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Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Wednesday Wishes (24)


One. A fun grocery list pad like this one that will help me stay organized.
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Two. A dress that is as classy and sexy as this one. (and yes, I want the hat too)

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Three. I wish that my pictures this weekend will turn out the way I want them to! I got the chance to have a free military pin-up photo session with the amazing ladies at Operation Petticoat. I'm so excited!

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Monday, May 9, 2011

Bad Puppy

Do you ever wish your puppy could talk? I do. Especially lately.

Sometime in the past, I did a post about our puppy Jack, and I said something like "we potty-trained him in two weeks!" He was originally my sister's dog, and he peed on her carpet at least a few times a day. He has been doing so well..

Last week, he peed in the bedroom, on the carpet, even though there was a puppy pad, three times. We were on like a 3 month spree.

Last night, he peed on the puppy pad three times. Thank goodness it was not on the carpet, but why did he go three times? The first time was less than hour after I took him out for the night! He seriously has used a puppy pad like twice in the past few months, on the weekends when we didn't wake up at 4 am.

I don't know what has gotten into him! Has your dog ever all the sudden had a bad-streak? What did you do about it? We are going to rent a shampooer from home depot.. maybe when all the smell is gone things will go back to normal.


I just wish he could talk to me, and say something like, "Mommy, I peed on the floor because I am mad at you for not playing fetch with me all day." Or, "Mommy, I have a tummy ache, and that's why I went potty four times last night."

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Mother's Day and Mixed Emotions

Mother's Day is kind of a sensitive subject right now, for two reasons.

One. This is my first year not living with my mom during mother's day. Last year I was going to school, but I was still able to drive the 2 hours to go home and spend the weekend with her. My mom and I are extremely close- she raised me as a single mom and I have always considered her one of my best friends. I sent her a gift card to get a pedicure, and I wish I was there to go with her! Plus, it is my sister's first year as a mother, and I haven't even met me nephew yet.
Two. Last month I went in for surgery to have an ovarian cyst removed, and last week I found out that I most likely have endometriosis. Although the doctor gave me a treatment plan for 'until I decide to have children,' I have still been super emotional thinking about the big what-if of infertility.


Chris has duty, so the house is really quiet today. I guess it's Mommy and Jack time - he is my furbaby after all : )

Thursday, May 5, 2011

flower centerpieces

I love flowers, but I know nothing about them.
So when I started thinking about what flowers to use for my wedding, I sort of panicked and decided to do it later. I thought I found the perfect flowers a few weeks ago, but now I'm second guessing my choice for the centerpieces.

I was thinking of using these flowers:

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And making these bottles to put them in:
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But I originally found them on Brooke's Blog!

I'm for sure making the bottles; I think they go so perfect with our country theme! Chris and I have already collected like 15 bottles, and we still have a way to go! The flowers are billy balls, and they are originally yellow. I'm afraid that they are going to look orange when I get them : / Oh, its so hard perfecting all the wedding details.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Wednesday Wishes (23)


My wishes are for:

1. Some pretty  makeup, like the stuff I found on etsy the other day. Not only is it handmade and affordable, but its all natural.
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2. A reusable farmer's egg crate. You might think I'm weird, but I would love it if the inside of my refrigerator was pretty and organized. I want drinks in pretty glass pitchers instead of the ugly plastic bottles with labels all over them, and a pretty egg crate.
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3. Tall Boots for riding. I have one pair, but I left them back home in storage. I figured I wouldn't be doing much riding for awhile, and if I did, I could just wear my cowboy boots. Wrong! Last week one of the groupon deals was for two riding lessons, and I decided to use it as an excuse to ride again and learn something I never did- jumping! They even have horses for advanced riders; I'm so excited!
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Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Book Review: Plain Truth

Or should I say author review?

I love books. I love my books to have a happy ending, which is why I don't understand why my favorite author is Jodi Picoult. Maybe this is why:

"These are some of the things I’ve done in the name of research: Watched Sly Stallone on a movie set (for Picture Perfect); observed cardiac surgery (Harvesting the Heart); gone to jail for the day (The Pact); milked cows on an Amish dairy farm (Plain Truth); learned Wiccan love spells and DNA testing procedures (Salem Falls); explored bone marrow transplants (Perfect Match); gone ghost hunting (Second Glance). For Vanishing Acts, I spent time in a hardcore Arizona jail, and met with both detention officers and inmates (learning, among other things, how to make my own zip gun and the recipe for crystal meth); and went to the Hopi reservation to attend their private katsina dances. For The Tenth Circle, I trekked to the Alaskan tundra to visit a remote Eskimo village and to follow a dogsled race on a snowmobile – in January, when it was -38 degrees Fahrenheit. For my upcoming novel, LONE WOLF, I spent time with a man who lived in the wild with a wolf pack for a year – and got to meet some other wolves he has in captivity. " -Jodi Picoult

I love how much research she puts into her writing. Not only that, but she always adds something interesting that doesn't have to be there, and she expands on it: whale watching, an apple farm, astronomy, lost religion. She doesn't just mention them, she gives details, and incorporates them into the story. I have never seen another author do it so well.

