BLESSED Army Wife and Mama

Hello, all! Today I've decided to link up with From Mrs. To Mama for Women Connect '12. It's been a while since I've done this kind of get-to-know-you link up, so I thought I'd go for it! :)



So, hi. I'm Sarah and this is my slice of the internet! Who am I? Christian. Army wife. Mama. Redhead. Silly. Chocolate lover. Klutzy. A tad absent-minded. {Seriously. I put my phone in the desk drawer last week and it was lost for hours.} Head-over-heels in love with my husband and baby girl.

This is the place where I talk about me - my life as an Army wife and a SAHM. We are currently living in Hawaii, but soon we will PCS (move, for you non-military folks) to Georgia! We are beyond excited! Hawaii's been nice {for the most part} but we miss the mainland, the South, family and friends! {And not needing to buy plane tickets to visit family!} I'll be honest... I talk about my baby girl a lot. And breastfeeding. And babywearing. And BabyWise. The Army comes up quite a bit, as they pretty much control our lives. I talk about God, because He's the one who's really in control and He's blessed me far more than I deserve. I talk about food, TV shows, sewing, Pinterest, and, um...a lot of other things.

A little background...

In June 2008, I married my sweet hubby, Joe. We had both just graduated from college, where we met, and were excited to start our new life together in NC.

This is us on our honeymoon. Can you say baby faces?!

Less than a year later, life {and the economy} threw us a curve ball and Joe enlisted in the Army. Being separated for the first time with little contact through basic training was difficult. {I should've recognized that it we basic training for me too - husband gone, short, infrequent phone calls...} Then we got through 2 months of AIT before I moved down to GA to be with him. And then the Army threw us a curve ball. Also known as orders. To Hawaii.

Taken just a few days after we arrived in Hawaii.

Just when we thought things were settling down, Joe got deployment orders. We had a mere 2 months of "normal" before he deployed to Iraq in June 2010. It was a painful, painful time for me. We'd been apart for the better part of a year and now he was being shipped off to the desert...for another year. 

Deployment Day.

Also...not the best time for picture-taking.

I really have no idea how I made it through that year. Actually...I do. The number 1 reason is God. His provision, His guidance, His love, and His kindness. It was hard, but He was with me through it all. He provided me with a volunteer position at the museum on post. He provided me with some great milspouse friends {namely Mrs. C, Chantal, Annie, and Miranda}. He provided me with a best friend who, though she couldn't understand what I was going through, was always there for me. He provided me with a great church. And somehow I made it through to the sweetest, sweetest part:

Homecoming.

Something I struggled with a lot during Joe's deployment was baby fever. I don't really know what else to call it. =P I wasn't suffering from infertility or anything like that, but my heart craved a baby. The thought of having a baby consumed my thoughts, my heart, and my soul on some days. There were times when I logged on FB and cried because of pregnancy or birth announcements. I was eager to be the one sharing that news. But as all God's children know....His timing is always perfect.

Less than 2 months after Joe came home from Iraq, we found out I was pregnant.

August 5, 2012.

Despite the sickness, aches, pains and stretch marks that come with pregnancy, I loved every minute of it. Feeling my sweet little baby move around, kick, punch and hiccup was the best thing in the world. The "morning" sickness was the worst thing in the world. Am I right?! =)

It's hard to believe that almost 8 months ago we welcomed our sweet Charlotte into the world...

Now, this crazy little bean is trying to crawl and pull up! She's sitting on her own, eating solids, tossing her toys all over the place, saying "dada" and "mama." Oh, it's so hard to believe!!!

Where's my tiny 5.5 pound baby? Who is this crazy, squealing, giggling, semi-crawling baby?! Does anyone else feel that way about their babies? ;-) Just kidding. I know it's not just me! 

Promotion Ceremony, August 2012.

So now that you know a little bit about me, feel free to introduce yourself!!! Leave a comment (be sure your reply-to email is set!), send me an email, follow me on Twitter....you name it!

