Back with a Giveaway!

Two months!  Holy cow!  If you've followed my blog, you know I used to post almost daily...then it slowed down...then, apparently, it just about stopped!  I can't believe it's been two months since I posted something on here!  Wow. 

Reality Vs. Fantasy

The sky's the limit...right?  We can be whatever we want to be.  Isn't this the message we give our kids?  One of my dreams is to be a published writer.  It's one of the reasons I started this blog.  A couple years ago I took a course to finesse my style and learn how to submit my work.  I got great feedback and improved a lot.  Most importantly, I really enjoyed it!  And, although I haven't been published yet, it's still a dream of mine.  A maybe someday sort of thing.

Right now, though, there's reality.  Sure I could be working an article right now rather than posting on here.  but the reality is that I'm tired.  I've got a lot on my plate and all of it is important to me.  And more important than that "being a writer" dream. 

One of the great things about my busy reality, though, is that I get the opportunity to write in my life.  And I'm getting compliments about it.  I haven't thought a ton about submitting works in a several months.  But with the positive feedback that I'm getting, and completely unsolicited may I add, I'm thinking about my dream again.  And it feels great to dream!

So, a goal of mine for this summer is to figure out a way to write more for my publishing fantasy.  I'm not going to go so far as to make a goal of actually submitting or anything crazy like that!  But I do want to get reorganized and focused and maybe put an hour a week or something into developing ideas and writing drafts.  I've got a ton of ideas, so it'll be wonderful to spit them out on paper. 

I'll try to keep you posted, but please check in with me and see how I'm doing with bringing my dreams to life.  I'd love to hear how you're living a dream or working toward one too.  Do share...

Joining In!

Today I'm all about joining in!  First Small Style and now The Ultimate Blog Party!  Woo hoo!

Giveaway!!!

It's here!  It's time!

I'm officially announcing a giveaway!

Thank you to my first 50 followers!  I'm so excited that that many people read what I have to say.  I hope the number keeps growing too.  Not that my message is all that profound, but because I'm true to me and I've learned that that connects with a lot of others.  I like connecting.  So, here's to 50 more...

(raises glass of water - *clink*)

A Note From My Mom

Dear Annie's blog readers,

Please excuse Annie's long absence from posting silly, enlightening, thought provoking blog posts.  She has been very busy with life.  Things never got so bad that a doctor's visit was necessary, although, a visit with a friend was in order and Annie complied with her recommendations to drink wine and eat dessert.  (The friend technically is a doctor, so if you'd like the doctor's excuse too, I'm sure we can arrange that.)  Annie is really no less busy now, but feeling more organized.  She's hoping to get back to blogging more regularly now. 

Thank you,

Annie's mom

Birthday Plans

What better way to come back to my blog than to fill you in on what my kids have been saying...right?  Tonight's story is all about Gracie.  The other two have certainly said crazy things too, but Gracie's had me rolling all day today!

Gracie: "Here are a few things I'd like for my birthday, since it's really close."
Me: "Really close?"
Gracie: "Yeah. June is only about three months away. You need to start planning. I don't want you to be still thinking about what to do two days before my birthday like you are with Dada's."

"I want a princess cake or a barbie cake or a barbie princess cake."

"JAA-AACE, why do you have to be so obnoxious?"

Mama:  "So, what do you guys think we should get for Dada's birthday?"
Tyler:  "Monster truck."
Gracie:  "Don't you want to survive?"
Tyler:  "Dada like monster truck!"
Gracie:  "But if we buy Dada a monster truck than we won't have money for food and that means we won't survive."
Tyler:  "Hmmm.  (pause)  Next year monster truck."

(Doing a mad lib with Dada, who's turning 33 in two days.)
Dada: "Next you need a large number."
Gracie: "Thirty-three."
Dada: "Hey!  That's not large!"

So, there you have it...life continues here as normal now that all of our guests have left.  We really enjoyed spending time with family and friends who might as well be family!  Thanks for coming...excited for our next guests, and happy to be posting on here again.  Talk to ya'll again soon.

MIA

I know I've been a bit out of touch lately.

Expect that to continue for a while longer...at least.

There's a lot going on...with Sub Ball dress shopping, visitors, discussing and planning and more fun stuff!

