The 30 day shred! I know I have ABS!

Because I can feel them under all this fat and they are KILLING ME!! 

For a couple of weeks I have been reading workout blogs.  The 30 day shred seemed interesting.  After our treadmill died, I searched the net for things I could do at home.  We do have 2 gyms here on base and they are GREAT!  Many classes are offered, with a wide array of teachers.  For me I need to be able to workout at home.  With 3 kids, school, and a house finding time to hit the gym is difficult.  I found myself using that as an excuse to not workout.  OH, well no time today, so maybe tomorrow.  

Then a friend suggested I try looking for workouts that I can do at home, with NO big gym equipment.  Well I have found it.  Or 3 to be exact.  I started doing Tabata training and adding in a 20 min ab workout.  After 2 weeks I felt good.  It was working.  I am dropping about 2 pounds a week.   Then I found a blog (from Fairly Odd Mother) the 30 days shred.  OMG!  Talk about HELL.  I ordered the DVD, and until it arrives I am doing the shred from youtube.  I managed to stay upright when it was required and thanked God in heaven when it was time to lie on the mat.   After doing the first day I can say my treadmill did NOTHING for me strength wise.    I plan to do this for 30 days, along with my ab routine.  In the evening I can still toss in some Tabata (it only takes 4 minutes).     I wish I could be brave an post before pictures.  But, that is so not going to happen.  No back fat pictures today.  I did take pictures this morning for my benefit. I plan to do this every day for 30 days.  Then take more pictures and see where I am.  I plan to do this every day for 30 day!   If I keep saying it, it will be true! 

Send Shoes!!!! He is running right out of them...

When Christopher came to Ian and I asking to run track, we happily said yes. Christopher is a sporty. I signed him up for soccer when he was 5 and he has never looked back. He loves anything sports related. He now plays football, baseball, and street hockey. Enjoying each season, but football is his fav. We are not a sporty house. The boys can decide if they want to play each season. I am elated that Chris has so much fun. Over the years we have been lucky to have great coaches, that have focused more on team work, communication, and forming team bonds. Track is a totally different type of sport. Christopher is running against himself. With each meet his goal is to beat his personal record. Practice is 4 days a week for 2 hours, and meets all day Saturday. This puts a lot of wear and tear on his shoes.

This track season he is running the 200m, 400m, 800m and trying out the high jump. He started working on the high jump last week in practice, and has done well.

Learning form and where to position his feet seems to be a challenge, but he is adamant that he will keep at it.

He has such determination on his face. I asked him what he thinks about when he runs? He said, nothing it's kinda cool my brain just relaxes. For my high strung, mock 9 son I think this is a great thing.

At the end of this Saturday's meet Christopher was stoked that he beat his 200m time by 4 seconds.

After weeks a practice and a couple of meets he needs new shoes. ALREADY! Yikes. I have spent some time this morning looking at shoes on line. I could buy a car for what they want for running shoes. Maybe Amy can send some of her lottery ticket coupons... ha,ha,ha!



So send me your info on running shoes. So far what I've got is "mom, I need shoes with spikey things on the bottom to help me run". Yep, loads of help there!!

Note to Self!!!

Remember to send sun screen with ST....  
If Peyton can zip his own jacket!!!
And play on the laptop!
for HOURS with daddy!  

Then this kid need to be potty trained.... 

Time to buy big boy under ware.  Time to take away the good ol' Pampers. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PIRATE BOY!!!!!!!

Noah had a great time! He wanted a sleepover party. So 2 of his friends came over and we partied like rock stars!!!
We all went bowling. This is not something we do often. We really need to do it more. What fun.....
He did better then I did. 9 year old boys are funny. They run up and just sort of toss the ball. Somehow they all managed to knock down pins.

I found these masks at the 100 yen shop. The boys colored them, and we blew them up.
Noah didn't want a traditional lion. This is my magical kid!!! Always living outside the box.

W, is a riot. This kid can bowl. He twists his wrist in some fashion. He beat everyone...
J, is funny! They spent some outside having a Nerf war.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY PIRATE BOY!! WE LOVE YOU!!