Thanks for stopping by!

Aloha!

Blogger 411

Today I'm linking up with From Mrs. to Mama for some Blogger 411! I've gotten a bunch of new followers within the last year or so, and I figured it's probably time for a little get-to-know-you sesh. Because I'm not very good at coming up with questions like this, I've borrowed some that she provided. Enjoy!

How long have you been blogging? And what got you started blogging? Has your blog changed?


I've been blogging for almost 3 years! Seems weird that it's been that long. I started blogging when Joe was in basic and I was lonely. It gave me an outlet, especially because no one was reading it. =P My blog has definitely changed over the last 3 years. We went from basic, to AIT, to Hawaii, went through a deployment in the first 2 years and then I got pregnant. As all mommies know, things change when babies come into the picture. And since I got pregnant, this blog has been more baby talk than Army talk. And really, isn't baby talk more fun anyway? The Army can be such a downer sometimes. ;-)

Did you go to college? If so, where and what did you study?


Yes, indeedy, I did! I went to the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, which I'm sure NONE of you have heard of {unless you know me in real life or have lived there}.

{via}

I studied History with Teacher Licensure, which basically means I have a license to teach History/Social Studies in grades 7-12.

What are your 3 biggest pet peeves?


1. Improper use of grammar. {i.e. your instead of you're or there instead of their} It's worse if I can actually see it on paper/online.
2. Smacking or chewing with mouth open. {Insert scream here.} There were many days I left the room while my dad ate cereal for breakfast. The slurping and smacking were that bad. ::shudder::
3. People who drive huge trucks/SUVs but can't park them.

What is your favorite movie?


Truthfully, I have a lot of "favorite" movies. But the one that I can watch over and over and over and over again without getting tired of is The Holiday. I can't even begin to tell you how much I love that movie! I have watched it so many times that Joe won't watch it with me anymore. I don't even ask because I know he'll say no. =P

What is your drink of choice: wine, beer or liquor? Or water, soda, tea?


Since I got pregnant last year, I'm completely alcohol-free {not that it was ever really an issue, lol}. Even before that, my drink of choice was usually sweet tea. I drink it all the time. What can I say? I'm a Southern girl! =)

If you could have a $10,000 shopping spree to one store, which store would it be?


Probably Target. =P I don't know, I can't really think of anywhere else I'd spend $10,000! You can get everything at Target and it's always cute! Clothes, housewares, shoes... Yeah. I heart Target.

Picture from high school or college.


Bonus! I'll give you a picture of both! Although I pretty much look the same. =P

Senior year of high school.

This photo {one of the few I've scanned from HS} was taken for the local paper, if I remember correctly. 

We were the only seniors in marching band that year.

Sidenote: I grew up in a small town. My graduating class was 37 people. 3 of us were in band. =P

Junior year of college.

I don't remember why, but we decided we needed to take photos of us on campus one day. =)

This picture was taken below the bell tower, which you can see in the picture I posted above.

If you could travel ANYWHERE in the world, all expenses paid, where would you go?

I don't know if I could pick just one place!! But at the top of the list are: England, Italy, and Germany. England because I was born there and would love to see my birthplace. The other two are for purely historical reasons. =) 

Current picture of you or you and your family.

Not the best picture, but it is the most current of all 3 of us!

Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

Hopefully somewhere on the East Coast - ideally in NC. =) I'd like to have at least one more kiddo by then, if not 2. Since Charlotte will be about 5 (I just about had a heart attack just thinking about that!), we'll probably be knee-deep in homeschooling and having fun. Joe's hoping to be out of the Army by then (doing what he really loves) but until that actually happens we'll most likely be wherever the Army sends us!

I hope you enjoyed this little getting-to-know-you post. I enjoyed writing it! It's fun to do every once in a while. If you're new here, please say hi, introduce yourself and poke around my blog a bit. If you're not new, I hope you learned a little somethin' about me that you didn't know before. And if you've just been lurking for a while, now's a good opportunity for you to say hello!

