tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65122173047751449532024-02-07T04:34:38.770-08:00All Hands On Deck: Sailor, Wife and LifeNew to the Navy Family! Read our joys, fears, rants and raves as we raise our babies and navigate through the military life.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02163243119855522180noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512217304775144953.post-44032796755462055092013-10-03T19:13:00.001-07:002013-10-05T18:37:51.149-07:00Leaving it all on the fieldI had a very frustrating doctor visit this week. New navy doc- well, new to me. I went in for a check up and to have a mole looked at. I had to bring the kids with me, so we were well stocked with snacks, toys and iPad. They were doing great- one was sleeping, one was eating and one was mesmerized with the iPad. The doctor even commented they were good. Then she asked how old they were. You would have thought I had birthed aliens. She asked why we had our kids "so close together" and "you are done, right?" She then asked me why I was making it so hard on myself.<div><br></div><div>I can think of 20 different things I should have said now. But at the time I just smiled and said we were a busy, but happy family. I will not be visiting her again. It really bugs me, but not why I thought it would. I thought that I would be upset because she was questioning our family planning decisions. But that is not that big of a deal, I am coming to her to look at a mole. I don't need her as a life coach.</div><div><br></div><div>I strongly believe that children are a blessing from the Lord. I am insanely in love with my babies. And somedays they drive me insane. No, like <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">really, insane. Eyes closed, rocking back and forth, insane. We have good days and not so great days. And I put them to bed every night at 8:00 and I feel like I have been run over by an 18 wheeler. But this is what I want. I want to work really hard everyday and do the absolute best I can. And she was completely overlooking all the good parts to having your children close. I love watching Tiny and Little One grow into best friends. I don't regret it, even though it is physically harder. Sometimes I literally don't have enough hands. Did I tell you all three still wear diapers? Yeah, potty training is not our family's area of expertise. But they also share clothes and do school together. And share friends. Lots of hugs and kisses.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">So everyday, I leave it all out on the field. And they give back so. much. more. And on days when they are really.....hmmmm, we will say, "challenging", they teach me. Tiny has taught me to have a gentle voice when my head is screaming. She only has one volume and it shakes the house. She is a squealer. They teach me to find a way to enjoy a moment (even when that moment is not in my plan of the day). And they are constantly helping me to be more patient. I should be really patient by the time they are raised. ;)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">So if you see a mom with kids close in age, the only comment that needs to be made is how spectacular she looks wearing that stylish nursing cover as she is nursing while grocery shopping. Please do not explain birth control options, or ask if all children have the same father. (Yes, both those actually have happened). Because my babies are well loved and we are crazy happy. Crazy. And happy.</span></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02163243119855522180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512217304775144953.post-36754210003150192162013-09-20T04:44:00.001-07:002013-09-28T18:23:44.574-07:00Big boy navy, kind ofAdam graduated from his navy school last week. It had been a full 2 years. Sometimes he would leave the house at 4:30 am and not get home until after the babies were in bed. He works hard. And did really well. He is officially in the big boy navy. I liked being a student; no deployments. I may only see him for a few minutes somedays, but I knew he was safe. It was not all long days. It seems like the navy works you like crazy and then you have a brief period of short days. It makes the time he is home so sweet. <div>This has been a journey with lots of unknowns. The school Adam went through has a high fail/dropout rate. So when we joined, we knew that we were taking the chance on not making it through the training. Not making it means being discharged (leaving us without a job) or he could be assigned a random ship job while we finish out our contract. And, trust me, we did not want that. I think before every new school, Adam would look at me and say, "I think this will be rough." And then he does it and does awesome. Towards the end of the training, I started ignoring his worries about not doing well, because he always did well. He has been asked to stay at this command as an instructor. I am so proud of him. So as our friends are leaving for Hawaii and other cool places to join the crew of a boat, we are staying here. Bittersweet. It is hard to see all of your friends move away. </div><div>But my best friend and husband is home. And deployment is still just a word. For now, I don't have to lay down at night wondering when the day will come when he is not here. Thankful. This women is