Cheers!

2010 has been amazing. 2011 will be even more so.

The girls and I are preparing for a night out. I am working at a club in the cities hosting karaoke for a favorite group, and we plan to ring the new year in right.

And then off to the airport at 6am to pick up my love. I am beyond ecstatic.  To begin the New Year with my ABS girls and then Chief and his family for breakfast.

Ahhhhh...Life is good.

Wishing you all more in the New Year.

Cheers to 2011

PEEP!!!

How about a little post from the missing Bella?!  How are you all?  Did you have a nice holiday?  NYE is just around the corner, which means so is Chief!  He'll be here Saturday morning at 6am.  And while I promise to write more faithfully since there have been so many changes, please be patient and kind. Like love. :)
I can't wait to start catching up with all of your blogs.  And share the things happening here.

I wish you more and Happy New Year!

xoxo, Bella

Just Keep Swimming

I woke up with no alarm this morning, early, and decided today Minny and I needed to stop at church before we went about our day. And the other thought that crossed my mind, "Just Keep Swimming" 

Yep, just like Dory. 

But after having such a perfectly smooth morning getting ready and quickly, did we get to the church to light the vigil candle for my dad, did we realize the rectory wasn't open to purchase the vigil candle. Ohferstupid.  Ugh.  So I looked at Minny and said, Papa knows we're thinking of him all day today, we'll have to come back after school/work.

I've cried numerous times today. What is it that makes it so simple to cry at the thought of him. 

Dad-isms:

1. What's an illegal?  Yep, it's a sick bird.

2. Do you know what a Paradox is?  Nope, it's two doctors, come on kid.

3. I'mma knock your head so far up your ass I'll make a pygmy out of you.

4. You know what this is?  It's a knuckle sammich.  (as he would swing his other hand around and hit you in the back of the head - got me EVERY time)

5. Do you know what a Parallel is?  It's two lell's of course.  (I can't tell you the number of friends that my dad did this to.  One night we even went thru the dictionary and went thru all the Para words - good times!)

6. Hey kid, go practice your French and "mow d'lawn" 

7. WORK!  in the highest pitched voice my dad could get. I loved it. I could be having a horrible day and this would make me laugh. Along with him singing "I owe I owe, it's off to work I go"

8. That guy was a Dickweed. (Why did I NEVER listen?) 

9. Singing. Whistling. My dad did both so fantastically. Bing Crosby eat your heart out. But it's funny, every time I hear Bing I think of my daddy.

10. The way he smoked and told a story. My dad quit smoking a couple years before he passed.  But the way he would would take a drag, start telling a story and exhale just...cracked me up. 

I really dislike this time of year. September thru the Holidays have been really tough the past few years. I can't believe he's not here. I bought my first car with out his help. Purchased a home. Fixed it up. Reconnected with the most amazing man who ... I wish could have met my dad.

I have the most fantastic memories of the man that raised me, loved me and would have done anything for me. He was so smart, funny and my father. He instilled so many great qualities in us kids, and I admire him for so many things. I know my mom misses him incredibly.

Sorry for the debbiedowner post, I just needed to purge today.

Rest in Peace Dad.

In memory I had this done - my dad had the tats done in Japan while in the AirForce, and one on each arm, so I had them combined.

p.s. my friend Didi says that you can't smoke and cry at the same time...maybe I'll try that today. 

Five Question Friday! & MILS Friday Fill In #21 & Randoms

Because I love to follow these awesome ladies, every week and play along, and wanted to share with the others that may not already participate in both. So here we go!!! 

Hook up with Little Mama here!

1. What is the most physically painful thing that has ever happened to you?

Most painful...Childbirth was ridiculous, but even more ridiculous that less than a week later you would do it over and over and over again. I think that stems from the lack of sleep after having the baby, so go on and do it again ladies!

But even more so than childbirth, bunion surgery. They say if you have them on both feet, if one isn't as bad as the other, you should do them both at the same time, because you'll never go back for the other.  Well needless to say, I had asked the doctor to remove my pinky toes because my feet are SO wide. He said, to my dismay, how about we remove the bunion on your foot.  OH. That's my problem? I have a bunion?  Hmmm...I wish he would have done that and still removed my pinky toes.  Jussayin!  Now, 7 years after having my right foot done, I need my left foot done. BUT!?  Having the one foot done was AWFUL. A baby, and crutches DOES not work well. And anytime I would move my stupid foot would hurt. And then learning to wear a shoe again on that foot and bending my foot was out of the question. Running again?  Hmmm, wait, I never ran to begin with!  High heeled shoes ARE MY FAVORITE, and I will tell you I had to have the screws removed after the surgery because I couldn't wear my heels.  If you ladies have any idea, you'll know that heels are very naughty when you have or have had bunions. Wow...Anyways, in closing, bunion surgery was the most painful for me.

