Personality Test

You Are An ENFP

The Inspirer You love being around people, and you are deeply committed to your friends.You are also unconventional, irreverent, and unimpressed by authority and rules.Incredibly perceptive, you can usually sense if someone has hidden motives.You use lots of colorful language and expressions. You're quite the storyteller! In love, you are quite the charmer. And you are definitely willing to risk your heart.You often don't follow through with your flirting or professed feelings. And you do break a lot of hearts. At work, you are driven but not a workaholic. You just always seem to enjoy what you do.You would make an excellent entrepreneur, politician, or journalist. How you see yourself: compassionate, unselfish, and understanding When other people don't get you, they see you as: gushy, emotional, and unfocused

What's" Your Personality Type?

Just call me Scrooge!!

I've been reading everyone's blogs on how excited they are about Christmas and all the decorating they've been doing (and its all beautiful, might I add). However, for some reason I am in a MAJOR funk this year. I'm not really sure why, but I'm having a terribly hard time dealing with all the Christmas " spirit". So today's Thursday Thirteen is dedicated to why I think I'm having such a hard time. Maybe by putting them down on "paper" , it will help me to face my issues and fix them - we'll see.
1) This is my first Christmas away from most of the people I know and love. Its just going to be Cory, I and the girls and this is tearing me up!!! I know its hard for them (everyone in SC) too, but at least they have other people around them - for us, its just us. Driving to see people is out of the question due to distance and Reese.
2) Cory and I have not bought a tree yet. I think we've finally decided to go with the real tree instead of the fake one. This has been a topic of debate for the last few weeks. We just haven't had the time to buy one.
3) We have NO Christmas decorations. My mom is supposed to send us some, but they have not arrived.
4) With me out of work and the Army's lack of pay, our funds are a little low. I usually make a BIG deal of Christmas since my love language is giving - this year I feel like I'm lacking!
5) Its still pretty warm here. I know its Texas, but there's nothing Christmasy about 70 degree weather.
6) Black Friday was a total bust. Its not as big a deal here as it is in Spartanburg. I was totally disappointed.
7) I'm so big, I have no energy to do anything. The thought of shopping makes me tired.
8) There's no place to hang stockings. I know that I can hang them on the wall, and I will when I get them. I'm used to the beautiful mantle at Mom and Johns.
9) I can't listen to My 102.5 and all the Christmas music they play. I'm not a huge carol fan, but I like to know that if the mood strikes me, I can tune in and listen away.
10) We don't have to go 50 different places to see everyone. I know that I may complain about this sometimes, but for me - its what Christmas has always been.
11) We have no "chimney" for Santa to come down - explain that to a 6 year old!!!
12) Nothing about Killeen says "christmas" to me. At home I know Main St is lined with candy canes and stars and christmas trees on the light posts - here, there's nothing.
13) No HOLLYWILD. This is always a tradition for me. I love the lights and the animals. Sure we have BLORA here that does "Nature in lights", but I doubt its anywhere close. We'll try it anyway, though.

So there you have it. Those are the reasons I'm such a Scrooge this year. I promise I'm trying to get into the spirit, its just a lot harder on me than I thought it would be!!! Please keep me (and my poor husband who hates to see me cry) in your prayers!! We love you and hope that at least YOU have a Merry Christmas!

Pills and speeding tickets

This morning I was taking the girls to school. I've discovered that if I cut across and take the road in front of the school here in our village (our kids go off post - different post all together), it eliminates all the extra traffic the soldiers bring as they are trying to get through the gate. So as I turn onto the road, I let my foot off the excelerater and coast so that I can go from 20mph (the nonschool zone speed limit) to 10 mph (the school zone limit). I was coasting at about 12 mph as I approach the far fence on the school property. I saw that there was a Military Police car sitting at the end of the road "clocking" people. There were two kids waiting to cross the road so I stopped and let them cross. The MP had put on his lights, but did not move. As I appproached the car, he held his hand out to stop me (still sitting in his car, mind you). I stopped and rolled down my window. He said " Ma'am, I clocked you going 12 mph when you crested that hill. You realize that because this is a school zone, I could cite you double the fines." I said, "Yes sir, but by the time I made it to the school, I was well within the limit." He just looked at me and replied "Well, just take this as a warning." I said thanks and drove away. It dawned on me that I almost got a ticket for driving 12 MPH, is that even legal??? How ridiculous would I have felt explaining to my husband that I got a ticket for driving slower than some soldiers could run!!! So Brian, looks like you're not the only lead foot in the family, lol!!!!
On another note - think back to when your parents taught you how to swallow pills (as in medication). Unless your parents are saints, they probably got a little frustrated with you the first couple of times you tried and failed. Cory and I had always sworn that we would not be like that because that was what was done to us. Well tonight, we ate those words!!! We were trying to teach Hailey to swallow a very small antibiotic. She just wouldn't do it. It was one of those mind things - once its in there, nothing can change it!! I won't go into all the details because frankly I am embarrased of my behavior, I'll just leave you with the fact that she eventually got the medication down - not in the pill form, but thanks to Daddy's quick thinking!! I don't know what we are going to do tomm. She has 10 days to take these pills, twice a day! I think I'll google ways to teach someone how to swallow pills. Any advice from anyone out there would be greatly appreciated!!!

