Catching Up and Two Articles

I spent the weekend catching up on my blog. If you are interested, there's now a post for every weekday in April. If you scroll backwards you'll find them, or you can find them under "April" in the blog archive on the sidebar.

Also, I recently read these two articles that I think were important.


Social Media Complicates Army Death Notifications. There is a reason there is a communications lockdown when something happens downrange. So this sort of thing doesn't happen. A woman found out her husband had been killed through a friend instead of through the Army. It seems like a no-brainer to NOT do this, but I guess some people think it's better to get the information to the person as fast as they can. But this is not the sort of news that should be delivered without care and thought. This is why, if you hear something, keep it to yourself until the Army has a chance to deliver the news properly. Facebook is not the place.

Married Special-Operations Troops Feel Strains of War. I was just so happy to see some higher ups talking about the difficulties of being married in the military. I'd write more about this, but I have two crying kids at the moment. Also, I really miss the Stars and Stripes.

Back to Normal

Now I can sleep again -- Win got back late last night from his latest training rotation. He was in Colorado for high altitude training. It wasn't as long as the last one, and it went by quickly and quietly.

The Hunger Games

So .. I finally got around to reading The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. And loved it. Now I get the hype. I read it pretty much straight through, and then the other night I read Catching Fire, the second book in the trilogy. I was in non-sleeping mode and stayed up until 3 a.m. reading the entire thing in one sitting. It wasn't as good as the first, but kept me hooked. Now I have the third one, Mockingjay, but I'm holding off starting it because I know I won't be able to do anything else until I finish it.

About a year ago, I checked out the first one at the library but didn't read it because I didn't think I'd like it. Several of my friends were raving about them, but I am not usually into science fiction, especially not the post-apocalyptic kind. If you've lived under a rock for the past six months, the story is about a futuristic world were the conquered people live and work in districts controlled by the Capitol. Every year, each district is must give up two teenagers to participate in the Hunger Games, a brutal Survivor-like game where the kids must kill each other. The last one alive wins. So yeah, doesn't sound like a book I'd normally chose to read, but trust me, it's very, very good.

What got me on this science fiction kick was The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. It's been on my list to read for ages, because it's always on those lists of books you must read. I found it at the library. I'm glad I read it, and I understand why it's an "instant classic," but it still gave me nightmares. The Hunger Games was light compared to it.

The Kindle App

We got my mom a Nook Tablet for her birthday, and while we were in North Carolina, I got to play with Macon's Kindle Fire. Of course, now I really, really want an e-reader. I like both, but I think I'd like the Kindle Fire better because I love Amazon. Anyway, since I can't justify getting one just because I want one, I downloaded the free Kindle App onto my phone. Yeah, that thing is going to be a blessing and a curse. And probably ruin my eyes. It's amazing because you can buy books with one click from Amazon and it's downloaded onto your phone. I already have an Amazon account, so I just signed in and the book is automatically charged to my credit card. The downside, obviously, is that I'm reading books on my tiny phone screen. But, man, it's totally worth it.

So for now I'll hold off on getting a e-reader. Maybe I'll get one for my own deployment present. What is funny is that Win separately found out about it and downloaded it also.

I still prefer printed books, but I'm in love with the instant gratification of digital books.

And if you're wondering which books I've read so far on my phone, I started with Ketchup is a Vegetable by Robin O'Bryant, which was $0.99 for the digital version. The Meetup group read it for a book club (I didn't make it to the book club meeting, but was definitely entertained by the book). Then I moved onto The Hunger Games. More about that tomorrow.

Big Fish

Saturday evening we spent fishing. Baby G and Bean Dip were helping Grandpamp dig worms when we got home. They were more interested in taking kayak rides with Oma than fishing, so Dad and I manned the poles. We had a blast. I had it so easy -- Dad would put the worms on, let me catch the fish, then he'd unhook them and take care of the rest. I got to sit on the dock with a beer and watch the bobbers.

Long after the kids and Oma had gone up to the house, the bobber on the Batman pole disappeared. I grabbed the pole and started reeling, but the line just kept going out. Dad said, "I bet you got a catfish on there." I kept reeling and pulling and slowly got him close enough to the dock that Dad could scoop him up with the net.

I had no idea how big that fish was going to be! This is the biggest fish I've ever caught, and man was it fun. I think it's hilarious that I caught him on Bean Dip's Batman pole, with a worm and bobber. Right after I picked him up (by the line) for a picture, the line snapped. Dad took care of him and we let him go, so someone else can catch him again.

I think I've found a new hobby. I also think I need my own pole, maybe a pink kid's one.

Spring Days at the Farm

This boy loves to work the garden.

Worms!

