Where did 2011 go?!

2011 seemed like one of those terrible-wonderful years, that felt really long but now that it has come to an end I can't figure out how it flew by so quickly...

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JANUARY
I posted about TOMS Shoes... that post is still the #1 visited post overall on my blog. I had to call the cops over a domestic dispute. I had to give away my babies... We experienced many PCS woes and trials.

FEBRUARY
TMO came and went and I moved home for a month and a half while my husband attended a school.  I wrote about TOMS Shoes again, it is my #2 most visited post overall. We celebrated Valentine's day apart. Finally, I threw a really fun bridal shower for my best friend!

MARCH
I participated in a a wedding ring link-up which became my #3 most visited post overall! I expressed my distaste with the entertainment industry, talked about my words, went to California then back to the east coast, and finally sold my car.

APRIL
I was delighted that we got to spend a whirlwind day in NYC & New Jersey before PCSing... especially visiting Carlo's Bakery! I filled out the milSpouse survey, told you in detail about our CRAZY 24hr PCS adventure, then about my first week in Hawaii, and introduced my first "skinnie secret."

MAY
Osama Bin Laden was killed and I wrote my feelings down about the subject. We went to the Spam Jam, I whined about finding a house, shared the 100 Work-out and talked about stretched out pony-tails (I did find ones that work, it will be on my to-post list!), and discussed the hotel life.

JUNE
I shared about the Memorial Day Color Guard Services and my not knowing TAPS had words. We moved into the apartment from hell (we didn't know it at the time) and went without internet for almost 2wks. I did manage to get a guest post to Allie. Then we found out it was the apartment from hell... I answered your questions. The toilet broke, my spirit broke, I ended up in the ER.

JULY
This month was not a truly happy month for me... but it is part of my life, part of my story, my journey. I shared about our 4th of July and told about the Dr.'s advice. I participated in my first and last all dressed up. We went to the State Fair, Hiked Diamond Head, and visited Sea Life Park. I wrote another guest post and I shared my 2nd "skinnie secret." Our living situation wasn't getting any better and the Doctor's couldn't figure out what was wrong with me, 3-5 nights a week I would become so sick I couldn't sleep or eat.

AUGUST
We went to the PCC despite me being sick. I got to meet-up with my first blogger! I finally shared with you all about my panic attacks.

SEPTEMBER
Between my health issues, the apartment issues, and the (then) upcoming deployment... moving on base was a blessing. I ran huge giveaway celebrating my 25th birthday! We went on a CREDO Marriage Enrichment Retreat.

OCTOBER
I got a job and volunteered for the base haunted house. My parents came to visit, it was wonderful having them around.

NOVEMBER
My anxiety issues snuck out once again, so not fun. I attended the Joint Spouses Conference and the 236th Marine Corps Ball. We celebrated Thankmus and I discussed rental homes.

DECEMBER
My husband deployed, I traveled home and forgot a lot of things in the process, and tried not to feel sorry for myself at Christmas.

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It's been a year of ups and downs... too many changes to count... tons of travel... and a lot of time at the doctors office with not as many answers as we'd like. I feel like I am getting better and then all of a sudden I'll have a panic attack in the middle of the night out of nowhere. I miss my husband terribly and he won't be back until well into this coming year, it's going to take a lot for me to hold everything together while trying to "fix" myself as far as my stress/anxiety levels go. But... 2012 is here now, there will be good and bad days and I'll do my best to focus on the positives!

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

Joshua 1:9

This Christmas

This Christmas will be... a very special Christmas indeed... why? Because.

Yes, just because. My husband may not be here, but it f I were to focus on that I would miss the entire meaning of Christmas... the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ! Without that there would be no CHRISTmas in the first place. =)

"For unto us a child is born,
   to us a son is given,
   and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
   Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
   Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

~Isaiah 9:6

I happen to have a wonderful family as well... we've been attending lots of Christmas Events...

*I did get to hear my wonderful husband's voice, then it finally allowed skype's video to connect for a short time- what a Christmas blessing!
 

