phoenix

2010-03-26T09:10:00.000-07:00

So last night after work I went to the gas station to return my movie and to get a hot dog. It started hailing so hard and the power went out. I was so hungry so after like 10 mins the lights came on but he couldn't ring me up. I told the guy it's like what $2.50 just take my $3. So I ran to the car and headed to the Titans stadium. Since they think it's a good idea to build our new convention center and leave no parking for any one I had to take a shuttle. She was really nice and dropped us off at the front door. I met up with my family.

We had GREAT seats! I had forgotten how much fun hockey games are. If you haven't been to one you should. The energy the team and the fans have was so much fun. Plus they are pretty short games.

We had a good time. I had funnel cake for the first time and we were on the mega tv!!!

Gotta represent! It's a good thing my section didn't win. I would have had to give my ticket back...lol

And the Winners are....

The little things in life that make me happy

2010-03-24T14:18:00.000-07:00

coloring

crisp cotton sheets
sleeping in
an exercise endorphin high
a genuine compliment

the way babies smell
a handwritten letter
waking up in a good mood...for no real reason
finding a couple forgotten dollars in your pocket
a home cooked meal
laughing
a bubble bath
street musicians
the funny things kids say
finding the perfect piece of clothing...on sale
clean laundry
the wind in your hair
sharing an umbrella
hugs
eating Chinese food
butterflies
staying in your pj's all day
ordering in pizza
happy endings...even if they're fictional
root beer floats
having someone hold the door for you
fountain soda
green lights all the way home
holding hands
a great hair day with no effort
the perfect taco
slow dancing
the smell of fresh-baked bread
the cold side of the pillow
love letters
a pull-through parking space
Girl Scout Cookies
kissing someone you love
hot chocolate
birds hopping on the sidewalk
my softest t-shirt
bacon and pancakes cooking on Saturday morning

Getting hugs from my little boy

waking up to my best friend

hearing those 3 words

What makes you happy?....

Everything that rocks!

2010-03-23T08:40:00.000-07:00

Ok so as everyone is filling out their basket ball brackets I'm filling out my band bracket. Me and a friend at work filled in a bracket on 102.9 the buzz website. You pick and vote for your bands every day. The person with the most that are correct wins a trip to the music hall of fame!

So while I was filling it out (by the way I'm so losing right now) I filled out a few of their other contest. Now this station to me plays rock music. Yes I'm a fan but they mostly play older rock when I tune in. Nirvana, ACDC, GodSmack, Korn, NIN, Guns and roses...stuff like that. I get a phone call Friday after noon saying I won! Yes, I never win so I was so excited. I called Jeremy while he was at lunch and I was like, "You will never guess who called me!! The radio station did!" He was like you don't even listen to them how did you win?

So to the best part! Yesterday at 12:30 one of the guys came up here and brought me 20 sandwiches, like 12 bags of chips, 10 huge cookies and a box of pickles. He also brought me a small and a medium station shirt. It's got a pin up girl on it but it's still something cute to wear to the next show I go two, and I think I have two or three that we are going to in the next two months. So here is the picture he took for Panera bread.

Dax talks!

2010-03-19T08:30:00.000-07:00

Ok so Dax can say words. He can name and point out all your body parts on your head. He is loving trains right now. He is very smart in what he can understand. He'll come up to you and look you in the face and just mumble all kinds of stuff and they run off... its to cute.

In this video he says Percy if you don't get it. Percy is the name of the green train on Thomas.

Jury Duty!

2010-03-18T08:52:00.000-07:00

I have Jury duty for the first time next month. Hopefully it's just a one day thing. Billy's bday is on the 8th!

Flash back

2010-03-15T14:58:00.000-07:00

Look at what I found today! Why we didn't use these for our Chirstmas cards I don't know. He was 7 months old.

Summer Consignment sale 2010

2010-03-12T09:30:00.000-08:00

So it's that time of the year again! I've worked me 3, five hour shifts and last night was worker shopping night! For working the sale I received a $50 credit and first shopping night. So I was able to get everything I wanted.

This year there wasn't a lot of clothes in Dax's size so I made due with what I got. I also had a few things at home.

9 shirts

7 shorts

1 swim trunk

3, 3 piece set PJ's

one church out fit

a chair

Thomas train set

Thomas movies

Thomas book

Thomas bath toys

blues clues movie

6 pairs of shoes 4 being BRAND NEW!

