Christmas

This year for Christmas we decided that we was going to spend it together and have presents and everything for each other because we realized it has not been since 2006 they we have actually been home at our own house to do Christmas together!

2010 - We had Beka and was in Texas

2009 - Jeremy deployed right before Christmas

2008 - We spent Christmas in Disney World

2007 - He was in AIT and I was living in Texas so he come home for it

2006- We were in Utah! And we actually did Christmas together that year!

So this year we spent it together. We both agree to get each other ipods for Christmas because we both have been needing them and since I plan to go to the gym more often I thought it would be a good idea. Well we did not plan anything big for a meal or anything and then Thursday Jeremy found out there was some Single soldiers that had no place to go and plans were just to spend it hanging in their rooms so we said "No we will have a big dinner and come over and hang out and we will play games or what not." So I wanted to do a Turkey but there was no way to defrost and cook a turkey in 3 days. So trying to decide what would feed 5 people we went with Chickens. So we made 2 5lbs Oven Roasted Chickens, Green Bean Casseroles, Home made Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Cranberries, and Stuffing. Also while I cooked I had pigs in a blanket to snack on, a meat and cheese plate, and devil eggs. Then for dessert it was my cupcakes and cookies that we still had. I think it turn out to be a lot of fun and those soldiers keep begging Jeremy when can they come back over to eat. So I guess it was good.

Anyways it was a nice Christmas and I was glad to be over here and learn some of the culture and traditions that goes on here in Germany and I hope to remember them when we head back to the US. We did miss all our friends and family though and hoped Everyone had a Merry Christmas! Here are some pictures!

Our Red & Silver Christmas Tree

Just some of the cookies I made!

I ended up making in ONE day: 42 decorate Sugar Cookies, 39 cupcakes,

40 Non-bake Oatmeal cookies and a whole bunch of Peanut Butter Balls!

I will NEVER try to make so much in one day EVERY again!

Okay I have to stop and explain something here. Up until December 20 we had only had some snow flurries once and they did not even stick to the ground at all. Well, December 20th Jeremy had to go to the DR in Landstuhl and he had to be at the bus stop at 5am that morning. Well, we got up at 4:30 to take him and I wait till he got on the bus and then came home to go back to bed around 5:30am. Anyways it was a nice morning: I notice it was very cold but the sky was clear the roads was clear it was not raining or nothing, A very nice morning! Well I woke up about 10am and the first thing I do is getting on facebook to see that someone posted "It Snowed". I am like what are they talking about it did not. So has I walk to my windows thinking no way. And what does my eyes see SNOW and LOTS of it. So here are some pictures I took right then. I am just so thankful the snow waited until after 5am to snow!!!

This is looking out our backyard at the playground!

This is looking out the front. LOTS of snow!

This was our OFFICIAL first snow fall on December 4 or 5!

I can't remember but it did not stay!

Christmas Markets

So here in Germany a big thing that starts in November and last till Christmas Eve and right before Christmas is Weihnachtsmarkt. Which is German for Christmas market! We did not get to go off and see some of the big ones due to Jeremy's health right now but we did get to spend some time at the one in town and the one in Wurzburg. It was neat but I don't really see the big deal. It is just a market area of little shops from toys, to scarfs, to Christmas ornaments, and then LOTS of food. We did get into collecting these little mugs they have there. See when you buy something to drink it is hot (they did not have like cola or anything). It was stuff like hot chocolate and hot spice drinks where they add wines or such to them.

Jeremy fell in love with the Kinder Punch. Kinder Punch is kinda like the punch they make for adults but it does not have alcohol so it is kinda like a kool-aide heated up and served hot. Well when you buy it they dont serve it in paper cups but ceramics mugs that say the market and the year. You pay 4 Euro for the drink and if you bring the mug back you get 2 Euro back but we never did that so now we have a collection of about 6 of them. We also got us a nativity set and 2 nutcrackers this year from the market. We also bought most of the presents that we sent back to Texas from the markets. Jeremy loved to go to the markets for the food me not so much other then the chocolate. OH MY GOSH! They dip EVERYTHING in chocolate over here: Chocolate cover: grapes, pineapple, strawberries, chili peppers, bananas, cherries, marshmallows, and pears are the things I can remember off the top of my head. The other big thing is roasted nuts and crepes, but I can't say I tried either of those. Our last time at the market here in Schweinfurt Jeremy got me to tried the Belgium waffle with powder sugar..and lets just say I was in LOVE! Now I want another one.

Anyways well, here is a couple of pictures from the markets for yall to enjoy!!!

This is the welcome sign for Wurzburg Market

Jeremy, Sarah & Justin (our neighbors) getting some Bratwurst!

Beautiful Christmas decoration down the alley

This is Schweinfurt Christmas Market and Their Christmas Tree

A not so busy day at the market you can see the little broths

I never thought I would Say this

So, for many of yall that know me or have been following my blog since the beginning know the real reason I begun to write on here. That reason was my way to deal with infertility and having was having so much stress and depression for feeling like I would never be able to have a child. Back then I was seeking a Infertility Doctor and was doing the whole tracking everything and on clomid and was really trying but not successful at all. Then Jeremy deployed and I had time to think and get myself together.

