Biek Living in Okinawa

Comprehensive Park

2011-07-13T17:49:00.006+09:00

I was almost deterred with the rain this morning, but we went to the park anyway! I thought, this is Okinawa, even if it rains it's warm right…….but what about my camera?!?

Well we faced the little bit of rain that was falling on the way there, but gladly it had stopped by the time we had gotten there. So I pulled out the three bikes packed in the back of my van and hit the trails. I decided this time instead of running with the kids I would rent a bike for myself.

Now I know you are thinking, how was I able to contain all my awesomeness while riding this bike?

Well it wasn't easy, but cruising at Jack's super fast speed with his training wheels, kept my coolness at bay. But I promise had I been able to break 3 mph, there would have been some serious amazement!!!

Comprehensive park has so much to offer, our next adventure there will include the water park!! I am so looking forward to that!

Even with the clouds it was hot!! The kids were really troopers!!

Poor Jack has to work so hard to keep his bike moving!! Training wheels are going soon, then we'll really be able to cruise around the park!

Really he was just mad because I made him stop so I could take his picture!!

I took this one while running to the car, it was just starting to sprinkle, but I was afraid it was going to start pouring! But we made it just in time before it really let loose, though I had to tuck the camera under my shirt!

Over all it was a great summer day, and the kids and I both really had a good time!!

2011 Sakura

2011-02-12T19:23:00.006+09:00

February in any other place is snowy and cold right now, and while it might be cold to those who are used to Okinawa's heat, this is my favorite time of year. (other than summer!)

Sakura, or cherry blossoms, are a wonder here in Okinawa! Its gray and gloomy this time of year, yet you can look almost anywhere on island right now and you'll be sure to see some glint of pink somewhere!!

They are really beautiful, and it seems that no matter how many years I take pictures of them, they are still just as amazing as the first time I shot them!

Love them!

And like snowflakes, no two are the same!

This one (above) is my all time favorite picture. I will have this one blown up, one more thing off my list of things to get from Okinawa!!

I have a hard time comprehending sometimes the splendor of the place we live, and I wish I could just breath it all in. Every time I see the ocean, I am reminded of God's creation, and the cherry blossoms are no different! I love seeing the beauty of His creation!

Okinawa and one thing I will miss.....

2011-02-12T18:07:00.004+09:00

This is a common sight here in Okinawa, and its one thing I love about the culture here.

This game is called Gate Ball, and according to the book "Takako and the Great Typhoon" the elderly people playing the game are called Obaasans and Ojiisans.

On our way out of the park they had taken a break for lunch, or maybe a snack, it was only 10AM. So I snapped a few shots of their clubs and what not.

I had gone to the park to shoot Sakura, or cherry blossoms, but it was hard to resist the chance to photograph this little group!!

And really it was not a little group there were quite a few people playing on this day!

I suppose this is to the Okinawan people what shuffle board is to Americans.

Each group had one little old man with a clipboard over his shoulder. He seemed to be trying to play the game a little quicker than anyone else so he could keep every one's score.

They were quite a group to watch, when one would have a good shot the others would "Oooohh" together. When a ball was hit with a little to much umph, the ladies would all holler together, and then the little old man would try to up his pace to take care of the wild ball.

They seemed to be having a grand ol' time playing together.

Okinawa is such a peaceful place to live, and much to my shame, I have not learned as much about the people and culture as I should.

Note taken, I should learn more about this amazing place I live!! Its not every day you get the opportunity to live in a foreign country.

Butterfly Park

2011-01-07T19:19:00.003+09:00

Silliness seems to be every where in our lives, here is no exception!!

Even Grandma was a fairy!
Like mother like daughter!

Even Grandpa!!!

Jack was enthralled with the butterflies!

It was truly a wonderful experience to hold and see them so close up.

I just Love him!!

Red was definitely their choice color!

My Love and I!!!

Grandma and Grandpa, I love this pic of them!!

Deep Sea Fishing

2011-01-07T18:51:00.003+09:00

JPaul and Grandpa Jack were able to get in a deep sea fishing trip while they were here. It was a treasured time for Grandpa! Grandpa was also able to get a fish print made with the Tuna that he caught.

Like I said he was pretty happy, even with not so great weather, it was a successful trip!

Genna got to hold the Mahi-mahi they caught.

And Jack was just happy to hold the fishy!

About Time.

2010-12-21T09:59:00.003+09:00

I have been avoiding posting on here, thinking somehow it would magically do itself.....haha, yeah reality check! As with many things in my life, if I don't get up and do it, it does not get done!! So here I go documenting my mom and Jack's trip to Okinawa!!

First lunch off base, Okonomi-yaki,

This was a stop that I had made with some Japanese High School students, when I was part of Friends Abroad, JPaul had never been either, so I thought I would share!

What a Wonderful day in Okinawa!!

YUMMMM!!!! Grandpa, JPaul and I shared this and Jack had some soba noodles, yummy!! I want to go back!

Another Field Trip

2010-09-17T15:13:00.004+09:00

JPaul was able to go with the kids on their field trips this week. They were both so excited about dad going with them!

Isaiah's class went to the Peace Prayer Park.

It was so hot yesterday! I think all the kids were thankful for the cool water!

This is Isaiah's 3rd grade class.

Buddies!

My step-dad's last name is Blume, wonder if this is some relation.

Part of the park, this is one of the places we will go back to when my Mom and Jack get here!

More of the memorial walls.

Too Cool!

Good kids!

Mrs. Soroka, she is wonderful!!

Field Trips

2010-09-17T14:50:00.003+09:00

Genna started 1st grade this year, she was so excited to start school!

For some reason everything seems to be moving so much faster than last year, and with things moving, here Genna is with her class on their first field trip!

They went to a potato farm not to far from the base, and were able to pick a whole bag full to bring home!

I got nothin' for this pic, I just wanted to show it!

Here she is with her little group, waiting so patiently for their turn to dig!!

FRIENDS!!

And then on the bus again!

Kurashiki Dam

2010-09-11T19:37:00.002+09:00

I was a beautiful day here in Okinawa!! We decided to get out of the house for a little family time!!

Jack being his busy self!! I love how adventurous he is!!

Daddy was in on building too, they were really trying to stop the flow of the water!!

Genna was working hard too!

Isaiah being his "too cool for you" self.

Love this silly boy!!!

And me....behind the camera!

A Day in the Life of Jack

2010-09-11T19:20:00.002+09:00

My Jack is all boy for sure!

He has found a new love, Genna's DSi.

So much so that he feels he has to hide to play it!

A moment alone produces this.....

More Ovaltine PLEASE!!!

Just another day.........what will tomorrow hold?

Yomitan Photowalk

2010-07-27T09:34:00.005+09:00

I have had the privilege of being part of a group of very talented ladies, unworthy as I feel, I have been so thankful they let me tag along with them!!

Walking around Yomitan was a great experience. The simplicity of life here in Okinawa is something I wish I could explain to people, but you really have to see and feel it to understand.

And I really think that unless you get out and walk the little side streets you could live on this island for years and still never experience it.

So thank you ladies, for allowing me to see and feel Okinawa!!

