Tuesday Blog Hop

Won't you join along?

Have you ever?!?!?!?!?

One of the other blogs I follow is a Fibromyalgia blog. Deb wrote this post, I edited it a bit to fit me, but I think it helps put perspective on this silent disease...

Have you ever ....
Heard of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?


Had to ask a loved one not to hug you?

Slept an hour and a half, then awake the rest of the night?


Had to get out of bed because you were so stiff and sore?


Been so physically exhausted that you couldn't be on your feet long enough to shower?


Had your head throbbing and aching all day long?


Had excessive migraines headaches?


Felt like your neck was in pain could no longer hold up your head?

Had your arms and legs tingle and loose feeling?


Had your body ache continuously?




Felt like you had a sunburn on your skin .... but you don't?


Had shooting pains??


Stumbled or fell because you couldn't pick your leg up from total exhaustion?


Experienced Restless Leg Syndrome?


Felt like you had bugs crawling on you ... commonly called "The Creepy Crawlies?"

Had muscles that feel like ropes in your body?

Been out of control with your cognitive function?


Had depression or an anxiety attack?

 

Had everyone around you look at you like you are crazy because you "LOOK FINE", but really you feel absolutely miserable?

Welcome to my world... Have a great Tuesday!

God Bless,
Amanda

Such a beautiful day

I am busy finishing the shirts for my contest winners, listening to my girls tell me about all the things they think we should be doing.

I had every intention on heading to church this morning, however my kiddos slept in and I didn't set the alarm.

We have family in from Tennessee today I miss them so much when they aren't here my beautiful cousin turns 18 today. Where has the time gone?

What are your memorial day weekend plans? I'm thinking tomorrow will be a cleaning day... I have sooooooo much to get done before my husband gets home. I am so excited for his return. Mommy needs a hug.

In addition to my winners I will be posting their shirts soon, but you can get yours too!!! I will be opening my shop soon. Your choice of colors and sizes etc. Stay tuned for more information.

God Bless,

Amanda

posted from Bloggeroid

Trying something new

In order to gain some revenue with my blog and bring some additional funds into our home, I am looking to do some advertising and what not, so without further ado:

I am hoping that we can get somewhere. Eventually I am hoping that this leads to me being able to work from home with my kiddos by my side...

There is also a button on my blog if you so desire to review.

God Bless!

Amanda

We have a winner!!!

As stated I was using Random.org for my drawing... except I can figure out how to post a screen shot of the winner, soooo.... Here is what I am going to do. I promise the results are official.

The winner of the Grand package is: MyLinda!!

And since I can't figure out how to post the snapshot of the random.org generator, threeboysgee and MrsMcDancer you both win custom matching mother/child tie dye shirts.

Would the three of you please email me your mailing addresses, and the sizes for your t-shirts!!!

Congrats! New giveaway coming soon!

God Bless,

Amanda 

So much has been going on...

Good Sunday morning!!!! I am so thankful the sun has risen for yet another glorious day.

I have been extreme couponing and it has been so much fun. I should be running to the store to get my papers now... All of my kiddos are asleep still which rarely happens, but they finished another year of dance with their recital last night. I will post video later. Anyway back to couponing...I have been without my computer for some time now, soooo blogging from my phone is about it.

I'm am slowly growing my stockpile. Here are a few tips I have learned...

First and foremost, STAY ORGANIZED!

Know your stores couponing policy

And coupon responsibly

Here is an example of my latest trip:
(my store only allows 3 like coupons per transaction)

3- ready feed Similac formulas
3- infant cereal
3- worstershire sauce
2- pkg of pork chops
Bag of rolls
Bag of ore-ida french fries
9- boxes of Green Giant frozen veggies
2- pkg of jello refrigerated snacks
2- boxes of Quaker Oatmeal Squares
Gallon of milk and finally,
4- pure protein bars

Total before coupons after loyalty card: $ 67.59 ...... &..... After coupons $ 19.08

Do you extreme coupon???? If so, what are some of your deals you have found?

REMINDER: BLOG GIVEAWAY ENDS TONIGHT... THIS IS A GREAT GIVEAWAY, I HAVE ONE ENTRY SO FAR... DON'T LET THIS SLIP BY... FROM NOW UNTIL CLOSE OF CONTEST I AM DOUBLING ALL ENTRIES!!! Facebook about it, blog about it, tweet @nvynihi , follow, enter, & win!!!!

God bless,

Amanda

posted from Bloggeroid

Don't Forget

Blog giveaway ends tomorrow night!!!!! My laptop is down, so its coming from my phone... Refer your friends, follow, follow on twitter... Great package... Don't miss out!!!

God bless,

Amanda

posted from Bloggeroid

Giveaway Time!!!!!!!!!!

Good dreary evening all!! Here in freezing cold Ohio we are experiencing cooler than usual weather and rain that seems like it is never going to end...

The awesome news is that I have reached my first threshold for a giveaway... All thanks to YOU my followers!!!!!

With that, here are the details: the prize package are some of my favorite things.

I will be giving away a large prize package, here are its contents:

Custom Wet Bag (you choose boy/girl/neutral)

Mommy and child custom tie dye t-shirts

Beautiful gemstone necklace

A yummy candle

One adorable hanging wall plaque

And a homemade bar of strawberry soap

_rules_

Each of these items count for one entry:

1.) Follow via GFC or Networked Blogs publicly

2.) Refer a friend, if you send someone over, make sure they follow and comment your name, you BOTH will earn one entry

3.) Blog about this giveaway and link my site to yours.

