Acts of Service

I have come to the conclusion that the way I show love is through Acts of Service. If you've never read the book 'The Five Love Languages' by Gary Chapman, you should. Though not everyone agrees with his theory, I find it very plausible and have categorized myself as mentioned above. I do know that I am all of them, to some degree, but have always found it a little self satisfying to do something nice for those I love. All of that being said, my honey is really good about doing the same for me.
I got a 2 hour nap today. No interuptions. "Sleep as long as you want", he said. So sleep I did. I woke up after an hour, looked at the clock, felt the dogs pressed against me and went right back to sleep. It was fantastic. Now if only I could train him to do it every day. =0)

I took an illegal picture. I will not tell you when I took it since it is illegal but this is for Ben again. A few A-10 Thunderbolts. Otherwise known as "warthogs". These things are BEASTS...very cool.

Did you know that the Azores goes through DST? I had no idea. But we set our clocks back an hour last night. Seems like that wouldnt happen way out here in the middle of nowhere but now it's pitch black at 6 or 630p.

We went to the kennels today because Josh has to feed dogs on Sundays. We all went to the gym first and I was supposed to do my cardio upstairs in the kid friendly room (they have a 3x15 space sectioned off with toys) while he did weights but I fed Alex and sat on the floor with him instead. See? I told you I'm hardcore. Anyway, after Josh was done staring at himself pushing weights in the mirrors downstairs we went over to the kennels. I need to get pictures of the dogs. One of them is crazy. His name is 'Devil' and he wears it well. A little brain dead perhaps? The other is 'Lt Dan' and he is so sweet and mild. Well, mild in comparison. Always gentle when I talk to him or invite him to lick my hand. We went outside while they ate. Here are some pictures of Josh and Alex on the training stairs.

My teeny tiny baby boy is 6 months old today... I just cant believe how quick it went. He's such a good boy. so different than he was prior to his surgery. He was so little...

Okay, well its time for me to go take Alex off Josh's hands for a little while. He's watching football and freaking out because someone is beating him in Fantasy Football.

xoxo Love you!!

Date Night (Smiley Face)

Check out Bob watching the neighborhood...

Soooo Josh and I are going to the movies with some friends tonight. YAY... Alex is going to a sitter. Well, he's going to Josh's supervisor's house where their 14 year old daughter is going to babysit. I feel better knowing she'll have adult supervision.
Last night we went over there to eat a burger and hang out for a little bit since it was her (Vanessa - the daughter) birthday party. There were so many 12-17 year olds I think Josh almost had a heart attack at the thought of it being our house someday. I couldnt help but laugh. I really hope we have a girl next. Knowing "how boys think" is going to haunt him until she's 30.

Have I mentioned how ADORABLE my son is? He recently learned to grab his feet... he obviously recognizes his bottle and his binky and reaches for them if you hold them in front of him. He stares at Josh when I'm holding him but sometimes when I leave the room he cries. He talks a lot... lots of different sounds... He likes the dogs and watches them quite a bit. They've been very patient with him and lick his hands when he pulls on them. I'm still a little paranoid and have stayed close but I think they like him too. If he's waking up from a nap and I say "I hear you, Alex...Mommy's coming", Warner runs to Alex's bed and wags his tail waiting for me to pick up the baby.  
I really like it here. Can't believe we've already been here a month and Alex is SIX MONTHS OLD tomorrow!!!! That can't be possible. Josh keeps saying "one is enough" and "we're so done" but everytime we really talk about it he agrees that we can't have just one baby. The question is when do we want to do this again?? Idealy, for him to be able to be around for the whole pregnancy and the first 6 months of life, I'd need to get pregnant now but I am SO not ready for that chain of events. I like our little family of 3. I like working out and getting in shape again. I especially like the simplicity of just having one. So I guess we'll wait a while and see what happens.
They cancelled his pre-ranger course for November. Did I tell you? He was very disappointed. I know they're going to send him eventually but I hate that he was so hyped about it and they lost the class slot. His senior assures him that he WILL BE A RANGER before he leaves this base. ;0)
Check out this plane that was landing when we left the house last night. We're so close to the runway. I wish Ben were here to see the helicopters and planes coming and going. He would love it.

Well I have to go. Just wanted to post something since I know I have so many faithful followers. HA.
I love you...Miss you. See you soon!!!

School & Stuff

WHAT DO I WANT TO BE?????

lol...why am I having so much trouble with this question when at this point it doesnt matter? I have successfully avoided getting a better education for years and at this point I'm going to do basics for a year or two anyway. I still wish someone would just TELL me what to do. I think that's what I liked so much about being in the military. =0) I am lazy and I like for people to make my choices for me. Sometimes...well, not really but when they're hard choices it helps.

