THE COCHRAN CLAN

A Blast from the Past

2011-12-06T19:49:00.000-08:00

Today, December 7th, 2011, marks 70 years since Japan bombed Pearl Harbor. And the bombs are still exploding.

It seems like an ordinary bright December day at the Yokota Air Force Base in Tokyo, Japan, but much of the base is closed, and instead of going to work, most everyone is taking advantage of this impromptu holiday, hunkering down in their on-base housing waiting to hear the ka-boom.

Just yesterday a mysterious unexploded ordnance (UXO) was unearthed from a construction site behind the base fitness center, later identified by experts the Yokosuka Naval Station to be a WWII-era bomb.

It’s a strange and timely reminder that the base we occupy used to belong to the Japanese, and hence was a target by Allied bombers. Today, seventy years later, disposal technicians will detonate this ghostly munition, an explosion that will be a haunting echo from the grave of the Pacific campaign.

This freshly unearthed chunk of cold metal is a chilling reminder of the horrors the world faced during WWII and the sacrifices that so many made. For us at Yokota Air Force Base, it’s a forced pause and moment of reflection, as we remember the countless Americans who lost their lives in Pearl Harbor and beyond between the years of 1941-1945.

But it’s also a reminder of how far the Japanese have come, and how far the relationship between the US and Japan has changed, as it’s difficult for me to believe that the very place where I live used to be enemy territory.

Sure, residual traces of hostility and sensitivity still exist in Japan, especially in Hiroshima and Hachioji. Most people can identify Hiroshima as the first city to ever be destroyed by an atomic weapon when US Forces dropped the atomic bomb in 1945. Hachioji, a city in Greater Tokyo with about a half-million residents, was once the gruesome place where captured American airmen were beheaded with Samurai swords. American pilots retaliated, adopting the phrase, “Save one for Hachioji,” meaning that they would reserve one bomb from their scheduled drops to hit Hachioji. Elderly residents of Hachioji are still traumatized by the massive destruction, so much that our planes are forbidden from flying over Hachioji today.

For my generation, it’s hard to imagine a time when our countries were at war, much less to characterize the Japanese people as our “enemies.” From the moment I arrived in Japan, I have felt a warm and welcoming spirit from the Japanese people. To us, Hachioji is the nearest big city for a fun night out, and I’ve never thought twice about going there, nor felt any hostility from the people.

The US took over Yokota Air Force Base after WWII, but many of the jobs on base today are held by Japanese, as our governments work harmoniously together to promote a safe and secure region. During Japan’s triple-crisis of earthquake/tsunami/nuclear meltdown last Spring, the US/Japan relationship showed it’s strength as both countries worked together to provide relief to victims. I think about the friendly Japanese gate guards who scan us in and out of base every day, and Satoru, the cheerful Japanese traffic director whose cartoon-like smile and animated way of twirling his flag has made him so famous around base that he has his own Facebook fan page. Hardly the face of an enemy, right?

Perhaps the biggest lesson in all of this is the hope that the worst of enemies can eventually become friends. I’m sure if you asked any American what they thought about Japs in the early 1940s, their response wouldn’t be very amorous. I’m sure our grandparents had a hard time imagining the potential for our countries to become close allies. My own grandfather was a Naval submariner in the Pacific during WWII, and has many stories about his time over here. His stories are so very different than my own about Japan. So, can this bomb from seventy years ago also point the way to the future, for America’s relationships abroad? I like to think it’s a reminder of the past, but also of what is possible.

My own husband has deployed to the Middle East 4 times. Is it that far-fetched to think that our grandchildren might someday be walking around the Middle East and discover a bomb, or some vestige of today’s conflicts, and be equally perplexed?

On December 7th, the date that will live in infamy, we will never forget the sacrifices of WWII. Several generations later, as rulers and regimes have come and gone, what’s left is a very unlikely friendship and the closest of allies.

*Part of this was borrowed from my friend Natalie's blog. She also resides at Yokota AFB.*

Never Forget

2011-09-12T00:19:00.000-07:00

I remember as a kid my mom telling me she knew exactly where she was and what she was doing the moment she found out JFK had been assassinated. I always thought that was a bit strange...until one very somber day 10 years ago. Now, I can visualize exactly where I was and what I was doing that Tuesday in September when the world forever changed.

On 9-11-01 I had recently (5 days earlier) celebrated my 24th birthday and was in my 3rd year of teaching elementary school. It was my 2nd year as a 1st grade teacher at Spring Garden Elementary, and as I drove to work that morning (speeding I'm sure as I was probably running late as usual) I had the radio on. The DJ said there had been a plane hit the World Trade Center in NYC and he actually kind of laughed about it. At the time, they thought it was a small Cessna type plane and the thought was, "Dude, how do you not see that gigantic building in front of you?" I thought, "man that really sucks" but didn't think more about it (although I do remember the exact spot on Cheek-Sparger Drive where I was when I heard it).

I made it to work, went into my classroom and started my day. That morning the kids had an assembly to attend in the cafeteria. It was unusual to have one first thing in the morning, but seeing as how plays and theater productions basically gave us teachers an hour or so of "free time", none of us complained! As we sat there watching the play with our kids, the principal of the school called the leader teacher of our team over to talk to him quietly. I happened to glance at her face, and she had a very somber look. I knew something was wrong, but had no earthly idea what (or the depth of it) at the time.

Once the play was over and we walked our kids back to our classrooms, she called the 4 of us out in the hall. As the 5 of us stood there, she told us that America was under attack, and so far 2 planes had hit the trade center, and they thought more was going to happen but weren't sure what/when/where. It was a very surreal and scary feeling. She also told us we were not to turn on tvs or radios because we didn't want to scare the kids, but that if parents came to pick their children up, there were allowed to go with no questions asked.

As the day went on, more and more parents started to trickle in and pick up their children. At the time I remember thinking 2 things - 1. Why are they picking their kids up? It isn't like Spring Garden Elementary is a big terrorist target. (As a mommy now, I get it. They weren't afraid of something happening at SGE, but just wanted to feel safe, be with their loved ones, and protect their children in any way they could. I get it now, and would go to the ends of the Earth to protect my child if something threatened to hurt her.) 2. Is this lesson I'm teaching on the sounds the letter C makes really all that important right now, especially if this is it and the end is near?

The first few kids to leave didn't get to me too much, but by that afternoon, over half my class was gone. My room mom, who I was also good friends with, came in and had tears in her eyes. I went outside in the hall with her and begged her to tell me what was going on (we still hadn't had any more info than knowing 2 planes had hit the towers). She hugged me, looked me in the eyes and said, "It's bad Kim. It's so bad. 2 planes hit the towers and they have both collapsed, 1 hit the Pentagon and 1 has crashed in a field. Thousands are feared dead. They don't know if there are more or if other things will be hit or where. I'm scared and it's bad." Well, let's just say my tears started flowing too and I had to get myself back together quick before I walked back in that classroom.

For the last 2 hours of the school day I pretty much just let the kids play puzzles and games. I wasn't in the mindset to teach (and there were only about 7 kids left anyway). Finally, the bell rang and I immediately dismissed the kids and turned on the tv. That's when I saw the pictures. That's when it sank it. That's when I finally cried.

After work that day, I went home and watched the news non-stop for hours (like the rest of America did I'm sure). I talked to friends and made sure they were ok (I didn't personally know anyone in the hit areas, but it was more of an 'are you emotionally ok' thing). I talked to my ex-boyfriend. We'd ended things a few weeks before and hadn't really spoken, but suddenly we both just needed to hear a voice we cared about. (No, we didn't get back together or anything, but we did become friends again). A fellow co-worker offered to let me stay with her if I was afraid to stay alone, since my family lived in Houston and I was living in DFW at the time. (I didn't but thought that was an awfully sweet gesture of her).

I also talked to my mom. I didn't realize it at the time, but my dad (a commercial airline pilot) was scheduled to fly out of NYC that morning. She was worried b/c she hadn't heard from him. Finally she did and it turns out that he did indeed fly that day, but thankfully his flight had taken off before the first plane hit. He was flying to Jamaica and by the time the FAA called to land all planes, they were already out of the country. He did get stuck in Jamaica for a week (boo hoo, right?!?) but he was safe and that was what mattered.

It was a surreal day and the next few weeks felt that way too. It seemed like time sort of stood still for a bit. It was difficult to discuss it with 1st graders in class as they knew what had happened but had a 6 year old's perspective on it all. They asked things like, "why does it keep happening? (They replayed the images of the planes crashing so often kids thought it was more and more planes and didn't realize it was a repeat). Why would someone hate someone else that much? Why did God make someone so evil like the people who did that? Why would someone want to fly a plane into a building and kill themselves too? (You know...I still don't really know how to answer any those why's..)

Time has a way of moving on and life changes, the world still turns, birthdays come and go, bad things still happen, but good things do too. Since 2001, I've bought and sold a house; taught school for 6 more years; started a small embroidery company all my own; been married, divorced and married again; had a baby; moved around the world...the list goes on...

My heart swells with pride at how our country stood united in those dark days after 9-11. My heart aches for those who lost so much that day. I am proud of the men and women who gave their lives to help. I'm proud of those who have fought for freedom since then, including my own Air Force husband.

Time can lessen the despair, the hurt and anguish of that day. Time can also make us forget the pride we all had for our nation we had that day, and that's just something we can never do. One day I'll explain it to my own daughter. Teach her that time marches on, but memories are worth holding on to. May I have the ability to raise her to be the type that steps up to help others in need, and may God Bless America, now and always.

Mallory's Splish Splash 2nd Birthday Bash

2011-08-23T23:42:00.000-07:00

There's no time like the present to get started, so here goes nothing. I know my last post (well, the last post before the last one :) was about November of last year. So, I'm a bit behind. But since I feel like I might never get caught up, I figured I'd just start now, and work backwards. And maybe forwards when I have a new even to blog about. Confusing, but hey, that's just sort of my life sometimes!

