The Surreal Life

This is my third attempt to write this post. So much has happened this past week.

 I originally thought that I wouldn't have to write anything particular about my husband's job for me to write about our family's adventures.  I am not even sure how much is appropriate to discuss.  Of course, most details, I wouldn't even know.  There is a lot of confidentiality and all with his position.  And even now, I am not sure what is prudent or not.

But the tragedies which have hit James' battalion , and even his sister battalion, this past week are surreal.  And pointless.  And so extremely sad.  He will be holding his first memorial service within the next few days for three soldiers (one of them from the other battalion, two were his soldiers).  He has seen first hand what happens when despair and hopelessness take control of a person's heart and mind.  I don't really know how to support him or help him.  He is working hard at helping others with grief management, and host of other tasks that are before him.

On a positive note, he was able to give the invocation for a homecoming celebration on Sunday.  It was an incredible experience.  These soldiers were deployed for over a year, and the excitement and love in the building were so inspiring.  The funny thing is that as the soldiers entered, they did this smoke thing to build the excitement, and the fire alarms went off.  The whole ceremony (which was around 5 minutes long) was drowned out by the alarms, so no one heard a word of it.  Not that they would be listening anyway.... they hadn't seen their families for over a year!  Anyway, James can reuse the prayer he wrote and no one would know!

This weekend we will be going to San Antonio for a marriage retreat.  He will be teaching/facilitating the workshops or whatever they are called.  The Army believes that strong families = strong soldiers, so chaplains do a lot of marriage building events.  I am looking forward to taking some photos of some old missions and other sites.  I want to go see the Alamo too!

My dream world...

I have had some extremely vivid dreams the past two nights.  In them, I am in a park or woods or other beautiful place of nature, and I want to capture the beauty in a photograph.  By the time, I position myself, and get my Canon out, the scene has changed, or the lighting, and I miss the moment.  I don't know a lot about dreams, but I assume there must be some meaning to it.  Especially since the dreams are very colorful.  Last night, I kept on finding misty ponds with wildflowers growing around them.  The night before, I was in Hawaii (and I have never been there in real life) but I think I was really in Texas, in the way of dreamworlds.... and the ocean landscapes and waves were the boldest blues. 

In real life, I keep on seeing pretty things, but usually only have my camera phone with me, and I miss it.  I love my dslr camera, but it is big and bulky.

Since I don't want to forget them, I figured I would try to find some similar images online.  

This photo is very much like my Hawaii dream, but the waves were bluer and really big.

Anyway, this is not what I usually blog about, my dreams, that is, but that is the beauty of blogging.  Maybe these dreams are more about my desire to see the world, and the ability to see more now, being part of a military family.

Texas Musings

One would think that being a bohemian at heart, one month of living out of suitcases wouldn't be too difficult.  The movers took our stuff on August 9th and tomorrow on September 5th is when we will have our boxes and furniture delivered.  It is a long complicated boring story.  Next move, I hope to move ourselves.
So, before I receive the sea of boxes, I wanted to jot down some reflections. Texas is so beautiful.  Here is the lake which is right off Post, which offers every type of outdoor recreation imaginable for military families.  Everything from horseback riding to paintball to huge water slides. 

Texas is more beautiful than I had thought it could be.  The sky is large and beautiful, and unlike the big sky of Wisconsin, (where we lived for five years) it is full of color.  In the day, bright blue with large fluffy white clouds.  In the evening, pinks, yellows and every  other imaginable hue.  (Did my best trying to capture it while riding in a moving car with my phone).

The flowers and plants are awesome.

Some prickly pear and a hidden trail behind my house.....

The schools on post are very nice, and very close.  Walking distance, but since the times for the elementary and middle school are not staggered, I am still trying to figure out how to get both kids.  Ransom has a 45 minute bus ride to school, but he doesn't seem to mind.



 This flowering tree, whatever it is, is so pretty....


We have a quiet, tranquil backyard with a gorgeous view of the golf course.  So far, Ethan is learning how to golf in the back, and Ransom is skate boarding every day.

There are so many thoughts in my head right now, but I think this is good for now.  A week with no internet survived and ready to blog some more artsy stuff once I am unpacked.

 And for the most important part, James.....
he is a Battalion Chaplain and he has around 1600 soldiers to serve.  He was made for this job. But it is not going to be easy. Anyone who has family in the military or has served in the military knows what challenges he will be up against and the situations he will be trying to aid. So if he is in your thoughts or prayers... THANK YOU!

