Obviously, 2010 has not been a walk in the park for us. We've been without Brian the majority of the year, missing him, worrying, and just praying that the Lord accompanies him on each mission, helps them succeed, keeps them safe, and brings them home. 2010 has also been a year of loss. Grandma Klindt passed away in January, Grandma Geraghty in July, and Jeremiah in October. As a result, 2010 will be a year to remember. Many painful memories...but also proof that God can help us get through all obstacles.
I actually even feel like I'm learned a few things along the way. I wrote the following list a few months ago and shared it with my fellow military wives. Thought you might get a kick out of it too.
Top 10 Signs You're in Deployment Survival Mode:
#10 You rush to get the kids in bed so you can get some R&R. (Ha ha ha. NOT. More like so you do the laundry, wash the dishes, clean the house, mow the lawn, and solve world peace.)
#9 You cook every 3rd night and hope the kids don't notice that you're eating leftovers...repeatedly.
#8 You turn the computer speakers up so loud that your neighbors can hear the Skype ring.
#7 You work out twice as hard...mostly for sanity...and also to look smokin' hot when your husband returns!
#6 You plan to finish the 10 projects that you've been dying to do...instead you actually accumulate 15 more.
#5 You hire a babysitter so you can go on a 40-mile bike ride and run errands by yourself...and you think it's the best thing since sliced bread.
#4 You forget what it looks like to have a clean house...and you actually don't care.
#3 You bathe the kids every other night, depending on the caliber of the day's dirtyness.
#2 You look forward to a fat bowl of ice cream at about 9:30pm. (Oh wait, I do that even when Brian IS home. Never mind.)
#1 You miss your husband like crazy and just want to remember what it feels like to be kissed. :)
I think I've survived pretty well, and joking aside, I've learned some more "serious" things too. I've learned to appreciate even the rough days. I've learned that I cannot be Mom and Dad at the same time, but I can love my kids and do my best as just "Mom" under the circumstances. I've learned that family WILL be there for me through thick and thin. And I've learned that my husband and my kids truly are an amazing GIFT. (I already knew that...but now more than ever.) I mean, just look at these pics of them playing in the leaves. I LOVE MY BOYS. They are so fun!
He has a glint in his eye
So does this one
Brotherly love
He's coming for ME
Leaves are his new favorite toy
It's a stand off...who's got the next move?!
Now, let's talk MARATHON!!! This was a defining moment for me this year, and one of my proudest lifetime achievements. (Closely followed with, "Keeping the kids alive while Brian is gone." I'm pretty pumped about that one too.)
First off, training for a marathon is hard. But actually running a marathon is REALLY flippin' hard. Until you're actually out there...feeling pain with every step, pondering how big your blood blister really is, wondering why the next mile marker is still soooo much further, and reflecting on why in the world you EVER thought this was a good idea...well, you just don't grasp the full reality of just how hard it is until that day.
No matter the difficulty, I had a goal to make it under 4 hours. I stuck to my training and put in 4 long months of miles upon miles. My friends, family, and babysitters made my long runs possible, and my sweet boys cooperated for the short stuff. That goal was always in mind. At times I wavered and wondered if it was too high. I tried to convince myself that I'd be happy with just finishing. That was usually on days when I'd barely survive a 14-miler and conclude that 26.2 was pretty much impossible.
But let's be honest...this is ME we're talking about. Stephanie GOETTSCH. I'm competitive. I'm motivated. I set goals. I push myself. I meet goals. So come race day, that was the magic number...FOUR.
However, my prep might have expressed an alternate facade. First of all, I dressed as a bunny. Um, would most motivated goal-oriented runners dress in costume? Well, in my case, YES. It's Halloween after all. Come on, I HAD to wear something, and I'd say my costume was quite fitting for the occasion.
I make a cute bunny, if I do say so myself.
Hippity Hop
Now that's a grand image
Who doesn't love a good fuzzy tail
Secondly, I forgot to stretch. You're probably thinking, DUH. Yeah, I agree.
I also forgot to stop hydrating after I went to the bathroom for the last time. Oh lookie here, my leftover water...better chug it. Dumb dumb dumb.
I decided it was a good idea to only loosely tie my laces also. No need to have numb toes...I'll just prevent that right from the get-go. Me=idiot.
So what were the results of these unusual methods of prep?
