This Years Pumpkin Harvest!

Here is an update on one of my earlier posts, "Oh Fall, How I've Missed You!" These are my pumpkins for this year, some inspired my mommy of missy moo over at My Messy Mermaid. I think they are my best ones yet.

What Do You Get When You Cross Felt with Googlie Eyes? Star Wars Awesomeness Thats What!

The Big Squid and I are a couple of sci/fi geeks. We of course, love Star Wars, and when there was a chance that he was going to be home for his birthday (unfortunately he wasn't) I was planning a Star Wars themed party. I spent all kinds of time I could have been sleeping, trolling the internet for fun, easy, and cheap things to do for it.
I found these little gems here and got inspired to do more. I haven't made bad guys yet, but that is my next step. Oh, and The Big Squid wants light sabers. I haven't made those yet either, but I don't think it matters since there are no bad guys to fight. They are finger puppets made out of felt and googly eyes. I cut triangles and ovals mainly, and then just little accents. The original post is linked at the bottom, if you go to it, you'll see I have gone a little nuts.lol.
http://dollarstorecrafts.com/2009/08/star-wars-puppets/

A Sailor's Gift

I thought this would be appropriate since My Big Squid is coming home today! Woo Hoo!

by HM1(SW/AW/FMF)Michael "Doc" Felton

THOUGH I HAVE SEEN BOTH STORMS AND GALES
THE TIMES THAT I HAVE SPENT AT SEA
THE LOVING WIND THAT FILLED MY SAILS
WAS THE WOMAN WAITING HOME FOR ME
THOSE LONG DARK NIGHTS I STOOD MY WATCH
WHILE SHE WAS LEFT ON SHORE ALONE
I HOPE SHE KNOWS MY HEART WAS CAUGHT
I'D LEFT IT THERE WITH HER AT HOME
FOR EVERY TIME OUR LINES WERE HEAVED
HER HEART WAS LEFT TO SIT WAIT
I CAN'T IMAGINE OR BELIEVE
HER LOVE FOR ME COULD BE SO GREAT
THESE SHIP'S I'VE SAILED FOR MONTHS ON END
WHILE SHE STARED LONLEY FROM THE SHORE
ACROSS THE WAVES THE LOVE SHE SENT
WOULD SEE ME SAFELY HOME ONCE MORE
FROM FOREIGN SHORES I'D SEND MY LOVE
AT HOME FOR ME SHE BURNED THE FIRES
TO WOMEN SHE'S THE STEP ABOVE
MY LOVE, MY LIFE, MY ONE DESIRE
AND ON THE DAYS WHEN I RETURNED
HER BEAUTY IT WAS WAITING STILL
THE TIME APART OF NO CONCERN
HER LOVE FOR ME HAD IRON WILL
THE DAY THIS SAILOR LEAVES THE SEA
A DEBT OF LOVE I MUST REPAY
A THOUSAND YEARS WILL NEVER BE
A PAYMENT FOR A SINGLE DAY
SO GATHER ROUND SO YOU CAN HEAR
IF YOU SHOULD DOUBT GOD'S LOVE IN LIFE
SHE'S WAITING RIGHT THERE ON THE PIER
MY GIFT FROM GOD, MY NAVY WIFE


http://goatlocker.org/retire/love3.htm

Airing our dirty Laundry, Regression is a 6 letter word......stress.

I was so excited when my oldest started potty training. I hadn't started cloth diapering yet and the prospect of not buying diapers for her brought tears of joy to my eyes. Then I started cloth diapering and still she was only in them at night, man I was so excited! Then it happened, about two weeks ago, she started having accidents in the middle of the day, fighting me while I took her diaper off and bringing me a diaper for her when I was changing our youngest. I am desperately trying to not freak out. I know that it's normal, and I can't imagine what is going on in her tiny head with the baby now crawling and playing in the same space at the same time, daddy being gone, etc. She has a picture of The Big S shining his boots that she carries around with her, and whenever our youngest comes near it she freaks out and starts yelling "my daddy! mine, mine, mine!" Yikes, that is going to be a little prickly when daddy gets home. I have formulated a plan to possibly facilitate our potty training goals. I am going to give her a basket of toys that are just hers. I am going to include two instead of just one period of time during the day for just me and her, and I am going to get her a wallet that is just hers and fill it with wallet sized pics of The Big Squid and our whole family. I know she doesn't understand the things that are going on right now, so I'm going to be patient. In the meantime we have plenty of cloth diapers for both of them and I am that much happier that I stuck with cloth diapering. Now I don't have to run out and buy more diapers for her.

My Oh My Messy Mermaid!

 Hey Guys, today I am so happy to host a fellow blogger! We were lucky enough to have been given a lovely anchor hair bow made by Jade, and we love it! So, lets give her a nice round of applause! Take it away Jade!

Hi!  My name is Jade and I'm over at My Messy Mermaid.  The lovely Katie has graciously allowed me to be with you today and we're going to make hair bows!  I actually make hair bows for a pretty little shop down in Columbia, but I cannot believe what they charge for them!  Now, you too can say "No thank you" to those super pricey hair pretties since you'll be able to make your own!

Let's start!

List of Supplies (that I used): 

5/8 inch polyester ribbon - the anchor ribbon

3/16 inch polyester ribbon - the green ribbon

2 covered alligator clips - I use double pronged ones

Needle and thread

Glue gun and glue

Scissors

Lighter

Ruler

1) Use your lighter to singe the end of your ribbon.  Measure out 3 inches of your thicker ribbon and fold at the 3 inch mark.  Now you've got two layers of 3 inches of ribbon.

2)  Where the end of the ribbon that's still attached to the spool meets the melted end of the ribbon, fold over again so you've got three layers of ribbon.

