Holy Shiz. It's Friday.

Ya know - I always figure "this week I'll have it all ready to go on Thursday night and then I'll just schedule it to post on Friday morning".  I always figure wrong. 


So, with a link up to Wife of a Sailor and a post - run jug of water, I'll just bust this bid-nez out.

(I swear I'm not on crack.)


1.  What secret indulgence do you act on while your spouse is away? (from Devil Dog Darling)


Well, indulgence-wise, I watch made for TV movies.  A lot of them.  It's like the genre is going out of style, and I can't get enough.  Funny/romantic ones though.  I'm not into scary or sad when I don't have the Hubband.
Non-indulgence wise is I clean.  A lot.  Hubband always comes home to a spotless, organized, amazingly Martha Stewart-esque home.  
Then he's home and it goes to shi*.   Owell...


2.    If you were a spice, what would you be? (from New Girl On Post)

Well... Since freaking Mrs. Wookie took the one that first popped into my head I'll come up with something new....  *This is me thinking really hard.  Picture someone who is constipated.*


Garlic.  Because it's blonde and kind of spicy.  I'm blonde, and pretty spicy.  


3.   Where do you go for support when your significant other is deployed? (from Texas Meets Washington)


Mostly Mrs. Wookie.   But, really, since I'm one of "those" wives - I only say goodbye to him half a dozen times a year - and only for about two weeks at a time.  I am blessed.  Even when I bitch about the god-awful hours he works, I know that I am blessed with his position at NR.  So our time apart is usually pretty good for us.  It's a quick way to remind ourselves how much we really do like the other.    blech.  That was incredibly sappy.  Please stop me from ever doing that again.  I feel as if there should be hearts, stars and horseshoes floating around my head.  


4.  What is the oldest thing you own? (from A Troop’s Girl)


Two things: 1.  A blanket my blue-gramma made  me while I was in utero.  The front is red and blue - and the back is little bears playing baseball.  Obviously, I came out with the wrong equipment...
2. A dog dressed in cami's, a beret, boots and wearing dog tags.  This from my uncle Bub.  Who is awesome, btw.  Funny thing is - he was in the Navy....  So the whole Army getup is a little weird...


5.  How did you vision your future pre-military? (from Daddy’s Duty)


Well... this is an interesting question.  From about 13 on, I wanted to be in the military.  Hubband and I met in ROTC at Oregon State.  Then... well.... things changed for me/us.  I'm now in the military, just playing a more "supportive" role.   
So, I'm not exactly how to answer that question more specifically....  


Now, go and have yourselves a mighty good time this weekend. 

We Rock the Hawtness.

I read a book once.  (haha, once...)  Anyway, this book was a text book.  It was for my 400 level developmental psych class.  

Not many text books give you advice for future endeavors such as parenting.  

This one did.  (Thank Gawd - otherwise most days I'd be fully lost instead of just mostly lost).  

[Yes, I will now revoke my license to use the "aw" in place of the "o".  Thank you for continuing to read.]

It said something along the lines of "In order to foster an independence in a toddler child, they should be allowed to make their own choices - to a certain extent, in a few areas."  Or something bookish sounding like that.  That particular textbook doesn't seem to be on my shelf, so I couldn't look up a direct quote. 

Some of the areas were being allowed a couple of choices at meal time, and being allowed to make their own clothing choices.

With the exception of B-rox's school having a uniform code - we do let them have a lot of free reign in what to wear.  

Since they're young, I don't expect to see Stacy and Clinton knocking on our door.  

Yes.  This is a Canadian Ear Flap hat.
With polka dotted mittens.
And no shirt.
What you can't see?

He has no pants, either.

He wore this ALL DAY LONG.
Well, until we revoked his right to choose -
and chose his outfit for mass that night.

The kid likes the Beavers.
And actually chose a pretty decent outfit.

The hat is a little silly, but navy blue shorts and an OSU shirt -
Kid has style.

We just don't want him to feel left out -
So he got some ham it up time in front of the camera.
Love this boy's personality.  

And this is how we foster independence in our small children.

Next step?  Teaching them to color coordinate and dress for the weather appropriately.

Friday Fill In.

Another Friday Fill-in.  Hosted by Wife of a Sailor.  

Onto business.  

