The love of my life hit a very B-I-G milestone -- he is 30 years old today!
Justin is 30! Luau "Stay At Home" Style
Friday, May 17, 2019
To my beautiful Ava, trying to write this with dry eyes is impossible.
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Ava's first birthday party was an absolute success! Surprisingly, everything went smoothly, but nothing went according to plan. We ended up having her party at home, and I'm so glad that we did. This unpredictable Washington weather decided to let it rain, then pour, all day today. I would have been crushed if we had everything set up at the lake, just for the rain to keep us covered under the shelter, or worse, heading home. I did go all out for the decorations and food though. Can you believe that there is still a ton of stuff I didn't use? I called amazon this evening and they set up a date for UPS to come out and get the unopened/unused items.
I'm pretty sure that's almost $100.00 back for us, and noone is complaining about that. Ava had a great time today, and really that was all I wanted. This child got more toys than she really needed, and I think she was going crazy trying to play with all of them. After settling in for the night, I realized we actually forgot to bring a toy down for her, and wouldn't you know it's a new tea set? She's going to be completely stoked. Her and Justin still love their tea parties together.
Looking back on this week, there is definitely a lot of things I would do differently. For starters, I wouldn't stress as much as I did. Ava loved what we were doing today. I know, as long as she's content, nothing could go wrong. The amount of stress I had really wasn't okay. Next year, I will definitely be much better about that. The next thing I would change would be decor. I purchased so many things that I didn't even use. Even with getting our money back, it would have been smart to not buy so much in bulk. The last thing I hope to change next year is an actual party date. Less than a week before her original planned party, Justin informed me he had to work on Ava's birthday.
I knew something like this could happen, but I really didn't expect for it to happen to us. I now know that I will never reserve any type of venue with Justin in the military. I would have been even more crushed if he worked on her birthday, AND we lost a good chunk of money on a venue we couldn't use anymore. Despite the changes I would make, I still wouldn't have changed much of anything. Ava had a great time, she laughed and giggled all day, and she received some awesome gifts. I'm so glad that the major holiday season (for the Howlands) are now over.
I'm focusing on planning a family weekend trip this summer. I really want to take my family to Ocean Shores for a weekend. I'd like to fly kites, walk along the beach, and build lots of sand castles with Ava bug. Justin and I are coming up on four years, and I want to do something special for it. Alright guys, that's all I have for tonight. I'm extremely exhausted and this mama needs some sleep. Look out for my *toddler* posts in the near future. I plan on going over the differences Justin and I are facing with a walking toddler!
Happy Sunday all!
♥- Leilani
I'm pretty sure that's almost $100.00 back for us, and noone is complaining about that. Ava had a great time today, and really that was all I wanted. This child got more toys than she really needed, and I think she was going crazy trying to play with all of them. After settling in for the night, I realized we actually forgot to bring a toy down for her, and wouldn't you know it's a new tea set? She's going to be completely stoked. Her and Justin still love their tea parties together.
Looking back on this week, there is definitely a lot of things I would do differently. For starters, I wouldn't stress as much as I did. Ava loved what we were doing today. I know, as long as she's content, nothing could go wrong. The amount of stress I had really wasn't okay. Next year, I will definitely be much better about that. The next thing I would change would be decor. I purchased so many things that I didn't even use. Even with getting our money back, it would have been smart to not buy so much in bulk. The last thing I hope to change next year is an actual party date. Less than a week before her original planned party, Justin informed me he had to work on Ava's birthday.
I knew something like this could happen, but I really didn't expect for it to happen to us. I now know that I will never reserve any type of venue with Justin in the military. I would have been even more crushed if he worked on her birthday, AND we lost a good chunk of money on a venue we couldn't use anymore. Despite the changes I would make, I still wouldn't have changed much of anything. Ava had a great time, she laughed and giggled all day, and she received some awesome gifts. I'm so glad that the major holiday season (for the Howlands) are now over.
I'm focusing on planning a family weekend trip this summer. I really want to take my family to Ocean Shores for a weekend. I'd like to fly kites, walk along the beach, and build lots of sand castles with Ava bug. Justin and I are coming up on four years, and I want to do something special for it. Alright guys, that's all I have for tonight. I'm extremely exhausted and this mama needs some sleep. Look out for my *toddler* posts in the near future. I plan on going over the differences Justin and I are facing with a walking toddler!
Happy Sunday all!
♥- Leilani
Thursday, March 6, 2014
I really like having all this extra time on my hands to sit down and blog. You have no idea how many drafts I'll start, but totally space on because I don't have the time to finish them. This past week has been filled with some crazy strong emotions.. these emotions are not my own, they are my husband's. I know how much Justin loves Ava, but I never imagined that him being in the field would cause him to get so upset. Since Ava was eight days old he's been home with us pretty much every single day (like normal people). Justin was the first person to see Ava bug roll over, he was the first person to feed her solid foods, and he was the first person to see her crawl. He's been present for all of her milestones, and we are so grateful for that. I think this time away is really hitting him hard. Although Ava hasn't hit any new milestones since he left, he isn't around her at all. He hasn't been able to kiss her goodnight, or give her vitamin d (that's daddy's job). He hasn't been able to play on the floor or tickle her little toes.
