We are separating....

BUT.....Only, because the U.S. Army is telling us we have to! :-) Here's the deal I am an Army wife. I am also a mama. But, I am also Dina. I live for the adventure and perfect plan that God has laid out for my life. I delight in the blessings, challenges and experiences that I am so grateful to have.

A couple of weeks ago Mike got THEE phone call. Yeah, the one that we have always sort of, kind of been waiting for phone call. He called me and said "I have an opportunity to go serve in Afghanistan what do you think?" What do I think!?!? At that moment my heart didn't really stop it just sort of teetered on the edge of my world and rocked, slowly back and forth. Questions and thoughts raced about the length of time and idea of him not physically being here with me. Then my mind settled a bit and I remembered my husband is a Soldier he has been for a long, long time. It's what he does. It's so much of who he is. He puts on a uniform and does things that to this day I have no idea about or really understand. So, with my voice shaking and tears in my eyes I said "Yes, go, you need this. We need this."

This past year has been one of the best years of our marriage. We both really focused on making each other a priority and now we have a huge insight as to why we may have been led to work on that. We let God lead our marriage. Its that simple. We both know and feel that this past year was silently and slowly preparing us for this next chapter of our lives. Here's the deal we are pretty much addicted to each other and our girls. You may see that on a day to day basis in our real life and our life online. The truth of the matter what we show you of our life is exactly who we are as a couple. We live our life very publicly. We are very secure in ourselves and us as a couple. Our level of communication includes everything and we have found that it is absolutely essential to our relationship even sometimes when it may be uncomfortable. I enjoy it that way. We come from extremely different backgrounds but both from homes that are built on unconditional love. I love for our families and friends all over the US to be so included in our life. Because, I love what it brings to my life by seeing all of their lives played out in words and pictures that we may otherwise miss being all the way over here in California.

The next year, that's right a whole year, is going to be one of tremendous ADAPTATION. I am not going to say hard or easy or sad. That word just sums it up perfectly for me. That's such a way for me to see it and to have control over my thoughts without being overwhelmed. Truth is we are still going to be married. We are still going to be parents. We will still be able to see and talk to each other thanks to the amazing powers of technology that brought us and kept us together in the first place. It will just be our crazy, beautiful life in an adjusted way. We have never been ones to be very conventional and with God as our foundation as individuals we make up one strong team.

I strongly dislike the idea of sitting around mopping and wallowing in self pity for any situation you may be going through. What is the point really? What you will not see from me is "Oh, whoa is me" or any other "lonely army wife" jargon. MANY have gone before me and survived and thrived and many will be after me and I will probably do this again in the future. My motto is that I choose to be the heroine of my life and never the victim. I am far too blessed to ever be less than that. If you have a question of "aren't you sad that he's going to be gone?" I find that my answer could never match such a ridiculous question. I may simply reply, what do you think? However, the answer here first and foremost is...YES!!! Of course! We are inseparable and love spending 24 hrs. a day, 7 days a week with each other. That's the main reason why we got married because not only are we over the moon in love we happen to really, really like each other.

We will gladly accept prayers . Oh, so many prayers we ask for . Pray that the whole process starting in a couple of weeks is a smooth transition. That our fears will be eased. That we will be able to thrive both as family, as a couple and also as individuals. Few couples get a master "reboot" on their lives. Time apart will allow for so much reflection on the already amazing years we have spent together and also rough times where we found ourselves wondering what was going on with us. It also is allowing us for a much needed financial boost that we are beyond grateful for. This will help to plan and prepare for our future. This impending separation has already allowed for so many longer gazes, tighter embraces and above all love and affection between him and I and with our precious littles.

So, consider this the official briefing. My Facebook and my blog here will mostly be flooded with my regular "God is so good" because I am #Jesusgirl, everyday life updates of the girls (for him mostly), ALWAYS support for the troops and a lot of I love my husband/I love my soldier stuff. Those are the key areas of my life they make and contribute to me as an individual. I am never a perfect example of Christ but I hope that I can always shine and reflect the message of his sacrifice for us. It ripples in all the areas of my life. God has shown me amazing Grace in every aspect of my life and I ask that you could do the same for me for those times in my life when I may not exactly be representing him. I am a work in progress. I seek spiritual progression not spiritual perfection. Perfection belongs only to the God that I humbly serve. So, Be kind, hold your loved ones, make each other a priority you wont regret it and appreciate every moment you get to be close to one another.

