Hooray, Giveaway!

As a military family, we're often away from those I love. I miss birthdays, holidays, weddings, and random coffee dates with friends, among other things. This has been one of the hardest parts of being a part of the "silent ranks." I can't imagine raising Baby K while my Captain was off deployed to some third world country, forcing him to miss so many milestones. All of these reasons are why I'm hosting my very first giveaway!

What's up for grabs, you say?

-a free story recorded with your own voice to send to those you love that you can't be with at the moment, valued at $9.99! Fun, right? This opportunity is provided by BeThereBedTimeStories.com. Click on the link to try out the demo if you'd like. This program is super easy to use and there are tons of bedtime stories to choose from to make the special kid in your life feel a little bit closer to you.

After recording, the bedtime story can be accessed at any time for an unlimited amount of time. This means that any time your little munchkin, pumpkin, niece, nephew, grandson, granddaughter, et cetera can get a dose of Y-O-U whenever their little hearts desire!

Rules of this giveaway are simple:

1. You do NOT have to have a blog to enter.

2. You do NOT have to be a military family to win.

3. You DO have to leave a comment on this post telling me who you would record a story for and why. It can be brief :)

4. You Do have to leave an email address for contacting purposes.

5. For an additional entry, you can tweet about this giveaway. Be sure to let me know you did so by tweeting me (@KSJD22) or leaving it in the comment section.

How easy is that? This giveaway will end on Saturday, June 4th at 11 PM Eastern Standard Time.

I hope you all enjoy this opportunity as much as I have. It really is quite easy to use. Results will be posted after I randomly select a winner. Good luck!

Good grief.

I'm alive. I think.

Can't chat long, must return to slave driver (read: school work).

I trust you all had a great Memorial Day. Mine was spent traveling much of the time, but I was with my soldier so I was happy for that.

I've been one busy gal, as you can probably gather from my one sentence paragraphs (which isn't a paragraph at all, is it?). I don't have time for much of nothin' right now, but I hope to get caught up or (*gasp) ahead of schedule with my school work if I can. I'm sorry I haven't been commenting as much. I'm still keeping up with all of you, though. I didn't want to neglect my responsibilities as blogger extraordinaire either though so I'm finally posting those pictures from my baby shower. And I thought I'd tell you a bit about Week 29.

In short, it sucks.

I kid, I kid. But I did wake up to some pretty painful heart burn. At least I hope that's all it is. Lately, every morning has been a hassle just getting out of bed. Not only am I trying to maneuver my big ole belly around, but I'm also nursing some nausea and aches and pains. Usually I feel better if I just suck it up and crawl out of bed to start the day, though.

Is August here yet?

No.

Oh, that's right. I still have to pack up my house, move to another state, change doctors, find new house, nest, and complete required graduate course work before all that happens.

Good grief. At least I've got the best friends and family a girl could ask for-

 

 

 

There are so many more, but my computer is being lame (as usual) so I must leave you with those. Thanks for taking a peek. Hopefully, I'll talk with you soon. I have a giveaway happening this week- my first ever! Get excited :)

Love,

Mama K.

Pregnant With Laughter- Part 11 Vlog Edition

[vimeo http://vimeo.com/24233140]

Travelin' Thru GA, Ramblin' Across the Land

Today has been a good day. I'm slightly overwhelmed with school work and trying to prepare for the upcoming PCS, but I just knew churning out a few words on my blog would temporarily fix my ailments. Besides, I know you're all just dying to know why and how I went camping in Georgia in May.

I was supposed to head "home" last weekend, but Doc said 'no way Jose' in different words so we made plans to spend some time outdoors with my dear ole dad. His bluegrass band was attending a festival in Cochran, Georgia, not too far from our house. After relaxing for a while on Friday afternoon, we packed up the car and headed that way with plans to sleep under the stars.

We waited until evening, though because this pregnant gal gets incredibly hot.

Temperatures for the weekend were lower-to mid nineties.

Thee above do not mix.

Still, we had a good time. I enjoyed falling asleep in the back of the truck (on an air mattress, of course) while listening to the sounds of my childhood. Growing up, Dad was constantly taking us to festivals to hear him (and many others) play. The notes, the instruments, the voices,  the old songs I knew so well lulled me off to sleep that night. And you know what?

I slept pretty great! The mosquitos were a real downer, though. I'm covered in bug bites now that aren't so attractive and quite itchy. I will not complain, though because I remember the insane swarms of mosquitos that plagued Alaska in the summer months. Those were, by far, the worst I've ever seen.

