Military

♥ You don't have to be crazy to love someone in the military, you just have to be prepared for him to eat his dinner at unusual times, be there one minute and gone the next, to trust him with all your heart, to be proud of his commitment and to know that above all else, he loves you everyday. Repost if you are lucky enough to be a military wife!! ♥




Just saw this post today on a friend's FB status.  This is so true.  When married to a Military person (Marine in my case) you don't get the luxury of knowing when or even where your husband might need to be at a moments notice.  When I was deciding if I could do the Marine Corps. wife thing, I knew there would be deployments.  I decided I could handle deployments.  I did not realize that Marines consistently work long hours and weekend hours.  They stand duty fairly frequently for 24 hour periods.  I did not realize that taking care of other Marines (and many hours away from home) is a huge part of why M wanted to be a Warrant Officer.  I did not realize that there are frequent exercises which pull M away for weeks at a time.  I did not realize that along with protecting America from foreigners who are trying to kill us they are also the first responders in any humanitarian situation around the Globe.  I did not realize that even if they are not in the middle of the humanitarian effort, they are providing Headquarters and support services that make the humanitarian effort possible.  


I am so proud of my Marine and all that he sacrifices for our Nation!  I am proud to be a military wife who is loved by a Marine in the United States Marine Corps.  I am proud to be a military family.  I am proud that the hero in my children's lives gets to be their daddy!   We love our Marine!

Happy Birthday!

I will soon update our web page with all of our Birthday pictures but here are a few until then.  

Happy Birthday Thing one and Thing two.

 Blowing out our Birthday candles.

Remember when we found out we were having twins?  This is one of the images that popped into my head back then -- double the birthday fun! 

Yummy in the tummy!

Aside from birthday celebrations we are having good times with our 2 one-year olds and one 2-year old. We are able to get out to places like the Aquarium, picnics outside and lots of playground time.  This mama also been inspired by J.S. (you know who you are...the gal with two of a kind) to get on a schedule of activities rather than just making life up as we go.  I have a list of very simple no prep activities which I try to pull from.  For example, today we painted on the balcony with paint brushes and water (super easy clean up) while working on letters, numbers, L's name, and shapes.  Then we practiced cutting, finger painting, and stickers (great fine motor activities).  Then we turned on music and danced with scarves.  M walked in for lunch while dancing and was not impressed with L's twirling (he started making fun of the sport).  I tried to explain that it helps with rhythm, body movement, language etc.  He didn't get it.  But any of you teachers out there will understand.  

Lunch with daddy is a rarity so we took a break from our fun and ate with daddy.  Then we read about 5 or so books, sang songs and everyone is now in bed!  So thank you Two of a Kind for your motivating blog.  L fell right asleep during nap time because we were on the move all morning!  

I cannot put into words how wonderful it is to be in place where I can feel like L is being stimulated by my education experience.  I have felt guilty/frustrated/like a terrible mother that we aren't out participating in all sorts wonderful educational experiences.  But I recognize that we have come out of the first year with twins and now is the time to catch up!  Its a lot of fun knowing that my degree is being put back to good use ;).  

Update:  The boys have each taken a step!  The PT thinks we will probably have walking boys within the month of March.  Caleb is saying about 4 words on his own and imitating another 8 to 10 words.  Connor says "dada" and has decided that one word and an ear piercing scream are enough to take care of what he needs.  And just so you know -- it looks like Connor may have a stronger will than L.  If you have spent time with L, you know what this means...  So please say your prayers!  I am thankful that my copy of The new Strong-willed Child by Dr. Dobson finally arrived.  This is the book I was raised on and am now raising my children on.  Great book with good ideas.  

Hope you have a wonderfully wonderful day!

Just so everyone knows...

With birthday packages coming in, just wanted you to know we have now fulfilled my goal of having a lifetime's supply of trucks and trains.  Good thing Connor is all boy and LOVES trucks and trains!  Caleb loves mama/dada and taking whatever Connor is holding, so not sure what to tell you to get him!  But the trucks and trains are plentiful -- thank you all (mostly my brother Mason)!

Parents, friends and family

Do you ever have people in your life who support you day in and day out?  The people who are there for every up and down looking out for the best for you?  I am so grateful for my parents.  All 3 (Mom, Step-mom and Dad) have sent us countless packages --- stuff we can't order for ourselves because the company doesn't ship to FPO.  They send us cards and pictures.  They talk on the phone with us to keep us up to date on the family goings on.  They are our very own personal shoppers -- every week we think of something that we can't get over here that we need/want.  While we don't have any of the physical closeness that many families get to experience, we do have heart closeness.  I am so grateful to my 3 parents who have contributed to who I am today.  They adore my kids and you know how priceless it can be to have grandparents!

I love that my mom and step-mom get along so well.  They have made such huge efforts to make sure that the kids are taken care of.  My mom has never said a bad word about my step-mother!  My step-mother always includes my mom (did you get you mom a mother's day gift?  your mom's bday is coming up)  you know, those reminders to make sure all of our mothers are taken care of!  I am so blessed to have a blended family that works so well!

