New font and On my Way to 250 likes!

Hi guys!  I got a new font last week and am excited to make new pieces with it!  So pretty! It is a petite cursive type font! I would love to make a piece for you!  When I reach 250 Page likes I will be giving away a gift certificate for $30 for my shop!  My FB page is www.facebook.com/blueeyedgirlsjewelry   Come by and like my page and you could be the lucky winner of the gift certificate!  Now until May 6th offering 15% off for Mother's Day and free upgrade to priority shipping!  Use Mother15 on my etsy shop!

Mother's Day Sale at my Shop!

Hi Everyone! I am having a Mother's day sale on my hand stamped jewelry creations! All orders placed by May 5th will ship by May 6th and receive 15% off and free upgrade to Priority shipping!  Here are a few of the designs I have made!

Check out my Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/blueeyedgirlsjewelry 

Deployment No. 3 and News!

Hi, it's been a while since I wrote my blog.  I always plan on discussing my journey during deployments because you really see a lot of growth during them.  We are 2 months into our 3rd deployment in 5 years of marriage. 

During our first deployment together in 2009, I was working as a Walmart Cashier and saw a customer wearing a lovely necklace.  I asked her where she got it and what it was.  It was a hand stamped necklace.  I instantly was intrigued.  I began searching for tutorials and etsy.  At the time, it was a new "craft".  The letter stamps sets were way out of my budget at $225 a set for Uppercase and lower case was sold separately. At the time, I filed it away with hopes I could try it one day. Well in 2011 I found a cheap set and again was challenged because I couldn't stamp on the hard metals.  In 2012 I found a Facebook group and learned about stamping on Aluminum!  It was heavenly and I was hooked!  I created my own shop and have bought A LOT of supplies.  I am excited to have something to work on and look forward to while I go through this deployment! 


I am having a "Grand Opening" of  Blue-Eyed Girls Jewelry Etsy Shop on April 15th!  I will be unveiling dozens of new designs and to help celebrate, I am having a $30 Gift Certificate Giveaway when I reach 250 likes on my Blue-Eyed Girls Facebook Page !!!

I am very excited to put together lovely and new pieces for my friends and family and fans! Thanks for your support! Sincerely, Courtney G.

Plugging along...

Well it's been several days since I have heard from Philip and we have yet to have a conversation that lasts longer than 5 minutes. I have talked to him about 15 minutes total in 12 days. I am disappointed, but am choosing to press into God and work on my relationship with God. Chloe keeps me busy and I can see her personality coming out more! She is starting to "giggle" a little bit when I play with her with the little toy that makes a jingling noise. She has such a sweet personality and I can't wait until she can use her arms and laugh and giggle more!!!!

She has been very fussy since he has been gone and I decided to try a new formula a couple of days ago. Many people told me to try Enfamil Gentlease, but I didn't like the fact that the first ingredient was "Corn syrup solids". I just don't think my child needs that stuff first off! So I decided to read the labels of similac and enfamil "gentle" formulas and both had first ingredients of corn product. Then I grabbed Nestle Good Start Gentle Plus and found that the first ingredient was Whey Protein. All of the 'gentle' formulas have the proteins broken down since some babies can't process them very easily. However, I liked how this one was Whey protein. I bought it hesitantly----I spent about 40 minutes looking at formulas and making my way to the check out (even though I just bought formula and wipes!!!!) Chloe has seemed to respond very well to it. She was sleeping and was just laying there looking up and not screaming and crying!!! She was "chill" more than not!! haha..her chill look is a very nice sight as opposed to her screaming red faced, tear streaked look!!!!

However, there is a little 'hiccup' in the process. I choose the can that was cheaper and didn't know why there was some called "nestle" and some "gerber"....well when I got home to do research, Nestle is still the producer of the formula but now the can I bought is discontinued. The main difference in the old formula and the new "gerber" formula is that DHA is added. I didn't think it would make a very big difference and I ran out of the formula last night and had to run and get it at H-E-B. They only had the Gerber formula since it is now taking over for the Nestle can. Well, Chloe was sooooooooooooo fussy today!!! From my research they say babies can't really break down DHA, which coincedentally is in all infant formulas!!!! So we shall see. I went to the commissary and bought another can of the "purple" nestle can to try it and see if her fussiness eases up. From there I will have to decide what to do since the "purple" can is discontinued!!! They have 7 more cans at the commissary, but that would only last me half a month!!!!!

