Oh, the thrill of the new school year approaching!  As a second year teacher, I am more excited, as well as feel more prepared, for the start of the school year than last year.  I've been working on classroom projects, planning exciting lessons, and enjoying the dog days of summer!  I've been loving on some TpT (www.teacherspayteachers.com) free downloads, and have enjoyed visiting various blogs for Common Core, Math Center, and third grade ideas.

All of the above has kept me busy while the husband is back to deployment.  Although I am excited about the beginning of the school year (and the busy-ness of paperwork), I am trying to really plan ahead and prioritize things so when my husband returns from deployment I will be able to spend time with him without feeling guilty of the massive stack of work piling up on my teacher's desk.

I've been searching for a great template for planning pages, and although I have found some that would work, I have yet to find one I absolutely love.  I am planning on putting planning pages in my teacher binder, as well as almost everything else, so I have a central source for my information.  Since I couldn't find what I was looking for, I spent about 30 minutes creating my own.  I have put a link to them via GoogleDocs, and you can see the various texts I used for fun!

Lesson Plan Pages:
Cursive
Funky
College Casual

Enjoy!  I'm hoping to post a tutorial later in the weekend, so stay tuned!  As for now, love from the pup and me!

XOXO,

H

Classroom FaceLift

To say I am excited about getting into my classroom this year would be an understatement.

Last year, I literally interviewed on Monday, got the job Monday evening, went to training from Tuesday every weekday for two weeks, saw my classroom, had four days to prep for open house, and one more day before kids arrived.  This year, I have more than enough time to prepare!  And -- since my husband is away, I can fully dedicate my time (and our house) to classroom facelift the next three weeks (with exception to three days this week due to a conference I have to attend).

My classroom last year now feels like it was an explosion of everything thought to be "elementary".  This year I am taking the "less is more" approach and making things more meaningful to myself and my students.  Our school is older, and in need of the ultimate paint job, so I've gotta make the most of the chipped paint cabinet! Last year's photos (I will update with NEW classroom pics in about 3 weeks):

 From my deskBack of the classroom

Front board

Outside our door

Reading center

Projects that are still in the works are just organizational projects (organizing my planning book, planning lessons, actually getting into my classroom and putting things where they belong), as well as my teacher "stool" I'm working on designing and painting.  It is based in a gray paint, and I'm hoping to just add a lil flair to it with some pink melon color paint, as well as a black initial on the top seat.

So far, I have created my Substitute Binder, as well as my teacher binder, which I've decided will store all my information.  Just seems more practical and functional, rather than having everything in different spots.  I found the Teacher Binder idea/organization through this awesome teacher's blog:  http://beyondthegrades.blogspot.com/2011/10/teacher-binder.html.  I have plenty more to work on according to my Pinterest boards.  Good thing they are boards, and not to-do lists!

I've also made...

Our Job Board

I'm planning on displaying this on the side of my awesome new mailbox system (made of Formica cabinet materials).  I'm super excited about the job board, AND the free mailbox system.  The Job Board is just made of construction paper (or bright colored paper), library card pockets (from the local teaching store), and circle labels (keep reading for more on them).

Our Locator Board

At our school, we are required to display where students are at all times.  This is my new locator board, where each student will be given a magnet or number to "represent" them.  They will be responsible for moving it to wherever they have to go throughout the day.  This was super fun and easy to make.  I got the two large cookie sheets at Ollie's for $6.  The duct tape is from 5Below, and again, I used the circular labels.  I may change where I put "Absent/Present" into their lunch choices (therefore, automatically seeing who is/isn't in class).

As you can tell, I am starting to become obsessed with circle labels.  They are SO easy to use, as well as so easy to print and stick.  They are a lil more expensive than I'd really like to spend, but I used the one packet and don't think i will need anymore.  You get 5 sheets of 12 (so 60 stickers total), so I think that's all I'd really need for the year.  I also used a couple for our home office are to help organize.  At WalMart they are about $6.69 I think...

Welcome Sign

This used to be an old frame without the glass to protect the pictures in the front -- now, it's my new "WELCOME" sign to display outside my classroom.  We have "bulletin board strips" outside of our classrooms, so I'm hoping to display this on top of the strip (with something to bond it to the wall too).  The letters are just printed on bright paper, and then I lined the back of the frame with the same duct tape as the cookie sheet locator board to create some continuity.  I plan on putting the same designer duct tape on some other displays in my room.

