Meatless Monday

At the beginning of this year, I had gone meatless monday myself (actually, I did both Monday & Thursday). It was sort of a new years resolution. Lo and behold, like many others, I fell off my resolution wagon around March-April--when the hubby came home there were so many other changes/things to get use to and meatless dinners was not okay with him.

Thankfully, this past week we had a really good heart-to-heart. He said if it's important to me, he'll support it. And he'll try the things I make, but he will most likely throw some grilled chicken on it ;) So I'll take it. Being able to compromise is a necessary talent for marriage.

So tune in next Monday, for my new vegetarian recipe! For more information on what meatless monday is, check out http://www.meatlessmonday.com/ where you can pledge your family or yourself, learn recipes/how to make the change! Let me know if you partake in a meatless day/meal each week!

Answered Prayers!

Just a little over a week ago I had given a *6-months later* update on how life was back together as a family and in the 'civilian world'. In it I vented my frustrations of trying to find a full time steady job, since my husband had only a seasonal job that was weeks away from ending.

It must have been a wee bit of luck, because HE BECAME RECENTLY EMPLOYED AT A FULL TIME, FULL YEAR JOB!! EEK! =) SUCH a load off our minds, and chests. Monday is day 1! A few nerves are starting to show but I think he'll do fine! It's something he loves and is qualified for, it's what he's been working for a while now.

Over the weekend I tried to spoil him, we went out to dinner and then I treated him to a random breakfast. We went shopping and stocked up on hot-pockets ;)

The first few weeks are going to be hectic, as my job (slightly seasonal as well) is winding down for the year but his is just starting...we're on the same shift. So getting Sammy to preschool might be a hassle but we'll figure something out! I didn't want to turn in a 2 week notice yet, I'll give it this first week of my hubby's new job to see how it clashes. I love the company I work for and have a lot of respect for all of my coworkers so I don't want to put them on hold just because of me.

We are so excited to start this new chapter in our lives. Hopefully we can sleep a little easier now!

Love Story in 22 Pictures

One little snapshot, a moment frozen forever in time. A memory, a dream, a nightmare - HOPE. If you've never believed the saying "a picture holds a thousand words"... please, "read" this story below. It is so touching. My heart goes out to these strong people, role models for all of us (not just wounded warrior/veteran families but everyone in general).

*click for full size*

 



June Faves (list)

My favorite things from JUNE 2012:

---favorite book:

Yes, I gave in to this reading frenzy. Read 1 book a week during June. It was more than I expected, and if you're a somewhat open individual, I highly suggest you read it! Check it out *HERE* on amazon. It is about 12+ (each book) at stores like Walmart.

---favorite hair product:

Hast_Placenta: Henna 'n' Placenta deep conditioning treatment. For about a buck (give or take some change) you can get a packet with more than enough conditioner, even for those with long hair. It does NOT smell unpleasant, and I was literally blown away at how my hair felt after. We live where there is well water, and combine that with every few months of hair color and summer sun= very brittle curly hair. It was such a pleasant surprise, and I will be using this monthly!

---favorite "find":

This month we went to Metamora, OH's 120-mile-yard/barn sale. I only spent $25 all day, and sometime in there I picked these little cuties up for only $2 each!

---favorite funny:

---favorite drink:

Amaretto Sour

Ingredients:

1 1/2 oz Amaretto
3 oz Sour mix
1 maraschino cherry

Mixing instructions:

Shake and strain. Garnish with a cherry. I love to pour a splash of the cherry "juice" into it, since I'm not a fan of eating maraschino cherries.

---favorite moment:

Becoming closer to my husband. This month has opened up so many doors for us. We have bonded deeply in a way we haven't done in years. And I haven't ever been as hopeful as I am now.

new blogger & cinco de Mayo nails!

woah! it will take me some time to get use to this new blogger, like facebook, I opted to wait until they "forced" me to update to the new blogger. How is everyone? I had to take a step back, get some rest, and refocus myself. I became sick last month, and my anxiety keeps getting out of control-causing more issues than should ever be necessary. Then we had some family emergencies pop up, nothing extremely serious thank god but we've all been extremely busy. I have missed blogging, and continued to journal privately on my laptop late at night. This weekend we're traveling to Angola, IN to visit my closest friend Karry (read about her amazing, informative blog, Moment of Awe *HERE*for Cinco De Mayo! I am so excited to be baby-free and kicking back with some adults that aren't family. NOT that I don't love family, but y'know, gotta feel "normal" every now & then. ha. Here are my chubby toes with a little design I did yesterday during a break from the oustide HEAT! CAN you believe it? Record highs in MI for this time of year! *whew*

xoxo, Steph

Hot & Cold

Like I mentioned in a previous blog, we've had some struggles in the week & a half since M has been home. It's been almost 7 months being 800+ miles away from each other and 4+ years of a military life. We knew there would be adjustments, just not big blow-ups within days of being back in the family life. Little things have been setting him off, and I either cry or get angry myself. It's not something I'm use to happening often, much less as frequent as it has been. The great thing is we both don't like to let things sit & fester, so after a few minutes of either walking, or thinking by ourselves, we talk it out camly, apologize for our mistakes. Neither of us is perfect, and we realize we have a lot of work to do-but know it's something we can get thru.

I can't help the little whisper of guilt. This year I had a few simple resolutions, and one was to be a better wife. Not that I'm a bad wife, but I believe we all can be better versions of ourselves. Yet so far I'm sure I haven't held up to this idea like I expected. I will continue to try, and keep to my new resolution.

Even though he wasn't on a big deployment overseas, all this time spent apart is giving us some adjustment issues. If anyone has great blogs or articles that help in this aspect, they'd be greatly appreciated if left in a comment!

Thanks for all your support! I pray this next month is a little less stressful, and we're closer than ever.

Week Wrapup & Future Projects

HAPPY ST. PATRICKS DAY! AHHH, glorious Saturday! I cannot believe we are expected to reach temperatures of 70+ today in MI. This week has been successful, I'm almost done with the projects for Sammy's party, today I should finish up the few things for hubby's homecoming, along with crafts for my photographer friend & her easter sessions (pics later). I'm becoming more excited & nervous for the homecoming. Excited because, well, it will be so nice to be together as a family again. Nervous because my husband & I have a lot of work for us cut out in our marriage, and hopefully not having miles seperating us will make things easier. I'm also nervous because over 4 years of a guaranteed paycheck are coming to an end, and the "civilian life" scares the heck out of me, I know these next few months are NOT going to be easy in that aspect. But I must have faith.

FUTURE PROJECTS:
-Egg Carton Wreath for Easter & Various Easter crafts
-Washer Ribbon Necklace *link here*
-Bunny Masks (be on the lookout for a post soon)
-Wrapup of train party decor
-Making more blog friends!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! I'm going to enjoy another cup of coffee!