This month, Bella Donna turned 9 months and we finally got her spayed. She's still a hyper pup, but has become even more loving which I didn't think was possible. I love how labs are so affectionate. Bella will force her head under your hand, jump on the couch to sit right next to you, or follow you where ever you go.
Bella has a strange habit. We don't know of any other dog to do it except for a friend's dog, and he's a chocolate lab as well. Maybe showing it will be easier than trying to describe it.
She sucks on her favorite toys. The Jasmine pillow in the video is her newest toy (Genie got tired of Bella stealing it from her so she gave it to her) and her other one used to be a white, soft, fluffy dog. It's as if she licks it and chews it nonstop and then sucks on it after it has the right... taste? It's bizarre.
Anyone have a dog with a weird habit?
31 January 2010
29 January 2010
New direction...
For those that still follow this blog, you've noticed that there's been a hiatus. I started this public blog to keep family and friends up to date with what we've been doing but noticed that wasn't really possible since we didn't want to get too personal out in the open. So, after talking with the husband, we've decided to change directions.
New title, new blog address, new direction. A dual military couple trying to find that balance between our obligation and commitment to Uncle Sam and our devotion and love to our family. We didn't need another blog about what our family's been up to- I do that already in my private journal and we let our families know what's going on... even if it means posting it on Facebook. Yea, lame, I know. Can't help but rely on email and social networking sites since it's so accessible and easy.
That's all. No more posting single pictures from 365 projects or random one liners to "check in". Maybe this blog will actually be interesting now.
New title, new blog address, new direction. A dual military couple trying to find that balance between our obligation and commitment to Uncle Sam and our devotion and love to our family. We didn't need another blog about what our family's been up to- I do that already in my private journal and we let our families know what's going on... even if it means posting it on Facebook. Yea, lame, I know. Can't help but rely on email and social networking sites since it's so accessible and easy.
That's all. No more posting single pictures from 365 projects or random one liners to "check in". Maybe this blog will actually be interesting now.
03 September 2009
A moment of silence
Today, I had the honor of assisting our base Protocol office with a Fallen Hero ceremony. A hero returned to his home today...
If you haven't taken the time to see HBO's "Taking Chance", I recommend you find it on Netflix, HBO OnDemand, Bestbuy, etc. What happened today is related to that movie.
Myself along with four other Protocol augmentees served as crowd control although it wasn't needed. The Patriot Guard Riders were there which is always a site to see. Knowing that they were there to support the family puts me at ease because I understand why they do so much to honor the fallen. Thank goodness the stupid WBC wasn't around.
Army Capt John L. Hallett III is from Concord, CA. He was killed in a roadside bomb incident in Afghanistan on the 25th of August. Three other soldiers were killed with him. They were all stationed at Fort Lewis, WA.
The Lt from Protocol had warned us earlier this morning that it would be very emotional during the Fallen Hero ceremony. The casket would be removed from the aircraft and placed on the flight line for a few moments for the chaplain to say a prayer and the family to pay their respects. From there, it would be placed in the hearse before making the drive to Concord. What would make the ceremony emotional?
His family. Capt Hallett is survived by his wife, his two sons (4 and 2 years old), and his 2 week old daughter, whom he never had a chance to meet.
The site of his wife was what started the tears for me. A relative helped her out of her car in front of the flight line and I could see everything. I watched the four year old, almost white blond hair dressed in a long sleeved light blue button down shirt and khaki shorts, get out of the car and hold hands with a relative. Another relative helped the two year old out of the car, who looked so much like his older brother and even dressed like him too. Then the wife stepped out of the car and took her two week old daughter into her arms. Our base commander, Col Vechry, greeted her, and she started to cry. I think he asked her if she needed help because she said she was fine.
Watching her try and keep her composure was it for me. The next time was when the casket was placed into the hearse.
While watching everything that was going on, I felt proud of Capt Hallett for serving our country, fighting for what we hold dear, I was proud to be there to show my respect upon his return home- but seeing his wife grieve sent a wave of sorrow over me. I knew that there was/is nothing I could possible do or say to ease the pain and it made it harder to watch...
