Yer Da Best!!

     I am a stay at home mommy. I have to say it's the best damn job ever. The most rewarding thing I have ever done in my entire life.


     My baby will start T-K in the Fall. It's basically Pre-K but they call it Transitional Kindergarten. Ya I thought it was weird but whatever. I have been in a bit of denial. He is the youngest so naturally I'd like to keep him with me forever. We tend to do just about everything together. I'm cool with that. So now I must let my little man go....to school, lol! It's not like I've not done this before, he is the youngest of 8.
     Every morning he wakes up with those bright little brown eyes and says "Good Morning Mommy, I Lub You". That's just freaking adorable! I love the way he says "LOVE". We hang out, watch tv and he takes my Ipad cause he's addicted to the thing. Constantly giving me hugs and kisses. I totally eat that up :) He is my little helper. Loves to help me in the kitchen and taste test the yummy goodness when he can.
     He appreciates everything. I really love that. I was crying about something one day and he came up to me and gave me this great big hug and patted my back and said "Yer Da Best mommy". My heart melted. Those words were just so adorable and I think I just needed to hear it, lol.
     He knows how to calm me down, lol. If I'm mad about anything or scold him he just runs up to me wraps his little arms around me and says, "Yer Da Best!" and kisses me. lol! Ya, I'm not winning this one.
     I love it when he says it. It seriously just brightens my day. If you could just see the look in his eyes you would know exactly what I was talking about. I am going to have to get a picture of him saying it one day or record him saying it. He just sounds too precious.
     He may be a bit on the spoiled side. I spoil all of my kids, I can't help it. I'm guilty of giving in, but not all of the time. They're my babies :)

Success

I'm so happy that I can say that I did it! I won't lie, I was scared to death. I stressed so hard and the last week before the State Board Exam was the hardest week on me. I had 2 complete melt downs. One at home and one the night before my exam. I feel so relieved that it's done and that I passed.

I studied so much and when I took the test I kind of felt like I wasted so much time on it. A lot of what was on my test I already knew. And a lot of what I studied wasn't even on there. Well it was still worth all the studying and the tears. I just can't believe I stressed over it so much. I thought I was going to die. I was the first one done with my written and practical exam, so I was even more worried that I had failed my written cause I knocked it out in like 30 minutes. I wasn't worried about my practical, I knew I had it down. Then I had a break between the two.. Like a few hours. that killed me. Gave me more time to stress and worry. Cause that's what I needed more of, Stress.

They made us wait... ha ha!! We were done with our practical by 2:30pm and the results were suppose to be ready by 3pm. It wasn't! We waited till 3:30pm and I had to hear this girl talk about her countries nasty wives tails.. ha ha!! Ya it was bad. So they called the first girl. I was happy and then they said to her " We are so sorry, we couldn't pull up your test results". My thought was~OMG if they say that to me I am going to loose it, just completely loose it. He called a couple more names and then mine. I saw him thumb through the licenses and he said congratulations! I was so relieved and I cried. ha ha! I was so happy and thankful that I had finally done it.

I had a long trip back home but it was worth it. I made it just in time to see most of my daughters performance. It was a long day for me but I got through it.

     It's a new day! So I need to treat it as so. It's been pretty hard to just get up like nothing major in my life was going on. It's not helping anyone. Not me, my kids, my house. So I just need to take my baby steps and try to get through life and make things happen the right way. Ya it's going to be hard but I need to do it. I need my sanity and so does my family.

  

      So I just graduated from my Esthetics course. That was an awesome leap and now I just need to take my state board exam in June. I am very excited and scared for that. So I need to work in study time to my day. Once I am licensed I plan on just working out of home. I am planning on attending another school for Makeup Artistry. I am super excited for that too!

      Now I have my house too so would like to change everything. Haha! Living in base housing, so you can only do so much..lol! But we will be purging our crap that we don't need. That's a big deal for me because I tend to keep everything. haha!

We have extra kids too! That really warms my heart. As far as I am concerned they are my babies too :) I love everyone of my kids. They all mean the world to me. They are growing so fast on me. I wish they would slow down. They definately help me get through my day, even when I seem pretty stressed. I definately depend on them to get through my day. So anyway, on the weekends I have 11 kids..lol. A total of 6 boys and 5 girls. 

Today was a little hectic. But we got through it. Now I have a lot of studying to do. 10 more days till my state board. I'm so scared and happy..lol!

