I'm here!

Hi, I'm Natalie and I'm a terrible blogger.  I can't seem to keep up these days.  Where have I been??  Well, life has changed A LOT!  

Let's start at the top.  Jonathon is now home from Korea and officially out of the military.  Admittedly I really didn't want that to happen at first, but I really came around to the idea of being a civilian family.  There's a significant difference in the pressure and stress we feel - a change for the better! I miss little things, like washing Jonathon's uniforms and shopping at the commissary.  However, I also know that the military really turned into something different than it was the day Jonathon signed up.  We always thought we'd be a career military family, but I really believe that God has his own timing.


I had Jonathon home for 2 solid weeks before my dad called from North Dakota saying he's short handed and really needs Jonathon.  It's an opportunity we couldn't turn down and within days he was on a plane.  For those of you who don't know, my dad is a land surveyor with over 30 years experience.  He's worked in Alaska (every picture of him from those days makes him resemble a yeti with him covered in snow gear) and Saudi Arabia and tons of places in between.  He's been working in the oil and gas industry since I was in high school - which brings us to North Dakota now.  He's an office guy now, but needed extra field guys - and so with that, Jon was his #1 pick. 


My dad is an amazing teacher, so it's perfect that Jon needed teaching.  He's absolutely loving his new job and I'm loving hearing enthusiasm in his voice again.  It's been a long time coming!  Jonathon works 3 weeks on (in theory, sometimes more) and 1 week off.  He's enjoying being outdoors all day, working in a relaxed environment and seeing all the pheasant that he'll hunt later this year.  


In the mean time, Jackson and I moved a few weeks ago to a house in Windsor, Colorado.  It took FOREVER (not kidding!) to find a suitable place.  I might be a tad picky, but this was getting ridiculous.  I looked at about 25 places, and by the time I'd look further into them, I'd find out they were already taken.  Great.  Finally after upping the budget (boo!) and expanding the location search,  I found this home.  It's spacious, has a nice yard and it's in a new subdivision.  Having a new place surely has it's perks.  Jackson is enjoying a jetted garden tub now. :)


All of the changes have just been such a blessing. Trusting God to just give me what I need has become easier with each passing year.  I THANK Him for all that I have, and all I ever will have.  Mostly for Jackson and for keeping him healthy, happy, secure and safe.  It's amazing to me how much I can love one tiny little person.  It's amazing to me that we haven't ever had to worry where his next meal is coming from or how we'll buy him new clothes.  It's easy to take for granted that we've been so incredibly blessed, but I'm reminded that not everyone has that luxury and while we look for ways to give back (I've found a few charities that I really love recently) it's also important to pray for those families and thank the Lord that we have so much.

That last paragraph may be a bit disorganized, but it's just my heart spilling over with gratitude. During our 6 years together, Jon and I have experienced so many twists, turns, disappointments, obstacles and struggles - mostly from being a part for so long - but we've made it.  No outside influences, or negativity, or even the thousands of miles that have separated us in the past have beaten us.  We're here, still standing -stronger than ever - and that is something to be proud of. 

A little peak into my shopping...

When Jackson was born, I promised Jonathon that if I was able to stay home, then I'd save him money. After all, when we dated and had combined bills - I was working, too! We went from two incomes down to one and suddenly also had household bills that we didn't have when we were just dating.

When I moved to Maryland with Jon, it was the first time I had ever lived on my own. (College dorms don't count...) I had lots of IDEAS on how a house should be run, however actually putting them to use was harder than it looked. Holy heck groceries are expensive. And oh my gosh - do I really have to pay THAT much for laundry soap? Yes. I had a huge learning curve ahead of me. Since my parents have always paid for everything, I didn't really know the value of a dollar. I admit that. I wasn't an irresponsible spender, but I certainly never thought that my favorite shirts from Hollister could cost the same as some Tide and Charmin.

Enter in late nights with a baby, needing some quiet time and just wanting to save on some necessities. I found that after I laid Jackson down, I too needed down time. I found myself looking over deals and coupons and shopping scenarios. Jon used to make fun of me, but I needed the pure quiet to unwind and this was a good way to find it. I have always been brand picky. I don't buy generic (unless it's Target's brand, because I don't find it to be a generic. I am NOT a fan of Wal Mart, or anything made by them, but will go for certain items) and I like what I like. I didn't want the whole saving money concept to come between me and the brands I liked.

