I had an army friend of mine ask me how I was doing with accepting all this stuff called "army life". I told her I was probably at about 50%. Jeremy is still trying to get me to assimilate more into army ways. I think I must still be trying to live like I was in laie Hawaii, with no cares or worries. Army is much more rigid than that.
An example of my carelessness is this scare we had a few weeks back. It was in the first week or so that we moved and life was stressful and crazy, and the poor kids were getting the brunt of everything it seemed. I felt bad for them, and I tried to note small ways that we could help their day seem better- a little less big-kid like. So I thought it was way cute when they got so excited one time we gave thme a "ride" in the car, which means they get to hold on with no seat belts while we drive a short distance. And I mean a short distance. (I'm going to regret saying this aren't I? I'm going to have to explain my actions for years to come.)
Anyway, I didn't think it was a big deal, just 100 yards or less. We've pulled this kind of stunt at Grandma's house, course she had her own road and was not in the city technically. Anyway, Jeremy is dead set against this idea of mine, but I talked him into it one time. I had jumped in the back of the van with Willie and the baby and we were driving along when... ba baa bummmm! The sheriff drove past us! Jeremy turned white and said, Oh crap! We watched the sheriff and sure enough, the car turned around in the drive we just came out of and started heading our way. Jeremy was so upset at me! (I don't blame him.) Then, out of sheer luck, the sheriff turned down another way and we kept going. We were free for that night. Jeremy was repeating 'Never Again' over and over. He was saying how he saw his whole career flash before his eyes. Poor guy. I felt real bad. Needless to say, I've reevaluated my caution and respect to army strict adherence to laws of the land and I've repented. :)
It's amazing how much your "employer" can have ahold of your personal life. There's still many more ways I could be better at being in the army. Army families should have a high standard to show others. And I think that's important, I just got to get in gear I guess. From the wife's point of view- running the forgotten patch to the hubs, stopping in the middle of the street for trump or drill or whatever is going on, random vehicle weapons checks, etc. These little things that make me think, I'm not in the army, but... I am.
Yeah, so 50%, if that. I still don't have our insurance and benefits figured out. And I thought people were helping me learn that and learn what stuff was going to be available to me, the army wife, but after they talked to me- all I've figured out is there is a playgroup (which I haven't made it to yet) and they would love to have me volunteer if I can. (slight chuckle.) Yeah, so no "benefits" as of yet.
Friday, July 30, 2010
We got a dog!
...for a day. :)
Although the seed was planted in me long ago to get a dog, the overall premeditated period for this venture was pretty short. I grew up saying I wanted a dog and no kids. Now here I am, three kids and still wanting a dog...until now.
Brand new to the area, some new friends from our ward invited us to dinner where I found she was a big dog-lover and had trained her dog very well. I told her how I've always wanted a dog, but didn't know anything about them and needed to learn. She was excited to help me learn all I needed to know and gave me a book to read. Later that week, she let me know that a family in the ward had a black lab puppy they were trying to find a home for. We were quickly introduced and we liked the puppy but I just wasn't sure it was the right time for us to get a puppy. But here the little furry thing was. It was so cute. So wantable. I don't even have any furniture it could ruin, I don't care about the carpet we have right now, I have this great friend who is helping me learn all I need to know...all these thoughts made me think, maybe this wouldn't be a bad time to get a dog. And so I talked Jeremy into it.
We begun making all kind of preparations and, although I had already read quite a few chapters in the book, I began speed reading even faster. There was a lot to think about and I made three trips to the pet store in just a few days trying to get ready for her. We picked up the puppy on Wednesday evening. We hadn't technically got an approval from our leasing office though, but I assumed it would be okay- something you just kind of go down and sign the papers for. There were a ton of big dogs in the complex that walk around, it seems like.
It was kind of crazy night, our first full attempt at taking care of a dog. She was a great puppy! She even went potty on her pad a couple times, and just laid in her blocked off area, very mellow for a puppy, which means we could call ourselves lucky. All of this only made me feel worse about what I realized the next day, for it was all soon to end...
