"For I know the Plans I have for you....."

Okay, so I have been doing some more pondering; and I have been thinking alot about plans; and how much we count on them; and how difficult it is to let your plans go.....

For instance, Louis and I planned on moving to Germany back in 2002; and I pictured cute little houses with flower boxes, the kids, Louis and I happily traveling down the cobblestone roads, experiencing homeschooling through touring castles!!!

Well, um hummn we know how that went. We arrived the first day to the usual "grey, overcast" October day; and suddenly we were in a hotel; and my husband had one foot out of the door with his sponsor. I casually, ask him about lunch; and he says well you and the kids can just walk up the hill to the foodcourt and grab something! I don't think I will ever let him forget that one.

Of course, that hill was more like a mountain after traveling 24 hours and pushing one child in a stroller. Let's not forget I was in a foreign country....

Anyway, from that day forward my, "our" plans changed. We had stairwell living, my friends from Germany can appreciate that one. Let's just say quaint and flower boxes was not stairwell living in Wiesbaden. Yeah, our family traveled, usually without Louis and our castle tours ended the day I lost Sydney for 45 minutes in one of the more famous castles over here.

I had plans of homeschooling my children, while immersing ourselves in the German culture. If you want to call shushing my children while sitting at the table, trying for the 50th time to get Deutch Telecom to explain why after two months I still did not have internet hooked up, immersion...well yeah we did that. (Again, my german comrades can relate to that one).

Did I expect to say goodbye to Louis the first year we were there, no. My plans defintely did not include trying to be normal around my kids, but as soon as I heard of another soldier dying in Iraq, dashing to the computer just to make sure it wasn't someone from First Armor Division.

I also didn't plan for rats infesting my building, all three of my children getting scabies from traveling over there. Yeah, there were lots of things that did not go with my plans.

Here are some of the other things I didn't plan. I didn't plan on becoming friends with woman, that I will never forget! I didn't plan on holding hands with other woman, praying, crying and knowing that I will never, ever meet heroes like the ones standing around me.

I didn't plan on being so proud of my husband, my country, and the ones wearing a uniform, that I literally could not watch a commercial with a soldier returning, or our flag waving without being reduced to tears. I learned in a short time, that freedom wasn't free; and WOW I can't tell you how much the history lessons that the kids and I share mean, now. Especially, the ones about America being founded.

I also didn't plan on my husband coming home for knee surgery in the middle of the deployment and gaining our fourth, sweet Katie Grace! I didn't plan on my marriage growing so much, while seperated and I didn't plan on appreciating little things, like Louis just riding in the car with us.

I didn't plan on really knowing what it meant to depend on God; and knowing that through all my suffering, I would know true peace. Alot of us, learned that on a very dark day in April, when we found out our husbands were being extended in Iraq. Some of them already home, and having to turn back. This, was also the same week that we lost some of our own in 2nd Brigade.

What did I not plan on my kids learning. I thought my kids would sail right through the academics and we would be experiencing European history through field trips.

Well.....the academics, were often stalled for real life challenges. When a neighbor calls and needs you, over here your all they have! Dr. appts. are at least a half a day ordeal, cars break down at inconvenient times, going away ceremonies, memorials, frg meetings, all of these things were interruptions, but also our life....and still our life.

My kids definitely got field trips; and wow some of the real life lessons they have learned. For example, when in Holland don't leave your wallet out, or you might just get mugged. They learned after visiting Dachau and the Corrie Ten Boom house, that yes there are really bad people out there; and yes that maybe what Daddy was doing was important.

Robert, learned what giving up a few hours of his time to do childcare so some ladies could just meet together and do a Bible study, could mean. He also learned, that it was not so easy to do a u- turn on the autobahn; and when his mom gets lost, she gets very cranky. He walked more memorial battlefields, than I can say. He, also got to see churches, that would take your breath away.

He learned, how to order in a restaurant, get directions, and he learned that saying goodbye to your Dad, and friends is hard. However, he also learned that life goes on and he learned how to show compassion for those hurting. He once carried all of our luggage up four flights of steps, because his Mom just finding out that her Dad was not coming home from Iraq when expected, was incapable of doing much of anything.

