Re-enlistment Day! Bug Club Day!

August 27, 2010 | Filed Under Air Force Life, Air Force Physician Assistant Program (IPAP), Daniel, Eve, Military Life, New Mexico, Photos | 3 Comments

Daniel has been active duty Air Force for twelve years this past July. Today he signed up for four more years. He wasn’t technically due to re-enlist for another seven months or so but since being accepted into the PA program, he needed the retainability in order to begin and finish IPAP.

Daniel has to agree to stay in the Air Force for ten years beyond his coming commission, so today wasn’t a mile stone or the result of a big decision we had to make on whether or not he would stay in for four more years.

It was an exciting day, nonetheless.

And what was especially exciting was that the kids and I actually made it to the ceremony on time. Quite a feat, I’ll tell you.

There were showers for four (that makes it sound so easy, doesn’t it? It’s not.), blow drying hair for three, styling hair for three, ironing three little outfits, breakfast for four, make-up for one, removing traces of breakfast from three sweet faces, shoes on eight feet, brushing four sets of teeth, all the necessary gear into the truck. And then, finally, the actual driving, which was difficult because I was forced to maintain my good attitude in front of the children even though I got stuck behind two incredibly slow cars. Why must that always happen when one is pressed for time?

Anyway, we are in a (mostly) loving and committed relationship with the United States Air Force for at least… well, a really long time. Like thirteen more years. But more than likely, eighteen years. Let’s not think too long on that because I might cry. Sometimes I just want a home I can call my own.

Moving right along…

Today was also a much anticipated day for Eve. Today was “Bug Club” day with her little girlfriends. My daughter (very much the planner) has had her bag of supplies packed since Wednesday. But she left it in the room that she shares with Eliza. Unluckily, at “bug club” time Eliza was napping and there was no retrieving of the bag. Poor girl was crushed. We made do with another not quite as cute but serviceable bag and all was well. Now, I’m not sure what is exactly involved with the “bug club” but I do know that I think it’s hilarious. My daughter – the one who freaks out over bugs of any shape or size, is in a bug club. Highly amusing. And so very cute.

Do you want to know how my husband made my day end so well? I had mentioned earlier in the evening that I really wanted to drive out – way out – and watch the moon rise. The nights are beautiful here and because it’s unbelievably flat and wide open you can see the whole sky for what seems like a million miles. At eight o’clock tonight Daniel burst through the front door and told me get in the truck; we were headed out to watch the moon rise. He remembered!

God bless my man, he sat in the truck with me for nearly forty-five minutes waiting and watching for the moon. He even fielded highly suspicious questions from want-to-be cowboy cops as to why we were pulled over on the side of a dirt road with our truck lights off. They totally didn’t buy the moon watching thing. Ha!

The moon was gorgeous tonight and the fact that my husband took me out there so I could watch it rise was wonderful.

An exceptionally good Friday, friends. Happy weekend!

Pears and China.

August 23, 2010 | Filed Under It's What's For Dinner, New Mexico, Photos | 6 Comments

Sweet pears resting on beautiful china.

I deemed today “Fruit Day.” I had seen a great looking fruit tree when we were driving home from picking up Mexican for dinner (Yum!) last night. I made a mental note of the street and since we get Mexican food from the same restaurant every single time, I am somewhat familiar with that side of town; I figured I would be fine driving there by myself. Well… I can tell you that without my little GPS, I’d still be looking for that stinkin’ street. And it’s 8:37 p.m.

I’m totally rolling my eyes right now.

I am directionally challenged. In an extreme way.

I should back up a bit because before we went to the park to pick what I thought was apples, we walked to the other end of housing and picked from a couple of small apple trees. It was terribly hot. I was getting snippy by the time we were done picking apples but we pressed on to the park. And I sure am glad we did!

When we got to the park I realized, much to my delight, that instead of an apple tree it was a pear tree.

Love.

The fruit trees around here grow fairly wild and without any care which translates into very organic and bug infested fruit, but it’s free and I’ll take a few bugs over pesticides any day. This particular pear tree was shown a lot of love by the bugs but we did find about a half a bag of good fruit. Eve wandered off at one point but came running back to tell me that the rest of the orchard area was full of pear trees without as many bug spots. We hit the jackpot!

The kids weren’t really able to help me pick, though Judah was a big help climbing and pulling branches down a few times. Eventually I shoo-ed them off to play under the nearby shady trees because I was shaking branches and pears were dropping like crazy. I was afraid for their little heads! While the kids were playing “Indians” which translated into Eve sewing big leaves together, Eliza and Judah collecting pine cones for winter, and pretending that I was their mother who was picking pears (I love my kid’s imaginations!), I was busily filling up my bag.

