It's Care Package Season

I honestly get it now... I have figured out why spouses (and their children) go so crazy trying make the perfect care package... think about it... you sit, you wait, you listen when they call, you give words of encouragement and remain calm and strong but aside from that we are helpless to do anything for them... EXCEPT send them a little bit of home.

We are currently preparing our own little piece of home package to be send out soon. The munchkin and I are going shopping for "Daddy supplies" and she is totally psyched! She can't wait to buy him things and send it all in the mail. She has prepared her coloring pages and art work to be send as well and it just warms my heart to known she is gonna make all the difference to her dad. It's the little things ya know?

I never really fell into that whole "military wife" thing. I've always fit into that slot like a square peg in a round hole... you would think I would have been a better fit, growing up an Army Brat but to tell you the truth... I was glad when my dad was done, I just wanted a normal life; where he was home all the time. So this actually makes me feel good, this actually makes me feel a little less awkward and a little more honored to be a military wife. It also feels good to send my hubby some love, just little things to let him know we miss him and are thinking about him.

I can't wait to go out this weekend and get some stuff to fill up the box! I can't wait to decorate the box! The only trouble I'm having is deciding on how to decorate it... Easter theme or our Anniversary theme? They are very close together... or... should I just send separate boxes? LOL! I could really get into this! I have a feeling hubby is gonna need a separate foot locker to get all this crap home again LOL!

What do you send in your care packages? How do you decorate them? Remember... I'm new at this so any advice or suggestions would be awesome!!!

Book Review: Jekel Loves Hyde by: Beth Fantaskey

Jill Jekel has always obeyed her parent's rules especially the one about never opening the mysterious old box in her father's office. But when her dad is murdered and her college savings disappear, she's tempted to peek inside, because the contents just might be a key to winning a lucrative chemistry scholarship.

To better her odds, Jill enlists the help of gorgeous, brooding Tristen Hyde, who has his own dark secrets locked away. As the team of Jekel and Hyde, they recreate experiments based o not only ton the classic novel , hoping not only to win a prize but to save Tristen's sanity. Maybe his life. As things heat up in the lab, though, Jill's accidental taste of a formula unleashes her darkest nature and will compel her to risk everything-even Tristen's love just for the thrill of being...bad.

Not quite what I expected... I was hoping for a little more of the original book to make a bigger impact in this semi-romantic thriller. I also found the lead characters lacking a bit of romance and originality. It was just not that interesting for me, the only thing I found scary about this book was the writing. :(

The big fat wait...

Well its official... I am certain that deployments suck!!!! No matter how far or for how long... no matter how you slice it... they all just suck! I'm not gonna lie... this is probably THE hardest thing I've ever had to go through in my life. It's the hardest thing to say goodbye to someone, and literally live without them for "X" amount of time. *sigh* I'm not complaining... I know "I signed up for this when I married a military man" I get it... it still doesn't make it any easier. There are so many times throughout my day that I just wanna pick up my phone and send him a text message, or I wanna meet him for lunch. As sad as it is... I actually miss cooking for him at the end of the day when he has come home from work. No matter how much I busy myself or try to ignore that giant clock... my day just drags on. And I have such a lonnnnnnng way to go. I honestly believe that anyone who tells you their hubby's deployment has "flown by" is giving you the biggest slice of bullshit ever! LOL! There is just no way... unless your busy (like running around like a chicken with its head cut off) every second of the day... then I can see how "time flys" but for most of us that just can't be true. I have heard from him a few times since he's been gone but I am gonna be honest here and say (because its MY blog, and I am entitled to feel how I want to) its not enough. I don't want the "oh honey, its gonna be ok... he'll be home in no time" from my "friends". I don't want the extra pay, I don't want the extra benefits... I want my damn husband home! I get it... everyone has a turn and this is his... it still sucks. I swear I am NOT complaining... LOL! I am just not used it it... yes, it is my first time... yes, this time is the hardest for me. The only comfort is that it will be the only time I have to get through this. Yup, after this year... we are done. My hubby was never a lifer... we've enjoyed the Air Force life while it has lasted and yes, it's been good for us, but its time for us to move on for bigger and better things. Honestly these days I just can't wait for it! In lighter news... (ha, ha lighter... wait for it... here comes the punch line...) I've lost 6 lbs so far! Skinny jeans, leggins and bikinis here I come... ok maybe not the skinny jeans and leggins, I still don't think I'd ever wear them... not even If I weighed 100 pounds... no I rocked the 80's look once, I do not care to do it again LOL! So yeah, depression diet is well underway and moving along smashingly! Ohhh and my original wedding ring fits again! YAY! I just can't wait for school to be out (8 more weeks) and then we are on VACATION!!! And getting the heck outta dodge! I've got loads of plans for summer... like hanging out on a beach in Florida, going to amusement parks in Orlando and going white water rafting in North Carolina! I hope the next few weeks fly by that's for sure! After that it will be a piece of cake... right?! LOL! Anyway thanks for listening to my gripe and complaints... and since this is my first deployment any kind words of wisdom from you veterans out there would be greatly appreciated! :)

