These past few weeks have been slightly boring for me. Okay...maybe, thats putting it nicely. I'm going crazy from sitting in the house way too much! The only downside to being a one car family is Josh has the car during the week, which leaves Anistyn and I here at the house. I had to pull her out of school because it was just too much on us. We were spending so much money on gas, and to drop Ani off we would have to get up at 4:30am, then drop Josh off, then wait another 3 hours in the car before taking Anistyn to school, then another 3 to pick her up...then another 4 hours before picking Josh up...and thats IF he got off on time...which most of the time he didn't. So, I've just been teaching Anistyn myself. And that part I like. I love being able to spend all of this time with Anistyn before she starts school, and I love teaching her things.
The part that I don't like about it, is that Anistyn and I are social butterflies. We don't have friends here and for me, Josh is the only adult interaction that I get. I'm not complaining, I love being here with him and I love spending my time with my family. It would just be nice to have some friends to meet up with during the day, some kids for Anistyn to play with, and some other mommies to chat with.
I was talking to Josh about it the other day and thank goodness he is so understanding. There are buses that run through Salinas and Monterey so we looked them up to see where all they run. Which is just about anywhere. Since Josh is military, he can get a free bus pass! Its usually $2.00 each way, which isn't a lot of course...but if we went places alot it, it could add up. And why spend money when you can get it for free?
Then I started looking around for local playgroups. Boy, did I hit the jackpot! I actually found two that I am joining and I am so extremely excited about them! They do weekly playdates, mom's night out, parents night out, and....a BOOK CLUB!!! Its like a dream come true for me! I'll have to wait until Friday to be able to go though, because Josh won't be able to get the bus pass until Wednesday, since he has to stay overnight at the base tomorrow and they're all going away. So Wednesday will be his first day ON the base. But, I'm just excited about finally finding ways to be able to meet people. After I joined, I even had a girl e-mail me telling me that she was moving here in February, has a 31/2 year old daughter and would love to get our girls together. Everyone on the website seems so sweet and welcoming that I really can't wait to meet all of them!
Monday, January 25, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Updates...
Its been awhile since I last wrote a blog, so I guess its time for some updates. Last week was hectic for Josh. He had to work Monday through Thursday from super early in the morning, until 7:30 at night...which didn't put him at home until 8. He's a trooper, and by the time Friday rolled around we were excited for our four day weekend. Him, so that he could actually rest...and all of us so we could spend time together!
Since we had four days together, I had wanted to get out of the house and do something fun together, while not spending a lot of money, as most families are trying to do these days. So, I got online and found this amusement park in Santa Cruz that is right on the beach! Since its the off season, it wasn't expensive at all and provided us with a day full of fun together. Santa Cruz is only 45 minutes away, so it was well worth the short trip.
They had by far the coolest carousel ever. Directly to the right in this picture is a grey bar that has rings attached. As the carousel goes around you have to grab rings out it and try to throw it into the clown's mouth. Might sound silly, but it was so much fun!
Since we had four days together, I had wanted to get out of the house and do something fun together, while not spending a lot of money, as most families are trying to do these days. So, I got online and found this amusement park in Santa Cruz that is right on the beach! Since its the off season, it wasn't expensive at all and provided us with a day full of fun together. Santa Cruz is only 45 minutes away, so it was well worth the short trip.
They had by far the coolest carousel ever. Directly to the right in this picture is a grey bar that has rings attached. As the carousel goes around you have to grab rings out it and try to throw it into the clown's mouth. Might sound silly, but it was so much fun!
Here is Josh trying to throw a ring in...
Anistyn was making me laugh so hard right here...she looks like she's about to fall off the horse, but she was set on trying to grab the rings out, but was too short. Josh and I teamed up and were able to get some for her, and this nice guy that worked there came up and gave her some.
They had great rides for kids, like this helicopter ride that Anistyn loved. She's waving to us in this one...I never get tired of seeing her excited!
