Simply Me

Preparing for Deployment

2012-07-30T12:17:00.004-04:00

Firstly I'd like to say a thanks to

Today has been such a drag. I didn't go to my Massage School because I have a

doctors appointment. I'm secretly hoping that I'll get to see baby Carter on an ultrasound

but I have my doubts and am thinking in the next four weeks I will.

I hate to complain about being away from the hubby because I'm not the only one.

It's just that I'm not used to the separation. As hes preparing for his upcoming deployment he's always gone

training.

Most days I'm fine, but some days I fall into a funk. I miss him being gone in the present moment, I'm missing him being gone when his deployment comes up and I miss him for baby Carter.

Carter will be so new and young to this world, he won't even realize his daddy has left to fight for our freedom.

But I can't help but let it get to me that they will both miss a huge chunk of each others lives.

But I supposed that's military life for ya.

It will be one picture after the other and a grand count down!

I really can't keep thinking about something that's not even happened yet.

Babies Everywhere!

2012-07-29T21:01:00.000-04:00

So I don't know if its just because I'm pregnant myself now, but today I was at the store and it seemed

that there were at least a pregnant woman in my eye sight at all times! I think its funny how I'm

always noticing other ladies and their soon to be or already children!

It makes me anxious to get big and be showing like them.

Here's a little update on my pregnancy so far:

17 Weeks

1. What name did you and your spouse call your baby before you knew the gender?

When we found out I was pregnant, I was already 10 weeks along, and then we found out the gender at 15 weeks. So in between that time we were still getting used to the idea of becoming parents and telling everyone the news. I guess we never really had a nickname for him.

2. When did "Oh-my-gosh-we're-having-a-baby" really sink it?

There were a few different "oh my gosh" moments! The first would be when I took the pregnancy test. That was the biggest because we were expecting it to be a yes, but at the same time it was the unknown that surprised us! And then the first ultrasound when we saw our baby and heard the heartbeat! That really just set everything into stone that it was real, I have a living little being inside me.

3. When you think of yourself as a mom, what's the first thing to come to mind?

I instantly think of my baby. I think of the new-found bond I'll experience that can't even be described in words! I am beyond excited to expand my family and have our first child!

4. Is your nursery complete? What's the theme and what do you have left to complete?

NO! We've bought the paint and have a general idea how we want it, but the spare bedroom still has to be gutted. Its packed full of my husbands military gear right now, so we have a lot of rearranging to do before we can even start painting. And since I'm not very far along yet, I only have 1 or 2 baby items. The funny thing is, since the hubs is deploying right around the time of birth, I'm going to be staying with my parents for 7-8 months; so we have two nursery's to create. But my mom has packed full ideas for the nursery at their house!

5. List 5 qualities you hope your baby will possess:

1. Charm 2. Silliness 3. Loving 4. Outgoing 5. Brave

6. What's your ideal labor experience?

I suppose quick, and easy. And most importantly problem free! It would be ideal if Carter (the baby) decided to come a little early that way he can meet his daddy before he leaves over seas. But a healthy baby is the most important!

7. List 5 things that have changed in your relationship with your spouse since you've been pregnant:

1. We respect each other more 2. We fight less! 3. We are the most in love we've ever been 4. We are working as a team to clean the house and prepare for the baby 5. We don't just live day to day anymore, we talk about the future longgg down the road

8. List 5 things you think will change once your baby arrives:

1. I will be more aggressive, and have mother instincts 2. I'll find myself getting frustrated with people who don't understand motherhood 3. I will experience a new type of exhaustion lol! 4. I will be a cleaner person and more organized 5. My entire life will change and I'll just be a new person

9. Where do you think you'll be when you go into labor? Why?

I either think I'll be in school because my final classes are right up until I'm 38 weeks.. (which I pray this won't happen because I drive 1.5 hours just to class every weekday) or I'll be home, because after I'm done with school, I'll just be hanging out at home with the hubs!

10. Have you been talking to your baby? Playing music?

I'll talk to him when I'm not feeling good and its him. But mostly he probably listens to music because I always have some type of music going!

11. In what ways do you hope your baby is like your spouse?

I would be proud to have a son like my husband! He is committed to what he does, will always have my back and do whatever it takes to be a protector and a provider. And he's my best friend. I'm proud of the man my husband is and I'd be proud of my son too!