*At this point, you've got a choice: either stop here or make two more loops around that initial 3 inches.  If you stop, you'll make a hair bow that looks like the bow you make when you tie your shoes.  If you continue to loop, your hair bow will have two sets of loops.  You could make more than five total lengths of 3 inches, but make sure it's an odd number or else your bow will look funny.

3) Use one of your covered alligator clips to hold your ribbon together and cut the loops from the spool.  Measure out about 16 inches of thread and thread your needle, putting a nice knot at the end.

4) Skewer your ribbon in the center with your needle.  DO NOT pull the needle all the way through.  Fan out the loops so your ribbon looks like an "X" and has two tails at the bottom.

5) Pinch the ribbon in it's newly formed "X" and pull the needle through.  Stitch through the ribbon a couple times in the center to secure the shape.

6) You can choose to skip this step, but I like to do this because I like how it looks.  Take your thread and loop it around the center a couple times, pulling tight.  Do a couple stitches through the center to secure the pinch and then tie the thread off at the back of the bow.

7) Repeat if you're making a matching set like I did.

8) Take your coordinating 3/16 inch ribbon and measure out about 1.25 inches of ribbon and cut.  Singe both ends to keep the ribbon from unravelling.  

9) Put a small amount of hot glue on the front center of your bow and glue down that little scrap of ribbon.  Let it dry before you fold the ends around the back and glue them down too.  Lovely - now you've got a bow!

10) Now, put about a centimeter of hot glue on the center of one of your covered alligator clips and glue down the bow.  Lovelier - you've got a hair bow!

11) Go grab your girly-child and pin in her hair.  Loveliest - you've got one good looking girl!

Or not ~ if yours is into making faces at crucial photo-taking moments.  LOL.  For some reason, it looks like she's got a burglar's scruff.  LOL.

Thank you, Katie, for letting me be your guest today!  Leave Katie a message telling her who you'd like a pair of hair bows for, and be entered in my hair bow giveaway!  Make sure to leave a way to contact you and we'll do the drawing in 2 weeks! Good Luck everyone!

MilSpouse Friday Fill-in #14

Hey everyone! I am just thrilled that this week is over! I got the first email from the Big Squid since he's been gone! Woooo Hoooo! For your viewing pleasure Wifey over at http://wifeofasailor.com/ supplied us with another Friday fill-in. Go on over and check it out.


What characteristic about yourself has either been strengthened or weakened due to your experience as a Military Spouse? (from The Albrecht Squad)...................................I would have to say how independent I am. It’s great that I can function so well alone, but I have a real issue asking for help. I’ve had to break down and realize asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness.

What is your favorite vacation spot and why? (from ‘Tis the Life of the Army Wife)....................We have never really been on vacation, but I lived in Hawaii when my dad was stationed there and it was nice. I think it would be a fun vacation. We really want to go to Europe together though. He’s been quite a bit now and would love to go with me.

If you could have any fast-food restaurant in the food court on base/post what would you pick? (from The Only Pink in a House of Blue).............................I would have to say Chick-fil-a. We LOVE that place! It has a great deal on Wed nights a and I’m pretty sure they have some kind of military discount. Only thing is that its closed on Sundays.

Where did you go on your honeymoon?  (from Pennies from Heaven)......................We didn’t really go on a honeymoon. We packed up all our stuff and moved up to Maine in the dead of winter for 3 months. It was a mess, but looking back on it we learned a lot about ourselves and our relationship while we were there. Plus, it is an incredibly beautiful place.

 If you could have any job in the world regardless of money, degree or experience, which job would you have and why? (from Proud to Be a Navy Family and The Calm Before The Storm)..................I don’t have any clue which is why I am in the place I’m in. I can’t figure what I want to be. I guess if it didn’t matter I’d be a seamstress. Or a welder, or a glass blower, or a chef. Or I’d own a space that I can create art with metal, glass, and fabric while serving people amazingly good food.

This week on TGIF: Is that a Pink Submarine?

      Another week down! This week I'm really digging on some Cary Grant, His Girl Friday, The Philadelphia Story, Father Goose, Operation Petticoat, Houseboat, Holiday, Walk Don't Run, these are just a few of my favorite Cary Grant movies. I am going to have to go with Operation Petticoat, one of The Big Squid's Favs! It's a submarine movie, go figure. And one of my favs, Walk Don't Run, Cary Grants last movie. As far as food goes, since WDR is set in Tokyo, I'm going to enjoy the closest thing to authentic Japanese food that I can get in MD. Happy Friday!


If you could, or have lived overseas, what would be or was your favorite place?

I lived in Japan as a kid and don't remember much, but as an adult if I could go back to Japan or live in Europe I would jump at it. Kind of lame, I know but its the truth.

Welcome Back Kotter: When the Squid Returns. Pt 2.

      As many deployments as we have dealt with there are still things that we haven't quite been able to figure out, like how do I stop picking fights with him right before he leaves. I know it's just because I miss him already. This time around, I am taking on a major issue, and from what I understand it's a widespread one. When my Big Squid gets home he doesn't know his place in our family. By that I mean, he doesn't know our routines or schedules. He doesn't know what he is responsible for and when to do it. So, he sort of does, well, not much at all.
      When I brought it up to him the last time, his response was that I have become so good at taking care of the family alone, there is nothing for him to do. My reaction to this..............BS! The more I thought about it though, the more I realized it wasn't complete BS. I don't even ask him to do things anymore. When our sink was leaking and I couldn't fix it I didn't ask him to fix it, I just called the housing office. I didn't do it intentionally, it was just habit, but his feelings were hurt and I could understand why.
      In order to fix this, my plan is as follows. (*Quick side note:* I'm sure most of you know that the military has classes for deployed family members to get tips on how to assimilate back into their families day to day life, but I'm not sure that is an option.) For the first couple of days, I'm not going to ask anything of him and I am going to have him just hang out and tag along with us. A friend of mine said that in the a fore mentioned class, it is suggested that this should go on for at least 2 weeks, but we don't always have that kind of time. After that we are going to sit down and come up with a list of things that will be his responsibility when he gets home. From then on, he'll know that those things are the things he'll take over upon return.
      I hope that doing these things will get us back into a groove we both are comfortable with. If anyone has any other ideas or tricks that work for them I'd love to hear them!

