Holy Cruddola!

Yep- that is where we could possibly be TOMORROW!! Yeah- tomorrow. Looked at the flight schedule for Friday when it posted today and there is only one possibility for Friday... it is a good one but still only 1! So- tomorrow there are 4 possibilities before noon... so... Lee changed his leave form and we will be heading to the Base tomorrow to try for one of the four flights!!

That is where the cruddola part comes in... I still havent packed. I have lists coming out my wazooo on what needs to be done... I have piles of possible clothing sitting in my room per person... suitcases are pulled out... yet- nothing is actually packed. Top it off- there is no available lodging on Base, which means that we will be leaving a little after midnight to drive the three hours to check in for the first flight. Luckily we have our fantastic minivan- cause we may be doing some napping in it for the 24 hours!

I have to run out to post and drop something off to Lee- get him lunch- check the mail etc... Plus really give Erika and Aaron the run through on the house so that they are all settled when we leave. Luckily- they are staying here to watch Baney for us...

Hopefully next time I update- it will be stateside in good old WolfPack Country!!!
Fingers crossed people that we catch a flight easily!!! (Especially for the sake of my hubby- cause a stressed out momma leads to bitchiness!! Poor him!)

Self Packing suitcases...

MIA- and it will only get worse I am afraid! This post finds me two days out from leaving for the nearby Air Force Base--- to try to hop a flight stateside. I am not super excited- only cause I feel like it has not hit me yet... As much as I want the time to come when we land in the states and we are with family- I know that the faster it comes- the faster it will be over with! Makes me sad that the next time we will go stateside will not be until December... So- we have had quite a ride in this house this last few days. Aaron- who has been staying with us has been sick for three days. Carter was sick... Lee was sick... It got sooo bad that I Hais has actually been staying with my friend Katie and her hubby the last two nights- I cannot have her get sick right before we leave! Luckily it seems as though lil man is over the worst of it- as is Lee... but I spent the entire day disinfecting the entire house! Now if I could just get it together as to packing etc for this trip... I have laid clothes out but it seems like I am expecting them to find their own way into the suitcases... does that happen? Can anyone let me know? lol Tomorrow I have to contact Ramstein about getting a room for Thursday night and the flight schedule should be posted for Friday- which is either make me super happy or stress me out... keeping my fingers crossed...

States visited map- How fun!

I saw this on a blog I follow and love the idea! I love seeing all the places I have been... I clearly am missing entire sections of the country- maybe that needs to be a goal of ours-

I have always wanted to to the North East- I want to see Boston and New York... I would love to see the leaves change up in Vermont- I want to go to a B& B up there.

I see some future trips being planned!!

Fun facts

Favorite time of day: As much as I am not a huge morning person- I love the gap of time between when I wake up and the kids are up... It is quiet and a little chilly out and the day is full of possibility...
Favorite season: Fall. I love the weather, smells, food, holidays...
Favorite month: That is tough- I would have to say December... cause of Christmas and the time off as a family... but also I love winter and snow...
Favorite holiday: Toss up between Thanksgiving and Christmas
Favorite subject in school: History- especially US History!
Favorite channel: I love the travel channel- I miss it... Especially with shows like House Hunters International
Favorite color: red!
Favorite song: These change constantly... right now I am loving Jar of Hearts, Stuck Like Glue and Dog Days are Over
Favorite movie: Not sure I have a favorite but I definitely have some I can watch over and over... Funny Farm, HouseSitter and Baby Boom... oldies but I love them
Favorite celebrity: I heart Reese Witherspoon
Favorite kind of music: I'm a country gal =-)
Favorite TV show: Miss tons and tons of shows!! One Tree Hill is one that I long for!
Favorite thing to do: Sit and have coffee with friends
Favorite place in the world: It is a toss up between the west coast of Ireland and Prague- but I think I will always choose home in Cali
Favorite hobby: Love reading
Favorite kind of animal: Dogs
Favorite place to live: Loved NC...
Favorite place to vacation: We have vacationed so many places that I loved... Cinque Terre, London, Prague and Doolin Ireland are some favs
Favorite restaurant: Depends on where... Chevys and InNOut are favs in Cali, MiCasita and Melting Pot in NC
Favorite food: Bring on Mexican!
Favorite thing to cook: Mexican:)
Favorite drink: Water or Diet Coke
Favorite chore: Probably dusting- weird
Favorite makeup: Love eye liner- especially brown
Favorite hair products: My morocanoil makes me happy
Favorite lotion: Any Bath and Body Works cream
Favorite perfume: Viva La Juicy
Favorite blogger: Love all the blogs I follow!
Favorite thing to blog about: Army life and chaos that comes with it
Favorite books: Love Jeanette Walls "Glass Castle"
Favorite thing to wear: Summer dresses
Favorite kind of day: A day with girlfriends- relaxing, drinking coffe or wine and talking
Favorite memory: Both times we welcomed hubby home from deployment

