Third Culture Kids R Mine!

Passing on the Potter..

2009-12-10T00:57:00.000-08:00

Ian has the duty, so the boys and I decided to have pizza and movie night. Christopher and Noah decided tonight was the perfect time to introduce Peyton to Harry Potter. The Christmas tree is lit, and the house smells of cinnamon. Christmas time has become the time of year we tend to watch the Harry Potter movies. As I type this all 3 boys are curled up on the sofa together watching. No one is fighting, everyone is mesmerized by the magic. Every few minutes Peyton will ask a 3 year old question and the boys try and answer. He seems very interested in the owl's. My boys rock! For Christmas I will ask Santa for the Harry Potter books on CD. I think it would be fun to listen to them while we do our Christmas cookies and crafts next year.

In just a couple of weeks it will be that time.. You know kids waking you up at 5 am, you begging them to give you 5 minutes to pee and grab coffee. To bad Santa can't seem to make the coffee on his way out the door. This year I think I want to try a new breakfast treat for the kids. Any good suggestions? Maybe something I can bake the night before.

Type to ya tomorrow!

Moving ON!!!!

2009-12-07T13:44:00.000-08:00

Things here have been, well, for lack of a better word, strange. When Ian and I decided we would take orders here (with a lot of help from his detailer) we thought we were doing what was best for our family. Christopher would be able to attend a much smaller school, and Ian would have the opportunity to branch out ship wise.

What we didn't see coming, was the base in which we now find ourselves living. We have lived on small bases before. La Madd had 1 ship! 1! and we had a blast. Maybe it was the fact that there was only 1 ship, we all sort of banded together, had a great time, and enjoyed Italy. Here seems to be a bit different. I find myself still trying to acclimate to this new place we call home. There seem to be a lot of rules (that ONLY exist here in Sasebo). Not being a rule follower in general, trying to pretend I care to follow these false, made up rules has become frustrating. Maybe someone should write a book and title it " Rules for the Military Family Living ONLY in Sasebo".

With every place we have chose (or been voluntold) we were moving to I thought of it as an adventure. We moved the boys, and started enjoying our time there. Sasebo just is not that place. I have resigned myself to 2 more years of this. I will deal with it, but it has become a HUGE challenge.

Some of you have noticed that my kids picture no longer grace the cover of my blog. At first I was going to just stop blogging entirely. Then I thought about it for a few days, and decided that blogging may well be my sanity for the next 2 years. My kids will no longer be a huge part of what I blog, but blog I will. It seems there were some things said to one of the boys by a wife here. (after reading my blog) What was said is not important, the fact that it hurt, and upset my son is. My first reaction was well not the best, but, I took a deep breath (reminded myself that I was an adult) and thought about why things were said that were said. In the end I talked to my son, explained that no matter what some people are just not nice, or happy. They tend to try and bleed that happiness from those around them. I explained that he could not take it personal (shit he is 9) of course he took it personal. I ranted to Ian about it (because well that is what I do), and thought about it way more then I should have for the next few days. Then a good friend said something very profound! She said "Sabrina, get over it". Said friend is now enjoying Panara Bread WITHOUT me in the states... There is NO getting over that!

The mantra that seems to circulate through military communities has always been, Home is where they send us! This is home, for better or worse. It is where my family finds itself, and we will make the best of it. So now that you have read all the dribble, let's get on with it... Here is what has been going on in my life.

School is kicking my ass. I mean bad! There is entirely to much reading involved. And, it's not the good reading either. Its more of a sleeping like a baby in 3 minutes reading. Maybe I need to take classes that involve no reading, or math. Any suggestions?

We have a Christmas tree. It's up, has lights and decorations. I am just about finished shopping, and I sure as heck hope Santa got the wanted lists from the boys.

I am the president of our FRG (yeah, scary shit isn't it)... With that comes a kids Christmas Party this weekend. A party that I was involved in planning. Yep, this is going to turn out to be a disaster, BUT Santa will be there and that is all that matters. Maybe I can chat with him just to be sure he got my kids lists...

Keeping with the party mode, Ian and I have a Christmas Party for his command this weekend... or wait, do the rules say I have to call it a Holiday party? Shit, I really need to read this book! We will go, have a great time with friends, and maybe I will win a vacation to a far away land. For those interested I will NOT be wearing a dress...If I can't get rid of at least 3 pounds by Sunday I may very well be wearing jeans and a t shirt. I blame Dunkin Donuts.

We finally got our car... Or should I say BIG ASS VAN! Driving it will be interesting, I am quickly putting money away just in case I run into something... Who, am I kidding, this is ME we are talking about... We will get our much smaller Spacio in just a couple of weeks, then this monster van belongs to Ian.

I am sure my life is much more exciting then this, there has to be something I am forgetting...

Have a great day... Type with ya tomorrow!

TIME!!

2009-11-17T23:45:00.000-08:00

I have none.. I need some. Send TIME!!!

Sometimes, just sometimes the Navy throws you a curve ball!!

