I know you're probably sick of me writing posts all the time, but I just did this one to update our blog and figured I'd post it on here as well...

Just a quick update on our lives:

We woke up at 5:30am on Saturday to the noise of all the windows rattling and the ground shaking. We jumped out of bed, ran to the windows and tried to figure out what was happening all at the same time as realizing it was an earthquake. I shouted “Run to the kids!” but as we entered the girls room we could see they were still asleep and the earthquake started to end. Hayden was already awake reading in his room and thought it was so awesome. He instantly wanted to jump on google and type in “Earthquake in Okinawa.” Fortunately there was no damage, although it was a significant quake around a 7. Sunday was exciting as well because as we were leaving for church we heard an announcement over the loud speakers on base saying there was a tsunami warning, predicted to hit at 3pm. The tsunami was caused by the earthquake in Chili. They forced evacuations of everyone living near the coast. We are about 2 miles from the coast but luckily up a big hill. So we had some people come over for the afternoon because they live right on the water but in the end nothing happened. Well nothing except all of Tom’s meetings were cancelled and he got to spend a Sunday afternoon home with us, it was very enjoyable and we even snuck in a nap!

Tom returned home from his trip to Washington anxious to get busy doing dentistry out in the “real” world. It’s going to make the next year and a half really long but I’m sure we’ll find ways to make it fun. We’re happy to have him home. He enjoyed bike rides, karaoke and eating out while he was away. (Thanks everyone!)When I told Danica that dad would be coming home that night she said “Good, and he’ll never go again!” I couldn’t agree more!! Next time we vacation together! There were lots of ugly rainy days with cranky kids that were really lousy but we did our best to stay busy while he was gone. My best friend here had a baby on the Sunday Tom flew out so I was able to take care of her other two kids for a few days which kept me very busy. Hayden was thrilled because he gave up his bed to the other kids and got to sleep in my bed, something I never let him do because he snuggles me ALL night! It’s really funny to watch him move closer even in his sleep if I try to move away.

Hayden went on a fun field trip at school and both the kids got to attend their Valentine’s parties. I treated myself to a nice night out for a Valentine’s date with my friends and we got pedicures and went out for dessert. It made for a nice night. Hayden started taking piano lessons from one of my friends and seems to like it. Hayden got to miss school to go to the District Science Fair (I had to go to because first graders needed a parent present). It was fun to spend the day with Hayden and was a great experience looking over all the projects and different stations they setup for the kids to learn things. Then to make the day even better Hayden ended up winning second place out of all the elementary school projects in the district! (3 schools). We couldn’t believe it since he is so young but he was excited. I think he’s already planning what he wants to do next year!

We have signed up for a Half Marathon on April 10th. It’s on IE Island, the same race we ran last April. It’s been nice to have a training goal and my knee seems to be healing. I’m taking it slow and I wear a huge knee brace but we’re up to 8 miles and my knee is okay so I’m hopeful. Running only 13 miles seems so “easy” now that we’ve done a marathon! Crazy... I’ve also started training to be on the Navy Dragonboat team. In May the Japanese have a huge festival and as part of it they race Dragonboats. The military have a few teams and the Navy Women are on a 5 year winning streak. It would be a great experience to be on the team but so many people want to do it that if you miss any practices you probably won’t be on the team. Practice is at 5am out in the ocean, just standing in the water rowing, so it’s a big commitment to go to all those practices and then not actually race...I think it would be awesome to do but I already know I’ll miss a few practices and can’t decide if I am willing to try it. Plus, it means I won’t have time to bike. I told Hayden about it today and he was so excited for me to do it because he watched the races last year. But then I found out he’s just excited to go and get cotton candy again while watching the race... so maybe that’s what I’ll do too...

Well I have to go watch Survivor and fold some laundry... I hope all of your lives are exciting as well! I saw this picture of Alyssa as a baby and it made me smile...

Happy Birthday to Peter and Buffy. I hope you guys have a great one. Really sorry to hear about the clavicle on Isaac. That is a painful injury and, although there is rarely a good time to break your collar bone, this seems like it was less than ideal timing with track starting. This is a bonus video of Peter. Ouch!



