One week down! 6 more to go??

The last week was super hard without Den here. But I've been told it get easier as the time goes by. I was supposed to recieve Dens box with his clothes in it some time this week. On Thursday I was leaving for work, and saw the box at the front step. So I brought it in the house to search through it. I was hoping Den would write a letter on the plane and stuff it in his pockets. And no such luck... :( But its OK. I noticed when I pulled out his pants, he had his legs rolled up. I'm Interested to know what the reasoning is behind that. Then again maybe I'm OK with not knowing just yet... :)
As I've said MANY times, 8 weeks is a long time!! I've prayed religiously for the past week to help the next few weeks go by fast. But it just didn't seem like it was. This morning The first thought I had was 7 more weeks...Then I remembered I'm still waiting for the info to arrive! So I went and checked the mail and TADA! His letter was here!! I so badly wanted to open it right away, but I waited until I got in the house, and I read "Dear Alicia, Thank-you for supporting.." And then I had to set it down for a second and I gave it to Jean to read. Then she was telling me some of the major info. And said that Den is graduating September 10th!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is a whole WEEK earlier than we'd been expecting! I only have to wait 6 more weeks to see DEN!!!! I'm SOOOOOOOOOOO glad its a week sooner! I can't wait to see him and give him a big HUG! I love him so much!
I love days like today! For the sheer fact that I have proof that Heavenly Father listens to us, and answers our prayers. He may not do it as fast as we want. If we be patient, and we have faith in the Lord, we'll get our answers. Sometimes not as obvious as today, but I have NO question that the things we ask for get ignored. I love our family! I'm thankful for the love and support they give us. I'm most thankful for Heavenly Father. For all he does for us!

from "Wife" to "Navy Wife" !!

Well, the MUCH dreaded day has come, and past! Its been quite the roller coaster ride the past week! One minute I'm so excited for our new begginings. The next I'm a mess. So in all honesty, I'm really greatful that its over! And, I think that he's excited that he doesn't have to see me cry anymore...haha. But I sure do miss him already! I was telling my in-laws, I can do a week. We've been away from eachother at least that long in the past 3 years. But 8 + weeks...is going to be a bit trying!


Den's last day at work was last Monday. He was so funny. They're only supposed to wear plain Navy Blue t-shirts. And he went in with his Navy shirt on. With BIG yellow words! He wanted to get sent home. But didn't happen. Too bad for him. On his exit interview they marked him as re-hireable. That usually is what you want to leave a job with..But he was so done with that place he was so excited to just get out and never look back again! I love him! I knew that since I wanted the week to be paused in time, it'd flyyy by! And so I was right! I usually love when I am. Just not this time! :) We had a busy, busy, week with trying to fit in friends and family to hangout with before he left it was quite crazy! But we ended the week with a BBQ. A bbq with family and close friends. I was sooo happy with all the people who showed up to support him! I know he was happy with it too! So thanks to those who came!

We had a blast talking and goofing off. But I really just wanted the day over with. The anticipation of him leaving was making me crazy! I'm sure by yesterday he was sick of seeing me cry. Infact the last few times I was upset he'd say "quit crying" so just to make him mad I'd cry more....JUST KIDDING! But I'd be okay for a while. Then I'd start to think and make myself upset again. So I was really looking forward to Monday. So that I could have the worst behind me. With the military their motto is "Hurry up and Wait.". This is going to be a LOOONG 4 years! I'm a person who functions better with a schedule. And they give you one don't get me wrong. But it's whenever they get around to it. So this will be difficult to get used too.