thankful. </div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02163243119855522180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512217304775144953.post-82806578102777909722013-09-13T04:23:00.001-07:002013-09-13T04:23:42.866-07:00Free burgers, get your burgers!So I missed it. Wait, let me start over since you are only just now joining my head conversation. So we are on a slight road trip to visit family. We pull into a Mickey D's and I see a women pull in beside us. She pulls something out of her trunk. Something stirs within me. I think she is living out of her car. There were trash bags of something in the back seat and clearly stuff in the trunk. So I have a thought. (Or for the super spiritual folks out there- Holy Spirit promoting) We should buy her food. By this time, Adam was inside with the women and I was changing diapers in the front seat. All you mamas know how awkward and downright dangerous that is. Poop smears in the car are the worst. Anyway, I digress- again. So I was trying to decide of I should bring the little ones inside to go tell Adam to buy a meal for a lady who may or may not be homeless. And by the way, she had an unfriendly face, so I don't know how she would have taken me walking up to her and asking to buy her meal. I am super non-confrontational and really don't want to offend this lady. She can take me. Hands down. She was tough looking and I am extremely wimpy. I can't even do a push-up. No joke. I digress. Again. So I did nothing. Because it was unconvenient and possibly awkward. And I am such a dope.<div>I am always asking to be used by God, but when the prompting comes I freeze. It is like the player who says "put me in coach" and then picks dandelions in right field. I miss out because of fear of a slightly awkward situation. God is going to reach that women, but I missed the chance to be apart of it. And I missed the chance to show my girls how we love people. </div><div>This situation has happened lots. I resolve that next time, it will not. I maybe talking under bathroom stalls, pulling u-turns and chasing people down in Wal-Mart, but I will have first time obedience next time. And then, I will talk to my kids about it. I will tell them that Mama struggles with obeying God the first time, and we will have a special prize because mama obeyed. Even my Little One knows where the "special treats" are kept in the kitchen. This will happen. I will be the hands of Jesus. Just be on the look out, I am a little over zealous right now. So find me if you want a free burger. </div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02163243119855522180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512217304775144953.post-40551207018051634732013-09-11T18:30:00.001-07:002013-09-11T18:42:14.477-07:00Trial and Error, Error, and ErrorThere is a new set of rules in the Taylor house. Well, not really new, more like revised. Our sweet little Tiny has a sweet little temper. She is just like her mama, although it has been years since my temper has shown it's colors. Don't get me wrong, I get frustrated, mad, and definately have my not-so-great moments. But we are talking complete lose of control. Tiny doesn't have inconsolable fits often, but when she does, I don't know what to do. Do I discipline? comfort? ignore? If this is her temper at 3, I am scared what it will look like in 10 years. These are the only bars I want my babies behind.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHLPBf3JV2jSZat8wT6soaL-B49_FkPpxWPcNFFi3I1gS2oMyN7rk6455LD2KRDA84_GPr3Q9fHnnZJtOIKTs276m_l7PizexT3gX6VIfzKk4SNAIXc82PD6El0dMI0m_xB2CGXqT7PCXm/s640/blogger-image-286949482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHLPBf3JV2jSZat8wT6soaL-B49_FkPpxWPcNFFi3I1gS2oMyN7rk6455LD2KRDA84_GPr3Q9fHnnZJtOIKTs276m_l7PizexT3gX6VIfzKk4SNAIXc82PD6El0dMI0m_xB2CGXqT7PCXm/s640/blogger-image-286949482.jpg"></a></div>She is cute, huh? Little One. Anyway, so I want to help Tiny learn to control her anger. The Bible talks about not provoking your children; are we doing that? Am I modeling anger? Seriously, I am willing to take blame and change, I just dont know what I need to do. So a friend reccommended a book. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0p8NB-WeYLI7G8pJkFqlcEPLaAs4wNSUB791tETIfUOybiUmTAxIicAXTZ8C82SNICeizkkKa4d6MdJ2iAng4k48zb1Y6HLkogWwAt7tsknelQQE2_lhf7QBMWREvpnrHTyHj_sGZ9-j9/s640/blogger-image--1473527758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0p8NB-WeYLI7G8pJkFqlcEPLaAs4wNSUB791tETIfUOybiUmTAxIicAXTZ8C82SNICeizkkKa4d6MdJ2iAng4k48zb1Y6HLkogWwAt7tsknelQQE2_lhf7QBMWREvpnrHTyHj_sGZ9-j9/s640/blogger-image--1473527758.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It is super good. Very practical and scripture based. It reaffirmed a lot of what we were doing, like having a Christ-centered home, not a child-centered home. Expecting first-time obedience is a big thing in our house already. But it did bring to light a big weakness. Although we do fairly well with keeping consistent rules, we do not have consistent consequences. Example: Tiny hits Little One with the teapot. Sometimes this is punished by a timeout, and sometimes this is punished by taking away the teapot. Not all punishments are equal and sometimes hitting gets a big punishment and othertimes it gets a little punishment. Inconsistent. And there are big inconsistencies depending on who is disciplining. Adam is wrapped around thier little fingers and they know it. He loves