And that had kiddie rides that the adults could ride on too. This was Josh's favorite...he assured Anistyn that they would win the race...even though it was attached to a track. Such a big kid!
They even had a mini golf course which we played. This was Anistyn's first time playing mini golf, and she loved it. Despite it taking 50 tries to make her ball go in!
Then, Josh went on this ride...
Now, I'll ride any roller coaster I can...but there is something about falling that just makes me uneasy. Buuut....my husband is such the smack talker and we can get competitive...so I HAD to ride it. This picture is hysterical to me. You can tell I did not want to ride it...and it looks as if I'm in prayer right before it took off!
All in all, it was a great day. Of course, now that the four day weekend is over, Josh has been back to the crazy schedule of working until 7:30. So, we'll be glad when thats all over!
Monday, January 11, 2010
Resolutions
As 2009 was coming to a close, and the new year just beginning it got me thinking about my resolutions. I'm not one to honestly make any...as I'm not very good with following through on them. Obviously there have been a few changes in my life that happened in 2009, so I really have just been sitting back the last couple weeks and thinking...what do I really want in 2010?
Obviously I want to be a good wife and mother, but thats a given. I strive to be happy and content in the present day. But what would help me come to be that way, everyday? Naturally, there are "bad days" that everyone has, as well as certain areas in their life that they would like to improve.
My friend Terri has a great blog that I love to read. I just LOVE her New Year's goal. To make sure to spend time PLAYING with her kids everyday. I just loved the idea...how easy is it to get distracted, or downright lazy, and not make time to play with our children, who are only young once? I know I am guilty of it. I am home with Anistyn everyday, and while I love it, I couldn't remember if we play every single day together.
In one of Terri's blogs she posted a link to this OTHER blogger, who had great ideas in starting new goals for a new year. You can read it here. I love how the blogger says that winter is a time for reflection. Thats exactly how I've felt the past few weeks. Over the holidays its always so crazy and busy, its hard to have a moment to sit back and think of goals for the new year. Instead of rushing to make goals, use the first couple of months to reflect, and then use the spring to act on them.
My ultimate goal is to be as stress free as I can. To not harp on the small things and just be happy. To make my husband and daughter happy and to make our home a place of comfort and enjoy every moment that is given to us. There are on doubt other goals that I will be setting for myself, but overall that is what Is strive for.
Oh, and Terri...PLEASE keep posting all of the wonderful links for crafts with kids and so on. I just love them!
Obviously I want to be a good wife and mother, but thats a given. I strive to be happy and content in the present day. But what would help me come to be that way, everyday? Naturally, there are "bad days" that everyone has, as well as certain areas in their life that they would like to improve.
My friend Terri has a great blog that I love to read. I just LOVE her New Year's goal. To make sure to spend time PLAYING with her kids everyday. I just loved the idea...how easy is it to get distracted, or downright lazy, and not make time to play with our children, who are only young once? I know I am guilty of it. I am home with Anistyn everyday, and while I love it, I couldn't remember if we play every single day together.
In one of Terri's blogs she posted a link to this OTHER blogger, who had great ideas in starting new goals for a new year. You can read it here. I love how the blogger says that winter is a time for reflection. Thats exactly how I've felt the past few weeks. Over the holidays its always so crazy and busy, its hard to have a moment to sit back and think of goals for the new year. Instead of rushing to make goals, use the first couple of months to reflect, and then use the spring to act on them.
My ultimate goal is to be as stress free as I can. To not harp on the small things and just be happy. To make my husband and daughter happy and to make our home a place of comfort and enjoy every moment that is given to us. There are on doubt other goals that I will be setting for myself, but overall that is what Is strive for.
Oh, and Terri...PLEASE keep posting all of the wonderful links for crafts with kids and so on. I just love them!
Friday, January 8, 2010
Getting Ready to Read!
