Love Dare day 1

Rick and I thought the idea was interesting and much like we tried while he was in Iraq with another book. Well we got to Dare #1 and didn't follow up with #2... So I will be winging it again on my own. I need a little more faith in my marriage and to regain some strength and Zen if you will. So I might be sharing with you all my daily progress. There is a military version too so I will be trying to find that book and read it as well. Because I have no choice but to be HOOAH Military wife for the next year I might as well not make Rick miserable in the process. Of course starting at Midnight the first dare is to not say anything putting down Rick in any way.

The first part of the dare is fairly simple. Although love is communicated in a number of ways, our words often reflect the condition of our heart. For the next day, resolve to demonstrate patience and to say nothing negative to your spouse at all. If the temptation aries choose not to say anything. It is better to hold your tongue than say something you will regret.

my feeling...

is having a hard time being understanding of the Army's needs right now

Autism Awareness

We've run into a new conflict with James. I have been very Autism "Aware" since Kristin and Ryan came into my life and have had it in my life before them. I started to absorb and learn. Why? I don't know why? My love for learning new things, I read things to understand them instead of turning the ignorant cheek. Slowly more children with PDD, High Functioning Autism or Aspbergers, and even one friend of my sisters who has an 8 year old son who was diagnosed at the age of three with Aspbergers but as he got older he started to develop more severe symptoms that was more signs of classic Autism. I remember one event where Chase was so lost and I felt as frustrated and lost as he did and very helpless. Most of the children in my life with ASD have been boys but one was a girl and she grew up next door to me. Those of you who've known me for the life of Bella's mommy Chat remember the issues I had with my first husband. Have to say I have never seen the light in his eyes like when he was a teacher for Aspbergers. These are the memories I have about Aspbergers.. When James my step son came into my life I was told he MAY have BiPolar. His mother said more so than his father. Soon after Rick and I got married James stopped taking his medications for Bipolar. Yet no symptoms of bipolar persisted through some HELLISH times dealing with two deployments between Rick and Rick's oldest son Alex. James had more break downs than bipolar symptoms. Which made me suspect Aspbergers... I asked his parents about his development and neither parent remembered anything significant. I know James didn't want to be branded with Bipolar but his biological mom never stopped with this and often brought it up. Toward the end of the deployment I knew that Rick and I needed help for James. 21 years old with little to no life skills. What he did know I helped teach him. I taught him how to cope. I pressured him into a job. So I decided all my hard work wasn't going to waste. I was going to sign up for Family therapy. So when Rick rejoined the family. I would already have programs in place to help if there was any PTSD symptoms, and as normal most Soldiers have issues rejoining a family and finding their place in the things that had developed since they were gone. I KNEW this would be a major problem for Rick. Within three appointments the therapist already suspected James of Aspbergers and brought it up to me. I jumped right on her band wagon. It took another session to let James know we were branding him with a new diagnosis and what the new diagnosis meant. Unfortunately James still doesn't like to be branded even with what I see as a BETTER diagnosis. He thinks having Aspbergers means your slower or dumber. I have tried to take this idea out of his head but he won't even talk about Aspbergers outside of therapy. April is Aspberger Awareness month and a lot of people have approached me lately about what Autism is. They are surprised as I am about the lack of knowledge with Autism that they have. At the end of March I was on the search for autism Awareness graphics for actually my graphics site and to make things for Myspace. Rick has to write a paper for school about something that effects him. Medical was one of his options. Since he has a lack of knowledge as do many people around me have about James condition. This really upsets James since he doesn't want to know about autism. He doesn't want to cope with Aspbergers. He doesn't want anything to do with it. This is a foreign concept to me. With every surgery I have had which is ALOT, with every diagnosis I have had I submerge myself in research and learn about it so its not foreign thing someone just put on my back. Its a way to see if the diagnosis really does match me, if the treatment is fitting or if there is something I can do differently, etc. I have done this since I was 12 years old. Can you learn to cope and help yourself with this condition without wanting to deal with the fact you have it in the first place? I haven't found a abundance of knowledge about support for Parents or those who are adults living with Aspbergers. Rick found this awesome workbook I think the worksheets can help James and us out a lot if he was willing. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-URL/ref=ntt_athr_dp_Sr_1?%5Fencoding=UTF8&search-type=ss&index=books&field-author=Ellen%20S.%20Heller%20Korin
I am proud of Rick for his willingness to learn and help James cope with his condition. He admittedly wants to learn more especially since we are faced with the chances of the new baby having Autism too.

Its that time again... I am thirty!

Virtual Dartboard

I am not your Virtual Dartboard. If you need something to piss on and go off on then feel free to click this link http://plmpresents.com/dart11.shtml
Otherwise I am pregnant under enough of my OWN pressure and stress I don't need your BS too. If your hurt by me then tell me. If your pissed at me be honest with me but if your just going to sit there and make excuses or smart ass comments I am not in the mood to hear them. I am not in the mood for apologies unless they are sincere. Being sick is no excuse to treat other's like poo. I don't feel good and I can really be a bitch.
I have had medical professionals put me in a bad enough mood the past two days then an incompetent school who doesn't tell me if my daughter is on a bus or somewhere safe during a Tornado Warning? All I know is its time for my daughter to be home and I can't seek shelter and the siren's are going off. I can't go into shelter because I don't know where my daughter is. She is supposed to be on a bus or already at home and an incompetent school can't call parents to let them know they won't release the children?
Do I have someone there to calm my fears? Nope I get smart ass comments then too.
I don't think I act like I piss on the world. I still show care and concern. Since everything I say comes out like I PISSED YOU OFF then I can just sit in time out like a 5 year old and request to be left alone. And you guessed it I don't really fucking care...

