Thanks for the laughs, the friendships, the shoulder leans, the diligence and the occasional glass of wine. You gals will not be forgotten...
New rules for Christmas
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Showing posts with label FRG. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FRG. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday Mortals
Well, had an FRG BBQ last Friday to welcome the new Bn Commander to 58th. This officially marked my LAST FRG event....Ahhhhh! It's bittersweet to say goodbye to all my ladies, but I know the show will go on and it's still in good hands overall. But, WOO HOO, I'm done! Sorry, I just had a party for one in my head! Here's a homage to my FRG girls...
Sunday, May 31, 2009
The Last of May
Here it is...June is already lurking at my door and I can't even keep up anymore. There has been a lot going on at home and out of home. Saige is winding down her middle school career (scare me), JD is closing the door on grade school (double scare me), Teage keeps a constant look of your typical UFC fighter with his rough-housing antics on the daily, George thinks he has stumbled upon his back-up career plan of all-time softball player (God help me...for real), and I have been gripping with my bloody fingernails so to not fall off of the edge of sanity! You know how they say...change is good, but stressful?? Genius!! Stressful is the understatement. I'm pretty good when it comes to stress, above average while under immediate pressure...but that is because I can totally feel when I'm about to break and that allows me to "check" myself with a much needed relaxation technique, or even a good cry. The changes going on and about to go down in the Isla Casa are down right gritty and testy. I think I am holding it together ok, however with the "unknown" move vastly approaching and my kids sensing it that just = Mommy punching bag! Imagine 21 questions x 3 on the regular + a husband who just want to squeeze in as much ball time as possible before we leave. I sometimes think my personality starts splitting off into two at a moment's notice! They better watch out...
Seriously, I am fine and the kids have no idea that mommy's cuckoo right now, and George always continues doing what he does, so all is well in his eyes. I stress myself out more than anything (as most women do). SO...I decided I needed some pampering and made an appt for a cut/color/and head spa treatment today, Japanese style. It was BLISS! Just what the doctor ordered...I really needed my hair cut and touched up anyway. I went to new lady this time since my beloved hair person moved last month. She is a gem. I wish I found her sooner and not let my hair get so out of control this time around. The salon is on the beach and the ambiance was unbelievable. See what I mean...
George and the boys came too and walked the seawall while I got beautified. He took some cute pics as well.
Here are some pictures from Saige's 8th grade celebration and then some...
She's so big...(sad face)...
The FRG also had a fundraiser this past week...the age old Pie in the Face. I showed up to oversee the goings on for the BN since Amanda was gone...nothing more! BUT, Lo and Behold, my beloved friend Steve Elle decided it would be cute to put a price on a pie for me. If being the only female to receive a pie that day wasn't enough, I spent the rest of that day smelling the remnants of whipped cream in my nostrils. WRONG!!! That's ok...cause paybacks are a comin'!
Man, I am a trooper!! :o)
Tuesday my baby boy turns 3 and WOW has time flown by! We are having a little birthday party for him at his school. He's gonna be so excited...Can't wait to blog about it!! Meanwhile, Saige keeps telling me how many days it will be until she hits the big 14!! (I almost just fainted when I wrote that)! "Next year I can get my driving permit Mom"....*sigh....
Love Ya!
Seriously, I am fine and the kids have no idea that mommy's cuckoo right now, and George always continues doing what he does, so all is well in his eyes. I stress myself out more than anything (as most women do). SO...I decided I needed some pampering and made an appt for a cut/color/and head spa treatment today, Japanese style. It was BLISS! Just what the doctor ordered...I really needed my hair cut and touched up anyway. I went to new lady this time since my beloved hair person moved last month. She is a gem. I wish I found her sooner and not let my hair get so out of control this time around. The salon is on the beach and the ambiance was unbelievable. See what I mean...
George and the boys came too and walked the seawall while I got beautified. He took some cute pics as well.
Here are some pictures from Saige's 8th grade celebration and then some...
She's so big...(sad face)...The FRG also had a fundraiser this past week...the age old Pie in the Face. I showed up to oversee the goings on for the BN since Amanda was gone...nothing more! BUT, Lo and Behold, my beloved friend Steve Elle decided it would be cute to put a price on a pie for me. If being the only female to receive a pie that day wasn't enough, I spent the rest of that day smelling the remnants of whipped cream in my nostrils. WRONG!!! That's ok...cause paybacks are a comin'!
Man, I am a trooper!! :o)Tuesday my baby boy turns 3 and WOW has time flown by! We are having a little birthday party for him at his school. He's gonna be so excited...Can't wait to blog about it!! Meanwhile, Saige keeps telling me how many days it will be until she hits the big 14!! (I almost just fainted when I wrote that)! "Next year I can get my driving permit Mom"....*sigh....
Love Ya!
Friday, May 22, 2009
Oh, What a Night...
Thursday started off a pretty good day except the fact that I was going to being saying bye to the hubby the next day...he went to Korea for the long weekend to play in a softball tournament (yeah, I am a good wifey)! It started with a peep into the live American Idol Finale at around 9am, then moved on to a end of the year lunch at JD's school, which led to the big event of the night...