This last week we have gotten bday packages for the boys and Vday gifts for L.  Yesterday we got a HUGE box of hand-me-downs that my dad/stepmom passed along!  I am so grateful to not have to buy many clothing items for the boys at all!  Over here the clothes on base are actually quite expensive and the clearance rack only rarely has a few items that still expensive at the clearance rate.  I am so grateful to have such amazing parents!

Others who are awesome --   Grandma Yo  Yo and Grandpa Shish who are always asking for what the kids need and how they can generously help and who get on the webcam whenever we call just to talk to L for about 30 seconds, and you have patience to get the webcam up only to talk for 30 sec to L.  Aunt Jeanne -- sending us things we can't get, shopping for us for things we need and I appreciate the frequent phone calls!  GrandmaChelle and Grandpa Gerry who send generous holiday gifts to also get things we need for the kids and who get on the webcam (when they remember)!

Thank you for helping us out when we live so far away from everyone!  The great part is we always have amazing places to choose from for visiting!

We are so grateful for all the packages we get from all of our close friends and family!  You all are awesome!  It will be boring to go back to getting mail in the States without the excitement of packages!  Your support and love are so welcome; we are truly blessed because you are so wonderful!

Do What feels right --

"Doing what feels right"  How's that working out for you?  I might be getting old, but when I hear people say, "Do what feels right" I want to punch someone or something.

I have a guilty pleasure of watching a very trashy (aren't they all) soap opera.  Since I have 3 little bitties, I only watch it about once every 6 weeks or less.  Trust me, that is all you need to catch up and become just a little dumber for even turning it on.  This show is full of junk!  Today I slipped the show on I during nap time while I cleaned and one of the characters said, "Do what feels right" when giving advise about major life decisions to another character.  (I realize its a show and no major lives are being decided, but you get the point.)  Does society really teach do "what feels right?"

Lets see where "doing what feels right" would have gotten me in my life...

*I would have quit the soccer team in college because it was too hard, therefore loosing scholarships that I would be paying off in student loan bills
*I would have quit college because it was too hard but would have felt "right" to quit when I was overwhelmed
*I would have married someone else and then another someone else -- and we all know how wonderful M is, so I wouldn't have him or the 3 wonderful children I have
*I usually don't want to leave wherever we are moving from and staying "feels right"
*I wouldn't have gone away to college, which is one of the best things I ever did
*My decisions would be based on feelings; which change with the tide
*Not sure any one would ever do anything hard because the hard thing doesn't usually "feel right" and the hard thing is what usually takes you the farthest

Ok, are you noticing a pattern -- all of these are based on me, me, me.  Doing what "feels right" leaves out consideration for anyone else in your life.  Your choices and actions never just impact you.  Others are always effected by what you do, say and choose for your life.  "Doing what feels right" leaves out the consideration for others and the consideration for consequences.

"Doing what feels right" does not seem to be working for very many people, if any at all.  It seems that the people who I look up to "do what is best for others."  When you put others first, you are happier, they are happier and then everyone is happier.  (I know you need to take care of yourself to also be able to take care of others and if you go on a rant about that then you are missing the point of what I am trying to say) Living and giving is definitely the way to go.  Now if I could just remember that in my day to day life, my family would be happier.  Obviously I am still working on this, but at least I acknowledge that doing what feels right isn't the way to live.

Jeremiah 17:9  "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure.  Who can understand it?"

Where would "doing what feels right" have gotten you?

Birthday Reflections

 Caleb minutes after birth

 Connor minutes after birth

 Pic from just a couple of weeks ago.  They were both standing at the crib screaming so of course we laughed and took a picture!

One of my favorites.  I love when they would snuggle up with one another.  In the stroller on our walks they still wrap their arms around each other.  Last week Caleb crawled on top of Connor and they tandem crawled through the house.  Fairly hilarious but no photo.  

This is a video of the boys' first moments in the NICU.  You can see by how their chests cave in for each breath how much they were struggling to breath.  (Your chest shouldn't cave at all).

The moment the Dr. said, "These boys are being born today" I was terrified.  I was scared for such an early birth, I was terrified of not bringing any babies home or only bringing one home, I was terrified for long-term consequences, I was terrified for what it would mean for L (how do you explain to her there would be no babies or that mama has to stay away to take care of babies at the hospital?  She was one at the time!).  I didn't even realize at the time how being a preemie would intrude on the whole first 6 months of life and even continue into the first couple of years.  

I am thinking lots about my boys' birthday coming up.  They made it!  We made it!  We have survived the around 5 or 6 trips to the ER for everything from eating poisonous plants to dehydration.  They made it through all of L's tortures and curiosities.  They made it through this mama loosing her mind on several occasions.   They are going to be one year old in just under two weeks!  We are having a party with a few of our close friends from here on the island.  We hope you celebrate with us in spirit!  

