... that Navy Chief's look forward to all year. It's the night before the new Chief's get pinned! This is the most talked about evening of events amongst the Mess. I remember the night before Max got pinned like it was last week. I'll bet every involved wife is doing or thought about doing what I did that evening. Sorry, only Chief Wife's are privy to that info...you know cuz' most Chief Wives have a 'lil more of something in them (Yokosuka friends know what I mean) then Wardroom Wives. A very memorable time in a Sailor's career.
Off to bed and reminisce.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Friday, September 12, 2008
Magic
I was picking up towels and clothes while Bear was taking a bath... I keep reminding these kids that clothes need help walking to the hamper. I hear him talking to himself, "it's magic... wow... there... not there... it's magic." so I turn around kinda curious and ask, "What's magic?". It was then that I realized he was spread eagle bent in half looking at himself.
"Look Mom, it's magic....little ball in there....not there, no spot anymore."
Bwahaha...I guess now is the time he learns a little about his own anatomy.
"Look Mom, it's magic....little ball in there....not there, no spot anymore."
Bwahaha...I guess now is the time he learns a little about his own anatomy.
COMREL Navy Media
I miss AFN. Those military folks that have lived overseas understand, I'm sure. It's the lack of hearing the 'Daily News Update' tune (on link below) and watching what our military is doing stateside and abroad. The best part were the commercials and Combat Camera. I wish I would have recorded some of them... they made me laugh. When my brother was in Iraq I remember seeing him on Combat Camera and was going crazy trying to find it on the Internet to send to my Mom. Unfortunately being stateside we no longer get AFN but I had a friend from Okinawa tell me she saw Max's COMREL story. Immediately I searched and found the Navy's story. (In the beginning you'll hear a little voice "Daaaa-daaaa"....that was Bear.) Thought I'd share.
Also, thought I'd give a tiny bit of history on where we lived when we first moved to Japan. This building in Negishi was visible from our housing. In fact, it provided nice shade plenty of times when I was pregnant with Bear and needed a break before walking up a hill then down a hill to go to the commissary or exchange. Those were the days I hated Japan. Eventually, I learned to like it...and funny enough I now miss it.
Also, thought I'd give a tiny bit of history on where we lived when we first moved to Japan. This building in Negishi was visible from our housing. In fact, it provided nice shade plenty of times when I was pregnant with Bear and needed a break before walking up a hill then down a hill to go to the commissary or exchange. Those were the days I hated Japan. Eventually, I learned to like it...and funny enough I now miss it.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Copy Cat
Max is a miniature Max. That doesn't make sense does it? Little Max is a miniature Max. Umm, yeah, no. Bear is just like his Daddy! :P No really, he is. Max set his coke can down, burped (imagine that) and said excuse me...Bear put his water cup down, forced a grunt out, and said excuse me. Max stretched and yawned....Bear stretched and yawned. Max scratched his head...Bear scratched his head. They played Pete-and-repeat at least a dozen times before I said "wish you weren't deployed when I was working on potty training him." Max told me "It was easy, all I had to do was move over."
Funny enough, Bear's accidents have been limited since.
Funny enough, Bear's accidents have been limited since.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Brestfeeding in the House?!?!
Many know if I discuss politics, I avoid revealing which party I plan on casting my vote for. The first year I was able to vote (2 presidential elections ago) my brother asked who my pick was. I replied with a smile "Al Bush". No, my sarcasm still has not ceased. I remember sitting at the table with my extended family when this topic was brought up. I was almost disowned that day. Since then I am vague with most of my political answers to friends and extended family. I realized I do stand up for what I truly believe....even though I'm registered with one party but have voted the other every time (been wanting to fix that every time...oops). Regardless of what you or I agree with or disagree with, I would have never imagined reading this during a Presidential Campaign! However you feel about Governor Sarah Palin I think this is a remarkable quote.
The mother of five told People magazine she is still nursing her baby son, Trig, born in April. But she did not think she'd have any trouble balancing her family obligations with the challenges of the campaign or the vice presidency if the Republican ticket prevails in November.
