mrsmommee's bittersweet life

Grocery lists

noreply@blogger.com (mrsbittersweet) — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 17:52:00 +0000

Found these printable lists. Problem is I don't remember where I found them at since I browse the Internet so much. But thought I'd share.

Groceries list
Menu list

Good morning!!

noreply@blogger.com (mrsbittersweet) — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 17:35:00 +0000

So it's been a pretty productive morning. So far I've cleaned the guineas cage, had my little helpers feed her their veggies, made breakfast and shakes, and got the littles to draw and practice writing, oh and installed a chain on our front door.
Later finish the never ending chore of laundry and cleaning. I also started my diet pills again so let's see if I can lose it and keep it off.

Recipe for my shakes:
Peanut butter banana
1 banana
1/4 cup reduced fat peanut butter
1 cup low-fat milk
2 tablespoons honey
1/2 cup ice
Blend till smooth
Calories 356
Fat 17g
Saturated fat 4g
Cholesterol 6mg
Carbs 43g
Sugars 31g
Sodium 202 mg
Protein 13g
Fiber 4g

Nutella and banana shake
1 banana
1 small spoon of nutella
1/2 cup ice
Blend till smooth

i'm backkkk!!!

noreply@blogger.com (mrsbittersweet) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 19:12:00 +0000

OMG!! hey all its literally been forever since my last post! well hi there and i'm back!! so lets see in the last year i have survived our third deployment and it was the most hated one ever. on a good note we will never have to deal with another one ever again. hmm let's see what else is new... we just celebrated another birthday so another year older. i'm still baking and hoping that one day i will be a great success. for now i have lots more to learn.
oh yeah... we have two new additions to our family! no i didnt pop any more kiddos out lol but we bought our little aubree from petsmart and adopted esme from wee companions. that's right we now have guinea pigs! BUT our little aubree has ringworm and is currently back at petsmart getting treated, and we are treating esme here at home as well. we hope that in 3-4 weeks we will have healthy guinea pigs back.

so now that i have downloaded the blogger app i will be making more updates more often. till then have a great day!!!

Holiday without the family

noreply@blogger.com (mrsbittersweet) — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:18:00 +0000

This 2010 Christmas will be spent without our family. But I guess we could be doing yet another one without hubby being here so that's something to be thankful about. There are so many people around this world who have a wife or husband away from them for any reason. So to all of those who are celebrating without your spouse I wish you the best Christmas possible. I hope every one stays safe out there and easy on the eggnog lol. Happy holidays from me to you.

Merry Christmas.

- mrsmommee on the go

netflix round 2

noreply@blogger.com (mrsbittersweet) — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 06:26:00 +0000

a few years back we tried netflix but it just wasnt something to get all woohoo about. the movies took a while to get to us and it was a bit blah. ive been seeing how now netflix is available on the wii, ps3, iphone, ipad with instant queue. ao one month free trial is being tried out again. well let me tell you the instant queue is not something to be all excited about either. there aren't many options with that either wish you could get new releases instantly instead of the so called new releases that are already out on HBO, STARZ etc. a lot of the movies on there are so old i think my grandparents saw them in theaters lol. eh so lets see if we will be keeping it or cancelling yet again.

more bloggin

noreply@blogger.com (mrsbittersweet) — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 06:14:00 +0000

i so need to start bloggin but i had a major writers block. didnt really know what to write about. so bare with me while i come up with some new stuff to keep you all reading lol. till then i hope you all enjoy your christmas where ever you are in the world. may you all be safe.

cake in a jar

noreply@blogger.com (mrsbittersweet) — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 06:50:00 +0000

i know sometimes you would like to send something other than cookies to your service member, or maybe it's your service members birthday or any special occasion. send them a cake in a jar.

Here's how to make them:

Get wide-mouth canning jars. You can find them at Walmart, other stores, or online. Boil the jars to sterilize.

1 package of cake mix or any cake recipe

1. Make the cake batter according to the instructions or recipe

2. Grease the jar by liberally spraying the inside with cooking spray

3. Fill jar no more than 1/2 way with batter

4. Place jars on cookie sheet on rack in the oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean @ 400 degrees

5. While baking, boil jar lids in a pan of water

6. When cake is done, take on jar out at a time and cover with hot lid. Screw on jar ring tightening it slightly

7. The lid will seal as it cools. Listen to hear the "ping" as they seal.

8. As the cake cools, it will pull away frm the jar slightly. That's ok, it just means that it will slide out of the jar easily.

9. DO NOT FROST cake in the jar! Send frosting along.

10. Make sure you wrap the jars well (bubble wrap is preferrable, but wadded newspaper or clothing and other items will pad it too)

Don't forget to include a couple of plastic knives for the frosting and some plastic forks.

thanksgiving weekend

noreply@blogger.com (mrsbittersweet) — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 20:17:00 +0000

hey all turkey day just passed amd heres the quick look back on what we did. the parentals came into town ,oh so happy, and we just kinda relaxed since they did have a long drive. just got some mexican food to eat and wait on hubby to get home from work. then thanks to the parentals they watched the kiddos and we had a date night!! harry potter deathly hallows part 1 was AMAZING! if you havent seen it go see it it was awesome. then a quick stop at my new fave place barnes and noble and home sweet home.

turkey day kinda sucked. even with the parentals in town it just wasnt the same. hubby was working all day and we didnt have family here. even the turkey wasnt the same. i took the parentals to the ship to see the thing that loves stealing my hubs so dang much. driving around after and then rented movies.

black friday! our first black friday where we actually went out to shop. i dont think we did it right though since it was about 10 am once we left the house and all the stuff was gone and not many things were on sale. blah so bought a few things here and there and back home. got everyone ready and left for lunch and lots of driving around. ended up in la jolla cove where it is so pretty. then left to a cupcake place since one id never been to one and had been wanting to so bad. so we went to cups. though it had a nice concept i have to say my cupcake was the worst! it made me sick but maybe it was just mine. hubby says his was ok and little one eats almost anything lol.

what we ordered:

chocolate milk $2 (little ones)

minty wonderland $4 (mine)

vanilla vixen $4 (hubbys)

*drinks*
hot chocolate - expresso - chai tea - chocolate milk

not sure how much the drinks were but everything came out to 25.00 YIKES!

if we go there again it will be just for this cute gear they have lol.

