Dear Addison & Elliette

Your little hand's wrapped around my finger
And it's so quiet in the world tonight
Your little eyelids flutter cause you're dreaming
So I tuck you in, turn on your favorite night light
To you everything's funny, you got nothing to regret
I'd give all I have, honey
If you could stay like that


Oh darling, don't you ever grow up
Don't you ever grow up, just stay this little
Oh darling, don't you ever grow up
Don't you ever grow up, it could stay this simple
I won't let nobody hurt you, won't let no one break your heart
And no one will desert you
Just try to never grow up, never grow up

Never Grow Up -Taylor Swift



My girls, you both are growing too fast for my liking, though I am excited for all the things we'll get to do that we don't get to do now. I love you both so much!

-Mommy

Wow has it been a while or what?

First off, on May 12th I finally set foot into the Atlantic Ocean! We did it as a family which made it even better.
I'm making progress on my list. I'm excited to say that I have a few more causes that I can get involved with. It was disheartening to know I could not attend a run/walk event this year due to location. Next year though, I'm hoping to do at least one!
I'm excited about my summer events, though we'll be away from Jake, but it has to be done. Hoping we get to stay in San Diego after his schooling is over. We find out in October!
Ellie has been up and walking for about a month now. She's loving the freedom! I'm having to chase two of them around the house. Lucky for me, they stick together. I'll be in real trouble when they stop sticking together.
Addy is going through the aftermat of a toe injury. It's not any ol' sissy one either... It's a pretty intense injury... Toe nail ripped up and in half. It's still attached to her toe, but ouch much! She's being pretty good about it. I'm paranoid that the toe nail will rip clean off if I dont have it wrapped up but she could careless what I think, she keeps taking the dressings off of it.
I had a successful day of packing. Now if only the rain would let up so we could put it into storage.
Well I dont know what else to write about. Back to packing and laundry for me.

UPDATE

I dont really know where to start because SO much has happened.
Let's see, since my last update:
Jake has returned home from Haiti
Addy turned 2 1/2
Ellie is up & crusing more
Those are basically the high points.

Still working on that worth while post or maybe I'll break it down into posts... who knows.

Stay tuned

It's been a while

I'm sorry. My computer broke on the 9th.. and is still broken... and  I'd been super busy with cleaning and going to NY and to  Washington D.C.
On the bright side, in all my busy, I have managed to complete 3 more things on my list. I walked everyday for a month, took a picture a day for a month and I drove in 5 different states! I also ate something I never had before. So 1 down and 19 more to go for that thing on my list. Pretty amazing! 
I had a wonderful time on my trip. I'll update about that when I get a chance.
I'm also excited because Jake is going to be coming home soon! I cant wait. When he gets home and we get everything arranged, he'll be taking leave before he has to report to school and we're taking a road trip to Great Lakes! First stopping at D.C  & P.A! 
Amongst that news, it looks like I'm going to be going on a cruise next year! My aunt and her family are flying here next summer and we're having a family reunion of sorts.. and my mother tells me the plan is for a cruise! Better start saving my money now!! 
I'm racking my brain now trying to figure out what else to  update on......... hmm .I guess that is all then.

Walked for 3 hours today

at the mall while I was looking for some boots. I really needed some boots that were decently priced, because I was just going to wear them for my trip and they were probably going to get messed up from the weather. So around the mall we went. Checked nearly every store I could think of that would have boots. No luck. After walking around so much, it was time for lunch. I had a flatbread cold cut trio while Addison had McDonalds. We stopped by the Disney store and bought a Bolt plush and Nemo plush. It was buy one get one free, so it was a pretty good deal. We made our way back to JCPenny and while on the way I thought we'd stop by just one more store. It used to be Limited Too, but now it's called Justice. I just wanted to take a look, didnt think I would find boots in a kid store, but guess what, I did! They were half off too which made it even better.

Picture: 28/31

Walk: 26, 27, 28/31

I'm going to have to chase her soon!

Ellie has been pulling up more and more, I'm sure pretty soon she'll be walking around with Addison getting into all sorts of trouble! She loves standing up but sometimes, she gets into such awkward angles, it's really funny to watch, Went again to Target and got some excercise there. It was a pretty good trip, got a few leggings and tights for the girls for the trip and of course, more food. Going out again tomorrow to continue the search for boots!

