Hello?

I've had this overwhelming urge to start blogging again.

And then I get sidetracked with the 10 million other things I've got going on.

Maybe I will just keep it super sporadic.

No pressure.

Only when I feel compelled.

I definitely don't have time to keep up with this thing the way I used to.

Or work those sponsored posts anymore.

Or spend all my free time trying to gain followers.

I don't have any free time.

Ok, that's a lie. I have SOME free time, like right now.

Actually, I should probably be doing other things, but I feel like writing.

I don't know if anyone's gonna read this that isn't already up to date on my life,

but just for a quick run down since LAST JUNE (the last time I posted):

Still living in my hometown.

Doing much much better emotionally than I was back then,

Divorce is still pending.

Ex and I can actually be civil, at times.

Kids are in public school now.

That's not always easy, and we miss homeschooling, but it'll have to do.

I'm working for my parent's for one of the businesses they own.

I work with my 3 year old because the day care is full.

I started school, then dropped out of school.

I coached High School cheer last season.

I'm currently a Girl Scout leader with a troop of 32 girls.

I miss 29 Palms so much.

I still don't know where this life is taking me.

Oh and I'm still totally single.

I'm ok with that last one!

My kids have been my complete focus for the past year or so.

We have had a few behavior/emotional issues to address and it is still a work in progress.

This hasn't been totally easy for them.

I know the relationship thing will happen when the time is right.

I'm not pushing anything.

I don't feel like I'm "missing" anything.

I get lonely at times, but overall, I am perfectly content.

So maybe I will start writing more when I feel like I have things I need to share.

If you decide to read them, cool. If not, I think this is more for my sanity than anything.

I could use a journal.....but I type faster than I write.

Oh....and I'm just gonna leave all my old posts right where they are.

I have so many new people in my life, it would prob be interesting for them to go back

and see how I used to be.

Chugging Right Along

The kids and I are all moved into our new home!

Such a pivotal moment.

This is our first home as a single-parent household and I am in charge!!
(scary thought)

I think being a Marine wife all those years was good practice though.

Being alone is nothing new to me.

Being solely responsible for the bills, food, kids, pets, etc....

I've been doing that already so its not that big of a change.

I do miss the relationship though, to be completely honest.

Not that specific relationship, per se. That wasn't a good one.

But I miss having someone.

I'm such a lover, and I loved being married, and I want to be loved.

I'm actually in this really weird state of confusion about it all.

I know I'm not mentally ready for another relationship. Not yet.

I was forced to fall out of love with my husband because he didn't want

to be married anymore. That doesn't just happen overnight.

It's been painful and its been a process.

Theres a lot of healing currently going on. I'm learning a lot about myself.

I am actively building on my confidence and self-worth.

I've never actually had the time to focus on myself because I was always so

preoccupied with trying to keep my husband from wandering.

I never realized how much I lost myself during my marriage until I talked to my sister.

The way she describes watching me get emotionally beat down for years is hard to hear.

But I get it. I totally see it and feel it now.

So before I get into any other serious relationship, I am going to make sure I am healed

from this one first so I can give this new person my all.

I do have a sense of fear when it comes to future relationships though.

I'm afraid I will never find someone who will want to take in 3 small kids.

Thats a huge undertaking and would take a very special person.

Not only that, but I will be very selective since this person will be a big part of my children's life.

Part of me is preparing to just be single forever.

On the other hand, I am very much looking forward to a new relationship.

A chance to start anew. A chance to feel loved the way I've never felt before.

To have someone 100% committed to me through good times and bad, sickness

and health, till death do us part. The girly girl in me gets excited thinking about that fairy tale.

I love to love. I love the idea of dedicating yourself to one person for the rest of your life.

I think being in love is a beautiful, magical thing and I would love to show my kids what a real

relationship is. How a man should treat a woman. How the art of marriage still exists.

Someday. I hope.

For now I am 100% mommy. My kids are the most important things in my life.

I am concentrating on creating a home, a new routine, a new way of living.

Since I left that yuckiness I have found it so much easier to be present in my kids lives.

We are playing Candy Land and eating ice cream and having sing-a-longs in the car to the 

Frozen soundtrack. We have been cheerleaders at Davin's t-ball games, having sleepovers with friends,

gardening and learning to appreciate all the nature that surrounds us, including baby scorpions.

We have been having so much fun and since I feel better about myself, it is making

things easier on them. 

The weirdest thing is I feel more like a family now than ever before.

My wish for my children is that they will look back on this when they are older and see

the effort I put in to take care of us. We've been "on our own" for 6 months and we have our own home,

a great group of friends, a new (to us) car, delicious nutritious meals and we have fun!

(And hopefully by the end of the week, Mommy will have a full-time position with the State of CA.

