Guatemala Day One

We arrived around 8pm ish. It took a while to get through customs and immigration and then our luggage and the coach to the hotel. We stayed at the Marriott as most adopting parents do. They have a baby lounge with a few toys, swings, bouncers, an exersaucer, changing room, bottle station, etc. Very nice. So we finally got to our room after traveling about 26 hours. We had gotten up at 3 am Friday (German time). A friend drove us to the train station at 0430. We caught the 5am train and it was about 3.5 hour train trip till we finally made it to the Frankfurt airport. Then a 10+ hour flight to Dallas, a relatively short layover (where we got to eat at TGIF!) and then a 3ish hour flight to Guatemala City. Anyway, we unpacked everything to be completely ready for Alaina. lol I even got out her diaper bag and packed it. Then we ordered room service. OK, Pam and Rita will laugh. Tacos really are different when made in Mexico/South America. they were in corn tortilla's like we use but it was meat rolled up in the tortilla and then possibly fat fried. Ladies correct me if I'm wrong I'm just guessing here. However there were none of the cheese, lettuce and tomato's that we are all used to. So the room service we ordered was an appetiser platter of tacos, empanadas, and some miniature tostada's some with beans and some with guacamole. My Spanish was beginning to get a work out. We went to bed early after placing a call to Jorge (our interpreter and liaison between the lawyer, the foster family and us) to confirm meeting our daughter at 0900 the next morning.

Guatemala

So we are back from Guatemala. We got to have Alaina for the whole weekend about 58ish hours. She is so beautiful. There is so much to tell and so many pictures to post. I'll get at them next week. Right now my mind is full and I'm exhausted.

His Banner Over Me Is Love

I woke up this morning singing this old song. As I became more awake I remembered the verse that says: "There's one way to peace through the power of the Cross His banner over me is love. There's one way to peace through the power of the Cross His banner over me is love. There's one way to peace through the power of the Cross His banner over me is love. His banner over me is love." I have not even thought of that song in who knows how many years. This morning the truth of those words struck me. I never understood them as a child. I always thought the word peace was piece and therefore it made no sense. In the light of today's world I wish I could sing it out for all to hear. There is only one way to peace. But it's an eternal peace that is being sung of not an earthly one unless you count the peace in your heart. There will be no peace on this earth until the Lord returns. But when He does...

Alaina Update And Other News

We have found out more about our new bundle of Joy! She weighed 6 pounds 8 ounces at birth and was 19 inches long. We can't wait to go see her!
In other news, there is none. There is nothing going on here. We are boring people. My plans for the day include a small amount of shopping at the PX, emptying the dishwasher, making the bed, setting up the coffee pot for tomorrow, fixing a supper of left overs and little else. Never fear, I'll find something to do with myself. Well, there is some ironing i should do and there is a package I need to take to the post office. Oh yeah I bought a bunch of cards I need to send (if I can find them). Things have been disappearing around here. Neither one of us can find stuff and our house is pretty clean. Hmmmmm

To Stock Pile Or Not To Stock Pile

Carrie J. posted an interesting piece about the amount of things we accumulate in our homes and in our lives. Read it here. I had read her post from last Friday about not stockpiling. I had been thinking about this "more more" mentality over the weekend and these are my thoughts.

I remember back to when I was a child. I didn't have as many clothes as I do now. My mother tells me that when she was a child growing up in the 30's and 40's she had like 2-3 dresses (girls didn't wear pants in those days) to wear to school. She might have a "best dress" to wear to church and she might have had a "slop dress" to wear for play or messy chores I don't know. I assume she had the requisite underwear to go with these dresses but I doubt she had as many as I do. I also know she had at least one pair of shoes and probably two. Go back another generation from that and they had about the same I'd say. Then I thought about my grandma Eva Fae. Grandma still has her old washer (and it still works) where you add the water with a hose and agitate the clothes by hand and then run them through the wringer to the rinse water and then back through the wringer and then put them on the line to dry. Now I said all that to say this: I think we have more clothes and we have more stuff because we have better technology. I mean before that washer of grandma's one would use a scrub board, wring by hand and hang on the line, and everything would have to be ironed using sad irons. A sad iron was heated by placing it on the stove for those of you who don't know. It took a lot of time and work to wash all the clothes for your family. Now they didn't wash each item every time it was used. It only got washed if it needed it. I assume they washed their underwear more frequently, but I might be wrong. Still, to wash each family members underwear and even one main article of clothing, not to mention the occasional towels, sheets and let's don't forget the baby clothes and diapers. What a mountain of work. One might wish for more clothes to be stylish but I imagine the thought of having to take care of them would stop you. That goes for all the fancy dishes we have. Water had to be toted, heated and soap grated up. No dishwasher's in those days. This is why my grandma can make hot cocoa using one pot and one spoon only. She can do other stuff that way as well. The houses were smaller because you had to build them yourself. Think back to Laura Ingalls Wilder's books. Pa Ingalls built their houses. Most people were doing the same. I've been to Desmet, South Dakota where their home was. There they have recreated the house on the claim according to Pa's measurements that he recorded when he "proved up" and the land was finally his. It's smaller than the 2 bedroom apartment I live in now. There were 6 of them. I mean he could have built on and added more and more rooms I suppose but it cost money to do, and then too cleaning all that much more house would be difficult. You had to heat the water and add soap to clean the floors. This was hands and knees scrubbing with a brush. Not my Swiffer Wet Jet. The more stuff you had the more you had to dust (the very reason I don't buy knick knacks) Basically doing everything back then was a lot harder. You had to walk a mile or more to the store. You could only bring back what you could carry unless your husband hitched up the horses and wagon (if you had them) and went. Supplies for the stores had to be brought in on the train which only ran once a week. Today Walmart Super Center has deliveries every day by truck. Anyway, you all get the point. We didn't have things back then because it wasn't really feasible to have them. I suspect we have them now because it's easier and because we are trying to "keep up with the Joneses." lol My sister-in-law Judy is the queen of decluttering. She always has had a nice place for them to live, but you'll never find any clutter there. She loves to throw things out. Kind of like the anti-pack rat. I on the other hand tend to hang on to things because "we might need it some day and I don't want to have to buy a new one." Being the globe trotting army wife that I am I've learned to get rid of a lot of things. On our 3 year anniversary we were packing for our fourth move. I don't stockpile anything liquid or perishable beyond what I can use in a year. It can't be moved by movers so it would end up donated or thrown out. A waste of money. Carrie J has a good point. Simple is better and to stockpile for the sake of stockpiling is silly especially if it is cluttering up your home. The money could be put to a better use. I do stockpile non liquid things that I can get for free or for pennies. I do however wait for the deeply discounted sales. I laugh when I see TP on "sale" for like 25 cents less than it usually is. Big fat hairy deal! Now if we were out I might buy one pack of it and use a coupon but I would not stockpile it. Today, for instance, I am going by the commissary because I just received some new coupons that will expire soon and TP is marked down so that with the coupons I can get a 4 pack double rolls for $1. I'll get as many as I have coupons for and if that cereal sale is still going on I'll get about 8 boxes of cereal for 50 cents each. Those things don't perish, I have a storage room to put them in, and we will definitely use it before we move. I would be interested in hearing other's thoughts about this subject.

Monday

Have you ever had a day so busy (and enjoyed it) that at the end of the day even though you are tired, you want to stay up and keep doing stuff? This is a first for me. At least since childhood. In fact, I was thinking that about 2 hours ago when hubby went off to bed. I thought that this must be how children feel when they fight going to sleep. Bizarre isn't it? I mean it's not like I got married today or got the baby today or started college or something. I got up, took a shower, got dressed, and in the course of the day cleaned the kitchen, unloaded the dishwasher, reloaded the dishwasher, took the recycles out, set up the coffee maker for tomorrow, made dinner, cleaned up dinner, ran dishwasher again, did 4 loads of laundry completely (I'll get at the ironing tomorrow) stripped and remade the bed with fresh linens, swiffered the whole apt., dusted the whole place,(apparently knocking some pictures crooked which was the first thing hubby noticed when he came in the door from work. "was there a loud bang or something? the pictures are all crooked.") sorted all the coupons I recieved from Crystal and Jenna (thank you) into 3 piles from which further sorting will happen, and brought in all the (non-perishable) groceries that have been sitting in my trunk for the weekend and put them away. Of course I also read and answered email and did some computer stuff. I was sitting in such a wierd position doing the coupons that when I stood up I discovered that my legs from knee to hip had fallen asleep. That has never happened to me before. Usually it's the feet or lower legs that fall asleep not the thighs. It wasn't a good thing either because my knees were asleep and not in the mood to support me. No, I didn't fall, but it was really an odd sensation. So, I said all that to say this. I find it odd that I want to stay up and do stuff. The only other time I've felt this way was for about an hour after the narcotic pain killer kicked in when I had a root canal. So wierd.
Pam you've been on my mind all day. I'm saying a prayer for you. I hope everything is alright.
Ohhhhhhhhhhhh wait. I had a Dr. Pepper today. Maybe this is a caffiene buzz. I've never had one before. It's kind of cool. (I have an arrythmia so I try to stay away from caffiene.) I only drank the Dr. Pepper to get rid of it. I had gotten it free and DH doesn't like it. HMMMM well, if that's the case, I should be crashing soon.
Hasta la vista baby!