My FAVORITE project (and possibly the most "brainless" of them all) are my DIY posters for my classroom.  Last year my kids were dying to see our pup, Nutmeg, so I'd just show them pictures from time to time.  Today, I got to think how cool it would be to create posters from some of her pictures I've taken over the past year.  I decided adding some fun quotes would help spice them up as well.  I remembered used "Picnik" years ago, and today when I went searching, I discovered Google had closed it down.  I did find another awesome photo editor called Lunapic.  It allowed me to change my image in various ways, as well as add text.  That, of course, got me excited!  I, then, remembered something I had seen on Pinterest (I know, imagine that)!  It was a post about "Engineering Prints" for $4.99 or so at Staples.  Of course, I logged into my Staples Copy Center as soon as I could, only to discover you can only do the Engineer Prints black and white.  So, I called Staples (yes, can't you tell how determined I was), and I ran up there (literally two minutes from our house).  The amazing copy lady was able to produce my three "poster size" prints for $6.39!  WOWZER!!!  Those of you teachers are thinking, "Heck yeah - steal of a deal"!  As you know, the classroom can become a money monster if you aren't careful.  I have to say, I am STOKED about how they turned out, and cannot wait for my pup to debut in my classroom!  I just have to trim and laminate them - and put them up!  Here are the results:

This one will be at the mirror!

This one will be in our creation station!

And my fav...

This will be in our reading nook, or above our welcome sign in the hallway.

I have a feeling I will be making more of these posters, and will be continuing to make pics of my pup. I love that the kids love her just because she's so darn adorable -- and if she can "encourage" them with her line of motivational posters -- I see that as a win win.  Who knew she would be such a superstar? :)

What do you think the caption should be for this picture?

I'm thinking of displaying this near our technology/computer table!

Leave a comment with your suggestion!

XOXO,

H and Nutmeg

The Beginning of the End

Hello, long last bloggers!


I have returned from the whirlwind of R&R!  After about a week of traveling, my husband arrived finally, after seven months of deployment.  I was, to say the least, SO overwhelmed with excitement and anxiety -- it is so funny how it feels like another "first impression" after being apart for seven months!  He and I were all smiles, and shared a long embrace and sweet kiss when we finally were in each other's arms.  His first request, of course, was a change of clothes (he had been wearing the same uniform all seven days of travel), keys to the Audi, and Japanese food!  We cruised to Kanki and actually got a grill table with our own personal chef and a table for just the two of us!  It was an awesome "first" date.

Over his two weeks at home, we were pretty busy!  We did our best to try to carve out time for just the two of us, as well as "downtime" to just relax in our home with the pup in between all the hustle and bustle.  While he was home, we...

• went to the DC area for his job interview.
• celebrated our anniversary with shopping and Ruth's Chris!

• spent time with both our families!
• grilled out with friends at our home (first gathering we've ever had at our home)
• celebrated his 16 year old brother's birthday!
• went to WaterCountryUSA with his 16 and 11 year old brothers!
• took the pup swimming!
• slid down a gigantic blow-up slide at my little cousins' birthday party :)
• went to the gun range!

Settling back into having him home was a bit easier than I imagined!  I had nightmares of all his habits driving me batty -- but we ended up just getting back into our "groove" and communicating through it all.  Of course, it did make my OCD tick stronger as I stepped onto the bathroom rug which was soaked after his shower, but it only made me laugh and thank the Lord my husband was back home! :)

All in all, we had an amazing two weeks together -- one that we both definitely needed.  He returned to the "sandbox" fully rejuvenated (well, that is, if you forget the cold I may have accidentally given to him), and ready to take on the next couple months.  I am thrilled we will be reunited soon and cannot wait for that reunion as well! We are looking forward to spending time just the three of us (counting pup) when he comes home for good!  I suppose we are at the beginning of the end of our deployment journey.  It is so hard to believe a year ago we were just finding out about his deployment, in our third week of marriage, and I had just gotten my first teaching job.  I am thankful that the year has gone by as it has, and so thankful for the memories we have made together (and individually).  We have both grown stronger individually, as well as stronger together as a married couple (and team!)!

Updating you soon on my classroom projects!!!!!

XOXO,

H

Light at the End of the Tunnel

With my husband a day away from being back in my arms, to say I'm excited is an understatement.  It is hard to balance the excitement and the anticipation -- not to mention that everyone wants to see him in these two weeks home.  I am so excited everyone is excited about seeing him, but I am also thankful that we are being a little selfish and having some time just for us.  It is really crazy how sometimes we get so wrapped up in our own lives, we forget the people around us.  There have been many people (whom I love) that said at the beginning of the deployment that they would keep me busy -- but as time went on (and their lives continued as normal), their invites did not arrive.  I completely get it, and I love all of them for being so loving and wanting to involve me and "keep me busy", but the reality is -- if you aren't living through this deployment and you're not "on the frontline" of the deployment's crazy roller coaster ride of events and emotions, you tend to forget the spouse is here.  I put no guilt or blame on anyone -- but it is a hard thing to balance after 6 months of people keeping to themselves and then coming out with excitement and eagerness to see him when he is home for his two weeks.  I am thankful for all the support of all our friends and family -- and just knowing they had my back during this time if I needed it.  I know I could've called so many of them (you) and you would've held me up when I was down.  I'm looking forward to him being all mine the first few days. :)  I'm looking forward to actually having my best friend, in the flesh, back.  I'm looking forward to kissing his lips, having a hug, playing with our daughter pup together, making memories, and sharing a meal together.  I haven't had a daily hug in over six months, all his knowledge of pup's growth has been via emailed pictures, I am ready to burn calories kissing, and I'm so ready to share my kitchen with my most favorite chef of all.  It is crazy to understand and fathom what military spouses go through during deployments (and even harder to fathom what their soldiers go through), but we have earned and deserve our time.  So, starting tomorrow through Thursday, I'll have a "Do Not Disturb" sign on my door. Thank you for all your support, and now for your understanding. 