sat and sunday extreamly boring ha ha.

so that was our holiday weekend in a quick nutshell.

dear santa,

noreply@blogger.com (mrsbittersweet) — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 19:46:00 +0000

sometimes i wish i were a kid again getting all excited for christmas time. wondering what santa would leave me oh boy the suspence lol. now i'm all grown up and i'm santa's main helper for my kids. so far we have only bought a few things mainly clothes and no toys. i have no idea what else to get them they dont really play with the toys they have. any who i really want a few things that i hope santa can get me or hubby lol.

in nwu of course

since i broke my hand mixer

my own bakery one day

about hmm 400 million dollars lol

* a house

....the list goes on....

anyway well i hope you all had a great thanksgiving and you have a good few weeks till christmas gets here.

preparing

noreply@blogger.com (mrsbittersweet) — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 23:49:00 +0000

mission: time to start preparing for bootcamp. so much to do in such a little amount of time. talk about pressure. so before bootcamp getting yourself in shape is very helpful. i consider myself a level zero lol so im not fit at all. i took to the web and found three workout training plans for what i need to have down. it takes 6 weeks for them all to supposedly do 100 pushups 200 situps and run 1.5 miles. too bad this magically cant happen over a one week period so that i could get MEPS over with next weekend lol. i also need to study for my ASVAB so i can get a good job too. time to refresh this dormant mind of mine.

feelings: well i have been going through a lot of emotions since declaring i will be joining the navy. ive been emotional at the thought of leaving my kids. i think crying will be a big thing that i will want to do when leaving them but i was told NOT to cry in front of anyone! it would be a tad different between my husband and i kinda switching roles. i mean he will still be working, duty that stuff but will be the one on land for a while. i will miss him as well but i've been used to him coming and going due to the navy life. i have also been sort of anxious to do this, like i know this will change me and not only me but my husbands and my relationship. i know it'll make it stronger than it already is because we will understand each other more. i believe that this is yet another step in my life that needs to be taken. i know for a fact im not the same person i was at 19 when i was a new navy wife young and immature. i know that after this i will not be the same twenty some year old i am now either.

i have also tried talking myself out of it you know being a typical me. hubby and parents are trying to keep me encouraged so that i dont back out on it. we all know that this is the best thing to do for myself, my husband and my kids. it will teach me a lot and trust me i know none of you know me but i need to learn what they teach. in the meantime there is so much to do and i need to get to it!

help keep me motivated here

update on life

noreply@blogger.com (mrsbittersweet) — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 21:00:00 +0000

so whats new. i have been slacking on blogging. ok ive been slacking on a lot of things period. so sorry girls. im thinking of getting co-mods for my pages and forum but idk i just dont want the stuff to turn all drama filled. i have a very laid back tone on the pages. ive been able to keep drama out of them all. anyway thats not the only thing in need a co-mod for them.

ok ...(deep breath) ... since before i even graduated high school i had been wanting to join the navy. yup yup well senior year things didnt go as planned. i graduated about 4 months pregnant. yikes. drama drama drama moved for a month came back and a few days later bye bye angel baby. very depressing. my then soon to be boyfriend was leaving for bootcamp a week later and my best girl friend to college. great all alone going through a very extreamly emotional state alone. after boyfriend graduated bootcamp he came home and we got engaged and he took me to the recruiters. in the end i decided against it so that i can work on our long distance relationship. well marriage then a baby throw in some underways, deployments and oooo another baby, a suprise deployment and now just military life.

for awhile i just havent been feeling .... well.. myself. i know im a wife and a mom a daughter excetera but if you were to ask me what are you outside of that i would have no answer for you. so its about time i discover my life. not only for me but for my family. me and hubby have been talking about this for years. and its finally going to happen. well if i dont stand in my own way. see i have a BAD habit of talking myself out of things that would be good for me. i think its fear, fear of failing, fear of change, fear of missing out. i just cant go through life continuing that mentality. so in a few short months i will be joining my husband in signing my life away for 4 years to the UNITED STATES NAVY.

yes thats right as much as ive complained about it im doing it lol. several people have already said noooo dont do it lol. some say omg what you are so nuts how can you be away from your kids and put them through a dual military life. awful mom i am! theres also so many that just say if it works for you then do it. we will be able to understand each other more and we believe it will strengthen our marriage even more.

we've started planning and we will be going to the recruiter once again to get all the correct info. hubby is so pushing me to do it cause he knows its what ive wanted to do. parents and cousins fully support my decision and are all helping out while me and hubby are gone, with the kiddos. shore duty will shortly follow so they will have one constant parent.

so after that long update thats all i really have to say today lol. wish me LUCK!

woohoo ive been given an award

noreply@blogger.com (mrsbittersweet) — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 17:48:00 +0000

To accept the Versatile Blogger Award the rules are:

{1}: Thank and link back to who gave you the award.

a fellow military wife who just started blogging

combat boots & diapers

{2}: Share 7 things about yourself.

1. i am a wifey for 4 years and counting
2. mommy to 3
3. i once wanted to be in the military myself (maybe i still will)
4. i'm a pack rat lol im working on it
5. i have dreams that i hope to achieve one day
6. fall and winter are my favorite seasons
7. i dream of being crafty and i hope to become a baker and own my own shop one day

{3}: Pass it along to blogs you've recently discovered and enjoy!
a little pink in a world of camo
letters to you

10 Shocking Secrets of the First Year of Marriage.

noreply@blogger.com (mrsbittersweet) — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 22:20:00 +0000

10 Shocking Secrets of the First Year of Marriage

--By Marina Khidekel, BRIDES magazine

Think that your first year as newlyweds will be total bliss? Of course it will—but even paradise comes with surprises. Here's what to expect.

1. THE SHOCK: You'll gain a little love weight.

You've been dieting since the moment he put the ring on your finger. But chances are that celery-and-Fresca regimen will end as soon as the honeymoon begins. (Christening every Thursday "Pasta Madness"? Go for it!) "I starved myself for months to get in shape for the wedding—I even ordered my ring a size smaller to force myself to keep dieting," admits Melina M., 29, of Cambridge, Massachusetts. "Of course I've gained it all back—and a few extra pounds."

WHAT'S A COUPLE TO DO?

