Like Sunshine After Rain

Catching up

2012-02-09T16:16:00.000-06:00

I didn't intend on taking a break from blogging after my last post, but once again, I got overwhelmed by life. Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging comments on my last post. I'll never be able to express to you how grateful I was to read those comments and how much I needed them.

The HSG was incredibly painful for me and caused me a lot of pain in the days to follow, but the results were clear, which is good.

But, in the spirit of laying it all out there, the pain and my mixed emotions dealing with the test results and this entire process, brought on a powerful bout of depression. I've battled with depression my entire life and it just got the better of me for a few weeks. I feel like I've battled through the worst of it, although there's still the occasional day I still find it really hard to get out of bed, but I've turned the corner. But, I'm behind, with absolutely everything in my life, so now it's a battle to catch back up.

Keeping the faith...kinda...

2012-01-24T09:00:00.005-06:00

Warning: This post might be TMI for some of you. I talk about infertility and my uterus. If that bothers you, click that little 'x' in the top right corner.

I'm having a procedure done today, an HSG, and I'm super nervous. My doctor isn't exactly the most gentle, which worries me in and of itself, but I'm a bit conflicted as to whether I want clean results or blockage/abnormal structure/problems with the lining of my uterus.

Clean results would be wonderful, just as great as they sound, but it would also mean that we still don't know why we can't get pregnant. And blockage/abnormal structure/problems with the lining of my uterus isn't great, in fact, it's as dreadful as it sounds, but it would be something. And in my mind, something, something that could likely be fixed, is a bit more helpful than grasping at straws.

And so, I'm nervous and confused. I'm trying to hold onto faith.

Oh yeah, Frank was actually able to take off a few hours to take me and when I got the instructions for the test, the final one was, "While we encourage husbands to bring their wives, they will not be permitted in the radiology suite during this procedure." Did I mention the not so gentle doctor? I was so looking forward to squeezing the heck out of Frank's hand. As I said, trying hard to keep the faith.

Will you send some good juju my way today? Positive thoughts? Encouraging prayers?

Don't go sticking your head under other people's fences

2012-01-23T13:45:00.000-06:00

Friday was quite an adventure in our house. The dogs were enjoying the pretty weather outside when, all of the sudden, I heard all Hell break loose.

[a little history: There have been two cats tormenting Taber and Cowboy and we all know how much Taber likes to chew on things, especially living things.]

I ran into the backyard, expecting to find the dogs playing hacky sack with a cat, and found Taber with his head under the fence and our neighbor yelling at her dog. I screamed at Cowboy to get in the house, not even looking at him, and chased Taber around the yard, finally grabbing him and storming in the house.

Which is when I stepped in a pool of blood. See, it turns out that Taber was just being a protective big brother and apparently Cowboy had been sniffing under the fence when Cujo attacked. My poor boy has two big cuts around his nose and some scratches on his snout and was scared silly.

I turned into the crazy wife, who calls her husband, in hysterics, in the middle of the work day. Yeah, that wife. I got the bleeding under control and cleaned everything up, but I was just not expecting to walk into that, especially since I didn't even know those neighbors had a dog. I'm a little pissed that this happened and our neighbors haven't apologized or even acknowledged the situation. Although, we've lived here for two months and they've yet to acknowledge us, so I'm not sure why I'm surprised.

Cowboy's doing much better and has sufficiently licked his wounds.

And most importantly, he's learned that you can't go sticking your head under other people's fences.

What ever happened to 'world peace?'

2012-01-22T17:04:00.001-06:00

Remember when our parents used to tell us to treat others the way we would like to be treated? If you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all? Do people no longer teach these things to their children?

I was in the commissary today and it was crowded. The aisle I was in was particularly jammed and a woman accidentally bumped the heels of the woman in front of her with her cart. I was standing right beside them and the woman immediately apologized.

Let's be honest, we've all accidentally bumped someone in the grocery store before. I've not only done it to my mother and husband, but also total strangers...on more than one occasion. You apologize, get over the embarrassment and move on. It happens.

This particular woman went off. She was rude, started spewing hatred and ridiculousness and created a major scene when one was definitely not called for.

I was shocked, as were the other shoppers who witnessed the event with wide eyes. But more than that, I was appalled. And you know what made the situation worse? The woman was pushing a stroller. She had children. She was a mother. She's now taught her children, by example, that this particular behavior is acceptable.

I wanted so badly to say something, but I was speechless and a bit scared. Let's face it, I'm a wimp and this woman would have knocked me out with one fail swoop...and I wouldn't have put it past her.

The woman who was on the receiving end of the ridiculousness calmly navigated around her, not even giving her the satisfaction of acknowledging her temper tantrum, until the other woman ended it with a "yo mamma" comment.

And the other woman simply looked at her and said, "And your mother would be appalled." She's right. The entire commissary was appalled.

What has happened to our country? Why are we no longer kind to each other? And why are we all perfectly fine with the fact that we aren't kind to each other?

My Memories Suite WINNER!

2012-01-19T18:53:00.000-06:00

Congratulations to commenter #2, LINDSEY!

I've emailed the company and will be emailing you the code to redeem your software!

Semi-Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-18T09:04:00.000-06:00

Dear Mom,

Could you get the heater fixed already?

I'm really not amused.

-Taber

What to do when your husband's afraid of oranges (and a recipe!)...

2012-01-17T13:00:00.000-06:00

I bought a bag of oranges at the store the other week. I thought my husband liked oranges. Turns out he does, but they're "inconvenient."

I don't like peeling oranges and in the past, my moms always done it for me or I've used the most ingenious orange peeler from Pampered Chef. Well, turns out in Oklahoma, I have neither of those things and my husband finds it "inconvenient" to peel an orange for me.

Are you getting where this is going? I bought a bag of oranges and they were going bad in my fridge.

So, in a moment of inspiration, I decided to make orangeade. I've loved orangeade since the first time I had it, as a middle school-er in Winston-Salem, NC. And then there was Sutton's in Chapel Hill, NC. Andy's always proved an okay orangeade provider in coastal NC. And in Oklahoma? My kitchen.

As always, excuse my dark, uncreative, cell phone pictures.

Start with 6 or so oranges, 1 cup of sugar and 4 cups of water. That's all it takes!

Squeeze the living heck out of those oranges, you need about a cup of juice. I like some pulp and orange chunks in mine, but do as you please. If you have a juicer, or a husband who isn't afraid to get orange juice on his hands, now would be a great time to use it. I don't (the juicer or husband who isn't afraid of a little orange juice), and my poor hands suffered from this step.

Bring a cup of sugar and a cup of water to a boil on the stove, you don't really need a certain temperature or a certain amount of time. You're making a simple syrup and just need the sugar to dissolve. Once the sugar dissolves, pour in the cup of freshly squeezed orange juice and 3 more cups of water and stir.

Remove from the heat and voila, you've got yourself Homemade Orangeade. Serve over ice and Enjoy! This can be stored in the fridge and if you make a big batch, freeze it and enjoy it later!

Super easy, super fast, super delicious!

There he is, Mr. America.

2012-01-16T19:30:00.000-06:00

Confession: Marriage has changed my husband.

Remember my manly, hardcore Marine? He's turned soft.

He used to cringe, sigh and make snide comments throughout every episode of Grey's Anatomy. It drove me crazy. And now? He's into it. Last week I had to pause the show, at least 10 times, and answer his questions and entertain his thoughts about the episode. Can the man not just watch the show and let the story play out?

He also goes with me to Hobby Lobby and doesn't cringe. I think his exact words were, "It actually isn't that bad." He sees things he likes, wanders on his own, gives his opinion. It's creepy.

And the pièce de résistance? He watched the Miss America pageant with me Saturday night. I figured he'd have a snarky, running commentary, but there was nothing. It was an enjoyable evening. He commented on the "loud" dresses and we had a conversation about how the pageant had changed into a reality television event.

Well, there you have it, my manly, hardcore Marine has turned into Mr. America.

Sometimes the truth ain't pretty

2012-01-13T14:42:00.000-06:00

Life.

The past 2 months.

My health.

Our struggles.

The truth.

All of it.

My Memories Suite Giveaway!

2012-01-10T19:38:00.002-06:00

I've always wanted to be able to redesign my blog on a whim and so I didn't hesitate at all when My Memories Suite contacted me to review their software. And when they asked if I'd like to give a copy of the software away, too, well, I might have done a little dance, especially since I know a lot of my friends are scrapbooking/digital scrapbook fans!

My Memories Suite is a digital scrapbooking software. You can design online scrapbooks, but you can also use their layouts for blogs, calendars, photobooks and much more.

My Memories Suite's website is incredibly easy to navigate and it was a breeze to download the software. I've never used design software before, so it took me a while to figure the scrapbook software out. But, after playing around with it for a bit, I found it to be super easy and SUPER addictive. You can buy layouts or make your own, although, I haven't bought any yet. I think it might be a dangerous, slippery, expensive slope to go down, so I'm resisting for as long as possible!

So, want to see something I designed? Well, you already have! MY BLOG!

My Memories Suite will be giving away a copy of their My Memories Suite v3 software to one of you, a $40 value. As an added bonus, all of you will receive a $10 discount off the purchase of the software and a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store if you use the code STMMMS79064.

Please leave one comment per entry. You must be a follower, via GFC, to enter. Please leave a valid email address in at least one comment.

Mandatory:

+Visit My Memories Suite and tell me your favorite layout/digital paper pack.

Additional Entries:

+"Like" My Memories Suite on Facebook
+Follow My Memories Suite on Twitter
+Follow me on Twitter

+Blog about the giveaway (make sure to include the link) = 2 entries

+Post this giveaway on Facebook = 2 entries per day

+Tweet about this giveaway, please tag @kateannsby and @MyMemoriesSuite and link to the giveaway = 1 entry per day

This giveaway ends Wednesday, January 18 at 11pm CST.

One.

2012-01-08T14:56:00.001-06:00

One year ago.

I, Katie, take you, Frank, to be my husband, my partner in lifeand my one true love. I will cherish our union and love you more each day thanI did the day before. I will trust you and respect you, laugh with you and crywith you, loving you faithfully through good times and bad, regardless of theobstacles we may face together. I give you my hand, my heart, and my love, fromthis day forward for as long as we both shall live.

We've had our fair share of ups and downs this year and as we look back, we're stronger, in love, faith and our marriage. Here's to the next 51 or so years, my love, there's no one else I'd rather spend my days with.

2012

2012-01-01T12:09:00.000-06:00

I've never been good at New Year's Resolutions and while I tried to convince myself that goals for this year were totally and completely different, they just aren't. I don't have the willpower to see resolutions through for an entire year and I don't have the foresight to create meaningful and helpful goals.

I like the idea, though, of resolutions or goals for the New Year, that the slate is sort of wiped clean, that we get a fresh start, that we can move forward with a new attitude, mindset or focus.

And so, I've decided to choose a word. I've seen others do it and while I might not do resolutions or goals, baby can I do words. Words are my thing. Words fit on Post-It notes and can be tucked in planners or adhered to bathroom mirrors. Words can be repeated in times of stress, sadness or when we need some reminding. Words aren't intimidating and don't require willpower.

I.CAN.DO.WORDS.

Twenty-twelve will be the year of Faith.

I can't control everything, but I can have faith.
I can't plan everything, but I can have faith.
I might not know why things happen, but I can have faith.
Our marriage will continue to grow stronger, I have faith.
I'll see my family, I have faith.
My health will be okay, I have faith.
The reproductive endocrinologist will have answers, I have faith.
We will hear the joy of a baby in this home, I have faith.
I'll make friends, I have faith.
We'll continue to make wise and sound financial decisions, I have faith.
We won't allow infertility to tear us apart, I have faith.

Twenty-twelve will be a good year, an exciting year, a year of growth, a year of possibilities, a year of love, a year of exploration, a year of promise, and even when it's not, I'll have faith.

So here's to the New Year, may she treat you well and bring nothing but good things to you and yours.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T10:38:00.000-06:00

I got lost in tearful bout of self-pity yesterday. I was so sad about not being with my family for Christmas that I forgot about everything I have to be thankful for and the real reason for the season.

The news had a story last night about a food bank which sent school-age children, who participate in the free lunch program, home with backpacks full of food before school let out for the Holidays, to ensure these kids would have something to eat over the next two weeks. As I sat and listened to the story, I cried, but for the first time in the day, they weren't tears of sorrow.

I have a roof over my head; I never have to worry about where my next meal will come from; we have a steady and plentiful paycheck; I have enough of everything and even enough to share with others; I have an abundant amount of family and friends who shower me with love everyday; I will not be alone this Christmas or the next three, for that matter, but instead in the company of my husband; I might not always have the best health, but in the scheme of things, I do have my health; I have happiness; I have love; I have everything.

So today, on Christmas Eve and tomorrow as we sip our coffee and navigate the sea of presents under the tree, I won't be sad. I'll be incredibly thankful for the blessings I've been given and wishing strength and love to those families who do want and to those who are celebrating without loved ones.

Merry Christmas, to you and your family, and may we never forget the true reason for the season.

Holiday Card Display

2011-12-23T15:03:00.000-06:00

It's no secret that I love receiving Christmas cards and I always try to display them so I can enjoy them throughout the Holiday season. Last year's display was a bit makeshift, but I started thinking about this year's display very early! There were two front runners, but as soon as we walked into the new house, I knew we had a winner.


marthastewart.com via Katie on Pinterest

So I headed to my trusty Hobby Lobby and picked up some ribbon, mini clothes pins and an embroidery hoop. I wanted to make the wreath my own, so I used a smaller embroidery hoop.

[For those that aren't familiar with embroidery hoops, it's basically two wooden circles which fit within each other. Because you're not holding anything in the embroidery hoop, you don't need the double circles and can save some money by slipping the inner hoop out and using it as the second circle in this wreath. Embroidery hoops are only like $1.37, so if you want to use two intact hoops, go for it. However, you can't tell the difference with this cost cutting trick.]

Anyways, I glued the clothes pins to the hoops, used a cookbook to weigh everything down while it dried, attached the hoops via a loop of ribbon (I stitched it together, glue would work, as well), attached a larger hoop to the top and tied a pretty bow. And, voila, perfection.

I stand corrected, that is perfection.

Wordless Wednesday: The Stockings Were Hung by the Chimney with Care

2011-12-21T07:00:00.002-06:00

Hanukkah Traditions

2011-12-20T11:39:00.000-06:00

My Grandmother is Jewish; a religion that is passed down through the mother. Therefore, my mother is Jewish and I am technically Jewish. Technicalities aside and regardless of what I actually believe, the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah has always held a special place in my heart.

I'm a big believer in traditions and find a lot of comfort in them; I also hate change, so the two sort of go hand in hand. My family has never gone to Temple or really celebrated the Jewish holidays, but we always celebrate Hanukkah.

We don't go all out, but every year we bring out the Menorah, find the leftover candles from years before and my Grandmother searches for her father's prayerbook. It never fails that she can't find it and each year my family splinters off, searching her typical spots. Coincidentally, it also never fails that it's always in the same place, tucked amongst a shelf of the secretary desk that my Grandfather bought her. The small black book, worn through the years, has prayers in both Hebrew and English and reads from the right to the left and from the back of the book to the front. Every year we turn to the same prayer, the Hanukkah blessing, which is marked with a simple, aged receipt from my Great Grandfather's store. At some point, years and years ago, he marked the prayer with the receipt and each year we carefully lift the yellowing and brittle marker from the torn and fragile pages of the prayerbook. As the sun sets on the first night of Hanukkah, we gather around the Menorah, taking just a second out of our busy lives to stand together, as a family, as my Grandmother reads the blessing.

During those quiet moments, the noise of the world seems to fade away and individual beliefs don't seem as important or dividing. I always steal a glance at my family during the blessing and say a quiet "thank you" that our tradition of gathering together still stands unwavering, much like the glimmer of light from the candles which stand before us.

Tonight's the first night of Hanukkah and for the first time, my family is sprinkled across the country during the Holiday season. And while we won't be together this year, I know we'll eventually all find our way home, at the same time, in the coming years and for that, and the memories, I'll be saying another quiet "thank you" tonight.

Please enjoy my favorite Jew-tastic tunes!

Scrabble Ornaments

2011-12-19T21:25:00.000-06:00

Pinterest is a funny thing. While I enjoy pinning decorative ideas and DIY projects, I typically lack the gumption to actually break out the Modge Podge and get crafty and prefer to search out the finished products and pay others for their craftiness. But, we now live within two miles of a Hobby Lobby and I've realized how cheap and easy it is to make a lot of these projects on my own.

I also now live in the middle of Oklahoma, the end of our street quite literally turns into the middle of nowhere, where all you can see for miles and miles is plains/farmland, I don't have a job, the only person I have regular contact with is my husband and dogs and need something to do. That combination goes a long way in helping a person get their craft on.

(And just to be clear, that wasn't a rant. I love it here.)

Not long after all the boxes were unpacked, I stumbled upon my leftover Scrabble tiles and remembered this pin...


marthastewart.com via Katie on Pinterest

So I emptied my tiles on the floor, took inventory, double-sided tape, leftover wedding ribbon, glue and wired my way to adorable Scrabble ornaments.

I was very pleased with my results and still have a lot of leftover Scrabble tiles. I could have made quite a few more ornaments, but I'm sure I'll find some other projects for them.

I purchased my Scrabble tiles on eBay, I believe for less than $15 and they've turned out to be well worth the money for just this project, alone.

From our family to yours,

2011-12-15T17:42:00.001-06:00

Greetings, from Oklahoma. We've arrived and I'm close, really close, to being ready to sit down and blog. I think this extended blogging break has given me a renewed spirit to write and a stronger faith in myself--to be honest, forthcoming and open on my blog. I'm very excited to sit down and just pour my heart out, sans self-imposed censoring.