Since he left...

The past weeks have been quite crazy for me... With the exception of the scheduled post "The Goodbye," most of my posts were pretty short/random and almost all of the Monday: Pick-Me-Ups were scheduled due to pre-deployment and after-he-left-insanity. Then, my scheduled ones ran out and you get me just now realizing that there weren't any for the past two Mondays, I apologize! If I've learned anything that I can pass along to other (newer) milSpouses:

Do not under any circumstances think that traveling a mere three days after your husband deploys is a good idea.

It wasn't for me at least... d-day I did nothing but lay on the couch watching netflix movies. The second day I had to get my butt in gear to begin my laundry so I could pack and start cleaning the house before my trip. The day before my flight I was so overwhelmed emotionally with way too much left on my pre-trip "to-do" list that I stayed up into the early morning hours trying to get it all done... then I managed to have a complete breakdown in the waiting area at the airport complete with never-ending tears and a phone call to my dad. I arrived at my parents with no toiletries except deodorant & make-up, I managed to forget all closed-toed shoes except my purple & hot-pink Nikes and my blue TOMS, my books are still on my nightstand at home, and the kitchen counter is holding my dad's favorite Hawaiian treat (Caramacs) until my return. Talk about hot-mess.

Luckily my sister is nice and is letting me share her shampoo, conditioner, body-wash, and toothpaste. I bought a $1 loofah then decided with the cold temperatures (yes, it gets cold in Arizona) and all the rain in the forecast that I needed a pair of boots since my running shoes won't quite cut it for everyday wear or matching the wardrobe, not that I don't love purple & pink... and the TOMS aren't the greatest in the rain.

As for the deployment... my hubby's team got sent to a very remote location and is gone for days at a time. They don't have phones available to them and their internet is very spotty. I've skyped with him once before it froze their internet, tried it again a second time with just the voice, and since then it's just been the text-messenger. It's so weird only being able to essentially "text" with him once every 4-10 days. I am not a fan. My husband's job is why he is where he is, but I am trying so hard not to be jealous of the other wives/my friends in the detachment whose husband's got sent to the nicer sites with full wi-fi... the facebook status updates that say "got to skype with my hubby for 3hrs tonight" make me a little green with envy. It wouldn't be so bad if it were an occasional thing, but they are getting to do this nightly. All I get to see is an "I love you" pop-up in a little window on my computer, usually followed by "I've only got 5min." I apologize though, enough of my pity party... I know others who go months without a word...

I've been staying really busy with family/friends... decorating the Christmas tree, attending a Christmas boat parade, jogging, my sister's college graduation, my mom's women's group white elephant party, walking the dogs, my grandparents coming into town, a girl's night with my best friend, and much more. It's nice being here in a house that is bursting with life and emotions. It makes me weary thinking of my big 'ole empty house that I will return to shortly after the holidays. I feel like emotionally I am doing alright, the hardest thing for me is actually getting to sleep... 1, 2, 3am are becoming a regular "bedtime" and I know this isn't healthy. It partly has to do with the anxiety issue, partly the time zone change, and partly because I am a night owl.

Any bedtime routine advice?

 

The Goodbye

This post has been delayed in order to comply with OPSEC...

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It isn’t the first time she’s said goodbye, it won’t be the last.
It isn’t the first time she’s been alone, but it will be the longest so far.
The prior week was filled with “I love you’s” “Don’t go’s” and “Take me with you’s”
Today it was just “I love you, be safe, and I’ll see you soon.”

As he boarded that bus, that terrible-wonderful white bus, he waved one last goodbye.

He has left before, but never to war. God please keep him safe.

The tears slipped down her cheek as she turned back to her car.

She pulled into the driveway and walked through the front door.

Their home would now be her home. Their bed, hers alone.

She prays for comfort and guidance to navigate the months ahead,

She knows there’s no way she can do this without God, family, and friends.

Sitting down on the couch, tears and soft sobs come and go.

Where will he sleep? What will he eat? Will the locals treat him well?

