It ain't all roses.

So this blog is like a journal for me and while I love to focus on the positive I also like to document aspects of my life that have also been challenging. So I can look back and really remember what a certain time period was like.

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We love living in CA, we love being reunited and a family again, I love having my husband back, we love exploring our new area. That being said, it has also been hard. I feel like I would be remiss not sharing this part as well.

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Separation is hard, for all parties involved. You each adjust and grow and learn to deal with whatever situation you are in. There is growing that takes place on both sides of the equation. It is easy to think that during the separation that all will be right with the world when you are back together again. I really read up on some things while we were apart to try and get myself as prepared as possible, but every situation is so different that it is hard to really imagine what it will be like. THIS article is really insightful.

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The girls were bigger and in a lot of ways were almost like different people than what he was used to when he left. No amount of talking about the day to day activities at home is enough to really bring a person up to speed on how things run. It was no longer up to me to be the only caretaker and disciplinarian. Routines were different, behavior was different, we were different.

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Now don't get me wrong, a lot of things were the same and that brought comfort and peace. But there is a HUGE learning curve. The girls would only want me, especially when they were feeling at their most vulnerable. Marcus had to win their trust and their hearts all over again. He totally understood and was hugely patient but I could see the heart break in his eyes a little when they would turn away from him. We are now at the point where the girls will choose him over me and we silently celebrate those little victories.

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The other night I was tucking Bianca in and she looked at me, pulled out her binky and said it the sweetest voice "Dadda?". I called him in and he stroked her head and told her he loved her and she smiled from ear to ear, then turned over and closed her eyes. Marcus and I just looked at each other after. We didn't even have to say anything, we just each knew how the other felt.

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Marcus and I make sure to talk A LOT about where each other are at. I think that has really helped the transition process along. I just didn't want people to have this romanticized view that now that we are together it is a walk in the park. I know that we can both handle having to live apart and I also now know that we can work together to make things work when we are back together. I really feel like we hitting our stride and that feels really good.

Typical Tuesday

My friend Rachel had me guest post on her blog today. It was a day in the life thing, of a typical Tuesday for me. If you want to read it (and I suggest that you do!) you can do it HERE.

I love Rachel and have been internet BFF's of hers for a while.

Mom's say the darndest things.

Friday was going to be a glorious day. I woke up and had all these visions for what a magical day it was. My hopes were set high. Way too high.

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As it so often happens when your hopes get set too high, everything went horribly wrong. The third phase of things going wrong involved me trying to get a hold of Marcus, to no avail because he was not answering his phone. I called and called and instead of just moving on to plan B, I continued to call and call and be frustrated.

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Then I told Olivia I was very sorry about it "But I am going to Kill you Father."

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"But why Mom, why you Kiw my Fadder?"

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"Because he isn't answering his phone and I really need to get a hold of him. That is why."

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"But Mom! Him wiw answer his phone. I promise! Him a good Daddy. Don't kiw him!".

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"Well alright, I won't kill him. But I am really frustrated with him".

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Then when he got home and my day had significantly evened out, she did me one better. She not only saved me from killing her Father, she sought retribution for me.

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"Daddy. Mom was going to kiw you today. You neber answered your phone. She was bewwy frustrated wid you. Why you hab a phone ifa you neber answer it? Why Daddy? I told her you a good Daddy though, so she neber kiw you".

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I guess I should probably watch what I say around her from now on. And yes, he did deserve it.

Not really related in any way.

So there was a space before we came to the land of milk and honey that I was computer deficient. I took pictures, hither and thither, of the girls but didn't post them. In totally unrelated order here are some.

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Bianca went through this very fervent panties phase while we were at the In Laws. Multiple times a day she would waltz into Olivia's room, especially after bath time and right before bed time, and would load up on the briefs. Like to the point that it was almost impossible for her to walk with all her pantie shenanigans. Yet, out she would walk, totally calm faced like there was nothing wrong in having forty eleven panties up and down her legs.
Not only that, but she would try to do every day play time stuff with her forty eleven panties on. It was pretty hilarious and Teri and I would die laughing every time. A favorite out fit of the girls to wear was their matching Awmy Guy outfits. They felt so fancy! People in the store when we would go out would get a kick of it too. Olivia really loved it when people asked if her Dad was an Army Guy. We have only been up to the DLI once to visit Marcus on lunch break and when we went I had the girls in these outfits. They were the talk of the town, the teachers thought they were adorable. They also got to try out some of their hanguk skills. Well Olivia did. Well really the only thing she can say is Hi: "Annyahisayo".
Also we have been missing this Lady, especially the last few days. Magical Auntie Helen. Olivia started busting out this song at the dinner table about Alligators and these Alligators were snapping at some monkeys. She was doing all the actions and singing the song and I can't ever remember her singing it period and here she is doing the whole thing from start to finish.