those girls something fierce and becomes a big softy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I also noticed that sometimes I can't decide or think of an appropriate punishment when it needs to be delivered, so that usually results in a spanking. (I know, BAD mama moment-just being honest) Which is not always appropriate for the crime, or effective. Don't get me wrong, I believe spanking is an effective when used appropriately. But for my Tiny, there are much worse things than spanking: missing out on a special treat at snack time. She is begging for a spanking! So all this being said, I made a list of rules and the conscequence for the rule. There are only 5 rules and all of them are God's rules for living, not mine. So if they don't like the rule, take it up with Jesus. Ha! See how far your complaints get with the Big Man. I am still a little fuzzy on all of the consequences. I may change some if they don't work. Trial and error, error, error- that is our parenting style.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Scripture "a gentle word turns away wrath" has been my anthem. Tiny responds so sweetly to gentle words. Proactive gentleness is something I started meditating on a few months ago and I saw a big differance in my heart and hers. God's word has all the answers. I have been blessed with these precious babies and I trust that He will give me wisdom to raise them. I may post our house rules. If nothing else, so that you can have a good laugh when none of my creative consequences work. My favorite is "This is a peaceful home and throwing fits is not allowed, so you can go to the garage until you are done." We used that one twice already today. Adam wishes he could be sent to the garage......me too. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02163243119855522180noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512217304775144953.post-48586117982562746762013-09-09T20:02:00.000-07:002013-09-10T04:20:57.095-07:00I'm back....Thinking of blogging again. Talking myself into it. It may happen. It will happen. Forget the other page- here's a quick update: we now have 2 girls and a baby boy. Tiny, Little One and Minion are amazing. 3 years, 20 months, and 8 weeks, so we are crazy blessed and just plain crazy. But so happy. Still in the navy,baby! Adam has just finished his training and did extra awesome. Of course. We are staying put for the next few years, which is great because I love it here. AND we have started homeschooling Tiny and LO. I can't wait to tell you all about it. It is really fun. These kids are my world and they are the main tool Jesus uses to challenge and refine Adam and I. Lots of refining and challenging lately. And since it is almost 11 pm, I need to go to sleep. Because "challenges" stink when you have no sleep. Here's hoping that 3 babies are not joining us in bed tonight. God bless your rest tonight.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02163243119855522180noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512217304775144953.post-55412325422775250092011-09-08T17:33:00.000-07:002011-09-08T17:33:48.895-07:00New blog!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"></span><br />
Our new blog is finally ready! Go to <a href="mailto:sailorwifeandlife@dyndns.org">sailorwifeandlife@dyndns.org</a> to catch up. <br />
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Currently missing one of the authors, but he will be back soon. Thank you Paul for all of your help. You are a great brother-in-law, but you may have bitten off more you can chew offering to help me. Let me know if something is not working on this site......I don't know how to fix it, but I bet Paul does!<br />
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On another note, no letter today. I did get his "remains"; a sad little box with all of his clothes, shoes and 16 cents. Maybe tomorrow. I have called our post office twice this week. I wonder if they have caller id. :)<br />
Tonight, just a teething toddler, a kicking belly and some hot tea. Not a glass of wine.....which is what I really want.<br />
Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02163243119855522180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512217304775144953.post-84207629851934463632011-09-04T19:47:00.000-07:002013-09-10T04:22:17.895-07:00Left for Great Lakes<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He is gone.....for real now. I am just now able to gather my thoughts to post. He left Friday. The hardest thing is that he is going through H-E-double hockey sticks and I can't be there for him. I knew all of this would happen, it is just different when it is your sailor. I have been sulking.....and lots of praying. Today I went to church and it reminded me that God brought him to this, so he will bring him through it. The sermon was about the boy whom gave his 2 fish and 5 barley loaves. It was awesome and one section really hit me. He spoke about the proverb that a 3 strand cord is not easily broken. You know the one, "Woe to the man whom falls and has no one to pick him up." This weekend was a great reminder to me that I need people- especially now that Adam is gone.