At one point a gentleman started mowing the grounds and I thought he was going to come over and tell me that I had to leave. Instead he brought me a long tool with a handle that you squeeze which opened and closed the end that had a sort of pincher type thingy with rubber tips. He offered that to help me! His tool sure beat me jumping up over and over again, hitting the fruit off with a long stick! And then he even asked if he could help me carry my bags of fruit home. I was so thankful for his good heart.

After the fruit picking we headed to Goodwill to see if they had any canning jars in stock. We were thrilled when Eve spied a box of about 15 beautiful jars for $2.99. I also saw a small collection of gorgeous china… Oh, it’s beauty made my heart sing a happy little song.

So from now on, today shall be called: The day of pears and china. And Eve is our heroine.

A little cooperation between God and Judah’s Mama.

August 22, 2010 | Filed Under Eliza Dove, Judah, New Mexico, Photos, The garden | 5 Comments

This year in my garden I planted grape tomatoes for Judah. He was the sole reason I planted them.

My little guy has loved grape tomatoes since he was able to get them from his hot little hand into his mouth. I had to shut him down when he was a wee one because of the horrendous diaper rash he would get the day after. I hated doing that. I promised myself that when he was done with diapers I would never deny him grape tomatoes again. He could eat them by the fist full and I wouldn’t bat an eye.

Last summer he ate as many as I could get into the house. Farmer’s market to table to Judah’s happy mouth.

This summer, we have our own.

I was afraid that this day would never come; the first grape tomato plant that came up from the seeds I planted, died. I guess it couldn’t take my constant attention. Unfortunately I am a hover-er. I know my neighbors think I’m crazy because I am constantly checking on my garden.

The second little tomato plant that decided to give this life thing a whirl… lived! Flourished, even. I watered it, talked to it, cheered it on…

Fruition:

I was so excited for this day to come! I’ll admit to being a little nervous that Judah would mysteriously decide that he didn’t love grape tomatoes anymore, but my fears were put to rest.

I had one very happy boy with a handful of just picked grape tomatoes.

He even shared with his sister, though truthfully it was a bit begrudgingly. He’s got some stiff competition in the “oh-may-yo” lovin’ department from one Miss Eliza Dove.

Maybe next year I should plan for a “Judah” tomato plant and an “Eliza” tomato plant!

From Sunday to Saturday.

August 21, 2010 | Filed Under It's What's For Dinner, New Mexico, Photos | 3 Comments

The “Dessert and Drinks” crowd changed our Sunday get-togethers to Saturday get-togethers because of school being back in session.

While still as much fun as ever, the night felt a little off to me. I guess we really are creatures of habit and I just need to adjust my habit.

I don’t know if it was just a New Mexico thing but here in housing, Saturday was “pie day”… Mostly apple, as two of my neighbors also made apple pies like me. But, being the crazy one, I threw in a peach pie just for kicks.

Earlier in the day we drove by a couple of sweet old men selling peaches on the side of the road, and I could not resist. I badly wanted to buy the BIG box but for thirty dollars… it felt a bit like highway robbery. Especially since they weren’t fresh off of someone’s tree. The peaches had been trucked in from California. Nonetheless, they were luscious. And a great peach pie they made.

I got razzed for “labeling” my pie “A” for Andrea. Really, it was “A” for apple… and I always do that. Pinky swear!

Happiness is having good friends to share pie with on a hot August night.

She’s got the at-ti-tude.

August 20, 2010 | Filed Under Andrea, Eve, New Mexico, Photos | 5 Comments

Girlfriend started taking a hip-hop dance class a few weeks ago and all of the sudden… POOF!

Attitude.

Nah. That’s not the truth. Eve’s had attitude forever but in a sweet, fun way. And tonight… she brought it.

Here’s her “cute” face. She is realizing that she can be cute. I love observing her self-discovery moments.

But then her shoe fell off. Oh Lordy.

What the girl has more than attitude… is drama. And she ALWAYS saves it for her mama.

I have NO IDEA where she gets all of this personality from.

P.S. Those cute straight from the 80’s sunglasses are from Goodwill. One never knows what treasures can be found in that magnificent store!

An Apple Pie in August?

August 13, 2010 | Filed Under It's What's For Dinner, New Mexico, Photos | 15 Comments

I’m from New York, as you know. We do apples in late September, early October. Apples are a Fall thing. There’s a nice snap in the air, the trees are beautiful, warm apple cider after tromping through an orchard sounds like a little slice of heaven.

