Forget The Dog Not The Baby!

Embrace the Change

2013-05-19T09:15:00.001-04:00

Some things will never EVER EVER change. The unfortunate truth is that as much as we sometimes want things to stay the same, change is necessary, and healthy. Without change we prevent moving forward, instead we sit in a rut; a rut we created. The world stops for no one, it will keep going whether you want it to or not. One day when you wake up and realize that everything around you has changed, everything but you, then and maybe only then will you realize that sometimes you just have to push through that 10 minutes, or 6 months of uncertainty of whats on the other side, because once you get there, none of this will even matter anyway.

Help Children of Fallen Military Go to Camp!

2013-05-01T15:34:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone, This is Kynlee, she is the daughter of a Purple Heart recipient in Middleburg. She is collecting items to be placed in backpacks accompanying children of fallen military to camp this summer. The following items are what we need. Please consider making a donation from the list, I can arrange for dop off or pick up if you are local or you can paypal me, and I will purchase the items. (I will post receipts so you know where the money went.
Bags or Backpacks
Waterbottles
Bug Spray
Tooth Brushes
Tooth Paste
Combs
Brushes (Hair)
Shampoo
Conditioner
Soap
Shower Gel
Paper
Journals
Envelopes
Pens/Pencils
Stamps
Disposable Cameras
Flint Kit to light fires with note
Small Compass
Flash Light with Batteries
Lantern
Collaspable Water Containers
Waterproof Gloves

We will be collecting items now through June 1st. Thank you for your support! You can contact me at kristlehelmuth@gmail.com to donate.

Support Wounded Warriors by Rocking Super Cute Tee's! :)

2013-04-10T11:45:00.001-04:00

Kynlee, my 4 year old daughter is selling these T-shirts to raise money for Wounded Warriors! They have been a huge hit on Facebook, so I thought I would share here too! She has sold a ton already, and is super excited about it because as you may know, her Daddy is a Wounded Warrior, so this cause is very dear to our hearts! Shirts are $10 each, and are available in sizes 2T-3x, let me know if you are interested! email kristlehelmuth@gmail.com. Thanks for your support!

101 in 1001; an Update.

2013-03-21T09:50:00.002-04:00

It's been a while since I have posted an update on my bucket list, so here it is:

GREEN=DONE

YELLOW =WORKING

RED=FAIL

Send 200 cards/letters to friends and family, preferably handmade.
Learn to sew- Well, I haven't mastered the art, but I have learned that it is a continual process, there is always something else to learn, something else to make, but I did get a sewing machine, and make a few really cool things.
Write a letter to a person I admire. I admire A LOT of people, I have written a few, but have many more to go.
Decorate my house. This is sort of an ongoing thing too, but I am working on it, and I think that was actually the whole point of putting on the list, at least getting started, I am bored of staring at blank walls. We have so many of them, but I have never had so many walls in my life, so it's going to take a while.
Try geocaching.
Take a dance class.
Organize craft room, this is ongoing.
Get more involved in Church.
Participate in a bible study each week.
Take a photo of the Kids everyday.
Take a photo of something I love everyday.
Blog Everyday, ugh, this is a hard one for me. Failing at this one....
Limit Soda intake.
Read 50 books. Finished Tell My Sons, look for a post about that soon! Currently reading Let's Pretend This Never Happened.
Attend a scrapbooking weekend.
Girls weekend.
Make a new friend.
Turn Photos into Coffee table book.
Plant a Time Capsule
Go to the beach, alot.
Increase my GPA.
Have a party, just for fun.
Encourage someone else to make a list.
Enter a competition. I competed in a pageant! :) I got 1st runner up.
Attend 5 plays or live shows.
Swim with dolphins.
Answer the "50 questions that free your mind." Each week on Friday, I am answering one question, okay, I skipped a couple weeks, but I fully intend to catch back up this week.
Stay Active in the Me First group. I am not sure what happened to this, I think I got kicked out, but I never started, so I don't know.
Get the Hearts of Valor group going strong. I feel like I am failing at this, but I think I have done everything one person possibly could to get this group up and going, and it still isn't, patience is a virtue, I guess. I am really losing faith in it ever going anywhere.
Take a road trip. We have been road tripping a lot, mostly to Disney World, and pageants, we really enjoy traveling, hopefully this summer we can do more.
Continue volunteering, share the lessons I learn.
Couch to 5k
Have another baby.
Create the Soundtrack of my life.
Go camping.
Compete in another pageant with my daughter. See photos! :)
Submit anything for publication.
Feature one blogger per week.
Have at least one garage sale.
Learn to sew.
Ride in a hot air balloon.
Open an etsy store.
Travel somewhere by train.
Go to a Blog Conference.
Start a collection of something.
Have a "burn" party.
Start an all about me scrapbook.
Go to a concert
Have professional photos done, of me. See photos! :)
Publish and send a family newsletter each month.
Finish my degree.
Start college funds for the kids.
Establish and maintain a blog linkup.
Make a list of 101 of my favorite quotes.
Send stuff to my sister.
Go horseback riding.
Attend 12 photo meet ups.
Name Stars
Go out with friends once a month.
See a Drive-Inn movie
Leave the amount of the bill as the tip.
Participate in a walk for a cause.
Complete a “thing to do” that one of my blog readers suggests
No eating out during the week.
Paint my nails once a week.
Go sledding.
Start a Tshirt quilt.
Write letters to my kids to open in 10 years.
Weed out the negative people in my life, even those on social media.
Attend Wednesday night caregiver group, and TrenchTalk every week.
Finish my Mission Continues Fellowship. Completed!
Get my eyes checked.
Celebrate our Anniversary somewhere awesome.
Handwrite a blog entry and scan it to the blog
Burn all my CD's to Itunes.
Do a budoir photo shoot.
Host a little girl tea party with my daughter.
Go to a theme park. Been to Disney World! Twice! :)
Design new business cards.
Do 5 photo shoots for people who are not family.
Get my concealed carry license.
Get my own personal stationary.
Do a volunteer travel trip.
Grow our own pumpkins.
Volunteer at a crisis pregnancy center.
Make 10 things off Pinterest, then add them to pinterest.
Get family photos put on canvas to hang in the house, I got a really awesome deal on some canvas prints, now to decide which to use....hmmm, decisions, decisions.
Visit a state I have not been to.
Help someone in a big way, anonymously.
Learn to play 3 songs on the keyboard.
Learn to play 3 songs on the guitar.
Go on a ghost tour.
Read 5 banned books.
Stop feeling so guilty for things I should not feel guilty over.
Pay off all credit card debt. We are getting so close, we have one card left with a balance of about 2000, we can do this!! :) After that all we will have debt wise is cars, and things like cable, phones etc.
Complete 10 technology free weekends.

I couldn't get this to format right with the photos inside, so here they are!

50 Questions Friday Week 7!

2013-03-08T09:54:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Free Your Mind Friday! I hope that you all will join me as I take on this challenge. Every Friday from today, until 50 weeks from now, Fridays will be devoted to answering one of the 50 Questions That Will Free Your Mind. You can add your link each week to my post so that you can connect with other bloggers, and challenge yourself to answer the questions as well.

These questions have no right or wrong answers.

Because sometimes asking the right questions is the answer.

If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich?
Helping others; helping people is my passion, it makes me happy to be able to help someone else. It makes me happy to share that love for helping others with other people, and to follow it through, and see those who have been helped, help someone in need. It's a cycle, and when operating correctly it is a beautiful one, a cycle I could see repeated over and over again, and never need anything else.

Since I skipped last week, I have to do two questions this week. :)

Are you doing what you believe in, or are you settling for what you are doing?
I am doing what I believe in, and right now that means doing the best I can to take care of my husband, my kids, and create a solid foundation for them. I want the best for them all, and I want them to succeed, and be happy no matter what challenges face them, I also want for me, to be the best person I can be for them, so that means taking care of me, and while it was not always on the forefront of my mind,( I often settled,) it is something I believe in, and something I am working on.

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It's a Wiener; How I failed at a talk that was not 'The Talk."

2013-02-27T10:09:00.000-05:00

I have a lot of work to do before I have "The Talk" with my kids, my attempts at explaining a catheter today proved that. LOL

Kynlee: Mom, whats this?
Me: A Catheter
Kynlee: Whats a catheter?
Me: That.
Kynlee: Mooooom.
Me: It helps people pee.
Kynlee:So, it's a wiener?
Me: It's not a wiener, and I don't like that word.
Kynlee: Does it help YOU pee?
Me:No, it helps Daddy Pee.
Kynlee: Then it IS a wiener. How does it help him pee.
Me: Want to go out to lunch??

5 for five!

2013-02-25T09:46:00.000-05:00

I don't know about you all, but I LOVE lists, I have lists of what lists to make, it gets a little ridiculous sometimes, but it keeps me on task, and even if i'm not it makes me feel like I am organized.
I found this awesome link-up, and guess what?? It is all about lists, and setting goals each week, something I think all of us could afford to have in our lives! The other bloggers in the link up share last weeks goals, and note whether or not they met those goals, so next week I will have an update for you!

