tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58682699021879173462024-03-07T19:14:18.514+01:00European Living and Learning, Rowland StyleMatt, Jolee, Landen (10), Hayden (6) & Jordyn (3)Matt and Joleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14496994763864162213noreply@blogger.comBlogger230125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5868269902187917346.post-8158761647056935462010-09-01T09:53:00.004+02:002010-09-01T09:55:07.357+02:00New Blog from Kuwait!Come join in and read about our new travels in the Middle East. <div><br /><div><a href="http://mjlhj.blogspot.com/">http://mjlhj.blogspot.com</a></div><div><br /></div></div>Matt and Joleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14496994763864162213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5868269902187917346.post-50061247611675054422010-01-04T11:28:00.003+01:002010-01-04T11:51:19.336+01:00Signing Off<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsOeXXcGjwJtemtYOrBU-naQB7fPc1-9d_JXfXWcmJfPjPQAK8vwbck0v2IiZRyJYkOYKbBXtqkV8oDcI6crd_ndKXqbuVzfD7vaQ9Aavik0jgFChT52Z6q2RNBn_pKF7eUtaUTPtc_A/s1600-h/100.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 306px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsOeXXcGjwJtemtYOrBU-naQB7fPc1-9d_JXfXWcmJfPjPQAK8vwbck0v2IiZRyJYkOYKbBXtqkV8oDcI6crd_ndKXqbuVzfD7vaQ9Aavik0jgFChT52Z6q2RNBn_pKF7eUtaUTPtc_A/s320/100.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422835049199391282" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>We had a wonderful Christmas and I hope you did too. It's funny how all the hoopla takes weeks and weeks to prepare and then with one whoosh, it's finished. One thing about living overseas is that holidays are not long and drawn out. There's no hopping from family event to family event... it's just our house and we are done. Luckily, the Rowland's came for another Christmas visit this year and that gives us all something to look forward to. The kids always enjoy the 100% attention they always get from them. They don't hear the word "no" for a week and they love every minute of it! <div><br /></div><div>While the Rowland's were here they took a little side trip to Rome. I don't have any of her pictures to share, but I must say they make me want to visit. We are planning a trip sometime this Spring, in between Matt's TDY's, school, and all the moving stuff we are starting to plan for. Italy is on my list though and I'm determined we are going to make it there. It will be our last big trip. Matt and I made another jetting trip to Amsterdam for New Year's Eve without the kids. The last 3 years we've been in Paris, London and Amsterdam! Wow! I never would have dreamed that when I was growing up. Well, for that matter even 5 years ago.</div><div><br /></div><div>Wonder where we will be celebrating New Year's next year? For those of you that don't know, we are moving again this summer. This time, to Kuwait. I'm not joking. I'm not going to lie and say I love the idea and can't wait. However, I will say that I am glad our family will all stay together for the next 2 years, Matt won't deploy. We are supposed to have a nice house to live in and I'm looking forward to the warm weather and sunshine. It will be quite a change from here - dust storms, private schools, malls and restaurants that we are used to. It's not the US, that's for sure, but it's a modern country. I am ready to leave Germany, just wasn't planning on moving to Kuwait.</div><div><br /></div><div>I know God has his hand in all this and I'm trying to accept it all. Luckily, my mom and aunt were here when Matt and I were having to discuss all this over the phone from Afghanistan. Frankly, I fell apart for a while. I was more than ready to come back to the states. These last few months though I have felt more at peace about it. It's only 2 years and that sounds so much better than 3 to me. Maybe I'll get some little job to pass the time... maybe I won't. One thing is for sure, I'll have a good tan year round!!</div><div><br /></div><div>That being said, I think I'm officially taking a blog hiatus. I've not posted much for some time now and I'm gonna call it quits for now. My plan right now is to say goodbye and start a new blog once we are moved and settled into Kuwait in the Fall. We will leave here early summer, take another long visit to the states (I'm having knee surgery again, ick!) and then head to Kuwait on yet another long journey. I may do a couple of simple posts after we take our Italy trip and to any other tourist places we visit. But all in all, I'm done with this for now.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you for reading... especially all 3 of you that leave comments now and then. I'll be sure to email you when I start a new blog on Middle East War Zone living, ha!</div>Matt and Joleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14496994763864162213noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5868269902187917346.post-56884987898634251532009-12-20T16:05:00.002+01:002009-12-20T16:10:31.496+01:00Santa<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGen877FkR1iv7ZiCsQEu7l73IYtiSKYa9qk-HnpamD1tsPkm3phaH7AZJXdoJFeTEYMF2VOGS3-hxTJipxtejuzD3Y01oA7ox-0ZWV7TXoGW-gq5KxirDES37VtgwOXu1QSJdgxvVBA/s1600-h/022.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 274px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGen877FkR1iv7ZiCsQEu7l73IYtiSKYa9qk-HnpamD1tsPkm3phaH7AZJXdoJFeTEYMF2VOGS3-hxTJipxtejuzD3Y01oA7ox-0ZWV7TXoGW-gq5KxirDES37VtgwOXu1QSJdgxvVBA/s320/022.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417335444658751122" /></a><br />She did it! I was so impressed. She told me she was going to and usually follows through with her word, but I wasn't quite sure about visiting Santa. The past couple of years she's screamed and wanted NOTHING to do with him. This year, we turned over a new leaf and successfully sat in his lap for a picture! I'm not sure what words were exchanged, but wish I could have heard her.<div><br /></div><div>Obviously, he's not the best looking Santa. Hayden's immediate response upon seeing him was, "that's not the real Santa. He has a fake beard." True... so true. How can I argue with that? OH... I wish I were near a mall where there was a REAL Santa, but we just have to take what we can get around here. He was still a good sport.</div>Matt and Joleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14496994763864162213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5868269902187917346.post-56399757171748661612009-12-19T11:40:00.010+01:002009-12-19T12:31:07.781+01:00Our First Snow Of the Season!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtadfwLH2m7c3fxzGIWVZ2qpPti124Ou0PaVI9fOpjA-6gbrFiAMA0AyaFgeawvV33NX3EFCrlMjBuJm3bbWGB80dXbrgJJo9ml9nrej3BbVWMJzDh5dove3VbQ4eYZgLXD4E11dqU2g/s1600-h/027.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtadfwLH2m7c3fxzGIWVZ2qpPti124Ou0PaVI9fOpjA-6gbrFiAMA0AyaFgeawvV33NX3EFCrlMjBuJm3bbWGB80dXbrgJJo9ml9nrej3BbVWMJzDh5dove3VbQ4eYZgLXD4E11dqU2g/s200/027.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416897838595219138" /></a><br />It was 3 degrees outside this morning and now it's a toasty 7... brrrr!!! We did get a little snow though and had some fun in it this morning. We couldn't stay out long, but will head back out in a little while for some more fun. It really makes it feel like Christmas.<div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ8npazrSFshOVovC5oadHqqB2CWlitkOdUvnvoupzB-LNaNy2hfBCMut99Y4Aid5oLPetfsHwAb8pIX1FOYRBkKinzRwvOHxYL2Cg7cuaPrQEjANG6NM-l6-KkfnnSBX_gaKpIqNyDw/s200/031.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416903381007478226" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofIsAm5QITB9cd1tbyvRLRnqdkzveb20fGbwRN258bF4xovnLaQBovjhXLbyLn2MHjzQ_MDQDzpe7P4l9Pr5LzgGqOd3cpDYjrcQvg-kKm7pR3CmE0bwL98_eOAX8jGb3PzrBmhGyfw/s200/034.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416901863121898754" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7J6jKayEBuEohAPYbkzg54RB-gv30hf6Y5j4r744Q_4srqFYw8pUmqFuPIwlhdb3-6kNbEmgzO2DxsoRTZAXfqydBzQC6WElgxID8ZjZWotfWS_r-ShROSpPG2_yKPaFaea_PDS0IQ/s200/035.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416904490729957938" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijwGjKyMMqSScXix6OVWM3rR1MjFd8k_MAFIFCV5KdoTpTfj87T28p5ADUeD-6J8tebHX-VreAvnNDBeAOMYiKBAeu4QXAr00rXli8qxhBRus59EZsLy7oEYJkCVqNuE3r_l7YXQCdng/s200/042.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416906620156949458" /></div><div>Let's see... Landen had his first band concert. It was really amazing to see what they had learned. I took some pictures but they really didn't turn out too well. I'll put one on here anyway. Hayden had fun at his school party and Jordyn made a Gingerbread House at her "school." We're waiting for the Rowland's to arrive this week and looking forward to a fun filled Christmas week. Tomorrow is a brunch with Santa. Jordyn says she'll sit in his lap, but we'll have to see if she follows through with that.</div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8F0NgrHIfPLWXxi_zZJZEl-Mp0BGQ6HCFFilXAZZGbR-uqHpyBHQp7ZaJQn3zAQzRD640Zvw-Fvk6_DlS_ElQqUdNb7Xf3qT4B5kozRqibHALd8MRUxqKKcC8Bh-KYXZ6RMGQsHiPqw/s200/019.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416899153847662146" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiivf-Hae-2USxSexoIaydplxhza8hqUXVWSLh9sCZGvneI3cV8bGwP2T-9IPViQz4gOMLO6eI34alCe1_ME9uVMxT_jbr_fXi7iaY9Jx39y3ip0HZy0vt2gn_1M59Y-IGeeQYnOwX_zQ/s200/030.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416900545443085042" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaMNQVKBtcBfbC5ncjfwkqgwOBWA0KA3-h1qb8UdtGbpyLInl5FH00L6-qgW1npEJ2REKZA7k4l2sMkpj4yRYMYIDSw0m2SNt9_aWUEQv5-JNgW6EB7mUvNYOxK6J8j_P3M7dw0kPUPg/s200/Band+and+Sheep+002.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416908214497205730" /></div><div>I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas week!