The next few weeks are already jam packed and I have a feeling it is going to be like that for a while! Aydan and I ship out to Florida on Sunday morning, I am beyond excited to catch up with family and friends and enjoy some of my favorite Florida activities but slightly intimidated by the fact that literally within hours of our return we will be headed to Augusta for The James Family Reunion. It is an annual event and so far we have not missed one, so it would be a shame to start now. My family is literally all over the place and a lot of time there isn't much effort made to get together and keep in touch, so I've always admired that Bryan's family does this. It will be interesting to see how Aydan does with all of the people surrounding him!
On our way back from Augusta we are going to spend the night in Hilton Head for some much deserved family time on the beach. It will be nice, I'm excited!
I ordered Aydan's birthday t-shirt thinking it would be a while since it was a custom order and she literally emailed me a couple days later telling me it would be ready to ship in less than two weeks. You should check out her Etsy shop, she has adorable shirts and plush animals for every little monster. http://www.etsy.com/listing/63040146/whats-your-number-monster-tee?ref=pr_shop I also ordered him a monogramed monster blanket, just because he such a snuggle bug. It is going to be hard not to give it to him early, especially since it will be in hiding for about two months before his birthday! Ahh!
Anywho, that's our story, our very busy story!
Friday, July 29, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
30 Day Song Challenge - Day 5 - A Song That Reminds You of Someone
Matthew West - Save a Place for Me
When I first heard this song, I was in a different CD and scanning through the radio searching for some decent music. When I heard the opening chorus, it really caught my attention. I lost my Grandfather in December of last year, two days before Christmas, actually. This song reminds me of him and the feelings associated with his passing. My Grandpa was not only a grandparent, but he was very much of a father figure for me, having never grown up with a father in my life, he was a very important man in my life. I have faced many different emotions associated with him being gone, I have missed him and wished for just one more hug and I have been angry, I've also really tried hard to understand how someone could be here one minute and gone the next...this song basically sums it all up for me. I miss him immensely, but I know that one day we will be together again and it will be as if no time has passed at all.
When I first heard this song, I was in a different CD and scanning through the radio searching for some decent music. When I heard the opening chorus, it really caught my attention. I lost my Grandfather in December of last year, two days before Christmas, actually. This song reminds me of him and the feelings associated with his passing. My Grandpa was not only a grandparent, but he was very much of a father figure for me, having never grown up with a father in my life, he was a very important man in my life. I have faced many different emotions associated with him being gone, I have missed him and wished for just one more hug and I have been angry, I've also really tried hard to understand how someone could be here one minute and gone the next...this song basically sums it all up for me. I miss him immensely, but I know that one day we will be together again and it will be as if no time has passed at all.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
30 Day Song Challenge - Day 4 - A Song That Makes You Sad
Alan Jackson - Where Were You When The World Stopped Turning
For obvious reasons, this song really touches my heart and also makes me sad. I will never understand how some people can have so much hate in their heart. September 11, 2001 was by far, the most tragic day this country has faced in my lifetime. I remember that day very vividly, my mom was taking me to school when the first tower was hit and we thought it was an accident. That evening we went home and called all of our friends and family scattered across the country to make sure they were okay. I hate that day and what happened, but I am proud of the way my country stood up and stayed strong and the unity that was apparent after that horrific day.
For obvious reasons, this song really touches my heart and also makes me sad. I will never understand how some people can have so much hate in their heart. September 11, 2001 was by far, the most tragic day this country has faced in my lifetime. I remember that day very vividly, my mom was taking me to school when the first tower was hit and we thought it was an accident. That evening we went home and called all of our friends and family scattered across the country to make sure they were okay. I hate that day and what happened, but I am proud of the way my country stood up and stayed strong and the unity that was apparent after that horrific day.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
30 Day Song Challenge - Day 3 - A Song That Makes You Happy
September - Earth, Wind & Fire
I am old soul and this song is proof. This song always manages to put a big smile on my face. It reminds of when I graduated High School and moved into my own place, I would jam to this song at the most random times and to this day it has yet to get old. Maybe I should find an Earth, Wind & Fire tribute band...