4.) Follow via twitter @nvynihi

Entries will close at 11: 59 pm on Sunday May 22. The winner will be drawn via random.com

I will post photos asap of the prizes... Unfortunately I am posting from my phone and it is not letting me link them...

Get to commenting and referring your friends over, if we hit 100 followers before the end of the contest I will add four more substantial prizes!

God bless,

Amanda

posted from Bloggeroid

Military Monday Blog Hop

It's Military MONDAY! I'm blog hopping this morning. I am HAPPY to report we have reached our first giveaway threshold!!! More info coming tomorrow morning. I need to finalize a couple last minute arrangements.  Tell your friends to hop on by and follow for a chance to win!!!!!!!

Two additional posts to follow... Where I have been and what I've been doing as well as EXTREME COUPONING!!!!

God Bless,

Amanda

Today is one of "THOSE" days

As I have posted minimally on here before I am a Fibromyalgia sufferer. It is one of those terrible diseases. I say that relatively as Fibro as with many other diseases are silent. From the outside I look like a normal 27 year old woman, however inside I am aching and hurting beyond the ability to describe. My body hurts so bad all over, but if you were to see me you would never know.

Today is the first day in a loooooonnnnngggg time that I have felt this bad! I have so much to do the next few days I really don't know how I am going to get it done with all of this pain and exhaustion. I thought that my new medicine was finally working, BOY WAS I WRONG!

I have the big organizational haul this weekend along with several mothers day festivities as well. I am looking forward to spending the day with my girlies!

I am coming up on my 150th post. At that time I am hoping to have enough followers to host a awesome giveaway, so invite your friends over. I am getting to know several of my followers quite well by reading their journeys as well.

Spring Cleaning;Organization and Purge-a-thon 2011

The time has come, I am absolutely OVERWHELMED by all the clutter, all the mess and all the STUFF that 7 people have or have aquired. I have planned to do nothing but clean, organize, purge, etc. this weekend. I am getting rid of the clutter I am starting anew. Below are some photos that remind me of our basement and my master closet... I think I might be embarresed to post actual photos. :) I have located these randomly via google search.

These are my semi inspirations. I am planning a MAJOR overhaul!
BEFORE:

AFTER:

These are just inspirations, but I have got to declutter my self. I think these small steps will allow for this to be a lot happier momma!

What have you done for Spring Cleaning this year?

5 Question Friday

1. If you could buy any car, money not an option, what would it be?
    I would have a Cadillac Escalade, the extreme edition... My grandpa raised me  
    on Cadillacs and w/ my brood... we need something BIG!

2. What was your worst first date ever?
    I really don't remember having a worst first date lol... I have only dated two
    people though, one being my husband.

3. How old were you when you fell in love for the first time?
    16...and to this day I am still in love, head over heels.

4. When was the last time you reconciled your checkbook?
    Hmmm that is a good question! I really don't do that much

5. If you were going to fashion a "Wanted" Ad for a best friend, how would
    you word it?
    I don't need a Want ad for a best friend. I know I know that's not the rules of this
   game, BUT I have the most amazing best friend a girl could ask for. I would
   probably say: "BAILEY, Where are you? "

Post-it Note Tuesday

  

HELP!!! I NEED YOUR HELP

I AM LOOKING FOR A BLOG DESIGNER... I AM NEEDING SOMEONE TO OVERHAUL MY BACKGROUNDS AND MAKE ME A BUTTON... PLEASE COMMENT OR EMAIL ME IF YOU CAN DO IT, OR IF YOU HAVE A REASONABLY PRICED DESIGNER THAT YOU RECCOMMEND.

THANKS IN ADVANCE!!!

GOD BLESS.

AMANDA

Now where did that easy button go?

So here is the deal, life has been less than easy lately... but one thing that gets me through is knowing that God is my Savior and this is all in his plan. On the other hand there is always the Woody Hayes philiosophy as well, "Anything easy Ain't worth a damn!"

No one ever said life would be easy, and I am ok with that. There are just things that I want to do with my life and I know with timing it will all happen... however, I am human and the wait is killing me.

So here is what I have been up to lately: (In bullet point format so that I can include everything)

*I was in a car accident. Thankfully minor, however, did a number on my car

*I blew out a tire... One of my brand new tires I might add

*I am thankful for family and friends and their ongoing support and concern, however... my husband and I  
  have a special and unique relationship. No one will ever understand that, I am ok with this. I praise God
  every minute that I am so loved. I really don't know what I would do without most of these people in my
  life.

*As I have said before, my children do pageants, they love it. We keep it real simple and natural, before you 
  start judging me... and so we have been traveling a lot for those. Lybertei has a natural personality for the
  stage. The others are getting there. I only wish that they had started sooner so they all wouldn't be so shy.

*I am behind on my school work... I am really hoping my laptop is finished this week so that we can move 
  forward. I just want this class to be over anyway.

*Josey flushed Littlest Pet Shops down the toilet... So far so good, but there is still a chance Mommy will be
  changing the toilet... Thank goodness that my husband used to be a plumber... I know what to do.