Interview is Wednesday so wish me luck!!)

I have seen the bond between my children grow closer and that's when I realize that we will be ok.

We don't have it all, but we have each other and they know it.

What's next for us:
Interview on Wednesday

Signing Davin up for summer Karate

Registering the kids for next school year

Registering Britton for daycare

Kayden starts a series of summer field trips with the Boys and Girls club

And my new favorite quote:

Is This Thing On?

Seriously.

I don't even remember the last time I posted something.

I really miss it.

Its not because I haven't wanted to.

I have.

My life has just been insanely chaotic as I try to find my place in this world.

When you dedicate your entire adult life to one person and then you're forced

out of that contentment against your will...it kind of throws you for a loop.

The kids and I have been "on our own" for about 6 months now.

By "on our own" I mean, living with my parents.

All four of us, and our belongings, and our dog and our cat, squeezed into 2 tiny bedrooms...

my parent's flipping the bill for a majority of our expenses.

I've been working, for the first time ever.

That was a huge adjustment for my kids, to not have me around as much.

My mom and sister stepped in and have basically been raising my children these past few months.

I've tried out a couple of different jobs. Trying to find something that works for me and our schedule.

I signed my son up for t-ball, which has been a fun little escape for him.

I just hate missing his games.

His coach was ecstatic to learn that he is a switch-hitter.

I didn't really realize how cool that was until he announced it at a game.

I'm such a proud mommy and he is so proud of his abilities.

My daughter just signed up for the Boys and Girls club and will be going on weekly field trips throughout the summer.

That will be good for her.

As of now, I am still attempting to homeschool.

We took a long hiatus as we went through that initial adjustment.

I just decided that we will continue through the summer until all our work is done.

We still make frequent trips to the library and the kids both get to pick a subject they want

to learn about. They really enjoy that. We've done volcanoes, mummys, and birds.

Not sure what to do about next year.

Kayden is reading a lot and every now and then I add a new chapter book on her kindle.

Britton is potty training and we are about 75% completed!

Haven't tried her at night yet but other than that, she's doing great.

I just took a week vacation for myself. Something I have NEVER done but NEEDED to do.

One of my closest friends was driving home to Dallas with her three kids and two cats.

She's visiting for about 6 wks since her husband is in Afghanistan.

I wasn't about to let her make that trek alone so I offered to go with her.

And I'm so glad I did.

It couldn't have come at a better time.

I needed to get away from my world for a minute and relax and have fun.

And thats exactly what I did.

My short vacay brought up some realizations for me and I returned home with an

urge to clean out the negativity from my life.

I've never been one to "cut" people out, but I started to now.

There are some people that just aren't contributing factors to my emotional well-being and they had to go.

Not only that, but I quit my job.

I know, I've never needed a job more desperately than I do now, but I had to.

It wasn't good for me, lets just say that.

But I'm not going to be one of those single mom divorcees who sponges off the govt.

Although I did just apply for welfare and food stamps...

But I have also spent a majority of my free time filling out job applications to anything and everything I can get my hands on.

I am determined to make a good life for my children dammit.

One of the most exciting new things is that we are finally getting our own place.

I found a 3 br rental that will be perfect for us, for now.

We have spent the last few days cleaning it up and painting it to give us all the fresh start we deserve.

The kids are so excited to settle down somewhere.

We get to move in tomorrow!

This has definitely been one of the greatest hurdles I've had to get over.

It isn't easy by any means.

I have so much anger, hurt, emotions, and questions wrapped up into this.

But I'm trying my hardest to put one foot in front of the other and keep going in the right direction.

I just applied for freaking welfare....

I think I'm about as low as I can get right now.

And the only way to go from here is where?

#25daysofpositive

One of my bestest friends in the whole wide world came up

with this amazing campaign for the month of February.

I am a couple days late posting this, but its never too late to be positive.

From her blog at Just Another Marine SAHM, here is a rundown of how it works:

Facebook is constantly a platform for anger, hatred, bullying, and much more. 

What if someone disagrees with you? Well, obviously it's because they are a homophobe, or racist, or hate the poor, or atheists and hate religious people. 

Seriously. This is not the case. We are all entitled to opinions, especially different ones. How boring would it be if we all believed the same thing? Plus, I love a good intelligent debate. 

But the bashing hateful behavior needs to stop. We need to uplift each other. Display your opinions respectfully,  no need to name call, or put another person down. 

I would love for all of you to join me in #25daysofpositive. It's my birthday month. Do it for me, and for you. 

That status update you were going to post about hating your boss, make it about that awesome coworker who brought you a Starbucks. That news story about that murder, swap it for a good samaritan story. Don't agree with something on TV say just that "I didn't like it" no need to call those who did unpatriotic. 

