I was doing my hair this morning, and was remembering about the 2 reporters that somehow are stuck in North Korea, and are in prison because they're american.
About a month ago, while Jeff and I were in Hawaii, we went to Honoulu, and ventured the ground of the Punchbowl. Which is a national monument of the fallen in pretty much every war, (minus the really old ones like civil) america has faught in. It's the most overwhelming place because it's name, after name, war after war. grave upon grave. Hundreds if not thousands of names are there. It makes you feel appreciative while you're there.
We came home, Jeff went back to work, recruiting. And as I thought about those reporters this morning, it dawned on me. So many people go off about how dumb this country is, how dumb those reporters were to cross the border. (which, wasn't wise of them, I'll say that, they knew it was a communist country)And how this country has SO many problems and how people are going to go to Canada and live there because they hate the US.
By all means, go. Get out of here. I don't know about you, but in US history, we were taught how people faught and died for freedom. It isn't free. It never has. It not only costs billions of dollars, but it costs lives. Be proud that we have the rights that we have, we have the right to worship as we please, say what we want and usually not get in official trouble for it. We can live and drive what we want. So many LITTLE things, that if those people hadn't faught to the death for, we wouldn't have.
My mom is very patriotic, and so is my grandmother. I appreciate it now, because the more I think about it, they're right. Be proud to be an american, we live in the best place possible. SO many people want to live here and are envious of our lifestyle and our "freedoms" that we have. I'm happy my husband is in the military, and it makes me smile when fellow americans stop us while he's in uniform, and thank him for his service. It's not for everyone. My grandfathers were both in the navy during WWII. I an ever so grateful now for that. They're the one being seperated from the wives, children, family, friends, so we can live a normal life. They do things we wouldn't even dream, so we can live in the place that we live.
BE GRATEFUL! Go buy a magetic american flag, and stick it on your car. Be proud, and stay proud, count your blessings that you were born here and not in a place like Somalia where hundreds are murdered daily, and there is no food, no water, no health care. And AIDS is a big killer of everyone there, next to the murders.
Blare Bruce Springsteen today in the car, and sing along to "born in the USA", thanks Bruce for that song, and thanks to my for fathers on the currency I use, without you all, I wouldn't be here, nor would my family.
In the words of a song that my grandma loves "I'm proud to be an american, where at least I now I'm free".
And Jeff, be happy that you got into the Navy, and that you have a steady job, and it compensates you so well. Had you not joined and served, you NEVER would have met me and Leena, and Landon wouldn't exist. Stand more proudly, please!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Sunday, July 12, 2009
4th of July festivites.
Jeff in our backyard with Landon....one of the few years it DID NOT RAIN HERE!! (it always rains on the 4th up here in WA)
This is our friend Tristan...he and Jeff used to be on the same ship together. Tristan has about 6-7 months left in the Navy, then I'm pretty sure he's moving back to San Jose, CA (home) He was lighting off a roman candle when I took this, it just looks cool.
Missing Leena in this....prior to Jeffs dad telling us he was going to be in town, we'd arranged for my mom to have her for about 5-6 days, so she could see all her other family on her dads side, as well as my mom, who misses her dearly. My phone looks retarded sticking out of my pocket...oh well.
The neighborhood fireworks we lit off, Landon was in LOVE and AWE with them. Even with the huge obnoxious noises, he didn't even flinch!! He's such a BOY!
Ground flower going at the same time as a mortar....mortars used to be the hardest things to find! Now, with how accessible they were this year, I'm thinking that either in this county, they're legal, OR, they've been legalized...granted we did light the neighbors lawn on fire with one (they're in TX til August) and it blew up only aout 10-12ft in the air....oops! We've since returned the fire favor with watering their lawn, it's pretty much the biggest fire hazard you've seen, ever. (people don't have sprinklers up here....WE do, but that's it out of all our street)
Who needed to watch the Seattle show, we had our own going on in our neighborhood! (it's massive housing where we live)
All in all, it was fun. Jeffs dad and step-mom came from ID. I think they had fun, at least I hope they did! I think next year, we'll have to put on a even bigger show.
There's a reason we call her "Angel-Leena"
The other day Landon was cranky, Leena was bored to death, and any idea that I had for an activity during the day, got vetoed.
The day strolled by with ease, at least while Landon took a nap. He's getting his top teethers in and can be rather a cranky pants.