Picture: 27/31

Walk: 25/31

Crazy excited

because they're going over to a friend's house to play! Dropped Addison off while I went to get Lumpia and Pancit at this market/ restaurant. Had to wait half an hour for the nice lady to cook the pancit, so Ellie and I walked around the plaza. It was a nice challenging walk, seeing as I had Ellie in her carrier! Enjoyed a nice day with friends :]

Picture: 26/31

Walk: 24/31

I dropped the box by accident

and Addison took it upon herself to use up the last 4 to decorate her leg! Lovely isnt it! She not only covered up the cut she drew on her leg, she limped around for a little bit too! Now that's amazingly dramatic if you ask me! Went on a nice walk today around the apartment buildings.

Picture: 25/31

Walk: 23/31

Update

Tonight, I'm planning on loading up on coffee so I could stay up and catch up on some blogging and housework. Stay tuned :D.

Groundhog Day

We had an appoimtment early in the morning, so we were up for breakfast. Nothing special, just McDonalds. Ran a few other errands and planned to stay in for the rest of the day because it was starting to sprinkle during the drive home. Not much went on.

Pciture: 24/31
Walk: 22/31

Going out!

So it was finally melted enough to get out and drive, but still not advised. I had to go out though to get food! I didnt think we'd last another day on Top Ramen or Apple Juice! I think we did pretty good considering it was my first time ever driving in these conditions!

It has been two weeks without Jake being home and I'm not sure if it's getting easier, or if she just doesnt want to ask anymore. We've been able to talk to him though. I'm scared of what the next phone bill will look like even though we have that international calling plan! Jake just needs to come home already! I know that he's helping where help is needed though!

Made up for my 2 days of not walking by walking a WHOLE lot around Target. Gotta get that excercise in somewhere :P

Picture: 23/31

Walk: 21/31

Snowed in!

So after all that glorious and beautiful snow, we're snowed in! It is both unideal (is that a word?) to go for a walk or a drive!

Picture: 22/31

Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!

Gosh! I didnt think we'd get snow... and if any, I didnt think we'd get THIS much! So awesome!!

Weather hindered our plans for a walk, so until it is safe to walk around, we'll be staying inside!

Picture: 21/31

Facial Expression

Omg how I love my daughters and their facial expressions! In the picture, Ellie is giving her sister this look as if saying "Psh I could do that 10x better if I could bounce on the bed!" Gotta love em! Also, went for a nice walk.

Walk: 20/31

Picture: 20/31

Bathtime fun

The past week, I'd been transitioning Ellie from sink baths into tub baths. She'd go with Addy and be in there just as the water was filling in. It'd be two minutes at most and I'd take her out. Today, I let her stay a little bit longer and she had fun. You could see it in her face.

This is Addy giving Ellie a kiss for staying longer and being brave about it. Went to our friend's house today to play. It was cute watching Addy play and sing songs with her friends. She's growing up so fast! *sigh* After play for about 2 hours, we had to head over to the doctor's for Ellie's 6 months Well Check. Ellie is 17.9 pounds and 26 3/4 inches long! She healthy and great. It also looks like she'll be keeping her eye color. She's got such beautiful eyes! Walked around the apartment buildings then had dinner. Spent the rest of the night watching movies until the girls fell asleep. Pretty good day :]

Walk: 19/31

Picture: 19/31

This park is pretty neat

Spent about half an hour at the park. It was nice and sunny out, but cold under the trees. We'll have to go again when it's not too cold. After escaping the cold though, for some strange reason ice cream sounded like a good idea, so we loaded up in the car and drove across the street to McDonalds for a Hot Fudge Sundae and a Oreo McFlurry. So good! :] That's all for today really. Till next time.

Walk: 18/31

Picture: 18/31

My little goofball

Ellie is making faces at Addy. They are so fun to watch together. Addy had a great time playing today, so much so she didnt want to leave. At least it's keeping her busy and her mind off of Jake not being home. Went on a short walk around the block today. I think we're going to start expanding our walking time. WelI dont have much more to say... til next time

Walk: 17/31

Picture: 17/31

Ahh Mondays

Found out the time period for when Jake is supposed to be gone. 4-6 months. Totally lame. I'm hoping for 4 or less than 4. Went on a nice walk around the block today. It's nice when we get to go for walk. Going to a friend's house tomorrow so the kids can play. I better get to bed.

Picture: 16/31

Walk: 16/31

Good day today

Started with a call this morning from Jake. Then good weather allowed for the three of us to take a pretty nice walk. 20 minutes! After resting for 5 minutes, we got ready for  trip to the grocery store. After the grocery store and putting everything away, Addison played outside on the patio while Ellie slept and I played Farmville. We had teriyaki chicken and rice today. Ellie just had rice. She loved it. Not much else has gone on today. We're just hanging out and watching Netflix now. Until tomorrow.