" A Soldier's Prayer...
The soldier stood and faced his God Which must always come to pass...
He hoped his shoes were shining Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, you soldier, How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek? To My Church have you been true?"
The soldier squared his shoulders and Said,"No, Lord, I guess I ain't...
Because those of us who carry guns Can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays And at times my talk was tough,
And sometimes I've been violent, Because the streets are awfully tough.
But, I never took a penny That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime When the bills got just too steep,
And I never passed a cry for help, Though at times I shook with fear,
And sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place Among the people here...
They never wanted me around Except to calm their fears.
If you've a place for me here, Lord, It needn't be so grand,
I never expected or had too much, But if you don't, I'll understand."
There was a silence all around the throne Where the saints had often trod...
As the soldier waited quietly, For the judgment of his God,
"Step forward now you soldier,
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."
If you haven't taken the time to see HBO's "Taking Chance", I recommend you find it on Netflix, HBO OnDemand, Bestbuy, etc. What happened today is related to that movie.
Myself along with four other Protocol augmentees served as crowd control although it wasn't needed. The Patriot Guard Riders were there which is always a site to see. Knowing that they were there to support the family puts me at ease because I understand why they do so much to honor the fallen. Thank goodness the stupid WBC wasn't around.
Army Capt John L. Hallett III is from Concord, CA. He was killed in a roadside bomb incident in Afghanistan on the 25th of August. Three other soldiers were killed with him. They were all stationed at Fort Lewis, WA.
The Lt from Protocol had warned us earlier this morning that it would be very emotional during the Fallen Hero ceremony. The casket would be removed from the aircraft and placed on the flight line for a few moments for the chaplain to say a prayer and the family to pay their respects. From there, it would be placed in the hearse before making the drive to Concord. What would make the ceremony emotional?
His family. Capt Hallett is survived by his wife, his two sons (4 and 2 years old), and his 2 week old daughter, whom he never had a chance to meet.
The site of his wife was what started the tears for me. A relative helped her out of her car in front of the flight line and I could see everything. I watched the four year old, almost white blond hair dressed in a long sleeved light blue button down shirt and khaki shorts, get out of the car and hold hands with a relative. Another relative helped the two year old out of the car, who looked so much like his older brother and even dressed like him too. Then the wife stepped out of the car and took her two week old daughter into her arms. Our base commander, Col Vechry, greeted her, and she started to cry. I think he asked her if she needed help because she said she was fine.
Watching her try and keep her composure was it for me. The next time was when the casket was placed into the hearse.
While watching everything that was going on, I felt proud of Capt Hallett for serving our country, fighting for what we hold dear, I was proud to be there to show my respect upon his return home- but seeing his wife grieve sent a wave of sorrow over me. I knew that there was/is nothing I could possible do or say to ease the pain and it made it harder to watch...
" A Soldier's Prayer...
The soldier stood and faced his God Which must always come to pass...
He hoped his shoes were shining Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, you soldier, How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek? To My Church have you been true?"
The soldier squared his shoulders and Said,"No, Lord, I guess I ain't...
Because those of us who carry guns Can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays And at times my talk was tough,
And sometimes I've been violent, Because the streets are awfully tough.
But, I never took a penny That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime When the bills got just too steep,
And I never passed a cry for help, Though at times I shook with fear,
And sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place Among the people here...
They never wanted me around Except to calm their fears.
If you've a place for me here, Lord, It needn't be so grand,
I never expected or had too much, But if you don't, I'll understand."
There was a silence all around the throne Where the saints had often trod...
As the soldier waited quietly, For the judgment of his God,
"Step forward now you soldier,
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."
22 August 2009
I didn't realize how much it would affect her...
Monday was the 1 week mark of Dan being gone. It was also the first time Genie showed how much she missed Dan.
When we were at the airport the morning he left on the 10th, she was so tired when we finally got through the security checkpoint that she didn't realize that he was leaving.
When they were finally boarding, she thought she could sleep on the plane.