Putting on a bit of weight is normal for a newlywed. "Give yourself permission to enjoy your new life and the food that comes with it," says psychologist Elizabeth Lombardo, Ph.D., author of A Happy You: Your Ultimate Prescription for Happiness. But don't make chili-cheese dogs an everyday thing, or the pounds will keep piling on. Spanx has its limits.

2. THE SHOCK: Your B-list buds will go MIA.

You're a single girl with a tribe of friends. Once you're hitched, though, some may mysteriously vanish from the scene—unless you bribe them with Friday-night drinks.

WHAT'S A COUPLE TO DO?

If a friend is keen on getting married, jealousy may play a part, or she may be having a hard time dealing with a former free-agent pal's wanting to check in with her hubby before making plans. But don't worry—your closest girlfriends won't leave your side, especially if you make a conscious effort to keep them there.

3. THE SHOCK: Your sex life will be off the charts—sometimes.

After the honeymoon and a happy homecoming, life can turn, well...a bit PG. One night, you may just want to do the laundry. Or there will be a Project Runway marathon that you really, really want to watch. Before you know it, a week will have gone by since you and your spouse got romantic.

WHAT'S A COUPLE TO DO?

Nothing. Studies show that, over time, married people have more—and better—sex than singles do, says Scott Haltzman, author of The Secrets of Happily Married Women: "The sense of commitment helps loosen a couple's inhibitions and strengthens their sexual bond."

Related: 7 Financial Tips for Newlyweds from BRIDES Magazine's Editor-in-Chief

4. THE SHOCK: You won't unpack your china for six months.

Engaged girl's fantasy: kitchen shelves full of gleaming new china and stemware organized by color, pattern, and size. Married woman's reality: stacks of unpacked boxes in every corner.

WHAT'S A COUPLE TO DO?

Everyday things—working late, paying bills, taking the dog to the vet—will get in the way of setting up that idyllic space. Try this as a compromise: Open one box each week until you've achieved that sublime kitchen display. And then use the stuff!

5. THE SHOCK: You'll do the dishes; your husband will fix stuff.

It'll be like living in a Mad Men episode as you fall into clichéd roles—you're in charge of laundry; he hammers things. "One day, when our dryer's bell went off to signal that the clothes were done, my husband jumped a foot off the couch and shrieked, 'What was that noise?' That was when I realized he hadn't washed a sock since we'd been married," says Anna W., 28, of Austin, Texas.

WHAT'S A COUPLE TO DO?

Devise a plan, if you'd prefer to split chores 50–50. "Consider which chores each of you doesn't mind doing, and agree to divvy up the responsibilities in a way you both think is fair," says Lombardo. Studies show that when roles are clearly defined and equitable, everyone's happier.

6. THE SHOCK: Even though you'll have two paychecks, you'll still feel broke.

That "we'll have twice as much money" theory? Just an illusion. While you'll save on housing if you weren't living together before (and don't move someplace swankier), you'll also be spending more. For example, that hand-me-down couch was fine for a single gal, but now you'll want a nice sofa in a lovely home that looks as if grown-ups live there.

WHAT'S A COUPLE TO DO?

Don't fret too much, says Haltzman. The investments you're making now will pay off for decades to come, whether they're in furnishings, friendships (throwing dinner parties), or the future (loading up your retirement accounts).

7. THE SHOCK: You won't want to spend every moment with your new husband.

Your spouse may be your best friend, but he won't suddenly become your only friend.

WHAT'S A COUPLE TO DO?

"My husband and I have no problems maintaining individual friendships," says Meghan E., 29, of Richmond, Virginia. "The poor guy shouldn't have to be dragged to every new chick flick simply because he's married to me." She's right. Go out with the girls, and give him nights with his guys. You'll come home and swap stories—and your marriage will be the better for it.

See Also: 16 Surefire Ways to De-Stress

8. THE SHOCK: You'll go to bed mad, even though you vowed not to—ever.

Count on falling asleep fuming at least once that first year.

WHAT'S A COUPLE TO DO?

"It's okay if you're getting nowhere with a compromise," says Lombardo. "Forcing things will just make them worse." So don't be scared of getting some shut-eye. Most likely, you'll both wake up refreshed and ready to make up. Studies show the best predictor of a marriage's success is the couple's ability to repair the relationship after a fight, so as long as you resolve your conflict quickly, you can rest easy.

9. THE SHOCK: Being a wife won't mean you'll instantly have skills worthy of an Iron Chef.

"When I was single, I rarely turned on the stove in my studio apartment. Then I got a husband, new kitchen gear (all those shower gifts!), and my grandmother's take- care-of-your-man attitude," says Molly S., 32, of Baltimore.

WHAT'S A COUPLE TO DO?

Marriage vows are powerful, but they don't include instructions on how to make meatloaf. "I'd rush home from work and try to cook a spread worthy of a magazine photo shoot, but I couldn't take the pressure," says Molly. "Now making dinner might mean opening a bag of salad or a take-out menu," she says. "And we're both okay with that." Or you may find your husband grabbing the apron—now there's a win-win!

10. THE SHOCK: The world will feel like a better place.

Marriage is more than changing your last name and getting a joint checking account.

WHAT'S A COUPLE TO DO?

"Getting married is a declaration to the world that you want to be with each other forever, and a huge sense of security, devotion, peace, and love comes with that," says Lombardo. That intensity will not only deepen your bond but also give you quite a buzz. Says Krista N., 31, of New York City, "We were really supportive of each other before, but now that we're married, it feels like we're tackling life together, and that's a pretty great feeling."

a piece of him/her at home

noreply@blogger.com (mrsbittersweet) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 00:20:00 +0000

here are some ideas to keep a bit of daddy back home even though he really isnt there in person.