Come dinner time, with my son awake, my daughter running around outside, yelling "mommy!!" every 2 seconds it seems, I was getting worn out. Then, I get teh "I'm on my way home, what's for dinner" call from Jeff. I start to scramble to make a nice dinner, and get it on the table by the time he's home. All the while, keeping my worn side, as well as flustered, to myself.
After diner was done, Landon had been fed, but this wasn't enough to not keep him from fussing. I was tending to him whie I cleaned up the kitchen while it seemed like my husband and daughter, had left the building. They came back in and could clearly tell how frustrated I was. I somewhat angrily blurted out "can someone please just stop and help clean up! I made dinner, it would be nice if someone else helped clean up besides me, I do it ALL day long!" I'm sure I didn't sound as it seems, but I was making a point that I definately wanted help for a few minutes.
Then, Leena comes up to my waist, looks me in the eye and she goes "How can I make you un-stressed mommy?" Magic to my ears!! She's such a doll! I found myself more tha pleased with what she had just asked. I said "can you clear your place please, and then I'll tell you what to do after?" and she cheerfully said "of course mommy!" she did exactly that, and then came up to me and again and said "ok momma, what else can I do to help you out?" Jeff did not tell her to do any of this. That is simply her nature. This is a child that WANTS to do chores, because she is bored.
Thank you Leena for being the best little girl, ever!
I'm feeling rather content that I have such an amazing and impressive child. She really is a rare gem, really.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Our house, in the middle of the street.
A couple weekends ago..ok, maybe 2 or so? I saw some weird ad online and thought "this can't be right"..and what did I do?
I clicked on it. Yup indeed, it was right. It was an ad for granite being solde at $10 a sq ft vs the $75 it's usually retailed for. I've seen it as "cheap" as $59ft before too. But, there had to be a catch...the address was up in Kent. So, I jotted it down, and showed Jeff, and told him I just wanted to see what was there. He agreed, and we got in the car and drove up to kent to see why the "granite" was so cheap. It was just a liquidation sale was all it was. It was almost like a warehouse lot full of everything from onyx, to marble, to granite, you name it. It was was there.
Now, our downstairs powder room, is a step or 4 above a jail cell. It has nice lighting in it, it came that way, but it's rather small. and it has NO cabinets or storage or anything like that. We found this amazingly cool piece of granite, and like the ad said, it was $10 a sq ft, which retailed basically to $1 per pound. We bough the whole slab, as that was part of the "fine print". It's a 26" x 66" piece of black granite with cool blue colors in it and stuff. We want the same stuff for our kitchen eventually. The whole slab, cost us, a whopping......ready? $160 bucks! You can't get it cheaper than that. So now, we're giving the measurements to get it fabricated and are in the midst of finding a vanity. That's been the tough part because the measurements are funky. our bathroom is 38.5"(back part) x 26"(sides) so needless to say, we pretty much need a custom cabinet for that. Which...is nice...but those cost more than they really should, espcially for such a small space. So, we've been doing our homework, and have come across a few potentials. I'm just really excited because we're going to take teh "tropical/ Hawaii" theme we have in our main entry room, and into the bathroom. It's going to be so neato! eek!
You'd think I'd be tired of decorating my house by now. Honestly, I totally am, but I've yet to do any of the bathrooms. I think by the time we sell this place, it'll be pretty sweet and get all of our investments back if not double. All the bathrooms will have granite, and the master shower will have been extended out. ooooooh. Expensive, but worth it all!
I clicked on it. Yup indeed, it was right. It was an ad for granite being solde at $10 a sq ft vs the $75 it's usually retailed for. I've seen it as "cheap" as $59ft before too. But, there had to be a catch...the address was up in Kent. So, I jotted it down, and showed Jeff, and told him I just wanted to see what was there. He agreed, and we got in the car and drove up to kent to see why the "granite" was so cheap. It was just a liquidation sale was all it was. It was almost like a warehouse lot full of everything from onyx, to marble, to granite, you name it. It was was there.
