I love my tree's!

I was talking in a mommy loop about my Christmas Tree's so I thought I would show ya'll too.

I don't have all of them up this year *pout* but I have some pictures.

I own 8 Christmas Tree's right now

.. I have my "family tree" Its only two years old its the one that's up now. It goes in the living room and has the presents Then Skylar got a new one for her room that's green she wanted to get rid of her Princess tree since she is too old for that. She is decorating it in a snow theme. I have Charlie Brown tree which is on my kitchen table. Tree plays the Peanuts theme and it came from Amazon complete with Red Ornament. The Snoopy, Woodstock, C.B. And Dog House (with decor) came from Build a Bear. The tree skirt I bought for a Soldier overseas but I forgot it oops! The year before last (I was sick with Pneumonia last year) I had a smaller 4.5? Tree in my small loft. My home was built with two of these ridiculous lofts I am not sure what they are for but they are like department store windows lol. So I stick tree's in them at Christmas time. They are about 10-12 feet up in the air and I have to climb a ladder. One is big enough for me to stand on (with the tree), the other isn't. So on the small loft I have the tree Rick came with lol. He had this tree when we met its a puny tree  I decorate it with patriotic decorations. I am going to have to work on an awesome Yellow Ribbon Topper for it. We have a fireplace background we can put up there and special stockings to hang on the Fireplace. Two ACU and Two are Red White and Blue :) Picture from 2009 Then I have my Daddy's tree I am SOOO attached to I literally fought my ex for it. I have been decorating this tree since I was 12? Maybe. I put it in the big loft because its huge like 7 feet tall and FAT. Its lost two of its limbs in the past oh... 20+ years of its life lol Past couple of years its had a Santa theme to it. I want to try a different theme next year.

Also from 2009, This is right above my front door.
I now have knickknacks in the book shelves and pretty books etc. During the year we have a chair, chess table, huge pictures up there it looks like a Soldiers Den with all the soldier stuff (including an old Vietnam uniform) hanging. Like I said its like a department store window I had no idea what to do with it lol. You can see the tree out the front window. With me having Pneumonia last year I just couldn't get up there and put this tree together branch by branch so I had Rick go to Wal-mart hoping he would come back with a decent tree (I was thinking something different like white) he grabbed me basically a 4 foot silver tree made of Garland. So that was up there last year undecorated. We can't really have Garland type stuff with the amount of cats we have they will eat it and it can literally shred their intestines. Finally we have a 1 foot adorable decorated, pre-lit tree I have had for years because when Skylar was around William's age I couldn't afford a tree and someone from a Mommy message board sent it to me.. I literally put it on my coffee table and went and was able to get her two presents from the Salvation army and that is all we had. So that one is parked on Rick's desk at work. That tree also started the tradition of sending a tree every year to a Service member that is deployed or in Korea. 

So I have my 1) 6.5 foot Green that is decorated with a smorgasbord of Ornaments its in the living room and its the one that holds the presents. 2) I have my 7 foot green that is my "Daddys tree" and it goes in the Large Loft usually. It will have a theme every year. 3) I have my 4.5 foot green that is Rick's tree I used to call it the Charlie brown tree because its pitiful lol. It goes in the small loft and has a patriotic theme every year. 4) My real Charlie brown tree I got real cheap on Black Friday or Cyber Monday this year . 5) Skylar's got her 2 foot Green tree 6) Skylar's old Pink Princess tree I would like to sell its small like her green one. 7) A Silver one which I am not even sure where that is.... Maybe I was so sick last year I DREAMED it lol. 8) My 1 foot decorated table top tree.

I will be on the look out to get William a 2 foot tree also for his room and a big 5 foot or so white tree or a flocked tree. I don't know where I would put it but I want one or the other lol. Maybe for our window downstairs where my desk currently is. I will have to see if I can find a nice one on sale after Christmas. Next year we are planning on going to a cabin for Christmas Day and Christmas Eve.. We are going to rent a cabin in the middle of no where. Have a real Christmas tree, a fire place burning (we don't have one), no un authorized electronics and just live it up in the most basic traditional Christmas

saw on cafemom

Autism Moms Have Stress Similar To Combat Soldiers

By Michelle Diament

November 10, 2009 Text Size  A  A

Mothers of adolescents and adults with autism experience chronic stress comparable to combat soldiers and struggle with frequent fatigue and work interruptions, new research finds. These moms also spend significantly more time caregiving than moms of those without disabilities.