Build-a-bear - pick your furry animal have it stuffed clothe it and you can even add a recordable sound to it say like your service members voice saying i love you

Hallmark recordable storybooks - cuddle up with your kiddos or just you to a recordable book your service member recorded. the books are listed below...

the night before christmas
frosty the snowman
the very first christmas
all the ways i love you
my little princess
twinkle twinkle little star
bright and beautiful
guess how much i love you
counting kisses (available in november)
on the night you were born
i love you grandma
my grandpa and me
we're not scared of anything
hey diddle diddle
thank you god for everything

hug a hero - this one is great. there are daddy dolls which are made using a picture of the service member for the kiddos to carry, or wifey fiance gf lol. they also came up with hug a honey for the service member to have his wife near by lol. they also carry "big" daddyor momma, original daddy, dog tags, photo pillows and pillow cases, animals and shirts, "mugs" and stuff, tag blankets, gift certificates, and voice recorders.

video record your service member reading a book to your child(ren)

custom pillows - silent ranks shop on cafe press can customize shirts pillows totes journals to help keep a piece of your service member home

Military photo blankets - have your service member keep you warm even when he/she is not home

you can also make a photo collage in your kids room so they can see daddy. or in the living room.

those are some ways to keep a bit of your service member home

list challenge

noreply@blogger.com (mrsbittersweet) — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 21:57:00 +0000

1.) Do you know how your parents picked your name?

i actually don't know how my parents picked my name. i wish it would have been something cooler and unique lol.

2.) Do you have any article of clothing that has a lot of memories attached to it?

umm i had an anklet that my cousin made out of some type of string. does that count as an article of clothing? anyway she made it for me when i was pregnant with my first baby. long story short i lost my baby and thats one thing i had during the whole thing. well several months later my then boyfriend now husband, stepped on my toe really hard and i swore he broke it. when i went to get my x-ray they had to cut my anklet which i started crying hysterically while the guy stared at me wondering why i was so broken up about him cutting it off me. hubby didnt break my toe he severly bruised it and it had to be in a boot. lame lol.

3.) When you’ve had a terrible day, how do you deal with it?

depends on how terrible. ive been through wa too many terrible days and usually they all end up in me bawling my eyes out like there is no tomorrow.

4.) How are you similar to and different from the majority of blogger users?

well one thing i hopped on the blogger bandwagon. it started out as just something to do and now its still something to do and share lol. different hmmm i guess just because its from my life.

5.) What are some little things that make you feel warm and fuzzy?

during the fall/winter season i break out the mugs hot tea or hot chocolate. what keeps me warm. and i just bought a snuggie awhile back and that keeps me warm and fuzzy lol.

6.) What would your dream house/apartment/castle/tree house/loft/bungalow/etc. look like?

dream house .....oh how i wish it were true.... my dream house would be about 4-5 bedrooms, 3 1/2 bathrooms, with a huge kitchen, a den for our kids to play, a large living room, a big back yard, a garage for two, an outside back patio, a pool would be nice but not necessary, ac, one of those master showers like in that commercial where the installer sings and takes a shower with all the stuff shooting water out at him.

7.) What are some of your pet peeves?

when the hubby takes out just the trash in the kitchen and forgets the pizza box on the oven lol. happened this morning. how some people eat or when people eat certain things like pickles or ice pops. dumb drivers! miss or mr know-it-alls ugh! chewing on your fingers. being loud and obnoxious. i think the list can go on. ha ha

8.) Who makes you happier than anyone else?

my husband and my kids. though they can drive me completely insane and i lose hair lol they make me happy. even if im not having a great day one of them if not all can make me smile. && my mom she is my world as well, even though i dont agree with her all the time and vice versa.

9.) What was the worst thing to happen to you in middle school?

hmm middle school uhh almost getting into a fight and getting detention for it. i had never gotten in trouble and i was pretty much a good girl so i was bummed it was on my record. dun dun dun

10.) What movie or book reminds you most of your childhood?

hmm very good question im not sure but i do know i so hope that "because i said so" is the kind of relationship i will have with my kids. plus i LOVE that movie btw.

11.) What is the community you live in like?

our actual community is quiet and not many people are very friendly. its military and most wives dog you like no ones business.

12.) What is something you believe very strongly in?

i have a lot of issues i feel strongly about. for example ....cheating do NOT get married if you are going to be cheating on your spouse. do people make mistakes YES and you can learn from them too and be forgiven but if you are an ass and just keep repeating it then a huge SCREW YOU is in order. another is lying uh if you feel it in your gut the person is lying 99.9% they are.

13.) What’s your favorite season and why? If you don’t have distinct seasons where you live, does it bother you?

i LOVE fall and winter!! everything about it the way it smells, the cold weather and the ability to layer up to stay warm instead of summer where you can have very little and still be effin HOT.I wish we had snow here in our area but then again rain here causes so many car accident i dont think snow would be a good thing.

14.) Is there a band that you have loved for a long time? How long and why?

paramore because a lot of their songs i have gone through at one time or another.

15.) What will your future be like if it all went the way you wanted it to versus how it will probably turn out, logically?

if it goes the way i want it to we will be millionaires, have our own house and cars we wanted. be set for our kids college and live happily and comfortably without worrying about money bills and other normal problems that come with life. it will most likely turn out like everyone else. bills jobs bills money bills bills lol you know the norm.

well that was a fun blog hope you enjoyed reading it.

carving the pumpkins

noreply@blogger.com (mrsbittersweet) — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 05:38:00 +0000

today we carved our pumpkins. it was the second time our oldest child had done it. yet she didnt want to touch anything she just sat and watched us carve them. our youngest slept upstairs. we figured baby would try eating everything and grab the sharp objects. maybe next year baby will be able to help out. i think they came our pretty good and im proud of them. i also made the pumpkin seeds was so excited to do that and yup huge fail. i burnt the ones that were mine with pumpkin spice. let me tell you they made our house smell deeeelish yummm, well up until they started to burn.

here is the recipe for the seeds i made

Step 1

Buy a pumpkin suitable for carving. When you are finished roasting the seeds the pumpkin will be a fantastic Halloween decoration!

Step 2

Cut off the top of the pumpkin around 3 inches from the stalk. You can draw a circle in pencil to use as a guide. Remember to use a sharp knife and be very careful! This can start to get messy so I usually do it in the sink or over newspapers for easy cleanup on a table.

Step 3

Remove all the seeds and place the seeds in a colander. Don’t forget there are often a lot of seeds attached to the lid! If you will later be carving the pumpkin for decoration, remove all the stringy pulp from the inside.

Step 4

Rinse the pumpkin seeds in the colander and remove any remaining stringy pulp.

Step 5

Place seeds on paper towels and dry thoroughly.

