Happy New Year...Seattle style

We had a fun Christmas. The kids say it was one of the best we ever had and I'm pretty sure they were right. With 4 kids there it was crazy. I love lots of kids and lots of fun and lots of chaos. Anyway eating was so good especially since we got to share the holidays with my daughter, her kids, and Dawn's family. Definitely planning a repeat. Anyway here are some crazy videos, and I do mean crazy.

Merry Christmas

'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"

New kindle Skin

I love pink so when I saw this skin on Amazon for my Kindle for only $2.97 I had to have it.

Percy

I will be reading these books 1-3 to the boys over the Christmas holiday. Percy has dyslexia although he sounds a lot like he has ADHD. My boys can totally identify with Percy. Although Jr. has read the first one I want to read it to all 3 boys. I think they will get a lot out of these books and I will enjoy them too. Anyone reading anything interesting for the holiday season?

Trip to the tree farm

It was sunny yesterday and we took the kids to get our tree. Here are the pictures from the hunt for the perfect tree. The hubby wanted to know if you cut a tree and then find a better one what do you do. I told him I don't think you're supposed to do that.

Time to Decorate

I'm late this year with buying a tree and decorating the house inside and out. My neighbor put up a lot of lights as you can see. So when my hubby came home from work tonight I pointed to their house and said "I want you to do that." Let's see what happens. If anything I will get something going on this weekend. Probably not as elaborate, but Christmasy all the same.

Long Time No Blog.....

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. We had a lot of people here and watched football most of the day. My dad is in from NJ, my daughter Vanessa was in from HI, and my son Brandon is in from Greenville College. Add them to my daughter Kira and three grandkids Julian, Kai'lie, and Rielyn and we had a fun day. The turkey dinner came from Safeway and Kira did most of the work putting out the spread so I had a great, relaxing day. Now everyone is going back home with my dad last to leave at the end of next week so I expect to get back to blogging a little bit more. Other then that it is time to get ready for Christmas.

I WON

Thanks to Sandra (from: Diary of a Stay At Home mom) I won this recordable book which Dominic can use before he deploys to Afghanistan. The kids will get to hear this read by him every night. I was so excited to see I won this special book. Thanks so much again Sandra.

Bought this......
But ended up with this................

The kids painted some cute little pumpkins for my fireplace mantle. I thought they were adorable. We did get a giant pumpkin that we will open next week so I can bake the seeds and mash the pumpkin for yummy treats.

Our God is Love....Hillsong....Australia 2010

I am always sitting in the on site Starbucks at church having my hot cocoa when I hear this song and I know it's time to go into the sanctuary. I love this part. It puts the whole service to a good start.

Message from Stephanie

I had to post this message from Stephanie. I have been following her since I heard about her plain crash from my sister and I am inspired almost every day by the things she writes on her blog. I thought what she said about motherhood in this message was beautiful. Her story is amazing. She is amazing.

Keurig or Tassimo?????

Keurig or Tassimo? Which one to get? My friend Pamela has the Keurig but the Tassimo has Gevalia as one of their discs and everyone knows I only drink Gevalia. Opinions?

Hawaii or bust!!!!!!

We decided to retire from the Army, 4 years to go, in Hawaii. Yes it's expensive, yes it's far away from the mainland, yes it's a scary move, but when me and the hubby met over 14 years ago we were both wild free spirits willing to try anything. Where did that take us? Germany, Spain, Washington, Hawaii....so why change now. You only live one life and Hawaii is where we want to be, so yes we are going for it...and nothing's gonna stop us now.

My dear friend Pamela from the blog (When Good People Get Together) recommended this meme to me. I thought it was so cool that I wanted to participate. As usual I am late getting it up but I'm sure that's okay. MilSpouse Friday Fill-In gives you questions that you can fill in the answers too so that you can get to know some of the military bloggers. For more check out the blog Wife of a Sailor.
So here goes:

This week’s questions are:

1. What characteristic about yourself has either been strengthened or weakened due to your experience as a Military Spouse? My tenacity. I have just used it recently in the move we made to WA. So many things I didn't like about my kids new school that I have been busy pushing my way in and making a difference. Weakness would have to be impatience. I don't like to be in the middle of change and that is what the military is all about. I am fine once I'm settled, I just hate limbo.
2. What is your favorite vacation spot and why? Hawaii. I lived there almost 9 years and it was like a total vacation, in fact we will retire there. Hawaii, need I say more.
3. If you could have any fast-food restaurant in the food court on base/post what would you pick? Chipotle's. Organic Mexican food. A healthy fast food restaurant. I am enjoying the one here in Federal Way but we don't have this on post.
4. Where did you go on your honeymoon? Las Vegas. We were married there so I call it my honeymoon.
5. If you could have any job in the world regardless of money, degree or experience, which job would you have and why? I don't really know. Probably some type of therapist. I like working with kids so maybe a guidance counselor in Middle school. Possibly elementary. I was at my kids school 4 hours yesterday helping put a new program into play and I totally loved being around the kids. Especially mine.

