Thanksgiving Weekend

Well, another Thanksgiving has come and gone and who know where our next one will be spent. What a week it was!! Monday ended with a bang, literally. I was on my way to pick up Miranda from her club at school and another person pulled out of a stop sign without looking. I had the right-of-way because I didn't have a stop sign. I blew my horn and knew that I wasn't going to be able to stop in time and was going to get hit. Anyway, it was raining and I don't have a cell phone and watched as car after car drove by without stopping!! I was also concerned about Miranda and getting into trouble for not picking her up on time and her being worried out of her mind about where we were. Well, someone did tell the Security Forces (we are in Air Force territory) and I flagged him down. After waiting at least 45minutes for him to finish up the paperwork with the other person, the battery in the car died!! Yes, as if enough hadn't happened I couldn't drive home. Luckily, I saw a friend from church and she was able to have her husband come and jump the car for me. Thank you!!! So, where was Duane in all this? A fellow company commander in his battalion stopped, since the accident happened right by his house, and called Duane. He showed up and took Ryan to scouts, but left his phone in the car and didn't hear my attempts to reach him so he could come and jump the van for me. Anyway, the van barely has any damage and we are all fine. I actually felt bad for the kid who hit me, a high schooler, because he was driving his friend's car. I have yet to file a claim because the insurance here in Japan is crazy!! They said that I would be found at least 10-20% at fault and my insurance would increase. How messed up is that?!

I spent Wednesday up late completing my assignments for the week, so that I would get to spend the weekend with the family and not be distracted by school. We spent Thanksgiving Day at the District (Stake) Thanksgiving meal. It was my idea to try it out this year and promised Duane that I would do a traditional Thanksgiving meal on Friday. We didn't stay long and ended up at the movies for Madagascar 2. The kids really enjoyed it!

Friday, I made the kids clean which they were not too happy about. Oh well, Mom was happy and isn't that what is important?! I am usually a huge fan of Black Friday and have gone through withdrawals living in Japan without a mall or Target. This year was so bad that I didn't even go to the BX or any store. There wasn't anything to buy and we are looking forward to our trip back to the States in a couple of weeks. I hope that next year I get to do the traditional Black Friday.

Saturday, we spent the morning at a baptism at the beach which is always a neat experience. It's hard to believe that Ryan's will be coming up before we know it. Duane then spent the afternoon selling popcorn with Ryan for Cub Scouts. Evidentally, Ryan is quite the salesman and raked in at least $250 by himself in two hours and now Duane owes him a steak. The girls and I headed to the movies again to see High School Musical 3. Miranda was in heaven and has been waiting and waiting to see this movie. Olivia enjoyed it too and spent the last 10minutes of it jumping around dancing. Miranda and I had to drag her out of the theater because she wanted to stay and watch all of the credits.

We had a great holiday weekend and I am sad to see it end and for life to start on Monday! The next two weeks will be a blur between all of the holiday events coming up before we leave for our trip.

The Power of Exercise

I have to admit that I had fallen off my stringent workout routine over the last couple of weeks, mostly due to my busy schedule. It wasn't until a few days ago that I realized how down and stressed out I was and knew that I needed to start taking care of myself. Over the last almost two years I have been very strict about my exercise and it was a priority, especially when it came to scheduling other activities. It is something that makes me feel great, even though I often wonder why I torture myself. Anyway, I knew that I needed to get that feeling back, even if it is depressing that I can't do what I used to do and the trail that I used to run with Olivia in the stroller is now a challenge just to walk. This week I've been back to my old routine and I can't tell you how much better I feel. If the stress of life is getting to you, go out for a walk, take time for yourself and you will be amazed at the difference it makes.

Happy Halloween!

Here on Okinawa we trick-or-treat in shorts and t-shirts and don't have to worry about covering up a costume with a coat because it's too cold outside. We even have bats (yes, fruit bats live amongst us) that circle overhead to add to the ambiance of Halloween. The kids had a lot of fun going house to house getting as much candy as they could. They filled their bags so full that by 7:30pm they were ready to call it quits, a half hour before the official stop time!

