Love the new camera!

As you can tell- my picture quality lately has been HORRIBLE. That's because I've been taking pics with my Blackberry. I recently upgraded to a FujiFilm FinePix S1800. I am in awe. I love the quality and although its not professional grade- it's definitely a step up from the point-and-shoot cameras I've had in the past. I'm not a photographer by ANY means- but it's hard to take bad pictures of these cute subjects!
Here are a few recent photos I've snapped.

Our Anniversary

Today, 8 years ago, Mark and I took a leap of faith. We were broke- by broke, I mean not a penny to our name and in debt. We had our year old daughter. He was fresh out of bootcamp. We were moving FAR away from home; FAR away from everything familiar. We had all the odds stacked against us. The one thing we did have was our best-friend-ship. It was rough...there were many days I wanted to move back to my safe haven in Kansas. We kept on, and kept on- even when it got hard....and then when it got harder. I'm not saying we are out of the hard times yet, but looking back I have great pride knowing we made it through the tribulations of those first couple years. Mark is always real and never fakes anything. He's passionate- and when he says something he means it. He's also a loudmouth and we fight often about stupid things because we are both stubborn- but he's mine. We also have TONS of fun- we laugh every day. Knowing we made it through the crap makes me have faith that we can make it through many more years together. I love you babe!


"More marriages might survive if the partners realized that sometimes the better comes after the worse." ~Doug Larson

Happy Halloween!

We had an awesome Halloween! We had the company of Darth Vader, Buzz Lightyear and an 80's rocker. Here are a couple pics!

hoo are you?

1. If you could add one room to our house, what would it be?

an office for SURE...i'm drowning in paperwork

2. How many pillows do you sleep with at night?

one pillowcase with 2 pillows shoved in it

3. What is the best costume you've ever worn for Halloween?

I haven't dressed up in years, but I'd say a punk rocker

4. If you could erase one item off the face of the earth, what would it be?

hmmmmm. disease.

5. Where do you do your best thinking?
shower or late at night

I did it.

I've succumbed to technology. I'm not sure it will replace the worn pages feel in my hands, or that new book smell- but I CAN'T WAIT to get my hands on this beaut. I read usually every night and have HUGE stacks of books waiting to be donated.
I've heard from several die-hard readers that it's heaven....you read faster and 1000's of books at your fingertips? I cannot WAIT!!!!!
She is on her way to me- I'll let you know how the first read goes.

(Isn't she pretty?!?!?!)

Where did I get the 16 year old?

I LOVE my daughter. I do.
But whhhhaaaaaa?
With the 9 year old attitude. It's constant drama....the eye rolls, the flipping of hair. I have NO clue where she gets it. My Mother SWEARS it comes from me- but I'm thinking her FATHER.
But it all is worth is for those (few and far between) moments where she STILL wants to be my baby girl.




Any tips for a DRAMA MAMA?!?!?!?!?!







Hosted by Krystyn at Really, Are You Serious?

Things I've learned.......

As our two years here comes to an end- I've been reflecting on the past 24 months. Things I've learned, things I didn't see coming and things I want to change. I have met some amazing people here in WV- some that have changed my life for the better. I've also had relationships come to an end. I honestly believe that every single relationship we have is to teach us a lesson about ourselves. So here are a few things I've deduced.

1)NEVER, under any circumstances try to "recreate" something out of your past. There is a reason life went on.
2)LET GO. Of all the resentment and misgivings of the past. Move forward always.
3)NEVER live more than 20 minutes from base.
4)EVALUATE schools before moving.
5)Keep evolving. When you stay the same person for too long you become stale.
6)READ the Bible. There are great lessons that can keep you from making mistakes.
7)FIND a teen Mom and spread acceptance.
8)How you deal with things define your character.
9)SAY "I'm in my 20's for AS long as possible." It makes for laughter.
10)CHERISH the friends I've made- no matter how far I am away. Many times recently I've gotten EXACTLY the right words from some of my most long-distance best friends. I only have a handful, and I keep them close.
11)TOMORROW is a new day. Just get through the climb of this one.
12) I don't need so much STUFF. It clutters my house and my mind. SIMPLIFY.
13)CONTINUE to listen to loud music with my kids.
14)Be open-minded and NEVER judge-It's the right thing to do.
15) When you don't know what to say, just smile.