Just a quick update on how things are going on around here. After my sister left I was a bit down again, but I was able to keep busy which helped. Last week we had VBS at our church, and I was in charge of crafts for our class. It was a fun time and also a blessing seeing the visitors join the others and really get involved in memorizing verses and answering questions.
Later this morning, I will begin the journey to get the kids. After looking into prices for planes, trains, bus, and gas (driving), Greyhound was the winner. With military discounts, the total came to $417.60. Had I driven, it would have been about $800-$900 for gas alone. This way I don't have to drive and I save money, but the downfall is it's a 2 day trip there and a 2 day trip back. But I am just happy to be getting the kids back. It's been way too quiet and lonely around here.
So I am off to get a nap before this long trip. When I return, I'm sure I'll be worn out but extremely happy!
Monday, August 11, 2008
Sisters Getting Along
As I write this I realize that it's been almost a month since I last posted. Although nothing really much happened around here until my sister came out for a visit. She was here from July 23-30.
From the beginning it was bound to be interesting. Her flight in Atlanta got delayed, so instead of going to pick her up after church, I went home to eat and kill time for a couple hours. Being a bit sore, I stretched out on the couch for a minute, or at least that was my intent. Next thing I know, my phone is ringing and she is wondering where I am at. Uh oh! I live about 30-45 minutes away from the airport so I shoot out the door and input the airport into the GPS while on the way. Now she came into a small airport that is not open 24/7, they usually close at 11pm, and at this point it is midnight. I rush out there as fast as possible and pick her up. After the hugs and hellos, she mentions as we're driving home that she thought it was mom driving at first. I still don't know how to take that one, so I "just smile and wave".
I took the scenic route home (if you can call city lights scenic) and then we talked for a bit before finally settling in for the night. The next day I showed her around base and we did a little shopping. We didn't really do a whole lot, just spent a lot of time together. It was good for both of us as it was a bit lonely out here by myself, and she needed a break from work and a chance to rest. On Saturday we went to the beach for a little bit and walked along the water's edge, but we hadn't brought our bathing suits. We still got wet though! We went again on Tuesday ready for some water fun. Note to self: *bring and use sunblock next time!*
I had some but forgot when we went, and we both got baked pretty good. I don't usually burn too much, maybe get a little pink, and then I tan afterwards, but I got really red this time. Ella got even redder than I did and we were both groaning and "ow"ing the rest of the night and the next day (which is when she had to travel back). Even though, we still had a good time and it ended all too soon. And amazingly enough, we were still on talking terms with each other! (Growing up we were known for our constant fighting/bickering with each other and even in past adult get togethers, we still couldn't be around each other for more than a few days). We've really grown closer over the past few years, and I couldn't be happier!
So please enjoy these pictures of me and my little sis (who is 6 inches taller than me!)
These are the shoes I talked Ella into getting. Aren't they cute?
Ella at the beach
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Us sisters at the beach
We had a mini Mary Kay makeover on Monday. It was fun!
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The two of us going out to dinner after the afternoon at the beach
(see all the red?)
Monday, July 14, 2008
The half-way point
Well, it is now half-way through the deployment, based on 210 days. Of course that could change a bit, but not by much. It's hard to believe he's been gone for 3 1/2 months already!
Things were going by pretty fast when the kids were here, but they've been gone for 3 weeks now. It's been awfully quiet and boring around here so I got myself a puppy :-) The kids and I went to visit her before they left (needed to make sure she'd be good with the kids) and we liked her, so I picked her up the Friday after the kids left. Her name is Penny, she's about 6 months old, was already house broken, came with food, bed & a kennel, and - she was free! (Pictures down below!) I found her on Lejeune Yard Sales, which I have become a little almost addicted to. Luckily for my bank account, I just mostly look!
