Long division has the same effect on me...

After completing his math homework, Jacob decided to retire to his room to play. I checked in on him about an hour later and this is what I found:



I'm right there with you, buddy!

More Mr. Hotstuff

Notice anything amusing about this picture? (Besides how much Patrick appears to dig himself?)


We were just goofing around taking pictures of Patrick's rippling muscles and then noticed Jesus standing on Patrick's shoulder, whispering in his ear. I was relieved not to see the devil standing on the other shoulder.


And speaking of rippling muscles...here's Patrick at today's Cross Country meet. He's actually doing quite well.

Go Dragons!

Yoshi's...the sequel

It was Friday and we were all missing Troy and wondering what he was doing and hoping the game was going to go OK and all...so we decided to soothe our anxieties with an outing to Yoshi's...after all, Cliff hadn't been yet!



















I wonder what Troy's eating in Yokota?

Flashback Friday...Where's Jesus?

This is one of my favorite flashback stories, so I'm surprised I haven't blogged it sooner. It took place during our move from Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, CA down to San Diego, CA (a little less than an hour away) back in June of 2001.

Jake was 2 1/2 and attended "Toddler School" down at Children's Hospital in San Diego every weekday afternoon. He happily watched the movers doing their thing in the morning (they were like tornadoes whipping through the house) but just before lunch he and Dad had to head down the road to get Jake to school.

When Jake got home around 6 that night, he came into the living room, looked around and said, "Where's Jesus?" I thought for a second, and then beamed with pride as I thought of Jake remembering our picture of Jesus which had been hanging on the wall. You know the one...



I said to Cliff..."How sweet! Of all the things that have been packed up, it's the picture of Jesus that Jake misses!"

My smugness was short lived, as the movers walked in, having returned from their dinner break. Jake ran up to one of them, pointing and shouted..."There's Jesus!!"

Here's some pics of "Jesus" hard at work:






I know His life was a ministry of service...but I don't think I remember any scriptures about Him helping anyone move.

At least the mover wasn't offended. In fact, he said it was the nicest compliment anyone had ever given him.

Troy's Yokota Trip

One cool thing about playing sports for an American school overseas...away games involve a plane trip and hotel stay. Mostly, we just play the other DoDDS high school on island, but at least twice this season, the Kubasaki football team gets to travel to mainland Japan to play other schools.

I was sick and didn't plan on going to the school to see off the bus to the airport, but Troy forgot a couple of important items, so I had to drag myself out of bed. I'm actually glad though, because I got these great pics...






The head coach letting them know what he expects of them...



Putting their muscles to work loading up the luggage...



Coaches Bales and Geist...these guys are great!



I thought the human chain (viewed through the bus windows) to load the luggage was pretty cute, but don't tell any of them I referred to them as cute, K?



Finally ready to go...



But not before the principal tells them all what he expects, too...and explains the term "international incident".



Look at all those suitcases!



And they are finally on their way...

I made my way back to the van...and promptly broke down sobbing. I was so excited for Troy to have this experience...and it was just 3 1/2 days, for crying out loud. I knew I shouldn't have watched Fiddler on the Roof again (darn those Joneses for lending it to us).

Sunrise, sunset
Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly fly the years
One season following another
Laden with happiness and tears

I know it sounds cliche' but honestly it seems like just last week I could fit him into my arms. Now I look up to him...literally and figuratively. All I could think about was that in a year or two (depending on where he attends college before his mission) we'll be saying a WAY harder goodbye. I'm SO proud of him and happy for him...but so not ready for this.

I don't remember growing older
When did they?

I pulled myself together and headed back to bed. For now, I guess I can blame it on my illness...next week, I'll just be back to being an ordinary cry baby.

Yo Quiero Geico?

When I said these guys are everywhere...I really wasn't kidding. While waiting to place my order for a late dinner at the drive thru last night...I saw this guy pop into view. It was hard to miss him with the background illumination. I don't know how he got inside, but I'm guessing he was lost.

Flashback Friday...Never Forget

I didn't know what to expect this year as we remember 9/11 in another country, while it was still September 10th back in the USA. Usually, beginning with the Today Show, I would watch as many tributes as possible, maybe even attend a remembrance event in person, if possible. Since it wasn't possible, I had to look up my own tributes on the Internet. The first one I found posted to Facebook by a friend. It was produced by the LDS Church and it pierced my heart. This man is such a testament to the choice that each of us has to make, between bitterness and fear...or faith, hope and joy. You can find it here.

Since I didn't have another story to tell, I decided to go back and FINALLY scan and upload the rest of the photos to last year's September 11th post...which you can read again here.

We spent the evening at Troy's football game...and although nothing was formally mentioned, I'm sure I was not the only one feeling a little more somber and grateful as the JROTC paraded the colors and a beautiful student soloist sang the National Anthem.

I will never, ever, ever forget.

God Bless America!