2. How much sleep do you get at night?

What night of the week is it? Is there a weekend? What's the schedule look like?  I'm in MN, do you know how dark it gets here? And when in snows, do you know what people want to do? SLEEP/Hibernate.  I can get anywhere from 5 hours - 10 hours a night. Majority of the time I get about 6 hours. Chief is back out to sea, so I will be getting more sleep.

3. How long did you believe in Santa Claus? How did you find out that he does not exist?

Ummmm, still do! 

4. What was the last movie you saw in a theater?

Step Up 3D with the ABS girls!

We NEVER get to a movie together, so this was REALLY momentous.

5. What do you wear to bed?

lately, nini pants & a tank. when it starts to get colder here I will start adding layers!  I'm sure this is not the hottest thing ever but, until I live on a deserted island, it works!

 

 

And now link up and follow Wifey here!

 

 

1.Were you named after anyone?

My mommy. She's BettyAnn Audrey & I'm BethAnn Audra. I know I know, snicker away.

                                          2.What color, if any, are your toenails usually painted?

toenails?  I haven't seen those...in days.  It's cold, I have to wear socks!  But I do know that they need a hug!  And I plan to give them, well get them a hug Sunday at the Charity event at Ta's Salon here in town.  POMPEI PURPLE!  Or...maybe one of the awesome new Burlesque colors that OPI has come out with...hmmmmmmm....

                               3.How do you flush a public toilet? Hands? Feet? Something else?

                                    With my knee!!!!  Ish, I amn't touching that.  Or I will flush with my foot.

                         4.When you were a little kid, which TV character did you have a crush on?

Zach from Saved by the Bell!  Maybe Kirk Cameron....

 5.Let’s say you had to lose one of your five senses (sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell). Which one would you choose? Why?

Taste!  Then maybe I would eat some really healthy things that don't taste good? 

 

 

I feel like the luckiest girl in the world this week. Talking to Chief on the phone this week and getting his flight itinerary for when he's back from deployment, and being blessed with Premier and sharing it with ladies, and for being able to say life is good, spending time with my godchildren on Thursdays and for Minny's speech therapy to be going so well she doesn't need one on one time.  I am blessed.  We have a weekend full of jewelry, celebrations and ... housework!  I am looking forward to having my family over for Thanksgiving in a couple weeks and need to start preparing for that too!!!

 

 my Thursday night snugglers

Whatcha Say Wednesday

Yes! Another fabulous edition of Whatcha Say Wednesdays! Remember copy and past the questions to your post, add the answers, and link up with Stash Mama HERE!! Have fun!

1. Do you think you are a good friend?

I do! I do!  I have had my moments where I haven't been, but yes, I do know I am.

2. What house chore do you despise the most?

The one where I have to clean!  No really I hate cleaning the bird cage. I know, right? Sounds silly. I just hate it.

3. What was your favorite board game as a kid?

Oooooooh!  Good question! I loved Battleship!  Not really a board game, but still one of my faves!!!

Bonus!

Look around the room can you find something starting with I, J, and K?

I - Idiots.  Oh wait, they're not in here. hmmm...an INVITATION!  Or the invoices I'm ignoring. lol

J - Jewelry Catalog - Premier Designs of course!

K - keys for just about anywhere I go!

Can I get a Pulse?

Holy hannah! I am SO excited.

This has been an awesome week while Chief's been in port. And even prior. We have talked so openly about so many important things.  He's still in negotiations with Mr D and right now it sounds like New York. Not our first choice but there's a lot of great things about it. And who knows, he could end up somewhere completely different!

With that being said, we have talked about living together and moving, and we are both so excited to be together. 

Countdown for Chief to be in Minneapolis - 51 days! 

Oh.my.goodness I am ecstatic about this.

We've talked about seeing a couple of shows while he's home and a hockey game. Go MN WILD!  (they're having a better season than the Vikings!!!) 

Has anyone ever been to a Burlesque show?

I would really like to go to one and am just wondering what you thought of it?  

