Belgium

I appologize that I'm so late with this posting. I kept forgetting to have hubby upload the pictures. I should learn to do it myself. Anyway, we spent 4 days and 3 nights in Bastogne, Belgium. It's the perfect place to go for a weeked, because you can do everything there is to do and not rush. We stayed at Hotel Melba which is run by Best Western. It was a good hotel and their breakfast buffet was very good. Bastogne is nicknamed "nuts city". It was near here during the battle of the bulge in WWII that General McAuliff responded to the German request for our surrender with, "Us surrender? Ah nuts!" To read the truly amazing story click here. Do go read it. It's short and is a first hand account of what happened on that day. In Bastogne there is a memorial to the Americans who fought and died saving the town. There are several museums and it really is worth the trip if you are near. The things I loved most about it are: that they have never forgotten what we did for them, the flag of the United States still flies in the town square right next to the Belgian flag and at the same height as far as I could tell. There is a very old church in the town that has a clock and bells that chime on each quarter of the hour and of course on the hour. The chime is the first bars of the Star Spangled Banner. I was so proud. Proud to be an American, proud of what our men did there, and amazed at and proud of the Belgians of that time. When we learn of history it is from the American point of view. There, I learned of the battle of the bulge from their point of view. Those people stayed and fought for their town (mostly women, children and old people as the able bodied men would have been off fighting) with no provisions or munitions. They worked hand in hand with our soldiers, fed them and tended their wounds, even burrying them. The allies would fly over and drop supplies by parachute. Whoever got the supplies got them to whomever needed it. They shared everything they had. The women would sew clothing, scarves and I imagine bandages out of the parachute material. What an amazing people! To this day they still love Americans and in Europe that's often not the case anymore.

We took our time as my mobility was better than it is now but wasn't good. Thankfully a friend loaned me a set of canes her husband had used in the past. They have been a Godsend. We went out on the Sunday night and had Belgian waffles. They are better than the kind we find in the states. Of course they call them waffles lol not Belgian wallfles. Mine was light as a cloud, with a bit of powdered sugar, lots of fresh fruit, a small scoop of vanilla icecream and a touch of whipped cream. Delish! We also each had a crepe. Mine was filled with ham, cheese, and egg, Alan's with egg and chese. It was all so good!

So here are some pics of our trip.

The first is of Alan standing by an old army jeep in what is called the Latin quarter of town.

2. St. Peter's church also in the Latin quarter. This is the church that chimes the first bars of the Star Spangled Banner.

3. Our Crepes.

4. My belgian waffle.

5. Our room at the hotel. It was painted pink and purple. I have never seen a hotel room painted in such a way.

6. Me standing in front of a Sherman Tank in the town square. If you look closely at the top of the pic, you can see the American flag flying.

7. Bust of General "ah nuts!" McAuliff in the town square aka McAuliff square.

8. La Porte de Treves (scroll down to the bottom of the page)

9. museMaison Mathelin um next to St. Peter's.

10. Le Mardasson - the American memorial.

11. From the top looking toward Bastogne.

12. From the top looking down to the inside.

13. Heading down to the crypt where there are 3 prayer rooms. One Jewish, one Catholic and one Protestant.

14. the Cady Monument, inaugurated on 4 September 1949 in the presence of Emile Cady's father and sister. The monument recalls the resistance and withdrawal of the Belgian troops on 10 May 1940. Caporal Cady was shot during the evacuation of his shelter and was able to come back to the Belgian lines with his machine gun.

I'm Shocked And Outraged

A word of caution. If there are teenaged girls or any child reading this blog please have your parent read this particular entry before you do. I rarely ask this of anyone but the subject matter is really quite disturbing.