Then when we found out that we was going to go to Germany I been to do my research where I learned that it would be cheaper to do an IVF here. I am not up to the point of waiting to really do a IVF but we plan on focusing on starting over at step 1 and see if we will have any luck with a new doctor. That is what what on my mind and my first dr appointment here the first thing I mention that I wanted to get to a Reproduction Specialize. Well, that never happen and I am not making that appointment to bring that subject up, WHY? you ask

Well, since Jeremy has been having so many health problems and now he can't drive or for that matter do anything I don't think I should run off and TRY to get pregnant. It would just make things more stressful right now I feel. The other day the Dr ask if we have kids and Jeremy responded "No, thankfully" That is when it hit me, for years we have been praying and begging to have a child, but right now I am glad that the Lord knew what he was doing. He had a plan in all of this. I mean right now with Jeremy's seizures I sometimes have a lot of troubles watching it and I really could not think about what that would do to a child.

So I never thought I would say that I am thankful that the Lord knew what he was doing and right now we don't have a child. This being sad I am learning to live with that, but this does not mean I don't every want a child. Right now we are focusing on Jeremy and getting him better. Then we will go back to trying when the time is right. Also if we ended up having to get out and end up back in Southeast Texas we want to go and adopted children out of the foster care!

Well, I think I can finally say "Yes I have no children" and smile and not want to run off crying!

November

Sorry I have not written in a while. Things have been so crazy and I just can't get my thoughts together to write. So I thought I would finally sit down and write about what has been going on the last month or so.

My 31st Birthday

On the 14th of the month was my birthday and my neighbor's birthday was the 12th so we spent the weekend letting the guys wait on us. That Friday on the 12th we both went for a "Day at the Spa" experience. I got my a massage, facial, medicare, pedicure and it was nice. Then we did not really do anything big, Saturday night we went out to eat with our neighbors to this wonderful Italian place. I loved it. I have falling in love with bruschetta and pesto sauce. I total went vegetarian that night and had a pesto spaghetti. I have to say it was so good. I am not a big birthday celebration person cause it starts to get to me that we are getting older and still have not been able to have children.

Well then the night before my birthday Jeremy's pasting out spells were getting worst and he start shaking so he ended up going to the hospital that night and actually had to spend the week there. I was very upset to say the least I had to spend my birthday alone. But, it is all good.

But then 2 weeks later he ended up right back in the hospital. This time it was bad how he ended up there. We went up to the hospital to get a couple of his discharged papers and all the reports but while in the lobby he feel down and had a seizure. Everyone freak out and sent down The ER nurses who demanded that he has to go to the ER and get checked out. So finally agreeing they put him on a bed and was taking him up there and then all of a sudden he had another attack on the bed and lucky a couple of the nurses were able to hold him on the bed before he fell out. Then because of that they sent him straight to ICU and he had to stay over night there. But he got out the next morning and sent to a regular room for 3 more days. Just a little update we are still trying to figure out what exactly is going on with Jeremy these day. He is having Epilepsy seizures and they are being to show up on the EEGs but they are not matching the pattern that epilepsy seizures have. They have him taking 2 different Epilepsy medicine which right now has not helped at all. So hopefully we will find out soon what is going to happen. He is going to Landstuhl tomorrow so hopefully they help us get answers.

Driving

So a couple months ago between Jeremy's trip to the hospital I went to take the Driver's Test here in Germany to see if I could pass it on the first time and Guess what...I DID! So now I have had my German license for a month and half but was still neveous about actually having to drive in German. I mean I learn what the signs means but taking the meanings in effect is another story. Well, my neighbor has a car and he has his license but she does not yet so he is always driving us around when he is off work. So a couple of weeks ago he let me take the wheel so I would learn how to drive. It was not that bad. So the next day I took me and his wife to the library and PX so yeah I am getting use to driving in Germany slowly.

Well, then Friday the car we are thinking about buying arrived in Germany so I needed to take it for a test drive. I was thinking a test drive just around the block and stay on post. Well the car dealer was like take it for a drive get on the autobahn and down town I was like no way. So I convince my neighbors cause he somewhat knows his way around and is used to driving in Germany. So he help me get there we drove off post and down the road and jumped on the Autobahn that goes around Schweinfurt. Then took the 2nd extra to get back into Schweinfurt which bought me into it on the other size of town where I have never been. Now I was really scared lost in a new car in town. But guess what?! I did it and did not cry!! I was really proud of myself! So I did it! Not so bad! Soon I will be driving all over the place.

Krankenhaus

Krankenhaus is a place you don't want to be! Krankenhaus is the word for hospital. Yes that is right I am writing a blog about hospitals!! Jeremy has spend a totally of 11 nights in the past 3 weeks so I have had to learn all about KRANKENHAUS! So I just thought I would share!

* Their rooms are semi-private! Which means your bed is 2 foot from someone else's bed and there is no curtain or anything in the middle. You can bay 50EUR for a private room but that adds up. 11 nights @ 50 EUR a night = 550 EUR which is $747.39 USD. And I don't have that kind of money.

* After the age of 11 you can not have any one stay the night with you. As the DR told me, he is fine in the hospital with nurses and DR and don't need family there.

* Dinner is served at lunch and lunch at Dinner! Confused?! Germans eat a bigger lunch and a small dinner, so Jeremy is starving every night.

* The food sucks!!!! For Breakfast you get pastries. That is all Germans eat for breakfast anyways stupid pastries. (Sorry never was a fan of pastries.. I want eggs, bacon, and hash-browns so bad!!!!)

- For Lunch is when you get real food has Jeremy says. Normally it is a meat and some kind of potatoes dumplings or something then a side salad.

- Dinner - the the worst meal. All it is 2 pieces of wheat bread, a tray with a couple of slices of some kind of lunch meat like salami or cold cuts, and then if you are lucky you get cheese (only sometimes they put cheese on there) Then some Joghurt (Yogurt) and maybe a soup. Boring!!

