Monday Mugs (VRROOOMMMM)

Benny's office
Man does he make a loud VROOM when he flies overhead!

Kendall and Isaac in July 2010
The Storybook Forest part of Idlewild

Nothing like daddy making you go VROOM!

Stop on over at

Marriage Monday

Ben and I before our zipline tour in Gatlinburg, TN.
There are a lot of things that make me feel closer to Ben but definitely trying new things together and the trust that it takes is one of the best things to me!

Julie had this to say today about Intimacy in marriage. I strongly recommend reading the rest of today's blog as well!

Most wives consider sexual intimacy to be the expression of/by product/end result of a relationship that is close and loving.
Most husbands consider sexual intimacy to be the doorway to/beginning of/invitation to greater closeness in marriage.
Isn't it so awesome (and frustrating) that God created us to be so opposite to complement each other's needs?! 
When a couple needs to strengthen their bond, the wife may want to see the relationship improve before there's a physical expression of their love. The husband may try to express his love and desire to get closer by initiating some romance. As a wife, the temptation may be to think, "What?? You've got to be kidding?? You must not care about how I feel." This is when a wife needs to think: "Press 2 for MAN language." Ask God to help you understand what MESSAGE your husband is communicating. In truth this is often the way many men reach out to begin or reinforce closeness.
Golly I wish that I had that button ALOT and the manual on how to deal with your husband!

Courtnery from Women Living Well had this to say today. I love her writing and perspective on marriage so I thought that I would share with y'all.

In what ways can we water and tend to our marriages?
1. Accept the fact that all marriages are flawed. ‎"Conflicts are not a sign that you have married the wrong person.They simply affirm that you are human." Dr. Gary Chapman
And if we agreed all the time wouldn't that be so boring?!
2. Make your husband second priority only to God. Flip flop your life so your marriage is not coming in dead last and you will find grass that looks burnt out start to grow green again.
3. Set aside one night a month as a date night. Spend some time just enjoying your husband. Hold hands, steal kisses, talk, and listen. Slow down and enjoy each other like you did during the dating days!
I have been SO much happier since we have started doing this again. It instantly transfers you from a worn out mommy and daddy into a couple enjoying each other again!
4. Smile at your husband.
Is this the same as laughing at him? Just sayin........
5. If your grass is looking brown in some spots tend specifically to those spots with prayer. Do not let it die!
And water it!
6. Do not neglect your marriage and assume that it will grow all on its own. That's not how it works. My brown grass is not going to turn green on its own. It needs our attention. Discipline yourself to tend to it.
Even when you think that the workload alone is going to kill you. It is so worth it to put your effort back into your marriage.
Know that you are NOT alone! There are some pretty crazy seasons of life where spots of the grass just start to die. Dora cups and Chuck E Cheese take the place of romantic dinners out. Enjoy your family moments at Chuck E Cheese - but remember ALSO to tend to your marriage...don't let it get shoved aside because in 15 short years - your Dora cup drinkers will be out of the house and it will be back to just you and your husband. Will your grass be green at that point or dead?
The choice is yours.

Proverbs 14:1 "A wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down."

Crafting

Hello Blog family!
Have you been wondering what I have been up to? Missing me? Yeah I didn't think so :-)
I am starting up a home-based business here in Jacksonville, NC. (I am also willing to ship so don't think that I am leaving you out!)
I put my nursing license on "inactive" a few weeks ago & something just kind of snapped inside. I love being a SAHM but sometimes I want to do adult functions as well. So I decided to use my craftiness to my advantage. It has been hugely satisfying the past few weeks to be putting my hands to work.
So I just wanted to give you the website to take a look at......
http://skidzwifecreations.blogspot.com/
If you can take a peek & tell me what you think I would greatly appreciate it! You can also find me on Facebook at
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jacksonville-NC/Skidz-Wife-Creations/149407355090489?v=info#!/pages/Jacksonville-NC/Skidz-Wife-Creations/149407355090489?ref=ts
Please pass me on to your friends and family!
Some things that I will be offering are......

• Scenery Photography
• Diaper cakes & wreaths
• Floral centerpieces
• Floral wreaths
• Decorative burp cloths
• Baby blankets
• Lovey (or cuddle bug blanekts)
• Embellished Children's t-shirts
• Embellished Onesies
• Little girl bow holders
• sack dresses

And possibly more!
So please go give me some feedback and love!!

