It's already 2014?!

The new year's arrived and the days quickly pass

I stop for a moment to reflect on the last

2013 was one for the books

And one that I often "let myself off the hook"

It was a year full of growth, glory and tears

One of my favorite and least favorite years

Deployment ruled our lives; that is a fact

It tempered our schedules and chose how we act

Strengthened our love and flourished our hearts

While spending this year miles apart

On the home front our daily routines were the same

Work and school and athletic games

Across the ocean and into the sand

My Soldier spent 2013 on foreign land

The distance was painful and often defeating

For life without my love beside me was often depleting

Some days dragged on while others flew by

Some were spent laughing and others we'd cry

There were birthdays, an anniversary and holidays apart

I wasn't sure I'd survive from the start

But through each passing day the closer we got

To the unknown date we all most certainly sought

In the Spring there was baseball for both of the boys

And summer brought family, a wedding and joy

The start of a school year another grade older

And new friends all willing to lend you a shoulder

Before I knew it half the year had past

I thought to myself I might make it through this at last

Both my Soldier and I hit the Big 30

My boys lost teeth and got all growth spurty

Holidays came and my heart was a bit hollow

I had to constantly remind myself of the years that would follow

My faith gave me courage and strength to go on

To wake up and embrace each morning's dawn

"Another day closer" was a much common phrase

As we welcomed the quickly passing of days

Now with the new year upon us and only weeks remain

Until my family will be complete once again

My little slice of Paradise

It's funny growing up in this little town I live in. Everyone I know, myself included, just cannot wait to escape this place when they graduate. It doesn't matter where you're going either, just as long as it is FAR away from here! Yet, here I find myself, settled in to the very place I couldn't wait to leave. I've got a little plot of land and Simplicity Farm has become my own little slice of Paradise. There are so many things I love about this place now, but I have to say that one of my very favorite things about this place is the sky. Its beauty is simply indescribable. Whether I'm waking up at the crack of dawn and watching the sun spill over the mountain peaks, casting its warm gaze upon the fields, or watching the thunder boomers roll in on a hot summer day, the sky holds me captive. I could watch the sun rise and set everyday and never grow tired of it. I can get home from late from town and be exhausted, but one look in the sky and I am awed by the blanket of stars that cover me. It is just so peaceful! The wind is howling outside right now, otherwise I'd be out there, wrapped in a blanket and having a cup of coffee in my chair, staring at the stars instead of writing about them. I haven't quite figured out how to capture the stars on camera, perhaps I need a telescope fitting for my camera which I'm sure would still do it no justice.  I am truly blessed to have such beautiful surroundings!!

GI Jake part 4... The visit home before the long journey begins

So we were lucky enough to have a few days with my Soldier home before he headed overseas. It seems unfair that when I'm counting down the days until he gets home they seem to drag on, but when he's here and time is limited the days fly by!!



With luck on our side, he got released a little earlier than originally planned and that set the wheels in motion. With a few little "white lies" we decided to surprise our kiddos. I told them I was heading to town to get the poster boards to make our "Welcome Home" signs and that I would meet them at the baseball game. Sometimes plans just workout so great! I made a quick trip to Reno and to pick up this handsome guy and we made a mad dash to the baseball game.

It took some conspiring, but between us, my parents and grandparents, we made it just as the innings were changing and our big man was headed into the dugout.
There aren't really words to describe how awesome this moment was, and my only wish is that I would have had someone recording both angles so you could see every one's happy faces! The boys had absolutely no idea I was bringing their daddy to the game!

SOOOOOOO HAPPY!!!

This was the beginning of a wonderful week in our home! Jared went on to make his pitching debut. He played awesome! (Pretty sure he was showin' off a little for his daddy!) 

We also took  home a W! 

 The next day we did a little hiking in Wilson Canyon. It was such a beautiful day! 

My Soldier got to watch both of our kiddos play some baseball and also logged himself a few hours on the Sandlot in our back yard.

