Romaine Salad Yumminess

Romaine Salad Yumminess is what I want to call this recipe!!

I got it from my sister and it kicks booty!

What you need:

Romaine Lettuce

EVOO

Balsamic Vinegar

Parmesan Cheese

Turkey bacon

Cut the Romaine lettuce (stalk?) in half lengthwise... rub entire thing in EVOO

Throw on the grill. Cook for a few minutes on each side (til the outside is just a little brown)

Take off grill and chop the lettuce up.

Add crispy turkey bacon crumbles and parmesan cheese.

Toss with balsamic vinegar...

How easy was that???

It is SOOO scrummy and not too unhealthy for you!

I had this last night for dinner and am making it again tonight but adding a few strips of yummy flank steak...

Mmmm!

I do not have a picture but trust me this is SO good... and super easy!

While my kiddos and hubby will be scarfing down on ribs... I will be indulging on this yumminess!!

Confessional Time!

Yeah for Friday and yeah for Confessions...




I Confess... one of the things Imiss the most about the states... DVR and hundreds of television channels to choose from! Sad right?? I LONG for some HDTV... House Hunters International etc... Or even just up to date seasons. I am tired of watching Greys a season behind everyone.


Also- tired of those retards (I also call friends) on FB that want to post show results or things that happen on shows I havent seen yet. I knew Dell died a whole season ahead of where I was cause of a friend putting it on FB! Darn people!

I Confess... I love when the hubby is home. I really do. But it makes life a little more complicated. He is a messy man. It drives me bananas!! He will take his socks off and lay them right there on the living room floor- saying he will wear them in a little bit... UGH!

I Confess... I could sit all day long on the couch watching tv. Really- at 8am is Law & Order. 9am brings Oprah (well not now- shoot she is off the air- now what?). 10am is Dr Phil (He is hit and miss though). 11am is Judge Judy and 1130 is Judge Alex...

Get the point. I know- you are jealous...

I Confess... I look forward to my runs. I never thought that would come out of my mouth again. I used to feel that way when I was in the Army. Nine years later I feel that way again!! Woohoo!!!


I Confess... my birthday is not until July 27... but I already told the hubs what I want. I want an overnight in Ramstein AF Base. I want to school shop for Hais. I want dinner at Chilis and lunch the next day at Macaroni Grill. Yep- I want two days without counting points. Figure that will be week 9 of running and week 8 of Weight Watchers... I will have earned it and will LOVE LOVE LOVE it!! lol
(I also need to confess about this one- part of me wants to go with just girlfriends... not the fam. Think it is horrible to ask for my present to be a girls weekend away to celebrate?? Honestly- the worst part of it is cause I know the entire family would love to eat at those fun places and shop at a big place like Ramstein. So- by me going with friends- I would be cheating them-)

I Confess... I am awaiting my period to start. When it starts- then we restart the shots. Yeah I know- I am losing weight and trying to get preggo... seems crazy. The irony is not lost on me!!


I Confess... I bowled the worst game ever this week in our final league night. My average is up to a 131. One of the games this week- an 84. For real people. Sad to end the two seasons like that! I will miss my 3 Hawks & a Hooker... well now we are 3 Hawks and a knocked up Hooker... and technically one of our hawks is knocked up too... lol... I will miss the nights with my girls!

7.2 lbs gone people!

Just wrapped up week 1 of Weight Watchers and week 2 of working out... and it paid off friends.

When I stepped on the scale this am- it was kind to me! Very very kind.

I saw 7.2 lbs gone from last week. That is 7.2 lbs that will never meet my behind again...

I know this will not be the weekly number- I get that. I am realistic.

But it was what I needed to see today. The proof that it is working...

Today was Battional Organization Day. The guys were off work.

Sports happened from 8:30-12... Dodgeball. Basketball. Football. Volleyball.

It felt SOO good to be outside in the sunshine (85 degrees today- holla)

We may have tied for third out of the 6 companies- but we definitely should have won some sort of spirit award! We had the best fans out there!!

Pictures will come soon...

I soaked up the sun. I enjoyed lots of friend time. I socialized!

I laughed.

After all the sports were done- it was potluck time.

The meats were catered... the sides were done by the families.

Did I mention there are roughly 700 soldiers in the Battalion? That is lots of yummy food.

I enjoyed it but was still mindful of what was going in my mouth. I ate bratwurst/roll/cookies etc.

I just came home and tracked it all...

I feel wonderful. Well not competely. I am exhausted. Even more so when I think of having to be up at 5:30 tomorrow morning for my run! But I got my new iPhone arm band in the mail yesterday and that will make tomorrows run sooo much easier cause I am tired of my arm accidently pulling my ear pieces out of my ears... talk about frustrating!!!

