Ahhh, Germany Again.

Ryan and I are heading to Germany this week for a few days.  This visit will be different though.  This is a "business trip".  Ryan is our base's nominee for the CGO (company grade officer) of the Year.  We are going to a banquet where they will announce the winner for all European bases.  From there, the winner competes at the Air Force level.  Our days will be scheduled for us for the most part.  We will have meet and greets, dinners, and meetings to attend.  We also will make a return trip to the Rhine River for a day cruise. 

In our free time, I am looking forward to a few things:

• The Ramstein BX.  Oh my goodness.  This thing is huge.  The selection is almost overwhelming to someone used to Turkey.  It is wonderful.  Oh, and there is a Subway in the food court!!!!!!!
• Speaking of restaurants: Macaroni Grille and Chili's are also there.  It is almost too much for my heart to handle!!
• Feeling like we are "home".  I know it is Germany, but to someone used to living in the Middle East, it is practically America.  "Germerica", as Ryan calls it.
• Time away with Ryan.  We have had a tough, busy few weeks.  We need this badly. 

Have a great week, blog friends!

Saturday Shower

 

Along with Wendi and Logan, I helped give our good friend Casey her long-awaited baby shower yesterday.  It was a beautiful, sunny, friend-filled day.  Casey has had a long journey to get to this point, so the celebration was even more special.  Making priceless memories with wonderful people.......that's what I call a great day.

Three Year Old Funnies

Me: W, I am going to the coffee shop to see some of my friends.
W: OK Mommy.  Member, be sure not to hit.
Me: I'll keep that in mind, buddy.

As a praise song we were singing along with was ending....
W: Mommy?
Me: Yes, buddy?
W: That was some good stuff.

Upon going to get him from a nap, I was wearing sweats and a t-shirt.
W: I sorry.
Me: Sorry for what?
W: You throwed up.
Me: I didn't throw up buddy.
W: Look at those clothes.  They are uh-gusting! (disgusting)

Planning Mode

I knew this would happen.  In the few days since we have received our assignment to DC, I have been in full-on planning mode.  Houses, schools, shopping, commutes-nothing is being left uncovered.  I am contacting several people who live there for advice.  This move is occupying my time and my thoughts. 

You know what I want to occupy my thoughts and time?  My amazing friends, some of whom are only weeks away from moving.  I need to soak up every moment with them.  W's sweet little buddies.  I need to be planning more playdates than ever.  The 3-4 great parks that are less than a minute from my house.  We need to be taking fullest advantage.

Mark my words: I will miss Turkey.  I will move and get to a fantastic new place and probably feel isolated and alone for awhile.  I will have "reverse culture shock".

So this week, I plan to step back, take a deep breath, and just enjoy the time I have.  I plan to live in the moment here- whether they are good moments, or, um- Turkey ones.  I plan to leave with no regrets.

On the Move!

Two years ago, I received one of the most shocking phone calls of my life.  Ryan told me we would be moving to Turkey, and my whole world sort of imploded for a few days.  As assignment time drew near again, both Ryan and I have been praying for faith and peace about wherever the Air Force wants to move us........but we were not so secretly hoping to come back home.  The last few weeks have been stressful, with friends and coworkers receiving their assignments, and nothing for us.  But last night, Ryan's blackberry buzzed with great news......we are moving home!!!!

We don't have exact details, but will be leaving Turkey sometime this summer (late June/early July) and will be relocating in the Washington DC area.  Ryan's job could put him at the Pentagon, or at nearby Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. We just aren't sure yet.  But we are sure that we will be on US soil.  And we couldn't be happier about it.

Auburn at the Oscars

How cool is this??

Leaving His Mark

**Warning: Bragging about the hubs ahead.  Skip if this irritates you (as it sometimes does me!)

So, it goes without saying that I am a pretty blessed chick.  And somewhere at the top of my blessings list is the name Ryan Stebbins.  I am not going to be sappy or cheesy, but those of you who know him in real life can attest to the fact that he is just a really great guy.   And last night, it was my privilege to watch him get recognized for excellence in his Air Force career.  We got all dressed up and went to the Annual Awards banquet (or "fancy dance" as W calls it).  As a nominee, we were introduced and walked on a red carpet underneath swords.  The ballroom was beautifully decorated and the live jazz group played softly during dinner.  And then, right at the end, my husband's name was called as the winner of Incirlik's CGO (Company Grade Officer) of the Year.  This means that of all the lieutenants and captains on this base, he was chosen as the best.  We will get to travel to Germany now and compete at the USAFE level (all bases in Europe will send their award winners.)  Adding to this, he was recently named the top officer for his career field (Personnel) out of all the bases in Europe! 

You know what the coolest thing was?  Ryan's two good friends were also nominated for the award last night.  And we were all routing for each other.  Not the fake kind of routing where you say one thing with your mouth and feel another inside, but really pulling for each other earnestly.  I know Ryan could honestly say he would be just as happy if Luke or Brandon's name would have been called instead of his.  What a cool community we get to live in.  What a great supportive support system we have.

Congrats Ryan.  You deserve every good thing that comes your way!

The official pic!