Halloween 2010 - uh........ BUH BYE

If I had only had this idea, I might have even dressed up!  Classic.

He's Facebook. Can't you tell?

And who says I can't craft?  Nor do anything Halloweenie?

This was as close to a costume as I was gonna get

Baptisms for the dead - totally Halloween appropriate right?

The only things I am missing from this post are:

1. A picture of Luka eating a live cricket on a 10 dollar dare.

2.  A picture of Sissy in her costume.  I am so bummed about it I could cry.  And her Daddy will be so sad. 

Fingers crossed I get something later this week I can send him.

And see ya Halloween 2010 - don't let the door hit in the arse on the way out!

Welcome to the World little one

A new member joined Splenda's family (thus my extended fam) last night just a few minutes before midnight.

Look at his HAIR!

He was wide awake and we enjoyed our little chat

With his Grandpa

And Uncle Scooter!  (This one's going to 'dawg)

Welcome Colson - you are so loved!

Spiritual Sunday - Gratitude

I saw this post over on Serene's page last week.  I decided to take her challenge and for the next several days pondered over the many acts of kindness and love that have been shown me throughout my life that I could post about.  I have once again come to the realization that I am a woman blessed beyond anything I have ever deserved.  So many things, so many people, so many blessings. 

(I even swiped your image Serene - of which she swiped from google)

So with all the memories that I've been thinking back on, which one to write about?

The Christmas right after my Dad died and there was a secret santa that left bags and bags of presents for us on our front porch Christmas eve?

The many meals that came in when I herniated the disc in my lower back when the boys were babies and I needed so much help?

The time I watched a friend die right in front of me at my office and the kind cards, calls and food that came simply because someone knew I was traumatized?

The years of notes, cards, and hugs that came to me spontaneously from someone else, but clearly inspired when someone knew my heart was hurting as a Mother?

The kind comments that began after I started blogging and the friends that came into my life because of it?

The runs to the Sev for my diet brown bubbly, the skittles, the pj's, the phone calls and texts of encouragement  after my stress fracture last year?

I could go on and on it seems, but the one particular instance always comes back to me.  It is something I will never forget and I have used it many a time as an analogy in life.

The scene is this:  Splenda and I were heavily involved in little league baseball for YEARS!  Like a decade or so.  From the the time 'dawg started until the time Tuffy finished.  We lived our lives at the ball park.  We served on the board for most of those years.

In my particular capacity, I was responsible for fundraising and therefore had access to the bank accounts and knew our finances.  For a time, there was some quiet speculation on how the league's funds were being spent.  One year it came to a head, and I was the one to discover that our president and his wife had been taking all the money.  We had enough to run the league at a bare minimum, but they took the rest.

They were our friends, they were people that we saw and talked with every single day.  The rest of the board as well.  I was faced with a decision.  Tell and ruin their lives or keep quiet, and hope that no one else found out and in the process get myself into legal trouble.

If you know me, you know what I did.

It hurt.  It was awful.  As all the legal proceedings began I was a wreck.  I couldn't sleep.  I cried most every night.  I felt destroyed and incapable of anything.  The whole mess was all-consuming.  It's all Splenda and I could talk about.  There began a division of people on the board.  People who I thought were my friends showed their true loyalty colors and they weren't to me or to what the right thing to do was.

I began to want to hide in my home, and give up many of the things that made me happy.

At the time, I was serving as the young women's camp director for our ward.  It was just too much.  I could barely drag myself to church let alone serve anyone.  For once in my life, I went to my Bishop, unloaded my problems and asked to be released.  I gave a recommendation for a new camp director and left feeling like even though, I was letting go of a major burden, I was also letting so many other people down.  Yet again.

Why am I giving so much detail?  Just to set the scene of how much inner turmoil I was dealing with.  I hadn't been in that dark, and stressful of a place emotionally since I suffered PPD after my first born.

And then......the mercy, the kindness, the love.

I was leaving my home for work one morning and as I was backing out of the garage, color on my left caught my eye.

I looked over and my entire flower bed had been weeded, raked, and then planted with some beautiful yellow and gold flowers.  What the???  I put the car in park, got out and crossed the lawn to the flower bed.  They were beautiful.  I noticed a note on the door.  As I opened it and read the love words, I started to cry.  It was not signed, but a few inside jokes gave it away and I knew immediately who had done this most kind deed.

Her.  My friend the Grandma Gypsie.

At the time she had no idea what was going in, she just saw me suffering.  She knew I was a wreck, but didn't have any details.  Instead of gossiping or talking behind my back, she simply loved me and expressed it.

At some point early that morning, she got down on her hands and knees in my dirt, pulled the weeks, raked it over, and then dug small holes and placed something of beauty.

I think of that still.  I picture her in her sweats, her garden gloves on and trying to be oh so quiet.  Carefully loving me without making any noise.  Creating something of beauty for me to look at every day, and be reminded that everything was going to be okay.

She was ON HER HANDS AND KNEES IN MY DIRT!

A true friend, is one who helps to get rid of your weeds, rake you over to show your good side, and then help you become something of beauty.  They are not afraid of your dirt.

She needed no recognition.  Yet, my gratitude to her will never end.  I will LOVE her until the day I die and beyond

Her kindness towards me has sealed my love and affection for her.  She didn't do it seeking the world's appreciation.  She did it because she loved me and knew I needed something.  The feelings I had then,now  and forever are the epitome of Gratitude.

