It has been far too long

I haven't blogged in what seems like forever. I'll be honest life has gotten the best of me. With trying to survive my last semester of college, plan a wedding, and figure out to do with my life, I really haven't any time to blog. I have been on & have been reading all of your blogs. But I'm a horrible person and I haven't even left a single comment. For that, I apologize. I promise I'm going to try blogging so much more. With college ending in a short 38 days (OMG ! Panic mood), I will hopefully have more time to devote to my blog and following everyones.


On that note, I should probably catch ya'll up on my life, if you're interested that is! :P The last time I blogged, back in February hubs and I were trying to decide if I was going to go out to Japan to visit him. Well we decided that I would. And it was the very best decision! We realllly needed to see each other and spend some quality time together. Aside from being in Tokyo when the earthquake happened (that's a whole other story) the trip was amazing. I got to see J's base and where he works. I got to meet his friends and some coworkers. And I really got to experience what life is like on the Island. I didn't want to leave and I had a really hard time walking away after the week was over. But I'm planning another trip for June, with another Milspouse. As long as J is still there. He's supposed to be hearing news soon about coming home and doing all his separation stuff. It's bittersweet. We've been together for 2 years, and all this time we've been a military couple. Now, we're going to be a civilian couple. It's a strange feeling. Exciting, nervous, anxious, happy all rolled up into one little ball. I'm excited and happy for no more separations, no more deployments, no more long distance phone calls or skype dates. But I'm nervous and anxious because I have no idea what comes next. He knows what he wants to do when he gets out. But who knows where his job will take us? But as long as him and I are together, that is really all that matters to me. Sometimes, I wish he'd reenlist. The reassurance of always having a job, healthcare, money in the bank..all of that helps me feel better about the future. But right now, it's like everything is so uncertain. We have noo idea where we'll be 10 months from now. I think what I'm going to miss most of all is having this loving community of military spouses that I can go to, day or not, phone or email, and they are always there. with no hesitation, no pause, nothing. they are always there to comfort me. And after this year, I won't belong to that group anymore. So, where will I belong? I don't really know I guess. I am exciting to start this new chapter and really start our lives together. But I'm soo nervous too.


Speaking of Milspouses, I was reading another Milspouse's blog (sorry, can't remember who!) and there was a post about another Milspouse posting about ending her life. I just want to say my prayers are with you. I have heard that it was unsuccesful and you are still with us, on this earth. And I pray to God that it stays that way. I don't understand why, but just know there are tons and tons of people who are thinking of you and praying for you. This post really got me thinking about how short life truly is. I mean, I've known it, obviously. I feel like we all have, especially because we are Military wives. But still. It just really got me thinking and appreciating the people in my life even more. Jessica, I am praying for you and I really hope you find comfort in how many people have been praying for you and thinking of you.


I promise to write more! I need to get to homework now.

Do or don't?

I'm not quite sure what to do. J & I have been talking about me going to Japan for Spring Break. I have a week off of classes, with doing going on here..so why not? We really want to see each other. It's so different when there's a computer screen between the two of you. & I must say, I'm a bit sick of blowing kisses to a webcam. Don't get me wrong, I am so grateful we get to video chat as often as we do. But I'm ready to be in his arms again. I know, I know, he did just come home for Christmas. But I want to go out there. I want to his base, I want to see the beautiful ocean, and eat their foods. I just want to be with my J. There's a huge possibility that J is getting out of the Marine Corps earlier then expected. So my plan to visit the entire summer isn't going to happen..which I'm super happy about. I'd much rather him be home & out of the Corps earlier then planned, then spend my summer there. So, Spring Break is really my only option to go out there.