If you are wondering what we are up to....

The end of summer is approaching fast.  At the beginning of CH-BOLC (Army Chaplain Training Course), it seemed as though 13 weeks would never end.  But now there is only three weeks left, and the last week, we will all be down in Columbia, spending the week at Fort Jackson.  The movers are arriving on August 9th to pack up.

We have been in a very fortunate position.  Since we live only 100 miles from Fort Jackson, where James is training, he has either been able to come home on weekends, or I have gone there. So, the basic training was  not nearly as difficult as it could have been. (for me, atleast, I wasn't the one waking up at 4 am to run and do extreme physical exercise)  Not only could I see him, but he was able to fix stuff that would break during the week.  And a LOT of stuff has broken.  The latest is the kids' shower head.  I couldn't turn of the water yesterday.  I envisioned a flooded house, and no way to sell the house after it was said and done.  Ransom was able to disassemble the faucet and stop the flow, but I am glad  J will be home this weekend to put a new piece on.  I really need to learn how to do that kind of stuff.

On August 17th, James will graduate from the course.  The Army gives us 10 days to move ourselves across country (all of our belongings will already be on the move) and on August 27th, he will report in to Fort Hood, Texas.  We will have to live in temporary housing (hotel) for atleast a few days.  We are on the waiting list for on post housing.

I am very proud of my handsome husband.  This is the culmination of  7 years of pursuing a goal, and not giving up.  It has been 2 1/2 years since he decided to pursue the chaplaincy.  It was a very, very long process including the year long ordination that is required for our denomination.
Out of the hundred and twenty something soldiers in training this summer, only 12 of them will be Active Duty, the rest are either National Guard, Reserves or part of a Candidate program (for seminary students). Out of the 12,  7 of them know for certain they will be deployed within the next few months.  James may be as well, we just don't know yet.  If he is, that is what he has trained and prepared for.  To be a support and a help for soldiers who  are in the midst of war.

At the banquet the other night, there were quite a few soldiers who were finishing up AIT to become Chaplain Assistants.  (Chaplains don't carry guns, so the Assistants are not only their constant aid, but their protection as well).  It was shocking how many of these young men and women had between 6 and 8 stripes on their arms.  This meant that they have been deployed for 3-4 years (6 months for each stripe).  If you have ever read the book Fahrenheit 541, there is a war going on but no one really talks about it.  There is a little bit of coverage in the news, but it is a distant affair which doesn't concern the average person.(until the end, that is).  That is how I felt that night.  That the reality of what our country is fighting is not truly understood by those of us living within our safer borders.  My point is that this war is real and affects a lot of families in this nation.  It is a serious undertaking that James will be involved in.  I know he is perfect for the challenge.  Although he is firmly planted in reformed theology, he is able to talk to and advise people of all belief systems.  He came away from CH-Bolc  with  friends who were Buddhist, Muslim, Catholic and most surprisingly, even a Baptist or two.  The different belief systems he was around all summer truly indicate the components of the U.S. Military.  In this job, you had better have compassion, love and understanding for those of different beliefs.  After all, Jesus did.  He showed love, compassion, healing, and support for those who needed him, regardless of nationality or religious background. If someone followed Him, it was because of His love for them, not because he told them they were going to hell for not believing in Him.

Now, we are just fervently praying that our house sells.  Quickly.  I didn't really think it would be a problem, I thought it would just happen smoothly, but now as we are getting into crunch time, I am starting to stress.  I really don't want to have to deal with owning property across country while we are starting a new lifestyle all together.  We could rent, but that is risky. And a pain.  Unless you know the people well, and I don't know anyone who is looking for a rental house.

I feel as though there is a lot more I could write, but I just wanted to update on the essentials.  The kids will be attending the public school system in Killeen Texas, where more than half of the students will be military kids.  I plan on keeping them active in sports, school, church, and transitioning everyone into this new life.  I will attempt to get my jewelry up on Etsy again and possibly find a few shops to sell in. Rose wants to take horse back riding lessons, and the boys are all of a sudden into skateboarding again.  Basketball camp next week, and then the big move.  Bring it on.  

