Sichernde Seele

Sichernde Seele tag:www.sichyseele.com,2008-06-13://1 2010-01-05T04:10:11Z When Chaos, OCD and Crazy Love combine... Movable Type Personal 4.1 Christmas With The Other Family! tag:www.sichyseele.com,2009://1.48 2009-12-22T19:28:01Z 2010-01-05T04:10:11Z

Holly Reynolds http://www.sichyseele.com/
My Brother From Another Mother - Logan, my niece - Cassie & nephew - Walt.

This year, with things being what they are, I had the great fortune to be reconnected with a very old friend. His class at church titled "Come As You Are" were looking to spread a little Christmas Cheer.

I knew just the family that could use some!

It was absolutely outstanding to see the kids' faces light up as they opened their gifts.

I spent at least a couple of hours surrounded by family, old friends, new friends & happy faces.

One of the Kitties comes to inspect the goodies!

Walt opens his trampoline. It even has a jump counter on it!!!

Nadine helps Cass open her presents

It's a Come As You Are Christmas!!!

Many, many thanks to Chris & Nadine Porta and friends for making Christmas a little brighter for my other family!!!

Coming soon...We take Christmas on the Road!

]]> Little EARDrummer Boy tag:www.sichyseele.com,2009://1.47 2009-12-19T01:06:03Z 2010-01-05T03:22:56Z

Holly Reynolds http://www.sichyseele.com/
After a visit with my niece & nephew with everyone, I dropped the boys back at the grandparents and decided to completely and totally veg out in quiet while Logan & The Girls went to church. After some very complicated "Cat Math", I lay down for a VERY long winter's nap.

Cat Math

There are 8 cats total.
Cat A gets out.
Cat A is retrieved.
While replacing Cat A, Cat B gets out.
During retrieval of Cat B, I notice Cat X outside.
Unsure if Cat X is one of the previous 8 cats, I grab it anyway.
Return Cat B & Cat X to house.
Try to count cats.
Unsuccessful. I come up with 7 cats.

Conclusion? Cat Math makes my brain hurt.

Shortly after all this furry math, I receive a phone call that Max's ear is hurting. I ask the vital medical questions. There is no fever. I am told he was given Tylenol. I advise some Ibuprofen and a decongestant. Turns out, he was given Tylenol Cold & Flu that contains a decongestant. The beginning of the phone call was fairly panicked and included "You must come right away!!!" I wasn't able to leave right then and requested to be kept apprised of the situation should anything change.

After years in the medical field, there is a large difference between an emergency and discomfort. Though I never wish for my children to be uncomfortable, I refuse to rush off to the emergency room for what was likely a result of him having flown with a minor cold. 15 minutes or so later, I'm informed "I'm fine now, Mommy. I burped and it stopped hurting."

The next day, I discovered quite a bit of blood on his pillow and realized that his TM had likely burst. Max spent the next several days in no discomfort but with a very noticeable drainage from his ear. He stated he had some muffled sound in that ear. Very classic signs of a ruptured eardrum. I called the doctor and was told what I was already fairly certain of. Not much to do but keep it clean, avoid water in the ear and keep checking on his hearing.

We will have him checked out and cleared for flight before our return to Germany.

He currently reports complete return of hearing, no more drainage, but I'm still concerned a bit by the spots/sores around his outer ear. I'm not sure if they were brought on by itching while the ear was draining, if the itching/sores are PART of the problem or a combination of the two. We'll find out when he goes to the doctor. In the meantime, he seems to be on the mend.

Coming soon...A short reprieve...

]]> It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Chr-ITCH-mas... tag:www.sichyseele.com,2009://1.46 2009-12-15T17:00:33Z 2010-01-05T01:04:44Z

Holly Reynolds http://www.sichyseele.com/
The day before we left, this started to develop into a rash. The rash spread up my legs. I started to wonder if there had been a change to the formula of my detergent.

By the time we got to Charleston, I was a wreck. The rash was now on my arms and legs. I was convinced it was something horrible. I'd dealt with "worst case scenario" before and was in a panic. I launched an all out offensive.

I went to the Doc-In-The-Box in Charleston. Without actually doing any tests or really looking at it for more than a few seconds, he confirmed my fears and gave me a prescription. However, he only gave me enough for myself. If it was what I feared, then I needed enough for the whole family.

