Welcome Home Jake!!

Saturday night Jake finally came home to us!! This has been an extrememly long deployment but we are finally a complete family again. It was a suprise to find his name on the flight manifest. I literally screamed and then cried. Then I couldn't talk. I was tongue-tied. What a wonderful suprise! His ceremony was around midnight. They gave him Sunday and Monday off before he had to return for his reintegration. Its not bad though, only a few hours each day. I feel so blessed and am truely grateful to have my wonderful husband home safe. Thank you all so much for your support and love to our family throughout this deployment. Now we are enjoying each day together.

Do Unto Others...

I just wanted to post a little something about the gratitude I have felt from all the donations I received for soldiers this past year. Months ago it was soccer balls for the Iraqi kids. I thought we might get 10 or so and we ended up with almost 40 soccer balls! It was awesome. We had donations from friends, family, church groups, friends of friends, family of friends, (you get the picture).

Now its almost time for all these wonderful soldiers to come home and the single soldiers will be coming back to Germany without loved ones to greet them. Not to mention having sheets on their beds, blankets, toothbrushes, etc. Just a room and a thanks for your service, see you in the morning. So....thats where we had some WONDERFUL donations and volunteers. I put out an email about a month ago to my email contacts and I have received 15 boxes of goodies for soldiers. Here are a few pictures of some of the fun stuff. My kids and I had a blast going through all the boxes and of course, my heart was so full that the water works followed. What can I say? When it comes to our soldiers and the patriotism and support by others, I am complete mush. So if any of those that donated items read this....Thank you on behalf of the 2 Stryker Cavalry Regiment single soldiers!!!

We received bed sheets, towels, snacks, toiletries, decorations, even beautiful homemade thank you cards. This was so great and the soldiers that have come in are already thanking us everytime they see us. Thank you again to everyone and WELCOME HOME STRYKERS!!!

Another trip to the hospital

Luckily we didn't have to stay the night...total shocker! I had packed a bag and everything. Its kinda the norm in Germany. They seem to admit you for everything, especially babies. I had the flu when I was pregnant and got sick at my doc appointment, so they admitted me into the hospital which ended up being worse because the other thing about hospitals here is you get the luxury of roommates so I was in with an old lady that kept getting sick ALL NIGHT LONG. Anyway, just explaining why its not so fun to stay in hospitals here....
So Kenlee had a cold for over a week but it was starting to get better. Then a couple days ago her breathing started sounding bad. So I tried to get her in to our oh so wonderful clinic here on post that can't handle the patient load. We couldn't get her in so we tried for the next day. The doctor saw her and said he thought I should take her in to the hospital. He was worried that she might have injested something the way she was sounding. Sound familiar? So I went home, made arrangements for the kids, packed bags, got to the hospital and they said they think she has croupe. I didn't know they still diagnose that one. So they gave her a supository which I thought was kinda cool because I guess thats how they sometimes give children medicine because it gets in the blood system faster and begins working sooner. Jake confirmed that one when he shared the ever fun information that I will now pass on to you...he said "ya Mel thats the fastest way to hydrate someone too. They take a bag of fluids, stick the hose in your butt and stomp on the bag and that will get you hydrated way faster than through an IV". Awww, its so nice having a husband who knows these raw details. Aren't you glad I shared?
So the medicine didn't help as much as hoped but they said I could have her stay in the hospital but it wasn't a must. So we came home and although she doesn't sound much better, she's now starting to cough more so I'm hoping thats a good sign. Maybe the guck is breaking up and she's now able to get it out. None of this slows her down though. Thats a good thing. Still has all her energy and is her sweet smiling, into everything self! Another bright side...the kids were already enjoying their sleepover arrangements (no school on friday) so they wanted to stay and therefore Kenlee and I had the night and now half the day to ourselves. I have actually been able to cross some things off of my TO DO BEFORE JAKE COMES HOME list.

Happy Birthday Kenlee!

