2012...Whew, what a year!

It was one of 'those' years.  You know the type... "I remember the year of 2012".  Of course no one beyond our little family will truly understand the significance, or probably even care.  I'll just sum it up by dubbing 2012 a bit of a challenge. It didn't kill us. I know we're stronger. And I'm more than relieved to see it behind us.
Of course it would be remiss of me if I didn't share one vital highlight: We haven't had Dave around this much since we left Guam in 2009. Loneliness stinks and I'm grateful for every night we have him home with us - even if he does go to bed too early.

So we look forward to 2013... Bring it!

McGrew

Moving is like childbirth. You forget how bad it is until you have to go through it again. 

We've gone through this process so many times. Truly and honestly, I don't normally remember unpacking boxes, or not having photos on the walls. Because everywhere we've lived, it always becomes Home. You forget about the pain of moving until you have to go through it again.  

There are still random boxes to be unpacked. And unfortunately many, many more times I'll change my mind about furniture placement. Dave will just have to endure.

But for now, I'm enjoying the few spots in the house that bring me a smile...

For every worry under the sun....

A few years back, we lived in married student housing. Just a cozy little rectangle of a place with a little avocado green fridge. On that fridge hung a lovingly bedazzled little index card I had received during a church lesson with the following quote,

“For every worry under the sun there is a remedy or there is none; if there is a remedy hurry and find it. If there is none never mind it.” 

― LeGrand Richards

Honestly, I don't remember anything about the lesson. But I do recall reading that little index card daily.

I look back and think how simple those times seem compared to all the worries of today. But that little reminder to keep things in perspective - to worry less about what I can't control - worked for me back then. 

A handwritten version, written on a piece of NavyLodge notepaper, is now wedged into the corner of the mirror in our cozy little rectangle of a hotel room. I'm hoping the daily reminder will still work for me today.

Make new friends, but keep the old. Some are silver and the others gold.

They say you can’t bottle happiness, but military wives know that’s not true. We must bottle up a little bit of our happiness in order to survive." - Annie Radigan

We’ve begun the process of saying our goodbyes. Normally I’m fairly good at this ritual. I rationalize it by thinking it’s not really goodbye, it’s only “until next time”. 
Still, saying goodbye isn't easy. That moment of separation can be heart-wrenching.


I know people come into our lives for a reason. Each move and friendship gathered along the way has made me the wife, the mother, the auntie.... the person that I am today.
How fortunate for us that it's so easy to stay in touch. Dare I say - even having earnest, purposeful communication via the Internet. (Those who mock FB obviously haven't PCS'd all around the globe ;)

So for now....
Goodbye Friends.

It's a Leap Year

...And amidst all the business of moving, we somehow managed to celebrate the big birthday. Double Digits!
Of course I'd be fibbing if I led you to believe I planned a great party complete with teens and Wii dancing. No - It just so happened that the youth group Dave has worked with during our time here wanted to have a goodbye for Dave. 
Instant party!

Nugga!

3years ago while on a routine stop at Feathers n Fins on Marine Corps Drive our lives changed forever.... Mollydog joined our NavyLang family.

I covet way too much.

You know what I secretly wish for? 

Even more than a dreamy white kitchen??

A family portrait. One that is artfully coordinated, fabulous scenery, with all four of us looking at the camera - smiling out - looking happy.

You know what my reality is?

A family that is content. Kids that feel safe and know that they're loved. 

And tons of snapshots to help me remember and keep my perspective!

Star gazing - best homework ever!

Summer made a beautiful exit last night

I've created a monster

.... A dusted cover all, black sock wearing, carefree kah-ro-kee singing Ana-White.com addict!

Random Thoughts

Hey you, Miller Moths:
You annoy me and you creep me out! The way you hang out on my front door, just ready to slip inside the house completely uninvited is beyond rude. You force my kids to cover their ears at the mere thought of you coming near. We're over it.
Sincerely anxious for you to head to the hills,
Bugged

*****

KISS,
Really. Couldn't you guys have picked a different week in October to have your very first KISS Cruise? You mistakenly scheduled it the same week as my daughter's biggest band competition!  I've put up with you and your crazy antics for nearly 20 years out of love for my hubs and was hopeful my patience was about to pay off with a cruise for me and a concert for your biggest fan.
Bummed,
Prude

*****

Colorado Springs driver,
Merge means merge, not STOP! Really, it's simple. And done correctly, works quite well on roads throughout the rest of the country.
Frustrated,
I just don't get it!?!