So why not go? Oh I'll tell you why not..flights are expensive, actually they're beyond expensive. On top of that, we need to find somewhere for me to stay for the week I'm out there, because I obviously can't sleep in his barracks..or maybe I can sneak it..Haha. Just kidding. So I looked into the hotels that they have on his base. There is one on his actually base, and a tons of others on the other bases. The one on his base is about $75 a night. Which, comparatively, isn't that bad. If I were to stay off base at a regular hotel, it would be double that..probably even triple in some places. So we decided..I'd stay at this hotel. It's right near his barracks & work. So it's a prime location. & since it's so close, obviously he'd stay with me. Perfect, right? Wrong. When J called the hotel the other day to talk about making a reservation, the lady told him that March is PCS season. So, anyone that's PCSing will be put on the list before us. Okay, that makes sense. I understand. But she said because there will probably be soo many people PCSing, we're on Space A at the moment. She pretty much told  him, there is no guarantee your wife will have some place to stay. Well what the hell am I supposed to do?! She suggested going to the other bases hotels but, again, it's PCS season, apparently, so she said they're probably going to fill up pretty fast too. Ughhh. Even if I can stay in a hotel on another base, that's a cab ride J has to take to work every morning. Which is going to add up..to buckoo bucks! So now, we need to decide what to do. I can go out there & hope they have some place for me to stay, or find somewhere off base. Why does this all have to be soo expensive. I wish I were a millionaire!


On a completely different note. I'm starting to get into the nitty gritty of wedding planning. I go to meet with a florist tomorrow. I was wondering if you ladies had any ideas of flower types. I know for my bouquet I want red roses. But I'm not sure what I would like my Bridesmaids to carry. Our wedding is in November. & the girls are wearing read. So far, red is the only color I have picked out. I was thinking of doing small gold accents here & there. But I'm not sure..any ideas? I do know that I don't want anything blue. But I was thinking of having the girls carry white flowers..uhh I have noo idea! Any ideas at all would be sooo helpful! :)

I'm back :)

It has been wayy too long since I've posted. Let's see..last time I wrote, J was coming home for Christmas. I must say, it was the best Christmas I've ever had. I can't even explain how great it felt being able to spend this Christmas with my husband. We didn't get to spend the holidays together last year because he was deployed. And we were both so worried he wouldn't get leave to come home. But luckily, the Marines were nice this time and he got to come home! We spent 10 wonderful days together. We spent time doing all the wonderful things couples do during the holidays..we drank hot chocolate & looked at Christmas lights, we watched a ton of Christmas movies, made a gingerbread house, went to mass together on Christmas eve, exchanged gifts, and got our pictures taken by Taylor @ Skinnie Piggie. Her husband is good friends with J. So it was great being able to catch up with them. Overall, the 10 days we got to spend together were absolutely amazing. I'm not sure when we'll see each other next..hopefully for spring break. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas & New Years. Here's some pictures that Taylor took! :)

After the holidays, I left for India. It was much better then I thought it was going to be. I was having a problem adjusting at first and I was reallly homesick the first week there. I didn't like the food at all. But after awhile I got used to it. The culture is completely different. Besides the food and the way they treat the women, I loved almost all of the culture. The music was awesome. And their clothing is adorable. I loved the exchange rate..haha. I definitely spent too much money! Overall though, tt was definitely a life changing experience. I don't regret going. It changed the way I thought about alot of things..but I don't think I'd go back.

Good news..I found my wedding dress!! :)

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

A little over a week!!

In a little over a week, my hubby will be home for Christmas!! Yayy! He's only been gone just about two months & I miss him like crazyyyy. We talk almost everyday and skype every day on the weekends, but for some reason being away from him has been really hard on me. So, needless to say, I am so very excited! This is our second Christmas as a couple, but it's our first time being able to celebrate the holidays together. He was deployed on Christmas last year. So this is our first official Christmas together! Yay!! I can't wait to do all the wonderful Christmasy things together, like bake cookies and listen to Christmas music, look at Christmas lights and watch all the wonderful Christmas movies together. Christmas is my all time favorite part of the year. I love absolutely everything about it. And I just cannot wait to spend it with my honey :) And school is almost over for the semester! Ohhh yeahh!! Tomorrow is the last day of classes and then I have four finals next week. And then it's hubby time for 10 whole days!! Ahhh! But then...I leave for India. And I haven't decided if I'm excited about my trip or really nervous..I think it's a little of both. I'm excited to experience an entirely different culture. But I'm really nervous..nervous about the food, the people, my safety. All sorts of things. J says it shouldn't be too terrible. But what does he know lol. 