So, Mallory's birthday is August 21st. That falls over Friendship Fest (I'll blog about that next) here at Yokota, so we had her party the weekend before her birthday. This year's theme was "Splish Splash Birthday Bash". We set up several kiddy pools, a slip and slide, a bubble table, a fishing pole game, some squirt guns and a tent with food and drinks and let the kids have fun. They most definitely did!

Ali and Rowan (and her mama) playing in the big pool

The snack table.

I had "water themed" snacks: cheetos=coral, gummy worms=bait, pretzels=driftwood, twizzlers=fishing poles, "seashell" pasta, "captain" crunch, nilla wafers and icing=oysters, fruit loops=life preservers, marshmellows=floaties...you get the idea

The cupcake stand with personalized cupcake decor

Cupcakes, fruit tray, and presents. I'd told our friends they didn't have to bring gifts, but could donate to the Japan earthquake relief fund in Mallory's name if they would like. We got gifts anyway, and some donations too. We have very generous friends!

Some of the parents hanging out under the tent

The Pease Place Possy

Rowan, Ali and Mallory LOVED the big pool!

Ring toss in the pool!

Tristan and Conner playing at the water table

Chillin' in the pool

Kirsten had a whole new use for the slip and slide- a water fountain!

Checking out the slip and slide. Mallory didn't really want to slip or slide, but just wanted to walk up and down and get all wet from the water spraying up.

Snack time!

My little 2 year old- all wet!

Squirt gun wars

Kirsten, Mallory and Rowan having a serious conversation about...something

Mike was telling Mallory she is "2". Mallory was trying to hold up 2 fingers just like Mike.

My little fishie

Dada and Mallory

Cupcake time!

My sweet family

Mallory's birthday banner, and a delicious cupcake (I think that was her favorite part of the party)

After her friends left, Mallory wanted to keep playing in the water.

Hanging out in the tent with the neighbors after the party

After the party, and a nap, Mallory opened a few of her gifts. She was funny and wanted to "read" the cards herself.

She got a cool new guitar from her friend Haley. This qualifies as the loudest gift she received, but she loves it!

A new Mrs Potato Head, also a gift from Haley.
Mrs Potato Head's glasses on my little chubby cheeked girl

I'd made her a party hat to wear at the party, but forgot to put it on her, so I took so pictures of her in it later.

A girl and her doggie

Ballooons!!!

She was tired after the party, so we said she could open 1 gift each day, until the next weekend, when her real birthday was (the 21st). So, the next day when Daddy got home from work the first thing she wanted to do was choose a present to open! So many to pick from!

Again, reading her cards

You can have the paper Dada.

Wonder what's in this one.

A new Elmo coloring book and crayons. Very much a hit! She LOVES Elmo!

She also got a Baby Tickle Me Elmo. She was a bit scared of him at first, but warmed right up and was excited.

Talking to and tickling Elmo

Elmo laughs when you tickle his toes. She was trying to get Elmo to eat her own toes- ha!

She had a great birthday and is a very happy, healthy, friendly 2 year old little girl. We feel blessed to have her in our lives, and to have so many great friends to help celebrate her birthday with us. Thanks to each of you, and Happy Birthday Mallory!

Happy Birthday #2 Mally-Moo!

2011-08-21T06:09:00.000-07:00

Oh wow! "Behind" doesn't even begin to describe this blog and I swear, one day soon, I WILL catch up. But, tonight, while it is still fresh on my mind, I just had to write a birthday letter to my baby girl, who isn't so much a baby anymore as a sweet little girl.

It's hard to believe that 2 years have already gone by since Mallory Isabella Cochran entered this world. I remember the exact moment she was born like it was yesterday, and I know I always will. The moment they laid her on my chest I felt a flood of emotion and the purest form of love- like I've never, ever felt before. I knew at that moment that I had just been given the biggest blessing and gift of my entire life. Here it is, 2 years later, and that sweet gift just gets sweeter by the day. Seriously.

I LOVE babies and there is nothing like holding a newborn in your arms (our neighbors here just had a baby 3 weeks ago, so I've been freshly reminded of that newborn sweetness). I thought that was the best stage. Then she reached the smiling at you stage- that seemed the best. Then she could sit up and coo at you- loved that. Then crawling, getting teeth, making messes and cute faces while eating solid food, walking, talking- each one seemed like "the best" milestone. Each stage and milestone add so much to her amazing personality and I each one just adds to my joy of being Mallory's mother. Watching her grow and change every day just brings a smile to my face.

I know that 2 year olds come with challenges (I've already picked her flailing self

up off the floor of the post office and hauled her out like a football) but man, does it come with lots of fun too! I love having "conversations" with her and understanding things she says. Just last night she held her sippy cup up to my coke can and said "Cheers Mommy!" and then followed it up with "Kumpai!" (Japanese for cheers- I have NO IDEA she knew that)!! I love watching her play and playing with her. Solving a wooden puzzle, having a tea party, cooking pretend food or even watching an episode of Sesame Street have never been this much fun before! I love seeing how excited she gets to go to school and see her friends, or go swimming in our backyard pool or play with Mavie dog. I love how she wants to help me do everything these days- feed the dog, sweep the floor, take out the trash- she's always trying to help and is so sweet natured.

She has grown up and changed so much in these past 2 years and I just love being her Mama. I'll admit I got a little bit teary eyed when I put her to bed last night, the last night before she turned 2, because she is growing up and changing right before our eyes. But, I reminded myself that watching her grow and change is the most amazing thing ever.

I pray that as she grows, she becomes the amazing woman I know she was born to be. I pray that she becomes a Godly woman, who respects herself and others. I pray that she sees not only her beauty outside, but inside herself as well. I pray that she is intelligent and uses her brain and skills to help others in need, and knows to put others before herself. I pray that she will become a Godly woman who gets just what she deserves out of life, and makes the most of every moment.

Being a mama can be tough, and demanding, and tiring and draining, but it is so worth it. There is never a moment so bad that a hug, kiss and a "I wuv you mama" from her sloppy little chocolate pudding coated mouth can't fix. Mallory, thank you for making the last 2 years of my life the best 2 years ever. Happy Birthday baby girl. I love you to the moon and back and all around the sun- more than you will ever know!

Mallory @ 1 day old

Mallory @ 6 months old

Mallory @ 1 year oldMallory @18 months old Mallory @ 2 years old

Growing and changing into such a beautiful little girl. I love you with all my heart Mallory!!

November 2010

2011-04-08T12:14:00.000-07:00

We've returned back to Japan after our 6 week visit home after the earthquake. I promise I'll blog all about it (probably in like 2013). I meant to get caught up while at home, but that clearly didn't happen. We were just too busy visiting and eating and shopping!

But, now that we are back in Japan, I have the joys of jet lag to deal with. Mallory has been up at 2am the last 2 mornings. Since she's up, I'm up, so I might as well try to catch up!

Here's November 2010 for ya:

I went with Culture Club to visit the home of the former Prime Minister of Japan. It was set in a forested area with a bamboo forest nearby. It was beautiful. Only Suzie and I went on this trip, because every one else chickened out. The day wrapped up with a trip to an onsen, and the other Americans were a bit weirded out by that (yes, you had to get naked in the onsen).

The tree planted by the former Prime Minister and President Ronald Reagan, when he visited Japan.

The bamboo forest

A picture of the Japanese PM and his wife having tea with Pres Ronald Reagan and Nancy Reagan.

Fish drum outside the house

Shishi dog to keep away the evil spirits

The tea ceremony room

Painting of Mt Fuji by the Japanese PM

After visiting the house, we had a delicious picnic lunch, provided by the Japanese ladies.

Suzie and some of the Japanese ladies at the picnic

The entrance to the onsen. I don't have pics of the inside of course :)

The first weekend in November the base put on an Oktoberfest. We invited Culture Club to join us for German food, beer, music and good times.

Brett and Mallory (and the other families) joined us for the fun.

Her future's so bright, she has to wear shades!

Some of the Culture Club ladies brought their families as well.

I embroidered quite a bit of stuff this month for the craft fair held on base. I had lots of samples and took quite a few orders, which was nice. It got my name out there a bit as well, so that's always a good thing. As you can see, I have a great helper! She's wearing my tape measure, and also a pair of swim goggles. Never know what you'll need while sewing :)

My table at the craft fair

I made tutus for the fair as well and they sold like crazy!

Bandit playing peek a boo in my diaper bag.

Mallory playing music and hanging out in her pj's.

Hey there!

Ok, leave me alone and quit taking pictures. I'm trying to play music here.

For Thanksgiving Brett, Mallory and I went to a popular restaurant around here. It has a Japanese name, but we at Yokota call it "Communist Gyoza". They serve HUGE gyoza of various flavors. Each flavor you order has 5 giant gyoza on a plate. You can order various types like cheese, garlic, mushroom, etc. Each one has a pork stuffing and then the filling of your choice. They are delicious, but you just can't eat all that you order. You only get to order once, and they don't allow to-go or for you to take leftovers with you. It was quite smoky, but not crowded. We ordered 4 kinds, and could only eat about 7 gyoza total. We were stuffed. It wasn't a traditional Thanksgiving meal, but we really enjoyed it.

Dada and Mal waiting for dinner.

Wow- that's a lot of beer you have there Mal!

SOME of our huge gyoza.

Mal and Mama eating gyoza.

Several families on base got together and had a group Thanksgiving meal. It was fun to hang out and chat, plus eat delicious food! We had 1 ham and 2 turkeys.

and LOTS of side dishes!

Mal hanging out with her buddy Max.

Mallory and Max sport their Thanksgiving attire.

Hey there!

Mal's cute turkey hairbow.