Try it. Not just on Facebook, when you get mad, force a positive thought. Don't wait on someone else to make you happy, share your joys and relish in your blessings. 

#25daysofpositive find me on Instagram

I love the whole point behind this. 

We could all use a little more positivity in our life.

I, for one, am going through an extremely stressful and emotional situation.

I pledge to do better about focusing on the bright side to things. There is always a bright side!

 

Yesterday was a particularly bad day for the situation I am going through. There was

a lot of tears, anger, panic. Yet I decided to focus on something positive and posted this on Facebook:

"I'm excited to get Bubby signed up for t-ball! :)"

I am excited about that. I'm excited to get settled in our new home. I'm excited to get my children

active in their new community. I'm excited to put the anger, tears, and panic behind me.

 

 So next time you want to post something on FB that is hateful, mean or negative think:

 

 

Breaking News

So this is kind of going along with the whole 

"I wanna have a personal relationship with my readers" thing

...sh*ts about to get real...

I'm getting a divorce.

No shame. This is real life.
I'm not gonna go into details or anything but if you and I are gonna be friends,
I figured Id have to break the news at some point.

I'm going from a stay-at-home mom and wife of a Marine, to a working single mom of 3.
This is going to be a really big adjustment and I can't say I'm not a little nervous. 

We moved back to my home town where my parents live as well as my sister and her family.
I grew up in this small town and know almost everyone so I know I will be taken care of here.
I know I will have everyone's love and support as I try to figure this mess out.

There are so many decisions I need to make and I'm stressing out about it.
Do I work full-time or part-time?
Do I find a 3-bedroom house to rent or try to squeeze into a more affordable 2-bedroom?
Do I have to put my kids in public school or can I figure out a way to homeschool around
our schedules?

I know we will be ok on our own.
It's not like I've never had to care for all 3 of them alone before
Thankfully the kids are used to Dad being gone for extended periods of time so that part won't be much of a change for them.

I lose my best friend and the only life I've ever known within 9 months.
I guess the only way to go from here is up right?

Here's to a happier, healthier new year with new beginnings and new opportunities!

Homemade Mexican Rice {recipe}

I've been debating whether or not to post this since I literally have

NO Mexican or Spanish heritage in my family.

However, after watching my in-laws make rice for years, 

I kind of got the hang of it.

Then, the other night, I went to dinner at a friend's house.

I made rice and there was a REAL Mexican from Mexico there who liked it!

With Mayra's approval, I decided it was time to post my recipe.

With pride.

Homemade Mexican Rice

Ingredients:

2 tbs vegetable oil

2 cups long grain white rice

1/2 yellow onion, chopped

4 cups water

4 chicken bouillon cubes

1 cup tomato sauce

3 garlic cloves, peeled and whole

1 jalapeno, whole

small can of peas and carrots, drained

Directions:

Heat oil in pan over medium heat, add rice and onion. Fry until rice starts to turn slightly brown. Add the rest of the ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes until all water is absorbed. Feel like a pro and enjoy!

Get On The List {guest post}

This was written by a long-time friend of mine.

She posted it on Facebook and I asked for her permission to re-post it here.

I think this is beautifully written and something many of us moms need to hear.

Enjoy! 

 

I recently came to understand something about myself and more recently came to understand it well enough to articulate it. It's a reality some people already understand and nurture. But for many of us men AND women I think it is easily forgotten, overlooked, or possibly difficult to understand.

My children will always be my greatest accomplishment in life. I often look at them even in the simplest moments and feel my breath catch, with a pride, love and gratefulness that I won't attempt to explain. When I look at them I want to be the best FOR them. I want to get it ALL right. Unrealistic I understand...but none the less, my desire.

I am a stay at home mom, which as I have heard said many times, has got to be one of the hardest jobs. I always thought hard meant physically demanding. I was wrong. Cooking dinner, cleaning, errands, laundry, potty training, making forts, doing crafts, I need to go potty, I need a snack, mommy, mommy, mommy, mommy....yes it is physically demanding. But it is also mentally exhausting. Being tired puts a strain on your mentality, and my desire to get it RIGHT puts a strain there too. The realization that they spend most of their time with me puts more pressure. It's not just about keeping them fed and the house clean. I'm creating little precious people. No pressure right? I want them to be confident, respectful, nurturing, curious, determined, talented, passionate, and so much more. I have to instill those things in them everyday. And it's NO easy task. It's easy to get frustrated...it's hard to slow down and try to make more things a learning experience. I feel like I'm failing all the time. I get frustrated with MYSELF all the time. I'm kicking myself all the time. But slowly with more success..I become more confident in what I'm doing. My children become more confident in what I'm doing. Slowly, things begin to fall into place. But as soon as it all clicks a new "phase" hits and the learning curve beings once again. But it's all worth it when you hear your children say please and thank you to strangers. It's worth it when your children confidently say hello or wave at someone. It's worth it when your children pick up a dropped item for a stranger. It's worth it when you see your children comfort each other. When you see them learn, when you see them conquer something, when you see them succeed. It's amazing. My job is hard and very important. I want to be the best.