Grammer Anyone?

You Scored an A

You got 10/10 questions correct. It's pretty obvious that you don't make basic grammatical errors. If anything, you're annoyed when people make simple mistakes on their blogs. As far as people with bad grammar go, you know they're only human. And it's humanity and its current condition that truly disturb you sometimes.

The It's Its There Their They're Quiz

I thought this was interesting particularly because I do, on occasion make grammatical errors. Hmmmmm.

Baby Things

I'm sorry that it's been so long. We've been busy catching up and getting ready to go see our daughter. I've been in bed most of the day as my back is very painful today. My friend Amy should be back from the States soon. She has been there the past month after picking up the children they adopted from Ethiopia. Yes, that's right, I said children. 5 in all. They are all siblings and Amy and her husband wouldn't break them up. Isn't that wonderful? Anyway, I'm excited to see them. We pray for them often especially as she is a single parent for the time being. I got all of the clothes and things we have collected for Alaina and washed them in Dreft. lol anyone ever heard of celebrating the laundry? You should have seen the two of us, "Oh look. It's our first box of baby soap. Oh our first pack of diapers" Yes, I realize that the thrill of soap and diapers will likely not last, however we are enjoying what we can for now. Have a good weekend.

What Color Are You?

You Are a Red Crayon

Your world is colored with bright, vivid, wild colors. You have a deep, complex personality - and you are always expressing something about yourself. Bold and dominant, you are a natural leader. You have an energy that is intense... and sometimes overwhelming. Your reaction to everything tends to be strong. You are the master of love-hate relationships. Your color wheel opposite is green. Green people are way too mellow to understand what drives your energy.

What Color Crayon Are You?

Jeffs Found Guilty!

The Polygamist leader of the Fundamental Latter Day Saints is going to prison folks. IT'S ABOUT FREAKING TIME!!!! I have been disgusted for years by his assertion that polygamy is God's way and his terrorizing of little girls who are forced to marry old men. I pray the Lord reach out to those people deceived by this cult. I pray the Lord will put real Christians in their path. People with hearts like Jungle Mom and so many others who will love them and not judge, but bring the truth of the Word of God to them. I praise the Lord God Almighty who was and is and is to come that this antichrist has been taken out of the world and placed in prison where he belongs. I pray the truth of the Lord reach him there as well. He needs Jesus too. It's humbling, but beautiful to know that Jesus loves him too. Humbling because I am no better than Jeffs. Sure, I have not done what he has done but I too am a sinner, and humbling because if Jeffs were to come to Him, He would say to the Father, him too Father. I died for him too.

Meals And Deals

We go soon is all I can say. In the mean time we are getting ready. Apparently we'll get to have her for most of the time we'll be there, so we are excited about that. Other than that, I subbed again today. I praise the Lord for all these opportunities as it helps to be able to bring a little money in when so much is going out, besides, once the baby is here I don't plan to leave her in day care to work. Tonight I'm going to make penne pasta with a meat sauce and some garlic bread. I got some special gourmet spice and I'm going to add some and see how it turns out. We don't eat much pasta so we'll see how hubby likes it. I got the best deal at the commissary the other day. I noticed that Yogurt Burst Cheerios were on sale for $1.00/box. Now that is quite a sale! It's normally about $3.50/box. Plus, I had coupons for $1 off of 2 boxes. So I got 10 boxes of that cereal for 50 cents each! I know that's a lot of cereal but it will last and I like cereal. Woo Hoo!

Alaina Update

I've changed the title Adoption Update to Alaina Update. Since now we know who she is. Well, things are moving right along. We got the "go ahead" last night to go and visit her. So DH made airline arrangements and we will be going soon. They said I can take presents, but it wouldn't be a good idea to give much because I won't get it back when we pick her up. Apparently the foster mother will just keep the stuff and put it on other foster children. So, I'll just bring her a thing or 2. If it's her size she should at least get to wear it. lol You should have seen Alan dancing around the apartment last night. So excited! He is going to have a hard time leaving her there at the end of the visit. I don't know how I'm going to be. I wish I could just move down there for a while and then I could be her mom until we can officially take her away. Wouldn't that be nice? I don't know if I'll be OK with leaving her because I know I'll be back soon to get her or if I'll not be so OK with it. We'll just have to see. Anyway, our current prayer is to find favor with all the government officials so our paperwork will speed through as fast as possible. Oh Lord, please help us!

HE HAS DONE GREAT THINGS!

Bless the Lord, Oh my Soul, and all that is within me bless His Holy Name! Pam is going to be ok! I just saw her blog and the biopsy results are NEGATIVE! WHOO HOOO!

A Biblical Home

Does anyone know what happened to Elizabeth's blog at A Biblical Home? Click on the link on my blog to see what I mean.

Saturday In The Park

Do you guys remember that song? I'm dating myself here but I think it's from the '70's, When I opened my blog today I thought, "What to write about? Oh hey it's Saturday" and then started singing the song. Saturday in the park, I think it was the fourth of July....If I knew how to put any music on my blog I would. Perhaps I'll run over to Carrie J's blog and see how she does it. Anyway, today I enjoy Saturday for all the reasons I used to enjoy it. It's a bright sunny day outside! I worked all week and this is the first day I'm not expected to be somewhere, I don't have to deal with a bunch of kids that don't want to be in school, etc. DH worked all night so He'll be sleeping most of the day. I plan to do some shopping at the PX. I don't go to the PX often, I just wait until I have nearly run out of things and then I go. If I didn't have so many things to get I'd walk. This is one of those days where you're just excited to be alive! Enjoy your weekend everybody!

Thank God It's Friday

I haven't have a true TGIF in a long long time. Today how ever I am truly thankful that today is Friday. Yes Pam, this week has been tiring. These kids haven't been as bad as some I've had. Only had to send one kid to the principles' office so far. Today right after school is out we have to get the last of our paperwork notarized and sent off. Then it's only a matter of waiting. We've already been in contact with our attorney in Guatemala. I imagine within the next few weeks we'll be going to meet her for the very first time. I dream about her at night now. I just can't wait for her to get here. lol and I think I'm tired now! Oh my. You ladies who have been there will be in for a lot of good chuckles I'm sure as the "Rebecca takes on motherhood" chapters come out. I haven't even made any goofs yet and I'm already laughing at myself. It's so annoying. These adoption people keep asking questions on the forms like how we are going to parent the child and how we are going to discipline the child etc. We can only answer what we think are good ideas right now. I have lots of ideas about parenting, but I'm smart enough to know that they may go right out the window once we actually get the baby! Not every child is the same and not every discipline idea is going to work for every child. She is only an infant and we don't know her yet. We have no idea what will work for her. Oh well. At least they can't hold us to our pre-parent ideas. lol It'll be a roller coaster. I hope you'll hang on for the ride with me.

Work Day/Wash Day

So, all this week I'm subbing for the Chemistry/Physics teacher. Don't worry. This is actually a subject I know something about. Yesterday went fine. Today I sent two students to the principle. One of them wasn't even my student. He just kept coming into the class and disturbing the students. What is up with these kids! Anyway, now I'm home and I have 4 loads of laundry in the wash, I need to put fresh linen on the bed since I was too tired to do it yesterday and I have to find something to fix for supper. I don't know how women who work full time and are married/have families do it. I mean it's not so hard for one week, but to continue with that week after week coming home from work and then starting the day's chores? Toooooo much. Not for me. I'd turn into Mrs. Cranky Face. My hat however is off to those of you who do and especially to those who do because they have no choice.

We're Back!