Hard to believe my baby is already one! Kenlee is such a joy to our family. She looks like her brother, is sweet like her sister, but is silly all on her own. She gets giggly and excited and likes to bounce up and down. We have enjoyed every second of watching her grow this past year. Unfortunately her dad missed this precious time, but they will get to do a lot of making up for it when he comes home this month. Kenlee is a lucky girl to have a brother and sister that love her to pieces and will do just about anything for her. Rylee is a huge help to me, a little mother. And Keegan loves to make her laugh. He's a great entertainer. And then Lucy our dog is just sweet for letting Kenlee love on her with her fur in Kenlee's grip (I know poor Lucy).

We had a small party with friends and their kids for her birthday. Kenlee got some fun presents but I think her boquet of balloons was her favorite (go figure). On her actual birthday, Grandma Rita was able to watch Kenlee open her presents and eat her strawberry shortcake through webcam courtesy of Skype. Isn't technology amazing?? Kenlee loves....

laying on her dog Lucy

her binkie

taking baths

mandarin oranges

her dolly

playing with the water cooler knobs

exploring

Back to Work??

So last monday I started working again just part time though. Let me back up a bit....since Jake joined the Army I have been staying home with the kids. I don't like the idea of paying someone else to raise my kids. Thats why I originally went into real estate. I thought oh ya I can work from home, make my own hours, blah blah. Well to be successful, you have to accomodate everyone else's schedules. Also I worked in new construction which means working out of a model home. Not bad if your kids are older but sending Keegan to a babysitter after he was only 6 wks old was heartbreaking. Ok fast forward....so it must've been the long deployment getting to me but when I was at the PX recently, I saw a friend of mine putting out lotions and perfume, etc. I asked her how she got the job doing that because she doesn't actually work for the px. So she told me about how she works part time and makes her own schedule, yadda yadda. So I said, "ok are they ever hiring? That sounds nice." So a few weeks later I run into her and she tells me that she mentioned me to the lady that hires for Yankee candles and I would be getting a phone call for an interview. I was all excited thinking a little extra money for the holidays, time away, etc. Then I go to the interview and was later called and offered the job. Thats when the guilt and doubt set in. For starters I had the hardest time finding child care. A new brigade of about 3000 families moved in over the summer and all the childcare spaces are full. Kenlee loves going to the daycare center. She has gone there a couple times in the past couple months when I've had appointments, things like that. So she loves the kids and I have friends who work there so I know she's in good hands. Of course that place is full now. Home providers were full. Was this a sign?? Then one day I'm sitting at home playing with Kenlee and folding laundry and thinking to myself, "what was I thinking wanting to go back to work"? I realized just how much I love being at home. This may sound so corny and lame, well too bad....
I love taking care of my home. Spending the day with my child, cleaning my house (not the acutal cleaning part I mean I'm not crazy, just the satisfaction afterward). I love that contribution I make for my family. No I'm not out curing cancer, but my family thinks its pretty important. Well I talked to Jake about the job on the phone and he said he also likes me being home but that it was my decision. He's so great. Oh I forgot to mention, I had already accepted the job before realizing all this so I already felt an obligation. Especially since the lady had already told the other person she interviewed, too bad.
So starting last week I confirmed, ya this is not really worth being away from Kenlee. I had to send her to different friends to be watched. Well then I got some info that a lady that is certified in home care will be available to start watching her next wednesday. So I guess I will be sticking with this atleast through the holidays. Besides, my original thinking was that when Jake takes his block leave, (Thanksgiving through New Years off) he will be able to stay home with her and they can have some special time together. I am only working like 4 hours a day anyway. So I'm overstressing all this right? Its ok....only part time. Really truely (ya keep telling myself that). But back to me thinking about my wonderful life....can I just end by saying I was able to truely count my blessings that day. Not just think about it in hindsight like usual (yes I know I'm lucky, I have a healthy family, a home, freedom, etc) but I was REALLY able to say "dang, I really am lucky. Yes my husband is away from me and its harder than I can ever describe, but I know how much he loves me. He is truely my best friend. And I AM so very blessed to have 3 beautiful, healthy children who are only young for so long. They bring me such joy, such stress and I wouldn't have it any other way. And I do love being the one who is there when they come home from school. Making them dinner, volunteering in their classrooms, suprising them when I come to have lunch with them at school, reading at night, taking them to karate, cheerleading, dance, girl scouts, etc etc. (ok I lied, that gets so old, I cannot wait for my husband to be here so he can do some of that for a change...but I do like watching them, its just the shuttling around part) So i guess lesson learned A. be careful what you wish for B. if it aint broke, don't fix it and C. Always count your blessings. We'll see how it all goes......