The day before he left we had a small family BBQ to wish him well and send him off. I teased him that it was his "Last Supper" before he endured months of "oh so delicious food" 

(I think that's what DFac stands for) that the Army will be serving him. 

Surrounded by good friends and family, we had games, a bonfire, and one very special activity. Some friends of ours brought over paper lanterns and we sent off "wishes" for him. It was so awesome!

We are very blessed to have such amazing friends and family! The support and love they show is without measure! Our time was short and went by too fast, but every moment will be cherished. I pray for a safe journey and a speedy return and would love it if you'd do the same, because my Soldier,  he is the fire in my heart and the light in my babies eyes. I just love him so much! 

GI Jake part 3...... Deployment

So the day that we knew "someday" would probably come, has arrived. (Well, actually arrived a little while back, but I had to get in the right mindset to actually blog about it.)

It's a crazy thing actually, trying to deal with all of the emotions that come with deployment. Stress, anxiety, loneliness, pride, love, sadness, happiness, confusion, excitement, loyalty, honor, stress... did I already mention that?  The list really could go on and on and on. 

We are a couple weeks into the "pre-mob" phase of deployment.  While I have an empty bed at night and we only have three place settings at the dinner table, I am not sure it's totally hit me yet. I still get to talk to my soldier everyday and even got to see his face on Skype. So right now I'm not feeling too bad. 

On the day he left, the emotions were definitely on overdrive. Nothing can prepare you for that. Arriving on base seeing six Blackhawk helicopters lined up, families standing around, Soldiers loading their gear... The air was thick and you could feel the tension mixed with excitement. 

I was definitely overwhelmed with the magnitude of this day!!!

With our "goodbye" hugs given and tears in our eyes, we watched from afar as they readied the birds for flight. I stood there feeling so close, yet so far. I was fighting the urge to run back and get one more hug, one more kiss, as I'm sure every other wife, family member and child also were. Once every one was loaded up and checked off they "paraded" down the runway. I have experienced my share of "goodbyes" over the past few years, but this one takes the cake. The Soldiers waving, searching for their families. Tears were flowing on almost every face around me. The crew chief in my Soldier's helicopter had a bit of a sense of humor, which I didn't see until I uploaded the pictures. My eyes were a bit blurry at the time.

Parker said, "That's kind of funny and kind of scary!" and I have to say I agree!

Watching these six incredible machines, filled with our most precious cargo, depart in unison was something unforgettable. They hovered and then took off, circled around the mountain, and came back for a final flyover. They were "waved off" by the Patriot Guard which was so awesome. There was a bit of a breeze so their flags waved strongly as they stood by their bikes, waving farewell to our Soldiers. 

 The night before my Soldier kept saying "I'm in the last helicopter, just remember that." He had a mischievous smile but offered no more to the story. So you can imagine my horror when only five of the helicopters flew back over. I counted, then counted again and then one more time. Yep only five! I was feeling pretty apprehensive... And then there was a loud, really loud, noise coming from behind the hanger. As I looked behind me, sure enough, helicopter number six was coming over the top flying quickly RIGHT OVER US! I had to laugh, because those of you who know my Soldier, and the adrenaline junkie he is, this was right up his alley. Call it a little "show boating" for the fans!

I sort of wish he would have told me so I could video all of it, but I did at least get a few more pictures of them before they joined the others.

This begins the journey of our first deployment. I'm sure it will be full of emotional highs and lows, but the pride and love that fill my heart will continue to grow stronger and stronger everyday. 

 I do love this man SOOOO much!!

GI Jake part 2.... My plans vs Army plans = Army wins!