</div>Matt and Joleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14496994763864162213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5868269902187917346.post-64475190765070746492009-12-06T19:56:00.013+01:002009-12-13T19:53:18.207+01:00More Berlin<div>Guess I should have put more to come in a few weeks instead of a few days. </div><div><br /></div><div>Well, here are some more pictures from our trip. I took a lot, and they honestly take forever to upload onto this blog so I only picked a few.... the Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, the hotel where Michael Jackson dangled Blanket off the balcony, and all the Berlin Bears. I ended up buying me a Berlin Bear for my curio cabinet. There were so many it was hard to choose which one (especially when there are four, I mean 3 children with you... ) As always, Matt had his GPS in tact and we only got a little turned around one time. </div><div><br /></div><div>Overall it was a fun trip and I'm very glad we went. It was not my favorite trip of every place that we have been, but I didn't want to say we've lived in Germany for 3 years and not have visited Berlin. There was LOTS of graffiti... and it was just a typical German atmosphere. I guess we have lived here so long that part of the German culture is becoming second nature to us. </div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlEIDGXE_qED3bhKzjGtQh3RwXuh-nX1XtgK7f_V8TgSD2FhNoHEMHa7-BauxLJ7diCQHFMvvlct-fDZ29AEdctO7aM6GH5QLA5EuifFBQ4k0Vjjtldbt5qKTacHZMjUjUkzuMls_bgw/s1600-h/Matt's+Camera+Berlin+2009+109.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlEIDGXE_qED3bhKzjGtQh3RwXuh-nX1XtgK7f_V8TgSD2FhNoHEMHa7-BauxLJ7diCQHFMvvlct-fDZ29AEdctO7aM6GH5QLA5EuifFBQ4k0Vjjtldbt5qKTacHZMjUjUkzuMls_bgw/s200/Matt's+Camera+Berlin+2009+109.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412209622346141330" /></a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACKOAUaOQ6LRw7Xlt9A69hd0NvyMgl0KYxvexWOr9v6PVBdrlM1dUXEKaJTty2OlewQS9MlXnKS0zgM6i_91RPWTBgmqVunIPQ1bvMrSnMyyYRbLUIl4FnPk2Krg4NSvTlnJuO9tdJQ/s200/Matt's+Camera+Berlin+2009+106.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412210488243570450" /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPXCOyWAlLstHUTxTmwOm045KItoNH2DOUeAZNLXZePnW7pp2HQHrZ0KzLmYklDopUijgVDLq5DrRMjHINq0p4CQ4GY30AzM7khavW9NJYKEVjrWVJIzNFQ3JlfesuiXXeh2asmWTWmw/s1600-h/Matt's+Camera+Berlin+2009+154.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPXCOyWAlLstHUTxTmwOm045KItoNH2DOUeAZNLXZePnW7pp2HQHrZ0KzLmYklDopUijgVDLq5DrRMjHINq0p4CQ4GY30AzM7khavW9NJYKEVjrWVJIzNFQ3JlfesuiXXeh2asmWTWmw/s200/Matt's+Camera+Berlin+2009+154.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412208220103470530" /></a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6QN3HmrTOusaT17ppUF71LqDmgibOkGdMyKM55C-zD69mISBSIV6_vL8zNJUPIv4-PlcGvzQzbmRYw18oLjHgXZmVAzixpONQ-VMIrmdS3lgWWI7ZKWjcMw45U8Zql-H7Q32rEA9UdA/s200/Matt's+Camera+Berlin+2009+147.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412208669198059106" /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3yOxoGIKhkdrXP2WjWHD2Wuq-xMF6SVhc3JQXHtca4TL4mKKo0wKtXSGFBuhVPI_v1NyZwynUMn51jGrrJwmJSsPLUjnPamdIk13UlXPH0Q1WhbwGEj5N6O0nxlPvYTd5HZZaJUZj3w/s1600-h/Matt's+Camera+Berlin+2009+137.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3yOxoGIKhkdrXP2WjWHD2Wuq-xMF6SVhc3JQXHtca4TL4mKKo0wKtXSGFBuhVPI_v1NyZwynUMn51jGrrJwmJSsPLUjnPamdIk13UlXPH0Q1WhbwGEj5N6O0nxlPvYTd5HZZaJUZj3w/s200/Matt's+Camera+Berlin+2009+137.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412206824134338626" /></a><br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdy8Xn3E4cKlL8zCuPAIri_YnhvwvxhPAwnpp334nCmlsr8GqjcowdJkGHxiefbkmhw42c_HHkgDl-L74-22gYq5A74rIW18JUKRNmYiGmy6WsMtLIrMvRGWPFN19rzpQZLdPxRhe_gw/s200/Matt's+Camera+Berlin+2009+102.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412205106131819778" /><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0EXTOLpgStugQJCoHz78MmdzazQg1dKtEb7CYJGjnfoS4d9E3NnREavgDWkQAVKQ5ZVAVDLwoIwvD3lmdz6YrcmXQqwMUpxfiH_IjbSrE9-FVfowNNCLU-MWGtxo2txvtQV-DSDw6nA/s200/Matt's+Camera+Berlin+2009+172.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412205658879409474" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4p-zeSwkNoGiiCxeBlPa8fHIZjIP31dl7jBMI7e5Gn6ETzFIBf_WhKlsrygU3jawl0Uj-xmJhbQEzSvAVtIlGl6BuY-RN_7Y6DaD0wdf6wnIWqOzzfFa8_9gjWlBp3SdSGT9JgmssMA/s200/Matt's+Camera+Berlin+2009+177.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412206334813529074" /><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3XW28MCVn-qd7hQoPk6OiwlRg1FrZgunhCZeCpTFshPQnI37b_CAfMHXeQixNdJ2dZlzHXWuXStNL4Ij4k6QKSyLoRVKfe6NAH75Fhcani-hs8nX1e8CQJ-iUDZsijLdT7veeU9TjJg/s1600-h/Matt's+Camera+Berlin+2009+076.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3XW28MCVn-qd7hQoPk6OiwlRg1FrZgunhCZeCpTFshPQnI37b_CAfMHXeQixNdJ2dZlzHXWuXStNL4Ij4k6QKSyLoRVKfe6NAH75Fhcani-hs8nX1e8CQJ-iUDZsijLdT7veeU9TjJg/s320/Matt's+Camera+Berlin+2009+076.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412204318101216722" /></a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjboYTVsx8oEOBlpQu5lfSAFoUUsd_umeUNbGII1ZyCnvhGMcVFMXQBxuij0BtUr9hyDywdlIrDRhm9VPvGhm445-jbf7K0DFq_DaqXebF9K5wP0gdkqhMOO82WRRNO_pV3USGSWT10Kg/s320/Matt's+Camera+Berlin+2009+140.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412200485029155378" /><br /><br /></div></div>Matt and Joleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14496994763864162213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5868269902187917346.post-219464304080256182009-11-27T20:31:00.018+01:002009-12-02T08:25:49.647+01:00Berlin - Day Eins & Zwei<div> (At one of the Christmas Markets)</div><div><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvLmIVp6sgEnCuEJmxFV0CVfFyzJV-S8pz4vwo7bmdmX2bCZWThn7uQIiV7Aq_knJO_WXKa7ptPIdj8Th3rwp4K8xC6PTjSOsH4167pzVmZ33xbu0h3vVF1GB7dK4WItHh3H9vrEhmbg/s320/100_0649.JPG" style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408878908155683458" border="0" alt="" /><br /><div><br />Yeah! I am posting from Berlin. The kids are all 3 fast asleep and Matt and I aren't getting much out of the German TV, so we are being entertained by the computer. Thankfully, he brought his laptop. It's funny to turn on the tv, see Blues Clues or reruns of sitcoms (John Belushi's last one but I can't think of the name of it) and it's all dubbed over in German voices. It just doesn't seem right... The kids don't seem to mind so much. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">(ok, so I didn't get this posted and I've been home for 3 days now... I tried!)</span><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br />Anyway, back to Berlin! I'll have to take some pictures of the train ride on the way back because I failed to only take a couple on the way here. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">(I did!</span>) It was expensive to take the train, but worth every penny in my opinion. The kids can stretch their legs and move around a little instead of being strapped in a seat belt. We didn't have to worry about where to stop for gas or where we would use the restroom. Speaking of restrooms, I did learn that it is much more difficult to use the bathroom on a train than in a plane. Just trust me. I'm glad I'm not a male! <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">(And, we spent a gazillion euros on bathrooms in Berlin. Seriously! One trip cost us $7.50 after converting. I bet we spent $50 easy... enjoy your free restrooms, people!)</span><br /><br />So, we got here and got to our apartment. It stated it sleeps 6, and well... it does. Two in the "living" room, 2 in the "kitchen" and 2 more in a side bedroom. It really works well for our set up of people and is much better than being crammed into a tiny hotel room. It's almost impossible to find rooms for 5 anyway. I'll get some pics of the outside tomorrow (can we say graffiti???) but I'll share a few of the inside tonight. Then we enjoyed our Thanksgiving dinner at Hard Rock.<br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQwDo82y98BD9ih9oyBwIyuqIoyd1G-aQyVjyr5aSaMR-qcpeV3zYj7UzVxJYWD-iPp-VdxUGeVQFSUGllFBJPnCjL1gqGj0Jme6V31wcnsBh2_fpFwsCWeRx3GSPmfUm5g3brx8CGrA/s320/100_0666.JPG" style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408877695548789714" border="0" alt="" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9PSxJRaa-pl-YDIooSS5MsI83GbvPXE4XqF24yWdzqKxBgDliznLtVsVRhMyI2wczbv8sc-83YHAc3B9Q6F4b6FmSqzlLINWRURrsHyVNxmsT74ZI8a6lcwDQ9KDueb31Lq1AOWkVRA/s320/100_0660.JPG" style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408878491686718882" border="0" alt="" /></div><div><br />A few of us are missing some toes because of these....</div><div><br /><div></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhySbMSu3fJFKxgL0iYIiJwYnyv4q9nvXulNLiv8bhjLOyD3VexvmqPS7tL_qlliyu-tGwSBH_1vAF2NW23PBjOMfGXHMgvy1yB4KKT3e5gr0LWYBwSNZWqiuZtBF5TDlcEenBN2KWfzw/s320/100_0669.JPG" style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408878098599668178" border="0" alt="" /><br /><br /></div><div>The shower curtain only came around about a 1/3 of the shower. Interesting... but I'm not a fan.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgculURGUpES95slF45fPHAmPh-VyQsmwcIEz-LUfUwiIqnPX3TiTHYhAstTRzUvcCHkpqQnLuEF4CHBTr2Oz42tLgkaB93l4VEhMWqIoQwXcZi4Q-n1U2nJrJ8j1ep5JyfKG4dUkCvVw/s320/100_0670.JPG" style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408877882372319458" border="0" alt="" /></div><div><br /><div>We went to the zoo this morning... yes, in the rain. We were snuggled up really well though and put our umbrellas and hoods to good use. Honestly, it was come and go all day and though we dodged a lot of puddles, we really lucked out overall. After the zoo, we went to the Christmas market accross the street, fed the kids McD's (b/c we spent 40 Euro feeding them lunch at the zoo for nothing more than a weiner & fries and a couple of 1/2 wraps! when you convert - it's a lot of money.... for lunch.)</div><br />The zoo was fabulous. I'm sure it is much prettier when the sun is shining and the bushes have leaves on them, but despite that it was still very nice. It's rather large, the kids LOVED it, and it was very clean. I was impressed by some of the habitats for the animals, though I thought a few of their water tanks needed some cleaning. Evidently, one of the monkeys had just had a baby and camera crews were there filming and taking pictures. Watch for us on TV -we may be famous! ha! I was most excited about seeing Knut, the famous bear. Of course, when we got to him... this is what we got to see. I was fearful of that happening.</div><div><br /></div><div>.