Its hard to believe..

Its almost time for Jake to be home. A few more weeks! (give or take since we don't know exact dates yet) Well its starting to finally sink in that we really don't have all this time left to do this or get to that. So last night I realized I hadn't even ordered his welcome home banner yet. Last deployment the kids and I enjoyed making a homemade banner complete with handprints in paint. It turned out very cute but the first time it rained (Washington state) it was a mess, so this time I decided to order a nice sign from a website. I feel bad that the sign company gets to do all the creativity part but we'll make up for it in a few weeks when we make a few smaller signs to hang inside the house.
I can't wait to see that stinker. To wake up to him in the mornings, have dinner as a family again, you know, all the stuff you don't always appreciate until you don't have it. So we're officially counting down and I expect the next few weeks to feel like years.

100 Days Til Christmas!

Years ago at an enrichment night, we were all talking about different Christmas traditions. What our families do or have done over the years. One lady had mentioned that her family every year has a 100 days til christmas party. They turn on their fireplace, play some Christmas music and talk about the upcoming holiday. I always liked this tradition and since I LOVE the whole season from fall through New Years, I thought this sounded like a fun way to start the season.
Finally this year I actually remembered the date of when we would reach the 100 day mark. So this year we were able to have our little mini celebration. We each put on our Christmas shirts (except Kenlee, she doesn't have one yet), we made hot chocolate, put on Christmas music, and watched The Polar Express while we drank. Kenlee LOVED the part of the movie where they sang the Hot Chocolate song. She kicked her legs and waved her arms all around while it was on. The kids got into the evening as well. They even brought down their mini christmas trees to add to the festivity. The kids also got started on their lists of what they would like for Christmas (I know, already?). It will be nice to carry this tradition next year with Jake here.

FOR OUR SOLDIERS!!

I just needed to write a little somethin down today. This is mostly for any soldiers including mine that are deployed right now. For our regiment, we've hit our 12 month of deployment and now we're 12 months and counting. I think we're all reaching our breaking points. Our patience is really being tested. Our families are going through more than I can even describe and anyone reading this thats in this boat or has been before, knows exactly what I'm talking about.This is not meant to have any political opinion so please don't take it that way. Whether you are for or against this war, the fact is, our soldiers are there. With the difficult times I'm really starting to have, I can only imagine how it is for my soldier. For your soldier, for THE soldiers!! So I just wanted to say that now is the time they need our support more than ever! Its times like this when I'm thinking, just come home already, just get the heck out of that place, I have to remember why my husband is there. I have to remember that horrible day that happened almost 7 years ago. Maybe we did or didn't go in there for the "right reasons", but I truely believe in the depth of my heart that if we hadn't, that would not have been the last attack. Tonight my children and I will sleep safely because the soldiers here are protecting us. They protect us while my soldier protects the world! My family so far away goes to their jobs, schools, church, etc without the fear that the second they step foot there, they will be blown up. They know they are able to speak the way they want, worship the way they want, work where they want, and hold their heads up high when they walk out the door. The children of my friends, aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers and sisters can play outside without worrying that their child will pick up what they think is a soda can and instead its an explosive device. Or that they will be given a "toy gun" and be told to aim it at the soldier over there protecting the children and pull the trigger. There is evil over there and it won't stay on its own continent. Its because of our soldiers that are there educating, protecting and giving some hope to people who have never known the meaning of that word. That hope given to them is what is fighting this evil. Its what is keeping it from attacking us in our homes. And incase anyone is starting to question why they are there, to question what the point of all this is, I just want to say....regardless of reasons, WE SUPPORT YOU!! We miss you, we love you, and most importantly, WE APPRECIATE YOU! And until we see you again, STAY SAFE!!!http://www. youtube. com/watch?v=OzX-09P3UEY

Catching Up.....

