Comeaux Crew

Lord, Grant me patience and answers to study guides

2009-01-26T23:06:00.004-10:00

OK.. Kenny was just home for the weekend and it was a busy one. But, today was the first day back at school since daddy is gone again. It is always a adjustment even when he comes and goes and pops back in for just two days. Cort has tried my last nerve today and I was about to open a six pack of whoop ass on him. As we were finishing last minute things before bed, he went upstairs to brush his teeth. I decided to check his homework folder and low and behold he has a science test tomorrow. Did he study for it..NO.. So I call him so we can go over it and he forgot and doesn't have the study guide with him. I am so upset with him. This isn't a every day event but he forgets something at least two times a week. I talk to him and tell him that this is his responsibility and his grades. He needs to check, check, & double check this before he leaves school for the day. I mean really he wrote it in his binder today so it is not like some surprise. We have taken away things, no play time and many other things to no avail. I finally tell him that I am going to spank him and I tell him why. It gets his attention, he hates it and hopefully he will remember this when he packs up at the end of the day. He cried and cried before I layed a hand on him. He told me he had a better idea!!! He said for me to wait till he gets his test back next Tuesday and see how many he misses and then I can punish him for that many days. Then he says I can take away some of his toys. Then he said I could write him some reminder notes. Maybe even send an email to his teacher so she could remind him. Even though I was fuming at him he still made me laugh on the inside. He will bargain till the end.
I can take away every toy and he will find a stick and entertain himself for hours. Draw on a piece of paper till the cows come home. Anyway, I tell him to turn around and I spank him twice. He cried and said he was ready to study : ( We study and study some more, but he was so tired that it was a hour past his normal bedtime. I hate spanking, but what else do I do. I did threaten him to get a spanking everyday he forgets something. I am having such a hard time with my little man. It is so hard not to compare your kids when they are so darn different.
Kelsey is so scared to forget anything and takes such pride in all that she does. Cort will never have a heart attack, because he worries about nothing. I love my kids the same, but I am still learning how to parent each one different. They have such unique personalities and I want them to be happy, successful adults. I am trying every day to help them get there. A boy is Truth with dirt on it's face, Beauty with a cut on its finger, Wisdom with bubble gum in its hair, and the Hope of the future with a frog in its pocket.-- Author Unknown

Pretties & Gadgets

2009-01-18T08:16:00.009-10:00

Ok, so here are some of the things I want and just to make Kenny smile if he read this want not need.

One is a newly released piece of Brighton jewelry that I think it really has a special message. It is a charm bracelet that all of the charms relate to peace. Kenny and all other military men and women would not have to leave the way they do if this world was a peaceful place. We would not be locking our doors to feel safe. Peace has so many connotations - we hear it every week at Church when the priest says let us go in PEACE to love and serve the Lord. I am at peace in knowing that Maw Lucy is up in heaven. I don't need a bracelet to know what peace means to me, just would be a cute reminder to have. $55.00 to have this - priceless to know what peace means to you!

My next pretty is the most expensive of them all. Maybe I want one because I see them all the time. Maybe I just that one classic iconic bag. I don't know but it is on my wish list for my Anniversary and Birthday. I even told Kenny that he will be missing both so don't make me buy it myself. Tenille my shopping superhero we talk about them all the time. A new Louis Vuitton store opened in Charleston, so she has the temptation too. This is the one I finally decided on. It is the classic Monogram Canvas Montorgueil GM
$865.00.I have come to realize that I am a gadget girl too. This next one is just what I think would help me lose that 10 pounds that are on me like white on rice. On me like flies on poo-poo. It seems more pointless than a screen door on a submarine ; ) (my workouts with out this thing that is ) Any more comparisons just ask!! It does everything for you when it comes to calories, counting steps and just keeping track of all helpful healthy mojo. I just wanna actually know someone that has used it. You can also get the digital display that you wear as a watch and see what you are burning throughout the day.. Love it . In case anyone wants the cost they are like 250-299. That's with the display too and 24 hour fitness sells them for cheaper than the web.

The last thing is just a shirt that has my all time favorite symbol. The Fleur de lis reminds me of everything that is good from back home. It stands for the holy trinity because of the three petals, which is what my Grandmother was all about. She was all that is good and holy to me. Traditionally, it has been used to represent French Royalty, and it is said to signify perfection, light, and life. This one has to be the most well priced at only 27 bucks. But who needs a long sleeves here in Hawaii.

Well, another day has come and gone. I'm sure my pretties will change just like the Navy and it's decisions.. Ashley

My baby is 12..booo whoo

2009-01-13T22:21:00.014-10:00

Twelve years ago I was at the hospital getting an epidural and the IV. It was one of the coldest days on record in New Iberia. I actually rode to the scheduled induction of my baby girl with my mom because Kenny was a nervous wreck. Who would of thought the that was the beginning of a wonderful road ahead as a mom, friend and pony tail fixer. My little girl is 12 now and she is such a great kid. She is compassionate, loving and just a blessing to our the family every day. Many things have changed over the years with her, like her favorite color being pink, now it is blue. She used always tell granny that she would sleep tomorrow, that it was too dark for her to stay tonight. Now, Kelsey loves to be gone and always sleeping at any friends house and would never tell her Granny no now. Kelsey has always had a special place in her heart for all living things. Our first place we lived as a family was next to cows, sheep's and any other farm animal the Fitch crew brought home. That has never changed she still wants to be a Vet when she grows up. She loves all animals including our dog Peanut aka retard. When we lived in Charleston she volunteered allot of time helping out at the SPCA. She would play and love all the homeless pets, and it never failed she asked at least once each visit if we could take just one more home. Over the years my little girl is turning into a beautiful young women. She makes me proud everyday and reminds me how fast time goes by, it feels like just yesterday she was still saying she wanted to watch Barney & Friends.