"Genevieve, c'mon, daddy's leaving now you have to wake up."
"No, I am tired. I want to go to sleep."
"We have to say bye now."
"We can just sleep on the plane."
"Huh? We're not going on the plane."
"Why not? We'll fly back."
:/
She realized he was really gone the next day. Dan is usually the one that wakes her up in the morning for daycare and when he didn't, she said that she wanted him to come back. During the week when we'd take a shower or while we're getting ready for bed, she'd ask if I missed him and she would say she missed him too.
Monday after I picked her up from daycare, we were at a stoplight listening to music. She had just finished telling me about a story that happened today when she suddenly got quiet. I looked in the child mirror and she was in tears, balling.
When we were at the airport the morning he left on the 10th, she was so tired when we finally got through the security checkpoint that she didn't realize that he was leaving.
When they were finally boarding, she thought she could sleep on the plane.
"Genevieve, c'mon, daddy's leaving now you have to wake up."
"No, I am tired. I want to go to sleep."
"We have to say bye now."
"We can just sleep on the plane."
"Huh? We're not going on the plane."
"Why not? We'll fly back."
:/
She realized he was really gone the next day. Dan is usually the one that wakes her up in the morning for daycare and when he didn't, she said that she wanted him to come back. During the week when we'd take a shower or while we're getting ready for bed, she'd ask if I missed him and she would say she missed him too.
Monday after I picked her up from daycare, we were at a stoplight listening to music. She had just finished telling me about a story that happened today when she suddenly got quiet. I looked in the child mirror and she was in tears, balling.
"Baby bear! What's wrong?"
"I miss my daddy!"
"I know, baby bear, I do too!"
"I want my daddy. I want my papa bear!"
It broke my heart to see her like that.
Thusday on the way to the AMC hosted Travis Icon competition, I was practicing the song I was going to sing.
"Mommy, sing the song, OK? Practice."
"OK. *starts singing No One*"
I get to the second verse: When the rain is pourin down and my heart is hurtin'....
"I'm sad now."
"Why baby bear?"
"Because my heart is broken."
"Why? What happened??"
"I miss my daddy."
I never thought I'd hear her talk about a broken heart at this age. She started crying on the spot and it took so much to hold back my own tears.
This is already the toughest deployment to date.
10 August 2009
I'm a mess.
I didn’t cry while we were at the airport gate. I didn’t cry while he was boarding the plane. I didn’t even cry while I was driving home.
I lost it while I was cleaning the bathroom and putting his stuff under the sink.
I lost it while I was cleaning the bathroom and putting his stuff under the sink.
09 August 2009
08 July 2009
Yet again...
We got word last week, but confirmation recently that Dan will be deploying yet again. This will be our first deployment together, as in the last few deployments we were still in a long distance relationship. :( He's scheduled to leave NEXT MONTH and he just found out! I hate short notice TDYs/deployments.
I don't know how this one will be considering that we've finally been together in the same house (let alone the same state) since september. And of course, he's gone again during the holidays.
What makes matters worse... well, I can't really say anything about it yet because we still have to wait another week or so until I can. I'll just say for now that this is going to be the toughest deployment we've endured to date. It was truly easier while we were still separated since we were together to begin with. :/
I don't know how this one will be considering that we've finally been together in the same house (let alone the same state) since september. And of course, he's gone again during the holidays.
What makes matters worse... well, I can't really say anything about it yet because we still have to wait another week or so until I can. I'll just say for now that this is going to be the toughest deployment we've endured to date. It was truly easier while we were still separated since we were together to begin with. :/
24 February 2009
ALS graduation
I'm a week late with this post, but better late than never. I started feeling bad that I hadn't posted about Dan's ALS graduation since our families do read this to keep up with us.
On Thursday, Feb 12th, bebe graduated from his 6 weeks of ALS. He was so glad to be done!