Step 6

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. (i personally think 400 was too high they started burning 10 min in) Place pumpkin seeds on a rimmed baking sheet in one even layer. For every 2 cups of seeds, drizzle with 2 teaspoons of oil. Toss with your hands to coat. If you would like to flavor your pumpkin seeds this is the time to do it! They taste great with chili powder, Chinese 5-Spice powder, pumpkin pie spice, onion or garlic powder. Be creative!

Step 7

Roast for 25 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. Always keep the seeds in an even, single layer. Seeds are done when they are a nice golden brown color. Be sure to watch carefully the last 5 minutes to make sure they don’t get too dark or burn!

Step 8

Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with 1/2-teaspoon kosher salt. Toss while the seeds are still hot. Cool completely.

Step 9

Enjoy! Pumpkin seed are a great snack. They are filled with vitamins and minerals such as iron, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc.

whew.. the house is clean

noreply@blogger.com (mrsbittersweet) — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 22:54:00 +0000

oh man for some reason i woke up feeling like i just needed to clean. it was a good thing cleaned the restrooms, vaccumed, organized some stuff, and cleaned the kitchen. i sweated which was a good thing means i worked hard lol. now my energy has run dry and those stupid pill is kicking in making me feel nauseated. why i keep taking them is beyond me. anyway now just waiting on the hubby to get home which i hope is within the next hour. four day weekend yay so excited! laundry is still going so thats all i need to finish doing today. laundry sucks lol but it needs to be done. this weekend we will tackle the storage closet ... well i hope lol.

P.S. love hearing my munchkin walking around saying hi i'm home.

my mind wandered there

noreply@blogger.com (mrsbittersweet) — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 03:02:00 +0000

i was browsing around and started looking at Hero On My Arm and i have got to say i want one of their bags so dang bad. anyway i called up my mom asking her if i should try being a sales rep. now i'm a mark rep and have been one for awhile. i just do not sell anything!!! ha so i asked my moms opinion. she told me to get the facts and to remember how hard it is to be a rep like that. then she proceeded to remind me about my baking, ha that is a major bad habit of mine, i stray to different "hobbies" and blah i just lose focus. needless to say i am back on track with my baking. i really want to make a small cake though i just dont want to have to eat it! im trying to lose the weight and i just keep stuffing my face with cake balls and pops.

any taste testers?

updates and what's going on

noreply@blogger.com (mrsbittersweet) — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 23:43:00 +0000

hello everyone! well ive updated and made a few changes here and there. i deleted the blmw blog since it kinda made no sence to do it twice. i also deleted my baking blog for now and i may start it again once i actually start my schooling. of course the look of this page is new too. i also run a couple new facebook pages. one is called Anchored Heart which i made for navy wives, fiances and girlfriends. the other is Cooking and Baking Wifeys which is for anyone who loves cooking and or baking, not only that they can share and swap recipes. i still run the blmw forum and blmw facebook page for all military wives. also as soon as i open up more to the whole baking experience by practicing, i will also be accepting orders for cake balls/pops for kawaii mini so keep an eye out. i will be adding a page on here for supporting those of you that want to be advertised with a 125x125 button provided by you. email me if you are interested in being advertised.

what's going on with me? well other than the whole pages forum stuff not much lol. i'm still hoping i'll wake up and i'll be thin again lol but of course that wont happen unless i get my butt up and do something. i'm waiting to start surviving deployment #3 and on top of that wait to see where the navy will be sending us next. i know its a biggy for us because going to school is riding on where and what will be happening. i've decided to go to baking and pastry school excited and nervous about that ha ha. so i can say without hesitation i am stressing about all of that. so basically thats about all that's going on with my life. just waiting on the holidays which is exciting but sad since we wont be going back home for any of them. especially now that uh my "new" car has already gotten a booboo and we are waiting for it to get fixed. sad face.

anywho have a great day!

Feeding tips for Toddlers

noreply@blogger.com (mrsbittersweet) — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 22:59:00 +0000

Feeding Tips for Toddlers

Portions, Serving Sizes, and More! -- By Becky Hand, Licensed & Registered Dietitian

It may be hard to believe, but your baby is now a toddler! Toddlers enjoy feeding themselves and eating meals and snacks at the table with others. Yes, it can get messy, but this is your toddler's chance to explore new foods and tastes.

You may notice that your toddler does not eat as much food before. During her first year of life, she grew extremely fast. Now that growth has tapered off, so she doesn't need to eat as much. However, it's still very important to provide your toddler with a variety of nutritious foods from each of the food groups.

This quick reference chart lists the food groups, recommended daily servings, and appropriate portion sizes throughout the toddler years.

Daily Servings & Portion Sizes Based on Age

Grains6 servings Age1 Ages 2-3Ages 4-5

Bread 1/4 slice 1/2 slice 3/4-1 slice
Cooked cereal, rice & pasta 1/4 cup 1/3 cup 1/2 cup
Dry cereal 1/4 cup 1/2 cup 3/4-1 cup
Bagels & buns 1/4 bun 1/3 bun 1/2 bun
Dairy

4 servings

Age1 Ages 2-3 Ages 4-5

Milk 1/2 cup 1/2 cup 1/2-3/4 cup
Cheese 1/3-2/3 oz 2/3-1.0 oz 1 oz
Yogurt 1/2 cup 1/2 cup 1/2-3/4 cup
Cottage cheese 2-4 Tbsp 4-6 Tbsp 6 Tbsp

Protein2 servings Age 1 Ages 2-3 Ages 4-5

Fish, beef, poultry & pork 1 oz 1.5 oz 2 oz
Cooked peas & beans1/4 cup 1/3 cup 1/2 cup

Eggs 1 1 1

Vegetables
3-4 servings
Age1 Ages 2-3 Ages 4-5

Cooked vegetables 1/4 cup 1/3 cup 1/2 cup
Fresh vegetables, chopped 2-3 Tbsp 3-4 Tbsp 4-6 Tbsp
Vegetable juice 1/4 cup 1/4 cup 1/4-1/2 cup
Fruits2-3 servings Age1 Ages 2-3 Ages 4-5
Canned fruit 1/4 cup 1/4 cup 1/2 cup
Fresh fruit, chopped 2-3 Tbsp 3-4 Tbsp 4-5 Tbsp
Fruit juice 1/4 cup 1/4 cup 1/2 cup

Mealtime & Feeding Tips for Toddlers

■Toddlers can be the world's pickiest eaters! Don't get frustrated. Offer small portions, since it is always better to offer seconds, if needed.