After dinner, we got to enjoy an impromptu Taiko Drum performance. Several of the couples at the dinner are involved in Taiko (and were moving soon) and so they all played one last performance for us. It was fun. Mal enjoyed it as well.

The day after Thanksgiving we woke up and spent the day as a family. Mal hung out in her pj's in the kitchen with Bandit.

I made a real Thanksgiving meal for us that day. Mal helped me measure.

Dada raked the leaves outside while Mal watched and cheered him on.

Our family meal:cranberry sauce, garlic mashed potatoes, gravy, turkey breast, stuffing, sweet potato casserole, and green bean casserole. It all turned out delicious!

Dada carves the turkey. It isn't so hard to do when it's just a small turkey breast.

Mal eating her dinner. While everything was cooking, I also set up our Christmas tree and decorations which you can see in the background.

Dada and Mal having playtime after dinner.

Mal helping me put the leftovers away.

Uh oh, busted!

Wonder what's in here??

I bought a new Christmas wreath at Costco. Mal really liked the box to play in.

Night-night!

The fall leaves in November are beautiful and plentiful around here. These trees are on the way to Mallory's school. They go fully yellow and are gorgeous.

Our front yard gets COVERED in leaves from the neighbor's tree. Nathan and Mallory had fun playing in them one day after playgroup at our house.

I still teach the kid's English class in Nishi-Kokobunji and Mallory joins me. Here she is having a snack.

The kids in the older class, working hard.

Mallory being silly with her hat.

The kids in the younger class, posing for a picture.

The last day of November was lots of fun. I went with some friends to the Bon Jovi concert!! Here's my ticket in Japanese.

The concert was at the Tokyo Dome.

This restaurant was near the Tokyo Dome. I am not sure what they were trying to say here- gotta love the EngRish.

The 6 of us before the concert. Bill and Stacy Eckley, Michelle Pena, Shelley Waldroup, myself and Angela Sartorri. I promise it was full by the time it started. We thought the time on the ticket was when the concert started. It was just the time the doors opened. Oh well, we just went and had a chu-hi and came back before it started.

The man!

Shelley and I, being silly

Angela, me and Shelley

Being silly and "playing" on the Japanese bald heads in front of us.

It was a great show! We had super seats and really enjoyed ourselves. It was a neat experience to see a show in Tokyo.

While I was at the concert, Brett was on a work trip. Our neighbor Bridget watched Mal for us, and took her to the Christmas tree lighting. We are so lucky to have such good friends here!

What I've Done

2011-03-29T21:22:00.000-07:00

What I've Done

Thought I'd post something a bit more light hearted, just because I can...the ones in bold are things I've done.

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland (Disney World)
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo (Car & shower don't count, right? Oh, it means in front of other people, huh?!)
11. Bungee jumped (Will NEVER do this.)
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run (I suck at baseball.)
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language (I'm not fluent, but I know a FEW Japanese words)
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been a passenger on a motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Kissed a stranger at midnight on New Year’s Eve
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating (I didn't actually kill the deer, but I did help gut it and had to eat it- yuck)
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Got a tattoo
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

100. Survived an earthquake, a hurricane, and a tornado (just not all at the same time, thank God)

We are HERE!

2011-03-20T07:48:00.000-07:00

After a very long (I think it was 36 hours total) trip home, Mallory, Maverick and I have made it safely to Texas. We are exhausted. I have no idea what time it is (here or in Japan, or in my own body) but we are glad to be home and know we will enjoy our time with friends, family and American food.
I have gotten emails from all the Japanese ladies I teach English to, and they are all so sweet and understanding and glad I took my little girl home for a bit. That makes it that much easier to know I made the right decision.
If you are in Texas, we'd love to see you! Email me and let's see if we can't get together sometime in the next few weeks. We will be mostly in the Houston area with my parents, but will visit Brett's family in Austin as well as friends in DFW.
Thank you for all your prayers and support during this difficult time. We miss Brett and Yokota like crazy already, and as soon as things are safe, we will return. (Well, Mallory and I will. I think Maverick will stay with my parents. It's stressful for a 9 year old dog to have to fly!) We love Japan and it's wonderful people. We miss it and are so blessed to call it home. It is a wonderful feeling to know that literally, we have friends all around this great big world.
Off to tackle this thing called jet lag and spend some time with friends and family (and who knows...maybe, just maybe, I'll get this blog caught up too!) Thanks again for all your thoughts and prayers. You never know how much they are needed until you go through something like this!

More News from the Home Front

2011-03-18T03:23:00.001-07:00

In my last post I said I wasn't going to up and run unless I had to. I still don't feel like I'm "running" but we are leaving Japan tomorrow- Mallory and I anyway. After lots of (very sensationalized) news reports, all sorts of speculation, time with wives spreading a bit or truth and a bit of rumor, I finally lost my grip on it all on Thursday. I just had my own little version of a nuclear meltdown.

Brett had flown the night before and we'd had *yet another* quake that I felt (this was the 2nd one in 2 nights at about 10:30 and they are just so freaky to feel, esp when you don't know if it is gonna be another big one). It, combined with all the things I've heard about the nuclear plants, and learning that a few more friends had left town, I had a break down. When Brett got home, I cried to him and voiced my concerns over everything. I KNOW we are safe here right now, but the nuclear plants are still not under control, and things COULD get bad. I totally trust what our military is telling us, but the thing is, no one really knows what will happen. It's a fear of the unknown. So, with having the responsibility of being mommy to an 18 month old, we decided it was time for us to go home for a bit.

Sooo...Mallory and I are on a flight to the USA tomorrow. It will be a LOOOONG day of travel-I have to take a van to the airport with crazy traffic, wait in the crazy airport along with half the rest of the country, and fly a 13 hour flight to New York, have a 5 hour lay over and fly to DFW. Oh, and I get to do all that with a dog and a baby. Yay.

But, we will be safe and that is the most important thing. The hard part of all this- I have to leave my husband here. I know that it is his job to stay and help. It's what he WANTS to do. It's what they long to do as military personal (I don't mean he sits around wishing for natural disasters, but you know what I mean). He flies a cargo plane- they airlift supplies like water and food and blankets and rescue crews into ravaged places. He wants to do that with all his heart. I love him for that. But I hate to leave a place b/c there might be nuclear fallout, knowing my husband could be smack in the middle of it all. But I also know if and when it gets really bad (please pray it never does) they will get the military out before that.

Anyway, I just wanted to tell everyone our plans. Mal and I will hang out in Texas for a while until things cool down here (literally, we hope). Maverick is coming with us, and will be a Texas resident for a while (he'll just stay with my parents until we leave Japan in a year). Wish us well, pray for Japan. We love you all.

Earthquake- 4 days later

2011-03-15T05:49:00.000-07:00

Not much new to report here really. Just wanted to update and tell everyone we are fine. Aftershocks are still occuring, but I haven't felt them lately. Either they are weak by the time they reach us, or I've grown used to the feeling. Either way is just freaky.Here's a map that shows a few things. I knowit is hard to see. But we are the first red rectangle on the left side, under the black box.

The tsunami damage is almost incomprehensible. The pictures are truly unbelievable, and it is hard to know that just about 200 miles from here, people are suffering from cold, lack of food/water/shelter, have lost everything they own, and quite possibly everyone they know as well. It is just beyond sad.

Brett was working nights since the quake hit to help in-process other rescue/aid workers from all over the world who are here to help, and set up various ways for the people stationed here to help as well. He was put on an air crew as of tonight and is hoping to fly relief missions starting tomorrow. I know that is what they all want to do- help where they can.

Here are a couple pics of the planes that had to land here the day the quake hit, and the passengers that spent the night in the community center on base.

Around here, it is life as normal, or maybe a new-normal. I took Mallory to school today, but it took me 15-20 minutes longer as one whole lane of the road to get there was a line of cars (seriously, at least a mile long) waiting for gas. When I finally got to the gas station, it looked like it was out of gas. On base, we seem to have a full supply so we don'thave to worry about that.

Grocery stores have been wiped clean. I haven't shopped much off base since all this happened, but have heard that they are literally empty. (These are the bread racks at Costco- normally FULL of loads and loads of bread and rolls). I have gone to our commissary here, and other than bread, toilet paper, and batteries, it seemed to be fairly well stocked (and they said they would restock those things soon).

We are experiencing rolling black outs to help with the power issue. With the plant up north going down and so many people have their power knocked out, they are issuing rolling black outs across Japan in about 3-4 hour increments to help "save". I feel like it is the LEAST I can do help!

The only other concern is the nuclear power plants and possible meltdowns. We have been told over and over that they are monitoring the air here at Yokota (they do all the time, just because of some of our less friendly neighbors) and haven't found anything at all to worry about. I know they have a plan to get us out if needed, but as of now, they say it is not an issue. I'll be honest, I can't say it doesn't worry me a bit, but I'm not going to up and run if there isn't a reason to. I want to show the wonderful people of Japan that we are here for them and are ready to do what we can to help. That being said, if there was to be a problem, there are plans in place to get myself, Mallory and Maverick out of here.

But overall we are fine, and have food, water, shelter and heat. That's more than so many have right now. For some reason, all the pictures and videos finally got to me today and I just started crying for all those who are in so much pain right now. I have really grown to love Japan and it just is so hard to see so many suffering. I wish I could do more to help.

Speaking of helping, I think the biggest thing you can do right now is PRAY FOR JAPAN. It seems so simple, but I know it is powerful. The Red Cross is also a very good organization to donate to, and monetary donations are the best way to help right now. I've got a tray of cookies for workers and some hand/feet warmers to bring up to the RC office tomorrow (it is really cold up north still and some of the aid workers are spending the night in a building w/ no heat). If you want you can go online and donate, or if you'd prefer to send me a check, I can bring it into the RC office on base.

