Petite, Plump, or Pregnant?

Sharing some love!

2011-04-08T21:13:00.002+02:00

My coolest friend ever is holding a giveaway on her blog Planting Shade!!!

Go play along and do some reading too. She's pretty awesome and is one of my greatest inspirations to living a good God fearing life. She loves her puppies (and her husband) and her adventures in Germany. Far away from her Hawaii home she's learning to make the most of everything this life can offer.

The prize is a super cute pair of earrings so go share some love for a chance to win!!

Daybook

2011-04-04T08:32:00.003+02:00

Two? Three months since I last posted? No idea. Not a clue. Nor am I really all that strung up on it. I am trying REALLY hard to limit my computer time so my child doesn't see mommy on the computer at all hours of the day (and night.) I always enjoy daybook posts though so I figure I'll share them when the mood strikes. Same as when any other posting mood strikes me. What can I say? I'm kind of hit or miss =)
Go visit The Simple Woman's Daybook for glances into others worlds or to find the template and write your own.

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...
A light rain turns on and off as it sees fit. It's a BEAUTIFUL spring day.

I am thinking...About going to our new stateside home in a few months and what new adventures that will being my family

I am thankful for...
My husbands love and guidance. I often continue to do things out of guilt or fear, but hearing him say, "Baby, you don't need to if you don't want to," always seems to end well.

From the learning rooms...
I don't know if we have a room to learn in per se, but Lucian and I are working on understanding each others words.
From the kitchen...
Fresh ginger in need of a home. Maybe some ginger cookies?

I am wearing...
Army sweatpants and a Hawaii t-shirt.

I am creating...
A piece of wall art for a friend. It is long and intricate...not the easiest thing I've made, but hopefully it will be beautiful.

I am going...Nowhere fast today. Little miss homebody at her best and thankful that I have that choice.

I am reading...
Taking Charge of Your Fertility...again. And some murder mystery because I love them.

I am hoping...
That the next month-ish flies by.

I am hearing...
Lucian driving his car around the house and squealing...his new favorite trick.

Around the house...I am working hard on getting everything kind of into an order so my husband doesn't return to complete chaos. Wish me luck. I'm an awful housekeeper.

One of my favorite things...
Sweet baby kisses even if they involve open mouth and some licking...he's still my baby.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Buying milk. Cuddling. Planting flowers. Cleaning. Breathing. and Waiting.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...
Hubs and I 1 year ago.

Orgainize!

2010-12-30T12:45:00.003+01:00

Ok so Doubtful that I will actually participate in all 21 days since well...I'm a terrible procrastinator and such, but I will try my bestest to play along. (I didn't finish the 30 days about me blogging thing....or last months Peace on earth challenge {I did participate in each challenge just didn't blog about it}) I'm sure I can point out other situations where I slowly fall off at the end.....=D I'm like that. OK So really the entire point of this post is to point you towards A Bowl Full of Lemons Orgainizing bonanza! I'm excited to get more orgainized in the next couple months so that when my husband comes home he won't have to do (much) cleaning! Go check it out!!

The handling of Jolly men...

2010-12-12T18:03:00.002+01:00

Santa is a "fun" part of the holiday celebration, but he's not real. There isn't an overweight jolly man fighting down our (nonexistent) chimney followed by a fairy that takes little kids dirty teeth and a rabbit that gives away eggs that don't belong to it.

This is a conversation I had with a friend the other day. I've decided that Santa will not be a real figure in our house. It's not that I think he's the devil or a bad influence, in reality, I just don't want to lie to my child about anything, especially making a purposeful decision to do that. Saint Nicholas (the loose base for Santa) was an amazing and Holy man. His feast day is early in the month of December and that will be incorporated into our celebration. We will probably still go to the mall and sit on Santa's lap and tell him what we'd like, but it will be with the knowledge that we're playing! We're using our imagination ad pretending that Santa can tell if I'm naughty or nice and might bring me coal if I'm bad! *giggles* =) We'll handle other holiday creatures in the same fashion. It's tradition to put your teeth under the pillow so you can get money from the tooth fairy...but guess what *wink* Mommy is the tooth fairy! I feel like you can celebrate holidays without telling your children that fictional characters bring them stuff. It just takes some imagination!

One of the parts that does worry me about our "Santa choice" is that it's gonna be my son breaking other kids hearts when he informs them Santa is imaginary. So we will make a rule that very clearly states, that other children may believe in Santa (et al) and we do not get to tell them what we know. That is something for their mommy and daddy's to talk to them about. But really. All I want is for my children to trust me. To know I will tell them the truth and that I expect the same from them. So Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight!

December Daybook

2010-12-08T07:51:00.003+01:00

FOR TODAY
Outside my window... The sky is lightening, though I can't see the sun.
I am thinking...About a nap schedule that allows us to help a new mother learn to breastfeed and attend Mass at 5
I am thankful for...Faith and courage. And the God stick that hit me when I realized it may not be easy, but it is right.
From the learning rooms...Lucian is participating in his first "crafts" though he does very little actual work =)
From the kitchen...Ham and Turkey for the next month. Thankful for leftovers.
I am wearing...Fuzzy brown pants, an Army thermal and flip flips
I am creating...A paper wreath found here.
I am going...shopping and to the hospital and to mass.
I am reading...Do Not Go Gentle and a book about sexuality and Marriage in the Catholic tradition
I am praying...friends health, my husbands safety, patience with the dog
I am hearing...Dishwasher, Dog playing with a toy and Lucian squeaking
Around the house...I am working to improve my cleaning skills
One of my favorite things...snuggly babiesA few plans for the rest of the week:Make cookies, cookie exchange, babysit
Here is picture for thought I am sharing...My very helpful child ate some flour.
To read more wonderful daybooks this December as we prepare for Christmas go visit http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/ and please join in the fun!

December Challenge! Week 2

2010-12-06T13:38:00.002+01:00

Guess what?!? Week two of Women Living Well Peace on Earth Challenge is upon us! This week the challenge is to take a bubble bath. Soooo simple right? Yes...and no. How often do we as moms put ourselves to the background? A LOT. Sometimes ALWAYS! I'm not saying that the mom's that put themselves before the kids 100% of the time have it right either. They don't. But in nursing school I had a teacher tell me that If I don't take care of myself than eventually I'm not going to be able to look after others either. How true. Eventually I'm going to hit a wall. And that wall...will probably come at the worst possible moment. Like the Holidays....dun dun dun....

So this week I am going to give myself a little peace. When Lucian goes down for his nap (not at night since that is when I talk to my husband) I am going to climb my little behind into the bathtub with a candle lit and my bible. Maybe some classical music. Lights turned down. Maybe a peaceful book to enjoy. My husband is super awesome about sending me to rest when I wear down. He's a good man. With him gone, I'm not so good about it. So here goes nothing. A week where I put the mom guilt back where it belongs and enjoy some time of peace in both body and soul to prepare the way of the Lord.

Go check out Women Living Well and see how others are using this weeks challenge in their lives!

December Challenge!

2010-11-29T14:21:00.003+01:00

I really enjoy reading Women Living Well especially when she hosts wonderful seasonal challenges! her December (Advent) challenge is for "Peace on Earth". Especially during this season, we have a tendency to gooooo, go, go and to worship in the church of stuff. Instead maybe we should just take the time to find peace in ourselves and in God's work around us. Prepare for the coming. Prepare for Christmas. I think this is the perfect challenge for the season and I am super excited to join in and get back to the basics of what Advent is all about.

Click on over and join in the challenge with me!

This weeks challenge is to write I Peter 5:7 "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." on your calender so that when you look at your calender you have a visual reminder to let go of the stress and chaos. Part 2 is lighting a candle and using it as a reminder to pray everytime you see its light. Perfect.

I'm off to decorate the tree with Lucian and write a bible verse on my calender. Time to spread some Peace on Earth!

Friday Fill in!

2010-11-19T11:20:00.002+01:00

As you may have noticed, I am SUPER consistent and on the ball. Ok that's a big 'ole load of...hooey? Oh well. I decided to play along with Wife of a Sailor with Mil-Spouse Friday Fill-in. Hooah! Go check her out and read everyone else's fun answers!

1. If you had to be shipwrecked on a deserted island, but all your human needs – such as food and water – were taken care of, what two items would you want to have with you?
My family (pretty creative counting that as one thing huh? Just let me pretend...) and the a good cell phone/ipod with service.

2. If you were a salad, what kind of dressing would you have?
Ranch. Keep me covered so no one can see the goods.

3. If you had to live on a ranch, what kind of animals would you raise/own?
Goats for meat and grass cutting, chickens for meat and eggs, dogs, cats, a horse or cow or two. Let's make it a traditional homestead.

4. If your life was was portrayed as a movie, who would you choose to play you and your significant other?
I suck at pop culture. but I'll do my best. I want to be the lady that plays Penelope on Criminal Minds. She's awesome. And I like to pretend that if I were braver I could totally dress like her. And....Husband...sarcastic...hard to control...Craig Ferguson from the Late Late Show! He's not necessarily an actor, but he'd still make a great attempt at my husband!

5. What was the last thing you put a stamp on (envelope, duh, but what was in the envelope)?
Christmas cards. A lot of them.

Happy Friday!

Advent Calender

2010-11-16T15:00:00.000+01:00

I made the boy child an advent calender. I found inspiration all over for all varieties, ways, shapes of them. I kind of fell in love with the magnetic one. I don't know why. I like magnets maybe? Who knows! Some people make them with cookie sheets...others with muffin pans...I used stove top covers. The rectangular kind that cover 2 burners. Little flimsy so not perfect for the job, but it works pretty well! I made 2 since I got 2 burner covers. I figure this Christmas I'll send one to papa so he can see what the little dude and I are up to, and in the future the next babe can use it! My magnets are kind of crappy. Mostly because I had to use a magnetic picture frame cut up...yea...don't ask. I ordered better magnets and I'm hoping they come soon so days will stop falling off. I made 28 days so that I can actually go along with advent and add or take away days as needed. And rather than candy I thought why not spread the best part of the season...LOVE. So we have 35 ideas to pick and choose from depending on the year. Some, like "Start a Christmas Tradition" I mean really, if you have 4 kids that get to start a tradition every year for 18 years that's....umm....72 traditions? A bit much... I got some ideas from here and some from here. And some I just made up on my own. (Sometimes I like to think I'm crafty!) Anyway, here is our "to-do" list and I am SO excited to start celebrating the season of Advent!

Watch a holiday classic.
Drive to see the lights.
Decorate the Christmas tree.
Read a Christmas story.
Make REAL eggnog.
Recycle some toys to share with others.
Write a list of 10 things you're thankful for. Share it.
Make a special card for someone you care about.
Make paper snowflakes.
Color a picture with only red and green.
Light a candle and say a prayer for loved ones far away.
Drink hot cocoa.
Listen to Christmas music. Sing along.
Bake cookies. Share them.
Write a letter to Santa.
Wrap gifts. Be creative!
Perform and act of service.
Share a Christmas memory. Ask others about theirs.
Take pictures around the Christmas tree.
Prepare the Advent wreath.
Spend time with your family. Play games. Cuddle.
Read about the birth of Jesus.
Make something beautiful. Give it away.
Decorate something other than the tree. use your imagination.
String popcorn for your tree. make extra. Eat it.
Give to Charity.
Kids choice! Pick one Christmas activity to enjoy with your family.
Attend a local holiday celebration.
Have a pic-nic around the Christmas tree. Start with dessert.
Put out a nativity scene.
Put up a wreath.

Merry Very Early Christmas. And Share the love the holiday season.

Parenting.

2010-10-30T21:23:00.003+02:00

I have been a parent for all of 13 months now, and that, makes me an expert. Ha. HAHAHAHHA. OK, now that we've all laughed at how ridiculous that statement is, lets get back on topic.

Today, I let a 7 year old boy supervise my 1 year old in the play room of our local community center. This little boy is known for...raising hell. But, I have babysat him and he is asmart kid that just wants someone to pay attention. He listens to me, and I trust him to do what I ask of him. Before I left, I asked him if he would watch Lucian and come get me if for any reason Lucian started crying. He said yes. And guess what? He did! He did an awesome job, and when Lucian started crying because another little boy was hitting him, He took Lu away and came to get me. I left my son with a terror who I'd given responsibility, and both of them made it out the other side unscathed, and probably benefiting from the situation.

I am not a perfect parent. Occasionally, I let my son cry, because I just want to have a minute to myself. Sometimes, like today, he goes for much longer than the suggested time allotment between diaper changes. But, I think I m a good parent. I spent a large part of today observing multiple parent/child relationships, and here is what I learned....

Yelling at your child...constantly...probably not helpful, and often just makes me question your parenting.

While Children are not perfect, they generally want to please you and have your attention...give it to them!

Teaching your child to worry about their actions not the actions of others, can help them to behave.

If you watch the people your children behave for, maybe you can learn something...

Bad parents, aren't necessarily bad people, they just don't know what they're doing.

I can't parent other people's kids, but I can be a ray of sunshine for them.

Is there a real big life lesson here? Probably. But I can't put it into words. All I know is that I am so thankful for the parenting know how and abilities that I have been given and learned. Lucian and I may both make it out of this alive.

This day...

2010-10-13T20:36:00.003+02:00

13 October 2010

Outside my window...another Autumn night is settling in with its frost and chill. Favorite time of year!

I am thinking... about tradition and embracing my place as head of the home. My husband better know he's a lucky guy. =)

I am thankful for... Good friends, even though I don't have a lot, the ones I have are wonderful.

I am wearing... sweatpants and hard rock t-shirt

I am remembering... when my little guy was little. Had his 1 year check up today. Goodness he's a beast.

I am going... to finish an apron for a friend. I've been putting it off since I got home from the states.

I am currently reading... the yellow ribbon 365 day devotional. gives me something to hold on to.

I am hoping... that people get their lives in gear.

