New This Week

In an effort to keep things current around here (who knew motherhood to mobile children was so time consuming? ;) ), I thought I'd talk all about what's new. I'm hip like that. Take for instance...

My new shirt and hair! I went blonde(ish) again. I'm just happier this way. In addition, I treated myself to a new shirt/jacket because I never do that sort of thing and I loved this one. I found her at a cute little boutique in the town I live in and it was half off. Score.

If I posted the Best Week Ever with Mrs. K like one popular blogger you might know, I would totally  include The Biggest Loser Finale. It might be the coolest thing on t.v. these days. You probably know that I love the whole show, but the last night is always my favorite. It's inspiring to see these people transforming their bodies and lives...and doing it without some silly diet or scheme. Good ole fashioned hard work in the gym and eating healthy foods can and will change you. I just love seeing that reminder, although I will admit that I ate three Krystals while watching the finale. What? It was for the baby ;) Just look at these transformations:

Winner: Rachel

At Home Winner: Tumi

There were so many others, but I can't google all day, people. I've got priorities.

Moving on...While those folks are losing this Mama is gaining. I'm up to 120lbs and my belly is definitely poking out despite people telling me often that they can't tell I'm pregnant. My secret is flattering shirts on repeat. I'm 12 weeks along this week and I got to see my littlest babe wiggle and squirm in an ultrasound yesterday to check for abnormalities. Thus far, the baby is measuring normally. My heart melted when I saw baby #3 moving and shaking. What a miracle, ya know? I mean, at just 12 weeks there's a tiny living baby inside. It's not a bunch of cells, it's a human with legs and a heart and sweet little arms moving all about. It's amazing.

My silly toddler's new favorite phrase is "Oh dear". You can tell who he hangs out with most, eh? And Baby A? He is all over the place. He's walking well now and it still confuses me. I think I know where he is in the house judging by the absence of knees hitting the floor as he crawls and where I left him, but nope! That boy is a walking machine. Hard to keep up with. I'm so proud.

Knock on wood lots of times, but I THINK the sickness has finally left our house. If we're friends on IG or FB, you know that we had a rough last couple of weeks. We all got sick and then better and then sick again. It has been gross but we survived.

Also new? I've got a cool review coming up for ya. Sneak peak:

All that and it's only Wednesday! I hope you have a great rest of the week, friends.

Love,

Bullet Points

Quick! Someone think of a job I could do (B.S. in Psychology + unfinished M.S. in Marriage & Family Therapy= basically useless) that will earn enough money to put both the kids in daycare AND who will hire a pregnant gal.

*cricket

Ya, I've got nothin' either.

I try to come up with it almost every day yet I know I'll look back on these times with my kids and I'll miss them.

Just as an update:
* Baby A's appointment for a hearing test was pushed back and now it is tomorrow. Thanks to many of you who sent encouraging words and prayers, I have a sense of peace about it all. I was overwhelmed by all the kind words sent on the blog, via facebook, and texts and calls. Thanks so much! I will keep you updated on little man.

*I fear #mrskgetsfit is on hold. Baby number three is not making it easy on Mama. I feel sick most days. Couple that with the fact that my oldest has decided he no longer naps, I'm about to go crazy. I was just saying today that I NEED exercise in my life, but I just haven't made the time lately. I have a small window of time when I feel productive in the early evening, but housework usually takes up that time. Where has my motivation gone? My last run was over a week ago:

*All this couch sitting has me indulging in my favorite reality shows of the season. Of course, I'm following along with Juan in his search for love on The Bachelor. And I'm loving all the transformation on The Biggest Loser. How sad is it that this is what I look forward to during the week?

*This is possibly the best bullet point of them all. I think we found a church we like yesterday. Finally! Perhaps Sundays will return to the position of what I look forward to each week.

*Speaking of fantastic things, I spent almost an entire Saturday with my bestie doing absolutely nothing and it was just what the doctor ordered. We went to her niece's basketball game, grabbed a bite to eat, went antique perusing, and hiked around a tiny bit. It was perfection!

*Also, the Captain and I celebrated our four year anniversary recently. Hoping and praying for many more to come!

