Going Private

I have been thinking about this for sometime and think that it is time to do it.    I know that it can be a pain for some, but hopefully it will work out for the best.  If you would like to continue being able to read my blog, please leave me a message with your email address  on it.  I plan on doing it next week sometime so that I can give everyone a chance to answer back.  Thanks!!!!!!

Puddles

We were outside for a few seconds when Elyse plopped herself down in the only puddle around.  Where is it?  Right in the middle of the parking lot.   Of course she had only had this outfit on for 5 mins. 

Sparring

Brennan is the bigger kid.  He was so excited to actually have someone his size to spar with. Xanen is the one in the red gloves. He ended up winning this round of sparing. 

Both boys are doing excellent and really enjoying this class.  It is called Kadju Kempo, our friend Jason is the one the teaches it.  He does it for free for the kids.  What an awesome opportunity for my boys.  Plus I take advantage of it for me to go to the gym and work out a bit while they are in class.

We are In Trouble!!!!

Hazel came downstairs the other day in this outfit that she put together all by herself.  She is gonna be a little diva. Hmmm.... don't know where she gets it. ;)

Hot Dates With The Hubby!!!

 These are our friends Rose and Jason Winkle, they live by us and go to church with us.Tom and I.Rose and I doing the DR. Fish, she was hilarious screaming beacause it tickled. The car we rode in for the Ferris Wheel.Tom and I getting ready to go on the Ferris Wheel.  I don't know why he thinks this face looks good.  Rose and JasonShot looking down from the Ferris Wheel. Rose discoing.  You can't see the little disco lights going on.Tom and I.  Look at us go. Opps, I got a little carried away. LOLTom and I.

Garlic at the Garlic House. This is supposed to be Garlic painted on the wall of the Restaurant.   We thought it was kind of funny looking. 

The Garlic House was amazing!!!!!  If you come to visit me, I will take you there.  Lots of great food, we laughed a ton.  Afterwards we headed to American Village where we had Yogurtland (hmmmm....), had Dr. Fish Pedicures and then rode on the Ferris Wheel. (it is on a 4 story building).  We also found out that the people who have apartments by there should really close their blinds, let's just say we saw a lady who would have been emabrassed that we could see her.   On the way home we were stopped at a stop light and a little Okinawan woman in her car was trying to pick up Tom.  It was so funny.   She was honking and wavy, nothing like being yelled at by a little old lady to end the night in fits of laughter. 

We had a great time!!!!!

Why is it everytime I want to go to the commisary it is pouring rain?  I guess that I like to go with 4 kids getting all wet, doing my shopping, getting all of it in the car getting wet and then coming home and getting even more soaked by bringing it inside.    Ahhhh...... at least it is done for awhile.  I like to do one big one for the month and then go as needed for the milk and stuff that goes quick.    I swear Xanen's eyes were ready to pop out of his head when he saw the total.  It was almost 300 bucks.  Thank goodness I had done my coupons, by the time I was done with those (it was a huge stack) it was 259 dollars, yeah for coupons!!!!  So glad that I started taking the time to go through them, saves us a lot of money.      I don't think the cashiers here like it though.  You should have seen the look on the guy's face when I handed him my huge stack of coupons.   Oh well, that is his job.  

If anyone ever moves over here, remember that the commisary takes coupons up to 6 months after they expire, so nice.   

A Few Fire Pictures

These are some of the pictures that I have found of the fire. These were posted on line on different media sights along with videos.    The news came out that the houses that were before thought to be gone and families out wasn't so.  There was one house that was gone, luckily, no one was living in it at the time.  Some out buildings were lost and other things, luckily no lives were lost.  They did lose a fire engine, the fire came up too fast and the 3 firefighters in it were able to get away by hiding in a field that had sprinklers on.  They were taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation.  Another firefighter sprained his ankle. 
My grandma was telling me this morning about their sweet little neighbor boy who was going around the neighbor hood with fliers asking for donations for the firefighters who saved all of their homes.   It asked for bottled water, gatorade and granola bars.   Isn't that wonderful that a little boy was so excited to have his home that he wants to make sure to thank the people who made it possible, without them lots of people would have lost their homes.

Fire Update!

Thank goodness, it is all good news, well at least for my family.  From what I understand 2 families did lose their homes.  This is amazing to me since it was a 10,000 acre fire.  There are homes that had fire all the way around it, but the fire fighters saved them.  The fire came within 1/4 of a mile to my grandparents home.  My Grandma says there is ash everywhere, the smell of smoke is heavy and you can see the black on the hills.  We are all so grateful for the work of all the firefighters who put their lives on the line to help and save many homes including my grandparents.     Really makes you step back and think, if this happened to me, what would I take from the house?  Pictures, documents, family heirlooms?    

What would you take? Just a little food for thought today!!!

