Overwhelmed

Time is passing so quickly lately. I feel like I was just talking to someone about how it was "Already March!" Guess what- it is already April... in two days! Wow! April is normally an awesome month for our family. This month we celebrate the birthdays of my hubby, Carter, my nephew Tyler and my best friend Amber. It is really spring like weather starting. Yet this month is bittersweet this year.

We are in the two week-ish range of Lee leaving...again... ugh. That literally reduces me to tears. I can be sitting watching television. I can be walking through a store. I can be sitting at the coffee shop. And I can feel the sting of tears ready to pounce on me. I hold it back. I have two kiddos who are looking at me. They are going to see how I react. I need to be their strength during this crappy time. Third deployment in 6 years. He had missed countless birthdays (his and ours). He has missed numerous Christmases and other holidays. I have moved houses (while 9 months preggo), bought cars and birthed a baby while he is gone. It is a part of our life though. It is what I signed up for... gladly- to support my man regardless of the situation. Yet... it SUCKS!

This month also means C will be 2! Wow! Our baby is 2?? How did that happen? He has gone from this amazing little baby to this entertaining (and trying sometimes) lil man! He is talking so much now. He has a best friend... Shelby from next door. He likes to say night to his Gigis and Papas as we walk up the stairs at night (there are family pictures up the stairwells). He adores his big sissy. He is thriving in German school.

But as the months fly by- that signifies a lot of exciting things in the future coming faster too! The sooner he leaves- the sooner he returns! The sooner we move back to the states. I love Germany but am SOOO ready to be back near family!!

Little Old Man

We live in this amazing subdivision in Lehrberg. Just like any subdivision- you get to know your neighbors routines. It is a nice little part of life! When I look out my windows in my third floor bathroom/bedroom... I see this house!

I know that now that it is getting nice outside- they will have lots of people over. They will BBQ and drink until late at night at the fest tables they will set up outside. I know that the older man in the house likes to stand at the side door and smoke his cigarettes. Their sons must live with them because they are always around.

Across the street from our house is this amazing house!! They have a gigantic yard- which is not super normal here in Germany. They do not have children. The wife looks tooo hot for the hubby. They have had two different Dalmation dogs since we have lived here. The first was called Lika (like-uh). She was like 14 dog years. The wife is always speeding in and out of the neighborhood in her little BMW. Not sure what either of them do but it is definitely the nicest house in the neighborhood- would LOVE to see the inside! They are moving out and a US contractor is moving in. It will be interesting to see their routines!

The most interesting part of our neighborhood- this old man.He is ALWAYS walking. It can be 25 degrees out or 90 degrees outside- he will be walking!! He walks all day long! He sits at the park sometimes and just smiles at the kiddos. Everyone knows him. He has spoken with Lee a few times. And in Lee's broken German and his broken English- we know he has 6 children and 10 grandchildren. I remember one day he was walking by and the kids kicked a ball into the street. He went running to it with an excitement and "pep in his step" I haven't seen. He was smiling when he got to it before C... and handed it over! It was sweet. C seems to love him. He always smiles and waves when he walks by.

I have to wonder though. What is his story? I have seen him walking with some old ladies. Not sure if one is his wife. He is always talking to one of my neighbors. I wonder though, is his wife homebound? Is he lonely? Does he walk because he enjoys seeing the routines of the neighborhood? It makes you wonder!

When to tap out and start fresh!

I am so behind! I could bombard you with pictures of our trip to Disney. I could recount some of the crazy days that have hitting me lately. I could whine about the time counting down until Lee leaves.
But honestly- this might be one of those cases where you have to call a spade a spade (is that right in this case?) and just say that all that stuff was interesting but I need to start from here. Same thing as the day I realized there is no going back and doing Hais baby book (after all she is 10). So, instead of going back with that I focused on making photo books for now. So what if my kids have no proof they were ever infants? lol

That is the case now. I am totally starting from here. Can I realistically say I will never get behind again? haha- no! But I will do my best!

Military Wife

1. How did you and your spouse meet?

In Nursing school at Ft Bragg in NC. He was in the "senior" class and came to talk to our "junior" class on our first day there. I was smitten! A friend hooked us up and later that night we were introduced!

2. How old were you when you two met?

I was 20 and he was 25.

3. How long have you been together?

12 years this coming Sept!

