Christmas at Work

So this was the last week at work befoe the Holiday Break.  All week our children/families came in with gifts in hand thanking us for what we do.  The gifts are nice, but I truly love being a teacher at Christmas just because you are reminded of how much you mean to the children and their families.  And it is so nice to be reminded of just why I do what I do, and how rewarding it truly is.  I have taught at another school, but I am so blessed with the school I have been at the past 2 years.  My co-workers, the children, and their families are absolutely incredible.  And I can honestly say that through the relationships I have made with these people, I have lifelong friends because of it.  They are such great families, and I am so thankful to beable to be a part of their lives.

I got so many yummy baked goods, gift cards, adorable coffee mugs, and even a UV lamp and gelish polish from a co-worker to do my very own gel nails at home! I was thrilled when I opened it.  I love having my nails done (and will still get mani/pedis), but it will be so great to beable to paint my own nails and not have it chip off in a few days.  Hooray!  I came home that very night and did both my fingers and toes...it really works!

The very best part though, hands down, were the cards.  I literally almost got tears reading many of them.  It means so much to hear such kind words.  I am so blessed.  I just had to share some of the kind things I was fortunate enough to hear this week...and maybe it can inspire you to share your thoughts and kind words with those in your life as well.  Because though gifts are nice, the togetherness and gratefulness of the holidays is what makes it magical!

• One mother asked her child why Ms. Angela is a great teacher.  He said "Because she makes me Christmas trees...and she makes me nice food and nice drinks... and I like reading books with her.  She's a good dancer.  Yes, I do love her!"
• "You are truly a light in (child's) life - your energy and positive attitude are what I hope for (child's) to be."
• "We just want to let you know how much we appreciate your hard work and dedication...(Child) is thriving and we know her experiences with you are helping to shape the kind, inquisitive girl she is becoming, not mention the awesome dance moves she is picking up."
• "We are so thankful for you to be a part of (child's) early childhood development.  We are truly blessed!"
• "Thank you so much for everything you do. (Child) sure does love getting to see you each day!"
• "Thank you so much for all you do...they just adore you, and you are always so good about welcoming them to school with open arms."
• "Thank you so much for taking such good care of my children.  They are so lucky to have your unconditional love.  I feel so blessed to have you in my life, (the school) wouldn't be the same without you.  You are an incredible teacher."

So thank you to all my amazing families, your kind words mean SO much to me.  Your children and your gratitiude makes what I do so worthwhile, and I love what I do because of it!  I just want to wish everyone a heartfelt and happy holidays!

♥ "Instead of being a time of unusual behavior, Christmas is perhaps the only time in the year when people can obey their natural impulses and express their true sentiments without feeling self-conscious and, perhaps, foolish.  Christmas, in short, is about the only chance a man has to be himself." ♥

Christmas Shopping

I feel like Christmas shopping s all I have done the past several days.  I have no problem shopping for myself, but shopping for others is always a little more tricky.  Not to mention I absolutely HATE shopping in crowds!  I don't like feeling crowded or like I need to move and make room for others while I am shopping.  It makes me lose any motivation for shopping.  I love being one of the only people in a store...I also am an online shopper for this reason.  It's no fun being swarmed when you are looking for something to buy.  So needless to say the idea of holiday shopping is not on my list of un things to do.  Thursday after work was attempt number one.  I headed to the mall and roamed around for a bit....left the mall empty handed and tired to my dismay.  I am sure that the fact my feet hurt after a long day at work didn't help the matter.  Friday after work was attempt two and much more succesful.  I managed to knock a big chunk off the list and felt much more succesful going home.

Saturday Chris and I met up with his brother and his brother's girlfriend for lunch and then headed to the mall.  A mall on a Saturday is crazy enough...add in the holidays and it was absolutely insane.  I only had two things to get at the mall, most of it was the boys needing to do shopping.  When we finally finished (it felt like we were at the mall forever!), we headed to the Denver Zoo and met another two friends to see the zoo lights.  I have gone once before when I wa sin high school...and I must say I do not recall it being such a mad house!  It was packed to the brim with people!  Every lot at the zoo was full, along with half the lot at the museum next door.  Our only saving grace for parking all day was the fact Chris gets handicap parking!  Once we got through the madness of getting into the zoo the crowds weren't too too bad, and the lights were very pretty.  We even got to some animals (though not tons cinsidering it was night time).

 

After the zoo lights we grabbed some dinner and ended the night with some games at Dave & Busters.  They remodeled the Dave & Busters while ago and this was my first time going since.  It was interesting...like Dave & Busters meets...nightclub? lol, I am guessing they wanted to modernize it or make it "cooler".  So they changed up the interior design, but they also added a DJ with speakers everywhere.  I liked the music and think it was a nice change...except for the fact that it is in fact not a nightclub.  The music was SO loud...too loud.  There were numerous times we all had to say "What?", and getting very close and yelling was the only way we could hear each other.  Then they eliminated the age limit.  It used to be you had to be 21 plus after a certain time, but not any more.  SO it's less kid friendly in my opinion and now kids are allowed there all hours of the night.  Then we kept getting a good laugh at the people completely over dressed for what is essentially a fancy arcade!  It was still fun though, and we got a good laugh walking around doing our amazing dance moves in between games.

 

Another weekend come and gone.  I was so sleepy going to work today and no idea why.  Just one more week though, and then a nice little end of year break.  And I even finished up the very last of my Christmas shopping on my lunch break today. So 8 days to go and this girl is all done :)

 



"Weather Team"

So the other day my co-worker showed me one of these videos and it was pretty funny.  This evening while I am waiting to go get Chris from the airport (he had a medical conference he spoke at this week), I was on youtube looking at these videos.  I found this one and was literally in tears watching it and laughing.  I can totally see a conversation like this occurring in my class...the guys did a great job acting it out. So funny...enjoy! :)

Army Ball 2012

This past Thursday was our Army Ball this year.  I know some folks don't really like them, but I do.  I love getting to go buy a pretty gown and get dolled up....there aren't many occassions in life that give you that opportunity.  Sure you can put on a pretty dress and go out, but the whole full on ball gown is reserved for special occasions.  And perhaps part of the reason I love it so much is because I never went to prom in high school...so now I just get to go to balls :)  Plus I appreciate the traditions that go along with balls.  Anyways, I had fun.  It was good to see old friends and laugh and enjoy the night, and to meet some new people as well.