Since then, I could spend pages and pages detailing her other acts of service to me and my family.  And to others.  I've never known anyone who so willingly serves others.  Most of the time anonymously. 

 I love her.

Thanks Serene for the challenge.

Thanks Deb - you know you have my undying love, devotion, and loyalty.

Now, I extend the same Challenge Serene did.  You know you have much to be grateful for.

Post of note - Get out and VOTE!

Election day is just around the corner.  Literally only days away.   Are you planning on it?  Got it scheduled in the planner, blackberry, ipad etc?


Please go read this post on Cheri's page - you may rethink your Tuesday's priorities........

Lady Gaga - I'm rather speechless......

Yes, I am THAT terrified  : )

Anyone want to ask me my feelings about Halloween again?

De-Tox Bath - because you asked, and I'm a giver

*comments off*

A few of the few readers I have asked for the detox bath recipe.  I got it courtesy of the Evil Genius who got it.....I don't know where and she's not at work today to ask.

1 lb of Epsom salt
1 box of baking soda
some healthy sprinkles of sea salt
the juice of half an orange.

I put all in the tub while the water was running.  You want the water as hot as you can possibly stand it.  You soak for at least 20 minutes, although Evil Genius recommends 40 and that is what I did last night.  I just kept adding hot water to keep it nice and toasty.  In fact, my bathroom got so steamy you could see it rising in the air.  You should be sweating like a sinner in church!*
 I laid down as far as I could so the water could cover as much of me as possible.  I suppose if you are going to soak in a great big garden tub, you might want to double the recipe.

Once you get out, wrap up in towels and blankets, thus increasing the sweating process.  I serio had my own sweat lodge going on last night.  Poor Splenda almost had to feed me forkfulls of my dinner I was so afraid of breaking a hole in the lodge.  Evil Genius says you should stay in your sweat lodge for as long as you can take it.  She manages 45 minutes - I made it 30.

Now of course, the weight loss you may notice is of course water.  You were sweating like a pig remember?  But the idea is the concoction is supposed to pull toxins from you through your sweat.

Evil Genius lost over a pound her first time.  I gained .6** so as a weight loss tool, I am not convinced yet.  But I think that the idea of sweating toxins out is a good one and I am up for doing this twice a week.  We'll see in the long run what it does for weight loss/maintenance.

* - make sure to keep some cold ice water on hand so as you sweat you don't dehydrate
**- I'm sure it had nothing to do with the milkduds and skittles I ate after dinner.

I realized I turned comments off - if you have more questions Formspring me--------->

Funny Bone Friday - Things I may have heard, or said, or just thought in my head.

Apparently poo has power.

She's like Barney on steroids

Oh, your feelings are hurt?  Then stop sucking!

Tib speaking without sarcasm is like poo without stink.  It just ain't gonna happen.

I'm the grinch what loves the shark

Now it just looks like you leaked spoiled milk from your boobs.

Take that and put it in your Oracle.

She's pretty sure that if she just could spend some time crafting and produce a project that she could drop and easy 5 ellbees.

And she's lost her noodle again

If you fart, will that speed up the process?

I'm pretty sure I've turned into a salt lick

Wednesday's Wrandom Wrambling - Thursday Edition

Got a free box of Dots today from the Health Benefits people.  Discovered that I have to sort and eat those by color too.  And for the record, they aren't that great.  Certainly not worth the 220 calories I wasted.

And I'll be picking at them in my teeth with my tongue for the rest of the afternoon.

I can't wait until Monday.  That means Halloween will be over with and all the silliness can end.  You've already told me how weird I am, so you can just let it go now.

I'm going to try a detox bath tonight.  My friend at work did it and lost 1.2 lbs overnight.  I am convinced it's going to purge my skin of all the toxins the season is depositing in it.  (And yet another reason to NOT dig fall)

I have found a new political blog I like to read.  Malcontent.  Be advised, it's very conservative and most def leans to the right, but the writer usually seems to say exactly what I am thinking.  I guess that means I am conservative and lean to the right. 

Which is funny, because when my massage/structural therapist had me stand and look at my posture in the mirror, I was definitely leaning to the left.  So strange.

Speaking of my massage/structural therapist.  I am digging this guy.  He's old enough to be my dad, but he's good and works with other runners from my gym.  He's a sweet, nice little lamb that makes my muscles feel much better.

No running now for almost 4 weeks.  I think it's getting better.  I have cheated and done a little with some stairs and realized that I need to completely stop in order for my tibia to get better.  Life now consists of:

Cycle, Swim, Cycle, Swim, Weights, Cycle.  Repeat it all again the next week.

'sokay since I WILL BE ready to run on Thanksgiving day.  Turkey Trot is planned.

Got a letter from 'dawg that he wrote on Sunday.  Said that they were told they earned a phone call home, and for me to make sure I had my phone on.

It's Thursday - no call.  I am hoping some young recruit punk didn't screw up and ruin it for the whole platoon.    I hope that I get to post about a phone call by next Monday.  Or at least another letter.

We have snow.  It's cold.  I hate it.  And that's all I have to say about that.

I'm puppy hungry and will begin looking in earnest for a companion for Jordan after we get back from San Diego.  Prolly another Schnauz.     Can't wait!