Life has been extremely hectic lately & I'm sorry I haven't written. I hope everything had a wonderful Thanksgiving! The past couple of weeks I've been trying to get all of my school work finished & get everything ready for my trip to India. I've also been feeling really down lately. Not only because J isn't here..but because of my "friends". There are a few people that I realized, in the last couple of weeks, that I just cannot rely on. These people made so many promises to me.."We'll always be there for you." "When J is gone, we'll hang out alll the time"..yeah, well I guess promises don't mean much to people these days. I thought I could count on these people and go to them whenever I needed to talk about J being away. But every time I try, they're "too busy" to hang out or they don't pick up when I  call or return my phone calls. So I've been trying to make it through all of this. But I  know I'll get through this..with or without them. 

Time difference

I really hate the time difference between where J is in Japan and where I am in Maryland..14 hours..when I'm waking up, he's getting ready for  bed. When he's waking up he's so rushed to get into work on time so we don't have much time to talk. Don't get my wrong, I am ecstatic I get to talk to my hubby as much I do. I really am soo lucky. But sometimes, it just gets too annoying. On the weekends we talk all the time. And then once the week starts, it's back to conflicting time  schedules and trying to catch each other before I go to class or he goes into work. I am getting super excited though because he gets to come home for Christmas!! Yayy :) My countdown has officially started! We get to spend 10 whole days together! I know it's not much, but it is definitely better then nothing! And then 3 days after Christmas, I'm headed to India for 3 weeks..and I don't know if I'm excited or not. =/ I have to Study Abroad for school, so I'm going to India. I'm excited to experience another culture, but I'm really worried about the whole safety issue. J says it's not too terrible there..but uhh I don't know if I believe him! hahaa. 


I really need to change my design on my blog. I'm not a fiancée any more, I'm a wife! I just wish I had the time. School has been keeping so busy..and stressed. But, I guess it's not too bad. I'd rather have things to do to make the time go by faster then have nothing to do at all. But still, who knew senior year of college would be soo stressful. I know I wasn't expected it! Have any ideas of how I should spiff up blog? Let me know!


I've been seeing pictures on the blogs I read of the Marine Corps Ball...and I must admit..I'm a bit jealous. I really wish I could have gone with my Marine. This is his last one, so I'll never have a chance to go. Unless he goes as a civilian next year. I don't know, we shall see I guess. All you ladies looked beautiful, by the way!


Well I need to get back to my school work..ughhh! Hope everyone's week is going well! <3

Happy Birthday Marines!

Happy 235th Birthday Marine Corps! Thank you to all the brave men and women that fight for our freedom, fight for the things people take for granted, fight for me and for you. I am so blessed to be married to a Marine. I'm new the Marine lifestyle, so I don't know much. But I do know how thankful I am for the Marine Corps (and all other services too!) for what they do for us every single day and the sacrifices they make for our freedom. Oohrah! Semper fi! <3

It's not goodbye; it's see you later

J left on Friday. I feel so alone. I feel like the biggest part of my life is missing. I thought it would be easier this time around. It's not Afghanistan. It's not a war zone. It's just another country. But I was wrong. It is so hard. I miss him so much. I haven't talked to him yet. I just want to hear his voice. I want to know how he's doing, what he's seeing, if he likes the base, if the people are nice. I really was hoping this would go easier. But I can't stop crying. I feel so alone. It hurt so bad when I had to walk out of the airport without holding his hand or not being able to wake up to him the next morning or fall asleep in his arms. I really hope this will get easier..

We are..

...married!! We got married two weeks ago in the local courthouse. We weren't planning on getting married until November of next year, but since he's PCSing to Japan, we figured this was the very best thing for us. And we couldn't be happier! The day we got married, Thursday October 14, was not what I had imagined it would be. It was rainy and freezing! My hair was a mess, I tripped a million times because of my heels, the food at the restaurant wasn't all that great. But despite it all, it was absolutely perfect. I honestly wouldn't change a thing. I am so blessed and lucky to have this man as my husband. I truly am the luckiest person in this whole world. I have no idea what I would do without J in my life. He completes me in every way possible and with him I can just be myself. He's my best friend, my hero, my soul mate, and my husband. I am a truly blessed lady! Okay, enough with the words..here's some pictures!!

I do <3

With this ring...

I thee wed <3

I now pronounce you Husband and Wife <3

It was the very best day of my entire life. We're still having a real wedding next November. But for now, we did this for us. I am soo happy!