I think this is more for my benefit than anyone elses....The few people that actually read my blogs, already know whats been going on, but to summzrize anyway....
We made it back to Germany after an awesome and well needed summer in Utah! We were able to hang out with family, shop, attend endless numbers of parades and fireworks, have birthdays, shop, have lunch dates with Grandma and Mindy, shop, get to know my grandparents even more, shop, go to lagoon, shop, have Rylee's baptism and did I mention, shop?
We really enjoyed our time. It was so nice letting the kids play with their cousins that they love so much. How fun to have kids so close in age. Whether it was arts in the park, feeding the ducks, a trip to Lagoon, running through sprinklers, or just playing on the swings in Grandma/pa's back yard, they definately made up for lost time.
A special time for our family was being there on Rylee's baptism day. What a blessing! She was able to have her uncle Chet baptize her and had many friends and family there for her special day. I can't believe my baby girl is old enough to have made the decision to become a member of the Church and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. I look at that little girl with absolute amazement. She is truely a blessing to have in our family. She's an example to others and even helps keep our family in the right direction. We love her so much!
On another note, the trip coming back was "interesting". Not many bumps along the way in flights but we definately had some car troubles coming back home. Actually we barely made it in the driveway. But we're here, we're settled in (obviously, its been a month) and we are ready to start school and have summer over with!
Bring on the colder weather, the leaves changing, and Jake coming home!!!! We are getting tentative dates of mid-October. Yeah, maybe in time for Halloween! As for now we are waiting as patiently as possible (ya thats not always very patient). In my opinion, no family should ever have to endure more than a 12 month deployment. I just don't know that the brain or the heart are capable. Then suddenly you're standing there with your welcome home signs, waving to your loved one and wondering how the impossible has been possible. Again, I wait for that day! In the meantime, we're all doing things to get ready. Jake is preparing to move out of his 2 man room and into a 20 man room tent! They are preparing all the humvee's and other vehicles for the trip home and we are starting to receive boxes from Jake with all his stuff that he doesn't want to have to pack up later. Its fun opening up and seeing all the sand covered stuff. Cards, movies, video games, etc. Speaking of....looks like Jake just signed in on yahoo so I'd say this ends this blog....

Its been a while...

WOW, I haven't posted anything since I've been in Utah. I've had the time, I mean we stay busy, but not so busy that I can't jot a few lines down here and there. I just didn't make it a priority. Well I guess I have some catching up to do.
We've been having a great time being "back home". Actually I don't look forward to going back to Germany. But the positive will be getting ready for the new school year (by the time I go back), getting back to our life, decorating my house with all the cute things I've picked up over here (oh how will I ever get it all back??) and most importantly, waiting ever so patiently for those last few months to get through until Jake if FINALLY home!
So in the meantime we're making the most of our time here. Visiting with friends and family, taking the kids to movies, museums, endless shopping trips, Lagoon, and even some arts and craft classes they will be starting next week. It wouldn't be possible without the gracious donation of a vehicle from my sister in law. Its not glamorous, but it has a/c and gets us where we need to go. Well, I will try to get back in gear and have more regular posts, and now that I have a camera again, I will be loading some pictures soon!

The best husband!

And did I mention daddy? Ok maybe not the very best of either, but pretty dang close. Jake has been so crazy busy lately and we don't get to talk much. And soon with everything going on over there, we'll probably talking a little less too. He says its actually probably perfect timing for me to be going home for a little while because it will keep me and the kids busy since we won't get to talk as much. But more importantly, just when I need to hear something sweet from him, he totally suprises me! I won't say what, but it was perfect. Something wonderful for me and the kids to read and simply sigh. What a wonderful man! I just love him dearly and can't wait to see him again. And I just had to share that thought. Have a great day everyone and please go give your wonderful spouse a huge hug just because you can!

