'Give up your worries so you can give God the glory'

Called my youth pastor at midnight FL time, hysterical. Thank God for their up late habits, and that they have a ton of patience. His wife calmed me down, and then they prayed with me. Amazing. We chatted for a little while, then I let them go since I knew they had to be up soon for church. Read my 'Faith Deployed' book, and it was all about worry. Called my Gamma just to hear a familiar voice. Woke up to my amazing hubs calling. My gut was right though. I can't talk about it really, due to OPSEC, but I knew something happened =/. Thanks to all who were praying. <3.

...not a good night.

Please pray for our soldiers, please.

Wonderful Wednesday

My wake-up call ended up being my hubby this morning. How excited was I?! =D. Though there's multiple countries, and a pretty big ocean separating us right now...our marriage and our relationship has improved tremendously. We're doing a devotional, and reading 'Purpose Driven Life' by Rick Warren together, and sharing our thoughts and feelings on the material. I love stuff like that. We've done 'The Love Dare' and it changed us. =). Will also got 'The Resolution for Men' from the movie 'Courageous' in preparation for hopefully becoming a dad soon, and I literally just Google'd the fact there's a book for women too, so as soon as I get to FL, that'll be my next purchase.

Speaking of FL, I'm so excited. Depending on circumstances, I may stay longer than originally planned. My Gamma is getting up in age, I'm childless and all my dog needs is food, water, toys, treats, and constant attention, and she can get that in any zip code...so I'm gonna hopefully take advantage of spending extra quality time with my family. Yes, I'm excited to see my friends too, but the focus of this visit is my family, which my friends understand. I didn't use to appreciate my Momma or Gamma as much as I could. In my very early teenage years, I secretly resented the fact they were so old-school (and I'm so ashamed to be admitting this...but it was a HUGE flaw in my judgment) Everything those two precious ladies did was to better me. No TV or anything until my homework was completed correctly (I scored a 24 on the ACT and got multiple scholarships for my grades)...no letting me out of the house at any old time with someone they didn't know (no underage drinking (that wasn't monitored by them)...no teenage pregnancy...no jail record)....not getting every single thing I wanted (lead me to appreciate things I did receive, which was still a lot, I'll admit). My rebellious stage wasn't as broadcasted as others' were, but I still went through one. I said many a things I didn't mean in trivial angst. I thank God for showing me how wrong I was, and am so thankful I got a second chance to have the relationship I do now.

I started to pack some stuff up today, basically just toiletries and accessories. This time in 2 weeks I'll be in the 352. <3.

I spent the morning at Amber's, with her and her adorable boy Conner. Watched Winnie the Pooh, and Diego. Learned more Spanish from a show than I did in my required high school language class, which is saying something, because I was too busy making fun of the show to pay much attention ;).

Anyways, sweet dreams bloggers, 7 a.m. will come early for me =).

Productive Day =)

Today started off an early one. Had to wake up early so I could head to the post office and mail Will his care packages. =). I'll post pictures soon, but one was essentials (soap, hand sanitizer, baby wipes, etc.) along with his PSP games (yes, my hubs' is a nerd =D) and the other one was filled with letters, cards, and a bunch of snacks. Boy Scout caramel popcorn, Halloween Oreos, Halloween goodie bags full of candy (with a stern note telling him to share ;) ), and sunflower seeds. At the commissary a few weeks ago, we had a case lot sale, and there were boxes of sunflower seeds with like 18 bags in each box, for $6. =D. Needless to say, I got 2, since Will's been obsessed with them every since he stopped dipping (I refused to kiss him if he had spitting tobacco in his mouth, and only after he brushed, flossed, mouthwashed, and brushed again would I relent...needless to say, he quit kinda quickly after a few times of that =D).

 Then I headed to WalMart to return a fabric carrier for Lu that she was wayy too long for. Headed over to my friend's with Lu so we could hang out while our doggies played. They're so cute, even though it's taking LuLu forever to warm up to Bella.

