Day 18: Whatever tickles my Fancy.

Haha wow it seems like I have another "whatever tickles my fancy" day. Well I have mentioned my neighbor Marline a few times. She is one amazing person and I'm very thankful God put her in my life (or allowed our paths to cross) I can now honestly say I have a new BEST FRIEND! She is one wonderful lady. I love her will all my heart. I'm comfortable enough to open my door to her and her babies while I'm still in my Pjs and prolly just rolling out of bed as I hear a knock on my door from them. Yesterday she welcomed me into her home to just hang out and do nothing. Today I took her a plate of the YUMMY cake I made last night and a few muffins with fruit from todays coffee. The muffins were gone before I stepped my foot in the door haha and the cake was gone before I sat on the sofa. haha. We sat around and talk. Had a good heart to heart moment. Then Lorelei and I watched "Up" together. That movie is super cute and super sad. I wanted to cry, (I would have had her husband not gotten home and sat in the chair right next to me. He too is a Marine) I just love that family so much. Lorelei tells me all the time, "Samantha (but in a baby voice and my name missing a few letters haha) I love you" and Ohhh Eeeemmm Geee does my heart just melt. I love babies and I love children. I really really do have a feeling that God has put me on this Earth to be a Mother and a Wife and that is it. I just know it. So I can't wait to be a Mommy. I do want to spend more "alone" time with my Mister, but I can honestly say I think I'm ready.

Oh by the way, coffee today was funn!!!


So now thanks to "Up" I think I am going to sit down (or ask Eric to sit down with me) with Eric and we are going to make an "adventure, I want to go/do" book. ;-) I think this will be a ton of fun! And I might even get a jar and tape a note that states: "Adventure" funds and we will place loose change in it. Oh this is going to be so exciting. And I have a un-used scrapbook for it. So what if it is pink right? lol I'll paint on it. haha

So (have you notice I start a lot of my sentences with "so" haha) Ever been listening to a friend and as she is telling you something that is going on in her life you sat there and thought "God I know you have reasons for why things happen, but why are you doing this to this wonderful family?" Well I had one of those moments today. I never question God but today I did and I still kinda am. I just don't understand why some things happen to certain people. I thought Good things happened to good people? Well why is something (or alot of somethings) happening to this family. What can I do to help? God I really need your help here and I am sorry for questioning you, but I really just don't understand your reason for this.

Well that is all I have for today. Have a great Tuesday evening.

Day 17: An Art Piece

Ok so this is my very very very favorite. I want this picture in my house sooooo bad. My beautiful neighbor Marline has this in their living room behind their sofa and it just is awe so Wonderful.

I've looked for this in a puzzle and have been unsuccessful hahaha. But someday I will have this picture (well a copy of course) in my home.

What is a favorite art piece of yours?


So Mister Eric gets out of class today early whoop whoop. Its about time. He has a wonderful gpa of 3.6 and should finally get out an hour early. He has been "Killing" his tests which I'm so very proud of him. December he graduates and on to Texas we go.

Tomorrow I'm  off and I'm having coffee at my house with my wonderful ladies. I can't wait. ;-) I love my ladies. They are totally great.

So this funk I'm in I can't seem to get out of it. And I really don't know what is wrong. I am letting it go thought and putting in the hands of God. He always brings me through.

I hope everyone has/had a wonderful Monday!!

Day 16: A Song that Makes me Cry

Well this one is not hard at all. The number one song that can make me cry and always will is "Just a Dream" by Carrie Underwood. This song hits home like no other haha. I heard it right after Eric left for boot camp and oh it was just not something I needed to listen to at that time. Well I still don't need to listen to it, and I usually don't haha.

What is a song that makes you cry??



Today was a nice Sunday in the Banegas household. Eric was up as early as the sun came up. I slept in until about 9. The girls have been outside laying in the sun (first day of sun in a week) Eric finished my puzzle I have been working on since last Sunday. And I finally have caught up on all my cleaning and my laundry. Thank God. A week away from home really messes you up haha.

