Tara's World

Daddy/Daughter Dance

2011-04-18T21:43:00.000-07:00

Saturday night was a magical night for a certain little girl around here.

For weeks, she had been waiting and counting down the days until it was time for her Daddy/Daughter dance!

Her school had decided to put the dance together and I thought it was SUCH a cute idea. I of course, was not "allowed" to go as Anistyn put it. I did get the honor of helping her get all dressed up though. She wore a dress that Grammy and Poppy had got her and I curled her hair for her.

Here are some pictures of the daddy/daughter duo before they headed off to the dance!

Really, could they be any cuter?

Apparently, when they got to the dance they got to walk down a "red carpet". They also had to walk on stage and be announced to everyone. I wish I had been there to see them, but I'm sure it was adorable!

Trip to Helen!

2011-04-13T21:39:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, we headed out to Helen, Ga to spend some time with Josh's parents. They have a great cabin there, and it was actually where Josh and I spent our honeymoon when we got married. This was the first time we had been back there together since then. Anistyn and I had gone once over the summer with Dane and Ellen...so it was a lot of fun for all of us to be there together!

We had such a great time! My family used to take a lot of trips to Helen when I was a kid, so it always brings back a lot of fun memories for me. We enjoyed a LOT of great food together. Dane and Ellen took us to a spot where we could feed a whole bunch of trout, which Anistyn loved. We did a lot of sight seeing, and even got a round of mini golf in! Here are some pics from our fun trip...

My little family of three...but not for much longer!

I took a picture of her while she was smiling for Poppy. I know I'm biased...but she just takes my breath away sometimes!

Josh and I...goofing off of course!

Josh, me, Dane, and Ellen! Thanks to Ani for taking this picture!

I also wanted to add in two pictures of our time on the road while getting to the cabin. Anistyn likes to take pictures with my camera when she's bored...especially of herself!

Here's some of the evidence.

We also took Saban with us along for the trip. He loved tagging along! On the way up there, Saban would walk around the van, taking naps and snuggling up next to us. At one point, he decided to come and sit directly beside me if the passenger seat....

He looks like such a dignified little boy!

We had a great time and it was so nice to get away for a weekend!

Spring Break weekend...

2011-04-04T09:41:00.000-07:00

Here in Augusta, people are a little scared to venture out of their houses this week...

Why you ask?

Its Masters week! I have heard a lot of people say how crazy it gets around here and that its best to just try to avoid going many places. They even schedule spring break during masters week so that school traffic and such isn't a problem.

So with that, Anistyn was super excited on Friday that her spring break had begun! We started it by taking in an extra dog for the weekend. My friend Sara and her husband had gone to Atlanta for the weekend and asked if we would mind keeping their puppy, Wrangler. So Saban has had a little friend this weekend which he has loved!

Then Saturday my best friend Kelly and her son Caleb came for a visit. We have great neighbors here who, between the two of them, have 7 kids! So the kids spent all day Saturday and Sunday outside eating up all that fresh air and running off all of that kid energy!

Sunday, Kelly and I took a trip to Target to finish my baby registry. It was soooo much fun! We were both gushing at all the baby stuff. I can't wait to see the baby that will be occupying all of the things!

Also, just like I said...Josh's schedule has changed to full on nights now. He started the new schedule last night, going in around 6 for PT and then work...and not getting home until 7am this morning (at least I think...I was a little out of it!) We'll see how it goes, but at least he gets an extra day off of work now!

Spring weather=fun times!

2011-03-21T18:16:00.000-07:00

Now that the weather is in its lovely in between time, its perfect for outdoor family time. It isn't the freezing cold it was before, but it hasn't made it to the blistering summer heat either. On Friday Josh had some errands he wanted to get done, so Anistyn and I headed up to the park since she was out of school. After much playtime, we headed home for more playtime with daddy and Saban outside. Saturday we headed up to Adventure Crossing, which is a small amusement park. It has go karts, rides, an arcade, and mini golf. We spent the whole afternoon there together, then headed home.

I've also been working more on our meal times around here. Since Josh is working 2 to midnight, I've had to readjust meal times a little. The only difference is that I now cook Josh a meal at midnight. Sometimes its meals that are reheatable...but sometimes I just cook a whole other meal.

I've done so great with meal planning this last week. I am all set up for our meals up to April 2nd! Go me!

I did make one meal last Friday night that was a big hit here. I had some salmon in the freezer that I wanted to use up, so I took to the world wide web to find something to make it super yummy. I found a yummy glaze to put on top and it gobbled up quickly. Josh really loved it especially.

Here's the recipe:

Mix together:
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons dijon mustard
2 tablespoons horseradish

Spread the glaze all over the top and bake at 450 for 20 minutes.

Funny side note: The only item that I was missing from this recipe was the horseradish so I added it to our grocery list. I always make out the list, and Josh likes to do the grocery shopping. So when he came back from the store...he had an actual horseradish! Not the sauce that comes in the bottle already made...but a HORSERADISH! It was hilarious! I of course asked him why he didn't buy horseradish bottled and he said "I was just reading the list. It said you needed horseradish...so you got horseradish." He is right...it DID say horseradish...haha.

So, since I obviously had a horseradish ready, I just googled how to make horseradish. All it took was chopping it up, adding some water and white vinegar and putting it in the food processor. Then, I just jarred the rest to use later...and now I have homemade horseradish! We also had a good laugh over the ordeal as well!

Happy dance!

2011-03-11T16:58:00.000-08:00

I am my mother's daughter.

I'm not stating this obvious fact just for any reason though. I will never forget all the weekends that I had to spend, being dragged from consignment sales...to yard sales...over and over again. I never understood my mother's fascination with these places.

Until now.

Now that we're about to have not one, but two little girls running around this place, there is one thing we will never have enough of. CLOTHES! Anistyn is at the point now where I have completely ran out of all hand me downs people have so graciously given to me through the years. With spring right around the corner, she had NO shorts and barely and t-shirts that fit.

Then there's Britton, who will be born in the summer. Of course, she won't need many clothes in one size since she'll be growing so quickly...but I have absolutely nothing for her yet! Since this is the first time in awhile that I've had to purchase a whole seasonal wardrobe for Anistyn, I wanted to go about it the best way. You will never convince me to spend big bucks on children's clothing...unless its a special occasion. Especially for a baby. I remember spending 30 dollars on an outfit for Anistyn when I was pregnant with her. She wore it one time, then it seemed like she outgrew it the next day.

So, when a fellow blogger that I follow, Nicole, wrote about consignment sales...I knew I wanted to find one. Then, she just so happened to give out this great link on her page. You can click on it HERE. and search for any consignment sales going on in your area!

I looked on the site and it just so happened that there was a huge church consignment sale going on this weekend! Then...I did a happy dance. I quickly told Josh about it, and while he did not participate in my happy dance with me...I know he appreciates the penny saver in me.

The sale started this morning...and while I was up and ready to go, Josh needed to sleep in a bit due to his schedule. Once he had slept though, we headed over to the church to see what we could find.

This is what we ended up with:

14 different pieces for the girls! For how much you ask? 40 bucks!

Anistyn got 4 shirts and a pair of shorts.

While Britton got her first stash of outfits! Really...I forgot how fun it is to shop for baby girls!

From now on I'll be sure to kee track of any more consignment sales in my area!

Oh, and by the way....my mother is so proud!

Swing shift

2011-03-10T13:29:00.000-08:00

Around here, we're trying to get adjusted to Josh's new "swing shift" schedule.

We were so spoiled since he got home in October. Josh was working from around 8-4...give or take 30 minutes to an hour depending on the day. It was great. We were all up in the morning together getting ready. Anistyn and him got all of their work done during the day, which gave me time to myself to get all the housework done and meals started. I would pick her up at 3:00...and he would be home at 4.

He had time to spend with Anistyn before dinner where we all sat down to eat together. He could help with Anistyn's homework and after putting her to bed, we still had a few hours to spend together before bedtime.

Now though...its an ajdustment. He works 2 to midnight and we're still working on getting used to it. He pretty much doesn't see Anistyn during the week at all. When I'm getting her ready and off to school, he's still sleeping. And by the time she's home from school, he's already at work. If I want to spend time with him, it means staying up until around 2am...which means I sleep in too...which I don't like to do.

Hopefully we'll start getting used to it soon. I've started cooking dinner for Anistyn and I...and thne cooking for him again at midnight when he gets home. I know that once he's been at work for so long, there's nothing like a fresh, home cooked meal.

And it could always be worse. There are a lot of wives that don't get to spend any time with their husbands at all right now due to deployments and other things. So, while it is an ajdustment...he is very much worth it.

Although...now they're talking about making him work night shift. So as soon as we DO get used to this shift...it will probably change again!

Good-bye...or, see you later!

2011-03-09T19:22:00.000-08:00

Yesterday some of my friends and I met up at O'Charleys for lunch, and to say good-bye to one of our friends, Kemis. Since this base is used a lot for training there are a lot of people that just are here for around 8 months...and then leave. Such is military life:(

I adored Kemis right when I met her. We our both loud, outspoken...and its pretty funny when we're around each other. Plus...we were both pregnant! I say were because Kemis gave birth to her adorable little boy a little over 2 weeks ago!

So, along with this being a farewell lunch for Kemis...it was also my first time getting to meet little Israel Alan.

He was soooo tiny! Its hard to believe that in 4 more months I'll be holding my own. Since I haven't had to care for an infant in 6 years...it made it very real to me! I just forgot how tiny and fragile they are when they're so little! He is absolutely precious!

I am going to miss him and his mommy so much and wish they weren't leaving! But I am glad that I got to know them for a short while.

Lapse of judgement...

2011-03-07T13:40:00.000-08:00

For anyone that knows me...and EVER brings up college football, its very obvious which team I pull for.

I am a HUGE Alabama fan. I adore them and look forward to college football season like many people do. I even named our dog Saban, after the coach.

Josh, however...is a fan of Florida State University.

Now, I have no hate for his team and will gladly cheer them on with him when they play. As long as they don't play my team. For anyone that knows Josh and I, we constantly joke with each other and are known to be quite competitive. Our college football teams are no exception.

So, when it came down to deciding which team our kids would root for, we split it down the middle. Obviously, I have been raising Anistyn for the last 6 years to be a solid Alabama fan. Therefore, he staked his claim on Britton, even making FSU colored crib bedding and curtains.

Did I mention we really like to show off our teams?

Last Saturday we all took a family trip to the mall and made a couple of stops into the sports stores to look around. Thats when it happened.

Anistyn switched sides.

I was in shock, disbelief...and overwhelmed with her choice. You raise your children to believe one thing. You teach them the right way...and then they pull these kind of stunts on you? Horrendous.

She proudly pranced around stating that she was on daddy's side now...and liked Florida State. She even went as far as to convince him to buy her Florida State silly bands! Outrageous!!

Oh, did Josh just LOVE it. He laughed the whole way through the store, encouraging her to explore her new love for his team, while I stood there with my head hung low.

(Really, it was hilarious and Josh and I were cracking up about it. Please note that this is highly dramatized!)

Once our mall trip was over and we were back home, she declared that she was once again an Alabama fan. I for one, was proud to have her back on my side and have come to terms with the fact that it was only a temporary lapse in judgement. Josh claims that he wouldn't want such a wishy washy fan on his side anyways.

We did have a day full of laughter about the whole incident and although I wrote this blog to be funny, we really did assure Anistyn that she is free to choose whichever team she wants, she can even like both.

Poor Britton...poor girl doesn't know what she's about to get into with this family!

Here I am!

2011-03-06T08:26:00.000-08:00

Ah, life. What have we all been up to?

Busy decorating and moving things around for miss Britton, a visit from my wonderful in-laws, a visit from my best friend Michelle...where her and Josh put together Britton's crib bedding. That followed by sickness in the house which lasted a good while. Anistyn is being recommended for the gifted program at school and my belly is growing and Britton is moving and kicking like crazy. Josh has had a schedule change, so we've been trying to adjust to his 2 to midnight schedule...which we're getting the hang of. I've been making some great friends here which I am SOOO happy about!

Phew! I'm sure there's more that I'm leaving out. I have been so busy being wrapped up in this great life, that I've been forgetting to take a minute to blog about it!

Really though, things couldn't be any better right now. My pregnancy is coming along beautifully. I honestly couldn't make it through without Josh...he is my biggest supporter and is so nurturing and caring that it makes me fall in love with him everyday. I do miss him being home in the evenings now, but we do our best to spend time together.

All in all, things couldn't be better and I will TRY to blog more about everything as it happens...instead of always having to do updates!

My plan...and God's plan

2011-02-03T21:30:00.000-08:00

We've been very busy this last week in our "babyland".

We now know that our little one is in fact a GIRL! We're so excited! We quickly came home that night and Josh and I began a huge debate on names. It went on for hours until we finally settled on naming her Britton Mckenzie. Now its just the countdown until she's here...of course, there will plenty of things to get done before then!

I was sitting around today, just thinking about my life as a mommy. I really had to somewhat laugh at the "plan" I had for my "mommydom". I laughed because I had a plan to have boys. Isn't that funny? I never actually saw myself having daughters. Not that I didn't think little girls were great, I just didn't know if I could handle girls! You know how your mother will tell you "One day, I hope you have a daughter just like you so you can see how rotten you were!" I honestly didn't think that day would come.

I'm a tomboy. I'm not too "girly". I'm comfy in jeans and t-shirt. Growing up, I liked to climb trees...and even took part in bug eating. I liked to get dirty and hated when I had to wear dresses or sit there as my mom brushed out my hair. So...it seemed natural that I would have boys, right? Plus...if I had a daughter who was just like me...well, we sure would butt heads a lot!

But my plan, and God's plan...those are two completely different things. And really, His plan just works so much better, right?

So here I am...with an almost 6 year old little girl...and another girl on the way. I couldn't be happier.

With Anistyn, I was so scared to have a girl. I can't really say why...I just was. But when she arrived, she proved me wrong about wanting only boys. She is the highlight of my life and saved me from many things. We have so much fun together. Although I was never a huge "princess" lover...I sure became one with her. She is the girliest little girl ever. I adore it.

Britton...I don't know her personality yet, but I can't wait to. Maybe she'll be a tomboy like her mama. Maybe she'll follow her big sister and adore princesses and dressing up. Whichever the case though...I will love her just the same.

I believe in the saying "God will never give you more than you can handle." I never thought I could handle girls. Now, I'll have two of them. I can handle it though...and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Walking into school.

2011-01-18T05:35:00.000-08:00

I don't know if anyone remembers, but months ago I wrote a blog about heart tugs. Basically, it was about the the different times when being a parent, you get your heart tugged a little by your kids and the great things they do sometimes.

I just had to mention one time during each day that Anistyn makes tears swell up in my eyes as my heart is being tugged by her...yet again.

I might blame it on pregnancy hormones, but I know it happened way before I was pregnant. It pretty much happens every single morning...when I drop her off at her school.

We have our morning routine, as many families do. Once we've dragged ourselves out of bed, its breakfast time. While she's eating, I pack her snack, sign her folder, and make sure all homework is in there, and anything else she might need. I get her dressed, brush her hair...jacket and backpack...check. Out the door we go.

Thankfully on chilly mornings Josh already has the van warmed up for us therefore there isn't much whining about how cold she is. We make the short drive to school. I go through the drive line, double checking that she has her backpack on.

One of the teachers are always outside doing "car duty." As we pull up, they open the door for Anistyn to get out. I tell her that I love her so much and that I hope she has a great day...then out she hops with the door closing behind her.

The heart tug always comes right after that. As she's walking away. I always watch her for a moment. Her hair bouncing and backpack bobbing on her. She looks so little...yet so confident. Every single morning without fail as I watch her walk into school...she takes my breath away. She is simply getting so big...so fast. She doesn't even realize it.

I wish I could go in with her. I wish I could make sure none of the bigger kids knock into her accidently. I wish I could make sure that she gets straight to her room. That mommy instinct of mine...always in protection mode.

Instead, I can only prepare her. I can make sure her backpack is packed. Shoelaces tied. Homework done. I can prepare her and help her get ready. I can provide her with everything she needs to succeed.

But she has to walk in by herself.

Heart tugs.

Worst cooks?

2011-01-14T00:05:00.000-08:00

Josh and I have a new favorite show of ours. It comes on the Food Network Channel and its called 'Worst Cooks in America." The title pretty much says it all.

