Say What? One Month Gone!!

We got through the FIRST month y'all!! 

GIRLS: It wasn't horrible (yeah right, it was a f*^&^*% MESS), there were lots of tantrums, from each of us, along the way. They fought me constantly, broke me into little pieces. I cried, and got over it. Sorta. I felt powerless some days but had to keep on keepin' on. It's that shitty part of NOT having your other half to help relieve you from all the drama. I mean, SERIOUSLY, some days I don't know how the hell I got through it all. They broke down, I broke down for an entire week. It was just emotional but it's DONE. 

MARRIAGE: I'm thankful that we have been able to "chat/communicate" every single day since he left. One of the perks to being married to an IT. I 'tried' to keep my bitchin' to a limit, i REALLY did. I knew he was having a tough time too. He wasn't home to help  enjoy his girls/family. And, A LOT happened with family, that made it harder. It's been an emotional time, and I'm sure he kept busy, just like I have to keep distracted. He started to workout too, YAY!! I'm EXCITED, and totally support him from a far!! We also, celebrated 8 YEARS OF MARRIAGE!! Oh, and his 30th Birthday. September is a BIG DEAL and it's the second year we didn't get to celebrate em' together. That's alright, 2013 will be BIGGER!! 

FITNESS: I lost 6.4lbs!! WhOoOooHoOoOOo!! No excuses folks, if you want to slim down, you gotta to put work into it!! Walk, Jog, Run, Lift, Run after 3 kids....all that good stuff, BE ACTIVE!!

Oh, and watching what you eat can help in the weight loss. I'm NO role model in that area though, I had my fair shares of fast food fixes. Yea, I did!! I'm aiming to reach the rest of my goal before heading home for Winter Break! Aghh!!  I'm on WEEK 5 of Les Mills Pump and see some slimming. I was SO happy to have started on the day they left!! I also started bootcamps back up, come if you haven't!! And, I started Moms Run This Town Morning Meetups, it's a fabulous group of ladies! Yaaaaayyy!!! 

PROJECTS: Ooohhh, I crossed A LOT off my LIST!! From organizing to creating to clearing out. It was BUSAAAYYYYY!! I refer to them as DEPLOYMENT DISTRACTIONS and the biggest one happened this past weekend; WE HAVE A GARAGE!! A functional garage, Mama's home gym, I've escaped a few times since then. There's still some work to do, like clearing out a few boxes of toys (mostly stuffed animals). Agh!! I REALLY need to buckle down on my other BIG projects, like sanding and painting!!! 

SCHOOL: Leanna started on Wednesday September 5 and loves being able to walk to/from school. And, Ailea cried every.single.day which only reminded me to search for a preschool. She started on Thursday Sept. 20 at a Lutheran Church School. She goes on Tuesdays and Thursdays Morning, She LOVES it!! It's been BUSY on those morning with an earlier wake up, since she starts at 8:10 and Leanna is walking to be at the gate by 9:00! I've enjoyed my one-on-one time with my baby girl, Serena!! Today, we took Bonita for a walk, it's going to be a regular thing for us, as long as the weather is nice, not rainy. Wet Dog, Gross!! 

I went to the local campus to take their "placement" test for math/reading. Boo!! I need to spend the next couple of week, studying/reviewing, in order to re-test. Hopefully, I get some higher scores!! This is the sucky part, all I need is these final credits to receive my AA!! So close, SO close!!  

OTHER RANDOMS; Social Chair Committee for the FRG, I started getting busy with brainstorming ideas for upcoming events, recently the Fall Festival. We've got a good group of ladies eager to volunteer and a fabulous few behind the scenes with planning. I'M EXCITED!!! 

All these little events are going to make the deployment fly by!!

Wordless Wednesday!

Ehm...Pardon my french.

Emotion Overload.

Ever just cry and cry and cry....and then cry some more?

Well, that's what Week 3 was all about. I can admit, I cried at some point each day, more than once on some of those days. It was a ROUGH week, mentally and physically. And, for several reasons.

I try not to let those BIG things take affect on my attitude, I really do, I throw myself into several things to keep my mind busy but sometimes it's just not enough. It's not enough to cover those pains. I'm a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister, a friend, an in-law to my other family. and A LOT has been going on in those different roles. A LOT. I realized that I am, overwhelmed, emotionally. And, what can I do?? 

