I think Fall is finally here =)

The weather is definitely much nicer then it was last month.  We went from the 110's and higher, to the 80's.  However, according to the weatherman, it will go up to the higher 90's by the end of the week--BOO!  So, I figured it was time to update my blog and let everyone know a little about what's been going on in our lives.

School FINALLY started August 17th, which was weird because it was on a Friday.  The kids were able to get a feel for what their classes would be like, and their teachers too.  Mason, now a Middle Schooler, (YIKES), is attending one of the middle schools off post.  There is no middle or high schools here on Fort Sill.  So, there are buses that come, pick the kids up and take them and bring home.  I guess it could've been worse right?  He has his own locker, which I thought he was going to have problems with but so far he is doing great.  He has 7 classes, which he changes throughout the 6th grade hallway.  He seems to be doing really good so far, and he also got bumped up to HONORS math...  Um, who's kid is this?  Mason doesn't get his Math smarts from Tim or I.  We are horrible at math.  He has also made a good friend, who just actually moved in two houses down from us.  Thank God, because I was worrying about him.  He has really been missing his Korea friends, still does, but his new friend and him are pretty close and they seem to be getting along great!  Mason was going to try and do football this year, but being he's never done it before, he has decided to stick to what he knows and is good at, Basketball and Baseball.  Pretty soon it will be basketball season and so he is looking forward to getting back into the game.

Madison has been looking forward to going to school all summer long.  She and her brother are definitely opposites.  One wants it, the other would rather sleep, lol.  Maddie has made some friends in the neighborhood and they are all in the same school here on post, Geronimo Elementary.  They too, ride a bus.  She loves her teacher and loves being in 4th grade.  So far, all her assignments have been A's and I think this year is going to be really good for her and her growth in preparing for the real deal, which by that I mean, when grades and stuff REALLY start counting.  I think anything up to 4th grade is just prep for what's to come.  Just ask Mason.  He tells her all the time, "wait till you get to my grade...."  Although neither of them have come home with any real homework yet.  I am waiting.

 After school began and the kids and I got on a routine, things have got more smoother.  Lives have returned back to somewhat NORMAL.  No more trying to find things to do all day, because their school takes up most of that.  While they are at school, I am just taking care of the house and the puppies.  Which, can be A LOT of work sometimes. Jax has been growing SO FAST, TOO FAST!!  He eats like a horse.  Him and Stormy are finally getting along better, not that they haven't, ust now they are use to one another.  It's funny because Jax will bark at her and want her to play with him, and she just looks at him like "go away and leave me alone".  Sometimes she will get a little energy and mess with him, but for the most part, she is just like whatever.  As long as he doesn't chew on her, he is fine by her.  Lol.  I also have taken on a PT job, as a Store Associate for AAFES, here on post.  Couldn't hurt to make a few extra dollars, especially right before the holidays and Christmas shopping =)

And just two more things to update.  September 14th, 2001, our beautiful son was born.  It's so hard to believe that eleven years have gone by so fast.  Mason is now 11!!!  I spent most of his birthday crying, reminiscing over old photos and seeing just how tiny he was to how BIG he is now.  I can remember that day like it was just yesterday.  It's hard to think about how so many things have happened in these 11 years, and how only a few more years, he will be driving and graduating HS.  Ugh, can't talk about it anymore.  So, on a happier note.  My homemade chocolate chip cookie sandwich cake was a HUGE success!!  Mason is NOT a normal cake fan, so his request was for a cookie cake.  I must say, I was pretty proud of it.  And it was fabulous.  He approved too =)  Which was my ultimate goal..

And then later that evening, Tim and I had to attend yet another ball.  It was called the Backbone Ball, and it was dedicated mainly for the NCO's in the Army.  They say that the NCO (Non Commissioned Officer), which is the ranks of Corporal to Sergeant Major of the Army, that these soldiers are the 'backbone' of the Army.  It was our first one like this and it was nice to see it for the first time.  So, on this note, I hope that everyone is well and enjoying this cooler weather.  Hopefully it will stay!!!  Love to all!!  Us.

Ahhh...