What Makes Me Awesome

So, there I was innocently minding my own business on facebook.  When suddenly Smrt Mama posted all sorts of things that I found interesting and possibly even important.  In the midst of all the things she shared was something she put on her blog back in November.  It was an exercise in realizing how incredible you are.  I didn't do it then.  I was busy, tired, had all sorts of excuses.  But today I decided I'd take a crack at it.  What about you?  Are you ready to see how awesome you are?

50 Followers!

YAY!!!  I have 50 followers!  How exciting! 

(You can tell I'm excited by the overuse of exclamation points!)

That's all for now.

I'll announce the giveaway I've been preparing for soon.

Stay tuned...

Now - it's nap time!

(See?  I'm excited about that too!)

All State

(If you want to watch the videos, I recommend pausing the playlist at the bottom.)

Have you seen these State Farm Insurance commercials?  The ones where they sing a jingle and wish for things and *poof* they get their wish?

The kids love them!  In fact every time they see one they try it.  They sing the song, wish for all sorts of things and *poof*  nothing. 

Today, Jace finally figured out what the problem is.  We don't have State Farm Insurance.  He's pretty annoyed with me that I won't switch our insurance company because he knows that that's the reason he can't wish for whatever he wants and get it. 

Yup.  That's the reason. 

****************

By the way...I've been gathering little things for my give away.  And I'm eagerly waiting to hit 50 followers to let you know what you could have a chance to win!  Currently I have 49!  So, if you know of anyone who might want to read about our lives in the Navy, homeschooling, parenting, and my random thoughts on things that are important to me...send them this way and tell them to follow me! 

Friday Fill-In #30

It's back!  With some great questions from the milspouses that answer the questions each week...check it out!

1.  What is your favorite MilSpouse blog (not including Wife of a Sailor who we all love, or your own)? submitted by Our Crazy Life (Wifey note: whaaaat? You can’t say my blog? No fun! LOL, just kidding)


I don't actually read a lot of blogs regularly, but the two I find myself drawn to most often are Randomonium (not only is she a Navy wife, but she's also primal - bonus for me!) and Planting Shade (a dear friend of my sister who's personality and writing style reach out to me).

2.  What are your favorite perks about your s/o being deployed (we all know there are perks)? submitted by Ramblings of a Marine Wife

I like realizing all the things I love about him all over again.  There's probably more, but right now, at this point in the patrol I don't want to think about what's good about him being gone, I just want to be excited that he's going to be home sooner rather than later and the perks that come with that!

3.  How long did you date your before getting engaged? Married? submitted by Utterly Chaotic

Well, on and off since 5th grade!  I'm serious.  It was way back then when I thought he was boring that she laughed and said, "You're probably going to marry him."  After years of holding hands on the bus and getting in trouble for calling long distance to dedicate songs to him on the radio (yes, there was a time that people paid for long distance calls by the minute!) we dated for over a year in high school. 

He broke up with me near the end of our Senior year so that he could join the Navy and I wouldn't feel tied to him.  (I'm still not sure if he was being thoughtful or selfish - but it worked.)  We remained friends and we both sorta dated other people.  In my Sophomore year of college we officially got back together, got engaged during Junior year and were married the month after I graduated from college...10 1/2 years ago!
4.  What do you think your would do if s/he wasn’t in the military? submitted by Adventures of M-Squared

He believes that if we hadn't gotten married he probably would have gotten out of the Navy and gone to Alaska to make some money on the fishing boats and been a climber in the mountains around here during the off season.  But if we were still married and he just wasn't in...I really don't know.  What he'll do after he retires from the Navy is something we discuss frequently and the options range from self-employed wood worker and general handyman to wearing a new uniform, a suit and tie, in whatever the equivalent of division officer is in the civilian world.  Time will tell...

5.  If you could talk to the Secretary of (fill in your appropriate branch) what is one suggestion you would like to bring to their attention in order to improve the lives of military families? submitted by My Life as His (Air Force) Wife

Such a thought provoking question.  I'm trying to think about what would make my life easier...one thing that would really help is to have free childcare at the gym.  I know, it's a little silly with all the other things that could be done.  But it would really help me to be able to jump in the pool every now and then.  Heck, I'd even pay for childcare...not much, but something...I just want it at the gym!

Luckily I'm Good Company

I've been wondering lately if being the only one to comment on my own facebook status qualifies as talking to one's self.  Or is it more like journaling?  What do you think?