This is my favorite show on tv. The new season started last night and it was as funny as ever. Great entertainment.

Waiting for Superman

Anyone catch the Oprah Show about this new movie? Bill Gates was involved in this project and I can say it really made me think. My kids attend school here in WA. and I was wondering what is being done here where Mr. Gates lives. I sent an e-mail to his foundation and am awaiting a response. I have always had to supplement my kids education and I do believe that this is the job of the parents but I can't see how the schools cannot be improved just a little bit. This film was sad. It shows that the education system in America is really suffering. I have been very tempted to homeschool and won't be surprised to find myself going this route in the not too distant future. But I am wondering if my e-mail will generate any response. My kids school holds Middle Schoolers who parents are in the military and deploy quite frequently. The last thing these people need is to have to worry about what type of education their kids are getting. It's probably the biggest reason I don't work, so I can make sure I am available to supplement my kids education, but not everyone, especially people in the military, have this option.

Okay it's Damian's second day, technically. But I got a pic anyway. So far so good. He loves his school Of course today will only be the 3rd day so we will see.

First day of school

I will post some pics tomorrow but my camera is full and I need to download it. I did find out that breakfast is free in WA for school kids so that's awesome for me. I can only hope for reduced lunch.

Well rain has finally come but it doesn't look like it will stay. We will have to see. At least I did not have to water my grass last night.

Not much on the agenda today. Just enjoying the quite house for awhile.

School Days, School days, dear old golden rule days...

School starts Sept. 8th. It will be new for my 2 boys who will attend Middle School for the first time. Keep them in your prayers. I told them if they have any problems at all I will pull them out and home school them. They have never had problems before and I really like the Middle School they are going to attend, but it seems to me the mainland has really not got a handle on the bullying issues from what I have read. This is totally opposite in Hawaii where it is not tolerated. I am hopeful that they have a good year. My little one is going in to 2nd grade and my neighbors all like his school. Of course it is DOD (Dept. of Defense) and bullying is never tolerated in these schools so his year should go well. Let me know how your school year is going?

My daughter posted this picture of her family on myspace so I copied it. I haven't seen them in quite some time. They are still in Mexico. Hopefully they will be back in the US soon.

One picture....10,000 words

Finally, 10,000 lbs. unpacked. Need I say more.

Finally settled in WA...Kind of

We are in the house and Monday we will receive our furniture. Thank God. We will be able to set up my regular computer and I will be able to visit all my friends in blogland. We did get our van last Friday so no more walking lol. I hope all of you are doing well out there. Can't wait to be able to blog hop again.

New Home woohoo

Because of my daughters medical needs we are lucky enough to get a house on post immediately. Even luckier for me it is one of the historical houses I have always wanted to live in. It has a fireplace, a porch dining area, and dormer windows. I know I will enjoy making this house my home. Luckily it has a full basement and 4 bedrooms. And if anyone was wondering it was sunny and hot in WA today.

Moving

Our house is being packed out tomorrow and crated for shipping on Thursday. We will be in a hotel until the evening of July 27 then it is off to WA. The kids are excited to go to a new place even though we were already stationed at Ft. Lewis. I found out today that my friend, who took her baby to San Francisco last week , is home and that the baby has been diagnosed with infantile spasms and seizures. They may be sent to Lewis too in a few months. The baby is doing good and she had the perfect seizures while hospitalized. As soon as she did the neurosurgeons ran down from observation and got to see the whole thing. As much as this sucked for her it showed them a lot about her seizures. Anyway that's the news for this week.

Chuckie Cheese for Darrians Birthday

Darrian is 7 today. Happy Birthday my sweet boy. Here he is opening a few gifts.

I thought this was so cute. From the mouths of babes.

The Devil

Two boys were walking home from Sunday School. They had just heard a firm teaching about Satan.

"What do you think about all that devil stuff?" one boy asked.

"Oh, I don't know," said the other one. "Remember Santa Claus? He turned out to be just your dad. The devil's probably the same thing."

For more Friday Funnies go on over the Kim's blog, Homesteaders heart.

