Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

As it got closer and closer to Christmas, we all commented that it sure didn't feel like Christmas...may be the 80 degree summer weather, may be the still unsettled feeling that's lingering, or may be the fact that last Christmas was probably the hardest we've ever had.

So, I think it all just made me try harder...decorating, baking, planning the perfect holiday. And, it has been a perfect holiday, spending a ton of fun time together, hundreds of cookies delivered, and such a strong spirit filled the chapel during the Christmas program Sabrina and I participated in. Truly a magical Christmas.

Beyond all the stress. Beyond the fact that my grandma's not doing well. Beyond the fact that we are missing family and friends this holiday. True spirit and true love has been felt in the Terry home this week.

We've done tons of baking together...

Took a little time out from slinging flour to fight for the spotlight:

Watched a little reindeer sing a song...

Took our annual family photos...

Set a festive holiday table...

Ate lots of yummy, sweet things...

Started some new traditions, but kept some old ones, like cute matching pajamas...

On top of all that, we made new stockings to replace our missing ones, enjoyed cards and greetings from loved ones, gave and received lots of thoughtful gifts, and laughed more than we have together in a long time. I am grateful that, for this holiday, the memories of time spent together will last far longer than the gifts.

I miss the Christmas markets, our family and friends, my dearest Christine, but this year we pulled together and remembered Christ's love in our lives and found joy in each other-- and in making this season special. A beautiful end to a tough year.

One week to go!

So, what's been going on this week? Last week was the Big Eddie, a seldom run, invite-only surf contest on the North Shore. There is all this criteria for it to run: the waves, height, barrels...lots of other conditions that mean nothing to my lack of surfing knowledge. We drove up there after the kids got out of school one day...missed the contest, but marveled at the fierocity of the waves. They had closed some of the beaches, including this one. This picture doesn't even do it justice...I mailed out ALL my cards, and ALL my packages, and got to baking. I had little helpers this year...

10 batches of cookies later...Hey, where did that extra cookie dough go?

We have been enjoying actually getting cards in the mail. Used to be we'd cover an entire door, now just about 1/2 a door the last couple of years...either we're less loved, or not as many want to do the mail thing anymore. Oh, well, I still make the majority of ours...and love it.

Coming home from shopping this week, seeing why we are SO grateful to live on base. While the rest of the area are leaving Hickam and Honolulu, we are coming home, on the right side of the freeway...

Dennis and I had a date night and went to the flight Christmas party...

Saw the coolest sunset while out delivering cookies tonight...

Came home and took the big, bad teenager's door off. (Long story, lots of drama...) Hayden thought it was funny and wouldn't stop taking pictures, so Dennis took his off, too...

What will the next week bring? All preparations are done, tomorrow's the last day of school until winter break, and the weather is beautiful...so, hopefully, lots of peace and fun family time. Who can ask for more?

Land of Rainbows

I thought I needed to share some light and love, since my last post. It seemed that after the weekend and getting my packages and cards in the mail, I'm back to being on top of it, and definitely less stressed.

So, here are some reasons why the rainbow is the symbol on our state license plate:

Maybe it's the most vivid rainbows I've ever seen:

Or, could it be because I've never before seen both ends of the rainbow:

Maybe it's just because the light rain in full sun creates beautiful shimmers of color, or that the fall and winter rain bring opportunities for rainbows at least once a week...

Either way, it just shows that even with grumpy shoppers and all the holiday stress that take away from the joy, you can always count on a bright, beautiful promise of hope from nature and God. I know that those of you even in cold weather right now, can find some awesome beauty from nature...How cool is that?

Welcome the holidays!

I think that the ushering in of the holidays may help me feel more settled here. We had a nice, quiet Thanksgiving...I decorated for fall, Sabrina helped me cook (although next year we'll put SUGAR in the pumpkin pie...), and I even braved the Black Friday crowds. Those price matching policies at the main stores and the BX saved me some money and a ton of running around.

It's the 1st of December, and while I was worried that being in Hawaii would hinder feeling the holiday spirit, we are all decorated for Christmas, and feeling a bit jovial. I've spent the past week or so getting ready for a holiday craft fair. I haven't started my Christmas cards yet, but I'm making some for the fair, so hopefully will get them all knocked out at the same time. I even have nearly all of the Christmas shopping done and everything wrapped. Way ahead of past years...That's how this post was supposed to go...all gingerbread and holiday glee...yeah, right...

