#92

It is Irish Heritage Month!


Every year since 1991, the president has signed a proclamation declaring March Irish Heritage Month. You can read President Obama's proclamation here:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/02/28/presidential-proclamation-irish-american-heritage-month-2011

I love the month of March, because it gives me a chance to tell people about the Irish culture, and all the things in the United States that have happened because of the Irish people. And, it gets me to look deeper into the history and ties of the two countries. Which I find so so interesting and will be sharing with you this month!

Did you know, that of the 44 Presidents our country has elected, 14 are believed to be able to trace their ancestry to the Emerald Isle? And the White House itself was designed by an Irish lad!

It has been said that the greatest Irish export is her people. And a huge chunk of those Irish emigrants find their way to Lady Liberty's shores. Yet so many do not seem to care about this beautiful and rich heritage. Most people have no idea that the month of March celebrates the Irish heritage in America.

I am working on changing that!

On another American note... I said a few days ago that I want to buy American products as often as possible. Well, this morning J and I were talking about that. I really think that there should be an incentive for consumers to buy American. I know there is an import tax (but freely admit I do not know enough about this). But that really doesn't effect the consumers.

If you are able to have your plants and factories in a different country where you do not have to pay your workers an honest wage, you do not need to keep your buildings up to code, and you do not have to offer health benefits to your employees, the small importing fees do not raise your prices that much. American made products are generally more expensive. And that is a problem I have. We should be able to buy products made in our own country. We should be encouraged to do that.

And, yesterday, the last remaining WWI veteran died. That man lived a full life. He enlisted when he was 16. He was a POW in WWII. Seriously, talk about a hero...

#91

The hits keep on coming.

This afternoon, J called me from work. On his way in, he ran over something and that something lodged in to our tire. So he went to the Car Care center, where they told him they didn't have any available time or appointments. Yep, they couldn't spare five minutes to patch a tire. Gr. And they didn't have any openings for tomorrow either.

Of course not. I have a WIC appointment tomorrow. Well, I did. I will be calling to cancel tomorrow. Like a jerk.

Other than that ray of sunshine, I discovered that my trip to Rome might not be happening. Seriously, every time I plan a trip something happens and I end up planning for nothing. Last month, I planned a trip to Rome, and never went. The airfare was going to be 100 euro. Today, I found out my current trip planning was going to cost 450 euro for airfare. Seriously.

I am just so tired. I know I sound like a selfish little brat. But I want to be able to actually do things. And hearing my friends talk about their trips just irks me. I am so happy for you, you got to go to Dublin, and Venice, and London, and every other place on the planet. While I planned all those trips, but my husband's pass got cancelled, or he had to go TDY, or our car got a flat, or I got sick. I am just freaking tired of it.

So now I am going to go to bed. Pray for peace and guidance. And tomorrow will be a new day.

#90

I think I might have reached the end of my rope. I am tired of being a single mom every Sunday morning. I know I am not the only one, but I am tired of it. I have a husband, who is home on the computer. And I am trying to pay attention to the priest and not beat my daughters all at the same time. Ugh. It is just really getting to me.

And it's not like they are super bad. They are active and curious and busy and two. And there are two of them. So I just do not know what to do. Going to Mass without them feels wrong. But going with them seems counterproductive. I don't get as much out of the Word, and my patience is stretched so thin most days. Knowing that he is sitting at home makes it worse, I think.

What the hell am I supposed to do?

All day today I have been in a mood. Because of the Mass thing, and because of who knows what else. J and I are so hot and cold lately. I feel like I never know what is going on with us. Is he going to be his sweet self? Or will the jerk be the one who walks through the door? And heaven forbid I say he has an attitude. If you ask him, I am the one that was rude, or bitchy, or ill tempered, etc.

I repeat. What the hell am I supposed to do?

#89

So that feeling, the Somethings Not Right feeling, it hasn't gone away. Lord, you gotta help me out here... Keep my family safe and ease my troubled little mind. Please, and Thank you.

Today was a mostly Yuck day. The husband forgot to turn off his alarm for the weekend, and he had a few too many drinks last night. So I was awake at 4 am. Then the girls were awake at 6am. And it was just a Yuck kind of feeling.

But really, the chicks were awesome today. I just love them so much. This evening J coughed- he has been sick for about a week now. And my little K, she said 'Cover your mouth, Daddy.' Ah! So they do pay attention to me! A few minutes later, I was trying to show P how to do a hand stand, probably because I am trying to torture myself! Well, the last time I did a hand stand was probably about 15 years ago... So I am no longer proficient at that task. No injuries, but P thought it was funny, and she kept telling me to 'Try again, Mommy!'

Little comments like those from my girls are little reassurances that I am doing an ok job.