But, before I do all that, I'm participating in a Christmas Card Carousel. I cannot believe that Christmas is next weekend. I lost a week, somewhere, somehow. Regardless, retrieving my mail each day of December makes me giggle like a school girl and I truly love sitting down and visiting with all my friends, family and blog loves via their cards!

I decided to make our Christmas card into a moving announcement, as well. I sent them just as soon as December arrived in hopes that everyone would have the right address in order to send Christmas cards to us and so far, it's worked!

My how we've changed from last year.

I hate that you have to view this with the ugly, black blurbs, but alas, sharing our address with the entire world, in the name of "pretty," probably isn't a wonderful idea.

Tiny Prints Holiday Card WINNER!

2011-11-14T11:08:00.002-06:00

Congratulations to Entry #4,

Chambanachik

I can't wait to see Erika's cards and have just sent you an email to get the process going!

And yes, I just assumed I would get to see her cards!

Tiny Prints Holiday Card Giveaway

2011-11-09T18:15:00.001-06:00

Have you ordered your Holiday cards yet this year? My cards are being printed right now and I can't wait to share them with everyone!

I ended up going with Tiny Prints and they have been kind enough to offer 50 free Christmas or Holiday cards to one of my readers.

Tiny Prints has a design for everyone. Seriously, they do! It took me forever to pick out our cards and I personalized five different designs before Frank picked his favorite!

All you have to do to enter to win 50 free cards is visit Tiny Print's site and leave me a comment telling me your favorite! Please make sure I have a way to contact you if you win.

The giveaway is open until Sunday, Nov. 13, 2011 at Midnight. I will pick and post a winner of Monday, Nov. 14, 2011.

Tiny Prints has a special promotion today, as well (on 11/9/11) where you can receive a FREE card to your kids from Santa! Visit the Tiny Prints Facebook page to find out how to personalize one of the following greeting cards FREE:Checking It Twice or Santa’s Scroll. Hurry! Offer ends 11/9/11 at 11:59 pm (PT).

Baby, it's cold outside...

2011-10-30T18:55:00.002-05:00

I went to bed in North Carolina on Thursday night and I swear I woke up in Pittsburgh on Friday morning.

It's cold.

Legitimately, not exaggerating, layers upon layers upon scarves upon gloves at Lejeune High's football game, turned into an ice cube at a pee-wee football game, heat, flannel pajamas and cuddling cold.

I think the PCS Gods are trying to get me ready for Oklahoma.

Bring it, baby.

This cold weather has my creative juices running and I've moved on from planning our Christmas cards to planning how I'm going to display all the nuggets of joy and cheer we receive in the mail.

That's a plea for you all to send me many nuggets of joy and cheer.

Last year I rigged a display in our kitchen with two iron wall hanging things.

I'm not positive about the display yet, since I haven't even stepped foot in the house we'll be living in, but I've narrowed it down to two options.

Option A.

We don't have a railing like this, but I think I could use some ribbon and make a beautiful display going up the stairs. This option hinges on whether I have my gallery wall hung yet.

Option B.
This option will probably win. I've been drooling over this for months and I will already be buying a plethora of embroidery hoops for another DIY project. I just have to figure out where to hang this.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year...

2011-10-24T06:00:00.004-05:00

Shutterfly and I go waaaayyyy back, guest book, thank you notes, Christmas cards and more, back. I loved our Christmas cards last year, but I'm planning on taking a bit more of a whimsical approach this year.

I've always been a fan of Holiday newsletters and Shutterfly's new Christmas Cards are perfect to share your best moments of the past year with all your family and friends! And since these cards allow you to include a message on the inside, too, I can include our new address!

I'm having a really hard time picking my favorite Christmas photo card this year! All the bright colors and fun designs are just pulling me in!

I'm pretty sure that I've narrowed my options down to these three, but I still have a lot of time to change my mind!

Do you have a favorite?

Which should I pick?

Be sure to visit Shutterfly for all your Holiday card needs!

A Scrabble Win!

2011-10-21T06:00:00.002-05:00

Ever since we were living in the dark during Hurricane Irene and purchased Scrabble to preserve our sanity, it's been a family favorite. Frank just loves that I can't seem to beat him. Whatever, I have a win up my sleeve.

We're having a handmade Christmas this year and this includes my gift to Frank!

When I saw this on Pinterest, I knew I had to make it!

I procured Scrabble tiles, bought some scrapbook paper and got busy with the Modge Podge!

I opted for a regular frame, instead of the shadowbox in the original, but I'm so pleased with how it turned out and can't wait to give it to Frank!

Like I said, it's definitely a Scrabble victory for me!

Stay tuned for more of my handmade Christmas gifts; although, some will have to be revealed after Christmas because my Mom and sister are still loyal readers!

An Oklahoma Update

2011-10-19T18:14:00.001-05:00

Friday marks ONE MONTH until the movers arrive and we start our PCS adventure to Oklahoma.

We had every intention on waiting until we got to OK to find a home and then a Chief Warrant Officer, who works with Frank, offered us his home. We went back and forth, but we got it for a good price, it's in a great neighborhood and to be honest, I'm in love with it.

It will make things so much easier when we get out there and the only real drawback is that there is no basement or storm shelter. I've been reassured that there is a central bathroom and that Lawton doesn't get many actual tornadoes. Well, there are also pink counter tops, but they honestly don't bother me...that much.

Here's the run down:

3 beds
2 baths
2-car garage
Fenced in yard
Wood-burning fireplace

Please consider these the Before Pictures! I have so many ideas for this house and since we'll be in it for three years, I'm going to take my time and make it perfect! Alright, here comes the picture overload!

I'm in love with these windows and the brightness of this house!

Can you say "Gallery Wall?!?!"


See, pink counter tops. I'm focusing on the wonderful appliances!

Such beautiful light and room for all our furniture!

Huge master!

Blurry, but it's a huge backyard and fenced in!

Random, Random and more Random

2011-09-06T13:23:00.002-05:00

We're on Day 4.5 of Frank being home. I can't remember the last time he's had this much time off work and I'm hoping this is a glimpse of what is to come. Well, not exactly 4.5 days off work in a row, but a more set, laid-back schedule.

In random news:

We've planned our trip to Oklahoma: Charlotte, Asheville, Jackson, TN, Fort Smith, AR and on to Lawton!

I cannot beat my husband at Scrabble. I try and try and can be in the lead, by a lot, and he always seems to come back and massacre me.

The nights are getting cooler, the humidity is starting to fade, we've put the comforter back on our bed, I'm currently wearing a hoodie and I can't breathe because I've got my first fall cold.

I'm ecstatic about living in Oklahoma and determined to make the most out of these three years. Please don't tell me how much you hate Lawton or how awful your six month stint there was because, you know what, when you go into something with that craptastic mind set, you're guaranteed to hate it.

It's becoming extremely obvious that Frank and I have been married close to a year. Case in point, I was talking to him ~~last night before bed~~ today and slipped in, "You're definitely becoming too comfortable with this marriage thing. You tune me out like it's your J-O-B." He looked up from his NOOK and, I kid you not, said, "Huh, what did you say?" I think he's been taking lessons from my mom.

And finally, this weekend is going to be fantastic! Two words. Steeler Football!

That time I had a heart attack...

2011-09-01T07:33:00.001-05:00

So, here's what you need to know: About a week ago Frank gave my number to one of his Marines. His wife is pregnant, they have a 6 and 3 year old and needed someone to watch their kids when she went into labor.

Cue yesterday morning: It's 3:45 am, Frank's in the field and I'm asleep.

Enter the obnoxiously loud, ringing phone and my heart beating out of my chest. I answer...

"Mrs. Carson, this is Cpl. SoandSo..."

Holy crap, why is a Marine calling me at 3:45 in the morning? Something's happened. Is he dead? Just at Naval? Who do I call first...

"My wife talked to you the other day, she's gone into labor, can we still bring our kids over?"

Heart, start beating again.

"I'm sorry, what? Frank's alright?"

Please say yes, please tell me I heard you correctly.

"Oh yeah, sorry, I didn't mean to scare you..."

So, um, yeah, about that time that I had a heart attack...

My "Must See" List

2011-08-31T07:00:00.001-05:00

I love traveling and would love to venture back overseas, but for today, let's talk about six places I want to explore while we're in Oklahoma! This is just the shortlist! Suggestions are more than welcome!

[six] Las Vegas, Nevada. (that's where the arrow is pointing!)

[five] Somewhere in Colorado, I have to decide on Colorado Springs or Denver.

[four] San Antonio, Texas.

[three] Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

[two] Dallas, Texas.

[one] Fort Worth, Texas.

What Do You Want?

2011-08-29T07:00:00.001-05:00

I'm pretty content with everything I have right now and it actually took me a long time to come up with seven wants. And yes, family members, there are a few possible Christmas ideas on here!

[seven] A Nikon Coolpix. I still haven't picked the model and by no means do I need a "professional" camera, but I would really love a new camera, an adult camera, before we have kids.

[six] A Steeler jersey. I have wanted a jersey for years and years, and after Frank got two for Christmas last year, I'm thinking this is my year!

[five] A larger savings account. As of Sept. 1, we will have no debt except for the truck payment and the motorcycle payment. We are, by no means, in a bad financial situation, but I would really like to put a lot more money towards savings.

[four] Winter boots. From what I've been told, Oklahoma is icy and has had quite the snow storms the past few years and I'm not sure my fake Uggs will cut it!
[three] A new phone. I'm due for a phone update on September 18, but with our upcoming PCS and my desire for a larger savings account, I think I might stick with my BlackBerry until it craps out on me.

[two] A Successful Business Transition. I've had a tremendous amount of support for my Scentsy business here in North Carolina. I'm really hoping I can find a wonderful customer base in Oklahoma and the surrounding areas and that my current customers stay loyal to me! I truly love selling Scentsy and don't want to have to give it up!

[one] To be a mother. I would give up the other seven wants, plus a lot more, to be a mother. Plain and simple, it's my heart's desire.

Oklahoma, where the wind comes sweeping down the plain...

2011-08-26T18:02:00.002-05:00

I have been waiting to write this post for over a year and I thought it would be a lot easier to write.

If you follow me on Twitter or Facebook, then you already know, but I guess it's high time to make it blog official. We have orders and sometime between mid-November and mid-December, we'll be headed to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where hubs will be a non-deployable Instructor for three years.

I feel like I can finally exhale and like the pit in my stomach has finally departed. I know this is a great opportunity for us and I am optimistic about the location. It's a great central location to see lots of places and explore a part of the country that we've never had the opportunity to explore. But, at the same time, I'm very sad about leaving our family and friends. I keep telling everyone that we're not that far away and that we'll be back, but I still need some convincing, myself. And, I'm nervous. I'm worried about PCSing, in the winter, half-way across the country, and having to find a house and take care of everything, with the dogs, when we get there.

Well, it's blog official, we're moving to Oklahoma.

And just in case there is any doubt, a basement or storm shelter is numero uno on my Must Have in a house list.

[And please, if you are a bloggie love in OK or know of any, can you let me know? I don't know anyone out there!]

Fear Not...

2011-08-24T10:06:00.001-05:00

I told you that saying I would finish this in 10 days would be setting myself up for failure! I think the topics are easier after today's eight fears, so hopefully I'll be able to buckle down and finish this!

[eight] I have a huge fear of letting people down. Because of my health issues, I often have to cancel plans and I know people don't understand. They don't get what it's like to not be able to get out of bed, especially when if they look at me, they can't tell that anything wrong and they also don't get that canceling is the last thing I want to do. I'm actually a dependable person and someone that will do anything for my friends and family, so this fear cripples me.

[seven] Along the same lines, I'm terrified of losing friends because of my health problems. I don't have any friends from college. When I disappeared, because I was in an inpatient hospital for 15 days, not one person called, texted, sent me a Facebook message, or cared. When you've dealt with this stuff for as long as I have, you realize some people just can't handle it. It's always been hard for me to understand that and I tend to rely more on my family, because I have trust issues with friends. However, I have some really great friends right now, but I'm always scared they're just going to disappear.

[six] I have an unnatural fear of storms and tornadoes. I've had ~~one~~ three or four too many close calls.

[five] I always fear the worst. Here are some examples. Frank never calls or texts me during the day. If my phone starts ringing and it's him, my heart beats out of my chest and I start to shake. In my head, he's calling to tell me he's hurt or deploying the next day. Manny called me while he was watching the dogs one night and the first thing I asked him when I answered was, "Is Taber okay? He's dead on the couch, isn't he?" Um, crazy much? In reality, he wanted to know if I'd fed the dogs before I left for Wilmington. I've been like this since I was a child.

[four] I have a huge fear of change. I don't know why, but I just don't like change and I don't handle it well. I had a total meltdown in the bathroom of the chapel, two minutes before I walked down the aisle. It had nothing to do with not wanting to marry Frank and everything to do with the enormity of change hitting me. And yes, I know this is really a silly fear, considering the man and lifestyle I married.

[three] On a lighter note, I'm afraid of slimy creatures. I can do spiders and bugs, but the lizards that are all over the south, they give me the creepy crawlies! And, I absolutely cannot watch the shows on television about alligators/crocodiles.

[two] I have a fear of childbirth. It's not the pain that scares me, it's, well, to be honest, it's tearing and having to have stitches down there. I'm all about a C-Section, slice and dice me, baby.

[one] I'm always afraid that I'm not good enough. Not a good enough friend, not a good enough housewife, not a good enough writer, not a good enough daughter, not a good enough sister, my house isn't pretty enough or clean enough and we don't have friends over enough...the list goes on and on and I know this is a irrational fear, but I think it's a fear we all deal with.

Nine Loves...

2011-08-17T07:00:00.004-05:00

I felt lighter after I wrote my last post, Brace Yourselves..., with my ten secrets. Nine loves, in no particular order, seems like a walk in the park compared to it, too!

[nine] My husband. Plain and simple, he's the love of my life and I couldn't imagine my life without him.

[eight] My family. Although I feel like it needs an explanation, there just isn't one that is adequate.

[seven] Taber and Cowboy. They love me unconditionally and despite the fact that I often forget I've let them outside, nine times out of ten, in the pouring rain.

[six] Food. I'm a foodie and whether I've made it or we're at a great restaurant, I have a love of food. It's not about gorging myself, it's about great ingredients, trying new things and to-die-for flavors!

[five] Sweat pants. If I'm at home, I'm in sweat pants. I have a couple of pairs that I've worn since high school and they're akin to a security blanket. I'm coming to grips with the fact that a few pairs are going to need to be retired, though, and I don't think diamonds could have made me as happy as the two pairs of sweat pants I got at Target the other week.

[four] Lazy days. I'm really not hard to please, or impress, and I absolutely love a weekend at home, lounging in my sweatpants, on the couch, with Frank and the dogs (and Manny, nine times out of ten). A good football game, an NCIS marathon or cheesy reality show make it simply perfect.

[three] Football. Specifically, Steeler football. I grew up around football and genuinely love it. I'm not one of those girls who loves it because it makes her hot. I know the rules, understand the game and hate having people over during games because I end up having to be the hostess with the most-est and don't get to enjoy the game.

[two] Massages. I love massages and they are my bi-monthly indulgence. I'll go months on end without a haircut, manicure or pedicure, but probably get a massage once every two to three months. I don't mind paying quite a bit for them and refuse to go to the cheap places and yes, I know I'm a massage snob. I also don't like to be spoken to while I'm getting a massage and nothing pisses me off more than somebody that can't take a hint and talks non-stop during my hour.

[one] Fall. I love the temperatures, the return of my Fall/Winter wardrobe, the smells, the colors, the foods, the feeling of the Holidays being right around the corner. I always associate it with the beginning of school, new classes, new friends, new beginnings, a fresh start.

Brace Yourself...

2011-08-15T06:16:00.001-05:00

Were you shocked just now to open up your Google Reader and find that I actually had a new post? My own mother probably just fell off her chair.

I miss writing, plain and simple, and when I saw this 10 Day You Challenge on Nicole's blog, I thought it might be a good way to ease back into blogging. I'm not even going to attempt to do it 10 days in a row, that would just be setting myself up for failure, but I will do all 10 of the prompts.

Ten secrets seems like a fitting task for my first blog post in a month. If you'll remember, one of the things I've been struggling with is what is appropriate to tell and if people will judge what I have to say.

[ten] Three years ago today, Frank and I went on our first date. We met online and I kept that fact hidden from everyone, including my mother for a very long time. To this day, I'm always a little embarrassed to tell people that I met my husband on a dating site.

[nine] There are days when I want to turn off my phone and just ignore texts and phone calls. This constantly connected world wears on me, at times and I long to just lounge on the couch with my husband, without having to respond to people all the time.

[eight] We've been trying to have a baby for six months now and although I remain positive about it with others and joke about names and outfits with my family, I quietly worry about why we haven't had a {+} yet. I'm clinging onto the belief that God knows the right time for our family and all our conversations about when the right time would be and what Frank would rather miss because of a deployment and the countless calculations I've made, well, they're all being handled by someone a bit more knowledgeable than us.

[seven] My husband and I rarely go on dates by ourselves anymore. It's always a table for 3, Frank, Manny and me. Honestly, it doesn't even phase me anymore.

[six] We finally got a King Size bed and it's the best thing we ever did for our marriage (according to me, at least.) I love my husband, but I need my space when I sleep!

[five] If my husband comes home one more week without definite news of whether we're moving or he's deploying, I will be the crazy wife who you hear stories about. Not really, but this has been going on for over a year and I'm at the end of my rope.