Then, I headed out yesterday to finish some last minute errands, mail packages, exchange some items. First, my morning took way longer than I had planned to get out the door...

Then, at the post office...I had put 3 packages in flat rate boxes that the helpful clerk informed me were going to cost more than if I had used regular boxes. So, he handed me some so I could repackage them. I had also apparently used the wrong customs form...yes, the same form I used for the last 6 years to send packages FROM Germany was not allowed to send packages TO Germany. When all was said and done, I nearly ran out of there...on to the next stop.

Braving the mall, I spent almost 2 hours in Ross, scouring the racks for specific items, including a costume for Sabrina for her role as Mary in the nativity at the Christmas party (they don't sell very many long, humble, tunic-type dresses these days), standing in line, then getting to the register and realizing my credit card was gone. Having used it at the post office, I HOPED it was there.

I rushed out of Ross to check my car seat where I had put the post office receipts and try to track it down. It wasn't in the car and, of course, they weren't answering their phones. So, I had to call a head office, in a different building, where a woman took my information. Still unsettled at the possibilities that I left it there or could have dropped it, and a random stranger was finishing his Christmas shopping on my dime, I called Dennis to head over there....5 minutes til they closed. He called the post office first, spoke to the same employee I did, who assured him that none of the clerks remembered anyone leaving a card.

At this point it is 2 hours until our church Christmas Party, where Sabrina was Mary, both Hayden and McKenna were singing, and I was charged with providing part of the dinner...

I called the woman at the post office back, got her voicemail and proceeded to give detailed information on the clerk, time of day, how he kept my card in front of him, and "handed me my receipt, but no card, as I rushed out the door." After leaving this message, I decided to AGAIN scour around the car seat, dump my purse, and tear apart the center console, where I noticed...yes, here it comes...the card had fallen flat against a CD. Relieved that it was secure, I made yet one more phone call to that poor woman at the post office and left the most apologetic message that all was well, and profusely thanked her for her time and service.

Next, I made one more stop before heading home where I handed out the items from Ross and noticed I was missing a bag. I checked the car...no bag. Really...no bag. I know what you're thinking, but it really wasn't there. So, I called Ross. They were still slammed, and she said there wasn't anything around the customer service desk, but if I called back in another hour, they might slow down enough for her to look around.

So, I rushed my family to get ready, dropped them off at the church, and headed back to the mall. 20 minutes later, after circling the parking lot for a spot, having stood in the customer service line, and saying multiple prayers, I was the reunited with my shopping bag, which had a huge note on it, "CUSTOMER LEFT IN SHOPPING CART." Yay! I was so grateful, and took a moment to thank God and promise I would slow down...this is the message I received loud and clear! Again, all was well.

I made it back to the party before anyone performed, even before dinner was started. McKenna was a little warm, and a little clingy, but all in all, it went well.

Today, we were all ready for church relatively on time...not too much hassle, everyone looking good. We get to church and I noticed that McKenna barely touched her pop tart. She said she was full...whatever. We are just about 3 minutes late, still making announcements. I barely put my rear end in the pew (of course, nearer to the front than I normally sit), sit her on my lap, when she turns to me with her hand up by her mouth and starts to cry.

I KNOW that look...we make a bee line for the bathroom, my hand in ready position by her mouth just in case, and barely make it to the trash can in the hall...I say barely because none made it to the floor, but my hand and the front of her new black velvet dress weren't so lucky. Yes, most made it in the trash. I now had to go back into Sacrament to collect my kids and belongings, where Sabrina decided she'd stay, so I had to find her a ride home. I hope they were all thinking "that poor mom" and not "I wish that lunatic would take her seat and quit walking up and down the aisle."

McKenna seemed to be ok by dinner time. I don't know if it was too much from last night, or what. I took the kids out just before dinner to take pictures for our Christmas card, and they turned out pretty well. This one looks like it is in front of a picture, but this ethereal sunset background is very real. And, I'm typing on here instead of finishing my Christmas cards...

So, that was my weekend. What did I say? Welcome the holidays? What was I thinking? If it continues like this, I might have to Bah Humbug!

The ABC's of Kindergarten...

Ok, so McKenna, out of all my kids was the MOST ready to go to school. She recited her alphabet, could count, and loved to sit down with the older kids and do her "homework." But, now, I'm not so sure.