I am ecstatic that possibly today we'll be able to talk on the phone, and hear each others voices and YAY. I am thankful for technology such as Skype.  I am in the process of scheduling an appt to have some fun boudoir photos taken for Chiefs birthday.

Premier Designs continues to be so amazing for me. I love enriching womens lives and sharing fun jewelry. I gave away $496 in free jewelry at my last show!  I look forward to sharing Premier with many many more ladies before the holidays. 

Have you ever seen something you love and then find out a place doesn't carry it anymore?  Yep,

AVON LADIES I NEED YOUR HELP!!!!!!! 

There's a cupcake apron. And I NEED it. I don't just want it, I need it. It symbolizes everything about me. Okay, maybe I'm being a lot dramatic. But I have a super cute cupcake on the wall in my kitchen, I love to make and decorate, and

I NEED THIS CUPCAKE APRON!!!!!!! 

But it's not in the catalog or online anymore.

I am SO very saddened by this.

I even plan to bedazzle it.  THAT'S how badly I need it. 

 Did you know it's National Vanilla Cupcake day?

Do you know that yesterday I resisted EVERY single temptation while at the grocery store when these were begging me to take them home?

Enough about my ranting about cupcakes and aprons and stuffeses. 

I know some of you ladies who lose your husbands/boyfriends to deployment know about the rollercoaster. The weight rollercoaster. How do you deal with this? How do you with less than 2 months go, OMG, I need to drop a few pounds!!!  It hit me. My weight hasn't changed but, where'd my body go?!  Ummm helloooooo?  I am wearing the same clothes which is a plus.  I'm still looking for 150, somewhere.  I'll get there. But...not yet!  I've cut soda considerably, the eating out has cut back. But...I'm not seeing any changes?  BLAH!  Thanks for listening.

I have so much to be thankful for today. I always do. I hope you know what you're thankful for.

MILS Friday Fill In #19 & #20

Wow!  Yipee! YAHOOOOOOOOOO!  It's FRIDAY! 

Link up with Wifey and share your answers!

1.A different twist on last week’s question. This week, the first question is: what’s the nicest thing a MILSPOUSE has ever done for you? (brought to you from navy_smurfette)

The super sweet Allie @ My Marine and Me sent me a fantastic Fall Swap package.  There are many of you who have shared your advice too! 

2.How often do you drive faster than the speed limit?

Ummm, see officer what happened was this song came on the radio and I got lost in it. Damn Pink gets me everytime!  I would say at least 5 miles over DAILY. >>>>to the corner

3.Did you have a nickname in school? If so, what was it?

BA, BaBa, Hogie, Princess

4.If your life was a book, what would the title be and how would it end?

5.Look back (in your planner if you have one) to September 14th… what did you do that day?

It was my friend Tonya's birthday. We were still settling into our new schedule with school... I know I worked that day.  

GUESS WHO is playing catch up this week?!  Yup!  MOI. 

1.What’s the nicest thing a stranger has ever done for you?

Wow, there have been so many random acts of kindness thru out my life, I can't pinpoint just one. One of my favorites is pay it forward Fridays, where you buy the person behind you in the drivethru at Starbucks their coffee. :)

2.If you are having a hard time going to sleep, what do you do to help yourself?

Lately it's been me and SarahPants laying in bed (across the hall from one another) giggling and contemplating life.

3.Name something that makes you wish you were a kid again.

Having to get up and go to work in the morning!  But it makes me truly work harder to keep my Premier business on track!

4.What is something you never believed until you experienced it?

That home ownership was more than just your name on a title/deed.  That actually doing the work yourself in your home, whether it be mowing your own yard, shoveling your own driveway, weeding  - can you really call it yours.

I never believed that you could feel like your heart was beating outside of your body, until you had a child and the love you feel for them.  WOW.

5.What can’t you say “no” to?

Depends who's asking the question...a cup of hot coffee.

Time with a friend, whether on the phone for a few minutes or just a quick hug.

Sharing Premier.

Hosting karaoke.

Minny.  Most of the time........  When she looks at me just right, I know for a fact I can't tell her no.

Whatcha Say Wednesday

Link up with Stash Mama!!!

1. What actor/actress do you think looks most like you? or that people have told you.

Hmmm, I don't have a match!  When I had shorter hair, I was told many times that I looked like Pink.

2. What do you secretly want for Christmas this year?

To be in Hawaii when Chief gets home from deployment!!!  Realistically - new luggage. Black/white animal print with Hot pink accents!!!