The guest speaker for the night was retired four star General Gordon Sullivan, who was the 32nd Chief of Staff, who was also there with retired CSM Don Thomas.  Because of Chris and his accomplishments of being an amputee and returning to active duty, they invited us up to speak with them.  Chris chatted with General Sullivan a lot and answered various questions.  I chatted with CSM Thomas quite a bit, who was a very nice guy.  General Sullivan gave a nive speech, and of course the night wouldn't have been complete without the amazing dancing which took place after the formal portion of the evening.

*Us all ready to go!*
 

*Dance floor fun*

 

 

The next morning I woke up starving...all I wanted to do was order breakfast.  Sometimes the best part of staying in a nice hotel is room service!  Something about being served breakfast in bed....I love it.  We order breakfast burritos and they were huge and very yummy!

 

 

 

Friday was spent Christmas shopping.  We got gift wrap, bows, and all that jazz along with some gifts for family.  And tried to give each other some gift ideas while we were at it.  That night we had dinner at the Olive Garden.  I was excited because a friend had told me that they have a creme brulee martini right now.  For those who don't know I love creme brulee...I try it almost every where we go (though I definitely have my favorites at certain restaurants).  And the carmel brulee latte at Starbucks is like greatest thing ever...I get sooo excited every year when it comes out and sooo sad when it goes away.  So naturally I had to try this martini...and yup it was yummy!

 





Saturday Chris had to go into work for a few hours (he is on funeral duty for the next several weeks), so while he was away I busied myself with wrapping gifts.  That evening we decided to head up to Cripple Creek.  It is a little gambling town in the mountains just west of CO Springs, and it used to be an old mining town.  Even though I turned 21 a few years ago, this was my first time going gambling.  I understand both roulette and blackjack, but I sort of get "stage fright" and didn't really want to play with other people at the tables ha.  I sat next to Chris and helped tell him where to put the chips for roulette.  He waled away up in both games.  I blew some money on a few slot machines for the heck of it, and I was good.  The best part for me was they have The Hangover (the movie) slot machine.  It was awesome.  The game is hilarious, with clips from the movie.  At one point I hit a bunch of bonuses and was up...but of course kept playing til I lost it all. Ha.  Chris managed to snap a photo of me playing it...don't mind the ridiculous look on my face :)

 

It was a nice long weekend.  Sunday morning we woke up to snow.  It has been very warm and dry so far here in CO...and I for one was not complaining.  I can enjoy a little snow every snow and then, and yes it is pretty and I prefer to admire it from inside.  It was so stinking cold with this snow though!  Teens and single digits...this girl does not fair well in such conditions!  If it must snow can it at least not be so frigid..those temperatures should be illegal!  But since the mountains did look pretty I snapped a photo.

 

 

♥ Take care of all your memories.  For you cannot relive them. ♥ 



The Liebster Award

So last week I was excited to see that one of my followers, Ileana @ Simply Inspired Me had nominated me for the Liebster Award.  Granted at first I had no idea what it was but I was happy my blog was nominated for something!  After reading her post I learned what it is all about and think it is a great idea!  It is a blog award given to bloggers who have less than 200 followers. The award is passed on to other new and upcoming bloggers to help spread the word on their blogs.  I love this, I think it's great when we can come together as bloggers and support each other!

If you receive this award , here's what you do...

• The nominated blogger has to post 11 random facts about themselves
• Answer the 11 questions the person who nominated them asked
• Create 11 new questions for the those you nominate to answer
• Choose 11 bloggers with less than 200 followers to nominate and link them on their blog post
• No tag backs!

Ok so here it goes...11 random facts about me:

1.  I am a complete neat freak, with OCD tendencies.  I am super organized, and mess/clutter give me anxiety. I can't relax if things are messy.  Which makes me wonder how in the world I became a preschool teacher ha.
2. I absolutely love interior decorating.  I once wanted that to be my career actually.  I love design and day dream shopping for things to decorate my home with. The day I purchase a home I will go crazy decorating!
3. I love Etsy.com  I think it's great the neat crafty things you can find on there, and best of all you are supporting everyday people who make things rather then large businesses.
4. My favorite colors are grey and green.
5. I love to dance.  Whether it's randomly dancing in my car, playing the game Just Dance, or going dancing with my friends.
6. I also am known for turning things I say into a song.  I do this mainly at work....my kiddos probably think I am insane half the time since I am always making up random songs.
7. I love food. It's a good thing I have a good metabolism, cause I eat a lot.  Which often surprises people since I am a tiny girl.
8. I am a bit addicted to manicures and pedicures. I typically get one or two a month because I can't stand the thought of chipped nails or bad cuticles.
9. I often obsess over making sure my hair, skin, outfit are just right.  I am probably far too critical of myself in reality, and am definitely my own worst critic.
10. I love to bake.  I sit around and random creations pop into my head and I get sudden urges to make it.
11. I love photography...and am thrilled that one of my best friends is a photographer.  I am always so excited when she does photos for me, and secretly look forward to the day I have kids so that she can take amazing photos for me!

