Our Wonderful Family

The stomach virus, nothing exciting and ready to know...

2012-01-22T09:19:00.002-05:00

This week didn't start out too well. I woke up with the stomach virus! UGH!!! It was not fun. I had to take off work of course, did I mention Aaron had it for 2 days last week? I'm hoping it's done! We didn't really do much this week other than work and school. We know that we are most likely moving back to the United States sometime between August and October. Not knowing where we are going stresses me out! I think of all the places "I hope we might go", but ultimately know we will go where we are needed.

On another note, we had a meeting with Ace's teacher. He had a really rough week last week. The meeting was great. She let us know that Ace's academic level is 2nd grade 4-5 months in. He's in 1st grade though. He's so smart! The biggest challenge has been maturity. He is one of the youngest in the class. But, I know that will come full circle in the next few years. For now I will be one proud Momma to have a smart boy! Aaron had a sleepover birthday party to go to. I know he had fun, but I really missed him. Yes, I'm that Mom that misses her boys when they go for sleepovers...I admit it! I will never be the Mom to say I can't wait till they are gone. I dream of having my family live within a few miles of me with their families. I love my family to pieces :)! I know this isn't the most exciting blog post, but I'm really trying to do at least one post a week! ;)

Has it really been over a year since I last blogged???

2012-01-14T10:10:00.003-05:00

WOW! I can't believe it has been so long since my last post. So sad I tell ya! We are still in Germany and really love it here! The boys love their school. I love their school. I LOVE my work! I took a job as a Kindergarten Aid and truly love it! We really wanted to stay here and tried, but that wasn't in our plans, so now we are awaiting the Air Force to tell us where we go next. Hopefully we will know by April.

We have traveled around a lot. Europe is beautiful! We have booked a Villa in Italy for a week long stay over Spring Break! I CAN NOT WAIT!!!!! I have wanted to go to Italy my whole life! Really I can't wait to ride in a gondola!

Here's to a new year and me working on staying more up to date on our blog ;)!

My Daddy....

2010-12-11T06:28:00.006-05:00

Well, once again it has been months since my last post. Our lives have changed tremendously. I can't say for the best, but it is all apart of God's big plan. And I find peace in knowing that. Since my last post, WAY back in August, actually about a week after that post, my Daddy died unexpectedly. As, I type those words, I can't stop the tears from flowing. It most ways it still seems so unreal to me.

Ace started his first day of Kindergarten (September 8), it didn't go well at all. He was so overwhelmed. I felt so bad for him. So I thought I would cheer him up with a treat of his choice from the store. After we did that we came home. We weren't home but maybe 2 minutes when my phone rang. The call was from my Mom's cell phone, or as my phone says Mimi's cell. When I answered it was my Aunt and when I heard her voice I knew something horrible happened. And it had. My Mom couldn't tell me, so my Aunt did...I'll never forget those words.."Lottie, your Daddy died this morning."

How could that be, I just had talked to him a day before that! Looking back I knew that would be the last time I would talk to him. I felt it in my soul and choose not to listen to the "little voice" that told me that. His last words to me were "Hug and kiss Ace and Aaron for me. Hug Mike. And I'm hugging you right now." When I hung up with him, I cried because I knew he sounded sick. I just never realized how sick he was. My plan was to go home to visit in Septemeber, but we had pushed it back to the Summer of 2011, because I didn't want to pull the kids out of school. That is something I will always regret. I know there's a reason I changed our plans, and even though I didn't get to say goodbye to my Daddy in person, I had the best conversation with him the day before he died. The last words that he said to me are ones that I will treasure forever.

Summer Ends, School Begins!

2010-08-29T09:22:00.006-04:00

Well, we have had a relaxing summer! I truely love summer. I love not having to get up so early. I love being able to hangout in our PJ's all day if we want. I love going to the pool, even if is Germany that means I might see a little more than I want, I mean do I really have to see a lady in her ealr 20's without a top to her suit and her skin still in place where it should be... No sagging! HA!! And as an American we are not use to being so comfortable with our bodies so we stare in disbelief. The boys seemed to not notice too much.

We managed to see a few local sites. Germany is so beautiful!! Every time we get in the car, I look at the window and say "Wow, it's so pretty here!" It really is that beautiful and it really amazes me everytime. This summer was sooooo HOT!! Apparently, it was the hottest summer in a long time. We made it to almost 100 a few days and with no AC, it was almost unbearable. But as I sit here now it is maybe 60 outside and raining, so I'm pretty sure summer is over :(.

Aaron starts school tomorrow. I'm still unsure how he became a 4th grader. Where does time go???? Ace will start Kindergarten next Wednesday. That's a whole issue in itself. I've cried nearly daily the past week. It seems like yesterday he was just a baby. He's so excited to start school and I'm excited for him! We met his teacher and her helper and they seem really nice. He seemed to like them and I think that they are a good match for him.

So with the kids going back to school, it is my new mission, to try and keep up on my Blog!!

My New Roll.......

2010-05-31T11:40:00.016-04:00

So, this post is not my normal, bragging about the kids, a good deal I found or a new car. It's just about little ole' me. Since we moved to Germany, 7 months now, my life has taken a different roll. Of course, I'm still a mom, wife, daughter and friend. But, I feel like I am just now finding who I am. I went from working and really feeling like I had a purpose to questioning my purpose. Yes, I have always stayed home, but before moving I worked from home and had a clear roll. Well, at least that is how I felt. I was so excited to make this move and get to "just stay home", see the world and be "The Commadant's Wife"! I am the first to admit that I have expectations of my life, don't we all??? I've always wanted to stay home and "raise my own kids". But, now that the time approaches that both will be in school full-time, I find myself wondering "what do I wanna do when I grow up??"

