Praying Friends

I cannot count how often I heard the old adage: everything in its season.   

The wonder in the words is that as we grow in age, life experience, and maturity sometimes what was once just an eye roll response to someone much wiser than ourselves begins to take root.   Everything in our lives are broken into seasons.   College euphoria, dating, marriage, job and work, exercise regimes, motherhood, and aging.  We experience throughout our life hardships, joy, grief, and renewal.   Some seasons last just a brief blip...some ebb and flow and appear and then disappear only to resurface, while other seasons may feel like an endless abyss. 

Only, we are so blest.   So incredibly blessed. God has provided friendships to help us through seasons.   The very best friends are those that humble themselves with you at the foot of the cross.   They offer to pray, they stay by your side, or they offer to take the cross that is growing heavy for us.  Tears fall in sadness and grief in challenges but tears fall in joy of answered prayers.   It is Jesus in action within our friends.    

Look for these friends.    They are the ones that will bring joy to your life throughout the seasons of your life.    They are the ones that will help make your faith grow.   They are the ones that will stand back with pure love in their eyes as God ignites the fire within your heart and strengthens and renews you. 

Give Light

We are in a time that is unprecedented.  Never has the world shut down and gone into what for many may seem bleak, dark, and cold.  All of us are being tasked with sheltering in place, limiting our movements to only what is necessary, and distancing ourselves from people.  For some, this is an easy order that has been given.  Maybe the isolation they experienced before is only extended into this new state of living.  For others, contact with the world was what helped them get through months of uncertainty that was already present within their lives.  What do we all have in common no matter which type of person you were before this virus destroyed everything normal?

We were all living our life without truly counting each moment as a gift and a blessing.  We went to our commissaries and said "hello" or avoided communication as we purchased food amidst an endless sea of choices.  We made our appointments for our health checks and took advantage of the talents of someone to keep us looking  pretty.  We'd walk into our children's schools on a mission but not always paying attention to those who were standing in front of the classroom.  Going through our closets and home making piles of what can be donated to someone else who may need those items more than we did.  A simple glance, a hello to a stranger, the laughter between teenagers during lunch time as they discuss prom-posals and looking forward to sharing more adventures together before they walked across a stage and into the next chapter in their life's journey, dancers eager to practice more for their performance, and the hug between friends all part of the ritual of a day.  Taking food to welcome a new neighbor knowing that the flour would be on the shelves so not only were we baking and sharing our gifts but that moment of sharing made us all feel part of the circle.  Part of our community.  Part of someone's life.  Part of the moments that make up our life story.  We have lost that all within one months time.

For some of us, we have been sheltering in place for almost a month.  For some, the shelter in place has just begun.  The news media loves to report the statistics.  They thrive on providing the panic in the dark.  What we need now is light.  Light that is already inside of us.  We were sharing the light with others before without realizing it.  We were encouraging without having someone tell us we should be.  We were participating in life without having someone dictate how we were to participate.  We were able to look at our lives and shed light in the darkness.  Now more than ever we need to find that light.  It is still there.  This virus is creating darkness but there is always a chance for seeking the light within our families.  Seek the light within your friends.  Those friends will be the ones who are calling so they can not only hear your voice but see your face.  They know you have light within you.   They seek it.

Give light and let the darkness fade around you and people will surely find the way.

Note:  

This post inspired by Mary Englbriet's Daily Calendar 

for 

Thursday, April 2, 2020

To My Senior

Dear Amazing Senior of 2020,

I will forever recall hearing the news of 9/11 while in Japan. 

Your dad left to go into the secure spaces and begin a long number of weeks watching, protecting, and praying. 

I felt your kicks, I rubbed my belly as you moved and prayed for your health, your strength, and determination to thrive in an unstable world.  We were all changed after 9/11.  Each and every one of us.  Policies, trust, and our way of life changed due to one act of terrorism.

This world has been unstable before, it will be riddled with challenges and obstacles, but you...you have the ability to stand and meet the challenges without backing down.   Our world again is changing overnight.  Not from an act of terrorism by humans, but by an act of a teeny tiny not detectable enemy.   Policies, trust, and our way of life are being changed due to a virus.  You can stand against this enemy.  Trust me when I say we are all scared, fearful, and unsure of what will come in the days ahead.  One thing I do know: you are prepared as best as you can be.  You are strong enough to withstand the storm that rages.  You can help be the calm in that storm.  

Keep your faith, keep your mental discipline focused on the positive because enough people will be dwelling in despair, keep those close who believe in making the world better and stretch your wings and soar. 