We made signs before the ceremony. As usual, when I'm rushing, my handwriting is sloppy and I ran out of room for "CONGRATS". Genie drew on the bottom and randomly wrote "sit" on there as well. lol
As we waited for his name to be called up to the stage, I couldn't help but think about how proud I was of him. I knew that he busted his ass studying, doing homework, and preparing for briefings. I remember what it was like when I went through 2 years prior. Seeing him standing in line, I knew he had a bittersweet feeling surging through his body; relieved and glad that it was over and he had passed, a little sad that he it was all over.
As his name was called to the stage, we all cheered him own. Genie jumped up and down, calling out "YAY, DADDY!" I was in the middle aisle taking pictures of him and the next thing I knew, genie was running up on stage!! I tried to call out for her to come back, but the big boss, the wing king, Col Dillon, welcomed her up on stage with open arms so she could congratulate Dan. Of course, the room was filled with awes and comments of how cute it was.
After the ceremony, we headed upstairs to watch the slide shows that the flights all made. The last part of the day ceremony was retreat; the last and final time that they would lower the flag as a class, as ALS 09-B.
Another funny coincidence about Dan's class; he was on color guard as I was when I went though. lol I'll have to ask my buddy for a copy of our last retreat. :p
When retreat was over, the flts met up with their instructors for instructions for when to be back to set up for the banquet later that night.
He went to eat lunch with the parents and Genie while I headed back to work to try and finish what I could. We were going to the banquet later that night together, but didn't since he had to rush over to the center since he had to help set up and practice bringing in the flag. When I got there, I waited for them to open the doors since they wouldn't let anyone enter the dining area until 1630. I did get to chit chat with some people that showed up, so I wasn't a complete loner. :p
When they let us into the hall, I found our table and pretty much waited for people to filter into the room and for them to start dinner. The students walked in and Dan walked in with the rest of the color guard. The students were released to their tables after the nat'l anthem and the invocation.
They did the typical explanations about what it is to be a leader and the course that they went through to finally join the ranks of front line supervisors. After the initial speeches, it was time to eat. I think everyone at our table ordered the pork dish, which was rather enjoyable. After the meal was intermission, which meant that it was almost time to give out the awards.
The first award mentioned after we came back from intermission was the leadership award. Each flt nominated one of their peers that demonstrated the most leadership qualities. Dan was still shocked that he was picked for his flight.
He stood up as the nominee for his flight, but did not receive the award. We actually thought it would be him as the announcing instructor said,
"And the leadership award goes to SrA Daniel......blah blah blah."
Wrong Daniel. Oh well. The next award was the academic achievement, the person that received the highest overall score in all areas (writing, interpersonal, academics, and briefs). Then came DG, distinguished graduate, top 10% of the ALS class. Dan and another one of his mates from his flight were DGs.
On his way back, he was congratulated by the MXG CC, MXG chief, his squadron CC, first shirt, and everyone at our table. I was so proud of him for winning something. :)
At the end of the night, you could find every one of the ALS students trying to round up their class mates from their flt for a final flt picture. Everyone talking about keeping in touch and hanging out soon to keep their newly formed friendships strong.
Dan went out to celebrate with the rest of his class and I took genie home after picking her up from our friend's house. Hopefully Dan keeps in touch with his new friends and does keep the thought about bring an instructor alive. I think he'd be a great instructor. :)
On Thursday, Feb 12th, bebe graduated from his 6 weeks of ALS. He was so glad to be done!
We made signs before the ceremony. As usual, when I'm rushing, my handwriting is sloppy and I ran out of room for "CONGRATS". Genie drew on the bottom and randomly wrote "sit" on there as well. lol
As we waited for his name to be called up to the stage, I couldn't help but think about how proud I was of him. I knew that he busted his ass studying, doing homework, and preparing for briefings. I remember what it was like when I went through 2 years prior. Seeing him standing in line, I knew he had a bittersweet feeling surging through his body; relieved and glad that it was over and he had passed, a little sad that he it was all over.
As his name was called to the stage, we all cheered him own. Genie jumped up and down, calling out "YAY, DADDY!" I was in the middle aisle taking pictures of him and the next thing I knew, genie was running up on stage!! I tried to call out for her to come back, but the big boss, the wing king, Col Dillon, welcomed her up on stage with open arms so she could congratulate Dan. Of course, the room was filled with awes and comments of how cute it was.