The Navy Wive's Alphabet

by Mrs. Jean Ebbert

A is for Adaptable, which is supposed to be my middle name. Also for Absent, which my hus-band is A lot, especially when the Anchor's Aweigh.
B is for Basic, as in Basic Allowance for Quarters and Basic Allowance for Subsistence. (See "L".)
C is for Cost of living which is always going up and for Commissary which I therefore I need more than ever
D is for Dependent, which is what the Navy says I am, even though everybody knows you can't survive Navy life unless you're extremely independent.
E is for Empty, which is what my wallet is at the End of Each pay period.
F if for Fabulous Foreign ports I hope he'll bring me back Fabulous bargains From.
G is for Government and Goldbraid and "Good Grief Charlie Brown, who in Washington thought that one up!"
H is for housing "on the economy," which so often seems (a) too small, (b) too expensive, (c) too close to the Base, (d) too far from Base, (c) all of the above.
I is for ID card on which my picture looks Idiotic,
J is for Jack of all trades, which it would be Just dandy if I were one.
K is for Kilometers and Knots, both of which Kinda Konfuse me.
L is for Lavish, which is what I wish allowances were, instead of Basic. (see "B".)
M is for Mail from the ship, which is sometimes a Maybe thing.
N is for mmmm - er - uh - (gosh, can't think of anything for this one.)
O is for Orders to Outer Transvania and Other places I never heard Of
P is for Personal Property lost and damaged in our last Permanent Change of Station, for which I will Positively be reimbursed (Perhaps).
Q is for Qualified, which I am getting to be at practically everything.
R is for his Return from deployment, which is Really Romantic.
S is for Starboard, which Sailors on Ships Say when they mean "right."
T is for Trips To The Tailor, when his uniform mysteriously Tightens across his Tummy.
U is for Unexpected changes in the ship's schedule, which I Understand are Unavoidable but which I'm often Unprepared for and so they Usually make me Upset, or even Uptight.
V is for Volunteer work, which I know is a Very fine thing, but sometimes I get too Vound up in it.
W is for Navy Wives, Who are Wonderful, Witty, Wise, Warm and Winsome. Whoever Would argue With this is no longer Welcome aboard.
X is for Navy X-change, which I am very glad
Y is for Yards and Yeoman and Yo-ho-ho-, all of which sound very nautical, don't You think?
Z is for ''zulu," which is what the Navy calls the last letter of the alphabet, which I think is a Zany thing to do

http://goatlocker.org/retire/alphabet.htm

Ode to A Couple of Outstanding G's!

When I starting having babies I began to revisit my family tree and have since become obsessed with our family tree and heritage and such. I don't know if I am weird or everyone goes through this, but I really love the thought of my kids knowing where they came from. Last night I was watching my squidlets playing, and it amazes me the love they both have for George. George is a Curious George stuffed monkey that The Big Squid's grandmother gave to my daughter not long after she was born. Here we are 2 years later and I can't express to you the level of love my kids have for this doll. I love it, I can't wait to tell my kids, and my grandkids that great grandma G gave them George. I know they won't remember her, she was called home earlier this year, but every time I see the love they have for George I think of the lovely Grandma G, a wonderful,warm, thoughtful lady that is dearly loved and missed.

It's raining, it's pouring, but don't plan on snoring there's a baby on the way.

I read a few days ago, and I am ashamed to say I can't remember where (I am so bad about that!) about a woman who throws baby showers for military soon-to-be moms that don't have family near by. I found this so admirable, not only because she started doing this after losing her own baby, but because I just really think that every woman should have a baby shower. I don't think it should matter if it's your first or fifth, I don't care if you are married or unwed, I don't care if it was planned or not, I don't think any of that matters. I truly believe that every single baby is a miracle and the event should be treated as such. Forget about the gifts (not that they aren't appreciated), every woman needs love and support during that special time. Particularly if it isn't planned, if she is unwed, or if she already has babies that she is taking care of. I love giving baby showers, I have given 2 since we have moved here. One was for a second child and one was for a fourth child. One mommy has family near by, but the others family lives a little farther away. I was able do a lot of things cheap because I made them myself, and got help from other mommies. We had a full blown party for one and a sweet spa day for the other. I had so much fun at both and I am looking forward to the next of one of my friends to get knocked up. I was lucky enough to have friends that wanted to throw me a shower for my second baby now that we live so far from our families. But, for those mommies that are new to an area or just don't have a good enough friend to show them the party love, you can't very well ask someone to throw you a shower. How nice it would be if I was able to do the same for other far-from family mommies in my area.

