Quick run through---
in August we drove to KS to visit family/friends
kids got to meet my mom's mom for the first time!
L girl started Kindergarten
Boys started preschool
Mommy started volunteering in L's class and subbing at the boys' school
Mommy got the "teach in the classroom" bug by being in the classrooms
Uncle Baba returned from deployment!
Went to SC for Thanksgiving and my brother's 7th birthday
Daddy returned from deployment!!!
After the deployment I mentioned to daddy that I was done staying home…one more day with a whiney 3 year old boy and I might loose my mind. We decided I would look into getting my portfolio ready and see what possibilities were out there.
A position opened at L's school!
Mommy decided not to pursue the teaching job since it was a mid-year take over
School suggested I fill out the application
Mommy couldn't resist and filled out the application
After 6 years away from teaching other peoples' kids, I get to go back to the classroom!!!!
Christmas -- my mom was with us for Christmas week and it was WONDERFUL!!!
Jan. 10 I'm back to work!
So many people want to stay home with their kids…SAHM, homeschool, classroom mom, volunteer…etc.; 6 years apparently is my limit. While I LOVED volunteering, I started wishing for my own classroom that much more. I think because we don't have a deployment currently scheduled I was ready to start the process of looking for a job. Then this job opens at the school where the kids are/will be going…how could I pass up the opportunity. I am so thankful to have this position opening up! When the school chatted with me about the job they certainly did not have to twist my arm too much. Plus other peoples' kids listen to me way more than my own do ;). This is not a funny joke either…mine are almost perfectly behaved everywhere but my own home so I am told by others. While we had planned on me staying home 'til the boys were in Kindergarten (year and 1/2 away) when a spot opens at the school you know you want long-term, how can you pass on it? Maybe this will be the school I finally get to have tenure?!?! Because we have moved so frequently since we married, I've never been able to earn tenure. Now I'm hoping we get to stay here for a good long while and teach away at this school!
I told M that while I love our kids and I know it was best for us for me to stay home, I have felt like a caged lion for the last 6 years. I feel like I have found my Africa again (he suggested the zebra in the movie Madagascar is how I'm feeling) and will blossom in our new situation. I, of course, am concerned about the transition for our family. How do moms cook, clean, grocery shop, extra curricular activities, church, and on and on? Advice/suggestions for those of you who are working and being a mom are great! Will my house stay cleaner since there are no boys destroying the house all day????
I have planned meals, written everything on the wall calendar and my personal calendar. I have groceries planned and this week I'm trying to get the house completely in order. That way we can at least start the New Year and the new job on a clean fresh state. Since we just cleaned the house for M's homecoming and my mom's visit I'm hoping a solid day of work on the house will catch us up. M is taking over the food shopping and he has already helped out by doing all the dishes and laundry the last 2 weeks! We also have a retired teacher who will be watching the boys and who is willing to take the boys to their current preschool! That is such an amazing answer to a prayer. I know God's hand has been in every moment of this big change. He has guided and directed. We just need to keep going to Him and relying on Him. The first day the boys are sick and I can't stay with them I know will break my heart. However, my gift and calling has always been for teaching in the classroom. That is my passion and love in life. God, Matthew, kids, teaching…those are the greatest blessings in my life!
Monday, December 30, 2013
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Up to a lot!
What haven't we been doing?
Grandma Yoyo came the middle of last month! We had so much fun showing her our church, our neighborhood and our community. We also got to take her to Myrtle Beach. It was so fun to have several days with no house cleaning involved! She was such a blessing by adoring on the kiddos! We were grateful for her help with laundry and dishes and all around precious time.
My grandfather passed away while she was here. He was not a good man. I don't know if he can hear how people feel about him. I would not even go to my grandparents' home because of how much I couldn't stand to be around him. I struggle with who he was and how he treated everyone around him...there are just no nice things to say. I don't know if you have had someone in your life whom you could say very few, if any nice things about. It is not fun. I am constantly amazed at how my mom changed the course of my life by being and doing better than her father. My kids know love and hear they are loved every day which had never been the case in grandpa's home.