Being the bunny...probably my best idea since marrying Brian. I had approximately 3,000 people cheer for me. "Go Energizer Bunny! Go Bunny! Go Energizer! Keep going, bunny! Mommy, look at the bunny! Take a picture!" And I smile and waved, like I was a celebrity, loving every minute. The ears occasionally slapped my head, but other than that, I didn't even notice the costume.
Lack of stretching and warm-up...terrible idea. I honestly didn't intend this...just got distracted and ran out of time. My hamstrings felt it early and my quads locked in the end, so I had to shuffle through miles 20-22. I tried to stretch many times and realized that every time I stopped, it got worse. Just had to push through it.
Chugging my water bottle last minute...embarrassing idea. At mile 4 I had to run off into the "woods" (okay, more like shrubs) and relieve myself. I overheard more than one runner comment, "Ahhh look, the bunny had to pee."
Loosely tieing my shoes...painful idea. I had a blister by mile 6 and had to stop and re-tie by mile 10. The damage was done though...my left toes were toast. Thus far, I've lost my big toenail and 3 are black. Way to go me. I can't wait until next summer when I wear flip flops and scare children at the beach.
Despite my questionable prep, FOUR, NEVER MORE! I made it. 3:59:36. It was a tight margin and when everyone else walked across the endless, solitary windy bridge at mile 20, it took every ounce of mental strength to keep going. But I was in the Energizer Bunny costume. Did I have a choice?! My legs didn't want to cooperate but my mind knew better. I can and WILL do this.
I DID IT
As I crossed the line, I felt such relief for meeting my goal, but also for winning a diffiucult mental battle, symbolic of enduring this deployment! The Marines helped me walk but as I approached the medal stands, I stood up straight. A young Marine presented me with my medal, placed it around my neck, and congratulated me. Tears welled up in my eyes and I thanked him. The culmination of all my training and hard work, paired with the deployment, ended right there. It only could have been better if my kids and my husband had been able to share it with me.
Check this out, Brian! I did this for me, and FOR YOU!
Having fun with my former Stroller Warriors assistant
Jenna and I both hit Sub-4! She's super cool, and she's feeding me for Thanksgiving. She gets 5 gold stars, easily.
Many people ask if I will run another one. I suppose I have "caught the bug." But for now, I'm still enjoying this one, and am looking forward to other challenges next year.
Lisa, thanks so much for letting me stay. You spoiled me!
Angie, a big thanks to you as well for letting us all stay! Our four boys could be brothers
Leaf mania
Angie bribed them
Dance party at the Altizer pad
Squeezed in lunch with an old friend from Denver. So good to see you Lauren!
To avoid getting too demotivated post marathon, I ran a Turkey Trot 8K last Saturday. Caden insisted he wanted to come but forgot his promise that he would not be grumpy. Both boys threw toys, sippy cups, and minor tantrums. Meanwhile, I tried to appease them, and felt like I was running through cement. None-the-less, I surprised myself and finished 5 miles in 40 minutes. I was thrilled. Bonus, I won my age group and they gave out chocolate bars. Strange award. But kind of delicious.
Team Geraghty...STROLLER WARRIORS!
Mom's support staff
After the marathon weekend ended, I scooted back to Iowa. I had been without the kids for a full week and was excited to be reunited. They did great with Grandma and Papa.
You missed me though, right Cole?
Caden doesn't ham it up often...but anything for Grandma!
Thanks again Mom and Dad for watching the kids while I was at the race. You're amazing!
This trip to Iowa was typical, filled with lots of visits with friends and family. And somehow, we still did not see everyone we wanted.
Cole and Paige, Cade and Ayla...does anyone else see double marriage in the future?
I haven't had a pic with my buddy Brian in AGES. We look good. Real good. Hey everyone...come and see how good we look.
Cade's cousins drove all the way from C.R. for an afternoon playdate
We don't do typical playdates on the farm. Nope...we operate heavy machinery.
Marcus is even sporting a "John Deere" hat.
Cousins
Snuggle bugs
Why always a second wind at bed time?!
I know why...because Uncle Jeff is riling them up
Me and Colebug
They took advantage of plenty of tractor rides too, although it was never enough in Cole's opinion. He was also especially aware of when brother was getting a ride, and he wasn't. He made sure that we knew he was entitled to ride time as well.
Switching roles
Caden was in heaven and Cole was "patiently" awaiting his turn.