Book Review: Mockingjay By: Suzanne Collins

Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss's family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding.

It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plans- except Katniss.

the success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss's willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future for Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels' mockingjay-no matter what the personal cost.

Wow! I am completely blown away! What a great book this turned out to be; in fact... what a great trilogy! I still can't believe I'm reading a "meant for teen's" book, because it's so much more than just that. The fight for freedom and a world with peace is indescribable within this book. Katniss is one of my amazing characters I think I've ever read about, what a great heroine! I honestly couldn't put it down, then again I was like that with the whole lot of them. Personally I believe these are great tales and will be cherished for years to come by many, I put them right on the same shelf of hype as Harry Potter and Twilight. :)

I'm also a little sad, that I've come to the end... then again, I could just start at the beginning again right?

-- My favorite line of this book?.. "You love me, Real or Not real?"

The boy with the bread will always have my heart :)

What's been going on.

I bet you all thought I forgot about you huh? LOL! Well things have been more crazier around here than ever! I have officially started my "donut of misery". Yes, the dreaded D-Day has come. :(

I have been MIA for a while; so that we could prepare of it and of course, spend as much time together as a family as possible. So pardon my lack of posts... but I guarantee... I will have alot more to write about since, I'll have alot more time on my hands. :)

Before hubby left, we decided to have professional portraits done. We went to portrait innovations here in town and they turned out fabulous!!! In fact, there were sooooo many good shots that I had a hard time choosing between poses. We ended up getting a whole big package, that of course cost a small fortune, but it was well worth the money since they turned out so great.

I've also been redecorating the house a bit, finally adding to my bedroom and actually developing a theme! I've also redecorated the master bathroom as well, were going with a "travel the world" type theme. I've got to admit, its coming along great! I can't wait to get it all done and show pictures!

I'm also in the process of creating the munchkin a "reading nook" of her own. We've been getting in some serious reading time! Not to brag or anything but... she IS in the top few kids of her school's kindergarten AR program! -- Insert super happy mommy here! So I had to ask myself... why not encourage that great work with even more reasons to read... by adding a "reading nook"! I seriously can't wait to get down to Florida this summer so I can head over to Miami and go to Ikea, to raid it and get more fun things to add to her nook! It's gonna be amazing when I'm done ;)

Hope you all have been doing good. I'll post some more soon! :) So for now, enjoy a few of the pics we had done. :)

Isn't she beautiful!!

My two peas in a pod... she looks soooooo much like her daddy :)

Like breakfast at Tiffanys!

Sooo adorable :)

Book Review: Cake on a Hot Tin Roof by: Jacklyn Brady

It's carnival season in New Orleans, and pastry chef Rita Lucero has a lot on her place. Filling orders for king cakes is becoming a royal pain. Her second-in-command at Zydeco Cakes- the bakery she inherited from her ex-husband- is hounding her to write a blog for the bakery's new website. And now Rita is expected to host a Mardi Gras party for hundreds of her ex-husband's closest friends. A surprise visit from her aunt Yolanda and uncle Nestor is almost more than she can handle.

But when local car salesman and minor celebrity Big Daddy Boudreaux turns up dead at Rita's Mardi Gras party after a public fight with her uncle, Rita has no choice but to find room in her busy schedule to prove the killer isn't her Uncle Nestor. And there's a whole parade of suspects- but not much time to find out which one really wanted Big Daddy in a big coffin...