*I made hard boiled eggs to color with the kids, except I didn't... I boiled the eggs like I always do seperated
  them into mini muffin tins for the girls and we were on our way to coloring bliss... however Josey threw one
  and it cracked... not a big deal except... it also seeped... The eggs were still raw... not sure how they were
  because I boiled them for thirty minutes... I guess you can't make 4 dozen eggs at once. OOPS!!!! Lesson
  learned.

*Our eldest wants to join the school dance team, so the glutton for punishment that I am send in the
  paperwork. I am glad that she is doing it though... She is very shy and I hope that it brings her out of her
  shell.

*I also signed the four eldest up for Sports camp this summer. Josey, Drea, and Payge will be doing Soccer
  and Sera will be doing Arts and Crafts... Should be interesting.

*I have taken up extreme couponing. I am very excited about this. There is a certain rush that comes with
  getting a really good bargain. I will be posting some of my finds here soon.

So that is what I have been up to....


We are 6 followers away from a giveaway... Tell your friends to hop on by!

God Bless!

Amanda

Military Monday Blog Hop

Hop on over to Life with my Littles and link up. I have a great post coming later today to explain what I have been up to. It should give you a good laugh.

Also for all of my cloth diaper mommas, Cow Patties is having a awesome 4th of July giveaway! I am hoping for a win as Lybertei would LOVE a patriotic dipe on her bum!  Check it out

MilSpouse Friday Fill In

How many pets do you have? And what type? We have one dog, a jack russell terrier, her name is Daisy

What are your favorite projects to do while hubby is away?  Cooking and Couponing... I LOVE extreme Couponing!

What are the must-haves in your deployment care packages? Razors, Baby wipes, and a simple note to say I love you and that we are proud of him.

If you could star in any TV show, which would it be? I would love to be on All My Children, however since it was recently given a "death" date, maybe that isn't the best choice... But to be co-starring beside Dr. Griffin would be awesome!

What was the biggest hurdle that you faced during your/your significant other’s first deployment? Not having my partner and best friend beside me whenever I needed him.

Random Things about ME

One of the fellow Mil Wives that I follow did this post earilier, I thought it would be nice to post here as well. Check out her list here


Here are a few random things about me...

I believe in Jesus, and I am a devout Christian Woman

I am devoted heart and soul 'til death do us part to my husband

I have 5 amazing daughters, each of whom I adore more than life itself

I am a PROUD Navy wife

I work for an insurance giant

I am a student

I love to craft

I love to cook

I am a believer that C-Sections are pretty amazing!  Crazy I know

I want to learn more about photography

I am a pageant mom

I love pedicures and massages

I love extreme couponing

I would LOVE to be a stay at home mom

Mexican food is probably my favorite

I love to snack on Fresh fruits and vegetables

I wish I had more time to garden

I love most cooking shows

I'm a closet Housewives of Whereever fan

Bravo, Food Network, TVLand, TruTV, Hist, A&E, TLC are all my favorite channels as well.

I am dying for my own space again so that I can decorate. I love inspired rooms.

I have Fibromyalgia, diagnosed 7 years ago. Everyday I am in pain, but I keep on pushing! I am not about to let this disease run my life.

Garage sales and thrift stores are some of my favorite places to shop.

What are some things that we have in common?

Military Monday Blog Hop

It's Monday, and time for another Military Monday blog hop! I am so thankful for the network of military wives that I have been able to follow and converse with. I recently received an email from a nice woman as well as many nice comments from others. They really got me thinking. It is so nice that our journey and our experiences are informational for you.

I have been having a blog rut, a school rut, and I even found myself in the self loathing of I just want my husband home rut. I even was feeling sorry for myself. I thank the Lord for words of encouragement that I received. I also thank some pretty amazing friends for their support... and a pretty amazing husband who reminds me that we will be together soon enough and that our next journey will be together because this ends his training for a while. :)

Don't forget to see the previous post for my giveaway and the rules to be entered in the giveaway.

May God bless you all daily!
Amanda

Please Vote for Lybertei

There is still time to vote and enter the giveaway! You can also earn additional entries by announcing on Twitter and mentioning @nvynihi
Happy voting... and thank you in advance!!!
Ok friends, I'm going to ask for your help. Lil Miss Lybertei has been entered into a photo contest. I am asking for your help in voting. And as a thank you I will be having a giveaway. Here are the specifics:

Go to J.W. Photography on Facebook and write on their wall that you vote for Lybertei, then come back here and post a comment saying you have done so. You can only vote once on their wall, however in order to obtain additional entries you can link this post to your blog and Facebook page and invite your friends to follow my blog and vote for Lybertei in the contest.  For each linking to your blog and your Facebook page you may leave another comment and have additional chances to win. Winner will be selected via Random.org at the end of the photo contest. So please go vote and get to commenting. Here is the photo that we have entered into the contest:

Happy Voting! (and commenting)

God Bless,

Amanda

Interesting perspective, but oh so true!

Fun email ~ The Pastor's Ass

A Pastor entered his donkey in a race and it won. The Pastor was so pleased with the donkey that he entered it in the race again, and it won again.

The local paper read: PASTOR'S ASS OUT FRONT.
The Bishop was so upset with this kind of publicity that he ordered the Pastor not to enter the donkey in another race...

The next day, the local paper headline read: BISHOP SCRATCHES PASTOR'S ASS.
This was too much for the Bishop, so he ordered the Pastor to get rid of the donkey..