#88

Letting two year old girls pick their own lunch can be interesting. Blueberry Greek yogurt, a couple slices of salami, and a slice of toast with peanut butter. Does that sound appetizing to you?! Yeah, me neither. I had a normal lunch- leftover turkey smoked sausage with zucchini and bell peppers. Yum.

Before lunch, the girls and I went for one of our walks. They were so good today! We haven't gone in over a week, because the temps were way too low for my comfort. But today the sun was actually shining and warming at the same time! So we headed out. And the girls listened better than they ever have on a walk, and we went farther than we even have! That is not really saying much, because their little legs can only go so far. But it was fun.

You know when you get that feeling in your gut, that there is something wrong? Or maybe something bad is going to happen? Or maybe there is nothing wrong or bad, you just have a belly ache... Yeah, that is what I have been dealing with for the last day or two. Just a feeling I cannot shake in the pit of my stomach. Praying the feeling goes away and my life continues in it's Nice Bubble...

#87

Oh yeah baby! I ordered a few new shirts from Ranger Up today! I cannot wait to actually wear them. For those that do not know, Ranger Up is this amazing company that makes great t-shirts for the military minds. The CEO and founder of the company is prior service, as most of the employees are. And the designs are just great! Check them out!

I got a Rosie the Riveter shirt; an 'unapologetically American' shirt; a guys shirt that says 'Chicks Dig Shooters' hehe.

And my absolute favorite- the front has the POW-MIA flag, with a twist. Instead of the soldier looking down, he is looking at the sky as a plane flies over. And the bad ass back of the shirt says 'Bring them home or send us back'. Doesn't that sound like one of the coolest shirts ever made? And part of the $ from the shirt goes to POW-MIA funds and charities. I showed it to J last night, and he really liked is. That is saying a lot; while I love tee's that have graphics and great sayings, J does not really care for them. This one, though, he really liked. Woop!

I also finished reading a book called 'The Darkest Evening of the Year' by Dean Koontz. This is the first book of his that I have read. And I gotta say, there was a lot more in this book that I didn't like than there was that I liked. I just didn't think it was well written at all. Really, one of my favorite parts was when he mentioned In-N-Out.

And then I drooled a little... :)

#86

Woop! Today J went to SATO and got our travel tickets!

May 3rd!

Yeah, it is pretty exciting. I now have an official date to be back in the States. This also led to a 30 min talk with the airline about Max and Ozzy's travel plans. Their kennels are the largest kennels that can be considered 'checked baggage'. If they had been 1/2 inch bigger in any direction, we would have had to ship them by Cargo flights! Now I see why some people have smaller dogs... Still love my boys though! And it is going to be cheaper than I thought to send them home. Well, that is IF the dogs + kennel = 100 pounds or less. And it might be close for Maximus... The glass is half full, though!

Today was also PWOC. That is always a good thing. But it was also a sharp reminder of what this move will cost me. While I was getting the girls ready this morning, we talked about what we would do and who we would see. They knew they would see their friend and got excited about that. Which led me to the thought- In two short months, they will no longer get to see their friends. How will I explain to my two year olds that their first and best friends will no longer be in reach?

This is not my first move. Technically, it is not P and K's first move either. But this is the first, of so many, moves that they will have to say goodbye. They are old enough to have friends, but not old enough to understand distance. And the thought of their sadness is making me sad.

I will be sad to say goodbye to my friends. I will cry. And when I miss them, I will call or email. We will stay in some semblance of contact. But what about my girls? How do I help them with their first move? And how should I go about maintaining contact between a few toddlers?

#85

P didn't want to take a nap today. And I didn't want to fight with her. So while K slept, P got some alone/Mommy time.

And oh my goodness! That kid was cracking me up!

Let me say, we have never intentionally separated the girls. We have also never intentionally kept them together. Maybe we should have done one or the other, or both. But we are learning about parenting, and parenting twins, as we go. So who knows if we are doing it right. We just do what we think we should do, and what the girls seem to like.

They have spend about 0 time apart.

So while K was napping, P was pretty dang funny.

"Mommy, where K?"
"She's sleeping, Hun."
"I go wake her up!" (to which I said no!)

"Mommy, play my horsey?" followed by "Look, my cow!" then "Read a book?" and so many others! The kid wanted my undivided attention! I know, that is normal for a two year old. But not for my two year olds! They have each other to interact with, so there are many many times where I am an afterthought.

It was fun, though, to have P to myself. I got to really focus on her. And I gotta say, I have amazing kids. And she really loves her sister.

When I finally agreed to wake up K (after P had asked a trillion times and it was their usual wake-up time), P went running in to their room, turned on the light, ran to the side of the crib and yelled "K! I found you!"

