In which I made sweet love to Lysol for 10 days straight.

March 5, 2010 | Filed Under Eliza Dove, Life Stuff, New Mexico, Photos | 10 Comments

Miss Eliza Dove has been sick since last Thursday. As in, nothing stayed in her stomach. She never got a fever, never acted lethargic or irritable. Her poor stomach would just randomly dispose of everything she ate. And not in convenient places either. (Like my hair. gag.)

{I do have to stop here and give her some major points. Eliza maintained being potty trained throughout the entire ordeal. And if girlfriend can handle telling me when she has to go to the bathroom whilst her intestines are hatin’… I’m thinking that we are golden on the diaper-free front.}

Judah had been sick a couple of days before Eliza. But he was sick for one evening and then was done with it. Eve never got it. I was sick for three days. Daniel was queasy for one evening. Weird, huh. Weird and very exhausting.

I am usually envious of large families. Until my family is sick. And then I realize sickness traveling through five people is way more than enough for me. I’m not sure that my washing machine could have handled much more. And I know that I was beyond my breaking point. It wasn’t as if I could have laid on my bed all day like I certainly longed to do while I was sick. Nope, mama had to be mama and carry on. That’s life.

Thankfully, today everyone felt back to normal. And it was a gloriously beautiful day… outside too! The kids and I ventured out of the house to visited one of our favorite playgrounds. We had a wonderful time in the fresh, soft, warm breezes. I completely relished not being surrounded by walls; I loved feeling the sun warming my body, listening to my kids play (and fight, of course!).

I took some photos of Eliza enjoying her freedom from the house. I could tell that she was just as happy as I was to be outside. She made sure to bring her full personality along…

Do you see the smirk?

We lovingly call her an old lady. She groans and grunts and acts likes she’s 97 years old. Here she gives you her best grumpy old lady face. She’s absolutely fascinating. And completely addictive.

She happily wore her glasses (”eyes” as she calls them) cocked off to the side. No worries. No cares. It didn’t matter that they left a red dent on her face before Mama realized and fixed ‘em. She’s totally chill.

And she looks great in polka dots.

Hope your day was great and your house is germ-free!!

Facial cream/moisturizer suggestion?

February 17, 2010 | Filed Under Life Stuff | 35 Comments

Ok, I’m officially crawling out of my skin here.

Such a pretty word picture, isn’t it?

I live in the d.e.s.e.r.t. And my skin hates me right now. I make sure to drink plenty of water, and while that helps, it’s not the end all. My skin needs extra moisturizing. I use a wonderful lotion on my skin from the shoulders down, but my face…. it needs help.

Currently I am using Caudalie on my face. I got it at Sephora. I like that it doesn’t have a strong perfume but I feel like it clogs my pores. And that is no-good.

I wash my skin with Clinque, which sounds really old school, but Daniel and I both love it. First of all, it does a good job. Secondly, it cost like fifteen dollars and it is going to last the two of us probably six more months.

Do you have any suggestions on a facial moisturizer for me? I am feeling a little desperate here…

Thanks ahead of time!!

It’s like a freakin’ clown car, man!

February 9, 2010 | Filed Under Life Stuff | 13 Comments

Sigh…

I want to write. I just don’t have a specific subject to write about, and rattling off without a purpose is a blogging/writing no-no.

But, I’m going to do it anyway… I’m a rebel without a cause. Or something like that.

The kids are doing good; everyone is keeping great spirits even though we have been housebound for couple of weeks now. Between the snow (I KNOW! It’s not normal for here. The town was completely paralyzed for days.) and Daniel taking the truck to work every day, it’s been a challenge for me and the kids. We were use to being on the go-go-go, living in NY, that this new lifestyle has been an adjustment. Not necessarily hard or bad, just a rearranging of my thought process.

School is superb! Eve has been doing well and we are proud of our little first grader. For me, having a dedicated school room is a tremendous blessing. Our time spent schooling each day is much more effective than it was in New York. Eve is learning by leaps and bounds and it is a thrill. Last Thursday we had a pretty tough day (it was all me being tired and grumpy) but my perspective received a face lift after watching a school bus drive by the house during nap time. I realized anew that our days (even the bad ones) are a blessing; we are together – learning, playing, sharing life without interruptions. And I know that having Eve at home and teaching her here is my present calling and even on our worst day I am thankful for homeschooling and all that it brings to my life.