Sissy is starting pre-school next week.  I am so happy and excited for her!  She will love it and it will provide some structure and learning opportunities that will be good for her.  I can't believe it.  Sometimes it seems like just last month that she was born and other times, it feels like it has been a long, hard 3 + years for our family.

I am digging the NBC Thursday night line up and regardless what everyone else thinks, I am finding this season of The Office just as funny as ever!  I'll be sad to see Michael go.  

I can't believe how badly Dots get stuck in your teeth.  Boo........

Baaaaa Baaaaaa

Normally, (to quote Johnny) - I DO WHAT IT WANT!, but today, I totally am being a follower.

Tib started a Formspring account.  I was all like, what the heck is a formspring?  And she was all like, just go check it out you big fat dummy.  And then I was all like - okay.

It looks fun!  I think I'll give it a whirl.  If I get rude or disgusting questions, I won't answer them. 

But for now.......

ask away!

My Marine (recruit) Monday

(newly hung USMC flag on our home)

We got several letters this week.  A couple of days apart so it made the week awesome!!

DAD -
HEY POPS!
THIS IS JUST A QUICK NOTE SINCE I'M UP AT 2:30AM PREPPING FOR TOMORROW, BUT I WANTED TO THANK YOU AGAIN FOR ALL THE PICTURES AND HELP!  YOU'RE SUCH AN AWESOME DAD!
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

RECRUIT CATMULL
'SEMPER FI'

MOMMA -
AIGHT SO I GOT YOUR QUICK NOTE ABOUT FLIGHT PLANS AND SUCH.  PERFECT!
I ALSO AGREE WITH YOUR SEAWORLD IDEA.  IT MAKES A LOT MORE SENSE TO DO THAT THAN ANYTHING!  I AM WAY EXCITED.  I'VE BEEN TELLING EVERYONE ABOUT IT : )  THANKS FOR THE PICTURE AS WELL!  IT TOTALLY MADE MY DAY AND EVERYONE THINKS SISSY IS SO CUTE!

THAT KEELEY LADY IS WAY STOKED TO MEET YOU.  SHE TELLS ME IN EVERY LETTER  : )  I BET THAT SHE WILL BE LOTS OF FUN!!  l )  SHE IS WAY NICE AND WRITES ME VERY CONSISTENTLY.  TIB AND THE ERICKSON'S ALSO SENT ME A CARD!! IT WAS BADA$$!

SO THIS LETTER IS GONNA BE QUICK BECAUSE I AM UP AT 2:00AM DOING LAUNDRY TO LEAVE BACK TO MCRD ON SUNDAY : )  FIELD WEEK WAS AWESOME!

THEY HAD US RUNNING THROUGH A MAKESHIFT WARZONE AT NIGHT, WHILE MORTAR ROUND BLANKS SHOT OFF AND 'SAVING PRIVATE RYAN'S' OPENING SCENE WAS BEING PLAYED ON A SUPER LOUD HIDDEN SOUND SYSTEM.  IT WAS SO INTENSE.  WE HAD TO STORM A BEACH MAKESHIFT, HOP WALLS, CRAWL UNDER BARBWIRE, CLEAR OUT BUNKER TRENCHES AND LOW CRAWL THROUGH MUD AND ROCKS!  : )  I HAD SO MUCH ADRENALINE, I ALSO LEARNED A LOT ABOUT IED'S AND LAND NAV.

ANYWAY'S, I HAVE TO TRY AND GET SOME ZZ'S

I MIGHT RECEIVE A PHONE CALL SOMETIME SOON?  PLEASE ALWAYS HAVE YOUR PHONE ON YOU!

ILYPI MOMMA
THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO!

RECRUIT CATMULL
'SEMPER FI'



SISSY -
HI SWEETIE!! I'VE BEEN THINKING ABOUT YOU ALOT LATELY.  I'VE BEEN AT THE MARINES FOR 8 WEEKS NOW, AND I ONLY HAVE TO BE HERE FOR 4 MORE WEEKS AND THEN YOU AND MIMI AND POPPA AND UNCLE LUKA AND UNCLE TUFFY GET TO COME SEE ME BECOME A MARINE!

AFTER THAT, WE ARE GOING TO THE REALLY REALLY BIG AQUARIUM CALLED SEA WORLD!  WE ARE GONNA SEE THE SHARKS, AND PENGUINS, AND SHAMU!
I AM REALLY EXCITED.  I TELL EVERYONE HERE ABOUT YOU AND SHOW THEM ALL THE PICTURES I HAVE OF YOU : )  THEY THINK YOU ARE SOOOO CUTE.  OF COURSE, BECAUSE YOU ARE.

AFTER THAT WE GET TO RIDE IN A PLANE TO COME HOME TO MIMI AND POPPA'S AND SPEND THANKSGIVING TOGETHER!

I MISS YOU & LOVE YOU MORE THAN YOU KNOW PRINCESS
ILYPI
DADDY



WHAT'S GOOD FAM???

JUST CHILLIN AT CHURCH AGAIN :)  TODAY HAD SOME REALLY COOL PEOPLE SPEAK.  IT WAS PRETTY MOTIVATING!
MOM & DAD - I RECENTLY WROTE EACH OF YOU A QUICK NOTE BUT I HEARD THERE HAS BEEN ISSUES TAKING LONGER TO GET TO YOU ALL, SO I'LL REFRESH WITH THIS RECENT UPDATE.