So as many of you know my Soldier completed his paramedic course on the 18th (woohoo!! he's a licensed Paramedic!!) and got to come home! It was such a wonderful, wonderful day!! It's such an amazing feeling to have my family together again. We spent a wonderful weekend in California with his family and finally returned home on Monday the 21st.
In true form, we were back to reality on Tuesday. I went to work, the kids to school and my Soldier reported to his unit to check in and do paperwork yadda yadda yadda. It was not an hour into my day at work when I got a text saying "I have to leave on Saturday for training." Devastated instantly, I refrained from breaking down in tears in the middle of work. My brain was reeling. "What do you mean you have to leave?!?!? Don't they know that you just got home!" As my title states, Army wins. So this morning I took my Soldier back to the airport. I'm beginning to think I should apply for a "frequent parker" voucher to the parking garage. Maybe they have a discount for something like that.
Today's a special day for us and I had some big plans. (yes I'm learning to stop planning because it continues to get trumped by the Army's plans)  Nine years ago today, we got engaged!! I am quite sure that I had the entire wedding planned 5 hours after he asked me. :)
Anyhow, with my plans to re-celebrate our "engagement" on hold we are back to the count down to Friday! Is it Friday yet?!?!
I am grateful this training is only a week long and that he is getting some time to bond with the other Soldiers in his unit. I, however, miss him and it's not even been 24 hours! The Army adventure continues in the Roseberry household... I am very proud of my Soldier and all his accomplishments! Now he just needs to hurry home!!

"Stinks"

Today was one of those days that just makes me laugh out loud, and I'm sure my children would be mortified to know I'm about to blog about it. I tell you though, sometimes it's just too funny not to be shared.

So my little man, he's 6 now and that's a "big boy!" He's gotten to the point where he wants to use the mens' bathroom instead of the womens' which is fine most of the time. Today however, he decided he needed to do his business in the mens' room.... at the Walmart of all places.... Twenty minutes had passed and he still was not out, and there was a flood of traffic going in and out of that bathroom. Finally, my oldest came out of the bathroom, and I turned him right back around to check on his brother. He came out and said "He's fine Mom, he's still going." A few more minutes passed and I sent him back in with special instructions.

 I said' "Now you might have to help him" and the look on his face was priceless. The "Huh!?!? you want me to do WHAT!?!?" But being the good brother he is, he went back in to the bathroom. Another ten minutes passed and every time the door opened I looked up to see if my boys were coming out.... And every it was not them. I have now spent 30 minutes on the bench outside the mens' room. I'm pretty sure I looked like a crazy person!

Finally! my oldest emerged from the bathroom. He said "That was DISGUSTING!" I just laughed and replied "welcome to motherhood my son!" A short while later, my youngest came through the door visually upset.

He said "I was trying to hurry Mom." I just gave him a hug and suggested maybe next time we use the womens' room. He rapidly agreed. So I loaded him in the cart and set off to do my shopping. A few steps away from the bathroom my oldest looks at me and says "I would rather go shopping than do that ever again! and I hate shopping. That was horrible." I lost it. I mean laughing like I was at a comedy show in the middle of the aisle at Walmart. When I thought I was almost composed, my little man leans forward and says "You should have seen Bubba, Mom. He almost threw up!" We all laughed so hard... Except my oldest who was still having some PTSD from the whole thing.

I tell you, there is never a dull moment in life with these kiddos around! Happy laughs everyone! Welcome to a day in the life of the Roseberry's.

GI Jake part 1

I'm not so sure that this should be titled "part 1" as we are far from the beginning of our Army life, actually we are approximately 3 years and 7 months into our "Army life." It has definitely been a roller coaster ride! There has been many months at a time that we have spent apart over the past 3 1/2 years, more months apart than together unfortunately. I am thankful to say, though, that all of those months apart we've been fortunate enough that my Soldier has remained stateside. We just finished up a fabulous 11 days with my Soldier home for the holidays. It was by far the best Christmas present I got!