A Nightmare called Fox Army Medical

Those of you who have been my readers have read about my fights with Fox early in my husband's deployment last year. Well the nightmare continues. Last year the problem was with the doctors I got placed with and now they mess with my daughter. Ok so you've heard of Bridezilla? I am Momzilla! Don't push this MAMA BEAR or she pushes back and she takes no crap and no excuses. I have been sick nearly my entire life and been in and out of hospitals so much I can usually SMELL a quack. So don't try to push one over on me.

Yesterday... Read the Blog ITS LONG

Today I take Skylar in and 9:30. Nurses are sweet as pie as usual. I even tell them about my issue with the contracted Appointment desk. She goes to talk to Barbara Williford. Now us who have been waiting spouses here in the past 2 years know who she is. I've had my share of problems with her as well. But today she told the nurse that the lady who took my appointment yesterday had already put in her resignation. (Funny how yesterday the Supervisor claimed it wasn't on my file WHO took the appointment) That I was welcome to call her to discuss the incident with her. I saw the name and was like yeah uh huh sure... I would probably get some where faster talking to God himself. I told her not to worry about both Skylar and the new baby would be going off post as soon as I found a doctor off post. She pleaded that Dr E was the best and I would have to wait for a long period of time at any other doctor. I was like oh all right well we will see. Rick is over there falling asleep and I said Don't FALL asleep. I really needed his support. Dr E comes in and does her examination. Now on April 1st when Dr E saw Skylar she had a test on her ears and it came out normal. She had the same test today.. Again its normal. Skylar has been running a low grade fever of 99.? And she has been on Zyrtec and a Humidifier for a week BEFORE April 1st. After April 1st she was taking Zyrtec, Singular, Ammox.. And the humidifier. Still she isn't better and she is complaining about her ear MORE. Dr E told me on the first once she was taking the meds her sinus's would dry up and the cough would stop. Okay. Well she hasn't had a runny nose but she has the dry cough. I said to the doctor her ear infection must be getting worse. She said how do you know? I said well she's complaining more and still coughing. So she checked her ears and she said her ears are both perfect. She has no ear infection see if you don't believe me I will show you and she handed me the graphic (the test results from the test they took that day and the 1st) I wanted to kick Rick in the crotch for not saying anything and not standing up for me after I have felt beaten and battered by These people. AGAIN a waste of my time to walk out of there without a reason... Just here is yet a THIRD allergy medication to add to the other THREE she's already taking. So that makes FOUR medications to be taken over the course of at LEAST a month for a SIX year old RIDICULOUS!
We go to the front desk to get our doctors note we ask for one for yesterday and one for today. They said the nurse has to sign off on it. Then it gets sent to Dr E who refuses to sign off on it. NOW Rick decides to nag. The infamous Mrs Williford who I didn't recognize takes it to the Deputy Commander to sign. She wants to speak to me. But at this point I am VISABLY upset (again doesn't take much for a woman this pregnant to get VERY angry) I pass on talking to her because Rick wants to get Skylar to school and back to work and I know if I were to speak in that state of mind it would get U-G-L-Y....So we wait to get the approval of the doctors excuse from the deputy commander. When I get upset my face gets splotchy and red and so its apparent to many people in the hall way I am just a ticking time bomb. I just keep saying lets get it and GO I will take the absence. I just wanted to leave. I didn't want to talk about it anymore I am trying to control my stress level and blood pressure...
I come home and call Tricare to change her PCM permanently so I never have to see Dr E again. They ask why if I had a complaint. I was like OH YEAH. They said well do you want to tell us about it? I said sure. *chuckle* He said is it a failure of availability. Un professionalism by the doctor or by the office staff. I said UM ALL THREE! So I went through all the same bs again with the Tricare guy and he would put in to get Skylar assigned temporarily to another PCM at Fox which is fine as long as its not TWO of the doctors up there. I gave them my choices and they can pick from that. If not and even if they do I will be taking the kids down to Tricare Standard and going to an off post Peditrician or Family Physician.

I feel so unvalidated that I am just Momzilla and over reacting to the way I have been treated. I am very PTSD when it comes to my kids safety. I am very protective. VERY and I don't like this crap AT ALL.

They are playing with my PTSD in overdrive today now its a Tornado Warning and YUP I am on the computer because Skylar is on a school bus right now on her way home from school.... I would be scared of what I might do if I wasn't pregnant.

This is supposed to be the BEST medical available in the world?