*Yesterday, I realized it has been a whole year since I've shot a gun. Not cool.

*Bullet point blog posts-- the way to go.

Until next time,

Losers

Monday nights are like a bonus to my weekend. I don't know what I'm going to do when it all comes to a crashing end tonight. Last week marked the end of The Bachelor (for awhile)- not that I watched. And now Biggest Loser is ending, too. Whatever will I do?

Probably homework. My classes start today. Blah.

Anyway, I'm excited to watch! I don't care who wins this time. I like all the contestants that are left.

I do tend to cheer on Danni (front row, far left) more than the others because man, she's a go getter. And you can just see how happy she is with her progress! And, if you've been watching, you know she deserves to have made it this far. She is such a hard worker.

The finale is always my favorite part. It's so inspiring! Not only are these people losing tons of weight each week, but the contestants who are eliminated usually continue to do well at home. It's encouraging! The transformations blow my mind. It reminds me that so much can happen in mere weeks.

I wanna be a loser- instead of a stay-at-the-same-weight-for-like-WEEKS-now person. Jillian is coming to Jacksonville in April. It would be cool to hear her speak, but I'd have to go by myself so that's not happening.

Have you been following along? Do you like The Biggest Loser or hate the show? Indifferent?

Ask Mrs. K

Top of the mornin' to ya! I noticed I've got some new faces around here--welcome! I thought I'd let you all get to know me a little more by answering some questions I've been asked in the blogging world recently. Also, I love to follow back so let me know if you've followed and I haven't returned the favor, ok? I appreciate each of you! Thanks for providing the following questions, Lisa (and thanks for the blog award, too!).

1. First three movies in your Netflix queue?
Um, err...what's Netflix? Kidding. But honestly, I haven't watched a movie in I don't know how long. Every time I think I might want to, I think of five billion other things I should be doing instead. I need a chill pill.

2. Where is your dream vacation?
I've always wanted to go to Italy. I'd love to rent a villa in the countryside, throw open the windows and feel the breeze on my face. I'd sip on wine, nibble on bread and cheese, and fantasize about moving there.

3. How long have you been blogging?
I've been blogging in some capacity for years. As far as this blog (on blogger) goes, it has almost been a year.

4. Sweat pants, yoga pants or something else?
I'm for the pants that are going to make my butt look a little bit bigger and not so flat. Those pants are my friend.

5. Do you prefer road trips or all-inclusive vacations?
My younger, carefree self would say "road trips, for sure!" Now that I'm a parent, I think the latter might be a heck of a lot easier.

6. What TV show is your guilty pleasure?
The Bachelor. What's their record on successful relationships now? 2 out of 8,000? I'm so excited to watch the upcoming finale of Sean's season.

7. Home cooked meals or take-out?
Both have their place in my heart.

8. If you could time travel, where and when would you go?
I think I'd go back to Christ's death and resurrection. I'd want to carry that memory with me so as never to forget the sacrifice that was made for me.

9. What is your favorite Disney movie?
I always loved The Little Mermaid the best.

10. Do you write blog posts ahead of time?
Sometimes

11. What do you like most about your significant other?
I love his loyalty to our family. I enjoy watching him with our sons and knowing I can trust him wholeheartedly.

Now, it's your turn! What burning question have you always wanted to ask me? Leave it in the comment section and I'll address it next time around. I hope each of you have a great weekend!

Meanwhile in Louisiana...

We were watching the Amazing Race (awesome finale, ehh?) when it was so rudely interrupted by some tornado weather suggestions. Please note numbers 5 and 4 which seem to contradict each other...jus' saying.

We're in the home stretch of the last few days here in LA. My house is scattered with boxes and army gear...

and toys...and diapers....lots and lots of diapers.

The Mrs. K and Captain J household is doing well, but we're on the move very soon. I apologize for not visiting your blogs very often and taking forever to respond here. I've been one busy gal. As always, I thank ya for stopping by and checking in with us.

I'll write when I can.

XOXO,

Currently (#2)

Want to know what's currently going on in the life of Mrs. K? Well, I'll tell ya...

