Recipe Blog Hop

So I am not much of a cook.

I couldn't think of anything.

I have been craving pasta salad, so I found this recipe on recipezaar, which is my go to for almost everything.

I made it.

I tasted it.

It's really good.

Be forewarned, it makes a lot, but then, I can eat a lot, so it works out.

Perfect Pasta Salad

1 lb box of tri-colored pasta (so fancy)

2 cups green peppers (I used red)

2 cups diced tomatoes

1 1/2 cups chopped red onions (I did about 3/4 of a cup, and made them large--when in doubt, pick it out--     for the kids)

1/2 lb cubed provolone cheese ( I even went to the commissary with a hungry Junior to get this)

1/2 lb slice pepperoni

1/2 cup black olives

Dressing:

3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (I used less)

3/4 cup red wine vinegar

1/4 cup sugar (I used splenda and used less)

1 tablespoon oregano (oops, I forgot this)

1 tsp sale

1/2 tsp pepper

1.  Mix together dressing first and set aside until sugar is dissolved completely.

2.  Cook pasta.

3.  Cube the pepperoni.

4.  Mix everything but the cheese.  (I forgot and added the cheese)

5.  Pour dressing over it and mix well.

6.  Chill well--ummmm....it's in the freezer because I forgot to cool the noodles first and it started to melt my cheese.  Did I mention I am not a cook?

Trust me, it is excellent.

This led to me making the kids carrot cake for dessert.  Next stop, I'm making hummus.  I've got some carrots to eat.  

Wordless Wednesday

Colorado isn't so bad

I was in a slump and hating Colorado, but I am beginning to turn it around.

I think it was my lack of activity.  A big part of my life in Texas was training and racing with fellow teachers and friends.

I have a race with a friend scheduled this next weekend.  Today was the half marathon with Gunner.

I joined a running group, and there are plenty of opportunities for me to run, if I just had the time!

The girls will start a new school that I am really excited about, and they are too.

I will visit Texas in the next two weeks, get my fill of mexican food, take the girls to camp, see friends and family, and return home to Colorado.  Home.

Sometimes it takes me longer to settle into places than others, and while I won't say that I am ready to stay in Colorado the rest of my life (there is a state income tax mind you!), I can say that I will make the best of my time here.

There's plenty to see.  Plenty to do.  I need to get over my shyness and get out there and enjoy everything that this state has to offer.

This is the first time we have PCSed and the girls are old enough to remember me putting myself out there and making a new life for ourselves.  I need to show them that you can make every place that you are, a home.

Now if I could just teach them how to match socks and clean their rooms...

Denver Museum of Nature and Science

Since we were just running through the museum briefly because we had packet pickup and I had a conference in the afternoon, I let Junior lead the way. Well that, and I forgot the stroller. (It was a mile each way to get the packets, and he was done by the time we had to head back.)

The museum is free to military families!  You do have to pay for the IMAX and the special exhibits, but I didn't have time for that this visit.  Here's Junior checking out a movie on dinosaurs.

There are huge exhibits of dinosaurs, which will be right up Abs alley.

We visited with the mummy.  The boy has watched too much Scooby Doo.

They have a discovery section for the kids, so Junior wanted to spend more of the time there.  

Puzzles to do.

They could become paleontologists.  

Take apart a human body.

There is definitely a lot to do, plus it is right next to City Park, so when I take all the kiddos we will pack a picnic lunch.  There are also water jets in the back of the museum that the kids can play in during the "heat" of the summer.  

We did have to swing by the gift shop on the way out and Junior picked out a space helmet.  He said he is using it to go visit his Grandpa.  Sigh.

Where did the time go?

I sure hope Gunner's deployment goes as fast as time as flying by right now!

Friday I took Junior to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.  Pictures to come.

I picked up our packets for our half marathon on Friday as well.  They had a glitch with the database and so our bib numbers did not match out names.  Enter Stephanie and Cindy.  Gunner was lucky enough to be Cindy Frothingham.  (There was one guy who got stuck with the name Princess!)

The race was packed and it took us forever to get across the starting line, but the route was well manned and well marked with plenty of water.  There were tons of spectators and lots of cheering.  Once I hit mile 6 I decided I would take 100 steps when I hit mile 7.  Mile 6 lasted f-o-r-e-v-e-r.  The next sign I saw was mile 9, so I got rejuvenated and didn't take those 100 steps.

I coughed the entire way.  It was awful, but I just kept trucking.  We didn't train for this race, and I had never run this far before.  Wimpy I know!  In the end, we both finished and feasted on beer and BBQ.  I almost felt like I was back in Texas, except for the beautiful running weather!

