A Sweet Treat

As Halloween is making its grand appearance in a few days I found myself completely in love with the holiday festivities and how amazing it must be to be child and do all the fun activities and traditions that go along with each passing holiday. I, myself, in way am envious of this exciting time in a child's eyes since I never got to celebrate holidays as a child, raised as Jehovah's Witness (not anymore), so I am just as excited if not more excited to be participating in all things holiday. I may not have childhood memories of me painting/craving a pumpkin, getting dressed up in some costume, and knocking on complete strangers door to receive candy but my son sure will, and I will get to be right beside him enjoying it all!

To be honest this is something I've been looking forward to since I knew I was pregnant and it is a fun time and well needed for both Chrispy and I. To say he hasn't been well behaved would be an understand of the century! I never realized how hard a deployment was going to be on him and the hubby not being here sure has put a little gray in our clear sky's. I do try my best to be both Momma and Dada but let's face it, a boy needs his Dada around to toss him, rough house, and at times to have a Nerf gun fight in the living room. Halloween has been something that has kept both Mr. Chrispy and my mind occupied and has helped the time go by. So even if I don't get to stuff my face with as much candy as Chrispy, though I have already eaten an entire bag of cow tales :), at least knowing that Chrispy is having fun is enough of a sweet treat for me.

We have so many more happy moments than sad but when the sad hits, it's pretty rough. Me holding onto Chrispy as he has a full on tantrum trying to soothe him while holding back tears and really just wanting to run away myself. He doesn't understand and I can't make him, not yet, he is just too young to understand the meaning of sacrifice and honor, that will just come later. Days that we are just gliding through till the next meal are the hard one's with no real purpose in-between, so we try to make the most of that time by pumpkin painting to baking dog biscuits. I always try to remember that I am all he has right now so I need to understand his needs and to do my best not to lose my cool when it feels like that is all I can do.

I hope everyone has a safe and fun Happy Halloween!! And now I leave you with a link to a tutorial on how to paint a pumpkin by Mr. Chrispy himself! :)

Happy Halloween Y'all! :)

To DC We Go

So a few weeks ago I made plans and traveled to Washington D.C. to visit some friends that I met in Japan…all Americans. Yep, so confusing but we were all stationed at Yokota Air Base in Japan and became friends and they all managed to get stationed in DC…within minutes of each other, which made me so happy. Just the thought that I was going to be seeing these beautiful women made my heart sing, especially since the hubby is deployed.

I figured the trip was going to be crazy long with tons of stops because of Mr. Chrispy but apparently someone was on my side because we managed to get there from Ohio in about 7 hours. My trick to this amazing trip, keeping Chrispy up the night before till about 10:30, packed the car the night before, and left the house at about 6:30 to make some distance. It all payed off!! Chrispy slept almost the entire ride to DC! Amazing!!

Seeing my girlfriend Deborah for the first time in months, almost a year, since our parting in Japan was almost surreal….like nothing had happened during our time apart and we picked up exactly where we left it!!! I love this girl!! We are pretty much like peas and carrots if Forrest was to describe us (yes, a Forrest Gump reference).

After arriving at her place and getting the grand tour of a beautiful old townhouse in Old Town Alexandria we got dressed and ready for dinner with two of my other amazing girlfriends living there too!! It was like Christmas!! As soon as I spotted some beautiful blond hair and the most beautiful pregnant woman you have ever seen, I pretty much jumped out of my chair to greet them at the door…oh how I miss my ladies!

After closing down the restaurant and eating some of the most delicious food, which I was so upset about at that moment…I couldn't finish my meal because I have the stomach of a small infant (insert longing to want dessert but can never even get a bite down :( )  we said our goodbye's and made plans for a visit the next day. Deborah and I decided to take advantage of the fact that we were childless and didn't have to pay a sitter to walk the streets and look at all the amazing old houses that make Old Town. I could have flown over the moon with my excitement at all the history that filled these streets….if only I were a millionaire.

The week played out like this, babies, food, cleaning, wine, babies, food, go shopping, food again, and cleaning, and I enjoyed every minute of it! Oh, and we all managed to get sick together at some point..in fact, I somehow managed to overdose a little on Municex (didn't know that could be done) because I forgot to read the instructions on weight and dosage, my bad. We did manage to go see a few sites with the babies but I will say, having a two year old that is always on the run is not exactly idea for DC and the flowing of traffic and people. Just stopping into a few places to visit was more than enough and to be honest, Chrispy wasn't really interested in it yet. Maybe by the time the hubby gets back we can go as a trio…making it a little easier on Momma ;)

The theme song of this trip for sure was "All About that Bass" since neither one of us could care how many calories we were consuming and just ate to our hearts desire, after all "boys like a little more booty to hold at night" ;)

                          Yes, a man playing his violin during lunch hour in downtown DC!

                                                 Food Trucks!!! I love Food Trucks!!

After a week of running around the city just to be home by 2 every afternoon for naps had us worn out, but just being near to close friends was enough to fill me with energy again. I honestly couldn't have taken this trip at a better time because I was just starting to get that feeling of loneliness without the hubby.