I went to the Ed Office today...got some paperwork on UMUC. I THINK I may start off in the direction of a Computer and Information Systems degree since that's what my AFSC was anyway. I think I could manage that...I'm sure I'll want to change my mind a thousand times. Anyway, tomorrow I'll go back over there and submit the paperwork. Scary.

I was reading some blogs today while Alex was napping and can I say...my blog SUCKS. I guess I can't judge myself too harshly since the first time I blogged was 3 weeks ago but hey, I'm jealous of other people's blogging skills. For all I know, this thing will die once I start classes. Either that or I'll fail school because I can't stop blabbing about my insignificant days.

Boys are both in bed. Well, dogs are too. Josh was super tired today. He's been working out pretty hard and he plays football 2 nights a week or more. I like to pretend I work harder than he does but some days I think I'm wrong. He was giving Alex his bath and Alex pooped in the tub. I found it extremely hilarious until he rinsed him off and handed him to me. When I laid him on the couch and started putting his diaper on he finished his pooping. All over my hand. Sigh. He's lucky I love him.

I'm turning into a regular awesome housewife. I cook dinner every night (almost). I do laundry while my honey is at work (usually). And I even keep things picked up around here. You'd think I would be bored but I feel like there is ALWAYS something to do. I'm tired. I miss having an easy job (Well, I miss working for Col B...(0:)

Guess it's time for me to hit the sack, too. I miss everybody. xoxo

J's football team...well, most of them are. Alex and a couple other squadron kids are in the pic too. This was the day they filmed the AFN special.

Sad sad little blog...

Okay, so I havent been updating this nearly as much as I'd hoped to. You'd think I would have all kinds of time but there always seems to be something more important to do.

J finally took me to Angra today like we'd been talking about since I got here. It was not at all worth the effort. I did see some stores I'd like to go into and I'm sure if I knew more about the place and what all was there, I'd enjoy it more, but my perspective just from the drive and the short amount of walking we did, is that it's not all it's cracked up to be. Still beautiful...and fun.

Angra do Heroísmo

This guy was watching us pretty intently--->

We also went back to Calheta dos Biscoitos where I took pictures of before. With the beautiful blue water. This time we went a different way so that we could go to the little cafe and the area where you're allowed to swim. It's so unique. Not at all what you'd expect when you think about a "swimming area" but in its own way it is really beautiful. I took a couple videos. You can watch them on YouTube if you like. But here are some pictures if you dont have the opportunity to get on Facebook or YouTube.

It's not a huge place but the way the water crashes against those rocks makes you feel pretty small. Who am I kidding? Living on this island makes you feel small. When you look out and see that never ending ocean. Amazing.

Another weekend over. I've been here over 3 weeks already. I finally drove UglyBetty the other day. Did I tell you that? She wasnt as bad as I was afraid she was going to be but that clutch is like an inch from the brake! If my feet were any bigger I'd have major problems.

Jenny babysat Alex a couple times last week. It went pretty well. I'm not sure how much we're going to use her until I start school. Josh is pretty flexible about coming home for extended lunches so I can work out. The biggest issue will be when I have homework that I can't focus on without someone here.

I took a couple pictures of the alley cats. They love my tuna. We've dubbed them Bonnie and Clyde since they're renegade. =0) You can see the nasty dirty plate that the landlord gives them scraps on occasionally.

Here is Bob who really hoped they would play with him the way that Oscar did. Unfortunately, he learned the hard way that they do not wish to playfully smack him and he became a temporary pincushion one afternoon. Now all he wants to do is chase them.

Well, its almost 1030pm and I am beat. Will try to post something tomorrow even if it's short.

Hugs & Kisses,

TheRoseBunch =0)

Another Monday...

Today is Monday...Josh didnt have to work so we had a very relaxing day while it poured rain outside. Well, I had a relaxing day. He went running in the rain.

Yesterday he took Alex and I for a little drive around the island. We didnt go really far. Still havent made it to the other big "city" but we're planning that for this coming Sunday. Yea, famous last words. It'll happen eventually. I took some pictures on our drive... it truly is beautiful here.

This one was by far my favorite... can you see the rainbow? It kept pouring rain and those rocks look deadly but its so pretty. The picture doesnt do justice to the color of the water crashing against the farthest rocks. Its a beautiful jewel toned blue-green. I need a better camera so I can really show you.

I went to the gym yesterday!! Did legs and ran for a bit. Yes, I am sore but so happy to finally be going. I didnt go today but am going for at least 4 more days this week.

Check out Alex's teeth. Can you see them in this picture? His smile is so contagious... maybe infectious is a better word but he is a beautiful boy. Can you believe the two of us came up with someone so pretty? ;0)

I had to add the second picture. That boy loves his bath time...

Here is a picture of the doggies, in case you've wondered how they're doing. Great, by the way. I think they're very happy and I dont know if its because I'm so much more relaxed or if they just really like it here but so far so good and Roxie is a little skinnier than she was earlier this year.

