Dallas, TX can kiss my butt.

First of all, I just want to say that moving to Germany has been a wonderful experience...

HOWEVER

I have been separated from Rilo and Margot since April now, and that does not make me happy.  We had to leave them in the care of my mom, and thank goodness she could do it, but I miss them.  We ended up spending almost 40 days in a no pets allowed temporary living facility before we were able to get into our house...so there wouldn't have been a place for them right away.  Then we tried to get them out, and it was too hot.  Then we were planning on Ben bringing them back when he was on TDY in OK City...but his flight flew through Heathrow, and no live animals can be flown in there. 

SO.

Now we are just waiting for temps to go down in Dallas so that we can get our babies over here.  They will fly out through American Airlines from KC to Dallas and then straight to Frankfurt.  There have been a couple days where the temp is listed as below 85, but it's still too close and I don't want to chance them not getting to fly out.  This is just so frustrating.  Everything is very difficult.

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This is a view right outside my village.

My little model.  

Family day!

Apple-Happle picking!

She had a complete blast picking apples to take home.

 

Walking through the orchards.

Tart apple dipped in chocolate (that she got to dip herself!)

Ended the day with a pony ride.

Super fun day, getting ready to take a short little family trip to a nearby city.  We haven't gotten to travel much out here since he was gone so much this summer and was in training.  It's not very expensive to travel, especially when there's a military instillation near where we want to go!  Cheap hotel and then going and walking around in Belgium!  Inexpensive family trip in Europe.  It's pretty awesome.  Looking forward to it.  

Thanks.

Today, I'm thankful for:

1. A husband that I've known and loved for more than 10 years (Married almost 5) who works hard in the USAF to support us and make a great life for his family.

2. The most beautiful, intelligent, wonderful daughter in the world. My sweet Delilah brings me joy every single day.

3. A fantastic Mom who has my Grandma shining through her more and more every day.  

4. A great dad who gives and gives and doesn't ask for anything in return.

5. A super group of friends who I can count on for support anytime.  

6. 3 amazing furbabies that give me cuddles and love.

7. A warm house, nice things, and all the comforts that I need.

8. The ability to cook a healthy and delicious meal and share that with my family.

9. A church that I'm really feeling comfortable in.

10. Last, but not least, a true relationship with God.  Without Him, nothing I mentioned above would be possible.

In light of the recent tornadoes and devastation, let's all take a minute to be thankful for what we have.  

Here I sit, with coffee watching Glee

Glee makes me miss show choir sooooooooo much.  I miss being onstage and performing...

It's cloudy and crisp with just a hint of a breeze outside today.  I think I'm going to light one of my fall scented candles...because that would just complete it.  I love fall and can't wait until the weather totally changes over from disgustingly hot (like it was last week) to comfortable weather.

I'll say something.
Sincere apologies hold a lot of weight with me.  So does the truth.
Having done neither, I know 2 young men in a lot of trouble right now due to the lack of respect and the push of an angry friend. I'm not going to go into details, but I will say that I just sent an email to my very good friend (who is like a father to me) here at Cannon who I don't think will take the information I have let him know in a good way.  Unfortunately for the 2 young men mentioned above, they will be around when the email is read and will probably be ostracized.  One of the young men isn't even welcome at anyone's homes anymore.  That's what you get though, especially when you are so disrespectful to me here.  I am friends with everyone and have helped out everyone.  It was a mistake of their's, and now they'll have to accept what comes.
Ben was a bit apprehensive about me telling my friend what happened (due to past circumstances), but while we were at a friend's house, he said, "Actually, you know, things would be different if either one of them apologized about it to either of us."
Too true, Ben, too true.

And now, some happy pictures!

Ben and Margot playing Call of Duty

Waiting for me to throw a toy!

Sleeping...comfortably? Yes, those are my legs.

My little family makes me happy.

It's another lazy Sunday in the Ward house....although, Ben has the mow the lawn and has a draft for fantasy football tonight.  I'm probably going to turn on The Soup and start making breakfast here in just a bit (after my coffee, please...let's get our priorities straight!)

I need to get the laundry done (blech), I need to start taking pictures and documenting everything we own for when the movers come. (I'll probably do that when Ben goes to his draft)  I also need to finish Colsie's painting for her.  

Ben and I went to Bath and Body Works last night to pick up some candles (2 for $20!!!) because I also had a 20% off coupon.  He loves fall scents the most, so I grabbed leaves and he picked out pumpkin patch.  Spiced cider is burning in my house right now, and it feels like a fall day.  I don't want to go outside yet and ruin the illusion of cool crisp weather...cause it looks quite warm out my window.

That's about all for now, hope everyone has a fantastic Labor Day.  I plan on sleeping in.