Researchers followed a group of moms of adolescents and adults with autism for eight days in a row. Moms were interviewed at the end of each day about their experiences and on four of the days researchers measured the moms’ hormone levels to assess their stress.

They found that a hormone associated with stress was extremely low, consistent with people experiencing chronic stress such as soldiers in combat, the researchers report in one of two studies published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.

“This is the physiological residue of daily stress,” says Marsha Mailick Seltzer, a researcher at the University of Wisconsin-Madison who authored the studies. “The mothers of children with high levels of behavior problems have the most pronounced physiological profile of chronic stress, but the long-term effect on their physical health is not yet known.”

Such hormone levels have been associated with chronic health problems and can affect glucose regulation, immune functioning and mental activity, researchers say.

In a companion study, the researchers followed up with the same group of mothers daily to interview them about how they used their time, their level of fatigue, what leisure activities they participated in and whether or not stressful events occurred. This information was then compared with data from a national sample of mothers whose children do not have disabilities.

Mothers of those with autism reported spending at least two hours more each day caregiving than mothers of children without disabilities. On any given day these moms were also twice as likely to be tired and three times as likely to have experienced a stressful event.

What’s more, these moms were interrupted at work on one out of every four days compared to less than one in 10 days for other moms.

Despite all of this, mothers of an individual with autism were just as likely to have positive experiences each day, volunteer or support their peers as those whose children have no developmental disability, researchers found.

“On a day-to-day basis, the mothers in our study experience more stressful events and have less time for themselves compared to the average American mother,” says Leann Smith, a developmental psychologist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison who worked on the studies. “We need to find more ways to be supportive of these families.”

In particular, the researchers say that parents need better respite options and flexibility from their employers. Further, they say, programs to help manage behavior problems can go a long way toward improving the situation for mothers and their kids alike.

Wifey Wednesday

I have an Army Wife friend of mine I met when we were stationed here at Redstone together. I am not going to call her out by name because I am not sure she would be comfortable with that. Plus it might be a violation of girl code lol.  ;D I see with what view I have the relationship she has with her Soldier, Her Hero, Her husband. I think they have been together a long time and she knows her job is to be a good wife (help meet) and mother. I was intrigued and read her blog quite a bit. A good help meet, house wife, working mother.. .whatever plan God has for me I think that is what I should strive to be. Also in church Pastor Mark talks a lot about being submissive (not in a bad way) to our husbands. I have to wonder perhaps though. Without striking the word of God but what if that isn't our position in our family life. What if our husband doesn't function at 100% Maybe he functions better when we are 50/50? Then what then? My husband has ADD, Short Term Memory Loss, and PTSD from his time in Iraq so certain things I am expected to step up and just do. So I wonder is THAT how I am a good Help Meet? Some people say I should just step back and let him take control and if I have faith in him he will be able to juggle it all. I am not sure that is what God is asking. I could never see myself being June Clever or a Stepford Wife. But I would like to be better than I am I just feel like under my current circumstances I am stretched pretty thin. I know I can gain strength from that and eventually not feel so stretched with faith and prayer. 

I am just exploring these thoughts and wanting to know more about what it says in God's word and what would work best? Am I doing this wife thing all wrong?

Adult Bullying

 
So We're All Sensitive Military Wives Huh?<~~ Read this post then come back here for a vent...
There are four videos at the bottom of the blog :)

Then check out the Overly Sensitive Military Wife page to see if I am posted on there haha!

I agree with this post 110%. With everything that is out there right now about bullying. I think this type of activity and the same type of activity on http://youarenotaphotographer.com/ or their sister site http://youarenotagraphicdesigner.com/ is breeding bullying. The people that think this is "cute" could possibly condone their own children bullying others. To them it may not be bullying when their child snatches another toy from a kid at the playground or on a play date. Not teaching your child to share or manners is condoning bullying. So yes these three sites are in my opinion Cyber Stalking and Bullying. I just LOVE that NOT! I think all three of these website/blogs are demeaning. I personally don't have an expensive DSLR camera I have a tiny pitiful point and shoot. So I am not trying to impersonate a photographer. Well I guess because this new photographer only charged me $25 that means she is a phoney photographer that she doesn't have talent. So wait?? If you don't charge a buttload of money then you must not be the next Anne Geddes, Kim Anderson, Ansel Adams? EXCUSE ME! I think there is enough bullies in our world without certain people to be tearing other people down. I think adults who act like this are the ones who raise bullies themselves.