I've been doing a lot of internet searching. When we leave here we plan on buying new furniture and everything for our house in Hawaii. I dont want to wait until the last minute so Ive been saving pictures I find online of things that I like and I've built "carts" on both Target.com and the AshleyFurnitureHomeStore...lol. I want to be sure I get good deals and a lot of things I'm sure I'll find cheaper last minute by shopping through Overstock.com or even some local stores but for now this is fun. If you have any great ideas let me know. I'm slightly intimidated by the thought of being completely responsible for decorating a house but it also sounds like loads of fun. Especially when Josh hands me the credit card and says "max it out, babe". Ah...fun.

Well, I love you all... I miss you. Please send me an email sometime or just put a note on here to let me know you read it. It's pretty amateur but its a lot of fun.

xoxo

Sleepyheads...

Why am I the only one awake at 930pm? O yea, I had a nap this morning and poor Josh did not. Although, my sympathy is a little less sincere than it would be if he'd really had to do that uphill jog with his 50lb ruck sack like he was supposed to. I guess they (another guy is going to Ranger training with him) ended up in class all day with the Ranger who is helping them prepare and they didnt have time to do the run.  I'm sure we'll hear more about that on Tuesday. Monday is a holiday!!

I found a baby jumper on LajesAds for $20!!! I had been looking at the EXACT same one online for a couple weeks and a lady on base was selling hers for half as much!! And it's almost brand new!!! He seemed to really like it...

Well. For about 10 minutes...then there was some of this...

Did you hear that NASA is "bombing" the moon tomorrow?? I'm kind of excited about it. Gonna watch it online. You should do the same...WATCH HERE

Well, we went to football again tonight...but it got cancelled. I guess they got a new sports director for the base and he was unconvinced that the lights on the track arent enough to light up the WHOLE field after dark. Cops were supposed to play at 8pm and it was too dark to see the ball so they cancelled the game. Oh sadness.

I went to a women's Bible study class today with Amanda (Her husband Vic works with Josh in the kennels). It's a 4 week "Women After God's Own Heart" study and today was week 2. Very interesting...a small but broad group of women. They meet on Wednesday's so we'll see how it goes. After that we went to the TORC for lunch and met another group of women for a Security Forces Wives meeting. ACK...I'm a "wives"!! Anyway, we talked about the Holidays and what the squadron has planned event wise. It was fun...I didnt get home until about 2 in the afternoon and then Alex took a 2 hour nap. Perfect.

Tomorrow morning I am meeting with Jenny...our soon to be sometimes nanny. I'm very excited about having someone to help and having some freedom to go to the gym and do school work without worrying about him every second.

O yea. Did I tell you? I have decided that I want to have my degree by the time my kids are in school. Yes, I said "kids". No, I'm not pregnant.

I must go help Josh get Alex ready for bed. Sweet sweet husband...such a good daddy.

As always...I MISS you all. SPECIALLY the kiddies. Kenzie, Ben, Nate, Trent, Chlo-bear. LOVE my wonderful family SO much.

xoxo

Yawn...

We are all SO tired... Went to Josh's football game tonight and got POURED on... ended up running to the car in the rain with Alex and the soaking wet diaper bag. He and I spent most of the rest of the game in the car. Of course the rain pretty much stopped once we left the field. Alex looks like I felt...cold and hungry.

I have a KILLER headache...can't figure out exactly why except I wore my hair with those bobby pins in the front and I havent done that in a while. That could also just be coincidental.

We watched some Baby Einstein videos on YouTube today. You can tell in the picture that I was talking to Rachel on facebook while he was watching the video. Hey, it kept him quiet for 10 minutes so who are you to judge? =0)

Alex's teeth are almost all the way through his gums. You can feel both of them with your finger...I tried to get a picture tonight when Josh was making him laugh but this is what I ended up with...

You can't see his teeth but his smile is HUGE... ;0)

Earlier today we were playing with one of Daddy's berets... here's another picture since I know you havent seen enough of Alex yet in this post.

Oh, he's such a handsome boy.

I take all the credit. You know I am allowed to since he looks JUST like his dad. lol...

Well, its almost bath time again. I plan on crashing as soon as Alex's face hits his bed. Murphy's law says that means he won't go to sleep when he's supposed to.

Good night all... xoxoxo

I am not the brightest crayon in the box.

Football is TONIGHT...not last night.


Sigh.

Rainy...

It's so rainy today. It was beautiful this morning and I thought it would be clear all day but that shows how much I know about the weather here. ;)

I went to Josh's squadron at lunch with Alex...well, he came and picked us up so we could get out of the house for a little bit. Tonight he has football practice. I'll make sure I get some pictures this time. Famous last words...