Being a Mom is tough sh*t, it's not easy. I can plan ahead all I want, some days it just doesn't go like that. I don't have a husband who relieves me at any point of the day. And, this past week the girls DEMANDED more of me that wasn't there. It was hard, I was upset, angry, annoyed, I cried. Because it wasn't fair to them, the strength had worn off SEVERAL times, and it wasn't their fault. They were used to having both parents to tug at. I had him alongside, when he was home for work, even if it was to "try" to cook dinner, un-interrupted. You know, no fighting between the girls, whining from the toddler who wants to be held, no DRAMA! 

We weren't with him to celebrate his 30th Birthday, 2nd year in a row, THE 2nd year in a row. It sucked! It really, really, really sucked. Who doesn't want to hug and kiss the person they love and wish them a happy birthday?!?! The girls were sad when they realized it, he did call and we did sing to him over the phone. It was special in it's own way. But, it just wasn't enough, at least to me. I cried that night, I was really sad about it. 

I cried every. single. time I thought of her son, because he is the same age as Ailea. And, her daughter, a teenager, aware of what was going on. She was fighting a terrible disease and although it took her from us. It made me realize that life is meaningful even through the hard times. I mean, I already know that. I'm thankful to know that I'm apart of a very STRONG, COURAGEOUS family, both sides. We've both dealt with several family losses in the past few years. And, it's really depressing when I think of it. And, that's just it, I don't think of it. I let myself get so busy with the daily life and hobbies, that I suppress it. I just don't deal with it. Like, when my dad got sick and I was pregnant and helpless. I hated myself, I hated every ounce of ME. And, realizing that he passed away just a month and a day before Serena's birth, made me SUPPRESS it like no other. With all that happened recently, it rose up and bit me in the ass. How stupid was I to not cry and cry and cry and cry...because he passed away. I mean, I think about it, get sad, I miss him, and quickly distract myself. Well, it didn't happen this past week, like now, my eyes are just flowing the tears. 

And, during the very emotional week, I just thought the world was SO unfair to us all. Unfair in the most harshest ways. And, I hated it a lot, I hated myself, for being so hard on myself and letting so much negativity take over me. Given the situation, it's fair. I'm allowed to hurt and be angry at something I have no control over. What I hated was that I could not, the harder I tried, I just couldn't control by emotions. I didn't want to cry because I automatically thought I was weak and I can't be weak, I have to be STRONG, Well, f8ck that. I was weak, and I let everything pour out. And, I felt better after some crying while other times, I was just ready to tackle on whatever distraction was available. 

I wasn't happy with myself during many instances this past week, I was just angry. I took it out on him over online conversations, he let me vent, and that's all I wanted to do. I didn't want him to comfort me from a far. I just wanted to vent, to bitch, to cry and I didn't want him to feel sorry for me. Because, in actuality, I was hurting for him too. He is a strong man, a father and I need to remind myself that we got a good man. And, to not take these little things for granted. I have the girls here day to day and they driving me INSANE most of those days. He would trade places with me, to have that insanity back. He fully understands how crazy it gets with these 3 kids, 3 girls that can be so sweet and then total disasters. I know they miss him, they tell me often. And, we are only almost a month into this deployment. It's just now easy. And, I know I'm not the only one breaking down. So, I thrive to be a better person, mother, wife....for that reason.  And, I take it day by day. Now, I know weeks like this may be ahead, I won't be prepared and I;ll just let the tears flow, like a cleansing of emotions,.....but not really. Everyone needs a good cry.

"I am a woman in process. I'm just trying like everybody else. I try to take every conflict, every experience, and learn from it. Life is never dull." ~Oprah Winfrey

Wordless Wednesday

Homemade Pizzas & Movie Night!! 

Time Management; Get it Done!

Wheww!!

It's been 2 crazy weeks, maintaining a household with 3 kids is no joke!! Extremely exhausting some days. Who else is going to cook, clean, bathe, er play....with them. Leanna started school last week, so...that gives us a routine. Sort of. School starts so dang late, 9:10. We've been walking to the gate, like an easy 5-7 minutes, depending how fast their little legs move. It's only been a few days since school starting but we're kind back into the same routine as last school year.


