planes, boats, and automobiles

If you'd like to catch up on my whirlwind weekend back home in Tennessee, start here:

Friday
Saturday

And now on to Sunday!

Finally, I would get to see my dad, step-mom, and family. Like any other gorgeous weekend at home, they would be found down at the marina on their boat- O Be Joyful. Our plan was to take a boat ride, have lunch, catch up, and then hop in the car to go to the airport.

The boat ride was wonderful. It was a taste of my childhood. It was what I daydream about on hot, humid days in Louisiana when Captain J has to be away and I'm left only with my thoughts. My thoughts drift back to the boat culture in East Tennessee and all the good times I had being a part of it. The weather was great- a little windy, but otherwise pleasant. When we got to the area we wanted to stop to eat, they realized part of the anchor was faulty and it would be too much of a hassle to pull it back up without the part that was missing. Instead Dad just turned her around and we headed back toward dry land with our food in our laps.

Parking the (big) boat into the slip was interesting as the wind was not letting up! But we arrived safely with little damage and filed our trip under a fun, successful day at the lake. I really just didn't take enough pictures that day- I must have been having too much fun soaking up my rarely available time with my family.

By around 4, it was time to start heading to the airport to catch my flight. I was somber knowing that I'd fly away from "home" yet again, but I was also anxious to see my boys waiting on me back in LA. I called Captain J to tell him my flight schedule and confirm times for pickup. He did not answer.

As I arrived at the airport, I said a silent prayer that the security line wasn't long. I only had a few minutes to get to my gate, but the airport was small so I figured there would be plenty of time to get through security, change out of my lake clothes, and board the plane just in time. THINK AGAIN.

I get to the front of the line and they want me to go through the big, intense- hold-your-hands-over-your-head-while-we-look-at-every-curve-of-your-body machine. Great. As I walk through, I hear and see the technology indicating I have explosives in my back pocket. They proceed to ask me if I left anything in my pocket. "No", I replied, trying not to roll my eyes. And away the attendants went to go through my luggage. As I'm standing nearby, all eyes trained on me, an elderly woman also gets the misfortune of such a machine and sets off the explosives detector, too. Meanwhile, a host of men in business suits are freely walking through the regular metal detector and on to their flights. What was the screening process here?

I'm escorted into a room where I'm patted down, very awkwardly. At this point, I didn't care. I was ready for the feel up by the security lady if she would just get on with it. I had a plane to catch. "Quit asking me if it's okay for you to touch me there because if I'm being honest- no, no, it's not okay!", I said I thought. During the search through my bags and the clothes on my back, she was asking me questions like we were out to tea. I wanted to scream, but I knew that wouldn't help my chances of catching my flight so I answered in my best southern woman charm like I was having the best day of my life.

She tells me I'm free to go and that I will have to put my belongings back into my bags because there's "no way" she'll get them to fit again. Enter boiling hot anger. But I smiled and said, "Yes, it's tricky." Then I stuffed my crap into the bags and ran toward my gate. Still in tiny shorts and a spaghetti strap shirt, I hoped there was time enough to change my clothes. I decided to at least try. The gate was in sight and they'd probably hold the plane for me since it was such a small flight anyway. I quickly changed into something a little warmer as I usually get cold while flying and then made my way to wait to be called to board. I didn't have to wait long as you may have guessed. I was content that I made it in time and I began to update my facebook and twitter so people knew the hassle that had befallen me. I tried again to call my husband. No answer.

Once on the plane, we begin taxiing out and suddenly all power goes off. In minutes the aircraft is stifling hot in the Knoxville heat and we're being informed that something is wrong with the plane so we'll have to wait for it to be fixed before we can leave. Much time passes that I think I might be in danger of missing my connecting flight in Texas and also overheating because I just had to change my clothes, didn't I?

The tool in front of me decide to pitch a fit about the delay. That was amusing, as usual and I thanked my lucky stars for the added entertainment.

