HAPPY HALLOWEEN

The boys had a blast this year. We made it an entire block which says something since both boys walked the entire thing... And we filled two pumpkins. Liem was so cute trying to say "trick or treat" and "thank you" He didn't understand he only got one piece and tried to grab more from the tray/bowl several times... Luke on the other hand had to show us each and every piece he got after he left the houses.

Surprisingly we did not see any other Woody's or Dinosaurs! I say every year I will attempt to make their costumes the following year but we will see... :)

Spells...

It has been about a year since they started and they have occurred about 6 times. We are always told they are normal but nothing more... The latest breath holding spell happened Tuesday and was by far the scariest. Imagine for a moment your child going unconscious in your arms, body stiff, and eyes rolling back... It usually takes 30 seconds for him to come to. This time it took near 2 minutes. These spells are scary, as scary as Luke's code in the hospital. When I took Liem to the ER that night I expected the worse. How could I not. How normal is it for a child to pass out repetitively and something not be wrong... Low and behold it took the Naval hospital ER ped Dr's to inform me off breath holding spells.
http://www.webmd.com/parenting/tc/breath-holding-spells-topic-overview

There is link for some common knowledge. And in some odd way it makes the spells less scary, well for one they said no one has ever died from them, which has been my fear. I just have to wonder why I went a year without being informed of the term "breath holding spells". I may be a little dramatic, or watched one to many Grey's episodes but when it comes to my children and their lives I worry excessively. We have been handed a lot and and nothing is stopping one more curve ball so I try to be prepared... But honestly it makes me feel more at ease knowing that this is common and he will outgrow it eventually... Not to mention the Dr's are dotting their I's and crossing their T's by referring him out to a pediatric neurologist.

We will add the newest specialist to Liem's list... But at least we are aware and he is healthy. Well for the most part :)

Halloween...

Can't believe it is almost Halloween time again... Luke was pretty set on being Woody from Toy Story but seemed to toss around Spider man as well. I like the theme the boys but when Liem saw the Dinosaur costume he fell in love. We put it on in the store and he started roaring at everyone... To cute... So I thought about it and T-rex is in Toy Story and one of the main characters so... Luke can be Woody and Liem T-Rex :)

We have so many fun costumes in our dress up bin ;)

Happy 4th Lucas Michael!

I thank God each and everyday for bringing you into our lives... Throughout the past four years you have taught me so much about not only being a mother but about being a better person... Wether it has been you simple laugh or the fight of your life I have learned from you, I love you, and I cherish you...
I cannot believe my oldest baby is truly 4 years old.

1 Month old

2 months old

6 Months old

1 year old (I stink and lost his 1st party pics)

15 months old

1.5 years

2nd birthday

3rd birthday

This past weekend

Happy 2nd Birthday Liem Jon...

Happy 2nd birthday to my second lil man...

" I'll love you forever...

... I'll like you for always...

... as long as I'm living my baby you'll be"

I remember wondering how I would ever love another baby as much as Luke... It is not something that can be explained or understood... But it was never hard... My heart is full of love for both boys :) I am truly and honestly blessed and not a day passes that I do not fully grasp that!!!
I love you Liem Jon!!

California so far.

I like it. I really really like it... Things are nearly as expensive as Hawaii if not a little cheaper. With proper planning we are doing ok without our cost of living allowance :) On the plus side we can afford Liem's fruit addiction. So cheap here and all he eats are fruits. The main Commisary which has the better selection is about 17 miles from us but we do have one that is sufficent right down the street from us. The shopping however is endless here and 15-20 miles in either direction I have endless options. It is nice exploring and figuring this place out.

The weather honestly has been amazing! AMAZING! We dont have central air and honestly we do not need it. The highest our temp in the house got today was 72, it never rains, although it never feels warm enough for me to need a pool. We have one right down the street but when I went into it I was freezing. Maybe the Hawaiian in me ;) We are right by the ocean and I am sure that cools us down quite a bit, but as of now I cannot complain at all on the weather front.