Well, tonight its just me and the little one since Josh has CQ until 7 in the morning. Sooo...to keep myself entertained I have been going through some of the reading challenges going on now. I have been making my book list and will be hitting the library tomorrow. Since it looks like I'll be reading quite a few books, I decided to start a second blog, that way this one can be used just for my meaningless rants!
So, HERE is the link to my new book blog!
So, HERE is the link to my new book blog!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Married Life
The question that I get asked a lot is "How is married life?" When I was still in Alabama and Josh was out here I would always say "Well, I can't tell you...seeing as since I'm not with my husband I really have no idea what its like yet!"
I talked to my grandmother the other day though and she asked me that since I was now WITH Josh, what did I think of married life now? So I really thought about. What have I learned about marriage in these few months of being married?
Now I know a lot of people have been married a heck of a lot longer than me, but every marriage and every observation in a marriage is different. So here's mine.
I have learned that communication REALLY is a great tool used in marriage. I've learned how important it is to share how both people feel about any given situation. Also, debating is okay, because it lets you lay out all possibilities.
I've learned how important it is to be a team. No matter what situations arise, in the end you have to make decisions (and make the decisions together) that the other person will back you up on whole heartedly.
I've learned that men...ANY man...is really just a boy at heart. Anything that is shiny, shoots bullets, or goes boom will REALLY grab their attention for unknown lengths of time.
I've learned that there is nothing better than to be married to your best friend. Someone you can just sit back with at the end of the day, and just laugh together. I've always thought...if there was someone who could keep me laughing...he would have my heart forever. Such is the case with Josh.
I've learned that men and women are in some ways similar, and then...in some ways, its like we're from different planets. It keeps things interesting though...even if you find yourself looking at your spouse sometimes with a "huh??" look.
I've learned that having a husband that is willing to chip in is a wonderful thing. One of the many things that are great about Josh is that he is not the type that thinks that once he's home his work is done. Not that I leave the house trashed until he gets here or anything. I am the one who primarily takes care of all the household chores, but he's not afraid to help out. The smallest things mean a lot. Example...we don't have washer/dryer hookups so we have to lug all of the laundry to the ones in the apt complex. This is usually a weekend chore since we're always forgetting to get a bunch of quarters. But Josh always hauls the huge bags for me since they're heavy...and he's not afraid to fold clothes either!
I've learned a lot about myself. I think any wife can make a list of things she would like her husband to improve on. When I think about it though, the list of things Josh DOES greatly outweighs the little things that I think he should improve on. I try more to focus on what I can improve on instead.
I've learned that while I do think its great to be attracted to your husband or wife, their looks aren't the only thing "attractive" about them. I think Josh is very handsome and of course I'm "attracted" to him, but I also think its soooo attractive that he's a devoted husband. Anyone can have good looks...but when I look at Josh, not only do I see a cute face, but I see the person that makes me and Anistyn his first priority. Man is that attractive!
I've learned how important it is to be on the same level of parenting. I won't put myself down, I think I've been the best mother I can be to my daughter. The thing about being a single mom though, is that you don't have that "back-up". Josh has stepped into his role as daddy so unbelievably well. In doing so, he's noticed ways to be more consistent...the things you don't notice when you're parenting by yourself. As in...apparently I like to give a lot of "warnings" and I will count to "3"...quite a few times. Parenting by myself, I never noticed that I did it...so its great to have a partner in parenting, the way it should be.
I have learned that there is no man in this world I could possibly love or admire more than Josh. Granted, I thought that before...which is why I married him. But it just keeps growing, and I think it will continue to do so. Although he can drive me crazy at times, I don't think God could have made a more perfect match for me.
I talked to my grandmother the other day though and she asked me that since I was now WITH Josh, what did I think of married life now? So I really thought about. What have I learned about marriage in these few months of being married?
Now I know a lot of people have been married a heck of a lot longer than me, but every marriage and every observation in a marriage is different. So here's mine.
I have learned that communication REALLY is a great tool used in marriage. I've learned how important it is to share how both people feel about any given situation. Also, debating is okay, because it lets you lay out all possibilities.