You'd think after all of the trips to the airport I'd become a bit "immune" to the goodbyes, that they'd get easier as you go... It's just not the case. This "goodbye" was so hard for me. It's kind of ironic because he will graduate his Paramedic course on the 18th and he will be coming home!! This is the shortest "apart" time we've had in all his training.  I think just being so near the end, and having such a wonderful time together as a family, I just didn't want to say goodbye. I didn't want him to have to get on that plane... But such is life. "You get what you get and you don't throw a fit" as we say in our home. (well okay, maybe I threw a little fit....more like an emotional breakdown. It's definitely not the first.) 

Anyhow, my Soldier went from the Army Reserves to the NV National Guard and had to go to school almost immediately after the switch.  The opportunity is amazing and he's getting some awesome training, but that just meant 7 more months apart. The end is so near and I count the days, hours and minutes until he's home again.... Now, if I can just keep him here for a little while my life would be perfect. The Army has brought many wonderful new things to our life. With every sacrifice that's made, a reward is obtained. Though it's not always as we wish and the timing isn't always great, the silver lining always shines through.  

So I'll continue to share about the Army life with GI Jake as time goes by, for the adventure continues....

Resolutions..... 2013

It is that time of year again where everyone goes out and buys a new piece of exercise equipment, removes all the "junk food" from the house and stocks the fridge with "clean food." I admit, these are all wonderful and important resolutions, ones that I also want to take part in. This year though, there's so much more for me to work towards. So my resolutions are as follows.
I will make 2013 a healthy year. A year of good habits, good physical fitness, good mental clarity, and a year life of great spiritual fulfillment.  It seems often times we get inside our own head too much. We tend to forget that we are not in complete control of our lives. Sure, we make choices every day that play into our lives, but the Big Man upstairs, he's really in control.  Unfortunately, I know that 2013 also has some gigantic obstacles ahead. There will be days when I feel like throwing in the towel, days I want to cover my head with the pillow and go back to bed, days of worry and days of sadness. It's my hope that the days of happiness, sunshine and feeling complete, far out number the former. I hope that you'll join me in embracing 2013, the obstacles and challenges and the happiness and triumph... Whatever it shall bring! Feel free to follow my journey as I plan to be a better "blogger" along the way!!

A Snowy Winter

This year has been an unusually snowy winter, and I am absolutely loving it!! We had snow all week before Christmas and though we didn't get snow on Christmas there was still some leftovers in the mountains. The snow is simply gorgeous. The boys have been sledding down the little hill in the back yard and making snow angels in the yard, but Saturday was the real adventure.
We headed towards Bridgeport, with the sleds in the back of the truck, a lunchbox full of goodies and each of us a travel mug of homemade hot chocolate. We were in search of some sleddin' snow! And boy did we find it!!

We hooked up the sleds as soon as we turned off the highway and we were nonstop up the mountain. It powder was perfect and the temperature was brisk.

 
The boys were having so much fun !!!

A few more miles up the mountain, we stopped for lunch and decided we were frozen enough to turn around. The boys, of course, wanted no part of getting in the truck to warm up so they loaded on the sleds for a trek down the mountain.

I think Jared was giving a whole new meaning to "eat my dust..." or should we say snow! I couldn't have asked for a better way to spend a Saturday afternoon. Crisp fresh air, cold mountain snow and of course the laughter of two happy kiddos! But frozen to the bone, and at the end of the road, it was time to call it a day!!

Color Me RAD..... Ok!!

So on Friday I received a text from my brother asking if I wanted to run a 5K with him... "tomorrow," Yep, not even 12 hours notice. Now, last year, I would have jumped at this in a heart beat, because last year I was a runner.... This year, different story. Sadly my running shoes have been collecting dust in the closet. (Yes I am ashamed!) So I was hesitant to accept the offer. He didn't allow me much thinking time because about 10 minutes later I got a picture of our "numbers." And so it begins...
The Reno Color Me Rad run was at UNR and the proceeds go to Special Olympics. I figured I could humiliate myself for a good cause, and at best I'd at least finish in front of someone... And I did. Woohoo!!
It's actually a really chaotic race, where you aren't really able to run the entire thing because there is 4000 other people running! (yay! for a little assisted breathing room!)