My kids wake up like I do- the world is just not worth our effort for the first few minutes. So poor P was too excited to have sis back, and K just wanted her to go away. K was sleeping, she had no idea that P wasn't around. But as soon as she woke up, the two monsters were best friends and nearly inseparable once again.

All was right with the world.

#84

I can feel my ideals changing.

In the last two years, I have started to think more about what I am eating, what I am feeding my family. I have given more thought to where I am sending my business, where my clothes are made and what they are made from. I have tried to educate myself a little at a time on organics, and farming styles, and general Earth-friendliness.

And I know that I don't know a damn thing.

In about 2 and a half months, we will be moving yet again. We will find ourselves back in the United States of America, aka our homeland, aka the greatest country in the world. We will settle in to a part of the country that we have never even been to. We will make new connections to people and places and things.

I have a few new ideals that I want to live up to. I have tried to start them, but know that the move will bring me closer to my goals. So I kind of tell myself that I am starting then... Skewed, I know. Deal with it.

I want to buy locally grown foods. I want to eat food that was grown in the same county that I will live in. And it would be great if that food was not contaminated with hormones and chemicals and all that gunk.

I want to buy products that are made in my country. When I look at a 'Made in...' label, I want to see 3 letters. USA.

I want to plant a garden. For those that do not know, my husband used to call me 'The Cactus Killer'. I have a black thumb. I cannot make things grow. But, I am going to change that, dang it. I am going to try and try and try to take some seeds and turn them in to dinner.

I want to eat meat that is not manufactured. I want my beef and chicken and pork to be 'raised' not 'made'.

As I said, I have been thinking about this stuff for a couple years now. When I mention some of my changing thoughts, J looks at me funny. And I get it. I am the queen of fast food, candy, and cheap. Yet, I want change.

So tonight, we watched 'Food, Inc.' It was pretty eye opening to J. For the longest time, I have not been buying Frozen chicken strips that J likes. Last week, he asked for them so I broke down and bought them. After watching this documentary, he said he doesn't want them anymore! Tomorrow at lunchtime, I am sure he will want them again! But it's a start.

#83 (A day late)

I have no reason for not posting anything last night. 2/20/2011 was supposed to be #83, so it will be, just a little late and in hindsight. #84 will be about 2/21/2011, annd will be posted in about 9 houurs, like a normal day...

So, Sunday...

J and the girls were feeling yuckyy when we all woke up. I think it is a sinus infection or something of the sort. So they stayed home and I went to Mass all by myself. I know people think it must be nice, to go and not worry about my children. But for me, I just don't like going by myself. Even though they are crazy and loud and, well, kids, I would rather have them with me.

The Gospel reading was a good one. Matthew 5:38-48, where Jesus talks about turning the other cheek. Doing more than is demanded of you. Giving you coat when your shirt is taken. It was just such a moving reading for me. And eye opening, because I know I do not do that. And inspiring.

The rest of my daay consisted of laundry. Lots of laundry. Really, how could we have so many loads of dirty clothes and so many clothes still in our closets? Well, I know the answer to that. We have too muchh 'stuff'. I am really drawn to the Spartan/Nomadic lifestyle. I really am considering adopting it...

#82

Today was pretty awesome!

The B crew went to Bastogne, Belgium!

About 5 hours driving there, 5 hours home. But I think it was worth it. We got to stand in the same spot as so many American heroes.

So, I woke up around 5 am, after a horrible night sleep. Got dressed, did my makeup, packed snacks, loaded up my purse. Then at 6 we got the girls up, put clean clothes on them, and headed out. The drive was fine. J was tired after about 2 hours, so to keep him awake I had to think of anything and everything to talk about. Yeah, I exhausted just about every conversation topic in the world!

We drove through Luxembourg. I think I am going to count that among the countries I have been to. Because really, what is there to see in that country?!

When we got to Bastogne, we headed to the museum and memorial. Both were pretty great. I guess this is a good spot to mention the Bastogne region is French-speaking. I don't speak French! So we are walking through the museum, looking at cool things and taking pictures. About halfway through the place, I see a sign that said 'no pictures' in 5 languages! Opps!

But the museum was really cool, a lot of artifacts and fun stuff. I was disappointed in the gift shop, but oh well. After that we walked the 1000 feet to the memorial. Really, that was just too cool. Check it out, Mardasson Memorial in Bastogne. It is for the US, in the shape of a star with the whole battle story etched into the monument, all 50 states written on it... The thing is huge and beautiful and just great. Loved it.