ABC's of Me

A. Age: 31!!
B. Bed size: King... I can sleep a whole night and forget someone is in bed with me:)
C. Chore you dislike: Putting laundry away- probably why there are usually 2-3 loads folded somewhere in my house- waiting for their distribution!
D. Dogs: Bane- the dog I love to hate
E. Essential start to your day: Washing my face and brushing my teeth- cannot function or feel good without doing these things
F. Favorite color: Red
G. Gold or silver: Silver
H. Height: 5’6"
I. Instruments you play(ed): all I gots is the recorder in elementary school- I really wanted to play the flute and mom shot that down cause she spent too much money on my retainer etc for my teeth
J. Job title: Wife, mom and kick booty volunteer
K. Kids: Hais & Carter
L. Live: Southern Germany- Lehrberg
M. Mom’s name: Cathy (Catherine)
N. Nicknames: Mom, B, Bren, Beana
O. Overnight hospital stays: Just babies and 2 nights for walking pneumonia while in basic training
P. Pet peeves: Bad eating habits!! I.E. smacking lips, chewing with mouth open, smacking gum
Q. Quote from a movie: "Fat Man in a Little Coat" oh yeah- love me some Chris Farley
R. Righty or lefty: righty.
S. Siblings: Shannon, lil sis
T. Time you wake up: 6:30 am- gotta get the kiddo to the bus stop
U. Underwear: Love em!
V. Vegetables you don’t like: Cannot think of any I do not like but I am sure there are some interesting ones out there
W. What makes you run late: Kids- but I always try to be super early
X. X-rays you've had: teeth, wrist, chest, shoulder... think that is it
Y. Yummy food you make: Enchiladas! Oooh- might make those tonight... hmmm
Z. Zoo animal favorites: Love the gorillas. They always seem to be sitting around just staring at you!

Emotional Mess

Literally that is exactly what I am... an emotional wreck lately.

Little man has been getting hurt lately- as little boys do...

This week has been a chipped tooth (twice-same tooth- not big chips),

fat lip, bloody nose, banged up forehead...

This afternoon after the latest bloody nose-

he fell over again... I heard his little noggin hit the tile floor...

I freaked.

He was fine.

I was in tears.

Not sure why.

I mean I know why really- I am a hormonal mess thanks to

the fertility shots and now the new pills to instigate my cycle...

Hormones are racing through this lady!

I really want to go upstairs and curl up in my bed and read until I fall asleep.

Yet- tonight is the season premiere of Dancing with the Stars... so I wanna watch that.

And since we only get AFN downstairs- here I sit... boo!

But I am tired. I cannot even tell you if it is physical, emotionl, or both. I just am. Totally am.

Nice thing is- our friends who are staying with us- are only #37 on the housing list. They have moved only 2 slots in 1 week. While I know it stinks for them- they can stay here in our house while we are stateside- and watch Baney!! Which is fabulous.

I know I am a boring poster lately- hoping to kick this exhaustion I am fighting lately!

All over the place

I have started a few postings the last few days- but cannot get a grip on one specific topic- or enough conversation to really justify a posting... so here is a hodge podge (again- I know)...



-Had a fantastic trip this last weekend to Poland with friends... hubbs kept the kiddos... got lots of good deals... excellent food... and much needed girlfriend time. Bring on the Tyskie beer- which was amazing! And I had some good drinking partners- and finally a girlfriend to enjoy some beer with!

-We start our adventure to the states in a week and 3 days. Getting super nervous about the whole Space-A thing!!! Had my hubbs pull out the suitcases- so that I can start throwing little things in there that I do not want to forget... started looking at flights in and out of Ramstein to see what is happening this week... getting super excited that I will see family in less than two weeks and celebrate lil mans first birthday!! yeah

-Wrapping up this year in PTA and Spouses Club which is SUPER thrilling for me.. ready for a break. Ready to just be a part of the attendees- instead of worry about the details of the event--

-Will be holding off on fertility stuff til we return in May. This last go around- my body reacted a little TOO well to the shots- which left me with 9 huge follicles... and this momma ain't no Octuplet momma!! So- we will restart when we return and hope the dates do not move anymore for the deployment next spring- cause I would love my man to be here for the birth of this kiddo!

-I know it seems silly but all you women out there understand this next one- I get my hair done in 2 days:) I love having it done- not only cause it makes me feel SO good to have fresh color and cut- but I get fun friend time with Bethany while she does it!!!

-Did you all see that a 400 lb man ran a marathon?? Took him twice as long as normal runner does but still... wow! My sis in law rocked out a half this weekend in 1 hr 44 minutes... amazing!

-A new policy went into effect today- the soldiers here in Germany cannot wear their uniforms to and from work anymore. They have to drive into work in civilians and change into uniform when they get there. It has always been a "rule" to not be out on the economy in uniform- but it is not enforced at all. Well- now it is... that is SCARY!.... what is scarier- the warning they put out regarding our kiddos... they want us to be cautious regarding what they are wearing when they are out and about- namely at the bus stop. For real???? Like it is not obvious when there are roughly 20 American children at the bus stop- that they are American?? They wear different clothes than German kids. They carry different backpacks. They just look WAY different... Now I am wondering if I should be driving my kiddo to school everyday... I love living overseas but these are the moments that make me miss home...

