"Try A Little Harder to Be a little Better" - Gordon B. Hinckley

“The good you have done, the kind words you have spoken, the love you have shown to others, can never be fully measured.” 
-Thomas S. Monson

http://www.colonial-funeralhome.com/jean-harris/

This link has Jean's obituary and a video tribute. I love the tribute!

I don't want this blog to be sappy, but I want to express to you all what an example my sweet mother-in-law was. And I'm not confident that I can do that with out being sappy.

When my phone rang at about 2:30 in the morning from Dens brother, my heart sunk. I knew what this call was. Jean, passed. After that call I couldn't sleep, so I started going through some of our pictures and letters that we had kept. Jean was an outstanding parent, and grandparent. You could tell the love she had for them when you said their names. Her love was unconditional.
I was able to be home with Dens family as they planned the funeral. Listening to the memories, and stories we all had of her was surreal. Listening to some of the stories I couldn't help but feel robbed. Our kids will never know their grandma. This was important to me. She fought some courageous battles in the last days. I felt it wasnt fair. I was told by someone, that made me kind of understand or accept it a little more.. "Maybe having the loved ones see the suffering, made it easier for us to let go" I'm thakful for those words. I love being with my in-laws. But to be there at a time like this and without Den was humbling. I felt that I was able to get to know each of them a little better in a more personal way. It was hard. Before Den left, he and I had a talk that the chance of her passing while he was underway was pretty good. And that the chance of him not being there for the funeral was even greater. Like I said in my last post, he assured me that if that were to happen he had no regrets, with his previous trip home to see her being so good. I tried to accept that talk we had. But couldn't. I wanted him home with his family, and me.
When she passed I called the redcross to get the message to him. In hopes they were somewhere that he could be dropped off in time to fly home for the funeral. I waited what seemed to be the longest 4 days. I wanted to be there to give him a hug. To try to console him. I finally got an e-mail Wednesday night, telling me that he knew about moms passing. What a reliefe but as our luck goes he wouldn't make it home in time. Infact I got a call while we were at the cemetary telling me that he was going to be home the next day. I felt so bad for him. He missed the funeral by a day. But we were most thankful that he was able to be home for a while.

You could often find Jean with a smile on her face. With open arms. She was so concerned with how the person was that she was talking to. She never stopped to complain about her troubles. She'd just say "oh I'm doing just fine, don't you worry". Her laugh was contagious. The love she had for her husband was definite. Her love for her Heavenly father was undeniable. Her love for her childeren was certian, for her grandchildren, unquestionable. She fulfilled her church callings with dignity. She had a love for life. She was patient, kind, forgiving, loving, caring, understanding, funny, and many other things. I can only pray that I may strive in my everyday life to be and do the things that she did. I will forever be thankful for her giving me the biggest blessing to be in my life, my husband. And now, my kinds may not get to be with their granny here on earth. But I know that she'll be giving them all her love before they come bless us.

"Families can be together for ever"

back at it agian

Hi everyone!

We've had quite the busy past few months. Den has just left on his 3rd small deployment. I don't know if I even consider it a deployment. Other than he isn't home. I had to say goodbye to him 3 times and by the third time I was over it. I never want him to leave but I wanted to get the ball on the roll. The boat had a short little one week trial run and Den was able to sit that one out. Jean isn't doing well. Before they were supposed to leave Den called out to his parents house and was able to talk to his brother Mike and I don't know what was said but I know what he heard was emotional, and hard to hear. So the next day he had duty ( Duty is when they stay on the boat overnight guarding it..) I called home and talked to his brother and sister. Both said she isn't doing well. And from there I didn't want Den to have any regrets.
I can't imagine how painful it is to watch a parent someone you love, respect, and cherrish, suffer. Mostly knowing that all your sibilings are there and you can't be there. So once I got the scoop from each sibiling I knew that I had to send him home. I called the chief of the boat and talked to him to ask if I was being crazy. But he agreed that he needed to go home. He left three days later and was home with his family for 10 days. He told me that, that was one of the best visits home he had ever had. He had no regrets. So for that I'm thankful.
After 10 days gone I was glad to have him home for a few days. Then he was on the go again. That is getting way too normal. I don't care what anyone says. it doesn't get any easier.
In the military people come and go all the time. I've always said I've hated it here. but just as I start making new friends they move. these are the best people I've ever met. They are both such good hearted people. I'm thankful for people like them. More often than not, the people here are all about themselves. Its like a piece of home with them.

