Life without your children

Thanks to Sally and Wanda, I've been (almost) childless since Friday afternoon!!!
Wanda took Joey and Angel and Sally took Tony and they aren't due to return until Saturday afternoon sometime. I've had a bit of a glimpse in what its like without them. You see, they don't ALL go away together like this hahhahahaha......so I really got a taste of being childless. Now, Michael was here but he doesn't make any noise and without the others here, there is no one to fight with.

It was very, very, very quiet. The quiet was good and it gave me a chance to re-energize myself and get a few things done without much interruption. But...BUT.....I miss my kids. Am I pathetic or what????

I walk around my house, waiting for hugs and kisses from my "peeps" and none around. How sad...

Recently I have had some conversations with Mike about people so driven by success and money that they lose focus on other important things. I pray that never , ever happens to us.

Hug and kiss your kids today!!
Tell them how important they are to you!!!

Each one has important qualities that you love them for...

Tell them ...

It doesn't matter if they are 2 or 19 lol....

They need to hear it....
Be Blessed,
Nikki

Disturbing book on NYC best seller list

THE SECRET, by Rhonda Byrne

Walking in the mall with Michael the other day, our stroll brought us to Waldenbooks.
As he went his way, I decided to see what books were on the bestsellers list. I came across the above book...hmmm The Secret? Wonder what was the secret?

As I looked thru, and jumped to the end...I realized this book was disturbing to say the least. From what I read, it seemed to me that this book was about the religion of SELF. The world is all about me, the birds sing for me, life is all about me. You can achieve anything you want to if you just believe in yourself. It made me sick. I felt like the book was burning my hands and I had in my hands a book from the devil. Yeah, maybe I was exaggerating a bit but thats how I felt. It was horrible. No way would I spend the money God has blessed me with on a book like this.

As you guys have probably learned, anytime we try to do things OUR way, we learn how much our need for God is.

My husband has had alot of time to think being away for so long. He tells me often that we need to keep our priorities straight. When you do, you can allow God to guide your life. When you put your trust in the ONLY ONE WHO MATTERS ANYWAY, then God will guide your life in a way that will bring Glory to him .

We are made to bring glory to God. Remember that whatever you do today.
Did what I do put a smile on God's "face"?

I hope that the things I say and do, please my Lord.

Cause its the only thing that matters!!!
Nikki

Another BEE-U-TEE-FUL Day

Its a beautiful day outside.
Birds are singing their songs...
Kids are playing....
Spring is blooming....
and my husband is almost home safe!!!

Its not just the aspect of missing him since he's been gone so long...but him being safe and sound.

Just because he is on a ship doesn't mean he is 100% safe cause trust me , he isn't but its almost done and I really imagine God is guiding that ship . I know its not like there is a pillar of fire or a cloud to guide like God with the Israelites, but sometimes I imagine it like that but you just can't see Him. I see His guidance in my every day life as well.

The ship crossed another time zone so the difference in time now is only 3 hours !!!!!
Oh its getting so exciting.....

I'm just like a school girl at heart. I have butterflies already. It will be so hard to drive to the airport on Wednesday to pick him up....Where is a free limo and limo driver when you need him !!!!!!!!

Thank you to everyone who is praying for his safe return.

I can't wait for everyone to meet him.

Love
Nikki

Whats new?

Hmmmm does anyone actually read my writings? Sometimes I wonder but I will keep writing anyway cause I love to write. Someday maybe my writings will turn into a New York Bestseller...hahahahahah....I can see someone reading what I write but not PAYING to read my ramblings lol.

So, what is new with me? Well, less than 7 days now and my husband, best friend..will be HOME SAFE!!!!!! Its hard to even comprehend. It just doesn't seem real yet.

So many things to do and such a short time to do them all in. You see, I want things just PERFECT when he gets home. He deserves the best...and I try to give him the best. I know he really doesn't care...but I care. I don't want him to think even the tiniest bit that I don't care so I make a big deal.

Kids are all getting excited too!!!!!!!! Its exciting too once he gets home for us to start the loan process on our new house .....I can't wait. I love this house....and I've never had a house besides a renter before...so something that I can paint without asking someone's permission......of course, as long as Mike says its ok...lol.....
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American Idol seems like a sham this year.....Those of you who watch know exactly what I'm talking about...but its still drawing in the viewers....