She did just turn 5 in October. If we were still in DODDS or most other states, she wouldn't have even started this year. And, she's loved going. She does her homework, and had a fine parent/teacher conference report. Yet, yesterday I received the phone call...she's not retaining her alphabet. WHAT???

I had been getting a little frustrated with her myself...I'd ask her what a letter was, and she'd be right about 1/2 the time. The really frustrating thing is she'll change which ones she knows...how does that happen? I've considered every possible explanation, including "stagefright" during assessments...maybe she's too shy...too coy...too masochistic. Her sweet teacher said it was just a heads up, but she's on a list of possibles to repeat kindergarten next year.

Of course, I'm taking it personally. I did everything with her that I did with the other kids...she didn't do a formal preschool...but I really thought she was ready...she seems ready. I know she's young, but don't know if that's the problem.

Here in Hawaii, they allow kids to start school who are turning 5 up until December 31st. They call it Jr. Kindergarten, but it is essentially the same as regular, in the same class. It just means they have a greater chance of moving up to "Kindergarten" the next year, while the older Kindergarteners go to 1st grade. McKenna falls in this category, but in name only, as she is fully still doing Kindergarten right now. And, it's not even required in this state.

Her teacher did say it was ultimately up to the parents at the end of the year to follow the teacher's recommendations or not. Like I would not hold her back if she were REALLY struggling? My Kindy teacher friend, Pam, says at her school they rarely hold a child back, but move them on, focusing on the struggling areas in the next grade. Therein lies the rub, folks...we're not at her school....or state.

Education, education...you can't pick up a Hawaiian paper and not have some article, Letter to the Editor, or critique of the educational system here. And, to make matters worse, they have run out money, so instead of laying off teachers, they added 17 furlough days into the current school year...in a state where the kids already get less instructional days than most other states. It's a hot topic of debate right now. The bottom line is there aren't any extras. There aren't any programs for reading help, like Reading 101 programs. There isn't ANY special ed type help, except in cases of extreme dysfunction. So, were she in Pam's school, she'd get more help as she progressed-- here she won't. Many do private school here, but most could cost a college tuition, and ALL are out of our price range.

So, the question I came to, is whether it's worth it for her to continue at all this year...? The selfish part of me would love to have her home with me for another year. We could go to the beach...have playdates...go for walks. I could reprise my "mom" role I've been missing every morning in this quiet house. I could work on what she's missing...that ABC sight recognition...she'd be ready next July when they start the 2010 school year.

But, for now, the practical part of me is going to take the sage advice of my mom and teaching experience of Pam: sit in on her class, hit the flashcards, play some memorization games. Pam says she should be picking it up in a couple of weeks. We'll see. If not, I'll assess it at the end of this term, take her out during winter break. I call it my Plan Beach....

So, I finally watched Twilight...

Edit: Sorry! I must have been super tired last night...I didn't mean to be so harsh, but it all just rolled out...read on with caution. I meant it, but it may be too much for those that loved the Twilight movie. Hope we're still friends!

I put it off for as long as humanly possible. But, with only 8 days until the New Moon movie comes out, I was running out of time. My friend is adamant that we are going to the theater to see it together. I wasn't so excited, but agreed to go. Would you believe I've never seen Twilight? So, I figured I had to see "movie one" before seeing "movie two".

Unfortunately, I found it horrible! If you truly loved the movie, I'm sorry. I don't mean to offend, this is just my opinion...but I think an educated opinion. I read the entire Twilight series, plus I'm fully entertained by a vampire story, currently reading others vampire series'. I really wanted this to work.

When I read them, I thought the first book was slow and very high school, and the movie followed right along. I can't believe it was so obviously low budget. What's with that sparkle? That's the best effects they could come up with? My favorite part is when they introduce James's group of vampires. It was my favorite part of the book, too.

The real problem, I have to say for me, was it was the most horribly cast movie. The only characters that I felt worked were the tribe, Charlie, and Emmet. Besides James and crew, he was the only believable vampire for me. Even the high schoolers seemed like they were picked- up-off-the-street actors. Jasper....really? He looks like someone did a bad facelift and raised his eyelids too high. And Dr. Cullen looked so fake...the blonde wasn't becoming at all. I'm really hoping Edward gets some real depth in the next one...I just didn't feel "vampire" from him.

