End of SY 2008-2009

Joseph's EOY field trip.

--- Joseph ---

This is my son at his end of the year field trip to the Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, Yokohama.

His Kindergarten year sure flew right by. I can't believe that he's heading into the First grade.

We've been truly blessed having Ms. Gilbert as his teacher this year.

He's learned so much and is going to do so well in the years to come because of her firm push.

He is well prepared for what's ahead. We're grateful.

Host Nation - Basketball

--- Last Friday, Joniece's basketball team (Atsugi, Bulldogs) played a Japanese team. It was one of those host nation friendship type games. It was fun to watch. The Japanese team was very disciplined and didn't let their mistakes get to them. Our girls got very frustrated and lost focus. It was a great lesson for our girls. They needed a little butt kickin'. I thought it was a great experience for all of the girls. I don't know what the score was, because after a 20 point lead they turned the score board off. It came back on whenever our girls would catch up to at least the 20 point difference, but then it was off at the end of the game. That means our girls lost by at least 20. Haha... everyone had fun and that's all that matters. They will be playing them again on March 27th. I guess they have a chance to redeem themselves. Hahaha... we'll see. --- We play Zama (Army Post) this weekend. I'm looking forward to it. It will be interesting since they all go to the same school. This game will mean more than any of the others just because they all attend the same middle and high school. I'm sure there's a bunch of trash talking going on in the halls already. There will be a buzz around the school on the Monday following the big game.

---------------------- On a different note. My daughter, Jasmine, has a job. Her first J-O-B!!! She's now a news carrier for the Stars and Stripes. YAY! Joniece used to have a paper route for the Stars and Stripes, but couldn't continue because of all her extracurricular activities. Jasmine is more into this kind of stuff so she's going to LOVE her job. She'll probably even do stuff to make it fun. Like draw out a map of her route, buy a basket for her bike, etc. She's such a kid. I love that about her. She's not trying to grow up too fast. I know exactly what she'll do with her pay. She'll buy a couple of pens and pencils and save the rest. She's pretty good with money, but such a sucker for stationery. She loves paper, pens, pencils, erasers.... UGH...

Weaning from Breast to Bottle

--- Well... here I am again. Funny how I find my way back every so often. Not as often as I'd like, but here I am. I'm currently in the process of weaning from breast to bottle. I'll still be using breastmilk, but I thought I'd start pumping and storing my milk so that the rest of the family can share in the joy of feeding. The bonding during feeding is an experience I don't want to be greedy with. It's a beautiful time that I know the family will appreciate. I'll definitely keep you all posted. It will be quite interesting. I didn't do this with the other four of my children. I hope it goes as smoothly as I am imagining.

Butter

--- Butter. Japan seems to have some of the most amazing things. I think so anyway. Look at this butter. It's packaged for ease and convenience. Already cut in tablespoons. There's so many things in Japan you just wouldn't see in the United States. I appreciate so much here and I know for certain that I will miss it like crazy when we return stateside. It's not just the butter. I truly respect that they take time for the little details. They appreciate so much and don't take things for granted like we do. We, meaning almost everyone I know, that's for sure. Would we ever think of half the things they do? Nope. We complain about everything while they sit and figure out how to make things right or how to fix it, not just for themselves personally, but for everyone. Amazing. Again... I think so, anyway.

Baby #5 has arrived

Baby #5 has arrived!!

Joaquin Thomas

December 30th, 2008 @ 0741

US Naval Hospital Yokosuka, Japan

Updates soon. BTW... HAPPY NEW YEAR!!