Burnt chicken and Rotten potatoes

Yesterday was not my greatest cooking day. I think that the "cooking fairies" wanted to humble me because I was so proud of my Thanksgiving accomplishments. I had laid out chicken leg quarters for dinner, I LOVE chicken, so I was so excited. Cory was relaxing, so I told him I would man the grill for dinner and for him to just play his playstation - I could handle it all. Boy was I wrong. I put the chicken on the grill with a little bit of Italian dressing (mine and Cory's favorite). This is something we've done a million times without incident. I went inside to put the rolls in the oven and check the potatoes that were baking and stir the green beans. Innocent enough, right? Well as I opened the door to the patio, I noticed FLAMES coming from under the grill lid. I tried to open the grill and the flames almost engulfed me. I shut the lid and turned the grill off, hoping this would exstinguish the flames. The fire just kept going. Realizing this was not something I could handle on my own, I opened the door and calmly yelled for Cory. He came out and realized that this was major. He rushed into the house to get some water. After the fire was out, all that was left was our burnt to a crisp chicken. I've heard of blackened chicken, but this was way beyond that!!
We brought it inside with the hopes that we could scrape off the skin and eat the chicken - surely it was done. Nope, wrong again. It was just as raw as it was when I put it on there -now explain that to me!!! I was almost in tears, but Cory had the great idea to throw the chicken in the oven for a few minutes to cook the inside. So we sat down to eat our potatoes, green beans and rolls and wait for the chicken. Cory cut into his potato and it was rotten - I had baked a rotten potato. I immediately broke into tears. My family rallied around me and assured me that it was ok. The green beans were gross too for some reason - Cory said that it was all in my head.
The chicken ended up in the trash because we couldn't get it cooked in the middle. The girls had a peanut butter sandwich and Cory had a bowl of Rice Krispies. Dinner was a total bust and the "cooking fairies" definitely brought me back down to earth!!! I ended the night by baking a cake - something I know I can do well.
So here's what I learned - you might can cook almost an entire meal on Thanksgiving from scratch, but if you can't manage to whip out a basic meal of Chicken and potatoes, save the money you were going to use to open up that restaraunt next to Emeril's and go back to the drawing board!!!

You can take the family out of the country...

But you can't take the country out of the family. I've never considered myself as being from the "country" until we moved to Texas. I've begun to notice that some of the things we do are quite simple and people see us as being "country". Well, we had one of those moments this past weekend. Cory has been DYING to get a fire bowl so that we could make a fire and roast marshmallows and hot dogs. This weekend was hovering just above freezing and he felt like this would be the perfect time. So Saturday after going to see Reese, we headed to Lowes and then Target and bought a fire bowl. Saturday night was too wet to do the fire due to rain that just seemed to never stop. So yesterday was "the" day. Cory braved the cold to start the fire and then we sat out in the FREEZING cold to roast some marshmallows. We had fun although it was soooooooooo cold. I'm so glad that I have a family that enjoys the more simple things in life - that fire got us all excited and made our day!!!

Peek a boo!!!

Well, after about 1 & 1/2 hours of playing peek a boo with Reese, we managed to get a few pics. None of them are of his entire face at one time, but we were excited to get ANYTHING after everything we went through! Here are a few pics. Sorry they aren't the greatest, but he was still a little camera shy!!

