tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89552482641194614822024-03-12T21:12:59.236-07:00Raising Monkey Loving SargeRaising Monkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06804961380020384901noreply@blogger.comBlogger173125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955248264119461482.post-6277241521441513702012-02-08T08:19:00.001-08:002012-02-08T08:19:06.633-08:00Technical DifficultiesI know things around here look funny, and I'm not even sure all my readers can see this at the moment but hang in there with me folks! I've got a couple people working behind the scenes to see if they can help me. I currently have limited computer access for a couple more days while we are on the next leg of our PCS journey. We should arrive in Arizona by Friday and hopefully by Saturday I can have this site issue resolved!<br />
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I'm not entirely sure what has happened except that I know I renewed my domain with Google and now my raisingmonkey.com domain site is nothing but a big ad. Luckily, behind the scenes at blogger all posts are in tact -- which is better than the worst case scenerio I first feared.<br />
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So, in the mean time, keep posting your photo challenege link ups! I know a few of mine are not showing right now but I will fix that this afternoon after my driving shift is over.<br />
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Thanks for hanging in there with me. I promise 2012 holds amazing things for Raising Monkey, Loving Sarge and it's faithful readers -- but I guess we have to get through these hiccups along the way first. I'll make it worth your time to stick with me!<br />
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Thanks for understanding... <br />
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Signing off from Amarillo!<br />
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CatRaising Monkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06804961380020384901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955248264119461482.post-56994279481773851642012-02-07T22:00:00.000-08:002012-02-08T07:56:45.593-08:00February 8 - Photo ChallengeHandmade<br /><br /><!-- start InLinkz script --><br /><script type="text/javascript"> document.write('<script type="text/javascript" src=http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=124598&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>');</script><br /><!-- end InLinkz script -->Raising Monkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06804961380020384901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955248264119461482.post-57535745050735643472012-02-06T22:00:00.000-08:002012-02-08T07:56:45.593-08:00February 7 - Photo ChallengeYour Trademark<br /><br /><!-- start InLinkz script --><br /><script type="text/javascript"> document.write('<script type="text/javascript" src=http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=124597&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>');</script><br /><!-- end InLinkz script -->Raising Monkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06804961380020384901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955248264119461482.post-50386512332215690612012-02-06T04:20:00.000-08:002012-02-08T07:56:45.593-08:00Cat, Read MeThis is Sarah. I am living in your Blogger! I'm watching you! *cue scary theme music*Raising Monkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06804961380020384901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955248264119461482.post-2830382139582314332012-02-05T22:00:00.000-08:002012-02-08T07:56:45.596-08:00February 6 - Photo ChallengeMy Computer Space<br /><br /><!-- start InLinkz script --><br /><script type="text/javascript"> document.write('<script type="text/javascript" src=http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=124593&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>');</script><br /><!-- end InLinkz script -->Raising Monkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06804961380020384901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955248264119461482.post-73793655520147468682012-02-05T03:57:00.000-08:002012-02-08T07:56:22.073-08:00February 5 - Photo ChallengeFood/Drink Addiction<br /><br /><!-- start InLinkz script --><br /><script type="text/javascript"> document.write('<script type="text/javascript" src=http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=124590&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>');</script><br /><!-- end InLinkz script -->Raising Monkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06804961380020384901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955248264119461482.post-27065324874258849642012-02-05T03:56:00.000-08:002012-02-08T07:56:22.073-08:00February 4 - Photo ChallengeCan't believe I still<br /><br /><!-- start InLinkz script --><br /><script type="text/javascript"> document.write('<script type="text/javascript" src=http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=124589&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>');</script><br /><!-- end InLinkz script -->Raising Monkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06804961380020384901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955248264119461482.post-36303507099744855352012-02-03T21:33:00.000-08:002012-02-08T07:56:22.073-08:00February 3 - Photo ChallengeI'm Crafty<br /><br /><!-- start InLinkz script --><br /><script type="text/javascript"> document.write('<script type="text/javascript" src=http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=124588&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>');</script><br /><!-- end InLinkz script -->Raising Monkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06804961380020384901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955248264119461482.post-27988722090479324392012-02-02T20:48:00.000-08:002012-02-08T07:56:22.074-08:00February 2 - Photo ChallengeGround Hog Day<br /><br /><!-- start InLinkz script --><br /><script type="text/javascript"> document.write('<script type="text/javascript" src=http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=124587&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>');</script><br /><!