(I'm all business today.  Three kids to watch, one to grow, and for a while - I lost my coffee cup.  It was almost a black flag day.)

1. If you could be a fugitive from the law for whatever reason, what would your crime be? 

I'd like to think it would be doing something awesome.  Like saving the purple crested- flying-tree-bird-frog-man or something.

Or, I became a part of the particularly disturbing statistic, where 4% of DC'ns have admitted to intentionally ramming another vehicle out of anger.   

Because sometimes the idiocy on the roads here really makes me angry. 

2. How long do you think you will be a military family?

OOOOOH!  One I DON'T have to think about.  Hubband has exactly one year before Naval Reactors forces him to become civilian or leave NR.  (I lie, I think there are four spots annually given to those who would like to become EDO at a field office.  We've given thought, and might still do that - but future career outside the military, the civilian route is better.)  

3. What’s your favorite recipe?

Uhm... Does my mac and cheese count?  (It's especially good when made with Tillamook)

If not....  I don't know.  

So howzabout I answer it this way - If there is one food that I could go out and eat right now, that I don't know how to make out of my head it would be : Halibut Oscar.   That's a weird answer isn't it?

4.  What would you want your last five words to be when you leave this life?

"Give it all to charity."  

Because someday - I'm going to be rich and will then be able to say such words.  

5. Where do you hope to retire?

First and foremost, near family.  I feel like I've spent an eternity away from them, and don't want to spend retirement doing the same.

Second, I'd like it to be in the PNW, or Northern Cali.  I dig it.  

Thanks WOAS.  We appreciate these. 

 

Pregnancy...

IT begins...  [And I always hear the 'Dun dun dun' music in my head]

Unfortunately they can.  Really effing well.
Too well.
I have a plan to stop this....
{maniacal laughing}

Then, I get sick.  Sick sick sick sick sick sick.

For the first four months, this is me.  Especially this time.
11 lbs lost to the porcelain god.


Then, I start to feel better.  

And I enter denial.  Because seriously...
This stuff sucks.

Then... You start looking pregnant.  Which, now - sometimes I do.  If I stick out my belly or eat a lot.

I realize that some people do actually have good advice.
But, Please refrain from scolding me while I'm:
Drinking Coffee
Running in the AM
Lifting my kids
Or ordering a food you don't think is appropriate.
If I'd like advice I'll ask.
K? Thanks.

Yes.  I do use this reasoning while I am pregnant.  I always try to look for the joy in things... 

So darling husband, when I want Five Guys, 4 days in a row -
Please don't ask why.   

 I am going to admit that I am probably the only woman on the face of the planet that is slightly creeped out by ultrasounds.  Feeling the kick accompanied with seeing it kick - but not really being able to see it, because it's tucked away sucking a life force off of your body.  I have often, through the other two pregnancies as well, referred to myself as Sigourney Weaver.   

I do actually own this shirt.
When I saw it I knew it had to be mine.
Finally - someone understands.

Then, You're REALLY GIANT FREAKING PREGNANT.  

And people want to know.  And, give their opinions.
And when you're REALLY GIANT FREAKING PREGNANT -
You just don't care.

If you want to know our choices on any of those subjects, feel free to ask.  We have pretty sound reasoning for the choices we've made - the number one reason being it's whats best for OUR family.  If you chose a different route, it's probably because it was the best choice for your family.    

And just for laughs....  Because parenthood is much better than that (most days). 

hahahahahahahahahahaha!

Dear Braxton

To my oldest child, on this day, the day I felt like writing this;

Lately you have become somewhat of a rebellious little turd.  You sass, test your limits, and act a lot like I did at five.  (This according to your Jammy.  Everyone else who knew me then said I was an angel.)  The sooner you realize that I am MOM, BOSS and general OVERLORD of this house - the better off you'll be.

Now that I have that off of my chest, I'd like to let you know a few of the reasons you're one of my two favorite-est little boys ever.  Because you are.  Even when you make me look like this:

Minus the hoops.  Those are SO 80's. 

You are bright, witty, and funnier than you realize.  God save us all when you realize your comedic ability.  

When you are not acting like a five year old who feels the need to test their limits, you are an amazingly well behaved, helpful, wonderful child.  These moments are what give me hope for your future.  Otherwise I'd so just send you to military school now!  