Watching Grandma blossom at the age of almost 86 has been sad and exciting. She gets to eat a fresh banana..for 58 years she was only able to buy the bananas on discount cause they were already brown. That is just the tip of the iceberg as far as the rules she had to live by. She had no choice, no say in anything she did. She couldn't even wear the pajama pants because grandpa wanted her to wear night gowns. No wonder I struggled so long with figuring out what a submissive wife looks and sounds like. I was so disgusted by how she was treated that I refused to even look at the word submissive. At one point I may have even scratched it out of my Bible. Then I met Matthew. How could I not look at him as the leader in our home? He is a man of God who leads our family with sacrifice and love! The fruits of the Spirit are so clear when it comes to my family...the fruits of my grandfather (an atheist) were anger, hatred, bitterness, alcoholism, and cruelty. The fruits of M's spirit lead by the Holy Spirit are love, peace, patience, kindness...you know the deal.
After a bit of a struggle purchasing tickets (I had a hard time bringing myself to spend $600.00 airfare on a man who when making spaghetti would only allow 32 noodles per person because he hoarded pennies) I realized I was going for my grandmother and my mom. I was so blessed to have M's mom and and Aunt who were willing to stay with the kids so I could go. While I felt horrible leaving my MIL who flew in from Australia, I was grateful to have family who love my kids be able to take care of them so I could go to NM and show love towards my grandma and mom.
I got to NM and the Holy Spirit guided every moment of the trip. The interactions were amazing. Grandma and grandpa had 2 empty houses that grandma needed to have sold as soon as possible. So we cleaned from dawn til dusk for two days so that she could get them sold. I was there for only two days and hardly did anything compared to my uncle who lives there, but it was so great to be able to help in one small way. Grandma sat next to me in a chair and while I scrubbed she told me her life story. She started at the very beginning and told me so many stories about her family and her whole life. I hope she enjoyed it. I loved hearing her perspective. Her memory is amazing! I hope I have 1/2 her mental abilities when I am 60 let alone 86! I didn't have any time to see any of my other NM family, but I am so thankful that I was able to help grandma in a small way!
She is so coming into her own too! She is eating out once per week! She is buying avocados! She also has tickets to come to KS for my mom's bday weekend when we will be there! So she gets to meet my twins 54 years after she had her twins! I am so excited so spend time with here and bribe the 3 years olds to give her as many hugs as possible ;).
Then I headed back to NJ where we spent amazing time with family in from Australia and Bermuda for M's grandma's 80th bday party. While it was tough not having M there we were amazingly blessed to have so many people surrounding us and distracting us from daddy being gone. They spoiled us with their time, $$$, and love. We are so grateful!
We are back in NC and cleaning/painting away. The kitchen is now yellow and all scrubbed down. We are beginning to think about next month when we get to buy school supplies! We get to buy first day of school clothes! We get to get back in a routine!
Grandma Yoyo came the middle of last month! We had so much fun showing her our church, our neighborhood and our community. We also got to take her to Myrtle Beach. It was so fun to have several days with no house cleaning involved! She was such a blessing by adoring on the kiddos! We were grateful for her help with laundry and dishes and all around precious time.
My grandfather passed away while she was here. He was not a good man. I don't know if he can hear how people feel about him. I would not even go to my grandparents' home because of how much I couldn't stand to be around him. I struggle with who he was and how he treated everyone around him...there are just no nice things to say. I don't know if you have had someone in your life whom you could say very few, if any nice things about. It is not fun. I am constantly amazed at how my mom changed the course of my life by being and doing better than her father. My kids know love and hear they are loved every day which had never been the case in grandpa's home.
Watching Grandma blossom at the age of almost 86 has been sad and exciting. She gets to eat a fresh banana..for 58 years she was only able to buy the bananas on discount cause they were already brown. That is just the tip of the iceberg as far as the rules she had to live by. She had no choice, no say in anything she did. She couldn't even wear the pajama pants because grandpa wanted her to wear night gowns. No wonder I struggled so long with figuring out what a submissive wife looks and sounds like. I was so disgusted by how she was treated that I refused to even look at the word submissive. At one point I may have even scratched it out of my Bible. Then I met Matthew. How could I not look at him as the leader in our home? He is a man of God who leads our family with sacrifice and love! The fruits of the Spirit are so clear when it comes to my family...the fruits of my grandfather (an atheist) were anger, hatred, bitterness, alcoholism, and cruelty. The fruits of M's spirit lead by the Holy Spirit are love, peace, patience, kindness...you know the deal.