Will there be a Chaplain there constantly praying for God’s protection all around?

Will I sleep? Is constantly cooking for one hard? Will my friends actually care?

Will I trust that God is on my side or constantly forget that he is there?

When the time is right, she picks herself up.

Opening all the blinds, letting the sunlight in,

She utters a wavering whisper- “I can do this,”

And the countdown to her lovers return begins.

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These words are original, they are mine alone. PLEASE do not STEAL this, I wrote it the day my husband left. If you happen to see it floating around the internet with no credit/link back to my blog, let me know. I'd do the same for you.

Goodbye my love... I'll see you soon.

Monday: Pick-Me-Up

Went to the base chapel "Tree Lighting Ceremony" complete with the MarForPac Band & Christmas Carols!

 For some reason I didn't take a picture on my phone of the actual lighting... it's on my nice camera, but I'm being super lazy right now. Anyway, the tree is HUGE:

So how is your Monday going?

Are you getting into the Christmas Spirit?

Open Doors

My house smells like someone dumped a gallon of lysol combined with pinesol into our air-conditioning unit... oh wait someone just did. Something similar anyway, I have such a headache! I opened the back door and front door using the ocean breeze to "air-out" the house. It's helping, but man... whatever the maintenance guy used was POTENT.

I know that getting a hold of maintenance, especially with military housing can be a pain... but I do my best not to complain. Back in Maryland one of our hot water pipes cracked and leaked all over the kitchen. The next day they came out and fixed the problem (they did light part of the house on fire, but you can read about that here). We also had our air-conditioning unit break, within 2 days they had a new unit delivered and installed. Here they just completed preventative A/C maintenace, which is great since they tested the unit, cleaned it, and replaced the filter.

I cannot imagine the cost of all of those repairs had we owned the home. Plumbing and HVAC are two of the most expensive repairs homeowners can experience! While having our "own home" sounds nice, right now I am perfectly fine with renting and not pouring thousands of dollars into someplace we're only going to be in for 2-4yrs.

Back to having the doors open, I'm loving the "wintry" weather we've been having. Breezy, rainy, and in the low 70s in the day... then down to the low 60s at night with the cool tradewinds. I am really sad I haven't found any lights for our lanai, last night would have been perfect for sipping cocoa in a light hoodie. I did get our bamboo windchime put up, I love the calming noise it makes. Along with finding the perfect lights I am planning on getting a mini-bamboo fountain. I foresee many deployment "projects" ahead!

Monday: Pick-Me-Up

My husband and I agreed on small stocking stuffers and three Christmas gifts for each other... 2 small, 1 bigger (a dremmel glass drill for me, a trident knife for him). Evidently his Black Friday trip at 4am brought him quite a deal, because much to my surprise I opened this:

I'm not really sure who I'll be baking for within the next year, maybe the guys in the barracks? Throw a dinner party? Hmmm....

How was your Thanksgiving?

"Thankmus"

My dad is a retired firefighter, so I am used to celebrating holiday's a day or two before or after the actual holiday/birthday. So, I know the actual day isn't as important as the people you spend your time with...

However squeezing two HUGE holiday's together into one weekend is kind of overwhelming... Yesterday was Thanksgiving, tonight is our "Christmas Eve" and tomorrow is our "Christmas." I set up a very small table, nothing like my normal Christmas decor (two huge rubbermaid totes full of items):

I am hoping we can catch one of the local tree lighting ceremonies or holiday craft shows before my hubby leaves. I know it's been a long-time coming, but all of a sudden this deployment seems to have snuck-up on me!

Monday Pick-Me-Up

I have lots to be excited about on this Monday morning...

1. My husband is home from the field  (although he is working... don't get me started on the fact we aren't getting pre-deployment leave... *sigh*)
2. Thanksgiving is on Thursday (although I'm praying this week is really slow)!
3. My hair color...

Technically it was suppose to be "auburn cherry" I think my hair only got the "cherry" memo... but it's unique and I like it! Plus, it'll wash out in 28 or so shampoo's I'm WAY too indecisive and lazy for permanent hair-dye upkeep!

