Joie de Vivre

Missed so much

2008-04-16T06:14:00.001-07:00

There is so much to tell. It has been so long since my last post. Since then:

Jessi turned 10!! with a party at the USO and a sleepover.

The Easter Bunny came!

Cameron celebrated his first communion with all of us (neighbor and dear friends)

and I cut all of my hair off.

We are staying pretty busy with school and the kids doing bowling. Jack's team took first in his age division for the league, he bowled fourth in a regional tourney, and he bowled his high scratch game of 176 in league play. It is fun. Sister is holding her own there too. I hope they stick with it. They are also managing to both stay on the honor roll which is wonderful.

Can't wait to see USA soon. Coming May 27th. See you then.

2008-02-27T23:30:00.000-08:00

Hello there. Haven't been on in awhile. We are on lockdown still. Hopefully next week we will be able to leave the base. For those of you that I have not talked to, we got put on lockdown on Feb 20 due to some unfortunate events that service members have done off base. It is very claustriphobic. We are allowed to go from base to base, but that is it.

I have the flu! YUCK! It is going around the clinic like wildfire, so I am not sure if John brought it home to me or what. We sponsored a family and when we picked them up the mom was sick, so maybe there. I have been with her all week being her driver.

Ok, so that is about all that is going on. The kids are good. We are looking forward to seeing everyone this summer. There is a travel agent off base that I can't wait to get to to see about tickets. I have heard that they are much cheaper than ITT.

Thoughts:Buy yourself flowers or grow a cut garden! I promise it is wonderful for the soul.

Love everyone.

Getting out

2008-02-19T06:56:00.000-08:00

Ever think about going on vacation where you live? That concept sure comes to life when you live in a foreign country. For President's Day we decided to hit the island with the neighbors. Here are some pictures from "GobleFest 08". (John had to name it. He also gave the entire family call signs on the radios we shared with the Goble family.) We just took off driving and stopped when we wanted. Can you just imagine the pirates coming up in this cove?

Next we went to Pineapple Park. It was utopia. They have a winery with FREE SAMPLES of wine and cake and fruit. WOW! I could go back everyday and eat my way through the place. They totally lost me with pickled pineapple and seaweed though.

Tomorrow it is on to check on registering for school and going to a travel agent so that we can come see all of you statebound peeps.

Oh, and we had hamster babies over the weekend. I will put up pics soon.

Good night

Hearts and Flowers Day

2008-02-14T00:12:00.000-08:00

Here's the proof! I have actually done something. Ok I can craft, but not work a computer. I guess I am too lazy to fix. So, everyone get ready for your neck exercise and lean slowly to the right. Now, that is the card I made for Jessi's teacher. (It looks boring, but that is ribbon and that sticker is pop dotted up.) And, thanks to Amy's idea, that is the goody container for Jess. I used a coffe mate container! Cute huh? I filled with mini pencils, lipgloss and chocolates.

I hope you are all having a happy hearts and flowers day. I know I am. John gave me the cutest bunch of flowers with gerber daisies and roses and he cooked. Loved that.

Everyone please pray for the town of Jackson, TN. My sister in law and family live there. She and her husband pastor Jackson Christian Center. The tornados caused such devastation. They had minor damage in comparison with only a transformer in their roof. Praise God none of them were even hurt! We love you guys!

oh boredom

2008-01-28T04:56:00.000-08:00

Ok, this picture has nothing to do with anything, it is just funny. We attended a karate tournament at a local college and this is what it looked like right inside. Everyone takes off shoes!

Well, does it ever seem like one day just runs into the other? I am feeling that a little right now. I guess melancholy is the word. It doesn't help that we were going through family videos tonight. It always makes me a little sad to see the kids then. I miss them at those young ages. Also, the sun hasn't come out here in over a week. Some days it just drizzles all day. With the humidity and the rain it feels like you are going to mildew. I am definately ready for some sun and outdoor activity. I think when the weather clears up we are going to take the kids out to the ocean early in the morning when the tide is low. It causes tidepools and here you can find all of this extremely cool ocean life. I have heard it is so cool so I can't wait.

Something to be excited about is John and I have finished setting my craft room up. We moved some things around in our closet and found some shelves that the neighbors were throwing out and put it together. I am not quite to the point where it is flawless, but I will need to work in there a little to see what I need. I made some cards just to get back in the swing of creating. John said he would have to take pics because he is proud of it. I love him for wanting to give me a space of my own. Whoever reads this- I could use all of the creative storage ideas you have. Thanks

Gotta go spend some time with the hubby. Good night.

I am thankful for:

Girl Scout Cookies (Lemonades)

My free shelves

people in my life willing to put up with me for any length of time!!

Sad Day

2008-01-23T02:57:00.001-08:00

I am broken hearted! This is a sad sad day. My heart goes out to his family. I have to go watch A Knight's Tale now.

I hope all is well out there with everyone else. Love and kisses.