Basically, there are two amazing chefs who each take a team of 8 people...who just so happen to be horrible at cooking! Over the weeks, they're put through different challenges and every week one person from each team is eliminated. Each chef tries to teach their team how to cook and then end of the season, one person will win money.

Its a hilarious show because these people REALLY don't know how to cook! They were setting stoves on fire...and really cracking Josh and me up.

One of the chefs were teaching his team how to make this dish that looked soooo good. It was called Pan Seared Chicken Breast with Herb Jus and Potato-Vegetable Hash. While we were watching, Josh and I both agreed that it looked pretty easy to make.

So, I found the recipe online, and we got all of the ingredients. Tonight...we both worked together in the kitchen making the meal. I don't actually have a picture of the one WE made...since we're in the middle of cameras right now, but I did find this where you can see a picture of the meal, along with the recipe.To see it just click HERE.

We really had a lot of fun together cooking. Its such a great thing for couples to do together! When we were done, we had a great looking meal to eat...and we definitely chowed down. Josh decided to act like some sort of food critic with a fake british accent. He had Anistyn and I cracking up while he was "evaluating" the food. Of course...then the accent stuck around for awhile after that!

I can't wait to see what other recipes we can make from the show together...stay tuned!

Snow days equal fun days!

2011-01-10T22:06:00.000-08:00

Just like everyone else nearby, we had a snow day today! There have been many warnings we kept watching the news to see if Anistyn would have school. When we went to bed, they said that school had a 2 hour delay. This morning though...it was canceled! In fact...the whole post was closed...which meant that Josh got a snow day too!

We had so much fun playing in the snow today! When it snowed at Christmastime, we were still busy shuttling ourselves to and from places, so we didn't really have a chance to play in it much. So, we took full advantage of it today!

Here are my two sledders! Having a bunch of huge moving tubs obviously has other advantages! They make great makeshift sleds!

Little Saban even had a great time playing in the snow with all of us. Although the poor guy kept having trouble finding places to go potty!

Daddy of course, couldn't just sit down...he still had to act like a little daredevil! I'm sure this would not surprise his parents at all!

Anistyn had so much fun with the snow!

Even when she wiped out!

Saban even got a turn to try sledding with daddy!

We all got to come inside for hot chocolate, then I made us waffles for "brunch". The day was filled with being lazy, watching movies, playing on the wii, and more snow time once Uncle Barker came over!

Anistyn is already out of school tomorrow as well...and Josh so far doesn't have to go in until 10...but we're hoping he gets another snow day as well! Its always more fun when he's here!

Getting ready for the New Year

2010-12-29T23:23:00.000-08:00

I know, I know. I haven't posted. But beware...I'm about to make up for it;)

I could kick myself for not writing about the holidays...but you'll just have to take my word for it, they were great. Still not over though as New Year's is fast approaching.

Thanksgiving was spent with my family in Alabama, Christmas was spent traveling...first to Josh's parents, and then a short visit with my sister. I was blessed with another Christmas with my wonderful husband, something that I'm always grateful for being a military wife. I got to chow down on a lot of wonderful food, which this preggo lady appreciated immensely.

But holidays aren't what this blog post is about. This is about the New Year. I am big on resolutions. I love the feel a new year brings. New beginnings, new chances, new starts. I have so many things to look forward to already. Mainly, the new addition to our family coming in July. I absolutely cannot wait to meet the littl person who is making me so sick/tired (no worries...he/she is totally worth it.)

I like to take the time between Christmas and New Year's to start my "reflecting." I really look at myself and what I want to work on. My main goals are constantly to be a better wife and mother. I have 2 people (almost 3) and a precious pup who love me and look to me for different things in different ways. And really...they do so much that pleases me. My daughter is beautiful, a great listener, smart, funny, and sweet as can be. She cleans her rooms with just a little fight sometimes. She doesn't misbehave. And man...does she love her mama.

My husband...oh boy. The most dedicated man I've ever known. I have fallen more in love with him while carrying our baby. He does everything and anything to make me comfortable and feeling better. Definitely not the type of guy to grab a beer and sit in front of the TV as soon as he gets home. He's helpful, involved, loving, funny, and he really really is my best friend. Oh, and he just so happens to be super cute too.

There's my fun-loving Saban. Cute as a button, and my favorite snuggler. He's so protective and I really think he knows that we nursed him back to health. I know, I know...he's just a dog. Go watch Marley and Me and see if you say that afterwards. He's family to me.

Then there's the little one growing in me. He/She is working hard to grow. How can you not be instantly attached.

These people bring me so much in my life. So its my duty to be the best I can be for them. They only have one wife/mommy. Which brings me to my New Year's Resolution.

This year...I want to be better.

I want to do everything I can to be better at my job. Not that I don't do a good job...I think I do. But there is always room to grow. I do feel sluggish lately, and a lot of that has to do with the baby. But, its also very easy to get lazy when you're home alone all day long. Its easy to stay in your pajamas in front of the TV. NOT that I'm a bum. I can attribute this behavior the past couple of months to the fact that at times...I feel like if I do move...I'll have to head straight to the toilet.

But, this is where I am going to do my best to take charge of my body again. That means getting better about what I eat, when I sleep, and what I do with all the extra time I have. Instead of taking a nap, its time to start getting out. Joining army wife groups around here. Form my life here in Augusta. Start couponing. Exercising. Cooking better. These are on my list.

I have been going over everything the last few days and am really excited about my venture. I know its not a huge goal. I won't be bungee jumping or sky diving. No conquering my fear of flying just yet. Oh gee...I hate that that one has to wait;) But I will be doing everthing I can to make myself better for the people that are their absolute best for me. I'm excited about using my blog to chronicle everything as I go along...and I really hope people enjoy following it!

Weekend fun...

2010-11-22T21:50:00.000-08:00

Our little family has been pretty busy lately. This was Josh's first weekend back working...although basically its just a ton of in processing.

Last Saturday though, we took a family day since it was my birthday. Since we don't have any family pictures done at all...and really haven't taken a lot since our wedding...it was the perfect opportunity to go and get some done!

Anistyn was hilarious through the whole thing...striking a pose before the photographer could even ask her to. I think we have a little model on our hands! We got some amazing shots of her...as well as all of us! The girl that took the photos already put them up on facebook, so I thought I would go ahead and share some.

This one is my favorite!!

I can't get enough of those eyes!

We went to this really cool place to take the photos. Its called the Savannah Rapids Pavillion. Just a little outdoor family place...with a playground, running trails that run all the way to downtown Augusta, and the Savannah river runs through there. So, after the shoot, we went down by the river where Josh tried to teach Anistyn to skip rocks. I got in on the fun too. Yesterday my arm was sore from all the throwing...I'm such a wimp! We did have a competition to see who could make a rock skip multiple times...and I have to give that award to Josh.

Afterwards we got to come home and after dinner we ate some birthday cake that Josh made for me. Great birthday with my favorite people!

Baby blog...

2010-11-18T05:47:00.000-08:00

Thats right...I'll be keeping track of my pregnancy in a baby blog! You can keep track of it as well HERE!

BIG news!

2010-11-14T21:06:00.000-08:00

Now, what could possibly be so important that I just HAD to write a whole other blog post for? It would have to be something exciting. Something amazing. Well...yes and yes. Here it is...

WE'RE PREGNANT!!!

It was VERY soon and although we figured it would happen soon...I was not expecting it NOW!

Last Wednesday I was on the phone with a friend and we were gabbing about all that girly ovulation stuff. She told me to just go ahead and take a test...I laughed and said "No way!" After a little more bugging though...I caved! I went ahead and took a test...and was I surprised!

The test had a faint...but visible second line! My camera is not wanting to work...but I googled it and found a picture of what it looked like!

It looked just like this...where you can barely see it...but its there! I was shaking and kept asking myself "Is it?? Is it??!!! Naturally, my next notion was to tell Josh. I wanted to tell him in a cute way...but come on. I have a big mouth! And with him being on leave...he was quick to keep asking "Hey...what are you doing??"

So I finally went up and said "I need to show you something...." and whipped out the test. He was shocked too, but we had a great moment of being shocked and laughing together...because the hugs and kisses came!

I immediately wanted to go to the store to get a digital test, so we did. But when I came home and took it, it said I wasn't pregnant. So I was very confused and unsure. I'm not very good at waiting...so I went ahead and marched up to the family clinic where I got a blood test done. I mean...I HAD to know! They took my bloodwork and told me they would call in two hours for the results. Those were VERY long hours! I kept watching the clock and was getting ready to call them, when they finally called announcing that I WAS pregnant! So once again...Josh and I had another round of excited hugs!

I have to go to the doctor on Tuesday to get my prenatal vitamins and talk about the pregnancy. I am so excited for all of this. So far, I feel great! I don't feel pregnant at all, aside from one nap I've had to have. I've been googling and if my calculations are right...I'm 5 weeks pregnant. And yes...Josh has only been home for 3 weeks, but did you know they start counting pregnancy from the date of your last period? Weird...I don't remember that! But hey...I'll take the extra weeks!

2010-11-14T20:47:00.000-08:00

While waiting on the next blog...I figured I would answer these questions that my sister in law sent me from her blog!

1.) What is your favorite childhood memory? It would definitely have to be my summers spent at my Papa Joe's and Mama Barbara's. Luckily, Fort Gordon is not far at all from their house so I still get to go there a reminisce. Although my Papa Joe is now gone...it will always be a place I treasure.

2.) If you could have any job, what would it be, and why? Don't laugh...but I would absolutely love to be a broadway star. Hey, it said ANY, right?

3.) What is your favorite sport? Football!!! Roll tide!!

4.) Have you ever done something "dangerous" - and how do you define that? Hmm...I would say....yes. But, alas, nothing exciting and often dumb.

5.) What is your favorite holiday? Christmas! Although it sure has come early this year it seems!

6.) When is your average bedtime? Oh it just depends. Right now its almost midnight...and Josh and I are both up playing on our computers...

7.) What is your favorite song (right now)? Oh...I couldn't pick just one!

8.) In one word, describe yourself. Wow...just one, huh? I really like Bethany's answer. "Real". Although...I won't steal it! I'll say "Blunt"...haha.

New beginnings....

2010-11-14T20:38:00.000-08:00

Oh, we've been such busy people this past month and I have LOTS to update everyone on!

So...once again, I will start from the beginning, and I will also have to split this into two separate blogs!

Josh FINALLY came home on Friday, October 22nd! My grandmother took Anistyn for the weekend so we that we could have some time to ourselves! I was so extremely excited to see him! I took that whole day to clean and primp myself. Hey, we might be married...but you STILL wanna look good for your man, right?

We spent Saturday furniture shopping and looking at things to decorate our house with eventually. We even wandered into Petsmart because we had been thinking of getting a dog...which we DID!

The next week, Josh brough a puppy home for us, which he had gotten from a friend in Rome. We named him Saban...perfect name for this Alabama fan! However, the next day...Saban got really sick. He wouldn't touch food...or water. He looked like he could go at any moment. We took him to the Pet ER, where it was announced that he had parvo. For those of you who don't know what parvo is, its basically a disease that eats away at the organs and intestines and can easily kill an animal. Its prevented with their routine shots...but Saban had not had his. We had already made him an appointment for Monday...but he already had it.

The doctor told us that they could admit Saban for....1200 dollars for the FIRST night...then 400 dollars per day after that...and he would need to be there for a minimum of 5 days! Josh and I just looked at each other with these "uuuhhh..." looks. Finally, I asked the vet if there was a plan b! Thankfully there was. We could take Saban and all of his medication home and administer them ourselves. It would still mean only a 50/50 chance...but he would have had that in the hospital as well.

So for the next week, we had to give Saban an IV 2 times a day, along with other shots. For an animal lover...it was so sad to have to do this to the poor baby. Once you stuck him with the IV, you had to let it drain into his system, which caused his shoulders to swell with the fluid. Once it was done, there were two or three other shots to give him, plus oral medicine. He was a fighter though and he made it through! He is now one happy, healthy puppy...and an instant part of our family!

We've enjoyed having Josh home and getting back into our family routine. He's been on leave, so its been great to have him actually be able to relax....as much as he can! He's such a hard worker, and after not getting much of a break these past 2 years, it took him awhile to actually be ABLE to relax! But, thats just something I love about him. Definitely not a slacker! And hey...our house is coming together thanks to him!

We're getting ready for the holidays and excited to spend time with our families! Now...read on to the next blog post for more news!

A little of this, a little of that.

2010-09-23T21:20:00.000-07:00

Well, these have just been a couple of busy busy weeks! We are doing a pretty good job of settling into our new home...and loving it! After a few mishaps, our things from California FINALLY came yesterday!! Woohoo! There's only one thing thats different this time...I have to unpack by myself...haha! Today was busy since I've been sick and been needing to deal with that over the unpacking...so tomorrow will be my first full fledged day of getting everything in order! So...this is what it looks like as of now:

Yikes! And that is just the living/dining room! It does look like things have been ripped out of boxes...and that's because, well, they have. The movers were supposed to be here around 2 and silly me thought they actually would be! I know, what was this silly military wife thinking?? So, they arrived instead at 6. My grandmother thankfully was there to help with Anistyn while I helped the movers. Once the movers left, she had dinner ready for us. Problem...no silverware! I had had plastic silverware that I kept washing, but since I figured I would have had plenty of things unpacked by dinnertime, I threw them away! So...I had to go on a hunt for silverware. Only, I STILL couldn't find them...so I had to ask our nice neighbor for some to borrow! I finally found the silverware today...in a duffel bad, buried in a box!

Thankfully, the unpacking messes do not overwhelm me, and I really don't mind doing it all. There's something about knowing that Josh will be home soon...and wanting to get our house in order for him...I just love that! Of course, while unpacking, I have realized that there are two people in this house who have an abundance of knick knacks...and neither of them are me! Haha.

This week at Anistyn's school they are promoting reading, so they have had a theme each day. Monday was "Hats off to reading" so everyone got to wear a hat. Tuesdays theme was "Team up to read" so the kids got to dress in their favorite jerseys. Wednesday was "Reading in never tacky" so the kids wore....tacky clothes! This was Anistyn's selection for tacky day.

It is a little tacky...but I think she still just looks cute!

We can "officially" start a countdown on Josh coming home! I didn't want to do a countdown before because it was far off and I wanted to make it go by as fast as possible! But now that its only a month away...I think I can make it that far! Josh has been doing great in his class and I am so proud of him for getting soldier of the month!! He worked so hard at it!

Everything seems to falling into place perfectly. I've been going through all the boxes of things that have been stored up for months. Getting out our pictures, his clothes, different things...the timing couldn't be better. As I'm putting away this or that...I feel like I'm making the way for our family to be back together again. And I sure will be glad to see him in person instead of like this!

Lovely skype photos!

A year already...

2010-09-15T20:34:00.000-07:00

Has it really already been a year?

I went back down memory lane for a bit just looking at our wedding pictures. I couldn't help but remember exactly how I felt then and smile. The butterflies, the excitement, the wonder of what was to come. And so madly in love with this man. A year later...and I still feel that way.

Now...I know, I know...a year isn't a lifetime. But to me, its a milestone. The first year is a growing year. Its the year when you start learning to live with your spouse...even if you really only got to live with them for 7 months out of that year. You learn if he drinks milk out of the carton and grosses you out (he doesn't!). You learn who the "ocd" cleaner is (neither...haha). You learn that she likes it when you make coffee first thing in the morning (he caught on quick:)) You also learn that neither of you are morning people. Whether its learning something that is deep and secretive, or just learning what kind of toothpaste you both like....its learning. Learning how to share your life with the person who will be your partner throughout your life. THAT makes it a milestone.

Today of course...we are not able to celebrate together. Josh is still training in Texas while I'm here in Augusta. I had strict instructions to NOT leave the house though. Of course, this on the day when Anistyn had early release from school! That afternoon though, the doorbell rang and the nice FedEx lady handed me these...in a box of course.

I just adore him. If all of our other year together are anything like this first one...I'll be one happy old lady one day. Bumps will come. Disagreements will occur. Sometimes, we won't see eye to eye on everything. We're human...and we're two different people. But I believe this first year...this learning year...was a great way to start things off on the right track.

As for Josh...there are no words to describe what he is to me. I simply adore him. As a husband, a father, as a man. I believe in him and respect him. He's my very best friend....and I can't wait to see what the future brings for us and our family!