As far as post-deployment goes, it’s been really good. To tell you the truth, I have no idea why we have such an easy time of it. The previous post-deployment was the same thing. There were literally no bumps. I say this not to brag at all. I don’t understand the whys but I am truly thankful for the seamless transition of being apart and now being together. I can tell you that our marriage is a lot different than it was before. Saying “I’m sorry” and extending forgiveness is quicker and easier, we kiss more often, appreciation for each other is much higher… the only thing that we haven’t changed, but that we had discussed while Daniel was deployed, is going on more dates. And that is because we have a babysitter lack. But, I’m working on it!

One last big thing before I hit you with all the small piddley stuff…

One word: Nikon.

Yup. I’m switching from Canon to Nikon. (I’m keeping my Canon, though, once I get her back. ‘Cause I love her deeply.)

I’ve known for a solid year and a half that I wanted to buy a full frame Nikon but it just didn’t make a whole lot of sense financially. I mean, I had a beautiful Canon camera (40D) and great lenses (18-55mm 2.8, 50mm 1.4, 85mm 1.8), why would I do such a dramatic switch? All I can say is, I like Nikon better. I have researched the crap out of both brands and I made my decision. Sometimes I feel nervous and wonder if I am doing the right thing but as a life-long overthinker, it’s typical to have that reaction. I’m going to love my new camera and lenses. We are going to have a beautiful time together. Period.

Now, for the piddley but still matters stuff:

*Daniel’s motorcycle is literally in pieces in the garage. He bought a new muffler and is switching the paint job from bumblebee yellow to sleek and sexy black. Hence, I am truckless.

*Our garage is about to become Crossfit central. So excited for all our equipment to arrive and the blood, sweat, and tears that are sure to quickly follow.

*Still no pictures on the wall. This week they will come.

*Saturday is Eve’s Valentine’s Day tea party. We (I) couldn’t do our 2nd annual Christmas Tea in December so Valentine’s Day it will be. Still working on psyching myself up. It will be FUN. LOTS O’ FUN, right?

*Eliza is still chubby. Oh wait, that’s not a news flash.

And to answer a few questions:

A bunch of you asked about agave syrup… agave syrup is indeed sweeter than sugar. By 1/4 or 1/3 or something. I should look it up because I don’t remember. I use it in all baking – cookies, cakes, ice cream, custard. I use it in tea, coffee, smoothies… everything. I can taste a slight difference but I’m kind of ultra sensitive to taste differences. I use the “raw” agave syrup. It’s darker in color and less processed. I don’t use it exclusively. I still use raw sugar and honey a lot. I just like having an alternative for when I want to give my kids an extra special treat. I feel like it tones down the high and crash of sugary foods.

I am buying a sewing machine. I am. It’s going to have to be online because I live in the middle of the desert, man. Pinto beans we have, sewing machines, we have not. You all gave me the BEST advice and motivation and encouragement and links. I can’t thank you enough. I’ll be asking more questions once I have my machine. Prepare yourself.

And now… a few links to cute, informative, fun new blogs I have found recently:

These hamburger buns and I have a date in my kitchen. I won’t be using King Arthur flour, though. I have tried it many times because I keep thinking it’s a fluke, but to me it tastes rancid.

Kate doesn’t know me. I’ve commented on her cute and fun blog a few times. She and her Air Force husband live in Japan (their base is at the tip top of our dream sheet)… stop by and say hi for me! She’s got a great linky side bar too…

I will be making these “deliciously dandy ding-dongs.” I promise.

I check these two fashion sites every day. The first one is “Uber-Chic for Cheap” and “Stuff Under Twenty.” I love finding a deal. Bet you do too.

I need one of these dresses. Any one will do. I will never have one, though. Too expensive for me. What I love best is that she donates to awesome charities.

And the last one… wouldn’t this fabric be super cute as curtains in my kitchen? I think so!

I’d love to link to more cute, fun, informative blogs. Email me and let me know if you have one or know of one!

Well. Apparently I had a lot to say. You are officially all caught up now.

Bye!

Oh, yes I did.

February 6, 2010 | Filed Under Life Stuff, Perspective, Photos | 18 Comments

And you thought I was crazy when I was feeding my family dessert for dinner…

I’ve reached new heights of the crazy.