And here are the questions Ileana asked:

1. Why did you start blogging?  Originally, it was because I wanted a new hobby.  And it quickly turned into so much more for me.  A way to express my thoughts and feelings, and to keep others updated about my life.
2. What do you most enjoy about blogging? It's my little sanctuary.  I can ramble and just let my thoughts flow, which I sometimes need.  I also love connecting with other people.
3. What did you want to be when you were a kid? Oh gosh I think like a famous singer. Haha, I won't even sing karaoke in front of people, what was I thinking. 
4. What is your favorite day of the week? Saturdays for sure.  I can wake up and take my time in the mornings, and enjoy my day knowing I don't have to wake up early the next day either.
5. What is your dream vacation? Anywhere on a beach.  The sun on my skin, sand in my toes, and staring off at crystal clear waters.  There are so many beaches I want to go to.
6. Think back to high school....is this what you imagined your life would be like? Not at all!  I could have never imagined in a million years that the events of my life would have ever happened to me. 
7. What is your favorite movie? As cliche as it is The Notebook will always remain one of my all time favorites..it's a classic to me.
8. Who is the biggest inspiration in your life? This is a hard question for some reason.  I don't know that I could pick a single person for this.  I think it's an accumalation of the things those around me accomplish from day to day. 
9. What is your favorite candy? I actually am not really into candy.  I can't remember the last time I even ate candy...I am more of a sweet dessert kind of girl.
10. What is your guilty pleasure? Ecards...I can look at different Ecards and just laugh and laugh at them.
11. What is your love story? It's a long story but the simple version....I met Chris August 2008 when he was home on R&R from Iraq.  We had two dates and then he left to go back to Iraq for 7 months.  Four years later...here we are.

And here are my nominees(Ok so I don't have 11, but I'm close!):

• Danae @ The West Family
• Jamie Lynn @ A Soldier's Angel
• Caitlin @ The Gavina Family
• Amy @ Dreaming Wishing Doing
• Jennie @ Our Family of Four
• Caitlin @ Household 6
• Heather @ The Fox Family
• Katie @ Time of Your Life
• Conner @ Heart Adrift
• Ashley @ Life as Lucy

My questions for my nominees:

1. Why do you blog?
2. Outside of blogging, what are some of your favorite hobbies?
3. What is a goal you hope to achieve in the next year?
4. If you could pick three words to describe yourself, what would they be?
5. Where is somewhere you really want to visit or vacation to?
6. What did you want to do when you grew up...what do you do?
7. How many places have you lived?
8. What was your most and least favorite place you've lived and why?
9. What is your guilty pleasure?
10. I think everyone is addicted to something...what are you addicted to?
11. What is your love story?

Tis the Season

So I realized that I never got around to posting a Thanksgiving blog. Ahh life's been hectic.  So without going into too much detail since I am way behind, Thanksgiving was pretty mellow.  Did dinner at my moms and for the first time actually participated in the whole cooking and helping host a Thanksgiving dinner.  Let me just say it is a lot of work!  I don't think I have ever spent so many consecutive hours in a kitchen.  The night before I made my pumpkin chocolate chip cookies with a vanilla glaze, and began my apple pumpkin brown betty.  This dessert I baked right inside of a pumpkin.  You make the filling (apples, bread, brown sugar, amongst other things), put it inside a pumpkin that you have cleaned out, and bake for several hours.  Once the inside walls of the pumpkin have baked long enough and are soft, you mix it in with the filling and wallah!  It's done.

 

 

 

After dinner, Chris and I decided to head to a movie.  We went and saw Lincoln.  It was a pretty good movie, and I recommend seeing it.

 

 

 

This weekend, was to be the weekend we got Christmas decorations up.  Thursday evening I began feeling a little off, and all day Friday I had what felt like insanely awkful allergies.  I woke up Saturday with completely congested sinuses.  I did a sinus rinse and took some medicine and hoped it would get better.  That evening we put up the Christmas tree and some other decorations.  Our Christmas tree decorations are red, white/silver, and blue...quite patriotic :)

 

 

 

By Saturday evening my sinus congestion was still there, but had also moved into my chest.  I had developed a deep cough as well.  The chest congestion mixed with the cough was starting to effect my breathing (I have asthma).  By the time I woke up Sunday, I was having a really tough time breathing so we headed to the ER.  I was hooked up to an IV (which I absolutely hate getting IVs!, I almost passed out and they had to do it twice to get a good one), which caused me to have extreme chills and I was just shaking.  I had an IV in one arm, a heart rate/blood pressure monitor, two blankets on, and a constant need to blow my nose.  It was miserable!  Not to mention all the fluids made me have to go to the bathroom constantly.  They gave me steroids and a breathing treatment to help open up my lungs and get me breathing easier again.  They say it's a viral infection (great! no antibiotics), prescribed me some decongestants and sent me one my way.  Needless to say I took it easy the rest of the day...went home and wrapped myself in a blanket.  Chris was very sweet and took care of me all weekend.  He cooked, he ran to the store to get things I needed, and tried to help in any way he could.  We did manage to accomplish getting our little gingerbread houses done that evening though.

 

 







The sinus pressure has gotten better thankfully, but my chest congestion and hack of a cough are quite a pain still.  I am hoping these meds start working at breaking this stuff up in my chest.  My cough has not only caused me to have a sore throat and shortness of breath, but now I have a pain in my abdomen from all the coughing. Ugh...I just want to be healthy!  I swear with all these meds, something has to improve soon!

 

 

Women Connect '12

I came across this through one of the blogs I follow, and thought what a great idea.  Ever since I began blogging I have wanted to be able to connect with others in the bloggy world in hopes of both sharing my own story and hearing others.  So of course I had to jump at this opportunity to connect with other women bloggers!  So I am linking with Becky for this Women Connect.

I began blogging just over 2 years ago, in the summer of 2010.  I had just had my wedding June 5th, and was getting ready for my husband's upcoming deployment (we had met while he was home on R&R from his first deployment).  The blog was going to be a hobby of mine, something to pass the time while hubby was away and after I got home from work (I am a preschool teacher).  Plus, I thought it would be fun to connect with friends of mine who had their own blogs.  Blogging quickly became a great outlet for me, as I chronicled the lonely and sometimes irrational upsets of being the wife of a soldier away at war.  Little did I know blogging would soon become so much more to me.