Getting to Know You

It's Sunday, so that means another "episode" of getting to know you with MannLand5! =)

Here are this week's questions:

1. What inspires you?
Hm. My hubby, books, God...

2. What was the last thing you bought yourself?
Well, I bought some fabric from Etsy last night so that I can make myself a makeup bag. I guess that counts. =)

3. Would you rather watch a movie in a theater or from the comfort of your own home?
I think it kind of depends. I really like being able to chill out in my own home and eat whatever I want (not to mention being able to pause!), but there's also something nice about going to the theater.

4. Household chore you don't mind doing?
Hum. At this point in deployment, I'm not sure there's one left! But, I guess vacuuming and dusting are the lesser of the many household chore evils. =)

5. Coffee or tea?
Well, I drink a lot of sweet tea, so I guess I have to say tea. I do like to drink coffee, but since I don't need it to wake up in the mornings I don't drink it that much anymore. I do go on the occasional Starbucks run though! 


6. What could you eat every day and not get sick of?
Gosh, I don't know. However, I have been eating Cinnamon Burst Cheerios every day for the past couple of weeks... So let's go with that. 


7. What's the last book you read?
Currently, I'm reading Harry Potter: Prisoner of Azkaban. I finished The Chamber of Secrets along with Deep in the Heart of Trouble by Deanne Gist last week while I was sick. I did a lot of reading last week because I didn't feel like doing much else. The last book (by Gist) is a historical fiction/romance novel. I've read three of her books (possibly four) so far. She really does her research about the city and people she writes about. As a historian and lover of romance novels, I think she does an excellent job! And, you really just can't go wrong with Harry Potter. =)


8. Do you think you "look" your age?
I'm gonna say no. I know that I have a baby face and most people think I'm barely even 20. I go back and forth between hating it and loving it. A couple months ago someone told me I looked like 22 or something. Close enough for me!! I know I will love having a baby face in about 15-20 years, but sometimes it's pretty frustrating. About 2 years ago, I went to WalMart in NC and bought some NyQuil. The lady at the checkout looked at me and said, "You're over 18, right?" I just thought, Um yeah, for about 5 years now, thanks. Le sigh.

❊❊❊

Did you guys watch the Army Wives episode tonight?! Wow. I cried through the entire episode. I thought it wasn't going to be too bad, but...no. Of course, watching it with a deployed husband is probably a bit more difficult. Lucky for me, I finally got an email from Joe after it went off. That made me feel so much better. =)

In other news, I have a big surprise for you tomorrow!!! Be on the lookout for something awesome!! ;-)

Hope y'all had a great weekend!

Getting to Know You

I was super excited when Keely over at MannLand5 decided to bring this back!! I kinda missed it. =)

So, here's this week's questions!

1. if you won the title of miss america, what would your platform be?

Ha. Well, probably not world peace. It's soooo overdone. Probably something like education reform, considering I was going to be a teacher once upon a time.

2. outdoorsy or indoorsy?

I like to think I'm a little bit of both. Ok, that's a lie. I'm definitely a little bit of both. I like to be inside reading, watching TV or doing some craft. But I've also been camping, I like to do the ATV thing (and did a lot when I lived at home), take a walk in the woods, I've hiked before...I like to shoot guns on occasion... Are you satisfied yet? =P

3. pajama's out in public..classy or tres tacky?

Tacky. There is absolutely nothing classy about wearing bed clothes in public. Even sweat pants are questionable in my book. {Note: This is from the girl who doesn't go to the shopette without mascara.}

4. what's your favorite room in your house?

Um... I don't really know. I spend most of my time in the living room, but I think our bedroom is the most relaxing place in the house. Does that count?

5. nook, kindle, or book?

Nook! Although, I do still read normal books. =) But I don't have to lug around a whole bunch of books with my handy-dandy Nook. It travels with me on the plane, to doctor's offices and we spend many a night cuddled up in bed together. Shhh. Don't tell my husband. ;-)

6. would you rather wear the same outfit for a week or not brush your teeth for a week?

