Hawaii Baby Shower

Yesterday we had our baby shower here in Hawaii. Thanks to my good friend Lindsey who put the whole thing on for us (a little over a week after she gave birth to her third son!). We are so greatful to her and her family for being such good friends but also because eventhough she definatly has her hands full with 3 boys and is still "recovering" from giving birth she was still willing to give us a shower in honor of little Connor. We had so many good friends show up for the shower and I want to thank all of them too. We are so blessed and honored to have so many friends when we are so far away from home. I know that they will all be such a great help both physically and emotionally during James' year long deployment. Its kinda funny how the Army really brings people closer together, and is like a big family! We really got a lot of cute stuff, and stuff that we needed yesterday!

Today we went to Babies R Us and got the rest of the stuff from our registry that we didnt get and really needed. This was something that James wanted to do before he left so he could see mostly everything we have for the baby.

Just a couple pics from the shower - you can check out facebook for the rest!

Lindsey and I

3 Year Anniversary!

Wow, I cant believe it has already been 3 years of marriage. Time has really flown by! Three years ago if you had asked us where we would be now I definatly wouldnt have thought we would be living in Hawaii and expecting our first child. But I love it! I am greatful that we live here in paradise and we are so blessed to be bringing a child into this world.

On our anniversary we went to eat in Haleiwa on the North Shore at a restaurant called Jamesons by the Sea. The location was great, we were right on the beach and got to watch the sunset as we dined. The food was good, but not worth the money we spent on it...it was by far the most expensive meal we have EVER eaten in 4 years of being together! But we enjoyed it. After dinner we went and sat on the beach to finish watching the sunset and then we went to Scoop of Paradise to get some ice cream :) that was this pregnant womans one request for our anniversary! haha! Here are a few pics of us on the beach

James got me this bracelet for our anniversary. It is a "deployment bracelet". It has his name on it and a couple of charms for me to wear during his deployment. I thought it was really pretty and very thoughtful of him. If any of you are interested in getting one just let me know and I can send you the lady's info!

Adventures

The past week we have been quite adventurous. We went kayaking to a little island off the coast, James took surf lessons, and this weekend we went camping! A lot of people say Im crazy for doing all these outdoors, adventurous things, while 8+ months pregnant but James has 2 weeks off before his deployment and we are trying to make the best of our time together. So the way I see it is that as long as its safe, if its something he wants to do before he deploys to combat I will be right by his side. And, we have had a great time on all of our adventures!! I am not usually an outdoorsy kind of girl, in fact shortly after we got married we went on a canoe trip and I am surprised our marriage survived that trip haha! I am what he calls a "girly girl" so I complain a lot when I get hot/dirty/etc. But surprisingly, big fat pregnant and all, I did not once complain or get mad, it was really a wonderful time! I think I may actually enjoy being outdoors, or maybe its just that I enjoy spending time with my husband? Either way, it was a good time, and I just wanted to share a few pics from our adventures so far! I dont know what next week will have in store!

James and I kayaking

Gizmo getting ready to kayak!

the island we went to

James and gizmo snuggling on the couch

'Happy' Memorial Day??

I read this the other day and felt the need to share it.
Some people need to remember the true meaning of Memorial Day.