It's an early start to get things going for the day, for myself, I love to workout. And, I'm back on the weight loss journey, since I plumped up while he was home. With that being said, my booty is up as early as 6 am. The day he left for deployment, I started Les Mills Pump, 13 weeks of lifting awesomeness. Depending on the day, the workout can be between 20-40 minutes. I'm on Week 3. Then, it's COFFEE TIME, black. I've sorta kinda, horribly kicked sugar this month. I'll admit I've had a rough weekend and gave in with some treats and even a little raw sugar in this morning 1st cup of coffee. 

7AM, Time to get the girls going, some days 7:30 and that requires A LOT of patience on my end, A LOT!! Breakfast, with Serena hounding me to nurse her first. Listening to Ailea whine (randomly) and Leanna tell me she is TIRED and not getting ready. She's had a crazy summer of staying up late, or waking up and NOT going back to sleep, and instead stealing phones/kindle to watch cartoons on Netflix. Yeah, it's bad. I actually deleted the APP on my phone and have been hiding my Kindle at higher areas. It drove me CRAZY, really CRAZY!
Once, we get Leanna off to school. All is good. NOT!

Ailea is a mess, Serena is clingy. Like I mentioned earlier, it's only been a few days since school started. I'm still trying to get Ailea into a preschool....Wah!! 

Last week I hosted the Local Moms Run This Town Meetup, glad a friend came and looks like a few more might show up to this weeks Meetup. We also attended a meeting for Moms & More, pretty awesome group. It's a membership group, meetup twice a month, and there's childcare. So, the focus is on MOMS, with crafts, discussions, fundraisers. They were originally a MOPS group but went on their own way a few years ago. I really like what I learned about them and am looking forward to joining!!! Bootcamp picks up this week, tomorrow actually, and I'm REALLY excited about it. I love the routine, PLANKS anyone!?! Shoulders and some HIIT action!
So, that's how the morning goesssssss. Back home for lunch, then Naptime!!

Naptimes, are MY TIME, I clean, workout, clean, do laundry, get online, clean, do dishes, clean...roughly a good 2 1/2 hours, get things ready for dinner. 

Leanna's off school at 3:25 and she brings home the chaos. The girls forget they listen to Mama when she is home. The evening goes QUICK and so does the MESS!!
They terrorize some part of the house while I'm cooking dinner unless they are plastered in front of the TV, then they just destroy my clean living room!! Dinner, baths, bed!! Simple as that. There's some reading days. And, then it's back to cleaning, I give myself 30 minutes to get. it. done. Dishwasher unloaded, and then loaded back up, dining room area cleaning, table, floors, and I absolutely hate it all!! ALL OF IT!! I hate having to do it every. single. day. There's NO BREAK!! No one to take turns with, I think that's got the be the hardest part for me. I had a man, a husband who would actually HELP in raising his kids and helping around the house. Neither of us enjoyed the cleaning part, who does? Really?!!? But, we would take turns by either bathing girls/putting them to bed or tackling the dinner aftermath. Which in our house with our little messy (non-so-much) eaters is horrible. So, I'm hauling ass to get it done. Then, I can get to laundry, my DVR list, and/or a workout. Tonight, it's jumping on the elliptical!!

It's all about TIME MANAGEMENT!! I'll be honest it's not always smooth. Like, tonight, as I'm typing those 2 kids aren't going to bed right away. They are hyped off the candy they ate while I was busy. "While I was busy".....that's why I try to get things done before they wake up, during naptime, when they are put to bed. So, I can give them my FULL attention and with 3 against 1...holy crap, that's not always possible. Things that have made it easier, calendars, visual aids to remind me what the day has planned. I finally completed the School Command Center {above}, with all of Leanna's school Events and the activities we have planned for Ailea. It'll be updated her school schedule once she starts, when she starts. And, then there's mine, next to my desk to match my fitness calendar, and other events that involve ME. 

If I'm not doing my usual cleaning or working out, I'm getting busy on little projects, I refer to them as deployment distractions. This past week I got busy in the garage, still a work in progress. I made space for the elliptical, and took the Spin Bike (whew) downstairs from the bedroom, my little space away from the house madness. I'm planning to add a little play area for the girls with a few fabulous DIY projects. I also cleared/organized the front patio, made it more spacious for the girls to play with and they love it!! And, I made a few more coasters with family photos, not to use for drinks but for display. I really love them. Ohhh, I also got to RUN two days in a ROW!! No knee pain. I was bummed when the doc told me on Thursday that I could possibly have a meniscus tear, not cool. I was reffered to Sport Medicine and they'll check it out , possible rehab. Ugh!! Nonetheless, I got some running in and was super happy, 2 virtual 5ks to add to my race pride!!Y'all keep bussaaayyyy!!