Heart tugs

2010-09-10T19:23:00.000-07:00

I have been a mother for over 5 years now. I know just a little bit about parenting. Not a ton, and there are many mothers who know plenty more than me. But I would like to think I know just a little. I know the ups and downs of parenting...at least for the first 5 years anyways. The years to come are things that, no matter how many books you read or people you talk to, you just have to take one day at a time and learn the best way you can.

I do know that every single day you spend with your child, there is something to learn. I also know that every parent and child gets into a routine of sorts. Anistyn and I definitely have our way of doing things that works for us. We're not rookies at this little team we have going on. I know that there are plenty of things I do for her that I just....do. I help her brush her teeth. I pick out her clothes. I drive her to school. I make her dinner. I "yes" her and "no" her and scold her and hug her. I get upset with her, I laugh with her. Its all just a part of the parenting cycle.

We always have the "mandatory" parenting duties. The cooking, the cleaning, the bathing, the scolding, the teaching. Round and round we go as we try to mold these little minds into decent human beings. Many times I lay down at night completely exhausted from my efforts with that little girl. But there are some times...some little moments during any various activity...or no activity at all....that just pull at your heart strings. Little moments that make you almost cry as you think to yourself "Man...they are so worth it."

I see it during different times myself. First thing in the morning, Anistyn wakes up...first very sleepy and unsure for the first few moments of "waking up." Then her eyes gain their composure and focus in on me...and she smiles. That "Oh...there's mommy" smile. Melts my heart every single time. I get my heart strings pulled again when she accomplishes something. Completing her homework for instance and seeing the different ways she is growing.

Today...I had my heart strings pulled big time. I don't think it was exactly a "pull" either...more like a giant tug. I cherished the moment...so proud. The pride that I felt for that tiny little girl...oh, that would make a grown man cry.

Today was the Freedom Walk at her school. I mentioned it in the blog I posted yesterday. The school was having it to commemorate all the lives lost, as well as all of the heroes that were involved in 9/11. Now there are many times where dealing with military things can be a little frustrating. The waiting. The paperwork. The lack of knowing. The paperwork. Missing your spouse. The paperwork. I think you understand what my biggest frustration is...haha. But events like today...that's when you can take a step back and say "Wow...its worth it."

At the event, they had someone from the Navy, Army, Air Force, and Marines. They all marched to flag pole where they hung the flag together. Once the flag was hung, MY little girl, along with 3 other children all gathered in front of the large crowd, and led us in the pledge of allegiance. I was just so very very proud of her! I was able to record it...so I hope the video works on here!

What might seem silly to some...oh, it was a huge ordeal in our house! Sometimes, for really special occasions, I will braid Anistyn's hair the night before, all of it...in little braids. Just like my mom used to do when I was little. You do this on wet hair and let her sleep on it,and the next morning it is beautiful and wavy! A definite must for any little princess.

After the pledge, we sang the National Anthem together, then a couple of kids read some speeches about 9/11. It still makes me cry. Then the principal spoke and the first thing she said was "I sure am proud to be an American!" Oh, the cheers and praise that came. So great to be at a military post school and hear all the military families applauding. Then, a moment of silence around the whole base. While we were all quiet, the military police had sirens going off...not just outside the school, but there were sirens going off all around the base. Then came the walk, where we all walked around the whole school waving flags. I was really happy to be a part of it.

Here she is all ready to get to school. Wavy hair, and red, white, and blue!

Waiting to say the Pledge. I mean, I know I'm biased when it comes to her...but really...is she cute or WHAT!

Putting the flag up

Hanging the flag at half mast.

Getting ready to walk around the school!

Love that little walk...such a little diva!

Some of the military police...keeping us in line...haha.

I love that Anistyn was a part of this. I love being a major part of her life. So often though, its easy to get caught up in day to day life. Doing the things that you just do...because you have to. Little moments like these though...gosh, they are just so worth it. Nothing for you. Nothing selfish. Its nothing you can hold, like money, or a car. Its just a simple tug. That lets you know...you are doing the right thing...being that child's parent. Because seeing them shine...it just doesn't get any better than that.

New house!

2010-09-09T21:56:00.000-07:00

Every night this week I've curled up in bed with my laptop and said "I need to update my blog about my our new house!" Then, after that thought I remember that I yet again, forgot to take pictures...until now!

Friday morning I met with the leasing agent and signed away on our townhouse and so far...I love it! Sure...there's no furniture...but hey, whose complaining. After 4 months of being somewhat of a gypsy...not this girl! I popped out the obligatory air mattress which I am beginning to see is in every military wife's possession. I have actually kept mine stored in our car this whole time. Hey, you never know!

My awesome in-laws came on Saturday to bring us our washer/dryer...and set us up with some things that will help us until all of our things get here. What would I do without them? Not have clean clothes...that's for sure! My mother-in-law and I put together the table that is now in my breakfast nook while my father-in-law set up the washer and dryer for me. I am sooo very grateful for them!

Now...onto the pictures!

Here is the outside of the townhouse.

My table for our little breakfast nook that I just adore!

The kitchen

This is the dining room and living room...or it can just be one huge room.

I think you can guess whose room this is....

And....mine and Josh's room!

I have a lot more pictures of the place on my facebook, I just didn't want to post ALL of them on here! Our things should get here on or before the 19th...so its looking pretty bare for now. We'll still need to get some living room furniture and eventually some dining room furniture too. I think I might just wait until Josh gets here for all of that though. We've looked at a few things online, but I think I might just wait so we can go shopping for it together.

I love it though...and am pleasantly surprised, given all the horror stories you hear about living on post! I have great neighbors, and its really peaceful at night. You don't hear a thing, and you would think you would with so many people around you. Maybe its the fear of the mp's? Or its probably because everyone's days start so early around here!

Tomorrow is a big day for Anistyn. We are doing a Freedom Walk at her school in the morning to commemorate all the lives that were lost in 9/11. There will be a moment of silence, as well as some speeches. AND Anistyn was picked to say the Pledge of Allegiance in front of everyone with another classmate! I don't know if its just the two of them, or a group...but she's so excited! We have been practicing for the past two days! I am going to try to record it on my camera so that I can hopefully post it!

2010-08-29T21:49:00.000-07:00

I am feeling quite proud of myself right now for organizing a major part of my life...paperwork.

This past week I have ran all over the place getting things settled. Monday it was transportation who had me in a frenzy. I left them with a headache and an appointment for Friday. Tuesday it Tricare who had more paperwork for me and didn't want to have anything to do with my daughter until it was complete. Wednesday and Thursday were spent trying to get through all the paperwork for after school care for Anistyn once I get a job. JUST after school care and I had a tough time with it. Friday was my appointment with transportation and the daycare...and I STILL have an orientation and things to tie up loose ends.

I have been traveling all around base with a poor, overused binder full of all of the necessary paperwork that these lovely people use. Everything they could possibly want from me. Birth certificates, LES, DEERS, ERB, marriage certificates...you name it...I got it. And slowly...this binder has been getting fuller and fuller. When someone asks for something....I dig and dig, until the right piece of paper is there. Tonight...it all changed.

Here is my before work...as I took everything out of the binder and tried to get it situated. Yes...it IS a lot!

And how would one organize such a mess as this? Well....like this:

Voila! Every single piece of paper that I need is neatly organized is my little file folder that I can carry with me everywhere! Maybe this would not seem like a huge accomplishment for a normal person...but for this UNorganized military wife right here...I was very proud of myself!

No more digging through that poor folder for me!

Milestones

2010-08-23T05:56:00.000-07:00

This weekend was a relaxing one for me and my little schooler. We spent some time with our friends Nikki and Kaytlin...and got to know some of our other neighbors. Yes...I said neighbors! Not officially..but in 11 days they will be! But...whose counting?

Saturday evening was spent outside having a mini block party outside. All of us adults chatted and got to know each other while the little ones rode bikes, roller skated, drew with chalk...that sort of thing.

In the midst of it though, my little one made quite the accomplishment. One that might not be major to any other person...but in my mommy eyes it was definitely enough to run inside and snatch the camera.

Anistyn wanted to attempt to roller skate on her own! We've been to the skating rink, but she's always had mommy's hand to guide her. This time though, she was bound and determined to do it herself.

At first, she was pretty nervous. I gave her intructions on how to move her legs, even showed her as much as I could with having no skates on myself. Then, we took off, while I was holding onto both of her hands. A little while later when she was comfortable, we were down to one hand. Then, before you knew it, she was on her own with mommy following close behind in case she almost fell.

So much like actual parenting isn't it? You give your child verbal instructions on what to do...you even show them with your own actions. Then, when they're ready to take off on their own, you help them take those baby steps toward the right direction. You hold on with both hands. When they're a little more comfortable, you hold on with just one hand. After that, when they're strong enough to conquer it themselves...you let go and watch them as they blossom. All that help, all that instruction, the time that you took to invest into teaching them...and you get to sit back and watch them take what they've learned and use it all on their own. You stand closely behind them, observing...should they ever fall. And if they do fall...you catch them. Dust them off, give another encouraging pep talk and maybe a few more pointers, and send them off to try again.

One of the proudest moments a parent can have is working hard towards a goal with their child...and then seeing their child reach that goal. Whether its life...or roller skating.

This parenting gig...there really is nothing better, is there?

School pictures...

2010-08-12T07:37:00.000-07:00

Now that I CAN....I wanted to post pictures of Anistyn's open house...and her first day of school!

Anistyn and Mama Barbara waiting to go see who her teacher is!

Anistyn at her table!

The obligatory picture by the front door the first morning of school!!

Outside of Ani's classroom!!

Anistyn and her teacher, Ms. Frazier!

Can you tell I didn't want to leave??

My big kindergartener!!

Kindergarten!

2010-08-08T19:26:00.000-07:00

Well, bath time came and went. Phone calls to people wishing her a good day tomorrow. We layed out her outfit for tomorrow (a dress from Grammy and Poppy). We said our prayers together. I tucked her in, kissed her and left my eager child to squirm in bed....not wanting to sleep because of so much excitement.

Her first day of kindergarten is tomorrow!!!

Oh, someone please tell me where the time goes. Where is this little girl?

As much as I miss those days...I equally look forward to her future.

In case you didn't notice...I adore this little girl. I love her with every fiber of my being. Watching her grow into the beautiful little girl she is now has been the most rewarding experience. She leaves me in awe sometimes...with her quick mind and attention to detail. I absolutely cannot wait to see her little mind grow and be a witness to all that is possible for her.

I will be sure to post pictures and update on her first day of kindergarten! I know she will do wonderful...and thankully I will have my grandmother there to distract me! I know mommy will shed some tears...not only because of the separation, but for all of the good things that I wish for her.

Job

2010-08-04T14:43:00.000-07:00

I have mucho mucho to blog about....and it will all come very soon. Here lately, I have been at such peace about everything and am finally getting settled enough now that I can finally start blogging the way I used to!

Due to housing/moving/school, I am staying with grandmother who lives about 45 minutes away from base so that I can get Anistyn to school (yes...thats about 2 blogs right there....). With no driving state to state, people to entertain, no TV (gasp...its great!) and finally a LOT of down time...I did something the other day that I had been wanting to do for a long time. I hadn't had the time lately...what a dumb excuse. I read the bible.

There have been many things over the last few months that have just put me in different "funks" as I call them. Not having Josh around. Wanting to find a job. Wanting to find a house. Waiting. Hurrying up...and then waiting. Getting bad news after bad news. Josh having to stay in TX longer. Just a list of things...

So when I picked up the bible I said to myself (and God..) 'I'm just going to open it up. I hope whatever I start reading is something that will just hit me.'

I flipped it open and there sat the book of Job. What a story. I've read it before...but I REALLY read it this time.

Here's a guy who has everything he could want. Animals, children, happiness, money...and who does he thank for it? God. Always thankful to God. Its easy to be thankful to Him when things are great though, isn't it? So...Satan comes along and mentions this to God. So He "tests" Job. He takes away his children, his animals...everything he loves so dearly. But Job STILL is thankful and loving to God. So when that doesn't do the trick...he becomes sick. Sores all over him. There is Job...in severe pain. His children have died. All of his animals are gone. But he DOESN'T curse God. Even his wife asks him..."Why haven't you cursed Him yet?" Look at all of these terrible things that have happened? Surely God wouldn't let these things happen if he really loved someone, right? But Job refused to curse God. Because who was Job..a mere man, to question what God's motives or plans are? Then at the end...because he didn't turn away from God...he ends up with TWICE as much as he had before.

That made me think. With this military life I am slowly adapting to, a lot of things don't go my way. Heck, in LIFE things don't always go my way. There are things I don't understand. Different things in my life that have happened...and I just don't know why they had to happen that way. But you know what...I'm not the one with the answers. Someone always has it worse than you anyways. But never....never...will I blame God. There IS a reason for everything...we as humans sometimes think we need all the answers. Only He can know though.

I do give thanks to Him when things are going great. Its important though that when things aren't going the way I want them to...or terrible things happen that I just don't understand..that I continue to praise Him. Because only He knows the outcome of it all.

So what do I do? I put all my trust and faith in Him. I "give it to God." It gives me peace to know that He knows why everything happens. Maybe he testing me. If it IS him testing me...I plan to do my very best to pass.

My Funk.

2010-07-07T13:32:00.000-07:00

I'm supposed to be having a fun filled summer right now. And I am...for the most part. These past few days though, I have just been exhausted...and pretty much the most emotional that I have ever been since this whole experience started. Lately, I've just been feeling numb. I know it will pass...and my happy, cheery self will be back. Then I will scold myself for even giving in briefly to my slight pit party. But right now...thats where I want to be. I am in the midst of a pity part. A selfish one. But then again...is it selfish to just wish he were here? I don't think so.

Josh came for his R&R...and after a brief mishap, we had a great time together. I told him on the way to the airport the other morning, there's only one bad thing about these short times that I get to see him. See, the last couple of months...I've gotten pretty used to being on my own. Heck, I was alone and a single mother for 4 years. So, of course I can do it. I get used to going about my daily routine, always wishing he were there of course, but able to get by. Taking care of Anistyn. Packing our bags by myself (which at this point...I can do in less than 5 minutes, mind you). Falling asleep alone. Then he comes...and for that brief time...my life is perfect. He's there to help me pack. He pumps my gas. He makes me my coffee and he knows just how I like it made. He even brings it to me in bed. He's there next to me in bed. My constant partner...there to swap funny stories with before we doze off next to each other. And then, before you know it...he has to leave again. And I have to readjust all over again. And I miss him even more.

I can't even explain how I am feeling. Maybe its our brief visit. Maybe its the fact that I am so ready to be in our own home. Maybe, its because I have made friends with an amazing group of girls online who are all going through the exact same thing...being military wives. Maybe its swapping stories, and living each moment with each other that has opened my eyes even more to this world. This rewarding, proud, and honorable world...that sometimes leaves me feeling alone, and sad. Maybe its a recent turn of event in which some people have just left me speechless with no regard to my feelings. And maybe...I'm just being a brat. Which, my mother would say...is probably it;)

Nonetheless....this is the world I chose when I got married. I knew it wouldn't be easy. Thankfully, I have amazing people to turn to. People who understand, because they've been there too. On top of wonderful friends and family to help me through this time.

This isn't a deployment...and when one comes, I'll do the same thing I've done with this. Go through my days like I normally would, and cry when I need to. Which I haven't really cried, until the other day when I chose to resort to the really unflattering crying fit. You know the one...stuff all over your face...barely able to breathe. I finally just let it all out. And then I picked myself up, cleaned up, and tucked my little girl into bed as if everything were perfect. Because thats what I do.

Marrying him was easy. Loving him is like breathing to me. Its the most natural feeling in the world...as if I've always done it. He makes it so very easy. Its the other things that complicate life...but loving him, well, thats a piece of cake. And thats what makes itall so very worth it to me. Because soon enough, he will be with me again.

Summer fun...

2010-06-22T21:00:00.000-07:00

Ah...blogland...how I've missed you. I've been away due to much moving around...and not having a consistent computer with me. That is all changed now...thanks to one of my best friends, Shannon. She had an extra labtop that she wasn't using...and has let me borrow it until Josh is back and I can claim his again...haha. So now...I am at my in-laws and so excited that I get internet in the downstairs apartment!

We've still been on the move...which is fun, but tiresome. We went to my friend Michelle's, then back to Birmingham to see my family. Then back to Rome where my in-laws took me and Anistyn to the cabin last weekend and we all took Anistyn to Babyland! It was great...I have the best memories visiting there as a child...and now I took mine. I love doing things with Anistyn that I did as a kid...and seeing them from an adult perspective, while seeing them through her eyes at the same time.