Well, I had an awesome time in Washington and SD and it was great to see all of you. I attended a course in San Diego prior to my arrival in Washington and that gave me the chance to hang out with Marnie and that was great. It would have been fun to get Tracey and the kids back there also but it just was not possible. It was great to be able to see the practice and understand better the goals that we have in mind. Previous to this trip I could not even remember that names of all the people working in the practice and this trip gave me the chance to get to know them all better as individuals. Thank you Dave for allowing me to attend that course, it was great. I knew that returning to Okinawa was going to be difficult because I was able to see how it could be being around everybody and living there. Also, I was able to see how efficient Dave is at work and what a great team he has there. Then, I was returning to my job here, which is fine, but not the same. Needless to say, I was bummed. But, I was happy to be back with Tracey and the kids. The time change really got me this time too. Going to the states was not difficult but returning was terrible. So, what have I learned?

I gave a spiritual thought today in Branch Council. As I sat down to get it ready I just kept thinking about how bummed out I was. I found an article in the March 2010 Ensign that meant something to me. This was the point. Gratitude. I need to be thankful for what I have. The grass will always be greener but I am grateful for what I have. Here are some lines from it....

Gratitude is a positive experience that comes from recognizing gifts or blessings and feeling thankful. It is also an attitude, a way of perceiving life, in which individuals are willing to receive and acknowledge the beneficial actions of others on their behalf. Those who consistently display such an attitude are said to have a grateful disposition. Gratitude is also a habit that can be cultivated, causing one to focus on the blessings of life. Finally, gratitude can be defined as a coping response to challenging or difficult circumstances.

Gratitude can have a profound effect on perspective, completely determining or altering the way we look at an experience.

We Feel the Effects and Benefits of Gratitude

Current case studies and research show that cultivating and practicing gratitude can reduce symptoms in cases of mild to moderate depression and anxiety. Practicing gratitude can also lead to increases in optimism, vitality, happiness, a sense of well-being, and a greater satisfaction with life. Grateful people tend to generate more positive memories, reminding them of the good in their lives. Those with higher levels of gratitude are viewed as more empathetic and supportive, more forgiving, and more likely to assist others. Grateful people also report feeling less envious and more generous with their possessions. They thus enjoy better quality relationships.

Gratitude also helps in coping with adversity. Those who practice it in times of adversity are more likely to seek and find a “silver lining” in their experiences. Finally, those who try to feel greater levels of gratitude report fewer physical complaints, more time spent in physical exercise, and better sleep duration and quality.

•Eliminate Ungrateful Thoughts

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles wisely counseled, “No misfortune is so bad that whining about it won’t make it worse.” Identify and list your complaining and ungrateful thoughts, and replace them with grateful thoughts and problem-solving strategies. We are prone to be more grateful when we recall how others have contributed to our success and happiness and when we focus on positive action rather than passive complaining.

•Train Yourself to Use Gratitude Language

Make a habit of writing letters of appreciation. Say thank you frequently to your loved ones and also to cashiers, postal workers, and others who serve you in any capacity. As you interact with community and civil servants and workers, consider writing a letter of commendation to their supervisors, praising their work and expressing your appreciation.

•Recognize That Things Could Be Worse

Think of situations you are glad you don’t experience, such as famine, war, or debilitating illness. Think of circumstances you would not want to experience. Be grateful your life is not more difficult as you consciously work to improve it. Demonstrate your gratitude to the Lord by doing whatever you can to assist those less fortunate than you.

I am grateful to be in such an amazing family with so many great people. I am grateful that Dave and Adina allowed me to ransack their home for a week and be part of their family. I am grateful that Dave bought such a nice bike so that I could have such great rides while I was there. I was amazed and grateful for all the great weather that we had while I was in Washington. I am grateful to have a family that is with me here in Okinawa. I am grateful for Tracey and for all that she does to teach our children good principles. I am grateful that since I have been back here in Okinawa there has been mostly sunny skies. I am grateful that the Earthquake was totally enjoyable and that it had absolutely no effect on our lives. Also, the tsunami was a joke. I am grateful that I have not been deployed (knock,knock) except for a small humanitarian aid mission since I have been here and I have been able to get some great experience in dentistry. Also, I am grateful that Mom and Dad will be visiting here next month to see the way that we live.

Anyway, sorry this got a little bit therapeutic for me. It is not meant to be preachy. I truly am happy with what I have been given. I know that if I keep gratitude in my heart I will be a happier person. Hopefully you will all have a great Sunday. Ours ended up being very relaxing because of the tsunami warning. Less meetings is always good for me. Love you all..

