PaRiS

What a few crazy, hectic weeks it has been! This month has just flown by!

Last weekend, we decided to take a trip to Paris for my birthday. We ended up taking off late afternoon on a Thursday and driving 4 hours to get there. The kids had no idea where we were going- but when we woke them up once we got into Paris, they were SOOOO excited! We caught a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower sparkling- it was great! We were only going to be there for a couple of days, so we maximized the time we had there. Got all settled into our room down the street from the Eiffel Tower- with a great view of the Seine River and the mini Statue of Liberty.

Our first morning we stopped to eat at a little Cafe right by the Eiffel Tower- RIBE. (We asked for the pronunciation, but still can't say it!) OMG- the breads, croissants, and jams were to die for! And both kids loved the omelets they served- they were so light and airy. Since we were in Paris, I had to have crepes, and they didn't disappoint. Drizzled with Nutella too! We had to go back the next day to have some more! The kids were able to order in French- by the time we are out of here, maybe they'll pick up some more of the language!



Got to the Eiffel Tower to stand in line to go to the top. Hassled by the guys peddling their mini statues and women begging for money. So annoying! I don't know if it's us getting old or what, but once we got to the top, we got vertigo so bad, we couldn't wait to get down! The kids had no problem at all- they loved the view from the top, even though it was cloudy.




We also checked out the Catacombs- underground tunnel lined with bones.




After an afternoon of shopping on Champs Elysses Blvd, we made our way to see the Arc de Triumph.



It was an exciting time and we all had a blast! We went looking for a dress for me, with no luck. I did find a beautiful gown, but once I saw the price tag (5,800 EURO) I had to put it back! :) It was in this department store with clothes from every well known top-of-the line designer. I was in the fashion capital of the world and couldn't find a thing! Oh well, the kids made out like bandits in their new wardrobes! LOL Isabelle's dream has been to go shopping in Paris, so she had the time of her life! Shirts, dresses, and pants for her and some new shirts and shorts for the little man!

Our last day there we decided to head to the Eiffel Tower again to try and find some good vendor food- had another crepe, ice cream, cotton candy, and some fries. I have to admit that the German fries are much better than the French ones!







After stuffing ourselves with goodies, we decided to hit the road and head back home. Got our car from the parking garage and of course the GPS didn't work right away- so Chris tells me to tell him what direction to go (knowing full well the right way!) and of course, I tell him to turn the other way! So we drove around Paris for a while waiting for the GPS to start working. I think we almost got into 5 or 6 accidents in about 10 minutes due to the crazies on mopeds! They come from everywhere! Once we finally got to the Autobahn (or whatever the French call it) we got stuck in traffic, due to a moped/motorcycle accident. After seeing what happens, I have absolutely no desire to ever ride a motorcycle or moped in/around Paris!




We finally got out of town, the kids and I fell asleep while Chris drove us through France, Belgium, and Luxembourg, and back into Germany. Now we are preparing for the next visit in a few short weeks when my parents come! Chris has 2 weeks of block leave and we will be traveling ALL over Europe! On the agenda: Some sights in Germany, head to Italy and visit Venice, Bologna, and Rome then head to Monaco and then to Paris for a few days and go visit Normandy. After that is Belgium and Luxembourg and back to Germany! It is going to be a whirlwind trip, but can't wait!!! We are trying to maximize our time in Europe and see everything we've always wanted to see and do! Future trips include London, Moscow, and Poland. I just wish we had a little bit more time before this next deployment! There is so much time Chris will be in the field and doing training.

Tomorrow is Chris' Change of Command! He will be taking over a company (up to 120 soldiers). It is a very exciting time and added responsibilities too! I will be in charge of the FRG (Family Readiness Group) and am excited about this new opportunity for me! More posted about this soon! :)

A Day for the Spouses!

TODAY IS MILITARY SPOUSES APPRECIATION DAY!

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan (great man!) proclaimed that the Friday before Mother's Day should be a day set to honor the spouses of our country's service members. In a time where we are facing multiple deployments and two different wars, I think it is important for spouses to be recognized and appreciated.

In my speech class last semester, my last speech had to be a "toast" and what better to toast to? ARMY WIVES! :) So here is the condensed version:

We all know the motto: There is STRONG, and then there's ARMY STRONG. Maybe our motto should be, there is STRONG and then there is ARMY WIVES STRONG. We have a bond like no other. We've become like family, spending holidays and special occasions with each other while our families and husbands are away. We are always there to lend a helping hand.

So here's to you, the care package queens and for the women who tuck their kids in at night without their Daddy.

For the ones who stay up late or get up early, just to catch a glimpse of him on the webcam.

For the women who put a smile on their face, even though they are lonely and miserable on the inside.

Here's to the women who have their cell phones within an arm's reach 24 hours a day, just in case he calls.

Here's to love that stretches across an ocean.

Here's to knowing that one day down being one day closer to seeing him again.

Here's to the women who sit by and listen to their civilian friends whine and complain about their husbands, when you wish your husband was around to sit and complain about as well.

Here's to the goodbyes we say and the hellos we look forward to.

Here's to friendship and staying strong and to the women so great they made a TV show about our lives. We make the most out of each and everyday and stay positive and strong for our kids and husbands.

We get no awards, but are so proud of the ones our husbands receive. We are supportive, no matter what. We are what keeps them going. We know what sacrifice is, because we live it each and everyday.

So here's to standing tall and proud, not letting a deployment or separation get the best of us. We know that freedom is not free.


I am so lucky to have a group of friends that are so supportive and understanding- why? Because they go through the same things. Many do not understand what it is like to have their husband gone all the time and our worries when they are gone. I know I have someone to talk to that knows what it feels like. The Army, Air Force, and Marine wives I know are the strongest women I know. They are incredible.

So if you are reading this and know any military spouses, please celebrate and appreciate them on this day- well everyday actually, but this day in particular. We are the rocks in our husband's lives. We are the ones standing behind our heroes each and every step of the way.

So to my fellow Military Spouses- THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU DO!