-- end InLinkz script -->Raising Monkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06804961380020384901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955248264119461482.post-18388298457190534612012-02-01T21:35:00.000-08:002012-02-08T07:56:22.074-08:00February 1 - Photo ChallengeSecret Indulgence<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0xqIX3Gwezc/TyogqngSq8I/AAAAAAAADSI/T85iidheos4/s640/blogger-image-2133606226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0xqIX3Gwezc/TyogqngSq8I/AAAAAAAADSI/T85iidheos4/s640/blogger-image-2133606226.jpg" /></a></div><!-- start InLinkz script --><br /><script type="text/javascript"> document.write('<script type="text/javascript" src=http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=124584&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>');</script><br /><!-- end InLinkz script -->Raising Monkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06804961380020384901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955248264119461482.post-24946214470544858182012-01-26T09:39:00.000-08:002012-02-08T07:56:22.074-08:00Tasty Thursday - Stress Relief Donuts<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The packers will here in less than 24 hours.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have nothing packed for our month on the road.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Yesterday was awful. This week has been the worst!</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">But I refuse to stress... </span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">So this morning, after my 14 month old daughter poured out an entire container or sea salt all.over.our. .bedroom. I decided all there was to do was laugh. <br />(Instead of burying my head under the covers and crying my eyes out)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">And make donuts. with hearts.<br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z1ZUnemNsU0/TyGKTi1K5GI/AAAAAAAADRA/9pOr3xw6kCU/s1600/donuts1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z1ZUnemNsU0/TyGKTi1K5GI/AAAAAAAADRA/9pOr3xw6kCU/s400/donuts1.jpg" width="400" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lzq5q3g61FA/TyGKdX-YaMI/AAAAAAAADRI/eqIgmkYO9pQ/s1600/donuts2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lzq5q3g61FA/TyGKdX-YaMI/AAAAAAAADRI/eqIgmkYO9pQ/s400/donuts2.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div></div></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sure, I still have hours of packing to do.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'll probably never get it all done and will surely forget things.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">But in the grand scheme of things, what does stress do to help the situation?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Nothing.</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xoVIGnzGa9w/TyGLRom0gjI/AAAAAAAADRQ/LxpZcfQUV2U/s1600/donuts3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xoVIGnzGa9w/TyGLRom0gjI/AAAAAAAADRQ/LxpZcfQUV2U/s320/donuts3.jpg" width="320" /></a> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MMmQhJB88hk/TyGLXaR4RxI/AAAAAAAADRY/et30kI8BiI4/s1600/donuts4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MMmQhJB88hk/TyGLXaR4RxI/AAAAAAAADRY/et30kI8BiI4/s320/donuts4.jpg" width="320" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hYQ1TMfGKc4/TyGLcZgeNrI/AAAAAAAADRg/YB9-xA-fESQ/s1600/donuts5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hYQ1TMfGKc4/TyGLcZgeNrI/AAAAAAAADRg/YB9-xA-fESQ/s320/donuts5.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The donuts did absolutely nothing for my diet.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">And while I absolutely want to be healthy, fit and feel good about myself...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">does being the skinniest girl on the beach really matter?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Nope.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N2oKM2O4mrk/TyGMAXIDPXI/AAAAAAAADRo/0qt7QwqWDi4/s1600/donuts6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N2oKM2O4mrk/TyGMAXIDPXI/AAAAAAAADRo/0qt7QwqWDi4/s320/donuts6.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o3wFleHIq3M/TyGMERivrlI/AAAAAAAADRw/jBRj9LVNviY/s1600/donuts7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o3wFleHIq3M/TyGMERivrlI/AAAAAAAADRw/jBRj9LVNviY/s320/donuts7.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The sparkle in those eyes.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Those cinnamon sugar covered hands.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The way her adorable little voice says "YUM" and it sounds like "MUM"...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">She is what REALLY matters when all is said and done.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">So, maybe I will forget to pack all my underwear.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Walmart is everywhere!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The smiles, the memories, the laughter...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">That's what I want to remember from this chapter in our lives.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">That's what I want HER to remember.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Let's face it. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">We're a military family.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">We're going to move... a LOT.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'd rather make it a fun adventure that a dreaded event full of stress.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">And donuts help.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">They really do.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Want to make some of these sinfully delicious donuts yourself?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">They're EASY. No, really... my baby helped make them!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">They take hardly any time at all.