amy k creates

snuggie love

2012-02-08T20:21:00.000-06:00

i'm not joking when i say i love my snuggie. seriously, it is fabulous.
it keeps my arms warm while i'm relaxing on the couch with my laptop on my lap, or when i'm laying in bed reading... before i was always chilly and now, i'm comfy and warm! it's perfect! thanks to mark for such a fabulous gift!

people at work (when i worked at dcc) would joke they were going to buy me a snuggie to wear at work because i was always so cold... but, now that i have one, i know it would've been the perfect solution!

speaking of snuggies... i read this hilarious blog post the other day. i was upstairs reading this, craig was downstairs studying. i started laughing so hard he thought i was crying! then later, he was reading it and listening to him laugh about it made me laugh... just thinking about it all over again. oh the giggles are so fun.

and so are snuggies. so, you should go buy yourself one. or find yourself an awesome brother who will buy one for you! thanks again mark, love it!

weekend snapshots

2012-02-06T18:32:00.000-06:00

it's pretty pathetic that i was actually looking forward to monday during the weekend. the reason i was looking forward to monday is even more pathetic.... but i'll tell you anyways. i'm anxious for 'the bachelor' tonight. ultra pathetic, i'm aware. i tell myself i wont watch this show anymore because it's all just a bunch of drama, sleaze and more drama. but i get sucked in. every single time! and of course, last week they showed previews for tonight's show where something, oh yeah, you guessed it, dramatic happens. i'm sure it lasts all of two minutes (if that) of the two hour show, and yet, it worked. i'm totally intrigued. and now, i must watch. but hey, if it helps me look forward to monday (the most dreaded day of the week) it can't be all evil. right?!

this past weekend craig and i were up for an adventure. until the actual weekend rolled around. plans didn't pan out and that pesky little bug that likes to make me feel ill creeped in for a bit. i am now at the 2 1/2 week mark on the antibiotics, you'd think it'd be gone by now... but no such luck. oh well, at least i'm feeling human again and i'm very grateful for that.

so instead of exploring a new city this weekend, we stayed in our cozy little home. and i loved every minute of it. i honestly didn't leave the house until church sunday morning. craig left to make a trip to the grocery store, and came home with 4 boxes of goodness. bless those girl scouts.

and i made an incredible mess of the office. seriously, i don't know what happens... it's like a mini tornado goes through my veins and before you know it, the place that was once a room in my house is now an unrecognizable disaster. i was playing with my new toy, the silhouette cameo. at first i figured it'd be easy...pick a shape, feed the paper and away it cuts. well, i was wrong. the machine has so many capabilities, i was determined to create something more than a paper heart. i'm afraid to admit i wasted a bit of paper trying to figure things out, and may have said a naughty word or two (sorry mommy!). all i wanted to do was create a cute valentine's banner. after hours and hours (and i mean hours) i settled for the paper heart and went to town. before you know it, i had pulled out the stranger (otherwise known as my sewing machine) and was sewing hearts like nobody's business. until i decided to change the bobbin because i didn't want to be frustrated when i ran out of thread... trying to plan ahead. and then, the frustration struck when the thread would not stop jamming. i felt like i was on a roller coaster all day. happy to create, frustrated at a machine, happy, frustrated, happy, frustrated... over and over. finally, i fixed the problem, sewed a little more and then i was pooped out! i showered, and cozied up next to the hubs for a movie on the couch and i was out cold.

we may not have gone exploring or had some crazy adventure, but it sure was a great weekend. i love our home. and even more, i love the man i share it with. what more can i ask for??

the 1st day of february

2012-02-01T17:02:00.001-06:00

today is february first. that means we are on to the second month of 2012. which is hard to believe. time is flying.

today is february first. i decided i was going to somewhat play along with the photo a day challenge. i don't do instagram so i'll play along in my own little way. but, i love the idea of documenting life every single day, the little things in each day.

today is february first and my life feels a little more complete. yesterday at work i actually saw someone wearing apple bottom jeans and boots. (unfortunately they didn't have the fur. ) i honestly thought they were just part of a silly song. but no, they really do exist. with apples on your bottom and all.

today is february first. and actually feels like winter. most days here are sunny and warm. yesterday is was a sunny 75 degrees. today, it's a cold and stormy 60 degrees. i love staring out the window and watching the rain. (while simultaneously watching ellen. drew barrymore was there today and looked absolutely fabulous. i want her outfit. and can't wait to see her new movie coming out friday, 'big miracle'. i'm a sap for a happy flick.)

today is february first. it's been a year this month since craig proposed. and it's mighty strange to think in less than six months we'll be moved to our second home as a married couple.

today is february first. which means today is the start of '14 days of valentine's' for craig. this morning he was surprised to find some gum in his boots with a cheesy little tag about how i wanted him to "chews" me to be his valentine. i'm full of cheese, i like to think that's one of the reasons he loves me.

today is february first. i ate a small fry from mcdonalds at work thanks to micheala. the first non ice cream or beverage item i've had from mcdonalds probably since i was ten years old. they were incredibly disgustingly, delicious. and now i'm honestly craving mcdonalds for dinner. somebody, please help me.

today is february first and i am more in love with my husband today than i was yesterday. oh the joys of valentines. get ready for some mushy, gushy love stuff. it's my blog, i can mush if i want to! and you better believe i will!

sdn #2

2012-01-31T20:12:00.000-06:00

this month was craig's turn to plan our sdn. he did such a great job! he created an invitation and presented it to me saturday afternoon. it told me to be ready for some good old fashioned food and fun! we were off to a diner and the drive-in!