Worldless Wednesday

Here's to another school year; First Grader!!

Week One Down!

"As long as we love him and miss him, Daddy will always be home."

We killed that week, literaalllyyyy. It flew by and I kept us pretty bussayyyy!! I mean, I could pass out right now from exhaustion. What's the reason you stay busy? I'll admit, it keeps me distracted from missing my man. Keeps me a little sane, especially when I start my day with a workout. I try to remain as positive as I can, it's not always easy. So, getting a routine going, is my way. And, it works pretty well with the girls, most days. They sure do have their shares of tantrums, and craziness. I go from; I got this to go find your daddy!! Hah!  I catch a breather when they are napping or asleep for the day. 
There's never a dull moment with these Luna's!

*Deployment Distractions; Special Projects, Organizing, Crafts. I've got a list full of them.

Highlights of the week;

Monday; Started Les Mills Pump, a 13 week Beachbody Program that includes a bar and weights, Mama Lifts. I actually went 10 weeks during the last deployment and loved the results.
We meet up with friends at Waterfront Park in the morning
We made our First visit to Kitsap Play w/Friends.  

[Waterfront Fun]

[Play Kitsap]

Tuesday; Bootcamp Meetup at the Lake. The girls played w/friends. And, I continued to play catch up w/Laaundryyy!! It's never-ending with 3 girls!

[Smiling before Bootcamp Begins]

Wednesday; Laundryyyy Morning! Afternoon Park Playdate. Evening Run at the Track with the girls, Mama got 2 Miles in. It was crazy challenging but it sure did wear the girls out. I want to make it a regular evening routine or every few days but it's just a little too crazyyyy!! I'll stick to my morning routine, once Leanna gets back into her school schedule.

[I didn't expect it to be busayyyy]

[They did alright, those crazy 3]

Thursday; Errands. Ice Cream Social, Leanna met her teacher at her new school. I also FINALLY bought the latest Trey Songz Album, it's been on play every time we've left the house now. I can't get enough of him and loved listening it to/from Tacoma. We went to a  Birthday Party. Deployment Distraction; Made Successful Homemade Laundry Detergent. Amazing Stuff

[Ice Cream Social at School]

[Smiling after a Fun Time]

Homemade Laundry Soap

Click on link for the how-to

Smells Amazing!!

Friday; Bootcamp Meetup at Jackson Park. Hello Kitty Event at NEX. Subway. Deployment Distraction; Cleared Crazy Kitchen Counter!! Girls Night In; Battleship & Vegan Burgers.

[Ready for another Bootcamp!!]

[Big Deal, it's cleared!!]

[Superbaby!]

[Leanna's Banana Creation]

the added sprinkles of salt was not tasty.

Saturday;  Decided to weigh-in I was 2.9 lbs down since Monday's weigh-in!! Felt great!!
Spur of the Moment Hair Cut. Last Minute Birthday Food Items.

[Mama got her hair did. Way too much product but it was fun]

Sunday; Leanna's 6th Birthday Party! This was crazy hectic. And, I'm glad I had a REST DAY from my workouts. I had to make sure I had everything packed to take to the park off base. And, with the girls going every which way, I felt overwhelmed but I got it done. Had a blast at the park. Ate entirely too much pizza! 

[Smiling Girls!]

[Little Pony Party Balloons!]

[Birthday Party Fun]

SO, what does week 2 look like for you?

Have a Fabulous Week Y'all!!

Wordless Wednesday

Happy Wednesday Y'all!!

Hello Again, Deployment!

We sure picked a good one, really, we did!!

The carrier is back out to sea for a back2back deployment. Sure, he only did 4 1/2 months during their last deployment. And, returned home in March. Here we are,.....roughly 4-5 months later, but that also included going underway for 2 weeks in April and then 5 weeks in June/July. A surprise, to say the least. Not really. Watch the news. It's kind of a big deal.


So, I have this husband...he's been in 11 years now...he's an amazing father and a damn good sailor.....I got no complaints. Well, he did leave CLEAN laundry behind for me to put away...