Plumeria is Beautiful!!

Some day I will have a garden with one of these, I am not even really sure what they are called, but I really like them!

I have developed a little obsession for taking pics of chains, they are used just about everywhere, something about the worn look of the metal is intriguing to me.

A glass buoy, this is one thing I would love to own before we leave Okinawa!

I love this island of Okinawa.

Simplicity

2010-06-17T21:27:00.006+09:00

One of the things I have discovered in the last few days is the simplicity of what I believe.

THE BIBLE (God's word, nothing added)

Simple.

True.

Plenary. (look that up its a good word to know)

Pondering.

2010-06-16T21:04:00.002+09:00

I read a lot of info about another denomination tonight, some of what they believe makes me sad, the rest of what they believe makes me want to dig into my bible and really define what I believe from God's word.

I know I have an eternal home with Christ, now I need to dig to find the words to be prepared to tell others what I believe, and why.

3 Years of Jack (better late than never)

2010-05-17T16:22:00.004+09:00

MY BABY IS THREE!

Here he is last year, his 2nd birthday.

The big "1"

My Baby the day he arrived into our family!

My how time Flies!!!

Keeping My Head Above Water

2010-02-02T07:00:00.003+09:00

I have blogged a couple of times about the study we are doing at church right now.......women, if you have group that is looking for a study to do, Breaking Free by Beth Moore, is an amazing study!

I have so much I want to blog about from this study, I really need to sit down and go page by page. No lie though, for any of you who have done a Beth Moore study, they have a ton of homework. But I have incorporated it into my morning quiet time, and do a little every day.

All I can say is wow, and I really need to blog about it, to share more about what I am learning, and what God has been revealing in my life. Learning so much in such a short amount of time has left me tredding water, and seeing my Savior's hand reaching for me. I just have to learn to reach for Him. He is there, waiting, and making sure I keep my head above water, until I learn to lift my hand.

I am so blessed to be part of the group of women here in Okinawa, truly blessed.

Tid bit: Pride keeps us from God, keeps us from seeing who He truly is and from seeing who we are in Him.

I want the hosts of heaven to hear the rumble of my boulders of pride, as I roll them off my road to freedom in Christ.

God is Good!

on a lighter note, Jack and Addison had fun....

2010-01-21T14:41:00.005+09:00

And here are two sweet little 2 year olds, who thought it would be fun to.....

play in the baby lotion.

They were so excited about what they had done, they came down and told us!

You know you gotta rub it in!

Yup there too!!!

Loving life with a 2 year old, and as I should have known, any quiet moment spells trouble!

Love you both!

Healed by His wounds.

2010-01-21T14:08:00.002+09:00

As I stated in the last post, we have started this Beth Moore study, Breaking Free.

Originally I had the expectation that this study would help me get rid of my physical strongholds.

I never expected to get hit in the first week with what I really need freedom from. And now that I know what it is, what I WANT freedom from.

ANGER.

There I said it, its out there, you know now, so let's move on......right?

Easier said than done. I have been angry for a long time, and its becoming more evident on a daily basis. I am seeing that I have set the example long enough that I am passing anger on to my daughter.

And I am dumbfounded in the fact that I can't give you just one thing that makes me angry.

I am just angry. Like it is such a part of me it seeps from me.

Now, if I wanted to and if you wanted to hear me verbally throw up, I could make a list of things that make me angry. But that would do no one any good, and it would leave me .........well, angry.

Beth Moore said something today that made me look at my anger in a new light. She said, God allowed Jesus to suffer so that we may be healed. I need to be healed from my anger. I am reaching for the bottom of his robe, for healing, because I know with out a shadow of a doubt, His healing is meant for me too. I need to find a "resolution to cross the boarder of legitimate behavior to gain access to Divine power."

Isaiah 53:5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.

Jesus paid the price, all I have to do is accept the gift of forgiveness. I need to get over myself and get into Jesus.

On to the healing process, and asking forgiveness, for my anger, from my daughter.

Breaking Free......

2010-01-15T19:51:00.002+09:00

Before I even knew I was going to do this Beth Moore study, I knew there were things I needed to break free from.

Instead of making a resolution for 2010, I made a list of the top 10 things I wanted to change in 2010. And it became "My Top 10 For 2010" A list of not only things I wanted to change, but things I knew I could be doing better or try harder at.

A few of the things I have decided to do are pretty personal and I feel like I need to keep them to myself. But I wanted to share a few things that I intend to change.

OK the first thing on my list was prompted by the fact that I am going to be the BIG 3 0 this year. And really I am totally cool with getting older, except when it comes to my body. I have decided that my #1 goal this year is to be in the best shape of my life before I turn 30. So that gives me about 10 and 1/2 months left to tone and shape up my, post three children, body.

Secondly, eating more healthy food, and getting rid of a few really bad habits. Really the line in my journal says "stop eating candy!" I gave up pop in November, and decided that the next step was getting the candy out of my diet. And when I wrote about breaking free before I started the study, I meant that I decided to get the candy out of my diet before the study started, but I did not realize exactly the stronghold it had on me until I talked with a good friend after the study started.

I looked to candy as a comfort if I was sad, a way to put a thorn under my hubbies butt if I was mad, and justified gorging myself on it when I was stressed in motherhood. I just never realized how much I let it control me, like an addiction, that I did not see as an addiction.

And I know that it is not something that I am going to get over in a month, or two, or three, this will be a challenge I will be battling the rest of my life! I will have to be extra conscious every time I go out any where, because even after almost 2 weeks without any candy, I still reach for what sounds good at the checkout. Like the Big Kit Kat bar that I picked up, but DID NOT buy at the little Japanese store I stopped at Wednesday night.

Thirdly, after some rearranging on the list, this started at #7, I want to read my Bible form cover to cover. I am not so concerned with the time that it takes me, like limiting myself to the one year kind of thing, I just want to do it once. Then do it again, and again and again.

And as always something I did not put this on my list, but its kind of an assumed thing, is to grow as a Christian woman. To become an example to my kids, showing a personal relationship with Christ to them. To continually rely on him, and to learn to Break Free from the yoke of sin and bondage. To change the way I think and interact with people, especially my kids!

OK enough for tonight, off to start out night time routine!! Its going to be an awesome year!

going to blog more

2010-01-15T17:13:00.001+09:00

i promise......some time i'll have more than 30 seconds to sit here.

more life with a 2 year old

2010-01-04T21:48:00.002+09:00

As things go in the Biek household, you might think Jack is covered in blood.

But no, he did this to himself, with a tube of Genna's lip gloss. I am telling you, silence for more than a minute is danger in my house!!

Who needs milk? The mix is just as fun to eat as chocolate milk is to drink!!

I am glad to have pictures, so I can look back and think how glad I am to be out of this stage!!

The last group.

2010-01-04T21:37:00.002+09:00

We had a wonderful opportunity to be part of a program called Friends Abroad. Giving us the chance to bring these students into our lives for a day, so they can see the American lifestyle.

It's sad that it has come to an end!

I really enjoyed being part of this, the kids enjoyed it too!

Thank you Friends Abroad for this chance to share our lives, we enjoyed it!