we started at 'cheeburger cheeburger' to get our old time diner fix. we ate some delicious cheeseburgers and yummy shakes. actually, craig's strawberry was really yummy. mine, not so much. they have tons and tons of different flavors to choose from and you can create any combination you'd like. no limit to the flavors you can mix. so, you know how i am... and i wanted to come up with a delicious combination. in my head it was really yummy. the actual milk shake was a bit too sweet and the flavors were off. white chocolate, peach, raspberry and carmel. i'm still imagining if i had my favorite white chocolate frozen yogurt some fresh peach slices, fresh raspberries and a little drizzle of carmel it would be delicious. i'll have to try that out sometime because it makes my mouth water thinking of it. anyways.... the milkshakes were only a small portion of the date!

after we ate a delicious dinner we were off to the drive-in. we pulled up to our screen, which was named "the goober" and we both thought that was silly. we organized the back of the 4runner with pillows and blankets. bought some popcorn and busted out the treats. then, we tuned in to 89.1 and watched mission impossible 4 cozied up in our car. it was a blast! we had such a good time and it was so fun to do something out of the ordinary. we couldn't have asked for better weather, it was a bit chilly so it was perfect for snuggling under a blanket.

major points to craig for planning such an incredible sdn. we've only had two but i am absolutely loving them! can't wait until february's sdn!

stevie.

2012-01-30T11:30:00.000-06:00

i knew not having my little ziggie around to keep me company when i'm home alone would be hard. for a moment, i entertained the thought of buying another dog. but realized that's not the best idea for us right now. not knowing where we're going to be living in the next few months and all the changes... probably not best for a new little furry friend.

so then, i thought i could get a fish. a little friend to make me feel like i had some company but it'd be okay to make the transition. (if it lived that long). when i asked craig about the fish, he didn't like the idea but said i could get it if i wanted it. this may seem silly, but i didn't want it just for me. i wanted to have "our first pet" together. and if he wasn't going to love the fish, then i should probably pass.

and then, craig reminded me of stevie. he's the perfect pet really. we see him just about everyday and he entertains us, but we don't have to do anything to take care of him. he's the squirrel that lives in our back yard. we laugh when there's a stray cat that pops up on the fence and stevie b-lines up the tree, and when he crawls on the window and scares me.

and so it is, stevie the squirrel will be our little furry friend for now. he's cute enough, so i'm good with that.

blackhawks baby!

2012-01-29T18:45:00.000-06:00

we are officially a blackhawk family. i am so proud of my hubby.

friday was the big selection day and it was an exciting day!

craig has wanted to fly blackhawks, but he wasn't sure what he'd get to fly until selection came.

and even with the wish of blackhawks, he knew he'd be happy to fly anything.

how cool is it that he can say he flies helicopters for the army?!

when it was he turn to select he had 4 out of the 5 helicopters left to choose from.

for a moment, he thought about selecting an apache....

but, gratefully (because i'm not a fan of the thought of him being in a shooting machine)

he stuck with his #1 wish and chose a blackhawk.

this same day, he submitted our "wishlist" of places for our next move.

there are certain posts for each type of aircraft

so we had an idea of the places we might be able to select from.

then, the day of selection, they have a list of the duty stations that are available.

there were places we thought we might choose that weren't an option, and places we didn't think would be an option that were. we will find out where we'll be moving in the next month or two.

always an adventure when it comes to the army!

i am so proud of craig! he has worked so hard!

so many hours of study and hard work.

countless early mornings and late nights.

and here we are, about to begin the next step of his army career.

we had a fun night celebrating after selection.

we went to annie's in downtown enterprise to try their steak dinner.

it was mmmm mmm yummy!

the place was packed and we love the home town, country vibe of the place.

we wandered around downtown a little bit afterwards and had fun being silly and taking a few photos.

mostly, i wanted to take some pictures of craig, he's always such a good sport for me.

and he is one hot model!

he wanted to take a few pictures of me, so i obliged.

he thought he was funny asking me to strike different poses...

and because he's always so willing to do what i ask, i gave in to the silliness.

we had so much fun, laughing and goofing off together.

i love celebrating with this man.

mostly, i just love this man!

and can't wait to see what our next adventure has in store!

today's a big day

2012-01-27T10:40:00.000-06:00

it's crazy how fast time goes by. you fill in details for a date on the calendar and before you know it, it's here. today is selection day. a big day in this harnois home. today, craig will select the aircraft he will fly for his army career. he has spent hours of work and study for primary and after today, he'll be in advanced aircraft.

also today, he submits our "wishlist" of where we want to call home next. i feel like we just got settled in our alabama home. in a month or two we'll know where our next home will be. i'm still getting used to this concept of picking up and moving every few years. it doesn't feel quite real yet.

yesterday we had a fabulous day together. out for breakfast, a little thrift store hunting, came home and listened to the rain fall, watched 'hook', ate ice cream, played 'monopoly deal' and gabbed about what our future holds.

it's sort of exhilarating to chat about all the possibilities. will we live in the same country we do now? will we be living somewhere people will want to come visit? will we live in the same place as any of our bama friends? we created a list of places we'd like to go, not knowing what would be available come selection.

we are able to choose certain locations based on what aircraft craig will be flying. and then from there, some posts are available and some are not. i guess we'll see what happens! we just created a list of any and all possibilities that we'd like to give a shot at. but they may or may not be on the list once selection happens.

