Vaca in the ATL...

and I had a real good time. The kids and I went up for a little get away and to visit a lifelong friend. Well she's more than a friend, she's my Mom #2. Has been since I lived in MO and met her. I'll be honest, I don't really remember meeting her, I've seem to have always just known her and throughout our travels (me as a BRAT & her as a Military Wife) we have always managed to stay in touch. She has been to all my kids baptisms and we have just enjoyed sharing life together all this time.





 This trip was more for a retreat, but I sure had a great time. Martha and I took the kids to Dixieland Fun Park on Saturday. We rode the zip line...more like zip chair on a line, but it was still really cool. Lil'Man was terrified at first, but loved it once we took off! I love watching my kids conquer fear! The one we all loved too was the octopus. That has always been one of my favorites!

Church on Sunday was a nice change. It's always good to worship God with a different perspective of worship. I was so proud of the kids too...they stayed in worship with me and they remained very respectful...as in no outbursts. Some of the greatest joys in life is pleasing other people, and Martha is great at that! She took the girl and bought some materials to make designer flip flops. Oh, the girl is so excited to make and sell her new items!

While they were out doing the shopping, I took the boys for a walk. Well I walked, the boys skateboarded & heelied (you know the shoes with the wheels in them) down the hills (falling a few times I may add) until we got down to the park (about 1/2 mile).

I watched the boys call out to a Canadian Goose. I thought for sure Lil'Man was telling that bird to come over and play with his duck call, but I told him that I was walking away because those birds chase & bite!





 



That evening, the girl prepped and cooked dinner. It was delicious!






 
Ahh, Monday was good. I thought we were going to do some window shopping, but it turns out that most of the shops in Fayetteville are closed on Mondays. So with that, I took the kids for a Blizzard and then went back to give the boys to Martha. She was taking the boys fishing while the girl and I went out to get a mani/pedi that was long overdue (that was my birthday gift to her last month). After it was all said and done, our nails look great (still!) and then we grabbed a coffee and walked around a real cool art gallery before heading home.

 

 That evening, I prepped and cooked dinner. It was my roast...yup...moist & delicious! The girl...she made the dessert!

 
 Our last day in Atlanta...Martha and I took the kids to the High Art Museum. OK, first of all, can I just say that I was not expecting it to be SO BIG! It was awesome!

 I really wanted to show the girl some of the artists that were on display. They had an exhibit called Picasso to Warhol. It was pretty cool. Loved that the boys enjoyed it too.

We took them through some of the other exhibits too and they were able to see how different cultures from different time periods used art as an expression of what was going on in society at the time the artist. That to me was cool.

Homeward bound after that and we had a nice ride home with only a few rain showers and a few spats in the car, but overall...a very enjoyable trip. So good to be home though, to see my husband, the dogs, my bed...

Vacations are great, but coming home is better. 

~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

What Happens In Vegas...Part 4...The Finale

First let me apologize for not finishing this last entry sooner, but trying to get back into the swing of things didn't work out just as I planned. I will blog about that a bit later...

So the wrap of Vegas...It's Saturday, and I have to say it was a nice start of the day to just relax and take my time to get ready to go anywhere. Mike and I met up with a few friends over at Hooters. While we waited we grabbed breakfast. It was good, but nothing to really write home about. A little gambling (Mike not me) and a lot of conversation was on the agenda. Then we strolled over to Carnival once again to relax with other Alum.

Now I can't say that I don't blame Larry for taking the lead to head indoors, but I was not so keen at first about heading into the "I Love This Place" to hang out. But we did, and ordered a bit of food. Not bad for a little pick me up. The conversation was lively as we met up with other Alum and just relaxed and laughed to loud and to often for some of the folks around us! I guess we still have it in us...

Time to go get ready for the evening at Treve over at Cesar's Forums. As we finished up a terrific night at Treve the festivities were beginning to take a bit of a toll on me. I honestly cannot remember the last time I went that long with friends without thinking about getting up in the morning for work or for the kids. I was taken back by the love and thankfulness of all the Alum as I was given a "Thank You" gift from those who appreciated the help I gave Larry...the "Man of the Hour" for all the hard work and time he put into this reunion. I was so surprised, and truly grateful.

The whole time I had been to Vegas, I had really wanted to see the water show at Bellagio. I missed it the first time I had gone and I did not want to miss it again. So Mike and I excused ourselves as people continued to take pictures and made plans for another (the last) after party. We made it over to the Bellagio just moments before the show began. It was beautiful and I tried to take as many pictures as I could while listening to the opera that was part of the perfectly timed fountains!