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ITs after 11pm now so I need to put some pj's on and go to bed...

Oh by the way, I think I've lost like 10 pounds. My clothes are fitting differently and I feel a bit thinner...so all of the hard work is paying off. Now..to lose another 10 and I will be pretty happy.

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Be Blessed everyone..
PS. Because of some situations going on in my life, my faith is being tested but let me tell you right now, Satan will NOT succeed. I am already victorious and God will prevail. Not sure exactly how that makes certain situations in my life play out, but no matter what, just like in Facing the Giants...and I'm facing a big one right now....I promise to love my Lord and God no matter what....
Nikki

What does the number 10 mean to YOU?

I don't know what that number means to you, if anything at all....but to me it means relief!
You see, not counting today, we have 10 days (and don't forget the wake-up) until Mike is home.
That number is a huge count down number to me and my kids.

Its relief knowing he is out of harms way.

Its relief knowing that my best friend is once again at my side.

Most seem to think that I have it sooo together. I've gotten comments that I seem to have it all together...boy am I misleading lol.

You see, I have learned coping skills.

Reality is this, I get nervous about decisions I make.

My anxieties get out of whack alot of days.

Each thing that falls upon my shoulders is like the weight of the world to me. I know Mike expects me to take care of things at home. So I take that responsibility very serious. Probably more serious than I should. I make sure things are absolutely taken care of.

I am always trying to better things. My house, my self, my kids. So on top of doing my daily stuff, I put other responsibilities on myself..dieting...exercising...buying a house, working a part time job....What am I doing? Am I TRYING to find my breaking point? hahahahaha.

It sure might look like it, heck, it looks that way to me...but another way to look at it is this.

If we don't stretch ourselves some, we won't know how flexible we can be!!!!!

I try to look at it like I'm stretching my skills to see what I'm capable of.

But sometimes, I think I push myself too far.

Anyway, those times are just about done. Once Mike gets home, we start the process for the house loan thru the VA. I can't wait till the day we get the notice that all is approved and we do the closing and things are fine and dandy and we get the keys to the house. Of course, all locks will need to be changed lol....but hey, its ours right?

Hopefully we will be at church Sunday. Tony is still not quite feeling 100%. He is eating..but still pretty weak. Michael isn't feeling 100% either. Boy I want all these sicknesses to go away.
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Wow, I forgot to write yesterday and congratulate myself! Yesterday March 23rd, was the one year mark for my blogging!!!! I start alot of things and quit....but I've managed to keep with this for a whole year. Of course, I've had some help from John every once in a while reminding me to write something lol.

If anyone has the time to write a little daily, a blog is great. Its been very theraputic for me. Sometimes I have something "important" to say, and sometimes I just write to see myself write lol. I have moments like that. But I love to write and hope to someday write a book. (am I stretching again?)



Bless someone today...
Nikki

Happy Spring

Yes, I know I'm actually a day late but Angel woke up yesterday morning and said, "Happy Spring Mommy"...I guess my kids have been looking forward to spring more than I have lol.

I didn't even know when the first day of spring actually was ...

But as I sit here and type, the sun is shining and I wonder ..hmm...how warm will it be today. So I open up another browser window, and go to www.weather.com and type in my zipcode to find out high 60's today. NICE!! But that means DQ will be swamped tonight. Usually that is a good thing but I am still unsure about some of the things that I make lol.

THe house news is coming along. The house circuit box has to be upgraded from a 60 AMP box to a 200 box. The box is actually there but I need a certified electrician to hook it all up for me.
I hope it won't cost too much ...but it needs to be done before we move in .

When Mike gets home, we send this paper into the V-A (Veterans Admin) to get a Certificate that says that we are eligible for a VA loan and then send that in to a bank and then the loan process begins. Boy , I can't wait!!! THis house is awesome. All of the kids will have their own room. There is an attic that is a finished attic that the kids will use for a playroom. Off of the kitchen, there is a room just perfect for our computer room. And its got TWO, yes TWO bathrooms!!!!!! No more having to shout out, "anyone have to go to the bathroom, I'm taking a shower now!!!" We have a bathroom in the basement, but no one wants to go downthere to use it. hahhaaa....