I find myself emailing him videos, sending about fifteen photos a day, and talking as frequently as his schedule will allow. Whenever Ava sees her daddy's face, she lights up. I know she probably doesn't understand that daddy is gone, but she definitely knows who her daddy is. Sometimes, I'll put the phone to her ear, and she can hear Justin telling her how much he loves her. That breaks my heart. Ava starts going crazy and saying "Da Da" She knows his voice and face, and it really is a joy to see the connection they have. The sacrifice of being married to someone in the service continues. It was one thing for me to sacrifice time with my husband, it's a completely different story when it's my child who has to sacrifice. I am starting to gain some clarity with Justin's decision to get out of the Army. Each time I think about it, I start to get even more comfortable with the idea of Justin doing anything else.
He gave me a scenario that he never wants to face. He said, "If I were to stay in the Army, I'd always be gone. I'd have to leave, and miss out on so much. It breaks my heart thinking about that phone call I'd have to have with Ava." Ava would say, "Daddy, why aren't you home? Who's going to get the monsters under my bed daddy?" I waited until we got off the phone to cry. I couldn't believe he said that. My husband is such a great father, and the fact that he's willing to change his entire career path for the sake of being with his family, there are no words. Stability is definitely important, but the Army isn't the only way to have that. It's so important for our family to spend as much time together as possible. I can only imagine how Justin is going to be when he comes home from the field. I bet he won't want to put her down. The sad thing is, after he returns from the field, he'll be leaving us for another month. The bonus this time? He'll be home for the weekends.
Moving forward, I hope two years from now, my husband is a civilian. I don't want any future Howland kiddos to miss out on time with their daddy. I don't want Justin to miss another pregnancy, I don't want Ava to have to lose anymore time with her dad. I know in the grand scheme of things, a lot of military kids probably lose out on even more time with their parents than Ava, but time lost is still time lost. I can't wait to have him home. I know he's out there "safe" and just training, but this feels too much like deployment for me. Alright, I'm done being a sad sap! I turn 23 tomorrow, and I plan on living it up.. Well one glass of wine, and a slice of red velvet cake would be my definition of that.
If you're a Washingtonian, PLEASE drive safe and stay dry.
♥- Leilani
I find myself emailing him videos, sending about fifteen photos a day, and talking as frequently as his schedule will allow. Whenever Ava sees her daddy's face, she lights up. I know she probably doesn't understand that daddy is gone, but she definitely knows who her daddy is. Sometimes, I'll put the phone to her ear, and she can hear Justin telling her how much he loves her. That breaks my heart. Ava starts going crazy and saying "Da Da" She knows his voice and face, and it really is a joy to see the connection they have. The sacrifice of being married to someone in the service continues. It was one thing for me to sacrifice time with my husband, it's a completely different story when it's my child who has to sacrifice. I am starting to gain some clarity with Justin's decision to get out of the Army. Each time I think about it, I start to get even more comfortable with the idea of Justin doing anything else.
He gave me a scenario that he never wants to face. He said, "If I were to stay in the Army, I'd always be gone. I'd have to leave, and miss out on so much. It breaks my heart thinking about that phone call I'd have to have with Ava." Ava would say, "Daddy, why aren't you home? Who's going to get the monsters under my bed daddy?" I waited until we got off the phone to cry. I couldn't believe he said that. My husband is such a great father, and the fact that he's willing to change his entire career path for the sake of being with his family, there are no words. Stability is definitely important, but the Army isn't the only way to have that. It's so important for our family to spend as much time together as possible. I can only imagine how Justin is going to be when he comes home from the field. I bet he won't want to put her down. The sad thing is, after he returns from the field, he'll be leaving us for another month. The bonus this time? He'll be home for the weekends.
Moving forward, I hope two years from now, my husband is a civilian. I don't want any future Howland kiddos to miss out on time with their daddy. I don't want Justin to miss another pregnancy, I don't want Ava to have to lose anymore time with her dad. I know in the grand scheme of things, a lot of military kids probably lose out on even more time with their parents than Ava, but time lost is still time lost. I can't wait to have him home. I know he's out there "safe" and just training, but this feels too much like deployment for me. Alright, I'm done being a sad sap! I turn 23 tomorrow, and I plan on living it up.. Well one glass of wine, and a slice of red velvet cake would be my definition of that.
I can't wait until Daddy is home to read Ava her daily story.
Happy Thursday all!
If you're a Washingtonian, PLEASE drive safe and stay dry.