3. If you could change anything about the way you were raised, what would it be?

Not a single thing. Okay fine, maybe they should have bought me that unicorn I asked for.

Bonus!

1.What's the worst pick up line you have ever heard?

Nice shoes...Wanna? 

 

LAST WEEKS questions....shhh I am behind!  ;)

 

 

1. Do you have any birthmarks? If so where?

Yep!  On my neck, mistaken as a hickey several times...And on my shin.

2. Where did you last go on vacation, where are you going next?

Last vacation, like got on a plane?  To Hawaii. Next vacation, to Hawaii! 

3. What is your favorite physical feature on yourself?

I can't pick just one!  My eyes and smile. :)

Bonus!

Look around the room find something that begins with an A, B, and C. What did you find?

A. Air freshner

B. Body lotion

C. Coffee cup and cell phone!

If you had to…skydiving, or bungee jumping?

OR!  Oh...that's not an option is it.  Hmmm...Skydiving.  I would much rather be shot up into the air tho!!!

99 Things

99 Things


Found this over at  NavyGirl blog....Hmmmm....

Instructions: The post is a list of 99 things you could have done, and you are supposed to bold the ones that you yourself have done.



1. Started your own blog

2. Slept under the stars

3. Played in a band

4. Visited Hawaii

5. Watched a meteor shower

6. Given more than you can afford to charity

7. Been to Disney World

8. Climbed a mountain

9. Held a praying mantis

10. Sang a solo

11. Bungee jumped

12. Visited Paris - on the list for summer 2011!

13. Watched a lightning storm - Saturday night even!

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch

15. Adopted a child

16. Had food poisoning

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty

18. Grown your own vegetables

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France - again, on the list!

20. Slept on an overnight train

21. Had a pillow fight

22. Hitch hiked

23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill

24. Built a snow fort

25. Held a lamb

26. Gone skinny dipping

27. Run a Marathon

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice

29. Seen a total eclipse

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset

31. Hit a home run

32. Been on a cruise

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors

35. Seen an Amish community

36. Taught yourself a new language

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person

39. Gone rock climbing

40. Seen Michelangelo’s David

41. Sung karaoke

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant

44. Visited Africa

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight

46. Been transported in an ambulance

47. Had your portrait painted

48. Gone deep sea fishing

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris - see number 12!
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling

52. Kissed in the rain

53. Played in the mud

54. Gone to a drive-in theater

55. Been in a movie

56. Visited the Great Wall of China

57. Started a business

58. Taken a martial arts class

59. Visited Russia

60. Served at a soup kitchen

61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies - this year!

62. Gone whale watching

63. Got flowers for no reason

64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma

65. Gone sky diving

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp

67. Bounced a check

68. Flown in a helicopter

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial

71. Eaten Caviar

72. Pieced a quilt

73. Stood in Times Square

74. Toured the Everglades

75. Been fired from a job

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London

77. Broken a bone

78. Been a passenger on a motorcycle

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person

80. Published a book

81. Visited the Vatican

82. Bought a brand new car

83. Walked in Jerusalem

84. Had your picture in the newspaper

85. Kissed a stranger at midnight on New Year’s Eve

86. Visited the White House

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating

88. Had chickenpox

89. Saved someone’s life

90. Sat on a jury

91. Met someone famous

92. Joined a book club

93. Got a tattoo


94. Had a baby

95. Seen the Alamo in person

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake

97. Been involved in a law suit

98. Owned a cell phone

99. Been stung by a bee


Woooo, there's a few things on here I should get crossed off!  43 out of 99.  Hmmm...

Five Question Friday!

Link up with Mama here!

1. Who is the better cook, you or your spouse?

I got the kitchen, he has the grill.

2. How often do you talk to your mom?

Sometimes everyday, sometimes every other.  Sometimes...we just don't want to talk, so then once a week.

3. Are you adventurous in the kitchen or stick to the recipe?

Little bit of both. After the first time or two with the recipe, I will start to switch it up.  Or sometimes YOU JUST KNOW what will be better.

4. Is your second toe longer than your big toe?

On my right foot, yes!  Know what it means?  I'll tell you.  The nice little ladies that do my feet say - it means you wear the pants in your relationship.  AHAHHAAA.  I love how they think.  Guess it's a superstition, or maybe even wives tale?