Gobble, Gobble

I'm happy to report that our first Thanksgiving out on our own was a GREAT SUCCESS!!! We fed 17 people and had TONS of left-overs. I was very proud of my turkey - it was moist and delicious! Our spread consisted of turkey, ham, green beans, corn, crock-pot mac and cheese, bread, REAL mashed potatoes, sweet potatoe casserole, bread, stuffing, and deviled eggs. No, I did not make all of that, we had people helping out with some of it. However, we made the turkey, mac and cheese, bread, deviled eggs, green beans and corn!!! And don't forget my Red Velvet Cake. We had a great time cooking and spending time with our "extended family". Our house was filled with Medics and everyone was more than willing to help!!! Although we missed our families more than words could say, we all were really thankful to have the friendships we have here. This was the first Thanksgiving away for ALL of us. And I feel like we made a meal that each of our individual families would have been proud of. The only "premade" things we had the entire meal were the beans, corn and bread. Everything else was made from scratch!!!! Thanks for all your prayers - they definitely came in handy!! My Thursday Thirteen will be dedicated to 13 memories I will cherish from my first Thanksgiving away from SC!
1) My first successful Red Velvet cake
2) My first successful turkey - it was SOOOOOOOOO good and I don't even really like turkey!
3) Shepler making REAL mashed potatoes (16 lbs worth) - he was determined to make sure they had NO lumps; they were the first real potatoes that I've ever liked!!!
4) Mandy and Miller making gravy - we had tons of juice from the turkey and they just knew they could make gravy from watching their moms do it every year - it was interesting but turned out pretty well!!
5) Brittany's pretty ham and her homemade Pecan Pie. Her story is very similar to my Red Velvet cake story, with the same outcome!
6) Having a kitchen FULL of men cooking. At one time I counted a total of 7, each working seperately but for a common good!!
7) Making deviled eggs and getting sick. I think it was the smell, but something definitely knocked me down for a couple of hours.
8) Having a kitchen table FULL of food not once but three times. We had appetizers that filled the table, then dinner and then the desserts!!! It was great!
9) Having a house full of people. I thought I would be totally stressed out, but surprisingly enough, I was totally relaxed and really enjoyed myself!!
10) Watching the girls love everyone! We have really been blessed with friends who love our girls and are willing to play with them - the girls absolutely love for any of them to come over, and the fact that they were all here was even better.
11) The after dinner milk chug. Three guys, none of which were my husband, attempted to drink an entire gallon of milk in less than an hour without throwing up! I'll just leave it that only ONE made it!!
12) Having all of our "military" friends, old and new in one place at one time!!
13) Feeling like I accomplished a HUGE task and didn't have any meltdowns or anxiety attacks! Although I hope I never have to spend another Thanksgiving without our families, its nice to know that if we do - we can pull it all together!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!! Hope you guys had a GREAT day!! Gobble, Gobble!!

Happy Thanksgiving

"A Military Thanksgiving"
We offer gratitude this day
For blessings multiplied,
For family, fellowship and friends
Who remain by our side
Through many separations,
And distances so vast
That lesser love would be subdued.
It's doubtful it would last.
We share these bonds of feeling
That stretch between our souls
When distance separates us
As we pursue our goals.
But you have favored us with friends,
And families that clutch
Us close although we wander
Around the globe so much.
So Lord this day we offer thanks,
And bow our heads in prayer.
We recognise that
You're the source
Of all the love we share

Watch out Duff

I'm not sure if any of you ever watch Ace of Cakes, but the girls and I LOVE this show. It comes on the Food Network Channel on Thurs at 930/830ct. Any way. The owner Duff and his team make awesome cakes in the shape of just about anything you could think of. My secret dream is to one day have my own bakery and make similar cakes. Baking is definitely my "thing".
Well, I decided to make Geraldine Foreman's famous Red Velvet Cake for Thanksgiving because Cory absolutely LOVES it. He's never actually had Geraldine's cake, but John makes one exactly like it because he follows her recipe. I was very nervous because, if you don't know, its all made from scratch with very precise measurements and ways of doing things. Red velvet cakes are either a success or a bust, there is no middle ground!! So tonight I set out to try it. And I am proud to announce that my first Red Velvet Cake (made from scratch) was a SUCCESS!!!!! It tastes SOOOOOOOO good. If I do say so myself, along with my husband, it runs a close second to John's! So watch out Duff, the next Ace of Cakes may be on her way up!!!
Now if only the rest of my Thanksgiving meal turns out just as good....

Medic Thanksgiving

This a year of many firsts for Cory and I. This is OUR first Thanksgiving together (last year he was in AIT in San Antonio), our first Thanksgiving alone (without ANY of our families), and our first time being in charge of all the Thanksgiving festivities. What started out as a small, intimate Thanksgiving with about 6 people has turned into a full on event with a total of 25 people and counting. John (my stepdad) laughed at the fact that this is MY first Thanksgiving ever cooking and I am responsible for making a feast to feed 25. Go big or go home, right??!! I am a nervous wreck! Most people know that John ALWAYS handles all the big meals in our house, so I have never been responsible for cooking anything. This year, its all on me. People are supposed to bring different things, but I am responsible for the Turkey and dessert (the two most important things in my book). I am also making sides just in cas some of the guys flake out on me!! So please say a prayer for me as I have a major undertaking before me tomm.
Please also remember my parents - this is their first Thanksgiving as complete EMPTY NESTERS. They have headed down to the beach for the weekend, but I know my mom is having a hard time with this all. Thank God Brian and Annie are supposed to be joining them on Friday!! Happy Thanksgiving to ALL! Hope all your festivities ( and mine) go off without a hitch!