Picture: 15/31

Walk: 15/31

Party time

Went to Rebekah's birthday party yesterday. It was fun and was the best distraction from Jake being gone that I could ask for. Addison loves playing with Rebekah and Zach. After spending a good portion of the day over at Christy's we made our way home. Addison and Ellie had fallen asleep in the car and it was a workout all in it's own to get them both upstairs without waking them. I did it by the way :]
This is Addy and Ellie shortly after waking up

(Addy is not sitting on Ellie.. she's sitting on the back of Ellie's chair)

picture: 14/31

walk/workout: 14/31

lazy-ish day

Heard from Jake. He made it to Haiti safely. Didnt have much planned for today. It was still rainy, so we stayed in and ran around the apartment. I tried to teach Addy how to use Paint on the computer. It was kind of hard it being a laptop and all. Here's what we came up with:

Walk: 13/31

Picture: 13/31

weather is weird

40 with a Real Feel of 29 so why cant they just say it's 29 degree outside? That was the weather today. Add to that rain and wind. BLAH. I know, it's nothing like what California is experiencing right now, but you know still not ideal to walk around in... So we walked around Target for 30 minutes. It felt good :]. Today was a good day. We got out of the house and kept busy. Had a great time today with Christy, Zach & Rebekah.

Picture: 12/31

Walk: 12/31

keeping busy

and doing lots and lots of cleaning! The nice weather we had the past two days didnt seem to want to carry into today, so sadly my plan to go to the park was 86-ed :[, so we just walked around the apartment complexs. We're going to the Jumping Monkey tomorrow though. Gotta get out of this house. I'm watching Monsters Inc. with Addison so I shall leave you with this picture :]

Walk: 11/31

Picture: 11/31

rough first night

leads to a rough day.
Walked around the apartment with Elliette as my walk. Trust me, it was both amazing and painful! CLeaning is how I keep busy. I turned my bedroom into a giant play place! TONS of crawling space for Ellie. I'm happy with myself :]

Walk: 10/31

PIcture: 10/31

yesterday does not count in my book

although, we did go for a walk. We walked all around the NEX and the commissary. I was unable to take a picture though. Yesterday after first not knowing when Jake was going to be home from work, we get some bad news. 30 minutes before they were sent home for the night with news that they would be leaving the next day for a 14 hour bus ride to Jacksonville to catch a ship to Haiti. Really short notice! We went to the store to buy what he needed and we just had family time. So even though I went on a walk yesterday, I'm not going to count it. I'll use my free pass.
Today, we went with Jake to work at 6:15 because he was leaving. After about an hour and a half of waiting around in the car, Jake comes back out to say that they arent doing anything and they have to be back by 12:45. So off we went to get a Wawa sandwich. It was delicious! So we went home to spend sometime just hanging out as a family. So we head back at 11:00 so that he could fill out some paperwork, then we spent time at a park on base. At about 12:15 Addy and Ellie were tired and hungry so we said bye-bye to Jake and headed home.
I've only had to do one other drive like this. It was the day before Jake left for RTC about 2 years ago. I've had to drop him off before, but I always knew when to look forward to. That time and this, I have to wait for a phone call to know anything at all. I guess it's the uncertainty of things that hurt. I was fighting back tears the whole ride home today. This is the first deployment in his 2 years in the Navy that I'm having to do without my mom to help me out. I've got to stay strong because I have to people depending on me. I'm going to be strong.
Went on a walk today, it was rather short because Addison decided she wanted to act out and run into the street. So after a spank and time out, I gave Addy and Ellie a bath so they could nap. Not long after getting dressed, Ellie was sleeping. I had been texting Jake and learned that he was still on base. We hadnt gotten lunch because the girls were screaming their hearts out, so I offered to bring him food. It was a race againsit time because at any minute they were going to get on the road. I made it literally with a minute or two to spare. Crazy rush! Anyways, we've had one day, about ready to get to bed...
Here's my picture for today

Picture: 9/31

Walk: 9/31

Adventure

So today, after waking up at 5:45 and doing 8 loads of that consisted of walking up and down a flight of stairs about twice for each load, Addy and I went for a drive. We headed out to Borders. Now, I'm not totally picky, but I prefer Barnes and Noble. I had a gift card and that was the sole purpose of the visit. WEll, that and I actually know where the Barnes and Noble is around here. But I suppose  a bookstore is a bookstore. Anyways, I need to get back into the grove of really going out and making time for walks. I've slacked off the past two days. Jake is letting the activities that took it's place count for "walks" because I was off the couch. So our trip to Borders was quite a successful one. I saved about $8 today. I bought a Wreck This Journal and have started it. Addy's helping me. It's fun :]

