11.06.2009

Matti is growing up too fast :(

Last night, I was holding him & he was laying his head on my shoulder. It was close to his bedtime so he was just relaxing. After a while, he lifted his head up & started reaching toward the hallway. He kept reaching towards it & then he turned to my parents to wave & say, "bye!" He was trying to tell me to go to the room & he was saying "bye" to my parents becaue he was going to bed. He's never done that before so I asked him if he was tired & he just kept reaching. So he kissed everyone good night & to the room we went. I said good night & I layed him down. Normally, I sing to him & read a little bit right after I put him down. I decided to take my contacts out really quick & brush my teeth. When I went back to sing & read, he was already knocked out. <3 Baby boy was sleepy & he was able to let me know. He's growing up too fast & he's such a smart little boy.

*While I'm typing this is playing peek-a-'baah' with me lol.*

10.26.2009

changes.

So, my little "vacation" is over. Jason has started his new job & it's back to me & Matti during the day time. I'm trying to get myself back into a routine since we didn't have one at all when Jason wasn't working. It's hard to get a routine going because we are living at my parents' house for the time being so it's not like living in our home. I'm doing a few dinners a night & so far so good. I'm trying out new recipes (the other night a made this amazing chili which was a hit with mine & Jason's family). So yea, now I'm trying to remember what DID I do when Jason was at work in VA? LOL...I've got to fulfill my housewifey duties & take care of Matti. I started to make a mental list of things I needed to do, but it feels like I'm going to run out of things. We'll see.

Anyway, I think I'm getting a cold or getting sick, but I hope I'm not. My throat has been a little sore (but that could be cause we played Rockband last night!) and I have been sneezing a little. No bueno...not at all. Matti is doing this coughing thing but I can't tell if it's a fake cough or if he's trying to imitate my sneezes ha ha. He's been clingy lately because I think he is teething. The drool monster is back & he's got his hands in his mouth all the time. I think it might be his molars and based on my reading, it doesn't seem like it'll be too pleasant. Poor guy.

I'm jumping around everywhere. We are on week 6 (going on 7?) of the LCS & it's been going reall well. I definitely see a change in myself & especially with me & Jason's prayer time--which has always been important to me. One of my discussion group leaders (we break off into groups--male/female--after the talks to discuss) said "you may not see any changes on the outside, but there's definitely something happening on the inside." & I DEFINITELY agree. Personally, I feel more at peace with things & that I don't stress out as much as I used to. I still do, but not as much. & I think in Talk 2 (Who is Jesus Christ), the speaker mentioned that the more "me me me" attitude we have, the farther Jesus is from being the center of our lives--where he SHOULD be. I felt that the speaker was talking to me then. Four talks/weeks later, I can see that's the change in me. It's less "I did this last.." or "I woke up earlier.." or "I'm tired too!" and there's more of just DOING on my part. I just feel good overall, but with this change, I can definitely feel/see the evil one trying to bring me down. Trying to bring me back to my old ways. Trying to let the small things get to me. But I won't let him win...I will gladly take the challenge because I know He won't let me down. I know that He's got my back.

10.16.2009

15 month appointment

Today was Matti's first appointment since Jason got out of the Navy. It took FOREVER!!! lol. I always heard when Jason was in that our wait times were long. We went to Langley AFB & they were always pretty good with seeing us on our appointment time. So we went today. We showed up at 2:30 like we were asked to...our appointment was at 3:00pm. We got called in around 3. The nurse took us to a room where she measured Matti's head, height & weight. After that, she told us to wait in the waiting area for doctor. So we waited....and waited.....and waited. Finally, we were the only ones in the waiting area..and finally we got called in. We got showed to a different room.....and more waiting. Matti was restless & grumpy & cranky & just everything. He wanted to either be held or play with everything in sight. Finally, we saw the doctor, and he was good. :) It felt kinda rushed since I think we were the very last appointment, but he still took the time to play with Matti and get him comfortable. I liked the Dr. but it just felt rushed. Everything was fine & we were given orders to come back on the 18th. Dr. left & the nurse came back for Matti's shot. Just one :) & he took it like a champ! Once that needle was out of his leg, he was fine & trying to figure out what "bit" him lol. We made his next appointment & set it in the morning..I'll see if I still get that "rushed" feeling then.