Lunch was fun. J and I always pick random places to eat. We are not fancy, so most of the time we eat at sidewalk cafes or little shops when we travel. That just feels like more fun to us. Today was no exception. And it's always fun when you can't read the menu!! Thankfully, the stuff we picked was tasty. And I got my Belgian waffle! Though in Belgium they are called 'Brussels waffles' but not really because they speak French! Whatever you call it, call it Tasty! Waffle that was crispy on the outside and soft at the middle, topped with whipped cream, chocolate, and powdered sugar! Yep, awesome.

After lunch, we drove out to Bizory-Foy, to see the monument for Easy Co, and to see their foxholes. It was really great! We got to walk among the foxholes that soldiers dug and lived in during an amazing battle. It was just mind boggling to think about what went on in that forest in Dec 1944 and Jan 1945.

Like I said, Just Amazing.

So yeah, it was a pretty great day for the B crew. J and I got to experience something we have wanted to do for so long. We got to honor the men that fought for our country, the men that made our lives a possibility. P and K, of course, had no idea what all this was about. They were busy saying "look! Trees!" while J and I were contemplating 60+ years old holes in the ground. But we hope, one day, they will look back (through pictures!) at this day and think it was pretty cool.

In June, we went to Normandy, France and stood on Omaha beach. I thought that was one of the most amazing things ever. I have a shell and a pebble from that beach to remind myself of the feeling of Awe.

Now, I have a couple rocks and pine cones to remind me of that same feeling in a different location.

And all because of so many men in uniform... Really, it's the uniform that always gets me!

#81

Ow. I ate dinner 3 hours ago, and I am still full!!

We went to this awesome restaurant that does a sort of 'rustic' thing- antlers and boar heads on the wall, real basic meals. The schnitzel was for real bigger than my plate. But oh so very good! And J's dinneer was absolutely lovely!

I don't know what got me thinking on this earlier, but it was a thought that wouldn't go away. I am not one of those lucky people. I did not start my life with any sort of advantage. And I am not the kind of person that ever gets a leg up. I will never win the lottery, have my tickets upgraded to first class, or anything like that. I am usually the persoon that gets the cheapest seat possible, and then struggles to not lose it completely.

I cannot say that I actually begrudge the people that do seem to get all the nice things. I mean, it's not like they are doing anything different than me, in most cases. theyy just get lucky like that. But come on! It would be so nice to get the upper hand every once in a while. You know?

Like I said, I don't know what made my mind go there, or why the thought lingered. But linger, it did. And then that thought train took off and I was stuck riding for a while. I won't bore you all with the whole trip. But it really got to me.

What is it that makes some people get all the perks?

#80

Today I have been feeling really discouraged.


I didn't exercise at all yesterday.

My girls just don't seem to be listening to me.

The husband is not at all excited about a trip I planned for him. To be perfectly honest, he doesn't even want to go. I am hoping his attitude changes when we are there...


I know everything evens out in the end, and that today was not nearly as bad as it seems right now. Actually, it doesn't seem bad; it seems like an Eeyore day. I felt like the world sucked, when it probably didn't. My perseption of the day was not good, how about that?

I did have pancakes for dinner, so that was a good thing.

#79

I just fell asleep on the couch for a little bit. Now my sciatic is seriously killing me, and my head is pounding. So you get the quick highlights.

PWOC was good today. We didn't have the chill time, just straight bible study for 2.5 hours. That was awesome, but I miss the chatty time. Lets face it, I'm chatty.

Got the tax return filed. Woop! Quick and painless, and lots to look forward to in the next couple weeks. Well really, that 'lots' is going to sit in the account until we get back to the States, and then it will buy me a car. Still exciting though.

Really exciting was J telling me he put in a pass for this weekend! So it looks like we are going to Belgium. Guess I should start planning for that. Tomorrow.

#78

I am tired, people.

The family that lives one floor above me woke me up at 4am. Their kid/baby was crying, and I know it sucks for them. But come on! I did my time in the trenches. My kids don't do that anymore, so I don't want to hear it!!! I know that makes me sound horrible. But this family... Almost every night I hear crying from their kids at 10pm- which just happens to be my bedtime. And to hear screaming from 4-430? No bueno.

When I got out of bed around 6:30ish, I discovered that my sciatic is acting up. And let me tell you, there is no fun way to discover that. Ow.

Then, because my morning was so sunny, I couldn't find my wallet. That would be because it was in my car. And my car was on post with my husband, who wasn't home from PT until 9am. I guess this is the part where I mention I was supposed to leave at 915!

But, he got home in time. I got my money. The girls and I were dressed and ready to go.

And we went swimming and had a blast! This was the first time I had taken the girls without J. So I was a wee apprehensive. But we went with the girls' friend C and her mommy, and it was great. The kiddos all had a great time, G and I had a great time. It was just an all around good outing for us. And it is one that we want to repeat.

