So….another little blurb for Shutterfly. Not only do I absolutely love their adorable, affordable holiday cards (http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery), I also love a ton of their other products too!

Their holiday invitations have saved me on more than one occasion (http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-invitations) and their Christmas ornaments make awesome presents for grandparents, parents, etc. (http://www.shutterfly.com/photo-gifts/pewter-ornament).

Most of all, what I love about Shutterfly is their photo books (http://www.shutterfly.com/photo-books). These have always been one of the cherished gifts that I give. I have used them to documents family vacations, the kids growth through the year, and special projects we have done around the house, just to name a few. But one of my favorite uses for these photo books is to keep track of my children’s schoolwork and art. I scan their projects and assignments into a jpg file and then create a book out of it for them to have forever! It keeps all of their work together, and I can throw away the original without feeling guilty since I have saved it forever into one of these books!

So, whenever I need a gift idea, and invitation, holiday cards, or even prints made – I always check out shutterfly first! They have great prices to start with and they usually have special deals to boot! Check them out – I am sure you will be glad you did!

thanksgiving Countdown #11...

Today I am grateful for one hour. Actually, it is 2 separate 1 hour segments that I get each day with my kids.

I drop Gavin off at school at 8am. I take Evie at 9:10. This gives me about an hour of quality one-on-one time with my precious little girl. This morning we had a tea party, pretend birthday party, and played candy land. Some days she chooses to watch tv - but lately she has wanted to play or have me read to her. Part of the time is spent trying to get her dressed and her hair brushed - but either way, I am very grateful for that morning time with her.

On the flip side, I pick Gavin up at 2:10. I pick Evie up at 3:20. So again, I get an hour with him. Sometimes we do homework (he usually finishes his week worth on the first day though), sometimes we play wii, sometimes I take a nap when he plays wii. Once in a while we go for walks or stay at the playground for a while. And sometimes we run errands (not much fun - but waaaay easier to do with just G).

So today I am thankful for the one hour I get each day with each of them.

We interrupt our thanksgiving countdown...

for this!!!

Due to the fact that I have no time or energy to handmake my Christmas cards this year (sorry folks), I heard about this great little give-a-way from Shutterfly. I LOVE shutterfly and their products - so I was thrilled to hear about this promotion. Of course, I had JUST ordered 100 of my own cards literally the night before I heard of this - but who can't use more cards?!?!

Shutterfly is giving away 50 free holiday cards to bloggers!!!! You can go to their site here. It doesn't matter how big or little your blog is...go and sign up! Who doesn't love free stuff? :-)

Thanksgiving countdown #10...

Today's thankful post is a no brainer! In the words of the amazing Maya Angelou - "How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!" Today, and every day, I am forever thankful, forever grateful, forever awe inspired, by the American soldiers...past, present and future.

I have run across many great quotes about Veterans and Veterans day. But first a little history lesson. Many people get Memorial Day and Veterans Day confused. To make it clear, Veterans day celebrates ALL soldiers, living and dead. They recognize all service done honorably by the men and women of the US military.

There are 5 branches of the US military. The Air Force, the Marines, the Navy, the Army, and the Coast Guard. I have been privileged enough to have friends and family serve in all of them! And I am even luckier now to be a proud Air Force wife!!! I get to see the amazing-ness every day and to bear witness to the unselfish acts these people perform.

"War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself."
— John Stuart Mill (1868)

I understand that not everybody supports the war. Make love, not war, right? But it is these soldiers that give those people the right to have that opinion. These soldiers who protect their country in God-forsaken land in the middle of the night while others are home, in their beds, fast asleep - who give people their freedoms. It hurts me to the core to think there are people out there that think soldiers are nothing but the most amazing gift we have in our country.

"There are some who've forgotten why we have a military. It's not to promote war, it's to be prepared for peace."
President Ronald Reagan

Sure, protesters have every right to burn the American flag, to yell obscenities at heroes coming home from war, to carry signs that are meant for the soldiers to feel shame. But ya know what?!?! It was those exact people that they are yelling about that gives them the opportunity to express themselves in that way. Another awesome quote I saw was this:

“When you men get home and face an anti-war protester, look him in the eyes and shake his hand. Then, wink at his girlfriend, because she knows she is dating a p*ssy.” General Tommy Franks
(and anyone that knows me knows that I absolutely HATE that "p" word - but I still love the sentiment).

SO to end my post with yet another quote..."As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy. I vow to make every effort on this day (and always) to make sure all the veterans I know (or even don't know) understand how grateful I am for everything they (and their families) have done for me, my family and my country.

thanksgiving Countdown #9.5...