Our day today started a little early for me.. I woke up to try and make beignets for breakfast for her and Cort. Then off to school but not before a phone call from Granny for a birthday wish. I also had to finish up the cupcakes for her classmates. Then after school we had dinner with Tonya and Sydney at Pinky's. As you can see this place does amazing things with balloons. Mrs. Tonya said something about what animal were the kids for their birth year. So we looked it up at the restaurant and Kelsey was the year of the ox and Cort was the year of the dragon. So that's what Chris aka balloon man made them. She said she had a wonderful day even getting a balloon bouquet from her sidekick (Mrs. Katie).. The only thing that was missing was Daddy from her day. He has missed the last couple birthdays because of the sweet ole' Navy. I know he will make it up as he always does to his little girl..

Life is good...

Ashley

Friends & Church

2009-01-11T21:44:00.003-10:00

I am still getting over some good friends leaving. If there is anything wonderful about being a military wife it has to be all the great families we come across. We had so much fun while they were here. Between the hikes, just hanging out and some jello shots we all caught up the last six months in less than a week.

We even had an early birthday party for Kelsey, because she said the two people she really wanted here were going to be gone. Daddy is going to out to sea and Julia will be back at home . I am still not sure I like the idea of Kelsey being 12 on the 13th but I guess I will have to get over it soon.

Friends... What do you do when a friends is making a bad choice? Do you support, listen and not judge?? Do you just pray that it all works out and things always look better when the dust settles?

At church today I read something that I loved and wanted to share:

May peace break into your house and may thieves come to steal your debt. May the pockets of your jeans become a magnet of $1oo bills. May love stick to your face like Vaseline and may laughter assault your lips! may your clothes smell of success like smoking tires and may happiness slap your face and may your tears be that of joy. May the problems you had forget your home address! In simple words may 2009 be the best year of your life!!!

Polka Dots and Yogurt Muffins

2008-12-21T09:00:00.004-10:00

It is a beautiful day. The sun is shinning, Cort is laughing and Kenny is watching football. Little Miss Kelsey is still sound asleep. I have a happy healthy family and it is almost Christmas again. I have made some great friends one that i adore and am thanking the heavens she lives close by me. Well on to the polka dots, I went yesterday to get e pedicure and decided to chose the color true gift red and then to add the dots because I want to marry dots. I love them and just in time for the Holiday spirit.

Yogurt muffins was this recipe that i took from the vanilla yogurt we always have in the house. I guess when i take off the top I just throw it away. I looked this time and saw this recipe and it was for muffins with mostly yogurt, brown sugar, raisins and cinnamon. I made them and they were really good and the kidos ate them too.

I can't believe this year is almost to an end.

Love ya'll

Ashley

Rain rain go away come back never

2008-12-13T21:57:00.006-10:00

As you all know Kenny is out to see for a little while. Of course the day he leaves all the skies opened up and chaos followed. Let's just say we had a rain storm with Kona winds that lasted for more than 24 hours. This is me and Cort in the back yard looking for some drain that we never found. yes, the shed flew over and put garden tools all over. It started with the electricity going out at about 10pm and the kids sleeping with us on the floor in our bedroom the night before he leaves. So we all were awake most of the night listening to the winds and the blinds hitting the window from the wind. Awake at 3 am to bring Kenny down to the boat. I get back home at 4ish home to try and get a little more sleep before 6 am to get up to get the kids ready for school. Still no electricity, so I figure we will sleep a little longer because we can't get ready in the dark. At 6:45 we get up and I had a gut feeling to just go look and check on things outside. I get the kids up and go look around in the crazy rain. The first things I see when I walk out the front door is the kids basketball set laying on top of Kenny's car and the hoop in nicely put in his windshield. I freak out and start moving cars because it is cracked and I am not sure if it is raining in his car. I thought that would be all the excitement for the day but I was wrong. Kelsey see's me frantic and helps and packs her and Cort's lunch for school. Cort helps by bringing me towels because I am soaked. We leave to only drive through the flooded streets to get to school to be told that school is closed. I did call just 10 minutes before to make sure it was still open and was told oh yes we are open.

I come back home to notice a puddle of water on the floor in the kids play room. The sliding glass door is dripping water inside the house on the wood floors. I clean that up and tell the kids to go and check all the other windows. The window behind the Christmas tree is leaking too and all the tree and some presents are wet. I am so mad and call our landlord for him to tell me to mop it up and this is really unusual for Hawaii to have this much rain. Even if he wanted to come out and see the problem he would have a hard time because allot of the roads or either flooded or closed.

Ok, no more drama.... NOT

Kelsey comes in the computer room to call a friend and she says the computer chair is all wet. It is raining from the can light fixtures in the office and the new laptop is sitting in a puddle of water. I look like Johnny Appleseed running around with pots trying to catch water instead of apples. I call my landlord back and tell him this is not normal for it to be raining in my house and no mopping up is going to fix that problem. I have been in hurricanes with lots of rain and wind and it had never rained in the house through door, windows or lights. So too all who thought Hawaii is a paradise 24/7 keep dreaming. it has been two days and it is still raining. I almost forgot our umbrella flew away and ended up in the palm trees and the fence is now missing two of it's white panels. I have always heard you can't appreciate the sunshine without the rain. Lord please give me some sunshine and I will be happy. I got through it with some tears and my dad making me laugh. Then the next day I managed to finish getting over it by shopping : )

The kids managed to have a decent day off of school. Amy and her little one came over and brought us McDonalds so we didn't have to leave becasue I was unsure if the house was safe from the rain.

My day..