[four] Frank and I go to bed by 8:30 each night. It sounds horribly old of us, but when the alarm goes off at 4 a.m., at the latest, you just stop caring about how old it seems. Last Saturday we were out until Midnight with friends and it took me all of Sunday to recover.

[three] I send handwritten notes, at least once a week, to both family, friends and Bloggy loves (whether I know them in real life or not). I love getting cards in the mail and a note saying how much you're missed or loved can turn even the worst of days around.

[two] Social networking doesn't appeal to me like it used to. I rarely open the computer on the weekends or after 5 p.m. during the week. I feel like I was devoting so much time to things that just had no effect on my real life. Have you seen this commercial?

That pretty much explains it!

[one] Frank and I constantly bounce baby names off of each other and, for some weird reason, if we know anybody who has a child with a name we like, I veto it. I always think people will think we copied them. It's ridiculous, I know, and I really think I need to get over it!

Giveaway & Celebration

2011-07-15T06:00:00.001-05:00

In case you missed it in my last post, I'm hosting a giveaway over on Amber's blog! (aka Goodnight Moon!) Scentsy is celebrating their birthday this month and Amber and her husband, Fox, are celebrating their birthday's this week, so we decided to give you guys a little something to celebrate with this fabulous cupcake warmer and Happy Birthday scent! You'll also get to pick another scent to celebrate with!

In other news, my beautiful sister is celebrating her twenty-third birthday today! Happy Birthday, Dudley. I can't wait to celebrate in a week!

Dear Sisters in Blogging,

2011-07-14T20:15:00.002-05:00

I never imagined that my post the other day would elicit the comments which you guys left. I knew I might get one or two, but the detail, care and concern you left, even going as far as checking up on me on Facebook later in the week, you blew me away. I was flabbergasted and at least twice this week, I've gotten a comment when I've been out and the tears just start trickling down my cheeks, in the middle of Hallmark and the Post Office, no less. They're tears of relief, to clarify, relief in knowing that I'm not alone in how I've been feeling and that I'm not alone in this struggle. I've got all of you on my side and that alone amazes me. And it makes me want to do better.

I made a conscious effort to choose happiness this week. I made a conscious effort to let go of what I cannot control and can only worry myself sick about and give it all up to God. I made a conscious effort to be a Believer this week.

You guys did that. You guys helped me choose happiness this week. You helped me choose to be a Believer this week.

Don't ever doubt that comments don't meant the world to someone or that they take too much time to leave or aren't read, anyways. Your comments, this week, helped turn my week around. You helped me focus on the good, the positive, the things I can control! And for that, I have such gratitude for all of you.

I also have a little something sweet for all of you, but you're going to have to hop over to Amber's blog to find out what it is!

Thank you, thank each and every one of you, from the bottom of my heart.
Katie

Blogging Balls

2011-07-11T23:25:00.001-05:00

My blog has sat empty for nearly a month. I return, almost daily, try to piece together a post, and like clockwork, allow myself to slip into your blogs, your worlds, your eloquent and perfectly placed words. I leave comments, little bits of good faith and friendship, hoping you'll forgive me when I eventually find my own perfectly placed words again.
I've been gone for a month, not because I lack things to blog about, my family visited, my husband returned home, we bought a king-size bed, we paid off more debt, I've had weird and bizarre medical tests and experiences, the Marine Corps has sent us on another amusement park ride and yet, my mom still reminds me that I need to update my blog.

And to be fair, this isn't going to be an update. It's just words- just a stream of consciousness from my way too empty king-size bed.

I read posts composed with such honesty and a willingness to put it all out there, about marriage, infertility, medical issues and I applaud you and silently pray I'll regain the blogging balls I used to have.

Because, if I regained my blogging balls, for just a split second, I would tell you this: I envy your willingness to bear your soul with the world. When I look back on my blog, I long for the girl who didn't care who was reading and was just writing to cope with a deployment and difficult relationship. But now, I've reverted. I've reverted to the shy teenager who spoke quietly throughout high school and barely raised her hand in college because she might actually be heard and, right or wrong, it was more scary to just be heard.

I'm scared of what you might think when I say so many things.

For months, I've lacked the blogging balls to say, I'm sick. I have mixed connective tissue disease and hypoglycemia. And yet, despite my fears, we're still planning a perfect little addition to the Carson family in the near future. Will you judge?

And for months I've lacked the blogging balls to say how ridiculously heartbreaking it is to have to plan a baby around deployment and how I'll never be able to wrap my mind around it because it just isn't normal. Asking your husband what he would rather miss, the birth or first 3-5 months of life?

I've lacked to blogging balls to fess up to this: I have four jobs, all of which challenge me in different ways, Executive Editor at the Homefront United Network, Independent Scentsy Consultant, Independent Contractor for Google and Nanny-extraordinaire to 4-month old twins, Milo and Alex. And on top of that, I am an appointed volunteer with Frank's unit's Family Readiness Program. I'm excelling at all of my jobs and they take up pretty much every waking hour of my days. I'm bringing home a second salary for this family, while still managing our household. I'm overly employed and some thing's still missing.

Will you judge when I tell you that I've dealt with depression for most of my life and this is totally a "depressive" thing. It's not about being unhappy, it's about out-of-whack chemicals that make me feel like somethings missing, make me feel incomplete, make me feel unworthy, make me feel scared my voice will be heard.

It's not a cry for help or a cause for a phone call. It's just the truth. It's why my blogs been neglected. I've lost my voice. I've gotten so overrun with life, work, marriage, family, what's on my daily calendar and everything else that I've just been quietly observing the blogging community. And I feel like I've lost my place, lost my groove, lost my willingness to bare everything.

And the ironic part of this story is that I long to sit down and write. I desperately want to string words together to create beautiful stories. I want to compose posts about meaningful things that I know we all go though. I want my voice to be heard again. I want to write again. I want my blogging balls back, for good!

Have you prayed for Lillianna today?

2011-06-17T09:07:00.002-05:00

I actually had a post planned (in my mind, of course!) for today! A happy and excited post, about great friends and how much fun this weekend is going to be with my family visiting. But to be honest, I just can't get this sweet girl out of my mind.

Remember when I asked you earlier this week to pray for Lillianna?

I've never, in 25 years, been on my knees, literally, pleading with God, as much as I have this week. Sweet Lillianna is already a warrior, but the fight of her life has just begun.

Her mother, Jen, has created a CaringBridge site for Lillianna.

Whether you believe in the power of prayer or sending good vibes, I beg you to take a few minutes to think about Lillianna and her family. Join those of us, literally around the world, who are lifting this sweet girl up and praying for healing and strength.

Prayers for Lillianna

2011-06-12T21:43:00.001-05:00

This is Lillianna.

She's the sweetest little 20-month old red head that you'll ever meet.

Lillianna, her brother Jack, and her sweet mom, Jen, just welcomed her daddy, Mike, home from a deployment less than a month ago.

Lillianna and her family were enjoying post-deployment leave, at home in Michigan, when she started experiencing difficulty walking. A trip to the ER revealed a brain tumor and sweet Lillianna will be undergoing surgery tomorrow morning.

Will you please join me in praying for Lillianna and her surgery?

Please play for this wonderful family, for understanding and strength, and for sweet Lillianna.

Protecting him...

2011-06-10T20:10:00.001-05:00

Thank you for your kind and very helpful comments on my last post! My California Crisis, as I like to call it, has only become more dramatic in the past few days.

Frank, who is away training, lost a Marine on Wednesday to suicide. This comes after after March's Fort Bragg incident. My heart is breaking for this kid's family and for all the Marines in Frank's unit. Every time they go to the field something happens and it's taking a toll on all of them and the families.

I've had a horrible feeling and a knot in my stomach about this upcoming deployment since it was first brought up. It's just this feeling of anxiousness, dread and fear that I can't shake and it's overwhelming now.

Frank is so unhappy in this unit, but that's not it. There are times in every job where you are unhappy and so while it makes me sad, it isn't what scares me. I just know he can't deploy with them. It has nothing to do with not wanting him to deploy, although I don't, but it's different. Deployments are a part of this life and I accept that; I just fear this deployment with this unit.

Every night I pray for guidance and answers about what we should do and it's finally becoming clear to me. Whether it's California or Quantico, we have to try to get orders. The knot in my stomach can't be ignored and I think it's a tell tale sign that it won't go away. Marriage is about give and take and I'd much rather be alone for a deployment in California and consider moving home for support with my health issues than in North Carolina burying my husband. I know that sounds dramatic and over the top to some people, but it's what's on my heart.

I have to fight for my husband's safety, it's an instinct and I know it has to be done. There's not many ways I can protect him, especially once he deploys, but I feel in my heart of hearts that this is something that must be done.

We need your help!

2011-06-08T05:00:00.001-05:00

Well, I need your help.

My husband likes to bring up brilliant ideas at 5 o'clock in the morning, as he's walking out the door for over a month, and leave me to brew over them while he's gone and we have no communication.

Husbands are great like that, right?

I know what you're wondering, what was it this time?

California.

So, here's the deal. We can request orders, but we have to do it quickly, like before his unit officially stabilizes in a month or two to prepare for the deployment, and Frank is so unhappy in his current unit that he brought up California. We've never talked about California before, except for me fantasizing about how beautiful it is and Frank shooting down the idea of moving there. So now, we're talking about California. Only, we're not really talking, I'm losing sleep over it and he's out doing Marine-things in the desert.

There are a lot of things keeping my heart in North Carolina. Both of our families, friends, our house, my health and doctors, support through this deployment...

I keep going back and forth and just want to sit down and talk to Frank about all this! Somedays I'm absolutely against it and others, I feel more adventurous and ready to hit the open road on the way to the Land of Sunshine and Opportunity!

Have you lived in California? Did you like it? Would I like it? Weather? People? Houses on Camp Pendleton or at 29 Palms? What things should I put on my Pro-California list? Anything for my Anti-California list?

Happy Birthday, to me!

2011-06-03T08:46:00.001-05:00

I'm twenty.freaking.five today.

How the heck did this happen?

I have to tell you, I was totally dreading today, for more than just the obvious number reasons. I try not to lay down and die when Frank leaves, but I'm a birthday person and yet again, he's gone on my birthday. Although I should be used to this, seeings that we've never actually spent my birthday together, it seemed to sting even more this year.

But seriously, I have amazing friends and family.

Celebrating last weekend with my family?

The countless cards on my breakfast bar?

Waking up to my Dad singing me "Happy Birthday," like he does every year?

The calls and texts and messages?

Lunch with Margaret?

A new hair cut this afternoon?

Dinner in Wilmington with Lindsey?

Spa day tomorrow?

Amazing.

Gives me goosebumps.

I'm so blessed.

Twenty.Freaking.Five.

Bring.It.On.

Thursday Five...Pre-Birthday Bash Edition!

2011-06-02T16:55:00.001-05:00

This short week has totally thrown me off! I had a fabulous time in Charlotte this past weekend, but it's already Thursday and I'm just now doing a weekend wrap-up! Whoops!

My entire family, sans my husband, was together for the first time since my wedding and it was wonderful! I desperately needed the family time and the non-stop laughter was just what the doctor ordered! And, bonus for me, because my birthday is tomorrow, I got to do a lot of early celebrating with everyone I love! (Again, sans my husband, what a terrible trend!)

So, here are five things that were

Fascinating

Pleasant

Sweet

Sensational

Heartwarming

about my pre-birthday weekend at home!

1. I had my first experience at one of the {all.the.rage.} {serve.yourself.} {add.toppings.} {weigh.pay.} yogurt places and it was so freaking sweet! Jacksonville must get one of these!

2. My sister got me a sensational new cookbook for my birthday and my grandma got me a fabulous new purse! I also get to go to the spa on Saturday! I was totally spoiled this year!

3. My mom cooked my favorite meal on Sunday night and my Grandma made me an Angel Food cake with Strawberry Icing! Even though I'm going to be 25, I still requested and got to use the birthday plate! I swear, everything tastes better on it and it's fascinating how special it makes you feel!

4. Taber put on his best tiara to celebrate with us! Doesn't he look pleasant?

5. I've been wearing eyeliner lately and taking a bit more than 3 minutes to apply my makeup, and my sister, who has always done my makeup for big occasions, kept complimenting me on my makeup, eyeliner, eyebrows, hair and how good I looked. It was heartwarming to recieve all the compliments and really made my day when she said, "Marriage usually turns people frumpy, but it looks good on you!"

Remembering on Memorial Day

2011-05-30T12:02:00.001-05:00

Today is a first for me and my blog. This post will be a "throw-back," if you will, a second go around of what I wrote last year on this day. Memorial Day 2010 was the first time that I truly understood the meaning of Memorial Day and I know it will serve me well to re-read, re-share and re-think my experience every year. So, here we go, Memorial Day 2010...

I wanted to post something for Memorial Day this morning, but to be honest, I couldn't think of the right words. Even as I write this, I don't know if I've found them, but I feel I really have to share what I just experienced.

Frank, his buddy from recruiting duty, Manny, and I attended the Memorial Day ceremony at the Veteran's Cemetery here in Jacksonville this morning. It was hot and we didn't have great seats, and I almost started to complain to Frank. Before I could, though, the ceremony started. They presented the colors, we said the Pledge of Allegiance and somebody sang the National Anthem. And then a Corpsman gave a speech. He was young, but wise way beyond his years. I wish they would have given out a copy of what he said. I don't think I will ever forget it. I was holding back tears when I looked across the aisle, at the two Vietnam Veterans, both with Purple Hearts, who were wiping tears from their faces. And in front of me, more Veterans, some with Purple Hearts, one with a Navy Cross, all of them, crying. And as I took in the moment, for the first time in my life witnessing "war-hardened" men, breaking down in sadness for their brothers and sisters who couldn't be with us today and wiped my tears, Frank leaned over and put his head on my shoulder and he was weeping.

I've never seen Frank cry. We've talked about what he's seen, about his fallen friends, and the response I usually get is "War is Hell." Today, surrounded by the men and women who fight and have fought for our freedom, it finally hit me.

I feel like until today, I've never really understood the true meaning of Memorial Day. I was far removed from the military until I met Frank and I would like to say that is my excuse, but let's be honest, there is no excuse. Memorial Day was always about picnics and the start of summer. Even last year, when I should have gotten it, I was too absorbed in missing Frank and feeling bad for myself to really "get" it. I never really took the time to realize that for so many, this day is in honor of the ultimate sacrifice.

For the first time in my life, while surrounded by men and women who have seen war and its aftermath, while holding the hand of the man I love, who shed tears for his friends that are no longer with us, I got it. When they read Cpl. Jonny Porto's name and the bell rang for him, it was real. It wasn't about hot dogs and beer and cakes made to look like the American flag with strawberries and blueberries. It was about real people. Real heroes. Real sacrifices. Real families who were left behind. Real brother's in arms who will forever have to bear the burden of being the ones who survived and were witnesses to the untimely death of their brothers.

The Corpsman said that he thinks his friends who have fallen would be happy to know that Memorial Day is celebrated with beer and family and sales at the mall and the excitement that summer has begun. They enjoyed beer and their children and playing football on the beach and fought and gave the ultimate sacrifice so we could enjoy these things. And, he said, that although he knows they wouldn't want a somber day of mourning, because that isn't why they laid down their lives for us, they would probably appreciate being remembered for just one minute out of the day.

I've never heard it put like that, but it makes so much sense.

I'm still not sure I've found the right words. I don't have a poetic line to leave you with about Memorial Day. I would just encourage, no, ask you, to raise your beer sometime today, while you are enjoying your family and friends at the local picnic, for the one's who gave everything so we could enjoy the freedom of this great country.

MilSpouse Friday Fill-In

2011-05-27T04:55:00.001-05:00

How is it that it's already Friday? And not just Friday, but the last Friday in May? Could someone please tell time to slow.the.heck.down.

In an effort to be, well, social and an actual blogger, I'm jumping on the MilSpouse Friday Fill-In bandwagon! It took me long enough, right? Jeez, I know!

1.Do you think civilians, in general, understand the meaning of Memorial Day?

In general, I don't. I'll post more about this on Memorial Day, but I think way too many people, myself included in the past, just see it as a long weekend of sales, cookouts with friends, the opening of pools and a plethora of Red, White & Blue from the "fanatics."
2.What are your plans for the Memorial Day Weekend?

I'll be spending Memorial Day in Charlotte, with my entire family, sans my husband! Even Hot Manny, Taber and Cowboy are making the trip with me today. I'm secretly planning on finding a Memorial Day service that I can take everyone to.

3.What skill/talent do you wish you had?

I wish I could sew or quilt. I also wish that I had the mad crafting skills to make my house look like it's been done by a professional designer, but on a thrift store/refinishing/do-it-yourself budget!

4.Which came first: the chicken or the egg?

It's way too early in the morning for this one.

5.What is the best thing about your post (base)?

The best thing about our base is that we are close to our family and have really amazing friends here. It truly is our home. We've been lucky enough to be here for years and all of our friends are, too. Everyone that Frank met in Charlotte on Recruiting Duty and guys he's been in with for years, who now have families and wives who are my friends, have all rotated back here. I guess that's the perk of being in for almost 11 years, you become part of the small family that stays in and base really does seem like a close knit community of your real friends.

Disconnected

2011-05-22T08:09:00.001-05:00

Hubs is leaving again tomorrow morning and I feel like we've been so caught up in doctor's appointments, errands, work, attending social functions and life in general, that we've just been two ships passing in the night.

Life is non-stop and weekends are pretty much non-existent. I long for a weekend where he doesn't have to go to work for couple minutes, which inevitably turns into a couple hours, answer phone calls all the time or attend a social event that turns into working with the families chatting over burgers, hot dogs and dessert in the next room. I long for a weekend where work actually ends on Friday afternoon and we can just savor the weekend and our time together.