***okay.... so, as i was typing this craig called!!! my emotions are all over the place right now! i'll share more once we've shared news with the parents! what an adventure we are embarking! so excited!!!

ps- it should be known, i kicked craig's booty at 'monopoly deal'. super fun game, you should try it out!

hidden treasure

2012-01-26T12:45:00.002-06:00

it's the simple things that become great joys when you live in a small town.

for example: thrift stores.
there's always been something about thrift stores and garage sales that entice me. i don't know exactly what it is. maybe it's the fact that i feel like i'm going to miss out on a hidden treasure if i don't stop. the problem with this logic for me at this place in my life, our little town is packed with thrift stores. and i mean packed!

luckily, my sweet husband is a good sport and will drive store to store and search through what is mostly dusty junk. but every once in a while, we find something incredible.

like this high chair. how adorable is this?!

and this cute old school little people airplane toy. i was very tempted to make a few purchases.

and this toaster- i bet the toast even tastes better popping out of this bad boy!

there are even thrift stores outside. they make floors out of old doors and have a section of toilets! at this particular thrift store, i bartered a few things i was going to donate and traded them for a few plates. it was a fun game, i'd like to try that again.

there are so many around it's hard to keep up with all of them. our favorite one is only open every once in a while. we saw it off the side of the road on the way to dothan one day. we left spending $20 and a car full with a coffee table, night stand, two sets of lace curtains and a plate. definitely $20 well spent!

when we have free time we explore a few more of the local shops. it's funny because they are often associated with something else. for example, a barber shop plus thrift store. or a heat and air store plus thrift shop. i think out here the market is so big they figure if they're going to have some kind of business they better add a thrift store to it as well!!

today we had a morning date, it was so much fun. just wandered around and enjoyed our little city. a big storm is brewin so we walked in some drizzly rain while we could still enjoy some fresh air. we stopped by the thrift store attached to the barber shop. we walked in through the barber shop where at least 6 older men were sitting in rocking chairs waiting for their turn. it was an adorable site.

we walked through the aisles upon aisles of treasure. okay, honestly this was mostly junk. and we were wondering where they find it all?? and who buys this stuff? i'm sure if i had a project in mind and an eye for something, i could find it here. there was an extremely wide variety of finds. junk after junk and then...

craig spotted this beauty. perfect for the place we've been wanting just the right chair for! okay so, we didn't really buy it. but you'd be blind if you didn't think that is one heck of a chair!

you never know what hidden treasures may be waiting for you to find them. and lucky for us, there are lots of places to search!

2 years ago

2012-01-25T16:04:00.000-06:00

on this day, two years ago, i was sitting under a smoking ceiling on my first day as an event manager at the dcc. best first day of work, ever. i was welcomed with open arms and sweet little green plant friend. this little green plant has been through it all with me. and still survived. this is definitely not a testament of my green thumb, because other than this plant, i have bad luck when it comes to keeping plants alive. this was left in the office when i went to new york, kept harry the fish company, abandoned in the sunshine of my bedroom and made the trek from utah to alabama in the backseat of a packed car.

really, this little guy has been through a lot. if anything, it should be a testament to the amazing folks at jimmy's in layton. susan is the sweetest florist i've ever met and will cater to your every desire. she was always a gem to work with and i miss her face!

i miss the faces of my dcc family as well. it's fun to have this little green plant in our home now. it reminds me of the amazing opportunity i had to work at the conference center and for all the people i met who shaped and molded me. i'm a firm believe things happen for a reason. and we can never be too sure what the reason is. or when "things" will happen.

~~sometimes~~ every day i wonder where craig and i will be living next, what life has in store for us. when we first moved here, i had an incredibly hard time leaving my family and friends. i knew starting a new job would be hard and i knew nothing could ever compare to my time at the dcc. i figured we'd only be here for a short while and i didn't want to make friends just to leave them. again.

but, that's the beauty of life. "to every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." my season at dcc started two years ago today. of course i will always love my dcc family and keep them in my life, but i can find peace knowing they came in my life and filled a hole that could not have been filled in any other way.

and now i'm in a new season, a new time. i need to remind myself to soak up each minute here in alabama. connect with the friends i find and cherish their friendship like it will never end. because truth is, friendships come in and out of our lives. the bonds may fade as miles put distance between friends, but there is something about a friendship that can't be found in anything else. why would i want to rob myself of finding that here, and at each place life takes us??

i'll always (or as long as it lives!) have my little green plant friend to remind me of the season of dcc. and for now, i'll go build on the friendships i have and enjoy each moment.

sleep

2012-01-23T17:54:00.000-06:00

i came across this picture a while back on pinterest. it made me laugh because it is dead on. poor craig.
lately, my sleep is a little scattered, i'm thinking it's due to some of the drugs the doctor ordered. hopefully that's it anyways.

sometimes, as i lay in bed at night my mind starts brewing with amazing ideas. ideas that could make me millions and leave people considering me a genius. too bad the ideas are muddled and grey when i wake up in the morning. every once in a while i jot down a note or send myself an email from my phone to remember my brilliant idea.... and it makes absolutely no sense in the light of day.

also at night, my to-do lists are never ending. it's as if my mind is trying to shut down and one by one, little things pop up that say "no, you can't find dreamland yet... you still need to do this! or this!"

i love to fall asleep cuddled up in craig's arms. until he jerks in his sleep and scares the pee out of me. then it's scary. sometimes when he has to wake up really early, i come to bed with him and read or browse the internet void and he'll startle me by kicking or talking. and by talking i really mean moaning, it's not so much words as it is scary ghost noises. maybe i should record him... it could be interesting to view.