I live in New Mexico now. Apparently New Mexico does apples in August.

There’s no snap in the air, it’s in the high 90’s. My kids are in swimming suits instead of sweaters and jeans. Honestly, I’ve been kind of weirded out by the whole thing.

But! We have apples. And truly, I never thought I’d be apple picking in New Mexico. I am thankful!

My friend Brandy told me about the apple trees that were ready to be picked, so off we went. Nontraditional? Yes, but a happy occasion nonetheless.

The apples went from this:

To this:

And finally, to this:

There was much rejoicing in our house!

What is your favorite pie?

Baby, baby…

August 9, 2010 | Filed Under Andrea, Military Life, New Mexico | 14 Comments

I spent a big chunk of my Sunday evening at the park holding my friend Jamie’s baby, Abigail. Oh…. SO sweet! Soft, soft, baby head. And the sounds she made… those amazing baby sounds! And the way she snuggled right into my chest… Awwww. Love her. I’m so thankful that Jamie shared her daughter with me tonight!

I miss having my own baby. But shhh… don’t tell Daniel!

What I wore.

August 4, 2010 | Filed Under Andrea, Military Life, New Mexico | 20 Comments

The presentation for winning the photo contest was yesterday. I was nervous, man! There were a whole lot of people in that conference room. And I don’t do this kind of thing, you know? I wipe my kid’s butts and wash laundry and make copious amounts of food and do dishes…etc., etc., etc. (I could keep going with the etc. because we all know a mother’s work is never EVER done.)

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I had to buy my outfit in Albuquerque because I didn’t have the time to order anything online. Can I just tell you, I am a terrible shopper! We went to the mall and the outdoor mall… nada. I ended up going to Anthropologie two times and finally made a purchase there.

I bought a white shirt.

See! Told you I’m terrible at the shopping.

Sigh. Don’t hate me. You all gave me awesome advice and… WHITE SHIRT.

What I did was pair it with dark wash jeans (Gap “perfect bootleg”) and a vintage orange chunky bead necklace, leopard print heels, my red hair, and a smile. It also helped that I had a great hair day!

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Daniel said I looked great and I felt comfortable.

The presentation was good; I was broken in by meeting a few people at a time which ended up being much less overwhelming than just being thrust into the room packed with men I don’t know, all staring at me. I did have to give a little speech… Surprise! Looking back I should have expected that and been prepared. But I wasn’t. And I ended up saying the same thing three different ways. Ugg. And I didn’t even thank my husband in it. Major faux-pas in the speech-giving world, apparently.

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So that’s done. I have one more presentation and this one is BIG. With a lot more people who will be staring at me. I feel myself wilting as I type this.

Geez… Give me a butt to wipe any day over speeches and presentations!

I won!!

July 22, 2010 | Filed Under Andrea, Military Life, New Mexico, Photos | 44 Comments

I am still in shock!

Daniel wrangled (LIED) me onto base this morning under the guise of a meeting with “Very Important People” that have a lot of brass pinned to their chests, for a meet and greet in honor of “Year of the Air Force Family.”

I had no clue whatsoever what the meeting was really for. I had gotten the children all dressed in nice clothes – girls in their matching Easter dresses, the boy had on the bow tie that matched the girl’s outfits – I was wearing white and make-up. Indeed, we were ready to meet these VIP’s.

When we walked into the room I saw my photo blown up on a board and sitting on an easel. I saw the prize pack and a lot of people smiling.

It slowly dawned on me why I was really in that room!

Stunned wouldn’t really describe how I was feeling.

It was wild! Before I knew it I was shaking people’s hands and hearing about all that I had won and how proud everyone is. About how next they are going to schedule a time to have the Wing Commander present my prizes and certificate to me, and how my picture is going to be on the website and in base paper. The Commander even coined me!

Seriously, I’m just me. Andrea. The redheaded dork who bares her stomach on the World Wide Web. I’m the girl who takes photos for fun and because I love to. I don’t actually win stuff! My photos aren’t nationally recognized. I mean, c’mon!

Truthfully, you guys are the ones who really won the contest for me. I entered my photo on a whim. Without your votes I wouldn’t be in this position today. Apparently over 800 votes were cast for my photo. Wow!

Thank you.

Here’s where I get mushy. But just for a second, I promise…

Thank you for believing in me. And in my photo. Your votes of confidence meant the world to me.

