Germain Family

Long time No Blog

2012-02-10T05:02:00.001+09:00

Well it's official, Being back in the states has made me not so much wanting to Blog. Maybe I will work on this little corner of my life a bit more.

Colorado Trip

2011-06-17T00:55:00.004+09:00

We went to Colorado June 4-12 and it was great. Jill had a swim camp up there so we dropped her off and then the boys and I went out and played. We went to the top of the Rockies, the Denver Zoo for the boy of course and then back to the Rockies. When the week was done we picked up Jill and then headed up to South Dakota for another adventure to Mount Rushmore. I think that is about the coolest thing I have ever seen. Just amazing the work that went into that. Anyway here are some of the pictures.

Spring

2011-05-03T23:46:00.002+09:00

Here is one of the back yard pets. They are too funny. We have been working outside trying to get the yard in order for the summer. Our small herb garden has taken over the begonia's and my tomato plant is crazy. Must be the radio active soil. We will be making Salsa this summer a lot.

2011-04-19T03:40:00.002+09:00

Here is what has happened in the last few weeks. The bird gets a bath and a good warm towel. Every Saturday she loves her showers! The kids went to Texas to an Amusement park there with the youth center.They said they had a good time. Mookie took a nap and this is what happens when you have teens in the house and a sleepy dog. Glad we don't have little kids they would be painted daily. Finally Aunt Karen plays Soccer on the Kinect. We had a fun visit from Aunt Karen and Tori. Cosmic Bowling and Sledding down the sands.

What's Happening April

2011-04-13T02:54:00.002+09:00

So I am feeling a monthly post thing going on here. I just have not felt the same about putting stuff down in the Blog now that we are back state-side. So here is an update on what is happening.

Jill has almost completed the 8th grade, she is working on a project in combination with the Misawa Girls Scouts called Operation Backpack. She is collecting Comfort backpacks for the children in Japan that have lost everything in the Earthquake and Tsunami. She has recieved them from all over the country and will end this project the last week in April. She is full on enthusiasim and is happy and helpful.

Robert has finished up with his basketball and has moved on to just being a B-bop kids. The kids go to the Youth Center here on base almost everyday and truely enjoy it now. We love the youth center and all that they do for the kids. Good place to hang out and play and not get in trouble. Robert WON the PineWood Derby for the District, so he is the champion of the area. Will post pics of his car when I download them off the camera. He was so excited.

Dennis is still plugging away at this job. This will definately be the last hooraw for the military for him. Three more years. He is busy being the Webelos Den leader and a happy dad too.

Katie is busy with Kids, House, Animals, Scouts, Swimming, Workouts, Laundry. Have I ever mentioned I hate laundry? I keep trying to get the kids to start that for chores but I think they hate it just as much as I do. We say put your clothes away and they end up on a pile on the floor. Guess it's too hard to open a drawer and hang them up. Oh well.

Think that sums it all up.

March

2011-03-19T06:12:00.002+09:00

Will Gabby learn to roller skate? probably NO! but it is fun trying.
I have noticed that I am slacking in the blogging department. Either because 1. there is just nothing to blog about where we live now., or 2. Again nothing to much happening.

Robert's basketball is over now and he is now wondering what else to do. School is coming to Spring Break next week. What will mom do? Thinking about making a run to San Antonio, don't know for sure. Jill has made the Junior Honor Society. We are looking at swim camps for this summer need to decide this next month on this.

Dennis is still holding on. This base has been a horrible experience for him work wise and we will be looking forward to retiring from the military after this one. Then off to where the $$ is.

More pictures from the weekend.

2011-02-14T10:12:00.002+09:00

Here is more of the kids at the waveslide. It was great fun and we would love to have one in our house. Don't think we would ever leave it.

What a weekend

2011-02-14T10:01:00.003+09:00

We had a wonderful weekend. We surprised the kids with WICKED tickets, so we pulled them out of school and whisked them away to Albuquerque. We stayed at a fun hotel also, the Radisson hotel and water park. It was a blast. We spent all afternoon playing hard at the park then went to the show. It had been awhile since I have been to a Broadway musical production so the music starts and I start tearing up. Did the same thing at the end didn't want to see it end. What a great show. We all loved it even husband! I think it is my favorite so far that I have seen. We went back to our hotel room and passed out the next day we spent all day at the water park then drove home that night. We are now in the recuperating mode of vacation. What a joy it was to have time with just the family. I hear a memory being formed.