Bonus blog!!! I have been super thankful for my Japanese Culture Course I signed up for through the Family Readiness Center on base. It was supposed to be 10 weeks - but ended up only being 7. I got a special prize for attending all the nights :-)

Tonight, sadly, was our last night. I have learned so much throughout these past months. Seriously! Did you know that in Japan, dishes are sold in sets of 5. Not because their families are larger, but because their number for 4 is also the same sound as their word for death. So 4 is considered a bad omen. So they sell plates and bowls and sake glasses in sets of 5. I also have learned how to write my name in Kanji, how to make origami swans (1000 are made to bring good luck and health to a person), how to cook a few Japanese meals, and how to eat out on the town in a Japanese restaurant. I sang karaoke, watched a formal tea ceremony and made some friends on base also.

So, Group 1, I am forever thankful for you!!!

thanksgiving Countdown #9...

Today's post will be a trickle down effect. The waterfall effect. Whatever you want to call it...but it ultimately ends up the same. I am grateful for being a stay-at-home-mom.

I know the stigma for SAHMs is lazy, uneducated people who don't want a 'real' job. This, of course, is a thought by someone who has never been nor never known a SAHM. Sure, I can be lazy. But it is a rare day that I get to sit on my bum and watch soap operas (OK - most wednesdays (since it is Tuesday night in the states) I find time to skype with Ashli to watch gLee - but not always - and that is only for one hour). And I am not uneducated. I graduated with honors from high school and college. I have 2 Masters degrees (my MBA and then continues to also get my MBA in healthcare admin). I held a great job for 5 years.

I CHOOSE to be a stay-at-home-mom. This means we are able to survive financially on one salary (and, no, it is not the salary we will have when Patrick is a real doc - but it is manageable). And I am thankful for that.

I CHOOSE to be a stay-at-home-mom. This means I am able to attend most, if not all, functions at my children's schools. I can pick them up, drop them off, stay with them when they are sick, volunteer to help in their class and go on field trips with them. I can eat lunch once a month with them at school. I can be involved with the PTO, sports, activities and class projects. And I am thankful for that.

I CHOOSE to be a stay-at-home-mom. This means i gave up my Ann Taylor and Banana Republic suits and ended up with Old Navy sweatshirts and my favorite jeans. This, I am not always so thankful for, but appreciate anyway.

So today, I am focusing on the hardest job known to man (or woman), and being utterly and totally thankful for every aspect of being a SAHM that I have been through, am going to go through, and especially what I am going through now.

These pictures are from Family Lunch Day at Evelyn's school today.

thanksgiving Countdown #8...

Today I am thankful for my secret cleaning ladies! Seriously, they make my life so much less stressful. I know I am a stay-at-home-mom and should be able to clean my house anytime, all the time. But I don't. And I don't want to. I am not very good at it, and it makes me anxious. Yet, I always feel so much better when the house is clean. And Patrick LLLLLurves a clean house (typical Type A surgeon).

Patrick 'know's about these secret ladies, yet we choose not to discuss it because he hates paying someone for something that we could easily do. But when he saw how much happier we both are - I think he decided to turn a blind eye to it. Plus, I hate having him clean all the time when he is home because I want to spend quality time with him - not watch him scrub the shower.

And when I know they are coming, I clean too. As to not waste their time...I will start the laundry, do the dishes, put away clutter, pick up toys, etc...so technically I am cleaning too! (at least that is what I tell myself).

But it is such a joy to be able to go grocery shopping and come home to a miraculously clean house! I can type on my blog and the toilets are getting scrubbed. I can make dozens and dozens of cookies (before she does the kitchen of course) for the Base's Dorm Storm (where we take cookies to all the airmen in the dorms over the holidays) while the carpets are being vacuumed and the floors are steamed. I can totally relax knowing I have a few moments where the house is perfect - before the kids get home and crap it all up again. But I know deep down, the germs are gone, stains are cleaned, bed linens are fresh, dust is removed and floors are glistening.

And for that, I am truly thankful :-)

Thanksgiving countdown #7...

Today I am thankful for gorgeous weather. We have had some seriously perfect November weather here, and after reading about snow posts from Ohio, I am very grateful that we still have high 60 degree weather. Today I went golfing with some of the other ladies taking lessons and then again with my friend Lynn. I tried to stop at every hole and just take a breath (you never get to have that exact moment again - so I love when I can be "in the now" and truly appreciate That Moment). And gorgeous weather certainly aides in my ability to be "in the now" or "in the present" or "in the moment". It puts me into my Zen place very easily.