Jeremy went to the office the next morning and talked to them about the puppy. Even though it was still small, because our lease term was 13 months and the labs will be over the size limit by that time, they were giving us trouble about getting the puppy. You see, we kind of didn't tell them that we had already kind of got the puppy. So the puppy lived with me "illegally" for that day. We took her to the vet and got medicine for fleas and worms. We took her with us to pick dad up from work. This was all quite a bit of work doing a puppy and a 6 month old- not to mention two other kids- at the same time. Not that I can say i wasn't warned, in fact, there were many people that snickered and looked at me doubtingly when they heard we were getting a puppy- which was kind of hard to deal with in itself. But the basic fact was this- the office hadn't approved her yet, so we quickly took her back to our friends house who had been fostering her that night after work. We didn't want to be fined for having a dog. That night, I sat in my house, on break from this smell and everything that comes with the inclusion of an animal, and I realized... it's not right to have the dog here with us right now. The other kids, the close quarters, the neighbor downstairs that already thinks we're too loud, the fact that we're not sure where we're moving to in 6 months... it all kind of clouded over and I realized it was not a good thing- though the dog was a very good dog- it wasn't time to get a dog. It had been a costly decision in a way. I loved the crash course in dog care. I loved that cute little puppy face. But it wasn't the right time for us to get a dog.
Now, I'm looking back on that crazy week thrown in with the already crazy experiences that comes with moving to a new place. I have to be completely honest and say, I've started to have this inkling that I might not be a dog person after all. It was a heart breaking week for me, something I'm still trying to understand. I see others with dogs and I still feel a little 'jealous'. I still perk up when I see a sign or ad looking for a dog owner. I'm not sure what keeps driving that in me. But Jeremy has put his foot down and said No for now.
Although the seed was planted in me long ago to get a dog, the overall premeditated period for this venture was pretty short. I grew up saying I wanted a dog and no kids. Now here I am, three kids and still wanting a dog...until now.
Brand new to the area, some new friends from our ward invited us to dinner where I found she was a big dog-lover and had trained her dog very well. I told her how I've always wanted a dog, but didn't know anything about them and needed to learn. She was excited to help me learn all I needed to know and gave me a book to read. Later that week, she let me know that a family in the ward had a black lab puppy they were trying to find a home for. We were quickly introduced and we liked the puppy but I just wasn't sure it was the right time for us to get a puppy. But here the little furry thing was. It was so cute. So wantable. I don't even have any furniture it could ruin, I don't care about the carpet we have right now, I have this great friend who is helping me learn all I need to know...all these thoughts made me think, maybe this wouldn't be a bad time to get a dog. And so I talked Jeremy into it.
We begun making all kind of preparations and, although I had already read quite a few chapters in the book, I began speed reading even faster. There was a lot to think about and I made three trips to the pet store in just a few days trying to get ready for her. We picked up the puppy on Wednesday evening. We hadn't technically got an approval from our leasing office though, but I assumed it would be okay- something you just kind of go down and sign the papers for. There were a ton of big dogs in the complex that walk around, it seems like.
It was kind of crazy night, our first full attempt at taking care of a dog. She was a great puppy! She even went potty on her pad a couple times, and just laid in her blocked off area, very mellow for a puppy, which means we could call ourselves lucky. All of this only made me feel worse about what I realized the next day, for it was all soon to end...
Jeremy went to the office the next morning and talked to them about the puppy. Even though it was still small, because our lease term was 13 months and the labs will be over the size limit by that time, they were giving us trouble about getting the puppy. You see, we kind of didn't tell them that we had already kind of got the puppy. So the puppy lived with me "illegally" for that day. We took her to the vet and got medicine for fleas and worms. We took her with us to pick dad up from work. This was all quite a bit of work doing a puppy and a 6 month old- not to mention two other kids- at the same time. Not that I can say i wasn't warned, in fact, there were many people that snickered and looked at me doubtingly when they heard we were getting a puppy- which was kind of hard to deal with in itself. But the basic fact was this- the office hadn't approved her yet, so we quickly took her back to our friends house who had been fostering her that night after work. We didn't want to be fined for having a dog. That night, I sat in my house, on break from this smell and everything that comes with the inclusion of an animal, and I realized... it's not right to have the dog here with us right now. The other kids, the close quarters, the neighbor downstairs that already thinks we're too loud, the fact that we're not sure where we're moving to in 6 months... it all kind of clouded over and I realized it was not a good thing- though the dog was a very good dog- it wasn't time to get a dog. It had been a costly decision in a way. I loved the crash course in dog care. I loved that cute little puppy face. But it wasn't the right time for us to get a dog.