Mahalo!

Dina 

Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin

This morning I came across this recipe...

http://dandydishes.blogspot.com/2011/10/spaghetti-squash-au-gratin.html?m=1Pinterest is great and a bit ago I decided to make it! I also just happened to have most of the ingredients on hand.

I didn't have sour cream but I had plain Greek yogurt. I also didn't want to heat up the house by using the oven. So, I sprayed a couple of ramekins and popped those babies in the toaster oven.

They turned out delish! With thanksgiving fast approaching having these great "skinny" recipe options are awesome to have on hand! 

 

Mahalo!

Adina

Waiting For Answers

My last couple days at the hotel were like a blur. I had no idea how to process 4 years of my life and be ready to say goodbye. I had the opportunity to meet people from all over the world and all walks of life. 

I once met a Jewish doctor from jersey who was returning back to his homeland to work with the poor and how the end of the world was coming. He mentioned to me that it made no logical sense for him to leave life here behind and go but he was listening to what God told him to do. He told me the importance of asking The Lord for clarity instead of asking why. All in all this was a strange man by the worlds standards but his words resonated in my soul.

Daily while working there I met people who encouraged my desire to travel and even people to encourage a path of destruction. Two days before I left I met a man who battled with God most of his life about wanting to become a professional gambler and being a Christian (I seriously can't make this stuff up!) and living in Las Vegas. 

This man I will call Mr. J. He, like so many others before him, bore his soul to me. For some reason people find a complete sense of comfort with me and I always get two phrases "I don't know why I'm telling YOU this" and "I feel like I can tell you anything!" These phrases are something I have heard often both in my professional life and a lot in my personal life. Something happens to people when they find solace in talking to a stranger. It's as if they feel they will probably never see me again so why not bare their sou!

Mr. J began speaking to me and telling me his whole life story and how he came to know God. In the midst of our conversation I shared with him that I was also a born again Christian and that I could understand where he was coming from. This man asked me questions about my life, my job and my faith. I then chose to share with him that it was my last couple days here at the hotel. He asked me one question that until tonight didn't really click. He asked me why I was leaving and did I consult with God about my decision to leave my job. 

I immediately responded with "of course!"  Because, that is the truth! As a Christian having a relationship with God means I consult with God about EVERYTHING in my life. He also asked can I recognize when God is speaking to me. My answer again was, yes! For me I feel like when I ask The Lord for answers I hear him speak simultaneously as the requests are being uttered towards the heavens. In the last 5ish years I would say that is the case in every question I ask God. 

Mr. J and I continued our conversation about our walks and he asked me how many children do I have. I told him 3 and and that one was with Jesus. I have no problem answering this question because I made peace with The Lord about taking my child to live with him. He asked me how I got through that. I told him that everyday I look at the face of my daughters and especially Penelope I know that THESE children were the ones I was meant to raise here on earth and he uses them to further refine me as HIS child. 

Here's the deal I did not nessecarily want to leave the hotel. I had no reason. Lord knows financially it doesn't make a bit o' sense but I felt like God was telling me It was time. Why?!! And then I hear his voice because I have plans for your life that you don't know about yet. But, why!? When?! These are my questions and the answers I hear are "Because I told you to" and "Just be patient and you will know when it's time". 

There are a couple areas of my life that I know God is working through and working out. I have a very rich and blessed life. I am a very complex person and my relationship with my Heavenly Father would be so much easier if I didn't constantly battle with him when he is trying to teach me something. 

My little Penelope is the earthly metaphor  for my walk with The Lord. God tells me to do or not to do something and most times I look back and say "we'll, let me just try it on my own" She does the same with me and then I have to run to her side, hold her in my arms and explain why it didn't work her way. Sometimes she needs a time out and as she kicks and screams to avoid the time out I hold her in my arms and explain to her why she needs a time out and she will look at me with tears in her arms and say "I'm sorry mama. I love you! I hold her and forgive her EVERY time because she is my child and I want what's best for her and for her to learn how she needs to live her life. That's me as a Christian. I fail him daily but he still holds me in his arms and tells me he loves me because I'm his child. 

My main point is my job afforded me with  a time of refinement for what God has planned for me next in my life. Perhaps I was only there to meet those two men that God used to speak to me. To learn and remember to Pray for clarity for Gods will for my life and then when he gives me the answers to listen to them and act accordingly.