2008-12-09T21:55:00.009-10:00

Well, like many other days this one was no different. Kenny was suppose to leave this morning to go to sea for a couple of weeks. So, I was kinda bummed but life goes on. I started my day a little earlier than normal because I got up with him. He left then I made biscuits for the kids. The kitchen needed some attention afterwardsand then I was off to play taxi mom.
Me and Molly went for a walk with the new Nav's wife on the boat. We did the 3 mile loop around the lake. At least this time we did not stop at the Starbucks and get coffee before we walked the rest of the way home. I then meet another friend for Lunch and then off to buy a certain someone a Christmas gift. I swear the days go by so fast when it's a good day and then they just drag on when it is a shitty one. One a different note it was time to go get the kids from school. no not just a pick up today we had to stay for the talent show tryouts. Kelsey was trying out with three other little girls to do sign language for a song. They did really well : )

Home for more homework and then off again to the FRG meeting. Not that I am complaining then you get the phone call saying hey the boats broke we are coming home for another night. Then the emotions are all over the place and your happy and kinda sad. just want them to go so they can hurry up and get back. I am glad to have another night with Kenny in the bed with me, but so far he has been home for 3 hours and has been on the phone with the boat for 2 hours and 3o minutes. Kelsey has come downstairs again and asked if daddy was ever going to get off and come tuck her in. She had the crocodile tears in her eyes and was pissed at me that he was still on the phone......

I can't wait to tell anyone about this next day... OMG has never been a better term than it was today..

HAPPY SANDY TURKEY DAY

2008-11-28T07:36:00.004-10:00

We are in Hawaii, so what a better way to start the day then a walk on the beach. That's what we did and brought Molly along to play with other dogs. It was a beautiful day and I wondered if Maw Lucy was looking down on us. Cort ran around with Josh and they mushed man of wars with coconut shells and sticks. Kenny talked to John and I had some girl talk with Karen and little Sailor. Kelsey decided not to some she said she would rather sleep. On the way back form the beach we stopped and picked up some pumpkin, chocolate chip bread for desert from Great Harvest Bread. Of course me and Cort had a little piece in the car on the ride home.

Then the cooking began.... Kenny had the turkey in the oven, he had some basting sauce on the stove and he was looking hot cooking it all. I can honestly say that I did nothing, he made all of it and the sides and it was awesome. We all sat down to eat and enjoyed each others company. I can't believe that I did not take any pictures from yesterday. I guess I am so behind on scrap booking that one less page ain't gonna hurt..

I am so thankful for my family and the time we spend together...the only other thing that could of made this day better was my Louisiana family to be here too.. I thought about this family pictures from 8 years ago and how much we have all grown. As Maw Lucy would say Thank ya Jesus...

Used and Abused & New York

2008-11-25T18:42:00.002-10:00

I am tired of people only wanting to talk when they need something. If I am your friend, I will be there during the good and the bad. This has nothing to do with my new job either.. Ever notice you all of a sudden have more friends when you can offer them something. I also don't like people who are mean to other people even when they know that person wears there heart on their sleeve. I also have another complaint to go along with my pity party. I am not liking this weather. I can't get in the Christmas spirit with 80 degree and people still in swimsuits everywhere. I listen to Christmas music and just wanna laugh and still thinking that it is way to early to be listening or playing it on the radio. Just a FYI, this pertains to know no one that reads my blog. I have balls, but lately they have gotten cold and have ascended up a little.

New York, New york... I was invited to go to New York with a person who only brings out the best in me. it will just be a group of 4 girls for a 4 day three night fun extravaganza. I have never been to New York, but have always wanted to go. i never thought Kenny would agree to let me go. Most of all because of money, but just because the logistics of it all. He does have to work and his wife needing a couple days away just isn't a good excuse to take off. I know for sure he has way more stress in every day life than I do. I just am blessed that he is always so willing to do whatever he can to see me smile. All that he asks is for me to find a plane ticket under six hundred.

Not over till the fat lady sings...

2008-11-18T07:45:00.003-10:00

Kelsey and Natalyia (piano teacher)

Kelsey had her first piano recital in Sunday and it was fabulous. She played three songs and remembered them though all her nerves and looked composed and all times. It was at the Mid Pacific Country Club in Lanikai and there were gorgeous views. I am not sure how she went to a competitive gymnast to a piano player but it fits her well. She really likes it and has inspired Cort to want to learn to play the guitar. I guess Kenny and myself need to learn something too and we can have a real live rock band.

Things over here are going by fast. I am happy for that because I am already to move on in more ways. Kenny is working like a crazy man all the time and I just got a new job yesterday and they are willing to work around the kids schedule. It is only temporary but hey it's a job with money and adults. I can't image Thanksgiving is next week and then Christmas. It just doesn't feel like Christmas with this kind of weather. As any one from back home would say it is just not gumbo weather. My car finally went in the shop from my car accident and I am in a rental -Ughh. I am off to start my day and make it a good one..

Ashley

I am still here... I think

2008-11-13T22:54:00.004-10:00

I think I fell off the earth for a little while there. Sorry we had some computer issues and two new computers later I should be good to go. I also got in a car accident and then thought we were gonna have baby number three. Several phone calls later and understanding what a no fault state means I guess we still do learn something new everyday. Two pregnancy tests later and an IUD that needs to come out we are NOT having another baby. We had our oh shit baby first, so we should be good unless God has something else in mind for us. I have been going to the gym very religiously and working out with a trainer once a week and have gained weight. What the hell : ( I really don't care if it muscle, i just wanna see some changes. I think I like another friends idea about it being winter weight, except for the fact that i am in Hawaii. There is no winter here just flip flop weather and maybe I need to weight to shelter me from the sun... I am not even sure that makes sense to me but it sure makes me smile. (thanks Kristen) I miss home allot lately. I think my parents visit just made me realize how much I miss my family that I have back home. My older brother is newly married and I love his wife. I think I would marry her too. My little brother is graduating high school this year. My little sister is in love and he is a great guy too. My paw paw is growing old and I miss him and want my kids to know him. Just to be able to call my mom and go to lunch.. OK i am getting all sappy so I will call it a night..