Mama Katie's Pizza

I'm going to go ahead and admit to the world, that I really don't like pizza. "Shock! Horror! Is she truly American?!?!" Yeah, I know. I have to be in the mood for pizza to eat it and then I actally prefer white pizza. I haven't met many others that do which would explain why Papa Johns is currently the only major chain with any kind of white pie. Although I admit I haven't looked at the others lately. What this all boils down to is that I really hate ordering pizza particularly because I'm not crazy about it and it can get pretty pricey. Friday when scanning the menu of a local pizza joint nothing jumped out at me. They had a white pizza which looked just fine, but again, I am almost embarrassingly cheap and didn't want to pay as much as it was going to cost me. So, in order to find the best of what I was willing to pay for I came up with this. I love that frozen pizza is so cheap. Just add a little extra cheese to the right 5 dollar pizza and my pizza fix is fulfilled. I like Frecshetta Naturally Rising pizza and Kashi pizza. My store was out of the Kashi, so I got a plain four cheese Frecshetta pizza, a package of TGIFridays microwave spinach artichoke dip, a couple of tomatoes and I was set. The great thing about this was that I could make the stuff seperately and then add them in the end when I was sure the pizza was cooked right. I cooked the pizza according to the directions, but pulled it out 5 mins early. I heated up the dip and halfed and sliced the tomatoes. I spread some of the dip over the pizza, added some tomato slices, spinkled some extra parm cheese on and put it back in the oven for just about 5 mins. It was really good! It was a little juicier than a Papa Johns pizza would have been, but who cares? Other than that it was exactly the kind of pizza I wanted, it was cheap, and really good. I know it seems like a lot to go through for pizza, but that is just how cheap I am. The whole thing cost me 8 dollars, compared to at least 20, that's not to bad.

TGIF Update: Knee Pads and Mouth Guards!

This last Friday was pretty great. Good food and a great movie, I just love, love Whip It! I so totally want to be a Roller Derby Girl! Who wouldn't love to kick some ass on wheels! The nearest club is an hour away, but I think it would be so much fun!

MilSpouse Friday Fill-in #13

Hey there guys, It's once again time for our MilSpouse Friday Fill-in. I have to say I have really started looking forward to these. They are really fun, and it's nice to learn about other military spouses. Thanks to Wifey at http://wifeofasailor.com/ for putting this whole thing together.

How do you spend your deployment money, do you save, pay off bills or enjoy the extra money while it is there to buy the things you do not normally have? (from Troop Petrie)........................... I don’t really get deployment money, but I save a little every time that we go through one. At first we paid bills with it, but this time I am saving for a really nice night out with just the two of us. Plus, my birthday is coming up and I’m getting something really good this year! I'm thinking rad bike jacket and helmet or some sweet Naughty Monkey Shoes I've had my eye on.

If you could relive one occasion or moment, what would it be? (from Currently On Land)...................I don’t know. I would probably relive our first date. It was a very long, and bizarre (in the most wonderful way) kind of date. However, when described it doesn’t sound nearly as interesting as one that included but wasn’t limited to a grave yard, old mattresses and a pineapple. (wink,wink mommy of missy moo)

What’s the worst job you ever had and if it was so bad why did you take it? (from Faith and Deploying)......................I worked at a credit union. I took it cause it sounded great. It paid good money for a college student, I banked there, and it was close to home, so it just seemed a good fit. Unfortunately, the managers were horribly mean, they took advantage of the tellers, and it was just plain stressful. People have no patience or compassion when you are dealing with their money. You could be fine and dandy, then one wrong move, or a bad day and you’re out on your ass.

If you could play any character on TV, who would you be?  (from Many Waters)..........................If my family reads this they are going to roll on the floor  laughing but, I love, love, love Gilmore Girls and I would LOVE to play Lorelai Gilmore, (the mom not the daughter, I look young, but not that young) She is witty, fun and hot! Kissing Scott Patterson wouldn't be as good as kissing The Big Squid, but it wouldn't be horrible!

If you could become the world’s expert in something, what would it be? (from Army of Two).......................I had a really hard time narrowing it down, just to many things I want to be amazing at. I mean who wouldn't want to be the leading expert in childrens literature, cloth diapering, breast cancer research, or the go-to girl for pastries? But, in the end I decided that I would be an expert seamstress. I would love to make couture gowns for ordinary, not filthy rich people to wear. They are so very beautiful. Wearing a couture evening gown would be like wearing art, and I think everyone should do that at least once in their life.

This week on TGIF: Knee Pads and Mouth Guards!

Here we are at the end of another week, and I am ever so impatiently waiting for the Big Squid to return. This week we are going to be enjoying a Thoroughly Grand & Indulgent Friday, featuring Whip it, because I really like Ellen Page, I have secretly wanted to be a roller derby girl since the first time I watched this. I'm not in the mood for X-Men and Hardcandy was just to creepy for me to watch again. I do love Juno, but I have seen it on TV 3x's this week. What in the world are we going to eat you ask? Well, I was going to resurrect some high school classics, but I'm opting out in favor of something better. I am thinking some simple yummy pizza is going to get the job done and a huge bonus, I can get it delivered!


Did you have a secret life in High School?

I tried to, but unfortunately, or maybe fortunatley, I always got caught.