Now, I'm looking back on that crazy week thrown in with the already crazy experiences that comes with moving to a new place. I have to be completely honest and say, I've started to have this inkling that I might not be a dog person after all. It was a heart breaking week for me, something I'm still trying to understand. I see others with dogs and I still feel a little 'jealous'. I still perk up when I see a sign or ad looking for a dog owner. I'm not sure what keeps driving that in me. But Jeremy has put his foot down and said No for now.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Down in the Southland...
After four plane ridesv(and poor Jeremy having to carry way to many bags), we arrived in Columbia, South Carolina. Summer is in full swing here, and I'm loving it. We're staying in a hotel right now driving a rental car, which is an expensive way to live, so we're working hard to remedy that. I was quite worried that we didn't have much to go on as far as things lined up for a car and a house, but now I realize that Jeremy was right to just roll with things. It turns out we couldn't have found the options that we're now looking at, while still in Oregon. We just wouldn't have known about them until we reported to the base and went through their oreintation kind of stuff. Which is kind of frustrating that life is like that, but I'm definetly not disappointed in what the army is offering. That's the story of the army pretty much though... they have great things to offer but if you want them they come not on your terms or timing. Ah well, so we should be getting into a nice place to live pretty soon. In the meantime, not having to cook breakfast is a nice break.
The car situation on the other hand, is going to take a little mroe figuring out. We may have to hit the road a little bit to find something more in our price range.
Columbia itself, I think will be a lot of fun. It has a lot of the "southern beauty" going on I think. We drove to look at a house in the historic district. It was so fun to see these brick houses with tall coloumns in front, lots of rocking chairs on porches. The house was definetly a fixer-uper, so not what we're looking for right now. But would be a lot of fun, someday. The people here are very different and will take a little getting used to probably. I invisioned mostly black americans and caucasians, but I've seen a good melting pot of people from all over, so that's pretty cool. I feel like we're right in the middle of everything too. The coast is not too far. There's lots of nature trails and boating/lakes around. It will be really fun to explore.
Well, better get back to searching the web....
The car situation on the other hand, is going to take a little mroe figuring out. We may have to hit the road a little bit to find something more in our price range.
Columbia itself, I think will be a lot of fun. It has a lot of the "southern beauty" going on I think. We drove to look at a house in the historic district. It was so fun to see these brick houses with tall coloumns in front, lots of rocking chairs on porches. The house was definetly a fixer-uper, so not what we're looking for right now. But would be a lot of fun, someday. The people here are very different and will take a little getting used to probably. I invisioned mostly black americans and caucasians, but I've seen a good melting pot of people from all over, so that's pretty cool. I feel like we're right in the middle of everything too. The coast is not too far. There's lots of nature trails and boating/lakes around. It will be really fun to explore.
Well, better get back to searching the web....
Sunday, April 25, 2010
All On My Own
I'm all on my own this week, my "nanny" is on vacation. Grandma is out of town this week- in NY!- We miss Grandma! Wish I could have gone too, but we've been getting our kicks in. :P We dropped mom at the airport and went to hang out with our Portland cousins. The kids had tons of fun. We stayed the night as well (Worst night ever actually, Willie wanted to stay up forever, Lucy kept having bad dreams, and Hallee woke up every 2 hours. I didn't get any sleep.) That's okay. 
(Love the snuggled up kids watching a movie.) 
