My First 5K

Sunday I ran/walked in my first 5K. I thought about doing the couch to 5K program and then my friend told me to go big or go home. So I went big. Without training, just motivation I did it. And I had every reason to not get up in the am to do it. It was raining, it was cold. I was up past 11:30 the night before. I was having hot flashes, I was just plain TIRED. I told myself and the kids we were gonna do it.

And do it we did. The kids were less than thrilled with me, but hey if mama's gonna do it so are you! We had fun and even the boys will admit that. It was hard as heck, I was the last one across the finish line but I still beat my goal time by almost a 1 1/2 minutes.

Saturday was a GREAT day, Sunday was better and today... MONDAY I'm on my way out the door for another run!

GO BIG OR GO HOME!

Accents

Only in a military home can you hear a Severe Southern accent, followed by a ESL Japanese Accent (English as a second language), Yankee Speak, and of course a favorite... a Boston accent ALL at one time. As I sit at the computer the kids have friends over who are on FaceTime with other friends right here on the island. Yes I said on the island, just down the street or across the base.

It amazes me the diversity we have in our lives. You have to really listen to people. Hear not only the words that they are saying but also their heart or you could be in a lot of trouble or deeply offended.

It's not just about ToMAYto or ToMAto, Water or WARTER, Naked or Nekid, or my favorite Wash or Warsh! Many words don't translate well, the kids (and I) over the years have really had to listen to others to hear their intended message.

For example take a look at these sales signs. (I'm sorry if this sign shocks you, but I had no other way to prove my point than to share this!) This didn't translate well. But it's ALL over Japan. It is in a large chain store advertising their New Year's Sale. Good thing my kids can read right! Try explaining that one. I'm truly not sure what word in the English language they were going for, but I do think they got their point across. The education of living overseas never ends.

The End.

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday Jesus!

I'm feeling better and am slowly getting into the Christmas spirit. Today is Christmas Eve Eve! We celebrate it all around these parts! I am almost ready. Just a few gifts to wrap up, some more cookies to make (with the kiddos) for Santa of course, lots of laundy to finish up and then the festivities can begin.

I'm honestly looking forward to Christmas. I love celebrating the birth of our Savior, sharing the joy of Christmas with my kiddos and seeing their faces light up on Christmas morning.

As for right now... I'm exhausted. I am going to bed. Night Night America... Sleep Tight!

Struggles

This year has been a difficult one. This past month has been an emotional struggle for me. I cannot pinpoint what the trigger is, let's just say it's been hard for me. This week in particular has been the hardest by far. I've don't ever recall a time in my life when I've not been in the Christmas spirit. I'm a huge kid at heart and love love love this time of the year. I love the shopping, the decorating, the baking, the parties, the wrapping of gifts. I love it all. This year it is not the same. I'm hurting and I don't know why. I've been doing my best to shove it deep down within me and put on the good Christian/mother/wife show. Honestly, my acting skills stink.

I've been praying a lot more than usual lately. Surrounding myself with positive encouraging women, and I'm still here in this funk. Then today cruising through Facebook I found this link.

My eyes already swollen with tears began to flow again. and again and again. I do not know this Marine family, but it really adds perspective on my life.

But I'm still in this funk, during this beautiful season of joy, Christ's birth, and I'm just here. My joy is hard to find to find right now. I've been Praising God through this storm and this season in my life. Though this entire year, I've been positive and held my head up. Pushed forward refusing to retreat or give once ounce of satisfaction to satan. I truly do have so very much to be thankful for, I do not doubt that one bit. I know the truth, I know my future, I know my God has me covered by His plans and purposes for me and my family. I truly rest on this knowledge.

Please pray that satan gets off my back, releases the grip he has on me and my joy is restored this Christmas season (and for the rest of my amazing life that is before me!)

December 7, 1941

Words cannot describe the overwhelming sense of grief I felt as I visited Pearl Harbor. This was the place I needed to go for myself when I was in Hawaii in May.

Today is the 70th Anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. I'm so very thankful for the men and women who sacrificed their lives, their families and their future for the freedom we have today. I will never forget and I will make sure my children's children's children will also never forget... Thank you. May you all rest in peace knowing that today and everyday we honor you.

White Elephant

Youth Group Christmas Party 2011!

I still have a hard time with the fact that I have 3 children in the Youth Group. It truly isn't possible, is it? Moving forward. Tonight was the annual YG White Elephant Christmas Party. They had a blast, ate some yummy food, heard a great word and exchanged gifts. The kids left the house with an old TV, a Storm Trooper Voice Changer Helmet, and the Cheese Touch board game. They arrived home with a teddy bear, a computer Bible program, and last but not least a cell phone that appeared as though is was run over by a motor scooter and then backed over again by a little Japanese car! Merry Christmas!

I'll pay it forward... it's the year of the recycled gifts... whom shall I pass this fabulous phone on to... what name did I draw again in the Francis/Garvey gift exchange? I'll check my records and get back to you!