I hope everyone else is having a fantastic Sunday like we are. ;-)

Day 15: A Fanfic

Ok so I don't know what a "fanfic" is, but if you do please let me know. lol.

I was reading other blogs today and one really caught my attention. The just of her post was about how "real" we are on our blogs. Made me think, am I real on mine? And then I thought about it and why yes I am. I don't put everything that goes on in our home, but I do the things I want to remember. And I think that that is what my blog is for. Its for me to place the stuff I want to remember. I don't want to remember when we have a disagreement or when we are struggling financially (b/c we are in the military and the pay isn't that great, but we do get by) or the fact that I can't see my family everyday b/c I choose to be with my husband. I do want to remember all the "fun" and "funny" moments we have in our home, the times we are able to get the stuff we want (like this truck), or the times I do get to go home and see my family.

Things could be a lot worse. I'm thankful for the life I have. I'm thankful that my Mister is employed by the government, even if that means that he is "owned" by them for 4-7 more years. I'm thankful that I have a part-time job to keep me busy and bring in extra money. I'm thankful that I have good friends here that have become family to me and keep me sane the 6 months I go without seeing my family. I'm thankful that the Mister and I are perfectly healthy.

I don't think there is anything more I could ask for that I need. There are a ton of "wants" but those will come with time. I hope that you are just as "real" as myself and the other. We must always have an understanding that we are only seeing the picture of a beach, and not the entire ocean with sharks.

God Bless All and Good night.

Day 14: Falling away...

Well today was suppose to be a Non-Fictional book, but to be totally honest, I don't think I have ever read a Non-fictional book. I may have and I just don't remember it b/c it wasn't really interesting to me. Kinda sad I know and I know that I should work on that, but will I? Prolly not.

Today I went back to work after having a week off, working Monday and Tuesday, and then having Wednesday and Thursday off. It felt like a long day and like it would never end. If finally did when 10:30 came along haha. I came home and all I wanted to do was sleep. Crazy but I think the trip home made me fall behind on my sleep.

I have started to work on a 500 piece puzzle. And so far it is coming along, until yesterday when I said I needed a break from it. So now it is just sitting on my craft table looking back at me...

The Mister informed me today that he Totally Aced his test (he said it was a test on everything he has learned since this time last year, and that is alot of Arabic if you ask me) I am very proud of him. He sounds very good when he speaks it.

Tomorrow I have to work in the early morning (no big deal) Eric has a Company basketball tourny (boo) lol haha and then in the later afternoon I am taking my best girlfriend Alaena to the San Jose airport. Her husband is in Egypt for a month and so she is going home to Michigan so she isn't alone. (I don't blame her I would be doing the same thing) I think it is a great experience for Jordan (her husband) to be going to Egypt. I'm very proud of him as well.

Both the neighbor Marline and I want and are totally hoping we get Ft. Meade MD as our PDS when that time comes. For her it will be a few months before us but hopefully we both get it. She and her husband (he is also a Marine) will find out in October or November where they will be going and Eric and I will find out in December. It is so far away yet so close. Marline is also having another baby girl and I believe she is due in October or November. I can't wait to meet this baby girl.

For some reason I just kinda felt like rambling haha. I am sorry if todays post was a bore. And I'm sorry I don't read any Non-Fictional books, but if you know of any good ones let me know and I will look into them. ;-) Thanks and I hope everyone has a GREAT weekend.

Day 13: A Fictional Book.

So I don't know why, but Winnie-The-Pooh has popped into my head for this topic. I love Winnie-The-Pooh. I always have. I would love to do my babies rooms as Winnie-The-Pooh. I think it is just oh so warming.

I feel like I am in a slump today. I really don't know what is going on, but I feel I'm on a low today. Today out of it. Haha. I hope everyone else is having a great Thursday

Day 12: Whatever tickles my Fancy.