I had big plans to visit the Tulip Festival at Wooden Shoe Farm. We were set up for a really bad day because of the waether, but the sight of all those tulips in layers of colors, was unforgettable really. I'd never seen anything like it. But back to the experience as a whole, we were cold and to make matters worse, we were in the middle of the footpath to the fields when it started POURING! Cats and Dogs, soft hail even. It was awful. We had to run about 150 yards to the nearest tent. The baby was in my wrap and under my jacket covered up, but Lucy and Willie were drenched. All Willie wanted to do was cry. Cold is bad, but cold and wet, is nearly unbearable. We finally made it back to the car and stoked up some warmth. I was bummed because it cut our trip short. I wasn't able to buy any flowers or experience some of the other things there. Things did go from bad to worse, as I got lost coming out of Woodburn while driving in the rain. Boo! We got home to a beautiful, sunny day at home! We stayed outside and weeded the flower beds. The kids were happy to be such "great workers." We all took Sunday naps today and so I wasn't feeling in a hurry to put the kids to bed. So we spent the evening together not watching the time and just being together. We actually just ended up reading stories for probably an hour and half. I got downstairs after they were in bed and it was almost 9:30pm, which is late for us. As I tucked Lucy in bed, she says, Mom that was a great evening. Made me smile. I've been promising pictures and videos for Daddy... I love this candid shot of Willie and his cousin Breanna. Breanna is so good with the kids- she's such a great cousin!
D is for Donuts! The kids had fun making homemade donuts. I figured out a great frosting I like for donuts too, I decided- make a cream cheese frosting and then fold in cool whip. I think I like it better than a glaze or just a cookie frosting. 
The infamous boat. It's not infamous quite yet, but for being in our family such a short while it already has got a reputation. I got this boat from a sweet, nice man off of Freecycle. So yes, it was free. And it's not in beautiful condition, but it's not broken or anything, just could use new paint. So it's a great boat! I'm so excited, I wish I was going to be around long enough to use it more. Ok, I feel the need to tell the whole story.
We were reading a book a while back and there was this story of a dog and a cat and they had cat's birthday cake while out on a boat. And Lucy and I were talking how it would be fun to do her birthday cake in a boat. So, I began to think how I could do it. I thought about taking her for a riverboat cruise or something. But I liked the idea of just having her birthday here at Grandma's pond, like Willie was able to have a big party at Grandma's barn. I thought I could just borrow one, but I wanted to dec it out and wasn't sure how that would sit with any owner if I had to use tacks/staples. So I set out to find one of my own,and came upon Gizmo on Freecycle. From communications from this man on phone and not actually seeing the boat, I thought it would fit in the back of our truck and that it was fairly light (for a boat). This is what the guy had suggested to me at least. Well, I convince my brother-in-law to go help me get it (after laboriously convincing my mom to let me go get it and watch the kids for me while I did). The boat was bigger than we thought, and definitely not light. The nice man let us borrow his trailer (told you he was sweet) to make the 40 minute trip to my house. It was kind of a crazy three hour process of going between his house and ours and trying to load and unload this big boat with just two of us. We pull up at my mom's house with the boat at which point my mom decided this was the worst idea ever. She hated the boat, hates orange, hated that it would be sitting by the pond, thought it was too dangerous. All these things. Oops, awh Grandma, all I can say is sorry. The kids have been good and understand all the rules about the boat. We had a fun afternoon cleaning it and have made one trip to find lifejackets, but still need some for the kids. So we haven't taken it into the water yet. I'm looking forward to Lucy's birthday and watching her blow out her candles while in her birthday boat. I think we'll do Lucy's party a couple weeks late because Jeremy thinks he might be able to come home for a couple weeks after his graduation from Officer School on May 20th. He'll be here for about two weeks and we'll do a party then....Sorry Dad the video is not uploading!
Monday, April 19, 2010
Only a Matter of Time
It was only a matter of time until Willie figured out how to get out of his crib. Today, that time has come. I'm actually surprised he hasn't done it sooner, being the crazy jumper/climber he is. He just didn't put it together. Anyway, I have no idea exactly how he gets out. Hope it's safe....as can be. So, now the dilemma, should I start having him use a toddler bed. I feel myself really hanging onto the crib as long as possible, dragging it out, playing mind games with him until he's totally figured out the battle that's at steak here. But should I really drive him to understand so much of what this situation entails. Eh, I'm sure he's figured it all out already anyway.
