One Quirky Girl

"The hair now matches the brains."

2011-08-10T18:50:00.000+02:00

At least, that is what Robin said. I am not offended - was funny. Ivy & I are in the process of bleaching our hair for wild color. I know many a parent/adult who will be shocked I am doing this w/ my almost 12 year old. But I gotta say, she is adorable as strawberry blond. I must say, it is MUCH easier bleaching her hair than my own. I don't have any pics of me yet & I would like to lighten it a bit more. I have had a wonderful day. It was productive, but nothing with the house, really need to clean/organize. Mostly the latter. I hope you are all blessed beyond your imagination. I love you all.

Let Me quote Bob Marley...

2011-08-08T10:23:00.000+02:00

Don't worry about a thing... (Three Little Birds.) The Bible tells us not to worry:
Matthew 6:25-34
New International Version (NIV)
Do Not Worry
²⁵ “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? ²⁶Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? ²⁷ Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life^[a]?
²⁸ “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. ²⁹ Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. ³⁰ If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? ³¹ So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ³² For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. ³³ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.³⁴ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
& to be not anxious:

Philippians 4:6

New International Version (NIV)

⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

But I must admit, it is very hard to do, esp. when the government we have faithfully been serving for over 20 yrs. tries to back out of a promise, a contract, whatever you want to call it. New Military Retirement plan.

What will be, will be. I need to let go & let God. Please Pray for me & enjoy Tracy Chapman's Version of Three Little Birds.

Good Morning World!

2011-08-05T12:24:00.000+02:00

Well, not exactly morning, but that's ok. Still not back to normal with sleep cycling. But it will get there. Poor Ivy is having a heck of a time as well. I am unsure how most read this blog, but I want to point out a lovely new addition on your right. I realized today I need a list for my thankfulness so as to not repeat my self. So if you are interested in my daily thankfulness, check it out.
Today is a cleaning day. We have been home a week & I still need to clean. It's icky. have just been so off kilter it has been easy to ignore. That is over. I am still out of it, but the house is overdo for a scrub down. The hard thing is though I am soooo tired. As is Peanut. Neither one of us slept well last night (she says she went to sleep at 1:30, Me - 4:55 am is last time I looked at clock.) woke at a bit before 9 today, so trying to stay up so as to not repeat the issue tonight. Ugh.
We are cat-sitting for friends while they are on leave & the animals seem to have finally adapted to each other. Now we have 4 crazy animals tearing around. too fun.
Well, I can't make sense of my thoughts & seem to be rambling, So I will leave you with a thought...

Penguin Burial

Penguins

Did you ever wonder why there are no dead penguins on the ice in Antarctica - where do they go ?

Wonder no more!!!

It is a known fact that the penguin is a very ritualistic bird which lives an extremely ordered and complex life.

The penguin is very committed to its family and will mate for life, as well as maintaining a form of compassionate contact with its offspring throughout its life.

If a penguin is found dead on the ice surface, other members of the family and social circle have been known to dig holes in the ice, using their vestigial wings and beaks, until the hole is deep enough for the dead bird to be rolled into and buried. The male penguins then gather in a circle around the fresh grave and sing:

"Freeze a jolly good fellow"

"Freeze a jolly good fellow."

"Then they kick him in the ice hole."

You really didn't believe that I know anything about penguins, did you?

Thank you to GG for originally telling me this & Mtnguy on Forrest River Forums where I found it printed.

Thankfulness

2011-08-01T06:27:00.000+02:00

Check me out, 2 in one day.
I just started reading 365 Days of Thanking God: Cultivating a Heart of Everyday Thanks by Daniella Whyte.
As many of you know, I have all kinds of issues. But I am as always trying to work through my insecure mental weirdness. I am unfortunately often a negative person & depressed much of my life, but the real issues comes in that I KNOW it is a false feeling. It is wrong. So rather than beating myself up for being an ungrateful twit, I am in therapy & really have turned to God - though it is too easy to slip out of thinking of Him first.
An.y.how... Most of the things I need to do, (& not just me, beneficial for just about everyone in one way or another,) start off as forming habits. You get in a habit of something & it eventually will become 2nd nature. So I am starting my thankfulness project. I plan on posting here or on facebook (or if unable to get online, writing in my journal,) ONE thing everyday that I am thankful for & will try not to repeat myself.
The non-repeating is hard b/c when-ever I think of what I am thankful for there is a whole rush of stuff that ALWAYS comes to my mind...

Rob
my kids
my family
my pets
my home
financial security
the fact that we have all we need
retirement is soon
Rob is with me & not deployed (when applicable)
I am saved through Christ
We have Grace
our health
humor
internet

and more, but that's the main ones. Would you like to join me in being thankful???

I am back - hopefully regularly

2011-08-01T06:02:00.000+02:00

Ok. Ok, ok, ok. I am awful. Horrible. Terrible blogger. I am. Please forgive me. It doesn't mean I don't think about it, but other stuff always seems to get in the way. But you know what? That is ok. It's me. It's life. So let's try again, shall we? & for those of you who stick around & don't give up on me... Thank you & God bless your patient souls.
We got back from Idaho Friday. Rob's dad passed away unexpectedly. It was a horrid reason to go home. But it was so blessed to be there. It had been 15 years since we had been back there as a family. Rob had made it back before we moved to Germany, but not so with the rest of us. (I am fighting serious guilt that I didn't make more of an effort over the years to get us back there regularly one way or another. I can make things like that happen when I really but my mind to it, just didn't make enough effort. But I can't change the past, so just one more thing to add to my list to forgive myself for.)
Anyhow. It was beautiful & Rob has so much family. It's overwhelming, but in a good way. The viewing helped Rob (& I am sure others,) with closure & the service brought some tears & giggles to us, & the over-full chapel blessed the family to no end - showed how loved Ron was & the blessing he had been to others.
I dyed my hair black for the funeral - looks good. I learned a lot from this experience. One thing though. Rob & I have decided to set up as much as possible now, so when our time comes, it is one less thing for the family to have to fuss with as it is overwhelming when you are grieving to have to worry about piddly little things (such as wording of obituaries & making sure everyone is listed who needs to be. Or that they play the short version of Freebird rather than the one that never ends.) I have decided I want Ukulele music at my viewing & everyone to tell funny stories - focus on good. I want a room ringing with laughter. And I am right there with my mom, I think a coffee can is an awesome Urn as I just want my ashes planted with a tree. (Of course I need to wait & make sure they plant me w/ Rob as otherwise I'd just kill that plant as well. (I need Rob to cancel out my plant killing mojo.)
I always felt it was kind of morbid that my Grandma & Mom put so much thought & planning into their future deaths. Now I understand.
Love you guys & have a GREAT day.

Transitions....

2011-06-12T14:46:00.000+02:00

Today's sermon was on transitions. Lord is sending (& has sent) me many transitions in my life. The newest that has my gut in knots is that my eldest wants to join the military. Now as we have been in the army his whole life I shouldn't be at all surprised. The problem is that he has never had a set home. We have moved & moved & moved & I am just not wanting him to leave. I want him to come home to us & live near by wherever we go. I know it is not what I want in this matter that is important. How do you handle your children leaving.

Bamberg, Caino's & such

2011-05-18T20:11:00.001+02:00

CAINO CAMERA 139, a photo by Foof4E on Flickr.

Trying to show family around your hometown is like herding cats. Everyone is off in their own world. But that is ok - breathe in, breathe out, om..... I do love my town & my family so we deal. Unfortunately, the (younger) kids have school & their grades are such that they can't afford to miss a whole lot. & Robin has work & the play. At least the weather is being lovely. Right now I have a whole gob of pictures on Facebook, but until I get the ok from the folks they are set to family only. If for some reason you want to see the pics & it won't let you, please let me know & I will fix it. Love & God's blessing to you all ~ Heather

I love Peter

2011-02-04T11:04:00.000+01:00

I keep coming back to him. I keep being led to read 1 Peter & always find such wisdom & just love it. I had highlighted in my Message Bible 1 Peter 2:1
So clean house! Make a clean sweep of malice and pretense, envy and hurtful talk.
Peter continues on in verses 2 & 3:
You've had a taste of God. Now, like infants at the breast, drink deep of God's pure kindness. Then you'll grow up mature and whole in God.

I really like those verses. They speak to me. Every time I look at them I of course first think of cleaning my house. I love when I have a clean house. Not that I love cleaning, but I do so love when my house is clean. Cleaning is tedious & tiring & HARD WORK. But so are most things that are worthwhile. So I need to remember that when thinking *in whiny voice in my head* "It's too hard to change my ways." "What does it hurt to be envious or talk shit if I keep it to myself or just within my family & friends who know I just want to vent." "If I pretend to be a certain way with this group of people it just makes life easier." & so on. Well, it does hurt. It hurts me & my walk with God. It may influence other people to negativity. To live right is hard work & I know I will fail. But that is OK b/c God Loves me & forgives me for my failings. How Awesome is that?

Been learning my ukulele & trying to find ukulele music. Also am trying to listen to more Christian music. Need to surround myself with the things that will help me be the best person I can be. (And if you got any bands or songs you like, let me know.) Been trying to find a combination of ukulele Christian music. Talk about a niche market - HA! Hard to find but not impossible. Here's one I like, enjoy...

Peace & Love my peeps.

Hiya!

2011-01-20T13:19:00.000+01:00

color to be added later

Ok, I have a couple of blog posts I am working on, but they are taking me way too long. Blech. So I just wanted to give a Howdy to my lovely friends & family that actually read my drivel. HA! Anyhow. I am working on drawing/painting more & part of it is I get very descriptive images when I think/speak/listen/etc. And I am trying to find ways to help my peeps understand me. (Lifetime job there.) This is how I function vs. how I want to be (which is how my hubby is.) Of course, Rob says I have gotten better. He said in the past would have to have the curvy path going through the straight path as well as back & many more zig-zags. So. Hey, improvement. Start with the morning, stretch get going & try & accomplish all I have set out for the day. Ha!

GREAT Devotional, please read or Listen: Free Radicals

Good example: went & jumped in the shower, took the dog for her walk, Rob came home for lunch & I have NO idea what I was saying/going to write.

Me & Little Bit

I was pondering the other day, when did bad become good? When did we/society decide that using opposites (slang) is a good way to express how great we think something is. Bad or wicked for example. And does this help promote evil in the world by desensitizing us to the thought of bad. Just a thought to chew on. Please let me know what you think. Today I realize God is really trying to get it though my thick head - be humble. I have been too proud all my life, which seems so incongruous with the fact that I also have thought badly of myself. But being prideful does not equal being self-confident or anything like that. So now that I have rambled on, please go back to your regular programing. Love you all!

Hello Friday!

2011-01-14T10:02:00.002+01:00

I have the sweetest hubby. Yes we have had our issues. & like most people, when I am upset I don't want to think about my role in the wrongdoing. But I have to say, God sure did me a favor when he brought that man-o-mine into my life. And surprisingly enough, (to me anyway,) he feels the same way.
Last night my darling brought be roses & the sweetest card. For no reason. Just because. How awesome is that. And now we have a 4 day weekend together. (Ok, the kids have 3 days. But that's even better as it gives Rob & I time together.) So today we have plans. Racquetball, store browsing, bird feeding & none-ya ;)
So I need to finish my morning routines, including getting the dog walked, so we can have our time. I hope you all have a lovely weekend planned.

1 Peter 3

2011-01-13T17:57:00.000+01:00

God has been talking to me lately. This past week I lost count of the times I was pointed to, heard, drawn to 1 Peter, specifically Chapter 3. Well, I am NOT going to ignore that. Let me share w/ you what is talking to me (from reading the Message bible.)
1 Peter 3:8
Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble.
1 Peter 3:4
Be gentle & gracious.
1 Peter 3:1-4
Let me be an example to show my husband the wonder of walking with God. Don't push him, but draw him to a closer walk.

Not that I have been great. I am a sinner. I am working to improve myself. To find peace & happiness. I am getting there slowly but surely & I am sure will slip up, but will do my best to fight the evil & chase peace (1 Peter 3:11.)
I have been trying to think about my gifts. What I am good at. One that comes to me is being a caring/loving person. Taking care of others & trying to bless them.
It is hard to get to where you can focus on the good about yourself when you have spent most of your life hating who you are. I have been thinking - how insulting is that. I am amazed at Gods' capability to forgive us. For the amount of love. I am humbled & have begged forgiveness (& know I have been forgiven) for forgetting/ignoring/not believing how wonderful I am because I am a child of God. I am so thankful to be drawn back to church & to have joined PWOC. I will continue to work on me & get to be a better person all the time. I finally got to a place in my life where I can look for help & not think it's stupid or corny or fake. It amazes me that the older I get the more I realize how much of a child I have been all my life. Maybe I'll be a grown up when I turn 40?
More good reading recently: oldie but goodie..... "Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus" by John Gray. Really has made me reevaluate how Rob & I have been communicating (or more precisely NOT communicating.) Now I am trying to get the rest of the family to read it as I think it would help them all understand each other.
There was something else, a deep thought. A question I was pondering today while walking in the rain with the dog & now I have no clue. I am sure it will come to me tonight while trying to sleep, so for now I will just say adieu.