Ew! Umm... Either way it's kinda bad... I think I'd choose not to brush my teeth. At least you can chew gum and pop mints! I figure the same outfit would be getting pretty smelly and there's not much you could do about that.

7. what's your favorite blog at the moment?

Hum. I'm not sure I really have one. But, I have frequented Homemade by Jill a lot lately because I've been making baby shower gifts. 

8. lately i've been daydreaming about.........?

My hubby. =) Having him home again... Talking, laughing, watching movies on the couch... You know, the normal things. I just miss us...just being silly...hanging out - the simple things.

circa 2007

Lucky for me, the donut is looking a little bit better...

Hope you had a fantabulous weekend! =)

Tag, You're It!

It looks like I've been tagged by Flip Flops and Combat Boots do answer some questions! I guess this will serve as the usual get to know you Sunday post. =) The idea of this game is to answer the questions of the person who tagged you and then come up with your own and tag other people. Make sense? Ok, good. Here goes!

The questions from Flip Flops and Combat Boots:

1. What is your favorite no-frills meal?
Hm. Well, lately a lot of my meals are no-frills. My favorites of the moment are: Campbell's Broccoli and Cheese Soup, Mac & Cheese, and Macaroni Grill's Alfredo {the box kind. No Macaroni Grill on the island.}

2. What is your favorite picture? Post it!
Hm, well, this is a tough one!! I'm going to narrow it down to favorite picture of me and Joe. My favorite is a candid picture of us at our wedding. I don't know why I love it so much, but I do!

Oh, and I really love this one from our wedding too. =) {I got a little carried away while I was searching for my favorite one. Hehehe.}

Quick kiss before the reception. =)

3. Do you prefer flip flops, boots, sneakers or heels?
Flip flops. Seriously. Even before I lived in Hawaii I owned a ton of them. Now I just have a really good reason/opportunity to wear them all the time. =D

4. Where is your favorite place to vacation?
Since I've only been on a few real vacations in my life, I have to go with Sunset Beach, NC. Joe and I are hoping to do some real vacationing of our own when he gets back, so maybe this answer will change.

5. Do you sleep on your back, side or stomach?
Well, last night I slept on all 3. =) But, I usually can't fall asleep unless I'm on my stomach. I toss a lot so sometimes I sleep on my side. Occasionally I'll wake up on my back, but that's pretty rare.

6. Do you own any television series box sets.
Why, yes. Yes, I do. =) We have Smallville and Grey's Anatomy. I'm working on getting Army Wives, and Joe is starting a collection of his own in the sandbox.

7. Do you have any hidden talents?
Ummm, I guess? I can sing fairly well, but haven't sung onstage since I was in college. Does that count? Not sure how "hidden" singing is. =P

8. Who is your best friend?
Joe, of course! I tell him pretty much everything and we have the best time together.

Alright, now for my questions:

1. What is your favorite sport? What's your favorite team in that sport?
2. What's your favorite color to wear?
3. What do you spend most of your free time doing?
4. If you could spend one hour with one person - past or present - who would it be and why?
5. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you "grew up?"
6. What is one place that you've always wanted to visit but haven't been able to yet?
7. Name one movie you could watch over and over and over again and never get tired of.
8. What does your dream house look like? You can post a picture or "paint" a picture with words. =)

I'm tagging...

Mrs. G.I. Joe @ ACU's, Stiletto Shoes and Pretty Pink Tutus
JG @ Me and My Soldierman
Goodnight Moon
Amber @ The Survival Guide for the Young, Fabulous and Newlywed
Katie @ Words by Katie
Jessica @ Me, Him and the Army

I'm sure I was supposed to tag more people, but it's so hard to pick! If you got tagged, You're it! It's your turn to copy, paste and answer my questions in a blog post. Just make sure you come up with some of your own questions and pass along the fun!

Happy Sunday!

It's Sunday!