I didn't realize we had a board walk that was so close to the water. I think I found my new favorite place!!! :) hopefully it doesnt take me another few months to do another post! :)

Update #1

Well, Guess its time for an update. I will post pics soon. Its been a crazy few months for us. Den got home from his second deployment in Feb. I was so happy to have him home! He didn't want me to go to the airport to pick him up because they'd be getting in at about 6am and I'd have had to be up by 4. So, I swallowed my pride, (just this time) and agreed to pick him up here on base. WITH the agreement that when he landed he called and when he was 1/2 way here he called.  The night before they got home I was at a friends house trying to help her get everything ready since she was going to the airport. Plus, there was no real chances of me getting to bed early. Those jitters just get the best of you!

The next morning he called from the airport said they were just loading up and that they're on their way! So I wanted to take my time to get ready so that I felt pretty when I saw my husband for the first time in months! I was so anxious to get to the cafe here on base where they were being droped off I couldn't even handle it! So I was about to get dressed and my phone rang! Perfect right on time he's 1/2 way home and I'm just about ready! I answer and hear, "hey sweetheart, are you coming?"! I was confused, but realized my husband didn't call me at the 1/2 way point and was already HOME! So I rushed out the door, and on the way there there are all these cars parked on the side of the street, so like an idiot I keep going. When you're on base, every morning at 8 am they play taps, while they're raising the flag. And when they're doing that everyone stops what they are doing and waits for the dismisal signal. I love that part of living on base! Never gets old. Unless your husband is waiting for you and you haven't seen him for months! But I got him home so I wont complain!

Once we got home we were in a rush to pack our stuff and head home! YAAY! I hadn't been home in over a year. It was time! We took a different way home and it was oh so pretty! We stopped right before Bosie and got a room. I just wanted something cheap to stay in. It was only one night and I had a hard time swallowing 100 bucks for one night. ( I'm not sure whats wrong with me, because any other time I would have been fine with that!) So we stayed at Motel 6 for 50 bucks a night, and I don't care what Tom Bodett says, If he'll leave the light on for us or not, I will never stay there again!We were home a little over 3 hours later the next morning. SO nice to be home! I was so excited to see our families and friends! Our first stop was my moms. Its so nice to be welcomed with my mom and sister running outside  to greet us! Later in the day we went out to the Dens parents. His mom has been pretty sick, so we were anxious to get out to see her too.

Den's mom is such an example and a woman of true faith. She's been so sick the past year, but has managed to keep her thoughts positive and her courage strong. Even on her sickest days everyone else comes first. I don't know how she does it. She's been a fighter. I just adore her. So it was nice to see her and see how she was doing not just talking to her over the phone and taking her word for how she was doing! The next day we made sure to go see our best friends and their cute kids! How I've missed them so! We invaded their house before Sara even got home from work. I couldn't take being in the same town as them and not seeing them! I felt overwhelmed to be in town and knowing I had a ton of people I wanted to see. So we put together a little get together with our family and some friends. Dens brother came down with his wife and their kids. I was glad den got to spend time with his brother. My uncle even came up with his wife and kids from utah. We felt so special! After the dinner, Den went out with the boys and my family and my friend went to outter limits with the kids. So fun to see all the kids having a good time! Even the adults (the bigger kids) were having fun!

The next few days home were spent with our families. We are both very blessed to have the families we do. Couldn't ask for a better family! by the end of the trip I think we were both (I know I was) pretty anxious to get back home and get into our routine. I thought I'd never consider Washington our home. But it was sure nice to get back! We've both been busy with work, since being home. But I've met a lot of people since he left and I couldn't wait to show him everyone! Well thats all for now, I have one more request, would you please keep Dens mom in your prayers. She isn't doing well, right now and the family could use all the more help with blessings!
Love to all!! :)

A year in review!

Here's my Year in Review! :) (makes me feel important! :D )

January 2011-

Jaunuary! I thought this month would never come! This is the month that after 6 months away, Den FINALLY got to come home!