It was also another wave of 'I finally find a great friend right before I leave.' G is an amazing chick that I love to chat with. And the girls have their first real friend... Oh, Army....

#77

Happy Valentines Day!

Before I get in to the awesomeness that was my day, I need to get a little complaining out. I normally do not celebrate holidays that I do not understand. Like Ramadan- it has no meaning to me, so I do not celebrate it. But to the people that do practice it, that is awesome. V-day? Yeah, it's just a day to eat chocolate. But, the people that complain about this holiday ANNOY me! Really, if you are single, stop acting like a baby. If your special someone didn't get you the most amazing bunch of flowers, get over yourself! It is just a day to love, right? And the funny thing for me is that there are so many different theories on St Valentine. Did you know there were 3 different Saints by that name around the same time gap? So who's to say that we even know what we are doing on Feb 14?

And now on to my great day!

This morning I had a meeting with a few of the greatest women in my life. We got together to catch up and pray, which we haven't done for a while. And it was just great to be back with these women. I just feel so loved and validated and lifted up after I spend that precious hour with them. It was great to share the burdens and laughter. But oh so sad to realise that in less than 90 days, I will say goodbye to them. And who knows if/when we will meet again.

This afternoon, we had a little party at our casa. I made strawberry cupcakes and a strawberry cake, PB&J heart sandwiches, had a candy bowl. (There was more food, but it wasn't 'fun') The girls made cards for their friends. We had 6 kids, including my girls and excluding the babies. It was super fun! It helped that the kiddos mommies are my friends. And the kids got along great and had fun. I was super happy with our spur of the moment party. Really, I got the idea Saturday night, and today at lunchtime, everyone was here and having a great day! Happy me!

The husband was funny. He called on his way home to ask if I needed anything. And he said "Did you want anything for Valentines day?" Really?! I love him. It hecka cracked me up. I told him no, because I really didn't need more sugar in the house. But apparently he thought he should get something, so he bought a small box of chocolates 'for his girls'. P and K were totally ok with that, and spent a few minutes telling Daddy 'Happy Valentines Day Daddy!'

Today may be an over-commercialized holiday, but it made me happy.

#76

The B crew went to see Tangled at the movie theater this afternoon. This is the first time we have taken the girls to see an actual kids movie at the theater. And they did so good! Ok, they had to go potty a few times. But they really liked the movie, and they didn't have any accidents. So woop! And I super liked the movie. Come on, who doesn't love a good Disney Princess movie?!

The girls also did pretty good at church this morning. No accidents, in big girl panties. And they did... ok... behavior wise. They were actually pretty quiet and still, except when they each took a turn running up the center isle toward the altar. Not so good! But really, that was their only infraction this morning, so I am calling it a win.

My house currently smells quite yummy. I baked a heart shaped cake, and some cupcakes, all strawberry, for tomorrow's Valentines Day party we are having at our house. The girls' friends are coming over, and their mommies (aka my friends).

And J and I are doing pretty good. No real arguments or complaints the last few days. Dare I say we are back to normal??

#75

Today was a lazy day. And I think because of that, I had too much time to think. About my life and where it is and where it is going. But the things that I kept getting stuck on were the things that I never did.

I guess that is just human nature, to think of the missed opportunities. I just feel like my life is a bunch of 'almosts' and it drives me crazy to think that way.

My life is pretty great. I have a great husband, amazing daughters, two crazy dogs. We have a sense of security and love. What more could a girl ask for?

Like I said, too much time to be in my head. Sometimes I really need to just NOT think. And don't take this as a 'Holly hates her life' thing, because she really doesn't!

High note, I bought 4 boxes of girl scout cookies! And I only are 3 cookies tonight! Woop for self control!

#74

K faceplanted off the couch today. Her nose is sswollen and bloody, her lip is bruised and swollen. Thankfully her gums stopped bleeding within a couple minutes.



Why can't I have graceful kids?! Back in September, K took a fall off the couch and got a trip to the dr on post, then the german drs, for xrays and MRI, and a cute little half cast. The child should not be allowed on the couch.



I got a bit accomplished today. Went to the German grocery to get candy and snacks for the fam, since I was mailing them a package (hand prints, remember?). I also got myself some candy, of course! My gummy store had something new, little blue bears (in profile, not like normal gummy bears) called "Eisbar" which is actually 'polar bear'. I have no ideaa what flavor they are supposed to be, but they are pretty good. And I got some more Gluhwein gummies, because they still had a couple bags. Happy Holly!

