Dinner with Friends

We had some friends over for dinner last night. Yes I cooked, and yes we have friends. I know, I'm amazing some of you. On the menu was goulash, garden salad and hot french bread. I kept it simple. We thoroughly enjoyed the fellowship as did the kiddos. Amber, a wife and mom of 3 children under 5 years of age will be deploying in less days then I can count on one hand. Heartbreaking I know. On the way home from the commissary yesterday I was talking to Kalee about it. At almost 6 years old she understands 'deployment' and said she will be a good friend and help them through this time. I was shocked. She told me "Mrs. Amber has to leave to go help people... but she will come back and be with her family." *smile* My heart warmed up. Kalee knows no different but understands the sacrifices made as a military family. We later got into conversation about moving. I asked how she would feel if Daddy came home and told us the Navy wanted us to move again. She said "I would feel fine. It would be sad to leave all my friends but I can write them letters and put them in the mail or send them e-mails. I miss my friends in Japan...but I might see them again." What's funny is she's absolutely right. We are back where we started 8 years ago...still visiting with friends we knew before children. And who knows where the friends we met amongst the previous duty stations will end up. Here. As some have. Or one of the places we move to next! My Mom and I just had a conversation about military children and moving. People think it's crazy we move so much. I keep reminding them to pencil our address in, otherwise their phone book will look as bas as mine with pages of crossed out old addresses. My opinion...based on our family, beliefs and such...it's all in what you make of it! I don't want my children to fear change like I did. I contribute a strong family bond to only having each other to rely on. I thought about how many holidays we have spent with family...and realize military cling together and ARE family. I miss not having the Rod's around...and Kalee still talks about Destiny. We often talk about the Christmas in Negishi after Bear was born and Kalee played in it at Niko's while Mrs. Mosa made us abuleta (Mexican hot cocoa). Memories of getting together with the Robinson's, and going for a hike with the Nichol's are as vivid as the childhood Christmas dinner memories. See, military life is different then the average life. Our memories are spread across the ocean but we still hold tight to individual family traditions. We don't have to worry about things like medical, but fear the deployments and I.A. tours. It's a different lifestyle...we have chosen, and are prepared for raising our children in. An array of emotions are expected and apart of the deployment cycle. Surprisingly, with Amber I even see the cycle amongst our small group (Bible study) family. I know whats next, and it's the hardest part! Please keep our friend, her husband (also former military), and children in your prayers as they get through this difficult step... separation.

I look foreword to having them over for Thanksgiving dinner, one of her last dinners with her husband and babies for a long time.

Beans and a Secret!

Name one thing I can't get through the day without doing at least once in the kitchen?

I made some scrumptious Trader Joe's 78 Bean Soup for dinner tonight. Ok maybe it didn't have that many different kinds of beans but It was delicious! While eating, Bear let a little wind escape and said "See Mom, I eat beans - I fart!" and took another bite. Should I be proud of such great table manners? Both kids gobbled it down and I'm wondering if the working Daddy will like it. If I find a way to serve it in a tortilla I know he'll eat it. His mouth is watering for Thursday nights dinner. You see, I have a secret. I CAN cook! Don't laugh! Really I can. I make the best turkey ever. I can't say this about anything else, but it's even better then Emeril's! By the time I'm done with it a carving knife isn't necessary. The breastbone pulls right up and all the meat falls off. I can't wait to make it for Max's Grandma and show her I can do something in the kitchen that involves an oven.

Last night Max pulled out the Christmas toats. Shortly after I heard thump-thump-thump-thump followed by some inappropriate giggling. We went off to inspect and discovered their imagination works just like ours did when we were little. They too know how the toat lid works great for sliding down the stairs. Fortunately my stairs are not a straight flight. I can see my 3 year old taking after Kevin on Home Alone and opening the front door so he could fly down the stairs. Tis the season for the memory of watching that movie with my brother as he recited every word said. I still can't believe he's getting married!

Off to vacuum out my dryer and vent. I think I clogged it up with tissues left in my pockets from my draining nose. If this doesn't work I'll be calling family to ask what the second thing they would look at if their dryer wasn't drying. These are the days I miss calling and whining at housing. "Konnichiwa, my drier isn't working...I need a new one...Hai, I'll be home at 8:00 tomorrow morning...Dōmo arigatō." Then I look out the window at 7:56 to find them sitting outside their truck with the new drier unloaded looking at their watch.

Sigh....I miss those days.

I Feel Better Ramble...

Lots of miscellaneous updates-

I THINK, we are all better. I dare not say it like I mean it though.