We just got back from a wonderful weekend spent in Kaiserslautern. As it turned out, Ramstein AFB had their annual bazaar this weekend. Two airplane hangers and a HUGE tent that housed vendors from all over Europe trying to sell us their wares. I did get several birthday and Christmas presents from them and our boy Smokey got a new playhouse. We looked at the exchange furniture store for baby furniture. It all has to be white, so that cut down the selection quite a bit. I did find one white chest of drawers that I could buy a changer top for and use as a chest and a changing table. It's just the right height (I'm quite tall) and changing tables that were not built for short people are hard to come by. We didn't buy it yet. I'm going to check out another thing or two first and then we'll get it next time we go. Nothing much going on here right now. Smokey was glad to see us though he did have fun at our friend's house. And Pam, to answer your comment I've got all kinds of crazy thoughts running through my head right now. All the things we need for the baby and then questions about things I've never really thought about before like can you mix fluoridated water with baby formula? (my sister says you can) At what age do you stop burping the baby? (as a nurse you'd think I'd know however, I don't) Can you use the car seats that double as carriers for more than the first few months? When do you start oral hygiene? And more along those lines. I am researching those questions and more. Mainly they are just things I've never really had to think about before.

Happenings

Marge is doing alright. The doctor doesn't know why she was having problems but it seems to have stopped. She is going to be on bed rest the rest of this week and then we'll see how it goes.

If all goes well for us, we will be getting our baby in December or January. DH and I are going shopping for baby furniture this weekend. We have been looking at all that is available and now we are prepared to buy. I am planning to do her room in Hello Kitty. I just love frilly things, and of course pink is my favorite color. There is a sale at the PX on some basic baby things, so I'm going to get some. It's just onesies and sleepers but it's a good price and something we no doubt will use. I'll just get them in 6-9 month size. They may be too big at first but she'll grow into them.

I just heard on the news that Vladimir Putin has dissolved the government in Russia. Hmmmmm.

Babies and Computers

So, yesterday we got pictures of a little girl who was just born in Guatemala. We also got a picture of her birth mother. Both of them are just beautiful. I'm not willing to look at them much as I'm not prepared to give my heart away to her just yet. I'm the kind of person that once I've given my heart away, I can't get it back. So, I guess I'm protecting my heart until I know that we are going to get her. It's kind of weird because I can feel myself holding back. We spoke briefly to our case worker and she believes that if nothing out of our control goes wrong, we should be able to get her in 3-4 months. DH is very stressed right now. We aren't going to post pictures of her until we bring her home, for safety reasons.

On another note, my sister has called and my nephew is taking his wife to the hospital. She is 24 weeks pregnant and is having problems so please pray for her. They have already lost one baby.

Other than that, we got a new computer last week and DH put it all together and we installed all the software yesterday. It's really fast and has a TON of memory so we're excited about that.

Friday

It's nearly midnight and my cat is standing by the door meowing. He wants to go outside. The problem with cats is that you cannot explain to them WHY they can't go out when they want to. You see we live in an apartment building so I go out with him. (one never knows what someone else might do to my precious boy) Anyway, a cloudy day here. It sounds like we are close to identifying a baby. I'll let you all know when we do. Have a good weekend.

Autumn Is Here!

Autumn has really come here in Germany. The leaves are falling from the trees and we are lucky to even see 70 degrees Fahrenheit in a day. This morning was the Fall kick-off for PWOC. They had a bridal theme - we are the bride of Christ, and it was decorated as if for a wedding complete with a real wedding cake! It was so pretty! They are offering some good Bible studies this semester and I'm trying to decide. I had in mind to do one of them for some time, but now and for the last week or so I've really been feeling pulled another direction. One of the studies is about the effectiveness of a praying wife. I really feel pulled toward that one. I want to be a praying wife. Oh I pray for my husband, but I feel it could be so much more than it is!

In other news, we are looking at 6-7 months to get our daughter. I pray for her daily that the Lord would watch over her and protect her and her family. She hasn't even been born yet. I've never seen her face and yet I love her so much already! I can't wait to fix up the nursery and get everything ready!

So enjoy the rest of summer you folks back in the States!

Felix

My request today is that you pray for those in Central America. Specifically Honduras, Guatemala, and Belize. Hurricane Felix is a category 5 storm heading that way. These are third world countries that don't have the kind of resources or structure that we in the USA have and look what happened here. (Katrina and Rita) I realize that my heart is especially touched by this as our daughter Alaina is down there. Please pray for her and for her family. We already love her so much.

What I Did On My Summer Vacation - Part 5

So Saturday was our first full day in New York. We stayed at the Pan American Hotel in Queens. It's not as glitzy as the web site makes it look. We rented a car and drove around some sight seeing. We went and looked at Fort Hamilton which is right under the Verrazano Narrows bridge in Brooklyn. That post is just about as small as ours. lol It's nice to know we're not the only ones. Other than that we just relaxed. We did, however, eat at the Georgia Peach Diner. It's one of our favorites and we really miss the New York Metro diners. Sunday we went to Praise Assembly of God in Garfield, NJ. Praise is the church I attended my last 2 years or so while I was out there in nursing school. John and Becky Czubkowski (the pastor and his wife) just took me in as one of their own. I was invited to Thanksgiving and Christmas etc. just like one of the family. I must also mention my good friend Tammy (the children's and youth pastor) who is truly a kindred soul. If you are looking for a good church where the Word of God is spoken fearlessly and people are real, look here. It was so good to see everyone again. So, after church we went to lunch with Tammy and some new friends at a diner in Saddle Brook, and then we went down to Bloomfield and went to an early supper with my friend Crystal. After that we went back to New York and spent some time with Alan's family. Monday, Alan did some laundry at a nearby Laundromat and we spent some time just relaxing. Tuesday we went to a Mets game and they won!! Wednesday afternoon we had our last hurrah at a NYC diner and then went to the airport to come back to Germany. So, we had a good time all in all and I sure do miss America. Still though, it's always good to come back to your own place.

What I Did On My Summer Vacation - Part 4

So, on Monday, we flew to Las Vegas, NV. I had never been further west than Altus, OK before so, this is all new to me. Las Vegas was hot but not as bad as Missouri was due to the lack of humidity. We stayed at the Golden Nugget Hotel. It's amazing the cost of a good meal there. DH got a prime rib dinner for $6.95. That's and 8 oz. prime rib steak, baked potato and veggie. And it was a good steak too. Shrimp cocktail for 99 cents! Amazing. Needless to say we ate well. The hotel has the coolest swimming pool. It's a large pool and in the middle is a shark tank. So we went swimming with the sharks! The largest was maybe my size so it wasn't like swimming with Jaws or anything, but still pretty cool. There was also a water slide that went through the middle of the shark tank (water slide was clear but fully enclosed of course). Alan went on that one. I didn't. We also went to a show titled, "Defending the Cave Man". Basically a one man act but more like a stand up comedy show. This guy humorously points out the differences between men and women's thought processes and promotes monogamous marriage in sin city. Amazing! It was a very good show we laughed so hard! Other activities included walking all around down town and seeing the sights. We spent one day (we were only there 3 days) at the pool and one day on a bus trip to Hoover Dam. Now that is an interesting tour. Since we went over to the Arizona side I can now put Arizona on the list of states I have been to. Ha! When we left on Friday morning to fly to New York, we had a 3 hour delay because the battery on the plane wasn't working right and they had to fly a new one in from Los Angeles. Thank God they found it before we got in the air! Anyway, when we got to our connecting flight in Detroit, they told us they were holding the plane for us (about a half mile away). So, Alan starts running with our carry on and I go as fast as I can. Thank God for moving sidewalks. When we get there it turned out that the plane had already left and they had given our seats to someone else. We had to go all the way back and they would get us on another flight. So back we went (it turns out they had a tram to ride. Would have been nice to know that earlier). We had first class tickets and the guy would only put one of us in first class. He said there was nothing else he could do. Very rude. I asked the very nice lady next to him if we could both be in first class since we had paid for the tickets and voile! it was no problem. That nice lady stayed 2 or 3 minutes after she was supposed to leave (above the protesting of John the rude guy with half of his shirt untucked) to help us. The seats weren't together but the guy next to me was willing to switch with Alan. And so we had a wonderful flight in to NY arriving there past midnight. We headed to the plane in Vegas that morning at 0800. Part 5 tomorrow.

Missing Blog

Elizabeth from A Biblical Home has disappeared. Apparently now you have to be invited to read her blog. I have been a regular reader for months so this is very disappointing to me. If anyone out there knows Elizabeth or is in email contact with her can you email and see if she will allow me to continue reading her blog? She had such a good blog too.

Interesting and Disturbing

http://www.thatsfit.com/2007/08/23/french-mom-offers-20-reasons-not-to-have-kids/

This is a review of an article interviewing the author of a book. After you click on the link above, click on the link in the review to read the article. The author of the book lists 40 reasons not to have children. The article lists 20. Having read the article I suspect that the author of this book was seriously hurt by the father(s) of her children. I say that because one of her reasons that women should not have children is that when the baby arrives the father leaves.

I am not convinced that every woman should be a mother (Some women are not physically able to care for children, some are not mentally able etc.), but who is she to say that none of us should? This article made my heart sick.

