Last Few Days in America!

The neighbor boys had an awesome farewell party for Cole. They made him cake and picked out balloons for him. It was super sweet. Rather then singing happy birthday to him Or a fare well song- They sang the ABC's!!! They thought happy birthday would confuse him. I miss them already and so does Cole. We look at facebook and I show Cole there pictures! Never a dull moment with four little boys running around.

Do you ever wonder what it looks like to move around the world? Here is a picture of our life packed in bags! It was a crazy Journey. Josh left the first flight out our Appleton and flew into DC. He still had to final out! A minor glitch and poor planning by the Military...But he put on his uniform and took care of the things he needed to Do. Cole and I flew out of Appleton several hours later and landed in Baltimore where Josh met up with us. We took all our bags that you see in this photo and headed to the hotel. I brought Cole Swimming and filled his belly with some food! Josh meet up with a friend that was holding a few of his bags. More luggage to add to the pile! Our hotel room was feeling small! Next morning we loaded our stuff and headed to the Baltimore Airport we flew to Settle! Two Days Down, One More To Go!!!

Running Around!

Now that I had a little time to sit back and think about what all happened this summer I forgot a few things. First off Josh's welcome back party. My family, several neighbors and my Best Friends and her ever so handsome hubby made it to the airport. It was so cool to have all there love and support! We took the party back to my dad's house and enjoyed a few beverages and several brought treats to pass so we snacked the day away!!! It was a good feeling. After several months of counting it down the day was finally here. Josh was back "Home." My neighbors gave us a gift certificate and a party favor! It may be too much information so I'll leave it at that.

We gathered some things and headed to the cottage. Josh, My Dad, and Gregg fished and fished and fished! Apparently there is no fish in my Dad's lake. So don't bother packing the boat up and heading to the cottage. I put in a few hours too! Just like old times. My dad and I headed across the lake and I soaked up some sun. After being out there awhile I had to use the restroom. For those who know the lake there is no spot to pull up on shore! My Dad asked me if I was afraid to go in the boat! (As a kid-you either went in the boat or over the edge and I don't have the right equipment for that) So my Dad hands me the electric battery cover my new porta potty! And he turns around. I have to go so bad at this point it was my only options. I begin to laugh and my dad thinks "wow she really did have to go" because you can hear it running over the edge. But that's where I have to correct him. There were slates in the cover and it was running down the slates and I wissing on my foot. Not a very proud moment but a funny one!

After our trip up north we had several cook outs with my family. One of the several things I miss about being in Wisconsin. Cook outs, Friday Night Fish Fry, and Camp Fires!

We had several things to take care of. Josh needed to be back in DC like I mentioned before and we had two vehicles to sell. Our Audi was on Craigslist in DC and Nova area and sold in a flash. We had so many contact us it was amazing. The first person interested went through and purchased the car. We also attempted putting my LandRover LR3 on Craigslist in Appleton. Not as many people were interested and it ended up Berstrom's purchased my truck. It was hard to let it go. Both vehicles were super good to us. I loved my truck because it was such a comfy ride and had the storage for my pup and stroller and I could still have other people in the car. And when I would drive out and people would pull out in front of me I was never scared! I usually said "Really? I'm surrounded by 5,000lbs of steel you are really going to pull out in front of me" the joys of driving a huge ass vehicle I always felt safe!

I can look back and say things really went smooth. We had friends in DC that let us stay with them. We got see JD our friend that was back in the states for R&R for two weeks and we got to say goodbye to Jeff and David my family and Boss!

At that moment I thought things were crashing around us. A plan never went as planned but we always could see the light at the end of the tunnel! I'm lucky that my dad has his frig stocked with beer and wine and freezer that had yummy margaritas! That helped at times too!!!

We ran around like crazy. Buying last minute things, getting paper work situated, and boxes and bags packed and ready to go!

Next We...

