Thursday, May 31, 2012

Dear Sally


I remember sitting on her porch, the heat stifling in the Tennessee summer. Around us flies were flocking, left and right. I sat with her husband, Ray as we developed a game of it. Various fly swatters among us, we counted the ones that crossed our paths to their demise.
Inside perhaps she was whipping up some oatmeal in the kitchen. For some reason, her oatmeal stands out in my mind. It sure was good! Sally was a good cook.
Sally was my childhood babysitter, neighbor, and friend.
As of late, she was my pen pal.
At 94 years old, she still could carry on a conversation. She loved to talk and it often came out in her letters as she wrote to me asking about my life these days. How was I doing? How was the baby? He sure is cute! Sometimes her letters talked about her late husband's experience in the military and how we were kindred spirits in having to raise young children while our husbands were away. She has been around my whole life and even after I moved off for college, I'd still try to go and see her when I could. Sally later moved to Georgia where her daughter was living. During our brief stay at Ft. Benning, I met my mom, sister, and niece at her assisted living home to visit with her in person. I was pregnant with Baby K at the time...


That was the last time I saw her. Her letters still arrived sporadically. She found it hard to write with her arthritis. I just thought what a strong woman she must be!

Last week, I came across one of her letters tucked into my journal that I must have wanted to keep. I thought to myself, "I should write her and tell her about baby #2 and send photos!" She enjoyed getting photos.


Sally passed away on Sunday.

It breaks my heart that I can't be there to pay tribute to such a beautiful person who had a big impact on me over the course of my life. She meant a lot to my family. This is just another sacrifice that military families have to make. Living far away from friends and family becomes even more heart-wrenching when someone dies.

So this is my goodbye.

Thank you, Sally for everything you did for me. You showed me love like any grandparent would. You made me laugh! You made me talk louder which is a miracle in itself for anyone that knows me. You were such a kind soul and you'll be missed.

Love,


Giveaway Announcements

I was going to do a vlog today but locating a brush and putting on makeup sounds like too much effort this morning! Thanks to all who entered the cloth diaper giveaway. Rafflecopter with Random.org has selected lucky entry number 342 which belonged to...

Chantal M. ! If you're reading this and haven't checked your facebook today- I need your address pretty please.

Much has been going on around here that I wanted to blog about, but I still rarely find time to sit down and write. I'm still struggling with this pregnancy. I hope to find some motivation soon. 

Again, congrats to Chantal M. I've always wanted to win a cloth diaper online, but I neverrrr do so I'm excited for you! It looks like Maple Casino hasn't chosen a winner for their Kindle Fire giveaway yet, but if you entered that- Good luck to you, too! Come back here to my page tomorrow for a chance to win an Amazon gift card.

Let's chat soon, ok?

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

SOMEthing's Drawn

MrsKandCaptainJ
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Welcome to another week of SOMEthing's Drawn! If you're new 'round these parts, it's a place to link up you're drawings from the popular app Draw Something. We like to see the good, the bad, and the ugly!
I'd say that one qualifies for bad and ugly. Who knew puzzles were so challenging for me?

I was proud of my little gnome, though. Wouldn't Baby K look cute in a get-up like this for Halloween?

And this one just sent me down Memory Lane:

What have YOU got to show for this week?

Monday, May 28, 2012

Maple Casino's Kindle Fire Giveaway

Hello, readers! I hope you're coming back from a nice long weekend filled with family, friends, remembrance, and fun. I had a pretty good weekend considering I spent much of it without my own favorite veteran. I'm just dropping in quickly to remind you that you don't have much time left to enter the cloth diaper giveaway I'm hosting! Better hop to it!

Here's another awesome opportunity I came across:

Maple Online Casino is offering up a Kindle Fire for grabs! I got one for Christmas and I love mine. I use it daily for reading, bible study, internet surfing, and of course- game playing! The possibilities are endless. We like it so much that both Captain J and I have one! You'll want to hurry on this offer, too because it's ending soon as well. Simply follow the directions in the Rafflecopter form below. a Rafflecopter giveaway
(P.S.- Stay Tuned for an Amazon giftcard giveaway in the near future!)
(P.P.S.- Like playing games online? Visit Maple Online Casino here.)
(Note: This is a sponsored post, but all opinions are my own.)