The kids had fun!

2010-01-04T21:29:00.002+09:00

And then it is gone........

Many hands joined in the fun, even had a chance to meet my new neighbor, all the while loading her kids up on sugar!

Going, going, going......

GONE!

It was a little bit hard to see my hard work get torn to bits, but in the end I think it was more fun for them to eat it!!

And It's Finished!

2009-11-23T21:35:00.004+09:00

This is my Gingerbread house for the contest at the Schilling Center here on base.

I had high expectations, and I think it turned out OK.

Next year I'll be making my own house plans, and I may make 2 just so I can practice.

2009-11-23T14:48:00.005+09:00

More Gingerbread!!

My Gingerbread House.......

2009-11-16T16:42:00.007+09:00

Well the beginning of it anyway!

I am going to record this process from start to finish, mostly for my sister-in-law Christina, who taught me all I know about cakes and what not.

So here is the start of my gingerbread adventure!

My kitchen smelled so good!! Made me sad I still have to wait to bake it!!

I cant wait to have my house filled with the smell of cooking gingerbread!!

I have to say that the "Measure-all Cup" from Pampered Chef, is the one tool I love!! if you don't have this, you need it! I use mine all the time!!! First above for shortening and sugar, then below for molasses.

This was Genna's addition to the project! Sweet girl!

In the fridge 'till tomorrow!!

She also enjoyed licking the mixer blade!

And this was all I had to clean up!

2009-11-12T17:27:00.002+09:00

Say cheese....

Thanks Zamboo and Bug for smiling so nice.........

Ugggg.....we just want a nice picture,

One with your eyes open please!

And as an after-thought, guess I should have put clothes on my youngest!

But its a cute pic anyway!!

Flash Back

2009-11-12T17:02:00.004+09:00

Looking back at our family.

November 2001

Both so young, JPaul was 23, and I was getting ready to turn 21. Isaiah was about 2 weeks old.

June 2003

Could not find a family picture, its probably in our prints in storage!

This was the day Genna was born, Isaiah was just shy of 20 months old when she was born.

Christmas 2006

This was our first Christmas in Omaha, Isaiah had just turned 5 and Genna was 3 1/2.

November 2007

Dinner with family and friends before we moved to the other side of the world!!

September 2008

This was taken just before JPaul deployed to Iraq, how much life has changed for us!

November 2009

This was taken at the aquarium in Nago, IE Island is in the background.

Its hard to believe we are coming up on 10 years of marriage. Our lives have changed so much, for the better for sure!

I know the next 10 years will hold more change for us, I am looking forward to the adventure!

Jacks First Day!

2009-09-29T09:30:00.003+09:00

All Soul's Pre-School

Jack is in the Teddy Bears Class room, and he loves it!

Miss Andrea and her helpers Miss Beka and Miss Aya are doing an amazing job of teaching this little group of 2 year olds!

Jack is learning his ABC's and colors and shapes!

The playground....sand, a slide, your best friend and cute little girls, what more does a 2 year old need!?!

This is his best friend!

Here he is on his way to school for the first day, this is how he smiles at the camera right now. Too funny!

I love this pre-school, they have amazing teachers, and it's a program I am blessed to be a part of!

School Year 09-10 has begun!!

2009-09-29T09:06:00.007+09:00

YEAH! Another school year has begun! Time is flying!

Here is Genna on her first day this year, I was not here for her first day this year so Dad got her up and ready to go!! What a good job Daddy did!!

This was her pic last year! She was so excited about school!

This was in Omaha, where she went to a half day program! She loved it too!

And then there is the Big Man Isaiah!! Here on his first day of kindergarten!

And then last year in first grade!

And now the big second grader!!!

nothing important

2009-08-05T12:49:00.004+09:00

So I was keeping my friends kids the other day and we played outside for a while, I really miss playing with my camera. So this is just some random-ness from me.

Jack told me this plane "cashed."

My mug.

Dayton kept asking me to take his "pisher" he even smiled nice for me.

And he would walk in front of me when I would pick the camera up! Got a little ham on your hands Shannan!

I tired to get Jack to smile, this is the best I got!

Backyard Bugs!

2009-08-02T17:22:00.003+09:00

We have had more fun this summer taking pictures of the fun creepy crawly things we find in the yard. Isaiah even said he found a small snake in the yard today, and that is the one thing that we absolutely tell them to stay away from. The Habu that are here on Okinawa are some of the most poisoness snakes in the world. Not anything I want to deal with!!

Genna loves bugs, and is not afraid of any of them!!

Solar Eclpise

2009-08-02T16:54:00.003+09:00

Living in Okinawa gave us the chance to see the eclipse, we went to the beach with friends to try to get the best view. My friend Shannan had found eclipse glasses online, and wasso kind to share with us!

This is the best I could do with our camera. It was amazing to watch with the glasses.

Here are the kids playing at the beach just as the eclipse was starting.

Then out on the walkway.

Here is Daddy taking his turn with the galsses.

And me.

Genna (its really hard to get a non-silly picture of this child!)

And Isaiah!

And one more of daddy being silly, I love my family!

Jack

2009-08-02T16:44:00.002+09:00

Jack loves yogurt, and with it being summer time, we stick plastic forks into the cup and put in the freezer.

A down side to it being summer is it melts really fast!

But it makes for fun pictures! He was trying to share with a bug, he was a little to friendly, notice the tip of his finger. Needless to say the bug did not get any yogurt.

I asked him to look at the camera and smile!?! This is what I got!!

Love my little man!

Cocok's Toes

2009-08-02T16:42:00.000+09:00

I love going to Cocok's to get a massage and nail art!

Sushi Making

2009-08-02T16:09:00.003+09:00

Saturday I had the opportunity to join a group of ladies, and with the help of a wonderful Japanese lady named Yumi, we spent the evening making our own sushi.

Here is my sushi roll (nothing raw in mine though!)

We made sticky rice and got to choose from a variety of veggies and eggs, also a few kinds of fish, that was all cooked (but I made mine with veggies, cucumber, carrot and ginger and eggs, not a big fan of fish)

After I cut it up. It's so pretty!!

OK now I am just shooting for the fun of it!

I am kind of a chicken when is comes to trying new things, but I did eat a few pieces of my own and one of the roll that Yumi made for us (which did have fish cake in it, I only ate after much pressing from the other ladies that were there) Not terrible but not anything I'll eat again!

I enjoyed making sushi, it will be something that I would love to make again, maybe a fun family thing! Who knows!

This is the sushi that Yumi made for us.

6 Years Of Genna

2009-06-24T20:11:00.005+09:00

Genna is celebrating her 6th birthday today, and I thought what better than to go back and look through her pictures and find one for every year. To see how she has changed over the last 6 years!

Here is Genna at 4 months, one of my favorite pics of her! I just realized that most of her birth pictures are in storage.

Here she is the day of her first birthday, she was so happy to be naked in her new chair with candy, not much better in life!

This was taken just before her second birthday, hiding in the new furniture.
Here she is at the park in Omaha, just after she turned 3.

The Big 4 Year old!! Chatting with Grandpa Del on her birthday!

