how to make a house a home...

Start by putting pictures up!!!

best parts of the day...

#1. Patrick's team won!!! And the other med squad team came in 3rd. Out of 10 teams - that is awesome!!!

#2. Girlfriend who rocked the competition shows up in a hot pink slammin' dress with 3 inch black lace up heels. Girl knows how to kill it on and off the field :-)

#3. Moment of silence to honor the fallen. We will always remember.

#4. Giving daddy hugs at the end of it all and telling him how proud we are!

I'ma let you in on a secret...

While preparing for his Combat Endurance challenge the other night, Patrick told me, "I'ma let you in on a secret. Every guy out there wants more than anything to have his wife be able to look back one day and say...'my man was a stud'. More than the guy himself wants to think it, he wants her to think it." I already have a bazillion instances where I KNOW my man is a stud...but he took it to a whole new level with this challenge.

The competition is to benefit the 9/11 Run to Remember. They raise money from the different teams to go towards a great cause. It is a 3 mile course broken into 1/4 mile segments. The first is just a jog/run. Next is an ammo can carry (40 lbs each * 2), then a humvee push (4 members push the hummer while one steers), an "injured warrior carry (one person fireman carries another while 2 others carry the 5th member), a low crawl (think barbed wire), 50 lb sand bag carry, litter/stretcher carry (4 people to carry 220 lbs on a stretcher - although Patrick's team ended up with just him and another guy doing it all because 2 guys couldn't do it and the 3rd person - A GIRL WHO WAS AMAZING - would've thrown off the balance so she helped walk the other 2 and encourage them), and they ended with a 3/4 Muck run with a 60 lb backpack. Patrick was the first to finish at the end so he ran back to help others at many stages (if you see him at the end in some of the pictures that is why). He helped some of the guys carry the sand bags, he crawled back to push the guys through the low crawl, he and another guy did all the stretcher carry, and he even went back and helped carry a guys backpack across with him to finish for the team! I was so proud of the whole team - especially when I heard people talking about Patrick in the crowds. Not many people know who he is (since we are newer) so he definitely took people by surprise! No one expected the geeky med squad to do well - but they kicked A**!

And I have to say I am so glad that the girl was on his team. She made 90% of the guys out there feel shame because she had to carry the same weight, run the same distance, everything!!! She was an inspiration for everyone! She even put Patrick to shame when they took a picture and they had to flex. This woman's arms were the most cut I have ever seen!!!! She is a nurse in the OB dept :-) Good for her!!! They even have marines come up from other bases to try to compete...but so far the geeky med squad is in the lead :-)

After the event, Patrick came home, made lunches, helped clean, hung curtains, fixed walls and then went back to help volunteer as a medic since there was only one guy and lots of people were dropping out and needing to be sent to the hospital. Seriously...my man IS A STUD!!!!!!!

Gavin's real first day

Today Gavin finally went to school all day! He has been looking forward to kindergarten since last year :-) So he was counting down the weeks/days/hours/minutes until he got to go. Once we crossed the street behind our house and entered the school yard, Gavin asked me if he could walk alone to his class. I almost cried - but was also so proud that I know he will flourish in school! But, the answer was still no - it is a base rule that kids in kindergarten cannot walk by themselves yet. Next year, buddy :-)

Showa Park

Yesterday was Labor day - so Gavin had the day off, but Evelyn still had her school (not a Japanese holiday). Patrick also had off so we decided to venture out to a local park. We took one of Gavin's new friends also - and made our way. I felt bad though because the park was literally down the street from Evie's school. So we sent her on the bus and went on our separate way. There are so many activities to do at the park, but we decided to stay in the section with a lot of fun kid activities. We paid for parking - but were afraid the park was closed because there were only 2 other cars there. But, since it was not a Japanese holiday, everyone was working. So it was open and we had the place basically to ourselves. If you check out the link above and look at the pictures, you will see tons of people. But there was not one other family in sight until lunchtime!

The kids had fun and Patrick and I were in awe of the beauty behind the park (and the fact that no one else was there). We had a great time until we were playing on the net course and Gavin decided to run up a hill and slide down. We told him not to do it - but he didn't listen and ran to the top of the hill only to realize that the ground was burning hot (he had his shoes off because of the nets) so he was screaming and crying and couldn't get off the hot ground. Patrick had to try to hurdle the nets to run up to him - but by then he had burned the bottoms of his feet and sat on the ground (he had shorts on that were long to protect his legs thank goodness). That basically put an end to our trip - which was ok though because it was HOT out and we had to head back to get Evie.

We are glad we found the park though - and plan to go back again when it is not as hot out so we can explore more areas :-)

Evie's first bus ride to school

Today was the first day that Evelyn took the bus to school. I never thought I would have a child take the bus (since I am a SAHM and can drive her - I thought it was useless to take a bus) but after long deliberation and discussions about both kids' school schedules (and the fact that all the other kids from the base take the bus) we decided to try it out.