Pray for baby Hailey

Pray for Baby Hailey who is going to CA today to find out what type of seizures she is having and what can be done about them. Here she is in 3D glasses.

Friday Funnies

Q: Why did God create man before woman?
A: He didn't want any advice.


For more Friday Funnies go on over to Kim's blog, Homesteader's Heart.

Fourth of July...almost here

We will probably enjoy a last minute bbq with our neighbors and then walk up the hill to enjoy the fireworks at night. The kids have a huge box of poppers they can't wait to play with. What is everyone doing for the fourth?

I'm reading Lake News by Barbara Delinsky and so far I am enjoying it. What is everyone reading?

Vacation Bible School

The kids had vacation Bible school at church this week and they are really enjoying it. They have some type of cosmic theme where the leaders are dressed as astronauts and they made the church garbage cans into robots. I still think the most fun the kids have is at the end where our children's pastor, Pastor Mel, throws out t-shirts into the audience and if you catch one you get to keep it. Doesn't everyone like something they get for free? Anyone else doing VBS this summer?

New Show

For fans of the series "Hopkins" there will be a new show starting Thursday, Boston Med. Boston Med was filmed at 3 Massachusetts hospitals, Massachusetts General, Brigham and Women's, and Children's Hospital Boston. Check out this website if you are interested, as for me I can't wait.

Scott's Pool part 1

Darrian giggling as he came down Scott's pool slide.

Darrian comes down the slide then swims back to me.

Geeze doesn't anyone get sick of the slide, I should talk, I love it.

A day at the pool part 2

Damian climbing rock wall at Scott's Pool HI. The clip is shaky at the beginning, but the ending is fine.

The hubby filming me at Scott's Pool.

Damian, rock wall, again.

Jr. getting his diploma...we were told not to clap until the end

Miss Chung (PHK Principal) speaking at Jr's graduation

If God texted the Ten Commandments

If God texted the ten commandments to Moses:
1. nol b4 me. srsly.
2. dnt wrshp pix/idols.
3. no omg's.
4. no wrk on w/end (sat 4 now;sun l8r)
5. pos ok - ur m&d r cool
6. dnt kill ppl.
7. :-X only w/m8.
8. dnt steal.
9. dnt lie re:bf
10. dnt ogle ur bf's m8. or ox, or dnky.myob.
Jamie Quatro on mcsweeneys.net

Family Talent passed from one brother to another.

Summer....hurray!

Tomorrow is the last day of school before summer break. I can't wait. On Thursday I will start enjoying my favorite thing. Packing up my cooler, sitting by the pool, and reading all day. Even exercise will be fun. Me and the kids always race laps up and down the pool until we are exhausted. Then we dry off and continue to laze around. Thanks to the crock pot I go home to a meal already cooked. It doesn't get any better than this. What are your summer plans?

Graduation day

Where's Waldo?

Congratulations Brandon and Happy Birthday Vanessa

Introducing class of 2010

Class song

Brandon and his girlfriend Adrianna (Adri) and her brother Jesse, with a bit of Darrian here at Chilies after graduating. Seems they saw many other classmates here. Without family close by everyone just kind of forms their own.

Brandon graduating

Sing this one at church and I really like it. For more Then Sings Your Soul Saturdays go on over to Amy's blog at Signs, Miracles, and Wonders.

Damian student of the quarter PHK

Damian's student of the quarter ceremony. 2nd clip end of the year speech by Mrs. Chung the Principal of Pearl Harbor Kai and then the student sing the PHK theme song accompanied by Ukulele.

Happy 11th Birthday to my son Damian. He is growing into an exceptional young man. We love you Di.

Vegangelical

Vegangelical (VEE-gan-jell-ih-kul) Someone who cannot stop proselytizing about the benefits of being vegan.

Then Sings My Soul Saturday

Be careful little eyes what you see
It's the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings
Be careful little feet where you go
For it's the little feet behind you that are sure to follow

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
It's a slow fade, it's a slow fade

Be careful little ears what you hear
When flattery leads to compromise, the end is always near
Be careful little lips what you say
For empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray

The journey from your mind to your hands
Is shorter than you're thinking
Be careful if you think you stand
You just might be sinking

For more Christian song choices go on over to Amy's blog at Signs, Miracles, and Wonders.

Friday Funnies

ON TITHING:
A man died and went to heaven. He was met at the Pearly Gates by St. Peter who led him down the golden streets. They past mansions after beautiful mansions until they came to the end of the street where they stopped in front of a shack. The man asked St. Peter why he got a hut when there were so many mansions he could live in. St. Peter replied, "I did the best with the money you sent us."
For more Friday Funnies go on over to Kim's blog at Homesteader's Heart.