So, how are you beating the Monday blues?

2 fails 1 smile

#1
My linky party was kind of an "epic failure" this week... I had zero, zip, zilch people participate in "Monday: Pick-Me-Up" Maybe next week? *hint-hint, wink-wink, nudge-nudge*

#2
B and I loaded up her little ones and headed for North Shore... we didn't take into account that the President's limo ride to the Air Force Base would close down the ENTIRE freeway. So we meandered through side-streets and neighborhoods until we got to where the freeway was open, that only took like an hour. We finally arrived at the Reef Hawaiian Pro Surf Competition only to see this:

"No Contest Today! Check Back Tomorrow after 7:00am"

We decided to hang out for the day since we planned to anyway. We had our beach gear, ice chest full of goodies and lunch, and two little boys loving the sand. I managed to convince her older son (3yrs) to let me take him out in the waves (since he normally only goes with daddy)... he had a blast, as did I until I realized I had sliced my toe open on the reef... oops. I still played in the sand & walked around town shopping for 2.5hrs afterwards on it. Let me tell you- soap, q-tips (to get the sand out), and hydrogen peroxide were my lover/hater that evening! Here it is after getting most of the junk out of it...

Not the greatest photo... plus it doesn't look too bad since it's not bleeding or full of sand!

It's now bandaged up and I feel so awkward wearing socks/shoes around town! Despite some "epic fails," I'm still having a pretty great week...

How about you?

Monday: Pick-Me-Up {1st Linky Party!}

Can I just say that I am super excited about hosting this linky-party (I mean I'll be more excited if people actually participate, but since I do this every most Monday's it's not like I'm going to stop, if people don't join in)! That being said... please post your "Monday: Pick-Me-Up" and link it here!

You can find the code for this button to your right -->

I could be grumbling today since:

• my hubby is in the field and I've got a week-ish left of cooking dinner for one
• the fact he is in the field... training for this deployment has been ridiculous, I mean you can't get much closer to the actual deployment than we are right now
• honestly, I just want to lay in bed all day

BUT... this little gem brightened my mood:

We had our pre-deployment pictures taken last week...and last night the photographer posted this photo in a "preview album" on her facebook page. I am so looking forward to seeing the rest of the photos, the last time we had any taken of us it was on our wedding day!

So what are you choosing to focus on rather than "Monday Blues?"

236th Marine Corps Ball

#1 Happy Birthday Marines!

#2 Thank you to everyone (of all branches) 

who have served, are serving, or will.

The ball this year was a bit of a let-down... here are my reasons for saying that:

• I know we live in Hawaii... but tickets should not be that expensive and not include an open bar during "cocktail hour." Why even have a cocktail hour? This is the first ball I've attended (4th) that hasn't had an open bar for at least the cocktail hour.
• I don't know if we have an abundance of really young marines or jaded marines or what... but they were super disrespectful during the beginning and end of the ceremony. It took them halfway through the opening speech about the missing man table to quiet down at the beginning, then during the video from the commandant of the corps people were chatting, getting up for drinks, and leaving the ballroom! Seriously? I mean, really now?
• We were right in the middle of the APEC conference so getting to the venue was a bit of a chore (many closed streets and high security areas)

However...

• I got to hang out with my {new} closest friend B
• I saw some of the ladies from my church
• I enjoyed spending time with my hubby (I sure am going to miss that man)
• We gasped/gawked/laughed at some wardrobe decisions (we had 3 wedding gowns, at least 4 women who could barely move without risking everyone seeing their hoo-hah, a larger women in a skin-tight sequined dress with an afro wearing white gloves and 5in stripper heels, and many more...)
• The dinner was delicious and our dessert was a pineapple & lilikoi (passion fruit) ice cream cake!
• The dance floor was super fun (it's always nice when people actually dance)
• We woke up and got to walk along the ocean! 
• I felt like a princess with the knight in shiny armour dress blues to match.

