Day 30 - A picture of someone you miss.

TREMENDOUSLY do I miss him.. More than words can say....

Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile.

HOMECOMING!!! Nothing makes me smile more than seeing this pics!

This is an easy one.. But it wont be 1 pic

Anthony Giancarlo Urzi

I just wanted to blog about one of my sweet boys. You probably dont hear me say too much about him on FB because I dont want to embarras him, LOL.. He is soo amazing though. The kid has the BEST SENSE OF HUMOR EVER.. He has such inner strength and a good heart(he will deny the good heart, LOL) He was such a challenge as a little guy, but still so freaking lovable. You gotta love a teenager that isnt humilited to give his parents a hug at any given time. Its funny, sometimes he will just come down the stairs punch sal and run back up, LOL.. Not punch in a "going to be in jail for assault" type punch, so dont fret. He is the ONLY one of the 6 kids that really looks like me, he will say that causes him to be the favorite, LOL.. He also has my wit-so poor Sal, he cant win in this house of smart asses. Tony has his flaws, Umm like he waits until Sunday night to inform us of ANYTHING, or to do a project-GRRRR.. LOL He also likes to make mac and cheese and 11pm NIGHTLY, he said its his late night snack- I say he wants to annoy me with the clanking around and mess.. I just want him to know how proud I am of him. He is a joy to parent and its been a wonderful journey to watch him grow up and do the right things(other than normal boy shenanigans, LOL) He is a loyal friend, son, brother. I love that he isnt out being a menace and litterly lives at the gym or is with his best friend, little Nic. It also warms my heart that just when I think he wants to sell his little brothers to the highest bidder, I will read a paper he has written for school and it is about them and how they make him laugh and how much he loves his family. So, Anthony Urzi, today I want to let everyone know just how fantabulous you are and how loved and needed you are to our family. (even at 11pm when you are making mac and cheese) Kisses buddy!!!

PS, dont mind all the stupid expressions, LOL this is how he likes to torment the mamarazzi LOL

Day 28 - A picture of something you're afraid of.

I dont want to post a picture, but SERIAL killers.. any and all...

Day 27 - A picture of yourself and a family member.

Me and our precious baby girl, Cassidy Renee!

Day 26 - A picture of something that means a lot to you.

Our beautiful, healthy and fabulous grandchildren. Dominic Giovanni-3, Kaydence Marie-16 months and Nicholas Giovanni II-5 months :)

Day 24 - A picture of something you wish you could change

Rumors

I really wish these rumors would get squashed. They are the SAME rumors from when Sal first joined the Army, 22 years ago! Military spouses, PAY ATTENTION, LOL

*A mop standing outside a front door on post-IT DOES NOT MEAN THAT THE SPOUSE INSIDE THE HOME IS SIGNALING FOR AN AFFAIR. IT USUALLY MEANS THAT HE/SHE HAS RECENTLY MOPPED AND IS DRYING THE MOP, LOL

*The more kids you have the more money the Army pays you-IF THIS WERE TRUE, WE WOULD BE GAZZILIONAIRES AND ROLLING IN THE DOUGH.. THE ONLY TIME HAVING KIDS MAKES ANY DIFFERENCE IN THE MILITARY IS WHEN YOU RECEIVE COLA FOR LIVING OVERSEAS OR CERTAIN AREAS STATESIDE. COLA IS BY RANK, LOCATION AND NUMBER OF DEPENDANTS(UP TO DEPENDANTS)

*The Army will pay for spouses college-AGAIN, IF THIS WERE TRUE, WE WOULD ALL BE PHD'S. THERE ARE ORGANIZATIONS THAT OFFER SCHOLARSHIPS TO SPOUSES AND NOW SOLDIERS CAN TURN OVER THEIR GI BILL(WITH STIPULATIONS) TO THEIR SPOUSE OR CHILD(REN).