We have a kitchen sink now (and counter top)! Yea! Two months of washing the dishes in the bathroom sink, and I got smart and started doing them in two 5 gallon buckets last week. Yes that was the highlight of my day yesterday. Once we address the warehouse ceiling effect I'll paint the kitchen and be happy, but Max wants to lay the back splash first. All I care about is being able to fix my family three meals a day in my kitchen with a sink. You have no clue how much you take kitchens for granted!

The kiddos had their 3rd and 6th "Horse" party at a local farm. See, that's what happens when you have no sink....you can't entertain. I lucked out again and did them together this year. Not sure how much longer before they want their own. We ate pizza, enjoyed the petting farm and busted a pinata. Other then the sloshy hay from raining all night and Bear throwing up as he was ready to wail on the pinata (big thanks to a friend for detouring the other kids eyes so they wouldn't heave), all turned out rather well. We are so blessed to have such nice friends. We had over 30 people in attendance! Two things would have topped it off: 1. Having Mrs. Cindy make the cake again this year, last year we got spoiled. ;P 2. Destiny! Destiny has been to all of Kalee (and Bear's) previous parties. Not even family can say that! She was at Kalee's 1st and 2nd parties in Coronado, 3rd in Negishi, and 4th and 5th in Yokosuka! We thought about the Rodriguez family during her 6th. *Note to the family-Don't whine about pictures! We took some. Don't you know we have all been sick? Even I haven't looked or loaded them on the computer. Patients!

I have some good news. I got a job! Well kinda. I am bringing the parent/toddler program I taught in Yokosuka to this area. I applied for a job at the local YMCA as a group instructor for children's classes and immediately got called in for an interview. Fortunately, I taught it for so long that it was a piece of cake to throw all my ideas on paper to present them with an idea of the class routine. Both people interviewing me thought it was a fantastic idea and the program was approved by the Director. Because of our crazy upcoming travel schedule, classes will start mid January. They want to start with 3 different age groups; 0-2, 3-5, and 6-8. My first two classes will be my typical PT Tots/Hoppy Hour classes. I am working on writing the older class right now. There is a possibility of teaching Stroll N' Sculpt (stroller fitness) in Spring/Summer too AND I expressed interest in getting Zumba certified to instruct a ZumbaKids class. The best part and the only way I'd ever agree to do it is my children come with me! I'm super excited to bring more child/family oriented classes to this area. Hopefully I will be able to help change the astonishing childhood obesity rate. After living in Japan I have realized not only how bad Americans eating habits are, but how lazy we are! Japanese walk everywhere! Americans complain about parking too far from the front door of the grocery store. Amazing!

If I made you aware of my orange size findings on the almond, I should be receiving a call today confirming the follow up results. I got a preliminary answer yesterday confirming my gut instinct...which is amazing, but awaiting the final report.

Off to do laundry. I want to crate something that sorts, washes, dries, folds, and puts away. Oh wait, God already did that...

BLECK!

Everyone in this house is wiped out. If I'm not doing laundry, becasue that comes with kids having the stomach flu...I'm standing in the hot shower trying to drain my head. I swear I have blown my head weight in snot just since I woke up (have an appointment shortly). Max, I saw his eye balls for the first time in about 24 hours. Whatever the ship pumped him and sent him home with was some good stuff.

Two things I have to tell you about- The kids Birthday Party on Saturday and a new program I'm bringing to this area.

Hopefully all of us will be better soon.

Sick on Party Day

My baby boy is vomiting. I'm tired. And today they are having a combined 3rd and 6th birthday party. Humm. Whats wrong with this picture? He's not supposed to be sick today.

...Please pray he feels better for the party in 2 1/2 hours...
...his sister doesnt get it...
...and I'm able to function...

Opinionated Friends

I love having a nice balance of opinionated friends! Actually, I enjoy their educated opinions. Friends opinions are better then strangers being interviewed on TV. Why? Not because I'm easy to persuade unless candy is involved but because I know a little about their background and they understand mine. What is even better is my two most liberal friends like me for who I am and respect the fact that sometimes my opinions differ. I know your probably thinking... how are you still friends? It goes deeper then the subject of politics. Respect. I respect they are severely passionate about what they believe politically, they respect I'm passionate about boobs. See, great balance huh? Even Max and I respect each other enough to have a difference of opinions. I think the kitchen sink should be in already; he thinks going to work to earn money so we can pay the mortgage to have a house to install a kitchen sink in, is more important. My mind is stuck on turning every daily experience into an educational opportunity where as he oftentimes makes me see the bigger picture of things. Glad I have others (you know who you are) that do the same. I truly do value your opinions, even if they differ.

I don't think the country will be as gloomy as many are making it out to be (including myself at 23:00 on 04NOV08). After all, Obama saying "God Bless America" after a speech made me use about 22 muscles in my face to raise my cheeks and continue to define my crows feet.