Thanks for listening- I know I am scatter brained LIKE crazy... Would love to say it will improve- but cannot guarentee it... sorry:(

Thursday 5

Upbeat
Fantastic
Accomplished
Thoughtful
Brilliant

1. I am feeling upbeat about our trip to the states in 2 weeks!! I already booked our hotel in San Fran and our ferry trip to Alcatraz... lil mans party is booked- excited!

2. Fantastic is the box that I received from Old Navy- love love love new clothes!!

3. I feel accomplished when I think about how great my kids are. We may be viewed as strict by others- but my kid has manners, chews with her mouth shut and still loves us!!

4. I think that I have the most thoughtful hubby- he is keeping the kiddos while I run away this weekend for an overnight trip to Poland with 7 friends!!

5. A brilliant moment this week was when I talked to my sister and heard her soooo happy- which is LONG overdue!!

What fun!

Wednesday Wishes

Wednesday Wishes- such a fun weekly thing to do!! Go check out Brooke over at Bright Wishes

Clearly one of my wishes this week is for a positive pregnancy test in the near future! Week three of shots is happening right now and I go back in a few days to see if the dose is right... would love one attempt before we leave for the states for a month!!

Wish two- obviously ties to wish one! I have been eyeng this baby for awhile! If the timeline works out- C will only be like 18 months when next lil one comes along. Problem is... justifying the $600 (roughly) pricetag...ugh that is rough. Then again it would last a long time and kick booty on the cobblestone streets and trails here!

http://www.amazon.com/BOB-Revolution-Duallie-Stroller-Orange/dp/B004DC9TD0/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1300270382&sr=8-4

Found these lovelies at Pottery Barn and love them. I am in love with the aged look they have... I can picture them outside on the patio. I actually want them all- sitting grouped together...

Maybe it is the weather and all- the feeling of spring... but I want these...

http://www.potterybarn.com/products/found-watering-cans/?pkey=csale-outdoor-pillows-accessories

Could you totally picture these in your house? I could!!! I could picture them filled with different holiday candies... think fun Christmas cookies...

http://www.pier1.com/Catalog/HomeAccentsD%c3%a9cor/HomeAccentsDecor/tabid/508/CategoryID/135/List/0/catpageindex/1/catpagesize/25/Level/a/ProductID/4679/ProductName/Apothecary-Jars/Default.aspx

Found this beauty on Etsy... do not know why it calls to me... but I could totally see myself rocking this!!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/63355152/vintage-style-keys-personalized?ref=cat1_list_9

So truthful

I read this on a blog I happened across a few months ago- I cannot remember the blog- which is my bad... But at least I kept the authors name in it!! If you know who the blog belongs to- please let me know... but I was totally touched by her words...

I believe...
I believe good things happen to good people. I believe with strength in faith that I will survive. I believe in karma and I believe in tenfold. I believe in sincerity and goodwill because I know no different. I believe in chivalry and putting down the toilet seat. I believe in religion and democracy, I also believe in facts and eduacted opinions. I believe in chewing with your mouth closed, unless it's allergy season, because we all know it's hard to breathe and chew while stopped up. I believe in honoring my parents, even when they are senile. And I think if you can't laugh at life you should probably get out of the kitchen... Or something. I trust my judgement and I believe in holding tight to conviction. I think surprises and optimism go hand in hand, and I think they are both underrated. I believe in love and hope and I feel they should stay sacred. I think peoples laughs say more about them than their words do; and so do their fingernails. I have a conspiracy theory on people who crumple their trash and toilet paper and I choose to believe my theory is correct. I believe in family and good values. I believe in our differences and I believe them when they know I'm right. I believe that small things in life count more than the big things and I am one of the few people who will admit that I'd rather be pretty than smart. I believe everyone wants to be pretty. Here is my heart again for you to see....



~Katie Lopez

I'm tapping out--- and restarting!

So- this last few days- I have been eating like food is going to disappear... literally cannot stop eating. I want to blame it on the hormones racing through my body- (thank you fertility shots)- but honestly I still need to get it under control...

So- tomorrow starts a new day. A new week. A change of pace. I am making some goals... nothing crazy... but I am making them public...sorry if you could care less but I want to make it public but have no plan on putting it on FB...

Here it goes...

1- Tracking my intake! Seriously, like with a journal! clearly- I am hoping that it will make me stop putting so much crappola in my mouth!! Luckily I am not one of those that drinks my calories- I go straight to the food... so tracking I will go!

2- 30 minutes a day of (cardio)exercise... whether it be on my elliptical in my room, running/walking outside, spinning class or a yoga video. I want do this 6 days of the week... one day off...

3- Weights 3 days a week... going to use the kick booty setup the hubs put downstairs for me- finally put it to use!

Thats it... wish me luck and please bear with me if I post on here to keep me accountable... I am thinking the end of the week I can put a "End of Week Roundup"

SHES 30!!!

She is a diehard Patriots fan!!

An Army bada$$!!!