After Josh made it safe and sound back to America- The Land that he loves but just doesn't spend very much time at! We took a vacation with our amazing friends to Jamaica. It was a sort of last horrah with old friends, a little quality time together, and a I'm sorry I missed Christmas, your Birthday and Anniversary Again Trip!!!

We had a lot of fun. I ate so much I truly gained almost 10lbs! Okay eight to exact!!! I wanted to die I was so miserable. And I was sort of Rum Dumb when we got back to the states. Everyday we hung out poolside and spent some time at the swim-up bar! We drank dirty bananas! Richard would call his filthy bananas. April and I couldn't find a drink that we loved. And I would eat desserts at lunch and dinner! Now that's a vacation!!! We had great laughs, some good heart to hearts, and ventured out to some amazing spots. We climbed the water fall, went zip lining, and spent time snorkeling, kayaking, and sailing!!! It was awesome. I just wish it would lasted a little longer.

After several days taking in some tropical drinks it was back to reality. Josh and I went back to DC and prepared for our PCS to Japan. We went and separated boxes in our storage unit. What items would continue to stay in storage and what items would make it to Japan. It was something!!! Boxes Boxes and more Boxes. I have no idea what is coming. Lesson Learned-That's what happens when you are Rum Dumb. So when our items do get here it will feel like Christmas. We haven't seen our stuff in a really long time. We packed up everything September of 2010 when Josh left for his deployment and Cole and I went to Wisconsin. Several things we will see in the next month or so the rest we wont see until 2013!!! Crazy-It's Just Crazy!!!

You thought I lost interest!

We're back up and running. I need to fill you in with the past several months.
First off...Cole and I survived the Wisconsin weather! Yes it's true. We spent a lot of time at the local YMCA. I have a great workout buddy that I left behind but hope to see her and her family in the future.
Grandpa Bob is styling with a new bathroom and some new flooring. Hopefully my Dog isn't tracking up the floor too much but if he is, the new floor is so easy to clean it's ridiculous! What a world of difference.
Cole and I miss GB like crazy. Several nights out of the week Cole will want to call Grandpa Bob. I have to tell him he is sleeping. Which is so true! There is a 14 hours difference! One day ahead. So when Cole is ready to call Bob it's usually around 8-9 o'clock at night here which makes it the crack of dawn there. No one should call that early. But we make the exception once in awhile! Cole will ask GB "are you sleeping???" Gee I wonder!!! And from the sound of Grandpa's voice we know that he was curdle up in bed with his blankets. So they chat a second and Grandpa Bob gets to start his day early and have some coffee and read the paper before the birds are even up.

While Cole and I were surviving Wisconsin. Josh was traveling back from his deployment. I have the pictures of that posted on Facebook. He came home skinny as ever. But with several hot sticks and fish fries we fatted up in no time at all. Once we were a family again our time in Wisconsin flew by. Josh had several things to do back in DC. He had to in-process from his deployment then out-process from his last duty station. It was a tease to see him for a bit and then he had to leave so fast. Cole and I stayed behind in WI. It was too much for all of us to go. First the expense. We would need to buy Cole a ticket because now he's TWO!!! Then the logistics just didn't make sense. Josh had to be in Maryland, DC, and Virgina. Cole and I enjoyed our time with family and friends. Before our next big adventure. Moving to Japan. More to come on that.

I'm Behind

I'm Behind on blogging. Cole and I are playing the role of general contractor. In the next week or so GB's house is going to be getting a face lift. Hopefully things will fall into place soon. I'm super excited! I will post before and after pictures so you can all see it.

We try to get outside as much as we can. These photos are over a week old. We've accumulated more snow and the temp has dropped. Right now it's only 12degrees out. Looks like we wont be doing much outside today.

Cole is doing well in his gym class. He still likes to wonder off during warm ups. But the equipment is just so tempting. I can't really blame him. I too rather spend some time on the beam, bars, or some of the mats they set for an obstacle coarse!!! One thing he learned is to say "OH GEEZ" the entrance to the parking lot has loads of pot holes as soon as I turn in he says "oh geez" before I even hit them! Nothing like a having a back seat driver with ya.

