Michael's Day Trip

Today Michael headed on his first Youth Temple Trip. I was so excited for him. It was an emotional day for us as his dad really wanted to be with him the first time he went, but you know...

I won't write about Michael's experience, that's for him to tell if he so chooses but he did tell me it was a really neat experience. I sent him with a camera and leave it to my son to be like his dad and take pics of random things.

One of the signs at Firehouse Subs where they stopped to eat.
The cup
Awww, so cute and serious

I love this pic of him...I ♥ My Son

Purging Pays Off

So in keeping with the 100 Things challenge, I went into my closet to see what I could get rid of. I decided to get rid of 4 pairs of pants I never wear. When I folded them to put them in a bag to drop off at Goodwill, $20 bucks fell out of the pocket. Woohoo!! So yup, it pays to purge!!

I'm moving rather slow, lol but I'm up to 10 items!!!

Reflections of Christ

Someday I will learn...

to ask for help...I will..

It's not that I want to be superwoman, it honestly isn't the first thing that pops in my mind..who should I call? My first instinct is to figure out how to get the problem handled. Asking for help is always the last resort for me.

I will learn to ask for help...someday.

Overwhelmed and Overflowed

Do you ever feel like life just overwhelms you. Now, I know I have a lot on my plate and some may say that it's too much but it's none of those things that are overwhelming me. I miss my husband. It's that simple. The past week or so has been worse than normal. I just miss him. He sends me pics and I cry because seeing him in a picture just makes my heart ache. It's crazy how physical love can be.

I hear his voice on the phone and that ache is somewhat soothed, his voice is enough to calm me down. The other day we got to chat online for the first time and I cried, I don't know why, lol..PMS I'm sure.

The past couple days have been stressful. First with Michael not getting off the bus (see previous post) and that sparked A LOT of emotion. Yesterday, one of the boys (Neil) clogged the upstairs toilet. Grrrrrrrrrr, it's one of those things where I can't really be mad at him because he really can't help it but at the same time it's so frustrating. There are many dynamics when it comes to Neil and the challenges we face with him. I don't want to get into that right now but sometimes it's hard to have the patience I need with him. I do feel blessed to have him in our life and I love experiencing the world through his eyes. Sometimes, however, my patience runs thin and I feel inadequate to handle the challenges of daily life with a special needs child. Simple things for most, challenges for Neil.

On that note, comes the overflowed part of this blog. The toilet was clogged and overflowing. Water all over the floor, waterworks down my cheeks. Overwhelmed with having to deal with it on my own. Sending boys to bed and praying for the patience to not go crazy. Sadly, I did lose my temper (hope my neighbors didn't hear too much of that exchange). The worst part of that whole ordeal was being frustrated with myself for losing control. As I stood over the porcelain pot, using the stupid plunger, praying, crying, begging to get through this. I thought that toilet would never drain, I had to walk away from it. After a while I fell to my knees begging for the plunger to work, sobbing at everything from the past couple days, feeling like a failure. Finally...the water level lowers, the joyous swirl starts, and woohoo, the toilet drains and well, so do my emotions.

As I stood in the shower a little while later, I realized, I just needed to fall to my knees earlier and ask for the Lord's help. I'm not alone, someone is there to carry this burden with me. It's ok to have a bad day, to crash but I need to pick myself up and carry on. Today is better, I feel better, maybe I needed a good cry.

On a really positive note. I got rid of 2 more items. The boys bathroom trash can and bathroom rug. Wanted to get rid of those anyway and now I did.

So items 5 & 6 GONE!!!

The Challenge

I have decided to jump on board with Amie's challenge and toss 100 items while trying to declutter my house. This seems like a never ending cycle in our home (intention wise anyway).

Today I got rid of Daniel's old church shoes and 3 water bottles that we never use.

So 4 out of 100 items GONE!

What a Day!

Well it has been a day and I'm glad that it's almost over! I woke up extremely tired since I did not sleep well. Yesterday was one of those crazy overly emotional type days. I'm sure it was PMS, but boy was I missing my man. As a result, I went to bed late and Daniel was sleeping with me and that kid made so much noise and moved so much I came downstairs to sleep on the couch. He is sleeping with me because I need to replace their bunkbeds.

So anyway, the morning started off pretty good, got the kids off to school, Kevin called and then I went and met a friend to do computer stuff and she treated me to lunch. Thanks "K"!