Ok. Maybe I should go take a break and sleep.

Krazy Busy!!

My life is so busy. At times it feels like I have nothing going on and then at the exact same time I feel so overwhelmed.

Well I have just a few short weeks left of Esthetics school. A total of 8 facials left to do, YAY!!! I am so excited. I just want to jump up and down. I have already pre-applied for my State Board date and now I just have to finish up and wait. I'm so nervous and excited. When I am done I still want to attend the nail tech class but more importantly I want to attend the Master Makeup Artistry class. I am so excited and I can't wait for that to begin. I am really enjoying school and I'm so glad I am succeeding in it.

My kids have kept me busy and they are thankfully on Spring Break. Now I just want to make some plans with them to get out and do something with them. The Aquarium is going to be the first to go to. The kids will love that. I also need to keep them studying so they can stay on task as well as doing some bed room cleaning. That's always a lot of fun. I need to really organize some stuff for our house. 

Lots of changes in the kids school and it's driving me nuts. Common Core really sucks. I don't know why they have to confuse things more for all of these kids. It's driving me crazy. I really hate it.

I need to get some sleep :)

P.S. I graduated! I'm so excited and now just need to pass my State Board Exam!

My Plexus Journey!

Ok, no lie. I have battled with my weight for a long time. To no fault of my own. So I know I have control over this. The will power is just so hard to find some times. Not the will power to eat good foods but the will power to actually eat right. I love good food the problem, I love food...lol! I have so many cravings, but they are all at the wrong time of day. I have been eating at night, due to the fact that I go to school at night. I stress eat and I do not exercise. I'm always tired and have no energy or real desire to do it.

So I heard about a product called Plexus Slim. I heard about it, tasted it then put it in the back of my head and went back to it on and off for about a month. Then a good friend brought it up to me because her and her husband started it and were so happy with it. Oh this caught my attention. 

My big point of this product that I love is that it was ment for diabetics. It was created to help level out their blood sugars. Being over weight and having had gestational diabetes 3 times, family history of diabetes...I know I am predisposed for adult onset diabetes. This scares me. I don't want it. After discovering that it not only helped them regulate their blood sugars but lost weight as well, they also saw improvements in clients with other ailments such as fibromyalgia, sleep issues and so on. Oh this made me see happy! I have really bad insomnia and it's really hard to get throughout the day because I just really want to sleep. So with all these great things the company decided to change the way they offered the product. So we can all get this.

I've been on it now for 6 days now. I've lost almost 10 pounds and I can fall asleep by midnight with out my medication! This for me is huge! Even if I didn't loose any weight, just the fact that I am falling asleep on my own by or before midnight makes me so happy. I hated that dragging feeling in the morning, not wanting to get up because I didn't get to sleep till 3 or 4 in the morning. I want to go walking now, I have a real desire to go out and walk! This is awesome! 

I'm really praying that this does a lot for me. I love the all natural products. The fact that I do not get the gitters or crash at 3 pm is a major bonus! But wait, ya...it tastes awesome! No vitamin taste at all,just cherry-pomegranate deliciousness 😋 and I only have to take it once a day, yes...ONCE A DAY! I just don't know what else to say other than I love it!

Well I just wanted to share this with everyone. So check it out and follow me on my journey 😊

www.plexusslim.com/terresa 

I Love Esthetics!

Going to a beauty school has some perks 😉

I love it, it is just so much fun. I am in the Esthetics program and I never thought I would love it the way that I do. I have more ups than downs. It is an adjustment. I have kids to take care of as well as my own homework to do. Some of it can be easy and some of it kept me on my toes.

I told a friend that I felt like a kid in a candy store, like I was getting ready to graduate high school. Being so close to my own graduation and then to become licensed at what I love doing is just such an awesome feeling. I thank God and my husband for this wonderful oppertunity that I have been given. This is truly a blessing that I am greatful to have. 

My kids have been troopers through all of this. My biggest help is my 12 year old daughter. She tends to be more mature than the actual teens when it comes to helping around the house. When all of this is over she will be rewarded. I really appreciate all she does to help, even when she doesn't want to. The little kids miss me. I go to school at night. This way I don't miss anything during the day and if anyone gets sick I am home with them. But sadly I miss putting them to bed at night and kissing faces. Thankfully school isn't too far away. It's like a hop..haha! 

