Surprises, Surprises, Surprises!

This was a great weekend! It was filled with all kinds of surprises. Landon's birthday party was this weekend and Jon was trying to make it home. He had just started classes so the chances of him getting liberty for the weekend was pretty slim. I never get my hopes up anymore about him getting granted liberty since it has fell through so many times. I just assumed this time would be yet another time our plans didn't work out. When Jon called me Wednesday and told me that he was coming home on Friday I didn't believe him, but of course we made plans. I just planned to be disappointed on Friday. Well  Friday came and when I got off work he called to tell me that he was here and to come pick him up! This was the best start to my weekend and a surprise that everything worked out according to plan! Yay! So I didn't tell Landon because I didn't want to have to explain why yet again Daddy wouldn't be home. So when I got home I went in and told Landon he had a big surprise that I couldn't carry. This was his reaction... so cute!

The party on Saturday was great. It was at a bowling alley and I was just too happy for words that I didn't have to do any planning or clean up. The kids had a great time and I was happy just to spend some time with my family complete.

My last surprise this weekend was getting down to Virginia Beach and back in record time! I hate making the trip one because it's long and two because it means I'm going to be dropping Jon off and leaving without him. The trip down was great Jon drove, we stopped at a great Mexican restaurant in Woodbridge called Uncle Julio's, and I helped Jon study for his really big test on Tuesday. Dropping him off is never easy. I always save the water works for once I leave base, because I know it just makes it harder for him. I tried to get back as fast as I could. The trip that typically takes 4-41/2 hours only took me 3 hrs and 15 minutes! When I called Jon to let him know I got home safe he said, "What you're home already?!" That was great seeing as though he says I drive like a grandma. Although I don't know any grandmas pushing 90 down I-95 to get home! Overall this weekend was awesome. Now we only have 76 days, or 10 weekends left until he graduates. Let's just hope they are all just as great!

Wifey Pride!

So I am amazed at my husband. When I first met him back in high school I was so in awe at how much of a gentleman he was. I mean yes ma'am, no ma'am, yes sir, no sir gentleman. He took me off guard with how sweet he truly was. Then I found out he was an amazing soccer player. Adding to his list of great attributes. Then when we had our son he was an amazing father. There were times when I watched him with Landon them both sleeping, it was so sweet. Then I married him and the pride just grew from there. When he decided to enlist I was apprehensive, but just as proud. He is an amazing man that continues to surprise me. Today was no exception. With his classes starting there will of course be tests... Today was his first. He got a 95! I am so proud of him. He never stops amazing me with all he does and continues to do. Can't wait to hopefully see him this weekend so I can give him the biggest hug and kiss! It's times like these the separation seems much bigger. Graduation is in June so I am really just trying to stay positive and look forward to being with him again...

Who knew Thursday was so great?

So today was an absolutely great day. Why might you ask? Well it brought some pretty awesome stuff....
1. I picked up my awesome new Kate Spade glasses... So glad to ditch the old ones!
2. Went to Walmart and found some pretty awesome stuff to send to Jon in his care package.
3. My oatmeal chocolate chip cookies came out perfectly.
4. And to sum it all up I got my official graduation acceptance letter!
Man never will I ever underestimate the power of a Thursday. Well a picture is worth a thousand words so I'll let you be the judge. How was your Thursday?

Getting Back Into the Swing of Things

Getting used to a routine has always been hard for me probably because my life has never followed a routine. Since Jon is in Virginia Beach for another 13 weeks I have to get some sort of semblance of a normal life. I try to keep everything in perspective and not get so bogged down with the details. So Jon came home this weekend and we got family portraits done. It was absolutely freezing! Now enjoying this near 70 degree weather I am thinking why didn't I wait until this week? Even so I'm excited to see how they turn out. The photographer who took our wedding pictures did these do we know they will be great quality. You can check out his work on his website. After taking the 4 hour trip down to take Jon back and then driving the 4 hours back home I was so tired Monday morning! Talk about a bad start to the week then of course I realized I was behind in my Conventions class reading. So much for getting back to where I was before this weekend. So here it is Wednesday and I am no more closer to having my routine back up and running. Hopefully I'll get myself together soon! Landon's birthday is coming up so hopefully I will have party and portraits pictures to post...

