Joe and Gretchen Galvin Family

Typhoon Songda

2011-05-29T11:56:00.006+09:00

We got home from China on Thursday and then had to prepare for the Typhoon that was coming. The storm "hit" on Saturday evening around 10 pm. Joe and I were outside taking pictures around 8 pm. There was some strong gusts of wind but nothing too strong. But when it actually hit, that was a different story. Our area was on the edge of the eye of the Typhoon. We had sustained winds of 50 miles/hour or greater and around 92 miles/per hour gusts. OF course, I couldn't sleep. I went to check on our stuff outside so I went to the side door. When I opened it, you could hear a high pitched squeal and it sounded like a train was coming through or an airplane was coming too low. It was loud. I retreated to my concrete bunker and stayed there. The next morning, Joe and I were out from 7AM cleaning up. We then went to help some friends who had deployed spouses. All is back to normal around here, the trees just look like they got attacked up a chain saw. Just found out that the winds were 58mph sustained and 109 mph on Kadena (AF base 3 miles up the road) and 127 at Futenma (Marine Air station 2 miles in the other direction.)
All of our outdoor things secured!
Trying to show the wind gusts (this was around 8:00pm
The bushes and potted plant still intact

Plants in the front yard.
We have a trash can surrounding some trees in the back yard. You can't really tell but the trees were uprooted.
Our backyard
The side yard- this is what I was hearing the entire night (branches snapping)
Neighbors across the street.

May 1st

2011-05-01T14:35:00.003+09:00

Where has the time gone? I can't believe it is already May. April came and went but we were busy. Joe came home the first week in April. Then the boys had spring break (which we went no where)then school started. Joe went back to work, I was subbing almost everyday or spending time at the school for PTO and the boys were back at soccer practice. Our time left here on this island is dwindling. We are still waiting on orders for our move but they should be coming soon. On May 22-26 we are going to China. I think the boys and I are going to be living off of rice but we will survive.

Joe did his first triathlon since he has been back. He came in 2nd overall and won his age group. It was a short tri- 300M swim, 3-4 mile bike and 1.5 mile run. Joe needed the run to be a little longer in order to catch the leader. @ more regular season games for Brody and one for Hunter. Hunter's league has a playoff so in 2 weeks the playoffs will start. both boys won this weekend. Hunter scored 3 and Brody didn't score but was throwing some elbows! Remember...it's not illegal unless you get caught and he didn't get caught. To give him credit, the other team was tall so I am sure he was getting hit in the head by there elbows so he was just returning the favor.

Last go around!

2011-03-27T12:01:00.007+09:00

Our last soccer season in Okinawa!! I am hoping for warmer weather but Saturday's game was cold. We are in week 2 for soccer. Last week, both boys won their games while this week, both boys lost their games. Hunter scored 2 goals in week one and Brody scored one. Neither boy scored this weekend.

Hunter is playing in the competitive league for the first time. The field is bigger and let me tell you, he is NOT a distance runner! He is more of a sprinter! Thankfully, he plays a lot of forward so he doesn't have to run back on defense. Hunter is doing well in school. I just had a meeting with his teacher and they are going to screen him for the gifted program. As a mother, I believe both of my kids are gifted but we will see. If he is "accepted" into the gifted program, nothing much will be done due to the fact that we are moving. It will just give him a better opportunity to be in a gifted program back in the states.

Brody is playing half the time in goal and the other half as a mid fielder. What that boy lacks in height, he makes up for in heart. He runs everywhere on the field! He is going to be a distance runner. He loves soccer and is very aggressive. He still looks forward to the end of the game so he can have his snack. Both boys got on Shea and Eliot's (from football) team so at practice they have someone to play with. Of course, youth sports wasn't thinking when they assigned the times- Brody practices from 5-6 and Hunter goes from 6-7. On Mondays and Wednesdays we are at the fields for 2 hours!!

Joe has left. I don't exactly know where he is at right now but he is making his way to CA. They are expected to get to CA on Monday. At that point, he will start his 96 (96 hours off) then he will start his check in process. For those of you who didn't know, Joe made the All Marine Triathlon team. His race will be in CA on April 9th. He will fly back to Oki the next day. I was going to go and meet him in CA but the military had put a stop to all travel in and out of Tokyo after the earthquake,tsunami and nuclear reaction. That ban has since been lifted but Joe and I decided that I wouldn't go.

Just a quick update on the conditions here in Okinawa. We are over 1000 miles away from the nuclear site. We are NOT getting evacuated. The bases on the Mainland are under a voluntary evacuation. Our base was not affected by this event. Most of the Marines on this base have been deployed to Mainland to help out but other than that, it is business as usual.

2011-03-01T15:51:00.004+09:00

He needs to grow taller
hunter playing QB again
Brody and Eliot
Almost had a TD on this one

Here is what my Saturday:
8:15 leave the house for Brody's 9am game. Go directly to the party after at the bowling alley. 12:00- feed Brody and Eliot (Hunter was with Eliot's mom) at Kadena- not my base. 1:30- Hunter's game then his party after. 6:30- Finally leaving Kadena and got home at 7:00!! It was a long day but the boys had a blast! It is onto soccer season for both boys and Eliot and Shea are on their team again.

On Friday, I went on a field trip with Hunter's class. Trina and I decided to follow the bus. We thougth we knew where we were going but I guess we didn't. We ended up exploring the southern part of Okinawa but were able to find our way to the place. We had no map and no one spoke English! I don't know how we did it but we did and had a good laugh while doing it! The field trip was to Okinawa World. We went in the cave then walked through the village. The highlight of the day was visiting the snake museum (for the kids not the adults). The snake picture is the only one that Hunter was smiling in.
Part of the PTO board and thier kid holding a boa constrictor. L to R: Trina & Catherine Bourquin, Michelle & Jordan Smith, Me & Hunter. This is the imfamous Trina whom I always am with. And this is Jordan that stayed with me for 2 weeks.
CJ, Myron, Marcellous, and Hunter with the Python
Hunter and Myron
The boys in the cage

Update on Joe... Last I talked to him his return date has been moved. He will not be home until April 10/11th. The Marine Corps, more specifically his CO, have a messed up way of checking in. The check in process will take longer than it should because he has to take a mandatory 96. If anyone is in the CA area and wants to visit him- I'm sure he would like that. Seeing as how most of you live in MI it won't happen. Will update you when I get more news.

Spelling Bee

2011-02-19T19:58:00.004+09:00

Hunter was in the 3rd grade spelling bee. He did very well. He ended up making it to a fifth place finish. He misspelled the word "rhythm". Of course, he was upset because he really wanted a trophy but has since calmed down. When I got Brody from school, I told him that Hunter was upset and not to mention the spelling be to him. Brody walked in the house, handed him a lollipop and sat down. Hunter asked him what it was for and Brody replied "For doing so well in the spelling bee!" His anger didn't last long, Hunter had a football game that evening.

Hunter's team has been close in all the games but has come up short on the winning end. They finally pulled off a win. They played really well. They had another game on Sat. The game went down to the final minutes but the Jets came up on the short end again. Hunter did score his first touchdown of the season. I had my camera(as usual), he was on the opposite side of the field (always happens when there is a big play) but I was talking so I never got a picture of it!! I did see the TD just wasn't able to capture it on film.

Brody's team tied again (according to Brody) His level doesn't keep score so the coach always tells them that it ended in a tie. Brody plays all the positions. HE was playing quarterback and was able to complete a pass to his teammate. As his teammate ran down the field Brody ran with him. As he passed me, I yelled "Nice throw Brody" He turned,while running, and said "Thanks mom". We have one more game left in football and then soccer will start for the boys.

Joe is approaching the one year mark but he won't be returning home until April. Yes, he will be gone longer than a year but there is nothing that can be done. We will be delaying our trip to China. We were going to go over spring break (second week of April) but Joe would have just gotten home so we will wait till May. For those of you who haven't heard, Joe has chosen Georgetown for school. We will be in the DC area for one year so start planning your trip to DC and you will have a place to stay (I can't guarantee a home cooked meal but I can provide a bed to sleep in)

Saints and the Jets

2011-01-16T21:10:00.004+09:00

Flag football season is under way and the boys are both playing. Brody is on the Saints and Hunter is on the Jets. The boys have only had 2 games but seemed to be having fun. Hunter has moved up a league so there is a little more competition. He age level however, is still considered a non-competitive league so they don't keep score. He knows the score at the end of the game.

The weather has been terrible (for Okinawa). It has been cold and rainy. It only seems to be that way when the boys have practice or have a game. Thank goodness we don't pay for our heat!

The boys are on their friends team again. Hunter is with Shea and Brody is with Eliot. They were all together last season for FB, BB and this year FB. We are hoping they get on the same soccer team. The boys all get along and are all pretty good athletes. Hunter and Shea get along very well, they are both very competitive but quiet. They make a good team. Brody and Eliot are like in that they will do anything, play anywhere that the coach asks them too. They are also 2 of the few players that know the game and how to play. It should be a fun season.
Hunter and Shea looking at baseball cards
Brody adn Eliot "warming up" before the game
Hunter and Shea before the game

Happy New Year 2011

2011-01-04T19:38:00.006+09:00

Merry Christmas
Christmas has come and gone along with Brody's birthday and new years eve and the boys and I are still recovering. Christmas was hard this year without Joe there but I think it was harder on me than the kids. They were playing with all their toys since they were opened. I have put together at least 8 Lego sets while Brody put together one. I guess it is more fun to play with them than put them together. Hunter had a baseball themed Christmas and he couldn't be happier. Brody had a Lego and Star Wars theme going with his presents. We all had fun in the kitchen making SW pancakes and cookies (Thanks Nee!)
Star Wars in the Kitchen

For Brody's birthday, we went bowling. He took two friends. We bowled, we ate, we bowled some more then ate cake. Brody's birthday has been a month long celebration. We started when Joe was home at Thanksgiving with a cake and now have finally closed the birthday month.
New Webkinz from Nana and Opa

New Year's Eve took us up to Nago to the Marriott. Our friends were staying up there and invited us to come play for the day. The boys swam while Micky and I hung out in the lounge. We made it home around 7pm and tried to stay up till midnight but we didn't last.

The new year also brought Hunter impetigo! I have no idea how he got it but the left side of his body was hit hard. We finally went to the doctor and got on anti-biotic but most of the lesions had scabbed over. I figured after the school nurse called me (while I was subbing in Kindergarten) to tell me that Hunter would be spending the rest of the day with her, it was time to make an appointment. He is on the mend now. He never had any other symptoms but the sores which was a good sign.

Joe has 3 months left. He was suppose to come home the 1st of March but now he has to stay for a Change of Command. They are extending him about 2 more weeks (what's 2 more weeks after already completing 52 weeks??)so he won't be home until end of March. There are guys who came over after him and are getting to go home before him- not fair in my book! No word yet on where we are going in the fall. We do know for sure that it will be stateside. Joe has been accepted to the SEP Law program. He will be going somewhere to get his LLM in International Law. This is only for 1 year then we will be on the road again.
Snow at the zoo.

The CA house finally sold!!! Although we loved our neighbors, we knew that we wouldn't be going back to the house and now was the time to get rid of it. Until next time...

Snow Festival at the zoo.

It's been awhile...

2010-12-11T14:11:00.007+09:00

His flight has arrived
Seeing Dad for the first time
Lots of hugs for dad
It has been awhile since my last post. Joe came home for his R&R for 2 weeks in Nov. He was able to spend Thanksgiving, Hunter and my birthday with us. The boys were very excited to greet him at the airport. The boys hung on him the entire 2 weeks he was home. Joe and I went to Forest Adventure. It is a zip line course 120 feet above the ground. I am not thrilled with heights but we had a great time. It was a work out climbing all the ropes but worth it. We did take pictures but unfortunately they are all on Joe's camera. I forgot to transfer them to my computer. So the pictures will have to wait.

Rock Band with Dad

All the boys did the Distance Dare. It is a distance event. The swimmer has 2 hours to complete 5000M (3.1 miles) or as many laps as they can do. Brody and Joe were competing to the first time. Brody completed 2400M in 2 hours. He wanted to get out at an hour but I kept giving him "power pellets" (fruit snacks) and he felt he could finish the swim. Hunter completed 5000M in 1 hour 39 minutes. He set the new record for 8 year old boys. Joe completed 5000M in 1 hour 45 minutes. Yes, Hunter is faster than him but he also hasn't been swimming for 9 months. For the Distance Dare, the Galvins hold the record for either time or distance in 6 and 8 years old.

The last swim meet was this weekend (12/11). Brody got his first blue ribbon in the breast stroke. Both boys did great and are happy to take a break from swimming. Flag football has started and the games will start in January. We were lucky to get on a team with some friends so the boys knew someone on their team already.

Joe returned to Afghanistan and will be there until March. He thought he was going to be able to come home the end of February but it isn't looking that way. He now is coming back around the middle to late March. He is staying about 2 weeks longer than expected due to a change of command. I guess we have already done a year, what is 2 weeks more???

The boys and I will celebrate Christmas in the morning on the 25th then it is off to the baseball field across the street for a neighborhood kickball game. After the game we are going to Trina's house for drinks and food. I think the boys will be so excited about kickball (we usually play once a month in the hood when the weather is nice) that they won't be too bothered that Joe is gone. I will post pictures from the big game, so be looking out for that.

Swim Again

2010-11-14T15:10:00.005+09:00

The boys are back in the pool and have already had one meet. Hunter is not very thrilled with swimming but is doing it until football starts. He swam the 50 freestyle, backstroke, and butterfly. He did very well in all 3 events and was able to place 1st in all three. Although he hates butterfly, he is pretty good at it.

Brody swam in his first swim meet. I guess it doesn't matter if he is swimming or not...he was ready to go home half way through the meet. He swam the 25 freestyle, backstroke and kickboard. He was able to place 4th, 6th, and 8th place. I don't remember what stroke he got what place but he was very excited to win some ribbons. Unfortunately, the boys are in the same age group so Brody will have to beat his brother but so far they have not competed in the same event.

The Marine Corps birthday was Wed, Nov. 10th, the boys had the day off of school for conferences. We went to see the parade of Marines through the years. They have people dressed in the uniform that Marines would wear during that war. Hunter was having a good time guessing what war it was and Brody was counting the flags in the background. Brody did lean over half way through and ask me if Dad was a Marine. I said yes and he turned and said "okay". They also had no school on the 11th for Veterans Day. According to Brody, it is Ventrance Day! It was funny to listen to. No school again on Friday for conferences.
A rare photo of me before bunco!

I had Bunco at my house on Friday. It was a hunting theme. All the ladies came dressed in orange and played bunco. It was fun and even the boys got into the spirit of things. Joe should be home this weekend. I will let you know when he gets here.

Rocky and Ryan

2010-11-03T16:15:00.004+09:00

Hunter and his new shirt.