I am old soul and this song is proof. This song always manages to put a big smile on my face. It reminds of when I graduated High School and moved into my own place, I would jam to this song at the most random times and to this day it has yet to get old. Maybe I should find an Earth, Wind & Fire tribute band...
Monday, July 25, 2011
Success!
I owe a dose of gratitude to the Dixie Chicks, after I put the the munchkin down for bed, I turned on some Pandora and it was indeed, The Dixie Chicks that got my motivation back! My house is back to normal and much more livable. I cannot stand clutter and chaos, so I think a clean house has added meaning for me. I even decided to give the Swiffer a break and break the old fashion version of scrubbing the floors hands and knees style. My goodness, I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off of my shoulders!
My euphoric feeling may also have something to do with the fact that I am in love with my new 'do.
I feel so much better having my blonde highlights again, even if they aren't natural this time. Not to mention, some time being pampered just does a girl's soul some good.
My euphoric feeling may also have something to do with the fact that I am in love with my new 'do.
I feel so much better having my blonde highlights again, even if they aren't natural this time. Not to mention, some time being pampered just does a girl's soul some good.
30 Day Song Challenge - Day 2 - Your least favorite song
Ke$ha - Tik Tok
First of all, how can I take anyone with a dollar sign in her name seriously? Secondly, this girl has zero talent and this song is proof. Not to mention, it is annoyingly catchy, I hate this song, I really do but it just makes me sing along to it. And the video, my God, the video. If I wanted to watch some drunk chick stumble around like she didn't have half a brain, I would go to a hillbilly bar, just sayin'. Shame on you, Ke$ha, shame, shame.
First of all, how can I take anyone with a dollar sign in her name seriously? Secondly, this girl has zero talent and this song is proof. Not to mention, it is annoyingly catchy, I hate this song, I really do but it just makes me sing along to it. And the video, my God, the video. If I wanted to watch some drunk chick stumble around like she didn't have half a brain, I would go to a hillbilly bar, just sayin'. Shame on you, Ke$ha, shame, shame.
Monday, Funday? And exploding babies, of course!
It's Monday! Not only is it Monday, it's the Monday before we leave town for an entire week. That's a big deal! My house is in shambles and it's driving me crazy, yet somehow every time I actually take the time to clean it, I go off on some tangent and start reorganizing something that no one will appreciate but me. Today will be different, no really, it WILL be different. I have my fabulous hair appointment in a few hours, so I will come home rested and relaxed and ready to get things done! It will happen. I can't stand my house being out of order. Not to mention, leaving town and packing for our adventures has taken on a whole new meaning since Aydan made his entrance into the world. It's not just a matter of forgetting my hair products and making the decision as to whether I will splurge on some new products or get creative with what I have anymore. Baby stuff is expensive (okay, well I guess hair products are expensive, too, but you know what I mean...) and there's a lot of it! You need diapers, clothes, baby approved soaps and sunscreens, diaper rash cream, enough wipes to last through a week's worth of normal diapers and/or a week's worth of massive, out of this world blow out diapers! Oh and you don't just need clothes you need EXTRA clothes and not even just extra clothes, extra, extra clothes. Basically you should prepare as if your baby is going to explode every single day that you're away. Don't forget the massive furniture-like items - the Pack and Play, the sheets and the mattress pad for the Pack and Play (remember, your baby will be exploding on this trip, God forbid the mattress get ruined), at least one stroller but if you're a stroller freak like me, you'll bring two, a portable high chair, a bucket filled with all of our favorite toys, I'm certain I'm forgetting something. I'm exhausted just thinking about it.