Up until November I could count on one hand how many times I had an "I enjoy twins" moment.  Since Nov., the moments have become countless.  Daily I will watch the boys wrestling, screaming/laughing at each other, talking and cooing with one another, or just watching each other; I am in love with my boys and I love having twins!  Well, maybe love is a little strong -- very much enjoy? ;) 

Super Bowl Monday???

In Okinawa we are watching the Super Bowl on Monday morning.  Typically Marines get the day off to be at home or with friends watching the game.  We are grateful to have M home watching the game -- mommy was already able to take a shower, go to a Dr. appointment, run to the library, make chili, run to the shoppette to get the rest of the chili supplies, and go to the housing office.  All before 10:45 am.  I love days when daddy is home!

Now L is watching TV ALL morning in our bedroom while daddy watches the game, but hey, its only once a year.  So those of you who secretly set your kids in front of the TV -- I do it too ;).  My kids are not being abducted or burning the house down.  So its all good for today.

I want to pass along a thank you!  Many of you have sent messages of appreciation for serving in the military as a military family lately.  (It may have been my ranting and raving) but you make this easier when you send those messages.  This week I have been in a funk because I miss people in the States so much.  Your little notes of encouragement have been so uplifting.  Thank you!!!!

Have a wonderfully wonderful day!

C & C's Birthday

One year old!!!!

I suppose since I do a Bday count down for myself, it would be a good idea to include my children in that.
C & C will be 1 year old on Feb. 20!  How thrilling.  Very cool to think back to a year ago -- early labor/delivery, NICU, preemies, babies who couldn't take a bottle without drowning, babies who couldn't breathe, and babies who were a little funny looking as some preemies are -- one year down!  This really will be a celebration in the truest sense of the word!

C & C
we love you
we cherish you
we think you are just the best

Connor - your smile lights up your whole face and my heart

Caleb - your snuggles have me looking forward to each day

Happy Birthday boys!

Staying at home.

How precious are my kids???  How wonderful is being able to stay at home?  Well, until recently I never understood why SAHMs were so in love with being in the house all day.  How could you gaze lovingly into your children's' messes and think, "What a blessing!"

For today at least I am blessed.  We worked hard to set ourselves up for me to be able to stay at home and I finally enjoy it.  Well, there was a short time between L being 9 months and 14 months where I enjoyed it as well.  Then morning sickness and twins kicked in and that was the end of that...for a time.  I do admit that I still seem to fluctuate some between loving/hating my current position.  But for today, I am enjoying the job.  I will try to remember to treasure this "love/hate" relationship for my current position in life.  Hey, at least I am the CEO at the top of my game!  Thank you God for our blessings.

 L pretending to wear a tiara and posing as a Princess

 Connor sharing his smile

 Caleb and Connor getting into mischief

 More Connor smiles -- can you tell he frequently crawls out of his pants 

 Rub-a-dub-dub 3 Collins in a tub

We are too cool and SO BIG!

Of course, today is the day my Mama-san comes and L is at school -- could that contribute to my joy?
Have a wonderfully wonderful day.

Blessings

Haven't done this in quite awhile. I know that happy people count their blessings and that creates more happiness so since I no longer hate my life and am actually enjoying it, here are some of our blessings...

M is actually working a very regular and family-compatiable schedule.

L is learning Japanese. I am told by her teachers she now understands most everything spoken to her.

C & C are just too cute to handle. They play tag all over the house, crawling in separate directions.

My parents (Mom, Dad and Step-mom) have been as supportive as you could ever pray for as far a family. My mom is my number one supporter of being at home with the kids! My dad and Step-mom send us many of the items we can't get over here. There have been numerous trips to the PO by them! My dad and step-mom keep the 5 of us very involved in my little brother and sister's lives. If you have an age gap in your family you know how rare and meaningful this can be. My mom calls frequently and laughs in good fun at my struggles with a strong-willed little girl which gets me to smiling too.

L has woken up on the sweet side of the bed for 2 days in a row!

C & C are adoring their big sister while L also adores them.

My two brothers who are grown (as opposed to the 4 year old) are lots of fun to talk to. They both make me laugh.

C & C are about to make their first Birthday. For having such a curious older sister this is one miracle for the books.

L's 3rd Bday is coming up -- she wants to have a Shrek party with orange decorations. While I actually had to order orange streamer, balloons and cups, the island did have Shrek decorations. That is one huge miracle to actually be able to get some of what you need here.

M and I are enjoying each other now that we can hang out each night together and spend time on the weekends gazing into one another's eyes (or if you have had small children in the house you know that gazing doesn't happen, its more like a quick glance of appreciation as he decides to change the poopy diaper).

L is potty trained day and night!!!!

Alright, crumb catcher number one needs to be entertained...so have a good day.

I know, two posts in one day -- the gift of nap time!

PS L wanted to make a list of blessings, from the mouth of Babes...

"My Birthday

Hearts

Shrek

Daddy and Connor and Caleb and something else

My music (her keyboard)

That is all."