Jackson used Enfamil as a baby - and I was buying him the ready-to-feed liquid for $1 a can because of the deals I'd get. I NEVER want to pay for cat food or litter - and I don't. My cat strictly eats Iams or Purina One Beyond, and I will never pay more than $.50 a box/bag of food. Sometimes this means having a TON of one product, but as long as I had the space - I was saving money. I was able to fly home to Colorado every few months. Jon and I ate out a lot. 90% of J's closet is Gymboree. I can't give up my department store skin care or make up (thanks, sensitive skin). That was what I wanted my money to go to, not napkins and other boring items.

I've been asked before what I get when I go shopping. To give you an idea of what a shopping trip for me is like (and yes, I'm weird and get very excited about my loot) here's a picture and a break down. I made a trip to Target with my beautiful boy.



I purchased (6) Febreze Sport fabric refreshers ($4.99 each, one not pictured), (2) Vicks ($3.89 each), (1) Vicks inhaler ($3.89), (3) Advil PM ($4.74 each), (3) Centrum Pro Nutrients ($9.99 each), (5) Vicks Nature Fusion ($6.99 each, on sale), (1) Vicks vapo-pads ($5.24), (1) Rice Krispie treat ($.69) and a Mavis die cast train from Thomas the Train set for Jackson ($6.19, also not pictured) for a total of - $157.15.
After rebates, gift cards back and stackable coupons - out of pocket, I paid $30.18 (including the $6 train and $6.74 in tax!!) That's a savings of 80%. If I don't include the train, since I paid full price for that - and tax - then I saved 89% . This is how I shop. It may be a little crazy, or weird...but we never go without and it's a little hobby now.

February

February. Before I got married, it didn't mean a ton to me. In school, I'd make my Valentine's Day box and look forward to an afternoon school party. I knew that the day after was my parent's anniversary. Other than that, it was just a month.

When I was 16, it came to mean the month that my sister would pass away. The month that changed our family forever. More on that in another post...just for her.

Then it became to be my anniversary as well. I wanted to be an October bride. I wanted the fall colors and crisp air - not red and white with snow on the ground. Jonathon was in Iraq and we had thought he'd get leave earlier or later than February. He had wanted to get married on leave - which was crazy to me, because how do you plan a wedding without a date?! I had agreed though. He called me one day, telling me his leave was sooner than expected. I told him I'd have to think about it. I said I didn't know if I could get it together that soon (the arrangements AND my mind). He called me back later, and I told him I was still on board. Jonathon told me something I will never forget. "Oh good, I was so worried that you were going to say you wouldn't marry me and we should wait now." Silly boy...there was nothing I wanted more than to be yours forever.

We had a lot of factors going against us. A lot of negativity in general. We not only made it - but we were stronger because of it. Iraq was a hard time - in some ways, he and I will never be the same. And in others, I'm so glad we're not.

He and I are surely opposites. We can find a disagreement just about anywhere. We have different backgrounds, interests, favorites and dislikes - but one thing we always knew is that we couldn't be without the other. Being married to him has shown me who I am and who I want to be. He has taught me patience and love, and I in turn showed him trust how to look at the big picture - not just today.

I love that he plans hunting trips with my dad. I like that he and my mom can joke around. I love watching him play with our beautiful boy. Mostly, I love that at the end of the day, he's the last person I think about and pray for and the first email I read in the morning.

I'm not exactly sure what path that the Lord has provided for us yet. I'm not sure where we'll be next year - or next month for that matter. But I pray that the path is a peaceful one - where Jonathon and I walk it hand in hand.

Holy Heck - Where Did 2011 Go?!

I'm not exactly sure what happened to the year. Jonathon has been gone for most of it, and although I was really dreading 2011, it hasn't been as rough as it could have been.

Jackson went from being a baby to a big boy. He runs faster than I can, is saying new words everyday and is just an absolute blessing. His favorite shows are still "Barney", "Chuggington" and "Blue's Clues". He eats just about anything - but will NOT touch Ranch dressing; he's strictly a Thousand Island boy. Weird huh? My child loves salads, broccoli and fish. His favorite dish is pizza (a boy after my own heart!!) and he is a sucker for Friday night Root Beers.