The Pastor decided to give it to a Nun in a nearby Convent..

The local paper, hearing of the news, posted the following headline the next day: NUN HAS BEST ASS IN TOWN.

The Bishop fainted!

He informed the Nun that she would have to get rid of the donkey, so she sold it to a farmer for $10.

The next day the papers read: NUN SELLS ASS FOR $10.

This was too much for the Bishop, so he ordered the nun to buy back the donkey and lead it to the plains where it could run wild.

The next day the headlines read: NUN ANNOUNCES HER ASS IS WILD AND FREE.
The Bishop was buried the next day.



The moral of the story is .... Being concerned about public opinion can bring you much grief and misery It can even shorten your life.....So be yourself and enjoy life to the fullest.

Stop worrying about everyone else's ass and you'll be a lot happier and live longer!

In the mood...

I was reading my usual daily blogs, and Holly inspired me! Thanks Holly. She wrote a post of what she is in the mood for. As spring break for the brood is rapidly approaching I have taken a few days off to spend doing what THEY want to do... So, assuming money and time weren't a factor I thought it would be fun to show you what I'm in the mood for as far as Spring Break goes:

We would start here... The happiest place on Earth... So they claim :)

Enjoy some feet in the sand

Build a sand castle

Bounce a little

Take in some music, Taylor is the girls FAVORITE! :)

More beach fun

Swim with the dolphins

Enjoy an old classic

Divulge into some limitless shopping

And finally...

A little romance with my one true love.

Indeed, this would be an amazing way to spend Spring Break

Blog series, fail: Retry

A few weeks back I posted that I would be writing a 7 part series on how we do things because there have been several questions.... I wrote the first article and well the rest have just been suppressed by other blogs. That changes, TODAY. In my rut I have neglected my blog... and I am tired of doing that! My blog has been an outlet of sorts.

I read so many blogs and I feel so connected to these ladies and their stories. I follow their journey, their trials and tribulations, and although they are all in blogosphere, they are real people who I feel that I understand. That being said, I wonder if anyone feels that way about my blog, and if so, then I feel that I have done that person a disservice by neglecting my blog.

I can honestly say that when I blog I feel better. Whether I am blogging about tips to make life easier or an adventure me and my brood have taken, I feel a sense of release and joy in writing. It has long been a goal to actually have my blog feature sponsors, etc. However, I really don't know how all the ladies that have such a blog do so, and I really don't know where to look. I would love to reach out and touch more people.

We are just over needing 10 more followers before I have my first giveaway, so invite your friends to stop by.

With all of this being said, what would you, my followers like me to write about? I am open to just about anything. I want to open you to my life, my thoughts, and my how do I's ...

To some of my followers who have recently left comments, thank you, your words have resignated with me.

God Bless,

Amanda

Military Monday Blog Hop

I've hit a blog RUT. I am facing HUGE bloggers block. I don't know what to write about. I have ideas, but when it comes to doing it, I am struggling. I think it may be the overwhelming amount of stress that I am under, I really don't know. Bear with me as I try to get myself out of this.

Wordless Wednesday

posted from Bloggeroid

Here I am!

After many weeks of laxidaisy posting. I am back. Vacation is over and it's back to the real world I go. It was so nice to spend time with my husband! Nothing fancy or overly exciting. We enjoyed some nice food, long walks, much needed conversation, and restful sleep! :)

I had the privelige to be featured here this week. Diary of a Devil Dog Wife sponsors a weekly feature. I'd love for you to hop on by to learn a little more about me.

I am still working on an order of cloth diapers, I have had some crazy sewing machine issues, thankfully my customer is patient. In the process I have been contacted by a company to become a distributor... I am praying about it before we make the investment.

Baby L is finally weaned, and I am so sad about it. I really didn't want to wean her off breastmilk, but she wasn't satisfied, and so far it has more than helped with her sleeping at night. If she keeps this up, I should be caught up in the next 6 months lol.

DH is in his final leg of his training. He is in clinical rotation, which is exciting!

Slowly I am getting closer to my goal of 100 followers. I've decided to change up my giveaway... I'll be doing a giveaway at 50 followers IF I hit 50 by Tuesday March 29,2011 @ 08:15 am, so TELL YOUR FOLLOWERS! :)

May God Bless your day!

Amanda

Excited

There is really no other way to describe how I am feeling right now. I have less than 48 hours and I will be on a plane heading to sunny San Antonio to reconnect with my amazing husband. Really all I want is a HUGE hug!!! I think that is one of the things that I miss the most! When I've had a bad day he always can release the tension with one of his bear hugs. We have a busy weekend planned as I'm taking him off base and we'll be staying at the San Antonio Riverwalk. Everyone says this is what you "have to do" so why not. We've planned on taking a Riverboat ride, visiting the Alamo, dinner with his classmates, and of course some shopping.

In addition to my elation with travelling to see Mr Mr, I also received an email from a diaper company that I emailed a few weeks ago. I have been approved and selected to become a national distributor for the company. I couldn't be happier! This is one more step to building our family security. I am also looking at this as an opportunity to use my skills in Marketing to become successful. I'll keep you posted as things become more clear.

Sera is continuing to progress in her speech therapy and she just started occupational therapy. She has been diagnosed with ADHD, which we were pretty certain was the case. She is being tested for thyroid conditions, Hasimoto's has been mentioned, but the doc would like to do a couple more blood panels before they confirm anything. Additionaly Sera will be meeting with a ENT to have her adnoids looked at, they believe that part of her speech problem may be caused by that, plus she snores like a freight train here lately when she sleeps.