I spent my entire time in Charleston panicky, upset and with a very decided lack of enjoyment. I'm sure I was making everyone nuts. But, hey. If you're gonna go down, why not take the whole world with ya? (KIDDING!)

The good news was that the medication did NOTHING for the rash. Meaning...the "OHMYGOD WORST CASE SCENARIO ALERT!!!!" was completely unfounded. Yes, I still had a rash, but now instead of being panicked over it, I got to do what I do well and figure out this little puzzle.

I found out that they did, indeed, change my detergent. I also suspect that when they worked on the pipes in my building in Bamberg, they may have contaminated the water. I found a few large bits of some sort of metal impaled in my jeans that were bothering me the worst.

I changed my detergent and all was right with the world again. I have some scarring, but it is minor and I think it shall surely go away eventually. The majority of the scars? On my poor brain.

Not all the mental scarring is due to the rash, mind you. But that's for the next story...

To Be Continued...

]]> The Road To Home tag:www.sichyseele.com,2009://1.45 2009-12-14T14:52:31Z 2010-01-04T16:43:26Z

Holly Reynolds http://www.sichyseele.com/ Screw-Ups ~~Challenges~~ Comedy of Errors!!!

/facepalm

As the kids wrapped up The King & I at the theater on post, I was already having some anxiety over our plans. I was going to rent a car to drive to Ramstein Air Base. I found out while making my plans that the only place I'd be able to return the rental car was on another base there. As I was somewhat limited on funds, I was trying to figure out how I'd manage to drop the car off and make it back to the passenger terminal with our luggage. That's when I got my first real burst of hope.

I mentioned to a friend that I was concerned about all of the details and she pointed me in the direction of another family that was leaving. I could perhaps get their phone number and have them on standby for a ride from the drop-off point. When I approached her, she said they were leaving that night and as it happened, they were taking two cars and there would be room for the kids and me to ride with them!!! This corrected both financial and logistical concerns.

So, a day early, we set out on our adventure to fly Space A & make it home for the holidays.

On a day that there were very few flights planned for Charleston and what seemed to be most of Germany competing for the flight, we experienced amazing luck as there were two flights added and we ALL made it onto a late afternoon flight direct to Charleston, South Carolina.

That's kind of where the luck ran out and I entered some bizarre and surreal Holiday Season. Before we delve into The Land of The Christmas That Almost Drove Me Totally Insane, I'll leave you with a few nice pictures.

A Rare, Peaceful, Loving Brotherly Moment
or
The End Of The World As We Know It

Morgan, Madison & Max Ride In Their First C-17!!!

Very late on the 14th of December, we arrived in Charleston. It was then that the true decent into madness began...

To Be Continued....

]]> Fearless tag:www.sichyseele.com,2009://1.44 2009-11-26T12:22:14Z 2009-11-26T12:36:22Z

Holly Reynolds http://www.sichyseele.com/
I think I found my Deployment Song this time. Of course, we'll always have "Where'd You Go" by Fort Minor, but this one is especially poignant because this time, I've got no chance of being in the same place.

"Fearless"

Sometimes I'm afraid when you go
Sometimes I'm afraid when you come home
Underneath it all ...
I think I'm afraid when there's nothing wrong.

But if I was fearless ...
Could I be your reckless friend
And if I was helpless ...
Could you be the one comes rushing in.

There's something that I never told
When I find myself slipping off of my pedestal
I'm a fierce believer afraid to fall.

But if I was fearless ...
Could I be your reckless friend
And if I was helpless ...
Could you be the one comes rushing in.

Sometimes I'm afraid of the dark
I can't find the light in my heart
I can see my hand pushing away
Hard as I can

But if I was fearless ...
Could I be your wreckless friend
And if I was helpless ...
Could be the one comes rushing in.

Sometimes I'm afraid when you go ...

I love you so much, baby. Missing you today and I will raise a glass to you. Be safe & come home soon.

]]> My Civvies... tag:www.sichyseele.com,2009://1.43 2009-11-11T18:11:02Z 2009-11-11T18:13:48Z

Holly Reynolds http://www.sichyseele.com/
I'm weak, I'm strong. I'm homesick and I don't want to leave home. I am the cheerleader, the nurse, the midnight watch. I am the proud, the loud and the brave. I am the silent, the nervous & afraid. I am the teacher, the student, I take it all in. I love, I sigh, I pray, I sing.