In true Evelyn fashion, she pushed to the front of the line and jumped on the bus without even looking back or blowing us kisses. And of course, she decided she wanted to sit in the front seat next to the driver (which I am not sure is even allowed) but she did it. One of her friends joined her and off they went! She looked a bit nervous - but also was all smiles! I wish my baby girl good luck :-)

Gavin's school

Today was Gavin's school's opening ceremony. I sometimes forget that we are in the military until we go to these special types of events. The classes sat together in the auditorium, did special stretches (a Japanese tradition to get blood flowing to the brain for learning power), and then sang the anthem. I get choked up every time I see all the military personnel saluting the flag and the kids holding their hands over their hearts. It has so much more meaning over here than in most places in the US (unfortunately). After that, the kids went to the classrooms and signed up for home visits with the teacher. They also got to meet their new friends in class. It was a quick meeting - but I still can't believe my baby is going to kindergarten!

hamura zoo

Today, with Gavin's Japanese class, we got to go to a local zoo (which I have been told by many people is a great place to go). It was only about 10 minutes away and had free parking (except on Sundays - which today was - it was 300 yen, or about $3). The cost to get in for adults is 300 yen, kids 4 and up is 50 yen and under 4 is free! The Japanese class teacher also has a class of local Japanese kids that she teaches English to, so she brought them along as well. Some parents just dropped their kids off, but Patrick and I wanted to see the zoo also so we stayed and just lagged behind. The teacher took charge and had fun activities for them all.

The first stop was to the Red pandas (which were the teachers' favorite). They were quite beautiful, definitely the nicest looking pandas I have seen (including the one at the C-bus zoo, aka #1 zoo in the US). I didn't expect much since it was a hidden little zoo in the middle of some trees surrounded by a city. But I was very, very impressed at the quality of their animals.

Next to the pandas was a petting/handling area. They had guinea pigs, chicks, rabbits and other sorts of animals like them. The kids were allowed to pick them up, pet them, feed them, etc. It was very clean and organized! And the kids LOVED it. I was afraid Evelyn would turn into Lennie from 'Of Mice and Men" and accidentally strangle or kill one of the animals, but she didn't - thank goodness!!! She loved it and was a very good listener to her teacher. I poked my head inside once to get some pictures - but otherwise, Patrick and I sat on a shaded bench and relaxed from a distance. It was such a pleasure to watch the kids have fun from afar and not be directly in charge of them!

Next we walked through the main path of the zoo. There were meerkats, lynxes, giraffes, zebras, monkeys, condors, ostriches... you name it and it was probably there. I was super impressed with the types of animals they displayed as well as the quality of them. We stopped in a shaded area for some lunch and then the Japanese kids came and asked the English kids to play. It was fun to watch them run through a field, regardless of language or ethnicity.

Once playtime was over, they split into groups (the teacher's brother was also there as a guide) and went around to more animals (Evie's favorite were the penguins, Gavins was the giraffe). Then they had to draw a picture of their favorite animal and talk about it in front of the group and learn the English and Japanese word for it. It was a great day (although I am exhausted!!!) and the kids got to go outside and enjoy a little of Japan!

Day 2 Fuji and Gavin meets his teacher

Today was Evie's 2nd day at her school. We picked up her little friend, Hailey, and dropped Gavin off at her house to play with her big brother while we were gone. This time, I just needed to drop her off and walk away. It was a little emotional - except for the fact that I had Hailey too and needed to find her classroom as well - so I couldn't dawdle around too much. I gave Evie a hug and kiss (and told her no fighting, no headlocks, and be a good friend and listener) and I was gone. I got a little teary eyed driving out of the parking lot, but then realized I was free to go to Starbucks, the post office and grocery shopping KID-FREE! It was pretty awesome.

I got back just in time for Evie's class to be letting out. She was following in line and sat down with the other kids to get her shoes on (it is customary to take your shoes off before entering every house and school in Japan). She said she was a good listener and did not get in trouble. Her teacher doesn't speak English (she pulls in the secretary if there needs to be translation) so I didn't get a progress check up. I am sure she was fine - or I would've heard...but I am very anxious for Evie to transfer into the class that has a teacher that can speak English. Anyway, Evie said she sang, danced, read a book about turtles, colored a picture for me and played with toys. Sounds like a typical preschool day to me!

Once I picked her up we came home, got Gavin, and ate lunch. Then it was off to Gavin's school. His school is literally across the street from our house...so it was easy!!! Patrick even joined us on his lunch break! We saw his name and teacher's name and location and went to meet her. Gavin was very worried that he would get a man (although I heard the male teacher is awesome) but his teacher is Mrs. Fitzgerald. She is new to the school and seemed super excited to teach! He loved the items in the room (a globe, legos, blocks, etc) and said he was sooooooooo happy! He doesn't start until the 7th - but we have been doing school work to get him in learning mode.