For those who don't know, we have been stationed at Fort Gordon in Augusta, Ga. We took a road trip over there a few weeks ago and were put on the waiting list for housing on post. We went there to look on and off post...but were sold with living on post. The community seems great, everyone was so unbelievably nice, and Anistyn will be going to an amazing school on post. I am so excited to get there and get settled in OUR home!

In the meantime, I am counting down the days til my love gets here! We're in the single digits now! I find it odd that time has seemed to go by pretty fast...up until now! We get to spend two days all to ourselves and I just can't wait to see my best friend again.

After that, its crunch time to get ready to head to Augusta in August. We have to be there for Ani to start school. I took her to the doctor last Monday where she had 3 shots...she was such a trooper. I took her to McDonalds to make up for it...even though she did great! She is in the clear to start kindergarten...which is worth a whole blog in itself. When, oh when, did my little girl grow up?

After the doctor's appointment Monday, I officially became Tara Marie Freeman...with a long overdue trip to the social security office. Today I helped my MIL refurbish a dresser for Josh and me. I sanded down 3 layers of paint...but was very proud of myself! Then I got to hop on their riding lawn mower and go for a little spin all while cutting grass. All in all, its been a great week thus far.

I believe I will end my rant here...but I will be putting up pictures soon!

Home Sweet Home??

2010-05-23T22:18:00.000-07:00

The problem with not blogging after one exciting adventure, is that after that, something else exciting happens that you should blog about. But you don't, therefore a lot of eventful things happened, and you stare at your blank blog screen wondering where to start. So...where to start...

I've been back "home" for about 3 weeks now. It started with a road trip to L.A., then Las Vegas, then passing through the Hoover Dam, to get to the Grand Canyon. Then to Texas to eat the most amazing steak ever. A breakdown followed that about an hour outside of Oklahoma City. We got repaired, and then made the rest of the trip to Georgia. I stopped in Alabama for the week and spent it with my parents and little brother and sister. Then I went to my friend Michelle's where we met up with some our old friends for a "girls night out." We laughed, reminisced, and had a great time. Then me and my little sidekick went to her dad and stepmom's wedding. From there I went to my older sister's house where I sit now. Believe me, I have plenty of pictures to show, and I WILL get to them...just not right this second.

I've been busy loving on everyone that I have missed. I've stayed busy catching up on everyone's lives. We celebrated Anistyn's 5th birthday, I watching my brother and sister in their choir concerts. I watched my nephew play a baseball game and graduate kindergarten. I've spent this week watching my 1 year old niece Finley who I have missed. Basically...I've kept myself busy.

But at night, when I am exhausted from my busy days, I get into bed and just can't sleep. There's this empty space next to me. That person that hogs the covers, and kicks me in his sleep. The person that brings me coffee when I wake up in the morning...and he knows just how I like my coffee.

Of course, since he is still in the country, we get to talk pretty regularly, depending on our schedules. I still hear from him everyday, and everyday I look forward to it.

I am so fortunate to be able to be here with my family while he's gone. I think I would surely be going crazy without them. I've revisited places that were home to me before I got married. But...8 months ago, home became wherever Josh and I are together. Alabama and Georgia will always be my first home. My family and friends are here. Josh's family and friends are here. Our "roots" will always be in these places. But "home" is wherever we are together. So, although I adore where I am now, I won't be "home" until him, me, and Anistyn are together again. Which by the way, is taking a really long time to figure out!

Next week I'll head to Rome to stay with my in-laws and I'm sure we'll have plenty to do! I'm also trying to NOT count down the days until July 2nd...when Josh comes for a 4 day weekend!

I am staying true to my "cry when I need to cry...then get on with my day" routine. Its been working for me thus far. I am not depressed, nor do I mope around everywhere with tissue. I have fun. I enjoy everyone one I am with. I just can't wait to see him. I'd say I'm doing pretty good so far!

The road trip begins...

2010-05-04T09:15:00.000-07:00

These past few days have been so busy for us! Josh's graduation was Thursday, then Friday morning we began our packing/cleaning process which lasted until 2am Sunday morning! We have been sleep deprived and coffee driven, but we got through it all...and surprisingly got along doing it!

We picked up one of my best friends Michelle and her husband from airport on Sunday and headed straight to San Francisco for a couple of days. Michelle brought her labtop and has wireless internet so we're able to get on the internet while on the road...which is what I'm doing now...how "nifty"! It will definitely made some of the long journeys go by a little faster.

San Fran was great...I was glad we were able to go there before we had left Cali. Definitely one of the best cities that I have ever visited...not that I've been to tons. I have many pictures of course but most are on facebook. Here are a couple of great ones though...

There are many many more on facebook, but those were just some of my favorites.

For now we are on the first leg of our road trip back. We are headed to Los Angeles right now to do a little bit of sight seeing, and then we'll drive straight to Las Vegas for the night.

The hardest part was leaving Josh earlier today. He did such a great job of making sure Ani and I were all set. It was hard walking out of our empty apartment. It will always be the first place we lived in...its where we molded our little family and experienced our first months as a married couple. I'll always remember it.

I'll try to update as we go along, but if I'm not able to...SWEET HOME ALABAMA here I come!!!

One more week.

2010-04-28T00:56:00.000-07:00

In exactly a week I will be leaving California and headed back to the lovely south, which I have missed dearly. It brings such bittersweet emotions! For the most part, I am extremely excited. I have a fun packed summer planned. First a road trip back, including stops in L.A., Las Vegas, and the Grand Canyon. I get to see my parents, sisters, and my brother who supposedly is now taller than me and is definitely sounding more "man-ish" on the phone. I'll take a trip to Tampa to see my aunt. I will lounge out by the pool with my friends. I will get to spend quality time with my in-laws, and Andy, Bethany, and their kids. I'll get to actually enjoy a summer with Anistyn before she has to start kindergarten. I'll get house hunt and pick out our home...wherever it will be. I am looking forward to it SO much...all except for that one tiny part that will be missing the whole time. Josh.

These last 7 or so months in California have been such a growing experience for me. I learned how to be a wife and what it really meant to have someone be my partner. Even if I begin to think about what one man has brought to my life...I start to tear up. I can't begin to describe the things that I have learned..I think the list would go on and on. All I will say is that I found what I thought was nonexistant for me. In every dream I had of the person I wanted...and in every prayer I prayed to God about that man...and in the end, I got him. So now...we have to be apart for a little while. And...well, it just plain stinks.

Someone asked me the other day how I thought I would handle it if Josh got deployed. This isn't a deployment, but since we will be separated I told her I would handle it the same way most military spouse's do. One day at a time. Cry when I need to cry, and then get up and get on with my day. I am so glad that we had these last few months because I know without a doubt that we have an amazing marriage, and this is just a tiny bump to get through. Plenty of people have done it before us, and with all of my activities I am planning to keep me from going crazy...I think it will fly by. Or it better!

Tonight we met up with some of Josh's classmates for a dinner at Red Lobster (which by the way, I still can barely move...as I am still stuffed!) I am amazed by all of them and what they have achieved out here. Thursday is graduation, and after that is whole lot of packing and moving before my friends get here on Sunday to spend a couple of days with us before we all leave on Tuesday.

In the meantime I am going to savor every last moment with Josh...maybe we can get on each other's nerves enough in the next 6 days that the break won't be as hard!

This time 5 years ago...

2010-04-21T02:49:00.000-07:00

On this date, 5 years ago...I was exactly a month away from becoming a mother. Where did these 5 years go?

I remember exactly how I was back then. I believe it was around this time that I was got "that" point. You know the one...the point where you are completely ready for this baby to be out of your body. Oh, fun times. I had to root around a little bit, but I found a poem that I had written about Anistyn when she was turning one. I thought I would share it with everyone here. Please don't fault me for it...I was only 21 and discovering what motherhood was all about! Looking back at it, I think I had a pretty good grip on it. Its so amazing to think about where we were in our lives back then...and what a difference things are now. One thing is for sure...I don't know where I would be without that blue eyed wonder. She really did save my life...a story in another blog of course.

So, here is the poem. Enjoy!

Poem for Ani

My little girl is turning one...I can't believe how fast the past year with her flew by. It just makes me think about my life before her, my life now, and whats to come. So, you might think this is cheesy, but maybe you'll like it.

I remember the day I found out I was pregnant. I've never been more scared in my whole life. I had no idea what I was going to do. I felt like I had let people down. I couldn't understand why God would give me a child, knowing that I couldn't provide for her like other parents.

I remember my first doctor's appointment. They gave me all these instructions on what to eat, what to feel, what to do, it was so much responsibility. They let me hear the baby's heartbeat. I couldn't believe there was a person growing inside of me.

I remember the first time she kicked. It was Christmas Day 2004. I spent that Christmas alone at my apartment. I was sitting on the couch watching TV, so upset. I didn't know how I would make it through my pregnancy. Then she kicked. And I cried like a baby.

I remember when I found out I was having a little girl. Oh, what a shock that was. I had been scared to have a girl. I didn't think I could handle a Mini Me. I looked up at the screen, and watched her move. My baby. My little girl. I fell in love.

I remember the day she was born. The 2 days of labor I went through were torture. I went into work on a Wednesday night, went into labor Thursday morning. She was born on Saturday morning. As soon as I had her, and saw her little body, that face, those fingers and toes...I was a goner. My life wasn't mine anymore. It was all hers.

This first year has been a huge learning lesson. We've moved, had new people come into our lives, laughed and cried. I've watched her go from a tiny baby into a little girl. It seems like yesterday I was getting frustrated with acid reflux. Now I'm feeding her table food and watching her act like she's talking on the phone.

I pray that she'll have a lot of friends and family to always surround her. I don't ever want her to feel alone. I hope she always knows that she is loved and cared for. I want her to always have someone to call at the middle of the night.

I pray that she'll use her talents to do go things. I don't want her to ever waste them on things of the world. I hope she knows that everything good comes from God, and to use them to please Him.

I pray that she is a good driver. I hope she always looks where she is going and never speeds. I hope she doesn't mess with the radio while talking on a cell phone and driving at the same time.

I pray that she doesn't get her heart broken too many times. I know its bound to happen, because if she is anything like me, she'll love people fully. I hope guys never take adavantage of her, or treat her like anything less than a princess. Because thats what she is...a princess.

I hope she does well in school. I hope she has fun while keeping her grades up. I hope she asks for help when she needs it. I pray that she focuses and cares about her future.

I pray that she doesn't give in to peer pressure. I hope she knows that real friends wouldn't want her to do something she didn't want to. I hope she knows that the choices she makes today affect her tomorrow. I hope she is wise and makes good decisions.

I pray that she succeeds in life. I hope she is happy in life. I hope she used all of the good in her to the best of her abilities. I hope she wakes up every morning, glad to be alive.

I pray that she meets a man one day that shows her real love. I pray that he treats her with kindness and respect. I hope they learn from each other. I hope they grow together. I pray that through hard times they stick together.

I pray that she becomes a mother, so that she can understand what real love is. I pray that she takes time to play with them, and not worry about other things in life. I hope they have movie nights, I hope they share ice cream and take walks together. I pray she tucks them in and reads them stories and makes them feel better when they are sick.

I pray that I am always with her to experience her grow. I pray that she always know that the moment she came into my life, I changed. I want her to know that without her, I am nothing. I hope she knows that when I look in her eyes, and see her smiling at me, God is giving me a little piece of what heaven is really like. I want her to know that I was born to be her mother and on the days when I get so frustrated or dissapointed in her, that it is only because she holds my heart in her hands. I want her to know that nothing she could ever do could make me stop loving her for the simple fact that I am her mother. She is my daughter.

I pray that she doesn't have a million regrets in life. I know that she will make mistakes, but when she does, I hope she picks herself up, dusts herself off, and keeps going. I hope she is proud of herself, like I am.

I pray that she laughs, I pray that she loves. I pray that she lives.

Our first Easter...

2010-04-06T05:57:00.000-07:00

We had a fun filled weekend with a lot of activity! On Saturday we met up with my friend Kelly, her husband and their kids. We ate lunch at McDonalds and headed out to find some Easter hunts together. We didn't have too much luck since everyone within an hour's time wanted to go to the same places as us...so with a few treats and a lot of laughs...we all headed home. Sunday afternoon though, we headed back over to their house for a cookout...complete with our own egg hunt. Kelly had invited another military couple over who had a 4 year old little girl too...along with a 7 week old baby. I held the little one and man...I can't believe how fast my little one grew! The kids had a blast together...and the adults did too. Everyone there is from the south and once Josh and I had left we were laughing about how the people we tend to really get along with are all southern people...but hey, nothing beats southern hospitality! Hopefully we'll be able to all hang out again before we leave. I, of course, have picture!

It was raining that afternoon, so we had to hold the egg hunt inside. All of the mommies kept the kids occupied in one room, while the daddies hid the eggs in all of the other rooms. While all the kids were hunting in one of the rooms, my sneaky child snuck off to a room all by herself that was full of eggs...

She ended up getting so many eggs we had to borrow a second basket!

Kelly's son Gavin...one of the funniest little people ever. This little man will keep you laughing constantly!

All of the girls...

And all of the kiddos...its hard to get 4 children to ALL look at the camera at the same time!

Long time, no blog...

2010-04-02T02:56:00.000-07:00

Some food for thought...if I was consistent with my blog, I wouldn't need to constantly do updates, right? Ah well...

Onto some updates...

My little sister was here for an extra week, so she got to stay with us for two weeks which was great for me! Although to make a long story short, I would not recommend ever using a buddy pass! Tia had used a buddy pass to get out here and it was fine...but for obvious reasons Atlanta is one busy airport...and it took a few trips up to the airport, then her getting declined a seat...before my mom just ended up buying her a one way ticket home! But the extra week was fun, even if she had a lot of school to make up.

Now, we only have 5 weeks left in California...5 WEEKS! Where did the time go? We've already been married over 6 months. I guess time flies when you're having fun. I am extremely excited to see all my friends and family...but I get a bittersweet feeling every time I think about it. Unfortunately, I think it brings about little mood swings for myself here and there, but I hear that happens to spouses. Eh, what do you do when you know you're going to be away from your other half for an extended period of time and can't do anything about it? So far my solutions are to be happy for the 5 weeks we have left together...and stay busy while we're apart. We've been doing little family activities over the weekends. Last weekend we took Anistyn to her favorite park here and had a picnic together...and of course playtime. Between Josh and Anistyn, sometimes I don't know who the bigger kid is!

I just love that picture!

I love sisters.

2010-03-15T23:33:00.000-07:00

Its gotten pretty loud around the Freeman house lately. About two weeks ago, Josh and I decided to let his friend Brown come and stay with us for the remainder of our time here. Brown is in the same class as Josh. His wife is also in the army and is stationed in Korea...so he has been living in the barracks. Then, the commanders or whoever is super important (haha) told everyone that any married soldiers living in the barracks would have two weeks to find a place to live off base! It would have been rediculous for Brown to pay for a deposit and anything else for only 7 more weeks!

Then, my little sister came last Friday for her spring break!! I didn't tell Anistyn that she was coming...they are extremely close...so I knew it would be a great surprise! Here's the picture from when Anistyn first saw Tia at the airport.

What a great moment! On Saturday we did the tour of Monterey with Tia. We took her to the beach, the pier, out for lunch, and then to show her around Josh's base. The bird guy was there again...he loooves to get people to hold his birds and it was the second time Anistyn has held one. Tia was very unsure about it!

When we got back home Tia and I headed off to the mall. It was so GREAT being able to shop with a girl! Not that I don't love shopping with Josh...but...its a girl thing! Why? Because you do things like this!

Josh is very funny and definitely entertaining...however, I doubt he would want to model hairbows with me...haha.

We are having such a great time together...living with now 2 guys with so many army things going on, its nice to have some girl time for a little while...with someone around my age! We also made a hilarious rap video for our older sister...of course we had to borrow some of Josh's shirts and hats...but it left her crying from laughing so much.

Ohhh sisters. Life would dull without mine.

Its been awhile...

2010-02-28T23:59:00.000-08:00

Wow, time flies when you're having fun.

The past couple of weeks have been very busy for us. Anistyn and I have been doing a few playdates with our friends and have loved every minute of it. Last weekend we spent a rainy Sunday at Kelly's house with her kids since both of our husbands had to get some studying done. We did a craft with the girls and let them play while we got to have girl time. Kelly is one of those girls that I just instantly clicked with, and we have a lot in common. Her parents actually live in Alabama...small world.