Having said all that, though. The fight scene at the dance studio had to be the highlight of the movie for me...just as exciting as written and exactly as I had imagined. So, my friend, Leslie, says not to count it out...that New Moon will be bigger and better...and I sure hope so! While the first half of that book about turned me off for good, the last half was well worth it. If they don't spend too much time on that dragging beginning, it may just be enjoyable. Possibly fabulous. When they introduce the Volturi, it finally turned for me. That story line is what made me overlook the things I didn't like and really love the series.

And, if this preview is any indication, Leslie may be right. The casting looks better for the new characters and the effects with the wolves look promising. We'll see...

Hawaiian Halloween

With all of this warm weather, it's very difficult for me to get into the spirit of these holidays coming up that we've spent our whole lives associating with cooler weather. It's barely dropping to 87 and 86 degrees this week...still so hot. On the one hand, it was fun to really decorate our porch for Halloween this year, but on the other hand difficult to do with sweat running down my forehead.

We had the annual Trunk or Treat at church last week, which gives the kids an additional option for costumes. For that, they were an indian, a black belt (big stretch, Sabrina), and the cutest little witch...McKenna did a great job keeping the wig on. Sabrina wore that same costume at her age and it only lasted 5 minutes, and that was in the cold of Colorado. It was actually harder to come up with costumes the kids wouldn't be sweating in. They usually ended us sweating indoors as it was, and now they would broil outdoors...But these worked ok.

This was also the first year we've taken them all to the pumpkin patch. It was pretty large...albeit hot as heck walking through the rows picking pumpkins. We also picked our own yummy corn.

Then, for Halloween, they were a renaissance maiden, a knight, and a clown. The cutest clown ever! If I may say so...Sabrina took McKenna around the neighborhood here on base, and Hayden went out with a couple of his friends. It was hard letting them go by themselves, but it solved the problem of who was going to stay home and hand out candy. It's always a leap of faith to trust Dennis to do it...he always threatened to give it all to the first 3 kids and turn off the porch light. Plus, when they were younger, it was more fun for me to watch them at the door and the reactions. Now that they are growing up, watching them go door-to-door is losing some charm.
So, I sat home, with Dennis studying for his next promotion test, watching my recordings of Criminal Minds and CSI:NY in between door bells. We didn't have near the amount of kids I thought we would have, though. I noticed that neighbors were sitting in their driveways and porches on chairs handing out candy. They seemed to be getting more action. Since when did kids stop knocking on doors? Have I been overseas too long?

Now I'm stuck with more packages of Lik'em sticks than I care to have. On top of the gallon ziplock each of my children have of their own candy. We never had this much candy in Germany. And, when I was a kid, it seemed all the good stuff was gone in a week and the rest was there til you tossed it after New Years. Now, it all seems like good stuff....what are we going to do with all that candy? In the past, it would have ended up on my desk at work...I'd notice the real estate agents stopping to chat a little more often...voila! Gone before Thanksgiving...but not now that I'm staying at home...and now with a cheating diabetic daughter in the house. It's gonna be a little tougher this year.

Pretty Princess Party!

I'm being told I've not been a good girl about updating my blog...seems to have been a busy month...birthdays, beach days, furlough days, soccer games and halloween parties. I should have put up this post a couple of weeks ago, so here it goes...

McKENNA TURNS FIVE!

Yes, my baby is now 5. Officially a kindergartener, loves her princess and little miss socialite...it's such a turning point...that 5th birthday. I guess I can always call her my baby, but she really isn't anymore, is she?

To mark these milestones, we give the kids big "friend" parties for the biggie birthdays, 5, 8, 12, 16...So, for this one, I wanted to do something to capitalize on the Hawaii angle...you know, at the beach, or a hula party or something. I mean how many birthdays will she be able to celebrate at the beach, being October and all.... But, No.Way. She would have nothing other than a princess party. I was able to squeeze a pool in there, but for the most part, it was pink and princesses all the way.

Early in the week, I knew for me it was going to be about the cake...so armed with some ideas, and McKenna looking over my shoulder, I researched some pretty cool, pretty pink, castle cakes. Some with turrets, some with dolls, some with drawbridges. I printed some ideas, combined some features, and after 2 days of working on it...this is what I came up with.