On my mind... balancing needs, wants, and life

Noticing that... my baby is a toddler now and needs a leash.

Pondering these words...¹Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, ²to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.

³At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. --Titus 3:1-3

From the kitchen... pork belly, fall veggies, autumn sweets

Around the house... working on a "schedule" or as much of one as I can handle.

One of my favorite things...talking to my hubs when he's not running missions

From my camera...
ok not necessarily my camera (but I do have the rights) he got his 1 year pictures taken while we were stateside. He's a monster.

Thanks to Simple Woman's Daybook who started this exercise in taking a time out. So visit to read others.

Change.

2010-10-11T15:58:00.004+02:00

I am not the same woman I was when I married my husband 2 1/2 years ago. Not nearly. In the last year since I had my son I've found myself again and again seeking a way to make my home something wonderful and fully embrace my role as wife and mother. I have always wanted to have a family and be a stay at home mom, but as I found myself faced with the task I realized that being a "traditional" wife and mom could be so much more (at least to me). It's more than just not working. It's keeping my space welcoming and calm so that my husband and those needing a little taste of "home" will be glad to enter. It's having a sense of serenity and peace that is expressed in not only my house, but my mothering, my everyday activities, and my interactions with those around me. It's letting my faith show in the grace I extend to others (and myself) because it's been extended to me. And most importantly it's not getting caught up in the stuff that seems to pile up at the door if I'm not careful.

For some reason, the two women that I keep as my Cabinet of Helpful Goodness, also seem to be leaning in the same direction. One, my sister, has just started homeschooling her kidlets and is working out how to keep her sanity at the least and at the most take over the world. The other, Miss Coco (you can find the story behind the name...here! She calls me Esmerelda =D) is using the month of October to center herself and find some inner peace before the Christmas and Thanksgiving seasons are upon us. With their help, I've found a new appreciation for my faith, my family, and my home over the past few months. There was only one problem...My husband.

Now mind, there is nothing wrong with my husband I love him a lot a lot, but he is...well let's say...a handful. He can curse like a soldier (worse than any sailor I've ever met), cares little about peoples feelings (though frequently is used as a shrink), and can sometimes be...blunt. He is my heart. But as I found myself becoming more serene and home-oriented, I found myself worried that the man I am married too would come back from his war changed in a different direction. He was home for 2 weeks R&R in early September and I found that while he has changed, he has changed in the same direction I have. He want's a little house with a simple yard, and a herd of children. There is something so comforting in that. Knowing that while I am changing and growing so is my child(ren)'s father.

So now I continue to grow. To make my house a home and a haven. To share my faith and my friendship with my Inner Sanctum of Girl Friends. To hope that somewhere in God's plan I get a little house with a little yard where I can live simply with my handful of a husband and my handful of children. And even if I don't, to remember that change is ok if not good, and that I can make the life of a SAHM so much more than just not working.

Friday Fill in 16!

2010-10-08T18:36:00.002+02:00

I did one of these way back when. Number 4 maybe? Ah well. I shall play along this week though just for my own personal amusement. Every week Wife of a sailor is nice enough to post 5 questions for those of us lucky enough to be married to a service member to answer. Get to know your fellow milspouses and play along! Or just get a taste of the life of a milspouse. =)

1. What is the longest road trip you’ve ever taken?

Um. When I was little we drove to Boston (9 hours) a few times to visit my Aunt and Uncle. We always asked trival pursuit questions and since I was all of like 10 maybe, my answer was always India. Mind, this was like the original game from 1970-something. Back when I was -16 years old. So India was probably as good a guess as any.

2. Do you collect anything? Tell us a bit about it.
My hubs and I try to get a cup/glass/shot glass from our travels. That's about it.

3. What is your favorite part about being an adult?)
That I can have final decision on any choice I make. Although I stand behind them 100% it's always nice to know that no one else can veto if I have my heart set on something. (Not that I don't take opinions and weight them well in any decision.)

4. What song brings a tear to your eye?
Any soldier song. They all get me. Every stinking one of them. And Leave out all the rest by linkin Park. It's the song that hubs sings to me saying that he knows he's not perfect but that he hopes that I'll always be his. I will.

5. Describe your first plane ride (how old you were, where you were heading, etc).
I don't remember much. I was early teens and flew across the country to WA to visit my sister with her college roommate. I remember arriving there, but not much before that. Maybe I blocked it out.

Go play along!

Day Book

2010-10-07T05:13:00.003+02:00

For today...October 6 2010

I haven't written in over a month. I dont' really know why. But this touches my heart every time I stumble across one in my browsing. So I'll write my own...

Outside my window...It's dark and chilly. Frosty mornings are upon us here in Germany. The sun hasn't even started to rise yet.

I am thinking...about my poor baby. He needs to sleep but is fighting and crying. The first week back with a 6 hour time difference is so hard.

I am thankful for...my life. I am so content right now in most ways,and I'm working on the ways that I'm not.

From the kitchen...I'm going to make Chilies Rellanos and apple butter in the next couple days. I also hope to send more of my soldiers downrange cookies. A little bit of baked goods is good for the morale.

I am wearing...Army sweatpants and a shirt that says "Super mom, super wife, super tired"

I am creating...aprons! And soon dish clothes

I am going...no where. I am home.

I am reading...a mystery

I am praying for...calm in the face of chaos and my husbands safety.

I am hoping...that people leave me alone. I kind of just want to be invisible.

I am hearing...Lu breathing and espn

Around the house...Its a wreck. I'm working on keeping a better home

One of my favorite things...my bed.

A few plans for the rest of the week: return to our normal without papa here. Relax. Embrace autumn.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...Happy Birthday baby boy.
Mention my blog and offer a link back to the main page of my blog. http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Want vs. Need

2010-08-20T21:17:00.002+02:00

I often hear the people around me share the saying that--

"You never know how strong you are, until being strong is your only option!"

or that

"I'm strong because I NEED to be. "

I don't think this is wrong.
I do need to be strong.
But I think there is more to it.

I WANT to be strong.

I want to make my husband proud of me.
Maybe it's not everything, but to me, just that little change in perception makes a difference.
I'm doing this by my own choice, not because I have to.

And I am proud of that.

So much is just a matter of perspective.

Friday Fill-In!

2010-08-13T08:22:00.003+02:00

Today I'm playing "Friday Fill-in" for the second time, even though Wife of a Sailor has held 8 of them. Fin times!
What is ONE thing you’d like civilians to understand about being a military family?

The fact that they don't understand. I find it easier to deal with my civilian counterparts that understand that they have no idea what I'm talking about when I say the the PLL Flooded at Hub's FOB, than the civilians that say "yea, my PLL flooded too." Really? You can compare, but if you haven't lived it, than be willing to admit it.

What is your favorite mistake?

My husband. That sounds bad huh? But no really, He was my "all-in" moment. There were red flags, like the fact that he and the rest of the cooks were apparently competing for my affection, even though he already had a woman (or three) at that time. I knew when I started dating him, that it could end terribly, luckily, somehow we got it right. And here we are 4 years later and a little one under our belts, I am glad I gave him a chance.

What indulgence could you give up for a year?

Rated G answer? pop. I can do without it, but sometimes it's nice to treat myself to a little bit. Rated X answer? Yea. They make t-shirts for it. "sexually deprived for your freedom" `

If you could be a winged animal, what would you be?

A unicorn? Ok no really a duck. I like them. But not like my crazy art teacher in high school who was obsessed with them. I just think they're cute.

What is one question you’d like to see asked in a future MFF?

Favorite "seperation" song?

That is all folks. Have a wonderful Friday! I was just invited to a really delicious sounding dinner since after the stuff I've been slogging through this week I don't really want to be social and attend the post Dinner and a Movie that I was going to. That sounded simpler in my head. =)

Music.

2010-08-12T09:20:00.002+02:00

When my husband and I first started seeing each other it was kind of a secret. He had just broken up with his girlfriend and technically he was my boss so we couldn't date. We had a computer system at work that we could send messages back and forth so every time one of us clocked in or clocked out we could go read our emails quick. This became a little game we played. I'd send him lyrics to some RANDOM song and he had to tell me who it was by or the name of the song. He was really good. I was really bad. I could occasionally sing him the song or tell him the next couple lines, but rarely got the artist or title correct without some help from my friend Google.

After we left that job, we started "singing" to each other. I'd send him lyrics in a text message. Sometimes something meaningful like "I can't be here tonight, love makes you sad it's alright no one could ever love me half as good as you." Sometimes not so meaningful things like, "I wish I were an Oscar Meyer wiener." Either way it was a little something that we could pass back and forth that was filled with meaning.

It's now almost 4 years since we met. We are married with a handsome little son and plans to have a whole herd of kidlets. He is gone for a bit to do his job in service of our country. Sometimes we get to talk everyday and sometimes we don't. Facebook has become our little lifeline. Once again we have an opportunity to share our feelings, thoughts, and emotions with each other with the help of music. It's little and seemingly insignificant but some days it makes all the difference to know he's singing to me from a land far away.

"Your words in my memory / Are like music to me."--Set the Fire to the Third Bar

admitting faults.

2010-08-10T14:00:00.003+02:00

I am a perfectionist. Kind of. I will readily admit that I am not perfect, but I still get really angry at myself when I fail to do something well. I am working hard on striking the balance between seeing and accepting my faults, and becoming victim to them. So today, I'm going to admit a few. And possibly admit my attempts at working on them.

Organized...i am not. Every few months I make a valid attempt at improving this, especially now that I am the head of household for my family. I have made binders and calenders and lists and chores and charts. I rarely make it past the first few days. A friend (Coco!) recently suggested that maybe I should try post-its and that might work for my random crazy way of life. I tried them in college and they just annoyed me because they were everywhere. I've now tried them for a couple days and between those and a couple random notepads I appear to be doing a little better. Just today I've made 5 phone calls that I usually would have put off or forgotten for the remainder of the week.

I am antisocial. Badly. Really not joking. I am just quite content to chill by myself at home. With Baby Lu and Walker. I'm working on this. Not even necessarily for myself, but for my son. He needs to have friends and social skills. When summer is over, I will be attending play group every opportunity I have. My son needs to learn to interact with more than just me. Especially if I plan on homeschooling him. Wish me luck. I've never been very good at making friends, but maybe I'll get better. Or something.

God. We have this weird relationship. I know He's there and we talk, but I have a very hard time with Religion. My God doesn't go to church. And while I know that I should I never feel like I fit in right. It's a long, hard battle. I don't think I'm ready to start seeking him through church services just yet, but I have begun seeking him through my reading and writing. He speaks. A lot. I just need to listen effectively and when the day comes that he ushers me back into organized religion, I should allow him too. Before he stops using discreet methods and starts hitting me in the head with sticks.

Alright. Enough self-exploration for the day. Time to go check out which post-it the baby is eating. Might be an important one. Wish my child weren't a monster. Or at least weren't so darn cute. He gets away with murder =)

Sacrifice.

2010-08-06T21:48:00.000+02:00

I recently sat through a class intended to explain the emotions service members and their spouses feel at different times when prepping for a separation (and during our every day life.) One of the topics that kept coming up was how much I (as a spouse) sacrifice to be married to the army. Spouses can resent the sacrifice. They can use it as a weapon (I gave up my dreams/college/career/home/whatever for you). It can become a huge sticking point. While I understand this, I think it's kind of a cop out. My service member makes sacrifices for me and my family everyday. He works nights and weekends. He put his schooling on hold. He earns all the money while I don't have a job. I think it's an excuse to be unhappy especially when we think about our spouse.

Now mind, I have days too. I have days where I hate the army, this country, the army...I hate everything that has ever happened to have gotten me here. Right where I am today. But after a few hours of pouting I remember that I made every decision to get here. I am the one that married the man that was a soldier. I made the choice to follow him wherever he wandered and provide a home for him to return to.

In my mind sacrifice isn't a loss of something, but an opportunity to give something away with an open heart and a loving spirit. I gave away my safe job in return for a life to be proud of. I gave away my late night shoppette runs in return for the love of my son. I haven't lost anything that hasn't been replaced with something even more wonderful. When I hear people use sacrifice as an excuse is saddens me. It saddens me that they can't find the up side of the exchange.

Maybe next time you start resenting what you've sacrificed for your family, think about what you've gained in return. The love of a good man. Your beautiful child. A sense of independence and exploration you never would have had. An understanding of hard times and hope. There is a bright side. Sometimes you may just have to change your perspective to see it.

Friday Fill-In!

2010-08-06T17:17:00.003+02:00

I've been introduced to this much fun meme started over at Wife of a sailor. Come join in the fun!

What is something you wished you’d learned to do earlier in life?

Speak up for myself. I still am not *good* at this, but I'm getting a lot better. Just because I want to help people does not mean they get to walk all over me. And then jump up and down a couple times. And then back up. jerks. =)

What is your biggest pet peeve with the military?

Lack of truthfulness. It's not that they lie to us. It's that occasionally they sugar coat or give you the best possible outcome. I'd much rather they just tell me the straight up truth. Oh. And stupid people. But I think they are everywhere.

What tourist attraction near you have you never seen?

The Munich Glockenspiel. I haven't actually been to Munich yet. I'm a slacker.

What are you avoiding doing right now?

Making dinner. I'm hungry, but don't know what to eat. Oh and cleaning the kitchen.

Wine, beer or liquor?

Any or all. I'm not real picky. I am a big fan of drinks with cream in them though so I guess those mostly involve liquor.

Blog Hop 2010

2010-08-05T15:49:00.006+02:00

Welcome to Blog Hop '10!!