It felt good to get back outside. I have missed camping while being preggo. It's not for the faint of heart, though-- Be sure to take lots of water. Also, you'll want to bring along some of your favorite men to hang with. I enjoyed visiting with Dad and spending quality time with the Cap'n. I just don't do it enough.

Dad in Do-Rag

"Willie Bob's"- Only in the South

Roughin' It- Kinda.

Prayer Request

I had so much to say today, but when I woke up to catch up on all the blogs I frequent, all of it floated away. My heart is heavy this morning and all I could think to do was pray...and ask that you pray, too. I believe in God's awesome power of healing and I have seen the power of prayer.

Over the last couple of days, this young mother has been living a nightmare. She has four boys, three of which are triplets. She recently found Owen unresponsive in his crib. After finally getting a heartbeat back, the family has received nothing but bad news. Please pray for this family and for this little boy.

Thank you.

Dog Savior

See this face?

 

And what about this one?

 

If I didn't deserve their looks of adoration and their greetings each time I walked into the room before, I surely do now.

I saved their lives.

Even though the two troublemakers were driving me bonkers, I just didn't want to send them back out to their pen. It's hot outside, y'all and my two little Alaskans can't take the heat. I brought them inside during their mandatory outside time (read: Mrs. K's saving of sanity time) and I'm glad I did because...

a tree fell on their little home in the corner of the yard. The large tree landed right where my dear Holly curls up to sleep in her little husky ball. She surely would have been crunched. Then I would have been stuck with this one-



and let's face it, when he's an only (dog) child his life expectancy plummets.

Never a dull moment 'round these parts.

New Around Here

Hello, pals. My mind is swirling with counseling techniques, scripture, and due dates. I just want to take a break for awhile and catch you all up on what is going on in my life. I went to the doctor earlier this week to check on Baby K. He's doing well, but I'm still measuring at about 26 weeks. I have no idea how that is possible because I feel huge. Now, Doc thinks my original due date (Aug. 20th) is more accurate than the 17th. I know this is only three days, but that's three steps backward and I don't like it one bit. I can't describe how uncomfortable I feel each morning. Being idle, sleeping, or even sitting down for long periods of time has caused some issues so I won't be traveling home for awhile as I originally expected. It sucks when I'm told I need to rest, but that very down time produces other problems. Agh! The joys of being pregnant. I can't complain, though. I'm right on track with the weight gain. Doc tells me that he wants me to gain about 25 lbs. I'm up by 13-15 lbs depending on what day it is! On one hand, I can't believe I'll be meeting my son in a few short months. On the other, I feel like I've been pregnant for an eternity. Either way, I'm sure he'll be here before I know it!



Meanwhile, the hubby and I are getting geared up to move to Louisiana in less than a month. As you probably know, the Army has some good perks, one of which will be to pack up all of our belongings and move them to our next home. I'm glad that responsibility is taken care of for us. We've done some searching for housing in the area and there are really some slim pickin's. We created a list, but it's quite short. I think we'll end up deciding once we arrive in the area. There will be much to do when we get there. I'd like to sign up for breathing technique and breast feeding classes. Of course, I'll have to get a new doctor squared away- ASAP when we arrive. Then, my priority will switch to decorating Baby K's room. I can't wait to feel settled! Is that even possible in the Army?

There are many other exciting changes occurring in our lives right now. As you know, school has started for me. I am enjoying it. I can view the lectures via video, listen to them on Itunes, and/or download study outlines. There's a lot of reading and learning on one's own involved in online classes, but I think I'll do okay with it. Captain J will also be taking graduate courses starting next month. We might be crazy taking all this on at the same time, but we're praying that it's all manageable for us. Speaking of excitement and work, I have some hopeful news for my writing career (or lack thereof). I'll be sure to show you what I've been working on when I receive word that it's okay to do so. It should be in about a week!

That's about all that has happened around here. What's new with you?

Pregnant With Laughter Part 10

It's Wednesday so it's time for another installment of Pregnant With Laughter! It's my day to poke fun of this crazy process of growing Baby K and how little I know about raising a child. 

I went home last weekend and got lots of QT time with this cutie:

She's a blast. I laughed at all her quirky comments and didn't think I'd stop the giggling when she told of how big her basement was-- "It sure is! Why are you laughin'? It sure is!"