PS - we got a new kitty, her name is Little Bit

1111

2011-01-01T21:30:00.000+01:00

Once again, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Who out there realized that today was 1/1/11? Nifty, isn't it? Have you made any resolutions? I debated, as most of the time, most people fail to keep their resolutions & I am no exception. But, I decided to still do it & made up my mind to set a reasonable goal & really do it. So my goal this year, my resolution, is to get healthier in my mind & body. I think I am making good steps towards my mind, but my body will be a challenge. I do know I need to sit down and make a more specific goal so that I can see when I have met my goals. (I am trying to be positive.) My plan of attack for getting healthier in my mind is:

Keep going to my therapist(s)
Go to church regularly
Find ways to conquer obsessing over everything
Read self-help books/articles
Practice positivity

For my body, that is harder & I am loathe to say much as I am afraid I'll fail & then beat myself up about it, but I can confidently say:

Exercise at least 2x's a week (not counting daily walks w/ dog)
Lay off so much desserts/sweets
Cut back on caffeine

So, I think those are pretty reasonable goals. I would love to hear yours.

PS - I also joined the 21 Day Organizing Challenge at A Bowl Full of Lemons, wanna join?
pps - I also am going to try & draw, paint or craft/be creative in some way daily (or at least every other day.)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2011-01-01T01:22:00.000+01:00

Good Morning

2010-12-29T14:54:00.000+01:00

After a bad night, I awoke on the couch to a better morning. Anger had fled, in it's place were insecurity & sadness, but that is getting fought as well. I imagine a small me in boxing attire inside my self sparring the negative things in my head. (I do have a vivid imagination & if only I could express my vision I think I could actually make money off my art - hah.) So today I am posting on the good for 2 reasons. Because I need to share the good as well as the bad - actually more so & I need to remind myself.
After many years fighting the idea of therapy, I have now become a major advocate of it. I do know there are factors with it as well. First off, you need a therapist you can click with. Sometimes people rub you the wrong way & it's no ones fault, just a personality clash. In order for therapy to be beneficial you should be able to look forward to your sessions as a respite & a good thing. It is lovely to have someone you can talk to that you can say anything. You don't have to worry you are going to hurt someones feelings or make them mad or what you said would come back & bite you in the ass. You can just get it all off your chest & then they can help you look for ways to have a healthy attitude, & behavior. The therapist gives you tools to help yourself. Granted most of the time it seems very silly, but you know what? It works, & that is what counts. Marriage counseling on the other hand is helpful in it's way as it gives you a person to talk to, & kind of through, to express yourself with a buffer to help keep from saying things the wrong way or going off on a tangent. They are there as a mediator & somewhat as an interpreter. One thing I have learned is that much of the time, though Rob & I both speak english, we really don't understand each other. But the key to a healthy & happy relationship is communication, so we have to learn each others language. And NOT rely on the other person reading your mind, no matter how long you have been together. One last bit, & I know it should be first, is God & my walk with him. I have to be self-centered in my walk. What I mean is that I need to not worry about the others in the family. I need to go to church, pray & read biblical centered things in order to be happy & not worry about making anyone else do anything. That doesn't stop me from being concerned but it does help me to be with God & in the moment rather than having half my mind wandering to where I don't get anything from anything & just end up stressed. One of the hardest things I am working on is living in the moment & stop constant obsessing over both past & future, though the ADD meds do help with that. I hope this has been a much more upbeat talk today & I hope you are all blessed & happy today.

Poo biscuits

2010-12-29T00:54:00.000+01:00

I am pitiful. I am still up, still down. The boys keep moving around - bathroom/whatever. But every time I hear a door open my heart jumps. I stupidly for a second think/wish it is Rob. I have these hopeful thoughts wishing for him to come downstairs & say "sorry babe, for getting pissed about something so stupid, please come to bed, I can't sleep without you." Oh well, just putting my wish out to the universe, maybe God will grant it. Of course, maybe pigs might fly out of my but too.
1 am & all is not well...

This past year...

2010-12-28T23:59:00.000+01:00

****WARNING****
this post is me venting, don't read if you don't want to deal w/ my melodrama. Except for maybe Rob as it is also about him.

Ok, I am going to try this again. I can't promise anything as I just feel like crap when I slack off. This last year has been rough. But is ending much better. (Though at the time of this writing I am frustrated/irritated as hell.) I've had issues for about as long as I can remember with depression, though if I had to pick a beginning I'd say it was puberty.) I had fought it in my own way, (not well mind you,) 'til about 6 or so years ago when I finally talked to my doctor & was prescribed anti-depressants. & they do help, but it has been getting to where they weren't cutting it. Esp, this last year since Rob came back. He had been unhappy with.. me.. I guess is what it boils down to, & our marriage for a while. Starting around when I went back to work full time. He didn't like having to do the things I always took care of, & I was stressing at work & basically being bitchy. But nothing was ever said & I was to wrapped up in my own issues & oblivious. Then he deployed & we were separated for 15 months. Still nothing about his issues, but I got very lonely. I always miss him & have always felt like he was my best friend & just missed him. I don't make a lot of close friends b/c, for me, friendship is a lot of work. I have high expectations for myself as a friend & for others as my friend. That is why most of my friends are family. Have to love them - ha. Anyhow, when he came back he was distant, but I couldn't put my finger on it. when I would try to talk he'd say there was nothing wrong & I was imagining it. So I got more & more depressed, but was still functioning 'til my friend PCS'd back to the states & it was just me & him. Him & I? whatever the correct grammar is... I got to where I was non-functional (let's just leave it at that.) I finally went back to the doctor & was referred to the behavioral health clinic on post for therapy. But before my first session things between Rob & I hit the wall & he stated he didn't want to be married to me. (Now he has since explained that didn't mean he wanted a divorce,just that he was extremely unhappy with our marriage.) Finally got him to agree to marriage counseling. it does help, but sometimes I wish I could schedule the sessions for when I need them, though as far as scheduling them I don't know when I'll need them. Oh well. Just have to concentrate on the good. But anyway, I also got an appt. with the psychiatrist & have been diagnosed ADD & OCD on top of my depression & with a dose of anxiety disorder in there, though it falls under one of the others. So I see my psychologist for talk therapy & the psychiatrist for diagnoses & meds & the marriage counselor for the 2 of us. And it is all helping, but what brought on my post tonight was a need to talk/vent/something as my lovely husband went to bed rather than talk out our argument & he is sleeping while I am stewing. I wish I could bury the crap & let it not bother me. I asked (rather bitchily I am sure) him to talk it out, but he has work tomorrow & went to bed. Ivy went to a friends tonight, so I said want to watch football or one of your war movies? He said he had never watched all of the Deer Hunter, soooo... I said lets watch that. Now there are times I enjoy some war movies, but this one didn't keep my attention. Was not my thing, but I just putzed around on the computer & let the movie play. But then I notice that Rob is hardly watching, paying most attention to his computer himself. I started watching him & realized he was barely paying attention. Now before I started watching him I did ask a couple times if he was watching as he didn't seem to react to any points in the movie, he said he was watching. Was getting irritated. Told him to at least go on facebook & wish his mom a happy birthday, so was nagging about that as well. So yeah I was annoying him. I would like to say I am sorry for that, but Honestly I am not, & that is an issue I have to address, but for Pete's sake, If you are going to be glued to the f-ing computer at least tell YOUR mom happy birthday without me saying something 5 times. I hate that I am so annoyed & on the verge of crying. Crying all the time sucks major ass. Finally after watching him I did argue that, No he wasn't watching. So he wrote on facebook goodnight all I am watching a great movie (38 minutes from the end.) I read that when the movie ended & was tempted to write something about ha- NOW you're going to watch for the end of it. But I didn't. But I did say it to him. Well he got real pissed. Argued a bit, but mostly just got annoyed & I said I'd sleep on the couch, he said no he would. He is in bed & I am annoyed. I wonder why God made us to be partners but made us so different (men & women) so it is so blamed hard to communicate. I really wish when I tell him flat out I need to talk he would take me seriously. I get so obsessive over the bad shit, it just goes around & around & around my head & makes sleep impossible. I am going to go & have a pity party now. I hope you all can sleep soundly where ever you are.

The Muppets: Bohemian Rhapsody

2010-12-27T21:19:00.000+01:00

Merry Christmas

2010-12-26T00:16:00.000+01:00

Birds

2010-10-13T16:13:00.000+02:00

all made by me :)

2010-10-13T16:12:00.001+02:00

all made by me :)
Originally uploaded by Foof4E

Long time No see

2010-10-06T12:13:00.000+02:00

Hi. I know you were wondering what happened. Well, nothing, I just suck. I hope you all are doing well. I was concerned - thought I might be diabetic. Many issues. Turns out that other than being fat & crazy, I am healthy as a horse. Depression is their main concern so I have now gone from just taking my Prozac, to needing to go see Mental Health. I am fat enough to bother my asthma & carpal tunnel, but not enough for them to do anything to help me lose weight. Also, Germany is playing hell with my skin - in addition to making my Psoriasis worse it is also the cause of my slow healing. Ugh. It all just sucks & feeds my da-t-da... depression. Fricking vicious cycle. On a different note ...

Forrey Gnome Home

1.) I finished my Gnome Home (inspired by Wee Folk Art {I love them}) Now I get to play & change it with the seasons.

2.) Robin finally signed up for college classes. (he's annoyed that it took most of his money.)

3.) Not exactly news, but just want to share, America's Test Kitchen ROCKS! Do you watch the show? check for local listings. Really is the best food... recipes, techniques, tools.... (one of my happy places.)

same day pic.

4.) Ivy has quit scouts, but LOVES the JFK (teen/youth center for 6-12th graders) & disappears there til 7 pm just about every day they are open.

5.) Robin got a tattoo.

til next time (should be sooner rather than later.) Love & peace...

family camping trip (or the mis-adventures of 4efamily camping)

2010-07-06T11:53:00.000+02:00

Have I told y'all why I have such a bad view of camping? IT ALWAYS RAINS ON ME!!!!!!!! Always. Never fails. Check the weather daily for 2 weeks & it is supposed to be hot & sunny. Absolutely beautiful. Decide to wait on swimming til the AM, set up camp. Start thinking about dinner & here comes the rain. and thunder. and lightning. Temp goes from 90 to 70's in a matter of an hour. Make it through the night. Wake up to gorgeous skies & birds singing. Make breakfast & sit at the camp finishing coffee while the kids play cards & "what was that?" A drop, then another, big black clouds rolling in & the temp is in 60's. Call Lisa & ask her to check the weather for me. High of 69 & thunder showers followed the next day by clouds & still cool. So our camping trip lasted all of over night. & cost fricking 40 euro since we take up 2 tents.The way south was ine til we got to Baden-Baden. The town & the GPS conspired to keep us from finding the information center. Many towns here take you to a certain point & then you have to hunt for the information center. after a few hours driving it was not a good thing. ended up with much frustration & me losing my mind & turning into a witch. So rather than continuing along the Schwarzwald Hochstrasse (Black forest high road) we just took a more direct route to the camp site in Titisee (pronounce tee-tee-say.) It was quite the party atmosphere there as it was the world cup & the Germans were (& did) stomping the Argentinians. We did stop in Triberg on the way home & check out the famous waterfall. So overall it was nice other than the rain & being cut short. I still think we need a camper so we aren't stuck in the little tents apart from each other in inclement weather. To make the short trip up to the peanut, we set up the tent in the backyard for Ivy & used the charcoal so Ivy & Hannah can camp & make s'mores. I have 1 week left til Lisa & family leave :( b ut as they are staying with us rather than a stinky ol hotel at least we get some time together. Hope all is well & will post more pics to flickr soon.

P.S.- the gnome is Sven Olaf Gunterson, he plans on hanging w/ us this summer.