As for the drive home…well, it was way different coming then going. First off, Chrispy about lost his mind just in the first hour on the road and we had to pull over just an hour into our drive. After eating breakfast and doing some necessary running around at McDonald's, we were back on the road for just a  three hours before I literally almost ran out of gas and was holding my breath for miles before I saw the next gas station. Oops!!! Next time I will remember to look down at the gas range every once in awhile on trips. An hour to stop and eat lunch and do another lap around a restaurant for people to make judgmental looks at me as if I'm the worst parent ever…whatever! Seriously, when did "back seat parenting" become appropriate? My kid is two, a boy, and has energy pumping through his veins like a Monster Truck reviving up it's engine…DEAL WITH IT!!

Back on the road again and as I prayed for a solid hour for Chrispy to take a nap he decided to scream at me from the back seat…so I turned the music up louder,.."DEAR SWEET BABY JESUS, GET US HOME IN ONE PIECE AND DO NOT LET ME HURT MY CHILD"…(my thoughts).

When we finally pulled into our neighborhood I thought tears were going to bust out of my eyes for I could not wait to jump out of the car! Thankfully, it was the late afternoon and all the neighborhood kids were out playing..perfect…Chrispy got to play and I got to unload the car and love on the boys…a win win if you ask me. After a quick dinner and some unpacking, we were both in bed by 8:30, I would say a vacation well done. Already making plans to go back and my dear friends are already talking a little mini vacation to Pittsburgh (it's half way between our homes).

Even though traveling with a toddler is super hard I feel as a single parent right now I do feel like it is always worth it in the end. Next month we fly to New Mexico for a wedding…I can't even begin to tell you how nervous I am to go it alone with a rambunctious toddler on my hands, and luggage, and a carseat…Pray For Me!!

Have a Happy Day Y'all! :)

Too Much and Never Enough Time

So the last few weeks my world has been so full to the max that it seems I had to schedule things down to the hour to get everything done and make everyone happy….I'm exhausted!! First the best news, the hubby came home to visit us just for a short week before he left for his deployment. To say Chrispy and I were happy would be an understatement. I couldn't wait to wrap my arms around his neck and Chrispy reacted in a way I couldn't have been prepared for with a  two year old, he began crying as soon as he saw the hubby.

Chrispy spotted him before we even did and he leaped, literally, out of my arms and into a crowd of people coming the opposite direction crying with his arms out wide to make a landing right into his Dada's arms….my heart exploded into a million pieces…a moment that we really had been looking forward to.

After getting him home and rested for just one evening I was off to Indiana with my Momma who flew in from South Carolina just the day before. It was the first time I have ever spent the night away from Chrispy as well as a full day…but I knew he was in the best of hands with his Dada that wanted to do nothing more than snuggle his little man :)

After a quick trip to Indiana to see some family and attend an awesome wedding, we headed back to Ohio but first made a quick stop at an Amish food market that was so awesome!!! First of all, how are the Amish not fat after the kind of food they make? We left the market with cheeses and meats from the deli, spices, pies, jerky, and real homemade pickles. Might have to make an two hour trip out of my way to grab some more goodies one day.

We made it home just in time to do nothing for the rest of the day because everyone in the house was so tired. After ordering junk food in and watching cartoons all night, we all throw in the towel at 8:30… yep, we really know how to live it up :)

The hubby had some last minute errands to run at work so I spent the day with my Momma and Chrispy browsing the aisles at Ikea, they don't have one in South Carolina, and thought at one point we were going to have to buy a new suitcase for the plane for my Momma with all the stuff she wanted to buy. I know Momma, I know, I love Ikea too! I would love it more if the kids play area would've allowed little kids that aren't potty trained yet too but I guess only some miracles can happen. *Note to self, work on potty training!!!

After another day for play it was time for the Momma to head home and for the hubby, Chrispy, and I to get our week of family time before we had to let him go for a solid 6 months. :(

We took our time together very seriously and spent most it just playing games, eating, ready books, and lots of snuggles. Jay made sure to take his evening walks with Chrispy as usual but every time they headed out it was just a reminder what little things we were really going to be missing.

It seemed that the week came and went in a flash and before you know it I was driving hubby to the airport with a loaded down car full of military uniforms, equipment, and a baby. We managed to get to the airport at a respectful 2 hours before take off time and once the hubby and I had to be separated to go through TSA, Chrispy about lost his mind trying to get to the hubby, and I knew this was going to be hard.

We spent the next hours at the terminal, playing on the floor with Chrispy, talking about last minute details like travel plans and bills, and just reminding ourselves we could do this, we have before, and we are strong. It seems no matter how many times we say goodbye to each other it still never gets easier. We held each other in a circle of three as everyone else had boarded the plane and kissed each other goodbye and he walked away. The door closed behind him and I could barely catch my breath as tears went rolling down my face.