But I will keep you all updated!!!
Take care everyone...
Be Blessed,
Nikki

Not many days to go!!

Well, the time is ticking down until Mike will be home!!
Am I looking forward to it?

ABSOLUTELY!!!

But right now I am swamped. I think my mulitask abilities are being pushed to their limit. I never knew my limitations...but I sure do now. When I can't keep my thoughts straight, and forget to pay a bill, I know I'm to my limit.

I am trying hard to do childcare. I do my best work at home, not having to juggle house, kids and Dairy Queen.

I made up a bunch of fliers and hope that I can get a few children in here to watch.

I have had so many people ask me how my job is going? Its going fine but the other things are the problem.

I'm not perfect but I try to get others to think that I have it all together...

Boy, do I paint a pretty picture when in reality, my life is pretty shambly!

Its been really hard lately on me. Trying to get ready for Mikes return, taking care of kids, with school, with house, arranging new house stuff, Dairy Queen stuff, Avon, diet, exercise, etc.

Hopefully things will get easier soon, before I land myself in an altered reality where everything is roses and chocolate and there are NO allergies and NO FAT or calories in the chocolate.

be Blessed
Nikki

Bits...

Hey..wow, its saturday and I haven't written since Monday. Its been a crazy week with me trying to get used to working outside the home and fitting that in with everything else I do daily.

Its only part time but its a juggling act.

Not much longer now till my husband gets home...

I'm doing fine.

Will hopefully update more later

Nikki

A little of this..a little of that

Hello everyone.
I was surprised that its been since Thursday since I last wrote but it would be an understatement to say that I've been swamped.

Today's blog is just a bit of an update so here goes:

Still no news on buying a house. The house that #1 on our list won't happen. The owners that were selling, were supposed to close on the house that THEY bought but the closing didn't happen because the owners changed their minds so not only are THEY out of a house, but now they can't sell THEIR house to US.

That made me a bit sad but obviously that door was closed for a reason. So waiting upon God to open another one.
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Michael has his girlfriend here for a few days from Virginia Beach so its been a nice visit with her.
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The weather has definitely been feeling like spring but I hear a touch of winter is still right around the corner...

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Preparations are being made for Mike's arrival on the 4th. It won't be long but some days it still feels like forever.
Especially with me trying to do my daily thing AND look for a house for sale. Mike wants to be in it by June 1st...but we have limitations..we only want to be in the city I live in now which doesn't leave us too many options.

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Well, in order to accomplish my goals today, I need to get off here and get a move on it.
Everyone reading, please , remember Who's got the Whole world in HIS hands...
Be Blessed
Nikki

Daily Mysteries of God

Do you wake up each morning and wonder what mystery God will reveal to you today?

Try it...look for it....EXPECT IT!

God loves to give gifts to his children.

I see a mystery unraveling before my eyes. Maybe later I will reveal it!! HAHAH.....

God is good how he works in our lives.

Be Blessed!!

How to transition to home life from ship life ..(a good laugh here)

Got this in an email from a friend. How a Navy guy can transition being home from being onboard ship....Interesting thoughts :)