We are looking forward to celebrating with his family, my family, and our sweet friends very soon!  I think he is most excited about "American" food, time with our little pup, seeing how tall his brothers have grown, swimming with his pup, a golf day with his boys, and spending time with everyone who has supported and loves us.  We are looking forward to cooking again together, taking a fun adventure with his brothers, homemade pizza with his mom and family, grilling out with friends, date nights, overnight stay in VA/job interview, pool days, and just being together (and being able to look into each other's eyes, hold hands, kiss, etc, etc, etc, etc. :))

This little pup of a girl is ready to see her daddy!

XOXO,

H

Amazing People

Living in this military base town during my husband's deployment has really been a blessing!  At first I was a bit annoyed to be moving "back home" to this town I know as well as I know myself, but I am thankful to be so close to most of my family and the base.  I have enjoyed heading grocery shopping at the commissary, and shopping at the "lemon lot" like NJ and I used to for fun.  Sometimes it has been hard to live in this town because it reminds me of all our memories we have together throughout different areas of town.  However, being in a military town also reminds me of my husband, due to all the military members and their families that occupy the town.  I am thankful to be reminded and surrounded by so many amazing people, because it reminds me that I am not alone in this deployment.

NJ should be coming home soon for his R&R and I am beyond ready.  I cannot wait to be in his arms, surrounded and safe -- and completely lost in his blue eyes. I am so thankful this deployment has brought us stronger, closer, and even more in love.  Deployments are and can be extremely scary, because you never know what to expect.  And you, honestly, never can replay that feeling of loss you feel when they leave from their port/base each time.  As I think back to his leaving, I remember dropping him off at his station and just feeling completely lost.  I bawled my eyes out and didn't want to let go of him.  He didn't have to walk away from me (he was where he had to stay), but I had to drive away from him.  Imagine leaving the most precious thing in the world to you -- and you have to leave.  It's a feeling of loss and heartbreak that I cannot describe any parallel of it to anything in life.  Now that he is coming home soon, I am wondering how amazing that feeling will feel - when I see his face the first time, run into his arms, hug his neck, kiss his lips, hold his hand, ride beside him in the passenger seat, seeing our puppy jump in his arms after over six months, having him beside me at night (and every morning I wake up), and stealing a kiss whenever I want.  I hope that moment of seeing him "for the first time" is an incredibly surreal, emotional, and extraordinary as that goodbye was six months ago.  Until then, I will remain forever his -- waiting, wishing, and loving him all the more.

XOXO,

H 

I have reached a couple of my workout goals and am so excited to keep pushing forward. I have managed to workout every day of the week, as well as eat healthy!  I even worked out twice yesterday, which makes me thrilled (not to mention, exhausted).  I am learning that really eating to live healthy, rather than just eating to eat (or when I'm bored, or sad, or lonely, or overwhelmed, or thirsty, or mad).  It's also making me realize how important and essential presentation is to food.  Not only does it MAKE me take my time to really make my food look delicious, but it makes me take my time when eating it.  When you eat alone (come on, everyone has eaten alone at least once in their lives), you learn to enjoy and savor the bites.  I've learned to have a book in my car or purse in case I eat out by myself, because it makes me eat slower and not feel like people are staring at my loneliness. :)  Reading with a book also gets me "into" the book, rather than rushing through eating. The only drawback to reading or watching tv while you eat is watching your portions.  I always make a conscious effort to really create my proportions on my plate before I sit down to eat (this eliminates the whole I'll just eat chips out of the bag until I finish this chapter).  Portion control, not giving in to little wants (instead of needs), and working out are essential to making a life change!

Crazy to believe we are almost celebrating the fourth of July!  I was talking with my hairstylist at FRINGE SALON (check them out!) about how weird it is that the 4th is on a Wednesday!  I am so used to associating this holiday with the weekends, that it feels absurd it is on Wednesday.  This is our (hubs and my) third 4th of July without us celebrating together -- but I think this 4th is even more celebratory because we are getting so close to his return.  It is crazy to think I am part of the military family, after growing up in a military town for all my life.  I am so proud of my husband, and all he has done to chase his dreams, accomplish his goals, and provide for us as a little family.

As you celebrate the 4th, keep in mind it is the celebration of the great U.S. of A -- and we would not be the country we are without the faith of our forefathers, the bravery of strong leaders, the sacrifice of courageous soldiers, and the passion of loving citizens.