* Doctors only come around once a day. So you just sit there in the bed all day waiting to see what happens. The nurses will never tell you anything either if you try to ask them. They just say "I don't know"

* You know those cute scrubs that the nurses wear in the US with cartoon characters and all that on them? Well here you don't see any of those you just see a LOT of white. That is right every one wears WHITE. The nurses wear white top and white pants and the nurses wear the same just will have the white DR coat over that. So you never know really you are seeing some kinds because everyone is in white!

* After about 8- 9 pm they shut the hospital down just about. They make you turn off the light in your room and then will turn off the light in the hallways and all that. The hospital will start to get really scary then.

* Also you are not just given a room number like 503, like in the states. And normally in the states that means like the 5th floor and then you just find their room. Here you are put into wards (or stations) then you have a room number. So that is the information you need to find someone in the hospital. Like last time Jeremy was in Ward 11 Room 14 and this time he is in Ward 12 Room #4.

Okay, that is about all I can think about right now.. I miss the wonderful USA! lol

Poor Health

Okay, sorry I have not updated about our wonderful time in Germany, things are just not going that wonderful the past 3 weeks. Before this though we did take a fun trip to Potterstein and I went to Bamberg. I maybe later will post some pictures of those time but right now I fell like talking about our past 2-3 weeks.

Jeremy

I will start with him well 2 times before I came to Germany he was put in the hospital because he was having abdomen pains at work and they got so bad that he passed out. Both times in the hospital they were never able to figure out a cause for the pain and said he just passed out due to the pain. Well, September 16 he was in pain at work but it was manageable then on the 17 he was off work due to us getting our Household stuff. That morning he was not feeling good but they came early and had our bed set up by noon. So Jeremy went and laid down and me and the neighbor worked on the house and started unpacking. At 4pm he thought he felt better and was going to go down the street and get us some German pillows. But, he only maid it to the couch because he was in so much pain after getting up. Well about 730pm he got up again to get something to drink and I was on the computer in the living room. All I heard was him hitting the floor and I could see his legs on the ground. I went and tried everything to wake him and I could tell he was breathing so I did not panic to bad. But, after about 10 minutes of me not being able to wake him I called my neighbors over to see what I should do. (Plus I did not know the number to 911) After he saw him and could not get him to wake up he decide to call it in and said that he needs to at least be looked after. Well, the paramedic came and said he needed to go to the hospital so they took us to the hospital. well, that night in the ER they gave him pain medicine though an IV and decide to keep him over night and would decide Tuesday morning what they were going to do. Well, Jeremy ended up staying till Saturday they ran every time of blood test, 24hr Urine, blood pressure and EKG, and nothing. The DR said he tested for Gallstones, kidney stones, Appendix and also rare diseases and could not find anything.

Well, he was off from work Sunday but Monday went back to work. He was doing okay but still we hurting and not feeling well. So then Wednesday he went to sick call to see a DR because his CO wants him to go to Landstuhl which is an Army hospital 4 hours away. Well that morning on the way he passed out on the bus on the way to the DR and he said he remembers sitting there then the next thing he knew 4 soldiers looking over him. So they help him get to the clinic. Well, he saw the DR and she really did not say anything just put a refer in and put him on light duty and he can't drive a car, ride a bike or do anything like that. So now we are just waiting on the refer. Thursday morning while getting ready for work he passed out and then he did it today at church. Just sitting there at church listening next thing he knew he was on the ground with 4 people looking at him.

So I hope we can get an appointment at Landstuhl soon and they are able to figure this all out. It is really stressing me out cause I hate for him to walk to the store or anything cause we never know when he will pass out. His unit has been mentioning chaptering him out for this or giving him a medically discharge. At first he was really upset about either one but now if it happens then let it be, we will figure out what to do then right now we just have to figure out what is going on. So wish that we found out the problem.

ME

Okay I was not going to do this on the internet but I just want to type it so here it is:

Okay I am goign to keep my issue simple I dont want to dwell on it. ANd MALE READERS you might not want to read it but I am going to keep it simply.

Okay so everyone knows I can't have kids and I have a lot of female issues but the past 3 weeks have been a new adventures. For the past 3 weeks I have been bleeding and cramping the worst I have every had in my life. I never had bad periods but this is crazy. I am tired of hurting and the cost of 3 boxes of pads a week. I am just so tired of it. So I went in to talk with a nurse last Friday (the 23rd) because I could not get an appointment with a DR until Oct 11th. Well, the nurse panic and told me to go to the ER (keep in mind this day I did this Jeremy was still in the hospital) which I told her I could not go to the ER today. Well she went and explain my history to a DR who had the NERVE to come in there and tell me I was having a miscarriage. The DR told me that there was not reason to go to the ER unless it gets worst just to take some BC and take ibuprofen for pain. So now it has been another week and still the same problems I just keep taking the BC and ibuprofen for the pain each day and it helps the pain but every morning and night I start cramping again.

So between what is going on between my husband and me we have not had time to think. We just look at each other laugh cause we lay in pain and wish we were home. Sorry Germany is so not winning us over!! And if I am having a miscarriage I did not know and I don't even want to think about it, I keep telling myself it is probably something else cause I don't want to dwell on it.

So anyways sorry i wrote a book but I feel like we been ran over and ran over and I am just so ready to go home. Don't feel sorry for us we are holding it together both of us keep stressing over the other one but together we know we will figure out both of our problems (just hoping sooner then later) I promise my next post will be more CHEERFUL!!!!

Wurzburg

So, In August one weekend we decide to go for a few hours to visit another city and walk around and do a little site seeing. So after looking at a few towns around here and what is in Bavarian (the state that we live it) we decide to go to Wurzburg. Wurzburg is an old nice city, bigger then Schweinfurt. So what did we do we got up Saturday morning and hope on a TRAIN!