FORCED STERILIZATION



What is this world coming to? I saw this online today. The headline that I saw that drew me to the page was, "Mom has teenaged daughter sterilized." I had to look thinking that perhaps she was in a vegetative state and the mother was afraid she'd be raped or something. What I found
disturbed me so much I had to blog about it. The very idea of sterilizing - even temporarily - young girls as a form of birth control is outrageous. Aside from the fact that it is not easy to reverse a tubal ligation -it's often unsuccessful- This could give girls the false assumption that they are protected from disease as well. Most, if not all, of my readers are very aware of STD's and their complications so I'll not go into it here. The use of long term implants to prevent conception not only gives a false sense of security but also poses some real threats to the girls health. I have seen cases of these implants being removed and the woman has been unable to concieve at all. My purpose in writing is that if this should become a serious issue in the USA we must do all we can to combat it. I'm not a big fan of sterilization for anyone though there are cases where it really is quite necessary and I also believe that such a decision belongs in the triangle of marriage and not for a parent to chose. What ever happened to waiting for marriage to have sex? I've heard so many times that that is obsolete or out dated, but it's not. The Bible is still relevant for today. Following the Lord's commandments will save you from the heartache that can come from non-marital sex. I can tell you another thing too. I have never met a girl who regretted being a virgin on her wedding night, and I have never met a girl who wasn't a virgin and didn't regret it.


I would very much like to hear from all of you about your opinions on this matter. Oh, by the way, the above article linked to this one too. This is a bit more interesting/informative.

We're Back!

Sorry it's been so long. We had a long weekend in Belgium which I will post about tomorrow after I get the pictures uploaded and ready to go. I'm hoping that in the coming days if you think about us you'd say a quick prayer. You all know how it goes. It never rains but it pours in the things going wrong department. You see my new grand nephew (is that right? he is the son of my nephew) is 2 months old and has been admitted to the hospital with RSV and pneumonia. His big sis is also sick with pink eye and strep throat. Then, I'm still trying to recover from my pinched nerve. Last night we finally heard from my mother-in-law and she had been diagnosed with liver cancer and sarcodosis. It's going to be hard on my husband. So, add all of this to the facts that we are going to be moving again (yes, that's right. 5 moves in 5 years) and Alaina is coming home soon and you see where we could use an extra prayer or two!

What is with the spell check anyway? When are they going to get it fixed? Anyway, thank you all for your kind comments on our home. I will have to post new pics once we get moved and settled.

Our Home

Have I ever taken you on a tour of our home? I've looked through the archives and not found one so here it is.

I couldn't get them on here in the order I wanted so I'll just tell you what you're seeing.

The first two are of our guest bedroom. Then you have 2 shots of our front door. On one you can see the stair way to the basement where the laundry is. No shots of the laundry. If you've seen one laundry, you've seen them all. After that is one of Alan and Alaina in Guatemala, It's not of our home but she is and it's such a cute shot I couldn't not put it in. Then there is one of our living room. You can see the desk where I blog. Then there are 2 shots of the playground and next is a shot of our building. We are the stairwell closest to you and if you look hard you can see my silver Golf the furthest car away. Then there is another one of the guest bedroom and 3 of the kitchen. Then there are two more of the living room, one is shot from the dining area. Our boy Smokey is next and then 3 pics of the master bedroom. We have such nice closet space. 2 rather boring shots of the bathroom one also shows the inner hallway, one of the dining room and one of the front hallway finish the lot. There. Now you know where I live.

Berlin

Ok. We went to Berlin for an extended weekend. We stayed at the Hollywood Media Hotel in a Junior Suite. It was really nice. We went to Checkpoint Charlie, the Jewish Museum, the Brandenburg Gate, and what is left of the Berlin Wall. We had wonderful time in spite of my hip limiting what we could do. Here are some pictures of our trip.

Pause

He pushed the pause button! Do you think he reads my blog? lol Well, I rather doubt that too, but I gotta say, Mitt pushing the pause button less than 24 hours later made my day. You guys ought to see the big ole smile on my face. Oh the glee!!!

Well, today was the last day of subbing for a while. I'm glad for it to be done and a little sad too. I'll send a detailed e-mail to the regular school nurse to update her on a few situations she'll need to know about. lol I had a girl today come in basically wanting to skip class. I gave her the once over and discovered she had a fever and an infected throat. There is that and some sort of stomach thing going around at the school. I must have sent 15 kids home which is a lot for a small school.

I've lost 15 pounds in the past month from lack of appetite. It must be that since I can't move enough to make it count as exercise. Anyway, it just goes to show you there is always a silver lining: even to the darkest clouds.