5 puzzles

a ride on toy

a baby gate

6 books

a Dora memory game

a bag of CARS cars

a bag of animals

a bag of tools

and the wonder pets boat thing

This shopping trip was a good one. I love working at these things not only do I get the discount and the easy shopping experience (when the public is there it is crazy busy) but I get to meet other moms and talk to people. I don't have many (like 3) friends out here so its nice to be around others with the same interest. Seeing too that there are not to many LDS members out here.

Here is the post from last years consignment sales.

The mornings

2010-03-05T13:11:00.000-08:00

Since Billy has gotten this new job I get to spend more time with him in the morings and I get to take him to school. This has been going on for two months now. I can now take Dax to school and drop him off with out him screaming for me. There has been times where his teachers would be holding him and he would be reaching out for me as far as he could. Or times where he walks away real sad like and starts crying. Never did he do this when daddy drops him off.

I've tryied getting him excited for school and for playing with his buddy Nickolas. He seems to have so much fun. He really likes it there and learns so much. As soon as he starts talking and using his words he's never going to stop!

This is us this morning. I haven't posted a recent picture in a while so here is this morning playing with Thomas. ( the kid sleeps with this thing...)

Mommy and me!

2010-03-05T12:59:00.000-08:00

When we had netflix we could only get the internet in the bed room. This is Dax watching some kid show we didn't have. Isn't that the life...lol

Ruffle Butts!

2010-03-05T12:46:00.000-08:00

I made 5 of these in one day for a baby shower I was going to. These two I saved for a girl at work. I just had to show these off. I think they are just too cute! I can't wait till I have a girl and all the cute stuff I can make for her...

I also made some cute owls . Pictures to come.

Valentines day!

2010-03-05T08:56:00.000-08:00

I know right I'm like a whole month late. Camera had been dead, I've been busy, its too cold for pictures! :)

So here is what we did for Valentines day.

Well Friday at work this is what I got! My honey sent me flowers. A bit different then what he usually sends but totally cute!

Friday night I got my tax money. Woo hoo! I went to best buy bought a PS3 then went to walmart to buy dinner. Well while I was there I guess I needed to buy a game too. So when I got home I bought in the walmart bags told him this one had something in it for you and Dax. I went back out to get one more bag and the big blue bag. I walked in and the walmart bag was on the floor. I said did you like it? He looked at me and looked at the blue bag and said what is that? He was soo surprised

With Billy's new job he was having to work mandatory over time. His hours were 5am-3:30pm. That puts him to bed by 8 so he can wake up a 3:30am. The ware house is kinda far right now. So I woke up got ready for church left church a bit early. I wanted to come home and make a good lunch for him. I had notice while getting dress he for got his lunch money. So I made a loaded salad with everything in it and a hot sandwich. He was so happy I had done that for him.

We later that night went to his mom's house like every Sunday for dinner. Dax for Valentines day got new PJ's. He's in to Thomas the Train right now. So after Grannie made him a Thomas blanket we got him some Thomas PJ's! He's so cute...!

This is what my parents got for me. It's a bracelet from Brighton!

The Navy Wife Way

2010-03-02T12:01:00.001-08:00

Ok so I've been really lame on blogging lately. Alot is going on and keeping us busy. Work, Dax, the consignment sale, everything..... So in the time that I was able to get working I now have another blog.

THE NAVY WIFE WAY

This blog is going to be about my new journey as a Navy wife. So as new things come up so will the post.

My Navy Man

2010-02-08T13:07:00.000-08:00

Yeah they aren't the best pictures. I was the only one taking pictures. There was one other mom in there with me. So Friday after a LONG day at the MEPS center I got the call to come on down. As walk threw the metal detector and pick up my purse from the x-ray machine I made my way back to the waiting rooms. I walked in and saw Billy taking his finger prints. He told me the guy taking his prints asked him if that was his wife. He's like yep that's my girl. It was too funny. There were TVs every where that had ESPN on them. So the waiting starts. This is what he's been doing all day. So at 4 they all go in to the briefing room. At 4:30 we get to go in to the room you see above. It was small. There were like 8 people swearing in. Billy was the only one going in to the Navy everyone else was army. So his oath was a bit different. That's Billy in the picture as he's saying his oath.

But with much prayer we were able to get the job we wanted. He is a crypto tech. He will be translating codes and incoming feed. He will do time on a sub, and the boat with the planes and a plane. So we are really excited. He has boot camp is at the end of the year. So I will keep you updated on our travels! We are so excited and so blessed for everything this new lifestyle will have to offer us.