Today is the day that things will get done, I'm sure of it. I doubt I'll start packing but I will definitely make note of what needs to be packed and get all of my laundry done so that it can eventually be packed. When I die, my cause of death will be laundry, I'm certain of it. I think about hiring a laundress from time to time but then I realize that would be very unwifely of me. I mean, even if the laundry piles as high as Mt. Rushmore before it gets done, it's still my job and for some weird reason, I always feel very domestic and accomplished after it is all done and neatly put away.
I have also been wanting to paint lately, our walls were originally painted with cheap, builder's paint. The kind that you barely touch and you've actually just permanently left your mark on the time capsule that is our walls. Bryan painted the living/dining room, kitchen and Aydan's room while I was pregnant and now I would like to tackle the rest of our first floor. Maybe I will make that my project for when we get back from Florida!
Anyway, that's the Monday to come in a nutshell as I sit here on my couch not doing anything productive. Woohooo!
Today is the day that things will get done, I'm sure of it. I doubt I'll start packing but I will definitely make note of what needs to be packed and get all of my laundry done so that it can eventually be packed. When I die, my cause of death will be laundry, I'm certain of it. I think about hiring a laundress from time to time but then I realize that would be very unwifely of me. I mean, even if the laundry piles as high as Mt. Rushmore before it gets done, it's still my job and for some weird reason, I always feel very domestic and accomplished after it is all done and neatly put away.
I have also been wanting to paint lately, our walls were originally painted with cheap, builder's paint. The kind that you barely touch and you've actually just permanently left your mark on the time capsule that is our walls. Bryan painted the living/dining room, kitchen and Aydan's room while I was pregnant and now I would like to tackle the rest of our first floor. Maybe I will make that my project for when we get back from Florida!
Anyway, that's the Monday to come in a nutshell as I sit here on my couch not doing anything productive. Woohooo!
Sunday, July 24, 2011
30 Day Song Challenge
I don't get into the cheesy, chain stuff often but I do love some good music, so I am willing to give this one a shot.
day 01 - your favorite song
day 02 - your least favorite song
day 03 - a song that makes you happy
day 04 - a song that makes you sad
day 05 - a song that reminds you of someone
day 06 - a song that reminds you of somewhere
day 07 - a song that reminds you of a certain event
day 08 - a song that you know all the words to
day 09 - a song that you can dance to
day 10 - a song that makes you fall asleep
day 11 - a song from your favorite band
day 12 - a song from a band you hate
day 13 - a song that is a guilty pleasure
day 14 - a song that no one would expect you to love
day 15 - a song that describes you
day 16 - a song that you used to love but now hate
day 17 - a song that you hear often on the radio
day 18 - a song that you wish you heard on the radio
day 19 - a song from your favorite album
day 20 - a song that you listen to when you’re angry
day 21 - a song that you listen to when you’re happy
day 22 - a song that you listen to when you’re sad
day 23 - a song that you want to play at your wedding
day 24 - a song that you want to play at your funeral
day 25 - a song that makes you laugh
day 26 - a song that you can play on an instrument
day 27 - a song that you wish you could play
day 28 - a song that makes you feel guilty
day 29 - a song from your childhood
day 30 - your favorite song at this time last year
DAY 1:
This is actually impossible. I could never pick one favorite song. However, I Gotta Feeling by The Black Eyed Peas is up there on the favorite list. This song is the ultimate feel good song, it also reminds me of a special time in Bryan and I's marriage. We were married, just bought our own house and just at a really fun place in our marriage. If I'm in a bad mood - play me this song, I will definitely break at least a tiny smile!