The people there were amazing.  Everyone was encouraging, from the spectators to the police guards, so the race volunteers.  The spectators would read your names on your bib and should out encouragement, who cares if they called me Stephanie, they still told me I was doing a great job!

I am sore, my feet are covered in blisters, but I succeeded.  I love the distance and am already seeing when I can fit another one in!  I am trying to talk Gunner into a marathon in October 2011 when he gets home.  He won't shake my hand on that deal....yet.

I attended a Women's Military Spouse Conference this weekend on Friday and Saturday.  I met some great people, and even met the woman behind Cowgirl & Combat Boots and without knowing it met another blogger over breakfast, The "D" Word.

I hacked through the entire conference.  I should have gone to the doctor, but I am going to have to go this week.

I met some great people, received some great resources, and enjoyed some time talking to people that don't poop in their pants.  Always a bonus.

Mother's Day in Pictures

Deployment Question #21--What phone service does he use?

As we get things ready, I have some questions.

Do you use Skype?  Pros?  Cons?

Magic Jack?  Pros?  Cons?

Calling cards?

Cell phone?

What's the best route?  What are the costs associated with it?

Help!

You know a deployment is looming when....

You know a deployment is looming when...

--He returns home with two bags of gear that the Army decides he NEEDS.  Never mind that he has another 20,000 pounds of TA50 downstairs, and many of these items are duplicates.

--He has a date for the CONEX to be packed and it is too soon.

--They repaint the bottom of their bags.

--They get issued the new FRACU.

--Mountain boots have joined the pile of required gear and are being worn around the company in order to break them in.

--Block leave plans have been made, cemented, and are set in stone until the Army changes their mind.

--He drags out his hair clippers to pack so that he can keep his head shaved.  (His first deployment to Bosnia, half the guys got mange, so he goes bald every deployment)

--He makes an appointment to get new POA's.

--I refuse to let him feed mac and cheese to the kids, so I know they will eat it while he is gone.

--He refuses to buy new clothes.

What else would you add to the list?

Wordless Wednesday

Taking a break from biking through Red Rock Canyon. It's hard riding in the trailer behind Daddy.

I'm ready for a vacation

without the children.

I remember my mom telling me that a kid will learn to not poop in their pants if they have to clean it up themselves, and sit in it till they are ready to clean themselves.  Whoever came up with that idea has not met Junior.

I took the girls for haircuts Saturday.  Abs cut her own hair again tonight with a razor, taking a chunk of skin out of her finger.  Her reasoning?  Who the heck knows anymore.

I was getting my workout in this morning and heard my name over the loudspeaker.  Junior apparently was stomping on other children's feet, so he was sent home.

My dog still has a pink head.

I have a half marathon on Sunday, and I am not prepared.  To be honest, that's how I roll.  I'd rather get out there and give it my best shot, then not participate because life got in the way and I didn't have time to train.  Maybe I am more like Gunner than I thought.

I had to bug The Mrs. today to find her recipe for feta spinach mushroom turkey burgers.  Ummmm.....they are excellent!  You have to try them.  Gunner is in love with them.  I am in love with them.  We made extras for tomorrow.

It was in the 70's yesterday, and is freezing today.  Snow is in the forecast.

I am drinking a glass of wine and I now know why I stay up till almost midnight every night.  I need the downtime without having to keep track of anyone!

Deployment Question #20--How has deployment changed you as a parent?

The last questions dealt with how deployment changed you as a person.  Now, how did it change you as a parent?  Let me explain...

Gunner and I had almost 6 years as parents before the deployments started.

During that time, he was almost always home, and we were busy raising the girls, taking them to activities, lots of family time.

I felt like I had it under control.  I felt like I was a good mom.

Since Gunner started deploying though, I feel like it has affected me as a mom.  I have less patience.  I am more overwhelmed.  I never have enough time in each day.

I do know that is is quality, not quantity.  I do know that I do everything in my power to make sure my kids will be okay.  I do know that I do more than the average person, and include my children in almost everything that we do.

I also know that it's not easy to do alone, especially when their dad is halfway around the world and you have a lot more questions to answer and a lot more worries.

I think that if all these repeated year long deployments had not occurred, that maybe I would be a better mom?  Don't get me wrong, I'm not a bad mom, but maybe I could have been better.  Or maybe everyone else is a perfect mom and deployments didn't make a lick of a difference?  Hopefully there is someone else out there...please?

Deployment Question #19--How has deployment changed you?

When Gunner left the first time for Iraq, I was 30, with two kids ages 5 & 2.