4efamily Summer 2010

2010-07-02T21:04:00.000+02:00

As promised, here is my next post.Saw these GREAT posts all over on summer lists & thought, "Hey, I can actually accomplish something this summer instead of feeling like we totally wasted the summer." So Thanks to the amazing originals:
meg duerksen
simply modern mom
wonderwoman creations
and last but not least, this wonderful one that I can't find or remember where I found it in the first place.
We have also made it to the pool a couple times, but I haven't checked it off at all. We are leaving in the AM for our camping trip in the Black Forrest. I will blog again next week. Have a GREAT weekend.

Coolness!!!

2010-07-01T14:54:00.000+02:00

Ok, I am TOTALLY digging Bloggers new set-up. Expect to see changes in the look as it has mucho choices & I plan on playing. As you all know me, you know I have the attention span of a gnat (oooohhh look at the shiny thing...)so you know I'll get bored & eventually settle on something, but in the mean time...
BTW, sorry I suck lately at posting. Really slacked after my honey came home last fall. I will try to post weekly. That is my goal. We're off to attempt family camping Saturday, sans camper :( not enough moola. When school starts back I gotta go back to work. No more alone time for Rob & I at lunch.
New pics are up on flickr, go check them out. Too much is happening lately, my boy graduated from high school, got his German drivers license. Both boys got their braces off & got jobs. Robin at Military Clothing Sales & Zach at the Commissary (as soon as his paperwork is right, having some issues with getting the right papers.) My buddy is moving soon, but we have a cpl weeks together. Having them bunk down here rather than a stinky old motel. I will follow w/ another post (that is a total rip off of other ppls genius that I intend to credit) super soon. I hope you all are doing really great & having a wonderful summer.
This is for my Peanut.....
Jeep

Oh My.

2010-06-04T08:46:00.000+02:00

I have never had a cold hit this hard & this fast. This past Mon. I didn't sleep well at all, woke up exhausted & reportedly was giving an award winning performance with my snoring. Enough so that my throat was sore through till Wednesday. Then Wed. night I started coughing, like crazy. It came out of no where. After another rough night I wake up with one of the worst colds I can remember. headaches, check. body aches, check. coughing, sneezing, congestion, check, check, & check. Any cold symptoms you can think of & I had/have 'em. I slept for most of the past 24 hrs, w/ periods of wakefulness to eat, potty & tell the family that though I am dying (seriously, how I felt) I love them. I do feel MUCH better today though & at 0440 this morning I was convinced I was better & that it had left as quick as it hit. The cold then said mwa-ha-ha & hit me in the back of the head, knocking me out for a cpl more hours. Now I can confidently say that yeah, I am not well, but I am well on the way. I am hopeful by tonight I have this kicked. Cross your fingers & toes & I will talk again soon.

lengthening pants

2010-05-23T18:55:00.007+02:00

Peanut has grown like a weed sin the last 17months. Her school has a "uniform" that is more like a strict dress code. But it still makes it to where she has specific school clothes. Hardest are pants. The PX does carry uniform clothes (Dickies) but they are only in childrens sizes. I KNOW I am not the only person who has a hard time finding stuff to fit my girl. See, there is no uniform for middle or high school. So the sizes stop at childrens. My 10 yr old is 5 foot tall & not shaped right for the clothes they carry, so I have to be creative. They can wear khaki, navy or black slacks to school. Her pants that I hemmed to fit her right before we moved here January of last year now measure 4.5 inches too short. That is a lot to add to pants. But they fit great otherwise, soooo here's what I did:

Disclaimer - I have never written a sewing or crochet tutorial in my life & have no real idea of what I am doing, but wanted to share & maybe can help someone else get extra life out of a growing child's clothing.

Pants #1

I decided to crochet a large bell type ruffle. I used a cotton/acrylic blend yarn & a #5 hook. I started by making a blanket stitch completely around the hem of both legs. Used embroidery floss & the stitches are roughly 1/4 inch apart. then I used a single crochet for the first round. for the rest of the legs I did half double crochet. row 2 - 5 straight stitch of one in each stitch. rows 6 - 10 are increased in 2, 1, 1 (repeat to end.) I think they came out adorable & will be easy to add on more when needed.

Pants #2

I decided to add a patchwork-ish panel at the bottom & then got to playing with it & thought it'd be cute to have it sandwiched between the pants & the hem. Let me tell you, this had me in a tizzy. I am an AMATEUR seamstress. & for the most part just muscle my way through stuff without knowing what the heck I am doing. But I'll give it a try. So first bit of advice is to measure a few times & with an actual tape measure (not a wooden ruler.) ( I am giving directions the way it should have been done without all the rip-outs & re-dos.) First cut off the bottom of each leg right above them hem & then use a seam ripper to take out the top stitch all the way around on both. I used a bunch of panels of cotton fabric in the same color scheme (if you can call black & white a color scheme,) all the same height. then sewed them together & pressed the seams flat. I then ironed on interfacing & sewed the whole deal into a tube. I then made another tube the same size in a lining fabric. Then I sewed them together, wrong sides together & finished the edges with a zigzag stitch. Then pin the tube to the pants leg right (outer) sides together & sew with a straight stitch followed by a zigzag to lock the edges. straighten & sew along the edge to flatten down the inside. Do the same for the cuff.

I know this is all pretty much gibberish, but if anyone out there can make this make sense, just give me a holler & go for it. Happy crafting.

Rain

2010-05-06T13:52:00.001+02:00

Rain, rain go away.... I know you are necessary, but you make me so blue. I want to cry & don't know why & it is all due to the rain. thbbbbbtttttttt......

Blah

2010-04-29T08:02:00.003+02:00

Apparently I have allergies. Which seem to enjoy playing with my asthma which I forget I have usually. I can't seem to get enough oxegen & feel like there is an elephant sitting on my chest. I mean, what the hell. I didn't have these issues when I smoked. Not that I knew of anyway. Now though - yeesh. Also for some reason lately I feel positively 2 dimensional. Am so low I think I can become one with the couch. Ohm... Yeah, too bad it isn't meditative. So wanted to say sorry for the lack of posts. Maybe I should talk to the Doc about upping my meds. I hope all is well with all of you out in cyberspace. I do love you all.

redo

2010-04-01T12:34:00.006+02:00

Ok, I am restarting. I started writing a post a couple days ago, but was PMSing & whiny, so I deleted it. I am going crazy. I have like NO patience. I want my camper & I want it now!!! (My poor family, I am annoying myself.) I mean look at this thing. Isn't it the cutest? The problem is that the ones I can afford right now don't have registrations & need inspections. I am not sure about what is needed to make sure a camper is road worthy. I want this adorable Qek junior. And then can get an "awning" to go with it for the kids. (Is an attached tent.) If needed we can all cram in, but would rather have some room. I am getting in vacation mood. I wanna travel & we have plans for spring break, but I don't want to waste money on a hotel that could go to camper to be used for next few years. Maybe we can find some used camper dealerships. I miss US internet listings, phone books. It is much harder to find stuff here. At least for someone who speaks only rudimentary German. But, I have Rob asking around & I keep checking ebay.de & mobile.de, so cross your fingers for me & I hope we soon find the perfect camper or us. Hope you all had a super-d-duper Easter.

wet noodle whipping time

2010-03-30T09:57:00.008+02:00

Ok. I know. I know. I am a horrid blogger. I let y'all down repeatedly. Disappear for weeks on end. But that is me. Just whip me with a wet noodle & I'll try to do better. We've had some busy days in there & lots of pouting (missed Rob horribly for the month he was in Hohenfels.) But he is back & I am much happier. Last Saturday was Girl Scout Thinking Day. (which is where each troop learns about another country then on thinking day they share with the other troops what they learned.) It's fun & educational. & since I had the Fleming family on post already we followed it up with our March Theme night. This month was "The Birds." I stuck bird silhouettes all over the walls & we ate chicken. Hey, we got a giggle out of it & was easy peasy. The girls weren't too keen on it & the peanut gallery (including me,) were being snarky & making fun of the characters. I mean really - you're going to escape in a soft top convertible when those birds can break though windows and doors - sheesh. Next time I am thinking we're going to introduce the kids to Abbot & Costello.
This up coming Saturday Li sa & I are having our joint birthday party. Mine is April 7th & hers is the 6th. So as the next weekend starts spring break & they are flying off to London & we are starting our road trips - we figured the week before is good. We are going to take 2 days in Berlin. 1 to see the sights (that are on our list as it is too huge to see everything - & 1 for the zoo/aquarium.) We also have planned a driving tour through the black forest & not sure what else. Before that on the 8th both families are going on an underground tour of Bamberg. There are miles of tunnels beneath the city.
While at Thinking day the males of both the Forrey & Fleming family got bored & found the way to hell. One of the countries that one of the other troops covered was Turkey. It was very cool because for 1 we are planning to go around August & for 2 there was wonderful Baklava. They gave me the site for the recipe.
I have been drawing a tiny bit, but need to draw more. It is so beautiful today, I need to go ride my bike. Hard to believe, but they are calling for snow on Wednesday. Ugh, ok. I am officially sick of winter.
Well, I think I have rambled on enough for today. I hope you are all doing fantabulous & will do my darndest to write again soon.

Grumpy

2010-03-02T21:17:00.003+01:00

Not Dopey, but pretty Sleepy. Mostly Grumpy. Not sure why. Yesterday I got my hair done & it is Gorgeous. & today was ok. But now I am feeling Crabby, crabby, crabby. People & things keep sitting on/ touching me & I am about to lose my mind. Normally I am all about the cuddle but sometimes... Aaaaaaagggggghhhhhhhhhhh... Give me 2 fricking inches to myself. PLEASE! Then I hurt feelings & it makes me feel even more grumpy. Grr. Sorry. Just needed to vent for a second to someone. anyone.

Did you have Green eggs & Ham today?
how about some fish, I say.
Red or blue or even white.
as long as it was cooked just right.
Did you pet a dog? big or small?
or just that cat whose hat is tall?

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!!

Guten Morgen!

2010-02-23T07:57:00.003+01:00

Good morning my Dudes & Dudettes! My oh my I feel so much better. Mother Nature finally kicked in & my hormones are balancing back out. The weather is still grey & Rob is still gone (which sucks a**,) but the relief my body is feeling from the balance has made me downright chipper. I am achey & tired, but happy. Next week we should be getting our tax return & will be gone again with in a week, but we'll be a couple of debts lighter. I decided while Rob was gone that in order to kick start my weight loss I would stick to mainly vegetarian meals. So Far So Good. Well just wanted to say all is wunderbar. Hope your day is swell too.

Pity Party

2010-02-21T11:07:00.004+01:00

I love snow, watching those great big white flakes falling, but if it isn't going to stick & build to prettiness it needs to stop. I need some sunshine. I love Germany & for the most part can be fine with the many grey days, but I am so blue lately. Been blue anyway, then things start building. Zach had/has some grade issues & his speech teacher (of all ppl) made it worse at home with some ill placed e-mails to me. I hate fighting with him. He gets mad & punishes with me by not talking & with holding affection. I know this is typical teenage stuff & God knows I yell at him. But as he is usually so sweet it hurts. Esp when I am sad & need all the hugs I can get. Robin finally has friends he is hanging out with - & I am so glad, he is too much of a loner & I like that he has ppl to hang out with, - but I miss him. Of course, don't see much of him when he is home anyway as he stays in his room for the most part. Rob left for a training exercise for a month. It is completely lame, he is only one from his unit there & he is there to sign for & inspect vehicles. Sooooo not his job. Stupid. I miss him. When he gets back he's going to see if there is anyway to transfer to the Provost Marshall's office. Cross your fingers there is a position available. But doesn't save us from being apart now. He left on friday & Ivy abandoned me. Can usually count on her to snuggle with me when I am sad, but she went out. Darn kid is growing up too fast. She went to a dance & then spent the night at her friends house. Came home a couple times yesterday to ask if she could 1 - go to the movies & 2 spend the night again followed by 3 - getting her stuff. here it is noo o Sunday & still no Ivy. At least Zach is hanging with me, even if he is irritated with me again. He was very sweet friday & saturday though. Well, I am done whining for me. Thanks for listening. Next time I promise will be a cheerful post.