12. In what ways do you hope your baby is like you?

I've always been known to do what I want no matter what anyone says.. Ex- I got married while still in high school, I dropped out of Business School for Massage Therapy, I don't back down in a fight. I may be a bit knuckle headed, but I'm happy of my don't give a shoot attitude. I don't want anyone to ever be able to talk Carter out of his dreams.

13. How long will you wait for the next baby, or if this is your last one, why/why not?

The hubs wants to try for another one after he gets back from his deployment, which would put Carter at 7/8 months. I on the other hand wouldn't mind waiting a few years. But I supposed we will just see what happens. Carter will not be our only though.

14. What kind of grandparents do you think your baby will have?

Amazing! My parents are going to be a major part of Carters first year, seeing how we will be living with them. This will be the hub's parents first grandchild, so I know they are super excited too!

15. Who will be with you during labor? Who will visit you in the hospital during your recovery?

It all depends on when I have him. If I have him on my due date, my husband will be gone already so it most likely will just be my mom and then we will make the trip up to NY after we get out of the hospital. If Carter comes early, then my husband will be in the room when I give birth and my mom will be visiting as soon as she gets down to NC.

16. How much will you tell your baby (child, teenager) about your past? Why/why not?

I'll be open with him when he's older. There are some things he doesn't need to know, but I want him to know my life with his dad. And my own life as a child. I also want to teach him right from wrong with some of my own experiences.

17. Do you have any hopes for your child's activities? (Sports, academics, school preference, activities, etc)

I wish for my son to do well in whatever it is he does, weather it be college, military, or work. I plan to get him into sports when he's little and give him a wide range of opportunities and if he doesn't like them then that's his decision. The hubs was a wrestler his entire school career and hopes for Carter to follow but nothing he doesn't want to do will be pushed on him.

18. When will you tell your baby about the birds and the bees?

Since he's a son, I'll probably talk to him a little sooner. But who knows I'm young and don't plan on having that discussion for a while!

19. And finally, Be annoying! What "advice" do you want newly pregnant women to know?

I'm not even half way through my own pregnancy yet, so I can't put much advice out there. But I've noticed when I sit around and do nothing all day, I feel tired and crummy. So get up and still be active, eat right. You and the baby will feel great!

My Little Lemon

2012-07-10T22:08:00.002-04:00

We are officially in the 2nd trimester!

14 Weeks, 3 Days

Today was a pretty crazy day. The hubs and I got back from a too short vacation up in NY with both our families. I was getting back into the swing of things, getting ready to start my new classes. Well, after an hour drive and a little confusion, turns out I missed the phone call that class was canceled until tomorrow.

So instead of bumming around all day, I decided to see if I could make a pop in appointment with Jacksonville 4D Fetal Photo.

If any of you are familiar with the Jacksonville area, I recommend them!
They were able to get me in 4 hours I made the phone call.
I went hoping I'd be able to be told the sex of the baby, but knowing I had slim chances seeing how I just entered the 2nd trimester. And I was warned that well before the ultrasound began.
Well, let me tell you, I did not waste a single penny..

David & Darlene were able to tell us the sex within minutes.

And there are no if's or maybe's... clear as day was my little man's pride and joy...

So the hubs and I have clearly already bought paint, and made our announcements! We are proud to say, we've settled on a name (well we've been set for a while now, just waiting to find out the sex)

Carter Jaxon

So from here on out, we pray for a happy, healthy pregnancy!

We've Expanded Our Home By Two Feet

2012-06-29T21:44:00.000-04:00

So as it turns out, its been almost five months since I last blogged. What amazes me is that in those few months many changes have occurred that will be life long.

To start, I began Massage Therapy School. With that, I plan to start doing a weekly blog about the benefits, modalities, and everything in between of massage. Hopefully in the next few years I'll be writing about my own business... dreams and goals!

Mid-way through school the hubs and I found out we will be expecting a little addition to our family come the new year! There is so much to plan and prepare for our little one. I'm 13 weeks, and as so as we find out the sex, the decorating will begin! If anyone has any ideas or tips for a new momma I'd open to hearing them!

With all the good news, its expected to have a little bit of bad news. The hubs is going to end up deploying a bit after the new one is born. We're both a bit disappointed he's going to be missing much of baby's start to life, but we're also blessed that he's been given this opportunity.

I welcome myself back into the blogger community and will keep everyone updated!

--Stacey

A Thousand Years

2012-02-02T23:17:00.001-05:00

Back to linking up with Goodnight Moon.