I have to be honest...Mike looked like he was about to fall asleep standing up, and I am sure that I didn't look much better. It was time to skip out on the fun and head up for a decent night sleep. Next thing you know...it's time to pack up, hit
the last buffet and head over to the airport. The Flamingo buffet was really really good. Fresh made crepe's, fruit forever and delicious shrimp. It was one of my better meals and so glad we went. I am not big on buffet's but it was good, and we had a view of the flamingo's outside..so it was a win win.

Last part of the trip was our crazy ride to the airport. I must say that the driver we had was WOW...I'm not sure how else to describe this has been cabby now turned shuttle driver in Vegas. He was hyper, not sure of his directions and over the line with the traffic. It made the need for prayer very necessary. We did arrive safely (of course) and had no problems on the way home.

Ahhh...home sweet home...until we headed out again the following week...but that, that is another blog.

~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

What Happens In Vegas...Part 3

Dinners and after parties were abound over the quick week in Las Vegas. What was amazing to me was how excited everyone was to see each other. Now, as I have said before, most of us thought we'd never see each other again, so the excitement was not contained!

My dear friend, Larry, and I hung out much of the day on Friday taking care of last minute reunion details, such as paying for the events. Not me...Larry!! He was the "Man of the Hour" or event as it were! Taking care of all the dinner plans and scoping out the spots was a lot of fun.

Once we finished up in the nice "air pumped/air conditioned" casino's we headed outdoors to a Carnival to hang out with some other OkiBrats! What a blast from the past as we sat back and listened to the WHIPITS(the Band of the Day)! They were a '80s tribute band that had a crazy show and great "classic" songs! I was quickly reminded of the Peaceful Love concerts in Okinawa! We had a terrific time!

Dinner at Max Brenner's was fantastic and the food was good too. For once, the food (for a foodie mind you)took second stage. All the talking and laughing and picture taking took center stage. Now let me just tell you this...if chocolate is your weakness...then you'll over do it at Max Brenner's! That place oozes chocolate!

So as a wrap of Friday we all took off for Revolution, a dance club at the Mirage. That place was crazy loud and so much fun! Watching everyone dance around and talk more, laugh more, and take more pictures...I was again reminded of all the fun we all had together in Okinawa. I have to say this though...I have not been to a night club in so long that I was WIPED OUT by time we left...not to mention...my shoe broke that night! Yeah...walking around Vegas (even just across the street) barefoot is not such a smart move.

So what to look for in Part 4...the quiet side and wrap up...

~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

What Happens in Vegas...Part 2

Our trip to Las Vegas was very routine. I have not flown in 6 years so any new changes that TSA has implemented were beyond me! 3oz of liquid in a clear zip lock bag that must be quart size...LOL...is that really going to stop someone? Shoes off and then proceed to get scanned (which I prefer over the physical "body search"). Now what gets me is that people in front of me still did not "follow directions"! I felt like asking them if they were still in elementary school...being taught how to follow directions. As a parent I expect my children to follow directions; so be default I expect adults to do the same and not hold up the progression of getting through security!

Once we arrive to our destination I was so excited! So close to seeing friends from Okinawa! So here it is...my birthday! My 39th birthday as a matter of fact and I am going to celebrate it in Vegas...not even a dream come true...just very fortunate for the timing of it all! As Mike and I met up with my friend (and brother) Larry, we were trying to get a taxi to head up to the site and the gentleman at the door offered us a limo instead for a very reasonable price! So why not...it's MY BIRTHDAY! Off we go on my first limo ride -> in Vegas -> with my husband and long time friend! Scratch one off the "Bucket List"!

We head up to the Palms hotel to the very well known Ghost Bar and slowly all the Oki Peeps that were in town began to come up and hang out. It was beautiful...the skyline, the breeze and the calm atmosphere. I don't think I could have asked for a better birthday! Laughter and stories abound as people began to arrive and I just loved seeing so many people...those I knew well, those I "knew" and those who left the island before I arrived...it was all so EPIC (as my kids say).

As the buzz of the reunion got underway I began to realize that I have been planning for this moment for 2 years! 2 years! I don't think I've ever planned for anything that far in advance, but I am so glad I did this time! Thanks to all for making Vegas so memorable.

Part 3...the bands...the dinners...the parties...

