Life & Such

I'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!

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!!!!

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....

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.

Before

During

Finished!

A Rock Star, Storm Trooper, and Cinderella

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.

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!

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....

HE'S HOME!

So happy to say, MATT IS HOME!!!!!!!!! In Germany..... and the kids and I are in Arkansas.

Seriously.

We'll all be together in about 36 hours.

Thank you for the prayers. :-)

Pappaw, We Love You

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.

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.

In a Flash

In 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.

They loved, loved, loved the flowers & grapes & trees...

This was a person! He sprayed water at people who walked by and Jordyn did NOT enjoy him.

A trip to a nursery in Wittlich

Cemetery at church courtyard in Trier

Berg Eltz (We took a tour inside, but weren't allowed to take pictures)

Luxembourg....

So glad you came! Give pappaw a big hug for me.

Happy 3rd, Pipers!

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.

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.

Luxembourg, 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.

Aunt Donna lost her glasses in the grass, and Landen found them to her delight.

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.