Love Always, Mom

This post is inspired by the events surrounding DS' last quarter as a Senior in High School.

Restriction in Movements began Saturday, March 14th, 2020

E-learning commenced on Monday, March 16th, 2020

State Mandated a Shelter in Place Order Thursday, March 26th, 2020

Support our Students around our Nation facing Their Senior Year

18-sai Tanjoubi Des!

18-sai no tanjoubi omedetou (gozaimasu), DS-kun!!!

Happy 18th to a baby who was made in Japan, born in Japan, and has faced learning and achieving in eight schools during eight different moves across our country and the Pacific pond. You have brightened our days with that unique laugh, taught us true grit, and you have been the best adventure buddy a momma could ever had in our crazy lifestyle. You are off to spread your wings in two months and honestly, you have earned your place at your new home for the next four years.  You will dig deep and show us all how one dream can become a reality. The Marines have a good one joining their ranks.

Giddy up, you are just beginning to show this world who you are! This momma is super proud of her DS-nator.

Love Always,

Mom

Transport

Time spent on the slope is absolutely the best.   The worst week can turn around in an instant once my feet are placed into my ski boots and I hear that familiar *click* as my heels press down into the bindings.   I’m locked in and ready for the adventure that awaits.  

Gliding to the lift for the first run of the day always makes me a bit giddy.   The excitement of getting on the lift that transports me from the normal daily routine is euphoric.   Especially when I look to my left and right and I see my blessings.

It seems just like yesterday I was looking up at my mom and sister as I was ecstatic to hit the slopes, gliding toward the lift.   Proudly displaying my paper lift ticket hooked to my super 80s style jacket and smiling as I pushed forward rapidly following the chairs that had just past, so I could turn to see my chair approaching.   “Get ready girls!” my mom would always shout out.  Her voice was always different from that moment onward during our day. Once on the lift, we would chat about the run we would take for our first of the day and listen to the sounds of the mountain.   As the lift brought us closer and closer to the top. I would begin visualizing myself skiing as I shouted out “B-52 bomber down the trail!” feeling like I was zooming faster than the speed of light.

Now, I am no longer that little girl.   I am a mom with two kids who are gliding towards the lift with me.  We are proudly showing our season pass that are hooked nicely to our jackets.  HS now towering above me and LD is near my height.  I find myself shouting,  “Get ready!” in a voice that sounds much like my mother's once did as I look over my shoulder at the incoming chair that will transport us up to the top of the mountain.   Transporting us to the start of a marvelous day that is ours to create.   Together.   Chatting, planning, and listening to the sounds of the mountain as we hover above  the trails that are waiting.

Bring It!

We’re Ready 2020!

Bring it, 2020.

We survived 2019.   A year that had so many bumps and dives that we could barely keep our heads above water.

Bring it, 2020.

We are facing change head on this year and we will not be defeated.  

Bring it, 2020.

HH will be one direction and we will be another for half of the year.   Then HS will go one direction while we head another.   We will remain strong.

Bring it, 2020.

I may have to invest in a tissue company with all the money I’ll be spending on tissues to blow my nose during ugly cries, but I may as well invest in a stick plan.

Bring it, 2020.

We are not afraid.

We are ready for the changes.

We are eager for the adventures.

Bring it, 2020.

Captain America, Mudcat, & Glinda

 Happy Halloween 2016 from The Land of the Rising Sun.
Be prepared if you are ever stationed here that Halloween is VERY popular with our Japanese hosts.   Plan to purchase loads of candy, decorate your stoop along with your neighbors, and run out of candy faster than you can say, “Boo!”

This year, we deviated from trying to keep a family theme and instead everyone simply picked something that they wanted to portray.   HS was easy.   He’s earned the nickname, Captain America from his high school friends, so that is the costume he chose.   I went with what I could quickly find available: the team baseball uniform HS used during spring baseball season...I became a Mudcat.

Captain America and Glinda, The Good Witch of the South

Our dear LD became a stunning rendition of Glinda, the Good Witch from our beloved Wizard of Oz.   She flashed those eyes, smiled that endless smile, and had a blast flitting around our neighborhood Trick-or-Treating.   Her Big Brother handed out candy for awhile while we joined the masses.   By the time we returned, HS was ready to get back to studying and we took over.

