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.

Happiness

Last night Declan was bringing me piles of books to read, and one of them was Happiness by Charles Shultz. Here's my version:

Happiness is iced coffee at 6:45am.
Happiness is spending days with my husband.
Happiness is reading books with my 2 year old.
Happiness is Declan on one side and Abigail on the other, for naptime.
Happiness is lunch with my best friend.
Happiness is driving a stick shift.
Happiness is the view from my parent's kitchen.
Happiness is the feeling I get when Steven is logged on to google chat.
Happiness is when Abigail smiles at me like I'm the most important thing in the world.
Happiness is having friends who will answer the phone at 2am.
Happiness is knowing that 15 minutes with Grandma makes her week.
Happiness is getting kisses from Declan every time I ask for them, even if its five times in a row.
Happiness is cuddling on the couch with my kids.
Happiness is talking to my siblings on facebook, when 3 of us are in the same house.
Happiness is watching Declan play with his golf clubs while he tries to remember which one is the driver.
Happiness is getting packages in the mail, when its not my birthday or Christmas.
Happiness is German beer.
Happiness is watching Declan and Abigail play together.

Happiness is knowing the right answer on Jeopardy before Steven.
Happiness is going to bed at night knowing I had a productive day because I spent it with my kids, even if the laundry isn't done.

A Peaceful Morning, Eventually

This morning did not start out peaceful. Declan was awake and loud in my bedroom by 6:45, clamoring for milk, wanting to cuddle (take up the whole bed) and babbling incessantly. After 15 minutes, I gave up. We all headed downstairs and the morning began. Breakfast, two loads of laundry, clean dishes, two changes of clothes and a large glass of iced coffee later, we are all playing outside. Declan alternates between the red car (see picture), his golf clubs, and an empty toilet paper roll. Abigail is content having a front row seat to Declan's antics and is busy blowing bubbles.


I am sipping some more iced coffee and catching up with the world. Its a gorgeous morning in the Shenandoah Valley. The sun is out, the front porch is still covered by shade, the birds are singing, and all is quiet. Except for the occasional rumbling of a truck passing by or the whining of a table saw in the basement.


I am cherishing this time, as I know colder weather and rain await me in Germany in just a few days. As I go home to my wonderful friends, I leave behind the unconditional love of my family. I return to my apartment, with my things and my bed and my (gasp!) husband, I leave the comfort of my childhood home and the spaciousness of a house. I adore the cobblestones and the atmosphere of downtown Wiesbaden, but I will miss the familiarity of my college town, and the ease of asking for directions at the corner store. All in all, it has been an amazing summer. I have discovered a lot about myself and who I want to be.


Here's to the rest of the year. Only four months left in 2010, but I intend to make them fabulous!

Lifestyle Changes: Week 1

I've decided that my life is not how I want it to be. Therefore I have made a list of changes and have decided to implement them one at a time. This week's change was a daily devotional. I have decided that if I have time to watch TV or be on Facebook, I have time to give 15 minutes a day to God. Granted, I frequently multi-task during those 15 minutes and read my daily devotional while feeding Abigail or watching Declan play with his trains. But I don't think God minds. He understands that I am a mother 24/7. In fact, I do not think He expects any less of me.

This morning in church, Pastor Dave mentioned giving God credit for all we have. He spoke of positive things, our money, our relationships, our house; but I thought of the challenges that God brings us to, and through. I am grateful for the things I have learned through the hard times, particularly through these deployments. I have learned to live on my own, to raise my children on my own, to rely on family and friends when I need help, and probably, one of the most important things, to ASK for help! I have learned that I can survive this army lifestyle. I have been fortunate to spend most of these separations talking to my husband online. We have grown stronger as a couple despite the distance between us. I thank God for the good things He has brought me and the challenges He has brought me through. I strive to keep up these daily devotionals, and to bring them into my family's daily routine.