We have conversations like this a daily basis: 

You:  Mom, what is Mz. P's number?

Me:  Why do you need your teacher's number?

You:  Well, she thinks I'm coming to her school this year.  I'm going to tell her I'm going to college.

Me:  Where are you going to college?

You:  Africa.

Me:  I hear they have some good soccer programs there.

You:  Yup, that's what I hear too.   

I can't help but love you.  I did make you, after all.  However, I see glimpses of the person you are to become - and can't help but shrug off these moments of frustration.  Because you are a wonderful little boy who is bound to become a great person.  The love you show me, your dad, Kenny and even baby Zore is something that is inside of you.  As long as you don't make me beat you - you'll have it with you always.  

Love, Mom. 

Sometimes also known as, BOSS and OVERLORD.  Please don't forget that.

Fashionistas!

We always live life in style.

A few examples:

Is there anything sexier than "Safety First"?  Well... maybe... unless your name is Mike Rowe!
He wore this on ALL our errands...

About to go for a family evening run.  The boys always get out and do the last 1/4-1/2 a mile with us.  B-rox is rockin' the holiday colors like nobody's business (not to mention the shirt is backwards).  And Kenny's socks and shoes combo is off the charts! 

Now, if only one of them had just been wearing socks instead of a hat - we'd have a complete outfit!
And for anyone wondering - "Army Wives" is on in the background....
Shame - I know - watching my shows while they're awake.... 

Pajamas.  He crawled into bed 20 seconds later and slept in this.
The posing I can't explain, however.

Whas' happenin' hot stuff?

Fifty points if you can name that movie! 

Why, Today, My Life Sucks.

I'm going to whine and complain.  Please don't feel obligated to read.

It's a "Monday" kind of post.  Because it was a Monday kind of day.

*This morning I started reading this month's book club book.  I went to the bathroom (for the 2,467 time in the two hours I'd been awake) came back, and my nook was shattered.  It "fell" off the table. [Yes, it had little hands' help.]
I've been crying ALL day long about it.  Seriously - I LOVE my nook.  I'm heartbroken.  And I know how stupid that sounds - so shush.


*I haven't slept since Chicago.  Our mattress is almost as old as our relationship.  I think it's seven months younger.  I've been campaigning for a new one for a few years now.  However, we haven't gotten one because Hubband is somewhat of a cheap-o and thinks this:

looks as good, and comfortable as the mattress of my choice:

Being the sage and wise and compromising individual that I am, I proposed this:

But alas, costs much more than a brick (even the cheaper models of this mattress), leaving us with the same mattress that's been around for almost seven years.

On my side of the bed, there is a spring that is broken.  Hubband does not appreciate me sleeping in the middle of the bed when we are supposed to be sharing it, so I've taken to sleeping on the couch.

*When I am actually asleep, you can pretty much bet I'm having a nightmare.  I'm at 13 days of consecutive nights and counting.  They vary in form, length and horrific-ness.
Last night's was that our house sprung another leak, and I was too fat (from being knocked up - again) and couldn't swim to save my kids.
It's getting old.

*Regardless of what the OB, friends, strangers and family say - I feel huge.  I've only gained  4lbs - but I feel like Baby Beluga.  It's not a feeling I particularly care for - and I don't like what it's doing to my fitness routine.  Or my life routine.  I feel sloggish in every fiber of my body.  This is not the person I like to be.

*Losing my bestest to the best coast came at a not great time.  I feel alone and isolated and my next closest friend lives an hour north.  Did I mention that hour is only an hour if driven at midnight?  When construction crews are sleeping, as are most of the other people who normally feel like sitting in their cars all day long.   
Not that anywhere else would be different...  But at least I could take the kids hiking...


*We went uniform shopping for the B-rox yesterday - and found zero pants in his size.  They have to be Navy blue and we'd really like them to have an elastic waist - so that he can get them down for potty breaks easily.  He wears a 3T.  We found 4T's and 24mos.  No go.  Now I am stressed that my kid will look like the lil' ragamuffin on his first day of school
Hubband's reply of "he'll just look fashion forward" offered no relief from my stress.