An Irish Pub fan!

She is the wild n crazy one...

The best silent hugger ever!

Most importantly- she is my baby sis... my 30 year old baby sis. She is the most amazing sister ever but also a crazy great aunty...

My daughter adores her. She keeps our lives totally entertaining.

I adore her!

Happy birthday SheShe... You are the best thing in our world!

Not leaving the house

I have made a command decision- I am not leaving the house tomorrow. Not at all.

Not for the commisary- even though there are a few things I need.

Not for the bazaar- even though the cheese guy is bringing more cheese tomorrow cause he ran out today before I got to buy any.

Not to the PX- even th0ugh there are a few things I want to get before our trip.

Part of me does want to head to the backerei. By myself. With my iPad... to read. To sit and people watch... by myself.

I adore my family. I do. But I am tired. Wiped out. It seems like every day I have somewhere to be. Monday will be a trip to Nurnberg. The nice 50 minute trip each way- for the ten minute appt. Do not get me wrong- I adore these appts cause they are bringing me closer to Koko version 3:)

I almost feel bad that I do not feel bad about wanting time away from my family. I should feel guilty right?? I should want to soak in every minute with them. I mean- I miss my hubby when he is at work and my daughter when she is at school. So- the few times we are all home together- I should want to absorb it all shouldnt I?? Especially when I know I will be leaving the country for an overnight next weekend...


See how ADD I am?? I started this post thinking I do not want to leave my house tomorrow- and now almost convinced myself to go to the backerei in the morning! A cappuchino and some besten sound yummy!! Curled up in one of the big leather chairs- with my iPad, maybe my planner and some fun pens. A notepad to makes notes for the emails I need to send out this week regarding the Poland trip could be planned.... hmmmm.

I will let you know what decision I make...

Happy List

I feel like all I am doing lately are these different blog assignments... no real posts... Hoping to get my crud together and make an actual posting soon:) But for now, enjoy my happy list!!

I have felt so happy lately- climbing into bed at night and reading on my iPad... I {heart} a good book!

The song Sweet Serendipity has had me super happy this week!! I find myself replaying it constantly.

My lil sis is 30 years old today- that makes me super happy (a lil sad I am so far away from her though)

Spring weather this week is making me happy happy happy! It is SO close to capris and flip flop weather! We have been bike riding, playing at the park and enjoying the sunshine & its warmth flooding in our windows...

Jeans fitting me looser this week makes for a happy me!!

Embarrassed to admit this- beating a tough level on the app Angry Birds makes me happy. (Some of those levels are tough!)

Knowing I will be drinking some wine in a hotel in Poland with ten amazing women in a week makes me happy!! Polish Pottery shopping, good food and girl time!

Being half way through March makes me happy because that means we are SOOO close to April and our trip to the States (and hugging my fam/friends!)

Go link up with Mamarazzi and tell us what makes you happy!

Friday Confessionals!

I am finding myself thinking about Friday Confessionals throughout the week! Something about being able to "Confess" even if it is not that interesting... feels good for the soul!!

I confess that I have no plans of every going back to work! I spent a lot of money on my degree but love being a SAHM too much... nothing against those that feel different--- to each their own!!

I confess that I have spent too much money already this month- will have to dip into savings- and we have over half the month left still (shame on me... but that wine and gummys at the bazaar today were totally needed)

I confess that part of me wants to lose some weight just to better one of my friends that needs to lose weight... horrible right?

I confess that lately it feels like I am "faking" it 99% of the time... faking the conversation... the smiles... the happiness... Don't get me wrong- not depressed- just over it! Over some people in particular...

I confess that I enjoy being a totally self sufficient woman- but at the same time wanna be taken care of by my man... Woman in charge vs damzel in distress?? It confuses me sometimes- sure it confuses my man!! lol

I confess that I miss the relationship I had with my daughter before my son was born. She was the only kiddo for 8 yrs and having lil man has changed our relationship... makes me sad

I confess that I could watch some show reruns OVER and OVER again... Law n Order... King of Queens... for example...

Lastly, I confess that I am barely holding off letting myself pack for our trip... it is still 3 weeks away but I wanna start putting suitcases together- ri-dic-u-lous!!

Now- go confess people!

Thursday!

Happy happy Thursday!!!

Peaceful
Loved
Awesome
Lucky
Smart

I have been searching for a Peaceful feeling... maybe it will be yoga- less tv- getting outside more... I will let you know what I figure out!

When little man walks up to me and grabs my leg and just hugs- makes me feel so completely Loved...

Awesome describes the fact that it is 3 weeks until I start trying to get stateside for a visit... hugging friends and family, Mexican food, Target, lil mans first birthday... oooooh!

I was super Lucky this week- got lil man the cutest pair of OshGosh cargo shorts, OG polo shirt, Carters winter jacket in size 2T (which he should wear next winter... all for $11!! Yeah! The jacket was only $3 and the top and bottom were each $4... I knew they were on sale but it was ridiculous...