Chrispy looked at me with a big smile but concerned eyes and said, "Momma, okay" and wrapped his perfect arms around my neck and just hugged me tight as I walked out of the airport as fast as I could. The ride home was nothing but tears from Momma and Chrispy singing along with his DVD.

So far, every day is a challenge but we haven't had any extreme meltdowns just yet…I'm sure they will happen on really bad days. We are trying to keep ourselves super busy. It is honestly so nice to be a stay-at-home Momma now while hubby is deployed for the simple fact that I can devote all my time to Chrispy and his well being during this emotional time. I even have time for myself to go the gym, shopping, or pamper myself when needed. The hard part for me now is at night, after Chrispy has gone to bed and I'm left to entertain myself.

In the days leading up to his departure I kept praying for another day and another, but now I realize that there would never  have been enough time to make up for how much we miss him. 6 Months and counting down…

Happy Weekend Y'all!

28 Things About Me

I decided that I should do a "things about me" post since there is a lot about me people don't know, or some do, but it's still funny when you actually start listing randomness. I decided on the number 28 do to my age, yikes!!!, so without further ado….

28 Things About Me

1. I had my first scare with skin cancer at age 22, turns out I was lucky, but ever since I will not leave the house without lathering up with sunblock and all my makeup is SPF…."what's that delicious fragrance?…sunblock" :)

2. My favorite season's are Spring and Fall and I'm deciding that is because it's not too hot or too cold at those times.

3. I prefer brunch food for every meal.

4. I have a crazy fear of not getting enough sleep.

5. I nap almost every time Christian naps. See number 4.

6. I drink sugar in my first cup of coffee/tea but never after that.

7. I once killed at baby Coral snake when I was 13 at my sister's friend Eve's pool with her father's shovel while they stood on top of a table screaming…I still tell that story as if I were hunting a deer…heroic! ;)

8. I once ran into the back of a man's Mercedes when I first got my driver's licenses because I wasn't paying attention…the man told me not to worry about it and let me go without reporting it…my parents never found out,…until now ;)

9. Every time I pumped during the "year of breastfeeding" my hubby would start singing The Black Eyed Peas Pump It…Every.Time!!!

10. I have an irrational fear that Jaws will attack me in pools.

11. My favorite pie is Strawberry and I will go great distances to pick one up if located.

12. I was a vegetarian for 8 years of my life, one of which I was a complete vegan…I now can't have a meal without meat in it! Did someone say bacon?

13. I imagine heaven to be a bakery filled with delicious warm breads and desserts with butter and creams and you never gain weight…HEAVEN!

Heaven!!! Could you pass the butter please?

14. I have a crazy thing about Mayo and won't even touch the jar/bottle it is in without a napkin between my hand and it….totally gross!

15. I used to eat a whole dozen of Krispy Kreme donuts, in a sitting. 

16. Every time I turn on the shower I jump away in anticipation of the water, every time!

17. I once watched the same movie every day for a year, Under the Tuscan Sun.

18. I don't really like basketball…shh, don't tell my husband.

19. I've seen every single episode of I Love Lucy, Sex and the City, The Golden Girls, and Friends…I can quote most of it too.

20. I read all the books of Fifty Shade of Grey in a week…yikes

21. I am not impressed with the Twilight movies, in fact, who did the casting for that? 

22. I've always had this weird thing for Kevin Bacon and James Spader…Footloose and Pretty in Pink Era…

23. I've only really ever been afraid once in my life, the day my son was born.

24. I've only really ever felt complete the day my son was born.

25. I thought the Air Force Basic Military Training was super fun, like a summer workout vacation that you couldn't really smile or talk during.

26. I once threw up in front of a military gate guard after a night of drinking…wow, he let me through the gate.

27. I used to take twirling lessons…yep, it's a real thing.

28. I dream of owning my own boutique one day that sells home decor, nursery items, baby clothes, women clothes, and is attached to a french style bakery….dreams!

Fall Tots Favorites

OMG!!! Labor Day has finally come and gone and we are looking at Fall, that really couldn't get here fast enough! Once Labor Day is over it's time to pack up the swimsuits and bust out our scarfs and jeans, but the weather just doesn't seem to get the hint. With all the back to school sales going on I have been hitting up kids clothing pretty hard for Mr. Chrispy trying to grab him some essentials for the Fall/Winter. Have y'all been in H&M Kids and Baby department lately? They have the cutest little outfits for boys and girls and I just love the quality of the kids clothing. I've been dressing Mr. Chrispy in H&M since he was born and still stop there first when hunting for so new threads for him.

Anywhere else good to get good quality, affordable, and stylish clothing for your tots? More importantly, places that actually sell cute boys clothing too…since everyone seems to always have more girl clothes!!

Check it some cute little threads…..

Striped Dress

Sweatshirt

Boots

Lined Sneakers

Slim Jeans

Cotton Blouse

Long Sleeved T-Shirt

I will admit, the little girls clothing makes me feel for a little moment that I might want to try for another baby, but it's shirts like the last the remind me that would be just crazy for me!!!

Have a Happy Tuesday Y'all! :)