Moving Day and Dominoes

Oh my goodness!!! We have the experience, the know-how, and the ability to make a PCS go smoothly... in theory. At least a month in advance we review our calender and decide the best dates to actually move. There is a lot to be scheduled at this time with a lot of different government agencies, local utilities, the girls events, blah-blah. It is a well oiled machine... unless someone or something puts a wrench in the plan.

If one person or business is off even a couple of hours then the milkshake hits the fan. For example - the packers are a day and a half late. How does a business run like that and still get customers? They are supposed to be here "soon" and have the entire contents of our house safely packed in two and a half hours. Hmmmm, if I were a betting women I would place my bet on "not in a million years." The comical part is that the guy who is in charge of the moving crew is here to confirm that his peeps will be here tomorrow to load the truck. Tomorrow is the ONLY date that he can get this done. It shouldn't take long if nothing is ready.

And my sweet Gene... he is trying to be patient but I can see the steam building. I know that he is mentally trying to figure out how in the world he will get all these things rescheduled - if needed - and still clear housing in time.

When you were a kid did you ever stand up dominoes next to each other for the sheer joy of knocking over that first domino and watching the rest tumble? Like I said, after 18 years in the military we should be able to do this in our sleep. Ya' right!

Ironkids Triathalon

Greta participated in her first triathlon yesterday. She did so well! She placed third in her eight year old female division and qualified to go race in the US Ironkids Championship. Wow!

We are proud of her for so many reasons... (I am recording these reasons in detail so when things look too challenging Greta can look back and hopefully be inspired and strengthened)

She trained with Gene for her events during the scorching hot summer afternoons. There were days in the end when she would bike and swim for training. I don't even like to run two errands in my air conditioned car.

A few days before the race Greta accidentally slammed her finger in the car door. It was bad... the nail lifted from the nail bed and is still raw and sore. She didn't let that stop her even when her bandages came off during the race. She kept pushing herself through the pain but burst into tears when she crossed the finish line. I could only imagine how excruciating her finger must have been with the heat, the sensations during the swim and other activities, and the exertion.

She missed the classes offered during registration that prepare the kids for the actual race day. Greta was in Huxley, IA cheering on her big sister's team at the Iowa State Little League Fastpitch tournament. We got home late in the evening the day before the race so Greta had no idea what to expect when she arrived at the event. I would have been so stressed... okay, I was stressed and I wasn't racing.

The funniest part of Greta's race and ingenuity was when she was slowed down in the swimming leg by a child swimming in a life jacket. She couldn't just go around because there were so many lifeguards in the water and there wasn't room so she... swam under the other swimmer so she could pass. I love it! Way to assess your options and have an open mind.

Lastly, the biggest reason that I love her and this opportunity... those of you who know Greta well know that she faces challenges day to day. She received positive attention based on her accomplishment and hard work. It was a day that lifted her up instead of a day that ended in disappointment. I won't forget this day anytime soon and neither will she.

Will Greta get to go to the US Championship race? We don't know. We are in the middle of a PCS move to Missouri and the chances of Gene being able to take leave so soon is slim to none. That's okay, she owns this moment and it is a good one.

Iowa State Fastpitch

Deciding to let Gigi go a step further in softball was a tough decision for us... we didn't know what to expect if Gigi played Little League and was on a traveling tournament team. We did know that it would be a time commitment. I will say that it has been time well spent. Not once has Gigi complained about the amount of time involved in practice or games... and I haven't minded being a chauffeur or adapting our schedule.

Gigi worked really hard this season in practice, during games, and practicing at home even on days when she had a regular team practice scheduled. Her dedication was rewarded. She was chosen to play on the Davenport East Little League Minors All Stars Team in the Iowa State Tournament in Huxley, IA, which is about 3 hours away from home. Several of the players have been driving back and forth for every game (there is a total of five games - one every evening). We have done a mix of traveling and stayed the night for a few nights. Her coaches are amazing and so dedicated. They have their regular jobs and then drive to the tournament games. That is love for the game and for the girls.

The games are so EXCITING. The first game was a little overwhelming. The girls played a team that was beyond skilled. They came back strong the next day and lost by only one run in extra innings. The next game was also lost by one run. But their hard work was rewarded today with a well deserved win - by one run! Those are nail biter games for all involved. I am so proud of this group of girls, especially considering the tournament is the first time they have played together as a team and the teams they are playing against have been well established. Way to go girls!