I hope this finds everyone well back home. We love and miss you all so much, and are so thankful for your sweet words and prayers.

Earthquake Update- 24 Hours Later

2011-03-12T06:39:00.000-08:00

A little over 24 hours ago, Japan, a land that has become near and dear to my heart, experienced a massive earthquake. It is the 5th largest ever recorded and the biggest Japan has ever felt. I told the story in an earlier post of how I experienced it, and am happy to say that no one I know, American or Japanese, experienced any injuries or damage. Things are sadly not that way up north.

We continue to have aftershocks. We've had over 130 since the big quake yesterday and we can feel some of them, some are strong enough to wake us up from sleep. It's a weird feeling, because they are just strong enough to make you dizzy for a second and second guess yourself. I'm very ready for that feeling to stop.

Yesterday 11 commercial planes had to land at Yokota, as the 2 main airports were closed. 1 of the airports reopened late last night, so 9 of them managed to be able to leave from here and continue on with their journey. 2 stranded commercial planes with a little over 500 people couldn't make it out last night and the passengers needed a place to stay, so we opened the community center/ballroom and they stated about 15 hours total before they could head back to a different but open airport to continue on their journey. I'm sure they are weary travelers, but thankful for a safe place to stay. I was unable to go volunteer at the center as I had Mallory with me, and Brett had been called in to work (he actually never left for the day). But our wonderful Yokota community sprung into action and they had to turn volunteers away as there were so many. That is heartwarming to hear. I also know that lots of help will be needed in various ways as relief efforts have just begun to get underway, and I will help in any way I can whenever I can. It's my duty as an Air Force wife, temporary Japanese citizen, and human.

This morning the news was regarding the damaged nuclear power plants. One did explode, but it was only the outer shell not the inner shell that houses the core. Some radiation escaped, but not a dangerous level that will effect us. The power plant is located up by the epicenter which is about 250 miles north and east of us. The prevailing winds are carrying most of the damage and radiation out to sea. We are really in no danger of the radiation, maybe an x-ray dose if that. This is what I have heard so far. I pray that they can contain the damage and not have a meltdown or any worse catastrophe, or that the winds don't shift into a southerly direction.

As for us, we are getting around fine, there hasn't been much if any damage in the area here so its a little bit business as usual. In fact, it is weird to watch the news and see horrific pictures of devastation only 200 miles away, but look out our window and see nothing here has changed. I'm thankful for that, belive me, but it is still an odd phenomenon. Our mail service is going to be a little rough until things get better. We may start experiencing blackouts because of the power plant accident, but we can handle that.

Tokyo in general is still in fairly bad shape. The airports are slowly coming back, the mass transit that was at a complete standstill yesterday is slowly coming back as well. They are inspecting all the rail lines by hand and walking all the miles of lines so that takes a massive amount of time.

So that is what is currently happening. The base is preparing for the US response by getting housing ready for those helping. Brett hasn't been called up for flying responsibilities. They will probably use him on the ground for plans and procedures. He is working all night tonight as I type this, and I am sure all of our military will be putting in many long hours here in the days and weeks to come.

All in all, we are completely blessed and God's protective hand is settling on our family in incredible ways. We are together, and we are safe. Mallory is, of course, clueless to any changes going on around us (although she did fall asleep in my arms as we were saying our prayers tonight- guess my list was a little longer than normal). Please continue to pray for the Japanese and the devastation currently. It is like nothing I've ever seen. It is heart breaking and overwhelming. Japan has been brought to it's knees, and the scenes of those hard hit areas bring tears to my eyes. But I know that "your knees are a great place to be when tears can't be held back." Also please pray for our military spouses, many of who have small children and are dealing with the stress of a natural disaster without their husbands home. As if the military community hasn't been an extended family, it is now even closer. Please pray for us that we can continue to have the strength to be the hands and feet for those around us, give aid to those who need it and help whenever possible. Pray for the wisdom of our leaders as they make decisions and for the men and women dealing with the nuclear reactors that they may stay out of harms way and have the knowledge and ability to contain and control that crisis.

I have to say it is humbling to see all the "we are thinking about you's/take care's/be safe's" on facebook, email and telephone. We feel very loved. Thank you for thinking of us. I will update more as things go on. For now, we love you and are so grateful for all your prayers and encouragement.

Our Family Trip to Nikko, Japan

2011-03-11T20:09:00.001-08:00

Over Columbus Day weekend, we decided to take a family trip up to Nikko, Japan to see the waterfalls and famous temples there. It is about a 4 hour drive, so we loaded up the kid and the car and headed off. Mallory was thrilled, as you can tell-ha!

It rained pretty much the entire drive there, which had me worried for the weekend. All the activities there are outdoors, so it could put a damper on things. Mallory at road trip cheetos and didn't seem to mind :)

We checked into our hotel, which was right in the heart of the little town of Nikko, by the train station. We wandered around the town a bit in the rain (but as Japanese citizens we were prepared as you learn to pack umbrellas and rain coats when you go places around here), and then went to dinner at a ramen shop. Yummy!! Mallory got a kid's ramen meal, complete with a bowl of ramen, orange juice and a toy.

The adult ramen bowl- there was a LOT!

Daddy and Mally share a "Lady and the Tramp" moment :)

After ramen for dinner we headed back to the hotel and just hung out and chatted. The bonus to going out of town in Japan is that, even though there is a tv in your hotel room, there aren't any English channels, so you are pretty much forced to turn it off and chit chat with your family! Mally played with her "happy meal" toy from dinner and then we all settled in for a good nights sleep on the tiny, rock hard hotel bed, hoping for better weather in the morning. Luckily, we woke up the next day to bright and sunny skies! Yay!

The view of the train station "square" from our hotel room.

Tori gate into town

We set off to see the waterfalls and Lake Chuzenji. There are 3 main waterfalls along this drive up thru the mountains. M fell asleep as we reached the first, so we decided to drive to the top and work our way down instead of waking her up. We passed the lake as we drove along.

There is another, smaller lake at the top, so we got out and took some pictures. I'm no photographer, so my photos do not do justice to how beautiful it is in Nikko. We also went right as the leaves were beginning to change colors in the fall, so it was just gorgeous.

I love this pic of M and Dada walking along.

Out of the carseat and stretching her legs a bit.

Checking out the lake from the "good seat" way up high!

So beautiful and serene!

After a stroll by the lake, we went to see the first waterfall. It was amazing.

There were some shops set up by the parking area. Fish stick anyone? (I will never think this is an acceptable food- gross!)

Driving back down the mountain to waterfall #2.

Aren't the fall leaves gorgeous?

Walking to the second waterfall. I will never get over what the Japanese wear sometimes. Here we are, on a mountain that is totally surrounded by nature, and these girls choose these outfits to hike around in...check out the heels on the boots....seriously???

The second waterfall, Ryuzu Falls

Just gorgeous

After that, it was lunch time, so we stopped at a cute restaurant about 1/2 way down the mountain. It was very Japanese, but cute and we had some more noodle bowls and some curry for lunch (pretty much always a safe bet- at least you know the main ingredients). There was a porch outside, so Brett walked out there and took our picture.

Front of the restaurant

After that, we drove back down towards the bottom of the mountain to the last waterfall. We passed this building covered in red ivy that I thought was really pretty.

The last waterfall is called Kegon Falls. There was a line to get into the parking lot and we debated about even stopping (I mean, it's just another waterfall, right?) But I'm so glad we did. We had saved the best for last, without even knowing it!

It is simply breath taking, and amazing!

Family shot by the falls- clearly M had fallen asleep again.

The sides of the mountain by the waterfall were pretty incredible to look at.

The sign says that the amount of water falling on that day was 1 ton per second. Incredible! It is 97meters high, 7 meters wide, and 4.5 meteres deep at the basin. Wow~

The falls and lakes were beautiful and so worth the days drive. Very relaxing to spend the day with family seeing them all. On the way back to the hotel, we passed this bridge, which is famous and sacred in the town. I'll admit, I have no idea the story or history behind it really, but it is pretty. We didn't get out and walk on it as you have to pay, and we are cheap like that :)

We went back to the hotel after a full day and had dinner at a little cafe near the hotel. Apparently Nikko shuts down by about 7pm, and it was literally the only place we could find open. It was either that, or random snack food from the 7-11 up the street. The next morning we got up at ate breakfast at the hotel, in this little lobby area.

The front of our hotel (not a bad place, but it was no Ritz Carlton either).

The next day was Sunday, so we were going to see the famous temples in the area and then drive home. I'll admit that after living in Japan awhile, and not practicing the Shinto or Buddhist religions, after a while a temple is a temple is a temple. But these are famous and listed on the world heritage sites, so we figured we should go see them. So off we went.

The tori gate into the temple area.

Another set of Japanese ladies sporting some interesting "temple wear"

5 story pagoda- you can't go into these but they are always very pretty and Japanese looking to me

There was a horse outside one of the temples. For a few hundred yen you could buy some carrots and feed him, so we thought we would see if Mallory would get close this time. (She was petrified of the horses at Tama on July 4th). Daddy was close by, so she didn't seem to mind too much.

She did close her eyes when the horse started to munch on the carrot.

Dada can feed him and then she was ok.

This was about as close as she got and I think she was glad when we decided to move on to other parts of the temple.

The main reason these temples are famous is this right here: hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil. Pretty cool to see the original. Although I'll admit, I thought it was going to be much bigger. The monkeys were just carved onto the side of the wall, and weren't very large at all.

This horse was inside one of the temple buildings. You couldn't feed him. Actually, I didn't realize he was real, as he literally didn't move. Kind of a boring gig for this horse, if you ask me :)

The shrine with the monkeys carved into it. See, they aren't very big, are they?

A family tori gate picture (with about 20 of our closest Japanese friends :) - it was pretty busy at the temples that day.

Me outside one part of the temple. They are very ornate and amazing to look at.

