The state of our Union

It is a sad day when we face a shut down of our government. I don't want to get all political, so I won't because I can truly say that Republican, Democrat, Conservative, Liberal, Independent or whatever you want to call your political views, it is sad that we live in a country where we continue to push back what is needed to be done. Had the budget been finished when it was suppose to we would not be facing this scary time in American History that we are facing today. I am ashamed that no one is stepping up to the idea of a compromise, but rather focusing on pointing fingers and saying "It's not my fault." I only pray that our country learns from this, and creates backups so that this does not happen in the future.

As a military wife, who has a husband overseas, I am scared beyond measure. But I know in my heart that God will provide for me. He never gives us more than we can handle, and my hope is at the end of this dark moment in our history we will all step into the light stronger, resilient, and ready to face the future, with some new lessons learned.

I was reading many blogs, discussions boards, and friends Facebook statuses today. We all have lessons to learn, and for me the most profound post I read was found on the Wives of Faith Page (and in my inbox). So in answer to their request, I leave you all with this, and know that I will be praying for each and every person out there. That we may set aside our differences and come to a place where we can agree and compromise, to be able to take care of not only our military, but everyone who is affected by this shut down.

"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Jesus Christ" Philippians 4:19

Meal Planning Monday, Week 2

Sorry it's been so long!! Here's what I'll be eating this week :)

Monday: Hot Wings with Broccoli (IF you want to make your wings at home, buy some wings, bake at 450 for 40 minutes turning once then coating in your hot sauce, I promise I won't stear you wrong, the wings are so tender and juicy this way).
Tuesday: Mannacotti
Wednesday: Chicken on a salad (You can use leftover wing meat)
Thursday: Salmon with sugar snap peas
Friday: Pizza (homemade or store bought)
Saturday: Burgers with fries
Sunday: Quiche (Toss in all your leftover veggies and meats from the week. This is a great clean the fridge meal).

Resolution Foods, #3 Chayote

What in the world is this crazy food I found? As I was walking through the produce section at my commissary I came across this vegetable, at least I assumed it was a vegetable it was sandwiched between the peppers and the cucumbers. For a whopping $0.69 and a resolution to keep, how could I resist? After google-ing, I learned that Chayote is a gourd that can be eaten raw or cooked. It is also full of amino acids and vitamin C. How could I go wrong? I elected to cook it after tasting it and finding it to be quite bland, though it would be a nice crunchy addition to any salad.

After cutting it open and slicing it up, I just had to taste it. I agree with the Internet on the bland flavor and would say that it has a texture of a pear and apple combined. IT wasn't bad, but I wouldn't want a bowl full of it either. After reading may recipes I decided to treat it like summer squash. I sauteed it up with some garlic, salt, pepper, and a little bit of red chili flakes for heat.

It was scrumptious! It had a slightly sweet taste to it and paired well with my salmon (even it my plate wasn't as colorful as I usually like). This may just become a more regular part of my diet!

Jamey Long book review

I can honestly say it is rare for me to ever win anything! And recently I won a free book from a local blog :)

Let me say that I LOVE books and am determined to foster a love of books into my son. So I was excited when I was allowed to pick any one of a series of books by author Jamey M. Long.

Long writes children's books, starring a possum named Opie. Opie introduces children to historical events and different holidays in a fun and creative way. It was difficult to pick a free book and I'll be honest I came home with 1 other book and intentions on picking up a few more (the books were autographed, how could I refuse).

I got the book pictured here as my free book and was excited to get home with Bubba and start to read. I loved how Opie overheard Noah talking with God, being told to build an ark. Opie decides to help Noah by gathering the animals in the forest. The pictures were wonderful and the story correlated well with the Bible.

And if Bible stories aren't for you, there were other adventures Opie went on as well. The 2nd book I picked up was A Possum's Pirate Tale and His Pieces of Eight (Pirates are huge in our house, more the Hubs than the Bubs). These are books that will grow with Bubba and are definitely worth the read!

Time

My goodness time flies! You know that saying, time flies when you're having fun? Well, I'm convinced time flies whether you're having fun or not. Bubba and I have been keeping ourselves busy! He's wearing me out! Toddlers sure do have a lot of energy! Hubs is still stateside, which is a blessing and a curse (if you are a military momma I'm sure you understand that). We were all home on leave a few weeks ago, which was mostly good. My job hunt is going no where :( But I've decided that I am going to try my hand at selling Pampered Chef (why not right? What's not to love about earning free products, and can I just say that I desperately need some new frying pans).

Bubba has been going back and forth between 1 and 2 nap days, which is driving me crazy! It's so hard to plan any activities when I can't predict what kind of day it's going to be. Example, today we were planning on going to a local bookstore for their story and craft time at 11. Well, wouldn't you know, Bubba decided at 1015 that it was nap time. I didn't have the heart to wake him, maybe we'll try on Friday.

I find that as we enter Toddler-dom I am yearning to start taking Bubba to more and more activities. Not to mention taking on a few myself (Pampered Chef Party anyone?). With summer around the corner I want to spend lots of time outside! I've been looking into Stroller Strides. I've attended a few classes when visiting family and I love it! There's a class offered twice a week about 25-30 minutes from me which I am seriously considering once MOPs ends...okay, I'm excited...maybe once the tax return hits. There's story times offered all the time at local libraries, and then there are a bunch of mommy groups I'd love to join. Nothing like keeping myself busy!

How do you balance the desire to get involved without over scheduling yourself?

Aghhh!

Wow! Time really can run away with you when you get busy! I am sooo sorry!!! Bubba is doing much better now that the bug has passed, and now he has picked up a cold mixed with allergies and I'm sure some teething thrown in there!

We did family pictures today as we are starting to prepare for daddy's deployment :( So, if you don't see me around here for another few weeks I'm enjoying my husband. I hope you can forgive me! And if you do, don't be suprised if it's very sporadic (when Hubs is out working out, trying to lose weight for an upcoming weigh in).

So, some things I learned from Bubba's illness.
1. You can never push too many fluids.
2. Popsicles are wonderful! Though they do come out the same color that they go down.
3. Jello jigglers weren't my best idea (they count as a liquid and I though they would add some variety.
4. Pedialyte is not for every baby (and is super expensive).
5. Chair covers are great for washing out vomit.
6. Wash all vomit out of clothes, sheets, blankets, ect . at the END of the day, not as you go.
7. More than 2 sets of sheets would be nice.
8. There is nothing worse than baby vomitting and then wanting to cuddle up to you in the puddle of vomit on your shirt.
9. Showers and baths are wonderful!
10. Nothing is worse than watching your baby suffer!

Train him Early

Since I've already shared some of our dorkiness, I thought I'd share my husband's second proudest moment in the last few weeks.

Bubba discovered the PS3 remotes. He's even figured out how to turn on the machine.

I think it's more the buttons than anything, but he is fascintaed with the controller. Only a few more years and I'll be limiting the time he spends in front of the tube playing some Star Wars games with his father (Lego Star Wars anyone?)....I am so not ready for this!