Glinda Ready to Distribute Treats

LD enjoyed her Trick-or-Treating around the hood, but what she truly enjoyed was distributing the candy to the endless crowds of people as they wandered around the streets looking for candy.   The Japanese are adorable...they adore the participation in the sliver of Americana we can provide for one night.   You do not want to be the bearer of bad news, “Gomen Nasai, no candy.”   Which I may have had to resort to had Glinda, my dear LD, not intervened by donating her candy to our hale’s Halloween bowl.    She truly is The Good Witch.

14!

HS
age 9 months

Happy 14th Birthday to our 1st born.
It is unbelievable how quickly the years are going.  Each day brings about new discussions, completing tasks, and trying to enjoy as much of life living with a teenager as we can.  He's a pretty amazing kid.  Seriously.  And of course I'm not biased. At All.

In honor of turning 14...here's 14 character traits that I adore about HS.

1.  Old Soul
It's Ok to not fit the traditional image of goofy teen.
You see the world through an old soul in a young body.  Others will eventually admire that trait.  Believe me.

2.  Believer
God is at the center of your being.
Everything you do you do in relation to your Faith.
Altar serving is still cool.  That brings joy to my heart.

3.  Family is Important
When many are turning away from thinking it is "cool" to hang out with their parents, you still find it important to "chill" watching your favorite show with us.  You still take the time to talk with family on the phone and don't give us the, "really...I've got better things to do."

4.  Gifted
Such a cliche' word but you are amazingly gifted in your abilities to complete projects, focus on studying, and juggle your routine.

5.  Trustworthy
I've loved seeing you begin to find your own place in gaining trust from others.  You have it from your parents, but to gain trust from other adults is wonderful to see.

6.  Thrifty
Along with gaining trust comes being hired for jobs.  You are definitely cut from the same cloth as your pop-pop.  Spending what you earn is not an easy feat for you.  That savings account balance clearly demonstrates that.

7.  Witty
Often times the best people know when to use wit.  You are a serious little cookie, but man, you know exactly when we need a little break from all the seriousness.  I love your dry sense of humor.

8.  Adventurous
Thank you for taking life's outings in stride.   Since you were just an infant you have been ready, willing, and eager to explore with me.  I thank you for that trait.  Being willing to go where you've never been and think of the positive will get you through a lot of life's curveballs.

9.  Determined
Speaking of life  and the curveballs.  Holy cow.  You are one determined fella.  You set your mind on something and you do what you set out to do.
Told a teacher rarely gives an A in a class...you'll do it.
Told you can't advance at the pace you want in Scouting...you will because you have your timeline and it doesn't have to be the same as the boy next to you.
Told you can't share your beliefs...you'll find a way.

10.  Unique
I don't think there has ever been a day when I've seen you in a group that I don't say, God broke the mold with this one.  You have an amazing grasp of who you want to be and you don't care if it doesn't line up with what society thinks you should.  Your style and self-assuredness can be scary but when you walk out of this house in a button down, slacks, and a bow tie because, "this is what I want to wear." I have to say...kudos for having the moxie to not cave to droopy shorts and the same t-shirt.

11.  Athletic
You have been practicing karate now for 11 years.  ELEVEN.   When your sister thinks she is going on a date in her high school years, I'm sending you as her body guard.
I like that you're not just centered on one sport.  You enjoy playing football, will shoot baskets, run around the base with your dad, and then want to go lift.  I can't wait to see what you choose to do in high school.

12.  Renaissance Man
You dabble.  You enjoy anime and can tell us all about Japanese popular shows and then be describing mythology.  Sometimes you say something in Spanish and then laugh and give us a translation in Japanese.  You read all sorts of topics and certainly have a knack for keeping us ever on our toes to what your latest craze in learning will be.

13.  Stubborn
I think because you have such a strong sense of self, you don't always like to be told what to do and you don't like to feel wrong.  That goes back to a number of personality characteristics...some good.  Although I don't like to have you be stubborn, there are times when I admire your willingness to not give up on your perspective.  I don't want you to be a follower.  Lead with enough stubbornness that people know they can't push you easily off the right path.

14.  Loving
You have an amazing heart.  That's half of the reason that you are such a serious person.  You are empathetic and want to please.  When someone is hurting, you do tend to take in those emotions.  On the outside, the world might not identify that you are doing that, but trust me.  It's easy to cover when your heart is hurt because you know you caused pain to someone else.  That eats you alive.  Resist the urge to turn away from having that loving soul.  It's OK to be a great big brother, awesome son, and one day...a long, long, time from now....a loving husband.  Practice being loving and kind hearted with people you meet.