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Ingredients:</span></b></div><b><span style="font-size: large;"></span></b><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><b>1 can of biscuit dough (any brand works, we like Grand's - non flaky)</b></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Something round (or heart shaped) to cut a hole in the middle</b></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Vegetable oil</b></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Cinnamon & Sugar mixed together</b></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><b>4 tbsp of melted butter per 8 bicuits</b></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Directions:</b></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Heat up a pan with oil - about 1/2 an inch or so</b></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Open your biscuits and cut them out</b></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><b>One at a time, drop biscuits in the oil</b></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><b>When one side is golden brown, flip to the other side</b></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><b>When both sides are golden, remove from oil and cool</b></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><b>(I used a paper towel lined plate)</b></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><b>When cool to the touch, drop each biscuit into the melted butter</b></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Drain excess butter</b></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Dip into cinnamon and sugar mixture</b></span></b></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Eat.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Enjoy.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Laugh.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Feel the stress melt away.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">It's not worth stressing over.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Raising Monkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06804961380020384901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955248264119461482.post-88241305933246030422012-01-24T20:53:00.000-08:002012-02-08T07:56:22.074-08:00A mommy's worries<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pb3ylw4rn2s/Tx-KbtONUmI/AAAAAAAADQ0/LuzpTJY-hw0/s1600/397094_883521244458_27709640_39064722_1698880242_n.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pb3ylw4rn2s/Tx-KbtONUmI/AAAAAAAADQ0/LuzpTJY-hw0/s320/397094_883521244458_27709640_39064722_1698880242_n.jpeg" width="320" /></a><br /><br /></div>I had a post written up earlier today. I couldn't tell you what it was about. To be honest I'm not sure I have any words to write THIS post... but I'm trying.<br /><br />My sweet baby girl has been sick for 38 days. We are have to be out of our house due to our PCS in about 4 days times. I have nothing packed. Nothing ready. I cannot do anything but focus on my little girl who is STILL sick.<br /><br />We have consulted with 4 doctors and have done several different types of tests. We originally had an answer and while that is what triggered this whole thing, it has been treated and now we don't know why her symptoms have not gone away! She has lost 3lbs in a month, has little appetite and not nearly as much energy or spunk as normal. She has had a fever for each of the 38 days despite numerous attempts of breaking it - it never does. This is just the beginning of her symptoms...<br /><br />We will be seeing her pediatrician tomorrow. I trust her pediatrician to help us figure out what is going on. She may not have answers immediately, but the most pressing issue is whether or not we are missing something major.<br /><br />This mommy is worried. I know God is in control and I am continually struggling with giving this over to Him. Why isn't He healing her? Why must she keep suffering? Can't He hear her crying out in pain? I know He has the answers.. my mommy heart wants them too. Every night as I rock her for hours while she alternates between nursing and crying out in pain, I just want to make it all better... and I can't. I don't even know how to begin trying. This breaks my heart.<br /><br />There is so much resting on this appointment tomorrow... Tonight my prayer is simple -- for God's peace and wisdom. Only He has the answers to all of these questions weighing on my heart. Only He knows if we will ever figure out what is keeping her sick for so long or if it will mysteriously disappear and she will be back to her spunky, fun loving self.<br /><br />Please pray for my sweet Monkey. Pray for this mommy to have the peace that comes ONLY from God.Raising Monkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06804961380020384901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955248264119461482.post-63211446330685156192012-01-21T21:59:00.000-08:002012-02-08T07:56:22.074-08:00Saturday Seven<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>My super-amazing friend, Sarah over @ <a href="http://squaregoods.me/">SquareGoods</a> has inspired me to do my own Saturday Seven posts this year... so here we go!<br /><br /><br />1. Have you checked out the photo challenge that the aforementioned amazing Sarah and I are co-hosting for the month of February? You TOTALLY should! Leave us a comment and let us know if you're going to be joining us. You can even pin the challenge on Pinterest, share it on FB, tweet it or in general shout about it from the roof tops! The more the merrier -- PLEASE join in! More info <a href="http://www.raisingmonkey.com/2012/01/february-photo-challenge.html">HERE</a> and <a href="http://squaregoods.me/?p=3344">HERE</a>.<br /><br />2. Speaking of making the ickies go away... my baby girl has been sick for 35 days! THIRTY-FIVE. We've been told that it was everything from a virus to a dairy allergy -- yet after completely eliminating dairy in both of our diets (she still breastfeeds several times a day) she is no better. The doctors at two different offices have been running tests for the last week. The most recent result is that we are being referred to a pediatric GI doctor for further evaluation and hopefully treatment. More than I wish I could make myself feel better, after several weeks of my own ickies -- I want my sweet baby girl to feel better!<br /><br />3. I was super excited to use my neat-o iPhone add on lenses tonight... Sarge got them for me the same night I got my iPhone but I was so busy learning all the Mac/Apple ins and outs I hadn't played with them yet. I finally did tonight... and now my <a href="http://www.zagg.com/?s_kwcid=TC|9984|invisishield||S||4762864183&gclid=CMHdupv04q0CFQNeTAodYwItfA">InvisibleShield</a> is peeling in the corner where the lens clips onto the iPhone. I'm super bummed. I'm going to order the replacement but it won't arrive for weeks and the whole hassle is just... annoying.<br /><br />4. I've not mentioned it on this blog until now... but I'm pretty excited that my new <a href="http://cathighley.scentsy.us/">Scentsy</a> venture is kind of exploding! I signed up in August and didn't do much with it while Sarge was deployed... but now that the word is getting out, I'm getting quite a few orders and have started brining in a little bit of extra change in the process. I'm hoping that eventually I get to the point where I can pay for Monkey's extra-curricular activities with this money. It's just the beginning, but hopefully.... Right now, I'm doing a fundraiser for <a href="http://masonscause.org/">Mason's Cause, Inc.