Here at Petite, plump, or pregnant, I am super excited to go meet new blog pals. Robin @ Pensieve is our gracious host, so make sure to head her way and share some bloggy love and thanks.
I am Mary. A 23 y/o Army mama and wife. I've been told I'm awesome. I think it was just drunk soldier speak, but I won't let that fact negatively affect my ego. =) I dream of a simple life. In a simple house. With a simple (not in a bad way) family. Craftiness often get's me in trouble since I rarely finish my craft exploits, but it's just so much fun! I cook and bake and crochet and love. I want to save the world one person at a time and intend on trying. God, family, and community are what is most important to me. Welcome to my world!My son is Lucian. Or Lu. Or monster. Whatever the day provide me with. He is a sweet handsome man that will give me ulcers in his teenage years if he is more his father than me. Either way I'd like to keep him.

Hubs serves for his country day in and day out. He means a lot to me. A lot, a lot. I am proud to stand beside him. He may be hard for some people to handle, but when it comes to me, he's the biggest softy ever made. That's my man.

And this here is Walker-beast. He's special. Or something.

Nice to meet you!

Remember to go visit Pensieve and join in the fun! You know you want to!

mentor

2010-07-27T22:19:00.002+02:00

So it occurred to me today that I had finally found a name for what I'm looking for. A mentor. I am doing pretty well as an Army wife, but I want to do better. I want to be a more efficient, knowledgeable, and motivated leader. One problem. I haven't found anyone yet that I can use as an example of success on a personal level. I know a few spouses who are successes, but either not in the way I'm looking for, or I just don't feel comfortable hitting them up for helpful goodness. Until recently there was a spouse who I looked to for general Army knowledge, but she made it very clear to me that she thinks I abuse her knowledge and the resources she was willing to provide to me. I feel badly about it, but I honestly don't think I did. It makes me sad. So for now I'll figure it out as I go along and learn the best I can with my Jr Officer's wife comrade as I struggle to learn what it means to be a successful, competent enlisted wife. Maybe someday I'll find a prefect mentor match. Until then, I'll make due same I always have. Because I can do this. Because I can succeed. Because I can change the world in tiny ways. Because I believe.

We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.
Mother Teresa

A poem

2010-07-17T22:14:00.002+02:00

We're taking a break from my very long 30 days of me. I miss my husband. A lot. He can be an ass. But take it from me, he is a good guy. I promise. If he has hope for your future, he will fight for you tooth and nail. If he thinks you're a lost cause, not so much though. He is my heart and I know that he would do anything I asked of him. OK on to the actual heart of my post. I miss him. A lot. Did I already say that? I won an award yesterday called "Angel of Vigilance." (I was told there is only one award higher in the MP world, but I don't actually know that. Either way it's still very important.) It says, "For her selfless service to the soldiers and families of our MP Brigade, whom, during time of war and great trepidation, served out of love country, love of soldiers, and love of your spouse." It makes me feel very good. Like what I do for my boys is actually make a difference to somebody somewhere. And I also wrote this poem for my spouses.

Here I am, right where I ought to be,
Here in the arms of a soldier.
He goes to war, and fights to be free,
Comes home to me a year older.
Here I am, watching my child grow,
A single mom, but a wife.
He stands watch, my American Joe
Protecting our way of life.
Here I am, with the home fires burning.
Sleepless nights hold my hand.
Long days pass his heart full of yearning
For his woman, his family, his land.
Here I am , right where I ought to be,
And each day my love for him grows.
He's far away being all he can be,
It's hard, but it's what we chose.
No matter the distance, no matter the days,
I'll stand strong, ready, and true,
Because I love him in so many ways
I'll find a way to get through.

Remember the families of our soldiers at war. They do an awesome job of holding it down and I am so proud to be one of them.

30 days of me...Day 17

2010-07-13T09:41:00.002+02:00

A picture, piece of art, sculpture, blah blah blah

Rather than pick a piece I love, (that changes daily anyway) I will regal you with my love of reality TV and therefore my love of the new show Work of Art! It is a group of artists that make a piece each week inside the parameters of certain rules. I am slightly addicted (even though the artists kind of make me want to hit them) the make some wonderful (and some sketchy..haha ignore the pun) pieces. Here is the link to pictures from the episode with my favorite work so far. It's by a man that is primarily a photographer named Mark. I loved it. I also loved his portrait from episode 1. That is all. Off to naptime in my house.

30 days of me...Day 15/16

2010-07-11T22:22:00.002+02:00

So I was planning on skipping Day 15 since it's "A fanfic" Ummm...I don't know what that is. Then I took the whole darn weekend off. Soooo....Day 16 A song that makes me cry. Well. i already mentioned Leave out all the Rest a few posts ago. It makes me cry and means so much to me. But since you probably don't want to watch the same youtube video multiple times I'll chose another...

Letters from Home--John Michael Montgomery.

I honestly don't know if I can ever go back to being "a civilian." My soldiers have come to mean so much to me and MY soldier fills my heart with pride.

30 days of me...Day 14

2010-07-06T23:22:00.002+02:00

Non-fiction book.

I don't read a lot of non-fiction. While it inspires me, I read to loss myself and get away from teh world around me so I don't often choose to read about it. My favorite is probably Jon Krakauer Under the Banner of Heaven. It's a very interesting book of Fundamentalist Mormonism and it's affects on it's people and the world according to them. I've read it 3 times now and will probably read it again. I also enjoyed The Hot Zone about the Ebola virus and how it could essentially kill us all. I kind of have the urge to go find a non-fiction book to increase my knowledge base now....

30 days of me...Day 13

2010-07-05T22:28:00.002+02:00

A fictional book

Mercedes Lackey--Tales of the 500 Kingdoms.

Ok so it's not actually one book. It's a bunch of books. But they are wonderful. Sort of fairy tales with adult twists and great story lines. My favorite is The Fairy Godmother and it's all about this girl who is becoming a fairy godmother and learning to weave the fairytales togehter so they get proper happy endings. There is a house that grows rooms as needed (I need one of those!) and a male unicorn that wants to be her friend since she's a virgin. Great books.

30 days of me...Day 12

2010-07-04T09:48:00.002+02:00

Whatever tickles my fancy.

Well gosh, I am quite unreliable aren't I. Missing days all over the place. Well...I will finish my thirty days, it just might take me 40 or so. =) Now onto something that tickles my fancy. Cookies!

I am proud to announce that night number 2 of cookie club has now come to it's conclusion. With some help from my friends We made enough cookies to send to 15 soldiers! It makes me feel good inside to know that with nothing other than a stove some ingredients and lots of packing tape, I acn give the soldiers a little taste of home. It started off as just an opportunity to give some love to MY soldiers. The one's that yell earmuffs before they swear so Baby Lu doesn't hear them. The ones that go bowling with us and let me use their shoulders as pillows when my husband perches me on a bench next to one of them while we're having a night out. But then I think about the other soldiers in our unit that don't have a "mom" away from mom. These are my big, drunken, brave, jerk kids and I love every last one of them. Thank you to ALL my soldiers out there maybe some day I'll be able to make enough cookies to feed you all. Happy Independence Day. Just take a second today to be proud of where you're from.

30 days of me...Day 11

2010-07-02T11:08:00.003+02:00

A recent picture of me.

I think I skipped yesterday. But I had a friend in need. And no offense, but you guys are imaginary ;) Not really, but you'll let me off for a day occasionally. So here is today's picture.
A schoolmate shot a little photoshoot of Baby Lu that I just happened to be a part of while we were home. We also have pictures of our soldier's picture with us that turned out wonderfully. She did an awesome. Oh and btw. He's not kissing...he's biting. Beast.

30 days of me...Day 10

2010-06-30T22:33:00.003+02:00

A photo of me taken over ten years ago.

This one is uber tricky. Mostly because I was 14 years old 10 years ago and hadn't been exposed to internet so there aren't many pictures of me that old online to find. I also don't have many on my computer so let's see what I can dig up for you...
I might not have been 14. Maybe 15, but its the oldest one I can find. I don't think I look all that different. Just a bit thinner in my face. Who knows. Sorry it's a crappy picture. =) You'll survive.

30 days of me...Day 9

2010-06-29T21:56:00.003+02:00

A photo I took.

This is my mama. And my baby. She has MS and while I know it's not a death sentence, I still miss her at her full capacity, but I am so proud of the way she fights to keep going even if it's not easy for her. She is my inspiration. And the little s'more eating baby is my world.

30 days of me...Day 8

2010-06-28T19:25:00.002+02:00

A picture that makes me sad/angry...

This one is harder. I want it to be something personal, but my personal pictures have a tendency towards happy. I found one though. In memory of Sgt John Shepard who died in a car accident on the autobahn last year. He will always be remembered.

30 days of me...Day 7

2010-06-27T18:44:00.003+02:00

A picture that makes me happy.

This one is easier for me. It's not The picture that makes me happy. Or My favorite picture. Just any ole picture that makes me happy. I don't have to worry about offending any of the other pictures...=)
My two favorite men sleeping soundly. Lu was about 2 wks old. I miss my husband.

30 days of me...Day 6

2010-06-26T17:55:00.002+02:00

Whatever tickles my fancy.

People. People tickle my fancy. OK so actually I'm a pretty terrible people person. I'd much rather hide in the background. I've always had a hard time fitting in and making real friends. I've gotten to the point in my life where I do alright and can hold my own, but sometimes when I'm feeling vulnerable they can still do damage. I've just never understood why people are mean to another person who has never done them any harm. I understand we may not see eye to eye, but at least be kind. Words can't break me, but they can certainly lead to me eating ice cream for dinner in my husband's clothes because I feel bad about myself. Even though in my head I know that it's not MY issue, it still hurts to know that I don't quite fit in and people will make sure that I know it. Luckily I have an awesome husband who loves me immensely , pink hair, tattoos, tears, and everything else that makes me, me.

There. My fancy has been tickled.

30 days of me...Day 5

2010-06-25T08:37:00.002+02:00

Favorite Quote.

If nothing else this has brought to my attention my inability to make one fast simple choice. Instead I usually narrow things down to a couple or a small group of things. Luckily I narrowed it down to my husband, or this could ave gotten ugly =)

I love lyrics in all forms. They often say such true feelings, in ways that make the feeling a bit more interesting and in depth. Love them.

I frequent the quote page thinkexist.com often to gleen my own wisdom from other people's short little tidbits. But if I had to pick one quote that will be my favorite quote for at least the next 24 hours I would say this one. Which is actually from a book by Nora Roberts, Northern Lights.

"I'm going to be a terrible wife."..."but I won't lie. I'll never cheat. and I'll be there whenever you need me."

OK gonna throw this one in here too since I can't pick just one. It's from the header on the site Her War, Her Voice which tries to empower the woman standing behind our Military by supporting them.

"Those in uniform train to fight, survive, and emerge victorious. They spend months learning to combat their enemy and how to evade danger. We, their families, have no training. No way to ensure that we are even surviving. We have no way to identify the enemy. And we have no way to quantify our victory. Still, we rise."

30 days of me...Day 4

2010-06-25T08:27:00.002+02:00

I forgot to actually post this yesterday. I was looking up the author and forget all about actually posting it so here it is a day late. Fire me now!

Favorite Book.

This one get's two answers as well. (Can you tell how decisive I am..not?) Book 1 is a children's book. Donna O'Neeshuck was Chased by Some Cows. (I'm sure that is supposed to be underlined, or in some other way properly edited to fit grammar and style rules. Oops!) It's just a fun little book by Bill Grossman. Still love it for some odd reason. Who knows!

Fave adult book is Velocity by Dean Koontz. It has a very strong independent heroine named Chyna and it was one of the first books I ever read that made me realize why I like books with strong heroines so much. I wanted to have that ability to be myself in the face of adversity. And Over the years (all 5 of them since I read the book the first time) i have made leaps and bounds in learning to love myself and be myself. Good book.

30 days of me...Day 3

2010-06-23T07:40:00.002+02:00

Fave TV Program.

I LOVE reality TV. It's an obsession. Ok so not really that much, but I am still a big fan. My all time favorite program is probably either Hell's Kitchen or Top Chef. I love the crazy ridiculous challenges. I love the over the top personalities. I love the quiet lovable personalities. I love the food. Mind you I'm nowhere near BA enough to ever be able to make most of the food, but it still looks and sounds amazing. On a secondary and completely unrelated note...

Baby Lu is standing up by himself. Currently he is standing up by his walker playing with the toys. I'm not ready for my baby to be walking. I'm especially not ready for him to be walking without daddy here.

30 days of me...Day 2

2010-06-22T12:56:00.002+02:00

Favorite Movie--

My favorite Cartoon is Anastasia. She's so strong and fiesty even when she has every reason not to be. Plus there is a cool bat...

Non-cartoon is probably The Chronicles of Riddick. I love Vin Diesel. It hits my sci fi fan notes. And it's just plan interesting.

Although I do have a hard time narrowing it down. I love action movies and when left alone, those are the movies I will watch again and again. I'm not a huge chic flick fan. I'm just not that into them. =)

30 days of me...Day 1

2010-06-21T12:16:00.003+02:00

Day 1--My favorite song.

I have no idea. I can never pick just one. And it changes by day. So a couple of my favorites that I can listen to over and over again. Colorblind-Counting crows. Angels fly away-Cold. And Leave Out All the Rest--Linkin Park. Each of these means A LOT to me for different reasons.