This is for you Joe, no matter the distance, fear, and tears

I'll love you for a thousand years.

"How can I love when I'm afraid to fall.

But watching you stand alone all of my

doubt suddenly goes away somehow...

And all along I believed I would find you.

Time has brought your heart to me.

I have loved you for a thousand years.

I'll love you for a thousand more."

3 Months

2012-02-01T23:57:00.000-05:00

Has it really been three months since my last blog?

Not that I did very well with the whole everyday or once a week blog anyways.

I've come to realize I want to be a great blogger. I want someone out there to read what I have to say and make them smile, or better them somehow. I mean that's the whole reason I got into it. Different people would inspire me with their words and stories. Maybe someday my story will be a great one to share. But I guess for now I'll live in the present and try to explain whats been going on in the last few months.

November: Thanksgiving down here with my family. Totaled my car... but thanks to the lady who ran into me I got an even nicer car. And no one was hurt, thank god.

December: Christmas with Joe's family then up to NY to visit my family. Sometimes its hard being so far away from all our family... but then I've realized I like being a few states away. It's like a vacation every time I get to go home again. And who doesn't love vacations.

January: Had a blast on New Years. Finally explored NC and went out dancing!

Celebrated my birthday- am I really still only 19. I know everyone says don't wish it away, but when you live near a military base and all your friends are 21+ I think I can say I would be alright skipping the next two years.

February 01, 2012: I'm having a common life crisis. I don't know where I'm directing my life to go. College just doesn't seem to be the thing for me. At least not when I don't even know what I want to do. Actually I do know what I want to do, but for the past three years I never really thought about it. I myself want to join the military, but after I met Joe I thought no way would he ever let that happen. But the past few weeks I've been really looking into it and have decided I can have both my family and be in the military. Sure being a dual military couple is going to be hard, extremely hard. But I know I can and will put everything into making this work. I just have to decide what my next step is. I'm treading with caution. I want Joe to be accepting and open to this. He opinions matter very much to me though, so nothing will be taken lightly.

That really sums up in short my life as of lately.

I'm still trying to get the hang of the whole stay at home being a wife thing.

Its not an easy transition to go from high school girlfriend living with mom and dad to college student running the household of a husband and two dogs. But I'm getting the hang of it.

Blah.

2011-11-14T20:43:00.001-05:00

Have you ever wondered why life works in crazy ways? It's been a while since I've had time to sit down and just write anything. And I'm starting to see, sometimes it's necessary to have me time and to just sit down and do what I want. Have you ever had a blessing and a curse at the same time? This past weekend Joe's dad had a stroke so we made the 12 hour drive home on emergency leave. I hate saying this and feel guilty but I'm sorta glad we got to come home. His father is doing great, under the circumstances. But I'm just happy to get away from everything military for a little while and just be with family. At this moment I sit here typing this with Joe and my dad watching the Packers game. I don't want to leave in two days, I don't want to leave my home to go back to my own home. But I guess that's part of this journey we all live. We grow, we leave home, and make our own place.

Questions To Free My Mind

2011-10-27T18:53:00.001-04:00

As part of my 101 in 1001 I will answer the 50 Questions that will Free your Mind. I haven't looked at any of these questions yet, but I'm just going to lay it all out there and be completely honest.

"Because sometimes asking the right questions is the answer."

