What?!
May 30, 2008 | Filed Under Uncategorized | 23 Comments
I can say: “Dadadadadada” which Daddy thinks is me saying his name.
We’ll just keep it between you and me that I am saying no such thing…. K? My first word will, of course, be “Mama.” After all, she did push for nearly two and a half hours to bring me into this world.
I love to eat, ride in the Macpac, pull hair, and suck my thumb. I love my brother and sister, hearing my own voice, wind blowing in my face, and standing up ( With assistance. I know I am amazing and all, but seriously, I’m not quite that amazing. Yet.).
My favorite toy to chew on is Mama’s measuring spoons, but my yellow lion from Aunt Tarrah and Uncle Sam is a close second. My toes are quickly becoming a favorite too. It’s so cool how they just kind of appeared one day!
I am starting to break out the giggles. I have to be careful though, because once I really start, Mama will make me giggle all the time. And that’s exhausting, people. Besides, I have my figure to look after; if I start laughing too much I might develop some stomach muscles. And then I wouldn’t have my big tummy that Mama loves so much.
By the way, would someone please tell her to stop playing with my rolls. It tickles! And since we are on the topic of rolls… Mama is obsessed with mine. I know I have a lot, and they are cute and all, but seriously! She won’t stop kissing them!
Before I go, can we all just give a little “Whoo-hoo!” for my hair starting to finally grow in?! I can wear bows now!
It was getting pretty old to be called a boy everywhere Mama took me. My name is Eliza, not Elisha. Mama thought dressing me pink and purple might give people a clue, but apparently not. She gets a little bent out of shape over it all, but I try to be a good example and just smile.
There is a lot more wonderful stuff about me, I know this because Mama whispers it all in my ear, but I wouldn’t want to bore you. I’ll just wrap this up by saying:
Happy five months to me!!
(this is the part where you tell me how cute I am!)
Radio Flyer #34
May 29, 2008 | Filed Under Uncategorized | 23 Comments
(Perhaps I should have included a picture of Judah wearing Eve’s pink princess heels, while he carries around her purse, has “fairy dust” on his cheeks, and pushes the purple stroller…. Oh, and he also begs to wear her lipstick. He’s in the “wants to be just like Eve” stage.
I just laugh. Daniel on the other hand…. )
So Very Special
May 29, 2008 | Filed Under Uncategorized | 15 Comments
that he is a miracle….
that since the beginning of the world there hasn’t been…
and until the end of the the world there will not be
another child like him.” Pablo Casals
That’s my girl….Thankful Thursday
May 29, 2008 | Filed Under Uncategorized | 10 Comments
*** I am thankful for my husband who has great motivation, people skills, and is really, really smart. He’s quite handsome too.
*** I am thankful for the birds who wake me up each morning. Not the roosters, though. They are just out of control… 4:30a.m. is too early for anyone to be up. Human or foul.
*** I am thankful for my children who love me, and want to be with me; for the random hugs and kisses on “this cheek and that cheek” that I receive throughout the day.
*** I am thankful to have a Commissary to shop at again. I sure did miss having that benefit these last four years.
*** I am thankful for my healthy body, my strong legs to walk on, and my arms to hold my children with.
*** I am thankful for the small piece of carrot cake with cream cheese frosting I know waits for me each afternoon.
*** I am thankful for three children who take a rest time at the same time every day. My sanity stays somewhat intact because of that time.
*** I am thankful to be living in New Mexico – I love it here. Love it, love it.
*** I am thankful for my forever friend Tarrah.
*** I am thankful for my hero of a husband who killed the massive, and I do mean massive, spider that was surely going to eat me alive, last night. I nearly passed out from fright.
“Hi, I’m Andrea, and I am deathly afraid of spiders…”
*** And I am thankful for Blogland. You all bring a special joy to my life.
I could go on and on but children must be woken up, breakfast consumed, a walk taken, and life to be lived… Have a wonderful Thursday all! If you want to join in on the Thankful Thursday posting join Iris over at Sting My Heart.
The Tyranny of the Urgent
May 28, 2008 | Filed Under Uncategorized | 6 Comments
The story of my life right now… The urgent gets done – the rest, well, it waits until it becomes urgent.
Today I am embracing the urgent….
Washing 2 more loads of laundry ( this will bring me to caught up! Yipee!)
Fold and put away clean clothes
Put away dishes
Vacuum upstairs (must find the upstairs first!)