2010-06-21T12:11:00.003+02:00

I haven't been sure what to blog about recently. So I'm stealing this. From Stacie over at

Just to breathe you in I am satisfied

She stole it from someone else (Mr. Superman and Mrs. S) but didn't know how to link back to them so I'm honestly not really sure where it came from. But it looks like fun. And will probably be a better subject than I can produce on my own at this point in time. So instead I'll brilliantly steal someone else's idea. Mwahahaha. =)

Day 01 - your favorite song
Day 02 - your favorite movie
Day 03 - your favorite television program
Day 04 - your favorite book
Day 05 - your favorite quote
Day 06 - whatever tickles your fancy
Day 07 - a photo that makes you happy
Day 08 - a photo that makes you angry/sad
Day 09 - a photo you took
Day 10 - a photo of you taken over ten years ago
Day 11 - a photo of you taken recently
Day 12 - whatever tickles your fancy
Day 13 - a fictional book
Day 14 - a non-fictional book
Day 15 - a fanfic
Day 16 - a song that makes you cry (or nearly)
Day 17 - an art piece (painting, drawing, sculpture, etc.)
Day 18 - whatever tickles your fancy
Day 19 - a talent of yours
Day 20 - a hobby of yours
Day 21 - a recipe
Day 22 - a website
Day 23 - a YouTube video
Day 24 - whatever tickles your fancy
Day 25 - your day, in great detail
Day 26 - your week, in great detail
Day 27 - this month, in great detail
Day 28 - this year, in great detail
Day 29 - hopes, dreams and plans for the next 365 days
Day 30 -- whatever tickles your fancy

Pictures and stuff

2010-06-16T12:53:00.002+02:00

As requested...Baby Lu pictures cuz he's a beast and a cute one at that. He's crawling now and can stand up in his crib (sooo not ready for that one!). He's got 4 top teeth and 2 bottom. That's all I can think of right now =)

Baby Lu Rocking his Daddy's PC cap before Nick shipped out.

Lu stole his Aunt's s'more...than ate it. I came out side and everybody asked "Can he have chocolate?" Lol. Wellll too late now!

Eating the swimming pool that he was playing in (empty) in the living room.
Sleeping at his cousins birthday party.And finally...my pink hair. I LOVE it!

Coping.

2010-06-14T16:56:00.002+02:00

Everyone has challenges and everyone handles their challenges differently. I'm a shut downer. I do what I need to and then I go home and read a book. So having my husband gone for a large block of time is testing my skills. I haven't posted in about a month, not necessarily because I don't have anything to say, but rather because I don't want to say it. I'm actually doing really well as a single wife and I think we're finally getting a functioning unit together. Baby Lu is crawling. And standing in his crib. And eating everything. Walker is his usual pain in the butt self. and me? Well I'm doing good. I'll try to find the umph to post more often now that my travels are complete. Possibly even about something more interesting than my antisocial behavior. (I have been reading my usual blogs btw...just not commenting. I know. I'm fired.) =)

Survey!

2010-05-08T14:24:00.003+02:00

I have nothing of import to post. Mostly since I want to go hide in my bedroom and not talk to anyone ever again. =). That's my coping mechanism and husband made me promise not to cope. OK so actually he made me promise not to shut down. So to honor that promise I will instead be going out to lunch tomorrow with a fellow single army wife and her kids. I went out to lunch yesterday. I'm answering this survey. I'm doing good right? Right! I stole it from {Briar } designs...Hi Ms Designs! ;)

1.How long have you been a Military Wife? Almost 2 years. But the decision for him to join was made together before we were officially married.

2. How many deployments have you gone through? Working on number one.

3. What do you like about being a Military Wife? The independence of it, and the great woman I have around me that I can aspire to.

4. Do you live on base? literally right across the road from it

5. What is your favorite base so far? I only have one. I'm new at this. Yay USAREUR.

6.What's the hardest part of the military life? The really crappy negative people that bring everyone down with them.

7.Do you go to the grocery store or commissary? Comm and on the economy. Depends on how brave I feel.

8. Do you prefer Dress Blues or Dress Whites? We don't have dress whites. And I like blues.

9.Do you have a lot of Military Wife friends? A small number of AWESOME ones and then the one's that I know and like, but don't have the same connection with.

10. Do you prefer wal-mart or the BX/PX? Oh Walmart How I Miss THHHEEEEE!!! Nothing against the PX, but Target and Walmart become something you miss and dream of.

11. So how did your Husband propose? In a letter from Basic. So romantic.

12.Did you marry him after he joined or before? After, but we made the decision together and if he hadn't proposed I wouldn't have waited. It may seem weird, but I know him and if he had done this tour single, it wouldn't have been pretty.

13.How long have you two been together? October 2006

14. Any kids yet? Lu!

15. Any kids yet to come? small herd.

16. Is your husband one of those (I am army hear me "HOOAH"/ I am Marine Corps hear me "OOHRAH") kind of guys? Nope.

17.Have you ever done combatives with your husband? Hahah Yes! Do it!

18. How many bases have you lived at? 1. This one.

19. If you could change one thing about the military what would it be? They would be more effective at ending poor leadership and poor actions rather than hoping they disappear on their own.

20.Do you like military balls? Never been.

21.Where does your family live? NY. Not the city.

22.Do you have a job? I'm a MilSpouse. And a mama.

23. Have you ever gotten in a fight with a CPO's wife? Army...no CPO's in sight. And I like our commanders wife so not yet. =)

24. Name one thing you do when your husband is gone? Cuddle. With Clyde the turtle that wears his clothes, the dog, and the baby.

25.Do you think other wives do that too? maybe no the turtle part....

26.When you see movies about the military, do you notice when things aren't right? occasionally, but not like him.

That is all. Happy Saturday between MilSpouse Appreciation Day and Mother's Day. Hooah!

2 inches tall

2010-05-05T20:31:00.002+02:00

I hate people. Ok, that's a lie. I love them. And I try to love all of them, but I rrreeeaaalllyyy don't like them. Why do people feel the need to belittle others? Why does something done out of good intentions and wanting to help, turn into an opportunity to "put someone in their place?" I feel about 2 inches tall and it's a situation where I really honestly did nothing wrong. I posted a note about Operational Security in the hopes that those that can hold our own would take it upon ourselves to pass it on to others that might not know about it. Instead it turned into a personal attack on them questioning their abilities to take care of themselves and a meddling bitch with no authority. Actually, I do have authority. The Battalion, Brigade, and Company all stand behind me. And it was a valid and viable sharing of valuable information (alliteration makes me happy.) So why do I feel 2 inches tall still? I don't know. But it sucks.

Oh and by the way, I tagged First Sgt's wife and she knows more about this than the rest of us combined, she wasn't offended...

Single life

2010-05-04T13:06:00.002+02:00

I've been waiting patiently to post my 200th post. And I figure what better subject than life as a single army wife. Now mind you, I'm still pretty new at the army wife stuff let alone the SINGLE army wife type stuff, but I'm a quick study so I'll figure it out quick enough. Lucian is teething STILL. Like a fiend. His top two have stalled and are just making him a grumpy lump. Although as I may be spoiled, his version of grumpy lump in no way compares to some children's normal behavior. (It is telling me that children's is not correct, but I think it is...anyone know if I'm right or the computer is? lol) I'm plotting my next trip back to the states. And my first tattoo. I'm still up in the air whether I'll get it here or while I'm home. The house seems empty. And I'm not 100% sure what to do with myself. I put up a paper chain to count down until he should be home. I'm not gonna cut my hair till he gets home (that's a real test for me) and I'm gonna try very hard to wear a yellow ribbon every day. Those aren't just my friends, but my family. Ok. Baby is sleeping Mama needs a nap too. Welcome to the life of a single army wife.

All for you

2010-04-27T15:30:00.001+02:00

"It's hard to say what it is I see in you
Wonder if I'll always be with you
Words can't say it, I can't do
Enough to prove, it's all for you

And I'd thought I seen it all,
Cause it's been a long long time
Oh bothered that we'll trip and fall,
Wonderin' if I'm alive
There's been times, I'm so confused
Down my road, will it lead to you?
I just can't turn, you walk away

Its hard to say what it is I see in you
Wonder if I'll always be with you
Words can't say, and I can't do
Enough to prove it's all for you"

Third Eye Blind.

Been kicking it old skool lately with my music. Helps to keep me from getting caught up in the chaos that is my life. (Didja like how I spelled school?? Huh? Huh? I'm trying to stay young and hip and be down with all the cool kids these days. Yo.)

VAROOOM

2010-04-15T07:22:00.002+02:00

Ugh. Life is running a mile a minute these days. We're still doing something with someone all the time. I have house guests. Lucian is teething hardcore...still. Walker needs a hair cute but I'm too tired to care. Living on the edge leaves em a little less time to contemplate the loss of my man though. Or at least less time to be overcome by it. He's gonna go with me to get my first tattoo before he leaves. Sweet. In other news I'm freezing to death. Glad we talked about it.

My soldiers.

2010-04-07T23:26:00.002+02:00

Let me tell you about my soldiers. Most of them are boys. Though there are a few girls who can stand up to the pressure.

They are my friends. And my family. They go by names like "MoJo" and "Cookie." I'm even seriously contemplating naming my next son after one of them.

They go bowling with us and eat holiday meals in our living room.

They have slept on my floor, bed, and air mattress. Two of them even had sex on my couch (Yes...I am serious...let's not talk about it, I'm still less than pleased with the drunk antics).

They call me Mama.

They say things like "She may be a six with a big forehead but she's my six and no one else can have her." or "Look the baby is in the forward leaning rest position, he may pass his PT test yet."

These are the men and woman that I surround myself with.

These are the men and woman that are going to war for my freedom and yours.

They are my friends.

My family.

And I am going to miss them.

Camping.

2010-04-07T09:01:00.002+02:00

My husband likes to tell me that he is going camping for a year. I hope he enjoys is. I certainly am not a huge fan, but it comes with the territory. In honor of his camping trip, we have been doing some pseudo-camping in the living room. I gave away my tents before we came to Germany. Not my most brilliant idea, but I'm not always brilliant. So here we are sleeping on the air mattress and watching movies and cuddling. I'll have to move it into the babies room because we have a fiance coming to stay with us for a week or so because the soldier can't afford the hotel. Until then though, I'm chilling in style in the middle of my living room on a bed of air. Sweetness! If only I could get away with a small camp fire bed side....probably a bad idea to try though.

Sleepy.

2010-04-04T21:30:00.002+02:00

So we had a four day this weekend and have been running constantly since Wednesday night. We could sleep and stay in, but I figure my husband and all our friends are going to be gone for a year and not having much fun so we should try to fit in as much fun as possible. Wow have we ever.

Wednesday night bowling, people at the house bed at 3 up at 6

Thursday to drive 3 hours to Strasbourg, France. We get a 24 hour bus pass, parked and ran around the city until 5 when we checked into the hotel. Slept till 6, went back to the city to see more had doners for dinner. Bed at 11, Lu slept ok.

Friday up at 7 checked out by 8. More city touring and fun (there was a giant claw machine that attracted my husband like a fly to honey). Left the city at 1, home by around 5. Stopped at the Commissary and made a dessert for the Squad BBQ. BBQ at 1800. Boys went out, mama went to bed around 11. Mama got back up at 3 when the boys got home and had stories to recount.

Up at 9 on Sat. Husband spent the morning fixing the car so we can sell it while I went to the Comm and bought stuff for Easter dinner. Easter part for the FRG at Noon stayed there and chatted and chilled till 5 ish. Came home and took a short nap and power cleaned the house which looked like a bachelor pad. Went Bowling again at 9, home at midnight, sleep at 2.

This morning up at 8 cleaned and napped and made food. People at 3, dinner and movies. People left at 9 and here I sit breathing heavily and feeling like a whirlwind just passed me by.

Tired yet? I am!! Time for bed. Tomorrow is gonna be just as busy it seems! Here goes nothing...

Craziness

2010-03-28T15:18:00.001+02:00

I've recently come to the conclusion that the last wee bit of time before the boys go, is INSANE. Since this is my first deployment, I don't have much to compare with but it seems to me like people try to fit a year worth of living into a month's worth of time. And I understand the complusion. Really. I do. But honestly when you get to the day of Army Man getting on a bus and riding away does it make you feel any better?

In the last 2 days the husband has gone out to the club once and we've gone out to dinner twice. We've also driven to pick up a friend who didn't have a ride, gone shopping, and toured the bazaar on post. I personally can't keep running 90 mph just to forget that my husband is going to leave because no matter what he is going to leave. Instead I need to take some time out of the chaos happening around us and breath. Just him and me. Breathing together. It's nice.

So tonight we're taking our little bit of peace. I'm making nice dinner with black and blue steak, spinach salad with hot bacon dressing, seafood dip with crackers, and strawberry tiramisu. All of which is accompanied by a wonderful bottle of wine that my wonderful friend Coco *. We'll cuddle on the couch with the little one until he goes to sleep and then we'll just cuddle together. I'll probably cry since that's what I do. He'll probably tell me to stop and that it'll all be ok. I'll probably ask him, "stop what?" at which point he'll probably hit me. (In a nice way. He doesn't beat me. I promise.) Time to go get cute. Because I can. And because this is how I get ready to be a single married woman when the army tells me to.

pictures!

2010-03-27T16:38:00.003+01:00

After my last post, someone asked me nicely for

some pictures of snugglesaurus rex's teeth. Sadly I have no

such pictures since he's a vicious beast and I

lose a finger whenever I make the attempt. So instead I shall delight

and amaze you with some pictures of him in all his dino glory!

Snugglesaurus Rex

2010-03-26T18:21:00.002+01:00

I may have mentioned before (Lord only knows when or if I did, but it seems like I might have) that my son might have dino DNA. He makes little pterodactyl squeaks. He uses his t-rex like arms to pinch grab and otherwise destroy his dinner, AKA me. He even rocks some cute little dino clothes. Well, my snugglesaurus is now sporting to wickedly sharp teeth with which he gnaws off peoples fingers or chins if he can get to them. I am so proud of his little incisors and I'm sure so is he! Well I guess I better get back to dino duty since he appears to be gnawing on the dog. Awesome.

Random post...

2010-03-25T09:04:00.002+01:00

Random post because I am a random person? Sounds good to me!

--Yesterday Coco and I got into an argument over a crooked coffee cup. The final decision? We don't like the cup regardless of what either one of us were saying.

--Lucian got to tour his first castle yesterday. Think he slept through most of it. He's like that.

--When they estimated that an FRG leader would work 20 hours a month they must have been drunk. Or delusional. Seriously. But I do have a co-leader now so maybe I can actually start accomplishing some of the aboce and beyond the daily grind things. Like a newsletter for parents!

