D

So, as I predicted, I'm not good at this. I'm obviously far from making daily posts. But nevermind that, I'll get to them when I get to them, I suppose! Life before blogging.

Anyway, like I said, D is for dachshund. And that's because I currently feel like I've been quite neglectful of my two long little loves and I'm feeling a little guilty about it. Who knew how hard it would be to have dogs AND kids?! Now let's not go too far here and assume that they are in any way mistreated. I mean, they kind of have it pretty good, if you ask me. They have free reign of my house and my furniture, they nap all day, get tasty treats, and sleep in a very comfortable king sized, 200 thread count Egyptian Cotton sheeted bed at night. Sound rough? Hardly.

In fact, I just talked myself right out of my guilt. If I lived that comfortable a lifestyle with nothing to do and nowhere to be, I think I'd be alright.

In fact, as I write this, they lie curled up in their respective positions, just soaking in the day and its lack of responsibility. Ahh, to be a dachshund.

C

is for cake!

For about the past two weeks I have craved cake every day. I'm not exaggerating, EVERY day. Sometimes it comes in the morning. Like, the moment I wake up I think, hmm, it wouldn't be awful to eat a piece of cake for breakfast... Sometimes it's later in the day or maybe even just before bed. I don't really have any tendencies toward a certain kind, but I do want it to be warm and frosted.

Luckily, I had the self-control to not buy any cake mix during my last trip to the grocery store, and I'm much too exhausted to attempt anything homemade at this point, so I haven't exactly had easy access to any cake.

The funny thing is, even after all these cravings, the two times I have been presented with cake, it has absolutely repulsed me! Couldn't even take a bite! I didn't like the looks of it and certainly couldn't stand the smell.

So what does this mean? Do I want cake or not? Where are these cravings coming from and why do they plague me every day only to then torture me when I could give in?! I'll never understand the tricks pregnancy plays on my mind, but one thing's for sure... I'm certainly glad I haven't given into two weeks' worth of cake cravings! Cause S is for scale, and mine is screaming, "NO MORE!!"

B

is for Baby.

A baby that will soon be here. A baby whose room is fit for a princess and finally ready for her. A baby whose big brother has no idea what's in store but who will love her more than anything.

This is our Baby Kate and she will be here in ONE month. Ready or not. Physically, I've never been readier. Mentally, my mind is entirely blown at the idea of soon having 2 children. I'm not sure there is anything one can do to prepare for this either.

All I know, is she will have food to eat, a place to sleep, and will be showered with just about as much love as one little baby can handle ♥

A is for Army

I got an idea from my friend's blog to start my own "Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life" in which I write each day (or whenever I get around to it) about something in my life that begins with each letter of the alphabet. This serves as a way for me to look at some of the things going on in my life and gives me a jumping off point for ideas to write about/reflect on.

So let's just get this thing started, shall we?!

is for Army

I've loved the Army,and I've hated it. The Army has been good to us, and the Army has thrown many wrenches in our plans. The Army takes care of our family, and the Army puts pressure on us. The Army allows my husband to be home for many special occasions, and the Army demands that he be gone for countless others.

Overall, while I wouldn't say it's an easy lifestyle, it's been one that we've adjusted to quite well and that we've grown to love... which, as it turns out, is a very good thing because we've definitely decided to stay in. We've hemmed and hawed and pro'd and con'd and, in the end, we've decided that the best option for us at this point is to keep on keepin' on. This means we will continue to live at Fort Sill for at least another year, at which time Tyler will move on to his Captain's Career Course which will take us to Fort Lee, Virginia, and we will owe the Army at least one more year after that.

We both agree that this is the most practical solution for our growing family, and I'm excited to see where our decision may take us!

So Long, Summer!