Think I might try to download some new music- any suggestions???

A Stand Up Man

I was born and raised in Northern California.

I grew up rooting for the 49er's, the Giants and the Kings.

My son even rocked a Giants onesie the day after they won the World Series last year...

Yeah- at just a few months old- he was representing- all the way over here in Germany!

When we went home this last month- and Hais broke her arm-

she chose Giants orange for the cast.

She was so proud during our trip to SF- wearing her Giants shirt and rockin her orange cast!

I was so sad when I read the story about Brian Stow- the Giants fan who was beaten after a Dodgers/Giants game a month ago...

So sad!

Such a shame that it couldn't just be a game

This man- single father- paramedic will forever be affected by the choice made by out of control Dodgers fans.

I am far too heated to have a conversation regarding the Dodgers lack of security (when there was clearly a pattern of bad behavior/out of control fans) in their Park- that will be another day...

But today it was good news. Not only did they catch someone responsible... but today it came out that Mr Barry Bonds has promised to pay the college cost for Mr Stows two elementary school children.

There are definitely fans and non-fans of Bonds but regardless- what an amazing gesture!!

WWTK

Linking up today with Impulsive Addict, Mamarazzi, Janette, and Seriously Shawn (the creator of this weeks fun questions).

1.} What must you do before you go to bed at night?

Brush teeth, wash face and put on some lotion. I made it a habit this year to put lotion on every night before bed... of course- that is the ONLY resolution that I have stuck to!

2.} What is one thing you must snack on at the theater?

I never go to the movies. I get insanely annoyed by candy smacking adults, talking kids and teens on their cell phones. But if I do go- I definitely dig into some popcorn. Usually the hubs brings Hais to movies and they usually bring me home some popcorn...

3.} Before going on vacation what must you do?

I am a HUGE planner. So- I always have a folder with travel stuff in it (i.e. passports, flight itineraries, hubbys leave form, rental car info, hotel etc). Traveling with two kiddos (and a totally unorganized hubby) internationally makes me sorta crazy. So I have tons of lists too...

4.} What is one thing you must do every day?

Brush my teeth asap!! I also must go over my to-do list!!

5.} Is there something you do that must be done in a particular order?

Everything... sad right? When I shower- shampoo, rinse, facewash, conditioner, body washed, conditioner rinsed. It even goes to littler things...after cooking dinner- I cannot sit down to eat til the dishes are at least rinsed

Missing out...

So... for some reason I have been missing things from the states more than normal lately...
I always miss some stuff to a degree... but lately it has been crazy!!

Here are some of the things I am LONG-ing for!!

*Starbucks Venti Cinnamin Dolce Latte
*Targets dollar aisle
*Choices at my grocery store
*Trader Joes/Sams Club
*Michaels/Hobby Lobby etc (planning Crystals baby shower would be sooo much easier)
*Access to photographers/cake artists etc (for same reason as above)
*Sports!! I want to go see a baseball game or join a softball team...
*Mellow Mushroom Pizza
*Target
*Malls
*Beaches
*DVR and regular TV in general!!
*Air conditioning!!
*Access to whatever stores I need to find what I need!

I know there is SO much more but that is what is hitting me now...

Not trying to sound whiny- I love love love it here. Was actually thinking today how much I love it here as I was finishing up my 2+mile run this morning... love the fields/weather/people etc...

But I am still an American girl- missing the conveniences of America!! lol

Weekend Rundown

What a fantastic weekend!

Saturday we hung around the house. There was weeding to be done in the yard. We spread fresh mulch. Hais & C hung out in the yard... playing with the pool and sprinkler...

Sunday we went on a fun family bike ride. It was perfect weather... We headed towards Ansbach and looped through a bunch of little towns. We even found a bier garten that is open on Sunday! A lot here is closed on Sundays- so it is fun to find a new place. It is in a little town we would never drive through but the place was hopping! There were lots of cars and tons of bikes parked out front. The outside seating was in the backyard area and looked so peaceful and fun... they even had a little playground. Next Sunday looks like a good time to try it out!

Last night- I got to celebrate an amazing friend and her upcoming baby boy Silas! The shower was at Colmberg Castle. It is like 5 minutes away- right near Hais godparents house. So I swung through to pick Crystal up and we headed to the Castle. The shower was adorable. I had the amazing cheese wine soup...scrummy!!! Then I had a small side salad. I love German salads. They have an amazing vinagerette style dressing. Tons of yummy fresh veggies!! Then I treated myself to a cappuchino after dinner. I have been doing Weight Watchers for a week now and I was so proud of myself for doing well while eating out last night! I was also shocked how satisfied I was.

