Time has moved really slowly this last week. Well, it has and it hasn't. The girls and I have kept busy trying not to focus on how many days there are until Saturday.
Ronnie has been in Germany for a week; there is a mandatory stop over there for people who do his job. We'll just leave it at that... but they can't confirm flights until he got to Germany and did his paperwork there. Lucky for us, he got there and had a confirmed flight that arrives tomorrow mid-day!
That left 6 days for us to fill.... Luckily, we had a great weekend planned last weekend :) So that just left the week to handle.
Monday was our typical get up, go to work, go to the grocery store kind of day. Except I had to think about what groceries Ronnie might want in the house. Tuesday was more of the same, but with baseball practice thrown in the mix. Wednesday was a blur.... I swear I forgot something, but still have no idea what it was. And we decided to put some highlights in the girls' hair. Thursday was my last day at the Education office.
Oh, yeah, so, I quit my job... About a month ago, I counted up the weeks we had to our pack out, factored in block leave and vacation, and that would have me working approximately 8 days in a 2 month time period. Not fair to anyone.... So I resigned and cannot wait to not worry about going to work and get to spend time with my family before this crazy Alaska adventure begins.
Thursday night we had baseball practice and went to Monster's University. Friday morning I had my usual run, but went to the spa to get all prettied up. Actually, I went to the jjimjilbang, which is WAY better in my opinion 'cause I got to spend lots of quiet time without being rushed.
And now it's Saturday eve. I've tucked the kids in bed. The house is clean. The pantry is stocked with all his favorite foods. I have a meal plan of all his favorite meals ready to go. All I have to do is go to sleep. Somehow...
Come on clock.... Hurry up!
Friday, August 2, 2013
Sunday, July 28, 2013
You're OUT!!!!
Ronnie is officially on a plane out of the sandtrap! YES!!!!!!!!!! Must not get too excited. A lot can happen between here and there, but if our intel holds, he'll be home NEXT WEEKEND! If you can't tell, we've just been on edge all weekend. He called on Friday and told us he was on his way out of there. I'm so thankful we had a busy weekend planned!
Besides, we had a date with the Mariners set up! Today was Girl Scout day at the Mariners and we met up with a couple of girls from Holly's troop. It was so much fun!
Unfortunately, while we were walking, Minnesota scored two more runs. But we were front and center for the Mariner's second home run for the day! When the game was done, the Mariners had won 6-4. It was a great day at the park. Only a few more days to fill up before he gets home... Day 264
Besides, we had a date with the Mariners set up! Today was Girl Scout day at the Mariners and we met up with a couple of girls from Holly's troop. It was so much fun!
As soon as we got to the park, the girls were chomping at the bit about getting some food. I had to explain the process to them: we eat on the odds. Meaning as soon as we found our seats, I would get us some lunch. Every ball park has their own "thing" to eat. In Seattle, it's Ivar's fish and garlic fries. Sarah wasn't too impressed with the garlic fries (don't worry, I got her regular chips).
During the third inning, we got a little something more: a fruit kabob for Holly and some popcorn for Sarah. The game was going pretty slow at this point. Minnesota had gotten on the board in the second. Luckily, we were back in our seats for the bottom of the third and got to watch the Mariners score. And then the fourth inning, Seattle scored more runs, including a home run! It was pretty exciting!!!
But the girls knew the fifth was coming up. We signaled over to the other scouts and we went on a walk around the stadium. We stopped in the museum area and the play ground before getting some ice cream and getting back in our seats.
Unfortunately, while we were walking, Minnesota scored two more runs. But we were front and center for the Mariner's second home run for the day! When the game was done, the Mariners had won 6-4. It was a great day at the park. Only a few more days to fill up before he gets home... Day 264
Sunday, July 21, 2013
County Fair Time!
I don't know about you, but I LOVE the fair! I love everything about going to a county fair -- the games, the people, the food, the crafts! What's crazy is it never ever dawned on me that I could enter something IN the fair. Seriously... not a clue!
So, this crazy thought took seed a few weeks back when I shared a jar of our homemade preserves with a neighbor. She asked if we had saved a jar for the fair. I must have looked confused because she said that food preservation is a category anyone could enter. I said, no way! And off I went to research.
Turns out we have a whole lot of fun things we can enter in the fair. The kids had some awesome artwork come home from school this year, Holly had a few Girl Scout projects, and they did the canning of the jam and apple butter. Go figure, we can and will enter the fair this year!
Of course, it helps that the Thurston County Fair is being held the week right before Ronnie is due home. Every little bit is helping to distract us... Only two-ish more weeks. *sigh!
UPDATE (7/27): Here's a picture of our entries!!! Artwork, Girl Scout badgework, and preserves. Wish them luck. We're going to check in on them the day after Ronnie gets home.
So, this crazy thought took seed a few weeks back when I shared a jar of our homemade preserves with a neighbor. She asked if we had saved a jar for the fair. I must have looked confused because she said that food preservation is a category anyone could enter. I said, no way! And off I went to research.