The people... I am new and do not know many people, with the exception of Angela, so everyone has something to offer and opposing views. The board I found is unique. I find it interesting after such an amazing group of women in Hawaii. The girls on this board tell girls to google their quiestions on life experiances on Pendleton. Maybe it is the repetition of the quiestions as people join to ask these quiestions, but I think (and maybe I am spoiled) but pcsing is tough enough let alone mving to a new base the least people can do is share experiences and advice on the quiestions. There also seems to be a TON of drama. Do not get me wrong I like reading the drama especially since I am not involoved but it seems like everyone jumps on the bandwagon.

From the board I have went to and hosted a playgroup. I enjoyed myself and have met some nice people from those groups. I am optimistic about meeting new people. Deep down though I have to wonder "will I ever meet people, a support system, like I had in Hawaii". Do not get me wrong as I formed a special bond with EACH memeber :) but I thought it would be easier because it was easy in Hawaii. But maybe it was fate that all of K-bay U was in Hawaii when we were. Maybe it was fate that are husbands deployed again and again while we were there, and maybe it was fate that we all found one another. I miss that, I'll miss that, I hope to find it here, but most of all I hope to one day have us all back together again. (at least for a reunion with Valerie and her undies ;) ).

So far I am trucking on in this unknown territory. It is ironic to me that I dislike change as much as I do but I seem to have an aversion for fear of new places and people. ( I do not even know if that makes sense, but it does to me). I thought about it tonight and I happy, (I will be happier when J gets of this cycle and the next), but I am happy and optimistic.

PS I will add pics soon :)

I'm back....

Last night I had a brilliant idea for a blog but somewhere between sleep and fighting Liem I lost it... So I will settle on a recap to fill everyone in on the craziness that was our life for a few months...

We left Hawaii... Harder than I ever thought it would be... Deep down it was our home and leaving it was not easy, nor was leaving the Beach, weather, or sun... And the saddest part is I can no longer say we live in Hawaii. Soon I won't even be able to say we just moved from Hawaii, and eventually we will change the plates on the explorer... But as always I am grateful for the experience, the friends, and the time we had...

The flight was ahhh alright... 2 Valium and notta. I guess I am just that afraid or have an extremely high tolerance (thanks Mom and Dad). It took about 5% of the edge off but that's about it... Important thing is I made it... I did. We had a few days in CA to secure our house and see base and then we went onto Ohio...

We had a blast in Ohio, minus the weird sleep schedule Luke and Liem followed. We ran ragged all over Ohio and even into PA, but it was wonderful to see everyone and for everyone to see the boys. Luke had the time of his life and still asks about everyone. Liem probably just wondered what the heck was going on... It is a lot of change for little ones but luckily they seemed to go with the flow.

Now we are 100% settled in Cali, well we were about 2 weeks ago but I have been all over the place since arriving. Household goods arrived the 23rd and I was unpacked and decorated by the 25th. As of now I like it here. Driving is a little crazy but Hawaii prepared me for it. Weather is amazing. We are right off the ocean again and get a wonderful breeze. We do not have central air but honestly we do not need it. The boys allergies and mine for that matter are better than ever. Seems like we have so much at our disposal and one day we will get to it :) J's work schedule is less than stellar right now but we knew it was coming.

We are close to the Hanuna's :) and get to see them regularly which is nice since we knew no one coming into this. I have been to a few playgroups and the girls seem nice. A great thing about our development is everyone has 2 or more kids which means there are kids to play with everywhere.

I hope everyone is well and I will be checking in on all the blogs I follow :)

The chapter is almost done...

We packed out yesterday with minor to no bumps in the road. It was easy but overwhelming at the same time. I was left looking at our life on a truck and it hit me that we really are moving... I know it sounds odd but for awhile it was just in theory... something I talked about and dreamed about. Staring it in the face forced me to face it. I have so many emotions and a huge one is sadness. Our life was here. Our children have been raised here. We have met some of the most amazing people in our lives while being in Hawaii... I read once "So much of what we know about love comes from home." I find it most true right now. This is/was our home, more importantly our first home as a family. We have grown, changed, lost, and loved here and now it will be in the past tense. I will truly always hold Hawaii in my heart. It will always hold some deep meaning and connection to our home. However as is the military we will know and love many homes. I told J yesterday that the only thing that is constant is change itself... So true.