But then again..I'm sad :( Tomorrow, at 9:00 AM,  J leaves for Japan. Ughhh. This whole thing really stinks. I'm going to miss him so much. I am so thankful he's not going back to Afghanistan. But still, having to say "See you soon" to him at the airport is going to be so hard. We just got married, we should be spending all of our time together. Ugh this is horrible. Please, someone tell me this is going to get easier :(

TOMORROW!!

The day is finally here! Tomorrow J and I are getting married. We're having a very small ceremony with my family and a few close friends. Oh my gosh, I can't believe that tomorrow I am marrying my best friend, my soul mate, the person I am spending the rest of my life with. Having a small ceremony like this was not what we were expecting at all...but I know tomorrow will be absolutely perfect. Who cares if it's supposed to pour tomorrow or there are people that don't support us. We're meant to be together. Forever. There is nothing in this world tha would change my feelings for him. He is an incredible man. And I am the luckiest girl in this entire world! We're getting married! Ahhhh!!! :) 

It's been awhile

It's been awhile since I've written. Life has just been crazy. School is keeping me insanely busy. And J and I are trying to spend as much time together as we possible can. He leaves the end of this month. Still no word on the exact date; but it should be around the 29th. I honestly can't believe he's leaving again...and for a year this time. His deployment to Afghanistan was supposed to be his last. He was supposed to be stable here. He wasn't supposed to be PCSable. But of course, as it alway happens with the military, everything changed. Ugh. I knew, when I met him, he could leave whenever they wanted him to. I knew anything were possible with the military. But it doesn't change the fact that this whole situation still sucks. It freakin' blows. A year seems like an eternity. But I know God will bring us through it. J has been told by numerous people that he should be able to come back here to take classes..some classes are a week, others are close to a month. I reallllly hope he can do this. I really hope they let him take as many classes as he wants, so he can just keep coming back here hahaha. I'm planning a trip to go visit him next May, after graduation. I just have noo idea how I'm going to pay for a hotel. My mom said she'd pay for the airplane..which is expensive enough! Now, I have to figure out a way to raise money to stay in a hotel out there. Hopefully I'll be able to find something not too expensive. 


Aside from J leaving, I have some really great news! J and I decided that we didn't want to not be married before he leaves for Japan. So..next Thursday we are going to have a very small, intimate ceremony. We decided this is what is best for us. Getting married before he leaves is the best decision. In the end, I still won't be going with him, which sucks. But we'll be married. And that's what we truly want. We're still having a huge wedding and celebration next November, like I've been planning. Nothing has really changed. We just know that this small ceremony right now is the very best thing for us. There is always a chance that he'll be going back out to Afghanistan..and we didn't want to risk it. So, we're doing it! I am soooo excited!!! Though, there are some people that are too supportive. It really hurts to think that these people are really trying to understand where we're coming from. I just wish everyone would support us in this decision. But you know what, who cares. Nothing or no one is going to take away this feeling! This is the best feeling in the entire world! This time next, I will be his wife! eeeep!! :) 


I hope you all are having a great week! I've been on and reading all of your blogs, just haven't had the time to blog..until now haha. I hope everyone has a great weekend! 

A blog makeover and new information

I finally figured out how to makeover my blog, just the way I want it. Thanks to my wonderful fiancé and his sweet powerpoint skills, I updated it and changed it around a bit. I'm pretty content with it. But now that I know how to go about designing it, I'll probably change like a million more times. Haha.

About a week or so ago, J got new information on Japan. Unfortunately, his orders are already cut, so there is no changing them. Even if we were to get married before he left the States. His orders say unaccompanied, and so that's the way they're staying. It really sucks. But hopefully he'll be able to come for Christmas and/or graduation. And I'm already planning my trip out there next summer. I've talked to several different girls whose significant other is in another country, or going to another country shortly. From what I hear, we'll be able to Skype and he can get a Japanese cell phone and what not. But still. It doesn't make it better. I know I shouldn't be complaining all that much, he's not going back to Afghanistan. And he will be safe. I honestly have no right to complain all that much. I'm so grateful that it's not Afghanistan. But I honestly can't even begin to imagine how lonely I'll be without him here. I've been trying so hard not to complain about. Because again, he will be safe and he is still living and breathing. But it's just so hard, ya know? Half the days I want to scream and yell and cry and just fall asleep, wake up and it all be a dream. And the other half of the days I think to myself that it really will be okay. And the year will fly by. But what if I'm wrong and what if this next year seems like an eternity? ughh. He has to report to Japan by the end of October. We have about a month left together. That's about 30 days to do some many thing together. There is just tons of stuff we thought we'd have all the time in the world for. But now, now we don't. I have to figure out a way to plan and organize out entire wedding by myself. I know we'll be able to talk about through email and Skype and what not, but it just wont be the same. I have to find us somewhere to live when he comes home. I have to register for all the wedding stuff. I have to make our payments. I have to do it all, all alone. It sucks. But again, I feel absolutely horrible for complaining. I know some of you wonderful ladies are dealing with deployments and everything else. I really just should not be complaining. 