Mahalo,

Adina

Tomorrow is September!!

This has been a truly delightful summer. Like every summer in California the weather is now turning to perfect and we will continue with beautiful beach going days! I'm looking forward to a milestone birthday in 2 weeks and starting to reflect on my last uh, 20ish years ;-)

I have been going through "30 before 30" lists. I have a couple to cross off on my list just for the pure fun of doing them before I turn 30. However, All of my major life goals I set out to achieve I have. There is a bittersweet feeling I have about this birthday. In some ways I feel so amazingly grateful for everything I have been blessed to do but I also cant help but feel that pull of what will be next.

Being a Christian I have found joy throughout my life by the Phillipians 4:6 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."  That has been such a glorious reminder for everyday living. To remember that my constant communication with God will allow me to follow Gods will for my life.

If you didn't already know I am a HUUUUGE Pinterester (That is one who spends a LOT of time on Pinterest,ha!) I came across a while back The Birthday Project This was such an amazing and cool thing to do on your birthday. Its basically random acts of kindness according to the age you are turning. So, this year is 30 and I will be doing 30 Random Acts of Kindness to celebrate the amazing life I have been blessed to lead! I cant wait to do this and look forward to inspiring others to pay if forward!

In the next couple of days I will add and check off my "30 before 30" list and let me know any cool things I might need to add to my list!

Happy Weekend and Happy Labor Day!!

Mahalo,
Adina

It's Friday!!

Ahhh it's early Friday morning and I have had a delightful week! 

Husband had a bunch of army stuff this week so this pretty much sums it up!

Hahah! I love this picture! I make him take so many pictures and he's always like "Dina, more!" Yup, More! Ya know why? Because,sometimes you can capture pure gold! No. But, really. I'm so proud of  him and he does such an amazing job leading and caring for our family and is such an amazing soldier! He has so much to give and share and makes me beyond proud to be his wife. Plus, he's super hot! ;-) 

Oh, he just makes me happy! Like giddy happy. :-)

Monday we did the fam day at Incredible Johns for pizza and games and then went to the mall! Guess what it wasn't that crowded! Ya know why?! Because school is back in session!!! WOOOHOOOOOOOOOOO! I know there  will be a day when it will be the opposite and as the girls get bigger I will be bummed out. But currently I love when school is in session! Why you ask? It means I can run to target in the middle of the day on a Tuesday and there is not a million and one people in there. We can go to Disneyland and not everyone and their mother are there! 

We(husband and I) live in a world where we are not off of the whole weekend. We work Saturdays and have multiple days off during the week. We love doing things in our own little world. Not with crowds of mass people. I love going to places and traveling on the "off peak" times because its cheaper and less crowded. This goes for holiday school breaks too! We go out all the time not just because we are off school or its a holiday.

Heres the girls riding rides. Greens is way into yellow at the moment. Penny was actually into this. Although she would much rather have ridden the horse(it was out of order) and that white jeep with the rainbows...I wish I had it in real life,ha! :-)

I upped my mileage running this week and really it felt great to go a little bit further this week! Next week I will be back in the 20+ miles per week and that gets me über excited!! 

I'm running the Walt Disney marathon with my awesome sister-in-law and I'm beyond pumped!!

This week I was having major Hawaii withdrawals and cannot wait to get back to my "homeland" haha! It's just amazing there! So, we had Hawaii night and made and island feast and enjoyed Southern California and ate fine island food! I made this super yummy pineapple and shrimp fried rice! Suuuper good!

It's really easy and looks way more complex than it is! 

When we are not galavanting around town or on an exploring adventure. I'm beyond blessed to be hanging out with my little bff's and there is nothing better than living this amazing life with my precious little girls. They are so spectacular and challenge me daily to be a better person and an even better mama. 

It doesn't get any better than a week full of fun and love! Enjoy every moment and don't wait for a special occasion to celebrate your spouse or your children. 

Everyday is an amazing gift we have with one another. The days in between the holidays and birthdays turn out to be way more memorable for us in the long run! 

Mahalo,

Dina 

Babies

My arms are missing a child. My third child is with The Lord. Not a single day goes by that I don't think of how my life would be if I were to have had that one here with me and not our Penelope. Being a mama changed my life forever. The quote that I'm forever reminded of is "when a child is born so is the mother" the weight of that statement is something  that couldn't be more true or more powerful in my life.