Warning to the Family of a Returning Sailor.
You will soon have your loved one home again. He has been living in an extremely crude environment for quite some time and will require time to adjust to his former lifestyle.
The key to help him through this difficulty is PATIENCE.
Remain calm if he mixes his mashed potatoes with his chocolate pudding, stirs his coffee with his finger, or eats as though someone was going to steal his food.
Bear with him if he walks out to the back patio and throws the trash over the railing into the backyard.
Do no be alarmed when he walks through a door and ducks his head and raises his feet, because it's not a neurotic condition. It's just the way he has been walking for the past 6 months.
Show no surprise if he accusses the grocer of being a thief, argues with the sales clerk about the price of each item, or tries to sell cigarettes to the new boy on the sly.
Most important of all: His digective track will also require some adjustment.For the first week, all vegetables must be boiled until they are colorless and falling apart (after they have been sitting out in the hot sun for at least a week prior to his getting home).
Eggs must be tinged with a shade of green and be runny, bacon nearly raw and all other meats must be extremely well done.
Have beef for the first five or six days, calling it roast beef the first night, braised beef the second, beef tips the third, beef stew the fourth, etc.
If milk is served it should be a room tempature and slightly dilluted with water.
If he prefers to eat his meals while sitting next to the trash can, don't be concerned.
He's grow used to the smell that it may take a while for normal tastes to return.
In the evenings, turn off all air-conditioning, open all windows and let in as many bugs as possible.
Let him sleep on the floor in the laundry room with the dirty clothes because he's so used to the smell.
For the first few nights, wake him every three or four hours. Tell him he's late for the night watch in the backyard.
He'll understand because he's been doing something just as stupid for the past six months. Under no circumstances should he be allowed to get a complete nights sleep during this critical adjustment time.
His daily routine may seem strange to you, especially when he wakes everyone up at six in the morning screaming "Reville, Reville, all hands heave out and trice up!"
Just smile and nod and make sure everyone is up and on the back porch at seven for muster, instruction, and inspection.
Then, in the late afternoon, humor him when he walks around the house closing all the windows and doors and reports to you that yoke is set throughout the house.
His language may seem foreign and you may not understand all the terms he uses. It isn't necessary that you do. Just smile and be pleasant.
Some of the terms you may hear are: Turn-to, Sweepers-Sweepers, Men working aloft, This is a drill, Wog, beer-thrifty, etc.
Do not be surprised when he answers the phone and instead of saying "Hello" he says: the room he's in, his rank, and name. For example, Living room (you fill in the blank) this is a non-secured line subject to monitoring, how may I help you Sir?
NEVER make favorable references to the NAVY leadership structure.
To do so will almost always illicit an extremely loud outburst which may continue for hours.
The bathroom is quite possibly the most dangerous place in the house for your USS __________ returnee.
Before he arrives, strip the bathroom of all accessories such as, bathmats, and any and all toiletry items.
Crack the mirror and run water on the floor. Toilet paper is optional, but if it is furnished, it must be placed in a puddle on the floor.
Turn off the hot water at the source for the first few days. Wait unil he is in the shower, soaped up and then turn the water off altogether for about 15 minutes.
All of these precautions are imperative, because if he walks into a bathroom which is complete with all the above mentioned items, he may shrink into a corner and curl up into the fetal position, wide-eyed and shaking.
If this happens there are only two proven and accepted methods of snapping him out of it; yell "Mail-Call or Liberty-Call." In either case, stay clear of the doorway. In closing, always remember that beneath that suntanned shell there beats a heart of gold, it being the only thing the Navy couldn't confiscate or reschedule at a later date. With kindness, patience, and the occasional swift kick, your loved one will soon return to his former self .

BIG PLANS!!!

Well, MIke and I have been looking into different ways of making things work when he comes home.

I will still need to work part time but we are finding a way to make it easier on me to have a van.

If all works out...and everything gets approved, we are....

BUYING OUR VERY FIRST HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Its so beautiful and I can't wait!!! Its been sold right now straight thru the owners, and going to take a second look at it today. If my father in law says its all good to go, we are going to start the paperwork on getting our VA approved loan. You see, with the VA, they guarantee our loan thru the banks they work with. No down payment or any money up front at all!!! THe payment, with adding in an extra bill to pay off, will be less than what we pay rent right now!! Saving us probably $100 a month. Hey, anything helps at this point. THe roof is only about 8 years old, a new heat system was just put in a month ago, and a new water heater too. Its about 2100 sqare feet of living space too. Oh , the living room has a fireplace with gas logs. It is soooo nice of a house!!!!! Please pray that this works out. I believe this is God's will....how I found the house, the people that own the house know my father in law....we sat and talked for over an hour, they are great people!!!

The only thing is this...those who will help me move, will have to go up some serious stairs to get the furniture in the house :(, but hey, it gives us exercise right? lol

I will be feeling the pain too cause I will have a ton of stuff to move ...more boxes to carry but it can be done a little at a time.

I am soooooooooo excited, the kids are excited, and we can't wait to get this moving and get our letter stating that we are approved!!!!!!

More to come
Nikki

Winds of Change?

Yes, lately I've been writing alot about change because change , in my life, is what I've had foremost on my mind.

Having to get a part time job outside the home, (unless I can fulltime babysitting work in my home) has been a tough thing for me to grasp. Even my oldest son, Michael, told his girlfriend, " I can't believe my mom is getting a job!" hahaha. You see, its been 14 years since working outside the home.