We woke up early Sunday morning to leave for Utah so we could watch Den get sworn in to the Navy, to officially become a sailor! His brother Mike and his family were patiently waiting for us to arrive. I was so happy to have them there. All together we had my mom and sister, his parents, and his brother and his family. When we got to Utah we had to get Den checked into the hotel. Because the military paid for his room I couldn't stay with him ( I would've LOVED to pay for it! It just isn't an option..) So he had to be back for a briefing at 8pm. So we had 5 hours with him. I was dreading every minute of it! I asked the recruiter what time we needed to be at the MEP'S building and they weren't sure but guessed about 9...makes me crazy. So I had to say goodbye twice, because I wasn't taking the chance of missing him the next morning and not being able to say goodbye. It was a rough night! I slept maybe 4 hours. Then woke up to get ready.

And left the hotel by a quarter to 8. Got to the building and ended up waiting 2 1/2 hours for the "Ceremony" to start. Mike and Lori have 3 children. Katie 9, Kaleb 6, Carson 2. These kids were AMAZING waiting that whole time. Granted they were intertained by one of the ladys walking through a few times! Den got to come sit with us a couple times, while he waited for the next thing to do. And before we knew it, we were all walking in the back to see him get sworn in. I got way choked up, seeing him stand there all official like. But I was also super proud of him! Then it was about another 10 minutes of waiting and before we knew it the dreaded goodbyes had to come. I think I can speak for everyone else, saying that this was a hard goodbye to say!

They have a website called navyformoms.com, this has been my safe haven for the past couple weeks, getting all the information that I needed. (The recruiters don't spill the beans about ANYTHING!) I learned on there that the guys get a 30 second phone call home when they get there telling us they're okay and to be expecting a box in about 2 weeks with the clothes they were wearing. And hopefully a call back in 3. But nothing is guarenteed. How'd I love it so much though! He finally called me at 7:30 last night. Natually, I wanted to ask all kinds of questions, but had to keep it short. So I hung up at 32 seconds. :) After we hung up I thought he's completley BALD! :( He wanted me to shave his head before he left, but I just couldn't.. So they did for him. I'm on my 4th letter to him tonight. So, I should quit babbling so I can start it.

Before I do, I have to say how greatful I am to have a husband who will do anything to better our family. How easy it is now days to be a bum and live off the government. He wanted better. Our fututre is secure. We will have no financial stress. And our kids even have a chance to have a good life. I love him so much for making this sacrafice for us. I know it's hard to get past now, but in the long haul its completley worth it. I love him so much, I get amazed everytime I get to say his name how much I love him, and that christ would allow such a love to grow strong. I am blessed. We are blessed. Now all we need is the next 8 weeks to hurry up!!

A run through..

Ok, So I'm the worst blogger! But I like to wait until something exciting has happend, or I have enough to talk about( I also always feel that I babble about too much) . But fortunately, I've waited so long that I have a few things to talk about.

We are now 9 weeks away from Dennis leaving to basic training. I think about him leaving all the time, and it makes me super sad! I have to just think happy thoughts for now. That's going to be a bad day I feel. And I want to avoid it as much as possible until the time officially comes. And then, I just pray that it goes by fast! The navy gave me a "S.T.A.R.T" book (Standards-Tradition- Acknowledgement- Requirements-Training) just some information about what to be expected when Den leaves. I guess it's supposed to be comforting so us "wives" don't freak out. I'll be the first to say, that this book doesn't help us to gear up for what is to be expected. First of all it says something like.. "while your loved one is in recruit traning, you can rest assured that your loved one is in good hands, and will be treated with up-most respect." Maybe this is so, but I can hardly imagine that while he's in basic training he will be treated with respect. I told him, to expect the worse, that way when he gets there he isn't shocked at how they do things there. This is a day, I just want OVER with!
We are soo blessed to have such loving family, and especially OUR friends to support him and I through this decesion! It isn't a fun one to make, but we've had so, so, so, many people question us, Why? This was my question until just recently. But all I can say is, Why not?? I mean we'll have FREE health and dental, we can FINALLY get our family started. Something I've waited what seems to be eternity for. Also, we get to se parts of the world that otherwise maybe we wouldn't. Another frequently asked question is, Are you sure, and Are you Okay with it??Answers: NO, and definatley NOT! But I have faith in my husband, and the decesions he makes for us and our future family. I was just looking at the definition of "faith" and it has many, but I like this one... "the obligation of loyalty or fidelity to a person, promise, engagement." I just love my husband! One funny thing about the Navy, is that he has to be clean cut, and if he has any facial hair it has to be a mustache. So naturally, he had to try it out. He got made fun of. But wanted to wait to shave it so his brother could see it. He is so funny! One good thing about it is, he gets to join a gym for practically, nothing! So most of our free time is spent at Gold's Gym. We both are loving it! I hope that the first time I see him after he leaves, that I can be pretty again!