XOXO,

H

Deployment Woes

We have now come to the six months' mark of this deployment, and are finding ourselves begging and ready for some time together.  NJ's time home will be shortly, and I cannot wait until that day arrives.  I have learned a lot through this deployment, and I can attest that we have grown much stronger as a couple.  There have been some things that have been harder than the things I thought would be the hardest, but it's only made me stronger.  So many times I have to change subjects, or just walk away from conversations where people are trying to relate to a very unrelateable event in life.  I find it funny when people express their concern for living alone, sleeping alone, or just not knowing "how you do it".  The bottom line is - military spouses/families learn to "just do it", and in a sense, we don't even have the time to fathom "how" we do it, but just that it (along with so many other things) needs to be done.

I've learned a lot about myself.......

• I am stronger than I ever really realized.
• I am able to push myself beyond my own boundaries to accomplish things I want to accomplish (i.e. squashing bugs, taking out stinky trash, running more than from here to the mailbox, cooking and enjoying a delicious dinner by myself, hauling a grocery trip worth of groceries up three flights of stairs in one trip, taking out the dog at 11:30 at night when the boogey man is out, responding to scary noises in the house in my pjs, etc.).
• I am capable of running over two miles by myself, and with our puppy, and feeling completely confident in my stride, safety, and abilities.
• I am capable of teaching a dog, becoming pack leader, and balancing the whole good cop/bad cop routine with doggy discipline.
• I have been learning that, although my husband is phenomenal and my best friend, I am so happy to know myself and be confident in the woman I am (with or without him physically by my side).
• I've learned sometimes we have just to grin and bear when people try to shed light/wisdom on things they have no clue about - they are only trying to love on us a little.  Breathing exercises help in these situations as well. :)
• I am learning the process of really eating to live, and not living to eat.
• I've learned that eating by yourself isn't a bad thing.  I've sharpened my people watching skills, and have even learned to laugh out loud by myself and feel completely ok with that.
• I've discovered that I have a knack for cooking and baking, and have fully embraced this as a fun pasttime.
• I've become more open to allowing people into my life, and striking up conversation with completely strangers (at the gym, grocery store, etc.).
• I've learned to laugh even when I feel like crying (and let the pup lick all my tears away).
• I have no allowed myself any pity parties - just reminded myself it could be worse. I could be in the middle of nowhere with no one I know in a scary place where the food sucks and the air stinks.
• I've learned that although I'm functional on my own, I feel the most blossomed when my husband is around.
• The sound of my husband's voice still puts butterflies in my stomach and heart, as well as makes me relax with a sigh of relief.
• I've learned deployed husbands have bad days...they just don't tell you until after the fact. :)

Our relationship has grown in leaps and bounds....I feel we are both more confident and trusting, as well as finding our own individual two feet after being together for over six years.  We are still "us", but we are a stronger "us".

This deployment has made me immensely thankful for...

• my husband - he is truly an amazing person; strong; compassionate; has continued to pursue me throughout these 6 months; my best friend; and the one thing I can't wait to get back into my arms.
• a loving God. enough said.
• my family (blood and married into) - they have been my refuge during this deployment, whether it be meals, puppy sitting, celebrating birthdays, flowers, cards - they have helped me keep it together.
• our puppy - she's been a joy to light up my days, as well as a great topic for conversation with my husband after 6 months of our lives not overlapping much to produce a ton of conversation topics
• friends -- they've given me space to adjust in the beginning, called me when I was down, surprised me with little gifts in the mail, and reminded me that I'm not alone
• work - it's kept me busy, and allowed me to focus on something other than deployment for 8hrs a day
• summer break -- has reminded me to smell the roses, take everything in stride, and enjoy being a lil housewife

I won't say deployments are not hard.  I won't pretend that I haven't spent a few nights crying myself to sleep.  I won't pretend the dog didn't sleep at the door for the first month waiting for her papa goose to come home.  I won't lie and say that seeing his face on Skype doesn't make me miss him even more.  I will not say that the military life is just for anyone.  I will say that military spouses are some of the strongest people I know, and I have been so mindful that I have a million other warrior wives who have/will have/are in my same spot in life -- SO thankful to be part of the legacy, life, and love of our great country. I am no full time military wife, I am no soldier - but, I love our country, and I could not be happier to be the woman my sailor comes home to very soon.

xoxo,

H

SUMMER 2012 has arrived -- AND I survived my first year of teaching - halleujah!  I am so happy for summer to be here, and really looking forward to spending time with family, good friends, and my husband for two weeks!  He'll be home soon from his deployment for some R&R time, and I'm very excited about that!

I've been accomplishing a lot in the two whole days I've been finished with work!  Pups and I have reorganized cabinets, closets, cleaned, rearranged the living room, and ordered bar stools!  I'm looking forward to picking them up today!  I will be posting more this summer with all my summer adventures, projects, and, of course, the husband's arrival! :)

I was digging through some old drawers in our guest room (aka supply/junk room), and came across some writings I had done in college the summer NJ was at basic training.  It really got me thinking how much I love writing (and reading for that matter), and I have made it my goal this summer to 1) share my writings with my blogging friends, 2) write more, 3) read more, 4) take in everything around me!

I'll start by sharing one of my favorites from that creative writing class in my next post this afternoon -- it's a lil comedic relief for the start to summer!

Love and Joy,

H

.thankful.