I had wanted Kelly to try out the mommy's group that I had gone to with Anistyn by myself, for two reasons. For one, she's going to be here for two years and I thought she might like some of the girls. The other reason I had wanted her to go was to see if she got the same feel that I did. I really don't have a problem with meeting people...I'm really outgoing and can find something in common with almost anyone..but for some reason I didn't feel like I clicked with any of the girls, except for one. So, Kelly and I agreed to go one of their playdates. We met at the local humane society so that we could all take a tour...good thing Josh warned me not to bring any animals home, or we might have a houseful right now!

After it was all said and done...Kelly got the same feeling that I did. I'm not saying they're mean, or rude or anything like that at all. I'm sure they're all really nice. I would just think...ESPECIALLY being military wives whose lives a lot of times mean moving, making new friends, moving again, meeting more friends....that they would be a little more inviting since they understand a lot of what you're going through. As a first timer to a group event, it can be somewhat overwhelming...and its really awkward to stand there with a group of girls and not one of them say anything to you. Alas...Kelly and I had a lot of laughs about it afterwards and will not be attending any more of their meetups...haha.

Oh, but the little ones did have a great time looking at all of the animals.

This is me with Kelly's little boy, Gavin.

This boy is seriously....hilarious. One of the funniest kids I've ever met! Everytime I am around him he makes me almost cry from laughing so hard! Makes me ONE day want a little man of my own. I said ONE day...haha.

Last Saturday night Josh, Anistyn, and I went over to Kelly's for dinner with her whole family. It was great to let the husbands meet. We ate and then all played on the wii together. I beat Josh at bowling...which was great since we took Anistyn bowling for the first time the previous weekend and we had the bumpers up, and I kept hitting them! Therefore, Josh said that I needed the bumpers more than her!

Lastly, in all of our news, we finally have Josh's graduation date...April 29th! I am so very excited for him and will be sure to take MANY pictures of the graduation! Which bring me to what comes AFTER his graduation. Once he is done with the graduation ceremony, he will be free to leave California.

They're supposed to give a married soldier 10 days of packing time, and 5 days of traveling time. That would give him two weeks off to be able to spend some time with family and friends in the south before he leaves. That would be too easy though, right? Of course it would! Therefore, because of Josh's report date, he only gets 7 days leave. 3 of which will be spent driving back to the south. Therefore, he only gets 4 days to see people when we get back. Which means....I have less than 10 weeks left with him. Yuck.

Its not a deployment, so I don't have to WORRY about him...I know he'll be safe and sound. He just won't be safe and sound with me. Ah well...military life. But where did these past few months go...I guess we were just having too much fun together.

At first we had talked about Anistyn and I just staying in California until he was done, but the more we talked about it, the more we agreed that it would be best to be in the south. For one, I think the time spent apart from him would go by a lot faster if I were surrounded by my friends and family that I miss now. Also, Anistyn is going to start school in the fall, and I would hate to put her in school over here, then have to pull her out a month into the school year. Also, this summer I can spend time going to whichever base we'll be at and finding us a house then getting Anistyn and I situated. Hopefully being busy this summer will make it go by fast and then before I know it...we'll be back together again!

As the kids would say....I am too cool for school...

2010-02-15T14:37:00.000-08:00

Before you read the the first paragraph and think I am stuck up...be sure to keep reading to clarify!

I am the coolest, most amazing person in this world. Everything that I do is amazing. There is nothing that I am not good at, and nothing that is short of greatness. I am drop dead gorgeous, and just down right cool.

This is certainly not how I see myself...or how others see me. But through the eyes of my little 4 year old daughter...this is what I am.

Others might say that I should think more before I speak.

I might think that I tend to overanalyze...and worry too much.

But Anistyn...well, she just sees all the good in me. And she thinks I am just amazing. The other day she was trying to jump rope and was having a hard time. So, she asked me to show her, and I did. What came after my successful jump roping was a wide eyed little girl filled with amazement at what her mother had just done. I was such a great jump roper!

I get these remarks, as I'm sure plenty of parents do. "You're the best mommy ever." After I've tucked her in to bed. "You're the best cook ever"...after I've just made hot dogs.

It won't last long. One day she'll grow up, and realize that along with her mother, I'm a person who has made mistakes and done things I'm not proud of. One day we might argue, and sometimes as a teenager she might not like me very much. I hope she never thinks that way...but teenage girls are a breed of their own.

So for right now, I'm going to hang on to her thinking I am the amazing person that she thinks I am. I am going to keep on doing things to make her look at me with bewilderment at what I've just accomplished. It might be a little selfish...but hey, I like her thinking I am too cool for school.

I love days like these...

2010-02-13T10:06:00.000-08:00

I have had a half written blog in my edit box for a couple of days now...I just haven't been able to finish it, so I will just start fresh. These last few days have been a lot of fun for Anistyn and me. We've been having a great time with our new friends. We went out Tuesday and met up with Kelly and her daughter again, as well as another girl named Adrina, who has a daughter named Abby. We went to the library where the kids got to listen to a musician...and then we went to McDonalds so they could play and we could talk...although the McDonalds didn't have a play area...is that even allowed??

I don't know if it was something in the air on Tuesday, or what...but it seemed like everywhere I went (bus riding wise...) I was meeting another interesting person. I am my mother's child...which means that I could basically hold a conversation with a tree. I love meeting new people of course, and I loved hearing they're stories. There's nothing like being nice to a complete stranger for no reason at all...and when they leave they look back at you and say "I hope you have the most blessed life possible." I just love that.

Anistyn is having a great time with her new friends...I love seeing her come out of her shell with them. When she meets new people she is sooo shy. After a while though, when she's comfortable...you won't be able to get her to stop talking! Here's a picture of her with her new friend Chaela at the library!

They're too cute!

Josh has a four day weekend now which he deserves. Yesterday he was able to sleep in and have the house to himself for the first time in...well, ever. Anistyn and I went to go hang out with Adrina and her little girl. We went for a group playdate at a park, but it had rained a little bit so they had canceled it. Sooo...we headed over to Chuck E. Cheese and let the girls run wild while we chatted it up. Its so great to meet girls that I have so much in common with! Then we took the girls for lunch and called it a day.

Now we're just getting ready for our first Valentine's Day together around here....we don't have a baby sitter of course, but we'll figure something out!

And another one...

2010-02-08T22:06:00.000-08:00

We set out today for another playdate. The other group that I met up with last week was great, but I really wanted to meet some moms with kids Anistyn's age. The great thing about that playgroup is that they are packed with great activities for the kids and moms. I'm really glad I'm a member of it, and if I could find some kids Anistyn's age that could join the group then we could all go to all the activities they have and all of our kids could play together.

So I had met Kelly through the website. Her husband is in the Navy and she has a daughter who is Anistyn's age and a 2 year old little boy. I really liked meeting a mom one on one, versus the whole big group shin dig. It just gave us a chance to REALLY talk...and I thought she was great! I didn't take a lot of pictures for once...and ya know why? Because I was way too busy talking!

While we were busy with our girl chats, our daughters were getting along great. They were both shy at first, but they quicky came out of their shells and took to each other really well. I have to add in the playground we went to...by far the coolest playground I have ever been to. Here's the only picture I managed to catch of Anistyn:

Yes, thats her on top of the sun...with a slide underneath it. It was so much...there's a hang glider, maze...all sorts of great things to do!

We ended our play session and Ani and I took the long bus trek home. We've already agreed to meet Wednesday at the library for a kids story time. And another mom is coming with her daughter who is 4 too...I'm really looking forward to it.

It felt great to get out this morning...and not get back home until it was almost time for Josh to get home! Such a great and full day!

And on another note...my husband is not only incredibly handsome...but oh so smart too! His tests that he had today went great! I am so so extremely proud of him! He isn't much for bragging...so I'll do it for him!

Playdate Update

2010-02-03T09:09:00.000-08:00

Well we were up bright and early yesterday morning to catch the bus for our playdate. It didn't start until 10:30, but we had to catch the first bus at 8am! Although it was bound to be a confusing and long bus ride (we had to catch 3 different buses), I was very excited about our day. To me, bus riding seemed like an adventure. In the towns I grew up in there weren't any buses to ride...you either had a car or someone with a car...or you were stuck at home. So I was actually excited to see how a bus system worked. Of course, with my wandering brain and plenty of time to think while riding the bus it made me think of my grandparents who had met at a bus stop so many years ago and fell in love. How romantic that must of been! Of course, if some guy had attempted to get my attention at a bus stop in this day and age, I probably would have wished for some pepper spray!

I could tell right away that the bus drivers and other passengers weren't nearly as thrilled as I was, but nonetheless Anistyn and I were still excited about our day.

We quickly amused ourselves with little games and looking at the sights....and me with people watching which is something I am quite fond of. Oh the people that ride the bus...never dull!

When we finally got to the Del Monte Center where the restaurant was, we still had about an hour before the playdate began. The Del Monte Center is a great little shopping center though, so we just perused some of the shops and stopped and got Anistyn some hot chocolate since it was a little chilly that morning.

This is how happy hot chocolate makes little girls;)

I have to admit, I was pretty nervous before going in to the restaurant. I am very outgoing, but am so ready to meet someone that I just 'hit it off' with. So what if the girls were snobby...or what if this wasn't the type of group that I meshed well with?

When I first walked in I introduced myself to one of the moms, who was a really nice army wife with a little boy and another one on the way. Then we took our seat and they were beginning the tours of the kitchen. They were doing tours in groups, so everyone had already went and they only had enough room for all of the moms around me...just not me. So, I was left at the table alone....and believe me, I almost started to cry. I don't know why...I guess its just because for that moment I wasn't "fitting in". I told myself then, that I was sure I had made a mistake and shouldn't have come...but then, a girl named Michelle walked in with her 2 kids. A baby, and a 3 year old. She sat by me and we just clicked. She's older than me, and has 4 kids. Two in school and then the younger two. Her husband is in the Navy, she's been through 2 deployments, moved, and was just so interesting to talk to. We talked about being a wife and mommy and everything that goes along with it. It was so great to be able to talk to someone who is in a sense a "pro" at it. She's been married for 9 years, runs a household and lives by a schedule, which is vey admirable. It made me think of what a newbie I am to this life. Here I was, a single mom with not a minute to spare in my day due to work, school, and taking care of Anistyn. Now within a matter of months I'm married, far away from that life that I knew, and I get to stay at home and have all the time in the world with Anistyn. Thats not me complaining...I've been so blessed and I love this life that I lead. I am so grateful and thrilled to be able to spend my days with Anistyn and have an amazing husband that comes home to us in the evening. It is so new to me though, and I just want to do the best job that I can.

We went on our tour of the kitchen, which looked like any other kitchen this ex server has seen, but Anistyn loved it and the staff really got into making it look cool for the kids. Then, they got to sit down and make their own pizzas which was so great.

Anistyn's finished product before being cooked...

And after...she had already dug in!

It was such a great idea for the kids to be able to do and Anistyn just loved that she was able to eat something SHE had made. She kept asking me if I wanted to try some...which I did. I told her she should be the cook at our house now since she did such a great job!

We all ate and talked some more and I was able to meet more of the moms, which are mostly military wives. They were all nice, which made me feel dumb for jumping so quickly into a negative nancy at first...but I guess it was just me feeling like a fish out of water! The only downside was that there weren't really any kids Anistyn's age. They were all younger, but I'm hoping that maybe some of the other moms just weren't there. Michelle even offered to drive us home, but we were happy to take the bus back. She wants me to go to another meetup they're having this Friday so I think we'll go.

The great thing about the mom's meetup site that I found is that there are ways to get in touch with moms that have kids the same age as your child. I've already had a couple of e-mails about meeting up at the park from other moms with kids Anistyn's age. So I'm just going to try it all out. I'll still go to these little meetups just to get out of the house and have something to do, along with some nice girls to talk to, and we'll still be able to make playdates with the moms who have kids Anistyn's age.

We only have a few more months here, so its hard to get too attached when we know we're leaving soon!

In other news...Josh has his airborne physical at the end of Februrary. Yes...MY husband will be jumping...out of airplanes. Something so odd to this girl who sweats when even thinking about being on an airplane. I am perfectly fine with my two feet on the ground. I am quite jealous of people who aren't afraid of flying...I wish I wasn't! My thrill seeker husband has to do SOMETHING exciting...so this is what we agreed to. Believe me, the other options were far worse!

I think I have a case of the Mondays....

2010-02-01T04:47:00.000-08:00

Well, the weekend flew by, like it normally does. Although it was short, we had a great time. Now we get to look forward to a four day weekend next week...yay!

On Saturday we woke up to a beautful sunny day in Cali...yes, it was about 65 degrees. I don't know if I could live here forever, but I could definitely spend my winters here. I am not a fan of the cold. Especially in Alabama and Georgia, where it doesn't snow. My thinking is...if its going to be 25 degrees outside, it might as well snow!

I am always one to want to get the family outside and doing something fun on these sunny days. I just don't like the thought of spending a beautiful day inside, when there are so many free things to do around here! Josh is always up for almost anything, so we usually find fun things to do. So, Saturday morning started with my usual question..."What do you want to do today?" And do you know what my awesome husband said?? "Do you want to go get your hair done?"

So, while Josh and Ani spent the day together, I got to get out of the house and get my hair cut and highlighted! I've been wanting it done forever....

Its super super short which I'm still getting used to, but I like it so far. I took a picture in of what I wanted it to look like, and she didn't exactly do it the way I wanted, so I just told her to cut the parts that didn't look right. So, before I knew it I had the shortest hair I have ever had!

When I got home, all the dishes were done, and the kitchen clean....hmm...something got into that man this weekend;)

On Sunday, Anistyn and I went to the park together while Josh went grocery shopping. I have the girliest daughter which is so funny since I was such a tomboy. I feel like I am raising my older sister. Instead of wanting to run, climb on monkey bars, and slide...Anistyn opted to pick the pretty flowers. I was able to get her on the slide a couple times though!

After that, we all just spent time together at home, and even got to watch a magic show!

In other news....please pray for my sweet grandfather who has been in the hospital since Sunday morning. He has pneumonia and is on a ventilator. I wish I could be with him, and I hope he gets better soon!

Playtime!

2010-01-25T03:33:00.000-08:00

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!

Updates...

2010-01-21T02:44:00.000-08:00

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!

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!

Resolutions

2010-01-11T18:35:00.000-08:00

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!

Getting Ready to Read!

2010-01-08T00:46:00.000-08:00

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!

Married Life

2010-01-07T20:09:00.000-08:00

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.

New Year's Survey

2010-01-05T01:02:00.000-08:00

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

Back to Normal

2010-01-04T11:23:00.000-08:00

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!

Busy Bees!

2009-12-30T00:40:00.000-08:00

Wow, what a great past few days its been! I have a lot of updating to do, so here goes!

We had a great first Christmas together. Although Josh and I are just starting out and lets be honest, the military doesn't pay major bucks, its great see how we work together to pull together the best Christmas that we can. We had decided not to get each other presents this Christmas so that Anistyn could have enough. And really...we got what we wanted back in September.

Christmas Eve we went and picked up Josh's parents...Grammy and Poppy! They flew out here so we wouldn't be be alone for the holidays and we were happy to share it with them. We spent Christmas Eve night setting up. Anistyn even wrote Santa this letter:

In case you can't make out the writing it says: Dear Santa, Can I ride on your sleigh? Can mommy and Josh go too? I'd like to see Rudolph's shiny red nose. I've not been bad on Christmas. Love, Anistyn

Aaahhh...she's too cute. Santa wrote her a letter back...and on top of all the sweet things he told her, he also put in there that it would be GREAT if she would go to bed when her mommy and daddy asked her to.....we'll see if that helps!

Christmas morning we were all awake by 7am and ready to open presents!

Here's Anistyn checking out all of the presents!

Here she is trying on her slippers from Grammy and Poppy!

Christmas Day was spent playing games together, eating, and just having some quality time together! Since Grammy and Poppy were here for 5 days we got to do a lot of sight seeing! Since I grew up watching action flicks with my Papa Joe I had been wanting to go to Carmel to eat at Clint Eastwoods restaurant. Months ago Dane and Ellen had promised me a trip there...and they follow through on their promises!

This is the outside of the restaurant when you first walk in. It was a little chilly so opted to eat inside. Its so pretty! That Clint Eastwood...he can fight off bad people AND decorate a restaurant....what a guy!