He had deployed for a year before, but we were in Germany and since we had no kids, I threw myself into work, graduate school, and learning German.  

We got married when I was 22 and he was 24.  We were young, but I had finished college and was pretty independent anyway.  

As we are about to embark on our 5th year long deployment, I have changed.  So has he.

I know when he leaves, I know that I can handle anything that comes my way.  I could the first time, but I still liked to talk it over with him.

I do a lot more things on my own.  I don't wait for him to travel or see new things.  

I plan trips adventures for when he gets home using some of the extra deployment money.

I make more lists.

I value our time together as a family more.

I don't take certain things for granted.

I maintain traditions for the kids, so they remember the holidays and don't just look at them as "that awful Christmas that daddy was gone".

How have you changed since he deployed?  Or if it has been multiple deployments, how have you changed each time?

A Blast from the Past

Did you ever have the old Fisher Price little people?

We used to play with them all the time. Even with the new ones, my kids still prefer the old ones.

Meet our family, little people style.
(Left to Right: Em, Abs, Daddy, Jr, ABW)
No idea why I am a Grandma and Em is a horse. I loved how he put the 4th ID magnet in there though.

They were having a family meeting.

There always has to be mail. Jr. said she was delivering packages from Iraq.

Can you name the girl in the middle? And if the boy on either side of her had an orange body, what would their names be? I used to think that we came up with the names until a friend saw them and said the same names. Guess we got them from somewhere!

Happy Mother's Day!

I did not get chocolates.

I did not get flowers.

I did not get breakfast in bed.

Instead, I got an all day mountain bike trip down Pikes Peak!  We'll pass through 5 different life zones.  There's lunch with wine at the end.

I can't wait!  We just have to arrange it around Gunner's schedule once the trails are opened up.

I'm thinking if I bike down it, I might need to run up it.

Marriage Ref Needed Here

Have you seen the show The Marriage Ref?  It's hilarious, and I think the time has come that Gunner and I go on it.

I believe that you should use the microwave to its fullest capacity.

If you need to heat up leftovers, then into the microwave they go.

Boil water?  Microwave.

Heat up something out of a can?  Microwave.

Cook?  Microwave.

My dear, sweet, wonderful, husband of 15 years does not feel the same way as me.

A simple can of peas takes ten times longer and requires more effort.  In a duel, I could have a can of peas opened and served within a minute and a half.  It would take my dear sweet husband time to open the can, find a saucepan, pour it in, get the stove hot, stand over the pan and stir the peas.

My method doesn't even require a spoon till the very end.

I was informed yesterday that I don't really "cook" because I use the microwave.

Seriously????  I say that they don't put microwave directions on there for the heck of it, and he thinks that it should only be used to heat up leftovers.  I can cook eggs, bacon, steam food, you name it, all in the microwave!

So.....whose right?  I can cook on the stove, if need be, but with three kids, let's get real, time is a commodity I don't have a lot of!

Happy Military Spouse Appreciation Day! (& Winners)

Anyone doing anything special for Military Spouse Appreciation?  They had a program at the Y yesterday, but I didn't go because they were out of daycare spots for Junior.  


I tired to get all fancy and insert the drawing numbers, but after spending the last hour trying, I can't figure it out, which means it is something extremely simple.


But, the Grand Prize Winner of a $50 gift card and a copy of the book is Ashley at Raising Our Little DevilPup!


There are still two more books to give away, and they go to Sarah at Diary of a Navy Wife & MTM at My Front Porch Looking In!


Send me your addresses, and I'll have them send out your prizes!  Thanks everyone for playing!  I will have another giveaway soon, for something every parent needs if they have children, especially if they are like Abs!

Ramblings Again

I know I need to announce the winners from the giveaway, which I will do tomorrow after I drag Junior and Abs to OT.

One last chance to enter here!

After Abs was sick yesterday, I was at the gym working out, in the middle of my run, and my phone rings.  It was a sick Em.  I grab Junior and go running up to her school to grab her.

I get her home and put her to bed and within minutes she was miraculously cured and wanted to watch tv and have food.  I gave her bread, water, and told her we needed to wait to see if she was going to get sick like she though just minutes earlier at school.

We waited, no sickness, so I offered to make chicken noodle soup.  She wanted something substantial.  Then she wanted the brownies I made.

I kept sending her back to her room.  She decided it would have been more fun to be at school.  Mission accomplished.

Deployment Question #18--How do you answer your children's questions?

My little sister called today to ask me why we celebrate Cinco De Mayo.  I googled it.  Her son seemed satisfied with the response, and we learned something.

Then my nephew has questions about his Uncle Gunner and war.