TODAY I AM 3RD PHASE!! : )
AFTER CHOW, WE HEAD BACK TO MCRD TO FINISH OUT BOOT CAMP.  I GOT MY EXPERT BADGE AND THIS WEEK WE GET OUR UNIFORMS AND I WILL GET MY PFC PINS FOR THEM ALL!  THEY LOOK SOOO GOOD!  IT'S GOT ME SO MOTIVATED!  RIGHT NOW I'M FEELING SO GOOD AND FOCUSED.

AS FAR AS ALL THE PLANS FOR GRADUATION, IT SOUNDS LIKE YOU HAVE IT SET PERFECT MOMMA!  I THINK ABOUT IT EVERY DAY!  I AM WAY EXCITED  : )

I'VE HEARD THAT I COULD POSSIBLY BE GETTING AN EXTENDED LEAVE TIME SINCE THE GRADUATION DATE IS SO CLOSE TO THE HOLIDAYS!  KEEP YOUR FINGERS CROSSED   HAHA.

HOW WAS MEETING KEELEY MOM?  I KNOW SHE WAS SUPER EXCITED.  SHE IS SUCH A NICE LADY.  YOU GUYS ARE ALL GOING TO HAVE A BLAST AT THE CABIN.

I AM CURIOUS TO KNOW WHAT ALL OF THE HOLIDAY PLANS ARE FOR THANKSGIVING?! I WOULD LOVE TO MAKE TO BOTH FAMILIES AS LONG AS TIME PERMITS IT.  ALL OF US FELLAS HERE ALWAYS TALK ABOUT HOW GOOD WE ARE GOING TO EAT THAT DAY AND HOW LONG OF A NAP WE WANT TO TAKE AND WHAT TO BE WATCHING ON TV AS WE DO IT ALL - HA HA

I CAN'T WAIT TO TELL YOU ALL OF THE STORIES HERE AND FOR YOU TO SEE ALL OF MY DI'S.  THEY ARE AWESOME MEN AND FATHERS!

MOM - IF YOU COULD POST A FACEBOOK STATUS FOR ME STATING THAT I GRADUATE NOV 19TH AND IF ANY OF MY FRIENDS WANT TO COME SEE ME GRADUATE, THEY ARE MORE THAN WELCOME TOO!  THANKS : )

I'M OUT OF TIME!  ANYWAYS, BACK OFF TO MCRD  : )

HAVE A GREAT WEEK GUYS!
LOVE AND MISS YOU ALL
RECRUIT CATMULL
'SEMPER FI'

I am loving his letters!  He does a lot of underlining and lots of exclamation points and smiley faces.  He's alot like me in writing.

I am so pleased to hear him be so happy.  He his performing well, feeling good about his decision and learning his duties.

And thanks to those of you who are writing him!  I know that there are several of you, but he isn't always telling me about it.  But please know how much it means to me! (PS - I took the liberty to link them up in his text)

And now, just a little over 3 weeks before we head out to San Diego for the epic graduation.  I can hardly wait!

Semper Fi

I love

HER

For some reason, I don't know if it was the Primary program yesterday, the disturbing book I just finished or just the extra time we had with Sis this weekend, but my heart is literally exploding with love for all children, but in particular my Sissy.

Her smile, her eyes, her laugh, her voice.

I love that she is her own person.  She marches to the beat of her own drum.

I love that she reminds me so much of my son when he was younger in so many ways, but in many others she is clearly like her mother.

I love that she is a happy soul - despite her grinding her teeth at night.

I love that she tries hard to work on saying her 'L's.

"I Love you Mimi"

I love her "eyeball" kisses.

I love that she likes plodding around in her gossie boots.

I love that she loves candy.

I love that she adores her uncles, and they in turn love her to pieces.  She has the key to their hearts and I love that!

I love that she knows where her daddy is

"He's at da Marine's!"

I love that she digs spiders and snakes. 

I love that she names them Snakey and Mr Spider.

I love that she feeds them her fruit snack pieces first, and then eats them herself.

I love to listen to her play pretend.

I love that she has to listen to the same 'Lion King' song over and over and over again in the car.

I love that she eats cheese and bacon sandwiches.  She would eat bacon all day long.

I love that she talks/sings herself to sleep.

I love that she takes Snakey for a walk using Jordan's leash. 

I love that she will take anything or anyone who will let her, for a walk on Jordan's leash.

I love snuggling in bed at night and talking about our day.

I love her scooting in close throwing her arm around me and feeling her soft breath on my cheeks.

I love her snores.

I love watching her wake up and smile.

I love doing shadow puppets with her on the ceiling from my reading light.

I love when she asks me questions and believes me when I answer.

I love when she says,

"Mimi - I love you so much!  You're my best friend"

Poppa - I love you.....................sometimes."

I love having the knowledge that it is a HUGE blessing and tender mercy from God that she is a part of our lives.  I am humbled to be her Mimi.  It's a privilege to have her in our family.  Sometimes, I feel completely unworthy of her and her sweet goodness.

I love her.

I have the BEST friends........part 2

Some may question the motives behind these particular friends, but knowing their hearts, all I can do is laugh and thank them.

If you don't know by now, my beloved Yankees lost last night, thus ending their stint in the 2010 MLB playoffs.  I was so bugged watching the game that I simply turned it off knowing in my gut that a W wasn't in the cards and that we were through for the season.