This is a "fortune". Basically you pay 100 yen (about $1.20 these days) and pick a piece of paper. There is a Japanese character on it that tells you "how much luck" you have. We didn't pay to play, but I thought it was an interesting concept.

My husband, the Samurai Warrior- hahaha!

This huge circle wreath is also a good luck symbol for the people who practice Shinto (the religion is based a lot on luck and the earth and things like that). Basically, you had to walk thru it clock wise and then counter clock wise and then straight and then write a wish and hang it on the side.

We pretend to take this pic of the tori gate and me. Really, we wanted to get the back of that girls' shirt behind me. "There is, at a glance, dynamic yet delicate"....huh? I crack up here at shirts sometimes. They want to wear things with English on them, but I'm not quite sure who their translator is!!

One of the places of prayer at the temple. The 2 people facing the building put a coin into the box, clap and offer up prayers.

The "lightning bolts" are also a Shinto symbol.

Brett in front of the entrance to yet another part of the temple (these temples are huge and have lots of buildings).

I think Brett was trying to look like this guy. Kinda hard to do with a baby hanging off your chest :)

So ornate

After touring the temples completely (or as completely as these 2 Americans were going to do) we hopped in the car and headed back home. It was a wonderful family weekend filled with Japanese culture, food and language. We really enjoyed Nikko and I'm glad we took the time to go up there and see it. I'm really going to miss Japan when it is time for us to leave here.

EARTHQUAKE!!

2011-03-10T23:10:00.000-08:00

Wow! So as of next month, we will have lived in Japan exactly 2 years. In that time, I've felt 2-3 very small quakes. The room "spins" for a bit and then you move on. No big deal and not anything worth remembering or talking about. I've felt more of a dizzy sensation being drunk than from those small quakes (although I'm sure I shouldn't admit that).

Today that changed! It was a beautiful spring day and we'd just come home from the store about 30 minutes earlier. I was sitting in our dining room and Mallory was upstairs asleep in her crib, when the room started to shake. At first I thought, "oh, an earthquake". No biggie, as we'd just had one 2 days ago and I didn't even notice it. But then the windows rattled, pictures started shaking and a few fell off the walls. The back sliding glass door was banging like crazy, as were the blinds on the windows. It kept going and going, and got stronger and stronger. It wouldn't stop, and I start to get scared. When I stood up from my chair, I had to brace myself with my hand on the table. I thought it would stop after a few seconds, but it just kept going. So I ran upstairs to get Mallory. Sorry girlie, no nap for you today. She had fallen asleep, but I think the quake woke her up because as I entered her room, she was lying in her crib with a very confused look on her face, staring up at the ceiling with her hands on the slats of her crib. I scooped her up and went back downstairs and sat down in the living room. I guess I should have gone outside, but I was just seriously terrified and not sure what to do. I just knew I needed Mallory with me and I wanted it to stop. It lasted at least 3 minutes, if not longer. But it felt like an eternity!

After it FINALLY stopped, my neighbor called to check on me/calm herself down and then I got online to see what the deal was. Apparently it was an 8.8 quake off the coast, about 200 miles from Tokyo. They said it is one of the largest earthquakes to ever hit Japan.

Then the aftershocks started and kept going. And THEN about 30 minutes later ANOTHER quake hit. It was about 7.4 and the epicenter was on land, north of here.

Sadly, as I type this, they are showing a tsunami sweep across the Japanese coast and fires in various buildings around Tokyo and northeast from there. We aren't in danger of a tsunami (thank God we are pretty far inland so that isn't a real concern) and we live on base, so if something did happen, we are near resources at least.

I'm very thankful I was at home and not out and about in Tokyo or somewhere, as I am not sure how or when we'd get back home, as they have shut down all the airports and trains and some of the highways too. But I think about the Japanese people I know and how several of them have family in various parts of Japan. I pray they are all ok, as well as those people I don't know but may have been affected. Although I'll never be Japanese, or even fluent in the language, the Japanese people are some of the kindest souls I've ever met and my heart already aches for those who were truly affected by this. Watching the tsunami sweep across the coast taking cars and houses in its wake, I can only image there will be a death toll and that is so sad and devestating.

I have so many memories of Japan and have loved my time here. This will most definitely be another memory of our time here, although not one of my fondest. I'm hoping the aftershocks are over, but if not, I have a diaper bag packed and my shoes nearby. We are fine, thank God, and Brett is fine (he was at work). But say a prayer for those who have been affected and that Japan doesn't suffer to much from this natural disaster.

Where have you been all my life...or at least the last 2 years?

2011-02-28T20:45:00.000-08:00

Ok, I'm interrupting my quest to catch up this blog with a quick recent story. I don't have any pictures to go along with it, but just had to blog anyway.

So, I've been needing a quick hair trim for the last few weeks, and once I get that feeling that it is time, I really get antsy about it. I'm not a big fan of getting my hair cut and having a big language barrier. It is scary to try to describe what you want to someone who is sorta looking at you like you have 3 heads, but I'm not going to the states until June, and it was time for a haircut. I've cut it here a few times, but only at the on base salon, where they work with pretty much all Americans and speak fairly good English. But I have a few friends who have gone to the Aveda salon at the Diamond City mall off base (but close by), and they raved about it. Mallory was at school for 4 hours today and I didn't have anything else planned (besides laundry, dishes, making dinner...but I mean REAL plans) so I thought, "what the heck, I'll go check it out".

Armed with 4 pictures of what I was picturing (basically my same hair cut with a dash of long side swept bangs) and all the courage I could muster, I went in the salon. I was DELIGHTED with what I found. In true Japanese style, I was greeted with a warm "mushi mushi" (hello) from about 5 different workers immediately. I said and pantomimed that I wanted a haircut. They directed me to a couch, where I was immediately handed a warm, scented towel and a cup of tea. Just a few minutes later I was led to a room where I was to hang up my coat and leave my bag and shoes in a locker, and put on some slippers and a robe. I did, and then was directed to my chair. I had my pictures with me and explained what I was thinking to the lady. She studied them and my head and said ok, and led me to the shampoo room, AKA heaven. They have these awesome chairs that are like beds and they place a blanket over you and a scented towel on your face and then wash and condition your hair while giving you an amazing head massage. Wow. Back to the chair for my hair cut, and yet another head massage. She cut and blow dried and was very good about getting it exactly like I wanted. She was also meticulous about not getting 1 stray piece of hair on me!

When that was all said and done it was time to change back out of the robe. There was another customer in the room, so they offered me a hand/arm massage while I waited -yes please!

I changed, paid (and all that was only 5500 yen, or about $67 with the current conversion rate and left a very happy customer. I love that while sitting here typing this I still smell like the lovely salon smell.

There isn't anything wrong with the salon on base, but Aveda has a new customer, at least as long as we live in Japan!

ABC's of ME

2011-02-27T15:31:00.000-08:00

Saw this on another blog and thought it would be fun. Plus it's easy and I don't have to upload pics :)

Age: 33

Bed size: Queen (Although when you get 2 adults, 1 squirmy baby and 1 dog in it, it feels like a twin. We've already decided to get a king when we move back stateside!)

Chore you hate: Making the beds

Dogs: Yep! My weenie dog Maverick. He's 9 years old now, and been my buddy since he was 7 weeks old!

Essential start to your day: a coke- real, not diet.

Favorite color: blue

Gold or silver: Silver

Height: 5'1"

Instruments you play: Ummm, I can play the triangle :)

Job title: domestic engineer (mommy, house cleaner, laundry folder, taxi cab, grocery buyer...)

Kids: 1 sweet little girl, Mallory Isabella, 18 months

Live: Just outside Tokyo, Japan for the last 2 years (1 to go). We live on base in very crappy (yet free) base housing.

Mom’s name: Jane

Nicknames: Kimmy, Kimchee, Lil' Kim, Mal's Mommy

Overnight hospital stays: 3 nights when Mallory was born. I've had 2 other surgeries, but they didn't require overnight stays (just some really good pain meds!)

Pet peeve: When people smack their gum or make weird mouth noises; when people leave their blinker on and aren't turning; when my husband leaves his dishes NEXT to the dishwasher but not IN the dishwasher (love you babe!)

Quote from a movie: "I feel the need...the need...for speed.."

Righty or lefty: Righty.

Siblings: One little brother (younger that is, he's certainly not littler than me these days)

Time you wake up: Depends on what time Mallory wakes up, usually between 7-8 am

Underwear: Yes!? I'm not sure how to answer this question, really. I mean, I do own it and wear it 99% of the time.

Vegetables you dislike: beets, brussel sprouts, spinach

What makes you run late: I blame it on my kid, but really it's my exceptional ability to procrastinate.

X-Rays: I've had a few but nothing crazy.

Yummy food that you make: My favorite recipe is my mom's chicken enchiladas. Luckily though, I have a husband that tells me just about every night that I make great food. With the exception of "the night of the tar" (some crazy Thai peanut sauce w/ noodle dish I tried to make) he's never complained.

Zoo animal favorite: I pretty much like them all. I could skip the insect part and maybe the reptiles too. I love the big animals, like bears and tigers. Mallory's favorite must be the lion, as it is still the only animal you can name and she knows the sound that goes with it (raaawr).

Edo Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum

2011-02-22T16:19:00.000-08:00

On October 6, 2010, the Japanese ladies in our Culture Club took us to the Edo Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum. It was quite interesting to see some buildings and items from Japan's past.

The main building, where you buy tickets and there is a gift shop, etc.

These are my FAVORITE trees in Japan, in the fall anyway. (My absolute favs are the cherry blossoms, but these are my fav fall tree). They have these orange blossoms and smell AMAZING!!!!

Map, showing the lay of the museum.

First we went to this house (I don't know who this guy is- some rich Japanese dude).

Some of the pretty grounds at the museum.