My friday memes on a Saturday

I must apologize for getting all of these up a day late! Normally, Friday is my favorite day to blog because there are so many fun memes to do. Yesterday, I had many things on my to do plate and couldn't get to the blog. So without further ado......

In honor of all those who lost their lives 9 years ago and those still serving our great nation
Ben and I before a September 11th tribute
Pensacola, FL
2003

1.Do you set goals for yourself during deployment? What are some of them? (from Military Mommy)

Yes. I normally write out an entire list of things that I would like to accomplish. In the past 3 deployments, I think that I completed about 25% of the lists. Life also has to go on while they are gone!
2.What would you say to someone dating a military guy or gal? (from Mothering Off the Cuff)
Don't just fall in love with the uniform. I have met many young wives that got swept up in all the "Top Gun," "An officer and a gentleman" type mentality to find themselves miserable in the relationship. Being a military wife is a HUGE job and it is an even bigger responsibility.
3.If you have children, how do you prepare them to move to a new place? (from The Random Ramblings of A Household 6) We have never moved with the kids. We might be possibly moving next summer so we will see.
4.Name one hobby that gets you through alone time. (from My Sailor’s Mistress)
Just one? Sewing, scrapbooking, photography, time with friends, walking, playing with the kids.
5.What’s the one food you don’t ever get tired of? (from That Army Wife Life)
  Spaghetti

1. The strangest thing I've ever eaten is Indian Fry Bread.
2. I wouldn't be caught dead in fur.
3. When I am 75 I will.... hopefully be surrounded by friends, family and a lot of love .
4. If I had to be named after a place I would want to be named Greece. (Because I really want to go there!)
5. My name is Jamie (after the bionic woman).
6. My all time favorite photo is a picture of us in the hospital after Isaac was born.
7. If I could afford it I would go on a month long trip to Europe.

1. Do you feel guilty spending money on yourself?
Yes, unless I get a KILLER bargain.
2. How well do you know your neighbors?
I know them to wave hello and chat when we are out by the mailboxes. We are really not home a whole lot so I miss seeing them!
3. What age are you looking forward to being?
I look forward to every year equally! I must say that my 30's have been the best decade so far though!
4. Do you get excited when the mail comes? Why?
I love getting mail! Even though I am a technology junkie, there is just something about getting something through snail mail esp. when you are not expecting it!
5. What is your earliest childhood memory?
I would have to say riding on my great-grandpa's tractor. I loved sitting up on his lap, feeling the wind on my face, and looking at all the pretty scenery.

Last but not least a tribute to all the wonderful mom's out there!

Remembering

“Now, we have inscribed a new memory alongside those others. It’s a memory of tragedy and shock, of loss and mourning. But not only of loss and mourning. It’s also a memory of bravery and self-sacrifice, and the love that lays down its life for a friend–even a friend whose name it never knew. “

- President George W. Bush, December 11, 2001

Week 39 of 52 (Horseback riding in Pigeon Forge, TN)

Isaac's Inch by Inch

Can you tell that he is ready to get into trouble at the drop of a hat?

Happy Birthday sweet buddy!

What sissy said make a funny face!

So exhausted from a hard days work!

Rooting sissy on at her first soccer practice even though he was dying to join in the fun!

Kendall's Korner

Kendall's 1st day of Pre-school on September 7, 2010
Also, her last year of pre-school before kindergarten.

Kendall with her BFF's Sutton and Nora
Please tell me that my child is not doing what I think that she is doing in this picture!

Fun on the playground with friends (Sutton and Nora again!)

Kendall's Classroom Schedule

8:45-9:00: Arrival/Quiet Activities

9:00-9:20: Journals

9:20-9:40: Circle Time
9:40-10:00: Story Time

10:00-10:20: Snack

10:20-10:35: Music

10:35-11:10: Crafts/Learning Time/Centers

11:15-11:35: Recess

11:40-11:45: Dismissal

Pictures at home before we left for school

Posing with her little brother on his 2nd birthday

Kendall with her teachers Ms. Tia and Mrs. Spratt

*Worship: Wednesdays from 9:30-9:50
*Computer Technology: Every Other Thursday 9:30-10:00
This week's theme: All about Me
Next week's theme: Apples
Kendall has been really enjoying school. Of course this is only the first week of it! She is going 5 days a week for 3 hours a day. We love the school and her teachers. I am very excited that it is more of a prep class so she will be more prepared for kindergarten next year.
Today was her most exciting day. She got to be "teacher's helper." Kendall talked non-stop about feeding the classroom fish, being the line leader, and several other things that I am not quite understanding.
She is doing better at writing her name. She has KEN and L down......now if we can just get the D&A she will be perfect!
Stay tuned for her progress!

