Living One Moment At A Time

Happy New Year!

christinabodman@yahoo.com (Mommy) — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 16:16:00 +0000

Well another year is behind us and last night we all welcomed in 2010!

And what a year 2009 was for us...

We left the Navy life behind after 9 1/2 years...

Goober had 2 consecutive surgeries on his eye...

Beanie gave us all gray hairs with all of her fits and trantrums...

We bought our first house...

We moved north to Virginia...

Daddy and I both started new jobs...

Goober started Pre-Kindergarten...

And we welcomed all sorts of guests at our new home.

2010 has a lot in store as well...

I will finally finish my MBA (6 months/3 classes left)...

Goober will turn 5 and then start Kindergarten...

I turn 30...

One of our cars will finally be paid off...

We can count on not having to move again...

I have goals to blog more; experiment more with my cooking and be more green...

Beanie will turn 3 (hopefully the tantrums will fade)...

Daddy and I will celebrate 10 years of being together and our 8th wedding anniversary...

And many other things yet to be discovered.

Last Minute Giveaway! Worth the time to enter!

christinabodman@yahoo.com (Mommy) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 13:03:00 +0000

Are you looking for a new computer or simply need a second computer because your kids take over yours? Well here is your opportunity, actually 5 opportunities, to win an HP TouchSmart 600.

Now I have not personally see one but check out the specs on this thing...

As you can see, the HP TouchSmart600 PC has a whole suite of built-for-touch applications that make this all-in-one so revolutionary.

Instantly launch your favorite apps from HP TouchSmart Home

Experience the best of the Web—Hulu, Netflix, Twitter, Rhapsody, and more—in touch-enabled style

Import recipes from the Web; enter your own, and easily manage with HP Recipe Box

"Write" search criteria with your finger using the new search interface

Use touch to edit photos, and to choose songs and create playlists

Create and share collages with a simple touch using HP TouchSmart Canvas

Use your voice to zoom, rotate, and invert photos

Create professional -looking videos, slide shows, and movies

Watch HD movies on the Blu-ray player; burn and edit home videos

Bookmark favorite movie scenes

Watch, pause, and record TV with the included tuner and remote

So how do you win? Visit each of these 5 sites and leave a comment. You can also blog and twitter for additional entries.

MckMama

Kelly's Korner

BooMama

A Year of Slow Cooking

The NieNie Dialouges

Today is the last day to enter. Now I entered...how about you?

A Boy and His Tacos

christinabodman@yahoo.com (Mommy) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 03:02:00 +0000

Our children's favorite food...tacos.

More specifically we eat Turkey Tacos....healthy and yummy.

Our first Virginia snow!

christinabodman@yahoo.com (Mommy) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 03:00:00 +0000

A few weeks ago we had our first snow since being in Virginia. Now both of our children have "seen" snow but Goober was 20 months old and Beanie was just an infant the last time so this was a new and exciting experience for them. Can't you sense the anticipation seeing them watch the snow out the window.

We took them out for a little bit while it was still snowing. This was a very wet snow so the icy looking snow was what ended up on everything. It made for some beautiful pictures though.

Beanie enjoying her first experience of the snow falling on her face.

Goober walking around in the snow.

Beanie was not very crazy of the cold so Daddy carried her on our walk to see the pond in the snow.

The total was about 3-4 inches. Not much but a little snow to intice the kids.

Daddy showing Goober how to build a snowman.

Daddy throwing snow at Goober.

Goober trying to protect himself from Daddy throwing the snow.

Our funky snowman.

And yes, his smile is made out of nuts.

Getting Ready for Christmas

christinabodman@yahoo.com (Mommy) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 02:24:00 +0000

One of our Christmas traditions is that they day after Thanksgiving we always go and get our Christmas tree, get it home and get it decorated.

We had originally planned this year to find a place to cut down a tree but we were running so late after nap time that we just headed up to the nursery up the street and picked out a tree.

Now it took longer than usual to get it straight in the stand because the nursery didn't trim the bottom but it filled this corner of our family room nicely.

There is only one Christmas decoration that the kids can touch and that is these musical globes. They are Beanie's favorite. And yes, the characters inside the globes dance to the music.