I am so very thankful to be on spring break, but I am also so thankful for my job! Having so much down time makes me miss my husband even more -- I am trying to balance little projects and relaxation!  It is crazy to think that the school year will be over in 9 weeks.  Although I'm excited, I know that that will be an adjustment as well -- being back to the down time (and my man not being home).  It's really made me realize how much we are such best friends, and I'm so used to him being the one I take so many great adventures with.  Nutmeg and I have been trying to keep ourselves busy with cleaning, projects, and getting out and about, but I think we both miss NJ. :)


Nutmeg is doing really well with her crate training, and is loving our mile walks in the nearby neighborhood.  She's such a great puppy, and such a joy to me.  I honestly don't think I'd be doing as well without her.  Someone commented about her being spoiled, and although I know she is, in the back of my mind I wanted to say, "well your puppy would be too if you're husband was away" -- haha, I know, I know, silly response it would've been.  She really keeps me going, makes me smile, and laugh at her tricks and personalities.  I'm sure people think I am silly for smiling at her when I see her or talking to her the way I do, but she's a smart cookie.  She knows what's what!

watching everything around her at the family farm

wanting to go for a ride in daddy's car

My projects this week are the following:

• finish a "R" to hang on our front door
• sew Nutmeg a couple bandanas (cutest fabrics ever)
• sew/make curtain drawbacks
• I got awesome "giraffe" print fabric with some great ribbon and buttons to make it look cute and inviting.
• clean the house

I did finish a great jewelry holder!  Be on the lookout for a post about it! 

We'll be celebrating my mom's birthday this weekend, so I'm also looking forward to making some yummy treats, and heading up to celebrate for the weekend.  I'm thankful for these little adventures out of town -- they keep me sane, but I'm ALWAYS thankful to come home to our home.


I cannot wait until my husband comes home for his R&R time in July.  My sister-in-law's husband just returned from his year deployment, and I know she is just so happy to have him home.  They have such an awesome adventure ahead of them, moving to Germany!!!!  I'm looking forward to visiting them in their European oasis.  I will be ecstatic once we know the plan that's ahead of us when NJ returns home!  Until then, we're holding down the forts in NC and Afghanistan, and pushing forward, staying strong, and embracing this time in our lives!  SO thankful to know others who are going/have gone through these same challenges -- it strengthens and encourages us all during this time!

XOXO,

HR

Oh, the Joys of this Life!

Having a puppy has been so much more aware of the challenges of being a parent.  Now, of course, it is a given that children will be even more work and pressure to raise than a puppy, but I have to say this pup is teaching me so much about myself, my consistency, and being responsible for someone other than myself that I love almost more than life!  We've had to transition into "crating" during the day, after a few disasters, like putting holes in walls and ripping up carpet.  Although I really dreaded the whole idea of crating, I've found that she's very happy (and safe).  We are spending less time cleaning up messes, and more time getting to play at my parents' backyard or taking long walks together.

Nutmeg has been going on quite a few adventures, including venturing more in my parents' huge backyard.  She's learned so many new "tricks" and vocabulary!  I cannot believe our little pip-squeak is now more like a dog, rather than such a puppy.  She is doing great with her commands, and even knows what her "ball" and "cow" are.  She loves riding in the backseat of the car, and feeling the wind in her "hair".  I'm so thankful for her during NJ's deployment -- she's been one of the best investment I've ever made (other than marrying my handsome hunk).

 exploring the backyard

  picking up anything like a stick

  her favorite spot in the house

As for the deployment, we are both doing really great!  He is focusing on his grad classes while working 12 hour shifts everyday!  He is such a trooper to have not had a day off at all while he's been there!  He's not loving anything much over there, other than the contacts and experience.  The food isn't great at all, so he's so thankful for all the care packages our families have so graciously sent!  I'm working on his birthday package right now, and am so excited about his surprise inside (and so thankful to everyone who helped).  He's such an awesome husband, and sends me reminders of his love (like unexpected flowers at work).  We talk electronically at least twice a day, and are able to Skype or FaceTime on the weekends.  I am so thankful for technology!  It's been really interesting to tackle parenting our pup by myself -- she definitely misses her daddy, but has adapted SO well!  There are some days when I feel like it's just more on my plate to take her out for her walk, but I come to the conclusion by the end of the walk that it's therapy for me as well.  Just being out in nature helps relax me when I'm stressed, and seeing her so happy makes me smile (and laugh a lot).