I just really hope the next year goes by faster than the speed of light... 

Oh, the waiting game

..yup, that's what my man and I are playing. The lovely and fun game of waiting. Waiting to hear some sort of news..anything at all..good or bad..about his PCS orders. He found nearly 2 weeks ago about his orders to Japan. And he has yet to hear anything else about it. Really? Nothing, nothing at all. And he's supposed to leave in a month. Ohhh the joys of the military! blahhh. J hasn't decided if he wants to extend or not. So for the past couple of days, he's been debating back and forth which would be the best thing for him, for me, for us. It's a really tough decision. And I most definitely don't want to be the reason he choses to extend. I don't want him to hate life all because of me. So for now, I guess I just have to sit back and let him decide this on his own..ohh and wait on the Marines some more haha.

School started last week. And I'm stressed out already, Of course I knew it would be stressful, it is my senior year of college after all. But this stressful, this early in the semester? This cannot be a good sign haha. Surprisingly, I like all the classes I'm taking. But I have no idea why I decided to take 6 classes in one semester. Oh well. At least I'll have all this work to keep me occupied when hubs leaves for Japan.

Well now it's back to waiting..and school work..and more waiting. Ughh! Hope you all had a great 4 day weekend!! :)

Japan..in less then 2 months, really?!

I'm sitting in bed, writing this post with tears in my eyes. This has been one of the worst weekends of my entire life. The only other time I felt this sad was the day J left for Afghanistan last September. So why? Why all the tears? Why the horrible weekend? The Marines..the wonderful Marine Corps is screwing us over..again. What a surprise!

It all started Thursday evening. J got a text from a friend saying he got orders to PCS to California, along with 16 other Marines. J's friend told him he was more than likely going to receive the orders as well. Okay, no big deal. I can move out to Cali come May after graduation. It was sucky, but it wasn't the end of the world. And then Friday morning happened. J left for work at 7:00 and not more then an hour later, my phone rings. It's J...telling me he got orders to PCS to Japan....as in the country in Asia..the one that is like a million miles away from here. We have absolutely no idea why the Marines would be sending him over there. What he does here is totally different than what he'd be doing all the way over there. J only has 14 months left of his contract. By the time he gets out there, he'll have just about 12 months left. So why? Why on earth would they be sending him there for a year? What would the Marine Corps be gaining from this...absolutely nothing if you ask me. But the Marines like to do what benefits them, not anyone else.

After J called me with this wonderful (all kinds of sarcastic!!) news, I did all types of research..weather, food, base housing, pets, everything. Just to kind of get a heads up. So by now, after the tears fade, the idea has finally gotten through..we're going to Japan. And then J gets home from work and gives me more bad news. If I were to go on this little adventure to Japan with him, we'd have to be married..and he would have to extend his contract by at least another two years. Okay, first of all, our wedding isn't until November of 2011. If we were to marry before, my finacial aid and scholarships would change drastically and I just wouldn't be able to afford it. There is always the possibility of dropping out of school. But I don't really want to do that. I graduate in May. I am soo close. I only have this year left, why quit now? And J is absolutely against extending. He wants to get out as soon as he can..which i understandable. So now, he's faced with a really though decision. He can chose to go away for the year without me. Or extend and I go out there in May...if that's even allowed. We don't even know if the Marines will even allow that because right now his PCS orders are for him being unaccompanied. Who knows if anyone will actually care that we're married and I want to come out their in May. Everything is just a mess. I don't want to be the reason he extends. I don't want him to be that unhappy for sooo long. But I don't want to be away from him for an entire year. This is a really sucky situation. He has to report by Oct 31. He has the entire month of Oct off to pack and get out there. We have little over a month to make all these decisions. The Marines are screwing everything up..again. Afghanistan was supposed to be the last time he went anywhere. He was told he would be stablized here in MD. But no, the Marines want what they want. And now, everything is changing. A year is way too long to be away from each other. But extending it for two years is wayy too long in Japan when he wants to be out. Ughhh, Marines, please make this easier! =/