About 30 minutes later we arrived at the city of Wurzburg

Here is a piece of the Castle which we did not visit this trip..

Decide to save something for next time

So we took a stroll downtown to the market area and just kinda wonder around for awhile because the English tour we wanted to go on did not start for awhile.

Here is a picture of downtown with the streetcar!

We decide to eat Lunch downtown too. So we had this wonderful pizza.

Here is a picture of the pizza and for everyone wondering those rounds things are just thick slices of tomatoes with cheese over theme.

This is the reason we chose to go to Wurzburg. This is the view we saw has we were walking up onto it. This is called the Residenz of Wurzburg. They also had a beautiful garden around it. But, I could not take pictures inside so Sorry I don't have any.

This is a picture of the gate to get into the garden! Beautiful!

Here we are in the side garden and that is the SIDE of the Residenz..

Sorry not the best picture but it was the best I could do with a Self Timer

This is the back of the Palace with the full garden back here to.

A Self Timer picture of us again at the back of it!

A beautiful church that we went found!

Another church that we saw.

Here is the inside of it.. BEAUTIFUL

Art work on the ceiling but it was pretty with the light shinning in

Another Church that was downtown right in the market area

The inside of that church

Over all the trip was fun but my feet hurt and I was so tired on the way home. We will defiantly make a trip back there to see more but for now that was fun.

New Updates to Come

Okay sorry I stopped updating but the internet that I was getting free would always come and go and I could never get a good signal. I tired once to update and after typing 2 paragraphs the internet died and I lost it so I stopped trying. So, now I finally have phone and internet and will be able to get on all the time and update so look forward to updates, I have a lot to say...lol.

Anyways I am too tired tonight to write and tomorrow we are going hiking and sight seeing in some cave. So Sunday I will finally be able to update... I will return shortly...

Week One

Okay, so I have now been over here in Germany for ONE whole week. Sorry, I stopped updated daily because I did not really have a lot to say. Most of this week I just stayed home while Jeremy was at work. I did Wednesday walk over to the PX, ACS, and library which I realize are a mile away. So go me.. I walked 2 miles that day. So, I really have not done much to write about or even take pictures of. I will say I miss Fort Stewart and their PX and Commissary. I used to complain about them but here it is smaller then those I think if I walked into Fort Stewart's PX now It would feel so big. Here you dont have much pick for things, they call it the "Schweinfurt Pick" cause they might just carry one of 2 favorites of something. Like my Poweraide that I love they only carry 4 different favors. So I can't be so picky anymore.

Anyways, today Jeremy was off and so was his SGT and his wife took us around town and showed us some stores that will help us get comfortable in our home and really make it a home. They took us to this first store and to me it was just like an IKEA, 3 stories going around with the show rooms and all that. So we found some things there. And then we went across the parking lot to XXXL (yes that is the name of the store, dont ask me if they really try to say it like that) and again it was a totally home furnishing store but this one was higher but man it had some nice stuff. The we went to another store but this was more like an food store. It was cool though to look at the food and try to figure out what it is.

Then tonight we decide to go out and actually try a restaurant since we have yet tried one. I been too chicken to try one. But, tonight I like Jeremy talked me into it but we agree I would try an Italian place... I mean you can't go wrong with pasta. That should be pretty easy to order from. Then we went next door to an Ice Cream shop and had dessert before we made the mile walk back to the house. I walk about 2 miles every day.

Well, here are my facts that I learned today:

* You have to deposit money into this machine on the cart at stores to be able to get a cart when walking around the store... when you return the cart it gives you your EUR back.

* Euros are not written like our money... They don't use decimal like if something is $9.99 in the store it is written has 9,99 Which for the longest confused me cause if I see a cloma I think thousands

*Again they don't bag your stuff they just scan it and push it to a side of the registrar for you to bag.

*Water cost at a restaurant... and you don't get free refills even on the water... it cost us for 2 glasses of water 3 EUROS... which is about $4.50 USD

* Waiters, and Waitress don't expect a tip here you can tip them but it is not like in the US

* Oh in case you are wondering GAS is 1,50EUR a LITER, so before you get excited look to see how many liters make a gallon. That will be the price of gas for you!

* At the food stores you bring your plastic bottles back and can recycle them and they actually give you money back for them

*Shopping is a little harder here cause it is hard to tell what something is when it is written in German so sometimes you are just figuring it out

* German beds are low on the ground and a different size then our beds. Most of their beds are just platform with a thin mattress.

Well, that is all I can think about right now, tomorrow we are going to go to the city of Wurzburg. We are going to take the train and maybe go check our this place that to me is like a castle. So stay turn for that account and pictures!!!

Downtown & The Market

Well, Yesterday (Saturday) was my first full day in Germany. I was hoping today I would begin not to feel so lost and confused. Jeremy has a routine that every Saturday he goes downtown to the markets to get his produce and meats for the month. Also, we needed to find a company that we can set an phone and internet with. So, I decided to go with him downtown and get out of the house. We walked to where the cabs are then took a cab downtown, we were going to take a bus back but the wait was too long so we took a cab back to. We also went to the mall while we was downtown walking around. After downtown and the market we came back home and rest for a little while then Jeremy took me over to Ledward Barracks and showed me where the ACS, library, PXextra, PX and shopette was. It was a lot of walking but I made it.

So here are some of the things I notice today about Germany:

*While they have a BIG sidewalk to walk on there is a line down the middle because one side is for bikes and the other for people

* Euros- I don't know if I will every figure this out

* When you buy something in any store they do not give you bags they just hand the stuff back to you. You see alot of people with baskets and backpack.