I have learned so much about skin. Things I never thought would matter, really do matter. I credit my instructor I started with, Ms. Waldron. She is such a wonderful and beautiful young lady. Ya that just made me feel like 100 years old saying that. Haha! But really I love her style of teaching and her enthusiasm was awesome! She went onto better things and I miss her. My classmates Senior to me were also a wonderful help. I loved being around them. They graduated so I miss them all too. I have 1 real friend left in that class and sadly I am transfering to another school. A story for another time... So my last 2 months I get to start over with new people, but thankfully God is watching over me and my clients are following me. My clients/friends said they want to be with the best. That made me feel so good and confident and just greatful to know that I am in fact surrounded by good people. I really am. And I love those that I am surrounded by. Thank you to all of you for supporting me and trusting me to put chemicals on your face😄 You are all awesome and I love you!

Acceptance

With 8 kids, the birthdays tend to just roll right in with no warning. But really, you know it's coming it just happens so darn fast.

Our oldest son is now 22 yrs old. We miss him so much. 6 days later we celebrated Christmas and tonight (1 day early) we celebrate our daughter turning 17 yrs old. Then next week our son will turn 9 yrs old. Needless to say we have a busy winter season as 1 more son will be 19 yrs old in February. 

With every birthday I of corse go back with my memories to their birth. Really, what mom doesn't think of the day their precious baby was welcomed into this world. Ugh, then I get all weepy cause the time just went by so fast. Well, did it? Or was I just too busy with other things? I often ask myself, what if... I always feel like something could have been done to hold on to each of them just a little bit longer. Maybe if I took my time or maybe I just rushed them to grow up too fast. Ok, who am I kidding? I know I didn't make anyone grow up any sooner than needed, yet I always feel like I could have done something different. 

I guess the only real different thing I could have done is accept. Accept that everything is going the way God is intending for it to go. It's just so hard. I look at all the good and think, Wow that's awesome! Then I look at all the bad and the heart break then I say, why? Why did God want that experience for us? I have such a difficult time accepting that everything happens for a reason. I mean I know it does but why so much negative from our loving God? I almost feel like I'm being punished. It breaks my heart. 

I don't know what I want out of this post. Maybe just to put out that acceptance is a hard thing to do and that I know I will eventually accept everything and not just pieces.

Thanks for listening :)

Giving Thanks

 It's that time of year again, A time to give thanks.

I guess I do have things to be thankful for and at the same time I say to myself then why are things the way they are? Why is my son still not home with us? Why does it seem like there is so much wrong with what's going on around us? And is there really anything to be thankful for....

Yes I do have things to be thankful for even though a lot of times it doesn't feel like it.

 We've not seen our son in 11 months. It hurts and it makes us all so very sad. We know it can't be helped and we just pray we will be able to hold him again some day soon. I am thankful to be able to hear his voice when we can and that we have the joy of being his parents.

We recently were going to adopt a sweet little 4 yr old girl. Her mother lied and used us till she couldn't any more. Having her ripped from us like that was devastating. I can't stand what she has done to us and what she continues to do to the kids that she has with her. I pray for their safety and for her to pull her head out of her ass and to put them first instead of just passing them off on others while she lives a life she wants without being a real parent. I am thankful that we were able to bring some stability and love to a child that needed and craved it, even though it was for a short time.

There are so many homeless out there, not just as individuals but families. I saw a family of 4, they had 2 little girls, just babies.. It broke my heart to see them like that. I know a lot of people put themselves in that spot and I know for some it can't be helped. I am Thankful my husband has a good job and we have a roof over our heads and the kids are fed and clothed. We have what we need and at times what we want. I'm thankful for the ability my husband has to provide for us all, not only our needs but for our wants.

I am now in school thanks to my wonderful husband. He gave me half of his GI Bill so that I could go to school. Again my husbands job and his time in the service has blessed me. Going to school and it's paid for. Truly thankful for this.

I am thankful for my family and friends. I am thankful that I am a wife and mother to 8 wonderful kids. I am thankful to be a CCD teacher to some wonderful kids and I am thankful for God for blessing me with all that I have.

I know there is a lot of dark out there and it often seems like things aren't going to get better but I have to learn to look at things in a different lite and embrace that things do happen for a reason and there is a plan and that it's not mine. At the same time not use any of that as an excuse either. Ugh!!! Growing up seems to have some down falls...haha!

