Tiger Badge, Belt Loops, Oh My!

This evening HS reached a new rung on his Cub Scout "career". He stood proudly with his fellow Den 1 Tigers and received his Tiger badge, symbolizing his completion of all requirements to become a Wolf, and was rewarded six belt loops for his hard work obtaining all the necessary steps in order to qualify for completion and presentation. He was excited, terrified, and stunned all at once. His facial expression said it all...blank stare out at the crowd, trembling hands as he was given his badge, and tearing up when I kissed him on the cheek to congratulate him. This is a big deal for him as the realization that in a few short weeks he will participate in the bridging over ceremony and lay aside his orange kerchief and ball cap and wear the Wolf red with pride. His latest comment put his feelings all in perspective.



"Mommy...I'm not so sure about this bridging stuff" he says between bites of his sandwich.

"Why? You've had such a great year! You've been so proud of what you've done and so are we! Next year, Daddy is leading your den and I'll be your den mommy. We're excited and can't wait for the fun to begin!" I replied as I patted him on the shoulder.

"I'm glad you're excited. I'm scared to change."



He certainly at the age of 7 has the right to be nervous, scared, and excited. Life will always challenge him and create some tension in his emotions. It's how we deal with the change that will make us stronger adults. The only thing I could think of to say to him was to create an analogy.

"Well, I think we may just be like in the "Wizard of Oz." Remember when Dorthy, Tin Man, and the Scarecrow set off into the forest and scared of what lay ahead? The unknown, change of routine, and new environments are can be scary. The option to stay at the edge of the forest and not go forward couldn't be an option. They had to follow the course of the yellow brick road. No matter what. So, as Dorthy and her friends proceed through with their chant of "Lions, Tigers, and Bears, Oh MY!" they become braver and proceed faster through the forest. They thought that they were just going to get through the forest together. However, they were going to be changed by their experience. A loud "GGGGRRRRRRUPPP!" and they meet the Lion which changes and adds and new dimension to their friendship. Change. Scary, but necessary. Like Dorthy, you have no other option. You have friends, you have leaders, and it's time to keep moving forward...now it's time to set your sites on earning your Wolf Badge, Belt Loops, OH MY!!!!"

Remember and Enjoy

Ode of Remembrance, from "For the Fallen"
They went with songs to the battle, they were young.
Straight of limb, true of eyes, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted,
They fell with their faces to the foe.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.
~Laurence Binyon, 1914

We count ourselves lucky. Lucky to have the life we do, the children God blessed us with, the home over our heads, and the love of friends and family. Lucky to form friendships, bond with many, and be enriched by their uniqueness. Lucky also to have been able to meet so many people who are not Americans. It seems like Japan opened our eyes and our hearts to the notion that we could, should, and would always try to learn more about the world and the people that live on it. We have been lucky.

I remember meeting our first Aussie friends. We shared an immediate connection. Their son and ours, stood together on the blacktop that first day of kindergarten scared out of their minds. Kids in their class had already known each other from their days at preschool, but ours were fresh into the shoot. "What's your name darlin'?" I asked the adorable towheaded little guy standing next to HS. "I'm M********" he replied shyly. "I don't speak American. I speak Australian" Trying hard to not giggle, I patted him on the shoulder, then patted HS. "He's still learning too. We just moved here from Japan...we were much closer to your country than ours." HS and M became mates after that. They talked of their countries; the animals, the music, the dance all brought them together. They were like watching little ambassadors at work. Our future. His mother has brought about more laughter and joy to my days and for their friendship, I am lucky.

HH called from the office during lunch..."hun...we've been invited to the ANZAC Day Remembrance and reception...can I say yes?" It didn't take me long to reply as the memory of enjoying homemade ANZAC biscuits by DF K as she explained all about the significance of that day came to mind. "I would be honored." When I skyped with my DF K, she giggled along with her husband..."oh my...now you're really in..." I replied, "I don't think they know who they've invited..."

HH and I sat near the steps of the Punchbowl National Cemetery and marveled at the pageantry of the Marine unit, held hands as the Cousulors of Australia and New Zealand made their speeches, and wiped tears as the bugle and rifles sent their reminder of thanks to those who pay the ultimate price for their country. We are no different. We remember our heroes, our fallen. So too, do they. I cry when I hear our National Anthem. I discovered today that I cry also during the Australian's unofficial anthem, "Waltzing Matilda."