Got a text the hard crate had arrived for in-store pick-up so we climbed into my Fusion to go pick it up. Came home and put it together, put Lu's bed and blanket in there, and was trying to get her use to it,but I gave up and am just letting her sniff it out until she decides it's acceptable. If you know my dog, she's a total priss. No lie. Kim tried giving her a treat, and she kinda just stuck up her nose at it..and then Bella stole it and quickly gobbled it up ;).  I'm considering holding her favorite toy (a hedgehog) hostage in the crate, since I have like a week and a half to get her ready for it.

 Randomly checked my E-mail, to find out I had one from my favorite guy. Nothing puts a smile on my face faster than hearing from him, hearing his name, or talking about him. I'm still completely twitterpated even after almost 4 years of being together (take THAT teenage marriage statistics). Still kinda bummed come June we'll have been married 3 years, and we've yet to spend an anniversary together...but that comes in the job title. He's pretty good at making me feel like a newlywed on just completely random days.

Oh! And this made me seriously cry(Kim's my witness).

My Momma & Gamma put in a picture of Will & I, with the caption "SPC William Vaughan recently deployed to Afghanistan from Ft.Bliss, TX. We love you and are so proud of you!'' I seriously love this picture of us, and it was nice to see that in the online edition of our local newspaper.

Bigger preview:

Ahh. I just love him to death =).


But it's late, and I better get to sleep. My 8 a.m. wake-up call comes way too soon. Hanging out with Amber tomorrow, gotta make it back home to receive my Fed-Ex package and get ready for the apartment inspection, oh joy ;).

Nighty night bloggers!

Sorry for the no-blogging weekend

 This weekend was a friend's son's birthday party, and then just hung out yesterday. I did get to talk to Will this morning, so I'm deliriously happy. =). I'm sending off two care packages soon to him. I love doing this. I put all my love into it (he's well worth it). People have made fun of those who decorate the care packages, but if Will should like it, then I don't care what people say =D. I'll post pictures of the one before I tape it up =).
I'm also not gonna be on a ton more than likely in the next 2 weeks. Got a LOT to do before I leave. Register for auto pay with my leasing office, stop my mail, etc. And then you know...packing would come in handy =D. Also got to grab a few last minute things, yay. I'm really ready to get moving. I have a to-do list, and I'm pretty psyched because 3 things are already checked off. =). Most importantly, my AAA is renewed for the long (very long) drive home. But I need to get moving so I can tackle the rest of my list, and make a packing list. (I always always always forget things.)

Have a good day everyone!

Waitin' on my usual 11 o'clock call from my Gams

..so I'm writing a blog. For some reason, she's been calling every night around this time ( 1 o'clock in FL) and I loveee it. =). She's just so cute, and the epitome of a typical grandmother =)). She spoils me and bakes me yummies. =D. Last year I was home, the first day she made me banana nut bread for breakfast ;). And today she randomly calls to see if I've replaced my Lu's crate (last year while home she got mad she got left alone while we went out for dinner, so she chewed up her fabric crate).,...which, I haven't, so she told me to price a new one for when I drive home, found one half the price I paid last year so we went ahead and ordered it. Should be here one week before I leave.  =D. It's pink, whahaha.

Oh. Randomness. But my hubs is amazing. He somehow knew to call today, and it was my longest convo to date. I was super excited. He's just, ahh I love him to death. And we discussed Clomid. He's just like, 'I want a family with you any way possible.' So, Clomid is a go. =D. I finished getting stuff for his first care package today. I got him Halloween Oreo's, made him some candy bags, and an ultra-cute card, and I'm gonna decorate the inside of the box as well.  I'm making sure I include enough in there in case there's someone who isn't getting stuff.. That kinda stuff breaks my heart. =(.

Today was pretty amazing. Went to WalMart to get some bubble wrap for a few things I'm mailing him, and picked up some turtle brownies to take to Amber's house, since she was making me lunch and we were gonna hang out all afternoon. She made veggie  tortilla stew and it was soo yummy. Perfect for my PMS day lol. Then we watched 'The Breakfast Club.' I looove lazy days with friends =D.

Came home so Lu wouldn't rebel against me lol. Ate some dinner (leftover pork chop and some onzo salad Amber sent home with me), and watched the two episodes of The Lying Game I've missed. Loove that show =).