</a> - the one place to turn to when faced with infant loss. Click <a href="https://cathighley.scentsy.us/Buy?partyId=68145082">HERE</a> to buy from the Mason's Cause, Inc. Scentsy party and 100% of the profits will go directly to Mason's Cause, Inc. Bereavement Grant program.<br /><br />5. We have approximately 6 loads of laundry to wash, fold, and put away by tomorrow... then, I need to strip diapers -- which will take approximately 2 loads and several hours each. I usually don't mind laundry... but when it piles up like this I just despise it and kind of wish I could make it disappear with a magic wand.<br /><br />6. We are PCSing! (not exactly new news... ) ONE week from today, it will be our very last night in this house. Sarge and I's first home together... the home we brought our baby home too. The home I survived 2 deployments in. Lots of memories. It's very bittersweet.<br /><br />7. My FAVORITE photo from this week:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qD-jUG1T_Lo/Txukb9SUSHI/AAAAAAAADQk/3Y4EMNQh41g/s1600/saturdayseven21jan2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qD-jUG1T_Lo/Txukb9SUSHI/AAAAAAAADQk/3Y4EMNQh41g/s640/saturdayseven21jan2012.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I went in to check on Monkey last night, after being very concerned about her breathing most of the evening. <br />I found her sleeping so sweetly and peacefully. My heart melted into a puddle. <3</td></tr></tbody></table>Raising Monkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06804961380020384901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955248264119461482.post-64385147769428896042012-01-17T09:54:00.000-08:002012-02-08T07:56:22.074-08:00February Photo Challenge!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://squaregoods.smugmug.com/Other/Icons/i-ZtzK2TJ/0/L/February-Photo-Challenge-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://squaregoods.smugmug.com/Other/Icons/i-ZtzK2TJ/0/L/February-Photo-Challenge-L.jpg" width="285" /></a>It is far too quiet around here, y'all! So when my amazing friend Sarah over at Square Goods suggested we co-host a February Photo Challenge I decided this was the perfect thing to do! Not only do I LOVE taking photos but the timing is fantastic because we'll be in the middle of moving and I may not be able to commit to a wordy post every day but I can certainly commit to posting a photo a day!<br /><br />So here's your chance to join in!<br /><br />FIRST - do yourself a favor and go check out Sarah and her fantastic blog - <a href="http://squaregoods.me/">Square Goods</a>. PS. Her son is FAR too adorable for words - don't say I didn't warn you!!<br /><br />Next - take a look at the challenges we came up with! Our goal was to be a little more unique than most photo challenges floating around the web. If you don't like the theme for the day, skip it! Interpret each one in any way you see fit. There is no right or wrong! Just remember to HAVE FUN! Come back here and share your photo and go over to Square Goods and share your photo there too! We'll have a neat linky system to help with this! Stay tuned for more information! We hope you'll join us!!Raising Monkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06804961380020384901noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955248264119461482.post-50269037519578114202012-01-17T09:44:00.000-08:002012-02-08T07:56:22.074-08:00February Photo Challenge!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://squaregoods.smugmug.com/Other/Icons/i-ZtzK2TJ/0/L/February-Photo-Challenge-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://squaregoods.smugmug.com/Other/Icons/i-ZtzK2TJ/0/L/February-Photo-Challenge-L.jpg" width="285" /></a>It is far too quiet around here, y'all! So when my amazing friend Sarah over at Square Goods suggested we co-host a February Photo Challenge I decided this was the perfect thing to do! Not only do I LOVE taking photos but the timing is fantastic because we'll be in the middle of moving and I may not be able to commit to a wordy post every day but I can certainly commit to posting a photo a day!<br /><br />So here's your chance to join in!<br /><br />FIRST - do yourself a favor and go check out Sarah and her fantastic blog - <a href="http://squaregoods.me/">Square Goods</a>. PS. Her son is FAR too adorable for words - don't say I didn't warn you!!<br /><br />Next - take a look at the challenges we came up with! Our goal was to be a little more unique than most photo challenges floating around the web. If you don't like the theme for the day, skip it! Interpret each one in any way you see fit. There is no right or wrong! Just remember to HAVE FUN! Come back here and share your photo and go over to Square Goods and share your photo there too! We'll have a neat linky system to help with this! Stay tuned for more information! We hope you'll join us!!Raising Monkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06804961380020384901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955248264119461482.post-18242635249562808932012-01-13T07:28:00.000-08:002012-02-08T07:56:22.083-08:00Re-Posting: The Trouble With Blogging<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I don't usually re-post things other bloggers write... but I saw this on FB this morning and it's truly exactly what is in my heart. Go check out this post by Amy of "Blogging with Amy" and see why this touched my heart this morning.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://bloggingwithamy.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/comparing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://bloggingwithamy.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/comparing.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bloggingwithamy.com/the-trouble-with-blogging/">http://bloggingwithamy.com/the-trouble-with-blogging/</a></div><br /><br />I have big dreams for my blog, but at the same time, I haven't been able to fulfill them because it just has had to take a backseat while real life, my family, and myself take priority. I have to figure out how to balance my roles as mother, wife, student etc. before I can officially add blogger to the mix. In the meantime, I think this blog still does have a purpose. I can't quite define what that purpose is... but maybe, I don't really need to. Maybe I just need to keep blogging and working towards my big goals for this blog... if it's meant to be it will fall into place. God always has a way of making that happen, and it's not so silly to trust Him to handle even the smallest things -- like my blog!