Well, can we just say that things here are beginning to melt, lol.  It's been 115 the last few days, and it's just so dang HOT that no one wants to step outside.  Including me, unless it's to go to the lake of course =).  Mason and Maddie have only till the 16th of August, to enjoy this heatwave, then it's time for school to begin here in Lawton.  We finally got the kids registered the other day, and we were thrilled to just get it over and done with, it being one more thing to check off.  Madison is excited to begin her 4th grade, and thanks to having a friend already, she is looking forward to it more then Mason.  Unfortunately, with their being NO boys near us, he isn't having fun this summer.  I feel terribly sad for him, because I know what it's like moving around and trying to make new friends all the time.  It's NOT easy by any means.  He is missing his friends in Korea too.  I wanted him to try the Youth center here, to make some friends, but what fun is it, walking into a place, not knowing anyone, and being like, "can i be your friend?"  It stinks.  So, I am praying that he will love his new school,  Central Middle school, and while he's riding the bus from home, meet some awesome kids for him to become friends with and hang out.  Then his lil world would be better at the moment.  Until then, he's been keeping occupied with his game, and playing outback with Maddie and her friend on the trampoline.  (with the water spraying on them in this heat) =(

We also added to our family!!  We welcomed Jaxon (JAX) Deuces Hockenberry, a Great Dane puppy.  Ever since 2009, I have been in contact with this breeder from Texas, and well, I originally tried to get a puppy from her in 2010, but she wouldn't ship them that far, which who could blame her right?? So, before leaving Korea, her Dane was having a litter and I got first pick since I have been waiting so long.  And here he is...  our lil Jax! I will say however, that I did NOT miss this puppy stage, as it is JUST like having a newborn all over again.  Ugh, can we say NO sleep and lots of chasing around?  Ha, but it will be all worth it in several months, maybe even a year...

Other then that, there isn't a whole lot new.  We will be having a yard sale Saturday, to get rid of all our unnecessary stuff that we had stored in Washington, that we realize we don't need.  Wish us luck, hoping to make the big bucks, lol.  Love to all~

all we took with us, lol

We did it!!!  We finally left Korea after three long years.  It was truly bittersweet leaving somewhere where we have actually lived the longest.  Not to mention, all four of us have learned so much from living in a foreign country.  So, with the bad, of not being near family, or malls, or normal food, we left Korea with the love of a culture, besides our own. 

Then, after a LONG and tiring plane ride, we landed in paradise.  Hawaii.  And what an amazing paradise it was.  It was our first real vacation since the kids were like 2 and 3 years old.  This vacation was LONG OVERDUE, as well as much needed.  We went to a luau.  Checked out how Polynesian's do things.  Drove all the way around the island, seeing the North Shore and awesome scenery.  We went to the Dole Pineapple Plantation, and seen how pineapples grew.  (Did you all know they grow from the ground?  I didn't.)  We went to Hanauma Bay, and snorkeled with some pretty neat fish.  We were sad though because we didn't see any turtles...  Tim and Mason had to eat off a famous shrimp truck, that was interesting...  We boogie boarded.  Ate at Jimmy Buffet's, which I highly recommend to everyone if going.  Spent lots of money, that's for sure, but will have a lifetime of memories forever.  And along with a vacation, Tim and I renewed our wedding vows with the kids by our sides.  It was so beautiful and so real.  Our first one was just the run to the courthouse, say 'I Do's' and that was that.  This one had a lot of meaning and especially to show our kids that their parents love one another and cherish one another.  And have survived TEN amazing years.  The good and the bad, and the never giving up.  We wanted the kids to witness our renewal, and so they did.  They were our only witnesses, aside from the normal beach goers and tourists.  But that was ok.  

Now, We are FINALLY stateside, and at our current duty station at Fort Sill, Lawton Oklahoma.  It has been such a LONG and tiring move, but we are here and settled into our home on post.  The Army has graciously given us a older historic home from the 1900's and we are absolutely in love with it.  It is 2700 sq feet and we also have a basement, where the home gym will go, along with our safety room for bad weather, lol.  The rest of the house is pretty much done and set up.  We had a timeline on getting everything unpacked and in it's place, due to a reception that we had in our home.  Well, in the backyard, but people traveled through the house.  We wanted things to be as neat and cozy as possible and I'd say that we got it done and done nicely!  Between painting, unpacking boxes, putting things together, getting rid of empty boxes, rooms set up, and a place to just be able to "sit", we put this home together in record time.  It is what it is =)

We are all settling nicely, aside from not enjoying the Oklahoma heat!  We have had some brutally hot days, up to 112, and coming from Korea, this heat is taking getting use to.  Tim and I have decided that with being here in Ok, we are going to try to become 'outdoor-sy' and enjoy more of what nature has to offer.  We recently purchased some kayaks, and took them out to the lake here on post.  Can I just say, I have never enjoyed being on the water like I did that day.  I found my NEW love.  Kayaking!  It was the most peaceful and enjoying thing that I have done in a while.  And, I now want to go every weekend.  Maddie hung out on mine, and Mason tried to paddle his own, which didn't last too long.  Guess we need to get him use to using certain muscles.  Tim ended up pulling Mason's kayak with his, and well, needless to say, he won't be doing that again for a while.  Just Tim and I will have to go next time, so we can enjoy and exercise the whole lake..