2009-11-14T03:37:00.000-08:00

Ian called Tuesday, to let me know he was leaving Okinawa (I asked, Ian says its OK to say where he has been). I said I love you, he said I love you (you know the mushy, missed the shit out of my husband for 2 months stuff) and that was that. A few hours later I got a phone call. It was Ian, letting me know they were not in fact leaving Oki (well, hell, and I was going to fly in and stay 3 days). They would be leaving Thursday...

Then came the good news. They were coming HOME! To SASEBO! Yep, their trip was cut short by about 2 weeks. I have to say that is a first for me. Normally the trips are extended. Never have they said, yeah, well OK, let's go home early... That just Does-Not-Happen-Ever!
While I would love to say the reason for their return is because the Navy got my doctors note from Dr. Oz, sadly that is not the case. They seem to be having mechanical issues. Who knows what they are, 3 minutes into the Navy talk and my eyes glaze over. Lord knows I try, but who can understand things like Berthing, head, and ladder well? Seriously someone needs to write a Navy language handbook.
Any takers?
I am off to spend quality time with my husband (Navy speak for grope the shit out of him)..

Have a great weekend, I know I will........

24 hours!!

2009-11-12T22:19:00.001-08:00

IS A LONG FRICKIN TIME FROM NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Really Dr. OZ it's a crisis???

2009-11-04T13:21:00.000-08:00

So, I watch TV in the evenings. Lately I have been catching up on Lifetime TV. Don't they just have the best movies? (keeping in mind I have lived most of my adult life without cable)...

Last night however I was flipping channels. NO way was I going to listen to Kate and her dribble about John and the kids.

I happened upon the Dr. OZ show. I have seen parts of it before, but last nights topic had me sitting up and paying close attention. It turns out we have a Sex crisis in America. Yep, you heard me right. According to Dr. OZ we have surpassed Sex problem and gone straight to crisis. It seems that we are not having enough sex. And, not just some of us, but most of the American population is lacking in the bedroom gymnastics department.

Not to worry, Dr. OZ (Actually a cute little blond doctor guest of Dr. OZ) provided 3 simple solutions to solving the crisis that now looms in America. Dr. OZ had decided that he would start a Great American Sex Experiment.... For those of you who don't have the time to watch Dr. OZ, here is a quick run down of what to do should you find yourself in a crisis, and want to take part in his experiment.

Step 1. You and your partner need to spend 10 minutes a day talking. And, NO talking about the kids. It should be time for you to reconnect. Now I know, I know, 10 full minutes talking to the person you are in love with is asking a lot but you know for the sake of digging our way out of this crisis go ahead and give it a try!

Step 2. 3 times a week you and your loved one should kiss, and cuddle (WITH NO SEX). Just sit together and hold hands, or hey go parking and make out. But, remember absolutely no sex. Just be with one another.

Step 3. 1 time a week have actual sex. According to Dr. OZ and his little blond guest doctor you should schedule sex with your loved one. Even if it means a quickie. Just get it done. Well I say we all put little red hearts on the calendar, you know just to remind us!!

Now if we all follow these 3 simple steps then in no time we can solve this crisis..

Now I know I am no doctor, and I sure don't have my own show. But, I do have my very own blog. So here goes...

My idea on how to solve this little sex crisis that seems to be looming in America. HEY. AMERICA. HAVE.SEX! Who cares about talking, shoot I have been with Ian for 12 years we are all out of things to say. Take that 10 minutes and have sex instead of talking. Or, better yet multi task. Have sex while you talk..

Instead of making out like 2 horny teenagers in the back seat of the car, make out and then HAVE.SEX! See how that works? I would recommend if you are over the age 30 not trying it in the back seat of the car.

As for scheduling sex each week... I say go right ahead, and just for the heck of it, slap a little heart shaped sticker on more then 1 days a week.. Just see where it goes.

Of course none of this applies to me, because my loved one is currently floating out in the big blue sea. But, hey, ya know, maybe I can get a Doctors note from Dr. OZ that says Ian MUST be home so we can talk for 10 minutes a day, make out 3 times a week, and actually do it once a week.. You know all in the name of averting a national crisis......

So, about this gym thing! and worms..

2009-11-03T01:46:00.000-08:00

As I type this one kid is watching Ghostbusters, one kid is making his own comic book, and one kid is running in circles around my table.. I'll let you guess who is doing what!

I am still going to the gym. Every morning like clockwork. I even use the equipment they provide. Yet, still I am a size 10. WHAT.THE.HELL! Yes, I realize that I am old. I realize I have had 3 kids.

Someone, anyone explain why all my husband has to do is talk about dropping a few pounds and they fall off?

So here is my daily routine... Should I add, or take away anything? You tell me, because at this rate I am confudled!

30-40 minutes on the Elliptical machine

10 minutes on that stupid stair stepper machine

20 minutes of weights and abs

I do this 6 days a week. 6.DAYS.A.WEEK!!

By now I should be friggin skinny. So what are you all doing???