Sydney, learned that when you get lost in a very big castle, you get to do the tour twice. She also learned that when you say "NEIN"! TO German boys at an indoor playland, that you may just get punched. She learned that German's love to give candy away, especially at the emergency room. She learned that getting your tonsils out in a german hospital, was about the same as in an American one, except that they don't believe in giving painkillers orally (if you know what I mean).

Yeah, my kids have learned alot, most of it not planned. However, I am willing that the things they learned over here, will help them in life. They have a sense of humor about things now, and they have learned that when all around you is not looking to good, just look at the lord and he will get you through it.

What have I learned. You might just get what you ask for? So think about what you are asking......

goodnight,
Patty

Why, I love my Soldier

Recently, I was reminded that some people probably wonder, "Why, would anyone choose to marry a soldier". I took one of the kids in to the health clinic, (a weekly experience) these days. Anyway, the doctor said, "What's wrong with Mommy", except for the fact that she married a soldier". He was just kidding, trying to make Sydney less nervous. However, I replied, without hesitating.....that it might sound crazy, but that I could not imagine doing anything else in life".

Now, let's be clear. I am not saying that for all of the wonderful perks, that Louis's job brings. Reality check.....I am in what the army folks deem as the "pit of Germany". I am on my second deployment in three years, I haven't seen the sun for more than an hour at a time, in about five months and it's not like I am living in a mansion. No, I am not traveling around Europe in my jet...but instead a beat up van( something that is normal in Germany) with over one hundred thousand miles on it; and let's face it we are still trying to decide if the smell coming from the back is left over french fries, or someone's socks!

And, regardless of what some people think, nowdays my shopping experience is one hour at the commissary and if I am lucky the local german grocery store. I actually, said these words just tonight to a friend. I am going to take out the trash, to have some time to myself!! Okay, folks not something I thought I would ever say, EVER!!!!

But, with all of that....let me tell you all why I am glad I married my soldier. Besides, the fact that he is one gorgeous cajun, and a really good cook!!! He is simply, "My Hero". In a world, today where people are afraid to stand for anything, with the fear of not being tolerant, he stands up for his country!!!! And, when I say that, it's not taken lightly. Louis, really, really is willing to give up his life for our country. He, has more integrity then anyone I have ever known. He is probably going to kill me for telling you all this, but I have a really good example. We had an opportunity to go meet the President and the First Lady last year, when they came to Wiesbaden to thank First Armor Division. He, chose not to go, because in his words, " We have training scheduled, all of the commanders are going to be gone; and I just think someone needs to be here, in case something goes wrong; and he also wanted another soldier and wife to get a chance to go. I am not saying that, because I want everyone to think that Louis is so special. I just want to give an example of how he thinks everyday!!

He never forgets to tell me that he loves me. He sends me flowers and candy for Valentine's. He listens to all of my boring antidotes of the day and he even tells me that he is praying for me. He remembers to send the kids cards, emails, and even manages to make sure he calls us most nights. He does all of this while commanding a company of about 150 soldiers, going to numerous meetings every day, and planning short range/long range training that changes like the wind.

And....here is the thing....the thing that chokes me up inside. He, doesn't think anything about it. He got a very, special medal last deployment; and didn't even mention it to me....not a word!! He never complains, just pushes on. He has missed numerous birthdays, anniversaries, kid's "firsts", fun trips, and still.....manages to connect to us. He believes in what he is doing; and is not afraid to do what needs to be done. He misses us, terribly but still manages to always sound upbeat. He sleeps on a cot, but is excited that he has sheets. He got up at 4:00 in the morning to watch the superbowl, just so he could see a commercial our FRG shot; and my guess is he will be the last to take R&R leave.

These, are just some of the reasons why I am glad I married my soldier. Yes, there are more lonely days and nights than I can count. I have held tears in, more than I care to admit. I have watched wives sob, because they are completely overwhelmed. I have sobbed, because I am completely overwhelmed. I have seen ladies, that are tired to the bone, with five kids take on a few more, because her friend needed her. I have seen meals brought, prayers said, hugs given, time sacrificed, and most of all I have gotten to see God, everyday....because over here, some days that's all of us have left.

