Getting To Germany

Well, we made it.  Can't say that went as smoothly as we hoped, but we survived.

Our first flight was 9 1/2 hours from Dallas to London.  We scheduled a night flight hoping the boys would sleep for a majority of the flight.  We were hoping it would make the flight it self a little more bearable and hoped it would give them enough rest for the remainder of our trip.  I was second guessing myself a few days prior in our decision for a night flight but I'm glad it is what we choose.  I ended up giving Blaine a pinch of Dramamine and he slept for about 6 hours on the plane (I probably could have given him a tad more).  Ryan slept for about 5, and Colin probably slept the most for about 7.  Tim managed about an hour and I maybe got about 10 minutes.

When we got to London we had about three hour layover before our next flight into Frankfurt.  For me, I think the reality of moving to a different country started to sink in at this point.  While I know most are excited for us it really wasn't what we wanted.  Thankfully, everyone got some sleep on our next flight.  It was rest that was definitely needed.

Frankfurt had to be the worst part of the whole trip.  We picked up all our luggage, 13 pieces to include all the car seats (I'll comment more on this later!) and headed to....who knows really.  I'm not sure we really had a clue.  When we arrived we were expecting someone to meet us somewhere, at some point to tell us what to do next.  Getting off the plane at Frankfurt was as far as we had planned.  We weren't told anything that would happen after that point.  We weren't sure if we were staying the night in Frankfurt or getting on a bus to Bamberg.  So, we looked at Tim's orders and it said if there was no liaison to greet us to go to the USO.  Sounds simple enough, right?  Well, we were in Terminal 2.  The USO was in Terminal 1.  We have two carts full of luggage, one in a stroller, and two more very tired and hungry kiddos.  The kicker was that you had to take the Sky Train to get to the other Terminal.  You can't take the carts that carry your luggage onto the train.  If you've ever been to ride one of those things you know how fast the doors open and close.  We had to hand throw all of our bags on, and hand throw all of them off.  Thankfully there were some good samaritans who helped us getting off the train, otherwise some of our bags would have kept going.  We had about three more levels down we had to go before making it to the USO.  We made it down two when we couldn't find an elevator (for all of our luggage) to go down to the bottom floor.  That's when we just parked it.  The boys and I found a bench while Tim went down to the USO.  About 15 minutes later, he returned.  The USO was already closed for the day.  Oh joy!

So, we finally did option 3 on Tim's orders and headed to the hotel that was adjacent to the airport.  This was another trip with all the luggage and then more waiting while Tim got us checked in.  And of course, the luggage carts weren't allowed in the hotel either, so we made about three trips up with bags.  We landed in Frankfurt at 4:55 PM and we made it into our room a little after 8 PM.  That's 3 hours of wandering around the airport!!!!  If only we had know earlier that the USO would have been closed, we would have gone straight to the hotel.  By the time we made it to the room we were both so tired we didn't want to walk anywhere.  So we sucked it up and ran up a nice room service bill to which half we didn't eat.  We hadn't eaten since...I don't remember when, but we weren't as hungry as we thought we were.

On Tim's orders there was listed an after hours number listed for the USO that he could call.  We tried dialing that number about 20 different ways.  We called the front desk and asked them how to dial it.  Nothing worked.  We gave up.  We were tired and frustrated and went to bed having no idea where we were supposed to be the next day or at what time.  First thing Tuesday morning Tim went down to the USO and FINALLY got some answers!  We had to hang around for a few more hours before our bus ride to Bamberg.  We were able to find some breakfast and purchase a few more snacks for the bus.  There were TONS of soldiers/families waiting to be bused to their assigned post.  They did one post at a time and we were one of the last to go.  We loaded the bus and were on our way around 11:30 AM.  We made a stop in Schweinfurt to drop off a few soldiers then drove to Bamberg.  When we got off the bus two other soldiers from Tim's unit were there to load our bags and get us to where we needed to go.