So beeb boy's stats:

Height: 30 in. (@ his 6 month, 28 in) which puts him in the 10th percentile
Weight: 21.6 lbs (@ 6 month, 19 lbs) which puts him way below..not even in the 3rd percentile. he gained 2 lbs! but he is still so small for his age...he takes after his momma for sure!
Head: 48 cm which puts him in the 75th percentile..lol!! yay! but of course, we knew his head was massive anyway.

He says 7-8 words & signs "more" & "all gone." He has little ways to let us know he needs milk or whatever else. So overall, he's doing great!

10.08.2009

a little of everything

Wow...it's been almost 4 months since I have updated this. A lot has changed since my last post. One of the biggest changes is that Jason is home! He came home (along withe the rest of the sailors on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower) on July 30, 2009. It was truly one of the best days of my life! He's been home for 70 days according to my ticker :) & it has been great. I have pictures posted on my Facebook page. Needless to say, homecoming was more than what I anticipated it to be. I spent months & months of trying to picture it in my head & it was just unreal. I am so glad we were able to have the experience of a deployment & homecoming. I had a photographer through Operation: Love Reunited & he was just amazing! I'm glad that it was documented in pictures & I love looking back on them. Matti went straight to Jason & they have been attached since. Jason was also able to see some of Matti's first few steps...

Here is the link to my Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/album.php?aid=136073&id=504482742

Another big change we have in our little family is that Jason is no longer in the Navy! Shortly after homecoming, he was out of the Navy. It was scary at first but all our trust was put on Him & He has plans for us. We have moved out of our house in Virginia & we are in the process of putting it on the market. We pray that it sells fast! We are currently (temporarily) living at my parents' house & it's a little hectic, but hopefully the house sells soon so we can move out & give my parents their space back. & so we can have our own lol. Jason is in the process of getting a job & hopefully in a few weeks or so, I'll post good news about that. Prayers, please! Jason hasn't worked in the last 70 days, and has been home with Matthias & myself that whole time period. & we don't get tired of each other. We don't have a routine, we don't know what we're doing for the day or in the next hour, we just take things as they come along. It's great! We're enjoying this time together because we'll never have this much time together in a very long time. Retirement? lol.

Matthias is going on 16 months on the 22nd. Our boy is just wonderful. What a blessing he is! He's a full on walking, running, dancing, getting into everything, screaming, crazy & goofy little toddler. How & when did he get to be such a big boy?! We love every minute with him even though at times it's tiring because he screams & just wants to be held, but it's worth it. We love just sitting back & watching him walk around & play because he is so funny! He says "naoh" for no & shakes his head when he doesn't want something. He knows how to ask for milk & how to sign "more." He says "bye" & waves. When the phone rings, he puts his hand to his ear & says "hao" for hello. Or if you say hi or hello to him, he will put his hand to his ear...haha. He dances...aka marches. Says mama & likes to call out DAT! for "dad." It's hard for others to see just how much he knows because we're with him all the time so WE know what he asks for or what certain things mean. Like running to the refrigerator or putting his palm out with an outstretched arm towards the fridge means he needs a drink. If you ask "do you want a cracker?" he'll smile because he's saying yes. He also puts both palms up & moves them side to side to say "all gone/done" when he eats. Gives my mom flying kisses *she is STILL the favorite in this house* Oh he likes to hide & jump up & say "baaah!!!" instead of "boo" & plays peek-a-boo lol. Baaahhh is totally my fault because I used to say that instead of boo lol. He loves playing drums, piano & guitar. He brings me his books when he wants to read & says "vroom" when he sees a picture of a car & does the phone gesture when he sees a phone. He loved finger painting & drawing on his pad of paper. He can even hold a pen/crayon/pencil the proper way & "writes." He is definitely a water baby--loves the pool & bath time. He is quite the character & such a smart little boy. He is tiny as ever, though. Still 20-21 lbs..he takes after his mama, but hopefully not too much. He's definitely started having tantrums & hits when he's mad, sometimes he bites (usually it's me), he has started to bang his head on the floor & wall when he's upset & does a great job & fake crying. The kid could be an actor, I swear! I think I can go on & on about him, but I'll cut it short.