have been stationed in one place for over two years. I have had a BIG share of problems with Fox Army Health Center. During my time as a waiting spouse. I was told we had an advocate that would give us priority. I got disgusted with her BAD attitude and just called the regular appointment line and didn't have a problem for awhile. THIS is after I complained that several doctors refused to give me a referral to a bone specialist to monitor my arthritis. I totally disagree with the way they speak to patients. I disagree with how the patients are treated. I don't think they would get a lot of business in the civilian world. I have been told by a Patient Care Representative. That being a Waiting Spouse I just wanted special attention. I then got a hold of the COL over Fox's number and I had a doctor call me back and just think it was in my best interest if I didn't see a doctor at Fox and go off post for a civilian PCM. I brought this up to some people's attention around post. I was told that is ILLEGAL. I was told I must be making it up or over reacting. I could care less. My daughter is rarely ever sick enough for me to have her seen. I can treat allergies but when they linger or cause discomfort that's when I seek help. On the 1st of April she was seen by a pediatrician at Fox and the Pedi said she had a slight ear infection. She also had allergies that were draining which caused the cough. Give her meds, dry up her sinuses and it should all clear up. So since the first Skylar has been on Amoxicillian, Singular, and Zyrtec. The antibiotic against my better judgement I just don't believe in them but I am giving it to her. Over a WEEK later.... TODAY I call to make her another appointment because she isn't getting better. Her cough isn't going away and frankly I am tired of every time I take her in being told she has allergies and them sending her away. Its a waste of both of our time because she is on Zyrtec almost ALWAYS when a cough starts she gets the humidifier. The moment she has to leave a humidifier she is coughing up a lung again. Today Fox closes early for training. I realized that before I called but I was also told LAST WEEK. If she wasn't getting better to call back and get a doctors note. So that's why I called to get an appointment (for anytime, and a doctors note)I spoke to the appointment desk and as I predicted no appointments available at all today amongst ALLLLLL the doctors and PCM's at Fox. Alrighty then they transfer me to a nurse to see if I could at least get a doctors note for school. The nurse spoke to me this morning on two occasions. Telling me she would REALLY like Skylar to be seen. Each time my pleas went unanswered to the appointment desk. I call the nurse back and tell her they said nothing was available for Friday or Thursday. She looked and there were two ACUTE appointments available for Skylar's PCM (which I would have loved for her to see someone else but at this point I wasn't picky.) Dr. E's nurse gave me the ACUTE appointment times for these appointments. Explained to me they don't show up till 24 hours before the appointment time. I was supposed to call Fox at 9:30 or 10:10... To make the playing field even I decided to chance it at 10:35... The appointment desk decides to ARGUE with me. They have a bad attitude! I get upset and frustrated (HEY I am pregnant it doesn't take anything lmao much lesss MUCH) I try to stay polite and calm and tell her I already spoke with the nurse available at this extension several times and she said there was an Urgent Care (or I couldn't remember the phrase) appointment available at 9:30 or 10:10 that they wouldn't show available to the appointment desk until 24 hours prior. Of course they think I am lying. Don't they always because I call them up every hour just to bug harass and otherwise LIE to these MORONS. She said HMM I will have to speak with the supervisor about it. I said why don't I speak to them? She said oh look we have a 9:30 cancelation for Dr E. YEAH FREAKING RIGHT... NOW who's lying? I made the appointment and she then proceeded to argue between DIAGNOSES and SYMPTOM. I said my daughter was seen on the first she had an ear infection and allergies. She is NOT getting better the nurse wants her seen again. They argue. You don't KNOW she has an ear infection um YES I DO. After SEVERAL phone calls back and forth I get the mysterious 9:30 am appointment that was a sudden cancelation at the same time as I ask to speak to a supervisor. I call my husband to complain. Of course he's in freaking busy army mode... UGH and I call back to speak to THE supervisor and she's JUST as RUDE and DENIES it ever happened. WTH!
ALL BE DAMNED If I trust them with my newborn's health. I WILL be finding a civilian Peditrician... PAYING for a co-pay... and taking both of my kids to them. ASAP!

If you've ever been to the free clinic down town... this is how I am OFTEN treated at Fox Army Health Care... My kids will be going standard because the care could be very dangerous!!! HMO's SUCKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK SUCK
Thank You Mrs Hilary Clinton!

Free Park admission

Disney Parks Celebrate U.S.
Military
With Free, Multi-day Admission to Theme Parks in 2009

http://wdwibc1.wdpromedia.com/ibc_wdw_v0101/media/en_US/content/nextGen/resorts/MilitaryOffer2009WDPRO2R2.pdf

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. / ANAHEIM, Calif. (Jan.
5, 2009) – As Disney
Parks ask “What will you celebrate?” and invite guests to turn their personal
milestones into magical family vacations in 2009, America’s military personnel
will have one more reason to celebrate: Free multi-day admission to Disney’s
U.S. theme parks.

With the “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” offer, active and retired U.S.

military personnel, including active and retired members of the United States
Coast Guard and activated members of the National Guard or Reservists, can
enjoy complimentary, multi-day admission into Disney’s U.S.
theme parks, great
rates at select Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort hotels,
and additional special ticket offers for family members and friends.

“For so many of the men and women who serve in our U.S.
military, time
together with their families is cause enough for celebration,” said Jay Rasulo,
chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.
“We are grateful for their service
and hope ‘Disney’s Armed Forces Salute’ will allow our troops to create
wonderful, magical memories with their family and friends.
”
At the Disneyland Resort in Southern California:
Through June 12, 2009, each active or retired member of the U.S.
military
can receive one complimentary three-day “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” Park
Hopper ticket valid for admission to both Disneyland and Disney’s California
Adventure parks. During the offer period, active or retired U.S.
military personnel
also may make a one-time purchase of an adult or child three-day “Disney’s
Armed Forces Salute Companion” Park Hopper ticket for up to five family
members (including spouse) or friends for the price of an adult 1-Day Park
Hopper ticket.

Disneyland Resort hotels are also offering special room rates for active or
retired military personnel.
For example, at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, active or
retired members of the military and their families may find hotel rooms starting at
$119 per night during value season, with great savings during other times of the
offer period.
This offer is available through June 12, 2009, and the number of
rooms available at these special rates is limited.

For information regarding “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” at the
Disneyland Resort, or to make reservations, military personnel may call 714/956-
6424.

At Walt Disney World Resort in Florida:
From Jan. 4 to Dec. 23, 2009, each active or retired member of the U.S.

military may obtain one complimentary 5-day “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute”
ticket with Park Hopper and Water Park Fun & More options.
This ticket is valid
for five days of admission into the four Walt Disney World theme parks, plus a
total of five visits to a choice of a Disney water park, DisneyQuest Indoor
Interactive Theme Park or certain other attractions.
During this offer period,
active or retired U.S.
military personnel may also purchase up to a maximum of
five 5-Day “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Companion” tickets (one theme park
per day) for $99 per ticket, plus tax, for family members (including spouse) or
friends.
Although this ticket for family members and friends does not include
either the Park Hopper or Water Park Fun & More options, this ticket can be
upgraded to add either such option, or both, for an additional $25, plus tax, per
option. All tickets and options are non-transferable and must be used by Dec.
23,
2009. Actual prices may be less.