Welcome Back Kotter: When the Squid Returns. Pt. 1

I recently was talking with a friend of mine who is a deployment virgin, about the trials of dealing with deployments. It brought back a lot of memories and brought up some issues we still have to deal with.
      The first time the Big Squid left was when he left for boot camp. We had never been apart, even over night since we started dating, let alone since we had been married and I was preggo with our first squidlet. We of course sent letters back and forth, and in total he was gone for bootcamp, and a month of A-school before we saw each other again. A week after I had our little girl, he was able to come home for 48 hours to visit.
      I will never forget the feelings I had when I picked him up from the airport. I saw him standing on the curb and the butterflies in my stomach started their own private mosh pit. I have never seen a more handsome man in my life. He got in the truck and while I knew the face, I felt like a stranger was sitting next to me. He had changed so much in such a short time. I could see it in his eyes, and in how he carried himself. He was a new man, and I didn't know him.
      I felt like it was our first date again. I tried to look my best under the circumstances and was on my very best behavior. We had tons of people to see in a very short time, so we spent all afternoon visiting with friends and family. We spent those two days doing what ever he wanted to do, it was his time and he decided what we did. Don't get me wrong, I truly love my in-laws but, I admit, at the time, I was bitter about it. I wanted him all to myself. I didn't want to share, he was mine! We had a baby now and I wanted so much to sit and just talk to him and get to know him again. I knew it was selfish, but I didn't care,  here was this amazing man and all I wanted was to hold him and never let go. I don't regret doing whatever he wanted to do, it was 2 days of the rest of our lives. I got over it and eventually started enjoying the time we had together. But, those feelings I think every woman feels when her hubby comes home from being away for 2weeks, 2months, or 2years. Part of deployment is finding a happy medium to make sure everyone gets what they need when you are together again. I don't think it's limited to extended family, making sure one child gets as much as the others, as well as your spouse has to be so difficult on the returning person. I am sure that my Big Squid feels pulled in 3 different ways when he walks in the front door.
     Now that we have dealt with a few more separations we have learned a little along the way, and some things have changed. Each time he comes home I still feel like he's grown as a person while he's been away, but I don't feel like he's a stranger. And while I still want him all to myself, I know that even if we have tons of people around he is thinking of me and I'll have my turn. One thing that hasn't changed is how giddy I get when I know he is coming home. And when I see him the butterflies  always come, and they still mosh.

Navy Wedding Vows

Dear family and friends, we are gathered here today in the sight of God and the Department of the Navy, to witness this exchange of vows, and see the love that these two dedicated, loving people have for one another.

"Wilt thou, __________, take ___________ as your dependent, to dwell together in so far as the Department of the Navy will permit? Wilt thou love her, comfort her via the postal service, E-mail, or over the phone, make sure she knows where the commissary, Exchange, and church are, and what pier your ship is docked at and your department telephone number (so she won't bother the Messenger of the Watch on the quarterdeck) the day she arrives, wherever you are stationed?"
"Wilt thou attempt to tell her more than 24 hours in advance that you will be pulling out for two weeks or more, beginning the next morning?" This especially applies to the years you will live in Virginia, California,Washington State, and Florida!
"Wilt thou ____________, take this Sailor as thy wedded husband, knowing that he is depending upon you to be the perfect independent Navy wife,running the household as you see fit, taking part in established Navy traditions even if no one can explain them anymore, and being nice to the Captain's wife? (though she may remind you of your new mother-in-law.)
Furthermore, you understand that your life with your husband (little that you may have together) will not be normal, that you may have to explain to your children, not once, but twice, and more often in the same day, that mothers do have husbands, and that children do have daddy's, and that the picture of the man on the refrigerator is the same individual who tucks them in at 2200 hours, long after they are asleep. This Sailor is their daddy, who loves them very, very, very much.
"Wilt thou love, respect and wait for him, preparing and mailing his favorite cookies (including some for his shipmates) and pictures of yourself and the kids, so he can remember what you look like? And last but not least,always pick him up at the pier when the ship pulls in (or the day after i he is in the duty section) and put on the outside of your door a 'Welcome Home sign"
"I, _________,Take thee_________ as my wife, from 1900 to 0430 hours or as long as allowed by my duty section leader and the Captain (subject to change without notice), for better or worse, earlier or later, near or far, and I promise to look at the pictures you send me, but not until after my watch is over, but before I turn the lights out in my rack. I will also send a letter or E-mail (if I am allowed access to a terminal), if time permits, and if not, to somehow, some way, make the time by sleeping even less than operational tasking permits."
"I, _________, take thee,_________as my husband, realizing that your comings and goings and 0530 musters are normal (although absurd to me) and part of your life as a Sailor. I promise not to be shocked or taken by surprise when you inform me that, although we've just arrived at our new duty station, we will be leaving within the month because of a detailer mistake or a CNO priority billet. Yes, I'll have you as my husband as long as while your are away my allotment comes through regularly, that you leave me a current power of attorney and the checkbook at all times. I am a family member and proud of it, dependent upon myself and my resources. Although I miss you when you are away, I know I can handle whatever comes across my path and make you proud."
"Now then, let no man or woman put asunder what God and the Department of the Navy have brought together. The Navy hereby issues you this lovely,dedicated, independent woman, knowing that she'll be an asset not only to your marriage, but also to the mission of the United States Navy, which is, as you all know, to remain in a high state of Readiness. By the authority vested in the Bible, elaborated in the regulation and subject to current directives concerning the aspects of marriage in the Navy, you are now a Sailor with a Dependent. Best Wishes and good Luck.

http://www.goatlocker.org/retire/navyvows.htm

May I Have the Envelope Please!

Today is the day guys! I am picking a winner for my cozy up to your tea give away. I was going to use the random.org to, as the name implies, randomly pick the winner, but because there were only 2 entries I decided to reward my loyal followers with their own cozy. Yes, thats right they both get one. I planned on surprising them both, but miss Jade guessed my plan. Hopefully, they are still a little surprised, and they both like what I picked out for them. Congrats and Thanks Ladies!

Lisa has won this one.

Jade has won this one.

Airing our dirty Laundry, Sharing the Cloth Love.

About 2 weeks ago I made the decision to be a part of the diaperparties family. And, I just made my first sale. It took me quite a while to come to this decision because I'm not really a salesman by nature. I really have to LOVE something to suggest it to people. That part was easy, I really love cloth diapers, but pounding the pavement is not my thing. I have a lot of things going on in my life and while that is my own fault, I don't want to give any of it up. I have just started to realize what lengths I am going to have to go to get people intersted. I really hope I am up to the challenge. Luckily, I am the only rep in Maryland so, I got that going for me. I have made my lists and started my research and am praying that it all pays off. Here goes!