Her 5th Birthday was spent here in Okinawa, with our "military" family.

And then the big 6 was spent her in Okinawa also, at the pool then on to Chilli's for dinner to get a chocolate shake! Yum!! She laughed the whole time the wait staff was singing to her!
Now to get all sappy on you, I am so happy to celebrate her birthday this year, with all that happened at the end of May, and knowing that things could have been so much worse than they were. I am just so thankful for this little girl, and I know that God has big plans for her!

I look forward to seeing her grow into a young lady!

Momma LOVES you Genna!

Summer Hair Cuts

2009-06-09T08:02:00.006+09:00

Just for fun, JPaul decided to cut the boys hair for the summer season. Jack was all excited about getting his hair cut!

So Daddy got started without any problems.

The hair started to tickle Jacks arms and back, he kept saying "pokey, pokey!"

In the end..........well lets just say he had had enough!

Isaiah on the other hand, was not to bummed about getting his hair cut!

Until it was time to get started!!

But in the end........he was much happier than Jack was!

Ahhhhh the joy's of a 2 year old!

2009-05-27T08:14:00.004+09:00

Leave a 2 year old alone for a minute and this is what you get!

This is a combination of a 5 year old who does not put things away when she is done, and a 2 year old who uses the lip on the dishwasher to reach further onto the counter.
And a mom who needed 5 minutes to get her hair done.

Gotta love Nestle Hot Coco mix!!

And mind you this was all happening like 30 seconds before I needed to be walking out the door!

One silly boy!

2009-03-20T17:47:00.003+09:00

~Isaiah~

Having fun on the trampoline!

Such a Goof Ball!

~Love this kid~

just a little snack........and randomness

2009-03-20T14:20:00.004+09:00

Jack is a snacky kid, and takes every opportunity that I have my back turned to get the snack of his choosing. He was quite happy with his choice of snacks on this day.

Posing with his bread!

I think it is safe to say we have an issue......

Our boys love to play on the trampoline, actually our whole family enjoys playing and jumping!

Another of Jack, taking a break this time!

One thing I have enjoyed watching in the last 2 months that JPaul has been home is how much this little boy loves his daddy! He has become daddy's little buddy!

I love seeing him sleep so sweet, he was drooling all over daddy, guess he must have been really comfortable!

I didn't get tagged but I'm doing it anyway!

2009-02-25T17:52:00.003+09:00

Here are the rules

1.Choose the 4th folder where you store your pictures on your computer.
2.Select the 4th picture in the folder.
3.Explain the picture
4.Tag 4 people to do the same

No cheating (cropping or editing)

So here is our beautiful daughter, Genna, I had to think about this picture for a minute. OK, so this was taken one of the last night we spent in our house in Omaha. We left that house just a few days later, went home to MI for 2 weeks and then off to Japan!! (she is sitting on the air mattress that our neighbors let us borrow) Don't care to sleep on one ever again!!

I am not going to tag anyone, if you want to do it, good for you! I'll look forward to seeing your pictures!

Picture This!!

2009-02-21T22:41:00.003+09:00

A beautiful, blonde little girl, dancing around the living room singing the same little tune over and over......

Got this in your mind?

OK now picture her with an apple twisted up in her shirt.........

Singing.....

"I have a BOOB" "I have a BOOB" "I have a BOOB"

All this while skipping across the living room floor.

funny thing.....

2009-02-17T19:58:00.004+09:00

I have a quiet house, and at 8pm everyone (including my not feeling so well hubby) is in bed sleeping. And I want to blog.......

But I got nothing.

My house is a wreck and I am ignoring it (really its like trying to ignore a chiwawa chewing on your big toe) I can see a pile of laundry that needs folding out of the corner of my eye and have a pile of stuff all over the desk.

And yet here I sit......writing about nothing. Hoping I'll get some great revelation about what to write.

Again I got nothing. do de do......

OK so here are a few pics.

And go figure when I want to add pics, thats when the computer decided to be dumb!

And so I am going to publish this meaningless post and I am going to bed!

Nago Cherry Blossoms

2009-02-16T22:14:00.008+09:00

What a wonderful day!!

They were just about breathtaking this year.

I had a lot of fun with the group we went with, momma's day out!

There is not to much else I can say about these flowers, their beauty speaks for themselves!

I know this last one is not a cherry blossom, but I just loved these flowers. The yellow was beautiful, and just popped out with the green backdrop!

Thanks Shannan, again, for letting me use your 50mm. LOVE IT!

And another one bites the dust....

2009-01-24T11:03:00.005+09:00

So just a few day after the last post, he decided that having just one front tooth was not so much fun!

So he pulled the other one out!

I am sure the little tooth buds will soon produce HUGE front teeth, only time will tell!

Isaiah's Front tooth!

2009-01-08T12:06:00.004+09:00

Isaiah has lost another tooth! And the other front tooth is not far behind!! His buddy Howie helped the process along, they were finger wrestling?!?!?!? and Isaiah went to poke Howie in the leg and busted his mouth on Howie's knee, and out came the tooth!

Leave it to little boys to find fun ways to help bust out your loose tooth!

Thanks Howie, let us know if we can return the favor!! haha

Japanese New Year

2009-01-07T22:50:00.008+09:00

So here are the pics just after the Japanese new year, I had a lot of fun with Shannan and Missy. And it was nice not to be the only mom with a kid strapped to her back!

I do love the Japanese for all their traditions, some dating back hundreds of years. An added blessing to living in another country.

We had to rinse our hands before entering the shrine.

I got to add our wishes for the new year to the rack, but I totally put 2008 on it instead of 2009, mommy brain moment!

Just a cool shot, thanks to Shannan helping me with my camera!!

More fortunes, they were tied all over the place!

Me tying my fortune to the rope. Thanks Shannan for a great shot!

Another shot by Shannan!

2009 So Far

2009-01-07T06:39:00.008+09:00

How is it possible that we are a week into 2009 and it doesn't really feel any different than 2 weeks ago, accept all the Christmas decorations are put away now, and my house manages to stay clean for 1/2 the day (oh wait the big kids are back in school, that's why!)

We have had a good week so far, some how the new year does not feel complete here in Okinawa, I think it has to do with not actually watching the ball drop. Funny how such a simple thing becomes such a time marker! And for some reason seeing the ball drop at noon the next day just messes things up even more! But also lets me know that if I happen to fall asleep next New Years eve, at least I can watch the ball drop the next day, so no need to put myself through dealing with the day after a night of to little sleep and 3 cranky kids! (No amount of coffee makes this experience any better!)

Moving on............my friend Melissa, along with her son Nathan, went on an adventure to Naha, and this is what we found.........

Seriously..............Only in Japan!

Isaiah enjoying the swings.

Genna showing how much she enjoyed the slide!

Jack being less than thrilled about going down the slide.

Jack talking to a baby, you think it matters if his babbles are in English?

Melissa taking her turn on the "fast slide"

And Na-nan, as Jack calls him, taking his turn.

He is all done.

Seeing the Son's rays even through the clouds!