If you live here in Sasebo and read my blog DO NOT, buy the Apple Strudel pop tarts. This morning Noah asked for some. I (like the good mother I am, and because Ian is out to sea) said yes! Ian HATES the kids eating pop tarts. Who knows why? Maybe he had a horrible experience with pop tarts as a child? Anyway I digress.
Back to this morning, I said yes. Noah grabbed a brand new box, opened the box, and grabbed a package of pop tarts. Grabbed a paper plate (yep, we LIVE off paper plates) and sat down to eat. A few seconds later I hear Noah gag and say mom look. I walked over to the table and there crawling in his pop tarts are WORMS!! EWW! The little white nasty worms. I immediately grabbed the plate threw it in the trash and began frantically taking everything out of my pantry looking for the source of the worms.. The source WAS the pop tarts.. So again if you live here DON'T buy them.. I am calling the commissary in the morning and letting him know!!

In the midst of my breakdown!

2009-11-01T14:00:00.000-08:00

Computer breakdown that is! I spent days frustrated. When you move overseas (into base housing), your IP code is assigned by the base Internet police. (OK, they don't carry a badge or gun, but all the same). They (you know THEY, the secret people you never see), are able to monitor what you do on line. And, I totally respect that.....(trying out my politically correct voice)... Not to bad, if I do say so myself!

But, when you get your Internet hooked up, and then find out WEEKS later that you were never assigned an IP address, you (well maybe not you, but defiantly I) get a bit peeved. I was on the verge of buying a new computer. With Ian out to sea. That would not have gone well. I would have bought the pink one. Who cares how much RAM it has? Or how fast it will go. Nope, my criteria for a new computer is simple. Give me the pink one! Then Ian would have come home and had something to say (A lot of something to say).. And, what would my defense have been? BUT, honey it was pink. Yeah, somehow that just wouldn't fly here. Hey, don't judge. Pink has worked for my IPOD and camera. Both work well. (OK, I still don't totally understand the camera, but its cute), and when Ian gets home he can splain it all to me.

During the great breakdown of 2009 (yes, therapy will soon follow) my WONDERFUL sister in law had her baby.. A BOY!!! Baby Cooper is doing wonderful! I will add pictures soon... We hope to see him next summer. I really want to fly back to Arizona and spend some time with our new Nephew..

Congratulations Shane, John, and baby Cooper... WE LOVE YOU ALL!!!!

The Cliffs notes!!

2009-10-31T17:31:00.000-07:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!!

Things here have been busy. For the last few weeks I though my computer was down, as it happens it was my Internet connection. So it seems we are BACK! The boys are doing good. We had a wonderful time trick or treating, and watching Monsters VS aliens on our friends outdoor movie screen.

About 3 weeks ago we adopted 2 of the cutest kittens. 2 days after bringing them home I was sick, really, really, sick! I chalked it up to exhaustion. It turns out I am allergic to cats. The boys and I had to return them to the lady we adopted them from. After a thorough cleaning of the entire house, and venting system I am well on my way to breathing again.

Christopher is playing football, and having a great time. Noah has decided that he doesn't want to play football, he would rather return to Karate. Both the bigger boys are doing WONDERFUL!

Peyton is as cute as every, and every bit of 3. He misses Ian terribly and asks everyday when daddy's pirate ship will be home....

The wonderful car we bought, was not so wonderful. It broke down 3 times in the month we owned it. The dealer would take the car back, and "FIX" it, only to return it still broken. In the end I we got our money back, and purchased 2 other cars. We get them in 3 weeks. YEAH! Living in Sasebo without a car is difficult.

Ian is still gone, but he should be home for Thanksgiving. There is an old (OK, well I don't know how old) saying on sea duty " He will be home when he calls and tells me to come pick him up" We are crossing fingers and toes that he will be home on time!....

zoom-zoom~!

2009-09-29T14:44:00.000-07:00

Only in Japan , can driving a mini-mini van look COOL! I can not post pictures of my car, because Ian has the camera with him. I sure hope he is taking *good* pictures! My car seems to be running great and the dealer has extended my warranty for a further 3 months. I still plan to have it inspected on base, you know just in case! I think today I will take the kids cruising.. Maybe we can find us a beer hottie! (J/K Ian)

ILTMTC

Seriously....

2009-09-28T03:25:00.000-07:00

Kid grounded... sentence passed? 1 week

Toddler off the rails... time until compromise might possibly work? months

Car.. Days until I might just get it back? 2

Teenager with a possible fractured hand... Time in cast to wait for swelling to go down? 2 weeks

Husband not home for all this fun and excitement! Priceless..

For normal and mundane there's civilian live.. For everyone else there is the U.S Navy!

Frustrated! Give me your tried and true secrets.

2009-09-23T15:00:00.000-07:00

When we moved into our humble abode I noticed the gym RIGHT BEHIND MY HOUSE! I took that as a sign. All of the wonderful food I have been shoveling in for the past 4 years has caught up to me. Coupled with the fact that the only exercise I accomplished was with a fork, and I had packed on a good 30 pounds. Yes, I had a baby, and yes, I blame him daily. It helped when Peyton was 1 and then 2. I could just say "I have baby weight". But, what does one do when said baby is potty trained, and putting on his own socks?

