Duty.Calls

Schloss Heidelberg

2009-10-24T23:38:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful day we had yesterday!We went upto the castle ruins and explored..this is an early 15th century castle from the Holy Roman Empire..the views were breath taking.We took a cable car down from the highest point,met some people from Indiana on the way...so it was nice having conversation from home while enjoying the sights!

Dan and a German cell phone(not)...its an English tour guide

Mal just had her first beer in Germany(ha,ha) funny pic though

Heidelberg is a a big university town,here are some rich frat boys in their blazers and red beanies...cool---what a view they have-600 yr old university here

Very common here in Europe(the WC- wash closet) sometimes,most of the time you have to pay a small fee to go..50 Euro here,someone mans the toilets and cleans them as people go..its nice for a public rest room to be clean!I dont mind!

Dan was learn'in us about the door(teaching) The walls were thick,then they had the iron spikes that came down,and the small door within the door was for messangers..it was said that whoever could bite through the iron ring could be the mistress of the castle-there is a crack that they say a witch made...

Largest Keg in the world. This picture doesn't do the keg justice..it was huge! Over 2 stories high, we walked up stairs to stand on a platform(dance floor) on top of it-the local farmers had to contribute to the keg..holds 55,345 gallons of wine...

Dan getting his Mezzo Mix(like Coke/Orange mixed)

Going back up

Ready for the weekend..not.

2009-10-16T17:53:00.000-07:00

Thought this was a cute picture of Spice..Yes Mally had her dressed up again, poor kitty...that kid would be lost without her best buddy!

Weekend is here and no plans but to clean,laundry etc....thats OK because it has turned a bit chilly here and we are all in a lazy mode!Aub mentioned going downtown shopping so we may do that...
I have a million if- ands and buts going through my head.Just life in general and what are we suppossed to be doing next as a family. Some decision making to be done ,a future to be working towards...no biggie-just our life...all i do know for certain is that I am so greatful for the husband and children-family and friends that I do have..thats what its all about anyway---everything else will fall in place--whats that word i am looking for??? PATIENCE!

Luidwigsburg Germany

2009-10-11T13:00:00.000-07:00

We went to Luidwigsburg yesterday to the worlds largest pumpkin fest, we got started a bit late and it poured rain,but we had a blast...we want to go back and explore more. Setteled in the stone age onto the celts and romans...lots to see and do there...

Europes Biggest pumpkins

Kel&Dan

There were interesting statues everywhere!Wish i had taken more pics..it was getting to dark.

Malibu

Aubsie and Mommy

Dan swore this guy was giving him the finger..he was talking in a deep voice-in german of coarse..we made stuff up"Yea Shewards be banished from this land forever".It was a cool set up, little scenes from fairy tales everywhere!

We got there a little late, and the weather wasnt the best but we had a great time! What a magical place,fairy tale for sure!!Here we have the Pied Piper,Cinderella,Gulliver's travels,Snow White,Little Red Riding Hood,Pippi Longstocking,Hansel&Greatel& Mother Goose

We had so much fun together..wet but still smiling!

Puss&Boots...not going to touch that one

Girlies picking out their pumkins

Cold from the rain but it was sure worth it!!!

My Dear Copper

2009-10-05T07:53:00.000-07:00

Anyone who is close to us knows how much we loved our dog. Copper was put to sleep on Saturday in Indiana after an accident and is buried at the farm where she loved it the most. It has been extremely hard for us all, but we did have 13 wonderful yrs with her...great memories...She was a great family dog and the best traveled dog for sure--we took her everywhere! We loved you and will miss you Cop-Cop!!!!

Rothenburg

2009-09-21T06:44:00.000-07:00

We had a great time in rothenburg this past weekend.This is one of our favorite places to go in Germany...12th century..medevil criminalmuseum that is fascinating..and the views are unbelievable...Brought back so many memories!

!

Great day with the girls!

2009-09-12T08:55:00.000-07:00

Aubrey did great getting us around, she knew exactly what strass to take to get downtown.I loved our day,great memories!

Nothing like some hot pomme fritz with mayo on top..oh yeah, we had a pretzel too!!!

Just beautiful today,great weather-scenery was unbelievable..Aub had a necklace handmade by the man in the pic..pretty neat!

love the street performers!

Beautiful church

My girlies

End of the day!!!

Beautiful Flowers!

2009-09-11T09:12:00.000-07:00

Beautiful flowers,huh! The teacher I am working for brought these today for Mal&I-along with some other goodies with amazing wrapping and a dear card!(Miss Mallory has been a great help,she has done so many little odd jobs in the room like organizing the house keeping section or putting up chairs for me after school).It should be the other way around-I should have brought Ms.B flowers-- truly anyone reading this should be thanking a kindergarten teacher-They work so hard!!!The dedication those teachers have is unbelievable.
Dan just called,looking like sometime Sunday he should be back...we need him!Think he is planning to spend time with the girls next week,they are out of school for teacher work days...so it will be good for all of them!
Welp, i am tired from a long first week of school,thinking i will take a long bath,put on some jammies and slippers and cuddle up on the couch with my girlies...I bet they could pick out a good movie too!!!!!

I want one...

2009-09-09T08:15:00.000-07:00

I want one of these little trucks! Cute huh!!!!!

Gosh I am so tired.Did'nt know it was going to take me this long to get back in the grove of working!!!Or maybe its been the move we have went through and all that has gone on the past 2 months and Dan being gone, but I am tired!
I really am enjoying my job though. I am working with a wonderful teacher.I want so bad to be in that (reading your mind spot) of being one step ahead-I am learning though, I need to regain the school organization skills I had before-being home 4 yrs has made me not have to really think...or to think about other things I should say..
Dan should be home Sat we are hoping!We need to do some sight seeing...Heidelberg is just beautiful right now, the trees are changing the weather a bit cooler...

Road trip

2009-09-07T07:28:00.001-07:00

Great short trip!It was quick but worth it!Met Dan then got our hotel rooms,he had to go back to work till about 7, then we went out to a nice German resteraunt and got back around 11. Dan was up and at work at 6 am making a slide presentation and then we had breakfast with him and were off...we were back in Heidelberg by noon...We are all still tired from school and work from last week and getting in the hang of a routine. So hopefully we are all in bed early tonight. Dan should be home next Mon but think he might be heading to the states for a week after only being home 4 days....but all is well here and i am keeping the home fires burning..as always!
Pics of when we first got there,some traing going on,the resteraunt, and dan and i this morn before I left.
I was so proud of myself, It took a lot for me to drive 3 hours on the autobahn..Nothing like going 85 and having a mercedes,bmw,audi or fiat on your tail trying to move ya outta the way--a bit nerve racking.Aub kept telling me I was in the slow lane.But we had fun,good music,beautiful weather....a nice little trip..

Long week!

2009-09-05T02:18:00.000-07:00

Things have changed since my last work post. I was offered the kinder job and of coarse jumped at it!Mal and I walk to school each morning-like 2min max! So nice.So girlies started school and I started work , getting into a routine is hard after such a long, drawn out, hectic, busy ,summer but we are making it.All last week I went on home visits with the lead teacher which I think is an awesome thing Department of Defense schools do.We go to each kinders home for 30min and are in their world, so much more comfortable for them!The little ones also start a week late so its no so hectic with the 1st day of school-so i may be really dragging next week after the kids are actually in the class-but I do love it!
Think we are going to visit Dan tomorrow-about a 3 hour drive. So...will have pics to post.

Cute....

2009-08-23T02:43:00.000-07:00

My new baby trash can to leave on the counter top for biodegradable compost waste....trying to get organized before heading to work this week...

Cleaning!

2009-08-22T03:08:00.000-07:00

Just a question? Is it possible for this place to have more dust than El Paso Texas?Here is Mal cleaning the small parts of an antique we got in Oki...with a q-tip...Its the flow of the flat I guess,or is it that we never shut our windows because there is no air conditioning....!!!!