■Trust your child's appetite if he is growing normally, has energy and is healthy. Never force your child to clean his plate. This can lead to unhealthy eating habits over time.

■Food jags are normal and common. Do not make a big deal about the foods she requests. Offer it for several days, along with a variety of other foods. Never force your child to eat foods that are unwanted.

■Make mealtime fun and creative. Use a variety of colors, tastes, textures and temperatures.

■Feed your toddler the same foods you feed your family.

■Have your child sit at the dinner table with the family. Children learn by watching others.

■Purchase child-size spoons and forks. Children will gradually change from using their fingers, to using the spoon first and the fork later.

■Buy child-size plates with separate compartments. Some toddlers do not like when foods mix together.

■Offer finger foods when possible.

■Cut foods for your toddler into bite size pieces.

■Respect your toddler's likes and dislikes. Gently encourage your toddler to try at least one bite of a new food. If the food is rejected today, offer it again next week. Research shows, that you may have to offer a new food 10-20 times before your child likes it.

■Offer foods in different forms.

■Set a good example yourself. Your child will tend to like to eat the same foods you enjoy.

■Offer three regular meals and two to three planned snacks every day. Snack time should be at least two hours before the next mealtime so your child is hungry for meals. Do not allow continuous snacking throughout the day.

■Do involve your toddler in mealtime preparation. Young toddlers can wash fruits and vegetables, snap beans, tear lettuce, and peel bananas. Older toddlers can open packages, pour cereal, toss salads, make sandwiches, stir and mix, and set the table.

■Serve sweets and desserts occasionally as part of the meal. Do not make the sweet treat more desirable than other foods. Do not bribe, reward, or punish your child with sweets. This may lead to power struggles and perhaps lifelong inappropriate use of food. Try to use wholesome desserts, like custard, milk pudding, fruit in gelatin, and oatmeal cookies.

Healthy Eating on the Road

noreply@blogger.com (mrsbittersweet) — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 22:56:00 +0000

Healthy Eating on the Road

Tips for Keeping Your Family and Wallet Happy when Traveling -- By Sarah Haan, R.D., BabyFit Contributor

Whether you're embarking on a cross-country journey or a day trip to Grandma's, you can benefit your budget and your body with some tasty snacks and meals on the go. Having the right tools and some creativity will help you and your family resist those blinking neon lights that seem to beckon you to their golden arches and endless buffets.

A bit of planning before you leave home will ensure that your family eats right no matter where the road takes you.

Meals on the go
Not all food items pack as well in a cooler as others, but there are a few meals and snacks that are breeze to pull out of the cooler.

If you're on a multi-day trip, make sandwiches before heading out for the day. If you're just taking a day trip, prep sandwiches before leaving home.

(Note: Do not give nuts to children under three or honey to children under age 1, and give age-appropriate bites to avoid choking. For more information on age-appropriate snacks, read Tasty Treats for Toddlers.)

■PBJs, please! For kids and grown-ups alike, you can't go wrong with peanut butter and jelly. A thin layer of peanut butter on both slices of bread keeps the sandwich from getting too soggy. Cut sandwiches into four for easy eating.

Tip: Store sandwiches in plastic containers to prevent smashed sandwiches.

■Sandwich roll-upsUsing whole wheat tortillas for sandwiches prevents smashed bread. Place all the your favorite sandwich ingredients in the middle of a tortilla, roll it up, and place in a large zippered bag. Another tip is to keep your condiments in the middle to prevent sogginess or add them just prior to eating. Try various combinations of deli turkey, ham, or chicken, hummus, lettuce, peppers, cucumbers, mustard, light mayo, or balsamic vinaigrette. The options are endless!

Tip: Sneak a few shredded vegetables into the middle of each tortilla for a bit of nutrition.

■DIY LunchablesA box of wheat crackers, pre-sliced cheese and deli meat can go a long way when it comes to quick lunch to refuel the kids.

First, ask the deli to slice meat thicker than usual, and if you're feeling creative, use cookie cutters to cut fun shapes out of the meat and cheese. (Or you can just cut the slices into bite-size pieces.) Place a serving of wheat crackers in a sandwich bag, then place cheese, meat, a few grapes or carrots and the crackers into a plastic container. The kids will have their own "lunchable"! You can also add sliced vegetables like peppers or cucumbers.

Tip: Put a small cookie, toy or other treat in the container, too. (Wrap it in foil so kids can't see what it is.) Tell them they can have the treat if they behave in the car!

Snacks on the go Great snacks to pull out of coolers are:

■Pre-sliced veggies

■Individually wrapped cheese (like string cheese, Laughing Cow wedges, or BabyBels)

■Dried fruit (raisins, cranberries and bananas are popular)

■Fruit snacks

■Small plastic tubs of fruit in juice (Drain the juice before giving to the kids and keep wipes handy.)

■Sliced apples (Drizzle a bit of lemon juice over your apple slices to help prevent browning or bring along an apple corer.)

■Whole fruit: bananas, apples, strawberries, etc. (Tip: When you give kids fruit, PBJs or any other potentially sticky snack, immediately give them a baby wipe or damp paper towel and a plastic sandwich bag for their peels, cores and other refuse. Tell them to wipe their hands after eating and put the paper towel in the baggie when they're done.)

■GORP or trail mix

■Peeled hard-boiled eggs

■Baggies of cereal

■Yogurt tubes (freeze them before leaving home)

■Whole-wheat pretzels

(Need more healthful snack ideas for your road trip? Read 20 Nifty, Nutritious Snacks for Kids.)

Healthy drinks
Keep it healthy with drink choices as well! Sticking to water is going to be your best bet, especially when you're outside in the summer heat. You can also offer kids boxes of milk or 100% juice boxes. Avoiding sugar-loaded sodas and juice cocktails is going to save you some calories and keep the sugar in your child's diet down.

Once your cooler is packed, you're ready to hit the road. Don't forget to save room for baby formula or extra breast milk!

Room service
Once you arrive at your destination, even if you're staying in a hotel, you don't have to stop eating right. Your trusty cooler can take a break and let a mini fridge take over. (Don't forget to put the ice packs in the freezer so you're ready for the next day.)