*****

Summer crickets,
Oh how I've missed you my warm weather friends! (ok, really just the sound. I don't care to see them. Ever.)
Fully Appreciative,
With the windows wide open

DreamNight at the Zoo 2011

Kudos to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo!

Anyone who knows G understands his love of the Zoo.
Any zoo and every zoo.
It's a 'must do' for our little family (and any fellow travelers who happen to be with us) no matter which city or which continent we happen to be visiting.

A few weeks back we received an invite to an annual special event at our local zoo for those of us who have an 'Exceptional Family Member'.
We prepared for an "exciting night .... as you visit dream stations, enjoy delicious food, and meet some of our animal friends."

The anticipation at our house was about as fun as it gets for G.

June 3rd, 5:30p.m. finally arrived!

We spent a full half hour watching the river otters performing the same routine over and over. Laughed over the pot bellied pig's enthusiasm for his dinner. And were fully entertained at the grizzly bears antics.
The only downer, G was so homesick for his cousin Hannah he said his heart hurt.

We enjoyed the pace. Loved the enthusiasm of the volunteers. Relished seeing so many families enjoying one another.
The planning that goes into an event like this makes my heart swell. Just because

Just to let you know . . . .

11 months into this Colorado Springs gig and my high altitude baking skills still stink!

Friday Flashback

I was blogging long before it was a trend.
Ok, not blogging really - but I used to be pretty good about sending monthly updates to friends and family while we were in Iceland, living so far from 'Home'.
I came across this old email while reminiscing today. We were such newbies in this whole military world. Oh my how we've grown!
Dated 10 years ago this week -
May 23, 2001:
It's Wednesday afternoon. The drizzle is falling outside, the Keflavik breeze is blowing, and the whole freakin' base is at my house. Sometimes I wonder why I even have a door on the hinges - it's being opened and closed constantly. But it's the sound of kids having a great afternoon and I love it!

I'm sure you've all seen the picture from the dining out by now. For those who didn't recognize who I was with... it was my husband disguised as a marine. I know, I know.... Sympathies are in order.
I sent David to the barber shop Saturday (the day of the big event) thinking he would get a trim. Luckily, I was forewarned by my neighbor who had witnessed the event. 


My response when I saw him..."Oh NO!" - spoken in full whine!  
His response (while in full strut up the sidewalk and sporting a stupid grin) "Well now YOU don't have to worry about what YOUR hair looks like."


As for the dining out itself - it was a bit of a bore. Lasting 5 1/2 hours long, we toasted ourselves silly with too much H20.  
The highlight of the evening was when Captain Dickey's wife came up to me at the beginning and asked "Who was that new JG you were talking with?" Well, let me introduce you to my husband.
David received a penalty for that silly haircut. But it was forgiven when he told them about the "fine" he had already received at home.


We're at 20 hours of very bright daylight, followed by 4 hours of dusk. I just wish the warm weather would accompany that sunlight! I do have hope though.   Bless-bless, Chan

Random Thoughts

Dear Cheerful Facebook Friend,
Facebook hasn't been such a cozy place for me lately. But I love your 'Choice' to be so darn optimistic! When I pop in every once in a while, I see your love and enthusiasm for each new day. How refreshing is that little blurb of happiness amongst all the political/ill-information/name calling. Keep it up!

Your fellow Roadrunner,
Chan

*****

Band Guys,
You had some pretty big shoes to fill in the NavyLang family's eyes after such a good experience with Ms. Goldhorn in Guam. But you did it!
I would have to say your program made Madi's transition here one of her easiest yet. You teach so much more than music and band. The gift you share with these middle-schoolers will stay with them for life.

With Heartfelt Gratitude,
A Timber-tot Mom

*****

Dear Elements of the Earth,
I now know your secret weapon. Wind! How naive I was to only consider fire or water to be the destructive ones. Little did I know - being exposed to your strength for days (or months) on end can bring a stay at home mom to near despair. (Not to mention really making my yard look pretty silly with flowerless stems poking up everywhere.)

