Spring Break- The small gift given to mothers' around the world from the local school systems to enjoy a break from the mundane school routine and to allow you time to enjoy the fun things in life.
Marissa has had other ideas for us this year. We have spent the last 4 day trampling back and forth from ER to clinics dealing with her severe allergic reaction to ummmm....Idunno? The child is a mess and after 3 days of oral steroids and 1 mega dose of Solu-medrol in the buttocks I think we are headed on the downhill slide. Sooooo...for one of our nice weather days AND I don't have to worry that I may have to resuscitate her at any minute we are packing her up, wrapping a blanket around her head to keep the sun away, carting her to the beach and gently placing her under our huge umbrella today.
Sorry your Spring Break was a bust baby, our summer will make up for it!
I would post pics but I have to tell you I have no possible way right now. Just wait though, I will have plenty when the laptop is up and going again!!!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
My kitty's been to Cocoks
OK, not really but that is what we told the kids.
You can not get your cat de-clawed on base here in Okinawa and it is seen as inhumane here on the island out in town so de-clawing your sweet little Freddy Kruger kitty can be quite tricky around here.
These are her new stylin' Soft-Paws and she is currently in a "trial period" to see if they are going to work for us.These little vinyl tips cover her existing claw and it allows her to continue using her scratchers but she is clueless that it is not tearing up my furniture, the kids faces, the curtains, my clothes,the comforter - you get it. Steve and I wrangled her up and glued her pretty pink little paws on last Tuesday and currently they are all still attached! My kitty is sooooo fashionable. Maybe we will go for zebra stripes next time!
Ikei Island hopping
Soooo....I have ALL sorts of excuses as to why I have been so bad at keeping this thing up. First one is:Steve has diligently been working on moving all the pics off of my laptop and placing them onto our external memory. If I recall he said something like "Cindi, STOP placing photos onto the laptop that I have to keep moving over to external because blah, blah blah, something, blah and whatever" BUT that has been forever and I feel like I am so behind in telling you guys all the fun stuff we have seen and done that I can not wait any longer. Plus, thanks to Terri and Larissa I think I am just going to start over fresh and act as if we have lived a total life of solitude and boredom and try not to get crazy catching you guys up otherwise I think I might get overwhelmed and say -F.O.R.G.E.T it.
(Here comes a total lie) We have not done anything since the beginning of the year until TODAY and I thought I would run right in and tell you all about it!!! Lucky you!!!
I have been looking for a place to camp for Steve's B-day and so I thought that we would venture out to look at a little beach on Ikei Island just about 25 kilometers from our house(ummmm...I only say this because that is what the sign says) They have camping and other fun stuff on this beach and it was ever so pretty but it seems that they will yen and dime you to death while you are enjoying your stay with them. The little fella' explained (in pretty good engrish I might add) that you can not even bring your own grill, you have to rent one from them for 3,000 yen (appx. $30.00) They do have a place where you can set up some small tents but he wanted to charge me 200 yen just to go look to see if we thought this sight would work. Crazy, I know but I was persistent is asking him more and more questions until he finally said "Come with me!" and he took me (for free I might add) to see the facilities. Playing the "dumb" American has its privileges! Long story short, I don't really see us camping with a large group out there due to fees but I do think it would be a great place for a day out with the fam or a one nighter.
After leaving Ikei Beach we went to a resort right down the road called Big Time Resort and although I have seen and been to much nicer resorts here on the island this one looks like it would be a nice day adventure to lounge by the pool and have a few drinks! Ahhh, summer can not come soon enough.
Of course the day is not complete without stopping by some random cafe and trying the Okinawa fare and we located this fun little place on the hillside overlooking the ocean. It reminded me of sitting in some little cabana on a remote island. HA! I guess that is exactly what it was! I'm not the kinda girl to fool you with words...
We had an awesome day and I am going to go ahead and upload pics and wait for my consequences, it will not be pretty but I will take one for the blog. Pray for mercy.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
I missed me
Wow, I have been gone for quite awhile. I can not say that I have not thought that I should "log in" and catch everyone up BUT then I talk myself out of it. I think back to how long it has been and how much I need to say to catch everyone up and it exhausts me, I'm getting tired even thinking about it now. I think I will go to bed.
I must say though, this was fun.
I must say though, this was fun.
Monday, December 22, 2008
It's official - The Dr. said so.
The school screening was right, I took Jav for an official eye screening and Javan is color-blind. Really. I was amazed that the child was actually seeing things I could not on the test, that is an odd feeling. He has never given us reason to believe he had problems telling colors, what a great little compensator.
Friday, December 19, 2008
A Marines' Christmas Duty.