I thought this weekend was going to be a bit more exciting.  I also thought Ben and I were going to go out on a date, but that didn't happen.  Friday we went out with people, Saturday we stayed in until we went to Heather and Dustin's. I thought we were going to go do something beforehand, but I'm not going to be a nag.  Thought something was gonna be going on tonight, but now that no one wants to do anything, we're just going to sit at home and watch a movie, apparently.  I've been home all day long.  I've cleaned all day and just got done taking pictures and recording his Nintendo games as part of my preparation for the movers.  I'm effing bored.
I'm just slightly frustrated.

Day off tomorrow

Well, I guess I shouldn't call it my day off.  Sure, I'm not going into the school, but I'm going to clean the house and take the dogs to get their shots.  Then I will mail or fax off the import paperwork to Japan.

After all that, I'm going to try to get some painting done.  Maybe grab some letters at Hobby Lobby while I'm out, depending on how the day is going.  I'm doing a painting for Colsie and one for Carly, and then "Craft Room" for Rachel.  $20 for Carly's, $45 for Rachel's, and I'm not sure how much for Colsie's yet.

I can't remember if I posted my new gauge size, so I will now!

OMG!  super cute hearts!

Yeah, I totally dig them.  I'm not going up in size anymore (unless I become an even bigger rebel than I already am, haha), and I'll just buy different gauges to fit that size.  It's like buying different earrings, mine are just a little bit bigger.  

I had some guy come and look at the car yesterday, so hopefully, that'll work out.  Had someone email me about it today too, so I sent off some pictures.  Gotta love Craigslist.

Some gauges I want:

$22 from Hot Topic

$18 from Hot Topic

$18 from Hot Topic

Let's play the "what are you..." right now game:

What are you listening to right now?  The Mountain Goats (and cod thanks to my hubby)

What are you doing? Besides editing this blog post, I'm talking to my friend Chris on Gchat and looking at articles on Cracked.

What are you wearing? Ben's AF sweatshirt and track pants.

What are you going to do after this? Probably watch some tv and go to bed.

What are you seeing? My debit card in front of me, wallet, Pepsi Max, and the computer.

Oh, and PS, I just bought those tiger and vampire gauges.

I'm going to try to be done wallowing in self pity for a bit.

After being super homesick Saturday and yesterday (I cried like 4 times yesterday), I've decided to do a "make Danielle happy" post.

First things first.  I got a new lotion from Bath and Body Works (with a coupon, of course!)

OMG, smells SO good!  Kind of reminds me of an orange dreamsicle!

Secondly, I went to the vet today to fill out some more of the pets' paperwork to send in to Japan and I discovered that to get their kennel cough shots, I would not have to pay an office exam fee, and that that shots were just $7.50!  The woman who helped me fill out the rest today was super nice and I know it was a pain, but she was really helpful.  I'm really thankful for that.  I think it's because I'm so nice every time I go in and I also care a lot about my animals.  (I've also sent like 7 new patients their way)

Thirdly, I am officially all booked up subbing for the rest of the time we're here, minus Wednesdays.  I may have that day off, or I may get called in to sub at another school on those days, who knows.  But seriously, having a job lined up until we leave took about THIS MUCH pressure off of me.  

Fourthly, although I'm still stressing about Japan,  things seem to be falling into place.

Fifthly, I have had 2 hits of interest in my Pontiac that I have for sale. *and one guy actually came out tonight to look at it!*

Sixthly, I have a new True Blood to watch.

Seventhly, my aunt and cousin are at my parents' house.  Yes, she finally had enough, and even if it's just for a couple days, I'm glad she gets a break from the douche.  Hopefully, she stays strong.  No one deserves the treatment he is giving her and I'm glad my mom is there to be her backbone.

Eighthly, I got to talk to Mary last night and she made me feel oodles better about being homesick.  I was crying to her and I hate doing that, but she listened and helped me just calm down.

Feeling a lot better today, but I still miss home.

Good day Saturday, Lazy day Sunday

Had a lot of fun yesterday in Amarillo.
Got my laptop turned into Best Buy.  Stupid ass old man actually moved from behind me, went beside me, and actually CUT me while we were in line.  Ben says, "You've GOT to be kidding me."  Are we in second grade?  His stuff wasn't even done, they weren't finished with it and hadn't called him about it.  No idea why he was there or why he felt the need to CUT me in line.  I told him he was rude.  However, I did get my stuff turned in and everything is still under warranty!  YAY!

Got my ring cleaned.  Lady there was the same one who had helped me before and was rude again.  Blew her off.  I asked her what I should do since we'll be living in Japan to keep my warranty on my ring.  She says (and this is no joke), "Oh, we have stores in the UK."  I just looked at her all confused.  I said, "Ok, but I'll be living in Japan, not England."  She says (again, no exaggeration), "Well, they're pretty close."  HAHAHAHA, I got a good laugh out of that one.  Also, I thought people who worked in jewelry stores were supposed to be well groomed/dressed.  There was one lady there who had on a skin tight see through white shirt.  I could see her belly button and her skin and her lacy white bra.  Not even a pretty lady either....haha, another good laugh.