WE LIKE TO CALL THIS THE '80'S PORN STAR STACHE!

We had a good visit last month with his brother Mike, and his family. I just love them! They are good people! I have a feeling any time I get off this summer, I'll be visiting them more! I hope so any ways! They have the cutest little kids! Carson, is the youngest and is just starting to talk. I tried all weekend to have him say "Aunt Alicia" and he never would he'd just smile at me and say Den..So then I shortend it to "Aunt Licia" nope nothing. Finally I shortend it again to just "auntie" and until Sunday while we were sitting in sacrament, I had to bribe him with a swee corn candy, and he finally said just "Auntie"..Hallelujah! ;) We all got together for Lennie's new baby's blessing. It's always so fun to be with family! Lennie made Olivia's blessing dress! She is so freaking crafty I hate it! :) not really, but she comes up with some way cute ideas! I hope she doesn't mind, but I'm posting some pics of Oli, in her cute blessing dress. All in all, a good weekend!

One of my favorite things to do is hair! I love new crafty ideas to style, color, and even cut! This year I, along with most of my hair school friends had the oppertunity to be the judges of this years hair competition. And may I just say, we have some pretty awesome stylists' in the making! It was so fun to be a part of! I can't wait for the day for me to move on to a full service salon! The days are coming closer, and closer! I have to share a few of my favorites! The pictures aren't very good. But it was fun none the less! p.s. I stole the two pics of the indian lady, and the guy, off of the schools website. ;)

Lastly, HAPPY MOTHERS DAY! Den and I are so blessed to have the mom's we do. Me growing up with just my mom as a single parent. and His mom being the one to take care of the kids. We were given so much, not just in things, but we've learned a lot from our mom's. And we couldn't be any more proud as their children! I think this is the thing I look most forward to in life, is being a parent, an example, and caregiver, to a sweet child of god. I can't think of a better blessing to be given!

Unexpected Changes...

Well, we've had a few unexpected changes within the past few months. We moved out of our apartment...and I'm not sure weather to be happy or sad. We are now living with Den's parents. Which is okay. I think we took our privacy for granted...ie. having to be dressed when we get up to use the bathroom in the night. :) haha! We origionally were moving out here temporarily, to help save some money.
Dennis has been talking about going into the Army, or the Marines. Which I know my husband. He usually just says stuff to see what kind of a rise he can get out of me. But it kept getting brought up...I knew after a few times of bringing it up, he was serious! So I thought about what I could say to him. After all I don't want to discourage him...but the thought of losing him was the first thought that came to me. I know this must sound selfish, but me being an "Over-reactor" I had to take a step back and really try hard to make myself support him. And I'm sure if it was something that he was seriously wanting to do, then I'd have to support him. It'd just be too hard. I couldn't imagine him shipping out over seas. It was about at that moment that my heart went out to the parents, wives, girlfriends, etc. of the kids who told them that they wanted to join the Military. FEAR is what gets to ya...and trust me Satan does his best to scare ya too.
After a couple weeks of panicing, we had the "talk". I just kind of asked him if he had any part in him concidering to join the Navy or the Air Force instead. Because they are the two safest ones, while nothing is ever guarenteed. I felt a little better with those choices. Den agreed. So a few days later we made our trip to the Navy recruiters office. Dennis and the guy talked for a while and then it was my turn to ask questions. Although, I've NEVER been a fan of them ( they remind me of used care salesmans...they'll tell you anything you want to hear just for a signature.) he assured me that Den would be taken care of. A week later Den took a trip to Utah to take some tests and pick a date to leave, and his job. When he came back with his boot camp date, and job. It hit me...man!!! This is for real!
Den's anxious, nervous, scared, excited, pretty much every emotion there is he has. I have to tell myself that I'm okay with his decesion. And its only 4 years. We can do it. My biggest fear is to have the base be half way across the world, and I'm home alone...I'm sure I can make new friends. But it isn't home. So here are the dates so far... July 19 he leaves for boot camp for 8 weeks! Then he graduates from boot camp and I can see him that weekend and then it's off to school for him for another 8 weeks, then I can move with him to the base, which will be one out of 5 places Georgia, Conneticut, Washington, Virgina, or Hawii. I'll keep ya upto date on any changes that may happen. Geeze, I can't even stand him away from home for the night, i don't know about 4 months!!!
On a way better note, we are Aunt Alicia and Uncle Dennis for the 6th time! Our beautiful neice was born February 18th. She's an absolute doll!! And so so so small! I just love it! Having a new baby in the family sure isn't helping me with the baby blues! But I think we'll see her enough to help cure them for a second... :) haha! These pictures are way small because they're from my phone...I'll update some from the camera when it gets un packed! ;)