Here is our finished tree.

One of our other traditions that we have is that each year the kids each get to pick out a new ornament and Mommy and Daddy also find some new ones. This year Goober added a polar bear and Beanie added a bird. Besides some decorative ones Mommy and Daddy also added one from our new church, the Capitol and one from our cruise back in February.

Here are some of our other decorations that we have been given or purchased.

The Kinkade Snowman.

Our new nativity scene.

The trio of angels.

The mantle.

Old-fashioned Santa Clause.

The kids picked out the snowman this year.

My Turkeys and Turkey Day

christinabodman@yahoo.com (Mommy) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 04:09:00 +0000

I know I am more than a little behind but here is a look at our Thanksgiving. The night before the kids took turns having Daddy trace their hands and make them into turkeys.

Thanksgiving then started at 6:30 am with my two children greeting me to tell me they were hungry.

One of them was still tired.

This one always wakes up in a good mood.

I started by making 6 pans of cinnamon rolls that were to die for. Five of them are still in my freezer.

Yummy baked goodness!

Time for the icing.

Then it was time for this BIG bird. I cooked a 28lb turkey that almost didn't fit in the pan. Look at the size of the legs on this thing...it is like the legs you find at the fair.

Mmmm....artichokes, onion and garlic perfect for stuffing.

We then took that turkey and the stuffings and went to a friend's house. Goober and Beanie played with Milo and dove right into the eating starting with popsicles.

Milo.

Ed and Daddy carving the turkey with the electric carving knife.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

christinabodman@yahoo.com (Mommy) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 15:50:00 +0000

Happy Thanksgiving to all my family, friends and fellow bloggers. Enjoy this wonderful celebration of thanks! I am photograhping our day and hope to have it posted tonight. Then it is time to decorate for Christmas.

I ♥ Faces - Week 46 - Sun Flares

christinabodman@yahoo.com (Mommy) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 05:00:00 +0000

Tuesday Scramble

christinabodman@yahoo.com (Mommy) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:37:00 +0000

It has been a long week and a half and I have so many random thoughts in my head and I feel a little scrambled so here are my thoughts...

*I can't believe that it is November 17th and I have actually completed Christmas shopping for six people. Usually I don't even start until after Thanksgiving so this is real progress for me.

*I haven't touched my camera in almost 2 1/2 weeks and I am going through withdrawl.

*That withdrawl is the result of my schoolwork. This is the hardest class so far. Trying to teach myself about investments is not easy.

*People who take the elevator up or down ONE floor drive me crazy.

*Beanie is once again sick. I swear we spend more time tending to her and her illnesses that I think she was sick more this past year than she was well.

*Daddy's birthday is next week and I am actually ahead of the game this year. However, he already knows what he is getting since he "made me" reveal his present since he was going to buy it.

*I love my job. This is the hardest I have ever worked in my life but I truly enjoy it. I enjoy feeling appreciated, useful and relied upon. My opinion counts and what I say actually makes a difference.

*Speaking of my job...some of my counterparts make me feel old. I am very proficient in software and general accounting but these "kids" (who are only 5-8 years younger than me) make me feel so stupid. So at almost 30 I slowly getting behind the curve.

I ♥ Faces - Week 45 - Autumn Beauty

christinabodman@yahoo.com (Mommy) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:05:00 +0000

I ♥ Faces - Week 44 - Thankfulness

christinabodman@yahoo.com (Mommy) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 03:49:00 +0000

I have a lot of blessings in my life for which I am endlessly thankful for.

My husband who is my world. We have had our rough moments but he is worth every one of them. I am thankful that we are both bless with good jobs, our health, the house we have over our heads and the faith that we share.

I am endlessly thankful for these two and all of our moments with them.

For this country we live in and that fact that beauty like this can still be seen.

For the simple pleasures that comes from this.

For laughter.

For little brothers.

For beauty big and small.

For children who cooperate with the Mommy's incessant need to photograph them and have them pose.

For generational moments.

For smiles and rare captures.

Daddy's love.