Well, after Typhoon Chaba came through it was time to get ready for the weekend. Chaba hit on Thursday which cancelled school for the boys. We had strong wind and lots of rain. We didn't have any damage to our stuff but there were a lot of downed trees on base. The boys were back in school on Friday and then our busy weekend began!

On Saturday, the boys were suppose to have a swim meet but that got moved to this weekend due to the storm. I had planned a surprise 40th birthday party for my friend Chris that evening. Chris's husband deployed just after Joe (but he went to Iraq) and he is also gone for a year. Saturday happened to be their wedding anniversary too so we were able to celebrate both of them. She was very surprised and everything went very smoothly. I started getting a sore throat Sta. evening so my appearance at the party didn't last long.
Allison, Gretchen, Carol, Michelle, Tanna, Trina, Carol,Rebecca, Gina, Chris (sitting in chair)

Sunday was the day to trick or treat on base. He boys both dressed up. Hunter went as Rocky Balboa and Brody went as his cousin, Ryan Klahn. Ryan plays football for Kalamazoo College and both boys were sent a t shirt. I put Ryan's number on the back of the t-shirt so Brody dressed up as a football player. As I was standing on the sidewalk, I could hear this man talking to the boys. This is how the conversation went:
Man: "How's it going Rocky? Have you won any matches lately? And who are you? (looking at Brody)
Brody: "I am Ryan."
Man: "Well, Hello Ryan!"
Showing off his number

Brody insisted on wearing a hat for the picture because that "is what Ryan does!"

I know the man thought that his name was actually Ryan so after I explained to Brody what he needed to say, he was telling people "I am Ryan. He is my cousin. He plays for Kalamazoo College. He gave me his number."
Rocky Balboa
The boys before they went out. Isaac Anderson (Chris's son), Brody, Hunter

That isn't exactly what I told him but that was what he was repeating the entire night! They both got lots of candy and for the first time since we have been here, it didn't rain. More later.

Fall Festival

2010-10-16T15:32:00.005+09:00

Brody throwing a sponge at the Principal at the Fall Festival

Another busy weekend in the Galvin household. The boys' school had the Fall Festival on Friday. I was there from 11:30-6:30. I worked Health Promotions from 9-11 first then went to the school. The PTO had a dunk tank and I had to work that. It was fun but ended up being a long day. Brody and I went around and played games for the first 2 hours then I worked the booth the last hour. Hunter was off with his friends.
Brody's winning cake
The boys doing the cake walk

Brody finally won a cake at the cake walk. I think it took him a good ten minutes to pick out a cake. He played one of the first rounds so he had so many to chose from. Hunter played the ring toss and ended up winning 13 drinks (if the ring goes around the neck of the drink, you win it) I don't even buy Mountain Dew, let alone like it, but now we have 4 bottles of it. It was a long day capped off by drinks at Trina's with some of the other neighbors.
Completing the obstacle course

Baseball Saturday took up most of the day. Brody had his last game and party after. I must say, I was glad to see this season end. There is something about watching T-Ball that gets to me. Of course, Brody did a great job. He played first and pitcher, danced in both positions (maybe I should stop watching Dancing with the Stars with him). He got up to bat, after a little on deck booty shake, and then hit a home run (okay- it really went like this, he was the last batter and and everyone hits and scores, so he tells everyone he hit a home run!!)Dancing at the pitcher's mound
Dancing on first

Hunter's team was in the tournament today. They ended up losing the game but it was a very close one. Any loss is hard to take but this one was especially hard on Hunter. He didn't have a great day batting, the ump was inconsistent in calling balls and strikes but Hunter also wasn't swinging his bat. He had a few balls hit to him but the runner was safe at first. Hunter wears his heart on his sleeve and takes error personally. I found myself giving the pep talk through the fence to him throughout the game. He is an emotional athlete (I wonder where he got that from???) so I am hoping that this is just a phase and he will grow out of it.

After the obstacle course
Doing the ring toss

Swim also started for the boys. Brody loves it. He is actually pretty good (considering he is only 6). He has green goggles so he looks like a frog in the water. He went to swim this morning at 7:30 without complaining. Hunter, is a different story. He doesn't want to swim. He has the talent but just doesn't have the drive for this sport. We are giving it 2 weeks and then he will decide. I wanted to get through baseball season and the first swim meet to decide. I think once he sits out a swim meet, he will miss it. HE doesn't want to go to Tokyo, if he qualifies, and that is fine. It is just hard to watch someone sit out when they have the talent to do well.
Brody's home run

Hopefully our fall will slow down. Flag Football will start in November for the boys so we will be on a 6 week break from sports except for swimming. More later....

Swim Season

2010-10-04T19:07:00.003+09:00

Swim season is upon us and I am happy to announce the newest Galvin on the Okinawa Dolphin Swim Team.....Brody Galvin. Yes, Brody tryout out and made the team. He will be swimming in the Dolphin group and Hunter will again swim in the White group. Both boys practice on the same day but not at the same time. Brody celebrated the tryout with dinner at Pizza Hut (okay, it was just an excuse because I didn't want to cook.)

Football (flag) sign ups are next week. Both boys want to play so our Mondays,Wednesdays and Saturdays will consist of Football while Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday will be football. I might regret the schedule later but right now it doesn't seem that bad.

Baseball will be done for Brody the weekend of the 16th. We have this weekend off due to the holiday. Hunter has one last regular season game on Tuesday and then the playoffs for him start the 16th. His team is not as strong as others and it is very frustrating to Hunter. He is very competitive (I have no idea where he gets it from) and wants his team to win. There are only 4 kids who know what they are doing and they rotate between pitcher, catcher, shortstop and third base. The team would do fine if the batters would hit it to those players but that doesn't happen. It is a good experience for Hunter and he has been able to improve his pitching. It would be nice to live next door to the Shaws again so Mark could help Hunter in Joe's absence but I am doing my best.

The Fall fundraiser started at the boys school and I am in charge of it (cause I have nothing else going on!!) They are doing recycling bags, check out the website, they are pretty cool- www.mixedbagdesigns.com The fall festival is coming up in the middle of the month and then at the end of October I am planning a surprise party for a friend's 40th birthday (her husband is deployed too but not with Joe). That is pretty much the schedule for the month of October. I sure hope November isn't quite as busy.

Time Flies

2010-09-19T14:15:00.003+09:00

This is the BIG typhoon that never made it big!!

I can't believe that it is almost October. It has been awhile since my last post and we have been busy. I'll give you a brief update on the Galvin.

Hunter: Baseball continues for him. We have been dealing with a lot of crazy weather so he hasn't played in about a week. We have been having lots of rain which soaks the field making it unplayable. HE is always going outside to throw the ball on the wall and practice his fielding. He has constantly played shortstop with a few innings at pitcher. He has a good coach and Shea (from flag football) on his team. School is going well. He got his first project due for the year. He seems to be adjusting to the increase in homework well. It helps that most of it is online.
The boys sportin' hats that dad sent. Brody- Boston Hunter- Yankees

Brody: HE isn't liking baseball. Unfortunately, he has a coach who shows up when she feels like it. Most practices, if she shows up, she is 15 minutes late and only practices for 30 minutes. He is one of the older ones on the team and the younger ones are just goofing off. He told me Sat. that he didn't want to go to the game. I told him he made a commitment and he had to go, he said "My coach doesn't go, so why should I?" We went, his coach didn't show up. One of the dads has taken over the team and youth sports is going to be calling the coach. He will hopefully enjoy it more with the new coach. Brody is not liking the increase in homework. Everything is boring to him when it comes to school. He is looking forward to Deployment Buddies (Elementary kids get paired with a HS kid who has a deployed parent and they do activities together. Hunter wants nothing to do with it.) which will be starting soon.
The baseball rivalry is already starting in our house!!

Joe: He was in CA for the death penalty case that he has had forever. He spent 2 weeks at Camp Pendelton. He "won" his case- if you can call it a win- his client got Life WITH Parole as opposed to death or just life. He is glad that the case is done but will miss the frequent flyer miles that he has acquired in the 4 years on the case (I guess I should be thanking Jesse for sending the boys and I home for the summer.) Joe is back in Afghanistan and will be coming to Okinawa the end of November for his 2 weeks leave. He should be here for Thanksgiving.

Gretchen: I am still working with Health Promotions and subbing at the elementary school. When I am not working, I am doing something for PTO. I am at the school all the time! Our fall fundraiser is coming up which I am in charge of. We use to do Sally Foster as the fundraiser but I found a company who does recycling bags so since I found it, I get to be in charge of it. It is called Mixed Bag Designs. I am excited to start the fundraiser.

Other than running to school, practice, games or meetings, nothing else has been happening here. We are having more typhoon warnings, I wish one would just hit and get it over with! I did get to see the ND/MSU game on Sunday morning. Of course we had to go to church so I missed the ending but am happy with the end result. Better luck next year ND!

First Day of School

2010-08-30T15:45:00.004+09:00

It was the first day of school on Okinawa today and as you can tell by the picture, my boys were thrilled. Hunter is going into 3rd and has Mrs. Delaney and Brody is going into 1st with Mrs. Goodwin. I got called to sub for the first 2 days of school so right off the bat I am earning money!! We are currently in TC- 2. Which means a storm is coming our way. I got everything strapped down outside and now we are just waiting for it to hit. Apparently it is coming towards us but all we will get is a lot of rain and wind gust. We haven't had a typhoon in 3 years so we are about due. I got my fridge stocked with the necessary items for us, food, water and beer. If I am going to be stuck inside, I might as well be happy!!

Baseball continues for the boys. Last weekend, Hunter had a game that lasted 2.5 hours. They ended up winning but exhausted all the pitchers. It was very warm and humid so it was not fun to play in.

Brody also had a game. That boy kills me!! He hit the ball into the outfield, ran to first and the coach told him to go to second, he looked at the coach and said, "No, It's too hot to run!!" That's my boy! He played a great game at first and pitcher but was really looking forward to the snack at the end.

Baseball 2010

2010-08-14T16:14:00.005+09:00

Baseball season has started and boy was it a hot one. Hunter had the first game at 9:00am and it felt like it was 100 degrees. Joe and I decided to "age" him up to the 9-10 division this year. He would have still played coach pitch at 8 and we felt he was ready for kid pitch. He played great. He played short stop for today. There were a lot of walks and pass balls, not much hitting but the pitchers are just learning. His team won, 12-6. In this age group, they get to go to the playoffs so we can finally keep score. Brody had a game at 10:15 so I had to leave Hunter's game early to get to Brody's game. Of course, after I left, Hunter got to pitch one inning. He is not much on words so all I got out of him was that he did okay and no one scored. I think my friend was able to get pics of him pitching.

Brody had a great day hitting. I had to be fast to get his picture because once the ball is on the tee, he hits it. No one volunteered for catcher (it was too hot so I don't blame anyone) so Brody raised his hand and did the job. Although you can't take off the mask, he did a great job at stopping the ball. Of course, his favorite thing about the game was the snack after the game!

Brody doing a dance after getting to second base. I wish I would of had the video camera.

Summer Trip 2010

2010-08-11T10:49:00.008+09:00

Well, the surprise went off beautifully. The boys and I flew to the states to surprise both sides of the family with a little help from friends and family. Our adventure started off in California with a visit to my good friend, Kim. We hung out with her and her 2 boys for 5 days. We were able to see our old neighbors, The Shaws, and see our old house. We spent a lot of time in the pool and watching Wipeout. Trent and Travis got my boys hooked on this show so I am now trying to figure out what day it is on in Okinawa.
Hunter and Travis jumping
Hunter, Evan, Wyatt, Brody
Muscle Men

After CA, we flew to MI where my brother in law, Les, met us at the airport with a car seat for Brody. We went over to Aunt Jackie and Uncle Pete's house where we stayed for 5 days. They took up out on their boat for 2 days and the boys were lovin' it. That is all they talk about. They both got to tube and ski (although skiing didn't go very well) and got to bond with their cousins. I'm sure Stephanie and Ryan are enjoying the peace and quiet they get now that the boys are gone.
Brody trying to ski
Hunter trying to ski
Hunter unsure about the tubing speed (telling Uncle Pete to stop)
Hunter and Uncle Pete driving the boat

We left the Klahns to go to Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City. It was a lot of fun and the boys were pooped every night. I think they spent almost 2 hours playing in the fort then running down every 5 minutes to get the Big bucket dumped on them.
Great Wolf Lodge Room
Lazy River
Big Bucket dump (boys are in the middle)
After the dump
Climbing in the Fort

Then it was on to the Harju reunion where we were surprising my parents. The boys jumped out of the trunk of the car and surprised Nana and Opa. Everyone was moved to tears. Of course, I left the camera in the hotel room so there are no tear stained face pictures. We spent a week with my family and then we over to GR to surprise Joe's.
Hunter muddy after following Uncle Les too close on the quad
Hunter, Kadin, Brody in the golf cart
Hunter on Uncle Les's motorcycle
Arch Rock on Mackinac Island- Brielle, Hunter, Brody, Kadin
After climbing Castle Rock

Pete brought us in by boat and Nora and Julie jumped in the water to greet us with their clothes on. Then we spent the day in the boat tubing with the cousins. Unfortunately, the well broke at the house so doing laundry and taking a shower looked like a 3 ring circus.
Galvin Grandkids
Hunter kayaking
Brody kayaking
Brody hugging cousin Ryan goodbye
Cooper, Brody and Hunter tubing

We are finally back in Okinawa. We just had a Tropical Storm go through so there was lots of wind (gusty at times) and lots of rain. It has finally past and the sun is out today. School will start on the 30th for the boys but I have PTO meetings the week before.

Update on Joe: He is going to CA in Sept. for a case that he has been on for awhile. I think the are finally going to end it but i don't know. He will take his 2 weeks R&R in November and then will finally be home in March. We will not know our next duty station until Feb./Mar. time frame.

Aquathon

2010-06-29T20:08:00.010+09:00

The first aquathon of the season was tonight. Both boys did the 1st race of a 400 meter run, 100 meter swim, 400 meter run. I did not run because I wanted to take pictures and I have a chest cold. Hunter won his age group with a time of 6:01. He improved his time by 1 minute compared to last year. Running is not his strong event but he made up for it in the swim. Brody also won his division with a time of 8:43. He was able to improve 20 seconds as compared to last year. He got a little confused in the pool and started to do another 25 meters but realized that he should have gotten out so he turned around. He was able to make up some time in the run. Brody is more a distance athlete where Hunter is more of a sprinter. They both had a good time and got blue ribbons for their efforts.

When we got there to sign up, there were a few people who came up to me and asked where Joe was. When I told them that he would not be here, they would laugh and tell me that now they had a chance at winning. I think the 13 year old that was the overall winner of the longer race would have given Joe a good race.
The boys and I before the race

Game faces

Hunter's first run

Getting out of the pool after swimming 100 meters

Putting shoes on with wet feet is not an easy task
Brody before the race

The first lap, heading into the pool

In the pool doing 100 meters

Climbing out and trying to find his shoes

Getting the shoes on

Heading out on his last 400 meter run

Finishing strong

A sprint to the finish. You can see Hunter in the background, he went back to run a little with Brody.