*I am emotional this pregnancy.  Like none of the others.  I am impatient, angry, weepy, elated, then frustrated.  All within the span of seconds. I give a whole new meaning to mood swings.  I feel guilty because much of this is directed at the kids - as I'm with them ALL day long.  They don't deserve it, I don't like it and I pretty much have nominated myself for the "worst mother of the year" award.
I'll make it up to you someday kids.  Promise.  


So, yeah.  How was your Monday?

Watch Your Ovaries Folks!

This morning I did some new baby pics of a friend's new baby.
Because doing new baby pics of an old baby would just be ridiculous! 
Here is the cuteness:

I'm no Lindsay Ross,  but I think I did ok...

One is the Loneliest Number...

She's left me.  Not quite officially, but I'm not exactly "on the way" to California.  So for me?  She's gone.

I tried to come up with something snarky and goofy to say. But I have 'nuffin'.    Because the day she did leave I was two notches away from an ugly cry.   And then the little girl that I babysit came over.
You want awkward?  Answer the door with a splotchy face to the lady who is about to entrust you with her kid.

Miss you already Aunt Bop.

Oooooh. Friday Fill In.

Friday Fill-in Time!  Aren't you excited?  Hop on over to Wife of a Sailor who hosts!


On to business!

1. What do you wish you had learned to do earlier in life? 
Take pictures.  I've found a real love of shooting things with a camera, and think maybe if I had honed in on that earlier I could be so much better than I am.

2.  What is your biggest pet peeve with the military?
Uhm...  Well, sometimes I'm...  jealous?  I'm not sure that's the right word.  Five years ago Hubband took vows - but then he signed the contract with the Navy and I got moved to second burner.

Plans to get a root canal?  Oh, well screw you - something went wrong on the boat and we need your husband.
Holiday plans?  Nope - you'll be undersea.
Kid is in the hospital?  Oh, well there's some work to be done.  You can visit later.
I don't always take it with a grain of salt and end up taking it out on hubband.  He's pretty much a rockstar at what he does - and I can't blame them for wanting him.  I do - A lot.
It's hard to play second fiddle sometimes, it's even harder to watch the kids have to deal with second fiddle role and completely not understand it.

But, that is our life - and we're living it.

3.  What tourist attraction near you have you never seen? 
Arlington Cemetery.  *Gasp*  I know, ironic right?  It's on my list.  But after living here for four years, the touristy thing is getting harder to get motivated to do.  Unless it's on a segway.


4.  What are you avoiding doing right now? 
Showering.  Gross.  I know.  I'm waiting until the gremlins are down for a nap.  Then I can have a little peace and quiet... maybe.

5.  Beer, Wine, or Liquor? 
All three.  During the summer, love me some pale ales.  During the winter I love to sit down with a glass of vino on a Friday or Sunday night and cuddle with Hubband in front of the tv.
Somedays you really just need a vodka tonic. If you don't understand that, I can't explain it to you.

You Try to Come Up With a Title For This...

B-rox.  Sporting a Star Wars helmet as big as he is.

While fighting alongside Darth Vader this quote was heard:

"Get away from me you commies!!!"

Apparently, a Lenin supporter he is not.  Interestingly enough, he does however, fight for the dark side...

It's Like Websters. But Without the Funky Symbols.

Some explanations into things as of late:

Why I waited until 20 weeks to announce my pregnancy: 
*I would like everyone to know that the reason I have not "come out" until now is not because I hate them.  My brain and my body were done making babies.  Seriously.  I got rid of EVERYTHING.  I wasn't sure I could mentally handle another pregnancy, or that my body would make it through another one.  So, I figured God would lead us to adopt more babies if that were the path for us.  If not, my two boys are fantabulous.

There was another plan.  One in which I did not understand.  Do not understand - but am working on dealing with it.
At the time I found out I was pregnant I had three friends miscarry - all within a weekish of my positive test.  For all three it was their first, and much anticipated baby.
I felt it would not be wise to announce my pregnancy until I could inject some joy into it.  For them, for me. For the baby.

Reason for the hiatus from blogging:
*At about the time morning sickness hit - I caught the flu.  The combo of the two laid me up for about 7 weeks with a non-stop fever.  At one point a hospitalization was threatened.  I couldn't muster the energy to help tuck my kids in at night.  Let alone sit in the computer chair and blog.  Sorry.  I'm back, doing much better - and have even gained 3lbs at this point.  