I'm currently excited to announce that I'm now selling Scentsy! If you're living under a rock, I'll let you know that I've been diggin' their products for a long time now and you should try some out, too. Scentsy is a yummy smelling alternative to candles. Their wickless warmers are absolutely delicious (or at least they'll leave your home smelling that way!). That's not all that is offered, though. I'm excited to get this business rolling and I'd love if you were a part of it! Please go check out my page and order if you'd like or contact me with any questions.

Currently Reading:
I am now reading A Scattered Life. I'll be honest, I only purchased it on my kindle because it was under $2 and I was in that sad phase when you finish a book you haven't been able to put down. I'm only a few chapters in, but I will let you know how it is. The book I just finished is Bloom by blogger Kelle Hampton.

I've been all about bloggers turned published novelists and authors partly because I'd like to support them and partly because I envy them. I've heard a lot of good reviews on this book. I thought it was good- interesting. I enjoyed reading her raw emotions from the birth of her 2nd born until now. Her journey makes me wonder what I'm capable of in other areas of my life. I don't think I enjoyed the book as much as most, though. There were just a few small things that irked me about it that I can't quite put my finger on. I don't know if that's because I just can't understand what she was thinking/feeling or if I'm simply envious of her rare ability to not hold back- to tell all.

Currently Mad About:

This DirectTV business! Viacom, DirectTV- whoever is responsible for ridding me of my weekly reality show fixes. Unacceptable. I mean, why am I paying the same price I was paying, but now I'm short several popular channels? And they're channels I actually watch! I don't like it one bit. I look forward to moving and handing them our military orders and washing our hands of tv all together. It's garbage anyway, am I right? But man...that garbage is entertaining.

Currently Counting Down To:

* Captain J's ETS date (get out of the Army date) is now set in stone established. It just so happens to fall on our anniversary, too. Oh, happy day! I'm excited to start this next chapter despite all the uncertainty that it brings with it.

* Also? I have potential trips in my future. Nothing big or anything, but we'll see if it pans out. 

* Baby K's first birthday is coming up! I can't believe it.

Currently Pinning:

Source: someecards.com via Mrs. on Pinterest

Source: someecards.com via Mrs. on Pinterest

Note: I'm fully aware that people probably think that about K Baby from time to time!

Currently Thankful:
Well, I'm thankful for a lot but I'm really really thankful to Pinterest in this moment. I practically burnt the fingerprint off my right thumb while making a pizza. I quickly ran to the computer and typed in "burn remedy"- Voila! It said to rub egg whites on the burn, an old wives tale. Not one to question old wives, I did so and I'm here to tell ya- an hour later, the pain was gone. I'm typing with the thumb now (obviously). I can still see it, but it doesn't hurt. Thank you, thank you Pinterest!

One more thing- Have you entered my Current Giveaway?
You've got a few days left to do so. It's for Target and PayPal! Enter here.

What's going on in your world?

a Currently post

I haven't blogged much recently. Sometimes I sit down thinking- I have so much to tell them! Then I realize that finding a black widow spider at my backdoor and /or moving Baby K's crib mattress down a notch isn't exactly thrilling news. Just another day at the Mrs. K and Captain J household. Well, anyway- I may not have many adventure stories anymore but I'm glad you're here.

I thought I'd tell you what's been happening in our little life here.

Currently I am:

Reading:

This book is really good. It's a fictional piece following the life of a man who seems to be at the lowest point of his life. He lost his job and then was fired from the next. Struggling to make ends meet, he becomes desparate. He then has an opportunity to travel back in time to gain wisdom and advice from some historical figures such as Anne Frank and Christopher Columbus. The story is entertaining and at the same time it's uplifting with words of wisdom that can be applied to my own life. I really like it.

Watching:

This is my new favorite addition to my seemingly endless reality t.v. show collection on our DVR. If you don't like the Palin's, I don't wanna hear about it (kidding, kind of) because I think they're interesting, entertaining, and yeah- a good ole American family. I could be wrong but I think they're good people. Watching the show makes me miss Alaska, though. I just love how people leave you alone there. No one cares who you are or what you're doing as long as it doesn't infringe upon them. I just want a small town nestled in the mountains to call home but if you've been reading awhile, you probably already know that!