And in the effort for full disclosure, I did indeed do the happy dance. Though I waited until I got home. I restrained my glee while in front of “The Very Important People.”

Daniel was so relieved.

Celebrating 12 years of active duty Air Force. With a cherry on top!

July 19, 2010 | Filed Under Daniel, Military Life, New Mexico, Photos | 9 Comments

Daniel’s twelve year anniversary of being in the Air Force is on the 22nd. Hard to believe it’s been that long!

I remember being seventeen years old, Daniel standing in front of me promising to write while away at boot camp. I told him, half-laughing, “if you write to me, I’ll write to you.” I was scoffing in my head, never believing that he would actually write to me.

But he did. I received three letters in one week. Three!

I was shocked, to say the least.

Hard to believe that within three years we’d be married, living in Alaska. Within five years we’d be parents of a tiny baby girl named Eve, living in North Dakota. Within ten years we’d have three (!) kids, moving from Vermont to New Mexico.
My mind would have been absolutely blown. Because honestly, I didn’t even really like this scrawny half-grown boy-man standing in front of me.

Twelve years from that muggy summer night, not realizing how our futures would collide, here we are… celebrating.

I am a firm believer in celebrating every moment. Little or big. Daniel thought it was silly that I insisted we celebrate this anniversary. But how do we know if this is our last day? Life is far too short not to find joy in the little moments. Don’t you agree?

So, hot fudge sundaes and strawberry daiquiris for a twelve year anniversary. We ate and drank in the park with friends, laughed, and watched all the kids run off the sugar. It was the perfect way to mark this moment in time.

We should all celebrate the even the littlest moments. There will be no regret in taking the time to enjoy life. We only have one go-around, after all. I know I’m making the most of mine.

Bring on the fudge, baby!

Eliza+zucchini=baby

July 16, 2010 | Filed Under Eliza Dove, Eve, Military Life, New Mexico, Photos | 21 Comments

Daniel has been working nights this week so our normal schedule has been a little more interesting. There’s been lots of whispering and walking like “tiny mice” and a few threats thrown in, naturally.

“If you wake your father up…. ”

And the very meaningful usage of entire names, in a very loud whisper, of course.

“Eve Shiphrah!!!”

It’s not been all whispers and tiptoes though. We have had a lot of fun at the library and the pool, playing at the park and chilling with our friends. And lots and lots of one on one time with mama.

That’d be me.

A couple of days ago we picked our first tomato from our little garden. We were so excited!

We chopped it up, added in some basil (also from the garden), along with a little bit of ham and made some delicious scrambled eggs for breakfast this morning.

Tonight the kids picked two zucchini from our monster zucchini plant.

Eliza immediately started mothering her zucchini. Apparently when she was walking around this morning with a ball under her dress saying she was pregnant, it was with a zucchini.

Great news! I’m a grandmother!

Of a zucchini.

We have all been itching to make some zucchini muffins (with chocolate!). So tonight we did! Working together was a lot of fun and everyone walked away with a sense of muffin ownership.

And bonus… They were delicious!

We are looking forward to having Daniel home but we’ve had a really nice week with lots of quality mama and kiddo time!

Anybody else have a garden this year? What are you picking right now?

CE Squadron Picnic

July 9, 2010 | Filed Under Air Force Life, New Mexico, Photos | 6 Comments

Yesterday afternoon was Daniel’s squadron picnic. I took a few photos here and there… I think I may submit one or two of them to the base paper. ‘Cause, you just never know!

Airman Lopez and Airman Farmer playing two-hand touch football.

Thank you to everyone who voted for me over at “My Air Force Life.” Within two weeks I’ll know if I won. Fingers and toes are crossed!

Photoshoot at the laundromat.

July 6, 2010 | Filed Under Eliza Dove, Eve, Judah, New Mexico, Photos | 13 Comments

We drove by. I saw gorgeous natural light. I made Daniel go back. I shot photos. I was happy.

I would totally do a full on photoshoot in that laundromat. It’s funny how the places we often overlook because they are ordinary can be so interesting.

Rain=Love (and mosquitoes)

June 28, 2010 | Filed Under Eliza Dove, Life Stuff, Love is..., New Mexico, Photos | 8 Comments

I’m such an old lady. One of the things I love to do in the evening is sit on a chair in the front of my garage (this is only because I have a psuedo front porch) and watch the world go by.

I love it best when there’s a rainstorm. Watching the rain fall is calming to me and let me tell you, I need all the calming moments I can get. My life is nuts.

Last night we had one of those moments… a quiet rain, chairs in the garage, the kids were chill… it was nice.