Olivia as our beautiful Cinderella, compliments of Grandma and Grandpa Coleman.


Ryan's recent obsession with Indiana Jones was a help in picking out his costume this year.

Yes, along with High School Musical, Miranda is also a big fan of Hannah Montana. She helped make the skirt and we took and afternoon to look for accessories to come up with this costume. It also took 1.5 hours and a lot of complaining on her part to straighten her very curly hair.

All excited to start collecting candy!

At the end of the night they helped Duane finish passing out the last of the candy and then we went inside to see what the night had brought them. Yes, after all that work the humidity was a bit high that night and Miranda's curls started coming back.

Lunch on the Lawn

On Wednesday, Ryan and I ate lunch on the lawn. I picked up Taco Bell and together we ate and then he brought a Star Wars book for me to read to him. I was amazed that he ate three tacos and a chicken taquito!! He really is a growing boy. Ryan and I don't get to do things together very often, so it was a great chance for the two of us to be together.

What a Week!! (cont.)

So, as you can see I didn't get to finish my last post! Yes, it is indeed another busy week filled with lots of activities. Anyway, back to last week. After getting in late from the company Halloween party, my night was just beginning at 9:30pm. There was a Family Readiness Group fundraiser in the morning, which meant I had 25 breakfast burritos and two batches of cinnamon rolls to make. Needless to say it was a very late night and I didn't get to bed until 2am. About 4hrs later I was awake again to reheat everything and ensure that I made it to Foster by 8:15am, which also meant ensuring that all three kids were ready for school before I left. After a very successful fundraiser, which made the late night effort worth it, I ran Olivia to school, but not without what she needed to bring for her Western Day celebration. Yes, another child with another food requirement, which I managed to forget and had to run to the store to pick up which made her late for school.

After dropping Olivia off at school, I was able to come home and sit in front of the computer and try to catch up with my school work; which is keeping me very busy and glued to the computer. I was then off to see Olivia at her Western Day celebration. It was great to see her so excited about parade up the hill for all the parents to see and singing all the songs they had been learning. Duane and I actually got a preview of the singing because she was standing on our bed in front of the mirror singing, "If You're Happy and You Know it, Stomp Your Boots". After the performance and lunch it was back home we went to start on more school work and more cooking.

Yes, the oven hadn't begun to cool down before it got fired back up for baked goods and appetizers that were needed for Ryan's pack meeting for Cub Scouts. While Duane went to a Battalion Hail and Farewell, I dragged all the kids and platefuls of more food to the school to see Ryan earn another belt loop, which was for flag football that he played earlier this year. After convincing the kids that they did not need to go play at the playground in the dark and that Mom needed to go home and pass out, we headed back to the house, I shoved them into bed and sat on the couch and did nothing.

I have to say that I've never done so much cooking for so many things in such a short amount of time. I love helping wherever and however I can, but I often over commit myself and I really only have myself to blame. I fear I will never learn!

It was so much fun watching Olivia stomp her boots and yell yee-haw!

Our little cowgirl

If only Ryan were more photogenic...

What a Week!!

Wow, what a week we had last week!! I couldn't wait for Monday to come because I knew I would be obligation free for a few days. Who looks forward to Monday?! Anyway, Thursday was the company Family Readiness Group Halloween Party, which I am now co-leader of. Yes, Duane tried to have someone else fill this position to give me a break, but it didn't work out. The co-leader and I had about three days to pull this together. This meant that I needed to bake 50+ cupcakes, make a dish to share and come up with five games to keep everyone occupied. It actually turned out to be a success, which was a relief considering the time constraints. We had great participation from those in the unit and everyone seemed to have a great time.

This is the only shot of someone in our family that Duane took before our battery died.