Slacker

I have been the biggest slacker. I have neglected my blog :( Life has just been soo busy. I've been getting everything ready for school, babysitting almost everyday, J and I have been to the movies, cookouts, and have been doing everything else under the sun. But I have the week off from babysitting so I finall have some time to blog and catch up. The last time I blogged, I told you all about my mom's tumors..Well, last Thursday she had surgery to get them removed. Everything went great! The doctor told us after the surgery that the tumors looked to be benign..of course we have to wait for the final test results. But the doctor said we shouldn't worry. Thank you, Lord. I can't even explain the relief I felt once I heard the doctor tell us that. She's still in alot of pain..but we're all in great spirits. Thank you everyone who kept us all in your prayers.

I started Zumba this week. And I love it. I bought the DVDs because I didn't want to take a class and embarass myself in front of everyone haha. I've done it twice already and it is soo much fun. I hate working out, I hate going to the gym, I even hate sweating. I know, I know, it's a natural thing. But for some reason, I think it's just gross. haha. But Zumba makes working out soo much fun and by the time it was over I didn't even know I was sweating lol. I do it right in our living room. It is soo easy and convenient. I'm not trying to lose alot of weight. I just want to stay fit and exercise. When J deployed, I didn't workout at all. And I was stressed, so I ate alot. Soo hopefully Zumba-ing will keep my fit and active.

Speaking of Zumba, I'm going to do it now haha. Hope everyone has a great day!

Updates, ideas, and prayers

It's been a few days since I've blogged. I've been on and reading all of your wonderful blogs. I just haven't really been in the mood to write. Usually I'm always in the mood to write, especially when I'm feeling as down as I have been these last few days. As I said in my last post, my mom has a tumor...well come to find out it is two tumors...and to make matters worse her doctor seems to think at least one is cancerous :( We find out tomorrow for sure..soo please pray for my momma. She's a srong lady, I know she'd kick cancers' ass, but still, it's heartbreaking knowing there is nothing I can do for her. She's a trooper though. All week she's been hanging in there and in very good spirits. So please, just keep her in your thoughts.

I start school in one month. Ughhh. I am excited. It is my senior year of college. I'm just soo not read to be stressed out again! Haha. But I am supposed to study abroad before I graduate in the Spring, so that should be very fun! Before school starts back up, I want to do something. Like Zumba. Has any of you ladies every done it? It looks like alot of work, but sooo much fun! I was thinking of ordering the DVD to do in the living room, so I don' have to take the class in front of people. I've danced for years, but it's been awhile and I definitely don't want to make a fool out of myself in front of a class full of people. I'm also trying to talk J into doing it with me. You know those Marines like to stay in shape haha! But who know if he'll actually do it. I hope so though! ;)

I also want to change my blog. I read all of your blogs and everyone has really adorable headers and backgrounds and stuff.. butttt I have absolutely no idea how to do any of that. Does anyone have any tips or ideas as to how I can make my blog somewhat cute. I wish I was computer savvy as most people are these days..But I am not and cannot seem to decorate or redo my blog the way I have in mind. So any ideas/tips would be greatly appreciated!

Have you ladies seen those adorable bags made out of cammies? With ribbons and colors and everything adorable like that?! Well I am dying to find a cute one to use for my school books this year. I don't want to spend tons of money on one, but I think the are super cute and a fun way to support our men. Anyone make them or know anyone who does?! :)

I plan on doing a post on what we have planned for the wedding soo far..not much but we do have the ceremony and reception site booked..so maybe this week I'll share some pictures!

I hope everyone's weeks are going well and enjoying the last bit of summer!