As I pondered that very deep topic I also wondered about my blogging.  It's definitely a journal of sorts, but also written for others.  However, when I don't get feedback...am I really just talking to myself?

Taboos

What don't you talk about? 

Everyone has things that are uncomfortable to have a conversation about.  Sex, politics, and religion seem to be big ticket items that we shouldn't discuss in polite company, right? 

WHAT?

Perhaps we haven't properly met.  I don't do taboos.  Don't get me wrong, I don't air all my laundry everywhere.  But I do think everything can be talked about, and most of it probably should be discussed in polite company.  After all, if you can't talk about your opinions and values nicely, you probably don't need to be talking about them at all.  I know, I know...people are often passionate about these topics, and that's fine.  But you can be passionate and respectful.  They're not mutually exclusive. 

Just a Little FYI

So, I've been thinking for some time about doing a give away.  I still haven't decided what that give away will be.  But I have figured out when!  That's exciting for me. 

I just realized I have 41 followers.  Who knew!?  When I hit 50 followers I'll post the give away details!  So, tell your friends and lets see how quickly we can get to 50! 

(By the way...if I don't notice that I've hit 50 followers and you do because you're on the edge of your seat waiting to see what I come up with next...just send me a message or comment to draw my attention to that fact.  Thanks!)

Can I get a "Woo hoo!!"?

Friday Fill-In #26

It's been a while!  Between Wifey's holiday and homecoming break and my bread for no good reason other than life took over...I haven't been very consistent with these little questionnaires.  But, I think I'm ready to be back at it!  Woo hoo! 

1.What are you looking forward to most in 2011? from Jessica Lynn Writes

Visitors.  As a family of five we're not going to be flying home (WA to NY) on a whim anytime soon.  So, I'm really excited to see the family that can come see us here.  We've got several on the books for March and April and hopefully some more this summer!


2.What is something random you do on a boring night when your significant other is away? from Lovin Ma Soldier

You mean other than answer questions on my blog?  Seriously, though, I do that even when he is around.  So, something I do when he's not around...I watch a lot of Dateline, 48 Hours, Real Forensics...that sort of thing.  They're not his favorites and I am simply amazed by how screwed up people can be. 
3.What has been your greatest adventure as a MilSpouse? from Misadventures of An Army Momma

I feel like right now is my greatest adventure.  Only recently have I realized that I'm in a unique position.  I'm an officer's wife, he's prior enlisted, and I'm on the FRG board.  Bottom line?  I have a lot of people to interact with and a lot of avenues to try when working towards improvements.  I don't fit a stereotype (that I know of) and that's perfect for who I try to be. 

4.What is the ugliest fashion trend you ever bought into (I’d like to make fun of you, so can you please provide a picture as well)? from More Than An Army Wife

I don't know about ugly, but perhaps behind the times.  In middle and high school (early and mid 90's) we were reluctant to let go of the 80's and boldly blended our grunge with our leg warmers! 
5.What was the high point of last month?

Last month had a high point?  Honestly it was a rough month.  I don't even want to think about it long enough to pick out a high point, so I'll just focus on the future. 

Don't forget to go check out other people's answers and join in yourself!  See ya next week!

A Few Changes

So, I've been playing with my blog design.  You may have noticed.  Maybe not.  Either way, let me tell you about the changes I've made.  Basically I removed some of the links from the side bar and added them in my new pages at the top.  Directly under the blog's title you see four little tabs that say will bring you to different places here at Live it.  Love it (or not).  Write about it.

"Home" will bring you to the most current posts.

"Our Navy Life" gives a little blurb about our lives as a Navy family.  I haven't put any links on there yet.  I'm still deciding what ones I want to add.

"Homeschooling" provides you with a short story about how and why we homeschool.  Those of you who know me are likely surprised that it's such a short story!  I figured I was writing pages and pages on here, so readers could always find out more if they wanted.  Or they could ask!  It also includes links to other blogs about homeschooling and to the unit reviews I've posted on here.

"Living Healthy" tells you a little about primal living and lists several other sites that can help you live primally, mind, body, and spirit. 

I hope you enjoy the little differences.  To some it may not seem like much.  I'm obviously not an expert in the world of technology.  I am excited, though, to have made a few little improvements.  Let me know what you think.