I would LOVE to show you a picture of me and my handsome hubby... but some details and me (+my friend)  are all you're going to get...

This is my 2nd time wearing a "short" dress... I deem knee and below as appropriate. Plus, If you can believe it both of our dresses and shoes only cost $135 together! Bargain shoppers! We painted our own nails and I did both of our hair. Talk about "cheap" dates. **also- I have no idea what I am doing with my hand, haha!**

I hope you are all having an amazing Veteran's Day Weekend!
Take some time to remember those we've lost.

PS: I'm linking up with Semper Wifey for her USMC Birthday Bash!

JSC: Re-Cap

The Joint Spouses Conference took place at Hickam AFB this year. It was my first conference like this and I plan to continue going until we PCS from here.

I don't have as many beautiful pictures to share with you as Annie did... partly because my first two work-shops were Stand Up Paddle Boarding and I didn't really envision my Canon Rebel enjoying the hot interior of my car very well for 2.5hrs. However, I took my little Olympus Waterproof and Annie let me borrow our group photo!

Finally meeting Jennifer & Annie!

I arrived pretty early in order to register and find a seat for breakfast. I ran into a couple of ladies from the LINKS and MCFTB classes I had taken at our base, they were excited to see me there. The breakfast buffet was huge and almost overwhelming, it took me forever to decide what I wanted to eat! After breakfast we sat down in the conference room for the opening ceremony. I will say that having a room full of military spouses stand with their hands over their hearts for the National Anthem is quite a sight to see. No hemming or hawing or wishing the singer would hurry up and not draw out his notes. Just quiet reverence, smiles, and even a few tears.

After the opening ceremony was done we headed out for workshops #1 & #2, like I said above, mine took place in the water! I had actually SUP'd the weekend before with my dad. I learned on an 11' board so I made sure I tried a smaller one this time around (10'6") I loved it, it was much more maneuverable for me. I want one so bad... *hint-hint "santa"*

After SUPing we changed and headed to lunch. Lunch wasn't really impressive, some sort of cold beef salad... however, desert was pretty good.

I felt kind of bad though because it was a scone and all of our spoons were clanking while the guest speaker was doing her thing. I think Kimberly Dozier is a good speaker (she is a journalist, so she knows how to address a crowd) but I'm not sure her story was completely applicable to all of us. Myself personally... yes, we have friends in the Wounded Warrior Barracks. Hearing her describe her brush with death then recovery and healing was insightful. It was also a bit terrifying, we know that our husbands' go to war, but sometimes we don't need to know all of the gruesome details until he comes home and feels the need to tell us (if ever). That being said I did purchase her book and wait in line for her to autograph it. While that was cool, I really just waited in line to talk to her. I asked her why she wanted to speak to a group of military spouses. She said that there is no other group of women out there that would be able to sympathize or learn from her story. I guess I get that.

After lunch I had three work-shops that were just "fillers" because I didn't register early enough to get the classes that I really wanted. I had "Your ideal life," "How does your garden grow?," and "Bento box Hawaiian quilting." None of them were amazing, but I did learn some useful tips for growing a veggie/herb garden on my lanai (patio) and I did actually start a Hawaiian quilt square, but I confess it's sitting in it's little bento box 2.5wks later with no further progress.

Next year my plan is to register as soon as it opens, even if I have to wake up super early! I didn't win any of the drawings or the silent auction items, but I had a nice day overall. The wine and pupus (appetizers) at the end of the day were really good accompanied with enjoyable conversation with  Annie & Jennifer. If you're in Hawaii, I hope to see you there next year!

Monday: Pick-Me-Up

I'm at the "wishing time would slow down" part of this pre-deployment. I am definitely trying to enjoy life each day no matter what it or the marine corps throws at us! Food poisoning? We can still go sit on the beach. 18.5hr work-days? We can still cuddle on the couch watching a movie until we fall asleep. They aren't ideal situations to have occur in the last few weeks together... but... what can you do?!