But I know that we need the extra help financially right now. And it looks like instead of drawing unemployment for a while, my husband will need to find full time work starting June 1st . Hopeing he can get on with a local landscaping company. He said he would love doing that since he's been so cooped up on a ship for so long.

But with less than one month to go till Mike comes home, and all of these other changes that are taking place, I've had alot on my mind.

But no matter what, God is in control. He already knows what is in our future and what job Mike will get. We have to make this pizza thing work in order to secure a future for our children someday. But guess what, God knows that too. I have believed that He brought us here for a specific purpose. And by faith I know that He will provide Mike a job, Michael a car when he needs one, me a part time (or maybe full time in home) job, great Christian character in my kids, and any of the other needs that arise in our lives. We believe in something that isn't seen but faith is what drives us. We see thru our faith and God provides for us in so many ways which creates stronger faith in Him.

Don't worry, with all of the changes happening, I haven't forgotten who's in the drivers seat. :)
I'm just acting like a backseat driver sometimes....and I can only imagine how annoying that can be to God :) I'm thankful he's patient with me...

Be Blessed
Nikki

1 Month and Counting :)

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Recipe for a Military Spouse

1 1/2 cups Patience, 1 cup Courage, 3/4 cup Tolerance, dash of Adventure, 1 pound of Ability

To the above ingredients: Add 2 tablespoons elbow grease and let stand alone for one year. Marinate frequently with salty tears. Pour off excess fat and sprinkle ever so lightly with money then Knead dough until payday. Season with international spices. Bake 20 years or until done. Makes unlimited servings

SERVE WITH PRIDE

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I AM THE AMERICAN SAILOR

Hear my voice, America! Though I speak through the mists of 200 years, my shout for freedom

will echo through liberty's halls for many centuries to come. Hear me speak, for my words are of

Truth and Justice, and the Rights of Man. For those ideals, I have spilled my blood upon the world's troubled waters. Listen well, for my time is eternal - yours is but a moment.
I am the spirit of heroes past and future. I am the American Sailor. I was born upon the icy shores at Plymouth, rocked upon the waves of the Atlantic, and nursed in the wilderness of Virginia. I cut my teeth on New England codfish, and I was clothed in southern cotton. I built muscle at the halyards of New Bedford whalers, and I gained my sea legs high atop the mizzens of Yankee clipper ships.
Yes, I am the American Sailor, one of the greatest seamen the world has ever known. The sea is my home and my words are tempered by the sound of paddle wheels on the Mississippi, and the song of whales off Greenland's barren shore. My eyes have grown dim from the glare of sunshine on blue water, and my heart is full of star-strewn nights under the Southern Cross. My hands are raw from winter storms while sailing down round the Horn, and they are blistered from the heat of cannon broadside while defending our nation. I am the American Sailor, and I have seen the sunset of a thousand distant, lonely lands.
I am the American Sailor. It was I who stood tall beside John Paul Jones as he shouted, "I have not yet begun to fight!" I fought upon the Lake Erie with Perry, and I rode with Stephen Decatur into Tripoli harbor to burn the Philadelphia.
I met Guerroere aboard Constitution, and I was lashed to the mast with Admiral Farragut at Mobile Bay. I have heard the clang of Confederate shot against the sides of Monitor. I have suffered the cold with Peary at the North Pole, and I responded when Dewey said, "You may fire when ready Gridley," at Manila Bay. It was I who transported supplies through submarine infested waters when our soldier's were called "over there." I was there as Admiral Byrd crossed the South Pole. It was I who went down with the Arizona at Pearl Harbor, and I who supported our troops at Inchon, and patrolled dark deadly waters of the Mekong Delta.
I am the American Sailor and I wear many faces. I am a pilot soaring across God's blue canopy, and I am a Seabee atop a dusty bulldozer in the South Pacific. I am a Corpsman nursing the wounded in the jungle, and I am a Torpedoman in the Nautilus deep beneath the North Pole. I am hard and I am strong.
But it was my eyes that filled with tears when my brother went down with the Thresher, and it was my heart that rejoiced when Commander Shepherd rocketed into orbit above the Earth. It was I who languished in a Viet Cong prison camp, and it was I who walked upon the Moon. It was I who saved the Stark and the Samuel B. Roberts in the mine infested waters of the Persian Gulf. It was I who pulled my brothers from the smoke filled compartments of the Bonefish and wept when my shipmates died on the Iowa and White Plains. When called again, I was there, at the tip of the spear for Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
I am the American Sailor. I am woman; I am man; I am white and black, yellow, red and brown. I am Jew, Muslim, Christian and Buddhist. I am Irish, Filipino, African, French, Chinese, and Indian. My standard is the outstretched hand of Liberty. Today, I serve around the world, on land, in air, on and under the sea. I serve proudly, in war and peace alike. Tell your children of me. Tell them of my sacrifice, and how my spirit soars above their country. I have spread the mantle of my nation over the ocean and I will guard her forever. I am her heritage and yours.
I AM THE AMERICAN SAILOR!