It was also nice when we had to take the train (about 70 mins each way) into the city for an audition for a modeling gig for IKEA. Evelyn and I went (and luckily ran into some other friends from Yokota) and it was nice to walk between stations and the photo shoot and to simply enjoy a little girls night out. I am crossing my fingers that we get as much of this weather for as long as possible!!!

thanksgiving Countdown #6...

Today I am thankful for western civilization. It wasn't until I came upon this....




eastern public restroom that I realized how spoiled we are. And, of course, I took my kids into the handicap restroom so they could actually sit down. Seriously - how do you expect to do you business in this thing. The look alone made me want to vomit.

It also made me realize how nice our cars, shopping malls, restaurants, schools, houses, etc are! But - today I am eternally grateful for anywhere that has nice restrooms.

thanksgiving Countdown #5...

Today I am thankful for all of the special activities they offer on base. This week alone we have been to Kids Klub (every wednesday night), First Friday (offered on the first friday of every month - the other fridays we usually go to make-your-own pizza or chilis), Viking Challenge and Oktoberfest. The base really makes a great effort to let people get involved with these things - at a very minimal cost.

Wednesday was Kids Klub, but we didn't stay long because Gavin was getting sick. But they have huge screens with tv shows, great food, and games with prizes for all. Kids are free - so it costs me about $9 total for the night. They have lots of food to choose from too!

Friday was the First Friday. They played Meet the Robinsons and Finding Nemo on big screens, had 2 jumpy houses, ice cream bar, kids karaoke and door prizes. Again, all for about $10.

Today (Saturday), Patrick participated in the Viking Challenge - a 12 hour run, alternating one mile laps between team mates. I think there were 8-12 people on a team...but it is still harder than it sounds. I tried to be 'sweet' and bring some donuts - but I guess people running as hard as they can for a mile don't really eat donuts in between miles. Oh well, it's the thought that counts! We went and visited Daddy a few times - but were a little bored by watching people run (especially if it wasn't Patrick). So the kids and I headed over to Oktoberfest. It was an absolute GORGEOUS day outside (sunny, high 60's, slight breeze) so it made for a wonderful afternoon. Mommy got some yummy beers (the only thing that you had to pay for) and the kids got to go on bounce houses, trampoline bouncers, make your own cookies, games, food, balloon guy, music, Yokota Idol, etc. Everyone had a great time - but I think Patrick is divorcing me because I kept sending him pics of my beers while he was running. Oops!

And tomorrow we are going with the ITT (travel company on base) to Mt Fuji for a safari ride. We meet early, take a bus and they take care of everything! It makes exploring Japan so much easier!

So I am grateful for all the effort put into the events on base. There really is something for everyone! I just wish that they didn't coincide on the same day - it would have been nice for Patrick to go to Oktoberfest with us!

It truly is such a great place to get involved as much or as little as you like. But the volunteers and organizers really make every event so much fun!!!

thanksgiving Countdown #4...

Today is your lucky day. I am writing about TWO things I am thankful for! Although they fall under the same general category of technology. Today I am thankful for Hulu and Skype.

Being so far away from home is difficult sometimes, even lonely. But with these two amazing products, I can stay in touch with loved ones and loved shows. Even though I have to wait a day, I can keep up to date with my fave shows. On my queue every week is How I met Your Mother, Modern Family, Cougar Town, the Office, Community, Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice. Glee is also a show I watch weekly - but I will get to that in a minute. I also like catching SNL and some other funny shows if I have time. But Hulu really has made life a little better here (it's sad, I know).

Skype is the other technological advance that I am grateful for. We have an American phone number, so I can call people all I want - but there is something about seeing faces, talking to a room full of friends, watching gLee (I told you I would get around to it) with my girlfriend Ashli in real time, and letting the kids see their friends and relatives and vice versa that you just can't get with a regular old phone.

These two beaut's have made my life a lot nicer in Japan. So, for that, I am thankful.

Thanksgiving countdown #3...

Today I am thankful for friends. But not the generic "I am thankful for my friends". Today I am thankful for friends of friends. These little gems can be so helpful and handy in times of need. Friends of friends can be a great referral source. Seriously, how many times do you have a friend that says "My friend is a photographer (aka http://charlottefoerschlerphotography.blogspot.com/ or http://melissajonesphotography.com/ and http://beccaberryphotography.com/)" or "my friend does great hair (aka Lindsey at Dublin Salon or Lindsey at Lennonheads or Leigh at Salon Rage)"? But today I am super thankful for my OLD (heehee) neighbor Christa (ok - she is not old in age - but was my neighbor in past tense). Her amazing referral to Award Technologies (http://www.awardtec.com/) has saved my sanity a million times over.