Happy Mother's Day

My son Josh, who lives in NJ, sent me these flowers for Mother's Day. I wanted to share this picture of them because they are so pretty. Hope you all have a wonderful Mother's Day.

Happy (Late) Anniversary to my mom and dad

Anyone watch this horrible movie?

A thoroughly mind provoking film about 3 young women whom, under tragic circumstances see themselves cast away to a Magdalene Asylum for young women t in 1964. One of many like institutions, the asylums are run like prisons and young girls are forced to do workhouse laundry and hard labor. The asylum, one of many that existed in Theocratic Catholic Ireland, is for supposedly 'fallen' women. Here, young girls are imprisoned indefinitely and endure agonizing punishments and a long, harsh working system which leaves them physically drained and mentally damaged. As the girls bond together, it soon becomes clear that the only way out of the Magdalene convent is to escape, but with twisted Sister Bridget running the wing, any chances seem limited... Written by Anonymous

A library after my own heart

I can't wait to see the new Seattle public library. Everyone knows I love book. Everyone knows I love the library. Who wouldn't love this 11 story library. I know I will. Tour the Seattle Public Library online.

Hello again my old friend

When we lived in WA we used to eat at a place called Anthony's. The best thing about Anthony's was their Australian lobster. It has a slightly sweet taste. I also loved their version of Asian dressing. The view ain't bad either. This is one of the first places I can't wait to go when I get back to WA.

Hello my old friend

Change of plans. Headed to Ft. Lewis Washington. We have been here before and really like it so it won't be a hard move. Much easier when you know where everything is, right off I-5. Hello Mt. Ranier, Pronunciation Ranear, not Ran-ee-ear.

WTG Stephen

Way to go Stephen. Stephen Baldwin appeared on Celebrity Big Brother UK and remained true to his Christian faith all the way through. Because he stopped taking lucrative rolls in movies that portrayed sex and violence at a level he didn't find acceptable when he became a Christian, his income went down by 70%. Gee doesn't this tell us the way this country is headed.

Then Sings My Soul Saturdays

The song "Held" by Natalie Grant is a powerful song of God's love holding us and sustaining us through unspeakable pain. I always like listening to this one. Somehow it seems to catch the essence of God and His meaning.

Here is a post that explains this song quite well.
For more Then Sings My Soul Saturdays please stop by Amy's blog at Signs, Miracles, and Wonders.

Shame on You University of California

The University of California does not approve high school religious or ethics courses unless they “treat the study of religion or ethics from the standpoint of scholarly inquiry, rather than in a manner limited to one denomination or viewpoint.”

Read full article here.

The kids are enjoying this tire swing that my neighbor put up. So far it's kept them busy for two weeks. Does it get any better than this?

Looks like we are headed for Ft. Campbell Kentucky barring any unforeseen circumstances. We will have to report by August 10th. Dominic likes this only because he is Air Assault qualified and he loves nothing more then repelling out of copters.

Happy Easter to all my blog friends out there and I hope you all have a great day. We are going to my neighbors house for a bbq in the afternoon. There will be lots of neighborhood kids around so that should make it fun.

I was reading Real Simple magazine last night and they had a really good question in it this month. What is the last book you read in one sitting? I haven't read a book straight through in years but the last book I did read in one sitting was Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas by James Patterson and I can still remember it. All I can say about this book is "unforgettable."

This is one of my favorite Christian songs. The video that goes with it is awesome. I hope you all enjoy it. For more Then Sings My Soul Saturdays you can visit Amy's blog Signs, Miracles and Wonders.

Which Way to Heaven?

Reverend Billy Graham tells of a time early in his ministry when he arrived in a small town to preach a sermon. Wanting to mail a letter, he asked a young boy where the post office was. When the boy had told him, Dr. Graham thanked him and said, "If you'll come to the Baptist Church this evening, you can hear me telling everyone how to get to heaven."

The boy replied, "I don't think I'll be there... You don't even know your way to the post office."

For more Friday Funnies go on over to Kim's blog at Homesteader's Heart

Can you say "gotta have vanilla"

Today I made these brownies. They were awesome. The best thing about them is they are organic. I coupled them with a scoop of Stoneyfield Farms organic ice cream I bought at Whole Foods. All I can say about the Stoneyfield Gotta have vanilla ice cream is "Oh My God." I will never, ever buy another brand of ice cream. For junk food, these two products are top of the line, and organic to boot.