*Wedding Day*

*Deployment Day*

Seven weeks into the deployment I received a devastating phone call. My husband stepped on an IED while out on a mission.  He sustained a below the knee amputation, and severe damage to his other leg.  Suddenly, the year I thought would be me spent alone was flipped on its head and I was about to endeavor on a path I could have never imagined.  I set off for San Antonio where I would spend the months to follow trying to be the best wife I could and attempting to be the rock that was needed in my marriage.  It was a complete shell shock...even thinking back to those days it feels surreal at times.  There I was 20 years old, in a city I had never been before, by myself, relying on people I had never met before and facing the reality that war had handed us.  I remember seeing him for the first time in that hospital room.  The butterflies in my stomach, the knot in my throat and the feeling of not being able to swallow or breath.  My heart was racing, I could literally feel my heart beat in my chest!  I walked in the room and the flood of emotions over came me. I was happy, sad, relieved and terrified all at the same time.  I looked down to see the empty space where part of him used to be, and what seemed like the mangled remains of his other leg.  Attached to him where Wound V.A.C.s and nerve blocks...so many wires coming from this way and that.  I felt like I was living a nightmare for weeks.  Surgery days were difficult,  getting his pain under control at times seemed impossible, and for the longest time the idea of ever seeing him walk again or being able to simply stand next to my husband seemed like a far off dream.  After complications and two long months as an inpatient in the hospital he was finally released to outpatient care.  It was a huge step, a step towards normalcy.  I could sleep next to him again, and not spend around 12 hours a day in a hospital room.

*My 21st birthday..Oct 2010*

His rehab began. Both on the amputated leg (the whole process of getting fitted with a prosthetic and learning to use it), and on the salvaged leg.  The amputated leg took time...time to shrink down to fit into a socket.  Time to get in to have the prosthesis make a leg.  Time to get used to walking on it, and dealing with phantom pains.  The right leg, though, proved even harder. The leg was broken in the explosion, but also a lot of tissue damage was done.  At one point they discussed the possibility of losing it if the tissue didn't stop dying.  In a last ditch effort, his leg bones were broken in multiple places and bent in order to pull good tissue around.  He was placed in an external fixator which I had to adjust daily, and slowly SO slowly his leg was straightened and healed.  As slow as the process was, he did an incredible job and healed FAR ahead of schedule.

*First time walking with prosthetic*

*After mini-triatholon*

A year later he had finished his rehab and was able to return to Fort Carson to do the remainder of his medical board.  During the year since his injury I had suppressed a lot of emotions.  The entire time I was trying to remain strong and be his support through this life changing event. Thoughts would race through my head at times, and I no longer slept through the night.  Some days I felt so sad.  Sad that my life was a sequence of never ending doctors appointments, filled with moments of feeling alone.  Sad on the days when my husband's pain was too much.   Other times I was SO angry.  I hated the world some days.  I hated other people's good news, "petty" complaints and longed for the days when my only concern was missing my husband.  Yet some days I was just extremely grateful.  I cherished the simplest of things. The pure joy I got when a doctor's appointment showed bone growth, and of course utter happiness with the first time he stood again, the first time he crutched, the first time he walked, and when he completed a mini-tri.  I was filled with happiness and pride in these moments.  And many days I felt so humbled to be surrounded by so many American soldiers who had put their lives on the line, and were overcoming the obstacles they had each day.  And yet there were the days I felt I was in a fog, just operating much like a robot.  Going through the motions and disconnecting from what was happening in our lives.  Then, I moved back to CO and about a week before the one year mark of his injury my breakdown happened.  There had been times in TX that I cried alone in the bathroom and then wiped my eyes and got on with my day.  But this was the "inevitable breakdown" I had been pushing away.   I think everything that had happened just hit me at full speed, and tore me down but I welcomed that breakdown, I needed it.  I had to release all I had been holding in...the hurt, the sadness, the anger, and the down right self pity.  I think in that moment is when I really truly excepted the things that had happened. But at the same time I excepted this reality, my strength to hold things together melted away.

As in all marriages, ours had its share of difficulties and struggles.  Those things, in addition to the whirlwind that his injury brought, finally became more then I could bear.  I was at this point, where I was facing the hardships of the last year and the things I did to stand by my husband.  And meanwhile didn't feel I was getting what I wanted in return. I got to a point where I had no idea what to do, and the desire to try had just left.  I was exhausted...exhausted from life and everything that had happened. The weight of it all finally was too much and I caved.  I didn't want to face anything anymore...I became so numb.  So as much as it pained me, I made the decion to separate from my husband. I am sure I was judged unfairly a million times by those around us for it, but all I can say is what happens inside a marriage is known only by two people.  So judged as I may have been, I made the best decision I thought I should.  The following months were hard.  We were apart, living our own lives.  I thought of him daily, but pushed forward focusing on work and surrounding myself with friends.  After 8 months we reconciled and decided to make things work, and are moving on.  At the end of the day life happens...plain and simple.  Not everything is within your control and I have learned that all you can do is your best. I have no doubt made mistakes in my life, but I try everyday to be the best me I can and to give to those I love.  The events in my life have undoubtedly defined me and who I am..the things I value, my views and opinions in this world.  I am certain that because of these things I am a stronger person, and I can take on the future with confidence in knowing that.

Beyond that I am just a 20 something year old, who enjoys filling my life with laughter.  I am opinionated and at times outspoken.  I laugh at my own jokes, and often wonder where I come up with the things I say.  I can be clumsy at times, and love to dance and just be silly.  I know I can't take myself to seriously at times.  I have a passion for baking, am fond of wine, and acknowledge I can be a tad OCD.  I have been a preschool teacher (on and off) since 2008 and I love it...my children fill my life in so many ways. I hope to continue to share this crazy journey of life and with those who read my blog.  And I will always Learn from yesterday. Live for today. Hope for tomorrow. ♥

What If The People We Send To War Got To Choose Which Wars To Fight?

A friend of mine came acrossed this and thought to share it with me...good thing I have friends who know things that are sure to capture my interest.  So I just wanted to pass it along.  Because I do agree that the Military-Civilian gap in this country is vast, and unfortunately continues to grow.

