On the eve of my birthday...

So....you know how I was going to get better at blogging this year and here it is August 31st and I haven't blogged since April 14th? Yeah....no excuses. I just haven't prioritized my time as well as I'd hoped to include blogging.

I *think* I mentioned that I was interviewing for my dream volunteer job with the Navy. While after what I felt was a disastrous interview, in which I got in my car & cried driving home, I got the gig. That made my already super busy life busier. It will probably be unbelievable for those who know me best, BUT I am dropping an activity/pulling back a bit on some stuff starting this fall. With 2 kids in school this year (even though it's only preschool...still we are at the school everyday with 1 child or another) I really had to make some tough choices.

Anyway......this leads me to my topic. Tomorrow is my birthday. My most favorite day of the year. Completely selfish, but I LOVE a day that's just for me. Granted as I've gotten older it doesn't quite go that way. Still...it's mine.

Last year turning 30...I knew it was a milestone, but I was 6 days post emergency c-section, overwhelmed by the 100 life changes coming our way...oh and on some narcotics.  I didn't really consider what a milestone it was. Today I am feeling it.

So here's some milestones from this past year (in no particular order):

-Figured out life with 3 kids....okay still working on it, but close enough.

-Watched a friend battling secondary infertility become pregnant & give birth. Such a blessing from God!

-Did my first year as a school yard Mom....or something like that.

-Landed my dream Navy gig....seriously love this job.

-Bought a house. (My favorite milestone!)

-Joined a group of Catholic Women online that has me really feeling mentally engaged in my faith for the first time in many years.

-Moved ourselves for what I hope is the last time in many, many years...at least 10!!!

-Watched my littlest miracle turn 1 year old.

30 to 31 was a tough year....but it was also rewarding. I made it. Happy Birthday to me!

Ps. Totally going to Hobby Lobby to spoil myself tomorrow!

Life For Real...

I just can't seem to make it over here to blog as much as I'd like. I even put blogging as a "to-do" in my planner and don't make it here. Life with 3 kids is hard! I am busy constantly and exhausted since Benjamin's sleep is all over the map. Yesterday I was supposed to have some down time and yet I spent 3 hours getting my stuff turned in for a local kids consignment sale. (I've never waited that long before...I am not mad...just tired.) By the time we did that I had to shop the commissary & feed the kiddos lunch. Yes they had lunch at 3:30pm and it was fast food (I did have a coupon.) All the perfect organic feeding Moms...please gasp in horror!
<---that all="" around="" but="" don="" feel="" man="" mean="" moms="" out="" p="" probably="" s="" some="" t="" that="" there="" way="" we="">
I was facebook messaging a few days ago with a good friend of mine who also has 3 kids and it was so nice to be validated on how difficult this stage of life is. That I am not the only Mom yelling at her kids and craving sleep.

To top off the week....my student loans have come up with a new payment plan (it's recalculated every year) and I am pretty sure we are going to starve. If there's anything I will teach my kids is to not get student loans if possible. These loans are horrible and I am lucky since mine are consolidated. Thank goodness my husband doesn't have loans. So at least we only have to deal with mine. Though that doesn't really lower the stress that much.

I still haven't heard anything back about the amazing volunteer opportunity that I am dying to get. Hopefully soon I'll know something. *crossing my fingers*

On a good note: Benjamin was baptized last Saturday. It was really nice. He was startled but didn't cry. His journey in the Catholic church has begun. Today he got a flu shot (our peds office had run out, so we had to wait a bit) and hardly noticed. Sadly the poor thing fell & hurt himself this morning. He's got his first big bruise on his nose. Poor sweet boy. I told him he's gotta crawl more carefully...;)

Well that's it for now....back to cleaning & laundry.

Easter & Benjamin is 7 months old!

So what happened was....

I got back from Portland on Monday afternoon and hit the ground running for a crazy week (are my weeks ever not busy??) I unpacked, did laundry and went grocery shopping at 9pm on Monday (thank goodness for my husband's RDO [military speak for regular day off].) Tuesday I woke up and started a Compass session. It was a great session. A lot of good questions and advice given. Even my embarrassing Navy rank story (I might share someday on the blog; when I get over being embarrassed by it!)

Selfie of myself at Compass!

Wednesday I took the kids to the Navy Exchange to see the Easter bunny. That was a comedy of errors! Benjamin was amazing. The other 2...not cooperative AT. ALL! I went for comedy. I get the picture back today. It should have me rolling my eyes.

Here are the kids Easter Baskets. Not really put together nicely yet; I'll get there.

TODAY...Benjamin is 7 months old. In honor of that, he slept 8 hours straight last night. THANK YOU BABY BOY!!!!

