.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