Ask about the great rates that may be available at select Walt Disney
World Resort hotels for active or retired U.S.
military personnel during this offer
period.

For information on the “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” offer at Walt
Disney World Resort or the Disneyland Resort, or to make reservations, active
and retired U.S. Military personnel may call the ITT office on their base.

Information about “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” offer at Walt Disney World
Resort is also available at www.disneyworld.com/military.

Through the years, The Walt Disney Company has demonstrated its
support of United States’ servicemen and women through a variety of initiatives.

Disney’s support for the U.S.
Marines’ Toys for Tots program started 58 years
ago – when Walt Disney became one of the original sponsors.
Since 1995,
Disney’s Operation Uplift program has sent over 90,000 postcards to troops
worldwide, thanking them for their service. The company also supports U.S.

service members and their families as a sponsor of the USO and its centers.

Each year, Operation Disney Care packages, containing Disney DVDs, books,
magazines and games, are sent to centers around the world to help entertain the
servicemen/women and their families, Disney Minnie Grants are used to host
family appreciation events, while Disney VoluntEARS donate many hours
participating in local USO projects.

Other Offer Details:
• Complimentary "Disney’s Armed Forces Salute" tickets may be obtained only by active or
retired U.S.
military personnel, including activated members of the National Guard or Reservists
and active or retired members of the United States Coast Guard. Spouses are not eligible.

• Complimentary “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute" tickets for admission to the Walt Disney World
Resort can be obtained only at participating U.S.
military base ticket offices (including at the
Shades of Green Resort at the Walt Disney World Resort), or at Main Entrance theme park ticket
windows.
Those tickets at Main Entrance theme park ticket windows in order to use these tickets
(no more than 1 such complimentary ticket per service member will be activated).

• Please see a participating U.S.
military base ticket office for an exchange certificate for the
complimentary “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” ticket for the Disneyland Resort.
The exchange
certificate will need to be redeemed for such ticket by the active or retired military personnel at a
Main Entrance theme park ticket window (maximum of 1 such complimentary ticket per service
member).

• "Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Companion" tickets for family members and friends may be
purchased only by active or retired U.S.
military personnel, including activated members of the
National Guard or Reservists and active or retired members of the United States Coast Guard (or,
in each case, their spouses, but not both).

• "Disney's Armed Forces Salute Companion" tickets for admission to the Walt Disney World
Resort can be purchased only at participating U.S.
military base ticket offices (including at the
Shades of Green Resort at the Walt Disney World Resort), or at Main Entrance theme park ticket
windows.
“Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Companion" tickets for admission to the Disneyland
Resort can be purchased only at participating U.S. military base ticket offices.

• Military personnel (or their spouses) who purchase "Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Companion”
tickets for admission to the Walt Disney World Resort for family members and friends will need
to activate those tickets at Main Entrance theme park ticket windows in order for those tickets to
be used (regardless of where those tickets are purchased).

• Military personnel (or their spouses) who purchase "Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Companion”
tickets for admission to the Disneyland Resort for family members and friends will receive
exchange certificates to be redeemed by such military personnel (or their spouses) for tickets at
Main Entrance theme park ticket windows (one ticket per exchange certificate).

• The military personnel (or spouse) will be required to present valid military identification for all
ticket transactions (including to activate tickets, and/or redeem exchange certificates for tickets, at
Main Entrance theme park ticket windows). A valid ID may also be required for admission.

• "Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Companion” tickets are limited to five per service member
(regardless of place of purchase and whether purchased by service member or spouse).

Accordingly, no service member (or spouse) will be permitted to activate, and/or to redeem
exchange certificates for, more than a total of five
"Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Companion" tickets for the Walt Disney World or Disneyland
Resort (regardless of whether activated or exchanged by the service member or spouse).

• First day of use of “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” complimentary tickets and "Disney's Armed
Forces Salute Companion" tickets at the Disneyland Resort must be no later than June 12,
2009, and tickets expire 13 days after the first day of use or June 25, 2009, whichever occurs
first.
Last day of use on “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” complimentary tickets and "Disney's
Armed Forces Salute Companion" tickets at the Walt Disney World Resort is Dec. 23, 2009.

• Tickets must be used by the same person on any and all days.
"Disney’s Armed Forces Salute"
complimentary tickets may be used only by the service members to whom they are issued.

"Disney's Armed Forces Salute Companion" tickets may be used only by the friends and family
members for whom they are purchased.

• This offer may not be combined with any other offer.

“What Will You Celebrate?”
Military personnel taking advantage of this offer will find even more to
celebrate during their stay.
Beginning now, Disney Parks is embracing a newly
identified nationwide travel trend called “celebration vacations,” in which
Americans mark special occasions in their lives with a family vacation.

In 2009, Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resorts ask guests
“What Will You Celebrate?” and lead this growing trend with new entertainment
and services that allow guests to turn their personal milestones –a birthday, an
anniversary, Quinceañera or any special occasion – into magical Disney
experiences.

Photo's from Nashville

I will write the blog this evening

If only I still shopped at Walmart

After I retired, my wife insisted that I accompany her on her trips to Wal-Mart. Unfortunately, like most men, I found shopping boring and preferred to get in and get out.




Equally unfortunately, my wife is like most women - she loved to browse.
Yesterday my dear wife received the following letter from the local Wal-Mart:



Dear Mrs.
Samsel,



Over the past six months, your husband has been causing quite a commotion in our store. We cannot tolerate this behavior and have been forced to ban both of you from the store. Our complaints against Mr. Samsel are listed below and are documented by our video surveillance cameras.