Clean downstairs bathroom
Mop kitchen/dining/hallway
Clean refrigerator
Go to the Commissary ( it’s not easy baking without butter! )
Highlight/color hair ( I am redefining the term ” having roots”)
Call about a terminator ( it’s either me or the spiders)
Exercise walk
Make dinner (needs to be ready to eat by 5)
My kids will help me refine the things I truly consider “urgent” on this list. Wish me luck….
Someday I’ll write a post worth reading….
Why?
May 28, 2008 | Filed Under Uncategorized | 9 Comments
The Bike
May 27, 2008 | Filed Under Uncategorized | 14 Comments
Daniel has wanted a bike for a long time. A long time. I’ve always asked him to not get one, simply because they scare me to death. I’ve heard too many stories, blah, blah, blah…. When he went out for a ride on his Dad’s bike during one visit back home, I cried nearly the whole time they were gone. I know, it’s all rather pathetic. Daniel, being the loving husband he is, has respected my request.
But, it’s been this sticky point in my heart. I know that Daniel’s life is in God’s hands. Me, being stubborn on the bike issue, doesn’t ensure him more days in life, it only satisfies my need to feel in control. And isn’t that just selfishness?
When we knew where the Air Force was moving us to, and that it was indeed a much warmer climate than anywhere we had previously lived, the bike conversation came up. It just made sense for him to buy and drive one.
So here we are. A bike, a happy big boy, and a happier little boy. Judah is delighted by it. And I mean that sincerely. His first words about the bike were: “It’s for me?!” He periodically, throughout the day, goes over and rubs it. He adores Daddy’s bike.
I still have a bit of fear to wrestle with. And I will. But, who am I to stand in the way of a dream?
Sugar,…Oh, honey, honey
May 26, 2008 | Filed Under Uncategorized | 4 Comments
I am working on a post about incorporating raw sugar into your diet. Are there any real specific questions you all have for me. I’d love to give it my best shot at answering them.
Let me know….
My Blueberry Clown
May 24, 2008 | Filed Under Uncategorized | 12 Comments
Lately, the after-nap snack choice has been a cookie with a glass of milk. But yesterday it was frozen blueberries. Judah LOVES frozen blueberries, and I love Judah’s frozen blueberry faces. He is so silly. He gets it from his father.
Ahem.
After the blueberries were gone, and his mouth sufficiently frozen so the words he spoke came out all slurry, it was on to fresh strawberries. Ce-Ce ( Eve) joined in on the fun then. She is CRAZY about strawberries. Actually, she’s just crazy. She, too, gets that from her father.
Why are you looking at me like that?!
ANYWAYS…. Makes me a bit sad to think we won’t be able to go strawberry picking this year. It’s tradition to go picking, and then make a Strawberry Creme pie.
My mouth waters at the thought.
But, such is life. Strawberries from the store will have to do. Because, seriously, no Strawberry Creme pie just ’cause we don’t have field strawberries?
Now that would really be crazy!
The Rank Issue – An open letter in which I attempt to contain my sassiness
May 22, 2008 | Filed Under Uncategorized | 40 Comments
Dear * insert name of woman I am not going to say here*
Your husband is the Major, not you. You are a woman, a wife, a mother, just like me. I know your husband’s pay grade is much higher than mine. I know that he can give my husband orders that he must follow, but so can a lot of people. There was no need for you to act superior to me, or as if coming close and breathing any of the air around me may contaminate you. Also, when having a conversation, I do appreciate it when people turn their body towards me. And just so you know, I am not big on the one-sided friendliness thing. It wouldn’t hurt you to say hi to me when I say hi to you. After all, you wipe your baby’s bottom, just like I do. And your toddler drives you nuts at times just like mine does, I’m sure.
We could have been friends, even if only for a short time. We are military spouses; we could have swapped stories, or advice. And we are both a woman and a wife; I am sure we could have found plenty to talk about, even with just those two things in common. And if not, we are mothers, and certianly our children provide plenty of fodder that would have kept us talking for a long time. And while we are on the subject of children, your child playing with my child will not ruin him. She doesn’t bite. I promise.
Yes, we could have been friends, you and I. But, alas, because of your issue with rank, we were not. It’s too bad, because sometimes I’m funny. And I try to be helpful. And I am a very loyal friend. I would even have baked you cookies for the trip to your new base. I did think about it, but I was afraid you wouldn’t eat them. You know, because my husband is a Staff Sergeant and all. Bummer for you because they’re kind of famous, and totally delicious.