--I have a random outbreak (?) on my stomach. It's like a mixture of bug bites, pimples, and a rash and I have no idea what it's from, but it's going away finally. Yay!

--There are a lot of things I should be doing right now. Instead, I am writing this post and eating homemade yogurt with peaches and granola. Yum!!

--Ok I'm going to go actually accomplish something in the next 45 minutes like....putting the receipts away. Go Mary go!!!

--Oh, and why is it only ei after a "c" or when it sounds like "a" I call bull! I think the English were out of their minds when they made their (look there's a random ei, but it doesn't sound like "a" see what I mean?) It's malarkey. Crazy Brits ;)

Support.

2010-03-19T22:19:00.002+01:00

Dictionary.com defines the word support as follows.

1.to bear or hold up (a load, mass, structure, part, etc.); serve as a foundation for.

2.to sustain or withstand (weight, pressure, strain, etc.) without giving way; serve as a prop for.

3.to undergo or endure, esp. with patience or submission; tolerate.

4.to sustain (a person, the mind, spirits, courage, etc.) under trial or affliction

5.to maintain (a person, family, establishment, institution, etc.) by supplying with things necessary to existence; provide for.

6.to uphold (a person, cause, policy, etc.) by aid, countenance, one's vote, etc.; back; second.

7.to maintain or advocate (a theory, principle, etc.).

8.to corroborate (a statement, opinion, etc.)

9.to act with or second (a lead performer); assist in performance

I support my husband in each of these ways. I give him a foundation from which to start each day. I withstand a lot for him. I tolerate him. I sustain him. I maintain him and uphold him. I advocate for him and corroborate his belief in himself and others. I am his second. I support my husband.

New Girl on Post wrote today of questioning why our soldiers are asked to fight. Why are they asked to bear such a high cost on both themselves and their families. Why? I do not have an answer. But I also don't think it's necessarily a question I should dwell on. My soldier fights because he is willing. He is willing to lay down his life for the good of others and a country he believes in. He bears the cost that is asked of him because others cannot. He does what he does because he believes it is the right thing to do. And I support him in this.

I understand the question. And I understand why we choose to ask it. I just don't think it's a question I as a military spouse have the luxury of asking. I am here. I am married to a solider. And I support him. It's too late for me to second guess the position we are in because we are already in it and my husband is standing proud.

I don't allow myself to hold on to self-pity or fear because I support my husband and in that choice, I also choose to support what he holds dear. I may not always agree with him, but I support him. I cannot question why my husband fights because I cannot question my husband. He fights. And I support him.

tea

2010-03-18T18:10:00.002+01:00

So my friend here and I enjoy going out for tea. She is a private person so I shall call her...coco! Not like a stripper, but like a coconut. Well, Coco and I ventured out this morning for tea. It was a beautiful spring morning so we both dressed all cute in little dresses/skirts to enjoy the spring weather. I had Red "creamy coconut" tea (no relation to my friend Coco) and she had Chinese Jasmine I believe. Mine was delicious in case you were curious. We spent a few hours in the tea shop savoring our glasses and chatting before we finally decided we'd wasted the day away and should probably get going. Out the door we ventured to find....A traveling Cosco! Ok so not really. We actually found a cool little German market at our feet. 10 Euro bags of fruit (literally 30 pounds of fruit), meat, pasta, and cheese as well. There may have been fish, but we didn't make it over to that side. It was quite possibly the coolest thing ever! Coco may have been hit on by the seller of fruit. He asked if we were American and spoke English, we said yes and he told her he loved her. =) Good times. If you're ever in Germany in the spring find a bulkfood sale and give it a go. It's a ton of fun.

The Big Leagues.

2010-03-12T17:02:00.003+01:00

That's right folks! Lu is playing in The Big Leagues now! He is eating rice cereal AND bananas. Bow-Chicka-Wonh-Woh. (Ummm how do you actually spell that sound effect. Hmmm. Good Question.) And he's talking up a storm. Just babbling to himself. Gonna be crawling MUCH too soon for mama's comfort though. He gets his stomach off the ground when he cries. I'm hoping he doesn't notice this for at least another oh, 6 months or so. I fear that will not be the case though. He and Walker now have daily Tousles involving pulling of fur and massive amounts of licking. It's puppy love! Although I am a bit nervous, he goes to child care for the first time in two weeks and I am scared he's gonna do something crazy like eat another kid. At some point in time my voluntary position as FRG leader turned into like a daily escapade into various kinds of madness. =) Although I must say that I do believe we are pulling it out and stopping some of the behind the scenes crap. Or I'm just not hearing it since now it's me everyone hates. I don't really care either way though. I think it's going well so that's what I'm gonna stick with. Screaming baby demands attention with his stomach off the floor. I better get him before he realizes he's mere minutes from crawling. Ahhh!

Healthy.

2010-03-10T17:38:00.002+01:00

So I've been changing the way I eat recently. Less prepackaged/laced with corn syrup and soy byproduct type foods and more real actual fruits vegetables and meats. I've also begun more consistently making things I can at home. I make bread when we need it and I hope to try sourdough while the hubs is gone. I made Yogurt earlier this week and it turned out awesome! Soooo easy and soooo much yummier than store bought. I plan on making some yogurt cheese out of it tonight. You use it like cream cheese. YUM!! Then today I had my allowable day of break down. I allow one every 2 weeks. The day when I hate the army. the world. and pretty much anything else I can think of. So to drown my sorrows I did some shopping. It helped, but no where near enough. Lol. I'm still grumpy. What will I do to ease my pain, you may ask...

I will eat butterscotch bars and mint milkshakes for dinner. Heck yes son! Real food? Kinda. I am homemaking them. But I will admit it's German ice cream so it may have anything in it really. I wouldn't really know =)

Tomorrow I will stop whining and suck it up. Then I will call CDS and get my son in childcare for Tuesday. I will send the treasurer the e-mail with the info she needs. I will bring the box of t-shirts up out of the trunk and rock mine. I will shower. Actually I'm gonna do that in a couple minutes. Yay for the days that your big girl panties are no where near big enough and you have the chance to drown your sorrows in dessert. Luckily Lucian isn't old enough to care. He's cool with his rice cereal...I think I'll keep my butterscotch bars thank you.

Seperation

2010-03-09T11:54:00.002+01:00

I've noticed a trend in my behavior. I like to call it a reset period. When my husband leaves, or I leave him, or basically any time that he and I are apart, I go through a short reset period. For about the first week I do nothing. Absolutely nothing. I wash the spoons when I run out. And flush the toilet. That about sums it up. My dirty clothes either go in the corner of the bathroom or the hamper in the bedroom. Dishes are just thrown in the sink to soak. I do take out the garbage I guess, but often I just try not to have to throw anything away. I pile stuff on the chairs and leave the babies toys where they lay. The house is a mess. Then I get back to normal. For about 3 days all I do is clean and fix all the stuff that I just made a mess of. Maybe it's not actually a reset, but a transition. It's how I go from me and him to just me. Maybe I need a little bit of time to readjust to living by myself again. Oh who am I kidding, I just like to take a vacation and what a great opportunity! =)

But I do miss my husband when he's gone. I miss cooking for him and helping him clean up the house or do dishes. Ahh the military life.

I need sleep.

2010-03-08T00:21:00.002+01:00

It is almost one in the morning and the baby isn't asleep yet soooo here I am.

If I were a month, I would be...October! Not only is it my birthday and babies birthday, but it's still warm and summer like with a little tinge of fall.
If I were a day of the week...I'd be Tuesday. I don't really know why, but it's a good solid day.
If I were a time of day...I'd be 10 pm. Still awake enough to cuddle with the man before we fall asleep together.
If I were a planet...Pluto. It's a planet. Don't hate.
If I were a sea animal...a manatee. I think they're cuteish.
If I were a direction...due east. Again, I don't really know why.
If I were a piece of furniture...one of those fancy shmancy 2 person recliners.
If I were a liquid..Bailys Irish cream and/or Kahlua. I've got some zip to me!
If I were a gemstone...Ruby. They are so true.
If I were a tree...Mock orange. Even though it's more of a bush. They smell wonderful.
If I were a tool...does Duct tape count? Love the stuff.
If I were a flower...Sunflower. Classic, but not over stated. Or Queen Ann's lace.
If I were a kind of weather...Warm fall day with them smell in the air. My favorite!
If I were a musical instrument...oboe. Erie (is that spelled right? the feeling not the city or lake) and hollow sounding. Love love love.
If I were a color...Cerulean. I used to hide the crayon so no one else could use it.
If I were an emotion...wonder.
If I were a fruit...kiwi.
If I were a sound...a baby cooing. Tweaks my heart.
If I were an element...Carbon. It's an important one.
If I were a car...Dunno. A cute one?
If I were a food...Fresh made sweet roll with butter and jam. Oh Lord help me I am a carb addict.
If I were a place...Letchworth Park. Beautiful gorge but not to arrogant. Still some country.
If I were a material...jersey
If I were a taste...cookie dough. Yum!
If I were a scent...Vanilla. Love a good vanilla.
If I were an object...duct tape. Again. Just saying
If I were a body part...baby butt? Without poop involved. Clean, warm, soft, smooth baby butt.
If I were a facial expression...adoration.
If I were a song...superhero girl.
If I were a pair of shoes...Good boots. A girl has gotta love some good boots.

Yogurt!

2010-03-07T08:43:00.002+01:00

Good news folks....I MADE YOGURT! Like homemade. IN a crockpot. ON my countertop. ALL by myself!! It looks yogurty. It smells yogurty. I don't yet know if it tastes yogurty, since well, I'm too chicken to try it just yet. =) Although maybe I should have given it a go since the apple I'm eating tastes like poop. Why can't the comm apples actually taste good?

On a completely unrelated note...I want a tattoo. I think I want the word "always" I did want my ambigram for the word Love, but I can't currently find the drawing so I may just switch up the order I want them in. Tricky of me huh?

Ok baby is crying and I need a nap! Good day all!

Random ramblings by me!

2010-03-05T17:09:00.002+01:00

Morning! Here is a random post about absolutely nothing.

I have 24 followers. Wow. Hi followers! My name is Mary and I'm crazy. (It's a requirement for being a military spouse) I have a dog named Walker, A baby I'll call Lu and a husband I call, well, Husband. I like to pretend that I'm growing up and learning a lot about myself while I totally BS my way through miltary spousedom, wifery, and momhood, but I could just be imagining it.

I've recently started moving towards a "real food" diet. AKA I try to avoid eating food that comes in a package. Slow movement and little steps. So far so good. Oh...and I"M MAKING YOGURT!!! Like in my kitchen experimentation. Woot woot. This could get interesting. Wish me luck.

I'm also trying to get a little garden this year. By little I mean some spinach, peppers, and beets. Lol. On my balcony. We will see how this goes. Especially since I've failed miserably at keeping plants alive since college. Ah well. Worst case scenario they die and I cry. =) Sounds much worse than it actually will be!

Baby in flight.

2010-03-04T22:41:00.002+01:00

I would like to say thank you to all the powers that be for my angel child. In the past 3 weeks we have flown for at least 24 hours, not counting time checking in, getting luggage, and rocking an airport. My baby is AWESOME! Out of that time he cried twice and both on the flights that my husband was there to help me with. I am doing a little happy dance now that I am safe and sound at home again. Awesome baby. Awesome teething baby. Thank you thank you thank you. Now back to the daily grind of FRG and the fact that I have no info for any of the new spouses. Awesome. Let's roll. =)

Naps.

2010-03-01T22:53:00.002+01:00

I have decided that nap time should be a mandatory part of the day at least twice a week. I mean that is a feasible request right? like 30 minutes twice a week to nod off while snuggling your babes. Even if they don't sleep and you don't sleep hard, it's a nice thought. I think it will be my new goal. Twice a week cuddle/snuggle/nap sessions with my beast and my babe. Maybe when hubs is home I'll even con him into cuddling with his happy little family.

And I love baby naps. He looks so precious as he sleeps. Such a blessing that I have a healthy happy baby that sleeps through the night and wakes up smiling. (Most of the time) Even when he's sick and teething (two coming in strong!!) he is still a little charmer. I heart babies. And naps. And most definately the two together! Happy Monday!

Spousey-ness

2010-02-26T04:32:00.002+01:00

I am many things to many people. Depending on how you ask you may even find out some deep dark secrets, like I can be a royal b*tch when put to the test. I admit it, it's true. I'll even admit that when I get angry (not just petty angry, but furious end of my rope p*ssed,) I get cold. I also admit to being a wife, mom, daughter, waitress, nurse, and let's go with...cheerleader. I am defined by a lot of different things and titles, but one of the ones that I wear with the most pride is that of a Military Spouse.

I have made the choice to stand tall and proud beside my husband while he supports our country and her military needs. It is not an easy life. Some days I cry. Wednesdays I often sit in the bedroom and watch internet TV shows all day while cuddling with baby Lu and Walker. Sometimes I get grumpy when it's 2000 and my husband has just been realized from his 14 hour day. And I am not alone. There are hundreds and thousands of spouses out there of all ages shapes and forms who are much the same as me. They are married to Marines and Seaman, and Privates with fuzzy spots and Generals with stars, Men and Woman, but all of them are married to those people strong enough to stand behind our flag. Our life is not one of ease and glamour. We often get phone calls in the middle of the night from single soldiers stranded at the club (or occasionally naked on the side of the road...depends on the night.) Sunday interruptions when your husbands soldier does something stupid like urinating on someone elses car.