Who am I? A mother and a wife. That's who I am TODAY. But who was I before that? It may not seem important who I was before..because this is my life now. But who I was before is important because its what made me who I am today. Behind every mother and wife is a woman with her own set of needs. Easy to overlook I think. The one who is looking after everyone else's needs in fact has needs of her own. It's the WOMAN in us that makes us great at what we do. I feel like that gets forgotten...even by the women. It's like planting a flower bed, not watering it, and then wondering why they are struggling to grow. Wondering why they aren't flourishing and blooming.

Of course my family always comes first, number one on my list. Always has and always will. But I have to get somewhere on that list too. I have to make it my goal to be on that list in order to be the best in the areas of my life that I am needed the most. I need a BREAK. Maybe go grocery shopping alone, go ride my horse, go to quilt class, cook dinner without a child hanging on my leg, a pedicure, a walk, a change of scenery, something. It doesn't have to be anything crazy. But a break. Time away. That hour away is when I grow. It's when I reflect on life, and things I can do better. It's when I get revitalized and energized. It's when I get to talk and get ideas from other moms. That is when I nurture me...the woman. That nurturing is what I mean about getting on the list. It's what improves me, makes me better at everything. It's what builds my confidence. It makes me eager to get back to my life as a mom and wife and be my best.

If men could try and remember the woman she was and remember that woman is still there. She always looks after everyone else's needs so help to look after her needs. Women you are your best advocate...you have to be. It's easy to see how men might forget our needs because we forget too when life gets busy. So do yourself and your family a favor...get on the list.

-Sarah G.

Inside My Makeup Bag

If you're like me, you're nosey.

Learning about how other people live is very interesting,

or at least slightly entertaining.

 

 I figured I'd show you all what's in my makeup bag.

I'm no pro, I don't wear a ton of makeup, but I love the products

I use on the daily and figured I'd give them a little credit for my beauty lol jk

 

1. Sephora Perfecting Ultra-Smoothing Primer

Once I discovered primer, my makeup life was changed forever. I just love

the way it makes my skin feel and how nicely my makeup goes on over it.

It's a clear silky serum that you put all over your bare face to smooth imperfections and

it helps your foundation stay on longer. Just remember, a little goes a long way with this stuff!

2. Clinique Superbalanced Makeup Foundation

I have used this exact foundation ever since I started wearing makeup.

Its tried and true and I love Clinique products.

3. Clinique Even Better Concealer

This is a cream foundation in a cute little jar. I haven't found the perfect concealer yet

but I have this as well as Benefit's Erase Paste that I'm trying out right now. This ones

not too bad so far, I just wish it had better coverage. I might try liquid concealer next.

4. Maybelline Unstoppable Eyeliner

This is another product I've been using forever. I pick this cheap eyeliner up at Walmart

and go on with my day. Eyeliner is important to me and I've never had an issue with this

one. It stays on, goes on smoothe, and doesn't irritate. I only use the kind that you can click

up like a chapstick. I can't stand the old fashioned pencil kind. I've been scratched too many

times by that kind of eyeliner!

5. Candy Eyes Cosmetics Vegan Mineral Eyeshadow

This lady makes all of these eyeshadows herself and I am in love!!! I've never loved an

eyeshadow so much but I want my entire eyeshadow collection to be from this lady!

I think I ordered 5 or 6 eyeshadows from her and each one is SO pretty. The first time I

wore it, I was so pleased with how silky and light it went on. The color was perfect and it

actually stayed on ALL day with NO creasing! I can't rave about this enough! Not to mention

I am a big advocate of supporting small businesses. Definitely check this out if you like good

makeup!

6. L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Mascara

I picked up this mascara out of desperation one day. I'm not completely thrilled with it,

but it gets the job done. Does anyone have a good mascara recommendation?

7. Too Faced Primed & Poreless

This is another product I have that I just LOVE and want to tell everyone about. This is a

light powdery "veil" that can go on bare skin to even imperfections, or is used to set your

makeup after you are done. It adjusts to your skin tone and just makes your face looks so

smooth and pretty. This is one product I think EVERYONE needs!!

Tailgate Bash {Giveaway}

Are You Ready For Some FOOTBALL?!

If you’re like us, you love watching football and rooting for your favorite team! Also, if you’re like us, you like to root in style!