Farmer and the Dell

Blue Lagoon

We are counting down the days until GB's bathroom gets an operation! It needs to be healed. Let the remodeling begin!
I know Cole doesn't mind "old faithful" but I can wait to soak in a new tub! Bring on the bath-salts, I'm in the tub reading a book:)

Stockpile

Today as I ran some errands I thought "Geez, should I be stockpiling on toddler clothes?"
Cole is always in between sizes. Part of it has to do with his long legs;) He's differently wearing 2t on top however his pants aren't there yet. As most of you know we will be heading to Japan this summer. They have 4seasons like we've been experiencing. However it's so hard to predict what sizes he's going to be in and then what season. I may have to hit some rummage sales this spring. But man are boys hard on clothes. Right now we have berry stains on everything. I treat the area but they are a bugger to get out. Anyone have any thoughts or cute donations!!! Maybe for his B-day he'll make out on some clothes-Just what he wants.

Enough Already

It seems that so many are losing respect for others. From the time I moved out I always have one household rule-"No religion, No Politics"
Sure I have my personal opinions. However they aren't always the same as someone in my family or a friend that is visiting. It puts you in an awkward position and when it comes down to it you are going to have to agree to disagree. I can't wrap my head about what truly bothers me.
When it comes to religion I don't understand how some can attend church multiple times and make it the house of God but can't take the time to stop by someone from there own family. Or the looks I've gotten when I haven't attend a services for a long while. I'm really confused when people push there religion as well. If you are happy- good but don't shove it down my throat.
And when it comes to politics I respect the current president weather I voted for them or not. You can't always get what or who you want! I may be excited or bummed. But it's life. That's why we vote.
Not every family is the same. I have family that works for the government, some belong to unions, some are self employed, and some living off the government. With all the complaining it just wears on me. Whining about taxes, recession, and gas prices. It gets old. We as Americans have been spoiled but what's happening today didn't happen overnight. And it's not like we are the only country that has it's ups and downs. I worked in Germany and they taxed the shit out of me. I paid $5.00 a gallon for gas 6years ago... I have health care but my doctor's office is 2.5hrs away! I could blog all day and whine or I could blog and day and be happy for what I got. I have a husband that loves, a little boy that is in great health, a puppy dog that's so darn cute! That's what makes my life complete. So that's my warning! Just respect others!!!

Snowpants

Cole and I are making the best of everything! Everybody loves to step outside and get some fresh air. We just had to dig out a few things for him to play with.
We took a little road trip to the outlet mall last week. We had a good day shopping. I'm super proud of one purchase and truly I didn't even want to post a picture of Cole this week because I was so excited; but because by blog turned into a shrine to Cole I added him up top!!! I found a pair of Nike snowboarding pants! So what if I never went snowboarding. I now own a pair pants. Half the sport is dressing the part anyway!!! They were priced $200.00 sum dollars, on sale, for $149.00, marked down to $74.99, on clearance for 39.97, take another 40% off and I took them home for $23.00. That's right I bought them. I know I probably jinxed myself and we will move someplace tropical-it doesn't matter because I still own an awesome pair of Nike snowboarding pants!

Bootie Pie

Cole has moved on from his slippers and is now in love with his boots aka bootie pies! He'll wear them outside, with just his diaper, with his PJ's...You get the idea. What ever makes him happy!!!

He also has some new Nuk tricks! Spinning, twirling, and my favorite adding another so he has two in his mouth. Once again, whatever makes him happy!

Todd's Sturgeon

Sturgeon Spearing 2011
61" 50.5lbs

Sabotage

I've been going to the store and buying "good for me" food. Including exerciser almost daily. Yet I live in a house that a man buys a dozen cookies at a time. Bagels from the gas station and doughnuts every Sunday. I'm pretty sure my ass isn't going to get out the door soon. I asked him to stop buying these things but he says they are for Cole. I then explained I don't want him eating all that either. Sure I'm sure there are several of you that could walk past these items. However-I CAN'T!!!