All in a years time...

A year ago today was one of the hardest days of my life (to date, at least). I'll never forget that day as long as I live. Cory and I spent the night before in Columbia - I didn't sleep a wink because all I wanted to do was look at him and memorize every thing about him. We woke up before the crack of dawn and headed down to breakfast. I ate nothing for fear that the knots in my stomach would cause me to puke. We drove over to Fort Jackson for Cory to finish pulling together the loose ends of his contract and to swear back in to the Army. In the early afternoon, we headed over to the Airport there in Columbia. We weren't sure if I could go to the gate with him due to post 9/11 regulations, but the angel behind the desk at the Continental flight check in must have seen the despair in my eyes as I thought I would have to say goodbye to my fiance' (we had just gotten engaged a few weeks earlier) in the Food Court. She gave me a temporary Gate pass so that I could go and sit with him until his plane left, God Bless that woman!!!! As we sat at the gate, we realized that his flight as actually been delayed a couple of hours. Part of me was elated at the news and another part of me felt like we were just putting off the inevitable. I spent the remainder of the time holding tightly to my soldier, for fear that if I let him go, they would take him sooner. I can't remember what we talked about and what was said, I just new that as long we were together, I would be fine. I am proud to say that I kept my composure most of the day, I was strong for him as I knew it would break his heart to see me cry. Around 6 pm, the final boarding call came for his flight. I gave him one last hug and began to ball. The people around me probably thought I was sending him to war the way I cried, they probably would have looked at me differently had they known he was only going to Texas. He boarded the plane but not without giving me one last look and that half smile that I fell in love with only 4 months prior. I cried the ENTIRE way through the airport, to the car (in the pouring rain, I might add), then the whole way home and I mean the whole way home. I called my mom and Amy and balled. Through the tears, I found my way back to Spartanburg. This was just the begining of a year that would be filled with many trials and tribulations, tears and smiles and some of the hardest goodbyes one could say.
Today is our one year anniversary in the Active Duty Army. The first of three we will have. While the active duty is not what we expected and there hasn't been one day that one or both of us has not expressed the regret we have for signing up for this, I feel this is a journey we had to take and it will only ensure our successful marriage in the future. It has allowed us to build a foundation that is not easily swayed. Here in Texas we have been forced to rely solely on each other and build a relationship I feel would have been difficult to form if we lived in such close proximity of our family to bail us out when the waters got rough!!! As I've stated in previous blogs, I cannot imagine taking this journey with anyone else. I realize that our future promises us to say at least one more heart-wrenching goodbye in July when Cory deploys, and maybe more if God sees it fit to only give Cory a "one way ticket" to the sand box, but regardless of what the future brings, I will always cherish the memories we've made here - the good and the bad!!!
To my soldier -
I can't believe its already been a year. I can honestly say that I could have never imagined that I would love you more today that I did this day one year ago!!! I am more proud of you than words could express. Despite the hardships your job brings us daily, you wear that uniform proudly!! I could go on and on about why I love you, but I'll save the readers from all of that!! You are my best friend and hero (along with many other titles). I love you to the end of the numbers - NO REGRETS!!!!!!!! Happy anniversary!

Another angel receives his wings...

I know most of you have probably heard that Steve Owens has passed away. I just wanted to stop and remember his family and remind everyone to continue to pray for them. They are all such Godly people, I know they feel our prayers. I may be in Texas, but I'm not out of the loop. Sometimes I receive information before my mom does - its kind of neat. Please remember the Owens', Kinard's and Walker's along with the rest of Steve's family and friends as they deal with their loss this holiday season.

Up in the sky - its a bird...

Just wanted to let you all know that my husband has unofficially been given the title of Flight Medic for his unit. What does this mean, you may ask... well basically it means that if a patient is deemed "unstable" at the hospital Cory will be in when he is deployed, he (Cory) will be responsible (along with the Brigade Surgeon or some other doctor) for flying - in the helicopter- with said soldier to a more suitable hospital. This is a very prestigious honor given to only the elite few. Because Cory is the only Paramedic in his entire unit, he can do a lot more for these guys than the rest of the Medics. I'm so proud of him and so thankful to God that the rest of the "superiors" in Cory's unit are starting to understand exactly what he is capable of!!!