Along with a great group of bloggers, Coping With Frugality, Joy Of Momma Joyner and Woven By Words are bringing you this Tailgate Bash giveaway to celebrate! Here’s what ONE WINNER will receive:

With all these great prizes, people are sure to know what team you're rooting for! have a blast at any Tailgate Bash! 

This prize package is worth $337 and is open to all legal residents of the United State who are 18-years-old or older. Just enter on the simple Giveaway Tools Form below. The more entries completed, the better your chances of winning! Best Of Luck! 

The Tailgate Bash Event ends at 11:59pm EST Monday, January 20, 2014.

Entry-Form

My Obsession

I can't believe I haven't written this post yet.

I want to have a personal relationship with my readers.

I want you to feel like you know me and that just can't be accurate until you

completely understand my obsession for NFL football.

I grew up in a big football family.

My mom was born and raised in Green Bay and the Packers have always been a

huge part of her life.

 Me, around 1 year old.

My dad was born and raised in San Diego so for him, its been the Chargers.

 They raised us in Southern California so, naturally, I inherited the blue and gold blood.

 

 Me and my dad at Lambeau field, representing. 2005.

I remember being around 5 or 6 years old doing cheers during halftime

while my dad watched the game.
It was just me and my sister so I think my dad accepted the fact that he would
forever have little cheerleaders instead of a little sports buddy.

 Well things changed in middle school.

My best friend and I became obsessed with the NFL.

I started learning everything I could about the game. We knew names, bios, stats, all the

details for almost every single team in the league.

Our "free time" would be spent watching Sportscenter, going to Chargers events,

and playing our little "fantasy football" game we created using the bio pictures of

different players that we would cut out of newspapers and laminate.

We were about 14 years old and everyone in our school knew us as the die hard

football girls who always wore their jerseys on Mondays.

We met lots of players, got lots of autographs, even participated as Jr Charger Girls

and had the opportunity to perform at half time at a Chargers/Bengals game.

It was fricken awesome, if you ask me!

Here's us, and her younger sister too, at the game last weekend! And my dad lol

 

These days, I am just as obsessed. I know the game well enough to talk to any dude about it.

I have even shown up a couple dudes trying to talk football with me who really 

didn't know what they were talking about.

My son and I at a Chargers game. Nov 2009.

Pregame, November 2012

This is a big weekend for Bolts fans.

Its the first weekend of the Playoffs and I was NOT expecting to see my boys in it!

I stand by their side, win or lose, but the playoffs just didn't seem to be in the picture this year.
I've convinced my parents to invite a bunch of people over. I'm going to cook a bunch of food,
and we are going watch our boys play their hearts out.
(Packers are also in the Playoffs so we got allllll day)

 Me and my baby girl, October 2011.

So if you happen to be watching the wildcard games this weekend and you come
across some blue and gold, think of me, and do a little cheer. Send some good vibes to these
guys because if they win this game, they move on. If they lose, their season is over.

GO CHARGERS!

Happy 2014!

I hope you all had a safe and fun New Years Eve last night!

We were only planning on staying up until 9pm and celebrating with

New York, but my daughter insisted on staying up till midnight.

She lasted until 11:50pm.

So close!

As you can see, there have been some changes around here.

My dear sweet friend, Becca, from www.iateskinny.com created this lovely

new design for me :)

I also decided, since my blog has deemed itself slightly more successful

than I had imagined it being, to go ahead and get an official web address!

www.kellymaeblog.com

 I feel so professional now.

There is something so refreshing about a new year.

Its a good reminder that the past is truly behind us and we are in complete

control of our future.

Now is the time people make resolutions to lose weight, save more money, exercise

more, etc and I think its great. Even though only a small percentage of these resolutions

are actually successful, I think its great that people take the time to reflect on their lives

and what they can do better. 

My New Years resolution is pretty simple.

I just want to knock out a few more things on my 101 in 1001 list.

I wrote about this last year and I have until March 2015 to complete it.

That means I have to get a majority of it done in 2014 to meet my goal.

For more about the 101 in 1001 list, check out dayzeroproject.com

Here is my updated list:

START DATE: July 2, 2012

END DATE: March 30, 2015

UPDATED: January 1, 2014

ME
1. Get a passport
2. Spend a week without the tv
3. Start school
4. Create a living will
5. Buy 5 sets of matching underwear
6. Go to the eye doctor and get glasses again
7. Become more involved with the battalion
8. Figure out how to get my hair to curl
9. Get a pedicure once a month for 6 months (0/6)
10. Purchase 10 complete outfits to add to my wardrobe (3/10)
11. Make regular dentist appointments
12. Spend a weekend with just my sister
13. Actually do something for my birthday
14. Find someone good to do my eyebrows
15. Start a journal