Loving:

I told you Baby K had his first real photo sesh the other day, right? I was so proud of him. He giggled as the camera came out and his photos turned out so cute. I love that I will finally have some nice ones to frame. Photos were taken by Herald Photography. If you're in the Fort Polk area, look her up. She's awesome!

Precious.

Avoiding:

 Pin Credit

Anything productive. Captain J only goes into work briefly in the morning and then the rest of the day he is mine-all-mine (he has a little break this week). This makes for a very lazy Mrs. K. Perhaps this is why our suitcase from our trip is still sitting in the kitchen waiting to be totally unpacked and dishes are piling up in the sink. No one ever accused me of being all work and no play!

What have y'all been up to lately?

"Leave me alone!"

I absolutely love Reality TV. It allows glimpses into the day-to-day grind that other people experience, all from the comfort of my couch where I can harbor judgment for the people who are paid to do nothing. But honestly? I doubt there's enough money in the world that would make me agree to participate in a reality show. Everyone in your biz like that? No, thanks.

MTV gets a bad rap for glamorizing Teen Pregnancy with their shows 16 & Pregnant and Teen Mom. Clearly, the people who are saying these things have never watched these shows.

Because from my comfy couch, their lives look pretty darn hard to me. Sure, they've agreed to document this time in their lives for all the world to see in exchange for money. It's a business deal and probably a pretty smart one, too. Teenagers aren't among the wealthiest people in the world and with a new addition in their lives, they're probably searching for any little way they can add to their income. It may look easy, but I'd venture to bet that it sucks on most days.

People are so mean to these girls- tweeting them, leaving IG comments saying they're ugly, stupid, slutty, and even going as far as to criticize their small children! These girls are so young. They are constantly learning more about themselves. They screw up, just like everyone else. The difference is that anyone can sit at their couch and make these judgments without ever stepping foot into their shoes.

I think about what I was like at 19 and how people would probably have a lot to say about me, too if my life had been broadcasted all over the t.v., Internet, and tabloids. I was Chelsea, for sure. I kept going back to my ex who had cheated on me almost constantly throughout our relationship. And the resemblances don't stop there as I could probably relate to almost all of these young moms in some form or fashion.

Real talk.

So, when I watch these silly shows, I don't think the girls are glamorized much at all. In fact, I think I watch it and think, "Wow. It can always be worse." Because when the baby is teething and being uber cranky, my husband is in the field and I'm parenting alone, or when the proverbial rain is all over my parade, I realize I could be a child and have a child. Eek. These girls are making huge decisons at 18 that I wasn't thinking about until I was 25. At their age, I was contemplating whether I should go to my 8:15am class or stay in my dorm all day and watch FRIENDS.

So when Jenelle freaks out on almost every episode and screams, "LEAVE ME ALOOOOOONE." I kind of get it. I would want to be left alone, too. Why do you think it is that total strangers get so involved in the lives of celebrities? Enough so that they would take time out of their day to leave words of malice all over their Twitter feeds and Facebook walls? Or what's even more annoying (to me)- begging for a retweet from someone famous on Twitter. I don't get it.

On my blog, I have the luxury of getting to choose what I share with the world and I'm thankful for that. While so-called reality tv may be addictive to the rest of us, I can't imagine actually having to be a part of something like that. It's not glamourous from my spot on the couch- it looks like it sucks.

Please tell me I'm not the only mid-to-late 20's gal who tunes in every Tuesday!

Secret Millionaire

Last week, I was contacted to write a review for a new show airing on ABC very soon. Excuse to watch more reality t.v.? Yes, please. I opted to catch an early viewing of the show so that I could tell all of you about what I found.



I think our society is intrigued by wealthy individuals. It's the age old yearning to "keep up with the Joneses". It's the attractiveness of being able to have what you want, when you want it. My generation definitely has a tendency to expect instant gratification so I think that's why I, personally, enjoy learning about the extravagant lives of those who seem to have an endless supply of money.

This new show on ABC highlights the lives of both worlds, the wealthy and the less fortunate. Secret Millionaire allows individuals to integrate into another life, one that doesn't have the perks that money can bring.