What I Did On My Summer Vacation - Part 3

So on Friday of the second week we were still in Springfield. We had lunch with my brother, ran some errands and then got ready for the first part of my 20 year high school reunion. Springfield has a minor league baseball team and that was where the first part of the reunion was held. We had special seating and arrived an hour early because they had set up a tent for us with a barbecue dinner. It was well over 90 degrees and the humidity was high. So we were all sweating up a storm, but it was good to see everyone again. DH was chosen to be in a between inning race riding a tricycle. He came in second out of 3. We all had a good time. The next day we all met at the high school for a tour and some of our old teachers and our counselor came. It was fun to see how the school had changed and not changed. The home EC cooking room now had microwave ovens and flat wipeable cooking ranges. WOW! The typing room got rid of the manual and electric typewriters and now has computers! lol Back then there was no such thing as Internet, and few people had computers in their homes unless one of the parents needed it for professional reasons. That evening was the main event. We met at a restaurant down town. The whole second floor was reserved for us. Thank God they had air conditioning! Anyway, we saw a lot of old friends and I had the pleasure of introducing my husband to everyone. He found some former military guys so he had plenty of people to talk to also. It was a wonderful evening. Sunday, we went to the church of the pastor who married us, and had them out to lunch afterward. It's always good to see them. A wonderful couple married well over 50 years. That evening we did laundry and had dinner with my friend Andrea. The next day was off to Las Vegas! Part 4 tomorrow.

What I Did On My Summer Vacation - Part 2

So, Alan and I meet in Detroit on Saturday and fly to Springfield together. We ate at Waffle House. We've missed Waffle House. We chose to stay at the Extended Stay America. Upon arriving in Springfield, we rented a car and drove to Walmart to pick up drinks and snacks for our stay. Then to the afore mentioned Waffle House and then, finally to our hotel. It had been a long day. Sunday we got up and went to James River Church. Friends of mine started that church and friends of mine pastor it. We heard a wonderful message. It was so good to be in a real church again even if it was a huge one. We then met our friends Matt and April Wilkie and their daughter Parker for coffee at Panera Bread. It was so good to see them again. Then, it was off to the fair where we met my brother and his family. The nephews have really grown this past year. Todd has lost his little boy look and you can just catch a glimpse of the man he will become. Derek still has it at least for a few more years, but no one is rushing him. The fair was HOT!, but the food was good as all self respecting fair food should be. It seems to be the only place in the world you can find a good corn dog and good fried green tomatoes. MMMMM MM. Alan had never been to the fair before so it was a new experience for him lol city slicker. A good time was had by all. The next day we headed for the mall to get Alan a new pair of glasses and then to Lebanon to the factory outlet mall there. Alan had decided it was time for new clothes. He is not a clothes horse so I really encourage him when he decides it's time to shop. We had dinner at our favorite Mexican place La Mexican Kitchen. Their salsa is the best!
On Tuesday we did more shopping in town. I got my hair done and we went by to see my friend Carrie. Wednesday we headed for Lawton, OK to see some good friends and to see my dentist. The dentists here in Germany are just not (in my humble opinion) as good as those back home. And none of course is a good as mine. I had a crown loose and he fixed it for me no charge. You could have knocked me over with a feather. We also had a chance to go to our old church. It was good to be home. We squeezed in as many different friends as we could and drove back to Springfield the next day. Part 3 tomorrow.

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What I Did On My Summer Vacation - Part 1

So, the first week was spent in Chicago with my sister and without my husband. We talked, walked, spent way too much time eating really good food, played with her granddaughter and my great niece and generally had a good time. Baby Julia is so big now! It was fun to see the light in my brother-in-law's eyes as he spoke of her. I have never known him to get so animated over anything! The week went by quickly and before I knew it, it was time to fly to Detroit where I met Alan (coming in from Amsterdam) and we flew to Springfield, Mo for the next leg of our journey which will be revealed in part 2 tomorrow.

We're Back!

We are finally back from our whirl wind vacation to the States. Tomorrow I will begin a series of blogs about the trip. Sorry I couldn't blog from there. After I left my sister's house, blogging wasn't possible. Anyway, we are all well and now we are on our way to go get our boy Smokey. We are so grateful to the Garcia family for taking him in.

America The Beautiful!

This is MY country! Land of my birth. This is MY country grandest on earth. I pledge thee my allegiance America, the bold. For this is MY country to have and to hold.

That's right I'm back in the States. For a little while anyway. Jungle mom I thought of you the other day. I'm currently at my sister's in Chicago and went to the grocery store with her the other day. Wow! What a selection! At the commissary on our small post there is little selection and I can't do a lot of shopping in the German stores because we have food allergies and I can't read all the ingredients in things. I was so amazed! In 13 months I have already forgotten how things are here. I wanted to get a cart and start buying! So I thought of Jungle mom, because if I felt that way how much more must she have been in shock.

Anyway, Alan joins me next week. Apparently our boy Smokey is not adjusting well to my absence. He is going room to room looking for me and crying. Poor Alan. The cat just wont be comforted.

It's so exciting to be here though. I got to see my baby niece. Last time I saw her she was only about 6 weeks old if that much. Now she is nearly 16 months old and is walking and talking. She is so cute! Her parents are expecting another in December at Christmas time.

So, I will be giving updates from our travels in the States over the next few weeks. Enjoy your day!

In Mourning

Our home study is tonight. I hope the pain in my heart can be hidden from my face. I feel like my mother just died. There is such a big empty hole there. My children will be born already suffering loss because they are born to a family that either does not want them or can not take care of them. There will always be that question. Why did my parents give me up? What would my life have been like? Do I have siblings out there? What a crime to come into a loving adopted family and discover your grandparents care more about your cousins than you. How can a person say that they will love a child just as much but then discriminate against them? That isn't love. What if God had said to us Gentiles, I'll love you just as much but you will not share in the inheritance (heaven) with my real children (Israel)? What if Joseph had discriminated against Jesus because he knew he was not the "real" father?

So we have torn the house apart cleaning weird things like fan parts etc. We keep a pretty clean place but it's amazing to see all that dirt and dust! I'm doing laundry right now and finishing up the kitchen and then it's all done. Our prayer is that we find favor with the surveyor and with the Guatemalan people. Our boy Smokey is busy licking his fur and washing his face. He wants to make a good impression so bad! He's so excited to be a big brother!

I hope I have not offended anyone by posting the things on my heart. It's a bit cathartic to air them.

2nd Class Grandchildren

I don't know what to say. I just got off the phone with my mother. She made it abundantly clear that my children will never be the same as her BIOLOGICAL grandchildren. She says she will love them just as much, but her things should go to actual biological grandchildren and mine will not be. Older ladies I need your guidance. I told her I will never bring my children to see her as long as she lives if she continues with that attitude. She responded that that's the way it is and nothing can change it. And yes, even now, I have forgiven her, but I will not subject my children to her hateful attitude towards them. She always refers to the adopted children of others as "that one they adopted" even when all their children were adopted. I feel as though she just died. I feel so alone in the world like it's just me and Alan. I'm past the tears and I'm in shock now.

Adoption Update

I imagine as time goes by I'll be posting more of these. Our home study is scheduled for Monday evening, so please pray that we find favor with the agency. We are so excited. I've already started worrying about whether or not I'll be a good mother. Will I be patient with the baby? How will our lives change. I'm astute enough to realize that our life will change and dramatically is my guess.

Last night we had chicken and stuffing with green beans. This weekend we will be cleaning the place top to bottom and then some. I hope our boy Smokey makes a good impression. Everyone usually loves him unless they don't like cats. That could be a problem because Smokey is a BIG cat. 16 pounds and all muscle. He is so good with children though and has such a friendly disposition.

Busy Busy

OK so we have been getting our paper work in order for the adoption. There is paper work to apply to the INS, home study paperwork, dossier paper work, and FBI paper work. They tend to all need most of the same information more or less, but of course everything must be done in triplicate and have original signatures etc. We are so excited. I am hoping for fraternal twins. One girl and one boy. Anyway, that and my upcoming vacation to the states are occupying most of my time. I'm so ready for leisure time back in the States. My country is the greatest country in the world!