In retrospect we definitely would have packed differently!  There's a part of me that doesn't feel so bad cause I saw single soldiers with four bags a piece.  We were a family of five with 10 bags, 3 car seats, and 4 backpacks.  Still.  We had a lot of smaller suitcases.  Had I known, or thought about, how much we would have to carry them around, I would have gotten larger suitcases.  With flying overseas you have a higher weight limit as well.  I probably could have fit all of the boys stuff into one large suitcase...instead of the three small ones.  We packed about 10 days worth of clothes for everyone and we could have possibly gone down to 7.  I packed each of the boys a blanket for the plane and we probably could have done without as well.  I brought toys and coloring stuff for the boys on the plane, but since we had a night flight I probably could have brought less and just put the remainder in the suitcase for them to use once we got here.  There's that part of me that wants to do it over so I could do it "better", but the other part of me really doesn't want to make that trip again until 3 years from now when we are coming back for good.  Looks like I have some suitcases to sell between now and then!

We are currently in guest housing and will hopefully hear something about permanent housing tomorrow.  I'm not too hopeful on getting out of here soon though.  Everything on post is within a 1 mile distance.  The Commissary though is at the furthest point from where we are and I'm not sure Colin would make the walk very well.  There is an on post bus system that operates 7 days a week, so we plan on trying that out this weekend.  Right outside guest housing is a playground which we utilized twice yesterday.  Thankfully the weather hasn't been extremely horrible yet!  Yesterday is was around 40.  No snow.  We are so thankful for that!  It has allowed us to get out a bit and walk to the Shoppette a few times to get a few needed items.  I think it's supposed to drop down to the 30's with some light rain/snow this weekend.  I'm going to need to locate some snow boots for the boys soon!

Tim has had to jump right in and start with 5:30 AM wake ups.  Thankfully no PT yet though.  He did some more in-processing yesterday morning but then was able to have the afternoon off.  I believe he has a full schedule today.  Yesterday, he also received the news that we were dreading.  Tim deploys to Afghanistan in the beginning of June.  Tim was certain he'd deploy once he found out what unit he was assigned to, I just wasn't thinking it would be so soon.  I was thinking September/October/November time frame.  Although we both knew it was inevitable, my heart aches and I just want to skip ahead to the end of the deployment.  The only good thing is that it will be a 9 month deployment instead of a full year.  I was hoping he would tell me six, but I'll still take 9 over 12.  

The trip to get here was exhausting in itself and then getting the news of Tim's deployment the morning after just puts a heaviness on our first few days here.  Our bodies are still adjusting to the time difference and our stomachs are still adjusting to the food difference.  I think adjusting to the difference in weather will be one of the hardest!  We don't have a full kitchen in the guest housing so we plan on eating in the DFAC for most of our meals.  The boys finally slept a whole night last night (still sleeping actually) and I hope to get a simple routine going with them to help keep us sane while we are waiting for a house.  Hopefully tonight Tim and I will be able to sleep through the night!  I'll try and post some pics soon!

A Five Day Breather

Well, December has come and gone...way too quickly.  Last I wrote on here we were waiting for us (the family) to be added to Tim’s orders so that we could, hopefully, travel together to Germany.   The Lord answered our prayers and we got the orders and we are currently at Tim’s parent’s house a few days shy from our flight to Germany! 

I really want to remember the last month though, so I’ll try my best to recap….

Since we figured we’d be traveling during Christmas we invited both of our families to join us for Thanksgiving at our house!  It was the first holiday we have hosted!  I was SUPER excited!  We honestly thought Tim’s parents and my parents would come, but that would be it.  We were blessed to not only have our parents, but my sister, one of my brothers, and Tim’s sister and her three kids!  It was a FULL house!  But we loved every minute of it! 

Tim has been wanting to fry a turkey for the last three or four years and since we were hosting he was determined that we would make it happen!  With all the people we had though we bought two turkeys.  Tim fried one of them and I baked the other.   They were DE.LI.CIOUS.

After Thanksgiving was over we re-focused our attention on tying up all our loose ends while still waiting on those orders.  They FINALLY came in the afternoon of Monday, December 5^th!!!  Tim went down to pick them up right away and had our moving date set up.  On December 21^st we were packed and they loaded it on December 22^nd.  We did the final walk-thru for our house on the 22^nd and drove out of town on the 23^rd headed to Tim’s parent’s house for the holiday.