* Dogs everywhere - it is nothing to walk in a clothing store and see people with their dogs in there

* Fresh produce market smells wonderful

* Driving in Germany is starting not to look has scary has I thought it would be

*Fresh Bakery smell amazing and the breads looks so wonderful

* It is weird to walk into a German store and see stuff we are use to but it written in German, like Oreos or Ritter Chocolate.

*Keyboards are different! At the internet store the guy needed our email address so he handed me the keyboard and I went to type but could not find the shift key or the "Y" key. The guy saw what I was looking for and showed me the "Y" key is on the bottom row that is when it hit me oh yeah this is a German keyboard!

* I miss AC! Just wanted to say that! But I do love the weather here!

* Oh yeah, I never know what time it is... it stay bright outside till like 9pm and at 6:30am this morning it was bright outside again... I did not believe what time it was...which is why I am up at 7am writing this. lol

Well, I don't have anything else to say right now but keep checking back I will be adding pictures soon!

I hate Airplanes!!!!

Well, I have decide this blog I would write about my adventure here in Germany. So here is the first day!

I hate airplanes and never want to do this again...lol. but I guess one day I will have to head back to the US one day.

So my first flight from Hobby to Dallas/Fort Worth was great! I got to sit by myself and by the window and it only being 45 minute flight just sit back and enjoy the ride. Then in Dallas I decided instead of riding the skylink I would just walk since I had the time. Bad mistake it was a LONG walk. But, hey I made it and check in to make sure that was the right flight. They were going to start boarding in a few minutes so got me a power aide and call some family and then prepared to board the plane. I was nervous but this military family behind that were returning to Germany from an vacation in the US help easy my nerves cause the 4 year old keep talking to me and the 13 year old was telling me what she loves about living in Germany. So that helped.

Well, I got on the plane and my seat was 36G which is an aisle seat. Anyone that knows me well knows that I can't stand sitting next to strangers and the idea of being stuck in the middle would scare the living daylights out of me so I ask when the Army book my ticket. Well I found my seat and a little boy was sitting in it. I kinda looked at the parent sitting 2 seat over and before I said a word she said "Yes, I know that is NOT his seat but he is sitting there, so go find your own seat" First of all I am shocked on how rude this person was I mean without asking or anything. So I get the Steward to come over. She repeats the statement and is shocked too. So he was finally able to find out that the little boy seat was behind that row but in the middle. So the steward ask if I would mind sitting there.

My worst fear was about to happen, stuck sitting between 2 old guys. I was standing there thinking how in the world am I going to be able to squeeze in here they each had their stuff on the floor in front of them and worst how am I going to get out to walk around or go to the rest room? Well the guy on the right stood up and there was some empty seat so he ask and the the steward said he can sit there unless someone else comes on. Well, they said that was everyone so I lucked out and got an aisle seat. That was so nice. Well, because of all that I did not realized after I got settle that it was past time to take off should have been 2:30. The captain came on and said that he was sorry we were supposed to leave 10 minutes ago but they are trying to fix a part. Then at 3 he came back and said that they don't have the part and would have have to go get it across the airport so we will take off at 3:30. Great an whole hour on the plane and yet left. lol.... Anyways still was not fix then but we finally got off the ground at 4:16 .. a whole 2 hours after we were supposed to leave.

During the flight it was okay other then the family in front of me .. the little boy keep jumping and banging the seat back, and him and his sister keep screaming and hitting the call button. The Steward had to come over lots of times and ask them to sit and be quiet. The mother had headphones on and sleeping. But anyways when we got to Germany we spent 30 minutes up in the air circling around waiting on our turn to land. I never thought I would see land again...lol

Anyways, I was nevous and just follow the people to get though custody and baggage claim. Then I had no clue where to go to meet Jeremy cause unlike the US they can't even get into the baggage area. But, lucky he was right out there. So then we went to USO and waited on the bus to give us a ride to the base. Which was nice with internet and free calls but it was the middle of the night in the US.

So on the bus for about the first 30 minutes I was enjoying the ride and the beauty but I was so tired I slept. There was no one in the back of the bus with us so I laid across two seats and slept the rest of the way just waking up once when we went though this town.

So we got to base and got me check in, my ID fix so we can get me on post, get ficancial fix, and went and got my welcoming package. I was so hungry and across the street was Burger King so that is where we ate a late lunch. Yeah my first meal in Germany was Burger King, how lame am I...lol. Anyways after that we came to the house and I slept for HOURS! So that is my story of my journey to this new world...lol

Time is Running Out

So, it is the end of July and I feel so stressed because things have been so crazy. Last week I went in and had some oral surgery done that I been needing to do for a long time. Also Jeremy was in the hospital in Germany. So talk about 2 people worrying about each other and not what they are going though...lol. Anyways, Things are better, he is out of the hosiptal and I am recovering quiet well, just having a tough time learning how to eat again since the surgery.

Anyways... Big news I decide when I am going to GERMANY... and I leave in 10 days!!! YES TEN DAYS!!!! It has not hit me yet, just now starting too. I start to feel overwhelm cause there is still so much I want to do before I head there but I am just so ready to settle and Unpack...living out of a suitcase gets old. I will be glad to say I am home!! I just got to sell my car before then, so that is what most of my stress is about right now, so hopefully someone will buy it! Anyways...Can't believe that my time here in Texas is ending and I am off to GERMANY! WOW! Don't seem real. I never would believe that me, a country girl from small town Buna, Texas would live in another country. I never even thought I would visit another country, yet live there! Well, I guess I am ready for this adventure!