What If the People We Send to War Got to Choose Which Wars to Fight?

Military Amputations

Ever since Chris was injured and lost his leg, I have wondered in the back of mind what the exact numbers were for amputees from OIF and OEF. Personally knowing and having met so many amputees definitely puts so much more meaning to the numbers on a screen.  I found this information very enlightening, interesting, and emotional. I teared up reading this, as it really touches close to home for me.  Please take some time to look over these numbers, read the article, and understand the reality of the lives affected by these injuries.


"Medics Save Troops with Horrific Injuries"

Veteran's Day 2012

I know so many who have served this country, and I am forever grateful.  No words can truly express it, and this image I made only touches the surface of my gratitude for them.  Right after high school I became the wife of a soldier, which in turn allowed me to become the friend of many other soldiers. The journey that I have led in the world of the Army has been indescribable.  The bonds I have made with the people I have met along the way are different then anything else I have ever experienced.  So many memories...I look back at them and know that this life has defined me forever as a person, and the way I view things in my life.  There have been struggles, sadness, and heart break by being close to so many who have been called away to serve, and the ever lasting effects of war...but that is never over shadowed by the love and pride I feel in knowing so many great Americans.  Their service means so much to me, and I will forever and always hold the military near and dear to my heart ♥

Fabulous Fall

There are certain things that make each season unique and special.  So of course Fall has its own things that make it fabulous.

Caramel Brulee Latte at Starbucks is definitely one of those things.  Every year I anticipate its arrival, and dread its end. So hooray for it being here now!!!

 

 

Another thing is the extra accessories that come with a Fall wardrobe.  I love boots, scarves, and jackets.  And I absolutely adore these new legwarmers I got from Grace and Lace on Etsy (compliments of a birthday gift card!)...

 

 

 

Hey, you have to find joy in the simple things! :)



President Barack Obama Victory Speech 2012

After work Tuesday I grabbed 2 bottles of wine and headed home to tune into the election night unfold.  I decided how much wine was consumed would be a direct result of how the election was going.  Tried as I might, I unfortunately did not remain awake until the end.  By the time I had gone to bed the electoral votes were neck and neck, but the odds were in Obama's favor.  I went to bed hoping, and woke up and immediately grabbed my phone to verify that Barack Obama was still my President.  I was filled with happiness and relief.  Four years ago I was granted the privilege to  vote for the very first time, and voted for Obama.  The last four years have been tough but I see us moving in the right direction and I have faith in his guidance of this country.  I voted for him again and as I watched his victory speech (which I watched on youtube as I got ready for work this morning), I was filled with emotion.  I followed this campaign closely and felt very invested in it.  And of course, when he made the remark about a soldier re-enlisting after losing a limb, in his speech, I broke out in tears.  And I must say I am especially proud of my state of Colorado.  We were a huge swing state in this election, and our votes truly did matter.  I am happy for those who got out and voted, and made their voices heard.  I feel that we will move forward from here, and all the election ads are finally over!!! :)

Military Family Appreciation Month 2012

I got this from The White House website:

"Since our Nation's earliest days, courageous men and women of all backgrounds and beliefs have banded together to fight for the freedoms we cherish. Behind each of them stands a parent, a sibling, a child, a spouse -- proud family members who share the weight of deployment and make profound sacrifices on behalf of our country. During Military Family Month, we honor our military families and recommit to showing them the fullest care and respect of a grateful Nation.

In our military families, we see the best our country has to offer. They demonstrate the virtues that have made America great for more than two centuries and the values that will preserve our greatness for centuries to come. With loved ones serving far from home, military spouses take on the work of two. Their children show courage and resilience as they move from base to base, school to school, home to home. And even through the strain of deployment, military families strengthen the fabric of each community they touch and enrich our national life as shining examples of patriotism.

We each have a solemn duty to serve our Armed Forces and their families as well as they serve us. Through First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden's Joining Forces initiative, we have worked to fulfill this obligation by mobilizing all Americans to give service members and their families the opportunities and support they have earned. Last year, we challenged American businesses to hire or train 100,000 veterans and military spouses by the end of 2013. To date, they have already exceeded that challenge, hiring over 125,000 veterans and military spouses. From helping military children succeed in the classroom to increasing support for those who care for our wounded warriors, Joining Forces will keep fighting to ensure the well-being of our troops and their families.

When a young woman signs up to defend our Nation, her parents are enlisted as well. When a father deploys to a combat zone, his children are called to serve on the home front. And when the men and women of our military serve far from home, their families feel the strain of their absence. In that absence, let us stand together as one American family. Let us honor the brave patriots who keep our country safe, and let us forever hold close the memories of those who have perished in the line of duty. This month, we reaffirm that we will always lift up our military families -- not just when their loved ones are away, but also long after the welcome home ceremonies are over.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 2012 as Military Family Month. I call on all Americans to honor military families through private actions and public service for the tremendous contributions they make in support of our service members and our Nation.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.

BARACK OBAMA"

Thank you Mister President.  I hope every American thanks a soldier...and thanks those standing beside them ♥

Fall 2012 Photos

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Birthday Celebration Begins

This weekend I celebrated my birthday with Chris since he will be gone next weekend, which is when my birthday actually is.  No surprise that he was scheduled to leave for training just a few days before my birthday...the Army has always had impeccable timing with things like that.  So Saturday he had me open my gift, which my friend Megan secretly gathered info as to which color I wanted.  Not too long ago on my blog I mentioned wanting one of these, and now I have one. Let the baking begin!  Just in time for the holidays :)



Then we headed off for a two hour horseback ride through the Garden of the Gods.  I love horses and horseback riding, I however never get around to going so I was super excited to go do this.  My horses name was Pearl and she enjoyed moving at a quick pace.  It was a beautiful ride, definitely the way to see and experience the Garden of the Gods.  And I must say I feel like a more experienced rider after going up and down rock formations on horseback.  It was exciting and a little scary at times.  But Pearl did a great job at keeping her footing and staying on track.  We only had one "incident".  They tell you to keep a one horse distance in between you and the horse in front of you, well my dear Pearl had no interest in moving slow whereas Chris's horse Socks had no desire to go faster then a stroll.  At one point while going up a hill Socks stopped and began to back up, he ended up backing up into Pearl.  He then kicked at Pearl, who jumped and turned around and began to run down the hill.  Luckily I pulled back on the rains quickly and steadied/calmed her.  All were ok, but it was definitely an interesting moment in the ride.  I really enjoyed myself though and would love to go back and do it again, and think those of you who are lucky enough to have access to the Garden of the Gods should take advantage of it.  We used the Academy Riding Stables . It's a great memory to have!

