Stuck in the States =0)

So, I haven't written at all since I decided to surprise my sister and come to Ohio for a few days. That was on the 3rd of November. And yet, in spite of my best efforts, I'm writing this from her couch. =( That sad face isn't because I'm here. Well, not really. I just really want to go home. I really miss my husband. And I spent over $600 last week trying to get on a military hop back to the Azores. Isn't that ABSURD?? I was so disgusted but what can you do? I didn't (still don't) want to spend over 2k on a commercial flight and the company that has such great deals (SATA/Azores Express) is booked for the month of December.

Sooooo.... Alex and I are going to fly to McGuire AFB on the 20th and hope we get on that flight. According to Josh, the flight on the 20th was initiated by the base commander there at Lajes specifically for military spouses/families trying to get to Lajes for Christmas. There is also another one out of Norfolk on the 15th but it goes to the same places the last one I tried for went to and I'm so low on the list (category wise) that I think we're better off waiting.
*tear...

I could tell you about all the rediculous trouble I had trying to get on that flight but I have more important things to say. Ok, ok, I'll tell you. I flew to Norfolk on the 1st with the intention of getting on the flight that night. I got to the terminal and then found out I didn't have in my possesion a letter that I was supposed to have to get on the plane. I called Josh and after a tense hour of nail biting and sweating, he was able to scan and email the letter to the CS rep. So then I stood in line and checked my bags and paid for my seats (free flights are approx $15 a head) and they gave me a ticket for the plane...which I boarded an hour later... An hour after watching all the crew walking back and forth and back and forth, they told me they had miscalculated their numbers and I was one of the lowest on the priority list and I would have to get off the plane. With really watery eyes and a sleepy little baby I got my stuff and walked ALL the way to the front of the plane to get off. As I walked down the hall, they called my name, "wait a second. maybe there is something we can do". After sitting in the lobby trying not to freak out they called me back and said they'd worked it out. I could fly. So I got back on the plane. ALL the way to the back where my seat was... Alex fell asleep again. 20 minutes later they were back. "I'm sorry Mrs Rose, but you'll have to get off the plane. We can't take you."

I made it off the plane without sobbing although I did have tears rolling down my face as I walked ALL the way back out. Unbelieveable. I was told that they had booked everyone using 4 crew seats that they unfortunately weren't supposed to use. They got permission from the captain to use the seats (extra crew was going to sit in the cockpit) but his boss said it was a no go. Then they said there was a C-130 coming in the next morning and I could probably go on that. It was almost midnight by then so I had to get a room anyway. Their shuttle took me to lodging where I spent $50 on a room. We had to be back at the terminal by 9. Waited 2 hours to be checked in, baggage taken and tickets issued. Only to be told the C-130 couldnt take us either. It was then that I took a cab to the airport and got a ticket back to Ohio. Of course, that couldnt go smoothly, lol. It was raining pretty nicely by the time the plane left Norfolk...then it was told to delay in air for 20 minutes so by the time we got to our layover in Charlotte, I missed my connection. Finally got a flight to Dayton and arrived a little after 9 pm.

Talk about a lesson in patience!! There were other people kicked off the plane as well. A girl named Miranda and her 2 kids and a guy named Dave. We were all pretty upset. We all came back for the C-130 ride and we all got denied. I think they've all made it back by now. Miranda got a flight to Toronto and from there to Lajes and Dave drove to McGuire and got on a hop there. I am jealous but neither option would have worked for me.

I said all of that to say this. I've felt a very strong conviction lately that there are things in my life and my attitude that I could work on. Life isn't fair. But no one gets to choose the things that come their way. The only things we have control of are our reactions to each moment we go through. I will not allow my son to throw a fit when he doesn't get his way or when he is incredibly disappointed so how can I allow myself to do the same? It's very hard to be gracious and softspoken when you're exhausted and frustrated but at the end of the day, the important things were still perfect. I have an amazing husband, who dispite his frustration and disappointment, was encouraging and patient and my baby boy was SO good the whole time that I wonder if I imagined the nightmarish nights I had before his surgery.
I am blessed. I am so fortunate.
We've had a great time here in Ohio. I love my family. I love my car!! =0) But I can't wait to get home!