Robert's first B-Ball game

2011-02-14T09:26:00.003+09:00

Here was Rob's first basket ball game It was great fun, and they lost but still enjoyed the time.

New Mexico snow

2011-02-14T09:22:00.001+09:00

As promised the great snow storm of 2011 in New Mexico! As Dennis said Hell does freeze over.

SNOW

2011-02-03T02:35:00.002+09:00

Well it does snow in hell. HAhaha. It started snowing yesterday and I got a phone call from the school around 1:00 saying that they were closing the school for the day and also for Wednesday. I said that is great, then they call me back and ask for permission to have Robert walk home. I laughed and said yes he can walk. At this point they might have had an inch of snow on the ground. I still think it is completely funny that they closed down and then were not going to let him walk home. It is supper cold here though. only 7 degree's today. Don't think it was ever that cold in Misawa, but it is fun to see the white stuff again. We are loving it. We are the only ones on our court who are outside playing in it, feel sorry for all the people that are missing out. Will post pictures later.

True Jill and Good Friends

2011-02-02T02:12:00.002+09:00

This one is truely dedicated to Jill and some of her buddies on the team.
Jill and Bree, they were taking video's for a project of Jill's and just horsing around at the last meet.
This is the after dinner party with the team at Pizza Hut, I think this is Maddi.
Jill and David, We love David he is just a great nice guy. He has really made her feel part of the team
David and Jill again.
I think this is Joanna and Jill but not sure. Will have to double check on this one.

This one dedicated to Joy of SWIM

2011-02-02T01:51:00.003+09:00

Jill and Bree, they have been swimming together since Japan. Good friends!
Family picture time, actually just dad was sleeping so we did the pile up.
Jill doing breast strokeDennis at the El Paso meet, he did this throughout the day everyone thought he was funny and got lots of pictures

lounging team mates, this is a huge part of a swim meet.
This one is all Jill and her swimming.

Swim Season

2011-02-02T01:40:00.002+09:00

This is what we do in January SWIM MEETS, Jill has been able to swim with the High School as an 8th grader and has really enjoyed it. I am glad that she has swim in her life, the kids and people involved in swimming are always great. We Love Swimming! Can't wait for Robert to be able to swim with the team, he is our fly er.

Reminiscing

2010-12-30T03:38:00.002+09:00

I was surfing through old photos and here is what I found pictures done by Tiffany. Look how cute and little the kids were. Oh the good times we had.

More Christmas

2010-12-26T03:12:00.001+09:00

Christmas 2010

2010-12-26T03:06:00.002+09:00

Here is a little bit of Christmas this year.

New Mexico Whit Sands

2010-11-23T10:04:00.000+09:00

Running - Jumping - and Hiding in White Sands New Mexico

White Sands

2010-11-23T09:58:00.003+09:00

A little White Sands action from two weekends ago. This is such a fun place, we enjoy going and jumping off the edge of the sand dunes.

Here is Halloween

2010-11-23T09:52:00.002+09:00

The kiddo's went Greek this year, much to my failed attempts at making them zombies. There is always next year. Also put blocks that my neice did for Jill for her birthday.

NOVEMBER

2010-11-09T03:00:00.003+09:00

Well here is November already.. It has started for me at least fast.. A fast trip to Gilbert to see my sister and pick up Gabby.

It was a fun trip. Put Gabby in a small pet crate she hated it, so off to the dounut store to make her happy.. She actually didn't scream the entire trip just when we started to slow down and come to stops..

The kids spent the weekend with dad, movies, parties, games.. All the good things that make the dad the fun parent..

Came home tired and now I am trying to hit the books for my Medical Editing class.

2010-10-23T07:13:00.000+09:00

again more pictures..

2010-10-23T07:07:00.004+09:00

This is some of the house since we put things into it.. The kids, and again some of white sands..