Children

So, I posted something the other day about this subject but it is still heavy on my heart and I have a lot to say about it. I can't wash the news anymore. Every night there has been some story about a precious child that has been killed or abused some way. One night it was the mother pour boiling water on the girls legs, next was a story about dropping the child off like garbage on the side of the interstate, and this is just terrible that this is happening. I would do anything to have a child. I wished I could tell these people "hey before you do something terrible and hurt the child just give them to me and I wont ask any questions and you can stay out of jail and live your terrible life. But, I guess I can't do that...but only wished! I really really wished that I could build a huge house and give all the children that are not love and are abused a wonderful home filled of happiness and teach them what a real family is about. Children deserve the world and I hope one day I am able to help children that are not well off so that they can go though life making right choices and know that they can have a wonderful life and that they are loved!

Also when thinking about this: I do all I can to help children that I see and wonder if that is the lesson I am supposed to learn by not being able to have children right now. Someone once told me that I should think about all the children I have helped in my life and if I have had a child all this time would I have done anything for them or would I not have the money or time to help others. I love helping and I do hope one day to adopted children that need a home!

Here is a song I LOVE

"I am A Child of God"

I am a child of God

and he has sent me here

has given me an earthly home

with parents kind and dear

Lead Me, Guide me,

Walk beside me

Help me find the way

Teach me all that I must do

To Live with Him someday!

Updates

Sorry I could not come up with a better title then update but that is really what this just a update.

*Well, Jeremy got a house and he has been busy making it not just a house but a HOME!! We are going to be living on post on the second floor or a stairwell building. Now I am excited to decorated!

*He finally found the ward there and was able to go. It is very different but that could be a good thing. They do everything in English and then translation it in German. So maybe I will be able to learn it sitting in church. Going to a new ward is always my HARDEST part of moving. I hate that new ward feeling. It always makes me feel homesick until I get to know people and it becomes my home! So, with Jeremy getting comfortable first maybe I wont have has much trouble.

*I will be getting ready to head over there soon. Right now I am going to get some dental work done that I have not had the money for. Once that is done then I will be heading over there. Hopefully by the first of August!

I guess that is all that has been going! My life is kinda boring but yet exciting all at the same time!

It's a Plane

So, yesterday I took Jeremy to Houston Airport to send him on his way to Germany. He was so nervous and scared but I know it will be be great. That is always the feeling when moving to a new place. So we took Rebeka so she could say bye and finally get to see a airport and airplanes. So she was so excited!

Getting to the airport was no problem and we actually got there way early. So we went in..oh my gosh it seem like we parked so far away and his bags were heavy. But we got there and got him checked in. The lady was so sweet and did not charge him for his bags and even gave us a pass so we can go in to the gate to say goodbye. So we went straight in though the gates. We got to go walk around the airport and watched the airplanes take off and land. Beka was so excited. Then we went to have McDonald's for lunch cause it was J's last time to eat in America...lol.. Then it was time for his plane to board so we said our goodbyes and took some pictures. (Which I dont have cause I did not bring my camera in so they are on J's camera). I have to say it was a easy goodbye but hard cause I wanted to go with him. I know he is going first is a good thing and will make things less stressful for me.

So anyways he is now there and got settled in to his unit. When I talked to him he sounded very tired and said that he got no sleep on the plane due to 2 crying babies behind him. But he was okay. So now I just sit and wait. He is enjoying the in-processed and figuring out life in Germany. I can't wait to join him but hopefully it will be soon!

It's Time

So, I am writing this from the hotel room. We got the house completely clean out today and empty. The house looks so sad and not like my house. But tomorrow will be our last day to go into that house. Yesterday we stopped to check the mail one last time and there was a new resident card in there so it was like wow we really are moving.

So we get up early tomorrow to go turn the keys in and figure out the housing situations so we can clear this post. At this point I no longer has the anxiety from the move just excited and ready to move on. I am getting excited and making plans for Texas. Jeremy is looking forward to leaving the US and getting to Germany. Hopefully I wont be in Texas to long but long enough to have fun and enjoy some time with friends and family.

I am just going to miss having my "own" stuff. I will miss cooking in my own house with my stuff. I do get tired of living out of a suitcase. But, hey it is all good and I am glad to go home to Texas! No matter where in the world I go Texas will always be my home! lol

Goodbye

I think moving is finally starting to hit me and it is hitting me hard. I just don’t understand why I feel like this.

For years being here I always said I can’t wait to leave. I hate it here and so forth. Now that I only got like a week left I just want to cry and not move. Why is that? This is the first place other then when I left home that I feel this way. I guess Hinesville really grew on me and did become a home!

I start thinking about my time here in Hinesville and the friends I have made. While the first year or so I HATED it so bad but then this past year and half was a different school. I think of all the friends that help me survived this past year during with my first deployment. Thanks for everything you all have done and yall know who you are. Yall are the ones that I went out to eat with, to the movies, just hanging out, camping, beach, walking, scrap booking, letting me stay at your house, shopping and so much more.. THANKS you guys made this year so much more fun!

I have to say what help me get though last year was my calling in Nursery (at my church). I loved it and looked forward to each week. So looking forward to something every week helped the weeks go by. lol.. Yes sometimes I would leave on Sunday tired and stress but in the end it was worth it and I would do it again in a heart beat. Also to all the parents that are reading this that I taught their children in nursery this year or last year and in Sunbeams now: I want to say thanks for your support and letting me teach them. They are so sweet. I will miss their hugs and smiles and sweets prayers. They taught me so much. epically patience .lol but I love them and will miss them! And thanks to YOU - (you know who you are) that taught me what I needed to know to fulfill the calling. Thanks for examples you set for me! Love you!

