madmommy

Iowa Storm

Although I have many more things to talk about than Iowa during this last trip up to visit my folks, I just have to mention this first.  Some of you may remember our last trip north, and how we fared in Iowa. This trip makes me think we're jinxed.  Just a few minutes away from Des Moines, we ran into a terrible storm that caused me to pull off the road (and switch places with hubby), not to mention almost hitting the car in front of us, even going only 25 mph.  We heard later that the winds were 70-80 mph.  The car was rocking, and we couldn't see anything.  This storm went on to produce tornadoes, so I feel fortunate that the high winds and sideways rain were all we had to contend with.  If you don't believe me, here's the video I took with my cell phone...

10 Years About Me

A meme, inspired by moving hands:

Ten years ago...I arrived for my 15 month tour in South Korea with the U.S. Army (also, the last year I spent in the active duty Army).
Nine years ago...I met my hubby-to-be while stationed in Korea, and returned to the U.S., moving to Kansas a month later from Wisconsin.
Eight years ago...finally started college (at the ripe old age of 25) and got married!
Seven years ago...deployed with the Kansas National Guard to the Wichita airport after 9/11.
Six years ago...brief downtime between the previous deployment, and training for deploying to Bosnia, which became...
Five years ago...Bosnia, Germany, and a brief but wonderful visit to Budapest, Hungary. Graduated college with an Associates Degree in Elementary Education.
Four years ago...Hubby deploys for Kosovo.  The same week, we find out I'm pregnant.
Three years ago...munchkin is born!
Two years ago...bought our first house.
and One year ago...moved into our second house, and I'm not planning on moving again!

I'm discovering a distinct trend in my past ten years...how so much time was consumed with deployments and military life, even thought most of that time was spent in the National Guard.  This is not a bad thing; just explains why, after "living" in Kansas for nine years, I still don't know much about it.  Because I'm never here, lol!

Your turn!

Double Rainbow

(Please excuse the poor quality-moving car + cell phone camera)

Woe is me...

Well, um, we're getting ready for our big trip.
Took the car in today to get the windshield replaced.  There was a very long crack along the bottom, and a nice rock chip, very red-neck country thing going on.  Nothing unsafe, but with all the little micro abrasions, it was time to get it fixed.

So, driving away from the glass place, on the way to the grocery store, the A/C compressor on the car goes out.  Completely.  In 95 degree weather.  With only three days to get it fixed before hubby heads off to weekend Nat'l Guard drill and the munchkin and I step on board the train northwards.  Not to mention, this is the same car that needs to make the trip north a week later to meet us.  We have a pickup, but not the most fuel-efficient option, if you know what I mean.  We only have the one car, because hubby gets a work car, one of the perks of having a state job and traveling everywhere!

So, there goes the extra vacation money!  Good thing we're staying at the Mom and Pop Bed and Breakfast, lol!

In the meantime, enjoy this picture of the munchkin licking frosting off a plate (Happy Birthday Daddy and Great Uncle Mark!)