Now, our downstairs powder room, is a step or 4 above a jail cell. It has nice lighting in it, it came that way, but it's rather small. and it has NO cabinets or storage or anything like that. We found this amazingly cool piece of granite, and like the ad said, it was $10 a sq ft, which retailed basically to $1 per pound. We bough the whole slab, as that was part of the "fine print". It's a 26" x 66" piece of black granite with cool blue colors in it and stuff. We want the same stuff for our kitchen eventually. The whole slab, cost us, a whopping......ready? $160 bucks! You can't get it cheaper than that. So now, we're giving the measurements to get it fabricated and are in the midst of finding a vanity. That's been the tough part because the measurements are funky. our bathroom is 38.5"(back part) x 26"(sides) so needless to say, we pretty much need a custom cabinet for that. Which...is nice...but those cost more than they really should, espcially for such a small space. So, we've been doing our homework, and have come across a few potentials. I'm just really excited because we're going to take teh "tropical/ Hawaii" theme we have in our main entry room, and into the bathroom. It's going to be so neato! eek!
You'd think I'd be tired of decorating my house by now. Honestly, I totally am, but I've yet to do any of the bathrooms. I think by the time we sell this place, it'll be pretty sweet and get all of our investments back if not double. All the bathrooms will have granite, and the master shower will have been extended out. ooooooh. Expensive, but worth it all!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
The Big 2-8, it's here already!
I turned 28 a couple days ago, on Friday to be precise. And last year, I didn't do anything, literally. It sucked because Jeff was out to sea, and I was pregnant with Landon, and it was mid-week, so none of my friends could com over.
I started off the day at 6am with an email from my dad, he was very sweet, thanks daddy! I wasn't sure what to do that day, really. But then, Jeff stayed past 8am, which indicated he was either running late, or not going in to work. Turns out he took the morning off, and just needed to be at work at 11:30am. He offered to make me breakfast, I just told him I wanted my blueberry waffles, in the freezer, ha. He assembled my breakfast and hung out with me and the kids for the morning as we went grocery shopping and at the end, he had to leave to go to work.
Took the kids home, and just hung out with them for a while. Then, come 3:45pm, we had to pack up and take Leena up to Kent, which is about 30 min N of me, to meet up with Leenas dad so he could have her until today, Jeff will go get her at 11:30. I came home from dropping off Leena and it took forever, the south end is notorious for traffic. I spend a couple hours in it a week, and I don't even go that far! Came home, put Landon down for a nap, as he was screaming for the last 15-20 min of the drive, it was awful. And we had a dinner party, with a couple of Jeffs friends, I have crappy friends when it comes to RSVP'ing, it really irkes me, but to each their own. I will ALWAYS RSVP to people! And we played games, it was alot of fun. They played monopoly as I cooked dinner, (which was a hit, woo!) and as dinner was done, we played "the game of things", which by the end, people were in tears they were crying so hard, it was that funny! I would highly reccomend it! I think the only place you can find it as target, and it's well worth the money cause it's so funny!
Believe it or not, due to a dead camera, there we NO pictures taken! Yikes! Oops, I'll have to be sure to charge it.
Jeff got me a new jewelry box, you should see my current one. it's totally packed cause there is no room. I've taken a liking to bracelts...ha.
Overall, it was nice and honestly, a bit better than I anticipated. Jeffs birthday is coming up, so this should be fun!
I started off the day at 6am with an email from my dad, he was very sweet, thanks daddy! I wasn't sure what to do that day, really. But then, Jeff stayed past 8am, which indicated he was either running late, or not going in to work. Turns out he took the morning off, and just needed to be at work at 11:30am. He offered to make me breakfast, I just told him I wanted my blueberry waffles, in the freezer, ha. He assembled my breakfast and hung out with me and the kids for the morning as we went grocery shopping and at the end, he had to leave to go to work.
Took the kids home, and just hung out with them for a while. Then, come 3:45pm, we had to pack up and take Leena up to Kent, which is about 30 min N of me, to meet up with Leenas dad so he could have her until today, Jeff will go get her at 11:30. I came home from dropping off Leena and it took forever, the south end is notorious for traffic. I spend a couple hours in it a week, and I don't even go that far! Came home, put Landon down for a nap, as he was screaming for the last 15-20 min of the drive, it was awful. And we had a dinner party, with a couple of Jeffs friends, I have crappy friends when it comes to RSVP'ing, it really irkes me, but to each their own. I will ALWAYS RSVP to people! And we played games, it was alot of fun. They played monopoly as I cooked dinner, (which was a hit, woo!) and as dinner was done, we played "the game of things", which by the end, people were in tears they were crying so hard, it was that funny! I would highly reccomend it! I think the only place you can find it as target, and it's well worth the money cause it's so funny!
Believe it or not, due to a dead camera, there we NO pictures taken! Yikes! Oops, I'll have to be sure to charge it.