HS
age 14

There's so many facets to you.  Enrich them.  
Build upon them.  
Remain true to yourself 
and 
to what God has called you to become.  

Happy 14th!
We love you and are so very proud of you!

It's all in the Hair

Each morning as LD gets ready for school, the same process ensues as the day before...

"Momma...I picked out my outfit for today...I think I know just the right hairstyle to go along with it."

Gut thought.  Please let her idea be something I can actually do.

You see, I am talented with hair in a few ways.

I can brush hair.  

I can pull hair into various pony tails: side, piggy, cheer.

I can braid hair in one solid braid down the back or two braids coming from piggy tails.  

I can then complete the look with

voila!

A bow in whatever size suits the look.

It's a little ironic.  For the past three years she has worn the same uniform and well, the same hairstyle.  I haven't had to try to be creative and learn.  Just about every little girl at her school sported the same look.  Well.  Enter the world of public school.  

The hairstyles range from right out of bed to Pinterest.  It's all in the hair and outfit choice for my little LD each morning.  Thankfully, she kinda knows my limits and I love her for that.  

Purple Cloud Wars

The battle is on and I am going to win. 

Indeed the day arrives that a purple cloud envelopes my house and the quest begins to figure out the source of the pollution to my otherwise nice smelling home.

Just look at our handsome little Zane.  He's sleeping ever so peacefully without a care in the world.  Probably dreaming of finally meeting the neighbor's dog face to face and having a puppy play date.

Oh my lands!  I'm cleaning upstairs and the cloud envelopes me.  Holy cow!  I was always warned about the teenager funk smell.  (sniffs a little closer to closet and bed)  Nope.  The funk coming from my HH's room is not what my body is being trapped in.

He's such a nice dog.  Always happy to see us.  Always wagging that little nubby-nubby.  Always ready to head out on a walk or make sure the neighborhood kids know he is going to be an "obstacle" for their latest Nerf wars.  Hey...who doesn't need a helpful bark...or two...to let you know your opponent is near?

That smell!  Holy cow!  It's even in LD's room.  I look for evidence of food.  Out of either child...she'll be the one to hide traces of disobeying the "no food upstairs." She must have left something and now it's rotten.  (wandering eyes under the bed, beside the dresser, behind the books on her shelf).

It smells like the toilet hasn't been flushed...in an eon.  

There are days that I'm sure this wonderful Velcro dog o'mine

wonders why in tarnation he must stay behind while we head off on our various chores for the day.  Sometimes...that is just a little overwhelming.  He spends his day lying right in front of the door, nosed pressed against the crack awaiting that blessed moment that Princess Buttercup will sound the arrival of his flock.  Or maybe he'll leave that watch post for just a teensy tinsy minute and investigate the trash.

OK.  This is ridiculous.  I'm growing a little nauseous from the smell.  It wafts by in waves.  Where is the stench coming from.  I enter our bedroom.  Certainly, my quest for the purple cloud won't end here.  

PFFFFT! silence.  PFFFT! 

I peer down at my Velcro dog.

PFFFFFFFT!

Certainly not going to be him....

I lean down towards him.  From his characteristic little Aussie butt comes...

PFFFFFFFFFFT!  Grrrgggglllle.

The trash hunt was great.  Found some bacon grease smeared onto a napkin.  Maybe a few morsels of egg bits stuck within the empty can of cream of mushroom soup.  My time was well used.  Must move back to position of watch dog.

I can't believe it.  

Again.  

This dog has gas that could make the citizens of an entire city want nothing more than to evacuate from the insidious nasty gas that escapes his behind.  

If I could Febreeze him, I would. 

Clearly now all I can do is spray Febreeze after he passes by, 

pray the upset intestinal tract will dissipate quickly, 

and 

 issue gas masks to all who enter.

Connecting with Gundam

We continue to be amazed at things we find in the land of cool.  Gundam is now topping HS's list of ultimate cool gadget toys.

Gundam is like Legos.  Only on steroids.
It's like putting together a model.  Only no glue needed.
Gundam is like creating a really cool transformer.  Only you take small tiny pieces and cut them using an Exacto knife and nail clippers from a big plastic grid.
 I take that back...many, many, many plastic grids.

Gundam is just about the coolest thing that HS has found living in Japan.  He went to the Gundam store in Odaiba, Tokyo and absolutely was determined to put one together.  Never mind that he had never put together a model before.  Regardless of the notion that he wouldn't be able to read any instructions because he doesn't read Japanese.  He followed along in the pictures and the numbers for weeks.  He took refuge in his room from his nagging parents and let himself relax to his music while he carefully built his 1st Gundam.