"What happens if a bad guy shoots at the good guys and they aren't looking over there?"
"What happens if a bad guy shoots a rock?"

Simple answers were given to the first question--they have Soldiers that look all over the place for bad guys, in order to stay safe.  To the second, it's not a good idea to shoot at rocks.

My kids have asked me some hard questions over the last three deployments to Iraq, and harder questions of their dad.

There are the easy ones such as why are we over there?  How long will Daddy be gone?  Why does he have to take so much stuff?

Then there are the hard ones that they ask of their dad.  Have you shot anyone?  (He's managed to put this in basic terms and not answer the question)  Has anyone shot at you?  What if your gun doesn't work?  What if you get scared?  What happens if they blow up your vehicle?  Do you know anyone who has died?  The list goes on and on.

He will answer them in ways that they understand, and he withholds a lot of specific information.

I knew someone that never told their child that their dad was deployed, because it would have upset them too much, so they said he was at work every day (this was an 8 year old).

Me, personally, I would never lie to my kids like that.

Then I have known other children that can spout off explosions, firefights, confirmed kills, etc.

To me, that's insane for a child to know.

What tough questions do your kids ask, and how do you handle them?  What do you do if you don't have the answer that satisfies them?

What has the world come to????

I went to a PEO meeting for the group that I am going to join.  They're really nice, and the home today was just beautiful.  Always hard to come home to military housing after being in their homes! I really need a friend that wants to become an interior designer and wants to practice on my house.

If you have kids, what kind of couch do you have?  I'm contemplating a leather one, but not sure if it will be any better than the material which seems to have gotten dirty since we moved to Colorado.  What's up with that?  I have leather seats in the car, but they are a light gray, and material fared better than the leather has.  I'm open to recommendations!

I came home and then took Junior to the doctor for a speech referral.  We should have the referral in our hot little hands in less than two weeks.

While waiting, Ab's school called and said that she had thrown up and needed to be picked up.  I immediately thought of my dental appointment tomorrow and called them to cancel.

Me:  I have a barfy kid and I need to cancel my appointment tomorrow at 3:30.  (This was just over 24 hours notice)
Office:  We require 48 hours notice.
Me:  Ummm.....okay, but I am giving 24 hours notice since I have a sick kid, and I didn't really plan for her to be barfy.
Office:  We have a 48 hour notice, and you aren't giving us that, so there will be a $35 charge.
Me:  Are you kidding me?
Office:  Sorry, it's our policy.
Me:  I'm not paying $35 because my child is throwing up.
Office.  Sorry, it's our policy.

By this time I was annoyed pissed off, so I told them that I was at the clinic with another child, and I would have to call back and maybe they could talk to the dentist in the meantime.

I go pick up Junior's prescription and run over to the school to get Abs.  I asked the school for a plastic bag (since I wasn't at home when they called) and they looked at me like I was rude.  Sorry people, if you give me a barfy kid, you can give me a plastic bag for the car ride home.  Surely it doesn't cost that much!

I get Abs home and Junior occupied so I can start cleaning the bathrooms.  We all know that nothing says I love you like a clean bathroom.

But first, I have to call back the dentist office because I am just stewing about this.

Me:  Hi, I'm calling back about the fact that I have a barfy kid and you want to charge me $35 for not coming to the appointment.
Office:  Like I explained, that's our policy, we are tired of people canceling their appointments and we are left sitting.
Me:  I understand that, but I have a child that is throwing up today.  That means that more than likely the rest of us will get it, and I have to stay home and take care of my children, they are too young to be left alone.  Not to mention I could infect the whole office.  (Seriously if you have met Abs, she touches everything and investigates everything--did I tell you the story about her sucking on the bathroom lock at the outlet mall?  I want to barf myself.)
Office:  I know what it is like to have sick kids.
Me:  Well if you won't budge, I have to tell you that I will come to my appointment tomorrow, with my sick kid(s) in tow.
Office:  If they are sick, you can't bring them here!
Me:  Well, I am not paying $35, so we can either plan for you to have a space for my barfy kids with me, or we can reschedule.
Office:  Why don't we reschedule.

Are you kidding me??????  I totally get that people cancel appointments and it costs them money, but I have not done that, and I really don't want to infect the world with Abs germs if possible.

I'm off to clean the toilets, wash towels, and prepare the sick diet.

Things I wonder about...

Why am I more productive with children home?

Why can't the Army decide on a deployment date and stick with it.  It's later, then sooner, then later, now sooner again.  Make a decision and stick with it.  

Why can't Abs have a great day at school and at home?  Is that too much to ask?