So we face the last weekend in paradise in an empty house that needs cleaned with two busy bored children. I do however get my hubby back this evening which will be amazing. Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we continue the move process. I got the flight itenary and it was all I could do not to fall over from fear :) Keep the prayers coming. TIA!

Sick...

Well I had a productive week last week finishing the scheduling of our move, the flights off the rock, and shipping Lola... We were however blind sighted by some sorta cold that put us all out of commission for the entire weekend. Luckily we didn't have anything that had to be done this weekend although we managed to get a ton done around the house. Pictures, curtains, etc are off the walls. Minor things are packed and much is separated. I feel ready for the move although I know it will take me by surprise come Thursday.

It will be a fast moving week and J gets home next Friday after graduating his MCIS course. We are ready to have him home and I am sure he is ready to be home. I am hoping for a fun, relaxing last weekend in Hawaii... Holy heck did I just say last weekend in Hawaii... I'm hoping for some beach, pool time and visiting a few restaurants we will miss. Everything is lined up, all it is going to take is getting through this week. I am praying for any and all smooth vibes or extra vibes you all can spare... We all know my fear of flying and being the fact that I have successfully not flown to the Mainland in over two years that makes this flight that much more difficult... No one can understand it unless they know it but I would appreciate some prayers for safe travels, and an uneventful move :)

Growing, Growing, Growing...

Seriously where does the time go. Liem turned 21months today. In a few short months I will have a 2 year old and a 4 year old... Honestly where has it all gone... Luke had an appt today and I always knew he was on the bigger side but he measured in at 43 1/2 inches and weighed in at 43 pounds... I guess carrying him around is keeping me in shape at with those stats! :) He is still on the top of the chart at 98%. I swear the kid will be taller than me and J before we know it... On the other hand we have our tall string bean. I don't know his current stats but the kid is skinny mini I had to start buying 12month shorts again because anything bigger he takes off to easily, usually in public, lol...

It is funny the difference I see between these two.... They really are different and the same in so many ways. Liem is starting to repeat a lot of words like Dinosaur, helicopter, etc. Big words that come out somewhat close, altho I have been deciphering mumble jumble for a few years. However Liem will only do it for me, he will not do it for J on the phone, or friends he only shows his "tricks" to me where he is most comfortable, I swear strangers prbly wonder if he can talk, but it is his personality and his nature. Luke on the other hand couldn't be stopped always showing and doing tricks. I love that they have their differences and similarities because it is these things that will allow them to challenge and grow from on another down the line...

Randoms...

LOL here are some of the boys... Luke loves basketball altho he wishes it were baseball... lol. Cant beat an energy burning activity. Liem is insane in every aspect. Hates diapers and goes nakie 95% of the day... Luke is also sporting his cowboy boots as he would call them... They are tooooooooo much fun!

Things are moving forward...

Welp it is almost 100% official... We are leaving Hawaii... Really and truly. I went this week and battled it out with TMO to get some dates nailed down. This whole issue was emotional draining and stressful. Since J is in school he will not get orders until the last second, some schools do it a month or a few weeks out... Not Camp Pendleton so J will more than likely get order 3 days before graduation... After a lot of what ifs anger, and some crying I us scheduled for a pack out date... Because let's face it in a few weeks nothing will be available. So excited and happy I don't have to worry about it anymore...

However now it is true we are leaving... Lola flies out on the 4th, I cancelled cable and Menehune, J graduates the 12th as well as us packing out, we have to get the car shipped at the last possible moment, and hop a flight to Cali before heading to Ohio for a month... And this is all in a month time span... Wow. I'm ready but the expedited plan stinks a little. :)

We have been talking to Luke a lot about the move. I don't think he gets it all but is grasping the fact that we are leaving Hawaii, visiting Ohio, and moving to Cali. He just tells me to make sure I pack his favorite clothes and toys... Kids.

Hope everyone else is well and that plans are falling into place for you all as well :)

Another one bites the dust...