Almost forgot to tell everyone, Brody lost his 2nd tooth the other day. He is now working on number 3!!

Hunter goal kick

2010-06-26T20:16:00.002+09:00

Last one, I promise. This is from soccer season when Hunter scored on a penalty kick. No, that is not be screaming on the video.

Video...Finally

2010-06-26T20:09:00.001+09:00

Okay, everyone who is not on Facebook, I hope you can see this video. He is swimming against older kids but did very well. There is an aquathon on Tuesday (run, swim, run) and I told Brody I would get him on video. Enjoy.

Summer Swim Season

2010-06-23T07:42:00.004+09:00

Coming off the starting blocks.

It is that time of year (again) where Hunter hits the pool. He will tell you he doesn't like it but I think he really does! He is still in the 8 and under group for the awards but can compete against any age. The lane assignments are based off of times, not age. In one of his events, he was swimming next to a 48 year old and the other side he had a 13 year old. Yes, I could have swam at the meet because I swim Masters but who would have taken the pictures?
Doing the Butterfly.

More fly

He swam butterfly for the first time. It was a 25M swim and he did it in 28.90. Then he did the 100M freestyle in the time of 1:33.76 and then the 50M free in 42.22
All of his times were good and he seemed pleased with them. Next week is an aquathon for both boys, I'll be sure to take pictures.
Coming strong into the wall (finishing the fly)

The boys and I are going camping the week after the 4th with some friends. Then we are going to try and Space A (space available) to Guam. We picked Guam because there are always lots of flights going there, it is still a tropical island and they have stores like the states. I think the boys will just be happy to get off this island.
Doing the 25M kick board. All 10 and under have to do this event.

Joe and I will celebrate our anniversary on the 26th. It seems like he is always gone somewhere on our anniversary! The boys and I will go out to eat and then see a movie. They tell me that they are going to pay but we will see.
Finishing the freestyle.
Joe says it is hot there. It was 120 the other day. I thought he would have stopped running due to the heat but I guess he just gets up earlier in the morning to run.

2010-06-13T08:55:00.004+09:00

Brody, Sophia, Trevor (Sophia is from his soccer team)

It was field trip day for the kindergartners at school. All 5 classes went to the zoo and wonder museum. The day started off over cast with a light mist. We went into the wonder museum first. We had the whole place to our selves. Most of the classes went to the zoo first because it was not raining. The boys spent about 1.5 hours in the museum and then we headed out to the zoo. We got to the first cage and it started to rain. Brody had his rain boots and a rain coat and all I had was a Thomas the Train umbrella. We saw the zoo in record time! Brody wasn't too upset because he had gone to the zoo over spring break!

Brody and his buddies in the large chair. They thought this was the coolest thing. They had a huge donut and coffee on the table next to the chair.

Here is Brody having fun in the small chair!

Although you really can't tell but the picture below is Brody's face! They have a huge board of the plastic pegs to make designs and this was entertainment for about 15 minutes. The boys were thinking of everything to make a mold of. I didn't take the picture but there was one of someones bum!!

Hunter's class went to Macaroni Grill for their field trip that day. Don't ask me how Macaroni Grill is an educational experience! The boys are signed up for baseball but that won't start until August. Swim team is in full swing. Practices are M,T,W, TH for Hunter 3-5. He is starting to complain that he doesn't have time to play with anyone. Jordan, his friend, is on the team but doesn't swim the same level as Hunter so they don't get to see each other. Today is Joe's birthday. The boys and I will celebrate with a cake, okay I everyone knows Joe doesn't like cake especially Chocolate cake but I am doing this for the boys!!

Final Soccer game!

2010-05-24T09:23:00.003+09:00

I hit the button too many times so I think this is the third time you are getting this. Yes, I know there was nothing on the page the first time- got too excited when I was typing. Also I changed the background to make it easier to read!

The final soccer game was last weekend. Brody had the first game and Hunter was suppose to play later in the day. They couldn't find a team for Hunter to play so we ended up with only one game. Thank goodness!! It was hot and humid. Brody scored a goal. He will give you a very detailed play by play but I will sum it up for him. He was further out from the goal, he kicked it, the goalie went to kick it (instead of using her hands), missed it and it went in. I think Brody gave everyone including the other team a high five. It truly is a joy to watch him score a goal!! Now if we could only get Hunter to show that kind of excitement.

We are now onto baseball and swim. Swim team will start for Hunter on June 1st. Brody is too young to be on the team but swims with me on the weekends. Brody just passed his swim test, which will allow him to swim in the pool without me having to be in the water! Baseball sign ups are also on June 1st. Both boys will be playing again. We are going to try and age Hunter up one group. Over here, 8 year olds still play Coach pitch, back in CA, he would be playing kid pitch. We will try and see if he can do it, I am sure he will do fine but you never know.
Brody, Hunter and Jordan showing off the basketball shirts.

After talking with Julie (sister-in-law) on the phone, I decided to take a picture of my rash!! It looked like ringworm, it acted like ringworm but the doctor doesn't know what it was. This picture isn't even the worst of it. When I first got it, my entire forearm was covered in bumps and red marks. I haven't mowed the lawn since. It has actually been raining. Everyone who really knows me, knows that I am too cheap to hire someone to cut the lawn when I can do it myself!!

It has been 107-113 in Afghanistan. Joe says it is a dry heat. He called to tell me that David Beckham was there (soccer player). I told him to get a picture of him for me but he said he didn't have his camera on him! What is he thinking??? The camera should be the second thing he puts on, right after the flack jacket!! We have parties all this weekend so no cooking for me!

New Post!!!

2010-05-21T17:51:00.004+09:00

Hunter and his friend Jordan. Most people think that I have 3 boys. Jordan spends a lot of time at our house!

I haven't posted anything in awhile so I thought I would send out a quick note. The very last soccer game got cancelled last weekend so we are going to try again this weekend. The boys are ready to be done with soccer. It is starting to get really hot and humid here so outside play isn't there favorite thing right now. I have been mowing the lawn. Joe says I can get a lawn ninja but I think I am trying to prove to myself that I can do it all while he is gone. Well, I might be calling the lawn ninjas! As I was cutting the grass almost 2 weeks ago, I kept getting bit by tiny bugs. I kept going and even "trimmed" the bushes. Okay...I hacked them up so bad that if they wanted to grow back, we will be gone before that happens!! A couple days after, I noticed a rash on my arm. Just the left arm. Of course, I itched it and it spread! I didn't go into the doctor because I knew it was just a rash! On Tuesday (a week and a half after mowing the lawn) I was working in the clinic and had one of the docs look at it. She said it was contact dermatitis. She prescribed me drugs and off I went. As luck would have it, the rash didn't go away but turned into a ring!! With my experience in athletic training, I knew it could only be one thing...ringworm. I know you can't get it from mowing the lawn. I went back to the doc and she gave me something else (treating it like ringworm) so hopefully this takes care of it. I am seriously considering a lawn ninja!

I am not going to post a picture of my arm but I do have a few from past soccer games. School is ending on the 17th of June. Swim practice starts for Hunter on June 1st and Brody will continue to take lessons. More pictures later.

Hello Again!

2010-05-01T13:51:00.004+09:00

The family- Joe is there in spirit.
Hunter actually smiling!

It has been awhile since the last post. Lots has happened. First off, Hunter made his first Holy Communion. He was chosen by his teacher to bring up the hosts but I didn't tell him until it was time. He gets nervous and I didn't want him to back out. After the service we had a party at Trina's house. It was a Mexican theme with Trina and I making all the food, including the cake. There was a lot of people and I think everyone had a good time.
Hunter and Catherine (Trina's daughter)

The cake!

I have been subbing for the past 2 weeks. The teacher got stuck in England on spring break due to the volcano. I have tired after being with 25 kindergartners all day. I have never seen so much nose picking and tattling in my life. I guess this confirms that I am not going to be a teacher.

Soccer started up again this weekend. I video taped some of the games but haven't figured out how to put it on the blog. I really don't like to tape because then I can't yell any thing. I would much rather have Joe tape but then I guess I would still be on the tape, just yelling! I say encouraging things but I can't keep quiet (like mother, like daughter).

I am hosting a Pampered Chef show to benefit breast cancer so if you need anything, let me know. I am working my other job, MCCS, this week. It will be another busy week but that is the way we like it. Makes the time go by faster. Our trip to Thailand got cancelled. That is a good thing, I didn't feel safe taking the kids there without Joe with all the turmoil over there. We are planning on going in the summer if things quiet down.

Easter in Okinawa

2010-04-07T15:19:00.003+09:00

This is not even half of the eggs that were hidden!

Easter came and went without too much excitement. It rained the entire day, sometimes hard, but we still celebrated. We went to 8am mass then it was off to the Bourquins for an Easter celebration. There were 8 families there and a lot of eggs to find. Our neighbor, Chris goes and puts all the eggs on the hill behind Trina's house while we are at church, so when we all get home, the egg hunt can start. Since it was raining, we decided to eat first and then do the egg hunt.
All the kids before the hunt began.

Everyone brought a dish to pass so there was plenty of food. Trina made Me-A-Mosas, to everyone one who doesn't speak southern, it is a mimosa! Everyone was having a great time. We actually forgot about the eggs, so when we finally did do them, the candy was a little wet. We finished off the evening with a little Wii Rock Band.

This same group will gather in two weeks for another party as Hunter and Catherine (Trina's daughter) make there first communion. Really, it is just another reason to get together and eat and drink.

Soccer is still going and spring break will be starting on the 12th. More from us later.

Same thing, different day

2010-03-27T21:41:00.004+09:00

It is Saturday again, so that means soccer! I would like to be able to tell you about a new adventure in Okinawa but it was a Soccer Saturday. The boys played at different times so I was able to see all of the games without having to leave. Brody was up first and I think they won, 2-1. They don't keep score but the kids do and I think that is what Brody said. He did not score a goal, he had an assist. But if you were to ask Brody, he would tell you this, "I kicked the ball and it went off William's leg so I really scored the goal, he just helped me." That was an exact quote that he gave me after the game. Why rain on his parade? I let him think that he scored!

Hunter's team lost 3-2 but don't tell Hunter. He thought they tied and it is better for everyone to believe that. He wanted to play so bad that he volunteered for goalie. He kicked the ball out on a goal kick and wasn't getting back to the goal fast enough and the other team kicked it in. He did make a nice save on the shot but fell back into the goal with the ball in his hands. He crossed the goal line, so it was a goal for the other team. I was on the side lines wishing for the quarter to end so he could get out of goal. It is not that I don't have the confidence in my son to play the position, it is just that he puts so much pressure on himself that when something goes wrong, he can't forget it and move on, he lingers in what went wrong. The quarter ended and he went back to the field. He was able to score a goal in this game.

We do have games next week but he also have the annual Kishaba Easter Egg Hunt. It is 4 families that get together and celebrate Easter with an egg hunt in the neighborhood. This is the only time my kids like getting up early for church. The fastest we get church done, the faster we can get to the Bourquins house for the party! More on that next week.

Joe is doing fine. We talk about 2x/week. I don't really know what he is doing there, we really don't talk about it- too many things going on back on the home front to take care of!

Soccer Season Has Started!!

2010-03-21T15:33:00.004+09:00

The season officially began on Saturday with the boys playing on 2 different bases and one mother trying to get to both. We started at Hunters game. He was playing forward and able to score a goal right away. That boy doesn't show much emotion when he scores. You would have thought the kid next to him scored with all the jumping up and down he was doing. Hunter just turned and ran back to mid field. I guess that is good, I don't want to have that kid that shows off. I was only able to stay until half time (Hunter sat out the 2nd quarter) because I had a 40 minute drvie to the next base for Brody's game. Hunter did score again in the 2nd half and his team ended up winning 3-2 (not that we keep score)

Brody's game was next and it is always very interesting to watch this age group. Where ever the ball was, there was a herd of kids around the ball. Brody has gotten a little more aggressive this year and was discretly throwing an elbow or two to get to the ball. He was hustling all over the field. He was like an energizer bunny. He did have a shot on the goal but the goalie stopped it. He keeps telling me that it went in but I never saw it. So in his mind, he scored a goal and I am not going to argue with him.

We sold our CA home. The owners will rent from us until we get accepted into the HAP program (helps Military sell their house) and then they will officially buy from us. I will be very glad to have that house gone. Joe calls about every other day and the boys get to talk with him. He was able to get a hold of us right after Brody's game. Brody was more interested in getting the after game snack so he didn't have much to say to dad.

No whale watching this weekend. We have a really heavy haze that hasn't burned off so they cancelled the tour. The boys really didn't want to go anyway. We went bowling instead.

Tokyo Swim Meet

2010-03-16T20:50:00.005+09:00

Okinawa Dolphin Swim Team (ODST) 4th place overall
Backstroke

Breaststroke

The boys relaxing at the hotel before the big day

Well, it was a long weekend but Hunter's hard work has paid off. The days were long- 5am wake up, hour and a half bus ride, in the pool by 7 for warm ups, finally leaving the pool at 6pm- both Saturday and Sunday. There was a lot of sitting around and waiting but the boys were able to entertain themselves by playing with the other kids. Brody was ready to go home around 9am but he had to stay the entire time.

The team placed 4th out of 16 teams and the boys team was also able to place 4th in the boys division. I don't know much about swimming and the points you earn for the team but Hunter was able to collect about 35 points for the team. Here are his results:
25m Free- 5th overall - 18.27
50 Free- 9th overall - 40.12
25 Back- 8th overall - 23.03
50 Back- 56.00
25 Breast- 14th place - 28.33
50 Breast- 16th overall - 1:00.89

There were 35 kids in his age group so we are very proud of his accomplishments. He was able to earn 2 ribbons for his efforts.

Boys 8 & U freestyle relay team: Ira, Hunter, Nick (Michael not in the picture). They set a team record in this event.
Michelle (Ira's mom) and I after 2 long days. The picture was taken by Hunter so it is a little fuzzy.

Hunter showing his ribbons- yes, he really was happy just very tired.
Brody trying on Hunter's new silicone swim cap.

We will take a break from swimming for awhile, soccer season has started. His next big meet will be in November and we will be going to Taiwan!! Hopefully Brody will be joining big brother in the pool.

On a side note- Joe is there and working hard. He is 4 1/2 hours behind Japan time (which is 14 ahead of MI time) He has called once and emails daily.

Parents visit

2010-03-09T18:57:00.003+09:00

Brody, Hunter,Jordan, and Katherine at the Bull Fight. For those of you who know how close Hunter is to Evan S. (CA neighbor), he has found his "Evan" in Okinawa. They are together all the time, playing baseball, basketball, climbing trees or riding bikes. I thought he would never find someone like Evan but I am happy to report that we have a little piece of Evan here.