As for Jaces, we are doing great. I love having help around...I haven't had to put Matti in his car seat since he's been home. LOL. Matti is still rear facing so it gets challenging when I have to lift him in there haha. We've been attending the Families in Christ Jesus (FCJ) Life in Christ Series (LCS) every Saturday and we love it. & everyone always comments about how we've been spoonfed the material & if we're learning everything new, but we are. I know the talks are similar to the youth & yea Jason & I used to be so active in the youth group & even gave the talks ourselves, but it's different because we're at a different stage in our life now. We have a family & we're "old" but not lol...and we get something out of it each week. We didn't have anything like this while we were in Virginia, so we are really excited to have this now. So yea! As a family we've been going on walks/runs & riding our bikes. I'm out of shape again. I haven't touch the Wii Fit since Jason's been back & I really should, but Jason & I are on the same page with this fitness thing. We have P90x & hopefully we'll start that soon. Jason loves being home & working on our cars. He says it feels good to change our car's oil, wash them & take care of them. It's always something new when it comes to maintenance. As for me, I have been cooking more (finally!) again. I'm trying out new recipes & so far so good. I love cooking for Jason & even more when he loves what I've made. I even baked (gasp!) because that's some I NEVER do. I made Pianono Roll (Filipino cake roll). I'm also trying out more crockpot recipes...hello!? it couldn't be any easier! So I'll leave with the recipe I just tried that I got from a military wife site I'm on..

3 envelope chicken

Need:
boneless chicken (frozen or thawed, I used a pack)
1 packet of Ranch dressing
1 packet of Italian dressing
1 packet of chicken gravy
1 cup of water

Directions:
1. Place chicken in crockpot
2. Mix all three packets in 1 cup of water
3. Pour over chicken
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
5. Get your eat on!

*halfway through, I flipped the chicken--you don't have to. & I tasted the gravy/sauce & added more water cause I didn't want it too salty--optional, again.*

We put the sauce over our rice but you can put it over mashed potatoes too.

6.16.2009

3 weeks in

I think the Wii Fit is told me I'm on day 24 so that's a little past the three week mark. So two weeks ago, I put on this shirt. I've had this shirt forever, but I stopped wearing it cause of my jiggly overflow. I put it on two weeks ago & was making sure I looked okay. When I turned to the side, I had to do a double take. No jiggly! & I was curvy. So, a week ago, I decided to wear that shirt again & I saw my sister in law. Again, I was LOVING the shirt. She actually commented that I looked good & that the Wii Fit was working. I was surprised she saw what I saw too but I blamed it on the shirt haha. I've continued the Wii Fit this week (kinda slacked last week cause AF came to visit lol) and I am trying to run 3 days a week. I found this: http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml and I'm going to try that out. My brother in law & his wife got two jogging strollers (wifey is about 7 months pregnant right now) so they gave one to us. So, I have to put it to good use & I am quite excited that I don't have to do it while Matti is napping. So we'll see how that goes. Jason just hit up a port not too long ago & he was telling me about the water park he went to. It sounds amazing..I wish I could've gone. Water parks are the best! I hope we can go the Water Country USA when he gets back & use our annual free tickets =) Matti is awake now so I must fulfill my mommy duties!

6.02.2009

get Fit!