PCS'ing OCONUS with DEPENDENTS!

While I love posting about Japan.  We are only able to live here because of the Navy.  This will be our 6 Th move in 9 years.  With each move comes challenges, frustrations, and at time sheer confusion.  I remember our first move to Italy.  I was a young mother of 2 small boys, and had no idea what I was in for.  It is not as simple as packing a suitcase and flying.  There are (like most things with the military) 400 things that you must do to move.  

I  consider myself a semi-pro at this moving gig.  I thought I would share some tips.  For the next new young spouse.  Maybe it will help just that one person.  

First things first, you are moving!  Yeah, I hope you are excited.  If not you know the old saying "fake it till you make it"..  

Let's talk acronyms.  Each branch has their own version.  For my post I will use Navy terminology.   

PCS-    Permanent Change of Station.

OCONUS- Outside the Continental United States.  (this can also mean- Outside Contiguous United States). This applies to Hawaii.  For some things it counts as OCONUS and for others it does not.  

DEPENDANTS-  YOU are the dependant,  so are the kids.  I have to say I cracked up when reading through our current set of orders.  It says *and I quote* This transfer funded for member and AUTH dependents as reflected on service record page 2 and other supporting documents.  Per JFTR U5215, Dependents acquired on or prior to the effective date of orders are AUTH travel/trasnp allowances from the place at which acquired to the new PDS.   OK, so if Ian happens to acquire *ha ha* ... I love the way they word things.. I was acquired.  

PDS- Permanent Duty Station.  (this is relative) most duty stations are for 24-36 months.  

POA- Power of Attorney.  

DEA- Dependant Entry Approval

PMC- Primary Care Manager (your doctor)

DLA- Dislocation Allowance (this is money given 1 time only during transfer to help off set some of the cost. 

And last but certainly not least  SPONSOR-  This means the service member.  

The first thing you need to do is make copies of your orders.  A LOT of copies.  Most places need at lest 1 copy.  This would be a GREAT time to have your sponsor stop by their legal department and get you a POA.  There are general and special POA's.  You will need your POA for everything!  

Your next step will be your DEA.  All OCONUS assignments will require a DEA.  If you are prepared things should go smoothly.  Make sure everyone is up to date on shots, and yearly exams.  Keep your dental records handy.  They will make sure you have had your cleaning.  This is a 7 page packet and looks daunting.  It is not!  Most of it will be filled out by your PMC.  Most of the time there will be a time limit to compete the required DEA.  In our case for our up coming move they wanted it all completed in 15 days.  It took more like 20.  

Upon completion of the DEA, your sponsors command will file paperwork, and have the sponsor fill out more paperwork.  This will pertain to dates you want to fly, and to request DLA (and you must request it).     

OK, that should keep you busy for the next few weeks... Next up, we tackle HHG/ inbound and outbound.  Talk about fun times... See you then and take my advice. BRING WINE! Or beer whichever you prefer....

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SCARY TWEENAGER!!!!!

My sweet, loving, energetic, son is now a year older...    I sat last night watching him sleep, thinking about the day I brought him home.  He was so tiny, fragile, and I had no idea what to do with this baby who was fully dependent on me.  I remember his first word ( mama), the first time he stood on wobbly legs and walked a few steps.   For 3 years to get him to sleep at night I would rub his eyebrow.   We read "Green Eggs and Ham" 1000 times before he was 2.  Thinking about his first day of school, and how he wanted to be a garbage man until he was 5. It had me laughing out loud at 2 am.   I am so thankful and blessed that I get to be the mom to this PERFECT kid!!!!! 
Christopher is planning a going away party in just a few weeks.  So we decided to keep the party to a minimum.  A few of his close friends stopped by for ice cream cake and junk food.    
I used the trick candles.. They are a RIOT!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRISTOPHER!!!!!! We love you......

Don't go giving me the launch codes!!!!!!!

OK, I have a secret... I have been keeping it for WEEKS!  I am not the secret kind of gal.  Give me the launch codes and we are all in trouble..   I am more of a scream it from the hilltops gal.  

A few posts ago I mentioned I was planning something BIG!  Well yes-sir-e-bob I am...  