Sincerely,
Andrea ( the enlisted Airman’s spouse with red hair)
You move me….
May 21, 2008 | Filed Under Uncategorized | 16 Comments
I really love music, all kinds of music. I identify with it, it moves me, and often speaks right to my heart. Sometimes music gives me the words I don’t have. Bereft of music, well, I’d be lost.
One of my favorite genres is jazz. I know, you’re rolling your eyes, but I love it. I really do. It’s fun for me to listen to jazz, and it makes me happy. I enjoy all kinds of jazz – old, new, strict, loose. I like it all. Well, not “elevator” jazz. Yuck.
Right now I have in heavy rotation Michael Buble. I’m totally diggin’ his voice, his music. I like how he covered some old, familiar songs. I love how much personality he brings to each song. And he has a new CD out! But, sadly, I don’t have it. Yet.
I’d like to start listening to more Latin music. I have one Latin-ish cd, and it’s okay. Not great; perhaps a little safe, and somewhat boring. If you have any great Latin music suggestions I would love to hear them.
Actually, as long as we are talking about suggestions, I’d love to know – what do you have in heavy rotation right now. I am really curious about the music other people like, love, and listen to.
So tell me… what’s working for you right now?
P.S. think I used the word “love” enough?
P.P.S. brownie points for the one who can tell me what song my post title is taken from.
I wish I had been the one sleeping….
May 21, 2008 | Filed Under Uncategorized | 16 Comments
I’m always glad I walked afterwards, but I don’t always feel like walking. Today was one of those days. I was tired when I woke up, and exercising was the last thing I wanted to do. But, I kicked my butt into gear and off we went.
What a gorgeous morning! I had the wind in my face for the first half of my walk, and a tailwind for the second half. Perfect. Eve and I had a good talk about character, and why we need to build it into our hearts. We talked about hard work and why it’s a good thing. She asked if Daddy and I thought she was funny, and I took the opportunity to talk about some of the special things I love about her.
And to top it off, I even got a rousing “You go, girl! Whoo-hoo!” from some men working across the road from where I was walking. I’ll take that any day (even if it was a bit uncomfortable) over the “Woman, you are crazy!” stares I normally get. I don’t think I deserve the “crazy” stares. I prefer to think I am determined – rather than crazy – to be pushing two kids in a stroller and backpacking the third, for the exercise.
You wouldn’t give the me the “crazy” stare, now would you?
Because I can’t get enough of her…
May 20, 2008 | Filed Under Uncategorized | 13 Comments
for chubby baby girls
in bubble suits
chewing on my measuring spoons
Twitter!
May 19, 2008 | Filed Under Uncategorized | 3 Comments
I am “Twittering” now! It’s such fun! Check it out in my sidebar under miscellaneous… If you Twitter, let me know so I can follow along!
It has begun…
May 19, 2008 | Filed Under Uncategorized | 9 Comments
Back to life, back to reality……
I woke up this morning next to an empty place in bed. Daniel started back to work today. For some reason my mind is having a hard time grasping that he isn’t recruiting anymore. I had been dreading this day, last night I just wanted to run away and hide, pretending like the morning wasn’t going to come. It’s silly, really. His hours are a dream, the stress is non-existent, and he isn’t on goal.
I mean c’mon! What is my problem?
To be honest, I don’t know. Maybe my mind is conditioned – to not be able to grasp anything other than recruiting. I can’t hardly remember what life use to be like before Vermont. I know that I longed for it while in the midst of recruiting duty. But, now that I have regular life again, I don’t know what to do with it. Daniel equated the feelings he was having to a dog that had been chained up; the chains have now been removed, but he still didn’t go anywhere. I would have to agree. I want to sing and dance and laugh, but I don’t. I just stand here waiting for the shoe to drop. Waiting for the sound of the chains again.
What I do know is I didn’t like waking up without Daniel next to me. I became quite spoiled with all the leave Daniel took. But, we needed it. It was time to let some of the wounds heal, to remember that we don’t have looming deadlines anymore, time to re-group. It was good. Now I need to work on realizing that life and work can co-exist. It doesn’t have to be one or the other. Perhaps hearing Daniel come through the door at 4 o’clock this afternoon will help.
I can’t believe Daniel will be home for dinner and we will still have time to take a walk. And I won’t have to put the kids to bed without them seeing their Daddy. It’s good to be back…..!