One hits the gym! I have a love hate relationship with the gym. I love the fact that after I work out I have more energy, and I am dropping the pounds. BUT! I hate going, every day I drag myself there. Yes, I know, I will grow to love it. Or so Ian tells me every chance he gets. My wonderful, loving, humble (can you feel the sarcasm) husband enjoys running. He actually gets excited when he has an hour or 2 to run. And, he must run on the road. Where he can enjoy the sights, breath the fresh air, and blah, blah. I think he is totally bat shit crazy. But, that is another post.

We were all moved in, and I had a couple of hours in the morning, so I started going every day. Faithfully. Like clock work. I dressed in my yoga pants (the most annoying workout gear on the planet). I take my water bottle, and I POD and all was going GREAT! My pants are smaller, and I can definitely tell a difference. The one place that doesn't seem to be changing is my stomach! I am doing the abs workout (you know the free ones on YouTube), and it is doing NOTHING! Not a thing. I still seem to have pregnant belly. It just seems to sit there. Mocking me endlessly. At this point I have no idea what to do.

So blog land give me your secrets, tell me what it is you do to get rid of your belly fat? If things keep up at this rate I will have stick legs and arms, and in the end my belly will look bigger. ACK!

The winners are!!! And, a full frontal...

2009-09-22T14:44:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, it's about a week late. But, the winners of the Curry drawing are Mom #2 and Teressa! YEAH! Soon you will be making the best Japanese curry...

Can I just say holly shit batman! This last week has been crazy. We did manage to get our "new" car. Had it for about 24 hours and it's already broken. It was broken when they delivered it to us. I called K (She is the dealers contact here on base), explained the problem, and she came by the same day. After driving it around for 2.2 seconds she realized they never fixed the original problems.

Ian and I drove our broken car to the base, and gave it back to the dealer. Here in Japan when someone wants to impress upon you how sorry they are they bow VERY low. In this case, Ian was not impressed with the dealers bowing, and told her so. Once I do get my car back it will go into the shop on base for a FULL inspection. This being silver week, it will probably be at least another week before I see my car again. The little (I mean tiny) loaner car will work for now, as long as I only have 2 of the 3 kids I own with me.

Ian's Khaki ball was Wednesday night. All I have to say about that night is Patron, Patron, Patron... This is not the dress I had intended to wear. I ordered 2 others. When they arrived I realized the first one was in no way appropriate for the ball. It is so frustrating when something looks good on line and turns out to be Lycra when it arrives. (something that resembles tie-dyed Lycra) SCARY! The other dress is beautiful, but still a bit to small for me. I ended up going with basic black.. I think it worked. Not that it mattered, again I say Patron....

We spent the better part of the weekend getting Ian ready to leave again. I will never get used to sea duty. But, such is the life of a sailors wife.....

Ian's Pinning Ceremony...

2009-09-18T15:44:00.000-07:00

Wednesday was Ian's ceremony. Christopher, Noah and I arrived and were put in the mess to wait. Peyton spent the day at the CDC. The ceremony took place in the well deck of Ian's ship. That is not a place for a 3 year old. Noah really wanted to take the pictures, and I was excited to let him. Here is his first picture of the day. He did a great job. Man, he is almost as tall as I am.
The ceremony was wonderfully done. The CO, CMC, and Chaplain spoke.
Then Christopher and I pinned Ian's anchors on. All the while Noah was taking pictures.
Here is Noah and Ian.
Once Ian's anchors were pinned on, there were a few more speakers.
Followed by pictures.
And, then they piped Ian aboard.
Here is Ian's mess.
Later in the Chiefs mess we celebrated with cake, and wonderful food. By this point Ian had been awake for nearly 30 hours and was very tired.
But, we still managed to get dressed up and enjoy his Khaki ball.

All about the night before!

2009-09-15T00:57:00.000-07:00

So, in life there are a lot of night be fores.

There is the night before your wedding. You know, the can't see the bride before the wedding, or some such crap. I was married in jeans and a sweater. The next day Ian deployed. So we said the heck with the night before. Our honeymoon was the night before..

Then there is the night before you have a baby. Sometimes it's planned. From what I hear that is the way to go. In my case none of my kids were scheduled births. Come to think of it, now I feel screwed out of something. I could have just said hey doc, let's have this baby on Thursday. That sounds good to me. Maybe I should ask for a refund?

Or, how about the night before a one night stand. Not that anyone plans to ever have a one night stand. And, we all KNOW I never had one of those. But, I have heard stories. They usually begin something like..... We were having a great time, then someone pulled out the tequila. The lesson here tequila bad! The night before hits you the next morning.. Again, so i've heard....

The night before you are introduced to your in laws. Your palms sweat, and the questions roll around in your head at lightning speed. In my case my in laws are crazy ( a really good crazy). They love our kids, and will tell anyone willing to listen how great their kids are. Meeting the in laws is a perfect time to break out the tequila.

Christmas. The night before Christmas is always magical. When you are small the anticipation of Santa clause is so exciting. I am telling you there was this one Christmas I know I heard the reindeer. No one believes me, and well I stopped telling people sometime around my 20's. It's cute when you are 10, at 20 you become the creepy girl no one wants their son to marry.