I came home and enjoyed a very nice nap (yes, I napped!!) It was about time for the kids to get home and I was preparing to go do my visiting teaching. The younger boys came home and I was expecting Michael to follow soon after. I went to meet his bus so I could leave and do what I needed to but he didn't get off the bus. I tried to remember if he was supposed to stay after, but didn't remember him telling me that. I remained calm and waited to see if he would call to tell me he missed the bus. I tried calling the school to see if there were after school activities started. No answer (yeah, this pissed me off..they never answer, no matter what time you call). I tried to stay calm but I was started to get angry and then worried. My normally rational mind was starting to go into imagination overdrive. I finally decided to get in the car and go to the school. I'm driving and I realize I left my ID card in my pants I wore yesterday, crap...so I turn around, now I'm angrier. I end up behind an MP who is driving sooooooooooooo slow. Seriously, the speed limit is 35 mph and he was going 12 miles!! GRRRRRRRRRRR. I hit post right when retreat is playing, so I have to stop. My anger is now at the point that I'm calm, you know that is dangerous. I get to the school and I go inside, no one in the office. No adults roaming around. I call D because I am so mad. Right as I'm telling her what is going on Michael walks around the corner of the school. I was so mad, I didn't dare say anything to him except, get in the car. I told him not to sit next to me, I didn't want to have him within arm's reach at this point.

Now, Michael is not irresponsible. And he is quite mature for his age, but he's one of those kids who is so smart that he can't possibly have use for common sense. That would take up storage in his brain that he could use to file away facts about the many species of penguins in the world. When we got home, I had to have him go away from me for a while so I could collect my thoughts and get my emotions in check. Thanks Nita for letting me vent to you, lol.

Finally, I ask Michael why he didn't call me. Well easy, his 9th period is athletics..he's on the football team (yes, my son, the football player) and well it extended into after school. His teacher said he had to stay and they didn't go to their lockers after 9th period, they just went right into their practice. Rules are that you can't use your cell phones during school hours or it will be taken away. So in Michael's brain that meant he could not use it nor could he ask to leave to go to the office. He is far too obedient for his own good. I informed him that I hold more power and authority over him that anyone else in this world...I am mother, I gave him life, no one can top that.

I got more emotional because I let all those big "what if" scenarios get in my head, the ones where you wonder if your child is halfway to Mexico or on the side of the street. That fear of not knowing where my child was and thinking I do not want to send this Red Cross message to my husband overseas.

I remained calm for a long time and then the mommy in me came out. But all is well and he learned a good lesson today, don't freak out your mom. Even the other boys were like, oh geez, we better be good, mom is MAD!

Our night ended on a good note. Michael had his Court of Honor and received the rank of First Class in Boy Scouts. He earned five merit badges and got his Camp patch. I am so proud of him. He's already halfway done with his requirements for his next rank. Go Michael!!!

Mom getting pinned after Michael got his rank

The boys doing their Scoutmaster Song...it was pretty cute!

First Day of School 2008

Sniff, Sniff

Off to school my three boys went and left me all alone,
My fantasy was to crawl back in bed and leisure in my quiet home.

But those who know me, know this is not the way that my life works,
It's off to the bank with waiting times that would drive one berzerk!

A lovely lunch with my dear friend, ribs and tators divine,
Back to my house to sit on the couch and enjoy a few minutes all mine!!

A walk to the school, in this crazy heat, I must be insane,
To pick up two happy boys who want to ramble on about their day.

Upon arrival on our front porch and a puppy happy to see her boys,
The blissfulness soon wore off at a wore broke out over toys.

The third young man arrives home, excited about his day,
He's a 7th grader now, you best stay out of his way.

A dinner of beef and some wonderful juice and it's off to the shower for three,
Because even though it's only been 4 hours, I again am ready for it to be all about me.

Get tucked in young men, let sweet dreams be your lure,
For tomorrow promises to bring yet another school adventure!!!


Ok, completely cheesy I know but that's what came out of my brain. It's back to school time and today I didn't have time to miss my kids. Had PTA duties to take care of and Nita treated me to a yummy lunch.

The boys all had great days and were excited to tell me about all their friends in their classrooms. It's hard to believe I'm the mother of a 7th Grader, but I am. He is so grown. I'm sure Daniel was just in Pre-K and now he's in 2nd Grade. Neil is so excited about his teacher this year, I think it's a great match!

There is only one word for the scene at the school this morning "CHAOS". The line wrapped around the school because of ID checks. Good thing I went to Meet the Teacher night and showed the boys their classes and met their teachers. I got a hug, kiss and a picture and sent the boys on their way. I sat outside the school for a half hour talking to Kevin on the phone (don't wanna drive and talk you know) and at 9 a.m., that line was still around the school, lol.

Overall a good day, glad to be back into a routine and now my life goes into insanity mode.