On a side note...it always makes me crack up to see people saluting Patrick. We were in line to find out Gavin's teacher assignment and people were saluting him. When we were done and he was walking back to work, he had to stop 4 times in ONE block to salute. It is just odd to me!!!

PS - I just realized I was at my quota for storage with Google (gmail and picasa). I just upgraded so I should be able to add more pics and video soon. This was the reasoning behind my failed attempts at uploads.




Here are some pics of Evie's school





The kids rushing to see their dad (he has been working so much that they hardly see him right now) and a pic of Patrick being saluted (it's kind of hard to see - but you get the point).

chopsticks meal

I attempted my first chopsticks meal tonight. I wanted to grill some teriyaki chicken and pineapple but our grill is still not working (or, for that matter, even put together) so I turned it into a baked dish over rice and broke out the chopsticks. Evie was a pro at it. Gavin gave up quickly (also given the fact that he had his normal chicken fingers and not our meal). It was yummy - but even more so because it was fun to eat!!!

Fuji Kids Yochien

So we finally decided on a school for Evelyn. Actually, we kind of let her choose. There were many great options - but this one had horses. And ducks. And slides from the upper roof to the lower playground area. It was a no brainer in the eyes of an almost 4 year old. And for me, I liked the Montessori teaching style. Less aggressive with subjects. More time to help kids learn things themselves. I know she will learn colors and shapes and counting. But having her learn how to help herself set a table, or grow vegetables and crop them and cook them, or how to ride on a train with manners...these are things I would love for her to learn (since I don't have the patience to teach them).

The school makes you label everything. Seriously, everything. Every marker, crayon, clothing item...all has to have her name on it. They keep the kids responsible for every action - even cleaning up after each activity. Forks, chopsticks...it was a painful process! She also has to wear uniforms to school. Now through October is a sports-like uniform. T-shirt with the school logo and polyester shorts. In the winter she will have a plaid skirt, sweater, long sleeve polo or button down shirt. She also has a little hat -although I had to get her a large since she wears pigtails a lot. It is just for outside anyway. But she sure did look cute!

I met a woman whose daughter was also just starting Fuji Kids so we drove over together today. We were to stay with them (to help them adjust) from 9-11. The little girl's name is Hailey and she has a big brother (who is 7) that got along great with Gavin. I think they will end up being good buddies. It was just nice to be going through this new process with someone else. We also met 2 dads who brought their kids. One of the kids is in Evie's exact class. His name is Benjamin and they sat together.

Gavin gave Evie a little pep talk about what to do (actually what NOT to do) in class. I taped it for your viewing pleasure.

Although I was a bit hesitant about the language barrier - I quickly realized that kids in preschool don't need to listen a lot. They follow what the teacher does. Dancing to music (check out the video), reading books, playing with toys...don't need words to understand what to do. There was only one incident...Evelyn put some girl in a headlock for taking a toy away from her. It was quickly and quietly broken up, and that was the end of it. They also took the new kids up to the front and introduced them. She did great - and even said Konnichiwa (hello in Japanese). She wears a Japanese name tag too.

Tomorrow I drop her off and leave her from 9-11. I hope she has a good day tomorrow too!

***The videos are not uploading...sorry! I'll keep trying!

what a difference a day makes!

WOWZA! Today was much hotter and much more crowded at the Friendship Festival. We steered clear if it for most of the day, but Patrick was scheduled to work in the medical tent from 2-7. He texted me when he got there and said it was CRAZY! He said it was sooooo much hotter than saturday, which caused massive amounts of dehydration and heat related illnesses. And he also said it was sooooo much more crowded! Then I remembered (like I stated in a previous post) that the Japanese work 6 days a week - so Sunday is really their only day off.

Since Patrick was working, I decided to take the kids to go see Toy Story 3 (again) at the base theater. It is only 3 blocks from our house (everything is really so close!!!) so we went. I cried (again) and the kids loved it (again). When we walked out, the shuttle bus to go to the festival was right there, so the kids begged me to go over again. I thought it would be fun to see Patrick so I agreed.

This time I made the kids hold hand super tight. There were people everywhere...it was like walking through water. We found the medical tent and luckily Patrick was there and not cruising on the golf carts through the crowds. It was starting to get dark (which in Japan happens very quickly and also means that the bugs are about to come out) so we basically said hi and bye. I think it cheered him up to see us...so it was worth it!

Tomorrow is an exciting day for us! We are taking Evie to sign up for preschool. I had the hardest time deciding which one to choose (there were 2 I really liked) so I let her choose. The one she likes is Montessori based - and a huge school very much like Gavin's was last year. All preschool classes. About 600 kids. There are a few other Yokota kids - and their parents LOVE it. So I feel good about the choice. Keep your fingers crossed!

Tomorrow also starts 72 hours of h-e-double hockey sticks too. They are shutting off our hot water to clean asbestos out of the pipes. Yikes and yikes. I guess we will have to go to the local pool to shower off. Oh well...I shouldn't complain when there are men and women all around that get deployed into the desert. So a few days without hot water can't be too bad, right?