At 7 months...
Weight: I'd guess 15-16 pounds
Height: No idea...but he is SUPER long!!
Teeth: He has 6 through the gums now.
Diapers: Size 2
Clothes: 3-6 and 6 mos stuff.
Eating: He is great. He doesn't much care for pureed baby food, so we are basically doing Baby Led Weaning with him. Jasmine rice is his favorite!
Doing: Crawling like a crazy man, sitting up fairly stable and his new favorite thing: this shrill scream. I can't wait for that one to end. Sweet baby babble please!! His sister continues to be his favorite. He smiles a special smile just for her. He loves getting in the tub & kicking his legs like a mad man (maybe he'll be the next Olympic swimmer???)

*Cross your fingers...I may be really lucky*

My title says it all. As you may recall last week I mentioned teething & potty training.

Mr. Benjamin has teeth 5 & 6 coming through. We did 2 miserable nights where he only wanted Mommy or Daddy to hold him (I should treasure this...I know I should, but man when sleep deprived treasuring it is HARD!)

Julia: well this little lady has blown me away. On the fly I decided to potty train as I mentioned last week. AND guess what...the kid who really seemed uninterested; she took to it awesomely. We aren't perfect, but already she's wearing pull-ups only at bedtime. Naptime she hasn't needed them. She tells me she has to go, though we still remind her often, and runs to bathroom & goes. I am in awe. Like where did this come from? Her older brother took us like 3 months to potty train and he was older. Whatever it is...I'll take it. Thank you sweet daughter. Now I just need to get her a backpack and she's ready for school in the fall!

I kind of like this one for her. Though I'd prefer her whole first name...not the monogram.

Everyone ready for The Bachelor tonight? I love that show. I just can't help myself. I probably won't watch until tomorrow afternoon...but I'll spoil it tonight for myself. Are you Team Jojo or Team Lauren?  I like them both. Lauren seems more my style though, so I'll root for her. And seriously no matter who he picks I really hope they last and get married. I need another Bachelor wedding in my life.

It's the week of St. Patrick's Day. I used to never celebrate it and then about 4 years ago I suddenly got into it and always make a traditional corned beef dinner. This year we're doing corned beef, red potatoes, cabbage, soda bread (I will buy that this year) and a green dessert (probably cookies or whatever the bakery makes for me. Haha!!)

What's Up Friends?? Here's a list!

I've tried to get over here and blog AT least 3 times and it just hasn't happened. Pamela we need a new blog challenge STAT...can you find us one?

So what's been up here?

Benjamin is teething again/continuously?? Seriously this kid is on track to have all his teeth ASAP! I guess I shouldn't complain, but man the poor baby can't get a break. He's so miserable with these next chompers that he's waking 3 times a night. Can we go back to just 1 wake up a night? I swear I won't complain about it.

Matthew is getting over cold number 50 for the school year. Thankfully he handles them pretty well.

Julia is...drum roll please...POTTY TRAINING!!! I just decided to go for it Sunday afternoon and we are off. It's no fun, I hate potty training with a passion, but it's not completely horrible. Now ask me in 2 weeks if I still feel content about it. Haha!!

I've decided in the parenting realm of things we all must deal with that teething, stomach bugs and potty training all rank up there with hellacious at times. See me again for an updated list when the teenage years hit.

Hubby and I are getting our papers together to buy a house. When this is finally over and we've moved for the 4th time in 4 years someone bring me a cocktail and burn my moving boxes.

Cross your fingers...I have the opportunity to get a volunteer position with the Navy that I would LOVE to have. It would look amazing on my resume too. Thanks!!

The kiddos and I are off to their favorite place: Costco!

Shaking it off and celebrating 6 months of Benjamin

It's a super windy day today. I am praying the trees behind my house stay up and the power stays on! I am not in the mood for a power outage today. Then to top it off I had to make a phone call & speak to a rude woman. Phone call over! Shaking it off!!!

*Hoping I am not jinxing myself* All the illness seems to have vacated my house finally. Praise the Lord, literally!

Benjamin turned 6 months old last week Thursday. I can't believe he's such a big boy. He had his wellness exam and though still tiny, they are pleased with his growth again. We opted to wait until this week to do his vaccinations, because with illness going through my house last week. So the kiddo will get shots this week. I put this on Facebook, but I'll blog it too.  At 6 months...his stats are:

Weight: 14 pounds
Height: 26 inches

Clothes: Still some 3 mos and 3-6 mos stuff. He is really a long, skinny dude!
Diapers: Size 1 and probably will be in them for awhile here due to having no booty!

He has started to crawl a little. He will hold his own bottle. Finally likes the jumperoo and still isn't so sure about the play mat for very long.  He's also working on sitting up. I am kind of pushing him to do this one. I know, I know...don't push kids, but I think he'd be happier if he could sit up better.

He sleeps okay. Not the worst and not the best. Basically waiting at least once to eat.  He's a big spitter upper, so we've had to cut back to smaller bottles more frequently.

He LOVES his sister. Thinks she is the best thing ever. It's the cutest thing.