Yakima Fire

This afternoon I went to read my email and on the yahoo homesight there was a  little blurp about a fire in Washington State.  Of course I click on it, being I am from there and it pops up that it is in my home town.  I start researching only to find out that it is really close to my grandparents house.    They were up camping with my parents, my sister had to go back up there and get them, my brother and unlce went to the hosue to get the animals and try to get as many things out of the house as possible.  At the moment I am waiting to hear what happened.  From what the site says in Yakima that they have it contained,  their house should be o.k., but I want to hear it from them.  Especailly since they don't seem to have a whole ton of info going out.  I did happen on a live stream for a guy that was acutally sitting in a house right up the hill from their house and filming.  That scared the crap out of me.  I didn't know that my brother was there at the house, I think it woudl have made it worse.  Tom keeps telling me that as long as everyone is out of the house, things can be replaced.  The  funny thing is, I left all  my keepsakes there worried that the movers would lose them on the way to Okinawa, the thought of them burning in a fire is not too comforting.   Then I have to look at what they are feeling.  They have lived in that house for 35 years now, they just repainted, they take wonderful care of everything, all of their stuff is there,   my brother and uncle had to make the decision of what to take and what to leave.  I can't imagine.    I am really praying that our prayers have been answered and that their home was spared.  My boys were even praying, it was so sweet.  They knew that Grandma and Poppop were safe, then they started worrying about all the animals, our cat included, thank goodness my brother took him home with him along with one of the other cats and my uncle took the dogs home. 

The picture up top my brother took from my grandparents driveway,  this was taken in the middle of the night. 

So here is to waiting, it is about 7am there,  I know they probably didn't get a lot of sleep. 

My thoughts are with the families who have lost their homes and with the firefighters who are working so hard to save as much as they possibly can. 

Quicksand instructions

This week we were at the BX and the kids have been getting bored so we decided to get one of the little science kits to take home and do.  The boys picked the Quicksand one.  Man was I ticked when I opened the seven dollar package to find a bag of cornstarch and 2 little animal figures and instructions.  Hello, I could have bought cornstarch and done this same thing for tons cheaper.  So I am going to share the secret with those of you who would like to try this and not pay for the lovely wrapping it came in.

Take corn starch and water, mix together in a large bowl until it is to a honey like consistancy.  Have a cake pan ready and a little bowl to pour the quicksand in.  When ready put different figures in to the quicksand and see how fast they sink.  That is pretty much it.  It is messy, fairly easy to clean up, but I made the kids go outside after our first try.  They had a blast with it.  Now that I know how to make it, I won't need the kit. 

Hopefully you guys can have fun making it!!!!!!

Our Week In Review

The boys are taking a marshal arts class taught by our friend Jason.   They seem to do be doing well, just need to pay more attention.  Brennan looks so cute when he goes through his moves.  When they are in their class, I am across the hall in the kids room, the girls play and I get to exercise, it is a win win for everyone.

Brennan cheesing for the camera.

We bought some suckers to have around the house for special treats.  Hazel got into them and Elyse opened a ton and was trying to eat the whole bunch by herself.

Hoola Hoop fun in the back yard.

They were making fun of me because I can't do it.

Our neighbors moved this week, they gave us a bunch of food including a little cup to melt chocolate so you can dip stuff in it.  The kids wanted to do it, so I made it up, got strawberries and bananas ready for them to dip.  Brennan and Hazel ate up, Elyse was helping.  The other two finished and then left Elyse to do this.

  She was covered, but man was she happy.

We also went to the library, rented movies, made quick sand, read books, played games, played with friends. Tried to go to a movie, will try again later.  Now we are just waiting for the arrival of a special man in our lives.   "I'm so glad when Daddy comes home, glad as I can be, I clap my hands and jump for joy"

Taking Time Off, now back to the grind

When the all the kids are home it is really hard to eat right and excercise.  I  have been trying to be good, not just pig out and I am proud to say that even though I haven't been very good, I haven't gained back any weight either.   I did get to go to the gym twice this week.  I love being able to go, put the girls in the play area, get on a machine listen to my music and take my frustrations out with running, biking, etc.    I just wish that the boys were allowed in the kids room.  I go when they are in their marshal arts class, ideally I would go almost everyday.  

In high school and college I took  aerobics classes, both with awesome teachers that were so inspiring.  That made me want to exercise and showed me that it could be fun.  Heck at one point we even did line dancing.  Don't laugh, it can be a great workout.    I look back and wonder why I didn't keep it up.  Life happens, I can't go back and undo my choices, but I can make new better ones now.      I think of both of those teachers and what I would say if I saw them again, would I be embarassed  by what I had become or would I be proud.   (I have one of these teachers on my FB, it is fun to see that he is still inspiring many kids at my old high school)

 I want to be proud, so I am going to continue with my goal.  I know that Tom loves me no matter how I look,   but I want to be one of the hot wives, I want to feel good in whatever I put on, whether it is sweats, jeans or a formal dress.  He has been a big help and compliments me all the time on how well  I am doing, encourages me when I need it.   Plus it ticks me off that he is still so dang small.  (doesn't help that I carried 4 kids while he just sat back and didn't gain anything)

I don't like it when Tom is gone.  It throws off our whole routine and we have to scramble to readjust, when we are all good, he comes home.    I like when he is home,  it gives me someone to chat with, someone to hang out with and someone else for the kids to hang all over when I need a break.   I am trying to brace myself for when he is gone for 3 months, I know that it is coming and that there will be more of them.  Doesn't mean that I have to like it.  The good thing about the trip he is on, he can make good money being there and heck knows every little bit helps.  If we keep on the way we have been, we will be out of debt way before we leave here and have some savings built up.  I can't wait for that day!!!!!   Still, I miss him while he is gone.    Having 2 little girls steal my bed is just not the same as him lying next to me, making me feel safe. 