How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are? I would most likely be in my late 20's. Still young and experiencing new things, but mature and starting to settle down in life.
Which is worse, failing or never trying? Never trying. If I failed but tried my best then I have no regrets.
If life is so short, why do we do so many things we don’t like and like so many things we don’t do? I think that's part of life. It's part of learning and growing. We all have struggles, and we all have dreams. Someday we hope to achieve them, and weather we do or not, at least it's goals we set for our self to keep us going.
When it’s all said and done, will you have said more than you’ve done? I'm not really sure if this can ever be answered by yourself. Because when do we really know when it's finally "all said and done."
What is the one thing you’d most like to change about the world? There is too much hate. I'm not saying war is the problem, what I'm getting at is when is the last time you helped a stranger for no reason at all or gave a friendly wave to someone to brighten their day.
If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich? I've yet to find that out, but I know as long as I'm with a good group of people, I can hate what I'm doing but still have fun.
Are you doing what you believe in, or are you settling for what you are doing? I've done so many things other people thought I was crazy for, so I'm defiantly doing what I believe in.
If the average human life span was 40 years, how would you live your life differently?
To what degree have you actually controlled the course your life has taken? Many things have happened in my life that I wish never did, but I couldn't change. I would like to say I have controlled at least 75% of my life.
Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things? I guess it all depends on what those things are. Sometimes one out weighs the other.
You’re having lunch with three people you respect and admire. They all start criticizing a close friend of yours, not knowing she is your friend. The criticism is distasteful and unjustified. What do you do? In the past I wouldn't say a thing, I might even join in with them. But the past two years I've changed, found a new respect for myself and the ones I love. Now I would stand up for my friend.
If you could offer a newborn child only one piece of advice, what would it be? Never take things for granted, or think it could never happen to you. Because one day, everything can change forever.
Would you break the law to save a loved one? Yes.
Have you ever seen insanity where you later saw creativity? Absolutely, everyday we judge people and their actions, but if we take a moment to stop, not everything is bad there can be beauty.
What’s something you know you do differently than most people? This may not be so different for a lot of people, but where I grew up it was. I wasn't afraid to go after what I wanted, I got married before I graduated high school. I did what most people said was a mistake, and I don't regret it.
How come the things that make you happy don’t make everyone happy? Because everyone finds their own joy in different things.
What one thing have you not done that you really want to do? What's holding you back? I really want to take a vacation, by myself. A few things hold me back... 1. money 2. time 3.maybe when i'm older
Are you holding onto something you need to let go of? Maybe a few past relationships with people that can never be repaired.
If you had to move to a state or country besides the one you currently live in, where would you move and why? Whatever one the Marines take my husband away to.
Do you push the elevator button more than once? Do you really believe it makes the elevator faster? I once had a job where I would be riding the elevator 20 times in one hour... and yes I did push that button many times. And no it did not make it go any faster.
Would you rather be a worried genius or a joyful simpleton? A joyful simpleton.
Why are you, you? Because who else would I be.
Have you been the kind of friend you want as a friend? To some yes, to others not at all.
Which is worse, when a good friend moves away, or losing touch with a good friend who lives right near you? Well not too long ago I was that friend that moved away, and though it sucks, we've made plans to see each other soon. So I would much rather be miles apart and still talk than be close and never talk.
What are you most grateful for? The people I have been blessed to meet and love.
Would you rather lose all of your old memories, or never be able to make new ones? I would rather never be able to make new ones. My past hasn't been perfect and the future may hold a brighter promise, but right now I could die happy. And my sister is a huge part of my old memories, and the thought of them vanishing forever tears me apart.
Is is possible to know the truth without challenging it first? Yes, just have a little faith.
Has your greatest fear ever come true? I never knew my greatest fear until it happened. Losing my sister was the worst thing that has ever happened in my life, and now ever day I worry about everyone else I love.
Do you remember that time 5 years ago when you were extremely upset? Does it really matter now? No, there are many things I will remember that upset me, but the majority of them I don't.
What is your happiest childhood memory? What makes it so special?
This picture may not have meaning to anyone, but to me it means the world, for these reasons:
This was a time when we were all happy, we got out and went for walks on my grandparents farm (which they no longer own.) We had the biggest snowball war, just my parents, sister and my favorite dog. Now my sister and the dog are up in heaven, things have gotten a littler harder and more complicated.
At what time in your recent past have you felt most passionate and alive? When I first started dating Joey. Don't get me wrong, there's still the passion, but being 16 and finding my first love was exciting.
If not now, then when? Read above^
If you haven’t achieved it yet, what do you have to lose? I'll always have something to lose, as long as there is love.
Have you ever been with someone, said nothing, and walked away feeling like you just had the best conversation ever? Yes, sometimes words are not necessary.
Why do religions that support love cause so many wars? All's fair in love and war.
Is it possible to know, without a doubt, what is good and what is evil? "There are no absolutes. No one's all good, or evil." -Dexter (TV series)
If you just won a million dollars, would you quit your job? As of right now my job is babysitting, and I love the kids I watch, so no.
Would you rather have less work to do, or more work you actually enjoy doing? I don't mean to sound lazy, but I would rather have less work to do. That way I can spend my time with my family or finding new things I love.
Do you feel like you’ve lived this day a hundred times before? Not a hundred, maybe 98... I have gotten stuck in a boring routine.
When was the last time you marched into the dark with only the soft glow of an idea you strongly believed in? The day I got married.
If you knew that everyone you know was going to die tomorrow, who would you visit today? I would go back to NY, bringing Joey with me and get all my closest friends and family in one house and just enjoy our time together.
Would you be willing to reduce your life expectancy by 10 years to become extremely attractive or famous? Not at all, I have no desire to be famous, and Joe already thinks I'm attractive so what more do I need.
What is the difference between being alive and truly living? Having a motive to go after your dreams. And happiness.
When is it time to stop calculating risk and rewards, and just go ahead and do what you know is right? Just do whats right and will make you happy.
If we learn from our mistakes, why are we always so afraid to make a mistake? Some mistakes aren't easy to accept. The lessons learned can be tough and unfair.
What would you do differently if you knew nobody would judge you? Nothing, I don't let other people's thoughts control my actions now.
When was the last time you noticed the sound of your own breathing? I never really thought about it, but now I'm listening haha.
What do you love? Have any of your recent actions openly expressed this love? I love photography! Someday I plan to buy a grand camera and take beautiful photos like this..
In 5 years from now, will you remember what you did yesterday? What about the day before that? Or the day before that? That's easy, no. I have terrible memory and I can hardly remember yesterday right now.
Decisions are being made right now. The question is: Are you making them for yourself, or are you letting others make them for you? I make my own choices, weather I have someone influencing me, in the end I make them myself.