Great follow up to a first in a series! I loved the story and glad to see all my favorite characters are back! I was also pleased to learn a bit more about Rita, where she comes from and who raised her (Uncle Nestor and Aunt Yolanda). I'm also happy to see Rita making a name for herself and picking up the pieces to Zydeco. Miss Frankie is charming as ever of course and I was trilled to see that this one not only takes place down in the Big Easy, but also takes place during Mardi Gras! This book is exciting, fun and keeps you guessing "who did it" the whole time! Bravo Jacklyn Brady!

How about something new to blog about?

So I got to thinking last night... I take a LOT of pictures... on my phone, on my laptop, on my camera(s)... and I was just wondering... how many of you do the same? How would you like something fun to do with them? How about playing a once a week posting meme with them? Like say... "Photo Scrabble". For example... say on Monday I give everyone a word and then you all have the week to find and take a photo example of the word. You can take a picture of anything you want, on any device you want and as many pics as you want to describe the word. You can even add words or tell a story about it if you wanna. Then I will post a "Mr. Linky" for everyone to link up on say Sunday? What do you think? Sound fun? Let me know by commenting what you think... if I get at least a handful of people to join in I'll do it :)

Look... I even made a cute little button :)

MilSpouse Friday Fill-In

1. What is your favorite/most unique anniversary/birthday gift from your spouse? suggested by Bel at Being a Better Me

Hmmm.... there's been quite a few... It's probably silly but he actually made me a HUGE banner for my birthday one year, like with construction paper and glue and glitter and all kinds of craftiness! And if you know my husband, he is a techie not a crafty LOL! It really meant alot to me and I kept it up in the living room for the whole month! Let's see what he comes up with this year... he's got 8 more days to finalize his plans LOL!

2. What’s your first thought when you see it’s snowing (or what would you say if you don’t live somewhere with snow? suggested by Poekitten from Many Waters

My first thought is YAY! Grab the kiddo, grab our coats, gloves and boots and head outside!!! But since we now live in Mississippi and it never snows here (except that first year we moved here, and it was flurries) I don't get to say that... I wish it would in winter, it would be lovely.

3. What’s one thing in the past month you would have changed? suggested by Erika from Chambanachik

Hearing about my dad having a heart attack. My mom called me in the middle of the day on a Tuesday and I just knew something had to be up... she never calls like that, usually because shes working. I just knew even before she called something was wrong, I felt like crap all morning and just really uneasy. My dad drove to the store and was on his way home, when he got really sick and clammy, then the pain in his chest started. He stopped by my moms work and made it through the door and hit the floor and passed out. They all called 911 and he was whisked away by ambulance to the hospital. They found out after he had a heart cath done and some ultrasounds that he had 80% blockage in his left artery and 75% blockage in his right artery, he also had a clot in his leg. They removed the blockages and the clot, and he's find now... it was just really scary and very touch and go. He nearly didn't make it. I have a feeling that if he had gone straight home and not stopped at my moms work he would have died at home, since there would have been no one but him there. :( He had someone looking out for him that day, I just know it. He has taken the doctor's advice pretty seriously and has stopped smoking completely (after 40 years of smoking) and is even eating right and exercising, and for that I am greatful!

4. What was your favorite thing that happened in February?

Hmm... Mardi Gras I supposed was probably a highlight, all the parades and festivities were great. And celebrating another birthday for my mom, I count my lucky stars each year that she has one.

5. What are you looking forward to in March?

Well... there is my birthday to celebrate on the 11th, and the kiddo has her soccer award ceremony on the 17th, but other than that nothing much is going on. :)

Recycled Notebooks Craft

In honor of girl scouts thinking day (which was Feb. 22nd 2012) munchkin and I did a fun little recycle project. We took boxes from foods around the house, like cereal boxes, pizza boxes, fruit snack boxes and even poptart boxes and made notebooks out of them using the boxes as front and back covers! They are so easy to make and the kiddo loves them! She loves the idea that she can write a "story" about her favorite foods on the front LOL! I love that she is writing, being creative and of course recycling!

I know... your probably thinking... when did she turn into such a hippy?! Well, to be truthful a part of me always has been green, I just don't show it as much. I'm not totally extreme like some who only bathe once a week because they want to conserve water, but I try to do my part. We recycle at home for various things, and I also recycle on base with a container called "Greenopolis" they are a small'ish company that has a few containers in bigger cities (and working to make more in other cities) that you can take your recyclable bottles to and they will actually reward you in coupons and movie tickets for recycling! YEAH! That's right... REWARDS for recycling!