So this new (well we have been here almost six months so its not soo new lol) house of ours felt empty, not like a HOME. I just wasn't feeling it. I have through out the months bought little things to make my home feel like a home. I have started a cross wall:

And it is beginning to come together. ;-) a few of those are new crosses that we brought home from Texas.

My entertainment stand has three crosses on it as well. (can you tell I LOVE Crosses) ;-)

My Animal Print dinning table. ;-) I love it. The vase with the flowers needs some black pebbles at the bottom so the flowers are leaning over, I just haven't had a chance to go and get some.

My beautiful china cabinet. I have always said I would have one of these. I found a very good friend who was going to sell it and I said I wanted it and she was so nice she GAVE it to me. (I would rather have things that are from other homes to put into my home. Makes it seem more Home I guess?)

I have seen the picture of The Last Supper in many of my families homes. I have always wanted one. I found this one and fell in love with it at Ross Dress for Less Store. (You can find some good stuff if you are willing to look) I put this in my dining room and it just fills it up with warmth.

My two new rugs I found at Ross as well. They are zebra print (AWESOME) and they were really a good price. They help with the sound of the house. I have found one for my living room too, but I am waiting to get it for a while. The one for my living room isn't going to be zebra print. Its green and red like my sofas. I can't wait to get it.

After coming home from home (TEXAS) I have realized that HOME is actually where my husband is. Yes I will always have a home back in the corner of West Texas with my family, but my home is with my husband. I feel now that my house feels like a home. And I am so happy to have been able to see this.

Now if I could only get the weather here to get a little warmer and a little more sunnier then I would be very very happy.

Day 11: A photo I took Recently:

So these pictures are from our trip back home. We left Monterey Ca, at 2100 (9:00pm) and I drove until 0430 am. I got us out of LA and then we switched drivers. Eric drove the next few until 1200 noon. This picture up above and the one below are in Arizona. In the early morning. (Sun was barely coming up) I love these first two pictures.

This is Allie when we got into TEXAS. We were just out of Van Horn, TX and she was staring out the window. I think she too knew we weren't in California anymore.

This is my God-Sister Sara and my Niece Izzy (Isabella) This pool was a gift from my mom for Izzy's first birthday. She loved it. If you can't tell.

 Haha this is my Mom after she made the first meal of HOME COOKED MEALS at home. (She didn't make everything, but it was at her house and she was exhausted.) Eric said it looks like she has drank too much. (the cup in her hand...its still her first haha.

And again this is my Papa LaBaume (from the post below) He was eating one of those jalapenos with cream cheese and wrapped in bacon. It was still a little too hot (he pulled it right off the grill) but insisted on still eating it lol.

   This is my daddy getting some condiments from the fridge for our huge meal. ;-)

So I picked more then just one picture for "A photo I took rececntly" but I take alot of photos all the time so It was hard as you can tell and I wanted to share a few from home...I will share more later, But right now I am exhausted and I think I am going to take a nap. ;-) Enjoy.

Day 10: A phone taken of me over TEN Years Ago

This is my Papa (GRANDPA) Jimmy T. LaBaume and myself when I was about a year old (maybe older I don't know for sure) My Grandfather was in the Marine Corps for many years. In this picture he was a Staff Sergeant (SSgt) When he finished and was out of the Marine Corps he came out as a Gunnery Sergeant (GySgt).

I love my Papa. He is something else. When we having a BBQ or any family gathering we always hear stories. His stories are awesome. Very educational and very interesting. I think I might have learned more from him then I ever did from teachers at school.

I miss sitting with him at 5pm watching the news at the house (before I moved out to Cali) It was our time together that was my favorite.

Day 9: A Photo I took

This shouldn't be as hard as I think it might be lol. I have taken 99 % of all my photos in my albums on my laptop. Now I just have to pick one that is really special. ;-)

I picked this picture of my mom and Allie. This was on our way to California when my mom and dad moved me out here in February. Allie loves my momma and loved to stick her head next to my mom haha.