We were lucky today. We will forever remember sacrifices and enjoy the "mates" we make, even when an ocean and nationality separate us.

****DF K~ I didn't get many pictures of ANZAC Rememberance...we were sitting far back and I didn't want to scare anyone by moving around and acting like a crazy photocrazed American! Hugs to you and the family!****

Mommy Cruise Line

Welcome to Mommy Cruise line. Our mission is set to the highest of goals. We have all that you need to create the perfect postcard vision of what Spring Break could be. Each Mommy Cruise personally takes the time to get to know their passengers to ensure a smooth sail, calm evenings spent pondering what more could have been crammed into the day, and provides delicious lunches very different to the crushed PB&J sandwiches and cup fruit, cup yogurt, and cup pudding that is so often found in lunchboxes across America. Tired of your days being full of other's needs? Here at Mommy Cruise's, we have a set amount of passengers. Yes, that's right. Only space for the siblings in each family. WOW! We can even merge our activities with other Mommy Cruise ships to ensure the favored amount of time of child interaction has been met. So, step aboard...enjoy the adventure. Let our Mommy do all the work. Ahhh...now that's Spring Break relaxation!

OK. So I'm being a little satirical in my ad for Mommy Cruise line. After two weeks of Spring Break, I think that I managed to devise a whole new meaning to chef, maid, secretary, and my absolute favorite: cruise director. Yes. That's me. I'm the activity coordinator for this clan and the great thing is that when I look around me, I'm not alone. Nope. No crying in my wine by myself. Each clan has their own personal facilitator who also dubs as the clan chauffeur specializing in lifeguarding and bellhopping. Our Spring Break was full of activity, bonding, and learning. Here's a snapshot of our 1st week of Spring Break.

Get Some Exercise!We live on a pretty empty corner of Oahu. We like it that way. Our days can be spent doing a variety of things, but one of our favorites? A bike ride around the island. LD even has her own personal chariot!












Perfect Your Aim! What's a perfect way to cool off and relax? We can now officially say that the perfect way to accomplish this is attending a birthday party complete with birthday cake, popcorn, putt-putt, and the ever-popular squirt gun boats! Duck!!! The water's coming right at ya!





Make a Discovery! Our unspoken desire to branch out into the world of discovery came alive at the Children's Discovery Center. Here, the kiddos were able to see what it would feel like to be inside the human body, become a judge or a policeman for a day, listened to the wail of the firetruck as they assumed the roles of firemen, and directed, starred, and produced their very own play on stage. Whew! So much creativity and so much to to left us exhausted but excited to go back again for more discoveries!


Take a Hike! Our Spring Break would not have been complete without a hike with our DF's. So, off we went for a morning of hiking along enjoying the beauty of Hawaii, climbing the rock wall, and feeding flocks of geese. This was the first hike LD has done that she was not relegated to being carried on my back. Her happiness of this new "freedom" was evident in her squeals of delight as she raced ahead boldly going where her chubby legs had never taken her.

Fill Your Tummy! Smiles all around after a great hike. We had apparently worked up quite the appetite as we devoured yummy tacos and burritos at a favorite local restaurant in Kailua. What's left after a delicious lunch? Sleeping, of course! LD and HS were snoring before the cat bus made its decent on H3.

Splash, Build, and Dance! We discovered a great beach during our "cruise." Ko'olina Beach is perfect for the kiddos and breathtakingly beautiful. We enjoyed our time with friends and even got a dance performance by the water. HS's favorite dance move? The "sprinkler." Complements of: his dad. Chicks apparently dig it. The gal in the picture is one of his friends and she quickly discovered how much fun it was to dance with HS. Oh my, I'm in trouble...I'm making the vow now...I will be at every dance as a chaperon to ensure that his geeky quirks are kept to a minimum! (haaaaa-haaaa!!!)


Exert Energy! Everyday, like clockwork, we headed to the park to play. How refreshing it is to be homework free. The amount of homework HH has as a 1st grader is amazing. He sits for at least an hour covering all the academic bases, but during his vacation, he was thrilled to race to the park and made the discovery that LD could indeed keep up with him...especially on the slide!

There you have it. Our Mommy cruise for week one of Spring Break. The second week of the cruise carried us off to another island. I'll save that story for the next blog. Oh, Mom, just in case you're wondering, I have changed my name to "Julie" and am trying vehemently to resurrect the Love Boat.

I Sea You!