Dennis kept looking at the ideas and progress and said, "you're really going to do that?" And, McKenna would stop him with "It's pretty daddy!" So, I know she loved it...which made the work worth it.
For the party, McKenna greeted her guests as Cinderella. The girls played dress up and "Pin the Princess on the Castle", rocked a princess pinata, and played in the pool. After cake, presents, and shaved ice...the girls left with tiaras and lip gloss in their goody bags. It was a lot of fun, the girls were great, and she was able to enjoy some friends in the neighborhood.

Her actual birthday was on the 13th, the next day. Which was a school day and all, so we went to dinner. We also let the kids pick where they want to eat for their birthday dinner. Her answer? The.Bowling.Alley. It happens, that on occassion, I can be in the mood for some bowling alley food. But this bowling alley isn't very good. Even the other kids were trying to talk her out of it. I offered McDonalds, pizza, anywhere else...not a chance. Dennis even pretended to drive into Burger King along the way, and she nearly started crying. So, bowling alley it was...a delectable meal of top ramen and soft pretzel. Ick...

Afterwards we came home and gave her our gifts to her...a pretty snow white dress-up, cards from grandparents, and a dollhouse that she loves so far.

So, happy 5th birthday, baby...enjoy!

Lovin' Lenka

I can't stop thinking about this singer and the cute video I saw last week on someone's blog. She's adorable and has a sweet voice, uplifting songs...Without trying to sound too old, not like a lot you find today. Many times I'll find a song I like and the rest of the CD has stuff on it I wouldn't want my kids listening to.

I just bought the album and even Sabrina is drawn to it. It makes me smile when I hear it.
Lenka
The Show

Wings over the Pacific

This past weekend we had a chance to visit the Wings over the Pacific air show here at Hickam AFB. This is the third time I've seen the Thunderbirds in action, and it never disappoints. I was a little worried whether the traffic and all would be worth it, but it definitely was. Here's a little video taste...

And some thrills for the crowd...

My favorite maneuver is the starburst where they all split off in opposite directions, but I didn't get a good picture because they did it in a big fluffy cloud. By the end of the day, someone was tuckered out...

Hayden's class was escorted by a Thunderbird pilot on a field trip to the flight line the Friday before the air show. Dennis was an escort also. They had classes from all over the island bus in for it, so most were not military. Dennis said he got some funny kids. He was asked if he had a Top Secret security clearance. He said he did, and the child then said, "then could you tell me if you killed someone?" Dennis told him it depended on the mission, but rest assured, he hadn't.

Another child asked him if the C-17 turned into a Decepticon. When he said no, she asked if it turned into any transformer. Thank you, Hollywood.

Terry Tidbits...

This week's update shares some things we've experienced during our short time here in Hawaii:

* I have fresh Maui Gold pineapple sitting on my kitchen counter.

* I saw an overly tan, bejeweled old couple in Wal-Mart pushing an umbrella stroller with a dog, yes, I said dog, on a pillow in the seat.

* There are only 13 letters in the Hawaiian alphabet.

* I let someone in front of me in traffic and recieved the Hawaiian expression of thanks in traffic...the hand shot out the window in the "Hang loose" or shaka sign.

* Hayden and Sabrina participated in a mock deployment day for the kids where they recieved orders, "deployed" on a real C-17 airplane, practiced drill marching and had a "homecoming".

* The state fish has an incomprehensible long name with 21 letters, and I just realized it's the fish that Sharpay sings about in her skit with Troy in High School Musical 2.

* Dennis had a work function at the Sand Bar. Yes...a beach party during work hours.

* I have seen more Hawaiian print material and patterns than I ever thought possible. I'm even more amazed that it's not just a touristy thing...everyone wears them. Hawaiian shirts at work along with dresses (yes even mu’umu’u's) and beautiful printed sarongs at church. And, they are sold everywhere; in the BX, Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Target, the mall.

* The kids and I have gone to the beach twice during the past two weeks as an after school activity.

* McKenna loves to run through the sprinkler after dinner. It's after 10:30pm now, and it's still 80 degrees.

* The Navy exchange has 10 aisles of flip flops in their shoe department.

* Dennis and I spent our anniversary on a sunset cruise of Waikiki.

* Our Relief Society has a surfing enrichment group.

* We're learning words like keiki (kids), saimin (top ramen-like soup), mahalo (thank you), pu-pu (appetizers), and kama'aina (a local). And, everything is "ohana" this, and "ohana" that...which I remembered from Lilo & Stitch means "family". (yay for Disney!)