The past three days in Oklahoma have been a beautiful, sunny 85ish degrees - absolutely perfect weather in the mornings, a bit warm in the afternoon but perfect in the shade, and a slight breeze that lets you know that Fall is in the air. To say that this makes me happy is a gigantic understatement. The thought of fall coming, to me, is like the thought of an upcoming birthday to a 5 year old. I'm practically giddy. I'm trying not to be too naive here, knowing that there is sure to be at least a few more days of fairly sweltering heat before the crisp fall weather sets in for good, but I have been given a preview of what's to come and I couldn't be happier. We've actually had our windows open for the past 3 days, and open windows just make me feel good. And as I move into the last 7 weeks (7 WEEKS!!) of this pregnancy - which, naturally, I assume will vary between highly uncomfortable and just plain miserable - I find comfort in knowing that I can enjoy (har har) them in what might be quite pleasant weather. It's one thing to be 8 1/2 months pregnant and uncomfortable. It's quite another to be 8 1/2 months pregnant, uncomfortable, and HOT. All of that said, I can't wait to head up to the attic (more like send my lovely husband up for me) to fetch all of the beautiful fall decorations that will grace my house for the next few months, catch as many high school football games as possible with my guys, and spend every possible moment outside, soaking up these gorgeous days. It is with great pleasure that I bid farewell to August and its miserable heat and welcome September with open arms!

Here's another precious little person who loves fall...


hard to believe how much he's grown since we took these pictures last year at the pumpkin patch!

Well, it's been a while since I posted, and I blame it on not having a moment to even breathe for the past few weeks. But finally, it's Wyatt's naptime on a Saturday and I can sit down for a few mintues and update! Here's one of the things we were up to recently...

Last Wednesday morning Tyler, Wyatt and I loaded up and headed to Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine, TX for a marriage/family retreat hosted by his unit. We thought, if nothing else, that it would be a nice chance for us to spend some time together, three glorious days off work for Tyler and one for me, and an all expense paid trip to a place we probably wouldn't spend the money to come to otherwise (we're talking well over $200/night). And I don't think I get to do this very often, so I feel like I should probably sieze the opportunity to say "Thank You, Army!"


We weren't sure how interesting or helpful the marriage retreat itself would be, but we were actually pleasantly surprised. The classes that we went to were quite relevant and surprisingly funny. And just being able to get away from "real life" for a few days to do nothing but spend time with my two favorite boys was just what the doctor ordered. I mean, c'mon, who wouldn't want to hang out with these two cuties?!


I cannot express to you how much fun it is to watch Wyatt taking in all these new things. I know I'm just following him around beaming like an idiot, but it is really the most precious thing I've ever experienced. And it's things that I wouldn't normally even pay attention to that he is just profoundly excited by. Take for instance the bears that line the hallway on the hotel carpet... You and I would probably never even notice them. But Wyatt could spend hours in that hallway pointing to each little bear and squealing "pupppppyyyyyy!!!!" And it just melts my heart!


We all had a wonderful time, and ended our trip with Wyatt's very first visit to the Rainforest Cafe which he equal parts loved and hated. He was quite terrified when the lights would go down and all the monkeys would start moving and squacking and the big elephants nearby would bellow and swing their trunks.


But he was also very pleased with his light up cup and sweet balloon hat. Overall, a win!



With only two months left until Baby Kate arrives (!!!) I'm doing my very best to soak up every single second of precious Wyatt time I can, and, let me tell you, it is pure joy.

Wedding Gift Idea

I found this idea for a wedding gift - the framed wedding date - in my Southern Living magazine and immediately fell in love, as I am a sucker for personalized gifts.


However, the Southern Living version was $85 and I felt sure I could make my own version for a lot cheaper.

So my friend, Rebecca, and I went out around post and in Lawton and took pictures of some neat looking numbers, which was a little time consuming, but free, I had the pictures printed for about 20 cents a piece, and bought the frame at Hobby Lobby, regular $40, but I got it half off. So, I spent a total of about $21, and I think it turned out pretty good! I'll be giving it to some friends at their wedding next weekend, hope they like it!


What do you think?