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....

Cherry Blossom Bonus

Long time no blog. I have no excuse. Just not been in the mood to blog it up lately. However, whenever we go on a trip I must display and recap ASAP!! It's a compulsion.

We hit the road on a bus tour and traveled to Nago (the northern part of Okinawa) where the annual Cherry Blossom Festival takes place. Apparently it is a huge deal with people from Mainland and surrounding areas making the stop to see them. If you are unaware of what a cherry blossom looks like...

They are beautiful and very PINK!! Which always make me think of Spring (my favorite season)! In order to experience the full capacity of the cherry blossom...you feel compelled to walk up a wearisome, sharply inclined staircase that rewards you with a clearing of fallen leaves at the end. It was wretched, but we did it!

The kids had a great time feeling like explorers in a new land. JD could have bet his savings that he was entering the birthplace of Kung Fu.

Once we made it back down the mountain, there were one of the typical Okinawan street festivals. We made our way to the stage and watched the Eisa dancers and Taiko drummers (also custom to Okinawa).

Good Times...

The best picture of the day could have been a dang magazine cover. Yes, that was shot with my regular Canon Powershot. It's not always the fancy cameras that generate good pics...you got to have a good eye behind the lens :o)

Other than that, things are running full steam ahead as usual. I am back in class this term after taking last term off, I am still going to the gym regularly, both my kids made the honor roll again, the big kids are knee-deep in Cheer and Basketball season, Teage is my little motormouth (far surpassing both Saige and JD), and so far JD is showing major signs improvement with his medicine.

Last, but not least....while the details and specifics aren't clear, we have a slight possible chance of moving this summer as opposed to November. We are shooting for Korea or Germany (Europe) as our next assignment with a visit to the states still in taking place in November. I will keep everyone posted as we gain new information.

Oh...check out my hubby doing a little public speaking at his boss' farewell dinner...

Back to blogging soon....Love Ya!!!

Decisions, Comedy Night and Field Trips

I know it has been a while since I have been working the blog. My bad! To be honest, things have been kinda busy yet calm. However, the time has come to fill everyone in on the recent happenings at the Isla Casa. An update, if you will.

I always like to divulge the more stressful things first and get that out of the way.

JD started taking medicine this past week. If you know me well, then you know that I am strongly against drugging kids and I still feel that way essentially. We took him for an evaluation with the Developmental Pediatrician here last month. With his diagnosis of Autism since first grade, his inability to stay focused and on task in the classroom has not improved while everthing else has. I wanted to have him seen again since it had been so long and to approach this dilemma (since he will be starting middle school next year and I want to provide the best possible situation when that comes). So, we met and she (the doctor) spent some alone time with JD after her and I talked. She was actually very nice and explained to me that he may benefit from a little medication therapy. I knew it was coming...it had been put out there before. I was less than enthused and could not answer right away. She totally understood my concerns and my reservations about medicating him. So the hubby and I took the Winter Break to discuss, research, and decide what we should do. Our decision was to TRY it. My personal beliefs and my ideals had to be pushed to the side for a moment to make the right choice for my son. Does that mean I am ok with it?? NO! Does that mean I am sold on it completely?? NO!! Does it mean that I am willing to do whatever it takes to set my son up with the best possible life and education?? YES!! We have to try.

I explained to her that it had to start small, which she agreed. The medicine is called Concerta...go ahead look it up. It helps in an ADHD diagnosis. He is not "hyper", but obviously exhibits the syptoms of inattentiveness. So therefore, the same medicine applies. He is taking 18 mg a day (the smallest dose available) and I made it clear that I was only going to give it to him the days he is in school. She said that was fine and actually better. She only gave me a 30 day supply (remember this is a trial period). After two weeks, I will call her with any concerns or if I see any noticeable changes during that time. From there, we can decide whether or not this is something worth keeping him on. Sooooo......with a knot in my stomach, he took it on Tuesday for the first time. I had already emailed all the teachers he works with and explained the situation. They are watching him for me also and reporting back anything they see. Day one, nothing noticeable...Day two, a little more focused....Day three, signs of irritability at school...Day four, great day at school! That is it so far. But..he hasn't lost his appetite, not been able to go to sleep, or had any stomach pains (all key side effects). So that is the status so far. Hopefully next week will go ok. I will make sure to report back with that. Now, like I said, my views are still the same. I am sketchy and leary, and if this doesn't work out....I will never have to answer to this topic again!! But, I am hoping for the best....wish him luck! :o)

Now, on to something a little less serious...Another field trip with the middle schoolers to a park. I think it's weird that they think these kids are still into playgrounds. It was still fun of course because they had me as their kick a$$ chaperone LOL!! I think I had about 10 kids in my group, double the size of the others...geez. I couldn't get rid of them if I tried. Maybe it's because I don't mind getting in there and playing, too and I definitely don't have a problem making fun of myself. Check it out...