Why, am I glad a married a soldier....because I when I married my soldier I was given the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than myself, bigger than what I had or what I did, or what I didn't have. Somehow, when you watch loved ones, friends, and neighbors go off to combat and then don't get to see some of them come back; well that makes life a little more valuable.

If you ever see a soldier and his spouse, somewhere wherever you are, just thank them. You don't know what that means. It's one thing to see it on television, but when someone actually stops and thanks you...well it's just a very humbling and wonderful experience.

One more thing, today when your cable goes out, or your cell phone won't work. Maybe you get mad at your "honey" because they didn't do something they were supposed to do; or they didn't say something they should have....or maybe someone gets in the 15 or less line; and of course they have more than 15 items. I am just asking that you stop, pause and think to yourself.....is this reallly big....I mean there are soldiers waiting in a line, in Kuwait or Iraq, maybe for three hours, just so they can say hello to their wife or kids.....does 2 more minutes really matter!!!

Well, Goodnight and sorry about the long soapbox; it just helps me to get it out.

Lou, if you read this, just remember that I love you and I am so proud of you and the other guys. Tell them thanks,
Patty

WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH MY FOUR REASONS FOR GETTING UP THIS MORNING

NO, they are not the only reasons I get up; however, they are the loudest reasons!!

Let's start with Robert: Well, obviously he is swimming...he just completed his first season on the local swim team here; and we were quite surprised, that he liked it as much as he did. He improved quite a bit over the season; and want's to do it next year! Way to keep trying, Robert.

His latest quirks" Well....I am going to let him start having his own postings....so I will let him tell you. I will tell you that, he has a few new ones....and one involves anyone of the female persuasion, getting near his room!!

His News: He saved up for these really cool rollerblades; and finally bought them Friday!! On, Sunday he was trying them out; and broke his wrist.....yes we got to make yet another trip to the "German Krankenhaus"!! Wasn't it just this time....last year that Sydney broke her arm????? Yes, and I am sure it won't be my last time at the Krankenhaus. The good news is that my German Vocabulary is expanding.....I can now use some good emergency room lingo......

Sydney: Well, Sydney's opinion of Rob's arm is that; no you can not use this as an excuse not to do chores. She learned to do them with one arm; and so can he.....
She is currently into describing to anyone "who will listen", everything that Katie Grace can do. She thinks that Katie is the most intelligent baby...ever!!! She also, is quite into making me cringe. She has sworn to me that she is defintely getting a tattoo and several parts on her body pierced, because in her words "it looks cool"!! I really think she is just trying to "freak me out" her words, again. All of us that know Louis; however, cannot wait to the day she actually tries to make that a reality. I will be selling that conversation on ebay....I wonder who will win?????

Mary: Mary is very into anything that her older sister is doing. Although, she definitely makes her own way. She is going to German kindergarten, swears she isn't learning German, but then sprinkles some german words in her conversation; and when asked when she learned that, just shrugs her shoulder; and says, " I just heard it"!
She recently got her hair cut to her shoulders, because she just decided that she wanted it that way. She also, is quite into singing the ABC song to anyone who will listen. The really cool thing about Mary is that she is just so low maintenance.....it's like you don't even teach her things.....and she just decides that she wants to learn them; and then does in her own time. She misses her Daddy very much and has a very strong opinion that "working" should just mean working, not going far away......

Katie Grace: Well...what can I say about Katie. She is hands down the funnest one I have had, yet. She is the most different, as well. She is afraid of nothing, smarter than anything and STUBBORN, well as stubborn as me! She keeps up with everyone and has a vocabulary that astounds me at times. She is already trying to potty and puts her things away, better than the older kids. Today, when I told her we were going to eat dinner, she actually tried setting the table. She is really something else.....she is totally into eating, dancing, singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star; and to my embarassment "Sponge Bob Squarepants"!! She thinks her Daddy lives in the phone and tells his picture goodnight, every night. She will be two in July; and honestly if she doesn't break something on her body before then...I will be surprised!!

So, that's the latest with the Lancon kids!!!!!

I have to go to bed....so I can keep up with them tomorrow!!

Proud Mommy

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words