Started week 2 this morning of the C25K program. Felt good. I am still loving it. Honestly- I slept like crud last night. I could not turn my brain off. I was thinking of Crystals baby shower plans, family, friendships and how strangely out of place I felt around some of my "so-called" friends last night. A hard lesson but I think I am too trusting of people and I have become a little more guarded as far as who I give my friendship to. For as small of a community we have here- there are lots of shady people. But I refuse to be a part of that crowd and those people!

Confession Time

Link up with Confessions this week!!





I Confess... I am totally crying right now watching Oprah!!

I Confess... I have all 4 patio doors open in the living room cause it is gorgeous outside but I am curled on the couch with a blanket!! All cozy...

I Confess... life changes are a-happening people!! Ashley over at Domestic Wannabe has inspired me. I am running again (well sort of)... I have finished week one of the Couch to 5K program. I have been out the door by 5:40am three times this week... it feels SOOO good to be doing it. I am actually in tears right now realizing that I have refound my passion for running... it is life changing!! PS- it has lifted my mood SO much that I am seeing a different relationship/interaction happening with my Hais... those endorphins are making a happier momma!

I Confess... money is SUPER tight this month- and will be next month too. But I have been reminded how little we need... and it has been nice to spend time at home and as a family... Makes me also realize how much we do not need!!! We spend an insane amount of money on crud!

I Confess... the hubbs and I have some frustrating differences. He is supposed to go to a conference for work in Little Rock for a week the beginning of June (yeah- that is like 2 weeks away). He still doesnt have plane tickets. No hotel room. Me: worried about budgeting his needs, how he is getting there, details!! Him: "they havent told me yet." Me: "For real? How are you not pushing this matter!!" Really- these differences sort of make me laugh- such proof of differences between men/women

I Confess... that I am anxious to be starting this new fertility attempt. I am aching to complete our family. I cannot believe that this time next year we should hopefully be a family of 5...

Happy Friday... my weekend is filled with farewell dinners, baby showers and family cuddles! Going to end this post with a set of photos that shocked me and made me sad... Hais teacher sent home some pictures from the classroom. The one on the left is of Hais at the beginning of this year (2nd grade) and the one on the right is of her recently. Look at the difference!!

WWTK

This weeks questions come from the fabulous Mamarazzi! Go link up with IA, Janette, Mamarazzi and SS!! Some fun is ahead!

{1} If you could choose a Super Power, what would it be?

I want to be able to teleport myself. This would come in handy being a military wife. Honestly, it would not only save us some money but the trips to families houses would be MUCH faster!!! This would lead to happier kiddos and hubbys (since I would not stress SO much)


{2} What would be your first frivolous purchase if you were awarded a million dollars tomorrow?

I want a pair of real heels!! Bring on some Jimmy Choos... Really I do not wear heels all that often but I want a pair in my closet. Maybe I could mop in them? Or just walk to the mailbox in them... they would make me feel fancy!!




{3} What would be the hardest current luxury for you to give up?

Staying home!! I am blessed to have been able to stay home for the last 9 years. I have been able to attend field trips, work in classrooms, and soak up every second possible with my kiddos. I have a bachelors degree and desperately want my Masters. But I am honest with my hubby- I have no intention of ever working again... I enjoy being with my children too much!!


{4} If you were given a choice between being given great wisdom and great wealth, which would you choose?

Well- great wisdom could lead to great wealth right?? If I were smart- I would figure out a way to live comfortably right?? So- bring on wisdom!


{5} If you were to be stranded on a deserted island for 100 days what 5 THINGS would you pack?

1~ sunblock (dude, I burn now that I am getting older)
2~a razor... not sure how those people on Survivor can go so long without shaving!
3~ picture of my family/friends (I am not bringing them cause I am going to assume they have better things to do than hang on an island for 100 days)
4~my BFF (she is obligated to come- Hi Am)
5~ bathing suit in two sizes down (have you seen those people lose weight on Survivor- how nice to be two sizes smaller at the end- I'd be rocking a lil string bikini after 100 days!)

I am ADDICTED- to Pin Interest

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I am planning the baby shower for my daughters godmother this coming August/Sept. It is their first lil one!! We are anxiously awaiting the end of the week when we will know what they are having and we can start talking details about the shower.

We have known Ry & Crystal forever!! The boys went through flight school together in 2003-2004. We moved to the same company in Fayetteville NC at Fort Bragg and spent 5 yrs there together- living within 1/2 mile of each other. Then they follwed us to Germany- and the boys were once again in the same company. They have deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan together. They roomed together this last deployment.

We have known them their entire Army career. They have loved my children like no one else can.