Picture Overload

2010-10-23T07:01:00.003+09:00

I was told I need to do picture overload.. so here it goes.. My friend Jessica and her family came to visit, we spen sunset out at White Sands.. what a great time we had. Then this was the October project for the boys, yes it counts for scouts too..

Pictures

2010-10-13T08:55:00.001+09:00

pictures from travels in AZ

2010-09-08T05:52:00.002+09:00

Just trying to find pictures on the new computer.. There will be much more to come but this is a start at least.. This is from the travels from Japan, to Arizona.

We've Moved

2010-07-22T02:50:00.002+09:00

Just a note to all.. We are at our new location in the middle of no where New Mexico.. We have a house, we have our family and every now and then we have a little bit of rain.. I miss the rain, and the green, and trees.. When we get our house hold good we will be up loading our pictures and adventures..

Just random fun

2010-04-30T12:50:00.001+09:00

Try on hat day!

Mom and her crazy ugly I don't know what to call it fur cap

Some of my girlfriends during a sleep over

J. just laughing.

Our last Tiako performance

2010-04-30T12:43:00.003+09:00

This is the Boogy man of Japan, I can't remember what this performance is called Naga something. It was fabulous to see and watch. Usually Americans cannot perform this song. They lucked out because of our Mentor who is very famous Tiako player. This was his retirement performance.

More of the Boogy men only men are allowed to touch these masks.

Jill was an announcer

Jill's class

Robert's class
The kids have enjoyed Tiako drums. We will really miss the lessons. This last performance was a real treat to watch.

The day at the duck pond and the beach

2010-04-30T12:39:00.001+09:00

We went out the the beach and the duck pond the other day. Just felt like we needed to spend the time left doing what we like and go to the beach. This is one thing we will miss. We go there just about every day in the summer.

It's the End of April!?? WHAT

2010-04-30T12:28:00.004+09:00

Robert found an egg

The Easter Bunny brought a Taiko Drum!!

Our Easter surprise cake

Our pet Hermit Crabs!

Jill on the new drum

I can't believe how fast everything is moving for us right now. We are busy with the kids and school, extra activities, and trying to figure out this move. We still do not have our hard copies so that means they may change us yet again. Who knows at this point. That just means that life is going to be super busy and hectic and not very relaxing for a while. We will all pull through this though and be good. We did sale our truck and that was a big thing, so now we are just waiting. So wait along with us.

To Friends and Family around the WOLD

2010-03-30T13:47:00.003+09:00

The blue and Gold Robert got his BEAR badge!

Father and Son Cake decorating at it's finest

Robert and the Sea Turtles one of his favorites

Robert and One of his Crushes Kim

Here is just a lot of snow, had to shovel the truck out so we could leave, you know it is a lot of snow when you are 6'0 and the snow comes up to your bum..

What a small world we truly live in. We have been enjoying all of the well wishes on our up coming move. Now if it only goes as smoothly as we hope. We have hit a few bumps in the road, but are now getting ready to really start hitting the boxes.

We have truly loved and enjoyed our time here in Japan for the last 6 years ( can you believe we actually lived in one place for 6 years) it will be very difficult for us to move. I think we are gearing up to move back to the U.S. with heavy hearts. we wanted to stay overseas but the Lord has a plan for us in Missouri. I will try and get all of our March Pictures posted here shortly, I think I have a lot. We endured a blizzard with the husband gone leaving the kids and I to shovel 3 feet of snow, field trips, Blue and Gold banquets, and I am sure more.

Jill is getting excited to start decorating a whole new house, I just say oh joy I get to start again. I guess that is the perk of moving all the time nothing stays the same and if you don't like it you don't have to live with it forever.

Mochi rice bowls

2010-03-08T16:09:00.002+09:00

Here are my latest addition the the decorating of the house which is never ending I have decided. I always find something else that needs to go in it. I love these Mochi rice bowls from Japan.

Ice skating

2010-03-08T16:05:00.002+09:00

Jill had three girl friends sleep over the other night the next day I took them to the skating rink and just let them go. They had a good time I think..