So that means it's a Get to Know You day! =D If you wanna share your questions and read other people's answers head over here and link up:

The Q's:

1. Do you like seafood?

Not really... I only eat fish on RARE occasions.

2. Are mermaids hot?

Um... sure!

3. Have you swam in the ocean?

Yes!

4. If you got stung by a jellyfish, would you let a stranger pee on you?

No stinkin' way! Besides, I've heard that that is not the best cure for a jellyfish sting. 

5. Have you ever pee'd in the ocean?

Nope. Don't think I ever could... Unless it was a serious "emergency" or something. =P

6. Can you make a cute fish face? (Show a pic..if you want)

Yes, I sure can!

{The top one I took today, but the second one is much cuter. Well, I think so anyway. =)}

7. When you see the lobster tank at the grocery store do you just have this overwhelming urge to set them free or cook them up?

Free Willy! It's so sad to see them in the tank, knowing what's going to happen when someone purchases them. Poor little lobsters. =(

8. Are you afraid of sharks?

I've never really seen one in person, but since I'm freaked out by being in the water with huge sea turtles, I'm going to say "yes." 

***

Happy Sunday! Hope y'all are having a good Labor Day weekend!

GTKY Sunday and Random Thoughts

I've noticed that I now have 200 followers!!! Woopee!!! =D For all of you newcomers, thanks for hanging out with me and feel free to check out that "about" button up ^ there. =) Do you think we should celebrate this momentous occasion? Hmmm. I can't decide.

***

This week, I've decided to participate in Get to Know You Sunday again. I've been slacking for quite a while, so I decided today is the day to step back up!!! Head over to MannLand5 to link up!

The Q's:

1. If you accidently knick a car in a parking lot..Do you leave a note or do you get the heck out of there? 

Get the heck outta Dodge!

2. Love your body or plastic surgery?

Hmmmm. I usually say "no" to plastic surgery. But, I'd love a little tummy tuck or something right about now... Or maybe just some lipo. 

3. What about your favorite blog(s) continues to drive you back?

I think it's the people, their stories and their writing styles. Honestly, there are blogs I can't follow - literally can't - because of the way they write. I hate it, but it's true. I'm a stickler for correct spelling (though there are some things that can be excused) and GRAMMAR. I know I'm not always correct when it comes to these things, but if I can read it without stumbling all over myself, you're safe. =)

4. What percent of your blog is BS just to make your life seem more interesting than it really is?

0%. Outside of the Army, my life is completely boring and I'm honest about that. =) Still have no idea why 200 people would continually read about my boring life. =P

5. If you had to give up one type of meat for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Fish. Definitely fish.

6. How often to you eat out?

Hmmm. Maybe 2-3. It depends. Usually I forego the fast food because I don't want to drive through town or beat the crowds. Laziness at its best, folks.

7. Skinny jeans or boot cut jeans?

Ugh, boot cut! There are only certain people with certain body types that can really pull off the skinny jean. I will never be caught dead in skinny jeans.

8. If you caught your spouse cheating would you forgive, divorce, or plan your kill

Haha. If you'd asked me this a few years ago, I would have said "plan the kill." Now that I'm a little older and wiser (ha), I would say "forgive," unless it happened multiple times. God is the God of forgiveness; I should be forgiving too. 

***

Thanks for all of your comments on yesterday's post!!! Definitely a touch subject for all of us, I think. For all of your inquiring minds, I did talk to Joe about it yesterday. We've come to a decision that I'm happy about, but I think I'll keep that one free from blog-land for a while. =) Your comments [and advice] were very much appreciated. It's nice to know I'm not alone in situations like that. It's hard to know what to do, but it's nice when you know other people who have gone/are going through the same thing. So, thank you!!!