i smile at how cute he looks asleep, then i close my book, turn off my little reading light, lean over give him a kiss and snuggle up as tight as i can. off and on through the night i wake up in strange positions and sometimes my body is so tense i have to physically move one limb with the other. other times, i'm laying flat on my back, feet flat on the bed with my knees pointing up to the ceiling. every once in a while my right ankle will be bent over my left knee and my arms are crossed behind my head. i always wonder how i end up in that position and how it could possibly be comfortable to sleep that way. then i realize poor craig, he's practically falling off the bed and is shivering because i've stolen all the covers.

and if that's not bad enough, the next morning when we wake up, he gets to listen to the run down of my dreams. and my dreams are bizarre. i mean seriously delusional night scenes playing out through my mind. it's no wonder i don't sleep peacefully!

and i wonder why i actually enjoy sleeping?? if not for the rest, at least for the fabulous cuddle time!

not sure...

2012-01-21T17:26:00.000-06:00

not sure why i'm suddenly addicted to solitaire. maybe it's the mindless distraction from busy thoughts, or maybe it's the fact that i feel like i'm actually "organizing". then again, it's probably just the satisfaction of winning every once in a while.

not sure if i should continue reading 'unbroken'. all the talk about accidents in the sky and soldiers not returning home to their families is a bit upsetting.

not sure what's more romantic; hubby coming home with a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers or hubby coming home with a heating pad and midol.

not sure if ellen got our email. yeah, we (husband and i) emailed ellen for a chance to go to the super bowl. if when the 49ers make it there, we need to find a way to get there and ellen is pretty much our only chance. come on ellen, we love you.

not sure why i'm suddenly loving ellen again. it had been a while since i watched her show, and now it's become a daily routine. she makes me laugh and i like to laugh.

not sure how i got lucky enough to have craig ask me to be his wife. i am so blessed.

little rays of sunshine

2012-01-20T14:54:00.001-06:00

today is a gloomy day. the clouds are dark and heavy with rain, making the world a bit drab. days like this, i just want to cuddle up with my man next to a fire and watch a good movie or take a cozy nap.

it's not just the weather either, something inside me feels gloomy too. maybe it has something to do with the fact that i thought i was feeling a bit human again....until i went out to pick up some drugs the doctor ordered and got worn out right away. it was discouraging. and then, i cried like a big baby to my sweet husband about how it's frustrating to feel sick and i just want to be a good wife. he smiled, kissed me on the forehead and let me soak his shirt with tears and snot. attractive, i know. he assured me i am a good wife and told me how much he loves me. man, i love him like crazy.

yesterday i couldn't sleep after mr. left at 5:00 in morning so i went down on the couch and lay there with my eyes on the windows as the sun slowly came out to play. inch by inch the house was getting brighter. i love the way the rays shine through the windows and brighten things up a little at a time. i was thinking about this today as it's cloudy and gray and realized i needed to create a little sunshine for myself.... let my soul brighten up, a little at a time.

and so, i wanted to share a few of my happy sunshine thoughts to remember for the next rainy day.

// my biggest ray of sunshine is definitely the hubs. he is so amazing. i love to see him study. he is so smart and dedicated. he had a check ride today and did so well! i love watching him learn and grow. and the fact that he flies helicopters is pretttttttty darn cool. (yeah, i'm bragging. you would too if your husband flew helicopters in the army!)

// today i received a smiley e-card from a sweet friend. definitely brightened my day!

// clean sheets that smell like the packer people. i know, that sounds odd. but we switched from 'downy' to 'snuggle' which makes our tide/snuggle combo the same laundry combo they use. and it makes me feel that much closer to them!

// mid-week dates are always a brightener! i was thinking about this yummy sushi date we had last week. and i laughed thinking how much we love going out together.... but how fast we are in and out when we go because we absolutely love being home.

// missing my family. i know that may not seem like something that should make me happy. but the fact that i love my family so much and cherish our time together makes me happy to know i'm blessed with such amazing people in my life.

// looking forward to watching the 49ers with the hubby. we're keeping our fingers crossed for a big win!! super bowl here we come!

// this little blog. i love having my own little place to speak my mind.

what do you know, i can see a little glimpse of sunshine peeking through the clouds out the window! and hello, it's friday! happy weekend to you all!

the solution to:

2012-01-19T05:36:00.000-06:00

entertaining myself while sick: create a new blog header and work on making my blog book for 2011. (i know yesterday i moaned and complained when things really could be so much worse, it wasn't meant to be a whine fest... just to vent. i am very grateful things are what they are and not something more. also, i should mention, even with the 3.75 hours spent i am extremely grateful for modern medicine and the health benefits i receive thanks to the army.)

curbing my sweet tooth craving: eat a little orange cutie. that sweet juicy goodness is just the right size, plus it gives you a tiny boost of vitamin c!

nail biting: keeping my pretty little nails painted! nobody likes the taste of nail polish. or at least i don't think i do, the smell alone makes me think it'd taste pretty nasty. (it's best when my little sis paints them for me, then it doesn't look like a 3 year old tried to paint them!)

saving up for a new vacuum: clean the one you own! my sweet hubby cleaned out our current vacuum (without me even asking him to!) and it works like a champ. so glad to have my handy man around!

being in need of a good laugh: read some silly auto corrects, or watch videos on youtube of people on drugs after getting their wisdom teeth out. (mormon on drugs, hilarious. when craig and i watched this we were laughing so hard together i was crying!)

woes of a sickling

2012-01-18T13:36:00.000-06:00

before i go any further, i want you to be aware i'm feeling particularly grumpy and a bit of a downer at the moment. this post may contain some negative ramblings and a little tmi for some. consider yourself warned!