Our poor little Toshiba bit the dust... Mind we we bought it used off of someone else a few years back. It has already batteled one virus and gotten a new hard drive. I have two efficent types of anti virus and spyware programs on the computer but some lameo has nothing better to to than stimulate the economy by hacking into compurters and infecting them... Makes me mad. I could have replaced the hard drive again but it is old and behind in terms of technology...

So I refuse to fall prey any longer we upgraded to a MacBook... Different yes, but easy to switch yes.... I havnt had to many difficulties yet but am trying to figure out buttons and what not. Things are different but it is a computer. I even added some extra Norton protection for safe measures... We have lost all of our pictures again... Thank God we have Dropshots. My biggest concern are my itunes... I cannot get into the old computer to switch the settings so that I can share my music on more than one computer.... Let's hope I figure it out...

Slowly we are becoming Apple people :) Luke likes the the apple on the back of my computer. Lol so simple to please.

Dr Update...

So I had to yet again hold down one of my children for a procedure... It never gets easier and I could feel the tears coming but I pushed through them. I hate putting them through pain, knowing they are scared and yet I am the one holding them down... I hate it... I can see Liem is a fighter and stubborn as hell. He fought through bit with every bit he had. Yes I wanted him to settle for the Dr but at the same time I am proud of him for fighting with all he had :)

The Dr says he tested postive for the virus CMV, and forgive me but I hvent researched it yet, but it is simialar to Taxio in that it happens in utero and can lie dorment forever. However Liem was ok today. Still scaring in the back or his right eye near his retinal vision but the scar is done and will not spread any further, he also does not have any other "new" lesions. So as of now he is good, but he will need follow up by a Retinal specialist every 6months or so... Of course I am nervous of what could be but all I can think now is thank God he has some vision and isnt blind. J keeps thinking of the worse case sceniros but bottom line is he can see, and we can strengthen that eye, It could have spread to his brain causing developmental delays but it didnt... I have to be thankful for that... Although I have wondered why... I just pray and ask everyone else to pray that this virus doesnt comeback... It is bad enough deal with the effects once I just hope it does not resurface...

And while we are praying if we oculd say one more for me... The Dr found a Mole she doesn't like and is sending me to a Derm. to have it looked at. I have been pretty adament about sunscreen lately but admit to slacking many times... Let's pray it is nothing serious... Thanks :)

Happy Mothers Day!

Just wanted to take a minute and wish all the Momma's out there a Happy Mother's Day. Being a Mother is amazing, rewarding, challenging, and at times overwhelming all rolled into one. Ours jobs are far harder than many imagine but we do it and we do not think of it as work. So on our day let's thank others, and pat ourselves on the back for the gift we have :)

I want to thank my boys on Mother's Day as well. I love these lil men more than they will ever know, or imagine. They are without a doubt in my mind the best thing that has ever happened to me. They have changed me as person and challenged me to see the world in a better light. I look forward to forever because I will spend it as their Mother :)


a>

Liems animal noises!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing

Somewhat clear. He is also working on Cow noises, pig noises, duck noises, and monkey noises. He thinks they are funny and I think they are cute when he says them.He is also repeating almost every and all words I say. Some come out funny and others sound close to what we say.

Not much else going on. We are waiting for some orders so we can get the move on... I thought about it today and we only have two paychecks left until we say aloha to hawaii... Im ready and I know I have talked about a lot but it is exciting and sad all in one... Soon we can make the move.

Update on Liem's eye...

So the results came back for the 2nd time as negative for Taxioplasmosis (sp) and the Opthamologist was shocked... She was certain he had been exposed and was glad but also stumped by the results. Liem is being referred out to a Retinal specialist in the next few weeks and he will look at him and maybe have a better explanation... Im hoping it is something minor and will not affect him anymore. I am hoping in three years from now Liem will be able to tell us he can see perfectly fine out of that eye even with the scaring.

On another Liem note he is well on his way to the terrible two's and if my memory serves me right it gets a lot worse at three. lol... I love this hands on stage but do not miss being on my toes at all times.