We're holding watch, we're sounding off. See you soon, not soon enough.

I am all of these things. I am a DAMN Proud Army Wife, Mother, Daughter & Friend. Thank your soldiers today!!!!
]]> Portraits - Now With More Fuzzy... tag:www.sichyseele.com,2009://1.42 2009-11-10T15:58:14Z 2009-11-10T16:19:15Z

Holly Reynolds http://www.sichyseele.com/
The local portrait studio on post sounded like a great plan!

She was wonderful with the dog & the kids. She also kind of let us say what type of poses we were looking for. With photographers as subjects, it can sometimes be hard. The subject has an idea of what they want it to look like, but the photographer often has a completely different vision.

Breanna was AMAZING at listening to what we wanted to do and her patience with the small critters & Loki was outstanding.

If you are in the Bamberg area, go see her!

Without further ado....The portraits!

The Whole Crew - October 2009

Someone is laying down on the job!!!

My Beautiful Babies

Morgan & Mom

Two of my Beautiful Boys!!!

Loki - Keeping the kids under control!!!

Dearest Kris,

     You will be missed, loved & waited for each & every day. Come home safely to our home. We'll leave the light on for ya!

                                                         Love,
                                                            Holly

]]> Crossing Over... tag:www.sichyseele.com,2009://1.41 2009-11-03T06:51:44Z 2009-11-03T07:04:54Z

Holly Reynolds http://www.sichyseele.com/

"Do I want more kids?"

The answer, although not really surprising, is nahhh.

I've spent the last 24 hours with two AMAZING kids. They remind me of mine at those ages & they really make me smile. They are cute and adorable and make me want to snuggle & kiss them till they just can't take one more second.

It's not like one of those proclamations after hours of something bad where you go "OH HELL NO" and run screaming. It's not even close.

It is completely & simply that I LOVE this. This happy cloud of "oooh you are toooooo cute for words!!!!" would burst if I actually had my own around 24 hours a day. I so cherish these moments and I remember them fondly with my kids. However, I also remember being at the end of my rope and ready to hide under a bed.

I think, to be truly happy, I will live vicariously through friends and enjoy raising my very fuzzy baby.

Now I think I understand why Grandparents love being Grandparents. It's a good life.

Gotta run! We are watching Transformers & snuggling on the couch this morning.
]]> The Empty Echoes of Childhood tag:www.sichyseele.com,2009://1.40 2009-11-01T08:25:42Z 2009-11-01T08:57:35Z

Holly Reynolds http://www.sichyseele.com/
This year, I did not get a picture of all three of my kids in costume together.

This year, I did not have to watch three different directions while Trick or Treating.

This year, I had to catch as catch can just to see them all.

Where did the time go? When did I transition from 3 little kids to 3 kids that are fighting their way to college??

Morgan was at a party and I saw her in passing a couple of times. It was kind of like playing hide & seek all night. "Honey, I saw blue hair...I'm gonna run get a few pictures of Morgan!"

Max is the only one I took Trick or Treating. It was very strange not to be struggling to keep them all together. It seems like only yesterday that I had Max in a stroller & was concerned about Madison tripping over his costume.

Once upon a time, they would brave any weather for candy. Last night Max says "Mom, I'm pretty much done. It's too cold out here." Really??? Really, Max? Who ARE YOU??

When we got home, he proclaimed that I could pick out four pieces instead of three this year from his stash. What a pal!

Any day now he's going to sprout up to be taller than me.

I have zero pictures of Madison in costume. He wore his costume several times while I had no camera. He wore it at school, but had brought it in his backpack.

For the last two nights, he's gone & worked at the Haunted House - The Last Victim for the Stable Theater. He was amazing as an escaped crazy kid & I have to hand it to him for hanging out in the strobe lights for that long. I'd have been on the floor rocking & crying after 10 minutes.

He CHOSE to work at the haunted house over going Trick or Treat. Volunteered!?!? On Halloween??