***

While we're sort of on the hubby topic, I wanna share this little gem with you. Joe got on FB chat earlier, and this is how we started off our little chat session. =)

FB chat brings out the best in us, don't you think? ;-)

***

I got a call from my "boss" today - the owner of the tutoring place I will be working for. Apparently, the student he had in mind for me to tutor is getting help from her school. I think they're evaluating her/him (I can't remember now. *sigh*) for an IEP and other things, so I suppose that's really for the best. I'm a little bummed, no doubt about it, but I guess it's not such a bad thing. It means that - for now - I can keep things up at the museum and still have time to spend with friends. That's definitely a good thing. Like I said before, I'm not even 100% sure that I want a job. So, if nothing pans out in the near future it won't be a bad thing. We'll see, I guess. 

What's even more interesting is that last night as I was praying, I asked that God would show me whether he wanted me to "be still" and wait for Him or to get up and do something. This is where it gets interesting. A girl I went to high school with just recently got introduced to the Army. Her husband enlisted and went off to BCT at Ft. Knox. He's now in AIT. That's not the point, though. =P We've been talking a lot more lately, and she mentioned something on FB about a new job, etc. I commented and we talked back and forth for a minute.  Then she shared this verse with me: "Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth," Psalm 46:10. Can you say, "Wow?" I was totally blown away. This girl - who 1) I barely talked to in high school and 2) had no idea I even prayed about that - thought to share this verse with me?! It could only be God! So, that was my awesome moment for the day. I love it when God blows me away like that. I shared that with her and she said it gave her chills. We serve an awesome God!!!

***

Ok, I have to share this little funny with you for today. I'm sitting here at the desk, typing away while my little Jasper is hopping up on my legs with different toys, trying to get me to play with him. This is his usual MO. I've decided that he doesn't like the computer. Anyway. I'm sitting here, ignoring his plea for playtime....when he farts. Now, his farts are more like little squeaks, but that doesn't mean they don't smell. He farted, toy-in-mouth, drops the toy, looks at his butt (trying to figure out what happened, maybe?) and then proceeds to run around the living room chasing his tail. 2 minutes later, he did it again!!!! I've been sitting here laughing my butt off for a good 5 minutes. Where is the video camera when you need it?! =P

Get To Know You Sunday

 The questions..

1. While at the beach, pool, etc..Do you cover up your assets or show them off?
I cover it up! I will say that I didn't always... I mean, I was a teenage girl at one point and boy did I love the attention. Now? Notsomuch. =)

2. Road trips or Plane trips?
Road trips!!!!! I absolutely hate flying. I only hate it because it makes me nauseous, though. I'd much rather be in a car for an entire day and chill than be sick on a plane for an hour or two.

3. I can't stand it when...?
People don't use their blinkers!!! Especially when they're changing lanes and effectively cutting me off. It ticks me off more than anything! I mean, how hard is it to turn your blinker on!? Uh, not that hard. Seriously people.

4. Have you ever gone topless at the beach?
Um, NO. Never have and never will. My hubby is the only one that gets to see that pretty picture.

5. How many blog carnivals do you do a week?
Ummm usually just one.

6. My favorite thing about the weekend is...?
Sleeping in and being lazy with my hubby. =( No more being lazy with the hubby on the weekends though... He's leaving way too soon.

7. Pancakes or waffles?
Pancakes. I do like waffles, but there's just something about pancakes...

8. Water Park or Amusement Park?
 Definitely water park. I totally prefer water parks and rides to roller coasters. I'm a wussy. =)

And, for the record, it is still Sunday in Hawaii so this totally counts!

Hope everyone had a good Father's Day!

Get To Know You Sunday

It's Sunday - your favorite time of the week! Right? Right?! ;-)

1. If you could have one of Superman's, powers which one would you want? Superhuman strength..Flight..Superhuman speed..X-Ray vision..etc

Just one? Then, I'm gonna go with speed. I'm forever running late like good 'ole Clark Kent. Speaking of...I need to watch some more Smallville!

2. The best thing I ever won is....?

My Coach bag. =) Thank you, Mary Kay!