Jeff got me a new jewelry box, you should see my current one. it's totally packed cause there is no room. I've taken a liking to bracelts...ha.
Overall, it was nice and honestly, a bit better than I anticipated. Jeffs birthday is coming up, so this should be fun!
Only in dreams....literally.
I wish I could refer to the weezer song "only in dreams", but that wouldn't make too much sense by the time I'm done.
I tend to have the most far out, fairly unusualy, and flat out just messed up dreams, one can have. Yet, I'm by far, the most normal person. I will admit, my dream bothered me.
So, here goes nothing. In short, my dream took place at a place where all of Jeffs district of the Navy people were taking group photos, and having a full dinner with the RD (recruiting district). So, you'd assume I was sitting next to Jeff, having dinner. Nope. After somehow going to this dinner, via belgium, (i'm not kidding) I have a guy I dated off and on for a while sitting in front of me, his son to the left, the girl that I didn't ever like (because she heckled me in a way, constantly, in real life) to my left, and my ex husband to my right...WHAT THE?! And Leenas dad was there because we were doing a Leena swap, yet, no Leena. And there was a hispanic lady with a newborn little girl, that I have never seen before in my life, I have no idea who she is. And she ended up picking up Leena for me, and I watched her daughter. So weird. The ending was tragic in a sense. What had happened at the end was totally, just, off. All these people in a house, had died. But they died because they'd been exposed to a very low soundwave, but over time, it took a toll on their body. And it killed them. Some were my extended family members. WEIRD! One person died because the sound wave severed a main artery in his ear, and caused kidney failure. ODD!
We could sit back an analuze every last bit of this, but we'd be here all day. Just had to share because the kidney failure part, woke me up at 6am. The one time Landon sleeps past 5:59am, I'm awake. Just my luck.
I tend to have the most far out, fairly unusualy, and flat out just messed up dreams, one can have. Yet, I'm by far, the most normal person. I will admit, my dream bothered me.
So, here goes nothing. In short, my dream took place at a place where all of Jeffs district of the Navy people were taking group photos, and having a full dinner with the RD (recruiting district). So, you'd assume I was sitting next to Jeff, having dinner. Nope. After somehow going to this dinner, via belgium, (i'm not kidding) I have a guy I dated off and on for a while sitting in front of me, his son to the left, the girl that I didn't ever like (because she heckled me in a way, constantly, in real life) to my left, and my ex husband to my right...WHAT THE?! And Leenas dad was there because we were doing a Leena swap, yet, no Leena. And there was a hispanic lady with a newborn little girl, that I have never seen before in my life, I have no idea who she is. And she ended up picking up Leena for me, and I watched her daughter. So weird. The ending was tragic in a sense. What had happened at the end was totally, just, off. All these people in a house, had died. But they died because they'd been exposed to a very low soundwave, but over time, it took a toll on their body. And it killed them. Some were my extended family members. WEIRD! One person died because the sound wave severed a main artery in his ear, and caused kidney failure. ODD!
We could sit back an analuze every last bit of this, but we'd be here all day. Just had to share because the kidney failure part, woke me up at 6am. The one time Landon sleeps past 5:59am, I'm awake. Just my luck.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Healthy babies
I was watching Oprah today, I usually forget she's even on the air. But today, I'm pretty sure it was a re-run, but I'm VERY glad I watched it. They had kids on there that I was amazed by, I'm glad Oprah does shows like this, it shows that not everyone's perfect,a nd some things, really do need other peoples attention. With that being said, the last segment of the show, was about a little baby boy, named Eliot. He was supposed to be born dead, due to a severe birth defect. Or multiple, rather.
Here is the video
I was crying my eyes out at the end, and so was Oprah and Celine Dion. I think it helped that the parents were so positive about all of it, and felt very strongly, they'd see their son again. I sat here on the couch, my squirmy Landon on my lap, he saw my tears, and just cuddled up with me for 5 minutes. He's so precious like that. I will never take his health for granted, I'm so blessed to have healthy kids.
Here is the video
I was crying my eyes out at the end, and so was Oprah and Celine Dion. I think it helped that the parents were so positive about all of it, and felt very strongly, they'd see their son again. I sat here on the couch, my squirmy Landon on my lap, he saw my tears, and just cuddled up with me for 5 minutes. He's so precious like that. I will never take his health for granted, I'm so blessed to have healthy kids.
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