Ashley

Family come and gone

2008-11-02T16:36:00.005-10:00

It's all me again. My visit with my Mom and Dad has come to an end. They were here for three short weeks and we had a blast. I have always wanted my kids to have special memories of their grandparents. Being so far away it makes me sad to know they miss out on so much. I think this time, this visit they made lots of memories that the kids will remember forever. I can say how lucky we are just to have great family, crazy at times but great. We got to celebrate both their birthdays while they were here. Dad turned 53 on the 26th and Mom turned 52 on the 24th. We baked them a cake and got them something special for them to open. My best part of the time they spent here is all the pictures we took and I had them all developed and put them in an album they bought. They are not that savvy to go home and actually order all their pictures and then put them in an album.. that would of taken them forever.

Now on to other news... We had a great Halloween and went to a party at a friends house and stayed till 1 in the am. The kids had a blast. I had fun just watching Kenny have a good time and laugh a little. Being one of the only sober couples there was pretty fun too. The kids made their way up and down our street and a little more on the next street before calling it quits. This is our first Halloween in this house and I think we live in a great kid infested area. I also made plans at this party to start tennis lessons with Derick, a tennis guru, that should be a blast. My favorite picture of my Dad and Cort doing their daily check on their laptops.

It has been a lazy weekend, I think all I did is eat and change PJ's and maybe did a batch of clothes here and there. I am not sure what it is about having a husband home that makes me lazy. It is like whoa I can take a nap and not worry about the kids. I also started playing a bunco group and it was a really interesting group of ladies.

Promise it won't be this long in between post again,

Ashley

Mai Tai's & Coconut Bra's

2008-10-18T20:51:00.005-10:00

We all made it to a Luau at Paradise Cove. It was beautiful and one of those moments I will treasure forever. It was about a 30 minute drive from our house and a well worth it drive. My dad was so excited to have those drink tickets he could not wait to use them and have a good time. It was a postcard waiting to happen once we got in and saw the magnificent setting the Luau was going to take place. First, we all got our orchard lei's. We got to play some Hawaiian games and then Kenny and the kids went on a canoe ride. We all got to try to throw a spear, not something you should give to people who have been drinking. Funny enough the only person who made it in was Kenny, I missed the whole haystack thing it was suppose to go in. Then we saw a coconut show and a man who climbed up a palm tree and did the showering of the Lei's. There were some lessons on Hula dancing, but I hadn't had enough to drink yet to try. Cort was so excited to get these tattoos of a shark and a poky vine that he patiently waited 45 minutes in line. It is amazing when those kids decide to have patience. The highlight of the night was when my dad decided he needed to wear and have his picture taken with the coconut bra on and some feather hat thingy. The lady even told him no one else has done this and he said there is always a first. I enjoyed seeing him let loose and seeing my mom laugh. We finally got to sit down and eat buffet style Polynesian food. We watched some hula, fire and wedding dances done by all the performers till it was late and it was time to head home. It was a memorable night and I am glad I drove home : )

Welcome LA and Mom and Dad

2008-10-11T08:45:00.006-10:00

Mom and dad made it here on Tuesday and the Los Angeles made it home on Wednesday. It was their first time watching the boat come in and it was nice. We ate lunch at a cafe on the water and waited for it to pull in. We also made a trip to Hanauma Bay and went snorkeling. They kids had school so it was just me and the parents. The highlight of the trip was to find a sea turtle and swim with it for a little ways. Just amazing to be under the water and watch all the marine life eat and swim. We are going to make a trip to go to Cirque Hawaii tonight. I have also not gone to the gym since the parents have been here so i need to make a better effort next week. It is just so nice to have company, that I wish they would want to come with me. I did have them make a 3 mile Keolu loop with me and i though my mom was going to pass out. She never complained, but you could just tell that she didn't like it. On the best news of the weekend, Kenny finally has some leave even if it is only for three days. I will take anything I can get. I enjoy having all my family together. The kids are enjoying having Granny and Paw here even more.

The kids had a blessing of the animals at their school

so we brought Molly to get blessed.

Up for mother of the year.... NOT : )

2008-10-02T19:24:00.005-10:00

Let's just say my good mother status has been slipping. The first week of school I forgot the kids get out early every Friday. Thanks to Kenny for saving me, he actually remembered and was able to get to them and save the day. My latest was having a child have a broken wrist for 5 days and not even know about it.

Here's the story: My kids love ridding their wave boards. We live in the middle of a hill, so they walk them up to the top and ride down the hill. Kelsey actually fell trying to ride the board up the hill. She cam in a said she fell and hurt her wrist and her knee. We cleaned it all up and put ice on her wrist. I asked her "do you think you broke anything?" She said no I just hurt it. The next morning she got up and got ready for school and she said it was sore. I though the test would be piano practice that afternoon. Piano came and went and she did fine and did not even complain even once. Then Friday came basketball practice and she said she could not shoot with her right arm because it hurt and I said ok we need to see a doctor. I called them but because we were new patients there was nothing till Monday. We got to the doctor, she looked at it and then felt it and sent us for x-rays. After the x-rays were seen it was then determined it was a buckle fracture in her distal radius. They gave her the option of a cast or a hard brace. She chose the brace. Today we went to a pediatric orthopedic doctor and he confirmed it was broken and indeed to close to a clean break across her wrist. He told us another fall or bump would finish it off, that she needed no P.E. , sports and boarding of any kind for the next 4 weeks. So, here I am feeling awful about my parenting lately. Man oh man..

On a another note I can't wait for my parents to get here.. It will be a welcomed change of pace.

Thanks Elisa for the great Beach Bag...

Who's been sleeping in my bed??