Ward and Sylvia are very smart when it comes to the techy stuff and their customer service is amazing. Even when I live 7000 miles away, I can just call them up (they answer a lot of calls even up to 10pm EST or later) and they will talk me through it or access my computer remotely (with my approval of course). They are very reasonably priced also. I will totally refer anyone I know to them instead of some Nerd Herd (although I am sure they have their place in the world too).

So when you have a precious little friend who has a unique or special talent, or a great housecleaner, babysitter, preschool teacher or physician - don't be afraid to pimp them out! There are people out there just waiting for a good referral.

Thanksgiving countdown #2...

Today I am thankful for amazing scenery. Sometimes living on an Air Force Base can be pretty blah. All the houses/buildings are yellow with brown roofs. ALL. OF. THEM. There is only so much decorating and planting you can do to make it beautiful. But, to be in a place like Japan, surrounded by amazing mountain ranges and gorgeous foliage... it makes me thankful.

Thanksgiving Countdown...

In no particular order, I plan on writing about 1 thing I am thankful for per day (besides the obvious...family, love, health, happiness).

Today I am thankful for zoos. I was totally spoiled living in Columbus (aka the #1 zoo in America) and experiencing all that it had to offer (ZooKids, WildLights, Jungle Jack, etc). But I am also thankful for the tiny zoos too. Claws-n-Paws in the Poconos, Elmwood Park zoo in PA, and the Hamura Zoo in Japan! These littler zoos still have tons to see, are usually shaded and way less crowded. They also offer some unique experiences, such as getting to hold these cute little guys or see giraffes this close up!!!

coming soon...

many new posts! Patrick was in San Francisco with our laptop for almost 2 weeks so I haven't been able to access a computer to blog. I had my iPhone to check emails and such - but I will finally be able to catch up on here! We have done lots of fun things while daddy was away - I can't wait to share. BUT, I also want to spend some time with my honey, so please be patient :-)

What a privilege!?!?!?

Today I got to be a witness to something so beautiful and emotional, I feel it is such a privilege to witness. Our friends, the Smiths (Estella is my friend, Xavier is Gavin's friend and Hailey is Evelyn's partner in crime and baby Hannah is just a joy for us all) were welcoming their Daddy home from a 4 month deployment. It was great to know someone who was experiencing it - but it was just as emotional seeing people I didn't even know. There were girlfriends, kids, wives, husbands, co-workers, etc who were all so excited for the homecoming. The nerves and excitement were palpable. From the moment we could hear the plane until the families were reunited - it was such an amazing experience!
Some of the pictures are of the Smiths, but a lot of others are of people I don't know. It was great to show Gavin what real heroes look like!

So proud of my son!!!

If you are anything like me, you probably get nervous every time someone says "I need to talk to you." It usually ends up a bad conversation. But every once in a while it is a great conversation.

Today, Gavin's teacher pulled me aside after school and started with, "I need to talk to you about Gavin." As my stomach dropped (thinking of the worst - like he is getting bullied, or doing the bullying, or he is bad in class, etc), she noticed my concern. She said "No, no - it's nothing to worry about, but I need your permission to give Gavin some different assignments than the other kids. He is WAY (stretching her arms out as far as they could go), WAY ahead of most of the students in class in basically every subject. He can read entire books, write or sound out words at a 3rd grade level, even do math at an advance level. I want to foster his learning, so I need your permission to treat him a little differently without showing it in front of the class." (or something along those lines). Either way, it made me so proud of Gavin! I knew he would be a little more advanced since he is one of the oldest in his class, but he really enjoys learning and is doing this on his own! I also credit his preschool for being so awesome!

Now if we can get Evelyn to be as excited...

birthday party and summer sweeps

I decided to throw the kids a birthday party about 2 weeks ago. I was able to book the indoor pool (with an inflatable obstacle course) so we invited all the boys from Gavin's class and all the girls at Evie's bus stop and a few more family friends. All-in-all, there were 18 kids! It was great to have such a fun party, even though it was our first one being away from family and friends. I was so grateful for everyone who came to help make it such a success. I did, however, feel a little lame since I am usually a HUGE party planner/thrower. This one didn't get as much attention as I usually would give - due to the little planning time and the crappy week leading up to it. I was able to get some cute kid favors and I remembered to order enough pizza. That's about all the energy I put into it :-) Which, in some ways was nice.