I get to plan a PARTY!!  A huge, fun, purple, and pink party.....  

And, why do I get to plan this party all the way from Japan you ask?  

Well......  Because I am going to be an AUNT!!!! YEAH!! ME!  

 After many years of trying, Ian's sister Shane and her husband John, are going to have a BABY!!  A little squirmy, smell good baby.   We are super excited. 

I found out weeks ago and was sworn to secrecy.  Thank God I can spill the beans now...  

So blog land what fun party things have you done at a baby shower???  Any great decoration advice?  Pass on your party planning knowledge.....  I need it!!! 

Playing!!! Pictures for our Family....

I did manage to get a nap in Friday.  Peyton and I slept for 3 hours.  I awoke refreshed and Peyton managed to break his fever.  Ian and I both think it was his teeth.  He is breaking in his 2 year molars. poor guy...   We spent Friday evening playing around with Iphoto.  It is a hoot.  
Scary Teenager in color.....

Noah wanted himself in color pencil...  I will spare you the pictures of me... 
Speaking of ME!  Because well it is ALL about me... Mom#1 asked about me.  Here is ME! Ian and I had lunch with Peyton in his classroom.   Each time we visit, I get a bit sad about us leaving.  I am not sure I will find teachers this amazing in Sasebo.  
Kim, Toni, and I having lunch at the 12 Monkeys.. I have an entire post planned for this lunch. 
ST and I were up at  5 getting him ready for his Meet.  They traveled to Zama.  Another base about 2 hours away.   A wonderful Japanese man made the teams suit.  We had Christopher written in Katakana.   
They are the dragons...
He looks lovely at 6 am.. He made it home about 7 last night.  ST competed in 2 events.  The first he did not place.  In the  400 m he placed second. This was a exhibition meet, to get the kids used to a track.  Here on base they do not have a track, so all of their meets will be away.  His last meet will be the weekend before we leave.  Boy did we time that right....
ST found these Cheetos at the 100 yen shop.  He loves them... He swears they are a meal in a bag.. 

I need to keep the picture so I can remember the flavor he likes... 
Peyton wants to go swimming.. Of course he does.  It is still a bit cold, outside so we tossed him in the tub...  

Wanted....

Small island for 1, with beautiful beach access, housekeeping, room service, and total silence..

This last 2 weeks have done me in..

In no particular order...  

Things started on a downhill slide when Noah ruptured his ear drum 24 hours before the 3 biggest people left for their Monkey trip.  A night in the ER, a bag full of antibiotics, and assurances he could in fact ride the bus for hours to see monkeys..   Follow up appointment with the ENT, Noah has fluid behind his ear drum, and may need surgery.  To be determined in 3 months.. 

All 3 boys had to be dressed, pressed, and in the pediatricians office by 7:30 for overseas screenings. After seeing the Pedi, my gang of 3 and I headed up to dental for their signature.   They all passed... 

The 2 oldest boys had Terra Nova testing.  It went well, they were TIRED by the end of it.  Kim, Jackie and I spent hours on end cutting 1800 coupons out for cookies and Ice cream.  A small reward for the kids taking the Terra Nova test... 

2 trips to the dentist for me, 900 million more to go...  Did I mention I HATE the dentist.  Who grows up and decides they want to give people shots in the mouth?  These people can not be normal.    

Ian and I both had to see the Dr., and get out note signed saying we can live in Sasebo.  We passed.... I do have acid reflux, but apparently all I need is a never ending prescription of Zantac.  All will be well..

In Keeping with the our hospital/Dr theme Peyton has been running a fever of 103, for 5 days.  Dr. Pediatrician says it's a virus and will work it's self out..   Poor guy feels the worst at night, not sleeping well.  Up every 2 hours, tossing and turning... Brings back memories of having a new born in the house.  

Just for kicks, let's toss in that Ian had surgery yesterday.  He will be laid up for 5 days.  Dr. surgeon explained Ian can not do anything other then sit at a desk upon returning to work for 14 days.  YEAH RIGHT!!  He has a desk,  it even has a nice computer that sits on top.. (OK, as nice as the Navy will allow).  He is NEVER at it.  