I think it is smart of me to be following the SpaceA flights to see if a pattern is happening- so we know what to expect when we start trying for a flight in 3 weeks (yes- 3 weeks!! and in 4 weeks I will be hugging my momma/daddy/Amber/Ande etc in Cali)

That was fun! Go link up and do it!

Wordless Wednesday

happy man watching sissy and daddy
sissy & daddy having fun

park play

crazy hat hair

Kicking ourselves in the butt

So- a few months ago- we were offered a position in Hawaii. How sweet right? Moving from Europe to Hawaii. Rough life. But we chose to stay here cause Lee was offered an incredible job. Now the higher ups have totally switched the plans- without so much as a "Sorry dude."

Well- now we are pissed. We extended here. Not only extended but extended into a deployment. Grand!

So- we are looking to see what is available. It seems the best option for Lee would be heading back to good old NC... which would be the third time for us. It would not be horrible to go back there... but I am ready for a new adventure for sure...

Keep your fingers crossed that things fall into alignment for us. Trusting in people- we made a decision for our family and my hubbys future... only to have everything swapped around on us. So- we will make the best of it and figure out what is next. Hawaii would be sweet- but we will see what the "assignment Gods" tell us we can do!

Update you later!

I'm a Hodge-Podger!

I have been trying to collect my thoughts... does anyone else struggle with this on a daily basis?

I have twelve thousand things running through my noggan at all moments... let me give you a glimpse into what I am talking about...

~ Trying to wrap my head around the trip to NC and CA... watching SpaceA flights to get a grip on patterns hopefully... trying to get together a list for sending to my parents and inlaws of things that I would love for them to have at their houses (diapers, some baby food etc)... just to make life a little easier...

~ We ordered $393 worth of clothes from Old Navy!! I knew that we would be shopping in the states anyhow and since I {heart} Old Navy (and they do not carry PS clothing in their stores), I decided to order online and then could bring my new clothes with me. Well- then I thought about the trip timeline and figured we could order clothes for everyone and just pay the $7 shipping once...

A cute outfit I got for myself- (minus the hat and shoes)- love these linen pants and top
One of hubbys shirts- love this and he will look SOOO good!
This shirt is for lil man!!! He will look awesome in pink and rock it!

~Need to go through my daughters closet... I only ordered her pajamas from Old Navy- cause her closet is RIDICULOUSLY filled. I need to go through it and weed out the clothes that are too small... she actually has a ton of clothes still to grow into... What can I say? I love having a little girl and she is seriously rocking some adorable skirts/leggings/boot combos lately!!

~ BAZAAR time this weekend... super fun. Bazaars are huge here in Europe. Every post has one a year. Ours is this weekend. Last year I worked the bazaar- the ENTIRE weekend. I ran (along with my BFF Kim) the hospitality room for the vendors. Then Kim and I also worked the credit card machines ALL weekend. We literally worked it 12-7 Friday, 10-7 Saturday and 10-4 Sunday. Did I mention that I was 37 weeks preggo?? And still- sitting there all weekend- I managed to spend $200 dollars... craziness. This weekend I am only going to work 2-7 Saturday--- mainly to help my friend Kim cover the shifts... I am excited to go and just be able to shop!!!

~ C25K... Couch to 5K. Can I really do it? I desperately WANT to do it. My issue is that there seems to be a big gap in WANT and Do... haha... I used to be able to run. I would run for miles. Lee & I would run together for an hour and it was so nice. In this time in my life- I crave the running time- more for alone time. I want to be able to throw on my iPod and run for an hour by myself...

~ Cracker Barrel, In.N.Out... this is just random. All the things in California and NC that I am desperately waiting to indulge in... seems ironic... that this topic follows the last- right?

~ Poland. Poland. Poland. In a week and a half- heading to Poland for an overnight with 10 fabulous women. I tell you- I am mostly excited about the 4.5 hr drive with Kim riding shotgun!! Woohoo!!!! I love me some friend time. I have desperately missed her... there are moments that I want to walk away cause I feel hurt- but at the end of the day I know she is not hurting me but I am being super sensitive. I am ready for a trip together...

At the end of this post- I do not feel satisfied. Does that make sense? I can tell the difference between when I post about something that my heart/mind is itching to talk about--- and when I write without a meaning behind it... this is one that satisfies a "posting" but not satisfying me... mmmm... think that makes sense:)

Maybe I will get my act together later... keep your fingers crossed...

How amazing!

My words are all over the place today- so I will just post these... I found them on a blog I follow- who linked to this blog...
Look at this fun artwork- just makes me smile!!

Mlitary Monday Blog Hop 2

It is that time again ladies!! I am excited to hop around and meet new peeps! Another blog posting coming in a little bit- I feel sorta scatter brained right now and need to collect myself for a bit!!

Simple Things

A simple thing in my life--- Yankee Candle Be Thankful scent... it makes me happy...
There are usually 2-3 burning throughout my house everyday- I should own stock in the company! This scent is seasonal- so when it goes on clearance at the end of fall- I stock up!!

The smell of the candles makes me happy- when you walk into a different room and get a whiff of the candle just makes me smile!
What is a simple thing in your life that can bring a smile to your face?? Go link up!