What else do I know? I know I need to pack my bag as we are going away for the weekend. Pictures and destination when we get back.

Have a great weekend all!

ps: Is anyone else having problems with their spell check on blogger?

Anyone But Romney

Though I'm not a Democrat, I find myself really excited to see the outcome of the primary elections on their side. This is the first time in America that we have a viable woman and a viable minority up for president. I have one other thing to say about the election. I am a Republican and I always have been. However, if they choose Romney as the Republican candidate I am going to turn Democrat and actively campaign against him. I can't stand him. He has no business being in a leadership position and I felt that way before I knew he was a mormon for anyone who may care. I normally try not to be so controversial on here but this is my blog, my outlet for expression and that is how I feel about it.

In other news I'm enjoying a nice bout with bronchitis and reacting unpleasantly to the antibiotics. I did hear today from one of the friends I made in Guatemala. They are eagerly awaiting their little one too. It's kind of nice to have others to email with that are in the same boat we are. Makes it feel like we're not all alone in this.

Ramblings

I had forgotten how tiring working full time can be. I haven't worked full time since we were married except for about 12 weeks and those were special circumstances. Anyway, that's why you haven't heard much from me lately. I have been substituting for the school nurse. This is the last week of it. My leg is not any better. It turns out I am right about there being a pinched nerve. They are sending me for an MRI next week. The doctor is guessing that my left hip has shifted somehow and is pressing on my nerves. I was born with left hip displasia. I wore a brace and all as a baby and they told my mom that it was good as new, but it has never been quite right. I've always had trouble with it. I hope when they do the MRI they see that there is something that can be done about the current problem. Any kind of movement at all is very painful, thus very tiring. Even laying in bed or sitting can be agonizing. On the plus side, I'm getting an outstanding education in what it feels like to have long term pain. Now I grant you I've only had this pain since mid December however it's exhausting.

In other news, we finally got the last paper work snafu taken care of relating to Alaina's adoption. So now it's just a matter of court dates and such. We are hoping to have her in April sometime. Please continue to keep her in prayer.

It's been good to have these 3 weeks of working to remind me that I don't really want to work full time. It's too tiring to do that and try to keep house decently and then when Alaina comes home it would be even worse. I can't imagine. I remember in nursing school, I was working a full time and a part time job and going to school full time. I had no car so I walked or rode the bus or subway everywhere I went. It was exhausting. I would leave the house at 5 am and be lucky to get home most days before midnight. I rarely had a whole day off where I didn't have either school or work or both. I just can't believe how the girls who were married and had kids and a full time job did it. lol It kind of made me feel like I'm slow or something or that they are super smart that they could do all of it. Well, I'm glad I didn't have to. I sure do support people getting their schooling done before they get married.

Well, I've rambled long enough. Make sure you all get out and vote tomorrow if you're in a super Tuesday state.

Is This Me?

Jungle Mom did this so I posted my answer. Carree I know you're reading it so comment and tell me what you think.

Your Personality Profile

You are pure, moral, and adaptable.You tend to blend into your surroundings.Shy on the outside, you're outspoken to your friends. You believe that you live a virtuous life...And you tend to judge others with a harsh eye.As a result, people tend to crave your approval.

a href="The World's Shortest Personality Test/a

Tips For An Exceptional, Superb & Powerful Life!

A good friend of mine sent me this in an email yesterday. I thought I would post it for all of us.