<br /><br />Now I'm off to be a mommy and get my little Monkey girl down for her nap!Raising Monkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06804961380020384901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955248264119461482.post-67708420680562559582012-01-12T20:04:00.000-08:002012-02-08T07:56:22.083-08:002012 is HERE!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JVT5iYGwKtk/Tw-s5GcEr4I/AAAAAAAADP8/Q4RhuLTybmk/s1600/381285_859354045718_27709640_38953751_1686968304_n.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JVT5iYGwKtk/Tw-s5GcEr4I/AAAAAAAADP8/Q4RhuLTybmk/s640/381285_859354045718_27709640_38953751_1686968304_n.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy New Year!!<br />Our family at midnight on 1/1/12</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br />I can hardly believe that 2011 has ended and the new year has begun! Obviously, this blog took a backseat for the majority of 2011. To be honest, this last year was a challenging one. There were highs and lows and lots of in-betweens and I'm really pretty glad to see a new year begin - full of new beginnings and adventures. Thanks for hanging in there with me while I wasn't very frequent around here.<br /><br />I'll do a full catch up/re-cap 2011 post in the next couple days, but I thought I'd just update on what is going on in our lives right now.<br /><br />Sarge made it home (FINALLY) from his 2nd deployment just before Christmas! By the time he got back home he had been gone for 9 months. Re-integration has been quite different this time around, but we are all adjusting and things are falling back into place. We celebrated Monkey's 1st birthday just before Christmas as well. She actually turned one at the end of October, but we felt it was important to wait until Daddy was home to celebrate. Her party was amazing and it was so nice to be able to celebrate our baby girl together!<br /><br />We had a fantastic Christmas together! We stayed home this year, which was a very nice change. We haven't been at home for Christmas since our first Christmas together 3 years ago. We took Christmas Day very leisurely and enjoyed Skyping with family and watching our girl experience the magic of Christmas as she opened all of her gifts.<br /><br />Now, we are busy preparing for our first official PCS! We are headed to northern California and the movers will be here in about 2 weeks - YIKES! We aren't anywhere near ready, but we'll get there! More on that soon -- I am hoping to Vlog our PCS as we go along. We are taking leave en route so we won't actually arrive at our new base until the end of February. It should be quite the adventure!<br /><br />That pretty much catches up the last couple of months! I hope to post a lot more this year than I did last year, though in an effort to reduce stress during a stressful time I am not going to promise how often, and will instead just promise to do much better than last year!<br /><br />I hope the beginning of 2012 has been good to you! Happy New Year!Raising Monkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06804961380020384901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955248264119461482.post-47351097985776368842011-10-31T13:03:00.000-07:002011-11-06T19:54:11.854-08:00A Sick HalloweenMonkey and I had great plans to have a Halloween party with lots of good treats and friends. However, we had to cancel the party because of illness. Even after I decided (a couple days ago) to call off the party tonight, I had hoped we'd at least feel well enough to enjoy the day. It seems that it's just not in the plan this year. Unfortunately, even Sarge has managed to get sick. He is still deployed and is absolutely miserable.<br /><br />I hope to get out in a bit to get our annual Jack-O-Lantern pizza and I picked up some fun Halloween mac and cheese to make for lunch today too. Once Monkey wakes from her nap I will probably go ahead and get her dressed in her Halloween costume. I think we will just plan to snuggle up, munch on some pizza, and probably watch some some Charlie Brown. Maybe Sarge will feel up to Skyping later too.<br /><br />I was searching for a cute printable sign to put on the door to let trick or treaters know we wouldn't have any candy (and to stop my doorbell from ringing incessantly all night) and couldn't find anything, so I decided to make one myself. It's nothing special, but if you'd like one to print and put on your own door check out the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RaisingMonkey">facebook page</a> where you can <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=307136222645608&set=a.307136155978948.94288.197359306956634&type=3&">download the sign</a> I made. Be sure to "like" the facebook page if you stop by! Once we hit 100 likes I'll be doing another giveaway!<br /><br />I'll be posting about our fall festivities in the next few days! Also -- be sure to keep an eye on the blog for a VERY big change and announcement!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TpRJBBDeWu8/Tq7-h-vuXnI/AAAAAAAABxk/hxWv-2jEYPI/s1600/notricksortreats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TpRJBBDeWu8/Tq7-h-vuXnI/AAAAAAAABxk/hxWv-2jEYPI/s640/notricksortreats.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>Raising Monkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06804961380020384901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955248264119461482.post-73763518201055658492011-10-26T22:21:00.000-07:002011-11-06T19:54:11.855-08:001st Birthday - Midnight Picture<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Happy First Birthday, Monkey!!</span></b><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-loPZe2sh974/TqjpYe2imqI/AAAAAAAABxY/nIAYZ83Xe0g/s1600/IMG_9009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-loPZe2sh974/TqjpYe2imqI/AAAAAAAABxY/nIAYZ83Xe0g/s640/IMG_9009.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How is it possible that it has been an entire year since this we finally got to meet this little one who has stolen my heart and captivated my soul? My heart is overwhelmed with emotion and there is so much I want to say.