I am feeling a sense of the stress being lifted off of me. God does answer prayers, in his timing. And with that I would like to share one final thing: (It probably doesn't fit in this post, but oh well >:))

My brother, a proud Marine. I am a proud sister, just as proud as his wife... and as proud as I am of my husband. He was in a SERIOUS accident this past Saturday, so serious he is LUCKY to be alive! There are a lot of missing pieces in the puzzle, but I know this, someone upstairs was sitting on his shoulder. Here is a photo of the wreckage:

God Bless,

Amanda

Military Monday Blog Hop

We have so much going on. I can't wait to share. I'm still looking for 100 followers to share in my drawing. It will be well worth the work! Tell your friends to hop on over! :)

God Bless,
Amanda

MIA

Yes, I know I have been more than MIA lately. This week I am volunteering in my companies Catastrophe Call Center. Storms hit small town Ohio earlier this week and we are busy helping others recover from the unexpected. At home I have been busy filling a cloth diaper order and running the house as much as possible. Much love and thanks to my mother who has been a HUGE help with the cleaning and grocery shopping with my lists and crazy coupons.

The oldest two girls have a Karate belt test on Saturday, I can already feel my nerves getting tense... I am sure they will do fine, but it is my nerves for sure! Last Sunday Miss Payge competed in a pageant and did awesome. I was so proud of her! She won her age division and best hair! Much love to Miss Angela and Miss Stacy for the hair part. I find that I am turning into "that" pageant mom, but you know what it is fine. My kids have a blast and to be honest it will help them with poise and confidence later in life!

We just received a ADHD diagnosis for Sera which was sort of expected... but I gues I didn't realize how bad it really was. There is also believed to be an underlying Thyroid condition so she has also been tested for that. She is continuing with the speech therapy and has a OT eval Tuesday... she is such a trouper... With that being said, our diets are all changing to the foods that Sera can eat, the big girls aren't thrilled.

Finally, I AM LEAVING FOR TEXAS IN ONE WEEK!!!! I AM HEADING TO SPEND 3 1/2 BEAUTIFUL DAYS WITH MY LOVING HUSBAND!!!! I CANNOT WAIT TO BE BACK IN HIS ARMS! ONLY 4 MORE MONTHS... THIS TRIP ANYWAY.

What have you been up to?

To Cry or Not to Cry?

Since the dawn of time there has been the long been the debate of whether to allow a baby to cry his/herself to sleep. From the beginning we have always relied on the ten minute method for our children to put themselves to sleep... until now.

As I have said before there are a lot of factors have changed between baby 4 and baby 5. We have definitely grown as people and as parents. Having two miscarriages after having four successful pregnancies was absolutely devistating to us. It made me more aware of myself, and once we were beyond the "scary" point with Lybertei we were a little more at ease. I believe that I have tried to protect her more than I did with my others, and I feel really guilty to be honest. I mean I don't like people to keep her, touch her, etc. Since the day she was born, all but one night of her little life I have rocked her to sleep... I would not change that for anything, but again I feel guilty. Mommy guilt I suppose. I have decided that this may be the reason that my 7 month old will NOT sleep through the night... She awakes every two hours. We have a solid bedtime routine which includes 2 jars of food and cereal for dinner around 7pm... followed by bath and nursing... hmmm I just am not ready for her to grow up and not need me anymore. I'm having serious issues with this, and to be honest I have no clue why.

So my question to you do you let your babies self soothe and cry or do you give in and hold them.

Wordless Wednesday... Sorta

Is she not the cutest thing ever? I am waiting to hear back from the humane society... I'm hoping we get to adopt her. :) What do you think?

Military Monday Blog Hop

I know I've been MIA lately... I promise to get better... After this week. Last week 4 of the five had influenza A, my Marine brother come to town with his new wife, and I received an order for 25 cloth diapers... This week I have to get my taxes done, Sera is meeting with her psychologist for the final diagnostic testing appointment, and Payge has a pageant in Jackson Ohio... About two hours away from our home, and I still have a ton of homework to get done! Sooo, all that said, I might be mia this week, but I am trying to collectively obtain 100 followers, at which time I will be holding a super cool giveaway, so tell your friends to hop a long and follow.

Trying

posted from Bloggeroid

My one true love

Every woman, every wife, girlfriend, fiancee, etc. believes that her love is her one true love, myself, I am no different. Many people do not understand the relationship that I have with my husband, however, we have a plan, a system, and we are completely in sync-most of the time.

I love him more than words and to be honest without my loving Sailor, I would not have my 5 beautiful daughters.

I was graced with his smile one hot July day in the summer of 2000. That whitty smile drew me in and I've never let go. I may have loosened the reins a bit over the years, but I never let go. We are now 1,341 miles away from each other for the next 7 months... I miss him, as all military wives miss their spouses while they're away, however, I'll be honest today I am feeling a bit like scrooge... the Valentine Scrooge that is. There are all of these people around the office with their pretty flowers and nice new jewelry, yada yada yada... Here is the thing, we really don't even do much with Valentines ever, but you know what I want... ALL THAT I REALLY WANT, and NEED at this point... A simple HUG from my sailor. I've already had a meltdown at work... I should note that my husband even ordered me a special gift, it's not here yet, but nonetheless, put forth effort towards the holiday that we rarely celebrate to make me feel good... I miss him so much today, I don't know why... I'm sure many of you are feeling the same way.

