Home on the Range

A few of you have asked to see the house we are living in--so here it is. It is turned sideways on the lot so from the street you see a gorgeous view of the side. But that also means that no one can see in either and I like that.

This is the van we bought for $3000.
It is a Honda Stepwagon and I'm already enjoying all the great things a van has to offer. Before we moved here the kids used to chant, "a van in Japan!" Now their wish has come true and I couldn't be happier.


Saturday we went to Kadena Marina and once again our kids were the only ones in the water. That's what I like about them. Now I'm a complete chicken and won't get in cold water, but I'm glad they are like JeriLynn and not me.

Konichiwa!

It's been 3 weeks since we arrived in Okinawa. So much has happened - and at the same time it seems like we've done nothing but grocery shop and attempt to find our way back from the grocery store.

We moved into our house on Tuesday, but don't have any pictures yet. It is small but mortgage free, so you can't argue with that. I'm a little afraid that we won't have anywhere to put all our junk when it arrives, but I'll deal with that when it comes. One thing our home is really missing is Wesson. I can't even think of him without tearing up. We have replace him with four geckos - one of which lives in my closet. I know they eat other bugs, so I'm glad for that, but I'm terrified that I'm going to put on my shoes and find him in the toe. One more reason to only wear flip - flops .

Spring is here and we are headed north to see the Cherry Blossoms tomorrow. Reminds me of our days in DC. Back when we were in love and without kids. Oh, the good old days!

We spent Martin Luther King day at Torii Beach. I think the locals thought we were crazy because we were the only ones there and certainly the only people in swimsuits. But it feels great to be in the ocean in January!

Another island adventure was to the famous "Cocok" nail salon. In the first week we were here, I heard several woman talking about it. My feet were in desperate need of some attention, so a friend took me. I walked out 2 hours later with the fanciest toes I've ever had. They don't do just a regular pedicure. They do all the normal stuff plus a 20 minute leg massage and unbelievable toe art. Now I have a degree in art history, so I think I'm qualified to say that this really does qualify as art. I can't wait for visitors so I can take them here.

We are loving it here but also missing home and friends and family so much. There are times when I feel very alone and wonder what we were thinking when we accepted this assignment. I know from experience that these feelings will fade with time, but its always tough to make a big change, and this one is pretty big. The kids are adjusting well. Frankly, I think they are relieved to be in one spot...I know I am. So home, sweet home, is now Japan. If you read this blog entry and feel like sending us a message, we sure could use a friend. Lots of love to you from this side of the world.

Our last days...

We have been having a great time enjoying our last days in the US of A. These past few days we've been at a Navy resort on the coast of Washington. It's been rainy but beautiful. There have been lots of card games, even more bowls of ice cream, and wet walks on the beach. Our house is on a bluff, overlooking the Pacific. These are the perks of the military that I love. I'm trying to focus on things like this, instead of all the crazy crap we've been through preparing for our move overseas.

Sledding at Mt. Baker, Jackson's namesake. It was a blast. I can't believe how fearless Sydo is. The whole day reminded me of the thousands of hours we spent sledding as kids. I miss those days at the pond with my best friend Laura. We were fearless too.

The day after New Years, my niece was baptised. I was really glad the whole big, wild family was there to celebrate her and the occasion. I traded a talk I was supposed to give for playing the piano. At the time it seemed like a good trade. I have NEVER played in public before and I was pretty nervous. I should have gotten all warmed up because the baptism was delayed by a half hour and I played every hymn I've even remotely practiced. But just like I feared, the moment everyone started singing along, my vision got blurry, my hands got sweaty, and it's an actual miracle that I managed to make it through the two songs I had to play. Christian realized how momentous (and probably solitary) the event was, and captured my fear on camera.

Happy New Year everyone! Catch my next post from our new home, Japan!

Christmas with the Fam!

We are having a great time in WA with our families. Hope you like the little video I put together with the help of a groovy website I found...Animoto.com. Pretty fun to mess around with. Expect more of these in the future!

He's Home, He's Home, He's Home!

It's been two weeks since Christian came home and we are still on a family high. It is more than great, wonderful, or marvelous to have him back. I am overjoyed. Soren took to him right away--thanks to our sessions on Skype, I think. The other kids are so happy too. It hasn't been the adjustment I thought it would be. It has been really easy. It seems like life was interupted, and now things are back to how they should be.

First snow

Yesterday was the first snow of the season so we got out there and got cold! The kids had fun but I kept thinking, maybe it's not so bad to be moving to a warm, tropical climate.

Brown butter Pumkin cupcakes

...with maple cream cheese frosting and toasted pecans. Doesn't that just sound like fall? It was Friday night and I was without a hot date, so I baked. By Saturday I took plates of these to some friends because I was eating WAY too many. Man, I love to bake! Can't wait for Christian to come home so I can start fattening him up again.