One Of Those Days

Have you ever had one of those days? You know, the kind of day where you can't seem to do anything right? I have. I've had that day all over the place today. Me and my big mouth. Today was a parade day the details of which will remain unpublished. As some soldiers were entering the parade field I noticed that they had on unusual uniforms. So I asked my friend sitting beside me if she knew and it turns out they are special guests from the German military. I don't know what I was thinking but I mentioned casually that they were ugly uniforms. Not that the American ones are great (they aren't) but they just didn't strike my fancy. I meant no harm. (note to self: if you can't think before you speak just shut up) A few minutes later the lady sitting in front of my friend said something. It turns out she's German. I don't know that she heard my comment, but I think she did. I was mortified to realize that what I said may very well have offended her and possibly shown her how boorish Americans are. Well, I'm sorry to say it didn't end there. I just realized that I can't tell you the other one. I don't think that person reads my blog but might. Anyway suffice it to say that I may have inadvertently let the cat out of the bag about something. It seems lately that the stupidest things come out of my mouth. Is stupidest a word? I realize I've been a bit distracted and I can't tell you all how ready I am to go back to the states for a while. Is it a bad thing to say that I'm just burned out on Europe? I just want to go home and be where I better understand things. I want to get a pedicure that doesn't make my feet itch. I want to go to a Cubs game and eat good food that's bad for me. That reminds me that I need to do a post on spaghettios. Now there's a nutritional powerhouse! I want to eat garlic dill pickles dipped in spaghettios right out of the can. I want to go to a restaurant and order something that I've heard of and do it in English. When did I become such a whiner? Well, fear not. My month long States adventure will soon be upon me. The posting will be more sporadic but it should at least be interesting.

Adoption Update

So, we have sent in our initial paperwork for adopting a little girl from Guatemala. We have heard from the agency and are preparing for our home study. This, of course, has sent me into a cleaning and organizing frenzy. I'm quite glad that I'm pretty clean and organized as it is and my husband is fairly neat. We have ordered new furniture to replace our desk and entertainment center as they are both fixing to fall apart. When it gets here and all set up, I'll post before and after pictures. The only organizing I really have to do is to baby proof the place. Make sure all the outlets are covered, move my manicure basket from the low shelf to a higher one etc. Shouldn't be too bad. The wrist is getting better and now only hurts if I try to hold or lift something heavy, so I'm trying to be careful with it. If any of you have adopted. I'd like to hear your home study stories.

Back to Titles!

I don't know what happened, but I can once more title my posts! Not that it should matter that much, but somehow it does. I have somehow managed to sprain my left wrist. I'm not sure how but it's all wrapped now and makes everything more difficult. You don't realize how much you use a part of your body until it hurts when you do. The upside of all this is that it makes me grateful for the times in my life when there is no pain. Tonight for dinner we had barbecue chicken, garlic mashed potatoes, mixed veggies and pineapple for desert. My sleep schedule is all off. I woke up at 0600 and then fell asleep at 1300 and woke up again at 1700. Now its 2400 and I'm wide awake. I don't know what's up with me. I did finally hear from Janie today. Such a relief! She is alright they have just had a bizarre set of circumstances lately.

My mom sent me this in an email. I thought I would share it. I'm still not able to title anything.

Rules from God for 20071. Wake Up !! Decide to have a good day. "Today is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" Psalms 118:24 2.

Dress Up !! The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance; but the Lord looks at the heart." I Samuel 16:7 3.

Shut Up!! Say nice things and learn to listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking. "He who guards his lips guards his soul." Proverbs 13:3 4.

Stand Up!!... For what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything.. "Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good..." Galatians 6:9-10 5. Look Up !!... To the Lord. "I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13 6.

Reach Up !!... For something higher. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, And He will direct your path." Proverbs 3:5-6 7.

Lift Up !!... Your Prayers. "Do not worry about anything; Instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING." Philippians 4:6

God answers Knee-mail

I don't know what is going on with Blogger, but it wont let me publish my posts and it wont let me title the ones I have written. Sorry about the fact that it seems I have not posted in a long time. I hope this problem will correct itself soon.

So today we enjoyed a leisurely lunch at a little Italian restaurant in a nearby town. After that we followed directions to a large furniture store in another nearby town. This evening we went to the movies and filled out the first part of our adoption paperwork. We have had a beautiful weekend. The sun came out and the rain went away. It was cool and sunny and just lovely. I straightened up a little this afternoon and now I have to throw the roses away from my birthday. Alan had given me roses on my birthday. The next day was my day at the clinic and I got another dozen from him. He knew I was having issues with aging and wanted to make my day a little brighter. They have lasted quite a while but now it's time to say good bye too them. Otherwise, I'm gearing up for our trip to the states next month, and fixing to do a mountain of laundry tomorrow. Enjoy the Lord's day friends!

Lazy Days

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. We went furniture shopping and then walked around downtown for a while. Came home and took a nap and then went out to the celebration here on post. It had rained and hailed all day and so the place was a mud pit. We didn't stay too long and then we parked in the chapel parking lot to watch the fireworks. We felt a little bad because our boy Smokey doesn't like fireworks. They scare him. He was hiding under the desk when we got home. Today we are taking it easy. Filling out some paperwork we have put off etc. It's still raining. Praise the Lord! We went to the dfac for lunch. Not too good today. Way too much mayo in the deviled eggs. I love days like this. Lazy lay around days.

Bits and Pieces

Tomorrow is Independence Day back in the States. It's a little weird to celebrate this holiday in a country where they do not. The post will have a day long fair of sorts with booths and food and singers and all ending in a huge fireworks display. Pray it doesn't rain too much. I have to say though, I am still enjoying the rain. It keeps the heat down. Last year at this time I was sitting in this apartment with little furniture and nothing to do and no fan to keep me cool. Today, I don't even need a fan. I LOVE THAT! I don't do well with temperature extremes. Tomorrow we are going furniture shopping. We need to replace our desk and our entertainment center. We are looking for hard wood furniture that doesn't have ply wood or particle board as part of it. All hard wood. Easier to find here in Germany than in the States though. Today I need to get laundry done that didn't get done yesterday. After that I need to swiffer the floors and clean the bathroom. That's a weird thing too. German toilets are built differently than American ones are and you have to clean them a lot more. lol They are also extremely low flow so that adds to it too. After that I need to decide about supper. I have chicken breasts defrosted but I would like to find something new and exciting to do with them. Ambitious I know.

Reservations?

Ok I have something in my eye. My left eye if that matters. I hate that. Anyone have any suggestions for getting something out of your eye? In other news we went out to dinner to celebrate my birthday last night. I hadn't felt like going out on the actual day. So reservations were made at the restaurant we went to last year on my birthday. We got there and (this is a hotel restaurant) and we were told that the dinning room was closed but we could eat over at the bowling alley if we liked. Yeah, like we were dressed in bowling attire and not dining attire. They didn't care that we had made reservations only that the cook had decided he wasn't going to cook for the restaurant but only for the bowling alley. They couldn't seem to understand why we wouldn't want to eat in a smelly, smoke filled, bowling alley on stools at the snack counter. I don't get these people. We wound up at a Greek place that we had been to before but not the one I like the best because it was now last minute on a Friday night. Paycheck Friday at that. We were lucky to get in. And so that was that. I had 2 salads and some spinach pie. I really love Greek salads.

Birthday Bewilderments

Today is my birthday. In exactly 9 hours I will be 28 years old for the 10th year in a row. I figure I can tell people I'm 28. I am and then some. :) My husband got me my favorite roses, Issy Miyake perfume and body lotion, and a trip to Las Vegas to coincide with my 20 year high school reunion in August. It's funny how my birthday used to be my favorite day of the year. I thought it the most beautiful day of the year too. Now not so much. I still like getting presents and I still like eating cake don't get me wrong, but somehow the magic of the day has gone. I no longer enjoy getting older. I never really wanted to be any older than 16 and that was 22 years ago. I often look at myself and wonder how I ever got to be this old. I still feel like a kid. It's rather bewildering. I think my sister feels the same way to an extent. lol I feel that way about her. How can she possibly be that old? She doesn't seem to me to be any older than she ever was. It's like I'm trapped in some bizarre time warp. I imagine this is a combination of the 20 year reunion and my birthday all wrapped up in one. And please don't comment about how I should be grateful I'm getting older considering the alternative. I don't want to hear it. I think that's so dumb. If I were dead I'd get to be with Jesus and the beats the heck out of getting old. I have this one hair on my head that is as thick as a piece of dental floss. I am a natural blonde but this hair has always been black. A few years ago I found it and it was pure white. Of course I pulled the darn thing out. DH thought it was dental floss until I showed him that the first inch or so of it was black. No gradual change. It just one day turned white. Personally, I blame dh's deployment to Iraq for that one. About 2 months ago I got my hair cut. I never told you all because I don't want to post a picture of it. I got about a foot cut off of it and cut in a flip (yes just like Mrs. Wilt but a bit longer) the hairdresser found a gray hair and showed it to me. I couldn't believe it. It wasn't the weird thick one it was a normal hair! Of course I pulled it out by the root. And don't write in about not pulling my hair out because I'll go bald mother, you of all people should know that I have twice the number of hair follicles that normal people have. I'm going to dye my hair today. I'm going for blonde. Mine has turned brownish over the years. I think blonde will make me look younger.
Signed,
Bewildered