And, now apparently there is a night before in the Navy. Don't ask what it's all about, because I have no idea. I will not see Ian again until tomorrow at his ceremony.. So the boys and I have decided to have our own night before.. We will be jamming to pink, and some new group named Muse? Who knows? There will be pop corn, cookies, and a lot of Harry Potter...

Pick your level and win! My very first Japan giveaway!

2009-09-12T22:31:00.000-07:00

My next door neighbor is a wonderful Japanese lady. She took me out to lunch and shopping a couple of weeks ago. While we were walking around the grocery store I spied curry mix. She asked me if I knew how to cook it. I explained that I love curry, and would love to cook it at home but I could not read the directions. She told me to buy it, and she would transcribe the box into English for me. So this week I got to make it at home for the first time. It was so good!
Curry ranges in temperature from 1-10. Keeping in mind I am feeding a toddler ( and I am a wimp) I went with the 1. I think next time we may have to try the 2 0r 3. The ingredients are simple. Onion, garlic, potato's, carrots, and of course the curry sauce.
I slow cooked a roast. The directions call for cubed beef, but my neighbor explained I could use any meant that I wanted. Or no meat at all. You can add just about anything you like you curry. Vegetarian Curry is big here. But, we like ours with meat, and feeding a family of 5 it is more economical to use roast and shred it.
I pealed and cubed potato's and put them onto boil. You want them soft, but no mushy.
I diced (or rather had Ian dice) half a red onion, and half a bag of carrots.
Ian and I love to cook together.
You want to have a large, deep skillet to cook your curry in.
Before you begin preparing your curry, start your rice. I now have a new favorite brand of Japanese rice. I hope they sell it when we move back to the states...
Find a random toddler, and let him try the meat and veggies. Just to be sure everything is moving along OK.
Add the garlic and onions to the skillet. You want the onions to sweat a bit. Then add the potato's and carrots. Continue cooking for 7-10 minutes. You want your potato's cooked well. (but not mushy).
Next you will need 1 entire box of curry mix, and 3/4 cup of water.
Remove the curry from both sided of the package, and break it up. It will be the consistency of bullion. Breaking it up prior to adding it to your skittle will help ensure it is all incorporated evenly.
You want to add the beef, curry mix and water at the same time. Continue to stir and bring to a soft boil. Allow to cook for an additional 8-10 minutes (until the mixture has thickened) and enjoy!
Here in Japan curry is a HUGE staple. Most Japanese people eat it weekly. And, we absolutely love the curry here.
The 5 of us tore through the entire thing. There were no leftovers.

There is nothing like Japanese Curry! I will find a way to ship cases of this stuff home.. So what level curry are you? A 1 or a 10. Leave me a comment, and let me know how daring you are with your curry. On Wednesday I will put all the names in a hat, and have Ian pick 2 winners. Those winners will get 2 boxes of the level of their choice!

Fevers, braces, babies, and trolls... What's going on at your house?

2009-09-11T00:43:00.000-07:00

What a week. Peyton is still running a fever. Poor guy. His hair hurts (his words), and his eyes can't open (again his words). I am planning a nice, quiet weekend at home. Give his little body time to rest.

I finally got Christopher an appointment to see the orthodontist. We arrived at 7:30 on stand by. Stand by is a fancy term for, plan to sit around all day and wait for the orthodontist to have an opening. I brought my book, Christopher sat around listening to his I POD. 2 hours into our waiting I noticed that there were 8 other ortho patients waiting to be seen. I asked the nice lady behind the desk if the orthodontist would get to us before lunch. If not we were going to leave, and return later. A few minutes later we were taken back. Score one for me.

Dr. H spent some time looking in Christopher's mouth. Making a tisk, tisk noise now and then. I sat quietly and waited for her to finish her assessment. Finally when I could no longer stand it. I asked about his treatment plan set up by the Japanese orthodontist. About that time the translator came in to tell Dr. H that she could not read the Japanese orthodontists writing. It must be universal. The translator has apparently tried several times to read the paperwork, and even took it down to have someone else try. Dr. H has decided that we will start over. She did change his wire, and remove the spring that has been on his bottom teeth for 2 months now. He feels so much better. Next month a new orthodontist will start traveling down from Yoko. She will wait and let the new orthodontist decide what plan to take. At least he is being picked up by the base orthodontist.

Noah and I spent Wednesday going over what we want to do this year. He really wants to do A LOT of history projects, and science experiments. I really want to work on math, and his reading. I think we can strike a good balance. Thank Goodness for DOC and her science packets. I used them for Christopher and I will use the same ones with Noah. OK, not the exact same ones, I will print fresh new copies for Noah. If you have not visited DOC yet, go check her out. www.docsdomain.net/blog. She has a wealth of wonderful free printables. Next week I will meet with the school counselor to let her know what our plans are. Tonight we are going to start reading a new series. The Edge Chronicles. Twig is the main character, he was raised by wood trolls, and thinks he is one of them. He finds out he is not a wood troll and strikes out to find out where he is from. These books have goblins, trogs, beasts and flesh-eating trees. Everything a 9 year old boy wants in a book. Popcorn and juice boxes for all.