We are as alike and as different as can be. No two of us have the same background, ethnicity, or skill set, and often we need as much help as we can find learning the fine art of being married to a military man (or woman.) So where do we turn for the support that we need? Often to family, but they never seem as upset as us when we use the dreaded words 100% recall. And other spouses are a great resource, but sometimes you need something else in print to answer questions and browse on your own time. Many of us turn to blogs or publications such as Military Spouse magazine. This magazine used to be a great resource filled with articles about and for military spouses, but recently they have been leaning towards a lot more "fluff." Rather than a spouse centered magazine, it is slowly leaning towards a health and beauty magazine aimed towards spouses. This is not what I want when I purchase a copy, and I hope it's not what you want. I will avoid going into anymore detail on the articles because it has already been wonderfully said right here. Instead I will end my little rant/opinion post with this thought. Military spouses have a hard enough time on their own why would we question their intelligence my trying to feed them "fluff" when their world doesn't need any more crap in it?

Sickly

2010-02-24T20:51:00.002+01:00

My little punk is sickly. All sorts of junk/crap/green stuff up in his nose. Think he's headed in the right direction though since today he actually smiles at me occasionally. I am also sickly. Have been since the day the plane touched down. Green stuff, ear pain, cough. And now....I can't hear right out of my right ear! It is obnoxious. Doesn't really hurt any more. Just feels wrong and it makes me angry. Booo stupid ear.

On another completely unrelated and random note.

Things I have missed about the US. Commercials. Buff wings. Subs, real ones filled with bad for you crap, not that subway sandwich they try to call a sub. Malls. Walmart. Target. Yellow buses. My puppy. Family. "Mom." I'm sure there is other stuff too.

Things I have NOT missed. Tax. On EVERYTHING. The tag says 6.49 but means 7.01. LIAR. Pot holes big enough to eat a small child. Or your car. Or both depending on the day. Stupid people. In Germany if someone does something stupid we call them an idiot and leave it alone. In the US we have a habit of adding a warning to our coffee in case someone was confused and expected it to be cold. And again. I'm sure their is much more, but those few things current are the focus of all my venomous rage. Freaking people eating Potholes.

Family.

2010-02-17T14:03:00.002+01:00

Family is something else altogether. There are the sterotypes and the assumptions. There are black sheep and rebels, homebodies and housewives, all sorts,kinds, sizes and flavors. And while we love them all, sometimes we don't have to like them.

I must say that I am a pretty open breastfeeder. I try keep things covered to the best of my ability, but I will not banish myself to the dungeon to feed my baby boy. Not gonna happen. Babies eat. Real babies eat boob. (Bottle fed babies are real babies too, but it sounded like a good sentence so I used it! =D)

It all started night one when baby and I passed out in the recliner after being awake for 30 hours. Sister in law leans over to kiss Lucian's head and I startle awake. Coming scant centimeters from bashing her nose in with my forehead. Oops. Don't sneak up on exhauted army wive. We attack. In our sleep. Leading with our foreheads. Viscious beasts we are. And then the saga continuted

Here I sit in the recliner while Lu contemplates if he'd rather sleep, eat, or some odd combination of the two and what should happen...I am attacked. Ok so attacked may be a strong word but it annoyed me. Along comes my sister in law (same one!). And kisses my baby. On the side of the head. While he's attached. To. My. Breast. I'm pretty sure that is the closest a set of female eyes have ever come to that part of my anatomy. Since Lu gets up close and personal while nursing, boy eyes have had a close encounter or two. AWKWARD. I feel as though waiting the 10 minutes until I got up from the living room and came out to join everyone else at the table to kiss my baby would not have been the end of the world. Just saying. Oh. And shes a nursing mother. I don't think she'd appreciate if I got all up in HER baby/boob barrier. So for all those out there that are curious a proper distance of 12 inches should be mantained between family and nursing babies at all times.

Close encounters of the family kind. Out of control I tell you.

Simple life.

2010-02-09T08:55:00.002+01:00

"And be a simple kind of man
And be something you'll love and understand
Baby be a simple kind of man
Oh, won't you do this for me son if you can?"
--Shinedown Simple Man

I've always been a simple kind of girl. Long flowing dresses with flip flops and pigtails. Barefoot in the mud. Mascara and blush. Not high maintenance or high strung. (ok so a little high strung =D) That is who I've been and always will be, but sometimes in the fast passed world around me it's easy to get a little caught up in the craziness and lose myself. Especially in the military lifestyle I live, where you have such short amounts of time to do everything you want there is a tendency to try to do everything in that 2 day break that occasionally happens to be a weekend. Since getting married and having a baby I've been working hard to keep my simple self shining through and not getting lost in the fog.

One of the resources I've found is Simplemom.net. They have articles pertaining to any mom (or dad) out there that just want to live the everyday life to its fullest and make it special in itself. I love them! They've also recently expanded into "Simple Living Media" with 5 sister sites including Simple Mom to help in aspects of simple living other than just motherhood and wifery. =) To celebrate this big launch each of their 5 sites is holding a giveaway for some awesome prizes. Run on over and check it out before you go back to your simple cup of morning tea. I am!!

Simple Mom--Live simply, stay sane. Life hacks for home managers
Simple Bites--Real food for the family table
Simple Homeschool--Never let your schooling interrupt your education
Simple Kids--Uncomplicated parenting in a complex world
Simple Orgainc--Back to nature, back to basics

Good clean fun

2010-02-08T13:31:00.002+01:00

Last night was the Superbowl in case you're not a football fan and hadn't heard. Since here in Germany it doesn't air until 0030 we had plenty of time to kill waiting for it. We decided to watch Wipeout. It's this crazy show with obstacles courses and water and mud and all sorts of goodness. It is HYSTERICAL. There were literally 4 soldiers crammed on the couch while husband and I draped ourselves over a nearby chair trying to all see it on our tiny little laptop screen. We couldn't stop laughing . My favorite was a man who was slightly rotund. as he was getting his butt kicked by some random obstacle the announcer calmly states that he has the right theory, "Use your fat...Absorb the blow." At that line I literally started laughing so hard I was crying while this poor middle aged man got thrown into a pool. Oh my. Good times. and just think. No nudity or drugs required. Just saying.... =)

My winning ways.

2010-01-30T08:42:00.002+01:00

I'm a winner!!!!

You see first I won a cookbook! I'm honestly too excited to even remember what its called?!?! Something about quick family meal something. =) Ok I went and looked it is the Taste of Home's Busy Family Cookbook. Woot Woot. Love me some cook books!??! Miss Angie Pangie was hosting a cookbook give away when I dropped by to check out her Weekly Menu plan. So I entered and bookmarked her page since some of her recipes looked delicious and like REAL food! So glad I did and Don't you worry Miss Angie...I'll be back!

I also won a nice little award from my German counterpart Nati at I Will Praise Him

Thanks Nati!!!! It's the "When Life gives you lemons" award. The rules are as follows...

1. Thank the giver of the award and link to their blog.
2. List 5 things about yourself.
3. Link 5 new recipients and notify them.

Well, I do always appreciate winning awards, I don't pass them on to others. Just one of my little quirks. But don't worry, I will share 5 facts with you!

1. I used to want 6 kids. After 1 I think I would still like a small herd, just not necessarily all of them related to me by blood. WOW was baby birthing a workout!

2. I have an odd obsession with food and reality TV.

3. I loved Chemistry in high school, but physics made me cry. Literally. Twice.

4. I miss working in restaurants badly.

5. Before I got pregnant I measured by body to see if I would pass army tape standards. I failed. Miserably. By their standards I was 49% fat. Hahaha. Worst part...I'm really not that out of shape and I don't think I would have passed standards back when I was in shape.

Have a great week everyone. I'm off on a valentines cookie making run!

Morning

2010-01-29T02:48:00.002+01:00

It's 2:30 in the morning. Why am I awake you ask? Ummm. I'll let you know when I figure that out. If I hadn't already laid in bed doing nothing for an hour, I would be there. Instead I'm here. At the laptop in the living room at 2:30 in the morning. I want to sleep. I need to sleep. WHY CAN"T I SLEEP!?

In other news, Lu now rolls himself to his stomach while sleeping and then gets upset when he wakes up on his stomach. I don't have the heart to tell him that he can roll from his stomach BACK to his back. Instead I just flip him over and watch him do it all over again. Poor little confused baby.

In other, other news, Walker is sporting his cone with little grace or poise and I am thankful beyond all measure that it comes off on Monday. If I were to get hit in the back of the knees one more time by a small dog with a giant cone I might just lose it.

More random news updates, my hair is back to being black, and I'm honestly not sure why I ever felt the need to experiment with browns and reds in my early 20's. I had it right at 18 with black. Good color. I think I shall keep it. Until I get bored and experiment with browns and reds in my mid-20's. Wait for it...

Another random topic. Poor little baby Josie Duggar is such a precious little bundle and I'm keeping her in prayer. People can say what they want but it's a baby and she is a beautiful little innocent. Also let me add that I hope I can look half as good as Mama Duggar after 2 kids. Heck I'm not sure I look that good after one little baby boy.

OK back to bed. Gonna give it a shot. If I come back then you'll know I've given up hope and will just not be sleeping. K? Kay!

Wifery.

2010-01-22T16:57:00.002+01:00

So I've been a wife for a pretty short period of time. A whopping 18ish months. My grandma is one of the people I have always looked up to as a wife and mother. She was not perfect. No one is. But she was impressive. She always had a garden. The dishes were always done and the laundry always folded. She wore makeup daily. And looked beautiful. Had that sort of 1950 Stepford wife vibe, but was still an individual. Now that Lu is a little older and I don't need to spend all my time in actual contact with him I'm trying hard to be a better wife and mother. Trying to work a little harder at keeping the dishes clean and the floors swept. I've found some interesting websites and blogs about homemaking and the art of womanhood and wifery. They interest me and pull me a little deeper into the urge to be better at my choice of career. So that's where I stand. Maybe sometimes when he gets home I'll actually be wearing real person clothes instead of his gym shorts. Maybe I'll have a little mascara and blush on instead of looking like I just woke up. Maybe I'll try a little harder to get the laundry folded within 24 hours rather than leaving it for a week. Not all at once and not every day, but the little things can make a difference. So I'll let you know how my my wifery skills improve. =)

loss

2010-01-20T15:29:00.002+01:00

This post is in no way, shape, or form organized. It is just my little brain thoughts written down.

How do you deal with the loss of a child? It's not even my child. He is safe and healthy and beautiful. And I feel guilty. That may be the Catholic in me I admit. Someone lost their baby. Their hope and dreams and love and life and now they have to go on. How do you cope? How do you survive? I'm not exactly sure.

I am so thankful that it wasn't my baby. And now a week later I'm still holding him close. And tight. And crying without warning. Not always about baby either. Stuff like the uncertainty of our passports. Or my husband's grumpiness at what is going on for them. It all sends me into small little break downs. My friends are having marriage issues. and kid issues. and life issues. And here is me. With my baby and my beast and my husband that would give me the world if he could. And I'm still the one in tears.

I get up every morning. And I go to my meetings. and my training. and my vet appointments. And I try not to cry in public because that just makes me look crazy. Although if you know me...you know that I am crazy.

Ok my little baby blessing is screaming from the other room. And Walker is attcking the chair because he lost his bone underneath. And my husband is off playing in the snow. And I'm here. Just breathing. And learning how to lose and love and live. It's certainly not easy. Why can't there be a manual?

Babies

2010-01-19T17:21:00.002+01:00

So I would just like to brag a little about my baby wrangling skills. Now mind I only spent an hour with 2 kids but...I survived! =) Today I proudly wrangled an 11 month old AND Lucian. And we totally rocked it. Wandered around the Comm while she at a nutrigrain bar. Then we wandered around post with her in the stroller and Lu in the wrap. It was great! So I've now reassured myself that I should be able to survive when we have two children somewhere in the future. At least for an hour at a time...

beasts in babe land

2010-01-14T20:24:00.003+01:00

Walker is a lover. And a fighter. He recently freaked on a poor lab puppy at the vet. But when it comes to momma and baby he's a lover. He can never get close enough. I'm nursing the babe, Walker is laying on, under or next to the boppy. Lu and I take a nap, Walker curls up on or around us. I've also recently discovered that when I leave Lu in the crib...or his chair...or sleeping in bed...Walker will go out of his way to give the babe some loving. And then from somewhere else in the apartment I'll here little overjoyed baby squeaks (or occasionally not so overjoyed baby screams) and I know that Walker has found the child and is spreading some puppy love. In comes momma to yell at beast. Beast looks pitiful and sad and seems to say, "Mom I just couldn't help it! He's too cute to resist!" Those are my boys and I wouldn't have them any other way. In fact I can't wait until this time next year when I'll find boy and beast hiding in a corner in a pile of my clothes that have been stolen eating dog food together. Sigh. I'll take pictures! =)

blood.

2010-01-12T09:42:00.002+01:00

Today I'm giving blood to the Armed Services Blood Program. It's the military version of Red Cross. Instead of going to the general population the blood goes only to our service members and their family.

If you give blood now Thank You. If you don't, give it a thought. No matter how you donate, or who you donate to, it's a great thing to do. And it really doesn't hurt...too much! Give it a thought.

Military spousery.

2010-01-09T19:31:00.002+01:00

I've been a military wife for a year and a half now and I think I'm finally getting the swing of things. It is not easy. No where near it actually. Our friends are constantly promoted or demoted, moved to other countries, or sent to war. My husband is home...occasionally. And when he is, he's tired (with good reason) or stressed. There is constant drama of one variety or another. In fact I was recently accused of lying by another spouse. She'd apparently taken the time to research my entire life and judge what I was allowed to do based on her perceptions. I resolved the issue, don't you worry!

Part of coming into my own as an army spouse has been learning what NOT to do. Don't be the one that shows up in the field while the guys are training. Sounds obvious, but not so much. Don't toe any lines between single soldiers and myself, because perception bites. Don't lie to soften the blow. The military isn't friendly and the sooner you learn that you're the only person playing nicely, the sooner you learn to handle the game.

Another part is learning what to do. Open the door for people, smile and be courteous. They live the same rough life you do and some days the smile at the door is the only thing that keeps you from crying. Entertain yourself. If you wait for someone to entertain you or just plain do nothing, your life will suck...period. Glad we talked about it. Learn that there is more to life than yourself. It is so much bigger than me. There are people that have so much more to bring them down and they have the courage not to be brought down by it.