I thought that leaving DC wouldn't be that hard. Of course I knew I would be sad, I had made friends that I loved and adored. Their families had become apart of mine. The reality is that "keeping in touch" is hard. Moving to another country (really feels like another world) makes it that much harder. The time difference is something I have yet to get use to. Of course, I thought we would immediately start "seeing the world". But, during my day dreaming, I must have forgot the kids had school, Mike has work and we have a dog. So we have only managed a few day trips. My days are now consumed with my daily taxi job (school drop offs), laundry, paying the bills, cleaning house and walking the dog. Yes, these keep me busy, but not as busy as I like. Every 6 weeks, I get to "dress up" and go to the Airman Leadership Graduation. Mike is the Commadant (basically he runs a school that is required for all enlisted members to become a NCO). I suppose in my day dreams, I thought dinner parties and lots of socializing. We have had a few and once every 6 weeks or so, the school has a graduation I attend. I get to get dressed up and sit and the head table, because this event is hosted by Mike. As much as I like this event, I get so nervous everytime. We have to stand up and do a "parade wave" to the crowd, usually around 400 people or so. I watch Mike glide through this and I am so proud of his accomplishments. He amazes me!! :) Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my life. I wouldn't trade it for the world. But, I can't help but wonder what my purpose is, other than a mom, wife, daughter and friend? Yes those things are amazing! Really they are.

I want to work, but don't know what I want to do. I have my cosmetology license, but don't want to do that. I have consumed these past 9 years with the boys and now that they will both be in school, my roll is changing. As far as I don't have someone at home with me all day. It is forcing me to get out and make friends. As outgoing as I am, this move has challenged me the most, as far as making friends. Maybe because I was so blessed with the friends I left in DC. I have realized that being a military family, you make life long friends and you leave them with each move. They are always apart of your life, but with each move you add a new friend knowing that in a few years you will leave them behind. Sure you'll keep in touch with some, through cards, email, and Facebook. I didn't realize how much of a roll that my friends played in my daily life until this move.

I don't want to work, because I don't want to miss a field trip or any of the boys activities. Of course, I could still go on field trips and work and do activities, but having worked before I know that some field trips or activites will be sacraficed. I have done that before and it is OK, just not what I want right now in my life. This last week I went on a field trip with Aaron. I loved it and he did too. I overheard him tell his friend "This is the best field trip ever!" Later he told me that he had the most fun with me!! That was just what I needed. Those few words made me realize that I will embrace the new roll I have come upon and put my dreams aside a few more years! Before I know it my baby boys, will be big boys....

Who???

2010-02-26T14:11:00.004-05:00

Who you ask in student of the month??? Yep my baby Aaron!!! He was awarded student of the month for showing kindness...Yep he makes my heart melt!! He has to be the most thoughtful little boy's I know. I'm not saying that because he is my child, but simply because it's the truth.

He always is thinking of others before himself. This isn't new to him, it is how he has always been. I remember when he was in 2nd grade, he came home and said he wanted to give his $10, to flood victims, (he had earned over a course of a month for doing chores), at offering during chapel time at school. Of course I was all for it, but thought it was necessary to explain that he didn't have to if he wanted to give $5 that was fine whatever he wanted. He looked at me with those big blue eyes and said "Mom, I know, but they need it more than me."...TEAR!!! :) So here's to one of my many blessings....I love you Aaron!!

Swimming 101

2010-02-07T12:17:00.007-05:00

Although it is the middle of winter here in Germany, we are so blessed to be at a base that has an awesome Indoor Swimming Pool! Last month I signed the boys up for swimming lessons. They both love to swim and are really good swimmers, but to me swimming is such a life skill. So for the past 3-4 summers I have signed Aaron up. Really, I signed them up here so that they would have something to do on the weekend, I mean it did feel a little weird to signup for swim lessons right in the middle of a snow storm. Any whoooo....

Our first few lessons went great! Aaron was doing great and his instructor said he would be right on target within the next 2 lessons! Great!! Music to Mom's ears! Ace is a really good swimmer for his age. I attribute this to Keyona , ~~dragging~~ always inviting us to join her and Lael at the pool. With that said, the swim lessons were set up much different here. So I went with a level that I thought Ace would do just fine in. Not too hard, but not too easy. RIGHT!!! After this last lesson....in which I sorda pretended that he was not my child. Yes I did say that. He was a maniac!! Jumping all over the place, spashing water, I suppose normal "pool stuff", but he was suppose to be learning how to swim. As I sat there, I really thought I was going to pass out when he threw a diving ring and it nearly knocked a lady out. I smiled and almost turned my head, ya know like I was looking around for "that kids" Mom. But, I didn't I smiled and apologized. I have to say she didn't look too amused. After the class I approached the instructor and apologized for Ace's "wildness" and to my surprise she says "Oh, no Ace is a great swimmer! He needs to be moved up a few levels, I think he's just bored." Oh, music to Mom's ears, music to Mom's ears!

Addicted to dents....