I'm in mourning.  Sure.  Any good Yankee fan would be.  But I'm a good sport and knowing how the Steinbrenner's throw their money around, we'll get some good pitching in and come back strong next season.  I'll just have to decide now whom to cheer for during the world series.  But I digress.

My first condolence call came late last night from Tib.  Of course, I was asleep, but in her voice mail she was consoling me, telling me to back away from the ledge (in case I was so distraught that I would jump), and reminding me that it was all just a game.  Isn't she sweet?  (who says sarcasm doesn't come across in the written word - you can feel it can't you?)  What a good friend to make sure that I was reminded that they had lost. 

Then on the way home from the gym this morning, as I turned the corner onto my street was Jim.  Now Jim and his fam or die hard Rangers fans.  We have had some words back and forth during the playoff series, but all in good fun.   So as I round the corner, who is standing there with his Rangers hat and cup of coffee, just nonchalantly hanging out?  The Jim-ster.  It's like he was just waiting for me to come home so he could gloat a little (or a lot).  We had a chat, I congratulated him, and reminded him that good pitching will beat great hitting any day of the week, and the Rangers certainly earned their spot.

Later that day, I get voice mail from Martina (Jim's wife).  I call back, make connection with Jim, and they mention they need to stop by a little later.

When the doorbell rang and I answered, this is what I was met with:

The whole Ricketson fam (minus middle son) all donned in their Ranger garb.

They are happy!     Me?  not so much.......

And then to just make sure I understood their purpose

How awesome is that?  Not that my team lost of course, but that I scored a chocolate cake cause someone knew I felt badly?  Or were they just gloating?

Doesn't matter to me - they're just dang good friends!

I have the BEST friends........ part 1

Serio man, I am blessed with fantastic friends!  One's who know JUST the right thing for JUST the right time.

Friday after work, I came home to an empty house and was hurrying to straighten up before Hurricane Sissy hit.

As I walked into my bedroom there lay a box with my name on it?  Wha?  A package for me?

I looked at the return address and saw that it was from Tammy over at Time Flies.  One of my most favorite people in the whole world.  I knew it was gonna be something fun!

I ripped the box open and the minute I could see what was inside, I started laughing hysterically!

She is the QUEEN of all things decorating.  She is the master, the guru, the ultimate CHAMPION of decorating.  Me?  meh - not so much

A funny Halloween card, a cute spider plate, a banner, dishtowels, table cover, the Bite Me napkins, and the HUGE bag of skittles.

Let's just say, there was more decor in that little box, than in my already sorry lot of Halloween decorations all put together.

The card?

Inside she had written:

"for some reason I have the feeling that your house may be Halloween decor deprived., so I thought I'd help you out a little (and believe me, if I was in town, I'd be decorating it in person!)

I think she must have gotten the idea from this post

Today, after our regular Saturday cleaning I decided to put these fun Halloween treats to work.

The Bite Me napkins are in the napkin holder - but everyone has strict instructions NOT TO TOUCH THEM!

and the cute spider plate is holding keys that normally just get thrown very haphazardly on the table somewhere.

The dishtowels are hanging very cutely from the oven handle.  Again - the instructions of DO NOT TOUCH THEM have been given

The banner fit perfectly across my mantle and hung quite nicely.

and the table cover fit perfectly over my coffee table and added some great color to my living room.

Gosh Tammy - thank you SO MUCH!!

You've helped me step up a rung on the ladder of decorating......  : )

xoxoxox

M

Funny Bone Friday - Things I may have heard, or said, or just thought in my head

"Don't talk to me about Tiger Woods representing the U.S.  You might as well have sent Bill Clinton"

"No honey, that's Nancy Reagan.  Betty Ford never said, 'Just say no'.  That was her problem.

"Icy/Hot Bengay rubbers"

"So...do you like telling people that you sleep with the Bishop?"

"Did you just say 'Go to heck?'"

I wish I had known there was whip cream, it wouldn't have made sleeping with Wendy and Gigi a whole lot more interesting.

Even if it were once in a lifetime, that would be once in a lifetime too many for me.

I expressed happiness and joy for you then - watch, now I am again.  Happy.  Joy.

Craftily Ever After.

Me:  "Say it again.  SAY IT!"

Shark:  You were right.

Me:  "Say it again"

Shark:  "You were RIGHT, I was WRONG!"

(best day ever)

My Marine (recruit) Monday

(I love this picture)

Got two fantastic letters from him this week!

10-10-10

DEAR FAMILY,

WHAT'S GOOOOOOOOOOOD?!?!?

ALRIGHT, IT'S BEEN A VERY FULFILLING WEEK.   FRIDAY WE HAD RIFLE QUALIFICATION, AND LIKE I WANTED TO, I SHOT RIFLE EXPERT.  IT'S THE HIGHEST MARKSMAN AWARD FOR THE M16A4 RIFLE.  I AM PRETTY STOKED ABOUT IT TOO!  : )  I'LL BE SHOWING YOU GUYS MY AWARD WHEN YOU GET HERE.