We finally started solids this week. He got pureed banana and I'll be making him some pureed sweet potato this week.  His first impressions: he liked it a little bit, but started to cry before the serving was over, so we stopped. I am feeling we'll be going slow with him in regards to food (now watch him prove me wrong...haha!!!)

That's what's going on! Back later folks!

What's Up Wednesday!

Can I just say that this month has FLOW past me at 100 MPH! Suddenly I looked up and it's the 24th of the month already. Between getting ready to teach Compass, teaching it, doctor's appointments, the dentist, going to Portland and then illness....my month is over! 

So to do a quick catch-up, I figured it'd be easiest to just do a link up today.

Link up here!

1. What we're eating this week...

Thanks to illness, we are doing low key easy meals; no new recipes this week. I did a frozen pizza last night, am cooking tacos tonight, a whole chicken in the crock pot tomorrow, white fish on Friday, breakfast for dinner on Saturday and Sunday is TBD.

2. What I'm reminiscing About...

You're probably going to laugh....but I was getting to be a little "I know everything" Navy wife and then last week at Compass we had participants who were all very young/newly married spouses. It took me down a few notches and humbled me. Then I got teary and have been remembering how it is to be a young military spouse who really knows nothing. In some regards, I miss that time. 

3. What I'm loving...

My secret sis in my Catholic women's group. With illness raging through my household...getting a package & card from her this week was amazing! Women supporting women...I LOVE that!

4. What we've been up to...

After Compass ended on Thursday afternoon, I drove the kiddos down to Portland to see my Mom. We were having a great time until the stomach bug got us, then Julia came down with HFM (thankfully it seems to be a mild case) and now we're home just trying to be down with this round of illness.

5. What I'm dreading...

Moving again this year. The owners of our rental intend to sell so though we had always planned to buy this summer anyway...knowing that our potential buffer of another year of renting is gone means moving for sure. I am an expert at the moving business...but I still loathe it. 

6. What I'm working on...

I am doing the 40 bags for Lent thing, so I am again going thru the house deluttering. Plus there's a big Just Between Friends consignment sale going on in April here, so my craft room looks like kid/baby gear threw up in there.

7. What I'm excited about...

Sleeping?? Seriously that's all I care about right at the moment. Okay...I am also looking forward to Spring. Spring comes sooner to the PACNORWEST then where I grew up, which is excellent. 

8. What I'm watching/reading...

Reading: I just finished "The Warmth of Other Suns" by Isabel Wilkerson  I would not have picked it myself, but my Mom's book club was reading it so I read it too. It was a very interesting read about migration in this country. Definitely not a light read though.

Watching: The Bachelor. It's all I watch these days, besides kid shows. I tried keeping up with Downton Abbey, but couldn't so I will just have to borrow the DVDs.

9. What I'm listening to...

My favorite talk radio guy in Seattle, Dori Monson.  Love the guy. I don't agree with everything he says, but he's pretty much the most decent conservative talk radio guy in the city. 

10. What I'm wearing...

Nothing very exciting. Benjamin is a huge spitter upper so I think I change jeans & shirts daily. Today I wore a hat to cover my unwashed hair and prayed no one I know saw me at Fred Meyer while I quickly grocery shopped sans makeup. 

11. What I'm doing this weekend...

Low key, family time stuff. We are going to the Apple Store on Sunday, b/c my husband's brand new iPhone is having issues. 

12. What I'm looking forward to next month...

EASTER!!! I love Easter. Great season in the church and lillies and good stuff.  I got my kids the cutest reusable Easter bags on Etsy too. 

13. What else is new...

Nothing really. I like the status quo!

14. What is my favorite Easter tradition...

We are really traditional for Easter. We go to Mass, have brunch and then do Easter egg hunts at home or the week prior go to one at our church. It's low key, but fun.

Sorry for no pictures. That just isn't happening this week. 

Mundane Monday Ramblings!

I figured a short update was in order. I've been busy at home & around town.  Running errands daily I swear. I am sort of tired of shopping! (Can anyone who knows me believe I just said that???)

Benjamin and I went back to the Lactation Consultant on Friday. Pretty much just to weigh him and thank her for trying to help. Things didn't work out so our breastfeeding journey has come to an end. It's very bittersweet for a number of reasons. At least I made it 5 months with him. Longer then I did with Matthew. Julia I made to a year, but it was a tough year in regards to feeding. Anyway...I know I tried so I am okay with how things worked out.  The good news is that he has gained weight again & he overall seems happier, which relieves me.

Now I have been in full on Valentine mode. Which is truly comical, because I can't say that I really am in the mood for Valentine's Day this year.  However I've made some pinterest decor for the house and things for Matthew's class are coming together today. He's giving out Spider Man valentine cards I got 50% off last year and a box of crayons. No real pinterest creation from this Mom. Sorry folks!

I also plan to make rice krispie treats for the NWCA gals...since I am once again "lazy" with gift giving!