Happy New Year!

HAPPY, HAPPY, NEW YEAR!!!

It seems like I've been saying this all year. But, I still can't belive how fast 2009 flew by! We've had quite the eventful year! Rather, not quite as eventful as I would've liked. We've been humbled all year long! Last November, we decided to start looking for homes to buy. I hate doing all of the technical work (i.e. dealing with the realitor and banks). But we probably looked at 6 or 7 different homes. Oh we found 2 that we absolutley loved! So, off to the bank I went! Our realitor was talking up this first time home owners thing. When I got to the bank I found out that we made $1,000 too much! ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?!?! The banker was so kind to let me know if I were to have 2 children we would qualify...haha thanks! But when all was said and done, we got approved for our loan! I was soo excited! So Dennis got home from work that night and I told him what I found out.
Dennis being the guy he is says "maybe we should pray about it". Sweet! I already have the answer!! About a week later, Den said he didn't have a good feeling and to just wait until the Holidays are over. So I went with it. A month or so later, Dennis got laid off from his job. Thank Goodness we didn't get into our house, we would've been in so over our heads! But, Den kept his head up and kept applying for jobs. Finally we got a call from Mtn. Home! Dennis went to his first interview, and I went with him to the second. And we started looking at places to live and jobs for me...can you guess what happens next?? Yup, too good to be true! He finally found a job doing what he does best! Worked there for a month or so, and come to find out...they over hired! Nice blow to the stomach! In all of this I'm trying to not be upset, because I already know the stress and anger Dennis has. I don't want him to have my stress too.
I have such a WONDERFUL husband, that will do what it takes to keep us striving! I know pleanty of people who just throw their hands in the air and say "screw it! I've had enough." But not my husband. He looks deep and hard for what he can find to help support us. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, him! After looking so hard for literally anything, our prayers have been answered once again. It's nothing permanent. But its something that will support us for now.

We are soo hoping that 2010 will bring us many more blessings! Out with the old and in with the NEW!! I was getting ready to write my resolutions when I opened the paper and read the Dear Abby section. I loved it so much that this will be my resolutions in short.