This past weekend we went home, so I could attend my cousin's bridal shower. Kids weren't invited, so Bean Dip and Baby G stayed on the farm with Grandpamp. There were no tears when Oma and I left, and barely a hello when we got back. Grandpamp kept them busy and happy the entire time we were gone. When we got home, they were busy digging worms in the garden for fishing. Dad said they watched a little of Beauty and the Beast and Dora, had lunch, played in the sandbox, and then were working on the worm digging. BD and G were happy to dig worms, but not so happy to quit to go fish. The picture above is of G holding a worm, and the top picture is of BD first thing in the morning, working in the garden. It was one of the first things he said to Grandpamp when we got there Friday night. He said, "When can we go out to the garden? I want to work." He helped weed and then he found some cabbage worms and told Grandpamp what he needed to do to get rid of them.

G was very happy with the sandbox. Dad built a permanent one under the trees and filled it with 2,500 pounds of sand. She was quite happy but then started asking when we could go to the beach.

We spent the rest of Saturday fishing and kayaking on the lake. Then Dad grilled steaks for dinner. Sunday, Mom and Dad let us all sleep in. It was cold and drizzly, so we didn't do much. The kids played on the porch while Dad fried fish for lunch. Then it was time to head South.

Soccer Stories

All pumped up

The cheerleader

Getting a pep talk

The Right Way to Cook

Bean Dip has been learning about cooking at school. This week his class took a tour of the school cafeteria, and saw how their food is made. He came home with his very own apron, hairnet and gloves, and informed me that you have to wear all of it every time you cook. When he saw me making dinner on Saturday, he took off to wash his hands and then put on all his gear. He's holding his knife in the picture.

He and G helped me make the salad. I made him take his gloves off at some point.

Strawberries

Yesterday G and I went strawberry picking with the Meetup group. We went to H&S Farms in Clarksville. It was fun, and the strawberries were beautiful. Baby G didn't do much tasting though, which I thought was kind of funny. We had a picnic lunch there before we headed home. We had strawberries and whipped cream for dessert that night.

I'm going to try to make it back there sometime with Bean Dip. He was disappointed he didn't get to go.

You can find more information about the farm on Facebook.

The Best Toys

We have a few toys that have really stood the test of time, both in quality and also in interest. There are a few more, but these three are ones that the kiddos have consistently played with over the years.

1. IKEA Tunnel. This is a picture of a Melissa and Doug one I found on Amazon for about the same price. Such a simple toy, it was an impulse buy during an IKEA shopping trip when Bean Dip was just a baby. For 10 Euro, both he and Baby G have gotten their use out of it. Lately, the game has involved dragging it up the stairs, then sliding down inside it. (Very safe!) Four years in, it still is in pretty good shape.

2. Leapfrog Text and Learn. This is another toy I bought for Bean Dip, when he was two years old, and we were making our first 12-hour road trip to Alabama. He still plays with it from time to time, but Baby G is the main user now. And no joke, I think this toy taught both of them their ABCs more than anything else. I love all the Leapfrog toys (we also have the Leapfrog Chat and Count Phone, the Leapfrog Phonics Radio, and two Leapster Explorers), but this one has really been a hit.

3. Thomas and Friends Wooden Railway. Another present for Bean Dip that has continued to impress. We got him this set for his second birthday. And since then, we've added to it, and now we have a whole box of Thomas. Baby G loves it as well, and they will play for hours with a set up track. And the toys have held up really well to two small children playing hard with them. Even though this may be thought of as a "boy" toy, it promotes imaginary play for anyone. And the puzzle of fitting together the tracks is great for problem-solving skills. Love it despite the expense.

What are some of your children's favorite toys?

Spring Soccer

Bean Dip finally had his first soccer game of the spring season. Practice started the middle of March, but with the weather and holidays he's had as many cancellations as practices. His first game was Friday night, a night game! The Tigers played well, and we went to El Bracero to celebrate after. Alex Sardine came, too, to both the game and dinner.

He had his second game on Saturday, and that went well as well, although he didn't get to play as much.

Talking

3/12 When I told Lem he needed to behave when we went to NC, he said, "I'll try to remember." Then he said, "T-Rex's have tiny brains." He's been pretending to be a T-Rex lately.

3/12 Gwyn was outside with Win. She was painting with sidewalk paint, and when Win asked her what she painted she said, "That a rainbow. And that a zombie!"

3/12 When getting ready for bed, Gwyn was saying she had a "wiener." Lem said, "No Gwyn, only boys have wieners. Wieners are way awesomer, because you get to stand up when you pee. I'm glad God made me boy so I have a wiener."

3/12 When I asked Gwyn what was the best thing about her day, she said, "Dada."