I've learned how important it is to be a team. No matter what situations arise, in the end you have to make decisions (and make the decisions together) that the other person will back you up on whole heartedly.
I've learned that men...ANY man...is really just a boy at heart. Anything that is shiny, shoots bullets, or goes boom will REALLY grab their attention for unknown lengths of time.
I've learned that there is nothing better than to be married to your best friend. Someone you can just sit back with at the end of the day, and just laugh together. I've always thought...if there was someone who could keep me laughing...he would have my heart forever. Such is the case with Josh.
I've learned that men and women are in some ways similar, and then...in some ways, its like we're from different planets. It keeps things interesting though...even if you find yourself looking at your spouse sometimes with a "huh??" look.
I've learned that having a husband that is willing to chip in is a wonderful thing. One of the many things that are great about Josh is that he is not the type that thinks that once he's home his work is done. Not that I leave the house trashed until he gets here or anything. I am the one who primarily takes care of all the household chores, but he's not afraid to help out. The smallest things mean a lot. Example...we don't have washer/dryer hookups so we have to lug all of the laundry to the ones in the apt complex. This is usually a weekend chore since we're always forgetting to get a bunch of quarters. But Josh always hauls the huge bags for me since they're heavy...and he's not afraid to fold clothes either!
I've learned a lot about myself. I think any wife can make a list of things she would like her husband to improve on. When I think about it though, the list of things Josh DOES greatly outweighs the little things that I think he should improve on. I try more to focus on what I can improve on instead.
I've learned that while I do think its great to be attracted to your husband or wife, their looks aren't the only thing "attractive" about them. I think Josh is very handsome and of course I'm "attracted" to him, but I also think its soooo attractive that he's a devoted husband. Anyone can have good looks...but when I look at Josh, not only do I see a cute face, but I see the person that makes me and Anistyn his first priority. Man is that attractive!
I've learned how important it is to be on the same level of parenting. I won't put myself down, I think I've been the best mother I can be to my daughter. The thing about being a single mom though, is that you don't have that "back-up". Josh has stepped into his role as daddy so unbelievably well. In doing so, he's noticed ways to be more consistent...the things you don't notice when you're parenting by yourself. As in...apparently I like to give a lot of "warnings" and I will count to "3"...quite a few times. Parenting by myself, I never noticed that I did it...so its great to have a partner in parenting, the way it should be.
I have learned that there is no man in this world I could possibly love or admire more than Josh. Granted, I thought that before...which is why I married him. But it just keeps growing, and I think it will continue to do so. Although he can drive me crazy at times, I don't think God could have made a more perfect match for me.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
New Year's Survey
For some reason I am not tired tonight. So, I was being nosey online, and found a survey Carrie had done on her blog about the New Year. It was really cute so I thought I would join in! I really want to do one of the reading challenges that are going on too...hopefully Thursday I can get to the library so I can start on some! Here's the survey!
1. What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before?
I had a lot of first this year. I got married...I had never done that before! Haha! I drove across country with my daughter and mom...that was a lot of fun too!
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I am horrible with New Year's resolutions...and whatever if it was...I'm sure I didn't keep up. This year, my New Year's resolution is to try to be the best wife and mother I can be.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes! My cousin Rachel had a beautiful little boy!
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Not anyone that I was really close to.
5. What countries did you visit?
No countries...but I visited a lot of states I had never been to.
6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
I think in 2010 I really want to start pursuing my own personal goals. Maybe start writing that book I'm always talking about writing...
7. What dates from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
September 15th...it was the day I got married, and because if I don't I think my husband would be pretty upset!
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I would say dedicating myself to someone for the rest of my life is a pretty big achievement!
9. What was your biggest failure?
Hmm...I don't think I've failed at anything major...at least that I can think of!
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
No, thank goodness!
11. What was the best thing you bought?
My husband's wedding ring...