Today is a beautiful sunny day in the PACNORWEST. I took the kiddos to a meeting and then we went to the commissary where Julia had a fit over Mommy helping her out of the car. Oops! Miss Independent....where'd she get that from?! ;)  At least Matthew still lets me help him.

You know those days where you just love the way you look? I am having that day today. I've got my favorite skinny jeans on, a new blue shirt, my nude flats and my hair is amazing! I didn't have time for any make-up, but I actually am looking alright without it. Getting sleep sure helps!

Friday Favorites...life is better!

Go here to link up!

After the stress of last week. I am back. This week began very stressfully (not a word...I don't care) and is thankfully ending much better!  So what better way to finish it up then to join in on this blog link-up. I love this one b/c it's simple & fun!

1. Essie Nail Polish in Cabana Boy.

I'd been wanting a grey nail polish for ages and then I went to Ulta and found this bad boy. 

2. TONY MOLY Magic Food Banana Hand Milk

This was a last second find at Ulta in the check out line. I didn't even know the price. I just liked the packaging so I bought it and it's actually nice!! And of course my girly girl daughter is enthralled that we have it!

3. Dr. Brown's Options Bottles

Littlest Boy (aka Benjamin) has decided these are the bottles he likes best! To the point that I need to buy more. Or maybe I shouldn't buy more so I am forced to wash the bottles every night (so far I am 3 for 3 on this!)

4. Valentine Pictures!

I can't share yet, since they are a surprise for the Grandparents..but a friend here is setting up a photography business and she took free pictures for Valentine's Day of the kiddos. They are so cute and the kiddos loved getting their pictures taken, well 2 of the 3 kiddos did. 

5. Killing Reagan

Bill O'Reilly does it again! Another fantastic book in his killing series. I couldn't get enough of this book and read it in 3 days.  I love how his books come from all sides, aren't really political and are so well researched. They fascinate me!

Stress!

I had really truly planned to blog 3 times this week and then Monday we got hit with the unexpected. Matthew went in for his 4 year well child check up and Benjamin also had an appointment. Honestly at first the medical assistant and I were sort of confused as to why Benjamin was being seen. The substitute pediatrician had just said in December to bring him back in a month b/c he'd missed a few well baby exams during our life transition while we had no insurance. We were just going to say forget it when the medical assistant suggested we just have him weighed & let our new pediatrician meet him. 

The sh*t sort of hit the fan then. He'd lost weight. A half a pound. Which for most people is no big deal, but for a little baby is really bad news.  For some completely unknown reason my milk supply just has slowly declined. It is incredibly frustrating. 

Today I saw a Lactation Consultant and she was great. She got us a great plan to put in place. 

It makes me sad. I've been so tired, anxious and crying over this. I know for some people this is probably silly. I really love this bond with my baby. I am praying we can get this to work out better. 

I am tired!

Pray for us or send good thoughts! 

On a random side note: Matthew is doing great. He was 40 inches tall and 36 pounds at age 4. For a kid who struggled to put on the weight himself, that is pretty darn awesome! Our once Little Dude is a big dude now!

Matthew is 4 today!!

Can you believe my Little Dude is 4 years old today? I seriously cannot! 4 years doesn't seem that long in the grand scheme of life, but wow has it passed by quickly. I've been a Mommy for 4 years! :-)

With his presents this morning

At 4 years old: Matthew is average size I'd say. In his preschool class he's not the shortest, but not the tallest.  (His 4 year well child exam is on Monday, so we'll get exact stats then!)
He is finally making his way into the rest of the 3T clothes (and I am starting to stock up on 4T)...I thought 2T was going to last forever! He wears size 8 & 9 kid shoes. 

He loves school, firemen, trucks, Spider-Man & Batman (really any super heroes), and helping Mom.

20 questions answered by Matthew
(As found on this blog)
1. What is your favorite color? Yellow
2. What is your favorite toy? Lawn mower (he just got this for his birthday after asking for it for months)
3. What is your favorite fruit? Strawberries
4. What is your favorite tv show? Fireman Sam
5. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? Fried Chicken
6. What is your favorite outfit? Construction Site Outfit (Dress up outfit from Melissa & Doug)
7. What is your favorite game? Angry Birds (Not sure where we got this from...we don't own this game.)
8. What is your favorite snack? Tortilla Chips
9. What is your favorite animal? Kitty Cats
10. What is your favorite song? Go Make a Difference
11. What is your favorite book? Comic Books
12. Who is your best friend? Dylan
13. What is your favorite cereal? I don't like cereal.
14. What is your favorite thing to do outside? Playing with the pool
15. What is your favorite drink? Lemonade
16. What is your favorite holiday? Halloween
17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? Lambies
18. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Cinnamon Sugar Toast
19. What do you want for dinner on your birthday? Cheeseburger 
20. What do you want to be when you grow up? Construction Worker

Plans for his birthday include dinner at Red Robin and a birthday party tomorrow with some friends. (His party theme is dump trucks/construction.)