*Spouses of enlisted soldiers can't be friends with spouses of officers-REMINDER, SPOUSES ARENT IN THE ARMY AND PLAY BY DIFFERENT RULES. SPOUSES CAN BE FRIENDS WITH ANYONE THEY CHOOSE. I HAVE FRIENDS FROM SPOUSES OF E1'S TO SPOUSES OF 2 STARS. YOU DONT ONLY HAVE TO ASSOCIATE WITH ONE OR THE OTHER. SPOUSES DONT HAVE ANY RANK-PERIOD...

*Commissary baggers-YES YOU DO NEED TO TIP THEM, THEY DO ONLY WORK FOR TIPS AND YES THAT IS LEGAL.... IF YOU DONT WANT TO TIP THEM, THEN BAG YOUR GROCERIES YOURSELF AND CARRY THEM OUT YOURSELF. NO THEY DONT MAKE HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS A DAY, EITHER.

*Female soldiers our out to get your soldier-UMM NO, NOT REALLY.

I think thats it for now, LOL these are the ones that I read about weekly and it drives me into insanity sometimes. The problem is, is that people choose to hear these and believe these and anytime someone tells them that isnt so, they get 57 kinds of butt hurt about it, LOL..

PS this pic has nothing to do with the topic, it just makes me laugh..

Day 23 - A picture of your favorite book.

This is my favorite book and one of my favorite movies..

Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at.

I wish I was better at baking. I can cook like a champ, but baking, eludes me....

Sad

Well today we said goodbye to our 1st born.. AGAIN.. He deployed today. I have said goodbye to him before, this is his 2nd deployment. Words cannot describe having to say goodbye to your child as he/she is about to go to war.. It is heart wrenching. I carried him for 9.5 months and 47 hours of labor. I was with him everyday of his life. Ive seen him in the best of times and some of the worst of times. Ive wanted to hug him and strangle him, BUT I always love him. My fear is of course the worst that could happen to him.. My heart would die, Id worry and analyze my whole life and wonder all kinds of things.. All day I have played back in my mind all the happy and fun times with Nicholas. Ive said it many times, I dont like ANYONE having to deploy, but Sal deploying doesnt bother me as much as Nicholas, not because I love him more or he is more important, BUT Sal is a grown up man, LOL Nicholas is our son and in my mind he is always 8 and sweet. He has alot to stay strong for and I pray for his safety and for the safety of all who serve.. Everyone there is someones son or daughter... Love You, Nicholas..

Day 21 - A picture of something you wish you could forget.

There are soo many innapropriate things I could put on here, but Ill keep it to myself and those that know what im talking about, LoL.. In All seriousness it is this....My dads death.. I wish it hadnt ever happened... The worst memory in my life..

Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel.

Scotland!!

Day 19 - A picture of you when you were little

This is me and my little sister, Ronni.. Soooo cute!!!!!

Day 18 - A picture of your biggest insecurity.

Id have to say that my lack of a college degree is my BIGGEST insecurity. Im not a stupid person, but I would have to definately say that not having a degree makes me feel idiotic at times... Someday!!!

Day 17 - A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently.

My friendship with Julie

Julie and I are besties and have known each other for years and she has ALWAYS been a wonderful friend, BUT lately with some of the things that have gone on in our lives, she has LITTERALLY talked me off the ledge of insanity, sadness, despair.. Sometimes she tells me to SHUT UP and get over it(You see Wayne, sometimes even I need to be told that), other times she cries and hates with me. I always know she has my back. Her impact on my life is just immeasurable and I love her tons.

Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you.

Hmm, i've never thought about this honestly. There are MANY people who I admire and respect. I'd honestly have to say, Ms. Christina Palacios inspires me. This is a women that is successful from pure hard work and wonderfulness. She is a wonderful business woman, volunteer, mother, friend, "auntie", and Tony's future manager for the NBA. hahah.. I've always thought highly of her and she inspires me to work hard and also enjoy the people you love.. I am fairly sure I havnt ever told her this, but its very true.. Loves ya little lady!!!

Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die.