2010-01-21T10:37:00.003-05:00

Dents...I've grown to love dents. Rips, scratches a small tear, yes those too! A few weeks after we arrived in Germany I noticed the "Clearance Corner" at the commissary (grocery store for those that aren't military). It is my new obsession. I try and go a few days out of the week, after I drop Aaron off at school. Well, today was my big score! Everyday I go I see an older man there. He always makes it there before me Ahhhhh!!! So of course he gets the good stuff! Well, not today Mr. Old Man! Today, I bought 44, yep you heard it right 44 items for $25.03. That's a steal :)! The best part was I had a few coupons that I was able to use with the already reduced items. I know, I know what and exciting life I lead...HA!

Just for Aunt Spicy

2010-01-17T01:30:00.004-05:00

Well, I've been soooo behind! So I gotta a little knudge, well, I would say more like a PUSH from Aunt Spicy! Thanks~~it was just what I needed. So here is a little update.

We are still adjusting to Germany. We start our travels in March. The winter has been rough. Our landlord says it's the worst in at least 10 years. It has been cold and snowed, snowed snowed!! Now, I should let all know I love snow, well, I thought I did, but now I have realized maybe I just "like it"!

Really, I do think it is so pretty, but here's the thing...we live in the next to the last village in our county. What that means for us is our roads are NEVER cleared! Our village is very small and is set down in the hills so we have to drive up hill to get out. But, with that said my new cars all wheel drive is AWESOME! The pictures above are ones I took on our way home. Nearly everytime I drive home I am in amazement of just how pretty Germany is. It is so different from the states. They don't have all the technology that we have, which means there is still so much land to look at. Not a ton of powerlines and cables. I love that! In March we have family coming and have decided that is when our travels will start. I am so excited! So here's to you Aunt Spicy! It was just the knudge (PUSH) I needed!

Not so cute, but so COZY!

2009-12-15T14:59:00.003-05:00

I just got these shoes...

WARNING:....This is just my opinion! :P
Now, I know they aren't as HOT as "Little Lady", and I probably shouldn't even wear them while I drive the HOT car, BUT they are so dang comterfull(like my Aaron say's it~~a whole different Blog post).

I ordered these last week from PIPERLIME~~they were on sale with free shipping. So I thought I'll order these to wear around the house. Well, I opened the box today and thought "Hmmmm these are UGLY! But, the fur sure feels soft~~so I guess I'll try them on." UMMMMMM, CHELLO(said like me and a few select friends), these shoes are YUMMY! I know, I know, now your thinking they are UGLY and she is wasting a post on them! Well, they are and I am! HAHA! Even though they are UGLY, I felt that they deserved a little "Shout Out!" Maybe, I'll get them in a few other colors...

Welcome "Little Lady"

2009-12-10T11:46:00.002-05:00

Santa thought I was good this year~~so he let me get a new car. I LOVE IT!! It is a 2010 Audi A4 Quattro. Once, we arrived in Germany I realized I wasn't a "Mini Van Mom" HA! Not too mention, the Hot Mama van would not fit on half the roads that are here! So of course I had no other opition but, to get a new car RIGHT??

We Made It!

2009-10-18T16:17:00.005-04:00

Well, we made it to Germany~with tears shed and a few heavy hearts! Although, we had gotten so excited to go, I don't think it hit each of us until the minute we left for the airport. The flight was soooooo long or so it felt like it~~~~7 hours! It was good and only one round of turbulence. A few notes I took:

1. Mr. Pilot~~when you say we are getting a "Egg McMuffin" for breakfast, that's what I expect....Not something SORDA like that.
2. Ms. Flight Attendent, please do not wait until my WHOLE family is settled and then proceed to tell me that the carseat that my youngest is sitting in has to go in the middle not on the outside of the row!
3. To whoever did this~~when you tell me that I will get my stroller as soon as we exit the plane, but then decide that it is better that you send it with my 8 checked bags~~ummm....did you forget that I had a thousand carry on's and 2 kids??

Last, but not least....Why tell me I have to tote my dog around in his kennel, bring him to the gate, in which I am to board at, only to call my name over the speaker to instruct me that I have to go back to the main check in desk to drop him off, and then hurry up and get back through security so that I can catch my flight on time??????

Just a few things that stood out to me :).

We found a cute little house in a village called Linden. The inside is nice and has tons of storage~~rare here~~the back yard is so cute and the front has a balcony right of the kitchen, the view is a big forest! I love it! The front needs to be painted, but as we were instructed it had to wait till Spring. Over all it will be fine, smaller than we are use to but will be a fun experience to live in a village. We are on the housing waitlist, 4-6 months we were told, we'll see.

Sorry, but no pictures yet, I will have to upload them after we get our Household goods. Till then...TOODLES :0)

Can I say YUMMY Strawberry Jam!!

2009-07-30T12:51:00.007-04:00

The posting is a little later than I had intended. But, since this was quiet possibly the best Strawberry Jam I have had, I felt it justified a couple month late posting! Oh, and I suppose I must mention that Ace and I made it HOMEMADE! Trying to work on those "Martha Stewart" like quality's (HEHE).

The boys and I took a short drive out to Butler's Orchard to pick some yummy strawberries. While we were there I saw a kit that was for making jam. I though why not! So we gathered all the goods and headed home to make it. We thought that we would all make it together, but ended up putting it off for a few days, Aaron was still in school so Ace and I had to whip it up.