That evening we went to dinner at Mackenzie's Chophouse in downtown CO Springs. IT was delicious!  We started out by ordering the Artichoke dip which was served in a warm bread bowl along with chips, and veggies.  It was one of the best artichoke dips I have ever had, and I loove artichoke dips.  For dinner I had bacon wrapped filet mignon, and Chris has a super thick new york strip. Very good steaks. By the time dessert came, we both knew we were eating too much but couldn't resist.  I of course had creme brulee and he had cheesecake.  There dessert menu was very impressive.  Complete with desserts, dessert martini's, coffee'sm whiskeys, scotch's, and a full cigar list.  We both decided we should return for dessert and drinks sometime!  I definitely recommend trying Mackenzie's Chophouse if you're ever in CO Springs (don't bring your kids though, definitely for a date night out!)

The rest of the weekend was pretty low key, hanging out and enjoying each others company.  We did go to American Furniture to look for an entryway table.  I saw one and absolutely fell in love with it.  I am not so sure it would have been something Chris would have picked without me there, but I am glad he liked it as well and bought it.

It was a great weekend and am so happy we got to spend it together before his month away.  Now hears to hoping the next few weeks go quickly and I stay busy to pass time!

Alive Day 2012

So today is the 2 year anniversary since Chris was injured in Afghanistan (aka his 2nd Alive Day).  Looking back it seems odd that it has been 2 years, but I remember that day just like it was yesterday.  It was a Sunday morning and as far as I could tell, the highlight of my day would be watching the Broncos vs. Colts game with my friends Megan and Heather.  It was just after 10am when I got the call.  I know the exact spot where I was standing when I answered the phone.  And the sickening feeling that overcame me when the words "Is this Mrs. Champion?" came out.  Automatically I knew that what was to come was sure to be bad news.  After the next sentence "I have to give some news about your husband....he was on a dismounted patrol and stepped on an IED" I fell on to the floor and began crying.  The tears poured out and my heart broke in so many ways...I felt as though I was suffocated trying to find air to breath.  I remember all I wanted to do was write down the measely numbers and throw the phone down.  As I was writing the information down, best I could amist my trembling hands, my friend Megan walked in the room.  Seeing me, I think she knew something had happened to him.  I hung up the phone and she knelt down with me as I collapsed into her arms face full of tears buried into her.  A few short minutes later, I could hear my mom walk in the door.  At the sound of my sobbing she came barreling down the stairs to hear the news.  That moment will never leave me, and whenever I think of it I feel a little pain in my heart.

I also want to take a minute to thank the lovely ladies who were with me that day, Megan and Heather.  They were with me through all the uncertainty.  Through all my psychotic mood swings.  They comforted me and made me feel not so alone in the hours that followed that call.  I love those girls for that. And though my night ended with me throwing up (I will admit I drank a fair amount that afternoon/evening) and passed out before 9, they did exactly what any good friends could do in my opinion.  And we have photos from the photo booth at the Giggling Grizz to show it*

But I look back at the last two years and every little step during his rehab and recovery and am deifnitely happy and proud.  There were some moments that everything felt so bleak, and I felt so unsure of the future.  Days when it felt like life could never possibly be normal again.  But then there would be those moments, when a mile stone would occur (success in surgery, more movement in a foot, more bone growth, standing crutching and walking with a prosthetic for the first time) and glimmers of hope would pop through.  And it was those glimmers of hope that would keep me going.  Just a few months ago he got to RTD (return to duty) with his unit.  So not only has he recovered, he recovered very fast, and is able to perform his same job.  And even though we have had our own ups and downs, I am very proud of him and all that he has accomplished since his injury two years ago.  And I know he will continue to achieve in his career.

Baking Away

I have come to realize I really do enjoy baking.  Mostly because I can come up with random ingredients/flavors I am craving and combine them into one tastey treat!  I normally get cravings for cupcakes, but last week I wanted some type of bar.  I knew I wanted to bake something that was something like a chocolate chip cookie, but with more chocolate, and a kick of another flavor.  I had this craving for a few days when finally it hit me the "kick of flavor" I wanted was rasberry.  Thus, I set off to bake Chocolate Rasberry Crumb Bars.  I hopped online and began searching for recipes to fit the bill.  Though there were several, each varying a bit, I found one that seemed just right.  The recipe I used is from a website called Very Best Baking  The best part about it, the recipe is insanely simple and requires very minimal ingredients! In no time I was pulling my yummy bars out of the oven.  Though they do taste good warm, I think they tasted best after they were allowed to cool completely. I loved them and will deifitely be making them again!

When I bought the ingredients for the crumb bars, I also picked up the things I need to make my favorite cupcakes. A few months back (shortly after making the banana cupcakes ) I was sitting around thinking of cupcakes (lol).  I was drinking a glass of my favorite wine, Saracco Moscato d'asti and imagined how delicious a cupcake would be with this wine in it (it's a very delicious dessert wine).  Then I though about dark chocolate covered strawberries and how much I love them.  So I decided then and there I needed to create a cupcake incorporating all of these to make my ultimate cupcake!  Ever since, I have made them every couple of months and each time they are just as amazing as the first time I tasted it.  I have dubbed them my "Vanilla Moscato Cupcakes w/ Dark Chocolate Ganache Filling and Strawberry Buttercream Frosting".  You can tatse the moscato as you bite into the extremely moist cupcake.  Then you are surprised by the splash of dark chocolate ganache (which I always use Godiva for) in the center.  It's topped of with a light strawberry buttercream frosting, which has slight chunks of strawberries in it. Ahhhhh so good!  So last night I went ahead and made them again.  I don't think I could ever get tired of these things!