So there it is, the 50 Questions that will free your mind. This really got me thinking, about all the things in life I cherish, all the goals and dream I have for myself, and it reminded me to just be happy with who I am.

Song Link-Up 2

2011-10-27T00:33:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Goodnight Moon's weekly song link-up, this week I'll be picking a song from one of my favorite new and upcoming artists, Tyler Ward. I came across him on YouTube a few months ago with his cover of Lady Gaga's Born This Way. Since then there hasn't been a song of his I haven't listened to. This past weekend he had a show 5 hours away from me, that got sold out. But someday I will see him live! I wish I could post all my favorite songs from him but that list would go on and on, so I'll share one of their original songs.

Day Zero

2011-10-25T01:18:00.002-04:00

A few days ago I wrote about completing the Day Zero Project and I finally came up with my list.

101 things in 1001 days

By the end of every week I will blog about what I've completed or whats still in progress. I choose a lot of things in my list that deal with writing letters, taking pictures, reading, watching movies, doing things the will help the community, and simple things that bring me joy and better myself. My main goal is to grow a greater appreciation for all the things I been given. I also think it's a great way to document the next 2.75 years. Not only do I love a great challenge, but the excitement and adventures that are to come will be life changing.

So here begins the next 1001 days!

Fishing

2011-10-24T15:16:00.003-04:00

This entire weekend I was out on a boat. Since moving down here, I must admit its the most fun I've had. Our neighbors have an awesome little boat they go out on all the time, and this weekend they gave us a little taste of North Carolina.

We went gigging and pole fishing. Anyone who's never gone gigging before should defiantly try it if they ever get the chance. It's a lot of patience and well... balance. Joe had the fun of falling off the boat! Neither of us have really had experience being out on boats, so I'm just glad it was him and not me. It was so exciting seeing all the jelly fish, sting ray, and other unique sea creatures I never would have had the change to see in NY.

Joey's Trout

Giggin'

First catch of the day

Right after Joe fell in

All the flounder we gigged on night 1

I hope you all had a fun weekend!

Liebster Blog Award

2011-10-23T10:29:00.004-04:00

Liebster Blog Award

Recently I was given the Liebster Blog Award by Christi over at Mackey's Moments... She has an awesome blog, so check her out! :)

A little note about the Award...

The Liebster Blog Award is given to up and coming bloggers who have less than 200 followers. Liebster is a German word meaning dear, sweet, kind, nice, good, beloved, lovely, kindly, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, and welcome.

To keep this award going, pass the award along to 5 other new deserving bloggers who have less than 200 followers.

The rules for the Liebster Blog Award are:
1. Thank the giver and link back to the blogger who gave it to you.
2. Reveal your top 5 picks and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog
3. Copy and paste the award on your blog.
4. Have faith that your followers will spread the love, too!

Top 5 Picks:

Nicole over at a florida girl and her soldier.