Most importantly, learn who you are. Constantly try to learn a little more about the person you are and the person you can be. If you don't, if you are nothing more than your husband's spouse, you are nothing. And nothing is never enough.

of boobs and bras...a memoir

2010-01-05T21:40:00.002+01:00

I have two boobs. Not so surprising since most females do. It's actually quite special. They have magical milk producing powers and Lucian and I make good use of them. I'm kind of like a cow. Not in a bad way though. Well, I guess not all in a good way either since I do have some extra baby-weight hanging out. Regardless, I am a milk producing super goddess. Take that!

Due to my new super milk powers, I have been submerged in the culture of nursing bras. These things are quite special. If you've never given one a closer look, maybe you should! Some have snaps. Some have clips. Some hook in the back. Some don't hook at all. Heck, I'm sure if you look hard enough you can find some that literally have bells AND whistles. Now try to hide that under your shirt! With my new found fondness for bras that come apart exposing breast on demand has come a small issue. Well Medium issue I guess if we're actually talking about size. Occasionally I forget to reclip, snap, button, or otherwise fasten my special fancy pants bra after nursing. When this happens I may possibly wander about downtown or through base with one happy little boob outside the confines of its home. Sadly I have done this more than once.

All things considered though, I think that I and other new moms have more important stuff to worry about. I mean whats a little boob when I have managed to remember the child, the mail, the coupons, the library books, my keys, cell phone, wallet AND my mind. I think that's good enough for me!

Misfits.

2009-12-29T12:15:00.003+01:00

I am proud to be a misfit.

I was never the cool kid. Never the rock star or the band geek. Never the jock or the cheerleader. Well, actually, I was a cheerleader, but I wasn't THE cheerleader. High school passed by and I worked hard enough to not get in trouble but very rarely put too much effort into anything. I played a couple sports, I did stage crew for drama, and I made a decent alto in the choir.

Then the real world hit. I told my parent's I'd make a go at college. I went for a year and just wasn't sold on the whole idea. I loved some of my classes like Sociology and Biology and hated others such as French. I met an awesome roommate who I still talk to today, and then I decided not to go back. I'm still ok with that decision 6 years later.

Next I went to Nursing school to get my LPN license. I was good at it and it was alright. I finished and instead of seeking a job in my now licensed field...I kept working as a waitress. I could have been a good nurse but I never would have been great because I just didn't feel it inside. It wasn't my heart.

So for the next few years I worked at a few restaurants and a grocery store and lived and loved and enjoyed my life. I met a nice boy (ok so he can be a total jerk {rarely to me} but he has a good heart) and then I married him. I ran the front end of a grocery store and had I stayed I probably would have become a manager. I had my own apartment and I bought a car....or two...possibly even three, but lets not talk about that. The boy decided to join the army and I said if it's what you want I support you, so he did. Then he shipped off to Germany and I dutifully followed along. Now we have a handsome little boy-child that I love dearly.

And as I look back at my life and the randomness of what I've seen and done, I do so with no regrets. Even though I've never really fit in or been part of the in-crowd, I have lived. I've made a few stupid decisions I'm sure, but I honestly don't really remember them. I think before I make my choices, and I never make a choice that I can't defend to my mother (even if she wouldn't agree). I am proud of the woman I am, the woman I made myself.

So never give in and never make less of yourself to make more of another. Pull people up rather than pushing them down. Smile and breath and open your eyes. Live life to its fullest but not to its stupidest. Draw boundaries and respect others who stick to their own, not because you need to limit yourself, but because without them you lose yourself. Live. and Love. And feel. And never forget who you are.

I am a misfit.

Monday rolls around again.

2009-12-21T18:38:00.002+01:00

Every Monday Mckmama over at My Charming Kids gives us an opportunity to deny every wrong doing, pseudo or not. You can admit to NOT doing any of those horrible things you've done in the past week. For example--

I did not accidentally become THE leader of our FRG. I am not scared stupid that I'm gonna do something horribly stupid. Like ummm...I dunno....something.

I am not making cake balls at this moment in time. I am not making them in multiple flavors to share with soldiers and spouses. I am not super sneaky and snitching some taste balls before I cover them with chocolate to test their...yumminess?

My husband has not made $140 this week by lending people our car and they pay him gas money. Apparently having a "rental car" makes bank! =)

Finally my baby DID NOT and I mean definitely didn't roll from his stomach to his back. He's just a little guy still. I can't handle my first little baby growing up. I'm tearing up right now just thinking about it. Sigh. Babys do grow though. I guess. Even when you don't want them to. Sniff sniff.

See? How fun is that!??! Except the last one. That one is sad. Sniff sniff. Happy Not Me Monday to all!!

Not me Monday!

2009-12-14T19:04:00.002+01:00

Another week of fun at Mckmama's Home away from home (her blog!!)!! Not me Monday has rolled around again. A fun chance to deny everything terrible you've done all week. By terrible I mean embarrassing, gross or just plain funny! Join in the fun or swing by her blog to read other's denials. =)

This week I did not take part in a complete diaper break down. Disposable diapers never leak on me...the boppy...the baby....the floor. They are down right leak proof. I was not very thankful that breastfed baby poop is water soluble so we just stood in the shower for a minute. And I do not now have a bright yellow stain on the poppy cover since bright yellow was the poop color of the day.

I did not jump feet first into our unit's chaos by becoming the new FRG co-leader. I am not that crazy.

My husband and I did not make gingerbread houses yesterday during football. And if we had I would not have accidentally knocked over his gingerbread man and then laughed at all his whining. It was fine!

I am not totally in love with my husband and I would never admit to it if I was. I do not appreciate him more and more every time he returns from a week or two or three away from me. But I do (I really do) let him pretend to be all mean and heartless so he feels like a bit of a rebel. Big softie!

decisions

2009-12-09T18:24:00.001+01:00

Sometimes I seem to make rash decisions. The thing is though that I think about things a lot. Just myself in my head. I contemplate and prioritize and run threw options until the perfect moment arrives. Generally I don't even know the perfect moment is coming until BAM it's right in my face. And then it is time for action.

A week ago was one of those perfect moment's. Our current FRG co-leader is having health problems and needs to step down. I have been talking a lot about how we need to grow up as an FRG and stop acting like petty 5 year olds. BAM. Perfect moment! Time to step up and put some fight behind my words.

So ladies and gentlemen, I am now the FRG co-leader. Lets see how this goes. It might get ugly round here!

Christmas Markets

2009-12-07T14:46:00.003+01:00

Nuremberg is THE christmas market. The market of all markets. And it is beautiful. But so is our little one downtown. And the Market in Wurzberg. And Bamberg. Each town has a little different tradition and flair to them. I went to a variety just to get the flair (with Lu strapped on because Germans are fans of crowds and I don't even try to finangle my way through with an American stroller) of each. Had a ton of fun too! Got Christmas and birthday presents as well as a bunch of candy for the kids since thats what they're getting from hubs and I this year. It becomes expensive to buy for 10 nieces and nephews very quickly. It may become sort of a tradition. It just seems much more sane than buying presents for all of them. Especially since we're the only couple that has ten. All our siblings have 5 or less niece and nephews. Here are some pictures from the king of the fests in Nuremberg since that's the one hubs attended with me so he was the official camera wielder.

The lights at the end of each aisle

Baby and I

Who doesn't love a half meter wurst?

The church in the square

group photo!

Not Me!

2009-12-07T09:49:00.004+01:00

I haven't done one of these in a while! Every Monday Mckmama over at My Charming Kids hosts a fun little party where anyone that wants to can deny doing all those things that we probably shouldn't have done recently. I mean really...who admits to wandering around without your nursing top reclosed? Certainly not me!

I did not nor would I ever fail to re fasten the hooks in my nursing top while I wandered the Nuremberg Christmas Market. For hours. I had a jacket over it and I had recovered myself so theres no need to reattach right? I mean if this happened there wouldn't be a need...

I didn't contemplate throwing the wreath my MIL sent us from the states into the trash. While it smells beautiful it is dropping needles like an angry porcupine. All over my floor. I don't have time to sweep continuously while the dog spreads them around...I have a small child that needs attention too. But alas my goodness won out and it's hanging happily on the wall shedding needles for all to see.

I did not take a picture of my 9 week old holding his head up high and proud for all to see. He is a baby and babies do not do this. This means soon he'll start crawling or something and I just am nto ready for that. But If I had taken this picture I would also not be secretly bursting with pride in my handsome like punk!

I don't miss my husband like crazy. It's only 3 weeks of intermittent contact. What am I gonna do for a whole year?

That same punk holding his head up also doesn't snort when he laughs and if he did I would not think it is quite possibly the cutest thing EVER!!

Happy Not Me Monday to all and to all a Merry Christmas season!!

Life. and this unit.

2009-12-06T17:26:00.002+01:00

I just read this post about being in a great unit in a great place where you know people are looking out for you. I cried. I want that. I don't want to be here in this unit from hell. I want my husband to not get smoked and screamed at daily for the NCO's issues. I want to be proud when my husband gets promoted, not pissed because it took 2 years and even then the leadership didn't know it was happening. Hell...the LT was just promoted so he's no longer a butter bar and no one knew about that. Double hell...a soldier that got caught having sex on the LT's desk was demoted and STILL promoted before my husband. I don't want it to take 7 weeks to get Command Sponsership. I want to not have female soldiers wind up pregnant within 3 months of arriving. I want to know that getting an article 15 is frowned upon rather than a show that you have character (someone explain the logic of that!) I don't want the ENTIRE CHAIN OF COMMAND to be under investigation. And I want our soldiers taken care of. Let's not even talk about the wives...then I'll just get angry. But let me add this. When an NCO has balls enough to say that if a wife had kept her mouth shut and stayed out of the soldiers lives, none of this would be happening, that is never ok. I'm so sorry that she gave a shit about the soldiers and wanted to make their lives a little better. SO FREAKING SORRY. She did the right thing, maybe you should try it once or twice.

I don't want to be here.

But.

I am. SO is my husband. We are still here. Still standing. Still strong. I will not change who I am to appease the powers that be, when I am a good person. I know that if things don't change quick before they deploy my husband will probably not come back. I don't know if any of them will. It is literally that bad. But here we are. And so we get up every morning and shake our head at the idiocy happening around here and try to keep the few that deserve to have hope hopeful. Wish me luck because the shit just hit the fan. Again.

The Perfect Storm

2009-12-02T21:07:00.002+01:00

In 1991 a huge Nor'Easter formed in the ocean off the east coast. A storm of unrivaled proportion, it absorbed a hurricane and an area of low pressure from the mid-Atlantic before it became a cyclone itself. It was a once in a lifetime meeting of unexpected circumstances reeking havoc along the seaboard and causing 12 deaths. From some aspects it may have been awe-inspiring and looked to be The Perfect Storm, but for the people caught in its midst on the ocean, frankly, it sucked.

Here in our little corner of the world we live in our own version of the perfect storm. We are military families. That in itself is far from easy. Then to add a little more fun to our lives we are part of a unit which happens to be spread all over Germany. Battalion in Grafenwheor, brigade in Mannheim, company in Bamberg, and then if you're as lucky as I am, you are part of a single platoon located in Schweinfurt. Confused yet? We also include the local Canine unit and their dogs. And now as the year turns we add another layer to the chaos. Our family has a new addition. The 522. This newly formed company (or at least it's new to us) is here to cover the day to day workings of Bamberg and Schweinfurt while our soldiers prepare for deployment.

The chaos and confusion which seems to be daily life in the 630th Military Police company and now the 522 could easily bring us down. We're commonly referred to as the red headed step-child. While this is true, it doesn't necessarily need to be a bad thing. A new year is coming upon us and what better time to step up and take control of what we can? We are victims of our circumstances only if we choose to be. It is hard, but if even a few of us are willing to stand up and stand together regardless of personal preference or rank, we can make a hard situation bearable at the least. If we put aside our differences we can succeed. Lets give it a shot.

Yikes!

2009-12-01T16:57:00.003+01:00

Oh My! I've been putting off this post for a while. Mostly because when I'm at the computer I'm generally nursing and unable to reach the keyboard over my giant baby! Speaking of baby he had his 2 month check up today and he weighs in at a whopping 13 pounds 6 ounces!!! That's a heck of a baby! He's doing great. Cute as a button and all sorts of cuddly. Walker is still loving being a big brother although he sometimes forgets that wiggly baby feet are not for licking.

On another completely unrelated note, I've been trying to get more involved with the FRG and volunteering through it because I've come to my own personally little revelation that as a military family we should be the first to give. Not necessarily because we're super awesome people (which some of us are,) but instead because we know and understand how much the little stuff means to us. What a difference it makes when someone helps you up 3 flights of stairs with a ton of groceries and a screaming baby. Or holds the CMR door while you drag out the third giant box that won't fit in the trunk this week and your crabby three year old. Even when someone invites you out for a cup of coffee because you feel horribly left out as the only spouse without kids. It all makes a difference and really how hard is it to help? How much does it really take to offer a hand where a hand is needed? Especially as deployment looms closer daily and my husband apparently comes home in 4 day increments before leaving for weeks on end again, it makes a difference.

Now make to the beginning note......BABY PICTURES!!!!!!
ok...I admit thats not the baby...instead its my baby belly inside normal jeans! Hooah! I look good!!

Kareokee superstar!!

2009-11-10T14:12:00.002+01:00

Added to the list of reasons I shouldn't be left alone for too long.
(other than Stan the international gourd of mystery of course!!)

I have begun rewording pop songs to sing to my son.

Hey sexy baby (lady) I like your flow. Your belly's growling (your body's banging) Out of control.

My milkshake brings my boy (all the boys) to the yard and he says it's better than yours!

