Stressed.... but still Blessed :)

It has been a lovely day, despite the weather outside.  At least, my outlook was sunny this morning even though it was rainy outside.  I love Thursday!  It's Bible study morning at my church.  We are currently doing Beth Moore's study on the life of David.  Very good study.  If you haven't gone thru it, do so.  If you have, do it again if you get the chance.  :) 

This is what I wore today:

Wow...I had my picture taken in a different spot in my living room.  Imagine that!  LOL  Today, my official photographer was my 14 year old son, Daniel. 

Felt great, looked good.  Had a fabulous time at the study.  Lunch was nice (at home with Daniel, who stayed home with a stomach virus).  Worked on dinner for tonight (enchiladas and Ranch beans) and did a little housework.  Spent some time watching tv (DVR'd shows I missed last week) and played on my phone a bit.  Then, hubby came home. 

Hubby coming home is a good thing.  Really.  It wasn't him coming home that sent my mood from sunny to sour.  It was the discussion we had.  Tomorrow is April 1.  His last day being gainfully employed is May 31.  We went over his paperwork for retirement and all the "other stuff" that goes with retiring from the military.  The hard cold reality hit.  And, it hit hard.  Right between the eyes.  I couldn't breathe for a second or two or three.  Almost cried.  Told hubby that "I hate this."  He understood.  He's not exactly thrilled either.  We know God will see us through.  We know we aren't supposed to worry.  But.... we have two months remaining.  Then what? 

I am working really hard at not letting this stress me too much.  I really don't want the kids to know.  Also don't want to let it rule my life.  Some days, this is so hard.  Today is one of those days.  Tomorrow will be better.  Prayer helps. Then I "fish"...I cast my cares onto Him... and then I pull them back in...and cast again, and reel them back....  It's a vicious cycle.  I need to do what one of my former pastors said.  I need to cast and cut the line so I can't pull it back in. 

Did you notice I was MIA yesterday?  It was my first full day home and I was a busy Mom.  Didn't even take the laptop out of the case until a few minutes ago when I pulled it out to blog.  Unreal, but true.  This is what I wore yesterday:

I really liked my make up yesterday...

Take a look:

The good news is, I made it home safely from my trip.  Had a FABULOUS time with family while I was gone.  And, we have a new to us vehicle.  It's soooo nice to be a two vehicle family again.  It was wonderful to spend the time together and it was good for our family to compromise and work together the past year with our schedules.  But, to have the luxury of two vehicles is incredible.  My hope is we don't forget how blessed we are and how far we have come this year.

Coffee:  Gevalia Royal Vinter Spice.  New to me flavor.  Quite good.  Simply needs a spash of cream and a bit of sweetener. 

Writing:  None today.  Probably none for the next few days.  However, my mind is whirling with ideas.  :)

I've Made A Discovery

It's true.  I have made a discovery.  And, must admit I'm a bit surprised by this discovery.  Are you ready?  Here it is:  I do not like travelling alone.  Flying alone wasn't a problem. However, I do not like driving alone for two days. It's not the driving part that I mind.  It's the alone part.  I am accustomed to having people with me constantly.  I am a people person, so this is a good thing.  I like being alone - when I so choose.  Enforced aloneness, not so much.  I can't text while driving.  I can't FaceBook while driving.  I can't blog while driving. And, let's face it, talking on the cell phone - even with the speaker - isn't a good idea.  So, I've been forced to be all alone.  Me, myself and I.  I. Do. Not. Like. This.  Just thought you should know.  Strange for a girl who lived alone before getting married and LOVED it.  Oh, but I CHOSE it then...and had people over when I didn't want to be alone. 

Which brings me to my next point:  I am soooo excited to see my family tomorrow!!  Even though I have spoken with them daily - sometimes more than once - I missed them so much.  It will be wonderful to hug my 5 boys (hubby and 4 sons) and pet the dogs.  Even Benji.  Benji, my mini schnauzer that I love to distraction, was a bad boy today.  He's apparently very upset that I've gone missing.  So, today, he peed in the middle of our bed.  I foresee a doggie who isn't allowed upstairs again for a while.  *sigh*  Thank goodness for a washer/dryer and multiple sheet sets. 