2008-12-27T20:54:00.005+09:00

Yesterday was at the top of the list for crappy days since JPaul has been gone! I am thankful that the good days have far outweighed the bad, but it's sad to say when we(meaning I) have a bad day, it is really bad!

So with out going into to much detail, for the protection of those involved, lets just say that "Johnny and Sally" ate their breakfast and lunch in the peace and quiet of their rooms. And the house for the first time since school let out had some peace in it, until 1 that afternoon!

I just cant figure out how to teach our kids that things, though they are just things, need to be taken care of. And while trying not to place any eternal value on these earthly things, they still need the effort put into them to make them last longer than the day after Christmas. So all that to say that they forfeited a few of their new things until this Tuesday, and we will see after that how long they will be able to keep them!

Sometimes I really HATE the responsibility being a parent puts on my shoulders, and even more so when the Rock of our home functions is away! I am thankful that I do have a foundation with Jesus, it makes the few minutes of quiet time I get during the day, knowing he is always there holding me up!

So after quite a traumatic morning, I took the kids up to a running track so they could burn off some pent up energy, while enjoying one of their Christmas presents.

And this was good for Mommy too! I got to walk, with Jack quietly riding in the stroller, and enjoy some of what I have come to love and look forward to seeing on Kadena.

As you come around the end of this running track this is what you get to see. And even though the day was overcast, the ocean never seems to loose its wonder! Seeing the outer islands with the sun streaked sky, was all the peace I needed for that day!

A reminder that even when we have gray days, you can ALWAYS see Jesus, you just have to see the Son's rays through the clouds!

Isaiah and Genna both had a good time racing around the track! And Jack really enjoys riding!

Our Christmas

2008-12-26T20:52:00.005+09:00

OUR CHRISTMAS

2008

Here is our tree, with all the gifts and stockings! I had a good time shopping for the kids this year, they both had several things they wanted, I did the best I could do to get the things they wanted.

But I think over all JPaul and I have done a good job of telling our kids the real reason we celebrate this season. When asked about why we celebrate both Isaiah and Genna will tell you that it is Jesus' Birthday, and we are celebrating what a gift God gave when He sent His Son to earth as a baby.

We have never really done the "Santa" thing (I know what your thinking, but wait till you hear the rest)

As we drove home the other day the kids were asking if Santa was really real, so I told them that Santa was a real person a long time ago and he gave presents to poor kids whose mom's and dad's could not give them gifts......

And Isaiah blurts out, "But we are not POOR!?!" So I used his little observation to explain why Santa does not come to our house!

So we focus on Jesus this time of the year!

Grandma Adelaide got the kids an ornament for the tree this year, so for the kids' Christmas Eve gift they got new jammie's!!

Here is Genna after dumping the treasures of her stocking out!

Isaiah really likes the Chinese dragons, so we got him this glass laser burned ball with a dragon in it, then I found a little light that changes color for it to set on, it is really cool!

Jack.........well he got lots of balls and cars, but in the grand scheme of things this is really what it is all about!! THE CHOCOLATE!!!

Christmas day my good friend Shannan invited us over for dinner, so the kids decorated a few cookies to share. Its kinda hard to see in this pic, but Isaiah really took his time and put a lot of detail into his cookies!

Genna had a lot of fun in the kitchen with me while she was decorating her cookies. I think she ate just as much as she put on the cookies! And she LOADED her cookies with a ton of sprinkles! Just the way a 5 year old wants to eat them, right?

Here are the kids with their scooters, they were very excited about these! Isaiah is already zipping around the driveway! And loving his "Skater" helmet!

And here is Genna all decked out in Pink, Pink, Pink! She just grinned ear to ear when she found out her scooter was Pink too!!

And since there are so few pics of Jack and I, I thought I would snap a shot of him and I as we watched the kids scoot around the drive way!! Jack and I were still in our jammie's, and surprisingly enough our big kids HAD clothes on!!

Merry Christmas!

Love to you all this Season!

Christmas 2008

2008-12-24T22:46:00.003+09:00

Can you believe this year is almost over already! I can't! It has gone by in a wink, and I am sure this next year will go by just as fast!

So I thought I would give an overview of our year.

2008 has brought some of the biggest changes to our lives. We ended 2007 with a move half way around the world, to Okinawa, Japan. We have grown as a family and as individuals as well! We have adjusted to a world surrounded with concrete, and learned to change habits, like driving on the passenger side of the car, and on the left side of the road. I, for the most part, have quit flipping my wipers every time I want to make a turn! But its still fun to laugh at your self for flipping them on when making a right hand turn, and trying to spray some wind shield washer fluid before you look like a fool! HAHA All in all we have adjusted to life in Japan!

In April of 2008 we celebrated Jack's 1st birthday, this is generally a pretty big family deal, so it was hard to spend it away from family back in Michigan! But we have made some great friends here and we had a "new family" party!

In May, JPaul went on his first TDY to Alaska, it was a definite change in weather (even for Alaska's summer) and a real treat to see moose just down from the flight line!

JPaul and I also celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary!

In June, we celebrated Genna's 5th birthday, my little girl is a whole handful, in age and in personality ;~) Daddy made it home just in time for her big day! She had asked to get her ears pierced for her birthday, and since we could not communicate with the locals what we wanted, we ended up buying a "Do It Your Self Kit" and Brave Daddy took on the role of piercer. He did a wonderful job and she loves wearing earrings now!! Thanks Daddy, your the best!

June also marked the finish of Isaiah's first year in school! He is a wonderful student and his teacher spoke very highly of him!

At the end of July, JPaul had the opportunity to go back to the states for his brother Skyler's wedding. It was a great gathering and all the Biek Brothers were able to be there!

So our first summer in Okinawa was not as bad as most folks made it out to be. We were pretty prepared for the humidity, Michigan has its fair share! We love the beach and the pools here are wonderful, so we took advantage of the bath water ocean and swam every chance we got, even running out to the beach some nights with just a few minutes of swimming before the sun went down! I have fallen in love with this island and will treasure the next 3 years!

So on went the summer and before we knew it September was upon us and with it came a new school year. Isaiah was looking forward to getting to play on the "Big Playground" since the Kinder wing has a separate play area. He has a wonderful teacher this year and he is excelling in reading and math! Mrs. Beaman called Isaiah the sunshine in her day! Genna was also excited (that's an understatement!) she could hardly contain herself now that it was her turn to go to school too! She wanted to walk to her class all by herself and be a "Big Kindergartner!" She still loves school, and she loves learning to read. Her teacher is very proud of her learning capabilities, Genna is excelling in math, and is quite the story teller! It is a blessing to have two great teachers this year!

September also brought with it JPaul's first deployment. He will only be gone a total of 4 months, so that is a blessing! He is in Kirkuk, Iraq, and should be home just shortly after the new year!

So the school year has progressed and the kids are still doing great!

In October my mom, Adelaide, came to spend some time with me and the kids while JPaul is in Iraq. She will eternally be my HERO, for leaving the states and spending 2 months with me and the kids! We had a wonderful time and I did not take nearly enough pictures!