Also, today, after some talking and debating with Brian (which, as he's deployed, has taken longer than I anticipated), we have finally come to a decision to home school the children this year. This is such an answer to prayer for me, as it's something I have thought about since I got out of the Marine Corps, but have felt especially drawn to do within the past year. We will be using the ACE cirriculum - I thought it best to break Brian in gently :-)
So far this summer, since the kids have been gone, I have found myself not doing as much as I had planned on. It's a little hard to get myself motivated with no one around to see. (I usually do better under pressure, anyways). Over the next couple of weeks I plan on really delving into the garage. The goal is to have a massive garage sale to get rid of stuff so I can actually use the garage to park the truck in. What a concept! :-)
Also, my sister will be here from July 23-30, and that will be fun. It's been a couple of years since I've seen her, and she gets to visit a new place, too. We are both looking forward to the visit!
Just a few pics to share ....
Here are the kids at Books-A-Million, where we had gone for Vincent's birthday(June 21). We also later that day went to a Toys R Us grand opening, and walmart, where the boys got to spend their birthday money. This is the last day they were all together. Left to right, oldest to youngest, Karah - 9, Brian Lee - 8, and Vincent - 7. They grow up way too quick!
Here are Karah & Vincent having some fun when we were at the airport in Raleigh. We had gotten there in plenty of time, and then a plane blew a tire when it was landing, causing the airport to shut down for a bit. Originally we were to have an almost 2 hr layover in San Antonio, but because of the delays our would be plane took off just minutes after we landed. Thankfully, we were able to make the next flight a couple of hours later.
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Things were going by pretty fast when the kids were here, but they've been gone for 3 weeks now. It's been awfully quiet and boring around here so I got myself a puppy :-) The kids and I went to visit her before they left (needed to make sure she'd be good with the kids) and we liked her, so I picked her up the Friday after the kids left. Her name is Penny, she's about 6 months old, was already house broken, came with food, bed & a kennel, and - she was free! (Pictures down below!) I found her on Lejeune Yard Sales, which I have become a little almost addicted to. Luckily for my bank account, I just mostly look!
Also, today, after some talking and debating with Brian (which, as he's deployed, has taken longer than I anticipated), we have finally come to a decision to home school the children this year. This is such an answer to prayer for me, as it's something I have thought about since I got out of the Marine Corps, but have felt especially drawn to do within the past year. We will be using the ACE cirriculum - I thought it best to break Brian in gently :-)
So far this summer, since the kids have been gone, I have found myself not doing as much as I had planned on. It's a little hard to get myself motivated with no one around to see. (I usually do better under pressure, anyways). Over the next couple of weeks I plan on really delving into the garage. The goal is to have a massive garage sale to get rid of stuff so I can actually use the garage to park the truck in. What a concept! :-)
Also, my sister will be here from July 23-30, and that will be fun. It's been a couple of years since I've seen her, and she gets to visit a new place, too. We are both looking forward to the visit!
Just a few pics to share ....
Here are the kids at Books-A-Million, where we had gone for Vincent's birthday(June 21). We also later that day went to a Toys R Us grand opening, and walmart, where the boys got to spend their birthday money. This is the last day they were all together. Left to right, oldest to youngest, Karah - 9, Brian Lee - 8, and Vincent - 7. They grow up way too quick!
Here are Karah & Vincent having some fun when we were at the airport in Raleigh. We had gotten there in plenty of time, and then a plane blew a tire when it was landing, causing the airport to shut down for a bit. Originally we were to have an almost 2 hr layover in San Antonio, but because of the delays our would be plane took off just minutes after we landed. Thankfully, we were able to make the next flight a couple of hours later.
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Karah & Vincent playing "I spy" at the airport
Here's Penny! She's a shepherd/lab mix and very loveable!
I just love this picture of her!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
I know it's been sooo long...
But things have been crazy busy around here lately. Last week was a mostly relaxing week except for the two birthdays. Brian Lee turned 8 on the 19th, and Vincent turned 7 on the 21st. My baby is 7 already! This week will be emotional as tomorrow I fly the kids to Texas for the summer, which means it's going to be a very long summer for me!
I hope this update helps some. I will post more when I'm not trying to pack 2 suitcases & 3 carry-ons. :-)
Here is Karah with a large size waffle cone from Ben & Jerry's - she bought it with her first allowance!