I have read 7 of her 18 books: The Pact, My Sister's Keeper, Picture Perfect, Change of Heart, Nineteen Minutes, Songs of the Humpback Whale, and Plain Truth. Does that show you how much I love her writing?

I'm lucky that I picked up The Pact first. It is a tragic love story that was so haunting I couldn't put it down. (It is still my second favorite book today, behind Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte) It also made me want to pick up another one of her books, and another.. I'm also lucky because if I would have been recommended Jodi Picoult, and not The Pact, my logical mind probably would have picked up the first book she ever wrote since I like to do things in order, which was Songs of the Humpback Whale. I was not a fan; I found it awkward; and I also discovered later that she was very inaccurate with her research. However, that is the only one so far I would not recommend.


In Plain Truth, a dead infant is discovered in an Amish barn, and evidence leads to an 18-year-old unwed Amish woman named Katie Fisher. When Ellie Hathaway, a big-city attorney, takes on her case, there is a collision of cultures- the "plain" way and the American system of justice.

I give this book four stars out of 5. I def recommend it!

Monday, May 2, 2011

I'm a proud wifey

Last week, my husband did his board for bluejacket of the quarter.

On Friday, we found out that he WON!

I am so proud of him for all of his hardwork; he truly deserved this.


If you don't know, Bluejacket of the quarter is an award given to one seaman on the ship every 3 months. I am one proud Navy wife : )

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Wee bit wednesday



{one} have you ever been stuck in an elevator?
I thought I was one time, but luckily it only lasted a few seconds. When I worked in the student union at UofA, there was an employee elevator that was super sketchy.. It would always lurch, or the doors wouldn't open right away, and some guy told me it got stuck a few times. Creepy!

{two} have you ever ridden on an elephant?
Yep, when I was little.

{three} have you ever met a well known celebrity?
Not exactly. I met a popular christian band once.

{four} do you have any food allergies?
nope.

{five} do you know how to sew?
I can hand-sew but I haven't used a machine in forever. I hand-made Chris a blanket before he went on deployment last summer!

{six} did you get an allowance when you were young?
Nope.

{seven} how often do you fill up your gas tank?
At least every week.

{eight} have you ever been stung by a jelly fish?
No. I found one at the beach one time, but luckily I didn't step on it.

{nine} have you ever been robbed?
I had my car broken into when I was going to UofA. They stole like $10 and a gatorade lol.

{ten} what is the worst haircut you’ve ever had?
My senior year, about a week and a half before prom. I went to a hair school- big mistake. The girl died my hair platinum blonde, and hacked my hair up. I asked for highlights and lowlights, and layers. Instead she made me look like a barbie with a mullet. So I had to spend the extra money, and go to my normal hairstylist, who had to cut my hair super short, and die my hair dark brown to make it all the same length and color. Luckily, she gave me a discount and saved my hair. It was a nightmare.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Wedding style and colors

One of the first things I was told to do to plan my wedding was choose my wedding colors and style.
I went back and forth quite a bit, but I am finally settled with my decision.

I'm having a country-style wedding in red and blue.
Okay, it sounds a little patriotic, but its not intended to be. Proof:

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How cute is that? I would love to have those chairs and the table settings at my reception.

Time to go clean up from Easter dinner last night, yuck.

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Extreme couponing

Have you seen the show Extreme Couponing on TLC?
They highlight people who pay something like $6 for $600 worth of groceries. People who have stock piles of groceries in their garages, extra rooms, and every open space in the house. People who I would call hoarders.
For example:

Well, after Thursday' shopping trip, I have my own little stockpile:

Yes, that is under the end-table in my living room.. we live in a one bedroom apartment with no hall closet, and the kitchen pantry was full. Don't worry, I'm not going to turn into a full fledged extreme couponer/ food hoarder.. Those people are obsessed. But I WILL tell you about my shopping trip.