So the FRG hosts annual events throughout they year, like the Egg Hunt, Holiday Party, 4th of July BBQ, BUT there are also a few contests as well....one being the Chili Cook-Off and another the Best Dessert. Up until now I had never made anything to enter these contests because I was usually bogged down with helping run the event or whatever. But, I decided about midday that I would make something quick and easy this time. My peanut butter balls are ones I make typically during the Holidays, aka Peanut Butter Buckeyes.
They are the bomb as most of you know. I mean, who doesn't like Reese's?? Well, ok maybe all the people that are allergic to peanut butter don't slap their mamas for them. Good thing no one in 58th seemed allergic because they were voted BEST OVERALL Dessert!! Can you believe that crap?? Had Saige been home that hour or so it took to make them, she could have made them easily...and that was the winner??? Hey, I guess you can't knock the classics! So, yeah that was a trip!! I had someone walk by and say "It's like a party in my mouth"...and we all like parties no matter where they are right?! SWEET! So I walked up and nabbed my prize which consisted of a Signal orange apron, gift certificates, and the most obnoxious trophy one could ever win...a ginormous fake cake!! But, I was more than happy to accept (mostly because it is passed on to the future winners..so that means I don't have to pack or find a place to put it). What a surprise though, really...
As if the night couldn't get any better, completely blindsided, the FRG leaders were recognized by the 10th Support Group with the Commander's Award for Public Service.
I was so pleased about how the evening was turning out....AND THEN...I got hit with the icing on the cake (no pun intended)!! The Bronze Wahatchee Medal was established for individuals who have voluntarily contributed in a significant way to the improvement of the Signal Corps community. It is by nomination and must get approval through the Signal Regiment in Fort Gordon, GA. The Battalion Commander, Steve Elle, has only seen 2 given out in his career. He nominated myself and Amanda (my FRG counterpart here) for the third and fourth. It was very moving and highly appreciated. Volunteering isn't peachy keen all the time and Lord knows it is never for the money or the rewards. It comes from the heart and once in a while it is nice to know that it is valued. That is what LTC Elle tried to convey and it rang loud and clear for me. Thank You to him for his thoughtfulness and warm heart.
I will cherish it forever. The Soldiers and Families have been my recipient of "giving back" for a long time...and will continue to be!
Man, I think I am catching up to George's award count LOL!!
Anyway, I had to share the "pat on the back" moment with everyone. I was feeling good about it...I'll be updating about our long weekend without hubby later in the next few days. Gotta make a plan to entertain the youngsters....Love Ya!!!
So the FRG hosts annual events throughout they year, like the Egg Hunt, Holiday Party, 4th of July BBQ, BUT there are also a few contests as well....one being the Chili Cook-Off and another the Best Dessert. Up until now I had never made anything to enter these contests because I was usually bogged down with helping run the event or whatever. But, I decided about midday that I would make something quick and easy this time. My peanut butter balls are ones I make typically during the Holidays, aka Peanut Butter Buckeyes.
They are the bomb as most of you know. I mean, who doesn't like Reese's?? Well, ok maybe all the people that are allergic to peanut butter don't slap their mamas for them. Good thing no one in 58th seemed allergic because they were voted BEST OVERALL Dessert!! Can you believe that crap?? Had Saige been home that hour or so it took to make them, she could have made them easily...and that was the winner??? Hey, I guess you can't knock the classics! So, yeah that was a trip!! I had someone walk by and say "It's like a party in my mouth"...and we all like parties no matter where they are right?! SWEET! So I walked up and nabbed my prize which consisted of a Signal orange apron, gift certificates, and the most obnoxious trophy one could ever win...a ginormous fake cake!! But, I was more than happy to accept (mostly because it is passed on to the future winners..so that means I don't have to pack or find a place to put it). What a surprise though, really...
As if the night couldn't get any better, completely blindsided, the FRG leaders were recognized by the 10th Support Group with the Commander's Award for Public Service.
I was so pleased about how the evening was turning out....AND THEN...I got hit with the icing on the cake (no pun intended)!! The Bronze Wahatchee Medal was established for individuals who have voluntarily contributed in a significant way to the improvement of the Signal Corps community. It is by nomination and must get approval through the Signal Regiment in Fort Gordon, GA. The Battalion Commander, Steve Elle, has only seen 2 given out in his career. He nominated myself and Amanda (my FRG counterpart here) for the third and fourth. It was very moving and highly appreciated. Volunteering isn't peachy keen all the time and Lord knows it is never for the money or the rewards. It comes from the heart and once in a while it is nice to know that it is valued. That is what LTC Elle tried to convey and it rang loud and clear for me. Thank You to him for his thoughtfulness and warm heart.
I will cherish it forever. The Soldiers and Families have been my recipient of "giving back" for a long time...and will continue to be!
Man, I think I am catching up to George's award count LOL!!
Anyway, I had to share the "pat on the back" moment with everyone. I was feeling good about it...I'll be updating about our long weekend without hubby later in the next few days. Gotta make a plan to entertain the youngsters....Love Ya!!!