It has been awhile since my last post but we have had company. My parents came in for 2 weeks. The timing was perfect because they got to see Joe before he left. They were able to see the boys play their last games of football and got to see the new soccer season start. We climb some ruins and visited a castle and also had a 7.0 earthquake and a tsunami warning. What a great visit to Okinawa!!
This guy wore that hat the entire bull fight.

Yes, we had an earthquake! Saturday morning we were all awaken at 5:30am to the house shaking and the sound of a freight train coming through the house. It seemed like it lasted forever!! Needless to say no one went back to bed. Nothing fell off the walls (no one messes with my concrete bunker) but the lights were swinging. Then on Sunday, they (Base) issued a tsunami warning, expected to hit at 3:10 pm. We grabbed our drinks and headed outside to experience this. The loud speakers started announcing that places below a certain height were to evacuate to higher ground. Since we live on a hill, we didn't have to go anywhere. So we waited and waited....nothing. So the warning came and went without any action.
Hunter wanted nothing to do with the bull, Brody didn't really care.

We also went and saw the 8th & I Silent Drill Team and the Drum and Bugle Corps. No, this is not an every year occurrence, the big wig of the Marine Corps was here so base pulled out all the stops. Everyone enjoyed the evening and that might have been the highlight of the visit. We went to a bull fight. As my mom said "It was okay, I would have liked to have seen more blood". It was interesting but we only saw 3 fights and the bulls were on a leash.

Joe has left for his year tour. I have his address for those who would like to send him mail. Just let me know. The boys and I are settling back into our routine. This weekend we are going to Tokyo for Hunter's swim meet. I will let everyone know how it goes.

I got Tagged!!

2010-02-11T15:30:00.002+09:00

I got this "tag" from my friend Sandy (Eli's mom) in CA. I thought I would fill it out since I normally don't when I get these in my email account. On a side note, for those of you who know what I am talking about.... 18 days to go.

4 shows I like to watch:
1. The Office
2. Survivor
3. Grey's Anatomy
4. How I Met Your Mother

4 things I am passionate about
1. I don't really think I am passionate about one thing. I'm sure my family could tell you other wise but I can't really think of anything.
2. I thought of one...for the next 2 weeks, I am very passionate about finishing the yearbook.

4 phrases I say a lot:
1. "Did you flush the toilet?"
2. "Wash your hands"
3. "Did you put on clean underwear?"
4. "Why are these clothes on the floor?"

4 things I have learned, or am learning:
1. To be more patient with the boys
2. Swimming masters can be fun
3. To say no to people
4. The military isn't that bad (I still don't like moving but I like the job security)

4 places I would like to go:
1. Michigan to see family
2. California to see friends
3. Disney World with the boys
4. Ireland

4 things I did yesterday:
1. Volunteered in Brody's class
2. Worked on the Zukeran Elementary yearbook
3. Went to football practice
4. Went to a soccer meeting

4 things I am looking forward to:
1. Time spent with Joe before he leaves
2. Seeing my parents in 2 weeks
3. Tokyo swim meet with the boys (Hunter is swimming)
4. Joe's safe return from far away

4 things on my wish list:
1. The CA housing market to improve so we can sell our house (Sorry Evan!)
2. To get into Nursing school (yes, I am still trying)
3. Health and happiness for my family
4. For the military to actually put families first! (This is a wish list remember!)

4 people I tag:
1. I tagged no one. Not because I don't think any one would respond, I know you all are busy and probably get these "tag" letters in your emails. So this was posted for your enjoyment!!

Football Break

2010-02-06T14:53:00.003+09:00

No football this weekend!! It has been cold and rainy all week and the fields are all beat up. So I thought I would show you pictures from the Galvin Triathlon that was run last weekend. All the boys placed first in their age groups but no prizes were given out.

It was Brody's idea for Joe and him to run a triathlon. Hunter joined in the fun and I grabbed my camera. First, we had to make sure everyone was dressed the proper way. Brody had a biking shirt, given to him by a cousin, and Hunter wore one of Joe's smaller biking shirts so he could have one too. They ran a reverse tri- run, bike, swim. Of course, on the first lap of running, Hunter fell and scraped his knee. You can't tell in the pictures but he was walking when Joe went back to get him. Brody came running up the street, wiping sweat away and concentrating on breathing in the nose and out the mouth. Hunter was able to catch up with Brody on the bike so he was happy that he wasn't last. We got into the car and went to the pool where each boy had to swim 100M. After the swim portion, we just played in the water!

Brody went to a birthday party and they had a face painter. He wanted to be Darth Mull from Star Wars!! We had to go to church an hour after the party was done. Joe was the lector, which means we sit in the front row. I couldn't let Brody go to church like that so I washed it off. He had a pink glow to him for a couple of days.

A Day in the Life of the Military Wife!

2010-01-27T13:05:00.002+09:00

Where do I begin this blog...working out or throwing up? I'll start with the work out.

The other day I was doing the Jillian Michael's (The Biggest Loser trainer)"No More Trouble Zone" workout. This DVD was no joke! I know I could be in better shape but this thing kicked my butt. Of course, I had the peanut gallery sitting on the couch while exercising. Hunter told me that this workout was easy and he could do it. So I told him to get off the couch and try. He did. He made it look easy. I probably could have made it look easy too if I had the body fat that Hunter has. Brody was a different story. He was always giving me encouraging words, telling me I only had one more set to do, just words of wisdom by Brody. First let me start by telling you this...Jillian was wearing black spandex shorts and a blue sports bra. I was wearing black sweat pants and a green tank sports bra. Now remember, this lady is a trainer so she has muscles I didn't even knew you could have and she is thin. Brody tells me "Mom, if you would have worn your blue top, you and that lady (Jillian) would look alike!" Those were probably the best words I could have heard at that point!!

The other night, Hunter woke up and told me his stomach hurt. I looked at the clock and saw that it read 2:45am, and told him to just try and go to the bathroom. Well, at 3:30 am, Hunter threw up. I forgot to tell you that he was on the top bunk! He didn't want to get his bed dirty so he leaned over the side and threw up on the ground. Somehow Brody slept through this commotion. Joe was cleaning up Hunter so I decided to move Brody into our bed. As I woke him up he said, "Geez Hunter, you got me all wet" Apparently, when he got out of bed he stepped in a very small spot of what came out of Hunter's mouth and was mad that Hunter got him wet!! We have had no other episodes of sickness so I guess it was the 2 minute flu!

Obviously, I am not going to post a picture of the mess in the boy's room and I am certainly not going to post a picture of me exercising. No pictures this week!!

Football and Earthquakes!

2010-01-17T15:28:00.006+09:00

My Raider and my Saint!

Another week has gone by and the boys are continuing right where they left off. Hunter played more of a defensive game this week by grabbing 3 interceptions (running one back for a touchdown). His coach is trying to keep the scoring about the same for each boy so Hunter didn't get the ball as much on offense. I over heard the coaches talking about Hunter "reading the quarterback/play" and they said that you can't teach a kid that, they just pick it up on their own. So I was telling Hunter what they said after the game and he started crying. He told me that he didn't know it was a pass play, he was just going for the quarterback and he happened to throw it. He thought that "reading the play" was a bad thing and he was in trouble. After I tried to explain it, he felt a little better. I'm sure Joe could have explained it better but I did my best.

Brody is taking after Uncle Mike by playing center, and loving it!! He told me if he plays center, he always gets to touch the ball. I think I have to work with him on his stance. Most of the time before he hikes the ball, he has his feet spread, ball on the ground, head on the ball, looking through his legs and shaking his butt. I didn't get a picture of it but it happened almost every play. He did end up getting the ball and running right up the middle for a TD. I have no idea how he made it through without getting his flags pulled but he made it.

Brody scoring a TD

Playing center

Pulling flags

I'm sure most of you didn't know, but Okinawa had an earthquake on Friday evening (8:08 pm to be exact). I was at a neighbor's house watching all the kids when I felt it. None of the kids felt it (actually Brody said he did but not until the next day so I don't think he really felt it) It was a 5.3 on the scale. There was no damage, not even one glass fell off the shelf! My ceiling did hold up throughout the shaking- so if it isn't going to fall in an earthquake, I think I am safe the rest of the tour here.

Just about to score the TD (I just figured out how to edit my pictures on my camera (zoom in)).

Joe should be home next week for about 3-4 weeks then he is off for a long time. Talk to you all next week.

Flamingos and Football!!

2010-01-09T12:41:00.005+09:00

Football season is upon us again but this year both boys are playing. Hunter has made a huge improvement from last year. He has his game face on and is ready to go every play. He was able to play most of the game at various positions and had fun. It is great to watch him out there. You can tell he knows the game and is able to figure out what to do when a play doesn't go as planned. He is able to find and open player or get open himself. Today, he was fortunate enough to get the ball a lot and was able to score 3 TD's.

Brody is also playing this year for the first time. I really thought he would be the one on the sideline, playing with the water jug or picking blades of grass. I couldn't have been more wrong. He is a competitor. He listens to the coach and does exactly what he is told. If someone is in his way, he pushes them out of the way and keeps going. The boys played at the same time today so I was having to bounce between fields. I was very lucky in that when I got to Bordy's field (close enough to take pics) he got the ball and ended up running for a touchdown!! He even spiked the ball when he was done (no penalty, thank goodness!!) Of course, he was excited the team won but was really more concerned with what was brought for snack! I guess the competitive edge doesn't last forever!

Finally, Flamingos!! I was flocked!! I woke up Tuesday morning to find 10 flamingos aligning my front walkway. The local church youth group was doing a fundraiser and my neighbor paid money for them to place the flamingos in my yard. The boys were excited to see them but mad that they were only staying for 24 hours. How come when I was in youth group, we never did things like that?!

Brody's Birthday

2010-01-03T17:47:00.003+09:00

Pinata at the party

Cupcake soccer ball

Well, I survived another birthday party and let me tell you, I am done with parties. They are too much work, especially around the holidays. Brody had a good time and was very excited about the entire day. He ended up having everyone come, including some siblings, which I had no idea were coming until they got to the door!! Of course, it rained and all the games were going to be played outside! So, we had an indoor crab soccer game with a beach ball and pin the ball in the goal. It finally cleared enough to have the pinata outside, only to have one of the kids take a swing before Joe could get it set up. Let's just say, the boy sat in a "time out" during the hitting of the pinata. The cake was cupcakes and the extra ones I made into a soccer ball. I think Brody enjoyed his day and I am glad it is over!!

Brody making his wish.
Gift from Uncle Mike and Aunt Christie

Christmas was very mellow for us. We stayed inside all day (it rained all day too) and played with all the new toys the boys got! Nothing too exciting to report on Christmas day, just some good ole' family time.
Playing with gift from Nana and Opa (Gretchen's parents)

For New Year's Eve, Joe and I (kids too) had a progressive dinner with some friends. Thank goodness I have a condemned ceiling because no one wanted to come to our house in case it did fall (actually, we live the farthest away from all the houses so we didn't have to host.) It was fun. The evening ended with a movie in the driveway of one of the houses (he brought a projector home and hung up a sheet and we watched a movie under the stars!) Of course, if you talk to my kids, the highlight of the day was not the progressive dinner, it was mom getting pulled over by PMO (military police)that afternoon. Apparently, he said I was going 52km in a 35km. Now here is my problem, I was in Joe's car. I don't think it can even go that fast, second I was going up a big hill, third I had just turned onto the street! So when he comes to my window, he says "Ma'am, you were going 52 in a 35!" I really wanted to tell him that "That's crap" but I refrained. I told him his gun was wrong and there was no way I was going that fast. He took my ID and driver's license and came back to the car and said he was just going to give me a warning! Now, I don't know if it had anything to do with Hunter, who was crying in the backseat saying "We're going to jail, I know it, we are going to jail" or Brody yelling "Look at the police lights, I think he is going to pull someone over". Once we were free to go, everyone calmed down in the car. The car wasn't even stopped at the house when the boys jump out to let their dad know what just happened!! Lesson learned, if you are going to get pulled over, have one crying kid in the back and another one clueless as to what is actually happening! Happy New Year to all!!

Housing Update!!

2009-12-18T09:06:00.002+09:00

Well,he is the situation. Joe and I went into the housing office to talk with the "Relocation Counselor". Joe told me to let him do the talking because he would remain calm. I didn't say a word. I sat and listened to what Joe was telling her and listened to what she was telling us. But, when she started to apologize for the timing of the letter (one week before Christmas)I could hold my tongue any longer. She states "I'm sorry the letter came out when it did" and I reply "Yeah, that's crap!" I got the look from Joe but continued on about the ceiling. I remained very calm and was able to tell the entire story of the ceiling to her. She gets on her phone and talks to Tim and says "The occupants are describing a drop ceiling to me, could you go over and check to make sure this is correct". We drive home and have Tim look at the house and he said that there is no reason for us to move, our ceilings are fine!! I didn't want to tell him that I wasn't going any where!! So a half way happy ending, we do not have to move but Joe is still deploying!!

Merry Christmas from the Air Force

2009-12-17T09:20:00.004+09:00

The house in question!!

Yes, you read the title correctly! The Air Force has given us an early (unwanted) Christmas present. Dec. 16th as I sit on the floor folding laundry, the doorbell rings. As I am opening the door, Kinjo (works with housing maintenance) is about to tape something to my door. He hands me the letter, that has my housing address on it, and says "they (housing) are going to have to move you, your ceiling unsafe." Now, he could have just handed me the letter and let me read it on my own but he tells me that we will have to move and if I have any questions, call the number on the paper. QUESTIONS! YES, I HAVE QUESTIONS!! Apparently, there are about 15 houses that have a wool cement ceiling that needs to be fix and they can't do it while we are living in the house. SO, they want to move everyone, within the next 3 months, to the towers (apartments) on Kinser (20 minutes away).

To catch some of you up, this is the same ceiling, one year ago, that we had replaced because we had cement pieces falling down. The entire living area was redone. They checked the rest of the house and said that those ceilings were fine. In August, I get home from vacation and find my kitchen ceiling sagging in the corner. Maintenance was called and after every engineer and architect looked at it, they said that it didn't need to be repaired. We have a year and a half left on this tour, I have been living in the house with a new ceiling for about a year and now you are telling me that I need to move because of the ceiling?!!

So, not only is Joe deploying on January 3rd, the kids and I are suppose to move from our support system and friends (that will be needed while he is away) so our house can sit vacant until they get around to fixing it. There are 2 houses down the street that need the ceiling repaired and nothing has been done to them since they moved the family out almost a year ago. Now don't get me wrong, if I hear the pieces of ceiling falling or my ceiling starts to sag again, I'll move but it has been fixed!!! The military is known to "hurry up and then wait"- they will move everyone out and then the houses will sit for a long time.