TIPS FOR AN EXCEPTIONAL, SUPERB & POWERFUL LIFE!
1.) Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate antidepressant.
2.) Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.Buy a lock if you have to.
3.) Buy a Tivo (DVR), tape your late night shows and get more sleep.
4.) When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to________ today.'
5.) Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.
6.) Watch more movies, play more games and read more books than you did last year.
7.) Always pray and make time to exercise.
8.) Spend more time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of Six.
9.) Dream more while you are awake.
10.) Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less foods that are manufactured in plants.
11.) Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli , almonds & walnuts.
12.) Try to make at least three people smile each day.
13.) Clear your clutter from your house, your car, your desk and let new and flowing energy into your life.
14.) Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead, invest your energy in the positive present moment.
15.) Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class ......but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
16.) Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.
17.) Smile and laugh more. It will keep the energy vampires away.
18.) Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
19.) Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
20.) Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
21.) You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
22.) Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
23.) Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
24.) Ladies - Go on and burn those 'special' scented candles, use the 600 thread count sheets, the good china and wear our fancy lingerie now. Stop waiting for a special occasion. Everyday is special.
25.) No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
26.) Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'
27.) Forgive everyone for everything.
28.) What other people think of you is none of your business.
29.) Time heals almost everything. Give time, time!
30.) However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
31.) Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch with them.
32.) Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
33.) Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need. God provides remember?!
34.) The best is yet to come.
35.) No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
36.) Do the right thing!
37.) Call your family often.
38.) Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements:'I am thankful for __________.'Today I accomplished _________.
39.) Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.
40.) Enjoy the ride. Remember that this is not Disney World and you certainly don't want a fast pass. You only have one ride through life so make the most of it and enjoy the ride. LIVE, LOVE, LAUGH. LIFE'S A GIFT ... UNWRAP IT!Have a Blessed day.

Today I'm Sad

The first time I saw Heath Ledger was in the movie The Patriot. It's a movie about the American Revolution, and premiered on my 31st birthday. In it he played a young man who defies his father in order to fight in the Revolution. He falls in love, marries and dies avenging his wife who was murdered by the Red Coats. It was a captivating story. As it turns out, it was the only movie I ever saw him in. I don't know him, never met him, but today I am sad that this young man, son, brother and father lost his life.

It Really Is A Small World

Well, I was able to be up and about today. I ran a few errands and stopped by the Red Cross office to see what's up. I volunteer with them and occasionally new opportunities arise etc. I was chatting with the guy who is temporarily running the place. You know how chat goes you talk about background, where you're from etc. Well what do you think? It turns out he not only knows but was a friend of my brother Steve! Steve has spent almost his entire life in Springfield, Missouri, and he has not traveled much so it was really a shock. This guy used to work with him and I could tell from his conversation about him that he knew him well. Will wonders never cease! How fun was that! I think that is so cool to be a world away in Bamberg, Germany and run in to someone who knows my brother from some little town like Springfield! I can't wait to get hold of him and tell him. Anyone else have an experience like that?

This And That

Well, my pain is somewhat better but still giving me fits. The nurse at the high school on post who I substitute for is going to be away for 3 weeks and I am going to sub for her. I asked her today how to deal with shamming students and she said tell them that you're going to send them back to class unless they would like for you to call their mom about it. She said if they are really not feeling well they will say call my mom and if they are shamming they will not want her called. lol I guess it's been too long since I have been in school! Although I must say that I wasn't one to say I was sick if I wasn't. There isn't much going on around here right now. I have been catching up on my reading. I had a job interview the other day with the dermatologist on post. He is in need of a nurse and I have had some experience with some of the procedures he performs so I'm hoping I'll get chosen. Alaina won't be coming for some months so I might as well be working. It will help the time go by faster and we can save the extra money. He said I should know in the next week or two. He knows about Alaina coming and knows that when we get the call to go and get her I will have to go. He has no problem with that so it's all good. Well, I'm off. Have a wonderful day!

What Does Your Pizza Say About You?

How do you guys feel about these questionnaires. This one is pretty close to me although I don't know where the Australia thing comes in but the one from yesterday was off. I'm not really that much of a brainiac. I'm not the dullest knife in the drawer but I'm not the sharpest either.

What Your Pizza Reveals

You have a hearty appetite. You are likely to complain if a restaurant has small portions. You are a very picky pizza eater. Not any pizza will do. You fit in best in the Northeast part of the US. You like food that's traditional and well crafted. You aren't impressed with "gourmet" foods. You are generous, outgoing, and considerate with your choices. You have many conflicting and complementary layers to your personality. You should consider traveling to Australia. The stereotype that best fits you is geek. You're the type most likely to order pizza to avoid leaving your computer.

What Does Your Pizza Say About You?

Are You A Brainiac?