1. June 15: Took 24 boxes of condoms and randomly put them in people's carts when they weren't looking.




2 . July 2: Set all the alarm clocks in Housewares to go off at 5-minute intervals.




3. July 7: Made a trail of tomato juice on the floor leading to the women's restroom.




4. July 19: Walked up to an employee and told her in an official voice,'Code 3 in Housewares. Get on it right away.
'



5. August 4: Went to the Service Desk and tried to put a bag of M&M's on layaway.




6. August 14: Moved a 'CAUTION - WET FLOOR' sign to a carpeted area.




7. August 15: Set up a tent in the camping department and told other shoppers he'd invite them in if they would bring pillows and blankets from the bedding department.




8.
August 23: When a clerk asked if they could help him, he began crying and screamed,'Why can't you people just leave me alone?'



9. September 4: Looked right into the security camera and used it as a mirror while he picked his nose.




10. September 10: While handling guns in the hunting department, he asked the clerk where the antidepressants were.




11. October 3: Darted around the store suspiciously while loudly humming the 'Mission Impossible' theme.




12. October 6: In the auto department, he practiced his 'Madonna look' by using different sizes of funnels.




13.
October 18: Hid in a clothing rack and when people browsed through, yelled 'PICK ME! PICK ME!'



14.
October 21: When an announcement came over the loud speaker, he assumed a fetal position and screamed 'OH NO! IT'S THOSE VOICES AGAIN!'



And last, but not least .




15.
October 23: Went into a fitting room, shut the door, waited awhile, then yelled very loudly,'Hey! There's no toilet paper in here!'

Ever see a cat more devoted than a dog?

Skylar fell asleep in my bed after a rough day. She's covered in her big brother's baby blanket and Tink Voluntarily laid beside her (she's awake) and just lying there. I even went to go check her to make sure Skylar didn't pin her down and I rubbed her belly and you know cats they had a knee jerk reaction but tried not to move.lol

My Weird Mood

Yeah I have mood swings I admit it. Some seem stronger than they were before I got pregnant I think maybe I am just a little easier effected by them.

I've been throwing a pity party and just kinda trying to figure things out for myself.

Firstly Donnie IMed me out of no where hte other night trying to be hateful because he's probably jealous and he said it was a deliberate attempt to replace Mackenzie. I mean I would love to have Mackenzie home but its just not in the cards right now. But if I was trying to replace Mackenzie I would have learned my lesson from Skylar.... and yes I heard it then too.... But for some reason his asinine stunt is bothering me.

I guess I feel so disconnected. My two closest female friends are in far off lands lol... and I can't share a happy moment with them except on the occasional telephone call. My family hasn't called me at all. Rick's reaction still isn't what I would like it to be but my expectations are two high and just hates shopping but Input would be nice when buying things for his son.l WHen I was pregnant with Mackenzie my oldest sister was pregnant at the same time (I gave birth 5/31 and she had Matthew 5/24) and my middle sister and I were real clsoe for a moment LOLOL. Then when I was pregnant with Skylar my middle sister was pregnant with the twins so we did everything together pretty much. (Her twins bday is 10/4 and Skylar's is 10/21) Now all my sisters are done with their babies *I think* and I am all lonesome LOL. Its just an adjustment pregnancy I guess I have no family around and my close Army friends have moved or are moving before the baby comes. Every Pregnancy is different and this is one difficult for me emotionally in a new way.

What are some experiences some of you have had being away from Family and friends? I am not new here but I don't have my little groupie of friends anymore lol.

Found this list of Military Songs...

Military Wife Songs
"A Soldies Wife" - Roxie Dean
"The Rock" by Amy-Jayne McCabe
"The Military Wife" - Soldier Hard
As Days Go By (The Love Letter) - Baby Bash




Missing Him/Her
When Your Gone- Avril Lavine
Come Home Soon - SHeDAISY
Where'd you go- Fort Minor
"This is just a dream" - Carrie Underwood
"Goin' Crazy"-Natalie
"Kiss Me Thru The Phone" - Soulja Boy
"Im already there" -lonestar
"Far Away" by Nickelback



Waiting
"Right Here Waiting" - Richard Marx
"Right Here Waiting for You" by Richard Marx
"Wait For You"- Elliott Yamin



Love
"She's in Love With The Boy" by Trisha Yearwood
"Traveling Soldier"- Dixie Chicks
Keep Holding On-Avril Lavine
"Candyman"-Christina Aguilera
"Fall"-clay walker
God bless the broken road-rascal flatts


About/for Soldiers
"I'm a Warrior" - Soldier Hard
"The 8th of November" by Big 'N Rich.
"Hero" - Enrique Iglesias
"Home"-Daughtry
Have you forgotten-Darryl Worley.
"Coming Home"-John Legend
"Red, White and Blue"- Rascal Flatts &Brian Mcknight
"If you're reading this" by Tim Mcgraw
"Courtesy of the Red White & Blue" - Toby Keith
"God Bless the USA"- Lee Greenwood
"Why Angels Fly"-American Soldier
"Why I serve"-American Soldier
Soldiers-drowning pool
"American Soldier" Toby Keith
Riding With Private Malone - David Ball
Letters from Home - John Micheal Montgomery
If everyone Cared - Nickelback
Cry Out to Jesus by Third Day

American Soldier has changed his songs on his profile so "Why Angels Fly" & "Why I Serve" are no longer listed but are great songs.

My New love

So for all you scrapbookers I have an enabler alert for you. Have you seen the cheap quaility name brand stuff you can get from the likes of TJ Maxx, Marshall's and Ross? I mean its probably old news to you but its new to me and why didn't anyone share? LMAO. I got two premade scrapbooks for my daughter and her friend to just stick their pictures in for $5 each.... K and Company!!
So its not cheesy and its quality! WOOT

and what else I found lol
I loove these stores but so far my best luck came from Marshall's Why I have two Ross' Two TJ maxx' and Two Marshall's LOL...is beyond me but hey... More opportunity for these deals.