▪▪ I must learn to love the fool in me ▪ the one who feels tooo much ▪ talks tooo much ▪ takes tooo many chances ▪ wins sometimes and loses often ▪ lacks self-control ▪ loves and hates ▪ hurts and gets hurt ▪ promises and breaks promises ▪ laughs and cries ▪▪ -Theodore Isaac Rubin

Highs/ Lows and Challenge Day 25

Yep- I skipped day 24- it was too similar to one a few days ago... so I am choosing to skip it. Day 25 is supposed to be- a picture of my day. My day consisted of sunshine- park play- slides- patio furniture being put out- reading a magazine in sunshine- letting the kiddos play in the yard...

I also wanted to play this fun "game" I have seen on other blogs... High/Lows of the week...

High: See above mention of sunshine... 42 degrees people! 42 DEGREES... sunshine... tshirts!

Low: We will wake up to frost in the morning...

High: Seeing March come in! One month from going home for a visit

Low: The Airmen shot at Frankfurt airport... going to fight for their country and are gunned down... horrible

High: Americas Next Top Model is back on... total guilty pleasure.

Low: Working my butt off at spinning & then eating nachos an hour later at bowling... boo on me

High: A FAN-TAB-U-LOUS brunch with fantastic ladies on Friday...

Low: Some yucky news regarding my hubbys job...

HappyList

A Happy List? I am stumbling upon all these fun little things to do on here and they are sort of addicting! What is better than a happy list??

Here Goes!

*Happy for sunshine!! People, it has been months of FRIGID cold here. So- sunshine makes me happy. Sunshine means family trips to the park. Sunshine means green grass and walking in the neighborhood. Sunshine also means fertilizing time here in Germany- fertilizing with poop- blah!

*Happy that we are entering the first weekend of March... cause time is moving fast- and I desperately want April here- to Cracker Barrel it in NC, tour San Fran in my good old home state with my inlaws, parents, best friend & her fam, and my fam....

*Happy for the book Poser: My life in 23 Yoga Poses. Found this on my Kindle... and am devouring it at night!! Hilarious!

*Happy for a hubby who let me sleep in this morning!! I needed it. He probably did too- seeing that he gets up an hour and a half earlier than me every morning- lol! Maybe I will let him sleep in tomorrow- maybe not:)

*Happy to see handprints on the patio doors and the entertainment center glass doors... as much as I partly want to grab some Windex and scrub them away (darn OCD-hehe)... they are a constant reminder that I have 2 amazing kiddos who are happy & healthy... and messy!

HUGE VENT

I try not to use too many capital letters in postings- cause the whole "yelling" thing annoys me. Yet- I wanna throw a temper tantrum right now and that involves some yelling.



I am used to the crappola that comes with the military lifestyle. I can deal with some curveballs being thrown my way. I can- honestly. Yet- sometimes- enough is enough!



We were supposed to leave this coming fall- September timeframe. We were imagining new locations, stateside adventures, family being accessible. Then there was a timeframe that we started thinking about staying cause there is a job hubby wants to move into in this unit. I started imaging more travels, more time in our kickin house, and stability for our kiddos for a little longer.

Well- then that timeframe changed and we had to shift plans. All of a sudden we were thinking that not only were we moving but it was happening in like a matter of months. That is a lot to process! An international move is overwhelming- then throw in kids- shipping dogs- shipping cars etc... whoa!

Then we were told the position he wanted was going to come available and he was going to get it a lot sooner- not exactly what he wanted- but made sense to me. So- we put in extension paperwork here. We not only extended but we chose to extend into another deployment. Which means that I will be overseas for another deployment with three kiddos!! (Including a newborn and a 2 yr old)...



Now today we are told- they have a W4 coming in... who trumps my W3 hubby... who will take the job that we extended to get... So- we are staying here for nothing.



I am not a new wife to this life. I know things change constantly. It just sucks when it screws your entire family.... I am having a pity party for 1 right now...



Sorry for the rant. Sometimes you just need to get it out so there is a hope to move forward...

Friday Confessional 2

I Confess...

-I am SUPER nervous about the whole Space A thing next month- part of me just wants to buy a ticket to fly but then I think about the $2000 that will cost and how much fun we could have on our trip with that money!

I Confess...

-I desperately want to lose this weight but also do not want to do the work...

I Confess...

- There are wives that I am tolerating but if we did not have hubbies who worked together- I would have nothing to do with them...

I Confess...

- I long for time away from my kiddos... but miss them dearly when I am gone!! I long for nap times... I long for mini trips with friends... but I think about them the entire time we are apart...

I Confess...

-I am excited to see friends next month in California that I have not seen in like 12 years- but nervous cause I look SOOO different. And they look the same! Boo...

I Confess...

-There are mornings that I wake up and do not want to shower... is anyone else that way? I am soooo tired- showering feels like it would take too much energy (plus blow drying hair too)

Challenge Day 22

Something I wish I were better at? Making myself a priority. I think as mommas, wives, workers (etc etc)- we never put ourselves as a priority. We put ourselves last and totally justify it. We can justify it all away easily. Yet how many times are we told to put ourselves first to become a better wife, mother etc? Interesting.