2008-01-10T04:27:00.001-08:00

Has it really been a week? Man they fly by. My daughter is in gymnastics, cheer leading and taiko drumming (it's a pacific islander thing). My son is a karate and xbox fanatic. So, between all of this and the endless amount of homework I seem to lose track of time. I really do dream of doing projects that I want to do (not for school). I started setting up my scrappy room this week and can't wait until it is "perfect". lol You know that like everyone I will move things around everyday, but I am just ready to get started on the fun in there and for the work to be over. Hopefully this weekend.

Ok, for some Japan news. Tuesday was Mochi(mu-chi) day. For us Americans, that means rice candy. It is really gross. It is a tradition that on that day you make or buy these leaves with this goo inside of them and have them for dessert with green tea. Well, it is an experience. I have a good friend here that happens to be from Okinawa and we spent the day together. She took me shopping and to eat. We found a wonderful Italian place. It was just a thrill to have someone with me who spoke the language. I found some strawberries which I couldn't believe. They were beautiful and delicious. I went for it even though it was like Y498 for a tiny pack. I am going to soak up as much from her as possible. What a blessing. I know I need to take my camera on outings like this. What was I thinking?

Anyway, in keeping with the Amy thing. ( I do get most of my good ideas second hand.) Today I am grateful for:

1. Bedtime-not mine, but tucking in the kids. I love that both my 9 and 12 year old kids still love to be tucked in and play ear monster. We all have our little rituals that I know I will miss one day.

2. My family-Not the cliche'. Of course everyone knows that I love the husband and kids, but I mean my whole family. Aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, the works. I have some of the best times with them. We vacation together, spend holidays together, shop, eat, hang out, and they seem to always be there when I need them.

3. Vonage phones, cable tv, and the internet to keep me in touch with the states. Miss you all!!

Good night.

2008-01-10T02:49:00.000-08:00

7 Random Things About Me

Well, my friend Amy tagged me to talk about me. I guess she knows how much I enjoy that. So here goes.

1. First and most importantly, I think ice cream should be its own food group. If anything ever happened to my husband he knows that I would be hunting down Ben or Jerry, whichever. My faves are Pistachio Pistachio, KaramelSutra, and Chunky Monkey.

2. Though I love the beach and live on and island, I am a snow girl. I didn't realize how much I loved it until we moved from our hometown in Louisiana to Illinois where it actually snows. (I am really missing that this winter.) My favorite picks of where I would like to live one day would be Alaska, Montana, or Italy. Ok, so Italy not so much for the snow, but it's just a fantasy of mine.

3. I dream of owning my own theater one day. For those of you who know it, the Lincoln Theater in Belleville is just exactly right. I like almost all movies ever made. My fave is Gone With the Wind. That ties into me being a history buff too.

4. In honor of the book by Mitch Albom, One More Day, if I could have one more day with anyone it would be my Mamaw. I would just sit and visit with her. She was so kind and funny and loving. When I was with her I felt like the most important person in the world. She appreciated the small things in life which is something I wish I could have inherited.

5. I love a good road trip. Reading maps, eating junk in the car, playing name that song and singer with my hubby, stopping at unexpected places. I just love it.

6. Three things I fear the most are failure, rejection, and decorating. I am serious. I can't decorate to save my skin. Wish I felt more confident in this.

7. Prompted by my last comment, fear of failure. Here goes, I have trouble starting and finishing things for fear that they won't be good enough. I avoid things like projects that I would love to tackle or like getting started on this blog, or getting back into my scrap booking. I have no idea where this comes from. I am actually a pretty smart person who is good at many things. This is just one of my issues. I would love to get over this because I feel that it makes me look lazy or that I drag my feet. Most of all, lately this has made me feel like I have a lack of passion for anything. I am so scared to fail that I just don't, no matter how much I want to or feel passionate about it. My new and latest therapy is to say "so what?" So what if it isn't perfect? I will just keep saying that until I actually believe it.

Well, I wasn't intending to, but this blogging makes you feel safe to spill your guts. Cathartic? Yes!

This is Monday's Post

2008-01-07T02:52:00.000-08:00

Hello out there. Well, no pictures today, but if there were it would be of me jumping for joy!! The kids went back to school today. Then, there would be one of me stomping my foot because the %$^%# internet keeps going in and out . So, this is the second time I am typing Monday's blog. OK, deep breath.......

Did everyone have as great a holiday as me? I hope so. We had an awesome day. We played and stayed in our jammies and didn't have to eat turkey. I was scared that I would be very sad being away from family and all, but it was a pretty fabulous time. Besides, I didn't have to be the "uncooked roll girl" . (Meaning once I showed up late with the one thing I was assigned to bring to Christmas dinner at my dad's and to top it off they weren't even cooked. So I am forever that girl to them.)

Thank you to all of my Christmas card senders and callers. It is good to be loved and my friends always come through to show me that I am.