Ashley over at Be Bright and Jovial

Paula (P) over at Life;s Little Lessons

Kaylee over at Max & Kaylee

Kristina over at Pretty Rambles

Fill In The Blank Friday

2011-10-21T02:31:00.001-04:00

I know this is the 4th post in a row where I haven't actually said much myself... but all will change in time. These past few days have had me in a bit of a funk and not really sure what to say. Joe and I have been on edge about everything it seems. The newly wed bliss is being replaced with the real life issues of bills, house issues, and just figuring out living with each other. I guess I'm just starting to really miss home. It's very exhausting trying to make new friends when all I really want to do is be with my old ones. Anyways, without further ado... the lovely Fill In The Blank Friday!

1. Nothing says fall like red, yellow, & orange leaves and a warm sweater.

2. My favorite autumnal tradition is raking a big pile of leaves and just falling into it. It doesn't matter what age you are, it still feels good to just lay there and enjoy the moment.

3. My favorite fall treat is pumpkin rolls!! Mhhh.

4. Fall makes me think of school because I always remember making the most school crafts at this time. I guess the beauty also gives everyone so much inspiration.

5. Autumn free form word association, go! Photography, Crunchy Leaves, Long Walks, Cool Mornings

6. My go-to outfit in the fall is Boots, Leggings, Sweater/Cardigan, Dress or Shirt, and a Scarf

7. My favorite fall holiday is (Halloween or Thanksgiving) When I was little, of course it would be Halloween. But now its defiantly Thanksgiving. Not only do I love the big feast, but being able to be with my family and appreciate all that I have been given really makes me love this holiday.

So there ya'll have it!

Its OK Thursday!

2011-10-20T15:32:00.000-04:00

This week has been pretty crazy! But tomorrow is Friday, and Saturday follows Friday! So here you have it...Its OK...To skip today's makeup
To lay in bed an extra 10 minutes
To take a breath and enjoy the world
To want to be held
To cry & laugh
To be unsure of the future
To sing your heart out in the shower
Because it's all OK!

Song Link-Up

2011-10-20T04:37:00.002-04:00

This is my first song link-up! Thanks to....

I have so many songs right now, its so hard to pick just one. But here it is, my favorite pick me up song.
They just melt my heart!

What I'm Loving Wednesday

2011-10-19T13:18:00.000-04:00

So I know I just posted... but here's my WILW!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I'm loving that I have a wonderful husband who has blessed us with so much

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I'm loving that Halloween is 12 days away

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I'm loving that I'm an aunt to the cutest little girl

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I'm loving Pintrest for all these lightbulb craft ideas

Well today..

2011-10-19T12:48:00.000-04:00

I will be giving blood, and Joe will be donating blood plasma! It's not the first time for either of us but its been a while since we were able to due to our tattoos. In the past I had difficulty with keeping my blood flowing to give enough.. so this time I've been taking daily vitamins and drinking tons of water. Did you know that every two seconds someone is in need of a blood donation?

Anyways, while I'm waiting for him to get off of work, I decided to re-organize my recipe book and came across a bunch of pictures of the past things I've made. By far my favorite was the Brownie Pops. I made these a few years ago for Christmas, but you can substitute the candy-cane sticks for popsicle sticks and decorate the brownies with any color sprinkles to fit any holiday.

Brownie Pops Recipe

Brownies:

Ingredients (Also Replaceable with any store bought brownie mix- just follow directions on box):

1/2 cup butter
2 (1 oz) squares of unsweetened chocolate
1 (10 oz) package of Andes Crème de Menthe Baking Chips (Optional Mint Holiday Chips, just remember to replace with a 10 oz of milk chocolate package)
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 tsp. vanilla extract
3/4 cup all purpose flour
1/4 tsp. salt

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degF.
Combine the butter, unsweetened chocolate, and 1 cup of the andes mints in a medium saucepan. Melt ingredients together over low heat until completely mixed and melted together (be sure to stir constantly).
Remove from heat, add sugar, eggs, and vanilla, beating until smooth.
Combine dry ingredients (flour and salt). Stir into chocolate mixture until well blended. Stir in remaining Andes mint chips.
Pour batter into a lightly greased 8" square pan.
Bake at 350 degF for 32 minutes. Remove from oven and cool in pan on a wire rack.

Ball The Brownies:

After the pan of brownies has completely cooled, use a 2 Tbsp baking scoop to gently scoop out balls of cooked brownies from the pan.
Gently reshape the brownies into smooth balls by rolling in your hands. (This can get a little messy!)
Place the balls on a large baking sheet that has been lined with parchment (wax) paper.
Insert candy cane sticks, or whatever you choose for the lollipop stick
Chill balls on baking sheet in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Recipe should make around 30 Pops.