Why did the Air Force (or is it all military) decide that when you take your dog to the vet it costs a $25 set appointment fee.  She got paid $5 a minute to see Sammy in addition to the shot, flea stuff, etc.  I mean, I understand it, but I'm thinking it's not as cheap to take him on base anymore.

Why didn't I think to call the groomer first before calling a million dog kennels.  I found a great place and Sammy has to go for an admissions test on Monday.  I hope he passes.  Thanks E!

Why does the Residence Inn have to charge a $50 non refundable pet fee when I will only be there about 12 hours.  

What did I do with the preschool paperwork for Junior?

I now know that the "silly clown cup" that Junior likes is the one with the red hair.  Apparently I should have known that already.

........After swimming Sunday, running Monday, and spin class today, I decided that I needed to do something more.  I've been wanting to do a half marathon, so Gunner and I are signed up to do one in a week and a half!  Then 6 days later I'll run a 10K with the Dutchican.  8 days after that I'll do my Olympic Tri, and call it good for a week.

Although I did see a night time half marathon in Austin that sounded like fun!  It would almost have to be that late in order to not melt out there.

Tomorrow there's a PEO meeting, speech referral for Junior, and I've managed to cram in dental appointments and haircuts in the next few weeks as well.

I think my gray hair is multiplying.  Do you color your hair?  Is it worth it?  How often do you have to keep up with it?  I hate to have another expense, but I hate gray hair.

Two weeks from today we finally get to see the neurologist for Abs.  I hope that they schedule her EEG ASAP.

I'm back to doing P90X now that Gunner is home.  We did day 1 last night and he is so sore.  Me too, but not nearly as bad as him.  I think we need heavier weights.

Do you have big plans for Mother's Day?

Deployment Question #17--Things I need for deployment

While Gunner has his packing list, I always have a list of things that I need before deployment.  

Of course, I need The Book, which will have wills, POA's, insurance stuff, all the paperwork I could need.

I also need to switch my AAA membership to CO, just in case.  It gives me a little bit of security.

I'm horrible about putting numbers into my phone, but it needs to be done in case I am out and about and run into trouble.

I need to make a list of maintenance to be done on the car so that I don't miss anything.  (Actually, I usually buy a new car, but this time both of our cars are running fine (banging on wood), so I will be with two cars over 100K, and that makes me nervous--mental note to put rental car phone number in my cell).

I need to make sure that all kids are up to date on their shots and enrolled in CYS.  

A few hidden rolls of toilet paper wouldn't be bad, "just in case".  I mean, we do have three girls in this house!

I took a bike maintenance class so I can do any basic bike repairs that come up while we are out and about.  (I can't imagine I will have all the kids out since that means my series of bikes would be 12 feet long with Abs attached to my bike and Junior and Sammy in the trailer behind Abs.  I know we wouldn't get up any hills!)

I had new tires put on the car, so I will only have to rotate and balance.  Trust me, the tire store with three kids is no fun!

My GPS needs to be updated--brother dear, Gunner said you could help here!

All bills setup to automatically pay.  

Flat rate boxes need to be ordered, as well as stamps, so I have no excuses.

There's the usual cleaning and organizing that needs to be done.

I need to figure out my happy medium.  

Most of all, I need to remember that I will be just fine.

What's on your to-do list before he leaves?

Hiking in Red Rock Canyon

Every time we leave Garden of the Gods, we always drive by this place that has a bunch of cars parked out front.  We finally went there today, and it was beautiful!

Looking across the way to Garden of the Gods.  

Important features:  1.  It's free.  2.  The trails are wide, and although not paved, you can push a jogging stroller on them  3.  Free parking  4.  Not as busy as Garden of the Gods  5.  It's beautiful  6.  You can scramble no more than 10 feet from the base of the rock formations, which allows you to get some great shots.  You can't scramble at GotG.  7.  Very peaceful  8.  We saw hikers, bikers, runners, rock climbers.  We fell under the category of parents of children obsessed with sticks.

Abs decided she wanted to be in every picture because she wants to be blogged about more.  If the girl only knew she gave me enough material for a lifetime.  

We tried to get pictures of all three of them, but that wasn't so easy.  

Yes, Em was wearing her uggs, not exactly conducive to hiking.  Maybe one day she'll listen?  

It wouldn't be an adventure without at least one unhappy camper.  Upset over.....a stick.

BTW, I have that jacket in every size because it was less than $3, so he better like it!

Em doesn't look so sure about this picture.  She insisted that we already had one picture of the two of them touching, that we didn't need a second.  Sisterly love.

My two favorite boys.