I am working on it. Spinning is one way that I am trying ot figure this out...

Hodge Podge Post

Too many things to type about today...

First- an annoyance... everything in German!! Randomly- when I type in a page I want to go to or download a program- it is all in German. I know it is because my IP address is routed through a German company- which means the program assumes I speak that language. For instance, just downloaded the new version of Picasa... of course it is all in German. I googled how to change the language. I had done it right it turns out- but had not closed and restarted the program to reset the language. UGH!

LEGS are sore. Thank you spinning. 3 Hawks & Hooker did well last night. We won 4 out of 8 points. We do it for fun- so it really isn't about winning. But we are all competitive- so even if we say it is just for fun- we still wanna win...

Sad note- the shooting yesterday at Frankfurt airport. Two airmen from Lakenhealth in England were killed. When families/soldiers arrive in Europe for the first time- they fly into Frankfurt. This is where they inprocess you into the country and then you wait for a bus to take you to the post you are going to. This is how my hubby came into the country. This is how most of those we know arrived. They used to let soldiers go and pick up incoming soldiers. They stopped that. Now they make these soldiers and families sit and wait for hours sometimes (after an insanely long trip) and then put them on a bus. They put them on a bus that is clearly filled with soldiers and their families. They are an automatic target! All you hear around the military is OPSEC- watching the information you put out. Yet- they are daily putting families on a bus in mass groups in front of one of the largest airports in the country. I am devastated for those soldiers and their families. I am devastated for the other soldiers that witnessed this tragedy. It is devastating. We have some friends arriving into the country in a week. One week to the day of this horrific shooting. So sad. These soldiers were doing their jobs and lost their lives. Not in a war zone- but at an airport. Really??? One of my friends said it perfectly. These soldiers died for their country. They may not have died in a combat zone. They may not have been carrying weapons. Yet they were still a soldier. This is not just a vacation zone. Living in Europe is amazing but it is still a foreign country... with a lot of people who do not want us here.

In fact- there was a protest right outside the gate of our post last night. These people protest routinely. They hate the helicopters flying over. It is silliness really. The soldiers here are not allowed to fly past midnight- which is unheard of. In the states- Lee would fly all night sometimes. There are so many Germans employed on our post. The money that the Americans bring to the local economy is insane! Not to mention- if post was closed down- do you know the amount of empty housing that would be in the area? It would kill the economy. Luckily these protestors are calm and there are no issues with them. They just hold their signs. Sadly- I hate passing by and seeing the soldiers that are standing at the stoplight waiting to cross the street and having to stand there next to the protestors. I did not see them last night because I entered post before it was supposed to start and left after it was supposed to end. Truthfully- I am hoping they did not show- in respect for what happened yesterday at Frankfurt.

I cannot help but think of the post 9/11 events. We were stationed in Washington State. I remember driving down I-5 and there was this overpass you had to go under right before Tacoma... and it was lined with 100's of patriotic Americans. They were holding signs and flags. Just showing their pride and support for our wonderful country. Literally- I have tears in my eyes right now. It has been almost 10 years and it still brings me to tears. The same way the National Anthem does. You cannot help it when your life is about supporting a man who puts on a uniform everyday and goes to work with the knowledge that he is the defender of our country. He gives up a year or more at a time away from his children. He misses birthdays. He misses Christmases. He misses his childrens births. But he does it because he loves those children. He loves his family and friends. He will defend that flag with all he has.

14!!!!

I know this will sound silly friends- but I am excited about 14 followers! I have been blogging for awhile now- since 2008- but just recently started getting addicted to other blogs- of people I do not even know! It seems crazy but it is so interesting to see others lives and how similar/different we all are!
Plus it has linked me to fun stuff like a Postcard Swap that just started. I am swapping a postcard a week with a girl from Maryland! I just sent my first one out today! Yeah!!

Ok- I was super excited- but now I am tuckered! Spinning kicked my batooty tonight and then I headed right over to bowling- so now I just want my bed... but first a shower is in order!
Promise something longer and more substantial tomorrow- night all!

Challenge Day 21

Something I wish I could forget...

I am an elephant. You know how they say "elephants never forget." Yeah that is me! I will dwell on comments people said for a long time. I will rethink conversations and question what the person meant or didn't mean.

I will replay comments that hurt my feelings for years. So- I wish that I could forget the comments that hurt my feelings... I wish I could move on and forgive people for things that they may have said...

I guess in the realm of things- that is pretty good that this is the only thing I could think of that I would want to forget. There is really nothing in my life that has been traumatizing...

Wednesday Wishes!

How fun, right?? A Wish List!! If only my hubby read my blog- this would be a fabulous CLUE place!! lol

1~ I want a cozy chair/ottoman for in my room for reading. Ideally that is where I would curl up and pull a comfy blanky over me and dive into my book (err- Kindle or iPad really... haha) Yeah Pottery Barn

2~ Not sure where I would put these- I could totally picture them in lots of places!! I {heart} Pottery Barn!!