3. Have you ever skyped with a bloggy friend?

Yes and no. Yes because Melissa is technically my bloggy friend, but I also know her in real life...so no. I'm hoping to Skype with Mrs. S soon! =D

4. What is your favorite Summer month?

I have to say July 'cause it's my birthday month, and who doesn't like their birthday month [unless it's December or early January]?

5. Pool, Lake, or Ocean?

Uh, all of the above? I like the pool because I'm not a good enough swimmer to swim for very long in the ocean. I like the lake because of memories. I like the ocean because I love going to the beach and relaxing. There's nothing like watching the waves roll in.

6. One of my favorite Summer memories is.....?

Definitely my honeymoon. =) We drove from Western AR all the way to Sunset Beach, NC. Best road trip ever with a really great destination.

7. What's your favorite secret bargain?
 

Um? I don't usually keep bargains a secret... but I will say that every. single. piece of furniture that is in our house [excuse me WILL BE in our house] was given to us. Courtesy of my parents, family friends, and Joe's grandparents. We got incredibly lucky.

8. Do you plan on or have you been watching the World Cup?

Ha. No. I wouldn't even know what the World Cup was if not for the news and everyone on facebook talking about it. I don't get soccer. 

Head over to MannLand5 so I can get to know you too!

***

We tried another new church today. It did not go well. I don't know if it's just the church culture around here that feels so new and awkward or if it's me. I know part of it is that I was completely spoiled by our home church in NC and the church we went to in Augusta because of their resources (mainly worship music related resources). The 3 churches we've visited here just seem so...outdated. Yeah, now I totally sound like a spoiled brat. *sigh* A big part of church for me is worship music. It wasn't until we found our church in NC that I was introduced to a world of contemporary worship...and it captivated me. So now when I don't have that experience I feel cheated. I told Joe this morning that I felt like I was having flashbacks to the late 90s and early 2000s because of the music they were signing. It's not bad and it certainly still has its place and purpose, but it left me wanting something deeper. Am I making sense? Probably not. Next week, we're going to visit a baptist church in Kapolei. [Joe and I were both raised baptist, but we really try not to claim denominations because - for some reason - baptists seem to have a bad rep.] I've now had 3 people tell me we should visit and after this morning, I'm more than willing to go even though it's going to be a bit of a drive for us. At this point, I'm just eager to find the church where God wants us and where I can connect!

***

Thanks for all the dessert suggestions!! Y'all really got my brain working! I think I've decided on making Rice Krispie treats. Sweet, gooey, yummy...totally picnic-worthy. Now, what to wear...? I've already talked hubby into getting me some super-cute sandals and he seems to be ok with getting an outfit [or 2 or 3 ;-)]...  

Happy Sunday! 

Get To Know You Sunday

 It's that time again! Head over to MannLand5 and link up so I can get to you know you, too!

 

The questions...

1. If a person has a booger in their nose. and you can see it, do you tell them?
It depends on how well I know the person. One of my close friends, my husband, or family members: yes. If it's someone I don't know...probably not. Lol!

2. What are you passionate about?
Wow. This is a toughie! I'd love to say that I'm passionate about my faith, and my dedication to a Christ-like life...but I'm not perfect. It's just so hard and lately I've been feeling very disconnected. And - I'll be honest here - it's probably my fault for not keeping up the Bible study and prayer like I should. Part of it is laziness and the other part is that trying to find a new church to connect to is really, really hard. Other things I suppose I'm passionate about: my hubby, scrapbooking, reading, spending time with family, and spoiling my niece. =)
3. How long have you been blogging?
One year in September. Guess I'm still kind of a newbie. =)

4. What is your favorite "summer" drink?
Hmm. I don't think I have one! Most people southerners would probably say sweet tea. But, I drink that all the time. I'd say a margarita, but I drink those in the winter too.