Politics, I'm Saying it! **added info**

With lots of thought, I'm finally coming out of my shell. I had a bad experience about 8 years ago and decided to avoid political talk. Today I have decided to post about my opinion on the new President Elect. Let me start by saying in NO way do I have intentions on insulting anyone for their choice...elections are not about Infant Formula companies. Ick! If you do feel attacked read it again... standing on your head. I'm warning you in advance I'm writing my thoughts...and I do not think in complete sentences. Actually, how do I think? Really, I don't. This would be the perfect opportunity to grab a drink and your kids Halloween candy bucket, this isn't going to be short. Yum, candy!

I have formed a very strong opinion about both Obama and McCain on my own. I didn't need crazy false e-mails or stupid "I approve this message" commercials to do so. I didn't put as much emphasis on researching about the VP candidates but felt I did do enough to make a decision. I was born into a strong 'blood line' of Democrats and was told I had to be one by my Grandparents. In high school I took AP Government which funny enough was one of three classes I thoroughly enjoyed. At that time I leaned more towards the left wing and registered as a Democrat to vote. In November 2000, I was thrilled to vote for the next US President for the first time in my life. However, my life path was about to change... I was engaged to marry into the military. I did research only to learn as military the Republican party was going to benefit me, my family (Max), and my future more. Some vote for the overall big picture...that particular time I admit to voting for selfish reasons. Ever since, I have been changed. Yes, this year I voted for McCain. First off, I'm a Christian. I don't care if they are going to raise taxes for us or not, I vote my morals and values...and do not want GOD taken out of this country. We should all at least hold a high school Diploma (even though my spoken English and writing shows different) therefor know the history of what our country was founded in. GOD! It doesn't make me lean that direction...it makes me turn, and run that direction! Exactly where Obama stands as far as believing in God is kinda grey in my eyes... somehow, not knowing makes me feel un-easy. Matter of opinion now days. I'm an opinionated Prayer. That is all I can do. On that same note, McCain was not my choice of Republican party. It came down to voting for the lesser of the two evils! I think serving one tour in any US Armed Force should be a pre-req for becoming President. I will say McCain has earned my deepest respect...as with ALL honorable service members. Call me bias. That's OK. I'm married to a service member. I'm a sister of a service member. I'm a granddaughter of several service members and have countless friends serving. Of coarse I'm bias. If the president is going to serve our country as a Commander in Chief, how is he going to expect respect when he hasn't climbed the latter honorably? Felt the same way about Clinton. I respect President Elect Obama as an individual, but nothing like any former service member. Once again, this caused me to lean towards McCain. Then with McCain's former POW history? Hello!

Now to the part of my wound that has had salt poured on it. Race. Let me explain that by no means do I have anything against any skin color unless it's mine, red, and peeling in the Summer. I have seen how there is good and bad in every race. Does society 'profile'? Yes, I believe so. When we think hick...white. Gang...black. Child Predator...white male in his 40's. Freakin' smart people....Asian. Nasty bathrooms that smell like crap because toilet paper has been disposed of in the trash can... San Diego. Is it always that way? NO! In seeing my family alone I can vouch differently. I have had racial jokes told, text, and e-mailed to me. Do people really care if he chooses to turn the rose garden into a melon patch? If it's true (I doubt) this crunchy says go for it! Now don't get me wrong, I think it's fantastic to have a mixed President. In fact, I'm hoping it encourages the poorer young black Americans to 'change' and educate themselves to succeed in our future. That hope is not restricted to one race either. Welfare is crazy. Some people take advantage when there are families who could really use it while going to school to raise themselves above the low standard they were raised in...but don't qualify. I'm gunna say it... I think a good number of young black Americans voted solely to put a black man in office (but he's mixed IMO), just as white supremacy areas voted to keep him out...not because of what the candidates stood for. Stupid People! If McCain were black with the same morals and values and Obama were white still offering a change, I feel in my heart McCain would have had the upper hand (for the record I would have still voted my morals and values). Media needs to stop choosing the 'profiled' people to interview and spread their wings...it's not a black or white thing...as much as people are making it out to be. (*note-within the past day media has broadened their interviews to different people, social classes, etc.) Obama makes me feel uneasy...I would have preferred Colon Powell...not that I agree with all of him either...but I wouldn't feel so ___(I can't think of the word). Now to the stupid Americans that think he's going to be assassinated before inauguration...shut up already! Quit thinking so negatively. He's about to be the President of the United States! Give him four years to try to prove himself...if the majority of Americans feel he failed, he moves out! Amazing how that works huh? Assassinating him would just make this Country take a dozen steps back. Lets move forward...rise above. Anyone that would think of doing such a thing has a small brain. Ok, that part was intended to insult. As far as speaking, Obama has got it going on! That man is a fantastic speaker. I love listening. Too bad I don't like most of what he says. Sadly, that and maybe his medical plan are the only two things I truly see positive. All I can do is PRAY he proves me wrong. Obviously service members putting their life on the line isn't enough of a sacrifice...only time will tell how the defence budget cuts affect us.