I'm sure by now you are wondering about my trip.  I had a lot of fun!  Did my best to divide my time evenly between the two families.  Had tons of fun with both, talking and laughing and just spending time with everyone.  That's the best.  Saw a childhood friend.  Attended my childhood church - and even played hymns for service. I really enjoyed my time with my parents.  Haven't had uninterrupted time with them for years.  It was nice to be able to sit and talk and not worry about anyone "needing" something every 15 minutes.  Simply put, I had a wonderful trip.  All that's left is to drive the remaining 400 miles home tomorrow.  My plan is to leave E.A.R.L.Y.  - yes, even I am laughing at that statement.  I love to sleep in.  However, I plan to set my alarm.  I plan to get up when it sounds!  Starbucks is nearby.  :)

OOTD:  I must apologize as I didn't take any pictures while I was home - OOTD or otherwise.  I spent too much time talking!  Imagine that.  Me?  Talking too much?  Never!!  Ha ha ha hahahahahaha!!  :)

Coffee:  Lots.  With either creamer or milk and sugar substitute.  Copious amounts of it consumed daily.  Tomorrow will be more of the same.  However, I must confess to longing to be home, sitting on the deck, sipping Gevalia with Trader Joes Organic Half & Half and talking with hubby or a friend.  :)

New installation:  Writing update:  I am currently attempting a children's book.  A friend's daughter has read it and likes it, so I'm feeling energized and plan to continue.  And, today as I was wandering thru a bookstore, I thought of an idea for a novel that combines some of my favorite things; the main one being food.  We'll see what happens. 

I've heard it takes 21 days to develop a habit.  I was finally blogging daily...and then stopped due to my trip.  Now to get back into blogging again and adding other daily writing into the mix.  Oh my....

Weary Traveller

Today is THE day!!  I am on my way to see my in-laws and my parents and any other family members who come to see me while I am at their houses.  Can't wait to get "home" and see everyone.  It's going to be a quick trip, but I plan to enjoy each and every moment I am there. 

So far, I've had a wonderful day.  Precious time with hubby this morning.  I miss my boys - all 5 of them - so much.  Even though I know I will have a good time on my trip and that they will be fine at home without me, I miss them and wish we were all travelling together.  I'm SUCH a Mom, huh?  Wouldn't trade it for the world.  :)

Arrived at the airport in plenty of time and was helped by a very pleasant gentleman at the United counter.  He took my confirmation numbers, printed all my tickets for me and tagged my luggage.  Yes, I know I'm only going on a 5 day trip, but a girl needs options and shoes.  Lots of shoes.  Anyway, had plenty of time to get thru security (minus the pat down, which I've learned I paid for and didn't get.  Where do I request a refund of that fee??  LOL)  and to my gate.  Uneventful flights thus far from Norfolk to DC and DC to Charlotte.  Praying for the last one to be as uneventful.  Seriously.  I pray each and every time I get on a plane.  I pray for the pilot, co-pilot, attendants, passengers, weather, safety, you name it...and continue to do so off and on for the entire flight...with a prayer of thanks when we land safely. 

The aiports have been interesting....strike that....boring.  The worst part of travelling alone.  Dulles requires you to PAY to go on-line.  Needless to say, I didn't pay $8 for the priviledge of going on-line for 2 hours.  Seriously? I just used my phone.  Battery power is almost gone and I haven't taken an OOTD photo yet.  Oops. 

Had the fun of eating a Cinnabon earlier.  I haven't had a REAL cinnabon since leaving TX back in 2007.  I forgot how much I love them.  But, since I'm working very hard to lose weight, I'm GLAD I can't easily get one in VA.  :) 

Me sitting at the airport, waiting to go to Huntsville, AL.

Me in the bathroom, only way I could get an OOTD today.  LOL

OOTD is the following:  Top by
Sweater by Ann Taylor Loft
Slacks by Banana Republic
Boots by 9 West

Coffee by Starbucks all day.  Grande brewed coffee in a Venti cup so I can add lots of fat free milk and a small splash of half & half.  Food has been sporadic at best.  Trying to make good choices (with the exception of the Cinnabon, of course) for the most part.  Eating sandwiches - minus mayo and most of the bread.  Boring, but hey, I want my waist to continue to shrink during my trip, not expand! 

Will attempt to chronicle my adventures over the next few days so I can post an update on Monday.  Earlier if I get the chance.  No internet access at inlaws or parents houses.  *insert crying face here!!!*

Busy Wednesday...A-A-A-Achooooooo, *sniff, sniff*

What a day!!  I started my morning by dropping hubby at the bus station and then being the first in line at Noah's Ark Grooming to drop off my mini schnauzer for a VERY needed hair cut.  He is so cute now!!
Here he is with "Daddy".  Benji would not pose for a picture tonight without help.  LOL

                                                               Aren't they sweet?

Since I did all my errands (minus Benji) yesterday, I was free to clean house today.  My list was as follows:  Bathe Sam (he doesn't need clipped), SCRUB bathtub, clean all 3 bathrooms, sweep kitchen and entry, declutter downstairs, dust, vac...and the grand finale:  clean and rearrange my bedroom.  I promised myself I would do everything else first so if I didn't get to the bedroom, I would still leave the house in good order.  I put on some 80s music (love the music channels on tv) and got busy.  Worked from 8:00 - 10:30 and accomplished my tasks!  Then, I started on the bedroom.  I won't describe it.  Suffice it to say, one room took me 4 hours to clean and rearrange....and made my allergies go into high gear.  A second claritin and a few hours later and I felt better. 