These Japanese kids were outside playing. Some were on stilts and others were rolling hoops with sticks. Very old school- I loved watching them!

We all climbed on an old bus and took a picture.

Kimiko took this picture so I could be in it.

There goes Kimiko with her umbrella- very Japanese to stay out of the sun.

We stopped for lunch at a restaurant in the museum. They served us soba noodles. They are served cold, and you dip them into the soup broth on the side. They were pretty good, and were served with green tea of course.

Eating lunch

Check out my use of the chopsticks- it's pretty much not even a big deal anymore, after living here almost 2 years now.

We walked around some more of the grounds. This was an old onsen bath.

The drawing of Mt Fuji on the onsen wall.

Beautiful scenery outside the onsen window

Next we went to an old store front. These bottles were lined up on the wall.

Joan, Suzie and myself outside the store.

Our whole group for the day

A pretty kimono hanging up on wall.

Japanese "shoes"

Reproduction of a tea ceremony

Banzai trees

Some old soy sauce containers.

My attempt at being artistic

Noriko and a Japanese umbrella

Myself and the umbrella

Look at us looking so Japanese

After walking around a bit, we stopped for a drink. The ladies bought us these drinks that tasted a lot like cream soda. The bottle was the coolest part of the drink.

The pretty Japanese lady who served us the drinks.

After you peeled off the plastic wrapper, you popped up the top part. Underneath it is a marble.

You push down on the green top part and the marble pops into the drink, and then it is open. So fun, and delicious.

Posing with our drinks

At the end of the day we went by one more building which was once a house. A lady was showing how they used to cook, and tend the fire.

She let me have the "stick" and tend the fire as well.

It was a great day and I learned lots about Japan's past and of course strengthened my friendships with the other ladies in Culture Club.

October 2010

2011-02-19T04:51:00.000-08:00

October-another packed month here at Yokota. It started out with a trip into Tokyo with some friends. Bridget had heard about the Aisics store where they will measure your foot in this cool machine and tell you about your running style. We all thought it sounded cool, so we thought we'd make a day of it and try it out. Bridget went first.

Anne held down the babysitting duties (she was prego and didn't feel the need to get her foot measured).

Hillary was the next victim.

My turn!

Brett getting his foot scanned.

After we all went, they told us each which shoes would be best for our foot size/running type. It was interesting, and free. Of course, with the exchange rate these days, the shoes were more expensive in the store than if we ordered them online. I didn't buy any, but have the notes on a good pair for me. Of course, that would require me taking up the sport of running too...

After a bit more shopping (where we came across this Japanese lady in this outfit, complete with the Mickey Mouse bow on her head)

we found a Mexican restaurant to eat dinner at. I was more than excited.

The inside- looks like Texas, no?

Brett, Mike and Steve- 3 men and a baby (Brett is miming his Tom Selleck mustache)

The specials- it sounds so authentic!

Having a good look at the menu

The Cochran Clan

Mexican food is not complete without pitchers of beer!

After dinner (which really was surprisingly good for Japanese Mexican food), we went home via Shibuya crossing (the busiest in the world)

These pants don't quite fit right and need to go after tonight, poor kid!

In October, Mal did a lot of playing, and I managed to get her hair up in pigtails a few times.

One of the sad things about being a military family is PCS time- meaning when it is time to move, or for your friends to move. The Sweets (Anne and Steve) PCS'd to the states, and we will miss them here in Japan. Anne is next to me with the pretty curly hair.

Mallory got her first big boo-boo in October. She was playing in the hallway and fell against the metal umbrella holder and bumped her lip. It looks much worse than it really was, thankfully. She had a little cut, which swelled up and was puffy for about 2 days. Luckily, she only cried about 10 minutes and let me put ice on it right away. She was back to her usual self in no time.

Mallory also had her very first day of school in October! I found a great little Montessori school off base that will take kids Mallory's age part time, so she goes Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9-1. Her school is called 'Tulip' and she is one of only about 4 American kids to go there. All the rest, including the teachers, are Japanese. I love that she gets that culture and language and food too (they feed her lunch). She LOVES it and I love it too! Here's her little school building:

On our stairs, ready for school!

One of her teachers

Our Culture Club met again and this time we had a baby shower for Lynn, who was due with her 2nd child, a boy later in October. We had the shower at her house and Mallory got to join us. It was lots of fun. We played a rice game where you have to find safety pins mixed in with rice (MUCH harder than it sounds).

Mallory playing with our name tags.

We played another game where you have to draw a baby on a paper plate on your head. It was pretty funny to see the results!

Yummy food and decor.

Playing with Mallory

Just hours after the shower, Lynn went into labor, and sweet Joshua was born the next morning. He knew to wait just long enough- good boy! I got to visit him in the hospital and hold the tiny thing (only 5 lbs!)

Mallory crawled into our laundry basket one day and was having the best time playing- silly kid!

She also put on Dada's shoes and wanted to 'walk'.

Trying to escape out of baby jail in her leopard onesie.

Look at her standing on those tippee toes trying to see over the gate!

Hello!?!?

Looking so cute in her carseat.

I took a mini photo session of her one day, right around Halloween time.

We both have black Converse :)

My cooking group met, and in October we made pumpkin soup, stuffed acorn squash and green bean bundles. Yum!

The ladies were so cute and brought costumes and gave Mal a witch hat. She loved it!

Japan doesn't have pumpkin patches, so lots of us got together and made our own on a friends' porch. Mallory was having a non-smile day for some reason, so I got a few profile shots of her.

Finally, one cheesy grin.

I also had a little Baylor photo session with her. I'd bought the Baylor onesie for her back when I was still pregnant and before we moved to Japan. Who knew this would be the year they would actually do quite well in the football program, and make it to a bowl game? It was the first time since 1994, so of course I had to snap some pics of my future Baylor Bear!

I saw pictures like this in a magazine, and then stumbled upon alphabet letters in the store one day (a surprise in a country that speaks and writes Japanese). So I bought some to spell out ONE, even though she is 14 months now.

It didn't quite work like I wanted as she was way too interested in the letters to leave them in order.

What does this even spell mom?

Another great friend, Michelle and her daughter Brookston, also PCS'd this month. She was always so great at getting us together for potlucks and pictures. She had a fun idea of us each picking a color and dressing up like a box of crayons. Mal and I were yellow. How cute are the various colored kids??? We miss you Michelle!

My yellow girlie.

Sleeping in her crib- with her foot hanging out over the edge!

The kids English class had a Halloween party and it was fun. Here's the room all decorated.

Mallory and Toshiko, the Japanese teacher.

"singing" into the pumpkin microphone.

The witch hats the kids decorated.

Hard at work decorating their pumpkin face pancakes.

Getting ready to sing "10 little witches"

Toshiko, Kazuki, Misato, Kakeru, Mae, Juri and Shiori.

The younger kid's class.

The older kid's class.

Decorating pancakes.

You can tell they are Japanese by the tatami mats and all the shoes outside the door.

The older kids class. We all wore black to be "witches".

Halloween morning Karen and I took the kids to the Ops Group building to trick or treat. Here is Mallory in her Halloween costume. I took the easy, homemade route this year. She is sushi. The white is rice, the orange pillow is the salmon, the green wrap is the seaweed (nori) wrap and the green clip on her head is wasabi. Her treat bag says "Kikko-Kid" soy sauce, get it!?!?

Yummiest little sushi roll I ever did see!

Halloween night we hung out with our neighbors and passed out candy. I figured M wasn't old enough to want to go trick or treating and I'd bought stuff to hand out and didn't want it, plus more, in our house! Here are our "super dogs" ready for the night!

Bridget and Mallory

Mike set up a tent and got it all spooky looking! The kids loved coming by and getting candy from us!

Our candy stash- we had plenty to hand out!

Mallory waiting to hand out candy!

"spidey" maverick

Cheese-y sushi!!

Hillary, Amanda, Isabelle, Matt and Mike. We had fun hanging out and chatting. Brett was in the states for a class, so he missed the fun. It rained a bit but we stayed dry in the tent and had a fair turn out. All in all a successful holiday, and a great month at Yokota!

Air Force Ball 2010

2011-02-18T21:55:00.000-08:00

September 18th the Air Force Ball was held here on Yokota Air Base. It was actually the first time either Brett or I had gone (last year Malloryw as only a few weeks old), and it actually the first time I'd ever even seen Brett in his full mess dress. Quite handsome if I do say so myself! Our awesome neighbors watched Mallory (they decided they didn't want to go this year), and we had a great time. Here we are, before we left for the ball:

Some of the girls at the ball:me, Melanie, Jessica, Shelley, Jill and Tania.

And our drinks :) The first of many, as you will see as you look thru these pics...

The C-130 and Air Force Eagle ice sculptures.

Gabbi, Laura, Lynn, me, Melanie and Jessica.

Dave and Brett

The drinks are starting to kick in...

and I think they are in full effect now!

Yikes! Those are tequilla shots in our hands. Melissa, me, Melanie, Shelley and Shelly by the bar.

I have no idea why Natalie picked me up. I think there was a conversation about being little and finding a dress in Japan and some other stuff, and next thing I know I was in the air! Oh, and my shoes lasted all of about 15 minutes from when we walked in the door.

The sword was used for a cake cutting ceremony earlier in the night. Apparently it lives in Brett's office and he was nominated to bring it back. So it came back to our house with us, with a bit of fanfare. John, Melanie and Brett and I posed for several pictures with it. Yikes!

Sam (who'd already changed out of his mess dress) and Brett discuss the merits of the sword...I guess...

Brett and his sword, on the bus on the way home.

Here's a few other pics from the evening, although a bit out of order. Gabbi, Melissa, Lynn, Mindy, me, Amanda, Melanie and Jill.