Other then living at the hospital this last 2 weeks, I have been trying to get our paperwork in order for the move.   This means more then 1 trip to legal for POA's, Will updates, and other things that must be signed in triplicate.  

Scary Teenager has his first track meet this Saturday,  I HATE that I can not be there.  Someone must stay home and clean, cook, and nurse the big and little babies of the house.  

Noah will get a reprieve this weekend.  He is spending the night with J for a birthday celebration. ST and Noah both have birthdays this month.    (crap as I typed this I remember ST has a birthday party tonight and I have NOTHING for the party girl)... Hum, can I slip a 10 in an envelope and call it good?  What teenage girl doesn't want cash?   

Today after sleeping less then 2 hours I get to head back to he dentist.. I am having a deep cleaning on the left side, (the right was done a few days ago) and a filling replaced.   Race home to pass out medicine.  Run and pick up ST's track suit.  

And, now I have 3 requests for food... The tribe is chanting... Time to go..

So again I say... WANTED!!!! 

Wild Snow Monkeys and Matsumoto Castle...

Ian and the boys left at 4 am, Saturday for their trip to see the Wild Snow Monkeys, and tour the Matsumoto Castle. The bus ride was well worth it.   On long trips (lasting more the 4 hours one way) Ian and I take turns.  More then 3 or 4 hours each way is just way to much for Peyton.  Ian took most of the pictures, Christopher did get to take a few.  They are both much better photographers then I.  
They arrived at their first stop and had to walk about 40 minutes to get to the Snow Monkeys.  The tour guides explained to the kids that the monkeys are wild and have free run of the park.  They were told not to look the monkeys in the eyes, not to make sudden moves, and stay calm.  Both the boys loved it.  Neither one was afraid of the monkeys.  I think had I gone I would have been afraid.  
This is part of the trail they walk on to arrive at the monkey park.  
Ian took this picture, it is a natural sulfur hole on the way to the park. 
There were monkeys all over.  Noah said "mommy, they were everywhere".  
At the park. 
The boys were just watching the monkeys at first.  Getting warmed up to them. 
Ian said these monkeys were funny.  The one monkey seemed hot.. 
I love this picture.  
A bunch of monkeys eating and hanging out. 
Christopher took this picture.  Ian said he sat down right next to this monkey.  The monkey didn't seem to pay any attention to Christopher.  Christopher said he just sat down slowly and took a few pictures.  
Another one that Christopher took while siting next to him.  I asked Christopher if he was afraid.  He rolled his eyes and said NO, mom... 
This little guy came to check out the crowds.  
Christopher was down under the bridge.  
Checking each other out.  
Ian said this pair of monkeys were sitting a few feet away.  He asked Noah to sit down so he could take a picture of Noah with the mountains in the background.  
Right after Noah sat down this monkey came to check him out.  This is one of my favorite pictures.  
Right before they left the monkey park.  

After the monkey park they were able to stop and have lunch.  Their next stop was Matsumoto Castle.  The boys and Ian enjoyed this as much as the monkeys.  
The boys right before the bridge cross over.  

See what I mean.  Ian is SO much better at photography then I am.  We have one more trip in March and 5 in April.  Ian will be on all but one.  I will have him take most of the pictures.  This is entering the castle.  
Christopher and Noah sat with me telling me about each picture.  Christopher explained these guns are part of a collection that was donated by 1 person.  There are many in the collection.  
This is a back view of the bridge they crossed over to get to the castle  
This is a model of the Castle and mote.  

The sign under the model. 
Christopher said this was an old fire wagon.  
All of the pictures Ian took turned out so good.  
A distant picture of the Castle. 
Ian was trying to capture the first blooms of the Cherry Blossoms...  

They all had a wonderful time and I am so happy they were able to go.  With Ian deploying soon it is important that he and the  boys spend some time together.   

Nagoya Fertility Festival... March 2007.

This post is NOT suitable for kids. If your kids read over your shoulder have them go watch TV, play the Wii, or ponder the meaning of life....

Seriously this is NOT kid friendly. Last warning...

OK, I warned you....