JUST FOR TODAY: I will live through this day only. I will now brood about yesterdsay or obsess about tomorrow. I will not set far-reaching goals or try to overcome all of my problems at once. I know that I can do something for 24 hours that would overwhelm me if I had to keep it up for a lifetime.
JUST FOR TODAY: I will be happy. I will now dwell on thoughts that depress me. If my mind fiss with clouds, I will chase them away and fill it with sunshine.
JUST FOR TODAY: I will accept what is. I will face reality I will correct those things that I can correct and accept those I cannot.
JUST FOR TODAY: I will improve my mind. I will read something that requires effort, Thought and concentration. I will not be a mental loafer.
JUST FOR TODAY: I will make a conscious effort to be agreeable. I will be kind and courteous to those who cross my path, and I'll not speak ill of others. I will improve my appearance, speak softly, and not interrupt when someon else is talking.
Just for today, I will refrain from improving anybody but myself.
JUST FOR TODAY: I will do something positive to improve my health. If I'm a smoker I'll quit (i don't smoke :) ) If I am overweight , I will eat healthfully--if only just for today. And not only that, I will get off the couch and take a brisk walk, even if it's only around the block.

I found this to be way more inspiring instead of a piece of paper saying what I want to fix about myself!
I love my life. I love my family and friends. I love the examples, and the love, and support they give to us. I hope that I can only give those to them in return.

A guy in my ward said today, that on his mission he loved getting into a new area because it was a new chance to better himself to new people. I hope that I can better myself in this new year, for the people I love so so much! :)

Here's to a New year! :)

Happy Hollidays!!

I can't even belive it's that time of year! We have had such a fun time getting ready for the Holidays! I was so excited to have Thanksgiving underway! I think I was more excited to get the ads so we can map out our shopping day! I look forward to shopping early morning every year! But it always seems I learn FAST and the hard way, why it isn't so fun when we get there :) We started at JcPenny at 4 am. Which means, my mom and sister had to wake up at 3 am, and I woke up at 3:30 am... I know we are crazy! But we got most of everything done there! Next we went to Wal-Mart. Just for the records up until last year we always started our shopping at 7am. So we've NEVER been to Walmart before 5 a.m.! What a crazy mad house! After been ran over by 2 people's carts, and shoved out of the way, I will NEVER go back before 5 am! There is absolutley nothing I need soo bad that I have to go. No Thanks! I'd rather pay full price!

After getting what we needed there, I saw an ad for a $75 dollar Criket! It was at Jo-Anns. So we waited in line for 1/2 hour and succeeded at my purchase! I was trying to justify spending that money on something I wanted.. But Den wanted an I-pod adapter for the car, so I figured I'd buy that, and a movie and we'd be even. When we got to Fred Meyers, I bought his for 12 bucks!!! I couldn't belive it... So now I'm still on the hunt for the perfect gift! :) We ended the morning with breakfast with my aunt..Just in time for me to go to work!

Later we attended the parade of lights in Old town. It's been our tradition for years, this year we didn't have little ones to take with us. Maybe it's time to get working on that ;) haha! After that looong weekend. Dennis and I bought a permit to get our own Christmas tree! How fun!! After a while of hiking in the snow, we finally found our tree! Got it down the hills, on the truck, and home. It so wasn't what we were expecting to be! We have our first Charlie Brown tree! Dennis says it gives it character! I say, Lets take it back and get a new one...haha.

I actually LOVE it just because of the fun we had together finding our tree! I love starting new traditions! It will most definitely be a tradition that I will most cherrish! I am the luckiest person ever to have an awesome hubby, and family that will carry traditons even with out kiddos! ;)

Pee Pee Teepees!!

I've been itching for crafting! Back in August, we went to American Falls Day's. There was a cute booth set up that had lots of crafty ideas. This is where I noticed the "peepee teepee"! My friend who was expecting at the time, bought a couple for a good laugh. She was telling me that they actually work...haha! So since most of my friends are having kids, I decided to give it a go! We had to go out to Den's parents house because we don't have a sewing machine. Its been too long since I've threaded a sewing machine. Of course no one else is home to help me. Just Den, Krysta, and myself. The three of us are trying to listen to his mom on speaker phone while threading it. Eventually I gave up! But not that easy. I did it by hand! So, first go around not so good. But you can Bet that the second one will be LOTS better! ;) I have a few pictures of our events.