Withdrawal of Troops from Iraq

The President made his firm announcement of withdrawing troops from Iraq. By August 2010 the number of troops that will be left in Iraq will be reduced to 50,000. It is somehow a good news but still there will be many questions. Being in a military family it is really difficult to live day by day while a spouse is deployed. I welcome the news about troop withdrawals but the fact still remains that this is not over yet. Hubby is away right now for training. They will be home 10 days from now. They will stay here for two weeks and will start another training again. Then there will be another three weeks that they will go out of state for another training. When they get back they will prepare for another deployment. Yes another deployment to Iraq. If ever, this will be hubby's third tour. This time it will be a whole year of deployment. Thinking about it this early is kinda scary. Not only I will be left with one kid but another addition to our growing family. Right now I am trying to make it the least of my worries. I have to concentrate on rearing our DD and my pregnancy. Whenever that time comes I just pray that everything will be alright.

Red Wine and Cancer

I always hear that red wine is good for the heart. But the other day I heard on the news that those who drink red wine too much will likely develop cancer than those who do not. Sounds scary huh? I think it goes back to drink in moderation. I am glad that nobody in our household now drinks wine. Me and hubby will only drink on occasion but it's really once in a blue moon. When we go out we only get non-alcoholic beverages. But those of you who adores wine, especially the special kind one made to perfection, you can join the gold medal wine club and enjoy their offering of wine of the month. They have different wines for beginners to aficionados. You can check this club at goldmedalwine.com. My husband's uncle have wine collection and every time we go to their house he will show it off to us and persuade hubby to taste some of it. But even his cousins cannot talk him into taking just a sip. Back into my post's title, I need to read more on this news because it just blow me off. I have family members that drinks red wine and I want to inform them about it as well.

No Picture Taking for a Month

I haven't had the chance to take pictures of our DD since hubby left. We have two cameras but unfortunately hubby's suddenly stopped working. When he left on the 10th of this month he asked me if he can bring mines. Of course I didn't mind and so he brought it with him. I miss taking pictures of our DD especially if she did something that is unusual for her to do. Her milestones that I wanted to capture cannot be possible until hubby comes home. When I told hubby about it he told me to use the video cam since it can do still photos. I wanted to but I don't know I just don't like taking it out and using it. I guess because it is a bit bulkier than the digital cam. I am thinking of getting another one but it is not really a priority at this time so I might as well put off the idea :-) Anyways, hubby will be here in another two weeks so I will just wait then I can go back to take pictures of our DD.

Online Masters Education

I have a bachelor's degree, BS Biology/Zoology, that I got when I was still in the Philippines. To have this degree transferred here in the US needs an equivalency evaluation. So I did it when we were still in Georgia. After I received the evaluation I enrolled in a technical college back there and gladly some of my subjects/courses were credited. My husband asked me why not take a masters degree in line with the degree I had rather than take another degree. In that sense I can either teach in college or work in research or conservation industry. I was teaching college back in the Philippines and I don't mind doing it. But my thing is if I want to teach here in the US I need to get MS Curriculum so I can effectively impart knowledge to my students. I learned about an excellent online Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction. This is through the prestigious Saint Xavier University in Chicago. Their online masters program aims to empower teachers and enhance understanding of curricular issues that are vital in impacting instructional practice. The online instruction also is very convenient for everyone who wanted to take this program and are busy with their professional life. I know that I am gearing towards another medical degree but knowing this great program, I may have to consider getting a masters degree instead. To those educators, have passion in teaching and wants to improve their skills but are busy with careers, you can check out Saint Xavier University's MS Curriculum. Who knows this is the program that you need to extend your resume.

Soon to be a Family of Four

Yay, our family is growing. We are very happy to know and announce that we are expecting :-) Before, I was thinking of only having one child but weighing its pros and cons, we decided that we wanted to have another one so our little girl will not be alone growing up. A lot of my friends are telling me that it is better to have one now than wait when our DD becomes 5 years old. With their age gap around 2 years old is just perfect so they can grow together. It will also be easy for me to pursue a career once they both start going to school.

So when did I learn the good news? In January I was wondering why I missed my cycle when I am regular ever since my menstrual cycle came back from giving birth. Because I am still breastfeeding then, I told myself maybe it's because of it. But I wanted to make sure. After a week of my lapsed expected cycle, hubby bought the home preg test. I did the test and it was negative. I even tried again after few days and it was negative still. Before hubby left on the 10th of this month I told him that I will do the test again if come 14th of Feb I will still miss my cycle. On the 18th I went out and bought the preg test again and on that night while I was talking to hubby on the phone I was also doing the test. My feeling is strong that I am pregnant because I already felt a bit of morning sickness. The test result is very positive and we are both happy. I told our DD that she's going to be an 'ate' soon :-) I know she doesn't comprehend it yet but I am praying she will be a great big sissy.

I don't have a definite due date yet since my first OB-GYN check will be next week. Although I maybe due in September based on my last period. I already went to the hospital for blood drawn pregnancy test and of course came out positive. The Family Clinic where I usually went released me to the OB Clinic. Beginning next week I will be seeing a new doctor, an OB-Gyne. When I made the appointment the lady asked me if I wanted to have a lady or guy OB and I told her I prefer a lady.