This is our fourth 1st day of school since we have lived in Texas and the fourth one Kevin missed. Seeing the Soldiers dropping off their kids was hard but such is life, our life!

Pics of my school boys!

A Message from the Sandbox

*A note from Kevin for our blog*

Hello from lovely Iraq,

I have to tell everyone that I am not the best at this writing thing so bear with me.
Last week I nominated Nadine for Military Spouse of the Year, she told me it was cheesy. I have to tell you all that I often do not see the opportunity to write like that about her, mainly I am bragging to those I work with. I am biased. I don't always know how to say what I want, and when you only have 500 words to say it in, to me that is not nearly enough. The sacrifices that my family has made for me to be able to continue to serve, I can tell you that so often our country overlooks those who silently serve at home. Our hope is that our children will be able to make a difference in our world.

We are all doing well here, it has been extremly hot and A/C units in HMMWVs is not always what it is cracked up to be. When it goes out because it is so hot outside it gets at least 20 degrees hotter inside and that makes for a very long day;) My team has had the opportunity to drop off some goodies for some of the bedowin kids in the area, we are planning on doing more and stopping next time to hand stuff out in other areas. This makes our mission a little more personal to us.

I know not all share the same feelings that I do about the people here. It is still hard for me to not think about those who were killed by these same people. But the love that my Heavenly Father has shown for me, is the same love that He shows for them, and He asks me to do the same. It is a struggle at times, but knowing that I am part of a greater mission and not just the war on earth but a spiritual war. To be part of this in a land where Jesus Christ himself once walked and preached the gospel for His Father.

I am grateful to have a wife and children who support me in what I do (often I am not there to do the same for them) but also they help me spiritually in my jouney. Thank you Nadine, Michael, Neil, Daniel and my little Sapper. I love you all so very much. Thank you all for your support that you have shown. I love you all.

Kevin

Blog Rating

Apparently at some point I used the word "breast" and so my blog is now rated PG.

Sporatic Saturday Sentiments

1. Why do people have to be lame and be shameless thiefs all because they can't be original? How hard is it to say, hey that's a great idea, do you mind if I borrow it?

2. What's up with people who have to be brave and feel the need to raise their voice to put you in your place...news flash, I have NO problem with confrontation, take it to the next level, I'll meet you there!

3. Best buds - I love that Michael and his buddy Miss A. are so free in their friendship. The two of them make me laugh, I hope their friendship lasts a lifetime. They have been buddies since 3rd Grade and they are now going into 7th grade.

4. Jesse Jones Hot Dogs are scrumptious

5. God Bless the inventor of the Super Big Gulp at 7-11

6. Clint Bowyer is such a hater...he should leave Mikey alone!

7. Will they figure out what the real medal count is at the Olympics or will it remain a mystery in the history books?

8. Why don't dogs learn that chocolate is BAD for them?

9. My Donut of Misery says we are 16% done and that we "Still have a long, long way to go".

10. Daniel thinks that his brothers can only hear what he is saying if he YELLS at them.

11. Neil is the best Ramen chef EVER..need Ramen, call him, he'll whip some up for you!

12. I miss my Soldier♥

A Smile for Today

So in our mail today was this week's Post newspaper. There was an article about our Brigade getting their Combat Patch. The pic below was included and I spotted my husband right away!! It was a nice little smile for us today!

Wallflowers

I just had to write about this product. I LOVE it. I have to be very careful about scented items because so many trigger migraines for me but I love candles and air freshner. Kevin requested air freshner for their rooms over in Iraq so I found a bunch of these on sale at Bath and Body Works. I bought some for him and decided to try it out at our house too. It is awesome. The scent is subtle enough that you notice it but it's not overpowering. It's a simple plug in so you don't have to worry about an open flame.

Love it!

Lunch Time Convo

So I'm sitting here filing away documents when I realize the boys are getting loud in their conversation.

Daniel - I was a Colonel in the Army and I got paid a hundred thousand dollars

Neil - I was in the Army as a Captain and got paid a MILLION dollars

Michael - WAIT, WAIT, you guys can't be in the Army and get paid that much money, maybe three thousand dollars

Daniel - Well I was a 4 Star General

Neil - actually I was in the National Guard as a Private

Michael - I worked at McDonald's for 2 years and then joined the Army

Daniel - I WAS A 4 STAR GENERAL!!

Neil - yeah I worked at McDonald's in high school too for a year

Michael - I was a cop once

Daniel - HEY, HEY, I was a 4 STAR General

Michael & Neil - OK!!!!!

Michael - I have to go to the bathroom.