Ian is still busy, working 20 hour days, and trying to finish up his last few days of indoctrination. We will all be happy once this is all over. From what I have been told, it is customary to buy a gift for Ian. I have 5 days to figure out what that will be and get it. Any suggestions?

And, the best news of the week... We finally bought a car. It will seat 7 and that is what matters. It's not an Ipsum, but that is OK. I still have a cool Japanese car to drive. Of course we paid way to much for it, (in my opinion). We can not actually get the car until next week. It must first go through Japanese Inspection. We are hoping to have it by Wednesday. But, alas we will no longer be bus people.

Last but not least we are officially on baby watch 2009. Shane and John should be expecting a baby boy here in just a few days. We are all so excited, and grandma has assured me we will find a way to smuggle baby boy into Japan well before the new baby smell wears off.

Have a wonderful weekend........

Cha-Cha-Changes....

2009-09-08T04:04:00.000-07:00

Noah has come home EVERY SINGLE DAY this week in tears. Full blown melt down. He has been obstinate, and argumentative. That is not our Noah. He does not want to return to school. We listened to what he had to say, talked WITH him about what he wanted and decided that starting tomorrow he will only attend school for 1 hour a day. He wants to go for choir, and art. But, NOTHING else. The half day is just not working for him. To be honest it wasn't really working last year either. Ian and I really wanted him to get the therapy that we think he needs. There has to be a better way. He has woken up the past 3 school days feeling sick, and looking for any way to stay home. I mentioned to Ian last night that I think we needed to talk with Noah about what is going on. The second my son said to me "mom, I feel stupid", our decision was made. Therapy be damned, we will just have to find another way to help him.

We tried to stick with it. (yes, I know it is only the second week of school). His teacher is an AMAZING teacher. Noah enjoys being in his class, and says he wishes Mr. C could be his home school teacher. The issue this year is not his teacher. It wasn't last year. Mrs. T was another wonderful teacher. Noah realizes that he has difficulty. He sees the difference he has with learning. Kids can be cruel. And, Noah will not be fodder for kids with a low self esteem. Our plan is to take it one year at a time. This year, right now, this is what Noah needs. Living overseas affords us the means to be able to focus on what all of our children need. To be honest I feel better about it already.

Plus we will be spending our days doing things like this!

Repeat that again please! Perhaps I didn't hear you correctly!

2009-09-07T03:54:00.000-07:00

Ian came home the other day with these 2 bag. These 2 rather medium sized, regular plastic bags. He quickly put them in the laundry room and that is where they sat. For 2 days I stepped over them, moved them around to do the laundry and mop the floors. Friday evening he wanted to show me what was in his 2 rather medium sized, regular plastic bags. We sat down in the living room and he started pulling things out.

The contents are:

1 pair of shoes, 1 big hat, 2 small hats, pins and anchors (tiny ones), 6 shirts, 1 dress white shirt. That is IT! The entire contents of these 2 rather medium sized, regular plastic bags. He then quickly explained that there are a few pair of pants and 2 pair of coveralls in the tailors. OK, so you have everything you need.. NOPE! of course not.

Well how much did all of it cost? I asked my wonderful, loving husband?

Anyone want to take a wild guess what these 2 rather medium sized, regular plastic bags cost?

Go ahead! Take your best guess!

You have your number?

The cost of these 2 rather medium sized, regular plastic bags::: $1200.00. Yep, you are reading that right. $1200.00. ARE YOU KIDDING ME!

I didn't pay $1200.00 for my first car...... And, the best part. He still needs ribbons, and something called a choker.

And, No, he doesn't get credit for turning in all the stuff he can not longer wear. It turns out when you get promoted to Chief nothing you have previously worn, can be worn again. IT ALL CHANGES!

OH, well I can just add water to the milk, and feed the kids oatmeal. Lot's and lot's of oatmeal....

Lost in Translation???

2009-09-03T20:36:00.000-07:00

Christopher is my resilient child. He seems to flow right into life with every move. This pictures was taken about 2 weeks after we moved in. It's like nothing much in his life has changed. He is also my most independent child. Much to my dislike. Sometimes I look at him and still see that chubby face toddler laughing at me. He has always been ahead of his years. Maybe it's a first child trait, maybe he was just destined to be independent?

When the school year started we sat down and discussed his classes. He really did not want to take advanced math, but understands why. In his mind showing his work is stupid. He said "mom, if the teacher doesn't know how I got the answer, why is she teaching ME math"? I told him to just show his darn work.. The one class he is extremely happy about is Japanese 1. This class is a bit different. Last year he took Japanese 1 (a middle school course NOT for credit). This course is for high school credit. The first day he came home:

C: Mom, Mr. Kaneko wants me to take a Japanese test.

ME: That is good. He is trying to gage where each student is in the class.

C: No, mom, just me. At the beginning of class he started speaking Japanese and I understood him. I even spoke a little back to him. So, now he wants me to take this test.

ME: OK, and you don't want to take the test? Why?