The boy's had alot of fun picking them, however I do think that Ace had more fun eating the fresh strawberries!

I don't think that I am being overly confident when I say that this is quiet possibly the best jam I have ever had! It really is that YUMMY! But, maybe just maybe, that has something to do with the 7 cups of sugar it calls for!

We're Almost There!

2009-07-27T12:56:00.005-04:00

Well, Mike is almost home! If all goes as planned he will be home in less that 2 weeks! We are so excited. The boys know that he will be home soon, but not an exact date~~the schedules change so much that I don't think I could bare to let them down! The time really seemed to pass fast. We have kept busy and I think that has really helped us.

I am so proud of Mike. He has played an instrumental part in protecting our freedom! That truly makes my heart smile. He has worked everyday since January, and will probably have to work until the day he leaves. He hasn't complained once and has managed to stay upbeat and counted down by what he calls "Lobster Friday's"! I guess with him being at war he deserves a little Lobster on Friday's~! He better enjoy it there, I doubt he will have "Lobster Friday's" at the Naquin Residence! HA! I really thank everyone for there prayers and all the help that has been given to make this an easier time for all of us.

Summertime....

2009-07-21T07:54:00.004-04:00

Can I just say that Summertime is my favorite time of the year! I remember being little and staying outside playing till dark. It was great! Now my boys are doing that and I can see the fun written all over their faces and well, all over there bodies! They are down right filthy!!! I don't "play" outside till dark like back in the day, but I do work in my flowers or just sit out on my little (very), front porch and just watch all the kids play and the families walking. It is great!

The Little Tooth That Never Could!

2009-06-28T07:41:00.011-04:00

When it comes to pulling teeth in our house, well let's just say it's like the phrase "pulling teeth"! Aaron has pretty much always had a deathly fear of pulling teeth. Me being the person that I am, I just say pull it and wait for the tooth fairy, I mean who couldn't use a few bucks under their pillow???? Well, his top front teeth have been loose for months now. That is not an exaggeration at all! I am pretty sure they have been loose since Mike left for Iraq, that was in January!! So everyday I ~~threaten~~ bribe Aaron with things. A special treat, a "I heard the Tooth Fairy leaves double on Wednesday's", I've tried everything! Yes, that is to include holding him down!! No luck! Let's just say I'm not too concerned that he will easily give into peer pressure! Well, Friday came and this was the site~~

Now, as you can see this tooth is holding on for dear life! I swear that tooth was 2x longer than the other one! What a MESS! Saturday the boys stayed with a friend for a while, when I came to pick them up this is what I saw~~

All I can say is~~~ Thank Goodness knees are sometimes made to knock a loose tooth out!

Last stop in DC, Next stop Germany...

2009-06-22T21:41:00.004-04:00

WE ARE GERMANY BOUND!

Well, it's official, we found out last week that in October we will be going to Germany. We are so excited!! Mike will be an Airman Leadership School Commandant. We will be there for three years. The boys are so excited~~and I must say I am too! :) So now starts a busy few months for us. Of course like everyone else that lives here we will try and cram all the sites that we have wanted to see for the past 3 years, into a 2 week period. Hopefully once we get to Germany we will start traveling so that we can "see the world". We feel so blessed that we will have the chance to show the boys a little bit of another country. As excited as we are, we are so sad, we have made such wonderful friends here in DC, and will be so sad to leave!!!

A Peek At My Garden...

2009-06-07T20:56:00.003-04:00

Just a few peeks at my garden....

Yes, I am from Louisiana!

2009-06-04T20:57:00.005-04:00

Yes, I'm from Louisiana and so proud of it. I had a blast growing up there. I must say I can relate to almost everything on this list...With Mike in the military and us living places I never thought I would, it makes me appreciate the "Good Old Louisiana Life" that much more!

You know you're from South Louisiana if...