I want to go somewhere tropical, warm, with cabana boys that bring me fabulous pina coladas with little umbrellas in them and I want to sleep until noon, breakfast in bed, romantic walks along the beach, watch the sunrise, dance in the ocean.. Ya, you get the hint

That is easy... Go on a honeymoon!!! We have been married 22 years and NEVER gone away together alone.. Not even a honeymoon... We were SUPPOSED to go last year to Santa Fe and for 6 months I planned it, made arrangements got the inlaws to come to Tx to watch the kids and 1 week before Sal was coming home for RR, my inlaws had to back out.. I bawled my eyes out, im not sure it is ever going to happen, but I can dream.. I have to say we have been on FABULOUS vacations as a family, all over the world, but this one just eludes me... Boooo

My army chair quarterbacking of Army Wives...

Okay, so I was just watching my DVR and watching Army Wives. I think Sal actually likes it a wee better than I do, LOL all in all its a fairly accurate account of military lives. While watching it, Roman came in the room while "Joan" was having her COC(change of command) ceremony and like a true "Army Brat" he said, "MAMA, that wooks like daddys meeting(Sal had a COR, change of responsibility ceremony(that is for 1sg's, sgm's, csm's).. Daddy did dat with da fwags(flags) Yes, he did RORO.. So back to the QBing.. Joans COC would have typically been on a bit bigger of a scale. Garrison command is NO joke of a position. I also have NEVER heard a speaker welcome honored guests, family, friends and Army Civilians.. Not the Army civilian part, LOL..The disciplinary action review board, is true.. And NO joke.. The military families have to definitely live to a high standard. Living on post IS a privilege and shoplifting ANYWHERE is a no no.. I have actually seen families kicked out of housing for what a dependant has done.. I have also seen a child kicked out of housing with the parents being allowed to live on post(child had to live with friends off post) Next is Claudia Joys graduation. I can attest from experience that the important things that spouses go through is sometimes overlooked. I have had people call during a deployment to ask how is Sal, etc, never once asking how I am. I have accomplished and done things that have gone unnoticed and Sal has forgotten things too. This job as Army Spouse isn't for the weak hearted for sure. Thankfully though, the tough parts are few and far between. The key to it all really is a good circle of friends. They get us through the hard times, good times and any other times. One memory I have of true friendship is when Nicholas and Ashlee had their confirmations together in Giessen Germany. It was during a deployment and of course we were far from home and family couldn't make it. Well who was front and center at their confirmation? The YaYas... Lana, Lisa, Kristy, Michelle, Melissa.. They were there taking pics, shedding tears of pride and of course having a laugh.. Those are Army Wives and its what we do. So, remember if you are a military spouse and having a rough day-have a chat with your inner circle, it will make you feel better, always...

Day 14 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without.

Roman Gianmarco

Dominic Gianluca

Anthony Giancarlo

Cassidy Renee

Ashlee Marie

Nicholas Giovanni

These 6 fabulous people.. They are the reason that I live and breathe and usually bring my much joy. They also at times bring me headaches, heartbreak and tears, LOL.. BUT the joy, laughter and happiness is definately outweighs the bad :) Always and forever will I love Nicholas, Ashlee, Cassidy, Anthony, Dominic and Roman. You have given me sooo many wonderful things to be blessed about.

Day 13 Favorite band or group

Umm, der!

Day 12 - A picture of something you love.

I seriously LOVE snow cones! Of course I love my family, etc..that is a given, but snow cones, OMG they are the most tasty treat, EVA

Day 11 - A picture of something you hate.

Too bad it doesnt say SOMEONE I hate, LOL... Oh well, maybe next time.. BUT, something that I hate are candied yams, sweet potatoes, any and all ways.. They gross me out.. My mom would FORCE me to eat them, ICK!!! Oddly, I dont mind making them for Sal though, LOL..

Day 10 - A picture of the person you do the most messed up things with.

This is easy... But its 2 peeps.. My sister, Ronni and my Bff'erella, Julie- Who I swear to all that is holy, HAS to be the missing link to Ronni and I, LOL.. Ronni and I are ALWAYS having a good laugh at our mothers expense and we can just make any situation a funny one. I miss having here with me all the time, but we definately make up for it when we are together.. Julie and I are trouble, and when you see us coming-you should really run the other way.. You both, complete me, LOL ERRDAY

Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most

Id have to say, Sal.. He has been there for many things regarding me and gotten me through all of them. He has seen me at my very best and gotten me through the very worst. He is the ONLY person on this planet that knows every detail of my life.. and he has gotten me through my past and still loves me :)

Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh.