Edelweiss

Whew! We are wiped out! The kids and I went on a "deployed spouse retreat" this weekend to The Edelweiss hotel in Garmish. Its something they do from time to time for military families. Its kind of a little military resort hotel place. Its really nice. Anyway, it was free and what they do is have a couple of short classes for you to go to and then the rest of the time is yours to do what you want. You can drive yourself or ride the bus. Just before Jake deployed we went on the marriage retreat and drove ourselves but with him gone, and gas prices, we decided to ride the bus. It was pretty comfortable and Kenlee slept almost the entire way (3 1/2 hours). The classes were good. One on PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) and the other about personality differnces and about parenting.
Since we've been to Garmish before, we really didn't go out into the town but mainly hung out in the hotel and swam and just enjoyed ourselves. Not exactly a "retreat" when its you and 3 kids, but did I mention it was free? so you can't complain. Kenlee got to swim for the first time. My camera recently broke but my friend got some cute photos of her in her swim suit and they are cute! I'll post them when I get a chance. She LOVED the water! I'm glad its getting closer to summer so I can keep up the swimming and let her be a little fish! And when the only thing to really do at 8pm at night there is swim, that pool was packed and kids were splashing everywhere and she didn't mind in the least. What a good sport! And of course Rylee and Keegan had a blast! Keegan learned all kinds of new tricks and Rylee had a lot of fun playing with other friends in the pool! We also enjoyed sitting in the outdoor hottub for a litte while when Kenlee was asleep in the stroller. And not having to make dinner for a few days was fun too. So it was a good trip aside from the inevitable unpacking and laundry that always follows a getaway.
Now that its out of the way, time to run around like a crazy person trying to get everything ready for us to leave for the states by the end of the month. Yeah!! I really am looking forward to leaving and even the getting ready part. It keeps me busy and makes the time go faster. Just anyone reading this, please pray that our military flight stuff goes smoothly. That is my biggest stressor. Oh well, guess we'll just have to wait and see!

Lets go to the movies!

So we ventured out tonight and saw a movie. On post so no big deal. We actually saw "Horton Hears a Who" which was a suprise because they usually don't play movies over here until they're almost on DVD. So this was a treat and of course the theater was crowded but it was still worth it. And the really nice part is over here we only pay $4.50 adult and $2.25 per child. It makes it actually affordable to see a movie with the fam.
For those who don't know, when you see a movie at an on post theater, they play the national anthem on the screen before the movie starts and everyone stands. Throughout the anthem, it shows all kinds of clips of soldiers and families, flags, eagles, Mt Rushmore, you get the idea....So I must either really be missing my husband or I'm homesick because standing there watching the clips (which I've seen before) I got a little choked up. Oh who am I kidding, I get that way almost everytime it comes on, maybe just a little more this time. I love watching the people in the audience when we all stand. You can definately tell who the soldiers are because they stand in that perfect attention stance with their hands cuffed to their sides, like they teach them in basic training. Then theres my cute little Keegan who everytime it finishes, he salutes the screen. LOVE IT!!!
Ok so back to the movie, if you haven't gone, its cute. Especially towards the end. We all really enjoyed it. Now I'm home in time for Saturday Night Live!!

Mmmm carrots!