Vincent with his huge waffle cone - June 2, 2008
June 6, 2008 - Here are the kids at the Cherry Point Air Show. We went to the night showing - missed the Blue Angels, but got to see fireworks and had a lot of fun. Will post more pics of it later.
June 19, 2008 - Brian Lee got his first webkinz on his 8th birthday. It's the elephant, the pet of the month, and he named it "Squirt". How appropriate!
June 20, 2008 - The kids on webcam with daddy (I'm holding the webcam so he could see all 3 of them). I am so thankful for technology. Brian now has internet in his room so we're able to chat online. :-D
June 21, 2008 - Vincent opened his birthday presents at Books-A-Million, and then proceeded to spend some birthday money on another webkinz. As you can see, here he is with his Lil' Kinz Black Lab (Black-E) and the rest of his presents. Can you believe he's 7 years old?
June 21, 2008 - One last pic of the children together for a couple of months. Brian Lee - 8, Vincent - 7, Karah - 9
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Has it been 9 years already?
It seems like just yesterday she was this tiny little thing ... a mere 6lbs 6oz with her black hair & black eyes. It's amazing to look back and see how she has grown into a beautiful, young girl. She's a perfectionist, very loving, sings well, and wants to learn how to play some instruments. She also is not a big fan of mommy doing her hair :( unless it's for something special. She takes pride in what she does and loves to spend time with her family. That's my wonderful daughter, Karah!
Karah on her birth day - May 22, 1999 - Okinawa, Japan
Karah approx 1 yr - Fallbrook, CA
Karah at 2 - Fallbrook, CA
Look at me, I'm 3! - Fallbrook, CA
Dora was her thing at 4 - Twentynine Palms, CA
All her presents at 5 - Twentynine Palms, CA
Rising star at 6! - Twentynine Palms, CA
Pretty girl at 7 - Twentynine Palms, CA
Lovely at 8, almost 9 - Camp Lejeune, NC (will update when I can download my pics)
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Monday, May 26, 2008
Memorial Day
As today is Memorial Day, most people think about that extra day off work. Fewer think about the real reason why it's a "holiday". I was raised in a family with a big military background. My dad was in the Army and his dad was in the Air Force. On my mom's side, my grandma was in the Navy and my grandpa was in the Marine Corps - they met at Parris Island, SC. Their oldest son went into the Navy, and 2 of the other boys went into the Marines, where one of them stayed in until retirement. I have some cousins that were in the Army, and I myself was in the Marine Corps. I have married a Marine whose brother is also a Marine, his mother is retired Air Force, and his dad is retired Navy. To say we're a military family is a bit of an understatement. I wasn't raised in a military family, but I was raised very patriotically by my grandma. My children are being raised as a military family. A life that was chosen before they were conceived.
We are in a place nowadays where there is arguments over whether we should still be in Iraq. They want "our boys" to come home. Know one knows better than the families left behind how much we our boys (and girls) to come home, but we know why they're there. My sister once asked me, "How can you be so calm about it?" (referring to Brian having to go to Iraq). I replied, "It could have been me." I was still active duty when 9/11 happened. I re-enlisted that December, although I was going to anyhow, even if the tragedy hadn't happened. Because of my job, I had to go back to school for more training. When I was done with that, I stayed as an instructor. Being in the training environment put me in a non-deployable status, so I was never with any unit that went. I am glad to have not gone, but I would've if it had been needed. It is very hard with Brian being gone, but I am not sorry he's serving his country in this manner. We both knew what could happen when we signed up, although the threat at this level wasn't there at the time. I am very proud of Brian and everyone else that is currently serving. They are there for us.
Just like those who have been there before. With all the military in my family and all the friends/acquaintances I've made because of the Marine Corps, I can only think of one that I personally knew that has died in a war. I also know of my aunt's first husband who was killed in Vietnam (my mom was only 10 or 11, so I was not yet born). Other than that, all I can say is that I've been blessed so far, and Lord willing it will stay this way. Although I know the longer we're in, the more people we know, the more that chance increases.