With that being said... Happy Valentines to my heart and soul.

Time-Out

I've had to take a brief moment to time out from my blog for a few days... Four of our brood have come down with Influenza A... aka, formally known as swine flu... We are almost over it. We trapsed into Urgent Care, the nice receptionist asked who was being seen, and I said... ALL OF them. Payge was brave and took the nasal swab... One confirmed case and 4 with the exact same symptoms equals 4 of the same diagnosis... No treatment, just supportive care: Ice cream, sprite, popsicles, Tylenol, and Motrin.

I am also pausing today to write a post about my Valentine... Tomorrow I'll be back with... CLOTH DIAPERING... Part 2 of my 7 part series in "How I do it"

How do you do it?

I've decided to write a mini-series on, "how we do it". I have been asked a lot receintly by fellow bloggers, family, friends, passer-bys, etc... how we do it... Survive with 5 small children and my husband being away with the military.

As any military wife spouse knows, adaptation is one of the best and essential qualities you must possess. I was recently meeting with Sera's psychologist and I almost felt like it was a mini therapy session for me. He was asking me all of these questions, when I was really there to provide a family history for the 5 step diagnosis process. It was nice to talk to someone who had no opinion in the situation. Sure it is great to talk to family and friends, but they have "opinions" on what they think about the situation, and really... I don't care to hear the negatives, if I am talking to you about something that is wearing on me I probably just want you to listen and not tell me what is wrong with the situation... My apologies, I deviate from the main topic/purpose of this post. This series will consist of 7 posts on 6 topics. I have broken "FOOD" into two posts... Grocery Shopping and Cooking.

Today I will start with Seperation.

SEPERATION

As any military spouse knows, seperation is hard. Whether you are alone on a base or home near family, whether you have kids or you are just a happy couple, whether it's your first or your fourth seperation... It NEVER gets easier. While my husband has never been out of the country (although I imagine that will come at some point) he has always been state side. I often wonder if that makes all of this harder. He is so close, yet so far away...I know that I can talk to him daily, making mw want him more, whereas wives who are seperated by nations don't always have that luxury thus they learn to cope differently. (At least that is my perception from those I have spoke with)

Every day is a struggle, but you put your big girl pants on and smile. You go about life knowing that your spouse is serving the greater good. Myself, as I am positive ALL (or nearly all) military wives are PROUD of their Sailor, Soldier, Marine, Coastie, or Airman... We are their number one fan, their cheerleader from the sideline. We learn to adapt to change and to push on.

I personally deal with seperation by engulfing myself in stuff... I dive in head first into projects. Projects alone (like last years 400 cookie bake off), projects with the kids. I keep constantly busy... Much to my own personal demise sometimes.

All in all... DAY BY DAY, MINUTE BY MINUTE, that is how I deal with seperation.

How do you deal with seperations?

Overwhelmed, overstimulated

Life has been, well for lack of a better word, CRAZY. We are all adjusting to DH being away and its well going. I have been playing catch up for weeks trying to get the house clean. It is not so much that its dirty as that it is full of clutter. I need the cleaning fairy to swing by my house... I pay wellThis is going to be one of those random, multi day posts. I started on Monday, and yet here we are on Tueday and I am working on it again.

My husband has been gone for just under a month... It will be a month on Friday. One down only like 8 more to go... hopefully. I've been feeling overwhelmed lately, the stress of work and managing home has really been getting to me. Josh's sister and grandparents offered to take a couple of the girls for the weekend and then a couple more on another weekend. I think (or I hope) that this will help so that I can get some things done. I have got to get the bedrooms rearranged because my brother and his wife will be coming in next Monday. I am not sure if I illuded to that situation. I will be meeting my sister in law for the first time come Monday. My brother is a young Marine who thought it would be smart to marry some girl that he met three months prior who lives in our home state while he is stationed elsewhere. I'm sure she is a great girl. That primal mothering big sister instinct just kicked in when my baby brother calls on Wednesday and says he is getting married on Saturday...I am excited to meet her and finally have someone in my family to connect with.

I have a busy weekend planned, I have to go get our jewelry appraised. Working in insurance has definitely opened my eyes to the fact that we are underinsured. Not that we have anything extravigant but we have a few items that need insured, just because.

I then have to go to my husband's reserve center and pick up docs to send to him, deliver yummy cookies to his unit, and get my new id. I then will be meeting my stepdad to head back to the big city to head over to purchase the girls new beds. If you have an American Freight in your area and you are shopping for furniture, they are very inexpensive and they offer a military discount which is always a plus.

I have been so overstimulated lately. I have been trying to get the house cleaned up and all that fun stuff, but in the mean time when it comes time for bed I can't seem to unwind. I am physically exhausted yet I toss and turn. The TV on the TV off, the fan on, and on and on and on... I tried to start taking vitamins again, which inturn made me feel as though I was dying... No wonder I ended up in the hospital a crazy eight times when I was pregnant.

I baked some cookies Sunday evening and mailed out to some good friends and my darling husband. My hubby and I finally got to Skype last night for the first time since he has been away. It was soooooooo nice, now all I need is a big hug.