2008-09-28T14:54:00.005-10:00

Yeah, I'll bet at least one of you crazy people that this would be a juicy post. Not quite... This is what I found last night as I come upstairs to get in bed...

Before church this morning I made Cort go outside so I could take a couple of pictures of him. He always makes me laugh. I love that little turd (term of endearment) so much.

Even the good ones slip..

2008-09-27T08:48:00.004-10:00

Well, as most of you know being a military wife means no slacking when it comes to decorating a new place. You only have so long to enjoy that space, you want it done asap and be able to enjoy it while you are there. My kids are getting older so I like them being able to make their space something they will enjoy too. I have bought a big C and K for both my kids names. They were suppose to decorate them anyway they wanted and we were going to hand them on their sides of the bathroom. Kelsey finished her letter quick and said she still had a lot of paint left. So, what did my child do. She painted my plate red. Yes, she took my white dinner plate that she was using and painted the whole thing red. I looked at her in total disbelief and what were you thinking. She said nothing, I was getting ready to paint Cort's black, is that not ok??? We just looked at each other and laughed. I know Cort keeps me on my toes at all times. Kelsey I guess needed express herself on my dinner plates. They came out cute.. Kelsey added sparkle glitter to her letter and painted all the inside different colors. Cort has the alternative letter with designs and black and silver of course.
Other news..

Kelsey started playing the piano and was asked to be in the Christmas recital. She will be playing three songs. Cort and Kelsey are both playing basketball and are on the same team. It works out well until they talk trash to one another.

I am off to beat my barking dog,

Ashley

Bodies the Exhibition

2008-09-21T10:45:00.003-10:00

Well, it that time again for me to be a single parent for a while. So before Kenny headed out, we had a family night out. We went eat at Bubba Gump and then headed over to Bodies the Exhibition. It was very fascinating and a learning experience for all of us. If you don't know what it is, it is to help you see what a body really looks like on the inside, this Exhibition uses real human bodies that have been preserved so they do not decay. We all got to see things, like a fetus in it's different stages of growth. To see those tiny babies was breath taking. To see the babies arms and feet start forming at only weeks is a miracle of life itself. What a healthy lung looks like, compared to one of a smoker. Great for kids to see, and see that's why we don't smoke. I got to see all those muscles that I am trying to work on at the gym. How complex we all are is really a understatement.

I also got to go to Scrapbook Jam this weekend at the Koolau Golf Course. It was fun, food and lots of scrapbook things to buy.

My parents are coming in two weeks to hang out for three weeks. That should be a blast : )

I enjoy having one on one time with them. It will only be the second time, they have come to visit without having my younger brother or sister. Today is chore day, so I am off to those duties . Here are some pictures from last night at dinner. I would of taken pictures of the bodies, but no photography was allowed. Cortland trying to suck on a lemon.

Ashley

Mr. Film-maker AKA Cortland

2008-09-10T12:07:00.004-10:00

I have figured out why laughter is the best medicine. It is so we can laugh instead of beating our kids when we are so mad at them. My kids are famous for all of a sudden being best friends when I am ticked at both of them. They normally gang up on me and do something so silly that I have to laugh at the two of them. Last night was no different, except that Cort got his hands on the iFlip video camera. He made a video if his sister eating ice cream and he tried to talk in several different accents. I finally watched toe whole video this morning and thought I needed to share with all of you guys. I guess he is trying to be more like his Nanny Adrienne after he saw the hurricane video she made. Kim, I guess this is what you have to look forward to with Clayton.

I hope you all enjoy the video as much as I did..Well I could never get the video to upload..I will keep trying..

Ashley

Tuesday at the Table....Signs that make me laugh

2008-09-09T10:01:00.009-10:00

I have seen these signs on my way to the Ala Moana Center and I had to finally take a picture of them. This is where I am gonna go get my next haircut and a new outfit to match. They make me laugh and Kelsey & Cort think it is hilarious.

We went eat at the Macaroni Grill this weekend and it was a good family time. Then, I actually got my husband to walk around the biggest outdoor mall with a smile on his face. He actually bought something too : ) The kids were crazy and had lots of energy and had fun just being kids. The food was ok. We shared a mama's trio dinner and it was just ok. I have had better and the lasagna was bisgusting (as Cort says it).

Eggplant and Chicken Surprise..

I take an eggplant, peel and dice it and then cook it on medium heat with a little olive oil. Then add two chicken breast cut up with a cup or so of chicken broth. Then of course you add Tony's (favorite seasoning) and some fresh garlic. I let that cook for about an hour an a half and then my kids like Ditalini pasta with it. I like to have my just as is with a cucumber with salt and pepper. Enjoy, I will make it this week and take some pictures to post.

Ashley

A picture that I took this weekend of Kels & Kenny. I love it and she is such a daddy's girl.

Then we have Cort the Alien and Kenny.

Burdens of Life

2008-09-05T06:24:00.001-10:00

Here are some great ways of dealing with the burdens of life:

Accept that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue.*

It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to be kind to others.*

Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.*

It's the second mouse that gets the cheese.*

When everything's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.*

Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live.*

We could learn a lot from crayons... Some are sharp, some are pretty, and some are dull. Some have weird names, and all are different colors, but they all have to live in the same box.*

A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.

Have an awesome day and know that someone has thought about you today...

May you always have Love to Share, Health to Spare, and Friends that Care.

I read this this morning and thought I needed to share with you all...
Ash

It's done....

2008-09-04T06:27:00.007-10:00

Just an update on the crazy butterfly bathroom and the tree of life. We did finish it this past weekend and all that is left to do is accessorize. I know what I would like in the bathroom but trying to find a wooden C to decorate it with shells has been a challenge. I found one at target and toys'r'us but guess what, they won't ship that out here because its wood. I know I definitely took getting whatever I needed for granted and when in doubt use ebay. Thank goodness for Tenielle she offered to have it shipped to her house and then she would ship it to me.