We took Allie home with us this past week. We had a ton of fun. We left last Friday and got to Alpine Sunday. WE hit West Texas, El Paso, Texas Saturday afternoon and stayed with his dad and saw that side of the family. Sunday we made it to Alpine and surprised the entire family. We got to hang out with friends and we got to hang out with family. It was a good short trip home. Helped me realize that I'm def. not missing out on anything (just my niece and baby sister growing up) But in Little Alpine there is nothing there for a girl like me. :-)

WE hope to go back in December for Christmas break. Well I do at least. Eric doesn't want to he wants to do some traveling. So there will be many discussions on the matter the next few months. ;-) I'm very family oriented and I have to be with family on holidays. He and his family don't seem to be and they like to do their own things. This is going to be very hard. We will have to compromise some how.

I will post some pictures from the trip later. 

Quick post.

So to tell why I haven't been blogging its because the husband and I packed our bags Thursday and Friday began our drive back to Alpine, West TEXAS for a surprise visit. We have a week off for leave and we were gonna go on vacation. But one day a few months ago I had a breakdown and decided I needed to go home. So The most amazing Husband in the world allowed me to do just that (him and Allie in tow) Lillie had to stay back with some friends, but she is being spoiled so that is good. I will play catch up later and add some pictures from our trip. Prolly when we get back home next week. I'm sorry I'm not here. :-( but I am enjoying my family. ;-)

Day 8 - a photo that makes me sad

This is my baby sister. She is 11 years old and we are 9 years apart. She is my BEST FRIEND and I miss her a ton. The reason why I picked this picture as my "sad picture" is because every time I look at a picture of her, talk about her, talk to her, or think about her I cry a river (and I'm dead serious about that there are that many tears)

She was the hardest to say bye to the day that I moved away from home to be with Mr. Eric. I didn't want to go and say bye b/c I knew it would be terrible. I was right as soon as she walked out into the hall we both started to cry. I felt bad for making her cry at school but I knew I needed to say goodbye to her.

I miss her dearly and I cannot wait to see her again. She is growing up and I'm very sad I am missing out on it all. When she graduates from High School, Eric will finally be getting out of the Marine Corps. So I'm most likely going to miss a lot of her years. :-( Which of course tares me to pieces.




This weeks Top Two Topic is: Top Two Favorite Books:

Well of course my number one favorite book is:

Yep you guessed it the Notebook. And I know I have told you all many many times, but This is my ultimate favorite book. ;-)

My Second is:

The Wedding. It too is written by Nicholas Sparks. Its the second part to The Notebook and I totally suggests that if you have read the The Notebook that you turn around and now read The Wedding. I promise you will like it.

I worked this morning and I worked hard. I haven't worked that hard in forever. lol. After work we had coffee at Carrie's house for her daughters first birthday. That little girl is the cutest ever. After work I came home and hit the house. I finally have a clean house and it looks GREAT!!! I hope it stays this way all week long. ;-) I hope everyone had a fantastic Tuesday like I did. ;-)

Not Me Monday

Join in in the "Not Me" Monday over at MckMama.





Today I did not sit on the sofa and play on the computer from the time I got home from work until the time I had to pick up the Husband, Nope Not me! I did not then get back on the sofa trying to get out of making dinner, Nope Not me! I did not make beans along with the rest of the meal even though Mr. Eric didn't want them, Nope Not Me! I did not try to get out of feeding the dogs and try to take a Hot bath, Nope Not Me! I did not refuse to fold the laundry and hold it off for tomorrow, Nope Not Me!



Yep Yep I sure did...another post for Monday...

Day 7: A photo that makes me happy.

This is my Daddy and I at my wedding (01/01/2010). This was our Father Daughter dance. This picture actually makes me have many emotions. I'm happy, and sad, and well just in awe I guess is the word. My Daddy has always been there for me and he continues to be even though I am three states away.

He is not my birth father, but he is my DADDY!! He came into my life when I was 2 years old and has been there ever since. At the age of 7 he gave me his last name by adopting me. Now I have a ton of respect for any man that can do that. Be with a woman who has a child and be willing to call that child his own (even though not of his own flesh) I'm am so proud to call him DADDY!!