The Halloween Party was not the only event going on that night. While the party was starting at the unit, I ran Miranda back to Kadena (Duane works on Foster, another base, which is a nightmare to get to between 5 and 6pm) for her Junior Girl Scouts redidcation ceremony. This was also a potluck and Miranda was signed up to bring enchiladas. Yes, more cooking going on in the kitchen. After the ceremony was done we rushed back to Foster for the remainder of the Halloween Party.

Miranda and the rest of her Girl Scout Troop.

Columbus Day Outing

Ok, so I'm a little behind, but I am trying to catch up with everything. We had a good day together on Columbus Day, which included a trip to the movies to see Beverly Hills Chiuaua, to the park and to Duane's favorite curry buffet.

After trying twice before, we finally found this park where the kids enjoyed playing Spiderman.

Olivia loves to make friends and even though they didn't speak the same language they both enjoyed playing together.

The parks here in Okinawa contain the most interesting playground equipment. Here is their version of a seesaw. Miranda and Ryan enjoyed trying out all of the different contraptions.

The curry buffet that we went to for dinner is located on the ocean and we enjoyed watching the sunset as we ate. I made the kids stop and pose in front of the seawall. Ryan always has this look of delight when he's forced to stop and join his sisters for a picture.

Here is the view from the restaurant. It was a beautiful sunset to a fun filled day.

It Was Too Obvious!

Well, I had my ultrasound yesterday and my intentions were to leave the room knowing the baby had everything it needed and not knowing the sex of the baby. Duane arrived late and I actually thought he wouldn't make it at all, but by then I had been on the table for about 15 minutes. We ended up having to wait 5 to 10 minutes to see if the baby would cooperate for one last important picture, which we didn't end up getting and will need to go back next week. During this time I told Duane that I thought I already knew what it was. One of the first images the tech had taken was of the eyes, which included a shot of the entire body. Well, the baby had its legs crossed, but knees open and there it was clear as day. If you haven't guess by now, it is a boy. Duane got confirmation from the tech as they conversed in Japanese and the monitor was turned away and I couldn't see it. As we walked out of the hospital he asked me if I wanted to know and I told him that he might as well confirm my suspicions of what I had already seen. I guess it wouldn't have mattered anyway because the shot that I first saw was one that she gave me and it was very obvious. So much for not wanting to know! Anyway, a huge part of me is relieved because Ryan needs a brother badly. One of his first responses was how they would get guns and go play together. Duane had to break it to him that the baby wouldn't come out being able to play right away. He is very excited to be getting a brother! So despite my intentions, it wasn't meant to be and we now know we're having another boy, due March 4th, 2009.

Our Olivia Turns Three!!

Wow, where has the time gone!! I can't believe that my baby is three. It just seems like yesterday that I was walking around the neighborhood at Ft. Bragg to speed up the labor process. She has grown so much and is the most cuddly little girl who is full of lots of hugs and kisses. Her little personality is irresistible and we don't know what we would do without her.

Olivia was so excited to bring birthday treats to her preschool class. She loved wearing the birthday hat that they gave her and didn't take it off until bedtime.

Grandma and Grandpa Coleman sent Olivia this beautiful Cinderella dress. Her face is a result of my poor camera skills. I kept getting a shadow on each picture I took. After at least half a dozen I realized that my hand was covering a portion of the flash. Although she loves posing for the camera, I guess I was making her stand still for too long.

Olivia may need to grow into this bike a little, but she sure was happy that she can now ride outside with her brother and sister.


Please don't look at the cake too closely. Due to lack of time and planning my little girl did not get the beautiful cake she deserved. I actually meant to have two layers, but put the top one on upside down so the top layer wouldn't come off and when it was left on top it cracked into three pieces. I really thought the pieces would slowly make its way to the floor. Anyway, we took the top layer off and put the pieces together and stuck the candle in the middle. Oh well, you cut it up anyway. We saved the bottom layer for my birthday a few days later.