Theme Night

2010-02-14T23:12:00.006+01:00

Did I tell you I have reinstituted theme night this year? I have had theme night off & on over the years, but then I get tired & feel unappreciated & it fades off. Well, I have started up again & this time have drug the Flemings along for the ride. (It is easier w/ two mama's planning this [& some daddy help]) The only thing the kids have to do is show up, stick around & participate. Tonight was the 2nd so far this year. (It's a monthly thing.) January we had a mini luau & watched Blue Hawaii. The girls made paper leis & we had pulled pork (closest thing to pig & sounded & was yummy,)virgin pina coladas & fresh pineapple. also draped much of the living room with sarongs. Theme night always is around a movie, but dag gum it, these kids have to hang out with us. Tonight though - ahhhhh. We had an extra family with us as Lisa has friends down from Denmark visiting. We had a Pink Panther Night. we all had mustaches (& have some great pics I will be getting from Lisa,) I drew them all with a dark Eyeliner. We did have a couple of younguns put up a fuss, but convinced them to let me draw a mustache on their fingers to hold up to lip. haha. We had french onion soup, au gratin potatoes with a penny hidden (who ever got the penny won the prize - a magnifying glass,) & a french chicken dish Lisa found which was yummy. Also we had a pink wine that they had at the shoppette, tasted like a wine cooler, but was bubbly & pretty & pink. Also to finish off the night, we had sno balls for desert. Originally I was going to make crepes, but that ended up seeming way too intensive. It was a good night & I love getting the kids to hang out with us. The older they get the harder it is. I will post more mustache pics once I get them. Have a great week!

Bestest Friend & Poor Robot

2010-01-30T19:27:00.004+01:00

I have been guilty of coveting after Lisa's Purse ever since she bought it. Serious Purse lust & envy. She said it was a bit small for her & while in Ramstein she found a new one. My lovely bestest buddy GAVE me her awesome purse as a very early birthday present. I am the luckiest girl in the world to have such a giving friend. I love you Lisa :) (Isn't it Gorgeous!) And it has GREAT handles & purty silk lining w/ awesome pockets. I love it! I am so happy. But it comes followed by a bit of sadness. My poor little robot lost an arm. Rob got me this great little guy for Christmas & he is just the coolest clock. I keep him clipped on my purses since Christmas day. That way I always have the time. Isn't he cute. But darn it all his arm broke off. Poor baby. Oh well, what do you think? Adds Character? I hope you all are having a great weekend, I'll get some pics of the wonderful snow to post tomorrow (at least on flickr.) Cheers!

Good Girl Day (wordy post though)

2010-01-19T22:45:00.008+01:00

Oooo I AM proud of me today. Well, to start, This past weekend I got my new 2010 planner made & this time put check boxes for things I need to do daily & today I actually did all 4. It may not seem like much, but it is hard to to get motivated some (many) times. My 4 things to do daily are:

Clean Something
Craft Something
Exercise Something
Be Thankful for Something

I've kept it vague b/c I get bored/scattered/side tracked & really WANT to do these things daily. I figure if I don't get my body exercised at least I can do my mind. & as far as thankfulness, when I get down it is good to remind myself of what I have to be thankful for. Not only is this in my planner to remind me, but I am writing down what I am doing. So a nice little record. Well today I went to the gym with Lisa & we road the bikes (liked) made the rounds on the nautilus equipment (did not like) & finished off with the treadmills (liked.) Then we went to get lunch & pretty much canceled our good work, but was yummy & split a veggie philly & order of fries at Charley's then dumped off my small fortune of mail at the post office where they told me I have to alter my return address for OpSec reasons *rolls eyes* & that yoyo in an envelope have to have a customs form - yeesh. After a few more errands it was home again, home again jiggity jig & time to get cleaned & vacuum. Which is a never ending daily thing, but darn it, I did the whole first floor & it counts as cleaning something. Next I made a point to find my blessing for today (there are many,) today though I made a point to thank God for such a great family (& that my handsome eldest boy has his eye on a nice young lady.) These younguns might drive me crazy, but they are really good kids. & kooky like their parents. I could go on on that subject for quite sometime, but would seem braggy & boring. Lastly, I have been looking at excercising my artistic side more to improve. I need to draw daily, but where as when I was my boys ages that was all I wanted in life was to be an artist, over the years it got lost & it takes quite a bit to get back. I am much more comfortable now with general crafting. Periodically I'll make someone something & they say - You could sell that, but that is when it loses something for me. Arts & crafts are a labor of love (or at the least like.) I need to be invested on some emotional level or it is no fun. Anyhow, been looking at crafting 365 on flickr for sometime & have finally joined up. so have been crafting for 3 days.

So there you have it, I have been a good girl today & I feel GOOD. I hope you all are feeling at least half as good as me. Hugs :)

Happy FRIDAY!!!

2010-01-15T23:13:00.004+01:00

I can eat again!!!!! Not much, which is a good thing. A week of being on a severely restricted diet has shrank my tummy so that small amounts are filling. Now I just need to start exercising again & stick with it this time.
It is a wonderful day. I woke up, felt good, got to spend some time w/ my hubby, went out & about w/ my Lisa & picked up my new specs. I have been without my glasses since this past fall. The price on post was so terrible I was just offended by it. Couldn't stand the thought of getting new ones & wanted an exam first. My prism actually went down some though which is awesome. My new glasses are A-dorable & while we were downtown there was this great street performer playing the accordion - WONDERFULLY!! We putzed around downtown, then we went to the craft store in Hallstadt. Tonight was nummy home made mac-n-cheese, turkey & green beans with a cpl of Star Wars movies. It has been a GREAT day. And this is a long weekend, so I am going to rope the family into helping me get the house in shape & then family game night - YEA!!! Now if only I can keep the boys out of their rooms & away from all things electronic without them being crabby monsters, (at least Ivy likes spending time w/ us.) I hope you all have as great a day as me :)

my week so far

2010-01-13T21:29:00.003+01:00

My determination to lose weight comes not a moment too soon. Combination of being over-weight & stress has given me horrendous heartburn/acid-reflux. It has been getting worse over time, but had been going away & manageable, until 3 days ago. All I could feel was constant burning. Tried tums - nothing, put myself on the B.R.A.T. diet (bananas, rice, apple sauce, & toast) a bit modified though. Mostly just mild food & have apple juice rather than apple sauce. Still not up to eating much, but feel massively better. I have never felt such burning & my throat is burnt, but getting better every day.
My second thing to share today comes courtesy of another blog I follow - Meet Me at Mike's. I love this mission - just another way to perform RAK (random acts of kindness.) I hope you all enjoy your week & be happy :)

Goals for 2010

2010-01-11T12:53:00.004+01:00

As many of you know I love Swap-bot. My first swap out for the New Year is the New Year, New Me swap. One part of the swap is to write out up to 3 personal goals for the year as well as 3 new swaps to try. SO to keep it first and foremost for me - as I am VERY determined to fulfill these goals. So here they are...

Lose 20 lbs/2 dress sizes by next Christmas
As a family, explore at least 6 non-local cities.
Convert ALL photos to digital & clear out boxes/create photo books.

It's kind of hard to think of new swaps to try as I am all over the board in swaps I already participate in, so that will be a bit of thinking. As for my goals, they are very near & dear & do-able so wish me luck. Love you all!!!

King of the Road

2010-01-09T23:52:00.002+01:00

While reading a blogging buddy's latest post, got me thinking of old music, which led me to thinking of old cartoons & got me to wondering where-oh-where do they go. Who else remembers the cartoon short of Mickey & Goofy & Donald in a run-a-way trailer to the tune of "King of the Road" I can't find a clip of that anywhere. Of course makes me think of all the great old Disney shorts they show at Disney World while waiting to see Mickey. I want all those oldies on a DVD. Enjoy the video & I hope you all have a GREAT weekend.

Howdy 2010!

2010-01-03T21:41:00.007+01:00

Happy 2010!!!
All right, a bit behind. But we should all know by now that I am S-L-O-W... & sporadic. But it doesn't mean I don't care. For Christmas Rob & I ordered each other the SAME SHIRT. except mine is a ladies fit. LOL. If you don't happen to watch The Big Bang Theory, the thing on our shirt is the pictorialversion of Rock, Paper, Scissors, Lizard Spock. A much better version of RoShamBo, as I went over in a previous post :)
I have been thoroughly enjoying the winter break with the family. But all good things must end & it is back to the old routine tomorrow. I did some crafting yesterday & finished a couple of plushies I have had cut & in a baggy waiting patiently to be sewn. They came out Sooooooo cute. Ms. Ivagene actually did the sewing around the edges on the cookie. Getting pretty darn good.

Yesterday the family pulled together & we cleaned the house & put away the Christmas decor. So today, had to go to the store & played some with our new games from Christmas. Need to do many more family game days. It was great fun & I love that for most of the day we could all get along. We got a WII for Christmas & today we played the Beatles Rock Band & Mario Kart, but as of yet we haven't created our Wii Mii's. Then before dinner we broke out Lego Creationary - Oh Wow! Had us laughing, very fun. It still doesn't look like it is easily available in the US, but when the time comes - it's fun. (In the mean time, if you are dying for it, give me a holler.)

Lastly, It has been snowing all day & is BE-A-UTIFUL!!! The birdies are eating like it will disappear over night & are a joy to watch. I hope you all are Happy & Healthy. TTFN!

Love :)

2009-12-20T23:11:00.006+01:00

Just a quicky post to say - I gots the bestest friends! To Lisa, Rob & Eric - A great big THANK YOU!!! I t feels so lovely to have all my baking done. I feel very accomplished & happy. I love you all :D (Plus our girls - for their help - Danke )

mouse tute ingredients

2009-12-20T11:24:00.004+01:00

I am always so behind - ugh. well, here is the drawing for the mouse tutorial, I will post photos with step by step tomorrow. Enjoy!

I want this to be Rob & I in 51 yrs :)

2009-12-16T07:30:00.002+01:00

This awesome video was emailed to me...

An elderly couple walked into the lobby of the Mayo Clinic for a checkup and spotted a piano. They've been married for 62 years and he'll be 90 this year. Check out this impromptu performance... It's all attitude. Enjoy!!

new pets & pants

2009-12-12T23:15:00.007+01:00

Rob is such a sweet hubby. He knows how much I miss having rodent type pets - today he got us 2 gerbils. They are just soooooooo cute! We named them Vixen & Dixie. Vixen is the black one. Aren't they adorable? Sera is going absolutely bonkers. Wants to eat them. Hopefully she can mellow out. Vixen bit me, but Dixie seems a bit more comfortable w/ being held.
Ivy has been down to 2 pairs of pants for some time now, & they have been fitting like high-waters. Well, there was a pair in the mending that were 1 - too short & 2 - had a pretty big hole. So I cut above the hole & added ruffled bells to the bottom. They are too cute. I also hemmed a few that I had picked up at the thrift store, so she now has plenty of pants & a skirt for school. woo hoo. No more fuss in the AM over needing clothes. It is frustrating at times the uniform for school, but it is more flexible than some I guess. Just Ivy is at a hard to fit stage. Good thing I can sew (some.)
I have been working on my ton & a half of stuff to do. Trying to organize & clean. Yet still working on Christmas stuff & now have a bunch of presents to finish, get boxes ready to mail out, finish holiday letter & send out Christmas cards, bake & wrap. whew. At least I am done shopping. Well, it is Ivy's friend Aji's last weekend & the girls are kicking me out of the living room, so good night to one & all.

All American Rejects - Womanizer

2009-12-07T20:16:00.000+01:00

These guys just make me giggle - enjoy!

FAVORITE Christmas Carol

2009-12-02T09:01:00.001+01:00

2 amazing singers that bring this to life. Down right gives me chills. Happy Holidays!

Most Excellent Video

2009-11-27T09:07:00.000+01:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T10:44:00.004+01:00

A glorious Thanksgiving. I hope you all have a great day planned. We are going to our friends house to have a big ol' family dinner. Lisa got Turkey duty & I took on the sides. Just like I did w/ mama when we lived in NC.
I STILL am not done with my cleaning unfortunately. Ugh. Got most of the way done, then caught Ivy's darn head cold. Knocked me out for a cpl days. Then had lost momentum & having a hard time getting back to it. but still will. Did break the no crafting just a bit though. Had to remake a swap that never reached it's destination, & have finally started a sketch journal. I am so out of practice on drawing. I HAVE to get on the ball though, b/c I have to make presents & swaps. Of course, all that is left is the little bits on the coffee table.
I must say I am very please with AFN's selection today. Right now I am enjoying Wizard of Oz.

Well, shower time, then over the river & through the woods to Lisa's house we go.

Just a few things I am thankful for:

my family - I am so blessed with a wonderful husband & great kids.
financial stability - we have money to pay the bills & a roof over our heads, medical care
the Army - goes hand in hand with the last one.
my husband having made it through ANOTHER deployment safe & sound
my extended family - they are all good
my friends - who are like family
a great holiday season with my family all together again.

there is more, but I gotta get busy. Love you all. Happy Thanksgiving

I wanna Degu

2009-11-22T12:06:00.005+01:00

Cutest little rodent. Wouldn't have thought so as much if I hadn't watched them in the pet section of OBI (like Home Depot) so many times. They are sooooooooo cute. But have too long of a life span to get while living here. Read about them on Wikipedia.