C: Mom, (insert dramatic eye roll) I can't read Japanese. The test is in Japanese.

ME: So tell Mr. K that you can't read Japanese.

C: I did. He still says I should try.

ME: well talk to him again next class.

Yesterday was Japanese 1 again (they are on a block schedule).

C: Mom, he asked me to take the test again.

ME: And, what did you tell him?

C: Mom, really (seriously my child MUST roll his eyes at me once a day) how can I take a test I can't read?

ME: well, you need to just tell him you won't be able to read the test.

C: I did, and he asked why I can't read it?

ME: what did you say?

C: I told him we didn't learn Japanese writing, only some speaking.

ME: OK,.

C: Mom, he said, well how did you learn to speak it, someone had to write it down for you. He REALLY wants me to take this test. So, now he is going to e mail you and ask you to have me take this test. MOM! Really PLEASE tell him NO! I can't read it or write the answers....

ME: OK, if he contacts me I will talk to him about it.

C: Thanks, can I go to K's house now?

Fast forward to last night after dinner. I was moving Christopher's books, and there sitting on the table is his Japanese notebook, and low and behold in it is Japanese writing. Written by none other then my son.

ME: You can write Japanese? I saw your book.

C: mom, that was just to get C to go out with me..

I just rolled my eyes and walked away!!

Help a girl out!!!!!

2009-09-03T01:51:00.000-07:00

I spent yesterday baking 100 muffins for Ian to take to work. It turns out that only Ian and 1 other guy were promoted. The other guy is not married, so that leaves all the baking to me. I don't mind. I enjoy baking, and not having it lying around the house where I can be tempted to eat works for me. After all I am still trying to find a dress..

Finding a dress to wear is NOT easy. Not being able to hit the store and try it on has become aggravating. I have found myself ready to toss my poor MAC across the room. But, I don't think Ian would be to happy with me. Both dresses that I ordered have arrived. One is way to big, and the other fits me everywhere but the chest. I blame the gym. About the time we moved here I started hitting the gym 5 days a week for about 2 hours. Now I really have nothing to wear. Yesterday Ian was paroled for a few hours, isn't that nice of the Navy? I think so. We spent out time wisely (after all it will be about the only time I see him for the next couple of weeks). A rousing trip to the post office, followed by the ever so exciting commissary. Ian complained the entire time about my jeans falling off. I have assured him that after I find a dress, bake again next Tuesday and Thursday, get Christopher's football schedule, and Noah's gymnastics schedule I will in fact buy some clothing that fits.. I did however find shoes.. So, I take comfort in the knowledge that I won't be barefoot.

Back to the baking, I plan to bake again. I found a supper easy (easy is so the word of the day) recipe. 5 ingredients total. They will resemble fruit puff pastries. I found the recipe while surfing the net, on a food blog. That only takes care of Tuesday, so if any of you have easy, breakfast baking ideas please pass them along. Thanks in advance....

Home????

2009-08-31T14:20:00.001-07:00

Look who showed up.. I picked him up yesterday, we had a wonderful lunch with friends, and headed home. He brought home with him a backpack, and laundry. We chatted on the way home about his trip, and the boys. Once home we had coffee, and went for a walk. A nice quite dinner with the boys, and we were all exhausted and ready for bed...

Here are some of our conversation(s)

Ian is walking around the kitchen opening and closing cabinets

Me: Baby, what are you doing?

Ian: looking for a bowl for the salsa.

Me: Oh, bottom cabinet on the left

Ian: Thanks

A few minutes later and he is still opening and closing cabinets

Me: now what are you looking for?

Ian: the Salsa.

Me: In the cabinet by the fridge.

Ian: thanks

Me: chips are on the top shelf..

Ian: Yeah, I need those to..

Fast forward to bedtime.

I walked into the bathroom...

Ian: I didn't bring my toothbrush..

Me: No biggie use mine (OH, come on he is my husband)...

Ian: Where is it?

Me: in the cabinet 3 rd row. It's orange

Ian: Thanks

fast forward to 4 AM this morning

I walk into the bathroom

Ian: I have to use your razor, I didn't bring mine

Me: Well, shit, what the heck is in that backpack?

Ian: obviously not much

Me: OK, well today I will grab a few things that you can keep here

Ian: That would be great, and maybe put some post its on everything fricking thing in the house. You know so it seems like I actually live here!!!

Send Post it notes! Maybe some cute pink and purple ones...

The weekend thing!

2009-08-28T23:50:00.000-07:00

This week hasn't been as bad as the last few. Not as much running around to do. I did manage to get Christopher the all important bus ID that is required to ride to school. Now my teenager, the same one that can't ever find socks in the morning has 2 ID's to try and keep track of. I have a funny feeling me and the nice bus pass lady will become fast friends. It will get lost.

Noah and I were able to meet his teacher yesterday. Mr. C seems like a very nice man. He is soft spoken and directed all of his questions to Noah. I explained how we plan to work things this year, and all went well. Noah was just super excited he wasn't put in the peanut free class! Oh, the horror. But, when you are 9 and have peanut butter crackers EVERY SINGLE DAY for snack these things are important.