And this weekend was no different. He was in and out all morning and most of yesterday afternoon and when I finally looked up from the computer, it was after 2 p.m. and I just said, "Enough!"

Remember the days where the lines between home and work weren't blurred? There are no work hours in this house. When an email is delivered to a phone, regardless of the time or place, we answer. When someone messages me or asks a questions, I feel badly if I don't respond within five minutes.

Well, yesterday, I said "Enough!" I shut down my computer and left my phone on the charger in the kitchen. When Frank arrived home from getting his hair cut, I told him the rest of the day was about us. No computers, no "it will take two minutes to answer this email and then we can finish watching the movie," just us.

I brought comforters and pillows into our family room so we could all lounge together and we watched NCIS and baseball and the horse race. We ate dinner, picnic style, on our family room floor. We talked and just enjoyed the day. His phone still rang, but you can only control so much, right? And when mine chirped, alerting me to a new email or message, I'll admit, it took everything in me not to run, say "just a minute" and be at everyone's beckon call. But you know what, I didn't and nobody suffered and when I told somebody that I couldn't deliver an order last night, explained that Frank was leaving and that we were having family time, their response was, "Enjoy your night."

It was amazing and freeing. I felt like a weight had been lifted off of our shoulders. To be able to just spend time together, without the added pressure of being on call all the time, it was like getting a new lease on life.

Sometimes we have to step away. In a world that is connected 24/7, it's up to you to disconnect for a bit, savor the time you have and just say, "Enough is enough!"

Thursday Five

2011-05-19T07:13:00.001-05:00

It's Thursday and that means one of my bestie's is hosting Thursday 5!

It's a great way to reflect on the week!

Just come up with five things that are...

Irresistible

Positive

Successful

Vibrant

Glorious

...and link up with Flip Flops and Combat Boots!

1. Hubby is pretty irresistible when he acts very protective over our future, yet-to-be conceived daughters. The man puts up the hardcore Marine front, but he's a giant pile of mush on the inside!

2. Having my dad compliment Frank and I on our recent ability to pay off two debts and our plans to pay off two more before August makes me positive that we are doing something right! And, it's a very positive feeling!

3. I feel very successful over my recent acquisition of a job that allows me to work from home and set my own hours. The pay is great and in addition to watching the twins, it will really help with our financial situation!

4. Cowboy was vibrant yesterday when his favorite Hot Manny showed up on his way home from work. Apparently he still has Frank's key and he scared the crap out of me when he let himself in! I was totally not expecting company! Cowboy was thrilled, though. We are pretty sure he has PMS. Post-Manny-Syndrome.

5. It's always a glorious day when I get to talk to my sister! It happens way too infrequently, but we had a great chat yesterday and it always makes me smile to chat with her!

Dr. Fast Talker & The Case of the Perpetual Disaster

2011-05-18T08:24:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I went to an Orthopedic doctor, because in addition to the other medical issues I'm having, my back pain has caused way too many nights on the couch and way too much dependence on other people to lift, carry and reach.

Anyways, it was quite the trip. I had to have X-Rays taken and got to wear these snazzy medical shorts. I was more than a little flattered when the woman gave me a size S/M. My flattery turned to a big grin when they actually fit. Let me tell you something, I'm not one to wear shorts, disposable shorts with an elastic waste, at that, but those suckers were pretty darn comfortable.

After my X-Rays, the lovely British doctor, complete with an accent, comes in and starts talking to me. I think I caught every third word or so, that man talked faster than my sister and let's just say that more than one Marine has said my sister would be a lovely interrogation/torture tool in the Middle East with her mile-a-minute, non-stop style. I might have explained 75 percent of my symptoms and concerns before he diagnosed me. Like I said, he was a man on a fast mission.

So, the verdict? Bursitis in my shoulder and a compression fracture in my spine. Why yes, you read that right, a compression fracture in my spine. Dr. Fast Talker doesn't know if its recent or a past injury, but he kept asking me if I was sure I hadn't recently fallen. When I told him that I'm a perpetual klutz and couldn't remember any recent incidents, he looked at me with the, "You're in a safe place and can tell me if your husband is using you as a punching bag," face.

I reassured him that I was just fine and that going to the doctor for one thing and finding out about a compression fracture was typical Katie. I might have said something along the lines of, "I'm a walking disaster and my father told my husband 'No take backs,' after he married me."

Dr. Fast Talker gave me a shot of cortisone and barely got "Come back in a few weeks if that doesn't help," out before sending me on my disaster-prone way.

Just to clarify, my father loves me dearly and the "No take backs" was all in good fun...I think. And, I love my fast talking sister with all my heart!

Miscellany Monday!

2011-05-16T06:29:00.001-05:00

It's Monday again! Where did the weekend go? Where did half of May go?

1. Do ya'll think Blogger is done PMSing? I actually sat down, on numerous occasions, last week, to blog, but alas, Blogger was throwing a hissy fit.

2. I cannot decide on our style for this house. I have things decorated, but it's just not right. I have all these ideas and would have to redecorate the entire house for everything to look perfect. I think it's going to be a wall-by-wall deployment project. Yesterday I stumbled on Young House Love and fell in love with their entry hall.

via

I already have a stash of frames in our hall closet, so I'm going to start collecting and hopefully achieve the same drool over me effect soon!

3. We got our first Watermelon of the season this weekend. It's a tried and true summer staple in our home and it was nice to enjoy a bit of summer with the hubs before he leaves. Yes, he'll be gone for a good chunk on the summer, including my 25th birthday, and I think he started feeling really bad about it this week. He was extra silly and let's make the most of the this weekend this weekend.

4. I want to introduce you to Star Spangled and Peach a La Mode, Scentsy's Warmer and Scent of the Month for June. I think this warmer is going to be a best seller with all my military loves! It's not available for purchase until June 1, but I'm offering a Pre-Order special! If you're local, in addition to 10% off, how does free shipping sound? If you're not local, have no fear, you'll still have a chance to get your Star Spangled and Peach a La Mode for free!

And, I know that some of you are from Canada! So, let me introduce you to O'Canada! The 10% off and chance to get your O'Canada and Peach a La Mode for free apply to you, too!

A letter to my MilSpouse Sisters on our day

2011-05-06T08:41:00.001-05:00

Today is a very special secret Holiday in the Military Spouse world! I say it's a secret, although I wish it wasn't, because it's a little known fact that in 1984 President Ronald Reagan proclaimed that the Friday before Mother's Day would be Military Spouse Appreciation Day!

To my Military Spouse sisters,

Sometimes I feel like we're part of a secret society, full of pride, heartache, tears, trials, tribulations and jubilations, that are totally unknown to the "outsiders." As a part of the secret society, I take today to thank you. Because in all honesty, we don't get thanked enough and unless you're part of the secret society, you don't really get it. Ours is a secret job, often thankless and tireless and misunderstood. But I assure you, your fellow sisters get it and honor you every day. Whether you're part of my online support or my "real" life support, you're an enormous part of me making it in this life. The emails, texts, Facebook messages, Ruby-Tuesday dates and Sonic playground vents are what get me through. I know what you go through, I know what the lonely nights, silent tears, overflowing pride when you watch a stadium stand to salute our Flag, responsibility to do it all and the sigh of relief do to a person and you know what it does to me. We are sisters in this secret society and we're in it together. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

I'm honored to be in this secret society with you all.
Katie

This poem resides in the top drawer of my nightstand and I sneak it out when I need a bit of motivation and reassurance.

The Military Wife

The good Lord was creating a model for military wives and was into his sixth day of overtime when an angel appeared. She said, "Lord, you seem to be having a lot of trouble with this one. What's the matter with the standard model?" The Lord replied, "Have you seen the specs on this order? She has to be completely independent, posses the qualities of both father and mother, be a perfect hostess to four or forty with an hour's notice, run on black coffee, handle every emergency imaginable without a manual, be able to carry on cheerfully, ever if she's pregnant and has the flu, and she must be willing to move 10 times in 17 years. And oh, yes, she must have six pairs of hands."

The angel shook her head. "Six pairs of hands? No way!" The Lord continued, "Don't worry, we shall make other military wives to help her. And we will give her an unusually strong heart so it can swell with pride in her husband's achievements, sustain the pain of separations, beat soundly when it's over-worked and tired, and be large enough to say 'I understand,' when she does not, and say 'I love you,' regardless."

The angel circled the model of the military wife, looked at it closely and sighed, "It looks fine, but it's too soft." "She might look soft," replied the Lord, "but she has the strength of a lion. You would not believe what she can endure."

Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek of the Lord's creation. "There's a leak," she announced. "Something is wrong with the construction. I am not surprised that it has cracked. You are trying to put too much into this model."

The Lord appeared offended at the angel's lack of confidence. What you see is not a leak," he said. "It's a tear." "A tear? What is it there for?" asked the angel. The Lord replied, "It's for joy, sadness, pain, disappointment, loneliness, pride and a dedication to all the values that she and her husband hold dear."

"You are a genius!" exclaimed the angel. The Lord looked puzzled and replied, "I didn't put it there."

Great Gifts for Mom & Dad

2011-05-03T10:09:00.001-05:00

As you know, I am pretty obsessed with pictures! Although I love looking at our engagement pictures, I've gotten a bit sick of taking slack from people about the "shrine" I've created. I know that some of it is all in good fun, but it just gets old. Consequently, I've scaled back the "shrine" and haven't even ordered our wedding pictures yet. I also didn't order moving announcements. I feel like a major slacker, but I was laughed at, hysterically, I might add, when I asked if it would be cute to make a moving announcement with a wedding picture on it.

Anyways, Frank's mom isn't nearly as computer obsessed as my family and I am, so I've decided to make her a photobook of our wedding pictures for a Mother's Day gift. Although it's going to be a bit of a late arrival, I know she's going to love it!

As always, I'm using my favorite, Shutterfly! I've never had a bad experience with them! Seriously, I've never even had a less than wonderful experience with them and I've ordered Rehersal Dinner Invitations, Thank You Cards, Photos, Photobooks, a pretty awesome coffee mug and so much more!

Shutterfly makes Mother's Day super easy with so many great options for Mom! And, don't forget about Dad! Father's Day is just around the corner and they already have some great ideas for Dad! Create something a bit more personalized this year and I promise, you'll gain lots of points!

Do you have a blog? It's very easy to reap the benefits of Shutterfly, who is one of the most blogger friendly companies out there! Check it out!

Hello May and Miscellany Monday!

2011-05-02T10:07:00.002-05:00

I'm actually blogging. Where in the world did April go?

1. Blogger's Block

I took another break from blogging. It started off unintended, but I've had a hard time getting back to it. Lately, it takes me 2 or 3 hours to get out of bed and my old, peaceful routine of coffee, reading blogs, checking facebook and blogging has been replaced by willing myself to start the day, not cancel on my incredibly understanding friends and do one or two things around the house.

2. Easter Vacay

Frank and I visited his family for Easter. My in-law experiences haven't always been the most positive, but we had the best time! It was so nice to be around family and really makes me wish we lived closer to both of our families. We both hate driving, so even four hours to Charlotte is a hike for us. Speaking of hikes, the mountains are so beautiful in the Spring and Frank took me on a two mile hike to the top of a mountain to see a waterfall. It was such a high to finish that hike and prove to myself that I could do it! Frank was pretty proud of me, too. I had so much fun learning to make some yummy Southern holiday staples and seeing the pure joy and appreciation in all of Frank's family and friend's faces as we visited and even made an appearance at church! He hadn't been to his family's church in over seven years and to celebrate, they made me get up and sing with the choir. Yes, hiking and singing all in one vacay.

3. Mother Nature
Mother Nature has certainly asserted her force over the past couple of weeks. I have an unnatural fear of tornados and Frank thoroughly enjoyed the entertainment that the storms have given him the past few weeks. At one point, when we were told a tornado touched down outside the main gate, I made him grab Cowboy and meet me and Taber in the bathroom. While I was worried about my favorite pieces of jewelry, making sure I was wearing shoes and a bra, attaching myself to Taber and Cowboy's leashes and cursing myself for not having our important paperwork within quick reach, he was worried about our fence. We built our own wooden fence, just a day prior to the first storm, and all our our hard work, sweat, harsh words and aching backs were worth it! Our fence withstood the storms and is our pride and joy! And yes, we're available for hire!

4. The Royal Wedding

While I didn't set my alarm, I was having a rather bad migraine day and happened to wake up to see the ceremony and then again to see the kiss(es). In this world, I think it's particularly nice to be able to lose yourself in a fairy tale for a couple hours. What little girl doesn't dream of being a Princess? Kate was gorgeous, as was Pippa. They are both the tiniest things I've ever seen. In my next life, I will most definitely say my wedding vows in a British accent, they sound so much more romantic! And, I've already decided that when my sister gets married, I will cut myself in half (or fourths!) and wear Pippa's dress!

5. Prayers

While I have no desire to make a political statement about the death of Osama bin Laden, the reaction is still astonishing to me. It's wonderful to see this country come together again, but I hope that people realize this isn't really the end of an era. Frank and I were running errands yesterday afternoon and around 4 p.m., when we came back on base, the security level had already been increased to Force Protection Condition BRAVO. When I found out it happened and woke Frank to tell him, his sleepy response was, "He's just one man." While it is a wonderful victory and I pray it brings some closure to so many, I can't help but think that so many of our friends and even my husband will still be deploying in the very near future and now face an even greater threat of retaliation. This does not end the battle we are fighting and I ask you to join me in praying for our troops and their families. May they stay safe and return home soon.

Do you speak twin?

2011-04-12T15:02:00.001-05:00

I'm going to be taking care of identical twin boys starting full-time in May. You know, in addition to writing, selling Scentsy, running the house and caring for two dogs, it's all about perspective, right?

Anyways, I saw this video the other day and I just giggled through the entire thing! I can't wait until the boys are old enough to converse with each other. Well, scratch that, I'm thoroughly enjoying the snuggly, squishy, adorable newborn phase, but this phase will be entertaining, as well!

Miscellany Monday

2011-04-11T06:09:00.001-05:00

1. Thanks.

Thank you, dear, sweet ~~readers~~ friends for your kind words, encouragement, prayers and well wishes on my last post. You have no idea how much it means to have you all in my corner and after I visit the doctor and get some more concrete answers, I'll be sure to fill you all in with all the details.

2. My F*CK Up.

Fail. Epic type.

Apparently the hubs and I have some interesting initials, which neither of us realized until much later in the day. We used some super sticky adhesive to hang the "F" and "K" and are still trying to come up with a way to get them off the wall. In the mean time, it does provide lots of laughs!

3. Radio.

I haven't made this public knowledge, until now, but I'm going to be on the radio tonight! The Homefront United Network will be LIVE on Voice of Warriors (VOW) at 7 p.m. EST. I'll be joining Angela Caban and Military Martha to spread the word about the HUN!

4. Lenny the Lamb Giveaway.

I'm having a Scavenger Hunt, over on my Live.Love.Scents. facebook page., for a chance to have your very own Lenny the Lamb in time for Easter! You'll find all the details under the Discussion tab! To earn an EXTRA ENTRY, after you've submitted your entry with the three answers on Facebook, follow my blog and leave me a comment letting me know you've done so!

Tales of a Trying Thursday

2011-04-08T07:05:00.001-05:00

It's been a crazy week and although I had every intention of getting back into the world of writing, life just got the better of me and my intentions this week. It seems like there is always some excuse, as of late, but what do you do, right?

I really can't find the words I need right now. Does that make sense? I have so many different things swimming in my mind and nothing seems to adequately describe what's going on.

I've never been a particularly healthy person, which I've touched on before, but I've also never had a doctor look at me and tell me there is definitely something wrong. Something tangible. Something with a name. Something with symptoms. Something with websites. Something with support groups.

So yesterday, when I went to get the results of some blood work, I went alone and although I was nervous, I didn't expect to be told that something was, indeed, wrong. And yet, that's what the doctor said. She looked at me, with no knowledge of my medical history, trials or tribulations and told me that something was wrong.

I wanted to scream at her. I wanted to tell her that she was wrong. I wanted to tell her to check again because I've done my time and I've been the sick girl and I'm happy and done being mad at God for the hand I've been dealt and we want babies and this was not in our plans. I wanted to ask her a million questions. I wanted answers. I wanted promises. But, I had no words and I got nothing but a referral, a copy of my blood work and a swift kick out the door so the nurses could eat lunch.

And now, I wait. And while I'm all too familiar with the waiting game, it's a delicate balance between questions, anxiety, information and scaring myself. The sweet solace in the storm? My husband. Today we enter our fourth month of marriage and last night, he hid his fear, although not well, to be my rock. The sheer fact that he was trying to be the calm, cool and collected one, to hold me up, it was one of those how did I get this lucky? moments. He wiped my tears, told me not to worry and reassured me that he'd always, regardless of circumstances, be here to take care of me and love me.

I'm a lucky girl and today, instead of wallowing in any more self-pity, I'm going to start my day. I'm going to enjoy the sunshine and count my blessings. I'm going to reflect on my strength and perseverance and I'm not going to fall victim to being the victim.

Momma Dog Monday!

2011-04-04T07:00:00.002-05:00

After the accident at Fort Bragg, my husband's Master Sergeant came to the rescue with this video. I could not stop laughing when I watched it and highly recommend being in the privacy of your own home, for no other reason then it might be awkward to have your co-workers looking at you like you're crazy.

Please tell me you laughed hysterically and Momma Dog is going to help you get through Monday!

Easy Canvas Prints Lovin'

2011-04-01T06:49:00.001-05:00

For someone that loves her pictures, I'm having a very hard time picking which wedding pictures to have printed. But, when I was contacted by Easy Canvas Prints, I immediately knew which picture I wanted to have made into a canvas!