Ahhhh parenthood!

So I decided to start updating this blog again. It seems all I ever do anymore is update my status on Facebook with things I have done, want to do, plan to do, and things Chloe has done. Basically probably equivalent to a couple of blog posts a day! LOL....of course not everyone wants to know EVERYTHING...I try to make them interesting, but basically I just have a lot to say! It's hard having intellectual conversations with a 6 week old! So here goes....

I still can't figured out why Chloe cries so much during the day. She could just have the dreaded "Colic" which means its whatever causes babies to scream for several hours a day and nothing calms them. Colic is just a lump of things and really is a slightly hopeless diagnosis. At least they grow out of it at 3 months! She wasn't as fussy when I was giving her breast milk! So today I decided to try my hand at pumping again! It is a very time consuming process and you don't always get too much milk out. However, if I could get plenty of milk out it would definitely be my preferred method feeding her. For the time being I am trying to figure out what about the formula could be causing issues. She seems a lot more mucousy in her breathing since I started her on formula. In fact whenever she sleeps her breathing sometimes sounds like a 50 year old man! (like my dad! LOL)

I keep trying to get her on some sort of schedule but she basically runs the show. She might be going through a growth spurt it seems feeding her every 2 hours is the norm as of the last day or so. Which can run a mama ragged! I try to get her to go back to sleep only to find she is screaming (yes she goes from a quiet "stirring" in her crib to outright screaming in about 15 seconds) She is pretty drowsy at night so we haven't had too many screaming fits then...thank goodness!

It appears Chloe likes to be "out and about" as whenever I have her out for errands, appointments, shopping, etc. she acts like a calm, sleepy baby. Everyone says, "Oh she is so calm" and I say, "Well she is around other people, you didn't hear her 20 minutes ago! LOL" So maybe I just need to take her shopping everyday or something! But honestly, I think she is a peaceful baby in nature...it's just figuring out what is making her discomforted.

I'm getting used to very little sleep, tons of diaper changes a day, and spit up on all my clothes. I rarely bat an eye now! haha.. I never realized how much clothes and blankets they go through! Chloe spits up a lot and so much of her clothing doesn't last but for a few hours. She also likes to pee whenever I am grabbing for the new diaper! We have had several accidents like that in the last couple of days!

Well, I can't promise you these posts will be interesting, but it at least gives me a place to talk! haha

Already June!

Wow time is sure flying! It's already June! I am now 26 weeks and 4 days pregnant. I have finally started feeling better in the area of nausea! It couldn't have happened at a better time because I was getting so depressed with the prospect of puking constantly all 9 months! My baby girl moves quite a lot and it's so neat to know she is in there! The miracle of conception and pregnancy astounds me!

I remember fondly whenever I talk to people about how "Chloe" was a surprise! During Christmas my dad's girlfriend, Nancy, asked me, "Courtney, when are you and Philip going to have kids?" Well, I had been going through a time where I seriously thought fertility would be an issue for me. I had had some ups and downs thinking, "What if I can't have my own baby?" I remember getting peace about it around that time and responded to her, "Well, that is up to God." Little did I know, when we had that conversation I was already a week or two pregnant!

I never wanted to go through the whole "baby" thing alone without a spouse. I don't know what the next year will bring, but I do know that this pregnancy was God's idea, totally. He knew that Philip's unit would get an early deployment assignment. We were planning for a deployment in February 2011, which is the normal rotation. Philip wasn't told about the summer deployment until late December (again already pregnant and didn't know it!) Deploying this soon after another deployment happens, but is a lot rarer since the Army is trying to give more "dwell time" to the soldiers. It's heartbreaking he will miss the first 10 months, but I know that it will give him something to look forward to and be excited about. I plan on sending him lots of pictures and videos of Chloe and doing video chats via skype whenever possible!

We received another blessing in finding out he will be delayed deployed to be here for the birth. This is up to each unit and company and so we are blessed the Delta company commander believed in family enough to let Philip be here for his first child's birth! I am glad to share this with Philip. He will have to go very soon after she arrives---which will be hard for us both I am sure, but I know that seeing your baby for the first time isn't something you can replace...it's a one time deal! So we are looking forward to this!