Breakfast of championsBreakfast is the most important meal of the day, and sometimes it's the hardest to coordinate on the road, even if there is a free breakfast offered at the hotel. Cold cereal and milk work well in hotel rooms, and so do healthy muffins (bring them from home or buy some along the way), yogurt and granola, or that old favorite, PBJs. Another option is whole-wheat mini bagels with peanut butter and sliced banana. Cottage cheese is a good source of calcium and protein in the morning. Mix a low fat cottage cheese with berries, pineapple or mandarin oranges for a quick morning meal. The supplies for these meals can easily be packed into a cooler.

If you've got a microwave in your hotel room, pack oatmeal or cream of wheat, plus dried fruit and nuts. Serve a glass of milk and some fruit, and you and the kids will be ready to start the day.

Three square meals, plus snacks Pack a few staples that you can turn into lunch, snacks and dinner. You can travel to you hotel with most items in a cooler and bag, then transfer them to the fridge. Or, hit the nearest grocery store once you're in your destination city. Pack the following groceries and use the ingredients in different combinations to get many meals!

■Whole-wheat tortillas

■Whole-wheat mini bagels

■Light cream cheese (plain or garden style)

■Shredded lettuce or baby spinach

■Deli chicken, turkey or ham

■Peeled hard-boiled eggs

■String cheese

■Baby carrots

■Pre-made pasta salad

■Cut fruit (any kind!)

From this list of foods, you can create the following meals/snacks:

■Deli wrap: Use the whole-wheat tortilla to wrap up a smear of cream cheese, lettuce and deli meat.

■Cow in a blanket: Wrap a slice of deli meat around a cheese stick for a protein-packed snack

■Bagel sandwich: Pile lettuce, deli meat and a bit of cream cheese in the middle of a mini bagel.

■Wrapped carrot bites: Spread a bit of cream cheese on a slice of deli meat and wrap it around a carrot for a crunchy snack.

Enjoy the above snacks and meals with your the fresh fruit and carrots you packed, and you'll enjoy a few days worth of healthy meals while you're away from home. Remember, planning is everything. The more you can cut, chop, wash, and pack in baggies and containers the better. It will make you vacation more enjoyable once you're settled in and having a great time with the family.

The trick to eating right on the road is in your ice chest, which when packed appropriately, is a treasure chest of healthful and tasty food for you and your family.

Keep your cool. Coolers are essential for food safety, and it's important to pack them well so the food and beverages will stay cold as long as possible. When packing only drinks, loose ice will do the trick. It will melt as your day goes on, but if you drain some water from the vent in the bottom of your cooler each time you stop throughout the day, you won't be fishing like a polar bear to grab a drink.

Packing food is a different story. Using ice packs is a better tactic for chilling food and packaged items. Water from melted ice leads to soggy containers and potential leaks. Don't have enough ice packs to chill the whole cooler? Fill large, zipper-lock freezer bags with ice to achieve the same effect, or multitask and freeze water in reusable bottles to stand in as ice packs while you travel. Making sure your food is completely chilled before packing helps keep the ice from melting so quickly.

The tricky part is using one cooler for both drinks and food. To pack both in one cooler, try finding a tub or bag that all your food will fit into to place inside the cooler. This way, you can put loose ice and beverages in the bottom of the cooler, then fit your stash of food with an ice pack or two right on top of that. Another option, if you have extra space, is to pack two coolers--one each for food and drinks.

Healthy School Lunches Kids Will Actually Eat

noreply@blogger.com (mrsbittersweet) — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 22:52:00 +0000

Healthy School Lunches Kids Will Actually Eat

40 Real-LifeTips from Moms -- By Samantha Donohue, BabyFit Staff Writer

Breakfast might be the most important meal of the day, but lunch runs a close second. Studies have shown that children who eat a well-balanced lunch often do better in school and are more alert. It can be difficult enough to get your child to eat right when you're there to monitor what he eats. But in the cafeteria, where the temptations of pizza, vending machines and other unhealthy snacks await, you have to up your game to get kids to actually eat what you've packed.

To help you provide healthy lunches for your family, BabyFit has asked members and experts for tips and advice on packing kids' lunches. First of all, remember that it's not your lunch. If you pack broccoli and your son hates it, he won't eat it. Let your kids weigh in on what they want to pack in their lunches, and offer them a few healthy choices so they feel like they're in control.

Save money and pack smart
■Though you might be tempted by their convenience and kid-friendly sizes, avoid pre-packaged, processed foods for your kids' lunches. They're expensive and loaded with sodium and preservatives.

■Think outside the lunchbox. Did your kids love last night's roasted chicken and vegetables? Pack some in a thermos to eat the next day. Pack leftover meatballs into a hotdog bun for a lunchtime sandwich. Mix leftover rice and vegetables and top with chunks of pork or chicken.

■There's no rule that lunch has to include a sandwich, chips and a cookie. Try a tasting plate of chicken chunks or deli turkey rollups with a handful of grapes and carrots with a small container of low-fat dressing. Finger foods are usually a hit with kids.

■Be safe. Pack lunches properly to ensure food safety and freshness. Invest in a reusable ice-pack, a thermos to hold warm foods and a variety of different sized containers. Include a cloth napkin and reusable utensils to cut down on waste. Remind your child to always wash her hands before she eats.

A balanced meal
Include something from each food group, but be creative. Here are some tips for creating a well-balanced meal.

Whole grains

■Always choose whole-grain or whole-wheat bread. If your kids won't eat the crusts, that's OK--trim them off. It's more important that they're eating the sandwich.

■Toss air-popped popcorn with cinnamon and sugar for a sweet treat or sprinkle on some parmesan cheese. It's a great whole-grain snack.

■Spread brown-rice cakes with peanut butter, all-fruit spread or light cream cheese.

■Whole grain crackers that are low in fat and high in fiber are a good substitute for bread for little mouths. Kids love the crunch. Send a few pieces of cheese so kids can create their own mini sandwiches.

■Make whole-wheat versions of your family's favorite quick breads and muffins.

■Make large batches of cookies--oatmeal raisin is a good choice--and freeze them. You can take one from the freezer and put it in a lunch box. It will thaw by lunchtime.

■Instead of bread, try a whole-wheat tortilla for a sandwich. Roll one up with low-sodium deli meat, cheese and honey mustard.

■Whole-wheat pretzel sticks are crunchy and fun for kids. Make sure the version you buy lists "whole wheat flour" as a primary ingredient.