A view of Pikes Peak from the trail.

We'll definitely be back, and I think I will take Junior there sometime soon on a run so we can test how the jogging stroller works out there.  Can't wait to return!

A Happy Medium?

I've stayed home.

I've worked.

I've worked part time.

I am thankful that I always have the option because the one thing I am good at is managing my money so I can have this flexibility.

We still vacation.

We still go out and do things.

But I never seem to be able to find the happy medium with just enough challenging work and just enough time at home?  Is it possible to find that place?

I loved teaching, but it's a lot of work and with Gunner leaving this year, I don't think I can give it 110% and that wouldn't be fair to my students.  I'm the teacher that never calls in sick, that spends hours on each lesson, that puts everything she can into it.  When I had my inlaws to help me out during the week and on the weekends, it made it possible for me to do it.

Sometimes I think I can do it by myself here, and other times I realize how much I really have on my plate.

I do have a MBA, so I could go back into the business world, which wouldn't be bad, but the thought of 8-5 and not a lot of breaks or holidays means I am back away from the kids more than I like when their dad is already gone.  The plus side is that I would rarely have work to take home with me.

I have sold things on ebay and paid for our last trip to Hawaii that way, so I could always go back to doing that.  The key is to finding your niche on there.

But, part of me wants more than all of that.

If you can figure out what I should do with my life, please let me know, I am tired of stressing about it.

Deployment Question #16--Bucket Deployment List

I'm trying to start my bucket deployment list before Gunner actually leaves.  

I'm also hoping that it helps change my opinion of this place.  

The kids will be adding some things too.  We want them to all learn how to swim so we can go to Hawaii next summer.  

There's a spot called The Wave, located at the Grand Canyon that I'd love to go see.  Maybe Spring Break?

My now dead from the continued snow veggie garden will be replanted, and darn it, I am going to see something grow out there!

There's a ton of stuff to see in this area, so that's on the list.  There are a lot of little things on there too, that might not seem like much, but will keep me busy while Gunner is gone.  

Do you make a bucket deployment list?

What's on it?

Don't forget to enter my giveaway here!  One week left!

MilSpouse Blog Hop!

Hi!  My name is ABW, and I have been married to Gunner for over 15 years.  He joined the Army before I met him, so I've been along on this ride forever.

We have three very cute, energetic, kids that give us a run for our money.  Em is 12, Abs is 9, and Junior is 3.

We survived four year long deployments--1 to Bosnia and 3 to Iraq--and Gunner is headed to Afghanistan this summer.

I'm overly educated, under-employed, and spend my days training or thinking about training for triathlons.

Happy Military Spouse Appreciation Day!  (At least I read somewhere that it was, but who really knows.  With an Abs up half the night, lack of sleep these last few days is making me imagine things I think,)

Thursday

Yesterday was rough.

I got a ticket.  The speed limit on the street is 45, I was going 41, but I was in a construction zone with NO WORKERS, but apparently that doesn't matter in Colorado, so the speed limit was 30.

Not only did I get a ticket, I got 4 points (how many till I get in real trouble?), and I HAVE to appear in court.  I'm planning on taking toys that the kids can "share" cause we know how that will work.  We have to be there 2-3 hours too.  On FB someone suggested tambourines and I thought whistles might be a nice addition.  If I don't show up, they'll put a warrant out for my arrest.

I thought about how nice and quiet it might be in jail with no responsibilities, no laundry, dishes, dog walking, cleaning, or people yelling my name.  Very tempting...

Junior's last day at his school is Friday.  Don't ask.  We'll take the summer off and I am looking into some better places.

I had a friend come down from Denver last night and today we spent the morning touring the Air Force Academy.  I would have had pictures, but I lost my camera battery.  I told the kids we are cleaning till we find it this weekend.

Gunner's flight got screwed up because the Army is so disorganized got delayed, so he wasn't going to be able to do the triathlon.  I emailed the cadet in charge to see if I could transfer his entry over to someone, and they went ahead and canceled it and gave him a refund, but they also canceled mine.  It was probably a good thing, because nothing is worse than doing a race alone!  I'm still extremely disappointed.

Abs has gone over a week without being written up.  A new trend? We can only hope.  At least she hasn't gone missing.

Deployment Question #15--Can I go too?

I secretly wish I could deploy.

After yesterday I would have been ready to go in less than 10 minutes.  

Once Gunner told me "I'll take a bad day over no day at all."  Some days that will get me through, but other days I just want a break.

How many times when they have been gone have you just wanted to runaway?

I know there's no way I am the only one.  

P.S.  I am still pissed at the Army.