If I do get a DSLR from Santa this year I will not be a professional or even semi professional photographer that's NOT what I am trying to do. Btw that webpage makes fun of Military wives who choose to try and make a living off of photography when let me tell you what its hard enough for Military Wives to keep a career when we are supporting our man. So they can CHILL out. I think by getting a DSLR and offering inexpensive services they may not be a professional but maybe someone DOES like their work and is willing to pay for it. Maybe they can improve and become a talented photographer. Why tear that down because I can't afford to go pay a $200 sitting fee? If there is a military wife (or civilian lady) out there with a DSLR and a fan page, photography blog that wants to aspire to become Anne Geddes why must people tear her dreams down? Its a free country. She may not have taken Photography classes but I've been told by high priced photographers that you don't have to they would rather you not waste your money on expensive classes there is too much free information out there in books and on youtube on how to correctly use your Camera and software even for Point and Shoots. You may have your fancy DSLR camera and want to grow and learn. So your like how a Private is in the US Army he isn't ready to lead, fire a gun, or save a life yet and your not ready to shoot pictures for the White House but could you one day be a General or a Highly Paid Photographer for New York Times YES you can! Whether your doing it on your own or you work at Sears. You GO girl!

Now for the Overly Sensitive Military Wife. I was called that pretty much on that second webpage link up there. I have a ACU hand bag (actually two!) I wear Army Sweatshirts, T-shirts and even a sweat suit. I wear my husbands PT shirt to bed (NOT outside) and I don't wear his uniform. Oh yeah and my car shows my pride too so that makes me overly sensitive. I think the people who contribute to Overly Sensitive Military Wives Facebook page, You are not a Photographer, You are not a graphic designer need to mind their own damn business.

In the past few months I have had my work basically made out to be trash when the people who were trashing my work (I do graphic design) I have been doing it longer than most of them have been out of high school. I deleted my professional page just because I can offer my services, I have a blog, word of mouth can get me business but all be damned if I catch my work on YOU ARE NOT A GRAPHIC DESIGNER to be bullied by immature idiotic adults.

My definition of an Overly Sensitive Military Wife is the one's who whine their husband is in the field, has duty, is on their millionth deployment. Its all PART of their job. An Overly Sensitive Military Wife whines the military comes before them. Yes its a sacrifice and it sucks. My husband did it for 24 years and my son did it for 4 more years. I am sorry your husband (husband of an Overly Sensitive Military Wife) missed your birthday and didn't get to call you when you had a bad day but so and so's husband didn't come home from Iraq or Afghanistan at all. There are over 3,000 of those! I am sorry that you had a Migraine yesterday but so and so had to have her entire pregnancy without her husband and give birth on her own. THAT my dear is an overly sensitive military wife!

May 2009

Thankful Thursday

You know I've struggled with depression and probably worse but I am just thankful that on this December day I know what to be grateful about. I don't make excuses for my cannot's because there is no such thing as a can not Luke 1:37 “For nothing is impossible with God”  I haven't gotten this far by saying I can't that is for sure. I have had faith and after each beat down, low blow, kick down fight the devil and life dishes out at me I dust myself off and regain my faith and strength. Without my faith I would waste away to nothing. Challenge yourself for the new year and don't say things negative unless you can say 10 positive things before it! 

Thursday Thirteen

I was doing this for a survey on Chatty Chicks and it was therapeutic so I decided to put the play list at least partially on my blog

1. Britney Spears ~ Stronger
2. Demi Lovato ~ Skyscraper
3. Eminem ~ Not Afraid 
4. 3 Doors Down ~ Let Me Be Myself
5. Avril Lavigne ~ Nobody's Fool
6. Mariah Carey ~ Through the Rain
7. Avril Lavigne ~ My Happy Ending
8. Ashlee Simpson ~ Pieces of Me
9. Reba McIntyre and Faith Hill ~ Sleeping with the Telephone
10. Whitney Houston ~ I'm Every Woman
11. Meredith Brooks ~ Bitch
12. Katy Perry ~ Firework
13. Limp Bizkit ~ My Way

Linked up here

Mom Organization

So I got an email about Hatchedit.com I am not sure if you've heard of it or not but I was interested so I registered with this free website. I've tried Cozi, I've tried a personal website, I've tried Google/Yahoo Calendar and I have tried the hard copy regular as well as the "mom" calendar. For the longest time I had a planner like the one above I would tote around and a bigger one on my desk. Why not go green and give Hatchedit.com a try. The thing I like about it is I can put in the RSS feed from my favorite blogs and news feeds. I can also put creative ideas on my Curate. So I am a member of Pineterest and I save all kinds of ideas now I have a landing place for those ideas. No one wants to be more organized than me. I have a forgetful husband and sons who don't communicate well. Plus I not only have to keep up with the 3 other adults lives I also have my two small children and four cats. So clearly I NEED a calendar that can help me juggle all this!