Heart Break

Wow, It just feels like so much time has gone by.

Well my husband and I were offered the ability to adopt the sweetest little girl. Her mother has a lot of issues both medically and I feel mentally. We hadn't spoken to each other for a few weeks. She came to me and asked for my help. I asked her if she was considering putting up her daughter (again) for adoption and when she said yes I told her that we still wanted to do this. She said we were the only ones that she trusted with any of her kids and honestly that made me feel good, I was touched by this.

So we take her in as if she were ours all along. Since we all knew each other the kids were all excited she was here. Now I told her mother that we did not want to leave her out of anything. We wanted her with us on trips and family outings and she said yes that she totally understood and was fine with it. That made me feel a little at ease.

I took her to school and picked her up everyday. Bathed her, comforted her, loved her. Bought her toys of her own, new clothes and shoes that fit her properly. I was so emotionally tied to this little girl that called me mommy and my husband daddy and had more brothers and sisters now.

With deployment coming my husband wanted to sit down and find out where she really stood and begin getting things started with all the legal paper work. But she always put us off. Always an excuse for not being able to meet us even though she is around the corner from us. Never came to see her daughter at all. Only began really seeing her (Friday night - Sunday morning)  when her 4 sons moved with their father and he 2 daughters moved with their uncle, he older daughter moved with her father, oldest daughter put up for adoption as she had her young and one son with a neighbor leaving her with one teenage son. My husband was getting the vibe that she was using us and never had any intentions on letting us adopt. I said to him I knew that was a possibility but prayed it wasn't going to happen like that.

Well her school notified me that she needed a dental appointment. I told her mom and the first thing she says is they don't have dental. Your husband is military you should have dental. Well her soon to be ex-husband never put her on and she swore that she would take care of it. I told her that my husband was going to call him. She said ok. He called and her soon to be ex never returned the calls. I told her that he hadn't returned the calls and she said that he wouldn't either. My husband was tired of waiting and called again. Left a message then called a gain and got him on the phone. My husband told him if he wasn't going to put her on dental to release her so we could put her on ours. He had no clue that we had the little girl and all the kids were spread out. Non of the kids were his so I know she didn't feel it was his business and she wanted the money for support. She got a place of her own but is at her boy toys home day in and day out. Mind you he lives around the corner from my house. She can't take care of her kids but can take care of his.

So I spoke to the school about what was going on. They see her and they even said they saw a huge change in her for the better. She was always ready to go and start her day when I brought her to school. They said that she had stability that she needed and thought it was awesome that we were doing all that we were doing with her.

Her Halloween party was just so precious. She had so much fun and was just so adorable. I loved spending that time with her. A few days later I was picking up our sweet little girl from school. They told me that because her mother did not fill out the paper work that she was suppose to have filled out for a while that she could not come back to school. The lady at the front desk said that she knew the paper work was needed and even spoke to her so it should be no surprise to her. I was so pissed. I was upset. All these responsibilities and she chooses to dress up like a hoar for a banquet instead of taking care of any of her kids. So I sent her a text saying it was important that we spoke. She said no. She then said she wasn't giving up custody and that her ex wasn't dropping her from DEERS either. She said her son was coming to get her. I asked if she was saying that she wouldn't be with me anymore... She said she was keeping her from now on. I was crushed. This women lied to me and hurt me again. But even worse, she used her child as a tool to use us and played with her little emotions. I told her to send him immediately cause I was going to cry. As soon as he walked through the door I lost it. I cried my eyes out and my husband was out to see so I felt like I had no one. We hugged and cried together, her son hugged me as I cried and my kids were also by my side as I cried. How can anyone do such a thing. To use people and their own family and to toy with their emotions. And just lie like it was no big deal. I pray she brings her back, but I think she will just find someone else to tell a sob story to and dump her else where.

This whole thing just sucks! I can't do anything about it, I can't save this little girl. She really has been an influence on us all. I just pray that she will be ok and that if anything happens her mother will bring her back to us. I just want her safe, just like the rest of my kids.

Growing Up. It has to be done, right?

Life... Eventually we have to grow up. I said eventually.

     Well here I am, watching my kids grow and move on and prepare for their futures. I love it and at the same time it totally makes me sad. I start to think, what about me? I just wanted to be a mommy to my precious babies. I never said that any of them could grow up. That wasn't part of the deal. They all promised me they would stay my little babies FOREVER....
Well they lied. HA!