So, here we go!!

http://www.fantasticallyaverage.com

My Goals for the Week of February 25
1. Get caught up on the pageant scrapbook, each year for the Miss Heart of The USA Pageant, the girls have the option of submitting a community service scrapbook to be judged and added to their score, well since getting my title in November, Kynlee and I have done quite a bit of appearances and community service, but I have yet to get caught up on the scrapbooks, so this week that is a priority.
2. Write out our budget, pull credit card statements, and order our credit reports for our financial call next week. Part of us living here in this home is that we complete their financial program which requires us to submit all of those things before each monthly call so that we can discuss them. I am pretty bad about waiting until the day of, but I don't want to do that this time.
3. Spend 2 hours each day studying and working on school work, again with this it is easy to procrastinate, but since this is a really hard class, (math) I need to make certain that I am giving it the time it needs.
4. Start a new book, I haven't had one to read in a little while, I think it is time.
5. Attend one meetup, playgroup, or event with a friend, I really need to make friends, and this will help.

What are your goals this week? And remember to head over and link up with Jessica and Jenn!

God Pokes

2013-02-24T21:29:00.000-05:00

Isn't in incredible how God always knows who to put in your life at the very moment you need it? After word vomiting my post about not having friends and feeling sorry for myself, I got a call from a good friend, she had not read my blog, but thanked me for being such a wonderful friend and being there when she needs me, what?!? I thought she was being there for me, crazy right? It reminded me that while I may not have a lot, of friends here, that I am capable of having friends, and that I do have some amazing friends who think I am awesome! I call these things "God Pokes," or sometimes in my case slaps, lol, because sometimes I need a little more than a poke.

After speaking to my friend, my family and I went to Monster Trucks, we had prime real estate that was donated through Wounded Warrior Project, we had so much fun, they even provided food. It was such a blessing! One of the drivers even came up and met with everyone! The kids loved that!

Just when I thought my night could not get any better I got another phone call. A call from someone I had met once, and not really spoke with since. She really encouraged me to continue doing what I do, and things will fall in to place, and I in turn was able to provide her with a little encouragement as well. I really needed that, more than anyone could know. God knew, and he provided.

Just me, myself, and I, Confessions Of a Lonely Girl.

2013-02-23T11:25:00.000-05:00

I am warning you now, this is going to be a very whiny, out of character post for myself, but I need to vent. I am so incredibly lonely. I have friends, incredibly supportive friends, but they are ALL OVER the world, people I have met while in the Army, through my blog, through online spouse support groups, through various wounded warrior events, but no one here. No one who's couch I could go sit on, no one to call up and invite to lunch, or a movie, no one to engage in my crazy ideas, just me, myself, and I. I am not anti-social, in fact I am far from it, I try to help everyone I can, I talk to my neighbors, other parents at school, but I still seem to be left out of everything. I never thought as a child that I would have to deal with stuff like this, I always had friends, I just assumed as an adult it would be the same. My parents always had friends around, and maybe that is what is giving me a false idea of how things should be. I just don't understand what I am doing wrong. I thought the answer would be in the Wounded Warrior Wives support group I started facilitating, unfortunately it never works out for anyone to come. I thought the answer would be the pageants, and it still might be, but so far, I am still back where I started. I have a great husband, and kids, and we have fun together all the time, but I crave girlfriends. I am very active in the community, I volunteer A lot,and am called upon to help others, whether it is to find a resource, to help with this or that, but never just, "Lets get coffee," or "Want to grab lunch?" I have gone to Moms Night Outs, and play groups, and things seem to go great, we have fun, and then nothing. My family is far away, I miss them like crazy, I would give anything just to be able to go hang out with my brother, or my sister when I am bored.We haven't settled in to a church here yet, I know that will help. We have gone to various ones, for various lengths of time, and again, I volunteered myself, helped where I could, attended events, and still I didn't make friends. I know the problem is me, I know I only have myself to blame for this, but I am really starting to lose hope. Eh, I guess being my own best friend might not be so bad after all.

50 Questions Friday Week 5

2013-02-22T09:14:00.001-05:00

These questions have no right or wrong answers.

Because sometimes asking the right questions is the answer.

What is the one thing you’d most like to change about the world?