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"Every year at this time I fight with the idea that people tell me "Happy Memorial Day". People that know me, know what Ive gone through... still say it to me. Family still says it. For the rest who say it, do you think that there is anything "happy" at all about remembering all those who have died for this country? I blog about this every year and I dont think there will ever be a year that I dont. When I hear those three words my skin crawls."Happy Memorial Day"...it seems to just flow of the tongues of those around us. As though Memorial Day is just any other "holiday" to be celebrated with joy and happiness. When someone says "Hey Happy Memorial Day" what exactly are they so "happy" about? Maybe its the extra 20% or 30% they will get off beach towels at Macys, or maybe its the fact that they are off work, cooking out and not paying any attention to why they are really off work. Do these "happy" people take any time during their day off to share a moment thinking of those who paid the ultimate price for them to be off work and cooking out, or shopping "the big sale"??Do people take the time to teach and show their children the importance of Memorial Day? Do they take them to a National Cemetery and show them all the lives that have been lost, tell them what that means for those who are still alive? Do they educate their children to show respect to those who have fallen for all the freedoms we take for granted every damn day? Do they just take a moment, a simple moment in their day to show that they care, or understand what the day is about?My first Memorial Day I was not willing to admit that it had anything to do with Chris. We had always gone and placed flags at grave sites on this day. My first Memorial Day I did the same thing with Oliver and Owen in tow. But on that first one, there were more deaths. A CPT Alex Funkhouser was killed while in the line of duty not only to his country but to US reporters in Iraq. I knew that all that I had been feeling since January 5, his wife would now feel too. My heart broke for I knew every Memorial Day she would have a double heart wrenching reminder of her husband's death. I knew that she would face Memorial Day and the 29th of May, double days for her. Little did I know that this wife, now a new widow like me would become one of my best friends. Little did I know that she had two girls close to my two boy's age. Little did I know that our lives ran in such a parallel manner.My second Memorial Day I took the boys and we went to Virginia to see Chris' mom. I wanted to spend this Memorial Day with Chris at Arlington. I wanted the boys to see that they were not only, not alone; but that they could still be near their father. As that day went on there were more cameras taking pictures of them by the Chris' grave.(One made it to the front page of the Washington Post the next day) There were families that just stood there, paying their respects and as the tears flowed down their cheeks they watched Oliver fix a flag by Chris' grave. They watched Owen pluck the heads of the flowers there and they watched a mother with tears in her eyes as she realized this was her reality, this was her life. Watching her two boys "play" with or by their father...the only way they ever would be able to.As I looked around and saw their faces, their tears and their heads shaking back and forth; I realized that yes there are those out there that dont say "Happy Memorial Day", they come to Arlington to pay their respects to OUR fallen. They come to be with those who have paid the ultimate and spend time with their families. There was a father there, in uniform and beside him was his little son in BDUs. They stood at attention as TAPS played. I was so taken by this that I asked him why he does this with his son and he said "death is a part of life, death for your country is going beyond what life can offer" "I want my son to realize what this day is for. Not just a day off school or work, I want him to understand and respect the magnitude of what and who and why we have set this day aside to honor and remember those who have died in combat". I burst into tears, gave him a big hug and as I let go of him he and his son saluted the boys and I and then went to salute Chris. (Gosh I have tears running down my face typing this) I have never seen the true meaning in any one person's eyes of what Memeorial Day means to them then that of those eyes that day.So I ask that if you dont know anyone who has been affected by a war death, to please at least teach your children what Memorial Day is for. Take them to a National Cemetary and place a few flags, go on and google Memorial Day, teach them about what this day means. This is just a small thing to do, teach your kids what this country is about, teach them why we need to stand up for it, love it, and protect it. That is the BEST way to honor our fallen, those who faught and died for what they beleived in. For those familieas that struggle everyday without their loved one, this is a small gesture for them too. It tells us that our loved one, did not die in vein. If you do know someone who has lost someone to a war, this one or any previous, please take the time to just tell them you are thinking about them, you are greatful and love them. But please dont say "Happy Memorial Day" to them...for us there is nothing "happy" about it.To all my widsters that might read this, know that on Memorial Day, your Anniversaries and every day of the year, I think of OUR HEROES! I think about your families, your pain, your hearts your children and your happiness. For those who have lost a family member to previous wars, my heart and my thoughts are always with you too. Thank you for your loved ones service to our great nation, I am forever in their debt for their sacrafice.May this Memorial Day bring you comfort in knowing that our Great Nation aknowledges and says "Thank You" for the sacrafice OURS and THEIR HEROES have made for us and them!May we raise a glass to OUR HEROES! WE love you...We miss you...We are proud of you....We are forever YOURS!"

A-Z All about me!

I saw this on a friends blog and thought it was cute!

A. AREA CODE: 808 right now, though a 501 in cell phone and in my heart!
B. BED SIZE: Full...would love it to be bigger!!!
C. CHORE YOU HATE: Cleaning the bathroom
.D. DOG'S NAME: Gizmo
E. ESSENTIAL "START THE DAY!" ITEM: Breakfast!!
F. FAVORITE COLOR: Pink
G. GOLD OR SILVER: White gold
H. HEIGHT: 5' 8"
I. INSTRUMENTS YOU PLAY: I played the piano and clarinet when I was younger
J. JOB: stay at home wife/mom
.K. KIDS:first one on the way!
L. LIVING ARRANGEMENTS: 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home in Hawaii James, Gizmo and pretty soon baby!
N. NICKNAME: Court, or some people say Court Court ;) lol
M. MOM'S NAME: Rebekah, but everyone calls her Becky
O. OVERNIGHT HOSPITAL STAY: 6th grade, concussion and broken arm
P. PET PEEVE: I have a lot of them....
Q. QUOTE FROM A MOVIE: hmm...dont know?!
R. RIGHTY OR LEFTY?: Righty
S. SIBLINGS: 1 brother
T. TIME YOU WAKE UP: when I wake up...usually around 8ish
U. UNDERWEAR: ohh lala... haha!!
V. VEGGIE YOU DISLIKE: tomatos
W. WAYS/REASONS YOU ARE LATE: Im usually not late, unless I over sleep but if its something important I dont over sleep!
X. XRAYS YOU'VE HAD: teeth and wrists