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Marcus and I were just gazing at her open mouthed. Then he looks at me and goes "Did Helen teach her that? That totally seems like a magical Auntie Helen thing." Which is about the time I vaguely remember her singing that song with Olivia, but it had to be at least a month or two ago. But it stuck with her and even though I have not heard her sing it until now, she belted out that sucker with the hugest smile on her face. Magical Auntie Helen's have a way of staying with you forever, in case you didn't know. I think it is part of the power that makes them so magical. Anyway, my heart felt so full I thought it would burst and for that moment I felt such an intense urge of homesickness.

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Just wanting to run to Helen's for the weekend and read Martha Stewart and watch the Royal Wedding. Just wanting to have my late night talks with the In Laws. Just wanting to have the perfect girl time with the bestie. Just wanting to play outside in the garden at my Mom's.

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But then I looked at Marcus and instantly felt better. Instantly knew our place was here with him and the homesick ebbed away. Olivia keeps singing the alligator song and it keeps making me smile.

Scripture Power

One of the songs Olivia is learning in Primary is Scripture Power. You can listen to it HERE, these are some cute Primary kids singing it. Olivia doesn't know the whole song, but she busts out parts of the chorus randomly throughout her day. It is pretty cute.
The other day she went into my room and got out my scriptures and brought them out into the kitchen. She is doing this thing where she tells you in a very Mommy way about something she is doing. Not asking you, TELLING you.

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So she comes out and is all like (in a very matter of fact tone).

"Mom. I am using your scriptures because I have to get my scripture power. Okay? Okay. I just really need mine scripture power today. I will put it back when I am all finished. Okay? Okay."

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Then she proceeds to "read" aloud the scriptures story that she was reading. It was a very wonderful tale, all about Jesus and how he used dragons to help save all the people of the earth. And then Snow White came and they sang "Hi, Ho. Hi, HO" and everybody was happy. Amen.

Nightly Habits

Right before Marcus and I hit the sack, we sneak in on each of the girls and watch them sleep for a few minutes. Tuck them back in when their blankets are off, but mostly just to watch them and marvel at how cute they look. You always get amnesia about the daily shenanigans watching a babe sleep.

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Normally Konks is all cuddled up, but this night she was letting it all hang out. It totally cracks me up because Marcus often sleep like this. Legs all sprawled out. Now that I have made you all feel awkward picturing my husband sleep, have a great day!

Runnin'

So tonight I went on a run with my rad southern friend Tammi. We also met a gal in the park this morning named Cynthia and invited her to run with us. I ran down and looped around to Tammi and Cynthia's street and then we took off. Our run took us by the Commissary and then on to General Jim Moore Boulevard. Then we looped down and around Normandy. After this point Cynthia headed back home and Tammi and I headed on another short loop to her house.

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On our way to Tammi's we ran past Susan's house. All of a sudden I hear "Go girls! Wohoooo!". Susan was sitting on her front porch with her laptop, saw us run by and cheered us on. It was so fun! I hollered back that I love her and that she rocks. Tammi and I were just beaming at the surprise shout out from our friend.

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After that I ran up the hill back to my house. I hit the hill hard and was huffing and puffing. I rounded the corner and down the little hill to my street and saw my neighbors out on our front lawn area playing Frisbee. I chatted with them and their sweet kids and I could hear my kids hootin' and hollerin' through the bathroom window as they were in the tub.

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It was just so much fun that in such a short time I was able to see so many cool people. I love our neighborhood. I love our neighbors and I am so pumped about the feel of this place. My muscles felt tired but also so good to be used. My heart felt full with all the wonderful people that surround me. It was a good night.