Last Thursday I met with Sera's psychologist as we are starting the process of ADHD diagnosis. I really like the doctor, and I think that my husband would also. The first words out of his mouth after the introduction was, "I don't do medicine unless all other avenues have been exhausted, so if you are here for medicine then you are in the wrong place." Music to my ears. IF and only IF nothing else works will we explore the medication route. I just want my baby girl to be given a fair shot.

Well I suppose this is enough randomness for one post. Welcome to my new followers, tell your friends to follow as well. Giveaways begin when we hit 100. I have decided to make it my goal to be at 100 followers by March 15... The day Phase I training is over for my husband and the day we know where he'll head off to next.

God Bless,

Amanda

Military Monday Blog Hop

Please join me on my journey... 100 followers and we'll be having a give away!

Amanda

Logistics- I think NOT

Normally I would not be one to complain about something to the extent of posting it on Facebook and my blog, however, the story that is about to follow definitely warrants some publishing.

Rewinding back to LAST Tuesday. Sera Rose had her speech evaluation at the Rehab Center, she did wonderful. They have recommended that we do therapy 1-2 times per week. After the evaluation, I decided to take her and spend the afternoon with her. We had a great time. My husband has been having trouble getting WiFi access and his phone to charge so I decided to order new phones for us. The catch is that my husband is stationed 1300+ miles away. I picked up the phones from our local Sprint store and took his promptly across the street to a UPS shipper. The cost to overnight something via UPS was RIDICULOUS, BUT loving my husband I ate the cost...

Friday rolls around, when the phone is to be delivered. UPS calls, they can't locate the house... hmmm funny because USPS can locate it daily and delivers mail there... ERRR Ok fine, please ship it to base, and I provided the address. Scheduled for Monday, fine what ever.

Fast forward to Monday, I retrack the package... The shipped to the original address, the one that they couldn't find... Realized that it was on the wrong truck, shipped it back to San Antonio... Thus delaying it again. So now we are scheduled for Tuesday. At this point, my blood is BOILING, but working in customer service, I understand that it isn't always the receivers fault, so I maintained my cool.

Tuesday: I track the package, it's on the truck to be delivered. Ok phewww we got it... WRONG! After lunch I view the tracking and now they can't deliver because they can not find the address.... REALLY, we are talking a LARGE military base, one that services ALL branches of the military... HOW CAN YOU SERIOUSLY NOT FIND IT... Remaining calm, I called the store that I shipped it from. They proceed to see what is going on. In the meantime I determine that there is a UPS Store on base. I call the shipper back and say, please have them deliver to the store. He confirms with UPS and all is well. I proceed to call my husband and instruct him to the UPS store after training. He complies, all is well.... No exactly!

He walks to the UPS store... Wrong store... REALLY who knew there were more than one UPS stores on base, so he continues another 6 blocks to the correct store. We were instructed that he would need to present a photo id and then he could retreive his package. He speaks with the cashier, who informs him that if he doesn't know the receipient then he rejects the package... SERIOUSLY?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! I mean that is your JOB, you are a UPS STORE... Ship/Receive etc. So my husband calls me, madder than all get out... I am screaming at him as well, because at this point we are both frustrated. He leaves the UPS store because the JERK wouldn't tell him whether it was there or not. Hubby headed to pick up his dry cleaning and was heading back to the barracks. Almost back to the barracks and he realizes his wallet is missing. He proceeds to retrace his steps and finds it at the dry cleaners. Walking to the barracks again he receives a call from the UPS store stating that it was delivered and that he would stay open so my husband could retreive it...

All said in done, we have the phone, but the customer service we received from UPS and the whole "LOGISTICS" concept is a joke. I can honestly say NEVER again!

A good experience and they say you tell one person, but have a bad one and they say you tell 10, well guess what... I am sharing with ALL my blog readers and I hope that they too will share. Be leary with UPS and their Logistics concept.

God Bless,

Amanda

AWESOME DEAL!

I made an awesome find yesterday, and I had to share. Kroger is having their what seems monthly 10 for 10 sale and if you buy 10 items you get $5 off. So here is what I came up with:

Jello. The Large boxes of Jello and Pudding mixes... $1.25ea/buy 10= $12.50

     $12.50
  - $  5.00
----------
      $7.50

But it gets better. They had coupons next to the jello display. $.55 off 2. Kroger doubles their coupons, soooo $1.10 off of 2. Results in:

     $7.50
   -$5.50 (1.10 X 5)
--------
    $2.00 for 10 large boxes of Jello and Pudding

I believe I will be stopping by and getting more today! :)

What good deal have you recently found?

Amanda

6 months have gone by so fast

Saturday, our little darling Lybertei turned 6 months old. Wow where has the time gone? She is already actively crawling... I mean crawling, crawling! On Saturday she elected that she would stand for the first time. I mean REALLY! Slow down baby girl! She is a very tiny 6 month old. At her 6 month check up last week she had a perfect score of 0. I'm sure you are wondering what the heck I am talking about. I'll explain. She is completely balanced, she successfully is in the 0 percentile for her head circ, 0 percentile for height, and 0 percentile for weight. She is sporting a 15 1/2 cm melon atop her shoulders, is a tall 23 inches long, and weighs a massive 13 pounds 4 ounces.

She is right on track with three of her older sisters, all who really didn't hit "the chart". Sera (the middle) was the only one who ever was "on the chart".