After the ceremony, we headed upstairs to watch the slide shows that the flights all made. The last part of the day ceremony was retreat; the last and final time that they would lower the flag as a class, as ALS 09-B.
Another funny coincidence about Dan's class; he was on color guard as I was when I went though. lol I'll have to ask my buddy for a copy of our last retreat. :p
When retreat was over, the flts met up with their instructors for instructions for when to be back to set up for the banquet later that night.
He went to eat lunch with the parents and Genie while I headed back to work to try and finish what I could. We were going to the banquet later that night together, but didn't since he had to rush over to the center since he had to help set up and practice bringing in the flag. When I got there, I waited for them to open the doors since they wouldn't let anyone enter the dining area until 1630. I did get to chit chat with some people that showed up, so I wasn't a complete loner. :p
When they let us into the hall, I found our table and pretty much waited for people to filter into the room and for them to start dinner. The students walked in and Dan walked in with the rest of the color guard. The students were released to their tables after the nat'l anthem and the invocation.
They did the typical explanations about what it is to be a leader and the course that they went through to finally join the ranks of front line supervisors. After the initial speeches, it was time to eat. I think everyone at our table ordered the pork dish, which was rather enjoyable. After the meal was intermission, which meant that it was almost time to give out the awards.
The first award mentioned after we came back from intermission was the leadership award. Each flt nominated one of their peers that demonstrated the most leadership qualities. Dan was still shocked that he was picked for his flight.
He stood up as the nominee for his flight, but did not receive the award. We actually thought it would be him as the announcing instructor said,
"And the leadership award goes to SrA Daniel......blah blah blah."
Wrong Daniel. Oh well. The next award was the academic achievement, the person that received the highest overall score in all areas (writing, interpersonal, academics, and briefs). Then came DG, distinguished graduate, top 10% of the ALS class. Dan and another one of his mates from his flight were DGs.
On his way back, he was congratulated by the MXG CC, MXG chief, his squadron CC, first shirt, and everyone at our table. I was so proud of him for winning something. :)
At the end of the night, you could find every one of the ALS students trying to round up their class mates from their flt for a final flt picture. Everyone talking about keeping in touch and hanging out soon to keep their newly formed friendships strong.
Dan went out to celebrate with the rest of his class and I took genie home after picking her up from our friend's house. Hopefully Dan keeps in touch with his new friends and does keep the thought about bring an instructor alive. I think he'd be a great instructor. :)
05 February 2009
:)
work has had a steady work flow despite our squadron having so many people out on the road right now. as much as i wasn't looking forward to WAPS testing today, i was looking forward to the break in the middle of the week. this is my first year testing for the next rank of E-6, and frankly, i didn't really prepare for it nor do i really care if i make it. they say that tech (technical sergeant, E-6 in AF) is the hardest test and it's hard to make it first time. i'm still trying to figure out how to get out next year and don't plan on staying 20 if i have to reenlist again. we'll see what happens when the results come out in june or july.
yesterday was the birthday of my husband and my step mom. mama turned 49 and bebe is now 24. yes, he is younger (1.5 years younger). it worked out that i had their birthday off only because it was supposed to be my study day since my test date was today. i tried to persuade dan to take genie into daycare in the morning since i didn't have to go into work. he told me tues night that he had a hectic schedule on his birthday and asked me to still take her in.
"BABE. i still managed to get to ALS early every morning after dropping of genie when i went through. kindercare opens at 0600!"
"i know you did baby, but you said you would help me. please? i can't."