Jennifer, a mother of 3 who lives in Sasebo, asked that I do a post on the Nagoya Fertility festival. In March each year they have this festival in Nagoya. Kim and I went in March 2007. We had a blast. I spent the day walking around in amazement. The purpose of the festival is for a good crop. The area in Nagoya is farm country. Here in Japan fertility and crops are celebrated the same way. Once we arrived, we had the day to walk around, and enjoy the festival. At both the woman's and men's temple they have nature made sculptures. I remember our tour guide explaining that people bring natural made rocks from far and wide to donate them the the temples.

We spent a good part of the day snacking...... These are bananas with a kick!

This is a natural made stone (as you can see, in the shape of a woman) This sits at the entrance to the woman's temple... It is good luck to give an offering. Your drop a coin into the slotted box. You are said to have good fertility and crops.

I did get a female/male Saki set. Somehow it got broken.. I hope to get another one before we move..

This statue sits in one of the temples. Again people give an offering of money. And in return are said to have good crops or fertility.

The entrance to the statue... The entire festival was packed with people. Everywhere we walked it was crowded. Outside of the temple gates there are towns people passing out Saki. Talk about a fuzzy day...

Kim and I waited in line for what seemed like hours to touch this statue. We were told it was good luck.. Would bring good crops. Who am I to rock the boat? I was doing my part to be a positive American in Japan...

This guy was a RIOT. Kim and I think he was trying to shock us.. We just took his pictures..

At a certain time the actual shrine movement begins. These ladies lead the parade.

We were not sure who she was? Or why she was riding in a carriage.

And, here is the shrine that is moved from the woman's temple to the men's. They walk this statue down a hill, along a main road for a few blocks to it's final resting place. The men's temple..

These gentlemen walked behind the shrine. We were given the little strips of paper off the brancehes. One of the Japanese men walking with us, explained you take the strips of paper and they bring good fertility and crops.

Behind the statue was this HUGE flag. The good people of the town followed, chanting the entire way...

Here the shrine is being turned in the street. The entire process takes some time. And, more then a few people to move it..

They did get it turned around, and placed in the temple.

Once the actual movement is over, the people who carried the shrine come out onto a platform and throw rice balls at the audience. The crowds are huge. Many people come to enjoy this festival. Kim and I walked around taking pictures, eating the snacks, and people watching. We had both only been in Japan a few months and I have to admit more then once we found ourselves standing there slack jawed. The people of Japan have none of the tabu's we have in the US. Running around in all of the chaos were young Japanese children. For the people of Japan this festival is rooted deep in their history.












Here is a far away shot. We were warned by our tour guide to not get to close. The rice balls they throw are hard as rocks. One of the guys on the tour with us did get hit in the face.


If you ever get the opportunity to visit Japan or be stationed here PLEASE take the time go to this festival... You will not be disappointed.

Just Me And My Apple....

With a move coming in the near future, and Ian's impending deployment, my laptop became his.  He has to have it accessible for his transfer stuff.   Once he starts talking about work related stuff my eyes glaze over. I try and pay attention, but then one of the kids needs something, or that show I just *HAVE* to see is coming on, or I need to file our taxes.  But, I get credit for trying.  

Being  the wonderful husband he is, and knowing the word deployment would cause me to break out in hives.  He worded it something like this..  Hey, babe, I think we need to get you a new laptop.   Yup, he is almost perfect.  Off we go to the NEX,  I just knew I was getting the new pink laptop.  I didn't care about brand, memory, speed.  Who the heck cares, I need pink.  It was Ian's turn to roll his eyes at me...   

Of course I didn't get my new pink laptop.  According to Ian (and I think he just didn't want me to have pink)..   I needed a MacBook.  They are easier to run, and I will be less likely to break it.  Shaw, right.. Like I go around breaking our computers?   Breaking one a year is about average for everyone isn't it?   

So here I sit at home, trying to figure out how the heck this new *better* computer computes.  Anyone have a MacBook?  If so, give me the skinny.  How east is it to break? Any secrets I need to know to make my life perfect?  And, for future knowledge do they come in pink?   

Have a great day!!!!!!!