The other day I was in class, and as it was the first day we did the introductions. It's a resume class, so I did mention that I was in the Marine Corps (gotta put something on the resume, right?). They all said "thank you for serving", and honestly - I don't feel the need to be thanked. I didn't join for the fame or recognitions. I joined because this is my country. As those who joined before me, knowing what could happen - and did happen.
To them I give my thanks. Without them, our country would be in a much different place.
Thank you
The older gentleman in this video is a real Medal of Honor recipient.
We are in a place nowadays where there is arguments over whether we should still be in Iraq. They want "our boys" to come home. Know one knows better than the families left behind how much we our boys (and girls) to come home, but we know why they're there. My sister once asked me, "How can you be so calm about it?" (referring to Brian having to go to Iraq). I replied, "It could have been me." I was still active duty when 9/11 happened. I re-enlisted that December, although I was going to anyhow, even if the tragedy hadn't happened. Because of my job, I had to go back to school for more training. When I was done with that, I stayed as an instructor. Being in the training environment put me in a non-deployable status, so I was never with any unit that went. I am glad to have not gone, but I would've if it had been needed. It is very hard with Brian being gone, but I am not sorry he's serving his country in this manner. We both knew what could happen when we signed up, although the threat at this level wasn't there at the time. I am very proud of Brian and everyone else that is currently serving. They are there for us.
Just like those who have been there before. With all the military in my family and all the friends/acquaintances I've made because of the Marine Corps, I can only think of one that I personally knew that has died in a war. I also know of my aunt's first husband who was killed in Vietnam (my mom was only 10 or 11, so I was not yet born). Other than that, all I can say is that I've been blessed so far, and Lord willing it will stay this way. Although I know the longer we're in, the more people we know, the more that chance increases.
The other day I was in class, and as it was the first day we did the introductions. It's a resume class, so I did mention that I was in the Marine Corps (gotta put something on the resume, right?). They all said "thank you for serving", and honestly - I don't feel the need to be thanked. I didn't join for the fame or recognitions. I joined because this is my country. As those who joined before me, knowing what could happen - and did happen.
To them I give my thanks. Without them, our country would be in a much different place.
Thank you
The older gentleman in this video is a real Medal of Honor recipient.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
I'm glad I know that I'm saved!!!
Praise the Lord!
Tonight at church, I had the privlege of leading Vincent to the Lord. He had me go with him down to the altar and I asked him what he wanted to pray for. He said he wanted to get saved. I asked him if he knew what it meant and if he realized he was a sinner. He said yes, so I said a little prayer first, then led him through the sinner's prayer. Everyone was very happy, especially Vincent. On the way home, he was singing along with the cd that was playing and one of the songs went "I'm saved, I'm saved, I'm saved" sung in different parts (each part being held out) but Vincent sang them all. What a blessing to know that he now has Jesus living in his heart, and will one day live forever in Glory! What a Great Saviour we have!
Tonight at church, I had the privlege of leading Vincent to the Lord. He had me go with him down to the altar and I asked him what he wanted to pray for. He said he wanted to get saved. I asked him if he knew what it meant and if he realized he was a sinner. He said yes, so I said a little prayer first, then led him through the sinner's prayer. Everyone was very happy, especially Vincent. On the way home, he was singing along with the cd that was playing and one of the songs went "I'm saved, I'm saved, I'm saved" sung in different parts (each part being held out) but Vincent sang them all. What a blessing to know that he now has Jesus living in his heart, and will one day live forever in Glory! What a Great Saviour we have!
The Past 2 1/2 weeks
have just flown by! My memory stick extender is still MIA and I have no clue where the original box is that probably still contains the cord we've never used. *sigh* So eventually, I will have pictures to put on here.