* I have yet to see it rain hard, but at least a few times a week we experience a rain that feels so soft and gentle, like kisses on your skin.

* I'm in love with DVR on our cable.

* And, as in my earlier post...SPAM on the menu and in the stores...quite prevalent.

And probably the most shocking to me of all,

* I have become a gardner...picking plants for our front porch, weeding the landscape trim, reveling in the lush and color of it all...the serenity of sitting in the sun, close to the earth. Our entire time in Germany, I only had fake plants, and prior to that....well, lets just say our plants usually died when Dennis was TDY or deployed. No more...look how pretty!

Well, that's our recent notables. I will be back with more news from the islands and how the Terry's are adjusting.

Is bigger really better?

Why is it that men think the biggest toys are always the best? Our 10 year old TV in Germany was 27". It was a monster of a square box. So, we sold it before we left, figured we'd save on weight and upgrade when we got here.

So, MY idea of upgrade? 37-40"

Dennis's idea of upgrade? 52" plus

REALLY!?!

I understand the appeal of watching an action flick in surround sound on a big screen...isn't that what the movie theater is for? I really don't need a wall of What Not to Wear or Clean House. (My two favorite shows)

So, marriage is all about compromise...ours is 46"...the widest our tv stand will accommodate...(I know, I know, Dennis, yes, it WILL take more weight...but the width IS maxed out.)

I still think it's a little overwhelming. But, the boys have to have new toys every now and then. Gotta love 'em.

Week 2 of unpacking and getting on track...

Ok, so I thought I was smart...Isn't the unaccompanied shipment supposed to be the one that is flown over with the stuff you need up until the last minute and the first stuff you'll need when you get there? I put in our silverware, pots and pans, sheets, the kids' soccer cleats (for the season that started this week), our tennies, hampers, the kids' computer, the bulk of Sabrina's diabetic supplies, plus more necessities. And, it's STILL.NOT.HERE. Our main shipment was delivered 12 days ago. What's up with that?

We did get to our new ward this past Sunday, though. We were welcomed with shell lei's and big smiles. It looks like a smaller ward, but I think it's a larger ward, just about 1/2 active. Sabrina is one of only about 6 young women. McKenna is the only girl in her primary class. A woman sat next to me in Relief Society and said her son thinks Sabrina's pretty, said he was being obnoxious to get her attention...she said it twice. So I asked Sabrina about it after church. Yes, apparently Jason was acting silly in class...she noticed. And, DAVID passed her a note that indicated he thought she was cute. Two boys, in 2 hours. Not bad...are we in trouble here?

Sabrina has definitely started to feel at home. She likes school (although the fact that homework has been all but non-existent could have something to do with it). She's made friends. She has boys following her. She has been doing really good getting out the door at 6:40am for the bus. Her attitude has changed, and she has been doing her chores without fail. We just found out that she's been getting lazy with checking her blood sugar and taking insulin...not a good thing. I guess it was getting TOO good...

Hayden is a new kid in school too. I told his teacher he likes to get up and help other kids when he is done with his work, and she said he just cracks open a book and reads! That's not like him. But, he does like his teacher and his class. He's doing well and started soccer this week. Boy, is that a workout...1.5 hours and hard core running and work in 88 degree weather. He is working hard.
McKenna started Kindergarten this week...she didn't even miss me! She's having a blast and loves to walk to school with Hayden. Her teacher is so sweet and McKenna is really taken with her. She starts gymnastics today and has been enjoying coming home from school and playing out back in the blow-up pool.

Dennis is working long and hard. He leaves for work before 6:30am for meetings and had some pretty physical, not to mention hot, PT several days in the week. He is exhausted when he gets home and, frankly, not really excited to be still putting furniture together. I don't blame him. Apparently, bolts and screws to two things are MIA.

I have been living at Walmart and Target getting curtains, returning curtains; getting a can opener, returning a can opener; getting a hose holder, exchanging for another. It's getting old. And, I'm down to the last few things to really finish setting up HOME. A few pictures left to hang, the other shipment to arrive, and I'll be happy. I am, however, knee deep in putting away the craft supplies...but have made quite the progress there, too. I'm loving the space. And, happy to have somewhere to put things away and pull them out when I need them.