Friday Favorites 1/15/2016

Link up via here

After prompts for November & December and then sort of flailing around to start the year blogging, I figured "why not do a link up??" Seems simple enough. And I love the blogs who do this one. They all seem like amazing women!

1. These dashboards I made for my Erin Condren planner & for my planner buddy's planner. They turned out so nicely!

2. Compass! I am so thankful I can mentor Navy spouses and hopefully make life a little brighter for them.

3. This Chicken recipe! I'm sure I've mentioned it before, but man is it simple & delicious!

Not my picture...as taken from the recipe link above.

4.  The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo

I bought it in August and have slowly read through it and started implementing many of her strategies into my house. If you hate clutter like I do, this lady has the right ideas.  She's also written a new book called "Spark Joy" that shows you and I do mean literally shows you how to do some of her strategies. As a semi-perfectionist....I may have to get this new book too.

5. My tribe! 

By tribe I mean the people in my life who help me out all the time. The women who help by holding one of my kids when I'm teaching or just need to pray during Mass. The ladies at MOPS who let me eat breakfast. The adoptive grandparents in our lives who step in when I can't pick up all 3 kids at one time. My mom who picks up the phone when I call frantically at bedtime.

Mothering is hard and I'm so grateful for my tribe. They are my favorite!

Thursday Random Ramblings!

Has it really been a week since I last blogged?? Yikes! No blog prompts really do let me slack off on this I guess!  This week I was busy teaching Compass (a Navy spouse mentoring program) and on Compass weeks things just do not get done on the regular schedule. I managed to grocery shop on Tuesday like normal, but then the kiddos skipped nap that day. Laundry however has not gotten done...at all! Thankfully we own plenty of clothes.

I know a lot of people don't like being busy, but for me...I need to have things to do or I just sit here wondering what to do with myself.  Then once the busy stuff is done, I can have a low key day and be happy. Low key days more than once or twice a week though is too much for me. It feels lazy. (BTW, not judging anyone who can do a lot of low key days...it's just not for me.)  I am a get dressed and do something kind of person. I like action! To the point that I cannot be productive if I am wearing pajamas or lounge clothes.

Matthew will be 4 really soon. Can we really have a 4 year old?? Wow has time flown by! On Tuesday he asked me when he gets to wear a red sweater to school (the K-8 kids wear a uniform and a red sweatshirt/sweater is part of that) and I may have felt a little sad.  Then I went to answer him and realized we're about 18 months away from starting Kindergarten. WOW!!

Julia....well I've gotten a ton of undies, pull-ups and I have plans to make a chart tomorrow. Potty training will be commencing after her brother's birthday (I'd start sooner, but I won't make my Mom who is coming to visit potty train my kid...that seems unfair.)

Benjamin is growing too fast. I got the jumperoo out of the garage and he's not so sure he likes it. His siblings call it their space ship. Hmm!!!

I finished my first book of 2016! And am now attempting to get through a continued education book. Since I am not really using my degree I try to read a book or 2 on health & human service topics just to feel like I am doing something. The book is dry...I am bored.

My Woodland Cottage planner cover for my Erin Condren planner that my Mom got me for Christmas supposedly has a shipping label created, so I am hoping that it gets to her house before she comes here next week. I really want to see what she picked out....she's hinted, but won't tell me specifically.  One thing I dislike about Etsy is they will say that an item has shipped, but when you really read the tracking it may only be that the label was created. A label doesn't mean that it got to the post office.

Gotta go...the littlest boy is awake from nap!

Thursday Thoughts

It's Thursday. I haven't got a blog prompt to get me started. So I am just going to fill the page up and hope something inspiring/silly/whatever comes to me!

Currently: I am doing nothing productive except browse Etsy shops.

I am listening:  to Benjamin fuss in his crib. He's barely napped today and in general has been a bear lately. Not sure if it's teething more or something else.

I feel: the warmth of Blackie the cat who insists on sharing the chair with me. 

I am wearing: jeans, a University of Alabama t-shirt, a mint colored fleece zip-up and my Cubs hat. (I didn't put any makeup on today, so I tossed the hat on to do preschool pick up.) I promise this doesn't look as bad as it sounds on paper.

I need: to go to Costco when the older kiddos wake up from nap. For some reason I am dreading it. I usually love Costco.

It was: Recycling day today and boy did we have a ton! Glad that stuff is gone. Wish I could recycle half the house right now. I feel cluttered again!

I forgot: to get the fish out for dinner to defrost. Oops! Meal plan A out the window. Now to figure out meal plan B! Matthew will want pizza from Costco, but Mom is tired of that.