With the color run, the concept is wear all white and the "color bombers" are going to chuck a chalky, powdery, colored substance at you while you run. Fun!! So after a quick stop at the W to pick up a pair of white shorts I was ready to go!
Of course, I had just gotten my hair touched up the day before and was slightly afraid I'd end up with rainbow colors in my delicately porous hair, so I lathered up the conditioner and left it in!




We made our way through the mob of 4000+ people and headed for the starting line. Let the count down begin! 5,4,3,2,1 we are off! Headed for our first bombing station and I was holding my breath! That is one big purple cloud!

We made our way through about mile one and everything was going good... Then I got a blister. UGH! Pain in heel! Since I had just read "Born to Run" I figured now was a good time to give it a shot. I took off my shoes and ran the last 2.1 miles in my socks! I have to say, it was much better than the blister rubbing against my shoe! About mile 2 I wasn't sure I had a lot of run left in me! Darn it all for not staying in shape! However, seeing people far more out of shape than myself, I kept running or jogging? maybe fast walking... But who's really paying that close attention! Through the  final blue plume of color I could see the finish line!

What a relief that was!! You can tell I am sooo excited!! Mostly tired of carrying my shoes I think. Perhaps delighted to have finished the race without needing the EMS crew. Of course also getting to run my brothers first race with him... All things were great in the end once I crossed that line! After the finish, we made our way to the photo booth and then to the "center stage" for one final color blast!

The final countdown to celebration!

This turned out to be such a fun race, and I look forward to doing it again next year. Though next year, it'll be a family run and my little "cheering section" will be joining me on the trail! These two were lovin' it just as much as everyone around them!

Star Student

This week Jared is the "Star Student of the 4th Grade." It's a fun project where they get to share things about themselves, bring their favorite book to school, and on Thursday (today!) the parents get to write a letter or a poem to their kid... So here is my little "note" to Jared.

MY SUPER STAR

I often wonder where time goes and why it moves so fast

Holding onto each memory, I know they’re sure to last

Watching you make choices, paving out your way

Overcoming obstacles you are facing every day

It hurts me when you struggle; it’s hard to watch you fail

I know you have the strength that will help you to prevail

Milestones that you have reached finding your own place

To do the best and be the best in this crazy human race

The kindness in your smile and the sparkle in your eyes

Show the love you have to give; this is no disguise

Yet you hold inside a fire that helps you to compete

In the class or on the field, you won’t accept defeat

Remember keep your chin up and strive to do your best

This is most important as life puts you through the test

Manners get you places and help you to succeed

Honor and Integrity are two you’ll always need

Don’t forget your roots and the place that you call home

It will always be here for you, no matter where you roam

Be a kid and make good friends that are meant to last

You only get one childhood be sure to have a blast

Though you’re only nine years old I see a bright young man

Jared don’t forget, that I’m your biggest fan

I’m proud to be your Mom and proud of who you are

For every day, in my life, you’re my “Super Star”

Birthdays in School

I  remember growing up being disappointed that I never got to have my birthday during school... It just didn't seem fair. I mean everyone else got to bring cupcakes and interrupt class time. But no, not this summer baby. So it's kind of bitter sweet that today is the first day of school and about 10 or so years ago (okay so maybe a few more than 10... but who really keeps track of things like that. :)) I would have actually got to have my birthday in school. Today though I am sitting at home and my house seems so quiet and empty with out my little men running around and calling "MOM!!" every five minutes. The quiet is nice, I'm finding I actually can get some things done, like write a blog post, clean the house and it stays that way, at least until 2 o'clock, laundry, read a book...in quiet... Being home on your birthday is nice I've decided.  Last night Parker asked me what I was going to do today and I said "Just hang out at home..." He looked so disappointed and he said "Mom, it's okay, you don't have to stay home. You can just come to school and party with us there." Ha ha, that boy! He kills me!!
Anyhow, just wanted to wish all of those parents whose babies returned to school after a speedy summer a "Happy 1st Day of School!"