I already told my family back in Philippines about this great news and they are also happy for us. For now I am taking it easy here since the hubby is away. I feel different with this pregnancy though. I have morning sickness now but didn't have it when I had our DD. I was working full time during my first pregnancy up to the day I went on labor and proud to say that I did not experience any kind of sickness. The morning sickness I am experiencing right now is not the worst kind yet. But hopefully it will fade away soon. I will be posting my progress from time to time in my blogs. Right now I am very anxious to hear our new baby's heartbeat. I am excited as if this is my first time :-)

C'elle a Meaningful Gift

At this time where we are faced with so many problems not only with the financial aspect but also with health, it is time to think of something meaningful that not only can help in a small way but can save lives. As a woman, we can start by doing something that can improve the quality of our life. One thing that can greatly help is by using the services of C’elle. This is a service that empowers women to step up to the plate and help in preserving life of her family. The C'elle is involved in providing a safe and easy way of collecting and preserving stem cells found in menstrual fluid each month. The stem cells then can be used in treating diseases such as osteoporosis, heart disease, Alzheimer's and other hereditary disease that she, her parents, siblings and even children may have. So be empowered now and take advantage of this wonderful gift to give. Check out the best pricing offer wherein you can save $200. This is a limited time offer so hurry and order now. This is a miracle worth sharing and investing.

New Friend

On Wednesday while me and our DD was on our way out a truck pulled over at one of the parking spots in our apartment complex's carport. A lady came out of the driver's side and went to open the trunk. Before I passed her, she stood on the side of her truck. She smiled at me and I recognized her as one of our neighbors. She then said "Hi! I want to introduce myself" (told me her name and her son's). I also introduced myself to her and our DD. We conversed for a little bit and then she said that if ever I have time I can go to their unit and we can talk or our kids can play. They just moved in last October and she said she don't have friends around aside from his husband's co-worker on post. I told her that I don't have close friends around too since we just moved a year ago. I told her that the only friend I have in the complex left already to other state. God is already good. Even though a friend left, He sent a replacement. I am happy that I gain a new friend close at home.

A Winter Wish List for the Army Wife

When we were stationed in Georgia the winter weather there is not as cold as here in the Northwest. When I look at winter apparel back then I wished that we also experience really cold winter so I can wear winter gears such as boots and thick winter jacket. I love browsing sites online that sells these gears and wishing that one day I can get one for myself. So when we moved here in the Northwest, hubby told me that I can now experience severe winter weather. Of course to prepare for it I got myself winter gears in case there will be snow storm just like what happened in December.

My cousin mentioned to me to get a pair of ugg shoes because it is really very comfortable especially during very cold weather. It will cushion your feet for walking and give warmth even if you are walking outside a snowy road. I also heard a lot of reviews about this brand of shoes; that it is very light and durable. I am looking at specifically on this Ugg Australia Women's - Classic Cardy Chocolate, in picture, which I think is very fashionable and classy chic. This boot style has a three wood button that you can use to style when wearing it. I can wear it with jeans and even a long bohemian skirt, mini skirt or dress. I preferably will choose a chocolate color because I like the earth tones and surely it will not clash with other colors.

So this coming winter, I have in my wish list to own a pair. I already knew an online store where to get it; at jildorshoes.com. If you are interested of owning designer shoes at a fraction of the cost, you can check the site out. Oh, this Army wife is very excited to have this wish granted this coming winter.

How Was Your VDay?

I know I haven't blogged about how I spent my heart's day. I did not go out nor did something fun because there's only me and our DD here. I only bought card for hubby and our DD. Hubby will be able to see his card when he comes home. He is not here to spend the V day with us. But early morning of the 14th, I was surprised of the flower delivery from 1800Flowers.com. If hubby is away during special occasions, he will always sought the services of this online flower delivery. He ordered the spring tulips. Aside from roses, tulips is among my favorite flowers as well. It is so sweet of him that despite being far from us he tried his best to send me something. I appreciate it very much. I took pictures of the flowers through my cellphone since he brought our digital camera. Unfortunately the pictures on my cellphone are so blurry. I checked out the site where he got the flowers and this is the flowers that hubby sent to me.

Window Blinds Replacement

We have a sliding door going to the back porch of our apartment unit. It has a vertical blinds the same as in the picture on the side. Our daughter loves to tug each of the blinds that I have to always watch her once she is running around and playing. We already replaced couple of blades that was broken and came off. Right now there are 4 blades that are on the verge of falling because of her. I am hoping that it will hold until hubby comes home because I don't think I can replace it by myself. What I can do right now is to check out Discount Blinds and purchase the same blinds in advance so when hubby gets here he can replace it right away. Hopefully it will hold until hubby can be here.