Did you see this in the Tour de New House yesterday?

I love this picture. It was not staged and just exudes happiness, to me at least!

My picture was already in black and white, but Easy Canvas Prints makes beautiful color canvases, as well. I chose a 16x20 print with a gallery frame. The website is very easy to navigate and I received my canvas super quick! It was actually the very first package we received at our new house!

I am extremely pleased with my canvas and will, more than likely, be ordering more canvases in the near future!

Canvas Prints

Tour de New House

2011-03-31T07:51:00.001-05:00

Welcome to our new house!

Please excuse the poor lighting and picture quality. It was pouring yesterday and well, my camera pretty much sucks. I've been dropping MAJOR hints about the perfect birthday present to the hubs!

There you have it, our humble abode. We're still working on some things and I'm still trying to find the perfect spot for all my favorite pictures!

Let's play catch [up], shall we?

2011-03-30T12:09:00.001-05:00

Alright bloggy loves, it looks like I'm back!

And just to be clear, I seriously missed everyone and am so glad to be back!

So, before I'm really really back, let's play catch up!

And please excuse the fact that I say "opener" and over use "ya'll." I was way too far in to start over again when I butchered the English language and it seems I've lived in the South a.bit.too.long, ya'll!

The honest answer...

2011-03-21T11:20:00.001-05:00

I've actually gotten a couple of emails in the past few days asking where I've been, if I'm still alive and why I'm not blogging. And before it runs through your mind, the emails weren't from my mother.

So, here's the honest answer. I've been depressed, overwhelmed, trying to stay afloat, my mono is rearing it's ugly head again, I'm leaving in fifteen minutes to pick up the keys to our new house and blogging is very low on my To-Do list right now.

Frank's in the field and even though it's "just" Bragg, this happened. He's fine, but he's the Battery Gunny and it's his gun and his guys. Honestly, I'm not ready to talk about it yet. I'm still processing it all and everyday I sit down to write a post and different emotions come out. Maybe in a week or so.

I've been MIA and honestly, I probably will be for another week or so. I hope you'll bear with me, because I do have some exciting things planned in the next month. But for now, I need to focus on me. My relationship with depression, because of my migraines, has always been a slippery slope and I know all too well that right now, the only thing I can do is keep myself healthy, focus on what needs to be done, get out of bed each day and count my blessings.

I'm praying that the move and seeing Frank sometime this week will help me snap out of this funk, but until then, feel free to send some prayers my way.

A military-friendly company!

2011-03-14T07:00:00.021-05:00

Have you guys visited BuildASign.com yet? I was contacted by them the other week and jumped on the opportunity to work with them again.

Yes, again. And I just want to say, they didn't ask me to write this review. But, when I find a good thing, I like to share, so please, keep reading!

When Frank came home from his last deployment, I ordered his Welcome Home sign from BuildASign.com. They offer FREE Welcome Home banners for friends and family of the military! It's an amazing program and the banner I got was so nice.

Visit http://www.buildasign.com/Troops if you're in need of a Welcome Home banner!

Anyways, I was contacted by them and got to play around on the website and create anything I wanted!

I was drawn to the magnetic bumper stickers and created these lovelies, which I was also given in the peel and stick bumper stickers, too!

I love my magnets and bumper stickers and have already ~~begged, pleaded and bargained~~ passed them out to some friends who don't mind ~~shamelessly~~ plugging my business wherever they go!

A big thanks to BuildASign.com for being such a fabulous, military-friendly company. Check them out, you won't be sorry!

Now, who wants a bumper sticker?!

Kidding...kinda!!

What do you WANT to know!?

2011-03-10T18:31:00.001-06:00

I'm having the most horrid case of writer's block in the world. I'm in one of those places where everyone and everything annoys me to no end and it's just a bad funk.

I have a couple of posts to introduce new sponsors that I have to work on, but other than that, nada. I'm still reading and commenting on all of your blogs, but I'm just kind of out of the loop with mine.

I have had an influx on new followers and want to "Welcome" all of you. I've never really done an introductory post, so let's work together to kick this writer's block to the curb and fast!

Do you have questions for me? A burning desire to ask me about married life, my pre-Marine years, our wedding, favorite foods, best advice, anything and everything? Nothing is off limits! I'll respond to your questions with either a Q&A post or if the question warrants it's own post, then that's what it will get!

So please, please, please, introduce yourself and ask away!

Black Bean Pumpkin Soup

2011-03-07T07:22:00.001-06:00

Are you ready for another recipe? I told you that soups are a very popular theme in our house this winter and to be honest, I'm not sure why this recipe caught my attention. I actually thought it sounded kind of gross, but I bought the ingredients for it, anyways. The result? Amazing. This soup is so filling and I just can't describe the taste. It's rich and perfect for a cold night. I will warn you, it's very filling, so don't fill your bowl too full. Wait, fill it, indulge, just make sure you're wearing your stretch pants.

Black Bean Pumpkin Soup

2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup drained, canned diced tomatoes
1 small diced onion
2-3 garlic cloves, depending on your tastes
1 T cumin
1 t kosher salt
1 t pepper
1/2 stick of butter
4 cups of beef broth
1 cup of pumpkin puree
1/3 cup of brandy
1/2 lb. cooked ham, diced small

In the food processor, coarsely puree the black beans and diced tomatoes. I don't drain my black beans, in any recipes, and used crushed tomatoes, but that is purely a personal preference. In a dutch oven (or largest stock pot you own) melt the butter over medium heat and cook the onion, garlic, cumin, salt and pepper in it, until the onion is beginning to brown. Stir in the bean puree, broth, pumpkin and brandy until everything is combined. Let the soup simmer, stirring it occasionally, for about half and hour. Just before serving, add the ham and simmer, stirring, until it is thoroughly heated.

Not my picture.
I already confessed that I'm not good at documenting my kitchen adventures. I didn't snap any pictures of this recipe.
Bad Katie, I know.

If you haven't noticed by now, I don't like people telling me what to do. So, I never completely follow recipes. In addition to not draining my black beans, using crushed tomatoes and skipping the dutch oven, I let this soup simmer/heat for upwards of four hours. I put the ham in about forty minutes before I served it, but liked it even better the next day when the ham had soaked up some of the spices. This soup reheats extremely well, too!

I know it sounds like an odd combination, but I promise it's worth experimenting! Enjoy!

It's time to come clean...

2011-03-04T05:06:00.001-06:00

I've been holding back the past couple of months and that isn't something I like to do.

I've wanted to tell you so many times in the last six months, "We're moving!"

We're moving to Richmond, VA for three years for I & I duty.
We're moving to Oklahoma for three years and Frank will be non-deployable as he teaches!

Only, I didn't. Because in reality, no matter how certain we were or how many times we were told something was going to happen, the past six months have been a roller coaster ride full of hope and planning, crushed dreams and tears, ups and downs, promises and misleading assurances.

And it's led to this.

We're moving...onto base!

That was anti-climatic, wasn't it?

After finally accepting that the run around we've been getting isn't going to end anytime soon, we weighed our options and seriously and realistically discussed what the next year or two holds and decided base was our best bet.

And now, for the crazy part. We put our name on the list for base housing last Thursday. I had been told the wait was one to three months. We were assigned to slot number two on the wait list. We received a call on Saturday, yes, as in two days later, that we had a house and it was completely remodeled and the largest three bedroom model they offer. Ready for more craziness? We sign the lease today and I pick up the keys on March 21. TMO is moving us and, in typical military fashion, Frank won't be here. We were able to give 30 days notice on the house we live in now, not have to pay extra rent and I got a steal on someone to clean the carpets/house/chimney!

It's all gone a bit too smoothly, but after the past six months, I'm thinking it's the small break we deserve! Just remind me of that in the next couple of weeks, won't you?

Thursday Five with Nicole!

2011-03-03T08:57:00.001-06:00

It's Thursday and that means one thing, ~~I'm getting an MRI today~~ ~~I'm meeting a new friend to make Scentsy samples and chit chat~~ ~~Tomorrow starts out last weekend together for a while~~ It's time for Thursday Five!

This week has been one of those weeks where you want time to hurry up, but at the same time, you know if it does, you're closer to sleeping alone for a while. It's a Catch 22, I tell ya. But, I've still had five things that were...

Fabulous

Satisfying

Amazing

Sweet

Jubilant

1. The weather in North Carolina has been fabulous. I've been turning the heat off during the days for the last two weeks! And all the sunshine and warmer weather makes me happier!

2. I tried on the pair of pants that I wore on my first date with Frank this week and drum roll, please. They fit! They haven't fit since the night of our first date! What a satisfying feeling!

3. We're moving into an amazing house on base. I realized after I posted yesterday's Wordless Wednesday that you guys are completely out of the loop on that one! Stay tuned tomorrow for all the details!

4. My Scentsy business is going great! I've got a party in Charlotte coming up, a basket going to Boston with my bestie, a party here in Camp Lejeune and a great giveaway going on! And, I made my goal of selling $1000 in my first month, only I made it in my first two weeks! Sweet!

5. I'm going home to see my family next week and I'm jubilant to enjoy some quality time with the fam in Charlotte!

Wordless Wednesday: New House

2011-03-02T11:47:00.001-06:00

Reason #239548 Why I Love My Husband

2011-02-28T16:49:00.001-06:00

I have been hovering really close to the 300 followers mark for about a week. This past weekend, I teased Frank that he should follow my blog and help me hit the big milestone!

My big day came sometime Saturday! I hit 300 followers!

And then, on Sunday morning, I was back at 299.

I was, admittedly, a bit crushed.

Who the heck quit following me?

Did they have enough with the wedding recap?

Did I offend them?

I like to be liked!

You get the point.

Anyways, last night I was pleasantly surprised to see I had done it again!

Woohoo! 300 followers!

I went into our family room to brag to Frank and he just started grinning.

Reason #239548 why I love my husband?

He knew I had a bruised ego and slyly became the 300th follower of my blog!

At last...

2011-02-27T09:00:00.002-06:00

Wedding recap week is over! Thanks for patiently waiting for it and leaving me such warm comments about our wedding!

These are some of my favorite pictures from the night, which I think is so funny because I'm not even in my dress! I call them our paparazzi shots. Don't they look like we're celebrities being chased by the paparazzi?

Ah, in another life, maybe.

You're So Vain

2011-02-26T08:00:00.002-06:00

Let's be honest, you and I both know that I love pictures of Frank and I.

For your viewing pleasure, or just mine and in that case, lie to me people, glamour shots from the wedding!

It's the Little Things that Count

2011-02-25T06:30:00.004-06:00

I'm a sucker for the little things. The smallest details that truly pull something together.

Our placecards were damask baggies tied with a red ribbon. They each had a black gift tag attached to them that had our guest's name and table number written on them in silver. Inside the baggies were homemade chocolate Marine Corps medallions!

Our guest book was a photo book of our engagement pictures, with a red linen cover and black pages for our guest to sign!

We didn't have true favors, but instead sent a table full of goodies to Afghanistan in our guests honor! They were able to write notes at the reception, which we included in the care packages!

The tables were covered with ivory tablecloths, black toppers and had red napkins to make everything pop!

My cake was black and white damask with a red ribbon tied around it! Now, let's see if you get my attention to detail. Look back at the place cards. Do you get it? The place cards were black damask with a red ribbon tied around them, too!

The Groom's Cake was my big surprise for Frank and all our our guests at the wedding! We're huge football fans and a "House Divided" cake seemed so appropriate! It was a huge hit and people kept coming up to me and saying, "I feel like a traitor, I had to eat the Redskin side of the cake!"

We also had a Table for the Fallen at our reception. I still feel morbid saying this, but it was incredibly beautiful. It was at the back of the dance floor, opposite of where the wedding party sat, and a fitting reminder of those who couldn't join us and had given the ultimate sacrifice. Frank and his groomsman personally took it down at the end of the night and it seemed one of them was always standing watch by it.

My bouquet, the bridesmaid's bouquets and the centerpieces all turned out beautiful and were very similar, which is what I wanted. The only difference between my bouquet and my bridesmaid's were the calla lillies.

It's My Party

2011-02-24T06:30:00.002-06:00

Our reception was held at Marston Pavilion, on Camp Lejeune, and was beautiful. I'm not going to lie and say everything was perfect, because things did go wrong, but here are the highlights!

Frank only insisted on a couple of things for the wedding and one of them was the Sword Arch. I debated doing it outside, right after we were married, but decided that we would be announced and walk under it as we entered the reception. It all worked out perfectly and yes, I got a welcome slap on the behind. Our good friend, Rob, was the only person we ever considered to be the one to "Welcome" me and he had me totally freaked out for months that he was going to be less than kind. He did hit me hard, but not as hard as he thought he did. Frank texted him the morning after the wedding, thinking he was being sly, "You didn't leave a mark :( "

After we entered, we danced to Big & Rich's "Lost in this Moment with You." I had chosen Heartlands, "I Loved Her First," for my dance with my Dad, but our DJ was one of the big disappointments of the night and didn't have the song. Mind you, I had told him in advance that I wanted it. Anyways, he picked some "traditional" song for us. I don't even know what it was, the only thing I remember was my Dad had me laughing and crying during the entire dance and, like any truly prepared Daddy, had Kleenex in his pocket for me. Frank and his mother danced to Lynyd Skynyds "Simple Man." She drove Frank to enlist in the Marines when he was in High School and this was the last song he ever listened to as a civilian. It's special to both of them and we surprised her with it!

Frank had been telling everyone he was going to smear cake in my face. I was petrified and had been begging him not to do this. I finally threatened him, for weeks on end, that if he did, he would have a very boring honeymoon. After cutting the cake with his NCO Sword, we enjoyed our first bites of cake and I am proud to say, there was no cake on my face!

Our reception was amazing, but there just wasn't enough time! I didn't get to visit with everyone I would have liked to and Frank kept having to remind me to just have a good time and enjoy our party. We did get to eat a bit of dinner, but to be honest, I was very worried that I would get sick and just tried a small bite of everything. We didn't get to eat any more cake than the first bite we fed to one another, but I managed to pull aside the caterers during the night and request a piece of cake be wrapped and put in the limo for us. They came through and we enjoyed breakfast in bed on our first morning as husband and wife. It was one of the small details that wasn't planned, but turned out to be one of my favorite memories.

I planned and executed 99 percent of our wedding on my own, so tomorrow is all about the little details that turned out so special to Frank and I, our family and guests! Stay tuned!

Meet Me at the Chapel

2011-02-23T10:30:00.003-06:00

When it comes to the ceremony, I have to rely on my planning notes and the photographs to recap! I know they always say that you won't remember the ceremony, but I thought I would be different. Of course, I was wrong and so very thankful when I found out a good friend captured the entire thing for us!

Apparently everyone made it down the aisle without incident! I held in tears and the ugly cry the entire way and held onto my Dad for dear life because I felt like I was going to pass out. Everything went by very quickly and I was in a haze!

All of the sudden, there was a ring on my finger, my husband has kissed me and we were walking down the aisle as man and wife. Like I said, I was in a haze. We went into the fellowship hall where we had a second to breathe, the marriage certificate was signed, congratulations were exchanged and laughs were abundant!

Like I said, lots of laughs!

Don't you worry, Mrs. S.

2011-02-23T05:19:00.001-06:00

I was incredibly lucky and got to write a guest post at The Adventures of Mr. Superman and Mrs. S. yesterday! Mrs. S is a great friend of mine, a bit of a blogging celebrity and a fabulous host! If you didn't get a chance to read my piece yesterday, ~~shame on you~~ here it is!

When Mrs. S asked me to guest blog for her, I did a little happy dance. You see, other than the fact that Mrs. S is a bit of a celebrity in the Mil-Spouse blogging world, she's also pretty much my twin. If one of us has done something in our life, has had something happen to us or caught some strange, 2 in 301,938,503 chance disease and explains it in one of our emails, the facts are that the other will write back, "You're not going to believe this, but I've done that to, had that happen and whoa, 1+1=2 and that's so me and you."

I've been wracking my brain for a week about what to write for you, Mrs. S' fabulous readers, that would live up to her standards. My husband and I were on base this weekend and it finally hit me.

We were running a bunch of errands and happened to drive past the buses, you know the one's, every military spouse, significant other, family member, fiancee and girlfriend's best and worst nightmare, pulling into a homecoming. I immediately started grinning and wiping tears from my face, all at the same time.

And then, as we turned the corner, I started giggling. Frank was looking at me, waiting for an explanation, but it was one of those pathetic giggle attacks, where you just can't do anything except giggle and gasp for air. I finally calmed down enough to say to him, "Those buses just made me remember my biggest fear about your last homecoming. I've never told you before because it was so stupid and irrational, but I couldn't stop worrying about it until I was actually in your arms again."

I was scared he wouldn't remember what I looked like. I was scared that he would get off the bus and not be able to find me, even if I was right in front of him, because he literally wouldn't remember what I looked like.

Frank just looked at me, did some giggling of his own and asked me if I was serious. I told him that yes, I was serious. We had only been dating eight months prior to him leaving for eight months and I knew he had a lot more on his mind in Afghanistan than the color of my eyes and the length and/or color of my hair. I was petrified that he wouldn't remember who I was. It was irrational and definitely laughable, but at the time, a very real fear.

So, here it is, my advice to Mrs. S. Don't worry your pretty little head off that Mr. Superman won't remember what you look like. We are twins, so I know the thought has crossed your mind. For starters, you're way too fabulous and too freaking hot to forget and well, they just don't forget. They're good like that.

Before You Say "I Do."

2011-02-22T14:56:00.002-06:00

It's never too late for a wedding recap, right? I wanted to be able to share some of my favorite professional photographs with you, so let's use that as my reason why I've been married for over a month and am just now posting about our wedding.