5. Do you dress up for Halloween? (Bonus question: What will you be this year?)

Sometimes I do and sometimes I don't. This year, I'll pass!  Going to a wedding on Halloween eve instead. Maybe I'll sport Black and Orange tho!

MILS Friday Fill In #18

It's Friday ALREADY!?  I am doing this weeks AND last weeks since I ... was missing...

Head over to visit Wifey at Wife of a Sailor!

1.Are you a night owl or an early bird?

Both!  Early bird because I have to be during the week. I love when I can wake up with the sun. Night owl because I never think about being tired the next morning - until it's the next morning!

2.What makes you jealous?

Ooooh, the dark ugly side!  Jealous -
I am jealous of nothing!  Make it possible for yourself!

3.Have you started Christmas/holiday shopping yet? When will you finish? (There’s only 63 days left!)

I have started. I will finish the week before Christmas.

4.What would you have a personal chef make you tonight?

Right now? I want turkey and stuffing. I would love stir fry with zucchini and eggplant. Umm, an apple pie. I could really keep going...Cake with buttercream frosting.

5.Where was your first kiss?

I was 5. Kenny. On the tire mountain at school during recess!  Really tho...Ummm as a teenager, hmmm, I can't remember.  That might be a bad thing!

Questions from last weeks MILS #17

1.What are some things on your bucket list? (from New Girl on Post)

2.How long have you been a MilSpouse and where have you been stationed so far? (from Raising Roscoe)

3.What is a list of songs that sums up your life so far? (from Confessions of a Sailor’s Wife)

4.What is your favorite kind of pizza?

The kind I can eat!  Mmmm, Za sounds tasty right now... White pizza, chicken, onions, mushrooms.

1. Premier - sharing the awesome jewelry & the business

2. We're under the 2 month mark!

3. I have great health, family and a happy life.

5. What are 3 good things in your life right now?

List of songs?  WOW!  I got all kinds....

Taking Chances - Celine Dion

Freedom 90 - George Michael

Thnks fr th Mmrs - Fall Out Boy

Lip Gloss - Lil Mama

I Decided - Solange

I Could Not Ask for More - Sara Evans

Angel - Natasha Bedingfield

Three Little Birds - Bob Marley

Just Dance - Lady Gaga

Here for the Party - Gretchen Wilson

There are SO many more...but...I'll stop here!

Chief and I reconnected back in January and got serious in May. He's been in Hawaii just over 2 years, less than a year to go!

Learn how to garden. Take golfing lessons. Visit another country. Share family traditions. Build a home for habitat. Become a jeweler full time - quit my day job.

Happy House-iversary to Me!

I can't believe it's been one year since I closed on my house. And to think of all of the changes that were made in SUCH a short time. And to think I have so much more I want to do to the house. Here are a few of the updates. It's funny even looking back at these, knowing how much more has been done since this!

The banister/steps on the back deck were added last November. This is USS Back Porch. Many nights have been spent on the deck this summer.

This is Minny's room  - she has a ton of closet space behind me along with a huge sitting room that you can't see. Painted in Heffalump Purple with Sparkles

I wasn't kidding when I said I brought the beach to my house. My favorite room in the entire house. The bathroom.  The blue is the sky, the tan tiles, the sand. the bright white fixtures. This is my little slice of heaven when it's -20 outside!

From the front of the house...no more flag pole, shrubs or bushes in front of the house...Steps/Brick repainted.  All new doors and windows. Phase 3 - remove all rock and make grass only. I sure would like something diff than black trim, but, it will do for now!

This was the start of the awesome floors I did in the house. Refinished the hardwoods DARK, I love them!  So warming.



Just getting started in the kitchen!  This will be the one room I completely redo someday.  You can't see it but, the breezeway/soon to be dining room is behind me...I will post pictures after it's complete next week.

Minny "grilling"at the new house.

And last but not least, my favorite addition to the new house, a puppy to love. We missed him so much!!!!

I love my home and am so happy life unfolded the way that it did. How amazing. <3

Role Call!

Here I am! 

Things have been busy and I am still trying to get used to this schedule I have created for Minny and I. I know Minny is struggling with the hours we're keeping now too, because once we hit the weekend, she is ready for bed!  I have the kid who refuses to go to bed until she is forced to. Why?  She's her mother's daughter!  She can't miss a thing!  Needless to say, Minny was asleep on the couch by 9pm Friday night, but I had nothing to do with it!