Yeahhh, I was upset that he was leaving.
Yeahhh, I was annoyed almost daily.
Yeahhh, I struggled to stay strong.
Yeahhh, I bitched.
Yeahhh, I had more proud moments because he is a Sailor.
Yeahhh, I realized, several times, that's what happens in the Navy.
Yeahhh, I was secretly excited because I was ready to take my waistline back.
Yeahhh, I was happ when we ate junk food too.
Yeahhh, I still wanted him to be home with his family.
Yeahhh, I cried and felt overwhelmed, still am/do.
Yeahhh, life goes on.

With all that, I still tried to remain positive, I've never really gone through a FULL deployment with SO many kids. It was kind of overwhelming the last deployment; 3 kids, new state, new home, new EVERYTHING!! I survived, I adjusted, I fell in love with everything there was about this place, Washington! I still love it, almost 10 months later. There is SO much to keep us entertained with, SO much. Indoors/Outdoors. I have 3 very active girls, 3 girls who enjoy the outdoors, who love to socialize. It's always been that way, it's important.

We've met some GREAT people/kids, friends.
I'm back on the fitness journey with different challenges and routines, even got the bootcamp back up. Who doesn't love a group of people wanting the same thing, plus it gets you out of the house. FUN!
I've made lists for craft projects; lots to choose from. Let the creativeness begin.
I've got a list of make-overs, organization projects, I will NEVER be bored.

I'm still going to hate to wash dishes, everyday.
I'm still going to feel overwhelmed.
I'm still gonna be annoyed when the holidays roll around.
I'm still going to be sad, that's he's not here with us.
I'm still going to keep on keepin' on.

It's not the end of the world, although, at some instances it sure does feel like it. 
I'm definitely looking forward to homecoming, the girls will all be SO different but one this is certain, they will embrace their daddy with open arms, as if he wasn't gone for so long. 
They love that man, and I am beyond words to how much that means to me.
Because, I love him just as much. We are just so lucky to have him, even if he isn't physically here. We are lucky.

Every day he's gone is just one day closer to him coming home

Tears and Cheers!

Where to start.....

I kind of just want to go to sleep for days but the Mama/Wife dailies keep me going. So, does this little running routine, I've had the joy of taking on for the last 2 weeks!! It's almost time to say "see ya later" to him. I try not to think about it, I don't want him to leave. I want him to stay longer than the last 4 weeks. 

It's Wednesday and he is back to work after his 2 weeks of leave. I've RAN to get away from the "pain" of seeing him leave and the "stress" of being the only-parent again. I know I got this, It's just the first couple of weeks are the hardest. I'm sure 8 months will "fly" by. It'll be "normal" again, you know getting back into a routine with just us girls. 

Leanna is starting FIRST GRADE in 2 weeks, and she might be going to a new school, the one she is zoned to and is only a walk instead of a car/bus ride away. Still waiting on a call back.
She will be 6 years old in a few days, I just can't believe my baby is a little grown girl. She amazes us, talking so mature. Her little sassyness is cute and sometimes overwhelming but that's Leanna. You know that already.

Ailea might be starting preschool in 4 weeks, twice a week. Or, I'll be doing drop-in care again at least 2-3x a week to get her into a "school" atmosphere, she loves going to "school" She is in those Terrible Three's and I'm currently reading "Positive Discipline for Preschoolers", I need a NEW approach for her. She is So different than Leanna was at that age. Maybe, it's a middle child thing, we give her attention but I always doubt myself and wonder how much is enough. She is so brilliant, so smiley, so lively. The book has amazing insight on it and I'm happy so far. 

Serena, is becoming so talkative and knows who "daddy" is. She started saying "daddy" on her own, well, I'm sure it's because she hears the girls call him that. She loves eating too. She is STILL nursing at almost 19 months. Can you believe that?!?! I know, I can't either. It's pretty amazing!!

As for me, I have another blog, where I post all things-fitness related and that's been nice. I've gained roughly 13 lbs since February, some Birth control the rest crazy-eating. So, once again, I will focus on losing those lbs, toning and getting fit. I've also got a few challenges along the way, changing up eating habits, going "clean" and picking up the BOOTCAMP classes. I also joined a local running group, Moms Run This Town. I've got a few races on the calendar, along with virtual races. And, we can't forget school, might-possibly-maybe-going to a local campus. That's going to be something crazy. 