Job

2009-08-22T01:02:00.000-07:00

I am back in the field I love..Although its not the job I wanted(I wanted kinder)this will work.I have a definition: A paraprofessional -- often referred to as an aide -- is a special-education worker who is not licensed to teach, but performs many duties both individually with students and organizationally in the classroom. Your child may be assigned a one-on-one paraprofessional as part of his or her IEP, or interact with a paraprofessional assigned to the classroom. The No Child Left Behind Act expanded the qualifications required to become a paraprofessional, as well as the duties paraprofessionals are permitted to carry out. In general, though, paraprofessionals should be working in support of the teacher, and not teaching themselves. Under ideal circumstances, having a certified, enthusiastic, well-prepared paraprofessional can make an enormous difference in the efficiency of your child's classroom and the implementation of your child's IEP. When there are problems, it is often because paraprofessionals are being asked to do things they are not trained to do, or have been pressed into service to do administrative tasks for the school outside of their support role in the classroom.(By Terri Mauro,about.com)I have done this before and while it is fullfilling I love the hustle of kinder..Maybe next yr although that is where my heart is...
So the rat race begins,Dan is not here until Sept 15th,The day of orientation at Aubrey's high school is the same day as mine, and both girls have dental appointments that day-go figure..I always work it out but the stress is no fun!Mal will be going to the school I am at,which I hope works out. It takes her out of this neighborhood school and the friends that would live and go to school here...The school I am going to is extra amall...like 106 students..only 1 5th grdae so far with 17 students...Mal will be fine. Aub will be right next door so the 3 of us will be riding to work and school togeter again...shades of Okinawa!!I am happy to be back in the department of defense school system though, its a great learning environment...

Some things around here.

2009-08-19T04:52:00.000-07:00

I am so hot,not physically,not ticked off,but hot in general-like heat hot.There is no air conditioning here ya know!Being on the 3rd floor doesnt help either.Anyway, thought I would share a few pictures...

Recycling is the law in Germany!Wish it was made this easy in the states- think more poeple would do it.They have the container for the green,white and brown glass-and then the various sorts of trash. The compost bin is the grossest!Also each housing unit is graded on the effort, thats what the 3 green dots represent.I guess this unit has had red before and there is a 50 dollar fee to each tenant.Makes ya think!

This is the landing to our flat(yes still refusing to call it my home or apartment)a tiny little place, about 1200sq feet, thats 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, imagine how cramped it is in here!We keep saying-its give and take,here we have the city, where we will probably move will be away from everything with a bigger house-go figure.The heating rack is in my bath-you can heat up your towels and such --its cool!

Tyler and Aubrey on the web cam!

Today

2009-08-18T06:55:00.000-07:00

What a great day! Just us girls, although dan called several times this morning...so he is STILL with us.We got a lot accomplished today.
#1 Aubrey signed up for classes at the highschool.
#2 Went to the awesome Aldi's and bought German goodies..
#3 T-mobile about Aubreys cell
#4 PX and picked up school supplies and such
#5 Girls got great haircuts from a lady from London who we fell in love with, she has lived here 10 yrs...neat gal! The hair dresser is always an important find for us, imagine that!
Had a nice lunch together over on the post dan works at and where we pick up our mail..You know I will fall in love with this place and with our luck be moved..Hummm?

Here are pics of Kinder Uberraschung,kindereggs...if you have ever been to germany you know what I'm talkin about. Have already had some requests to send back to the states..but not allowed to ship them, something about the toy inside being a chocking hazard..yeah yeah...

I'm back

2009-08-17T01:46:00.000-07:00

Here I am again. I have really missed blogging and plan to get back into a routine again. I enjoy doing it to keep tack of our adventures as well as an easy way to keep family and friends in the loop.This is going to be pretty basic for now. We left Texas in June,spent a month in Indiana and moved onto Germany in July...things have been extremely hectic and not the best move on record...but we are troopers, and things will get better the more we get setteled! We love Germany(second time here for Dan and I, first time for girls)...So far we have already moved to another location,Aubrey turned 16,Dan and I had our 20th wedding Anniversary(we were here on our 1st-kinda neat)-Mal attended vacation bible school and seemed to really enjoy it,got our household goods delivered,and Dan is gone for a month-the life of a military family...school starts in 2 weeks..and we might- possibly-maybe-could move agian in the near future....I hope to post pics of our trips and sight seeing...for now...here I go again.....

Leaving Texas

Spent month in Indiana

Now living in Germany

Spring Break 09'

2009-03-21T10:54:00.000-07:00

Hey click on (view all) and you can go through them one by one..we had a great trip, all tired and glad to be home.Wonderful vacation though...really enjoyed getting away and spending time together with no stress or obligations...

THE BLVD.

2009-02-26T09:58:00.000-08:00

Aubrey took this picture last night. I like it. Took 20 years to get here, but were here!!!

Having a slumber party tomorrow night. Going to take the kids to see Coraline(we have seen it once) but Mal picked it again.My baby is going to be 10 on the 2nd, double digits.

Thank goodness for Aubrey and her friends(Molly&Savannah) Last yr they helped with the slumber party and we had a blast(spa night.)This yr is much more simple,smaller group -but Aubrey's friend Kayla is spending the night -it always helps to have extra hands!

So I should have some fun party pictures up this weekend!

Wish me luck!!!

Just Thursday

2009-02-19T13:48:00.001-08:00

Not much has changed in the past week or so. Dan should get some briefings next week which should answer some questions like- when do we need to be in Germany,when do we get our pass ports,when are the movers coming etc....

I think I have a sinus infection. Going to the doc tomorrow--or could be allergies-this is one dusty place! Oh yeah-it is the desert!

Here is a pic of Mally and her silly cat Spice. They are ALWAYS together.

Happy Valentines Day!

2009-02-14T19:59:00.000-08:00

We had a nice lazy Valentines Day! Did nothing all morn and afternoon then went to Sonic -girls pick,Barnes&Noble- our favorite store...then hit the DQ baby!!!! Blizzards all around! At the book store I picked up a German lesson CD kit that I can listen to in the car or while I am walking. I am certainly not as intimidated about German as I was Japanese!And already have a head start-its starting to click again.

All is quiet, both girlie's in their rooms reading their new books and Dan is watching TV.

Think I will start my lesson.

Having company over for dinner tomorrow who know all about the post we are going to-hope to get a head start on whats to be expected.

Tyler .....

2009-02-12T20:10:00.001-08:00

Picture I took on my walk tonight.

Will miss the texas sunsets!

Love is in the air!

Aubreys boyfriend Tyler sent her a huge box of goodies today.

He made her cry, sweet-sweet boy!

We miss ya Ty Ty-Louisiana is to far away!

Thanks for being so good to my girl!

What is a Military Wife?

2009-02-09T12:04:00.000-08:00

What is a MILITARY Wife?

They may look different and each is wonderfully unique.
But what do they have in common?

They have THIS IN COMMON!

Lots of moving---
Moving.
Moving far from home.
Moving two cars, three kids and one dog----all riding with
HER of Course.
Moving sofas to basements because they won't go in THIS house.
Moving curtains that won't fit.
Moving jobs and certifications and professional development hours.
Moving away from friends, moving toward new friends.
Moving her most important luggage; her trunk full of memories.

Often waiting-
Waiting, waiting;
waiting for housing;
waiting for orders;
waiting for deployment;
waiting for reunion;
waiting for phones calls;
waiting for the new curtains to arrive;
waiting for him to come home
For dinner----AGAIN!

They call her 'military dependent', but she knows better.
She can balance a checkbook,
Handle the yard work,
Fix a noisy toilet,
Bury the family pet...
She is intimately familiar with drywall, anchors, and toggle bolts.
She can file the taxes, sell a house, buy a car, or set up a move ----
all with ONE Power of Attorney.

She welcomes neighbors that don't welcome her.
Reinvents her career with every PCS; locates a house in the desert,
the arctic, or the deep south and learns to call them all 'home.'
She MAKES them all home.

She is fiercely IN-dependent and somewhat hasty;
Leaps into decorating, leadership, volunteering, career alternatives, churches and friendships.
She doesn't have 15 years to get to know people.
Her roots are short but flexible.
She plants annuals for themselves and perennials for those who come after them.

Military Wives quickly learn to value each other.
They connect over coffee, rely on the spouse-network and accept offers
of friendship and favors and record addresses in pencil.