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will be back to post about her birth story and her birthday celebrations. However, tonight I have the very important job of making sure everything is set for her to enjoy the most amazing first birthday celebration in the morning. Things have been a little hectic around here, but I am determined to make tomorrow (er - today?) absolutely the best day possible!<br /><br />Here it is... her first birthday.<br />Unbelievable.</span></div>Raising Monkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06804961380020384901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955248264119461482.post-14315967558026205752011-10-20T09:10:00.000-07:002011-11-06T19:54:11.855-08:00I Will Praise You In This StormI promise that someday soon this blog won't just be random ramblings when I'm working through a hard time.<br /><br />I keep praying that I'll be able to use it for something more... but maybe, this is exactly what I need to use this blog for right now -- to work through the hard times. Maybe my ramblings will be used to show someone who randomly stumbles upon this blog during their own hard time that "my help comes from the Lord" and no matter how difficult my circumstances, I know that if I turn to Him He WILL be there and I will get through whatever it is... sometimes He doesn't take away the pain, tears, or battle we are facing. Maybe it will encourage someone to know that sometimes the best thing He can do is walk through it with us, and when we are too weak to walk it is then that He carries us.<br /><br />Today, after listening to me pour my heart out about my circumstances one of my very best friends posted a link to a song on my wall. No words were needed... just that simple link, and it was spot on. I don't have the option to pull the covers over my head and cry. The circumstances are not just going to go away. My daughter needs me to be strong. My husband needs me to be strong. I have to just find a way to keep keeping on. <br /><br />Where does my strength come from? It comes from the Lord because He will never leave my side. He helps me handle anything I am given.<br /><br />So God, I'm choosing to praise YOU in this storm because you are who you say you are. Though my heart is torn, I will praise YOU in this storm...<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Ype1xE0wzsg" width="560"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">I was sure by now<br />God You would have reached down<br />And wiped our tears away<br />Stepped in and saved the day<br />But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining<br /><br />As the thunder rolls<br />I barely hear Your whisper through the rain<br />"I'm with you"<br />And as Your mercy falls<br />I raise my hands and praise the God who gives<br />And takes away<br /><br /><i></i>And I'll praise You in this storm<br />And I will lift my hands<br />For You are who You are<br />No matter where I am<br />And every tear I've cried<br />You hold in Your hand<br />You never left my side<br />And though my heart is torn<br />I will praise You in this storm<br /><br />I remember when<br />I stumbled in the wind<br />You heard my cry to you<br />And you raised me up again<br />My strength is almost gone<br />How can I carry on<br />If I can't find You<br /><br />But as the thunder rolls<br />I barely hear You whisper through the rain<br />"I'm with you"<br />And as Your mercy falls<br />I raise my hands and praise the God who gives<br />And takes away<br /><br /><i></i>I lift my eyes unto the hills<br />Where does my help come from?<br />My help comes from the Lord<br />The Maker of Heaven and Earth<br /><br /><i><br /></i></span></div>Raising Monkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06804961380020384901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955248264119461482.post-51921545981709190872011-10-02T19:02:00.000-07:002011-11-06T19:54:11.855-08:00A thousands things<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jdqyyTeVpKo/TokTvGJsCEI/AAAAAAAABcc/_gOMIggRkOE/s1600/41031530_VmiOwIRm_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jdqyyTeVpKo/TokTvGJsCEI/AAAAAAAABcc/_gOMIggRkOE/s320/41031530_VmiOwIRm_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #756454; font-family: verdana, serif; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span><br /><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 22px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #756454; font-family: verdana, serif; line-height: 22px;"></span><br /><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 22px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #756454; font-family: verdana, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;"></span><br /><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 22px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">I’m weary. I’m tired. I’m physically spent. I’m emotionally drained. I'm plain exhausted.</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 22px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">I <em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">know</em> God is near, I <em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">know</em> He is lifting me … yet at times He can seem so far away.</div></div></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #756454; font-family: verdana, serif; line-height: 18px;"></span><br /><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 22px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #756454; font-family: verdana, serif; line-height: 18px;">Christa Wells has a song, that says, “A thousand things are happening in this one thing, like a thousand fields nourished by a single drop of rain…so wrap yourself in promise and wait the morning light, a thousand things are happening tonight.”</span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 22px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #756454; font-family: verdana, serif; line-height: 18px;">We don’t often see things from His perspective -- But He is working, moving, and walking with me on this crazy difficult path. </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #756454; font-family: verdana, serif; line-height: 18px;">"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/8frv9U0O-2U" width="640"></iframe></span><br /></span>Raising Monkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06804961380020384901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955248264119461482.post-43443544750160589882011-09-10T20:12:00.000-07:002011-11-06T19:54:11.856-08:00Doing it all... or not!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"></span><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-top: 0.75em; text-align: center;"><em><strong>“A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie.”