Bittersweet!

Sighss.....it's been a while!

I've been having a rough time, trying to put something in words. 

I've been missing my dad terribly, lately. I've tried to not let it affect family time. All I want to do is be alone, bury my head into a pillow and sleep to not feel the pain. And, that is absolutely IMPOSSIBLE!! I think he notices when I'm falling into that, and quickly tries to distract me and have me hang out with them. Even, though I'm SCREAMING in the inside, I push myself to be with them. I hate it, I hate that it wants to take over, I hate that I can't control it, it HURTS!! 

Fortunately, it's not everyday. It's just some days, some moments, and I feel the pain, handle it, ignore it, move on. What hurts the most if being away from my family. Sometimes, I wish I could just go and visit with them, but that'd make it worse. They are hurting more, they lived with him for the last 6-7years, while I was away living life with my new family. 

I just wish I could still call him, and say "Hi, papi". 

Onto today, it's MONDAY, and he starts Leave for 2 Weeks, tomorrow!! And, tomorrow the ship has their Deployment Prep Event, Go figure!! I've got a few plans to keep us busy!

First, cleaning/clearing the GARAGE!! I want to make it more useful, a little gym, play area!

Finish re-arranging living room and upstairs randoms.

A few family outtings; Lake, Birthday Meal Trip for Leanna....my girl will be 6 years old!

I'm not mentally ready for this upcoming deployment, but it is what it is. Physically, I am. I want my body back. It's kind of hard when he is around to workout or eat "healthy". 

Such is life...until the next post.

Rosanna > Mama/Wife!

I've been in the "transition" between being a mother/wife and being an individual for the past few years. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE being a mom and wife, but sometimes, I just want to be "ME". Who am I?! Well, I'm someone who LOVES to keep active, loves to work and loves to keep busy! When I met my husband, Summer 2003, I was working hard, working out and enrolled in college. I was always on the go, go, go; In fact, he said that's one of the many reasons he fell in love with me, because, I was determined in life. I loved working out and running in the evenings I didn't have class, or squeezed in a night workout after class. I just loved have my days filled with something. Nowadays, I have to make time, squeeze in workouts with my 3 little monsters, it's not always easy, especially with husband on deployment. And as challenging as it can be, I make it happen. I have several opportunities around me; base gym with a child area, housing gym with a playroom, double jogger for outdoor walk/runs, and in home workouts. I started Les Mills Pump to TONE up and have woken up EARLY everyday to get that workout in. I SPIN during Naptime or once girls are in Bed. Life didn't get easier, it got a whole lot busier and I love it!! I found myself, as a SUPER Active Mother/Wife over the last 2/3 years and I've WON the battle to keep it that way!! WooHOOO!!!

Well, Hello there 2012!!

Dolled Up for New Years Eve Party!

Serena is 11 Months old!!

It's been a BUSY Month, to say the least!!! I hardly am able to catch my breathe some days, others I'm going a little more crazy within!!! Deployment is ALMOST over, we've managed to keep busy and busy and busy!! Leanna had Winter break at the end of December and a few days before 2012, fractured her toe while RUNNING in the Mall Play Area, she sported a nice HOT pink Cast for 3 weeks!! Bath Time was NEVER fun but I'm glad she healed and is back to her normal crazy self!!

 Ailea has beeen a BIT dramatic these days; Terrible Two's are hitting hard!! And definitely are NOT fun, sometimes I just want to runaway!! She is my Baby and I hate having to get after her!! She also started going to the CDC, a regular thing I want to keep on schedule for Tue/Thur 2 Hrs in the Morning. Serena has also joined in for drop in care. I miss them terribly but I REALLY needed the alone time. So far, they have been 3 times and I ran twice. I look forward to the quiet time!! And, I'm loving the Outdoor Runs.

Go Texans Spirit [Jan 7]

Home Depot Kids Workshop 

I ran my FIRST 10k in Gig Harbor on Jan 14 in 1:10:34; Resolution Run for Heroes! It was COLD, Rainy and I LOVED IT!!! I have an INSANE Race Schedule for this year and I hope to make the Runs possible!!

Coming up to the Finish Line.