Friday, April 3, 2009
Egg-stravaganzas and Forests to Boot
The weather has been playing tricks on us lately and it has been quite chilly over here in sunny, tropical Okinawa. The breeze has been nice to me, but to some (meaning my cold-natured hubby) it has been "freezing". Freezing, really?? Nah, they just don't remember how scorchy it gets in the summer here. I am SO enjoying the coolness.
On that note, Spring Break started as of yesterday afternoon and we kicked it off with our Battalion Egg-stravaganza! Loaded with egg hunts, races, games, food, and prizes...the kids had a fab time!! Our whole family decided to fully represent the Unit and dressed in the traditional Signal Orange (George wanted to be different and wore his blue Battalion shirt instead...it reminded me of the Gators, so big ups to my cousin Charlie)!!! Check it...(you can click on the pics to get a better view)...
Egg on a spoon race...
So, once we were all strapped up, we received another lesson on how to hook our carabiners up at each station and sent us on our way. Now let me just say, the ground was quite a distance from where my feet were at the first zip line. But, I had faith that my pulley was going to hold me since my son was practically shoving me out of the way to go first. If he wasn't scared...I shouldn't be right?? NOT! Talk about getting a sudden fear of heights. But, we pulled through...for all 8 or 9 zip lines!!
It was very exhilarating. Another part of the course was an adventure course that featured various rope bridges, ring walking, ladders, tightrope walking, and the...wait for it...Tarzan Swing! This thing was my ultimate nightmare. You might as well call it bungee jumping horizontally. Thank God there's a huge web-like net there so when you smacked into the stopper it wasn't too much of a jerk. I felt like a fly on a flytrap out there. Nevermind the terror in my stomach as I free-fell to my unknown demise. Talk about intense. George, however, thought the kids and I were quite humorous!! Insert screaming as you view these! (Oh I forgot to mention, JD was screaming alright, but it was his Tarzan yell...just like the movie) We had a blast....
Yeah, that's me...Upper and lower!
JD
Saige
Stay tuned for more of our upcoming Spring Break adventures!!! Love Ya...
On that note, Spring Break started as of yesterday afternoon and we kicked it off with our Battalion Egg-stravaganza! Loaded with egg hunts, races, games, food, and prizes...the kids had a fab time!! Our whole family decided to fully represent the Unit and dressed in the traditional Signal Orange (George wanted to be different and wore his blue Battalion shirt instead...it reminded me of the Gators, so big ups to my cousin Charlie)!!! Check it...(you can click on the pics to get a better view)...
Egg on a spoon race...
George and I planning our strategy for the 3-legged race 
We also spent the next day taking the big kids to Forest Adventure. You have to be 7 and up, so thankfully it was Teage's last day at preschool before his Spring vacation. So, what you do is book a time and drive up to this building which I assume is just a receptionist office. Next, they shove you in a van and drive you up this shady mountain and then drop you off at a wooden deck. After following the signs, we stumbled on a little cabin with a Japanese man smiling and harbessed. He gave us a quick safety lesson on our harnesses as they are adjusting it around my nether regions at the same time. JD kept telling the man "I'm gonna be a hero on this adventure". It was cute!
We also spent the next day taking the big kids to Forest Adventure. You have to be 7 and up, so thankfully it was Teage's last day at preschool before his Spring vacation. So, what you do is book a time and drive up to this building which I assume is just a receptionist office. Next, they shove you in a van and drive you up this shady mountain and then drop you off at a wooden deck. After following the signs, we stumbled on a little cabin with a Japanese man smiling and harbessed. He gave us a quick safety lesson on our harnesses as they are adjusting it around my nether regions at the same time. JD kept telling the man "I'm gonna be a hero on this adventure". It was cute!So, once we were all strapped up, we received another lesson on how to hook our carabiners up at each station and sent us on our way. Now let me just say, the ground was quite a distance from where my feet were at the first zip line. But, I had faith that my pulley was going to hold me since my son was practically shoving me out of the way to go first. If he wasn't scared...I shouldn't be right?? NOT! Talk about getting a sudden fear of heights. But, we pulled through...for all 8 or 9 zip lines!!
It was very exhilarating. Another part of the course was an adventure course that featured various rope bridges, ring walking, ladders, tightrope walking, and the...wait for it...Tarzan Swing! This thing was my ultimate nightmare. You might as well call it bungee jumping horizontally. Thank God there's a huge web-like net there so when you smacked into the stopper it wasn't too much of a jerk. I felt like a fly on a flytrap out there. Nevermind the terror in my stomach as I free-fell to my unknown demise. Talk about intense. George, however, thought the kids and I were quite humorous!! Insert screaming as you view these! (Oh I forgot to mention, JD was screaming alright, but it was his Tarzan yell...just like the movie) We had a blast....
Yeah, that's me...Upper and lower!
JD
Saige
Stay tuned for more of our upcoming Spring Break adventures!!! Love Ya...
Sunday, February 22, 2009
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...
-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!!
-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!!
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