Fun at Chuckee Cheese

Because hubby will be away for a while, he decided to treat our DD somewhere fun. So, he brought us to Chuckee Cheese. We went there last weekend. As soon as we entered the place our DD wanted to get out of her stroller to run around. It was packed with birthday celebrations on the sides and kids and adults alike playing. The last time we visited the place she can't appreciate much the fun. But that weekend she was pointing to where she want to go and what she wanna ride. While waiting for our food we let her ride with different toy rides. I can see that she was really enjoying her day. Hopefully when she is old enough to play on her own then she will enjoy it more,

Web Hosting Source

A friend of mine has been encouraging me to get my own web hosting so I can maximize the potential of my websites. I really wanted to but so apprehensive I will not be able to manage it. For one I don't have any experience of transferring my websites to a new web hosting and I am afraid all my of it will be deleted. But she said it will become easy one's I know its basics. So I was browsing through online and saw at web hosting geeks different web hosts. They feature top web hosting companies for everyone to choose from. They give a comprehensive review of these web hosts so the customers can weigh in which one will work for them. One web host that I am contemplating on is BlueHost. I have lots of friends who uses this web host and they said it works well with them. But reading on the review of different users, there were issues that I am scared will happen to me when I get their services. But I am very grateful for web hosting geeks because it is a good source of information whenever one decided to avail of web hosting services. I am still browsing at their site at webhostinggeeks.com to check more about different web hosting reviews and the services they offer. I also like reading their blog because it gives a lot of information about web hosting.

Daddy is Absent

As I have said before that hubby will be away for training for four weeks. Last night around 9:30pm I dropped him off on post to where they are assembled to go to other state for training. It was cold and when we got there he asked me to wait for few minutes. So I waited. After 25 minutes he came to us in the car and we bid our goodbyes. I really hate it when I dropped him off to be away because I can't help but cry when I drive going home. And I don't like saying goodbye. When we bid our goodbye to our Daddy last night it felt deja vu. The same as when we dropped him off to go to Iraq last year. I am just glad that this time it is only for a short period of time.

Our DD was so quite when Daddy kissed her goodbye. I think she felt it but just don't know the feeling. When I drove home a lot of things came to my mind but I know I can handle it. It was also very foggy so I was driving slow and so attentive on the road. We got home safe and I called hubby immediately to let him know we're home safe and sound. As soon as we got in the house, our DD was asking for her Daddy. She was calling, "Da-di, da-di". I told her that Daddy is away for a while and he is at work. Every morning as soon as she wakes up and get out of her room she will always call Daddy. I let her peek out the window and explain to her where Daddy is.

I think when your kids are growing up already and your spouse is in the military, it is the time that you need to explain more to them why their parent is away and not always at home. When hubby was deployed overseas our daughter was still a baby so she is not looking for him yet. This is why it is always emphasize during briefings when the service members are deployed to give importance on the children. They are the one's most affected by the absence of a parent/parents because of call of duty.

Real Estate in North Carolina

The onset of the economic downturn I think was felt first in the housing industry. There were many foreclosures nationwide and then the biggest mortgage companies declared bankruptcy and asked bail out from the government. But even though we have this housing crisis, Wilmington NC real estate is still thriving and forging a positive outlook for the real estate in North Carolina. If you are in the area and is looking for a good property, they have listings in their website at seacoastrealty.com. A friend of ours back in Georgia are contemplating of settling down in North Carolina. They were stationed there before and she said she like the area. So I bet she will be excited if I tell her about this site. So, for those who is thinking of moving to NC, check the site now and see what they have that you may consider.

I Am Wondering...

why our DD will eat more when her Daddy is around. Quite honestly, I usually spoon feed our DD because she doesn't eat good by herself. Though she can already feed herself and like using the fork more than the spoon but I don't like her to be messy and end up throwing the rest of her food on the floor. Back to her eating more when her Daddy is present is true. We sit her in her high chair during meal time. After 5-10 spoon of food, she will refuse to take anymore. When I coax her to take more she will cover her mouth and turn her head from side to side. I don't want to force her coz it may create a wrong impression on her at meal times. So I turned to hubby and let him talk to her. As hubby call her name she will immediately open her mouth and take the food. I guess she is not that afraid of me compared to Daddy. She listens more to him than me :-) I thought I am more of a disciplinarian than hubby :-) Well, I think because her Daddy is not at home all the time that when he talks to her she is more attentive. But I am glad though that she is now capable of following orders and beginning to understand consequences. We know that at her age we have to set a good example because they can now pick up whatever they hear.

Arachnophobia

My husband have a fear in any insects most especially with spiders. I told him that if we go to Philippines he has to expect insects since we are in a tropical place. I may have to ask my parents to install screens for all our windows there. I am pretty sure he will freak out when he sees lizards on the ceiling and spiders in my mother's plants. I am thinking to also buy spider traps and send it to the Philippines beforehand. I was told that this is very safe, non-toxic, pesticide free and will be good to use in the family. I told my husband about it and he said it is a good idea. Even here in our apartment there were days that a tiny spider can enter inside. I got so scared because it was crawling on the floor where our DD was playing. I can use these traps also here not only in the Philippines. If you are interested to know more about spider traps and you need one for your home, check this website cleanertoday.com.