Fruit

■Use what fresh and in season. Seasonal fruit tastes better and is also cheaper.

■Make fruit easy for kids to eat. Segment oranges and core apples and pears (use lemon juice to keep them from turning brown). Cut up large pieces of fruit into smaller pieces.

■Offer dried fruit like raisins, cherries or cranberries.

■Buy 100% real fruit leathers or rollups.

■When buying canned fruit, make sure it's packed in 100% fruit juice rather than syrup.

■Instead of jams and jellies, make a peanut butter sandwich with banana slices, raisins or berries.

■Offer a handful of seedless grapes in a bag with a wet paper towel for sticky hands. (The wet paper towel also comes in handy after eating an orange.)

■Make a fruit smoothie and store it in a thermos. Add a handful of spinach for an extra serving of veggies. Your kids will never know. (Make the smoothie at night and freeze. It will be nice and slushy by lunchtime.)

Vegetables

■Cut raw veggies into bite size pieces and serve them with a dip. In addition to ranch, try peanut butter or another nut butter, pesto, salsa, hummus or guacamole--whatever you kids will eat.

■Add shredded vegetables to sandwiches and soup.

■Try mixing chopped broccoli or cauliflower with brown rice and a bit of cheese for a healthy casserole.

Dairy

■Either provide money for your child to buy milk or include a small carton of shelf-stable milk in every lunch.

■String cheese or a few cubes of cheese are a great way for kids to get calcium and protein.

■Freeze a small container of cottage cheese or yogurt. Add it to his lunchbox and it will be thawed by lunch.

■Instead of paying for preflavored yogurt, add your kids' favorite all-fruit spread, chopped fruit or a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to the yogurt.

■Try topping cottage cheese with chopped tomatoes or pineapple chunks.

■If your child will only drink chocolate milk, allow it. It's better than drinking no milk at all.

Protein

■If your child isn't a fan of meat, that's OK. There are plenty of ways to get protein into his lunch. It's very important to include protein, because it will help keep him fuller longer. As long as your child is old enough to eat nuts and there are no allergen concerns, experiment with various forms of nut butter. Beyond peanut, there's cashew, almond, sunflower, soynut and even hazelnut butter.

■Eggs are another great source of protein. Include a hard-boiled egg (peel it first) or a couple of deviled eggs (made with low-fat mayo).

■If your kids are fans of tuna, egg or chicken salad, sneak some veggies into it. Minced carrots, celery, zucchini and even cucumbers mix well. In addition to regular sandwiches, these salads make great dippers for whole-grain crackers and raw veggies.

■Hummus or black bean dip is full of filling fiber and protein. Like the salads mentioned above, it's great in sandwiches or as a dip.

■Disguise protein as a treat by mixing nuts with dried fruit and just a few chocolate chips for an easy trail mix.

Mom-tested tips:
Here what BabyFit community team members are doing to make lunch fun, tasty and healthy for their kids.

LISAMARIE55 uses a thermos for both warm and cold food items. Pasta salad with diced tomatoes, cucumber, cheese and carrots, with an olive oil-based dressing, is a great lunch. In the winter, put veggie soup in the thermos. To sneak in extra vegetables, add shredded veggies (zucchini, carrots or celery) to tuna or chicken salad.

JAKE_ADAMSMOMMY likes to pack string cheese, grapes, carrot sticks, and cheese-and-cracker sandwiches that her kids can put together themselves.

COOKIECHRISTIAN likes to keep lunchtime fun with the following ideas: bagel sandwiches, celery sticks filled with peanut butter or cream cheese, carrot sticks, cucumber, "trees" (cauliflower and broccoli) with ranch dressing, frozen tubes of yogurt (they thaw by lunch), dried fruits, black olives, fruit kabobs with pineapple, melon, and berries, chips and cheese or bean dip, guacamole and pico de gallo for kids to assemble themselves.

LUV4MY3BOYS likes to include as many food groups as possible in her sons' lunches. She fills celery with peanut butter and raisins and uses a cookie cutter to make heart-shaped peanut butter sandwiches. She chooses whole grain bread, natural peanut butter, and all-fruit preserves. For something sweet, she includes yogurt and granola with fresh fruit, apples dipped in peanut butter, homemade oatmeal raisin cookies, and trail mix.

KIMMER322 loves cutting up fresh fruits such as pears, bananas, apples and grapes and tossing them with vanilla yogurt.

TAMMYBEE5 likes to pack sliced carrots and cucumbers and fruit salad

what's in my momma bag

noreply@blogger.com (mrsbittersweet) — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 21:06:00 +0000

I totally used to make fun of my mom all the time her bag always had so much crap i never understood. Now at 23 my mommy bag is the same way LOL. I have the things you'd laugh at. I have two girls plus my stuff so I'm prepared to say the least. I have forgotten how it is to just carry my essentials. What's the strangest thing you think I have in my bag?

ninja mom

noreply@blogger.com (mrsbittersweet) — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 21:05:00 +0000

no one tells you that once u find out you're pregnant you're automatically classified as ninja. i guess i skipped the first three years cause out comes baby two and in come these secret ninja skills. i have to fight with my little one to get a diaper on geez never saw that coming.

not only do my ninja skills come in handy for fighting the baby diaper situation, it comes in handy when the terrible 2s that go on till uhhhh idk how long that goes on. also it works when daddy is gone and your alone being super mommy AND daddy.

take that evil mommy taker downers

balancing act

noreply@blogger.com (mrsbittersweet) — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 21:03:00 +0000

as a military wife there is so much you need to balance. if you're childless its probably school, work, housework, wifey duties, and whatever else you have. with kids it may be all that plus mommy duties. we wives have tons of responsibilities. when i was young i didnt quite get it seeing my mom be super mom/wife. now im at an age where im young but i have all those responsibilities well most. how do we balance all of this? i guess it was sewn in from day one of womens lives ... we are just super girls. well most of us at least because i know lots who arent and still dont take their responsibilities seriously. anywho to all of those who are super moms/wives good job and pat yourself on the back. you are an awesome person especially since a lot of us military wives are both mom and dad a lot of the time. it's not an easy job to balance all of it and i know it can be hectic and overwhelming. i finish with a quote .... “A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take.” - Cardinal Mermillod

another day in the bittersweet life of a military wife