Date Night: Coffee & Ceramics

Hubby and I fit in a date night on Friday. Not wanting to be too far from home (the kids), we made sure to stay on base. Dates are few and far between for us so it doesn't take much to make us happy. Not having three children dominating our conversation and attention is really all that matters.

If our date had to have a theme it would be Coffee & Ceramics. Our first stop, iced coffees at the base coffee shop. Yum! Definitely my guilty pleasure. Next, conversation. How do you jump start a conversation with someone you know everything about? And doesn't focus on kids or work? Google "What If" questions and ask him "Questions to ask your boyfriend when your bored". Yikes, all I can say is those questions might get a gal stalker status. My advice for all single ladies...stick to the basics. Likes, dislikes, hopes, dreams, 5 year plan...all good questions. Do you love your ex-girlfriend? Not so much...

Last stop, base hobby shop to find something to paint. We decided on this little guy. He will be sitting on our kitchen counter collecting change for the next seven months. When hubby gets back we are spending the money on a date night. Yay! Seven months of saving should mean a really great date. Of course, in true Marine style the pig has to 'represent'. And what better way but with a USMC tattoo!

Preparing for Deployment

Deployment is fast approaching in our house. It’s the dreaded end to months of work-ups. I am finally at the “please leave now” stage. Ok…deep down…I really want him to stay but that is not an option.

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According to the official emotional cycle of deployment, I am in the pre-deployment stage of Anticipation of Separation. I value the term; it justifies my ‘craziness’. Ready to emotionally detach and start coping with goodbye. 

This is soon to be me:

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After four deployments, I hoped I would be able to recognize, prepare, and prevent these negative feelings. But I fall victim to the cycle every time. I get caught up like it’s the first time. I can stand myself for a week before I become proactive and get over it. After spending two hours at the library crying over the cart of deployment books for kids, I decided ‘we’ need a plan. A plan to maximize our family time and get through one more training exercise.

My plan of action:

1. Family activities. Three weeks left until school begins, and a final work up for my husband. I have a list of family-focused activities to make time go quickly.

2. Marine & Family classes. After my breakdown at the library I decided knowledge is power. I signed everyone up for age appropriate classes about deployment and military lifestyle.

3. Get crafty. I have a few kid-friendly projects we can make for dad. I want the kids to feel part of the preparations for this deployment. 

4. Create a family plan for the deployment. I am a list maker and planner. I need routines and milestones to note the passage of time. The kids and I have already decided on aweekly family night to mark each passing week in a positive way. Our night will be devoted to laughter, pizza, and a show with “America’s Funniest” in the title.

It may not be an extraordinary plan but it is giving me a little comfort for now. A little list to keep me moving forward when I really just want to bury my head in the ground.  

What I Wore Wednesday...08

Welcome back! 

It's Wednesday!

This is 

What I Wore

for a work luncheon.

Top- Old Navy

Pants- Gap

Bracelet- Ann Taylor Loft

Linking up at The Pleated Poppy.

Disney Cars Land {in pictures}

For those of you who love Disney, here are the pictures I promised from Cars Land.  I have to give Disney credit. If you could hope inside the Cars movie, it would look just like Cars Land. As you know from my Disneyland post, we didn't go on any rides but I took lots of pictures! Hopefully, the insider's view gives you more of an idea of what it's all about.

Just a little sneak peek for those of you not in the neighborhood.

Confessional Friday #4: Mommy Time

It's Friday!! Woohoo! I'm ready for a little confessional. How about you? I love Leslie's Confessional Fridays @ A Blonde Ambition blog. If you are just happening upon this post...go check it out and link up. You'll feel better.

I confess...I am at my wit's end with summer vacation and namely two little boys age 7 & 8. If I buy all the back to school stuff now, can school start early? Puh-lease!!!

I confess...I am considering full time daycare for my two lovely boys despite the fact that I work part-time...from home. We need a little break to be reminded of the love!

I confess...yesterday when my husband came home from work I was at the end of my rope. So I left for some retail therapy.

I confess...when I found these cute rooster hooks I instantly thought of my mom. I messaged her a picture asking her if she liked. Of course, she did because they are adorable. However, while waiting for her response I walked away and forgot to buy them. Not only did she tell me she liked them but also the color she liked AND I forgot to buy them anyways. Bad daughter!

I confess...I did remember to buy wine. In fact, over half my loot was wine and wine paraphernalia. One of those days where I felt the need to stock up!

I confess...my post-shopping dinner included zucchini fries and a milkshake at 8:00 pm. Oh yeah, I went there... and back. Pushed repeat.... and did it again. AND I do not regret one greasy drip.

I confess...while I enjoyed my greasy grub, my family ate leftover spaghetti from the night before. A major offense for all Super Moms.

I hope you all have a wonderful Friday and enjoy a beautiful weekend. While my husband is overloaded at work and we probably won't see much of him, I am going to enjoy myself!