<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYSrAagSrNzLAlck21-oD1uYdkWAeX4n8-QCSfUWuvBRb0Pm8OrfzfNS2vWrZezeJasZUFYJz2Igxaya90zvYHCQH_L71N1qtwL9ccb1wz7JueBMVeCnnJQdt2ZJ2zWxUgmwjycSA4fw/s320/100_0622.JPG" style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408872550677649298" border="0" alt="" /></div><div><br /></div><div>However, we went back and to my excitement - he performed!</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvEzGHo_RwgtoI2H3a8IeJsOScKehJZiZ7m131WhM_zerTxy6uPQr7YKa4bfT8KzQHkC697um6N2aBQQSbjnqWh4CiKYsPiF1hYJXIxFB3mWNGNorCpyfeE86vCb5wqHwWGXFdw1rqXw/s320/100_0634.JPG" style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408873233406768546" border="0" alt="" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Want to know what is funny?? This is Knut!!!!!! (so I got a little confused with the Panda and the Polar. They both start with P, right?) ha! In my defense, the panda is quite famous too. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGMXVlFwPGZs_eMpFRoOXsDBUifMrmgLzb8QNjo8gbN00nVaaWg3T3xSnCEVKdq66dTAruyAnIha0_TVue9PVvuVVYapT07Ct2FEcXSBeCBMkzyAaxPAQEgxId6NlRZd1maNK650Vleg/s320/Matt's+Camera+Berlin+2009+049.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410534757661182738" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The elephants were hilarious. We watched them for a while. There was a little baby and we guess a sibling or other younger one who kept kicking each other... then the mom would break them up. It was really cute...</div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnKlJW6ViKsyz5eSx54ZKE55bdCS_kDelShxB56Rk1rJCrPFRa7o1eOxHMpdyzMXn1-DvmL5wL5QNiM5UYIKpaYgIucucmF7fUDwhkENARPJK3UTOKe5IQxaJjKbeuv4HKeExIbNMfjA/s320/100_0610.JPG" style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408874416183430546" border="0" alt="" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-w7_yCeTPiiFMAvI-sKgWNBJwdToCdsqD4TO4J_Tu_ONAhhF3rLhYqsBKxw6ypjzq6bvbExUPkcgT7ajtq1_fWZBUtHSC8i22hDigDunbige2qHc0V809vDj52sYVRXCR4nJOHDyZg/s320/100_0605.JPG" style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408876718051218802" border="0" alt="" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh7kYDS-2UEpuMa4TfOwCqEeBjePyfw1TEYGyyYIp99U4iv47lpcTLX07SBN349nEEtX-UEGkpqqaInZULtHrOSLyZicK5K9fc0lORBq1YQese5vtXNydruppw76s23r-hk1bnOGcj1w/s320/100_0639.JPG" style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408877221109055810" border="0" alt="" /></div><div><br />This picture is blurry, but I just had to share him. Yikes!<br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBqhymJ3tNupu5xj_uaqOlKg-Eoiq8cXu1mVY2PJEnK6XqzhE-_H6j-c4T7dY0MRvhHYCl7spM0VlAUEWJT9axUmwgJLv-_h0m0j4EYqE2X3SFxXzY2HFsYFrlLkjSNl8Sw5k7Nv2aVA/s320/100_0599.JPG" style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408873988342248162" border="0" alt="" /><br /><br />The kids after day 2. I think this sums it up:</div><div><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCEDZq0W371vkei9vIqnL6dmQP_IA31tBDRfz4bI3GpWaBvq94y5SSt4KYpyTPapdZlI0HxAruxeRRwWPsBdu4k7vMj7MCuQ9xGI9evJNp-X8R_HhsQ-9U-zVjjba1fddogj3z2f_okQ/s320/100_0654.JPG" style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408874788523179058" border="0" alt="" /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">More to come in a few days....</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Matt and Joleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14496994763864162213noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5868269902187917346.post-58255953299154394352009-11-19T16:55:00.005+01:002009-11-19T17:16:58.630+01:00Long OverdueI've been meaning to post this for several weeks and for some reason I continue to fail to do it. So, today I've been knocking some things out.... changing sheets on the beds, wrapping some Christmas presents and getting them ready to ship, and I thought I would check this off my list as well.<div><br /></div><div>What an incredible honor it is to have a stadium dedicated to my father in law. Most of you who read this know it is old news, but for those of you that didn't know SHS high school stadium is now named the Jim Rowland Stadium. WOW! It was one thing to hear about it, but it was entirely something different when I pulled up to that stadium and his name is splashed all over the stadium.</div><div><br /></div><div>Pops definitely deserves such a high honor. From the time I can remember, (even when I was his TA in the 10th grade) he has had nothing but respect for Southside High School and ALL the other schools in Fort Smith. He has worked hard for so many, many years at making sure those lines were painted just right on all the fields, the stadiums were clean, the grass was just perfect - blade by blade, turning water on and off at various hours of the morning and night. I could go on and on. I just had a flashback of all the girls on the Dixie Belles taunting me as we would practice on the field before a football game when I was just beginning to date Matt. Little did I know he would be my father in law one day!</div><div><br /></div><div>As has happened many times, sometimes being stationed overseas isn't all it's cracked up to be. I once again missed an event that I would have loved for my children, Matt and I to attend. However, life just sometimes doesn't allow everything we want. I was able to run by and see it when I made a quick trip back for my grandfather's funeral and we snapped a few pictures. Pops, the next time we come back home we are going to have to snap a few more. I didn't get everything I wanted so you will have to grin and bear a few more snaps. </div><div><br /></div><div>Pops, we are so incredibly proud of you and honored to be in your family. We love you!</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghogRIsiGhEFRCKeT7-vcH9VsL2jBZLVa1yGNbJcfWRwMJGVx09eBIZJvaoNnGvK7QK6m23fLB5mnhSUed6532_GnMjo_YzUfoevvNbdhZyzYdtYrg3CN3Xeqxie6BiOgx1n4NACK07w/s320/002.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405847784116159282" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0rnDsAW6iAABxne1KiZvSUQZDDYHGcZJ22EIMM6K5z69LwVznOrxitPHh4FEjWFXQJDrAu9i3ZWPvFvMRHgYIzbEHwX_rveD7tMlqqwl1jwgbm-zz6RFOP7Le-6HAomNXWWdEI9AzYA/s320/003.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405849161131439746" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Pops with all but 1 of his grandchildren</div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ3EPGnNtqOtleFuQ9xeqNSoodhZtRQPfnTJpv0JkaYvFndYYPzgqIZSi7XAmk5yWHiFX8kKNDuI9T1evkxYy_EM6cg72Hlv0MvUQxa__2QbZBWuog7O_U2Li8GPuL4M3jlp2L8p_07g/s320/pops+stadium.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405846336267004546" /></div>Matt and Joleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14496994763864162213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5868269902187917346.post-75168443669459279832009-11-09T12:05:00.008+01:002009-11-09T13:01:55.593+01:00Life & SuchI'm just not in to this blogging thing right now. I guess you've figured that out if you have bothered to look at my blog. My mind is going in a million different directions right now and I just can't seem to focus on any one thing. I know Christmas is going to be here before I blink, and I just haven't gotten in that spirit yet. Normally, by now, I am almost finished shopping. But, this year... not so much. I have to shop early over here in order to get everything shipped so I'll have to get myself in gear sometime soon!<div><br /></div><div>We've adjusted to daddy being back. It's odd that after being away from us for so long, the instant he walks back in the door it's as if he never left us. What was all the fuss about? The tears? The never ending feeling? It all wonderfully disappears! I have a maintenance man around the house again, a mower, a computer man, a driver, a help with the kiddos and some adult interaction in my house again. Woo hoo!!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>The time in our lives has come once again in that we are working through where we will be moving next. Some of you already know, but as of now, the odds are that we are going to be remaining overseas. I've slowly found out that God's plans and mine are very, VERY different. Not sure if I'm being punished or what! No, I'm joking. Nothing in the military is ever set in stone until written orders are in hand, so we are just waiting until we know 100 percent. There is a lot more that will unfold on the blog after this.... so just keep that whole situation in your prayers. I could write a book about all my feelings on this, but I'll save that for another time. If you have kept up the least little bit, you know how ready I was/am to be back in the states. I'm feeling a little more at peace about it every single day....</div><div><br /></div><div>On another note, we had fun at the annual elementary school Turkey Trot again this year! It was our 3rd year to participate in it, though this year Landen didn't get to compete since he moved to the middle school. So, it was all on Hayden. He didn't want to let his big brother out do him after he placed the last 2 years. With flying colors, Hayden pushed through - ran the entire 1.5 miles without stopping and got 2nd place for his age group!!!!!!! We were floored and very proud of him. My little cuddly boy is making a breakthrough into a big boy I'm afraid. </div><div><br /></div><div>Before</div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIlpIPdimRaR5e8Eiz68KQtJAY0VJ7h9h4LjDo_ioCOYhwjPVAHugVFIumHO3WKcbEWrjfHXFU1k8ETaYEFrUedAcNU59crNfud_9QJhldP8Bn8H7ANGuXV1E6Dhc4q-En5-BOUdLu4g/s200/029.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402062937077565202" /></div><div><br /></div><div>During</div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmXOs1D6wry6nQRJhIZbSs5zpTcyZjaskOkQB0hbvq7L708TlD4IiuhyphenhyphenvXw2HpNW3BDkXlGal3KH1TqbLTLCKeXG7jCF9A9hQmZxgE_3mYrthkcF3DrJfssImUkuBALKDET02_SKUmg/s200/044.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402066073599249890" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Finished!</div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4D-1kR1yX1-G0a9QczGMaEusjOmUuarLMsSgOVfB5jheOTDYcXa4vn2y_BdXPyr5H0QJe9Cnuvkb3AX_2FoUBym7TiLZ5PYLCt56rxR7MIl4FHQErvF55FuR5vGk9ZmvNgaiBU0OmyA/s320/049.