It has been raining for 2 straight days now. Last night it was very windy that I believed it knocked down some trees that affected the power lines. We had power outage for 45 minutes. Good thing in our house there are no tress nearby. I only heard the wind banging on our windows. It was howling literally.I slept late and woke up early this morning because the kids woke up early as well. My darling husband let me sleep in so I was able to replenish my energy. We did not go out for 2 days now as well and stuck here at home. I don't like going out too much when it is pouring hard and gusty. Hubby is on leave until the 2nd of January. I like it when we are all at home and just being lazy. Although I got bored but knowing we are all safe at home is more important. I hope tomorrow the rain stops and we can go out to the store. We thought of going to the Zoolights at Point Defiance also. Crossing my fingers that the rain really stops so we can walk around at the Zoolights not drench in rain. 
Winter is one of my least favorite season. This is because it can get very cold and I hate driving in the snow. Last year around November time was my first to drive in the midst of a snowstorm. I went to the hospital for my daughter's appointment. Good thing though the snowing stopped when I was at the hospital already. When we went home the road was already a bit clear.This time we don't have snow yet, but the weather is getting colder. There were only few powdery snow or frost in the morning but that's it. We got rains though that make it more a soggy and gloomy weather. I told my husband before Christmas to get me a heated blanket or the electric blanket that I saw in one of the stores around here. He did not buy me one but he got me a very comfortable and fluffy lounge wear to use around the house. It is very helpful to combat the coldness when I am doing my school work in front of the computer. Maybe next winter I can save enough for a heated blanket along with our plan to get a new bedroom set.
What is your idea of a perfect eyelashes? I think for most it will be a long, curvy, and thick lashes. Honestly I envy those that have long lashes. No need for eyelash enhancer or maybe just a dash and you will be good to go. My husband is blessed with a curly, long lashes. I wish I have those, really. It adds drama to your eyes if you have long lashes. This is why I think when you put make up on, the look will be complete if your eyelashes is also done. I do not put make up all the time, only on special occasion or if I am not lazy. Through time I was able to acquire some beauty products that I can use. The only thing is I am not good at it and also the laziness hinders me from learning to put make up on. I know I have to learn the basics coz it will surely come in handy later.
After almost 9 years of the war in Iraq, finally the troops are exiting the country. It is a time of jubilation for our troops because they will be home to their loved ones and spend the holiday season with them. Many families will be relieved that at last they will be able to hug their soldiers.
I remember when the war started in 2003 I was supposed to meet my husband, then boyfriend, in person in the Philippines. But because of the war it did not happen. He has to go to Iraq. I did not realize then the massive effect of the war to the world. When I heard on the news how the war escalated and many troops perished, I got chills that what if my man will not come out there alive. But I hold on to his promise back then that if will get through it, he will follow me where ever I am in the world.
After more than a year in the war zone, he came back here in the US and followed me to the United Kingdom. We met there for the first time. He did not say anything about the war but I know he has seen and been through a lot. I came here in the US and we got married. He is still serving in the Army. He went back to Iraq twice.
The following 2 deployments really made me a stronger person. On second deployment I have to be strong because we have a new born baby. He left me with only the FRG people to call in case I need anything. With the grace of God he came back and we continue with our lives.
Then came the third deployment. He left while I was pregnant for our second baby. It was tough but I have friends, real friends, to call on to. I gave birth without him. He got to see our daughter on his R&R but only for a short period of time. After the leave he went back to Iraq and left me with the household, toddler, and 2-week-old baby to take care to. Still, I want to thank God that He brought him home alive and now is with us for more than a year. They were the last combat troops to get out of Iraq.
I am happy that there will be no more troops to be deployed to Iraq. But this does not mean I am totally happy for my man. Being in a combat troop, they are still going to be deployed to another war zone, Afghanistan. It's only a matter of time that they are going to load up and head up there. I always pray that this war will be over too so we all can have a normal life. But I know it is very complicated and time can only tell what could happen.
For the time being, I am praying continually for the military service members and their families for continued guidance and protection, to be strong and courageous, to stay bonded to each other even if being separated. I salute to everyone for their sacrifices. They are doing too much just to keep our freedom here at home.
To my husband, I know we will be separated again soon. It is my promise to him that I will always be here, praying and waiting for him again and again. Every deployment is a challenge but it made me a stronger person. It strengthen our relationship through the years as well. If we have a choice I don't want him to go, but it is his duty to fulfill.
Early last month my husband was digging through all his military gears that he brought back from deploying to Iraq. He had lots of stuff and has 3 big black boxes with wheels in the garage full of it. After they got back from their almost a month out of town training, he decided to return stuff to the CIF (Central Issue Facility) some of the gears and clothing that he don't need anymore.While sorting through the pile, I asked him names of the different military gears. They are issued almost everything that they can wear while in combat. They will have it before they deploy and they can also order stuff while in deployment. One of the gear he has is an eye gear and with a somewhat speedglas lens on it. My daughter was having fun wearing it even though it falls off her face. I myself slipped inside the big sleeping bag that he spread in our garage floor. It really is very comfortable and cozy.I was glad he was able to return a lot of stuff to CIF. Now our garage is tidy and there is not much clutter. We fit our 2 vehicles in there and we plan of keeping it that way. It helps to have both vehicles in the garage. When morning comes and hubby go to work and I drop our preschooler to school, we will not scrape the frost nor heat the car up before driving it.
Since moving here in our house we haven't done anything big with respect to our front or back yards. As I have said before, we are doing one improvement at a time. But come spring time I am thinking of adding a best address plaque to highlight our front yard. I have been scouting different stores or crafts services to do it but I can't find a nice one that I like. I will try checking online because I know I can find great deals and unique items in the internet. I have been wanting to plant and do gardening but man, it is cold outside. My older daughter told me she wanted a flower garden. I replied that we wait til Spring time. The flowers and other plants will be nice during those times and the weather will surely be conducive to working outside. So hopefully the yard work plan will be pushed through so we can smell beautiful flowers again.
This time of the year is the best time to buy electronics. As we all know that the biggest sale in retail industry started after Thanksgiving, which I think Black Friday was the craziest one. This holiday I did not apply for a job as holiday help, but I did not join the bandwagon to be with the crowd of Black Friday goers. My husband bought me a paper on Thanksgiving day. The inserts in that paper for different retail and specialty stores were a lot. There were even coupons that you can use as well. I browsed through the flyers, and most of the big ticketed items that are on sale and called as "doorbusters" were the electronics, such as, televisions, laptops, ipads, ipods, and gaming consoles. These really enticed those people to grab the deal even if they have to wait in long lines and in cold winter weather. For those who are still planning of buying any electronics or gadgets, I know you still have time. The stores are still doing sales almost every weekend for the holidays. Some stores are even offering layaway so you can make plans of what to get first for yourself and for your loved ones.