I am not the one handling the situation (I know you will be happy dad!!) Joe is. He seems to have a more level head and won't start crying to the people! But if his level headedness doesn't work, I am going in there with 2 crying kids and a hysterical mother and then we will see if they make us move. I might get committed to the mental ward but at least I tried. I will keep you all informed about the situation!!! Merry Christmas to all!!

The new ceiling we got about a year ago.

Holiday Hurrah Swim Meet

2009-12-14T15:27:00.003+09:00

The last and finale swim meet of the year was on Saturday. Both Hunter and Joe competed while Brody and I cheered them on. This was the last time to get a qualifying time for the Tokyo swim meet. Hunter was able to qualify for the 25M breast stroke and 50M back stroke at this meet in addition to the 25M Free, 50M Free and 25M back that he had already qualified for. There was no rematch between Hunter and Joe in the 25M free- Hunter sat that one out. It was a beautiful day for a swim meet and was actually getting hot towards the end of the meet.

Brody had plenty to do at the meet but somehow managed to tell me that he was bored. There is always free ice cream at the end of the meets so I kept reminding him of that. He is now getting the itch to swim so Joe is going to start taking him to the pool on the weekends. You have to be 7 to be on the team but at least he can start practicing.

The money Hunter collected for the Distance Dare meet made him the 2nd place money winner. He won a nice Speedo backpack that is waterproof, Speedo goggles, and a Phelps8 (Michael Phelps) t-shirt. He was very surprised that he had collected so much. Thank you all who supported him in his quest for Tokyo.

We are now on to flag football and winter training camp (swim- Hunter). We are spending alot of time together this holiday season as we prepare for Joe's departure. No definite word on leave date yet will be sometime in March- April. He is hoping for a March date so he can return March 2011. April 2011 return date puts us very close to our pack out date,which is in June 2011

Very Generous Brother!!

2009-12-08T19:02:00.005+09:00

Brody and his buddy Marcus at the Kindergarten Pilgram Performance
A Family shot after the performance
The boys and I were talking the other day about Hunter's Distance Dare (the swimming he did for 2 hours). I was telling Hunter that I was very proud of him for one, swimming and completing the event and two, writing letters to get pledges. Brody wanted to know what the pledges were for. I explained to him that the money that Hunter collected was going to help pay his way to the Tokyo swim meet in March. Nothing more was said of it in the car. Later in the evening, Brody asked me if I could come to his room. He had a very serious look on his face and I thought something had happened at school. He wanted me to help him open his piggy bank up so he could get something out of it. I asked him what he wanted and he told me that he wanted to give something to Hunter. I helped him open the bank and he sat on the floor and sorted his money. He then pulled out a $20 and asked if he should give that to Hunter to help him swim. I told him that $20 was a very generous gift and if he would like to pledge Hunter that much, he could. He thought for a few minutes and changed the 20 to a dollar and walked into the kitchen and gave it to Hunter!! He was very happy that his name made the pledge sheet along with everyone else!!The cutest pilgram at the performance

Birthday Weekend at the Galvin"s

2009-12-02T15:10:00.002+09:00

Hunter wearing an old football helmet

Brody's team (the team that didn't score as many points as the other team)

It was a busy weekend at the Galvin household last weekend. Hunter turned 8 on Saturday with a party with 12 boys. I now know why I do not give my children parties... too much work, with lots of complaining. I had some kids fill there plate with hot dogs and chips to turn around and throw it away! They tell me that they don't like hot dogs. THEN WHY DID YOU TAKE A PLATE FULL!!! Then the same kids take a cake (everyone got their individual football cake), decorate it and then lick the frosting and throw the cake away. Apparently, they only like frosting! I could have given them a tub of frosting to eat without wasting the cake. Some of the kids had no manners at times and I felt like I was babysitting. I hope that my kids don't act that way at someone else's party.

Overall, it was a good day. There were 12 kids plus Hunter and Brody that played flag football. Of course, my ultra-competitive son was getting mad because some kids were goofing off and not pulling flags. Joe kept reminding him that this was for fun and not everyone knows how to play football. Hunter's response was "Then we shouldn't have invited them!" No more parties for a while for us. He got alot of nice gifts and Brody seemed more excited than Hunter. Hunter would open a gift, Brody would see the corner of the package and Brody would get all excited!!
The winning team!

I didn't get many pictures of the game because my job was to start the grill. Now, when we were in CA, I did all the grilling but we had a gas grill. Here we have charcoal- not as easy to start! Of course, the boys are coming home, wanting to eat and I still have no flame in the grill. So I do what any other Galvin would do, I grab the lighter fluid and "wet" down the coals!! I about lost my eye lashes on that trick but I got a flame and was able to cook the hot dogs.

We stayed home on Sunday (my birthday)and just hung out. Brody kept asking when my party was. Later in the evening we went to a friends for dinner and came home and had German Chocolate Cake. I am the only one who eats it but it is a tradition. We get a month break from birthday's than we have Brody's (Dec. 30th) soccer partyGretchen, thankful she has eyelashes!!

2009-11-21T14:32:00.002+09:00

Just a quick note since I haven't posted anything in awhile! Not much is happening around here. We are going to a friend's house, along with 4 other families, for Thanksgiving. Then we are headed to the ball field for a huge game of kickball! I know you are suppose to play football but we have to include all the kids.

No races for Joe this week. He is starting to get busy with Marine things. Hunter is practicing swim 4 days a week, not necessarily liking that but is happy to have qualified for the Tokyo swim meet. Thank you to all the people who have pledged for his swim-a-thon. One more swim meet left then training starts for the Tokyo kids only.

Brody (and Hunter) will be starting flag football on Nov. 30th. We have already told the boys that there is no crying in football. I don't know if Brody really understands football so we told him it was like a big game of tag! If you have the ball, everyone is running after you so don't let them catch you!

Nothing is set in stone yet (and with the Marine Corps, that takes some time) but the beginning of the new year is the first date and then spring starts the year count down. For those of you who have no idea what I am talking about call or ask around and you will find out! Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving. We are celebrating Hunter's birthday on the 28th (his actual birthday) with a football party! I hope it doesn't rain because Hunter wants to have a pretend war in the house! 12 boys all shooting Nerf guns....pray for sun!! Actually, it would be 13 boys because I know that Joe will be a part of it!!

Happy 234th Birthday Marine Corps!

2009-11-11T08:05:00.003+09:00

It is that time again where we celebrate birthdays! November starts off with the Marine Corps birthday on Nov. 10th. The 1st MAW (Marine Air Wing) ball was on Nov.
9th this year and I actually remembered my camera. It was fun to get all dressed up. I do believe this is the only time where I can get ready faster than Joe! My friend, Trina, did my hair for the ball. I had to sleep in sponge rollers and then hide in my house the next day until it was time to get it done. Of course, when she is doing my hair it starts to rain! I had so much hairspray in my hair that it wasn't going anywhere. To give you an idea of how much hairspray I had, she did a trial run of the hair on Sat. She put the curlers in Friday night and took them out Sat. am. I drove with the windows down all day, played outside with the boys and my hair didn't move one bit!! It was a fun evening and look forward to doing it again next year!

"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem." PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN, 1985
Meeghan Ertwine, Joe and Gretchen

HAPPY BIRTHDAY USMC!!! 234th birthday of the MARINE CORP. SEMPER FI .....Do or Die...Holdem' them High in 8th/I! GO DEVIL DOGS!!!
Yes, Joe actually had a drink this evening!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

2009-11-01T10:30:00.003+09:00

It was another rainy night in Okinawa but that didn't stop the boys from trick or treating. We went to church at 5, Brody wanted to wear his costume to church, then came home to change and hit the neighborhood. I went down to a friends house to hand out candy while Joe walked with the boys. In the mass rush to get home and changed, we didn't take any pictures. The boys were invited to a Halloween party the week before so that is what the pictures are from.

Hunter had his first swim meet on Sat. and he did very well. These are his results:
25M Backstroke: 29.14
25M Freestyle: 21.92
25M Kick board: 29.88
50M Freestyle: 48.43
Hunter was able to qualify for the Tokyo Swim Meet (in March) with these times. There are 4 kids per age group and he filled one slot in the 8 and under. So the China trip for spring break will have to wait, we are going to Tokyo in March to swim!!

I ran the Marine Corps Marathon Relay on Sat. The race was rescheduled from last weekend. I was able to run the first leg and then get to the swim meet. Each runner had to run 5.2 miles. I was able to do it in 55:14- which is fast from me. At one point on the course, I was the only one around (there were people behind me but farther away.) I came up to a water station and as the Marine was handing me my water, I told him that I was in first place!! He really didn't know what to say, he just kind of smiled and said "Yes, you are ma'am." He probably thought I was so dehydrated that I didn't know what I was talking about. It was fun and now I can say that I have run a Marine Corps Marathon!!

Baseball done, Swimming Starts

2009-10-22T09:08:00.002+09:00

I thought we were done with baseball. Last weekend was suppose to be the last game but is was raining so they cancelled. I would have been happy with no makeup game but the league had other ideas. So, the last game for the boys is this weekend. They have both signed up for flag football but that will not start until December. Hunter is on the swim team. He originally made the "red" team (the younger ones) but just got moved up to the "pink" team. This team is kids who are not challenged enough at the red level but might not be able to do the entire workout at the white level. He is nervous but excited at the same time. This means that instead of having 2 practices a week, we jumped to 4. Unfortunately, Brody is too young to do swim team so he plays with the kick boards on the pool deck while Hunter is swimming. I am continuing with the Adult Masters swim. I only go 2 days a week and that is enough right now.

Joe is still in the Philippines. He left at the beginning of the month to do and exercise there but the typhoon it and the exercise turned into a humanitarian effort. I don't really know what that entails but I do know one day he was giving out school supplies to a local school. Communication has been difficult. The email is not reliable and when he calls, he is not on a secure line so he can't tell me much. He is schedule to come home soon but there is another typhoon headed that way. It is suppose to hit the northern part of the Philippines, he is not in the northern part, but doesn't know if this will effect his travel back. So, the boys and I carry on our normal routine and maybe one day will be surprised to see Joe sitting on the couch.

I am running the Marine Corps Marathon relay on Sunday evening. They run the event at the same time it is run in the states. I only have to do 5.2 miles of the 26.2 race. It starts at 6pm and the course closes at midnight...I better not have to run the last leg. I only have one speed and there is no sprint or kick for me at the end. If it is not raining (which we have storms all around us)I will take pictures and post them on the next blog.

Cassanova

2009-10-02T15:54:00.003+09:00

Hunter and Evan (his buddy next door in CA who Hunter desperately wants to go back and see!)

I can't believe it is happening. Our 7 almost 8 year old child has girls coming to the house already!! Today, the door bell rings and I answer it to find 2 girls, giggling, asking if "Hunter can come out and help them". I go and get Hunter, who is playing basketball with a friend, thinking that he will tell the girls he is busy and he can't help them. I'm sure everyone who knows Hunter would assume the same thing. He is playing a sport, something he loves to do, he doesn't have time to be bothered by girls. But, to my surprise, he started putting on his shoes. Thank goodness his friend didn't want to go help so Hunter just talked to them outside then came in to continue the basketball game. No less than 20 minutes later, the doorbell rings, and I find the same 2 girls wanting to know if Hunter's friend had left yet so he could come out and help them. Thank goodness Jordan (his friend) was still here. Apparently, the girls are building something and they need Hunter's help. He is only in 2nd grade. I expected this from Brody but not our quiet, sports minded Hunter! I'm sure his father is very proud right now and I am thinking about sending him to an all boys school. At least they can't call the house. We only have a state side number so for anyone to call us on base, it would be an international long distance number!

Lots of news

2009-09-27T16:01:00.004+09:00

It has been a while since my last post but life has been in full swing in the Galvin household. Baseball season is still going on for the boys, only 3 games left, then it is onto flag football. This is the first year Brody can sign up and he is excited!!

Brody got to play catcher for the first time this weekend. Due to the heat, they only make the catcher wear the face mask. By the time he could actually see the ball it was already past him. He even was down in the catching position while the batter was swing (this is T-ball, there is no pitch coming in!) It was cute to watch and I think he had fun. Batting is his favorite thing. While standing on third, the batter hit the ball so Brody ran home. The catcher was waiting for him with the ball. So Brody ran waaaaay out of the base line, almost to the backstop and into the dugout, then came back towards home plate. The catcher was chasing him the entire time. He finally touch the plate and as far as knows, he was safe! School has been good also. He actually fell asleep one day and when I went to pick him up he was still asleep. The teacher tried to wake him but he was sound asleep. That day the walk home took a really long time!

Hunter has been doing well in baseball. He has gotten to the point where he is bored of coach pitch and is ready to move to the next level. Joe and Hunter practice pitching at home so hopefully he will be ready for next year. In one week, Hunter is "trying out" for swim team. Everyone, who can swim 2 laps with 2 different strokes, make the team, the try out is to see what level you will be swimming at.

Joe ran a triathlon today. It was a 10K run, 30K bike and 175M swim. Because the swim was in a pool, they started with the run. Joe finished in 1hour 5minutes. The next guy was no where by Joe, he completed the swim with the pool all to himself. He is still waiting to hear if he made the Marine team to run the Marathon. They are cutting back the number of runners that they send so hopefully he is fast enough to represent the USMC. He leaves for the Philippines on the 10th and will be gone most of the month of October. If he makes the team, he will fly to the states from there instead of coming to Oki first. I just figure that I won't see him until the first of November.

I have been substitute teaching. I also just worked out a contract position with Marine Corps Community Service (MCCS) to work in the Health Promotion department. It will be alot like substituting, I will get an email of a "job" (health fair, talk to the Marines about injury prevention, or other things)and I can decide to work or not. This way, when family comes out to visit, I don't have to worry about taking time off of work, I can just say no to the job. I am also the yearbook coordinator at the boys school- I did a yearbook in middle school so that apparently makes me qualified to do this.

That is all for now, we are hoping for cooler weather soon but I don't know how lucky we will get. Just to let all of you State fans know, the CMU flag was flying high and proud in Okinawa a few weeks ago!!

Brody, The Kindergartener

2009-09-08T15:39:00.004+09:00

Today was Brody's first day of Kindergarten. He talked the entire way to school and even while walking Hunter to his classroom. He was very excited. Joe and I walked down to get them after school (the USMC had Monday and Tuesday off for Labor day)and that was a different story. Brody was pooped! He said it was too hot to walk, we lived to far away, we were walking too fast, anything he could complain about he did. He apparently got his second wind when the neighbor came down to play because he went off without one complaint!
Joe told them to smile without opening their mouth

Joe was in DC for a case that he was assigned to while stationed at Miramar (the crazy man or Jessie for those of you who know about it). He left the first say of school and came back on Sat. evening. I had gotten tickets to attend Okinapa- which is a wine tasting event held yearly here. Joe of course, was going to miss it, so I brought my neighbor with me and made it a girls night out. All of you who know me, know that I love things at are free. I don't care if it is a pencil, if it is free, I want it. At the wine festival, one booth was giving away free biking shirts. So I had a friend go up and ask for one by saying that his wife couldn't make it and he wanted to give her one. The wine people gave him one and he turned and gave it to me. I have no idea what I will do with the biking shirt, no I am not going to start biking, but I might just have to so I can wear it around!! I was going to model it for you and picture the shirt that way but it is a small and last I checked, I am not a small, so I didn't think that would do the shirt justice!