I also didn't get any pictures of my new Trick or Treater this year. Loki DID go with us. He was VERY well behaved and I'm so proud of him. He even jumped up to kiss a kid in a stroller (with permission) and gave very gentle kisses to many of the small children. He did want to play with a few other dogs, but he was pretty understanding of "Not now, bud".

With a long, cold winter fast approaching, I am left to ponder futures more than just today. I must brightly light their paths so they can make it through their own echoed footsteps one day. I love my job!

]]> So I replied to the Fish... tag:www.sichyseele.com,2009://1.39 2009-10-31T02:11:05Z 2009-10-31T02:21:01Z

Holly Reynolds http://www.sichyseele.com/
http://www.sothefishsaid.com/2009/10/click_to_enlarge_1.html

Honestly, if I didn't have such nifty little note pads, though...I would likely type my grocery list!!

]]> Eggshells tag:www.sichyseele.com,2009://1.38 2009-10-24T22:22:03Z 2009-10-24T22:48:05Z

Holly Reynolds http://www.sichyseele.com/
I love my life. I can right now name about 5 people that would drop everything and come running in the middle of the night if I needed it. I have 4 that put up with my shit and unconditionally love me on a daily basis. 2 more that are always ready with a smile or an ear or a car. Yes, these groups overlap and some belong to more than one group.

I want for nothing. Sure, I have dreams and hopes that I am still working on fulfilling, but I am in a great position to make them all reality. I'm not saying every day is a perfect specimen of the American Dream, but it's pretty darn close.

I have a massive family that never ceases to amaze me. A husband that makes me feel like a beautiful princess when we aren't too busy to stop & smell the roses. For the love of all that is good & crunchy...I have a dog that may as well speak English for as well as we communicate.

And in my spare time, I get to spend some time on the stage. WITH my kids. It's good for my soul, I tell you!

Life, my friends, is outstanding.

As with anything, there are certain challenges that one is faced with. Let me see what my current occupation would read as on a resume':

Army Spouse Raising Teenage Girl, Tween Boy & Aspie Boy - Has EMT Certification But Currently Sharpens Skills in Pediatric & Veterinary Avenues.

Extensive Knowledge of Computers, Various Electronics, Light Home Construction/Repair, Hedgehogs & Cooking Without Burning Down The Kitchen
Dabbles in Photography & Photo Editing
Volunteers in the Community, Holds Position in Local Family Readiness Group
Enjoys Singing & Acting with the Local Community Theater
Tutor, Social Advisor & Life Coach
Note: Sometimes Spreads Self Too Thin

Oh, and while I'm doing all that, I try to have some semblance of a social life with both my local friends & keeping up with my friends and family back in the States.

I do not have time to tiptoe around anyone. Furthermore, I don't like tiptoeing when I don't even know why or around whom I am tiptoeing. I spent enough time near land mines in Afghanistan. I will not dodge invisible ones while I'm fighting the good fight on the homefront.

If there is some issue to be addressed, address it head-on. Just jump right in. If you've spent more than 5 minutes around me, you might know I speak my mind. Sure, I can be subtle when I need to. I can even be downright professional. But I don't ever sneak up on ya. Please do me the courtesy of extending that to me.

I have no problem jumping right into these eggshells and leaving a wake of Ham & Cheese Omelets behind me. I will blow up the mines and watch the bridges burn. Because I've got enough on my plate. I don't need or desire the silent drama bullshit.

*****KABOOM*****

]]> Emerald City...We have a problem. tag:www.sichyseele.com,2009://1.37 2009-10-16T14:15:11Z 2009-10-16T14:57:29Z

Holly Reynolds http://www.sichyseele.com/
It started very young and you can probably blame someone in my family for it. I don't know who gave it to me, but when I was 4, I was given a copy of the book. It was the first "big girl" book I ever read. Sure, it started out with my Dad reading it to me. But I wanted to know more when he turned off the light and left the room.

I loved that book. I think it's still at my parents house with the rest of my "keepsakes".

I think I was 5 or so when I saw the movie for the first time. I used to want to dress up as Glinda ALL the time. I was always fascinated with that movie and I've seen it thousands of times.

About 10 years ago or so, I spent the night with my friends Jules and Barb. I was browsing their bookshelves for something to read when I came across Wicked by Gregory Maguire.