Oh Fall, How I Have Missed You!

My Gran, My Grandpa and My squidlet.

I am so excited! September brings the promise of fall, the changing of the leaves, cooler temps, pumpkins, hay rides, Halloween, football(if only The Big S liked football too.) my birthday, I could go on and on. It's my favorite season and I wait all year for it. I have always wanted to bust out boxes of decorations and fun stuff to celebrate the change of the season, just like my granny. I swear she has a box for every season and holiday. My favorite decoration of all time that my gran puts out are the message blocks. She has these old wooden alphabet blocks and every time I visit they say something new. From "Welcome" to "Happy Thanksgiving" anything really and it's small, sweet, and really is my favorite of all the decorations she has. ( I won't lie, I am thinking about stealing it!) But, I digress, I haven't run out and bought boxes of decorations because quite frankly I hate having to move more than is absolutely necessary, and unfortunately, things used once a year don't qualify as necessities.
    One of my favorite things to do in my house that fits my particular issues is something I found in a magazine a few years ago, and I can't for the life of me remember what magazine it was. They are toilet paper pumpkins. I love them because they are again soooo cheap and I can use things around my house, plus when I am done there isn't much to pack away for next year. I take one roll of toilet paper, one fat quarter orange or orange print, and some brown paper. Just wrap the roll of tp in the fat quarter, stuffing the access in the top. To hold the fabric in and to act as the stem just twist up some paper and jam it in the top. Not only are these adorable, but when winter hits and fall has passed me by I fold up the fabric and stash it away, and.....well I think its obvious what happens to the tp. These are the ones I made last year and this year I am thinking of getting some green pipe cleaners and felt and making little vines and leaves.
       Another idea I had was wrapping the tp rolls in blue or white, and stacking them to make a snow man for Christmas. I'll let you know how they turn out!

TGIF Update: I do! Although I will be naked.

Well, my beers, burgers, and british comedy night went well. I postponed doing all the laundry that had piled up and really sat and enjoyed my night. It was awesome. I am not sure what I will do this week, but I am already looking forward to it.

MilSpouse Friday Fill-in #12

   It's that time of the week again folks. MilSpouse Friday Fill-in brought you by your local..http://wifeofasailor.com/


1. Do you set goals for yourself during deployment?  What are some of them? (from Military Mommy)..........I always set 2 goals, I always want to loose a little more weight, and I always want to safe a little money. It’s so much easier to control what you eat when there is no one but you to worry about. Well at least for right now, my oldest is only 2. Its also much easier on the wallet when you aren’t feeding a fully grown man, and it’s really nice to have a little money saved up when he comes home to celebrate with.
   2. What would you say to someone dating a military guy or gal? (from Mothering Off the Cuff).................Be flexible, live in the moment, and if you plan on marrying them, make sure you can’t live without them, but can function without them.
   3. If you have children, how do you prepare them to move to a new place? (from The Random Ramblings of A Household 6)...........I don’t know yet. The last time we moved our oldest was 9mos old and we just made sure she had her blanket and her curious george doll. We are moving again in about a year and as soon as I find out where we are going I am going to start preparations for how we are going to deal with it. I think we’ll need more than just blankets and dolls. I want to know what will be happening in the new place for them as well. Our kids will be  3 1/2 and 22 mos. It will be interesting to hear what everyone says. I might be stealing some ideas.
   4. Name one hobby that gets you through alone time.  (from My Sailor’s Mistress)..........................Blogging. This is the first deployment I have blogged and I have to say it has made it easier having something to occupy my time and thoughts with. Doing all the crafts and cooking for it has been helpful, and getting to know and read what other milspouses are blogging about is awesome.
   5. What’s the one food you don’t ever get tired of? (from That Army Wife Life).................. I love a lot of food, but I do go in spurts at to what I feel like eating. I would say that no matter what, I never get tired of sandwiches. They are the perfect food.

This Week On TGIF: I Do! Although I will be naked!

Woo Hoo! This week is over! Suck it Deployment! I'm looking for a good laugh with my good food. This week I have been in the mood to watch a good ole matrimonial based flick. On my film horizon tonight, Confetti. A seriously funny, British mockumentary starring Martin Freeman of The Office and Hitch Hikers Guide fame. For the food portion of this evening, Chicken or Fish? I'll have neither thank you. I'm going to head back to where we were last week, I just really am in the mood for another burger and beer night. Most likely I'll also be getting out our wedding album to peek at our special day between catching up on the loads of laundry (again I say stupid gremlins). I often complain about what went wrong on our wedding day and my excuse is that I won't ever have another wedding day, but in reality it was one of the 3 best days I have ever had. I married my best friend.

If you could re-do your wedding and have one really off the wall or really expensive thing what would it be?

I would love to have gotten married on a tennis court in the park we went on our first real date. For favors, everyone would get a can of tennis balls that we had personalized. There would be no food, just cake with a coffee and tea bar. The Big Squid Loves coffee, and I love tea. Then, a big party at someones house.  Sounds like a great way to spend my next anniversary.

All Wishy Washy

      I am still without a washer. I am convinced that the deployment gremlins have taken a particular interest in me. I had a full load of cloth diapers in my old washer when it died, I have bought a new one and no one has called me about delivering it, and they have started construction on the road in front of my house and blocked off the only way to get in and out. Meanwhile, I have loads and loads of dirty laundry piling up and do not relish the thought of lugging them all to a laundry mat or taking over one of the Fort Ladies's washer and dryer(even though I know they wouldn't mind).  I'm not sure what I did to offend the tiny terrorizers, but I'm setting out traps tonight! Any ideas on what best to attract the little nasties? I'm thinking they feed on loneliness and tears. Although I'm throwing in a hotdog for good measure.