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402064600825790770" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSkwhKfLO6M68uAHtu09ciLRvvljnOt2ie6quaauk6A78TfPycJsHE0E99-HXlNwRQd1ecXyGnlm6jn7CKwTf_j4Y0NOGBqCn1ITbiW6chf697_PS7FIo9Vi788vqiB31qQCkw9FqR0g/s320/056.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402067671179319010" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQi5leTXfubx67ACePjIAmaZvu0gpCilirpLGS6cblIN8MxOdpD_Qkbr1ebC4_K4NHSraZ2hOvhYSNGbOoAwaJmsuS8Sqb2J1anRrzyapfra_6kNKCtk_YX4SjsJV9oXD7vM-FvQn2w/s320/060.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402069706735618418" /></div>Matt and Joleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14496994763864162213noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5868269902187917346.post-39488980055745317552009-11-01T08:19:00.007+01:002009-11-01T10:16:33.916+01:00A Rock Star, Storm Trooper, and Cinderella<div>Whew! What a few weeks it has been. I was able to go home for my grandfather's funeral (with the 3 kids, of course), Matt returned home, and we ended the week with Halloween! We are all getting readjusted and it's as if Matt never left. He's got lots of pictures I can post when I get some time. I've also got some other pictures to share, but for now.... here's Halloween.</div><div><br /></div><div>We didn't have a costume party to go to this year, so we opted for trick or treating on base. Once again, it's mass chaos and I feel sorry for the people who live on base. They should take donations from the rest of us who live off base. Since Germans don't really trick or treat, all the Americans have to head to the base. That's a lot of people!</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJOJCRVZSzoe_HDfND2Jc5M4xB1JVhBpURoxnBFyKKJccTwBX8VoYsxj24NX0Thv8Acc7mNElu1kAPkB-l8k1KXvUqJ3wcCLARhM0ZiO3oUpSyv0C3h3q8NQJ0xJmj-wbPVdvQfjWVA/s1600-h/121.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJOJCRVZSzoe_HDfND2Jc5M4xB1JVhBpURoxnBFyKKJccTwBX8VoYsxj24NX0Thv8Acc7mNElu1kAPkB-l8k1KXvUqJ3wcCLARhM0ZiO3oUpSyv0C3h3q8NQJ0xJmj-wbPVdvQfjWVA/s200/121.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399035190543116482" /></a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy6hi2ndso67dEYC5dRyNepH5-7rXJmQ9igQzHFciqAdbJYSjk-HjBfNFaPwbEKl16xhY5cw70Qt0EpqapzuGtzw8FEm_mcF1NHqmec8v-erz6h9la5hKPZNwmsNUt8nPqsBsHzRraWA/s320/114.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399034074412188978" /><div>The picture of all the people is just to show you what it's like. You have to wait in line at each door there are so many people....<br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYKp1OwsbXY8Zum8lEDsgV5VyKGSq9n2sYTT5YgzpFugsPCwtZvQXNJasg0anQdfGgWXbAf8p02g7FI4VQX2N6YL6KeJMI4OE4BIrueEgztpMRA1A9qB91bB60CuAtUwslTiHLwJSSow/s320/130.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399058834135502962" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyoHN9gpRrw4y3WJflOMW68_1ulGXSqNC2zgaNcS72sJIShFqFCEM2-r0IBLrUObUw_gRH1KlAdZV_1nbgLjLlg_fRaN5PwExFukVxv0X-B-EpI4VcQKvTgqqT86wB4UPf0-HR4FFxiA/s200/137.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399060471523962226" /></div>Matt and Joleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14496994763864162213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5868269902187917346.post-83999638554935769622009-10-24T22:22:00.002+02:002009-10-24T22:24:36.466+02:00HE'S HOME!So happy to say, MATT IS HOME!!!!!!!!! In Germany..... and the kids and I are in Arkansas. <br /><br />Seriously. <br /><br />We'll all be together in about 36 hours. <br /><br />Thank you for the prayers. :-)Matt and Joleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14496994763864162213noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5868269902187917346.post-32020790354665232512009-10-15T20:15:00.004+02:002009-10-15T20:25:13.188+02:00Pappaw, We Love You<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjZYIbScT25uMZ1Kf15DeM_mzP8RVqJktZKE80zh2GxfBFKaLtgXYqorPHaSRgJIyJvfAdQ7AHIODtgp3H175cc6nAfF5OJ7vj8P7rmln8kQyJmZJHvSRwZjzl6-awRFezl2VAaXr35g/s1600-h/017.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjZYIbScT25uMZ1Kf15DeM_mzP8RVqJktZKE80zh2GxfBFKaLtgXYqorPHaSRgJIyJvfAdQ7AHIODtgp3H175cc6nAfF5OJ7vj8P7rmln8kQyJmZJHvSRwZjzl6-awRFezl2VAaXr35g/s320/017.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392893881831776722" /></a><br />We will all miss my grandfather dearly. He passed away early this morning after being sick for quite some time. He was a wonderful man that I am so thankful my children grew to know. What fantastic memories we have of him... traveling in his RV, taking care of his garden, and taking care of my grandmother for so many years. I can remember him taking us on road trips when we were young and he was a salesman. He came to my dance recitals as a young girl and loved to have homemade ice cream on the 4th of July.<div><br /></div><div>We love you so much and will miss you. Thank you for being a wonderful Pappaw for so many years. Tears are falling, but we know you are in a better place.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Matt and Joleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14496994763864162213noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5868269902187917346.post-82290817914661723542009-10-11T20:44:00.011+02:002009-10-11T21:33:16.200+02:00In a FlashIn a flash they came and now they are gone. I already miss them terribly! Unfortunately, my grandfather is not doing well and they had to leave a little earlier than we expected. We had a great time, did some fast touring, laughed, cooked and cried some tears. Thank you mom and aunt Donna for visiting (and doing dishes)! I love you... and already miss you.<div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>They loved, loved, loved the flowers & grapes & trees...<div><div><br /><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy-3bU9ChlglyXPS5lHKHy85dESMOs9lI5L5GcnZXpoAqntMPh-C4R-YkpiFgcGLqu4ei-L1IEgmHlu8sfBtMx0lZ7eYA0WXIa0lE4NMIf25PKytyoSb-Otus6LX5fTD_io9-vG0W2xw/s200/217.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391425271965975826" /><br /><div><br /></div><div>This was a person! He sprayed water at people who walked by and Jordyn did NOT enjoy him. </div><div><br /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkoFF3GvvMVZnysxXyYHKssax2gv565w0Mc680VQezFmuBfTQ5V6NYrSKzGb9cYCoVbGapK4jiti5v4n5RNls7t7N0Pm5Nqd4rijlQpVUUvlFckC1Z1rWUTFkSN_1rb1wuZl0_nDorDQ/s200/233.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391427391855326402" /><br /><div><br /></div><div>A trip to a nursery in Wittlich</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeP1RVhoOaEuXeP_PMNGgKqIriLpfqiViSn_2qFwejKEtbW-RbSFZQDeJef2jgL5S6Kjmu6OIL5-tFQkrVU0JfyQMx0B5-D5AfvLczv_v-Av73DKZ_S4e81SS8gW_nzUsunueTngwRmA/s200/192.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391423157271135698" /></div><br /><div>Cemetery at church courtyard in Trier</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq_YPSkeFurvs_amWVVt0-ERrcv1T3vzIT4rffF70jk95odpyfj12XMdNeJqbImxIRv2WQKgG9FoolnICdhN8EfeYiT5APkwtF8M2IYm8KxBtrUVzNG1wOm6pjhBuAxac4XUT7pxK4HA/s320/224.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391421695933520242" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRSGJLzxjhZaAOH3y3zmNUJLaCrDZX_a6yjF9CWMjl_dvg4nCLB2V0mrkwuyIKmjOE21iUUkoEdHcYTfnotyEJ5izWhg082PwxzEXIMsxOQrUembMOuwWwiq54DDT-F02mTxF6-eKAgQ/s200/219.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391424072579605106" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidnHlyU37ijY52R8TQUbNUqzZHCcYE6Bk2BoApoZD6uwFoJDvjOp64XjHqZqcRaatEndAq3sFA7-B0M4q9w2c6ePSD_jOeEsfYjlEdzmhzrkW6W9vaBkpktIjyI2AhxMf0cltoBDLmyg/s200/222.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391426423525562946" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Berg Eltz (We took a tour inside, but weren't allowed to take pictures)</div><div><br /><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrQGbU-q8aN_4r0IxmIXdQqoDOe_BQbWmelghqs_VU2A-_BacqTPslKDBHVgv3YBu7nV-aJ4bDAGVKjlkwLR9MaA2I0MbwZdmapVjvoyTrKFKL5gwqS8I5S5oCdBfJYafDjGh_cp7hbQ/s320/251.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391420674308620786" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Luxembourg....</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbJHEGMFl6gCygV6V68d_jsvxYaqTqLaGjjNr9ueK26OalwdV6wydKOCQagw9bzDJN-yn-TDemqPFDZFTEmeRAAF8zvbp6cCNxsOzpat3UGhjZdclqXpZpbuqeXHKp52n3qTHP-CMwUg/s1600-h/172.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbJHEGMFl6gCygV6V68d_jsvxYaqTqLaGjjNr9ueK26OalwdV6wydKOCQagw9bzDJN-yn-TDemqPFDZFTEmeRAAF8zvbp6cCNxsOzpat3UGhjZdclqXpZpbuqeXHKp52n3qTHP-CMwUg/s200/172.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391416788596010450" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbJHEGMFl6gCygV6V68d_jsvxYaqTqLaGjjNr9ueK26OalwdV6wydKOCQagw9bzDJN-yn-TDemqPFDZFTEmeRAAF8zvbp6cCNxsOzpat3UGhjZdclqXpZpbuqeXHKp52n3qTHP-CMwUg/s1600-h/172.JPG"></a><br />So glad you came! Give pappaw a big hug for me.</div></div></div></div></div>Matt and Joleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14496994763864162213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5868269902187917346.post-48811984543864133782009-10-06T21:44:00.009+02:002009-10-06T22:15:12.474+02:00Happy 3rd, Pipers!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkfHitcu8kUUyWubPmXPantzZYhDCG8qgZMcuDHt2YKl6K2BIoHtRqlSEqADWuVaYtIZYGxZupY0gMhfufWV_hbQpL0jfMiqghY2T4xx5YxdxAUzYskkTINtk8GzSLVCpDwn6uMzeZ2w/s1600-h/006.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkfHitcu8kUUyWubPmXPantzZYhDCG8qgZMcuDHt2YKl6K2BIoHtRqlSEqADWuVaYtIZYGxZupY0gMhfufWV_hbQpL0jfMiqghY2T4xx5YxdxAUzYskkTINtk8GzSLVCpDwn6uMzeZ2w/s320/006.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389579248728389570" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLpNA-ju869T8aIiAOoSnKMsI84ikokt7XIhlPmeOekBwzxMKNvaFUeoTTG6Z1KQWGjRqf_Is841_5Z0SHdaN6tvkhr4hsNvUb8guXvVZ8LG-CVoM87qU6vtAAOTuXndZEUVZbU7siw/s1600-h/003.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLpNA-ju869T8aIiAOoSnKMsI84ikokt7XIhlPmeOekBwzxMKNvaFUeoTTG6Z1KQWGjRqf_Is841_5Z0SHdaN6tvkhr4hsNvUb8guXvVZ8LG-CVoM87qU6vtAAOTuXndZEUVZbU7siw/s320/003.