</strong></em> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-top: 0.75em; text-align: center;"><em>Tenneva Jordan</em></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-top: 0.75em; text-align: center;"><i>If you take a good look around this blog you'll notice that my posts have been rather infrequent since my husband left on this deployment in April. I really have the best of intentions and have so many goals and hopes for this blog. I think some of the biggest things motherhood and this deployment have taught me is that I can't do it all and do it well, it's not worth the stress to stretch myself to thin trying, and I'd rather be really great and make choices about what I do than mediocre in everything.</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-top: 0.75em; text-align: center;"><i><b>I am first and foremost a wife and a mother.</b><br />My days begin and end with my daughter while we wait for my husband's return home. I have always wanted to be able to stay home with my babies and it would be such a shame if I stayed home and yet spent all my time just being here and not really being with my daughter. Does that make sense? </i><br /><i><br /></i><br /><i>If I'm not going to get down on the floor and play peek-a-shoe Octopus with her then why am I home with her instead of out earning an income and letting her play with someone who can devote their day to her? Don't get me wrong, I know that not every moment of the day can be play but certainly there is enough time in the day to get down on her level and interact in her world! I am constantly involving her in helping me get things done as I do chores around the house. When I am hanging up clothes, she is right there with me handing me hangers and clothes or playing in a recently folded pile of socks. She's at a glorious age where even the most mundane of chores can be interesting and fun. I love being home with her to watch her explore and grow.</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-top: 0.75em; text-align: center;"><i>I am so thankful that we have the means to do things with her that create fun and unique learning experiences and memories! This season we are enrolled in Gymboree Play and Learn and swim lessons. In addition, we are blessed with the opportunity to have a season pass to the zoo, plan to buy a season pass to the pumpkin patch, and are able to attend multiple playgroup meetings. If we are up for adventure on any particular day there are certainly plenty to be had! My little girl just loves to explore and be out with people so an active lifestyle is important to me for her benefit. She is growing in leaps and bounds and I am so proud of my little social butterfly.<br /><br />I guess all of the above can be summed up by saying I have been busy loving being a mommy during this deployment. </i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-top: 0.75em; text-align: center;"><i>We are now moving into a season of transition... we are transitioning to more solid foods, sleeping on our own instead of full-time co-sleeping, and having my husband back home in the States with us. Looking forward we will be transitioning even more as the military moves us from Nebraska to Northern California. As with all times of transition there are things to look forward to and there are things we are anxious about, and there is sometimes a sense of loss. I am sad to leave behind my little girl's total and complete babyhood and dependence on me for everything... but I am excited to see the young lady she is going to blossom into. I am going to be sad to leave our first home together, but I am so excited for a new beginning and the chance to make new friends and connections. I am cautiously excited about the possibility of having my husband home with us for an extended period of time as well!<br /><br />I am currently floating in the "in-between" stage right now. Fall is so close... the nights are colder and the days are shorter. It's almost cool enough to wear a sweatshirt, but oh wait, no. It's still just a touch too warm -- but it IS perfect sunroof weather! Deployment is nearly over, but it is still so far away... I need to order homecoming signs and ensure our outfits are ready, but it will be awhile before we get to hang them up or wear them out.<br /><br />Please bare with me while I get through all that life has in store for us right now. I know that my visions for this blog will one day be a reality. I hope someday I will have time to pursue my passions for writing and photography and ministering to others full-time... but I feel like perhaps God is telling me to wait... not yet... I hear Him quietly saying "you have other things to focus on first". I have a house to prepare for my husband's homecoming. I have a little girl who needs me to play on the floor instead of look over the top of my laptop. I hope to post during some of my "me" time but for now I think my posts will have to be limited as I dedicate most of my "me" time to preparing our home for a peaceful homecoming and transition period. Once our home is in a better state I can better justify using some of my "me" time for my own purposes.<br /><br />If you'd like to pray for us - please do! </i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-top: 0.75em; text-align: center;"><i>We welcome any and all prayers, but especially prayers for smooth transitions in the upcoming days, weeks, and months ahead.<br /><br />Thank you for being faithful blog readers even when I am not able to post as frequently as I hoped. Your support and friendship means so much and I am so thankful for the opportunity to connect and be inspired by each and every one of you. If there is anything I can pray for you about please send me an email or a facebook message and let me know. I am still around and will never be far away...<br /><br />In Christ,<br />Cat</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-top: 0.75em; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rSDgSNdbooc/TmwmpLrNdNI/AAAAAAAABRY/5L2DNXdXm5Y/s1600/monkey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rSDgSNdbooc/TmwmpLrNdNI/AAAAAAAABRY/5L2DNXdXm5Y/s640/monkey.