If you are looking for a rodent type pet - these guys have the BEST personalities.

I owed my boy a Chocolate Cake

2009-11-21T18:00:00.004+01:00

Apparently last night when the boys got home from their dance, I talked in my sleep. Knew they came home, didn't realize Zach went back out. Told the boys to go get some chocolate cake. Rob asked me "What Chocolate Cake?" Robin was looking & asked where it was. I said I thought I made a cake. Was informed I was dreaming. I only remember about half of that, but Rob said Robin was so disappointed. So today I made a cake. It is the best ever Chocolate Cake I ever had. I forgot WHOSE recipe it is exactly, but got it from AFTB. So, without further ado...

AWESOME Triple Chocolate Cake

1 pkg Devil's Food Cake
1 small pkg instant chocolate fudge pudding
3/4 c oil
3/4 c warm water
2 eggs
8 oz sour cream
1 pkg chocolate chips

Mix eggs, oil, water & sour cream. Add cake & pudding mixes. Fold in chocolate chips. Spoon into Bundt pan.
Bake at 350 for 45-50 minutes, until toothpick comes out clean.
Sprinkle with powdered sugar.

1/2-way done

2009-11-18T09:17:00.002+01:00

Okay, getting there. All I needed was the right motivation & the rest of my family helping me to enforce my grounding. I want to craft - draw, crochet, fold paper, something.... So, I got through all of my magazines & catalogs & have given away or recycled 75%. Yea me! But was hard, b/c kept thinking - I could use that. The troubles of a pack-rat. So now am down to the multitude of boxes of stuff. What stuff you may ask. Well my dear friends, that is the problem. It is a jumbled mass of miscellaneous items that just is "stuff." But darn it, NOT garbage or junk. It has useful stuff hidden away. Today I need to take a bit of time to really clean out the fridge though as tomorrow Lisa & I are heading up to Schwienfurt to hit their commissary. They don't seem like they are THAT much bigger of a post, yet their commissary makes me positively green with envy. Now honestly, last 2 times we were in Germany, I would just shop on the economy. I love the German stores & adore the food. But that was back when the dollar was strong. Now, ugh. 100 euro cost me over $150 last week. Ugh, ugh, ugh. I think Rob would be happy if I didn't like shopping off base so much. Well, I guess I should get back to work, Happy Wednesday!

self grounded :(

2009-11-16T14:05:00.006+01:00

I have grounded myself from crafting til I get the living room straightened up. (i.e. sort through the ton o' stuff in my shelves.) I keep forgetting what all I have & have a lot of junk that is just taking up room to where I can't think straight. I have such a hard time getting rid of stuff always figure I can upcycle or use it later. But there is a point where you have to say "enough!" So until I have my storage/wall unit type thingy all straightened up to where I can find stuff I can't craft - the goal is by the end of the week, b/c darn it - I need to get artsy. AND it is time to be making Christmas presents & decorations. At least today no cooking, have a bunch of stuff in the fridge that needs to be eaten - so it is a fend for your self night (AKA - clean out mama's fridge.) Once the fridge is at a workable stage have to actually clean that too. It's icky. But usually too packed. I know compared to the majority of the refrigerators here in Germany it is a decent size, but to me it is unbearably small. Esp since I have all these big boys to feed as well as the usual extras on the weekends. (You all know I love you though.) Rob is finally back to work & back to life as usual. Today is the first day in over a month I am alone. It is strange. But time to get back to work. Cleaning & general home keeping. My Peanut should be walking in any minute now, so will be time for home work & the triple questioning of What's for dinner - b/c no one hears me when the others ask. I must stop my procrastinating & get back to work, I hope you are all having a lovely day out there where ever you are.

In re. to today's pics. Top is Peanut. What a girl. Throat hurts so is drinking hot water while doing homework & lower pic is proof that sometimes they all 3 can be friends. Great kids.

girl's day out

2009-11-12T22:51:00.007+01:00

What a great day. Rob went back (that was NOT the great part,) to work & the kids were out of school, so... Lisa & I took our girls out shopping with us. I love wandering around the fussganger (pedestrian) zone. Even on grey days it is beautiful. Of course feels really late really early as it is DARK by 5. Wasn't even 4 & was twilight. But got some Christmas shopping done, found some new (to us) shops, & got some ideas. I can not wait til the Christmas markets are open. & it's cold, getting some gluhwien to warm up.

*Sigh. Heaven. *

I know Robin is excited to buy his own. He is so tickled he is drinking age here - not that he has much more than an occasional beer at home, but he loves the idea of it. I got me some good kids. The girls were in girl heaven getting to pet the pony today, not sure what the purpose of the pony is down town, but there were a couple & you give the guy some change & get to pet the pony. Happy 10 yr old girls. Tommorrow - just the mamas are going out, after today, we need a break. To quote Rube on Dead Like Me - "I love you Peanut, but you're wearing me out." Really hit me, that line, b/c I call Ivy Peanut & that is how I feel around her fairly often. I wish I had half her energy.
Some time soon, I will be posting a tutorial on these adorable mice my mama taught me how to make when I was a young'un.
Last 2 things:
1 - I posted some new photos on flickr
&
2 - Check out Robin's new blog - I am proud of my boy.

...Now if I can just get Zach to share... Ivy shares plenty ;) (Love ya Peanut.)

Happy Veteren's Day

2009-11-11T22:48:00.004+01:00

Just sending good wishes to all our soldiers past & present. It's funny, I have been a dependent so long that I forget at times that I am also a vet. I did spend 2 years in the army many many years ago, but the last 17 have been as a military spouse only. Was just informing my mom did she realize I have been w/ my hubby now longer than I was at home. It also makes me realize what babies we were when we met, married & started having these youngun's. I had forgot about being a vet today until my mom wished Rob a happy veteran's day & he asked her if she had also wished it to me. So I am not the only one who forgets. It's funny, Rob has been in over 20 years now & he is the one to say don't forget you served too. What a guy :)

petersiliewurzel

2009-11-10T22:56:00.004+01:00

Tee-hee. That name just tickles me. I love Parsnips & LOVE the German name for them. I love when the temp starts to drop - nummy nummy food time. Today it was roasted root veggies. Oh lovely.

Cut up parsnips, carrots, potatoes, onions & what ever else you want/have on hand. Toss w/ a bit of olive oil, salt & pepper. Cover w/ foil, bake at 350 til fork tender.

Next time I will add sweet potatoes. Parsnips taste like carrots, but BETTER. At least when roasted - have never eaten them any other way. I could leave out the carrots as they are a bit redundant, but I always have many hungry peeps in my house & more food is better. If you haven't before, try some for yourself & ENJOY!

need to make a decision?

2009-11-09T19:53:00.003+01:00

For all you people who don't watch the Big Bang Theory - Check out this site. Sam Kass invented a great variation to RoShamBo (more commonly known as Rock Paper Scissors,) that ads Lizard & Spock.
From Wikipedia:
One popular balanced five-weapon expansion, invented by Sam Kass, adds "Spock" and "lizard" to the standard three. "Spock" is signified with the Star Trek Vulcan salute, while "lizard" is shown by forming the hand into a sock-puppet-like mouth. Spock smashes scissors and vaporizes rock; he is poisoned by lizard and disproved by paper. Lizard poisons Spock and eats paper; it is crushed by rock and decapitated by scissors. This variant was covered in a 2005 article of The Times, and appeared in an episode of the sitcom The Big Bang Theory "The Lizard-Spock Expansion" episode in 2008.

enjoy :)

long time no post

2009-11-09T11:37:00.006+01:00

Hello, hello to one and all. I really fell off the blogging wagon for a while. Rob's leave is up this week, but he is home & not going back to the desert, so all's good. We had a rough cpl of days when he first got back, but worked it out. 19 yrs as a couple, over half my life - a little thing like a deployment won't hurt us (just gives headaches.) I think we are all finally used to having him back in our lives again, now I have 3 smart ass males taller than me & picking on me. Worst are those birds :)
Seems as if this fall is flying by & I can't believe how quickly the holidays are approaching. I need to spend the next week getting organized so that I can get my holiday mojo going. Cooking & crafting & singing & decorating. I know this is very short after such a long absence, but I will do my best to be back soon. Love to all & I hope all is joyous in your lives.

saying on house: Dies Haus ist mein * und doch nicht mein * nach mir kommt ein and'rer rein * ist auch nicht sein

Buuuuuuuzzzzzzzzzz

2009-09-29T08:45:00.003+02:00

Ever feel like all your nerve endings are buzzing? Had a bad thing this AM - lady at swap-bot rated me bad & called me a liar. I am so grrrrrr & :( A swap I sent got lost in the mail - I said I'd resend it on monday, but haven't got a chance, so sent another message saying would re-make & re-send when have the chance. So she rated me as a 1 and called me a liar. Ugh. Fell slapped. But on the other end of the spectrum. Honey buney should be home this weekend!!!! Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!! I have our room all pretty & house looks pretty good. Still have some fine tuning, but otherwise ok. The boys & I are in the one act plays - Starts Thursday. Wish we could video tape it but - c'est la vie. Hope all is well in your worlds. Tschuss!

I am actress!

2009-09-18T20:38:00.002+02:00

I am in one of the one act plays coming up in the beginning of October. I will be Alena in Rupert & the 7 email brides. cross your fingers that I can memorize my lines & not be too giggly. Tomorrow is Oktoberfest. Off to drink w/ my friend & children - ha. An experience not to be missed, have to check it out. So tomorrow is early day on the train & fun in the sun. Ended up skipping out early on the Soldier & Family Appreciation Day. Just wasn't in the mood. Hope you are all well. Love ya!

Waiting

2009-09-18T09:02:00.003+02:00

I am waiting for this last month to be done. It is killing me.
Ahhhhhhh! My head is going to explode. Or my heart. I have too many emotions going on at once. I am soooo excited Rob will be home soon, but then again, I am nervous. It has been a looooong deployment, but this is the first time I can remember him ever saying he would miss being in theater. He has made good friends with the civilians, but my usual insecurities have left me feeling replaced. I hate it. I hate how I always feel like I need to be #1. I feel I am never the favorite to anyone & I feel alone & lonely & miserable. I feel insignificant & utterly replaceable & that everyone would probably be better off with a replacement. blech.
I wonder, is it possible for me to go a day w/o a pity party. Ugh, I KNOW there are ppl who have it a lot worse than me. My issues are of my own making & all stem from me. I have poor self esteem & a skewed vision of me. & it all circles back to me hating me. AAAAAAAGHHHH!
ok, ok, ok. let's go elsewhere. I was asked to be in one of the one act plays, which I am extremely excited about, but need to find some good movies & clips to watch to work on a 27 yr old Russian farm girl accent. The boys say that mine is more Italian. I have been working on the house for quite some time now & it seems for every step forward I take 2 back. It never looks any better to me. & those darn papers, they multiply like rabbits. Every time I make any headway, more papers appear & I can't seem to get them to go away. yuck, yuck, yuck. The day is going in a yucky direction. I think I need to go to bed & try again. sigh. here's to a restart.

This is to my man

2009-09-10T19:14:00.000+02:00

the rest of you can enjoy it as well ;)

I just want to be ok

2009-09-10T19:04:00.001+02:00

how I've been feeling. Not a broken heart but sad & lonely. But am getting ok.

A Day Late & A Dollar Short

2009-08-31T22:05:00.004+02:00

The closer it gets to Rob coming home, the more I get loopy. Can't seem to settle to anything. Can't concentrate or finish things well. Ugh. But - Great news! School started today.
Okay, to start - funny thing I didn't even realize. First day of school, my friend takes pics of her kids - I take pic of their lunch. What a mom I am. But - their lunch, (boys only as Ivy had 1/2 day):
3 Onigiri - 1 ea w/ honey turkey, smoked turkey & roast beef. shaped egg slices, grapes, cream cheese stuffed cherry tomatoes, gouda & some other kind of cheese heart, p.b. sandwich cookies.
Sent those boys off with a good start to the year. Ivy is thrilled with her new teacher - half a day & she loves her. Whew. Zach has no complaints & Robin has a couple of issues, but will talk to the counselor tomorrow & if needs me, I'll be there in two shakes of a lambs tail. He got a couple of classes didn't request, only one he REALLY has a problem with. I said no big - we'll get it fixed. But surprisingly, he decided to stick w/ other mistake & stay in Chorus. I was floored, never would have guessed. They had to audition today & teacher said he had a good voice. Two bits of praise from a stranger & he is sold. (I also think the fact that the class is primarily female helped his decision a bit.) Also, I FINALLY added the Tropical Islands pics to flickr, but you have to be either a friend or family as contact to view since not just us.. They were just slapped up there, so not even labeled - just numbers.
Well, short as this is, I need to get some sleep as it is a school night (YEA!) & have lunches to prep in AM. Tchuss! :)

Howdy!