Stressed is desserts spelled backwards!

I love chocolate, wait let me be clear. I LOVE CHOCOLATE! No matter what is happening my love affair with chocolate has seen me through it. Chocolate loves me like no other and I mean that in a bad way, my weight can attest to this. It's not all chocolates fault, but it shares some of the blame. My problem is that my gut reaction like most peoples is if I'm upset or happy or have any major feeling or really any minor feeling, chocolate just makes everything better. I can't have it around the house or I'll binge eat it. So, when The Big Squid started deploying my waist line took a big hit. I finally stopped bringing it in the house, but then I would just run out and buy it in large quantities to yet again binge. It was a bad, bad habit. I decided to make a change and keep things in my house to make chocolate. That way if I really needed to have chocolate I could make it and not leave my house. That lead to all kinds of lovely cookies and pies, and there I was with a whole pie sitting on the counter begging me to eat it. It went well at first because I was good about just one piece and save the rest for what I knew would be a hard week. Then I just started getting lazy, and picked back up with old binge-y habits.
      Not long ago we were at Jade and missy moos house for a play date with Webby and duckling, when Jade busted out a recipe that has brought me back into the world of moderation!
      Chocolate Coffee Cup Microwave Cake.
I know what you're thinking and yeah I know it won't be the best chocolate cake you've ever had, but it is pretty tasty and is perfect for the late night snack of a shitty day. I can control the ingredients since it's kind of made from scratch.( i use splenda etc.) and it is a perfect serving size for one. I don't have a whole chocolate cake hanging around the house! Instead of having icing on it, I drizzle a little caramel sauce on top and finish it with some salt. (Don't knock it till you try it!) In conclusion, I love chocolate and this little cake is awesome.

In a coffee cup combine,
4 tbsp of flour
4 tbsp of sugar
2 tbsp of unsweetened cocoa powder
3 tbsp cooking oil
3 tbsp milk
splash of vanilla
1 egg
*some recipes I saw added chocolate chips into the batter but I didn't have any.*
stir really well until combined and microwave for 3 mins.

Thats it. plop it out on to a plate or eat it right out of the cup.
YUM! Thank you Jade.

Why did I marry a Sailor?

When the last line has been cast
and you're left all alone..
You wonder..
Why did I marry a sailor?
When it's the 27th of the month
and you've only 84 cents..
You wonder...
Why did I marry a sailor?
When the car won't start
and the nice man says "only $65"..
You wonder...
Why did I marry a sailor?
When the washer won't wash,
the dryer won't dry
and the vacuum won't vac
all in one day..
You wonder...
Why did I marry a sailor?
You stop and count and find
in 16 years you've spent
half the time alone..
You wonder...
Why did I marry a sailor?
It's Christmas morning
with all the shining faces
and you're hoping
the bikes hold together..
You wonder...
Why did I marry a sailor?
For days on end you wait
and all the mailman brings is "occupant"..
You wonder...
Why did I marry a sailor?
The one morning you find
all the lines are crossed out..
it's time...
for your Sailor to come home.
While you watch them pull in,
the lump in your throat grows..
You know why...
you married a sailor.
You remember all the other homecomings,
the look in his eyes when he sees you,
the gentleness as he hugs each child....
You know why you married a sailor.
The feel of his hand on your arm
and the way he says..
"Hi Hon, you look great."
You know why you married a sailor.
You wake up in the night
to a strange sound,
it's him breathing...
You know why you married a sailor.
You snuggle down,
his arms hold you close...
And you know why
you married your Sailor.


From the Goats Locker
http://goatlocker.org/retire/whysailor.htm

Just a Reminder.

 Just a reminder that in one week I'll be picking a winner for the Tea Cozy. Just leave me a comment on the original post telling me what your favorite tea is!

Cloth Wipe Wizardry, or In my Case Origami for Dummies.

So, I was recently asked to do a tutorial on how to fold cloth wipes for the pop-up effect. I was happy to oblige except I don't...know...how. I set out to find someone who did and to my great delight thanks to The Feminist Breeder I got my tutorial and its awesome! Without further beating around the bush. I give you.......The Feminist Breeder!
http://thefeministbreeder.com/how-to-make-pop-up-cloth-wipes/

Update on the Goat in the Bathroom.

TGIF Update: So, last week I am going to classify as a success. We spent the day with a friend of mine, Webby McDuck (yes she is a real person I am not making her up). We  wandered Joann's and Borders getting some coffee and looking for those must have purchases. I invited her and her duckling to join us since she was at that moment sans hubs as well. She said yes, so I ran home to attempt some house cleaning before dinner(with very little success I might add). After picking up some yummy Black&Tan brew we got our grub and started back for my house. Webby was nice enough to pick up some dessert for us which was amazing! Some sort of delicious chocolate mousse cake concoction that should be outlawed.
      The whole night was great, it was just what I needed. Good food, good company, good beer and some HIMYM! I hope she had as much fun as I did and I know I will ask her again. I am also thinking I might just invite some of my other mommies in case they need a night to themselves. It would be so much fun to have a stay in girls night with some one else picking the food and flick, enjoying what kinds of favs other people have. Webby has already mentioned Nachos! Oh the possibilities!

MilSpouse Friday Fill-in #11

      It's that time again. Friday! Thank goodness. This weeks questions courtesy of Wife of a Sailor (http://wifeofasailor.com) are.......