We are so excited to be apart of this time in their lives. And they live like 5 miles from us now- so I will get lots of baby time!!!

Boys on their first deployment

Leaving for their second

Sending her godfather off with hugs

While daddy flys- momma blogs

So, the Mr is out flying tonight. While I miss him when he is gone- I sorta enjoy the quiet it brings into the house in the evenings. I know that I will be able to put the kiddos down at their bedtime and head upstairs and curl up to whatever tv show is on tonight. (I think it is Dancing with the Stars:))

Today- I had my appointment up in Nurnberg. It is about 75 miles roundtrip to my Dr office. That is a lot of thinking time. It is a lot of time to myself- of which I am not complaining (like the alone time but hate the gas to get to and from- we are currently paying $4.40 a gallon people)

I found myself turning the radio up loud along the back roads. The sunroof was open. My sunglasses were on. I was lost in songs that all of a sudden had special meaning to me. The one that reminded me of the "one" that broke my heart 13 years ago... the one that makes me think of my baby sister and the journey she is on... the one that makes me think of the journey I am on now with my running quest... I found myself replaying the song over and over- each time getting a little louder and each time adding more and more words that I was actually singing out loud with the song. It is cathartic. Losing yourself in the weather, music, kid free time...

The appt was ok. I need to restart my cycle- which I should have known and should have started the pills myself before even going up there. It was a wasted visit. Dealing with fertility stinks. The drive of wanting a baby is strong but each visit/shot/pill/exam/drive etc bruises you a little bit. It knocks you a little lower. It is hard to take. I know the end is what matters but it doesn't make the disappointments any easier along the way... While my hubby is a great supporter- it is still a journey that no one else goes along with you on. No one knows what I feel and how I struggle some days...

On to better news. I did not run today. I wanted to. Yet, the C25K program is for 3 days a week. I really want to do this right. I want to follow the program. If at the end of 10 weeks- I can really run for 30-45 minutes straight- that will be fantastic. I am hoping to be pregnant within a month and a half. I am planning on keeping up with the running though- even after getting knocked up... cause lets be honest people- my running is not any sort of high speed running:)

Happy happy Tuesday. The weather is a little rough outside right now and I am totally soaking it in. I am taking advantage of that and curling up on the couch in pj pants enjoying the warmth of my house!

Enjoy your Tuesday friends...

C25K

Yep- this morning I did it. I was up at 5:40 and out the door at 5:45. I did Week 1 Day 1 of the C25K program (Couch to five K program). I am using the app on my iPhone and it rocks. Today called for 5 minute brisk warmup walk and then alternating 60 seconds of running with 90 seconds of walking. I was honestly a little nervous about the minute of running. But I did it. I may not have been running very fast but I did it!!

I am excited. There was something so nice about being out in the fresh air with barely anyone else around. The fact that it is bright as can be at 5:15 here... is helpful cause I am sort of a nervous person about being out by myself. But I went towards the busstop and then along the main road and through one of the little towns and a field before looping back into the neighborhood. It felt so good!! Plus- I came home and was in a great mood. I had a fantastic morning with Hais getting her ready for school. Looking forward to this becoming a routine. I was nervous I would not get up this morning cause lil man was sleeping so rough last night... but I did!

Then it was off to the dentist. I had something sticking out of my gum where they removed the tooth in California. I thought it was a stitch that may have been left in. Guess what it was... a piece of bone!! Yeah! Coming. Out. Of. My. Gums! He said it is pretty normal cause when they take a tooth out it can disturb the bone and basically a little sliver was broken off. This makes sense now for why that area has been hurting for three weeks!! It was trying to get that piece out. It should be good now.

I also went and picked up my referrel to the ferility Dr. I have an appt tomorrow morning. I am ready for this adventure to start again. We were going to wait a little bit but I want a baby sooner so that I can get my butt in gear. So- back to Erhlangen we go. Once a week to the Dr... keep fingers crossed. Now that we know the shot dose that works--- it should be a decent procedure and I am hoping for a positive by mid-late June!

This is temporary... Good for the soul

I have been trying to not post multiple posts a day but today will be the exception...
Obviously I did the "Currently" fun post and this will be my serious post... hehe

Today has been awesomely refreshing. I got to wake up and go to one of my absolute favorite places in Ansbach. I was able to sit for 2 hours with three wonderful women. Three wonderful women who are in the same struggle we are in- trying to conceive. We are all in different stages and with varying problems... but the same desired outcome... a sweet sweet baby. It was so nice to drink coffee and soak in the relaxing surroundings. It was wonderful to know that you are completely understood. That your words will be understood and not taken lightly. It was just what I needed.

I was able to come home and talk to Lee and let him know how it made me feel. He has been totally supportive. He has dealt with the mood swings... thank you hormone shots... and continued through this mess with me.