I'm looking forward to saying "adios" to my sweet third graders in 4 days and enjoying over 7 days of "spring break"!  I've got some projects up my sleeve for the week, not to mention will be spending time with my sister, family, and best friend -- but also celebrating my mama's birthday!  These are only a couple ideas that are floating through my head for that week (not to mention a sweet massage):

sewing adventures

DIY jewelry holder

I'm definitely missing my girlfriends, and do find that sometimes its challenging to be at this spot in my life, just because all my girlfriends are married or have families!  It's hard to find your spot in the world around you when it feels like everyone else's life is progressing and yours is at a standstill.  Sometimes even when I'm in a room (or grocery store) full of people, I find myself feeling like everyone is moving so quickly through life, and I'm just focused on my thoughts.  Although I'm pretty strong and independent, I find that when I'm with my husband I'm even more strong and confident.  When he is with me, I'm on fire, blossoming, and budding with everything within me -- without him, I'm happy and content, but sometimes not as "on fire" or "full of bloom".  I suppose that's true love -- and that makes me all the more excited for him to be home and back in my arms.  I can't describe a deployment and how it makes you feel when you're that separated (not by choice) from the one you love.  It's hard to explain how you feel too to people who have never been there, because it's more than just not having someone there when you come home -- there's the time when you cannot communicate with them, or when you can't just call them up when you're frustrated.  There are times I've had to learn that I cannot always share my stress with him when he's already stressed with grad classes and work -- it's a true balance of selflessness, compromise, and understanding where each of you are.  It's about leaning on each other's strengths and knowing (always knowing, and never forgetting) the amazing things you love and appreciate about that person.  I know that this deployment has not only strengthened both of us individually, but it has made our relationship blossom with even better trust, communication, and understanding.  I'm so thankful I was lucky enough to marry such an amazing man, and I cannot wait for our happily ever after to continue!

30 Questions to Ask Your Husband on a Roadtrip

So, I've been blog perusing! :)  I came across a really cute idea, and since NJ is deployed, I thought it might be fun to ask him one of these every so often.  I think its a great way to just open up discussions, have conversations that are sparked by these, and even learn more about each other.


Deployment is going really well!  We are able to talk almost every day, and FaceTime about every three days (and almost an hour on Saturdays).  Nutmeg and I took our first lil roadtrip since NJ left, and came up to Raleigh to stay with my sister and brother-in-law.  It has been a nice getaway, especially after being in the same city for the past 3 months.  We also have good news on the deployment front -- we found out NJ will be home to celebrate our one year anniversary during his leave time!  I am so ecstatic!  I know it will fly by, but I also know that will be our halfway point.  What a great way to celebrate! :)


So, here's the list for the next roadtrip you plan with your husband!


THE LIST:

1. List 20 random facts about yourself.
2. Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears.
3. Describe your relationship with your parents.
4. List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could.
5. What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?
6. What is the hardest thing you have ever experienced?
7. What is your dream job, and why?
8. What are 5 passions you have?
9. List 10 people who have influenced you and describe how.
10. Describe your most embarrasing moment.
11. Describe 10 pet peeves you have.
12. Describe a typical day in your current life.
13. Describe 5 weaknesses you have.
14. Describe 5 strengths you have.
15. If you were an animal, what would you be and why?
16. What are your 5 greatest accomplishments?
17. What is the thing you most wish you were great at?
18. What has been the most difficult thing you have had to forgive?
19. If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?
20. Describe 3 significant memories from your childhood.
21. If you could have one superpower, what would it be and what would you do with it first?
22. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 15 years?
23. List your top 5 hobbies and why you love them.
24. Describe your family dynamic of your childhood vs. your family dynamic now.
25. If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be and what would you eat?
26. What popular notion do you think the world has most wrong?
27. What is your favorite part of your body and why?
28. What is your love language?
29. What do you think people misundertand most about you?
30. List 10 things you would hope to be remembered for.

XOXO,

H

This Week = Kicking My Butt Into Gear

All right, so this week may be possibly the hardest week of my life, but I'm determined to win with mind over matter.  This week will begin my daily morning workouts, and I'm determined to make this work, so I can have my evenings with our sweet pup, and eventually with the husband when he comes home.  I feel that we all get complacent at times in our lives (whether its avoiding the gym, ignoring healthy food, or just getting bored with our routines), but it's high time to get into shape and have a transformation by the time my husband returns home for his R&R.  My plan will allow me time to workout, without feeling bad that the dog has been locked up all day.  My plan will push me to get out of bed earlier in the morning, and head to bed earlier at night.  My plan will also push me to prepare more adequately in the evening for a day at work.  My plan...might be the death of me! (JUSTTT KIDDING!)


My goal is to lose at least 15 pounds by July.  My goal is to eat healthier, workout harder, and create a healthy routine in my life that will be healthier in the long run of this life.  My goal will also get me back into a great shape before kids come (even though that's at least 4 years down the road).


So, why blog about it?  Because I'm hoping it will hold me even more accountable.  Because I'm hoping I will come by with a triumph of news by the end of the week, that I've accomplished my goal.  I know if I can get in this routine, and stay in this routine, I will be more likely to accomplish my goal.


My goal is for me -- no one else. I am a confident lady, but I would love to take away the extra love handles I've been hanging onto for the past 5 years.  I don't want to be a bean pole (I'm too short anyways), but I'd like to be healthy, athletic, and feel sexy in my own skin.  Life is about challenges, and with the shortness I've acquired from my parents, weight will always be a challenge for me.  So, I'm kicking it into high gear, and I'm determined to be swimsuit ready (at least to my goal/standard) by July, if not sooner.