I have no idea what they started off talking about, but this conversation was cracking me up. I want to be in the Army that pays those hundred thousand and million dollar pay days!

It's Back to School time!!

It's almost time to send the kids off to school! I can't say I'm overly excited but I am ready. It has been a long summer. The kids I think are bored with me and really, they even say they are ready. Well Daniel says he'd like to stay home with me, lol.

I'm not so stressed about School Supplies either. Their lists aren't that intimidating this year...probably because I have enough supplies in my house to open my own office supply store. I haven't really had to buy anything so that probably helps. I still get annoyed when I see Ziploc baggies and paper towels on the list because I don't feel I should have to send those in. I know the younger kids use the baggies with their projects but I always see the older kid's teachers trying to find storage for their excess useless stash of supplies. And speaking of storage, do they really expect my kids to store 24 #2 pencils for the entire year? And with the classrooms as small as they are and now that our 5th grade is out in portables, do they really need 80 boxes of Kleenex on the first day of school?? (Think 20 kids x 4 boxes of Kleenex). I think I will use my Mommy Common Sense and adjust our supply list accordingly and send in what I think they will use right away and resupply as needed.

Michael's list isn't so bad, he pretty much has everything from last year. I'm a true believer in using it if it's still good. Why go out and spend money on new things when last year's is still in great shape (thank goodness his OCD kicks in when it comes to taking care of his stuff). The only questionable item on his list is the one box of Kleenex. Does he keep that in his already tiny locker, does he decide which teacher should have his coveted box of tissue or perhaps he should donate a few sheets to each of his eight classes.

My biggest issue this year has nothing to with supplies but the time change in when school starts. They are now starting a half hour later! This upsets me, it throws a huge monkey wrench in my scheduling. So many things I am involved in start at 8 a.m. So dropping my kids off at 7:30-7:45 was perfect. Now I have to adjust everything. I wish they would have let us have a say in this schedule change. Maybe they changed it to shorten the tardy line at school. Seriously, in the three years we have attended this school, I have always been amazed at the nonchalance when it comes to sauntering kids (who are often accompanied by slow paced parents) wandering into the school doors after the bell buzzes. Even on that note, I don't feel those of us who do get our kids to school on time should be punished.

Of course, since they start later, they now get out later meaning any after school activity will last longer. So now we will have to pick up our kids and compete with after work traffic. Who thought this up???

Oh well, I shouldn't complain, it is what it is.

Missing My Soldier...

You know there are so many things I miss about my husband when he is far from home. All the lovey dovey type things...his smile, his kisses, his laugh, etc.

But there are times when I REALLY miss him...here is a list of times I miss him sooooooo much!

1. When the lawn needs to be mowed and I have to decide on whether to do it myself or pay someone else to do it.

2. When I need something he put on the very top shelf of the shed.

3. When it's raining and I have to park the car and get soaked instead of being dropped off and having him park and get wet.

4. When I can't open the dang pickle jar.

5. When our car makes a weird noise and I have to figure out what the heck it is.

6. When I need to move the computer desk to clean the CPU and rehook up the wires.

7. When I can't get the stupid pool I bought the kids set up.

Realistically I can do all these things on my own (obviously, they don't just sit here waiting for him to come home) but he is quite handy to have around to take care of these trivial little things.

So while I miss all the romantic things about him...I also miss him doing his own dang chores!!

Lifetime's Army Wives

Yes, I admit I am an avid Army Wives watcher. I DVR it and watch it every single week. It pisses me off and makes me yell at the TV, but every week I find myself tuning in to see what is going to happen next.

I blogged once last season about some of the things that pissed me off. So far this season has not evoked such emotion, I think I have trained my brain to realize it's just TV.

However...on that note, I do have to make comment on some of the things that thoroughly piss me off.

LTC Joan Burton and her bedrest! She is not so important that they would assign her a Soldier to be at her beck and call. That is ludicrous!! Trust me, EVERY Soldier is expendable. While we would all like to think that our Soldier is so important the Army can't survive without them, that is not true. I despise that story line. I had three babies in the Army and served with high ranking pregnant Soldiers and when they ended up on bedrest, no one assigned them a personal servant!

I do have to say I like that they are showing a softer side to Major Sherwood, I dislike Denise's storyline but I like how they are handling it. Perhaps they will both grow from this experience.

I also hate that they have the "FRG" as one HUGE organization on post instead of based on individual units like it really is. Pamela wouldn't be as involved with the other gals if this were true to life as Delta Force creates their own community.