J tried to help me out last night by changing the laundry from the washer to the dryer... When i went to start another load this afternoon and get the clothes out of the dryer, I got a couple stinky surprises. The clothes in the dryer were still super wet, and had that lovely stink about them. And there was a stinky load in the washer. Aw, thanks hunny! He tried to be nice and start another load for me, but it never made it to the dryer. And the dryer didn't dry the clothes because J set it to the wrong setting! So I had to re-wash those loads! Now they are all piled on my bed, waiting to be folded. Fun stuff.

And I am off to the couch to watch 'North by Northwest' with Cary Grant, because I have never seen it before and I got it from the Library the other day.

#73

Hehe, my dad makes me laugh. I just got off the phone with him, and really the guy is funny... Not appropriate at all for normal, law abiding citizens... But funny for me!

I declared today a chill-ax day. So we stayed in pj's and watched Toy Story (Mommy! Where Buzz?!- as he fell out of the window!) and had chili dogs for dinner. It was nice to not worry about getting ready or dealing with the girls' 'independence' or being on time... I just got to hang out with my chicks, do a farm puzzle with them, read books, wear tutus. Well, I didn't dress up!

One awesome thing was nap time. I know, I sound a bit loony because nap time is a struggle in the B house. But today, I was not playing around or being Nice Mommy. I needed nap time to type up notes from a board meeting! So I put P in the pack n play in the office/junk room, and I put K in the crib in the girls room. They screamed and were borderline hysterical for about five minutes. I took that five minutes to make a cup of tea, find my notes, find my iPod, etc. Then, all was quiet... For the most part. I heard some stirring and whining, and talking. But overall, they were quiet and sleeping. Five minutes of hell for about 90 minutes of peace. I can handle that! I guess I will try the same thing tomorrow for nap.

Oh, remember how I was sad yesterday about my nana's birthday bash? Well, the fam is making a quilt with all her great grandchildren hands and feet prints. So tonight I cut up a plain white sheet and J got pink paint from the craft store. We then got the girlies hand and foot prints! i really don't think WE have any of those from their little hands and feet... I think J should do that in plaster for mother's day. tell him that for me?!

One last thing and I am off to bed. My husband is amazing. I know I have been complaining about him a lot lately. And feeling even worse toward him. But he is the man I love, the man I will be complaining about and loving for the next 1,000 years. This morning, he walked in when I was wearing nothing but a sports bra, running shorts, and a bit of sweat. He gave me 'the look' and said I looked good. To which I laughed and said he was blind. His reply was "Well, I kind of thought that it was my opinion that mattered on this topic. I think you look good." And he just walked away like that was that. And really, it was.

I love the way he loves me.

#72

As a mommy day, today was pretty great. My girls woke up this morning and had me laughing before they even got out of bed.

It's Wednesday, which means we have to get ready for the day early. So I walk into their room and turn on the lights. They are stirring awake while I get their clothes picked out. P sits up and says hi, then looks at K "K, wake up." she tells her face down sister. K rolls over. Sits up. "Eye owie" K tells P because of the light). P being the awesome sis she is, crawls over to sis, kisses her face, and says "Kiss it better." Then we were able to get outta bed, eat, get dressed, get in the car, all that good stuff. Really, it was a super cute way to start the day!

We also went for a walk. I have been trying to take them on a walk every day. They get to be 'independent' and walk by themselves and 'pick' which direction we go. We just walk around the street and then turn around and walk back. But the last few days it has been going good. So today we headed out with Daddy, who had gotten home a little early. K walked with Daddy, and P and I strolled at a slower pace. Let me tell you, that kid is a slow walker and a fast talker! She talked about everything and then she talked some more! It was so adorable and I loved it. We also got the allusion of individual time with each girl without the stress of actual alone time. Go us.

In the family department, I was pretty sad today. Well, that's not true. I was a lot sad for the last hour. My Ma, whom I love, called and told me there will be a huge birthday party for my Nana, next Saturday. In California. Hi, I am in Germany, people. 10 days isn't exactly enough time for me to get out there. So there is a huge party for my Nana, and I will probably be the only grandchild not there. Oh, and did I mention that Nana is pretty sick and the docs don't think she will be around for her next birthday?

Here's hoping I can work some kind of magic and be there... But lets be real. My life is one big example of Murphy's Law.

#71

Happy birthday to the husband! He cracks me up. As we were getting ready to sing to him, we were arguing about something. His rebuttal was "Hun, I have been doing this for 27 years. Holy shit, 27." We are getting old, buddy!

Besides the birthday cake, today was just another day in Not-paradise.

P and K are so freaking bossy and sassy. Ok, I bribed them this morning. "If you want to go to Play group and see C, you have to come here and get dressed." So for the next 30 minutes I had to listen to 'Mommy, see C, go pay goop. Mommy, get up. Bye bye Daddy." and on and on. They actually tried to push me toward the door.