Tom

As I said below...we celebrated these last night. We are so glad that Brent and Anne brought you into our family!

We love you both! (Disclaimer is that I don't have many pictures on my computer)

Love, Barb

Dad and I are taking care of Beck right now while Peter and Anne go out for his birthday dinner date. Andrew went with Kim and Treven...and Melia over to Treven's parents house to see their snakes...very impressed...and then went over to K &T's to play with Melia. Dad is sitting in the big chair with Beck, holding his bear, fast asleep!!

Mike was giving me a hard time yesterday about not writing...I do apologize but I have been busy. Or at least I've felt quite busy. We had a great time on the cruise, very relaxing and worry free! However, the day after we came back, I learned that a new family, the Smith's, had moved into the ward. He is attending school in San Francisco but it was too pricey for the family so she moved up here with their four kids. The Saturday that we returned he was in a serious motorcycle accident. Suzanne, the mother, flew down to be with him on the 14th. Her mother came for the first few days but then had some things she had to get back to so we've been coordinating the care of the kids. They are 17,14,13 and 11. She made arrangements for the older two but we have been managing the younger ones. One thing it has shown me is the great hearts of the sisters in the ward who have not said no once....One particular sister has had them for a week. She and her husband have no children but have been absolutely marvelous with these boys. A real testimony of the goodness of people! Suzanne said she had met Brooke but I'm not sure whether Brooke remembers them.

We are so glad that the earthquake did not affect Tom and Tracey...besides feeling it. Also Sterling Krout, (the son of Larry and Keri who we went on the cruise with) is safe in Chile...good news all the way around.

Our house is pretty busy with Andrew and Beck all the time, and Melia, McKenzie and Noah often!!! It is nice having them all so close although I have a hard time getting my quilting done since when they take naps the room is occupied!

Just read two good books...The House at Riverton (Kate Morton) and Afternoons with Emily (Rose McMurray)...both recommendations from Martha. I really did enjoy them. I'm not into The Forgotten Garden (Kate Morton). After the first two chapters I was into them which is high praise!!!

We had everyone over last night for Pizza and birthday celebrations for Peter and Buffy. It was a very fun evening. Kim and Treven are totally out of their old apartment today. Peter, David, Isaac and Taylor went skiing for a brief time...I'll let Dave or Adina give the news on that one!!!

Love you all,

Mom

Just wanted to post this picture of the last time our family was together in our first home. This house has seen a lot of change in our little family in 4 years. I have a feeling that we will be talking about the Meadowdale house for many years. The sad part is that my pregnant wife wasn't the one getting a little teary eyed as we got ready to leave last week.

So as you all know it has been a very interesting few days here in Irvine. We came down on Thursday morning. We have had soo much fun hanging out with the Anselmo's (friends from Santa Clarita). Thursday was very interesting though. After we arrived we had plans to go to Disneyland. Noah was feeling hot but we took his temperature with a thermometer that I am not used to and got a reading of 98.5 degrees. So we thought it was nothing. Anyhow we went to Disneyland and had a ball. Noah was not very perky like he normally is, but we had fun. I was able to go to Club 33 with Chad which was an adventure in it's own right. It is an exclusive club that is above Pirates and overlooks the park. Very plush!!
Anyhow, we left Disneyland at about 6:30 pm and went by In N Out for dinner (of course). We got home and put Noah in his high chair to eat. He took about 2 bits then as Buffy put it he stiffen up and his eyes got really big. He started a seizure. I picked him up out of the chair trying to hold him tight and get out to the car. As we got to the garage he was seizing harder and starting to turn blue and foam at the mouth. VERY SCARY!!!! We called 911 and I am sure not by accident the ambulance was right around the corner and her in about 20 seconds. VERY BLESSED!! The 911 operator in the meantime had walked us through how to help him and he was breathing and back with us. On a side note, I do have to say that I am a very lucky man to have Buffy as a wife, she (and this is a quote from the ambulance driver) is the calmest mother EVER in that situation. Anyhow the hospital is really close and we were able to get him there and the doctors were very nice. Of course the tests had to be done. Blood drawn, Urinalysis (by cath), X-ray, IV, poor Noah was poked every which way. Not to mention that the temperature was taken through the rectum. His temperature when we got to the hospital was 103.5 which is could have been there all day for all we know.
So the final diagnosis was that he had a febrile seizure which is caused by having a high temperature and apparently is common. Noah has since been like himself other then a few fever episodes at night. I would definitely like to say that ALL of the prayers that were given on Noah's behalf were felt and we thank you very much.
We will be home tonight and can't wait to see everyone.
Love you All.