On Thursday, I spent an hour cutting coupons, going through my already cut ones, making my grocery list, and comparing the store ads. Then we were off!
First stop was the commissiary..
Then Vons..
Then Albertsons..
Then Fresh and Easy.
Done.
It took 4 hours, and $225, but guess how much we saved... $80!!
The best deal we got? You guessed it, vitamin water!

What's the most you have ever saved during a grocery trip?

Monday, April 18, 2011

wedding planning

Chris and I got married in a courthouse, and since I have dreamed of my wedding since I was a little girl, Chris promised me an actual ceremony and reception.



We were originally going to have the wedding this March, but due to the fact that we are paying for the wedding all by ourselves, we had to postpone it another year to save up.

Right now, our wedding is planned for next May, but nothing is set in stone with the Navy, so who knows.

Since I am having somewhat of a writer's block right now, I figured "Why not write about my wedding planning adventure?"

So expect some wedding posts asap!

Thursday, April 14, 2011

A little more upbeat today

My last post was about my surgery, and how much pain I was in. I will not be complaining in this post. Tomorrow marks one week post surgery, and I'm feeling much better. Still in pain, but not nearly as much.

Good news! I got a call about an interview!
well 2 actually.. Let me explain.
The first was from 24 hour fitness. They called a few days after my surgery asking if I could come in for an interview the next day. I pictured the energy required to get dressed, put real clothes on, walk down two sets of stairs, and drive.. So I said I couldn't make it. Realizing my stupid stupid mistake, I called back, but they already had all the time slots filled. FAIL.
Fast forward to yesterday, 7:30 pm. Another 619 phone call. From who, you ask?
Guitar center!
No, I don't play any instruments, including the guitar. But I have worked for them before, or actually Music and Arts, which they own.
So I'm thinking that I have a good chance at the interview!

Wish me luck!

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Wednesday Wishes (21)


I wish:
That my surgery on Friday will go well. I wish that it will make all my pain go away, so that I will not spend everyday like this:

That I could find a job. The most recent place I have applied is Boot Barn, and honestly thats the one I want the most : )
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That my etsy shop will be succesful! I still have a lot of work before I start selling products, but I'm having fun getting it all ready!


Monday, April 4, 2011

Money


Money has been a big topic in our household lately. Heres allll the reasons why:

1. We have been talking about a new car.
2. We have two debts (a loan and my ring) under $400!
3. I have been looking for a job for 6 months.
4. We are saving for our 'big wedding.'

Right now, Chris is getting BAS until June. With that money, we could make car payments. Until June. and then we would have about 5 months of car payments in our savings. Until it runs out. Then Chris should be E-3 by then, therefore giving him a raise, and allowing us to continue to make car payments. But what if? We try to be so responsible with our money, and its super scary knowing that we are walking such a tight line.

On a lighter note, Chris and I took $280 (some of our income tax money) to the casino yesterday and walked out with $500! Not bad, huh?

(I'm at 30 followers, wooh!)

Friday, April 1, 2011

Excitedddd

I am super excited at the moment.

I just booked a completely free military pin-up photo session! They do everything- hair, makeup, wardrobe, and photos. This is the second session they have done, the first one was for Marine wives and this one for Navy wives. They had 20 open spots and I was on the phone the second they announced the phone number! I have been wanting to do this for so long, and I am so excited!!

Who would I be if I didn't mention their facebook page? Take a look- Operation Petticoat

The only downside is that the photo session is 5 weeks after my surgery. I tried to ask the doctors when I would be allowed to go back to the gym, and they didn't really give me an answer. Seriously- this is the answer I got: "Well, it's a good rule that if you would hesitate to slam on the brakes because it would cause pain, you shouldn't drive. The follow up appointment is two weeks after the surgery, so you should probably wait until at least then." Did she think I asked how long until I can drive? I guess if I can't drive I probably shouldn't be working out lol.  I'm thinking three weeks and I should be good as new.. which only gives me two weeks to get my butt back into shape for the pin-up shots. Oh boy.

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Random tidbits

I have been going through another one of those phases where almost all of my posts are link-ups, so now its time to wrap up all the little tidbits of my life into one random blog.

First, let me tell you about my FAIL moment.
Have you ever seen the show Cupcake Wars? Well I came across a picture on facebook saying that they were looking for military bakers, and I decided to go out on a limb and enter. Soo, I put in all this effort into making these cute little sailor hats out of gumpaste to top cupcakes, got all dressed up for pictures, and totally wrote the most kick-ass entry, and then.... I get an email saying, "Casting is now closed for season 3." Smack. in. the. face.