After PG, we hit up the McD's. Which was fun. Until it was time to leave and get in the car. They kill me with the independence! Getting from the car into the commissary, shopping, and getting back in to the car was another batch of greatness. And please, lets not talk about nap time. I seriously think tomorrow we are not even going to try taking naps...

Ugh, tomorrow. Is it wrong that I am dreading going to bible study?? I really do like God, and the bible, and most of the women at the study. But the thought of getting up, trying to look cute, being all happy-smiley... And the actual bible study... I feel like I should just not talk at all, like I should ban myself from sharing my thought... Maybe I will try that tomorrow...

#70

M to the rescue!

Really, I have the greatest bestest friend in the whole world. M is just so amazing and she makes me happy. How many people know that just saying 'bracelet' can make me crack up? Or that glass in oatmeal is deadly?! And why I crack up when people ask 'Round or square?' And don't even get me started on potatoes!

See, she just gets me. Talking to her tonight was exactly what I needed.

The little children that I adore were driving me up a flippin wall today. They didn't want to take a nap, or listen, or sit in time out... They were a couple handfuls for this mommy. And because my life isn't a bed of roses, the day was a long one. So after I ate my so-so dinner, I left the husband and kids in the living room, grabbed the phone, and called my M.

I got to unload on her, chat about things in our lives, and laugh. We are really good at that. Really.

I honestly don't remember why we started talking when we first met. I do know why we became friends, though. I think we got to be as close as we are because one of us quoted Harry Potter, or spewed off some random Irish fact, or we might have made snide comments about someone else... Who knows?! I just know that a little over four years ago, she lucked out and got me for a best friend!

#69

My head is pounding and my eyes are burning. It has been one of those days.

P's eye is, strangely, not looking worse. It's super runny/goopy/puffy. I will be calling the clinic as soon as they open tomorrow morning. K's eye started to look a little goopy this evening as well.

I didn't go to church today. Second Sunday in a row. I am really sad that I missed it. For all the normal reasons, but also sad I missed the Protestant service. This morning, the ladies of PWOC essentially took over the service. And I wasn't there. It seems that I am not there for any of the big important PWOC things. That all sucks.
.
.
.

I feel like I have so much going on inside my head right now. Like I don't know which way is up, like I don't know what to keep to myself and what to spew out for the whole world to see.

So for tonight, I am going to keep it all wrapped up in my head.

#68

I had a girly breakdown today.

It was also a "The Army strikes again" breakdown.

And we all know, I am not a girly girl, nor a Army hater. I am the opposite of both those stereotypes.

But I am a girl that is married to a soldier, so it was bound to happen at some point, right?

I don't want to get in to details, because once was enough! But I just really felt like the Army was always coming first, even when it didn't have to. I was not feeling like my husband was caring enough about his wife or his daughters. And come on, doesn't a wife deserve to feel like the center off her husband's universe?

Well, this wife sure hasn't felt that way lately. So I let it all out. Literally.

And afterwards, I didn't feel any better. So what was the point of it all? I have no idea.

I do know that my eyes were swollen, and my heart was a little hurt, and life went on without skipping too many beats.

But speaking of eyes, my little P is sick. We think she has the dreaded pink eye. Around lunch, a couple hours after 'the meltdown' I noticed her eye looked a little goopy. After her nap, it was really nasty- red, runny, and mucus galore. By bedtime, she was telling us 'eye owie' and it was both eyes. So, I am thinking tomorrow my baby girl is going to be hurting. And possibly, K will be as well.

Pink eye is just one of those psychological things for me. The second it is mentioned, my eyes start to burn. Just like lice, you say that four letter word and I start scratching my head. Probably because the two are contracted so easily and I had both multiple times as a kid. But now J and I are worrying about K and ourselves on top of our sympathy for the P-ster.

Prayers for the B house, please!

#67

Here is my deal. I really do not like the month of February.

Yes, it is the month of my husband's birth. Yes, it is the month that I usually file my taxes. Yes, it is the month of Valentines day... but I really don't care too much about that holiday...

It is also the month right before March, which is a month I love. And it is just a racist month.

I am not racists. I do not care about the color of your skin. Really, not even a little bit. You caring about the color of your skin is what drives me crazy.

Yeah, Black History Month really gets to me.

Even calling it BLACK History month is annoying. That is a color, people. That is it. No one is from a place called Black. That is not a heritage or lineage or anything . It is a color.

Last time I checked, there is no WHITE history month. Which, hello, discriminates against us white people. But we can't say that, can we? That would be racist.

Did you know that Irish Heritage Month is March? Um yeah, I bet you didn't - unless you have been my friend for over a year, then you probably did know that.