Good kids....

Next on the list of blog-worthy events...we went out to the Comedy Show last night to see Bill Bellamy. He made is way all the way over here to fricking Japan to do stand-up for the little old us. It was great. He is still so funny after all these years. I can stll picture him, Tiffany-Amber Thiessen and Peter Facinelli in Fastlane back in the day. So here are the best pics of the night. Comedic adventures...Good Times!!

This next one is my fave....

We had a blast and Bill's still got it!!

Ok now off to take the girls to see Twilight. They finally are playing the movie here in Oki for the first time. OK so maybe I've seen it streaming online already (shhhh) but I would like to see it in color and without a constant muffled tone. Ahhh, a cheesy dramantic!! What's better...??

Until next time....Love Ya!!!

100 Things About Me...

It is fun to learn anything new about someone you know or love. I am usually very open about who I am, but you never know!! Here's more than you need to know about MOI...

1. I am 34 years young.

2. I have four bothers and sisters (and we all have bdays in December).

3. My parents divorced when I was 23 and pregnant with my second child.

4. My favorite color is dark green.

5. Mayo and Poi are two things I will never voluntarily eat.

6. I am a strong woman with standards and that sometimes turns people off; good thing I don't care what people think.

7. I moved away and started college when I was 17.

8. I have lived in 8 states and two countries.

9. My first job was at a car lot at age 13; next to babysitting my siblings...I really mean paying job.

10. I am a mutt: Hawaiian/Chinese, French, German, Blackfoot Indian, and I think a few other things, too.

11. I attend University of Maryland and I'm in my second year there.

12. My best friend lives in Indiana and I miss her CRAZY!

13. I am a member of the Family Readiness Group for the Army.

14. I love to dance...I will bust out into some dance moves at any given time.

15. I have no religious preference. I just believe in God, praise and talk to Him wherever I am, not only on Sundays in a church.

16. I do not like coffee...only the frozen vanilla drinks they sell at Starbucks.

17. I am in denial that I have changed dress sizes since having my last baby.

18. I love to eat veggies...every kind and cooked any way.

19. I am not the most punctual person. But I AM making an effort to better that.

20. I am 5'3" and like being short.

21. I do not get enough sleep as I should....and it's hard for me to naps during the day.

22. I was a Varsity cheerleader my Sophomore year of HS.

23. My son is diagnosed with Autism.

24. I am great in math...but not as great as my older sister (she teaches AP Math classes and College courses)

25. I am one of the best friends you could ever have. But I believe in quality, not quantity!

26. I voted for Obama.

27. I have one crown that I got on my birthday (yes, like three weeks ago).

28. I love facebook...even when I said I would never really get into it.

29. My three kids are growing into well-mannered, responsible, and loving people. I couldn't be a prouder mom to have instilled that in them.

30. I cannot wait to visit my mom's side of the family in Hawaii this year.

31. I have realized my enjoyment in writing...beginning with this blog.

32. Peanut butter chocolate ice cream is the best ice cream out there.

33. I jumped on the bandwagon and read Twilight intensely...but couldn't get into New Moon.

34. I am addicted to soda pop...something else I am trying to work on.

35. The movie Grease reminds me of me and my sister Thyme when we were silly girls.

36. Right now I cannot lift my arms (I got worked at the gym by Mrs Tammy)

37. I haven't washed the dinner dishes in about a year since our daughter took that chore over (refer to #29...it's all part of the plan).