Skoshi Warrior

While visiting an information fair I signed Miranda and Ryan up to participate in the Skoshi Warrior event here on Kadena. Skoshi means little in Japanese, so they were able to be little warriors for the day. Duane laughed when I told him about the fact that the kids would experience how the Air Force prepares for a deployment. I imagine he thinks they just sit behind a desk and that this would not be an eventful time for the kids. Anyway, I figured it was something they could do on a Saturday and it turns out that they had a great time.

I'd have to say that they are more ready for the outback here looking like Aussies, rather than American service members.

The kids were excited to see that there were Army ACUs that they could try on for size. Duane said Miranda looks like a mannequin in this picture.

Ryan couldn't wait to try on this Army gear for size. I wasn't quite sure if the weight of the vest was going to knock him over. He managed to catch his balance before he toppled over.

Olivia got in on the fun, but her favorite thing was meeting Sparky the Fire dog.

Surprise, Surprise!!

Well, I guess we should finally make this announcement even though it hasn't quite hit me yet, but we are expecting our fourth child March 4th. So, with that said I am just over four months along and things are going well. We always thought there would be fourth in our future, but I was waiting until we went back to the US and a normal hospital. I've heard too many not so good stories about the WWII era hospital here. I also have to admit that I wasn't exactly jumping up and down at the news, only for selfish reasons, like wanting to fininsh my Masters degree, wishing for more space in our already cramped quarters and the fear of gaining the weight that was so hard to lose. I'm committed to my current exercise routine, so I hope that will help with the whole weight thing. It will all work somehow because there is someone who is smarter than we are, although I still haven't quite figured out how I can parent one more with so much time diverted to the three that we have. Aaaah, the feelings of inadequacy! I seem to be the only one with reservations, since Duane was ecstatic about the news and when we finally told the kids they too were excited. The only voice of concern came from Ryan who is sandwiched between two girls. He distinctively said that the baby must come out a boy or he would be angry. Fearing the wrath of Ryan if it is a girl, we will not be finding out the sex of the child at the ultrasound in a few weeks. I just don't want to hear about how angry he is for the following four months. I figure if the baby is here he will love it no matter the sex. He does need a brother, so for his sake it may be a good idea. Miranda said she may not mind a boy, thinking it may stop her brother from bothering her so much. For me it does not really matter what it is because both are a challenge in different ways. Anyway, everyone will have to wait until the baby arrives to know what is being added to our family. Until then, we'll all live life and make preparations for our new arrival.

Off to Preschool She Goes

So, Olivia started preschool on Friday and she was very excited. She was ready to go with her backpack and packed lunch. She is anxiously awaiting the backpack and lunch box we ordered online. I dropped her off at her classroom and she didn't even bat an eye. I didn't have too much time to ponder the fact that she had no qualms about me leaving her with a bunch of strangers because I was off to take my midterm I'd been studying for all week. When I picked her up I saw this little group of kids with backpacks that were as big as they were. Olivia had so much fun and can't wait to go back on Monday. She couldn't wait to tell me about her day. She said they learned about the number one and sang a song in Japanese for the culture portion of the day. Although I missed her, at least I'll have time to get my homework done and not feel guilty about her watching cartoons.

Snorkeling in the Pacific

Over Labor Day weekend we went snorkeling with some friends. They found a great beach on the southern end of the island. It was quite a hike down to the beach, but we were the only ones there and had a great time! Duane and some friends went diving and he said it was the best dive he's ever done in Okinawa, since there was so much to see. The kids snorkeled around, but unfortunately by the time Duane got back from diving the tide was coming in too strong for me to go snorkel. Needless to say, we'll just have to come back so that I can see the beautiful marine life that is there.

A view at low tide, which is the best time to snorkel.


The beach was perfect, with this area where the kids had a lot of fun climbing the rocks and swimming in the shallow water.

These fish are a beautiful shade of blue. I took this picture in the shallow water.