“What I’ve had to do, though, is in the middle of the night, put down the Blackberries and pick up the breast pump. Do a couple of things different and still get it all done,” Palin said of balancing work and family.
Above quote found here.
Regardless of how anyone feels about her political views, it's just awesome to know she is feeding her baby the good stuff!
The mother of five told People magazine she is still nursing her baby son, Trig, born in April. But she did not think she'd have any trouble balancing her family obligations with the challenges of the campaign or the vice presidency if the Republican ticket prevails in November.
“What I’ve had to do, though, is in the middle of the night, put down the Blackberries and pick up the breast pump. Do a couple of things different and still get it all done,” Palin said of balancing work and family.
Above quote found here.
Regardless of how anyone feels about her political views, it's just awesome to know she is feeding her baby the good stuff!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
I So Big...
B: I so big! (lifting hands high)
Me: Yes, son you are.
B: I so strong! (flexing muscles and says with a growl)
Me: Yes, son you are.
B: I wipe my own butt!
I could not hold the laughter.
Me: Yes, son you are.
B: I so strong! (flexing muscles and says with a growl)
Me: Yes, son you are.
B: I wipe my own butt!
I could not hold the laughter.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Camping Story
So you wanna know all about our trip? You impatient people! ;) A couple weeks ago we planned a camping trip with 5 families going...which also happen to be neighbors on our street. Every other week or so we plan a "Fun Friday". Usually consists of gathering in a neighbors backyard, grilling dinner and playing a game like hillbilly horseshoes. This past week we decided to do a camping trip about an hour and a half away from here at a state park for the weekend. Why do they call it a "State Park" when where we live is a "Commonwealth"? As unique as California is, I'll leave being a resident of Virginia for others. :P So, I'll give it to you in chronological order...
Short version: We had fun!
Long version:
Friday: Max got off work early and we loaded up my car because he didn't want to take the 'mini truck' (AKA: his car, he doesn't want to offend it by calling it a car, crazy.) Walked the kids bikes to the neighbors truck who was planning to leave shortly after us. We, our family and one of the neighbors, took off. We decided to take the 460 so we could avoid the "Friday bumper to bumper on the 64" towards Richmond. HA! You mean doing 55 mph in a 60 mph is considered traffic? I still don't believe Virginians know what traffic is. My definition of traffic is SoCal! To me bumper to bumper means I only use the catch point on the clutch to move 2 feet, no need for the gas pedal. About three quarters of the way into the trip we noticed blue lights flying our direction from way behind. Max pulled to the side to allow him to pass...instead, he pulled up to the neighbor following us and pointed to pull over, and pointed to us to pull over. What? Why is he pulling us over? It can't be the tint on the windows. This vehicle is registered in Kentucky (don't ask...lol). Mr. Police man comes up to the window and asks for licence, proof of insurance and registration. Huh? Max politely asked what the problem was. "I clocked you at 57 in a 35." said the man in a goofy looking hat. What, I thought that was 55?!?! Max is the goodie goodie driver that pays attention to speed and I'm...well let's just say, different. I mean he set cruise control to 57 in what he thought was 55! In my book 55 means 60 and I can do at least 8 more then that. We got the ticket and moved on to stop another driver. We asked the neighbor if he saw the speed limit change...and he didn't either! That means 3 adult drivers missed the speed limit change from 55 to 35! Stupid speed trap! I instantly called the family that was leaving shortly after us and gave them a heads up on where the fishing hole was. Upon arrival to the camp site and after getting settled in we told all our neighbors about Max's first ticket in over 10 years. How come the one neighbor said "You must have gotten it on 460 in___(name of city)" How did you know? I guess that area has been written up in the paper several times because issuing tickets is their main source of income. Nice! If I got pulled over I would be forced to not only get a Virginia licence, which would suck because that would force me to give up my Arizona licence that expires in 2047 (seriously! see why I don't want a VA licence?), but I probably would have voiced my opinion on dropping the speed from 55 only for it to be 35 for about 50 feet and jump back up to 55. UGH!
