I love

Valentine's Day may have been a few days ago but today I'd like to share with you just a few things that I love. (they are in no particular order so no judging!)


My dear sweet adorkable husband
dryer sheets
a warm breeze on a cool morning
Okinawa sunsets
Caleb's demonic giggle
Peanut M&M's
orchids
fresh cut grass
a clean desk
my steam mop
flip flops
laughter
creative thoughts
homecoming memories
listening to Seth play is trumpet
holding hands with my children
driving on the right side of the road
dirty kids
fuzzy socks
a clean house
meaningful momentos
sea glass
singing to old music on the radio, it totally embarasses my kids
iPhones they allow me to text friends in the states
the sound of a babbling brook
the smell of woods after a fresh rain
Coke Icees
snuggling with my Junior
the color of Mark's eyes
old photographs
campfires
sunshine
clean bed sheets
ice cold water
my king size bed
my health
my wedding ring
the pitter patter of tiny feet
clean kids
bear hugs
pure silence
grace


What are some things you love?

ReEnlistment

February 10, 1993 Mark enlisted into the Marines. Exactly 19 years later on February 10th, 2012 Mark reenlisted in the Marines for another 4 years.

This was his fourth reenlistment. I was at his first one and this one.

Sadly I missed the last two. His second reenlistment ceremony was on his second Med Float MEU deployment. His third reenlistment was at MARSOC (neither one of us can remember why I wasn't at that one!).

So many people have asked us why we (meaning Mark and not me) reenlisted for another 4 years. I'll be honest it was a very difficult decision. We spent the last three months praying about this ginormous life moment. We didn't enter into this lightly to say the least. We weighed all the pros and cons. Talked about it endlessly and sought advice from many people.

Most everyone pointed us in the direction of getting out... think about all the money and freedom you'll have in the civilian world. You'll live closer to family, you have more options. The list went on and on as to why to get out. The only thing people said about staying in was it was safe. Meaning you're making a good decision because it's scary out here with the state of the economy, and the unemployment rate is so high. After a lot of prayer and deep discussions with God we decided we'd allow Him to make the decision for us.

For years Mark has said as long as he's having fun (in the Marines) he's staying in. I said, when he decided to make a career out of it after his third enlistment, he wasn't 'allowed' to retire until he was a Master Guns. God reiterated three things to us... first of all Mark you're still having FUN! Secondly you need another rocker on that collar! and thirdly... "I have not given you a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind!" (2 Timothy 1:7) You don't make decisions out of fear, you make them because of the Word living in you. So there you go... that's why WE (yes I said we because the kids and I are in this with him) reenlisted into the Marines for another 4 years, taking us to 23 years serving our great Corps and Country!

I had to put this picture on here... Mark's boot camp photo.

He looks just as mean now as he did then.

The Things Daughters Do...

Basically we have the same routine every night, showers before bed. When one child is done they scream downstairs to alert the next kid to head on in. It's a easy system and it works for us.

Last night Katie bellows down for Caleb. A few minutes later I hear, "Mom, can you help me?" It was one of those voices that said come now but don't panic. So I left my enticing game of Words with Friends to check on my sweet sweet Junior.

What do you think I found when I got to the top of the steps? K80 standing wrapped in her bath towel next to her door holding a bobby pin. "I think I locked myself out of my room!"

A good mom response is, "Okay, no big deal. How did you do that?" (I must tell you I was a good mom and that WAS the question I asked, very politely with much curiosity!)

Her answer will amaze you.... "I wanted to test my lock picking skills, I guess I'm not very good at it!"

Running thru my head was, right now while you're standing there naked under a towel is when you decided to test your lock picking skills. All righty then!

I tried to pick it. Nope. Mark tried to pick it. Nope. We (meaning ME) went up and down the steps no less than 10 times trying to find anything that would allow us to open the door. After about 15 minutes we were in!

She cried, I tried not to laugh. It really wasn't a big deal but it makes me laugh at some of the stuff she tries to do.

Note to self... get a door key! (a bobby pin, credit card, 6 different screw drivers, a knife and an awe do not work so well!)... neither does kicking it, or Crying but that's another tale to tell!

Prices are on the RISE!

Today I went to the commissary!

Prices are rising at a rapid rate and it's getting out of control!
One 3/4 gallon of milk (NOT A WHOLE GALLON) is $4.27!
2 Green Peppers Normal size cost me $4.00 ($2.00 EACH!)

One (1) stinkin' cucumber was $.75!

I'm so looking forward to FRESH veggies and inexpensive ones when we get to the states! Oh the variety we'll have!

I budget $250 for groceries every two weeks. Something inside me told me last night to add $50 to the budget when I was working on it. I didn't listen. Today, I spent $231.45 at the commissary. Aside from fresh produce this will last us til next payday. No need to worry about fresh produce cause we ain't ever eatin' it again!

Next payday I'll be sure to listen to my gut and up that budget for food!

Mark's MRI

.My sweet always jovial happy go lucky Mr. Sexy Pants is hurting. He injured his shoulder almost 5 months ago and yesterday he finally had an MRI. This MRI included a huge dye filled needle that was stuck into his beautiful right shoulder. Oh the agony, his pain level afterwards and discomfort it caused was more than we had expected. Pray the pain goes away and that this procedure will reveal the necessary steps needed to bring him back into complete health.

Order of the Arrow

Exciting News!

Both boys were "called out" Saturday at the Klondike Derby for the selection of the Order of the Arrow. It's a HUGE Deal in Scouting. Only 1/7 of all Boy Scouts are member of the OA. They have to go through an 'ordeal' to be inducted. If you'd like more info on what OA is click here!

I'm pretty stinkin' proud of those boys of mine!

Sorry Mom!

Mom... I'm so very sorry for the incredible stink I brought into the house from camping, soccer and just playing outside. I am jealous that you had (have) a basement to send us smelly kids into to change and remove horrid smelling clothes. Please forgive me...!

Karma smells bad in my house today. The boys just got home from the Klondike Derby. The great news is their troop took first place. The bad news is... I have to clean up after it. It's piled high in my dining room (aka mudroom apparently!) Oh the Laundry!

4 loads of laundry from 2 boys on 36 hour camping trip. How is that possible you might ask? Everything must be washed, 2 pair of shoes, 6 pair of socks (I don't think they are all ours since Seth admitted he wore the same pair the entire weekend!), 2 shorts, 3 shirts, 5 troop sweatshirts (only 2 are ours!) 3 pairs of long pants, 2 rain jackets, 2 sets of Class A Scout Uniforms (covered in mud) and sadly I found no underwear in the mix. Apparently is was also commando weekend!

Praise God for Tide! Let the washings begin!

It's a beautiful day so now all 3 kids are outside getting smelly again...calgon take me away!