Happy Birthday Marines!!!!!!!!

Yes, today Nov. 10th is the United States Marine Corps 231st bday!!! We are celebrating by going to the ball tonight...so excited about that! It's my night to be cinderella and Jack is my MARINE in shining armor! And boy does he look great in those dress blues! My grandfather was in the marines, he fought during WW 2, and I cannot tell you the pride I have that my hubby serves his country. We are a military family, and for us it's not just a job, it's a way of life. I know that at any given time Jack could have to leave, depending on the situation overseas...He has been on 2 different 6 month deployments, and about 6 or 7 training excersises that each lasted 6-8 wks. So that is quite a bit of time away from home. The military has been good to us though, and I just feel proud to call myself a Marine wife! But back to the point- Today is the Marine Corps birthday- 231 years!!! So happy birthday to each and every Marine- wherever you may be. Thanks for all your hard work and commitment! Remember: Once a Marine, Always a Marine; Honor, Courage, and Commitment; The few, the proud; and the title of Marine is earned, NEVER given!!!

Time out for mom

Well this has been one of those days...you know the ones when you just can't seem to get anything done, the house is a mess, you still have to go grocery shopping and the kids are bouncing off the walls (literally!) All I wanted to do was lay down on the couch and take a nap- out of the question of course! Well as the day progressed, I got alot done, only by God's grace...I have learned instead of getting stressed out (which I have a serious problem with) to just pray about it and God will handle it. He ALWAYS answers my prayers no matter how big or small! I just ask for energy, patience, determination, or whatever, and at the end of the day I'm like "wow, I was supermom today!!!" Anyway I decided that when I got dinner finished, cleaned up the kitchen, all 3 boys got their baths, and Ryan was done w/ homework I was going to take a nice relaxing bubble bath!!! I haven't done that since I don't know when. I kept thinkin' about it and when all my motherly duties were finished- I locked the bathroom door, lit a candle and started running the water- only to discover that since the 2 older boys had taken forever in the shower and Ethan had his bubble bath, there was barely any hot water left...So I settled for lukewarm. It was okay, I was lying there with my eyes shut when all of a sudden I heard footsteps running up the stairs- then a few seconds later Ryan was banging on the bathroom door. It went a little something like this: "Mommy!!! Scotty won't leave me alone! I'm trying to play my video game and he keeps blocking the TV!" Then the other 2 chimed in and were fighting over a toy...So my 10 minutes of mommy time was over. At first I was upset, wondering why can't they just leave me alone for a few minutes. Then I heard a little voice that said- be glad your children can RUN up the stairs, be glad they can TALK to you, be glad that they come to you 1st...Alot of times I get so burned out during the day. It seems like by the time they are done eating breakfast and I get it all cleaned up, it's already time to fix them lunch! I feel like a short order cook most of the time, but I remind myself to be thankful that all I have to do is place the food in front of them and (usually) they eat it! I mean I lay their clothes out and they dress themeselves, I start the shower and they bathe themselves! It's really not that bad, it could be SO much harder. I guess what I'm trying to say is I have a tendancy to feel sorry for myself or think how hard my life is sometimes, but when I don't give in to the negative lies and just thank God for what I DO have, it brings a smile to my face...all my needs are met- they always have been, I have wonderful healthy children and an amazing loving husband. Life is good and I thank God for that everyday.

trick or treatin'

Pictures from halloween party

Busy, busy, busy!

So much to do, so little time! Last saturday(Oct.28th) we went to a costume party at Amy & Billy's beautiful new home. It was a blast! Jack & I have never dressed up but it was alot of fun. We went as a 50's couple...the funny thing is we forgot to turn our clocks back so we were headed to church at 8'oclock the next morning...that had me turned around for about 3 days! I still can't get used to it being dark at 6. Then sunday we took the kids to the harvest festival at church. They got to go on a spooky hayride and got so much candy we could've skipped trick or treating all together! Then of course halloween was alot of fun. We went to Jeremiah & Jessica's and they did a great job decorating the trailer and the kids had another hayride thru the neighborhood, and got tons more candy!!! 13 kids & 13 adults- it actually went pretty smoothly! This was the 1st year Ethan really gets the concept of trick or treat- he loved it! All the kids looked so cute in their costumes. The next day my wonderful mother and father-in-law came for a visit- they were on their way back from a 3 day cruise from the Bahamas (I'm so jealous) and decided to stay here a few days before returning home to TN...We had such a good time, just enjoying each others company. The boys always love seeing their grandparents! And they were nice enough to babysit for us friday night and we got to go to the movies!!! That is a rare occurance for us to go out w/o the kids! So thanks mom & dad! Anyway the last few days I have been running around trying to get ready for the Marine Corps Ball this friday!! I am so excited. We haven't been in 3 yrs ( the last one I was 6 mos pregnant!) And there is free childcare- yipee! This time of year is always crazy- Thanksgiving is almost here- then Christmas...And the boys birthdays are 1 right after the other thru april...whew! Now I'm done. Weight Watchers tonight- oh no!!! I was forced to go to Golden Corral on thursday...wish me luck.