A Flash Back...... Parker's Heart Song

Last night, Lennart (the new German exchange student) and I were visiting at my parents house, just looking up random YouTube videos and I decided to pull this one up. It's from February 2010, and my little man was 3 years old! I look at him now, big 6 years old, and he no longer has this cute little baby voice... He can reach the light switches and open the cupboards. It's amazing how time flies and they grow up so fast! Anyway... Though he still sings the "heart song" frequently, he now knows that it is not "donuts bursting in air" and that you don't have to eat the microphone to sing. :) Hope you all enjoy this little piece of patriotism...God Bless America!!

The Lucky Camera Click

I’ve always loved photography and I’m a firm believer that on occasion you get the perfect shot that captures the moment. I’ve been going through some of my pictures on my computer, 95% of them are ok pictures that will provide memories for years to come, but there are those 5% that really make me swell inside. It’s that proud photographer moment when I say to myself… “That’s a darn good picture.” It usually holds me over for a while until I feel the need to get a better one. This one though is still one of my very favorites so far… It’s definitely a lucky shot, as it’s hard to capture infrequent lightening, but it’s a beauty from my very own front yard… Just thought I’d share it with you.

The New Residents of Simplicity Farms

Last May, my parents got chickens and a rooster. Long story short, one chicken wanted to be a mama. She hatched seven babies. Two of the babies were roosters and three roosters in a pen is about 2 too many. As a result, we decided to add chickens and a rooster to Simplicity Farms. My dad, my hubs, and my boys built the coop and transferred the chickens.  In true “Gramps and grandkids form” we ended up with most of the chickens and of course “Big Red” the nice, old rooster. So meet the cast…

This is Big Red. He is most definitely the nicest rooster I have been around. Not that I have a ton of exposure, however I have heard many stories about “mean roosters.” As I said, my boys worked their Gramps over when it came to which chickens we got.  They said to him, “Gramps, Grammy said that she wanted us to have a ‘safe rooster.’  She said we could have Big Red because he is nice to us.” I remind you, we, my mom, sister and I were out of town while the chicken/rooster transfer took place.

While the chickens were at my parents’ house we gave them all names. Some of the names make sense, while others are stretches of imaginations of little children.

Next meet “Pepper & Goldie” These are Jared and Parker’s chickens. They are the cutest little chickens with furry feet that let you hold them if you’re fast enough to catch them. There were only two of these little bantam like chickens. To the upper left is Pepper. For some reason, Pepper likes to hide out underneath the roost in the corner of the coop. The picture below is Goldie. Poor Goldie has been a frequent “target” of Big Red. You’ll notice she’s missing a lot of her comb.

There were only two of these adorable little chickens at my parents’ house and as the two boys would have it we ended up with both of them.

We now have a total of 13 hens and one rooster. We are getting between 6-8 eggs a day, and I haven’t quite narrowed it down to which chickens aren’t laying. And no! I don’t plan to eat the chickens that aren’t laying…. That’s just cruel. I mean, we named them for Heaven’s sake! We can’t go eating them, but those girls better get to laying!

Below Red, Chicky, Dusty, Penny, Callie, Honey and Daisy are enjoying bugs in the front yard.

There are a few more chickens in the flock that are a bit shy however we’ll definitely give them the “honorable mention.” There’s our baby of the flock is Angel, the new girl Butter, and Rusty who is a close look-a-like to Dusty but a touch more rust color, our black beauty Cosby, and last but not least, Captain Jack Sparrow...She is a hen, however she looks quite manly and has one bad eye, hence the Jack Sparrow... So that’s the gang. I’m very excited to have them on the farm. Occasionally Big Red gets a little confused and I question my judgment as he’s crowing at 0415 in the morning. All in all, I think we are all enjoying both the flock and the benefits of them…. I guess all of us except Libbie, who is pretty upset she’s stuck behind the fence with the chickens right on the other side.