You can properly pronounce Lafayette, Bossier, Natchitoches, Opelousas, Shongaloo, Pontchartrain, Ouachita, and you know that New Orleans doesn't have a long "e" sound anywhere in it.
You think people who complain about the heat in their states are sissies.
A tornado-warning siren is your signal to go out in the yard and look for a funnel.
You know that the true value of a parking space is not determined by the distance to door but by the availability of shade.
You cringe every time you hear an actor with a Southern or Cajun accent in a "New Orleans-based" movie or TV show.
You measure distance in minutes.
You listen to the weather forecast before picking out an outfit.
Someone you know has used a football schedule to plan their wedding date.
You aren't surprised to find movie rental, ammunition, beer, and bait all in the same store.
A Mercedes Benz isn't a status symbol, a Chevy Silverado Extended Bed Crew Cab Truck is
You know everything goes better with Tony's or Tabasco.
You actually get these jokes.
You are 100% Louisianan if you have ever had this conversation:"You wanna coke?""Yeah.""What kind?""Dr Pepper."
You have ever had to switch from heat to AC in the same day.
You use "fix" as a verb. Example: "I am fixing to go to the store."
All the festivals across the state are named after a fruit, vegetable, insect, or mammal.
You know only four spices: salt, pepper, Tabasco, and Tony's
The local newspaper covers national and international news on one page, but requires six pages for local gossip and sports.
You know all four seasons: Almost summer, summer, still summer, and Christmas.
You know whether another Louisianian is from New Orleans, North Louisiana, or South Louisiana as soon as they open their mouth.
You describe the first cool snap (below 70 degrees) as good gumbo weather.
Fried catfish is the other white meat.
You reinforce your attic to store Mardi Gras beads.
Your sunglasses fog up when you step outside.
Your ancestors are buried above the ground.
You take a bite of five-alarm chili and reach for the Tabasco.
You sit down to eat boiled crawfish and your host says, "Don't eat the dead ones," and you know what he means.
You don't learn until high school that Mardi Gras is not a national holiday.
You push little old ladies out of the way to catch Mardi Gras beads.
Little old ladies push YOU out of the way to catch Mardi Gras beads.
You leave a parade with footprints on your hands.You believe that purple, green, and gold look good together.
Your last name isn't pronounced the way it's spelled.
You know what a nutria is but you still pick it to represent your baseball team.
No matter where else you go in the world, you are always disappointed in the food.
Your town is low on the education chart, high on the obesity chart and you don't care because you're No. 1 on the party chart.
You know that Tchoupitoulas is a street and not a disease.
Your grandparents are called "Maw-Maw" and "Paw-Paw."
Your Santa Claus rides an alligator and your favorite Saint is a football player.
You have to reset your clocks after every thunderstorm.
When it starts to rain, you cover your beer instead of your head.
You eat dinner out and spend the entire meal talking about all the other good places you've eaten.
You know what is meant by K&B purple.
You know what it means for food to come 'dressed'...you 'ax' for things...
When you ask people where they went to school, they answer with their high school.
You save newspapers, not for recycling but for tablecloths at crawfish boils
Drive-thru daquiris -- it's not drinking and driving until you put the straw in.
You stand on the neutral ground at parades and have no idea what a 'median' is.

I'm a Cowboy Baby!

2009-05-28T20:03:00.003-04:00

Yes, quiet often I allow my child to run around outside in rain boots and his underwear~~~well anyone who knows me would know that is so far from the truth! But, when Mr. Nelle (my friend Janelle), as Ace calls her, stopped by to pick up a jacket I thought I could quickly run it out to her. Well, before we knew it Ace decided to come out too! He ran outside in his dinosaur underwear and dinosaur rain boots (at least they matched) and said "Don't you fink I look like a cowboy?" We laughed so hard! And of course our response to him was "Yes we do, yes we do Ace!"

My Life is Back!

2009-05-14T17:55:00.003-04:00

What a week this has been! My computer crashed eight days ago~~THANKS DELL GUY!! Now, I must say I never realized how much I depended on my computer. After about ummm 6 hours of fighting with Dell over what my warranty covered I was able to get my hard drive replaced! All, I can say at this point is THANK YOU!!! :) I look forward to getting this part of my life back.....

3 Months Down, 3 To Go and a School Dance

2009-05-03T11:13:00.010-04:00

Well, we have made it to the half way point! It really has gone by fast. Mike and I get to talk, email or chat daily and that is such a lifesaver! The boys have adjusted pretty well. Rouge looks forward to video chat Sunday's, whoever thought a dog would like that!!

Mike sent us this picture~~
He looks really busy to me! Actually, it is one of the very few down times he has had. Now on to a few random things. We went to a school dance this past Friday~~~Ace had tons of fun and well Aaron as he says "is just not the dancing type"!!

Ace was so exhausted after the dance. Sometimes I look at him and think~~if I only had 1% of the energy he had. Aaron just watched and enjoyed some pizza. Well, that is until I forced him to dance. Maybe one day he'll be the "dancing type"!

Spring Things

2009-04-18T21:30:00.005-04:00

Although I still find it hard to beleive that we live in DC~~there are a few things I have really grown to love. I love having a true Spring. It is wonderful! It is so pretty around the Downtown area. The boys and I took a few days to check out the site's and all the blooming flowers and trees. It was great!

So here's something funny we spotted! This sign is too funny~~it is posted right along the Tidal Basin. For those of you who aren't in DC, ummm all the things pictured is what everyone does around that area! Aaron even laughed. All in all, we are happy that "Spring has Sprung!"

White House Easter Egg Roll 2009

2009-04-16T22:53:00.007-04:00

Let's Go Play!

PRICELESS~!

Extreme Makeover~~Bunny and Duck Style

2009-03-30T13:12:00.005-04:00

Easter is here! It is my favorite holiday by far. I saw these bunnies in a catalog, at $35-45.00 a piece, well that was out of my "Easter decorating budget". My mission began. I searched a few thrift stores and found these.

Now, I must say they looked to be in need of a little TLC. At, $1.21 a piece how could I not get them? So off to Lowe's I went to buy spray paint. $3.14 later here is my version of them...

Although, they are a little different, at just under $8.00 I am so happy with the finished result! Happy Easter!

Spring is here Spring is here it's the best time of the year...

2009-03-29T17:57:00.015-04:00

Here are a few things we did today...

We stopped to smell the flowers.

We had fun swinging from trees.

We walked hand in hand.

We played hide n' seek.

We reached for the sky.

We had a wonderful day!

Tickets to the Easter Egg Roll

2009-03-26T21:20:00.010-04:00

Well, after all day of trying~~~we got tickets. We actually got tickets the the White House Easter Egg Roll!! WOW! It was the last batch! I am so excited that the boys will get to experience this! I am so excited that they will be part of a tradition that dates back to 1878. For us this is a once in a life time opportunity...I am not the person who would go back every year. Getting 3 tickets literally took me all day (I started checking @ midnight)! I am truly so thankful!