Okay, this picture is FUNNY because of Sals expression.. Backstory- This was 5 min before Sal and a group of soldiers were deploying. He was on the mic, calling role call and getting everyone lined up for the busses to take them to the planes. That whole morning was crazy, as you can well imagine and the family time had been shortened by about 20 min or so, (flexability, spouses!!!) anyway, this lady dragged her husband up there and YELLED at mine saying her husband WOULD NOT be lining up until they got their 20 minutes(families had been together for hours) she was screaming at my husband, so I stepped back for 2 reasons(1 for a photo op and 2, she was about to get my size 9 in her face) Sal gave her that look and finally got a word in... something about, get out of his face, LOL Jk, JK.. He did remind her that this is a real live deployment and he wasnt getting those 20 minutes and then kept calling role.. Oh that man of mine, likes to make friends LMAO

Day 07 - A picture of your most treasured item.

Aside from our children, grandchildren, sisters, neices and nephews, friendships, which are SUPER items I treasure with every ounce of my being.. The most treasured item I have is our marriage.. Sal and I have been together for 22 years and it hasnt always been a walk in the park and we have certainly had our challenges, but we have overcome those and have made a great team. Being married to Sal has made me the happiest I have ever been. He is truly an amazing guy. He loves unconditionally and with his whole heart. Sal, thank you for being my most treasured item, LOL.. Eventhough you arent ACTUALLY an item, lol.. You know what I mean..

Day 06 - A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day.

It would have to be Chelsea Handler.. She gets PAID to be a funny bitch.. I unfortunately DO NOT get paid to be a funny bitch.. LMAO

Day 05 - A picture of your favorite memory.

I have many great memories, BUT one of the ones that really embodies love is watching our daughter dance with daddy at her wedding.. This picture shows the emotion of a little girl who is about to embark on a new life, with a new love.. And the emotion of them both as they share this beautiful moment.. There wasnt a dry eye in the room when Tim McGraw sang My little girl.

Day 04 - A picture of your favorite night.

I found him, I found him!!!!

This is when Sal came home from his last deployment.. Our son and son in law had just returned home from deployment and he was the last of the 3 of them to redeploy. The relief was overwhelming, eventhough this was our 4th go at a deployment.. I did the ugly cry, but I didnt care..

Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show.

Most people know my obsession with Brittish humor and tv shows, but this is SERIOUSLY my favorite show and one that makes me laugh soooo hard... I hope they NEVER make an Americanized version of this because I would cry.. WAAAAh...

“She's so anally retentive she wouldn't sit down for fear of sucking up the furniture.
Patsy

Day 02 - A picture of you and the person you have been close with for the longest.

This is me and my sister, Ronni Jean Simpson Engel. I have known here since April 23, 1976. We have always had a very close relationship and weathered many storms together. I lub her-Always, forever and unconditionally. She makes me laugh and it makes me sad that we dont get to see each other as often as we would like, but we talk daily and make the most of it when we are together and we like to torment our mother.. She and I are very different, but I love that. Love you, sissy.. Ronni, has 2 kiddos (Brandan and Kenzie) and a fab husband, Troy. She is very successful in anything she does. She is also kick ass tough and one day, id like to be like her :)

Day 01 - A picture of yourself with fifteen facts.

SO, im giving this a whirl...

1-im punctual to the extreme

2-im a hopeless romantic

3-im a bit of a bitch-and thats okay

4-I love a good argument

5-I am very practical but HATE being practical

6-I have regrets

7-I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the color pink

8-I like to smell good

9-I miss my father very much badly.

10-Blue cheese stuffed olives are the shyte

11-looking at me, you would NEVER guess I have quite the potty mouth

12-im content

13-love the rain

14-I want to be a 40's pin up

15-I have an obsession with cute socks..