*Also, I have a question for you! Would you be willing to participate in a "Monday: Pick-Me-Up" Linky Party? I'd make a fun button and you could link-up on this post every Monday. I know that in general Monday's are the least favorite day of the week so if we all flooded our blogs with a "pick-me-up" wouldn't that be fun? Let me know by commenting or participating in the poll at the top of the right column. Thanks!

rearing it's ugly head

My recent issues with anxiety and panic attacks aren't a secret {here, here, or here}... I just don't like talking about them because I get disappointed with myself. I get disappointed that even with my faith, reading the Bible, and prayers (by myself and others) I WAS doing better. However, I feel like instead of complete healing this week I am reverting. During the day I know that the deployment is getting ever so close but I work through it, I try to spend every second of the hour (or two) that I do get with my husband after he's worked a 16.5hr shift being positive and not thinking about him leaving... but my mind plays evil tricks on me. "Enjoy this, soon you won't be able to touch him, see his face, or hear him." Then I break down into tears and my poor husband just sits there and takes me being an emotional mess. Not the kind of "bonding time" I had in mind for our last weeks together.

I'm not sleeping so I'm exhausted.

My heart races all night so my chest has a dull ache in the morning.

My stomach is constantly in knots so I never feel 100%.

This sounds terrible... but I'm hoping once he actually leaves my body sucks it up. He'll be gone, so I can't dread his leaving me. I really can't imagine going through this nightly for an entire deployment... *sigh*

I have a meeting with the doctor tomorrow about my medications/travel arrangements (visiting family for Christmas)... I know she's going to want to start weaning me off my anxiety medication, but despite the fact that it can become addictive I don't know if that's a good idea in the weeks leading up to my husband's departure. Especially since all the above has continued to happen even while on it... I guess we'll see what happens.

Do any of you struggle with pre-deployment anxiety/panic attacks?
Did they go away, or is it a once you get them you have them type of deal?
If you don't want to comment for personal reasons, feel free to e-mail me:
skinniepiggie{at}gmail.com

I just want to be happy again,

Monday: Pick-Me-Up

What a busy weekend... Friday I volunteered to face paint once again for the battalion's hauntedt house. Then on Saturday, we threw a BBQ at our house for the 30 guys (+families) that my husband will be deploying with. Finally Sunday we went to church and attended a Halloween Party/BBQ. I was a sushi roll and my hubby, a sushi chef, it was fun and everyone thought it was creative! Needless to say I am wiped out, I need a "weekend after my weekend!" Good thing my job is super flexible and on my time schedule. Today will be spent cleaning, doing laundry, and hopefully relaxing/napping. My tummy didn't like having so much junk food two days in a row, I didn't get much sleep last night.

I went to check the mail (since we forgot to on Saturday) and this little orange envelope caught my eye. Inside was a fun little card and this:

Pretty green bracelet!

It's from one of the ladies from my family's church back in AZ. She is a long-time milspouse and just wanted to send something "bright and cheerful" my way! How awesome is that?

Have you had any good surprises lately?

Mom& Dad came to town...

Mom & Dad came to visit... so we showed them the sights, sounds, local flavors, and of course the beaches! It was refreshing having my mom around, not just for the fact that she cooked and cleaned despite my attempts to remind her that she was on vacation in my home, moms... =)  My dad always makes me more adventurous when hanging out with him, within 25min of learning to stand-up on a SUP in the calm waters he had me out navigating and catching waves! We also visited Pearl Harbor for some historic tourism and hit up the local swap meet.

The boat ride back from the USS Arizona Memorial

My dad and I going out for the very first time on the SUPs

Saying goodbye was hard, always is. It had been almost 8mo since seeing them... between all the moving, being sick, and having anxiety it's been quite a ride. I love my parents and I hope that we can remedy the large gaps of time between visits-too bad plane tickets cost so much!

Monday: Pick-Me-Up

Despite fighting off an icky stomach bug... I have a lot to be excited about on this Monday...