There are a lot of things that I wish I could change about the world, but the beautiful thing about this crazy life, is that everything truly does have it's purpose, and although we may not see it in the moment, God opens our eyes to the picture picture later. Even the people we meet are so carefully planned, good or bad. This brings me to what I want to change, people, well sort of. The lack of care for others seems like it diminishes more everyday. Don't get me wrong, there are some amazing, kind and caring individuals out there, but there are some incredibly ignorant ones too. People would be a lot less miserable if they turned and looked outward once in awhile instead of thinking only of their selves. This alone, I believe could change the world, it's a simple thing really, but effects so much of the world around us. Take the time to get to know those around you, share in not just their joy, but their pain, reach out and help one another, join together instead of competing with one another. I know, it is easier said than done which is why this is somewhat of a wish, and not something I truly foresee ever happening. All I can do is my very best, and hope it catches on!

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Free Your Mind Friday Week 4

2013-02-15T12:25:00.000-05:00

These questions have no right or wrong answers.

Because sometimes asking the right questions is the answer.

When it’s all said and done, will you have said more than you’ve done?

Wow, what a question. I certainly hope that when all is said and done, that I have done more than I have said. That said, part of my goals this year to to be "present," to be aware in every situation. Aware of my actions, my words, how I am treating other people, how they are treating me. It is really easy to fall into a habit of saying, "I want to do this," or, "I want to do that." Truth is, there is no better time than now. I am notorious for making excuses, I am too young, I am too old, I am too fat, when I lose weight i'll do this, or that, but why not now. What is holding you back from getting what you want RIGHT NOW? Look around you, take a deep breath, you my friend, have been blessed with yet another day, a day that was not promised to you yesterday, make the most of it. I don't think that doing more than you have said insinuates that you have to complete everything you ever set out to do, because, lets be real for a second, sometimes we make goals that are so far out of the realm of things that we do that we might never get to them. We can try to set only goals we know are 120% attainable, but I think that takes the fun out of everything. Doing more than you say also means being humble, doing the right thing when no one is looking, doing something for the sake of doing something, and not just so you can blog about it, or tweet about it later. For me, sometimes it feels like those who "say" achieve more, they get more attention, things seem to work out more in their favor, but in the long run it won't, because eventually all of the "saying," and not "doing," will show.

Ridiculous Pinterest

2013-02-08T12:23:00.002-05:00

Okay, so after seeing a post on Me and My SoldierMan, I had to join in. Although I don't really recall ever seeing something on pinterest that left me saying, "This is Ridiculous," after searching for ridiculous pins, I am shocked! Check these out:

Subtle Butt: A Subtle Butt package contains five "fart pads" that you attach to your underwear. The pads have active carbon that's designed to filter the fart and alleviate the smell. What in the world?!?!?!

Oh it gets worse!

A tampon bouquet? WOW. After further research I found this: http://www.tamponcrafts.com; Tampon Crafts, for ANYTIME of the month.
hahahaah

I know you are thinking what could be worse than that????

Are You ready????

Are You Sure????

I'm not sure I am and I have already seen it.

Okay, Okay, here it is, the most ridiculous pin I have seen this week, and probably ever! Why???????

Seen a ridiculous pin? Pop on over to Me and My SoldierMan, to link up and share!

Free Your Mind Friday Week 3

2013-02-08T09:38:00.000-05:00

On my list of 101 things to do in 1001 days, you will find that one thing I plan to challenge myself with is to answer the 50 Questions that will free your mind. Each Friday from tomorrow until I finish, Friday's will be devoted to answering these questions. Here is the list of questions, take them, think about them, write up your answer, and then come back here to link-up, with others who will also be participating!

These questions have no right or wrong answers.

Because sometimes asking the right questions is the answer.

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?

Good question, this is one I ask myself ALL THE TIME. I am notorious for making excuses for myself, saying things like, "when I lose weight, I am going to....," or "next year I am going to...," and then as you guessed I never get around to, but the things I do not like are generally the things I have to do, like laundry. LOL! I mean, don't get me wrong I love for my family to have clean clothes, but I do NOT love the process. I worry too much about what other people think, and not about my own happiness, so sometimes that prevents me from doing the things I want to do. Guilt also prevents me, there are things, due to my husbands injuries that he cannot do anymore, if he can't do it, I probably won't, even though he would probably encourage me to do so. Not just guilt for my husband, but for other members of my family as well. You can't always include everyone, and I guess that is what is hard for me. I hate feeling left out, so I always try to include everyone, and it always ends up biting me in the butt. I go in spurts where I am completely inspired to just love life, and do what I have to do, but also do what I love as well, and then I have moments where I am completely unmotivated and take life for granted. I know better than to do that, I have seen way too much loss, way too many close calls, and have received so many second chances. 2013 is my year though, I am doing what I love so much more and it is only February. My bucket list is a huge motivator for me, but also just the overall happiness of my family feeds off of mine, and I really want to set a positive example for my children.