Mike's TDY

2009-03-11T17:34:00.003-04:00

Well, we are almost 2 months into Mike's TDY. It has gone by pretty fast. We all have had such an "adjustment period." We talk to Mike pretty regularly and that seems to help. The boys love to video chat, it is a great Saturday treat! Here are a few things I have learned:

1. Ace has figured out the " I miss my Daddy + pouty face" will get him out of trouble~he's too smart.

2. I must follow a schedule! I can't fall off the wagon or the days a mess!

3. Aaron although only 7 is such a big helper.

4. Mike should have took the dog with him! HA HA! Man, he's cute but he's driving me nuts! Mike is going to loose it when he returns to find Rouge sleeping on his pillow :).

5. I miss Mike so much. He is truly my sole mate and best friend.

But, really all in all we are doing pretty good. We have our days and Mike has his. I am so thankful to have such wonderful friends. That has made this time in our lives so much easier.

Elvis has entered the room~or maybe it's Lawrence?

2009-02-22T09:49:00.006-05:00

I think that I have spotted Elvis! Well, actually it is Lawrence Naquin (Mike's Dad). Every Friday he thinks he's Elvis and so does the crowd that he sings for. You see Lawrence has an addiction, he is seriously addicted to Karaoke! Every Friday without question he goes. Forget family, friends or any illness he is faithfully there! He has become a local celebrity, as well as a crowd favorite. The boys and I are looking at taking a trip home while Mike is in Iraq, we will be in the front row screaming for ELVIS! So here's to you Lawrence~

THIS IS ME

2009-02-16T09:26:00.007-05:00

I'm putting myself out there! I thought I would introduce the "real me." I have noticed in past blogs, I only put pictures of myself that I like or is at just the right angle. I have no problem posting crazy pictures of the kids, Mike or even the dog. Well, today I decided you would see the "real me" So here goes...

This is me without make-up.

Aaron cute as ever, Me what kinda face is that?

I'm the girl that wears make-up everyday, can't stand the closet doors open, has to have the toilet paper on a certain way, must have the shower curtain closed, can't keep up with laundry to save my life, wipes the kitchen sink out every time it gets wet, makes all the beds everyday, steam cleans the cars rugs, loves a perfectly clean house and keeps it that way 90% of the time, but, hates to dust. I could go on for a hour of all my "funny quirks." But, today I realized that's just me. Don't get me wrong there's tons I would change about myself , but I realize that some of these things are just me. They are what make me~~me.

Question of the Day~?

2009-02-07T20:07:00.004-05:00

Ace~~"Mom, can you do me a FLAVOR?" Ahhhh, priceless, to cute too correct!

1 Goat, 1 Dog Sweater, 1 Dog Toy and Hershey's Chocolate Heart???

2009-02-06T20:12:00.004-05:00

Well, Mike has been deployed for almost 2 weeks now. I think this evening I finally realized that it would be late summer before we saw him again. In an attempt to give us all a "pick us up", I took the boys to dinner and then we had to run to Target. Well, we were in Target hmmm a little over an hour. All was great~~Ace was sitting in the buggy quietly and Aaron and I had the best conversation. We got to the register to check out, Ace hands our stuff to the cashier, meanwhile Aaron and I are still talking, I move down and she says $62.17~~hmmmm I only came for 4 things. I look at the line 4 people had gathered behind us. I dig out the cash, still confused on how it cost that much. I think I'll just check once we get in the car. I sit in the drivers seat and look at the receipt~~1 goat, 1 dog toy, 1 dog sweater and a large heart filled with chocolate!! What!?? So this is why Ace was a sweet little angel, he too enjoyed himself shopping! So off to Target I go tomorrow to return Ace's "impulse buys!"

For me???

2009-01-27T17:36:00.007-05:00

Although I am posting this a little late~~I won the Lemonade Stand Award for my blog! This means I have just the right sweet and sour mixed together to make a great blog. I am so excited! First, I would like to thank my family for all the years of support~~where would I be without you (HEHE). OK enough joking. Thank you Keyona for giving me this Award! Now, to the best part, I get to pass it to a few of my buddies:
Autumn, Janelle, Dusty, Ronda and Kristen~~Congratulations ladies.

And Finally SNOW!!!

2009-01-27T09:11:00.008-05:00

Well, finally we have snow! First of all let me thank Mr. Weatherman for getting it right! The boys were so excited and it was a major "pick us up" since we were all down in the dumps with Mike leaving. Aaron was released early from school so after picking him up, home we headed to get geared up for our first snowball fight! Aaron couldn't wait to get the first throw in! We walked all around the base~~we wanted to be the first to step in the fresh snow~it was GREAT! Since Mike was unable to be here, we took Daddy Doll out to play too. He also enjoyed playing in the snow!

Are you Styling?

2009-01-27T09:01:00.006-05:00

Ace is completely "potty trained!" With that came the big boy underwear. He loves them~they have "dinosaurs on his booty". He likes to walk around in just them and a top and says "Mom look at me~~I'm Styling!"

Queso Blanco Anyone?