Cool Weather and Savings

I have to say that I have been LOVING the weather we've been having. It's been raining off and on for a few days. It's not raining now, but it's still overcast. I love all of this because that keeps it COOL here instead of blistering hot like last summer. It matters so much to me because there is no air conditioning here. None. Not even at the malls. So if it's too hot the only thing you can do is go to the commissary and hang out in frozen foods. Speaking of the commissary, I went yesterday for our monthly shopping and saved $38.44 in coupons alone. It's hard to keep track of how much was saved buying sale items and marked down items but a few great deals i got was corn bread mix 8 boxes for 7 cents each, super stuffer taco shells marked down to 95 cents/box because the box was slightly dented. I got two boxes and then used my $1.10 coupon off 2 so I got them for 40 cents each. Not bad! I also got 3 boxes of 3 packs of Act II popcorn for 65 cents/box. We love popcorn. I got a box of 120 count Downy dryer sheets combining sale and coupon for 3cents/sheet $3.74/box. 4 cans of Spaghettios for 22 cents each, and 2 Red Barron pizza's for $5 with a coupon and then had another coupon that gave me one free 2L bottle of Dr. Pepper free for buying the pizza's. There were other deals etc. but those are the highlights.

Signs Of Stress

I haven't been posting a lot lately as you no doubt have noticed. There has been a lot of stress in our lives here. Some you know about, others I have chosen not to blog about. I believe that the Lord allows these times for a reason. I'm not completely sure I know what that reason is, but I'm willing to trust Him. My husband, I believe, did not understand how much all of this has affected me until we went to the movies Friday night. As we left the theater, a colleague of Alan's drove up and said he'd been trying to get us on our cell phones (which of course were turned off during the movie) because the "they" (whoever they are) had cleared our apartment building because of fire or something. So we hurried home to see about our boy Smokey who is can't stand the fire alarm. Just as we pulled in it occurred to me that as hubby walked in the door earlier, I had just put a pan of eggs on to boil and had forgotten them. You guessed it. A very burnt pan and egg bits and egg shell all over the kitchen. No damage to the apartment thankfully. We found Smokey locked in the bathroom with his litter box. He was fine not even upset and probably just so grateful that the nasty alarm had been shut off. I spent quite a bit of time scraping egg of everything and I am still trying to salvage the pan. It's a good pan but has a burnt on mess in the bottom of it. Any suggestions will be appreciated. And yes, there were a whole carton of eggs in the pan. lol oh well it could have been much worse. Praise the Lord for keeping our apartment, everyone else's apartments, and our boy safe.

Labor Paine's

Let's all say a prayer for Crystal Paine over at Biblical Womanhood. She is being induced now and the baby should arrive soon. Crystal has had some medical problems including low platelets, so for all you medical types out there like me you know that that can mean dangerous hemorrhaging. Check out Biblical Womanhood for news about the new baby.

Back from Prague

So we spent the 4 day weekend in Prague. It wasn't too hot and we had a good time. We stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott which had air conditioning (a rarity for European hotels). We went to the Prague castle and visited the Jewish quarter and then got lost in old town where we had the BEST chocolate ice cream that I have ever had. I mean ever. EVER! It was so good that I'd actually consider driving to Prague just to get it. It's at least a 5 hour drive and I'm not a huge ice cream fan. It was that good. Absolutely incredible. So, here for your viewing pleasure (lol) are the pics.

Pics From The Ball-100th Post

And here then are the pics from the Ball a week ago. This also happens to be my 100th Post! Wow!

Toby Kieth Concert

Ok, here are the long awaited pics from the Toby Kieth concert we went to on Memorial Day weekend. You have to look hard to see Toby.

The Lord Giveth And The Lord Taketh Away. Blessed Be The Name Of The Lord!

So, this is the final deal. Alan got off of the deployment thing but the unit will not allow him to take that wonderful new position. We don't understand why all this has happened but we don't need to. We know the Lord works all things for those that love Him and are called according to His purpose. Our prayer has always been that we want to be in His perfect will. So though we don't know, He does know and we are willing to accept that. So here we are and here we stay. DH is taking me away for the weekend. We've been through a lot lately and I especially need a break. I am going to go ahead and post this and then work on posting the pics from the ball.

And So On And So Forth

Alan is out of town again so when he comes back I will ask him to post pictures of the ball for you. It's funny that we went to a Greek restaurant on Sunday because today there was a farewell luncheon for the CO's secretary and I had to attend to represent my husband who is away. It was at the other Greek restaurant in town. So, I've had my fill for a while. In other news our allergies have been bad and we have just about decided we are allergic to our boy Smokey. :( It's hot here and there is no air conditioning. Hey Jungle Mom, do y'all have air conditioning where you are? I am getting used to it, but I sure am glad for the fans.

Sunday

Last night was the transformation ball. It was too hot to be so dressed up, but the food was good. We still do not know about Alan's situation. He hasn't been able to talk to the Colonel about it. Holding on to Jesus. It's all we can do. Today we went to church and heard a wonderful sermon about how important it is to keep up your prayer life and not let it fall by the wayside. We need to hear those reminders from time to time to keep us on the straight and narrow. We went out to a new Greek restaurant for lunch today and had a wonderful time. Good food and the restaurant was cool and uncrowded. Now for a lazy Sunday afternoon nap!

Friday

Not much going on right now. Volunteered at the clinic this morning. Had lunch with Alan. Errands this afternoon. Went and saw a movie tonight. Getting ready for the Transformation Ball tomorrow night. Hopefully, I'll be able to post pics this weekend. Trusting the Lord to bring his will to fruition.

Trusting

Satan sure is trying awful hard to derail us. As I remarked down below, DH has been offered a very prestigious position at another Army post. He was able to get off the tasking he was on in order to take it. The hitch now is that the senior advisers to the colonel are trying to talk him out of letting Alan take the new job. This also means that they aren't doing their jobs which is to cut him orders so he can go. They are delaying and trying to keep him. I am so sick and tired of this! This is not the first time that Alan has had a good rapport with the CO and then the XO/senior officers try to hold him back or give him lots of trouble. The thing is if God has purposed this in His heart, NO MAN NOR SATAN can stand against it/Him. I'm still remembering what the Lord said. He said, "Trust me." And I do. It's hard right now not to plan vengeance on those who are standing in his way. It's hard in my anger not to sin. You ladies out there know exactly what I mean. Someone threatens anyone in our family and we're right there planning how to make that person suffer for it. I caught myself doing that very thing last night and had to stop myself, ask for forgiveness and continue to trust in the Lord. I do trust Him. He said He has it all under control and He does. Alan is going to talk to the CO today and tell him what has been going on and find out what is going on.
Boy it never rains but it pours with this stuff. Satan has been threatening friends of ours too. They are in the process of adopting 5 children from Ethiopia. The children are all siblings and this is a large undertaking. The husband just got deployed for 15 months. He wasn't supposed to be deployed at all. Then the other day some new person with the adoption agency called up and told her that she isn't going to allow the adoption to go through. Her worries are that the wife is too young and has no parenting experience and the husband is deployed so she doesn't have him. Very rude to her etc. Also told her they weren't going to give their 40K dollars back. We are praying for the Lord to have His will. Here too. What the Lord has purposed in his heart, NO MAN NOR SATAN can prevent. Isn't wonderful to be a daughter of the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords! My God can do ANYTHING. So we are praying and trusting and believing.

Honestly though, I do feel like I've been on a roller coaster of sorts lately. So glad I have Jesus to hold on to.

Odds and Ends

Yesterday was such a wonderful day. The weather was just right. The laundry was easy to do. I had lunch with two really good friends. It was one of those days where the house just seemed to clean itself. Yes, I was really doing it but it didn't seem like work somehow. I don't know how to explain it, but I'm quite willing to accept it as a wonderful day. Today promises to be just as good. I'll finish the last load of laundry, clean the kitchen as I always do, swiffer the floors, and make my famous saucy burritos! Alan will be excited when he sees those. One of his favorites. Still haven't heard from Janie. Could be they've gone to Minnesota again. Praying all is well with them.

Can't Find Janie

OK, I'm officially worried now. I haven't heard from Janie in some time. I have checked the blogs that I have known her to frequent and she hasn't made any comments. I have emailed her and received no response. Does anyone know Janie out there? Is she OK? Janie if you're out there I'm praying for you. Please, if anyone knows anything let me know.