Tonight was church.  Wonderful night.  Afterwards I took the boys to Sonic for a snack.  Had a bit of a "discussion" with them as they were not being kind, polite or even encouraging to each other.  Why do they think it's appropriate to belittle each other?  I just don't get it.  Maybe it's been too long since I was a teenager.  *shrugs shoulders*

This was today's OOTD - be warned Patrick and I were being silly.  I thought I'd share a funny pic with you today.  Enjoy!


Top by Essentials
Sweater by New York & Company
Capris by Ann Taylor
Shoes by Avon

I felt like an updated Audrey Hepburn today - with color pieces added vs. all black. Think of her in Sabrina.  Love that movie, love her classic look and style. 

Coffee:  Le Procope with splenda and half & half.  Perfect.
Dinner:  Whole wheat penne with home made spaghetti sauce and garlic bread. 

That's it for tonight and possibly for the next week...depending on how/when/where I'm able to access the internet on my trip.  Enjoy, be safe and God bless!!

Cloudy Tuesday

It was so nice being able to post my blog before 10 pm yesterday that I'm going to try this again.  I started my blog yesterday morning and added to it throughout the day, edited quickly and VOILA! posted early.  This may become a trend. 

This morning, after transporting hubby to the bus stop, KLOVE on the radio, I was inspired by the beauty of Virginia Beach as Spring arrives.  The Bradford Pears, the cherry blossoms, the daffodils are all beautiful.  But, even more, the GREEN that is showing up all over makes my heart sing!  The budding trees, the grass, the growing flowers.  God's majesty is everywhere!!  Yes, praise and worship happened in my van early this morning. 

My plan for today was to get a few things accomplished in the house and then run errands.  When folding the laundry, I got bogged down as it was MY laundry.  (I wash my things separately from the guys clothing for obvious reasons.)  I started thinking about my upcoming trip and what I am going to wear.  I spent almost 2 hours trying on outfits and seeing how many ways I could style the new pieces I recently purchased.  My apologies now to the baggage handlers Thursday afternoon/evening.  There will be a heavy piece of luggage going to Alabama.  Sorry.  I have too many things I want to take "just in case".  A girl has to be prepared, right?  :) 

After 3 hours of mixing, matching, trying on and debate, the following will be packed:  3 pants, 1 skirt, 3 dresses, 5 (or 6) tops, 2 cardis and 4 pair of shoes.  I will be wearing the 5th pair.  The travelling outfit is yet to be decided, but has been narrowed to two outfits, one with pants, the other a dress.  I'm sure the weather will decide which I wear Thursday. 

Finally finished with the clothing dilemma, got off the computer and ran errands.  Picked up everyone from their respective places - those who were where they should be (hubby at the bus stop, two eldest at the Rec Center) and those who were where they shouldn't be (#3 missed the bus, #4 had no key and was at an approved neighbors house, but neglected to CALL us...why did we get him a cell phone if he's not going to use it for its intended purpose???  Child had it OFF....  *sigh*)

Came home, fixed dinner, ate and ran out to do more errands.  Hubby and youngest went along for company. The youngest loves to play.  Hubby thinks he's still 13 with him.  They decided (after much bickering) to have a race as we were leaving the NEX.  Just after they started running, I blinked.  When my eyes opened, I saw hubby hit the ground.  Somehow, he fell forward, rolled and ended up with his foot caught in the cart corral.  He hurt his hands (bleeding palms) and scratched his knee (but didn't tear his pants?) and, of course, is sore from falling. He limped to the van.  We laughed all the way home.  :)

Here is today's OOTD:

Top by Wet Seal

Sweater by Croft & Barrow (tired of this one too??)

Jeans by Gloria Vanderbilt

Ankle Boots by 9 West

The above photo was taken by Patrick, my 13 year old son and official photographer.

The below picture was taken by my husband on our deck.  It's a bit bright, but I love the view behind me!

Below is a pic of me in the van after I bought a new color of lipstick today.

My friend Kara recommended not only this color for me, but also the way to check it - either by a window in natural light or in the rearview mirror after you leave the store.  Obviously, I couldn't wait to try it!!

Messy hair, but CUTE lips.  :)

Oh, and you can see some of the detailing around the collar of my top.

The lipstick (I know you are wondering) is Are You Red-dy by Maybelline.

Purchased at Target.  GREAT price.  :)

Next lip color will be Maybelline Very Cherry.

Oh...for all you make up types...both colors are from Maybellines color sensational line.  :)

Coffee today was Gevalia's Le Procope.  I really enjoy this coffee.  Rich, full wonderful flavor.  Pairs wonderfully with flavored creamers or simply with a splash of half and half (or skim milk, depending on what I have on hand and my mood). 

Dinner tonight was boneless skinless chicken breasts browned in olive oil with a sprinkle of sea salt and pepper.  Served with a home made white bbq sauce, angel hair pasta, corn and cresents....and the ever present Sweet Tea.  In the South, we capitalize Sweet Tea.  It's that important.  :)