We had dessert for breakfast.

For a few days time I had promised the kids I would make them the ice cream of their dreams. The kind that makes them drool when the memory comes flooding back in twenty-five years.

(It was a bucket of homemade peach ice cream on a hot heavy-aired New York night for me…)

Anyway, as I was whipping up this future drool worthy memory, I had a moment of brilliance and added in a couple of teaspoons instant coffee. Because I wanted coffee ice cream. But wait! Who in their right mind feeds their children coffee ice cream right before bed? Not this chickie.

I think children sleeping at night is a good thing. You?

Well, I had also promised Eve I would make her oatmeal raisin cookies for dessert. I even remembered to buy the raisins at the Commissary. Miracles still happen!

But then I forgot to make the cookies.

Can’t win ‘em all, I guess.

I don’t know about you, but to me it’s obvious, once you add all of these variables together, I had to feed my children dessert for breakfast.

I know some of you are cringing at the thought that there were no eggs on our breakfast table. No whole wheat toast. Where’s the fruit? The milk? The cereal?

Oh, but they were all there.

Eight eggs in the ice cream. Fresh store bought whole wheat flour in the cookies. Yummy, plump raisins studded the cookies. Great for growing bodies, coconut milk mixed with sinfully delicious heavy cream. Heavy rolled oats embodied the cookies.

As for the gobs of sugar usually in these desserts … it was agave syrup, my friends. I made the creamiest, most delicious coffee ice cream using agave syrup. Used it for the cookies too. Who knew! Not my kids.

They just thought I was the dreamiest, most beautiful, brilliant mommy that has ever walked the earth. Ice cream and cookies for breakfast? Who does that?

This chickie.

Because I think making memories is better than eating scrambled eggs and whole wheat toast every morning.

Decorating advice needed!

February 1, 2010 | Filed Under Decorating Ineptness, Life Stuff, Military Life, New Mexico, Photos | 16 Comments

I have these big white walls. Everywhere… well, almost everywhere. And they bother me.

On this particular wall I have finally decided to use one of my rainbow prints to adorn it. I think… if you approve, that is.

Daniel finally took pity on me and cut out a piece of 20×30 cardboard… after watching me hold up the tape measure 87,000 times.

Can you see it? Does it work? Do I need to add anything else or is the photo enough?

On the opposite side of the hallway there is a loooong stretch of white wall. I’ve decided to do a series of 16×24 prints of these four vineyard photos I took this fall.

Are you feeling it? Help? I don’t know what the crap I’m doing…

Did I mention…

January 30, 2010 | Filed Under Andrea, Life Stuff, New Mexico, Photos | 17 Comments

That we painted our livingroom wall blue…

‘Cause, we did. And I love it.

Promise I’ll show you more when I’m all done decorating!

And the countdown marches on…

December 17, 2009 | Filed Under Deployment, Life Stuff | 16 Comments

*I think I might cry a little when I have my own house again. I have missed having my own space very much. Apartment living… is not for me.

*I’ve bought the last package of toilet paper ’til we leave. A four pack, for curious minds. This makes me feel slightly giddy.

*I allowed myself to think about sleeping in my own bed, today. Such a lovely, lovely thought.

*Daniel and I are trying to figure out the plane ticket buying. Not such an easy decision since we have nothing firm in the way of dates. But still…. plane tickets…. hooray!

*I have started to go through the stuff we have here at the apartment. Selling some, giving lots away… the process feels quite overwhelming. Life needs to march on… the feeding, clothe-ing, washing, homeschooling, Eliza’s birthday, Christmas… there isn’t a pause button for my duties while I pack.

*Everything we are bringing back to New Mexico has to fit in the 5.5 feet bed of our truck. I’m good but I don’t know if I’m that good.

*No Christmas tree this year. My kids are sad but there’s no point and it would be a waste of money. It’s too bad because I did buy a tree stand at a garage sale for .50 cents. I hate to waste it… ha!

*I’m going to really, REALLY miss Wegmans, Sephora, the big beautiful mall, a great health food store, Craig’s List, knowing that I can drive to just about any store I can dream up in no more than 15 minutes. I like to shop without being inconvenienced and our tiny town in New Mexico has squat. And that is very inconvenient.