Calvin Klein Snow Suit retails $44 and I got it for $5

Another Calvin Klein Special lol Pullover, Shirt and Jeans retails $56 & i got it for $7


Polo jogging suit retails for $30 and I got it for $7

DKNY Baby Romper retails for $20 I got it for $5

and this is just Carters but I love these type of outfits that have a matching blanket. I got this in NB size cause I am almost positive little man is going to be tiny like his big sister... So I will have to go back and get the bigger size...
Tag says $24 and I got it for $9.99 and Blanket was $17 and I got it for $6.99

I also got a Calvin Klein Romper I didn't get it out of his storage thing but it was like $5 or $7 (now I want to matching onesies lmao and bibs...)


Oh and this little button down that will look cute with Cords or Jeans with a sweater I bought him on Ebay from Children's place... Don't cha think its cute?
Another Carters Brand for $3.00


Oh yes and Olenka gave me the tip that Ross has Maternity Clothes. I got me an adorable pair of black capri's I can dress up with two blouses I bought. So something cute comfy and Casual I can buy a fancy pair of flip flops and wear to church or everyday... Thanks for the tipppp How did I neglect not shopping there for so long?

Unbelievable that these are all brand new, Name brand clothes cheaper than Children's Place, Wal-Mart and Target.... ALSO cheaper than even most Consigment sales and thrift stores lol....

So yesterday morning we headed out to find a yard sale but God decided to send us rain... so I thought about this one Thrift store or Consignment store that Betty and I happened upon a few months ago... Rick and I went to find it. BINGO its OPEN and I found some little Peter Rabbit Outfits, A Ralph Lauren Romper, Cute baby hats, and Another Blanket set like the doggy one I spent the same amount of money on the used as I did on the new!

People that know me know I don't shop at Walmart I refuse to spend a dime there. I went an over an entire year without shopping there. I stopped wanting to do business with Walmart in Feburary 08 due to their business practices and how they have directly effected the economy and MY life. So yesterday when we went to see this awesome consignment sale they weren't open for another hour but we had driven 25-30 miles. I said Rick lets go to Walmart and just WALK around. I don't want to spend money just walk around the store. I was a little curious as to see if they had any Peter Rabbit clothes like they used to as well. So we walked around Walmart and then we were bored after about 30 minutes and we both still felt confident that our family doesn't go there for business. The prices aren't that much cheaper than Target (I found the same outfit at Target even LOL) Rick and I just kinda laughed off the fact we weren't even tempted by them. Customer Service was rude as usual too.

Our TV's are breaking one right after another in our house so I kept pitching proposals to Rick about getting him his promised Homecoming Present he has wanted. I did the research. I called several techy people. I got a tip that his TV was going on Sale at Target... We grabbed a rain check when they ran out still unsure we wanted to spend that much money at this point... Its a good thing I finally talked him into at least paying for half because we got it for even a cheaper price than the sale price. He played being daddy to his TV while Skylar and I went and had some fun and registered for the few things I spied at Target that Babies R Us or anywhere else didn't carry. Plus with us being Army and all our friends and family spaced out world wide I don't know where they feel comfortable shopping so I have registered at Target, Sears, Babies R Us, and Burlington... Just do a search for my name or contact me for the info...

End of Stop Loss ANNOUNCED!

End to Stop Loss Announced


The Department of Defense announced today a comprehensive plan to eliminate the current use of Stop Loss, while retaining the authority for future use under extraordinary circumstances. This is an important step along the path in adapting the Army into an expeditionary force.





The Army Reserve and Army National Guard will mobilize units without employing Stop Loss beginning in August and September 2009, respectively. The Regular (active duty) Army will deploy its first unit without Stop Loss by January 2010.





For soldiers Stop Lossed during fiscal 2009, the department will provide a monthly payment of $500. Until the department is able to eliminate Stop Loss altogether, this payment will serve as an interim measure to help mitigate its effects.





"Stop Loss disrupts the plans of those who have served their intended obligation. As such, it is employed only when necessary to ensure minimal staffing in deploying units, when needed to ensure safe and effective unit performance," said Bill Carr, deputy under secretary of defense for military personnel policy. "It is more easily rationalized in the early stages of conflict when events are most dynamic; but tempo changes in this war have frustrated our efforts to end it altogether.

"



The department intends to provide Stop Loss Special Pay to eligible service members until the point of separation or retirement, to include that time spent on active duty in recovery following redeployment. Stop Loss Special Pay will begin on the date of implementation, and will take effect for those impacted on or after Oct. 1, 2008.





Stop Loss Special Pay implements the authority granted by Section 8116 of the "Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriation Act, 2009." The appropriation is available to secretaries of the military departments only to provide Special Pay during fiscal 2009.

Don't ever discount a Military Wife

I wrote a blog back in June 07 and it was posted on Myspace as well as here
Army Wife vs Civilian Life On Blogger
On Myspace
About the differences in between Military Life and Civilian Life. Since I originally posted this blog my husband was deployed for a year. I am so happy to have him home with me now. I know I am what would be considered a "lucky" Military Wife. Since we've been married my husband has yes been deployed for 12 months. Went to Training for three months straight. But he doesn't go out to the field for exercises which can be two weeks long. My husband has had CQ Duty and CAO duty. I am fine with that although at times its felt like torture... That's because I am spoiled. I am spoiled by my husband and his presence.