HOME
16. Get all my pictures into albums
17. Get home videos on DVDs
18. Redecorate the kid's bedrooms
19. Buy new bedding for our bed.
20. Organize all our important documents and make copies for safety deposit box.
21. Get my bathtub fixed and take a bath
22. Start composting
23. Stock the freezer with meals and staples
24. Organize the laundry room.
25. Get all my kid's pictures on the wall
26. Organize craft cupboard

HEALTH
27. Start a regular exercise routine
28. Do yoga
29. Complete the 200 situps challenge
30. Have 1 soda-free week a month (4/30)

MARRIAGE
31. Take a vacation with my husband (no kids) Vegas! Nov 2012
32. Have a date night once a paycheck (3)
33. Have a dinner date with my husband on the back patio after the kids go to bed
34. Write a letter to my husband every day that he is deployed
35. Attend a marriage workshop on base September 12, 2012
36. Get a couples massage

MONEY
37. Buy a lottery ticket
38. Pay off credit cards
39. Save $1 for every task completed on this list. (0/101)
40. Put $1,000 in savings (1,000/1,000)
41. Only buy necessities for one paycheck, save the rest
42. Support 10 friends in their small businesses (4/10)
43. Work on building a credit score
44. Contribute $100 to each of my kids college funds
45. Cash all of our loose change and add it to our savings
46. Donate to 5 friends who are fundraising (1/5)
47. Subscribe to LA Times for coupons
48. Save $500 using coupons (83.85/500)
49. Recruit 2 Scentsy consultants (1/2)
50. Earn $1,000 in Scentsy sales (1,221.04/1,000)

KIDS
51. Homeschool successfully for 1 school year
52. Write a letter for each of my kids
53. Hire a regular babysitter July 15, 2012
54. Take the kids to a drive in movie Brave and Madagascar 3 :)
55. Take the kids to play in the snow
56. Make dentist appointments for the kids October 11, 2012

EXPERIENCE
57. See a live comic show Daniel Tosh Nov 2012
58. Try 5 new local restaurants (5/5)
59. Shoot a gun
60. Learn how to BBQ
61. Eat sushi October 3, 2012
62. Learn how to crochet
63. Learn how to cut Andrew's hair.
64. Try 5 different wines (5/5)
65. Learn how to change a tire.
66. Go ice skating
67. Catch a fish.
68. See a show at the Old Globe theater in San Diego

TRAVEL
69. Visit a state I haven't been to yet
70. Visit my family in Wisconsin
71. Visit Andrew's grandpa in Florida
72. Visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
73. Buy a travel trailer
74. Fly first class

FOR OTHERS
75. Leave a 100% tip
76. Send my mom flowers just because
77. Send my Grandma flowers just because
78. Leave inspiring notes in 5 random locations (0/5)
79. Write a letter to someone who taught me something valuable in life
80. Volunteer at the animal shelter
81. Buy reusable grocery bags and use them
82. Do another "giving back" project for my high school.
83. Sponsor a child
84. E-mail a nice letter to 5 companies I enjoy (0/5)
85. Anonymously leave money for someone in need
86. Hand out 5 Blessing Bags to homeless (0/5)
87. Make holiday treats for my neighbors
88. Take flowers to our family members at Rosecrans National Cemetery

FUN
89. Make a quilt
90. Get family pictures done
91. Read 25 books (5/25)
92. Throw a fiesta
93. Answer 50 questions that will free your mind
94. Color an entire coloring book
95. Collect my favorite Dr Seuss movies
96. Open a cookbook to a random page and make the recipe
97. Throw a superbowl party
98. Go to Legoland
99. Host a murder mystery party
100. Finish an entire puzzle book
101. Go on every ride at Disneyland

Farewell, 2013!

What a year.

Hands down the most difficult year of my life.

I feel like I say that every year but this one takes the cake.

It wasn't all bad though.

I launched this blog on January 1, 2013 as a hobby. Something to keep

my mind occupied while my husband was serving overseas.

I didn't take it too seriously. I really wasn't expecting anyone to read it or

actually enjoy it. I just wanted to share some things that were working in

my life with some of my friends in hopes of inspiring them a little bit.

It turns out, I might be kind of good at this.

I started getting contacted by companies and businesses wanting my help

in promoting their causes. I started getting paid sponsorships. I even won an

award for being one of the Top 10 Military Mom Bloggers of 2013!

I took more "bloggy breaks" than I had planned due to some unexpected 

occurrences in my personal life. But my readers continued to stand by me and

were there when I returned.

I owe a lot to anyone who has come to my blog and read a post, left a comment,

or shared something I wrote on Facebook.

Here are my top 5 posts from 2013, in my own opinon!

These posts were important to me in one way or another and deserve a 2nd shout out.