My Seemingly Insurmountable To Do List

So it seems that my to do list has a mind of it's own. Everytime I cross something off there are about 3 things added on. For starters I am planning to graduate this year. The program at my school is pretty specific on the requirements for graduation. So I was taking a look at my transcripts and realized that I am missing some classes! After my mini heart attack I sat down and did some investigating. I realized that my teachers from last semester hadn't posted my grades. Then, I found out that I have to have my program director fill out a course subsitution for another one of my classes. Then I got a letter stating they hadn't recieved my payment for graduation! So much to do and take care of... then to make matter worse Jon and I have a legal matter we took care of when he was home on boot leave and I got a letter from the court saying they could take care of it because there were documents missing. This was frustrating to find out because when we filed the paper the assistant to the clerk at the courthouse said that we had everthing. Add on to this all the mommy duities, homework, and household chores... I feel like I am stretched just a tiny bit too thin. We just about 2 days ago everything started to fall into place. Jon is coming home this weekend so we will take care of all the legal matter and then my teachers in swift succession emailed me that they submitted my grades. I even got an email from my program director that she sent the paperwork over. All of these major things have been tackled and taken care of. Now if only I could get a handle on everything else! God seems to think that I am more equipped than I think I am because this is a little more than I think I can bear, but thanks for the vote of confidence. I think finding a balance and creating a support system as a military spouse is key. I have another military spouse at my church and we are constantly leaning on each other for support. It's great to have the help!

Picky Eaters Conquered!

All those mothers out there know just how frustrating it is to get your kids to eat all the things they should be eating right? Please let me know that I am not alone in my futile efforts to make spinach appetizing to a 4 year old! Since culinary school and my major dictates that I take a nutrition class and other classes focusing on food preparation and relation to nutrients I would say that I have gained a pretty good working knowledge of what and how to prepare healthy foods. The only catch is how to make these foods something kids will eat. I have experienced many a night at the dinner table pleading with Landon to eat the broccoli that has since become cold on his plate. There is help though and since my son is one picky eater I feel that these will pretty much work with any child. (or husband for that matter!)

1. Try roasting the vegetables.
I know that everyone has heard of roasting vegetables, but I tell you it's great! I recently tried roasted kale. It was delicious! Since it's thin it takes on the texture of chips. If your not a fan of dark leafy greens (which you should be because their loaded with folic acid!) then try broccoli or carrots, they are absolutely delicious and taste a lot better than their steamed counterparts. The rule of thumb pretty much is 425F oven, lightly coat the vegetables in olive or canola oil, and season with herbs, salt, pepper anything dry. Roast in the oven until the edges are turn golden brown. Even your kids will like them.

2. Pureed in the cheese sauce.
I haven't met a kid that doesn't like macaroni and cheese. Any macaroni and cheese can become that much better for them by adding a pureed dark green. My favorites with Landon are spinach and brussel sprouts, two vegetables I could never get him to eat in their whole form. Puree the steamed vegetables with about a tablespoon of water. Add the cheese sauce and stir in the pasta... they will never know!

3. Always serve dairy.
My son is not a fan of milk which is horrible for growing kids. I have had to find other ways to get the white stuff in his diet, I always serve a smoothie with breakfast. This gives him all the fruits and dairy he needs to start the day and I have started to carry this to dinner. It's one way that I know he gets the calcium he needs.

4. Add oatmeal.
I have started to add oats to everything! Landon loves pancakes so we now only eat oatmeal pancakes. Also I make chocolate chip oatmeal cookies which are my husband's favorite so that's not too much of a hard sell. I am experimenting with applesauce  and honey as a sweetener so I will definitely let you know how that turns out.

These are just some of the ways that try to make our eating habits a little healthier. If you ever are looking for more just leave me a comment and I will try to email you some as I come across them in my studies and research!