SPEAKING OF HERE, IT'S REALLY COMING UP FAST!  THIS COMING WEEK IS MY LAST WEEK OF PHASE 2!  AFTER THIS "FIELD WEEK", WE HEAD BACK SOUTH TO MCRD TO FINISH THE 3RD & FINAL PHASE : )

OUR SERIES COMMANDER TOLD US THAT THIS WEEK IS THE WEEK THAT WE REALLY FEEL OUR TRANSFORMATION FROM CIVILIAN TO MARINE.  THAT FEELING HAS ALREADY HIT ME.  IT STARTED LAST WEEK AND IT FEELS SO GOOD.

THIS "FIELD WEEK" WE ARE ABOUT TO TACKLE IS WHEN WE SLEEP OUTDOORS AND GO OVER COMBAT TACTICS, LAND NAV, COMPASSES, ETC.  IT WILL BE COOL I AM SURE.  I AM GIDDY TO GET IT OVER WITH THOUGH  : )

THIS LAST WEEK I GOT SOME REALLY GOOD MAIL FROM FRIENDS & FAMILY!  IT REALLY HELPED ME STAY MOTIVATED.  I AM SAVING ALL THE MAIL SO I CAN SHOW YOU MOMMA.

OH AND AS FAR AS FLYING & SEA WORLD AND ALL THAT?  AS SOON AS I LEAVE MRCD, I AM ON LEAVE, SO WE CAN DO WHATEVER WE WANT!  SEA WORLD WOULD BE AWESOME : )  I WOULD LIKE TO BE HOME SUNDAY OR MONDAY THOUGH.  I MISS HOME AND JUST WANT TO RELAX WITH THE FAMILY  : )  I'LL JUST DRIVE BACK WITH DAD & THE BOYS TO SAVE MONEY, AND YOU CAN BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS WITH SIS.  THE GOVERNMENT DOESN'T PAY FOR OUR FLIGHTS BACK, UNFORTUNATELY.

I AM WAY PROUD TO HEAR ABUOT YOUR MARATHON!!  I BET YOU DID SO GREAT MOM : )

I HOPE YOU LET YOUR BODY RECOVER 100% THOUGH.  I'VE LEARNED THAT IF YOU DON'T, IT REALLY CAN EFFECT YOU.  SOME KIDS HAVE GOTTEN DROPPED FOR PUSHING THROUGH PAIN INTO STRESS FRACTURES.

I HAVE BEEN LEARNING QUICKLY WHO THE REAL FRIENDS ARE AND AREN'T.  NOT A BIG DEAL TO ME.  I HAVE LOTS OF FRIENDS STILL WRITING AND I HAVE MY FAMILY & PRINCESS.  THAT'S ALL I CARE ABOUT  : )

LIKE I WROTE TO DAD, YESTERDAY WE HAD AN 8 MILE HIKE IN FULL GEAR (HELMET, ARMOR, CAMIS, BOOTS, 85LB MAIN PACK) ETC.

I DID SO GOOD.  I ENDED UP AT THE VERY FRONT AND DID NOT FALL OUT ONCE.  I KNEW THAT ALL THE HIKING I DID BEFORE WOULD PAY OFF!  I'M GLAD I DID IT!

I'VE BEEN STARTING TO THINK ABOUT ALL THE THINGS THAT I WANT TO DO WHEN I GET HOME AND IT ALL INVOLVES THE FAMILY, SO I HOPE YOU GUYS ARE DOWN TO RELAX AND EAT FOOD FOR A FEW DAYS!  HAHA

ANYWAYS, I HAVE ALOT TO DO TODAY BEFORE WE HEAD OUT TO THE FIELD TOMORROW SO I BETTER HEAD OUT FROM CHURCH!

I HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU GUYS SOON AND THAT YOU ALL HAVE A GREAT WEEK.

MISS & LOVE YOU GUYS

-RECRUIT CATMULL

'SEMPER FI'

PS - SEAWORLD WILL BE FREE OR REALLY,  REALLY CHEAP SINCE I WILL BE A MARINE ONCE WE GO : )  IT GETS US GREAT PERKS

PSS - LET ME KNOW THE DETAILS OF TRAVEL PLANS AND PLANS FOR THE WEEKEND

He doesn't know that I already booked his flight coming home.  And I doubt that the airline will let me do anything about it without a fee.   I am happy to know that he is thinking about finances, but I also want him to be able to spend more time with his daughter, which flying will allow him to do.  I sent a letter today letting him know, and giving him the choice.  I'll figure something out if he really wants to drive with the boys.

WHAT'S UP DAD?!?

HOW ARE THINGS GOING??  I'VE BEEN MEANING TO WRITE YOU, WE HAVE JUST BEEN SO BUSY AND RESTRICTIONS ON TIME.  NO WORRIES ON THE CAR RIGHT NOW, I GUESS I DO NEED TO TAKE CARE OF THOSE THINGS TAHT DO NEED TO BE FIXED ON IT.

AS FAR AS MONEY GOES, I HAVE OPENED AN ACCOUNT WITH THE MARINE PACIFIC CREDIT UNION.  THEY HAVE THE BEST RATES FOR CAR AND HOUSING INTEREST LOANS SO NO WORRIES ON WHERE I DO MY BANKING.  I DIDN'T REALLY LIKE CHASE TOO MUCH ANYWAYS.

I HAVE RECEIVED A DEBIT CARD AND THE DI'S MAKE US USE IT OCCASIONNALLY FOR CERTAIN THINGS THAT WE ALL USE AS A PLATOON, BUT OTHER THAN THAT, I AM SAVING AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.  WATCHING THE YOUNGER RECRUITS BLOW THEIR MONEY REMIND ME WHY I SHOULDN'T HAHA.