day 01 - your favorite song
day 02 - your least favorite song
day 03 - a song that makes you happy
day 04 - a song that makes you sad
day 05 - a song that reminds you of someone
day 06 - a song that reminds you of somewhere
day 07 - a song that reminds you of a certain event
day 08 - a song that you know all the words to
day 09 - a song that you can dance to
day 10 - a song that makes you fall asleep
day 11 - a song from your favorite band
day 12 - a song from a band you hate
day 13 - a song that is a guilty pleasure
day 14 - a song that no one would expect you to love
day 15 - a song that describes you
day 16 - a song that you used to love but now hate
day 17 - a song that you hear often on the radio
day 18 - a song that you wish you heard on the radio
day 19 - a song from your favorite album
day 20 - a song that you listen to when you’re angry
day 21 - a song that you listen to when you’re happy
day 22 - a song that you listen to when you’re sad
day 23 - a song that you want to play at your wedding
day 24 - a song that you want to play at your funeral
day 25 - a song that makes you laugh
day 26 - a song that you can play on an instrument
day 27 - a song that you wish you could play
day 28 - a song that makes you feel guilty
day 29 - a song from your childhood
day 30 - your favorite song at this time last year
DAY 1:
This is actually impossible. I could never pick one favorite song. However, I Gotta Feeling by The Black Eyed Peas is up there on the favorite list. This song is the ultimate feel good song, it also reminds me of a special time in Bryan and I's marriage. We were married, just bought our own house and just at a really fun place in our marriage. If I'm in a bad mood - play me this song, I will definitely break at least a tiny smile!
Nine Months Old
So, I am a bit late (things have been beyond hectic), however, as of July 14th I am the mother of a nine-month-old. Whoa! How did that even happen? This was a hard one and I didn't expect it to be, when I got the "Your Baby is 41 weeks Old!" email, I sobbed. I was only pregnant for 39 weeks, that means he has officially been on this big, crazy world longer than he was snug in my womb. The emotions are insane, it's hard not to sob as I write this even. For the most part, I love watching him grow into such an amazing little boy, I really do, but there will always be those moments where I just wonder where my baby went off to. I have never felt a love like this, it is the most powerful, amazing feeling in the world. Today, at the dinner table, I was just in awe of my little family. I looked at Bryan and then at Aydan and all I could do was thing about how he was so much a part of both of us and a reflection of our love for each other and for that, my love for my husband takes on so much more meaning than it did 41 weeks ago. Just when you think you really love someone, something, or someone, comes along and magnifies it even more. I am beyond blessed.
Aydan is doing fabulously, by the way! He is consistently improving with his physical therapy and I have grown to really remember that every baby is different and every baby learns at their own pace. That said, I have also grown to hate those stupid milestone charts! Aydan is actually right on track yet he still goes at his own pace, it's hard to explain. The torticollis holds him back, but it doesn't. I am just glad that his case is minor compared to others and we are fortunate enough to have wonderful insurance, his therapy has yet to cost us a dime. He is crawling and pulling himself up, but he only pulls himself up the most dangerous of places, such as the bathtub or the sharpest corner he can find. I'm assuming it's more fun that way. He says "Mama, Dada, bah-bah (bye-bye) and nigh-nigh (night-night)." He can also wave. He's pretty awesome.
Aydan and I are actually headed down to Florida a week from today. I am beyond excited, it is long overdue. We will be visiting with family and wonderful friends. Also, I am getting my hair done to tomorrow for the first time in longer than I am willing to admit! I am so pumped, I NEED this almost as much as I need that Florida trip. Yay for girly time!
And while we are on the topic of sobbing...
This song brings an amazing, happy tear to my eye every time I hear it. It reminds me so much of sweet boy. Weird, I know. It has nothing to do with sweet baby boys. It was the song that played on our way to the hospital to go have Aydan. For some reason, this was the "Oh my gosh, this is it!" song for me. I loved being pregnant but I looked forward to the moment that I got to meet my beautiful boy. This song played and I felt amazing, my body was amazing for growing this baby boy that I was so close to meeting. The song just put it into perspective for me. Less than 24 hours after that song played, I did meet my sweet boy and he was more than amazing. Probably not what the writers had in mind when they wrote the song but it will always hold a special place in my heart.