This has to be one of my most favorite Picture yet!

February: Our Big Move! And sweet little Sophie Joins the Fam!

Sophie is my first puppy! This little girl has taught me some patients. She is SO cute! She has her own personality. Its like you look at her and you can almost know exactly what she is thinking. She's so sassy. I love it!  

MARCH: My family lived in the area and so with them we were able to do  little sight seeing to get to know the area. I must admit, we live in a beautiful area!

APRIL: Den goes out to sea! Mom and Krysta comes for a visit! EASTER! And my aunt and uncle took me to my first horse race! I was impressed by how entertaining it actually was!



MAY: My first MLB game! Yankees vs. Mariners

it was 'viva las vargas' night!

Derek Jeter

JUNE: Happy Birthday to Den! Since Den was out to sea, I wanted to do something nice for him. so he has been wanting to learn how to play the guitar. So I went to our guitar shop here in town, and splurged! :)

JULY: Happy 4th of July! For the fourth we went down to the water front and watched the fire works above the water! So pretty!

My family came and watched the fireworks with me!

AUGUST: The month that felt like was never going to arrive! Den comes home! <3 My little cousins came for a visit too! Since we weren't able to go home this summer it was really good to see them!

all dens presents!

the front of our house! haha, I was proud!

YAAAY HE'S HOOME!

our first family pic!

SEPTEMBER: 4 years of wedded bliss! I am so thankful for being blessed with the husband I have! couldn't have asked for anyone better!! I guess that I didn't take any pics.

October: Den's parents come for a visit. We went to Helvatia, OR to go to the Little People Big World pumkin patch. It was so fun to get away from home for a while. And even better that my husband got to see his parents. It was nice to see familiar faces!

NOVEMBER: Happy Thanks giving! This is the first year that I've spent Thanksgiving alone. I've made a couple good friends, and we went to see Jack and Jill (Adam Sandlers new movie) then we went to Sherri's (its like a Denny's) and had Thanksgiving dinner. Then my favorite! BLACK FRIDAY!

First in line for Den's Christmas present! :)

I have NO clue what kind of games to get him!

DECEMBER: Merry Christmas! Mom came to visit me! It was such a good visit too! I didn't want her to leave!

2011 was quite the learning expierence I've ever had. I am so thankful for the support we've had to help us through our first year away. I am thankful for our friends and family. Den and I have been trying to add a little one to our family. I'm hoping that this year will be good to us and will bless us with a little baby. Everyday I look at my life and I have no idea what I've done to deserve such good things. My husband is amazing. I am so proud of him. And love him more and more every day!

My Vent...

So, we are a close to Den leaving again for his 2nd deployment. It's been a really really good few months together. BUT, I have to vent about the command. (This is one of those journaling posts).. any way. After a deployment they are allowed a few weeks off. But no thanks to his chief he was only allowed a week. Don't get me wrong, I'll take what I can get, but really? He and a couple other people were scheduled for a 4 week long class. All the while the other guys get the full 'Stand down' off with their families. But I'm working too. So it's not soo bad. But I really really can't stand how unfair the whole military command is. They get upset when the guys don't tell them anything about their personal life. Such as marrriage, divorces, children, or pregnancy's. Because they're just looking out for the wives. But they could give a crap less if the guys are hardly home, and see us. Now again Den has to stand watch him and a few other guys, His qualls are going great, He shows up for work, he works hard. And to make him do a watch for the second time, makes me greatly annoyed. ESPECIALLY since the other guys who started the same time as him don't have to do it. I don't like how they treat him. Because the rest of the command gets a four day weekend before they leave to be with their families, but not us. Ok, ok, I understand what we got ourselves into. But, no one ever told us it would be easy. And its been really good to us, other than these "little" annoyances. But I feel a little better getting it off my chest now. I don't want to burden Den or make him feel like I don't support him. Because I'd do anything for him. I love him.

4 years already?!

Yup, Den and I have been in wedded bliss for 4 years. Its amazing how fast time flies! Seems just like yesterday we were dating. Its funny, because we each have a different opinion on our dating days. I like to hear his, while he just laughs at mine because he thinks I'm crazy. HAHA! But none the less. We still love eachother very much, and I am so thankful to have him as my partner for ETERNITY. I love everything about him. He's such a hard worker.