November brought with it Isaiah's 7th birthday!! That just seems impossible! We had a real birthday party for him this year at the USO movie room, what a great set up! 20 seats and a 10 foot screen, all the popcorn you can eat and all the pop you can drink! Everyone had a wonderful time!! And Isaiah made out like a bandit with all the gifts!!!

And so December brings 2008 to a close, God has blessed us here on Okinawa in so many ways. We are so blessed to have a circle of friends that we love, some of whom will be leaving to soon! But so it is with the military life!

We wish each and every one of you a Blessed Christmas Season and a Wonderful New Year!

The Biek Family

Do I have to have a title...........

2008-12-21T20:46:00.003+09:00

This past Friday Isaiah had his class party at school. The kids put on a little program with several songs, Jack sat quietly the whole time, taking it all in!

Then the kids got to eat pizza and lots of goodies and each of the kids got a little gift for Mrs. Beaman.

Here is Isaiah wit Mrs. Beaman, this is her first year teaching at KES, and she is wonderful so far!! Isaiah really enjoys her class!

Here he is with his wish list, I had to ask him what a blown was. He then, impatiently, told me he wanted a balloon! Along with every video game system known to man........haha!!

Here they are singing one of the songs! They did such a good job!

I was not able to get to Genna's party, well neither was she for that matter! Her party was last week and she, unfortunately has a case of the pukes that day! No fun, but she did get a little gift from the class and a stocking with her name on it!

Sweetness

2008-12-05T22:35:00.003+09:00

The other night we got to talk to JPaul via the computer. A friend of his let him take the time to use his lap top to call us with a web cam. I told jack to come say hi to daddy. After I got him in my lap he was wiggling to get down or up or anywhere but in my lap. And then I figured out what he wanted......to kiss his daddy, even if that involved laying a wet one on a flat screen. The web cam was one way, though we could hear each other, he could not see us (good thing cause this made me cry!) But our little Jack just wanted to give him a kiss!

We will be so glad to have daddy home! Just a few more weeks!

Counting down.........

Life here in Okinawa.......

2008-12-05T22:20:00.003+09:00

Is not really any different than in the states, at least when it comes to the kids being silly. But I think they come by it naturally!

ENJOY

Genna and Me being silly at Baskin Robbins!

Jack.......well I don't really know, but here he is!

Silly baby ready for bed! Couldn't you just kiss that little nose!

This is what happens in the dark after bedtime!

And here is Isaiah......the sock? Yeah I have no idea, have fun with this one!

Friends Abroad

2008-11-30T17:39:00.005+09:00

Okinawa has opened up some opportunities that don't often come in the US. Friends Abroad is one of those opportunities that we will enjoy on this island.

My kids have enjoyed every moment with the students so far!

With this program kids from all over mainland Japan come to Okinawa, as part of a school program. Part of their trip to Okinawa involves "Culture Teaching" and that's where the military families come into the picture. We get a day, usually 9 am to 4-5 pm, to show them our home and how we live our lives. They love to see the BX and Commissary, I usually let them pick out a candy and drink to take with them. They love the kids, especially Jack, and want to touch them and rub their heads. Genna loves all the attention!! And I am sure Jack and Isaiah think they are the cutest kids on the block! Isaiah loves to show off for them, he can do the "worm" and that's a hot ticket item with the Japanese kids!

The boys in the picture above were the first group I had. And as sad as it is to admit I can't remember their names. These 3 were so quiet, but they loved seeing the flight line, and we were able to see 2 fighters take off the day they were here!

My second group was these 2 girls, Isaiah is on Natsumi's lap and Kana is on the right. These girls were very friendly, I had a little communication problem with them, and Natsumi would cock her head to the side as to say "Huh?!?" But when they got the drift of what I was trying to say we talked quite a bit!

This is my Nov. 14Th group, left to right, Kurumi, Kaho and Risa. And my mom (more commonly known as Grandma!) These 3 spoke fairly good English and had a blast with the kids. They loved the BX and had fun laughing at each other try on the big fancy sunglasses.

Isaiah fell in love with these boys, they spent Thanksgiving day with us. (again left to right) Seigo, Kouhei and Yuki, all 17 and such gentlemen! We stayed at home for most of the day, I did take them to the shoppette for a candy and pop! At home we had dinner and played games and watched movies, Isaiah even took them outside for a game of soccer.

And our last group (until next month!) was (L to R) Akari, Ayano and Noriko. This group of girls went to school with the boys from Thanksgiving day. Both groups were from Tokyo, and were very social and friendly!! The kids really enjoyed their time with these girls.

They were the only group so far that cried when I took them back to their bus. It is neat to see how attached to our family they get in just a few hours.

This is something I will treasure for years to come! And hopefully I will be able to share a little piece of America with the kids of Japan for the next 3 years!

nothing to do

2008-11-10T13:51:00.007+09:00

So it is STILL raining, and we have watched movies and gone bowling, so what better to do than add a few more pics to the Blog!

So here are a few picutres of Jack

I keep saying he really needs a hair cut, but I have to wait until daddy gets back!!

Out of the mouths of babes.

2008-11-03T10:36:00.003+09:00

Just a few things my kids have said to me lately......

Isaiah, at bedtime last night, asked me is it was alright for me to date other guys while Daddy is gone!??!?!?!?! (He is 7!!!! and my mind was reeling to answer this question on his level)
My explanation made his eyes glass over....the point was, no its not OK for mommy to date anyone else while I am married to daddy, even if he is gone.
(still chuckling about this!)

Genna, in the car on the way to trunk-or-treating, Oh crud I forgot my wand!......I told her it was OK she could just be a pretty princess. She gasped, NO MOM!! I am not a princess, I am a Queen!!
(Wish I could have seen her face when she said that to me!!)

R.I.P. Hershey the Gunie Pig

2008-10-29T14:08:00.002+09:00

So I have come to the conclusion that our family is just not suited to have pets! Our neighbors are getting ready to PCS (or move for you non-military) And according to military rules, you can only have 2 pets, so they were getting rid of their guinea pig. So begins our adventure with Hershey the Guinea Pig.....

As an Adventure you might think that the guinea pig was with us for an extended period of time. Well the sad truth is that his life with us lasted just shy of 3 weeks.

So back to the beginning of the adventure, we were really excited to add Hershey to our family, and I thought for sure that my kids would love the little critter. Which they did, just a little bit to much!

So we moved Hershey and his cage into Genna's room, high enough on her dresser that Jack could not get his hands into the cage. And from here began the daily ins and outs of having a guinea pig, I had no idea they produced so much POOP!!!! So we changed (and by we I mean ME) his cage in the morning and at night, along with the food, water and vitamin tablets, the whole 9 yards.

And after doing a little research on the internet, we let Hershey even have a little outdoor time, which he loved. He liked to go into the play set we have in our back yard. He would pick up little sticks and play, and he had a little box that he liked to hide under too.

But this last Friday, Genna decided to take Hershey outside. (with out my knowledge or consent) With a little help from our neighbor girl, who is almost 8, and whose mother was watching this whole process take place. Never thinking that the guinea pig probably shouldn't be on the trampoline, she just didn't think anything of our giunea pig being outside.

Thus began the journey to the end of Hershey's life. I'll spare you the details.