Change, sure. Sounds great to me. It would have been nice to see someone breastfeeding in the house. ;P But at what cost?


~Jesus loving crunchy milk making lactivist~





********(Below added to original post on 09NOV08 at 16:13)******

Ooooh-ooooh! (jumping up and down with hand in air) Something else I forgot to mention....
Guns! I'm still searching for information from valid sources but the political advertisements made me a little uneasy. I believe guns should be off the streets (and AWAY from children). But don't make it impossible for sportsmen to use them. I guess you can call me a tree hugger sometimes...but killing Bambi bringing it home and using the whole animal-food, skin, and if your a part of my family it's quite normal to proudly display the 12 point buck head on the wall- is OK in my eyes. Call me weird. I'm used to it. I have a father, brother and husband that hunts and eats anything that moves. As for me, I'd sit in a tree stand with Max...only if I have a good book. But mention shooting range. I'll be prancing with excitement piddling like a puppy waiting by the door to take my baby out. Talking about a fine dinner doesn't turn Max on, but mention deer jerky, fishing, or MY 6 shooter (family heirloom)...it's a date! ;P Take guns out of criminals hands- I agree. Make them difficult to buy- go for it. Mandate safety classes- sounds great. But if prices are jacked up on sportsman stuff then make it fair and raise the tax evenly on sports equipment across the board.

Humm, should I get my CCW before it's too late?

Roll your jaw up, I know this may come as a shock to some. Shhh, it's a secret. :)

6-1=__

"If you have 6 toes, and I cut one of them off, how many toes would you have left?"

Yes, that came out of my mouth. She understands the concept but has a hard time applying it. Yesterday was a tough day in math.

I wonder who is going to end up on the windowless 5th deck padded wall wing of the hospital first?

Slippers

My Dear Friends,

Christmas is tight this year. I will be making bedroom slippers for you all as gifts. Please let me know your sizes. You'll most likely agree that it's a splendid idea, and should you wish to do the same, I've included the instructions.

Simple and Easy Instructions:
You need four maxi pads to make a pair. Two of them get laid out flat, for the foot part. The other two wrap around the toe area to form the top. Tape or glue each side of the top pieces to the bottom of the foot part. Decorate the tops with whatever you desire, silk flowers (this is most aesthetically appealing), etc. These slippers are: * Soft and Hygienic * Non-slip grip strips on the soles * Built in deodorant feature keeps feet smelling fresh * No more bending over to mop up spills * Disposable and biodegradable * Environmentally safe * Three convenient sizes: (1.) Regular, (2.) Light and (3.) Get out the Sand Bags. I've attached a photo of the first pair I made so that you can see the nifty slippers for yourself.... Awaiting your response. It's crucial that I get the right size for each one of you.


MERRY CHRISTMAS

PS- I'll even go the extra mile and make them out of organic unbleached cotton upon your request.

GO VOTE...

...even if it is for my opposing party. Let your voice be heard! If we aren't singing in unison then I have some serious research ahead of me to jump ship. Maybe I'll become Canadian? No. Mexican? C'mon, I pushed two out. Doesn't that benefit me somehow? Oh, never mind. I'll just have to listen to my Nana and become a politician myself. By that time she won't be around to fall out when I'm debating her party. My Mom always said I could be the next Marsha Clark. Whoops, off topic.

I can't wait to be relieved of kid duty so I can voice my opinion and VOTE! I'm proud to be an American! Today more then ever, I feel strongly about my opinion. The media drives me crazy... my poor kids are tired of it too. The other day Kalee told me something and followed with "I'm Kalee Madison and I approve this message". She has also said "Are they ever going to stop talking about Rock Obama and John Cane?" Once again, she left me speechless.

...couple more hours before I search for my name on the ballot. What? Look at our awful choices. I'm more qualified then some on there having served almost 8 years as a Military wife...

Already?

One year ago today we landed on US soil. We re-learned the American culture and have not spoken Englineese since. But secretly...I miss that place. Who knows where his career will take us next. Back to Japan? Italy? Spain? Heck, anywhere in Europe works for me! Don't call me crazy. Once you get a bit of international living in your blood it's not as foreign of a concept. Geez, exactly one year!