2011 was the year of " Strength and Success"

Goodbye 2011; It's been a year of "STRENGTH" for me; "ROUGH"!! I lost my father Jan 3; at nearly 9mths Pregnant went to TX to be with family for a few days. Welcomed our 3rd BEAUTIFUL Baby Girl on Feb 4, prepared myself for a new challenge of losing baby weight! In April, I began to prepare to move out of our place (of nearly 3yrs), for a Temporary stay in TX, 4 1/2 months while husband was in SD with school. In May,starting logging in my workouts/runs on DailyMile; SO THANKFUL for the DAILY Inspiration & Motivation!! June started the juggling of 3 kids & Work outs; Started RUNNING (husband sent a Garmin Forerunner 305; Birthday Gift) to keep myself balanced w/all the craziness around me; Reached Pre-Pregnancy weight at 4mths Post-Baby; MAJOR!! Purchased my FIRST piece of Fitness Equipment; Spin Bike!! Why?! I sprained my ankle on a late night run; which stopped the running for 6 weeks. In October, Reunited with our Man, Prepared to drive from TX to WA; and after a month of "settling in"; prepared myself for deployment. Lost 31lbs in 2011; At my FITTEST since graduating high school!! I've seen my body change drastically after having 3 babies, and I'm building MUSCLES and feeling FABULOUS!!! Bring on 2012; Another AMAZING YEAR FULL of STRENGTH; CHALLENGES; GOALS; LIFE!!

Uhhmm, Hi!!

Well, it's been nearly 9 MONTHS since I last posted on the World Wide Web!! Don't be fooled, I've been online, wasting time on FB, and other sites, WORKING out and updating that on dailymile.com. And taking care of a new baby girl, she's 9thms now (as of Nov.4) and those other 2 crazy girls (now 2 and 5)! We survived a move from China Lake, drove to Texas (end of May; Crazy roadtrip with 3 kiddos, a dog, hamster and Super Loaded SUV) to spend the summer there while he was in SD with School, We survived. It was TOUGH; So many memories of my dad, so many. Family was different, everything was different. I felt in the way a lot of times, it wasn't home, we didn't belong. The girls LOVED it though, they spent time with FAMILY and that's what's most important. They haven't spent that much time with family ever, especailly Ailea. Serena grew and grew, nursed and nursed. I shredded weight, MAJORLY, struggled daily with making it happen. Joined the YMCA and managed a gym visit while I was in the city then squeezed in a workout (RUN) late night when girls were sleeping. Leanna started KINDERGARTEN in Wharton, of all places. The City was a hassle with wanting info I wasn't really able to get. So, we basically stayed in Wharton from then on. I was sooo READY to move onto Washington; that day finally came and we were on the road for 6 DAYS!! Both vehicles were Crazy Loaded with what seemed like out entire household, we made it to WA on Wednesday Oct 19, straight into our new place (3 BD, 2 1/2BR Townhome). He drove ahead on the last day to make sure we secured the house and made it with only minutes to spare; Wheww!! Household Goods were delivered the following day and so the unpacking began. It's now 2 1/2 weeks later and I'm still making it home,he will checking into TPU next week and head off to deployment. It's going to be rough but at least now we have our own space. Washington is BEAUTIFUL; Cold and Rainy!! I love it here and I'm excited to see more of it!!! :D

BooHoo; Baby Blues!!

It feels like I have the world on my side these days; Beautiful Healthy Newborn, 2 Healthy Active Daughters (19mths & 4yrs old), Happy Husband, Busy Household.....but yet I feel so empty!!

I've had a ROUGH 15mths; A LOT of emotional issues went on. I lost my father on Jan 3rd after a ROUGH recovery process. I didn't even get to say good-bye or be there for my family while he struggled (he was in Mexico visiting family, had a stroke, brain surgery, recovering in a poor environment for roughly 7mths). Feels like my family (brothers/sisters) disconnected during this "recovery" period. I found out I was pregnant just a few days before receiving the call that he had a stroke and might not make it. The whole pregnancy had a lot of sadness for me, knowing of my dad's condition. The fact that my mom told him I was expecting, days before the stroke. It ust breaks my heart looking at my tiny precious baby girl. I feel like he's with her...i know sounds strange but really, I do. I know it's hard to deal with a loss of a family member and its much more harder b/c I'm not with my family. I live in CA and they are in TX. I don't know somedays, I can consume myself with house chores, crafts, girls, etc and other days I let the pain consume me. I feel so helpless in my own skin. I recentl started to evaluate myself; What makes me the happiest. Being around my little family does but even when I'm with them; smigling, giggling, relaxing and outing to walmart, whatever it may be.....i feel so empty. This is probably normal when grieving, right?! Then add post-baby emotions...WOW!! Yesterday, I started my fitness routine which distracts me A LOT but not enough. Well, it's only DAY 2. I'm juest eager to get doctors clearance for full workouts like jogging, spinning and other intense activities. I feel like that will keep me distracted the most. Yet again, how does one deal...it's tough. I'm 26yrs old and I've experience my first family loss, (OH, also lost my grandmother (my Mom's Mother) in June). Like, I said it's been rough, I feel emotionall stretched yet hold strong for family.....

