Memorial Day

Today is Memorial Day, as we all know. I'm going to be honest for a minute here with you. When I was a child I knew what Memorial Day was, but I mainly focused on the idea of having a day off from school and barbecuing. Then I married a military man. Now Memorial Day is a day of reverence. A day to remember those who have sacrificed their lives for our country and the families that have made the same sacrifice. 

I think of my dear friend Emily. I remember we had just moved into our home in Washington. I was new to the "active duty Army life" and I saw this woman setting up her own fence in her back yard. I thought to myself, "wow! that woman is tough and strong". Unfortunately only a month later, Emily's true strength would be tested. Tom was killed May 28, 2007 in Iraq. I never met Tom, he deployed before I had the honor or knowing him. Emily has done such a wonderful job of honoring and remembering Tom that I feel as if I have always known him.  Tom was a father, brother, son, friend, and husband. Emily is not the only one who has lost the love of her life - there are others. Fathers who have never met their newborn/unborn babies, sons who will never marry and have families of their own. 

Today, please stop whatever you are doing, pause for just a moment, and remember those who have given their lives for you. Remember the families who have lost their loved ones. Today is not a day to thank those who currently serve our country (that's Veterans Day) but to remember those who have died serving. 

Yay Baby Seester

I was on a roll with this blogging thing, then bam! The door is shut and silence. I went to Montana to see my sister (baby) graduate from college. Since being back home I had my final week of classes, my parents here, Christian's birthday, Mother's Day, volunteering at the kids' school, and trying to put my house back on the clean list. So....that's why I've been bad about blogging.

Back to my sister's graduation. I'm so proud of here. She has such a heart for children, especially those with special needs. She has struggled through school her while life and had to take a break from college to care for our mom at one point. She is so selfless and giving. It was such a great opportunity to celebrate her and her achievement together a a family. My parents were very gracious and bought me and my brother plane tickets to come see her graduate. I wish we could've all been there- but it was neat to have the "original family" together again. I think the last time it was the five of us, it was 1999.

Dairy free Ranch Dressing

I found the best Dairyfree/Vegan Ranch Dressing recipe. I make it all the time and in fact, I found a dairy free ranch at the commissary but everyone loves this one. Click here for the link.

The only product you may not have on hand is the veganaise. I have found it at Publix or any specialty super market.

Five favorite smells

I find it amazing that a particular smell can remind you of a special event, make you feel safe, or turn your tummy. Today I'm going to share with you my five favorite smells and please comment what your five favorites are. This will be fun!

1. Gain 

2. Rain/thunderstorm after a hot summer day

3. Clean babies

4. Flowers (but seriously, who doesn't like the smell of flowers)

5. My husband

This is going to be gross, but I love the smell of his deodorant and body wash. When he is all clean, his smell relaxes and comforts me.

Pineapple/banana smoothie

I found this smoothie on Pinterest and had to share since it was so stinkin' good.

1 1/2 cup pineapple (fresh is best!)
1 banana
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 cup ice
1/2 cup water or pineapple juice (I use water)

Blend and enjoy!

Anxious

Thursday I'm leaving for five days/four nights and flying to Montana to see my little sister graduate. I'm so stinkin' proud of her and thanks to my parents I can be apart of this joyous day. 

The reason why I titled this post "anxious" is because I can't seem to stop thinking about being away from my two precious kiddos. Yes I know I will be away from my husband - but honestly - this military wife is use to being separated from him for years on end. Don't get me wrong, I always miss him when he is gone, but it's nothing new.

However, with my kiddos, I have only been away from them maybe 15 days of their little lives. Cut the cord, right? Because Rande's job is so unstable, I try to be the stability for them - their constant. I feel as if I'm going into the doctor to have my arm or my leg amputated.

Today God laid a verse on my heart, Philipians 4:6, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God". So I prayed and I petitioned to God to give me the peace he promises in the following verse (7).

So today I have a peace. I know that this weekend away will be good for the kids and for me.

I couldn't resist and had to share this picture of Ashlee. She was probably 3 years old and dressed as Hannah Montana for Halloween. Too cute.

This guy has the best smile and looks so much (and acts) like his dad.

4th of July in 2009 right before Afghanistan deployment. Their smiles just melt my heart.

Can I have a redo?

So I've been such a horrible blogger, but I don't know if anyone has noticed. I would love for my blog to be great and for thousands of people to read it and be inspired, however, when you DON'T blog, it's difficult to attain a faithful audience.

Honestly though, I am so busy with school work I just want to "veg" my brain for a while and not have to think. I guess those moments I can simply share a picture, song, anything simple, right?

Anyways, let me update you on "THE HENDERSONS" and what's been going on since October.

In NOVEMBER:

I ran my first 1/2 Marathon. I don't remember the time, but it wasn't anything to brag about. I did finish and that's all that matters (I also ran without stopping - except for one potty break). 13.1 miles ran.....check! Here are some pictures of me and my neighbor who was my running buddy and trainer.

Before and After

The day after my marathon we had family pictures taken, as you can see by my new banner. It had been a couple years since we had a  professional family picture. Needless to say I was extremely sore and in some of the pictures you can see the uncomfortable look on my face. We had a good time though and had an amazing photographer.

My baby girl turned 8. We had an "Evening in Paris" birthday. It was so much fun to put together and decorate. The kids painted, played traditional games like musical chairs (with French music) and pin the butterfly on the Eiffel Tower. Thanks to my parents for help, we had "French food" which included: French dip, french fries, and crepes.

DECEMBER:
We stayed home for the first time since joining the Army for Christmas. Rande's parents came down and we had Christmas with them. It was very relaxing with no pressure and we were able to truly enjoy the holiday.

Rande, the kids, and I went to Florida and hit up LEGOLAND and SEA WORLD for an "after Christmas vacation". Thank you to Busch Gardens for the free tickets to Sea World.

JANUARY-MARCH:
Crazy January, heading back to school (the kids and I). Grandma and Grandpa visited since Grandpa had a meeting in Atlanta. Nothing super significant in February and March. We live a boring life (ha ha).


APRIL:
Best Ranger Competition was this month. Congrats to the team who won. They are from our very own 4th RTB.

Tiger turns 2. The kids made me put that in there for our April happenings. Here are a few pictures of Tiger when we first got him. He is part of the family as you can see by the pictures.

Hopefully I will do better about blogging. A dear friend of mine has given me some ideas, I think that's why I do not blog as much - just plum out of ideas and things to talk about. Thanks to those who have stayed faithful in reading!