Here's me chowing down on my Dirty Harry burger! My Papa Joe would have been so proud!

On Monday we decided to head to Monterey to take a walk along the Fisherman's Wharf. We walked a little ways stopping to see the sights as we went. We ended up at ANOTHER restaurant I had been wanting to go to...BUBBA GUMP'S!

What can I say? I'm a skinny chick who LOVES to eat! My poor Josh...he grunted at every picture he had to take...but with me AND his mother there....there was no way he was getting out of it!
I love love love how Bubba Gump's is set up. The little drink menu is a ping pong paddle and on the table there are lots of Forrest Gump quotes. The waitress comes around and asks Forrest Gump trivia and the place is loaded with different kinds of memorabilia. It made me want to watch the movie again! Oh, and we got all of the trivia right!

Here was our view from our table. I love sitting where you can see the water!

This was my favorite sign!

After some more walking we had to stop and take a picture by this fountain. It was cold so me and Anistyn got new hats thanks to Grammy and Poppy!

We had a great visit with Dane and Ellen. They even made us some Ukranian food one night which was great. We dropped them off at the aiport tonight so it will be months before we're able to see them again.

In the morning we're off to San Francisco. One of my best friends Kelly is coming in with her little boy, Caleb! I am SOOOO excited to see them! We'll be able to spend the day in San Fran together so I can't wait!

And what did we do tonight while it was just the three of is? We rocked out.

Man, I love my life!

Christmas Eve...

2009-12-24T17:45:00.000-08:00

All of the presents are wrapped and under the tree...except for the ones from Santa of course.

I just got the cookies for Santa out of the oven and now they're cooling.

I had a very good cookie helper.

Josh is currently putting all of the remaining cookie dough together and trying to make one HUGE Christmas cookie...aaahhhh, boys. Gotta love them.

My apartment has been scrubbed down and looks lovely.

All of the grocery shopping is done and we're ready for a good meal tomorrow.

In a few hours we will go to the airport to pick up Josh's parents.

I LOVE this holiday!

And I LOVE the main reason of Christmas....Christ is born!!!

I won't be able to get on here for awhile, so before all of the craziness starts I am taking a moment to think about my wonderful first "married" Christmas. I couldn't ask for a better husband. Its been a great year and the "first" Christmas of many together.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!!

Love,
The Freemans

Tis the Season...

2009-12-21T21:14:00.000-08:00

The last few days have been somewhat hectic since we are just now starting our Christmas shopping. We didn't have the time before this though, since Josh had a load of tests before his break started. This past weekend we were able to get some of the shopping done. Tomorrow we're going to drop Anistyn off at school and get everything for her!

On Saturday, Santa came to the office of our apartment complex. The ladies that run the office there are very involved and love having little get togethers. Anistyn gets so shy around Santa. I asked her why she didn't want to talk to him and she said "I really do like him...I just get so nervous!" Here is my "shy" daughter and Santa though!

Ahhh...well, Anistyn said next year she would talk to Santa...so I'll hold her to that. I am very excited about this week. Josh's parents are coming in on Christmas Eve...then its our first Christmas as a family...and one of my best friend's Kelly is coming next week! So I have a lot to look forward to. In the meantime we are just enjoying having Josh around all the time!

(Anistyn took this picture...and while it looks like Josh is lovingly looking up at me...he's actually trying to get my head to hit the ceiling...haha)

Kids These Days...

2009-12-18T02:41:00.000-08:00

I must start this post by stating an opinion. I think my daughter is pretty darn funny. All kids are funny for that matter, but being her mother, I am of course, with her more. Josh and I often glance at each other and laugh together when we hear Anistyn singing one of her "made-up" songs, which she does frequently.

I wanted to recap two things that she said to earlier though.

Her first comment came after seeing a children's show which had talked about car safety and how drivers need to be aware of their surroundings and how they need to stay alert. Anistyn came up to me and said

"I know how to drive mom, I just need my driver's liscense like you. Can we go get one soon?"

Then later she said

"Mom, when I use my spit, I'm just trying to blow bubbles with my mouth. I'm not really spitting. So you don't need to get onto me when I do that because bubbles aren't bad.

Kids these days...

On another note, we had Josh's Christmas party last night. It was a nice for us to get out as a family and meet some more people. We ate great food and Santa was there, although Anistyn was of course acting way too shy to go talk to him. I didn't get any pictures except this one of Anistyn and Josh as we were leaving. Anistyn had wanted a picture in front of all the pretty lights.

I just love those two people. Now tomorrow is Josh's last day of work before his leave...thank goodness! I know he's ready to relax a little bit, especially after these last couple of weeks!

Fun times!

2009-12-16T00:40:00.000-08:00

My day today started at 5am this morning. It was one of Ani's school days and since we live about 20 minutes from her school and Josh's school too, I just decided I would spend the whole day in that part of town instead of wasting gas going back and forth. So, we were all out the door by 6. I dropped Josh off, then took Ani to school and then I was ....BY MYSELF!!! Granted it was for 3 hours, but thats really all the time I need. So, I got a hot cup of coffee and headed to Target. I LOVE being able to do that. Not really going to buy things, but just looking. I looked at different things we could maybe decorate with, looked at some possible Christmas presents for Ani, and my personal favorite...I got lost in the book section. I now have a list of must reads.

Then, I went and picked up Anistyn from school. We grabbed some food and then headed to the beach for the afternoon. I love the path that they have to walk on right by the beach. As you walk along, you can search for seals, and any other other ocean life. They even have benches that you can sit on just to take in the different views. Anistyn adores it. Here are a few pictures of us at the beach!

Anistyn had to bring Kitty along of course.

There were seals laying out all along the rocks, so Anistyn was making her seal sound to try to get their attention. I think they knew she was an imposter;)

Here are the seals...they are so funny to watch! Anistyn and I will sit on a bench and make up voices pretending to be the seals...she thinks its hilarious.

She loves to pose...here she is with seals and seagulls in the background!

Me and my princess...don't you just love the flower she picked for me...

What a great way to spend the day. Being a one car family means most of the time I'm at home, so I love when I'm able to get out! Now we're just two days away from Josh being on leave...and then all the busy-ness starts!

I did it.

2009-12-11T22:27:00.000-08:00

I can't believe I did it.

I STILL can't believe what I did...or how I had the courage to do it. But I did.

I cut my daughter's hair. BY myself.

For those of you who don't know...my daughter's hair is like a prized posession of mine. I think Anistyn is pretty much beautiful...and her long brown hair is as well. Before this, she had only had ONE haircut. And she's 4 and a half. I just have a hard time with her and hair cutting. To me...cutting her hair means she's getting older. Can't she just stay little forever?

Her first haircut was probably a year ago. She had precious baby curls still in and it was time to get rid of them. I didn't want to...I think I was pressured into it. I caved though, and took her to Desirae...the only person I would trust enough to cut my baby's hair. Desirae had told me to hold my hands at the bottom of Anistyn's hair in a cup shape so I could catch some of the baby curls so I could keep them. I did so, and a few cuts later Desirae looks up at me and says "Tara...you can't keep ALL of the hair...". I'm just attached...

Of course, you can only deal with the cries that come with brushing out tangles for so long. Detanglers, conditioners, it all comes down to another haircut. So, I bravely made an attempt to cut it myself. My mother always cut our hair...well I have pictures to prove maybe I shouldn't use her as an example;)

Here is the princess before:

How much did I cut? This much:

The aftermath:

She is so very cute, isn't she?

In other news, we're just getting ready for Josh to be on leave!! He's been doing a ton of studying and school work lately. You would think they would take it easy on the guys before Christmas break, but its very much the opposite. Between tests and projects and other assignments it will be great when he can take a break from all of that for a little while!

Friendship

2009-12-03T15:03:00.000-08:00

The last couple of months I've been adjusting to life as a wife. I'll give myself some credit, I think I'm doing pretty good so far. Everyday I love Josh more, if its possible. I haven't always made the greatest decisions in my life, but marrying Josh...I got that one right.

Being in California is great, and I love being in a new place. I love learning to cook great meals for my family. I love listening to Josh sing Ani a song before bed. The list goes on and on...

The only downside...is being away from my family and friends.

For this blog...I just wanted to talk about my friends though. I miss my family like you wouldn't believe, especially around the holidays now. But where I'm at now, surrounded by soldiers, you wouldn't believe what I would give for some girl time.

Marrying a soldier is rewarding in so many ways. I love that I married someone who stands for what he believes in. Not only does he make ME feel safe, but its unbelievable that he, and so many others would risk their lives for the safety of others. I love that he has ambitions and goals and wants the most out of this life that he can get.

Being around my soldier, and others...as well as living on a base where I haven't made any friends yet...I constantly hear about "soldier" stuff. M 16's, MRG's, boots, army regulations, ranks, missions, equipment...this is what I hear about. All the time. And don't get me wrong, I love listening to Josh talk about his day. I love that he's so excited about what he's doing. I support him more than anyone in what he is accomplishing and I'm so proud of the person that he is and where he wants to go.

But he doesn't really like to talk about nail polish, hair styles, lip gloss, or bras. And thats perfectly fine with me. I think it might be kind of odd if he DID like to talk about those things.

The great part about my friends...is that they've always lived far away from me. Granted, its a lot farther now...but we've grown accustomed to having our friendships consist of many many phone conversations. We can't do our weekend trips like we used to, but even from far away, they've been the best friends I could ask for. And I miss them. Extremely.

I thought that once I moved over here, it would be easy to make friends. And I'm sure if we got out more in the social scene we would. But we really just like spending time together as a family since we're so new to it. There's a Christmas party that we're all going to soon so maybe I'll be able to meet some girls there. But for now, I miss mine. I can tell them anything and they don't judge. They are the friends that are few and far between. The ones that have seen me at my worst, and been there. The ones that have listened to me rant about anything under the sun, and sympathized. The ones who I have laughed with until we cried. The ones that watch Lifetime movies with me all day in our pj's. We've watched each other turn from adolescent teenagers, to mothers and wives. Like any relationships, we've had bumps...but we mean enough to each other to get through anything. Whether blood or not, they've been there for me and vice versa. I can see why God made friends. And I'm glad he picked the friends he did for me. I love them, support them, and would do anything for them. Because they would do the same thing for me.

So today, I just want my friends to know that I am so forever grateful for everything that you have done. I know you don't expect recognition, because you're real friends and real friends don't expect it. But you deserve it. For every tear, every laugh, every scream, rant, sickness, birth, wedding, drive, and more I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I miss you and love you unconditionally.

(Note...Shannon, I couldn't find a picture of me and you!)

Back to Routine...

2009-11-30T13:18:00.000-08:00

After a nice 4 day weekend its now back to the routine, just like everyone else. We had a great Thanksgiving and I had a wonderful time cooking for a big group. I didn't burn my kitchen down! I started early that morning and stayed highly busy preparing all the food. Josh was a big help, getting the place ready and taking care of Anistyn so I could handle all the food. By the time everyone arrived I was pooped! I didn't take many pictures...I wish I had, but I was busy hanging out with everyone and getting to know some of Josh's friends. I did snap a few pictures though. Here is how my food turned out!

I had turkey, ham, macaroni and cheese casserole, sweet potato casserole, broccoli casserole, green bean casserole, deviled eggs, and rolls. I have to give credit to Josh because I think he would want everyone to know that HE made the deviled eggs....

There were still a lot of leftovers so we've been eating the rest all weekend! I didn't get any pictures of all the guys and I wish I had. However, I will let you know what they did the entire time...they played some military war game on xbox. Yes...so very exciting for me;) So, just imagine 6 guys around a TV and three game controllers...and there ya have it!

We also got our Christmas tree put up:

Anistyn did a wonderful job of decorating! I can't wait for the next few weeks until Christmas!

Thankful

2009-11-25T14:56:00.000-08:00

Since I will be highly busy tomorrow I wanted to go ahead and post what I am thankful for! Josh has invited some guys from base over for Thanksgiving since they weren't able to make it home. I have been VERY busy getting everything together! I am really excited to have a group of people to cook for now...but nervous at the same time! Lets hope I can pull it off!

On to what I am thankful for:

These two people:

I am forever thankful for my husband. Words cannot express how much I love, admire, and respect him. He is my own hero. I adore him and love how easily our lives have meshed together to create a beautiful family. He was definitely worth the wait.

I am thankful for my beautiful little girl who has been the key to my happiness these past 4 years. Through her I've learned what love, and princesses, are all about.

I am thankful for my parents who taught me all about life.

I am thankful for my sisters and brother. I love how different we all are, and at the same time...so extremely close.

I am thankful for my aunts...I have looked up to them since I was little. I still do.

I am thankful for my uncles...who love God and their families.

I am thankful for Nana...the leader of the Lamb family. Where would any of us be without her?

I am thankful for my MB and Paw Paw...some of the most loving people I know.

I am thankful for all of my cousins...they all inspire me.

I am thankful for my new family that I have happily joined. It was easy to love them immediately.

I am thankful for my friends. Somehow, in all his business...God knew I would need those exact people in my life.

I am thankful for the life that I am living, the air that I breath!

I am thankful for the military, who keep us all safe!

Most of all, I am eternally grateful for God. Through him, all of this is possible. A life without Him is meaningless!

I hope everyone has a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving!!!

Updates!!

2009-11-23T12:15:00.000-08:00

Wow, what a weekend! I would have posted earlier, since a lot of things happened, but the weekend was so busy that I never had a chance.

Friday was my birthday so I spent the day with Anistyn. She refused to tell me happy birthday though because I did NOT have a cake! But, that afternoon the doorbell rang and there stood Josh with a birthday cake all lit up for me. So we had a fun Friday night just relaxing at the house.

Bright and early Saturday morning our furniture came!!! FINALLY!!!

We spent the morning trying to organize as much as possible since we had plans for that night. Here is a picture of our living room! Ignore the boxes that are still there. We filled up the apartment garbage posts with boxes already...so we have to wait for it to be emptied so we can take the rest out!

I will have to post some more pictures of it later! Saturday night I got to do a little shopping for my birthday, then we dropped Anistyn off at 'Parents Night Out' at her school. They do it once a month on a weekend night from 6pm-11pm. I had signed Anistyn up, but was worried. I didn't want her to be the only child there...but she definitely wasn't! I guess thats the only chance a lot of parents around here get to go out by themselves so I was glad to see that Ani had plenty of children to play with! They served them dinner and had all kinds of games and movies for the kids. So Josh and I were able to have a little date! Soooo....what did we do???

We went to see New Moon!!! Here we are on the way to the movie!!! Can't you tell how excited we both were!!!

Okay, so maybe I was a little more excited....this picture cracks me up. Josh was a trooper though! Notice how we're matching...this seems to happen a lot when we go places! We get ready seperately and when we're finally ready to leave we notice that we're always wearing the same color shirt! Its happened three times...we've worn blue, yellow, and black. Maybe lame, but I just thought it was cute.

So, we got to see the movie I have been DYING to see! We had to endure some preteen screams...and we were sitting next to some guys that were making fun of the movie through the whole thing. Which I thought was pretty funny considering they came to the movie by themselves...they didn't have any girlfriends or anything to MAKE them watch the movie. They came willingly, yet they made fun it....hmmm

After the movie we went and picked up Ani who had a great time at school. The next day we finished off clearing up the apartment and getting everything organized. Its great to have a handy man around! He even figured out a way to hang up our robes:

Please note the towel rack because I need some decorating help! Josh and I are having a "disagreement" with it. Obviously we are going for a brown and blue theme. Now, I had originally planned to have two big brown towels and then two little blue towels sitting on top, just like the towels on the right. Josh thinks that that we should keep the big blue towel up there, and get a little brown one...so please post your input! It won't hurt my feelings if you think Josh's way is better...but I just need some help with it!

Now to just get ready for our first Thanksgiving together! Josh and I are going to cook a small Thanksgiving meal together. I can't wait to see what traditions we can come up with!

Also, last night I went to check on Anistyn to make sure she was asleep since she had been getting out of bed a lot. As soon as I opened my bedroom door, this is what I found:

I love my life!

Growing...

2009-11-17T11:03:00.000-08:00

Today, my big girl started pre-k! Granted, its only 2 mornings a week....but its still a big deal to us! Its the first time we've been away from each other in a very long time! Also, I've always taught where Ani went to school, so its a big adjustment.

We had to wake up and take Josh to school. I had packed a bag for her just in case we weren't able to make it back home to change and thank goodness I did. We made a quick stop at Burger King for a biscuit:

Once she was all ready we headed into her class!