Amanda, Melanie, Shelley and Shelly, me, Lynn and Mindy

Oh my!

another ice sculpture as you entered the ball room

Some of the pretty decor and food tables they had set up. The cost of the tickets covered the cost of food for the evening, although I'm not sure any of us ate very much (clearly).

Me, Tania, Natalie and Melanie. Why did we feel the need to get crouching lower and lower for the pictures as the night went on?

We had a great night out with friends and away from the baby for the night (who was in very capable hands). I'm glad it is an event that's only held once a year though- more than that and I'm not sure my liver could handle it!

September 2010

2011-02-17T22:54:00.001-08:00

Seeing has how I'm *many* months and events behind, I'll combine September into one post. Here's the happenings of September 2010 in Japan:

Mallory loves hanging out with her doggie Maverick and kitty Bandit. Mav's food is in our downstairs bathroom, and for some reason Mallory just loves watching him eat.

This just cracks me up. She looks like she's trying to be a doggie too!!

We had to order Mallory her 'big girl' carseat as she has officially outgrown her infant seat. It came in this big white box, which was quite fun and stayed in our living room for about a week.

Playing blocks in my box.

It's like a little house!

Ready to go for a ride. What, this isn't the new carseat?

Mal started "walking" more and more, but only if you held her hand. She was quite fond of "walking" with Dada.

Looking out our back sliding glass door.

I know he'll always be there to hold her hand!

Another big event in September was my birthday. I turned the big 33, and our wonderful neighbors and friends came over for dinner. I made spaghetti, garlic bread and wine. (Yep, they came to our house and I made dinner- I wouldn't have had it any other way- they serve us dinner all the time too, so it all works out).

Brett made me a "dirt cake" in a flower pot. It was delicious!

My dirt cake, complete with a flower and (gummy) worms in the flower pot and candles.

Our group shot: Mike, Bridget, Anders, Brett, Hillary, Anne, me and Mallory.

The big girl carseat finally made it into the car, so we had to take a few pictures of M's first ride.

Hanging out in her new seat with her stuffed panda from her great grandparents (she loves that little guy Nonna and Poppy!)

She loves her seat too, and fell sound asleep. She does that almost every time we go anywhere in the car! I have to say it does look pretty cozy- I wish someone would drive me around in a seat that padded!

Another big event in September was Mallory's modeling debut! About a month earlier, I took her into Tokyo for an audition to model in their catalog. She was picked, so she and I loaded up and went into Tokyo again to a "studio" for the photo shoot. The studio was basically just a couple of rooms in a building. One had a bed and some racks of clothes and a little area with blankets down for the kids to play (there were about 4-5 kids there at a time, all about M's age). The other room had another play area, a couch, and some more racks of clothes. Here's Mal, sitting in the pj's she's about the model, having a snack while waiting her turn.

Here are the pictures from the shoot that made it into the catalog. It was a pretty neat experience, and I have a copy of the catalog now to put in her scrapbook and show her someday. I wonder if she can put "Combi clothing model" on her resume someday? Or at least put it on a college application someday? We did make a few extra $'s (or yen's) from it and it was a fun experience. She and I both enjoyed it and I'd do it again if they pick her. I've always known my little girl is the cutest thing ever, but it's fun to have a Japanese kid's brand think so too. (Or and ironically, there is not even one Japanese child in the entire catalog- they are all blonde, blue-eyed kids- they love the true "American" around here!)

September also brings the beginning of football season, which in turn naturally brings naps on the couch! Please keep in mind that football games are shown at weird times of the day here because of the time difference (we are 15 hours ahead of CST), so the naps are legit :)

My cooking class met again for another successful lunch. I always enjoy my time with them, learning new things about Japan and Asia from them, and they love playing with Mallory and trying new foods.

Maverick hanging out in our living room. He's such a good boy, tolerating Mallory pulling on his ears and banging on his back and yelling "gog-gog" every time she sees him.

One day Mallory and I went off base to run some errands and do some shopping. I got hungry for lunch, so we stopped at a Japanese chain restaurant. I call it the "ball hand man" store as the sign has a stick figure drawing of this guy with huge long arms and balls on the ends. I have no idea the real name. Anyway, I ordered Mallory her first bowl of udon noodles, and she LOVED it!

Mal's kids noodles. Yes, that's an egg in the middle of her bowl of noodles and broth.

Attempting to use a fork to eat.

She did that for about 4 bites, and then gave up and used her hands.

My meal: gyoza and pork cutlet curry. I LOVE these 2 Japanese foods!

The restaurant reminds me a bit of Denny's at home, with the booths and the counter.

Come here you slimy noodle.

Yay! I got it!

Now to stuff it in my mouth.

And now to start all over again.

Wonder what those ladies are eating/ (Actually, I did wonder what they were eating. It was a big bowl of...something...)

Mmmm...noodles are yummy (or 'oishi' if you are Japanese).

Mallory loves to be my laundry helper. The dryer balls (that are supposed to lift and separate the laundry in the dryer and make the load dry quicker) are her favorite toy every time I open the dryer door.

"Got your nose" is also a very fun game we like to play. Mallory wins every time!

Still an avid thumb sucker.

I love to steal the extra keys from the shelf by the front door and carry them around the house.

Mal also got her first REALLY BAD diaper rash, poor kid. So, we had so "neked play time" to let it heal. She seemed to enjoy it, maybe just a bit too much! Notice the plastic mat I kept trying to drag around and keep underneath her. It was a futile effort in the end :)

Mallory loves to grab Brett's hat out of his flight suit pocket and put it on when he gets home from work. Here you have "Captain Mallory".

Just some more cute pics of her playing and wearing her piggie tails.

Eating, or squishing, some ravioli.

After piggie tails, her hair does this:

She looks like the guy in the movie "Dumb and Dumber". We were cracking up laughing.

Luckily, bathtime fixed that little problem for her.

One day, while I was getting dressed, she snuck into the bathroom and this is what I found:

She was SO proud of herself! Ha!

Playing on the blow up bouncy toy at Wyatt's birthday party (the same one she wanted NOTHING to do with at her own birthday- funny what a difference a month makes!)

One day she was trying to play with the dryer balls, and just decided to crawl on into the dryer to get them. I found her like this:

Look what I found Mom!

The mom's group I'm a part of had a pot luck luncheon and the theme was "ties". We all work a tie and brought a food that started with T. Mallory wore her tie-dye shirt too. She was eating rice here I think (yes, I know that doesn't start with T, but most of the babies will eat it, so we made an exception).

The babies: Damion, Jonas, Brookston, Noah, Ian, Mal, Nolan and baby Lyndon.

Ian and Mal, sporting their ties together on the couch.

The babies and their mama's (and a daddy too).

Mally and Mommy and our ties and tie-dye.

At the end of the month, YOSC Culture Club started up again, and I signed up to be a part of it again this year. I loved being a part of this group last year, and definitely wanted to participate again. We have about 6 groups, and each group has about 8 Japanese ladies and 8 Americans that get together 2 times a month-one time the Japanese host and the other we host. We learn so much about each other's cultures and always have a great time. This year we had our Opening Ceremony, where every member was introduced and the basics of the club were discussed. Then the 6 small groups broke off for lunch. Our group took us over to a community center and made lunch for us. It was delicious. Here are the ladies getting ready to make Takoyaki. Yep, that's right, octopus balls. That is something I NEVER thought I'd put in my mouth, but believe it or not, you can't even taste the octopus. They are actually quite delicious.

They make them in these specially made takoyaki cookers. You pour in the batter, cabbage, and octopus pieces and let it cook a bit, and then flip them in the little circle, sorta like a pancake.

Pouring in the batter.

Adding the cabbage and cheese on top.

Some of the ingredients:octopus, cabbage, ginger, cheese, garlic, little shrimp thingys...

They also made us yakisoba, which is noodles and meat and peppers and cabbage all cooked together with a yummy sauce.

Stirring the yakisoba (yes, those are giant cooking chopsticks I'm using).

Suzie, Jay and I making yakisoba.

Mmmm...lunch is served. Takoyaki balls (topped with a bbq type sauce and Japanese mayonnaise), yakisoba, coleslaw and green tea. Delicious.

As always, September was an activity filled month, but we wouldn't have it any other way. So many memories and so many friends- we are so lucky to be living here in Japan!

A letter for my 1 year old

2011-02-17T00:07:00.001-08:00

Oh Miss Mallory-

My Mally-Moo, moo-bear, moodle-doodle, Mally in the Middle, bundle of joy...

How you have changed our lives in the past year! Gone are the days of doing things alone (without dragging along a carrier/carseat/stroller/bag overflowing with baby gear), sleeping in and partying all night with friends (ok, that was already gone, you have old parents).

But I wouldn't have it ANY other way! From the moment you entered this world, you had my heart. I think these song lyrics say it all (although I am in no way, shape or form a Celine Dion fan):

Miracle

By Celine Dion

You're my life's one miracle, everything I've done that's good
And you break my heart with tenderness and I confess it's true
I never knew a love like this till you

You're the reason I was born, now I finally know for sure
And I'm overwhelmed with happiness, so blessed to hold you close
The one that I love most with all the future has so much for you in store
Who could ever love you more?

The nearest thing to heaven you're my angel from above
Only God creates such perfect love

When you smile at me, I cry and to save your life I'll die
With a romance that is pure heart you are my dearest part
Whatever it requires, I live for your desires
Forget my own, your needs will come before
Who could ever love you more?

Well there is nothing you could ever do to make me stop, loving you
And every breath I take is always for your sake
You sleep inside my dreams and know for sure
Who could ever love you more?