What are your thoughts? Link-up!

Throwback Thursday!

2013-02-06T10:15:00.000-05:00

Throwback Thursday is the day that I go back in time, not really, but I do share my favorite posts from the past! This is one of my favorites, and also one of my first posts for SpouseBuzz, it received a TON of criticism, makes me kind of nervous to run it again, but looking back at how far we have come is incredible.

Sometimes, I think I just need to talk. There are days I bring up my husband being injured in conversations about Tupperware. I think I do that because I want someone to ask, I want to tell someone. To cry, to laugh, just to get it all out. I want people to ask if I am okay so I can say…… NO, I am NOT okay. Would you be okay if your husband went away and the Army sent you another man in his place? Would you be happy that no matter what you do he will never be the same? Or that this man that was once so much the pride and joy of the Army that they kept him away for 75% of your marriage is now merely a number being swept under the rug by a government fearful of its own reputation? It’s not okay that he didn’t get a retirement ceremony, or even an award like other Soldiers who retire. This wasn’t his choice, or mine. It is not okay that he is still having nightmares and bouts of rage after being on 17 meds a day. Its not okay that I have nowhere to turn, no one to tell. It’s not okay that at 25 years old every ounce of intimacy has been sucked from my marriage. It’s not okay that my kids will never know the father I chose for them. What did I do to deserve this? Some days I cant take it, and to throw the rest of the world at me too makes it unbearable. I secretly hope for something else to happen, some other drama so I can forget about it all, even just for a moment. I crave any bit of “normal” I can get. I know I am not the one who got hurt, I’m sure its much worse for him, but I am hurt nonetheless. I stay awake at night to make sure he is still breathing, or that he hasn’t tried to hurt himself. If I fall asleep and he hurts himself, it will be MY fault. What if he can’t hold out to see my kids grow up, graduate or get married? How can I encourage him to fight the fight? It’s not okay that my 5 year-old makes excuses for his dad’s erratic and unpredictable behavior. Its not okay that I never know when he is going to flip, at any second he could slam on the brakes in the interstate, break a window, punch a wall, or better yet, my face. How can I love him? How can I devote my life to this man? I can’t, and THAT is NOT okay. Everywhere I go I am afraid, afraid everyone is going to try to hurt me. If I can’t trust the man I love, whom can I trust? I wish I knew.
Was it all worth the price so many of us have paid? As selfish as it sounds, sometimes I think it might have been easier if he didn’t come home at all.

Throwback Thursday

2013-01-31T11:12:00.000-05:00

A lot of people have asked for our story, what got us where we are today? I know a few rock awesome people who did an amazing job helping us tell our story, so check it out!

[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/23367941 w=500&h=283]

Free Your Mind Friday, Week One

2013-01-25T11:10:00.000-05:00

These questions have no right or wrong answers.

Because sometimes asking the right questions is the answer.

How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?

Obviously, I would still be 26, but honestly, age has not really ever been something that I focus on. I am an old soul, i've been through a lot,and maybe that is why. The saying, "wisdom comes with age," is not one that I agree with. I believe that wisdom comes from experience, and you can "experience," at any age, so long as you choose to do so. Using my word of the year, "Choice," I am choosing to be old enough to do what I can, and need to do, but young enough to still enjoy it all. There are days I feel like I am the oldest 26 year old on the planet, I spent some time in the Army, married my husband who also spent some time in the Army, had 2 children, moved about a thousand times, and traveled a a lot before I turned 26. On the flip side, going to Disney World with my kids, I feel younger than they are, I sometimes find myself throwing a tantrum because I want one of those clear balloons with a mickey inside, not really, but you get the idea,sometimes my kid's have to playfully remind me that I am the mom.My point? Age is relative, like anything else, you choose what to do with it.

101 in 1001, an update.

2013-01-16T12:15:00.000-05:00

The Mission:
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

The Criteria:
Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).

Why 1001 Days?
Many people have created lists in the past – frequently simple goals such as New Year’s resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organising and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.