Memorial Days Past

It's always been a little peculiar to me that Memorial Day is such a happy time for most. Don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking it! It's just that the day was originally set aside as a day to remember those fallen  people who have died in our nation's service. I wonder how many people actually think about that, though as they go about their day? I absolutely think this day is a perfect opportunity to visit with family and have fun with friends, but I just urge you to say a prayer (if that's your thing!) for those families that have lost loved ones fighting overseas- past and present. As citizens of this great country of ours, I think it's crucial we at least acknowledge those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this day.
That's my great grandfather. He lost his life while serving in WWII. My grandfather missed out on having his biological father around for most of his life. Our nation's families are still sacrificing and suffering today. I'm forever grateful for people that offer up their time and safety for the needs of this country and her people. What brave and exemplary individuals we have serving in this nation's military.

My plans for this weekend include reflection and relaxation. My husband is gone, yet again, so it'll just be little K and the babe growing inside me. If I were home in East TN, no doubt I'd be hanging out by the pool or partaking in the festivities that Rockin' the Docks brings on the weekend. There are no hot dogs and family fun for me today so I thought I'd look back a bit on Memorial Weekends Past...

2009: Captain J was home on R&R from Iraq! We hiked Charlie's Bunyon in Tennessee.


And did a little boating!


2010: We went hiking in Denali National Park, Alaska.

Then later we fished the Chena for some grayling.


2011: We spent much of Memorial Day Weekend traveling from Ft. Benning, GA to Home Sweet Home, Tennessee. My bestie threw me a baby shower! I was 29 weeks pregnant. Here's a photo of my mom and me.

That brings us to 2012 here in Louisiana! I hope you all have a great Memorial Day. Have safe and happy fun!

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Project 365- Week 21




I actually took some photos with my real camera this week! Here's what the past seven days looked like around here.


Sunday: If you know me at all, you probably know I am terrified of birds. Doesn't matter what kind of winged creature really- but especially chickens, ducks, and your everyday birds. But look who I saw in my backyard on Sunday while I was enjoying some down-time with hubby before church? We actually have really pretty birds around here. You'll probably never hear me refer to a bird in a positive light again.

Monday: I cooked dinner. Yeah, it needed to be documented. It's been awhile.

Tuesday: I finally made it so that I've won more games than I've lost in Dice with Buddies. I'm totally addicted to that game (It's like Yahtzee with your friends!). Wanna play? I'm KSJD22.

Wednesday: We had a bad day.

Thursday: He backed himself into a corner. Nobody puts Baby in a corner!
Friday: We went over to Jenn's house for Korean food. Man, was it tasty! Her and her hubby are awesome cooks.

Saturday: I did my nails as I watched Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. Thrilling Saturday night, lemme tell ya...

How was your week?

P.S. - Are you a cloth diapering family? I'm giving away a one size pocket diaper! You only have three more days to enter so hop to it! Enter here.

Saturday, May 26, 2012

9 Months


Dear Baby K,
I hope you'll forgive me for such a belated letter on your monthly birthday. As you know, I haven't been feeling all that well. You've been great, though! On most days, you take timely naps, you're beginning to play by yourself more, and you've been trying to make my life a lot easier since you've now stepped up into a big brother role! Ya know, I had a lot of guilt when I found out that you'd be a big brother at just sixteen months old. I felt as if I'd stolen your baby time. But I know what we've really done is provide for you a best friend in the coming years. Your dad and I love you so much and you'll always be the sweet little boy who made us parents.

We are so proud of you. Every day it seems as if you're discovering something new. You continue to play with things like it's work. You move toys over and over again, studying the sound it makes and the way it feels in your hand. I love to watch you. You're a smart cookie and you're learning so quickly. Your "vocabulary" has extended to new babbling sounds that still don't make any sense to me, but they're cute as can be. You also enjoy mimicking your dad and me as we do silly dances or moves to entertain you. On a good day, you might wave goodbye to someone, but that is rare. Instead you stare at them intently.
We took you to the doctor for your well baby appointment and learned that you are finally starting to put on some weight! You're up to 17.4 lbs. Look at you go! That puts you in the 8th percentile for weight and they no longer think I'm starving you. This is good news! Boy, can you eat! You consume 34 oz of formula daily and eat copious amounts of solids and other snacks throughout the day. You come from a family of eaters, though so you'll fit right in.

Picture time is so much more fun these days. As you can see, your usual "prop" of paper with the date written on it was promptly crumbled in your playful little hands. You tried to take off your 9 Month sticker, too but I was able to get some shots before you did so. You are quite the mover and shaker! But, oh my! What a ham you are! Anytime I get out the camera, you giggle and smile right at the camera. I love it. It's possibly the reason I have ten thousand and counting photos of you on my phone. You are precious. Soon that smile will not be so gummy anymore. You have two teeth poking through on the bottom! 

