We did manage to make it through the store without me having a similar meltdown. I was concerned they might find both of us in frozen foods, on the floor, sobbing and throwing things — but we survived. Of course, when it was time to leave it had started pouring down buckets again and by the time I had the squirming snotty midget in his car seat, and had loaded the groceries, I was looking like a drenched rat in squishy Birkenstocks. – Me, Circa…

Things are a lot different this time around than they were when I was carrying the Munchkin. I don't have half as much time to lounge around and do nothing. I haven't decided if this is a blessing or a curse. Most likely it is both.

I'm starting to make lists for the Belly Munchkin's arrival. Whether I'll actually ever manage to check anything off those lists is yet to be seen.

I have however, been able to squeeze some time in for weekly yoga. Not as much as I managed before I…

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Blog of a Bluegrass Belle: Happy Sequestration Saturday

I wish today was a happy day for a our nation but it is a very sad one.  Last night our President signed Sequestration into order, essentially cutting government spending down to the barest.  Sequestration should be short for "our elected leadership has failed us".  You can't…

Well it’s official! My son is in The United States Marine Corps!

Please welcome our newest military member into our large military family.

Read more at Ramblings of The Geek Wife.........

It's coming to an end! My time working and living dual roles as a mother and a father is ending today! My husband's ship is coming home and we get to see his face. We get to hug him, touch him and to love him in person.more

Yesterday I shared with you my Child Care Woes.  The day care we use will be closed until August 13th for a suspected mold they found in one of the rooms.  On one hand I am happy they take any concerns like this seriously and promptly.  On the other hand I have been worried that I wouldn't be able to find child care for the days I work.  Right now we do not live close to family or friends.  I…

Misconceptions of an Early Childhood Educator

Glorified Babysitter. Bum Wiper. Day Nanny.

These are the most common terms I hear in response to 'I work at the Rota MWR Child Development Centre', and unfortunately this misconception that flows throughout the community is one, that as an advocate for the value of early childhood education and educators, would like to…

You know that feeling when something happens and you want to say something, but you don't because you know you're so mad, or irritated or have too many thoughts running through your head that you just know you won't be able to sound anything like a coherent person? Well, when the breastfeeding Airmen pics took center stage that was how I felt. I was like, "no, I'm not going to run to my computer and start typing."  What could I possibly have to say that would be new and interesting. Nothing…

You know that feeling when something happens and you want to say something, but you don't because you know you're so mad, or irritated or have too many thoughts running through your head that you just know you won't be able to sound anything like a coherent person? Well, when the breastfeeding Airmen pics took center stage that was how I felt. I was like, "no, I'm not going to run to my computer and start typing."  What could I possibly have to say that would be new and interesting. Nothing…

BBQs. Hot dogs. Vacation day. Long weekend.  Memorial day.



Names. Daniel Hyde. Dimitri Del Castillo. Dates. March 7th.  June 25th. Families mourning. Widows. Service. Sacrifice. Memorial day.



Freedom

Is

Not

Free…

I Am My Parents: Don't Make Me Come Back There!

It's not until recently when I reached the mUm status of a 'No, I want to do it on my own', defiant almost four year-old and a 'I know everything - insert eye roll and annoyed sigh', almost 'tweenager', when I started to hear myself blurting out those fabulous one liners that, as a child I remember my parents…

I've had an epiphany. A pretty huge one. I've had that moment where you realize you absolutely love what you do, but then realize you've fallen in love with (what might be) the wrong thing.



It is amazing…

Moving to ROTA, Spain? What you need to know!

Congratulations! 



If you've somehow managed to swindle get your hands on orders to Naval Station Rota (NAVSTA), read on because you're in for an unbelievably amazing experience, one that you'll never forget for so many wonderful, exciting, interesting and challenging…

Crikey mUm: Virtual Pink Cupcakes!

Living the military life, moving from one US duty station to another is challenging enough, now think of military life when your family and friends are not a quick domestic two or three hour flight away, but an international assortment of a painfully long 36-48 hour flight itinerary.

This logistical and incredibly expensive…

In ten days Kevin will be off of Terminal Leave and will be (medically) retired from the Army. As I sit here writing this, I can honestly say that I am overwhelmingly proud of Kevin...all that he has been through, the man he is today, and how even though he has changed in many ways...he is still the man I love. Even as the emotions of pride feel my heart, I still find myself full of emotions on us closing in on the final days of our life in the "Active Duty"…

Happy New from Spain: Feliz Ano Nuevo

Along with a few hundred of my closest Spanish and American friends and my beautiful Rota family, I celebrated New Years Eve amidst bubbles, strobe lights, Jello-oh shots and grapes, in the beautiful seaside town of Rota, Spain.

That's right grapes! This wonderfully unique Spanish…

Arcos de La Frontera: Spectacular Living Nativity (Belen Living)

As the orange glow of an icy Winter sun fell, delicately weaving it's intricate shadows throughout the narrow cobble stoned, white walled village of Arcos de la Frontera, the softly flame lit and palm tree adorned streets reminiscent of Bethlehem of Judea 2000 years ago, came to life.

The Saturday…