This picture makes me almost cry. I just can't believe how big she has gotten. Holding her hand and walking her into the building with her little backpack on was just too bittersweet. I am such a sap and you wouldn't think her going to school for 2 mornings a week would be a big deal...but she's my only baby! She did great, she was a little hesitant at first, but once the teachers got involved she happily went with them. She is SO excited about Thursday...she gets to go on her very first field trip! The teachers are taking the kids to a Whole Foods market and she gets to ride on a bus...well actually, its a van but she calls it a bus and thinks it is the coolest thing in the world!

Also....I have to post these pictures I snapped last night. Josh was laying on the floor watching TV while I was cooking dinner last night and he dozed off for a bit. Anistyn made him nice and comfy though.

Isn't she sweet. I think its so funny seeing him in his army pants and boots...then with a little afghan...and Tookie of course!

I love how Tookie was sharing the pillow with Josh...

I love little moments like these!

Coupon World....here I come...

2009-11-13T14:03:00.000-08:00

I am finally attempting to become a "coupon queen."

I have vowed to myself that once I was in California and settled, I was going to start trying to save money by using coupons. I have so many friends that swear by it, that I figured it would be dumb not to at least TRY...

See...I'm already a little bit prepared. Bethany gave me a little binder to put all my coupons in...and I have a lot of websites that I can print coupons off of too....as soon as Josh hooks the printer up and we get some paper. Must do this weekend.

I really hope I can be as good as my best friend Michelle. That girl is rediculous when it comes to coupons...and I completely mean that as a compliment. She has a family of four and is always calling me, telling me how much money she saves...I am completely in awe. Of course, I think she eats, sleeps, and breaths coupons...note our conversation we had earlier today:

Michelle: So, are you pregnant yet?

Me: Um, no...I highly doubt that will be happening anytime soon. Why?

Michelle: Well I just saw these coupons for pregnancy tests. They were half off. I was just thinking if you thought you might be, you might want to go get those.

Me: Yes...thank you. I'm sure if I thought I was pregnant the first thing on my mind would be saving money on the pregnancy test. For sure.

That conversation seriously cracked me up!

Anyways, I went grocery shopping 2 weeks ago and spent $120 with no coupons. I didn't even attempt to use them then, because we didn't have ANYTHING in our apartment for one. Also, I had to REALLY think about what I could cook...seeing as we don't have a lot of things to cook with. We finally got a microwave, but before that I could only cook on the stove. Which seems easy, right? But I didn't have mixing bowls, casserole dishes...and I'm not an amazing cook yet either. SO, I did my best. I still had nights where I thought I had really found something to cook that could just be cooked on the stove, only to find out that there was SOME item that I needed (I made sphagetti and didn't have a strainer...so I had to run out and get one.)

Now though, bit by bit, our kitchen is getting a little fuller. So this weekend I will be attempting my coupons. Wish me luck!

Why little girls are fun...

2009-11-09T18:14:00.000-08:00

Today, while Anistyn and I were at home I was busy trying to figure out coupons (I have not succeeded yet...but its a work in progress). There's only so much I can do to keep her occupied...tomorrow we are going to register her for some pre-k classes! In the meantime, I am glad that she has an extraordinary imagination.

Anistyn decided that she would teach "school" to all of her stuffed animals. I saw a glimpse of my older sister in her...of course back in those days, Tiffany always used me as one of her students...and she was a very strict teacher;)

Anistyn was nice enough to let me come in and teach the class their ABC's while she planned their "activity." And yes...those were her words. I didn't know she knew the word activity, let alone how to use it in a sentence! She is always surprising me with how smart she is!

Here is a picture of Ms. Anistyn with her class:

I love her pose!

Tookie, however, was not able to participate in the activity that Ms. Anistyn had planned. He had hit Kitty and therefore, was placed in time out.

That'll teach Tookie to behave next time;)

Salinas

2009-11-09T13:39:00.000-08:00

I thought I would share a few pictures of the town that we live in. Salinas is right outside of Monterey, so it takes us about ten minutes to get to the beach. I know my way around Salinas pretty well...I just still get confused in Monterey. I haven't really driven out there by myself though, which is how I learn my way around. Almost everytime I've been, Josh is driving...therefore I am much more interested in the radio rather than street signs;)

Salinas is a cute little town. If you turn right out of our apartment complex, you hit a whole bunch of stores and restaurants. However, if you turn left....

You hit a whole bunch of fields that are growing cabbage a strawberries. They might be planting more...but I've SEEN the strawberries and you can SMELL the cabbage!

Its beautiful though, because there are miles and miles of fields, then these gorgeous mountains in the distance.

If you drive by at certain times of the day you will see all these cars parked along the fields. Then you'll see all these people all over the fields, picking the fruit. I told Josh I thought it would be fun to take Anistyn out there to pick strawberries. He said that he doubted other people would like that...seeing as they were picking the fruit for money, not fun;)

And yes, I was taking these pictures while I was driving and/or parked. Governor Arnold has passed the law prohibiting California citizens from talking on cell phones while driving...but he didn't say anything about taking pictures now did he? ;)

An award...

2009-11-06T13:30:00.001-08:00

My sister in law Bethany sent me this award with instructions to fill out the questions and send it to 5 other bloggers. I'm only supposed to give one worded answers so I'll try my best!
1. Where is your cell phone? Counter
2. Your hair? straight
3. Your mother? loving
4. Your father? funny
5. Your favorite food? chocolate
6. Your dream last night? nothing
7. Your favorite drink? sweet tea
8. Your dream/goal? happiness
9. What room are you in? living
10. Your hobby? reading
11. Your fear? unimportant
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? happy
13. Where were you last night? home
14. Something that you aren't? selfish
15. Muffins? blueberry
16. Wish list item? furniture?
17. Where did you grow up? Georgia
18. Last thing you did? errands
19. What are you wearing? sweatshirt
20. Your TV? cartoons
21. Your Pets? husband....ha
22. Friends? sanity
23. Your life? full
24. Your mood? content
25. Missing Someone? always
26. Vehicle? blazer
27. Something your not wearing? hairband
28. Your favorite store? childrens
29. Your favorite color? purple
30. When was the last time you laughed? now
31. Last time you cried? yesterday
32. Your best friend? Josh
33. One place that I go to over and over? base
34. Facebook? lovely
35. Favorite place to eat? home

I'm supposed to send this to five people, but I don't follow too many blogs yet, so I'll pick two:

Tiffany http://tiffanyball.blogspot.com/

Kelly http://kellyandcaleb.blogspot.com/

First Weekend in Cali

2009-11-06T08:39:00.000-08:00

Last weekend was a very busy one for us since it was our first few days in the apartment together. We did a little shopping Friday night for some necessities. Saturday morning we had to take my mom to the airport, which was bittersweet. I had to wake my sweet little girl up from her big girl bed in her big girl room:

What a happy smile to wake up to! We had a lot of errands to run on Saturday, but managed to pick up an outfit for Anistyn to wear Saturday night. We had bought it Friday night while we were out shopping, so she insisted on wearing it all day Saturday:

Such a pretty little cowgirl...with a little bit of attitude! Saturday night we took Anistyn to Monterey to the harbor. They have cute little shops there and they were all handing out candy. Anistyn had fallen asleep on the way there so she was a little grouchy once we made it there, but we were able to get her some treats.

Oh I love these two! On Sunday Josh took us back to the bay so that we could see the beach in the daytime and also see some seals!

The views there are so beautiful! If you look closely at the rocks, you can see a seal laying on one beside the rocks that the two birds are sitting on.

Anistyn and Josh had some fun digging in the sand:

I attempted to take Anistyn down to the water to touch the freezing cold Pacific Ocean:

However, when I went in to just barely touch the water, a wave came and took one of my sandals! Josh was about to go in and get it, when the nice guy to the left of this picture went and got it, since he was already in the water! For awhile I had to walk around with sandy wet shoes and soaking pants!

We saw a few more sights:

Anistyn insisted on having her picture taken with this statue of a butterfly:

Then we ate a great seafood lunch in the harbor where all the boats dock. Its a very cool little place, there are a lot of little restaurants and they all have people standing outside giving out samples of clam chowder. I guess they love clam chowder there which is fine, because I love it too! We were sitting next to a window and right out the window, on the dock were a lot of seals that were sunbathing.

I had to take a picture of my food for my mom...because we both love shrimp! I had crab stuffed shrimp...the food here is amazing!

Apartment!

2009-11-05T17:40:00.001-08:00

While I was in Alabama waiting for everything to go through so I could get out here, my amazing husband was busy trying to juggle school, paperwork, and finding a place for us to live. I have to commend him for his work...because I LOVE the apartment! Its about ten minutes away from Monterey, which is where the beach and Josh's base is.

We're still waiting on all of our furniture to come in. It was picked up TODAY from Josh's parents house and is now on its way! So, we've been making do with air mattresses and plastic ware.

When you walk in the front door and look to your right, there is the living room...

I can't wait to decorate once it has furniture in it...oh, and I can't wait for Josh's filing cabinet which is where all those lovely papers will live...

Then when you're standing IN the living room, this is the view of the kitchen:

I LOVE the kitchen...it has a lot of counter space which you don't normally find in apartments! Notice Josh's handiman work...he hung the F up. I had gotten that as a wedding present from a friend at church. Josh insisted we put it in the kitchen because the F stands for food....such a kid.

Here is another view from in the kitchen:

I do have a dishwasher...I'm just handwashing them because everytime I go to the store I forget to get dishwashing soap!

From the living room down the hall:

The first door to the left is Anistyn's bathroom:

And to the right is her room...and yes, she was currently sleeping in her bed when I took this picture!

Then straight down the hallway is mine and Josh's room. Pretty sad right now, but once we get the furniture it will look better!

There is a cute little balcony out from our room too. There's one in Anistyn's room as well.
Here is our bathroom looking in from the bedroom:

And the inside of the bathroom..with a wedding frame in it. That is NOT me in the picture frame...ha.

And thats it! I will have to post more pictures once it has furniture in it!

Yay for Internet!!!

2009-11-05T13:06:00.000-08:00

Its been awhile since I last posted and I have a LOT to update everyone on! I'll probably need to spread it out into a few blogs...so I will apologize ahead of time! We've just now got out internet and I've been dying to share everything! The short version is that I am now in Cali with my darling little family and loving every minute of it! But...who likes the short version anyways...

So, I'll start with the trip.

My mom, Ani and I left Alabama at 2 in the morning on Oct. 28th. We had an amazing trip! We thought we would eventually get those "AAAHHHH!!!! Are we there yet???" feelings, but we really were having too much fun to notice the rediculously long drive.

After going through Mississippi, we had to drive straight through Oklahoma. Which, in case you were wondering...is about the most boring state. Nothing exciting going on there...so of course we got excited when we made it to Oklahoma City and saw a little bit of life there...

Once we made it into Texas....

The scenery started looking up. At one point there were a lot of gorgeous fields...

And out in the middle of it was this enormous cross

We stopped in Amarillo, Texas the first night. We had enough time to eat and unwind before bed. In Amarillo they have this restaurant that serves 72 ounce steaks...they have a webcam where you can watch people try to eat the huge steaks at anytime. We didn't eat there, but we did stop and snap a few pics:

After a good night's rest we were up again and made it into New Mexico the next morning.

(It was still dark...but you can make out the sign...I hope!)

New Mexico is by far the most surprising state. When I pictured it, all I thought of was desert. I was very much mistaken. Every turn we took, I was taken aback by all of gorgeous scenery. Its amazing to see what God has created! He's an amazing artist! When you first enter, there are flat fields and in the distance there are these breathtaking mountains with snow on top:

We stopped in Albuquerque to eat breakfast with my Uncle Dominic and cousin Kirsten. My uncle is retired from the Air Force (although he still works there on base) and was stationed in New Mexico many years ago. Now they've just stayed...and for obvious reasons! The scenery!

From there we kept driving, running into the historic route 66...which my mother swears she didn't think was "real"....too funny.

Seeing more beautiful scenery...

Then we ran into snow! We also passed an indian reservation and stopped so we could have a little fun in the snow.

Then we made it into Arizona...

And we drove straight through before making it to Bullhead City, CA. I was so excited to actually be in the same time zone as Josh! The next morning we got up and started on the last leg of our trip.

Here's where Anistyn made us stop, pull over, and take a picture of a cactus. Although it really didn't look like a cactus to me...but it satisfied her...

My little indian did amazing on the trip thanks to coloring books that friends had given her, her little leapster game, and a big thanks to Aunt Bethany and Uncle Andy for the dvd player!

Mimi bought her this little getup at the indian reservation...

I never knew California was so full of mountains and hills! I guess this would explain the "Hollywood Hills"...yes...I am hitting myself now for not putting two and two together...

But they were beautiful!

Then FINALLY we made it!!!!

Anistyn and I were SO HAPPY to finally be with Josh!!!

And now my little family is together and starting our life together! There's much more to come!

Hitting the road!

2009-10-27T20:49:00.000-07:00

Well everything is packed and I'm ready to hit the road in the morning. I should be in bed...but I'm just too excited! I'll have plenty of time to sleep on the road anyways. I'll have plenty of time to talk on the road so expect phone calls and feel free to call. Thank you to everyone who has helped out or been there for me! I love everyone and I can't wait to show you all pictures of the trip and of the new apartment!

Pictures!

2009-10-26T20:23:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from the gift card party yesterday. My Aunt Debbie is amazing with a camera!

My precious daughter...

Me and my princess

I love that smile!!!

Lamb cousins-Samantha, my sister Tia, Miles, Ani, me, Rachel and her baby Rhett. This is only a small handful out of all 35 or so of us!

Me and my little brother and sister....missing our big sister Tiffany...

Such a model...

Me and my baby sis...

Goofy sibs...

I love this picture of her!

What a weekend...

2009-10-25T20:13:00.000-07:00

WOW, I had a crazy busy weekend! Now that we are less than week away from getting to California (yay!) we had a lot to do!

Friday I said good-bye to Mama Barbara and headed to Anniston, Alabama to get my military liscense. Once that was done, I drove home and packed up all of mine and Anistyn's belonging. I stayed up very late getting everything together because I had to pack some things that the movers will bring, and some things I need to bring myself in case the movers don't come for awhile.

Saturday morning Josh's parents came to Birmingham to pick up Anistyn's bed and dresser. I loaded boxes in the blazer to take to they're house and headed to Rome for the night. We had to sort through ALL of Josh's stuff...and let me just say...my sweet husband is a PACK RAT! Needless to say, we can't take a lot of it since we'll only be gone 6 months. But we DO have a lot of furniture and for the most part we're all set! Dane, Ellen, and I went out to eat at a mexican restaurant and then worked until 11pm getting everything situated...we now have 5 piles of things and had to put blue tape on everything that is going.

I got up early on Sunday morning and headed back to Birmingham for church. I had wanted to say my good-byes to my church family. They are all so sweet and have been there for me a lot the past few years. There were a lot of tears and hugs, but everyone is extremely happy for me.

Then I headed over to my aunt's house where my family met up to throw me a "gift card" party. A great idea from my Aunt Debbie! We of course had a photography session (its bound to happen if Debbie is around!) and ate great food.

I will post some pictures when my aunt gives me the ones she took...but until then here is one of me and my aunt Tammy at the gift card party...

And I had to post this picture! Its Tammy and her son Kade, along with my cousin Rachel and her precious baby boy Rhett!

Now I am exhausted!!! Now all thats left to do is pack up the blazer with everything we're taking...and head out early Wednesday morning!! I can't wait!

Memory Lane

2009-10-23T07:17:00.000-07:00

The past few days for me have been great. Aside from the fact that I am DAYS away from seeing Josh, my wonderful grandmother came to visit me for a few days before I left. With her, she brought a ton of pictures from the past and we've had a great time looking at old photos and talking about anything and everything, but especially remembering my dear sweet grandfather. I think I will write a whole other post about him, although it would take a million to really understand what an amazing man he was.

I have only the best memories of the two of them, who I call Papa Joe and Mama Barbara. See, they aren't even my real grandparents. Years ago, when I was barely one, my father was a preacher in the small town of Lincolnton, Ga. This older couple came to visit the church and it was courteous for the minister and his family to go to newcomers houses and greet them. So we did with Joe and Barbara Carani.