     One son in the Navy and another one working on joining. My daughter setting her sights even higher to try her best to go to college and become an Air Force Officer. But in the mean time she is being trained in Manicure. I thought it would be great because she loves nails and if she does as she plans and heads to college she would have a skill other than flipping burgers while she was in school. No such luck. The state of California says she has to be a high school graduate to get her license. So she gets to finish high school first. She was not happy. But she continues to learn from her boyfriends mom, this way when she can go through the manicure school she will be ahead of the game.

     I have five more kids from 4yrs to 12 yrs. Next Fall they will all be in school and I will be alone.

     So I started thinking. What am I going to do? My original plan of sitting in a corner with a bottle of Vodka crying my eyes out just doesn't seem feasible. I mean they have no buses here and well I have to pick the kids up. Mommy getting a DUI on the first day of school probably wouldn't go so well. HA!

     Then I started to really think, like a grown up. I like nails, I like make-up. No I wouldn't go so far as hair. I mean messing up another persons hair is a big deal. Yes, hair grows back but your with that messed up cut till it grows back. Not saying I would do it on purpose, but hair is a big deal. I did not miss term papers and late night cramming in school. So I knew I had no desire to relive that. I know I want to be able to work at home or on my own clock. I know that my kids are my first priority. So I don't want anything to interfere with my kids. So I started really looking in the field of beauty. I got excited. Something I love and they have classes at night. I'm in!

     I had a meeting with an advisor today and it went really well. I just kept getting more excited about everything as she took me through the tour.

     So I have decided to begin my journey with Esthetics. I get to learn about skin care, and make-up and how to wax. Basically learning the methods you would use in a Spa or Salon. The class is 7 months long. They also pay and help prepare me for my State Boards. Once I finish that I am going to go immediately into Manicuring for 5 months. Yes, nails! I love nails, who doesn't? So I am on cloud nine!

     Now, tuition. Well the plan is that my husband will transfer a portion of his post 9-11 GI Bill to me. That would pay for every thing. Now I have to wait for it to be approved. I am so nervous. Not just nervous but scared. I just want to know that I got it and can start in time. But I have to wait and be patient. I really hate not knowing. I have to know what is going on, that things are being taken care of. Ya, I'm a bit of a control freak. I'm praying that everything goes as God has planned for me. If I get it then I will be done with all of my schooling and licensing by the time the kids start school next Fall.

I'm still in a bit of shock that I am doing this. But so very excited too! So please say a prayer that everything goes well and Thanks for listening.

Kids In The Kitchen

I found this recipe some where online and I am dying to try it. It's the best of both worlds! Cinnamon rolls and blueberries. 

I have decided to make it a kids in the kitchen day. Let them all help out making yummy rolls. Yes, it gets a little harry when they are all in my kitchen and then everyone wants to lick the bowl! But I think I will enjoy it, be a little frazzled and take lots of pictures. Regardless it will be lots of fun and the kids will have the time of their lives.

Does anyone else out there have their kids in the kitchen? I actually think it's important. It gives you that bonding time as well as teaching your kids how to cook. And they can say "my mom/dad taught me how to make..." I know that when I tell my kids my parents taught me to make something, it's a pretty special feeling to be able to say that and then pass on what you were taught.

So I am going to give this recipe a try tomorrow (I hope) and then I will share the results with you.


Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls
Yield: makes 24

Ingredients:


For the Dough
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup sugar
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
4 cup flour
1/2 cup flour
1/2 heaping tsp baking powder
1/2 scant tsp baking soda
1/2 tbsp salt

For the Blueberry Filling
1 pint blueberries
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 teaspoons cornstarch
2-3 teaspoons lemon juice
3/4 cup water

Additional Blueberries for Sprinkling
1 pint blueberries
2 Tbsp sugar
4 Tbsp cinnamon
2 Tbsp flour
1 batch Cream Cheese Frosting


Directions:


For the Blueberry Filling
In a small saucepan, combine 1 pint of the blueberries, sugar and cornstarch. Stir in lemon juice and water. Turn heat to medium and cook, stirring often, until mixture begins to thicken slight. Remove from heat and allow to cool.