September 7, 2008

Happy 2nd Birthday Isaac!

Has it really already been a year since we celebrated your first birthday?

You are so full of fun and laughter. Mischief too.

You love all animals from our dogs & kitty to frogs, horses, cows, goats, and really anything that will stop for you to pet it.

You don't raise heroes, you raise sons. And if you treat them like sons, they'll turn out to be heroes, even if it's just in your own eyes. ~Walter M. Schirra, Sr.

Don't wait to make your son a great man - make him a great boy. ~Author Unknown

And you are already turning into a great boy my little man.

You love adventure just like your daddy! You give the BEST hugs! You really like hanging out with your sissy. (Remember that in the future.) You have the dirtiest old man laugh that I have ever heard come out of a little person! You just love life buddy! We are so blessed to have you in our lives!

Oh and one more thing!

You LOVE sharing your birthday with your grammy!

Happy Birthday Mamoo!

(should we publish your age too?!)

Relaxing Labor day and you?!

Hello my bloggy friends and family!
I hope that your Labor day weekend was just as relaxed as ours was! We spent some time at the beach (probably the last trip of the summer), enjoying each other around the house, time with friends, and well RELAXING!
In all of that relaxing, I was a major blog slacker. Guilty as charged! That is because with lots of prayer, thought, & talking with the hubs, I decided to participate in our Camp Lejeune craft fair this year. I was doing a lot of prepping, sewing, and brainstorming this weekend. I hope to share pictures soon. It will be baby and small children items. Anyone have any fun ideas that they would like to see put into action? Let me know!
Well I promise I will get caught up on here (and reading everyone else's) soon but I must wake my children up as their pre-school starts today! WOO HOO!!

week 38 of 52 (Gatlinburg)

Wednesday (Prepping for Hurricane Earl)

On our second trip back up the mountain to your cabin in TN, we found a turtle about to get squished on the windy mountain road. We scooped him up and brought him back to our cabin for a little bit. Here are the kids enjoying him. We sure do miss the turtles from our yard!

This is a recent memory from Gatlinburg. We went out to eat at a really neat sandwich shop for lunch. The kids were in love with all of the neat trinkets around the resturant. Here is Ben with them by the "big, cool" bear.

1. What insect are you most afraid of? Feel free to post a picture.

SPIDERS! Hands down

2. What is the greenest/most organic thing about you or that you do?

We recycle. I was most of our laundry in cold water. Hmmmm.....we are not very green!

3. Tell me about a recurring dream that haunts you.

I don't think I have any recurring dreams!

4. Have you ever missed a flight? What were the circumstances?

Yes. I was on my way to a formal in New York and I missed my connecting flight in Philadelphia. It was not fun at all!

5. What do you consider your best feature?

Besides my fun personality?! :-) I would say physical feature is my smile.

6. What was the last concert you went to?

Kenny Chesney back in 2005

7. Describe the most embarrassing church moment you ever experienced.

I don't know that I have had an embarrassing moment in church but I can tell you that I have been embarrassed for other people. I am pretty sure now that something embarrassing will happen to me now :-)

8. Are you a whistler, hummer or singer?

A very bad singer!

9. George Washington Carver said, "I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in." What is God saying to you through nature today, or this very minute?

Check out my Wordless Wednesday post below!

10. On September, 1, 1752, the Liberty Bell arrived in Philadelphia. What memorable event will take place in your life on September 1, 2010?

My daughter, Kendall, will have her first soccer practice ever today!

11. Taco Bell or the Liberty Bell? (You must choose.)

Liberty Bell

12. Do you believe men and women can have purely platonic friendships? Yes, I do

Wordless Wednesday (4 days of Beautiful sunrises in Tennesse)