Right now I know I am being a whiny spoiled highly hormonal and emotional Army Wife. But something I've struggled with my husband is his commitment to the Army. He's an extremely commitmented Soldier who feels weird and it doesn't feel right for him to NOT being in formation, for him to try to get the orders he needs instead of what he is issued. If its 7 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday on a normal work week you won't catch him out of uniform. You will be hard pressed to catch him out of his office at all. My husband is dutiful and well in the civilian world he might be your average workaholic a bit. So I am not saying he isn't committed to the Army but I think he can show just as much of a commitment to his family and his marriage.

Hold on... It doesn't compute!! In the bible it says God first, Family (Marriage) second... In the Army its DUTY HONOR COUNTRY.... Where does God and Family fall in. This right they said if they wanted you to have a wife they would have issued you one.
I am not your Army Issued Wife... I've had people tell me that's bull but I truly believe I am not a good Army Wife. I do everything MY Soldier needs me to do (except my crying temper tantrums.) I don't believe I would be good at PCSing hell we can't even agree to move off post! I am a delicate flower I bloom where I am planted. I don't have his dedication to the country. OH I am patriotic but not like Rick. I tell him sometimes I know your brain takes care of the Army so let me be the thinker for the Family. Its so true though because I would go to the ends of the earth to protect our family. This includes All three of the boys, Skylar, Peridot... and the sanctity of our marriage. If that means what's best for this family is to retire from the Army then I don't want it any other way! Rick has been active for over 20 years and he knows its time to pass his cap. His dedication and commitment on the other hand are strong.
Today I fought for him to give me the same commitment and dedication that he gives to the Army. I have asked him repeatedly about an Agreement he made with me. He of course comes to all my OB visits. Then he usually goes back to work. Monday he has CAO duty and school though. So who do you think gets erased out of his appointment book of life? Me.... I am the one always expected to make the sacrifice because there isn't time in the day left for the Army Wife... I call it like it is... He's married to the Army and I am just the mistress. Easy way to solve this is... don't pencil me in. Don't make "dates". "promises", agreements with me when the Army is demanding so much of you the same day. Give me the day when you know you won't have to break my heart. If you don't pencil in the Army then don't pencil in the wife.

It takes a lot for me to get him out of a work day even when there is nothing to do. I can walk out on my drive way any given day and see many Soldiers home with their families that day just because they spent the morning out at the range... Do you think Rick comes home to civilian life after a morning at the Range? No... Not even with a go ahead from the command. He goes into the office and does his job. So excuse me if I still get bitchy.

I must have the military bred into me. I can't recall a generation of my family who hasn't served. My whole life I said I wouldn't marry into the Military. I can't help who I can't live without. Rick is the one I can't live without... if the Army decides I can have him. I knew I wasn't cut out for Military life. Even though I even tried to join when I graduated high school. I watch my older sister who I look up to for her career as a young Airman and Proud Air Force Wife. I try to take cue's from her but its really not me to be like her lol... I've adapted myself into this life to the best of my ability. I am not a perfect Army Wife but I try to do what I can. I try to be supportive even though I have short comings.

Admist all my whining I remember those who aren't as lucky as me and I think so highly of these women. Words can't express it... I laugh though because I know they pretty much have the same answer to the same question I get asked. How do you do it? Our answer is we just do... (Some days like today I wonder!!)

Mrs. Blake Harris. Your one of my Hero's... You don't know me but I went to school with your late husband. I can't imagine my husband not coming home to me. I am sure you push on for your son and I respect that so much.

Mrs. Hasenflu another Army Strong wife who's husband didn't make it home safe. Her husband served with my friends husband and it was a big shock when I helped my friend cope with this. I prayed for God's hand to bless her husband and other's with this unit to heal the wounds of PTSD and let the rest of them come home.

My sister who delievered twins while her husband served in Iraq for a year!

I met a Marine Wife (actually two) They were both pregnant. I got to know one of them fairly well. I sit here and whine about my husband possibly getting called away from my OB visit but this Ooorah wife did all 9 months without her husband there. She delivered without him there. He was in IRAQ! She's super Marine Wife! ALL the way! Did I mention she was also raising her daughter? A little more on this Marine Family OH yes and she's having to do another deployment this year!

One woman I know believes Army Wife is the toughest job in the Army. I believe she may know best. Her husband was in Korea for almost her entire pregnancy and she was raising a two year old by herself. Even in Korea her husband had to go out on field exercises and they didn't have contact for several weeks. My husband was in Iraq and I talked to him all but one day out of the entire year!

Those five wives are just five wives that have taught me that I am lucky. That I have something they couldn't I get to have my husband home when I deliver. HELL I get to have my husband HOME! Those three wives are just wives from my generation of wives... Civilian or Military pick up and read Chicken Soup for the Military Wives Soul or I could tell you stories from other wives like Joe Hoopers widow.. who overcome so much more than I can even imagine facing. Us Wives do a job. We are dedicated to our job (most of us) but nothing stands next to a Soldier. A World War II vet, A Vietnam Vet, A Korean War Vet, A Gulf War Vet and now I've seen the scars the horrific toll on OIF and OEF Vets that do their job and show their dedication toward keeping us safe. We just keep the homefires burning. This is how I get through my day (or try) without self pity...

Are we having a boy or a girl?

Your Baby's Gender: Pregancy Quiz

""

Are you having a boy or a girl? Your doctor is the only one who can say for sure, but you can find out which gender the old wives' tales would predict with this quick quiz based on pregnancy folklore.

View >>

MySpace Generators

Babytobee

BabyToBee.com Telemarketing Opportunity For Stay-at-Home Moms
BabyToBee is a company which offers mothers to be or fathers to be, free coupons, samples and offers. All of the offers and samples are wonderful.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/340500/babytobeecom_telemarketing_opportunity.html

Army Wife Radio They are on my Yahoo Messenger!