For the Dough
Mix whole milk, vegetable oil and sugar in a pan. Scald to 150 degrees. Let cool until lukewarm (~45 minutes). Sprinkle in yeast and let sit. Then add 4 C flour, stir mixture together. Cover and let sit for one hour.

Add 1/2 C flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir mixture together.

Divide the dough in half. Sprinkle surface generously with flour and form into a rectangle, roll the dough thin, maintaining a rectangular shape. Spread half of the blueberry filling onto the dough. Sprinkle half of the additional blueberries for sprinkling on top. Roll the dough toward you. Pinch the seam to seal it. Grease foil cake or pie pans. Cut rolls 3/4 to 1 inch thick and lay in greased pans. Repeat with other half of dough and blueberry filling.

Cover the rolls and let sit for 30 minutes.

Bake at 375 for 15 to 18 minutes.

Generously drizzle frosting over warm rolls after they come out of the oven.

Hello World!

Well it's been a while.

It seems like the move really took a lot out of me emotionally. I was so happy to get out of NC, but of course I miss the very few friends that I made. All of my "adopted" kids I really miss the most. They brought so much joy to us all.
My visit home was just too short. Leaving Virginia was hard, as it always is. I hate leaving my family. I know this will be for a short time but it still sucks. The hardest is being away from my son. I wish he was home.
So much has happened that has been devastating to our family and for now I can't get into it. But always know that prayers are appreciated.

We made it to California. After car issues as well as being robbed in Tennessee, we made it.

We like our house here. it's a 5 bed room which all of the kids love. The back yard is pretty awesome. Yes, because there is a park in it-lol! I could do without all the sand, though the kids love it.

All the kids are enjoying their schools. They seem to be doing well, Thank God. The only thing I dislike very much is that there are no school buses here unless you want to pay for it. $600 per kid a year! That's just crazy. They tax for everything here and can't afford to get the kids to school?! So I drive all day 3-4 round trips and three different schools. I am always tired from the running around. I hate it. I look forward to school breaks just so I can sleep and not have to drive. It's sad, I don't want to get in a car unless I have to.

We found our church. It's nice. I am teaching 5th and 6th grade Catechism. I love it. I have a great class, as always.

Homecomings and Birthdays!!

                                                       My son is home!

What an extra HAPPY DAY the 7th of August was! My son returned from deployment and my sweet daughter Vikktorria celebrated her 9th birthday!

I was almost late! I was told by Port Ops that the ship would be pulling in at 2pm. I was so excited. Then the Ombudsman says no it's at 2:45pm. Then I was irritated. The ombudsman was very positive that she was right and Port Ops and no clue what they were talking about. Lesson one-Port Ops is always right.lol!
I had what felt like, so much to do. I had to drive to Elizabeth City first because my tax consultant sent my return there instead of my parents. I decided to stop at my house and see if the packers had packed my cast iron pans. I just had a feeling they were still there.
So first stop, the old house and I ended up rescuing my pans. Then a quick run into my post office to sign papers and over night them to my tax consultant. I was so thankful to get there and get it done. Then of course the kids were hungry so a quick stop at McDonald's then off to meet my friend Melissa and her kids at the Wal-Mart so that she could follow us to the ships homecoming because her husband was on the ship too! I was happy to have company and well it's always exciting to have someone with you that won't wine "I have to go pee, I'm thirsty and it's hot". HAHA!
The hardest part was parking. It's a carrier homecoming so you have like 5000 people and all their families. It was crazy. I was mad because I didn't want to park so far out. We finally parked and as we were walking I could see his ship coming in. I was so happy and so sad. I had wanted to be there not running to get there in time.
But we got there. The kids were so supper excited. I took 372 pictures of the ship coming in and people coming off.

Jamie (my husband) got to see first hand what I go through with all the kids on the pier waiting on him when he would come in. The kids that complain and want it to just be over, the kids that just can't stand still so you end up chasing them and the dreaded its it over yet, where are they....

Well the ship was in and tied and the brow was put up. The Captain called for "All Hands", everyone was getting off the boat and at the same time. The pier was just flooded with Sailors coming down to meet family and friends. All the happy faces, the tears and the ones that just wanted out.

Steve (Melissa's husband) came down the pier and there was Briana, Taylor and Ryan jumping for joy that he was home and off the boat. He's a Air guy. Now my son, he's an Engineer and well they are the last off. So we waited and I swear it was killing Kyle-ha! I had my 7 kids, husband, my dad and 2 of D.J.'s best friends waiting.