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I went to church with Rachel and the kids this morning and would you believe that the sermon was specifically for me?? Ha! But really, I've been thinking a lot about marriage and what keeps it together and what makes it fall apart. I see relationships all around me falling apart...or just becoming distant and I am frankly desperate to ensure the same thing doesn't happen to mine. The pastor spoke on 'Fighting for your marriage" and his point was that you make choices when you fight for something. If you want to fight for your marriage you need to make these choices:
     1. Choose to sacrifice. Sacrifice by doing small things that make a huge difference.     
     2. Choose humility. "Be content with second place". Put your spouse before yourself.
     3. Choose to endure. "Patience and longsuffering".  (Romans 5:3-5)
     4. Choose to forgive. "Absolve..."
He likened a marriage to white water rafting. You enter the river when it's smooth and calm but you know there are rocks and areas with rough current up ahead so you prepare for them. You know they're coming but it doesn't stop you from getting in the river. It just makes you work harder at making it through the turmoil. It was a great message. If you're interested in hearing it you can listen to it on this site under "Married".

The funny thing is that this is something that has been on my mind a lot lately. We discussed it in the women's Bible study I was going to in the Azores and to hear it today gave me a little more encouragement. I've thought a lot about what I want for my marriage and my family. I've hurt for those around me who are struggling. I want to put my husband before myself and I want to keep God in our lives and in our family. I want Alex to grow up knowing that not only do we love him, but we love each other. I want his example of a relationship to be US and I want it to be a GOOD example of commitment, responsibility and kindness.

I'll try to update this again soon. Maybe I'll have more definite information about going home. Josh has a class in San Antonio from 4 Jan to 10 Feb (or something like that) and I'm hoping Alex and I can spend some time there with him since we're missing most of the month of December.

Love you all,

xo

T

Neglect

Yes. I've done a poor job of posting lately. Very sorry.

Yesterday was Halloween. Can't really say that I care...but I did dress Alex up in a tiger costume. How did he get so CUTE???

We did not go trick or treating. They close base housing to vehicle traffic and let first military and then locals trick or treat and it is MASS CHAOS!! Alex and I went to the church for a potluck and hung out there until Josh left work. All MPs had to patrol on foot while the mass chaos was going on. After we met him at the house, I went to pick up Mel (who lives in base housing) so we could go see a movie while J put Alex to bed and then watched football. Lets just say driving through hoards of greedy locals was not the highlight of my evening.

I do like it here, but whether it's a european thing or just this island, these people need to work on their manners. It's pretty frustrating.  They cut in line...they walk in front of your vehicle when there are sidewalks on BOTH sides of the street. They are very nice when you speak with them but WOW. Common courtesy is sorely lacking.

Josh's birthday is tomorrow. I havent done anything fantastic. =0) We're trying to save money and there isn't really anything either of us NEED. I think we're going to go on one of the trips that the Azores offers (whale watching/dolphin watching etc) later in the year or in the spring but for now we're just relaxing and being happy that we're not separated.

I leave you with one final question:  Why does cellulite look so cute on a baby's butt?

Acts of Service

I have come to the conclusion that the way I show love is through Acts of Service. If you've never read the book 'The Five Love Languages' by Gary Chapman, you should. Though not everyone agrees with his theory, I find it very plausible and have categorized myself as mentioned above. I do know that I am all of them, to some degree, but have always found it a little self satisfying to do something nice for those I love. All of that being said, my honey is really good about doing the same for me.
I got a 2 hour nap today. No interuptions. "Sleep as long as you want", he said. So sleep I did. I woke up after an hour, looked at the clock, felt the dogs pressed against me and went right back to sleep. It was fantastic. Now if only I could train him to do it every day. =0)

I took an illegal picture. I will not tell you when I took it since it is illegal but this is for Ben again. A few A-10 Thunderbolts. Otherwise known as "warthogs". These things are BEASTS...very cool.

Did you know that the Azores goes through DST? I had no idea. But we set our clocks back an hour last night. Seems like that wouldnt happen way out here in the middle of nowhere but now it's pitch black at 6 or 630p.