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Oh wow. Great question...I would have to say everyone in my life! My husband for being the person that he is and loving me unconditionally. My daughter for constantly surprising and inspiring me, my family for being so supportive and loving, my friends for being the ear that I always need...I'm one lucky girl.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
I think depressed is taking it a little far...but behavior that I will never understand is that of people that are rascist, close-minded, or just don't know how to be "real." If that makes any sense.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Bills...of course!
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
My wedding, and moving out to California to be with Josh!
16. What song will always remind you of 2009?
I'm gonna say "One Time" by Justin Bieber. Its the first singer Anistyn said was "so cute"! We've had a lot of fun dancing to that song.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you: (a) happier or sadder? (b) thinner or fatter? (c) poorer or richer?
(a) Happier!
(b) same weight since like...8th grade!
(c) Richer
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Hmm...I wish I had done more to help others.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Worrying!
20. How did you spend Christmas?
At home with Josh, Anistyn and my in-laws.
21. Did you fall in love in 2009?
I sure did! AND got married to him!
22. What was your favorite TV program?
NCIS
23. What was the best book you read?
Hmm...I would have to go with the Sookie Stackhouse series...I need to buy the next one!
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
I can't think of anything "new"...other than, now I am forced to listen to a whoooole lot of country music!
26. What did you want and get?
After all his chasing...I wanted to be Josh's wife...and I got it.
27. What did you want and not get?
A million bucks...but, Josh is still way better;)
28. What was your favorite film of this year?
That would definitely have to be Gran Torino...seeing as I am a huge Clint Eastwood fan. I'm pretty sure it came out in 2008...but I didn't see it until 2009.
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 25 this year. Josh took me to see New Moon and got me a new pair of boots!
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
I can't think of one thing...this has been one of the best years yet!
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
comfortable
32. What kept you sane?
God, family, and friends!
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Can't think of any...
34. What political issue stirred you the most?
Pretty much every single one...
35. Who did you miss?
I miss my family and friends in Alabama and Georgia so so so so much. Its hard to be away from the people I'm used to seeing everyday. It won't be forever though.
36. Who was the best new person you met?
Josh's family...all of them!
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.
Hmm...a life lesson? Now that I'm getting a little sleepy I don't think I'm able to do my "deep thinking". I'll just say that my life lesson for this year was to love everyone just as they are. I hope to do that with everyone in my life.
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year
I'll put in some of my favorite lyrics from the song that was played at our wedding. Bryan Adams 'When You Love Someone"...
When you love someone - you'll sacrifice
You'd give it everything you got and
you won't think twice
You'd risk it all - no matter what may come
When you love someone
1. What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before?
I had a lot of first this year. I got married...I had never done that before! Haha! I drove across country with my daughter and mom...that was a lot of fun too!
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I am horrible with New Year's resolutions...and whatever if it was...I'm sure I didn't keep up. This year, my New Year's resolution is to try to be the best wife and mother I can be.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes! My cousin Rachel had a beautiful little boy!
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Not anyone that I was really close to.
5. What countries did you visit?
No countries...but I visited a lot of states I had never been to.
6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
I think in 2010 I really want to start pursuing my own personal goals. Maybe start writing that book I'm always talking about writing...
7. What dates from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
September 15th...it was the day I got married, and because if I don't I think my husband would be pretty upset!
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I would say dedicating myself to someone for the rest of my life is a pretty big achievement!
9. What was your biggest failure?
Hmm...I don't think I've failed at anything major...at least that I can think of!
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
No, thank goodness!
11. What was the best thing you bought?
My husband's wedding ring...
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Oh wow. Great question...I would have to say everyone in my life! My husband for being the person that he is and loving me unconditionally. My daughter for constantly surprising and inspiring me, my family for being so supportive and loving, my friends for being the ear that I always need...I'm one lucky girl.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
I think depressed is taking it a little far...but behavior that I will never understand is that of people that are rascist, close-minded, or just don't know how to be "real." If that makes any sense.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Bills...of course!