Our neighbors made fun of us for having such a huge tent. We have a 10 man, 4 room, 18x20 foot tent that barely fit on the tent pad and almost requires us to pay taxes. They were planning on landscaping "The Pino Pad". I made everyone remove shoes in the entry way just like at home. We had the living room available for board games in case it rained....but it didn't. Beautiful weather all weekend!
For dinner that night we roasted weenies. The neighbor boy was kind enough to say "Kalee, do you want my weenie?". UM, thanks but NO! LOL I do not buy hot dogs because I don't like to feed my kiddos stuff full of...stuff. But I broke down and got all beef with no artificial flavors, colors, fillers or byproducts...but still have nitrates in them...eeew. Then we roasted marshmallows. My favorite part. I set mine on fire, blew it out and scarfed it down. Don't evaluate. I know marshmallows are made of corn syrup and...stuff. Oh, your laughing about me burning them? C'mon, would you expect any different from me?
Saturday: Our expert camper neighbors made bacon egg and cheese sandwiches. YUM! Way too much work for me though. I was prepared to feed the kids 'donuts with pink icing' (whole wheat bagels with strawberry cream cheese) or a Dannimal and oatmeal. After getting cleaned up we went fishing. Max cast a line for Bear to hold his pole and 2.3 minutes later he managed to cast it himself and caught a tree. Five minutes after that both of their attention spans expired so Max and our Neighbor Scott took them on a canoe ride. After lunch Bear refused to nap so we went to the water park. They had a park inside a pool that was about my knee deep that the kids loved. I tried not to think about the amount of pee in that water....but it didn't work. Kalee and Daddy raced down the slides at least a dozen times. Surprised me because she usually doesn't tolerate water in the face well. That afternoon we watched the staff feed animals at the nature center which was the educational highlight of the day. Bear was fascinated watching the snakes eat mice...which gave me the heebie-jeebies. The staff was very willing to educate us about the different animals. It reminded me of walking into my brothers room....deer heads on the wall with bear, raccoon, and fox furs displayed around all the reptiles. It was finally time to eat dinner and our expert camping neighbors made Brunswick stew and Peach Cobbler in a dutch oven on the open fire. Delish! Yes, I still burned myself a marshmallow for a smore.
Sunday: After breakfast we packed up to head back. Max wanted to take the long way to avoid the speed trap. Instead I drove home...slowing down to 33 mph in the famous area on the 460.
Would I tent camp again? Sure. But not until we have a van or truck to haul all the little things I forgot... like the air mattress, can opener, lighter, coffee, kids potty (so I don't have to walk to the bathroom 12 times a day between the 2 kids), broom to sweep out ourhouse tent...yeah I'm OCD
...and for those that know me and my showering obsession....I still showered every morning and every night. :P I would not have gone otherwise.
Short version: We had fun!