Pictures, Chipotle's and Stubborn Babies

Today was a very productive day for the Trotters (well, at least for most of us). We got up at a decent time - at least for a Saturday- and headed out to WalMart to get the girls pictures taken. I've found that WalMart usually has relatively decent pics and you get TONS for a very reasonable price. I made Cory come with us because I really wanted to get a family pic for some greeting cards, needless to say he wasn't the happiest with me - but he "soldiered" up and was a real trooper. We managed to get a REALLY good pic of the girls together, 2 good pics (each) seperately, one family photo that will do the job, and even got a pic of just Cory and I that turned out really well. We did all of that, plus pic our package and "customize" it and get out in about 30 min. We were all happy - me because now I can tell the Grandparents that new pics are coming, Cory because the picture taking was over and he survived and the girls because they LOVE to have their picture taken!! I'll post the pictures as soon I get them back!!!
After our picture taking, we headed down to Round Rock (about 45 min from here) for lunch and then our much anticipated 3D ultrasound for Reese. We stopped in at Chipotle's- Cory's most favorite place to eat. It's kind of like Moe's but not even close to as good (don't tell Cory I said that). There's not one here, so I don't mind letting Cory get his MASSIVE burrito when we make the trip down I-35. He was happy and I am glad that I am married to a man that is all set after just one burrito every couple of months!!!
After our lunch, it was off to see our little man. I thought that because we had just eaten he would be awake and active as this is his usual behavior. Boy was I wrong. The ultrasound started out with Reese having his hands OVER is face and refusing to move them. The U/S tech had me get up and walk around to get him to move. I laid back down and Reese had flipped over to where we could only see his back. From then on, he refused to be seen. I went to Baskin Robbins to "sugar" him up and that didn't even work. He wouldn't let us see ANYTHING but his back - he showed his butt, literally!!!! I had to chuckle even though it was frustrating because he is already so much like Cory and I - Cory because be does not like being the "center" of attention and Me because when I decide I don't want to do something, NOTHING will change my mind. So we left Round Rock empty handed today. :( We are scheduled to go back next Saturday and try again. Hopefully Reese will see the need to grace us with his cooperation as I just want ONE picture.
After our failed attempt at capturing a pic of our little "angel", we headed back to Killeen for a friends baby shower and then I was off to WalMart for groceries. Reese definitely woke up in WalMart - I've decided that he either loves grocery shopping or hates it as he goes bananas everytime I walk into WalMart, the commisary or HEB (our grocery store here). After putting away the massive amount of groceries and eating a very late dinner - I'm such a bad mom - Cory and I watched Eight Crazy Nights (another of Cory's traditions) and are now turning in for the night.
Hopefully tomm will allow us to rest and be lazy, as my body (mostly my swollen ankles and feet) need the break. I hope everyone has had a great weekend!!!!

What's next???

Just wanted to take a minute to say Gimme a break!!!! Check this out and tell me what you think...

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20071115/wl_asia_afp/lifestyleaustraliachristmasoffbeat

Only in Texas...

I'm doing my Thursday Thirteen a little early as I'm not sure if I'll have time to do it tomm. I am going to list 13 things you will only find in Texas - well, you may find them other places, just not places I've been. Only in Texas...
1) Will it be 85 degrees when you walk into the mall to get your hair cut and it will 60 degrees when you come out - and you've only been inside an hour.
2) Will you see the Texas State Flag ALWAYS flying at the same height as the US Flag. Most other states show a little respect to Old Glory - but not in Texas.
3) Will you hear school age children reciting a Pledge to the Texas State flag immediately following the Pledge of Allegiance.
4) Will you be able to carry ANY size gun as long as it is in plain site - without a permit.
5) Will you see topless women walking around outside and it is all completely legal as long as you cannot see genitals or anus ( I'm sure this law applies in at least Lousiana, but it still shocks me).
6) Will you have to travel one way down the "frontage road" just to do a U Turn under the bridge to go one way up the other side. This is extremely frustrating - trust me.
7) Will you hear a state refer to itself as The Republic of Texas and not ever really claim to be a part of the US.
8) Will you be able to drive from sun up to sun down and not even be close to the end of the state (again, this may apply to other states, but Texas is the only state I've heard truck drivers saying things like "Sunrise to sunset and you still ain't out of Texas yet."
9) Will you hear the residents call themselves "southern" but not know how to make sweet tea.
10) Will your kids get a day and a half off every 8 weeks, not to mention all the days in between that are declared "holidays" - I've never seen kids get out of school this much in my life!
11) Will you have 3 WalMarts within about 5 miles of each other - this may just be here, but I swear you can walk out one WalMart and see the other two from the door. (ok, a maybe not THAT close, but they are close)
12) Will you find 32 elementary schools, 11 middle schools and 4 high schools in ONE school district. (This requires a sub list of at least 1000 people, no joke)
13) Will you find signs that report the number of days its been since road fatalities. This may be unique to Fort Hood, but at every gate there is a sign with a red, yellow and green light. The sign reads "___ days since our last fatality". I've yet to see it make it past 30 days. This just shows you the caliber of drivers roaming these streets.