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
My wedding, and moving out to California to be with Josh!
16. What song will always remind you of 2009?
I'm gonna say "One Time" by Justin Bieber. Its the first singer Anistyn said was "so cute"! We've had a lot of fun dancing to that song.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you: (a) happier or sadder? (b) thinner or fatter? (c) poorer or richer?
(a) Happier!
(b) same weight since like...8th grade!
(c) Richer
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Hmm...I wish I had done more to help others.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Worrying!
20. How did you spend Christmas?
At home with Josh, Anistyn and my in-laws.
21. Did you fall in love in 2009?
I sure did! AND got married to him!
22. What was your favorite TV program?
NCIS
23. What was the best book you read?
Hmm...I would have to go with the Sookie Stackhouse series...I need to buy the next one!
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
I can't think of anything "new"...other than, now I am forced to listen to a whoooole lot of country music!
26. What did you want and get?
After all his chasing...I wanted to be Josh's wife...and I got it.
27. What did you want and not get?
A million bucks...but, Josh is still way better;)
28. What was your favorite film of this year?
That would definitely have to be Gran Torino...seeing as I am a huge Clint Eastwood fan. I'm pretty sure it came out in 2008...but I didn't see it until 2009.
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 25 this year. Josh took me to see New Moon and got me a new pair of boots!
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
I can't think of one thing...this has been one of the best years yet!
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
comfortable
32. What kept you sane?
God, family, and friends!
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Can't think of any...
34. What political issue stirred you the most?
Pretty much every single one...
35. Who did you miss?
I miss my family and friends in Alabama and Georgia so so so so much. Its hard to be away from the people I'm used to seeing everyday. It won't be forever though.
36. Who was the best new person you met?
Josh's family...all of them!
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.
Hmm...a life lesson? Now that I'm getting a little sleepy I don't think I'm able to do my "deep thinking". I'll just say that my life lesson for this year was to love everyone just as they are. I hope to do that with everyone in my life.
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year
I'll put in some of my favorite lyrics from the song that was played at our wedding. Bryan Adams 'When You Love Someone"...
When you love someone - you'll sacrifice
You'd give it everything you got and
you won't think twice
You'd risk it all - no matter what may come
When you love someone
Monday, January 4, 2010
Back to Normal
What a great two weeks its been! Its been full of great times. We've laughed, made memories, and enjoyed all of our visitors! And of course...I have pictures.
We had to drive to San Francisco to pick up one of my best friends Kelly, and her little boy Caleb. I was really excited because I've never been to San Fran before! The airport was on the outskirts, so as soon as we picked them up, we headed into the city.
We had to drive across the Golden Gate Bridge of course...
I think Kelly and I were more excited than anybody! We only had time to drive around the city for a bit before we had to head home due to some car crazed children! I really want to go back for a whole weekend! We headed home and before you knew it, we had little soldiers running around the place.
Then of course....Josh had to have some karate lessons...
Which then leaded to a cheerleading session...
Good thing Josh is really just a big kid...he knows how to entertain them!
For New Years Eve Josh had a friend over so we all just hung out at the apartment.
Kelly and I made some yummy snacks and then just enjoyed our evening together!
Then of course, I got a kiss from this handsome guy at midnight!
Over the next couple of days we had a lot of girl talks (Josh excluded). We also all took the kids to see Alvin and the Chipmunks, which was very cute. We didn't really have any plans to get out and do major things...we just wanted to spend time together! On their last day here we headed to Monterey though. Josh wanted to show Caleb the big tank they have on base!
Then we took the kids to the Wharf to have some lunch...where we ran into a man who had a cart full of birds. And guess who got to hold one?
She was soooo excited to hold Toby the bird! We followed that up with some face painting!
Spiderman and a butterfly!
I was sad to see them leave...we've had such a great time! Now its time to get everything back to normal! Josh had to go back to work today...it was great having him here for two whole weeks! I hope everyone had a great holiday...I know I did!
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