"FINE."
it didn't ruin any plans, but it meant that i wouldn't be able to start cooking/baking until later than i expected. yesterday morning, i was supposed to be up before 0600 to start the pulled pork in the slow cooker (12 hrs on slow). i didn't get up until 0700! lol it didn't matter because i still needed to pick up a bottle of coke that was in the recipe. i dropped off genie, stopped at a gas station on the way home for coke, and then rushed inside to start on the pork.
i got the pork in the slow cooker and started it on high to make up for not starting it earlier. slow cookers are so simple!!! for this recipe, one hr on high = 2 hours on low. it all worked out in the end! :D i had to immediately start on red velvet cupcakes for dan's class. i got them baked and started getting ready while they cooled. dan had taken the cake caddy to bring the amish friendship bread to school that we made the night before (yep, still keeping it going lol) so i was left with nothing to bring the cupcakes in. i almost used a roaster since it was the biggest thing i could find, but that would mean squeezing the cupcakes together. i rushed to micheal's and bought the 3-1 cupcake-cake caddy. lol the cupcakes were still cooling and i still had a lot of time so i blew up balloons...
yes, OCD in me needs everything to be in EVEN numbers... LOL
i decided to go ahead and frost the cupcakes after i finished with the balloons. even though i put the piping bag in the fridge to try and firm up the cream cheese frosting, it still melted since the cupcakes were still warm. oh well. they still looked good, but
i didn't have to be at ALS bldg until noon, but left around 1120 anyway to get their early and go over details with leslee (his teacher). they were all upstairs in their classroom, and i just prayed that no one in his class was going to suddenly open up the blinds and see me walking up.
i talked to leslee and she told me about the class duct taping dan to one of the pillars in the auditorium. LOL i'll post pics of that as soon as his classmates send them to him. the game plan was she was going to teach a lesson in the auditorium so i can decorate the room. i went back out to the car to grab the bags of stuff and watched from outside for all of the class to head into the auditorium. awesome! of course she'd want the door closed! perfect! i rushed upstairs and walked up to the familiar door to d flight (i was in the same flight when i went through ALS).
"AWWWW damnit."
i forgot that every classroom had cipher locks on them. i was in luck though, tsgt daniels, c flt instructor right next door, saw me and let me in. she knew that i was getting the instructors to give dan a hard time and heard that i was going to embarrass him.
"if you need to get in again, just knock."
i would've bought more decorations if they weren't so damn expensive. plus dan would've noticed the large charge on my account and probably would've caught on. :p he was pleasantly surprised! (more here)
OH! it's cinderella themed because that's his nickname in class from his instructor. he made the mistake of cleaning out his binder during class one day, and genie left her cinderella sticker card (thanks auntie
after he blew out the candles, i headed home to finally start studying/reviewing. before bebe came home, i started on a red velvet cake to have for him to munch on at the house since i knew there would be no cupcakes left. lol
he came home and we finished up the pulled pork. IT WAS SO DELICIOUS!!!!!! we're both used to the east coast style pulled pork (thanks to living in NC) where they use more vinegar in their sauce, but this was still fantastic!!!! there was so much of it too.
after the scrumptious dinner, it was time for cake....
yes, i still need practice decorating. at least i improved on writing on cakes. lol it was nice being able to celebrate bebe's birthday yesterday. his last birthday in the states was 2006. yep. last year he spent it in kuwait, and 2007 was spent in afghanistan. even though we weren't able to really do much for his birthday, it was still lovely. :)
tomorrow is friday! YAY!!!
08 January 2009
ALS
Dan started ALS today. He attended the orientation this morning, had his uniform inspected and tried out for key drill position and actually got a spot on the drill team. :) I went through back in 07 (through the same time as a matter of fact), but a lot of the curriculum has changed since then. Of course I'll still help him any way I can, but also give him a hard time.
What am I talking about? Well, I've got some contacts at the school, friends with some of the instructors. haha. Although I'll be helping him study and giving him tips with his uniform, he may or may not get picked on by the instructors. :)
He finds out tomorrow who his instructor is (but I already know). No, I did not tell him. Where's the fun in that??
What am I talking about? Well, I've got some contacts at the school, friends with some of the instructors. haha. Although I'll be helping him study and giving him tips with his uniform, he may or may not get picked on by the instructors. :)
He finds out tomorrow who his instructor is (but I already know). No, I did not tell him. Where's the fun in that??
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