Practice is easy with these two

christinabodman@yahoo.com (Mommy) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 03:24:00 +0000

When Daddy's parents came I rented a couple of lenses to use when we went out to pick pumpkins. I decided to take advantage of the lenses, the fireplace in my new house (on due to the courtesy of the cold weather) and the two cutest subjects ever. These are my SOOC shots because I am saving my edited shots for another post...stay tuned and enjoy these.

Our First Visitors

christinabodman@yahoo.com (Mommy) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 02:23:00 +0000

A few weeks ago we had our first guests come to our new house. Daddy's parents came and spent the week with us. I worked everyday and the kids got to stay home and play with Mimi and Pawpaw for an entire week. Daddy and Pawpaw spent about 3 days fixing some of our lights and putting up crown moulding in our bedroom and half-bath. Daddy and his parents did get to spend at least one day exploring our Nation's Capitol in the cold, wind and rain. There was one other thing we did in the cold, wind and rain and that was to pick pumpkins and apples.

Our intention was to drive out to Rhappahannock county to this farm that had pick your own apples and pumkins (according to their website) but we didn't end up where we intended. When we pulled up in front of the place it was this shack with a couple of guys sitting next to some bins of apples. Very sketchy. So we drove back down the road where this little place had some pick your own pumpkins and other goods in their little store. Very quaint.

We went to get the pumpkins in the windy, rain and cold.
Beanie liked the little ones.
Goober liked the bigger ones.

Beanie found refuge with Mimi and they made their way back inside.

While we were paying Daddy saw a sign that this little stand was taking orders for Thanksgiving turkeys. I am excited that we are going to be getting a fresh turkey this year.

Before we left I put the kids up on a hay bale to take their pictures...Goober loved it...
Beanie was not so sure of this.

And here is a rare treat for all of you. It is not often that I can get out from behind the camera since I do all of the shooting but I did a self-portrait with Goober in the car and I am please with the way it came out.

Aunty Ollie $100 Gift Card GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

christinabodman@yahoo.com (Mommy) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:36:00 +0000

So cute!

Aunty Ollie $100 Gift Card GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Wordless Wednesday

christinabodman@yahoo.com (Mommy) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:06:00 +0000

Thirsty

christinabodman@yahoo.com (Mommy) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:15:00 +0000

I filled a glass of water to add to the stew I was making because it had been boiling too hard, too long. As I filled the glass the following conversation ensued.

Beanie: Mommy, are you thirsty?

Mommy: No, this isn't for Mommy to drink.

Mommy: Beanie, the water is for the stew. (As I pour the water into the stew)

Beanie: The stew is thirsty, Mommy?

Laying Low

christinabodman@yahoo.com (Mommy) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 13:26:00 +0000

I finished my class the other day and had full intention of playing catch up on house work, helping Daddy finish the crown moulding and catch up on this blog however that is not the case.

I was working from home on Friday because Beanie was supposed have a follow up doctor's appointment. At about 10:30 am I got a phone call from the kids school saying that Goober had a 102 degree fever. Both of the kids had recieved their regular flu vaccine but their doctor hadn't gotten the H1N1 vaccine yet. So with the fear of H1N1 and the doctor did not have any more appointments for the day I traded Beanie's appt to get Goober in. End result...Goober has the flu (influenza A). By Friday night he wasn't the only one with it...I had it too.

So since Friday, Goober and I have been camped out on the couch resting and trying to recover. Goober is doing much better today...no fever so far. Not so much for me I woke up with a nasty cough and a 102 fever.

Hopefully I get to updating soon. Back to resting.

christinabodman@yahoo.com (Mommy) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 21:37:00 +0000

The weekend after the musuem "Uncle" Rich came to see us for the weekend. Rich is Daddy's friend since high school. Our children love visitors especially ones that let them hang all over them and play with them.

Queen of Hearts and Alice in Wonderland Costume Set GIVEAWAY!!!!

christinabodman@yahoo.com (Mommy) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:00:00 +0000

Check out this talented woman and the beautiful costumes she created.

Queen of Hearts and Alice in Wonderland Costume Set GIVEAWAY!!!!

The Old and the Young

christinabodman@yahoo.com (Mommy) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 01:52:00 +0000

We recently took the kids to the Smithsonian Muesum of Natural History. We figured that if we were going to hit a museum in this wonderful city this one would be the most toddler friendly and we were right.