Long version:
Friday: Max got off work early and we loaded up my car because he didn't want to take the 'mini truck' (AKA: his car, he doesn't want to offend it by calling it a car, crazy.) Walked the kids bikes to the neighbors truck who was planning to leave shortly after us. We, our family and one of the neighbors, took off. We decided to take the 460 so we could avoid the "Friday bumper to bumper on the 64" towards Richmond. HA! You mean doing 55 mph in a 60 mph is considered traffic? I still don't believe Virginians know what traffic is. My definition of traffic is SoCal! To me bumper to bumper means I only use the catch point on the clutch to move 2 feet, no need for the gas pedal. About three quarters of the way into the trip we noticed blue lights flying our direction from way behind. Max pulled to the side to allow him to pass...instead, he pulled up to the neighbor following us and pointed to pull over, and pointed to us to pull over. What? Why is he pulling us over? It can't be the tint on the windows. This vehicle is registered in Kentucky (don't ask...lol). Mr. Police man comes up to the window and asks for licence, proof of insurance and registration. Huh? Max politely asked what the problem was. "I clocked you at 57 in a 35." said the man in a goofy looking hat. What, I thought that was 55?!?! Max is the goodie goodie driver that pays attention to speed and I'm...well let's just say, different. I mean he set cruise control to 57 in what he thought was 55! In my book 55 means 60 and I can do at least 8 more then that. We got the ticket and moved on to stop another driver. We asked the neighbor if he saw the speed limit change...and he didn't either! That means 3 adult drivers missed the speed limit change from 55 to 35! Stupid speed trap! I instantly called the family that was leaving shortly after us and gave them a heads up on where the fishing hole was. Upon arrival to the camp site and after getting settled in we told all our neighbors about Max's first ticket in over 10 years. How come the one neighbor said "You must have gotten it on 460 in___(name of city)" How did you know? I guess that area has been written up in the paper several times because issuing tickets is their main source of income. Nice! If I got pulled over I would be forced to not only get a Virginia licence, which would suck because that would force me to give up my Arizona licence that expires in 2047 (seriously! see why I don't want a VA licence?), but I probably would have voiced my opinion on dropping the speed from 55 only for it to be 35 for about 50 feet and jump back up to 55. UGH!
Our neighbors made fun of us for having such a huge tent. We have a 10 man, 4 room, 18x20 foot tent that barely fit on the tent pad and almost requires us to pay taxes. They were planning on landscaping "The Pino Pad". I made everyone remove shoes in the entry way just like at home. We had the living room available for board games in case it rained....but it didn't. Beautiful weather all weekend!
For dinner that night we roasted weenies. The neighbor boy was kind enough to say "Kalee, do you want my weenie?". UM, thanks but NO! LOL I do not buy hot dogs because I don't like to feed my kiddos stuff full of...stuff. But I broke down and got all beef with no artificial flavors, colors, fillers or byproducts...but still have nitrates in them...eeew. Then we roasted marshmallows. My favorite part. I set mine on fire, blew it out and scarfed it down. Don't evaluate. I know marshmallows are made of corn syrup and...stuff. Oh, your laughing about me burning them? C'mon, would you expect any different from me?
Saturday: Our expert camper neighbors made bacon egg and cheese sandwiches. YUM! Way too much work for me though. I was prepared to feed the kids 'donuts with pink icing' (whole wheat bagels with strawberry cream cheese) or a Dannimal and oatmeal. After getting cleaned up we went fishing. Max cast a line for Bear to hold his pole and 2.3 minutes later he managed to cast it himself and caught a tree. Five minutes after that both of their attention spans expired so Max and our Neighbor Scott took them on a canoe ride. After lunch Bear refused to nap so we went to the water park. They had a park inside a pool that was about my knee deep that the kids loved. I tried not to think about the amount of pee in that water....but it didn't work. Kalee and Daddy raced down the slides at least a dozen times. Surprised me because she usually doesn't tolerate water in the face well. That afternoon we watched the staff feed animals at the nature center which was the educational highlight of the day. Bear was fascinated watching the snakes eat mice...which gave me the heebie-jeebies. The staff was very willing to educate us about the different animals. It reminded me of walking into my brothers room....deer heads on the wall with bear, raccoon, and fox furs displayed around all the reptiles. It was finally time to eat dinner and our expert camping neighbors made Brunswick stew and Peach Cobbler in a dutch oven on the open fire. Delish! Yes, I still burned myself a marshmallow for a smore.
Sunday: After breakfast we packed up to head back. Max wanted to take the long way to avoid the speed trap. Instead I drove home...slowing down to 33 mph in the famous area on the 460.
Would I tent camp again? Sure. But not until we have a van or truck to haul all the little things I forgot... like the air mattress, can opener, lighter, coffee, kids potty (so I don't have to walk to the bathroom 12 times a day between the 2 kids), broom to sweep out our
...and for those that know me and my showering obsession....I still showered every morning and every night. :P I would not have gone otherwise.
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