being sick is no fun. i remember the days of jr. high when i would wish to be sick in order to stay home from school. cuddle in mom and dad's bed and watch movies all day while my mommy catered to my needs. but then i grew up. and being sick now means missing work slumped in bed or curled up on the couch wishing the pain and sickness away, trying to muster up the energy to walk to the bathroom or heat up some soup.

let me say this, my husband is amazing. if i mention wanting something he would be up and out the door before i could blink. he will do all he can to care for me. it's just too bad he can't take sick days with me. but, somebody has gotta bring home the bacon!

anyways.... ya know, it was sorta fun a little while ago when we were both sick together. we'd cuddle up and sniffle while watching movies. but now i'm just over it! not to mention, (here is a bit of tmi i'm sure... but hey, it's my blog and i can say whatever i want....) i got a visit from my lovely monthly "friend". let me just say, cramps are hell. my sweet husband bought me some supplies to ease the pain. i guess it's best to get the sickness and cramps out of the way at the same time because with cramps like these there is no way i'd be able to work. but i truly wouldn't wish this yuckiness on my worst enemy! i have to remind myself often that it is a blessing to be a woman and that the pain of these cramps will someday be worth it when i've got a baby to show for the way my female body works. but for now, i lay with heat and pressure on my belly or curled up in fetal position doing all i can do distract myself from the misery. i've tried the heating pads (which help a bit), drugs, a hot bath, blue oil, reading, movies, games, hot tea, calcium... i realize i sound like a serious drama queen here.... but i tell you- sinus infection, cramps, barfing and migraines.... pure torture!

i know, i know- debbie downer at my best right now. but i thought it might help to get it all out there for any of you to offer your cures and advice. or just to let me know i'm not alone in this distress. or at least just to complain and get it off my chest and be done with it.

yesterday while i was at lyster army health clinic (3.75 hours in total.... such a joy!) i was waiting in the doctor's room and started laughing as i noticed the sanitary "bed sheet" over the doctor's table in the room.

"out for some vaction"

whoever designed this truly needs a vacAtion. made me laugh thinking they really needed a vacation and the fact that after my long wait for the doc it truly could be time for summer! oh the simple joys when you're sick.

missing work and feeling like a lousy wife are definitely big bummers. but, as soon as i'm feeling like a normal human being again i've promised to myself to be bigger and better at life. the silly things i commit to doing when i feel like i've got nothing left to give. so enough complaining from me, i'm going to turn up the determination level to become a more valuable person in this life and remember there is light at the end of the tunnel. no matter how long the tunnel may be!

notes of gratitude

2012-01-17T14:19:00.000-06:00

dear husband,
thanks for being so amazing. always. and knowing just the right things to say and do. thanks for brightening my day and our home with the pretty flowers!

dear stevie,
thanks for providing backyard entertainment (some of the best alabama has to offer!) and being our little furry friend.

dear me,
thanks for choosing to be happy today even if you had to spend 3.75 at lyster army clinic.

dear infomercials,
thanks for making exciting me with the "surprise gift"... i'm tempted. but, i must say, if you claim a certain item is valued at $100 at offer it for $19.99 then how exciting will the gift valued at $20 really be?

dear hair,
thanks for falling out less and keeping me from being bald.

dear 'new girl',
thank you for giving me something to look forward to tonight and allowing me to laugh out loud and feel like i'm one step closer to being real life friends with zooey.

i joined the throngs...

2012-01-15T08:00:00.003-06:00

i had heard so much about the hunger game series.

i wasn't really sure what it was about, even after hearing about it from several people.

it wasn't until recently when craig and i saw the preview for the movie that i decided i wanted to read the book. luckily, a friend of mine let me borrow her set and i just finished them.

i must say, they were a bit disturbing.

maybe because of the fact that i can actually imagine my mind creating so many of those awful circumstances and making a story out of them.

it's always interesting to me the way each of our minds work and the stories we can create.

i'm hoping to read more this year.

i love reading and always feel a tid-bit smarter when my nose is in a book.

next on my list, 'unbroken'.

after that, i have no idea. i may just have to read 'hotel on the corner of bitter and sweet' again.

craig bought that for me last year for Easter and i loved. honestly, one of my favorites.

it's a sweet, easy read and it kept me entertained the whole time.

for me, it has a bit of sentimental value to it as well which made me fall in love with it a little more.

it reminded me a little bit of mine and craig's story.

knowing each other back in the day and finding each other after all these years....

yeah, i think i'll read it again.

you should too.

after that, any suggestions?

army life

2012-01-14T14:28:00.000-06:00

craig and i went out last night. it was unusual for us. actually leaving the house at 8:00pm instead of getting home at that time. his flight class was having a potluck/bonfire get together before we all go our separate ways. advance aircraft selection is coming up now in just a couple of weeks. at that point, it's just a matter of a couple of months and then we're on to the next place the army calls our home. i still feel like i'm just brand new to the army life, finding all the ins and outs and adjusting to the differences. sure, there are ups and downs- but just the same as anything else in life.

craig and i have been researching different posts around the world wondering where we could be next. it is so foreign to me to feel like i'm in the back seat of all the decisions being made for my own life! sometimes it completely stresses me out. but i realize that it never really comes down to my plan anyways. it comes down to my choices sometimes, but there is a greater plan for all of us. when i begin to feel the anxiety rising in my chest, i just have to remember the Lord has a plan and i do my best to put my faith in that, otherwise, i'd feel completely lost and incapable of letting the army take control.