Military Wives have a common bond.
The Military Wife has a husband unlike other husbands, his commitment is unique.
He doesn't have a job, he has a 'mission' – he can't decide to quit
-- he's on-call for his country 24/7, but for the military wife, he's the most unreliable guy in town!

His language is foreign:
TDY
PCS
OPR
ACC
BDU

And so, a Military Wife is a translator for her family and his.
She is the long-distance link to keep them informed and the glue that holds them together.

Military Wife has her moments----
she wants to wring his neck, dye his uniform pink, and refuse to move to Siberia.
But she pulls herself together.
Give her a few days, a travel brochure, a long hot bath, a pledge to the flag, and a wedding picture.
And she goes.
She packs.
She moves.
She follows.

Why?
What for?
How come?
You may think it is because she has lost her mind.

But actually it is because she has lost her heart.
It was stolen from her by a man
Who puts duty first
Who longs to deploy
Who salutes the flag
And whose boots in the doorway remind her that as long as he is her
Military husband, she will remain his Military wife.

Planning

2009-02-07T10:55:00.000-08:00

Anyone want to visit Prague?

Look how close we are going to be. I went there long ago ,on a major shopping trip.Beautiful city!I remember the first time we went to Czechoslovakia -took Mom&Dad.Such a strange experience and surreal.Dans paper work was scrutinized and we began to get nervous.

Now since the fall of the Iron Curtain,Prague is a huge tourist destination.6th most visited European city.

We were in Germany from 89-92. I actually still have a piece of the Berlin Wall.

I know so much has changed. We are getting excited now. Going to take old photos and get pics of the girls in the same spots.

Still cant believe we are going!

Germany.

2009-02-05T00:02:00.000-08:00

Yep.Yet another big move. When I am done with this one I will have lived overseas for a total of 10 yrs. Full circle-going back to where we started 20 yrs ago, and to where we will hopefully retire and end this vagabond life-Germany.

We all have very mixed emotions.I think we just thought all was going to be easy and we would be headed close to Indiana. This was a real curve ball. Lots of tears at dinner. But by bedtime a little more excitement.

Of coarse the excitement of living overseas is grand. But all don't realize what goes into it and what is given up. Yet again I will pack away memories that make my home MY home. Storage is a familiar word for us. Here at Bliss is the first place in 20 yrs that I have actually had ALL my stuff.I love my house, a year to enjoy it all isn't enough. My kids have given up so much, family first and for most. Aub a normal high school life-they see and do so much-but I also loved living in the same town, going to basketball games-running around. They don't have that. She will graduate from over there from a small school. Last class had 50 that graduated. She will get her licence but only allowed to drive on post, I think. Japan was like that because the driving age is 18 there. Mal says she doesn't want to go, but she doesn't like any kind of change. Taking her cats will help. Poor Copper probably isn't going. At 13 I think the trip would be cruel. Not taking truck or motorcycle-storage. You put part of your life on hold for 3 yrs.

Aub is feeling better. I know she hates to leave Tyler, although he is in Louisiana-we have to figure out the time difference(8hours) and how and when they will talk and text. She is saying now that she is excited.It will be great-once we get on board and past the shock.Her two best friends from Louisiana are being stationed there in July also-about 2 hours away.They are all thrilled.

We will get to travel though so much more this time. Dan will have more free time and we have more moo la than when he was a private. We will get to see so much.

Still doesn't replace missing my family and friends.

Its still all sinking in.

I'm cheating.

2009-01-18T21:00:00.000-08:00

I am cheating on my blog with face book. And I like it. At first I was guilty-but that's life, cant please all. Neat to see pictures of friends from high school and other duty stations! Its fun, although it has taken me away from here some.
Not much going on. The holidays are over, everything is back to normal and we still don't know where we are going to be stationed next.
Got my first ticket ever while my Mom was in the car with me when she was here visiting. Was going 24mph in a 15...The ass gave me a 115.00 ticket.
Dan graduates in May, so not too much longer here...have a military ball we are looking forward to attending in May also.
See, not much going on.
K

Happy New Year!!!!

2009-01-05T10:09:00.000-08:00

Tired of trying to get this pic flipped. Computers are not my strong point!Hope everyone is enjoying the NEW YEAR!!!! We had a great New Years Eve. They all played lots of cards. We had fun.Things are winding down. Jeff left,Aubrey's boyfriend headed back to Louisiana,Dan went to school today-kids go back Wed, and Mom and Dad leave Friday. Its going to be quiet around here-we will miss the company!!

Copper Doo

Malibu
Krazy-Kel

Passed out Poppy

Jazzy JeffNeurotic Nana

Awesome Aubs

Dazzlin Dan

Hope 2009 brings health and happiness to all!!!!!

Border Shopping

2009-01-03T22:43:00.000-08:00

Nana and I could have spent the entire day going in and out of little shoppes.

We had a lovely day. Went shopping a couple of streets over from the border. We all had a good time. Got great deals on some cheap socks and hair accessories . Lots of just junk down there. Expected more authentic Mexican goods, not so much from China and such. Still fun though. Aub is sad that Tyler leaves tomorrow. But we all enjoyed the day together.Here we are with Tyler's Mom, Tyler-and Aubry's best buddy --Aub,Dan,Mal and me

Surprise

2009-01-02T21:30:00.000-08:00

We got the best surprise today! Aubrey's boyfriend from Louisiana rang the door bell at about 8 this evening! I couldn't believe it! Had no clue. Had gone to the movies tonight with Dan and Mom&Dad, came home and had dinner and was cleaning up and the bell rang. Aubrey had known a few hours before and kept a secret. The look on Mallory's face was shock-then she gave him a big hug. Kelly(Tyler's Mom) is here also--its just great! So happy for the kids that they get to see each other-its been 6 months or so. Tomorrow we are all going shopping down by the border and hanging out....pretty neat,huh!!!!!!

Aub and TyTy

Concordia Cemetary..look it up, history!!!

2008-12-31T20:43:00.000-08:00

This place is sooo neat! Easy to let your imagination run wild and picture the old west! It is so beautiful , yet so harsh, makes one wander what those times were like... Texas State Historical Cemetery, was founded around 1840, resting place of over 60,000.

I really want to go back and spend more time reading the head stones(some graves had just a simple cross, made from anything you can imagine, some had question marks for birth dates,some just rocks-fascinating to me.
This was a Texas Ranger(Diamond Dick)

Simple and rugged,so much history.

This was a section where buffalo soldiers were buried.

New Mexico

2008-12-30T17:47:00.000-08:00

Really having a great time with my parents! We took them to New Mexico-absolutely beautiful scenery!They really enjoyed the beauty of it all. Dan is on his way out now to get my brother (Jeff) in through the gate, he is here from Austin TX. Looking forward to our visit....more pics later..

Poppy&Nana

The gang!

He likes it spicy-Dad bought some HOT salsa!

This was Billy the Kid's hideout.Cool!!!!!

Merry Christmas !!!!

2008-12-25T20:04:00.000-08:00

The end to a perfect day. Love this little nativity scene my Mom scent , tiny little egg shaped thing. She got it on a mission trip to Honduras.

Jesus is the reason for the season!

Just enjoying the moment,time together. Santa loved his cookies!

Dan got boxers with little motorcycles all over them from the girlie's.

I love Moma Mia, puts a smile on my face!

Aub got mostly clothes, what else do ya get a 15yr old girl!!!!

Mal could not find her stocking this morning! I opened the blinds and she saw a trampoline in the back yard-and her stocking was on top...That Santa is a sly one! He musta been out late figuring that thing out, in the dark, chilly,wind....great guy!

Our fun isnt over just yet. My parents come tomorrow for 2 weeks and my brother will be in from Austin sometime. Have a few trips planned. Cant believe its almost 2009. Where does the time go? Another year,wow.

Christmas Eve

2008-12-24T20:42:00.000-08:00

We had a nice evening. Went next door to the neighbors. Had a nice visit. Plan on the usual in the morning--sausage gravy and biscuits...a Christmas tradition. Just feeling really grateful tonight that we are all together. So many kids are without parents in the civilian and military world tonight. We are just so lucky......

Fun!!!