WHILE ON THE TOPIC OF MONEY, I WANT TO THANK YOU AGAIN FOR HOW MUCH YOU & MOM ARE HELPING OUT.  YESTERDAY WE WERE ON AN 8 MILE HIKE WITH FULL GEAR (HELMET, BODY ARMOR, WEAPON, AND 85 POUND MAIN PACK) IT WAS STARTING TO GET A LITTLE TOUGH ON MY FEET AT ONE POINT AND THEN I FOR SOME REASON THOUGHT ABOUT HOW MUCH YOU & MOM ARE HELPING WITH AT HOME AND IT MADE THINGS SO MUCH EASIER.  REALLY MADE ME GRATEFUL FOR HOW GREAT OF PARENT I AM BLESSED TO HAVE!

I HOPE THINGS AT HOME ARE GOING WELL FOR YOU!  I AM DOING AWESOME HERE AND AM WAY STOED TO SEE YOU WHEN I GET HOME.

HAVE A GREAT WEEK DAD!

-RECRUIT CATMULL

'SEMPER FI'

I find it interesting that his letter to his Dad was mostly about money.  You can tell what focus Splenda Daddy has tried to instill in our boys.  Fiscal responsibility.  Splenda sent off a letter letting him know that we did get his car fixed and sold, so one less thing he needs to worry about.

And NGL - nice warm fuzzies when he expressed gratitude for us. 

We are about 4 weeks away, and I am getting very excited!!!

Semper Fi

Spiritual Sunday - Part II

Why you should never fall asleep in church

You never know what Mom will do to amuse herself..........

Spiritual Sunday - Part I

I was walking to my car last Wednesday morning and for some reason had my head down the entire time  I wasn't in the mood for smiles, or greetings from a passerby - I was feeling quiet, introspective and wanted to stay in my shell a little bit longer

As I walked along, I noticed the sidewalk had  a cool pattern in it that I have never noticed before (even though I walk this stretch of sidewalk on a weekly basis).  I slowed  to look at the pattern a little closer.

Upon further inspection, I discovered the "pattern" was actually not an intended thing at all  Rather it was the marks of leaves that had fallen in the concrete when it was still wet.  As you know, if you touch wet concrete, it will leave an impression that cannot be removed without demolishing that particular section, and repouring fresh cement.

At first glance, the sidewalk was intriguing and cool to look at.  It certainly caught my eye.

Then I thought about the worker who may have poured that section of sidewalk and his frustration of the falling leaves making the permanent "scar" in his work.  What was aesthetically pleasing to me, would likely indicate imperfection to him.

For some reason, the irony struck me.  I picked up my pace, went to my car to deposit my bags, and returned to the sidewalk with my camera.

(I was really wishing I had a super great camera so I could catch the detail)

I got in my car and headed south but the concrete with it's impressions stayed on my mind.

I began thinking of how that concrete is so much like people.  The 'scars' or the 'damage' the leaves had done to the finished product were what made it so appealing to me  It's what made it unique, beautiful and eye-catching.

I thought of the scars that I carry, and that others whom I love carry.  We all have them. 

 A traumatic childhood, abuse (sexual, emotional, physical), death, bullying, mental illness, suicide, drugs/alcoholism, infidelity, rebellious children, health issues, eating disorders, cancer, the list is endless.

Some of these I know first hand, some I experience second person through a beloved family member or close friend.  At any rate, they hurt.  They change us.  They leave a mark.

There are two ways of looking at those marks left behind.  They can be viewed as imperfection and can lead to self-doubt, low self esteem and feelings of frustration and anger OR they can be viewed as part of the pattern of our life that makes us appealing, unique and even beautiful. 

If we allow them to.

When I look at others, I see cool patterns.  I see things that intrigue me.  Things that catch my eye and draw me to that person.  Oftentimes, once I get to know someone and learn their stories, the 'scars' emerge. 

The impressions of life that left marks become apparent.  And I find that their perceived 'damage' is the very thing that endears them to me.   I love them all the more for the life impressions they have and who they have become. When I see them, I see a beautiful pattern  Not a sidewalk with leaf marks.

Today, I sat in church watching a particular family who is having a particularly hard struggle right now.  My heart physically hurt for them.  A real pain that is hard to describe.

My thoughts went to another dear, longtime friend who is currently overwhelmed with indescribable heartache.

And then I thought back to the concrete. 

These life impressions will only make them more beautiful to me.  More unique and more beloved.

Finally, my thoughts went inward. 

Could I ever do the same for myself?  Embrace my 'scars', endear my life impressions?

Become more beloved to my own self?

I'm not sure, but I can try and hope.

This I do know - I feel a little more tender, and little more forgiving, a little more understanding of every person I encounter.  I just never know what scars they carry.

Best Overnighter at a Cabin EVER!!

Okay - yippee!  I got some pics (okay more like stole some) and I just can't hold back any longer!

Why do I blog?
Because it's my journal, I enjoy it, it keeps my family up to date and I just so happen to have made some VERY fine friends out of the whole deal.  Who knew??

Cherie organized this little shin-dig many, many months ago, and I was quick to jump in.  Why?  I love people!  I love to meet, talk, share, and have a good time.  She's also one of my fav bloggers and I kind of was a little star struck when I got the invite!  She's practically famous ya know.  Her and her little yellow car.  They get around.