Picture: 8/31

Walk: 8/31

Free Pass

Sooo much has been going on in the past 24 hours, practically everything has been thrown up into the air to just "hang" there till someone tells it to settle down and relax. We're still unsure if Jake has to go to Haiti to help out with Disaster Relief. On the good note, he was approved for "A" School. Hopefully we find out more on Monday regarding both situations. Hopefully, he gets to stay stateside and that the only way he leaves the Phib is to go to "A" School.
So, I was unable to go on a real walk, but I've walked around the whole apartment enough that I think it can pretty much count... if not, Jake issued me a "Free Pass" and I'll just walk double tomorrow. I think I'll count it though, and walk double tomorrow anyways.

Picture: 7/31

Walk: 7/31

Yook at me!

"Yook at me!" Addison yelled as she ran chasing a ball around Target.

So we went on a walk today, it was way longer than 10 minutes and we got groceries done while at it. Okay okay, so it wasn't a workout type of walk, but I was off my couch for more than an hour, so it counts... right? Anyways, I started making photobooks. I'm working on 3 at the moment. One is for the trip to Cali we took for 2 weeks last march, and the other is of our "California Summer". The third is of my 101 and one things, so it wont be done for quite a while. I'm working on the "PIcture-a-Day" section of that book. I'm so excited! Speaking of pictures, here's mine from today:

Walk: 6/31

Picture 6/31

Mommy I get a yoyyipop yes?

Yoyyipop= Lollipop.
Addison loves going on walks because at the end of it we stop at the corner market and buy a Ringpop. For a mere $0.60 I get a walking buddy. I cant complain :]

My Sweet Baby Ellie :]

Picture: 5/31

Walk: 5/31

---

I am feeling very good about this year and getting a several things on my list done. I have found 3 Run/Walk-a-thons to participate in. Upon asking a few friends to join in an event or two, I learned of a half marathon going on this coming September. I'm super excited. I only wish I had the proper workout clothes and shoes to start training for the run/walk-a-thons and the half marathon. Hopefully when I do get those things, 6 months would be plenty of time to train for the half marathon. We shall see how this year progresses :]

34 with a Real Feel of 27...

and a greatly refreshing 10 minute walk/jog with Addison.

Walking buddies :]

Walk 4/31

Picture 4/31

--

I got a message today from the lovely Jenna Lopez who I miss dearly. It made me smile to know someone is reading my blog :] Her words of encouragement were great too ;]

"i hope you conquer all 101 things on your list. that's right i said CONQUER. not just complete."

Thank you Jenna!!

3 down, 28 more to go...

Dinner tonight: Whole Grain Rotini pasta with baked Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Tenderloin bites and steamed Broccoli bites in Alfredo Sauce :] Yummy!

I also believe I have found my walking buddy :]

Walked again today...

to the corner market today just after sunet with my darling little Addison. We were going to make it fast because it was getting cold. She promised me that she would keep her hands in her pocket and we were supposed to go empty handed but if you look in her right hand... A toy made it out!

Picture-a-day 2/31

Walk 2/31

2 monthly things started

I went on my first 10 minute walk today. It was freezing and walking against the wind the whole time didnt help, but I did it!
1/31 :]

oh and Picture-a-Day: 1/31 :]

The coastal access point

-Step Foot in the Atlantic Ocean-

Believe it or not, I've been a resident of the state of Virginia for a little over a year now. I spent the summer in always sunny SoCal, so going to the beach here in Virginia during the Fall/Winter isnt very ideal since it is... shall we say.. oh yeah, COLD! Today, though, I felt I would jump start my list. Yay me! The second as pictured on the left is:
-Step Foot in the Atlantic Ocean-
Though Jake would argue that I stepped shoe. LOL. So to be fair, we'll call this half done. :)

TheList

From: http://www.dayzeroproject.com/



The Challenge:


Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.


The Criteria:


Tasks must be specific (i.e. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on your part).

Why 1001 Days?


Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple challenges such as New Year's resolutions or a 'Bucket List'. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organizing and timing some tasks such as overseas trips, study semesters, or outdoor activities.