Turns out we have a whole lot of fun things we can enter in the fair. The kids had some awesome artwork come home from school this year, Holly had a few Girl Scout projects, and they did the canning of the jam and apple butter. Go figure, we can and will enter the fair this year!
UPDATE (7/27): Here's a picture of our entries!!! Artwork, Girl Scout badgework, and preserves. Wish them luck. We're going to check in on them the day after Ronnie gets home.
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Play Ball!
We're at it again... I'm still trying to actively convert my girls to playing baseball. This year, I have them signed up on base.
Sarah is playing on a t-ball team where everyone plays and gets to score. After two full weeks I can tell you -- she is BORED! She likes the game, but hates that they aren't playing it the right way. But she sure does look cute in her uniform! And that girl can hit and throw like a champ! I can only hope that this experience doesn't ruin her want to play.
Holly is playing baseball and is the only girl on her team. She is doing exceptionally well! She's a solid base hitter and her throwing is coming right along. The coaches do their best to rotate kids in and out of different positions, but they favor putting her in the infield. Then again, when they put her in the outfield, she makes friends with all the bugs and butterflies. She's her momma's child!
I do my best to get some pics. I've been really lucky that Ronnie has been online while I'm sitting at practice, so he gets a Facebook chat play by play. We're hoping that he'll be home in time for their last games.
Sarah is playing on a t-ball team where everyone plays and gets to score. After two full weeks I can tell you -- she is BORED! She likes the game, but hates that they aren't playing it the right way. But she sure does look cute in her uniform! And that girl can hit and throw like a champ! I can only hope that this experience doesn't ruin her want to play.
Holly is playing baseball and is the only girl on her team. She is doing exceptionally well! She's a solid base hitter and her throwing is coming right along. The coaches do their best to rotate kids in and out of different positions, but they favor putting her in the infield. Then again, when they put her in the outfield, she makes friends with all the bugs and butterflies. She's her momma's child!
I do my best to get some pics. I've been really lucky that Ronnie has been online while I'm sitting at practice, so he gets a Facebook chat play by play. We're hoping that he'll be home in time for their last games.
Monday, July 8, 2013
The Kiss Jar
Day 244: In my military life, I have been lucky to have other women to learn from. There are so many things I have picked up in the 12+ years of being around them. I've been through countless deployments, TDYs, and reunions, as I've lived through our own and theirs. I've listened, studied, and chronicled all the things these amazing women do... Lord only knows how much I've need their tricks this time around the deployment cycle.
I have no idea where this idea originally came from. We've lived all over the world... and I have the world at my fingertips now. It may have been a friend. It may have come from a coffee. It may have been on Facebook. Or it may have come from a complete stranger on Pinterest or one of other milspouse blogs I read. At any rate, this right here has been our saving grace for so many things this deployment.
Yep, Hershey Kisses.... That glass jar has been full of Hershey Kisses since Ronnie started on this journey to the sand trap back in 2011. They are kisses from him to the girls. They get one every night before they go to bed. They get one when they are having a bad day. They get one when they are sitting on the couch doing absolutely nothing. Sometimes the kisses even make their way into their lunchboxes.
And this picture is of the LAST BAG for this deployment. WOO HOO!!!!! Sarah had the honors of opening it up and filling the jar. And we all had a "this is the LAST BAG" party in the kitchen.
DISCLAIMER: Of course, there is an extra bag in the pantry.... Part of me doesn't trust the Army to return him on time like they said they would. (and all the milspouses reading this said AMEN!)
I have no idea where this idea originally came from. We've lived all over the world... and I have the world at my fingertips now. It may have been a friend. It may have come from a coffee. It may have been on Facebook. Or it may have come from a complete stranger on Pinterest or one of other milspouse blogs I read. At any rate, this right here has been our saving grace for so many things this deployment.
Yep, Hershey Kisses.... That glass jar has been full of Hershey Kisses since Ronnie started on this journey to the sand trap back in 2011. They are kisses from him to the girls. They get one every night before they go to bed. They get one when they are having a bad day. They get one when they are sitting on the couch doing absolutely nothing. Sometimes the kisses even make their way into their lunchboxes.
DISCLAIMER: Of course, there is an extra bag in the pantry.... Part of me doesn't trust the Army to return him on time like they said they would. (and all the milspouses reading this said AMEN!)
Sunday, July 7, 2013
BOOM
There goes another weekend!!!
So, I felt that wet blanket sinking on me this week.
It's been 8 months, or 243 days, since he left. I'm working on keeping on my big girl panties and holding them up for dear life. You see, the Fourth is "Our" holiday. And I had a few moments of I don't wanna this week.
But yet again, my friends came to the rescue. You know... the ones who all I have to say is the Fourth is "our holiday" and they respond with a hug and words of encouragement. You ladies really don't know how much I appreciate you for holding me up this week when all I wanted to do was fall.
And we got through it!
First up, we celebrated with the town of Lacey, who sets off their fireworks on the Third. Facebook would lead me to believe this was wrong, but it was awesome because it deconflicted with the HUGE displays Olympia and Fort Lewis put on. It's smart in my book!