*** These are just a few things I've found unique about this great state... Hope you guys have a wonderful day!!!

Army 101

Cory had a four day weekend this past weekend so we really enjoyed having him home EVERYDAY, ALL DAY. But today, its back to the grind. Cory has left for the field for at least 3 days, so I am all alone - again. I have started to compare being an Army wife to being in school. Everyday here there are lessons to be learned, and lessons to be reinforced. These lessons vary from Pay issues (which the Army is notorious for), how to get laundry detergent spilled on your husband Class A's over two months ago out without ruining them, learning how to do a DTY (do it yourself) move and have the Army pay you, to learning the proper way to pack a Ruck Sack with all the supplies your husband will need to survive in the field for at least a week (maybe longer). Its a never ending process and I've learned something new everyday. I could probably write a book on the lessons I've learned since being here in Texas. But just like school, the Army has tests. I feel like field missions (like the one Cory is on now) are like end of Chapter tests. They are used to make sure that we, as Army wives, are retaining the lessons we've learned as our men are usually taken to the field in the middle of some crisis (such as the Pay issue we are having right now). I use these times to boost my confidence, putting the tools I have developed into action. Then you have your Pop quizzes. These consist of minor set backs that the Army throws at you at least once a week(these may be pay issues, housing issues, or other "pearls" the Army likes to give you). I feel like these are used to keep us on our feet and never really get "settled" because Army life changes EVERYDAY and sometimes multiple times a day. My family can atest to the fact that my life is ever changing. They may talk to me at 8 am and this is going on and then by noon, plans have TOTALLY changed. I've learned to never write in pen, that's for sure. Then you have your FINALS. These are known as NTC (National Training Center). It consists of the soldiers going to California (at least in our case) for a month to train for combat overseas. Unfortunately, Cory's NTC is scheduled for middle of Jan to middle of Feb (the time Reese is to be born). We're working on this now, and hope to have all the details figured out by Christmas so that Cory can be home for the birth. NTC is the test that makes sure you can survive the Deployment as your soldier is taken from you , with little contact and you are left to handle matters on your own. I am confident that I can make it through all of this, with the support from my family and friends and most importantly the guidance of God's hands. So I'm off to hit the books again - more lessons to learn. I just wish that at the end of all this I could put this on my resume' and it carry some weight!!!!

I've been tagged...

8 things I'm passionate about: (in no particular order)
1. my family
2. my marriage
3. my children
4. supporting our troops
5. being an Army wife
6. friendships
7. learning as much as I can from my experiences
8. being open minded

8 things I want to do before I die:
1. Travel out of the country
2. see our children accept Christ into their heart
3. Help Cory finish and publish his book
4. Buy a house
5. have enough money to give as freely and as generously I want to others
6. learn to relax and let the little stuff go
7. Seek His Kingdom everyday
8. See our children grow into successful adults doing something they love and living a life they are proud of.

8 things I say often:
1. "I love you"
2. "hey lovie"
3. "what do you want to eat?"
4. "in a few minutes"
5. "get out of the kitchen" (to the girls and the dogs)
6. "inside voices"
7. "the Army sucks" (at least once a day)
8. "you know what I mean"

8 books I've read recently
1. What to expect when you're expecting
2. Pregnancy for Dummies
3. Man named Dave by David Pelzer
4. Ever After
5. The book Cory's working on
6. The children's book Cory and some of the Medics are working on for their 1st Sgt.
7. Owner's manual to my Kia
8. Maternal Fetal Nursing

8 songs I could listen to over and over:
1. Bring it home by Little Big Town
2. Anything by James Taylor
3. Anything by Martina McBride
4. She's Everything by Brad Paisley
5. Anything by Rascal Flatts
6. WHen you say nothing at all by Alison Krauss
7. If you're reading this by Tim Mcgraw
8. Anything by Lonestar

8 things that attract me to my best friends:
1. They "get" me and love me anyway
2. They keep me grounded
3. They are there to pray for/with me
4. No matter what the distance, I know they are always only a phone call away
5. They let me think I'm in control most of the time
6. We have the same sense of humor
7. They love me even though I'm currently a Texan
8. They support me ALWAYS

Tag 8 People:
I don't know 8 people who have not been tagged by Annie!! I look forward to reading everyone elses!!

My Momma always said...