And just because...
Aydan is doing fabulously, by the way! He is consistently improving with his physical therapy and I have grown to really remember that every baby is different and every baby learns at their own pace. That said, I have also grown to hate those stupid milestone charts! Aydan is actually right on track yet he still goes at his own pace, it's hard to explain. The torticollis holds him back, but it doesn't. I am just glad that his case is minor compared to others and we are fortunate enough to have wonderful insurance, his therapy has yet to cost us a dime. He is crawling and pulling himself up, but he only pulls himself up the most dangerous of places, such as the bathtub or the sharpest corner he can find. I'm assuming it's more fun that way. He says "Mama, Dada, bah-bah (bye-bye) and nigh-nigh (night-night)." He can also wave. He's pretty awesome.
Aydan and I are actually headed down to Florida a week from today. I am beyond excited, it is long overdue. We will be visiting with family and wonderful friends. Also, I am getting my hair done to tomorrow for the first time in longer than I am willing to admit! I am so pumped, I NEED this almost as much as I need that Florida trip. Yay for girly time!
And while we are on the topic of sobbing...
This song brings an amazing, happy tear to my eye every time I hear it. It reminds me so much of sweet boy. Weird, I know. It has nothing to do with sweet baby boys. It was the song that played on our way to the hospital to go have Aydan. For some reason, this was the "Oh my gosh, this is it!" song for me. I loved being pregnant but I looked forward to the moment that I got to meet my beautiful boy. This song played and I felt amazing, my body was amazing for growing this baby boy that I was so close to meeting. The song just put it into perspective for me. Less than 24 hours after that song played, I did meet my sweet boy and he was more than amazing. Probably not what the writers had in mind when they wrote the song but it will always hold a special place in my heart.
And just because...
Aydan Lee Chandler James - October 14, 2010 - 7lbs 11oz 19 1/4 inches long
Monday, July 11, 2011
A Successful Boy's Vacay and Homesick
It turns out saying goodbye to Bryan and Aydan was a lot harder than I thought, not to mention that day was just a mess from the start. I started by dropping my phone in a sink full of water and I ended up dropping Bryan's phone and shattering the entire thing literally right as they were about to pull out of the driveway. I got tears in my eyes kissing Aydan goodbye but took comfort in knowing that he was in good hands with his daddy. After they left, I decided to get one of my favorites - a Publix sub, I witness a very rude lady being well, very rude and it just made me feel even more defeated. I came home, ate my lovely sub and went to bed early. There is a happy ending - I was able to get our entire upstairs cleaned and reorganized, I also got the carpets cleaned! I went from feeling very defeated to very accomplished. The boys really enjoyed their trip and came home tired and happy. We have insurance on both of our phones, so I filed a claim on Bryan's phone and a brand new phone arrived the very next day, I was able to fix my phone with a Ziploc bag full of rice and now it is good as new!
On Sunday we decided to go to the beach, in the two years that we've lived here, we've never ventured to one of Georgia's beaches. I think I've just felt like whatever beach Georgia had to offer was not going to be good enough. We went to Hilton Head, SC, about an hour drive from us and it was nice, much nicer than Tybee Island. We rented bikes and rode them down to a less crowded part of the beach. Aydan enjoyed a nice nap snuggled up with me on the blanket and Bryan got some great pictures of the little man's first beach trip. With all of the stress that Bryan has been dealing with at work and just the pure craziness that seems to be our life these days, it was so nice to just relax and spend the day with each other, as a family without the distraction of anything else.
Hilton Head was truly beautiful but I just find myself really missing home lately. I will always favor Florida's beaches and I will always get butterflies every time we cross the state line and I see the brightly colored "Welcome to Florida" sign. I am more ready than ever to PCS, I think I just feel like since going back to Florida isn't an option right now, I am eager to go somewhere new and start a new chapter.