For a morning we were absorbed into the magical seas surrounding the islands. We watched as Hawaiian Monk seals enjoyed their morning treats and swam and splashed as visitors gawked at these endangered species. We headed into the colorful world of the coral reef and made fish faces and were amazed at the sizes of some of the fish that are off the shores of Hawaii. Some were bigger than LD! HS enjoyed the listening device that the aquarium provided and enjoyed becoming an oceanographer and trying his hat at marine biology.


LD was amazed at all the color, but couldn't seem to break away from the hypnotizing tentacle motion of the blobby octopus who glubbed from one end of his tank to the other. By the time we finished the aquarium, she was signing "fish" and saying "ishy." If only her tummy wouldn't have started grumbling, she probably wouldn't have been torn away from the awkward motion of the seahorses or the brightly decorated "rainbow" fish.








We enjoyed some sandwiches and chips and then took a dip in the ocean on Waikiki Beach. Typically not a spot that we get into the water, but the idea of driving to the Hale Koa wasn't appealing since the beach and sand were beckoning for us to take a dip. Diamond Head towered over us in the distance and the warmth of the Hawaiian sun relaxed us as we took the plunge and became a tourist for a while.


I think that we even spotted some of the fish we had enjoyed at the Waikiki Aquarium enjoying their afternoon at the beach, too. Glub! Glub! We've "sea"n you!

A Pigment of Our Imagination

Oh boy did we have a great day today! After enjoying a bike ride/run and playing outside while LD napped this mornin', we headed over to the Bishop Museum to check out their exhibit, "Animation." One of the perks we've discovered with being members is that we can pop in for an hour or so and check out the latest revolving exhibit. This one was certain to be a crowd pleaser (all of them have been, but this one caught HS's eye as he was exploring our museum magazine). Although it has been at the museum for a while, we purposely waited to go until we could make it a spring break visit. So, today was the day. HS is officially on spring break! Animation, watch out! We're coming your way!!!

I don't think HS truly understood all that he would be subjected to. I don't think I did either. Usually, these exhibits take about an hour to enjoy. Then we move on. However, this one was different from the start. A truly hands-on learning environment, we spent well over two enjoying each station. HS created a storyboard, became a "Foley" or soundman, lent his voice to the animation, and even created his very own moving horse (which took longer than the split second it galloped...as HS said, "WOW! That's a lot of work for that!!!")

LD delighted herself by posing for the camera and then squealed and pointed at the screen as her poses were turned into movement. All of us joined in the fun of illusion when we jumped as high as we could while making a silly face. Our jump now looks as though we are screaming our way through "Dexter's Laboratory."




Ahhh...our imagination was tapped today. Tomorrow, it will be a mere pigment.

***Special Note: If you are local (you know who you are) then get thee to the Bishop Museum with your kiddos before May 10th...you won't be disappointed***

Rejoice! He is Risen!

And he departed from our sight that we might return to our heart, and there find Him. For He departed, and behold, He is here. ~ St. Augustine

Easter Egg-citement

All I need to know I learned from the Easter Bunny
Don't put all your eggs in one basket
Walk softly and carry a big carrot
Everyone needs a friend who is all ears.
There's no such thing as too much candy.
All work and no play can make you a basket case.
A cute little tail attracts a lot of attention.
Everyone is entitled to a bad hare day.
Let happy thoughts multiply like rabbits.
Some body parts should be floppy.
Keep your paws off other people's jelly beans.
Good things come in small sugar-coated packages.
The grass is always greener in someone else's basket.
An Easter bonnet can tame even the wildest hare.
To show your true colors you have to come out of your shell! ~ Author Unknown

Her Royal Majesty

The other day we were excited to find a package. Now, in our house, that means celebration, laughter, and downright impatience on opening up the alluring wonderland enchantment. Now, usually, our boxes of magnetism are provided by grandparents or aunts, but this time when HS read out the address, he beamed.

"Mommy...look...it's not from the mainland! It's from Australia!!!" he said with pride.

"Are you sure?!?" I replied as I tried desperately to save the package from the clutches of sticky banana fingered 16 month old.

"Yep...it says right here: AU...STR..A...L...I..A. See. Australia. Told you I could read."

Never doubting that point, I got just as excited. Although a package or a letter from all are wonderful things, this was unexpected. Unforeseen. Unpredicted. Wonderful. My Aussie friend had surprised us yet again.

The contents were filled with all sorts of yummy things. Cadbury chocolate in flavors that melted on our tongues and caused me to step of the Lenten wagon (I gave up sweets and beer for Lent) to savor the tastes of Australia. We crammed our necks together to read the two postcards that were in the package. They are still hanging with pride on the fridge. With banana glop.