Went to Victoria's Secret.  Somehow, this one always manages to not have any small undies in the style that I like. How is that possible?  I mean, I know it is a popular store, but this happens EVERY TIME I go to that particular one.  I've seen the people in Amarillo...there aren't a lot of "smalls" out there. I did find a cute bra and had a $10 off coupon for it.  HOLLER!

Left the mall (no Forever 21 in Amarillo) and drove over to Bed Bath and Beyond.  Ben and I love that freaking store.  Got a HUGE collage frame, a smaller collage frame, some new canisters for our kitchen (we're switching from green to all black and white), a dishsoap dispenser, some plinks, and I think that's it.

I tried to find some stuff at Old Navy, but the only "skinny" jeans they had were not skinny at all.  They made my legs look enormous and the ankles weren't even tight.  Pssh.

Went to PetSmart because we always like to bring back presents to our four leggers, and Ben had already picked out some stuff for Margot.  Here's the haul we brought home for our babies:

 Yeah, they're not spoiled at ALL....

Came home, went out and partied.  Nothing exciting, so no pics to post.

Made a huge brunch today for Ben and our friend Brandon and then we watched Crazy Heart.  Looks like a storm is rolling in which fits this Sunday mood of relaxing and staying in PERFECTLY.  We don't really like to do anything on Sundays except have our big brunch.

Lots to do this week.  Starting on Wednesday, we'll have company for a week and a half straight!

My super cute pets doing super cute things.  I love it.  Rilo is wearing an USAF outfit that my mom made her.  Pretty adorable.  That last one was taken yesterday while we were watching True Blood.  We're dogsitting for our friend and while the dog is in LOVE with Otis, he can't stand her.  He's so tired that he doesn't even notice that Rilo is sitting on him.  Poor baby.

Finished a new painting yesterday too:

Good thing my mom has a netbook!

Yesterday was a blast! 
Took my laptop in and told them everything that I was having problems with.  He wrote down everything and was super friendly about all of it. Hopefully it'll come back soon.  So glad Ben got me that external hard drive so I could back up all my pictures and stuff!

We went to PetCo after that and checked out all the small animals.  Totally wish it was an adoption day, but oh well. 

Went to Target and...shocker...didn't find anything I liked.  Target has not been my friend lately when it comes to clothing.  They ONLY carry black or gray leggings in the store.  What about all the other colors that are online?  I want pink and turquoise!  The gray ones just look like tight sweatpants, the material on them doesn't seem like it'd be cute with a skirt or whatever.  OH WELL.

Went to Old Navy and got 3 different black shirts.  Didn't necessarily mean to, but it just worked out that way.  Found a black tank that I had wanted at the Old Navy in Albuquerque, but they didn't have a small!  Good thing Lee's Summit did! 

Had lunch at Panda Express, Jack's treat.  It was quite delicious. 

Bath and Body Works is having their giant sale, so Mom and I checked it out.  They're discontinuing Butterfly Flowers!  I love that scent.  So warm and floral, and it's wierd because I'm not a floral person typically.  I got lotion of that and then a Vanilla Coconut cooling mist that they weren't going to have anymore.  I think it'll feel really good after showering or swimming at the pool.  Smells great too. 

Hobby Lobby was having a sale on their canvases...40% OFF!  It was amazing.  I got 8 new canvases, a new set of small paintbrushes, and a photo organizer box (giraffe print, of course) for $22.  What a freaking DEAL! 

Came home and Ben came over.  We headed up north to see the JBays and to pick up a really cool 1983 bike that Justin was selling to Ben.  Got some dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings (par/garlic boneless wings, I could eat you alllllllll day!), and hung out for a bit.  Hopefully, we'll get to see them more than just that and however long they stay at my birthday party. 

Went over to Chip's afterwards and hung out with him and Mary.  Sat out on the front porch just talking and laughing.

I freaking love being in Missouri. 

Brent is cutting my hair tomorrow, and it couldn't have happened soon enough.  I need shorter hair, the upkeep is getting ridiculous and I have no one in Clovis that I really trust anymore to cut my hair correctly.  My hair is still uneven in the front from the last time someone cut it.  I really need to just go to Brent.  He's a hair whiz.  Always makes people look great.  I'm just gonna put my trust in his hands and hopefully get some discounted salon stuff. 
\
I miss my babies quite a bit and hope that everything is going smoothly.  According to Barnes, everything is great!  I know I shouldn't worry with him around, he adores all 3 of our pets!

Wombat

I'm currently waiting for the sun to go down so I can take the pups on a long walk.  Gonna try to go pretty far seeing as how I won't see them for 2 weeks.
That actually makes me super sad.

I think it goes without saying that these are my babies and I love them to pieces.