We had our first Gecko lizard in the house last night. And our first Hurricane warning...that didn't pan out, thank goodness. And, we have had little crickets alot. Man they are fast! I can't figure out where they are getting in. And earwigs...but that's about it. It can be worse...we've been warned about centipedes and cockroaches and other tropical loving pests. I'm listening to the housing lawn crew take care of our yard right now. How awesome is that?! Even if it's a little disconcerting to have strange men with weed wackers outside your front door, I'm sure I'll get used to it.

As a family, we have been spending lots of time together, although Dennis says it's not quality family time to be out shopping. Not fun for who? ha ha. But seriously, with one car, I have to run errands when I get the chance. We have been preparing dinner together, jamming to IPod music, sitting down for family dinners (sans bench...one of the missing screw pieces), and gathering in the living room to watch Shark Week on the Discovery channel. (I love HGTV and watched 3 episodes of Clean House on the Style Channel yesterday.) No car, so I'm most productive in the mornings at home. Eventually when Dennis's car gets here, I plan to go out and get a part-time job. Lucky me.

But, we are getting on a schedule and feeling at home. It's a feeling I've missed.

My Love/Hate with Facebook...

Ok, I've wanted to post this for several days now, and I NEED to get it done so I can blog about the real life stuff.

FACEBOOK: Ok...I did it. I took the plunge and already have 56 friends...which I have mixed feelings about. We all know those aren't "close" friends. Some I may not have spoken to since my teen years. But, I guess as long as we go into this "relationship" knowing it's casual, with no commitments, just to connect and check up to see what our "friends" are up to every now and then, it's all cool. But, some of those ARE people I'm close to. So, can't we keep connected with email and blog? That's my plan.

And, the other side is, if you don't talk to someone for that long, are you really missing out on anything? Just a devil's advocate sort of question...I mean, you're going along fine with the people you actually connect with daily, do you need or want those "blast from the pasts"? I guess it is possible to re-connect and CREATE a relationship, but realistically? I'm across an ocean...or two...from most everyone. How many of you are going to come visit? And, me to you? Not likely, unless you live near family where we most likely will be spending all of our leave trips.

And, what is with this whole "be my friend" thing, anyway? Isn't that so Junior High? Can't Facebook come up with some other way to add people you might know? And, what if someone wants to "be your friend" that you either really can't remember, or don't wish to keep in contact with? What if someone did that to you? It would probably bother me if someone declined my "friend invitation." So, do you just accept everyone's invitation? Then it's not really a true representation of your friends, now is it?

Also, what's with the wall? It's all out there for any of your "friends" so see and post. Where's the intimacy in that? Just send me an email...and it's between us. No one else will get our conversation and connection, anyway.

Just some of the wrestlings I still have with Facebook. I want to keep connected with people, especially being so far away. And, it has been neat to see some of the people that I have found on here. I haven't gotten to go to everyone's page yet, though...that could take me hours to look through it all. Just the emails in my gmail account notifying me that someone has posted on my wall, sent me an invitation, or commented on my photos has really bogged my email. I'm probably just being cynical, and it will probably slow down once the "new-ness" of me joining has worn off. But, I'm barely keeping up with email and my blog, which I really do enjoy doing.

So, be patient with me. I will reply to posts on my wall. Especially ones that ask me questions. I also will post pictures periodically. I will not, however, be responding to polls, becoming fans, or participating in causes or games. It's nothing to do with you, I just don't have the time. I would rather respond to an email from you about what's going on in your life and tell you what's going on in mine. I also will not be pressuring any of my facebook holdout friends to join. Believe me, I've been there.

There, rant done. Love ya!

Getting settle update...

Here we are, moved in to the new house on Wednesday, and we had a call on Thursday that our household goods are here! What luck! Also, they couldn't get us an appt to install phone/internet/cable until Aug. 13th, but called us on Thursday and will be able to fit us in this week. Yay! I'm severely in withdrawals from my lack of internet...it's killing me not to be able to get on when I need to. No email. No blog. No digital scrapbooking downloads....UGH! Right now I'm grabbing some free internet, just to get this done.

We did finally get the kids registered for school. There were issues with the TB tests...not showing on their records, so we had to do it again. Hayden was supposed to start on Friday, but both him and Sabrina were throwing up during the night before, so he missed his first day. McKenna starts on Wed, then goes again the following Monday, then full-time on the 11th.

Sabrina starts on Monday. I have to take her in to take all of her diabetic supplies, but after that she'll be riding a bus....at 6:45am! It's a crazy system...they pick up the kids on base, drop them off at school, then go out for another run at another base. So, she'll be at school almost an hour early every day. Did I mention we have to PAY for that service?