So, here's to goal setting, challenging yourself, and mind over matter!

XOXO,

H

**Props to Dana Laymon Photography Blog for inspiring this blog post!

Deployment Challenges and Triumphs

Hello sweet friends!


Can you believe it's almost March?!  I cannot wait until spring break arrives -- then I will have to begin my countdown for summer.  I am so thankful for the bright, sunny days we've been having.  Nutmeg has benefited from them too -- it's so much easier to take her for long walks when I'm not freezing my butt off! Our one month of adjustment has flown by, and now I'm on to conquering some of those goals I set for myself!  The gym has been calling my name this past month, and I'm determined that this week will be the beginning of an early wakeup for the gym and extra time with our sweet pup!


Nutmeg recovered well from her spay surgery, and is back to her crazy self!  NJ and I have been able to video-chat while he's deployed, and it is funny to see her hear his voice.  She has smacked the phone with her paw a couple times, and even growled back at him playfully.  I know she misses having him around, but I know he's missing her even more!


NJ is doing really well with this deployment, and we are finding that we are able to talk almost two times a day.  It really helps with the advances in technology to be able to video-chat across the big pond!  It brightens both of our days, and allows us to see each other almost daily.  THANK GOD for technology!  He finally received his first care package -- it took longer than expected, but he was ecstatic to receive goodies, his pillows, and comfy sheets from home.  It made me SO excited that he'd gotten his first package -- I really put a lot of heart into them!  I am looking forward to him receiving his next two which have more goodies and some surprises!


The challenges I've found with this deployment have honestly been just juggling all the responsibilities of a working wife!  Maintaining the house, loving all I can on the puppy, staying on top of my work, spending time with NJ, and finding time for myself is a hard juggle.  My mom has been able to help me with the puppy -- stopping by at lunch to take her out for a walk and just give her some love.  This really has helped me, because I know she's getting love, even if I wake up late for work and have just enough to get out of the door.  That's another challenging part of it all -- some mornings all I want to do is just lay in bed with the sweet pup, but I am learning that I feel much more prepared for my day if I drag myself out of bed and have time to play with her before I leave for work.  I've not been able to fit in my workouts the way I had hoped since NJ's deployment began.  I'm hoping to really kick it into gear this week -- it is extremely hard to motivate yourself to do something for yourself when you know you have 10 other responsibilities that are also weighing on your time.  I suppose it's a good lesson in how life will be with a husband AND kids (one day, in the long long long away future).  The challenges have been really easy to adapt to thus far in this deployment, and I can honestly say I'm thankful for our times of separation due to the military before this deployment.  They've helped me understand more about how the military works, how deadlines of return or leaving are not always set in stone, what it's like to maintain while he's gone and then regroup into a cohesive unit when he returns, as well as just being ok at being alone.  I know so many girls, as I also remember myself, as ready to find that "person" to spend forever with.  It's a fairytale we have all believed, and some still do -- that once we find that person our life beyond that is just perfect, and exactly what we imagined -- and we'll never be alone again.  I'm so happy that it's not what "I" imagined -- because my life with the man I love is so much more than I imagined.  Yes, sometimes the struggles we've faced have been more challenging than anyone ever wishes or imagines in their lives --- but you learn more about yourself, grow stronger from them, and your bond with your husband grows so much!  And, in any relationship, time apart is a good thing.  Having nights out with your girls, or the boys over to watch the game, or going to play ball with the boys -- we all need that time to remind ourselves who we individually are -- that's who the other person fell in love with.  I'm finding that I do enjoy having my alone time -- quietly reading, watching HGTV anytime, having time to spend weekends away with my girls.  Now, I'd give anything right now for a weekend with my husband -- but I'm learning to enjoy this season of my life.  I'm learning that the best way to adapt to it all is to breath it all in.  I've seen that in my husband too -- positivity (which he hasn't always excelled in), and learning from him even more about taking everything in stride.  I'm so thankful for such an awesome husband in my life -- one who supports me, understands the challenges on this side of the deployment, and reminds me every day how much he loves me.


SO thankful for everything I'm learning about myself, falling even more in love with my husband, and learning about life during this deployment.

XOXO,

H

Deployment Update

I am SO thankful for a day off of work, and a day to just relax with our sweet pup!  She's recovering well from her spay appointment, but we had a rough night last night -- up and down with pain and recovery.  We are both snoozing a ton today!


My husband's travels are going well.  He is in good spirits, and is safe and sound at his stop for now!  He shared this short "journaling" to me via email while in flight across the big blue ocean, and let me share... 


I thought I'd write a journal on my first real international flight.  We are currently in the air traveling roughly 600 mph - I know, more information than you need.  Plane ride is around 6 hours and when we land we will be 12 hours ahead of you.  Getting ready to eat a "hot" dinner -- chicken/beef with greenbeans and mashed potatoes - not quite sure what I will pick yet.  I can't believe the support we have received at every stop so far.  We had a full police escort along with the 'freedom rider' motorcycle gang.  It was absolutely phenomenal.  I have never felt so humbled and honored in my life.  We walked into the hanger and there were a hundred volunteers, active duty, and veterans.  They were handing out care packages, as well as sharing stories and getting to know us.  I didn't even want to talk - actually, I couldn't talk (too overwhelmed by emotions).  When we were finally ready to leave the hanger and board the plane, they lined up on each side of the walkway with American flags and wanted to shake each and every hand that was walking through.