And she may actually be sleeping, so I'm about to do the same. Night bloggers!

Having a bad night..

Tonight's just one of those nights when I dreadfully miss Will. I honestly don't know how it happened. But I do. I try to avoid posting missing him status' on FB, b/c I've already been chastised on how I'm not the only one feeling this way. =/. Obviouslyyyy. I was fine...was watching 'Pretty in Pink' and the next thing I knew I was sitting there sobbing, and the tears randomly come ever since. Prob doesn't help my emotions are on a roller coaster of their own right now. I just hope he's well, and that he knows I love and miss him =/.

And I'm making a promise to myself to stop taking his awesomeness for granted =(.

So for now, I have to content  myself to laying in his hoodie that smells deliciously like him and praying sleep comes soon.

G'night everyone =/.

My Gamma...

....cracks me up. I miss her so much, and I'm so excited I'm going to be seeing her soon. She keeps talking about these stuffed pork chops (my mom and another daughter spent the day with her this past Sunday, and that's what she made them for lunch) to where I started craving a pork chop. So, my pork chop is marinading in the Jack Daniels mesquite marinade right this very second. Probably gonna make some mac & cheese to go with it. And Pretty in Pink is in the PS3 waiting to be played =). Lookin' forward to a cozy night at home, and maybe even a phone call? (wishful thinking). I'm really ready to be home. I'm very family/friends oriented, and it's been over a year since I seen most people. One of my friends from home did a 'to be honest' so I clicked his status. He then reminded me of in high school, whenever we saw each other, we'd say (obnoxiously loud) Hi Liz!/Hey Kenny!. Always cracked me up. We made plans to get lunch when I'm in town as well. Before I moved, Will & I would run into him all the time at Wally World (biggest social place nearby) lol, and we would still do it.

Is it sad I'm already making my packing list? I really love EP now, and I've made some awesome friends, but there's just something about going home =).

The Liebster Blog Award: My Very First One!

 This award was presented to me by Laura! I really appreciate it, as she's a very new follower and it's my very first award.

Laura is 29 years old, she's very down-to-earth, has amazing life lists (and works hard at accomplishing them), and love the same kind of shows I do ;). She also looks like an amazing cook.
  Her blog: Go Check Her Out!


Here's what she said about me =) : 3. Liz at Life As I Know It - I just started to follow along with Liz.  She's only 21 years old, already married and learning to live while her husband is deployed.  I can not even imagine.  She loves 1990s tv shows and was born after Full House started.  I'm still struggling with that fact.  I. am. old.

what does the liebster blog award mean?

the liebster blog award is given to up and coming bloggers who have less than 200 followers.liebster is a german word meaning dear, sweet, kind, nice, good, beloved, lovely, kindly, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, and welcome.

to keep this award going, pass the award along to five other new deserving bloggers who have less than 200 followers.

the tules for the liebster blog award are:

1. thank the giver and link back to the blogger who gave it to you. 

2. reveal your top five picks and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog 

3. copy and paste the award on your blog

4. have faith that your followers will spread the love, too! 

• Kim Brady at : http://kimbrady101.blogspot.com/

Kim is also a 21 year old Army wife here at Bliss. She's been TTC for a while, and is pregnant with a little miracle. I couldn't be more happier for her. It's looking like it's Team Pink in the Brady house =).  She's a sweetheart, and I'm glad to call her a friend.

• Amber Myrda at: http://writinglovediscoveringme.blogspot.com

Amber is also an Army wife here at Bliss with us. She's recently on a vegetarian adventure due to a health diagnosis, and she posts amazing recipes and pictures, that I get to sample tomorrow! =D. She's a Scentsy consultant as well. And she has the most adorable son, Conner. Amber's from Chicago, but I don't hold that against her ;).