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389576461702719762" /></a><br />Three years old. Wow! It's hard to believe I no longer have a 2 year old. Where has the time gone? It seems like just yesterday I was holding her in my arms for the very first time and couldn't wait to stick a dress and a big ole' bow in her hair. Time has flown, she has changed and is turning into such a little lady. It's so much fun to watch you grow... We love you, Pipers! Not sure why we call her Pipers, but anyway... we do. She giggles every time Matt calls her on the phone and says Jordy Pordy Pipers! Of course, there is a certain tone you must use.<div><br /></div><div>Yes, I made this cake with a little bit of help from my mom and aunt Donna. I must admit I am proud of it and had fun making it (even if it did almost fall over and then I proceeded to spill a cup of water on the bottom of it... oh, and the handle collapsed. hee, hee!) The internet can help with so many things. In case you are still wondering, it is supposed to be a purse. Jordyn loves her purse and that's what she told me she wanted - a purse cake and a tiny rock band like Landen's.</div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_8LgUJWcWOXDYqwPVTH2KtYZR1GRwYSRrE1Mh40c77WjWvyeBzkV8Cw5WnAjP44Hx9CFpC216Stuo16l0CAH20kI-3uvr6xp2gcWajSQZf9ZsWg8Cmrj7wE8ZosaCtOGvJNSxOFX-9g/s200/002.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389580448870168354" /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWPYgaKUMO2kdsl3jk5wJ_v2Sj9kSFjiWeYyyKDhtvSetdEy4qY42NiEoOWIgUr5KzM04xWEwxyvdl62ZRXvjDGgtsdxEnq-E5Xm4WN4Gaq3X1GXiU93FCX3Ak7gSzTMm-nbVVG92AUw/s200/012.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389577855092492386" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZN_SJQuZqE1WPAZnfICrLQ6H3ANd1VNmiygy3GRZOXY7i9xbomkbzjgHCavddvsmWssjfJnwuTrVm-JQjiEKMyAItPB8G5nklsA0Of7g-d9eUi5c569MQLXHTYv3xFwYwLmzoEUd9g/s320/024.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389582783241285186" /></div>Matt and Joleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14496994763864162213noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5868269902187917346.post-14200341339864903992009-10-04T20:19:00.012+02:002009-10-04T21:54:58.852+02:00Luxembourg, again...My mom and aunt Donna have come to visit me. It's definitely helping pass the time until Matt gets to come home. We've been doing a little bit of sightseeing and hope to do a lot more. I think they are enjoying themselves and we are definitely enjoying them. The first start was our old faithful, Manderscheid Castle.<div><br /><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4saogX1EFPzM91n6_RXRPAN-MpiK1bzxj6on_x92EKFkdOGf0bzivfVyNgylEms_wDhFM971yyO50HM52pEpMDaqScKrOWEQnt_ekZCKNBGt_m_h0RQjZFEG5IS2ZalTCFSdF7Bdvdw/s320/010.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388815510254609986" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwJcPuL8jMi5KRTqWyJcvjBCZCKi2pZR33ZwXV7e_hVaHaOusEtXph6FMAQ3o5o7iMjI7MfOrzv14qhXHSrAx_se-SFyTBMclOOllkpVLCfCCQJyE6Pv_yMnXCbfGYkbQJL00N9pRTsA/s200/017.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388822856063214370" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Aunt Donna lost her glasses in the grass, and Landen found them to her delight.</div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZzaCTdyw1pxXGtu5TXshs_b3f8bQv1C458Vsbig40A6DDXHpgUmA2GYcQ7CPlvBJcr_ooGr4VGAj0ArDJbQe1OlLxnwejqgKSadosR7r4m5Jufsdr6L8XnTctnDKM3ZQaiwJFpjKaQ/s200/019.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388824642488304978" /><br /><div><br /></div><div>I've posted tons of pictures of Luxembourg before, so I won't bore you with more. However, we did go visit the American Cemetery in Luxembourg which I've been talking about for a while now. It was really pretty, well manicured, and a smaller version of what we saw at Normandy. General Patton is buried there which you will see his grave in the pictures. This is where most of the soldiers are buried after the most famous, Battle of the Bulge. After the cemetery, we headed into the town of Luxembourg and spent part of the afternoon. The kids always like playing at the big city park and they had a great time as they usually do.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyI5ZJO2YdJ3jG5eAEbuodpmuSPLV1zV1q905trzown-cJXdxKFEBJNLrBkXrpCtT1Tn7NO2irKnfGsL8t6kF-cQ9ZJzUrAG0frNxw_uzdJGKmvZVhIEBKkzY9yBWYxiMtcNx54-CRCA/s320/022.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388826613415103234" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnzfnwU9WiBMmUypwhbzW69b7Q7121nRRPmYQAulQwIIhHKum0-mCFV8FkP7H9J4e6kZHFUyeILkise-Yyglmsv9-X0Om9Zxu7JNop-w9ZVuck-L-bFAbrmHO2LRbAZ_n_0ub8WhU1VA/s200/040.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388833326783350626" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyk58YU8E2qSlu4s9ftGUukOjTzPhHO0PPWlmar74sDaUVlpt03MGjRhqRee8SigQwwYCAVafnpgH0UW6F0LwgRy7OHKN4B6vxSbXd2Gba8cNvcfPq2E5kwntUAdMvQElNqimS129MMw/s200/042.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388834729983087522" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWOqu7gNLIlacC8p97X6saWJrrYLMg7f6JDcYKQzehZkbAv4W1oKSQFHKOhRigvZnaBhx859b8pVavPx8czwsHHE0NIP29PNN35wMdaPQvOJLdfzPnihE6lZK-WvXDHgNZ2hB_I-1cBg/s320/034.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388828810393427234" /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiusM5n-YhEP-9NZjzsPFkVUpxTLvVAgc1ji1eC1WyIwznvigI8RdEWSPtlo2pMVdTjXXX1d4DX07SalMw2aF2D53YFDGFI3YHU3B6Gqkt-7LmQpp5YqAtF9JKSu9r-aO8wOXE_XbTMMA/s200/037.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388831933643793906" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8XfJVP6-D_g81gx9wGsyJhgRI8H3AI8RTCFlSX_zbUnquRNhBw5-aio22u-pW0QA0dmMwtSxd3CpTmnEDHyK41Lceh2P0r-l_ruD0t-h3YyCx5UMQs6MCM8nJ1mGKcdCYew-nr6YClg/s200/035.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388830500634784002" /></div><div><br /></div></div></div>Matt and Joleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14496994763864162213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5868269902187917346.post-73235958678853953552009-09-30T16:13:00.004+02:002009-09-30T16:21:29.554+02:00Recap and UpcomingThis will be fast! The last few days have been a little stressful, but everyone is on the mend now. To make a long story short, Hayden got a bad case of the croupe cough. He gets it every year, but this was the worst he's ever had. We ended up at the hospital, but were released early evening and got to go home. Thank you, God for that. It's a little hard to be in the hospital with one child and have two others at home when your husband is in a foreign country and you don't have many friends left here. Matt's office has been great to help me out. Hayden is not well, but he is much better and hopefully will get to return to school on Monday.<div><br /></div><div>So, with all that my week hasn't gone quite as planned. However, I think I'm about ready for tomorrow... just a few more things on my to do list. My mom and aunt will be here in the morning and I'll be making a trip to Frankfurt to pick them up. The plan was to get there and back with the boys were at school, but now it looks like I'll be taking 2 of the 3. That's what I get for planning, ha! You would think I would have learned that by now, but apparently I haven't.</div><div><br /></div><div>Please pray for my grandparents health while my mom and aunt are here. They are the only siblings and were a little hesitant to leave them for such a long visit. Neither my grandmother or grandfather are in good health. </div><div><br /></div><div>There should be some upcoming pictures as you know we'll be doing a lot of sightseeing! </div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks, dad for encouraging mom to come. </div>Matt and Joleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14496994763864162213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5868269902187917346.post-59942836113500552952009-09-27T17:48:00.005+02:002009-09-27T18:52:18.691+02:00My Hubby!<div>I got this picture from Matt today. I've been encouraging him to take as many pictures as he can because usually I am the one with the camera. He has sent me a couple and I'm looking forward to seeing some more when he gets home. I asked him if I could put this on the blog and I got the ok from him. So, "here is Matt in his current location." ha! That's about all I can say. He looks good, doesn't he? Can't wait to give him a big hug and kiss in a few weeks.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRBYPjMYBjGG08yKfNZAz5ahT3a_X8OJzG8jS5C7PWwR0BA1jEMmaXFTp6VaWta2xE2_G0zJ5LxFcGmN2XH331eaNWu9UCBVjytXSo2eWTlQAc2TDIQ6yJ58rvxkf2In4LOimnZMLf4w/s1600-h/DSC04317+(2)+matt.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRBYPjMYBjGG08yKfNZAz5ahT3a_X8OJzG8jS5C7PWwR0BA1jEMmaXFTp6VaWta2xE2_G0zJ5LxFcGmN2XH331eaNWu9UCBVjytXSo2eWTlQAc2TDIQ6yJ58rvxkf2In4LOimnZMLf4w/s320/DSC04317+(2)+matt.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386176070243245938" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Earlier in the week, I was thinking about how it used to be for wives years ago compared to now. I know that I have the better end of the deal with the internet, email, cell phones, texting and not having to rely on snail mail. However, I was wondering if sometimes it backfires to have all these things at a touch of a button.</div><div><br /></div><div>Back when wives didn't hear from their husbands often it was a constant wonder in their heads as to where their spouses were were, what they were doing, were they safe? They were really in the dark. However, in todays world many of us hear from our husbands very often. Like, daily. So, when a few days go by and we don't hear from them... we begin to panic. This has happened a few times since he has been gone. I heard from Matt on Wednesday morning, I think. Then, nothing... nothing all day Thursday... I begin to panic and send him emails, no response. I tried to keep busy by cleaning my house, (though you wouldn't know it by looking at it.) Nothing. My mind begins to wander... and I try not to let it go there. But it does, and I play out everything in my head. How would I react if service members came to my door and knocked? Then, on Friday, I get a call from him. Now my mind can relax until it happens again. And it will, I'm certain.