So it has snowed pretty much everyday this week....yuck! I did get to talk to Jake today. That was the highlight of my day! He was tired but doing well. He's just such a cutie. He just knows the right things to say to brighten my day! (ok I'm not trying to be a poet here) I can't wait to see him again! Even though we are going home for the summer, I just hope these next few months fly by. In a way, I don't like saying that because I don't want Kenlee getting bigger. I just love her being little and sweet! But oh man, I just want that guy home!!
Ok speaking of Kenlee not growing up so fast...she ate a whole thing of carrots today. What a big girl! She did great! For her first time, I expected them to be spit out all over the place but no, she did great. She ate half at lunch and polished off the rest at dinner. The only thing is she tries to grab the spoon. She is totally in that "grabby" stage. Anything she can get and then it goes directly in the mouth.
On another note, I got some major organizing done today. I had a hall closet that needed a make over so I gutted it and now its all pretty and all my wrapping paper and craft stuff has a place. I had a big storage bin with a lot of Jake's clothes in there and I took that out and those will all be hung tomorrow (Kenlee started getting way too fussy so I didn't finish that part). Doesn't it just feel so nice when things are so organized and nice? I love it! Its deep cleaning week at my house. Yesterday I was on hands and knees scrubbing the kids bathroom from top to bottom. Its normally their job to clean it but its such a huge bathroom and well they are 7 and 5 so what can you really expect? So every so often you have to get in there and get to the things they miss. Now its cleaner than my bathroom! Oh well. I think I just might not ever be one of those people who always winds up the curling iron or blow dryer after using it and puts it all the way away. Well maybe when Kenlee starts crawling and walking. I'd hate to have her pull it down on her just because I'm too lazy to wind up the cord and put it under the sink. But when you have a youngin, you're lucky if you get a whole 5 minutes in the shower and so getting ready is always a rush job. Ok now I'm off to load the dishwasher before Friends comes on. Yes!! Like 3 years after it ended and I still watch the reruns every night at 10:30, so what of it! Ok good night or Gute Nacht!!!

Looking forward to Utah!

As far as I'm concerned, April and May can just fly by! All of this "is it spring yet?" Seeing as how we haven't had hardly any snow this entire season and now its finally deciding to snow, um no. It had its chance! I say bring on the warmth! So I welcome May with open arms! The sooner times goes by, the sooner we will be going home for some much needed family time. A break for me also! I can't wait to be able to have the kids play with grandparents, cousins, whoever and say "is it ok if I go to the mall for an hour by myself?" The most alone time for me is when the kids are at school and its nap time for Kenlee. Of course thats when I'm trying to get in a shower or clean or read emails. Also I'm ready to be back in the states. I am so tired of doing the bulk of my shopping at the PX. Its slim pickings seeing as how everyone in Germany practically comes to this PX because its "the best?" Also soldiers from other countries are allowed to use our PX and german workers are also. So it gets pretty picked over. But the conversion rate for the euro is now .62 so hardly anyone is out on the economy lately. Mainly I'm ready to get to the states so that we can get that much needed family time that I mentioned. Keegan had his first meltdown not long ago but it was awful! He was speaking to Jake on the phone and when I got back on the phone with Jake, Keegan just broke down crying. He just couldn't stop either bless his heart. He kept saying that he wanted his daddy and that he couldn't handle this anymore. Naturally Jake heard all this through the phone and it was all he could do not to break down from hearing this. And of course all I wanted to do was hold my baby and cry with him but I couldn't do that to Jake or Keegan so I just tried my best to make him feel better. Then that night we talked a lot about it. He prayed for Jake to have a long life with him. So while I being with family is definately not a replacement for daddy, I think it will do him good to spend some time with them. Especially with uncles and grandpas. He needs that male presence and since daddy isn't here, I know he'll enjoy time with his uncle Isaac and his grandpas and of course grandmas also. And of course everyone will finally see Kenlee. Also, Rylee will be getting baptised in Utah and I am so happy for her. Since Jake can't be here, we decided to go ahead and let her do it in Utah around all her family and friends. She has been receiving missionary discussions and she is so excited. I'm very much looking forward to that day. My baby is almost 8 already. Where does it all go? Well, me time is over. Kenlee just woke up.

Stupid Foodcourt!