I ran I think 2 days after that last post & that was my last run. :( boo. To make up for it, Jason got me an early birthday present: Wii Fit. I've been doing that daily..or every other day. & I use it for a whole hour. The yoga, strength exercises, and the aerobics. I don't really do the balance games since they are more for fun & to try with friends. I like it. It tracks my weight which upsets me cause it goes down which I don't want it to do & then it goes back up like 4 days later. I do feel a lot better since I've started using it daily. The strength exercises are my favorite! It has me doing lunges, rowing squats, push ups & side planks. It works my arms & legs out which is what I like. There are also plank exercises & I can hold myself up for 50 seconds or so. I've never gone into a gym to work out--I don't like people watching or seeing me while I work out. LOL..so even the running outside, I was worried someone was home & peeking out of their window. So, this is a good alternative. It probably will be "easy" for those that do work out though, but hey...I'm not one of those people. I just want to tone up some & I think it is helping. I definitely feel it in my legs & arms. &after an hour of this stuff, I am sweating...it's gross. I want to get back into running, but now it's so freaking hot...I really want a tread mill. Matti & I have been slacking on the walks too & those need to start back up. For real. But really, if I am sweating then that means that I'm working myself enough lol. Right?

Onto other things. It's June!! Actually, it's my birthday today--23. Woohoo! I was never a big one to celebrate birthdays...and this year I really am no into it at all. Probably cause I hate celebrating things without Jason. Marisa talked me into having dinner with friends though so that will be happening. In 20 days, Matti will be a year old. OMG. :( *side note: I need to make his appt* & that's enough of that...& it will be Xa's bday too! woot woot! & the best thing of all, since it's June, Jason will be home sooooooooooooooon! :) I am so excited! *I need to find a homecoming dress* So yea, people say life is a roller coaster. Mine about a week and a half ago was at the very bottom of a drop...and it's on it's way up again!

peace out & apple sauce!

5.12.2009

soo..

i ran today. I'm trying to get myself moving. Watching Fit tv makes me laugh & I feel goofy trying to do it with them. So, I decided to run again. I used to do it before I got married so I've decided to start back up. My goal is to be outside for an hour. Running for 30 mins for now. I started today & since I'm so out of shape, I was only out there for 30 mins. I didn't want to push myself, I've done it before bike riding with Jake & I passed out. I didn't want that to happen again. I ran for 10 minutes of the 30 minutes. Lame, I know. & part of it is because I walk the first & last five minutes...supposedly better? So hopefully the running number will go up while the walking goes down. & once I get that, I'll move onto the hour :) Also, I still want to go on walks with Matti in the evenings. I chose day runs because I feel self-concious about people seeing me run/work out & most of the people are at work. I saw another lady running at the end of mine haha. So yea..I hope to keep this up. I'm glad I pushed myself to go outside today..I kept trying to make excuses, but I made myself do it. :)

5.07.2009

livin' on a prayer

Hello world...

I'm sitting here on another gloomy day eating some ampalaya w/ egg & tomatoes & pork with my rice...hehe. Yummy. Matthias is taking his first nap for the day. Hmm...so it's May! Our 3 year anniversary is on the 20th...woohoo! & it's the second anniversary that he's been gone for. My birthday is in less than a month & Matti's is in more than a month ;) haha. It's exciting, but it's also sad for me. I can't believe our baby will be a year old already :( Can't he stay my baby forever? I have everyone asking me left & right, "What are we doing for Matti's birthday?" I have nothing planned & I don't want to plan anything until Jason gets back. I don't care that it won't be his "real" birthday but more than anything, I want Jason to celebrate it with us. I'll probably get Matti a cupcake or an oversized cupcake & let him destroy it. Have the families over, but nothing big. He has a big boy sippy cup now WITH a straw, I should add. He climbed up the stairs yesterday so we had to bring the baby gate out. Too fast too fast! Really though, I am happy that he's growing up & learning all these new things, it's just really crazy how fast time goes. Everyone told me that before & now, I say it so much. I love the laughs he gives me everyday though...he keeps me sane.