So, let's begin with "Before You Say 'I Do.'"

Frank and his groomsmen got dressed at our house. I'm not really sure the exact details of the day, but I do know they went to the gun show and even though he had his Bachelor's Party the night before the wedding, he was still on time and coherent.

My bridesmaids, mom and I spent the day of the wedding getting our hair done. I got my makeup done, as well. I though we were doing really well on time, but then it slipped away from us and I ended up about five minutes late to my own wedding. In my mind though, I was about thirty-five minutes late, because I had wanted to get there at 3:30 p.m. We were the ones that decorated and set up about 95 percent of the reception, in record time, so in addition to everything else I did that day, only being five minutes late seems pretty minor to me. And, just like every bride, I didn't eat. It was totally accidental, but time got away from me and breakfast and a few crackers that my mom made me eat ended up being my pre-I Do sustenance.

As soon as we entered the foyer of the church, I had a meltdown. Our photographer actually captured the entire thing and it's so a part of the day that I just had to share. I walked in and saw all of our family and just lost it. I started doing the ugly cry. My sister quickly swept me into the bathroom and my mom came in and started screaming at me. I'm still shocked that the people in the church didn't hear her, but after much inquiring, I'm told they didn't. I've never handled change well and the meltdown wasn't a "what the heck am I doing?" thing. It was a "everything is about to change and I have no control over it" thing. I did the same thing every year when I started a new school or began a new grade and my mom actually referenced my first day of the fifth grade meltdown in her pre-wedding pull it together scream!

I pulled it together and I did make it down the aisle! Check back tomorrow for the recap of our ceremony!

Fake It 'Til You Make It

2011-02-21T07:54:00.002-06:00

Jacksonville, North Carolina, has a plethora of restaurants. Chili's, O'Charleys, Applebees, Olive Garden, Ruby Tuesdays, oh my! But to be honest, all I ever want is a Muffaletta and Sweet Tea from McAlisters and Broccoli and Cheese Soup in a bread bowl from Panera.

The other day I told Frank I was craving Blakeney food. Blakeney is my favorite area in Charlotte and there are real restaurants, the kind that have ambiance, creative chefs, ever-changing menus and don't have locations in all 50 states. He proceeded to tell me I was being stuck up, but you get my point.

Sometimes a girl just needs something more.

And then it happened. I got this idea that I would create my own Broccoli and Cheese Soup in a bread bowl. And it was amazing. Pure, I'm giving Panera a run for their money with my homemade croutons, bliss.

Katie's Fake It 'Til You Make It Broccoli & Cheese Soup

1/2 stick of butter

1 1/2 pounds fresh broccoli, chopped into florets (I used frozen, pre-chopped broccoli and it was easy peasy)

1 large onion, chopped

1 carrot, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

3 T flour

4 cups of chicken stock

1/2 cup milk

As much shredded cheddar cheese as your heart desires

Melt the 1/2 stick of butter in a large stock pot over medium heat. Add the broccoli, onion, carrot and salt and pepper and saute, until the onion is translucent, approximately six minutes. Add the flour and cook for a minute, mixing everything completely.

Add the stock and bring to a boil. Simmer uncovered until the broccoli is tender, approximately 15 minutes. Move the pot off the heat and stir in the milk and a handful of cheese, if desired.

Puree the soup in batches, using a blender. Be careful with the hot liquids and make the soup as chunky or silky smooth as you want! Transfer the soup back to the stock pot and add the shredded cheddar, until it reaches your desired cheesy-ness.

And, if you're feeling really fancy, take some crusty bread and cube it. Melt 1/4 tablespoon of butter in a skillet, with some olive oil, and coat the cubes of bread. Place the cubes on a cookie sheet and sprinkle with garlic salt and Parmesan cheese! Toast at 375 degrees until they are crunchy!

Serve the soup with a generous heap of cheddar cheese and whatever croutons may be left after you discover their amazing ability to tickle your taste buds and accidentally share this secret with your husband.

A tall glass of emotional solace

2011-02-17T06:42:00.001-06:00

The past few days have been rough, an emotional roller coaster, the slow and constant, yet painful, oozing of tears, unknowns and fears that I've been holding in for months.

I've once again found solace, though, in fellow spouses and significant others. I've hashed out emotions and morbid fears with friends I've never met and friends who I've only been, happy, confident and emotionally stable Katie around. It's like the weight of the world being lifted off your shoulders when these ladies say to you, "You know what, it's morbid, but it's a normal fear. We all keep quiet about it because we're afraid nobody else fears it, but we all do, we really should talk about it more."

And while I'm not ready to talk about it yet, although I'm considering it, the harsh reality of other's not understanding is what is weighing on me this morning. There is a line drawn in my life. Pre-Frank and Post-Frank. But really, what that equates to is Pre-Military and Post-Military. And it's no fault of their own, but the Pre-Military friends and family, the morbid fears, they just don't get them. I can explain until I'm blue in the face, but until you live it, no matter how much you try to understand, regardless of how much you love a person, you just can't.

I've been grappling with this all night and by, what I'm positive is fate, I found this article this morning, written by Melissa Seligman.

As many of you know, my husband came home from our third deployment not too long ago. During the deployment, a reporter asked me to share “What I Knew” about deployments and military life. This was my answer:

As I forced my hands to unfurl from his neck, feeling the familiar sting in my nose as tears pushed against my will, the words rattled and echoed in my brain. “Not again.”

I watched him walk away–that uniform, identifiable gait—and my heart bent and splintered as the reality of a third deployment began to shower over me.

I picked up the phone, dialing the numbers my numb fingers always meander toward, and sat in silence while she tried to ease my pain. “I can’t imagine…He will be home….I’m here.”

And then she said six words that shot through my ears, penetrated my brain, and stiffened my spine: “You know how to do this.”

She was right. I do know how to do this. I intimately know the all-too familiar lump in my throat. The year of being both father and mother, making the best of a situation. I know exactly how one year feels as I X each day off my calendar. And I know how to ensure that while our lives are on hold, we still live.

The truth is I know a lot:
» The thought of being alone for a year doesn’t bother me. The fear of being alone for a lifetime—does.

» Flat rate boxes can hold twenty whoopee cushions, four kindergarten projects, and five perfume-scented letters.

» Technology can be a double-edged sword—one side delivering his face; the other a brutal live-action feed of explosions and camouflaged body parts.

» Murphy’s Law is a constant companion. The moment he walks out the door, anything that can break, collapse, bleed, or explode–will .

» Five hours of uninterrupted sleep is a gift from the deployment gods

» Holidays are hard, but manageable.

» Deployments come and go, but sand from his boots never leaves.

» Nothing can replace a handwritten letter. Through those beautifully folded pages, he is holding my hand again.

» When the National Anthem is played, I know goosebumps will rise on my arms, and a lump will fill my throat.

» The silence in communication following a war zone attack is agonizing.

» Laughter is a powerful ally.

» Each deployment offers two options: grow or regress. This is a choice.

» Cereal is always a dinner option.

» Videos of lost teeth, ballerina recitals, and preschool graduations can be emailed to Iraq nearly instantly.

» Five powers of attorney and the intimate details of his will are needed to navigate a deployment.

» White out blizzards can actually bury a truck in five minutes.

» Rosie the Riveter was right: We can do it.

» Children cling to hope and the promise of tomorrow.

» Living in each moment together is possible when facing the fear that it could be your last.

» Welcome home kisses are sweeter than the finest chocolate.

» Anger will grip me and depression can hold me, but another military spouse will steady me.

» A six-year-old child can feel the absence of her father so deeply that she can suffer from clinical depression.

» A military spouse will often hold her/his tongue, silencing a story, for fear of sounding “unpatriotic.”

» The sound of a bugle can make my heart swell with pride or collapse in sorrow.

» Duct tape and a monkey wrench can fix nearly anything.

» Despite the protesters and those who tell me I “knew” what I was getting into, I know there are countless American citizens who will go above and beyond to show they support us.

There are many things I know.

I know how to change the brakes on my truck, rappel from the side of a cliff, shoot a double-barreled shotgun, balance a checkbook, earn my keep, and kiss a child enough to feel like two.

But there are still so many things I don’t know.

» I don’t know how to start my heart again when I see a death notification car on my street.

» When that knock echoes on the door of my neighbor, I don’t know how to forgive myself when I am relieved.

» I don’t know how to hug him enough to last a lifetime, or kiss him just so in order to feel satisfied—should our reunion be at the foot of a pine box.

» I’m not willing to learn how to pretend he doesn’t exist, to keep him out of our life while it goes on without him, or to build a wall so high he has no way to scale it.

» I don’t know how to stop his panic attacks, and I have no idea how to make my nightmares of rampant bombs and lifeless limbs disappear.

» I don’t know how to adjust to his presence in my house when our floor rarely feels the weight of his boots.

» I don’t know how to tell his small children that, yes, he leaves them all the time. But because he loves them so deeply, he is willing to die to keep them free.

» I can’t understand those who would question my desire to stay with him, or how I can peacefully sleep beside a “killer.”

» I am amazed and confounded that despite all he has seen, he still has the courage to laugh.

» I don’t’ know how to give up on my family.

But, most importantly:
I have no clue how to still my pounding heart when he finally walks through our door again, I don’t know how to pull my hands from his sand-stained neck and say goodbye, and I don’t know how to ever walk away from a man who stands while many choose to sit.

Thank you, Melissa, for beautifully conveying what so many of us think and feel and providing me with emotional solace this morning.

Pink, puffy hearts.

2011-02-15T07:00:00.007-06:00

Yesterday I was lucky enough to participate in Riding the Roller Coaster's Valentine's Day blog swap! and posted at Goodnight Moon! Amber was such a good host and I felt like I was definitly in the "in" crowd for a day, getting to take over such a fabulous blog! In case you missed it, here's what I had to say about pink, puffy hearts!

Valentine's Day is about love.

Pink, puffy hearts of love.

But here is the thing.

Love isn't just about Valentine's Day.

As a military spouse, the precious nature of life is clear as day.

I take advantage of every second I have with the ones I love.

I take advantage of every chance I have to show my love.

I say I.Love.You. all the time.

I think Valentine's Day is a perfect day of reflection.

Pink, puffy hearts of reflection.

A Valentine's Day Treat!

2011-02-14T06:51:00.001-06:00

It's Valentine's Day and Riding the Roller Coaster is hosting a fabulous Blog Swap! I'm blogging over at Goodnight Moon today and Katie, from The Life of an Army Wife, will be holding down the fort here! She's a fun-loving mommy-to-be, undergoing a deployment and even though she cheers for Green Bay, I'm confident you're in great hands!

Happy Valentine's Day everyone. I'm so excited to participate in this blog swap and to be a guest blogger here at Like Sunshine After The Rain. My name is Katie and I blog over at The Life of An Army Wife.

What does Valentine's Day mean to you. For some just hearing those two words can inspire a feeling of complete dread. Others plan for this day, working out the most romantic way possible to show their significant other just how much they love them.

For me, Valentine's Day is met with mixed reviews. In high school I was that gawky teenager that wasn't allowed to date until I was 16. I hated coming to school on Valentine's Day and watching all the pretty popular girls get flowers delivered or flaunt their heart shape diamond necklaces the hottest boys in school bought them. I remember wishing that was me but sadly I would have many years to wait. In previous relationships I was usually the one who went all out for Valentine's Day and barely got a card in return.

Then came the first Valentine's Day with the hubs. It was 2008, two months before we were married and he took me out to the Melting Pot for dinner and I sent him on a little scavenger hunt searching for goodies around the apartment. Finally I had a romantic Valentine's Day where someone actually showed me how much they cared about me. The following year the hubs was deployed and last year, our first together since being married was a bit of a dud. The hubs was sick with the flu and spent all day in bed. We made it as special as possible, ordering Chinese and eating in bed but that was as far as the excitement went.

This year hubs is deployed once again and I am dreading Valentine's Day. I don't know about you but after awhile it gets hard to come up with creative ways to show your spouse you love them while they are deployed. Since this is our third deployment in 2.5 years I can pretty much say I've sent M every cute, thoughtful and romantic present possible. For our first deployment my goal was to send one big package a month. I made him a blanket, a calendar, a photo album of our first year together, sent him his favorite treats, books, cd's etc etc. If it can be made I've made it and he's received it. When he's home I always go for the classic video game related gift but that's hard to do when he's deployed and has a limit to what he can take on or from a deployment. This year was no exception.

I should also mention that another reason I'm having a hard time coming up with ideas for Valentine's Day is because his birthday is February 18th and mine is the 26th. We try to go all out for each other birthday's and Valentine's Day gets pushed aside. Don't get me wrong, we are both thoughtful and romantic people, but with birthdays and our anniversary coming up in April we decided this year to just save and go on a babymoon/anniversary trip when he returns.

Even though we have that planned, I still felt horrible when I went to the post office to mail M the Valentine's Day card I got him when I saw all the other mil-spouses sending off huge decorated care packages to their soldier's. And then part of me also got to thinking, what about us? I remember last year the hubs was unable to send any mail or get online to send so much as an E-card for our anniversary while I sent him two big packages. It was hard not to feel hurt and neglected even though I knew my husband couldn't help it. I sat around all day waiting for flower's to show up at my door, or a card to appear in the mail. Nothing! And so this year for Valentine's Day I'm not getting my hopes up that I will receive anything in return. Isn't it funny the expectations we set up for ourselves? Even though deep down we know that's not the point of celebrating your love for your spouse.

Then I usually have to slap myself for being so selfish and just appreciate the fact that although deployed, the hubs and I still find ways to show each other how much we love each other. Whether it's sweet little email's or texts, silly pictures or long conversations where we just keep saying how much we love and miss each other, that I'm reminded that I don't need a card or flower's or anything else for that matter to know that I'm loved and cherished and that I am the luckiest girl in the world who has a husband who loves me so.

So what do you all do to celebrate Valentine's Day when your husband is deployed? Or if he is home, do you go all out or just rejoice that it is another day you guys get to spend together. Because in the end all that really matter's about Valentine's Day is that you have someone to share it with. Thanks everyone for reading my ramblings. Be sure to stop by my blog and introduce yourself!

Calling all crafty and creative minds, alike!

2011-02-12T14:47:00.002-06:00

Frank and I discussed writing our own vows for our wedding ceremony. After much thought and consideration, we decided against it and instead wrote each other a letter. Our letters were delivered to each other, by the maid of honor and best man, the morning of the wedding.

I knew we wanted to keep them and be able to reflect on them, daily, but I wasn't sure how to display them. I got a little crafty this past week and they are now hanging in our bedroom.

We didn't end up going with traditional vows or readings during the wedding, but instead, picked things that really had a lot of meaning to us.

When we exchanged rings, we said, "From this day forward, You shall not walk alone. My heart will be your shelter, And my arms will be your home."

And my vows to Frank, "I Katie, take you Frank, to be my husband, my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our union and love you more each day than I did the day before. I will trust you and respect you, laugh with you and cry with you, loving you faithfully through good times and bad, regardless of the obstacles we may face together. I give you my hand, my heart, and my love, from this day forward for as long as we both shall live."

Words are important to us and I want to find someway to display these words. I've thought about having them printed out and framing them, similar to our letters to each other, with pictures from the ceremony. I've also thought about having them engraved on a frame or etched into glass.

I can't make up my mind and need some crafty and creative help! I know there must be a million different ways to display, commemorate and remember these words, but I just can't think of them! How would you display something like this? What unique idea do you have that I haven't thought of?

Thursday Five with Flip Flops and Combat Boots

2011-02-10T05:12:00.002-06:00

Nicole and I were just talking at lunch yesterday about how much last week dragged on and on. We both had a really hard time thinking of Thursday Five lists, but because she's the host, she didn't get the luxury of just skipping out! Fortunately, this week has been better and here are the five things that have made me...

Excited

Delightful

Thankful

Super

Appreciative

I was excited to see Disc 2 of the Pacific in our mail yesterday. Especially since we get to have a pseudo snow day today and watch it. And by pseudo, I mean, it hasn't even rained here yet.

I was delighted to get a late and unexpected wedding present in the mail. Frank was delighted Rachel Ray was on the box!

I am thankful that after quite the wait, my doctor wrote me a referral, answered all my questions and told me that some of the things I think are a bit scary are probably just a hormonal unbalanced. And when I half-jokingly told him that I'm only turning 25, not 55, and he still told me not to worry.

I had a super date night, at our favorite Japanese Steakhouse, with the hubs on Monday to celebrate our one month anniversary, Valentine's Day and anything else that needed celebrating in the month of February. We're super busy, I'm always tired, he's always getting ready for or going on the next "field trip" and he happened to have the day off, I happened to feel alright and we happened to have a fabulous time that, as he said, gets him off the hook for a while.

I finally got all of our wedding pictures back and I'm so appreciative of my photographer for beautifully captivating our day. There will be a sneak peek on Valentine's Day and I'm going to work on Wedding Recaps this weekend!

It's My Party...

2011-02-05T16:46:00.001-06:00

I've officially launched my new business, Live.Love.Scents. and had my first Scentsy party today, to celebrate the launch, and I think it turned out Scentsational. And yes, I just said that, but I couldn't help myself!

If you're interested in having a party, this set-up will come to you!

I also provide yumminess. What can I say, I'm a catch!

It was so nice to get to see all my friends and just share a cup of coffee and chit chat! I'm really loving running my own business. I'm getting to put my P.R. knowledge and skills to use and honestly, I love sharing this product with others that I truly believe in and love. It's an added bonus to have my husband come home and tell me how proud he is of my determination to get this off the ground and be successful! A pretty sweet added bonus, if I do say so myself.

