Class of 2008!

Last Saturday was Big Sister's Day! Yes, it is official, she is now a 2008 kindergarten graduate from Okinawa Montessori School (OMS). This was quite a production which had kids, teachers and especially this parent burning the midnight oil. Big Sister was one of four young ladies graduating and somehow from the volunteering to "help" with set decorations back in September, my job by early May was elevated to stage decorations and program chairperson. WHAT???

My biggest stressor, was trying to make the Director, Ms. Aida, happy. Trying to create a background that matched her vision was not an easy task. Big Sister added some stress when she informed me that "Ms. Aida is very particular...you should be worried." This my first OMS play, and from the veteran parents I had heard of the elaborate set designs of years past. Needless to say, I was in a panic especially with the original theme of "I Can Do it Myself" (take it from me, not a theme you want to Google). Fortunately, with some parental encouragement, Ms. Aida changed the theme to "School Time." With an Oriental Trading Catalog, a pseudo craft store on island, and some moving boxes, the set decorations were created. I am not the most artistic, but, I can wield a paintbrush.

My attempt at set design seemed to be to the Ms. Aida's liking. Post production comments have been encouraging and complimentary. I however will be wary in the future of offering assistance when it comes to set decorations.

The program itself was quite a show. The children ranging in age from 2-6 performed 4 elaborate choreographed routines and two songs. I am so impressed that the staff of two teachers and one director took on this daunting task. The kids were adorable and all seemed to be enjoying the show. The highlight for Big Sister was walking through the arch of flowers and then walking on stage to receive her "diploma." She was rather disturbed that it was laminated rather than rolled with a red ribbon securely tied...she is such a traditionalist. The featured video presentation of the OMS kids participating in various activities throughout the year was a nice touch to an already memorable event.

Upon hearing her name being called

Singing the Finale..."One Voice"

Our Graduate

We are so proud of Big Sister and what she has accomplished thus far scholastically. I hope her love for school and quest for knowledge is never squelched. I am not so sure I will be able to keep up, but, it has been so fun watching her blossom!

Up and Running

Yipee! I have a computer at my disposal and a really fancy one! It is a Panasonic "Toughbook" and I am able to surf and I have been working to update my Shutterfly website and finally the BlOG! Hubby and his computer gurus at work determined that our Dell dinosaur just needed a new power source and fan. Replacement parts have been ordered and should be in VA upon our arrival. The hard drive is still intact and years of family digital photos have been preserved!

I just added the photos of the crab I had mentioned in my previous blog entry. (Look Below). Big Sister insists it blew in with the East China Sea Winds. I just have this vision of crabs flying around...I have been reading to many David Weisner picture books to the munchkins!

AGGGGGGGH!!!

AGGGGGGGGGGGH! Guess it is par for the course for a Monday morning. Went to turn on the computer to check some email and put a quick blog posting about our Sunday afternoon visitors, only t0 find out that our 6 1/2 year old Dell has bit the dust! I had just used my lifeline to the outside world only 12 hours prior.

The timing could not be worse. With two weeks left in our sparse home, this was one way I was planning on keeping the kids entertained when it was rainy. Rainy season is still lingering on Okinawa and the past four days have been overcast with steady streams of showers. I had big plans to make a photo book for Big Sister about her three years in Okinawa and to have it delivered in San Antonio. She is eager for the adventures this summer but is sad about leaving her beloved Okinawa. Now, I am crushed as I will not be able to surprise her with the book. It can certainly wait, but, I was so eager to get started this weekend after her kindergarten graduation. With the impending move, there is a list of "items to buy", the computer was going to be replaced at a later date. Not the case now.

I know I am rather dependent upon the computer, but, I realized how quickly I felt cut off from the world. It has taken me 36 hours to get to a computer to check emails. I had to drive to the library as my kind neighbor has not been home when it was convenient for me to click away. Hubby forgot to bring home his laptop today and he had the "duty" when I discovered the lifeless computer. I called him at work and it was stated that only he could be the "computer coroner." Well, after trying all his tricks (even those I attempted) it has been announced "DEAD."

As for the visitors Sunday afternoon, Uncle Cookie Monster, Cousin David and Aunt Michelle came over to visit. The munchkins loved the attention and spontaneous visit. The noteworthy discovery of the afternoon was when the Little Dudes and Cousin David came running into the house claiming there was a crab in the back yard. We do live about 2 miles from a beach, but, the idea of a crab in the backyard just sounded ludicrous. I quickly asked them if they were sure it was a crab and not a snail or spider of some wacky ilk. They insisted it indeed was a crab. Hubby quickly went outside and low and behold, he found himself face to face with a hearty sized land crab. I would insert a photo about now but AGGGGGGGGGGGH . This was one feisty crab and was completely in a spot neither he wanted to be in nor did the children. We quickly called over the neigbors to share our discovery before Hubby deposited it over the barbed wirefence beyond our treeline.