I'm still proud of these little guys

 I think this is a good time to mention that I started another blog- The USS Cupcake as a portfolio for all of my baking endeavors.

transition- I'm thinking of starting an etsy shop. I would sell fondant and gum paste cake toppers, like the one above. And then maybe when I get my sewing machine from home I could expand with other items.. I'm thinking that since I don't have a job right now, it would be perfect timing. What do you think?

Speaking of jobs, I applied to 7 more this week (some were ones I had already applied to, but this time went into the store). I wish I knew how many places I have applied to so far.. I'm thinking 50+. This economy sucks. I think I will just say that out loud, since I'm sure everyone is thinking it, lol.

One more day until the weekend!

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Wee bit of me



{one} if you won a trip to Disneyland/world, who would you take with you?

Chris of course. Actually, we just discussed this- as soon as we have some things payed off and enough money saved for the wedding, we are going to save for a trip to Disneyland!

{two} when was the last time you listened to a CD?
A few weeks ago.. Chris bought a cd of some band I don't particularly like (which doesn't play on the radio).

{three} what spice/seasoning is your favorite?
Cinnamon and basil. I always double them in recipes!

{four} if you were in a band, what kind of music would you play?
Indie or country, haha.

{five} if you could have personally witnessed one historical event, which one would it be?
When Secretariat won the triple crown, hands down!

{six} if you could go back to school, what would you study?
I wish I had an answer for this... I have about 6 things I am considering.. and I only have a few months to decide!

{seven} if you could go to one sporting event, all expenses paid, which one would you see?
The Kentucky Derby : )

{eight} do you drive an automatic or a manual?
An automatic. My dad almost bought me a manual, and ever since then I have been wanting to learn how to drive a stick!

{nine} are you comfortable speaking in front of people?
Nope. I took a class in high school where I had to teach a lesson every other week, so that helped a little, but I think I'm back to where I was before that.

{ten} have you ever experienced an earthquake?
Not that I remember. My mom told me I slept through an earthquake once when I was younger, lol.


Wednesday Wishes (20)


I love Wednesday Wishes. I get to put together everything that I have drooled over for the past week!

Love much heirloom necklace. I would love a necklace with mine and Chris' names on it, and this one is just adorable.

Nude Pumps. Wait, I just ordered these : )

Pride and Prejudice. After two years of barely-having-enough-time-to-sleep-because-I-am-so-busy, I have rediscoverd my love for reading the past few months. And I would love to buy all the Penguin Classic editions because they are just gorgeous.

Friday, March 25, 2011

Anniversary weekend

On Sunday, my hubby and I will celebrate our one year wedding anniversary.
wow.
It's already been one year?

We are not just having an anniversary day, but an anniversary weekend!
Today we are going to relax.. I think Chris is ready to fall asleep climbing up the stairs to our apartment because he hasn't been able to catch up on sleep in two weeks. In our house, relaxing means watching the first season of Friday Night Lights and playing Marvel Ultimate Alliance for wii.

Saturday we are taking our furbaby to the woof walk! He doesn't get to be around other dogs very often, and when we do see other dogs running around, he barks like crazy, so I'm hoping that this will be a good experience for him... maybe make him more comfortable around other dogs.
Then we are going shopping! wooh! We decided that since we got each other surprise gifts last month for Valentines Day, we are just going to go shopping together. Fine with me!

Sunday is the big day.. We bought a bunch of gift cards from restaurant.com last month, and we are going to the Boathouse Restaurant. Chris loves going to really nice restaurants, and I love getting dressed up to go haha.


I'm feel so blessed that I have gotten to spend the last year, and will get to spend the rest of my life, married to the love of my life.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Top 2 Tuesday: Dream Rooms

This weeks Top 2 Tuesday is dream rooms! Its so hard for me to only choose two! But I will do it!
I love everything old-fashioned. For lack of better words, my husband once told me I was an "old lady." "What??" I asked, feeling offended and thinking he was calling me boring.
"I mean.. It's like you were meant to grow up in the fifties or something."
Maybe 'old soul' is a better description? Being the Sally-home-maker that I am, I want my love of retro and vintage to showcase in my house (well, my future dream house). My problem is- retro and vintage are not the same things... and I like both of them for different rooms of the house. What a dilemma.. You wouldn't believe how much I stressed over the flow of the color scheme in our apartment, and now this? Oh boy.

And now I present... My top two dream rooms!