They have a short day here, 7:55am to 2:05pm. On Wednesdays it's even shorter, getting out at 1:15pm. I guess Wednesday will be my stay-at-home, get-everything-done day. No point running out to rush back.

The house is really nice...only opened up in November. The family that lived here before us was a forced move, lived in old housing but PCS'ing soon, so they only lived here 5 months. The kitchen is really large with, get this....22 cupboards and 9 drawers! (To all my friends in Germany: I'm loving returning to the land of cupboards!) I'm really at a loss with all the space! Lots of counterspace and a bar the length of one wall into the dining room. It's really a good layout. The utility room with the laundry is large enough to put my sewing table in. So, it will really work out well. I can't wait to get our things and play around with putting everything away!

I was also able to connect with another family that moved here a few weeks before us from Ramstein. She ran into Dennis in the housing office. They haven't been as lucky to get the new houses and their stuff isn't here yet. So, I'm feeling really grateful. We still need a few things...a TV, mattresses, etc. But, we're getting there.

We have been spending lots of family time...running around together. Lots of opportunities for funny things out of my kids' mouths. Last night, Sabrina picked up a rather large cutting board that had markings for rolling out pie dough and measurements etched on the right side. She said, "Hey, I can used this to measure my liquids!" I think she was referring to the conversions all listed on the side, but it was super funny....being a flat cutting board, and all.

Then last night, McKenna asked for a cheeseburger and cinnamon melts from McDonalds for dinner. She has never finished an entire cheeseburger, so I was skeptical that she would eat both, but I thought maybe the treat would be a good incentive to eat the entire burger. I was right and with a little prodding she finished the cheeseburger. Of course, I had to pack the melts in my purse because she was full. When we got to the car, I handed them to her, she put them between her legs. I then turned around about 5 minutes later, and they were half eaten. I asked her, "McKenna, wow! I don't believe it, where are you putting it all?" She said," In my lap." Isn't it funny when they take you so literally?

Homeless no longer!

Talk about a roller coaster ride!

We purchased a Grand Caravan last Saturday, mostly because we couldn't rent a car...everything was booked due to a ship coming into port the same day we flew in. It was so nice to finally have some wheels. We spend the weekend driving around the perimeter of the island, a little exploration, and trying to get our bearings. Dennis did most of his checking in the first part of the week, and by the end of the week, we had compiled a list of 14 possible properties for us to move into. The military housing office was giving us a 6 month wait for on-base housing. We registered with Navy housing, and were looking at anywhere from 3 months to a year for their housing. Although with several subs coming in at this time, it wasn't looking good.

So, we spent a day driving by properties, weeding out bad areas, etc, made a couple of appts and had it narrowed down to only about 3 possibles. In between our appts on Friday, housing called and offered us a house! It's a pretty new one, too...we are only the 2nd family to live there. We move in on Wednesday. That is such a major relief! Here is a picture of the house...

We will register the kids for school on Monday, sign a lease on Tuesday, get the keys on Wednesday, and the kids start school on Friday and Monday. Crazy, huh? It's going to be a hectic week, but hopefully by next week, we'll be a little settled. None of our shipments are here yet. I'm not too hopeful that we'll see any of it before mid-August.

But, the kids are fully taking advantage of the hotel pool...we're all getting tan and mostly getting used to the heat. I registered Hayden and Sabrina for soccer today. McKenna chose gymnastics instead.

We are getting used to the differences from what we're used to in Europe...more customer service, more options, faster pace...but we miss a little, too...especially our friends. We have phones, now too! We are on Verizon...boy was that complicated...a little homesick for our simple O2 plan. We even did something we said we'd never do...got Sabrina a phone...on a trial basis. She'll be locked into calling other Verizon customers, though, and using her allowance for the monthly fee. The phone was free on a promotion, so we'll see how it goes.

Dennis and I are laughing about the weather forecast...tomorrow: High 88, low 77, chance of rain. Sunday, High 88, low 77, chance of rain...about the same the rest of the week...Monday might be 86.

I visited Target...the pineapple on the end panel was funny, but even funnier is the sale on the SPAM they have...it really is true...they LOVE their Spam here!

Well, I'll hopefully have a new update the end of the week with maybe some interior pictures of the house. Until then! Aloha!