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's also funny how time flies when its other friends spouses that are gone. Wow... only a few weeks and they'll be back, that time flew right by! But, when it's your own family, it feels like an eternity. Everyone gets busy in their everyday lives and time starts ticking.... to everyone else. I really can't complain as our summer did fly by us. We were almost too busy, but we loved every minute of it. However at home and in our own setting, we see Matt's clothes, his place at the dinner table, his car, his office and it's a constant reminder that he is not here with us. I think back to when he left and it seems like so long ago. Think back to where you were April 30. What have you done since then? I think of baseball season, Hayden's kindergarten graduation, a summer full of trips and fun and family, the beginning of 1st grade and middle school, Hayden losing his first tooth, Jordyn talking absolutely nonstop and forming such long sentences, and soccer season. It seems like he's missed so much. </div><div><br /></div><div>I say all this, to tell you that if you know of a family who is going through a deployment, it means so much to them to give a few words of encouragement. What a nice surprise to get a card in the mail or a spontaneous phone call from an old friend. It doesn't take a lot of effort, and means the world to them. I'm guilty of not doing it and I am living it. I try to, but sometimes life gets in the way.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you all for your kind words these last several months! We're almost there... I've got a sick kid calling my name so I best close.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Matt and Joleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14496994763864162213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5868269902187917346.post-90696733178964103602009-09-25T08:51:00.003+02:002009-09-25T20:52:48.065+02:00Yippee!<div>Guess now I know why I've been pulled over 7 times and been searched at the gate on the way into the base. Maybe I should stop complaining about it?! Ahh... just in time for some touring with my mom and aunt, too. Surely they won't recognize us with two SUV's in the driveway and an American bench sitting on the back porch. Ya think? </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/09/24/germany.travel.alert/index.html">http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/09/24/germany.travel.alert/index.html</a><div><br /></div><div>**Change that number to 9 times. Actually, I think I've lost count at this point**</div>Matt and Joleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14496994763864162213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5868269902187917346.post-65857621910087344082009-09-23T08:08:00.002+02:002009-09-23T08:21:09.516+02:00Need Some InputI have to admit this feels a little different posting, now that I know who actually reads this thing. Some of you surprised me and I had no idea, and some that I thought did.... evidently don't. ha! <div>I have a question for you, now that I know who you are. I can see that 25 of you have already logged in and I still have some open invitations. I have one or two who seem to be having problems getting logged in. Did any of you experience this? I know if you have <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">gmail</span> account, it's fairly easy and probably logged you right in. How about those of you who don't have <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">gmail</span>? Any tricks? Any pointers? Can you see the blog <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ok</span>? </div><div><br /></div><div>Any pointers that might help would be great. I'm a member of a few private blogs myself, but once I set up my google account with a password I never had any issues. </div><div><br /></div><div>Matt's set to come back October 22 and my mom and aunt are coming for a visit next week. I'm so excited and will have some more traveling pictures soon. Though, we'll probably stick mostly with what we know so some may be repeats. </div><div><br /></div><div>The weather here has been gorgeous and sunny. It's been a beautiful September! I hear lots of you have been having LOTS of rain. I'm not sure why, but the apple trees don't seem to be producing many apples this fall. It's strange, because normally they are falling off the trees in clumps and they are everywhere we go. I'm not sure how the grapes produced, but I'll see in a week or two. I know it's grape picking time right now so I may miss them. It's strange to think that this is the last autumn we will experience here. I'm really going to try and enjoy this school year... it's already slipping away.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Matt and Joleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14496994763864162213noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5868269902187917346.post-49930450972653307072009-09-21T08:39:00.001+02:002009-09-23T08:08:45.549+02:00My Little Soccer Star!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylazeypztJ6v1TSsi17zTrsR1stvqh7mVvApif2cjC_BlanHUVkt0oqCAlG94GK3Y5JAuxVCK6QdypX1EQacJmAb0JYlgx4xBdsw-zZvw3cvWKA4bNKsEezBvD3rpAlCScnTTEyBaSQ/s1600-h/_NEF7438.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 104px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylazeypztJ6v1TSsi17zTrsR1stvqh7mVvApif2cjC_BlanHUVkt0oqCAlG94GK3Y5JAuxVCK6QdypX1EQacJmAb0JYlgx4xBdsw-zZvw3cvWKA4bNKsEezBvD3rpAlCScnTTEyBaSQ/s200/_NEF7438.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384540801818519634" /></a>Matt and Joleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14496994763864162213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5868269902187917346.post-80097263185606537182009-09-16T19:59:00.013+02:002009-09-16T21:03:46.461+02:00Why Can I Not Think of Any Catchy Titles Anymore?I'm leaving my blog open one more week as I'm still getting trickling comments and emails from various people. Thanks to all of you for commenting and emailing me and if you haven't yet, please see the post below and send me your email address.<div><br /></div><div>Time is going slow here, but we are doing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ok</span>. Today withheld a few meltdowns from all of us, but we made a big pan of brownies and that made it all better! We are really missing Matt and the 5 months without him is taking a toll. When I think back, in some ways it has gone quickly and in other ways it seems like an eternity ago that we saw him. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Jordyn</span> started gymnastics today and I was thinking back to when Matt left. She had her first gymnastics performance not long after he left and I took a few pictures. Look how much she's grown just since he's been gone. I wish I would have measured all of them before he left. I think they've all grown quite a bit over the summer. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Landen's</span> foot is as big as mine now and he's up to 5'. Hayden is finally growing and has lost his first tooth. I think he's about to lose a second one before long. The ironical thing is that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Landen</span> lost his first tooth while Matt was in Iraq... now Hayden has lost his first while he's in Afghanistan. I wonder where he will be when <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Jordyn</span> loses her first tooth??! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2gz3OX2Itn3LCeVCpvdup7PG92_m8w7VukTgIGs9CjSWWANXJxqevSBfzwRYziPowU5eg3OwqeLPD4qvTJv6HSRkisVBGvH4tCLTDqg0jkneh0rE8sxyREPdluKV630VLujhaRwQh4Q/s1600-h/Zi6_0384.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2gz3OX2Itn3LCeVCpvdup7PG92_m8w7VukTgIGs9CjSWWANXJxqevSBfzwRYziPowU5eg3OwqeLPD4qvTJv6HSRkisVBGvH4tCLTDqg0jkneh0rE8sxyREPdluKV630VLujhaRwQh4Q/s200/Zi6_0384.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382142124993095234" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>In May</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCBio-mZFcuPhRYk5MSMQDooqDgDat537vGYUOROkAM11X557XP4kAYEcJtWLqgWygUMQoq8BlnOWvaDLZj0XpFKQsBmoQj73JRXeO67LJP5RxbiavmQKXqQcAeqX4x4-3q5gcstCNAA/s1600-h/003.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCBio-mZFcuPhRYk5MSMQDooqDgDat537vGYUOROkAM11X557XP4kAYEcJtWLqgWygUMQoq8BlnOWvaDLZj0XpFKQsBmoQj73JRXeO67LJP5RxbiavmQKXqQcAeqX4x4-3q5gcstCNAA/s200/003.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382140094251099010" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2__tERR0sz1XZN68B4HS22STeqilmNoXvCiBlWrjqCwY3MJgbrA6u5SmYd4jPUy_T_Cro0BXgaiGqS-fxuiamcAaEHzgRWaDRBhoVoz6ojWJhiCaIS0gZ96IV7BDk_jo6xyixXWscw/s1600-h/004.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2__tERR0sz1XZN68B4HS22STeqilmNoXvCiBlWrjqCwY3MJgbrA6u5SmYd4jPUy_T_Cro0BXgaiGqS-fxuiamcAaEHzgRWaDRBhoVoz6ojWJhiCaIS0gZ96IV7BDk_jo6xyixXWscw/s200/004.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382141466669498082" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Today</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgmNwWQAHKKlFgQr9vZP2V-Yv0tIKiM9zARG_3IonnkmzWXto6JqimlRZKjswB12ZWl_uKrVIq9fmyNMmwZPTotXULcF7NrZtammd3AgH8WawxyIY6JiuNipy-o3xWO7Zp6aMyUCGQ7Q/s1600-h/001.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgmNwWQAHKKlFgQr9vZP2V-Yv0tIKiM9zARG_3IonnkmzWXto6JqimlRZKjswB12ZWl_uKrVIq9fmyNMmwZPTotXULcF7NrZtammd3AgH8WawxyIY6JiuNipy-o3xWO7Zp6aMyUCGQ7Q/s320/001.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382128420514917810" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Wm2T1UVo2vg8K4MnU97I3Jl1qRC56W3DwSEQR2DKP0YrGCEgPL60WqvlwuzwYG8jy3mRhJamRckVhkWO_rIl37X33wRpcl0YiBCvgRZT77C3aeFFV5-kpj6lv59nI_AriM6Eaajn7g/s1600-h/002.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Wm2T1UVo2vg8K4MnU97I3Jl1qRC56W3DwSEQR2DKP0YrGCEgPL60WqvlwuzwYG8jy3mRhJamRckVhkWO_rIl37X33wRpcl0YiBCvgRZT77C3aeFFV5-kpj6lv59nI_AriM6Eaajn7g/s200/002.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382132851621899794" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh2i5cpkwCeVZpucL_rY1EjOINpkm_FmJnwFPfAihNWbNZ4CmSopIL9VcfYo8ryFlsY2CTMzW6R7U0rexW5meMQXgAeowORObTMOc1h55nxke2xTrigNMhk1_YjB2F9sn9dOOfTaMjqQ/s1600-h/005.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh2i5cpkwCeVZpucL_rY1EjOINpkm_FmJnwFPfAihNWbNZ4CmSopIL9VcfYo8ryFlsY2CTMzW6R7U0rexW5meMQXgAeowORObTMOc1h55nxke2xTrigNMhk1_YjB2F9sn9dOOfTaMjqQ/s200/005.