"The man you marry will have to be a STRONG man to keep you in line". We always used to joke that he (my future husband) was probably living in Africa learning how to tame lions with his bare hands. As I sit here watching Cory play his video games, I realize that I am married to MY perfect match. No, he does not tame wild lions, but I think God uses him to show me that I don't always have to be in control and I need to just relax more.
Cory came to me at such an unexpected time in my life and was such a breath of fresh air. Once I got over the initial "you big jerk" phase, he made me realize that I had always just settled for less than I deserved. When we first met, he was married so I never dreamed that WE would be together. But as God would have it, it all worked out in the end. I'll spare the details, but for those of you who know the WHOLE story, you know it was GOD all the way.
Cory reminds me of my brother Brian in many ways. I know he (Brian) and maybe everyone else may think I'm loosing my mind, but its true. Brian and Annie have always had a relationship that I looked up to but never dreamed I would have. I knew God was in the center of their lives and they were truly with the one that God made for them. I always thought maybe I was just meant to be alone. Until Cory.
This journey we have been on for the last year and a half has been a bit unorthodox (as if I would have had it any other way, lol). However, I find myself regretting NOTHING with this man. I cannot imagine taking this journey with anyone else. We have our moments where we are unsure of our future and what it may entale, but we always come back to the fact that as long as we are together, we'll be fine. God is in control and there is NOTHING that we cannot face and overcome together (all three of us).
So no, Cory does not eat nails, nor does he tame the wildest beast. He has managed a greater task than this - he tamed MY heart!!!

I love these things...

Maybe its because I'm bored, but for some reason, I love doing interesting little surveys like this!!

I give you money and send you into the grocery store to pick up 5 items. You can only pick one thing from the following departments.. what is it?
1. Produce: Apples
2. Bakery: Cake (white with buttercream frosting) or Doughnuts
3. Meat: chicken
4. Frozen: Popcicles for the Girls
5. Dry goods: Some sort of Cereal for Cory

Let's say we're heading out for a weekend getaway. You're only allowed to bring 3 articles of clothing with you. So, what's in your bag?(besides under garments, right?)
1. Jeans
2. T-Shirt
3. Flip Flops

If I was to listen in on one of your conversations throughout the day, what 5 phrases or words would I be most likely to hear?
1. "How was your day?"
2. "I love you"
3. "Go lay down!!" (to the dogs)
4. "What do you want to eat?"
5. "I can't wait to get out of here!!"

So, what 3 things do you find yourself doing every single day, and if you didn't get to do, you'd probably be in a pretty irritable/bad mood?
1. Loving on my husband and girls.
2. Having a caffeinated beverage or two
3. Getting online

What are 3 things that you have in your room that have been with you for the longest amount of time?(Currently I'm in the living room, so I'm gonna use that)
1. My Puff-a-lump> Anyone who has spent any significant time with me knows the importance of this bear.
2. Long sleeve T-shirt from 1998 Band season.
3. Purse from 2001

If you were only allowed to listen to 5 of your CDs for the rest of your life, never adding anything else, which 5 could you listen to & be content with?
1. Little Big Town
2. Mix of Country I made
3. Mix of Light Rock/ Old R&B
4. Luther Vandross
5. Martina McBride

You're driving down the road, and suddenly you're hit with this sense of road rage. What 3 factors probably contributed to it?
1. Slow drivining in the fast lane
2. someone pulled out in front of me
3. People won't get over when I'm trying to merge on or off the interstate

Sweet, you just scored a whole afternoon to yourself. We're talking a 3 hour block with nobody around. What 5 activities might we find you doing?
1. Sleeping
2. Watching TV
3. On the internet
4. Get a massage
5. Shopping (if I had the money)

We're going to the zoo. But, it looks like it could start storming, so it'll have to be a quick visit. What 3 exhibits do we have to get to?
1. monkeys
2. elephants
3. hippos

You're hungry for ice cream. I'll give you a triple dipper ice cream cone. What 3 flavors can I pile on for ya?
1. Birthday Cake
2. Sweet Cream from Cold Stone Creamery
3. Chocolate

Somebody stole your purse/wallet…in order to get it back, you have to name 5 things you know are inside to claim it. So, what's in there?
1. My Military ID
2. Cards - Debit/Credit
3. Check Books x 3
4. Pens
5. Keys

If you could go back and talk to the old you, when you were in high school, and inform yourself of 6 things that you should or should not do what would it be?
1. Don't be afraid to be alone. It doesn't always pay to be "involved" with someone.
2. Listen to your Mom and John - sometimes they know what they're talking about.
3. Its not neccessary to go against everyone just to "prove" your independence - people know you are unique.
4. Listen to Brian and Annie - they may not be much older, but they are MUCH wiser.
5. Your body is a TEMPLE!!!
6. Trust your gut. When you feel like something or someone is wrong in your life - you're probably right!! Go with it!