• http://babymamaspice.blogspot.com/

She's a new blog that I just started following. I've learned she has good taste (she likes Torrid), and her son likes 'Sexy and I Know It.' She's a former waitress, and now is a stay at home mommy to some cute kids =). She's real and honest in her blogs, and I like that.  =)

• Jessica Burkel at http://thecountdown-jessica.blogspot.com/

Jess is one of my very close friends from back home. She's always one to post an ultra-sweet comment on my posts, and I love her dearly. She blogs about working at the WD, her puppy Comet (who's Lu's boyfriend), and recently, her boyfriend (one of my favorite guys ever, Robbie.) She's also a hardcore FSU fan.

• Miranda Mae at http://miranda-lifeisanart.blogspot.com/

Miranda is a very serious blogger. She participates in most link-ups, and well as talking about college, family, friends, and life in general. I must say her blog button is awesome, but that's being biased ;). This girl is my best friend, fo life. =)

I know 80% of these people I know in real life, butt I just started getting new bloggers. My challenge to myself is by the time I get a new blog award(hoping I will), my recipents won't be anyone I know =D.

Thanks again to Laura for the award, and thanks to everyone who follows me, I appreciate it =). Now, go check out these bloggers.

Also, special shout-out to Jena at http://bumpsandhighways.blogspot.com/, yet another close friend and fellow Army wife. Her blog posts are usually about her cute family, and it makes me smile to read them =).

I'm the blog button master

Just helped Randa's fix hers, and about to help Jena's with hers if she needs it. (Jess B, if you need help, I can do that also =) )

Tonight was our FRG (Family Readiness Group) meeting, and it went really well.

Swung by Starbucks and picked up a caramel apple spice. oh.em.gee...yumm!

About to watch Christmas Cupid now =).

Sorry for unorganized, slightly rambling post. Have a good night everyone!!

New Additions to Entertainment Collection =D

Lately I've been adding on to my entertainment collection (my husband & I are serious collectors ;) )

Movies

• Footloose (the 1980's one) and Flashdance combo pack
• Pretty in Pink
• Breakfast Club
• Green Lantern
• Pirates of the Caribbean 4
• Monte Carlo
• Christmas Cupid
• Horrible Bosses
• Zookeeper

TV on DVD

• Army Wives season 5
• Grey's Anatomy season 7
• Gossip Girl season 4
• The Office, all seven seasons (thanks Miranda!)
• Modern Family seasons 1&2
• Glee Season 2, Volume 2

Books

• Legacy by Danielle Steel
• The Best of Me by Nicholas Sparks
• The Reversal (A Lincoln Lawyer novel) by Michael Connelly
• Courageous by Alex Kendrick, Stephen Kendrick, and Randy Alcorn

What kinda movies/TV shows/books do you like? =)

New Favorites in my Closet

This year I'm slowly experimenting with some of the new trends. But this is probably one of my most favorite outfits =). TX fashion is a lot different from my usual FL fashion of shorts, tee shirt, and flip-flops. There's a lot of people here from a multitude of states, so it's all kinda mismatched, which is cool, or else I'd never break free from my usual.

Speaking of, we have an FRG meeting tonight (Family Readiness Group)...So, I'm on a mission to wear something I prob wouldn't two years ago =).

Pictures to come ;).

Oh How Pinteresting Wednesday! Volume 1.

This is my first, 'Oh How Pinteresting Post.' Hope you guys like it =).


A quote to live by.

Source: tumblr.com via melaniexeinalem on Pinterest

O.M.G. I just gained 5 pounds looking at this.

Source: embitca.hubpages.com via Samantha on Pinterest

Seriously considering going to see this again.

Source: en.wikipedia.org via Anne on Pinterest

Tonight's the night!!!

Source: keep-calm-and.tumblr.com via Carol on Pinterest

Favorite Disney Princess. ever.

Source: google.com via Amanda on Pinterest

My way of life.

Source: google.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Linking up with 'The Vintage Apple.'







Have a great day everyone!

Blog Button!

With MAJOR thanks to

http://thelittlehenhouse.com/2011/01/31/how-to-make-a-blog-button-with-a-grab-box-a-tutorial/

I now have a blog button! Let me know if you'd like yours on my blog, and I ask the same. Thanks!! =D

Trendy Tuesday

Linkin' up to a new blog I just started following, Meg at http://lifeofnashvegasmeg.blogspot.com/




She defined trendy using dictionary.com, I urbandictionied it.
Trendy:
(adj.) Used to described whatever is "in" at the time of description, as in popular or done by a large number of people.
The definition of "trendy" constantly changes because trends change too. What is in at one point often becomes yesterday's fashion very quickly. As such, there really is no set definition. 