This day turned out to be a good day, I worked out, had lunch with the hubs and had two happy kids from school. I also saw the most beautiful rainbow today while driving on MCB. I rarely see both ends of the rainbow and I did today. My kids are both working on their homework right now and are giggly and silly like there is no tomorrow. Also, I knew all who have boys that read this will laugh...

Cort decided he wanted to be Avatar toady and he drew on his head with a bright yellow highlighter. Then after looking closely he also added some artwork on his legs. When I told him we know better and we don't write on our bodies, he added I was just being artistic. I swear he is going to be a crooked politician one day. After listening to him tell me the reasons it was ok I forgot what we were even talking about. I guess my only other question to him was when did you decide to do this in class. I couldn't ask at this point cause I'm sure he has an answer. I guess this is one of those times you chose you battles and don't sweat the small stuff.

Friday Update and we are official

2008-08-29T13:43:00.006-10:00

I just don't know where this past week as gone. Kenny has been working 13 hour days and it has been a rough week for him. I know he more than any of us, is looking forward to this weekend. Last week, my paddle board finally got here from Maui and we had to take it out. It was a blast and we all worked on our tan. Kenny well he worked on his a little too much : ( I also finally bought paint to get rid of the butterflies and the larva that were painted in our half bath. I couldn't take it any more. Here is the before picture of that bathroom and I will post the after hopefully this weekend when it is done.

I also said we are official, what I meant is we have a board to carry on the top of the car.

I have started looking into going back to school. What a scary thing and don't know how to manage it all. It has to be something in the medical field, that's just me and where I feel I need to be. I have a desire to work with kids or old people. I found out that since it has been so long since I went to school that I pretty much need to start all over. Science based classes expire in 5 years and most other classes expire in 10 years. I only had 40 or so hours, but still it upsetting to know that that time, energy and money is all gone. What the hell is that about??? The online classes seem to be great but so expensive. I don't know when to go and worry about the kids and all that other mom stuff. If Kenny could help he would, but I know that is a lost cause with his new job. I want another identity in my life. I love being a wife, mother and other those really important roles that I have, but need more. I have prayed and tried to listen about where I need to go and just aren't hearing those answers. I wonder if I am asking for too much and should just be content with where I am. I also know allot of women don't have the luxury to stay at home so I am grateful for that.

Kelsey has started piano lessons and loves them. She has a Russian teacher named Natalyia. We just found out yesterday that she will be taking a little break because she just got picked up for the TV show Lost.. I thought that was really neat, but wait I just paid you tuition : ) I guess those are the breaks when your next door neighbor is the executive producer of the show.

Hope everyone has a great weekend,

Ashley

Thursday at the table...

2008-08-21T17:13:00.006-10:00

Well, not to much going on over here except trying to find my groove again. I finally started at the gym again and it is on the Marine Base. Let's just say I still feel the best Marine is a Submarine. I still feel sorta lost without my kids at home all day. I can get done what used to take me all day with them home to now I am normally looking for something to do before noon.

The post today is to come to Sam's table a little late, but I added chocolate so it's all good. I love rice crispy treats and needed them to taste a little more like chocolaty. I just made normal rice crispy treats with coco pebbles and about 8 sheets of graham crackers as the cereal mix. Then melted some butter with brown sugar of course the marshmallows too. I mixed that all up and then added some more marshmallows to the mix after taking it off the stove. I then added my crazy mixture to a bread tube so it has a crazy shape let it cool for a couple of hours. To any of you who know me then I have to add some melted chocolate to the top to finish off this fabulous treat. Something else that I have done is add some peanut butter chips to the batter or melt some peanut butter chips and top them off with that. I hope this added something decent to the table.

I also wanted to add that say that I am trying to live a life I love. I have met a person here that I could just do without. I thought that i needed to make the best of the situation and keep on keeping on. I love the life I live and no one is going to put a damper on my spirit. Having a different attitude and trying to see what their story is makes me think twice about people. I used to know this person and see her all the time. She had what looked liked on the outside the ideal life. She was beautiful, great husband and all that we all want in life. After getting to know her more and see her story I was sad for her. She had several medical conditions, cancer that she had beat once and other issues. I just thought to myself and thanked God for all that I did have. I know I wouldn't of wanted all her crosses to carry, and was disappointed in myself for being jealous. Moral of my story today is always be thankful for what we do have and love like there is no tomorrow and always, always have that piece of chocolate.

Love to all,

Ashley

I'm free again

2008-08-19T08:00:00.003-10:00

Today the kids started their first day of school. Cort was all excited about wearing a uniform and Kelsey was not to say the least. I thought they both looked very cute and too big to be my kids. When we got to school, I walked Cort to his classroom. Kelsey was really nervous and wasn't sure she wanted me to walk her to her classroom. I guess she is at that age where I am no longer cool to be seen with. I knew it was coming and surprise it is here : ) She had so many boys in her classroom and very few girls. i hope they have a wonderful and positive first day. They do get out at noon today, so I guess I should run to get something done.

Be thankful for something today,

Ashley

Monday Update

2008-08-18T09:28:00.005-10:00

I finally have a husband back at home and it feels great. You really never know how much someone does or what an impact that have on your every day life until they aren't there. Kenny got home on Friday and we had a busy weekend. Friday night me and the kids went to the beach to wait for daddy to be be ready to be picked up at the pier. That was a disaster and we left early and came home to wait for his phone call instead. Just let me say this, people don't watch their children as closely as they should. I understand it takes a village to raise a child, but the village should not have to watch them because your feeding your face. It was 10pm before we finally arrived at home with daddy.

Saturday, we went to the boat so Kenny could sign some papers. He said it was only going to be 15 minutes, an hour an 15 minutes later we were leaving. It was fun to see Kenny do what he does at work. I kind of felt like a fly on the wall and the kids were patient after they found the candy stash in his stateroom. Cort was enjoying jolly rogers (ranchers) as he called them.