Ups and downs

We have officially made our appt for our 3D/4D ultrasound. We will be going on Nov 17 (yes that's a Saturday). I will definitely be posting the pics ASAP!!!! YEAH - we are so excited!!!!!!!!!!!

On a not so happy note - Cory has received official word that he will deploy in early July 08. We knew it was coming and I feel like we are prepared. Its going to be a long 15 MONTHS. The Army has the longest deployment schedule. 15 months is the bare minimum. Some units stay longer. Please pray for our family as we begin to deal with the reality that his day is coming. We must begin to explain to the girls what's going on and I must re-learn how to be a "single mother". Cory is having an exceptionally hard time dealing with the idea that he will miss a lot of Reese's "first". I'm just ready for him to go and get it over with because once he returns, his contract will almost be up and we can put this whole Army thing behind us!! I will posting more news as we know it and as it changes (as Uncle Sam LOVES to do).

One of the JOYS of being a Medic's wife...

Cory's job in the Army is to be a Combat Medic. This entails many different duties, some of which you may not think of. Its has its joys and it has it pains, like most other jobs. However, we have experienced one of the "joys" this week. Cory has spent the last two weeks working at the sick call clinic (the place for all the sick soldiers to go in the am from 6-9 and seek medical treatment). He has also been working VERY closely with some of the Medics in his company - who have been passing around some kind of funk for the last few weeks. Well, the inevitable happened. Cory and I woke up Sunday morning feeling like we had both been run over by a bus. Apparently, he has brought something home and being the WONDERFUL husband he is, he thought he would share. So we've spent the last couple of days trying to recoop. He is MUCH worse than me I might add - I attribute it to the fact that I refuse to let this knock me down because I have so much to do. I do think however that my day is coming and I too will be begging to be put out of my misery. Cory had to literally peel himself from bed this morning with a 100.8 fever, sore throat and a cough that only a seal could be proud of and carry himself to the same sick call clinic where I believe this all began. Please pray for us as we are trying to get back on our feet and please also pray that Uncle Sam will see it fit to give my pitiful husband the day off!! Till next time!! I'm going back to bed...

Just a couple of pics!!

Our family of Pumpkins including Reese's with the pacifier. (Clockwise from Left - Sam's, Our's, Hailey's and Reese's)

Sam and Hailey with the Scarecrow at Harvest Fest 07 - Fort Hood, Tx

I saw Moses running down Battalion Ave!!!

Ok, so maybe it wasn't THE Moses, but it was someone who dressed up as Moses. Yesterday was the 4ID's "morale" run that every battalion takes to boost their morale shortly before they deploy. The 4ID is scheduled to start deploying over the next couple of weeks. Most of the soldiers dressed up in costumes for the run. They shut down one of the busiest streets here on post and Cory said they had 4 helicopters hoovering over the run as well. Its a great morale boost for not only those soldiers but for the entire community!! One of the top NCO's stated that these soldiers go to war for many reasons - God , country, duty,etc but also for the men and women on their left and right!! I'm sure it was a great bonding experience and memory they will all cherish! By the way - Moses was leading the entire group, staff (well, really a flag) in hand! It was great.
Last night we headed over to Abrams Gym (the main gym here on post) for their Harvest Fest. We didn't know what to expect as we have been disappointed the last few times we went to "military functions" with the kids. But it was fun. They had games for the girls to play and gave out HANDFULS of candy for each game. The girls only played like 6 or 7 games and their bags were already full. They also had a cake walk and some "family" games to play where you could win prizes like a Computer, Nintnedo Wii, and other "big ticket" items. We didn't stay around for those games - we had some trick or treating to do!!!
Here on post, they had a curfew for trick or treating. We had to be done by 8 pm so we made it back home from the Gym around 730 and hurried out to get some candy. I had decided earlier on that we would only go up our street and around our cul-de-sac because I couldn't walk much further and the girls were definitely NOT hurting for candy (thanks to the Gym and Big Daddy- Cory's dad - who gave them 2 HUGE bags full of candy when we went to SC). I am disappointed to say that only 4 people, including us, gave out candy on our entire street.
The girls had fun and despite the "toothfairy" forgetting to leave money for Samantha's tooth she lost yesterday, I think that Candy Day 07 was productive. We had the Finley's and Chase's over last night for a little while and it was great to spend some time just chatting and hanging out.
So that was our day - hopefully when I figure out how to post pics here, I will be able to post a few pics of the house, and Halloween!!!