3/12 Lem: "complosion" for "explosion" or "comploded" for "exploded"
        Lem: "falection" for "reflection" (it took us a long time to figure this one out, then he explained it: "When light shines off of something.")

3/12 Gwyn: "bothes" for "clothes"
        Gwyn: "bap" for "bath"

3/12 Lem: "They should name a team the Replays. I'd totally watch them!"

3/12 Me: "We're going to follow Doc and Grandma, because we don't know where we're going."
        Lem: "Well, actually, we do know where we're going, we just don't know how to get there."

4/12 Gwyn: "I fart like Dada." "Dada, you big!"

4/12 Me: "Gwyn, what do you want for a snack?"
        Gwyn: "Hummus!"
        Me: "Do you want carrots or crackers with it?"
        Gwyn: "No carrots. No crackers. Just poon (spoon)."

This Thing I'm Doing

In February, I enrolled in a training program to become a medical transcription editor. The program is online, and the funding is provided by a military program that promotes exactly this -- portable careers for military spouses. I applied for the funding, was approved, and enrolled in the school. My goal is to finish and have a job by this fall. I decided to go ahead and do this because it is a job that I can do from home. I will be able to stay home with the kiddos but still make some money. Win's schedule is not exactly consistent, so I want to be home when they are home.

Even though I never had any interest in the medical fields, I think this will actually work for me because of my journalism/editing background. I don't see this as being a long term career, but something to do until the kids are older. And I figure having this sort of training can only help me in the long term.

So I've been remembering how to study and also how much I like to procrastinate. So far it's going well, but I'm still in the easy stuff. I am happy with the school, everyone I've spoken to has been very friendly and helpful, and the classes seem to be very thorough. And it is definitely nice to think about something other than laundry and toilet training.

If you are interested in the funding or the school, here are the websites:

Career Step
MyCAA

Braided

Easter

The rest of our Easter day was quiet. We did our normal Sunday stuff (cleaning, recycling, getting ready for the week, etc.) We watched the Masters (golf). We played outside and mowed the lawn (a never ending task). We built Legos and did Spin Art (G's gift from the Easter Bunny).

Alex came over in the afternoon, and we grilled chicken for our Easter dinner. I marinated it overnight in Teriyaki sauce, garlic, green onions, ginger, lemon juice, olive oil and pepper. It was delicious. I also made French potato salad and a fruity green salad. For dessert we had homemade vanilla cupcakes sliced in half and topped with strawberries and whipped cream.

Egg Hunt

We had a really good Easter. Very quiet, but that was just fine with us. We did not make it to church, which was something only I was upset about, but Bean Dip slept in later that usual, and by the time he was up, it would have been a crazy (and most likely not happy) rush to get to church. So ... that's my excuse.

So the kids were super excited to see that the Easter Bunny had visited. Baby G was up early but didn't even notice until Bean Dip got up and showed her. He was mostly excited about the candy. And the Star Wars Legos. And the first thing he did when he came out was look outside for eggs (I guess the Easter Bunny will have to come earlier next year).

So after chocolate for breakfast, Win took the kids upstairs. A little while later I told BD to go look out the window. I said, "Is that a tomato on the tomato plant?" At first he said, "Yeah." Then he realized what it really was. (A red egg.) They ran outside and hunted for eggs, and Bean Dip was really nice about letting Baby G find some. He even helped her. (He let her get all the real eggs.) It was so funny to watch though, because an egg would be right under their feet and they wouldn't see it. Towards the end I told BD to climb up the ladder to get a better look, and he missed the egg that was directly by his feet. Too funny.

Bean Dip wanted to look in the front yard too, but the Easter Bunny had only left eggs in the back (note for next year). The little goober is too clever already -- when we dyed the eggs on Saturday, he asked, "Why do we have to dye eggs for the Easter Bunny? Doesn't he bring his own?"

Spring Break Pt. 5

I'm not going to be very creative with my title posts this week. Here's the fifth part of our Spring Break adventure to North Carolina.

Our last day was spent at the house, and then went out for a family dinner in Pinehurst. We ate at a very noisy pub, which was delicious but as I said, it was very noisy. After dinner, we all went back to the house, where all the men sat out on the porch smoking cigars, and all the women and children sat in the sitting room, chatting.

Saturday morning, we packed up in the rain and headed for home. The trip back was just as uneventful, thankfully. Lem slept for about three hours.

Spring Break Pt. 4

I'm not going to be very creative with my title posts this week. Here's the fourth part of our Spring Break adventure to North Carolina.
 

G and Logan

This pretty much sums up the day.