We went to the kennels today because Josh has to feed dogs on Sundays. We all went to the gym first and I was supposed to do my cardio upstairs in the kid friendly room (they have a 3x15 space sectioned off with toys) while he did weights but I fed Alex and sat on the floor with him instead. See? I told you I'm hardcore. Anyway, after Josh was done staring at himself pushing weights in the mirrors downstairs we went over to the kennels. I need to get pictures of the dogs. One of them is crazy. His name is 'Devil' and he wears it well. A little brain dead perhaps? The other is 'Lt Dan' and he is so sweet and mild. Well, mild in comparison. Always gentle when I talk to him or invite him to lick my hand. We went outside while they ate. Here are some pictures of Josh and Alex on the training stairs.

My teeny tiny baby boy is 6 months old today... I just cant believe how quick it went. He's such a good boy. so different than he was prior to his surgery. He was so little...

Okay, well its time for me to go take Alex off Josh's hands for a little while. He's watching football and freaking out because someone is beating him in Fantasy Football.

xoxo Love you!!

Date Night (Smiley Face)

Check out Bob watching the neighborhood...

Soooo Josh and I are going to the movies with some friends tonight. YAY... Alex is going to a sitter. Well, he's going to Josh's supervisor's house where their 14 year old daughter is going to babysit. I feel better knowing she'll have adult supervision.
Last night we went over there to eat a burger and hang out for a little bit since it was her (Vanessa - the daughter) birthday party. There were so many 12-17 year olds I think Josh almost had a heart attack at the thought of it being our house someday. I couldnt help but laugh. I really hope we have a girl next. Knowing "how boys think" is going to haunt him until she's 30.

Have I mentioned how ADORABLE my son is? He recently learned to grab his feet... he obviously recognizes his bottle and his binky and reaches for them if you hold them in front of him. He stares at Josh when I'm holding him but sometimes when I leave the room he cries. He talks a lot... lots of different sounds... He likes the dogs and watches them quite a bit. They've been very patient with him and lick his hands when he pulls on them. I'm still a little paranoid and have stayed close but I think they like him too. If he's waking up from a nap and I say "I hear you, Alex...Mommy's coming", Warner runs to Alex's bed and wags his tail waiting for me to pick up the baby.  
I really like it here. Can't believe we've already been here a month and Alex is SIX MONTHS OLD tomorrow!!!! That can't be possible. Josh keeps saying "one is enough" and "we're so done" but everytime we really talk about it he agrees that we can't have just one baby. The question is when do we want to do this again?? Idealy, for him to be able to be around for the whole pregnancy and the first 6 months of life, I'd need to get pregnant now but I am SO not ready for that chain of events. I like our little family of 3. I like working out and getting in shape again. I especially like the simplicity of just having one. So I guess we'll wait a while and see what happens.
They cancelled his pre-ranger course for November. Did I tell you? He was very disappointed. I know they're going to send him eventually but I hate that he was so hyped about it and they lost the class slot. His senior assures him that he WILL BE A RANGER before he leaves this base. ;0)
Check out this plane that was landing when we left the house last night. We're so close to the runway. I wish Ben were here to see the helicopters and planes coming and going. He would love it.

Well I have to go. Just wanted to post something since I know I have so many faithful followers. HA.
I love you...Miss you. See you soon!!!

School & Stuff

WHAT DO I WANT TO BE?????

lol...why am I having so much trouble with this question when at this point it doesnt matter? I have successfully avoided getting a better education for years and at this point I'm going to do basics for a year or two anyway. I still wish someone would just TELL me what to do. I think that's what I liked so much about being in the military. =0) I am lazy and I like for people to make my choices for me. Sometimes...well, not really but when they're hard choices it helps.

I went to the Ed Office today...got some paperwork on UMUC. I THINK I may start off in the direction of a Computer and Information Systems degree since that's what my AFSC was anyway. I think I could manage that...I'm sure I'll want to change my mind a thousand times. Anyway, tomorrow I'll go back over there and submit the paperwork. Scary.

I was reading some blogs today while Alex was napping and can I say...my blog SUCKS. I guess I can't judge myself too harshly since the first time I blogged was 3 weeks ago but hey, I'm jealous of other people's blogging skills. For all I know, this thing will die once I start classes. Either that or I'll fail school because I can't stop blabbing about my insignificant days.