The Start Date:
1/1/13

The End Date:
9/27/15

Goals in progress are italicized, goals completed are bolded

Send 200 cards/letters to friends and family, preferably handmade.
Learn to sew
Write a letter to a person I admire.
Decorate my house.
Try geocaching.
Take a dance class.
Organize craft room.
Get more involved in Church.
Participate in a bible study each week.
Take a photo of the Kids everyday.
Take a photo of something I love everyday.These can be found by clicking on the "Oh for the love of photos," tab at the top!
Blog Everyday.
Limit Soda intake.
Read 50 books. Finished Tell My Sons, look for a post about that soon! Currently reading Let's Pretend This Never Happened.
Attend a scrapbooking weekend.
Girls weekend.
Make a new friend.
Turn Photos into Coffee table book.
Plant a Time Capsule
Go to the beach, alot.
Increase my GPA.
Have a party, just for fun.
Encourage someone else to make a list.I am so excited to see how many people are joining this, you can too! Comment in this post with your link, or email me at kristlehelmuth@gmail.com
Enter a competition.
Attend 5 plays or live shows.
Swim with dolphins.
Answer the "50 questions that free your mind."
Stay Active in the Me First group.
Get the Hearts of Valor group going strong.
Take a road trip.
Continue volunteering, share the lessons I learn.
Couch to 5k
Have another baby.
Create the Soundtrack of my life.
Go camping.
Compete in another pageant with my daughter.
Submit anything for publication.
Feature one blogger per week.
Have at least one garage sale.
Learn to sew.
Ride in a hot air balloon.
Open an etsy store.
Travel somewhere by train.
Go to a Blog Conference.
Start a collection of something.
Have a "burn" party.
Start an all about me scrapbook.
Go to a concert
Have professional photos done, of me.I scheduled to have headshots done Feb 10th.
Publish and send a family newsletter each month.
Finish my degree.
Start college funds for the kids.
Establish and maintain a blog linkup.
Make a list of 101 of my favorite quotes.These can be found by clicking on the "Words to live by," tab at the top.
Send stuff to my sister.
Go horseback riding.
Attend 12 photo meet ups.
Name Stars
Go out with friends once a month.
See a Drive-Inn movie
Leave the amount of the bill as the tip. Done.
Participate in a walk for a cause.
Complete a “thing to do” that one of my blog readers suggests
No eating out during the week.
Paint my nails once a week.
Go sledding.
Start a Tshirt quilt.
Write letters to my kids to open in 10 years.
Weed out the negative people in my life, even those on social media. Last week I deleted over 500 people off of my personal facebook page.
Attend Wednesday night caregiver group, and TrenchTalk every week.
Finish my Mission Continues Fellowship. I have started the final steps to completion, I have one assignment left.
Get my eyes checked.
Celebrate our Anniversary somewhere awesome.
Handwrite a blog entry and scan it to the blog
Burn all my CD's to Itunes.
Do a budoir photo shoot.
Host a little girl tea party with my daughter.
Go to a theme park.
Design new business cards.
Do 5 photo shoots for people who are not family.
Get my concealed carry license.
Get my own personal stationary.
Do a volunteer travel trip.
Grow our own pumpkins.
Volunteer at a crisis pregnancy center.
Make 10 things off Pinterest.
Get family photos put on canvas to hang in the house.
Visit a state I have not been to.
Help someone in a big way, anonymously.
Learn to play 3 songs on the keyboard.
Learn to play 3 songs on the guitar.
Go on a ghost tour.
Read 5 banned books.
Stop feeling so guilty for things I should not feel guilty over.
Pay off all credit card debt.
Complete 10 technology free weekends.
Tell someone how I truly feel about anything.
Do something i'm afraid of.
Cook my way through a cookbook.
Pay $10 for every goal I do not complete to a charitable cause.
Make another 101 list before the end of this one.

Other Bloggers who have joined the madness:

Torrey Shannon from "Torreyshannon.com"

Brittney Biddle from "Southern Girl's Stand"

Elle from "Imnotsurewhattocallthis"

Pam B from “A Glimpse Into My Life"

Beka from "A Punk Princess Life"

Aimee from "A Patient Heart"

(Your link added here!)

You can join us too! Post your link in the comments, or email me at kristlhelmuth@gmail.com

Chuck Norris; the newest addition to the family.

2013-01-16T11:14:00.000-05:00

I know what you are thinking...no, I did not name my child Chuck Norris, not that the thought never crossed my mind, but I am certain my husband would say no! We adopted a new little friend, little for now, anyway.Sulcata tortoises can reach 18 inches in shell length, and 70 to 100 pounds in weight. Without further adieu, meet Chuck Norris the Tortoise.

DIY Photo Board

2013-01-15T11:09:00.000-05:00

I love reusing old things to make new things. I was feeling particularly crafty this morning, and I have been trying to make my daughter's room extra special for her, so I rummaged through the house to see what I could find.