Saturday morning I took Hershey to the Vet clinic and there they told me that his back had been broken and they best thing to do would be to have him put down.

So Genna and I stayed until Hershey no longer had a heart beat, 1:25 pm Saturday October 25, 2008.

And as sad as the moment was, my little five year old and all that was running thru her head, asked what they were going to do with him now that he was dead. The vet said he was going to go into the freezer until next weeks pick up. Then Genna asks, can I see the other animals in the freezer? Fortunately the vet said there was no more animals.

So we took Hershey's empty cage and went home.

And the funny thing is I don't have any pictures to add to this blog, because I never took any of Hershey.

And life at the Biek's continues.

Just a quick update

2008-10-23T22:34:00.002+09:00

Genna is doing great, back to her usual.....well she is back to the Genna we all know and love!!

So after all the drama of this last Tuesday, she had her final appointment today, to get the last of her fillings filled. Well lets just say that it was a bit dramatic........and leave it at that!

But like I said she is feeling better and the swelling is finally going down a bit! And though the missing tooth has hindered her eating a little, she is still fully capable of asking for and even resorting to sneaking, the jar of malt balls I won at a dinner this last weekend.

She will obviously never learn, but keeping the jar of malt balls is REALLY not helping!!

(bad momma)

Tooth Fairy, Oh Tooth Fairy, How I love thee....

2008-10-21T10:56:00.004+09:00

Genna has lost her first tooth, but not by choice, but by infection.

Nice.

She had a few cavities filled back in August, and come to find out, one of them should have been done a little bit better! But Genna had to get an infection to find out how much more should have been done! And now she a gift for the Tooth Fairy to show for it!

She has gauze in her mouth, but can you see how swollen she is?

Looking really thrilled about me taking pictures right now!

Her gift for the Tooth Fairy.

Her tooth even came with a little treasure box to give it to the Tooth Fairy!!

Looks like momma has a job to do tonight!!

Hanging on by a thread...

2008-10-01T21:17:00.004+09:00

Have you ever felt like you were hanging off the edge of a cliff, straining so hard to keep your grip, all the time with someone just out of sight, slowly removing one finger at a time?

And you don't have the strength to even yell for help, but all along knowing that all you have to do is release your grip and fall into the loving hands of God.

Knowing that, I don't even have to ask, or yell for help, but by just giving up on the thought that I can handle this life all by myself, I can let go and fall into the comfort of my Heavenly Father.

Why then, oh why, do I have to be so stinking bull headed, hanging on until my fingers are blistered and bleeding? Why do I feel like I have to do it on my own?

Because I am human, and I am a sinner.

And its only by God's grace, that He doesn't kick my hands off the edge of the cliff Himself, but He waits on me to finally give up control, and let go, and fall into His loving arms.

And yet I can't understand or comprehend how a little 7lb. 10oz. pile of squishy baby mush, can transform into an almost 4 foot tall, smart mouthed, attitude flinging, 5 year old. How is it that they come out being solely reliant on you for their food, care and everything in general, to being so sure that you are a total fool and everyone else's parents, or their teacher, has it all figured out. From having days of my arms aching to hold her a little longer and squeeze her a little tighter, to telling her, for her safety and my sanity, to go away for a minute. My how time flies.......can we please just skip to the 20's.

When will I regain my footing as the "MOM" ......and when did I loose it????

Have you ever felt like you just really don't like your child? I love her with all that's in me, but I have instances that I think, I really don't like what you are doing right at the moment. I hate that I feel like that some days. Moments fly by in the wink of an eye. And I have a lot of negative moments, good grief, am I totally screwing up my baby?

I let my anger, towards who knows what (I have yet to figure that one out!) be the director of my attitude, and where it takes me during the course of my day. I let things that are childish, age appropriate behavior, totally grate on my nerves, and I flip out for no reason. Maybe she was just moving to much in the checkout line, or touching everything in sight. May I remind you she is 5. And I, as an adult, still like to touch things. So really how can I get upset with her for doing things that she sees me do a hundred times a day? And that's just one of the things that things that she does that gets on my nerves, all of which I am sure she learned from me in one way or another.

So here is my struggle, how do I let go of this cliff? A cliff that I already feel like I am hanging onto with just one finger. How do I let go and let God have control? When I feel at times He is so far away, and I feel like I am on my own. And I am here, dealing with this little girl, day in and day out, alone.....

I have yet to fall into His arms, I don't know how to let go.

to be continued......

LOOK...........

2008-09-30T16:43:00.002+09:00

It's Jack in a box.

Can I fit in here without hitting my head?

And these are my toes!

He actually posed for me when I asked him if I could take his picture!

Skoshi Warrior

2008-09-27T14:33:00.007+09:00

Skoshi Warrior Dog Tags

So today was the first of the events that the kids and I are going to start going to, now that JPaul is deployed. It was called Skoshi Warrior. The kids got floppy desert hats, and laundry bags, and their own dog tags! Even little jack has his own set. The kids set down to get their faces painted and got to try on some of the equipment that our deployed soldiers wear.

They got a lot of goodies in these bags!! Even though Jack did not get to do much of the activities he did get his own bag!

My babies ready for deep jungle battle. Jack.....well he is ready for football camp!

Isaiah was so thrilled with these black gloves, the guy helping him get them on said he looked like Darth Vader. Isaiah was all to happy about that! Oh that and the fact that he had a 9mm strapped to his hip!

I told this guy that it was a bad idea to let Genna hold this on her own! Can you picture that? She kept asking if she could pull the trigger!

There was not to much for Jack to do today, but I had to take some pics of him too!

Here Isaiah was telling the guy sitting in there about how I got pulled over!! Thanks Isaiah for telling my secret!! Good thing he did not say it over the loud speaker!
Here are the hats they got in their bag!

And them both with freshly painted faces!!

And as we were about to leave (Jack was soooooo overdue for a nap!) Just had to get one last pic of them in their gear! This was an event worthy of an ICE comment card! And we will definitely go next year too!

Time goes by....

2008-09-22T14:36:00.006+09:00

Can it possibly be the 22 of September already? It seems to me the last half of the year always goes by the fastest!
We are 2 weeks into JPaul's deployment, and though it seems to have gone by in a blink, I see how much him being gone has affected the kids already.
Genna asks me several times a day, "how much longer 'till daddy gets home?"
Now I am not sure if it is the fact that he is gone or that mommy has become the monster with green horns......
She is concerned about him and just wants to be sure that he is OK. Then tonight she asked again when he is coming home, to which I told her again....in a few months.
Then she wanted to know where we were going to pick him up from (I don't know the answer to this yet). But she informed me that she was not happy about me picking him up, and wanted to know why couldn't we all go get him.
Another day for that topic................

So we went up to the school playground for a little bit yesterday evening, Jack was sleeping in my arms, but Genna and Isaiah had a good time.
I am seeing my little girl become a young lady, these pictures show a much older little girl than I know!
If I can say so, I think she is going to be a beautiful lady! (well I think she is pretty darn cute now)

She sure is feisty though, I hope she doesn't loose that!