*Tomorrow night is our last “Girl’s Night” before I have to move. These ladies have been my life-line. And I am going to miss them very much.

*I have less than a handful of Crossfit workouts left. Tonight I have one and I am taking Eve with me on Saturday. Next week is going to be almost normal but after that…. I don’t know. And not knowing makes me nervous! I have really enjoyed dying Crossfit-ing every other day.

*Not being able to send Daniel his daily letter or any more packages has made me feel sort of useless. But, time is short now. And that makes me happy.

Off to make something for dinner!

Happiness is mine!

Less is not more…

October 29, 2009 | Filed Under Life Stuff | 23 Comments

Sometimes less is not more.

I’ve been working on eating less food. And for this girl, the one who loves food and eating in general, it’s not easy. Or fun. And no, I’m not on a diet, I’m just trying to learn moderation, that’s all.

Last night I was at Wegmans (kid-free, mind you!) picking up a “few” necessities; I, with self-will on over-drive, walked by the fresh bread, (carb-lovers unite!) the pistachios, the cheese… At the health food store, I picked-up and put down the snack sized animal cookies I love so much, I walked by the display of Nana’s cookies, and the bulk section.

I came home and unloaded my groceries, my stomach growling the whole while. I had determined I was going to make a smoothie but time got away from me. And really, all I wanted to do was gnaw on a big hunk of cheese.

I am a late night snacker from way back. I love eating in the evenings. But, everyone in the know says that is bad. Bad, bad, bad. Kill joys.

So, I implemented the “no eating after 7 pm.” rule. And you know, I am a rule follower so there has been no eating after 7 for weeks now. Sigh.

I have noticed a difference in how my jeans fit me. And I feel like I sleep better. I don’t own a scale so I have no idea if there is a pound difference. But, I am happy that I am depriving myself, I mean, exercising self-discipline.

In a week I am starting a kick-boxing/Crossfit workout session at a local Crossfit gym. The session runs for nearly 2 months and will bring me right up to Daniel’s return.

While I exercise because it is good for my body and my mind and blah, blah, blah… really I just want to look better naked. Because in all manners of honesty and vanity, that matters to me.

So here’s to saying no to waffles this morning because I had already eaten a bagel, staring longingly at the pumpkin cake in the fridge after the kids have gone to bed, and looking better naked…

I may have to begrudgingly admit that maybe slightly less is more.

My life right now looks like…

October 11, 2009 | Filed Under Andrea, Deployment, Eliza Dove, Eve, Judah, Life Stuff | 28 Comments

this…

I am so busy my head spins. I am pulled in every direction, so thinly that at times I am certain you can see right through me. Everybody needs a piece of me, right now.

I have lost myself along the way of this deployment. I’ve known this for awhile. But, I can’t care. It’s not about me right now. Life is about the kids, about keeping Daniel’s spirits up, about keeping life moving along.

There are moments, more often than I’d care to acknowledge, even in the vein of this honest post, that I feel I just can not go on. Not another moment. Not another breath. I can’t deal with anymore, anything. And then I do. I do and I do and I do.

Sometimes I cry. I gnash my teeth. I yell. I pout. I stomp my feet at God. I feel that all of this is very unfair.

And then I move on. Because I must.

I am doing pretty good right now. Usually at this point in the month, I would be very funktified and yet, I am not. Even amidst the craziness of life, the kids and I have been having a lot of fun; we are enjoying Fall and enjoying homeschooling. We have had a long string of really good days dotted with some terrific outings. And there are plenty more on the horizon. With five birthdays in the next two months and all of the holidays… none of us can wait!

But keep praying for me, will you? I sure do need it.

More than half way through now…

Life is life…

September 28, 2009 | Filed Under Andrea, Daniel, Deployment, Eliza Dove, Eve, Life Stuff, Photos, Vermont | 15 Comments

I have three drafts sitting in my folder. Three times I have tried to write a post and bleh... they stunk like a skunk.

But this one is the one. I am determined to post it, good, bad, or otherwise.

I am not sure if, in the nearly three years I have been writing on this tiny space that is mine all mine, I have ever gone this long without posting. All I can say is, I am not me without Daniel. He’s my lighthouse.