Finally, we were off and I could sit back and relax...except, I still hadn't heard from my hubby. I hope nothing is wrong. I get to Texas and begin navigating the bigger airport while I'm frantically calling everyone I know to see if there has been any word from Captain J. At this point, it has been almost 6 hours of no contact. The stresses of the day begin to weigh on me and I sit down and have a legit panic attack in the floor of the airport. Yes, I was that girl.

A woman hands me a tissue while I tearfully tell my mom on the phone that something must be wrong with Baby K or they've been in a terrible accident and I'm going to kill him when I see him. You know, the usual. I'm a complete mess when my flight begins to board (late) and I still haven't heard from him. I was supposed to meet him in an hour and I had no idea if he would even be there to pick me up. I still thought he was dead.

Sitting on the plane, my phone rang and it was him. I answered sweetly. What happened to my plan of I might kill him? He says, "I'm so sorry, babe- I left my phone in the truck." Oooo. He better have been glad I was so happy to know my boys were okay otherwise he might have gotten his feelings hurt.

I was never so happy to see anyone as I was when I got back to my little family. Leaving Baby K was hard and to finally get to see his cute, chubby arms resting peacefully in the backseat was heaven on Earth. On top of it all, Captain J had cleaned the house for me.

It wasn't the best Sunday in the world, but it wasn't the worst I've had either.

Heaven Is Here

I finished Heaven Is Here a week or two ago. I read it in the span of about 48 hours. I couldn't put it down. It's one of those books that makes you realize how incredibly easy and carefree your day was despite what you originally thought. Feeling down on yourself? Watch this video. Read this book. Read Stephanie's blog and you will be blessed.

P.S.- Have you entered to win the iPad or Kindle Fire yet? You should! Just go to this post.

Swinging and Laughing

There's nothing like a walk in the park to cure a bad day. Baby K loves to swing. There aren't any baby swings at the local park so we make do. I like it better this way anyway. I get to hold his tiny little frame close to my heart where he'll always be in my mind. I get to hear his shrieks of delight as we soar through the air and almost reach Daddy. I get to finger his perfect, chubby little hands and worry about them transforming into big boy hands too quickly for my tastes.

It's hard sometimes- the day to day grind with him. I can never wash enough bottles or make enough baby food. The house stays clean all of five minutes before it's cluttered again with toys or dishes. The laundry is never done because my child doesn't like to be left alone in a room by himself. It's frustrating. But all of the little things that bother me don't really matter because I'm making memories with him. So what if we drag out the huge toy house for the tenth time in an hour because he wants to play with the ball chute? Who cares if toys are all over my living room floor? He's going to be little only briefly.

And then he'll leave me and I won't be able to breathe.

So, I'll take him to the park now and we'll swing.

Because I'd do anything to hear that laugh of his. I love my boy!

SocialPunk

When I was initially approached to review this book, I thought- I probably won't like it. But, the writer, who I've received dozens of emails from is a good writer. I could tell by the way she made me want to keep reading the lengthy emails. I was impressed by her, but still I was unsure of her newly released book, SocialPunk. I was wrong to so quickly judge. This book is the first of a trilogy and I can't wait for the others to be released!

Monica Leonelle's first in the SocialPunk trilogy is described on her blog:

Ima would give anything to escape The Dome and learn what’s beyond its barriers, but the Chicago government has kept all its citizens on lockdown ever since the Scorched Years left most of the world a desert wasteland. When a mysterious group of hooded figures enters the city unexpectedly, Ima uncovers a plot to destroy The Dome and is given the choice between escaping to a new, dangerous city or staying behind and fighting a battle she can never win.

It sounds too futuristic for my tastes, but I couldn't put the book down. I downloaded it to my kindle and it was read by the time my flight arrived in Tennessee a few weekends ago. I loved it! The book is fairly short and it keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. The twists and turns the story took were often unexpected and the ending of book one was one that I didn't see coming! I enjoy when an author surprises me like that, don't you?