I love this photo...he's looking at Papa with such adoration.
Ok Cole, you finally get your turn.
He'd prefer a turn all to himself entirely.
Uncle Jeff has some pretty cool toys too.
And when no one is around to give them a ride, they find their own means of transportation.
Mom and Dad took them trick-or-treating to various family members'. Caden thought it was fantastic. He'd hop out of the vehicle, collect his treasure, and then ask, "Where to next?!" He probably would have kept going until midnight. I wish I could have been there for this.
Baby face pumpkin
Cade wanted an angry face pumpkin
Ready to go!
Trick or Treat GG Klindt!
I remember trick or treating here every year
Trick or Treat Great G&G Goettsch! (Grandpa is healing well at home following his ankle surgery.)
Scoping out his loot
He really does make a good puppy
Caden checks out his Halloween gift from Grandma Pam. Go Hawks!
Carving pumpkins
They were all over this task
Another super fun thing about Iowa...we got to help my Mom celebrate her 50th birthday, chocolate cake and all. You will be thrilled to hear that I maintained my non-talent for cake baking. As usual, it looked attrocious due to frosting meltage. As long as it tastes okay, right?!
Mom, you are one gorgeous 50-year-old, SERIOUSLY!
Family meal at Mickel's
Trick candles never get old
Wishing her a wonderful birthday via Webcam
One super NOT fun thing about Iowa...I was burglarized while visiting Jen in Omaha. The thieves performed a "smash and grab" on a bunch of vehicles in the back of a parking lot at The Loose Moose Bar and Grill. Unfortunately, my Dad's truck was one of them. The window was destroyed, and they snatched shopping bags and my overnight duffel, full of clothes, shoes, cosmetics, and jewelry. There was nothing expensive, but it was MY stuff and I liked it. Sigh. Well, if 2010 has taught me anything, one thing is that "stuff" doesn't mean much in the grand scheme. However, I will admit, I cried over the loss of Cole's Christmas stocking, a treasured item I had been sewing for many months. I am already working on a replacement, but I still shudder when I picture it in a dumpster. So many hours...so many sequins.
We still had fun that night, living it up in Jason and Angie's prize limo
My Jen
It was a whirlwind 3 weeks so we were glad to get settled back into normal routines in NC. The travel back went smoothly. Cole makes lots of friends on the airplane. Well, friends, or enemies, depending on how you view it! Little man is talking a lot more lately. He says "wide" when he wants to go outside or ride something. He says this word about 900 times a day. He adores being outside. He often gets his shoes and then pounds on the door forcefully until I either give in or distract him with something else. He also says "up" quite often also, probably because he still doesn't walk and this word helps him get Mommy assistance. He's 16 months old and he has a crawling addiction. He has started paying attention to some shows, including Wonder Pets, Mighty Machines, and Thomas the Train. He absolutely loves music, so I'm wondering if he's got a love for music like Brian. Time will tell.
Cole, you've got some frosting on your face.
He almost looks angelic here, but I bet he's plotting something.
Papa is always good for a hug.
One of his favorite toys...his toothbrush. There could be worse things.
So tired he fell asleep on the couch, sitting up?!
Caden is doing phenomenal in preschool. I walked into his classroom with him 2 weeks ago and was so surprised at how well he followed process. He rarely shares details about his days, but he did tell me that he is friends with a little boy named Parker. Our only small obstacle is that he still has some abandonment issues and always quizzes me on whether or not I'll come and get him. Mrs. Gump says he asks about me too, usually about an hour before pick-up. Perhaps this will ease once Brian is home.
Fishing in the garage, because, why not.
On second thought, bagels are not my gig.
This kid loves birthday parties, and he loves to blow out other kids' candles.
The clock is ticking...you know what that means! Cade knows it too. I've told him for a long time that Daddy would be home before Santa Claus arrives. He just about jumped out of his skin today when I told him we were putting up the Christmas tree tomorrow. Daddy?! SANTA?! PRESENTS!!!! Now which of those three items is he MOST excited about, I wonder. :)
We can't skip all-important Thanksgiving though, and the meaning behind it. So thanks again to all of you for making this difficult year a little less difficult.
And Happy Thanksgiving to our Marine from afar. We are so thankful for you and what you do. All our love and SEE YOU SOON. XXXOOO Stephanie, Caden, and Cole