So yeah recycling rocks! And the munchkin had loads of fun helping me cut out the cardboard and paper to put in between. I then stapled the tops up to make it "flip" style and walah! Instant notebook! You can make them however you want or even decorate them too! The best part... when they are full and used up, you can always recycle the paper & cardboard again ;)

Oh and speaking of recycling! I picked up THE BEST pair of flip flops I think I've ever owned yesterday! We got our tax refund back (YAY!) and went on our shopping spree for new family spring/summer wardrobes. Among the loads of stuff I bought, I got these awesome Sanuk flip flops from Carnival shoe store. They are insanely comfy! I feel like I am quite literally walking on air... and it's because they are made out of a yoga mat! Yup! Check them out online at www.sanuk.com or you can also find them at shoes.com or zappos.com. I'm telling you... best comfort flip flop ever!!! lol!

Great Scott! It's a Twister!

The munchkin has been off of school since Monday and for the last 3 days she has been hooked on tornado's! It all started Monday afternoon, when we read the Magic Tree House book "A Twister on Tuesday" by Mary Pope Osborne (GREAT books by the way!).

We read the store and afterwards she wanted to know more about tornado's... So I youtubed a few videos for her to watch, and then she wanted to know how they worked, what they are made of, how they are created, where they strike and so on... sooo... 45 minutes and a mom's science crash course and Fujita scale discussion later she wanted to know even more! With a promise to a trip to the library to get even more books about these fascinating storms the next day and watching "Twister" the movie... she was some what satisfied...


I am just ecstatic that she has taken a HUGE step in the interest of meteorology! As a kid... I was some what of a weather nerd myself... I kept a weather journal and as I got older I took measurements and recorded them as well. I'm from Florida so my interest was always into Hurricanes, funny enough, she was born in Oklahoma City... the heart of tornado alley and is really into tornado's!

Yesterday we read more books about tornado's and went over the facts, talk about what we would do if a tornado came near us (she even made an escape plan... which was awesome!) And tried to convince me that we should dig up the back yard to make a "storm shelter". My kiddo is nothing less than thorough and detail oriented... she gets it from her momma... what can I say! She drew a picture of her tornado and we made a "tornado in a bottle" so she could actually see the vortex and feel the spinning. I just love seeing her eyes light up from the knowledge she gains!
I now have tracked down a kids weather lab kit from www.smartlabtoys.com and will be ordering her the "you track it weather kit" in a few weeks. I can't wait to see her face when this comes in the mail! The station comes with a Rain gaug, Anemometer with glow-in-the-dark indicator cup, Compass, Weather vane with thermometer, Weather board with cloud chart and a book about extreme weather. We have also put together a weather journal for her to chart all her meteorology forecasts and predictions! I just love my little nerd!

"Storm Chaser" has now topped her list of "What I want to be when I grow up" LOL!

Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler!

Happy Mardi Gras Everyone! Whether you are in the heart of NOLA or across the nation... Happy Fat Tuesday! Mardi Gras is a HUGE deal down here... I can't stress how big a deal it is or how fun a time it is down here... the kids are out of school (in our district for three days) most people are off of work (my hubby is not though... apparently the Air Force doesn't share the same sense of fun or holiday as the rest of people down here lol) and there are parades and food galore! All in all, its a great time and fun experience... This is our third year celebrating it and enjoying all the fun that comes along with it too. Since the munchkin is off of school this morning we've been watching the NOLA parades on T.V., Baking a king cake, Reading "Mimi's first Mardi Gras" -- her favorite book this time of year, and making masks to play with! I've got Gumbo in the crock pot and I'll be picking up a loaf of fresh french bread for dinner tonight! I might not have been born Cajun but I am learning to how to be one! :)

Apparently its so good it'll make you like your fingers ;)

Munchkins cool Mardi Gras mask we made together... she decorated, I hot glued... :)

Book Review: A Shore Thing By: Nicole Polizzi

It's a summer to remember at the Jersey Shore! Giovanna "Gia" Spumanti and her cousin Isabella "Bella" Rizzoli are soaking up all that Seaside Heights, New Jersey, has to offer: hot guidos, cool clubs, fried Oreos, and lots of tequila. So far, the summer is on fire. Between nearly burning down their rented bungalow, inventing the popular "tan-tags" at the Tantastic Salon where she works, and rescuing a shark on the beach, Gia's a local celebrity. Bella meanwhile, has one goal in mind: hooking up with a sexy gorilla for a no-strings attached summer fling.