Papa always told me the story of how we got so darn attached. See, he was a big man, Italian and tough. He had gotten into a car wreck years earlier and was paralyzed from the waist down and used a wheelchair everywhere. He said that to most children he was a frightening man. But when I was at his house, still in a diaper and barely walking, he sat in his wheelchair and extended his hand to me. I slowly walked up to him and just looked back and forth between his eyes and his eyes. Then I put my hand in his as if saying "I'm not scared of you big guy." And that, he said, is when his heart did flips.

From that day on, they were my grandparents. Italian and hungarian, you won't find better food. Since Papa was paralyzed it allowed him to take up a love for cooking. He and Mama Barbara would spend hours in the kitchen cooking up amazing food. Every meal was a production. I spent my summers there growing up. They lived on a farm with a pool that was built when Papa got hurt. It allowed him to exercise his legs. He taught me to swim, dive...well he taught me a lot.

My sweet Mama Barbara has taught me a lot, but now being newly married, I look at her as the true reflection of a loving and dedicated wife. She didn't plan for her husband to get hurt. He was a cop in Miami...a tough man. She didn't plan on him being so dependent on her. But when he layed in the hospital after getting out the coma and saw the extent of his injuries he said to her "You can leave and I would understand. I don't want to be a burden." And she looked at him and said "Oh, you're not getting rid of me that easy mister." So for the next 18 years she was at his beck and call. His personal nurse. She cared for him and loved him every day of his life. And she never complained. She did it lovingly and willingly. I hope to be just like her.

Here is a picture of Papa Joe, with my sister and I.

Great News!!!

2009-10-16T13:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was mine and Josh's 'one month' mark for being married.

And we got GREAT news yesterday! Well actually, the whole week has been filled with great news. It started on Sunday, with Josh going to look at an apartment he had found. By this point in all of our searching, I have to admit that I had gotten slightly discouraged. It seemed that every door we try wasn't budging an inch. The apartments out in California were either, rediculously priced, or they wanted a year lease. So when Josh said he was going to look at yet another apartment, I wasn't doing cartwheels, but boy was I after! The apartment is about ten minutes from base and there is actually a bus stop that lets of right in front of our apartment! Which is great, if I can't for some reason get Josh to class or pick him up one day. I wish I could upload the pictures from my phone, but I can't. The deposit is reasonable and they do a 6 month lease plus month to month after that. Its in a great part of town too. It has a big kitchen for an apartment, with a lot of counter space, a fireplace...its great! So by Sunday we had found the apartment we wanted...then later in the week all of our financial worries worked themselves out! Today Josh is going to the apartment complex to sign for the lease! Then he has to go meet with the transportation people that will be moving all of our stuff so he can tell them when we want our stuff delivered. By this time in two weeks I will FINALLY be with my husband!!

I have SO much to do before then...pack, pack, pack, drive to Anniston, AL to get my military I.D., get all of mine and Anistyn's stuff to Josh's parents where they will be picking all of our stuff up, be at their house when the movers come, get my liscense changed...and my aunt has so graciously decided to have a "gift card" party for me.

I also have to say good-bye to everyone in my life who has ever been there for me. I know its only temporary. But I'm used to driving across the road to my aunt's for anything. I'm used to coming home to my wonderful mom, sister, and brother. I'm used to trips to Ga to see my big sister and her family. I'm used to weekends with all of my friends and being a part of their kid's lives. I'm 24 years old...but good grief I'm going to miss my mom.

This is such an exciting thing that is happening and I cannot WAIT to be with my husband! I am really going to miss everyone though!

Wow...

2009-10-09T22:47:00.000-07:00

Earlier this afternoon, Anistyn and I had some errands to run and my cousin's birthday dinner to attend this evening. As I was getting the two of us ready I had to go on a search for a pair of shoes for Anistyn. It always seems that I can find one of every single shoe of hers, but never the match. I finally ended up digging and digging in the closet to try to find a pair. I didn't find a match...however, I came across something MUCH more exciting!!!

MY 8TH GRADE YEARBOOK!!!!

Everyone knows by now 8th grade is the year Josh and I first dated. I had been wondering where my yearbook ever went to so when I came across it, I was thrilled! Imagine my surprise when I opened the book.

There, on the very first page was a note from Josh! It took up the whole page. When I read it, I cried. I couldn't believe the irony...or miracle of our relationship. I took a picture of the note that he wrote:

It might be a little hard to read, but it says :

Dear Tara,

You are the coolest chick I've ever known. You always cared if something was wrong. You're cute, hot, and funny. All of those things made a big difference. I will miss you the most of all!

Love, Josh Freeman

P.S. Don't forget the hot tub and our plans for California. I never ever will! XOXOXO. Keep in touch.

Then he left his address for me and then wrote: I will give you my # as soon as I get it.

First off, you can't say the note is not ridiculously cute and sweet! Also, the hot tub is not what it sounds like! We were surrounded by a ton of other 8th graders in the hot tub on the cruise we went on, but Josh and I played footsie without anyone knowing and we were grinning at each other the whole time, as if we were keeping a huge secret from the world.

Secondly, how amazing is it that Josh asked me not to forget our plans for California? I had remembered talking about us wanting to get married and live on the beach...but to specifically say California? I just find it amazing that after all this time...we'll be on the beach...in California. Wow. There is no doubt in my mind that God had a hand in putting us together. I don't believe in coincidences.

Here I am, having some good days and some not so great days. Its so hard being a newlywed and not being able to be with Josh right now. He is so worth it though, and this just proved it. We're only at the beginning of an amazing marriage. Josh and I both tend to get discouraged, and I think God just sent me a little reminder that we are so close to being together.

I was also able to get mine and Josh's pictures:

Its a little blurry...I don't have a camera so I took a picture of the picture with my phone...yeah..but look how cute he was!

Its very torn, but you can make it out...Josh says those bangs were irresistable...ha. Thank goodness I started growing them out the next year!

And finally...a picture of where it all started:

I can't really make Josh and I out, but we're in there somewhere!

Aaaahhhh....retail....

2009-10-08T00:30:00.000-07:00

During the daytime I stay home with Anistyn to avoid paying rediculous daycare fees. I have a part-time job at Old Navy that I got last Christmas to help with Anistyn's presents and have kept it in case times got hard and I needed a little extra cash. I like going in now to give me a little glimpse into the world and to help with our income. However, retail can be pretty crappy.

I know the holiday season is approaching, and thank goodness I will be out of it by then. I just don't understand customers sometimes. Therefore, I am creating a little venting list for rude shoppers"

1. If a sign in one corner of the store says "These items are 50% off" it does not mean everything is. Do not bring me an item that didn't come from that rack and ask if its 50% off. Its not.

2. I am not rascist. If I do not answer your question with the result that you wanted, it is not because of the color of your skin. Do not pull that act with me. I don't buy into it, and if you use that as a reason to cause a scene, thats just plain sad.

3. For Pete's sake...PLEASE learn to put clothes back the right way! I don't come to your job and mess up your desk! I understand that sometimes you can't fold it the way its supposed to be, but could you just not dump clothes everywhere? It would be greatly appreciated.

4. If you bring children into the store, please don't forget about them and let them use the store as if they were at a playground. Yes, for some reason, Old Navy thinks its a smart idea to sell soccer balls. Why is beyond me. This does not mean that while you shop, your children should use the store as a soccer field. Play with the things, admire them, sure. But if I get hit in the head with one more of those things...I think I'm going to go nuts.

5. While we're on the subject of children...I for one have taught my child manners. She does not run around like a madwoman screaming at the top of her lungs and annoying everyone around her. She knows better than to mess everything in the store up. If you see your child doing this...here's a crazy notion...make them stop. I am a parent, I know how kids are. I also see a lot of parents that don't pay a bit of attention to their children when in a store. Wow.

6. If you're going to try to steal...at least try and be good at it. I know what you're doing. My first notion is to throw a bible at you to read...however, if you take 10 items into a fitting room and you come out with 2...don't get upset when you are caught. Its your own fault.

7. Will you please not try to take your significant other into a fitting room with you? I know what you're trying to do and thats just plain gross. Get a room. Just not a fitting room.

8. When you see that its close to closing time and you see me busily trying to straighten up the store, please don't come and ask me 50 million questions. I am in a hurry. I do not want to inform you about why we don't have that particular red sandal in the store anymore. Its almost winter. Get a clue. Or some boots...since its almost winter.

9. When I am at a table making the clothes nice and neat, it would be great if you didn't come stand right beside me messing it up again. Where is your house? Let me come and unfold your laundry after you just got done with it. Yeah...you wouldn't like it either.

10. If the store closes at 9:00 pm...do not come in at 8:55 and look around forever without buying something. I cannot understand it. I could...if you really needed something and that was the only time you had to get it. But why...oh why...would you come in right before closing just to look around? The store has been open all day long and you had plenty of time to browse around then. We're ready to go home. Why don't you go read a book, or watch TV?

Now I feel better:)

November 20th...

2009-10-07T00:46:00.000-07:00

On November 20th of this year I will be turning 25. It is also my new father-in-law's birthday, so it is a very big date. You would think I would be very excited about my birthday, but lets just be honest...once you hit a certain age, birthdays are just a constant reminder of you getting older. However, I AM thrilled about November 20th of this year...as I was last year. Not because its my birthday. Not because my car insurance will go down...

Oh no.

THIS is why I am thrilled about November 20th....

AAAAAHHHHHH.....the New Moon movie!!!!

For anyone who has been living under a rock the last two years....New Moon is the 2nd book in the 4 book series of Twilight.

I LOOOOOVE Twilight.

I first heard of the book through my younger sister, Tia. She was reading the first book and kept insisting that I read them. I do love reading, but I've never been into vampire stories, or any sci fi type stuff. I love mystery and romance. A bunch of vampires wouldn't interest me...or so I thought. Tia seriously followed me around the house reading the book out loud to me until FINALLY....I gave in. I finished all four books in less than a week. I couldn't keep my nose out of them!

Last year on my birthday, Twilight came out. Now I am always one to love a book's version better than a movie version. Simply because books capture a person's thoughts and feelings and describe them so much better than you can portray on a movie screen. I still like the Twilight book more...but I did really like the movie. Stephenie Meyer did an amazing job explaining every detail of Edward and Bella's adoration for each other...something that is very hard to explain onscreen. However...I have the movie and am thrilled about New Moon!

For my birthday last year, I went out to eat with a bunch of my friends...and then we all went to go watch Twilight...I even wore my own Twilight shirt. Yes...I did. This year however, I will be in California and away from all of my fellow Twilight fans. Thank goodness Josh already said he would go see it with me. Such a good husband!

Mykel

2009-10-05T00:46:00.000-07:00

This is my adorable cousin Mykel:

Mykel just turned 19. My aunt and uncle had a big get together tonight for him. My uncle (Mykel's dad) is a minister in Chelsea, Alabama so we all met at the church there. Our family was there and so were a lot of their church members and friends. We were there to support and show our gratitude to Mykel.

Mykel joined the army and is leaving Tuesday for basic training.

I knew it was going to be sad...Mykel is one of the funniest people ever. I thought we would all go, eat some yummy food, then give our hugs and kisses. I was wrong. After socializing, Mykel was handed an award from the mayor. Then Mykel himself decided to speak....and it was emotional. There wasn't a dry eye in the place. He thanked everyone, especially his parents. Then everyone in the place gathered around Mykel to pray for him. Even a man of steel would have been crying at this point.

I am so very proud of Mykel, as if everyone in my family. He has an amazing heart and can make a tree laugh. He has a heart for God and now he will be defending our country. I hope he grows from this experience and I wish him the best of luck!

And of course, it made me think of my own soldier...whom I love and miss more everyday. What great guys we have fighting for our country!

Positives...

2009-10-01T20:55:00.000-07:00

So I am determined to stay positive today. I always think of what my mother always says. "Quit you're whining...there's always someone in the world that has it worse than you." Very true, which is why I hate being down. So, I started thinking of how blessed I am. I am so thankful for all my friends and family. There are a handful of people, or maybe 2 handfuls of people, that have been there with me through thick and think. Since I am new to blogging and some people that read my blogs are just getting to know me, I thought this would be a great way to find out more about me...and also find out about the most important people in my life. I will skip Josh and Anistyn because I will have lots of blogs about them...but instead I will write about my friends.

So here goes.

This is Kelly.

Out of my friends that are not blood...I've known her the longest. She actually went to middle school with Josh and I. Back then, we spent as much time together as we could. There are so many funny memories from back then, and they all involve Kelly. When high school started, we lost touch though, although not for any bad reason, just growing I guess. When facebook got popular (its really helped me...ha) Kelly and I got reconnected. It turned out that she was a single mother like me. To this little handsome man....Caleb.

I thought that I loved Kelly back in middle school. And I did. But we were young, and knowing her like I do now...not only do I love her, but I respect and admire her. I would vent sometimes to my friends about my single mother struggles, and while they were all so supportive, Kelly lived it with me. We honestly understood each other because we lived the same life. We were both single for a long time, we both had young children...we were the same age...yada yada yada. Being a single mother is so unbelievably hard, and having Kelly to go through it with me was amazing. She is a hard worker, a dedicated mother, she's funny, sweet, kind, and all around one of the best people that I know.

This is Michelle.

Oh my Chelle. We met at Paulding County High School. I think it was a time in both of our lives when we were young, both going through family struggles, and searching. In that search, we found each other. Thank God. While we didn't always make the best decisions (we were 17...) we definitely made the best of friends. Oh, the blackmail I could use on this girl...and vice versa! I will not lie, Michelle and I went through our wild stage together, but while many of those friends eventually fade away due to their friendship being based upon socializing, Michelle and I have stuck together through the years. We are both so different from those two young high schoolers we were when we met. Its been amazing to watch Michelle grow into the person that she is today. Not only is she an amazing friend, she is a beautiful mother and wife to this brood:

I was proud to stand with her when she married Shane. I can't leave Shane out, he is like a big brother to me! I was so glad when he and Josh met and really liked each other! Michelle has also turned into a coupon saving, crafty and creative housewife. And a great cook...so she knows to have her phone ready for me when I need her once I'm in California. She has struggled and I have too, but we have always been there for each other.

And this is Shannon:

I met her a few years ago when we worked together at a daycare. We were fast friends, but it wasn't until after we both weren't working there that for some reason (God) we became amazingly close. Shannon has an amazing heart and would give you the shirt off her back if you needed it. She has been through so much and still has the most positive outlook on life. She has the best listening ear and whatever you tell her, she will never judge you for it. I was also proud to stand with her when she married an amazing man named Brandon.

They have an amazing story which is testament of true love and dedication. When Shannon was 19, she and some friends were hit by a drunk driver, where Shannon was hurt the most. She had to have a leg amputation and struggled for years with ailments. I've never seen her not smiling. Shortly after their honeymoon, Brandon had to have a lung transplant. Shannon was by his side every step of the way. The worst part was when they were on the waiting list. She had to watch her new husband get sicker and sicker. Shannon is the type to want to make everyone better...and knowing she couldn't do that for him devestated her. But the vows say through sickness and health...and thats what they did. I am amazed by the two of them.

This is Tammy.

Tammy is my aunt, but she is more like a big sister. She is my mother's sister and the baby of ten kids. Yes...we have a crazy awesome family. I would say I look just like her...right?? Ha. Not only is she beautiful on the outside, she has a beautiful heart. We are so much alike...and I love everything about her. She is an amazing mother and while everyone struggles every now and then, she's a fighter. She taught me how to pick myself up off the ground when life got me down, dust myself off and keep going with your head held high.She's an honest, caring and loving person. Not only am I proud to have her in my family, but I am proud to call her one of my best friends.

Last, but not least...this is Tiffany.

Tiffany is my big sister. When we were younger, I don't think you could have found two sister more different. Tiffany was the prissy girl who loved everyone and was kind and gentle. I was the opposite. While we could get into some pretty decent fights (which I always won by the way), we have many great childhood memories together. Time passes by quicky, and before I could blink she was married and the mother of three amazing kids.

What a woman she turned into. Tiffany is one of my best friends. Through the years sometimes we led very different lives, but we were always there for each other. Tiffany is a wonderful mother and a great wife. Her patience and unconditional love for her family is something I hope I carry with me to mine. She is still just as sweet as always...but she definitely has a back bone and is not afraid to tell me what I need to hear. We've lived in different states for the past 4 years...but she is just that person that I talk to almost everyday. She is a true example of how a wife and mother should be. I hope that some of what I've seen her do rubbed off on me.

So, for now I guess that wraps it up. I'm glad I did this because even though life can get you down...I refuse to stay down. Besides...who could with all these great people around?