If you're interested in placing an order, receiving a catalog, or hosting a party (which can be completely online!), please let me know! Almost the entire catalog is 10% off until the end of February and there are amazing rewards if you host a party! Stay on the lookout for a giveaway on one (or two!) of my favorite blogs and make sure to "like" Live.Love.Scents. on Facebook!

Hair today, gone tomorrow

2011-02-03T18:56:00.001-06:00

That was a bit of a drastic title, no?

I was actually having a fairly decent health day last Friday and ventured out for a little ME time. My favorite hairstylist helped me with a long-overdue hair-pick-me-up.

Cabin fever

2011-02-03T07:00:00.001-06:00

Do you ever get really tired of your house? I'm blessed to have a beautiful house and beautiful things, but sometimes, like when you've been sick for two months, just found out it's infectious mononucleosis and really can't get off the couch or out of the bed, it just gets really boring. We have an odd shaped living room, with a corner TV stand and lately, all I want to do is mount our flat screen on the wall and get rid of that thing.

I really have no logical reason. Well, that's not completely true. It's not a logical reason, more of a I'm bored and want something new and pretty reason.

I've always wanted one of these.

But now, I can't stop thinking about this newer, more modern version.

Seriously, how awesome is that?

Bet you didn't see that coming, did you?

I've got some serious cabin fever. Le sigh.

Tortilla Soup

2011-02-02T13:30:00.001-06:00

I don't often post recipes, but have been rethinking that, as of late. I love being in the kitchen and have been getting amazing responses to my culinary adventures. The only thing that really holds me back from posting lots and lots of recipes is that I get into cooking and forget to take pictures at every step. It throws me off my grove to chop, snap a picture, saute, snap a picture, bring to a boil, snap a picture. Anyways, will you forgive me? I promise, I only post recipes that are oh.so.worth.the.effort.

We've been eating a lot of homemade soups this winter and this is one of our favorites. Dinner at our house typically only has to feed two or three adults, so I can usually get three or four meals out of this. After the second dinner, I put whatever is left in a container and freeze it. After two or three weeks, I pull it out of the freezer, let it thaw during the day, reheat it on the stove at dinner and presto dinner! I never used to freeze leftovers, but am now a total believer and unless I tell Frank, he never knows whether I've just made something or reheated it!

Tortilla Soup

3 T butter
1/2 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 T tomato paste
1 T cumin
2 t chili powder
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
6 cups chicken stock
1 cup frozen corn, thawed (canned corn works, too)
1 can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
Shredded chicken breasts
Tortilla chips
Shredded Cheese

Melt the butter in a Dutch oven (or the largest stock pot you own) over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and saute until they are golden, about five minutes. Add the tomato paste and spices and mix everything well. Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with juices and stock and bring to a boil. Add corn, beans and shredded chicken, reduce heat and simmer about 20 minutes (or until you're ready to serve. I let it simmer for about 4 hours.) Serve in bowls, top with crumbled tortilla chips and shredded cheese!

So, that's the original recipe. Here are my secrets. I didn't have frozen corn, but a can of corn. I threw it in and it actually stayed crispy, through multiple reheatings. The original recipe also doesn't call for chicken. I felt that it made it more hearty, so I added it in. Our grocery store had ready-to-serve, pre-cooked, grilled chicken strips on sale this particular week and I threw those in. In the future, I would probably just grill some chicken breasts, shred them and add them in. And finally, I think this would be a good slow cooker soup, too. I let it combine for much more than the 20 minutes that the recipe called for and I think the slow cooker would just enhance the flavors. I would throw everything in at once, combine and let it get all yummy, either on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.

MilSpouse Weekly Roundup #21

2011-01-27T23:01:00.003-06:00

The MilSpouse Weekly Roundup has finally made it to Like Sunshine After Rain and I'm so happy to be hosting this fabulous meme.

This isn't your typical meme. As MilSpouses, we're all busy and don't have time to read every.single.post by all of our favorite MilSpouse bloggers. Believe me, I've tried and it's just not possible.

So, The MilSpouse Weekly Roundup is here to help! All you have to do is pick your favorite post from this past week and link up with the linky below! After you have linked up, when you have a few free minutes, come back and catch up with some of your favorite MilSpouses!

Easy Peasy, Right?

So, what are you waiting for?

Start linking and clicking!

The fabulous Lady, over at No Model Lady, will be hosting next week's MilSpouse Weekly Roundup. Make sure to go visit her!

Are you snowed in?

2011-01-27T14:07:00.002-06:00

Welcome visitors from the Blizzard Bloghop! Thank you for popping over to my little corner of the Internet. I promise, I'm slowly, but surely, making my way to your neck of the woods!

My name is Katie, I'm 24 and this is my blog, Like Sunshine After Rain. You might have visited at some point in the past, we used to go by Diary of a Disgruntled Marine Girlfriend and then Diary of a Disgruntled Marine Bride-to-Be. But, we've found our identity and it fits like a glove.

I just got married, on January 8, 2011, to my handsome hubs, who also happens to be a Marine. We live in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, with our two dogs, Taber and Cowboy.

I've never been particularly good at introducing or describing myself, but recently wrote a piece for the Homefront United Network that I feel best conveys what you would "walk away with" if we met at Blissdom or the PX or our local coffee shop.

I am a writer. I have written since I was in middle school. I had a weekly column in the local paper in high school and I was on the Daily Tar Heel staff at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I’ve blogged for over a year and written several freelance pieces. I’ve always said I would write a book at some point in my life. I never knew what it would be about until I met Frank and began the journey of military life. It’s my niche.

I am an aspiring chef and baker. I’m far from a professional, but I’m also far from my days of flaming garlic bread. I love being in the kitchen and the look on people’s faces as they enjoy what I’ve made is so rewarding.

I am a jack of all trades. I am two credits away from a double degree in Public Relations and Political Science. I have finished the Political Science degree and just need to make it official. I am also a Certified Nursing Assistant. I currently spend my days taking care of some amazing kids. In my spare time, I decorate, cook, clean, take care of two dogs, pay the bills, dabble in wedding planning, practice economical grocery shopping, blog, write, answer emails and a slew of other things that keep our house and lives running smoothly.

I am my own person and not afraid to try anything, at least once. I did a modified bungee jumping “thing” in middle school, knowing good and well that my mother told me not to, and then bragged about there being a video of it! I was petrified of guns and motorcycles when I met Frank. I’m now the proud owner of beautiful, new Kawasaki Vulcan 900, which I refuse to drive, but look pretty good riding on the back of, with my pink and black motorcycle jacket. And, although I refuse to carry a gun, much to Frank’s chagrin, I do thoroughly enjoy a nice day at the range. It’s empowering and therapeutic.

I am a believer. I believe in God. I believe in “what will be, will be.” I believe in throwing you hands up in the air and trusting that He has it all planned out. I believe that you can only stress over something so much; although, that’s never stopped me in the past. I believe in journaling. I believe in always kissing Frank goodnight. I believe in never missing an opportunity to tell the ones you love that you do, indeed, love them. I believe in the healing power of a good song, turned up very loud and belted at the top of your lungs, in the car. I believe in lazy mornings and sipping your first cup of coffee in bed. I believe in friends and family and surrounding yourself with things you find comforting, beautiful and positive. I believe in a good cry and butterflies in your stomach. I believe in the empowerment found in a good pair of jeans and the smiles found in a killer pair of boots. I believe in sweaters and scarves and snow. I believe in the Steelers and yes, even in the Redskins. I believe in To-Do lists and meal planning. I believe in second chances. I believe in healing and I believe in love.

So, there you have it, a bit about me while you sip your hot chocolate and enjoy being snowed in! I'm so glad you stopped by and hope you'll be back!

Lucy, you got some 'splainin to do!

2011-01-26T05:39:00.003-06:00

I love my husband and I love being married and finally getting to not live in sin, if you get my drift. But, I have a major confession to make.

I finally understand why Lucy and Ricky had separate beds. And, I think they might have been on to something.

I hate it when Frank's gone, but part of me, the part that loves my sleep (thanks to Ambien), sprawling out in the bed like a first class bed hog, and knowing he's not gone because he's in the 'Stan, gets a bit jumpy at the thought of having the bed to myself for a week or two.

I love cuddling. I don't love sleeping on the edge of the bed because Frank somehow always ends up in the middle. I love waking up to kisses and "Good morning, beautiful." I don't love waking up to the grinding of teeth during those dreams. I love safe, warm arms pulling me close in the middle of the night. I don't love being at the receiving end of flailing arms and legs as he battles the demons of four combat deployments.

Before the wedding, I was extremely sick, Hot Mani was out of town and I had cut Frank off (TMI!?) so I started sleeping in our guest room. We only have a full size bed in the guest room, but just sinking into the middle of it and having uninterrupted sleep? Lucy! You got some 'splainin to do! And on the honeymoon, we had a king size bed and being able to feel like I'm in my own little lots of pillows and fluffy duvet world, while still being just over an arm length away? LUCY, back to reality!

We're in the process of saving for a king size bed and if little bumps in the road, like excessive electric bills and new tires, would stop getting in the way, I'd feel like a much better wife. You know, one that jumps for joy at the thought of sleeping with her husband. Wow, bad wife.

Honeymoon Recap!

2011-01-25T14:30:00.001-06:00

I have serious blogger's block. There is a lot going on in the Carson and extended-Carson/Lewis households and even though I have an entire list of things to blog about, not including the many wedding posts, I can't bring myself to sit down and write. So, I've decided that a picture-heavy honeymoon recap is a good way to rip off the band-aid and get back to blogging.

I know it's a little backwards, but here's a brief recap of our honeymoon. We stayed at the beautiful Marriott Resort & Spa in Hilton Head, South Carolina. I had the best intentions to start off our marriage on the right foot and take lots of pictures. Notice I said intentions? My camera went all ghetto fabulous on me and it took me half of the honeymoon to figure out what was wrong with it.

Regardless, I was able to document a bit of our relaxing and stress-free trip!

Day Trip #1 to Savannah, GA.

Day Trip #2 to Parris Island, SC

Well, there you have it, the honeymoon. I thought ripping off the band-aid would help me find my inspiration. Eh, not so much. I think it must still be golfing in Hilton Head.

Thursday Five with Nicole!

2011-01-20T05:45:00.007-06:00

It's been way too long since I did a Thursday Five.

And, to be honest, my brain is still too mushy to do any wedding recaps, so Thursday Five is my little escape in the world of blogging today!

Blessed

Incredible

Productive

Elated

Happy

I'm blessed to have an amazing husband. End.of.story.

My wedding pictures are incredible and even though I've only seen 14, I'm obsessed!

My new business, Live.Love.Scents., is beginning to take shape and in order to "build my brand," I've purchased the domain for my blog and started to tweet. I've had a very productive couple of days!

I was able to redo my blog on my own and I love it! Not to mention the fact that I feel like my blog grew up over night! I'm so freaking elated!

I keep getting emails, texts and sweet compliments about how beautiful and classy our wedding was and seriously, this makes me so incredibly happy.

Hubs, Hubby, Husband

2011-01-19T10:16:00.003-06:00

The hubs and I were pretty much ~~living in sin~~ married, before we were officially married. For this reason, I didn't the whole hubs thing would take this much adjusting, completely on my part.

Funny story(ies):

While on our honeymoon, we went to the Nike Outlet. We were browsing when the hubs went to put something back and a salesman approached me and wanted to know, "If you and your husband are finding everything all right." Um, sure, I guess.

I then proceeded to ask Frank, extremely puzzled, how in the world he knew we were married. And his response, "Well babe, it might have been the wedding rings, but I'm not sure. Maybe he's a psychic."

Did I learn?

We were on base yesterday making me "officially" official. While we were driving, the auto shop called to tell me they figured out why my car was shaking. Long and very painful story, but she was talking gibberish in my ear and I asked her if she could hold on a second, while my...wait, who is this guys sitting next to me? Boyfriend? Soon-to-be hubby? Holy smokes, he's my husband...husband puts on his bluetooth and talks to her.

And the piece de resistance?

The hubs and I were filling out the form to enroll me in TriCare and it required my last name. I start writing and after "L-E-W," I hear snickering and start to give him the evil eye. Just as my right eye starts its evil squint, I realize, I just started to write the wrong last name. I proceeded to put a halt to the evil eye and sheepishly make excuses that I've been writing "Lewis" for the last 24 years. Hubs continues to ~~giggle like a girl~~ snicker and tells me, "It's alright babe, it's not like we just picked up our marriage certificate or changed your name on the bank accounts or got your military ID or anything, you'll get used to it and if not, I can always make you out a cheat sheet to carry with you." Cue evil eye.

In not-so-related news, have you noticed the two new things going on at Like Sunshine After Rain? For one, I joined the Twitter nation! Did you see it on the left? You can find me @kateannsby. And, I've also started my own business! I'm now a Independent Scentsy Consultant. I'm just getting up and running, but you can "like" my site, Live.Love.Scents. on Facebook! I'm looking to get 50 fans by Friday and if you help me out, there might be a little incentive! Look for that this afternoon! And finally, you're invited to my first Scentsy party, Scentsy for your Sweethearts Open House! The invite is the very first thing on my sidebar!

Why hello, bloggie loves...

2011-01-16T08:58:00.001-06:00

I'm back!

So much has happened in the last week.

Let's catch up, shall we?

I slipped on a fabulous ivory gown and married my happily ever after.

My vision of a beautiful and elegant night came true right before my eyes.

My husband and I enjoyed a relaxing and carefree week in Hilton Head.

We enjoyed our first (and second and third) experience with room service.

Taber and Cowboy enjoyed a southern snowstorm, sans Frank and I.

I almost had a heart attack during the Steelers game last night, but luckily, we both lived to see another day.

My house is in post-wedding shambles and needs some major rearranging to fit all of our amazing wedding gifts.

That about sums it up!

So yes, I'm back.

I'm a married woman, official Marine wife and enjoying my fairy tale.

I want to thank all of you for your kind words and support over the past year and a half, but especially this past week. And to my guest bloggers, ya'll are a tough act to follow! All of your posts were amazing and beautiful and thank you just doesn't cut it!

So, what now?

The details, right?!

I'm busting at the seams to share all the details, but need a couple days to settle down, work on my to-do list and put my house back together.

But first, bloggie loves, welcome to our wedding...

Let's talk "Honeymoons" with Another Deployment Mistress!

2011-01-14T08:17:00.001-06:00

Hello everyone! First, I want to CONGRATULATE Katie on her wedding! What an exciting time in life. I hope the day was everything she dreamed of and she is enjoying herself on her honeymoon! Speaking of honeymooning, I thought that would be something great to write about as a guest blogger for her.

My husband and I got married last January. As a navy fiance, the military messed with our wedding from the word go! We had to change our date a few times, deal with holiday standdowns and the chapel being closed, sacrificing the sword arch at our Naval wedding due to the holidays, and then there was the topic of the honeymoon. Sailor and I had a long honeymoon. A three month honeymoon... that he took and I didn't. He left about a week after our wedding for our first deployment as husband and wife! I was able to take time off work for the holidays, but went back Monday, January 4th, after lunch. That week, while we weren't preparing for deployment or working, we made sure to get all the last minute things done: my name legally changed, POA, and all the last minute pre-deployment stuff us wives have to get done.

I tell this story not to be a Debbie downer, but because Katie had also asked for advice on being a newlywed, and a military wife. If I learned nothing from my first week of marriage and the planning between me, Sailor, and the Navy, it was that you roll with the punches. Life is not always going to go as planned. We just celebrated a year of marriage, hand have spent about 4 of those months together. We have moved five times (non PCS) in this first year: once across country to our new duty station. Then from Navy Lodge into our apartment. Twice travelling cross country back home because the apartment was already rented for a month during our "stay" there. We were living in Navy Lodge though, and took it! Then once to where we are living now! We have made plans and the Navy has changed them. I think it's fair to say as a military wife, you don't just marry your husband, you marry his job and his command. They are an integral part of your relationship. I also think the sooner we accept this, the easier it is on us.

So Katie, roll with the punches and get ready for one amazing ride! Welcome to the elite group of women who have the honor of calling themselves military wives! We are your support. We know what it's like because we've gone through the quirky things unique to military marriages. Lean on us when you find yourself changing dates, missing events, and all the other wedding gifts the Corps will give to you both.

Congratulations! Cheers to a happy marriage and a wonderful life together.

You can find me over at Another Deployment Mistress. All the funny, sad, and real moments of being homeport Captain while my husband is spending time with the sea.

Let's talk "Wedding Mishaps" with Carmen!

2011-01-13T11:29:00.001-06:00

A lot of people won't blog about what went WRONG on their wedding day unless it was completely ruined and everything had to be changed. Marrying a guy in the military made the planning hard, especially with looming deployments and detachments that could influence or change our wedding date. Despite that fact, everything went smoothly with the wedding planning. I rarely had any hiccups and it wasn't as stressful as I thought.

However, a lot of things went wrong on the wedding day. Everything was fine while I was at my house and getting dressed for the wedding. The limo arrived and it was all good until I realized that our limo driver was on a secret mission to kill us all. Or at least ruin the ride for us. He blew a stop sign on the way to the church and then he brought us to the wrong church on top of it. The ceremony went perfectly except for my dad stepping on my dress and veil when he was giving me away (thanks Dad!) and the fact that I couldn't get the ring on Mike's finger when it came time for that to happen. It was stubborn!

After the ceremony we all pile into the limo and begin drinking our champagne. As soon as we leave the church, we hear a loud scraping noise. The limo driver that blew the stop sign was now scraping the bottom of the limo on the driveway from the church. I guess we were all too heavy? So, he made EVERYONE exit the limo and stand in the middle of the parking lot and wait for him to get down the driveway and we quickly piled into the limo as it was sitting in the street. We were then on our way to the reception!