4. Where are you and your spouse originally from?

I'm a Northen California girl. He is a military brat that spent a majority of his life in NC

5. How did you feel about him joining the military?

We were both in the military when we met. I love it and am proud of him!

6. Where did your spouse go to Basic Training?

Fort Sill OK

7. Has your spouse ever been deployed?

Leaves for the third one in six years- in three weeks:(

.8. Ever been to his promotion ceremony?

Yep!! For his Sgt one while enlisted. Then I pinned him for his WO1 and W2... and watched his W3 promotion over a teleconference while he was in Iraq and I was in Germany!

9. How long have you been a military wife?

Almost 12 years!

10. Did you marry him before or after he joined?

After

11. How did your husband propose?

Took me shopping (the way to my heart), dinner at my FAV place to eat (Melting Pot) and had candles set up by his friends in a garden on his NC State Wolfpack campus!

12. Where did you get married?

Rutherford College NC. 70 people. Perfect!

13. How old were you two when you got married?

I was 21 and he was 25.

14. Did he wear his uniform on his wedding day?

Nope- my man was rockin a tux

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15. Where are you and your spouse currently stationed?

Katterbach Germany- since 2008

16. Do you live on base?

Nope. We live in a German town called Lehrberg. It is about 15 minutes from post. Even though we are in a German house in a German town- it is owned by the Army. So we do not deal with rent or utilites! Win-Win!

17. How long were you married when you had to go through your first separation?

Three weeks after our wedding- he moved to Washington State. I had to stay in NC for 8 more months to finish nursing school. So we finally lived together 8 months after being married!

18. What is your favorite base so far?

That is TOUGH! We love Bragg. We will head back there for a third time mid 2013. We love it. But we have fond fond memories of Washington State as well. And honestly- if Germany was closer to our family- we would live here forever!! Five years here and still enjoy it!

19. Do you think your spouse looks good in his uniform?

OMG- yes!!! In his flight uniform. In his dress uniform. In his PT's.

20. Do you think military life is more advanced than civilian life?

I don't know if I would say advanced. Definitely different and definitely closer knit...

21. Do you like the benefits you receive as a military dependent?

Yes. I think I whole heartedly deserve them too. I have two- soon to be three kiddos. I am a single momma every other year- not to mention the countless field problems/schools he is always leaving for. My hubby doesnt just go on business trips (not taking away from seperation in any form!)- but he is being shot at. A lot of people think that we do not deserve any special recognition or benefits cause we "chose" this life. You are right- I chose this life- to support my man that fights for freedom for not only people around the world but also a lot of Americans to say and do some ignorant things!

22. Do you have a lot of military wife friends?

TONS! I love that about being a military wife. Just like in the regular world- there are times that friends turn out to be shady. But honestly- I have found women who are like sisters. They get you through deployments and life! I have always been super involved in Spouses Clubs and FRG's... and especially being overseas- you need good friends who "get it."

23. What is the hardest part of the military life?

The part where you are away from family and friends. Your children not having those regular interactions with grandparents. Missing out on best friends lives back home. The moving and saying goodbye to the friendships you built at each base!

24. Do you own military wife stuff?

I go through phases. My house has 2-3 things that have a patriotic theme but you do not walk into my house and think "military wife..."

25. Do you support your spouse as a member of the military?

TOTALLY. Absolutely!

IF YOU’RE A MILITARY SPOUSE, TAG YOU’RE IT!!Any of my military bloggy friends.. you should do this!! Let me know if you do so I can come check it out :)

Move it Monday

Time for a new Move It Monday Post! I have not been running like I want to. Ugh. I was doing really well heading to the gym three times a week and getting in 2-3 miles in the morning while lil man was at school. Some doctor appts got in the way and I fell out of routine.
The gym on post started new classes this month and one caught my eye- Yoga! I have done videos of it but never a class. I am addicted friends! I have gone each Monday and Wednesday night. It is the perfect time too- 6:30-7:30pm. Lee is home to help watched kiddos. I get to go sit in a dim road and listen to calming music and get a kick booty workout!

What draws me to yoga is the fact that it is SO relaxing but such a killer workout. The second class- my arms were in muscle failure half way through from the previous class! lol... All those "calm" looking downward dogs are rough!