The time between the 5^th and the 21^st was spent sorting, packing, shopping for last minute items, squeezing in play dates, dinner dates with dear friends, and Christmas parties.  The last week also included three trips to the doctor which resulted in four ear infections and two eye infections.  Oy-vey!  There were other bumps along the way...but we managed to get what we needed done! 

Checking out the Christmas Lights at Blora.

Andi, Ryan, Colin, Milly

Connor came over to play!



Dinner with our friends.

Blaine, Milly, Colin, Connor, Andi, Ryan, and Cameron.

The most amazing friends ever!!!

Matt, Sarah, Tim, me, Jenny, & Sidney

In all the craziness and non-stop action of moving/holidays it’s been hard to let the reality of leaving our friends really sink in.   God blessed us beyond what we prayed for with their friendships.

Christmas Eve seemed like the first time we had a chance to breathe..for a few minutes at least.  After some heart searching and discussion with Tim over the last few weeks we decided that we wouldn’t be doing “Santa” with our family.  In the past we’ve neither pushed it, nor dismissed it, but Ryan is older and wiser and starting to ask questions and was also greatly influenced by his friends at school at the “reality” of Santa.  (I would LOVE to go into more detail about why we choose this route..but this article here explains it best.  I HIGHLY recommend reading it!)  All that to say, we finally set down with Ryan and Colin about 5PM on Christmas Eve in the church office to tell them that Santa was not real (short-version) and what we want them to remember most about Christmas.  My mother’s heart was warmed (true sarcasm) when not but three hours later after we get back to the house Ryan exclaims, “We have to hurry and get to bed before Santa comes!!!”  Ha.  So glad to know my son was listening! That’s ok though.  We have a whole year now to remind him and to impress on him the reality of our Savior’s birth!

On December 26^th we packed back up and headed out to visit with Tim’s Mee-Maw for a few days.  Unfortunately, she had a trip to the hospital about two months ago and she hasn’t been doing the best since.  I’m so glad we were able to make that trip to see her, but it still makes it hard knowing that it (honestly) might be the last.  She’s a fighter and she always seems to rebound after a fall back, but things never seem to go back to the way they were before.

We made it back to Tim’s parents on the 29^th and then Tim and I hid away the evening of the 30^th at a local hotel.  We debated catching a movie at the theater, but we ended up staying in the room, ordering in dessert, and sleeping!  It was great to have some time to relax and unwind.

My parents ended up driving in last minute to spend the weekend with us and the boys since we weren’t able to make it out to see them.  Their visits always seem too short, but we are very thankful that the drive and the lack of time doesn’t hinder them from coming to visit when they can.  Mom even brought super hero capes and masks for the boys, which they of course loved!

In other random news of December Blaine finally started walking more than he is crawling and Ryan learned how to tie his own shoes!

Now December is over and 2012 brings on a WHOLE bunch of new and un-charted territory for us.    There are still many unknowns.  Decisions to be made.  Some big.  Some not so big.  Some need to be made by others first before we can make our own.  There is still the big unknown of another deployment for Tim.  The unit Tim is joining returned from their last deployment in the Fall of 2010, which means that they are due to go again soon.  We are doing are best to take it as it comes and trust in the knowledge that God has our best interest at heart (Romans 8:28), but sometimes the inevitable still weighs on you.

I'm getting excited about seeing what our new "home" will be for the next three years.  I'm nervous I brought too much stuff.  I'm hopeful for the time we will have to grow closer as a couple and as a family, but fearful of the effect of another deployment.  I'm looking forward to fewer bills and a simpler schedule.  I'm nervous about driving.  I'm both nervous and excited about navigating the German shops.

We are thankful for these few days of rest in between all the traveling.  We are scheduled for a night flight and are hoping the boys will get some good rest so they are ready for all the traveling/waiting around that will come the following day.  We would appreciate your prayers for healthy bodies, safe travel, and extra grace for all that comes to adjusting to a new home.