We packed up our blankets, chairs, and big pillows and headed for the area where the fireworks were going to go off. After picking our perfect spot, the girls and I got some supper at our local favorite Mexican restaurant (and momma got the BIG beer). Yep, just so happens to be in the same area, so it's walking distance (SCORE!). We did some window shopping in the plaza, got some ice cream, and then headed back to the car to watch a movie. Our perfectly timed movie was over about 5 minutes before the fireworks started -- seriously, I couldn't believe my luck on that one. I also couldn't believe how awesome our spot was -- we had a clear view of the fireworks. It was an awesome night!
On the Fourth, our squadron had a picnic. I wrestled with if I would go or not. Eventually, I remembered that I had stapled my BGPs to my ass and knew the kids would enjoy it. Of course, we had a great time; the kids played 'til the sun went down.
I had the day off on the Friday, so we packed up the car and headed north for Stanwood for that do-over date with Grandma Audrey. We picked her up and took her out to lunch. There is a great little town even more north of her, La Conner, and it's where her favorite fish and chips place is! Unfortunately, the only picture I took was of the fish and chips to send to my mom (funny story there, but that's another post.) We spent the day visiting with her and just having a good time. I also had the unfortunate job of telling her we were moving to Alaska. But I am so grateful for the time we've had in Washington. My girls know and love their great-grandmother!!! They know and love their aunties and uncles and cousins. It's a precious thing to have when you live this military life we live.
On Saturday, I had a 4K to run; I even convinced Britney to run it with me. It was an evening run and all about the ladies! We had such a great time, but boy was it HOT! There was a half marathon going on too -- I can't even imagine running one in that heat. But we got it done and even got a great little necklace as a keepsake.
All in all, it was a great weekend. Yes, we missed Ronnie, but we're now another weekend closer to him coming home.
So, I felt that wet blanket sinking on me this week.
It's been 8 months, or 243 days, since he left. I'm working on keeping on my big girl panties and holding them up for dear life. You see, the Fourth is "Our" holiday. And I had a few moments of I don't wanna this week.
But yet again, my friends came to the rescue. You know... the ones who all I have to say is the Fourth is "our holiday" and they respond with a hug and words of encouragement. You ladies really don't know how much I appreciate you for holding me up this week when all I wanted to do was fall.
And we got through it!
First up, we celebrated with the town of Lacey, who sets off their fireworks on the Third. Facebook would lead me to believe this was wrong, but it was awesome because it deconflicted with the HUGE displays Olympia and Fort Lewis put on. It's smart in my book!
We packed up our blankets, chairs, and big pillows and headed for the area where the fireworks were going to go off. After picking our perfect spot, the girls and I got some supper at our local favorite Mexican restaurant (and momma got the BIG beer). Yep, just so happens to be in the same area, so it's walking distance (SCORE!). We did some window shopping in the plaza, got some ice cream, and then headed back to the car to watch a movie. Our perfectly timed movie was over about 5 minutes before the fireworks started -- seriously, I couldn't believe my luck on that one. I also couldn't believe how awesome our spot was -- we had a clear view of the fireworks. It was an awesome night!
On the Fourth, our squadron had a picnic. I wrestled with if I would go or not. Eventually, I remembered that I had stapled my BGPs to my ass and knew the kids would enjoy it. Of course, we had a great time; the kids played 'til the sun went down.
I had the day off on the Friday, so we packed up the car and headed north for Stanwood for that do-over date with Grandma Audrey. We picked her up and took her out to lunch. There is a great little town even more north of her, La Conner, and it's where her favorite fish and chips place is! Unfortunately, the only picture I took was of the fish and chips to send to my mom (funny story there, but that's another post.) We spent the day visiting with her and just having a good time. I also had the unfortunate job of telling her we were moving to Alaska. But I am so grateful for the time we've had in Washington. My girls know and love their great-grandmother!!! They know and love their aunties and uncles and cousins. It's a precious thing to have when you live this military life we live.
On Saturday, I had a 4K to run; I even convinced Britney to run it with me. It was an evening run and all about the ladies! We had such a great time, but boy was it HOT! There was a half marathon going on too -- I can't even imagine running one in that heat. But we got it done and even got a great little necklace as a keepsake.
All in all, it was a great weekend. Yes, we missed Ronnie, but we're now another weekend closer to him coming home.
Monday, July 1, 2013
Postal Form 3575
I needed to clean those closets out anyhow.... We are moving, y'all!
We're moving to the North Pole!!! The 65th parallel!!! The Last Frontier!!! Land of bears, moose, and the northern lights. Of Dark and Cold or Light and Warm!
Before you ask, yes, it's quick. No, we haven't been in Washington that long. Yes, it'll be soon. And Yes, we are ECSTATIC!!!!
Of course, Ronnie has to get home from the sandtrap so we can get a move on getting a move on.
We're moving to the North Pole!!! The 65th parallel!!! The Last Frontier!!! Land of bears, moose, and the northern lights. Of Dark and Cold or Light and Warm!
Before you ask, yes, it's quick. No, we haven't been in Washington that long. Yes, it'll be soon. And Yes, we are ECSTATIC!!!!
Of course, Ronnie has to get home from the sandtrap so we can get a move on getting a move on.
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