My girls here are healthy, beautiful and thriving daily. As a family we do amazing things together and my world is painted with their laughter, smiles, hugs and even whines and tears. My world revolves around them and makes me a better version of myself everyday by having this role as their mom.

Last night I found out about acquaintances that are now starting the process of chemotherapy for their 2 year old. The fact that I even typed that last sentence out breaks my heart and brings years to my eyes almost immediately. I can feel the words popping up in my head saying "why Lord?" Feelings of anger and frustration. The same feelings I have felt before and almost at the same time begin to hear The Lord speak. "I will not cause pain without allowing something new to be born" Isaiah 66:9 this verse is something that rocks my world and brings things into perspective for me daily. I mean that. I fail him daily and he continues to bless me.why?! Because he loves me! Because he uses situations to show us and the world how he works. We don't always know at the time how God can use a situation or what other person our life and story can be affecting someone else and their walk. 

I cried in my husbands arms last night and prayed for this family and for ours. That they would stand strong in this journey and that Gods mighty healing hand would bring comfort to this baby and his wonderful family. I also prayed for ours that in the midst of living that we always remember how blessed we are. That how no matter how hard it is sometimes in this world to be content with what we have that we have something so much more. We have a hope in our God that he is in control in our lives. That he has blessed us far more than we deserve not only for by his death on the cross so we might live. But, for the lives we live here on earth so he may shine through us. 

Gods daily reminders of his love and grace cling to me even as I write and they are in the forms of my girls which God has entrusted to Mike and Myself. By walking with him and showing them Gods love and guidance as he has shown us by loving us. To be patient with them when they are driving us crazy and to love them like Jesus loves us. 

Mahalo, 

Adina 

Weekend Review and Currently

We had such a great week and weekend. So many fun things happening all around us.

This weekend we started a couple projects with the girls and got to spend so much time together. 

The first project we did was the girls ABC books. Greens loves tracing her letters and reciting the appropriate words with the matching letters. Pen enjoys using a marker and being creative. 

We also introduced the girls to scissors. They have their very own training scissors and did pretty well for their first go at it. 

The project for this weekend was our paper chain. I love doing countdowns and this was a great way for the girls to visually see the days before we go on vacay. We leave in a couple weeks to visit our family in Indiana! I'm so excited and cannot wait to spend time and make more amazing memories with this group I married into. I am so truly blessed and look forward to so many different adventures with my hubbs and dumplings.

           Here is our countdown!!!!!

Saturday night after the girls went to sleep I got the chance to watch a Redbox movie I had been waiting to see FOREVER! The movie was "Intouchables" It's a foreign film based on a true story set in Paris. It has subtitles and just a great feel good foreign film. 

 

I also tried a little hair project...

I am a Groupon fan and love buying stuff that I would love to try but don't want to pay the full cost for. I found these "Goody Summer Wave" rollers. I had seen these before and groupon had them for about $5.00. So, I bought them.I tried them. Verdict: Ehhhhh.... They are okay the wave was a little tight and if I used more hair they would not close all the way because of the length of my hair. I would use them again and play around with them a bit.

 

 

Currently....

Working on: Being more creative! I have sooo many delightful areas in my life to use my creative skills. I looove cooking and baking and I love being able to use it in my personal life and not my career right now.

Obsessing over: Rachel Khoo!!!! She's British and a crazy, amazing chef and creative gal! Need to buy her cookbook and blog my way through the recipes. 

Thinking about: Remembering that "today is the tomorrow you were so worried about yesterday" not to stress!

Listening to: if you have seen my spotify activity it's been all jazz lately! Sydney Bechet- Parisian jazz/blues is the background music I hear if my life were a film! 

Eating: nonsense,lol! I have been such a carboholic lately. Challah( rich egg bread) doesn't stand a chance if I see it in sight! 

Thankful for: my 2 little girls with whom i get to enjoy,learn from, teach, mold, dance, sing, list goes on! I am also thankful for my jobs. One is easy going and serene. The other is lively and fun! It's a great balance to keep me enjoying both.

Planning for: VACATION I'm so excited to just spend precious time with my loves and escape the back and forth's and everyday stuff we do here. :-) 

Have a great Week, Mahalo!