Speaking of Hard work. Den has decided to make this gig in the military a carreer. Obviously I was jumping for joy when he brought it up to me. But my love for him is more than my dislike of the lifestyle. He has a three week training. Yesterday, he had to get sprayed with OC spray, shich he describes as pepper spray on steroids. I didn't think it'd be too bad, but when he walked in the door he had sun glasses on and looked like he was in pain, his face was red and his eyes looked like he'd been crying...like the ugly cry. Then later that night he decided he'd try to wash it off then it reactivated on him..Oh boy! If you want to see what OC spray does you should Youtube it! When I sit and think of it, the military has been really good to us. We get well taken care of with our benefits. And while we get to see different parts of the world we otherwise wouldn't have been able to. It makes me nervous for the kid part. I don't want our kids not to have any friends because we aren't in a place long enough to make them. But this we can worry about when we finally have kids.

Den and I have decided we want to add one more to our family. Nope, not an announcement (how I wish though!). It seems getting pregnant is easier said than done. And of course it doesn't help when your husband is gone for 8 months of the year. But I've seen many doctors to check for PCOS and back home the 3 of them said I was cyst free. So AAAALLLLL of the blood work confirmed it. Then we move to Washington, and the first thing they want to do is take labs. NO! I've been through it enough. Just do an xray or whatever it is they can do. I've have 3 labs taken in less than a year. Can't they just go off of that? Obviously not, I don't get it... But I'll be compliant, because as my mom has taught me "having patients is what gets you the big prize!". So now that I'm on 3 different hormonal medication, I ask that everyone please say a short or big prayer for my husband. I don't remember being so bossy, and irratible. But I do make an effort to stay patient and understanding. It isn't him so much as it is me. I feel horrible for the people who want so badly to have kids but cannot. I pray,pray,pray, this goes our way, and we end up with a healthy baby.

And to add to all this change, I've gotten 2 really good job offers. And finally decided on one. I'm at Smart Style right now. I was embarassed to tell anyone. Because this isn't the salon I want to be at. I feel like I'm better than a darn Walmart haircut. However, it isn't a Walmart owned salon. Regis owns it. And Regis owns mannnny salons. So, if you burn your bridges at one you most likley will never work for Regis again. So one of the other salons that offered me a job was a regis salon. And the one I'm at now won't release my papers to them. Irritating. So I took the one that is closer to my home. I'm really excited to start this job. They use JOICO products which is what I was taught from. So I don't have to learn a different product line. AND they give ongoing training. Perfect! I couldn't be more happy!

Remembering when...

September 11, 2011. Was a day that would forever change our lives as we knew it. A day that, brought much sorrow and heart ache to many Americans. I remember that exact day. A day that everyone came together as equals. Its crazy because I can't remember anyother day of events from that year or any year. But that day, from start to finish. I woke up, it was a normal day, and I was getting ready for school and listening to the radio station. And the guy said that an airplane ran into a world trade center. I turned on the news in time to see the second airplane hit. And then went to school. I remeber everyone in the halls talking about it. My first hour class was with Mrs. Wiese. I remember watching the news and seeing our spanish teacher running back and forth from her room to I'm not sure where, in panic. I turned around in time to see the first building fall. I remember that feeling, my heart dropped. Looking back now, man, leaves me speechless. The feeling of sadness for those people. My spanish teacher was origionally from NY and still had many family and friends there. All family was counted for. Our blessing in the family from that day was, as the corprate world travels, so did my uncle. It wasn't less than month before that day that he was there. Originally scheduled to be there that day. Wow, lucky.

10 years later, I'm watching this 9/11 never forget special. The feeling of seeing that footage again, is humbling. to say the least. The sacrafice that those firemen made was incrediable. The desperation of the people in those towers. To see, to hear, the bodies falling from the building. I can't even imagine. With my husband in the military, I see first-hand the sacrafice, the hard work, and dedication these men and women make to help our lives, and our country to run a bit smoothly. I've never been so proud to live in such a special country. I thank god, for all my many, many, blessings. For the country I live in, for the people in my life that brings me so much happiness, and love. for all of these things and many more I will forever be thankful, and remember to count my blessings.