Security kept everyone off to the sides but Jamie was able to walk up the pier and find him. Ya I was a bit jealous, haha! But as the crowd began to thin out we finally saw him. Jamie was holding Immanuel and to his side was my D.J. I was so happy and Kyle was just wanting him to hurry up and run to him.ha! So I asked the security guard if my son could go and see his brother. He smiled and said yes. So Kyle took off like a bat out of hell! HAHA!! Followed by the rest of the kids and friends. It was such a happy moment.


So my kids are all back together and happy. I am so thankful for ALL of my kids. The ones I had and the ones that I have inherited. You know, I hear these kids whine and complain and wish each other away and when it happens all they want is each other back. I love it.

The Stay...

When traveling back home we normally stay at home. This time it's a little more difficult to do.

My parents are awesome. They have a house full of family, that just prooves how awesome they are. They never turn away family, never. I think that has prooven to bite them in the ass.

Originally we too were going to stay there. But today I came to the decsion that it would be too much. With our family being large and so many people already there I just didn't forsee a good out come. There would be no space and only 2 bathrooms. I could very easily stay at my sisters house, she has plenty of space. But it's like 30 min or so from my parents and the base where my husband has to go. So to save on gas and still be with our family I found a nice Inn. It's basically a 2 bedroom appartment. It will be plenty of room with my son staying with my parents (so he can hang out with his couin and Uncle) and my oldest daughter and possibly one other staying at my sisters house cause she's just so cool-lol!
It will all work out. That's what I keep telling myself-lol! I just want to be with my family as much as we can and let everyone still have their space. Not too crazy, right?
I have it all planned out..Pool, park, lots of fun. It will be so nice to spend our time with family and friends. And at the end of the day a place to stay with elbow room-lol!

Getting the cars ready.

The not so fun part about moving is that all of the cars need to be ready. When you have 3 cars that equals lots of money. Not fun to shell out-lol!

So tonight we had to put tires on the Suburban (a vehicle that sat for 5 yrs, no joke) and the Saturn....$800 later...HUH :(
Then we had to get brakes, drums, pads and rotters for the Suburban (I think that's what they were)....And $300 later.... :(
We replaced the gas tank and fuel pump in the Suburban, ugh! But now it runs like a dream....So I've been told-lol! I really can't wait to drive it :)
I was going to get seat covers but he refuses to let me get the black ones that say FORD on it-LOL!!! So I have to keep shopping around.

Now we have to change the oil and filters in all the vehicles and whatever else it is before you make a long drive. OH, when I say WE I actually mean HE-lol!

I can't believe we are so close to being out of here, YAY!!!

Where has the time gone?

Where has the time gone?

I have been so busy and it seems like every time I say I'm coming on here I forget what I am doing and then log off my laptop..lol!

Well we are at the last leg of my sons deployment. I am so happy and ready for him to come home.

Yes, that's his ship..The USS Abraham Lincoln and some awesome planes above. He is having a great time out there. He loves it and I am so glad. He did have some moments where he was just flat out tired from all of the work. But he pushed on and did what needed to be done. He makes me so proud. He misses home and all of us here miss him too!

He was lucky enough to see places that not many can say they saw. I just hope he took lots of pictures for his memories and well for me-haha!!

He missed a lot.. Birthday's, Mothers Day, Fathers Day, the other holidays. But he did get to call home. I loved that he called as much as he could. I could always hear how he felt in his voice. It made me sad a couple of times when he called tired and I'd think he was upset. He would reassure me that he was just tired and hadn't gotten much sleep due to his watches and well his job. Proud I tell you!

Well now we will get to make up for all of the missed time :)  I can't wait! Our entire family and his friends are excited for him to be home.

Missing my Son

Oh my, It's been too long.

So much has happened and I just don't know where to begin.

Well my oldest son is enjoying his deployment. He said it's hard work but he loves it. He has been working on all of his qual's and standing plenty of watches and he loves what he's doing out there. Thankfully he calls home very often. I love being able to hear his voice. I miss him so much. They have extended his deployment 2 times.

Now having said all of that we are up for orders. So that means a move is in our future. I'm torn. I am so torn up about moving this time for two reasons.
1. We wanted shore duty in North VA. This way we were going home and would be with family. Not happening. We are going cross country.
2. We wanted to be near our son. Now we will be opposite sides of the country.

