He's gone...

and the craziness has started.


I haven't really been in the mood to post since Brian left.  I planned on posting this exciting blog about his departure, but the departure wasn't exciting.  It was at 6:30AM, and who even cares about anything at that time in the morning.  Kennedy was not happy when I woke her up at 6AM, and she cried when I made her get in the car.  Once we arrived at the office, Brian was immediately called into formation while we stood out in the 40 degree temperatures.  25 min later he was getting on the bus to leave.  We were glad to see him one last time, but if there is a 7AM departure time in the future I think we'll say goodbye at home.  He is still traveling to his final destination; estimated arrival will be in the next few weeks.  The good thing is his year countdown has already started.  In some ways the past few days have gone quickly, yet I can't even imagine spending another year without him.  Emptiness...that's how I feel.  Kennedy already is missing him, and asking when he's coming home.  We will be stronger for this!  Come quickly 2009! 

On a negative note, when it rains it pours!  Well, nothing too horrible has happened, but this afternoon was filled with annoyances.  First, I get a speeding ticket on my way home.  I drive this road everyday to and from base, and I drive 65 mph like everyone else. Now I know the speed limit is 40 mph, but that is ridiculously slow for that road. I have lived in Italy for almost 3 years, and now...a few days after B leaves... I get a ticket.  Tickets in Italy are not like Stateside tickets.  There is no defensive driving, you must pay.  I am lucky that my ticket is only 148E.  I've heard of tickets costing 500E and more.  Also, I get to keep my drivers license and I didn't have to pay on the spot.  Some towns have a policy where they take your license for 30 days; now that would be a big mess for me since my husband is gone.  Prior to driving home, I turned in books at the library. When I arrive home I have an e-mail from the library.  They are telling me that I must pay for a book that I supposedly damaged.  I didn't damage this book or doctor it up with tape.  I don't know how to dispute the accusation, but I'm going to try.  The library is really trying to crack down on book/dvd mishandling, but I'm annoyed right now.  This is something they just started last week; I checked out the book 2 weeks ago.  They have no way of knowing that the person before me didn't do the damage.  Anyways, I really don't like the idea of being fined twice in one day.  

I will try to get pics up of Brian's last few days at home later this week.  We miss everyone!  K & I can't wait to go Stateside at the end of October! 

Brian and I are feeling so many things right now, but mostly sad. We know that separations are what comes with job and all the other logical thoughts. Still, can we hate them or wish them away? I know that I will soon get into the swing of single motherhood, of being a wife who gets digital hugs via webcam and kisses over the phone, and most importantly over this sadness. Brian will watch his daughter grow up in pictures and get used to feeling our love through letters & packages. Eventually, he'll get so busy at work that the time will just fly by. We are having very human feelings right now, but we know that God will take care of us. Each night we pray for peace and health and strength....even Kennedy prays. God will provide for us! I know that we will grow and learn lessons we can't even imagine right now. I hold fast to this verse:

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."~Jer 29:11

Cooking together


Yum Yum Yum...they were soooooooo good!

Brian and I decided to tackle real Mexican enchiladas.  We have the recipe and we called the grandma for a rundown before we started.  I don't know why we were so afraid to make these except they required authentic ingredients that we really can't get in Italy.  With a few modifications they came out wonderfully!  Brian and I enjoyed making them together, and discovered that they aren't hard at all.  Both of us have been trying out different recipes and ways of cooking lately; I guess we are trying to spice up our dinners! We are so proud of our cooking! 

Oh, Ms. Kennedy is quite the baker.  She loves to help me bake cookies, but she rarely eats them.  This really isn't good for my waistline, but its super fun helping her bake. 

We have a Preschoolian

(Dad walking the Princess in)
(posing with her Dora backpack)

(Next to her cubbie with her name tag on)

Kennedy started school last Friday, and she loves it. The base offers a MWF program that lasts from 8:30 to 11:30, so its a great opportunity for her to socialize with other children.  Last Friday was a little hard for me.  I had a ton of mixed emotions, but I put my smiley face on and left Ms. Kennedy.  I left her for 3 hours!!!!!   I'm pretty sure I've never left her with anyone that wasn't family for 3 hours before.  I know I'm over protective and all those other crazy things, but she is My Girl!  Really, the only thing that matters is that Kennedy had a wonderful time at school, and Ms. Jan, her teacher, said she did excellent.  Tomorrow is day 2 of school; we'll see how she does then. 

Kennedy definitely has a full schedule this fall.  Monday and Wednesday, school & dance.  Tuesday's she has gymnastics...she is overjoyed to do cartwheels and handstands!  Thursdays are our free day, and Friday is just school.  I honestly don't know how moms of multiple children do it.  I remember my mom saying she felt like a taxi cab; I see how having 3 girls could make you feel that way.  

I will keep everyone informed on our family happenings.  Be in prayer for our transition as Brian prepares for another "vacation" in a few weeks. 

Camping-Bled Slovenia

The most important thing about this trip is that we had a GREAT time as a family and with friends!  On Labor day weekend, we headed out early on Saturday morning to get a camping spot big enough to hold 7, yes 7, tents!  There are a few things about European camping that are way different: no open fires, see our make-shift smores pit below, and the bathrooms/showers are immaculate.  There was maid service that cleaned the bathrooms every 2 hours.  It was a little cooler than anticipated, so I lived in my little hoodie for the whole weekend.  Brian said I practically smothered him the second night we were there; I was just trying to stay warm. Kennedy loved putting up the tent, riding her bike, and hanging out with all the grown ups.  She had all the women playing animals with her. 

On Sunday, a few people went whitewater rafting, but most of us went exploring on our own. Brian, Kennedy, and I headed out to Vintgar Gorge.  This is one of the places I researched before heading to Bled, and I knew it'd be beautiful.  Beautiful and amazing it was!  We walked for about 3 miles on little ledges and bridges over rushing water.  At some areas we couldn't even stand up straight.  Kennedy was a trooper and walked pretty much the whole way.  We wanted to explore some other areas around Bled, but Kennedy was exhausted.  When we got back to camp we just hung out and walked around.  It was really great getting to spend time with the other families.  We are hoping to go back one more time before Brian leaves.