I've been doing pretty good lately..so far. I think that I've been handling this deployment extremely well. Better than I thought I would. I haven't cried since that one month mark when I had my little melt down. We still don't have a date as of now, but it seems sooo close. I drifted off to sleep the other night dreaming of homecoming. Of me & Matti picking Jason up & just trying to imagine his face when he sees us....when he sees Matti. I think more than anything, that is what will make me cry on homecoming. Seeing my boys together again. I keep telling myself, "Don't get so excited about the time that has passed because you'll jinx it & then time will slow down." haha..but my goodness, time has gone fast! & I really pray that it continues to keep going at this pace, if not, faster. I hope that it's the same for Jason's side. Recently, I've been finding myself staring at pictures of Jason. It's been so long since I've seen his face (minus webcamming a month ago) that I feel like I've forgotten every detail that I once knew. So, I study his pictures...it's weird. I probably sound crazy. I just miss him & on calendar, it looks like the days will just fly by. I hope that's the case. I still need to work out like I wanted to & get in shape. I have my goals that I want to get done by the time he is back. He just emailed me :) ...I'm glad that Jason is always right...I'm stronger than I think & I'm slowly realizing that as each day passes.

4.20.2009

here's the rundown

Matthias is asleep so I have a little bit of time to update this. So here goes...

Jason:
I can't speak for him, but he is doing fine. He is still gone & he finished his class that he's been taking while deployed. He is debating whether he should take another one or not--I'm encouraging him to do so, but it's all up to him. He's been sending us videos of himself reading books to Matti through the United Through Reading Program they have. It helps both me & Matti since we can "see" daddy. I know he misses us terribly. He is just trying to do what he needs to in order to get through the day. He's been to France & Dubai already. He didn't really get to see much of France because of the bad weather, but he was able to get off the ship in Dubai. He did a sunset safari tour & rode a camel & all that fun stuff. :)

Me:
I just finished my program & I'm preparing myself to take the PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board). & that's just that---to be certified, haha. I have to go over some laws & math problems & I should be okay. I'm teaching myself how to play the guitar & I've got one song down :) My day consists of playing guitar & taking care of Matti. I'm looking into taking a few classes (dance/workout) soon to help pass the time, but I'm having a hard time finding ones that look interesting--the area I'm at isn't very big. I'm getting through the days okay, but I have days like today that just knock me down. There's rumors going around & I'm just waiting to hear on the confirm/deny on that. It's just that we have things planned--thing with family--for when he's supposed to be home & he might miss out...so that's really upsetting. The weather is getting warmer & I make sure me & Matti are outside for at least an hour when those days are around. I've set a few goals for myself while Jason is gone & I'm trying so hard to get to reach them.

Matthias:
He is just amazing. He continues to amaze me everyday. He is growing up & he is starting to rebel against me already. If I tell him no, he will yell back at me or do this fake cry. He started crawling a month ago? So he is everywhere!! He likes to pull up & just stand alll the time. & a lot of times, he tries to let go & try to balance himself. He got his first tooth back in February & his second, two weeks after that. So he likes to bite when he's not allowed to do something---& it hurts! He's still a very happy baby who brings me so many smiles throughout the day. His personality comes through more & more everyday. He is just as goofy as Jason & myself...and I love it. I cannot wait for Jason & him to be together again....He started saying mama in January & still won't say dada. He'll say baba, nana, mama, lala, but he won't say DADA! I have a few months to work on that & on his walking. I hope he is doing it by the time Jason gets back. He doesn't like the sippy very much & would rather drink from a regular cup lol. His eczema is under control & it doesn't look so bad. He just got up from his nap & soon he'll be calling for me so I can go make his bottle.

Teddi:
Yes, I give updates on our dog. He is still crazy, but I love him! He barks at everything that moves outside & it gets tiring, but he is the best buddy to Matti. He lets me know if Matti is crying & I am away. Or if I'm holding Matti & he starts crying, Teddi will come to me to make sure he is okay. When Matti is napping, Teddi will nap near him. He likes to give Matti kisses but my mom doesn't like that very much....He is going on 3 years old this July....he'll be legal ;) I still wish I had more time to just cuddle with him & baby him like I used to, but he knows I love him.

Us:
This deployment, although we're only a few months in, has brought us closer to each other. We communicated well before he left, but I think that we're much more open now. I mean since email is pretty much all we have (minus the phone calls every few weeks), we have to be. We've been writing each other stories of our childhood & years we weren't together before we go to bed & it brings us closer together. It's still early into the deployment, but we are kicking it in the bootay! I think that us having God in our relationship really does make everything easier. & I think that him being away, really showed both of us that. We miss each other like crazy, but we are looking forward to the day he comes home.