The Emburi Festival in Hachinohe

2010-02-24T12:59:00.003+09:00

This is the welcome to spring harvest festival, in hopes of having a good planting and fishing season. Here are some pictures

Pine Wood Derby 2010

2010-01-25T10:05:00.002+09:00

Hanging at home+ some of my team

2010-01-25T10:00:00.001+09:00

Some of my swimmers

Jill getting her Breast stroke going

Just hanging with the husband

Church in January

2010-01-25T09:55:00.001+09:00

Going to church in January is always fun, notice the snow boots on Rob, that is a must or you just slip and slide all the way down the hill, hope you all like it. We love it.

Sledding on the way home

2010-01-25T09:52:00.001+09:00

A day of sledding

2010-01-25T09:47:00.003+09:00

End of January updates

2010-01-25T09:30:00.003+09:00

It feels like I am getting farther behind on all of my things that I have to do. So here is the latest update. Our wonderful, fantastic orders to Germany have been cancled. Yes the Air Force frequently does that to all of us, teasing us with something wonderful. As of today we have no idea where we will be sent next. It is the whole waiting game now. (again) Our kids learn fast that life isn't fair and doesn't work how you want it to, guess that is a good thing.

We have gotten 40+ inches of snow this month, lost Den's car.. his clutch went out and not worth it to fix it. Almost lost my tire (broke a lug nut in half and had three other loose ones) And getting ready to play war games this week. That means long shift hours 12+, crazy schedual with me and the kids also. This is our last week of Swim team. We have our final meet on the 31st in Hachinohe this is alway a hard meet. I am looking forward to being done with it but also will miss haveing something to do that keeps me insanly busy. Guess I will have to start cleaning the house and cooking more.

We got done with the pine wood derby this last weekend. Robert's car actually did bery well, He won best craftmanship, and three of his races... His dad won his races and his truck is being sent to Tokyo to compete with all of the scouts from down South. We were all just laughing that he won. He had to take off almost all of his weight because it was too heavy..

the Family Germain

2010-01-07T12:59:00.000+09:00

OK so it's the new year already?

2010-01-07T12:48:00.002+09:00

Wow, well I have proof that December has gotten shorter. I didn't even post anything in December that is how I know. We had a good Christmas nice and quiet, same with the new year. We went on our anual Top's In Blues concert on the 27th. It is always around the new year and we just love it. It is always a good time. I took two weeks off from the swim team and am now back to the last down hill run with the team. We have had a really good season and have had a blast with all of the kids.

We have recieved moving order's to Germany in May! We are all very excited and now the kids are bothering me to home school them so we can travel while we home school. Guess it would be fun to study Greek Mythology and have to go to Greece, or the Roman Empire and have to go to Italy. There is just so much we can do and travel in Europe. We are so excited.. Along with that comes the deep purging of the house which is always a good thing.

We will be coming back state side for a little visit to AZ and MI then off the Germany in June. Husbands' car died this week he lost the clutch and we are now deciding if it is worth it to try and fix it or just junk it and stick to the one car. We knew it was going anyway but were hoping to have that one last until we had to leave and sale Katie's truck first. Oh well things change, We are greatful for the military and the wonderful job security it offers us with a chance to truely see the world. Hope everyone had a wonderful new year!

Happy Turkey

2009-11-27T16:55:00.002+09:00

Well just wanted to say happy turkey to all! Our's was wonderful as usual, I have to laugh every year as my family says that turkey is gross and they don't want it "we want a ham" ok, so I cook a ham and a turkey and which one goes first?? You guessed it a turkey... Oh well! Just wanted to share and say happy happy turkey day

A wedding/the kids & a New Hair do

2009-11-20T10:59:00.002+09:00

So what do you think of me as a Red head?? don't know about it..

The Family

2009-11-20T10:55:00.002+09:00

We recently went to a friends wedding. They had Robert as the ring barrer so we all got to dress up and go to a Japanese style wedding. It was a long day and lots of fun.. The bride and groom change 2+ times, there are no gifts, you pay money to help pay for the wedding.. It was a very interesting time.. I will attach more pictures..