The baby's room is finally beginning to take real shape! After giving away a mattress, a huge desk, and selling a treadmill we finally have a room that is 100% devoted to baby stuff!!! It's just piles right now, but I get so excited when I go in there and look at stuff! hehe....We have the crib, we just need to get it put together! The room will start taking more shape in the coming weeks I am sure. I can't wait to post some pictures of the progress!

Blessings,
Courtney

A baby!

Well, most all of you know we are having a baby! I am getting more excited everyday, especially after seeing him/her yesterday! Seeing that little baby moving all over the place was so precious! I know babies move in the womb, but didn't really think that I would immediately get to see this moving baby! It was incredible! I am excited and looking forward to sharing this experience with Philip at our next ultrasound which will be in about 6 weeks! Seeing it in person is amazing!

Travel Information

Philip got the dates of his leave and has filled out his leave forms.

We are planning on being in Kansas July 1-7 and flying to Oregon, July 9-16.

We look forward to visiting all of you!

Courtney and Philip

Got the news!

As promised the next time I blogged would be to tell you when Philip will be home!!! I just got the call from Rear Detachment that Spc. Philip Gosvener will be arriving on the 10 am flight on Saturday, June 13th!!! I'm thrilled! This is sooner than I was hoping for! I have lots to get done, but being a chronic procrastinator who works best on adrenaline, now that I know the date I think I will be getting into gear!! LOL!!! Wish you all could be here to welcome him back!!

P.S. We will not know the dates of his block leave until at least a few days once he is back. They will probably tell him during his reintegration training that will be held after he returns. So, until then I do not have any information when will be visiting Kansas/Oregon/Washington. All I can tell you is the month of July should be his block leave, realistically the 2nd week is when it will begin and when we fly out is up to my lovely husband, Philip.

Update

Well, things are moving along at a nice pace..although, they can't move fast enough for me! I am estimating 14 days until Philip returns, although I hope it is a few days sooner than that! No official word from Philip or the Rear Detachment. Guys are coming home all this week...in fact, all of Philip's company should be home no later than next Monday.

For all of you that don't already know, I put in my two weeks notice and my last day is Friday. My rational was two fold. One, I didn't know any set in stone dates for Philip's return and Walmart makes schedules 3 weeks in advance. Of course, in my mind Philip's return is more important. Plus, Philip will be visiting his family in Oregon/Washington in July and again..Walmart doesn't have a nice "vacation" allowance for part time employees who have been there less than a year. My second reason is I plan to start working towards my alternate teacher certification for the State of Texas and that means if all goes well I will be teaching next year and would like to prepare and relax before teaching full time.

I am looking forward to getting the house ready for Philip's return. I purchased an electric weed eater that I successfully put together and like using!! Also, so excited about another purchase..a "Secretary Console" which shall look nice in my living room area. I got it for $55 which it was originally $219! What a steal! Gotta love Walmart furniture clearance....haha! Now the only dilemma is the lack of a pick up truck or a male person to help...hopefully that will be worked out. ;)

Well, hopefully the next update is the DATE of Philip's return!! Yippee!!!

Old Phone

Last night, someone got into my car and stole my purse. Nothing valuable was taken. The police said it is just kids probably. However, my old cell phone (620)605-8556 was taken and I called the company to have it shut off just in case they try to use it. So, that no longer reaches me. Please use my home or Texas cell phone. Email me if you need these numbers!

I am just thankful nothing of real value was taken. Yes, and I will lock my doors from now on!!! Just a bad habit I got into, because I used to lock my keys in the car...lol!

Just had to share....

Well, as some of you know, I am an "Angel", that is a TAC (The Angel Company) demonstrator, although I currently just use this for personal use and don't actually "demonstrate" anything..LOL! I hope to get into this more at a later date.. However, I was sooooooo happy to see that featured on the TAC website is something that has some sweet personal meaning to me!!! My loving husband's "pet name" for me is none other than "Honey Bunny" ......Of course, I HAVE to get this stamp set!!! :)




A picture of the stamp set for the Spring Into May Rewards promotion!




www.theangelcompany.net

Hip Hip Hoooray

Well, I was very scared about my final grade for statistics. That course really kicked my bottom! I have always been a slight procrastinator and this course wasn't an exception. Mostly, I just didn't understand it! But, today, I got some GREAT news! I have been checking back everyday to see if he has posted the grade for my final paper..which by the way is worth 25% of my entire grade!!! A lot was riding on it! Guess what I got!!! A 91%!!!!! This was no small feat! Here is the feedback comments the teacher gave me: "You did put forth a good effort. I think you should feel good about this. No big problems, just some areas that were good instead of great. " Needless to say, I am very happy about this!!! :)

I'm Finished!! Officially a College Graduate!!