Chocolate Coating:

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp shortening
5 (2 oz) chocolate candy coating squares
Crushed candy canes, peppermint candies, sprinkles

Directions:

Place the shortening and coating in a glass 2 cup measuring cup.

Microwave on high for 1 minute or until melted.

Stir until smooth.

Dip each brownie pop into the melted chocolate mixture, reheating the chocolate as necessary in the microwave to keep it melted.

Replace the chocolate dipped brownie pops on the large parchment-lined baking sheet.

Add Crushed candy canes, peppermint candies, sprinkles

Let the pops stand until the chocolate is firm.

Once firm, serve how desired (I choose mini foil cupcake wrappers)

Inspiration

2011-10-18T00:19:00.000-04:00

Okay, so I credit Facebook for me stumbling upon this video. I was so amazed by it I just couldn't help but share. This lady took a picture every day for 4.5 YEARS! Talk about commitment. Obviously she changed over those years, but she kept the same pose for each one. Lately I've been trying to find something to inspire me and will make me feel a little more accomplished even if its a simple project or takes years to accomplish. After watching this I think it would be awesome to just document my life every day to see how I really change over the years. I'm also really interested in doing the Day Zero Project, I just have to find time to really think about what 101 things I would want to accomplish... which turns out to be quite difficult.

So anyways, here's the video...

A little pick me up

2011-10-17T13:08:00.004-04:00

One thing that never fails to brighten my day, Youtube videos. Its a bad habit, but I can spend hours searching singers, vloggers, movie clips, tv shows, just anything that I find funny.

Honestly, I'm not a huge fan of this movie, or the song. But I just love this video!

And then reality sinks in

2011-10-16T17:09:00.004-04:00

Lately I've been reading a lot of different blogs, hoping to get some ideas of how to better my own. I came across funny ones, creative ones, and then recently I came across a few sad ones. Ones about broken hearts and death. They really got me thinking about my own life and how much I really wish I could take an hour drive and be with my family. Two years, two months ago yesterday my sister was killed by a drunk driver. I'll never understand why God allowed him to walk away without a scratch but my 18 year old sister had to die. Everyday I miss her more and more. Its not fair that I got to get married, buy a house, and shes never going to experience any of this, or physically be here for any of it with me. Expressing my feelings about this has always been hard for me. I tried to not let anyone see the hurt I held inside, I couldn't bare seeing my parents in such pain and let them see my own. Eventually time went by and I still keep everything to myself. Eventually I spiraled down so fast I didn't know how anyone could ever help me. Slowly I'm learning to express my feelings, bottling everything up only lead to big breakdowns. My heart breaks every time I read about someone else going through a loss, but part of me feels like everything will be alright, that I'm not the only one trying to re-find my life. In no way am I blogging about this to have people few feel sorry for me. Its my way of letting my emotions out, and in hopes that someone will hear my story and do things to prevent accidents like this. I am so thankful to have the family, friends, and husband I do. Without them I would not be where I'm at now.

MilSpouse Friday Fill-In #1 and A Taste of Christmas

2011-10-15T00:32:00.002-04:00

Well I know its technically Saturday now, but when I first started this it was still Friday...

1. A word that always makes me laugh is actually an inappropriate word to be posting on a blog. It comes with a funny story of not knowing the meaning and embarrassing myself in front of everyone.

2. If you looked in my refrigerator right now, the oldest thing you’d find would be a tub of yogurt... I bought it the day after we moved in, and have since opened it. I guess after you move some of the foods you loved and craved change.

3. If I were written about in the newspaper today, on the front page, the headline would say Crazy Lady with Christmas decorations already! ...

4. The last movie I saw was Super Troopers. Never fails to give me a good laugh!

5. The best thing that happened to me in the last few weeks was finding out that our family's will be coming here for Thanksgiving! My first Thanksgiving dinner I've ever hosted.. eek :)

To add onto yesterdays post and #3, today Joe and I were at wal-mart grocery shopping and decided to go in the outdoors section and look at the display of fake Christmas trees just to get an idea of what we would want. Originally we were going to get a real tree but its still undecided how long we will be in NY for the holidays. Anyways I saw the BEST tree ever and just had to get it, and of course as soon as I got home I was putting it together. Then Joe comes out with our only two Christmas ornaments we own and put them on our tree.