After a bit of a struggle purchasing tickets (I had a hard time bringing myself to spend $600.00 airfare on a man who when making spaghetti would only allow 32 noodles per person because he hoarded pennies) I realized I was going for my grandmother and my mom. I was so blessed to have M's mom and and Aunt who were willing to stay with the kids so I could go. While I felt horrible leaving my MIL who flew in from Australia, I was grateful to have family who love my kids be able to take care of them so I could go to NM and show love towards my grandma and mom.
I got to NM and the Holy Spirit guided every moment of the trip. The interactions were amazing. Grandma and grandpa had 2 empty houses that grandma needed to have sold as soon as possible. So we cleaned from dawn til dusk for two days so that she could get them sold. I was there for only two days and hardly did anything compared to my uncle who lives there, but it was so great to be able to help in one small way. Grandma sat next to me in a chair and while I scrubbed she told me her life story. She started at the very beginning and told me so many stories about her family and her whole life. I hope she enjoyed it. I loved hearing her perspective. Her memory is amazing! I hope I have 1/2 her mental abilities when I am 60 let alone 86! I didn't have any time to see any of my other NM family, but I am so thankful that I was able to help grandma in a small way!
She is so coming into her own too! She is eating out once per week! She is buying avocados! She also has tickets to come to KS for my mom's bday weekend when we will be there! So she gets to meet my twins 54 years after she had her twins! I am so excited so spend time with here and bribe the 3 years olds to give her as many hugs as possible ;).
Then I headed back to NJ where we spent amazing time with family in from Australia and Bermuda for M's grandma's 80th bday party. While it was tough not having M there we were amazingly blessed to have so many people surrounding us and distracting us from daddy being gone. They spoiled us with their time, $$$, and love. We are so grateful!
We are back in NC and cleaning/painting away. The kitchen is now yellow and all scrubbed down. We are beginning to think about next month when we get to buy school supplies! We get to buy first day of school clothes! We get to get back in a routine!
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Bday fun!
 |
| being cutie pies |
 |
| they never stop exploring |
How blessed am I? So many people went out of their way to make sure I had cards, phone calls, messages, and love on my Birthday. Thank you so much! I appreciate you thinking of me especially while M is away. Thanks for supporting America by supporting me ;).
 |
| Loving husband sent me these! 11 Birthdays together and he still knows exactly what to get! Not that flowers are difficult, but they are my favorite! |
 |
| a new purse with perfect timing since mine was falling apart |
 |
| LOVE this! My grandma and her twins, me and mine My grandma and her girl, me and mine |
 |
| some of the cards |
 |
| dear friends who took me to dinner! |
 |
| Red Lobster gave me dinner on the house and the staff signed a card! so amazing |
 |
| Bday dessert |
 |
| Bday treat |
 |
| Best coffee ever! Perfect when the kids "make me crazy"! |
 |
| got to my dad's where we devoured yummy cake |
 |
| more perfect gifts! Another Bday treat was getting to see L girl perform her gymnastics show! So exciting for a mom! She decided she was "going to do the BEST show ever since it was on [my] birthday"! I was not disappointed, believe me! She was cute and so focused on making sure I was watching her amazing show she did miss a few steps on the balance beam...but the show went on and she just kept smiling and going! That is what I call perfect. |
 |
| Little Jonny Cash tune playing while they did their show |
 |
| L's gymnastics show |
 |
| L girl got an idea from Aunty Megan...to donate hair. We are so blessed to have family around us who are models of generosity! I am grateful to God for the family in our lives who help me to raise God-focused/others-centered children! She loves her new do. |
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Will M recognize the house when he gets home?
The brain power that goes into decorating for me hurts my head! I am decorating challenged and it has taken me 10 years to figure our my style, colors, etc (and be to afford it). I cannot look at a room, imagine a vision for the room and then make it happen. Every step is a painful planning, prep and copying off of the internet. I am so excited for what has taken shape in our current house. The way I am going, we will probably never leave this house because I have invested so much of myself into it. It is so exciting to be in a place where I can finally paint without getting paint all over the carpets. I finally have figured out the tips and tools to make it possible for this to not be an overwhelming process. I know most people don't like color the way I do, but I hate boring beige. Life it way too short to live in beige. I was so proud of my step-mom when she introduced so many colors to her current home (I love you R)! She could be the queen of beige (and be in her glory). But that also works for her. So to have finally figured out what works for me and us and our space is so thrilling!