She's cute...but I failed her.

See, she wanted to be a "big girl" and use the potty. After successfully doing so, I wanted to put her diaper back on because she still doesn't have the whole concept down completely. It's a sporadic thing. 

Anywho...

I tried to put her diaper on twice, each time I pulled her up to her feet, poor thing had one little cheek peeking out of the diaper. Thankfully, her mother entered the room at this time and fixed my failures. Diapers just aren't my forte. Yet.

Then on Sunday my friends had a baby shower for me. As I unwrapped a teething ring, someone asked what it was. I confidently proclaimed, "It's a little chew toy!" LOL It still makes me laugh. I was a mom to my pups first- don't judge.

Anything funny happen to you this week?

hoping and praying

I like to play countdown games with the toaster. "5-4-3-2-1" and up pops the poptart. Perfect timing.

I enjoy a tall glass of water and a hot cup of decaf tea in the morning.

I don't enjoy waking up with that old familiar feeling of dread, queasiness, and gloom.

Army Times can be both a helpful tool and a terrible nuisance. When J was deployed, I checked the website regularly, hoping and praying there was no news from Diyala Providence, Iraq. Now, I find myself searching for news from Afghanistan. Yesterday, my heart sank as I read the latest:

"Three Fort Wainwright soldiers have been killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan.

Army officials say the incident happened while the soldiers were on mounted patrol Monday afternoon in the city of Spin Ghbarga.

A fourth soldier, assigned to the unit the Alaska-based soldiers are replacing, also was killed.

Officials say two other soldiers from the brigade were wounded.

The 4,000 soldiers of the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division at Fort Wainwright, began deploying to Afghanistan in mid-April.

Army officials say that during the unit's last deployment, from September 2008 to August 2009, it experienced five combat and two noncombat deaths.

Names of the soldiers killed were not released pending notification of relatives."

Although, the terror I used to feel when hearing similar news those years ago has subsided, my worry and fear for those soldiers that Captain J served beside doesn't go away. Friends are over there. It's so easy to forget.

More than anything, I pray for my friends left behind by these brave soldiers. I remember what it's like to not know. Feeling completely helpless and just trying to get through the day, hoping the communication outage will lift and that voice will be heard saying, "I'm safe" is a mixture of a emotions I cannot explain nor want to experience ever again.

I'm awake because at 0500 when J rolled out of bed to head into PT, I had to hug his neck and remind him how glad I am that he is home. Whether home is Georgia or Louisiana now, it doesn't matter. He's with me and I am forever grateful that I'm not going through this pregnancy alone.

Some of my brave friends can't say the same. Please pray for them. For all the people left behind, for all the men and women serving- my thoughts and prayers are with you often.

she thee wed

I trust you all had a good weekend? I did. Captain J and I ventured back to Tennessee for a wedding and my baby shower! It was fun stuff, lemme tell ya.

The wedding was lovely. Not only was the outside venue complete with beautiful gardens, a great overlook, and sweet details, but the couple was what made the wedding lovely. They're both great individuals and I was happy to see them tie the knot. :)

My costume umm errr I mean, outfit- was not quite appropriate for the weather we experienced, though. I hadn't realized how much hotter Georgia is than Tennessee. I was quite chilly most of the time, but I suspect the majority of women there were, too. We were all donning spring attire when it felt more like fall.

Here are some photos before we took off for the wedding:

 

Hello, belly!

I'll be sure to post pictures from the baby shower when they become available to me.

Love,

"Mama K"

(special thanks to Jennifer for coining my alternate name)

Week 26

Happy Friday you guys, y'all, y'uns, or whatever other terrible English you prefer. I don't have much to report today, just that I'm once again heading out of town. I don't have too much to say, but I thought I'd better update you on Baby K since I've skipped the past few weeks!

How far along? 26 Weeks

How big is baby? 14 inches, 1.75 lbs.

Gender? Boy!

Weight: 130 and feeling the extra lbs. all over!

Symptoms: aches, soreness, blurry vision

Food Cravings: apples and peanut butter

Sleep: I toss and turn a lot. I often wake up on my back and in a lot of pain so I quickly turn to one side. The baby kicks like crazy at night before I fall asleep!

Movement: I can see my tummy move now when he is kicking. Pretty powerful stuff.

Stretch Marks? Not yet. I'll keep my fingers crossed. Meanwhile, I love cocoa butter.