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-top: 0.75em; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-top: 0.75em; text-align: center;"></div>Raising Monkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06804961380020384901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955248264119461482.post-36104157563972221252011-09-06T18:37:00.000-07:002011-11-06T19:54:11.856-08:00Want What You Have<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mvc3HYP_1E0/TmbJ7xKybTI/AAAAAAAABNk/Lk2ezXJuiTM/s1600/6a00d8341c64e753ef014e8a9e8c3b970d-400wi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mvc3HYP_1E0/TmbJ7xKybTI/AAAAAAAABNk/Lk2ezXJuiTM/s640/6a00d8341c64e753ef014e8a9e8c3b970d-400wi.jpg" width="562" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I have an amazing husband.<br />I have a beautiful, sweet baby girl.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> <br />I have a supportive family.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I have wonderful friends.<br /><br />I am a child of God - who loves unconditionally, forgives endlessly and will never fail me.<br /><br />Some days are harder than others... but life is pretty darn great!<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>What are you thankful for today?</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Raising Monkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06804961380020384901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955248264119461482.post-39240997862026101982011-09-05T06:27:00.000-07:002011-11-06T19:54:11.856-08:00VoiceQuilt: Congratulations and We Love You, Sarge!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGo4JPDRE6w/TmTKUJQvrRI/AAAAAAAABLs/iY7ZX-b7Lws/s1600/image001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGo4JPDRE6w/TmTKUJQvrRI/AAAAAAAABLs/iY7ZX-b7Lws/s400/image001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />I was recently emailed by a company called <a href="http://www.voicequilt.com/">VoiceQuilt</a> to do a review for their product. It just happens that the timing is perfect as Sarge will be re-enlisting in the Air Force very soon and this is a great way for our family and friends to be able to congratulate him despite the distance! To top it off sometimes the end of deployment, which we are finally near, can be very stressful as military members try to bridge the gap between work and reconnecting with family and life at home.<br /><br />The process has just begun but so far it has been incredibly easy! I signed up on their website and then called the given number and followed the prompts to create a greeting that all callers hear when they call to leave their message. If you have ever used voicemail, this works just the same! We have 7 days to record as many messages as we can. After the messages are recorded, I'll continue the process by arranging them into a playlist and choosing a way to present them to Sarge. There are so many options - I'm not sure what I'll choose just yet but I am leaning toward the <a href="http://www.voicequilt.com/keepsakes/keepsake_CDHolder.php">Audio CD with Leather CD Holder</a> or maybe something like the <a href="http://www.voicequilt.com/keepsakes/keepsake_4x6photoBlack.php">4X6 Photo Black Keepsake Box</a>.<br /><br />I am so excited about this project! If you'd like to participate just follow the instructions below! It really doesn't matter if you know Sarge personally or not -- if you're a supporter of the military and our family it would be great to hear from you!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QbK15lum3-U/TmTOHHbvgqI/AAAAAAAABLw/skCf1H8-A_A/s1600/image004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QbK15lum3-U/TmTOHHbvgqI/AAAAAAAABLw/skCf1H8-A_A/s400/image004.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />To leave a message of encouragement or congratulations for Sarge dial the toll-free number: 1-877-687-7845 and use invitation number: 154638. Follow the prompts and record your message just like you are leaving a voicemail. Use # to review your message and you can just hang up to save it! <b>The deadline to leave a message is September 12, 2011 so please call TODAY!</b> In addition, if you'd like to send a card you can find our PO Box address on the contact me tab above.<br /><br />Thank you for helping me create such a great surprise for Sarge! I'll be blogging more about <a href="http://www.voicequilt.com/">VoiceQuilt</a> as I work on the project and there just might be a discount or giveaway so stay tuned!<br /><br />Raising Monkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06804961380020384901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955248264119461482.post-24146054179709784772011-09-04T20:52:00.000-07:002011-11-06T19:54:11.856-08:00Dear Deployment: Today you winDear Deployment:<br /><br />Today you win and I am exhausted.<br /><br />My house is a mess of boxes and suitcases that need to be unpacked. I have only been home a few days and I am already sick of eating processed crappy freezer foods, but I just don't have the desire to cook when it is only myself that I am feeding since the baby still mostly nurses. I can't get to the stove or sink anyway thanks to the mess...<br /><br />I am thankful that I got to see my husband again via Skype and hear his voice, but I am so tired of having this be our only means of communication. Today it just isn't enough and I want him here instead. I attempted to do things I would normally have delegated to my husband and it turned into a huge disaster that still needs to be resolved. Unfortunately, I can't put it off until my husband gets home because it involves the safety of our young child. However, I will save the holes that now need to be patched for him to fix when he gets home because that's purely cosmetic and I don't care enough to bother.<br /><br />Tonight, I'll wipe the tears from my eyes and go to bed snuggling my sweet girl. I may or may not gather the energy and drive to fix the mess tomorrow but I will rally again soon. You may have won today but I've learned that just like marriage, deployment comes with its ups and downs and neither the ups or the downs lasts forever.<br /><br />Better days are coming... Deployment, you may be ahead right now, but you're certainly not going to win!!<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jQvkETeiJbI/TmRG-J6sOqI/AAAAAAAABLo/12B-B6ncKfo/s1600/5969_578083249648_27709640_34334983_1055426_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jQvkETeiJbI/TmRG-J6sOqI/AAAAAAAABLo/12B-B6ncKfo/s640/5969_578083249648_27709640_34334983_1055426_n.jpg" width="454" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Webcam snapshot from our dating days in early 2008</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br />Raising Monkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06804961380020384901noreply@blogger.com0