Today I decided that we needed to get out of the house, so we headed to the library (free entertainment, why not) then we went to the BX to get some mosquito repellent. (we were out for half an hour last night and Elyse got 6 mosquito bites on her back.)  We had lunch and walked around, then came home to chill.  The kids played with friends, I cleaned a little bit, now it is time to wrestle the munchkins into their beds and get a few minutes of peace and quiet before I fall asleep. 

2 Movie Reviews

Eclipse was really good.  I was bugged a little by the change of the person playing Victoria, I didn't like Esme's new hair color and I thought Jasper's hair was too fluffy, as for the story line, they stayed pretty true to the book.   I went with a friend who hasn't read the books and she was enthralled.  We talked all the way home about it and she was asking me questions.     I would love to go and see it again, but we'll see what happens with that. 

Today we took the kids to see the Last Airbender.  I was very suprised to see the guy that plays Jasper in Eclipse playing one of the main characters.  What I saw of the movie I really liked it.  I swear the kids had a plan to make it where neither Tom or I could sit down and just watch the movie.    I am excited to see it again, but I am gonna wait until it is on DVD, that way I don't have to take the kids again. 

Eclipse

Tonight Eclipse comes to the island.  I have to go to the 2nd showing, they are showing the first one at 5:30 and Tom won't get home until then.  Looks like it is going to be myself and 2 other awesome ladies, but I am sure that we are going to have a blast.     I am planning on some yummy goodies, so I am trying to be good this morning and not over indulge.  I really need to get back to my exercise routine, it is just hard for me to do it in front of the boys, plus I love going to the gym, but my boys aren't supposed to be in the little kid room and it is crazy trying to have all of them in there as it is.     So here is to watching a good movie with some friends and to getting back on the wagon of exercise.

I just realized that I have almost 9000 visits on this site.  WOW!  If you happen to get on and notice that you are the one, let me know. 

Reality TV Shows

I have to admit that I love some reality TV shows.  Yesterday I literally took a day off and watched the first couple episodes of the newest Bachlorlette on HULU.  Sometimes you need those days of mind numbing TV.  Tom pretends not to watch.  Last night he was playing a game while I was watching the show, here and there he would ask questions and make comments.    The last part we watched was of the Bachelor from the last season and the girl he chose, talking about their breakup.  I just wanted to reach through and slap them both.  Everyone told him not to go with her, even his family. HELLO!!!  I guess I really get into it.  The other one I like is America's Next Top Model.  I love to watch the weird crazy stuff that they do for the day and all the new ways to photograph.  So yes, I am a reality TV lover (not all, could never get into Survivor or Big Brother), good thing that I don't watch TV that much, usually we pop in a movie, mostly since the AFN channels need some major help.    Now I have to wait since I am all caught up and the next one isn't until next week.  Oh what to do.  Oh yeah, laundry, now that is a reality in and of itself.

Good Morning Good Morning!!!

The last few mornings Tom has been home and it has been very close to heaven.  He has let me sleep in while he comes downstairs and keeps the kids quiet.  Of course part of it is so that he can come down and play video games before I wake up enough and tell him to turn it off, but that's o.k., I get extra sleep, he gets his fix of video games in the morning. 
Yesterday was a good day, we hung around the house until we finally decided to go walk around the BX.  I ended up coming home with 2 new bathingsuits.  My other ones are starting to get too big, especailly one of them that frankly I don't have the chest for anymore. (sorry if that embarassed anyone. :))     I am excited too since they are size 12.   Considering the others are size 16 and 14.   Maybe next year I can get an even smaller size.   THey had the suits 50% off, so that is why I actually went looking, those things are not cheap that is for sure.  I did  get some for Xanen, he needed a new pair and I got some the next size up as well for next year. (trying to think ahead)
We also got the new Harry Potter Lego game for the wii.  I know, it costs a ton, but my three fellas have been playing it, so I think it was worth it.  So far they have loved all of the Lego versions that have come out. 
All I know for today is that we are going to the library, other than that we are just gonna relax and enjoy each other a little bit.

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!!!

Hazel fell asleep before we even got to the park, so she snoozed through the first part.

Tom and the kids waiting to play a game.

Brennan hit one balloon.

Tom winning Elyse her wings.

She thinks they are pretty cool.

Waffle SundayCotton Candy. Hmmmm... Everyone wants to eat it. StickyYummy!Xanen didn't like it.

Our friends arrive. Elyse got a wand and was walking around swinging it and saying

MAGIC!

Hazel as a little devil with our friend Amanda behind her.

Elyse attacking KevinFinally the fireworks start.

Tom and Hazel watching the fireworks.

Elyse and Mommy, she was done by this point, crawled in the stroller and started strapping herself in. 

 Happy Fourth of July everyone!!!! I hope you had a great day just like we did.