Lybertei has so many nicknames:
Lil T, Queen T, Lil Miss, Lady Lybertei, Lybei, Lybei J, Jaimzee... and on and on and on.

Here is a picture from Christmas... Happy 1/2 birthday baby girl.

60 day challenge, so far and cloth diapering... randomness

This is clearly going to end up being a random post. So far I am 5 days into my 60 day self challenge. So far so good. I am hanging on tight, I am on day 3 of no caffiene... and it hasn't been too awfully bad. Now I just need to incorporate the exercise portion and we'll be well on our way. This week will be a true test to my ability to succeed. I am travelling out of town for work Tuesday-Thursday. Eating out for three days could get interesting, however I am stocking my suitcase with apples to help curb my appetite. Unfortunately I'll be missing my weight watchers weigh in on Wednesday since I'll be out of the office. I am hoping I can find another meeting to go to so that I can see my progress. I have been trying to remind myself that this is going to be a slow process as I am still breastfeeding...

Cloth diapering, all I can say is I love it, and I wish I had only found it sooner... Wow the money we would have saved! I have to admit, I am so loving it that I have become somewhat addicted to purchasing cloth diapers! I can say in all honesty that since Lybertei has been born she has not had one diaper rash, which I attribute completely to cloth diapering.  I am hoping to get some photos of her modeling her new dipes in the next few weeks, I just picked up some really cute new designs.

Dinners since my husband left have been less than fabulous. I have decided that beginning Sunday... I am all for the beginning of the week kind of person, even though today is Monday. That I will start back to my menu planning. It definitely makes life WAY easier, after all I do have a membership to Menu Planning Central, I really should start using it.

I am going to be emailing one fine follower this week to get together a button for your blogs. I will be grabbing more buttons soon. I am so glad to be growing my blog. I've been following my followers and I'll be honest, I am learning a lot from all of you.

God Bless,

Amanda

Military Monday Blog Hop

Looking forward to more followers... Getting closer to our Faith BeBe Boutique Giveaway!

Happy Monday Ya'll!!!

Following Friday

60 Day Challenge

New Year's Resolutions are really made to be broken. I often have thought that maybe the whole resolution idea was created by someone chaneling devilish tendencies. I mean looking at it simply the devil does relish in defeat. I deviate, instead of resolutions that I know I am going to break I have determined making small attainable goals that will yield a wealth of results would be more rewarding than ever.

My husband was called last Friday and advised that he would be sent on active duty for additional training the following Tuesday. Wow, no time to internalize anything that was happening to us. Today is Day 2 of my challenge. Day 1 was trying... I am slowly getting there.

I decided that if he was going to be away for 64 days before his first graduation that I was going to do something during that time, for me, for us, for my family. Get healthy, yes I want to loose weight, but overall I just want to get healthy. I have started to take vitamins again, increasing my water intake, and will be slowly eliminating my caffiene. This will be the hardest. I have long been a 2 Coke a day kinda girl.

I joined Weight Watchers to begin with. While I am at my pre-baby #5 weight I am still at minimum 20-25 pound heavier than when I met my husband. I want to do something about it! I joined WW because I needed something to be accountable too. I know it sounds weak, but lets face it, as humans we are weak!  Beyond the accountability I need something that teaches me how to eat right. Yes, I love fruits and veggies and what not, but I also love the not so healthy items either: fried chicken, gravy, bacon, and on and on and on. While I know they are fine in small quantities, that's where the problem lies.

Secondly in a previous post I stated that I would be doing the Couch to 5K Challenge. Today is day number 1. So far it wasn't too bad. My husband purchased me a gift card for Christmas. I refuse to use it to purchase clothing in my current size because that will just encourage me to do nothing. So until I'm 2 sizes smaller that nice little gift card will reside in a safe place. I am hoping that this time comes just before I hop on a plane to see my handsome husband all dolled up in his uniform.

I hope you follow me on my journey.

God Bless,

Amanda 

Happy Birthday Josalynne Tayte!

Miss Josalynne Tayte,

Also known as Josey, Jojo, Tayter Chip, and on and on and on... Where has the time gone? It seems like yesterday you were just born. You were my first that I walked into the hospital and said I'm here to have a baby. All of your older sisters had me in labor, so I was VERY nervous....I even had a panic attack before surgery. You came out and you were beautiful. You still are. There were some touchy weeks with you, spending two whole weeks in the hospital suffering with RSV and pneumonia... You will always be my last winter baby (I think) because of everything you went through.

My Jojo, you are very, very active. A vibrant, sassy attitude for sure. I look forward to seeing you on tv next month, considering you were a whole year younger at the taping... I can't quite put my finger on who you are or who you are going to be. One of these days I'll figure you out.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRINCESS!

Love, Mommy

Monday Military Blog Hop

Alright, I know it's Sunday, but I'll be busy packing my husband up tomorrow for his next assignment. We had a very nice dinner with family this evening to let his family say good bye. We've given the girls the option to either come to the airport to say farewell or go to school... They haven't decided what they want to do yet, and that is ok... This never gets easier, not even for me.

Reminder that once I reach 100 followers I will be having a giveaway. I know it's a lot, but I have some real neat items that will be heading your way.


Enjoy hopping, Tuesday I'll be back with a special post for a very special 3 year old.

God Bless,
Amanda

**What have you done to pay it forward today?