I'm in love with a spitter (stripper) he poppin' he rollin' he rollin' I'm in love with a spitter he trippin' he playin' he playin' He ain't going no where , no he stayin'

Sigh...my poor husband... =D

Leave please.

2009-11-08T10:30:00.002+01:00

Military members don't get regular normal people vacation. We get leave. Well...some of us do. Every time The husband and I have asked for leave we've been shot down. So we haven't actually been home in over a year. We would very much like to go. Since it's not working out so well we've decided to pretty much wait until pre-deployment leave. One problem. We made the mistake of mentioning our hope that we'd make it home for Christmas.

My in-laws are very nice people. Just very involved. VERY involved. I don't handle this so well, but I'm learning. Well, I received a phone call saying that they as well as my sister in law and her husband were going to buy our tickets home so we didn't need to worry about the money and could just come home. That's not the reason we won't be going home. We can't get our leave approved and Lucian won't have a passport yet. So first they throw money at the problem. They want us home for Christmas and we can't afford it so they'll pay. Doesn't fix the issue.

Next they throw Jesus at it. Mind I pray and go to church and believe I am saved, but I don't think throwing Jesus at problems works. I think Jesus wants us to take care of ourselves. But we get a nice email saying that we'd be home for Christmas because God has a way of working things out. Ummm....well...Ok? How do I respond to that?

Finally they tell The husband last night that if we didn't want to come home for personal reasons they'll understand. For real? No see...if the army wanted to approve our leave we'd be home. If Lu had his passport we'd be home. If the husband weren't gonna be gone for training the entire month before we'd be home. It has nothing to do with Money or Jesus or Personal reasons. I just wish they'd understand. I personally don't enjoy tactfully informing them again and again that it will probably not be happening and that while I appreciate them wwanting to buy our tickets home they're expensive and they don't need to.

Ah well. At least we know we're missed.

Baked goods for our military at Baking GALS!

2009-11-04T13:40:00.002+01:00

On another note there is a site I stumbled across today called Baking Gals that send cookies to our deployed service members. Check it out!!

halloween!

2009-11-04T12:57:00.003+01:00

Walker and Lucian sleeping soundly lol

It's now November 4th and I'm babbling on about Halloween. Well the thing is that I'd be decorating for Thanksgiving, but the PX seemed to forget about it and move right to Christmas and Germans don't celebrate sooo...I'm babbling about Halloween. Ok not even really babbling. Telling a little story and giving you some pretty pictures of Lucian and Stan.

Who is Stan you may ask? Where did he come from?

This, my friends, is Stan the International squash of mystery. World traveler. Adonis of pumpkins. Sure the back of his head is flat and I think he may have started to rot a little on the trip over, but he is still overflowing with sex appeal.

My Mother in Law sent us a pumpkin. Through the US Postal service. I feel as though customs should have boycotted this or something. I don't know why we needed an American pumpkin. Could have easily enough bought a German pumpkin if we'd felt the need. I have no explanation, but here he is with the little guy happily celebrating Halloween. Lucian's first. Stan's Last. Sad day in the world of a gourd.
I think Stan has all the Sex appeal in this picture as Lucian looks a bit confused...lol

prayers and pictures.

2009-10-30T04:08:00.003+01:00

So Mckmama and her littlest are back in the hospital. Keep them in thought. They are such an example of God's grace and mercy.

Between a new baby, my friend here (Yes in the singular. Lol. I am antisocial, but she's pretty cool so it's ok that she is singular.), and the latest drama and/or FRG stuff I'm keeping really busy. Here are some picture updates of Lu for your viewing pleasure!

Breasts are messy!

2009-10-21T10:07:00.002+02:00

Lucian is 2 weeks old now! Time is passing so quickly. Husband went back to work last night (he did work a 24 hour shift Saturday and a 12 hour one Thursday, but now he's back to working more than one day in a row. We're back to real life here. Me and the babe and the beast with occasional appearances by the husband. Note, the husband is a GREAT dad. And a great husband. When he can, he sends me to bed to sleep for a little bit while he watches the little one. It is appreciated, and he's so good with such a little babe. Although he did get the couch peed on yesterday while changing a diaper. Pee happens.

On to the real meat of the post. Lol. I'm breastfeeding. Good for me! Except my son is a hellion. He manages to soak both of us with milk every time. I've even been squirted in the eye once. No one warned me that breasts actually squirt. Good to know. He also enjoys allowing his mouth to fill with milk then letting my nipple slip out of his mouth along with the mouthful of milk. Yum! I'm quite certain that I smell like breast milk consistently. I figure its the mark of being a new mom. And since the husband doesn't seem to love me or the little one any less I guess it's not too bad.

German birth!!

2009-10-14T12:56:00.002+02:00

So details detail details!! Lets see where to start.

As of Sunday night (with my due date Monday) My husband was slated for training 2 hours away. Luckily after some begging and pleading it was decided that he would stay until my appt and then depending on what was decided there either go to training or stay with me when I was induced. Appt time comes. Baby's estimated weight is 4250gm. Ummmm....thats over 9 pounds. Yikes!! So Dr says best bet is to induce as he gets bigger chances of complications sky rocket. Alrighty I can handle this. I have my orders to go to the hospital at 9 that night and they'd start with the prostoglandin. In I go and spend the night. All is going well and by 2 the next day they start me on Oxytocin. My husband comes in to hold my hand (after locking himself out of the house. LOL) and 1831 we have BABYYYYY!!!!!! 9 pounds 4 ounces 22.4 inches. We stayed in the hospital from Monday night until Saturday then got to come home. Lucian Alexander is now a week old. His Umbilical cord fell off and all is well. That's all. I'm gonna go drop like a rock. Night!

We have touchdown!

2009-10-10T12:52:00.001+02:00

Thats the baby. Lucian Alexander. Cute little guy. I think we did good. =)

The good, the bad, and the largely pregnant.

2009-10-04T23:12:00.003+02:00

It's official. I am the largely pregnant one in this scenario. Tomorrow is my due date. Yay for October babies! The bad...my husband is apparently soooo important to the army that he needs to go to the field and shoot things for a few days. In reality, he's going because he's one of the few people with the required license to drive them there. In reality I could give a hoot. My husband is not deployed therefore he should be home with me. Or at least not hours away and out of cell range. Now wait for it.........wait for it.......the good! Apparently someone somewhere outside his immediate chain of command since they had no idea about it, decided that he could come to by OB appt with me rather than going to the field hearing that they've decided to induce and then coming back. YES! Score one for the privates wife. =)

When live gives you lemons...

2009-10-02T10:56:00.002+02:00

Yell "Don't think I won't pull this car over!"...or something like that. So my computer was back in the shop for a week since Toshiba's obviously eat motherboards like candy. Grrrrr. We have it back now. Amen Amen. I was in withdrawl. Germans don't have the "sense of urgency" about this stuff. It'll be fixed when it's fixed. Which is totally kosher. Unless you're dealing with a nine month pregnant woman trying to make pumpkin muffins without a good recipe. Then a week is PLENTY of time. But my little laptop is happy at home again and I am happy with him here.

On to other probably much more pertinent/interesting to you info. No baby yet! Monday I have my due date OB appt on Monday and since baby managed to grow a whole pound before last weeks appt, the Dr said they may want to induce if little man grows too much bigger. Fine by me. I'd rather not have a 12 pound baby. If they don't decide to induce on Monday I'll have an appt every 2 days until baby arrives on his own, or they decide it's time. My husband my or may not be in town when I go into labor but the Lt's wife and I have our orders from the chain of command to get him back in town ASAP if all else fails. Lol. That's what happens when you tell the wife that her husband is slated for training on her due date and the week after. She gets grumpy.

My mother in Law also decided to give us a baby shower last weekend. Fine. We didn't need one, but if it makes her feel better go for it. One problem. I will now be receiving giant boxes of stuff on or around baby's birth. With my husband out of town. They'll put them in the car for me, but once I get home unless I start knocking on doors and begging I'm out of luck. Our neighbors are less than pleasant here. Sigh. Life happens.

That's all. I want muffins. That's my hankering today...again. Been my hankering for like a week lol. And since baby is done doing crazy stuff and back to just getting chubby my sugar levels have returned to normal and I'm allowed to once again eat muffins. Yay!

The toilet...

2009-09-20T14:05:00.002+02:00

I have spent quite a bit of time in the bathroom of late, happily seated upon my little white German throne. If you've never been to Germany (Possibly most of Europe) I will explain to you the difference in toilet styles. In the US we have one piece "chair" type toilets which we could carry around the house and use as regular free-standing seating if we so desired. Or if you're from the boondocks like me, they can be used as free-standing flower pots in your garden. Put it between the statue of the Virgin Mary in a half buried bath tub and the rickety dining chairs covered with half dead vines. But I digress. Back to the pisser. US toilets have handles and if it doesn't flush you take off the top of the tank and look inside and see what part of it is having issues. Don't lie you've looked inside the tank if for no other reason than plain curiosity.

German toilets are not this way. The "seat" protrudes from the wall with no attachment to the floor. This makes anyone over the weight of 100 lbs slightly worried that it will collapse in the middle of your business. It may just fall off the wall. This fear is not lessened in the middle of the night when you are 9 months pregnant. I regularly convince myself that I'm about to collapse our toilet. There is also no easy access type tank or "knob" to flush. I assume the tank is hidden somewhere in the wall. I don't know for sure though since I have yet to accidently rip the seat from the wall during my frequent visits and have therefore never seen the inner workings of a German toilet. Sad but true. So no tank to hide things in. No knob to flush with. Instead a button. To push. And it flushes. Very neat. In some cases you have TWO buttons. One for little messes and one for hardcore business.

As I said....I've recently spent a lot of time in the bathroom. What I really wanted to talk about was the pain in the arse that going to the bathroom pregnant is. Did you ever play sports in high school? I did. In swimming, peeing was not so tricky, pull your suit to the side, urinate, wipe, replace, run. Didn't know it was that easy didja? Well seriously stripping off a wet 2 size too small bathing suit in a hurry is impossible so we girls come up with short cuts. In Soccer it wasn't too bad either. Pretty much a normal occurance. Cheerleading was a pain. Skirt up. Bloomers down. Body suit (think adult onsie) up. Panties down. Go! Now ut yourself back together in the correct order and you're done.

Peeing while pregnant is the worst of everything. Your shirts are down to your knees to keep everything covered. Your pants are up to your chin to keep everything covered. You are generally sweating to death so everything is damp and unwilling to move with ease in the correct direction. And sadly since you have a little person sitting. poking, or hiccuping on or around your bladder you have another problem. As soon as you get your pants back around your neck and your shirt pulled back down over your sweaty back...you have to pee...AGAIN! So say what you will, I've decided that to set my mind at ease, I'm going with comfort.

Muumuus. Or toga's...made out of the sheets from our bed. That's my answer. I figure if I can convince my husband that it's sexy when I waddle, how hard could it be to convince him that wrapping myself in a sheet and wandering around the house is at least equally as sexy.

So while you all enjoy your day, I will be here in Germany perched precariously upon the potty protruding from our wall, praying that it will not plunge to the floor under my petite pregnant person while I pee and then package myself back in to my perfectly passable paraphernalia.

I don't know why the alliteration in that final paragraph...seemed like the thing to do at the time. Ok I need to pee!

I love sandwiches.

2009-09-16T12:42:00.003+02:00

37 weeks pregnant! Rocking my husband's shirt since it is comfy. I've decided that I'm having twins because one cute little child can't take up that much space in my belly! Craziness!
I've been not posting for awhile now...I know...I'm a slacker. Honestly I just enjoyed reading othe's posts more than I'd have enjoyed writing my own. I figured I'd behave today and actually write one of my own though. Just to be different. We'll go with random stuff since what is more fun than that?

Firstly--I was recently gifted with the "Honest Scrap" award. I'd post he picture but ummm...don't want to? Nati at mentions my loveliness here. She's super cool and posts in English even if she speaks German. So I have decided to follow only the first (and most fun) rule. (Ok second rule...Whatev.) 10 honest truths about me!

1.) I am nine months pregnant and can still shave my legs. I say I need to sit down, but that's a balance issue more than an inability to reach them issue. Bet I could paint my toes if I wanted to also.

2.) My dog has decided that sleeping on or around my head is pretty much the coolest thing he could do. When the husband is working nights it's fine, but when husband is home, it is not so appreciated.

3.) You can my cookie dough in one cookie increments. Just some butter and other ingredients and milk instead of an egg or part of an egg. Makes a perfect little spoonful of deliciousness. (Don't tell my Dr.) (or my husband)

4.) My husband calls me Carebear. Sends little butterflies down my spine every time. If you've ever met my husband you'll know he's not the most thoughtful or even polite child ever. Lol. It's nice that he likes me though.

5.) I hate liars more than anything. My children will be raised with the theory that if you lie to me about it the trouble will be much worse than if you just confront your mistakes.

6.) I am antisocial. My two closest friends here are the Lt's wife and the Captians wife. Even if I wanted, can't hang out with them and our husbands. Army fail.

7.) I'm a terrible procrastinator and often tell people I'm going to do something so that I actually do it.

8.) I LOVE tattoos. I don't have any.

9.) I'm a pretty sketchy housekeeper. My husband occasionally goes on little cleaning binges to help me out cuz well...I suck.

10.) I'm gonna play bingo tonight! How fun is that?!?!

Secondly--I have almost finished the broke down dresser My husband and I rescued last February (I made him don't doubt it) It's only taken me an entire summer of ignoring its existance. Lol. Also I'm decorating the baby's wall with just a line "Rats and Snails, Puppy dog tails, That's what little boys are made of." and some cute little pictures of "boy animals" like snails and alligators and turtles. =)

That's all I got folks. Happy hunting!

Some pictures of the actual place.

2009-09-02T13:32:00.003+02:00

As promised...some actual pictures of Prague! Instead of just me in Prague. Enjoy! It was a wonderful place to visit.