I will admit, I have been a little busy lately but now that I have a minute to sit down I thought I might write something (being nudged by Tracey helped :) ).

The move went well. We are now getting settled in here at mom and dad's and are having fun being around everyone. Andrew still has to learn to come to the realization that we won't see the Washugal Stinchfields all the time. It is nice to be near family for the first time in our marriage. Thanks again to Mom and Dad for letting us doing this and putting up with my children screaming and crying every night because they are still adjusting and tired from all the activity going on.

Peter headed back last night to Boise and he will definitely be missed here with our family. It is nice to know he will be back next weekend. I am glad that he is willing to do so much for me and the family at this time. He is working hard and helping to keep the company growing out here. Like Mom said to me the other day, they definitely picked the right guy for the job because Peter is so good at it.

The boys are loving the closeness to family and seeing everyone a lot. He was so excited to be able to go to Sunbeams with Melia yesterday, he could have cared less that I was there. (that was for you Dave and Tom)

The pregnancy is going well and I will be 8 months (32 weeks) this week. I go to meet and have appts. with the new doctor this week also. Exciting but nervous at the same time due to having such an awesome doctor in Boise. I will definitely miss Dr. Hodges. Peter jokingly suggested that we have Dr. Hodges call this new doctor and tell him to do everything like he does so that we are comfortable this birth. Funny Funny.

Anyways, I should probably get to unpacking one of these days and continue the rearrangement of the bonus room. We love you all and love have the family we do!

Love,
Anne

post something.... this blog is dead... I know you are all together but some of us are all alone!!! Tom is en-route from Tokyo, should be home in a few hours and we can't wait!!! Kids are in bed and I'm off to eat a cinnamon roll and watch Chuck while I wait... I could clean the house but that doesn't sound as enticing, besides, he'll be home soon and he can help me right?

Kim,

Have a great birthday. We love you and your family. It has been great to see you this week.

TNT, kids

We wanted to write this post today because it's the 16th at our house but we decided we had to wait until it was your birthday there!!! Tom we hope you have a fantastic day! I'm so excited for you to go do karaoke tonight and hope that it's great and everyone really gets into it! The kids and I are glad we got to have a fun birthday party with you at Round One before you left. I wish we had taken pictures! I asked the kids their favorite things about you and we came up with this list, they could have gone on and on but I had to put them to bed!:

My Favorite Thing About Dad/Tom Is:
"That I LOVE him!" Danica
"The presents that he gave to us" D & H
"How nice he is!" Hayden
"Hanging out watching TV and folding laundry together."
"I like him because I like to drink milk like him." Danica
"...'cuz" Alyssa
"Training for the marathon together."
"I like that he always plays with me." Hayden
"Bless that daddy can come home safely" Danica, yes, I know it makes no sense is response to my question
"Constantly striving to find a way to beat you at a strategy game!"
"Playing monster catch." Danica
"Riding bikes together!" Hayden
"daddy at Papa's" Alyssa (she was a little confused by the question but at least she knows where you are!)
"Playing at the park, going on the slides" H, D & A
"Reading me bedtime stories every night." Hayden

The kids made you these cards for your birthday: (notice you have a football in your hand in Hayden's card, Alyssa just kept declaring "purple" and you'll have to ask Dani about her's because I don't know what you're holding or why sharks are swimming around you!)



Just know how much you're loved and missed! We hope you have a fantastic birthday!!!

I am so proud of Treven and his hard work is starting to pay off at work.

Just got back to Miami this morning and am waiting in the MIA for our flight to Charlotte, NC. Then, the Chicago, then home. Back about 2200 tonight. Larry and Keri have to go via Atlanta and those flights have been getting cancelled about 3/5 of the time. Currently, they are scheduled to go but will have to wait and see. I think we're ok but Chicago worries me a bit. NC may not be good, either. Enclosing some photos but will have more when we get home, hopefully tonight.