Last weekend and part of this week, the girls and I spent time back in Vermont. Oh, it was happy. Very, very happy. I finally felt like I was home. Though the getting there was a wee too exciting for my liking. Little Miss Liza-Lu determined we needed a slight detour and landed herself in the ER for a dislocated elbow. It was terrifying because we didn’t know what happened. I thought she broke her hand or her arm! It took me right back to the last time Daniel deployed and Judah had his seizure. Thankfully the PA popped it right back in and she was her chubby happy self again. My poor heart though!

Once in Vermont much happiness ensued…

We went to the apple orchard that our little family has picked at since Eve was one year old. With the exception of last year, of course. I am planning on a “through the years post” of our annual apple orchard sojourn.

It was so thrilling for my heart to see how well Miss Eliza Dove fit in with the Vermont-ness.

It was fulfilling for me to see her perfect in her birthplace…

Our visit to Vermont was the best ever. Our friends spoiled us rotten. Rotten. It was wonderful! I was even able to connect with some friends and neighbors. Not much has changed and that was comforting. Though, you should have seen Eve’s face and heard her exclaim with indignation, when we drove by our little red house, that, “SOMEONE LIVES THERE!” Yup. They do. But it was much homier when we lived there. Poor little red house. I wish I missed it but after four years and two more children, we definitely outgrew the space. I’ll never outgrow the memories though.

Hey, catch this…. Liza got her ears pierced while we were in VT! Hooray! I even held her during the entire process. MAJOR victory. I am a big advocate (just like you) of my kids living pain-free. But I wanted her to have the earrings more. She barely cried… literally two tears. Eliza is one tough cookie. I can hardly picture her without earrings now. So happy!

Let’s see… what else did we do… We took rides on the Morton’s antique fire engines… like we did on the 4th of July a couple of years ago. The kids look so young; it was just Eve and Judah though Lizie was gestating in my belly.(Watching that slideshow made me realize that I really need to grow my hair back out. I love it long, it’s truly me). We made earrings and bracelets, Amanda made an awesome necklace. We saw a calf, just an hour old, try out it’s very shaky and brand new legs.

We visited Shelburne Farms (one of our favorite places and also where Eve did pre-school!), saw all the animals, I even braved the hen’s nest and came out with two eggs! And escaped with no pecking!

Vermont will always be in my heart. I really loved every minute we spent there this last week. Thank you Ginger and Erin and Ken for making me and the girls feel happy and at home.

We are back to normal life now. Phew. Today was our first real day of homeschooling. It was really wonderful! Eve remarked to me this afternoon that she didn’t want to go back to regular school anymore. I think we have embarked on a grand new adventure.

Life is life right now. And I miss my husband like crazy. I had no idea a heart could yearn in the way mine does. Sometimes I am okay and sometimes the loneliness washes over me and I can’t breathe… days where I can’t breathe for missing him so deeply.

Daniel, to say I miss you doesn’t even scratch the surface. What we have… it’s a soul thing. Every bit of me loves every bit of you…

Somethin’ is different…

September 16, 2009 | Filed Under Andrea, Life Stuff, Photos | 25 Comments

Do I look different to you?

No?

Are you sure?

Somethin’ is sure different, ya know.

Okay, it has nothing to do with my looks.

It has everything to do with my name.

Daniel and I finally share the same last name!

Hooray! It’s only been eight years, three months, and six days coming.

The reason I went down to New Mexico was so that I could get a New Mexico driver’s license. Lame, huh. Believe me when I tell you, my back was against the wall and it was the only way I could once again be a legal driver.

Long, stupid story, man.

Part of the process of changing my driver’s license from Alaska to New Mexico was changing my last name to match Daniel’s. That was no easy feat, let me just tell you. My awesome friend, Janna, and I had a WILD and CRAZY time getting my name changed.

I can laugh now. Wowza!

Anyway, I now totally belong to Daniel. My brand spankin’ new Social Security card says so. My heart says so too. I feel totally different. Happier. Peaceful. Settled. More in love (if that’s possible!).

I really feel like I should don a white dress and walk down the aisle again.

Eat some delicious wedding cake (carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, thank you!) and open a present or two.

Though, I would settle for a simple engraving on our wedding bands. Or even just a kiss.

Yeah, definitely a kiss.

Winner! In my rearview… and a giveaway!