& I have to cut it short, cause babyboy is calling out for me :)

3.14.2009

so, I love my parents

I'm debating whether I should write this or not. Or post it publicly.

I grew up in a very religious environment. Although, I didn't really get into it until my late middle school years when I attended a youth camp. That eventually led to me wanting to be involved in a youth group constantly. My sophomore year until my second year of college was when I was extremely active in it. After that, I got married & moved away & I haven't found anything like that. Well, it wouldn't be a youth group anymore, it would be something for married couples, young adults, etc. Still, I wanted to help with the youth. Jason & I have talked about becoming youth leaders once things settled down with the Navy or after he gets out. Being an "ate" for so many years & watching younger youth (my babies) grow up (physically..but most of all spiritually) touched me in so many ways. Seeing them closer to the Lord, doing things they were so shy to do when they first started out. The very last retreat Jason & I helped out at was a month before we got married. & I remember, at the very last service team meeting, I cried. I always cry, but this was because I was in awe & I was so happy & I could see the Lord working through the youngins. Now, I feel old because I don't know half of the people in the group. But it's okay. I love looking at pictures & watching videos from their events. BUT, nights like tonight made me a little sad. There was a parent honoring in our area. For those that don't know what I'm talking about: there are different areas for the youth group because it's across the state/country. We are the southern Maryland area. What a parent honoring consists of (from I've heard) is the parents of that area are invited to dinner type of thing. The youths from the other area come down & cook dinner for whoever's area it is. After dinner, the youth from the area (SoMD), HONOR their parents. Just say thank you...etc..whatever. They are your parents. My brother asked me to go & the parent coordinators were urging me to go...and I planned on it. Except, Matthias got sick today. So, we stayed home. My brother calls me & asks if I'd like to do it over the phone & I said fine. Come to find out, there was only my brother & one other youth (well two, but they are brothers) whose parents were there. That made me sad. I know there could be conflict of schedules & whatnot, but it's for your parents. & I know, a lot of times, we don't understand why our parents do what they do. There are a few of us who have a good relationship with our parents & those are the lucky few. More often than not, especially at that age, we don't really get along with our parents. & I'm not going to say I got along with mine when I was that age, because that would be a lie. Yes, we get into arguments with our parents, but they are still our parents & we are still their children. Our parents will always love us & whatever we do, they will still love us. Maybe it's because I am a mother now, but they really do want the best for us. Face it, if it weren't for your parents, you wouldn't be here. Be thankful for that. I want to encourage everyone to take the time to tell your parents "thank you." Not for buying you things that you want or for letting you do things you want to do. Just a thank you for everything. My parents don't have to take me, Matti & Teddi in, but they are. How often do you tell your parents thank you & I honor you for.....?? Our parents may be strict at times or in general, but just keep doing what you have to do. I can tell you, everything will fall into place. Everything happens for a reason. What our parents do for us, they have a reason. & it's not to make our lives miserable. I'm pretty sure that's the last thing they want to do. Anyway, I'll end it here. Go make your parents dinner, take them out to dinner, clean the house, whatever....just make sure you thank them. They do a lot.

*This was a rant that turned into something else so I will be posting*

2.26.2009

I hate poop.

This is the second day that Matti pooped out of his diaper. He hasn't done this since he was like teeny tiny :( & both times, I didn't even realize it until I was done changing him & there was poop up his back.

& last night, Teddi was wide awake while sitting by my feet. He ALWAYS sleeps. We head for bed & he would not come to me. He started shaking (which he does when he knows/thinks he's in trouble) so I look for pee or poop around the house & nothing!! I get him on his fours & that's when I see it. He had a nasty poop pellet (gross, I know TMI lol). I'm so sick & tired of poop.

End of rant.