The dogs seem to like it here. Roxie is the diva she's always been and when it rains I find poop right outside the kitchen door...not OUTSIDE like a good dog would put it. Nasty.

Wow...it is POURING. Why am I not drinking Starbucks while curled up on the couch with the doggies? Oh, that's right. No starbucks anywhere near here. Blah...homemade coffee it is.

Lazy...

We didnt go downtown today. I haven't felt that great and it was rainy so we just stayed home. Plus Alex has been extra cranky. I dont know if its because he was out so late on Friday and he's still catching up on his sleep or if his teeth are bothering him. I HAVE to get a picture. They're so cute!!
So...no new pictures of the Island to post.
Tomorrow Josh is taking me to see the gym. I'm SO excited about going on a schedule. We're hiring a local lady to watch Alex 3 days a week so that I can go to the gym while Josh is at work. I haven't actually driven Ugly Betty yet but I'm sure that will be an adventure. Josh is also going to try to get me an appointment with a career guidance counselor this week so I can start some classes. I have put this off for far too long. Having someone here a few days a week to watch Alex will help with that too. I'm so excited right now!! So many new things!!
Yesterday we went to the BX and Josh let me get whatever I said I needed. I won't tell you how much I spent but it was fun picking out things for the house. I was a very frugal girl and didnt get everything I WANTED. THAT little escapade will have to wait for Hawaii when we get all new furniture and EVERYTHING....ahhh, so much fun to look forward to.
The kitty is back...and he's bringing a friend. They came into the house today! I forgot the kitchen door was open (so the dogs could come and go) and we were in the living room when we heard "meooooow", lol. I think they're still outside hoping for more goodies. Josh made me shut the door after about 30 minutes.
Its almost time for Alex's bath...Josh is yelling for me from the living room.
Love and miss you all....

I hate spiders.

They're everywhere...spiders, I mean. I heard on some TV show that supposedly you're rarely more than 6 feet away from a spider of some sort but UGH. Seeing multiple spiders everyday is just creepy.

Josh plays with Alex everyday. Not that I thought he wouldn't but its so sweet to watch them. Now Alex lights up when he sees Josh and watches his every move until Josh holds him.

Alex gets a bath as part of his bedtime routine...we're almost back to the schedule we were on before we left the States. FINALLY. I've about had enough getting up in the middle of the night... Josh helps but I told him that on weeknights, I'll do it because he's working and I get a chance to nap with Alex during the day.

Ok, its late... and I'm pooped. I'll write more tomorrow. We're going to the other side of the island so I'll take more pictures. I promise.

My Little Bookworm

I keep reading him this book on colors. He loves it...

Random

YAY its Friday!!! Not that I have been going to a 9 to 5 everyday but a couple of days with Josh here to help with Alex will be nice. Tonight I'm going to someone's house to make sushi. Josh is going to Vic's house to watch football with Alex...

By the way, Alex has the WORST diaper rash EVER!! Ugh, its awful...really raw and red and I feel so bad for him. I wonder if this climate makes it harder to heal because the air is so wet here. Anyway, I've been slathering him with 40% desitin...I cant tell yet if its getting better but he seems a little less bothered by it.

He also has TWO teeth coming in on the bottom!! One is farther along than the other and its partway out so when he chews on my arm or my hands I feel the sharp little point.

What is it about those chubby little fists and that whisper soft hair around his ears? No matter how unbearable he is at night (and yes, we're still adjusting to the time change), when I pick him up in the morning and he grins at me around his binky, all I can do is laugh and kiss his chubby cheeks. He is, without a doubt, sent from Heaven.

Well the house is coming along. I'm down to having to organize one room now...of course, its where I've been throwing everything I didnt know where to put. =0) I need to take pictures and post them. We have furniture that was provided by the base...not bad stuff. Most of it is pretty cherry colored wood. Not the cheap pressed wood I was expecting.

Have I mentioned yet how LOUD the planes are when they take off from the runway? Its less than a mile away and my house shakes when they fly over. The fighter jets are even worse. I'll have to take a picture from my living room window. It's kind of cool to see them come and go that close except when Alex is sleeping and I hold my breath in hopes that they don't wake him up.

I'm starting my get healthy and fit plan this coming week!! So excited and nervous at the same time. I loved working out in the past and honestly miss it but I've never come back to it after sitting on my butt for so long either so I'm nervous. BUT I know that some of my exhaustion and lack of energy will improve with a better diet. Josh has started working out pretty hard as well. He is supposed to be going to a 2 week Army Ranger pre course in November so he is training pretty hard and I guess one of his bosses is making him wear a 50lb rucksack throughout the day at work. Ouch. I tried to pick that thing up and almost lost an arm.

Sounds like the monster is waking up. Gotta run....I'll try to do better at posting something every day...but you know, my life is SO BUSY... ha!

Love and miss you all...

xoxoxo