The Military "Ball"

A couple of weeks ago, my husband informed me that we were invited to a Chaplain Banquet and Ball.  So, I panicked a little, but I was really excited.  The highest ranking Chaplain, a 2 Star General was going to be attending. It would be an honor to be present at such an event.  So, I started planning for the 237th Anniversary Regimental Army Chaplain Military Ball. Did I mention that I have never been to such an event before?

My first dilemma was, of course, what to wear.
Did I need to wear a dress like Cinderella? It is a Ball, after-all. 
In actuality, the modern Army Dress Uniform is similiar to the Prince from Cinderella's uniform, except for the color.  There is a lovely gold stripe on the blue pants.

Personally, as far as Cinderella goes, I prefer Ever After.  Drew Barrymore's character is one I identify with. Stubborn, outspoken, opinionated, and her dress was awesome. But, this one didn't seem right for the event.  The wings were a little much.

I asked friends who have attended such events, and read military wives' blogs regarding proper etiquette and dress for military balls.  I became terrified!  And I am not one to really care if caddy women look down on my style, but still.  According to some of these blogs, there are always a gaggle of awful women at these events that look for any excuse to look down at you.  And according to these blogs, you must wear full legnth gowns and not show any cleavage.   Since I didn't have much time, finding the perfect dress was going to be a problem, I looked in a number of stores, but didn't see anything that I would want to wear, even if it was appropriate.  I don't care for sequins, or strapless styles, or rhinestones, or hot pink.  I wanted a simple brown, or black dress that was classic, but with definite style.
My husband, who loves my style and was not worried that I would embarass him in the least, initially told me that I should go with a Lauren Bacall look.  He says I look like her, which is a huge compliment.

So I decided to go for the gloves.  Opera Length, and I didn't really care if they are what's in style right now.  Because they should be.  They are awesome, and instantly give a girl glamour and style and sophistication.

So the above look was what I was going for,  and I happened to have a singer-songwriter-actress friend who has a wardrobe of awesome dresses.  I borrowed one of her black dresses, and I am so glad I did, because after going to several consignment shops and other stores, I found NOTHING I liked half as much.

So, this is what I ended up wearing.

It was a lot of fun, and the dress was so comfortable.
My thoughts on our first Military Ball the day after...
1.  Nobody really cared what I wore, except for my husband ;), everyone was too concerned about themselves to care what a lowly First Lieutenant's wife wore!  So I basically stressed over nothing, I was going to wear this outfit from day one, and only considered doing something else because of all of that silly online advice.

2. The food was awesome, and during dinner was an excellent live JAZZ band!  I was so ready to get up and dance but dancing wasn't until AFTER the formal events (the schedule is pretty serious).  Unfortunately, the dance music afterwards was a modern dj with the electric slide, and hiphop music.  I didn't have enough to drink for THAT kind of dancing!  I was a little disappointed.

3. I now know what to expect.  Every range of formality in dress was present, from mother of the bride formal to prom dresses, to fancy church dresses.  I don't think any kind of dress would have stuck out.

4.  I LOVE my husbands dress uniform.  Call me silly, but it is so classy, and I felt like he was my Prince Charming ;)  Which is true, anyway.


5.  It truly was an honor meeting the 2 Star General.  He had such a strong, gentle, humble air about him. A true hero.

6.  I hope someone finds this blog, who is worried about their first military formal and is able to relax about the event and enjoy it!

THREE AND 1/2 weeks until we leave for Fort Hood, Texas!   So excited about our new military life!

Rambling On

I have always struggled with naming my online usernames and such.  I have gone through a few different ones and they never seemed right.  And then it came to me.

My dad always called me Rebikulous.  It was a rather a clever play on my name Rebekah and the word ridiculous, of course, which seemed to fit my illogical actions and ideas ever since I was a small child.    He had other descriptions and names for me too.  BEKALAH, Dolly, Daisy...

So, now I am resurrecting the old name and using it.  I am ridiculous and I am not going to try to escape the truth any longer.

My husband always thought the name was hilarious.
When POD came out with a certain song, in which "ridiculous" was being sang over and over, guess what he sang instead...

If I learned anything this past year, it is not to take myself too seriously, so I am not sure if this will be part of my new art/business as I move, but I am considering it.  

What do you think?  Art by Rebikulous?  Rebikulous Art?  Rebikulous Designs?  

Stone Heart

“To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one, not even to an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements; lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket- safe, dark, motionless, airless--it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable.”

C. S. Lewis