it's strange to think i'll miss ft. rucker after only being here for a short time. but i will, i will miss it. it was my first home with the hubs and my first army life experience. it's strange to think the sound of helicopters flying over head or apaches firing in the distance could be comforting, but that's the sound of home to me. when i first moved here, the army helped me find a job. they have classes and people on post who's job is to help the army spouses find jobs. that's the army way- helping each other succeed. i've learned to push myself out of my comfort zone a little bit. (not completely, i'm still working on that) but, i have to say, i've enjoyed the experiences i've had as a result. meeting major general crutchfield after he sang to his wife was a great experience. he was so genuine with craig and i, and i felt grateful to know such a kind man was in charge of the post.

so even now, when i don't understand the army lingo and why things are the way they are, i trust that the army will take care of us. it's been an amazing experience to be thrown into so quickly. the best thing i know how to do is hold on tight, because i'm not sure where this ride is going to take us next!

zig

2012-01-13T08:34:00.000-06:00

oh boy, i miss my furry friend.

he is so adorable.

i probably shouldn't admit this...

but, i will.

on our way to utah, craig asked who i was most excited to see.

i told him, other than spending time with him of course, i couldn't wait to see ziggie.

the first night we were in utah we met up with both sets of parents, and cam and chris for dinner at cafe rio. after dinner, i immediately wanted to go to chrissy and cameron's house to see my little zig.

ohhh he is just so cute.

and i cried the whole way back to my parent's house because i knew i would miss him so much.

and i still do.

but, i know he is happy.

and that is what matters most.

i just want him happy and healthy.

and i know i'll always be his mama.

decluttering

2012-01-11T08:00:00.002-06:00

this isn't the first time, and probably not the last time, i'll mention my sentimental tie to a variety of things. objects, people, food, smells.... i get seriously attached to the littlest of things. for this reason, i have to have help when it comes to decluttering. once, ~~in a fit of frustration over a mess,~~ when i was working hard on a new goal of being more organized, i threw away my jr. high year books. i figured i'd never need them again. and when would i ever look at them again? well.... when i began to date my biggest crush from jr. high i wanted to see what he had written in my yearbook. and then i had a sad moment with my crazy self. and so you see, the dilemma continues.

some (my loving husband) might say i'm a hoarder. okay, so he doesn't really think i'm as bad as the people on the show... but if i don't learn to let go of "things" then it's not too far in the future you might see my face on "hoarders". however, being in the army might help prevent that from happening.

moving is not something i am a fan of. moving every few years is just something i'm going to have to do. and so, when i lug around boxes and boxes (oh yes, and boxes!) of "stuff" i am bound to want to toss a little each time. as i have already found to be true just from my move from florida to utah, and utah to alabama. there were several things i made the effort of packing nicely in boxes and paying for space in a truck to move from utah to alabama, and then realized as i was unpacking it in alabama i wasn't going to keep it.

so, i've decided i want to avoid a few of those steps and get ride of more in the beginning. again, here is where my problem occurs.... "everything" means something! _____ from the first time craig and i did ______,when we ___________, or _________ from the last time i ever _______..... you get the point!

i've been doing my best to display meaningful things. even if nobody else understands the meaning, i do. if it's important to craig and i, we enjoy seeing it. other things, i've learned to let go of. it's not easy, but it is a bit freeing. and that is a good feeling. other things, i keep for a little longer, and place in it's special little box. and then other things, i'll take a picture of and remember in my heart. (awww precious!)

like this little guy:

he was hanging in my room when i was a baby. i don't remember him because i was far too young. but the fact he was in my room when i was a baby makes me happy. and even more than that, my mama painted it. and that makes me very happy. it was extremely hard to part with this little gem. but i realized that i'd rather hold on to the things my mama made or that were in my room when i was a baby that i'd put in my little baby's room. (when the time comes) and it all adds up so fast. so i took a picture of this treasure and will remember it in my heart!

all so you don't have to see my pathetic face on "hoarders"!

i cried the day that i took the tree down

2012-01-10T18:39:00.001-06:00

or in this case, the day craigy took the tree down.

i was procrastinating the day the Christmas tree and all of the holiday decor came down.

it made our house so warm and cozy.

glowy.

the tree had the perfect little place.

and finally, i could procrastinate no more... it had to be done

and now the corner feels very sad.

today, we managed to get everything completely put away.

vacuumed the house and all.

and now i'm feeling blah about the way the house is decorated.

it could just be that i'm ready for some changes.

or the fact that i never really bought stuff to decorate with in the first place.

we try to be frugal and we did the best with what we have.

and for that, i am happy.

but, missing the twinkle of the lights makes me wish for a little more.

but, i'm going to choose to be happy with things the way they are.

and be grateful for the roof over our head and the little things that make our home homey.

but, i may still cry about the tree being gone.

i tried to talk craig into letting us keep it up all year.

as you can see, that didn't go over so well...

maybe we need to buy a fake one?

starting the new year off right

2012-01-09T08:00:00.000-06:00

the harnois family is having a 'biggest loser' competition. we started january 2nd. i was determined to live it up the last day before the competition. and for some reason, when i think of new year's day, i think of "superbowl" food. i want to eat fatty finger foods to the max.

craig and i strolled the frozen foods up and down the aisle and decided on bagel bites and mozzarella sticks. we have never bought anything like this so it was a rather hard decision. and one we weren't exactly thrilled with. they were okay. but not delicious like i had hoped. but, i guess that's what happens when you buy food in a box.