2.23.2009

From Xa =)

*Comment to this entry and I will give you 5 subjects/topics that I associate with you. Then you must elaborate on them.*

Babies

I've always loved babies & kids in general (especially the younger ones how babble about the most random things that don't make sense). Most of all I love my baby :) I mean, how can one not LOVE their cute little hands & feet, the tooth-less smile, & they always smell good! Growing up, I didn't really get to take care or play with babies. Most of the time they were in the toddler age group. I liked to look. I have to admit, I would get so nervous when someone asked me to hold their baby because I was afraid I would drop them & I didn't know what to do if they cried. Jason's god-daughter, Alaina, was one of the first babies I had to hold the most. & each time, I was terrified. I never changed a diaper before Matthias was born. When it came down to Matthias though, it was all very natural. Everything just came to me. Babies are the best gift God can give to the world. Having Matthias call out, "Mama" or just reach out to me is one of the greatest feelings in the world. They have their own little personalities & I love learning things about them. Now, I can say I'm pretty much a pro with this baby thing. haha jk. I don't think a lot of people know that babies used to scare me haha. Usually, I get told that they don't want to hold Matthias because they are afraid, & I remember feeling that way. There's nothing to it guys! :)

Navy

I have a love-hate relationship with the Navy. I probably show more of the hate side though. I love that my husband, my best friend, my son's father, chose to serve his country. I love knowing that Jason is out there helping to fight for our freedom. I was excited about going through our first deployment & experiencing everything I've read about it (deployment & homecomings) in the past 6 years. Yes, Jason has been in for almost 6 years now. Yes, they work Jason a lot of hours & sometimes we only get 2 hours in a day to see him, but it's what he has to do. There's something about seeing a ship full of sailors manning the rails while they pull out of port. Seeing them in uniform saluting is just so touching. I hate the time that Jason has to be away from us, especially from Matthias, but I know that in the end it will be worth it. He is doing a great thing. The Navy has helped us more than it has hurt us. Our relationship is rock solid thanks to these separations. We've met great & amazing people because of it. Friendships that I know will last even after we go our separate ways. I'm proud of the men & women in the Armed Forces but even more proud of Jason. I'm a Navy wife & I'm proud.



Straight Hair

Once upon a time, I could hop out of bed & my hair would be stick straight. Believe it or not, my hair isn't. Since we've moved to the US in 1994, my hair has gotten this wave to it. I hate it & that's why my flat iron is my best friend. aha. I can't deal with curls in my hair & I will have lazy days when I'll just leave it how it is. That's how I was post pregnancy, but I've started to care again--8 months later. Weird thing is, if I try to curl my hair, it will either a) not curl or b) fall out after 15 minutes. So yep, second secret is out, I straighten my hair.

Dance

It's so weird that you chose this word. I love dance. I love watching America's Best Dance Crew, Dancing with the Stars & So You Think You Can Dance (does that show still come on though?). I took ballet when I was in 7th & 8th grade. I loved it & I quit for the dumbest reason ever. Before that, I did Filipino Folk dances & those were fun while it lasted haha. In YFC, I decided to dance for Revelation & we did that dance for the Talent Show at Great Mills in 2003. We took first place! :) Anyway, I watch those shows, especially SYTYCD & the contemporary/ballet ones are when I start wishing I hadn't quit. I really wish that I was still dancing. I also told Jason that I wanted to do ballroom dancing with him, but we obviously haven't gotten around to that yet. I do wonder though, if my back would hold me back. I have bars in my back & that's why I always have perfect posture. I can't arc my back anymore.


Filipino Spaghetti

This one of my favorite foods in the entire world. I love spaghetti period, but filipino spaghetti is just AMAZING. & it's one of the easiest filipino dishes you could make! A lot of people often ask me what's is filipino spaghetti. Basically, instead of tomato sauce (like Ragu or Prego etc), we use filipino ketchup for our sauce. Yes. Ketchup. BUT filipino ketchup is usually banana ketchup (if I'm not mistaken). Yes. Banana. haha..but it doesn't taste like bananas. I can get into this even more & say I prefer to use UFC ketchup instead of Jufran. haha. My mom taught me how to make this & I make it for Jason at least twice a month. It's very sweet & sometimes spicy if you use the spicy ketchup, but it is oh so yummy! I'm craving now, thanks Xa! & I forfot to add, we put hot dogs in it!