2008-12-21T20:29:00.000-08:00

They had a ball all day today, and still going at it. I can see this going on till the wee morning hours. We laughed a lot today!Seeing these three dance together was hilarious! I must say the WII fit is pretty brutal. I am ashamed to say what it says my age is. But I definitely think it will be a motivator.

Early Christmas

2008-12-21T10:01:00.000-08:00

We had an early celebration today. Don't know who it was for -Dan or the girls. He thought they should get some gifts early so they could play all this week. Of coarse they were thrilled! But before the festivities began, like so many other occasions in the house...we get a speech from Dan. Sweet really, as we all look at each other and roll our eyes...He makes everything memorable, and special....

Copper-Doo

Our tree.Need to put the angle back on top

Yeah!!! WII FIT !!! We have all been wanting this. Cant wait to learn how to use it.

Merry Christmas girls..

Aub and Mal passed out from all the excitement !

Looking forward to rest of the week, Santa coming, Mom and Dad flying in.Spending time with these guys!!

2 Worlds 1 day!!!

2008-12-14T07:06:00.000-08:00

Off to the Wild Wild West!

In The heart Of The Southern Rockies!

We had a blast yesterday! And what a difference a little over 2 hours makes in scenery! From Texas to the beautiful snow caped mountains of New Mexico !

And trees,real trees!!!Not just desert brush.

We stopped at a little visitors center.Met the nicest lady . The girls took their photo op. Aubrey's friend was with us, they have been good friends since 7th grade-lived down the steeet from each other at Ft Polk , her dad just got transferred here from Louisiana. I know they are going to hate leaving each other again when we go in June.

Not far is Roswell New Mexico....We didn't see any UFOs though. Can you pick out which ones are the girls and which are the aliens? I always thought teenagers were a form of aliens!

Ruidoso New Mexico was beautiful. The kids really enjoyed the tubing! It was so cold, I admit I sat the last hour in the truck. This is somewhere we look forward to exploring again soon. A quaint village with ski resorts, cabins, hotels..all nestled up in the mountains, winter paradise but I bet the summers are spectacular also. Lots of history also .

Here they goooooo!

Aubrey did hurt her foot though, a bit bruised.

This was the lift.

Aub and Kayla were fun to watch! That's gettin some air,huh!!!!

Mal loved it!!!

Those two girls again....what a day! No worries, just plain ol' fun!!!!

Me

2008-12-12T19:23:00.001-08:00

Reflection. More than anything I want to change, to grow and to become a better person. Maybe hold my tongue longer and think about what I need to say, although its not always heard the way intended. I do love getting older, learning and knowing myself better. I live with ME everyday, and although I don't always like ME, ME is going to be with ME forever. I can only try to improve ME,work on ME's faults and try to learn and go on. I also know I have to be true to ME. ME is control of my ultimate happiness.

I TRY

2008-12-09T09:31:00.000-08:00

I try to keep Dan out of the womes section at the department stores!!!

Going anywhere with him and the girls --always entertaining I must say.

My Walks-morning pics

2008-12-08T17:11:00.000-08:00

I have been walking every morning for the past couple of months..Almost 4 miles..I love it and am hooked--hope it sticks! Although I must say the colder it gets out the more reluctant I am to get out of bed, so far so good...Dan started with me in Oct, but missed the 2 weeks when he went to Indiana and since being back getting in the groove has been hard for him, his knees are really bothering him and also he goes to school a bit earlier this class. I am usually out of the door by 6am...its beautiful to watch the sun come up, and by the time I make the loop the sun is on the mountains...a peaceful time of day....Have had great walking partners though, Steven Tyler(of Aero Smith of coarse),Billy(Joel),Bob(Seger),Eric(Clapton),Steve(Perry-of Journey-the original),Lionel (Richie- at his best-when he was with the Commadors),my favorite guy

of coarse Marvin Lee Aday(Meatloaf!!!!).I am and always will be a proud 80's geek. Point is..the walk, the beauty,early morn...my music...Love it!

Christmas..Hummmm

2008-12-03T18:59:00.000-08:00

Here is my ol' girl with her beagle Christmas ornament!

The house decorated.
I have a love/dislike relationship with Christmas.
Why does it have to be so much work and so stressful.
We always start out the season with a great argument when putting up the tree or the outside lights. This yr. I got Santa and Frosty up...Frosty fell back and knocked off the string of lights across the front of the house that Dan had just put up. Dan then kicked Santa and Frosty across the front yard. Were we having fun yet?
Then the gift buying and who is getting what and how much did you spend on that one..etc...it really takes the fun out of giving-and really, are we just buying to buy, not out of necessity-but because it is Christmas, that's what your supposed to do, right?
The simple, true message and meaning is so lost in today's world. I as a Christian believe in the birth of Christ. And celebrate Christmas as Jesus Birthday.
We have gotten so far away from that humble baby in a manger to the local malls and shopping centers, what gift wrapping paper looks the best..
This time should be simple. Family, good friends-gathering together-sharing-giving-remembering what the holiday is actually about.
I am as guilty as the next person with buying for the girls, and trying to make Christmas extra special, we all want that satisfied warm fuzzy feeling on Christmas morning..of" Hey I did good this yr huh?" Truth is everyday should be special, God gave us that. I need to appreciate my blessings more. That will be my first New Years resolution.

Giving Thanks.....

2008-11-27T17:30:00.000-08:00

We had a great Thanksgiving,good company-good food,good conversation...who could ask for more? I am so thankful for the many blessings I have, truly! I am a lucky girl!!!Here Mally and I are getting the turkey ready....I had some great help today!!!!

The three stooges...I mean Aub,Dan and Mal...think Dan was supervising the deviled egg making..
The guys Dan had over were great...really nice!

Again, had a nice time...great company!!!

Aubrey is like"not another picture!!!!"Time to do the dishes and no one in sight...huh?????

Time for some snuggle clothes, a blanket-the couch--and pop in a good dvd for the night!!

Hey!!! Wake Up!!!!!!!

2008-11-26T14:08:00.000-08:00

Who can sleep at a time like this??? There are pies to bake, veggies to clean,potatoes to peel,eggs to devil...for heavens sake....a turkey to bake!!!!!

Almost Turkey Time!

2008-11-25T16:05:00.000-08:00

How cute are these cookies the girls just made!!! We have more to decorate.Holiday baking is such fun!We are having a couple of guys over from Dan's school who don't have family here. So tomorrow I will start the cleaning and organizing and planning. I love the holiday buzzzzz, the company, the togetherness!

Getting Anxious!!!

2008-11-20T07:24:00.000-08:00

I am getting anxious! Have found out in the past couple of days where people we know are headed next...Shouldn't be too much longer and we should know..I am content as long as I am with Dan and girls--could live anywhere...kids are a different story-they are ready to be in one place for awhile. that place is Indiana, don't know if we can make that happen though...who would have thought it would get harder as they get older...but when they are little they just go, don't know any different...now is different...

Birthday Girls! Nov 17th........

2008-11-16T10:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Karrie!!!!!

Kellie-Karrie(Karries hair was always better)
Twins Forever
I love my twin the most of anyone.Born minutes apart, our bond is so special.Our whisperedsecrets, our special language,our tears and laughter unite us all our lives.We mirror and affirm each other,walking hand in hand, hearts in tune,my twin is "my other half"

Happy Birthday Sister! Wish you the best-always..I love you!

Veterans Day

2008-11-10T07:10:00.000-08:00

Happy Veterans Day to the many folks we know who have served and who are serving!

Kiss a Vet,Hug a Vet, Tell them Thank You-for without them-our way of life would not be possible!

Wow.

2008-11-05T06:10:00.000-08:00

"I wish godspeed to the man who was my former opponent and will be my president," McCain said as he conceded the presidency he has sought for a decade.

The girls and I watched last night. I am disappointed, wanted so badly for McCain to win-guess I knew deep down for awhile it wasn't going to happen. So many factors played into this contest for the presidency. What is, is. I can just be positive, hope and pray for the best.

McCain is a true hero, as a career military wife-he had my heart.

I wish Obama well. I pray he can get us back to where we need to be.