although, eating them on new year's day felt like our own little party. and i was happy to be with my hubby, eating our snacks and enjoying our first day of a new year.

to top it all off, i turned to ben & jerry. they never let me down.

so, my first week during the harnois biggest loser was not the biggest success. but, it wasn't a total failure either. unfortunately, we've been fighting that stinkin' bug again and have both been sick. i haven't managed to exercise, but have been eating healthy so hopefully that alone will help me out.

whatever happens in the end... i am just hoping for a healthier me. (and a little leaner would be nice too!)

like carl & ellie

2012-01-08T16:29:00.001-06:00

because "up" was the first movie craig and i ever watched together, it will forever be stored in that special sentimental box in my heart. there are times i imagine us as carl and ellie. our 'paradise falls' money jar and our ever expanding adventure book. (although, i like to pretend carl and ellie live together, forever and ever and ever and ellie never dies.....)

yesterday, i couldn't help but think of carl and ellie. we had a few errands to run so we drove out to dothan and checked of some of the to-do list. we caught a movie matinee and continued on to sam's club. shared a dinner of soup and salad and were home before 7:30pm. we were laughing at ourselves, what an old married couple we are already...carl and ellie. the thing is, we enjoy our time together. even if it is running errands and grocery shopping. we just love being together.

later as we were cuddled up on the couch watching the republican debate, we giggled again at the thought of us being an old married couple. spending our saturday night watching a political debate instead of being out dancing and partying the night away!

we decided to take us back a few years, so we watched 'high school musical'. ...yeah, i know. craig had never seen it and i was sick of feeling so old. we may have poked fun a little at some of the cheesiness, but we do enjoy the cheese...

sad to say, i couldn't even stay awake til 11:00pm to see the end of the movie. guess it's back to being old for me!

welcoming the new year with a bang...uhhh

2012-01-03T22:47:00.000-06:00

we had a little flight drama from utah to alabama. we were both supposed to fly out of utah on the 29th around 2:00pm. however, when we checked in at delta.com our flight was now leaving around 11:00am. when you've prepared yourself for those few extra hours (plus lunch at winger's) to find out you will no longer be doing as planned, you feel quite upset. well, that's a little dramatic, neither of us were really upset just a little bummed. craig got on the phone with delta to figure out what was going on. turns out, our flight was canceled. good thing we were online to check in otherwise we would have no idea! turns out this little cancelation was a pleasant surprise. craig ended up taking the 11ish flight on the 29th and i got to spend a few extra days in utah.

i will admit, i was very tentative about the whole plan. i was not quite sure about being away from craig. yeah, i know it was only two nights (even my little sis gave me some grief for being sad about that) but it was the first two nights since we've been married. and i just hate being away from him. come on, you would too! but, we both knew i would regret not staying the extra time in utah if i had the chance... so stay in utah i did. and it was a lot of fun to have some extra time with the family.

i ended up flying into dothan a little after 4pm on the 31st. so, to celebrate the holiday we went grocery shopping at sam's club! haha no really, we did. but it was a good trip. and then we decided to eat a delicious meal at olive garden. the steak gorgonzola alfredo is so delicious.

after groceries and dinner we cuddled up on the couch to a movie and then the anticipated ball drop. sad to say, i watched the ball drop in new york but fell asleep before the clock struck 12 in our neck of the woods. what an old lady i am. craig was sweet and when he woke me up and i was so sad i missed midnight, he said he kissed me even though i was asleep.

i must admit, we are like an old married couple. but, there's something very sweet and comforting in that to me. we love our time together. whether we're celebrating with the rest of the world, or cozied up on our couch asleep before midnight- our party is always the best one to be at!

well, hello.

2012-01-02T22:30:00.001-06:00

2012 already? where did you come from? i was thoroughly enjoying 2011 and find it hard to say goodbye.

it was another year of change... yet, i see that happening each year. and i suppose that is fitting as we are here on earth to learn and grow. so, i will continue to learn to welcome change with open arms.

it was another year of adventures and memories. laughter and tears of which i hope to always hold tight.

it was a year of great love. becoming mrs. harnois is most definitely my greatest accomplishment. (i realize that may sound a bit odd. but, if you would've been lucky enough to marry my craig you would feel the same way. he is amazing and i continue to be the luckiest lady!)

and here we are, welcoming 2012. it's been a bit hard for me to grasp a new year. i'm craving new goals and resolutions... but along with that, i'm also craving peace. i've had a hard time deciphering the difference and if the two, goals and peace, can go hand in hand.

you see, i have really good intentions. at the beginning of each year i'm determined to be better and do more. i decide on a list of goals and resolutions and come january 13th i'm beating myself up over failing the list. so, this is where i find the dilemma.

i want to be better and do more. but i do not want to feel like a failure when i haven't checked each goal off the list come december 31st. i've found myself pondering this situation multiple times the past few weeks.

do i set a list of goals and give myself loose boundaries? no, because then i'll find excuses why i can't cross through the list and then i'll end up feeling guilty. and lousy.

do i just say "be better, do more"? no, because then i wont have guidelines to follow and certain points to reach for and will wind up being lazy.

you see, i fight with myself quite often. i get mad because i don't reach out more or push myself harder. but then i get mad at myself when i push too hard. so, where do i find the balance?

i wish i had an answer for that... but i don't. so, maybe this year my one goal will be to find the balance.

but even with typing that, i don't feel satisfied.
because i'm determined to be a better wife. to cook more. to clean more. to love more.
to be healthier. exercise more and eat healthy. win the harnois family biggest loser competition!
i want to be more spiritual. reach for my scriptures more. trust more in my faith and knowledge of my Heavenly Father. pray more and listen longer.
i'm going to create more. let my creative side run wild. craft and sew. bake and paint. photograph and sing. find a piano and play.