~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

What happens in Vegas...Part 1

What a great trip to Las Vegas, NV. Now I am going to preface this by saying that I am not a gambler and I do not enjoy super huge crowds of people. I came to Vegas to see friends from Okinawa, Japan that I have not seen in 20 years! Now a reunion may be “normal” for most people, but if you are a DoDDS student or military brat that is not the case.

I remember when I graduated high school I really thought that I’d never see any of my classmates again. Oh, it wouldn’t be from lack of trying, but the truth of the matter is, technology was land line phones, TTY, and phone cards…unless you wanted to write a letter. So I really thought that I would never see the majority of my classmates and friends again. I graduated in 1990 and I don’t even think the internet was known to the world. I know for a fact there were no cell phones (unless you count those HUGE satalite phones that people carried around to “look cool”).

Thanks to the internet, facebook, and email, many of us “Okibrats” have not only gotten back in touch, but have even seen each other again! Now there are some who live in the Far East, others on the West Coast, Mid West, North East and, like me, the South. What is so great about us is one thing…time is not a factor when we get together. We just pick up where we left off. It does not matter who’s married, divorce, has lots of money, or has no money…we are Oki Brats and that is all that matters. So that is why I have gone to Las Vegas, and I am so glad that I did! It is a trip that I will not soon forget, and time was not a factor. We hung out, we listened to loud over the top music, we ate, we drank, we shared stories and asked about those that have lost touch.

So this is the start of Vegas. My husband, Mike, and I were there for 5 days, so there is much to share, too much for just one post, so sit back and enjoy what few ever do…reliving life with those who live life.


~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

The calendar says...

That today is the first day of summer. I find this to be to my amusement since it's been "summer" at my house since May 27! My calendar also says that it's 2 days before my birthday and 1 day before I get on a plane and fly to Las Vegas to see my friends from Okinawa!

My "official" holiday begins after my BNI meeting today. The kids are also going to get a bit of a holiday, but I can't share that with you yet...because if my oldest decides to read this...it'll ruin the surprise.

I plan on posting many a pictures and doing my best to tweet and leave posts on facebook...I may even blog once or twice while I'm there...who knows. I may be too busy catching up to even bother with a blog.

So I'm already packed, my lists are made...so we don't forget anything that is needed. An itinerary is in place...but not set in stone. Mike thinks I'm going to "plan" our vacation to death...I had to remind him that this is my vacation and he is just a fortunate person to be attending with me...hehehehe. So I will be celebrating my 39th in Vegas with those that I share such a special bond with.

With that...I'm off...until my next blog


~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

A wrap of Day 2 & 3

As we wrap up our trip to TN I wish we could stay a few more days. We have decided that we are coming back next year, so we will be saving up so we can do more when we come back.

Yesterday Mike, the kids & I went to the river w/ my sister, Amy, Bill, and their kids to enjoy tubing. That was a nice 3 hour experience. The kids really did enjoy that very much & at the end of it all while Mike, Logan & I were waiting on everyone else, Logan was jumping from rock to rock like a little billy goat. All the kids, Bill and myself took advantage of a rope swing that some of the local kids have up on the river. It was the kids first time to try the rope swing & they loved it! I did not fare so well...I made it only to the river and dropped...I didn't make it to the full swing & drop mid air like I was hoping, but that's what happens when you haven't done that in over 20 years.

Today we went into Gatlinburg. Mom, Dad, Mike and me took our kids & Miranda to Ripley's Aquarium. I have been to the one in Myrtle Beach, SC back in 2002 so it was nice that the kids wanted to go & they really enjoyed it.

My sister, Amy, and Bill took their son, Tristen to Lake Douglas to go jet skiing. They had a great time too. We'll look at going there next year. All in all I found Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg to be a great experience!I am so glad that we came & I hope to make this a yearly family tradition.

~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

Long Weekend

In Gatlinburg, TN & I am once again in love with this area! God's beauty is all around (once you get past all the "attractions". I much prefer to be around God's attractions instead of mans.







When we first got to the cabin, my first thought was - how great Mom is! We are sitting on top of the mountain looking across the range! It started to rain while we were eating & when Mom & Dad got here there was a full rainbow. I couldn't get a full picture but it was grand as I viewed it over the mountains.







I really needed this time away. Work has been great, but hectic & Mike & I have not had any time away with the 2 of us & the kids. He's taken a mini break to go fishing & I've taken a mini break to see Tina & then one with the kids to Atlanta & a quick weekend to visit a Nikki in Orlando, but for all of us for more than a couple of days...it's been a while.