Anywhoodle, I originally was going to spend both nights but in the meantime, a special YW activity got planned and I felt like I needed to be with them.  Torn.  New friends?  My YW?  Compromise was made, I drove up for one evening and came home the next morning.  Sure it was a quick trip but worth every blessed minute!

So who are the cast of characters?

Cherie

Keeley

Tauna

Ann

Heather

Mo -nica

Kimmie

Katie

Brittany

and of course in spirit or rather paper.....

Wendy

Gigi

I will admit, I was (if you can imagine) a little intimidated.  It seemed like everyone already knew everyone else, and I was a newcomer.  Sure, I had been reading their blogs, some emails back and forth with a few of them, you know.....that kind of computer communication, but it seemed that most everyone else had met each other at least once.  Some of the women, I had just STARTED to follow their blogs so I was not up to speed on who was who, and what was going on in their lives.

WELL - let me just say, those feelings quickly disappeared.  These women are WONDERFUL!  So welcoming.  So kind.  So nice.  So warm!  Before  I knew it, we were lounging around waiting for a few others to arrive for dinner, while talking a mile a minute, laughing, and me even sharing some things that I don't share with very many people.  That is just how safe I felt with them. 

It also happened to be Cherie's birthday, and the lame-o that I am totally FORGOT!  But thankfully, Ann had my back and we all were a part of honoring her!

What a treat it is to be with women that you only knew through your computer but now that you sit in real life with them, feel like old friends.  I could be my crass self  (and believe it or not - I was holding back some), and still felt like I was included.
I could listen to their stories and sympathize knowing that I had been there or had felt similar feelings.   I could laugh with them at myself.  I was astounded that I spent nearly 24 hours with 9 other women, and NOT ONCE did gossip rear it's ugly head. 

Amazing women they are.  And while they tease me that I taught them a few new things that night (crafting, brazil, batshit crazy, 70's natch) the truth is, I have much to learn from them!

And now, a plethora  of pictures!

Despite the dead looking trees, I was still excited to be up the canyon

The lake was beautiful, even though the sky was raining and gray, you could still see the blue.  It reminded me of trips to my Mom's when she and my sisters lived in Paris, ID for several years.

l - r Kimmie's arms folded, Ann, Monica, Cherie, and Brittany

It was Cherie's birthday - look at those CANDLES!  Serio - girl! And I can only say this because you are older than me.  And always will be!  hehe

But even better - check out that cake!  Heather made that!! And not only was it cute, but it tasted delish!  I loved it, even though it was Halloweenish and all

Blow Cherie BLOW!

The traditional BIG LIPS picture.  I brought these home and Sissy thought they were the coolest thing EVER!

Not the most flattering picture.  I'm gonna have to re-think my position on the 'bait and switch" bra.  I think it adds weight......

Seeing how I have met Wendy before and actually taught her all about Brazil, I felt totally comfortable sleeping with her.  Allegedly - Gigi joined us later that night!  I knew I was feeling great the next morning for a reason!!

Me and Keely - who's diet coke is that in front of us anyway?

I love this girl - my sistah from another mistah!  And apparently my Marine recruit digs her just as much as I do!! 

Me and cute Heather.  We were assigned to cook breakfast together Saturday morning.  She had the great idea of homemade waffles.  I'm all like....what the crap did you say?  HOMEMADE?  That is a freaking swear word.  But bless her heart, she was very patient with me and even showed me how to whip egg whites!  Love me some Heather!

And I appreciate no one laughing (at least to my face) about my microwave bacon! 

Wendy this is for you.  See that cheesey lasagne?  You know how I feel about that - so I was attempting to shovel a huge portion in your mouth, but the paper just wasn't cutting it!

And oh, my lovah Tauna!  From the minute we started reading each other's blogs - I knew that she "got" me!

And the brains behind all the magic!  Cherie!  Love her, love her, love her!  I wouldn't have met so many cool and awesome ladies if she hadn't put it all together!

Our banister pics being silly

l-r  Ann, Monica, Heather, Keeley's fine backside, Kimmie, Cherie, Tauna and me.

Brittany, Cherie, Monica, Heather, Ann, Keeley, Tauna, me

all right - who's the wise guy?  Tauna????  Cherie????

And who was missing all morning before I left?  Katie!  I guess when you are young and spry like her, you can stay up all hours of the night and sleep till the afternoon!  I not only missed saying goodbye to her, but apparently I missed her mad longboarding skillz!  And if she were to come to UT and, oh I don't know, accidentally fell in love with Luka, I would TOTALLY be okay with that!

I was spoiled BEYOND anything.

Chocolates and a movie from Keeley

Vintage glassware from AnnMarie,

Skittles that somehow showed up in my bag in the morning from Keeley

Homemade salsa and hand dipped chocolates from Tauna

A mouse pad and notebook, cute Halloween dish and spicy pretzels from Cherei

Cute Halloween banner from Monica

I can't even tell you how much I loved the overnighter I had.  Meeting some fantastic ladies that while we each have a unique story and background, seem to come together like sisters.  I only wish I could have stayed all weekend!!

Love you girls!

**and for more pictures and better reviews than I can give - go visit these girls.  You'll sure to fall in love just like I have!**