I adore the look of pride on his face as he holds his first Gundam in the palm of his hands.  Gundam is pretty cool.  Almost as cool as the young man who built him.

Ume Beauty

There is something in a budding flower that makes me unbelievably happy.

Is it that it symbolizes new beginnings?  New joy? New life? An end to dreary, cold days?

There is something in a budding flower that makes me unbelievably calm.

In those minutes I pause to admire God's handiwork all the chaos of life disappears.

There is something in a budding flower that makes me unbelievably at peace.

If a tree can grow deep roots and be nourished by what God has provided it, so then can I.

There is something in a budding flower that makes me unbelievably hopeful.

From a tiny bud comes a breathtaking unfolding of life.  When we start something new in our life or 

add something into our daily tasks it is as if we are growing a new bud.  As we learn our 

new task and role that bud continues to grow and become richer.  Each experience adds

to that bud until in the place of that tiny bud is an incredible flower for all to see.

When we embark on something new, we have room to grow and be just as awesome as

the most stunning flower on a tree.

Writer's Note: 

The blossoms above are called "Ume" or Plum Blossom.  

Their happy joyous blooms appear during February.  Japan comes alive again as the brilliant fuchsia and white colors spill into the hills and courtyards of Japan.  The Ume are much hardier than the delicate Sakura.  They last much longer on the branches so you have plenty of time to enjoy their splendor.

Near the base is the Taura Park.  You can either take the JR Yokosuka line to JR Taura and walk to the park or you can take the local bus to the stop near the post office and walk.  Either way you follow the pink flags that mark you route.  

This is a perfect and easy way to get away from the base and enjoy the beauty of Japan without having to go very far.  However, this is not stroller friendly.  Lots of steps and uneven places.  Places for little ones to have fun and relax.

Bring your snacks and/or lunch.  Lawsons and 7-11 are not nearby.  Of course, you will find loads of vending machines so if you run out of water, you have the ability to purchase.

A Little Taste of Spring-Early Cherry Blossoms at Miurakagan

Seems like each time we turn around there is something new to explore here.  You would think that since we have been lucky enough to have three different tours here that we would have run out of places to see in our immediate vicinity.  Living here is always an adventure day.  Each and every time you step beyond the gate.                                                    

After a great weekend with the family I decided the weather was so incredible that I wanted to venture off while the kiddos were in school.  Amazingly enough, even though I was by myself, I really enjoyed the quiet.  Boarding a train from Yokosuka-chuo I headed down to the end of the line bound for Miura-Kaigan.  Taking the express train I was at my station in no time.  A happy sign welcomed me to the festival celebrating the beauty of "Kawazu-zakura" early blooming cherry trees.                                                              

I meandered up the street that has a magical canopy of Kawazu-zakura on one side.                                                                   If I haven't written it enough...I adore flowers.  These blossoms last such a short time that so when you hear they are blooming don't hesitate.  Get on a train and go see them!  

By the time I was getting on my train to head back to Yokosuka-chuo I was refreshed, rejuvenated, and loved my little taste of Spring.

Spring is nature's way of saying, 'Let's Party!'  
~ R. Williams

Visiting Hello Kitty World

LD Super Excited
About Her Surprise
Visit to Sanrio Puroland

Parade of Sanrio Characters

Having Tea with Hello Kitty

Yummy Dessert after Lunch

Sumo Time

Beauty of a Kimono

 The kimono.    

One element of the Japanese Culture, besides sushi and sumo, that most Americans ask me about whenever we return from being stationed here.   

Every element that goes into wearing a kimono produces the masterpiece.   Sure, the individual wearing the kimono may be beautiful, but it is in fact, the kimono that brings out the beauty.   The silk, the colors, the obi wound tightly around the waist that at first glance doesn’t seem to compliment the pattern in the kimono until one steps aside after all pieces have been placed.   

No two kimonos are alike just like there are endless designs of obi.   Thankfully, today I enjoyed a morning with other American ladies as we learned the art of wearing the beautiful kimono. I happened to adore mine.   

The brilliant green made me immediately think of meadows and lush hillsides of Hawai’i.   Seriously, out of all the places we have been blessed to live, the green of Hawai’i will stay with you.   Most adore talking about Sakura.   I do love Sakura but they are so fleeting that my favorite herald of spring in Japan is the Ume, or plum blossom.   It happens to be a very hearty survivor and they stick around and cling to the branches during the fiercest of rain squalls.  