I didn't notice anything wrong at the reception until people were actually sitting down. The centerpieces were on the wrong tables (we had both short and tall ones and they were mixed up) and then the bridal party was backwards. Mike's guys were sitting on my side of the hall and my girls were on his side. Of course, no wedding could be complete without a toast right? No one gave us one. So the DJ had to do it since no one else remembered.

Everything went smoothly after that until it came time to dance. Right before my husband and I were supposed to have our first dance, one of the waiters spilled an ENTIRE container of coffee on the left side of my dress. All I could do was stare at my dress and internally freak out. Two of my friends quickly dragged me into the bathroom and started scrubbing with club soda. They were on their hands and knees in their good clothes scrubbing my wedding dress. It took everything in me to not break down and cry. I teared up a little bit after they were done cleaning because I just felt so ugly after that. I didn't feel pretty anymore because my dress was no longer white. After they were done, I looked down at my dress and it looked exactly as it did before the coffee was spilled (for the exception a slight tinge of brown) and I felt better. The rest of the night was extremely fun and carefree. No other mishaps occurred from then on! I was thrilled.

The moral of the story here folks is not to scare you on your wedding day to expect things to go wrong. You have to be happy with the way things turn out because there is nothing you can do at that point. It's still fun and a good time and of course you are still in love with your new hubby! Surprisingly, nothing got to me that day despite everything and I was as happy as I can be. The best part? No one else noticed the flaws EXCEPT ME. That's always that how it goes. Everyone thought the wedding was perfect and fun despite all the things I pointed out to myself in my head. So, keep a calm head on your wedding day and don't stress about the things that do go wrong because 9 times out of 10, no one else will notice it anyway and it's YOUR day anyway. Nothing should ruin that for you or your new hubby and by all means, have a GREAT time!!!

Let's talk "Careers" with the Annoyed Army Wife

2011-01-12T07:00:00.002-06:00

I’m so happy to be doing a guest blog while Katie enjoys her honeymoon! I’m the Annoyed Army Wife, well, an annoyed army wife, I’m sure I’m not the only one. You can find me here. I’m married to OccDoc, an army doctor on his first deployment currently in Afghanistan.

Katie suggested I talk about my career a bit. I’m currently a massage therapist, and I love what I’m doing for this portion of my life, but it’s not my passion. My passion is teaching, specifically teaching adults, not little kids. I want kids, but like 2 or 3 not 30 or 40. No thank you, ma’am. But if you are a teacher of the wee ones, thank you for what you do! I got my bachelors in psychology, and as those of you with a psych degree know you can’t really do too much with that. Just kidding! But I went to grad school to get a masters in Adult Education since I knew that was what I wanted to do. I was at my first ‘real’ job (like with benefits and an awesome paycheck) for about a year before OccDoc even entered the picture when I was 23. Oh my God, seriously? I was only 23? I’m 30, what have I been doing with my life?! Sorry, I need to focus. Back on track…

When OccDoc first met me I worked at a hospital training doctors and nurses how to use the electronic medical record. Then when we moved to San Antonio I worked at a medical school with medical students and residents on educational issues, (like tutoring) mentored them on how to teach, and my favorite taught a communication class for 4th years so they could talk to their patients intelligently in a manner patients would understand. My most recent job in the education field was working for defense contractor in the Washington DC area. That was loads of fun.

I loved working at the defense contractor because of the people I worked with. It was a really fun mix of super smart twenty-something civilians and retired military folk (like that had served 20+ years). I loved listening to stories from my retired military ‘buddies’. One time I was doing a private orientation session for a new employee, our company had a first name policy – everyone was called by their first name no matter how high up they were. As the defense contracting arm of the company we didn’t always abide by that. I was calling the new employee by his first name (like normal and corporate policy), then our CEO walked by and asked my new bud how he was doing, but he called him Admiral So And So. Daaaaamn! Navy Fail on my part. But my new buddy let him call him Admiral ‘Bob’ (not his real name) from then one. Every time he saw me he always stopped to say hi. What a nice guy, I bet anyone working for him had a smile on their face.

Another one of my buddies there got a good laugh at me while we were having coffee talking about education stuff (one time when I was actually doing my job and not just screwing around sharing stories). He was telling me about when he was on a one of many deployments as a Marine. As he told me the story it sounded familiar. All of a sudden I put down my coffee and practically yelled, “Oh my God, was this on the news a few years ago?! You were on that team that rescued that person?!” He laughed and said , “Yeah.” My next response, “You’re even more of hero than I thought you were originally. AND YOU’RE FAMOUS!!!” He got a good laugh.

Okay, last ‘civilian meets a really cool military lifer’ story. I had one buddy who was a retired fighter pilot who was really nervous about being out in the big bad civilian world. He was about 10 years older than my dad, but we got along good despite the generation gap. During his first few weeks I got a lot of phone calls that went like this, “Hey, it’s ‘Sneakers’ (not his real call sign) can you show me the email thing again?” When he found out I was leaving he said, “Who am I going to ask my stupid questions to? You never laughed at me.” (I set him up with an intern to help him when I left.) When I told him where I was moving he looked at me and said, “Why in the hell would you want to move there? We used to use that as a bombing range.” My response “Obviously, you didn’t do a very good job since there’s a post still there.” Zing! Score one for The Annoyed Army Wife.

I miss being in a classroom talking incessantly…err…training. I hope to go back one day, but right now I need the flexibility to pick up and leave being a massage therapist offers me. It was hard to leave my power suits and heels in the closet and to let my laptop bag go empty, but OccDoc and I both having careers isn’t compatible at this point in our lives. I married a doctor (and a soldier), so I knew I’d always be playing second fiddle to his career. Right now, I’m supporting my husband mentally and emotionally by being at his side because that’s what he needs. I know in a decade or so when I get back into the real job world it’s going to be rough to break back in, but I’ve got a big hammer to bust back into the career I love.

Let's talk "Three Squeezes" With Allie!

2011-01-11T07:00:00.006-06:00

Firstly, I have to say congratulations to Katie (and Frank!) on their wedding. Katie was one of the first bloggers I ever came across and I think the first person to ever comment on my blog! So I wish her and Frank many years of happiness and togetherness.

When I was a little girl my mom and I started a tradition. If we were driving in the car or just walking somewhere, didn't really matter, we'd hold hands and give three squeezes.

Love

You

And then the other would give three back.

As I grew older that faded away. I grew up and in all honesty I forgot we ever did that. Then one day, I was an adult and engaged. (Yea time flies...) Ryan and I were driving somewhere in my car (which is an automatic, had we been in his manual this would never have happened) and holding hands. All of a sudden I looked at him and squeezed his hand three times. Then it rushed back to me and I laughed out loud.

He looked at me with his quizzical eyebrow raised face(it is a trademark Ryan look) and said, "What was that?" And I told him. He listened and nodded along and said, "Ok, let's do it."

"Do what?"

"The squeezing thing. I like it. It's like our own secret."

And thus it became one of our things. Whether we were falling in bed at night or sitting and watching a movie, those three hand squeezes (or arm or shoulder or leg) became our "I love you" secret. No one had to know. We could be in a crowd of people and three squeezes would pass from my hand to his or from his to mine and back again. We used it almost as many times as we said it out loud.

Fast forward a few months and we are at our Pre-Cana (Catholic pre-wedding retreat) class which is lead by three older couples. They had us all stand up, face one another, and grab hands. Taking the opportunity we exchanged our three squeezes just in time to hear the leader explain the entire concept of our three squeezes to the group! Our secret was out! We looked at each other in shock but then smiled. It was still our thing regardless of how many people may be told about it. It didn't mean every couple in that room would do it all the time. Some probably shrugged it off as soon as they got in their cars that night. But we had our understanding. It didn't matter.

Fast forward a few more months and I am in a big white dress. My dad is holding my arm and telling me jokes as we walk down the aisle to beautiful organ music. Our friends and family fill the pews and the most dashing Marine I ever laid eyes on is waiting for me at the end of the aisle. Finally we arrive. My Dad lifts my veil, kisses my cheek, and there he is... smiling like crazy. My own grin was so large I thought my cheeks would burst!

We slowly walk to our seats and his hand is tightly woven with mine.

And then there they were.

The three squeezes.

I. Love. You.

If my cheeks were going to burst before they were going nuclear now. In front of God and our families and friends it was just the two of us declaring our love for one another... silently. And no one else knew. Those three squeezes are one of my "wedding memories", a moment in time I took a mental picture so I'd never forget it. Luckily someone got an actual picture too, but they had no idea...

One of the most special moments from my wedding day is something no one apart from my husband and I knew... until now.

So Katie... and any other brides to be out there... I am letting you in on the secret of the three squeezes. Feel free to use and abuse, as my husband and I do every single day. On your wedding day make sure you remember those little moments. The tiny ones between the two of you that are super special. The best advice I got was to take a mental picture. It all goes by so quickly it could be a blur, but if you pause and take those mental pictures you will have them the rest of your lives!

Let's talk "Breathe, Count to Ten and Let it Go" with Mrs. S!

2011-01-10T07:00:00.003-06:00

I’ll just start this off by giving a big fatty shout out to Katie and her hunky marine. Woo! Yay for getting married, true love, and all.that.jazz. I happen to adore Katie, consider her a dear friend, and couldn’t be happier for her. Seriously. Now onto the nitty gritty. Katie asked me to write something for her and then pulled a total cop out by saying it could be about anything. Nice. I joke, since whenever I have guest bloggers, I usually cop out too. It just ups the ante a bit and gives me an anxiety attack, but as long as Katie is breathing free, all’s well right? She hinted that it could be marriage advice, marriage stories, anything about marriage… I told her I don’t feel qualified enough to even think about giving marriage advice let alone write it all out for the blogosphere to delve in to. I told Mr. Superman (my much, much better half) this a few weeks back, and the things he said to me helped produce the shnazzy little tid bits below. Enjoy!

I have been married for a little over 3 years now. In those 3 years, I have learned a few things.

The old advice of, “Never go to bed angry” is definitely at the top of that list. I cannot stress how important this is for Mr. Superman and I. There is nothing worse than having a ruined day/night and lack of sleep due to pride over a little argument. Suck it up, compromise, say you're sorry, go have some sexy time, and get a good nights sleep.

Another bit of advice has to do with that snarky, sarcastic thing people always say when you're about to get married. “You don’t just marry your partner, you marry their whole family” is something I dislike quite a bit. For me, I don't believe this, I don't live by it, and I sure as heck don't accept it. I go by what my parents always taught me, what my siblings learned from their marriages and passed onto me, and by what the Bible says. ‘God’s Blueprint for Married Couples', a sermon written by Pastor David L. Brown, Ph.D, lays everything out in a pretty straightforward way that I absolutely love. The sermon in its entirety can be found HERE. There are several times in the Bible that the importance of the marriage being between the husband and the wife is stated by God. Not the husband, wife, and each others’ families.

Genesis 2:24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

Matthew 19:5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?

Mark 10:7-8 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; 8 And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.

Ephesians 5:31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.

It is explained what these verses do and do not mean. I think these two points are especially important.

The husband-wife relationship is now the priority relationship: Your relationship with your parents must now take a back seat to your relationship with your spouse. In fact, all other relationships must now be secondary. (Source)
It means that you are more concerned about your spouse's ideas, opinions, and directives than you are of your parents: Some times there is a power struggle between the two sets of parents. A husband and wife must be careful that they do not allow the parents to manipulate them. (Source)

Pastor Brown continues on and gives some very good pointers directly to parents.

“Parents, your goal should be to prepare your children to leave, not to stay. As they advance toward maturity you should train them to be independent of you, not dependent on you. Teach them to be decision makers and to manage their money carefully. When your children have married, don't try to run their lives! Don't criticize their spouse. You must allow the husband to be the head of his home, to make decisions for himself, to look to his wife, not you, as his helper and his responsibility. You must encourage your daughter to look to her husband for companionship, encouragement, affection, guidance, etc.”

I could not agree more. I understand every family is different but there is no quicker way to start a fight than throwing in the in-laws. Once you get married, whether you, your spouse, or a parent is having issues, its time to face the music and grow the H up. If issues continue, set boundaries, throw tact out the window, and scream, “Its time to cut the freaking umbilical cord!”

This is a great lead in to another lesson we learned very, very quickly. There are three people in a marriage but it is NOT the mother-in-law. Its you, your spouse, and GOD. I promise though, He won’t be emailing, texting, and calling every day inviting you to dinner or bugging you to come over. He understands the importance of ALONE time and will compromise by blessing you as long as you are doing your part.

Now moving onto to an important lesson, that isn’t just great for marriages and couples, but for individuals as well. It is that YOU.CAN’T.PLAN.LIFE. Well, you can, but only if you want to see life laugh in your face. Seriously, life, the fate’s, Murphy, the ju-ju fairies, whatever you want to call it, will take it as a personal challenge if they overhear you say, “Oh we have a plan! We are going to do this and this, so then we can do this. We are going to have such and such by this date so then we can accomplish this. Its our plan!” Sshhh, listen. Can you hear that? It’s the roaring laughter of the plan destroying leprechauns thoroughly enjoying the satisfaction of ruining another couple’s plans for the future.

Example: In the past three years, Mr. Superman and I have experienced the loss of three babies, countless hospital stints, 4 surgeries, a blood disease diagnosis, and a massive amount of medical bill debt most people don't see in a lifetime. We have lost family members as they passed away and friends whom we thought would stick around, but didn't because our lives were too fraught with hardships. We have gone through at least fifty job interviews combined, 12 jobs, 4 states, 5 houses, enlistment into the United States Air Force, months of separation accompanied by varying degrees of communication scaled from none to a little, a deployment that is still underway, and we have been on the brink of losing absolutely everything several times over. Do you want to know a secret? None of this was planned. In fact, almost all of this, minus the enlisting into the USAF, is the complete opposite of what we had planned or what we could have even imagined we'd go through in our lives.

Finally, the point of this post, and the final lesson I'll share. Breathe, count to ten, and let it go. It is something that is undeniably difficult but it is irrefutably helpful and essentially beneficial. When Mr. Superman and I were in pre-marriage 'lessons' with our Bishop, he reiterated something every week that is always at the back of my mind. 'Don't sweat the small stuff and its ALL small stuff.' Seriously. No matter what obstacle is placed in your way, you will get through it and no matter how bad you think it is, it could always be (and most definitely is for someone else) much, much worse.

Let's re-cap shall we?

Never go to bed angry= Suck it up and apologize/bite your tongue= Don't sweat the small stuff and its ALL small stuff= Breathe, Count to Ten, and Let it Go
~~You don’t just marry your partner, you marry their whole family~~ Leave your parents= Grow up= Its time to cut the freaking umbilical cord= When difficulty with the parents/families arise... Breathe, Count to Ten, and Let it Go

3 people in a marriage= Husband+Wife+~~Parents~~ GOD= Happy marriage. Happy, NOT easy. Ready for it? Breathe, Count to Ten, and Let it Go

You can't plan life= Be prepared for anything= Come what may and love it= Breathe, Count to Ten, and Let it Go

Let's Talk "The Sneak Peek" with Nicole!

2011-01-09T07:47:00.001-06:00

I have made some amazing friends through the world of blogging and some of my dear friends, who also happen to be my favorite bloggers, have been kind enough to write some fabulous pieces for ya'll, while I'm in Hilton Head, South Carolina, enjoying my honeymoon! I'll be back soon enough with lots of posts to recap our Big Day, but until then, enjoy today's Guest Blogger, who also happens to be my Bestie, and was one of my Bridesmaids, Nicole, from Flip Flops and Combat Boots! She's the first blogger I ever met and, seriously, one of my best friends. I think she's going to treat ya'll to a bit of a sneak peek into our wedding, so enjoy!

When I started blogging, I never thought I'd meet fellow bloggers. I definitely never thought I'd meet my best friend through blogging...and be in her wedding. The bond Katie and I formed was fast. And we had more in common than I ever could have imagined. The long running joke is that neither one of us are spoiled by our families, we are just "well taken care of."

When Katie and Frank first got engaged she envisioned a small, private wedding. Her sister was going to be her only bridesmaid. I was just exited that I would be attending a wedding at all! And then the day came...she asked me out to lunch because she had something "important" to ask me. And here were are...a short few month later and I was a bridesmaid in their wedding...and I'm going to be the one giving the Official Sneak Peek at the Carson Wedding!

The wedding was gorgeous and the bride was beautiful. I promised I wouldn't share too much, so here is the official picture teaser!

Click to make bigger!

What..you thought I was going to show the bride in her dress!? Oh, you'll just have to wait a few more days for the bride to do her wedding update!

Congratulations to my best friend and the newest member of the Marine family! The wedding was beautiful and we had a blast! I wish you and Frank many years of happiness and love!

Today is just the beginning...

2011-01-08T08:00:00.003-06:00

From this day forward,

You shall not walk alone.

My heart will be your shelter,

And my arms will be your home.

I'll meet you at the Chapel, love. Look for me, I'll be the one in the white dress.

T-Minus ONE Day!

2011-01-07T06:20:00.001-06:00

This will be quick, super quick, but I just had to share.

Our families met last night, at our house, over my homemade lasagna. To say I was nervous, well that's just about the biggest understatement of the year. But ya'll, it was so perfect. Everyone got along and we talked about everything and it was just amazing.

And there was just this overwhelming feeling of love in the house. Have you ever had one of those moments where you can actually feel the love in a room? Well, you actually can and my entire house felt like love last night.

It has made me so excited for all the wedding festivities that will begin today.

My heart is over-flowing with love. Love for Frank, love for my family, love for my soon-to-be family. Love for everything. It's overwhelming and utterly amazing at the same time.

Without a doubt, the best thing I've ever experienced, though?

Being able to feel the love in a room.