Surprises

Hi everyone! I hope everyone had a fabulous weekend! I know I did. Friday was my 21st birthday. A group of my cloest girlfriends and their men came out with J and I to celebrate. We went to dinner at the Greene Turtle..yummy! And then we went to Downtown Annapolis to a few bars. I had soo much fun! I drank wayyy too much though. . I don't party alot. But when I do, I party hard. And this time was way too hard. I ended up getting sick. But from what everyone keeps saying that means I celebrated the right way haha. I'll put up some pictures either later or tomorrow..gotta find my camera cord first!

On Saturday, J told me I had to leave the apartment..I wasn't allowed to be their during the day..I was a little conufsed but I left anyway. Before I did, though, I got a delivery. A bouquet of gorgeous flowers...roses, lillies, carnations. They are gourgeous. J did a great job picking them out! :) Later on that evening, I arrive back to the apartment with my cousin to a surprise party my wonderful fiance threw for me! I was sooo surpirsed. We had a yummy BBQ, some people went swimming, and we spent the evening shooting pool, drinking, and just hanging out. It was soo much fun! I am the luckiest girl in the world to have this man by my side :)

Who doesn't like surprises? I absolutely love surprises. The flowers and the parties were wonderful surprises from my love and my bestest friends. However, yesterday I was faced with a horrible, unwated surprise. I wish I could just rewind time and forget this surprise :( My mom has been having abnormal pain during her time of the month. What normally would be a few cramps has turned into unbearable pain for her. A heating pad, tylenol, midol, nothing helps her. I feel so horrible for her. Well, she went to the doctor and she has a tumor on her ovary. When I was 7, she had a tumor on her other ovary, which lucky was caught in time and removed. As of now, we don't know much about this tumor. All we know is she needs major surgery...and soon. So please please please pray for her :( What started as a great week has turned into one of worry and sadness..I just hope they got in time and it doesn't turn out to be any worse.

Life..

Life has been a little crazy lately. I haven't any time to blog, and I feel horrible about it! I've been babysitting all the time. Then I come home, spend sometime with J, and then we go to bed. I have been so behind in cleaning, and laundry, and blogging, and everything. I've been trying ti figure out what to do for my 21st birthday this Friday. I've been trying to organize all the things for the wdding..payments..and ideas..and a million other things. I've just been trying to get everything around here organized. Fall semester is starting in a little over a month and I know it will be soo crazy. So I'm trying to get organized and stuff done before it gets too crazy.

About a month ago, J and I booked the venue for the ceremony and reception. I am soo pleased with our decision. From the very first time we saw the place, I knew this was it. It just instantly hit me. This is where we are supposed to be married. We're supposed to start our lives together. I am soo happy. We're having both the ceremony and the reception in the same place. This was very beneficial to us. We don't have to pay to have a limo. At first, I was a little disappointed. I had envisioned arriving in a limo. But we're on a very tight budget, so I think it's best not to fork out alot of money for transportation. When booking with this venue, we also get our wedding cake and our DJ. So there are 2 huge things out of the way already! I've been looking online for little things. We're going to purchase little things throughout the next year so it's not like wham! right in the face with a bunch of things we have to get. I found a cute Marine and Bride cake topper. I found a Marine garter. And some other things. Instead of favors, I think we're going to pick a Marine Charity to make a donation to. Does anyone have any ideas of Military Charities? Either for the troops? Or for families on the homefront? I want to find a really special one. I mean, obviously they are all special, but I want to find one that really speaks to me. Ya know? Well anyway, that's my life at the moment. I finally have time to read you blogs and then I'm going shopping for a birthday outfit for Friday!

I hope everyone has a great day!

I'm so surprised and thankful :)

There are some rules to this award:

1. Thank the person who gave you the award

2. Share seven things about you

3. Nominate 15 newly discovered blogs

4. Let your nominees know about the award!

1. Thank you soooo much Miss C. @ http://www.tacpwifey.blogspot.com . You have made me soo happy! I never won anything at all, ever. Thank you so much, pretty lady!! :)

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1. I am so excited that I won this award. When I started my blog I never imagined anyone would want to follow it and I never ever imagined I'd receieve an award for it. I have the biggest smile on my face :)

2. J and I just booked the venue for the wedding and reception (post soon to come!). It feels soo good knowing we have a place and a date and everything is falling into place

3. Speaking of J, he is my very best friend. We have our ups and downs, but he is the very best thing to happen to me. I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with him.