2009-08-04T09:41:00.006+02:00

"In my world everyone is a pony, and they all eat rainbows, and poop butterflies."

~Katie from Horton Hears a Who

just some updates on my life:

I hope that everyone is having a GREAT day.
I just got finished uploading over 100 new photos.
I am also finally up to date on my ratings on Swap-bot.
Saturday we are heading up to Tropical Islands for Ivy's birthday.
Tomorrow I'm going looking for a waterproof camera case. cross your fingers that I can find one.
Also, have put in a request for a Navigon at the Power Zone. Have decided to get it for an early Anniversary present. Figure it's a great gift - I won't get lost & Rob won't have to worry.

Hope all is well & will talk to you all again.

additional awesomeness

2009-08-02T17:01:00.002+02:00

2 more things, both videos - enjoy!

Randomness plus some link-y love

2009-08-02T16:02:00.005+02:00

First and foremost, I gotta say I am Loving my water cooler. It is so, so, so awesome. I didn't think I'd have much use for the hot water feature right now, but am loving it. Have drunk enough cups of tea in last 2 days that I can slosh when I walk - Heaven :)
Haiku to my water cooler:

I love my cooler
it delivers hot and cold
to quench all my thirst.

You will notice in my last few posts, I have been illustrating my blog. The problem is I have miss-placed my real sketchbook, so have resorted to using a small notebook for the time being, so bear with the lines. We were going to go see the rock musical at the theater yesterday, but the entire family decided we'd rather be bums. Except Ivy, she ran off to play with friends. The rest of us chill-axed in front of the tv/computer. I am now to last 3 episodes of Inuyasha. Anime is one thing that is pretty reliable for being able to access no matter where you are. It is very frustrating that I can't access free videos on-line through the networks b/c of being in Europe - some kind of copy-right thing. Now for the links:

I may be all for earth-friendly, eco-conscious stuff, but there are some things that are just way too much. Examples:
reusable toilet wipes - to replace toilet paper
crocheted / handmade reusable tampons & pads (2 different links)
Is there anything you can contribute to this over-the-top green movement, please comment, I would love to see what else is out there. I am fascinated.

Have you ever seen National Geographic's Infinite photograph? Prepare to putter away some time as you keep clicking to see what's next. It is just amazing.

I love the Junior Society. I am not sure where I first saw them referenced, but have never regretted signing up for their newsletter. I am always finding out about fun and interesting things through them. Recent: First - doodlebread - how cool is that? 2nd- did you know that Tim Burton was remaking Alice in Wonderland? I can NOT wait til that comes out. There is much more, but I will leave that to you to browse at your liesure.

If you feel like doodling, how about a giraffe? This guy is trying to collect one million giraffes all drawn by hand, it's pretty cool. just draw, take a pic (or scan) of your drawing & upload it to the site & you're done.

That's it for today, I hope you are all having a wonderful weekend & enjoying your summer.

I have the bestest friends!

2009-07-30T16:37:00.004+02:00

You know, you readers are all so awesome. Thank you for the well wishes & good vibes sent my way. I love you all. Gotta send special thanks to Danielle, Shalimar & Sal :)
I have been fighting the headachey-ness all week. Luckily only one day was unbearable migraine. The rest has been garden variety. I am not sure what the issue is, but may have to break down & go to Dr - Ugh. I feel down right shameful being such a punk about going, since I don't have to pay. And am very thankful for that military benefit. But I am not much for going unless serious or time for check-up. I blame mama ;) This is what happens when you are raised by someone in the medical profession, unless you have fever over 102, are bleeding or losing some kind of bodily fluid in copious amounts, you are fine. haha. Any way, have been taking Goody powders. Blech, but they work.
Rob's internet is poopy again. grr. I can't wait til he is with me once again. Some days I just can not wait to retire, no matter what the civillian world is like. Other days, common sense says - Hey good job, security & benefits, quitcher bitchin. I just miss my honey. ohhhhh, can't dwell, gonna make myself sad again.
I have discovered a new (for me) designer I just adore - just ordered the most awesome bento boxes for the kids for new school year. Shinzi Katoh - go check it out! This, as I think most of you know, is our 3rd tour in Germany. Now, didn't have kids the first time, but last time - no excuse. The Germans have this awesome tradition, the Schultuete, that I have always admired & thought I would do, but school starts & have never been prepared. They give their kids these cones filled with presents/school supplies to start first grade. Now, I figure better late than never & why do 1st graders get all the fun. So darn it, I am planning to do this this year. When you have a second, go read the wikipedia article I have linked to the word. It really is pretty cool.
I meant to post this yesterday, but got distracted & it has been sitting open ever since. So once again - thank you all & I hope everyone is having a super-d-dooper day :)

Heather's terrible, horrible, no-good, very bad day(s)

2009-07-29T10:24:00.003+02:00

I am angry, annoyed, bike-less, cheated, disappointed, disillusioned, frustrated, fat, grrrrrrr..., hot, headachey, indignant, lonely, loser, mean, mad, melancholy, needful, nasty, out of order, pining, pouting, rueful, sad, stolen (from), ......unconnected, violated, ....
was shooting for the whole alphabet there, but - whatever. Yesterday, ended up with a migraine. Felt sick, couldn't stand light, head killing me... So was not up to going to the store. The boys were going to ride up to shoppette to get some hotdog buns for dinner for me. Robin comes back in & says dad's bike is missing. It had been chained (locked) to the bike rack at the end of our sidewalk. It was gone. They even took the damn lock. People suck. Rob was thinking same thing I was - isn't this senior enlisted housing? It's not like we are a bunch of young kids here. The ppl here have responsiblity, some maturity (I would hope,) life experience. And for pete's sake - it's a damn military post. I can't even get my mail without a military ID card (they won't take your drivers license if for some reason your ID is at home.) Add to that a sucky internet connection for Rob... He has to pay about $100 a month for a connection & the damn thing doesn't work most of the time. He took evening shifts so that we could talk in the AM, when there is not as much internet traffic, so that we could have a better connection. For the last few weeks, even though we talk every weekday, I think we may have been able to talk for 1 hr (60 minutes in 15 days.) I am so SICK of this. these long deployments are just hell. Top all this off with the house being a wreck & filthy. I think I am going to go hide in my closet now & cry.

Busy Bees

2009-07-26T13:00:00.008+02:00

We have been some busy peeps , but are just about wound down. It has been an exciting couple of weeks & we have had fun. We all got involved with the latest play here at the Stable Theater on post. It is Coyote Tales by Linda Daugherty. This has been so fun. Robin is El Sol - he does the part well, just need to learn to be less stiff, but even his math teacher from last year is amazed at how vocal he CAN be. Said he has heard Robin talk more in this play than all of last semester. Peanut is an adorable chicken. She squawks so funny & great at attitudes, the hard thing for her has been to forget that Robin is her brother & to act scared - not proud - when he is yelling at coyote. Zach did awesome helping with the set & helping Robin & Ivy rehearse at home. I think everyone is planning on rehearsing for the fall one act plays, I know we are all planning on auditioning for the King & I, which will be the winter play.

Thursday was my class to teach with AFTB (Army Family Team Building) level 1 - I taught Military Acronyms & Terms. It went well & was fun. My only problem was I went waaayyyyy to fast & THANK GOD for Jeopardy. someone had created a power point presentation/game of Jeopardy for acronyms, terms & military time & it saved my butt on the time. It was supposed to be a 40 min class - I was done with my part at 20. So we played the game for the rest of the time. I have some things to add to the next class so thatnext time I can stretch it out a bit. The upcoming level 2 is actually the one I missed last time, so will be a student again :)

Last but not least... Locks of Love

When Rob deployed this last time, Ivy & I decided we wouldn't cut our hair until he was home with us, safe & sound, again. Then we would cut it off & donate that hair to Locks of Love. Last week, Ivy had it. Her hair was too thick & way too hot to stand it any longer & she begged me to cut it. As she had enough to donate, said ok. So last wednesday, after rehearsal & playing, she took a shower & I whacked off her hair. It looks very cute & she is happy & proud of being able to help a child in need.
That is all for today - God bless you all & hope you are having a GREAT summer.

Super Cool Video Fireworks

2009-07-07T08:25:00.000+02:00

Happy Independence Day!!!

2009-07-04T20:34:00.004+02:00

Ok, once again I am a slacker - but I refuse to apologize. Today is day four of my back being screwy. Every time I think it's getting better, I do something to mess it up again. I have no idea what I did to it in the first place. I am so jealous of my family. They are all together visiting in Florida right now. It seems we can never get us all together at the same time. Last weekend was the play Emma here at the Stable theater. Robin played a small but integral part - Robert Martin - it was his first time on stage & he did GREAT! I would upload some pics, but I am not sure where I put the cord to the new camera. I know it is somewhere in the living room. I will post pics when I find it. This week we went over the next play - Coyote Tales. Both Ivy & Robin have parts & Zach has promised to help with sets. Robin is playing El Sol - he is soooo funny. He sounds like the Flea from Mucha Lucha. Had everyone laughing. Ivy is Gallina, such a cute chicken.we are working on her chicken sounds, when reading through she read the chicken sounds as words - pretty funny. There's a really cool give-a-way over on this site, Beauty that Moves, to enter just leave a comment. Hope all is well - HAPPY 4TH!!!

I feel special

2009-06-18T01:35:00.003+02:00

Woo hoo, I have been featured on swapbot's blog. I was fortunate enough to have one of the founders/person who runs site as my partner & I took the opportunity to try to say Thank you. I really do love swapbot. She was tickled by my rock. Here is link to pic on blog. I am still pokey & not much up to writing, but will get to more one of these days.

Should you have a funeral for a camera?

2009-06-08T08:36:00.005+02:00

My camera has finally had it. I am so sad. It has been having issues & I have been complaining, but honestly was not ready to replace. I love my little camera. So now I have to go buy a new one. It's funny, just a year & a half ago I hardly ever took pics. I could go weeks without touching my camera. Now one day seems like torture. Ugh. Hopefully they'll have something good at the PX. Just waiting for them to open. Would look on the economy, but then that opens a whole new set of issues that just are not worth it to mess with (language, voltage, does it sync w/ American stuff? I just don't know.) It is not actually completely gone yet though, just can't change ANYTHING. not the flash, picture type, any of that. Stuck on auto & flash is weird & yellow. I also have bees. I need to find some bee killer stuff. Went to grill last night & all these bees started flying around when we took off the cover. turns out they built a nest. 1 hour til the stores open & hopefully can take care of both these issues.

I am NOT going to apologize!

2009-06-05T21:34:00.009+02:00

I have come to the conclusion, that I am just not going to apologize for not getting on here anymore. I am who I am & if that means being a bit of a slacker, so be it. I need to stop the guilt. I did make my blog prettier though :) You like? Been a busy bee & an ill one as well. We're approaching the end of the school year - Thank God - next year has got to go better. Robin has done fine, just a bit of a struggle with Chemistry, but is finishing fine. Zach has had a roller coaster with his grades with the move, but has performed his usual miraculous save in the end with all except we're still waiting to find out about Language Arts. The 2nd half of 4th grade (since the move) has been a real challenge for Ivy, & has shaken her love of school. Hopefully we can get her a teacher she clicks with for next year. Last day is next Thursday. Whew. Robin went to prom last Friday. My little boy has grown so fast. He looked soooooo handsome - see...
The weather has been gorgeous here. Blue skies & great temps. Even when it does get rainy, it doesn't stick around too long. We're dog sitting an ewok this summer. I am already getting attached. Sera is bonding with him, but Catamia is NOT happy. Actually, not sure how we'll part in the fall, but won't mind the lack of barks. He has one ear-piercing bark, & he sure likes to use it.
Both of our amazing Girl Scout leaders are leaving us & I have agreed to be co-leader of Ivy's troop next year, (will snag Rob to help when he's back though.)
Well, that's the highlights. I happen to be so tired now & have a big day ahead tomorrow at Tucherland.

I am stealing an idea - Link Love

2009-05-25T11:04:00.002+02:00

I have seen this on many of the blogs I follow, not sure where it originated. Any hoo...