I know I read some form of this poem every year but it still continues to make me tear up every time I read it. This Christmas our home full of friends will be a little smaller due to these Marines out on the front lines~ we wish you were all here but we are also so proud of where you are and why you are there, Merry Christmas my friends.
The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.
The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the
sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.
"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"
For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night.
"
"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at ' Pearl on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers.
"
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ' Nam ',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall.
"
" So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right.
"
"But isn't there something I can do, at the lea st,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son.
"
Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."
The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.
The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the
sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.
"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"
For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night.
"
"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at ' Pearl on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers.
"
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ' Nam ',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall.
"
" So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right.
"
"But isn't there something I can do, at the lea st,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son.
"
Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."
Monday, December 15, 2008
"Mom, why do bad things happen to good people?"
This is what Marissa asked me today as I rambled on about the effects of the evil, devastating cancer that continues to consume amazingly wonderful people that we know and love. Steve Hedrick Sr died 2007 of the results of lung cancer. My Dad has fought and at this point overcome cancer, both of these men struggling through their own pain all while keeping all those who love them comforted by their words and faith.
The story continues, Mrs.Taylor (my 6th grade teacher) recently informed us via caringbridge that her husband was recently diagnosed and is currently being treated by means of a radical surgery to save his life. All this after after Mrs. Taylor has too been treated for cancer years ago.
Terri, another friend of ours has undergone treatment for CA and currently they continue to say they find clues of cancer in her blood but can not locate it on any scans. How fair is that? It is like dangling the hope of wellness and health right in front of you but just not quite being able to reach it. This is who Marissa was talking about when she asked such a loaded question.
I am not sure as to why I had to get up at 2:30AM and write this(so I may ramble), Marissa's words keep ringing in my ears "Mom, why do bad things happen to good people?" and you know what? I couldn't answer her! I could not give my daughter a reason because I too was literally sitting there asking the same thing! Why God? Why? Why do some people who murder, lie, abuse, steal, drug-addicts and so on continue with life without intense pain of watching their loved ones clammer
for their health and well-being while others who share your word and love with the world suffer with no complaints?
I know, I know there is the logical reason of "This is a mountain they will climb and with faith will show us all, they will either go into remission, be cured or possibly succumb to their illness but all while teaching us". You know what? I don't want to be taught by other peoples misfortunes, other peoples pain. Why can't their lights to continue to shine for the Lord and be as bright as the spirit he has made them, to be a beacon in the night for those of us who search for solice in God's love and plan. No more pain, no more tears, no more being scared, God heal these people and all those we love who are not mentioned here ravished, recovering, in remission and cured of this process of evil. Let us learn by the good they do, they happiness they bring, make them a pillar of hope and strength for the lives they touch.
So to answer my daughter? I am not sure, I don't know if I ever will be. The whole "God has a plan" can stumble out of my mouth because I know he does but what does that give to a 12 year old?
My thoughts are with you all and your families this season...
The story continues, Mrs.Taylor (my 6th grade teacher) recently informed us via caringbridge that her husband was recently diagnosed and is currently being treated by means of a radical surgery to save his life. All this after after Mrs. Taylor has too been treated for cancer years ago.
Terri, another friend of ours has undergone treatment for CA and currently they continue to say they find clues of cancer in her blood but can not locate it on any scans. How fair is that? It is like dangling the hope of wellness and health right in front of you but just not quite being able to reach it. This is who Marissa was talking about when she asked such a loaded question.
I am not sure as to why I had to get up at 2:30AM and write this(so I may ramble), Marissa's words keep ringing in my ears "Mom, why do bad things happen to good people?" and you know what? I couldn't answer her! I could not give my daughter a reason because I too was literally sitting there asking the same thing! Why God? Why? Why do some people who murder, lie, abuse, steal, drug-addicts and so on continue with life without intense pain of watching their loved ones clammer
for their health and well-being while others who share your word and love with the world suffer with no complaints?
I know, I know there is the logical reason of "This is a mountain they will climb and with faith will show us all, they will either go into remission, be cured or possibly succumb to their illness but all while teaching us". You know what? I don't want to be taught by other peoples misfortunes, other peoples pain. Why can't their lights to continue to shine for the Lord and be as bright as the spirit he has made them, to be a beacon in the night for those of us who search for solice in God's love and plan. No more pain, no more tears, no more being scared, God heal these people and all those we love who are not mentioned here ravished, recovering, in remission and cured of this process of evil. Let us learn by the good they do, they happiness they bring, make them a pillar of hope and strength for the lives they touch.
So to answer my daughter? I am not sure, I don't know if I ever will be. The whole "God has a plan" can stumble out of my mouth because I know he does but what does that give to a 12 year old?
My thoughts are with you all and your families this season...
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