I'm loving: the new book I am reading. It's a memoir by a neurosurgeon in England, called "Do No Harm"

I'm watching: the world go by. Haha, not really.  Thanks to my amazing FIL, I am watching some shows via his Dish Network account. I am sure he loves The Bachelor as much as me. I finished the first episode yesterday afternoon.  Now I need to watch Sunday's Downton Abbey episode and I'll be good on tv viewing. 

My oldest: just woke up from his nap. He's been such a good boy lately. They learned about kindness this week in school. I think it has rubbed off on him. He's been my favorite child lately. (Don't lie Moms...we all have a favorite at times...I'll admit it for you all.)

My Daughter:  is still napping. I hope she wakes up happier. She wanted to stay awake & play princesses instead of nap. Unfortunately Mom told her no. 

My youngest: is quiet now. Never mind...he's not. I better go! See you guys later.

2016 has arrived!

I didn't forget, I just wasn't sure where to put this last prompt in on the 31st since I did my yearly review instead. So here it is it....Day 31 was FUN!  And fun we did have!  My kiddos loved New Years Eve. They wore hats and played with noise makers.  Then we put them to bed at their regular time. Benjamin is teething again/more/forever and miserably cranky.

The last picture of 2015!

As for the adults...we played board games, ate snacks and laughed a lot. I barely made it until midnight. I was so exhausted and no sooner did I lay my head down then Benjamin woke up. He's got this pattern going where he sleeps through the night for 2-3 days and then for 4-5 days he's back to waking up 2 times a night. I suppose it's not the worst sleep pattern ever, but man I wish he'd decide what he's doing!

So far 2016 is going alright. I am exhausted, but my planner is ready to start the week on Monday. We are back to work/school and all our other activities. I took down the Christmas decorations yesterday. The house looks so plain again. I am already thinking of next year and the new house we'll hopefully be living in!  There's a lot to look forward to in 2016. New babies (NOT FOR US, but others we love), new homes, moving (God help me I am moving again; it should be the last for awhile), and lots of growth of our children. I can hardly believe we are getting set up to potty train Julia and then send her to preschool in the fall too. Benjamin has a lot of growing to do as well. 

My Annual Recap of the Year!

2015 Recap

Happy New Year!

1.     What did you do in 2015 that you've never done before?

(In no particular order...)

~Taught Ombudsman Basic Training several times
~Put down a cat that only I had owned
~Became a Mom to 3 kids
~Turned 30
~Was named the National Education & Patriotism Chairman for NWCA

2. Did you keep your New Years Resolutions & will you make any this year?

For 2015, my goals were:

1.     Blog more often! I really sucked at this until this fall, so I'll say it was accomplished, though late in the year.

2.     Use my iPhone less when my kids are around! FAILED miserably!

3.     Be open to the changes that will be occurring in our life in 2015 (this is a life changing year for us. I will divulge more as it happens.) I didn't do it with the most grace at times, but I did accomplish this one!

2016's goals are:

1. Use the iPhone/iPad less when my kids are around. I am keeping this one to try again.
2. Potty train Julia
3. Continue the blogging, because I've found it makes me happy.
4. Yell less.
5. Slow down & don't rush all the time.
6. Push past discomfort.
7. Don't put things off w/o good reason.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Well I gave birth and I am pretty darn close to myself. I also had some friends give birth too.

4. Did anyone close to you pass away?

My sweet Gracie cat passed away in July. Several other friends lost pets this year as well...it was a hard year for pets it seems. 

5. What countries did you visit?

No outside countries again this year. Avery and I have decided we're going to Canada in 2016 though.

6. What would you like to have in 2016 that you didn't have in 2015?

Last year I said a house we own. It unfortunately didn't happen, so I am saying a house again. We'd really like to own our own place.

7. What date from 2015 will be etched in your mind & why?

I've got several this year after having none last year.
January 5, 2015- Finding out I was pregnant with Benjamin
July 10, 2015- Gracie passing away
August 25, 2015- Benjamin was born
October 19- Avery started his civilian job. I was so unbelievably relieved that day!

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Not sure I had one. Obviously adding another child for sure....also weathering through some very significant life changes.

9. What was your biggest failure?

I don't think I had anything I feel was really a failure.

10. Did you suffer injury or illness? 

Extremely uncontrolled asthma during my pregnancy and an emergency c-section. 

11.  What was the best thing you bought?

Another Erin Condren Life Planner to start 2016 off right!

12.  Whose behavior is worthy of celebration?

Last year I said the Pope and again I give him the honors! Fantastic world leader who is not just talking the talk, but actually taking action.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled?

I can't just narrow it down to one this year. So here's my list:

1. Politicians not willing to work together for our greater good.
2. ISIS...for obvious reasons.
3. Hillary Clinton for her email scandal. Completely inappropriate to violate OPSEC that way.

14. Where did most of your money go?

Rent/moving/changing houses

15. What did you get really, really, excited about? 

Benjamin, new Ombudsman & new Navy spouses getting it right, and planners!