Getting sick, like throwupy sick is bad enough but when you feel that way and still have an infant to take care of, thats really bad. Lucky for me Rylee and Keegan are old enough now that they can have a cereal night for dinner and get their own pajammas on. Rylee takes it a step beyond. She becomes a little mother, even bringing out Keegan's walkie talkies and tells me to call her on it if I need her to bring me anything. How sweet is she? Well I think this night of yuck stemmed from a chicken salad I ate for lunch. When they gave me the packets of caesar dressing and I felt that they were warm I had that little voice saying to me "Hmm maybe you shouldn't". Why is it that we don't always listen? I guess I figured that since you see other places handing out packets of mayo that aren't cold, I thought maybe salad dressing was ok too. Well thats the only thing I can think of that it would've been. And now that its all out, I'm starting to feel better. But its times like that that you think either "I want my Jakey or I want my mommy"! Am I too old to think that? LOL

Last Saturday

So its been hectic. Last Saturday we were hanging out at home cleaning up and doing the usual and I started to notice some red spots on Kenlee's face. Her eyelid above one eye was red and a little swollen. I thought maybe she had scratched herself while rubbing her eyes or something. Then I notice some small red marks around her mouth. It got worse and she had more red blotches on her face and her ears were beat red. So I open up her jammies and she had red blotches all over her body. Some areas were a little swollen but mostly just red all over. So I called the clinic and was on hold with the nurse line forever so I decided to call back and just schedule an appointment. When I called back it said the clinic was now closed. So after calling the 24 hour nurse line and finally speaking to someone they said to take her to the hospital. I was worried but atleast her breathing was normal. After going to the german hospital, they said they thought it might be a reaction to a small cold she had over a week ago. Hmm, I'm not sure about that one. It was already starting to go away in some areas when we got there. Wouldn't a rash or something from a cold last longer and maybe start earlier? One interesting thing is the night before Rylee had eaten peanut butter out of a bowl for a snack while laying on some blankets on the floor watching movies. Kenlee was on the same blankets when we started notcing the redness. So I'm wondering if maybe there was a little peanut butter on there or if maybe Rylee had given her a kiss and had a little of it left on her mouth or something and she had a reaction. Since then I've been trying to get a follow up appointment for her at the clinic here but of course they are booked.

The other interesting even on Saturday was when Keegan got his very first pair of glasses. Such a handsome little man. So far he's doing pretty well with keeping them on. He does better at school than he does at home. I catch him taking them off during movies and things like that but I think its because he likes to lay down and they get in the way. I'm hoping they will last. Man, kids glasses are just as expensive as adult ones. Even the cheapest pair over here was way spendy. I guess time will tell...

You never know what you'll find in a thrift store....

So I thought I'd check out the local thrift store here on post to see if I could find some jammies for Kenlee for cheap since that child is growing soooo fast! So anyway, no clothes but I was roaming around and decided to look through the cd section. So for all of you that were of the 90's pop era, you'll appreciate this one...I found Millie Vanillie!! So of course I had to buy it! LOL I couldn't believe someone had actually gotten rid of it! So here's my thinking, no matter how ridiculous it is, you just gotta save some of the music from your era. Especially the funky ones...The Bel Biv Devoe's, Salt n Pepas, Bobby Brown..... You know you listened! LOL So you hang onto these cd's even if it means putting them in the very back of your cd cases and pulling them out occassionally for a mere moment of nostalgia or better yet, to drive your kids nuts with the kinds of music you used to listen to. So yes, it was great fun listening to "Girl you know its true, oh oh oh, I love you!" (the lip sync of course) So that was my flashback to the 90's but hey don't even go there with the 80's music, becuase those cd's still rock my radio on a regular basis! Lets face it, U2, Madonna, Thompson Twins, Cindy Lauper, etc etc...Timeless!!