Last week I received my "Fall Swap" package from Allie at My Marine and Me.  Thanks Allie!  How cute is she?  2 super cute plates, cups, a frame, fall towels and canny!  How fun was this swap? 

Last week we watched KickAss. Oh my goodness!  Note to self, do not watch with little eyes and ears around. Thankfully Minny was already in bed.  Definitely a great movie, certainly NOT what I expected.  Yesterday we watched....Stomp the Yard 2!   Love the steppin movies. 

Saturday was a day for the ladies!  I signed Elise up with Premier and am excited to have her for sure!  Looking forward to her training show coming up. She has been a customer since I started as a Jeweler, and has always talked about doing it, but...never did, until Saturday!  Saturday night Sarah Pants, Mavin and I had an ABS outing. Why is it when you get together with your best girlfriends you are always guaranteed a laugh or more?  Heavens. I had to work at Tailgate hosting karaoke that night. And who knew a cowbell could bring so much entertainment?  We got lost on the way home, laughed a lot and created more memories.

Minny and I were driving along last week when she said, hey mom look.  Dangit. Why does she have to just tickle me like this....right over top of her glasses even.

Pat - Maivin's hubs - and his parents for YEARS have always had the "who found the eggnog first" contest. So I love finding it...Can you believe ALREADY yesterday it was found at the grocery store?  Sprinkler Girl just had to bring it home already!  Sure glad I sent her off to get Biscuits for me last night!

Pants and I hit Target last night after I returned my karaoke equipment, I spent $22 and saved... $49!  Right?  Crazy, I know!  I was SO excited. Picked up a bunch of stuff we needed for the house.

Do any of you have a guilty pleasure?  What is it?

shhhhh....this is mine.  and since it's getting colder here, I will be in the "Happy Capsule" more.

Five Question Friday

Link up with Mama over at My Little Life

1. What do you listen to while driving?

Turn it up loud, sit down, LET'S GO!  I love all kinds of music! Right now it's the local Top 40 station. Love the old school funk most! 

2. What is your least favorite thing about Fall?

Here in MN it means that WINTER and SNOW are around the corner. I was kind of hoping that shiny thing they call a snowblower was just for looks...damn.   

3. What does your dream house look like, inside and out?

I live in my dream house. Sounds funny, eh?  I bought my first fixer upper, forclosure home ALMOST a year ago. I have put in new windows, doors, painted from top to bottom, refinished hardwoods, new carpet upstairs, deck railing, tore out and had a contractor come in and make a whole new bathroom. Carribean blue walls, tan stone tiled shower and floors with bright white fixtures, and a sun on the ceiling.  See where I went with that?  Yep, the beach. Even in the middle of winter here.  Needless to say, it is my first home, and I did it as a single mom, and rocked it out!  I would be happy here the rest of my life. If Chief decides to retire back to MN, we have a comfy cozy little place. :)

4. Would you ever own a minivan?

Ahahahhaa, oh. ahem. No. Bless the hearts of the people who drive them. I won't even own a conversion van. No. That's my final answer.

5. Do you wash new clothes before wearing them?
Depends what it is, really. Underwear, socks, yes. I don't think so about anything else. New sheets - FOR SURE

MILS Friday Fill In #16

Link up with Wifey at Wife of a Sailor!

1.What is the longest road trip you’ve ever taken?

Longest...I went with my mom and my grammy out to British Columbia one summer. We left Minnesota, drove thru the Dakotas, and then the mountains, stayed a few places along the way. Stopped in Washington to visit a family friend and then many places along the way in Canada where we had family. Saw lots of really aweseome things, went across this bridge - where my mom and I were scared to pieces...

Shopped in Chinatown where we got a lobster, that stayed in the trunk over the course of the HOT day, and then into the freezer, that proceeded to snap out at my mom over dinner!  Was priceless. I was all of 13 on this trip. Certainly something I will remember the rest of my life. We stayed with a Phillipino lady in Vancouver who was a friend of the family. Introduced my to cellophane noodles and tofu. YUM!  We visited Victoria by ferry, and I was in love.

2.Do you collect anything? Tell us a bit about it.

Dollheads.  I know! Sounds crazy!  Here's my favorite post of things I collect....

3.What is your favorite part about being an adult?

Responsibility, even if sometimes it is overwhelming. Watching my daughter grow into the most amazing little lady. Reconnecting with Prince Charming "Chief" of my dreams and being in love.  There are days I'd throw it all in to be 5 again tho!