You're growing so fast. I still enjoy the quiet moments at night, just before I put you to bed. You hold my hand as we read stories and pray. I'll cherish those chubby little wrists forever. I love you!

XOXO,
Mama


Friday, May 25, 2012

A letter to my younger self

To My Sixteen Year Old Self:

These years? You won't get back. Slow down in life and in your car! You'll go broke in speeding ticket fines. Laugh with your friends and focus on them. One day, you might live far away from them so don't take for granted the ease of which you can stop by their houses. Go over- uninvited. Visit with their parents. They'll all become family.




Spend time with your family, too. Have fun with your sister when she lets you- she'll be your best friend. Your brother turned out pretty great, too. Maybe he's a little young now, but soon he'll be older and hilarious and the best bro you could ask for. No one else can make you laugh like they can.

That guy you have in your life right now is a pretty good one. You're lucky. Be good to him. The next one is not so good to you. Although none of this will matter when you finally meet your knight in shiny ACUs, but I'll keep my mouth shut as to when that is exactly.
When you get to college, be yourself. Open up to people with wild abandon. You'll be glad you did! Some of the best friends you'll have in life will be there. Be true to you, though. Do not be ashamed of your faith, political beliefs, past, or anything that makes up who you are. The people that matter will embrace you because of or despite it. Don't focus on trying to make others happy. The friend you'll lose during this time in your life never really thought twice of severing ties with you. Quit wasting your time, money, and sanity trying to keep a friendship. People grow apart. And you will be just fine.

While I'm at it, you worry too much. Trust in God's plan for you. Delight in his all-knowing power and feel safe in your future. The things you want most in life will come in His time.

Much love,
Your older, wiser self

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Cloth Diaper Giveaway- Baby Babu

Something awesome happened to me this week. I had ordered a couple diapers from Baby Babu and I was anxiously awaiting the arrival of the package. Baby K has out-grown some of his fitteds so I ordered some more one sizes to replenish his stash (and start getting Baby #2's diapers ready to go!). I discovered Baby Babu a couple weeks ago by reading another blog and I wanted to try them out because their diapers are SO affordable.

My shipment arrived feeling a little more hefty than I imagined it would. I tore into it to find not only the two diapers I ordered, but three extras. Score! I knew I couldn't keep them, though so I contacted the company via their Facebook page and received a call shortly after. The company was incredibly kind and said it was their mistake and that I COULD KEEP THEM! I was so happy. Baby K doesn't have many diapers so I was washing almost every day- their kindness gave me a little wiggle room. To give back, I thought I'd offer one of these bonus diapers to you.

How about a giveaway?! Here's what is up for grabs:

One Size Pocket Diaper + insert (THIS GUY'S BANANAS- MONKEY)



I love this diaper. How cute is it?

Not only is it cute, but it has some pretty cool features, too. There are TWO openings for stuffing inside the diaper. It's designed to work its way out of the diaper in the wash so you don't have to reach in before hand to take it out--saving you more time (and maybe your lunch)! This diaper also uses snaps that can help fit your baby from 8-35+ lbs. The diaper wings have three snaps for a better fit. It also comes with one super absorbant insert.

Would you like to be the proud new owner? Follow the directions on the Rafflecopter form below. Thanks for entering and as always, thanks for reading!

If you don't want to wait for the giveaway to order, go to their website and start shopping! Like them on Facebook for special discount codes.

(Note: Baby Babu did not ask me to write a positive review or prompt me with this giveaway.)


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

SOMEthing's Drawn

What a good blogger I've been lately! Personal story on Monday, a recipe on Tuesday, and now for the weekly meme! All this and two trips to the hospital? Oh, but that's a story for another day. Let's browse around and make fun of our lovely Draw Something photos from this week! Grab the button and link up below.
MrsKandCaptainJ
<a href="http://www.mrskandcaptainj.net" target="_blank"><img src=" http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r5/ksmoore21/somethingsdrawn.jpg " alt="MrsKandCaptainJ" width="125" height="125" /></a>

None of my work was really all that mind blowing this week. Sometimes it is, ya know ;) This is all I could scrounge up-




-so I'm counting on you! I hope you've got some good ones to show me. Or some really bad ones- those make my day, too.

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