 

 

 

The only thing that could make all my baking even better would be a KitchenAid stand mixer.  Once I get a new place that will definitely be a must for my new kitchen ha!

 



 

New Etsy Goodies

I discovered Etsy last year and immediately fell in love.  Not only does it have adorable things, great/unique finds, but I love that it helps support individuals rather then large corporations.  Last year I posted photos of new pillow covers I got for my bed, a jewlery box, and wooden hearts/wooden mason jar I got for my wall.  I recently purchased beautiful paper flowers from a shop called My Woolly Mammoth to add to the wooden hearts/wooden mason jar wall decor.  I love it, they turned out beautiful.  I have a feeling when I get a house I will be ordering more to decorate with!

 

 

 

 

I also had ordered from a shop called Two Turtle Doves last year.  She specializes in hand stamped, mixed metal jewlery.  I love her work and had been wanting to get a necklace from her for awhile (I ordered a key chain charms last time).  After browsing through her necklaces I decided what I wanted was a mix of a few necklaces.  She worked with me, and not only customized my necklace exactly as I asked but did it no time flat (it shipped next day!)  I was so excited when it arrived and it's just as great as I expected it to be :)

 



 

 

President Obama DNC Speech 2012

This last week the DNC was going on. Though I did not watch all of it, I did catch Michelle Obama, Pres. Clinton, and Pres. Obama's speeches. I generally try to avoid the political topic of conversation, because I am well aware that not everyone has the same views. Everyone has their own opinions, own stances, and I respect everyone's right to do so. I most often have no desire to get into knock down drag out arguements over politics and what I may or may not think is right. I do however have no shame in who I support. I personally liked all the speeches I heard and they touched me and got me fired up and motivated. In particular, the last portion of President Obama's speech really effected me. All of it, but particularly the portions related to our troops and to wounded warriors. I have always admired what the Obama and Biden administration has done as far as showing their support to troops and I will never forget the time I got to meet the first and second lady and how much their support to the wounded warriors and their families meant to me. I will admit that by the end of the portion where he mentions wounded warriors and how seeing them go from hospitalized, to walking, and running brings him hope...I was in pure tears. I couldn't help but think back to the first time I saw Chris in the hospital and how bleak everything felt. How when his right leg was saved I felt a glimmer of hope. When he stood again for the first time I felt another glimmer of hope. Seeing him crutch for the first time, more hope. The first time I saw him walk again, I was filled with hope and belief that life would be ok. Then to see him complete a mini-triatholon. It truly is amazing to see that kind of thing with your own eyes. And as hard the road is, how many ups and downs there are..it truly does give you an entirely new perspective of life and completely redefines the word "Hope". Anyways, I wanted to share this portion of his speech because it meant something to me, and perhaps it may mean something to you. I know where my vote will be in November, and no matter what your personal beliefs may be I hope you take time to pay attention to this election and vote.

Labor Day Weekend

Long weekends are always nice.  It's amazing how much that one extra day can help to rejuvenate you and get you ready to tackle the world again.  I have always said every weekend should be a three day weekend...unfortunately I don't make all thge rules in life.  Anyways, my Friday before the weekend was pretty mellow at work.  We have had some mystery virus going around kids at work.  There are no symptoms, no cough, no runny nose, and then all of a sudden a fever hits.  Not sure what it is, and one of the parents who works at the hospital says they have been doing tests and culture studies to try and figure it out.  Needless to say, a few kids have been out due to the fever so our numbers on Friday were lower then ususal.  When I got home form work one of my uncles came to visit from Iowa.  He made his famous blue cheese burgers and we all sat outside and enjoyed the night while eating and chatting.  After dinner Chris and I went to the movies and saw Lawless.  I must say, it was a very good movie!  It's about the Bondurant Brothers, who were bootleggers.  Definitely recommend you see it.  Aside from the first 5 minutes of the movie ( I am a major animal lover, and once you see the movie you will understand), I loved it.

Not too much went on Saturday during the day, that evening we went to dinner at the Olive Garden and then to Dave & Busters with some friends.  As always we got a ton of tickets, yet don't really need or want anything in the ticket store.  But of course the preschool teacher in me came out once I saw all the balls.  We are doing a sports theme for the month of September and I was excited to get a bunch of balls for the kids using the tickets we won.

Sunday we headed downtown and grabbed lunch at a mexican restaurant called El Senor Sol...it's the restaurant where I tackled the 60 oz margarita on Cinco de Mayo (though I did not get a margarita this time, I stuck to water).  Afterwards we went to the aquarium (which is right acrossed the street).  My favorite animals to see ended up being the otters, the giant sting rays, the seahorses, and any fish with a leopard pattern.  On our way back to the house, we decided to stop and play a few rounds of mini golf, which we ended just in time before an afternoon rain storm hit.  Though I still didn't beat him, I think I am getting a little better (ha!)

I spent today with my mom.  We ended up going to some of the Parade of Homes that were in the Parker area.  I found one house that I absolutely loved...it looked as if I had decorated it!  Had a very nice floor plan, good flow, and great finishes.  The wood floors were a color I had never seen before and it was beautiful.  It was kind of a lighter carmel wood color but had shades of black, dark brown, and greys in it. Amazing!  Here are a few pics of the house..I wished there was one to show the kitchen!