Kickball and the first day of school

2009-09-01T08:41:00.003+09:00

The neighborhood had a big kickball game the Friday before school started. Flyers were sent out to tell about the game and lots of people joined in for the fun. We play kids vs. adults with the kids getting 6 outs and the adults getting 3. It was alot of fun and the weather cooperated too- not too hot. We even ordered pizza to have delivered to the field. I started taking pictures but then the game got intense and I could no longer safely play with a camera around my neck and a beverage in my hand (it was water people!!!)

Hunter started his first day of school on Monday, August 31. He has Mrs. Falk and seems excited about the school year. Brody doesn't start school until Sept. 8 due to the teachers doing home visits the first week of school. So there will be another post stated " The First Day of School" but this will be for Brody's first day.

Baseball Season in full swing

2009-08-24T08:32:00.004+09:00

It is baseball time again! It seems like we just finished soccer season. School will be starting soon... where has the time gone? It was another hot and humid day out at the ball field. Hunter's game was first and actually started out with some rain. His coach is new to coach and is pitching underhand to the kids. Hunter patiently waits for the ball then crushes it! Joe pitches to him at home so he doesn't develop any bad habits. Hopefully the pitching changes but this was only his second game.

Brody was up next and it was the heat of the day! The kids were asking to wear shorts instead of the long pants. Brody is quite the hitter. He winds up a bit too much but is one of the few who can hit it out of the infield (I guess all the golf practice has helped with his hand/eye coordination). He gets a little bored in the field but so do alot of the other kids.

Both games were fun to watch and the boys had fun. After the games we went straight to the pool to cool off. I'm sure this heat will break soon but not soon enough for me!

Triathlon Weekend

2009-08-17T08:33:00.005+09:00

TriKids- 25 meter swim, 400m bike, 100m run
Swim start. Brody in green googles, Hunter in blue googles
You can see Brody's head out of the water, Hunter has his head in the water.
Hunter on the bike
Brody on the bike
Hunter passing the girl who beat him out of the transition. He is on his way to the finsih line.
Brody finishing the run.
Brody placed 5th in his age group in the time of 5:04.
Hunter was the overall winner in the time of 4:10. He recieved at trophy for his efforts.
THe boys had a good time at the Trikids. They both had baseball games that day also. Brody left his game early and Hunter went right from the finish line to the restroom to change for his game. Brody and I waited around to accept the award for Hunter.
TriChicks- 200m swim, 5K (3.1mile) bike, .5 mile run
I came out 7th in the water.

Starting the run with the transition area behind me. I ended up 10th overall and first in my age group.
Triathlon- 5k run, 10k (6.2miles), 400m swim
Joe's race was a triathlon also but he did it in reverse order due to the number of people.

Joe finished his race in 50:04. He was the overall winner. The second place winner was 4 minutes behind him. It was hot both days for the triathlons but we all survived.

2009-08-07T09:55:00.002+09:00

The boys and I went to Okuma this week with the Curtins. Joe was going to go but at the last minute his boss sent him to a 2 week conference in VA- so he missed the fun! We had one day of good weather due to a typhoon coming our way. So on that one day, we rode the bikes, hiked up trails and played in the water. The condo that we rented had room for 21 people (one other family did not come with us so we had a lot of room) The kids had fun and it was nice to get away. The next day, we were going to hike to a waterfall but the weather got bad and they closed everything up there. The typhoon was then down graded to a tropical storm. After sitting around realizing there was nothing to do, we packed up and headed home. I secured all the outdoor items and went inside to "wait out" the storm. The storm never came but we are getting strong gusts of wind with some rain.

Our last trip to Okuma ended with us coming home early also. We were in a tent and the wind was so strong that the sides of the tent were collapsing in. So a word to the wise, if you plan on going camping and want good weather, don't ask us to come with you- we don't have much luck in that department. Joe will be home on Sunday and the triathlon that I was going to do got postponed until the 15th.
Laurie Curtin and Brody on the bike
Andrew, William, Matthew, Brody and Hunter waiting to hike
William, Andrew, Mike, Matthew and Hunter on the racing bikes.

Aquathon 2009

2009-07-29T08:23:00.004+09:00

The boys competed in their first aquathon on Tuesday. They had to run 420 meters, swim 100 meters, then run 420 meters. It was a combine event with the adults and kids. Hunter started out too fast in the run and came around the corner crying and then he started to walk. He kept telling me he couldn't go on, he couldn't catch his breath. Like any other mother, I grabbed his hand and told he was going to finish and I ran him to the pool. He got in the water and felt better and started to pass some people (including his brother). He had some trouble getting his shoes on but managed to get them on and went off on this last run. He finished in a time of 8 minutes and 57 seconds which he has told me will be faster next time because he won't walk and his shoes will be easier to get on.

Brody is more like his father and is the distance runner. He started off in the back of the pack and stayed there most of the time but kept a steady pace. He almost stopped to wait for Hunter when he decided to walk but he knew enough to keep going. The swim was long for him but he rested on the side of the wall every lap. He just passed his swim test the day before allowing him to swim without an adult within arms reach. His shoes had velcro on them so the shoes were not a problem after the swim. He finished in a time of 9 minutes and 27 seconds.

Both boys won their age group (they were the only ones in it but that's okay) The next race for the kids is Aug 8 where they will compete in the Tri Kids race after I do the Tri Chicks. Yes dad missed this race due to a conference in VA but we took lots of pictures for him!!

Baseball Clinic

2009-07-22T15:30:00.003+09:00

Well, the triathlon Joe was suppose to do got postponed so the blog got delayed. The boys went to a baseball clinic this week. It was hot, hot, hot! The clinic ran from 9-12 but the sun was hot and the humidity was high. Both boys enjoyed themselves and learned alot (I hope). Brody became frustrated the first day because he couldn't keep his glove on (too big) and every time the coach demonstrated batting he got confused because he is left handed. After the tears were dried and the coach gave him a one on one session, all was good. Hunter was excited about the new drills that he learned and was eager to show them to dad

Both boys are on a baseball team and practices will start on Aug. 3 with games starting 2 weeks later. I will again be taking pictures to document their season. Brody will be playing tee-ball and Hunter will be playing coach pitch. Hunter is not happy with this because in CA he would be playing kid pitch not coach pitch. So he is working on his pitching and hoping to be ahead of everyone else here next year.

Shuri Castle

2009-07-07T09:33:00.004+09:00

Over the long weekend, we went over to Shuri Castle. Our first adventure over there a couple months ago had us circling for about one hour trying to find a parking spot. We later found out that you never go anywhere on a Sunday (no one works that day but they work Sat.) and never drive a van because in Japan everything is small including the cars so no one had room for us. This trip we were a little better prepared and made it to the castle and in the parking garage without any problem

The castle was a history of the king of Japan and where he lived. It was all interesting. It was hot that day and the boys were not too into reading all the history signs but they liked it. They had to go around and get stamps at 12 stations in order to get a prize at the end (that might have been the only motivation for them). Unfortunately, part of the castle was under construction so the picture isn't as nice as it could be.
Brody stamping his card.
Joe carrying the bags with our shoes in them because you can't wear shoes in the castle.
For those of you who wonder where I am in the pictures, I am there, I am just always taking the pictures. I will start to hand my duties over to Joe so I can be seen in some of the pictures. Next week, Joe has a triathlon, watch for the pictures.

Hunter's cultural enrichment

2009-07-02T08:10:00.004+09:00

For the past 2 weeks, Hunter has been going to a cultural enrichment class offered at his school. This enrichment gives the kids a more in depth look at the Japanese cultural. He was able to try some new foods and was learning to speak a few more sentences. Another activity he got to try was the Taiko drums. These drums are used in Eisa dancing. The kids had the drums on a stand (Eisa dancing has the person carrying their drum). It was set to music and there was an entire choreographed dance to it. They will perform the Taiko drums on the first day of school for the new students. There is also a club that he can join during the school year if he would like to.

He also got an opportunity to make a Shisa dog. These dogs are seen throughout Japan and they are used to ward off evil spirts. When you see 2 dogs together, one has the mouth open (to let the spirits out) and one with the mouth closed. The kids were allowed to make one and with the help of Nakamirasensi, they all turned out very cute.

Brody's graduation and Round 1

2009-06-22T08:17:00.004+09:00

Mr. Policeman leading off the show!

Brody graduated from preschool (finally, no more tuition!) He had an end of the year performance the last day of school. The program was called "Community Helpers" and he was a policeman. He opened the play up and started everyone in the singing of the National Anthem. It was a very cute performance. The fireman's costume that my mom made for Hunter a few years ago was also used by another child for the play.

Yes, that is me riding a bull!!

Brody driving a semi-truck in a video game

On Friday, the first day both boys were home together, we went to Round 1. It is an indoor, multi level play place. There is batting cages, tennis, badminton, roller skating, an arcade, play structure, you name it, they probably have it. There was never a dull moment the entire 3 hours we were there (Joe was at work and missed all the fun) Everything was included in the price. We almost had the place to our self! The boys were tired when we got home but ready to take dad whenever he says he wants to go.

Brody playing soccer

Skateboard video game
Both boys are in swim lessons, we are going on week 2. The first day of lessons, Hunter got moved up a level. Brody thought that because they were in the same class, it was a package deal and he was getting to move up too! Brody stayed in level 2 and Hunter is in level 3. Brody is more of an underwater swimmer and could really care less if his arms come out of the water (as in doing freestyle). He sinks like a brick when trying to float and his treading water looks like he is bobbing in the water. All of this does not bother him, he is just happy to be in the water. We go to rec swim on the weekends and Hunter just passed his "swim test" which allows him to swim wherever he wants. Brody still has to stay within an arms reach of a parent because he has not passed the test. The test included a 25m swim with a recognizable stroke (no doggy paddle), float 1 minute, tread water 1 minute. Of course Hunter (whose glass is half empty sometimes) said that he couldn't do it and wasn't going to do it. And me, being mother of the year, told him he had no choice and he was going to try the swim test because I didn't want 2 kids hanging on me in the pool! Probably not the best motivation but he did try and passed! Maybe he should always listen to his mother!!!
I'm sure there will be more adventures to come. Joe is taking 2 days off this week (June 22 week). I thought it was because he was planning something for us to do on our anniversary.... no, he has too many days on the books and has to start taking time off before he loses them!

Brody boxing

Brody in the ball pit

Happy Birthday Joe!!!

2009-06-15T12:26:00.002+09:00

Butch Vasquez and Joe

This blog was suppose to be of Joe and his triathlon but due to the weather the triathlon got postponed. So here is pictures from Joe's birthday celebration!! We went out to lunch on Saturday at the Tee house but didn't have any cake until Sunday. We had the Scott's over for dinner (they leave on Wednesday for Quantico)and then the Curtin's, Woodworth's, and the Vasquez's came over for cake. Joe got an oatmeal raisin cookie cake (all I had was pink frosting) and peppermint pattie poke cake. I am not allowed to say how old Joe is but most of you can figure it out or already know. But if you want to know just ask the boys, they were telling everyone his age. He got running shoes, racing flats, a wetsuit, bathing suit, running shirts, and hats for his birthday.
Jon Woodworth (Joe's boss), Joe and Butch
Mike attempting to play Wii Circus
Mike and Jo-Elle got Joe a Wii circus game and a 6 pack....of snapple!
Joe and the boys at the Tee House restaurant on Kadena. It over looks the golf course, flight line and you can see the ocean (but not today due to the rain)

Field Trip

2009-05-28T07:46:00.003+09:00

Eisa Dancers and Drummers

Hunter with the Ox they use for farming

On Tuesday, Hunter's class went to Ryukyu Mura. It is a place where you can see all the ancient Okinawa villages, pottery factory, and brown sugar factory. There was also some Eisa dancing, a lion dance and the parade of royalty. The place was interesting and short to walk through so that is why the kids enjoyed it. It did start to rain towards the end of the field trip but we were inside by then.

Joe is now in CA getting ready for the Marine Triathlon Championships. He flew there from England where he competed with the All- Marine running team against the Royal Marines. The Royal Marines won this race but will come to the U.S. to compete again in the Marine Corps Marathon. The race in England is only a half marathon. Joe wasn't very pleased with his time, he thought he could do better, but he did run it in 1 hour 20 minutes. Next up for him (once he gets home) is a short triathlon on June 14th.

Mrs. Rawls 1st grade class

We have been getting lots of rain lately. Rainy season is here and typhoon season starts June 1 and ends in Nov. We had a hard rain the other night and I got up in the morning to find worms in my house! The doors on the houses don't have good seals and it was raining so hard and so long that the worms came in the house. My neighbor told me this is normal. Only 5 worms made it in but I had to get them out myself. Everything always happens when Joe is gone (I'm sure a few of you remember the mouse incident when Hunter was a baby!!I know my dad does) Anyway, this time it was just worms!!

A Stitch in Time....

2009-05-19T15:20:00.002+09:00

Let me catch everyone up to date on the excitement in the Galvin household. On Monday night, Joe was packing his bike up to take to the triathlon in CA. He was trying to get the peddle off of his bike to put on another bike. Needless to say, it was on VERY tight. He pull and pull and then I heard mumbling and the light flick on in the bathroom (it was 10:00PM). I go into the bathroom to find Joe pouring water on his wrist and blood just following out of his wrist. As a good Athletic Trainer, the first thing I asked him was if he got blood on the carpet! I looked at it and determined that he should go and get stitches. So I call Jo-Elle (I am really going to miss her when she moves) and she came to sit at the house while we ran to the ER. Our "quick trip" to the ER lasted 5 hours. We arrived back home at 3:30 AM with 5 stitches and still more packing for his trip.

He finally got the peddle off, finished packing and went to bed. He will be competing in England in a half marathon this coming weekend and hopefully will be doing the triathlon in CA the next. He is still waiting to hear the final word on if he is going to the tri so he packed like he was going! I am very tired but was able to get him to the airport, grocery shop, pick up the kids from school and cook dinner, now I think I will go to bed!!

Soccer is finally done. Both boys had their end of the year party and got their trophies. They will be signing up for baseball in June. The end of the school year is coming, lots of field trips to chaperon. I have no new pictures because Joe didn't want a picture of his wrist taken so here are more from Family Fun day!!