To continue from the last post, the weekend of camping with a bunch of girl scouts went really well. The ticks were out in full force, and thank the Lord they didn't like me! Or maybe they just didn't like the bug spray/repellent I was wearing. Either way, I am quite thankful. Karah escaped the weekend with only having 3 on her. When all the girls in my troop had been picked up, we went and picked up Vincent from my friend's place, and then went home where I did a full body check for ticks on Karah. That's when I found the 3rd one in her hair. She took her shower while I checked myself for ticks, then had Vincent look in my hair since I obviously couldn't. After her shower, I took her to a birthday party for one of her fellow girl scouts. Vincent & I came home and I got to take my shower. Oh, it feels so good to take a shower after 2 1/2 days without one! After I got dressed, we picked up Karah from that birthday party just to take her to another girl scout's birthday party. This time when we went home it was Vincent's turn for the shower. Another trip to pick up Karah, and when we got home we all got ready for church.
On Monday (May 7th) Vincent had boy scouts. They did their things, and afterwards Vincent ran around in the rain - and lost his slide. The second one. So we had to buy him a new one.
Tuesday (May 8th) I was doing some things around the house. Due to the change in weather, some rather undesireable insects kept getting into our home, plus we had a sudden outbreak of fleas (we don't have a pet anymore so they were getting us!), so I bug-bombed the house. I stopped by the school to drop off some paperwork, and I see Vincent in the nurse's office. She was just trying to call me, so I checked him out early (I was going to anyways, this just made it excuseable). He had a temperature of 101 degrees. They had gone to the farm for a field trip earlier to pick strawberries. I obviously couldn't take him home, so we went and picked up Karah and then went to the px and then out in town, looking at/for webkinz stuff. The kids really like their webkinz. Then we came back and I did my girl scouts, went home to open the windows so the house could air out, then went and had Subway for dinner. Once we got home, Karah helped me strip and remake the beds, I gave Vincent some medicine and got him in bed. The next day he still had a fever in the morning, and in the afternoon he started losing his water, so needless to say, we didn't go to church that night. I kept him home from school on Thursday just to make sure the virus/sickness was gone and then he went back on Friday.
Friday evening we spent 5 hours at a carnival here on base. Admission and rides were free, which was great (because you know they usually have just outrageous prices). I have lots of pictures that are still stuck on the memory card. They went on the Magic Carpet Ride (a HUGE slide that they slid down on burlap sacks - oh, and they pur armor all the slide to make it easier to go down), the DragonWagon (kiddie roller coaster), swings (all 3 of us), the zipper (me & Karah - she screamed my ear off, but had fun), the Super Shot (you go way high up in the sky, and then it drops you - they liked it). They also went on the Sizzler, Ferris Wheel, and a several others whose names are alluding me right now. We had a good time that evening and finally made our way back home. The next day, there was a swap meet in the building next to the carnival. We went to it, then decided to stay and do some more rides before it got too crowded. They also had an area with bouncys set up by the USA and sponsored by Disney. It was pretty cool b/c we wre able to get a free Disney movie that we didn't yet have. They also had practically every bouncy imaginable. They first went on a couple of the reguar ones, then they headed for the water inflatables. The one they liked the best was the one that the slide ended into a pool. They went down a few times before it was time to go.
My girl scouts were meeting to play laser tag and go roller skating with some of their money from cookies sailes. Since the laser tag din't start for a couple hourse we just rollerskated. It was fun and by the end Vincent was starting to get the hang of it. This past weekend we took it easy and just stayed home.
On Monday, it was time for boy scouts again, and ths time thye got to do learn how to play tennis and ultimate frisbee. Thursday, Karah's troop is meeting at the roller skating rink. She'll have a fun time, I know.
So there's a bit of a rundown over our past couple of weeks. Soon I hope to have pictures up her.