Miranda, who is normally a nervous Nelly, had a great time collecting hermit crabs. She tried to convice us to let her bring this little family of hermit crabs home, but we had to tell her they needed to stay where they were.

Ryan had so much fun playing with his friends that he fell asleep on the way home. Yes, he fell asleep with the towel over his head. Duane couldn't resist taking this picture.

And the Season Comes to an End

Ryan had his last baseball game last Saturday. He really enjoyed this season and had a great coach who took extra time helping Ryan in the batting cages after practice. Ryan is eagerly awaiting the start of football season in December. He has already informed Duane that they need to start throwing the football in order to prepare for the upcoming season.

Ryan was very excited to play catcher for the first time this season.


Ryan is waiting for his turn at bat.

Ryan worked really hard this season at hitting the ball. All the extra practice paid off and he really improved.

Ryan is running to home plate to score for his team.

Shrew Update

So, I'm sure you are all wondering what happened to the shrew (similar to a rat) that gave us all the excitement. Well, I am NOT sorry to say that we found it dead in our storage closet outside today. Yes, the beating Duane and the neighbor gave him was too much and he found a quite place to die. I guess it's good to know we won't be getting another visit, unless he has friends that come looking for him.

Another Year Begins

Miranda and Ryan started another year of school on Monday. Ryan is still at Bob Hope Primary School and in second grade, while Miranda has graduated to Amelia Earhart Intermediate School and in fourth grade. Am I really old enough to have a fourth grader who is no longer in elementary school? Where does the time go? Thankfully, the first day of school went off without a hitch and both kids came home happy with their first day of school events.

Miranda was so wound up that morning, waking up before 6am. Duane made her run laps around the housing complex to release some of her energy.
Ryan waits patiently for the bus with his friend Mikael. I think this one is Mikael since he is a twin, I can never remember which one is which.

Poor Olivia was convinced she was getting on the bus and going to school with Miranda and Ryan. As the bus pulled up she turns to me and says, "Bye, Mommy, I love you and I'll miss you!" She was broken hearted when she found out that she couldn't go to school with her siblings. We ended up singing the ABC song over and over again that day to make her feel like she was at school. Duane says I need to put her into preschool, but I am resistant.
After putting the kids on the bus, we drove up to the school so that we could drop off the bag full of school supplies. I don't remember my parents having to buy so much stuff for the start of the school year. I think between the two kids it added up to $70 just for the supplies, not including a backpack. Well, I guess it's a small investment in my child's education, right?! Anyway, as you can see, Ryan was thrilled to begin the first day of the new school year. Luckily, he came home and reported that he indeed had a great day of school.

We're on a Shrew Hunt

Last Sunday morning before church Miranda told Duane that she saw a mouse running across the kitchen floor. Well, Duane didn't believe her and then it ran past him and the commotion began. We spent the next 20 minutes trying to find what we now figured was a shrew that measured at least 6 inches from nose to tail end. It was nowhere to be found, so we figured it must have escaped outside and felt safe enough to head to church. After coming home we changed out of our church clothes and then heard the kids screaming downstairs that the shrew was still in the house! We weren't sure what to do, but tried to get it out of the house. We eventually called backup, going next door to get the neighbor for help. I took the next step trying to get entomology or animal to come and remove the rodent from the house. Well, evidentally they are both off on the weekends. After many phone calls that sent me in circles, I finally talked to someone who was going to come and help. In the meantime the kids were at the neighbors and Duane and the neighbor were ransacking the house trying to get it out. Just as the help arrived, after an hour of hard work, Duane and the neighbor we successful in getting our house rodent free. It was quite the excitement for a Sunday!

Once the shrew was removed, it was time to put the house back together. It had made its way into the hall closet, so everything had to be removed.
I didn't snap this picture soon enough, but all of the furniture was overturned and the piano had to be pulled away from the wall. We hope that we never receive a visit from the shrew again.

