May 10, 2011

Greatest gift ever...

Throughout our Army career, I have been blessed with a lot of wonderful people who have come in and out of my life at various stages.  With this being Joe's third deployment, I knew that I had to change my self-care as I have a lot more stressors right now: full-time job that deals with grief day in and day out, child, being own housekeeper, yada yada yada.  I knew that I needed to surround myself by amazing, strong friends who would help me out and call me out on my bull crap.

I have several of these friends but two stand out to me right now in their own spotlight. 

First, my sister Megan.  We were definitely not close growing up, and we didn't really start to become close until Porter was born.  It was as though something clicked.  I know that I can call her at any second, and she will be there.  We have a bond that took years to develop.  We are so similiar and yet so different.  But, isn't that the reason why it works?

Second, my great friend Ayse.  We have been so through so much together in the last almost two years.  Co-FRG leaders, staying up until midnight putting together a cake train, hours of conversations, countless dinners, and Auntie Ayse.  She puts me in my place and tells it like it is.  Most of the time I don't want to hear it at the time, but she is always right.  I never really had close girlfriends growing up, and I count her as one of a small handful that I can truly call a best friend.

Together, these amazing women collaborated to give me the greatest gift. Memories.  What greater gift is that? Look below:




A book just for me. And, for someone who is always behind the camera, it is so nice to have pictures of my favorite little guy from birth to now-with me in them!

So, thank you lovely ladies for giving me a tangible object to carry with me that will reaffirm why I am a mother. On the good and bad days,

I love you girls.

April 21, 2011

Even from a far...

He comes through. We got three letters from Joe today, and they came at just the right time! Porter was really missing Joe and then...poof! There they were in the mailbox! We saved one letter to open tomorrow as per Porter's request.  The best part was that there was a DVD in there with a video of Joe reading two books to Porter.  I made a big deal out of it and Porter came and sat on my lap to watch.  I have to admit that I shed a few tears.  It is totally different seeing him on Skype where the connection isn't that great.  I actually got to see him move and see his facial expressions.  He has lost some weight and he shaved off his hair island so that was definitely different for me.  But, all of those feelings came rushing back, and it made me miss him that much more.  But, Porter needed it.  It was exactly what he needed.  He fell right to sleep with a look of contentment on his face.  Thank you Joe for always knowing what we need. We love you!


April 6, 2011

Spinning like a top....

That is how I am feeling. I just forced myself to sit down on the couch and watch a show. For the first time in over three weeks. I had to allow myself to relax. It will only be for 20 more minutes, but I am trying. 

I feel that I have been filling my day with tons of activities so that I don't have to think about Joe being gone. If I do, I feel like I am going to break down. And, yes, I know that it is healthy to do that. I get it. But, I don't want to. I want to stay busy and force the days to go by. And yet, I also realize that I am forcing Porter to grow up. I am wishing this year away and, in doing so, I feel like I am wishing away Porter's 4th year of life. It hurts.

This is how a typical day goes:

5:50- wake up
6:40- get Porter up and fight with him about getting dressed
7:15- drop Porter off
7:30- start work
4:15- pick Porter up (or leave him at school if I have to teach that night and pick him up at 8:30pm)
4:30- get home and feed Porter quickly
5:30- head to some event
**I am able to stay at home twice a week usually and then this is playtime**
7:30- get Porter ready for bed
8:00-8:30- put Porter to bed (book, songs, hugs, and "Mommy, will you lie down with me for a couple minutes?"
8:30-11:45- PeanutStitches business; get ready for the next day; clean, etc.
11:45-12:00- get ready for bed and lights out

Where is free time? Where is there time to relax? No wonder I feel like I am running on E.

But the good part? We are 3 months down!!

March 17, 2011

This week in pictures




Cardigan: Gap

Skirt: Gap
Tank top: Limited
Shoes: TJ Maxx
Belt: NY & Co
Cardigan: Ross
Tank Top: Limited
Pants: NY & Co
Shoes: Shoe store, lol, idk
Necklace: Kohl's
Cardigan: Target?
Belt: NY & Co
Dress: Kohls
Shoes: IDK
Necklace: Kohls

(I went to a fun dinner at one of my friend's house with Porter. On the way, he picked me this flower and said "I won't let the wind blow it away from you Mommy!")
Dress: Old Navy
Cardigan: Old Navy
Shoes: Target kid's section
Scarf: Uh....I don't remember

I may have had a crappy week, but I felt beautiful!

This week in words

This week was a rough one. Work issues, personal issues, Porter issues all compiled on to each other, and I had a mini-breakdown. Of course it really just consisted of me stomping my feet and screaming out loud, "I'M MAD! I'M FRUSTRATED!!!!" I know, you are thinking, "wow...that's it?" Ohhhh no. I wanted to do more, but Porter was standing in front of me and that is what we are trying to teach him to say when he gets upset. So, I had to suck it up and teach him a lesson while I was at it.