After I got home- he took Hais to the aquella (indoor pool) here in town. She loves it. It allows me to put lil man to bed and have some quiet time. All in all this day has been amazing for me. So good for the soul!!

This has been a tough month. Finances are tight. Every penny is accounted for. What is hard- is that June will be no better!! It will also be tight. But I remember that it doesnt matter cause all our bills are paid and food is in the house. We had a fantastic vacation the entire month of April and got to spend a great week showing Ali around the beginning of this month. June will be tough cause Lee is heading to Arkansas for a week for a conference that will be good for his career. We have to pay for it out of our pocket- which stinks- and wait for the Army to pay us back. Plus- we pay back a huge chunk of my oral surgery bill from California...ugh!!

Normal months are not like this. I keep reminding myself of this when I get stressed out. We are always comfy with money. This is temporary. This is temporary. This is temporary... lol

I remind myself that I am blessed. I have a fantastic family and some good friends to lean on. I have an amazing roof over my head and food filling the cabinets. My bills are paid and we have the chance to have another baby at no cost to us... I keep telling myself these things...

Currently...

I have seen this a few times and I loved the idea of it... so here ya go... cause I know you NEED to know- right??

Currently

Current book(s):
I just started Water for Elephants last night. It is playing at our movie theater on post next weekend and I want to read the book before I see the movie!!




Current Playlist:
I am addicted to Sweet Serendipity by Lee Dewyze... and a guilty pleasure- Lazy Song by Bruno Mars




Current Color:
Current favorite color: Red... always has been! I think it shows my passion!

Current favorite color to wear: Black... it is slimming right??

Current color on my toes: Not sure the name... it is a dark pink/rose color- I would tell you the name but lil man dropped the bottle and broke it last weekend!! lol

Current Drink: Water water water...



Current Food:
Just had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich... fancy right??

Current Favorite Show:
I have a few that I love to watch but nothing comes to mind right away! Sad... Brothers & Sisters, Desperate Housewives etc..


Current Wishlist:
To get preggo



Current Needs:
To find a balance



Current Triumphs:
Getting to the gym twice this last week at 5:30am!

Current Bane(s) of my Existence:
Allergies- they are making my lil man a miserable nightmare




Current Celebrity Crush:
Channing Tatum





Current Blessing:
My husband. He is my rock...

Current Indulgence:
Fischer BrotHaus Cafe... my meal of choice The Leni und Grosse Cappuchino und Kirsche Marmalade


Current Outfit:
UNC Pembroke Shirt and capris


Current Excitement:
Summer time!! Finally nice weather in Germany!! Sunshine and outdoor time!!


Current Mood:
Refreshed...

Confessions!

Linking up today for my weekly confessions!

I Confess... that I am super glad the week is over. There were a lot of meetings this week and obligations. Next week, not so much.

I Confess... I want to eat everything right now. My hubby almost fell outta his seat when I walked in with a handful of Doritos (which I never eat) and telling him I was craving chocolate!

I Confess... yesterday, was the first day that I honestly had that "I hate being a parent" day! Lil man was miserable and inconsolable--- I wanted to walk outta the house and come back when he was in a better mood... but I didn't. I put him to bed:)

I Confess... I was super excited for the year to end. I am done with PTA and Spouses Club boards. Next year is my year of no obligations. Guess what... still doing FRG, Secretary for PTA and Membership for Spouses Club. I cannot help it. I totally overwhelm myself but it is addicting. I would not know what to do if there was nothing to do!lol

I Confess... Imiss laying in the sun and having an awesome tan. Do you know that I was voted "Totally Tan" in my high school yearbook my senior year? Yeah- I miss those days but worry now about cancer...

I Confess... I totally could have gone to the gym this morning. My alarm went off at 5:20 and I contemplated for a hot second and then went rolled over. Back to it on Monday morning!

WWTK

It is that time people! I have grown to love WWTK Wednesday!! Big thanks to Impulsive Addict, Mamarazzi, Seriously Shawn and Janette (the writer of this weeks fabulous questions!)

Link up and enjoy!!