5. Keys to Surviving Deployment 2/6/2013

4. Losing My Best Friend 4/29/2013

3. Live Your Dash 6/25/2013

2. Moving To Twentynine Palms 7/4/2013

1. Funny Thursday 8/15/2013

Stay tuned to see what 2014 brings me. Lots of new stuff for the new year!

L. Ron Hubbard {Book Review & Giveaway}

I recently had the opportunity to review a couple of books.

However, before I begin this review, I should disclose that although I love to read,

this is an area of fictional novels I was very unfamiliar with!

They call them "Stories from the Golden Age" and I learned that "pulp fiction"

is a lot more than just a John Travolta movie.

For those who are as clueless as I am, American pulp magazines were collections of fictional

stories published from the late 1800's all the way to the 1950's. They were known for

their eye-catching illustrations and dramatic tales with genres such as western and romance.

One author who found much success during this time was L. Ron Hubbard.

Between 1934 and 1940, Hubbard had somewhere around 140 titles published in the pulps.

As an avid researcher, traveler and military serviceman, people were drawn to Hubbard's

writings by his real-life experiences.

"He writes the way he does, brothers, because he’s been there, seen it and done it!"

The two books I had the pleasure of reading were Red Dragon and On Blazing Wings.

Some of my favorite things about reading is escaping to another world, exploring the

unfamiliar and learning about a different way of life.

 These stories were written in 1935 and 1940 and allowed me the opportunity to go back to

that time and experience a little bit of what the world was like.

Red Dragon is full of adventure and suspense with a romantic twist. The main characters,
Michael Stuart and Betty Sheldon, are on a daring quest around Asia in search of a mysterious
black chest. Stuart, who is also known as "The Red Dragon", is a former lieutenent in the US
Marines and is now known as a renegade, traitor and thief. Their search is compromised by his
reputation and the people who are out to get him.