The next day we also had another fun day because the base had it's summer sweeps party. Lots of inflatables, free food, prizes, giveaways, Japanese Elvis impersonator...you know, the usual. The kids had a great day and we had fun relaxing and enjoying time together as a family.

a rough week

This week has been a bit rough for me. That is why I haven't really posted. As most people, I usually like to post about the fun, exciting, upbeat things we have done. Once in a while, it is also fun to post about how disastrous your house looks, the funny story about you getting a speeding ticket, or some other not-perfect moment - just because it is a great way to look back and say your life was full of adventures good and bad. But this week, I felt plain anxiety (which is not like me).

It started off bad because Evelyn had been sick for almost a week. I debated sending her to school or not (anxiety) and then also if she had more than just a virus (more anxiety). After speaking to her pediatrician on base and some friends who are pediatricians, I decided since she was fever free for 5 days, I would try to send her to school. She really didn't want to go but eventually got her uniform on and went. After school, she looked like she had been crying and apparently had hit her eye/face on the bus (I think she fell asleep and then they hit a bump and she hit her face). Well, Tuesday came and she did not want to go again. This time she put up much more of a fight, but we were watching a friend who also goes to her school - so I made her get dressed and go since we had to take her friend anyway. I went off to a function (the art of flower arranging Japanese style) and ended up getting called in by the school to pick her up. She just cried at school and wouldn't eat and was not participating in anything at school.

I was afraid she was still sick - but as soon as I picked her up and brought her home, she was fine. The straw that broke my back though, came on Thursday morning when we went to get ready for school. She really did NOT want to go to school. Nor did she want to take the bus. She is afraid of the bus now (since hurting her face - which was not even bruised - I think it just scared her). We went to the bus stop and she started screaming and crying and freaking out. I had a decision to make...take her home or make her go. I chose to send her off, handing her over to the teacher aide on the bus as she looked at me pathetically out the window - like "how could you do this to me". I called the school to warn them and asked for an update.

I had a special ceremony for a culture club group that I am, which was a good distraction, but I felt bad because I wasn't totally concentrating on the ceremony. I was checking my phone every minute and called a few times to see how she was doing. They told me she stopped crying but would not take off her jacket and hat or backpack. I know this is normal for a lot of preschoolers - but it sucks. It rips my heart out to know she is not happy. She has even started to be sad at home too. And aggressive. It made me so anxious to know that it is most likely our move to Japan that has done this.

But I have been reminded that it is normal. She will cope with this and we will learn how to help her express her feelings and concerns. Nonetheless, it was a torturous week. She did make it through that day though - and was fine when she got home. Happy even. She did not have school friday - which was Gavin's birthday AND their birthday party night...so she helped me get ready for the party. We ran errands, played some Mah Jongg (she played DSi), and had lunch with friends.

The week did end on a great note though. The party was successful and I think the kids really had fun. I was nervous since it was their first birthday away from friends/family but there were about 17 or 18 kids to help them celebrate. I am grateful we have met some people who can ease our transition. Now if I could only make Evie LOVE going to school...

I will post pictures on the next post...my camera is not working right now...

more japanese culture

I had another one of my Japanese Culture classes last night. This time we learned about traditional calligraphy. We learned how to make the ink, sit properly, breathe properly and hold the brush. I am super un-artistic so this was a challenge for me. I felt awkward - but was pleased with my results. At first it was super stressful, but then I got all zen and felt good doing it. Be the brush. But it was cool to find out there are over 10,000 characters that mean different things based on how you draw it. There are 3 ways to end a character drawing; a stop, leap, and sweep. So even though 2 characters could look almost identical - you can tell the difference by the way the lines end. It was interesting (also hard to explain on this blog).

Anyway, we learned our Kanji names and meanings. Mine means wisdom holder of the house. Sounds about right :-) But even the Japanese people thought the first character was really hard to draw - so they changed it a bit. Apparently - your name is spelled with characters that make your sound. Since the Japanese do not have a sound for "L" (seriously - it's not just a stereotype - they really don't have the sound in their language) so "R" is the closest to it. So my characters were Kar and Ree. But the Kar character was really hard - so the changed it to the "Harr" character - which when paired with "ree" changes it to sound like "Kar-ree" not "Harr-ree". It was a bit easier to draw - but made me raugh-out-roud (LOL) because it sounded like Hairy Kairy when they joked about it.

We also were given the opportunity to learn how to write a word or saying and create it onto some really nice, expensive paper. I was super nervous for this, but luckily my phrase was pretty easy to write. It means "Be now", as in live in the moment. I love it! I also had to write my name down the side too...but I was proud of the way it turned out. We are going to frame it and put it in the hallway :-) My first Japanese treasure!