Check this out they are on each monday night at 800pm East Coast Time.

www.armywifetalkradio.com/

You can also call in and ask questions plus they have a chat room while the show is on!

Ready to PCS? Tips for you!

I blogged it here..

Helpful info during deployments

This was posted on the Army Moms Cafemom Group... its another way for us to maybe help take some stress off of our shoulders during times of seperation. Heres the article.



Military families of deployed personnel may be able to save some travel money thanks to a new Space A policy for families. As of Dec. 6, 2007, spouses and children of personnel deployed 120 days or longer now can use military transport in CONUS, to/from CONUS, and within/between theater, provided they have a verification letter from the military member's commander.

In the past, only overseas-based dependents could travel to the States or within theater on one round trip. The new policy allows family members, regardless of where they are based, to travel unaccompanied for unlimited times during the deployment when seats are available. Children under the age of 18 still need an eligible parent or legal guardian to travel with them.

"This policy is intended to provide better support for the military families during a deployment period," says Lt. Col. Michael Holmes, of the Office of the Assistant Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Transportation Policy. The travel option is also available to Guard and Reserve families, as well as Navy families whose military sponsor is assigned to a deployed ship with PCS orders.

While many may use the privilege to visit parents and grandparents, the guidelines do not restrict travel to home of record or family-based visits. That makes the policy more equitable and useful, since many people's extended families may not live in their home of record. In addition, some families may find help and encouragement in a visit to friends at a previous base, or through a low-cost vacation getaway.

Space A, which is based on availability, often involves waiting to gain space on a flight (and the government won't cover meals, lodging or other costs associated with that). Even so, families - especially those with children - could find this to be a real boost to their travel budget. A family of four based on the West Coast who wants to travel to the East Coast to stay with grandparents for a few weeks could potentially save up to a few thousand dollars in airline tickets. Of course, there's no guarantee with Space A flights, but for those who can take the time, the opportunity for free flights can be not only a morale-booster, but also a money-saver.

Benadryl Pollen Alert Widget

Freepeats

Freepeats
"Freepeats is a way for parents to get gently-used baby, kid and maternity items like clothing, high chairs, bouncers, swings, bikes, and toys for free from other parents who have finished with them. It's also a way to get rid of baby cast offs without having to load up the car (and the kids) and take them to the thrift store."

Freepeats members can post gently used items to give away on the forum for their city. They can also look at the other items that are available in their area. Arrangement for pick up is made between "giver-awayer" and "taker."

Freepeats is available in these cities (listed here alphabetically in "sentence form" for the sake of space!):

Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Birmingham, Boston-area, Buffalo, NY, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, OH, Cleveland, Columbia, SC, Columbus, OH, Dallas-area, Denver, Detroit, Greenville, SC, Hartford, CT (opens 3/16), Houston, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, FL, Kansas City, Knoxville, TN, Las Vegas, Louisville, KY, Los Angeles, Madison WI, Memphis, TN, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Nashville, New York City, Oklahoma City, Omaha, Orlando, Phoenix, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Portland, OR, Quad Cities (Davenport IA, Bettendorf, IA, Moline IL, and Rock City IL) (opens 3/16), Raleigh-Durham, Saint Louis, Salt Lake City, San Antonio TX, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Tampa, FL, Virginia Beach / Norfolk VA, Washington DC

Freepeats continues to grow each month, adding new cities as quickly as possible.

If you'd like to see some of the items that people have scored from Freepeats, check out the testimonials on the Freepeats Blog.

If you have any other questions, please see the FAQ post at Freepeats.

Lifetime memberships are $4.95. This week, Angie is giving away 10 FREE lifetime memberships! Just fill out the form below for your chance to win a free membership to this fantastic organization that helps so many!

Giveaway ends Wednesday, March 18th at 5 pm EST. Winners will be contacted by email and announced in Wednesday night's dinner post.

Thoughts on Military Life

There are some Americans (Military and Civilian) that get fired up with a debate about Abu Ghraib and Guantánamo Bay Detention Camp. I am open minded and I kinda get pensive with my thoughts. I've come to the conclusion that I feel the way I do because I am still an Angry American like Toby Kieth talks about I guess. I fully support our troops. I am angry about 9/11. I am angry our innocent civilians were beheaded its one of the cruelist things in humanity imho.. They dragged my hero's through the streets of Iraq... OH no they not being just insurgents but being Iraqi citizens too. Yes sooo I feel that way. Anyways...

I support our troops by supporting those who support them. Rick and I were in Nashville at the Opry Mills mall. There is a sweet shop or a nut shop in there that sends their products over to the troops in the form of care packages. All you gotta do is go in there and buy a few things and hand them to the cashier and she sends them overseas to our soldiers. We didn't mind spending some money on our fellow soldiers.

I used to be a bigger fan of Subway subs if I couldn't talk the family into getting their at Publix.... after a bad run in with Subway employee's Rick is more prone to go across the street to Firehouse subs. Guess what they noticed we were a military couple and gave us a military discount! We will go there from now on. Nah not because of the discount but thats why they offer it to bring in more customers. Its a Thank You back for serving us the way they know how. Do you do the same thing? Do you try to buy American? Do you donate money to those serving troops? Do you go into business's that offer a military discount EVEN if you aren't military? Maybe you should think about it and THANK them.. Gratitude means everything.

My Love Language

I feel loved when...

The Five Love Languages

My Primary Love Languages are probably Acts of Service and Words of Affirmation

My Detailed Results:
Acts of Service:	8
Words of Affirmation:	8
Quality Time:	5
Physical Touch:	5
Receiving Gifts:	4

About this quiz

Unhappiness in relationships is often due to the fact that we speak different love languages. It can be helpful to know what language you speak and what language those around you speak.

Tag 3 people so they can find out what their love language is.

Take the Quiz!
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