Well, now that I am crying and not wanting to move now. lol.. Anyways I know this is sad to leave but this move is just opening a door to more things. I know this is I wish yall all the best! Good luck and please remember to keep in conact every though I am gone!

Savannah, GA

So, in December when Jeremy's company got home the Battalion had a drawing and I happen to win a basket full of relaxing items. It had your normal candles, bath stuff, but what really was a treat there was a gift certificate for a one night stay on the Mansion on Forsyth Park in Downtown Savannah and a $25 gift certificate to Oliver Garden. So we been so busy and did not think we would be able to use the stay. So we have kinda forgot about it until the other day when Jeremy found out that Friday was a day off and since to use the gift certificate it had to be Monday- Thursday. That would be perfect. So we went has a get away and to stay this is official are last trip to Savannah. That makes me kinda sad... :(

Anyways this Hotel is SUPER NICE but HIGH and EXPENSIVE. I would never stay here on my own dime.. Cause it was nice but too far from everything. After dinner we went back to the hotel and a few hours later we was thirsty and snacky but they had no venting machines and no stores around. Now in your room you did have a Minibar with $4.00 sodas and water and they had candy bars for $3.50. I just did without! We checked in then walked the mile down to River street and too all the main shopping and restaurants. It was a beautiful walk cause about every 2 blocks is another park to walk though. We also on the way walk though the Colonial Cemetery which is an old cemetery from before the civil war. It is a haunted cemetery and just wanted to walk though it during the day.

We was trying to find the Melting Pot to eat at but went the wrong way down the street and my feet was starting to hurt (dont wear new pair of sandals when you have to do alot of walking)

So we found Lady and Sons. For yall that don't know this is Paula Deen's Restaurant from the Food Network Show. But, our reservation was not for another 3 hours so we went down to River street and walk just a section of it.

I was not that empress by Lady and Sons. It was so loud we were on the 3rd floor and it was so loud and Jeremy got a bad headache that he could not think. The food was okay but not great. Afterwards I was so tired so afterwards we was looking at how to get back to the hotel not wanting to walk after dark, so we took a pedicab. I did not even know what a pedicab was but Jeremy wanted to do it and it was kinda cool. I felt bad for the guy that had to pedal us the mile trip and he try to talk to us about some of the history so it was kinda a tour too. lol

Anyways so that was pretty much our trip - today we just sleep in and got up and went to Oliver garden and came home.

A picture of the Mansion from across the street

Us at the fountain across the street

Us on the River

Famous Lady and Sons'

Colonial Cemetery

Pampered Chef

So since me and J have been so into cooking lately we decide to look into getting better cooking products maybe that will make it more fun and we would actually eat at home more often. Since we both look it so much but we just don't do it enough! lol... Well a friend started selling Pampered Chef and before I have always looked at there website and thought there stuff seem cool but some of it high. Well, us with this new desire to cook and bake looked again together and J wanted everything! lol

So, not being able to afford everything I thought how much fun it would be to get together with friends and cook and eat. Cooking should not always be a chore! I love being a social butterfly even though most people think I am shy and quiet! So, I thought this would be a good way to share my love of cooking and baking with friends and others while I also share the wonderful product. Moving to Germany scares me and some times I hate having to make new friends. But I am hoping selling Pampered Chef will help that hosting parties I will get to know some people and build friendships.

So I am happy to now be selling Pampered Chef! If you would like any information just click on the facebook page on the right or email me at Amanda.PC2011@gmail.com

Thanks for the support!

Soul Surfer

Okay so the last couple of days everything on facebook has been about the government shutdown. For yall that know me and knows I don't pay any attention to anything that has to do with government so like always I am clueless. But, anyways things were looking like we were not going to get our whole checks this next pay day and who knew about later either. We were okay on money and was not that worry about that, I mean we would have to worry if it went into May but I was not going to stress about it till then. So, anyways tonight I wanted to get away from facebook and all the worry and stress and just RELAX.

On Lifetime the other day I saw a preview for a movie title "Soul Surfer" not to sure what it was about I google it. Well, it looked really good and saw I beg J to go see it. It is a true story about Bethany Hamilton. For you guys who might not know who she is, she is a pro surfer that lost her arm in a shark attack when she was 13. This movie was very inspirational to me. I am sure it won't win some oscar or anything but to me it was an A+ movie. Beautiful movie that make you appreciated what you have and that in our lives we can do anything if we believe. She is sure a inspiration. I mean I think if I was attacked by a shark I doubt you could EVER get me back in the water epically a month later. During the whole movie they showed that Bethany can do whatever she wanted though her family's faith. I have to say it was a very good movie.

Anyways I will shut up about the movie, I just really really enjoyed it and really wished that they would make more movies like this. I love leaving the theater feeling good and crying. So if you like good movies I say go see it.

Conference Weekend

Sorry I have not written much alot is on my mind and just hard to decide what to say on here.

So anyways I feel like writing about this weekend though so I am going to!

Saturday Jeremy made plans to go play paint ball with a friend here one last time before we move. They use to always do this before the deployment and they go the first Saturday of each month because it is free for soldiers. But anyways he was out of the house and I was home alone with no car ....so what would I do!