Losing My Mind

The stress of moving is great. It is a big jumble of messes, necessities, confusion, and ups and downs... all in the course of a day. In the middle of all this daily life continues. Swim lessons continue. Softball games continue. Dirty laundry continues. But most importantly, I continue.

I continue to try to give my girls something fun to do every day of summer break. We continue to have play dates with those friends we will miss dearly. We eat a little bit more ice cream than we normally would. Some days Gene and I forget to touch base and schedules get messed up but for the most part we are patient with each other.

I continue to feel a little bit more anxiety each day... I can't tolerate any additional outside stress from the normal so I try to protect myself and my family. The girls are feeling the stress also... they say things that they normally wouldn't say and they wear their feelings on their sleeves. They are incredibly sensitive right now. While they are in such a vulnerable state, I am trying to be more patient and pulling the girls in close so they can avoid some of the hurts that may come their way. I am holding their hand in new or difficult situations. We are talking about the unknown and what to expect. I don't have a lot of answers for their questions. What will their new school be like? What sports will they play? Where will Gigi take piano lessons? Will they get their own rooms... for the first time?

How am I staying sane? Some may question me using the term "sane." Gene and I are going to softball games and CHEERING for Gigi and watching Greta play with her softball friends. Greta has this knack for making new friends at Gigi's games. I am working daily on getting ready for the move by sorting through all of our belongings. There is something cleansing for the soul in the act of simplifying your life. One of my favorite things to do to relax is to lose myself in a book. I am reading The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey which is a story of an elderly man who is losing his mind but finding love from his family. Ptolemy's story inspired this post. There are a lot of things to learn from books.

Spring Trip to Ms. Effie's

I love Ms Effie's!

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Miss-Effies-Country-Flowers-and-Garden-Stuff/169181420474

There are new re-usable sandwich bags and fun summer totes in the Summer Kitchen for sale. I should have taken some pictures of them to show you but I was lucky to remember my camera to take some springtime pics of Ms. Effie's and the girls.

The flowers aren't blooming just yet but the kitties are adorable. If Greta has any say in it, this little bundle of love will be known as Lulu.

I don't remember if the little beauty is Fuzzy or Wuzzy but I know that we were the lucky ones to name him.

"Pretty Eggs from Pretty Chickens" It is reassuring to know where my eggs come from. Plus, farm fresh eggs are delicious.

This is the way the girls like it.... watching other people work!

Military Appreciaton Night at The River Bandits

The River Bandits is a Single A farm team for the St. Louis Cardinals (GO CARDS) here in the Quad Cities. We were honored when they hosted Military Appreciation Night and gave all active duty military families the opportunity to get free tickets. It got even better when Gigi and Greta were invited to start off the game by leading the crowd with The Pledge of Allegiance.

Gigi and Greta were quite nervous to stand in front of the huge crowd but their friends who came with us, who are also military kids, got to join them. I had to laugh when the microphone was handed to Greta and she refused to take it. She accidentally says The Girl Scout Promise when she starts off saying the Pledge and she didn't want to make that mistake! The night was a hit and the girls had a fabulous time watching the game and playing in the bounce area.

Camping at Eden Valley Refuge

Here is our home away from home. It was so private and peaceful. We even got to bring Friday and didn't have to worry about other dogs.

Just a beautiful picture of Gigi.

Friday had a great time. He LOVES to play fetch with his tennis ball. When someone wasn't throwing it he would lay down and stare at with all the ball obsession a border collie can muster.

This has to be one of my favorite pics of our family... Gigi is being goofy

and Greta is doing her own thing.

Our lovely friends who are always up for a fun outing came to visit and hike with us.

We all climbed the tower and enjoyed the view. I bet this place is amazing a little later in the year when the flowers are blooming.

The girls enjoyed their adventure at Eden Valley. There are so many cool paths to hike. This one lead to a swinging bridge. This is not my thing. I would be turning green... especially since the girls liked to bounce on it.

There is something about roasting marshmallows over and open fire... they are heavenly. I guess it is even better then the marshmallows are so big that they barely fit in your mouth.

We went camping for the Memorial Day weekend at this beautiful little campground called Eden Valley Refuge (thanks Sara for the suggestion). I am not a camper... not at all; however, this place was really nice and I would be willing to go back. We had a little cabin with four beds... that folded down from the walls. It also had a small fridge, microwave, air conditioner, and heater. Notice that I didn't mention running water. That wasn't too far away. The privacy of the cabin and the beautiful surroundings made it a great get away.