Borrowed Treasure

Our neighbor Alison, is such a treasure. Just shy of two, she can brighten one's day with her sweet grin and big "Hi's!" The munchkins love having her in our home and are so willing to cater to her every whim. I have to admit, with one simple request of "Fishey, please?" I head to the cupboard for the bag of PepperRidge Farm Goldfish. We have asked the kids if they would want a little sister and the answer is always the same "No, we just like to borrow, Alison."

Yesterday morning, the Little Dudes and I had the pleasure of having her among our midst. We colored, played games, and watched videos. The highlight for me was watching the Little Dudes include her in all their activities and they willingly modified stunts to suit her size and stature (walking across beanbags vice jumping off them). The best was the gales of laughter amongst the three as they were blowing zerberts on each other's stomach.

The Little Dudes with our Borrowed Angel

Big Sister & Alison

The additional highlight to our day yesterday was learning that the next cousin to be arriving in October was going to be a girl. We are already planning and longing to be able to "borrow" her. I just know, she will be doted on by these three munchkins.

East China Sea Morning

Definitely a sight to see...the East China Sea on clear Okinawan day. The Little Dudes and I headed out today in the "blue rocket" aka the jogging stroller. They were grumbling as it had been a five day respite of being able to hang out with Dad at home while I went running solo. I was quickly hoodwinked into stopping and letting them get out and hang out on the rocks. Little Dude M proceeded to tell me "Mom, the beach is sooooo beautiful. I just want to sit and watch the water." Who could argue with that?

We truly have taken for granted the picturesque runs of the past three years. Doubt I will be packing the camera in the "blue rocket" as we head out in the suburbs of Virginia!

Summer's Here

It sounds silly saying "Summer's Here" living on this beautiful island which is balmy, sunny, and humid about 80% of the year. However, within the past week, the Okinawan humidity has crept back into the daily grind and the backyard blow up pools have started to emerge from the sheds. With sunset hovering at 7pm, early dinners are a thing of the past and wrangling the munchkins back home is not an easy fete.

Yesterday evening, all the families moving this summer were honored at the corner cul-de-sac for a neighborhood cookout "Bon Voyage" party. With water slides and tables full of eclectic dishes, both the kids and adults were having an enjoyable evening. The Little Dudes teamed up and were quite the gentlemen to their blue-eyed doe buddy Jordan. She got them dancing in the grass and had herself perched on the back of Little Dude M's motorcycle and told him to take her for a ride. When it was time to head home, hugs were given all around!

The Dudes and Little Miss Jordan

Jordan and Little Dude M

This afternoon, Big Sister had the opportunity to "model" her new swimsuit. She felt extra-special as this suit was her choice. I just was not so crazy about it when I saw it on the web. However, she insisted, and since the the price was right and seeing she would be wearing it and not me, I agreed to her choice. Upon arrival, I was pleasantly surprised and she was ecstatic. She was more than willing to let me take a few shots before she headed out to the neighbor's pool for an afternoon of splashing and swimming.

Loving her selection!

She selected her towel...color coordinated.

Wear did she learn this pose?

Movin Right Along

The second milestone of Move 2008 was hit on Friday. (The first being the purchase of our home). It was barely 7:30am when our moving crew of four showed up to 6147A Camp Lester to pack up the first of two shipments. This was our "household goods" shipment...the biggie.

Within four hours, these guys packed, pulled up carpets, numbered boxes, and loaded the truck. In all of our moves, this was by far the most efficient and rather impressive pack out. These guys were so efficient and were ready to pack everything and anything. We diligently put up "Do not pack signs" written in English and translated into Kanji to help not only them but ourselves. I will say, a couple of things got packed that I had intended to keep out until our last shipment on June 16th, however, nothing that a trip or two to the 100 Yen store (a dollar store) can not solve.

Our home is currently one of borrowed furniture and kitchen paraphernalia. The stark walls have quickly been decorated by Big Sister and the Little Dudes with taped up artwork. Although we have the echo effect, it is still "home" and cozy nonetheless. I think the kids have learned quickly how little we need in terms of gadgets, toys, and accessories. I will say the portable DVD players is essential though! We will manage just fine for the next three weeks.