We're still working on the pacifier issue. He only gets it at nap and night time now, but that doesn't stop him from asking for it. I made him a new "blankie" because a couple of them were getting a bit small. (They were crib size, you know)

Jonathon is due home in a few weeks. 2012 is full of unanswered questions for our family, but we leave it to God and hope that His will is also ours. Jonathon, I believe, has enjoyed Korea over all, but is more than ready to be home. It's hard to believe his year is almost up. I think we both are in shock over how fast it's gone.

Jackson is really excited about Christmas. My mom made sure to put her big Christmas village up - it's Jackson's job to turn it on at night. He loves watching me wrap gifts, and he gets to take them into the living room to put on the big stack of presents waiting to be placed under the tree. Jackson is going to have an amazing Christmas - as are all the kids this year. I can't wait to see their faces. I requested a Ninja prep, and I think I got it (ok, I know I did- I picked it up from Bed Bath and Beyond).

I hope to post Christmas pictures shortly after Christmas!!

It's not goodbye...

With such a heavy heart, I say "so long" to my Grandma.

In all fairness, she was 88 years old. She lived life to the fullest, and probably had more fun than most 20 year olds.

I used to joke that she sent me cards for holidays that I didn't even know existed. She never missed a birthday, Christmas or any special day in between. She'd write me a quick note in each card - usually telling me about the weather in Charlevoix or what a great time she was having in Florida.

When my family lived in Las Vegas, she'd spend her day playing Bingo while us kids were at school. She had gold shoes and full "Vegas" Clothes. She was gorgeous even in her golden years. I'd watch her put on her makeup, complete with cream blush. She'd bring me something special if my parents put her up in my room. I remember one time she game me a dolphin necklace with matching earings even though I hadn't pierced my ears yet. I couldn't wait to wear them.

Our summers in Charlevoix were a mix of sandwiches - and just sand. Her house is right on Lake Charlevoix, a place that will probably always bring me a sense of calm. I loved playing with my sisters and cousins on that beach and looked forward to each trip that we were able to take there.

Any memory I have of her is amazing. She was the grandmother any kid would be so lucky to have. We'd spend our evenings playing cards. If there was a card game, she knew it AND she'd have the patience to teach us kids. She'd always say "It's not over until it's over" when I would make note of the scores. My grandma would often times buy us a chocolate treat of some sort for our evening card game.

Her coffee table was covered in gossip rags. Any celebrity story, my grandma knew it. She was a sucker for QVC and reality shows. I don't know any grandma that is that cool.

I started calling her "Gma" long ago. She started signing her cards "Gma" complete with the quotations. Sometimes she'd cross out a cards sentiment and write in her own.

As I got older, I still found so much joy in calling her. In the last few years, I'd call her each week to chat. I'd sit in the parking lot of the kids' schools waiting for them to be dismissed from class and just listen to her stories. She was full of wisdom and kind words. She'd give advice but was equally as good at listening.

When I got pregnant with Jackson, I was 1700 miles from my family. I was going to be a 23 year old with a newborn, and while most would say that we were too young, or question timing, when I called her to tell her she sounded just plain excited. She told me what great parents will be and what a great blessing this was. She never once gave an ounce of doubt or gave any opinion that wasn't happiness. That's what every kid deserves - just plain love, a soft place to land when the world was just too cold that day, a warm heart to tell you that everything will be just the way God wanted it.

When she started having some problems, before I would get off the phone with her I'd always tell her that I'd pray for her. Her tone always changed, and she'd just say "thank you so much, honey". Even from so far away, the sound of gratitude was so obvious. And we did. Jackson and I prayed for her each night. I hope God tells her that we followed through.
We appreciated each others faith and enjoyed talking about God's plan and His love.

As I write down all of my scattered thoughts, I can still hear her voice. When I'd call, I'd say, "Hi Grandma, it's Natalie". Without fail, she'd always answer with, "Oh Natalie!". I know she's better now, with God, my Grandpa and my sister, but gosh I miss her so much already. It makes my heart ache to know that Jackson never met her. She loved him so much and always reminded me what a "Dusdal" he was. I wish he could have experienced her the way I did. I wish she could have stayed around longer to meet future children and see more of us get married. I wish we could have had one last card game.