I love etsy!

2010-02-02T10:53:00.000-08:00

Etsy
Buy Handmade
BerryvineQuilts

Ok so Heidi now has a etsy store! She's got alot of cute things in there and more to come. I want everyone to go check her out!

The happenings

2010-01-25T11:30:00.000-08:00

-Thursday

I left early to go get Dax from school. He had thrown up and had nasty diapers. So I left at lunch took him to the doctor and as we were pulling in threw up in my car. We had to wait 35 mins before anyone came back from lunch. Dax was carried in wearing a towel. Two ear infections and a stomach virus. Took him home for a nap and woke up covered in watered down #2. I felt so bad for him. Gave him a bath. Tried to feed him something. Threw up again after I gave him his meds. I slept in his room on the spear bed just to make sure he was going to be ok. One more time and I was going to take him to the hospital. He was putting out more than I could keep in.

-Friday

I stayed home from work. He still wasn't eating anything. Threw out the weekend we went threw a whole box of saltines. It was the only thing all weekend he would eat. I cleaned all day the apartment was beautiful!!! We had a good day playing and stuff at home. Good naps and some what good eating.

-Saturday

We dropped Dax off at my dad's house and good thing we did too. It was so cold and rainy. We had a funeral to go to. Yes another one. This is the 4th one in 2 months. Cousin Ronnie passed away. He was 65 and had gotten cancer from his tour in Vietnam. The agent Orange. He had it once and was able to get pass it. But this second time it was just to much for him. To see him one last time he had aged so much since two years ago at the family reunion. It was our first military funeral. It was pretty cool how they come to pay their respect to a fellow solider. One thing that was really sad was there was uncle cane's grave and it was over turned still and starting to grow grass. He finally had his dead date placed on his stone. Uncle Carol was there just below Cane. He had hay on his area. Ronnie isn't to far from the rest of the family. Hilda was placed in the Mausoleum on the other side of the place. She had her wall spot engraved and had flowers. It's just so sad to see everyone leaving at the same time. But i saw it as they all wanted to take the journey together. I know that none of them are in pain any more and that's the best part. We didn't get home till 9pm that night.

-Sunday

Yeah can we say I was tired! I didn't want Dax around the other kids so we just stayed home. He was doing so much better. The lady down stairs came out side yelling as I was brushing Juliet's hair. So I went back inside. Like 5 mins later she turns up her radio as loud as she can. (this was not a big deal for me so what) But she starts screaming and hitting something on the counter or something. It freaked me out. After what happen with the last couple down there I wanted nothing to do with anything down there. After about 15 mins of music playing it went off and that was it. So I really don't know what the deal was. Dax still has not eaten anything but bread and crackers this night.

-Monday

Well I'm back at work today. Dax ate cereal bars this morning and is off to school. I have alot of work to make up from last week. I texted Billy to see what his recutor has to say to him about getting him back in to MEPS. He goes in on the 5th and weighs in and picks his job! Well this morning Billy got laid off. It was kind of a shock. After he went home he called me back and said he had an interview. Only 6 hours of getting let go he found a job that started the next day. He now works for Nissan. :)

Christmas time is a special time...

2009-12-28T09:35:00.000-08:00

Wednesday--

So this last week was alot of fun. I got off work early on Wednesday and off to the day care to pick up my little man. He had a Dr. app that day. He no longer has two ear infections and passed his hearing test. YES no tubes! So I went to pick him up and it was nap time. He just right up and came running to me it was so funny. He gave all his teachers their gifts and we left for some last min shopping. We went to Bath and body works and he was such a good helper. He even carried the bag up on his shoulder like a big purse it was so cute. When we got home we finished wrapping all the gifts.

Thursday--

This was a pretty normal day. Billy actually got off this year so it was nice to just hang out. We went to my parents house later that night and we played the wii. So normally Me and Billy can't wait. Every year we always open our gifts on Christmas eve. I told him earlier that day that I didn't want to this year. So we stayed up all night watching old family guy dvds that we've seen a hundred times. So it was like 11pm and I told Billy that I was bored and that he needed to open just one gift. So he debated with me and he did. I had gotten him the new Family Star wars movie "Something something something Darkside" So we stayed up watching that all night.