The Boys Are Back In Town

2008-11-03T17:41:00.001-08:00

Would have loved to have been a fly on the wall at this gathering! These are Dan's buddies from high school. All great guys!!! Doug on the left was our best man at our wedding, next to him is John-we doubled with him and his wife at prom,next is Jeff,Dan and Allen. I know Dan had a great time and hopes they continue to get together when the chance arrives. Friends and memories like this can never be replaced regardless of time and distance spent apart.
With that said-Dan I am ready for you to come home!!!!

Wild and Crazy Saturday Night

2008-11-01T21:07:00.001-07:00

This is how we spent our Sat. night without Dan home...science project. Exciting I know, don't be jealous! Dan had a wonderful time in Indiana tonight, I am so happy for him! He deserves to relax some!He has a great group of friends from high school, they all got together tonight and sounds like laughed and laughed. Neat!

Halloween Hangover!

2008-11-01T07:20:00.000-07:00

We had a great time last night.Came home early on Mallorys request-she said she had enough candy,and she did! After an hour her bucket was full! There were some great displays and scary houses....some Mal wouldn't even go up to . Just fun...The day after!

My Treats!!!!

2008-10-31T16:21:00.001-07:00

Aub is Little Miss Muffet. She wore her costume to school-I guess a bunch of the kids did.

Mal's school said no costumes. But it was jersey day-

Of coarse she wore number 18...Go Colts!!!

A beautiful vampire!

We are getting ready to head out to trick or treat...Happy Halloween!

Cousins!

2008-10-31T05:39:00.000-07:00

Here we all are at Grandma and Grandpa Perkins. Doug is missing though-he was somewhere else that day....but 11 of us in all. That is Marte on the far right with the biggest grin ever. Thats how I remember him... always with a smile -telling some crazy story and laughing.

We lost Marte to cancer 5 yrs ago today. Although we have all grown up and moved...not as close as we were-still strange to have one of us not here. He is missed!

Almost here!

2008-10-29T20:14:00.000-07:00

Halloween is in 2 days...Mal is so excited. We are a Halloween lovin family- for sure!!! Just plain ol' fashioned fun! Not having our usual party this yr....Dan is gone,Aub going to a party---just different this yr. Bought our candy tonight --just a huge bag of Dum Dums---sorry to disappoint any trick or treater's---but a bunch of chocolate is the last thing I need in the house!
Dan seems to be enjoying his time at home. Went and saw his grandparents today--and I must say it is unfair that he gets to hang out with MY twin sister. I know he is filling the recruiting guys heads with all kinds of valuable info---he can talk Army 24/7!
Aub got a cute little hair cut tonight...makes me think about cutting mine-think I am getting to old to have hair this long. Would like to work towards my natural color---nah...that will never happen!

Fall Festival

2008-10-25T07:54:00.000-07:00

Great day yesterday! Festival at the academy.

Loved watching the military working dogs, cool demonstration. Smart,trained dogs!
Mal loved this bungee dash! It was fun to watch. Mal also bobbed for apples.

Mal got a monkey on a tree made and Aub got a tiger...silly girls..

Got Dan off to airport this morning. He should have a nice time at home. We will miss him though.

Nothin' Much

2008-10-21T09:31:00.000-07:00

Nothing much going on here. Dan is gearing up to go to Indiana for 2 weeks to do recruiting duty. He questioned going, I said--If they are paying the plane ticket,rent a car--etc...what do you have to loose? He gets to spend 2 weeks at home! A nice break for him, although he will be working-he will still get to see family. We are staying here of coarse because of school. But its OK. Both girlie's are working on school projects. Aubrey has a baby sitting job on Tuesdays and Thursdays for our little neighbor boy who is 5--really cute! Mal has a friend her same age right across the street-so all is working out. We should know by Dec where we are headed next. Lots of options...now if we can just get the ONE we want....gotta go run to the mail box before the mailman comes---sending in our absentee ballets.

McCain Slogans

"Reform, Prosperity, Peace"

A Cause Greater Than Self"—

"Country First"

"A Leader You Can Believe In"—

All decorated!

2008-10-14T17:23:00.000-07:00

Ready for Halloween!!!

I am getting old.

2008-10-14T07:14:00.000-07:00

How is it possible that I have a child old enough to take her PSAT's? Just wandering.

Spice already took hers--and did great--she is qualified to be a professor of cat science.

Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-12T20:33:00.000-07:00

We had a fun day! Went to a corn maze/pumpkin patch in Union NM. Beautiful weather.

The reason we survived the maze was because we brought an Army certified pathfinder with us!!!
Here we are in the middle of the maze on a bridge.Love Aubrey's smile! See--no more braces!!!

Our Malibu! She is a lot like Dan--loves a challenge-fun to see her figure out how to get out of the maze..She reasons really well.

The girls!!!

Just let me get this pumpkin patch pic out there first! I was laughed at the rest of the day.Yes, I fell. Having an orange shirt on was not the brightest because i got to listen to my family say things the rest of the afternoon.Like---( I found the great pumpkin, I'll take THAT one,yes officer I was trying to impersonate a pumpkin-and so on.)

On the wagon.

Aubrey was really excited over the pumpkin she picked out!

Me in the distance,not a walking pumpkin. Cotton fields behind me.You could also pick green beans,tomatoes and hot peppers.

On the way out they had a bridge with two pins on each side, so the goats could walk back and forth.

Fun family day...

Air Show

2008-10-05T16:38:00.000-07:00

Went to the Air Show today here on post. Weather wasn't the best, but we still enjoyed ourselves

Here are the Army Golden Knights.

All kinds of displays.Dan was in his element explaining to Mal the different functions of each military vehicle. I must say as much time as my kids have spent in motor pools, she was not impressed. She liked her fries though.
We went inside of the 747 that carries the space shuttle. That was pretty neat!Plus it shielded us from a big whip of rain and wind!

Neat Pic

2008-10-04T11:02:00.000-07:00

These doves are always on my hummingbird feeders! Pretty though!

Broadway

2008-10-04T06:55:00.000-07:00

What a magical night last night. We took the girls to see 20th Century Broadway. The biggest hits from Broadway performed by the actual stars from CATS-of coarse the song Memory was exceptional, Les Miserables etc.....and of coarse Mallory's favorite.....Phantom of the Opera. Hit after hit, I loved Old Man River from Show Boat, Aubrey liked the song from Jesus Christ Superstar,Heaven On Their Minds-and Dan went with Phantom also. These were the actual people who did the Broadway productions. So entertaining.

This is outside of the Plaza Theatre in down town El Paso after the show.
The inside was just beautiful. We had balcony seats but asked if we would rather sit in the orchestra section because there were plenty of seats available. Just a great experience!

This is Mally andTamra Hayden who has played Christine from Phantom of the Opera on Broadway.She was so kind. All the singers were great..Raymond Jaramillo McLeod-he is the producer,Carter Calvert,Lawrence Clayton,Rob Evan and Tamera Hayden. Such talent. One of our goals is to get to New York to see a production. Yes, we are geeky like that--its not all rodeos and football games in this house-hahahah!

Just Lucky-Thats All

2008-10-02T17:21:00.000-07:00

Just had an epiphany-a revealing moment,a sudden manifestation,perception! How lucky I am to be married to a soldier!Was just sitting in the living room and looked over and saw the boots(although wish they weren't on my furniture and were in the closet-used to find the old black boots in my oven when he would bake the kiwi on them) and got chills. Pretty neat!

UTEP GAME

2008-09-27T22:01:00.000-07:00

Tonight we went to a UTEP football game. What a neat facility, surrounded by the mountains. We could have used the phrase"We're with the band." Literally-we sat right behind them. It was fun though. Great game , they played University of Central Florida-Utep won.

Thought it was neat to see so many young men pray before the game.
GO Miners! This time last year it was GO LSU... Funny how we can change teams and support where we are living ...
Dan and his babies!!!!

The 60's -YES Thats US

2008-09-26T15:30:00.000-07:00

The 60's. Berlin Wall goes up,JFK assassinated.Raids ordered on North Vietnam,Apollo11 landed on the moon,Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy were assassinated.Bouffant hairdo was in.Banana seats on bicycles.Bell bottoms and Lava lamps.We watched Andy Griffith Show,Star Trek,Laugh In.Movement away from conservative 50's. People wanted change,values,lifestyles,laws and entertainment began to change.