August 31, 2009 | Filed Under Giveaway!, Life Stuff, Photos | 73 Comments

Congratulations, Claudia!

I must admit, I am glad that this last week is in my rearview now…

Last week was wicked busy. Today was busy. Tomorrow…. I don’t think I have any plans.

Hooray!

I think I’ll make Daniel some granola and possibly some cookies, now that the weather is blessedly cooler. Believe it or not, I’ll take New Mexico’s heat to New York’s humidity any day of the week. M-i-s-e-r-a-b-l-e. Especially living in a top floor apartment.

I canned some peaches today, eleven jars, actually. And I cut up enough to fill 8 quart bags for the freezer. I’m thinking: smoothies, peach pies, and peach ice cream! I still have about a half of a bushel left to deal with. But not today.

Can you believe that tomorrow is September 1st?! Summer is over…. and it is the first time in my life that I am glad. Now, if it could just be January. ( I can’t believe those words just came out of my mouth… or hand, I guess!)

Now, for the “no special reason, I just love you” giveaway….!

You can choose either one of these two prints of mine:

11×16 of “Even Roses Get Moody Sometimes”

12×18 of “Erased”

Just let me know which you would prefer in the comment section. The photo will be printed by a high quality printing company and shipped to you!

Giveaway will close midnight (eastern) Wednesday, September 2nd and the winner will be chosen by the random generator dude.

Happy Monday!

I can’t lie…

August 26, 2009 | Filed Under Life Stuff | 14 Comments

I am feeling so uninspired. So much of what I do here on the blog revolves around my pictures. And since I have yet to buy a card reader for Bob’s camera, I can’t download any of the photos I have been taking the last couple of days.

Really… that is beyond irritating. Especially because I was in Walmart tonight. And I didn’t remember to buy one!

Sometimes I am such a bird brain!

We went blueberry picking today. It was a really nice way to spend the afternoon. The kids did reasonably well (I have learned/am learning to lower my expectations.), we even got complimented on their good behavior. Score for the little, littler, and littlest Hubs!

Tomorrow brings some major sweet corn freezing. My mom and I both have teeny, tiny kitchens so we jumped at the offer to use a good friend’s big gorgeous kitchen. It feels so productive to be putting food away for the winter. I have never had the chance to do canning and freezing so I am loving all of this! (Blackberries yesterday, blueberries today, corn tomorrow, and peaches later this week!) Besides, it makes me happy to think that Daniel will be able to eat some of this delicious food someday.

It’s really true, everything I do has Daniel at it’s core. I love him.

“H” week is going really well! I am sporting some “h”ot pink nail polish as I write this. Whoo-hoo! We have done lots of “H” things so far this week and it’s been fun… but really, I am looking forward to “I” week because we are going to make ice cream. I can’t hardly contain my excitement! I love ice cream. But not as much as Daniel…. I am pretty sure he’d be happy to live off of ice cream. Especially right now. I guess his part of Iraq is hotter than ever.

Yuck.

Okay, I have got to go to bed RIGHT.NOW. I am stupid tired. I just didn’t want you to think I had dropped the posting every day for a month, ball. ‘Cause I haven’t.

See me?!

*waving!*

Here I am!

As seen around my kitchen this evening…

August 19, 2009 | Filed Under Eliza Dove, In the blue bowl, Life Stuff, Photos | 14 Comments

Today felt eternal. Ever have that kind of day?

I am sure you do.

None of it was particularly bad… just long. And it didn’t include a nap time.

This evening it took me about an hour to work up the courage to put my groceries away. For some reason they were very intimidating!

Here are some photos from around my kitchen tonight:

Peaches in the blue bowl and flowers from my husband…

Attempting to hold the kids over ’til dinner. Cheese curls in the pink bowl…

My littlest helper/taste taster sitting on the counter while I made pizza dough…

Post helping, pizza dough on the face, starting to get pretty tired, but still showing some spunk, princess…

And the spunk is going, going…

Gone…

I was opening the (very convenient!) can of pizza sauce when I noticed the sunset shining through the window and onto my hands and counter. It’s the little things that make me smile…

Pizza and salad was made and consumed. Cherries and peaches for dessert. Three small very tired children read to, prayed for, blessed, kissed, and tucked into bed.

Sigh.

Tomorrow? A brand new day… hopefully one that includes a nap time.