Belly Button: Still not out. Do they always pop out eventually?

What are you looking forward to? I can't wait to see him again. I don't know when our next ultrasound will be, though. I really, really can't wait to NOT waddle everywhere I go again. I miss being able to stand up without it feeling like a workout session.

Water to Wine

From the perspective of a married, mid twenties female (ya know, since that accurately describes me), I'd like to give my two cents on marriage. When I was younger, I had little intention to get hitched before the age of 30. It wasn't something I wanted to jump into. It was a serious commitment, in my eyes, one I didn't think I'd be ready to make until much later in life. Much to my surprise, I found the man I wanted to marry when I was twenty three years old thereby crushing all my plans of waiting to get serious with a man.

I knew I wanted Captain J for the rest of my life. Who was this girl? I didn't feel like I knew myself anymore after realizing this. I DID know that I wanted to marry him.

Many people told me congratulations with hesitant smiles, while others were quick to tell me that marriage wasn't easy. I know how difficult it can be to find the right words to say in many situations so I didn't worry too much about the minor discouragements. My relationship with J bloomed over the internet, as he was deployed to Iraq shortly after we met. By the time we were married, I had truly only spent three months with him. The other part of our relationship was long distance. Perhaps this made us stronger and better able to communicate than we would have been had we not had to face a deployment early on.

In a way, I still have no idea what I'm doing. Sure, marriage IS hard, but the alternative would be worse. I now have someone by my side forever (Lord willin') and that is worth any obstacle that could stand in our way. I have been contemplative lately as I embark on this new journey of studying Marriage and Family Therapy. I know I have so much to learn in practice, in personal experience, and in growing with God's definition of marriage.

But sometimes I think, "Could it be simple?"

In a wedding ceremony in Cana, Jesus performed his first miracle. He turned water into wine. Is this symbolic? Perhaps marriage is just another miracle from on high. If you think about it, every day you wake up, go to work, and do the whole married couple thing- it's a decision every day to place faith in your spouse that you're both in it together. And with God integrally involved in the relationship, what once was plain is transformed into something wonderful!

Faith creates miracles. Faith is what makes one want to keep a marriage going.

Faith. It seems so simple, doesn't it? It's beautiful to think about- if you believe in miracles, that is.

Cheers!

One Mississippi

Pregnant With Laughter is on hiatus today. I figure you're all babied out for now due to my last post.

Instead, I promised you a book review so it's high time I come through with that.

I was perusing the local library in search of parenting books or dog training saviors, but I found myself gravitating toward the fiction section once those were in hand. I really like a good story and I didn't feel as if either of the books in my hand were going to satisfy that.

The online card catalog was nearby, but I didn't feel like using it. I enjoy entertaining the idea that books find me instead of me finding them so I just walked with my index finger sliding across the shelves, picking up dust- no doubt. When my feet stopped, my left hand rested on a Mark Childress book called One Mississippi.



Childress is a writer of Southern fiction stories.

This book follows a time period in Daniel Musgrove's life that is full of turmoil, mischief, and opportunities to learn many life lessons. Forced to move to Mississippi just before his junior year in HS, Daniel is less than thrilled with his new surroundings. He begins to give this new state a chance when he meets a new friend, Tim Cousins. The two become best friends, bonding over their various similarities. One of these is their disdain for the star football player who often bullies both of them. They soon find themselves mixed up in a crime involving the linebacker and the first black prom queen in the history of their school. Daniel's world slips out of his control as the lie engulfs him.

I liked this book because of the seemingly never-ending chain of events. There was always something exciting going on. The excitement was often dark, however, as this book was set in a time of racial conflict. There is no social faux pas that goes undiscussed in this book. Each character has skeletons in their closets that are itching to get out. I would recommend this book, especially to those who are looking for a good crime scene story.

Happy Reading!

Baby Mama Drama

Just a warning: If you're a dude currently reading this, you might want to evacuate. I'm about to talk about breasts... Not mine in particular, but breasts just the same. And I promise it won't be a pleasant conversation for you.

Ok, now that we've weeded out some people, I'll continue with my regularly scheduled post.

Breast pumps. Storage Bags. Trays. Milk Collector/Saver. Car adapter. Breast shield. Membranes. Valves.

Independently, I'm comfortable with my definitions of each of the above words. When they're all used in a paragraph or one isolated conversation, I begin to freak. I don't know what these are and/or I don't know what to do with them if I figured it out.