If Looks Could Kill

Cole recently mastered the stink-eye!

Working In His Office

A new low

I think I just hit a new low in my life. With the weather continuing to drop I found myself days on end wearing something hooded and or with fleece. To add to that last week I made two purchases on ebay. God Help Me! I need a little more direction in my life.

Super Bowl XLV

I have to write about the Superbowl-if not I think I would be asked to leave the state! It's really the only thing everyone and anyone is talking about here. I went to Target and the cashier asked me what my plans were for the Super Bowl. We went out to lunch and the waitress asked if we were excited for the game. And I watched the local evening news that's 30minutes long and 20minutes they talked about the game and the preparation for the game...I was waiting for the weather the briefly mentioned tomorrows temp and Sunday's and went back to talk about the temperature in Texas for the game!!! And now Cole seems to be brainwashed. He's chanting "Go Pack Go." I am a true Packer Fan. I wear Green and Gold, I wear my Packer clothes proudly in Ohio and the Bengals fans don't seem to like it. And I got a lot of reactions when I wore it in DC too! So here's to Green Bay-Good Luck Packers, Make Me Proud!

Focus on the good

I recently saw this posted on facebook. And how true it is...

There comes a time in life, when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh, forget the bad, and focus on the good. So, love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don't. Life is too short to be anything but happy. Falling down is part of LIFE...Getting back up is LIVING.

I thought it was worth sharing!

100

Today Cole had Breakfast with Daddy! Sort of-I brought Cole's chair in my room so he could eat breakfast and skype with Josh. It was so funny because he always wants to share his food. Josh enjoyed some strawberries and blue berries but there was no way Cole was giving up his Jello!
Today brings us to approximately 100 more days. Not that we are counting. Tick-toc Tick-toc Hopefully the time will go by fast!

Stretching Out

I love the arms behind the head! He cracks me up. Thank goodness for Christmas-he is switching into a different size again! I've been checking the after holiday clearance racks and getting him some new clothes. As you can see a few weeks back he was already max loading his onesie. Poor Baby

Just Like Mom

Here's Cole at Gym Class this morning. He was rockin'. He has been a busy bee and has come a long way. I'm very proud of him! I have to admit the first few classes I was wondering why I was paying for him to sit on my lap but now I can't keep him off the equipment. Going to little gym is nice so he gets some play time, especially with these cold winter days.

Pudding Anyone?

Laughing All The Way

When the weather is nice I've been taking Cole around the yard. He is a die hard. He never wants to go inside. Hope everyone is enjoying the weather 15 above today-Yahooooo!!!

Happy New Year!

Hello 2011!
So my plans for the new year are as followed:
Work on being healthier, Cut my losses and move on, and Adventure. I think all three will be great to do as a family. Things are moving into action already. Cole and I are signed up at the YMCA. He gets play time with other kids and we get to use the pool. We don't call Cole "Baby Beluga" for nothing!!! He loves the water. We already had grandpa Bob come and join us too.
With the new year we will also find out soon where our next base is going to be. I'm thankful that Cole and I have been given the time to spend with my family. There are a few things I wish I would have done differently or changed but I think that's life. I've accepted the fact that you just cant' change people. And you can't be in two places at once!
The condo is being rented out. Tenants will move in the condo in about two more weeks. I wish we could wash our hands of it but I'm also pleased that we will get to return someday. We have some great friends in the DC area.
As for adventure, I was hoping to leave the house; but with Cole I may not need to do that, it's always an adventure with an 19month boy around.
I apologize for not blogging more. I have several fun stories but I often draw a blank when I come to make an entry. But not today!
After I took the mail in today Cole was flipping through the magazines. Actually it was the Victoria Secret Swim Suit Magazine. His father would be proud as he would point at the boobies and be boos (belly buttons) on some of the girls. At times I would look away and he would shout "Be Boos" until I would look at the magazine. Boys will be boys! Hope everyone enjoyed the holidays.