16. What songs will always remind you of 2015?

"Forever and Ever, Amen" Randy Travis
"Hope in Front of Me" Danny Gokey
"Dangerous (feat. Sam Martin)" David Guetta
"Your Love Never Fails" Newsboys

17. Compared to 2014 were you ___________ in 2015

a. Happier or sadder? I hate to say this, but because of stress/hormones etc I was often sadder.

b. Thinner or fatter?  Fatter technically b/c of pregnancy & still working to get that weight off.

c. Richer or poorer?   Poorer

18. What do you wish you would've done more of? 

Blog sooner in the year. I didn't blog about my pregnancy really at all. 

19. What do you wish you would've done less of? 

Yelling

20. How did you spend Christmas? 

I took my babies to Mass on Christmas Eve, then we ate pizza at home as a family. On Christmas Day, we woke up and opened gifts. Then drove down to Portland.

21. What is the most embarrassing thing that happened to you this past year?

I can't think of anything. 

22.  Did you fall in love in 2015?

I stayed in love with my husband and fell in love with our littlest boy.

23.  What was your favorite restaurant?  

 Oak Table (I only went once, but I loved it! Can you tell I don't get out much? Haha!)

24. What was your favorite TV program?

I didn't have one. We cancelled tv service in May. 

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate in 2015?

 Not that I can recall.

26. What was the best book that you read?

1. "All The Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr
2. "The Girls from Ames: A Story of Women and a Forty-Year Friendship" by Jeffrey Zaslow

27.  What was your greatest musical discovery?

I didn't have one.

28.  What did you want & get in 2015? 

Things to turn out alright with all the life changes we had and they did. 

29. What did you want & not get in 2015? 

A house we own, but it's okay. We'll do it in 2016

30. What was your favorite movie of 2015?

Did I see any movies this year?? You all know I never see movies. I saw "Woman in Gold" at the theatre. It was interesting. 

31. What did you do for your birthday & how old did you turn?

I turned 30.  I spent time with my husband, newborn baby, the big kids and my Mom at home. It was a really fantastic day as I recall.

32. What's one thing that would've made 2015 more satisfying? 

Probably nothing! It really ended up being a good year.

33. How would you describe your fashion in 2015? 

I'll go with preppy again. I didn't change my style.

34.  What kept you sane? 

God, my friends, my Mom, doula and a fantastic team of doctors during my pregnancy.

35. What celebrity/public figure did you admire the most?  

I loved Bindi Irwin...what a neat gal! Russell Wilson is up there too.

36. What political issue fired you up the most? 

I'd rather not say to avoid any upset with friends. I don't really get political. I keep it very private.

37. Who did you miss? 

Friends that moved thanks to the military,

38. Who was the best new person you met?  

I can only think of people I'd already met, but got closer to. 

39.  Tell us a lesson 2015 taught you:

It taught me patience above all else.
I also thought we weren't prepared to get out of the Navy and I was so pleasantly surprised to see that we did things the right way, had our ducks all in a row etc. Our experience/transition was much much easier because we were ready.

Catching Up! December delivers!

Sorry, sorry, sorry! We traveled on Christmas day and I just couldn't get back here until now! How was your Christmas? Ours was very, very nice!!
Christmas Eve we did our usual go to Mass thing (where I didn't get a picture this year...😟) and home to eat pizza. It was awesome! We got up leisurely the next morning, I made cinnamon rolls and we ate breakfast in between opening presents. Then we cleaned up the house, packed up the car and headed to my Mom's in Portland, Oregon. Where we then opened more presents and had a lovely ham dinner! (Have I mentioned I LOVE a good honey baked ham at the holidays? I asked my Mom and she delivered. Thanks Mom!)

Day 25: Morning! 

Gifts galore! Benjamin loved the mayhem!

Day 26: Grateful

I'm grateful for God the Father and his son Jesus Christ.

Day 27: Nightime 

I am ready for bed, my kids are all asleep in their beds and the house is quiet!

Day 28: Words

A craft project I did several months ago. It's maps of all the places we've lived together and where we each grew up spliced together on canvas. I adore this one.

Day 29: Sky View

I don't have a picture for this one. It's grey winter in WA. The sky view from my house is not pretty.

Day 30: Your Winter Wonderland 

It snowed on Sunday. Our first of the winter and possibly only of the winter here. Of course I took no pictures, oops!!

Merry Christmas Eve!

Merry Christmas Eve everyone!!

Day 24: Favorite Part of Christmas Eve

I love Mass at our church. This year we are all set with plans to meet Benjamin's Godparents (and all of our kiddos adoptive Grandparents) and sit together. Avery will drop us at the door and we'll go in.

They aren't very cooperative with pictures at Mass. We'll give it another go this year.

Then we come home, eat pizza, put cookies out for Santa and get ready for bed.

It's only noon here as I write this post and I know the kids are very excited already. The Mail Carrier dropped off a box and they were so thrilled to get one on Christmas Eve!