Anyway just my thoughts on this last episode..lol

♥My Love♥

While we had a fabulous time on our little vacation, it would be wrong for me not to mention how much we missed our Soldier. There were many times that I caught myself getting emotional thinking about how we should be together enjoying this. We were able to still talk every few days and email. We had a good time but definitely noticed that someone was missing. I can't wait until we can all get together, ALL of us!

Kevin did send me some great pictures of him though!

We miss you my love♥

Home Sweet Home!

Well, we have officially been home for 24 hours and I feel like we never left. Isn't it amazing how that works?

We had so much fun that the 2730 miles we drove didn't seem so long. Isn't it crazy to think I drove that alone with three kids and a dog? We were very blessed to have had no issues. It was a rather quiet trip for me as the boys slept a lot of the way. How they managed to sleep that much I don't know but I'm not complaining.

We really enjoyed visiting with our good friends Lisa and Marlon. We have known them for 11 years (can you believe that Lela???) We met in Korea, Lisa and I forming a bond as we trudged up the insane AFN Hill in Taegu, Korea eventually expanding our relationship to a friendship involving Chicken on a Stick and babies being thrown in the air like a football. I just now remembered our attempt at getting in better shape with rollerblading, LOL..remember all the kids who would stare at us, probably secretly wondering what the hell we were doing, LOL. BTW, I sold those dreadful things shortly after PCSing to Fort Riley, lol.

Marlon & Lisa

Lisa was nice enough to take us on tour of her Vet Clinic to help Michael with his Dog Care Merit Badge.

Anyway, enough of the trip down memory lane..we now have new memories to hold onto until we see each other again (it will not be another 4 years!!!) We were able to make ourselves right at home. Trust me the boys did this, especially Daniel who felt that leaving his stinky boy socks everywhere was ok. Even Sapper enjoyed her time there. At first she was pretty nervous of the two cats and the dog but by the time we left, she was quite brave and attacking them. All of them are quite a bit bigger than her so it was amusing to watch her try and attack them.

It was so nice to escape the monotony of every day life and just relax. We didn't try to cram a million things into this trip, we just enjoyed relaxing and seeing a few things. We went to the Aquarium like I posted previously and the boys got to see the ocean. We ate good food and ventured on Fort Bragg. I also had the opportunity to meet up with my very first roommate in the Army. It was great to see Mildred again, it had been 11 years. She hasn't changed a bit!!

Me and Mildred..my Army roomie!

The boys in front of Iron Mike on Fort Bragg, NC

After spending time with our buds, we headed up to visit family. Kevin's brother Steve and his family live in the Raleigh area and there was no way we could be so close and not visit. It had been a while since we had seen their entire family so it was a good opportunity for us. The boys had so much fun with their cousins and their aunt and uncle. You know it's a good trip when there is sob factor involved. We headed up to Greensboro to Wet N Wild and enjoyed a fun day in the water. Daniel was a bit fearful of being whisked away so he kept a tight hold on his Uncle Steve. Neil and Michael were more brave and spent a good majority of their time in the whirlpool section of the wave pool...think mosh pit in the water. Mom tried it a couple times but didn't get the hoopla about it, maybe I'm getting old!

My fun experience of that day was purchasing a funnel cake as we left. The little wallet I had happens to have a pic of Kevin in the front. The girl working that particular booth exclaims to her coworker "oh she has a picture of a Soldier!!!" I reply, yes, that is my husband. We start a conversation that I will spare you the details on, but basically the girl was proud to say her boyfriend was in the Army or maybe the National Guard, she wasn't really sure. He was going to deploy but didn't know when. Not really sure where he is, maybe in Texas. She asked me how long he would be gone. I was honest and told her the National Guard is gone for a long time when you include training and the actual deployment, anywhere from 18-24 months. She sighed...I told her it took a special woman to love a Soldier and she said, yes she knew. I told her Kevin was over there for the second time in less than three years. She looked at me and said, she couldn't do it two times!! I just smiled at her, requested my funnel cake quickly inventoried the information she had given me and told her to do us all a favor and break up with her boyfriend now.

Aunt DeeDee, Uncle Steve, Daniel, Neil & Michael

The cousins
The boys also got involved in a very serious game of Monopoly with Uncle Steve. They played for a good while before it turned into craziness and fun name calling followed. Josh tried to jump in for a while but they had to call it after a while and close up the game. Everyone had a great time though. Thanks for the hospitality! We had a blast and let's not wait so long to see each other again!!

Moving on...we also had the opportunity to meet up with our buds from Fort Hood. They moved last December to Fort Lee and it was nice to finally meet Mr. I. He is soooooooo cute and lovable!! Linda and the kids made the 2.5 hour drive to meet up with us and I am so glad she did. We had a great visit. January, right? That's when you can come back to Hood???