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382131213173647698" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The boys were really cracking me up playing outside tonight with their American friends down the street. They were playing world war with all their guns. What I found funny was listening to their comments.... "I'm America", I'm "Germany", I'm "Russian", I'm "Poland"..... "No, Poland is poor. I'm Korean!," , "Oh, wait! I'm Chinese - they make everything and have lots of money!"... I just thought that was funny for young kids to be saying. It's amazing what they pick up so young. They proceeded to play and used pears that had fallen to the ground from the pear tree next door and threw them as grenades. So funny... what a bunch of military brats, right?</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwus5XK8On4SkRYtK9G-xxUofEhA46GmCRWjR82atBTdD21LE-itCiZH3mTSu44IirHc4R7qfKiZ3WtHlKfgwrfG7BM53zYOkCMb0y_otaEVVV_-OqavIc5__97RFQ1pBFDGygEaETlQ/s1600-h/008.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwus5XK8On4SkRYtK9G-xxUofEhA46GmCRWjR82atBTdD21LE-itCiZH3mTSu44IirHc4R7qfKiZ3WtHlKfgwrfG7BM53zYOkCMb0y_otaEVVV_-OqavIc5__97RFQ1pBFDGygEaETlQ/s200/008.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382134457483501042" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1DxGqekeyTz67v0X7njNlU91iq-ehMOk9gkMYcf1cy1kry2kxJTqvc5FKtJiqBfs0IHIAaU0K_a5oIpoOss2wngEJ9qEzIBgA_HAvVcdStxIdHyKaIsSsFFg5VPfqEZhc8ik2Z38sJg/s1600-h/009.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1DxGqekeyTz67v0X7njNlU91iq-ehMOk9gkMYcf1cy1kry2kxJTqvc5FKtJiqBfs0IHIAaU0K_a5oIpoOss2wngEJ9qEzIBgA_HAvVcdStxIdHyKaIsSsFFg5VPfqEZhc8ik2Z38sJg/s200/009.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382138005772038274" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></a></div>Matt and Joleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14496994763864162213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5868269902187917346.post-53253941833553488992009-09-07T08:43:00.000+02:002009-09-07T08:49:01.522+02:00Making A ChangeI've talked about it before, and then life seems to get in the way. Anyway, I'm gonna make the switch and make my blog private. Some of you have asked me why, and the answer is that I put so much information on here about my children. Nothing has happened or anything like that, but I just decided I would prefer to know who is reading what I'm writing about them.<div><br /></div><div>So, I know there are a lot of you who read and NEVER leave a comment. If you prefer, you can email me at joleero@hotmail.com and I'll put you on the list. Or, leave me a comment with your email address so I can send you an invitation to the blog. I don't have to directly know you, so don't be scared! I know some of my mother in laws friends read it, etc.... if you would rather tell her then she can forward me the message and I'll still let you in.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm gonna leave this post up for a week or two, to give everyone time to log on. Stay tuned and watch for an invitation! Thanks for reading!</div>Matt and Joleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14496994763864162213noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5868269902187917346.post-18311952408172526802009-09-05T14:36:00.000+02:002009-09-05T15:10:11.232+02:00School and Anniversaries!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf7zipyWMKmzbfFBbLhtJPufm6o2On_8anGQtalC2pYeO6ZPUO1KMJ15M8ph2Tj8cv80lNdQmF7owjnZWnuQ7bJ7Jocn4_gLS4lYQ0bpPRqe4JwZioNQ41rHP7etj6GPyksywd8ltmbg/s1600-h/IMG_0517.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf7zipyWMKmzbfFBbLhtJPufm6o2On_8anGQtalC2pYeO6ZPUO1KMJ15M8ph2Tj8cv80lNdQmF7owjnZWnuQ7bJ7Jocn4_gLS4lYQ0bpPRqe4JwZioNQ41rHP7etj6GPyksywd8ltmbg/s320/IMG_0517.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377964396562069330" /></a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRh1tGozQmiaMhMzRrMbwZoWlHJjg4pxiaceyrfru20_DiPStB67Sm3fQ0ZI3P4Adcl-A6E4ymtoWQfj6-0WmnJlXngFDORI0wPg3AonJrc13ILiTX6qol31ktrNXEjuMhxOJZtPmJpg/s200/IMG_0530.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377966448026078658" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFr6ZGP6wngWKP6Dhg7PrbFFmT1Y7mO68DVtOI9vQZ-P9hyzlqEczqA0sLG7yr24LX9B_s3Uz5ZHJAfhhrBbJiPLWqhN8EE7cbuuk4wynYW83-2GvwnKAVy0DjD1Mg3eJMgluMioVSg/s200/IMG_0529.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377968113782529842" /><br /><br />My mother in law has been encouraging a new post and I told her I didn't know what to blog about! We're kind of boring right now. We're not traveling. Our big excitement is going to the BX and commissary, soccer practice and figuring out what to cook for dinner. <div><br /></div><div>We did have a great first week of school! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Landen</span> and Hayden both seem to like their teachers and they seem to be adjusting nicely. It was a BIG jump for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Landen</span> because 5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> grade begins middle school here. So, to my disappointment <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Landen</span> and Hayden were only in the same school for one year. Anyway, the middle school involves lockers with combination locks, various teachers, 8 classes, school dances, beginning band, an a la <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">carte</span> line at lunch and more. It's quite an adjustment from elementary school. So far, so good. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Here's a</span> picture of them on their first day. The parents go with the 5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">th</span> graders through out the whole first day to help them get organized and adjusted.</div><div><br /></div><div>On another note, I found something involving some German culture to share with you. In Germany, they have a neat tradition for their "big" wedding anniversary years. We've watched across the street and through the window at the celebration of one. Only, at the time we weren't sure what it was all about. Now, our landlords are having their celebration next weekend and we were invited.</div><div><br /></div><div>First, two "Christmas Trees" appear outside their doors with a cute little sign and with the appropriate garnishments (silver for 25.) These stay there for a few weeks until they hold their own party. Our landlords have invited Matt and I, though we can't take kids and I'm not sure I'll have a babysitter to go. However, I bought them a little present to take over and wish Matt was here to go see what it was all about. Anyway, back to the celebration. On the night of the party (the one I was invited to is a garden party and I'm still trying to figure out the rest of the invitation!), everyone will gather outside their house and bring their noise makers. They will shake and rattle them until the couple will come out the door and everyone takes pictures and congratulates them. Then, they will head to dinner or come into the house for the party. </div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho7CWg68OVmVf_YMjIUtZ-WvTs8rbOdfBkDNxccPz5TjeSuPtHwn73XZZuv-dkp6EnpniYp7s5wdRVv52CZwrDH3e-0qMGlBgCHWe0IrHKOjOdZg202TNF2iXzp6xHRol_zi0ENnUbiw/s1600-h/IMG_0531.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho7CWg68OVmVf_YMjIUtZ-WvTs8rbOdfBkDNxccPz5TjeSuPtHwn73XZZuv-dkp6EnpniYp7s5wdRVv52CZwrDH3e-0qMGlBgCHWe0IrHKOjOdZg202TNF2iXzp6xHRol_zi0ENnUbiw/s320/IMG_0531.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377963256631157634" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div>Isn't it cute?? </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm not sure what else takes place, but I may add some more knowledge to this after next weekend. I've got word out and have got to find us a new teenage babysitter, but have had no luck so far. I'll keep you posted if I get to go. Don't hold your breath!</div><div><br /></div><div>One last note... I need to mow, but it's too wet. The summer has left and the cold dreary rain is setting in. We're enjoying the last few rays of sunshine we will see for a long while and are noticing a few leaves are already starting to change. I think I'm actually ready for the fall this year.</div><div><br /></div>Matt and Joleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14496994763864162213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5868269902187917346.post-38210262005684632292009-08-24T18:26:00.000+02:002009-08-24T21:01:29.547+02:00We're Back and Ready To Roll!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEi_O0E6HnOVBzA4lBWYoEibO_QU7b78C-OdWyjl90i1H2B3iUHPpwPB0KKbgyYmXMAgpDM9JdCTFVLDkYZ89tTBFG_PiOeAT9owEldbu-WHgd8w70dO3A6pgBMO7uKQ6EVmFRJQhtlA/s1600-h/IMG_0301.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEi_O0E6HnOVBzA4lBWYoEibO_QU7b78C-OdWyjl90i1H2B3iUHPpwPB0KKbgyYmXMAgpDM9JdCTFVLDkYZ89tTBFG_PiOeAT9owEldbu-WHgd8w70dO3A6pgBMO7uKQ6EVmFRJQhtlA/s320/IMG_0301.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373605830105900546" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUYX1xARSGiJrj1o6U3qpGbCmrEPh8g73F9YKRPDbGWF035-uHHEa8LM2k893ien6eNjUPY5-WIGFPirD5Udxh3Vss-VJf3XgFL2Wnn5IwLLEqRBQNMqALEPuh7ZVQf2wxxRHwH9REKQ/s1600-h/DSCN1396.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUYX1xARSGiJrj1o6U3qpGbCmrEPh8g73F9YKRPDbGWF035-uHHEa8LM2k893ien6eNjUPY5-WIGFPirD5Udxh3Vss-VJf3XgFL2Wnn5IwLLEqRBQNMqALEPuh7ZVQf2wxxRHwH9REKQ/s200/DSCN1396.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373582349200320770" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1fNq_rgGgMWVQWXAKRqy3lYk5HSXQI3l2wAuUrWdbR2TP2wzVTBtTz_GhvynLY8eLqzJhVjrnRQibWcbQDhlF5pXoASvUtNQ3Nh0gPFhjBL2J2v4OaPTCMsfdph9XRQBrgtNCxoNfRQ/s1600-h/DSCN1498.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1fNq_rgGgMWVQWXAKRqy3lYk5HSXQI3l2wAuUrWdbR2TP2wzVTBtTz_GhvynLY8eLqzJhVjrnRQibWcbQDhlF5pXoASvUtNQ3Nh0gPFhjBL2J2v4OaPTCMsfdph9XRQBrgtNCxoNfRQ/s320/DSCN1498.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373581230870530514" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxATL_nHUmYnqRxfuXB_rYBYcTEbpKGsXfoxanwOqlERZ-fht_JZcCRwfgmk_sregobOf0PtW-EiQXKOjDZN_Wn-QhvnUQodhVV2Ryoi8QEzsjyagCcF7V987T6pRXNIqSGmKK7Jrgcw/s1600-h/IMG_0459.