1) A totally retro kitchen in red and blue.
Just take away the checkered floor and add red accessories. At the moment, everything in our kitchen is already red, except the coffee pot and microwave (why does everything have to be so much more expensive when its red?) including a retro napkin holder that Chris got me... That may be my favorite part of the kitchen. haha

2) An all white vintage bedroom
How relaxing would it be to wake up to that every morning? I love dark wood furniture- everything that we have bought for the apartment is oak.. But I think that white in the bedroom is so tranquil. I love so much about this room- the distressed wood framed mirrors, the chandelier, the lamps. So pretty!

Saturday, March 19, 2011

My experience with an ovarian cyst

I went to the doctor Thursday for my ovarian cyst, and I have surgery scheduled for next month.

Manyy women get ovarian cysts, and most of them don't know it or have minimal signs. But sometimes, like in my case, they cause intense pain. It has been about an 8 month journey into discovering mine:

I began taking the pill in June. In August my cramps got really bad- to the point where I was rolling in bed crying, squeezing Chris' hand every few minutes. I had always had bad cramps, but never this clenching feeling that came and went.
Over the next few months, I occasionally experienced this stabbing pain in my lower stomach that would hit suddenly and make me double over, but would be gone in a matter of seconds. Once it woke me up in the morning, and for the next few minutes it felt like someone was putting a knife in my stomach every time I tried to sit up. Chris asked me to go to the doctor, but I always said 'next time it happens I will.'
In December, my husband and I had tickets to go back home for Christmas. The night before our flight, I had a constant ache in my lower right stomach that lasted the whole night. Chris decided it was time that I go to the hospital, and we went at 3:30 that morning. The doctors thought that it could either be appendicitis or gas (come on, really) and decided to do an ultrasound. After about 45 minutes, the tech was done taking pictures and went to show the head doctor. A few minutes later, he came back in and said the doctor wanted a few MORE pictures, and then told me the doctor would be in to tell me what he found. The doctor tells me they found a cyst on the OPPOSITE side of the pain, and the cause of the pain on the right side was blood leaking out. After giving me pain meds, they send me home and tell me to come back in 2 cycles. (And we made our flight!)
During those two months, the pain got worse. The 'crampy' feeling starts about 5 days before my period and lasts about 5 days after. Not to mention how intense my cramps are.. I have to be drugged up for almost a week. I had a sharp pain when I lied on my left side, like something heavy was pushing down and pinching my other ovary. I went to the doctor and had to wait for a referral from tricare.. One more unbearable cycle... A few days after I get scheduled for an appointment, I get the stabbing pain that I haven't felt in a while, but this time it lasted almost two hours.
After a month of waiting, I went to my appointment. They did an ultrasound, found that the cyst was still about 8cm, without any fluid leaking. The doctor showed me everything on the screen as she was doing the ultrasound, and it was pretty surprising.. My cyst is as big as my bladder. I can barely see my right ovary because it is so small, but I can't see my left ovary at all because my cyst, which is about 4 times the size of it, blocks the whole thing.
After consulting with the staff doctor, they decided that surgery would be the best option. I don't HAVE to choose surgery, but if I have to take vicodin for the pain then I shouldn't wait any longer. Plus, if the cyst burts on its own, I will have really intense pain for a long time while all the fluid flushes out, and theres nothing they can do about it. I'm nervous, but the surgery is laproscopic, and after a month I will be my normal self (and be able to run and work out again!). After the exam Thursday, it hurts to walk or sit up. That just reminds me that things are getting worse and that surgery is the best option.
I know that was pretty lengthy, but believe me, I left out some not so pleasant details for your sake. Who knows, maybe one of you have had a similar experience?

Update

I revamped my blog! I was never really happy with the previous title or layout, but I couldn't find any inspiration to change it. So now, my blog is titled Love and Lighthouses, and its here to stay. The layout, on the other hand, is temporary until I can get a custom one.
Why the title you ask?
My blog used to be called Ashley, the Little Navy Wife. It was fitting.. My nickname has always been 'Little Ashley," and I am a a navy wife. I guess it just wasn't creative or catchy enough for me. I wanted something to do with the Navy.. Although it doesn't define WHO I am, it does have everything to do with WHERE I am. I am proud to be a Navy wife, and I am proud to say that I am married to and living with the love of my life right now because of the military.

So that's where Love and Lighthouses comes into play.
Love because I am a firm believer that, "There is only one happiness in life; to love and be loved."
and
Lighthouses because way back when, they signaled to sailors that land was near. They are a symbol of strength and home, and I always want to be that for my husband.

What do you think?