The 50's-YES thats Us!!!!

2008-09-25T17:40:00.000-07:00

Ahhh The 50's. The best of times. When we as a family ate dinner together every night. Listened to Elvis and be bopped to the new rock and roll. We would gather around the TV in the evenings and watch I Love Lucy,Ozzie and Harriet.The girls loved their hula hoops and poodle skirts.James Dean and Ricky Nelson were keen~! George Reeves was the best Superman.And the nights we spent playing bridge...memories.Rollerskating,drive-in movies, the soda shop.

Fall is my Favorite!

2008-09-24T07:42:00.000-07:00

Although fall here is going to be different. We will miss trees changing color...but the desert plants do change. We have a couple of these bushes in the yard and in the past few days they have a beautiful pink fuzz on the tips. Mal has a pink chair in her room and she said it looks like someone came in her room last night and shaved her chair and glued it on the bush.

Time to get out the autumn decorations!Now if I can just keep Spice from chewing on the scarecrow!Sugar would NEVER do such a thing-she would be scared it would move! I love this time of year! Just beautiful outside! Love it,Love it,Love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!

September
September means its time again for going off to school.The days are getting shorter and the nights are getting cool.

Guess What I Found In My Pants Today!

2008-09-22T11:36:00.000-07:00

A Black Widow Spider

Yes I screamed! Yelled for Dan. Looked it up on the computer(red dot and all) asked the maintenance man who suggested we have the house sprayed inside and out. She is now in a zip lock bag. Dan had been saying for a couple of days that something had bit him on the knee and it was stiff,who knows if it was this spider but I assure you I will be cleaning my room top to bottom! Well to my surprise or horror when I went to pull on my jeans this morning I saw her...EEEKKKK!

YEEEE_HAWWW

2008-09-17T21:24:00.000-07:00

Tonight was military appreciation night at the rodeo. We had a great time!Always get chills when the National Anthem and God Bless America are presented-had a great singer tonight.Dan and his littlest, and he is smiling!

Me and my girlie. Aubrey stayed home to do homework and probably talk on the phone. We missed her!

Didn't know I had a long lost distant cousin who was a cowboy! Check out the name that was up on the board!

This was the star bull. As the commentator referred as (blond with an attitude, and hopp'in hamburger.

Meet and Greet

2008-09-16T19:25:00.000-07:00

Dan had a meet and greet tonight at the Colonel's house. A protocol kind of thing, nothing exciting. Walk in, shake hands, get hors d'oeuvre's,chit chat and leave. Got to meet some of the people he is in class with, so that was nice. Got home and the kids must have had fun because the house was a rock'in. They had the tunes turned up and were just playing around.Tomorrow night we are going to the rodeo.

Just Thinking

2008-09-16T08:23:00.000-07:00

The back of this guys jacket says"Freedom Isn't Free-Somebody Paid." Think about it.

Went to a place last night that was a scrapbookers paradise. They had everything. A friend put together a ladies night out and we all made little memory books for El Paso. I cant wait to insert the pictures we will take over this next year. Had a nice time.

Anyway, we were all talking about moves etc....things ruined, things broken-moving in general-weight limit goes by rank.

The lady giving the class said she didn't realize that we had certain weight limits and restrictions-but the government DID move us for free right?Ahh, yes-just like some big corporations do for their employees. This lady was very sweet though, I liked her. She added that she had a friend in the military and she new he had a huge rock collection and she new it was heavy because they had helped him move before. She said she was thinking is this what our tax dollars are going towards- to move stuff like this?

It just really struck a cord with me, and I know she didn't mean anything by it, but come on! She seemed surprised to know that there was a weight limit. So you can move whatever you want be it rocks or not within your limit. But as far as tax dollars--hummmm, I really don't even want to get into what soldiers are paid-or NOT paid, what our true benefits are or ARE NOT!This is a life of sacrifices-from the soldier, from the families. These men and women who serve couldn't be paid enough-or thanked enough-let me step off of my soap box now.

LET FREEDOM RING!!!!

Yeah!!!!

2008-09-14T17:23:00.001-07:00

Colts

Our Saturday !

2008-09-13T21:24:00.000-07:00

You can laugh if you want, Mallory was getting back at me for the (Dip) sign she stood under...Is she trying to say I am a heifer? HA HA ha....not funny.

Hueco Tanks State Historic Site,we got to the gate and it was closed. We shall return.Hunters and foragers of thousands of years ago to relatively recent Mescalero Apaches, Native Americans have drawn strange mythological designs and human and animal figures on the rocks of the area. The site's notable pictographs also include more than 200 face designs or "masks" left by the prehistoric Jornada Mogollon culture. Hueco Tanks was the site of the last Indian battle in the county. Apaches, Kiowas, and earlier Indian groups camped here and left behind pictographs telling of their adventures. These tanks served as watering places for the Butterfield Overland Mail Route. (copied that from the web sight.) http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/hueco_tanks/We were driving along and spotted antelope. They were beautiful, just grazing along the side of the road. We were also stopped by boarder patrol out in no mans land, what a strange feeling. We were each asked if we were American citizens...we all on the count of 3started singing the National Anthem-no we didn't , but it would have been funny!

You can spot a heard in the distance. I was in awe of the landscape. Again the shadows on the mountains from the clouds is breath taking. I am loving this Texas adventure! Can see why my brother has been out here for over 20 yrs. Neat stuff! I cant wait to go exploring some caves.

We rounded out the evening with a trip to Toys R Us, Mallory got a puzzle. She IS the puzzle master. Both girls were ready to head home...

Oh if you double click on the pics they should blow up, you get much more detail.

Night!!!!

Ft Polk

2008-09-13T11:14:00.000-07:00

Stole this picture from my friends blog who lives on Ft Polk. Thanks Dawn!!! This is actually my street-just down the road from our old house. Haven't talked to anyone yet, but will later today to see how bad the damage is. What a mess. And scary!!! This is going to effect so many lives.

Beautiful

2008-09-12T05:45:00.000-07:00

From the porch this morning. The clouds here are so puffy. And the changes the clouds make with the shadows on the mountains ---the earths pallet is constantly changing. Could sit and watch all day-

From our back porch last night. Everything was gold . Just beautiful.

Again, keeping our friends in Louisiana in our thoughts and prayers-the entire coast-everyone!Aubrey just told me that Tyler(her love) is out of school for the day in Leesville so people can prepare. Talked to my brother last night in Austin and he said there was a line of about 30 ambulances and some helicopters at the hospital there bringing people in from the hospitals in Houston, they also had no school today. Now it is just wait and see....
Glad today is Friday. Probably a lazy weekend. Think Dan may go golfing and Aubrey is having friends over Sat. I want to go walking in the same canyon that we did last weekend--maybe see a movie.

Didn't like Charlie Gibson's interview with Sarah Palin. She was great, he seemed really rude.

9/11

2008-09-11T03:04:00.000-07:00

Where were you 7 yrs ago today? I was in Okinawa, remember being on the computer with my mom and telling her to turn on the TV. No one knew what was going on. We stayed up all night watching the news, because of the time difference.We were all in the living room-staying up late because a typhoon was hitting the islandand Dan was watching the today show .Such a strange feeling being over seas and watching our country go through something so devastating. Gates were hard to get into going from post to post the next morning and months after due to security--kids were getting to school really late-cars being checked. One of my brothers was in New York on business. Thank God he was fine. Such a weird,helpless feeling-unbelievable.

We must never forget what happened that day and what can happen, or the people who died in the attack or in the war against terror after.
Thanks to all who have served and who do serve to protect our freedom. Be proud to be an American and remember what a privilege it is to live in this country!

Happy Anniversary

2008-09-08T07:35:00.000-07:00

Happy 41st Anniversary Dan and Carlene (aka...Dan's Mom and Dad, Mama and Papa.)

Happy anniversary to you both;Have a bright and happy day.Your marriage sets an example;It shines in every way.

Tara--He's here!!!