Y. YUMMY FOOD YOU MAKE: lasagna
Z. ZOO ANIMALS YOU LIKE: giraffes!

A Series of Events

So this has been an awful week. If its not one things its another. Every so often the unit does these marriage retreats, all expenses paid at a nice hotel or resort on the island for a weekend. Our Batallion has one coming up and we were so excited. Well come to find out, we didnt get selected (maybe the Army thinks we have a good enough marraige?! lol just kiddin). I was pretty bummed about that, seeing as it is my birthday weekend and that would have been a great (free) present! Then today James calls me and says that he got assigned his very frist staff duty, on my birthday, which means he has to work all night and doesnt come home until the next morning. BUMMER!! I get to spend my birthday night alone now, and I was pretty upset about it. Keep in mind, I am pregnant and hormonal, so the slightest bit of bad news makes me want to cry for hours...so I know I am probably over reacting a little. So by this point, I'm so mad at the Army for ruining my week!
Earlier in the week he had a working lunch where they talk to the Battalion Commander about upcoming events and what not. He told me that at the meeting he asked the Colonel if he would get to stay for the birth of the baby. The Col. told him "More than likely if your due date is within 30 days of the unit going to Iraq, then you can stay, but we will keep you posted" (which we are w/in the 30 days). In my mind this is good news, but I know the Army and therefore I know not to really get my hopes up. Ultimately he has a job that he signed up to do and it is his duty to serve his country, and I fully understand that. And of course with all the other bad news this week from the Army I wasnt really getting my hopes up....
So I'm still all mad about my birthday being ruined, when I get a text that it has been confirmed that he gets to stay for Connor's birth! My attitude completely changed at this point. I felt so bad for getting mad/upset over the small things, when its the big things that really matter. We are both so greatful that he will get to stay. Next to our wedding day this will be the biggest day of our lives, and I dont know what I would have done if we werent together for it. I do know that there have been plenty of military families out there who have had to do it (my best friend Sarah being one of them) and I definatly feel for them. I have worried about this ever since we found out about deployment. I am glad that this is no longer something we will have to worry about. I want to say thank you to the Batallion Commander for letting James stay, and to God for answering our prayers, and to everyone who has been praying about this! We are truly blessed.

THE THIRD, AND FINAL TRIMESTER!!

Well today marks 28 weeks...which means we are now in the 3rd trimester. WOW, I cant believe it! Seems like just yesterday I was only 12 weeks pregnant....now 28?!? This brings on a whole stir of emotions....I am getting excited of course, but a little scared and even sad at the same time. Obviously excitement to meet this little guy who we have been dreaming about since October. I am scared about labor, and about raising a child (especially about raising a child alone) which brings on my sadness...baby coming means James has to leave for Iraq. This baby is going to be such a great experience for us, but also a challenge. It will be a challenge for me, missing my soul mate, always worrying about him, and being a "single mom" to a newborn. It will be hard on James because he is going to leave either a pregnant wife, or hopefully a newborn, and come home to a one+ year old. And obviously he will be missing us and worrying about us too, but also worrying about the job at hand. We know that we will make it through, with a lot of help from God (please remember us in your prayers) but that doesnt mean that things will always be easy.

Anyhow, I go tomorrow to get some lab work done, and have to get the glucose test...boo!! Then on Tuesday I am going to the doctor for the 28 week appt...which means I have to get the rogam shot (since my blood type is O negative) .... even bigger boo!! haha this is not going to be the funnest appt I have been to!! But I am sure we will get good news about our little guy, we have so far. Which is all that matters, is that he is healthy, I will do whatever I have to do to keep him that way.

Thanks for the prayers everyone...we love you guys!