Yesterday I was allowed to sleep in until 1 pm. I was thrilled haha. I woke up a few times. Eric brought me breakfast in bed at 10:00 am after I ate I went back to sleep haha. It was a nice day once I decided to finally get out of bed. We cleaned the house and he cleaned the car (it looks brand new) and all but two loads of laundry were done. It was a lovely Sunday. Saturday evening I babysat the neighbors babies and had a blast. I love my neighbors. They are really awesome people. Their love for each other and their relationship with God is so amazing. Saturday morning Eric and I had gone on a bike ride to Target and back. I wore a tank top and shorts (because it was hot and sunny!!) I actually got a little (ok it is actually a pretty bad) sun burn. Which will in time turn into a tan so I'm totally stoked about that.

I am soo excited about Friday, but I can't really say why. There is a secret but I can't share b/c I'm not sure who all reads my blog. But come Sunday I will share my secret. ;-)

Happy Monday everyone.

Day 6: What Tickles My Fancy??

Ok Ok...I know I said I would be back, but I was a little busy Thursday and Friday and I am sorry haha. Thursday I was just totally exhausted an I had to catch my bed early. Last night (Friday) we had our DATE NIGHT!!


Hmm, What tickles my fancy, ANIMAL PRINT!!!

My kitchen is black and red and then with a safari theme. I found a dish set at walmart before I moved out here that sets for 4 and all the dishes had animal print, but the dishes are black. I love them. Yesterday I painted three 8 by 10 like the picture above only black and red zebra print to put up in my kitchen. I took pictures of them and tried to upload them, but I have ran out of time. I will post them another time...The husband and I are gonna go bike riding. ;-)

Day 5!!! Time to play "catch up"

Woooahhh...I'm sorry I have been Missing In Action but I am back now. I have been super busy. My last post was on the 19th of May and Today is June 2nd. LIKE WHERE DID THE TIME GO?

Soo first I cannot remember everything that has happened since the 19th and for that I am sorry haha. BUT...lets see what I can...

Friday the 28th was my best friend Alanea's birthday, and so on Thrusday the 27th Eric and I went over to her house for dinner. Her mother in law Debe was here for a few weeks and she made the BEST CLAM CHOWDER EVER!!! Thank you Debe. We had a yummy cake after that she made as well. It was a nice dinner for the 5 of us. We always enjoy our time with the Barkers.

This last weekend was Memorial Day. Now some think Yay Memorial Day is the START of SUMMER VACA. Well yes actually that is a coincidence, but that isn't the POINT. Memorial Day is to remember those men and women who have fallen fighting for our FREEDOM, to enjoy Summer Vacation. ;-)

(I had to get that across)

I unfortunately had to work 3 of the 4 days Eric had "off" from the Corp. But I had Sunday off and we hit Great America (its like a six flags for those of you who don't know) We rode all the roller coasters and just really enjoyed ourselves. After we drove to San Fran and I FINALLY got to see the GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE. I was very excited and it was really pretty.

Monday I worked only until 10:30 am and after Eric and I went to the mall and we got to a new outfit each and then we had lunch at RG's Burgers MY FAVORITE!!!

Tuesday it was back to the grind. And thats about all I can remember since the 19th lol.

TRUCK UPDATE: The truck is ours. We are only waiting on the shipping. But it is OURS!!!


Now Day 5 of the 30 Day Meme:
FAVORITE QUOTE:
Now this one is tough. I love love love to read and "collect" quotes. But I guess I will have to go with...
The greatest danger for most of us is not that we aim too high and we miss it, but we aim too low and reach it.
- Michelangelo

So what are some of yours? Share please. ;-) and I promise I will stay on top ;-) I'm back and ready. ;-)

(I tried to upload two pics from this weekend, but it wouldn't let me, so I will try again tomorrow. I apologize for that)