The End of the Season

The end is upon us with boy's basketball. The championship game was Saturday afternoon and these boys rocked it. The 1st and 2nd place teams battled it out on the court and the Okinawa Suns came out with the perfect season (8-0) and the bragging rights as the Champions of Youth Sports Basketball. JD was really excited and we were so proud of him. Here are pictures from the game...

-practicing before the game-

-the final score-

-walking the court with Coach Morris-

-champion shirt-

-team photo-

-#1-

-gift from the coach, champion tees-

-JD called the cheer, "getcha head in the game"-

-Teage wanted to be just like JD-

-Sissy was so proud of him-

-Proud Daddy-

Way to go.....

I'm really glad he followed through with being on a "team". He is such a self-entertaining boy that we weren't sure if he would jump into this type of thing with everything he had. But, the coach and the teammates rallied around him and made him feel like a major part of the team. It was so amazing to see those boys take JD under their wing and engage with him. Whenever JD would sub into the game, they always tried to make sure he got passed the ball (so what if he ducked a couple times and kicked it another time...he eventually got the idea that he was supposed to catch it and pass it off, hee hee). I am so happy for him and that he got the experience to do this. Suns Rock!! Now that this is over, he will continue with his choir and piano lessons. He excels in these areas and I can't wait to see how it develops.

In other news, the FRG had its annual Chili Cook-off and it went well. Hats off to those that made chili and to those that won...two of which are friends of mine (left and right...go Brian and Angel).

What a weekend!!!

As if the happiness exploding from my body wasn't enough...I received my anniversary gift from George!! Take a look-see...

I love it!! I can't wait to have an opportunity to really use it to its full potential...of course after I read the massive booklet it came with. :o) My hubby definitely scores in the gift giving dept. Thanks babe!! Well, that's all I've got for now. I will get out soon and take a few test shots to show everyone what that baby can do!!

Next week, is the AFAP conference. I will be working three days this week at that. More info to come. Talk to you soon....Love Ya!!

Life is good...

Well, it's the weekend...another long one I might add. It's funny because the past 2 months seem to be filled with holiday weekends for either the guys or the kids. It has been nice even though certain things have trumped my gym plans a couple times. But no fear I am still trucking along and making up for missed time. I've lost inches for sure and am feeling strong in general. I like it!! There are some changes going on over here...a couple of our good friends are leaving within the next month or two. I really hate this part of being in the military life...saying goodbye to the people we have come to know as our second family. Farrah and Julie....I'm gonna miss them. But, we'll always have each other's backs!! These are some great girls...


As with every goodbye, there are new people that arrive to take their place (in the job or in the FRG). I always hope that there are one or two that are normal...it's like playing roulette really. Usually, I am quick to see true colors easy. On that note, we do have a new military wifey that has come to Okinawa. She is sweet and down-to-earth...thank God!! We had a little get together at the BC's house to officially greet them. Here they are...

I like her...and him, too. I look forward to getting to know her even more than we already have (that girl can sang some karaoke lol).

Here's the chaos that ensued towards the end of the night...notice the weirdo guy in the back. Had to do it Stu!!


Good Peeps...

Teage has been quite the little photog lately. He has a knack for taking pics and actually knows how to work the camera. I see a scrapbook in his future. Look at this one he took of his dad...

That is hilarious!!!

Saige has been doing well...babysitting a lot (she enjoys having her own money to buy the things I won't buy for her...which is pretty much like multiple itunes cards, junk food, etc). But she has also been saving a little from each job. She's pretty good about wanting to keep her money instead of it burn a hole in her pocket. I just went this past Tues to see her collect her honor roll certificates for the past 2 quarters. Once again, my kids are freaking awesome!!!

I'm also posting some pics from her last game...via a neighbor's camera. Look at my Saigie being a strong "base". She is the strongest girl on the squad!!

And she has mad cartwheeling skills...

Plus, she is way too cute for her own good :o)

I'm really proud of her overall and she is growing up so fast. I remember when she was just my little ball of personality...

I guess she still is....

Hope all is well with everyone!! Love Ya!!!

February Update

Well, the Super Bowl has come and gone (great game) and we are finally into the month of February...tax season and Cupid's day!! Both of which I am like "eh" about. All is well here in the Isla casa as we continue to figure out what the heck is going to transpire with our PCS move. George is still in the hopes of getting Korea, but it is unlikely. The other option is since he will inevitably be getting deployed no matter what...he may try to ask for Kuwait since it is a predominantly safer area to get sent to (I am just guessing, from what I've heard). But, I must say that I am leaning more and more towards Germany every day that goes by. I know my family and close friends don't understand why we would want to stay overseas...well there's a few reasons. Primarily, it's the education factor. I am not too keen on getting shipped somewhere in the states where my kids have the odds of being frisked upon entering the school grounds. Also, JD's services would be in tact and would not have to be reassessed/retested if we continue with DODDs schools. The other factor is opportunity. There are not many chances to "live" in another country and I have to say that it has been one of the best experiences our family has ever had. We have seen and learned so much just from traveling via the military. When it's over, it's over. We have to take what opportunities we can before we bid farewell to this lifestyle. Lastly, the money is fabulous. We have banked living here and when it's time to finally buy our first home, we will be more than ready. The pros just outweigh the cons!! So wish us luck as the months draw closer and that we end up in the best place for our family. Either way, we will make the best of it...we always do!!

On another note, I wanted to update on JD's medicine trial. He is doing GREAT!! Yes, I said it. I spent over a week trying to find something wrong with it and for it to give me a reason to say "STOP", but it has been quite the opposite. He leaves my car every morning when I drop him off just as he does when I pick him up...happy and engaged. His appetite has remained the same, his sleep patterns are consistent, and he is doing his homework without prompting. The school has noticed the major differences though...those like completing his work in 1/4 of the time it took him prior to the meds, actively participating in social activities on his own, raising his hand to answer questions in class discussions...etc. The differences are more than they could have ever hoped for and I am blown away. So, you don't fix what isn't broken as they say. He is making great strides and George and I will continue to support and encourage that. I am so excited to watch him the next few months left in school. I know he will do wonderful things for himself.

No pics this time, but we will be going to a BBQ today with all my girlfriends and all the peers George works with so I will post about it soon. All I know is I will be having more than one glass of wine!! It has been a long week....

Love to all and as always, thanks for reading....