How Many Kids Do Yall Plan on Having??

That's the question my doctor asked while he was trying to determine sex this morning. At that point, I knew we were possibly looking at Baby Girl #3. LOL!! He said it looks like ANOTHER Girl but will be able to determine at my next appointment. We plan on 4 kids total but he insists on 5. Husband was pretty happy at the possibility of another girl. He said he'll be coaching them in softball and volleyball. Isn't he the cutest!??!!!! Whew.....another girl. I am all about girly things...
Baby's heart rate was in the 160s and is growing perfectly!! :D

16wks, 5days

Belly Kicks!!

Well. Well. Well....I've been feeling Baby flutters since I was 11/12 weeks along. When I hit 14weeks, I began feeling more than just flutters...there was more activity in the uterus!! Now, I can PROUDLY say that TODAY at 17wks, 2days along...Baby is Kicking away!! I'm sitting on the couch, laptop across my lap hanging out while he plays a ps3 game. I was chatting on FB. And I just typed it as I felt it, Kick, Kick, Kick! Baby is CRAZY kicking!! Could be the elbow jabbing away but most likely kicks!! I'm soo happy!! I can't wait for Baby to grow more, so I can share the kicking sensation with my girls and daddy. For now, it's only Mama who can feel the excitement :D I have a check-up later this week, Wednesday. And I am soo excited, I'm sure he will do an ultrasound and I hope we can take a peek at Baby!! If not, I'll be A-Okay!!

It's all about the Business, Baby!!!

oh you fancy, huh?

So, .I've been on the job hunt for quite a few months now, applying EVERYWHERE!! When my friend, said they were doing a hiring they at McDonald's I of course laughed it off.. Yeah, I applied online along with a few other fast food chains. I had even had an interview with another Fast Food Chain and never got a call back after the 1st interview. I felt like I was never going to get a job!! I had also interviewed late May with the base CDC and a few weeks later for a receptionist position. Sighs....so, getting a job at McDonald's was silly at first. I interviewed on the spot with several other applicants. The manager said they'd be making call 3 days later. I never got a call on the 3rd day and was rather disappointed. Monday (Aug 23) came along and I received a call shortly after lunch for a 2nd interview.. Ahh, yay!!! Went to the interview which I believed went super well!! The manager was pleased with my eagerness to work, my dependable attitude and past work experience. When I didn't get a call the following evening or morning like he said I would if I got job.,I was a little upset. But I did receive a call in the early evening saying I got the job and scheduling Orientation. YAY!! I was a little embarrassed, I'm not going to lie. I mean, here I am 26 yrs old, with 2 children another on the way (which by the way I didn't mention), I should be working in fast food, should I?!?! Well, a job is a job, right!?! No, I was actually impressed with their work ethics, organization, their everything. I was REALLY impressed and actually excited about working for McDonald's!! I mean, I LOVE McDONALD's...I crave it!! So, I am really excited that they have given me the opportunity as an employee of theirs!! I have video training (about 3hours) tomorrow morning at 7am. We ordered uniform and shoes which should be available sometime during the week and then they begin scheduling 3 hours blocks for training in position. It's going to be challenging and I'm REALLY looking forward to it!!

Your Four Year Old . Child Development Tracker . Child Development . PBS Parents | PBS

WOW, I honestly believe Leanna has been 4yrs old this entire year as a 3yr old!! She seriously has surpassed all of these stages. And I really noticed it...probably..6 months ago..it really amazes me that I have been apart of this developmental process. I am soo PROUD of my beautiful daughter and all the milestones she reaches and surpasses!!

Your Four Year Old . Child Development Tracker . Child Development . PBS Parents PBS