Mark's sub disqualification packet came in today. So, we're either going surface (carrier or DDG), to a shore command or getting out. Right now we're really stressed so we'd appreciate if you keep us in your thoughts.
I've been cooking and baking from scratch. I'm attempting my first loaf of bread tomorrow so we'll see how that turns out. Also, a local supermarket had a great deal on fresh corn--12 ears for $1.99, so Mark shucked and de-silked them all while I boiled the cleaned ears, cut off the corn and froze it, along with some corn on the cob. I'm going to try making strawberry jam and jelly next week I think. Tonight I made chili with black beans and ground turkey. Mark said it was the best he'd ever had, so I guess that means I did a good job! It was tasty and not heavy or greasy like chili usually is. I'm thinking about putting some tried-and-true recipes on here, if anyone is interested.
We're also struggling with religion right now, so to speak. Neither of us believe in becoming members of a church just to be able to say that you belong, and we believe that it sometimes can take awhile to find a suitable congregation. I've been looking around. We know what we're looking for--a large new-age church with a small church feel with a praise band looking for new members...Mark wants to start playing again, and Audree and I would love to go hear him. I've actually never heard him play bass. For Christmas last year I got Mark concert quality reeds so I got to hear him play clarinet and it was lovely :). He's very talented. Anyway, we are looking for a church but we want a specific kind. We want to grow in the church as well as help the church grow, if that makes sense.
A very dear friend of mine has a child in the hospital. The baby is slowly but surely overcoming obstacles she's been faced with since birth but right now, she's a little overwhelmed. The little girl is a day younger than Audree and both the mother and Ava mean a lot to me, so I'd appreciate if you kept them in your thoughts, also. My heart is breaking and goes out to Kay right now; she's 14 hours away but I wish I could be there with her right now, but I'm needed with my family here right now. I'm doing all I can from here. Some of you may not agree with this, but Mark and I are discussing me pumping and sending milk to Ava via UPS and dry ice for a little while to help her gain some weight. I'm taking a half-dose of Reglan, drinking 2 cups of Mother's Milk Tea and taking 8 Fenugreek supplements a day to keep my supply up. I can step all that up for awhile to help Ava be fat and sassy :).
Audree has a doctor's appointment next Friday for her 4 month shots. I can't believe she'll be four months on Monday...seems like it was only yesterday that I was whining that I wanted to go into labor! Also, some of you have been asking what Audree needs. Right now she's in 6-9 month clothing and she enjoys musical things and colorful things. She also likes water. We appreciate anything from our friends and family, but by no means is anything expected.
I think that's all...I'm done rambling. Here's the pictures you cam here for!