Then we were off to a pool party at the Stevenson house. I made deviled eggs, smores rice crispy treats and then the never fail chips and dip. It was well deserved on Kenny's part to sit down a relax after being gone and stressing for the last 6 weeks. The kids swam and we enjoyed every ones company.

Sunday.... We went to church to thank God for our many blessings in our lives. I love our church, it's feel and the people are icing on the cake.

We had the CO's hail and farewell to attend to at PF Changs. I may hate when Kenny isn't home, but the group of wives to hand with are god sent. I enjoy all these women and what each of their personalities brings to the table. We had a great night and are HAPPY to welcome the new CO and his wife.

Today is my kidos last day of no school. So we will finally have a routine starting tomorrow.

Hugs, peace and chicken grease to all,

Ashley

Skater Dudes and Cool Chics

2008-08-14T22:28:00.005-10:00

My kids are obsessed with their new skater things called wave boards. We live right by a skate park so they always want to bring them there. I love seeing them just play outside. Cortland now says he wants to be a pro skater and Kelsey is just there to have fun. I think the story behind these boards are even better: Cort realized he was 20 bucks short of having 90 to buy his board. So, he says can I call my granny? He calls, except his Paw Paw answers the phone and Cort just comes right and says "hey Paw can you send me 20 bucks, my mom won't give it to me and I need it" I thought I was trying to teach a lesson about saving his money, but Paw blew that up in smoke. I didn't mind cause the next thing Cort says was I guess I need to write Paw a nice thank you note. I guess he has learned something in his little life of eight years..Here they are riding their boards..

Like me or not...

2008-08-14T22:00:00.002-10:00

I enjoy people and also enjoy meeting everyone. What I don't enjoy are arrogant people who think they are better than others. I had welcome coffee to attend today with eighty other officer wives from new to seasoned wives. It was a breath of fresh air to be among women who are confident in who they are not to have to wear their husbands rank to be liked. The coolest person their had to be the Admiral's Wife. She said to me people get caught up in being to serious and forget to have fun. What a true statement and it could not of come from a better person. I hope that I teach my children always to be a good judge of character. I want to always be liked for me, not for what i have or who I know or who my husband is. ...

Had a couple of the ladies over tonight for a pot luck dinner and it was great. The kids played and I had some missed adult conversation since all our husbands have been gone.

I also bought my first stand up paddle board today. I am stoked about it and it should be here from Maui on Tuesday. The was the most money I have ever spent without Kenny home. I think it will be a fun memory maker for the family. I also think it will be a great workout tool for me when the kids are at school. I want to make the most out of our time here, what an adventure. I also would like to get a two man kayak for those weekends when Kenny is home. I just don't know if a two man is the best plan. What do I do when he is not here???? I can't let the kids go out by themselves, or I go out with one of them. Then that still leaves a kid on the beach by themselves what do I do?? Today was a another great day the only thing to make it better would be to have my other half....

I hate Direct TV.. & early morning photos

2008-08-12T06:15:00.004-10:00

I don't think I can say enough how much I hate these people. They called again this morning at 5:18 to tell me I have a balance of $60.83. Geez thanks you dumb asses... I know that and it gets automatically drafted every month like it always has year after year. The problem is our phone number, we took our Charleston number with us to Hawaii. It is the internet phone so you can carry your home number wherever you go. They see the area code and call at crazy hours for us, normal hours for them. I have called and asked for notations on our account saying that we are now in Hawaii time. So, finally this morning when they called I called them right back and gave them a pissed off chic who has no husband and needs them to stop freaking calling about asinine crap. I love it when she proceeded to tell me that they don't call anyone that early. I even asked her for her number so I could return the favor.

Enough about that, today is going to be a positive and productive day. I went outside and took some early morning photos. Here it what it looks like from the front of house. What a beautiful site.... As someone else put it: God really outdid himself when he decorated Hawaii..

Ashley

How long can we be in our PJ's????

2008-08-11T19:55:00.003-10:00

I wonder how many days we can just take a bath and change our PJ's from day to day. I did actually get dressed today and try to mail some goodies out to some special people. Well my thoughtfulness didn't go very far. One box was going to be $115.00 just to go back home to LA. My brother and his new wife will just have to wait till Mom and Dad get her and hand carry it back for FREE. The other ones I won't be so lucky, I will just have to suck it up and just mail them out my way. I actually went look at some stand up paddle boards today. I really would like to get one and have one on hold. It was a great deal at $995.00 and that included the paddle. I have never spent money like that without talking to Kenny first, so I will wait till Saturday if you know what I mean. I also got to finally talk to my bestest shopping buddy today. I miss her so much.. Mrs T you know who you are. I love having friends where I kids get along and we can hang out for hours and love every minute of it. My kids are making friends and are actually looking forward to school starting. They don't start till the 19th and then every Friday is a half day... I guess that is the island life for you. Miss all you guys...

Ashley

One year ago...