Hanging out with Mr. I

Linda and I being silly at the park

The whole gang

For our final night in NC, we headed back to Lisa and Marlon's to chill before hitting the road. It was sad to say goodbye. We are so lucky to know what a strong friendship we have that will stand through distance and time. We pick up right where we left off. It was nice to have someone who gets me and understand me and doesn't mind when my inside voice speaks out loud. She is convinced I'm going to get my butt beat someday because of that, but at least I know she's on my side regardless. Thanks for the great visit. We love you guys!! When you coming to Texas???

She adores me, what can I say??? BTW..it was LATE and we were both tired, lol

First Ocean Experience

Fort Fischer Aquarium

So last Friday we took the boys to Fort Fischer Aquarium near Wilmington. It was a pretty cool place to go. The boys got to see all sorts of ocean life up close and personal. There was a touch tank that gave the kids the opportunity to touch a Horsheshoe Crab, it looked quite icky to me so I left the touching to the kids. I did brave up enough to touch an amoeba which felt really weird.
The boys got to see such awesome things, the tanks were so cool, they got to get pretty close. At one point I thought Neil was going to jump a mile when a shark came right up to the glass.

After our adventure at the aquarium, we headed to the beach. It was the boys first experience at the ocean. I'd have to say they loved it. The water was gorgeous. Michael had fun collecting shells. Neil was brave and kept venturing futher and futher away. Daniel got knocked around a time or two. One wave knocked him over in a complete flip. They had so much fun. They experienced it so much that they took a bit of the beach home with them via their pockets. From playing in the water, sand filled every pocket and then some areas that will go unmentioned, lol.

Overall a fabulous time. Thanks for taking us on our first beach experience Lisa & Marlon!!!

No Haircut Update

This picture does not show the craziness of their hair. Their hair was taking bed head to a whole new level. They were all about letting it grow, but I admit, I couldn't take it anymore. I found the closest barber shop and took them in! I'm sure those men in that shop thought I was a bit nutso for walking in and saying...I need a high fade, but don't jack up their hair. They were like, uhm ok. They did a good job and now I have presentable young men again!

Last time I talked to Kevin, he mentioned he too was in dire need of a haircut, I told him to send me a pic...so here it is...yeah baby, you look sooooooooo scruffy, NOT. He looks mighty fine if you ask me!!!

Paper or Plastic? Oh, neither???

So you know I can't go anywhere and not have lovely customer service experiences. If you have already read my previous entry, you'll know that I have this crazy magnetic pull for bad service.

Well my trip to the grocery store yesterday was no exception. The shopping part was pretty decent, though I have to tell you the difference in prices was a bit shocking. We found our goodies and went to check out.

This is where the good part begins. We put all our groceries on the conveyor belt while chitchatting away with my good buddy Lisa. I'm not really paying attention as the girl rings up our groceries but then I notice that my goods are stockpiling on the counter. Being that we are in a different area, I thought to myself, well maybe they don't bag your groceries here. So I ask the girl, "do we bag our own groceries?"

She replies, "well you can." Hmmmm, I look around and she goes on to say, "I don't know where our baggers are, it would be helpful if you would."

Me: "So you have baggers?"

Idiot Girl: "Well yes, but we don't really make our baggers bag groceries."

Me: "So you're baggers don't bag groceries? Doesn't that defeat the purpose of being a bagger?"

IG: "Uhm, yeah"

Me: "Well I guess things are different around here, back in Texas they bag our groceries."

IG to the bagger who wanders over: "Can you bag this lady's groceries, she's not from around here."

Me: "Don't make me out to be the idiot, you're the one who has baggers who don't bag groceries!"

Sigh, then she finishes ringing us up and prints my receipt to sign but she doesn't have a pen! Shocking, isn't it..wants me to bag my own groceries and now I have to use my own pen to sign. As I'm finishing up I glance at bagger boy who is throwing my eggs on top of my bread!!! Well I guess that explains why they don't let the baggers bag the groceries.

1,404 Miles: Journey of 1 Mom, 3 Kids and a Dog

*Will edit with pics later when I download them*

Sunday morning we headed out at o-dark thirty... a time I had not seen since being in the Army and either attending an alert or heading out to a field exercise. We were about to initiate Operation Are You Crazy!! Yeah, I might be but it was a lot of fun. The first day's drive was really easy! Maybe too easy. As we ventured into Louisiana we quite enjoyed the scenery, I had forgotton what green trees and grass looked like. I was almost mesmerized by it. The trip was pretty uneventual as far as the drive went. We spent the night in Hattiesburg, Mississippi and got to meet my friend "G". I have been chatting with "G" for maybe 5 years?? We had dinner at the lovely Crackerbarrel...I think I had the best fried chicken EVER!