My List

Addison

1. Potty train her
2. Teach her the alphabet
3. Teach her how to count 1-20 by 3
4. Teach her how to read
5. Teach her how to do basic math by 4
6. Teach her to write her name
7. Teach her how to tie her shoelaces

Elliette
8. Potty train her
9. Teach her the alphabet
10. Teach her how to count 1-20 by 3
11. Teach her how to read
12. Teach her to write her name
13. Teach her how to tie her shoelaces

Addison & Elliette
14. Continue building their library
15. Continue building their DVD library

Health & Beauty
16. Buy a scale
17. Finally lose all this “baby weight” let’s say 60 pounds
18. Get an exercise routine and stick to it
19. Drink 1L of water every day for 2 months
20. Go to a dentist
21. Spend a day at the spa
22. Get WiiFit
23. Go on a walk everyday for 1 month
24. Train for a half marathon

Cooking & Food
25. Cook through a Rachel Ray cookbook
26. Cook through a Filipino cookbook
27. Cook a Thanksgiving dinner (turkey and all)
28. Cook a Christmas dinner
29. Learn to cook Filipino food
30. Make a Chocolate-Chip Cookie Brownie Cupcake
31. Make a cake from scratch
32. Make a shape cake
33. Try foods I’ve never tried

Books & Movies
34. Watch 5 Movies without knowing what they are about
35. Watch the Harry Potter movies (completely) [0/7]
36. Watch the Star Wars movies (completely) [0/6]
37. Watch the Lord of the Ring movies (completely) [0/3]
38. Read 5 autobiographies [0/5]
a. Perfectly Imperfect by Lee Woodruff
b. Julie & Julia: My Year of Cooking Dangerously by Julie Powell
c. unSweetined by Jodie Sweetin
d. The Time of My Life by Patrick Swazye
e. Keep Smiling: The Autobiography by Charlotte Church
39. Read a Book from a random section in the book store
a. graphic novel, h, 5
b. science fiction, o, 19
40. Read Heather Wells series by Meg Cabot
41. Read Nicholas Sparks books
42. Read my Mtich Albom books
a. Tuesdays with Morrie
b. The Five People You Meet in Heaven
c. For One More Day
43. Read Grayson by Lynne Cox
44. Read The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
a. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
b. Prince Caspian
c. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
d. The Silver Chair
e. The Horse and His Boy
f. The Magician’s Nephew
g. The Last Battle

Charity & Volunteer
45. Volunteer at a soup kitchen
46. Grow hair to cut and donate to Locks of Love again
47. Participate in Run/Walk-a-thon for 3 different causes [0/3]
48. Participate in a half marathon
49. Adopt an Animal

Family & Social
50. Spend quality time with Jake
51. Get a pass to some amusement park
52. Take Addy & Ellie to the park (weather permitting) for 2 hours, twice a week
53. Get a family portrait done
54. Mom’s Night Out at least once a month
55. Movie night
56. Game night

Travel
57. Get back to California (even if just for a visit)
58. Go on a Canada
59. Go to Disneyworld
60. Travel by Amtrak
61. Cross country trip
62. Go to Niagara Falls
63. Go on a guided tour
64. Climb to the crown of the Statue of Liberty
65. Go on a cruise
66. Go to Hawaii
67. Go to Vegas and drink 3 of those huge drinks

Hobbies
68. Make a quilt (or two)
69. Finish a Sudoku book
70. Paint a picture
71. Cross-stitch a picture
72. Photo-a-day for a month
73. Complete a Wreckthisjournal
74. Launch a blog
75. Go Geocaching
76. Create photobooks
77. Complete a 1,000+piece puzzle
78. Learn to crochet
79. Carve a Jack-o-latern

Religion
80. Read the Bible cover to cover

Home &Shopping

81. Buy bake ware
82. Get a sewing machine
83. Buy something from Etsy.com
84. Go to a Black Friday sale (5am)
85. Buy proper cookware
86. Buy proper kitchen appliances (blender/ mixer)
87. Buy a Filipino cookbook
88. Buy a Rachel Ray cookbook
89. Buy Addy a bed & bed set

Organizing
90. Buy an external hard drive
91. Transfer pictures and music
92. Scan all nondigital pictures

For Myself
93. Step foot into Atlantic Ocean
94. Learn to sign language
95. Mail a secret to Post Secret
96. Get back in touch with my daddy
97. Get a tattoo
98. Drive in 5 Different States
99. Go back to school
100.Start LVN work
101. Make a new list



Starting Date: January 8, 2010
Ending Date: October 5, 2012

Check -Launch Blog- off my list

I have made my list of 101 things and am in the process of organizing them so that it's not a huge jumbled mess. I'm hoping to have the list posted tomorrow. Maybe I can post the list with a few things checked off... who knows really.

Well, until tomorrow
Goodnight! :)