Boys are both in bed. Well, dogs are too. Josh was super tired today. He's been working out pretty hard and he plays football 2 nights a week or more. I like to pretend I work harder than he does but some days I think I'm wrong. He was giving Alex his bath and Alex pooped in the tub. I found it extremely hilarious until he rinsed him off and handed him to me. When I laid him on the couch and started putting his diaper on he finished his pooping. All over my hand. Sigh. He's lucky I love him.

I'm turning into a regular awesome housewife. I cook dinner every night (almost). I do laundry while my honey is at work (usually). And I even keep things picked up around here. You'd think I would be bored but I feel like there is ALWAYS something to do. I'm tired. I miss having an easy job (Well, I miss working for Col B...(0:)

Guess it's time for me to hit the sack, too. I miss everybody. xoxo

J's football team...well, most of them are. Alex and a couple other squadron kids are in the pic too. This was the day they filmed the AFN special.

Sad sad little blog...

Okay, so I havent been updating this nearly as much as I'd hoped to. You'd think I would have all kinds of time but there always seems to be something more important to do.

J finally took me to Angra today like we'd been talking about since I got here. It was not at all worth the effort. I did see some stores I'd like to go into and I'm sure if I knew more about the place and what all was there, I'd enjoy it more, but my perspective just from the drive and the short amount of walking we did, is that it's not all it's cracked up to be. Still beautiful...and fun.

Angra do Heroísmo

This guy was watching us pretty intently--->

We also went back to Calheta dos Biscoitos where I took pictures of before. With the beautiful blue water. This time we went a different way so that we could go to the little cafe and the area where you're allowed to swim. It's so unique. Not at all what you'd expect when you think about a "swimming area" but in its own way it is really beautiful. I took a couple videos. You can watch them on YouTube if you like. But here are some pictures if you dont have the opportunity to get on Facebook or YouTube.

It's not a huge place but the way the water crashes against those rocks makes you feel pretty small. Who am I kidding? Living on this island makes you feel small. When you look out and see that never ending ocean. Amazing.

Another weekend over. I've been here over 3 weeks already. I finally drove UglyBetty the other day. Did I tell you that? She wasnt as bad as I was afraid she was going to be but that clutch is like an inch from the brake! If my feet were any bigger I'd have major problems.

Jenny babysat Alex a couple times last week. It went pretty well. I'm not sure how much we're going to use her until I start school. Josh is pretty flexible about coming home for extended lunches so I can work out. The biggest issue will be when I have homework that I can't focus on without someone here.

I took a couple pictures of the alley cats. They love my tuna. We've dubbed them Bonnie and Clyde since they're renegade. =0) You can see the nasty dirty plate that the landlord gives them scraps on occasionally.

Here is Bob who really hoped they would play with him the way that Oscar did. Unfortunately, he learned the hard way that they do not wish to playfully smack him and he became a temporary pincushion one afternoon. Now all he wants to do is chase them.

Well, its almost 1030pm and I am beat. Will try to post something tomorrow even if it's short.

Hugs & Kisses,

TheRoseBunch =0)

Another Monday...

Today is Monday...Josh didnt have to work so we had a very relaxing day while it poured rain outside. Well, I had a relaxing day. He went running in the rain.

Yesterday he took Alex and I for a little drive around the island. We didnt go really far. Still havent made it to the other big "city" but we're planning that for this coming Sunday. Yea, famous last words. It'll happen eventually. I took some pictures on our drive... it truly is beautiful here.

This one was by far my favorite... can you see the rainbow? It kept pouring rain and those rocks look deadly but its so pretty. The picture doesnt do justice to the color of the water crashing against the farthest rocks. Its a beautiful jewel toned blue-green. I need a better camera so I can really show you.

I went to the gym yesterday!! Did legs and ran for a bit. Yes, I am sore but so happy to finally be going. I didnt go today but am going for at least 4 more days this week.

Check out Alex's teeth. Can you see them in this picture? His smile is so contagious... maybe infectious is a better word but he is a beautiful boy. Can you believe the two of us came up with someone so pretty? ;0)

I had to add the second picture. That boy loves his bath time...

Here is a picture of the doggies, in case you've wondered how they're doing. Great, by the way. I think they're very happy and I dont know if its because I'm so much more relaxed or if they just really like it here but so far so good and Roxie is a little skinnier than she was earlier this year.