I think there is a Florida trip in my future, just for a few days to see family and friends, especially since when we do PCS, it will be a lot harder to get down there.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
A Boy's Weekend?
Bryan's dad is headed down from Chattanooga today, they plan on driving down to Florida to catch a glimpse of the last Atlantis shuttle launch. The weather is questionable, so it might actually be rescheduled. I always work all day on Saturday so it is starting to look like Aydan will be tagging along with the boys! Of course I will miss both of my boys, I've never been away from both of them at the same time, but I'm mostly excited for them. This will be the first time that Aydan gets some undivided time with his "Papa" and his Papa won't have to share him with anyone else (except his daddy, of course). I really hope they have a fun trip, Aydan is a great traveler and really just a great baby, so I'm sure he will enjoy the trip.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
The Sad Truth
The sad truth is that I tend to find myself really disappointed with some of my fellow military spouses lately. I would definitely describe myself as easy-going and open-minded, even if I don't agree with someone's opinion, I often find myself respecting them for simply having an opinion and owning up to it. I have dabbled around on different "Army Wife" type forums off and on since Bryan and I got married, at first it was a great way for me to get to learn more about the Army lifestyle and possibly make a few friends along the way. While I have "met" some wonderful women, some of which I admire more than I can say, others that I feel like I have built a great bond with, there are those few that just leave me shaking my head with my jaw on the floor. If it's not one thing it's another. Oh, where do I even begin...
I guess I will start with the disappointing fact that some of these women speak/type as if they have no more than a fifth grade education. I shouldn't have to decode someone's text, at least I really don't want to. Not only do these women avoid use of proper punctuation or use two '&' symbols (&&) instead of the normal one. The spelling, the made up abbreviations, it all just leaves me scratching my head. I don't get it.
I also don't get how some women can take someone's statement and completely turn it into something it's not to seemingly cause unnecessary drama. I'm all about a friendly debate, but i get really aggravated and annoyed when someone just refuses to be wrong or simply can't accept that someone doesn't agree with them. I'm really just over it.
I do know that these traits are not specific to military spouses, however, it saddens me that my fellow military spouses would carry themselves in such a way that leaves me wondering if they made it out of high school or the fact that some of them treat others like trash and can't stand the fact that not everything is about "winning" or being right.
I am proud to say that I do not think this is the majority. At the end of the day, I know that I have surrounded myself with an amazing group of military spouses. We are strong, courageous women. I have made some of my best friends through the Army, some of which I will soon say "see you later" to and some of which I hope to welcome into my daily life really soon.
I guess I will start with the disappointing fact that some of these women speak/type as if they have no more than a fifth grade education. I shouldn't have to decode someone's text, at least I really don't want to. Not only do these women avoid use of proper punctuation or use two '&' symbols (&&) instead of the normal one. The spelling, the made up abbreviations, it all just leaves me scratching my head. I don't get it.
I also don't get how some women can take someone's statement and completely turn it into something it's not to seemingly cause unnecessary drama. I'm all about a friendly debate, but i get really aggravated and annoyed when someone just refuses to be wrong or simply can't accept that someone doesn't agree with them. I'm really just over it.
I do know that these traits are not specific to military spouses, however, it saddens me that my fellow military spouses would carry themselves in such a way that leaves me wondering if they made it out of high school or the fact that some of them treat others like trash and can't stand the fact that not everything is about "winning" or being right.
I am proud to say that I do not think this is the majority. At the end of the day, I know that I have surrounded myself with an amazing group of military spouses. We are strong, courageous women. I have made some of my best friends through the Army, some of which I will soon say "see you later" to and some of which I hope to welcome into my daily life really soon.
New Blog!
I have been wanting to start a blog for several months now, mostly because I have a lot of opinions, many of which I'd rather not share through social media outlets such as Facebook or Twitter. That said, I have recently taken to Twitter to allow for a little bit more of an "uncensored" me. I am excited to see what becomes of my new blog-endeavour. :)
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