Friday--(Christmas morning)

This is where it gets fun. We woke Dax up and fed him and then let him get to the tree. He first saw his box of mega blocks. It's mostly ramps that connect to the top of the box where there are a few buttons that make noise.

We got to opening and with pictures posted below Dax got a small magnadoodle, Mr. Potato head, 4 books, a little people person, an ugly Christmas sweater. Grandma Rosie got him a cute jumper.

We then headed over to Billy's parents house. We ate and talked and exchanged gifts. Dax got a puzzle and a talking book. Billy got some thermals and something else. I got a messenger bag. It was alot of fun. Plus she made me hot wings. Oh yummy....

We then took off to my parents house. The girls were so excited and waited all day to see Dax. They both helped him open gifts they had a blast. He got a cute puppy mp3 player and a laptop looking thing that makes noise, and two new out fits, oh and his micophone. He was so scared of it at first but now he just sings in it. It's too funny.

Billy got two bow ties, a new purple sweater, and some work out stuff. I got two hoilster shirts, some other shirts, hand bands, first aid kit, come cute earrings, a picture frame and some other stuff that I can't remember right now.

One of My Holister's Tops

The new church shoes I got Billy

The sweater my parents got him.

The bow ties

I made this for my dad!

All in all me and Billy did a lot of talking and this really was a great Christmas. We didn't need to spend alot of money we just needed to be together. We didn't spend alot of money on any one including each other. We just bought a car and that was something we considered under the tree too. But to see how excited and happy Dax was and the family was great.

Pictures with Santa

2009-12-15T12:42:00.000-08:00

So this year I was asked to take the pictures at the Church party with Santa. All the kids had alot of fun. I help set up the tree and tables. While waiting for Santa to get there we decorated sugar cookies. As I'm helping Dax I look over to see in slow motion my camera my Nikon D80 fall face first on to the floor. My heart stopped. But it's all good everything is in shape. That was a close call. Now Dax has had an off day his ear infection has been bothering him some. He has also gotten in this stage where he's being a mommy's boy. Also hitting when he gets mad. Even though it's way to cute when he does it wetry to tell him it's wrong. So with that being said here are a few of the pictures I took. Now I'm no pro and I can tell you that these are not my best work but they are still cute. These have been photo shopped a tad for they were way to dark. For some reason they really really didn't want the over head lights on so this was the best I could do. (yes, I know I could use some practice in indoor photography)

Thanksgiving, boo!, trees

2009-12-10T07:33:00.001-08:00

Ok so it's been CRAZY at work these past 4 weeks so I finially get to blog.

So it's time to take down our flying ghost.

And replace them with christmas orniments. Dax just loves them.

We had so much fun on Thanksgiving. We went and spent the morening/afternoon with my family. We helped cook, clean, Dax slept the whole time...

Then we headed to Billy's parents house. Shelby got her braces off after having them for 3 years. We got to see granny and the boys. It was a really good time. And below you can see my child's new thing. Climb in everything. He's gets in my cubords, gets in her dresser thing, hides in boxes so after looking threw my dad's closet I found a bag with two play tents in it. So we set them up and took one home. The boyish looking one.

Later that weekend we put our tree up. I think it's looking a little lame this year I don't know what else it needs but they are all plastic as for Dax is already playing with them. And GREAT news!!! I get to take the pictures at the church party of Santa and me!!! I'm sooo excited!

Twilight SNL

2009-11-10T08:32:00.000-08:00

We are all in the Navy

2009-11-04T12:01:00.000-08:00

Well we have told the family. After Billy gets out of school in December he is enlisting in the Navy. After being really sad and pout about this I've really thought about it. This could be it for us. That something to get us going. I've talked to alot of people about this. Unlike the army who go out for max like 12 month his max would be 6 months. Yeah I will be sad and miss him tons but it's work. He'll be doing what he loves to do and doing it on a boat. How cool is that. Here comes the best part. With him working on the seas I would be able to get a part time job. They have free day care on base, free on base living free flight benefits ANY WHERE, and I can have another baby! Insurance is close to nothing! I've been waiting to have my second until I can quite my day job and stay home with the two of them. Haven't been able to do that yet seeing that I make the money. This also give us the chance to live on the West coast again. That's exciting to me. It's going to be hard and have it's ups and downs but after we've talked to alot of people this is really going to help us grow too. This will help Billy grow up some and help us grow with in our marriage. I'm now really excited for this. We will keep you updated on how our journey goes. Right now he's trying to lose weight before going to MEPS to do his testing.