Pphheww

So last night we were good. No up all night getting sick sessions. Hopefully we're in the clear.
On another note, does anyone out there know of any good drops or anything that removes ear wax? Keegan's ears are getting really bad. He actually still has one tube still in one of his ears but the doc says its ok and doesn't need to be removed. He says I need to schedule an appt for an ear cleaning but in the meantime I would like to try getting some out myself. Any suggestions? I can't bother with Q-tips in his ears because he gets so much wax build up that Q tips only compact it. As Grandma Tyrin says, he has watermelons growing in his ears. I am wondering if this is actually affecting his hearing. My mom claims it affected mine when I had ear problems growing up. Huh??? Other than that, we are all camped out in the living room from watching movies. Do I feel like carrying everyone up the stairs to their beds tonight? Na, I guess its a good thing our new couch has recliners in it eh?

Sickness and sleep deprivation!!

That was our house last night at around 1am when I had literally just drifted off to sleep from a long night of laundry folding when Rylee wakes me to tell me she feels sick. So we get up and go into the bathroom and do the inevitable waiting for it to all come and of course it does. Off and on for the next couple of hours. When she wasn't sick she was sleeping on the bathroom floor and when she wasn't sick I was working on getting Kenlee back to sleep. She must've sensed that something in the house wasn't quite right because she woke up a few times which is rare for her and so then I'd get her to sleep and lay down on the bed in her room because my room is on the 4th floor and I didn't want to be that far away from all the action. Then I would get Rylee tapping me again and asking me to come down with her again because she was going to be sick again. So its was very much a sleepless night for all of us except Keegan who was once again sleeping soundly UNDERNEATH the bed! (I have no idea) The next day we had the luxury of spending hours and hours at the doctors office waiting for the lab to get her results from throat culture swab to see if it was strep because Rylee had blisters on her throat. I don't remember how it is in civilian clinics but in military health clinics everything but shuts down from the hours of 11:30-13:00 for lunch. So finally, no strep so then of course what else but a prescription for tylenol and robitussin (which she has no cough) and something else I forget. More meds to add to my cupboards. Oh well its free I guess. So now we get to await the suspensful night of whether or not any of the other kids or myself will spend tonight being sick and once again sleep deprived! Stay tuned....

Workin Out

So Kenlee went to her first day of child care for an hour while I got to have a great workout and start losing the rest of this pregnancy weight and then some. I was a bit nervous to leave her but it was only for an hour and all went well. Luckily the childcare is on site and in the next room. I got to have a great workout and those endorphins must've really kicked in because I was in such a good mood afterwards for a good few hours. Not just a good mood but goofy mood. Thats good though, we can all use more humor right? And I think it helped to prepare me for the long fussy evening that awaited me and continues to. I forget...when is it ok to start letting babies cry themselves to sleep? I guess I was never very good at that the first two times but after probably the 12th time of going up and giving Kenlee her binky, I think its time to let her cry it out. Of course I feel awful and guilty. She's usually so good at lying in her crib and drifting off to sleep. Not tonight.

Pink Toenails!

So Kenlee hasn't been feeling good the last couple days. Nothing too serious, just a cold but you know how it is with little ones, you can't give them medicine, you can't tell them, "blow your nose"! So you kinda just have to do your best to make them feel better. So we did a lot of holding yesterday. Even just sitting in my lap seemed to make her feel better. So mom decided to bust out the nail clippers and some polish and give Kenlee her first pedicure. (All girls love those right?) So we painted her toenails pink. Well I left the polish sitting on my coffee table and while I was cleaning up the kitchen today, my wonderful son decided he wanted a pedicure too. So now my son has bright pink toenails also! So of course I had to take a picture of his toes also which by the way, I had to actually climb under Rylee's bed and lift his foot to take this picture because he wanted to sleep in Rylee's room with her but he likes to sleep under her bed instead of beside. (Don't ask me, he's his fathers son)

Wishing on the same bright star...

This seems only appropriate since we are so far from the ones we love. Whenever Jake is away from us, I think of the song, "Somewhere out there". If you remember the movie, "An American Tail", you'll remember the song. I sometimes sing it to the kids so they will remember that even though Daddy is so far away, we're still under the same sky, looking at the same stars. That always makes us feel a little closer. So maybe starting this new blogsite will help us stay closer to our other loved ones as well....