In Okinawa, you could go to the paint store on base and ask for a color from the paint strips they provided. Even if there was paint available and the paint mixer wasn't broken down, you just never knew what color the mixer would come out with. I went there several times, picked a paint sample and got a completely different color. To be able now to go to Lowes and come home with exactly the perfect color is amazing! I am so grateful to be able to have all the kinks worked out and coming out with a finished product I LOVE! Have you read this article? This is exactly how every project and idea I have attempted has turned out. So about a year ago I gave up trying Pintrest ideas...I use them as a base to develop my own ideas and make sure the ideas are for inanimate objects only!
Also during the last deployment I discussed the stages of deployment for military wives
(little like stages of grief):
1. Redecorate
2. Shopping
3. Get some sort of pet
4. Body make-over
5. Trip to somewhere
My resolve:
1. Painting bedroom, living room, kitchen and downstairs bathroom
2. don't really need anything so skipping this...well, maybe shopping for stuff for the garden
3. M made me promise absolutely no pets while he is gone. But what would he think about a snake?
I think that would be AWESOME! I never thought about getting a snake for a pet, but it is my favorite animal. Can you imagine how cool the boys would think feeding the snake is?
4. lost 6 lbs so far
5. leaving for SC on Saturday...and we have ADT so no one reading this can break in and steal our "valuable" half broken kids' toys ;)
 |
| living room paint |
 |
| why is paint prep is the bulk of the time? I would repaint all the time if it weren't for the prep work! |
 |
| M, I hope you really do like this because I am not painting in a house again for many years! |
 | |
|
 |
| finished room. I am in love with this |
 |
| I struggle with being able to paint and finish this house. How many kids in the Philippines could I feed on what a can of paint cost? How do you balance what you are blessed with and what others need? Am I too self-centered to be working on my house? I love this hobby of working on the house and the garden, but am I taking away from what others need way more than I need a can of paint? Feel free to provide some insight to these questions... I also feel because we have 3 small kids, working for others outside the home is not in our realm right now. In a couple of years the kids will be right alongside me helping and contributing to others around us. Right now I am at home so to keep me sane, I work on the home. It will get better but right now it is all I can do to clean up after these monsters. |
 |
| Never mind the pile of junk...gotta love what you find when you pull out the furniture. Loving this space! |
 |
| this circle I added on Sunday to match the rectangle in the middle |
 |
| First time I have ever painted! Not too shabby if I do say so myself. Won't be starting an Etsy shop or anything, but I enjoyed making this for our room. |
 |
| I am fairly proud of my first attempt at an actual painting...ever. |
 |
| C for Collins in case you didn't quite get it |
 |
| I am very excited about how the bedroom turned out! |
OH -- and just in case you didn't remember, my BIRTHDAY is on SATURDAY...no gifts please...just phone calls and FB notes ;)! I LOVE my birthday!!! L girl is apparently planning a surprise party with my 9 year old sister...cracking me up because the planning has consisted of saying on the phone to each other:
L girl "Let's plan a surprise party for my mamma at 10:30"
My sister, "Ok"
I love these kids!
Now to discuss the blessings so far on this deployment...
1. The boys had a stomach bug last week and ALL bodily fluids went into the toilet or some sort of container! Do you know what a milestone this is!?!??! Last time I had 22 crib changes in 11 days...that meant changing sheets, scrubbing the walls, the cribs, the floors and the kid. 22 times!
2. Still enjoying the bed to myself as M is enjoying not being pushed out of the bed
Now to discuss the blessings so far on this deployment...
1. The boys had a stomach bug last week and ALL bodily fluids went into the toilet or some sort of container! Do you know what a milestone this is!?!??! Last time I had 22 crib changes in 11 days...that meant changing sheets, scrubbing the walls, the cribs, the floors and the kid. 22 times!
2. Still enjoying the bed to myself as M is enjoying not being pushed out of the bed
3. Last time L girl peed on the floor for one straight month once every single day right after M left...this time no potty regression for anyone!
4. The boys miss daddy and notice he is gone and ask about him...but no sobbing the way L girl did last time. Boys just handle things differently and I love the less drama way of dealing with the deployment.
5. WE ARE IN THE U.S. OF A. That make such a HUGE difference! We have already had one set of visitors and have another visit planned this week. Such a great way to spend time!
6. Even 6 months ago I would not have dreamt of being able to paint in the house with my 3 monsters...but here I am painting away. Yes it is a bit of TV time for them, but I am actually able to paint!