1. Celebrating (even if we're apart) 2yrs of marriage! ♥
2. Meeting two bloggers at the spouses conference! Don't worry, I'll blog about it soon.
3. Starting my new job!
4. The opportunity to win $100 from Our Military Home!!! No joke, check out her awesome review of "Apartment Guide's: Military Housing: Home Base in Any Place," and enter the giveaway... or don't, you know, so I have a better chance at winning. =P
5. This little gem:

{source+}

How are you starting off this new week?

fluffy pillows and cozy sheets

Honestly nothing about this past week has been all THAT crazy... we said goodbye to my parents on Sunday (I'll do a short re-cap on their visit in a few days), Monday I had a planning meeting with the FRO, took homecoming photos for an Afghanistan detachment, then attended/photographed the women's worship night at my church. Tuesday I cleaned the house and ran errands. Wednesday I attended a fire marshall brief that is required for living in base housing and took my new beach cruiser for a ride around base. Thursday I went to my women's Bible study then drove all over the island looking for face paint.

Today I got up early for a job interview (I got it!) and since then have been baking fall goodies to sell at tonight's event... our battalion is holding a haunted house. I will have nothing to do with it, I can't handle scary stuff, so when I mentioned that I could paint kids' faces they decided to make a children's area at the event. So... 3 dozen pumpkin spice cookies and 2 dozen fall themed sugar cookies later, I'm tired. And... still have to paint faces tonight...

Now that I think about it... I've been tired the ENTIRE week. In the beginning I thought I was emotionally drained from saying goodbye to my parents (I hadn't seen them in almost 8mo). But, then we added the funky weather we've been having... humid, sticky, cloudy, gray, rainy... but still warm. At any rate, hubby and I were in bed at 8pm last night and asleep by 9pm! Unheard of for me... I am a night owl! I only go to bed early if I'm sick. =/

I woke up 3 times last night and each time I felt like the entire room was spinning, I don't know if it's pressure in my sinuses or not but it was scary. I've had a headache for the past two nights so that would be my guess. I will be painting faces tonight because I volunteered to do so. But honestly, I just want my pillow, sheets, and husband. *sigh*

I hope to meet/see some of you at the joint spouses conference tomorrow...

If you see me, please say hi!

Shutterfly!!!

I'm not going to lie, I love shutterfly... last year they offered free holiday cards to bloggers and I was chosen to be a recipient. I am lucky enough to say that I am again this year! They also offer awesome deals all year long once you have an account, I've gotten up to 40% off photo books, free shipping, and even free everyday greeting cards. They usually do a deal on free prints once a year as well.

Being in Hawaii, I want to have a "tropical" card to send our friends and family this year... here are my top choices:

{All of the above came from the "Christmas Cards" Selection.}

I can't wait to get our photos taken and be able to design my cards (I guess I need to get on the ball!)... I am also excited to create some awesome photo gifts for my parents and in-laws! They make such great gifts for "those who have everything," plus they are so much more personalized than that spa basket or box of golf balls. =P

So thanks shutterfly... for helping me keep my memories and pass them along as well.

*This is a sponsored post.

Monday: Pick-Me-Up

A few weeks ago (or maybe more, time is spinning out of control very quickly in our home with the looming travels/deployment) the wonderful  Tay from Our Military Home threw a contest for home made pumpkin frames. I WON ONE!

We have a small "landing" next to the stairs and usually the mail gets thrown on top, along with my husband's notebooks, our Bibles, etc. Which is why we call it the "landing" because everything seems to land there! However, it is also a place for our wedding stuff, it's kind of cool to see it as you walk into our home.

Now, you get to see it decorated for Halloween...

Isn't the pumpkin frame she made so cute!?

As you can tell... I'm NOT into scary halloween decor... bring on the oranges, purples, neon greens, cute jack-o-lanterns, and Peanuts Halloween items. I also take down the specific halloween decor and replace it with Thanksgiving to make Oct/Nov easy! The only thing that will change here is the mini jack-o-lantern & "happy halloween"... it'll go to a turkey and "give thanks." Easy, right?

Do you enjoy decorating for the holiday's? Any tips or tricks you use to make transitioning between them easier?