Family Fun Day

2009-05-12T13:07:00.003+09:00

Last Saturday was Family Fun Day at Cherry Blossom Preschool. It was a day of games and food. It was held on base, which was a good thing since Brody had a 9:00 soccer game. It was a hot, humid day but the kids didn't seem to mind. Brody was on the white team (hence the color of his hat) and Hunter was allowed to join in too. They had an obstacle course, tug of war, kids walk on parents feet, and a blanket race (the child sits in the blanket and 2 adults run with them in it). There was alot of food too. Since some of the kids are Japanese and the teachers too, there was alot of Japanese food. Joe was in heaven. Apparently, the boys like rice balls because that is all they ate along with some chu-chus (they are like the frozen otter pops).

After the family day, we went to Hunter's soccer game. By that time it was extremely hot and humid. Brody played with an umbrella during the game (he was suppose to use it to block the sun but some how he used it as a bucket and was putting dirt in it) Hunter had some nice assists to help his team to a win.

That evening, I went out to a surprise going away party for our neighbor Jo-Elle. For those of you who don't know, Mike and Jo are from MI and went to Western MI. Since Joe and I went to Central MI there is alot of trash talking going back and forth between houses. They are moving this summer to go to Quantico, VA for a year. We will miss them and their twin boys (age 2) but hope to meet up with them again at another duty station. Joe has always worked the air side of the Marine Corps and Mike is a C-130 pilot so hopefully this will work out. Anyway, we went to a Karaoke place where you get your own room to sing, so the only people that can hear you is the people who came with you. It was alot of fun and I think we all went home hoarse from yelling the songs instead of singing them!!Not the most appealing shot of us but it is all I have.

Joe has made the Marine Corps running team again and will be traveling to England soon. He will be running a half marathon. Hopefully, he will make the triathlon team and travel to CA for the championships there. If he does make the tri team, he won't be back to Okinawa until the beginning of June. We are use to having him gone over the Memorial holiday and proud of him for his accomplishments.

Winding Down

2009-05-06T10:33:00.003+09:00

Finally, the end of soccer is coming. Last weekend had Joe and I at different games (different bases for that matter) to watch the kids. I stayed with Hunter and Joe made the trek out to Camp Courtney (30 min. one way) to watch Brody. Hunter's team is very good and have many talented players. They are very discipline and do what the coach tells them. After the game, which they won, the other team accused the coach of hand picking his team and stacking the field. Of course Hunter hears this and turns to ask me if his coach is cheating. At practice on Monday the coach explained that the teams were already formed and all he had to do was pick the group of names he wanted. No one got to hand pick the teams. I think Hunter feels better knowing this because he hasn't said anything since.

Brody played the entire game on Sat. He scored a goal. Actually, the other girl kicked it and it went off Brody's leg and into the goal, so we count that as a goal. On the way home, he asked Joe if they could go to Building 1 (where Joe works) and go work out (there is a mini gym in the basement). I guess all that running around didn't tire him out enough.

I spent 2.5 days power washing the driveway and sidewalk. It was a very long boring process. I did forget to put sunscreen on one day and I am still paying for that. Joe helped a little but once I got into the groove I didn't want to be interrupted. I was ready to quit after only doing a quarter of the driveway but that would have looked really bad. I never want to see a power washer again. I think my hand was stuck in the trigger pull position for awhile. I did take a break on Friday to go and have cocktails with the ladies (AKA "The View" according to Joe - he says all we do is talk about nothing, just like the show). It was a well deserved break.

We have family fun day coming up this weekend, along with 2 more soccer games and one race for Joe. Talk to you next week.

"The View" is (l to r) Trina, Gretchen, Chris, Laurie.
Trina and Laurie have kids in Hunter's class and all of us live within 3 houses of each other. This was taken on Easter Sunday before the egg hunt.

New Car

2009-04-20T10:58:00.003+09:00

We did it!! We now are proud owners of 2 cars. I have a friend who works at Vehicle Registration and in Japan you have to de-register your car when you leave. She found a girl who was leaving the island on Sat. (this is Thurs) and she was going to junk her car. Amanda told her she had a friend who needed a car so the girl gave it to us! Yes, that is not a typo- we got a car for free. Sure, we had to pay the road tax and car insurance but other than that we paid nothing. The car will eventually need brakes (which Joe thinks he remembers how to do thanks to Jon Geske) but it will get Joe to work and back. Gone are the days of Joe riding his bike to work!!!

We had soccer again this weekend and Joe had a race. He completed in a triathlon but it was a team event. He went to the race thinking he was going to do the biking portion of it but was told at the last minute that he would be the runner. His team came in 2nd and the boys were excited when they saw the trophy (the trophy could have said "last place" and the kids would have been equally excited) We did not go to the race due to CCD (Sunday school) so I have no pictures of the race. Next weekend... no soccer!! I don't know what I will do with myself.

Zoo fun

2009-04-14T07:41:00.004+09:00

Spring Break has come and gone! We went to the zoo and the hands on museum as our "big" trip. It was drizzling in the morning but turned out to be a nice day. Because of the weather the place was empty, so we had the place to ourselves. Hunters favorite part was "sitting in the big chair and seeing the lions" Brody likes all of it (he is not a hard one to please!) On Tuesday, the boys had a golf clinic to learn how to chip, putt, and drive the ball. It was an all morning event and both boys seemed to have a good time. On Sunday, we took the boys golfing, Joe and I were the caddies, and they had alot of fun. Hunter is pretty good considering he just learned and Brody is just having fun. He would spin in a full circle when he swung, miss the ball and then announce that he was just practicing. They really wanted to get a cart but we said no. It was a good thing we didn't get a cart, they don't hit it very far so the cart would have been more of a pain than a help! We were able to get through the course (9 holes) in about 2 hours. They were many times when both boys would be hitting at the same time on opposite sides of the course, so they really didn't play proper golf.

For Easter, we got together with 3 other families. We had a brunch and an egg hunt. Both kids picked up about 40 eggs filled with candy. As Hunter put it "Jackpot!" The kids then played outside and the adults stayed around to talk. It was alot of fun.

Of course we had soccer on Saturday. Both boys won their games. We have team pictures this week and games on the the weekend- I can't believe we are already half way through the season.

I got accepted to nursing school. Actually, I got accepted but there is a 2 year wait list. I am currently on the wait list and should get into the program when we are leaving from Japan. I need Joe to get stationed back in CA for this to work out for me. I am on the wait list at Palomar College in San Marcos, CA. If he were stationed at Miramar or Pendelton then this nursing school will work out. I won't know for awhile where we will be going next. If it is not CA, then it is back to the drawing board for me! I'll keep you posted.

Spring Break is Here!!

2009-04-04T14:21:00.002+09:00

Well, we started our spring break off with a couple of soccer games. Joe is still out of town so I took lots of pictures. Brody played first and they got their first win of the season!! Brody assisted on the goal and was pumping his fist in the air after they scored. He was very excited they finally won but reminded me that the coaches aren't really suppose to keep score. Hunter's team also won. He played very well. I think he is starting to figure out where he is suppose to be and has a sense of what to do on the field (he doesn't stay in the spot where the coach puts him- well he does but knows where to openings are to get a pass) Both boys were tired after the game and are now resting.

It was sunny here all day except for now- the clouds are moving in. It is about 75 degrees with no wind. The games were at 11:00 and noon so we were out there at the hot part of the day. We are not going anywhere for spring break. Joe is just getting back from New Zealand. The boys are going to a golf clinic on Tuesday and will still have practice over the break. That is all from here, Happy Easter and talk to you next week!!

Rainy Day Soccer

2009-03-28T18:28:00.003+09:00

I had no camera at this weeks games due to the constant rain that fell from the moment I got out of the car until.....it is still raining and it is 6:30 pm. I was drenched after today's games but enjoyed them just the same. Hunter's game was first and they did very well. They won again and he played mid-field so he ran alot. Hunter is more of a sprinter not a long distance runner so he was pretty tired after the game. I ran from Hunter's game to Brody's (of course they don;t play on the same field!) and I got there in enough time to see Brody dribble from mid field all the way to the goal and score!!! He was so excited and I really wish I had my camera to take a picture of the celebration. The ref was messed up on the length of the game and had the kids (5-6 yr. old) playing 15 minutes running clock QUARTERS. Brody played the entire game and is pooped!

Unfortunately, Joe was unable to see the games due to the Marine Corps sending him to a conference (for once, it is not running) He currently is in New Zealand at a law conference and I am stuck in Okinawa, standing in the rain, watching soccer for 3.5 hours- but I am sure he would rather be here anyway. The pictures are from last week but will take new ones next game.

Brody loses a tooth!

2009-03-26T11:25:00.003+09:00

Brody has lost his first tooth but I had nothing to do with it!! I didn't have to pull anything nor did Joe, he did it all on his own. We were walking to school and he tripped and went face first onto the sidewalk. Of course, there were tears and blood but when I looked in his mouth I saw that his front tooth was pushed back. Off to dental we went! They took an x-ray and saw that the tooth had been fractured at the gum line so they decided to pull it out. He didn't even move when they gave him a lidocane shot. He was so still. They pulled the tooth and said that the adult tooth will come down in about 1.5-2 years. There was no other damage to other teeth so he was lucky. The dentist said that the bruising would hurt more than the tooth being pulled. The only thing Brody was concerned about was if he would be able to go on his field trip tomorrow and if he could play soccer on Saturday (he has his priorities!)

Soccer starts again!

2009-03-23T10:07:00.002+09:00

Finally, the soccer season has arrived. Both boys are playing (Brody for the first year) but they are in different age groups. There are about 13 kids on a team with 7 playing for Brody and 9 playing for Hunter.

Brody was very excited for his first game. He was dressed in his entire uniform including cleats and shin guards by 7:30 AM (the game was at 10:00) He is the smallest one on the team but doesn't seem to back down from anyone. He was very aggressive and wasn't afraid to subtly throw an elbow. He did get confused about halftime because the team got oranges to eat (he knows that snack comes at the end of the game) but was happy to find out the game was not done. At times he will look over and give us a "thumbs up" sign, so I think that means he is having fun.

Hunter is playing on an older team. He tends to hold back at times because he doesn't want the ball to get by him. He needs to learn to trust the teammates that are playing defense. It was very humid on Saturday and we was getting tired by the end of the game. His coach is very intense but is a good coach. His coach really isn't overly friendly especially with the parents (we are lucky if he even says hi to us or looks our way) but Hunter is learning alot about soccer and is enjoying himself. The boys are on different teams but ended up with the same uniforms. Hunter is on the Young Gun Brigade and Brody is on the Tigers (he suggested the name "The Bulletins" but it didn't get the vote!)

Auction Purchases!!!

2009-03-23T09:57:00.002+09:00

Joe and I went on "date night" to an auction sponsored by Marine Officer Spouses Club with all the money going to charity. Joe, of course, hit the food table as soon as we got there while I looked around. I saw 2 pieces that I really like and wanted to show Joe. After I finally found him (at the food table!!) we agreed on how high we were going to bid and took our seats. I was very nervous and wanted Joe to raise the paddle when the item came. The first item came up and Joe sat there (actually he wasn't moving fast enough for me) so I grabbed the paddle and started bidding...we won! It is a bar that opens up to store lots of things. The second item came up later in the night and I had the paddle again! It got to the bid of our top bid but I did not have the bid (if you can understand that) so I raised my paddle upping the price and going past our agreed on top dollar. As Joe looked at me, I stared straight ahead waiting for her to say "Sold" and for what seemed like forever she finally said it and the Step Tansu was ours!! It come in 3 pieces and can be arranged in different ways, the picture shows how we are currently displaying it. No more auctions for us.... we are still on a weight restriction when we leave here in 2 years!

Home again

2009-03-09T10:37:00.002+09:00

I went back to the States to visit my parents in AZ and friends in CA. I went without the boys but they survived alright. Hunter had his last football game, however he only played in half the game. At half time, the down maker fell and hit him in the head (of course it was the old metal kind, not the new plastic kind) He got 3 staples in the head and sat out the rest of the game. An ER doc happened to be on the sideline and she ran home and got the staples to fix his head. Joe saved himself about 2 hours in the ER. Things like this only happen when mom is away.

Brody did just fine. He would go to Joe's work after school and hang out with dad for about an hour before it was time to go home. Joe had left to go down the hall to get him a snack and left Brody in his office. Everyone in the office was busy doing something and the phone rang. Brody decided to answer the phone. Thank goodness he didn't say anything and the man hung up. The man called back a few minutes later saying he thought he dialed the wrong number because no one said anything!! Brody didn't see anything wrong with what he did.

I had a nice visit and hit every single shopping mall I could! It was a nice vacation but I was ready to get back here to see the family. Soccer starts for both boys Monday the 9th and it is raining. The boys are excited to play in the rain and mud. Now I know what my parents had to go through when I played an outdoor sport!

Okinawa World

2009-02-15T13:56:00.003+09:00

We went on our first tourist adventure. We went to Okinawa World or Gyokusendo Kingdom Village and Habu Museum. The Village had a cave that we went into and saw stalactite and stalagmites. The boys were pretty much in awe the entire time down there. We walked around the village and saw them making glass and pottery but the kids weren't really into it. They did enjoy the Eisa dancers and drummers. We also went to the Habu ( a poisonous snake on Okinawa) Museum and saw ALOT of snakes (dead and alive) We spent the most time here but it was worth it. I really don't enjoy snakes that much but the boys, Joe included, couldn't get enough. They didn't want to hold any of them but Joe jumped at the chance to hold them. He did say that one of the snakes was hissing as he was holding it. The snake show was all in Japanese so we got nothing out of it, except to see more snakes. I'm sure the man was really funny because everyone in the audience was laughing (he was probably making jokes about the 4 blond Americans in the front row) Brody did get a little upset and wanted to know when the man was going to speak English or when the audience would laugh, he would turn to me and ask me what he said!! It was a fun day and would definitely go back when people come to visit- minus the snake museum for some.

Church Whiz in the family

2009-02-08T13:58:00.002+09:00

I just wanted everyone to know that we have the next prophet in our family!! Brody was at CCD this morning and they had a test. He had to answer questions that were given by the teacher (we unfortunately don't know what the questions were) if you got the answer wrong, you were out and had to sit down. Brody won all 5 rounds that were played. So as the grand prize winner, he got a pen that has Jesus on the cross and a goodie bag. He was so excited when he got in the car, he told us all about his winnings! He said that he was the only one that won a "Chesus Pen" No that is not a typo- that is how he says "Jesus". So clearly he will be highly recruited for college at Notre Dame and we will make sure that the Chesus pen goes with him!! In preparation for his advanced parochial degree, we will be sending him to Aunt Julie's Academy of Catholic Savants.