It is true when people say that you don't know what true, unconditional love is until you become a parent. Mallory, you mean more to me than anyone else on this planet. You are such a sweet, special blessing. I have loved cuddling you, and watching you grow this first year and can't wait to see what this next year brings. I love you to the moon and back and all the way around the sun-

Mommy

And just because it is fun, look how much you've changed this year!August 2009
September 2009
October 2009
November 2009
December 2009
January 2010
February 2010
March 2010
April 2010
May 2010

June 2010

July 2010

August 2010

The after-party

2011-02-14T21:55:00.000-08:00

We didn't open all of Mallory's presents at her party. There were just so many, and let's face it, 1 year olds don't exactly have the longest attention span. So, we waited until the next day to open them up as a family and make sure we could enjoy them all and keep up with who they were from. Mallory played horsey with Daddy.

Then it was present opening time. Mallory seemed to enjoy the ripping off of the paper.

Eating it off seemed to be a good option too.

New sippy cups! Let me just test these out...

Wonder what's in here???

A handmade card! How fun!

My Anpanman! He's a popular cartoon character in Japan, and I got a jingly, rolly-polly Anpanman doll!

Aaaggghhh! MORE presents!

Yay! A present for Mommy too! We have great friends (thank you Anne!)

The left over balloons were still quite fun the day after the party too.

What a great party, so many great friends, all kinds of great gifts ranging from toys, to clothes, to food to money. We are so lucky to have great friends and family who love us and our little girl so much! Happy 1st Birthday mallory- hope all your years are as much fun as your first!

Mallory does the Hula

2011-02-14T18:21:00.000-08:00

Since our baby girl was turning one, we decided we just had to celebrate. What better way to celebrate than with a party! We are blessed to have lots of wonderful friends here, so we thought we'd do it up big and have a Hawaiian Luau themed birthday party in our backyard. I gathered supplies and ideas (it helped having had a trip to Hawaii a few months earlier) and sent out invites designed by my sweet friend Charlotte in Dallas (www.thepapercupcake.com)

Finally it was August 28th, the big day! We had her party the weekend after her actual birthday, since her actual birthday is Friendship Fest here on base. My friend Kate Chapman came and took pictures for us, so I could just enjoy the day (and worry about all the other things a party entails- food, decor, setting up/cleaning/taking down...)

She showed up a few minutes early to get some cute pictures of Mallory before the big bash started. Look at those sweet little feet. She was a bit overwhelmed as people started to show up and Mommy and Daddy were rushing around doing last minute prep, so she wasn't super smiley in these pictures.

It's my party and I'll pout if I want to- ha!

Yep, I'm turning one!

One tastes good!

She did love the balloons and was smiling when she could play with those.

Mallory and Mommy and our pink flip flops.

Party details: the cupcake tower made by me, with hibiscus, umbrellas and little "Happy Hawaiian Birthday" toppers.

The birthday hat (that lasted all of about 10 seconds on her head).

1st birthday balloons

Balloons and the Hawaiian shirt clothesline hung on our neighbors fence.

We set up a little water table in the backyard for the kids to play in. Mallory LOVED that thing, and spent most of the party splashing in it!

Daddy cooked burgers and hot dogs on the grill. Chips, potato salad, green salad, and other snacks were on another table. Sodas, beer and water were in the coolers. The REAL treat was on the big grill next to Brett...

we roasted a Kaula pig- just like in Hawaii! Everyone was pretty amazed, and he turned out great!

We rented the little kid bouncy playmat too, which entertained lots of the little ones. Mallory wouldn't step foot on it, silly kid, but most of the other kids loved it!

Some of our buddies: Anne, Bridget and Isabelle, Amanda, Karen and Nathan.

Anne, Bridget, Mike and Anders- some of our "Pease Place" crew.

Mallory, still living it up at the water table.

Aloha!

The set up in our back yard- bouncy area in the corner, tents and tables for shade and to eat, bbq grills, coolers, and water table. There was also a craft table set up with stuff to make your own flower lei.

The birthday girl and her proud parents.

Silly girl!

Dinner is ready! Brett and John Schutte (his boss and also friend) take the pig off the grill and get ready to serve it up.

Brett, Kim, Mallory and her birthday dinner!

We wanted to take a group picture to show Mallory how loved she was on her first birthday! We had a great turn out and feel so very blessed to have so many wonderful friends here at Yokota!

After the group photo, it was cake time. Mallory was SO mad that she couldn't just dig in to her cake. (I think she'd been waiting for it all day- she wouldn't eat any of the other food we served). She didn't understand the whole singing/candle thing first.

Calmed down, song sung, candle blown out...time to eat cake.

There she goes...

...kinda sticky...

...mmm, delicious!

WAY to interested in eating cake to be bothered for a cute family picture.

What? Isn't this how you eat your cake?

Let me just lick this last little bit off my finger here...

...ok, all done! Yum!

We had goodie bags for all the kids- playdoh, a snack bag of goldfish crackers, bubbles and some stickers.

Most of the people left after cake and a wonderful party. We loved it and had a wonderful time. I felt so loved and was so glad Mallory had so many people there to wish her happy 1st birthday. A few friends stuck around to take a few more pictures and help us clean up. Mallory took a quick bath (she had cake in virtually every crevice of her body!) and changed into her birthday onesie.

Look at all my presents!

And look at my belly full of cake!

A picture of the clean up crew: Lynn and Kirsten, me and Mally, Melanie and Ian, and Karen and Nathan. Their husbands are all in Brett's squadron and were helping Brett take down the tents and stuff outside. I'm sure they were helping finish off the beer too :)

Mallory is officially a big girl now, and even got a bottle of pink nail polish! What a great day. Happy Birthday to my sweet little girl!

Mallory turns one/Friendship Festival

2011-02-04T22:46:00.000-08:00

Mallory officially turned 1 year old on August 21st, 2010. It was a big day around Yokota Air Base too- it is the same weekend as Friendship Festival. That is where seriously THOUSANDS of Japanese people come on base and look at lots of various airplanes, eat food, drink beer (among other things) and watch some flying demos. It is H.O.T. outside, but fun to walk around and see everything going on. Various organizations on base have booths selling everything from tshirts to gatorade, and it is a big fundraiser for the Yokota community.

Last year we missed it- I was busy birthing a baby. So this year, we went to go see what it was all about. But of course, Mallory wore her Birthday Girl onesie and got a little special attention too.

The C-130's did some airdrops of parachutists.

There are a TON of vendors selling food and stuff- both Japanese and American.

We stopped by to see the C-130's, of cousre.

And some other planes from various airbases around Asia.

Mallory passed out while we were walking around- too much excitement for one little birthday girl I guess :)

Then she woke up and "walked" back to the car, with a little help from Dada of course.

Look at those cute chunky thighs!

When we got home, it was time from presents from family. Her official birthday party was the next weekend (because of Friendship Fest) but we still had to celebrate with our family on her actual day.

She had fun ripping the paper off.
Wonder what's in here?

My Mama B sent me a new sippy cup. I tested it out right away!

Aunt Rachel sent me new book that hooks onto my stroller.

Yay! More paper to rip off!

My name made into a puzzle from Nana and Grandpa!

They sent me a pig that walks and oinks too. I thought it was fun, but Maverick was terrified. Ha!

Sweet Becca and Mike sent me a book about Japan, after visiting us here a few months earlier. So nice of them!

After all the gifts were opened, I posed for a few pics to show off my shirt (made by Mommy of course).

Then Mommy and Dada let me eat some cake.

And I finally said good night. What a great birthday!

Thank you sweet Mallory for giving me the very, very best year of my life. You put a smile on our faces every single day and are so blessed to have you in our lives. We love watching you grow and change and learn new things- we can't wait to see what the next year, and the rest of your life holds. Thank you for being the most wonderful little girl in the world. We love you so much. Happy Birthday!

2011-01-23T22:33:00.000-08:00

So to (finally)wrap up blogging about our family vaca to Thailand and Malaysia...

After the boat trip back from Phi Phi Island, we had to spend 1 more night in Phuket before traveling back to KL, and then home. This time we stayed at a cute little hotel called the Layalina Hotel. We were the only ones there! It was a little sketchy from the street, but from the back and the room we stayed in, it was great. We had upgraded to a very nice room, but unfortunately, Brett was still not feeling his best, so we didn't get to totally enjoy it. That, and we were tired from all our travels at this point.

The back side of the hotel.

The back of the hotel, facing the ocean.

The cute little hotel pool (we didn't use it).

Our room. It had a really big tub (which M LOVED taking a bath in) and a cool cut out from the tub to the bedroom.

The bed

It also had a swirly staircase that led up to a rooftop balcony.

M thought the stairs were pretty neat.

View from the balcony

The roof balcony, complete with chaise lounges. It was like 200 degrees up here though, so it didn't get used by us.

Our beach and pool view.

M enjoyed checking out the bed.

We ate lunch and took a nap. Then we strolled down the street the hotel was on, and ate dinner at a Scandinavian food restaurant. They had yummy margaritas.

Brett and Mal enjoy the restaurant for dinner. The owner of the place was an ex-pat and he was fun to talk to. His young daughter loved Mal too.

The next morning we had to get up really early and go to the airport for our flight from Phuket to Kuala Lumpur. Then, unfortunately, we had a LONG layover in KL. Originally we were thinking we'd go find something else to do in KL again, but Brett still wasn't 100% and we were still exhausted, so we stayed in the airport. The KL airport is one of the nicest ones I've ever been in though- they had a movie lounge and an internet station and lots of shops and restaurants. They also had a airside transit hotel, which, since we had soooo long (like 11 hours) to kill) we checked into for a few hours and took a nap. The room was blah but it worked.

M spent time in the stroller, perusing the airport.

Waiting to check in to the airport hotel (we had certain hours the room was ours- kinda like a "love hotel"- ick!)

After that, we finally got on our plane and made it home to Tokyo. It was a FABULOUS family vacation, and we certainly made lifelong memories. I loved getting to spend so much time relaxing with Brett and Mal, and I know Brett enjoyed being out of the office and just hanging out with the family. We can't wait for our next trip!!!