Just a few random thoughts about my short time in Hattiesburg...I'm not sure if it's just me (I could be a magnet for bad customer service) or just how things are (not knocking Mississippians, just merely stating an observation).

Incident #1 - going to check into our hotel for the evening. I'm standing at the desk waiting for the clerk to finish conversing with a couple. Wait about 2 minutes. She finishes with them and walks behind the counter and I think she's ready to talk to me, however, she instead begins to talk to her coworker who walks in. She starts talking about how she needs a new car, her car that she has only had for 6 months is a piece of crap and she REALLY needs a new one. After carrying on for about 2 minutes she looks at me and says, can I help you. Well yes, you can! So I go on to tell her I need a room for the night. She starts to hand me a paper to fill out and then turns and continues the conversation with her coworker..she continued to say over and over...I need a new car, man I need a new car. Finally, I replied...hey you know what I need? She glances at me and I say...I need a room!!!! She finished checking me in.

Incident #2 - paying for my meal at the local Crackerbarrel. I hand her our dinner receipt and the few items my children have talked me into purchasing. The cashier is talking to the lady at the counter. She never greets me or anything. She is going on and on about some guy who didn't give her enough of some weird food. She delays ringing up my stuff because she is complaining to the girl about how the guy was selfish..well hey, you know what? You're selfish for holding on to my card and receipt while I'm waiting to go!!!!

Incident #3- head on over to Walmart to pick up toothbrushes since my children forgot to pack theirs (oh wait, not Michael, he would be upset if I said he forgot his when his OCD self managed to pack almost everything but the kitchen sink in his small bag). So I grab the toothbrushes and a few odds and ends and head to the checkout line. Lucky me!! Third time's a charm, right? Wrong, my cashier happens to be ready for her break and is tired. How do I know this, because she is complaining to the cashier one over. She rings up one item, stops, complains, turns around to the woman behind her, then goes to ring up something else, stops and says something to the woman in front of her. I start to read the card reader outloud...question of the day...Did your cashier greet you today? I press NO. I wait as she continues to ring up my stuff when she pauses from complaining to her coworkers. Look at the card reader and the question is...Was your cashier friendly...I press NO. She looks at me and she says, what are you pressing, I'm not done ringing up your stuff. I simply smile and reply, well I hope you don't finish too soon, I'm having fun answering these questions!!!

I think it's just me...

After a pretty restless night since our beloved Sapper wanted to bark at every single thing, I gave up and we headed out about 0415 in the morning. Sadly, I only lasted about 90 minutes before I had to pull into a Pilot and take a nap. I made sure to let my Soldier radar kick in and we parked next to a Soldier traveling out west...not that he could save my life while he was knocked out in a sweet slumbar but it made me feel safe nonetheless while I enjoyed a quick nap. Why did I pay $76 for a motel room when I slept better in the back of my vehicle??? Oh yeah so I wouldn't miss my Army Wives show, lol.

After my powernap, we got back on the road and ventured on into Alabama. Not a bad drive, though I was starting to get tired of driving, the green trees were quickly losing their luster and I was ready to be in NC. My lovely kids who had promised to stay awake with me during the duration of the second day's drive were all nicely sacked out dreaming of who knows what. I was left to entertain myself with intense conversations with myself and also my own version of kaorake while driving. Have to say, I got some pretty interesting looks as I was doing my driver's seat choreography.

While we were driving in Alabama we saw a sign for Talladega...ooooh it was so tempting, I battled back and forth and figured..why not!!! So the boys and I took the 30 minute tour. The staff was kind enough to let us take Sapper as well...we are a true Nascar family..we were missing daddy..but we got him a postcard "Dear Deployed Soldier, we stopped at a really awesome place, it's Talladega..wish you were here, but you're not, here's a postcard!!!" Love, your thoughtless family! Ok, so I didn't really write that, yet..but I did get to talk to Kevin shortly after we drove away from the speedway and I jokingly told him that was what he could expect. Fortunately for us, he is very supportive and loving and wants us to enjoy ourselves. Trust me when I say that the void has been more then obvious during this trip and we miss him lots.


Interesting moment at the souvenier shop...as I was paying for our goods, I paid with my debit card. The cashier asked for ID and I flipped open my wallet to show her my ID, while most people have their drivers license, I am an Army wife and as such, I always have my military ID card ready to show at any given time (those who live on a military installation understand this). The girl goo'd (yes, you read that correctly, goo'd like I was a newborn baby being oogled) and said.."oooh, look it's a military ID". Uhm, seriously...that was kind of weird. I guess the ACU purse or wallet didn't give that away. I'm thinking that I'm not ready for the civilian world yet.