Luke's World.

Luke has been so interesting these past few weeks with his questions and comments. It reminds me each and everyday how innocent children get to be at least for the time being. The other day we were talking about God, a recurring convo lately, and I was trying desperately to explain that God takes care of people and that's why we pray and try to do good. Luke looked at me and said "Mommy no, God doesn't take care of us you do!", lol... Of course it melted my heart but I had to point out the bigger picture to him.

Luke has also been very concerned with Death and dying. He asks me all the time about it and why it happens. I think it scares him a little and of course I try to assure him we will be VERY old when our time comes but in reality who knows when it will happen. I really do not want him asking or thinking about death but he has and I cannot ignore it especially because important people have died in his life. So anyone with suggestions on this subject! lol...

Luke has also told me he loves me more than Mickey Mouse, the moon, the sky, the trees, and more than his toes. lol. He makes me smile on more than one occasion a day and for this time in my life I am thankful I get to live in a 3 1/2 yr olds world. Luke's world...

Baby Maddie

I have been following a blog that is touching and heartbreaking all in one. I came across this blog through one of my military wife forums and have been following since. It seems that this little girl, Maddie, and her parents Heather and Mike have thousands following, sharing stories of their own, and kind words of comfort and encouargment...

I can't help but wonder how many people have not heard of this little girl.

This is the link to Heathers blog.
http://www.thespohrsaremultiplying.com/

As a Mother I cannot imagine the pain and sorrow of losing my child, and yet this story seems to tear at me everytime I come across it. Heather and Mike are facing something parents should never have to know, or endure let alone live through. It makes me thankful time and time again for the life I have, for the life my children have. Reading about Maddie's love for life while enduring pain. Her heart was fuller at 17months than most people ever know. She fought with a smile on her face and know I can only picture her as a sweet angel in heavan.

I remember when Luke was sick in the hospital, and it is hard for me to think back on it. I think I chalk it up to another childhood illness but the bottom line it Luke was sick, very sick. We almost lost him and I remember thinking "I have no idea how to live my life without my little boy" on more than one occasion. I prayed harder than I have ever prayed in my life and I was more scared in those few weeks than I ever have been in my entire life. Reading about Maddie reminds me of arriving at the hospital thinking it was something minor when it ended up being so much more. As a parent you quiestion yourself, as I did, but as cliche as it sounds God always has a plan.

Luke's illness is nothing compared to baby Maddie's but after reading her story, her mothers story, anyone will find a way to relate.

I am writing about this because it was on my mind, and has been for a few weeks. It truly does break my heart, and it breaks my heart that her parents have to face this world without her. They have thousands of people following them and offering words but I figured a few more could not hurt. Take what you can and will from this, I just wanted to share Maddie's story.

A little of this and a little of that....

Well I know I have been slacking big time these days but amazingly we have been rather busy. The weather is finally Hawaiian feeling again and the boys and I have been spending time outside with neighbors and friends.

First Happy Easter!






It was a nice relaxing easygoing kinda day for us. I braved church and am a little nervous to take both of them back... haha... The boys seemed to have a ton of fun and liked all present the Easter Bunny brought.


Luke started basketball.



There are videos on dropshots. The whole thing is so cute. They are definitely not great but it is interesting to see them interesting in learning and trying their hardest. I have some better shots from this last practice but haven't uploaded them yet.

Everything else is going good. J and I bit the bullet and bought out tickets home to Ohio this summer... I'm praying with all I have everything else will fall into place. We definitely shaved a few days off where we could to try and ensure we would not have to change the ticket... I couldn't pass up the ticket prices... I am officially excited to know we will be in Ohio in less than two months... Scared of the plane yes but excited. lol.

I am so glad that the weather has shaped up a little around here although it will make leaving paradise even harder... I am ecstatic to get a new experience, to open another chapter, to move forward like so many of our close friends have, but I am sentimental about Hawaii... I am sure I will be sentimental about Cali when we leave there bur Hawaii was our first home together where we grew as a family... A lot has happened here. I'll miss Hawaii and as the time approached I find it harder to believe we are leaving here.