"Mommmmmmm...look! This is for her majesty!!" HS declared. He has taken quite the interest in helping LD to continue her idea that she is indeed the princess of the household. Especially after he learned that his name meant "little king." He pulled out the pink tank and then started to giggle..."look...she's the fairy princess!!!" LD stopped to display her chubby tummy and posed with the tank up to her chest...and beamed. From ear to ear.


She didn't wait long before she began pulling at her dress and then pulling it up towards her head displaying her tummy and then twirling around. We both took that as a sign that yes, indeed, the princess of our house was ready to wear her fairy wings with pride.



After pulling it on, I thought that the skirt that D.A.F (Dear Aussie Friend) had given to her when she was an infant was just the thing to wear with the top. LD did stop to reflect upon her attire to ensure that it was adequate for one such as herself. Judging from her squeals of delight, we headed outside. LD grinning like a Cheshire cat, HS paving her majestic movements, and myself clicking away with the camera.



She is indeed our little princess. She commands the fairy world that flourishes within the flower garden, whispers to the sprites that flit along the tradewinds, and constantly has a following of her most loyal subjects: her ohana.



Thanks dear, W**** clan for sending us an adorable shirt, wonderful postcards from the kids, and for thinking of us! We love you!

Show Me

Show Me
Written for HS on behalf of LD by their mommy

I'll follow my big brother wherever he wants me to go.
I'd walk with him to the edge of Earth
or float in outerspace, this I know!

He's my hero this I can say;
He took me to school, led me around by my hand
and turned it into my very own special day!
Oh, yes, I'd follow him wherever he wants me to go.
My big brother will show me the world, I know.

Move Over June

June Cleaver better watch out.
I can whip up some chocolate chip cookies in heels, dress, and not blink an eye. At least, that's what ended up happening on Tuesday.

After getting all dolled up for going to do our income tax (hey, sometimes a housewife wants to stop looking frumpy once in a while!), I returned home after going to the commissary and picking up HS only to find an email from the co-room mom for HS's class waiting for me. Apparently, no one had signed up to provide snacks for the Easter party.

"Well, I'll just fix that problem!" I said with a gleam in my eye. I swirled around, threw on my apron, gathered my supplies, and dove in. HH came home and took one look at me and said, "darlin', June Cleaver couldn't even stack up to you!"

Hmmm...think I'll take that as a compliment since he quickly grabbed the camera and not only took pictures of me baking, but requested one with me giving him a smooch.
Regardless, I'm a housewife who doesn't have a problem wearing the apron with pride....as long as my wedge sandals match my outfit!

Homemade chocolate cookies, anyone?

Kicks for Palms

If I didn't already know it, I now have seen it with my own eyeballs. HH and HS are a hoot and addicted to Karate. Sunday, when a good part of the world was waving palm branches during mass, we were immersed in the world of kata, kiai, and medals. Yes, the two men have made a monumental step in their training.


They both signed up for the "JIKC Tournament of Champions" which is only held twice a year. So, with puppy dog eyes and promises to help clean the house, I signed them up and turned away from the waving of the palms this year. Now don't get all up in arms, we did wave our hands up in the air, shout praises, and thank God during the tournament.




I waved my hands up in the air each time they participated in a match. After a weekend of HS feeling bloody awful and a week of long work hours for HH, I said prayers that HS would make it through the morning without gracing the mat with something besides sweat and that HH would plow through his exhaustion without landing face forward asleep on the mat. My prayers were answered.


Yes, God was present within our lives during this tournament. I think sometimes we have to remember that in order to fully have a moment with God, we don't have to be in the confines of the church. The excitement on those kids faces at the tournament spoke volumes. They weren't chiding the loser, grimacing if they lost, or shouting in vain. No. They were supporting their fellow karate dojo members, witnessing some surpasing what they ever thought they were capabale of, and using their talents that God gave them to shine during this tournament.




As we left the tournament for home, we heard a voice come forth from the backseat..."God, thank you for this day!"

Ahhhh...the sweet voice of praise and show that God had forgiven us for not attending mass. Through the voice of my little seven year old, he reminded us that yes, without God, the day would never have been as great! Next year, I promise I'll wave my palms.

Happy Birthday!