My Profile

Ok, I just realized that my profile was gone. You know, the one that said I am a born-again, Spirit filled Christian etc. The one that is up there now. I don't know where it went. I just happened to notice it wasn't the first thing up there and I went looking for it. How bizarre. Anyway it's up there now. I apologize for any confusion that might have created.

Lazy Day

Happy Saturday everyone! DH and I went to a Red Cross function last night. It was an outdoor barbecue type thing and the food was very good. Today is intended to be a lazy hang around the house sort of day. We will be taking my car to the shop for a new part and will likely stop by a German bakery on the way home, but other than that not much in the works. It could be that we will go see Shrek 3 later on as it's playing on post today. I hope you all have a great weekend!

Are You A Feminist?

Ok, I couldn't resist this one. Take the Feminism Quiz to see how much of a feminist you are.
This is my result:

You Are 58% Feminist
You aren't a total traditionalist when it comes to gender roles. But you're no feminist either.You generally think that women should be treated as equals, but you're not convinced the world should be gender neutral.

I suppose I'm higher than a lot of you might be but I do strongly believe that women should be educated and that women should be able to take care of themselves even if married, because one never knows when that husband isn't going to be there anymore. I also had to agree with the holding men and women to the same standards question (question number 3) because though I found the situation morally repugnant, Biblically speaking sin is sin whether you are a man or a woman. I give you as example the woman caught in adultery. In the very act. Where was the man? If it was adultery for her it was for him. I'm interested to hear other opinions or viewpoints.

The Gardacil Vaccination

A Biblical Home has posted this about the new Gardacil vaccine. At this time, so far as I know, it is only mandatory in Texas. I was going to comment on her blog, but I felt the need to address some issues people are having in more detail. Some of the concerns I am hearing among parents and out there in the blog world have to do with giving our daughters permission to be promiscuous. This is BUNK! I do not feel that protecting your daughter against the HPV virus is giving her permission to sleep around. The HPV virus is the most common precursor of cervical cancer. And yes it is a sexually transmitted disease. Cervical cancer is a nightmare that often causes women to have hysterectomies and therefore limits their ability to give birth to children. The reason I post is this. It's not about promiscuity. It's about protection. A girl could be a virgin on her wedding night and still end up with it. HPV is often symptomless in men and most men who have it do not know they have it. So, if a virgin marries a man who is not he may have it and unknowingly give it to her. A girl can, unfortunately, be raped. What I'm saying is the only ways to be certain you will never get this horrific disease is to never have sex (where the rape problem is still out of your control) or to be a virgin and marry a virgin and both of you remain faithful and if your husband dies you can only remarry a virgin and then still remain faithful and never get raped. Ladies, you don't know who your daughter may fall in love with. It may be a man who came to Christ after he lost his virginity. It may be a man who had been married before. It may be a man who has been a Christian for years and never married but made a mistake and fell. We are not perfect. We are human. I don't believe that sex outside of marriage is right for any reason. It is sin. I'm saying we have an opportunity here with this vaccine to protect our daughters from a fertility and sometimes life threatening disease that they may acquire through no fault of their own. In 49 states it is still optional. I am against Texas making it mandatory. It is a decision for families and young women to make not for the government. Inform yourselves. Get the facts. Ask a Christian doctor or nurse practitioner from your church to give an informative seminar at your church for parents to attend.
Now, as far as the side effects and reactions are concerned, we know that there is risk with any vaccination. Discuss those risks with your health care practitioner. I am not here to promote the vaccine. It is new, and I suspect all the side-effects/risks are yet unknown. The purpose of this post is to debunk the myth that having your daughter get the vaccine = giving her permission to be promiscuous.

Now, I must also take issue with the commenter on the Biblical Home blog who stated, "I do feel like some of the newer vaccines like the Hep. A/B and the HPV are basically vaccines that allow young adults to live immoral lives without the fear of suffering some of the physical consequences."
I have received both of these vaccines. I am not living an immoral life nor have I been given permission to by the vaccine. I got the Hep B vaccine because I am a nurse. I could get it from an accidental needle stick. The Hepatitis B virus can be transmitted sexually. " It can also be transmitted through blood transfusion, cuts or abrasions in the skin, and absorption by mucosal surfaces. Direct contact with infected body fluids, such as tears, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, gastric juices, pleural fluid, semen and urine may pass the infection. Hepatitis B can survive on inanimate objects for up to 1 week. Hepatitis B virus can be found in maternal vaginal secretions, blood, amniotic fluid, saliva and breast milk." (ref.Pathophysiology: The biologic basis for disease in adults and children/Kathryn L. McCance, Sue E. Huether.-3rd ed. Mosby-Year Book, Inc.) Obviously this can also be acquired in the community.
Hepatitis A is also a community acquired disease. It is most often spread by people who do not wash their hands after using the bathroom. It can be acquired sexually but most often it is through more casual contact. I got the vaccine because I don't want hepatitis A and I could most likely get it through some food service worker who has poor hygiene. Have you ever eaten food from a street vendor? Lots of them don't have a place for the worker to wash his hands, and even if they did most of them don't wash between handling the money and your food and wiping their sweaty brows, scratching their heads etc.

So the overall point here today is that vaccines do not give you permission to live an immoral life, but they can protect you from those who do and from other circumstances beyond your control.

Bits and Pieces

Sorry I've been away so long. I spent Sunday night to yesterday taking care of a sick friend who's husband is deployed. My husband is so good to me. While I was gone he completely finished the spring cleaning. There is nothing left to do. lol No, he's not weird, but when he is anxious and has something on his mind he gets it worked out by cleaning. It could be a lot worse. There are many worse things he could do, and no I'm not sending him to your place next time he's thinking something out. lol. Last Friday we went to a Toby Kieth concert. He gives these free concerts for the soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq. He made one stop in Germany. We were glad it wasn't too far. It was hot and I got sunburned. You ought to see my farmers tan/burn! Oh well, we had a good time.

Monday, Our computer crashed. Alan had to wipe it clean and he has been trying to reload the programs we need on it. I'd post the pictures I took at the concert but the program has to be downloaded and I don't know from where so it will have to wait until hubby can get around to it.

Other than that, I have errands to run today and some shopping to do.

There Is None Like Him

OK, so this is the news we've been waiting 3+ weeks for. Back in April we found out that there was a big change in store for us. We knew it would be one of 2 things. My husband was either going to be deployed with a special task force or he would be taking a command in Kaiserslautern. We both really wanted him to get the command for 2 reasons. One, obviously, I don't want him deployed. Yes, I know that it's a part of being an Army wife, but he has been deployed before and nearly died because of it. That, however, is another story for another day. The second reason is that it would be commanding a medical transition unit. This unit comprises a lot of men and women who have been injured. This is something my husband is passionate about. He knows the ins and outs of the military medical system, and he truly cares about his soldiers. There are a lot of other reasons he would be perfect for it. We both really felt the Lord's leading here. We felt that perhaps this was one of the reasons that Alan nearly died 3 years ago. So as you all read in past posts, we were anxiously awaiting. If he didn't get the command he would be deployed. The decision was supposed to be made more than 4 weeks ago. The date came and went. A week later we heard that it would take more time as a certain General wished to weigh in on the decision. That was understandable in light of the Walter Reed scandal. Still it was hard to wait. Then a week or so later we learned that the person to make the decision had changed yet again, but Alan had made the first cut. So off we went again to interview with the new decision maker. Another week went by. I may be biased but I really didn't see how they could possibly choose anyone else. Last Wednesday, my husband came home and told me the news. "I didn't get the position." which also meant he would be deployed. I can tell you that was a real blow. We were really quite hurt and disappointed over it. Our prayer the whole time we were waiting had been "Lord, If this isn't your will, please don't let him get it." Whatever else happens we always want to be right in the middle of His will. Even if that meant Alan being so far away and in less than ideal surroundings. When something we didn't want to happen has happened the Lord has shown us so many times that we must trust Him because He knows the future that we don't. And He knows what's best and wants what's best for us. The whole time we were waiting for this decision the message came through loud and clear. "Trust me." In many different ways and through different people "Trust me." When you hear the still small voice, you know. And so when we got the news we truly didn't expect to hear I still heard "Trust me." We talked about our feelings and then chose to thank Jesus for having His will in the situation. The Bible tells us to give thanks in all things not just the seeimingly good ones. So that is what we did even though we didn't understand. That day and the next was hard for me. I had to attend a function (still sick) and had to tell people. But, when I told them I also said we wanted the Lord's will and we have it. He has never let us down before and so we trust Him that He knows even though we don't. I recounted to some people the Hawaii incident. Privately I told the Lord how disappointed I was. I knew I wanted His will but I also wanted His will to be my will. I wondered how I could have been so wrong about the Lord's leading. I had felt so strongly that we were to go to Kaiserslautern but now I was staying here and Alan was deploying. Nothing felt right and I was very uncomfortable about it. Well, Alan came home Thursday. His Colonel had asked him into the office to talk to him about it. I will mention here that his colonel is wonderful. He is kind, doesn't think he's all that, and he is deeply concerned about the people who serve under him. Add to that the fact that he is a true Christian. He had personally given his recommendation for Alan to get this job. In fact, the day we found out Alan didn't get it, he'd spoken to the decision maker in person and frankly asked him why Alan didn't get the job. :) It turns out that the decision maker has asked for Alan to take a different position. A position as executive officer overseeing the wounded warrior program at Landstuhl effectively supervising the position he applied for! Not only is this a compliment to him but the job of battalion XO is reserved for officers at least one rank higher than he is and he isn't anywhere near promotion. It's a very great honor. So, now you know. Isn't the Lord good! He said, "Trust me." I had just told a lady the evening before that I may not know what the future holds but I know who holds the future. I was so disappointed and I didn't understand but I told my sister." How can I not trust Him? He has brought us through so much. How can I Not trust Him." I'm so glad I/we did.