Jeremy was super sweet and had flowers delivered to me today. Yesterday on the phone he was so giddy and anxious saying 'What are you doing tomorrow?' 'Are you going to be home?' 'There might be a surprise for you tomorrow.' So he was very obvious in something going down, but didn't let up at what it was. I asked him, 'Did you spend money?' To which he replied No, so that really stumped me. I couldn't think what wouldn't cost money to have show up at my door. Then I thought, maybe he is showing up?? I honestly thought that might be it, although I knew there was no way it would be. I tried to not buy into my secret wish, but it was so alluring it was hard not to. I had to laugh inspite of myself when the flower van showed up. It was a lovely surprise, not to be downplayed by me thinking it was my hubby showing up. The flowers are beautiful- red roses with some smaller very pretty flower, in a cute square chunky vase, there's this long thin grass made intoa shape of a heart around it. That didn't sound beautiful the way I described it, but it raelly is. The card was very sweet, of course. ;)
falling asleep....got to go.........
Jeremy was super sweet and had flowers delivered to me today. Yesterday on the phone he was so giddy and anxious saying 'What are you doing tomorrow?' 'Are you going to be home?' 'There might be a surprise for you tomorrow.' So he was very obvious in something going down, but didn't let up at what it was. I asked him, 'Did you spend money?' To which he replied No, so that really stumped me. I couldn't think what wouldn't cost money to have show up at my door. Then I thought, maybe he is showing up?? I honestly thought that might be it, although I knew there was no way it would be. I tried to not buy into my secret wish, but it was so alluring it was hard not to. I had to laugh inspite of myself when the flower van showed up. It was a lovely surprise, not to be downplayed by me thinking it was my hubby showing up. The flowers are beautiful- red roses with some smaller very pretty flower, in a cute square chunky vase, there's this long thin grass made intoa shape of a heart around it. That didn't sound beautiful the way I described it, but it raelly is. The card was very sweet, of course. ;)
falling asleep....got to go.........
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Yet again
My computer is down, yet again. It's hanging on by a thread and we just keep pushing it to hang on longer. Not sure why it's not working right now, so don't know estimated time of repair. I hope soon....
We had such a fun Easter. It was one of those quiet, just our small family, special times, that don't happen frequent enough. Sometimes you make the holidays too big and get so busy working that you don't enjoy things. I often do at least. But this last weekend wasn't really like that. We did enough to make it special, but kept everything just simple enough too. We all LOVED the Lemon Torte Cake! Such a yummy treat for the holiday!
We had a special Ladies Night Out last night, Zumba! I arrived at the gym and it was packed! So I have no idea if any of "my ladies" were there. Kind of a bummer my night turned solo. But I had such a blast doing Zumba! It's totally my thing! I could do it all the time! I'm working on conning my mom or sister to go with me next time. I was very tempted to join the class, but since we're moving next month I decided not to bother.
Tomorrow is a big day for Jeremy. He has a test and then they will be branching out. That means getting their assignment or 'job'. It also means we'll be able to have a better idea what lies ahead in this journey as far as where we'll be living and for how long, etc. It will be so nice to have a plan and a little more specific goal of what we're doing. Jeremy's top pick is Medical services, working as an admin in a hospital or possibly doing social work. His next choice would be Military Intelligence. And if not those two, probably Infantry or Adjunct General. He has a high position on their ranking list so he should have a clear shot in choosing his desired position.
I haven't done too much updating about Jeremy since he got to Officer School. He is doing well. It's a much better situation than basic training. They are in rooms with more privacy, he does have two roommates though. He bought himself a little laptop and so he has internet access anytime he's in his room. He has time to call almost every night. He usually spends a lot of time on the phone or skyping on weekends as they have had every weekend off for personal time. So things have been nice. He complains a little bit about the monotony of the cafeteria, and repetitive busy work, and not too many good friends around. But this stage too is temporary. He'll be glad when he can say he's graduated.