But it doesn't get publicized. The library doesn't have a special night dedicated to Irish inventors or film makers or writers. Nope, all the Irish get is a day dedicated to a saint which people think is intended to drink green beer. that is a whole different topic, you can count on a whole month of Irish awesome-ness from this girl. But back to my initial irritation.

Dedicating a month to the color of someone's skin means that the skin color is what matters. 'Black' people and 'white' people mean that there is a different amount of melanin in one's skin, that is all. If you want to honor someone for their background, then do so. But pick a specific location. And I do NOT mean a continent. Calling yourself 'African American' is as stupid as me calling myself 'European American'.

And if we are supposed to be getting on with our lives, moving towards equality, then why do you feel it is ok to have a month dedicated to people with dark skin? Because to me that just screams 'not fair'.

Wouldn't it be more important to be thought of as a great writer/singer/film maker/inventor/activist, regardless of skin color?

I would rather be seen as the best writer, not the best white writer. But that is just me.

#66

"Hun, what happened to P's eye? And why is K crying?"

This is what J walked in to this evening. Leftovers for dinner, a dirty house, a wife that didn't feel good, two dogs dying for attention, and two cranky and hurt little girls. My answer to him was "Today consisted of getting hurt, throwing fits, and crying. And no nap."

Ok, so I said a lot more after that. But you get my point.

Before J left for work, he filled his travel mug with coffee. K grabbed it off the table and tried to drink it. Yeah, extremely hot coffee in and around her mouth, and all down her bare chest. Poor girl's heart was beating out of her chest. We sat on the couch with a cold washcloth on her chest and face for about 30 minutes. A spot above her upper lip is still red, but everything else is back to normal.

And that was before 0900! The day was pretty steady in the suck department.

But, it wasn't too horrible of a day. I know, I sound like I have been smoking crack. But for some reason, as I get ready for bed, I don't feel like the world hated me today. It was not the best day ever.

But my little chicks were awesome when they weren't screaming, or falling off the couch, or taking their pull-ups off at their 'not-nap-time'... Really, it wasn't a total bad day!

I got in my two workouts, for the fourth time this week. Go me. I am still loathing both exercises and I really don't see a change. But I know if I stick with it I will... Someday...

#65

My day went a little something like this...

-6am wake-up... yeah right, snooze button until it was closer to 6:45
-Could hardly breathe. Nose stuffy, sinuses pounding, chest tight. No yoga.
-Kiddos wake up, all three of them, around 0715, and the fun-ness begins.
-breakfast? mini blueberry muffins! The whole time I was thinking about an article I recently read that talked about 'blueberry' products not containing blueberries. So I pretty much fed the children chemicals and coloring agents. Woo for me!
-Listened to a bit of 'no that mine!' 'nein!' 'my turn!' and so on...
-the afternoon went fine, nothing exciting. Did some yoga when my sinuses had drained into my chest. Yeah, it was as fun as it sounds.
-Found out a friend's hubby hurt his shoulder pretty bad and was in the hospital. Prayers for that.
-J didn't get home until a few minutes after 6, we were all starving. Chicken tortilla soup (or something like it) was pretty tasty.
-Run water for the girls' bath. NO HOT WATER. Again. Really? Ugh.
-Sit down for a few minutes to sing songs with the girls. Ozzy starts peeing ON MY COUCH. The dog is 9 years old, there is no excuse for that. Mad mad Holly. Couch cushions stripped and bleached and such.
-Bedtime.
-C's mommy should be here any minute now. I will then be getting sweaty on the treadmill for a few minutes. Not planning on pushing myself, just getting some time in.
-J is on my nerves. But I am sure that will pass soon.

All in all, not my best day ever. But you know me, tomorrow is another day. One that will include a trip to the library (yeah!) and the commissary (pray for me).

I am thinking that Matthew 11:28 is going to be a 'go-to' verse the next few months!

"Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest."

Thank you, Lord, for that promise. It is getting me though these crazy days!

#64

Today, I was the mother of triplets.

Well, not quite. But I had three two year old girls running around. And it went really well. Even I was shocked at how well-behaved they were. And it was fun to see my girls interact with their friend. They are both nerds, and I know it is my fault. Instead of playing with their friend, for about 30 minutes they sat on the couch and read. When I tried to get them to put the books down and play, they told me no. "Mommy, I reading." Excuse the heck out of me!

It is a good thing they were so good. I am getting sick. Well, I have been getting sick for about a week now, but today is the worst day yet. I feel like whatever this is, it has moved in to my chest. So I struggle to breathe, and cough all the live long day.

My husband, who loves me, was so sweet. He called while he was away and when I told him I didn't feel good he responded with, "Well you sound like shit." Awe, he really loves me.