Why I hate slow drivers:
*I'm not a speed demon.  But, I do get pretty frustrated that every single Sunday driver on a Wednesday gets in front of my vehicle.  Please stay off of the road if you cannot get your vehicle up to speed, pay enough attention to your driving, or just suck.  Thanx.

Why I wear socks in the summer: 
*I have a lot of hardwood and ceramic tile in my house and the circulation (to my feet) of an 80 year old.

How I feel about people who steal:
*Go to jail you mofo.

Silly bands:
*Somebody is livin' large and lovin' life.  Because those stupid things are everywhere.  Including my house.  If they were using recycled plastic/rubber - I might be a little more on board.

How I feel about raising three boys: 
*No.  I am not sad that this baby was not a girl.  In fact, I'm relieved.  Transitioning another baby into the house will be easier now that we know it's packin'.

TV in the bedrooms: 
*Nope.  Not in our house.  Definitely never in the kids' rooms.  Why?  Because sleep is important.  And TV's are expensive.  I'd rather buy shoes.

Hyperbole and a half:
*Funny stuff.  If you're suicidal she's sure to save you.  If you can read it and not laugh I'd like to take your pulse.  Because you must be dead.  (Hopefully not because you committed suicide.)

Fall (Or Autumn if you're highbrow):
*Starts in about a month.  Ahhhh, fall.  How I love thee, let me count the ways:
  1. Football season
  2. Not hot as balls - or as muggy as balls.
  3. My birthday
  4. School starts
  5. Cute fashion in the fall.
So, apparently only five.

My shoe obsession:
*Blame my mother.  Seriously.

What is the point of this post? 
*There isn't one.  Other than I'm all giddy I taught myself some of the ins and outs of html coding and fixed my blog.  It looks perdy and with a couple more nips and tucks it will be gorgeous!

Thanks for reading.  You can now never get those three minutes of your life back.

Chicago!

This is my kind of city. 

1st class.  Real glass.  Apparently they really do want the people who pay more to die more horrifically if the plane crashes.  Oh, and the hot towel thing?  Not just in the movies.  

Promptly after de-boarding (and finding myself phoneless) we dropped off our bags and headed to Navy Pier for the architectural river boat cruise.  My favorite?  The snarky, sarcastic, river boat guide: (After the boat applauds his taking of the mic) "Uhm, I'm not sure if anyone told you - but you are about to sit on a boat for an hour listening to me talk about buildings."  

My favorite building.  The "Flask building".  Ok, I don't remember the real name of it.  All I remember is the tour guide imparting the info that it looks like an extra-long flask.  It stuck.  What can I say?

Captain Ahab.  Or, Gordon's Fisherman.
He's dedicated to all the sailors who have lost their lives.    I tried to make Mark kiss him, but Mark said that might be bad luck...  

Macaroni and cheese!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Seriously - these noodles are like the Phanatic in Philly.  Only, they're not some made up mascot.  They're Mac and Cheese!  I'm pretty sure this is a sign that I'm supposed to live in Chicago...

And because healthy eating was not on the docket for our four day vacation - churros fiesta (for Mark only).  Which means if you're diabetic - you had better freaking enjoy it, it's going to be your last meal.  

Uhhhh.... My body is obviously not in it's dancing prime....  And I'm pregnant.  No judging.
Crazy ass statues in the park outside our hotel.  Lincoln Park in Chicago is not like the band.  It's more like Central Park in New York.  Very awesome.

I've been bitten by the baseball bug.  This place is awesome.  The fans are awesome.  The Cubs?  Well... they won the game they played the day before our game...

Hahahahahahahahahahahahaha.

One question I felt the need to ask while I was at at 1pm Wednesday game was - "How in the hell did 40,000 people get off of work to come see a game?" .  Because you know attendance is like that.  All. The. Time.

After the game we saw a man in a penis hot dog costume.

Just a little lost.  So, we stole wi-fi next to some random persons house.  

We also took a tour of Wrigley.  Folks, if you are looking for fun things to do with your kids in a new city - take a tour of their MLB stadium.  It's a pretty cool way to spend an hour.  Even if touching the ivy is off limits...

Chicago is awesome.  Go there.  Live it.  You'll love it.