Well, after MANY years of college, I am finally done!!!!!! My classes were officially over last Sunday, but it will be a while before I receive the Diploma in the mail. I opted to not go to Virginia for the ceremony...obviously traveling so close to when Philip is coming home is not feesible. It is soooooo nice not to have homework! I can honestly say that I may not miss school...I will always be a "student", but I prefer to learn when it is on my own terms, in my own timeframe and for free!!!! I am not sure what the future holds for me, but I know that I will probably pursue something within the education realm, such as teaching or tutoring of some sort. That is where my heart has always been.

~Courtney

Some news....

Found out Philip is going to be in the trailing party...so that means the last one back...mid June. So two weeks later than I thought! :( Guess that gives me more time to get things ready right? Hmmm.....not good news, but at least he will be home soon...

Woot Woot!!!

They have finally posted the tentative homecoming ceremony schedules on the 4 ID Website! I'm so excited!!! I've been checking the website for the last month and it has had other homecomings....now it's our turn!!

The Great Design Challenge

Sooo...I have been watching HGTV and reading DIY Magazine a lot. It never occurred to me that this was something I could actually do for my own place! I have been pretty concerned with getting the house spotless and organized before Philip returns. I have done little projects here and there in the lines of organization and cleaning consistency...but have been giving a lot of thought to actually adding some color and design to our living room and bedroom as a little "Surprise!". Of course, Philip is the typical male. He isn't all that concerned by what is on the walls of the house as long as it has 4 walls and a roof in which he can sleep and take leisurely baths. However, I think redesigning these two "hot" spots with dramatic change the look of things and add another dimension to our "home". There are limits to what I can do...since I am in a rental.

I really don't have my own sense of style. So, I think it will be fun to see what inexpensive and creative things I can do and use to "paint" the canvas of the empty walls. If you have any ideas or suggestions...let me know!!! :) I'm getting really excited about having a crisp, clean house to present Philip with!! Something he and I can be proud of and entertain and show off!!

It's getting closer.....

I am allowing myself to start thinking about the day I get to see Philip again and hug him...I know that it will be here before I know it! Although it still is hard right now because he is working so much and isn't able to be online that often.

I am finishing up my FINAL course for my BACHELOR'S DEGREE...it's about time right? This class is SERIOUSLY killing me.... Statistics, basically I am to run statistical analysis on my research variables which are Attachment style and its affect on the quality of romantic relationships. I composed a survey that my fellow classmates took and now I must decide which type of test to run on my data: t test, ANOVA, or correlations. Then I must discuss this data and the results and make this all stretch to be 8 pages!!!!!!!!!!!!! Needless to say, I understand about as much as you probably do after reading the above sentences!!!!!!!!!!!!! I pray that God bestows much guidance over the course of the next two days!!!

Also, I made a card which you can see on my other blog. http://cardsbycourtney.blogspot.com/ I am proud of it. I haven't done paper crafting in a while and it felt good to get it all out and play with my stuff! After this class I plan on doing A LOT more of it!

Welcome Home Party

Hey guys,
As the time draws near for Philip's return, I have been thinking of putting together a welcome home party! I was thinking a B-B-Q at Blora. I don't know the logistics of this...but I know that with my work schedule, it is going to be very hard for me to get days off to drive up to Kansas...so the most likely it will have to be visitors here. Hopefully Hollie and Jared and Ethan can come down and see my place!!!

I want to welcome Philip back and acknowledge how much his sacrifice means!!! It hasn't been an easy year over there...anytime you are away from your family, home, and country it's got to be rough!

I'm not sure if this will work out for anyone...but I was thinking the end of June.

My Craft Room!!!

Take a look at my other blog! I added pictures of my craft room!

http://cardsbycourtney.blogspot.com/