With Lee deploying in less than a month- it will be tougher to attend nighttime classes with the two kiddos. So- I will have to figure something out!

What else is exciting is the fact that we change time this weekend (2 weeks behind the states). That means I will be able to get out before the kiddos wake up in the morning and get my runs in. That makes me super happy!!!

Too many picture- not enough words! lol

Definitely have too much on my plate this week and not enough energy to get it all done! So- until I pull it together and get a post done... I shall overwhelm you with some pictures from the last week in the Koko family!

Hubby is on block leave before he heads out again... yay for time together...boo for leaving! You all know about my love affair with the coffee shop- I very rarely get him there! This week I did! I had breakfast with my man at my favorite place!

Went to pick up little man and found him like this after going on a walk at school! Love it!

Having lunch with the family in Garmisch, at the base of the Alps...
The kiddos split a plate of Nurnberger sausages.

Lee's lunch of Knodels and a huge piece of meat!

Carter enjoying the little rids in the resort

My boys resting!

Kiddos enjoying the resorts pool. So cool to swim with snow all outside!

The pool to ourselves!

Looking outside the resort at the Alps...

Random Observations & Information

Yay for Wednesday! Half way through the week. Really- we are further along than that cause we leave for Garmisch on Friday... soooo...

Anyhow.

- If you put out patio furniture- the temps will drop again. Literally, we are back to mid 20's to mid 30's... Ugh!

- I mop the floor 2-3 times a week. We live in a house with all tile floors- typical in Germany. With a cat/dog/kids/hubby who wears combat boots- it is always a struggle to keep clean. Know what I hate? My mop leaves little lines- it is sooo annoying! I know you really care about this! lol

-I cannot wait to move back to the states for SO many reasons. One big one... not having 4 stories. Laundry is not my favorite chore to begin with. Having the laundry room in the basement- I almost ignore it. Ignorance is Bliss. I hate having to trek up and down 2-3 flights of stairs to take laundry back and forth.

-Speaking of chores. I think we finally found a system that works for Hais and me. It is easier for both of us. The list of daily chores, descriptions, point list is all on the fridge. This morning hubby got up with the kiddos and I laid in bed an extra half an hour. Hais came into my room and said she was getting my laundry basket. I asked why. She said it is laundry day on her chore chart. I told her that meant her laundry not ours. She said, "Well I will take yours since I am already up here." How awesome!! When I went down to the second floor- I peeked in her room and it was perfect... this chore thing is awesome! lol

- Some may say that I am a glutton for punishment. I took the FRG (Family Readiness Group) leader position for our company during deployment. Our commander is leaving in August. The new CO is married to an active duty wife- who will not be involved in the FRG cause of work. So- I stood up. I love the FRG. It is one of the best positions in the Army for a spouse. You can make it amazing and have a positive impact on other spouses. I was the FRG leader during last deployment in C co. I had an amazing co-leader... miss you K.S. This time around they do not want co-leaders. I know it is a good fit for me though. It is tough. Being the on call person for an entire group of spouses. But it is honestly the best feeling too. I won't start stepping into the position for a little bit though... maybe late April... but I am happy!

-We have some big news coming soon as well. I won't elaborate now but I think you all will be happy too!

-Look up Cuidad Jaurez Mexico. Let me know what you think! Ugh!

-I spent an hour yesterday chatting with my BFF on the phone. Gosh I wish we were closer. A lot of time we call one another when we need to vent or talk something out. We aren't really the ones that call each other and do updates just to do updates. Even thousands of miles apart- we need each other to vent. Shes been my BFF since junior high. Over 20 years now. It is so tough to be away from one another!

-How come I feel like there are a million things I want to talk about- til I sit down? Then I am speechless on here...Ugh

-I am missing home the last few days- so I shall leave you with a few pictures!
My hometown... Placerville, California. "Old Hangtown"
Emerald Bay South Lake Tahoe...I miss you
San Francisco... I was born right outside of here...
Seeing Hais smiles playing with her "cousins"- Ande's kiddos
Missing seeing these kiddos grow up. Watching Kev rock it in softball, Ty placing first at nationals in Motorcross and Naters wrestling...
Seeing Am's kiddos... Austin, Karlee and the new addition Layne!

Swap Goodness

I participated in a swap recently with Seriously Shawn and the Impulsive Addict...