2009-01-03T17:08:00.007-05:00

Well, although this would not be my first choice for a new posting, I promised Aaron I would do one about his "FAVORITE" dip! I must say it is pretty yummy. It is the Queso Blanco Dip from Don Pablo's (http://www.donpablos.com/) It is not your average Queso~~it is so much more. Aaron will always choose this as a meal with a side of flour tortilla's. So here is to my sweet Aaron~!

New Year, Lots of Changes...

2008-12-26T17:03:00.006-05:00

As we prepare for the New Year, we are also preparing for Mike's departure. He will leave sometime in January for Iraq. We ask that everyone keeps us in their prayers. We are preparing the boys and are welcome to any suggestions to make this time a little easier for all of us. We are so thankful that Mike was home for the holidays. The boys have already said they would be "my big helpers!" Mike went last week to a briefing and received a voucher for a Daddy Doll (http://www.daddydolls.com/). I think this is such a neat thing the boys are going to love it. Check back throughout January more news on the deployment.

Christmas Morning

2008-12-25T20:07:00.012-05:00

We had a wonderful Christmas! Santa was able to stick pretty close to his budget. He brought Aaron and Mike a Wii~WOW has the Nintendo come a long way! Ace thought everything was "INCREDIBLE!" He really enjoyed Christmas this year. I loved watching his excitement as he opened each gift. Aaron was amazed that Santa left "goodie bags" that matched his Christmas PJ's. How smart is Santa? Mike was happy with the kitchen gadgets he received. As for me~Santa completely blew the budget! I received a Nikon D60! It is now charged and ready. Happily the Kodak Easy Share will be retired. After presents we enjoyed Beignets, (ben-ya`)these are fried dough covered with powdered sugar~~they are so yummy! We had a wonderful day enjoying all of our goodies that Santa left.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2008-12-25T10:19:00.002-05:00

Hi all,

We hope that each of you are having a wonderful Christmas! The boys were so excited this morning. Aaron thought "Santa is a really clever guy!" and Ace thought it was all "INCREDIBLE!!!" Check back soon for pictures of our Christmas morning.

Mike, Carlota, Aaron and Ace

A perfect gift just for me!

2008-12-20T07:30:00.003-05:00

I love perfume! I wear perfume every single day without exception. I think I get this from my Mom, she loves perfume. My sister, Courtney and I have both inherited the "love of perfume gene." I must say I don't wear cheap perfume. I'm not sure why, but I am naturally drawn to the more pricey stuff. Well, a few days ago one of my very dearest friends Autumn gave me the perfect gift!! She knows me oh so well!! It was a Scent Sampler. What is a Scent Sampler you ask? It is a perfectly cute box with nine different perfume samples and a atomizer. Included is a Scent Certificate~~this allows you to go back to Sephora to get a full size bottle of your favorite perfume out of the set! My dream come true~~Thank you Autumn. I really appreciate you!

Question of the Day~~~

2008-12-11T19:42:00.004-05:00

As I sat with Aaron at the bus stop this morning, we were talking about random things. We started talking about Santa and the things he hoped he would bring him. I reminded him that Santa would bring a few things he wanted, but the true meaning of Christmas was not what we got. Then he said "Well it is good that all the things he brings us is free, that way you don't have to buy them." I said "I suppose your right, Aaron." He stops and thinks a minute~~~ then says "Mom, does Santa pay taxes?" Right then the bus turns the corner. SAVED!! Maybe, just maybe I bought another precious year of playing Santa~!

Is Christmas Really Almost Here????

2008-12-06T09:00:00.006-05:00

I can't believe that is is already Christmas! This year has really flown by. We have had a great year. The boys are so ready for Christmas and that includes Mike. He still thinks that we should open presents daily and if we get gifts from out of town family--OPEN THEM NOW!~~~ Well, I like to wait till Christmas morning. We'll see who wins the battle this year, I sadly have to say Mike has won it more than once~~I suppose when it comes to Christmas most of us are just kids at heart and how long can one say no to the chance at a nice gift. I also have to report that I managed to stay true to the budget I set. We decided a few months back that we go a "little crazy" with the gifts at Christmas. This year I set a $125 limit with each of the boys and have stuck to it, even a few dollars under it! I am so proud of myself, I have had to fight off temptation more than a dozen times. Not an easy task~~and for those of you who know me all too well I love to SHOP!!!

Oatmeal Quickies

2008-11-15T16:12:00.018-05:00

Growing up I can't count the times my Dad would whip up what he called "Oatmeal Quickies". They are so easy and so yummy. Last night we made them as a family. Aaron and Ace ate sooooo many. I can't believe that they didn't get sick. It was the first time I had ever made them and it brought back such memories--Thanks Dad!!

Rouge is sick!!!

2008-11-15T16:01:00.003-05:00

Ace came in our room today and informed us that Rouge was sick. For those of you who don't know Rouge is our dog. So I asked what was wrong "He needs to go to the doctor, Mom Rouge has Chicken POPS!" What a laugh I got out of this--poor Ace was so serious. He almost looked annoyed that I was laughing at him.

We are so ready for Thanksgiving

2008-11-09T15:12:00.004-05:00

I can't believe that Thanksgiving is almost here! I love this time of year. Today, we planned our menu. We decided this year that we would change things up a bit. We have family coming to visit and thought it would be great to cook some foods that are more "Louisiana Style". So this year a shrimp dish will be included with the main courses. We will still have some of our favorites though. Mike went to the store today to start gathering the goods. Since we do most of the shopping on base, we know that as Thanksgiving gets closer some items will run out. Check back for feedback on how everyone enjoyed our not so "traditional" Thanksgiving.