4.What song brings a tear to your eye?

Anything Bing Crosby sings. Reminds me of my daddy...RIP dad.

5.Describe your first plane ride (how old you were, where you were heading, etc).
Does it count if I was 2 weeks old? My mom was the Queen for Daughters of the Nile here in Minneapolis. We went to ... Santa Fe, New Mexico for a huge convention. My mom was pretty important!

It's about time!!!

The past couple weeks have been nutso for me!  With Minny's new schedule to include Girl Scouts, Dance, Therapy, Church and other social events along with my day job, Premier business and that big 9th birthday celebration, holy cow, holy busy!! Did I mention someone may have been in port, too?  "insert giddy here"
Our lives get progressively busier every year she goes back to school. For those of you with kiddos, do you see the same pattern here? Wowzas. Speaking of which...Minny just had a birthday...How many of you or your kids were losing molars by age 9? WOW. This picture is from the first one she lost on Sunday. Tuesday if you can believe it, lost the other one in class!  Oh my my my...

I am pretty excited. I place an order with Mrs. Gambizzle today and can't wait to receive the pieces!  The necklace is for me and the keychain for Chief's mom for the holidays. I can't believe it's less than 3 months until Chief will be visiting! I can't tell you how DING DANG excited I am. Every day is a day closer.
And that means he will be telling me just where we're moving. And I am excited and nervous and and and about that too. He has some really great opportunities to choose from for sure.
I heard from my middle brother Joe today. He and his wife are flying in the night before Thanksgiving from Montreal to surprise my mommy!  Needless to say, I picked having Christmas at my house for the holidays this year...and no one spoke up about Thanksgiving...You know what that means?  Yep, I'm hosting both! I am just thankful that I have a home, and an awesome family to celebrate with. Chief will be the only one missing, but soon enough we'll be able to celebrate together all of the holidays.  It's a surprise to my mommy that Joe and Myrtelle are coming, James lives about 40 minutes from me and Michael lives 20 minutes. Mom is almost 3 hours, but it will TOTALLY be worth the surprise.
I am sending my Fall Swap package out today and am super excited for her to receive it! Yay!
We watched Obsessed last night...Woooweee!  Gooooood movie if you haven't seen it. Wow. Not what I expected at all.
More soon, back to my crazy life!

Birthday Fun!

Somebody turned 9 yesterday, yep, Minny. We had a BLAST! I used to have birthday party anxiety...but after yesterday, no more! We prepared cuppycakes, a chocolate fountain with tons of different foods to dip, played pin the tail on the donkey and Mummy wrap. The kids loved the mummy wrap, and I would definitely play it again at a party!!! We are so blessed to have so many amazing people in our lives. Here are some photos from an awesome day.

Breakfast in Bed, just as she asked for.

Her spectacular cake.

sorry the pics are sideways!  ooops!  One of the mummys!

Another mummy breaking free!

This was toooooo cute

Chocolate Chocolate cake, made special for M by Sprinkler Girl.

Special shout out picture for Chief as he's in port right now!!!

MILS Friday Fill In #16

Friday means MilSpouse Friday Fill-In. Wife of a Sailor has all the questions, so link up if you wish and join the fun.

What is the silliest get-up you have ever worn outside of a Halloween party? (from To The Nth)

When my friend Jeremiah decided to move to another state with his family we had a huge going away party for him. He always had the fun spikey hair that reminded me of cartoon hair. Anyways, I spent 3 hours getting ready for his party - on my hair. My extra long crazy fun hair matched his that night. I don't remember that my outfit was anything extraordinary, but my hair sure was!  He loved it!

What is something that you gave up in order to live the military lifestyle? (from Pennies from Heaven)

I haven't given up anything, since Chief and I are in different places. I can see in the future when we make the decision to move forward what I will give up...the place I call home, even tho I will keep it for us to come back to. Having my girlfriends near. And maybe the bird...I can't see him taking travel well. 

If money wasn't a factor and you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be? And why? (from Life and Times of a Displaced Jersey Girl)

Atlantis. Machu Picu. Great Wall of China. Russia. Italy. Egypt. I can't pick just one. I want to see the history, and take in the culture.

If you were going to join the military, what branch would you join? Or which MOS/rating would you choose? (from And Never Did You Think)

Back when I was young and dumb I wanted to join the Marines and be a MP. Yep. Then I decided I wasn't cut out for the military. 