7. We have a yard!!!! After living in a 1100 sq ft apartment, do you know how amazing it is to have a yard?!?! We have spent hours already playing outside in the pool and sprinklers just since he left! The kids can go out on their playground any time!
8. The kids only need a referee every couple of hours...yes hours! They are actually playing together and getting along. We don't spend the whole day yelling, them yelling at each other, me yelling at them to stop yelling, and then them yelling because I was yelling! It is glorious!
I need to get back to taking care of the kids...they have been fed and are not dead, but a little neglected this week as I painted.
4. The boys miss daddy and notice he is gone and ask about him...but no sobbing the way L girl did last time. Boys just handle things differently and I love the less drama way of dealing with the deployment.
5. WE ARE IN THE U.S. OF A. That make such a HUGE difference! We have already had one set of visitors and have another visit planned this week. Such a great way to spend time!
6. Even 6 months ago I would not have dreamt of being able to paint in the house with my 3 monsters...but here I am painting away. Yes it is a bit of TV time for them, but I am actually able to paint!
7. We have a yard!!!! After living in a 1100 sq ft apartment, do you know how amazing it is to have a yard?!?! We have spent hours already playing outside in the pool and sprinklers just since he left! The kids can go out on their playground any time!
8. The kids only need a referee every couple of hours...yes hours! They are actually playing together and getting along. We don't spend the whole day yelling, them yelling at each other, me yelling at them to stop yelling, and then them yelling because I was yelling! It is glorious!
I need to get back to taking care of the kids...they have been fed and are not dead, but a little neglected this week as I painted.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
What a BIG 2 days!
May 24 is the day L girl "graduated" from Preschool! The ceremony was precious and she LOVED crossing the stage. SO success for all. She met all the preschool standards and is officially ready for Kindergarten. She is so excited to ride the bus to her new school in just 3 short months!!!
Today we woke up to a sunny morning for our very BIG recital. L was hesitant and not sure she wanted to actually go up on stage. We did her hair and make up just in case she changed her mind and decided to go up on stage. By the time we ate and actually left the house, there was no stopping her from going up there to perform her big dance! We ordered the DVD which will be here in about one month.
It has been a crazy and busy weekend with love felt all around. We could not have made it such a joyful weekend without Steve and Ashley joining us! Thank you for bringing love, support and more love into our lives. We are blessed by every moment we share with you!
 |
| L on stage |
 |
 |
| 4-year old teacher! |
 |
| Congratulations L |
Today we woke up to a sunny morning for our very BIG recital. L was hesitant and not sure she wanted to actually go up on stage. We did her hair and make up just in case she changed her mind and decided to go up on stage. By the time we ate and actually left the house, there was no stopping her from going up there to perform her big dance! We ordered the DVD which will be here in about one month.
 |
| Uncle Steve gets BEST GODFATHER of the year award for taking a day off of work, renting a car, driving down from NJ, buying a shirt and tie to match L's costume, buying her the biggest bouquet of all and spending the whole weekend adoring our precious girl. |
 |
| After show pics |
 |
| Aunt Ashley playing with the wild child, Caleb |
 |
| NOt so sure about posing |
 |
| Finally getting the pic |
 |
| starting to get silly |
 |
| Connor, L and Uncle Steve |
 |
| The boys were scheduled to perform as well T-shirts -- $16 each White shorts -- searching at 6 different stores and about $5 each White shoes for each boy -- $8 per pair $352 -- total cost of dance for 4 months of classes Total cost for the boys to sit on my lap while their class performed -- $394 |
 |
| finally got a cute one of the boys |
 |
| Uncle Steve and Aunt Ashley wrangling all 3 kids! |
 |
| Ohh, how cute! |
 |
| Off to IHOP for our celebration brunch |
 |
| After the elegant and beautiful recital; Uncle Steve fixed my lawn mower, cemented the Arbor in place, built a fire, sawed wood, and drank M's beer! Thanks M, he said it was good. |
 |
| All the veggies are growing |
 |
| L girl got ahold of the camera for the next several pics. We call this "as seen by the 5-year old" |
It has been a crazy and busy weekend with love felt all around. We could not have made it such a joyful weekend without Steve and Ashley joining us! Thank you for bringing love, support and more love into our lives. We are blessed by every moment we share with you!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)