Comprehensive Park

2008-09-13T14:46:00.002+09:00

I love this place, I think that Comprehensive Park is one of the best Okinawa has to offer. Great play equipment, fish and birds and ducks to feed, oh, and turtles. Bikes to rent, and lots and lots to see!

We took a couple of hours the day before JPaul left and went out to play!! Both he and the kids had a lot of fun! And he found a few photo ops, what a great day!

Isaiah and Genna actually posed for these pics, maybe it was cause daddy was taking them, when I have the camera they run like I have the plauge.

What a handsome kid!

Beautiful Girl!

Peek-A-Boo!

My not-so-great photo skills at work!

Mommy and Jack, it was so hot out there!

Mumble...

2008-09-12T13:32:00.000+09:00

Not that I think TV is good for babies or anything, but Jack loves Happy Feet. Well, he calls the movie Mumble. This is the first thing he asks for in the morning, and the only thing he wants to see when the TV is on.

He pretty much tunes out everything else that is happening, and focuses on the movie! And he carries the case around saying, Mumble, which sounds more like Mumboo. It makes me smile!

Well I thought I had nothing to do.......

2008-09-11T13:24:00.000+09:00

So I had this revelation......that with just one baby home I would have all the time in the world to get things done. Well this lovely contraption I am sitting in front of right now has taken up the majority of this new abundance of time, I thought I was going to have. And with just Jack home my demands would be less......well do you see the laundry basket hiding in the background.

Ok, so I mention to Jack that "yup, mommy needs to take care of that!" So then comes this picture.

"Yeah, yeah, I know it needs to be folded" I am just going to finish my blog, and I'll get to it!

Suddenly I feel as though I'm being yelled at....."Get up and take care of this, woman"

So much for all the extra time! Thanks Jack!!

Feeling undefined...

2008-09-09T10:11:00.000+09:00

Well, I am having a somewhat normal day. My big kids are in school and Jack is sleeping. And I am not babysitting anyone's kids. I have nothing that I HAVE to do.......its a good feeling! Sure I have things that need to be done, but nothing that couldn't wait until after I took a nap, or read my book for a while! I love it!!!

Things are going good so far with JPaul being gone, just having to change a few things in our routine. He did a lot at bed time, that was my time to get the last of the house work done or just sit down for a while. So now I am doing it all and I think the adjustment comes more for me than the kids!

Isaiah has only told me once that he missed Dad, it is overwhelming the calrity that the kids have, and their willingness to share what they are thinking. He just wants daddy to be safe and come home soon.

Genna is a little more carefree, and still tells me that she misses daddy, but at dinner time and bedtime, when his absence is most real to us all. She prays every night that God will keep daddy safe!

Jack.....well he has a lack of words for the need for his dad, but I can tell that he misses him. We have several pictures throughout the house of JPaul with the kids and what not. And after nap time every day i have to walk past one picture inparticular, and Jack points and says "daddy!"
He had become JPauls little buddy, and this time is going to be hard for him, especially with out the words to tell me how he feels. Here is a pic to maybe describe how Jack feels, haha!

Me, well the list of things I want to get done before my mom gets here and before JPaul gets home, seems to be getting longer every day. I have little things that I want to accomplish mainly for the "keeping me busy" factor. And other things that just need to be finished up.....like painting! we got one wall done in the livingroom before he left and now I have to make an effort to just get started on the other wall. I know once I start it wont take but a couple of hours and I would have it done! But its the getting started that I am having a hard time with! LOL I keep telling my self that I'll start tomorrow! Its a good thing I have 4 months to get it finished!!

Well that is about it for now, I need to get off here and take advantage of the quiet for a few minutes, before the craziness begins again!

Counting down already........

2008-09-07T21:14:00.001+09:00

OK, so JPaul left this morning and I am already marking this day off the calendar. One down, lots more to go, but one down. I am staying up right now to write this because I know when I go upstairs I'll be getting into a big bed all alone. So I am avoiding it right now................for maybe another half hour or so!
As of right now I am doing good, our schedule just picked up a little so that will be keeping us busy..........good for mommy! And my bible study starts this week, so that will give me contact with lots of other moms and wives that are, or have been in the exact place I am in right now. So yay for that! And there are lots of other things that the base here provides for the spouses of deployed military members, even some for the kids!

So one day at a time, and we'll be through this in no time!

We had some family pictures taken this last weekend, which was a lot of fun. Thanks Shannan!!!

OK, I better quit looking at these pics before I start crying, I am such a baby *sniff*

Quiet Home...............Odd

2008-09-03T11:01:00.000+09:00

I have spent the last hour getting ready for the carpet cleaners and now I am sitting on the computer writing this. But as i write this i am listening to the silence of my house, well with as much silence as you can get with the air conditioner running in the background.
But no one is yelling at me to get off the computer or asking if I set the timer for myself, and why I don't have to do it for my self, but everyone else has to. I have no one to feed right now or anything else to clean.......that's a big fat lie, but that's what I keep telling myself so I can get a blog entry done!
You may be wondering how I am accomplishing this great feat with three kids and a house to run...........Thank You Kadena Elementary School!!!! I now have a Kindergartner and a 1st. grader. Crazy how fast the time has gone!
Isaiah has been in school for almost two weeks now and Genna started kindergarten today!! (and Jack is sleeping at the moment!) And in all the hustle and bustle of the morning, I thought I would have a harder time dropping her off. But she was so excited about it that it just did not feel like a time to cry. I stood out side the door for a few seconds and blew her a kiss and walked away. I think she has been ready and waiting for the chance to have "her classroom" like Isaiah. And after today she will have her own place at the table and her own cubby to keep her little things. She loves it so far and I look forward to watching her grow!
I took a few pics of her this morning and I'll add them so you can see her on the day she started kinder!
And a couple of Isaiah on his first day too!

Good grief, seeing these pics on here just makes the realization that the last five years have flown by all too real!

Never Mom, I mean it!

2008-08-01T21:53:00.000+09:00

So on the way to Tori Pool last night.....my very thoughtful 6 year old Isaiah, tells me his fake tattoo's are coming off. I look over at him rubbing the sticky tattoo residue into balls, and it getting caught in his leg hair. I told him they would stay on better if he did not have so much hair! He laughed at me and said well daddy has lots of hair and his tattoo's don't come off! So we went into the whole run through about how real tattoo's are put on your body. And he asked me if they hurt, I tell him (not from my own experience) that yes they do, and about them poking you with a needle to get the ink to stay in your skin. Then he makes the "I'm never going to get a tattoo, mom. Never Mom, I mean it"

So as we drove to the pool, I told him I want him to put that in writing with his signature. Yup, first, middle and last name!!! Then he said "but I don't know how to spell my middle name, or tattoo!" Alas, we have yet to get it in writing, but I think I might write it down in his school year book, just for future reference!

beginning of the blog

2008-07-31T15:29:00.000+09:00

OK so here is goes, i am now a blogger......not to sure how good i will be at this. and i guess i am going to have to start capitalizing my I's, and checking and double checking my spelling and grammar. yet another thing to consume time in my already tight schedule....LOL
i am actually looking forward to doing this, so now i have to start taking the camera with me every where i go!!

OK....... READY, GO!