1. What game show have you always thought you could be on and totally WIN!


Bring on Wheel of Fortune! I can see answers SOOO quick on that show! I am usually belittling the people who just do not seem to get it! (Clearly- I cannot imagine what it is like to be on national television in front of an audience- that may change my game a little- lol)






2. Do you have a tattoo(s)? What are they and what made you chose them? If not, would you get one, yes/no/why?



I have 2. The first was an "18 year old cause I can get it" moment! It is a tramp stamp (before they were known as tramp stamps people!) It is a flower with "swirlys" around it---




The second, I got 3 years ago on top of my right foot. It is a nautical star- but we refer to it as a NorCal star. It is the star in the middle of the NorCal emblem... where I am from! I went with my sis and we both got it done... and now my dad has two also... one in pink/black (like my sis's) and one in turquoise/black (like mine)



3. What is your favorite piece of jewelry that you own?



The pearl earrings my hubby got me... I had told him I wanted them. I received them at lil mans baby shower, while Lee was deployed. I was clearly already emotional (helllloo- preggo!) and the card was amazing. I actually had to have my friend read the card cause I couldn't... Anhywhoo- I love them cause I hate changing my earrings. So they are perfect... good for everyday and also for dressing up!



4. What is your driving pet peeve(s)?



Ooooh... I have tons of pet peeves. One would be people driving recklessly around me and my family. I always say that if I happened upon that person crashed up ahead- I would drive by waving! I hate those people who dangerously pass you- and only for one car length difference. Is it worth risking my families lives?? (For the record- I would probably still stop but it drives me NUTS)



And I love it (sense sarcasm here) when people are "too good" to wait in line like the rest of us... and have to cut into line right at the last second...



5. What was your favorite sitcom growing up that you wish was still on?



I loved Alf. I also ADORED Punky Brewster!!! She rocked! I miss TGIF... I would wait all week and be SO excited for Friday nights!!!

In a tizzy!

I have been sent into a tizzy!! My reading list is gone! If I go into "Manage" on my dashboard- it shows all the blogs I follow but yet- it is not showing that I have a reading list available! How will I know who is posting what? Crazy how this makes me crazy right?? How do I get it back?

I keep hoping it is temporary and will reset- but so far, no go!! Ugh!!

Hodgy Podgy

Totally loving this Monday... I am home. Just C and I. Hubby is at work. Hais is at school. I have the house to myself. I already did my time on the eliptical this morning. A load of laundry is in the washer and the baby is still sleeping- love a baby who sleeps from 7:30 til 9:30!!

I will fill my day with television, playtime with lil man, and straightening up my neglected household...

Tomorrow is my moms surgery... keepng my fingers crossed that all goes well and this next month off work for recovery goes good for her!

My sis is waiting for a response for a house that she is wanting to rent. I am excited for her cause it looks adorable! It is a 1920's house right next to the hospital she works at...

So- my brother in law just completed his first triathlon!! He did really well too! Made me remember my committment to do a half marathon this year... I have a LOT of training to even get close to that! Not even close. Top off the fact that I am in the midst of fertility and seems far fetched to get preggo and run a half this year!!

I will end this with some adorable pics of lil man from last week at the Orangerie Gardens!

Infatuated with the fountain!
My handsome little man




Yep- his thinker pose!

Tender hearted

I think I need to make a New Years Resolution. I know people- I realize it is now May... but it is never too late to make a positive change right??

My resolution? Stop letting things that I cannot control get to me.

I have realized that this last year- I let things- namely people- get to me. I have lived on many military posts in our career. This is the first one that has been a consistent amount of heartbreak and hurt feelings. And sillliness is- it is over nonsense. I take things really personally.

My examples... there is a friends hubby who has put Happy Mothers Day wishes on many of our mutual friends pages today on FB. Yet- not mine. I find myself asking why and feeling hurt. I want to remind him that I did TONS for his family during the deployment. None of these other ones did. I was the one driving his wife and kiddos to the airport and picking them up- almost 2 hours away! I was the one loaning my BRAND new car to his family cause they were having car problems. I was the one. I did none of that for any reason other than that I adore his wife and kiddos. I didn't do it for thank yous. I didn't do it for repayment. Yet- I think it warrants a Happy Mothers Day. There is a back story- his wife and I had an arguement at one point that festered in this tiny community--- her & I were over it pretty quickly but the "well meaning people" out there kept it sort of going. Well apparently- even though her and I are back to normal- it negated all we were prior in his mind. Him & I are fine when we see one another...

I am tired of letting these people (not just him) make me feel bad... I do realize that I am making myself feel bad- not him... but I am determined to make that change!!!

Sorry for the pity party--- ugh--- hate that:)

Bring on the Happy List!

Topping my Happy List this week...

The Blog love I received from people who made me realize I am more than 3/6 negative words...

Getting to go to a Fiesta tonight!! Cinco de Mayo doesnt mean much to me- but it gives me an excuse for beer and mexican food- so it obviously is one of my favorite days!

The fabulous Mommas day gift I received from Hais... a hand sewn little purse... How cute- right??

It is supposed to be 73 degrees today! Is it finally spring here in Germany?? For real? Yeah! I miss the tan inducing sunshine from good old California though:(

Seeing 8 am on my alarm clock this morning- sadly- that is sleeping in for me!