We are sorely lacking on pool time for the week, but tonight will make up for that. There is a pool party on main base for the families of Ian's command. The boys and I will be heading to that. Right about now they all 3 need some space to play, away from each other..

I still have laundry following me around the house. I often think about inventing disposable clothing. Hey, you never know it could work. I could make a mint, and live out my days on my own private island.

Well I am off to ponder what my house would look like on that island, while I fold the non disposable laundry!

I think it's a man thing!

2009-08-26T15:27:00.001-07:00

I spent this week organizing the boys for school. There school, and our school. Friday we had our appointment with the middle school counselor. Let me just say it was a welcomed change to have a counselor who was genuinely interested in my kid. Mr. C loves his job, is here for the kids, and it shows. I was amazed at the difference. In Yoko Christopher's counselor was a moron! I turned in his test scores, and explained what Christopher and I wanted. Mr. C listened, gave his feedback, and we are off and running. Christopher will take band ( he is playing the trumpet), Japanese 1, and Algebra 1. Japanese 1 and Algebra are both high school credit courses. Mr. C actually talked to Christopher, wanted to know what Christopher wanted. I just sat back listening, thinking the entire time that Mr. C is what we need more of in the school system. Once we had that taken care of Mr. C walked Christopher around to show him where he would need to go. The school here is broken up into a few different buildings. Poor kid has Japanese on the 4 Th floor. As we were leaving Mr. C gave me his contact information, and told us both if we need anything to let him know. We are both excited for Christopher to start the trumpet..

Noah will follow the same track that we followed in Yoko. He will attend school for half a day. I sat him down and asked what he wanted, and at first he wanted to go all day to school. But, the other day he said, no, mom, I want to just do half. Honestly I think Noah loves the history and reading we do here at home. And, that is totally OK with me. I turned in his paperwork a few weeks ago, and figured I would just have to battle it out on the first day of school. To my surprise I received a phone call yesterday from the school counselor. We talked for a bit, and she informed me Noah would have either Mr. P or Mr. B. I had to stop by and drop off more paperwork, and we ran into both misters. Maybe it's a man teacher thing, maybe the teachers here are just happy. But, They were both wonderful. Talked to Noah, asked him a few questions, and Friday I will meet with his teacher for about 20 just to prepare for this year.

Now, let me add here that Christopher did have 2 male teachers last year and loved them both. Dr. B taught science. Dr. B was adamant that the kids could not learn science sitting in a class room. Most if not all of their classes were outside. His other teacher Mr. C had a rubber chicken that he used in the class room. Let me tell you it WORKED!

I think there is just something different about male teachers. The few that we have encountered just seem to LOVE what they do, and really enjoy teaching the kids. What do you all thing? If your kids have gone to school, what was your experience?

Like riding a bicycle??

2009-08-24T00:01:00.000-07:00

You know the old saying.. well to be honest I don't know the exact saying. Something along the lines of It's just like riding a bike. You never really forget. Once you learn you have it down. blah, blah! As we get older, we tend to not get on the bike so much. In my case, I am old, flabby, and have no sense of balance. But, I still use the phrase that I don't exactly know.

Ladies and gentleman sea duty is NOT just like riding a bike. Once you experience shore duty, going back to sea duty is NOT easy. I feel wobbly, and out of sorts. Trying to get my baring with 3 kids, school, a house to run, and OMG do you all know how many times a day my kids need to eat?

My days are comprised of breakfast, dishes, cleaning, snack, the pool, lunch, dishes, snack, dinner, and they all want a snack AGAIN before they go to bed. I feel like I am raising baby goats.

I still have wires all over my house, no bed as of yet. We are STILL sleeping on an air bed. Which I have to say is not all that uncomfortable. I would just like to be a few more feet off the floor. Yeah, I have issues. Not to mention all of my clothing is sitting in baskets, and my floor is covered in books. I still have no book shelf. I find myself avoiding my room.

Being productive is just not happening these days. Peyton and I are still reading, and coloring but that is about it. Between the laundry (that I swear is following me around trying to kill me), mopping the floors, and scraping the 4 inches of dust off everything.. Japan is the dust capitol of the world. I just don't seem to have as many hours in the day as I used to. When Ian was on shore duty we would cook together, he would swap out the laundry while I read to the baby, and we just had a great routine. My routine is now rooted in mess. I won't even mention other things that I am NOT doing with said husband who is gone to a far away land.

As of today I have exactly 35 months until normalcy returns to my life. I have laid out a plan for those 35 months. The boys and I will travel to a few countries, hit as many ITT tours as possible without me getting totally car sick, ( that is of course if I ever get a car) and we will spend our summers at the pool. Mix in football, gymnastics (I have found a wonderful gymnastics school here for Noah), swimming lessons, Karate, baseball, and everything else that goes along with taxing 3 boys all over Japan, and 35 months will fly by. Somewhere in there I will buy a set of training wheels, dust off my bike (you remember the one with the old banana seat and pink basket) and try to learn to ride this bike all over again! Send band aids I fear this could get messy!!!