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We were getting ready to say good bye to Adam, again, and we had a lot to do. We went to a ceremony, parade, and a baseball game. And I was attempting to coordinate our family with the very little information that the Navy gave me. Thank God for friends and family. I needed help. I broke down at the office (in front of my boss; she is very nice, but I did not want to cry) because I forgot to go to the ATM to get cash- and now I was going to be late. My office partner and friend gave me 15$. Thank you Nancy! I have never been more grateful for 15 bucks. I did not want to be late when I only had a few hours to see Adam. I had already gotten him in trouble with the drill instructor. (that is another story)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our parents, many of the siblings and a few friends were there for Adam's swearing in ceremony. I was so thankful; they carried bags, babies and took pictures. My sister dressed Tinyand brought her to meet me. She looked so sweet. Kristin, you were my hero this weekend. Every time I needed something, you were there. Thanks Sis. Everyone gave Adam and I space to say goodbye. Sniff, sniff. That physically hurt. I was sure that one of us would pass out.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigfoIS7ywnig2y15zIar-oHxyODKUh96eeH1lqs1ekgED-fA4Qa3ZiL3xUGYrXTQUAR-0knJEEvSmlG56_fedK9VdR9_PHPUbyX26uf7UzcntjN71iuLXsAAveFaaXhCkXGft5lCGfGp9Z/s1600/IMG_2999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigfoIS7ywnig2y15zIar-oHxyODKUh96eeH1lqs1ekgED-fA4Qa3ZiL3xUGYrXTQUAR-0knJEEvSmlG56_fedK9VdR9_PHPUbyX26uf7UzcntjN71iuLXsAAveFaaXhCkXGft5lCGfGp9Z/s320/IMG_2999.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I don't like asking for help and I don't like relying on others. When I was a little girl, I used to tell mama, "I don't need you!". But today I had a vision of me laying on the floor, yelling, "I have fallen and I can't get up!" And I am alone. In Charleston. Looking like a pregnant turtle who is flipped over on her shell. Rocking back and forth.......</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrXqjpoPt53QSjKAnBoXcsEOmdLnEKNMxGlKmWMHbHKYBS1gURCpzgD_Pi-lqa6srSpeA6osDkDNxohjPUMrkHOHN0tKyWpD2D4cURxlHrvT3jbYL3UM30-2opMDUKyHEld81K1XzUaeSv/s1600/IMG_2969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrXqjpoPt53QSjKAnBoXcsEOmdLnEKNMxGlKmWMHbHKYBS1gURCpzgD_Pi-lqa6srSpeA6osDkDNxohjPUMrkHOHN0tKyWpD2D4cURxlHrvT3jbYL3UM30-2opMDUKyHEld81K1XzUaeSv/s320/IMG_2969.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So I am making an effort to build strands of support. Family, friends, church- we are so blessed. SO many have told me to call when I need them. The thing about doing everything alone is that you also can't be that cord for others. I need a team. I need to put more into those important relationships. Thank you to everyone's support this week. The phone calls, facebook messages, hugs meant so much. We love you.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Please continue to pray for my sailor. He had blisters on his feet from marching before he even got to Great Lakes. The mind games have already begin.....I will let you know when we can send letters or when I hear from him. Prayers for peace please. These first few weeks are supposed to be the hardest. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">See you soon and good night.</span></div>
Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02163243119855522180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512217304775144953.post-40940062340087933502011-08-31T09:34:00.001-07:002013-09-10T04:22:55.389-07:00Top Ten<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Adam is at training. We see him tonight though! :) House is quiet and clean. When he is gone, I am bored. So I clean. </span><br />
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<u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Top 10 things I miss about Adam when he is away.</span></u><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">WARNING: SAD, PATHETIC AND PITIFUL. MOST DEFINITELY MUSHY. READ AT YOUR </span>OWN RISK!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">10. 1 tooth brush in the holder.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">9. I don't know how to grocery shop for just me and a 1 year old. Monday's trip was yogurt, strawberrys, deli meat and one can of raviolli. Clearly, I was not focused and now we have to go back.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">8. No one to watch <em>Wipe Out</em> with. Or anything else for that matter. TV is useless unless you have someone to commentate.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">7. No one to disagree with about the radio station. He would secretly change the settings on my car radio.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6. Bathroom mirror stays clean. I miss his spit splashes.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5. Tiny goes to a closed door and yells "DaDa". She thinks he is in the bathroom.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. He would always look over my shoulder when I am working on something. It bugs me, but I miss it.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. He sings in the shower. "Ba-ba-da-da-da-da" Tiny thinks he is GREAT.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. Kisses. He is magical.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. He keeps me sane. He balances me out. He makes me laugh.