I was excited to learn that the first episode took place in Knoxville, TN. Being from that area, I enjoyed hearing about the various community projects and nonprofit organizations that I never even knew existed! In the first episode, we get to meet Dani Johnson. Formerly homeless, she started her own business out of the trunk of her car and now is happily married, financially secure, and a mother and business woman. She experienced the impoverished area of Western Heights, where she found many opportunities to help out the local community. Dani lived off of $40/week as she scoured the community to find places to help out. She discovered The Love Kitchen, The Joy of Music, and Special Spaces to donate her time to, and unbeknownst to these organizations, her money, as well.

After working with these individuals who make the organizations happen, Dani began to realize that "We idolize all the wrong people." The show takes a peek into the lives of caring, selfless individuals who work hard to make others' lives more enjoyable. Those are the real heroes, aren't they?

The series premiere is Sunday, March 6th at 8/7c on ABC. You should check it out! It might make you cry, though. I know I teared up when Dani revealed that she would be gifting money to deserving individuals. The joy, surprise, and gratitude in their faces was priceless.



If you'd like to learn more about the show, click on this link and be sure to tune in on Sunday!

A Dose of Reality

I like this wireless keyboard. It's allowing me to sit back, relax, and feel as if I'm still in that recliner I've been planted in most of the night. Today was a good day. Actually, it was pretty great. My dad, Julie, and I went to Cades Cove for a little sight-seeing and a day of hiking. We ended up walking Abrams Falls trail as I've done multiple times before. It was different this time, though. I think it was my favorite time visiting this trail because of the company I had. I don't get to spend enough time with my dad and step-mom so I was elated to get some q-time together, just the three of us. It's always nice when I get outside in God's country and enjoy my surroundings (and more exercise can never hurt). Speaking of, who's excited about Biggest Loser this season? This girl is! I watched it last night and it always gets me in the mood to go out and be more active. What about you? Dearest Jenn just wrote a post about how it does the opposite for her and I found it interesting.

I've conceded to the fact that this post may be full of plugs so with that disclaimer out in the open, I'll continue. Another show that I've recently caught up on is Teen Mom. I like the show, but I'm really unsure why I watch it. It frustrates me for a couple reasons, most of which are selfish. I secretly harbor jealousy towards these young fertile women simply because I know so many people who desperately try and try to have a child and are unsuccessful. Just visit this blog, a favorite read of mine, to see for yourself. These young moms got pregnant so easily although I'm sure they sometimes wish it could have happened a bit differently, too (like later on in life!). Then I see people struggle with infertility and it makes me wonder what the reason is for all of it. Aside from that nagging thought that pesters me throughout the hour long show, I mostly enjoy watching. I think the reason I always seem to go to it is because MTV is the only channel I know by heart here at home.  I hate channel surfing. It bores me. The other day I was watching Teen Mom and I paused it (even though I had seen the episode a gazillion times before) and lo and behold I saw someone I knew once upon a time! One of the girls on the show, Maci, is from Chatt. I happened to date a nice feller from Soddy Daisy who kept many friends in the Chattanooga area. His best bud's face was now all over my t.v. screen. Small world! I'm sure that wasn't the least bit interesting to you so I'm going to move on now.

When I return to Alaska, I'm afraid my reality t.v. consumption will drastically be reduced. I don't watch TV during the day at all. I prefer to read and surf the net, as you all know well. Winter seems to be knocking at the front door there and is sure to be moving in pretty soon. I can't say that I'm upset about returning. I look forward to cooler temperatures, lighting up a fire, and submerging in the hot tub as snow falls around me. I honestly don't know where I'll be two months from now, but I guess that's okay. It's definitely part of the whole military experience. There's an unknown, an adventure element that tells me I can handle whatever is next. Maybe we won't be settled somewhere by the start of next year, but I hold on to the hope that one day we'll have a place of our own- A home that won't move around a lot and a house where all of my belongings can be in one place. I hesitate to make our cabin in Alaska full of personal touches because it just doesn't seem like we'll be there long enough to warrant putting them up. I can't be the only milspouse who feels this way.

I'm going to end this post with those random musings. I'm tired and rambling. Bonsoi!