Guilty pleasure shows--- 16 & Preggo, Teen Mom, Pregnant in Heels etc... what can I say- crap TV makes me smile!

Super happy Saturday friends!!

Eye Opener

When I did the recent Wednesday link- we had to list 6 words to describe ourselves. The reaction from my fabulous blogger friends shocked me. It shocked me cause I had not even realized how negative it was. I really pride myself on not being a negative person! It just shows the funk I have been in lately... ewwww!

"Funk be gone- funk be gone- funk be gone!!!"

I love that those comments made me realize this. It made me realize that I am better than those things. While some may be true- unhealthy for example- that is SOOO not one of the 6 things I should have listed!! I am soooo many wonderful things and I know that- I think the list was coming from a place of tired and emotional Brenna:)

Lets redo the 6 things... driven- blessed- energetic- hilarious- quick whitted- proud!

**Ps- I wanted to upload some great pics but blogger is stinkin right now and being difficult- so maybe later:)

Confession!

Confession Time!





I Confess... I am barely hanging on these days. I am tired, cranky, unsettled...



I Confess... I am super glad that Ali came to visit but also super ready for my normal weeks to be here. We had a week between coming back from a month trip to the states and Ali arriving- so I LONG for next week- a week of me having the house to myself during the day (other than lil man)



I Confess... we have spent TOOOOOO much money already this month- leaving the remainder of the month (25 days still!) tight... oh well- we enjoyed having Ali around:)



I Confess... I am still a little up in the air about having a third kiddo. I am still going to restart the fertility process but there is a little part of me that is struggling with the "have a third baby or get my butt in shape finally"



I Confess...I am super sad that my momma is having major surgery on Tuesday of next week and I am SO far away. I wish I could fly there and be there to love on her! Plus- a little bit of me is insanely missing home. I had a hard time coming back to Germany this time. While I love it here- this visit made me realize all I am missing back there...



I Confess... I am not loving these toddler days. While I do love the "learning something new everyday" stage... I am not loving the "get into everything and run all over the place stage"



I Confess... I have UH-mazing kiddos and I know it! Honestly, they are polite and well mannered. Even C- who is 13 months- listens when I say no. Pretty good!



I Confess... I am smiling like a little kiddo this morning. I have my monthly wives coffee and my favorite coffee shop in the world. Hais will be at school and lil man is going to daycare... So- that means that I am heading to the coffee shop at like 9 (an hour and a half early) to just drink a cappuchino, have my normal meal (The Leni) and maybe read off my iPad. Enjoy momma time. Soak in the sunshine and people watch (which is always interesting when you cannot understand anything anyone is saying around you) and hope for it all to refresh my soul- cause I need some refreshing people!



Yeah for confession- and Prayers for the much needed Refreshing of Brens soul!!!



Happy Friday!!

WWTK

{1} If money didn't matter, where would your perfect vacation take place? Briefly describe.

It sounds crazy- but it would be a tour of the USA. We have traveled tons in Europe cause it is so easy from where we live. Yet I feel like we have not traveled a ton in the US. I have been to 33 states but not traveled them- you know?? I want to take my family to Niagra Falls, the Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore. I want to see the skys in Montana/Wyoming. I want to try Chicago style pizza in Chicago and jambalya in New Orleans. I want to visit all our Army friends spread throughout the country (Tina in Tx, Steph in SC, Katie in Ca, Rita in Wa, G in Al etc)
PS- Would love to do it in a HIGH speed RV too:)

{2}What's a bad habit that you have (or had) that is/was hard to break?

There are a few. One that I am trying to break currently is drinking Diet Coke... ugh... I swear it off and it magically appears in my hands. I swear I did not remember picking it up- let alone actually opening it!

{3} If you weren't on a diet or counting calories, what would you like to have for dinner tonight?

Mmmmmm.... I want chips and salsa/queso... and a big old mexican spread... I loved a place called MiCasitas in Fayetteville NC. I would order all the parts of a bean burrito and make it myself. Tortilla, side of beans, side of rice, fresh pico, queso--- and just make them myself- literally I would eat like 5!!!

{4} If you had the chance to interview anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be and what's one question that you would ask?

I would love to meet my Grandmother and Grandfather... They died when I was super little... I really do not know either of them. I would just ask about them. I just want to hear their voices!

{5} Describe yourself in 6 words.

Driven, Unsettled, Overwhelmed, Blessed, Sarcastic, Unhealthy (boo)

Rough seas ahead

Today is going to be "one of those days..."