</span>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02163243119855522180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512217304775144953.post-6277549685286679462011-08-23T18:34:00.001-07:002013-09-10T04:23:56.709-07:00Tiny mess<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Oh, how I love my tiny mess. Tiny is full of caos. Adam and I recognized that early on. We would build a tower with blocks and she would push it down. But in all fairness, it is more fun to knock things over. We are working on using a spoon and fork. She will hold the fork with one hand and eat with the other. The fork makes a great comb for her golden (now stained with red sauce) locks. She does not get it, but she could not be cuter. We had spegetti tonight.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Adam got called away 2 times tonight for Navy stuff. Something I should probably get used to. His dinner.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I ate his garlic roll. I know, shocking. My belly may need it's own zip code before Tiny #2 arrives. I cringe at the thought of when Adam returns from Basic training. I will be among all of the 18 year old girlfriends- whom I am sure are beautiful and have no stretch marks. Me and the Tinies. All ### pounds of us. I will have to buy a new dress-one that makes me not look so...round.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Adam's recruiter said that he has never worked with someone whom is 26 with a wife and kids going into Adam's field. He has no clue what to do with us. We ask questions; they don't know. And sometimes we get conflicting answers. Though, they have been very flexible and kind. Adam even brings Tiny to DEP meetings if I am at work. I am setting the expectation bar WAY LOW, hoping not to be disappointed or feel like we were mislead. I count on what is in the contract and take the rest with a grain of salt. I remember that God is our provider, not the Navy.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As ship date comes closer, things are seeming more real. We give more kisses. We hired someone to mow our out-of-control yard instead of taking up the final days with yard work. I don't have the heart to pack Adam's stuff yet. 8-10 weeks, right? We can do this. I can't think about the next station, or moving, or 1 year deployments right now. Just 8-10 weeks. I am just a tiny bit of a mess today too.</span>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02163243119855522180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512217304775144953.post-69322527251382561602011-08-18T20:05:00.000-07:002013-09-10T04:24:45.873-07:00Embracing my quirks.These things probably won't change......so I have decided to embrace them.<br />
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<li>I pout. Only to Adam, because it works.</li>
<li>My favorite thing to do when the hubby is bugging me is to pull his underarm hair. It makes him sooooo mad. That is why I do it. Again, because it works.</li>
<li>I rely on our lovable coon hound, Oscar, to clean my kitchen floor after meals and snack time. Better than Mr. Clean.</li>
<li>I love it when Tiny wants Mommy to put her to bed. But I still sigh to Adam, as if I have more important things to do. (like the dishes in the sink- which I have no intention of doing tonight)</li>
<li>I like to eat a whole row of cookies from the package in one sitting. It just seems more organized.</li>
<li>I love to watch TV shows where people crash into things or fall off high platforms for the sake of entertainment. That Bob Saget says the funniest things.</li>
<li>I read the smut-movie-star-gossip magazines in the grocery check-out lane when no one is looking. If questioned, I will say something about sad role models for our kids. But I still want to know what is going on with Prince William. And I would never get caught buying one.</li>
<li>I dream of being in a flash mob.......I have the whole routine worked out in my head. It involves me doing a tap dance. I bet I am a great tap dancer!</li>
<li>I like that I have 6 pillows and Adam only has 1. Now, I would like his pillow to prop up my laptop while I post in bed.</li>
<li>I keep forgetting what order our silverware drawer goes in. When we have been out of spoons and forks, I can't remember which one goes where. I think it is forks, knives, spoons......but I don't ever know for sure. It is a surprise every time the drawer is opened.</li>
<li>I love to play softball.....only if I can slide at every base and sit in the outfield. And I don't care if we win, as long as there is ice cream afterwards. I also make up cheers for my teammates.</li>
<li>I like to drive cross-legged with my feet in the seat. It makes sure my toes are not chilly. That is why they made cruise control.</li>
<li>And despite any efforts, I have turned into my mother. And decided that it is not too bad.</li>
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This post would have been better if I had the correct pillow propping my laptop.</div>
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Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02163243119855522180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512217304775144953.post-26618688043980453042011-08-07T07:06:00.000-07:002013-09-10T04:25:19.430-07:00Watching the news :(Today on the news I saw that we lost 30 Navy men when a helicopter was shot down. 22 Seals and 8 crew members. My prayers go out to these families. Wives lost their husbands and babies lost their daddies. Thank you for your great sacrifice for our country.<br />