Kids are well.  Maddie already made a lil girl friend.  She lives two houses down from us and Maddie and her have bonded.  They already had a sleepover the other day!  Whenever the two get together, they are not to be found for several hours.  Lol.  Mason, not so lucky.  There aren't many kids in our area, and if there are, they are in HS.  So, so far his summer has consisted of whatever we are doing at the time, and his Xbox.  Ugh.  But, it keeps him occupied for the time being and I just feel horrible that there isn't other boys near by for him to meet.  =( I still haven't registered the kids at their schools either.  We found out that Mason, going to middle school already, will have to attend OFF post.  Unfortunately, there is only two elementary schools on post.  And, well he has outgrown elementary.  Time sure flies.  Maddie will be attending one of the one's on post, just don't know which one yet.  We will be registering them next week, and so that will be done and taken care of then.  Nothing we can do before that.  Mason is excited to hear that the middle school has tackle football, me, not so much!  I see broken bones in my future....

Tim's Change of Responsibility took place on the 6th, and that also began his return to the grind.  We are figuring that we won't be seeing him as much as we have this vacation..  I guess a man has to do what a man has to do, right?  It's been a nice family oriented time since we left Korea and we are looking forward to what Oklahoma has to offer.  Until next time...

On the road again....Well, actually plane again...

My my, we have only 4 days literally left here in Korea.  I have this bittersweet feeling over me, along with my anxiety about flying.  I wish I could just get on a plane like everyone else, but for this sister, it's not in sight, lol.

Well, lets see.  Household goods were packed and shipped in the beginning of May.  Car was shipped last weekend.  Moved into the hotel on the 8th.  Tim and Stormy flew to OK on the 10th, and so it's just the kids and me in this tiny hotel room, trying to not strangle one another, lol.  Life has pretty much been in the fast lane since the beginning of May.  So much going on, last minute things to do, friends to have lunch or coffee with, etc.  Mason and Maddie's last day is tomorrow, the 18th.  Then we have one more weekend here, to enjoy, and Monday the 21st, Tim will be back to final out, sign out, whatever.  Then bright and early, we catch a bus to Incheon Airport and fly out by noon!  Phew.  I can feel the grey hair now.  Just kidding.

So, I had a wonderful last PWOC class this week.  All the ladies in my group know my struggles with anxiety and they all prayed over me, literally.  It was such an overwhelming feeling, having about 10 women, all with their hands on me, praying for my safe travels and for the Lord to erase my anxieties.  I cried of course.  Who wouldn't with such a heartwarming moment.  You would have to seriously be heartless.  Lol.  Everyone who knows me though, knows I am a crier.  =)  Oh well, proud of it too.  And I got my going away PWOC mug, which I am so proud of.  In fact, I am sipping coffee out of it right now.

Mason is almost done with baseball.  He will be leaving the season early but he will have one more game this weekend, then he will turn over first bast to someone else.  He is a little sad, but there are better opportunities for him as far as Little League and stuff in the states.  Maddie, still Maddie.  She is just along for all the rides. hehe. And as for me, I am good.  Tim was able to take some pictures of our future new house on Sill, all 2700 sq. of it.  So, I am looking forward to decorating.  Yay, and shopping.  (Sorry Tim).  It's been 3 whole years of NO Walmart, No target, NO MALLS!!!!  Its time to shop at some American stores whohoo.  I will post pics soon.

Hawaii!!!!!  Here we come....  (in 4 days)  xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

April is almost over...

It's hard to believe that April is almost over with.  It's definitely turning Springy here; flowers are starting to blossom, trees are getting their leaves finally, and the weather is warming up.  However, this time last year, we were already in shorts.  No complaints though.

I hope that everyone has had a great Easter.  We spend that Saturday, at Suwon, and celebrated Easter with the kids from the Orphanage.  There was an Easter egg hunt, and some crafts, along with some food at the DFAC.  Nothing fancy, just enough to put a smile on your face.  It was great to witness the kids hunting for eggs with some of the Korean kids.  That's always a sweet sight.