I also realized that I really missed Joe this week. Yes, it is always in the back of my mind, but I really missed him this week. We found out that Porter had strep of the throat and butt and couldn't go to school on Monday.  Normally, that wouldn't be a problem except for the fact that I didn't have any sick leave saved up, and I still had to go to work. If Joe was here, we could trade off with Peanut. Instead, I stood outside in the rain and just started crying as I tried to figure out what to do.  Then, Porter came up to me and said, "Mommy, it will be ok. Don't worry! I'm sorry I am sick." Oh my goodness. I just wanted to scoop him up, take him home and cuddle all day. But, I couldn't. Which left me feeling incredibly guilty

Is working full-time what is best for our family? Probably not. I am missing out a lot. I am missing his last year before starting school, and it breaks my heart. I am the sole parent right now, and I pick him up, come home to quickly make dinner, watch a show with him and then put him to bed. And, at least two nights a week I have to work in the evening so I don't get to spend time with him. Does it hurt him? I think so. He has been clinging to me more when I am with him, giving me more kisses and hugs and is starting to act up (well that started once Joe left).

But, the good part? I get a ton more hugs, Porter is listening to me (uh...most of the time), all of the time that we do have together is spent snuggling, reading, and getting ready for Pre-K. And, I am growing as a person which makes me a better mother. I am more confident, patient, and appreciative of all of the time that we have together. I have stopped running around and raced cars across the floor, eaten popcorn while watching various kids' shows, taken Peanut to the movies, and eaten out at various restaurants with just Porter. I have faced my fears and just started to enjoy life. Who the heck cares if the house isn't clean, clothes aren't folded, and going out to eat excites me and makes me look forward to it all day. Our little dates always end in snuggles and kisses and "I love you Mommy,  thank you for taking care of me." Obviously I am doing something right.

March 14, 2011

Making an effort...

I am trying. I am trying to look presentable every day.  In this job, I never know who I am going to run into. It could be the Garrison Commander, a Survivor, or I might be asked to do a quick brief at an event. I always want to make sure that I am looking my best. This is a great challenge though. I want to look put together with coordinating clothing pieces, accessories, and shoes. The problem? I am cheap. I have a thing about not spending very much on clothes. I literally buy every single thing on sale! I am trying to learn to spend a little bit more on a piece and get something that will last a long time. So, here are a few of my outfits from the last week with explanations of how I didn't break the bank!


Skirt: Ann Taylor Loft $20.00 about three years ago
 Shoes: Purple Suede pumps $20 (very uncomfortable)
Belt: NY&Co $10- three years ago?
White shirt: Limited $12 about two years ago
Cardigan: Purple Mossimo from Target $13 four years ago
*I interchange these all the time with other pieces*


Pants: Grey NY&Co in petite and got them with one of those spend
$150 get $75 off (got a TON of stuff that day!)
Belt: NY & Co (see above)
Cardigan: Old Navy? $10
Dress shirt: Banana Republic Outlet $8
Shoes: Purple patent leather pumps-TJ Maxx $10

**Had to wear this to a memorial service**
Blazer: Ann Taylor Loft Outlet $39.99
Dress shirt: Limited $14.99
Pants: NY&Co (see above picture and description)
Shoes: who the heck knows


 **Favorite outfit of the month!**
Cardigan: NY&Co (had $30 in cash there so only had to spend $30 for everything else)
Shirt: NY&Co (see above)
Belt: Kohl's $12.00
Pants: Brown NY&Co (see picture two up)
Shoes: purple patent leather pumps
Necklace: NY&Co
Hair: part of it is mine and a couple were extensions (I fooled so many people today!)

**Babe-just FYI, I am not spending all of your money back here while you are deployed!!**

March 9, 2011

No time.

For the two readers that actually read this thing, I am sorry that I have not posted in a while. I have a lot going on right now. Don't believe me?  Look at this list...

-2 crib bedding sets
-2 Home is where the Army sends us signs
-2 projects for our FRG (can't spoil the surprise!)
-full-time (and plus!) day job
-part-time night job teaching young soldiers how to live on a paycheck that qualifies them for WIC despite working 24/7 and defending our country
-having a husband deployed and taking Command soon
-go to gal for random questions (I do love this by the way!)
-planning Porter's 4th birthday party

*and....the BEST part of my life....being Porter's Mom. Although, a single mom while Joe is gone.*

But, there are things to look forward to! Such as:

-having a little guy say to me, after I throw a tantrum about finding another puddle from our dog, "Mommy, it is going to be ok! Daddy will be home soon!"
-my baby will turn 4 in exactly a month!
-I get to wake up everyday and know that I have a job
-an awesome trip planned to see my sister graduate from University of Minnesota with her Master's degree! So proud of her, because she is the kick-a$$, frank Social Worker that we need here at Fort Knox...
-a conference at work for a full week!(well if the funding goes through)
-R&R in the fall!!!!

*and...2 months down, 10 to go! this is something to celebrate! We are knocking the weeks down!*

So, I am here, and I do love you all (well it is probably just my sister reading this...so love you Megan!) but I am a little busy...

I am sure that you understand!