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I did not realize how these stories would effect me. I feel like our country lost 30 Adams when that helicopter went down. Adam will be on the sea, but it still brings the reality of the job to light. Our boys are in dangerous situations and I, for one, have not appreciated their service. Now I feel like there are faces behind the numbers.<br />
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I have heard military wives say that they do not watch the news; that it is inaccurate most of the time anyway. I think that it is because it is just too real. During deployments, they live in a constant state of "is he coming home?". An attempt at 2 normals: one with him, one without. I can't begin to understand, until he is gone on deployment. I take safety for granted. Something I fear will change.<br />
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So, I blubbered through the news this morning. And I am not a pretty crier- red nose, bloodshot eyes and weird mouth positions. Tiny is poking the tears away and the dog resting his massive horse-head on my knee. Pregnant or not- I need some regular coffee. In fact, I need coffee and I am giving Tiny 2 cinnamon rolls! It is a rough day and we don't care about too much caffeine and sugar. I am dropping her off in the nursery and I will be awake through the service this morning. A winning situation for all.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02163243119855522180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512217304775144953.post-71823230484839270712011-08-06T06:42:00.000-07:002011-08-06T06:48:48.586-07:00Bring on the Pink!!!Tiny #2 is a GIRL!!!!!! YAY!!!! This mama is all about pink, bows and dress up. So I am very happy! Adam loves his little tiny- but was hoping for a boy. He is already looking at baby girl names. I am trying to talk him into Darla.....he says that will NEVER happen. We will be having a Christmas baby; what an amazing gift.<br />
YUCK..what is that smell? I have to go. Tiny #1 stinks.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02163243119855522180noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512217304775144953.post-51135871419574236842011-07-28T18:41:00.000-07:002011-07-28T19:20:06.936-07:00Our family, our wayWe have had a busy 2 weeks. Here is the run down.<br />
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Computer virus-Grandpa's funeral-change of ship date-hit a deer-obsession with tutus and cowboy boots-diaper rash-parenting seminar-people drama-out of money-extra hours at work-dog bite-and another 5 pounds straight to the belly. And several rounds of our household's favorite game, "what smells?!" I look in all the usual places. Baby, dog, diaper pail, washer, sink, trash, fridge, laundry, husband. We have learned to laugh and follow our nose.<br />
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Adam lost his grandpa 2 weeks ago. He spoke at the funeral and it reminded me what a wonderful man I have. Grandpa is gone, but so many of the same qualities live in my superman (that is my name for hubby). When you lose someone great, it makes you examine your own life and legacy. A while back, we went to an awesome parenting seminar taught by Phil and Linda Stern. It was full of biblical wisdom and practical advice. (check out <a href="http://www.linkmin.org/index.php">Link ministries</a>) They spoke a lot about living with integrity in front of your kids and being purposeful about teaching them values. Children are our legacy. How our home needs to hold Godly standards, even when the world is saying something very different.<br />
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Adam and I really try to set Godly standards in our home and follow them. Hard work, integrity, honesty, respect, peace, love. Some days we do better than others. But we come up on a lot of opposition regarding how we incorperate those values in our home. We are more strict than most households. We are very careful about what is on tv, we don't cuss, among other things. I am amazed about how freely people just give their opinion. No need to ask, they share anyway. I don't tell them how to raise their kids- why are they telling me? How kind. :) I smile and nod. I am praying for wisdom to care less about what other's think and more about what God thinks. I try to only listen to their opinion if I want my life to be like theirs. But people's negative comments bug the heck out of me. Adam doesn't care what everyone else thinks, so I care enough for the both of us.<br />
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Keeping our household functioning (spiritually, emotionally, physically) will be quite a task when Adam leaves. I have no clue how to fill the gap. I am terrified of most things that squeak and crawl, and can't open a pickle jar for the life of me. As ship date approaches, we have more paperwork to fill out and we are learnng more details about Navy life. We have to figure out banks, health insurance, POAs, wills, life insurance, training dates, military doctors. And try to talk the US Navy into letting a crabby 8 month pregnant lady move in early. Thank goodness for Fleet and Family.<br />