Friday, March 18, 2011

milspouse friday fill-in #34


What are some of your ideas for staying connected with family…you know, those people we moved thousands of miles away from? submitted by Live it. Love it (or not). Write About It.
I think the best and most simplest idea is to talk on the phone. My mom is not very computer savvy, so I have to talk to her on the phone if I want to keep her up to date. Although its easier to shoot my friends a text asking how they have been, its a lot more personal to make a phone call.

What’s the most romantic gift you have GIVEN? submitted by Painting My Canvas
Cards. I was cleaning out a box the other day and found a bag that my hubby keeps all the letters he got in bootcamp, and cards I have given him before/after. I think writing your love for someone is so romantic.. its something you can look back on in 20 years.

Would you encourage your child, if they came to you and wanted to join the military? submitted by Perfectly Imperfect
I think I would have mixed emotions. I would be proud of them for wanting to follow in their father's (and grandfathers) footsteps and for supporting their country, but I would be worried because it is such a hard life. Come back to me in 15 years!

What is your least favorite bill to pay and why? submitted by A Little of This, A Little of That
Its not exactly a 'bill,' but the hubby and I both agree pumping gas is the worst. When we both used to work for barely over minimum wage, it was like saying goodbye to an hour of work every few seconds when the screen would read $8.. $16.. We may have a bigger salary now, but gas gets more expensive every. single. day.

What is the proudest moment you’ve had as a military spouse? submitted by Our Okinawa Life
I would have to say the time my hubby took emergency leave to come home for my grandfathers funeral. He wore his uniform to the funeral, and I was so proud of him for honoring my grandfather in that way.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Speaking of friends..

.. I got to see mine this week!
One friend, Maddisen, was up here with her boyfriend taking a vaca for Spring Break. They stayed with me on their last night, and Maddisen and I went out to breakfast the next morning.
On Monday, my best friend Katey came up and stayed two nights. We went to the beach the first two days, and lied out in our bikinis, even though it was a little chilly on the beach. We made sushi the first night she was here, and a 'friendship cake' the second night.
It was so nice to have girlfriends around. I love that I consider my husband my best friend, but when I find myself talking to him about mascara and eye cream, I know I need some girl time.

I have a doctors appointment today; a second ultrasound for my ovarian cyst. Luckily, my hubby is getting off work early to go with me.. The procedure is awkward and painful, so its nice to have him their with me. I am hoping for good news.. I don't know what that news is, but I just don't want to hear, "Come back in two months, and we will do this again." Ugh.

By the way, Happy St. Patty's day! I am making an Irish dinner tonight; I'm a little nervous. My grandfather on my dad's side moved here from Ireland, so I'm celebrating my roots today!

Friday, March 11, 2011

Milspouse Friday Fill-In #33


1. During military separations (whether short or long) how do you keep yourself positive and motivated? submitted by Married/Single Parent
This one is hard because I know I don't handle it as well as I should. When Chris was at boot camp I had times when I was a complete baby, but luckily I had school and work to keep my superr busy. The same went for A-school, but I had to talk to him every night no matter how much I had to do. The last long underway was the worst.. I seriously checked my email every hour. It was bad.

2. What is your favorite concert you have ever been to? submitted by Young but Not (Completely) Dumb
Hmm. I would have to say the Never Shout Never that the hubby and I went to last year because it was my first time going to a small concert, and also because we had such a fun time trying to find the place and then get home. But I am dying to go to another country concert.. we are hoping for the Zac Brown Band!

3. What do you miss most about your “hometown”? submitted by A Florida Girl and Her Soldier
My friends and family. I am so close with my mom, and my sister just had a baby so its hard being away from them. Also, I have a difficult time making friends.. I don't know if its because I set really high standards or because I just don't get along with girls, but my two best friends are girls from high school. The whole year I was at UofA, I didn't make a single new girlfriend, but I made quite a few guy friends. I know that my hubby totally understands because that's how I was when we met, but I don't want to give him any reason to worry.

4. If you could run in any race, which charity would you choose to support? submitted by Wookie & Co.
Well the hubby and I switch which charity we donate to every year, and next year is the ASPCA, so thats what I am going to have to choose!

5. You find out Willy Wonka is your father, what 3 course meal do you INSIST he create in that stick of gum? submitted by A{muse}ing Mommy on a Pink Park Bench
If I found out Willy Wonka was my father, I would be ECSTATIC. I think the first course would be cheddar broccoli soup, then chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, and bread. Last course, pumpkin pie! I so wish Willy Wonka was my father.
link up with wife of a sailor if you would like to join!