2008-09-07T13:42:00.000-07:00

Tara...Look what Dan found in the garage today....saying something about being on vacation in the states and needing some golf clubs...hahaha. I would much rather be where you are!

Friend of ours from Ft. Polk-who just moved to Okinawa and is here attending a school for a few weeks.

Nice Weekend.

2008-09-07T11:35:00.000-07:00

Nice weekend. Nothing too exciting--just spending time together which is always nice. Here is a pic of Mallory in her tent city that Dan built in her room...she loved it.

Copper got a new bed this weekend. She wanted to go walking with us so bad today but we didn't take her..she knows as soon as we put on tennis shoes and grab water bottles that its time to go. Poor ole' girl....took her with us this past week and she got some thorns stuck in the pads of her feet...the thorns are terrible here! Mal was crying today because she had one stuck in her hand...they are everywhere!

Me and Mal.

Yes I had her stand under this sign. How many times have you heard the expressions'(no dip,dip-wad,dip%#**) well I looked it up and here is one definition-a stupid or unsophisticated person. Certainly does not apply here...she is such a treat to to be with..just thought is was funny. Sometimes I can be such a dipstick!

Is Dan winking at me?Giving me some kind of signal?

This is McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre, in the state park where we were walking. Would love to see a performance of some kind there....looked for scheduled dates but cant find anything.

Its beautiful here!! Visitors welcome......

You can see really far, Dan picked out Mallory's school and our neighborhood from here

And yes, we do still have a 15 year old if anyone is wandering. She has had a friend here all weekend. So-cell phones, computers,TV--of coarse are rated higher than a walk in nature. Dan and I have always loved the outdoors...there is still hope for her!

K

Happy Anniversary Brian and Karrie!!!

I Believe

2008-09-04T20:21:00.001-07:00

My blog, my opinion. Some think it is rude to discuss religion and politics, something that was done a lot at our house growing up around the dinner table.....Oh well. I am proud to be a McCain supporter! I really admire this man!I certainly welcome any comments on the subject-either side. Lets get excited,lets listen to each candidate,lets vote!!!

Be proud to be an American~!!!!

Water is a Powerful thing!

2008-09-02T09:54:00.000-07:00

Water- beautiful,relaxing....fun.

Powerful!

Thank goodness the hurricane wasn't as bad as it could have been!

Another on its way...keeping all those involved in our thoughts!

Nature sure has a mind of it's own!

When did these kids grow up?

Gustav

2008-08-30T10:12:00.000-07:00

Where the heck is....Fort Polk,LA?

I know it is a place still in the heart of both girls. They do miss it, their friends. We are watching to see what hurricane Gustav is going to do. Have spoken with several friends that are there and they are preparing. We went through Rita and Katrina when we were there and it was no fun!Keep everyone on the coast in your prayers!

He's My Man!

2008-08-28T15:02:00.000-07:00

So Quiet!

2008-08-27T08:35:00.000-07:00

Me, in a quiet house. I guess I could be productive and finally finish the last few boxes we have to unpack...thats no fun though.

Yesterday was much better for Mallory. She didnt cry this morning or make herself sick. The teacher let her switch seats..she met a few girls. There is so much to moving and getting comfortable in a new place. Last night Mal told me that she missed the way our bedrooms were set up in Louisiana, and how when Dan and I went to bed and watched TV in our room the light and shadows casted down the hall helped her to fall asleep . Sad, its the littlest things they seem to miss.

Aubrey is doing fine, now if we could just get all her supplies--of coarse its hectic finding the things you need the first week of school. Went to a packed Wal-mart last night that had nothing!

Need to go do the breakfast dishes. Made up a great coffee cake this morning for the crew from my Mom's recipe...Karrie has been telling me to do this for weeks-a huge hit at her house.

More soon

Day 2

2008-08-26T07:47:00.000-07:00

Second day girlie's are at school. Miss them! Everyone was tired last night, I think from the anticipation and stress of starting something new. Both girls want so bad to stay in one place and not do this again. Its always hard the first several months at a new place and school.

This was Dan this morning on his way out.

Aubrey did OK her first day. The school is bigger than she is used to.Was a long day. She didn't get home until after 5. Think they get out at 3:45.... She said it is ridiculous when teachers are yelling at student for not speaking English in class, you think that would be a given in the United States!Glad she had her friend and they did the bus and lunch and lockers together. She wants so bad to move to Indiana. She is certainly stronger than I was at that age and will adapt as she needs to.Here she is at her kinder garden graduation.
Poor Miss Mallory . She was quiet last night. Did not like her class, said she hasn't made any friends. She is setting at a table with all boys and I guess they get in trouble for being loud. Which if anyone knows Mallory-she is no nonsense . We actually left a KB toy store the other day because she said it was to loud--crazy! She finally broke down and cried last night after I put her to bed, and I went to my room. Dan went in and laid with her for awhile and Aubrey got her a heating pad for her head because she had a terrible headache. She just hates change. Today I hope is a better day for her. This morning she made sure I knew it wasn't because of school, or the work-she loves school...its just something new.It hurts me when they hurt, we all have such a great connection.
Here is a picture of her graduation from Japanese montessori school--heading to kinder.

First Day Of School

2008-08-25T07:33:00.000-07:00

Today came to fast for me. I could keep the kids home everyday and be content. Both were excited and a bit nervous. Here is a pic of Mal and Spice the first time they went to bed the night before. Think last time Mally was in our room was about 12:30am..She could not get to sleep.

Aubrey spent the evening going through and trying on several different outfits. Who knows what time she went to bed, but I know she was up at 5:30 getting ready. I cannot imagine going to school and not knowing anyone. Think that is what bothered them both the most. Aubrey does have one friend who will be at her school.Dan knew her dad in Okinawa, so the girls have a lot in common and know some of the same kids from over there. She went over and caught the bus with her this morning because we have NO bus stops in our neighborhood--because its new.Hopefully they put one over here at some point. We talked about Louisiana this morning and as much as I was ready to go, there was a comfort for the girls there,that was their home for 3 yrs.. The same as when we were in Oki for 4 yrs. This is just a year, and seems like an interruption..hard to explain.They will be fine. Its me who worries!

The sunrise this morning was beautiful! Aubrey& Mallory and I spent a few minutes together on the back patio . The sky was orange...

Aubrey is a sophomore this year.

Mallory is a 4th grader!

My little creature of habit. Reluctant to leave for the day.

Bed Time!

2008-08-23T23:45:00.000-07:00

Its late and I need to hit the sack! Just wanted to share some pics from this evenings festivities. A friend of ours had a dinner at her house that was really nice. Adults had great conversation and laughs and kids got to swim---what could be better.

Mal

The (OBB'S) dont ask!!

Our lovely host Maria!

Dan with the guys...lots of stories about Oki in this group.

Tired of SAND!!!!!

2008-08-22T16:25:00.000-07:00

Just cleaning today and realized that I am tired of sand! I had sand in South Carolina, Okinawa,Louisiana..and now Texas.....

Almost time for school to start!

2008-08-21T08:55:00.000-07:00

After today only 3 more mornings for girlies to sleep in before school starts!

Still In Charge !!!

2008-08-20T19:19:00.000-07:00

Mally's lovely cat Spice still wants everyone to know that SHE is top dog in this house!!!! She might as well be a General!

Definition Of A Sergeant Major

2008-08-19T10:16:00.000-07:00

Noun
1.
sergeant major - a noncommissioned officer serving as chief administrative officer of a headquarters unit of the Army
SERGEANT MAJOR (SGM) SGMs experience and abilities are equal to that of the CSM, but the sphere of influence regarding leadership is generally limited to those directly under his charge. Assists Officers at the battalion level (300 to 1,000 Soldiers).

2.
sergeant major - large blue-grey black-striped damselfish; nearly worldwide
(yes that is the name of a real fish!!!)

3.

Dan !!!!! Today it is official. There was an early leak of the list and Dan didn't want me to jix him by posting it a couple of weeks ago before it was in stone. We are so happy and proud as a family. It took lots of hard work from Dan and lots of sacrifices as a family to get here. He made the goal he set for himself almost 20 yrs ago. Don't know exactly when he will get pinned. He is number 17 of the 33 in his job who made it. Now we wait, could be soon- could be months. We couldn't be happier. Congratulations Sgt. Major Sheward!!!!!