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The Navy Wife
A Navy Wife is no ordinary woman. Operating for months at a time without the companionship or assistance of her husband, she routinely overcomes challenges that would give the average person a nervous breakdown.

Part Doctor, part Teacher and part Handyman, she can lavish loving care on a sick toddler, help a teenager with his Algebra homework, and track down a faulty circuit breaker -- all while holding down a full time job.

With thirty minutes notice, she can serve breakfast, lunch, or dinner to fourteen hungry sailors, and still somehow balance her family’s meager grocery budget.

She can press a set of dress whites to inspection standards, tie a perfect square knot in a military neckerchief, and pack a seabag in the cold hours before dawn.

For months at a time, she must settle for letters instead of kisses, emails in place of hugs, and long-distance phone calls in lieu of her husband’s touch.

She manages a smile when her sailor is at sea for the second Anniversary in a row, and accepts the fact that there’s a one-in-three chance that he will have to stand Duty on her Birthday. She has learned to stand on a pier and wave goodbye without tears, even when her heart is breaking.

To her children, she is Chauffeur, Umpire, Psychologist, Spiritual Advisor, Financial Consultant, part-time Father, Tooth Fairy, Santa Clause, and the Easter Bunny. To her husband, she is Friend, Lover, Partner, Confidant, and Soul-Mate.

She is a patriot. She is the sort of citizen that all of us should be, but so few of us are. She lives with sacrifice, because she believes in the rights and ideals that her husband defends. Although she wears no uniform, she is a part of that defense ¾ a vital link in the chain of Freedom. Although she wears no medals and will reap no glory on the field of battle, she is a hero in the truest sense of the word.

She is a Navy Wife.

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More to come

Approaching change!!

No, I'm not talking about the change of life "hormonally" but a change from normal routine lol

Looks like plans have changed yet again and I need to work a part time job. Now, I haven't worked in 14 years outside the home. So, I'm a little nervous about this but hey, if I get what I want, Dairy Queen can't be too bad lol.

I would rather work childcare from home, but don't know anyone who needs babysitting done so until that need becomes known to me, then I am going to have to take an evening job at DQ. :)

Not sure how long this will last...but probably at least for a year unless something else happens.

If I could get 3 daycare kids, then all would be fine.

Anyway, for those of you who read my "ramblings" can you please say a prayer for me. God knows what I need and when I need it and what is best for me and my family. Pray that He makes it known to me and that I have a willing heart to do His will always.

Be Blessed,
Nikki

Stand out in a crowd

Are we afraid to be different?
Are we afraid to be stared at....wondered about....?

God calls us to be different...set apart.
We aren't to fit the "norm".

When you decided to obey the gospel, you made the committment to no longer be as the world is, but to be different. You NEED to be noticed in a crowd.
Now, since you know that you WILL be standing out among those in the world, are you ready for that challenge?

Many Hollywood movie stars have the papparrazzi following their every move. They are hiding out from the cameras and from crazy fans young and old.

Are we hiding from the world who NEEDS to see the love of Jesus in us?

If so, then we need to stop it!!

How else can they see Jesus but to show them !!

I wonder what snapshots that have been taken of me (just a figure of speech about the book of life) that I would be embarrassed about.

Remember to live you life like you are on display...24 hours a day, 7 days a week, because , face it...YOU ARE!!!

Be Blessed
Nikki