Summer Soccer

--- Summer Soccer has started and the kids are staying pretty busy with practices, scrimmages and games. My #1 & #2 play on the same team in the 12-15 yr. old division. My #2 isn't quite 12 years old, but not enough children were registered to make more than the one team. Our MWR (Morale, Welfare & Recreation) Youth Sports is lacking the personnel it needs to make things great for the youth of our base. We have the least there is to offer. It's unfortunate, but the funding and support just isn't available. My kids are satisfied, but I've heard MANY complaints around the fields and courts throughout the sports seasons. We're just happy to have the practices to keep the kids busy and fit, and the games for the family to enjoy.

#4 of 5

--- My #4 of 5 will be celebrating her 3rd birthday this Tuesday. It amazes me how time goes by so fast. We'll just be sharing the day with a few friends. Pizza, cake, ice cream and a few games. We've decided to pass on the big birthday bash. She's turning three and will only play with familiar kids. Why invite a bunch of kids she doesn't know? We've done that for so many birthdays. We have gone through MANY birthday parties with the 4 of 5 kids and only now realize that the celebration is just as special with fewer folks. We've been through rentals and reservations, hiring and firing, auditions and agonizing party detailing. DUH!! Decorate, order some pizzas, have cake and ice cream, a pinata, pass out bags full of goodies and let the kids run off the sugar. Simplicity! Who would have ever thought it? I sure hope it goes that simply.

Let's get it started

--- Today, I started this blog to share my experiences of being a mother of five, a long distance friend, an absent daughter- sister- aunt, all while proudly serving our country as a United States Navy Wife. Though, I would love to be a local friend, share the role in raising my nieces and nephews, being the bratty daughter and nagging sister, I am currently supporting my husband's decision to be a defender of freedom from abroad.

--- We are currently stationed at the Naval Air Facility Atsugi, located on the mainland of Japan. We've been serving here since 2002 and will be heading back to the United States in just 8 months. Our time here in Japan is winding down and as much as we enjoy the kind locals, delicious foods, and the safety of our children, we are ready to head back. We are ready to drive on the right side of the roads again. We've grown to live simply and may have many differences to overcome as we adjust to the lifestyles we left back in 2002.

--- This is my second attempt at blogging. I didn't find much time to upkeep the first one. I can think of hundreds of excuses, but it wouldn't change the fact that I simply neglected it. I'm hoping to make this one a daily, or at least weekly, spot for me to vent, rant, rave, and/or share the joys of my Navy Wife Life.

End of SY 2008-2009

Joseph's EOY field trip.

--- Joseph ---

This is my son at his end of the year field trip to the Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, Yokohama.

His Kindergarten year sure flew right by. I can't believe that he's heading into the First grade.

We've been truly blessed having Ms. Gilbert as his teacher this year.

He's learned so much and is going to do so well in the years to come because of her firm push.

He is well prepared for what's ahead. We're grateful.