I'm so thankful for so much support for our American troops!  He's always been my hero. <3

"love all your life"

Today marks my husband's next step in his deployment journey...after a few weeks of training, he's now venturing out of the US for his deployment.  It's crazy how much more it hits you when you begin to realize a) he's going to be traveling non-stop for a few days, b) that travel will be outside the US, c) the texts/calls will stop because he will no longer have service, and d) you're now really beginning the deployment.  I think it both hit us both last night -- and we both realized it when we had to say "goodnight" for the last time on the phone until the next year.  Of course, we will have Skype capability and email and all that jazz, but the small happiness of being able to say goodnight while I'm lying on my pillow snuggled in our bed is no longer available for a year.  And, you guessed it, our emotions flooded our hearts, eyes, and throats, and we both had to get off the phone with struggling "I love you"'s so we could stay strong for each other.


Today, we had to say goodbye again in another way.  As he left the US headed to his next destination, I caught him up on the puppy's spay appointment (also, today - I know, I know - bad planning) in a minute as he was about to depart.  We again had those same darn emotions flood our hearts, eyes, and throats, and we again got off the phone with struggling "I love you"'s.  In a way, I'm relieved, because the majority of these adjustments/goodbyes/transitions are over.  We can now adapt to our new life (which we'll have for the next year), and learn to cope, continue communicating, and continue to grow our love/relationship across the big ocean :)


After a long week at work, and prepping for his deployment and taking her of Puddles, I am thankful for the amazing people that surround me and care about us all.  Looking forward to a girls' night with my sister tonight and a long weekend with my sweet baby girl.


Thank you for your prayers, thoughts, and following my blog :)

With love,

H

Upcoming V-day

In honor of Valentine's Day, I am linking up with Mrs. Merry Mobley to share our love story!

I LOVE YOU, NJ!

1. How long have you and your significant other been together?

We have been together since September 2006 -- almost 6 years!

 

2. How did you meet? {What's your "love" story?}

We met at the local community college and our love flourished!  We initially did not like one another (me a goody-too-shoe, and he a unbridled guy), but we came to appreciate one another more and more.  We both transferred to NCSU and completed our degrees there.  He took a year off and joined the NAVY  and was away for 8 months.  We prevailed through those challenges.  After four years together, he popped the question in our hometown over Spring break, and I said "yes"!  We were married on July 16 of last year, and have been happily married since then!  He is now serving in a deployment to Afghanistan, but we are finding that our love is just continually growing and strengthening.

 

3. If married, how long have you been married? If not, is this the guy you hope to marry? {do tell}

7 months a week from Thursday

 

4. If you are married, where did you get married at? Big or small wedding? 

Our wedding was pretty large -- 200/215 sweet friends and family came to celebrate with us!  It was one of the best nights of my life!

 

5. Do you have any nick-names that you call one another? Do share!

NJ, Baby, Babylove, Bub, PapaGoose/MamaGoose

6. Name 3 things you love most about your honey.

His courage and love for the great United States of A (not to mention the WOLFPACK)!

His support and love of me and all my dreams (no matter how absurd they may be)

His humor and ability to make me laugh even when I'm feeling blue 

 

7. Tell us how he proposed? Or your ideal proposal?

He proposed in our hometown, beside a lake, after a great dinner together and romantic motorcycle ride.  He asked me to marry him while we were sitting side by side, which greatly represents our relationship -- always taking things on together in stride.

 

8. Is he a flowers and teddy bear kind of guy for v-day, or strawberries,champagne, and rose petals?

He is more of a great date night for V-day, unless he's away for military stuff -- then he sends flowers!

 

9. Are you a sunset dinner on the beach kind of girl, or pop a movie in and relax on the couch?

pop a movie in and relax on the couch (or travel to a new place)

 

10. Tell us one thing you'd like to do with your significant one day. If you could do anything? Go anywhere?

Go to Italy together.  Have kids.  Travel around the world.

 

11. Tell us what you plan on doing on this Valentine's Day. 

This V-day will be a little different for us, as he will be in Afghanistan.  I plan on celebrating the lovey day with my third graders, sending him lots of love in his care package, and hopefully Skyping that night.

 

12. Are you asking for anything this Valentine's day?

a great conversation, continual love and support, and to be able to see the face of my husband :)

 

13. Give us one piece of advice of keeping a relationship strong and full of love. 

Communication helps keep your relationship strong, open, and full of love.  Even in the toughest situations, talking helps you understand where each other are, as well as allow them to know you care and love them no matter what you're going through.  Communicating allows the other person to know you value them, and you want to support and love them through every season of your life.

 

14.  Show us a picture of what love means to you.

Photo Courtesy of Dana Laymon Photography