There Arose Such a Clatter!!!

2007-12-24T06:16:00.000-08:00

How many elves does Santa need? Shelly and I almost got it done by ourselves, but we had to call John for backup.

Christmas Eve Dinner with the Atkinsons was awesome. Thanks Jenn, Lance and Landon!!!!

Ok, for all you mom's and dad's out there, you know this is the best part. I am so excited that I can hardly sleep. The kids however are nestled snug in their beds! I Can't Wait!!! Merry Christmas to all! For all of you in the States-we are now going to bed on Christmas Eve as you are waking up. Love you all.

Thoughts on Discipline

2007-12-24T05:08:00.000-08:00

Thanks Amy for the tag. Well, although I love all of the posts I have read so far on the subject, I guess I can't steal ideas.
My number one thought on discipline is learn to appologize! This comes into play quite often in my life. We have a tendency to be a live by the seat of your pants family and so when it comes to discipline I often find myself letting things go until I loose my patience. This then turns into loud noises coming from my mouth and some slamming of things. I am sorry. This is something my kids hear a lot. I am hoping that I am teaching them the art of forgivness. i guess that is something right?
Secondly, remember that they are people too. They have feelings and thoughts on the way things should go in their lives. Let them feel free to have those! I think families who discipline harshly and constantly take all of the control away from the kids. They need to fell that they have some influence in the way their life is going.
I am blessed to have two pretty great kids who seem to know the boundaries even if I don't remember setting them. Maybe my husband was busy doing this when I wasn't looking?

Miche does not spare the rod.
Jo-N wants to be her children's best friend.Tot's Mom spares the rod and believes in patience.Huckdoll spares the rod and believes there are more effective yet gentle ways to discipline than spanking.Kelly at Ordinary Art has a three-step approach that does not always work but leaves tiny tushes mark free.OhMommy has spanked and never will again.Amy spanks when necessary.The Sports Mama found it depended on the individual child and the situation.Karen thinks that each situation needs dealt with differently.Maria sets high expectations and likes "the talk".
AmyC uses choices and a sense of humor. Stephanie apologises alot and thinks kids are people too.

Tis the season!!

2007-12-23T07:18:00.000-08:00

Thanks mom for the Christmas gift!!! I love it!!!!

Hello all. Well tis the season to bake cookies, go to school plays, eat lots of candy canes, shop, and WRAP!! Oh, how I wish Santa would do the wrapping all by himself. This is what my neighbor and I have been up to. My room has been turned into wrap central. I wish John could have taken a better picture of the amount of presents we were drowning in. She has three kids and with my two, man I am tired. Here is also the cookie deco from yesterday. Let me be the first to promote egg nog.

Seriously, I am missing my family and friends terribly right now. I am missing Amy and the boys decorating cookies with us and right about now we would be driving to Louisiana to see our family. I miss all of the family get togethers too. As much as we use to wish we didn't have to go to so many places all at once. I have a baby niece that I haven't seen since July and that makes me sad. I am excited however that John got the webcam working and I was able to see my mom this morning. We are doing the best we can here and I am sure there will be some great memories to come from this, so I am okay. Well, to all who reads this Have a Blessed Christmas and when I get off of the egg nog I will post more. Love from Okinawa

2007-12-16T15:57:00.000-08:00

Wow!! This is fun! Would you believe that I finally figured all of this out. After figuring out how to change the lanuage from Japanese to English I am now on my way! Ok, so I got stumped at the name your blog section. This is where you are suppose to be clever. You know that "she's so creative" section. This is where my perfectionistic views come into play. I have this very strange view of things that cripples me at times. It is called if it can't be done just perfect right now then don't do it! Well, this often causes me to just not do alot of things that I would love. At the urging of my very best friend in the world I am here. I made it past the "it's ok it doesn't have to be perfect" speech that I must give myself before any new endeavor. Amy, I really envy the way you can just jump head first into anything and not have a fear or reservation about trying new things. It is also one of the things I love most about you.

Ok, so here I am. Now what? I am an Air Force wife with two kids. Boy in 6th grade, girl in 4th. We are now living in Okinawa Japan curtosy of the Air Force of course. We moved here 6 months ago and I feel that I have just been stuck. I am hoping to tap back into some of the things that gave me pleasure before the move. You know, get back to normal. I guess now I feel a sense of home and the life I once led can commence to get back to some sort of normalcy. I am a scrapbooker and my new love is cooking. The food here is strange and expensive, so I am now having to learn to get my creative juices flowing in that area. I am easily bored with things, so volunteering is my life's calling. That way my job is constantly changing. If it gets too boring, I can walk away and find somewhere else interesting to try. This month my job of choice is the Post Office. Very interesting and hard work. Overseas military bases are covered in packages at Christmas, so they beg for help. Anyway that is a little tidbit of myself. I am new to this and so not sure how to sign off for the post, but the day awaits!!