3~ I would LOVE to be able to walk through a Sams Club right now... or even a Costco! The fac that I would have SOOO much available to me is like a dream come true right now!!

4~ These little baskets from PotteryBarn kids are calling my name!!! But the realistic side of me says to wait til after Easter and get them on clearance... especially since we won't even be home for Easter this year... plus- I cannot justify spending the money on them with a HUGE trip coming up!

5~ I am soooo in need of more time in the day... if anyone can figure this out- please shoot me a detailed message as to how I can somehow add roughly 4-5 more hours into my day... much appreciated all!

6~ Really? I wish I could fly home to visit family without crossing multiple timezones, an ocean, several countries and then having to deal with jetlag (it is rough on me- then add two whiny tired kiddos- enough to make a momma snap- lol)

PS- Totally should have linked to these things- but wasn't thinking about it and now too (lazy) to go back and do it... next time:)

Jump over to Bright Wishes and join in the Wednesday Wishes- too fun!

Randomness...Round 2...

Day of randomness people. Hold on for the ride...

*Drove the hour long drive (one way) to the Dr this morning for a check on the progress from the pills I have been on. Was given a "go" to start with the shots!!! Yeah!! I know- who is excited about giving themselves shots in the stomach daily? Me! Yep- me! Cause the end result (a 7-8 lb bundle of joy) is well worth it!! Plus- I think my nursing background makes it super easy cause needles are not a huge deal for me... I go back this next Monday to see if the dose we are on is working- if not- then we increase it weekly til we see what we want to see!! I want fingers crossed people!!!

*Side note- I got another ticket. Ugh! Lee has had 2 speeding tickets since being here (it is ridiculously easy to get tickets here)... well I have had one. So- I text messaged him after the ticket saying "I evened the score. We both have 2 tickets." He messaged back "Were you on your phone?" I love how my baby knows me so well. I was on speaker- but you are not allowed to be holding your phone at all while driving- and technically I was holding it... ugh!!

* Walked with L'Chelle tonight. We walked 2 nights a week until the weather got too ugly. Her kiddos play soccer for the Lehrberg team on the hill above our house. So- she is up there at least twice a week. So tonight I met her at 5:10 (ish) and we walked until 6:15. It was cold but still SOOO nice! Mind you- it is only 36 degrees but sunny and that is awesome here!! I am super excited to be out there walking with her again!! I missed our girl talks and L'Chelle SOOO gets me!

*Spinning tomorrow night!! Woohoo! My butt area feels violated... but I know from past experience that goes away the more you go--- Spinning will be from 530- 630- then I will clean up super quick and head right over to bowling. Did I tell you I bowl on a league?? Yeah it pretty much rocks. I am on a team called 3 Hawks & a Hooker.... three of us are married to Blackhawk Pilots (Hawks) and one is married to a Chinook Pilot (Hooker)... now we are technically 3 Hawks & a knocked up Hooker!! lol

*So- you know that our plan for April has been to start trying to hop from Ramstein to anywhere on the East Coast starting April 1... then catch a flight with the inlaws to my
fan-tab-u-lous home state of Cali on the 8...then back to good old NC on the 21... then start trying to hop back to Europe around the 24-25... WELL... the Army likes to throw curveballs... Lee was offered an UH-mazing course in Garmisch working with planning with the SF... but the dates run into the beginning of our leave... and would essentially give us 2 days to get on a hop- which is WAY toooo close... soooo- looks like we will be trying to buy tickets to get to the East Coast now... while a bummer cost wise (will cut into fun money FOR SURE)- at least then we will be able to spend Lee's birthday and Easter with my inlaws and nephews without stressing about how we are going to get back and if we can get back in time... will keep you updated... he is going to go in tomorrow and confirm dates etc- but honestly- he NEEDS to go to this course cause it is a kickin opportunity!

*Got my new bras in the mail! Know how badly they were needed??? Seriously- one of my 2 bras has only HALF an underwire! Half! That is what happens when you live overseas and can only order them from 1 store...

*Brunching it with the FRG ladies this Friday... cannot believe my time in the Joker fam is going to be over in a few months. I have loved leading these ladies for the last 2 years- they are my family. So- I am filling my final time with fun!! Not only brunching but also our fun overnight Poland trip in a little less than 3 weeks...

* The Sullivans come in a week... it is always fun to show new people around. And Erika is a sweet new Army wife- super fun!

That's it for now! Thanks for listening to my ramblings- can I tell you that lately I have totally not been able to shut my brain off at night... talk about annoying!

Challenge Day 20

Yep- totally skipped Challenge Day 19:) Sadly I do not have a pic of me from when I am little available and am just TOO lazy to look for one!

So- a place I want to visit! Thailand. Other than the crazy tsunamis- it looks amazing!! Like, UH mazing! How could you not picture youself floating in these waters? Or feet in the sand- relaxing? Honestly- I probably wouldn't be relaxing- I would be chasing kiddos and putting straws in juice boxes etc. Haha