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Anyway, thanks listening to the rambling. Stay tuned we have some very exciting news coming up......maybe next week!?! :)Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02163243119855522180noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512217304775144953.post-72410736029870058482011-07-13T20:03:00.000-07:002011-07-14T14:06:25.191-07:00Baby, let's roll with it.....I love the song 'Let's roll with it'. Adam made me love country music, basically because he forced it on me. It was either learn to appreciate it, or never ride in the car with him. So, now I like country music. Except Alan Jackson; he makes my ears cry out for mercy. This song has become my personal anthem. Life does not always turn out the way that I planned. I make a lot of plans. I am an excellent planner. I will figure out every possible thing that could go wrong and have multiple back-up plans. I know, it is a sickness. I had a job plan, marriage plan, birth plan, now a Navy plan. But despite my kicking and screaming, every big plan that I have ever made did not turn out according to my awesome, great, absolutely perfect plan. <br />
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Examples:<br />
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My degree is in Elementary Education...........but I am not a teacher.<br />
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I planned to marry a man whom shared my passion for ministering to children. We were going to live in Africa and start an orphanage and save all the African babies! So, I fell in love with Adam........... Well, Adam is gifted in many ways, but ummmmm...he has great God sized plans for his life, but...well- we will get into that later.<br />
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I planned to have a completely natural child birthing experience only using only <u><b>quiet</b></u> relaxation techniques to manage labor pain (very dignified like).......I ended up being induced and yelling at the 19 year old nurse (whom I am sure had never gone through child birth and knew nothing), "I don't care what you say, I am pushing now! Back up lady!"<br />
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I did not marry a sailor - not in the plan! Adam has talked about military service since we were 15. Everyone kept talking him out of it, including me. I have decided that as his wife, I have 2 choices. Support his plans and dreams or have a husband whom does not dream. I do not want a dreamless husband. A man without a mission is a very sad man. 'Where there is no vision, the people perish' - Proverbs 29:18. I want to be apart of his dream. And to make sure he has clean socks while 'living the dream'. <br />
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So God has given Adam a vision with the Navy, and blessed our steps as we have set out on His plan. I am planning on NOT making any plans. It just bugs me when my plan does not work out. Meanwhile, I don't think that US Navy cares about my plans. But my Heavenly Father does. And He loves me enough to mess up my plans and give me His plans. 'Baby, we'll roll with it.' I am a Type A personality, so I <b><u>plan</u></b> to just roll with it. It is progress. Here is a link to this very awesome song.<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZ5sVKhynj0">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZ5sVKhynj0</a><br />
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Thank you Lord for sweeping us up in your plan. Ours was so boring. Give me wisdom to 'just roll with it'. Help me not to think too much. I lay down my dreams and pick up yours.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02163243119855522180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512217304775144953.post-284980870611699802011-07-10T12:31:00.000-07:002011-07-10T12:45:28.823-07:00New to BloggingWelcome to my blog page! I am excited to get started. Please excuse my computer skills....I barely know what I am doing. I am starting this blog to document our transition into Navy life. My husband, Adam, leaves for boot camp in less than 2 months. We are excited and scared all at the same time. There are so many questions and very few direct, reliable answers. I have decided that I have to trust what God has directed us to do and have the assurance that He will provide our every need. The process has seemed rather complicated........duty dates, contracts, multiple MEP stations trips. At one point I was yelling at Adam off the porch that he could run faster- "Don't let your baby see you being slow!". NOT my finest wife moment. We don't work out together anymore. Well, I don't really "work out" at all. Our sweet little Daddy's girl is going to miss her dada. I will miss him too.<br />
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I think that I am going to add a prayer to posts. I know that at least my mom will read my blog and she prays, so here is what I am praying for today. Anyway- this blog stuff is fun! See ya later!<br />
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My prayer today:<br />
Thank you Lord for family. Thank you for how we can work together as a unit to seek your face. That you did not make man alone. That even when we are away from each other, we have You holding us together. Help us to draw near to You. Let nothing divide what You have made one.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02163243119855522180noreply@blogger.com2