In short, I know nothing about trying to take care of a baby. I have one single box that contains all of Baby K's belongings. Most of its contents were lovingly passed down, some were purchased new by thoughtful friends and family. The point is- His need to be clothed will definitely be taken care of. His other needs? Ya know, the really important ones? Food, Shelter. And how bout the need for knowledgeable parents? Those are still up in the air.

I'm trying not to be all baby mama drama on you, but it is worth noting that I'm worried. I'm worried that we don't have a house in LA yet. I'm worried about the move. I'm worried about the transition. I'm worried that I'll have this beautiful baby boy, but I won't know how to make him happy. Will I feed him when he really just has gas? Will I miss a wet diaper because I'm too busy writing papers for school? What if I am so tired throughout the day that I neglect my husband at night? What if I'm a terrible parent?

Some people just don't have that natural ability to care for a newborn. I'm afraid I'll be that girl.

I think it's only my fear of breast pumps and delivery...you know- the unknown- that is freaking me out. I like to know what I'm getting into and right now I feel pretty clueless. Trips to the labor and delivery wing of the hospital may calm me. Classes to practice breathing techniques and study breast feeding strategies might make me feel better. But sadly, I can't participate in any of these until we move. Then, will it be too late?

Oh, be still my heart. I can't wait for Baby K, but I know how unprepared I feel, too.

Tis the life

It's not even 6am yet and I've already prepared breakfast, started on laundry, and cleaned the kitchen. Tis the life of an Army Wife. Darn that crazy PT schedule my hubby has! I just couldn't go back to sleep with all the TO DO tasks on my brain.

How was your weekend?

I hope all you Mothers and Mamas-To-Be had a wonderful day yesterday. I felt pretty undeserving of all the "Happy Mother's Day" wishes and sweet gifts from everyone because I recognize that it takes a lot more than being pregnant to be a mom. I hope I can be the best one for Baby K when he arrives in August!

Captain J and I went home this past weekend. It was a long(ish) drive, but worth it. On Friday, we went to see a good family friend commission into the Army at our alma mater. It's always nice to drive around an old place where I spent lots of time and remember how far I've come and exactly who I used to be.

Saturday was busy, too. We visited with a lot of family and before we knew it, Sunday morning was staring us straight in the eye. The weekend goes by so fast, doesn't it?

I was glad to spend Mother's Day with so many important women in my life.

Milspouse Appreciation

Calling all techies: Seriously, this is getting annoying. My lips don't match my words in this video and it cuts off a tiny smidge at the end. Is this a youtube problem or a Mac problem- anyone know? It plays fine on the computer but when I upload it, it goes bezerk.

Poor kid.

As Mother's Day weekend quickly approaches, I just have one thing to say...

Who is going to be a mother this time next year?



This girl is.

Poor kid.

Pregnant With Laughter: Part 9

It's Wednesday, the day after Tuesday. Know what that means?

It's time for Pregnant With Laughter! No link up this time since no one is interested, but you're welcome to leave your stories in the comment section if you'd like.

Yesterday was bad. It's still only in the stage of kinda funny. It's still hard to laugh at myself today because I remember how distraught I felt less than 24 hours ago.

It was just one thing after the other. J came home complaining that the house stinks, which I took personally because I am the one who had been at home cleaning all day. How could it be stinky?!

Then, I reluctantly told him that I had accidently over paid our rent by $100 dollars and he began acting like the world was about to end. I tried to calmy explain that I'm sure the realty company could just put it towards next month and it wasn't a big deal, but then he used the word "unorthodox" and I just flipped my lid.

Everything felt like a personal attack to me- like I couldn't do anything right and I wasn't allowed any mistakes.

(I know how ridiculous this all sounds. Poor hubby didn't see how I was wrongly interpreting all of this.)

Annoyed, I decided to head to my happy place- Hobby Lobby.

I hopped in the car with visions of crafting on my mind and set off. Over the next few moments, I must have had an out of body experience. When I came to, I realized I had no idea where I was. I remembered seeing all the familiar surroundings, but I couldn't seem to figure out how each of them could lead me to Hobby Lobby.

Where am I?

How do I get there?

Help!

These were just a few things going through my mind as tears streamed down my face and I made my way back to the only place I knew confidently how to get to- home.

Empty handed.

Crazy pregnant girl emotions. Insane logic. Heartburn. Back pain. Yep, must be 25 weeks:

Christmas 2010 - a photo post

Perhaps I'm a bad blogger.