We hope you had a great holiday season visiting with your family and friends!

One to Gift, One to Give

So, not long ago I mentioned I took a challenge to make two of a certain gift. If you missed the challenge, it's not too late!  Here's my previous post.

I decided to go with a cowboy vest and I actually made three.  One as a birthday gift for a friend of Colin's, one for Colin, and one to give.  What little boy doesn't like to dress up like a cowboy?!!  Colin loves his!

Here's the one I made to give.

A friend of mine from church has had personal experience with the Ronald McDonald House and she immediately came to mind when I took this challenge.  So with her help I have a name and address of a lady I can send my stuff to for donation!

Crunch Time

Tim turned in our 30 day notice today for our home.

This makes me sad and anxious.

No matter how I feel though, it's happening.  Much quicker than I would like it.  And during the holidays, no less, which seems to make it even more chaotic with emotions running wild.

Tim finally received his orders about a week and a half ago, but since we aren't on them we are still waiting with bated breath for the call to let us know his amended orders are ready so we can get the rest of the process moving.  I know I am to "not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present my requests to God.", but it still isn't easy for the planner that is in me!

I NEED DATES!!!!

It would be nice to know when we are shipping our car.  It would be nice to know when the movers are coming.  It would be nice to know if we get to go when Tim goes.

The thing is...even without that information, our time here is coming to an end.  Our 30 days notice is in, and whether or not we go when Tim goes..we only have about four weeks left here.

With it being the holidays, I'm trying my best to keep it simple while still making it something special and memorable for the boys.  This will be our third year without being able to decorate our own tree.  (Not that we have a tree to decorate, but...)  Even without the move, it is our hearts desire to stress the focus of Christmas on our Savior and not on all the excess...but I've even been struggling with it in my own heart the last few days.  I'm having trouble finding the balance.  Should I really be sad that I don't get to decorate?  That we probably won't be "stable" and have any wrapped gifts or stockings?  I know that those things are not what is most important but it is a battle.

So, with the encouragement/challenge of a few articles here and here, I'm trying my best to "choose the best and letting go of the rest to ensure a peaceful Christmas season."  Baking is still on the list.  It will help me clear out my cabinets before the move and make some goodies for our trash man and mail man! Thanks to Pinterest I found this advent calendar that we are going to start.  Ryan has also been asking for a snow globe, so I think we might give this tutorial a go.  

Now, just to continue to pray for peace, and for the Lord to direct my steps in choosing our activites for the next few weeks. 

I Took the Challenge!

Are there any handmade gifts on your list of things to do for Christmas this year?  Why not make two? 

I know a lot of times I set out to make one and end up making two or more just because I have the extra material.  (It's kind of a pet peeve of mine to have scraps.  Even if I finished the project I set out to to begin with, any excess material nags at me to be created into the same. 

Weakness in this: If the material I have creates the one I needed plus 1/2 of another one, it's likely I'll go out and buy more material so I can have an even 2 or 3.  Crazy.  I know.

Plus side in this:  I have homemade gifts laying around ready to be gifted!!!

So I have my gift ready and I'll share pictures in a few days once I figure out who/where I'm donating it to!

If you want to take the challenge, want some more details, or need some inspiration you can visit here or here!  If you decide to participate, make sure to let me know!  I'd love to see what you make!!

So the ARMY says....

 (photo credit)

we're moving to Germany!

Insert the "AAhhhh!!!" of your choice!  Crazy or excited.....maybe some of both.

Some of mine have been...

Are you kidding me?!

You're joking right?

OMG!

How exciting!

Can we escape to Mexico?!

Where did that come from?

God's plan is best.

It's too soon.

What an opportunity!

That's really far from family.

 Oh, the simplicity!!!!!

This could be the best thing ever!