My friend Gabe came to visit yesterday! That was so great! I have not seen him in almost 20 years & I have missed him. I met his family & it was just an overall good few hours. Not enough time though, so we'll have to get back together again in the near future.

So I'm going to wrap this up & head into the hot tub! AAhhh...I can feel myself relaxing already.

~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

Can you be..

OCD & ADD @ the same time? Maybe it's just sleep deprivation, but I feel like I have too much going on in my head, yet I can't seem to catch all the thoughts to organize them...*sigh*

I'm very very excited! My niece & nephew are here & I get to see them today!!! It's been a few years since I've seen them, but it's going to be great. I'm taking the girls to see Eclipse this afternoon after my BNI meeting. The morning is not going so well at the moment. The midday tracks have not come in yet & that is a bit stressing. I have called Jayme & she said she'd come in and cover if I have nothing by 0915. Thanks goodness or else I'd miss my meeting and as president, that's not a good thing, but this does happen from time to time.

So yesterday was another WOW at work. The log got hung up on a program and between Luke and me we couldn't fix it so we called Jason - he is GREAT!!! Thanks Jason. I was just very thankful that Luke was in yesterday.

Next week I believe that we are going to Gattlenburg, TN & I am looking forward to that. It'll be my first time there & I love going to new places. I really like TN so I'm sure it'll be great. In the meantime...we are going to have a great 4th of July weekend. We have a block party lined up for Saturday & then a cookout @ Stephanie's house on Sunday. It should be nice.

I told you...OCD & ADD...hahahahaha

My praises...Thank you God for my parents making it home safely and for the job that Mike finished and has already gotten paid on. Thank you for our home not flooding over the past couple of storms and for the job that Mike is working on & the job he is finishing up on. I praise you for your provision & for the blessings of my job & being able to be a voice in the dark for Your Kingdom.

My heart goes out to the families that lost their homes during the storms and to those that I know that are suffering with terminal illness and sickness.


~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

A mini break...

was definatly the right thing to do! I know that I have been busy running around all over the place lately, but it has been for everyone buy me & I was really ready to just take a couple of days to catch up with my "other mother" - Martha. I've known Martha since I was 14 and my dad was stationed at Whitman AFB, Knob Noster, MO.

The drive was really quick - as quick as 5 hours can go in a car. The kids did a real good job with keeping the noise down and not fussing. Once we got here we enjoyed brief hello's and got right into pictures. It has been a few years & the kids have grown & changed so much. Pizza was on the menu tonight...the kids loved it and now that I am settled into the evening & wanted to just reflect on today just a bit. Everytime I get with Martha I am just amazed by her wisdom and I learn from her and glean wisdom from her each time we are together.

Martha Hale is just an inspiration to me. To hear stories of her past and to hear of all the places that she has lived I can't help but be inspired to keep going and to keep fighting for what is right and to follow my heart to help each person I meet, no matter the situation or circumstance & to keep fighting for social change without being political.

Lowell, my pastor from MO, is also a man full of wisdom and one whom I have always enjoyed being around. Nichole is so excited to talk to Lowell and learn more about the time that he marched with Martin Luther King, Jr. How great a feeling I have that my daughter is so interested in (to what is to me) current history.

The kids had a chance this evening to catch fireflies or lighting bugs if you prefer. They sure did have fun with that...I hope they let the bugs go when they were done. They sure do seem to love being here just as much as I do. Right now Nichole is learning how to make jewlery with Martha while the boys are settleing in and watching TV before bed.

Tomorrow we are planning to head out to downtown Atlanta with the kids and take them to the King Center & to learn more of Atlanta's rich history. I am sure that I will be excited about all I learn by the end of the day.

As for me...I am so relaxed here. I have always found the Hale home a safe haven and I once again am home away from home.

~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

As I go through the day...

I am in a bit of a fog. I have not been sleeping well and I feel very tired. I'm not sure why either...I usually sleep very good. Maybe it's anticipation of the kids getting out of school, or because there's so much going on that I can't seem to get it all done...whatever it is...it is.

So Mike is working non-stop right now...which is a blessing & he'll be working late for the next couple of days...not today though because I am still working one day a week at The Brunswick Millhouse. I think that is about to come to a close however...I don't think I really need to keep going.

I am looking forward to this weekend! We are going down to Orlando to see my friend Nikki for the day...eat some good food, swim and relive memories! I am looking forward to this mini break! OK...that's it for now, I really am not focusing well so I am not going to keep rambling.






~Peace & Blessings~
Jen