Thoughtfulness and Thankfulness

I've thought a lot lately about what to blog.  There are a lot of ideas sputtering around in my head, but nothing that seems to be worth expanding on.  Some ideas seem to lead to nothing, no point, no moral of the story, no purpose.  Other's seem to be a little personal for publishing on the World Wide Web.  And some are going to require a bit of energy and actual writing, rather than just typing away!  So, we'll see what comes of all the thoughts floundering in my brain...maybe nothing, maybe something.  Stay tuned to find out! 

In the meantime, here are a few little tid bits for you to consider.  I just finished reading Run For Your Life, by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge.  I've always been a little annoyed when illustrations don't match the words in a book.  This goes way back to childhood.  My mother can attest to many readings of Wacky Wednesday (Dr. Seuss) where we couldn't turn the page until I found every little thing that was out of place on that page.  But, I digress.  The first comment I have regarding the great page turner I just read it the cover makes one think that a woman will, at some point, be running for her life.  I hope I'm not giving too much away in saying that that isn't really the case.  (shrug)  Whatever!  It was still a good book and I'm excited to read the next in the series!

One more thing from the book...there's a poem mentioned that I had never heard of, but googled and read after learning of it.  It's by Anne Bradstreet, and called In Reference to Her Children.  It's lovely.  Please enjoy it for a moment today. 

Now, on to thankfulness. 

Mama Loves Papa is a blog my lil' sis sent my way.  She's good like that.  I enjoy the blog greatly.  And I'm excited to be part of something she's got going on throughout November.  So excited, in fact, that I'm getting started a few hours early! 

Tonight, on the way home from trick or treating I asked everyone to join me in saying what they're thankful for.  Here's our list:

Scott - "I'm thankful that there wasn't a cop there to see me run that light that turned red...definitely Kyrsten green."  (Kyrsten is a friend of ours whose husband, Andy, once told us that yellow lights should be called "Kyrsten green.")

Gracie - "I'm thankful for my Barbie dolls."

Jace - "I'm thankful for the guy who invented Legos."

Tyler- "Llello"

Mama - "Yellow?"

Tyler - "No.  Me play my Lo's."

Mama - "You're thankful for your Lego's too?"

Tyler - "Yup!"

Mama - No one asked me in the van.  I didn't push it.  Instead I thought about all the things I'm thankful for, and there are many.  I decided that for today I'm most thankful for my husband.  Scott is an incredible gift for so many reasons, his ability to let things go and love me despite my flaws are just the tip of the ice berg!  I love him and am thankful he picked me for his wife!

What are you thankful for and thoughtful about today?  Enjoy it all...and share if you'd like. 

Getting To Know The Neighbors

I don't know if you have ever looked at the top of my blog, just above the (lengthy) title.  Have you?  If you haven't, you should.  There are several places to click.  They're actually on the top of any blog you might frequent that's hosted by blogspot.  I'm not actually sure if "hosted" is the right terminology...I don't know much about computers, the Internet, and blogging...believe it or not!  But if it's something.blogspot.com then you can look up to the top and click on "next blog" and discover a good many blogs from all around the world.  It's very cool.

Here are some I found last night whilst cruising the net:

CDBoyack Tidbits

I Blog About Nothing

Random Samples of Humor

On The Garden Path

And these are just a few...you can practically go on forever!  You might find your blogs in foreign languages or ones you can read but just don't want to.  But if you're looking for something to do on a cool fall afternoon (or anytime, really) click on the next blog and see what pops up!  It's always neat to meet new people, even if they're merely net neighbors!

Blog Hop 2010

Who doesn't love a few minutes or a few days spent cruising the internet "meeting" incredible people who blog for this reason or that? I know I do. That is, when I have time to sit idle. (More on why that might not be the case in a second.)

Pensieve is hosting today's fun! So head to her site and make some new friends!

As for me...it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm a Navy wife, stay at homeschooling mother of three, and aspiring writer*. My husband and I have been married for 10 years. Our kids are 7, 5, and 2 1/2. Mostly, they're good kids. Mostly, we're good parents. We all have our moments!

Feel free to wander through my blog...you'll read about everything from our parenting styles, our kids, eating and playing according to the Primal Blueprint, the Navy...you know...our life.

Enjoy!

(*A little note about being an aspiring writer...I haven't actually submitted anything to anyone in about six months. Life has been busy, and fun, so this little dream has taken a bit of a back seat, except on my blog! Someday when I do get published and become famous - you can all say you knew me when...)