I was paired up with the fabulous Amy over at Nine-Ninety-One. SO fun!

We did not meet the timeline... even though they were mailed on time (thank you Military Mail-lol)...

Anyhoo...

Look what I was graced with!

I was lame. Like a child- I ripped into the box! So you just get to see what was inside- not the pretty wrapping job Amy did! Seriously- everything was wrapped in fun fringe and tissue paper!! Purples, blacks...

All of it came in this adorable little box... that now graces my desk upstairs next to my computer. Her little hand written note was a perfect explanation.

I had to email her background stories on the stuff I included cause my darling hubby knew it needed to be mailed and "helped me out" by taking it before I woke up in the morning and mailing it. I did not want to break his heart and tell him I hadn't finished it completely! lol

See the gorgeous fun colored bracelet she sent? Will match everything! The notepad for the fridge is a must have! I usually try to stock up on those when I go home to visit cause I cannot find them anywhere here!! The initial stuff is adorable! I know she loves that stuff and wish I could have found stuff like that here! And she paid attention to my health kick and sent me a fantastic magazine!

I wanted to do a close up of the two favorite things in there. Check out this ADORABLE key chain with a B on it! And I am a HUGE card fan. I have tons and tons of notecards. These birthday cards are so perfect!

Here is a close up of the birthday cards. They are sparkly!!

Thanks Amy for nailing it! I love it all and will definitely use it all!

And thanks SS and IA for hosting!!!!

Confess

It is that time again. Cannot believe it is Friday already!! Not that I am complaining....


I Confess... I got a ton done today on my to-do list. I completely loved the fact that my hubby finished my office and my new desktop computer arrived. So I curled up on my big leather chair, drank coffee, ate my toast with almond butter & cinnamon and worked away. Awe, bliss!

I Confess... I had a HUGE craving for a calzone. The bowling alley about 20 minutes away on the other post has amazing calzones. I rarely crave anything from up there but today I had to have it. I wanted to be there at 5pm- when they open- cause they sell out. I was standing in the driveway with the kids at 450- waiting on Lee... and pissy that he was supposed to be home BY 430... It's ok though friends. I got my vegetarian calzone! Woo! Crisis averted.

I Confess... my registration on the van is expired. I knew it would be on March 1st. I told Lee awhile ago. It just hasn't been done. It is too hard to take C up there. So- on March 1st- Amy & I headed up there. We had the car inspected- where it passed with flying colors. Then I went up to registration. There were 4 people in front of me. The first guy in line had been waiting since 10:47am. It was 12:55pm. See? Clearly I left. Lee will have to do it next week sometime. At least I got the inspection done right? Guess I just can't drive anywhere. I will live! lol

I Confess... We will be heading to Edelweiss Lodge & Resort next Friday for three days. It is a military resort on the border of Germany & Austria. Gorgeous! Yummy American food. And best of all- it is free! We are going to a marriage retreat down there. So two nights in the lodge, food paid for and kiddos in kiddo programs! To top it off- we only have three hours of classes. In three days! It is great family time!

I Confess... Less than two weeks from now- it is Euro Disney time. Lee and I are just as excited about it as the kids. Honestly, I am excited cause it is such an easy trip with kids. It is the place for them to be wild and crazy! Plus- the sleep terrific cause they are exhausted. What is even better about this trip (better than the first three times we have been there), two of our friends are going. So I see card nights back in the hotel after kids are asleep. I also am excited Lee and I will be able to ride rides together. Usually we have to rotate cause someone has to stay with kids!

I Confess... This deployment is coming way too fast. I am almost numb. Cannot believe it is already time again. Ugh!

Little Bits of Happiness

Until I can get a real post together- I will link up with the lovely Miss StephanieT and her Little Bits of Happiness link... Here are just some of the things that made me happy this week!

Booking our fourth trip to Disneyland Paris! Less than two weeks and we will be hanging with Mickey! Even cooler- we get to have 2 friends with us this time- so Lee & I do not have to ride the big rides alone!

A girlfriend posted this on FB this morning. I love the saying. Plus the colors make me smile!

Picking up lil man from his German daycare, this is how I found him when they returned from their walk...

Had a bingo night this week with some good girlfriends! Bingo is fun but honestly- the friend time is why I go! So many laughs...

Winning this doozy of a basket also helped me enjoy myself!

Happy Friday all!