Week 1, Day 2

I didn't get to start training until after Declan went to bed tonight, but I did do it! I walked 2 minutes then ran 2 minutes for 12 minutes, then walked 2 minutes, ran 1 minute for 7 minutes after that. I did a little over a mile (almost 2km - 1/5 of the way there!) today.

This was today's route.

Sending Love

Today we gathered to send our quarterly care packages to our deployed soldiers. After we ate some delicious soup and salad, we set to work. All of this stuff (and more!) had to go into 14 bags. Needless to say, we sent a few extra bags of goodies.

We do these care packages every 3 months, so our next packages will get there in time for the Holiday Season. If you would like to send some things or send some money to help us bake things, please let me know. These packages mean a lot to our soldiers, who are away from their families.

Race for the Cure 2010: A Huge Accomplishment

Today was a huge deal for me. Friends and I participated in the 2010 Race for the Cure in Frankfurt, Germany. Two walked the 2km, and the rest of us ran the 5km. This was my first attempt at any kind of running race and most definitely the longest I have ever run at one time. The big thing is: I finished. It was not all running, it was not fast, but it was complete. I am very proud of myself for doing this, I am thankful for my supportive husband who ran with me for the first part, I am glad for the strangers who encouraged me (in several languages) throughout the route. I am glad that for a little while today, I was part of something huge. Something that will make a difference.

Two Babies, One Doctor

This morning the kids went for their well-baby appointments. Declan was adamant about going first. He was weighed, measured, and checked out by the doc, then it was "Abi turn." When it was time for shots, Abi went first because Declan didn't need any immunizations. Abigail screamed, of course. Declan ran over to her, tried to hold her hand and immediately began singing: Abi, Abi, Abi. When she was done, Declan bravely said, "Declan turn!" He was such a great big brother today, he made me very proud.


Stats:
Declan, 27.5 lbs, 33 inches
Abigail, 14.4 lbs, 23 inches
Both are perfect, of course.

Sunday Sunshine

This morning the kids and I ventured to church on our own. Today's message was about slowing down and not trying to do everything all at once. It was a very appropriate message for me, and probably for most army wives out there. We often try to prove we can do everything on our own. Like its a competition. When really, the smartest thing to do is to ask for help when we need it. I am so blessed to have friends I can count on when things just get too hard, or too hectic. And while I cannot often repay them, I cannot wait until the day I can help out someone in my shoes. Paying it forward is the way of the army wife.

My goal for this week is to remember my priorities. To take care of my children and my self. The laundry can wait.

Downtown Adentures

This morning, the kids and I ventured downtown to the Farmer's Market. Just getting there was an adventure! Once we arrived at the market (thanks to the German couple who carried my basket and held the doors for my double stroller!), I immediately purchased the most gorgeous strawberries I have ever seen. We also bought some blueberries. We wandered the market and then saw the set-up for the International Fest that is being held tonight. After passing the Fire Truck display, we went shopping in the downtown Pedestrian Zone. I unloaded the kids to go into the Gummy Bear Store and from that point on, Declan was intent on walking, without holding my hand. Luckily, he stays close and enjoys the freedom without pushing his limits. As we circled back around towards the market, Declan started clapping his hands to the salsa band that was warming up and even danced a little. It was adorable. Abigail slept most of the time, of course. So, my first venture to the Farmer's Market was a success, we will definitely repeat this next weekend.

Two Fests in Two Days

I thought this summer and the 4,000+ miles my kids and I spent in the car together proved how awesome they are. This weekend, they proved it yet again. We hit two fests this weekend, with hours of fun, and no tears!

Idstein Witches Festival
Saturday was spent in the best way I know how .... with my girlfriends! We headed out to downtown Idstein and toured the town. Ice cream cones, creepy witches on stilts, and a gorgeous church later, we headed back to Chas's house and caught up on all I had missed this summer. Declan played with the "older" kids for hours. It was a perfect day.

Mainz Wine Fest
On Sunday, we took the train down to Mainz and walked to the Wine Fest in a beautiful park. Declan walked about 1/2 of the way and then gave up. I couldn't get too mad though, because he wanted Mommy cuddles. This fest was huge, and had more than enough for kids of all ages. Declan spotted the bouncy castle and wanted to play. I was prepared for a repeat of last time (sobbing hysterically). We had to go back a second time so he could play more! Abigail slept through most of the adventure, which is her style. We ate some Frikadellen, Curry Schinken, Pommes mit Mayo, some delicious beer, and a Nutella and banana crepe to top it off.

I'm not sure how this week will go, especially as I take on the kids full-time by myself, but I know that if they are half as good as they were this weekend, I will be just fine.

Home Sweet Home

Our adventure back to Germany began Thursday morning while trying to fit all our stuff into Dad's Honda Civic. We did it! Final count: 1 garment bag, 1 big green army duffel, 1 duffel bag, 1 huge suitcase, 1 double stroller, 3 carry-ons, 2 car seats, 2 kids, 1 mom, and 1 Gramps. The flight was as enjoyable as possible with 2 kids. We sat in the bulkhead row where Abigail flew in style in her bassinet. Declan fell asleep before take-off and awoke only because he smelled the food they brought for him. No one slept too much on the plane, which I decided was a good thing, because we would all sleep when we got home. Good plan, right? Well, it worked! We arrived back in Wiesbaden and were all settled into our beds by 0730 CET (thats 1:30am EDT). We woke up at noon and did some food shopping and unpacking. Later on we took a walk around housing and had tilapia for dinner. Luckily the kids were settled in bed (albeit MY bed) by 9pm and I woke them up around 10am.

Thanks to the wonderful Lufthansa staff for providing us world class service, Billie for making sure there was milk for Declan in the fridge, and Dad for hauling the darned car seat through two airports.