The kids are doing great. Lucy has been doing really well with our little preschool and learning her letters. I hope we keep it up this time! :P Willie is such a great comic relief to ahve in the house. He's starting to potty train himself which is frustrating at times, but great for him. Hallee is getting to strong, it's so adorable. She's super talkative- I love it! I love listening to baby coos. All my kids have just jumped on language, it looks like she'll be no different. I wish someone would come turn my life into a TV series, just because I want it all recorded. I would love to remember so many more moments than I currently am right now. It's hard to keep up with it all- in memory or written down.
Well, this was a nice journal entry. I hope my computer gets better so I can post some recent pics, cause they're so cute. :)
We had such a fun Easter. It was one of those quiet, just our small family, special times, that don't happen frequent enough. Sometimes you make the holidays too big and get so busy working that you don't enjoy things. I often do at least. But this last weekend wasn't really like that. We did enough to make it special, but kept everything just simple enough too. We all LOVED the Lemon Torte Cake! Such a yummy treat for the holiday!
We had a special Ladies Night Out last night, Zumba! I arrived at the gym and it was packed! So I have no idea if any of "my ladies" were there. Kind of a bummer my night turned solo. But I had such a blast doing Zumba! It's totally my thing! I could do it all the time! I'm working on conning my mom or sister to go with me next time. I was very tempted to join the class, but since we're moving next month I decided not to bother.
Tomorrow is a big day for Jeremy. He has a test and then they will be branching out. That means getting their assignment or 'job'. It also means we'll be able to have a better idea what lies ahead in this journey as far as where we'll be living and for how long, etc. It will be so nice to have a plan and a little more specific goal of what we're doing. Jeremy's top pick is Medical services, working as an admin in a hospital or possibly doing social work. His next choice would be Military Intelligence. And if not those two, probably Infantry or Adjunct General. He has a high position on their ranking list so he should have a clear shot in choosing his desired position.
I haven't done too much updating about Jeremy since he got to Officer School. He is doing well. It's a much better situation than basic training. They are in rooms with more privacy, he does have two roommates though. He bought himself a little laptop and so he has internet access anytime he's in his room. He has time to call almost every night. He usually spends a lot of time on the phone or skyping on weekends as they have had every weekend off for personal time. So things have been nice. He complains a little bit about the monotony of the cafeteria, and repetitive busy work, and not too many good friends around. But this stage too is temporary. He'll be glad when he can say he's graduated.
The kids are doing great. Lucy has been doing really well with our little preschool and learning her letters. I hope we keep it up this time! :P Willie is such a great comic relief to ahve in the house. He's starting to potty train himself which is frustrating at times, but great for him. Hallee is getting to strong, it's so adorable. She's super talkative- I love it! I love listening to baby coos. All my kids have just jumped on language, it looks like she'll be no different. I wish someone would come turn my life into a TV series, just because I want it all recorded. I would love to remember so many more moments than I currently am right now. It's hard to keep up with it all- in memory or written down.
Well, this was a nice journal entry. I hope my computer gets better so I can post some recent pics, cause they're so cute. :)
Thursday, March 25, 2010
3 month baby!
Today matches my mood much more than yesterday. Yesterday we missed the beautiful sunny weather on the account of being sick! We did make it outside, but it was pretty short lived. Today's pouring down rain is much better. ;P
Actually, I want to dedicate this post to Hallee. She is so stinkin' cute! I've already mentioned how much she loves to be looking out in the world, and that's why she hates all these carriers I guess. It is adorable to watch her being so ingrossed in what's going on around her. She loves the kids getting up in her face and trying to make her laugh. She'll always give them a smile. She's started pulling at her hair while she's playing on her back. I don't remember the those kids doing that very much, but they probably did. Sorry I didn't feel like rotating the photo above.
Actually, I want to dedicate this post to Hallee. She is so stinkin' cute! I've already mentioned how much she loves to be looking out in the world, and that's why she hates all these carriers I guess. It is adorable to watch her being so ingrossed in what's going on around her. She loves the kids getting up in her face and trying to make her laugh. She'll always give them a smile. She's started pulling at her hair while she's playing on her back. I don't remember the those kids doing that very much, but they probably did. Sorry I didn't feel like rotating the photo above.
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