We are in our last weeks here, approximately 38 days left.  So, things are a mess, and busier then the norm.  Stuff getting cleaned before packing out, figuring what's worth keeping, and what's worth giving away, lol.  Our transportation pack/pick up is this coming Monday, and well, we will be living with the bare necessities till getting out of here.  (Luckily we will be using loaner furniture till we move into the hotel our last week and a half.)  We will be getting out of this apartment on May 8th, and into the lodge till we get on the bus to the airport.  Then it's going to be "See ya hopefully never again Korea", haha.  Nah, I think there are several things that I will miss, but I am just not thinking about that yet.    So here are a few pics from Easter.  There will be another blog coming before getting out of here, I think?  I will have to see how busy we truly will be, and well, the computer is getting packed--so if I get time to either get over to the library, or win the fight for the laptop, then there will be another.  Hope everyone had a blessed Easter!

March is here!!!

Wow, it's hard to believe that it is March already.  Where are these months going?  Oh yeah, they are passing us by, one by one.  Before we know it, we will be back on US soil.  I really can't believe that we spent three whole years here in South Korea.  Who would've ever thought that we would get to even be a part of another culture, Korean culture of all things?  Nothing like El Paso, or North Carolina, lol.  It's a totally different world over here, but I am so grateful that the kids and I got to experience this and we are all a little sad to leave.  Only a little.  =) I will miss the shopping, and of course, all the wonderful movies we get for super cheap.  Our DVD collection is outrageous, and well, it's going to not get any bigger in the states.  I will also miss the calmness and laid back environment here.  I have never been anywhere that lets their kids roam all over, at whatever time it is at night, and not be fearful.  I know that this will never be the same for us.  Not that we let the kids roam, off base, but Mason has been able to go out for a few hours on the weekends, with his friends.  Maddie also has been able to walk to the park, and we didn't have to panic.  (Ok, well I still do but I am getting better.) I know for sure, this will NOT happen in Oklahoma.  I will be back to being Mom's Taxi.  It's just been truly a blessing over here, more then anything.  There have been some times where we were nervous about things, i.e. the typhoon last year, and the drama up North.  But, we made it through that, just like us Hockenberry's have made it through everything else.  I wouldn't trade this experience for anything.

There has been some news since the last update.  First of all, in case everyone doesn't know, we are headed to Fort Sill Oklahoma in June.  Tim was offered a Brigade Sergeant Major position at Sill, and it was an opportunity that doesn't happen to a lot of SGM's.  So, we accepted.  We were sad to kiss our orders to NC goodbye, but we are thrilled to see what's in store for us in Oklahoma.  I never pictured us ever going to the midwest, but it is what it is.  The Lord must have bigger plans for us there.  I am excited to be near my family in Arizona.  Maybe they will visit us now that we aren't in a foreign country?  (I know they will..  My dad will love to camp and fish there!)  We will have to wait and see.  We do have a few friends that are already there, so this will make Oklahoma life so much better.  I hope.

We had some devastating news this month as well.  Tim's grandmother passed away, and this was a blow to the family.  Nan was a wonderful woman, with a heart of gold, (as most grandmothers have..).  She loved my husband with all her being, and she accepted me with open arms.  She was an amazing piece of our life and she will be missed terribly.  Tim was able to fly home and attend the funeral, and spend much needed time with his family there in Massachussets.  He says the funeral was a beautiful celebration of a life well lived and of a person so very loved.  I was sad that I couldn't be there with him, but it was best that the kids and I stayed back.  Travel from overseas, for a funeral, with more then one family member is ridiculous.  The prices are high, but the layovers are what would have been horrible.  So, I am just thankful Tim made it home for everything, and is currently on his way back as I write this...

What else is going on this month??  Oh yah, I am getting older.  I turn 34 this month, ugh.  Not getting any younger that's for sure.  Although I have taken up running, since January 16th.  And I have been sticking to it pretty well.  At least 3 times a week, I am up and running on my treadmill.  What started as walking and barely running, I am now at running a full 3 miles in less then 34 minutes, and sometimes I feel like more-so I am pushing for 4 miles.  Yay, I am so happy.  (Tina, get your sneakers ready!!!  Lol.)
This has been making me feel so much more energetic and I do feel a difference in my moods as well. Great form of medicine!

And, drumroll please.....  Tim's and my anniversary is March 29th!  We have made it!!  The TEN YEAR mark.  Whohoo!  I am so very blessed to be married to the most amazing man on this Earth.  He has given me so much joy, and so much to be thankful for.  I LOVE YOU TIM!!  Here is to many, MANY more!!  For our gift to one another, we are renewing our vows in Hawaii when we leave here.  (We have a 6 day layover in Hawaii, before coming to the states) I am so super duper excited to re-marry the man I love, with our children at our sides.  It's going to be so beautiful and I can't wait to share pictures with everyone when we get home..

Well, I will throw some recent pics that I took of the kids so everyone can see how big they are getting!  Hope everyone is good and we will all get to see you soon!  xoxoxoxoxoxoxo