First, we took a long train (Metro) ride into the city and the kids loved it...can't you tell?

Once we got there we walked across The Mall to the musuem.

Here are the kids on the front steps.

After "fighting" the museum's cafe to get lunch we started viewing the exhibits.

The kids actually loved the bones of all of the animals they saw.

We saw giraffes.

Frogs.

Fish.

And then there were the live animals which they LOVED.

Spiders.

Bees.

I am not sure.

Ant colonies.

Photos of Giant Ants.

Live ants. (Beanie loved this)

Eygptian history.

By this time after numerous exhibits and potty trips it was time to get going but we had to see one last exhibit...the DINOSAURS.

We did not get through much of the museum but that is the nice thing about this city the museum is close and FREE. We will be back.

I ♥ Faces - Week 41 - Pink Week

christinabodman@yahoo.com (Mommy) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:00:00 +0000

I fortunately have never been close to anyone with breast cancer. I truly believe though that if we educate ourselves about early detection and raise awareness and funds for research that this is a battle that can be won. In light of this my entry for this week is Beanie in her pink shirt with that adorable expression. (I wanted to enter Goober this week since Beanie has been in the last few weeks but he doesn't wear pink so that was not an option.) I hope that by the time she is older that breast cancer is no longer as big of a fight as it is today and maybe they will even have a cure. Maybe....just maybe.

Sneek Peek at Catching Up....

christinabodman@yahoo.com (Mommy) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 02:04:00 +0000

Here are a few photos to preview a post I have coming about all that we have been up....

So Excited

christinabodman@yahoo.com (Mommy) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 02:22:00 +0000

I must share this....

I have always wanted to learn how to layer photos using Photoshop or Lightroom. However, I don't have Photoshop or Lightroom (my computer is too slow) but I found this great FREE software called Paint.net and I found some textures and created this photo. I thought that this was going to be harder than it was. My only problem was that my computer was a little slow.

I ♥ Faces - Week 40 - Excitement

christinabodman@yahoo.com (Mommy) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:34:00 +0000

Once again I almost didn't enter again. I have been so busy that I just brushed this weeks entry to the side. Well Mimi and Pawpaw are here for a visit and Beanie was sitting in Daddy's lap in front of the fire pit when I captured this. Beanie was excited when a spark came out of the fire. Literally, this was no more than about 30 minutes ago. I rushed to load and edit this and get it posted just in time.

Hello My Name is Stretch Armstrong...formerly known as Me.

christinabodman@yahoo.com (Mommy) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:34:00 +0000

While I am glad to be finishing my MBA (finally) I am frustrated on the amount of time it takes away from me and my family. It sucks that every free moment I have, including the ones that should be spent sleeping, are spent studying. Daddy and I have had very little time for each other which can be a strain. I don't really get to spend much of the weekend with our children either since what free time I have then I am stuck reading or writing. Did I mention it sucked? Most days I feel like I am being stretched beyond all recognition. Early in the morning to late at night. Mommy. Wife (ie: Baby). Student. Accountant. Commuter. Photographer. Maid. Planner. Boo-Boo kisser. Teeth Brusher. Marker finder. Blogger.

Sometimes I think I wish I had done this the first time I was in school but then I think about it and realize that if I had done it that way I probably wouldn't be where I am now. I might still have my husband but my career path may have been different and I may not have had my children. Do I regret doing this? No. I am enjoying the learning I am receiving from this. It is not just the textbook knowledge though it is the life knowledge. Experiencing the joy, frustrations and anger of trying to juggle all of this. I have learned to ask for help especially from Daddy (not always but I am working on it) and appreciate all that he does in his day also. I have come to appreciate those fleeting moments with my family. I have learned to treasure them as much as possible. I have learned to balance a plate full of items and learn to let go of the minor things. I have come to appreciate single parents who do it all for years on end.

All I can say is that I can't wait to be me again. Someone who sleeps normal hours, who doesn't constantly feel devoted to a textbook and simple feels put back together. The countdown is on...2 weeks left in this class and then 4 more to go.