You Are a Total Brainiac

You're amazingly brilliant. Some would even say genius. You're curious, thoughtful, analytical, and confident. You take on difficult subjects because you want to... not because you have to. No field of knowledge is too complicated or intimidating for you. You've got the brains to do anything you want. It's possible you end up doing everything you want.

Are You a Brainiac?

Sunday

I heard from my cousin Kath in Australia today. It's always good to hear from her especially as she is nearly 93 years old. The good thing about this hip problem is that I have little appetite which is quite unusual for me. When I was at the doctor last week (the first time) I had lost 4 pounds. They didn't weigh me the second time but I'm sure I've lost quite a bit. The only reason I eat at all is to take the medicine. If you take it on an empty stomach it makes you vomit and I'm not a big fan of vomiting. Now don't anyone get the bright idea to go out and injure yourself to lose weight. It usually works the other way. I think of little Alaina constantly and can't wait to get her home. Thanks to all of you who are lifting us up in prayer. Anyway, nothing much new here. I'm getting caught up on my blog reading.

Politics Anyone?

Could she be practicing for a career in politics? It looks like the victory pose after an election. Not that I would wish such a life for her. I like to watch politics, I just wouldn't want to be the politician. lol

Hmmmm maybe I've been watching too much Fox News. Honestly though. Has anyone found a candidate that they really love? I feel like I'm choosing the lesser of the evils here, and looking on the other side there doesn't seem like much to choose from there either.

Oh well, on to more boring things.

The doctor said there isn't really anything they can do for me. It will go away but it will take time. I have found that if I do some stretches with that leg that it really helps better than anything. So that's what I'm doing. Today is a lazy day for us. Saturdays are usually a day of rest for us as Sundays are just too busy to truly be restful. I was able to cook dinner last night and take care of the dishes and the kitchen. lol Who knew I'd ever be so happy to do chores? Oh well, it's all in your perspective. Have a great weekend!

Alaina Pics

OK so here are some of the pictures I took of Alaina.

Updates

Well we heard about baby Andy. They are referring him to a pediatric urologist for more tests, but it's looking like he'll have to have surgery. He's so little. My prayer is that whatever this blockage is it will dissolve itself and he wont have to have any surgery. My God is able. I believe He who made my nephew can fix him.
In other news, this bursitis isn't getting much better. It is a little better as now I can sleep some but the pain is bad and the pain medicine doesn't take it away. However it does make it bearable. OK I'm off to the doctor again. I have the pics of baby Alaina and will post them when I get back.

Bursitis and Prayer Requests

OK, so I went to the clinic yesterday morning. They took x-rays and decided that I have bursitis in my left hip. The doctor gave me some better pain medicine and it's helping, but doesn't keep the pain away. Those of you who are familiar with the pain scale from 1-10 will understand what I mean when I say that the pain went from an 8 to a 4. Today I'm working on relaxing while I move. I think I've been in pain so long that when I go to move I tense up and it makes it all worse. When I make myself relax it's not so painful. I was able to change the bed linens today so I'm thankful for that. Alan is going to take me to the commissary after work tomorrow to help me shop. We haven't found the upload cord yet or I'd be posting pic of Alaina. Sorry to keep you waiting. Please keep my nephew Andy in prayer. There is a problem with one of his kidneys that may require surgery. They are doing tests and we should know something soon. He's only 2 weeks old and so it's scary especially for his mom and dad.

Happy New Year!

I'm back from Guatemala. I had a wonderful visit with baby Alaina and though my back is worse instead of better, I'm still glad I got to see her and hold her for a while. She is such a happy baby! She wakes up all smiles and coos which is a good things seeing as her mama is not a happy morning person. When I get the pics uploaded I'll post some. Guatemalans like their fireworks and set them off all day Christmas eve, Christmas day, new Years eve, and New Years day. Sounded like shooting in the streets. I took Alaina for her first swimming experience. She liked the swimming part (they had a heated pool at the hotel) but she wasn't over fond of the cold feeling when you get out of the water. She didn't cry or make a fuss though.
So, now I'm back home, I can barely move (going to the clinic tomorrow) and there is little to eat in the house. Please pray for my back. The pain is moving downward from the back into my left hip.
This year we hope to bring our girl home, eat healthier and exercise more. It's good to be home. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year.