5. What is your favorite type of music?
Wow, these are really hard today! I listen to all kinds of music. If I'm in the car, most likely I'll be listening to Christian music. I like to stay as plugged-in to the Word as possible (even if my prayer life isn't what it should be). I love country music. I grew up on it, sue me. I like pop, but I'm not a big fan of rap...mainly because their lyrics are way too suggestive. Some of my favorites: Casting Crowns, MercyMe, Hillsong, Jared Anderson, Chris Rice, Flyleaf, Relient K, Kutless, Leeland, Brandon Heath, Matthew West, Need to Breathe, Sanctus Real.... Rascal Flatts (I'd die to see them in concert!), Taylor Swift (love her), Garth Brooks, Reba, Brooks and Dunn (so sad they broke up!), Lonestar, Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood... I'm gonna stop here because this could go on forever!

6. Something I do before I go to bed is......?
Lotion up! I once read that your skin loses most of its moisture at night, so I always put lotion on before bed. Joe calls it "lotionizing," lol!

7. My Summer vacation plans are...?
Non-existent? I live in Hawaii. But, my bestie is coming to visit me for a week in July. That probably counts as a vacation. =)

8. My favorite must have, can't live without, beauty product is?
 Um, everything Mary Kay! Although, I will say that I ran out of the Oil Free Eye Makeup Remover [because I didn't realize our HHG would take so long to get here] and I'm dying without it! My wonderful SIL is sending me some to last me until our HHG get here. =)

I promise I'll be back later with pictures from our LOST tour yesterday... =)

Spring Has Sprung!

And today is April Fool's Day. I am one of the most gullible people ever and to top it off, I'm a really bad liar. So, this day means little to me other than the fact that I can't trust anyone.

So, we will not be talking April Fool's today. =) We're going to be talking new followers and getting to know each other. How's that sound? Well, I've noticed over the last few days that I've gained several new followers and I'm totally excited! I *heart* new followers, if you couldn't tell already. So whaddya say we get to know one another?

1 - Why did you start blogging?
I started blogging for several reasons: 1) A friend at work joked that I should write a book about my time away from Joe. 2) I seriously needed an outlet and I like to write/journal. 3) I thought it would be a good way to get to know other military wives.

2 - Who's the one blog friend that you would want to meet most in "real life"?
Hmm, I'm going to say Mrs. C from Crispin Chronicles. She and her hubby are stationed in Hawaii too and they've been a big help to us already! I can't wait to meet her!

3 - Why are you always concerned with losing that "extra 10 pounds" when chances are your husband/boyfriend/friends tell you that you look just fine the way you are?
Because I don't feel like myself with this extra weight. He says I look good, and maybe I do, but I don't feel like me.

4 - What's the one thing you wish guys could understand about you?
Actually, my hubby totally understands me. Sometimes he gets me better than I do. =)

5 - Tattoos. How many do you have and how many are visible when you wear your "everyday" clothes?
I have one tattoo that is visible unless I wear long sleeves. =) It's a small cross on my left wrist. I love it. I thought it would take forever to get used to, but I'm loving it.

6 - What was the best year of your life and why?
I'm gonna say 2008 because I married my best friend that year. =)

7 - Name three things you would do if you were a man for one day.
Move furniture, walk around without a shirt on...do lots of push ups..?

8 - What's your alcoholic drink of choice that usually raises a few eyebrows?
I *heart* margaritas, but I doubt that's an eyebrow raiser. I do take a shot of tequila every now and then though....does that count?

Ok, so now it's your turn! I'm totally stealing this from JG at Me and My SoldierMan, but I like what she came up with. =) So, in a comment, please answer these questions so I can get to know you and you can get to know each other!

1) link to your blog :)
2) Describe your favorite color in three words
3) Name 1 thing you miss about being a kid
4) What is your hidden talent?
5) If you HAD to change your name, what would you change it to?
6) What was your worst fashion decision ever?
7) Just for my own information: why did you start following my blog, or, if you've done a blog purge recently, why are you still following?

Oh, and just for your viewing [and giveaway] pleasure, Christen over at Creating Little Pieces of Happiness is having a giveaway! So head on over there, check it out and give her some love!

Here are the goodies she's giving away:

Happy Thursday! The weekend is just around the corner!