Michelle and I

On Thursday, Michelle came out for a visit. She lives just about an hour from the house. Her sister, Meghan, and Vivian and Logan came, too. They came around lunch time and spent the afternoon. It was so wonderful to see Michelle -- I hadn't seen her since our Vicenza Girls Getaway in 2010. Since we email almost daily, we picked up just alike always. We spent the afternoon exploring the house and property, and then the adults sat on the porch chatting while the kids played in the pool Win bought. After a little shyness, the kids got along great. Lem said he remembered Vivian from the "cabin in the mountains." 

Spring Break Pt. 3

I'm not going to be very creative with my title posts this week. Here's the third part of our Spring Break adventure to North Carolina.

On Wednesday, we were up with the sun. We ate breakfast, and then headed out to the beach. Once again, we had it pretty much to ourselves. It was a little warmer than the day before, and I made it into the cold Atlantic. It's a lot different from the Gulf.

We spent the morning on the beach, then checked out, ate lunch at a roadside burger stand, and then headed back to the house. Rich and Jessica came out for the evening -- they just moved to North Carolina. We spent the evening hanging out at the house.

Spring Break Pt. 2

I'm not going to be very creative with my title posts this week. Here's the second part of our Spring Break adventure to North Carolina.

Even though we'd only been there a day, we decided to go ahead and head for the beach. We decided to spend one night. It was about a 2 hour drive, all along little roads and through tiny towns in both North and South Carolina. We stopped on the way for lunch, at Fuller's Old Fashion BBQ in Lumberton. North Carolina BBQ was on my bucket list, and I got to taste it here. I got the pulled pork platter, complete with cole slaw, hush puppies and sweet tea. It was amazing. Win got the buffet -- the place was packed with locals and the buffet was where it was at. But he convinced Bean Dip to try the quail. And BD tried it and liked it. This kid is crazy.

As usual, Win is the only one in the water.

I found a place to stay by using Google Maps on my phone. (That is my favorite app!) We stayed at The Winds Resort Beach Club in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina.

It was perfect.

It is a hotel, but not a giant high rise. It was very discreet, with all the rooms being in a complex of beach houses. The receptionist actually said, "You'll feel like you are walking into someone's house." But inside, there were regular hotel rooms. It was pretty basic as rooms go, but that didn't matter. We were there for the beach, which was right across the street.

It was still the off season, and cool, so we had the beach to ourselves. All of us were so happy to be there, but the kids were positively giddy. They ran around, splashed in the water and rolled in the sand. We stayed until we got cold, then headed to the hot tub to warm up before cleaning up and going out to dinner.

We went on a recommendation to the Pelican Shack. Or something like that. I can't remember now, and it isn't on Google Maps. Another local place, a sports bar. And it was perfect. The food was fresh and fantastic. We may have gone a little overboard with the seafood -- flounder, shrimp, and grouper, but it was so good.

We ended the evening by taking a cold walk out to the end of the fishing pier. There was one lone fisherman, and Win chatted with him for a bit while I tried not to have a heart attack about the kids falling off the pier. The kids split an ice cream sandwich and then it was back to the hotel room.

Spring Break Pt. 1

I'm not going to be very creative with my title posts this week. Here's the first part of our Spring Break adventure to North Carolina.

On Sunday of last week, we loaded up and started the nine-hour drive to North Carolina. The trip went really well, even though it was Sunday and we got stuck eating dinner at a gas station Subway (the BBQ place I found was closed). We only stopped twice, and didn't have any crying from anyone. Bean Dip and Baby G kept themselves occupied with all their various toys. I decided it was worth it to get G her own Leapster, so with that and a new game (Tangled), they were pretty happy.

The three oldest cousins.

A walk among the pines.

We pulled in to our destination just in time for dinner. Our destination? Win's great-grandmother's home. Katherine recently bought it after it stood empty for 12 years and is in the process of fixing it up. Ed and Katherine were there, as well as Macon, Christopher and Teddy. Our kids were the seventh generation of the family to visit the home.

Monday morning we explored the property and the house. It really is an amazing place -- the house is a huge southern home, with seven bedrooms, including a sleeping porch. Once I got there, I realized why Katherine was so excited for us to come see it.

In the afternoon, we headed into Southern Pines, one of the nearby towns. We visited a Creation Museum, located in a Christian book store. It was ... an experience. The most random collection of things and lessons I have ever seen in one place. Baby G did not enjoy it. I think it was too overwhelming for her -- we were surrounded by stuff. It was even on the ceiling. Bibles, barbed wire, old tools, taxidermy, signs, etc. There was a section warning of the temptations of the Devil.

After that it was time for a break, so we stopped to get ice cream. Then we walked around a little, watched a train come through, and then headed home.