Recent Randomness

Changes

Again with the changes! Enough already. I know, I know, every time you visit the blog it looks a little different. Blogger surprised with new controls and backgrounds and templates and colors! What's a girl to do but redecorate? With all of these new choices it is very likely that Lovin' Life At Home will get another face lift or two before it's all said and done.

Happy Saint Patrick's Day (Repost from 2008)

Have you ever wondered why we who are not Irish celebrate on a day set aside for the patron saint of Ireland? Forgive me please if you are reading and you happen to be Irish, rightfully celebrate to your hearts content. Kids all over America will be hyped up on sugar from green frosted cupcakes and shamrock shaped cookies. They'll delight in pinching those who had the unfortunate luck of forgetting to wear green clothing. Adults will toast with warm green beer and drunkenly sing "O Danny Boy" off key. It's the only day where an American can claim to be Irish just for a kiss. Why do we do this? Here's a few facts you might want to know.
First off it might interest you to know that St Patrick was not Irish! He was born in Britain, kidnapped at age 16 and enslaved in Ireland. During his slavery (while shepherding) he "found God". He escaped from slavery and made his way back to Britain studying theology there for 14 years. He claimed he had a vision from God compelling him to go back to Ireland to spread God's word among the pagan druids. He preached there for over 30 years and his impact was enormous and far reaching. I found it interesting to learn that within 200 years of his preaching, Ireland had completely converted to Christianity and was the ONLY European country to do so peacefully. On a side note, one legend says the Shamrock is popular on this day because Patrick used it in his preaching to demonstrate the holy trinity. The 3 leaves showing how the Father, Son and Holy Spirit can be separate yet still one.
For centuries Ireland celebrated their Saint quietly each year. It wasn't until 1737 that Irish immigrants to America brought the party to us. In typical American fashion we have managed to turn it into a boozy festival. The good news is that if you are going to drink, make sure you drink the authentic Guinness Dark Irish stout. In 2003 the American Heart Association claimed that their research showed that a daily mug of the dark amber variety is as effective as an aspirin in helping reduce blood clots that cause heart attacks. So when you raise your pint with the traditional Irish Slainte' which means "health" maybe you are actually doing something good for your health. I'm not sure I buy that though. If green and healthy is what you're after, go with broccoli. Besides, no one has ever been thrown in the pokey for driving under the influence of broccoli.
I say all of this to say that I'm not sure why we Americans celebrate good ol' Saint Paddys day. I just know that when I wear my Emerald Isle green today, I'll be remembering Patrick's faithfulness and obedience to God.
Slainte'

Our third one in braces.

My Sweetheart

I've been a little down in the dumps lately with a simple case of "Navy Wife Syndrome". The symptoms of this ailment vary in severity depending on the length of the deployment. Thankfully, this is not a deployment but just a 4 day class in another city. I predict that all of my symptoms will magically disappear tomorrow about the time supper rolls around. My sweetheart will be home and all will be right in MY world once again.

Here's a quick little lesson for those of you unfamiliar with the Navy life we lead. Our orders typically have us in one location (tour) for about 2-3 years. Generally speaking, a sailor will flip flop tours from sea duty in one location to shore duty at the next location. Don't let those tags fool you though. You cannot assume that just because you are on shore duty that you will remain on the shore. Also, sometimes a sailor on sea duty will never even catch a glimpse of the ocean. Sea duty simply means that you are deployable or that you are attached to a group that can be deployed. Right now, Lee is on shore duty. He may stay on the shore BUT his current job has him away from home pretty often for short periods of time. I will gladly trade him sleeping at home 25 nights out of the month over him not sleeping at home for 9 months at a stretch. To me though, absence is absence. Whether it's a weekend or a year I miss him terribly when he leaves. I texted him a few days ago to let him know that I thought I may be losing my edge as a hard core Navy wife. I'm happily getting used to having him around. If I am struggling to get through a 4 day absence, how will I cope during the next tour when we kiss each other goodbye for another 6 months or so? I don't even want to think about it!

Charlie's Cupcakes

Little cousin Charlie turned 3.

Sweet little boys deserve yummy cupcakes on their birthday, don't you agree?

The problem: Charlie IS a very sweet little boy BUT he can't eat cupcakes. At least not normal cupcakes. He's allergic.

For him, a fun birthday with treats could end with an ambulance ride to the ER.

That's no way for sweet little boys to celebrate birthdays!

Thankfully we found a cake mix and frosting without eggs, dairy or peanuts.

YUM!

Charlie doesn't get baked goods very often.

He knows those are his cupcakes and he has his eye on the prize.

But wait, why is everyone looking at me and singing?

Daddy to the rescue! Hurray lets eat!

Two minutes later

Aunt Bob: Charlie is that a good cupcake?

Charlie: (with chocolate frosting lips) It's DeeWishus!

Awwww..... Charlie you make my heart melt.

I will make you deewishus chocolate cupcakes any day of the week.

The Rules

These are the rules.

If you want to become a member you must ask Gracie, the club's president and one and only member as far as I know. Be prepared to dance though if you don't know the password.

This is an Ofishall announcement.