Please, give me a break.  Pretty please with stems on top?
Windblown

*****

My Dearest Family,
We all know my daily threats of running away are completely hollow. As blissful as it sounds to visit the Dawgs in Hawaii, trying BBQ in Memphis, or seeing Broadway with Christie - I can't imagine doing it without my travel buddies.  So to set the record straight - when I say I want to just run away, it really means "Let's all just run away from the monotony of daily life!"

So Obviously Dropping A Hint,
Mom

*****

My adorable band geek!

She worried.

She doubted.

She practiced.

She persevered.

Her audition for high school band proved to be better than she ever imagined and we're ecstatic about the results!

What better way to celebrate than with frozen yogurt!

Blooming!

One of my favorite parts of the day is driving the kids to school. I love when I can glimpse at an ordinary everyday scene and morph it into something special. I swear, I've actually witnessed Purple Mountain Majesty on many of our morning transports. 


This morning's drive, however, was impossible to morph. The fog and low clouds made the hour seem earlier than it was. My mind has been constantly pre-occupied with family in Salt Lake.  
I'm overwhelmed with planning a silly church party. And I had just snarled at G for turning in a late assignment at school.


As I came up on the usual red light at the intersection, we sat in uncomfortable silence - the kids and I each lost in our own thoughts. I'm not sure why, but every morning at this same light I always think of one particular friend and her favorite saying, "Bloom where you are planted". This morning's episode resonated especially strong.


I'm not blooming. My roots aren't even shallow.  In fact, to be completely honest I haven't given this new 'hood a fair chance.
And I need to. 
The kids are thriving, Dave enjoys the SG office, and I have the moodiest weather patterns on earth to keep me entertained.


The past couple of days have given me a sweet taste of spring, a hint of the promise that faith would be rewarded.
I'm taking my friend Lori's advice - I've got some gardening to do!

Random Thoughts

Dear vet,
I'm curious as to how many pet parents are actually successful with your advice of using green beans or carrots as a "Treat"? Molly's medication may cause a ravenous appetite, but it sure doesn't decrease her taste buds.

Befuddled,
Molly's Momma

****

Mother Nature,
I must sing your praises for giving Colorado Springs an average close to 300 days of sunshine per year. We have seen some bitter cold days so far, but that blue sky and vitamin D sure make it easier to deal with.

With gratitude,
Displaced Islanders

****

Dear Jones',
Please stop tempting me to try keeping up with you.

Regards,
Trying to be content.

****

My favorite Teak Lady,
I love my sturdy souvenirs from Guam.
And I love that none of The Jones' have my same stuff.

Hafa,
Satisfied

January 23rd

Today is my dearest friend’s 40th birthday. For the sake of not drastically interrupting your other daily obligations, I won't try to explain to you the many reasons we've remained so close. In truth, it would be impossible to explain.

I would, of course, like nothing more than to be able to share in some Hawaiian Haystacks today, or to even catch a ride on the UTA and head to The Mall – but that is not something that I am able to do being a state away.
So I will say this instead…
In this life, if we are very lucky, we are gifted a bond with another person that is unquestionable in its strength, in its sincerity, and in its reliability. No matter how bad things might get, how much time may pass, they are the ones that refuse to abandon us.

Though we are lucky enough to enjoy numerous relationships with a variety of people, the reality is that if you can seriously claim to have had one such unconditional friendship in your time on this earth you are unbelievably blessed. And I am.

Truthful tellings

I must admit, I found it humorous (almost endearing) when I came across this not so little bugger while unpacking a recent furniture purchase.

I'm no tooth fairy!

No topic creeps me out more than teeth. Just seeing the word kind of makes me nauseous!

Now add the words dentist and Garrett into the conversation and you probably get an idea of the stress level around these here parts. Someday I may have the courage to share G's adventures in dentistry with all of you. For now, I'll just tell you he's been asked to not return from more than one practice.

Dave had the courage to make the appointment with a neighbor that lives just down the street. I've been cringing for weeks in anticipation. If this goes bad - I still have to drive by their house daily. Multiple times! Madi will never be asked to babysit for them again!

BUT . . . .
I heard the appointment went well. I was sedated at home in bed.