In no time, the cousins are scooped up by a couple of superhot guys, but they soon realize that for every friend they make on the boardwalk, there are also rivals, slummers, and frenemies who will do anything to ruin their summer-and try their relationship. Before July ends, the bonds of family and friendship will be stretched to the breaking point. Will the haters prevail, or will Gia and Bella find love at the Shore?

CAAAAABS HERE! If you love watching Jersey Shore then your gonna love reading this "fresh to death" book! It's officially summer time and Gia and her cousin Bella hit the shore hard in this fist pumping, pouf loving tale of two hilarious girls with "guidette problems"! Sun, fun, a drink in hand and gorillas on the beach...what more could a Jersey girl ask for? The book was a funny, easy read and I enjoyed all the little Shore anecdotes throughout the book. I even want to try to make a "snookie sandwich" (Neutella and Peanut Butter between two chocolate chip cookies, then deep fried) It's what Gia orders for herself on the boardwalk while out on her hot date with a guido that sounds a awful lot like a "situation" (if you know what I mean...). It's no Jane Austen novel, but it sure is a cute and entertaining read while hanging out on the beach this summer.

Catching Up!

Hi everyone! Sorry I've been a little MIA for a week or two... we've been so busy around here lately! Between soccer practices, games, girl scout meetings, girl scout cookie selling, Mardi Gras parades, valentines day parties, kindergarten programs and planting trees! Whew! Like I said... CRAAAAAAAAZY! Hope you all are doing well, I've got a few craft and painting projects up my sleeve so stay tuned! In the mean time... enjoy the photos from what's been going on :)

Munchkin's new soccer pics from this year (taken by yours truly) She's on team Fire this year!
Fire it up! Fire it up! Fire it up! Were on FIRE! Were team F-I-R-E!
(yup, that's their team chant) :) Isn't she adorable?!

Yup, that's a GIANT baby's pacifier! LOL!
She caught that huge thing off a float that was going down the street!

My awesome hubby caught me a Mardi Gras rose! So sweet! :)

And my king of Mardi Gras... My bubbas baby ACE :)

The kiddo, all ready for valentines day at school and wearing her home made shirt
(also made by me) I saw the idea on pinterest.com (my new obsession) :)

YAY! Planting trees in the back yard on Arbor day! :D

She's a natural I tell ya! :)

Book Review: The Berlin Boxing Club By: Robert Sharenow

Fourteen-year-old Karl Stern has never thought of himself as a Jew. But to the bullies at his school in the Nazi-era Berlin, it doesn't matter that Karl has never set foot in a synagogue or that his family doesn't practice religion. Demoralized by relentless attacks on a heritage he doesn't accept as his own, Karl longs to prove his worth to everyone around him.

So when Max Schmeling, champion boxer and German national hero, makes a deal with Karl's father to give Karl boxing lessons, Karl sees it as the perfect chance to reinvent himself. A skilled cartoonist, Karl has never had an interest in boxing, but as Max becomes the mentor Karl never had, Karl soon finds both his boxing skills and his art flourishing.

But when Nazi violence against the Jews escalates, Karl must take on a new role: protector of his family. Karl longs to ask his new mentor for help, but with Max's fame growing, he is forced to associate with Hitler and other Nazi elites, leaving Karl to wonder where his hero's sympathies truly lie. Can Karl balance his dreams of boxing greatness with his obligations to keep his family out of harm's way?

If there is two things Karl Stern loves its; boxing and comics! The book is a great coming of age tale, that tells the story of Karl Stern, a Jewish teenage boy growing up in Nazi Germany during the 1930's. With a country that is on the brink of war and terror aimed at the Jews in Berlin, Karl starts to take boxing lessons from the famous heavyweight champ Max Schmeling. He soon learns however that the fight within and the fight for freedom is worth so much more than any fight he could ever win in the ring. The book was both thrilling and humorous, and it even had some funny comics "drawn" by Karl in the book as well. All in all, I liked it very much!