Lucky for a friend on facebook she reminded me that this weekend was General Conference weekend. So, I decide that I would watch the Saturday morning session and make some Gumbo for when my hubby comes home. Well, here is where I need help:

I guess I have adult ADD or something. I can't sit and watch tv, a movie, and for sure conference in my own home. Even when it is a movie I end up on facebook, cleaning my living room, organizing my DVDs, folding clothes, or something. I can't just sit and pay attention to ANYTHING. I feel like I am wasting my time when I look around there is something that needs to be done. Then if I am doing one of these things I stop focusing on whatever I should be doing. And it harder to do when it is something on the computer too. It drives my husband nuts and I don't know what to do.

So anyways Saturday I started the morning session but it got to me. So I put the computer on the table and started to make the gumbo and fully trying my hardest to listen and understand. I did get some good things out but I feel like I did not get has much out that I should have. I do plan on reading it again because that is how I REAlly understand the message is seeing it written. So anyways we missed the Saturday evening session due to just got busy doing something around the house and lots time. So that night after J went to bed and I could not sleep I got up and ended up watching half of the afternoon session. I feel like I got more out of that then. I turned all the lights out (so I can't see what I should be doing..lol) and sat here on the couch with my computer watching it. I could stop it, rewind it, and really try to understand it. I felt like that was better for me then trying to watch it live.

Well, later that night I just lets say had a bad night. I ended up being up all night crying and letting the depression and stress that is going on get to me. I don't want to go on about that here but my depression was really hitting me hard. So Jeremy that has long how to deal with me when this happen knew I need to get out of the house. I have not left it much due to J having the car and is running around trying to get everything done for PCS. So we hated to miss conference today but knowing I will be able to still watch it and read it on my own time where I can really understand it and knew I would not focus unless I dealt with the depression.

So today we got up and went to Jekyll Island and walked the beach. Nothing like being outside and God's creation to make you feel so much better. It was so what I needed a car ride alone and giving us time to talk and we spent a few hours just walking along the water's edge and pondering our lives and our journeys. Part of me feel bads about missing conference but I fell better now and can't wait to sit down and watch them now. I am thinking about waiting until they are written and then print them off so I can follow alone maybe that would help me pay attention better.

So, anyways here is my question for yall.. October is the next General Conference and I want to be able to sit down and watch it live in my own home. Do any one else have the trouble I have and if so what do you do? Just anyone have any suggestions? It is just hard to sit in my house and watch it. When we lived in Texas we went to my Dad's and that was no problem cause others there but it is just hard sitting in my house..... Any suggestions???

Thanks!

Another Trip

So, for Presidency day weekend we decide to go to Washington DC for one night. It was a fun trip. We did have one problem. The night before we left I program the GPS with the address to the hotel we were staying at and saved it has Washington DC. Well the next day I got in the car and pulled it up and did not check it. No problem getting there and next thing we knew we were down driving in front of the Arlington Cemetery and Jeremy could see all of DC over the water then the GPS says "Arrive to destination on right" I am like what we are on George Washington Parkway and there is no hotels here. So with no clue what to do I just stay on George Washington Parkway.. the next thing I know we are going along the river and up the hills. Now we have a problem. Finally there is a spot to pull over at a scenic lookout. Lucky I had the address to the hotel and was able to reprogram the GPS and go in the right direction. The only problem was we still had to go up about 15 miles cause there was no place to turn around on the stretch of road.

Then we got turn around back on the highway and then I miss the exit I need. So then I eneded up in this crazy area of Rossyln part of Arlington, VA with lots of one way streets. But lucky the GPS held up to itself and redeemed it self and we finally made it.. just 45 minutes later.

Saturday when we were there it was cold and windy but still beautiful. Then Sunday it was a little colder but beautiful so I was happy the weather agree with us.

Jeremy in front of the Washington Moment

Us in front of the US capital

Jeremy with the Capital

(I was trying to do some fun pictures but he would not listen to me)

Rossyln Metro Station

(I just looked it up and this is the 3rd longest continuous span escalator in the world)

This picture is from the top..

A building in Downtown Washington DC

This was our view from our Hotel

That is Georgetown University!

Arlington Cemetery

First thing we did when we got to Washington was go to Arlington Cemetery. Easy to find from our hotel using the Metro system. It was just one stop over. What an awesome experience to be able to visit. It is a wonderful, beautiful place. Amazing how big it is! So enjoy the pictures, I don't know what else to say about it.

This is walking up to it from the Metro Station!

The House is the Arlington House or Robert E Lee's Home!

The moment behind the stone wall straight down the road is the Women of Military.

Sorry hair in face (IT WAS CRAZY WINDY)

This is us with DC in the back at the Kennedy's Sites

John F Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy

The Kennedy's Eternal Flame

I LOVE this picture

This is the amphitheater

The view at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Another View of it

Change of the Guard

I love this view also

This was Robert E. Lee house prior to the Civil War

The View of Washington DC from The Arlington House

After Dark

So since we were only spending like 48 hours in Washington DC area we knew there was no way we would get to see everything epically with it getting dark around 5pm. So we decide that instead of trying to walk around a dark city to see Moments and stuff we should just take a night tour. It was so nice to see all these places. It was also a beautiful night with a full moon. I just wished I knew how to take better pictures at night. I don't like how any of my pictures came out from Thomas Jefferson Memorial and the IWO Jima Statue. So here are my pictures:

The White House

A Church across from the White House

This is the Church every President go to before the inauguration.

The US Capital

Thomas Jefferson Memorial

The Lincoln Memorial

Inside the Lincoln Memorial

(After watching Night of the Museum so many times J said felt like he should start talking)

lol

The view from the Lincoln Memorial

You can see the Washington Moment, and the Capital in the distance kinda.

Jeremy at the Vietnam Wall

(Sorry not a good picture but I like the reflection in it)

Iwo Jima