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! :)