Inspired by real-life events: "It was on Hubbard’s second journey to East Asia that he met British Secret Service agent, Major Ian MacBean, who introduced him to “The Great Game,” the geopolitical tug-of-war between China, Japan, and Britain. Hubbard also learned of the trade in stolen Chinese treasures, and was exposed to the secret criminal society known as The Red Dragon—inspiring this story of the same name. He has captured a singular time in this storied land."

~~~~~

On Blazing Wings is a thrilling tale about an American fighter pilot, David Duane, who leaves
for war with nothing to lose. Finding himself fighting in Finland against the Russians, his plane is shot down and Duane finds himself in enemy territory. A mix of politics, romance, and adventure, this story makes you think about how much control we really have over our own destiny.

Inspiration: "As a barnstorming pilot in the early days of aviation, Hubbard was dubbed “Flash” Hubbard by the aviation magazines of the day. His unique personal and pioneering knowledge of flight streaks across the page in novels like On Blazing Wings."

Reading these books were wonderful, but after watching this video, I think I want to check out
the audio books as well! They sound like quite an experience...

Need some new reading material?

Would you like a chance to win a copy of "The Red Dragon" or "On Blazing Wings"?

Enter here...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

For more information about these books and more by L. Ron Hubbard, please visit

http://www.goldenagestories.com/

Walmart's Holiday Salute to Military Families

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Walmart. All opinions are 100% mine.

Last year, for the first time since having our kids, my husband was deployed during the holidays. He left at the beginning of December for six months overseas. Even though it was my favorite time of the year, the fact that my husband couldn’t be here to enjoy it with us made it bittersweet. I single-handedly had to manage all of the parental tasks that come along with the holiday season. He was able to Skype with us Christmas morning, but between the chaos of opening gifts and weak internet service overseas, it was difficult for him to hear or see what was going on. It ended up being more frustrating than anything.

We are fortunate to have him home this year, but not everyone is so lucky. I have many close friends who are feeling that void as well as thousands more across the country. Many of us are not stationed near family and find it financially straining to organize a trip home. We end up spending the holidays alone, doing what we can to make it special for the kids. For me, one thing that eases this heartache is knowing that America recognizes us and appreciates the sacrifices our families are making.

This year, Walmart is showing their support with their “Holiday Salute to Military Families”. This initiative is offering 2 million dollars in grants for toys, meals and lodging assistance to military families, as well as bringing many active duty service members home for the holidays. They have partnered with Operation Homefront and Fisher House in a salute to military families.  

December 3^rd is #GivingTuesday, a global campaign to join together and give! Helping our military families is a great way to participate. Join in our Holiday Salute to Military Families by visiting fisherhouse.org/Walmart and operationhomefront.net/Walmart for more information.

Let’s take this time to recognize our country’s heroes. Please share this post and tag a military member you are grateful for. For my military community, are you spending the holidays away from your loved one this year? Have you in years past? I want to hear your story. Let’s come together to show our support and remind military families nationwide that they are not forgotten.

Spartan Race on NBC Sports 12/7

I know I've written about the Spartan race before, but this event is just way too cool 

and deserves another post. How awesome does this look?

Could you imagine the straight euphoria of crossing this finish line?

From their website:

Spartan Race is on a mission to get you active, healthy, excited about change, and return to our ancient roots where running through woods, getting dirty, and facing adversity was part of everyday life. Our events are all about challenging today’s perception of normal.

Our events challenge the familiar, today’s perception of normal living and getting you out of your comfort zone! At Spartan Race, we do this everyday and it shapes everything we do.

Having experienced many different racing events, we wanted to make adventure racing more accessible to everyone, but do not be fooled by the word ‘accessible’, as our events have a challenge for everyone’s needs.

Spartan Race now introduces a level for everyone beginning with the entry level Spartan Sprint, intermediate level Super Spartan, the advanced Spartan Beast, and the ‘99.9% need not apply’ extreme level Death Race.

Whatever your level, Spartan Race will test your strength, stamina, and sense of humor.

If you're interest has peaked then check it out on tv.
December 7th, NBC Sports will be broadcasting the World Championship Spartan Race. 

Set your DVR right now!

 The awesome Spartan Race crew has provided me with another
free race code for one lucky reader.
This code is good for any 2013-2014 US Spartan Race registration.
Enter on the widget below.
Or, if you're ready right now, click HERE to get 15% off any Spartan Race.
And don't forget that they have teamed up with GovX to provide a discount to
active duty military and first responders!

Do you want it? Are you up for the challenge?

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Do it! Who says you can't?

AROO! ;)

(Did you set your DVR yet?)

Fall Cleaning

Fall cleaning...it makes total sense.

I first heard of it a few years ago in a mama group I was a part of on Cafe Mom.
These ladies were overachievers though, and would completely redecorate their
homes to accommodate the fall/winter setting. I wish I had the energy and money
to be able to do that but honestly, I just need a good excuse to get the dirty handprints
off my walls.

I spring clean every single inch of my house, but it's been a whole 6+ months since then
and you can't even tell I tried. It's really quite magical how disgusting kids can be.
And how busy you get raising them that certain household things get neglected
(I'm just being honest here).

Here are some things on my fall cleaning list. It may look similar to my spring list because
1) I have the same stuff and 2) I have the same house.

Clean out clothes

Clean out toys

Clean out all cupboards/shelves/drawers
Clean out and restock medicine cabinet
Clean out sink and shower drains

Make a list for maintenance
 Wash curtains
Organize and clean all DVDs
Throw away expired food and wipe down kitchen cupboards
Clean behind and under fridge and stove
 Basically, start at one end of the house and clean EVERYTHING.

It will take a few days. Just prepare yourself for that.
But your house will be ready for holiday guests and you can get
a head start on those winter germs.
Not to mention you will feel so good when its done!

Here's an idea of what I'm up against...

No shame.

You think you know...

I see this going around Facebook and its been fun to read but

I've been too chicken to "like" any of your posts.

I'm going to be a rebel and do my own list.

I'm going to do 10 because that seems to be the going rate.

10 Things You Might Not Know About Me

10. I sleep with a blankie every night. If I don't have it, I can't sleep.

9. In high school, my best friend and I would go to every event the Chargers

held. It was so bad they started to recognize us. I still know the president
of public relations and I go say hi to her whenever I'm at a game.

8. I used to borrow the Baby Think It Over dolls in middle school because

I thought they were fun. Then I saved up my money to buy my own.

7. I have never broken a bone.

6. I went to a few N'Sync concerts when they were big. Before one of the shows,

we were waiting by the fence near their tour buses trying to get a glimpse. A lady performer

who was opening for them walked over to say hi to the fans and talk with us.

(Don't care...where's Lance Bass?)

That lady was Pink. Oops.

5. I do not like strawberries or strawberry flavored anything.

4. I have had asthma my whole life, I was diagnosed when I was 8 after a hospital stay. 

I still take daily medications to keep it under control.

3. I grew up in the dirt bike world. I have fond memories of my dad's desert racing days,

camping in the desert, waking up before the crack of dawn to leave and playing with my toys

in the back of someone's trailer while my dad was racing.

2. I decided I wanted to marry a Marine after attending Military Appreciation Day at a

Padre game one year and I saw them in formation.

1. I used to be afraid of Pit Bulls and believed all the stereotypes. I am now a huge

Pitty advocate and consider them my favorite breed, We even fostered one sweet

Pitty girl before we moved to 29 Palms.

She is still available for adoption in the San Diego area...

Juliet