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Meet Jack

Meet Jack, Our one year old, 5 pound chion:


Chris and I weren't planning on getting a dog for a while, but he just kind of fell into our lap. Last year, my sister bought a chion from the puppy store. He was sweet and cuddly... until he got a little bigger, a little louder, and a little more rambunctious. He was also never housetrained, and got into fights with my mom's dog (who was living with her at the time) almost every day. So when my sister got pregnant, she really couldn't handle him anymore, and she asked us to take him 'for a little while.'

Well since then, Jack is a new dog. It took us less than two weeks, and only 3 accidents to potty train him.. That was a huge deal because he had ruined my sisters carpet, and ours is brand new! But also because he got away with it for a whole year, and we did it in 2 weeks! We spoil him with attention and love. Before, he wouldn't stay in your lap for more than a second. Now, he crawls in our laps all the time, wants us to pet him for hours on end, and even sleeps there. The first time he slept in my lap I was so happy I didn't move until he woke up, even though I was planning to get up right before he fell asleep.

My sister and I haven't talked about what we are going to do with little Jack, but I know one thing: if he could talk, he would call chris and I, "mommy and daddy!"



Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Wednesday Wishes: DIY edition



I'm wishing that I will actually be able to make my own wedding cake:

source


I'm wishing that I had the vision to refinish some old vintage chairs:
source


I'm wishing that we had more decorating done in our apartment, like this wall decal over our bed:


Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Top 2 Tuesday- relationships

I love these linky's! I know I already post in a million others, but heres another one to add to the list!

Top 2 Things you have learned about relationships

1) They take work. Everything is not always perfect.. Sometimes you won't like each other.. But you have to remember the love that you have for each other, and put in an effort to make your relationship last.

2) Never go to bed angry. This one is hard for me- when I get really upset, and I am tired of fighting, my defense is "I just want to go to sleep." Its something I did when I was younger, but now that I'm older it doesn't quite work, and I either lay in bed getting more upset or wake up that way. Luckily, the hubby always makes an effort to remind me of that!

After writing this, I looked at a couple of other blogs before posting mine.. and everyone has really similar answers! I guess that just means they are really essential to a happy relationship!

Heres us at our going away party last summer!

So excited for next week!

I may not get a spring break myself, but that doesn't mean I can't be excited that my friends do. Especially when they come to visit me on their break.
My two best friends and my college roomie are coming down next Sunday- Wednesday. They aren't coming together, it just so happened that all three of them chose almost the same days. I'm so excited, I miss my friends dearly!
A few years ago, Katey (one of my friends who is coming to visit!) and I went to Cali together on a trip with our high school cross country team, and for a few weeks before, whenever we saw each other we would yell bikinis! So that has started again.
I'm also excited to show off our apartment, which I love. It is nowhere near being done, unfortunately (hey- we are super young newlyweds living off one income!), but I am still proud of what we have. You know what, I think that's worthy of another blog, hah.
So, next week there will probably not be much blogging since I will be busy being a hostess, but I will catch you all up when I can. I'm also having my second ultrasound for my ovarian cyst on Thursday after everyone leaves, so please keep me in your thoughts!

Friday, March 4, 2011

Milspouse friday fill-in

1.Do you or your {spouse} ever wish your {spouse} was in a different branch of the military? submitted by The Turner Family
No, we are a Navy family and proud of it!

2.What duty station(s) are on your “No Way, Hell No, Not Going, Have Fun Unaccompanied” list and why? submitted by Every Branch
Honestly, I don't want to be anywhere other than where we are now. Whats better than Cali? Beautiful weather, beaches, and only 6  hours from back home. I would have enjoyed going somewhere like Germany for our first duty station, but by the time the hubby gets his new orders we will be talking about having babies, and I am going to want to be near family. That being said, I would follow my hubby to the end of the world.

3.If you could be one age forever, what age would you choose and why? submitted by Three Krakens
If you would have asked me a few years ago, I probably would have had a for-sure age. But now I'm not sure... 21 sounds young and fun... but I also want babies, and we don't have plans for that for a few years!

4.If you were a breakfast cereal, which one would you be? submitted by the C.W.
I would have to say cinnamon life. Good-for-you life with a little bit of spice!

5.What is your morning beverage of choice and why? submitted by NH Girl Displayed
Coffee. I have to start my mornings with it.. I'm addicted to caffeine. If I don't have it, I get a headache. Lets not even talk about that certain time of month when caffeine intensifies my cramps, and I'm not allowed to have it.