I found, old fabric, a broken cork board, a frame, and tons and tons of ribbon.

First I cut the cork board down to fit inside of the frame. Then I wrapped the cork board in fabric, added ribbon and buttons, and attached the cork board to the frame using tiny nails.

Voila! A brand new way for my daughter to display art in her room.

Never Forget.

2013-01-13T11:07:00.000-05:00

6 years ago today, a brave and honorable man left this earth in the place of my husband, and another sacrificed tremendously so my husband could be here with us.Tonight, though seemingly miniscule in the grand scheme of things, we will do something that he and my husband did together often while deployed to Iraq; eat chicken wings.

Below is a message from my husband to SGT Wright on his memorial page:

SGT Wright, you have been unforgetable to me. I will never never forget the first day you showed up to our company, or the last mission I ever ran with you. I will never forget the crazy ideas and things you did with us all, we were a great team. The day you died is etched in my head. I will never stop thinking of that day, knowing that you were there in my stead. I truly believe your sacrifice that day in taking my place so I could be with my family is the greatest thing anyone could have ever done for me. Not only did you die with great honor for our country but you gave me and my family the gift life in a whole new way, that could have or should have been me that day. Thank you SGT Gregroy Wright. You will always hold a place in my heart as well as my family. We will never forget you.

SGT(RET) Helmuth

You just don't "get it," and neither do I.

2013-01-13T11:05:00.000-05:00

The past 6 months of my life have been spent volunteering 20 hours a week through a fellowship program for Veterans. I spent many hours finding, vetting, and providing resources to wounded warriors and their families. I spent many hours organizing a group to renovate a wing of a Veterans homeless shelter. I spent many hours recruiting, training, and maintaining volunteers for military outreach events across the state of Florida. Above all that though, I spent time getting to know me again, learning who I am now, as opposed to who I was then, learning that there truly is a life outside of the military, and learning the incredibly humbling lesson that I, a Veteran, and caregiver of a wounded warrior has contributed to the divide between military and civilians.

Excuse me for a moment while I just let that all out. I feel like I have had a major break through with myself. Now let me explain. I joined the military from my home town of Grand Junction, Colorado, my husband from Bradenton, Florida, when he got out of the Army, we stayed where he was retired, hoping to stay as connected to the military world as we could. Why? Because we didn't think the civilian world had anything for us.We wanted to stay as close to that world as we could. Civilians didn't "get it." Of course not, how could they possibly, they haven't been in our shoes, and not many people want to take the time to explain it. Fast forward to the present; lately I have felt very disconnected, like I really didn't "fit." My first instinct was to try to connect with the military community, but being no longer military, of course I got the basic idea of what they were going through, but I didn't truly "get it." I tried connecting with the civilians in my community, but I failed miserably, because guess what, I didn't "get it." I truly didn't, I only knew the civilian world as a child, all I have known as an adult is the military way of life, and I obviously couldn't let go.

This is one of the most basic things, that I failed to understand for so long. I have spent so much time trying to shove myself into a mold of one or the other that I haven't allowed anyone to get close to me or my family. Working side by side with hardworking, passionate people who were not military this past 6 months really opened my eyes, and my heart. Here's to a 2013 full of meaningful relationships. without bounds, and to realizing I am not a cookie, so I do not have to fit the cookie cutter mold.

Human Tragedies

2013-01-07T11:04:00.000-05:00

“Human tragedies:
We all want to be extraordinary
and we all just want to fit in.
Unfortunately, extraordinary people rarely fit in.”
― Sebastyne Young

Maybe I am just extraordinary, and that is why I am having such a hard time fitting in.