♥- Leilani
Monday, November 11, 2013
BEFORE I POST ANYTHING.. I want to say, thank you. I am so thankful for our military members and the freedoms they allow us. I am completely humbled to be apart of the military community, and I will remain forever grateful for the sacrifices they have made. I want to give a special thanks to my husband; five years and two combat tours later, he's still just as proud to be serving such a great nation.
I realized due to the long weekend, I have been slacking on the daily thank yous. Here they are!
Day 9 - I am thankful I know how to love, and accept love in return.
Day 10 - I am thankful for my marriage. I have never been so selfless in my life.
Day 11- I am thankful for my pup, Cooper. He has taught me how to get dirty, and like it (sometimes)
This weekend has been a busy one! Between cleaning this house out, and getting Ava adjusted to new changes, I have barely had a moment of free time. I made a video of the past 5 (almost six) months of Ava's life. I wanted to share that with all of you, I hope it warms your heart, as much as it does mine.
I realized due to the long weekend, I have been slacking on the daily thank yous. Here they are!
Day 9 - I am thankful I know how to love, and accept love in return.
Day 10 - I am thankful for my marriage. I have never been so selfless in my life.
Day 11- I am thankful for my pup, Cooper. He has taught me how to get dirty, and like it (sometimes)
This weekend has been a busy one! Between cleaning this house out, and getting Ava adjusted to new changes, I have barely had a moment of free time. I made a video of the past 5 (almost six) months of Ava's life. I wanted to share that with all of you, I hope it warms your heart, as much as it does mine.
If you watched it, you'll see Ava took no time warming up to her highchair, bowls, or spoons. We also gave her one tablespoon of deluded apple juice this evening. She seems to be very comfortable with her sippy cup, and within minutes, she was sipping juice down. It was such a wonderful feeling, seeing my daughter pass this milestone. I'm excited for this week! I get to pick out Ava's first foods, shop for Thanksgiving, and make Bug her Thanksgiving tutu! We made a trip to Carter's today, and purchased some "my first" Thanksgiving accessories.
This year will be the VERY first time I make every dish myself. I complied a Thanksgiving menu, and I'm hoping all the soldiers we are having over, LOVE my cooking!
Hopefully tomorrow we hear some good news about where the compassionate reassignment is; we are beyond ready to know the outcome. I really can't believe we are almost halfway through November. the time is moving so very fast. In the spirit of being proactive, I have been looking up ideas for Ava's first Birthday. We know we want a Ballerina theme, so I just kind of pinterested from there. We are wanting to do cake pops, a smash cake, and a decorative cake for all of our family and friends! (if we are in Washington) I found a company in Puyallup, i really love. Here is a few pictures from their work.
Wanna Cupcake does great work! I'm really hoping we end up at Fort Lewis. Alright, this post was longer than I expected. I'm off for now! I hope everyone enjoyed their Veteran's day! Happy Monday all!
♥- Leilani
Thursday, March 7, 2013
This week has been the best week I have had since I said goodbye to my husband the day he left for deployment. Family makes everything better. While this is not always the case with every family member or every family. It sure does serve to be true when it comes to my older cousins. This week has completely flown by due to having such a great time. Each day we come home after festivities and I am exhausted and ready for bed. There's no boredom. I'm not focused on time, and I'm getting a full night's sleep. I didn't think my 22nd birthday would be so fantastic without Justin home (with the exception of being 29 weeks pregnant today) But, If I had to pick what my day would be like it would be exactly how today played out. My Birthday started with Justin. Communication alone is enough to put me in a good mood. After a delicious breakfast I received these at the front door.
I got a few balloons and the sweetest note placed inside my flower arrangement. I was able to talk to Justin again during the day and he continued to encourage me to make today a great day. I spoke with family, my in-laws, and close friends with their wishes of Happy Birthday. After an afternoon of three women showering, applying make up, and fixing our hair, we managed to make our way out the door and off to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina we went.
We went to Coligney Beach. That pure blue water was breathtaking, as it always is for me. Despite the sights, it was freezing ! Weather lately has been much colder than expected. My cousins were down here last year around this same time and I remember it being scolding with heat. The cold weather is the only disappointment we have faced this week. After getting some cute pictures, walking alone the beach, and wriggling toes in the sand, we were off for our dual birthday girl dinner. ( my cousin Loriann and I share the same birthday) She turned 23 years old today. There were a ton of choices to choose from in Hilton Head. My cousin Marquita, uses yelp as a resource to rate establishments pertaining to our area. So far this website has proven to serve correctly. Ratings, reviews, etc can be found on this website. Link provided below.
We ended up having dinner at the Smokehouse in Hilton Head. The customer service was exceptional. The food was delicious. The prices were perfect for us. Family friendly, bar attached, and clean establishment. I plan on taking Justin when he returns home. Link is also provided below.
I topped the night with a slice of carrot cake ! So yummy.
We had so many laughs tonight, total relaxation, and most importantly we had each other. I can't wait for Ava to be able to experience trips like this with her cousins. Family should be incorporated into our busy lives whenever possible.
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