Another awesome perk of reading the book is that she's hosting a huge giveaway! The prizes are awesome and include a new iPad 3, a Kindle Fire, and autographed copies of the book. The giveaway ends on April 30 so if you don't have time, YOU DO NOT HAVE TO READ THE BOOK TO ENTER! There are other ways to participate, too. See the Rafflecopter below.

Something's Drawn- Week 6

Welcome to another week of sharing artwork from Draw Something. If you'd like to play along, grab the button and link up! I'd love to have you.

<a href="http://www.mrskandcaptainj.net" target="_blank"><img src=" http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r5/ksmoore21/somethingsdrawn.jpg " alt="MrsKandCaptainJ" width="200" height="200" /></a>

I slacked this week. It seems there has been little time for masterpieces. I mentioned before, though that often times it's all about finding the right partner, the one who knows you well. My friend, Miranda, is one of those opponents. I was so proud when I drew this much of Madonna and she got it right away:

Check out my Ariel, too. Pretty impressive. Sorta. Kinda. Okay, not really.

I can't find any bad ones this week ;) But I'd love to see yours! Link up if you'd like.

Ebates

Maybe I'm behind the times? But I just discovered Ebates.com (and by discovered, I mean my sister pointed me in the direction of it!). It's awesome for those of you who do your shopping online. I typically do because we live in the middle of nowhere and there's no place to shop here. Also, you just can't beat the convienience of it.

Well anyway...

Ebates is cool because they basically pay you to shop online. It's super easy. Certain stores (and there are tons!) link up with Ebates and offer cash back for purchasing from them. They pay off every couple of months and they'll either send you a check or you can link up your PayPal account with them. So easy. I'm addicted!

If you sign up, would you be so kind to add my email to the referrer spot? It's mrskandcaptainj{at}hotmail{dot}com

You also get bonuses if people use your email when signing up -so thanks! and go tell all your friends about it so they can start earning you some moolah, too.

I've already ordered some mother's day items and a pair of jeans (that are pretty darn cute on me if I do say so myself).

(P.S.- No one paid me to tell you about this. I'm just really excited.)

(P.P.S.- One day I'll finish telling you about my trip back home.)

Looking Back

What a coincidence that I should wake up to three inbox messages from friends in Alaska this morning. My home away from home (away from home) has been on my mind a lot lately. Most people who have the luck of being stationed in Alaska either love it or hate it. For us, it was a place that settled deep into our bones and crept into our hearts. Sure, the cold is a bummer sometimes but the memories we made there are more than enough to keep warm. Our time there together was a learning experience and an adventure. I didn't have a car so I was house-bound most of the time. We didn't have a fenced in yard so there was no reprieve from our hyper active pups. Captain J worked really late sometimes and boy, was it cold. But on the weekends, we made the best of our time in the Great White North. We had a blast.

It's easy to sit here and look out at the flat Louisiana land and the hot, humid temps and say, "Remember when...?" Yesterday, we reminisced through old photo albums for so long that we missed church.

The thing I miss most is waking up to the Alaskan Range in the distance and feeling God's handy work surround me. Ahh, mountains. I need them in my life.

I suppose the grass is always greener on the other side. I love our life here in LA, but every now and then I feel the tug of America's largest state beckoning me back, begging me to fish her rivers and climb her ridge lines.

(Note: Please don't steal my husband's photos. I made them of low quality to deter people from taking them. Thank you!)

Project 365- Weeks 15 & 16

Happy Sunday to you all! Here are my last two weeks in photos:
Week 15:

Week 16:

Thanks for peeking into my day-to-day! I'll see ya back here tomorrow? 
XOXO,Mrs. K

Enjoy

You know what needs to happen? I need to go to the store and buy formula. I need to clean our house from top to bottom. I need to get out of bed long enough to do aforementioned duties yet here I sit, talking to you fine folks, and baking cookies in the oven. I had great plans for today. None of my plans have come to fruition. I just feel so exhausted so when Baby K goes down for a nap, I'm not far behind him. I fear my husband is calculating how he can trade me in for a younger, hotter model who still cooks dinner pretty regularly.