i want to let go more. soak up each moment for what it is. my "come what may and love it" and "it is what it is" and "everything happens for a reason" motto will all blend into one... and i will love each thing for what it is and know it's for a reason. i will.

this year i will speak kinder and reach out more. i will be more active in all aspects of life and love more freely. i'm going to take this year into my arms and show it all the love i can.
i will not look back with regrets. just smiles.
and know i did my best.

this year, i will choose to be better.
i will choose to do more.
i will choose to delight in the ups and downs.
i will choose to be the best me i can be.

and there you have it folks... sometimes you just have to let things work themselves out.
with all that rambling and pondering combined into one... i found my one little word for 2012.
and the rest will work itself out.
because this year... i will

c h o o s e .

2011 in review

2011-12-31T21:01:00.001-06:00

i'm pretty sure i say this at the end of every week, month and year... time is flying by! i can't believe yet another year has come and gone. 2011 was a good one, just as i predicted it to be.

let's take a glance at all of the goodness, shall we?

::january:
::brought in the new year in style and confidence with b. francis (love you b! miss you!!)
::braved my fear of doing things alone (for one night anyways!) and enjoyed the peace of the temple
::celebrated working at dcc for 1 whole year!
::soaked up some craigy time while he was visiting utah
::cuddled with reefy and enjoyed some banter with rand as they visited ut from the sunshine state
::scoured main street in park city with the girls in search of some celebs during sundance film festival

::february::
::filled my cup a bit at 'time out for women' where i laughed and cried with some ladies i love
::cheered for the jazz on one of my favorite daddy/daughter date nights (and ate the best nachos ever!)
::celebrated valentine's day good ole' fashion pasqua family way- with giant sugar cookies and all
::traveled to panama city beach florida for the first time, and fell in love with it
::answered a very important question! and got a new accessory from my favorite man...
::became the future mrs. harnois and an engaged and very in love lady!

::march::
::sang happy birthday to my little sissy chrissy
::had three matching cell phones all under the same roof
::opened up to the world a little more about my battle with depression
::enjoyed a dcc incentive day in park city, shopping the outlets and eating yummy food
::did a session in the ogden temple with my parents before it was closing for the remodel
::celebrated my engagement with some girlfriends at the beehive tea room

::april::
::the best surprise ever! craig arrived to utah earlier than expected
::engagement pictures, time with friends, general conference and lots of fun with my fiance
::dcc incentive to boondocks, our favorite place to play
::easter bread making at it's finest with dad and chris and mom's supervision
::enjoyed a great gala at dcc with my dcc fam and my mommy too
::partied 80s style for scott's birthday (and decided when i turn 30 i'm throwing myself an 80s bash!)

::may::

::traveled to florida to spend time with the packer pack

::loved on those packer kids, lots and lots

::craigy met the packer family and i was immediately second best to those little munchkins

::took a road trip with my man and enjoyed our time together

::june::
::wedding showers with friends, with family with the ward... wedding bells for this bride to be!
::wedding prep fulllll speed ahead with my fiance in crazy sere training for the last three weeks
::scared for my man during his survival training
::amazing hike with my daddy up adam's canyon
::one of the best dcc incentives ever! we loved mantua and 4wheeling

::july::
::my last day of work as a dcc event manager
::batting cages with my daddy
::dear lizzy outing with mommy and grams
::4th of july celebrations with the fam
::loving my dear old layton... parade, "fair", fireworks
::oh, GETTING MARRIED!!!
::driving across the country with my hubby
::visiting nauvoo
::creating a new home in sweet home alabama

::august::
::exploring our quaint downtown and learning to golf with my hubs
::trying my hand at "throwing" clay on the pottery wheel with andrea
::driving to florida to party and see the family, mom and chrissy included!
::safari party for reef and kaia
::laughing until we cried at brian regan
::craig's first day of flight school

::september::
::birthday celebrations full swing
::painting beautiful creations at "all about art"
::enjoying a night under the stars and meeting the big man on post
::listening to major general crutchfield sing to his wife and dancing with craigy
::watching my husband fly an army helicopter
::accepted a job with ambassador staffing

::october::
::visiting the packer people for some fun at busch gardens
::riding our first roller coaster together!
::exploring the little fairs and festivals around the towns
::enjoying a marriage retreat in pcb thanks to the army
::picking out our perfect little pumpkins to carve
::experiencing our first halloween as mr. and mrs.

::november::

::pulled my crafty side out of hiding and created a few projects for our home

::missed the fall in utah, but did my best to enjoy the beauty alabama has to offer

::drove to destin with my hubs to eat a delicious dinner with dad

::cultivated ourselves to the alabama style and experienced the peanut festival in all it's glory

::met my parents in pcb for a non traditional yet one of my favorite thanksgivings

::showed my parents around our town and home

::cried when i dropped our first visitors off at the airport

::december::

::prepared for Christmas and counted down the days until our trip to utah

::bought our very first Christmas tree, and fell in love with it every night

::traveled to utah

::ate lots of delicious food

::ice skated with my hubby for the first time in a long time

::saw the lights at temple square and the jazz game all in one night

::visited with lots of friends and family

oh dear 2011, how i hate to see you go. i was assuming you were going to be good to me, and my expectations were superseded! it would be unfair for me to hope 2012 could match you in greatness, but i'm going to take my chances... here's to hoping!