Black Ops Cocoa

Every morning we walk my daughter to the bus stop. Since the bus stop is where we found Cocoa she goes with us most mornings. When she is inside she is relaxed and just a lovey dovey cat. Outside her ears are back and she is on alert. Rick had been laughing about her maneuvers for awhile. I said you know its like she is in Special Forces or something with the dark fur around her face lol. I said she is Black Ops Cocoa!

TMTT Holiday :)

I thought I would share these links I got from a Mommy Email Group I am in

I have not started to try the links :)

I have not tried the links

Christmas Recipes

Below are some of our holiday favorites! If you'd like to contribute to this database of Christmas recipies, send your recipe to webmaster@xmasfun.com. Be sure to include your name and we'll give you credit.

Appetizers & Drinks California Dip
Cheese Ball
Christmas Punch
Christmas Quesadillas
Cranberry Punch
Holiday Soda
Lowfat Yogurt & Salsa Dip
Pineapple Cheese Ball
Real Egg Nog
Russian Tea
Sangria
Breakfast Holiday Breakfast Casserole
Holiday French Toast
Holiday Morning French Toast
Candy Festive Fudge
Peanut Brittle
Peanut Butter Balls
Wild Turkey Candy
Cookies Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars
Easy As 123 Peanut Butter Cookies
Ginger Snaps
Gingerbread People
Sugar Cookies
Tus Toffee Cookies
Wedding Cookies
Desserts Cherry Creamcheese Pie
Chocolate Cherry Cake
Chocolate Chip Pie
Christmas Trifle
Christmas Trifle 2
Cinnamon Spice Cake
Jelly Roll Trifle
M & M Chocolate Chews
Mary's Lemon Cake
No Crust Peach Cobbler
Orange Brownies
Pumpkin Roll
Refrigerator Custard Cake
Simple Candy Cane Cakes
Snow Cream
White Cassis Cheesecake
Dips Spinach Dip
Entrees Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Side Dishes Baked Corn Casserole
Candied Yams
Chunky Apple & Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry Jello Salad
Green Beans With Tomatoes and Herbs
Orange Praline Yams
Sweet Potato Casserole
Whole-Berry Cranberry Sauce
Snacks Cranberry Nut Bread
Date-Nut Bars
Merry Berry Cheese Bars
Popcorn Cake
Poppitycockle
White Chocolate Haystacks

Tuesdays Blog Prompts and more

Blog prompts for Tuesday

Blog prompts from Paper Coterie http://www.papercoterie.com. Get a $38.00 credit by using the code BeAThankful

Tuesday's prompt is


Here's a fun creative challenge. Photograph your friends' and family's favorite landmarks in your neighborhood. The spot where you met your best friend. Your first kiss. Your favorite cafés and restaurants and what you like to order. The place where you spend most of your time. If you're like us. . . it's in your car. 

You can capture and share these photos, captions, and thoughts with loved ones and friends when you're finished.
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Conversation Starters and Blog Prompts


Try this link http://www.creativity-portal.com/prompts/imagination.prompt.html
What was my favorite vacation or trip ever -- list 10 reasons why
10 types of food or dishes I've never eaten that I'd like to try
Do you like progress?
What sets you apart from the crowd?
List 10 things you want to accomplish before it's too late.
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Blog Meme's, Hops and Carnivals

No host for this one i just do it because I like writing about my cats lol, I am not fond of the graphic either I might have to make a new one or have one made.

Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays

Post it Note Tuesday

Learn Something New Tuesday

Ten on Tuesday

In My Neighborhood Tuesday

Tackle It Tuesday

Tune Up Tuesday (Inactive Linky)

Toot Your Horn Tuesday

Ruby Tuesday

Silly Monkey Stories

TMI Tuesday

Toddler Talk Tuesday

TIPSy Tuesday

To-Do Tuesdays

Tunes Tuesday

True Story Tuesday

Two 4 Tuesday

That's my Answer

and other random meme's listed here
http://www.3garnets2sapphires.com/2008/08/blog-meme-listing-miscellaneous-memes.html