All About Me: Christmas Edition!

Image found here!

So I told my Planner Buddy Pamela to do this holiday survey that I found on Skinny Meg and then I didn't do it when I said I would and now she's done it so I have to do it. Whew...how'd you like that sentence?!? Good thing no one scores/grades my blog!

Have you started your Christmas shopping? Yes, it's all done, wrapped and stashed in my craft room under a sheet.

When do you put up your tree? Usually the first week in December. I wasn't motivated to do the tree this year so I believe I stalled into week 2 of the month,

Are you a Black Friday shopper? YES Ma'am! I love it! I am not insane like some of the people on the news, but I do go and shop. I find it fun...it's not for the deals, it's for the fun of being with loved ones. This year since I was sick so I scaled back and didn't really enjoy it honestly.

Do you travel at Christmas or stay home? I'm going to be honest here and say I hate traveling at Christmas. I do when it's necessary, but I don't do it very positively. (Sorry Mom!) To answer the question: I have traveled at Christmas and I will be traveling this year. 

What is your funniest Christmas memory? Does the obnoxious trip home from St. Louis to Hawaii in 2009 count?? Oh wait...that wasn't funny, it was a damn nightmare. Okay..funny you say.....I can't narrow that down to just one, but my funniest memories at Christmas were when I was in my early teens and my much younger cousins would sometimes fly into Chicago from Portland. I loved playing with them. There's a picture of me getting a super cool stereo for Christmas and my cousin Ethan is holding up a Pikachu bath toy I'd gotten him that he was excited about. I love this for a few reasons, but mainly I love that he photobombed me with a simple gift that I got him. 

What is your favorite Christmas movie of all time? White Christmas. There's no contest!

Do you do your own Christmas baking, what's your favorite treat? Hahaha!!! Umm...that'd be a big, fat N O! Which is sad because my Mom and my Oma always did cookies.

Fake or Real Tree? I grew up with real, but then when I got older my Mom got a fake tree and then we lived in Hawaii and there was no way I was dragging one of those bug laden trees into my house. (Disclaimer: I don't know for sure if the real trees shipped onto the island had bugs. I just assumed.) So yes we've got a fake tree.

What day (as a mom) does the actual panic set in to get it all done? Mom of 3 under age 4 and so far I haven't panicked ever during Christmas. In fact the kiddos asked me what we're doing tomorrow and I said I had no idea b/c everything is done.

Are you still wrapping presents on Christmas Eve? No, but last year I did put their kitchen together on Christmas Eve...that was not much fun. This year I was more on the ball or rather they got smaller gifts from Santa.

What is your favorite family fun time at Christmas? Opening presents. I love seeing the kiddos faces.

What Christmas craft do you like the best? This year I seemed to not like any of them, because Benjamin was not the most cooperative dude which made doing his hand print ornament & his footprint ornament pretty difficult! 

Christmas music? LOVE it!

Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Not a big egg nog fan. I like hot chocolate though.

Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? I didn't really have a plan for this, but last year I started not wrapping the Santa gifts and think I'll continue that. 

Colored lights on the tree/house or white? I don't have a preference.

Do you hang mistletoe? Nope!

What is your favorite holiday dish? Cookies (not made by me obviously...hahaha!!!)

Favorite holiday memory as a child? I don't have one that I can distinctly think of....is that terrible? 

Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? I never did until a family at church did so my Mom let me do it, likely to silence the child complaints. I haven't let me kids do it yet. Last year I did the Christmas pajamas for them, but they weren't all that into it. This year St. Nick brought them the pajamas so they could enjoy them all month. 

How to you decorate your Christmas tree? Quickly! This year I had Julia's help and that was just pure hilarity! 

Snow? Love it? Dread it? Love it! I learned to drive in it and just think it's fun. That said people in WA make it a bit stressful since they aren't good at driving in it.

Can you ice skate? I haven't in YEARS! 

Do you remember your favorite gift? I've got 3 gifts that I remember as my favorite. One was when I was a kid and I got my barbie camper. I LOVED that toy! Another was my big stereo system. And last year getting that Erin Condren planner. I don't know what it is about that planner, but I haven't been that excited about a Christmas gift in ages.  Another one I just thought of is baby Benjamin...I was pregnant with him last Christmas and didn't know it. He is my gift though. God knew I needed that baby boy. 

What's the most important thing about the holidays to you? Being with family. My Mom has never missed a Christmas with me and I am beyond grateful! I am also one of the few military spouses in the world whose husband has never been deployed on Christmas. He's missed more anniversaries than I can count, but Christmas he's always been here. I don't forget how lucky I am for that.
Which do you prefer, giving or receiving? Let's be honest, everyone loves receiving something. But truly I love to see people's faces when they open a gift from me and they are excited by it. I am dying for the kiddos to see what they got this year. As the kids get older, it's more & more fun for me. This year they (Matthew & Julia) both really understand.