Sad News

2009-11-17T08:00:00.002+09:00

We had some very sad news for Robert this past week. His 4th grade teacher Ms. Marset passed away. She had been sick all week then didn't call in on Thursday, The school sent the Japanese out to her house and they found her then. We are very sad at her surprise passing and pray for her family...

Oct-Nov Pictures

2009-11-16T14:28:00.001+09:00

Here are just a bunch of pictures to try and catch up on our life.,

IT's NOVEMBER

2009-11-16T14:15:00.002+09:00

Well as usual I am behind, so we will do a bit of catch-up... Halloween was chilly and a bit windy. The kids did well on the candy beat and I think are still going through the candy. I am about to go and search the rooms for their bags and throw them out. We had a great swim meet in Yokota, then one in Shichinohe all of the kids did well. Mom did good too, Swim meets are usually very stressful for me, trying to get everything so it is easy going, then yelling at my swimmers to kick, swim harder, you can do it.... that sort of coaching thing.

Coaching has taken over everything. I am looking forward to March when swim will be over. Aug - Mar is a very long season.

We are gearing up for Thanksgiving. Trying to decide what I want to do, Do I want to cook or do I want to Chow-Hall it?? Don't know. Will have to decide soon though. I am trying to figure out Christmas too right now and that is just not happening, don't know what to get the kids mainly to older one.. The boys are usually pretty easy. Marshmallow guns and what not's make them very happy. I guess I have a few more weeks to figure it all out.

Typhoon Melor

2009-10-08T16:36:00.003+09:00

Don't need an umbrella when the wind just blows it out. This is what most of the umbrella's I saw today looked like at school

Coastline south of Tokyo.

More Coastline South of Tokyo

The Satellite Picture of Melor. It's huge

This was the path that it is taking. We are at the top of the map MISAWA

MORE PICTURES they are yelling

2009-09-22T09:15:00.002+09:00

Fist day of 2009 school. They do love each other really they do. Eating breakfast, and feeding those baby horses at Cape Shiriya.. Ok you all are up to date on the photo situation. LOVES to all...

Pictures yah!! everyone wants pictures

2009-09-22T09:09:00.002+09:00

This group of pictures ranges from Cape Shiriya in Japan, to the second place finish of the scouts space derby, a new hair cut and a date night..

UPDATES!!!!

2009-09-22T09:02:00.002+09:00

OK so I know I am horrible at keeping up with the Jones's. But here are our most recent photo's... I will just keep putting them on. We have moved and are settled into the new house. School has started, Swim team has started, and life is zooming by as I type. I am afraid that it is just going to go by too fast this year. but here is some latest and greatest...

We ahve a new home

2009-08-27T10:57:00.002+09:00

Well we have made it to the new old house. This one is loved by spiders, and all types of creepy crawly bugs. I don't like Creepy Crawly Bugs. Took Jill up to girls camp this week I was there all of 30 minutes probably and got bit by something and now have had a reaction to whatever it was. Nature doesn't like me. Anyway. As soon as we get the camera cords hooked up I will try and post pictures. Have to find the coards first

Day of Discovery at the Beach

2009-07-07T10:39:00.002+09:00

The kids spent the day at the beach with some friends of our and found a gaggle of baby ducklings. They are now living at our friends house and getting bigger. Oh what fun they had, and the phone calls of begging to keep a baby duck and the momma monster saying NO!

Plugging Along

2009-06-29T10:09:00.002+09:00

We got through all of the Birthday's finally. I can't believe this weekend is the forth of July weekend though. It has gone fast already. We are settling into the summer grove of things, The Beach, more sleepovers than I can count at this point already, and just playing around. Last week was pretty warm, but it looks like this week is going to be chilly with the misty fog. Hope it clears up by Saturday.

I wanted to do a shout out to Kaye... Congrats....

Jedi Robert's 9th Birthday

2009-06-14T16:36:00.002+09:00

Jedi training, the game list, the cake and the training orb, and the BOY!!!
Was I a little ambitious on this one?? YES but is was so much fun.. All of the kids are still talking about it. I found tons on ideas on the web so I can't claim them but what fun....Thanks for Darth Vader for taking time out of his plotting to make a visit to our younglings training.