Missing Kid

Maybe one day this will be funny.

Abs was in the basement playing.

It got quiet, very quiet.  Em was doing homework and Junior was playing nicely at the kitchen table.

I was enjoying the peace.

Then I noticed how long it had been quiet.  I knew Abs was up to something.

I tore downstairs to the basement to search and there was no Abs anywhere.

I ran to her room and no Abs.  I yelled for Em, and we took off searching the house.  We covered the basement again and turned off the lights.  We covered the house.  We went outside.

We searched her normal hiding places.  Panic set in.

We kept searching.

Time passed.

More panic ensued and we were all frantically searching for her.

I went in my bathroom, which is above the TA50 corner of the basement.  I hear a muffled tiny voice through the vent yelling for help.  I scream for Em to grab the phone, because I envision the 20,000 pounds of TA50 on top of my Abs.

We rush down there and still can't find her.  We start searching and then Em hears a noise from........

A tiny suitcase.

The girl had zipped herself into a little suitcase to see if she could fit and had gotten stuck.

This is my life.

Gunner's flight got moved and he will miss the triathlon.  They told him he would be back, and we are now out the money.  I'm pissed.  No, I am beyond pissed.  I hate the Army.

Junior's last day at his school is on Friday.  Don't get me started on that.  

I really, really, really, want to runaway, far, far, far away.  

Not so much

That's how much I love the Army right now.

Deployment Question #14--Packing

Things get tense around here when Gunner starts packing his stuff.  After this many deployments we know what is coming.

Can you tell a change in dynamics once those bags come out and start getting filled?

Do you help him, or just sit back and watch?  

Gunner always gets stressed when he is packing, searching for his missing items, and even though we have about 20,000 pounds of TA50, there are always at least 2 dozen items he HAS to go out and buy.  

Sometimes I wonder about some of the requirements on the list.  

Right before Gunner leaves, I tuck a letter into his bag so that he has something to read before the mail kicks in.  It usually contains pictures of the kids, drawings from the kids, and a letter from me.  

The first time he asked what I was sneaking in there, now he just smiles.  I think he would miss it if I didn't do it.

What little things do you do before they leave?

Deployment Question #13--What do you eat?

First deployment, it was just me, and I would make the same thing every week, a gigantic pot of bean soup and eat off it for a week.  Talk about a cheap grocery budget!

Second one, we had the girls, and I cooked.

Third one, I discovered cereal.

Fourth, we ate a lot of mac and cheese.

This time I am hoping someone has some cheap, easy, kid friendly recipes that I can make.

I still have cereal on the back burner.

Oh, here's my easy kid friendly recipe that my kids gobble up and it takes about 1 minute to make and is healthy!  I boil water in the tea pot, make a packet of instant oatmeal.  Then I add a small container of fat free yogurt, some wheat germ or flax seed, and thicken it up with baby cereal with added DHA, etc.  If I have time, I'll heat up some milk instead of water, but that requires me to watch it more so it doesn't burn.  The kids think it tastes like custard, and I don't feel bad feeding it to them.

I also have been known to serve yogurt with granola and wheat germ mixed in.

Junior is allergic to eggs or I might serve scrambled eggs every night.

What are your go to meals while they are deployed.  (I highly recommend the cereal!)

Read this blog!

My friend Abbey has a blog, and she cracks me up, the girl is hilarious.

Read here.

Jump on over there and check her out, I promise you'll love her.  :)

Camping & Random Thoughts

I think I want a popup camper for this little venture to UT, or maybe my inlaws will feel sorry for us and come visit us and let us borrow their RV.  I think the popup would be more fun though, and it will definitely fit more people.  Plus, they don't let you use electricity or tap into water there no matter what you have!

I woke up friday morning and checked email while still in bed (I love my phone), and saw that school was delayed two hours.  They eventually cancelled it because we got slammed with snow.  We did venture out to go to the gym of course, but after that it was home to read stories, make enchiladas, and curl up on the couch and watch a movie.

Today we were going to head out, but we got a late start, so we just hung out at home.  We hit the gym of course, and the Arc.  Abs fell in love with this desk...

Almost perfect condition, for $7!  Sorry Gunner, I tried to stay out of that store!  We also found shorts for Abs, for next to nothing--Gap, Old Navy, Osh Kosh, Gymboree, etc.  Since she is finally going to camp this summer (woohoo!) I needed to make sure she was outfitted.  Thank goodness for adjustable waists since she is 9 and wears a size 7/8 if we are lucky.

I also found a book I had been looking for forever, since I refuse to pay full price for anything.