Monday, Monday

So, Monday morning there was a scheduled power outage from 9am-2pm, which meant no AC. In Okinawa, where the temperature is at least 90 degrees and the humidity is about 80%, it was necessary for me and the kids to find an alternate way to keep cool. The original plan was to go to Mona Kids Jungle, which is an indoor playground, but at the last minute I decided take them to Comprehensive Water Park. For about $15 US dollars, the kids and I spent a few hours enjoying this park which is located right next to the ocean. While Miranda and Ryan enjoyed the water slides pictured below, Olivia and I stuck to the Lazy River and wading pools. We all had a great time and will be sure to bring Duane with us next time!

Olivia couldn't wait to get into the water. We spent hours going in circles, watching Miranda and Ryan go down the water slides.

While I was trying to take this picture of Ryan, I was shooed away by the Japanese lifeguard. I had violated not one, but two of their rules. The first violation was that I was standing in the water with my camera to take this picture, mainly because the cement was burning the bottoms of my feet. The second violation was that I was wearing my sunglasses while standing in the water and you are not allowed to wear sunglasses in the water. I know, strange rules, but what do you do?!

Miranda had a great time at the park and can't wait until we bring Duane, so that I can try the water slides.

Another Snorkeling Adventure

We had a great time checking out a new spot for snorkeling at Maeda Flats! When we arrived it was low tide, so we could walk out quite a distance to snorkel. The snorkeling was fantastic!! There were many crevices and plenty of marine life to see. Miranda and Ryan spent lots of time searching the ocean. They especially liked the cave that they were able to swim through. After snorkeling, the kids roasted hot dogs and we ate with the friends that we came with. It was a lot of fun and we are anxious to come back and do it again!

Low Tide

High Tide
It is amazing how different it looks. These are the same rocks, just from a different angle. The tide comes in pretty quickly. Duane left his shirt on the "coast", but realized the tide had come in and swept it away. Luckily, one of the people we came with found it floating in the ocean.

We got to watch the sunset as we ate dinner on the beach.

Miranda's 9th Birthday Celebration

Miranda turned 9 on the 21st and when asked about what kind of party she wanted, she immediately said a High School Musical sleepover. I was hesitant about the sleepover thing, but agreed to the idea. Did I really know what I was getting myself into? Now that it is over, I would have to say, no I didn't really know what I was getting myself into. I figured with six girls coming it would be okay to send Duane and Ryan out camping. I didn't think about how difficult it might be to keep an eye on Olivia, referee the girls, supervise the games and crafts, bring out the cake, serve it with ice cream and try to take pictures would be by myself. Hmmmm, next time I will make Duane stay and lend a hand. Duane and Ryan actually ended up coming back from their campout early because neither one of them could sleep in the humidity. They walked in at about 12:30pm and the party was still in full swing, in fact little did I know it was far from over. I knew the girls would be up late watching both High School Musical movies, but at 9 I thought they would eventually go to sleep. Well, I was wrong and I ended up turning the last movie off at 3:30am!! All I could hear was my Miranda singing and after looking at the clock, I knew it was time to force some shut eye. Miranda wanted to stay up all night, but I told her it was 3:30am and she hadn't figured out that there were others trying to sleep, not to mention the neighbors on either side of us. After staying up late the previous night until 2am baking for a prayer breakfast for Duane's unit, I was not in the mood to negotiate. Anyway, I am not anxious for a repeat of Friday any time soon, but the everyone had a good time and managed to get a couple hours of sleep.
Each girl got to decorate their own Wildcat pennant to hang in their rooms. They turned out great!
Yes, Miranda is obsessed with High School Musical and Troy and Gabriella are her favorite characters. Here she is kissing the picture of Troy. Isn't she a little young for this?!
Miranda loved her cake and spotted her favorite guy on the cake.
After a game of find the lipgloss cellphone, Miranda's friends decided to give her a makeover to get ready for a date with Troy. Hmmmmm, did someone say that they 80's look was coming back?! She's got the punk rock look going on.