When we moved here (almost) two years ago, we knew it would be a short assignment.  Tim was assigned to a unit, specifically to deploy, that really only operates overseas.  Tim was assigned to the same unit for his 2nd deployment so we kind of had an idea of how they work.  Tim's deployment ended in June and they normally have you headed to your next duty station within 90 days after being stateside.  We were expecting to receive orders back in May.  Needless to say, we've been waiting a while.  And technically, we still don't have them.  :) 

We first learned of the assignment at the end of August.  We were blown away!  Tim took a few weeks trying to track down answers and trying to get it changed.  He even looked into his options if he choose to deny the orders.  He was pretty much told, "You're going."  It took a few weeks for the news to settle.  There are a lot of mixed emotions involved.

At first all we were told was that we were going to Germany.  A few days later we got word of a unit, which made us think we were really going to Italy.  Then we were told there is a Battalion in Bamburg, Germany.  So Bamburg is where we are headed.

The reason we are going to Germany is because Tim is Airborne.  He hasn't jumped since he originally got his wings, but apparently since he has them he's required to serve in an Airborne unit for a minimum of 3 years.  There are limited posts with Airborne units, so to Germany we go!

A few weeks later we were informed that his report date would be early January 2011.  About a four month window at that point.  (Panic somewhat ensues!)

At this point, everything has still been word of mouth and official orders are no where in sight.  Part of that problem is because Tim's current enlistment ends in 2 1/2 years.  A tour to Germany, with family in tow, is a minimum of 3 years.

Skip ahead to October 3rd and Tim signed the paperwork accepting his orders and to extend his enlistment to the 3 year period.

Skip ahead to November and we are wondering where our orders are?!!  You can't do a whole lot without the orders.  Everything is kind of on hold without them.  We can't even turn in our 30 days notice to our rental company without the orders.

Skip ahead to last Monday, November 7th, and the new guy informed Tim that the reason he hasn't received his orders yet is because the paperwork he signed back on October 3rd was never turned in.  In fact, he found it wadded up in a ball in the back of the desk drawer from the previous employee.  :)  Love!! Sarcasm Central.  

Thankfully, the new guy has the paperwork turned in so hopefully we will see orders within a week!  1 hurdle jumped!

We also found out last week that we could go ahead and get our passport process started.  We thought we had to have his orders to start that too...thankfully not!  Hurdle number 2!

While at the passport office though we were informed of hurdle #3.  We, the family, have to have an EFMP Screening completed.  It's pretty much a doctor's appointment where they look over your medical records to make sure none of the family members have any extreme medical conditions that can't be provided for overseas.  The hurdle part of this is that we, the family, can't be added to Tim's orders until we are "approved" after the screening.  The ARMY won't approve shipment of household goods until Tim's orders show that it is an accompanied tour.  So...we can't get plane tickets, ship our car (which we should be doing in the next two weeks to beat his report date), set up packing day, etc. until we are added to the orders.  

As soon as we left the passport office I called to set up our appointments.  I got the first available appointment, but that was still two weeks out.  After the appointment it will take another week for it to be approved and then hopefully we can have Tim's orders amended to an accompanied tour and get things going.  So right now we aren't looking to get the correct orders till the first week of December.  Hopefully.

Which leaves us to wonder...how in the world are we going to get out of here in time?!  We were originally expecting to have our van shipped the beginning of December and our house packed up by mid December.  We just don't see how it's going to work.  So...hurdle #4...Tim is going to fill out some more paperwork this week asking for a delay in his report date.  I don't know if they will approve his request or how long they will give him, but I'm praying!  If they don't, there's that chance they will make him go ahead of us and the boys and I will have to follow later.  Definitely NOT something either of us want to do!

I'll do my best to share some of my other feelings on the move in a later post, but we would really appreciate your prayers in the meantime for all of the things that have to take place in what seems like a very short amount of time!

Photo Shoot {Ryan's Kindergarten Pics}

School pictures are expensive!  Ryan came home with the notice about two weeks ago saying that school pictures were coming up.  The cheapest packet was about $11.00.  For that $11.00 I think you got about 3 pictures.  In order for us to have gotten enough pictures for all the Grandparents I probably would have had to pay between $40/$50!!!  No thanks!!!!!

We knew both Grandmas would still appreciate some Kindergarten pictures of Ryan so we opted to take our own.  

Much better than the basic school pose with the green or blue background!