To continue from the last post, the weekend of camping with a bunch of girl scouts went really well. The ticks were out in full force, and thank the Lord they didn't like me! Or maybe they just didn't like the bug spray/repellent I was wearing. Either way, I am quite thankful. Karah escaped the weekend with only having 3 on her. When all the girls in my troop had been picked up, we went and picked up Vincent from my friend's place, and then went home where I did a full body check for ticks on Karah. That's when I found the 3rd one in her hair. She took her shower while I checked myself for ticks, then had Vincent look in my hair since I obviously couldn't. After her shower, I took her to a birthday party for one of her fellow girl scouts. Vincent & I came home and I got to take my shower. Oh, it feels so good to take a shower after 2 1/2 days without one! After I got dressed, we picked up Karah from that birthday party just to take her to another girl scout's birthday party. This time when we went home it was Vincent's turn for the shower. Another trip to pick up Karah, and when we got home we all got ready for church.
On Monday (May 7th) Vincent had boy scouts. They did their things, and afterwards Vincent ran around in the rain - and lost his slide. The second one. So we had to buy him a new one.
Tuesday (May 8th) I was doing some things around the house. Due to the change in weather, some rather undesireable insects kept getting into our home, plus we had a sudden outbreak of fleas (we don't have a pet anymore so they were getting us!), so I bug-bombed the house. I stopped by the school to drop off some paperwork, and I see Vincent in the nurse's office. She was just trying to call me, so I checked him out early (I was going to anyways, this just made it excuseable). He had a temperature of 101 degrees. They had gone to the farm for a field trip earlier to pick strawberries. I obviously couldn't take him home, so we went and picked up Karah and then went to the px and then out in town, looking at/for webkinz stuff. The kids really like their webkinz. Then we came back and I did my girl scouts, went home to open the windows so the house could air out, then went and had Subway for dinner. Once we got home, Karah helped me strip and remake the beds, I gave Vincent some medicine and got him in bed. The next day he still had a fever in the morning, and in the afternoon he started losing his water, so needless to say, we didn't go to church that night. I kept him home from school on Thursday just to make sure the virus/sickness was gone and then he went back on Friday.
Friday evening we spent 5 hours at a carnival here on base. Admission and rides were free, which was great (because you know they usually have just outrageous prices). I have lots of pictures that are still stuck on the memory card. They went on the Magic Carpet Ride (a HUGE slide that they slid down on burlap sacks - oh, and they pur armor all the slide to make it easier to go down), the DragonWagon (kiddie roller coaster), swings (all 3 of us), the zipper (me & Karah - she screamed my ear off, but had fun), the Super Shot (you go way high up in the sky, and then it drops you - they liked it). They also went on the Sizzler, Ferris Wheel, and a several others whose names are alluding me right now. We had a good time that evening and finally made our way back home. The next day, there was a swap meet in the building next to the carnival. We went to it, then decided to stay and do some more rides before it got too crowded. They also had an area with bouncys set up by the USA and sponsored by Disney. It was pretty cool b/c we wre able to get a free Disney movie that we didn't yet have. They also had practically every bouncy imaginable. They first went on a couple of the reguar ones, then they headed for the water inflatables. The one they liked the best was the one that the slide ended into a pool. They went down a few times before it was time to go.
My girl scouts were meeting to play laser tag and go roller skating with some of their money from cookies sailes. Since the laser tag din't start for a couple hourse we just rollerskated. It was fun and by the end Vincent was starting to get the hang of it. This past weekend we took it easy and just stayed home.
On Monday, it was time for boy scouts again, and ths time thye got to do learn how to play tennis and ultimate frisbee. Thursday, Karah's troop is meeting at the roller skating rink. She'll have a fun time, I know.
So there's a bit of a rundown over our past couple of weeks. Soon I hope to have pictures up her.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Preparing for the weekend ...
camping! This weekend is Camporee for all the girl scouts here on base. We're going out tomorrow evening and coming back on Sunday morning. My troop will be myself and my co-leader and 6 girls. The theme this year is "Pirates" so the girls voted and our name this weekend will be "Dutchman Divas". Very cute and girly, kinda like this picture.
Once we get back, we'll get to take a shower (finally) and then Karah has 2 birthday parties to attend. Later, we'll go to the evening service at church. Vincent should have fun having a sleepover with his friend this weekend. I think we'll all be ready for sleep by the time this weekend is over. Wish us luck!
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