Dan just informed me that this pic is from 2005--oops!

A Great Surprise!

2008-08-14T15:43:00.000-07:00

Dan just wanted to Thank Mike and Kristen & kids for the wonderful cookies! What dear friends! We miss you guys!!!The reason for the cookies-announcement soon....

Poker anyone? Mally is the one to watch out for!!

Productive-Lazy Day

2008-08-13T21:39:00.000-07:00

We had a great day today! Aubrey is now signed up for the 10th grade and we all are happy with the school, schedule,school.....think this is going to be a great year for her. She seems excited and happy with the classes she is taking, did I say I was happy with the school?

Then we headed over to a friends for a swim and chit/chat. Hi, Maria! It was nice and relaxing! We all got some major sun!

Returned home to find Dan in the garage, he had locked himself out. Opps---I was like why didn't you call? Said his make believe phone didn't work...I know he was hot and aggravated..

Mal gets signed up on Friday.I am going to miss the girls so much when they go to school. They are so much company, we do have a good time together .Anywho..I am tired and going to bed..

Night.

Saturday

2008-08-09T08:18:00.000-07:00

Not much going on. We seem to be settling in nicely. I am getting more comfortable in the traffic and can get to Wal-Mart and the mall all by myself-guess that's all a girl needs!

Girls are ready for school to start! They really just want to meet kids their age. Went school supply shopping yesterday, which Mallory loves to do! As for Aubrey she is more into school clothes shopping-which is going to break us! The girls have worn uniforms the past 3 years, and here they wont--so tons of new clothes..I liked uniforms-so easy in the mornings.

Dan officially starts school on Monday. He has been doing all kinds of briefings and listening to lectures all week. I am very impressed with this academy. There all all kind of things offered to the spouses as well. I am going to take a Spouse Leadership Development Program.The course covers Group Dynamics and Team Building, Individual Leadership Development, Personality Theory, Public Speaking, Protocol & Etiquette, Effective Communications, Health & Wellness and other interesting topics. The course is designed to enhance leadership skills and encourage Spouses to assume leadership positions in the workplace or community(took that straight off the web sight.) Should be interesting. Look good on a resume. They also offer beginning Spanish which might be a good idea! I need to hurry and get signed up before classes get filled. This school is very welcoming -its going to be a good year!

We have also reconnected with several good friend here. Hard to believe how fast time has passed when you start talking memories and old duty stations. So its been fun.

Happy Birthday to my Dad who turned 69 yesterday...wish we could have been there.Hopefully next year we will be!

Happy 15th Aubsie!!!!

2008-08-03T19:08:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, Our first born is 15 today. Hard to believe!She is growing up so fast! We spent the day shopping in New Mexico -Las Cruces. A beautiful city! Loved the drive over-mountains,orchards--green!!! We had lunch at Chili's--a family fav. We just picked up A's friend who has also moved here from Louisiana, her Dad is in the same school as Dan. So, a great day!

We are so fortunate to have Aubrey, as many know her birth wasn't text book. ! 15 years ago to day we were so scared and so happy--to have a little baby girl. Blessed we are!

Happy Birthday Girlie!

Mow, mow,mow your yard

2008-07-30T18:52:00.000-07:00

Dan going green! No gas for us! Cute little mower though..huh!!!

Oh Happy Day

2008-07-29T18:01:00.000-07:00

We had a nice anniversary. Went and ate at a resteraunt called Jaxon's. It was pretty good. 19 yrs ago at this time we were probably heading to a hotel near home because we left from our reception so late -then we headed to my parents lake place on Dewart Lake, think we stayed a couople of nights then went back home because we wanted Dan to spend time with everyone before he had to head back to Germany. He flew in a couple of days before the wedding. Then I went over in Oct....I know on our 1yr anniversary Mom shipped the top piece of our wedding cake over that we had kept in the freezer--it wasnt good, but we ate it...pic of Dan included--he looks so young.

Happy Anniversary Dan!

2008-07-29T06:42:00.001-07:00

July 29th--(19yr Wedding Anniversary)

2008-07-28T17:31:00.000-07:00

The past 19 yrs (actually 23,counting dating all through high school) have been great.What you see is what you get-the same ol' Dan and Kellie that were in love at 15 and 17...and best friends to boot--Who could ask for anything more? We are truly blessed with a wonderful family, and have shared so many adventures together. Lets see, out first duty station was Germany, we were there when the Berlin Wall came down, still have a piece of it. We got to spend 3 yrs honeymooning overseas, kinda neat-still cant believe I was just 19.

Funny how our years are remembered in duty sequence.

After Germany, we were in Kentucky where we had Aubrey. Next was South Carolina where we had Mallory and bought our first house.After that onto Okinawa where as a family we experienced a wonderful place and people, we were there during 9/11, remember being on the phone with my Mom when it happened. Onto Louisiana, thinking we had left typhoons in Japan-got hit with 2 hurricanes as soon as we got there--and also the place where Dan left from, went to Iraq for a year. Now Texas. Every place I could write a story about. One thing is for sure, traveling has kept us close and on our toes. We have relied on each other for everything.I wouldn't change one thing in these past 19 yrs, nothing! We have a unique life. One you learn not to take advantage of and truly grasp for every minute to be together, because with this lifestyle there is certainly enough time apart.

DOLLY

2008-07-27T21:44:00.000-07:00

OK,WE ARE BEING FOLLOWED! TYPHOONS-HURRICANES,SEE A THEME?OKINAWA,LOUISIANA AND NOW WEST TEXAS? WHO'D A THOUGHT?JUST NASTY OUTSIDE,NOT TOO BAD...RAIN,FOG.....CLOUDS.

Movie Review

2008-07-24T19:13:00.000-07:00

Aubrey and I just went to see Moma Mia. We absolutely loved it! Had a smile on our faces most of the time. I did tear up a bit during one song, which I will post the words of. Made me realize how fast my girls are growing. Fun,Fun movie though!AbbA songs rock! Dan and Mal watched Batman. They said it was good .

Slipping Through My Fingers

Schoolbag in handShe leaves home in the early morningWaving goodbyeWith an absent-minded smileI watch her goWith a surge of that well-known sadnessAnd I have to sit down for a whileThe feeling that I'm loosing her foreverAnd without really entering her worldI'm glad whenever I can share her laughterThat funny little girlSlipping through my fingers all the timeI try to capture every minuteThe feeling in itSlipping through my fingers all the timeDo I really see what's in her mindEach time I think I'm close to knowingShe keeps on growingSlipping through my fingers all the timeSleep in our eyesHer and me at the breakfast tableBarely awakeI let precious time go byThen when she's goneThere's that odd melancholy feelingAnd a sense of guiltI can't denyWhat happened to the wonderful adventuresThe places I had planned for us to goWell some of that we didBut most we didn'tAnd why I just don't knowSlipping through my fingers all the timeI try to capture every minuteThe feeling in itSlipping through my fingers all the timeDo I really see what's in her mindEach time I think I'm close to knowingShe keeps on growingSlipping through my fingers all the timeSometimes I wish that I could freeze the pictureAnd save it from the funny tricks of timeSlipping through my fingers -Schoolbag in handShe leaves home in the early morningWaving goodbye with an absent-minded smile

Had to compose myself after the song and get back into the swing/beat of the movie. I love having girls! Cant believe Aubrey will be 15 in Aug, and a sophomore...my babies keep growing.

Re-cap of summer so far........

2008-07-21T18:49:00.000-07:00

Dan's change of responsibility

Mallory bridging over to Girl Scouts (Mal, Gabby, Lauren)

Crawfish boil with friends in Louisiana- and it was great tasting!

Drake (Darth) turned 5 in June!!! We were in Indiana!

Visiting Mama Lydia at the nursing home

Relaxing day at the farm

Mom and Dan's Grandpa Joe

Dan and his Mommy fishing

Dan and his Dad shooting guns

My parents- nice having both sides visit! With Dans Dad and Gradpa

Life after shipping our household goods!!!

Cop didn't want us to forget her!

Life before household goods arrived! (Texas)

New House

Ahhhhh Texas!