I get to start off with taking lil man (ps... when do I need to stop calling him lil man- he is not so little anymore- boo) to his 1 year well baby appt- which means a lot of shots. That should be fun. He is pretty strong and a good cryer. Which means that I will have my hands full when he is mad. Is it a little sad that it makes me smile though- cause I know he will wanna cuddle with momma afterwards? (I cannot help but be a little happy- he is not normally a cuddler!)



Then I have to attend a memorial for a soldier who passed away last week. He was in a motorcycle crash. He just returned from a deployment a few months ago- and lost his life 300 meters from his house. Totally heartwrenching. I did not know him but we are in a tight (read: small) community of aviation. He was in our battalion. He has a girlfriend and a son who will be there. Ugh.... hearing TAPS is one of the saddest moments ever. Watching a family receive a folded flag and hearing the last roll call with the soldiers name- a name that will never be answered again. It is devastating. Yet it is the right thing to do- to go honor this soldier.



You may think that will be the worst part of my day. Nope. Not by a long shot. Today I have to say goodbye to one of the best women in my life. She came in and we laugh cause I thought she was a b&*ch at first. She has become one of my besties. She has watched my kiddos grow and she cried when she knew C arrived (she was out of the country and checked her email. She was one of the only ones I sent a pic to right after the birth). She has literally been my partner in crime and the Ying to my Yang. The Army life is wonderful. Honestly. Yet, these goodbyes are horrific. Yes- horrific! This next few months will be full of hard goodbyes- it is summer (summer= PCS season people). Luckily K is heading to California!!! She will be like 6-7 hours from my parents but at least in my home state. So next summer- when I do my "Stateside Tour 2012"- Barstow/Ft Irwin will be a stop for us!!!





I ADORE you Katie Petlovany Server!!!



On to a cruddy day- filled with cruddy weather. It is all overcast- much like my mood right now. But tomorrow will be filled with happier posts for sure!

"I've never wished a man dead, but I have read some obituaries with great pleasure." ~ Mark Twain

Fantastic news this morning...
He is dead.
Osama bin Laden is dead!

The announcement was made long after I was asleep last night. I woke up to it this morning- all over Facebook. I rushed to Yahoo to see if it was possibly true.

This man was responsible for so much heartbreak and loss in the last decade. He was not the only cause by any means but he was definitely a catalyst!

It is interesting to get on here though and see those who posted about this and those who posted about other random things. Not that I think badly of anyone not posting on it- each is our own blog... but it is the only thing I can even consider posting about today... probably because my hubby will be leaving within a year for yet ANOTHER deployment to fight terrorism and secure our freedom/safety. This is huge is my house.

This is huge.

First Broken Bone

Day three of our trip home found me on the couch half watching House Hunters International (which is one of my fav shows ever!) and half zoning cause of lil mans lack of quality sleep due to jetlag... I thought I heard Hais scream but then I did not hear anything else. So I thought she was outside playing and Papa or someone was chasing her...

Like five minutes later my hubby walks in and tells me that Hais fell off Rainbow... Rainbow is this cool swing made out of a tire in the shape of a horse...

So I went into her room and she was lying in bed watching a movie sort of sobbing. She could move her wrist and nothing looked funny. My hubby was an ICU nurse and my father in law is a nurse/anesthetist... so I trust their opinions lots. Hais said she just wanted to rest. It hurt but not like I remember my broken wrist hurting when I was 9...

An hour or so later, hubby and I were heading out for our date night and before we left I went in and loved on Hais. There was a big swollen lump about 2 inches below her wrist. Well all through dinner it did not sit well with me... seemed like an odd location for swelling...

So we decided to take her to the ER. My thought was, I will not feel settled until I see an Xray clearing her of any breaks and why not? Our insurance covers it! So, we got home and scooped her up and off we went. Luckily my inlaws live in a tiny town and their hospital is fairly good sized. So we were in the back of the ER within fifteen minutes of getting there. They took her for an xray and ten minutes later the Dr came in with splinting stuff.

She had a buckle fracture. Basically, her young healthy bones just sort of buckled/bent, whereas our old bones would have broken or shattered. Hais knew instantly- she wanted an orange cast... too funny! I was SOOO relieved. That momma instinct never steers me wrong. She was casted the following day- and we were off to Cali three days later. I can just imagine all the hard play she does in Cali whenever we are there and us not have gone and found out it was fractured... it could have ended up worse!

Luckily- it was a good first break. It was not painful after the initial fall. Getting it xrayed/casted etc was no big deal for her. She just got it off yesterday. We are going to dip it in that clear coating stuff and save it. Cause she got ALL the families signatures since we saw all the aunts/uncles/ cousins etc...



It was pretty cool for her to rock the orange cast in San Fran (city of the World Series champs the Giants)