And over the past few days we have been trying to think of gifts we could make our family's that are inexpensive but cherish-able. I came across this on a craft website and decided its simple enough to do and with the beach being 10 min away, we can make the things inside a little more personal and special. Instead of fishbowls, we are going to use tall canning jars. This is my first craft project I've done in a long time! I feel like such a kid again and all giddy. The best part... Joe is equally excited!

Back at last

2011-10-14T02:52:00.000-04:00

Heyy all! :)

I'm a little scatter brained tonight so don't mind my thoughts that keep running every direction. I have so much to catch up on! I was super excited to be starting this new blog and actually beginning to learn the ropes, but I hit a wall when things got busy. Since my last post, my husband and I are in our new house outside of Camp Lejeune. It took about a week to actually close on the house so we floated from different friend's houses. I experienced my first hurricane.. Irene. I'm not really sure what I was thinking it would be like, but thank god we didn't get hit bad. We've added onto our family by adopting a puppy. New York has already called me back, so I left my husband to take care of the house and dogs by himself for 10 days. Oh, I could go on and on about whats happened already. But I'm so excited about November coming up. My best friend is going to be coming down to stay, I'll attend my first Marine Corp Ball, and my parents and the in-laws will be spending Thanksgiving with us. I've made a few good friends already and have started Zumba. This military life style has been such a great experience for me already, I can't wait to meet more people!

Christmas Card Picture..
Joe says I'm going crazy with holiday spirit! And I completely agree seeing how we haven't hit
Halloween yet. But I guess its one of the things about being newly-wed and having your first house.

Packing packing and more packing

2011-08-10T09:00:00.000-04:00

I dread packing. It should be easier because this time all that needs to be done is box everything up... right? Wrong. I still have to decided whats going down with me the first trip. And since i'm the biggest procrastinator ever, I left myself today to get it done. Thanks to my mom most of our wedding stuff has already been boxed up. But we are i'm not even near being finished.

Tomorrow me and the pups will be up bright and early to take them to the vets. We have to get my baby Wrangler ready for the big move. That's another concern of mine. The longest car ride he's been on was an hour and he puked twice. Someone once told me to get ginger snaps to settle their stomach so I guess we will be putting that theory to the test.

Then after that I get to go pick Joe up from the airport!! I can't believe that this time there won't be any goodbyes after two or three days. Well any between me and him. Times going by so fast.. I count down by the tasks I have to complete and places to go. Those fill up my time until Joe gets here, and then once he is here we will be making our rounds with both our families. Then my sister-in law's baby shower.. and we're on our way!

Girls Night

2011-08-09T10:33:00.008-04:00

I finally got to have some girl time with my two friends T and O. We spent the day in our state park biking and taking photos and ended with a good old sleepover. Everything lately has been so crazy and fast paced I haven't had much time to just hang out. It's really starting to hit how close the moving date is.. I'm still super excited and can't wait to be with Joe, but I didn't really expect the goodbyes to be so sad. I know it's silly because its not like a deployment, but I'm just gonna miss my girls. But on that thought there is only 5 days until I move!! And I've got nothing packed. I don't really know where to start. We can only bring a car load down the first trip in order to get down and do all our paperwork on time. And then a week later our parents are gonna help us and drive a u haul down. They've been so helpful through all this!

I have so much more to still figure out about my blog. When I was working on it yesterday everything got all messed up... the reason why there is no background right now. I was so frustrated and confused I just deleted everything, and now I regret that. Hopefully over the next few days I can get this figured out!

1 am

2011-08-08T01:44:00.001-04:00

So it's official, I have a sleep problem... which leads me to the lovely internet.

I've decided that now is as good as a time as any to give the rest of my introductions on myself. For starters, yes I am 18 and married. We actually got married a month before I graduated high school, and I don't regret a single thing about it. He's been there for me through thick and thin. Right now I'm currently in New York and he's down in North Carolina. BUT we just bought a new house and I move in 7 days!!! I'm so excited!! I can't believe how busy the past few months have been. We started planning our wedding in March, and I'm sure all military spouses can agree with me, its very aggravating planning something this huge without your significant other with you. But, in two short months we pulled off a dream wedding. Then a month later it was crunch time with finals and graduation. And here I am now not only getting ready for my freshman year of college to begin, but also closing on our new house and getting ready to move away from home. I know this is all just the start of whats to come, but I couldn't be any happier with everything in my life. So many people have doubted me and my choices but I'm going to keep following my heart.

My wedding day

Christmas 2010

My new house!