I can't say that I have many people who have truly impacted me in my life the way she has. I have a select few that really have left me a better person - and she's certainly on the top of that list. I could call her and complain, or tell her something exciting or just chat - whatever it was, she'd talk it through like she had all the time in the world. If I was happy, she shared in that happiness with me. If I was sad, she gave me reasons to be happy. She gave me a dad who is by far the best dad I could possibly ask for. The way she raised her kids gave me inspiration on how I want to raise mine. I could never repay her for those things. I love you Grandma.

Evelyn Dusdal
July 12, 1923 ~ Novemer 18, 2011

He's Gone

After 25 days of fun, laughter, love and just time together, Jonathon had to go back to Korea. Let's rewind before anymore tears creep up on me.

Las Vegas was great. I was able to meet up with Jonathon at the Las Vegas airport. I had coordinated our flights perfectly - - until United decided to make his plane late. Really late. I set up shop in the airport complete with my laptop and some headphones while I watched Netflix. Totally great way to pass boring waiting time. Our driver took us to our hotel, the Venetian (which we loved!) and we started his leave. We rode the gondola, ate amazing food and just spent time enjoying the fact that we were actually in the same country.

As much as Jonathon and Jackson Skype, I was still a little nervous to see if Jackson would take to Jon right away. I mean - he'd been gone 7 whole months! When Jon and I pulled up to my parents house to get him, he ran right to us. He insisted the whole family goes on a walk and he wanted his dad to carry him. The second he called him "Dada", I knew everything was totally ok.

We rented out a vacation rental in Windsor - and we loved it. Well, J and I will be there for a couple more weeks - but while Jonathon was here it was amazingly nice. We still saw my family each day, but we also had our own room. We spent a lot of days doing our own thing, then meeting up with my family for dinner. We LOVED the zoo. Jackson really couldn't get into too much trouble there and he loves to be outside. What a great win-win! We rode the train and the carousel, we fed the birds and watched the lions get fed. We loved it so much, we ended up taking Jackson again.

Jonathon, my dad and brother, Matthew, also went hunting. They met up with Range View Kennels and shot some birds down in Rush. Bob, RVK owner, brought 8 dogs or so, and our pup, Trigger. They had so much fun! Jon can't wait to come home to do more hunting.

We ate at just about every place that Jonathon missed. I think I gained 10 lbs, but that's ok...for now. Overall, we had a lot of fun. Jonathon loved being able to read with J and I at night, say prayers together and just being able to tuck Jackson in. I think Jonathon was shocked how big Jackson really was - and how much personality the kid got since he left.

Jackson's birthday party was a total success. It was SO laid back and nice to just be outside. The petting zoo was a huge hit with Emilie and baby Brian (who isn't such a baby anymore!). We had so many wonderful friends come out for the day and we are so thankful we have so many amazing people in our lives. Magical Memories by Michelle caught the whole event, so I was able to just have some fun.

Yesterday it really hit me that Jon had to go back to Korea. He could tell it was really weighing on my heart and was super sweet about just being understanding. Trying not to be totally depressing, my mom gave us a date day. Jonathon and I went out to eat (minus the high chair!) and were able to putz around town just the two of us. We ate one last family dinner with Jackson before taking him to my parent's house to spend the night. We had to get up at 4am to take Jon to the airport and figured Jackson would be better off with his Grammie.

This morning, we packed his stuff together. We were kind of quiet for some of the ride, just letting it sink in that this was it. He and I decided he'd be getting out of the USAF instead of reenlisting. I honestly thought I'd be more nervous about it - but instead, I just feel like my family will never have to be split up across the world anymore. It's so refreshing.

Jon asked me to come inside the airport with him, and how could I say no to more time. I walked him all the way to the security check point before saying our goodbyes. 4 more months. We've already done the hard part. 7 down, 4 to go. That won't be so bad. Especially with Christmas and moving!

Wow! This sure is long! Quick update on J: He calls his Papa almost everyday and he can cure any tantrum or hurt toe. He says SO many words - he adds new ones everyday. It's unreal! Just a month ago, he didn't have much interest in talking and now he won't stop! He's still the cutest little angel ever.

Pictures