Our Disney Doggie

2012-12-31T11:17:00.000-05:00

This past weekend, my family and I spent a couple days at the happiest place on earth, Disney World. As an early gift for my son's 7th birthday we wanted to make the trip as special as possible. Since we are only a little over 2.5 hours from the Magic Kingdom, the travel is not as complicated as it might be for must, but braving the actual park is. You see, I am married to a Wounded Warrior, and that in itself can complicate things. He doesn't like crowds, loud noises, or being with his back against the wall. He takes a mountain of mediation each day, and even after that his conditions can still cause seizures, migraines, shortness of breathe, panic, and in rare situations flashbacks, just to name a few. It's pretty safe to say that there is nothing ordinary about our family and the struggles we face, but we do our best. There is no magic fix for the things we deal with, but my husband carries a very special tool, one that knows when a seizure might be coming on and can lead him to safety, one that helps him remember to take medications,one that reminds my husband in the middle of a flashback, or nightmare that he is not in Iraq, that he is home, on American soil; a built in ice breaker that lets my husband know he is safe, a tool that if even for a moment makes my husband feel normal. His name is Toby, and he is a black lab. My husband has gotten used to taking him to the same places he always goes; school, the doctor, Home Depot, but taking him someplace he has never been is always a little nerve wracking at first, frequently we have to explain to businesses what their rights are, as well as the rights of the service dog and handler. We have been charged extra at hotels for having a "pet," and asked to sit outside to eat because waitstaff was afraid of dogs. Unfortunately for them we are always prepared with all the information we need to fix the issue. We were not sure what to expect when going to Disney, but worst case scenario, we leave and probably never go back. Thankfully that was not at all the case, as soon as we arrived to the gate of the park we were nothing but accommodated by the amazing cast members. Their only interest was ensuring that my husband was able to have a great time with his family. We were able to wait in a separate area on some rides so that they didn't have to be crowded by all the people, we still had to wait our turn, but it was not uncomfortable for my husband or Toby, and Toby was even able to ride with us, (we only ride mild rides due to my husbands head injury.) Dumbo was his favorite! He rode it twice, the first time he was a little confused, but the second time as soon as he saw the ride he knew exactly what to do. Each of the cast members of the rides/shows briefed us on what to expect in the ride or show such as loud noises, gun shots, darkness before we went in, ensuring maximum comfort. There were even doggy restrooms in all the parks! Thank you Disney World for making this trip magical !

Honor the fallen by challenging the living

2012-11-27T23:30:00.000-05:00

I am nearing the end of my Mission Continues Fellowship, and looking back, I can say it hasn't been easy, its been challenging on many levels, but worth every second. Every second of life I have that someone else doesn't. On mornings I wake complaining that I am tired, it is one more morning that someone else doesn't have, another morning a wife will wake up without her husband, a child without their father. I am grateful for the constant reminder of the sacrifices that have been made for me, and a constant reminder of how blessed I truly am, even in the most stressful of times. My fellowship is being served in honor of Marine Sgt. Anthony D. Matteoni, READ THIS AMAZING STORY ABOUT THIS HERO AND HIS FAMILY.

The Other Honey Boo Boo

2012-11-27T22:52:00.000-05:00

Long before I knew about the child pageant star Alana "Honey Boo Boo" Thompson, there was my own little "boo boo," AKA Kynlee boo boo. They don't have a whole lot in common, at least they didn't until recently. Back in May when Nate was in the hospital, I signed Kynlee up for her very first pageant. She didn't end up going because we were all stressed out, I hadn't slept in a week, or at least it felt that way, and she refused to do anything without Daddy there. Well we were able to switch her registration to the next one where she competed, and won her 2012 Miss Heart of The USA Viewers Choice Title....whew that was a mouthful, she also won divisional photogenic. She advanced to the North Florida State pageant in September where she won Viewers Choice again allowing her to advance to Nationals. She didn't win at Nationals, but she did her best! I know what you are all thinking, people hear about pageants and they jump to Toddlers and Tiaras style clothing, competition and behavior, but let me tell you about the Miss Heart of The USA system.

"The Miss Heart of the USA Pageant strives to provide our contestants with the opportunity to have fun, establish lasting friendships, build confidence, and self-esteem; all while encouraging them to get involved with organizations in their community, that benefit those in need. Our Queens are involved at the local level with organizations like the humane society, the March of Dimes, Children's Hospitals, etc.

Our pageant began as a food drive for a local Rescue Mission and blossomed into a National Pageant Program that has distributed over 750,000 non perishable food items to non profit organization, collected toys for the Houston County Toys for Tots Program and even assisted a Women's Hope Center by collecting much needed baby items to be distributed to mothers in need.

In 2010 we sponsored the Miss Pink Pageant and raised over $3,000 for the American Cancer Society's Making Strides event. Christmas of 2011 we held a pageant for Sand Hills Santa and collected over 850 toys to be distributed to hospitalized children all over North Florida. We are very proud of our Queens. They have truly made our program what it is. Without their dedication for what we stand for, our program would not be what it is today." (http://missheartoftheusa.com)

Awesome right! Well, let me tell you something even more awesome! This past Sunday Miss Heart of The USA had a Miss Heart of Christmas pageant. Kynlee didn't bring home a title this time, but guess who did? If you guessed me you are totally right! Presenting the 2012 Miss Heart of Christmas...ME! Kynlee will compete again in January, and hopefully bring home her 2013 title, and we will work side by side this year! :)