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxATL_nHUmYnqRxfuXB_rYBYcTEbpKGsXfoxanwOqlERZ-fht_JZcCRwfgmk_sregobOf0PtW-EiQXKOjDZN_Wn-QhvnUQodhVV2Ryoi8QEzsjyagCcF7V987T6pRXNIqSGmKK7Jrgcw/s320/IMG_0459.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373581220372458898" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc-qTJf7VjsfwjCHYFU-ck6DzA1XecJXJBJZ5XdLASbYHc-ZuyBD8Lvxx5j412cEmYxc4Ci2GbhfZe5IkUmO4jmMw_2iccBbYrQSgVB1kbiHIyVLa2_lEHhRzd07nGF7_lYaYL4GXHUw/s1600-h/AR+and+Florida+Trip+June+2009+051.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc-qTJf7VjsfwjCHYFU-ck6DzA1XecJXJBJZ5XdLASbYHc-ZuyBD8Lvxx5j412cEmYxc4Ci2GbhfZe5IkUmO4jmMw_2iccBbYrQSgVB1kbiHIyVLa2_lEHhRzd07nGF7_lYaYL4GXHUw/s320/AR+and+Florida+Trip+June+2009+051.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373578298379224658" /></a><br /><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOliF1yPDA5FnsJoJJ_cqtdHQHv4kxmCdZkN7JPuOIVQgaByxEmrPfbDWbiOTjEtaUuUrKpx72M8BiMMhS60KZHik7CXX37gaqA4KbLZQawcVWVZ22CYDv3geY6nGoKBYGMg44No8E3A/s200/IMG_0378.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373577006629732274" /></div><div><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf9FGjjP-gZFx3VaGQuWuwpQ6UAIUvENwU6XmR8sad_5l9hmAE-gvNyk1HN1hg3OxlG_eTUyKof4j3FgVDmVXxgpw6qJCqPBs533vw0QT7K3BJjeE1c4e0hdL9zfF6CCRq6JhTBsg8Dw/s1600-h/AR+and+Florida+Trip+June+2009+031.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf9FGjjP-gZFx3VaGQuWuwpQ6UAIUvENwU6XmR8sad_5l9hmAE-gvNyk1HN1hg3OxlG_eTUyKof4j3FgVDmVXxgpw6qJCqPBs533vw0QT7K3BJjeE1c4e0hdL9zfF6CCRq6JhTBsg8Dw/s200/AR+and+Florida+Trip+June+2009+031.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373575169383970514" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizQ9LhxPUrw5NY7voAWDiTU34ziyEp1BplShZg15BJChktNXlRsuzQrYqvCeooVvMIAoAZWgDAv7k_xOCUj-5e-mr9Ob1G23fFNthZYznoL5SNSQRLcmts5Klndyr7kZc_Qd5QCli-Eg/s1600-h/AR+and+Florida+Trip+June+2009+018.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizQ9LhxPUrw5NY7voAWDiTU34ziyEp1BplShZg15BJChktNXlRsuzQrYqvCeooVvMIAoAZWgDAv7k_xOCUj-5e-mr9Ob1G23fFNthZYznoL5SNSQRLcmts5Klndyr7kZc_Qd5QCli-Eg/s200/AR+and+Florida+Trip+June+2009+018.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373574003488989106" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>I'm really not even sure where to begin. I really don't think I'm going to harp on the summer, other than to say we had a fabulous one! We went to Florida, to the lake, had lots of fun with cousins, visited grandparents and aunts and uncles, swam, had a baptism, made a few short overnight trips with friends and family, went to movies and baseball games, celebrated my parents 40th anniversary, dreaded the flight back home and we did all of that with only a few ear infections and losing a toe nail! I have absolutely no regrets about spending the entire summer with my family. It made the time fly right by and as an added bonus, I got my Walmart/Target/Mexican food fix plus some free babysitting! It was seriously overwhelming to me, which I didn't expect. It's really just hard to explain unless you've ever lived overseas yourself. <div><br /></div><div>So, I come back to Germany with a good attitude. I can do this. I can finish out our stay and enjoy the rest of the sight seeing we have to do. It's gonna be great even though I went to the shoppette today to get gas, mind you this was my only stop. I pump my gas after showing 55 forms of identification,go in and grab milk and get in the line as the 10th person with one aisle open and the fire alarm goes off. Seriously? Seriously. We have to leave the building so there I am waiting with 3 kids and a screaming 2 year old because we left her chocolate milk inside. We wait for the firetrucks and they let us back in to pay for our already pumped gas. Boy do I love this place and oh how I've missed it. Ok.... good attitude. Right. </div><div><br /></div><div>See the counter on the side? Yep! We're down to 60+ days until Matt comes home. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can. The hardest part is over and we are on the down hill slope if we can get through these next two months. School starts next week. :-)</div><div><br /></div><div>I've really got to get caught up on all my blog reading from the summer. I feel so behind in this area. Guess I have plenty of time now. Only 10 more months... not that I'm counting.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div>Matt and Joleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14496994763864162213noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5868269902187917346.post-4205579617274623442009-08-17T03:46:00.001+02:002009-08-17T04:07:04.001+02:00Best Day Yet!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0XbrAQodwpjhoMwCxCPIgqXPMtyTUUeNRG5dKpwxhQWJtRZ9AmptqiQBdO8ezooVS3jmrkmCtsOUjPdqFjErrov7q6iJV9HPqInACkSvSE5JfO4ymXQuCL48hyszVplWYBEUn9HU8UA/s1600-h/27Landon's+baptism.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370743872819050018" style="WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0XbrAQodwpjhoMwCxCPIgqXPMtyTUUeNRG5dKpwxhQWJtRZ9AmptqiQBdO8ezooVS3jmrkmCtsOUjPdqFjErrov7q6iJV9HPqInACkSvSE5JfO4ymXQuCL48hyszVplWYBEUn9HU8UA/s320/27Landon's+baptism.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghCTy1gJzP2zHu5Al2TV5PdCBXnwYas9NxahRpikLsRAS7SLvbqdRgmIhwcIqllGR-GG_BbFJmpJEtYi2FgOgYKQxVGclbcvXhhicoX9joLWY4YUW1gnKUbq1tNqFIGR0ztTPKakldfQ/s1600-h/32Landon's+baptism.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370744127803345858" style="WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghCTy1gJzP2zHu5Al2TV5PdCBXnwYas9NxahRpikLsRAS7SLvbqdRgmIhwcIqllGR-GG_BbFJmpJEtYi2FgOgYKQxVGclbcvXhhicoX9joLWY4YUW1gnKUbq1tNqFIGR0ztTPKakldfQ/s320/32Landon's+baptism.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghCTy1gJzP2zHu5Al2TV5PdCBXnwYas9NxahRpikLsRAS7SLvbqdRgmIhwcIqllGR-GG_BbFJmpJEtYi2FgOgYKQxVGclbcvXhhicoX9joLWY4YUW1gnKUbq1tNqFIGR0ztTPKakldfQ/s1600-h/32Landon's+baptism.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWgyJBojsAq6RZGStvLEZi4RqjGJuI2TT_3hYvGf85PGbps6qk1YTH7QsBO2XWrk-mKkc5At-dkNhNupqzesRZPmf_qzwtzrH1-d3MfJCpZGIImfriZsUQ_a5fop2CasEmsQv8pMwHQ/s1600-h/34Landon's+baptism.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370744316172049186" style="WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWgyJBojsAq6RZGStvLEZi4RqjGJuI2TT_3hYvGf85PGbps6qk1YTH7QsBO2XWrk-mKkc5At-dkNhNupqzesRZPmf_qzwtzrH1-d3MfJCpZGIImfriZsUQ_a5fop2CasEmsQv8pMwHQ/s320/34Landon's+baptism.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqn2P1X7K9bFRLJth1ksW5iAcCUmOq3JIEjuGpemLg5iJswvI4YI0YZHXuIar9McPdVGvJzYt8W24JVRU4sqwbN7A3_hKvrHkcFpTWJ7mHLWW-OGMyVZYym66fFWMulxD5gygSGu6bcQ/s1600-h/39Landon's+baptism.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370744522625241042" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqn2P1X7K9bFRLJth1ksW5iAcCUmOq3JIEjuGpemLg5iJswvI4YI0YZHXuIar9McPdVGvJzYt8W24JVRU4sqwbN7A3_hKvrHkcFpTWJ7mHLWW-OGMyVZYym66fFWMulxD5gygSGu6bcQ/s320/39Landon's+baptism.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><div><div>I was going to wait until I got back home to start blogging again, but I thought today deserved a special post. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Landen</span> was baptized! He was really saved a while back and wanted to be baptized, but at the time we were moving to Germany and Matt had already left. So, I urged him to wait until daddy could be there. So, we wait.</div><div> </div><div>Fast forward: Germany = Swimming Pool so we once again decided to wait. Not that there is anything wrong with being baptized in a swimming pool, it just wasn't what we had imagined.</div><div> </div><div>Fast forward: Summer. Arkansas. Matt's in Afghanistan.</div><div> </div><div>Do we see a pattern? Our lifestyle isn't "normal" so to speak. So <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Landen</span> and I discussed it once again and talked to Daddy about it. Daddy wanted us to go ahead with it and quit the waiting game. At the rate we were going he was going to be 20 before we could all be together for this! Even though we really missed Matt, we knew he was happy and at peace about it. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Landen</span> was baptized in the same <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">baptistry</span> that Matt and I were so that made it extra special. He also got to have ALL of his grandparents, several cousins and some other special people in his life that were able to attend. </div><div> </div><div>Thank you to two special people who helped me out. Leigh Ann was sweet enough to take pictures for me and they turned out fantastic. Thank you so much! We wanted to make sure we didn't miss a thing, so I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">videoed</span> from upstairs and also had another friend video from the balcony. Thank you so much to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Atchleys</span> for that! It <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">truly</span> made it more enjoyable for me to know that we had it all documented so that Matt could be a part.</div><div> </div><div>What an indescribable feeling to see your child give his life to God. </div><div> </div><div> </div></div></div>Matt and Joleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14496994763864162213noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5868269902187917346.post-4673902986349946302009-07-13T04:25:00.001+02:002009-07-13T04:29:12.705+02:00I'm Still Alive and Kicking!I guess by now, you have figured out that this blogging thing isn't happening this summer! We have been to Florida, been to the lake, seen lots of friends and family, and have lots more to come. I have so many pictures that I don't know where to begin. So, I won't. I'm officially signing off this thing for a few more weeks until I return to Germany. There are just too many malls, swimming pools, movies, and other fun things to do and I just can't keep up. <br /><br />Keep Matt in your prayers. He's doing well and is in good spirits. We're just both wishing the time would fly. We're not even half way yet, but are getting close!<br /><br />Check back toward the end of the summer and I will return!Matt and Joleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14496994763864162213noreply@blogger.com0