Entertainment at the Game

2009-02-07T14:27:00.002+09:00

I usually write and tell you all about Hunter's game and tell you little about Brody. Well, it is Brody's turn to shine. We were at the football game (which Hunter did very well) and Brody was bored! So Joe was playing catch with him. He got mad at Joe because he said that dad was not throwing right! I got out the camera and started taking pictures and the tears stopped and Brody started throwing the ball right! Just before the game was to start, Brody ran across the field to put the ball back and came running to our side of the field. He was running with his finger in the air (like saying "I'm #1) and he was cheering for himself. At the very end of his run, he did a little dance (either he was practicing his TD dance or he was glad to be done running) Of course he didn't know I was taking pictures. He then decide he would sit in the 20 yard marker- whatever keeps him quiet!! He watched most of the game but then got bored and played in the dirt. Only 3 more weeks until soccer will start for him!! I ran a race with my neighbor only to show up and see that they moved the run until next week. So we ran the course anyway. I like to tell people that I won my age group and there was a tie for the overall winner!!! Next week I will be running and Joe will have the boys. If I don't post in time... Happy Valentine's Day to everyone!!!

Football Fun

2009-01-31T12:53:00.003+09:00

Once again it is Saturday and that means Football!! Hunter's team is really improving and I think he is finally starting to have fun. Hunter played quarterback the first half and was able to throw the ball a few times and hand it off. He got an interception on defense and almost ran it back for a touchdown. Of course, I got no pictures of it. I was too busy talking and clapping that I forgot the camera was around my neck. Believe when I say, it was a beautiful play!! Joe is in FL at triathlon training camp for the Marine Corps. He will be flying out on Sunday (our Monday) and will get home on Tuesday. Because of his travel times, he will miss his beloved Steelers in the Super Bowl!! We will see the game live also but at 8:30 in the morning on Monday. The military has the whole day off! Until next week...

Roller Slide Fun

2009-01-31T12:44:00.003+09:00

Brody and his friends went to a huge roller slide on Friday. The slide is a little over 2 stories high and can be pretty fast in some parts. For those of you who do not know what roller slide is, I will explain. It is a bunch of plastic like circular things (kind of like an abacus) that are on a roller. You sit on a cardboard box ( or your butt will be burning by the time you get to the bottom) and just roll down to the bottom. It is very curvy and has some steep parts. The kids love them because of the speed they can get. I have yet to see a "normal" slide here. At the bottom of the slide there was a cargo net to climb before you hiked up the stair to the top. All the kids had a great time and were pretty tired by the time we got home.

2009-01-18T13:42:00.002+09:00

Nothing much happening in our house this week. We have a long weekend due to the Monday holiday so we are just hanging out. Hunter had another game this week and all I have to say is that it is going to be a long season! His team has a lot of first year player and a majority of them (including Hunter) are not very tall. It seems like all the teams we play are alot bigger and faster than us. At least the weather was a little better this weekend.

Joe ran a 10K before we went to Hunters game. It was actually a 6.5 mile run so it wasn't a true 10K. He ran it in 36:25 and was the first finisher. It was a two loop course so the boys were able to see dad actually running. He is going to go to FL at the end of January for a Marine Corps Triathlon training camp. While he is there he will visit Mike and Christie in Orlando.

Brody was able to play while at Hunter's game. He didn't have to sit huddled on the ground this time. Joe and I were standing on the sideline while Brody played at the baseball field. He was playing in the dirt, I didn't care because he was being quiet and seemed to be entertained. After awhile I looked over and didn't see him but then after I looked closer, I saw that he had climbed the little wooden backstop and was now climbing the fence. Joe ran and got him before he was to fall. Needless to say, he spent the rest of the game playing by our feet!!!

Football Season

2009-01-12T09:14:00.003+09:00

Hunter has started football season. This year he is a Jaguar. The first game was very cold. It was cloudy and windy with periods of rain. Brody stayed huddled most of the game (as you can see in the picture) He was talking and singing to himself so he was entertained. Hunter played well. There were only a couple of kids on the team who had even played before so it was a learning experience for everyone. We did score a touchdown but failed on the extra point. Next week will be a new game and hopefully a warmer one too.

Gifts Galore

2009-01-01T14:36:00.002+09:00

He got many nice presents and has played with them all. Nee and Coach gave him a remote control spider, Nana and Opa gave him a MSU shirt (which Joe says he will have to burn!). He also got the MouseTrap game, some books and a Webkinz. Brody also got a Wii Carnival game with the family plays together at night. He can't wait to go back to school so he can show all of his friends.

Brody's 5th Birthday

2009-01-01T14:32:00.002+09:00

Brody turned 5 on Dec. 30 and was able to take a friend bowling. He gets very excited when he gets a spare (as you can see in the picture) Since he is 5, he is no longer meowing like a cat around the house, on occasion he barks but it looks like we have a little boy now!!!

Merry Christmas

2008-12-26T11:50:00.004+09:00

We were spoiled for yet another year for Christmas! The boys awoke early on Christmas and very patiently took turns opening presents. All the gifts have been opened and played with many times so far. The last gift that was opened was a Wii. Joe and I went back and forth for a long time on this one (neither one of us like video games and didn't want the kids to just sit and stare at a TV) We both figured that if we set the ground rules and the games they play require them to move around a bit than it would be okay. Hunter was literally moved to tears. He started crying when he opened the box (he had been told that it was too expensive and we were not getting one) The entire family has played it and has had fun. They only get 30 minutes a day when they are on break and then they can't play it during the school week so hopefully it will work out. We went to the neighbors for a Christmas grill out and will be going down the street for a Boxing Day (she is Canadian) dinner on the 26th. Hope everyone had a safe Christmas and will have a happy new year.

Camping Fun

2008-12-23T13:11:00.002+09:00

We decide to go camping for a mini vacation for the boys. The plan was to leave on Sunday and come home Christmas Eve morning. Well, everything started off as planned. We got to Okuma (an Air Force run place) and set up the camp. On the way there, I realized I forgot to pack the towels and flashlights but then remembered our neighbors would be up here too and we could just borrow some. About half way there, I asked Joe if he packed Brody's shoes and he told me that he thought I did. I remembered taking the shoes out but never put them in the bag. So, Brody's tennis shoes sat at home on the couch. He was asked to put shoes on before we left and he choose cowboy boots that are too big. That is why I pulled out the tennis shoes but never put them in the bag. It was warm and sunny when we got there, we set up the tent, the boys went swimming and played in the sand. In the middle of the night, the wind picked up and the rain started to come. It was freezing (50's) the next morning. We ate breakfast in the car (to stay out of the wind), the boys went putt putt golfing but it was too cold to do anything else. We hung out at the neighbors, who were smart and got a cabin, but it was even too windy to start a camp fire. We managed to get one going and roasted s'mores in that fire. By the end of the day, I told Joe that it was too cold to stay another night and he agreed. We came home that evening but did rent a 4-seater bike right before we left so the kids could say we did something!!! Note to self...never go camping in December!!!

Brody's Christmas Program

2008-12-23T13:03:00.002+09:00

Brody's preschool put on a performance for the last day of school before break started. It was called "Christmas Around The World". Brody lead the K-3 class in the Mexican Hat Dance. He actually was the only one who ended up doing anything because the other kids were too busy waving t their parents. He then did "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" with all of the K-4 boys. He was very serious about his dancing. He looked like he was having fun. And finally, he had to recite a part about Christmas in Norway. He is pictured in the end with Miss Tita, the director of Cherry Blossom. It was a very good program and we actually got it on video.

The Real Santa

2008-12-16T07:44:00.002+09:00

On Friday, Dec. 12th, Joe's unit had their Christmas party. It was held at the bowling alley. There was free pizza, drinks, cookies and bowling. The only problem was, that it was not just for families. We had to share with the single Marines in the unit too. The boys were able to find a lane to bowl on with some friends. They bowled until Santa came (the "real" one according to Hunter) Brody got all dressed up for the occasion, he wore his clip on tie with a blue dress shirt and jeans (he didn't want to be too fancy!) We were there most of the day, a good Galvin never passes up free food and drinks! Joe was not able to go with us. He left on Wed. to go to CA for a case that he still has. He was in court for a half day only, so I really think it was a waste of time. He was able to get his Christmas shopping done. The neighbors had given him a list of things for him to pick up, so he was a busy man. I even had my friend, Kim, pick some stuff up for him so he wasn't running all over CA. He went to visit Kim and our neighbors The Shaws. The boys were excited that dad got to see Trent & Travis and Evan & Wyatt. We are going camping next week so I am sure I will have some stories to tell.

Christmas Spirit!

2008-12-08T11:37:00.003+09:00

Well, the tree is up and the decorations are out (except for the village) and the boys are counting down the days till Christmas. There is some concern how Santa will get in because we do not have a fireplace. Brody is a little upset that the Advent calendars stop at the 25th of December. He would like to know why it doesn't go to his birthday (the 30th) I tried to tell him that it is only until Christmas but he doesn't want to hear it. So we will continue our Advent Calendar until the 30th of Dec.

We went to the exchange this past week and Santa was sitting there. I told the boys to wave and the elf told them they could go sit on his lap. Hunter got a very serious look on his face while Brody was skipping over to Santa. I asked Hunter what was wrong and he told me that that man is NOT Santa. I said yes it is and he told me that Santa is not black. I turned and looked again and sure enough it was a black man dressed as Santa. I told Hunter to humor me along and just go sit on his lap so Brody wouldn't say anything. They both sat and talked to him but when they told him they wanted a Wii for Christmas, Santa replied " I don't think I can do that." So both boys are upset, Hunter knows this Santa is a fake and Brody is asking us why Santa can't make a Wii in his workshop! I refer him to Joe for that answer. The picture is a picture of a picture so it is not that great.

For those of you in the cold country, I was weeding my flower beds this weekend! No snow to shovel, the boys were in t-shirts (we did wear long pants so it was a little chilly!!!)

Joe's Run

2008-11-30T15:25:00.003+09:00

My birthday on Sat. was uneventful. We didn't do anything special. Actually, I got Joe to hang up the outside lights for me and the kids and I decorated the inside. It feels like Christmas here but I am missing a few things...like snow and my Christmas village. No, sadly, the village didn't make the trip overseas but I will be collecting pieces here to bring back. On Sunday we went to a race for Joe. He was part of a team and he did the run portion of the triathlon. The race was by camp ground owned by the Air Force so after the race we went there and hung out for the day. It will be an early to bed time for the boys since we had to get them up at 5:30 am for the race. Next week should be back to normal around here or as close as we get to normal!

Hunter's Birthday

2008-11-30T14:47:00.003+09:00

Well, it is official....we have a 7 year old who knows everything!!! Hunter celebrated his seventh birthday on Friday. He took some friends bowling and we had cake after. It wasn't an official party kind of a last minute thing but it was fun. At one point, one of the kids threw the ball down the lane and it went it on the lane next to us. Another kid actually threw the ball so Joe had to show him how to roll it. He got a lot of nice gifts and has played with them all day. He got to choose his birthday meal so we feasted on Mac n' Cheese and Hot Dogs! (good thing this day is only once a year!)

Big Week Next Week

2008-11-21T10:29:00.002+09:00

It will be a big week for our family next week. There will be lots to post after Thanksgiving. We are going to a neighbors for Thanksgiving on THursday, Hunter's birthday is Friday and my birthday is Saturday. For all of you wondering, yes we will each get our own cake. I think after that week we will have to ban desserts from our house. For all of you wondering, no I am not going out the day after Thanksgiving to go shopping ( I have been doing it every year for a long time....I get to the stores to stand in line at 4:30!!) I know that in my absence, my family (Whitmyers and GAlvins) will be carrying on the traditions for me!! Happy Thanksgiving!

Fireman Brody

2008-11-21T10:21:00.002+09:00

Brody's class went to the fire station on base for a field trip. As soon as we got there, the alarm went off and the firemen were running to get dressed. Most of the kids were pretty quiet, some cried, others just did what normal 3,4 and 5 year olds do....yell. Brody had fun and was very excited because this was his first field trip of the year. If you ever talk to Brody on the phone, ask him about it, he will go on forever. He does call his classes, "gay-3, gay-4, and gay-5" He tells me that is what Miss Tita calls them. I figured out that due to her accent, she is actually saying, "K-3,K-4 and K-5" But Brody tells me otherwise!!

2008-11-21T10:14:00.002+09:00

This week we went to a local park and took our pictures for the Christmas card. Our neighbor came with us and took the pictures. It was alot of fun once we got there. The boys were complaining that they didn't want to wear the same outfit and that it was too hot outside to take pictures (it was in the 70's- I know the Midwest people are really feeling their pain). So a few tears were shed and then they got dressed. I did let them pick out their own shoes, thinking that it wouldn't be in the picture, but I was wrong. Anyway, it was an adventure and I hope you all enjoy the photos

2008-11-14T09:19:00.002+09:00

Have you ever seen a child do something and ask yourself why? Well, we do that a lot around here with Brody and since coined the phase "Brody World". No one has ever entered Brody World except Brody. Only he knows why he does what he does. Well, this past weekend he was playing in his room, taking everything out, and he found a clip on tie. No one in our family has worn the tie (Joe and I forgot we even had it) but Brody wanted to wear it. He wore that tie the entire weekend, with a t-shirt (can you say redneck!!) He decided on Monday that he would wear the tie to school. Joe was able to talk him into wearing a dress shirt with it. He was so proud of himself. He was saluting everyone, his teacher, his classmates, and anyone else that he saw. Miss Tita asked me why he was wearing the tie and all I said was "Welcome to Brody World". She laughed and asked no more questions. He kept the tie on all day but did take it off to go to bed. He did find a hook in his bedroom to hang his tie on so it wouldn't get lost!

2008-11-14T08:39:00.002+09:00

Hunter lost his fourth tooth this week. Once again his mother came through and pulled it out. When he lost his first tooth in Japan, he asked me what tooth fairy would be coming. Apparently, there are two tooth fairies, an American and a Japanese. The American tooth fairy gives dollars and the Japanese tooth fairy gives yen! I was not aware that there was a yen tooth fairy so the American one brought the prize. Now that Hunter has been loosing teeth, Brody is certain that his teeth are loose and about to come out to.

2008-11-14T08:30:00.005+09:00

We decided to try blogging to keep everyone updated on your life in Okinawa. This way I don't forget anyone when I send out an email....it is up to you to check us out!! I will try to update the site weekly, usually Sunday night (that would be Sat. for all of you) but as you know that having 2 active boys the time flies away from you. I have to thank my friend from California, Sandy Price, for giving me the idea. Hopefully this works. Here is the cake from the Marine Corps Ball that we attended. They asked me to make so I just wiped this up at the last minute!! Joe was in the ceremony that presents the cake and the guest of honor. Overall, it was a fun night. The only down side was that it was a school night and I had to go on a field trip the next day at 7:30 in the morning! The boys were tired the next day but everyone survived. Okay, so I am new at this. This post was suppose to be the first one you read but it posts in the most recent one that was written. Sorry, next time it will be in order.