It's really strange to me how my life shifted so quickly from "I need to be making money" to "I need to make it to nap time." I barely write anymore and it's never anything that I'm proud of and want to send off. Motivation has plummeted. The weird thing is: I don't really mind. I used to feel my worth was tied to what I did or didn't do that day. Now, it doesn't matter much if the kitchen isn't clean. It only makes a difference in which friends are allowed to come over that day! ;)

Instead, I've been relaxing in bed with good books and savoring my little family of three. Maybe it's lazy, but I prefer to refer to it as a realization- the house doesn't have to be perfect for my boys to be happy. I don't have to be working to be happy- Baby K gives me plenty of satisfaction watching him learn and grow every day. All of these little tasks that need to be done aren't measuring my worth. The world won't end if I leave the laundry for another day. For now, I'll just relax and enjoy this time before my husband heads back into the field for two more weeks. Then, then, I'll do some work.

Today's task? Enjoy it.

And try not to get out of PJs.

Amen.

Saturday- What a day!

Where was I on updating you all about my trip back home? Ahh, yes...Saturday (I know you were all on the edge of your seats just dying to know, right?) As I mentioned before, my quick 48 hour trip was chocked full of activities. Saturday was the whole reason I flew home, though- to celebrate my grandparents' 50 years of wedded bliss. But before that happened, I was on the go. That morning my besties came over for brunch!

We had a good time discussing and catching up. It just doesn't happen enough.

After that, my sister, my mom and I went to Knoxville for a couple of hours to do some shopping. Always a good time.

In the evening my family gathered to celebrate my grandparents' anniversary in a private room at the Copper Cellar. The food was delicious! The conversation was funny as usual. I can't describe how nice it is to be around my family. God really blessed me when he chose my family for me. After many toasts to the happy couple, we attempted to take photos. Even though I was promised pictures to display on my blog (ahem Paige, ahem Aunt Karmen), I only have the ones taken on my iphone. Perhaps I'll see those pictures in a few years. That's usually how it works! 

I think Saturday was one of those days that I'll preserve forever in my memory as one of my favorite days. I only wished my dear husband could have joined us for the celebration. Otherwise, it was a nearly perfect day!

I think Sunday deserves a post of its own, too. We'll talk soon.

XOXO,

Mrs. K

SOMEthing's Drawn- Week 4

<a href="http://www.mrskandcaptainj.net" target="_blank"><img src=" http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r5/ksmoore21/somethingsdrawn.jpg " alt="MrsKandCaptainJ" width="200" height="200" /></a>

I think this is link-up number four! If you're new, SOMEthing's Drawn is a place where you can link up your awesome and/or awful creations from the popular app, Draw Something. If you want to play along, simply write up your post, grab the button, and link up below!

I was thrilled to see the option of drawing "plumber" in one of my recent games. Of course, I jumped at the chance. I was pretty impressed with my mad skills. This was the only drawing I was proud of this week:

Wait, I take that back. I was proud of my penguin, too.

 Typically, I make my posts all about me, but lately some people have been sending some pretty ridiculous drawings that I just couldn't NOT post on here. Are you ready? I repeat: I DID NOT DRAW THE FOLLOWING:

Anyone want to step forward and admit to drawing those bad boys? hehe

For those of you who don't have a blog and want me to include a drawing in future posts, feel free to email or text me those. I enjoy participation from y'all, too. As always, I won't tell a soul who drew what unless you/they want credit.

Thanks for playing along!

Southern Nights

I ended up having an awesome trip back home to Tennessee. I was so nervous to leave my little one, but I was able to enjoy myself after I got there. How could I not? I've got some cool people in my life.