We watched The Princess and the Frog, cleaned Ab's room (although she claims she functions better in chaos), and did laundry.  Hey, we are nothing if not exciting on a Saturday night.

Abs drew a self-portrait.

The gigantic smile is because she is so happy.  I didn't even ask where her uneven bangs were.

Gunner should be home this week.  I can't wait.  I have a pre-K program to investigate this week.  If anyone knows of any other pre-K programs in the Springs, please let me know!  I almost fell over when I heard how much Montessori was here.  Abs did amazingly well in Montessori in Texas, but it was half the cost!

Gunner and I have our triathlon this weekend, and the forecast is for snow.  Really?

Random thoughts:

Gunner has me hooked on the show Taboo.  It's got some weird stuff on that.  Don't eat while watching it.

Junior has "eye-bras" not eyebrows.

I have these plastic plates that I got for next to nothing at Target, years ago.  They are now all in the trash.  They were looking kind of worn, but tonight I was microwaving something on one, and it caught fire in the microwave.  Do they want my family to starve without a microwave?  Whew, thankfully the microwave still works.

My friend Dave came last week for a night and babysat while I went to my first FRG meeting here.  The meeting itself was interesting, more on that later.  I think Dave's night of babysitting was far more interesting.  He said he would do a "guest blogger post" for me, so he better get on it!

I think I need pho this week.

I stay up entirely too late when Gunner isn't here, and it took me no time at all before I took over the entire bed.

The fresh salsa from Sam's is better than any of the jarred stuff.

Em has decided she wants to cook more.  She can make spaghetti, grilled cheese, oatmeal, and now hamburgers.  She enjoys it, so don't think I won't teach her more in the next few months!

We had a bag of tortilla chips MIA in our house.  They were located under Ab's bed.

I love reading everyone's responses under the deployment questions.  It makes me feel not so alone as we embark on this deployment adventure....yet again.

Abs came home from school and when I saw her, she had already changed shirts.  I asked her where her other shirt was and she told me that it got caught on her desk and ripped.  I asked her to bring it to me, and it was in shreds.  I don't know why they didn't call me to bring her a new shirt, it was that bad.  It looks like an "accident" with a pair of scissors more than with her desk.  Sigh...

Don't forget to enter my giveaway here.  Good Luck!

Deployment Question #12--The Dumbest & Nicest Thing You've Heard

I'm sure if you are on your 3rd, 4th, or 5th deployment, you have heard a thing or two or three or a dozen, that makes you get all riled up inside.

Then there are the things that are said to your spouse that make your skin crawl.

I've heard:
--I love my husband too much to let him go away like that.  (You think?  I just can't stand my husband, so I love sending him overseas to traipse through the Iraqi countryside, while I take care of all three kiddos by myself, and worry about him.  Good times I tell you.)

--At least he gets all that extra pay for being deployed.  (Of course!  I love him going to war because I can just sit back and roll around naked in all the money he is making.  Seriously, where do people come up with this?)

There's more, but then there have also been lots of positive things that I have heard too, and people that have gone out of their way to thank my husband or our family, and that means a lot.  Gunner was bumped up to first class after people watched him try to say goodbye to Jr when he was 13 days old.  He's had coffee bought for him, and lots of handshakes.

Gunner also makes a point of every Veteran that he sees, to go over to him and shake their hands, and thank them for their service.  They always seem surprised, which is sad.

What's the dumbest thing that you have had said to you?  How do you respond?

What's the nicest thing that someone has said to you or your spouse?

I don't expect people to thank my husband, but it's always nice to hear that he is appreciated.

Deployment Question #11--Do you believe in the War?

Ignore the second poll, something is screwed up, just answer on the first one!

I figured some wouldn't want to answer this in the comments, so I made the poll.  If you want to answer in the comments, I would love to know why you feel one way or the other.  Just curious, as I send Gunner off yet again.

Deployment Question #10--How can someone help?

There are a lot of people out there that want to help military families, but aren't really sure how to go about helping them.

I find it extremely hard to ask for help at any time, including when Gunner is deployed.  

Do you find it hard to ask for help?  

If someone were to offer to help you, what is the one thing that would make a huge difference to you?

A hot meal that you didn't have to prepare?  Watch the kids?  (This is a hard one for me, and won't happen unless I could really trust them.)  

A friend, Marilyn, sent me a care package one time, that was w-o-n-d-e-r-f-u-l.  It contained a movie for the kids, a mother-daughter book club series, that we worked our way through, some snacks, and some bath salts so I could make myself relax.  

What would make your life just a little bit easier while your spouse is deployed?

Don't forget to enter my giveaway here!