Top 5 movies at the box office.
*- Real Steel
*- Footloose (amazing!)
*-The Thing
*-The Ides of March
*- Dolphin Tale


Top 5 things trending now on Yahoo
*-Lemony Snicket
*-Jessica Alba
*-Ellen DeGeneres 
*- Winston Churchill
*-Goldman Sachs


Just to show a point, as soon as I finished typing that link, I refreshed the page and the only two things that were still trending according to Yahoo was Winston Churchill and Goldman Sachs. 


Top 5 topics on my FaceBook
*- Deployment
*- Halloween
*- The fact Mondays suck
*- Sickness (ew, just got over my sinus infection)
andd *-The fact that a Chinese toddler got ran over and was ignored (I hate this =/)


Top 5 Songs at this moment (already changed from Meg's list)
*-Mistletoe by The Biebs
*- Make Me Proud- Drake
*-Sexy and I Know It- LMFAO
*-We Found Love- Rihanna
*- Someone Like You- Adele


Top 5 Trendiest Celebs
*- Taylor Lautner
*- Lauren Conrad
*- Jennifer Aniston
*-Beyonce
*- Shia LaBeouf


Top 5 Things Trending in the Vaughan Apartment Right Now
*- Hamburgers
*- Green Apple Smirnoff
*- Monte Carlo the movie =)
*-LuLu Ann
*- The fact I had a 30 minute convo with my love today =).

Dance Like Nobody's Watching

Today started off pretty depressing. I had an OB appt to get lab results to see if I was ovulating every month on my own, last month was good..this month...not so much. So we discussed our options. I can try fertility drugs and see if they help...or I chance it..every month. I haven't got a chance to discuss this yet with my husband, since you know, everyday communication with Afghanistan is frowned upon, but I've prayed about it and am putting it in God's hands. I'm also gonna to research every little thing known to Google about Clomid before the upcoming year. Came home slightly bummed, but my friends were amazing about it.

I'm finally not congested anymore, so I decided to warm my Scentsy up, blast the iPod, and danced and sung like crazy, because hey, no one's here to see =D. Felt amazing to just get everything off my mind, and be free. Then I glanced at the clock and realized my friend Danielle would be there soon, so I scrambled like crazy to get ready. But the 10 minutes of being ridiculous was awesome. Danielle arrived and we left to get snacks before we saw Footloose. Amazing movie. I seriously loved it. One of the character's, Willard, seriously reminds me of my hubs.(besides just the name) He's a small town boy with no dance skills =D.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Skh8_6LF4Io

After the movie we headed to Wal Mart to finish getting stuff for the soldier's stocking drive, and I continued to get stuff to spoil my soldier. Now I'm sitting on my couch, with my Lu girl cuddled up next to me, drinking a Stewart's Orange N'Cream fountain classic soda. So yummy.

Tomorrow's a long day. Got a maintenance order in, as well as an inspection of the air filter. Fun stuff.

Nighty night bloggers <3.

R.I.P. Baby Vaughan 01/05/2011

Today we remember those who were taken to soon, born sleeping & those who weren't on earth long enough. Today is international baby lost day. I'm thinking of my angel, as I do every day. And saying a special prayer for all my angel mommy friends. Don't forget to light a candle for our babies! And most importantly remember that while it breaks our hearts that they aren't here with us today, they are waiting for us & they have the BEST baby sitter!♥ (stole from Kim) R.I.P. baby Vaughan ♥ ♥ ♥.






http://www.october15th.com/

Can't wait until you get home Will and we can try again.


And to all those other mothers who struggle with this day, my prayers go out to you <3.