 

 

 

Also, I know that fall is fast approaching and I knew I would be needing a new pair of black boots for this fall/winter.  I wore mine sooo much last year that I know they wouldn't have survived another season.  I bought a pair of Etienne Aigner's last year that I loved.  I have smaller calves and I hate how much space there is between my leg and most boots.  I tried on several pairs, but turns out I went with a pair of Etienne Aigner's again.  Not only do I think they are cute and comfortable, but they definitely are one of the few boots that aren't as wide in the calf area which is perfect for me!  I will be ready to wear them once the weather starts to cool off!

 



 

I hope everyone else had an enjoyable weekend.  I plan to spend the rest of my evening relaxing, and getting ready to head back to work tomorrow.

And the reading continues...

A few days ago I finished reading The Lucky One.  I found myself grabbbing the book and reading it every chance I got, every time I had a few spare minutes.  I would shut the TV off and go to bed early, just to snuggle up with that book.  The entire story line was great, and so beautiful.  I found myself both tearing up and smiling as I read.  Both the bond he had with his fellow soldiers at war, and the relationship that he develops with Elizabeth pulled at my heart strings.  Needless to say I am looking forward to seeing the movie.

Now I am reading Dear John.  Anyone who knows me knows how much I absolutely love the movie, and could watch it over and over again (Dear John and The Notebook rank in the top of my all time favorites!) so I am thrilled to read the book, though I am sure I will be filled with tears the entire time.  Especially since I am choosing to read this book now, August and September feel like a time of loss to me.  A time of heartache.  For the longest time I could not figure this out, but I know why.  Dating back to 2008.  August was the time I had my first date with a soldier, who then turned around to leave me to return to the war in Iraq.  Thus began my understanding of war and the ever present effects it has on all those it touches.  Fast forward to August/September of 2009.  The first time I felt struggles in that relationship that were big enough to push me to separate from him.  A few weeks later, we obviously worked things out and moved on with life.  Then August of 2010, another deployment.  This time he was taken from me to go to the war in Afghanistan.  A few weeks in, the loss of lives.  The first time I personally knew someone killed at war.  Though I know it had happened for years, and my heart always ached when news of soldiers KIA came acrossed the news, the effect it has on you when you personally know the soldier is a whole nother story.  To remember stories with them, or to look back at a photograph and know that person only got a one way ticket, its heart wrenching.  Getting a phone call, and being told someone was killed, and knowing the name that comes out of the phone is something you never forget.  It hardens your heart a little bit.  It changes your perspective on life, though I may not be exactly sure how I know it does. Then the obvious event, Sept 26th, 2010.  Though my life has taken on many events unexpected, and regardless what has happened in my relationship, this date will forever hold a significant spot in my memory and my heart.  No one could ever imagine the gut wrenching feeling to receive a call like that.  To have someone tell you "Your husband stepped on an IED today."  Who ever thinks there will be a day to be told someone so intrigal in your life, was blown up!  I am sorry for putting it so...unpleasantly but its the reality of it. I am forever thankful a life was not lost that day, and every time I think of it my heart breaks because of the pain I felt that day, but also because I think of the even greater pain of every person who has ever had the dreaded men in uniform show up at their door to give them even worse news.  Then, last August/September was when I felt my marriage begin to crumble.  I tried many times to pinpoint when or where all control was lost, but I have learned that is a fool's game.  I have accepted things that have happened in my life, the divorce, and the path I have led.  Though it wasn't the way I imagined things or hoped things would be, I learned to accept it and to take my experiences from the past to hopefully better my future.  My purpose of this is not to dwell in these facts, but rather to shed light on why I have a bitter sweet feeling when this time of year approaches. It's why the crisp breeze of the air in the winding down of summer, and the approach of fall has a such an effect on my skin. Though it is a time of loss to me, with all loss comes some type of renewal. And for that, I am greatful. And I am realizing that a simple blog about reading books that I enjoy has turned into so much more. Maybe this is a result of my lack of blogging :) Just means I need to devote more time to it.

The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks

So I recently finished reading The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks.  It is a follow-up to The Notebook.  The narrator of the story is married to Noah and Allie's daughter, Jane.  It is about Wilson and Jane's marriage hitting a rough spot after 30 years of marriage and his journey to make her fall back in love with him.  I absolutely loved it and adored every minute of reading it!  I definitely recommend it.  Though there are so many great quotes in this book (like all Nicholas Sparks books), here is one excerpt that I just love.  It is from a letter that Wilson wrote to Jane...

"My darling,

  It's late at night, and as I sit at my desk, the house is silent except for the ticking of the grandfather clock.  You're asleep upstairs, and though I long for the warmth of your body against my own, something compels me to write this letter, even though I'm not exactly sure where to begin....

  ....Some things, after all, have never changed.  In the mornings, for instance, my first thoughts after waking are -- and always have been -- of you.  Often, I'll simply lie on my side and watch you, I see your hair spread across the pillow, one arm above your head, the gentle rise and fall of your chest..... Throughout our marriage, you've been my dream, and I'll never forget how lucky I've felt ever since the first day we walked together in the rain....

  ....Even at work, I frequently find myself glancing at the clock and wondering what you are doing at that exact moment.....I guess what I am trying to say is that you are there, in everything I am, in everything I've ever done, and looking back I know that I should have told you how much you've always meant to me.

  I'm sorry for that, just as I'm sorry for all the ways I've let you down.  I wish I could undo the past, but we both know that's impossible.  Yet I've come to believe that while the past is unchangeable, our perceptions of it are malleable....

  ....I once made a vow to you....and as your husband of thirty years, it's time I finally made another.  From this point on, I will become the man I always should have been.  I'll become a more romantic husband, and make the most of the years we have left together.  And in each precious moment, my hope is that I'll do or say something that lets you know that I could never have cherished another as much as I've always cherished you."

I was so moved by this, as with many other things throughout the book.  The way he expresses his love and admiration for his wife is absolutely beautiful.  I feel like in life so many times we as people get so busy and so caught up with the hustle and bustle that we forget to stop, see the beauty in the small things, and acknowledge those things.  This book was a great read and I can't wait to start my next Nicholas Sparks book!  I would love if this one gets made into a movie as well!