Another year travels by the speed of light and it's time again...
A snapshot of what you've done this year dear darlin' starting from this day last year:

*Left us in RI for your three month training in VA *Splashed around in the Atlantic
*Moved 1 excited elementary student, 1 crying baby, 1 nervous cat, and 1 wife who
was dragging her feet, to "Paradise"
*Enjoyed all of what Oahu has to offer
*Worked one crazy schedule with becoming more nocturnal then any of us ever thought possible.
*Took over another position and have been happy as a mud clam...you're in your element
*Celebrated LD's 1st Birthday with tears in both our eyes
*Witnessed the pride of the Navy pay tribute to the events of Pearl Harbor
*Sang Wish Wish You a Merry Christmas around our Hawaiian tree and made us all smile
*Traveled to the Big Island
*Enjoyed visits from my parents and yours and tales of our adventures will last us a long time
*Became a "boy" again...with HS in Cub Scouts it's sometimes hard to tell who is having more fun...him or you participating along side of him
*Joined Karate...OSU!
*Continued to enjoy family time without deployments...ahhh...that feels good. Bracing for the next shoe to drop, but until that time, we're loving it.


Happy 37th Birthday HH!

Sixth Sense

We've had a fabulous day today. HS had today off from school for a teacher in-service and I took it upon myself to say, "errands? Shmarands. I'm taking the kids to the beach today and then out to lunch!" The cleaning gods must have been a little furious since I am usually the one to pay homage to them by scrubbing my bathroom toilets and mopping the floors on Fridays. Not this Friday. No siree. Not going to even let my little pinky touch a scrubber today! This is beach day. Fun day. Kick up our heels and dig in the sand day.

Not being one to go back on my word, I loaded up the cat bus, packed some treats and some water, double checked to ensure we had sand toys and LD's floatie, called DF and made sure that they were in on our beach party, and then pulled out of the driveway. Exactly when I thought that we would be. Freaky thing #1 that should have raised suspicion.

We whiled away a couple of hours splashin' in the water, digging tunnels in the sand, and excavating newly discovered "caves" where very cool torpedoes were stored (imagination is not something that is lacking in this clan!). I thought I had sprayed us all down with sunscreen...heaps and globs of it. Freaky thing #2..I have a sunburn only on my lower back where my bikini top and bottom were not touching. No where else. Weird, but hey, I'm having a great day with my kids so I don't bother to think something is array.

During our outing to the beach, it keeps entering my mind that HH is working. Will be working late into the night. Am I alarmed? Am I puzzled? No. I give him complete understanding and didn't fuss that it is going to be all me today...and into the night...without help. Freaky thing #3 was nagging at me all day and I didn't even care to listen.

Friday is our day for pizza. Yummy, homemade pizza dough with a new concoction every week. We have all began looking forward to pizza night. Even during Lent. Veggie Supreme pizza, Seafood Alfredo, 5 Cheese...deelish. HS smelled the dough baking. He didn't respond. HS saw me preparing the toppings and didn't come to munch. Freaky thing #4...he always munches and comments on the smell of pizza night.

Pizza is done and is out of the oven. I call for both kiddos. LD comes a running on her chubby little legs towards her highchair. HS is still on the couch playing Wii. "I'm not hungry." he says. "My tummy is starting to hurt," he insists. Not even trying to go to the bathroom seems to help. Freaky thing #5...going to the bathroom always helps.

Snores are coming from HS's room 5 minutes after putting him to bed at 7. He's 30 minutes ahead of his bedtime and is already asleep. Freaky thing #6...HS never goes to be that quickly unless he is a. dog tired or b. sick.

LD is also in bed peacefully sleeping. HH is still at work. The evening was beautiful so the lanai was screaming for me to sit outside and read awhile. Twenty minutes pass. Something didn't seem right. The chimes go on the door to the garage. I haven't heard HH pull into the driveway. That can mean only one thing. HS. I rush inside to find him in tears, pale as a sheet, and clutching his tummy. The stars had finally aligned to brew the perfect storm. HS was sick.

I've spent the past twelve hours getting up every hour. Without always knowing if he is sick or not....just feeling like he needs me to be there. Each hour, the door to his room is opened and there he is...needing help...vomiting, or just needing that gentle tap on the hand to let him know that he's loved and he's going to be just fine.

"I hadn't called for you yet...how did you know I needed you?" he questioned me feebly at 2 A.M.

"Sixth sense, honey. Mommies know these things." I replied as I tucked him back in and felt his clammy forehead. "We just feel it inside of us and know you need us."