Today, I felt beautiful.   

Was it because of the face reflected back at me as I looked in the mirror?   No...it was the beauty found in the silky smooth green and pink.   It was the color pallet brought together by discerning eyes of my Japanese friends, and is what the elegance and grace of the iconic Kimono.

9 Years

October 2006

October 2015

We are incredibly lucky.  Many never have the opportunity to live abroad once let alone three times...in the same place.  We absolutely hands down love Japan.  Everything about it.  The culture, the food, the people, the language.  It was 9 years ago that I took a picture of my adventure buddy on one of our last visits to see the Daibutsu in Hase, Kamakura.  We thought it would be our last visit.  We weren't overjoyed about the prospect of not returning.  We can't believe that 9 years ago we were gearing up for our pack out and thinking we hoped all that HS had seen in the few short years of preschool-hood would sink into his memory and become part of him.  

Clearly, nine years later and when he saw the big buddha his first exclamation was, "I remember this!" We've had those little verbal nuggets tossed in periodically.  

My heart sings.  

He remembers.

Japan has been woven into the fabric of his soul like a treasured blanket on a cold night.

Shichi Go San {7,5,3}

It is a rite of passage.   

A time honored ritual that bestows blessings upon a child when they are 7, 5, & 3 around November 15th.   Imagine my joy when I discovered that we would be back in Japan at the right age for LD to participate.   I know what you are thinking.   We have been stationed in Japan so many times...why is this so special?    Well, because although HS was born in Japan and we lived here while he was in preschool, the Japanese do not typically have their boys participate except at age 5.   So, HS missed the mark, but LD hit at the right time.   Girls are usually honored at age 3 & 7.   Magic!   LD is 7 so I spent time scouring the shrine sales for the perfect kimono for her.   I thought hard about which shrine I wanted to take her to and ultimately, the choice was clear:   She would be taken to the most important and most visited shrine in Kamakura, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu.

 She was absolutely stunning in her kimono.   She was excited, nervous, and over joyed to encounter others who were also at the shrine enjoying the celebration.   Always the lover of the purification, she stopped and washed her hands.   She reflected and looked for koi in the ponds.  We participated in the Shinto ritual that bestowed blessings to drive out the evil spirits that may try to influence or overtake.   She proudly wore her obi (which is custom for girls of age 7 to wear instead of the cord or ribbon).   She devoured her long red and white candy, Chitose Ame, a symbol of long life and longevity given to those celebrating Shichi-Go-San.    

She was absolutely stunning in her kimono.   She was excited, nervous, and over joyed to encounter others who were also at the shrine enjoying the celebration.   We participated in the Shinto ritual that bestowed blessings to drive out the evil spirits that may try to influence or overtake.   She proudly wore her obi (which is custom for girls of age 7 to wear instead of the cord or ribbon).   She devoured her long red and white candy, Chitose Ame, a symbol of long life and longevity given to those celebrating Shichi-Go-San.    

 Before it was time to leave, she stopped to claim her favorite Japanese treat.   A candied strawberry covered in a crunchy red topping and sprinkled with the slightest powdering of sugar.  She also was stopped for more photos.   Her smile, the love of being part of a Japanese tradition, and the lure of a beautiful kimono glimmered in her eyes.   She was the epitome of a blessing bestowed upon us by God. 

Most of all, she took my breath away.   May she always be healthy and live a long, long, time.   May she never forget the sound of her geta as they rapped quietly along the stone and the swish of her silk kimono as it moved rhythmically through the shrine.    

R.B.T

Time certainly marches quickly.  I barely recall what I did this past weekend let alone months ago.    Just for sh*** and giggles I decided to see where in tarnation we were last year at about this time.  

What did I gain from this?  

The knowledge that time definitely is marching on.  With us.  And we are surviving  thriving.  Last year I see now that we were incredibly busy with trying to keep life "normal" as we faced new orders.  We desperately were trying to ensure the kids didn't have any stress as we (HH and I) processed the fact that by the time we were in Nov. 2015, life would be "normal" without HH. 

One thing about our clan.  Random.  

Second thing about our clan.  Busy.  

Third thing about our clan. Together.

HH and HS
Orienteering Hike with the Troop

1st grade Thanksgiving Feast
I love this little turkey!

HS earns Life Scout
I can't help but get teary eyed when I see this photo.

Taking the furry sons to do their last shots and blood draws
for the overseas screening process.