Of course I then became truly over the moon about Wicked the Musical. I've seen it in Houston and London and am considering a trip to Stuttgart to see it there. I think it is in German and I would love to have that experience.

While I was deployed to Afghanistan, I bought a special edition of the DVD. It came with all sorts of goodies.

Wizard of Oz Three Disc Collector's Edition @ Amazon.com

A few weeks ago, I found this lovely gem at the Power Zone here in Bamberg. I bought it. I couldn't WAIT to wear the watch.

Wizard of Oz 70th Anniversary Edition @ Amazon.com

Hoooo boy.

So, yesterday, I realized I might have an issue when we went to take family portraits. I didn't really realize it until I got home, but my hair was awfully "Dorothy-esque"!!!!

I even dyed my eyes to match my....well, not really. But I did have my contacts in. :)

You tell me. Am I obsessed? Or just a really big fan of a great story.

]]> A Swiss Lament tag:www.sichyseele.com,2009://1.36 2009-10-15T12:41:10Z 2009-10-15T12:56:24Z

Holly Reynolds http://www.sichyseele.com/
You see, I was irritated with myself because I'd left this plate with the crumbs from my cheese & crackers lunch yesterday. Time slipped away from me and I was rallying the troops to get dressed for a dinner party.

It's worth noting here that the temperature has dropped into the 30's & 40's and Max was pretty sure he was walking out of the house in board shorts, a t-shirt & a scarf. That held me up for a little longer than usual.

So my own rule of "RINSE IT FOR THE LOVE OF GOD!!!" got thrown right out the window and I find myself at my sink scrubbing at some dried baby swiss on the knife. I'm a little bent out of shape with myself.

As I get further into the dishes I also am quite happy to see that soaking the Cuisinart Sauce Pan with Marshmallowy Goodness inside worked like a charm. I love my cookware!!!

Another note: Yesterday I made Kris some Crunch Berries Marshmallow Treats.

It comes pretty suddenly to me that as much as I complain about Kris' need for perfection, I do find myself more and more with an urge to don an apron and flit about the house whilst I listen to music. Occasionally taking a time out for some Rock Band or Guitar Hero.

This is in such a stark contrast to almost 10 years ago when I had a friend come clean my house because I had had surgery. I think we almost lost her in my laundry room. Des, I will never forget that!!!

I'm currently in some, hmm...negotiations...with Madison's teacher about some missing work. She asked me to look here at home. I wanted to invite her to my house. There isn't anything that's not organized. I mean, my husband would probably complain that my Tetris skills with my camera/computer drawer is lacking, but seriously, there is no chance that there is anywhere to misplace random homework.

I have one "junk" drawer. It's quite neatly organized.

I'm not sure what happened, but I guess if I'm holding myself to a higher standard, that's a good thing. On that note, I really must be getting back to cleaning up. I still need to fix the bathroom after the whirlwind of 5 people getting ready for family portraits blew through.

I'll leave you with what I told my husband last night. I think it sums up who I am these days perfectly.

"I'm Betty Freakin' Crocker, Bitch!!!"

]]> Moon Plumes tag:www.sichyseele.com,2009://1.35 2009-10-09T11:58:06Z 2009-10-09T12:03:21Z

Holly Reynolds http://www.sichyseele.com/
I was all tuned in and wrapped up in my Snuggie and ready for something spectacular!!! Needless to say, I'm a little disappointed.

I'm all for learning all we can about the moon and other planets, galaxies & solar systems.

It does, however, interest me that my TV now says "AFN - Signal Loss due to Seasonal Sun Outtages" and my phone was rather scratchy.

]]> Auditions tag:www.sichyseele.com,2009://1.34 2009-10-07T11:49:28Z 2009-10-09T11:56:30Z

Holly Reynolds http://www.sichyseele.com/ The King and I at the Stable Theater. There were a ton of kiddos there and it's always a real joy to hear them sing their little hearts out!!!

We were taught the Venetian Waltz by the coreographer and it was an absolute blast.

This weekend is the One Acts Festival in another lovely German town and we are greatly looking forward to it!!!

I'm really enjoying this time with my kids. I can't possibly convey how much fun I am having!!!

Break a leg, Morgan!!!

Also hearty leg breakin's to the rest of the cast of Autobahn!!! You guys are all amazing!!!

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