Diddly-dee

Yesterday was the Ft.Bliss vs. Westboro Baptist Church counter-protest. It was fun. Will called early that morning, so he knew about my participation, all he said was not to get arrested because getting me out on bond while in another country could prove to be quite difficult. lmao. I was very excited to be a part of this. We helped a family's worse day from becoming even worse.

http://www.kfoxtv.com/news/29436895/detail.html

http://www.kvia.com/video/29445078/index.html

Then I went and got Baja Fresh for lunch again with Danielle. Walked to Walgreens due to my acid reflux acting up to get some Pepto, and found the coolest military appreciation card for Will. Went back to her house and hung out for a bit. 

Today was Girl's Day. Had pizza, and Lu got to play with Bella. Came home and gave her a bath, because she really needed one. Bought Zookeeper, Horrible Bosses, and Nicholas Sparks' new book 'The Best Of Me.' Turned on The Office. Did some laundry. Cooked an amazing meal.

Yummiest Thing Ever! Made mac & cheese and corn for my sides, even have dinner for tomorrow now. =D.

Had fun at Amber's party on Saturday. Ordered beer bread and chicken tortilla soup. Excited for it to come in =)).

And now  I'm laying down with my Lu girl, re-reading all of Will's messages to date,  and watching The Office. Only 2 more seasons left in my marathon =(.

Friday Fun

Yesterday I went out with my friend Danielle. She kept talking about Mexican food, and I was seriously craving it. So she introduced me to Baja Fresh. Amazing. Almost as much as Chipotle, and those who know me, know I looove that place. Then we went and got stuff for Will's unit stocking drive. And then we met up with Amber to go see Dream House. I actually really liked it, and it wasn't what I expected. Today I have a party to attend, then I'm coming home to watch The Office because my back is killing me =(.

Laundry, dishes, and The Office

My best friend got me addicted to The Office, and that's awesome, because that's part of what I'm filling my days with, lol. I got all seven seasons so far, and I'm on three, so I have a bunch to occupy my time, besides chores.

Speaking of chores, laundry sucks, lol. I kinda slacked on it, since I usually do it on Fridays, but Will was off, so I postponed it, till today. Not technically procrastination, since I have a valid reason as to why I postponed it =D. But today it just kinda crept up on me. I hate my apartment being cluttered. And when it's reaching that point, crazy Liz comes out =D.

Same with dishes. I hate my sink being full of dirty dishes. And it use to irritate me when a casserole dish had to soak overnight. But then Dawn, my lovely Dawn, came out with this new thing. Dawn Power Clean. Gives the same overnight results in about 10 minutes, it boasts 5, but I leave them a bit longer.

So I'm been filling my days with mundane tasks, and my friends. The ones in El Paso are amazing, FBing me, texting me, making me get out of the house. I appreciate those who've done that. I'm not one to usually call you up and hang out, idk why.  And then I have my friends in FL <3. They are my lifesavers. So far it's not too bad, it's kinda like a field problem, when he gets to Afghan though,..=/.

I'm trying to avoid Will's battles' FB, but one post got me scared. Someone posted 2 people died from  her unit, she hadn't left yet so I'm not sure if she meant over there,...or here in EP. Either way, it's sad. The virtual FRG hasn't posted anything, so I'm assuming it's here.

Be safe my love

...survived the first night. Barely. Woke up to his voice <3. He arrived at his first location safely.

Tomorrow is the day

...that the Lord hath made, and so I will rejoice in it (even if all I truly wanna do is cry.) Seeing Will say all of his last good-byes break my heart. We went out and saw 'Courageous' last night, and I immediately went to Target to buy the book. One minute I was crying, the next I was laughing hysterically. Which pretty much sums up my roller coaster of emotions lately. This weekend has FLOWN by. Friday we ran errands, got Transformers (AMAZING movie), dropped off a birthday present for our friends' son's 2nd birthday, and then we went to Las Cruces to eat McAlister's, got Will a few books picked out for deployment, and got him 2 new games for his PSP. Then yesterday we ate some Subway, watched the movie, and watched Transformers. I started having abdominal pain, but I'm hoping it's just nerves, and not worthy of another ER visit, so pray? Today, we may go see What's Your Number, but I'm not sure yet. I think Will is waking up, so I'm gonna end this blog. I apologize in advance if I don't post again until later this week.