My time there was so short, but action-packed. When I arrived in Knoxville, I met my mom who was patiently waiting to scoop up her second born whom she hadn't seen since Christmas. We hopped in the car and headed toward my aunt's house for a yummy shrimp boil!

Friday was hysterical. I laughed so much that night my cheeks were hurting.

We couldn't take a family photo to save our lives. We tried about 58,972 times. This is the only one I have permission to post.

It was one of those nights that I question living far away from family. I must miss these things more often than not. It was not a big to do, but it was such a fun evening that I started thinking about what it would be like for Baby K to grow up with his cousins, grandparents, and great-grandparents in his life. I truly hope that gets to happen because he could learn a lot from my family. They're good people.

As night fell, we surrounded the bonfire and watched leftover fireworks from the fourth of July! It was a perfect night, really.

Even sweet Ky decided she'd share ice cream with her namesake.

The first night back home with family was a reminder of how incredibly blessed I am in life.

Thanks be to God.

Traveling

Hi, friends! I'm busy as a bee this weekend enjoying my visit to Tennessee. It has been awesome so far. Saying goodbye to my babe and husband made me sad, but having this break has been good for me. I had such a good time last night, hanging out by the fire with good food, family, and laughter. Ahh, more about that later.

I can't exactly get my gameface on enough to write a coherent post today, but if you'd still like your Mrs. K fix, I'm blogging over at Nicole's page today and talking about one of my favorite travel experiences- what a coincidence! I'd love it if you'd come check it out and leave some love.

Thanks, y'all! Have a wonderful weekend. 
Love,Mrs. K

Jesus is on the loose!

Easter Sunday came and went and I didn't post a single photo on here? I know you're just dying to know that we went to church and ate food like a lot of other Americans. I won't keep it from you any longer. We went to church AND we ate, folks. Riveting.

It was a good day, though. Full of worship, thankfulness, friends. After church we went over to a friend's house to eat. They had a lovely meal planned for us with the table set and everything! We felt right at home and were happy to spend Easter with Army family if we couldn't be with our own (I know, you're beginning to think that I don't really know her. I swear we hang out weekly- we just never document it. Bad little bloggers! I've known her in real life for well over a year now, yet I don't think a single photo exists of the two of us together).

Although, there were no Easter egg hunts (my fav!), there was tons of candy (also my fav.). And wouldn't you know it? Little man got a visit from the Easter bunny. He racked up!

I always miss my family on holidays, but I'm so grateful that technology allows me frequent glimpses into their worlds. I got several photos that day from my little nephews and niece and more from my Mom and her clan. Aren't they beauties?

I sure do miss them. I haven't seen them since Christmas so I'm really looking forward to getting to this weekend! I don't want to talk about that, though. I'm still uneasy about leaving my sweet boy.

Anyway, I'll bring my Easter post to a close with another awkward moment brought to you by Mrs. K:

As we were leaving church, a line formed as it usually does so that the church goers can shake hands with the pastor(s) and tell him what a good sermon it was. Well, you must know by now that I can say some pretty ridiculous things when caught off guard. I spoke with the main pastor first and told him happily, "Happy Easter!" What I didn't see was that his dad, a pastor before he retired, was standing close by. As I approached, he smiled at me, grabbed my hands, and enthusiastically said, "He is risen!"

What did I say?

"Thank you."

REALLY?

Not "He has risen indeed!" or "Hallelujah" or as my husband smoothly said, "Isn't that great news?" Nope...

"Hiya, Mr. Preacherman. I kindly thank you for the fact that Jesus Christ has risen."

I might as well have said that. That's what I probably sounded like. Oh well, at least Christians are understanding folks. I can think of a whole host of other things that could've come out that would have been a lot worse.

Next time I hope I shout back, "Jesus is on the loose! Glory be!"