Mommy-Toddler Translation

A friend gave me a great idea to schedule in some craft time each day. I figured this would increase her creativity and give us some bonding time as well. So yesterday, I told Nevaeh, "It's time to do crafts". She got excited, and went straight to the closet where I keep all the play dough, paints, crayons, and markers, etc. To my surprise, she grabbed the pens and highlighters and an activity book. I figured this was an odd choice given all there was to choose from. Nevertheless, we went into the kitchen, where she sat down at the table and said..."Okay mom draw crabs". I now understood her choice of pens, and I couldn't stop laughing. I am not an artist so I encouraged her to "draw crabs" first. It turns out they are just a bunch of squiggled, so I took my turn and it turned out fun. Even lost in translation, craft time was fun. I think this is something we will continue on a regular basis.

Sorry Out of Cash

So I was at the Commissary today, and I did something that I have not done before...I stiffed the bagger on her tip. I feel really bad, especially since I know they don't get paid by the hour and work solely for tips. The girl was really nice, and she bagged the stuff well. To top it off, I couldn't remember where I parked my car, and she literally walked from one end of the parking lot to the other helping me look for it. So why the stiff? Trust me it was not intentional; I thought I had some cash in the glove box (apparently my husband took the gas money and forgot to tell me...good thing I didn't need gas). I promised her I would go to the ATM and get her some money. But here's the twist and why I'm not sure if the guilt trip is warranted or not. The guy waiting for my parking space handed the girl a $5 bill, so should I still feel bad? I did attempt to go to the ATM, but while I was trying to remember my PIN number (which I still can't remember...dang baby eating my brain), a police officer came over and almost gave me a ticket b/c I left the car running (with Nevaeh in it) in a Fire Lane. I explained I just needed to go to the ATM, but he told me that it was a serious offense and that I needed to park the car. I decided to leave instead, but now I'm feeling really guilty that I didn't give the girl a tip. Am I overreacting or should I go back and slip the girl the $5 she deserves? What do you think?

Things I love about my Husband...

* I love that he tells me he loves me about five times before he walks out the door and at the end of EVERY phone call, no matter how brief.

* I love when he sprays on his cologne and then comes to hug me, making sure I can smell it, b/c he knows it is my favorite smell in the world.

* I love how he checks to make sure the doors and windows are all locked at least twice each night and answers patiently when I ask him if he'd checked them ALL.

* I love that no matter how hard he tries to be quiet, he is still one of the loudest people I know.

* I love that when we go to the park, Chris has every bit as much fun as any child there.

* I love that he can never turn Nevaeh down when she asks him to read or play with her.

* I love that he is willing to share his day with me, however mundane.

* I love how he automatically helps without complaint to take care of the dishes after dinner.

* I love that he trusts me completely to take care of the finances he works so hard to earn.

* I love his work ethic, even when it keeps him at work hours longer than everyone else.

* I love how he asks my opinion when he picks something out to wear, and doesn't complain when I suggest he change something so it matches better.

* I love that he is so knowledgable and careful about our cars and makes sure they stay working properly. I will never have to worry about being stranded in my car.

*I love how he makes me laugh with a single facial expression.

** I love that I am the one woman in the whole world that gets to be Chris Huss' wife. That makes me special!

What do you love about your spouse?

New Home

So I know it has been FOREVER since my last post, and my small audience who actually checks my blogs is increasingly dwindling b/c well, I haven't written anything. However, to be fair, I didn't really write, b/c most of them I talked to on a daily basis, but now that has changed, and my lazy blogging habits are going to have to change too. So for the latest bit of news, I have moved. Not too far, just closer to the beach. It is a nice house for us. It has the garage and deck for Chris, the fenced in back yard for Nevaeh and lots of closets for me. However it is missing something...the closeness of a few select friends. I know it is Navy life that we all move away, but unlike the last house, I moved into this one alone, and the daunting task of meeting my neighbors is not looking promising. In time I guess (I am sure the subzero temperatures are keeping everyone inside...or I know they would all be bringing me homemade pies and introducing themselves...right?) Nevertheless we are settling in, and the unpacking is almost done. Nevaeh is settling too, although I don't think she quite knows the difference (except she has to go upstairs to bed). We started "God Blessing" everyone at bedtime, and while I say, "All our friends" she has to name them one by one...and Kyra and Megan...you are doubly blessed every night. I know she misses you, as do I (and Alicia too) :) . I hope you are settling in to your new homes as well in the Arctic Tundra. Keep in touch!