38. I keep all my kids' art and writings.

39. I have one scrapbook I got in 2000 that is still not complete (I really need my very own craft room).

40. I have never owned a house....yet!!!

41. There are still 4 nieces and a nephew of mine that I haven't met since being in Japan.

42. I was never a really good roller skater, but I could still do that one leg over the other maneuver.

43. I am obsessed with Teppanyaki Steakhouses.

44. My new favorite body mist is Victoria's Secret Daydream.

45. I have only owned Canon cameras, but want one of those big old fancy ones (my anniversary is soon isn't it?...YES).

46. Oh...my annivesary is March 22, 1996.

47. When Mr. Cheeks' song Lights, Camera, Action comes on I will immediately start dancing like a mad woman.

48. I love watching shows about crime investigation. I secretly wanted to be a cop when I was in HS.

49. I used to go to the clubs with my friend in matching outfits...back in the day.

50. I am definitely addicted to salt and pepper.

51. I am finding that a list of 100 things about me takes a lot longer than I thought.

52. I have done Amsterdam...all the way! (By far the best girlfriend trip I have ever been on)

53. My middle name is Danielle.

54. When I was a kid, my parents made me have a pixie cut for years. I loathed them for that!

55. I gave birth to JD alone in Germany while George was in Bosnia.

56. I wish I could get paid for blogging LOL!!

57. I have seen DMX at a club in Phoenix.

58. I am never afraid to say what I think.

59. Debbie Gibson and New Kids on the Block were my very first concerts. I heart them still.

60. I do not know how to sew.

61. I had quit college when I was 18 and wish I hadn't.

62. I could care less about video games or electronics. My husband cares enough for the both of us.

63. I don't really like cell phones.

64. I enjoy KimChi....alot!

65. I believe in miracles because I have seen them happen.

66. My husband nor I are into sports like the rest of my extended family is.

67. I think it would be fun to be an interior designer.

68. I am drawn to reality shows...all of them.

69. I don't own or wear nearly as much jewelry as most women. I do have a lot of sterling silver and white gold jewelry though, I don't get down with yellow gold.

70. I wish my husband or mother-in-law would teach my kids spanish.

71. I love going to a huge bookstore with my family...I miss those.

72. I have kissed a girl before...and didn't like it.

73. I used to work in the Post Op recovery room at a hospital in GA.

74. I have never not gotten a job I have interviewed for...so far.

75. I look best in earthy tones...my father was right I guess.

76. I have owned lots of cars...76 Olds Cutlass Supreme, 81 Ford Escort, 83 Plymouth Horizon, ?? brown station wagon, 87 Nissan Sentra, 88 Ford F-150, ?? Opel, 00 Ford Focus, 03 Windstar, 01 Ford F-150 and the two we have here...POS#1 and POS#2.

77. I love my husband more than he probably knows.

78. I can change a tire, put together an entertainment center, host a dinner party, and take care of a home all by myself.

79. I still have all my Christmas stuff up as of today, I like the ambiance.

80. I learn something new everyday, even if I have to make myself.

81. I am a passionate person and I am moved very easily.

82. I spent a whole summer at my cousin's pool when I was a kid...loved that!

83. I think that respect is earned, for everyone!

84. I love roller coasters and amusement parks...Disney is the best place on Earth.

85. I love taking photographs of everything.

86. George and I got married at a courthouse.

87. I despise putting laundry away and grocery shopping.

88. I had a c-section with my third and last child after two natural births.

89. I get road rage sometimes...more than I should.

90. I miss my dog Penny more than anyone knows, even if it was my fault.

91. My family is the MOST important relationship I have.

92. I learned to drive on a stick shift.

93. I am smarter than any job I have had...except parenting.

94. I moved in and fell in love with my husband one week after seeing him again.

95. I went to HS with my husband; that's what I was referring to in the question above.

96. I love Spring.

97. I am pretty good with gardening...I won Yard of the Month at our last duty station.

98. I have a secret crush on Shia Lebouf.

99. I am a Capricorn, but on the cusp. That might explain a lot :o)

100. When I lived in AZ, I went to a "Palm Reader" at the fair and she told me I would have a third child someday (I totally blew her off because I already had my TWO kids set)...5 years later Teage came into our lives unexpectedly!!
Isla Fam Bam complete.....

Back to life...Back to reality

Well, I am home alone again for the first time in two weeks and it feels GOOD!!! Seriously, the kids were excited to get back to school...especially Saige (recommencing of the lunch social circle). This also means back to volunteering for me, too I guess. Round and round and round we go!!

I just came back from my first day at the gym with someone who finally knows what she is talking about....HALLELUJAH!!! We did measurements at the house first and then headed to the gym. There she put me on the treadmill, tested how much weight I could handle per muscle group, and oh I forgot...worked the abs (with a jot down in her notebook after every one). She needs all that info in order to construct a workout plan that fits me individually. We start the real work tomorrow. I am excited and Tammy is so nice. I am gonna have to pay her in blood since it is priceless helping someone change their life like this. I am so grateful for her.

Before the official end of winter break, George and JD also finished their project together. JD has been asking his dad to build him a stage for him to put on plays for the kids in the neighborhood. He is planning on recreating Kung Fu Panda in theater form. We have already printed out the entire script and made it into a book for him. All that was left was making the actual stage. So, with a few wooden pallets, some carpet, and one side of our gazebo....

the stage is up and ready for production. He even added the canopy curtains in case any set changes need to be made "behind the scenes". Check out the final product...

I'll let you know when the grand opening will be!

George and I went out to celebrate one of our friend's birthday this Saturday. We had a blast and visited some off base places I had never been to. Here we are...the birthday groupies!!

Too much fun. OK well, I will keep everyone posted with my progress. Catch you later...