The BROWN Flight Suit!

The dreaded brown flight suit... If you're in the Military it will be all too familiar when our husband suits up in that brown flight suit... It only means ONE thing... They are heading to the Middle East to help fight in Operation Enduring Freedom! 

And last week our family experienced something that we have not experienced since the first year of Ben and my marriage. He deployed! 

He'll be in Afghanistan for the next 90 days! If you are a person of prayer... your prayers are much appreciated... For safety and protection for Ben and the others on his crew... For my peace of mind and trust that the Lord will keep Ben (and the others) safe from harms way... For our children who will miss their Daddy... For our marriage to stay connected during then next three months... For our extended family who will be taking me and the kids in while Ben is away... and whatever else you may think of. 

I don't know how people without faith in the Living God can make it through deployments. I am so thankful that I know and can keep truth in my mind and heart instead of fear and worry. It is so amazing to know a peace that only the Lord can give. Not to mention I know that many people will be praying for Ben and our family while he is gone. 

Thank you if you are one of them. We appreciate it so much!

When Ben left last week, there was a formal sendoff ceremony from the squadron. The kids and I left on Tuesday, so we miss it. I took these pics off Facebook... They made me sad that I wasn't there... but then again it would have been a lot more sad if I had been there. 

These pictures also make me proud. Proud of my husband and these other airman, heading off to help the fight in Afghanistan against the Taliban and Al qeada. Whether you are for the war or against it... there is something that we all have to agree on and be thankful for... Their service to country and to freedom. 

He'll be flying his new plane the C-20. I think he was looking forward to getting lots of flying time in the new jet. Even though I know that he misses the kids and I (he even let Peety sleep on the bed for the two nights after we left)! 

Ben made it safe to his location... and I have been able to receive email everyday so far and he even called today! It was so nice to hear his voice! It reminds me of when we first started talking on the phone when he was deployed to Quatar back in May 2005. His voice was sorta squeaky, there was a delay in the call, but  now I have to share my phone time with two little kiddos who love their Daddy (and even deal with a little boy who closed the phone when he thought Daddy was done talking)lol! 

I sure and thankful for technology (and I'm sure Ben will also during this deployment)... as I can take photos and video and send it directly to Ben's email to keep him connected and in the know! 

I sure and thankful that distance make my heart grow fonder! (ok... cheese, but it's true)!

Ben is the cute one...second from the right!

There is nothing like adventure... 

Yes, I flew by my self from Ramstein Air Base with the kids by myself into Baltimore International, rented a car and drove to Lancaster, PA... It really wasn't too bad. The kids did great on the flight.  The worst part was when I thought I would be able to hire a porter to help me with my 2 suitcases, 3 car seats, 1 double stroller and 3 kids... except I forgot that we had to pick up our bags in the customs area, so no porters were allowed in! Haha. So there I was, pushing the cart with the luggage and car seats piled high with one hand and pulling the stroller with Ethan and Emalina in it with the other hand, with Bella following close behind. I'm sure it was a sight to see and I really do wish I had gotten a picture. 

OR 

Actually the worse part might have been when I realized that I didn't have a stroller coming off the plane and had to carry Emalina in her car seat (with the base attached... at least 30 lbs... my arm can still feel it), while chasing Ethan and Bella 1/4 of a mile to the customs area and then try to keep them contained when we were standing in the customs line... I feel bad for the little couple who offered to help me! LOL! 

But regardless, we made it! 

We'll be in Pennsylvania until April 9th and then in Billings until the middle of May, before heading up to Canada for the rest of the time. 

It really is the perfect opportunity to visit with family and friends, not to mention have help with the kids.

I am thankful that I have such a wonder family, to be able to stay with them during this time.  

Going Private!

Last call for those of you who read the blog before I go private this weekend... Please send me an email (natalieshaub@hotmail.com), fb me, or leave a comment with your email address so I can send you an invite!
Thanks so much!

Half a Year!

Can't believe this little girl is 6 months old today!!! I wanted to get these pics up before things got crazy...

Isn't she a cutie. I'll write her milestones later... But for now, you can look at Emalina's 6 month shrinking bear photos!!!

Walk in the Woods!

The weather has been beautiful here lately. We have been getting out on nice long walks and playing outside with the kids. On Friday we went for a family walk through the woods near our house... With Sleeping Beauty Aurora and a little bicker dude (and a sleeping baby in the stroller)! 

 It's nice that Bella and Ethan are at the age where they can play nicely together. They had a fabulous time playing peek a boo and chasing each other around the tree and looking for Swiper the Fox (from Dora) in the trees. One of their favorite things to do is play with sticks! Cheap fun... which I'm fine with (until we end up with a collection of sticks out our front door) Lol!

Who's Looking?

I am considering going private for the next few months. Most of you would know why... So I just wanted to see who is checking out the blog... Please leave a comment on this post AND INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS. Then I will know to send you an email link inviting you to view the blog while it is PRIVATE. Thanks so much!

If you don't have a google account, just sign in using the anonymous setting and then sign your name.

OR 

Send me an email at natalieshaub@hotmail.com

What's for Dinner?

What's for dinner at your house tonight?

I've been trying to expand my cooking horizons lately. It has helped having Liz here! 

I found the best and easiest shrimp pad thai recipe on this website.

I've made it at least three times now and it turns out fabulous each time. 

Check it out when you have the chance.

This photo is the one from the blog... Mine didn't look so... nice and we had to use different rice noodles because the commissary here didn't have the pad thai noodles. But I bet mine tasted just as good! 

Burg Berwartstein

Liz and I happened on one of my new favorite castle... Burg Berwartstein located near Dahn, Germany just over an hour from here. 

It is one of the only inhabitable castles in Western Germany and its beautiful! There is a tour through parts of the castle, but Liz and I decided to skip it with all the kids and explore around the castle instead (to save for another KIDLESS date). There was the cutest little quaint chapel (pictured below) attached to the castle. It is easy to let your mind try and think what it was like back in the day when people actually sat in those church pews on Sunday's... I just wanted to get my hands on one of those church benches. lol.

Luxembourg City, Luxembourg

We are so fortunate to live in such close proximity to other countries in Europe. It only took us an hour and a half to drive to this beautiful city. I can't wait to go back there in the summer and explore more of its culture, sights, architecture, people and yes of course... food! We had a few stops in mind when we looked up the sights prior to going... but the day was a little cool (and Liz and I weren't dressed very warm) and well... with kids, I guess one has to improvise and be flexible. We walked through old Luxembourg, visited the castle, saw some churches, went to the caverns carved out of rock that were apart of an old fort and ate the best cheese fondue I've ever had! Between Liz and I, we pretty much finished the whole fondue, It was pretty much divine! Lol! Luxembourg is definitely one of those places we could go back a few times and never see it all. 

I adored the architecture, the cobble stone streets and the fact that people spoke french! And I can't wait to get one of those giant sized meringues next time! Love how everything I do is centered around food! lol!