Bits and Pieces

Last night we went to a volunteer appreciation banquet. I had not especially wanted to go, but oddly my husband pushed for it and besides it would be a free meal right. Well as it turns out he had Intel that I did not and I was awarded one of the Distinguished Community Volunteer Awards. The award was a very nice certificate presented by the general and his wife and the garrison commander, a nice duffel bag and a present inside of that which turned out to be a beautiful crystal bowl! (Rebecca LOVES crystal!) So all in all it turned out to be alright even if I was still sick. Tonight is the unit coffee and I imagine I'll really have to go to that.

I was so proud of myself yesterday. Sick as I am I still managed to get quite a bit done. I made the bed, emptied and reloaded the dishwasher, cleaned the kitchen and set up the coffee maker, got most of my coupons cut out, and cleaned out my computer of all the junk that was slowing it down. Pictures and things I wanted to keep went on a flash disk and everything else to the recycle bin and then deleted from that. Defraged and ran the ad aware and it's amazing how fast the computer runs now.

Today I plan to finish cutting out the coupons, and get my coupon organizer put back together and ready to go. It fell apart when I dropped it. Yes I know, coupons everywhere. I was so upset. I need to go to the commissary and to the PX and get something ready for Alan's dinner while I am gone to the coffee. I am not considered to be contagious anymore since I have been on antibiotics for 48 hours so I'm not worried that I'll spread anything. I also need to go to the mp station and report my ID as missing. So, off to a busy day. I hope you all have a good one!

Update and Smokey news

OK, so I did manage to see the doctor today. I had to wait several hours but at least I got in. She said I was the fourth patient she'd seen today that had this. I got a shot, a breathing treatment, and like 3 prescriptions. So, I'm rather knocked out by all the drugs. I managed to change the linens on our bed today, but that has completely wiped me out. Just sitting up and typing is exhausting. So nothing new to tell today. Thank all of you for your prayer. I appreciate them more than I can say. Oh there is one thing to mention. Smokey our cat fell again today. He was jumping up to the window ledge in our bedroom. He likes to look out that window and watch all the activity. The ledge is smooth and not wood (I don't know what it's made of) and he can't always get a good grip. Today he tried a different approach. I store some of my shoes on this ledge. It's a big ledge and he tried to jump up on my shoes for better traction but the shoe flipped up and hit him and he fell. So I have brought over one of our dining room chairs that normally sits in another part of the room so he can have a foot stool as it were. Now we just have to get him to try it. He's scared he'll fall again. Thank the Lord he wasn't hurt.

Celebration!

According to my site meter I had my 1000th visitor today! WooHoo! I thank all of you for your support. :)

Sickness

Here I am at 0321 and I can't sleep. I have a nasty bronchitis. I woke up with it Saturday morning. I can't lay down because I feel like I'm drowning. Monday sure seems far off. I have to wait until then to try to see a doctor. And to make it worse my back is so painful I have trouble in any position. I finally got to talk to my sister though. Three am my time is a good time to get people in the States. Wow, I guess I talked to her quite a while. Now it's 0442 good thing we have that flat rate plan.

Fund Raising Friday

3 days in a row of substitute teaching and I'm glad I'm done for a while. My hat is off to teachers everywhere. I could not do that as a regular thing. Tonight we went to an FRG fund raiser. We played BINGO and won prizes and everyone had a good time. Alan and I are so looking forward to a quiet weekend.

Health? Education? Warning not for younger readers.

I have been subbing the past 2 days. Yesterday, one of the girls was telling me about her health class and told how the teacher asked the boys if they carry a condom in their wallets. Not all of the boys raised their hands and she chastised them that they should be carrying them and said that that goes for the girls too. There you have it ladies and gentlemen. Your tax dollars at work. The girl went on to say that she told the teacher she isn't that kind of girl and the teacher said that it will happen so she'd better be prepared. Absolutely shocking. Even if I didn't find this morally repugnant (and I do) does she not know that a condom carried for very long in a boy's wallet will break down due to the heat which will make it much more likely to break? I mean really. What's next? How to sessions for extra credit? Don't think I didn't make it perfectly clear to the girls ( thankfully there were only girls in that class and it wasn't the health class) that the condoms can be rendered useless that way and that I was proud of them for standing up for their beliefs and also that they would be thankful, on their wedding night, that they had waited. I don't know of any girl who has regretted saving herself for her husband and I also don't know any girl who didn't and doesn't regret it.

Scholarship Day

Today was the end of the school year awards ceremony at the high school here on post. As the chairperson of the BSCC, I had the pleasure of announcing and handing out the BSCC scholarships for this year. It was so great to see these young people getting awards in math and science and it was especially satisfying to award scholarships to such deserving military kids. You see I believe that school is a bit harder on military kids. They move every couple of years if not more often. A new school with new rules and "politics", new students and teachers to get used to, often different requirements for graduation or advancement, and especially now with the constant threat and reality of having a parent deployed to a war zone, it takes special dedication and resolve to do well. I applaud these students and cheer them on in their future endeavors. Whatever they choose to do they have outstanding potential to make wonderful contributions to our world.

So that's what I did today. Other than that DH is out of town on business of course and I have been asked to substitute teach the rest of the week. I have requested that they call the others first and only call me as a last resort mainly because I prefer to be home taking care of things so I know that they really need me. Anyway it will only make 3.5 days of work this month. Not too shabby and it's nice to have a little extra spending money. DH's birthday is coming up. The big 40! Not till July though.

We're Back

We're back. We left late Friday afternoon for Kaiserslautern, Germany. There, On Saturday, we attended an adoption symposium for Americans living overseas who are looking to adopt overseas. We are so glad we went! There are so many children out there that need good homes and we are going to start the paper work to get at least one if not 2 of them. lol I'll see if I can talk hubby into more he he! It was a very informative day and we got lots of information to take with us and review.

My Apology

Hello dear friends. I'm so sorry that I have not been able to be around lately. May is the month in the military family world when everything happens. The activity season is ending and the PCS season is beginning. So this is when everything happens. PWOC end of season activities, BSCC end of season activities, people are beginning to pack up and leave or arrive and then all the regular stuff too. So, I have gone nuts. I have also decided that next year (which begins in late August)I will not take on so much. It hasn't been so bad but this month has been too much. Anyway, after next week most of the rush rush will be over and depending on whether or not we move I can settle into a more calm routine. Tomorrow, before we leave for 5 days of travel and important meetings, I will fill you all in on what has been going on. Blessings to all!

Jumble

I am so tired. Just physically and emotionally spent. DH and I spent the day resting. Just being together, watching movies, went to the thrift store. No decisive news yet. It's frustrating to not be able to plan for the future. I saved $36.10 at the commissary for this month. There weren't very good sales this time, but still I'd rather have the 36 bucks than give it away. Church pot-luck tomorrow. Spanish theme. I'm bringing burritos enchilada style. lol I'm considering investing in the Tums company. Hubby is going through them like crazy. I wish I could put my thoughts together better but right now I can't. It seems that all I can do is keep on keepin on. I'm just going through the motions. I'm sorry. I hope to be myself again soon.

Insanity

Hi. Just to let you know I'm running a little crazy right now. Several unexpected things have come up and I'll be back hopefully Saturday. Still no news on the other.

Tuesday

I have run crazy today. So many things to do. Not enough time to do them. It works out very nicely that my husband is in the field this week so, that I can really concentrate on these other things and have them done before he gets back. So everything that I had to do today and then I fell up the stairs on the way in and hurt myself. lol I sure wished Alan was home to comfort me. Well, still waiting on the other news. We did hear that we will be hearing soon. How reassuring.