If you want to join in, head on over to wife of a sailor!

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Show me your rings!

I saw another blogger posting this, and I just had to jump in!
Mrs. Yellow Ribbon is hosting a new weekly link up called "show me your.." and this week is rings!


I had to take a picture right before I posted!



Did you look at rings together?

Yes and no. I think this needs some explaining.. Chris and I had talked about getting married before he left for boot camp, but decided against it since we would only have been together for 7 months. I still hoped he would ask before he left, but I think I confused him and instead he gave me a promise ring, and it just so happened that promise ring was a wedding band. At graduation, he proposed by taking off my ring 'since he hadn't gotten a chance to look at it since it was sized" and then asking with the same ring. We got married in a courthouse a month later, and planned to get my diamond ring when we had our ceremony back home. When the ceremony date got postponed, Chris made a deal with me to get a smaller ring now so I would at least have a diamond on my finger, and one day he will get me my 'dream ring.' So yes- I got to pick out one of my rings! 

Do you like your ring? Did you from the very beginning?...and be honest!
Yes, I love it! I have really small hands so the diamonds are not overpowering. Plus, I couldn't decide whether I wanted a princess cut three-diamond ring or a circle diamond with smaller ones surrounding it, so now I get one and then the other later!

How often do you wear your rings?
All the time. I take it off to wash dishes, shower, and sometimes to cook/bake. I used to take it off at the gym, but I got these awesome gloves that protect my rings and hands (and make me look pretty BA).

Do you clean your rings?
Nooo, but I guess I should. Just every couple months to the jeweler.

What went through your mind the very first time you saw your ring?
Well, when I got my promise ring (wedding ring to be lol), I thought wow! Then I thought... what does this mean? I didn't know if it was a promise ring or if he was using it as an engagement ring!

We did the rings backwards, but I wouldn't have it any other way because now I will always have the ring that he proposed to me with, and I get to upgrade my other one!

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

What I'm loving Wednesday!

I have seen a couple bloggers do this, so I think I'm ready to join in on the fun!



1. I'm loving that I have 12 followers! I go on all these blogs and see people with 300+ followers, and I get so discouraged since I have had my blog for a couple months. Everyone has to start somewhere though!
2. I'm loving pain pills since its that time of the month! Vicodin is the only thing that works, and I am so grateful for it!
3. I'm loving that my hubby just called to say that he was off work and will be on his way home right after PRT!
4. I'm loving that the hubby and I started reading The 5 Love Languages together and are really starting to work on our relationship.

What I'm not loving- the fact that I have to get up and clean the house right now.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Branch competition and overlapping

My hubby just called on his lunch break.
He told me that his division found out today that one of the second classes will be sent to Afghanistan for a year. They find out in an hour who it is.
Thank god my husband is just a measly ole seaman still. When we signed up for this, I thought deployments meant being out to sea. Sure, they can range anywhere between a few days and a year, constantly get extended, and are still dangerous. But that's what I prepared myself for. I didn't prepare myself to send my loved one to Afghanistan. I couldn't imagine only having a few hours notice. I know what it feels like to have a days notice, but again, that was what I had prepared myself for as a navy family.

That leads me to this: If I ever hear one more person say anything about the Navy being the least important of the branches, I may just smack them in the face. No branch is more or less vital than the other. That's why we have the different branches- we need them all.
One of my best friends has a boyfriend who I extremely dislike. I try my best to be civil, because I know what it's like to have to choose between your friends and your man. When Chris and I went back home for Christmas last year, I invited them to our party. Things were alright, until we started talking about the military somehow, and he said something to the extent of, "The Navy doesn't really do anything anyway." I looked right at him and said, "what did you say?" He continued to talk about how the Navy has it easy, and they are never in danger. Seriously? You come into my family's home and tell me that my husband is less of a soldier than someone in another branch? It took all my strength not to snap at him. Instead, I calmly told him reasons why he was foolish. When I started to get angry, I walked away. Alcohol and anger don't mix.

I'm not exactly sure what I said to him that night, but I know it consisted of this:
Oh really? Well did you know..
The Navy is often the first ones deployed during a crisis.
In fact, we know someone who was on the first ship to be called on when 9/11 occurred.
My husband's ship has done things in missions that I am not allowed to tell you.
Army and marines are not the only ones who get sent overseas to Iraq and Afghanistan.. Plenty of sailors get sent there also.

If you don't know what your talking about, don't open your mouth. I will continue to be proud of my husband for serving his country, while you sit at your day job and take for granted that you have the right to say those things.