Yes, I do watch Lost and yes, I do feel like the island doesn't want me to leave! I have never felt so far from home and so isolated. Tom is back in San Diego at a dental training and then heading up to Washington on Thursday to spend about 10 days. The kids and I were hoping to catch a free military flight, Space A, so that we could go to Utah for a week and then meet up with Tom in Washington. Supposedly this is a great time of year to catch those free flights because there aren’t many people traveling. I spent all week packing, prepping and doing everything that goes into trying to leave the country for a few weeks. Apparently, lots of available seats isn’t the case anymore and they didn’t end up taking any extra people on the flights throughout the weekend. It made for a really long, emotionally charge weekend with showing up at the airport and waiting around for hours only to find out we weren’t getting on the flight and then more attempts the next day and the next... So needless to say, I am really sad to miss seeing family and sad to be stuck here alone with the kids for two weeks after thinking I was going to be on vacation. Tonight Danica asked when Tom is coming home and I said two more Sundays and she said "I'm really going to miss daddy" and then she interrupted my family prayer and said "make sure to say "bless daddy to come home safely." She is such a sweat heart!

However, I luckily don’t have much time to stay depressed with tons to do and the knowledge that I am truly blessed in so many ways. I had a friend point out there are certainly worse place to be stuck...it is true. Today was great, sunny in the 70’s. This afternoon I hooked the bike trailer to my bike and towed the girls while I went on a nice ride with Hayden. Then a friend had us over for dinner and we had great food and company. Lately we’ve had a lot of fun around here, here are some highlights:

Karaoke! We found a great place, really close and reasonably priced and you just rent a big room for your group to sing it up. However, I think they would have made more sound proof doors if they were expecting such loud groups of crazy Americans! I don’t have video of any of the really good songs, hopefully I’ll get them next time!I actually don't sing when we go to karaoke but I enjoy the fun and food. This new place had some real genuine Japanese cuisine including pizza with mayonaise and octupus, lots of squid and raw ham salad...I stuck to basic curry and rice!

Wago Family Land- it’s like a version of Chuck E. Cheese but way better! Things are crazy and fun, there are no worries about safety or litigation. We had a blast! This video of the balloon room would be a dream come true for most kids!
He just rolled around and around!
Awesome zipline that took itself back up to the top to the next kid waiting!
The kids just hung on as the tree swung around!

At the end of January, Sesame Street Live came and did free show. We had a great time once Alyssa got over being terrified! Alyssa has her hair in a pony tail because for a week straight she insisted on it every day! She was obsessed with having her hair in a pony tail!

Off the ship this morning and out on a catamaran to sail into oblivion, around a few islands then drop anchor to snokel for about 1.5 hrs. Then, back aboard for some more sailing and then to a small beach with lunch and some relaxing before heading back to the ship. Spent the evening at a stage show, dinner (Italian), and then walked around the ship until about 2300. Ready to hit the sack then up for a 0930 debarkation at Tortola. No tours planned; just wandering. That is it for today. KnB

So we get in the car after church yesterday and I asked Andrew as I always do ""What did you learn about in sunbeams today?"

Andrew: "Jesus and Tooting and Laughing"

Needless to say we had the talk on the way home that tooting and burping in Primary are not reverent and you don't do it. Meanwhile Peter is chuckling and so proud.

-Anne

Got up this morning and rowed 3000 meters. Mom ran 2 miles around deck 13. I had a sports massage/deep massage that found every ounce of lactic acid in my muscles. Later today had a trip to a Beijing trained acupuncturist who placed 5 needles on each ankle, on each leg one at mid calf, at head of tibia and two to knee. Two near umbilical, one between naval and sternum, one at sternum, one at bridge of nose between the eyes, two on dorsum of left hand and five on dorsum of right hand. Fun. Left me alone for 30 mins and, hip is currently pain free and has been so all day. ??? I just don't get it. Wanted to put me on herbals but my one a day aspirin stopped that prescription. The four of us got a couch in a cocktail lounge to watch the entire Super Bowl game. Very good game. Then up for quick dinner and "dog" before bed. Now, it is midnight and we're off to bed to get ready to go into Samana, Dominican Republic, on the same island as Haiti at the Northeast corner of the island. Go to St. Thomas on the next day. Moderately rough seas but having a wonderful time with Keri and Larry Krout. More to follow. KnB