I have been looking for flattering culottes patterns & cam e across this site, sooooo cool. If you are up to making your own clothes & enjoy vintage clothing please check out Vintage Sewing.
If you know me, you know I love birds - blame mama, she got me started ;) Was putzing around on line today & through following a bunch of different links (a normal occurrence for me) ended up here. They have the cutest, quirkiest bird stuff. I am in love.
One of the most awesome jewelry stores on the web - IMO - of course, having "inspired kookiness" in the title definitely is right up my alley - Eclectic Eccentricity
Awesome indie the name says it all - Indie Fixx & for freebies be sure to check out their Feed Your Soul
I don't think I have said it enough, but Etsy ROCKS! Best stuff on the web :)

I'll stop here for now, please enjoy & will be back later...

Argh!

2009-05-20T22:45:00.003+02:00

Okay, Okay! I stink, I know. But I am working on it. Having a blue period, need to Watch Armageddon, have a good cry & get the poison out. Just feel like I need to cry, hard & maybe can get this out of my system. At least for a while. Anyway... Finally got the pics up at Flickr & am in the process of tagging & describing & actually giving titles. But, am t i r e d & need to hit the hay, just wanted to give a shout out to let y'all know I haven't forgotten about you all. Please bear with me & hope to shake this soon.

I know, I know

2009-05-16T06:47:00.007+02:00

Ok, I am officially a bad, bad, bad girl. I have no excuse either. Just moods & not feeling like writing. Bad. I have been having fun crafting & whatnot though. I love Swap-bot. I found it through one of the blogs I follow. I love that there is this whole community out there that is artsy & crafty & likes to share. It inspires me & having guidelines & deadlines keeps my butt from procrastinating. You pick what swaps you want to join, so you don't even have to be arty or anything, there are store bought swaps to. I love seeing what others pick. I also have a TON of picks I have to up load to Flickr. I promise (pinky swear!) it will be done this weekend.
Ivy just left for her big Girl Scout trip. One of her leaders came by to pick her up. I have made good friends with both of her GS leaders & HATE that they are both leaving this summer. The absolutely worst part of Army life is losing your friends, makes for a lot of pen pals & long distance friendships. Granted, sometimes, you end up near each other again, but not often.
One of the things I love about living here is the awesome music I find from listening to the German radio. Stuff that, maybe, is on the indie stations (such as 103.1 out of LA - listen live on-line), but not necessarily. Also, one of the blogs I follow - Meet me at Mike's (an Australian based blog) - introduces me to some cool music too. Was thinking of adding some music videos, but would be too much, hard to pick & have gone link happy today anyway. So, some new faves...

Mika - Grace Kelly & Big Girl (you are beautiful) - both AWESOME!!!
Josh Pyke
Megan Washington
the Fratellis
Kate Nash
Vampire Weekend
the Shins
Camera Obscura
Scissor Sisters
... & a bunch more, but check these out to get started.

Busy Bee

2009-05-08T22:09:00.003+02:00

Shorty, but gotta let y'all know you're in my thoughts. Have had a busy week with AFTB & FRG stuff. You know the army, we love our acronyms. AFTB - Army Family Team Building & FRG - Family Readiness Group. I have come to the conclusion that dealing with money, no matter who's is a royal pain. Good grief, the legalities are ridiculous. Sigh, need to not think about it for now. Otherwise, good week, just busy. Next week will be also & I need to find out what to do w/ my pup next weekend. We're all going on overnighter at water park thing near Berlin & I am a driver. So 1 night, 2 days. Maybe she can go, but then what. Hmmmm. Will have to see. Well, am watching Scrubs with the Peanut, will yap at y'all again another time. Till then - Be Well :)

nifty video & like the song too.

Bathtub IV from Keith Loutit on Vimeo.

BAH HUMBUG!

2009-05-04T14:03:00.005+02:00

Not sure if that phrase applies to any time, but sure feels like the right description. I am in A MOOD! >:( Grr. Was finally, finally, going to get the DLA filed & get reimbursed for the move. Have everything, but when I went last week to file, found out I didn't have my finance POA (power of attorney,) with me. Had the other 5 POA's, but not the one I needed. Hmph. Ok, made plans to come back today @ 1300. Thought I knew where that stupid piece of paper was, so didn't bother with it this weekend. Looked today. Not where I thought it'd be. Spent the whole morning searching high & low. No where. The damn thing grew legs & ran away. Argh! Crud! Pooey! Grrrrrrrrr! I have looked EVERYWHERE I can think of & have just torn-up my entire first floor. I am frustrated beyond belief. So now, I need to regroup & try & figure out where it could be that I haven't looked. I am going to take a break & watch My Nieghbor Totoro & try to relax. Hopefully I'll have an epiphany & can be ok with going next week to do that paperwork. In the mean time, here is one thing I did accomplish this weekend...

I decorated the top of this cigar box using paper maosaics. Now I have a set place to keep my ATC's (Artist Trading Cards,) in progress. The finished & ones I recieve right now are out where I can see them, even though will eventually have too many to keep all out.

Bad, Bad Non-Posting Girl

2009-04-30T23:10:00.003+02:00

Argh, I piddle around on the computer, reading other ppl's blogs & then don't feel like writing in my own. Bad! Next time, seriously. But in the meantime. Enjoy this video. Have you all seen the Curious George movie? I almost didn't b/c my kids are bigger, past that age. I am soooooo glad I went ahead and watched it, was so good. Ended up buying it & love this video. Jack Johnson rocks (thanks mama, wouldn't have learned I like him w/o you.)

In a Muppet Kind of Mood

2009-04-29T21:36:00.002+02:00

Had a good day. Nothing like having no cash to hand the kids for lunch to make you get your rear in gear. So started the day making lunches, then cleaned as my friend was coming over for us to go out to lunch. We went & had soup & brotchen - YUM! Really was a good day. Still not in much of a writing mood, but that'll come. I got to talk to my honey & made yummy eggs for dinner. Now I am going to watch the Dark Crystal while wishing I had the Muppet Show on DVD (needs to be next on buy list.) Enjoy & ttyl.

He's gone, but safe & sound

2009-04-28T22:49:00.002+02:00

Well, back to the life of single but not. I hate being separated, but such is life in the Army. He left on Sunday, but has settled back in his home away from home safe & sound. Haven't gotten to talk much due to internet issues - truly back to the same old thing. I'd put in frowny emoticons, but not sure where I'd stop. Still not up to par, depression really does make you sick. But need to get my mind straightened out & suck it up & get back to normal. Or at least what passes for normal for me. I have been so neglectful of this blog & uploading pics that I now have a TON of stuff for updating, yet am not up to it. I did get pics uploaded to flickr, so go enjoy & there are a BUNCH. Take care all & I will write again soon. Love to you all.

My Flickr

Apologies for Slacking

2009-04-18T17:01:00.002+02:00

I am thoroughly enjoying my time w/ my hubby. So, have not been blogging, barely on the comp actually. But we are having a wonderful time as a family & are getting all we can out of the time we have. I was checking the blogs I follow today & have been introduced to some new (for me) music. Please enjoy & I'll write again soon. Cheers!

Addendum to previous post

2009-04-08T08:08:00.003+02:00

I have been talking so much about Zach's upcoming (now finished) surgery I guess I didn't post what it was for... His teeth are fairly narrow & has large spaces, why he has braces. Well, one gap just wouldn't close & this last time he went to the dentist & they did xrays, found that his body had tried - but not succeeded - to grow another tooth to fill the gap. only got the roots done by the look of what came out. Soooo in order to close the gap, the bone mass - or as I had called it by the look of the xray - tooth nubbin had to be removed. Et voila. the surgery. Hope all is well. ttfn!

Zach is A-OK!

2009-04-06T11:13:00.007+02:00

The surgery was a lot less intensive than we expected. He is still numb & was so funny while waiting when the Novocaine started going into effect. We got there really early - was thinking the appt was at 0900 & to make sure got there on time had left early, so was there at 0840, turned out his appt wasn't until 0930 & had filled out all necessary paperwork at last appt, so we had almost an hour to kill. So we went walking. Had a real nice time & Germany is awesome.

Our annoying news right now is that there was a sandstorm & Rob has been delayed in getting home until tomorrow morning. Good birthday present though. So due to the Army the desert weather he'll have missed half of the kids Spring Break, but he'll be here, that is what counts.

I am LOSING my mind!!!

2009-03-30T10:01:00.012+02:00

I am in a weird mode lately. Not sure if I am being apathetic or just plain lazy. My get up & go has got up & went. Also, can't keep things straight.

I love Germany, it is so funny. To us Americans, these castles are amazing & awe inspiring. To the people around them though they are every day. Went with a friend last friday to check out a castle for a princess ball for Girl Scouts. we brought our girls & had a grand old time.

Just freaked out & was running around like a chicken w/ it's head caught off. Thought the boys ortho appt was today. I know it is on the first, I have been telling them it is on the first, but - well..... Here's what happened: Took a nap after kids left for school, made work order appt, & took care of some e-mails. Woke up & & saw was almost 10 & thought - OH #@$%! The kids will be late & this orthontist does NOT allow that. What am I gonna do? So I look for the number everywhere, finally find it online, call the school & tell them to send Robin on down to the orthodontist & I'll be there in a few to get Zach.

Grabbed my socks, dumped off coffee cup in the overflowing sink (dishwasher is kaput,) saw coffee pot was still on, adrenaline is pumping at this point & I am a mess. Sat down to put on socks & thought - wait. What is today? Let me look at those appt slips. Huh, says April 1. Today is not the first. CRAP! So had to call the school back to try & catch Robin, but as my phone is a German phone & I don't understand it & can't figure out redial, have to look up the number again. But had put laptop in sleep mode - closed it up to keep kitty off of it - have to re-log on. Got through & JUST caught Robin as he was signing out. So now everyone at the school knows what a ditz I am, but I can breathe. Ahhhhh - they aren't late.
On another note. Was thinking about this to blog the other day. How many of you remember the crying indian commercial from the 70's? You ever feel like that indian? Do you ever feel ashamed of your countrymen for how they treat the environment? I go walking the dog & am just sickened by the trash & mess. I live in military housing. A concentration of people, we have to work together. & the really messed up part is that this is senior enlisted housing. There is garbage & dog mess everywhere. You don't see this off base. So why can't we clean up after ourselves. Most people say it is the kids who do it. So, ok then, where are the parents to correct them? Argh. Just so frustrated.

I need input, who knows how to cut a mango. I am to the point of giving up. Stupid seed. Also, does anyone have any ideas for April fools foods?

On a good note - 1WEEK!!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait to see my honey! Now I just need to figure out 1) what airport he is flying in to, & 2) how do I get there from here.
Also, SPRING is here. Beautiful.

Bentos since last post:

yogurt
grapes, cheese, individual pineapple upside down cake
ham& zucchini hearts, zucchini stuffed with carrot sticks, grape tomatoes, cauliflower & slices of buttered blueberry bagel

mini muffin top & lemon cookie
tuna wrap with multi colored pepper strips, mozerella balls & red & yellow cherry tomato
plum & grapes, cauliflower & broccoli, cracker mix

Procrastinating

2009-03-25T10:00:00.011+01:00

Here I am once again, putting off what I should be doing. Bad me. I did a lot of work on my laundry room/craft room yesterday & it is looking lovely. But now, I am putting off going back down to the basement, because I know I have to work on the other room down there - ugh. Or I could be sorting my ton o' coupons, or other paper stuff. Blech. I am so not in the mood. At least with the basement I get a warm fuzzy feeling when done, just need some daylight lamps down there or something. Not that it is bright up here, is snowing again & this time is sticking. I wish the weather would make up it's mind. Sigh. Yesterday it snowed & was that weird snow that makes me think of Styrofoam. But the birds are still enjoying their food, so that's good. It did have a bit of sun though - yesterday anyway & it turned to rain later on, but today is lots & lots of snow. Sera is all chilled out on the couch, just reaxed as can be. I guess the greyness makes everyone tired - including puppy dogs. Got a pic of Zach yesterday that highlights how much he either a) needs a haircut or b) a barette. But he's still cute, when we aren't fighting over grades - ugh. He wants to be a scientist - a herpetologist to be exact - yet trying to get him to take school seriously is a battle. He just doesn't want to be bothered with homework & is half impossible getting a real answer from him as to what is due. Well, we'll see. I have grounded him from his computer until he can come up with a plan to improve his grades & has to be signed off by each teacher. See that bit of blue I got to see yesterday, lovely isn't it? I have discovered a new site to play with my photos, maybe can make them a bit more enjoyable for you all.