I've been doing a lot of internet searching. When we leave here we plan on buying new furniture and everything for our house in Hawaii. I dont want to wait until the last minute so Ive been saving pictures I find online of things that I like and I've built "carts" on both Target.com and the AshleyFurnitureHomeStore...lol. I want to be sure I get good deals and a lot of things I'm sure I'll find cheaper last minute by shopping through Overstock.com or even some local stores but for now this is fun. If you have any great ideas let me know. I'm slightly intimidated by the thought of being completely responsible for decorating a house but it also sounds like loads of fun. Especially when Josh hands me the credit card and says "max it out, babe". Ah...fun.

Well, I love you all... I miss you. Please send me an email sometime or just put a note on here to let me know you read it. It's pretty amateur but its a lot of fun.

xoxo

Sleepyheads...

Why am I the only one awake at 930pm? O yea, I had a nap this morning and poor Josh did not. Although, my sympathy is a little less sincere than it would be if he'd really had to do that uphill jog with his 50lb ruck sack like he was supposed to. I guess they (another guy is going to Ranger training with him) ended up in class all day with the Ranger who is helping them prepare and they didnt have time to do the run.  I'm sure we'll hear more about that on Tuesday. Monday is a holiday!!

I found a baby jumper on LajesAds for $20!!! I had been looking at the EXACT same one online for a couple weeks and a lady on base was selling hers for half as much!! And it's almost brand new!!! He seemed to really like it...

Well. For about 10 minutes...then there was some of this...

Did you hear that NASA is "bombing" the moon tomorrow?? I'm kind of excited about it. Gonna watch it online. You should do the same...WATCH HERE

Well, we went to football again tonight...but it got cancelled. I guess they got a new sports director for the base and he was unconvinced that the lights on the track arent enough to light up the WHOLE field after dark. Cops were supposed to play at 8pm and it was too dark to see the ball so they cancelled the game. Oh sadness.

I went to a women's Bible study class today with Amanda (Her husband Vic works with Josh in the kennels). It's a 4 week "Women After God's Own Heart" study and today was week 2. Very interesting...a small but broad group of women. They meet on Wednesday's so we'll see how it goes. After that we went to the TORC for lunch and met another group of women for a Security Forces Wives meeting. ACK...I'm a "wives"!! Anyway, we talked about the Holidays and what the squadron has planned event wise. It was fun...I didnt get home until about 2 in the afternoon and then Alex took a 2 hour nap. Perfect.

Tomorrow morning I am meeting with Jenny...our soon to be sometimes nanny. I'm very excited about having someone to help and having some freedom to go to the gym and do school work without worrying about him every second.

O yea. Did I tell you? I have decided that I want to have my degree by the time my kids are in school. Yes, I said "kids". No, I'm not pregnant.

I must go help Josh get Alex ready for bed. Sweet sweet husband...such a good daddy.

As always...I MISS you all. SPECIALLY the kiddies. Kenzie, Ben, Nate, Trent, Chlo-bear. LOVE my wonderful family SO much.

xoxo

Yawn...

We are all SO tired... Went to Josh's football game tonight and got POURED on... ended up running to the car in the rain with Alex and the soaking wet diaper bag. He and I spent most of the rest of the game in the car. Of course the rain pretty much stopped once we left the field. Alex looks like I felt...cold and hungry.

I have a KILLER headache...can't figure out exactly why except I wore my hair with those bobby pins in the front and I havent done that in a while. That could also just be coincidental.

We watched some Baby Einstein videos on YouTube today. You can tell in the picture that I was talking to Rachel on facebook while he was watching the video. Hey, it kept him quiet for 10 minutes so who are you to judge? =0)

Alex's teeth are almost all the way through his gums. You can feel both of them with your finger...I tried to get a picture tonight when Josh was making him laugh but this is what I ended up with...

You can't see his teeth but his smile is HUGE... ;0)

Earlier today we were playing with one of Daddy's berets... here's another picture since I know you havent seen enough of Alex yet in this post.

Oh, he's such a handsome boy.

I take all the credit. You know I am allowed to since he looks JUST like his dad. lol...

Well, its almost bath time again. I plan on crashing as soon as Alex's face hits his bed. Murphy's law says that means he won't go to sleep when he's supposed to.

Good night all... xoxoxo