I love moving. It's like a fresh start every time. New places, new people....New everything. Plus we are so use to it. This is the one place I and the kids have lived for this long. It's time for a change. Thankfully we got orders to a nice place and it will help hubby's career as well.

I hate that my son will be here and not with us. I know he's a grown man. I know it's time to "cut the cord". He's my oldest son/child but always my baby. I am going to worry about him so much. But I have faith that he will continue to grow and do great things even though I am not going to be able to physically hold his hand like I totally would like to-lol!

He's missing home and all of his little brothers and sisters. He spends money like a girl-lol! But he's doing better. We've sent out 4 packages so far and he loved them. I have another one going out this week. Full of dark chocolates. Yes I miss my baby! He's such a good boy.

This is a part of our military life. You say hello and see you later. But regardless I love this life.

D.J. Goes To His Ship...

So last week my son left to meet his ship. Yes I cried...I miss my boy. He was so excited and happy to finally be leaving for his ship. All of the kids are missing their big brother too.
We all went to the base to spend time with him at the air port. I actually met him at TPU as they were all loading up then lucky me, I got to take him and another guy to the air port since they ran out of room in the vans. I was happy to have my baby with me.

Shortly after we got to the air port Jamie and the kids arrived. I was glad that they got there when they did. I didn't want us to miss any time with D.J.

So there we are, all of us with him waiting. It was actually a really long wait. HAHA. I was glad but felt bad for the little ones because they were getting really tired. They all had a good time together hanging out in the air port and playing. near the end we discovered there was a play room there. Jamie took the little ones to play but then it was getting pretty full so then all the little ones came back to play with big brother.

 Getting copies of his orders. Sad moment for me but proud at the same time.

Kyle and D.J. playing around as always-ha!

The girls (Marrissa, Alleynna,Vikktorria and Gabbriella) with their big brother. They miss him bunches.

The long wait began. It was fine till it started to get dark. Then when it was time to get on a bunch of other Sailor showed up late so that held up the flight another hour. I was glad but again the little ones were hungry and tired. So they finally began calling for everyone to board. I was really sad. had to hug my baby twice and I didn't want to let go of him either. I am so proud of him and can't wait to hear from him. It's been 5 days and I have still not heard from him. No telling if he's on the ship yet but I know how it goes and I will continue to wait for his email or call and pray that he is safe out there and doing the best that he can.

And He's Off....

This is my sons last weekend home. Next week he will fly out to meet his ship. For safety reasons I won't say where. But I am so going to miss him like crazy.

He is my oldest and it was hard as can be when he left for boot camp but now on to a full on deployment. He is so excited and I am for him but I'm a mommy and I am gonna worry about him a lot. I'm so glad he is going to see the world and I am so proud of what he is doing. I know a lot of people have no real appreciation for he is doing but I do.

I hope that he takes lots of pictures. Who am I kidding, he's my son, of course his camera will be clicking away-lol! I told him, "all you have to remember is get mom a Rosary where ever you go." My kids know how much I love the Rosary.

So here he starts to really see the world and I am happy to know that we raised him right and got him out the door in one piece. I'm gonna miss my son. I look forward to hearing his voice when he calls home and seeing all of his pictures.

Happy New Year!

Yes, that's right...We are all alive!

We have survived another year and have so much to prepare for in this new year. But what about last year? Was it what you expected? Did you accomplish anything?

Well, for me it wasn't at all what I expected. I had all of these plans and really didn't get them done. For the past few years I've told myself I am not going to set any New Years resolutions...Why? I never stick with any of them and it all becomes a big lie.

Well it's time to do something. I am over weight and I am not happy with it at all. What bothers me the most about it is I want to be healthy for my kids and myself. My back kills me. I don't like that pain.
I hate where I live. Most of my friends are in Virginia and at least there I could go for walks with my friends. Not here. So I sit and do nothing.
I love to cook and love to eat what I cook...humm... That's a problem cause I'm a good cook-hahaha!!
So I guess I need to learn to cook differently. This is gonna go over well. I am not sure where or how I am gonna start.
The funny thing is that when I am pregnant I will follow a diet to the T. After words it's like a free for all. But I have 8 awesome reasons for changing my way of eating so that I will live a healthy and happy new year!