   1. What is a weird/funny superstition that you have? (from A{muse}ing Mommy on a Pink Park
 Bench)................I don't know that I have one. But, I do keep one of his sweaty, stinking t-shirt under my pillow while he's gone. 


   2. What are your hopes and dreams for the years AFTER the military? After all, we aren’t in it forever! (from Stetsons, Spurs and Stilettos)................We haven't gone into a long talk about it in a while, most talks are about where to go next, but I know that he wants to settle back home and teach tennis while running a coffee shop. I want to open some kind of creative business.  cafe, clothing something that is fun and happens to make money.

   3. Since [this] month is National Apple Month (no really!), I’d probably ask: What is your yummiest apple recipe? (from NH Girl Displaced)..................I don't have one yet. I can't wait to see what everyone else has. I may borrow a few.

   4. How long have you gone as a military spouse without talking to your husband/wife during service? (from A Navy Princess and Her Little Sailors)................60 days on the last deployment. No emails, no nothing. I guess getting signals underwater sucks.  We'll see how long we go this time. 

   5. I occasionally watch When I was 17… on MTV. So, what was something that was significant about your 17th year of life? (from Ashley Amazing)............................My dad retired from the Navy after 21 years, just before I turned 18. We moved for the last time as a family to the place they have been the longest.

This week On TGIF: A Party on the Roof and A Goat in the Bathroom!

      Wow, another week done and closer to my Big Squid coming home! Hell of a week it was to, it included but wasn't limited to the deployment gremlins killing my washer with an entire load of cloth diapers in it.  So, I'm looking for a good laugh with my good food. This week for TGIF I am going to have a "How I met your Mother" Marathon. It is one of the few shows The Big Squid and I can actually agree on. We love it so much that I often jokingly refer to The Big S as Ted and he calls me Lily, due to some not so attractive qualities. ;) So, what's on tap for tonights food? I'm going to kick it old school and do Bar Food....Burgers and a much needed Beer. Five Guys here I come! Can't go wrong with that!

Why would you have a goat in your bathroom?

Most likely because The Big Squid put it there to scare and torment me.

Dry-erasing Awesomeness.

    My family is very talented. I’m not just bragging, they really are. We have singers, dancers, trumpeters, saxophonists, seamstresses, pianists, actors, artists, I could go on but I won’t. The point is that we are in no shortage of craftsman and women. The last Christmas I was able to spend with my family there was a general consensus that the hand-made gifts my cousins kids made and handed out each year were by far our favorites. I know they were mine! So, we decided to put all our talents to work and at least try to make more of our gifts. Last year I was able to make some of my gifts, but this year my goal is that everyone will get at least one hand-made gift.   

      This is the second of hopefully many hand-made for Christmas posts, the first being the clip board cuties. This is merely the final product for one of my family members. It is a dry-erase message/note/whatever board. Its just a pretty piece of paper, a cheap clip frame from Ikea, and a dry-erase marker. In total the whole thing cost me less that 5 dollars! Talk about cute and cheap! I was once again very inspired by the ladies over at “Little Birdie Secrets”, Ok, I’ll be honest I stole it. The link is below if you need directions or just want to check out a great blog.

http://littlebirdiesecrets.blogspot.com/2010/08/wipe-off-weekly-menu-board-tutorial.html

Clipboard Cuties!

A little while ago I was trolling the internet for Christmas inspiration when out of the blue the ladies at “Little Birdie Secrets” came to my rescue. At the bottom is the link for those lovely ladies. The traveling clipboard tutorial they put up was exactly what I was looking for.

      These are just 2 of 6 I made for my family, and they are awesome! I love that they don’t use paper and are great for traveling, plus after buying (some I had) all the supplies these little babies only cost me a mere 2.60 each! Man, I love that! I have to admit they aren't as flawless as the ones LBS made, but hopefully next time I'll be better.


http://littlebirdiesecrets.blogspot.com/2010/08/travel-clipboard-chalkboard-tutorial.html

The Life of a Sailor's Daughter

I am a sailor's daughter and so is my little squidlet. 

The Life of a Sailor's Daughter
(courtesy of The Goats Locker)

I WAS BORN A SAILOR'S DAUGHTER
MY LIFE SPENT AT WATERS EDGE
THE DAYS THE SHIPS WOULD TAKE HIM
WERE THE DAYS THAT I WOULD DREAD

IN THE EVENINGS I'D SIT ON THE BEACH
MY MOTHER NEXT TO ME
TO SEND OUR LOVE OUT TO HIM
WE'D BLOW KISSES OUT TO SEA

FROM FAR OFF LANDS HE SENT HIS LOVE
IN GIFTS OF SILK AND GOLD
BUT I LONGED TO CURL UP IN HIS LAP
AND NESSLE IN HIS HOLD

AND ON THE DAYS HIS SHIPS RETURNED
MY MOTHER AND I WERE THERE
IN EVERY SAILOR ON THE RAIL
I SAW MY DADDY THERE

HE'D HOLD MY MOTHER CLOSELY
PULL HER TIGHTLY TO HIS CHEST
WITH A WINK OUT OF HIS TEARFUL EYE
HE'D LET ME KNOW THAT I WAS NEXT

THE FIRST EMBRACE MY FAVORITE
AS HE'D LIFT ME IN THE AIR
"DADDY, PLEASE DON'T LEAVE AGAIN"
YET HE'D JUST SMILE AND STARE

BUT THIS NIGHT AS WE SIT IN THE SAND
MY FATHER SAYS TO ME
"FOR YOUR SAILOR WHO IS UNDERWAY,
JUST BLOW KISSES OUT TO SEA"


http://goatlocker.org/resources/nav/sailorsdaughter.htm