We loaded back into our car and continued on our journey. The rest of our traveling was booooooring! I was so done with the road trip, we were now on the journey that never ends. Thankfully the kids were great and behaved themselves. Overall it wasn't a bad drive, just a long one! We'll be in the Fort Bragg area for a couple weeks.


A few RaNdOm thoughts about our road trip:


* Don't drink through a straw while driving on roads that start off with one of those lovely orange signs that say "uneven roads ahead" it can cause damage to the roof of your mouth


* a 3 pound Chihuahua requires lots of room to be comfortable while on road trip, your needs become second

* You know it's a long road trip when you now hate all the songs on your iPod, even if they were favorite EVER, they now are EVIL songs


* Even though you don't want to rush your children growing up, it wouldn't be a bad thing to have a couple of them be 16 with a driver's license, at least for the road trip, the idea of teaching a 12 year old to drive was very tempting...they did it on the old days, right???


*Don't depend on 3 boys to keep you company on a really long drive, they will fall asleep before you put the car into drive.

*Drinking an Amp, Mountain Dew and a bottle of water in 30 minutes doesn't only keep you awake, it makes you have to pee every 30 minutes...at least most of the rest stops were decent which is important to someone like me who detests public bathrooms!

* The cure for bottomless pit appetites is a long road trip, the kids will be too busy sleeping to think about eating!

It was a long drive but so worth it, I love our friends and am so happy to be hanging out with them. The only thing better would be for our beloved Soldier to be with us!!!

Blog Thing...How Do You Respond

Shocking, isn't it?

Your Response is: Fight

When it comes to almost any situation, you're a fighter. You're aggressive and intense. It's best if people don't mess with you. No one is going to take advantage of you... or even get away with ticking you off. Just remember to keep your temper in check. You don't have to fight everyone!

How Do You Respond: Fight or Flight?

Patriot Guard

This morning I had a "moment". I stopped at the shoppette to grab some milk and as I pulled into my parking spot, I noticed in front of me a truck with a Patriot Guard sign. I immediately felt my heart swell. I admire and have such respect for all these volunteers. I get out of my truck and walk over to the lady who is pouring ice into a dog bowl for her companion. As I approach her, I say.."excuse me.." as she turns to me, I immediately choke up and I extend my hand, the words barely escaping my lips, "I just want to say thank you." I was taken back with the amount of emotion that crept up on me. She simply smiled and said, "oh darling, are you married to a servicemember or a servicemember yourself?". I can't even talk, I'm so choked up, finally I compose myself enough to respond, "yes, my husband is currently serving in Iraq." She says, "Thank YOU and your husband for your service.". As I shake her hand again, she notices the bracelet I'm wearing. A bracelet in memory of our friends Bryant and Jose, the bracelet I wear always. She looks at me and nods with understanding. I smile and walk away.

If you don't know who the Patriot Guard is, I ask you to take a moment and check out their website Patriot Guard. They are a wonderful organization and do so much to bring honor to our fallen heroes.

I know I got emotional because I also know why she was preparing her truck....it means another of our heroes has fallen.

Would you like a side of attitude with your order?

After a long day of running errands and getting things done and other things not done (thanks Walgreens!) we are finishing up at the PX when we decide to grab some dinner. I send Michael to Charley's to order our sandwiches while I head over to BK to get the other two boys their food. As I finish up with the other two boys I go see if our order at Charley's is done. First I'm disappointed that they are out of lemonade but I'll live. Then as our order is completed, they hand us our fries and I notice that they are both regular orders even though I know I asked Michael to order chili cheese fries. Before bothering the Charley's crew with this mistake I look at our receipt to see if he did indeed order it or if it was overlooked (sometimes customer service type people don't listen well to kids which is a whole other blog in itself). We were charged for the "ultimate" fries so I simply tell the girl, one of these was supposed to be chili cheese fries. She looks over at the fry girl and says, is one of these supposed to be chili cheese fries? I didn't hear what the other girl mumbled but the one speaking to me says, they are $1 more...I hold up my receipt and say to her, yes, I know, we paid the dollar. So the fry girl, apparently upset at the mistake grabs one of the orders of fries tosses the fries back into the fry bin and sloppily puts our fries together. Then she tosses it on the counter. I simply ask, "are those my fries?" to which she tosses a dirty look in my direction. I simply exclaim, "Wow, I didn't realize I ordered an attitude with my meal, THANKS!"