Tuesday bento:
jello,
peaches, cheese & ham, broccoli & cauliflower
potato croquettes & stuffed pasta w/ ham & cheese owls

Wednesday bentos:
broccoli, cauliflower & red & yellow cherry tomatoes

pretzel rounds or sticks, erdnuss crisps, cheese & ham clouds & car/fish/bunny eggs cut in half (I think the car got in a wreck & the fish must have been attacked by a shark)

Expensive Lesson

2009-03-20T18:08:00.008+01:00

Well, I joined this super cool thing called Swap Bot. It is just like it sounds, you sign up for swaps & trade things - crafts, gifts, cards, whatever. I learned an expensive lesson today though. When mailing things internationally, keep it to an envelope. Over twice as much for a box as for an envelope. Next time I know, but was too late for todays deadline to switch.
Here's the stuff I put together for the Easter swap. I decorated the basket, made the bunny & card & fancied up the envelope.

Ok, I am slow, slow, slow. Got side tracked & never finished. I am still dog sitting. Robin has decided that her name isn't Dakota, it is Boskov the dancing bear. Today was thinking day & Chicky-pea had a great time, & I didn't have too shabby a time myself. Got some new recipes to try. Well, I am beat, so will have to say ttfn, but first:

Friday bento:
Kinder snack cut into chicks & bunny
Croquette, meatballs, cheese (not sure exactly what kind)
broccoli, grapes & strawberry, curry ketchup in sauce container, cauliflower

Dog sitting

2009-03-19T10:51:00.004+01:00

More like horse or cow sitting. A friend has to go home for a funeral, so she needed a dog sitter. I was very hesitant, but she got someone to take over after the weekend, so agreed. Sera is freaked & not at all happy, but you can't leave someone in a lurch, so.... here she is. Never knew that Newfoundlands slobbered quite so much or tha it would bug me, but is making me quite queasy. At least it is only for the weekend. I just keep wiping off her face, I hope little miss pup can come to turns with our house guest. Just giving her extra lovin.

Thurdays bento:

Leftovers from last night. The last of the cake.
Spanish rice w/ dollop of salsa, cheese quesadilla's, taco meat & refried beans w/ olive & pig cut from quesadilla.
extra salsa, shredded lettuce, baby corn, & tomato quarter.

oh, happy day

2009-03-18T12:56:00.003+01:00

It was a good day. Laundry is caught up, the boxes are gone (finally) & I got to talk to my honey. Life is good. Which is why I am changing the channel. Watching the news does not conducive to a peaceful frame of mind. I will say though that I am not impressed by the relentless blaming of Bush for all our country's problems & I think it shows poor manners. Oh well, new focus. ttfn.

Wednesday bento
kool-aid in 12 oz klean kanteen, German kids yogurt
crackers, peaches & (as Zach has dubbed it,) hippie space cake
zucchini & carrot slices, roast beef & baby swiss cows, butter kase cat & nic nacs (toasted covered peanut things.)

CAKE!!!!!!

2009-03-17T20:49:00.008+01:00

First off, Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!
I was not on the ball today, so didn't get a themed bento made, barely did for dinner. I didn't get around to buying a corned beef brisket in time, so made do. I made boiled cabbage, carrots & potatoes with bacon for seasoning, the broiled thick sliced roast beef & swiss sandwiches. It was delish. I did get the best cupcakes made though. From one of the blogs I read I found a recipe for rainbow cake which I did partially as rainbow & a few green for the holiday.

I am not a big fan of cake for us as it is too much. I like cupcakes. That way easy to freeze. Well, the green ones were cooking while I finished up dyeing the batter, then couldn't find my other cupcake pan, so we have rainbow twinkies. It is awesome, cheerful & even better - diet. At least as diet as cake can get, go check out the recipe & bake yourself up some cheer. Sera was trying to make me feel guilty today, waiting by the door for her walk.
First time she has ever done this, so gladly took her. Such a silly pup. Today was a half & half day for kids getting along. I think Ivy gets super sensitive, but *sigh* I just don't know. After scouts, Ivy played with her friends, & Zach took them all to the park. They got along great, but later, when Zach & Ivy were walking her friend home, the sibs just couldn't get along, & Ivy was being awful. Barely say anything to her & she is whining/yelling/crying at me. Ugh, Just don't know. Oh well, the day ended ok & tomorrow is another day.
Tuesday Bento:
Dragonfruit Capri Sun, raspberry cream yogurt.
carrot sticks, zucchini slices, yellow tomato, muenster cheese, salami
banana bread muffins, bear "chips" (no idea, fried potato things - good,) & strawberries

Moulin Rouge

2009-03-16T22:22:00.006+01:00

There may not be a whole lot I want to watch, but AFN has great movies on the AFN Movie channel. If it hadn't been on, probably wouldn't have chosen to watch it, b/c not really one the kids would want. But they are not watching anyway. I had forgotten how much I like this movie. So my recommendations of good movies to watch are... Moulin Rouge!, Across the Universe, & Chicago. All great musicals.
I have found a couple of things that are fun, fun, fun. One: on Flickr there is a group called the Jumping Project. Let me tell you, they sure have it right. You can not be unhappy while jumping ( or at least, it's damn hard.) The 2nd: I learned about swaps a while ago, but the closest I got to doing anything is I found one place dedicated to postcard swapping, that I immediately directed my sister to as she loves postcards. I mean, I knew basically what it was, but didn't realize how big it was on-line. The postcard one is Post Crossing & the one I just joined is Swap-bot, because really. Who doesn't like getting stuff in the mail. The only real challenge will be keeping to schedule, but I can do it.
The other thing about not much tv wise, is revisiting shows we have bought series of or watching ones just purchased. Ivy found our couple of seasons of 3rd Rock From the Sun. I loved that show, but only ever bought 2 seasons. (Now on my list to get the rest.) I never thought about the fact that it is new to her, she never really watched any of it. The only description she could think of when asking about it was, "you know the show that has the guy with the squinchie eyes." She is loving it, & Robin - out of all the kids - seems to like Get Smart the most. He generally is my TV buddie. Likes the stuff I like. Get Smart, Monk, Psych. I got a bit link happy today. Trying to restrain myself.... With watching 3rd Rock again, just watched the episode where Tommy has a crush on his glee club teacher & she is singing Bali Hai (from South Pacific.) It is now stuck in my head. And the worst part is, I don't know the whole song, so just the same bit over & over & over & over, ad infinitum.
Went to the German dollar store the other day & found this adorable rain coat. Isn't she a doll. Had gone out with new friends, Ivy's scout leaders, to pick up some things for craft we were working on here & they showed me where some stores were & had lunch out - with adults, no kids. Ahhhhh. Anyway, I am working with the girls for their jewelry making badge & one part is for a jewelry box, so we went to get supplies. I now know where a German craft store is. Woo hoo. well, I am about rambled out, hope all is well with you all out there in the real world & ttfn.

Anything You Can Do

2009-03-15T23:27:00.002+01:00

I am not sure what got us started on this tonight, but the kids & I got to singing Anything You Can Do from Annie Get Your Gun. Such a silly song & so fun to sing. Enjoy.

Thursday

2009-03-12T23:27:00.007+01:00

You know, whatever you do to your parents comes back to you. The thing is, it just makes me see both sides & you all know I am always right. Okay, now let me explain that bit of crypticness. There are things I remember from my childhood that my parents say they don't remember at all, well now I get it from Zach. Ah, but the thing is, his brother & sister are backing me up on my memory. Of course, now Zach is annoyed as hell with me & in a mood & not really talking to me. We have been having some issues the past couple days, & unfortunately ended a very pleasant streak of us really getting along. He swears that he used to take guitar lessons, well. I paid & took him to drum lessons, rented a trombone for him for a year & he took that in school, but that's it. I think I'd remember guitar lessons. Also, says that we locked him out in the snow barefoot when he was little. WHAT! I would love to know where he gets this stuff. Thank GOD that his brother & sister can back me up or his "memory" will end up having social services take them away. I just don't understand why he thinks this all was real. The other problem we have been having, is that we have all been joking around as is our want, & when he laughingly asked me what I thought he'd do if left home alone & I said hmm "burn down the house. join an anarchist group. something along those lines." Now he says I sound serious & he doesn't want me to say that. Good grief, so I said I don't want to hear him joking that way with anyone in the family & they can't with him. If he wants to be taken seriously, he needs to act that way. I am frustrated & hurt & I am sure he is to. I think we all just need a break from each other, or something. Such is a mother's life, you never do anything right. blah, blah, blah.
Anyway, let me move on to something else. We went to Ikea this evening & picked up a tv table for Zach, but first checked out Momax, (a closer store similar to Ikea.) I still prefer Ikea, but there was this nifty chair outside. Drove past it 3 times & never noticed it. Amazing.

Wednesday bento: marshmallow "gummi bear," kumquats, snack mix, salami & cream cheese on wheat roll-ups. hard boiled egg & salt. grapes, bunny marshmallows & slice of star fruit.

Thurday bentos:
(right- sick boy recovery bento) banana, applesauce, milk rice, boiled egg & salt, toast & hot tea. I told him to just eat what seemed right, I think he gave some away.
(left) fried turkey, German butter kase hearts, left over potato cut & mixed with cream cheese, bon bons. Kumquats, grapes, star fruit & minute amount of sugar to offset sourness of the kumquats.

Another haiku for today.

Grey and rainy day.
Sera and I went walking.
became cold and wet.

Haiku

2009-03-11T20:45:00.003+01:00

Do any of you listen to "Stuff You Should Know" from howstuffworks.com? I subscribe to the podcast & adore it. Anyhow, in the newer podcasts, they generally have a bit on listener mail & really seem to enjoy haiku's. Well, it got me thinking today & though I wasn't going to post today, I decided to go ahead & post a Haiku I wrote.

I love my children
They mean ev'ry thing to me
but make me crazy

I'm in a fog

2009-03-09T21:34:00.003+01:00

I have no idea what my issue is lately, but am just wandering around aimlessly in a fog. I can't seem to focus & I don't know why. I'm hoping I can shake this soon, I hate how I am feeling. I am having trouble focusing & getting anything much accomplished. I think I need a few days of sun, maybe a tan, something. Less than a month til my honey is home :D I can't wait. This will be the best birthday. I did get the "game room" area of the basement all set, all I need now is a transformer as there is no 110 in that room. Got a sickly young man here, hope he is well & doesn't need to miss anymore school. They all have Terra Nova testing this week, & he is already one day behind. He has some kind of stomach bug, has been hanging on for a couple days now. Then, poor kiddo, he took his shower last night & was the one to discover our water heater was not working. Brr. All fixed now, very efficient work order section here. After all these years with the army, I am finally taking the Army Family Team Building classes. May be a lot that I already know, but never to late to learn & I am sure there must be something new to learn. Plus, i will take all the courses & may volunteer with them. We shall see. Yesterday was a great service at church, I really enjoy when Chaplain Williamson preaches, he is very entertaining & really keeps your focus. Well, boring as this has been, just letting y'all know I am alive & well. Tchuss.

Amazing Video

2009-03-04T22:16:00.002+01:00

I belong to a couple of groups online & get the posts emailed to me. Some days I just scan, while others I really read. This one... I watched the video & I have to say it is absolutely beautiful. Please watch & ponder.

Of All the Things I've Lost, I Miss My Mind the Most

2009-03-03T21:42:00.002+01:00

I still can't find where the camera has run off to. I think it might have crawled under something & is hiding. I have been in bum mode this week. Enough so to feel ashamed of myself. I need to get my butt in gear & actually accomplish things. Like organization - which is desperately needed. I was so thrown this morning. The cat was being very attentive & verbose this morning, and actually kissed the dog. I would never have believed it if I hadn't seen it, but sure enough. Of course, the moment the dog tried to respond she ran, but it is a step in the right direction. This month starts the onslaught of birthdays in my family & I am off to a smashing start by being late. There are odd birthdays through out the yr, but the spring is when the bulk of them lie. I hope all is well & will talk to y'all another time. Cheers.

A Really Very Good Weekend

2009-03-01T22:55:00.002+01:00

We started this weekend with a bang. The boys went to see Friday the 13th & Ivy & I stayed in, ate ice cream & watched "She's All That." Saturday we cleaned. I hate to clean, but I love a clean house. It makes me happy & I just feel good when the house is clean. Then we went for a walk off base & on the way home, we saw that "Bedtime Stories" was playing for the matinee & decided to go. Boy am I glad we did. Excellent flick. Just loved it. Then we finished off by going through the last box. All the shelves are up, & all boxes have been sorted. There are a few I still need to put away, the storage room is a mess, but overall - except for the organizing - I am done. Well, I am beat & need to locate the camera - downfall of cleaning - so ttfn.