4. I have a kitten, but he doesn't live with J and I because roommates are allergic. But I love him soo much. His name is Nicholas and he is like my baby. He's my pride and joy :)

5. I've been dancing since I could walk. A few years ago I hurt my knee pretty bad, so I haven't danced since, I miss it soo much.

6. I am a very picky eater. I don't ever try new things. I stick with what I know I like and that makes me happy.

7. I hate my name. I mean don't get me wrong, I like the name Lauren for other people. But I don't like it for me, at all.

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Nominees!

Life of Meg @ http://megnificentlife.blogspot.com/

GI Joe's Wife @ http://gijoeswife.blogspot.com/

It's Something Beautiful @ http://life-itssomethingbeautiful.blogspot.com/

New Girl on Post @ http://newgirlonpost.blogspot.com/

Flip Flops & Combat Boots @ http://flipflopcombatboots.blogspot.com/

Miss C @ http://tacpwifey.blogspot.com/

Life is a Beautiful Mess @ http://katelyn0703.blogspot.com/

I know, I know..it's only 7. Buttt I have to find more blogs I love.

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Sorry it's been awhile since I've blogged. Life has just been crazy lately. Butt J and I booked the ceremony and reception site for the wedding! We found a place to have both the ceremony and reception there! I'm soo excited. I'll do a post on it soon! Hope you all have a wonderful day!! :)

PB & J and Scrabble by candle light

Well last night was interesting. I had to babysit Sofia and Max until like 9:30 last night and J was home by himself just hanging out and playing xbox (what a surprise haha). It started getting stormy out but I figured it would just pass. Around 8pm, J texted me and told me the power went out in the apartment...well not just our apartment but the whole apartment complex..every building..and the traffic lights right outside..and the shopping center across the street. I figured it would kick back on within the hour...well I was soo wrong.

The power stayed out all night long. But instead of getting grumpy and complaining about the heat we made the best of it. We made yummy PB & J sandwhichs..it has be forever since I had a good peanut butter and jelly sandwhich. And then we played scrabble in the dark with a few candles lit. Surprisingly, it was alot of fun. It was a little hot in the apartment, but it was fun. We had nothing bothering us. Both our cell phones were just about dead and we couldn't charge them. We couldn't watch any shows or play any xbox. We couldn't check facebook or email. It was relaxing...really relaxing. J and I had time to just hang out and enjoy each others company. We weren't distracted by the outside world. It was a lovely evening to just catch up and enjoy each other. I hated that the power went out..but I loved the time got to spend with my man :)

I've also noticed I'm getting a few more followers...hello and thank you to everyone who is reading ths blog :) I know at times it may be boring and I know I slack off wayyy too much. But to my followers, thank you for reading and I enjoy reading all of your blogs :)

I'm back..finally!

Hello hello hello! I've missed you all sooo much!! I hope everyone has had a wonderful last couple of weeks! J and I got back from our vacation to Myrtle Beach early Saturday morning. And since then I've been catching up, running errands, doing lotsss of laundry, catching up on blogs, and I got a small part time job for the summer. It's Nannying for these adorable kids. Sophia and Max. I absolutely adore them already. But I finally have some time to blog! Yayyy! :)

Myrtle Beach was soo much fun! I did things and ate things I never thought I would. haha. I hate to admit this..but I don't know how to swim. I just have to laugh at myself. It's funny that I'll be 21 in less than a month and I don't know how to swim. Buttt I let J take me out into the ocean. Normally I'll walk out to about my knees. But I was feeling brave last week, so I went out alot farther than I think I had wanted. But it was soo much fun. It's a good thing I trust him haha! I also tried food I never thought I'd eat. I'm a veryy picky eater. Butt I tried alot of new things. Needless to say, I'm soo proud of myself! It was a really great week. I'm soo happy we got to visit some place neither one of us had been. And it was alot of fun hanging out with my dad and brother. Here are a few pictures from our trip!

This was hanging on the wall in a restaurant. They had a whole wall dedicated to the troops.

Looking for seashells

J and I on the beachh!

Dedication to the troops for Memorial Day

J and I shopping at the outlets

I hope everyone has a wonderful day! Can't wait to finish catching up on everyone's blogs! :)