Ace saying Grace...

2008-10-26T19:38:00.002-04:00

This is Ace saying his prayer before he eats, well actually in the middle of his meal, it is too cute. We say grace at each meal, Ace says his a little different. He doesn't say God he says Bod. He loves to be the person to say grace. It is priceless!

Our Pumpkin Patch Visit

2008-10-26T19:17:00.001-04:00

Last weekend we went to Butler's Orchard to pick pumpkins. We all had so much fun. We went on a hayride, had hot apple cider and caramel apples. The boys loved getting lost in the Corn Maze. As we where looking at pumpkins Ace found his perfect pumpkin and just sat on it. It was so cute!! It was a perfect way to spend the weekend.

My "FALLSCAPE"

2008-10-26T19:06:00.000-04:00

Each year I create what I like to call my "FALLSCAPE". I am not sure exactly where the name came from and I know it is not a real word, but it has stuck. Although we really miss Louisiana at times, fall is not one of those times. We love the change of leaves and the crisp weather. It is something we never had growing up. Everyone comments on my Fallscape and today a neighbor with her baby came over and had a photographer take a few "FALLISH" pictures. Yes, I know fallish is another word that some would consider not a real word, but it just sounds like it should be. RIGHT??

The SWEETEST Words!!

2008-10-15T12:58:00.000-04:00

As I went to tuck Ace in last night, I said "I love you Ace." He said "I love you too Mommy, Ahhh you make my heart smile." He could never know how much that touched me! It was so amazing to hear that after a long day....... The pictures with this post are ones we took of Ace last year. Lesson #101 inlife--Why not to leave a 2 year old unattended. Ace found a BRAND NEW UNOPENED box of chocolate in the pantry. He not only opened the box, but also opened the plastic paper. What were we doing you ask?? On the computer. At the moment we saw him, all we could do was laugh and get the camara.

Where does time go?

2008-10-11T20:31:00.001-04:00

Ace has started Pre-School. I must say I was so nervous about this. He is the most loving little boy and at the same time can be the wildest monkey in the ZOO! He has gone 3 weeks now. By the 2nd week I had talked to the teacher about Ace, she said he was still in his "transition" period. As a parent all I heard was he is not getting the routine. I thought great, my child is that one the one that the other parents look at funny as he approaches the class. Well, by the end of the 3rd week the teacher said Ace's "transition" was going much better--umm he is not as bad?? On Friday when I went to pick him up I got the briefing from the teacher. As I am listening to her, my eyes fill with tears. I look at her and tell her I am going through a "transition"! Honestly, she must have thought I needed medication, but all of the sudden I realized that Ace was at school and loved it. I was so sad and yet so happy. I suppose I wanted him to scream and cry when I dropped him off. Instead the "Big Boy" he is said " Bye Mommy I love you, have a good day." I can't believe that he is already 3!

Today I am THANKFUL.........

2008-10-11T20:15:00.000-04:00

As all my friends and family know yesterday was my 31st (WOW) birthday. I was kinda down since Mike was gone, he's TDY to Wyoming. When I got up I had the poor me thoughts, I know I know, there is so much worse going on in the world. However, in our house when it is your birthday it is YOUR day! So that is my justification.

Little did I know that my AWESOME friend Autumn and her wonderful husband Brad, as well as my sweet little Avery had a sweet surprise in mind. They greeted me at the door with a Happy Birthday, flowers, a present and the cutest bundt cake ever! It really was the best! Thank you guys so much! We are so blessed to have you in our lives!!

As the day went on I thought I would treat the boys to dinner, because back to the YOUR day rule--I don't cook on my birthday. However, our other wonderful friends the Villarreal's, plus Grandma, had dinner taken care of. I was once again greeted at the door with a Happy Birthday song, flowers, YUMMY Chicken Nachos and a German Chocolate cake! It was great. Thank you so much, Jesse, Tina, Clarissa, Nicholas and Grandma. Although Mike wasn't here each of you made my day special.

My David Beckham

2008-09-10T21:53:00.001-04:00

For those of you close to us, we have probably had this discussion. Mike or should I say David has become quiet the celebrity. It seems that we can't go anywhere lately without people coming up to Mike to ask for his autograph. Mike is so funny---he goes along with it. Really we were at Target last weekend and a man walked up to Mike all flustered and asked for his autograph, but informed Mike (David Beckham) that he couldn't find any paper. It's crazy!!

Mike has started to coach Aaron's soccer team, so I am on a mission to find soccer clothes and take look alike photos. Check back in a few days...

Our Trip Home

2008-09-02T21:33:00.000-04:00

On our last trip to Louisiana, we got to meet Chef Paul Prudhomme. He gave us a personal tour of his house and the kitchen that he uses to create all of his seasonings. For those of you not from Louisiana, he is a "famous" chef. Mike's Dad works for a company that handles his products and knows him personally. We had a blast and since we both had grown up seeing him on TV, this was an awesome experience. Check out his website to see what he has to offer or just read up on him http://www.chefpaul.com/

We are starting a BLOG!!

2008-09-02T14:22:00.000-04:00

We are finally starting a blog. It may take a few weeks to get it up and running. We hope that you will check back to see our progress. We think that this will be an awesome way to let our family and friends see what we are doing although we are miles from our home.