2008-08-10T09:30:00.004-10:00

A year ago I never thought i was would be kissing my grandmother hand as she had passed away. I remembering thinking she can't be gone she is still warm. It was a feeling like no other. All of her Carmelite sisters were there and one of them just finished singing Ava Maria. It was very peaceful and she definitely had studied the almighty book for a long time to prepare for this day. It was very strange it was still a funny feeling to have her just in the living room. I knew that it would feel final when the funeral home would come to get her. I also remember something funny from this day too...: ) My Paw Paw had to leave to go to work to get some important papers. I didn't want him going by himself and wondered what the heck he kept at work. For those of you who don't know he sells cars. So we get there and he goes to his desk and grabs a folder. It has instructions from Maw Lucy detailed how everything should work and even the hours she wants her body open at the funeral home. It made me smile because she was in charge till the end. After all this is done and I have to head back to my home in Charleston I take a couple things with my as memories of Maw Lucy.... I have her bible and it is amazing all the goodies she has in there. She has things highlighted, underlined and everyone I think I know she has their name on a piece of paper, meaning she was praying for them. But the one thing in their that is all of the above must of meant alot to her and here it is:

The Lord is my Shepard:I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. he restoreth my soul; He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will not fear no evil for Thou art with me: Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Ashley

Beach Bums

2008-08-10T09:13:00.002-10:00

Today was a not so beautiful day to begin. I had planned a day with some of the wardroom wives to hang out at the beach today. It was really windy and then the sun was stuck behind the clouds. Not long after we got there, one of the twins, Maddie got stung by a jellyfish. But after she got treated by the lifeguard she just played outside the water and the sun came out a little and we had a blast. Cort became friends with the other twin Victoria and they played the whole time we were there catching anything that moved. Kelsey just loved hanging out with the big girls. It feels good to have those instant friends who know exactly how you feel when the boat is gone. There is one person missing from this photo and that is Pam, she is great and was off looking for Cort and Victoria. I know great mom I am worried about making a memory photo and not about where my child was. I finally feel like my time here will work out. My kids are asking if daddy can get a normal job here and we can stay. I am not sure I feel like staying just yet, but it does feel great to have happy kids.

Creative Juices

2008-08-07T21:45:00.000-10:00

I got to do something I love doing today... I scrapbooked for four hours. I finally finished last years album and got several pages done in this years album. It is so awesome to look back on how far we have come as a family and see changes in the kids as we flip a page. I love looking back on Christmas cards to see everyone we have crossed paths with in this journey we call life. I think we have all met some people we could do without, but we wouldn't appreciate everyone else who is my term "normal". I think we are all caught in the trap of living for tomorrow and need at slow the pace and love what is front of us today. I have started making my kids say something that they are grateful every night at dinner. It started out really materialistic like thanks for my new toy or for allowance that we get. How sad did that make me feel as a parent. I want them to notice all the little things in life. Today we were grateful to God for the friends we have to play with, thankful for our rain and the smell of the new flowers that are in bloom. It is ok to fail as a parent sometimes, as long as we recognize them and correct it. I put a picture of my favorite page that i did today.. It was when my sister came visit us in Charleston and we had a great time. She is a beautiful young women with a bright future ahead of her. I can't wait till she makes the trip to Hawaii.

Miss all you guys who read this....

Ashley

Happy Birthday Maw Lucy

2008-08-06T22:55:00.000-10:00

Today I woke up with a lump in my throat. It is my grandmothers 80th birthday and she is no longer here for me to call her. I have never missed someone so much as I miss her. I can't believe that it will be a year on the 9th that she is up in Heaven. It feels like just yesterday I was calling her asking her to sew something for me, or asking how to make her potato salad. She was the one person who always gave the best hugs. She knew me so well and always kept all her grand kids and greats in her prayers. She was the definition of a prayer warrior. Maw, I know you are watching me everyday and I feel your presence in all that I do. We noticed the other day that the kids school is St Anthony of Padua and that was the same Saint that was on your prayer cards. I just cried when I saw that I felt you were again telling me it was going to be ok. It was hard for us to find a school out here and it just affirmed that we made the right decision. A year ago today I went to Daspit grocery store and bought a big poster board and made you a card. We had all the grand kids sign it and anyone who came in the house to sign it for you. You were laying in the bed and just smiled at us all. You knew we were all there and we all sand Happy Birthday to you for the last time. It was a celebration if the wonderful life you led. If I could me half of the person you were to me and to everyone else...I would be successful..

If only I knew..

i would never here your voice again,

I would cherish your every world...

Every inflection of your voice..

with all my heart..

I guess that is why I still have you last message you left me still saved on my answering machine.. I even made Kenny save it on the computer so i will always remember your voice. I try to read a little scripture every night in your bible before I go to sleep. That smell that only brings back the best memories when i open it up. Your last words to me were "I love you" and then you said for me to tell Kenny you said bye and that you love him. Weren't you ever afraid ?

You always here time heals all pains, but I just miss you more. I still needed my Maw Lucy, how selfish that is, but it is how I feel. I keep telling myself it should be a celebration of the life you did live, of all the glorious and wonderful things you did do. Now that I can barely see through these swollen eyes to type.. I will just say goodnight and miss ya maw...

Ashley

Another day in Paradise

2008-08-05T18:13:00.000-10:00

Today we finally did sleep in like we normally do during the summer. It was nice to know there are no more boxes that need my attention. It was even better to not have Mr. Peacock wake us all up at 6:00am. This peacock loves it our backyard, and he brings his peeps along to annoy us all. The funny part to me is that our dogs are scared of them. They actually like to taunt the dogs. For any of ya'll that know peanut he is the one who likes to chase them whenever he has a chance. My dad called today just to check in and I love when family calls. Being so far from home you don't want to feel like your forgotten. I can't wait for their vi st in October. They only other important thing that i did today was bring some pictures and documents of Kennys to get framed. That is highway robbery : ( it is so expensive to get anything framed and even more because we are on a freakin island. Well thats all I have for today, hope everyone had a great day and remember we all can make a difference..

Ashley

I had a husband for the weeknd : )

2008-08-04T16:00:00.000-10:00

This weekend was fabulous by any military standards. Kenny got to spend the weekend at home with us and not on the Los Angeles. We made the best of our weekend and had great family time. Kelsey and Kenny got to have a daddy and daughter date at Starbucks. Cort wanted to go on a kayak with Kenny and he also got to have his day too. I just wanted alone time :0 Sunday we also had dinner with some new friends down our street. It was a great weekend and was very sad it had to come to an end.

I am new at this blog thing, so sorry for the short post..