What is your favorite thing to make for dinner? (from Armendinger Party of 4)

This week - Tator Tot Hot Dish, I've made it twice! Part of it because it's been so chilly here lately. I love to make hamburger, rice and gravy with lots of pepper, and a dash of salt.  Mmmm...I'm hungry.

My fav to do...GRILL!  Everything. In the summer. I may even attempt to grill this winter dangit!

Five Question Friday! & Follow Me Chickadee!

Link up with  The Sippy Cup Mom for Chickadee Fridays -  - I can't seem to post the picture!  Bla!

And then one of my faves, link up with Mama over here!

1. If you could speak with a different accent, what would it be (i.e Australian, Scottish)?

An english accent!

2. Can you fall asleep anywhere? (i.e floor, couch, deck)

No! I must be in bed, or on the couch/chair with a blanky!

3. Do you use public restrooms? If so, do you sit on the toilet?

Hover only!  Work is one of the few places I will actually sit on the toilet.  But there is only 2 of us that use it.

4. If you were stuck in an elevator for 24 hours, what celebrity would you most want to be stuck with?

Ahhhahhaaaaahahahaha, I love this question!  Lady Gaga!

5. Where did you & your significant other go on your 1st date?

Well, that's an interesting question...when we reconnected, we met at a local bar where I hosted karaoke one night a week...And then I went to Hawaii to be his date for the whole weekend, to include the Submariner Ball...When I got off the plane that night, we went and had dinner at this great little Japanese restaurant in the shops by the hotel.  Would we consider that our first date?  Or....maybe the Ball?  Either way, we were SO happy to see one another.

MilSpouse Friday Fill-In #14

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOD Morning and Happy Friday ladies!  Link up with Wifey over here!


1.What characteristic about yourself has either been strengthened or weakened due to your experience as a Military Spouse? (from The Albrecht Squad)
PATIENCE. I am soooo not a patient person, and this very deployment is teaching me that 10 fold.




2.What is your favorite vacation spot and why? (from ‘Tis the Life of the Army Wife)
Hawaii a couple time is really the only relaxing vacation I've had. Although I remember driving with my parents thru the east coast and seeing Niagra Falls, and Maine in the fall and we ended up in Montreal, where my brother lives. Love the array of culture and people.  Branson with good company is fun too!  British Columbia is GORGEOUS and a favorite too....  Man, I can't pick.


3.If you could have any fast-food restaurant in the food court on base/post what would you pick? (from The Only Pink in a House of Blue)
I've never been on a base to eat........Chief doesn't live on base.


4.Where did you go on your honeymoon? (from Pennies from Heaven)
We have to get married first!  But I can only imagine!


5.If you could have any job in the world regardless of money, degree or experience, which job would you have and why? (from Proud to Be a Navy Family and The Calm Before The Storm)
Radio DJ!  I have always had a dream of doing it. I've been approached many times over the years asking if I was a specific person on the radio, man I sure wish I was that girl! I have done some radio ads, but that's it.

2010 Memory Walk

I don't know if many of you have lived with someone or are living with someone who suffers from dementia or alzheimers but almost 3 years ago I said goodbye to my daddy, who suffered from this, even though for a very short time. By September 16th, we knew from the doctors that my father was suffering from dementia, caused by several small strokes. Looking back, there were several occassions in the two years prior that we can now look back and see dad had covered up his forgetfulness very well. He retired just before turning 70 and my parents moved up north. There were things like, forgetting what he was talking about or doing, and even phone numbers he wouldn't remember. My daddy was the most amazing man I have ever known, and I miss him EVERY single day. And with the days creeping up closer to his passing and the memories of the last few months we had together with him I still miss him very much. Nothing like growing up as Daddy's girl and hearing that he might be dissappointed if I did something he didn't agree with broke my heart.

This Saturday Minny and I are joining in the 2010 Memory Walk to end Alzheimers. We are of course looking for donations for our walk and appreciate any support, encouraging words and wisdom you would be so kind to share.  Click here if you would like to donate and help us in achieving our goal. 

We are late in signing up for the walk as we just found out about the one here in the cities where we live!!!

Again, something very important to me and Minny. I fear my "shiny" moments as I like to call them will only increase as the years pedal on and I too will suffer from Alzheimers. *gasp*  I hope if that is the case that I will go quickly just like my daddy. Gosh I miss him.

this is one of "those" talks...had I only listened.  hah!