Or maybe it's just that I enjoy keeping you in suspense.

Regardless, I can say that I'm ready to share my Christmas 2010 pictures with you finally....five months later.

Our Christmas celebration started off with me informing my family of our wee one on the way. I gave each family unit cards declaring "Have a Holly Jolly Christmas" from us! But on the back, I wrote our little known secret. To my great pleasure, everyone was utterly confused as to why I was making a big deal out of our Christmas cards this year. They were all probably contemplating exactly how self-involved I really am...



Then they slowly came to the realization that there might be something more...



(I think Papaw was still slightly confused here because he was looking at my sister) But congratulatory hugs were in order...



(Side Note: I wonder if I'll ever be skinny again.)

We had a wonderful meal, as usual. My mimi is a fabulous cook!



We posed for some picture taking-



and laughed at all the sweet and funny moments the kids of the family bring to Christmas celebrations.





Captain J and I held onto permanent smiles thinking about how next years photo will have a certain four month old joining in on all the fun.

"Christmas is forever, not for just one day,
for loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away
like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf.
The good you do for others is good you do yourself."

- Norman W. Brooks, "Let Every Day Be Christmas"

If you like the photos in this post, be sure to check out the good folks who captured these memories at Fritts Photography.

Righted.

I remember writing in a previous journal on September 11 ten years ago...

and today I wanted to discuss that 'to be continued' here now.

Moments ago, it was announced that Osama Bin Laden is at long last dead. My thoughts?

September 11 seems so long ago. I look at what all has transpired in my life since that dreadful day in American history and it feels like a lifetime has passed. I was a young high school student now I'm an educated wife and soon-to-be mother. I'm worlds apart from that girl I used to be. Time will do that to a person.

Ten years. A decade- and only now can the families of those loved ones lost on that terrible day experience a taste of revenge. That makes me glad to have him eradicated.

But really- what will it change?

I ask this honestly. Perhaps many a terrorists will think twice of discounting the ole U S of A, but I doubt it. Certainly, Americans will rally around this country in patriotic splendor. Surely, the announcement will lessen the talk of the recent Royal Wedding.

But nothing will change.

Our troops are still needed in the Middle East. It will take much more time to change that fact.

Still, in the recesses of this blog, I will say- I'm glad he's dead.

I'm glad a man is dead.

That just doesn't seem like something a good Christian gal would say.

For Osama's soul, I am sad because I know he's in hell. But for America, today I am proud. I'm elated for each person who lost someone dear to them in NYC, the Pentagon, and that field in PA. May a little more closure head their way. Tonight I will go to sleep feeling like the world has been slightly more righted.

God bless our troops.

"We will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail."- George W. Bush, September 11, 2001

Excitement disguised.

Oh, let's see...

What could I tell my readers about on this enchanting Sunday evening?

There's just so much going on in my life right now (facetiousness).

I suppose I could start by saying that Captain J and I are capable of growing grass. If nothing else, we can do that. I posted a few weeks ago about our darling dogs destroying the back yard with their doggy shenanigans. Well, thanks to a little TLC (and sun and rain), we're beginning to see patches of grass sprouting through the vast dirt land that is our back yard.

 Slowly...

 but surely.

You read that correctly, folks. Not only am I growing grass, but I'm simultaneously growing a human. I'm that good.

I told you my life was exciting.

Other exciting happenings include:

Winning two blog giveaways in one week. Who says my hours playing on the internet don't pay off? I got my first big paycheck (aside from the writing contest I won months ago for this entry) last week with these two items-



I got this jewel from Mel at Head in the Game Heart in the Sand

And I also received The Five Love Languages from Kissed A Frog!

Thanks so much, Ladies!

I'm getting bored with this post. Are you, yet?

I'll bid you ado after a few more bullet points...

* Captain J and I recently started learning Spanish. We're hoping to teach our son as we learn, too. Rosetta Stone is kinda fun, not going to lie. That's coming from a nerd, though. If I don't get 100% of the questions correct, I get really anxious. Must. Re. Do.

(hehe)

*I'm starting a new class for my graduate program this week. Would you believe after I bragged on what a neurotic student I tend to be that I don't know what class it is just yet? It's probably something I should figure out, like yesterday.

* I've been reading a lot lately so I have many book reviews headed your way.

Are you pumped?

-Mrs. K