A Birthday have you

2009-06-14T16:28:00.002+09:00

Jedi Light Saber training, Destroy the Death Star, Unfreeze the Clone troopers, Pin the light saber on the Jedi, and Saving Asoka.

The force is strong in this young one

2009-06-14T16:19:00.002+09:00

The jedi training orb, the epic battle of good vs. evil with Darth Vader, Jedi training completion certificates and finally presents!

Rob's scout pictures

2009-06-14T16:17:00.001+09:00

Just a quick pic of the boy getting his bear stuff. thought you might like to see it.

Jill's Wave Board

2009-06-14T16:08:00.003+09:00

Her late Birthday present finally came in. I think it took her about two full days of trying to get it but she has it now and is out every day.. Wave board is like the rip stick just cooler I think. It is a big skate board with only two wheels.

Jill's Birthday

2009-06-07T18:45:00.001+09:00

Well she went a head and did it. She turned 12!!

Camping adventures

2009-05-26T18:04:00.001+09:00

Our camping adventure

2009-05-26T17:54:00.003+09:00

Well we went camping for the first time this season. It was a cold rainy weekend but we were ready to go. We didn't go far just for that reason, Momoishi beach about 10 minutes from home. We got there set everything up and played around for a while. built a camp fire, and enjoyed campers taco's. The wind was blowing a bit and made it super cold during dinner time. We were all shivering, notice Mookie wrapped up in her blanket. She didn't move. We roasted marshmallows and did the whole smore thing. When it got time for sleep, we all got into tents and attempted to sleep. Dennis and I have decided that we are too old to sleep on the cold hard ground. We got up and went to the truck to sleep out the night. About 30 minutes later Jill comes looking for us, cuz they got scared and couldn't sleep so they climbed in with us. We lasted about 20 minutes like that, when Dennis made the call to pack up camp and head on home. This was 2:00AM, but it was the right call. We got out and tore the camp down shoved everything in the truck and went home. Crawled into warm soft beds and slept in. Just had to share the funny event.

Boy earns his keep

2009-05-26T17:53:00.002+09:00

Loved this one. The boy is starting to do yard work!!! love the ear protection don't you??

The Boy gets his WOLF

2009-05-26T17:47:00.003+09:00

Wanted to say Congrats to Robert for getting his WOLF badge in scouts. He has worked hard for a whole year to get it. WOOOHOOOO

News from the Military Front

2009-05-15T08:50:00.001+09:00

He did it!!!! happy happy joy joy No Pass-over party this year!

Husaband is home from KOREA

2009-05-11T09:03:00.003+09:00

Down town Soul South Korea

North Korean gaurd. (no he didn't go to the DMZ but thought it was a great photo)

Well Husband has returned once again from Korea, more training, I think it is all of the men at the Safety center getting together and deciding they all need a good vacation so they make up some training course they need. haha. We all get a good laugh about that. It was an adventure getting home for him. Misawa has been dealing with the Sea Fog rolling in. So needless to say his little plane was diverted up to the next Island for some refuling. He called me about 2330 and told me he was finally here. So I had to get up and run down to pick him up. Glad he was able to get home finally.

When Tarzan Japanese isn't enough

2009-04-27T16:37:00.003+09:00

Ok here is a good story of our adventured from Thursday, We decided to go up to Hirosaki for the Cherry Blossom's. Husband has never been there so thought it would be fun. So we start off on the adventure; started heading up through the mountain hoping to go through the Mountain pass. No! the pass was still closed for the winter, we had to go back around this was about an hour and a half to two hours of just driving. So we go back around up through Aomori, OK so we finally got there. The day was a bit drizzly but that is normal for Japan, all the blossoms are popped and it is just gorgeous.
We wandered around all we wanted, went and ate lunch then started back again taking the long route. We keep driving and driving then decide to jump on the toll road. Needless to say we get on the toll and figure out we are heading back to Hirosaki instead of towards Aomori. Husband finds this little u-turn area that is used by official vehicles. It has automatic bars blocking the way. I get out of the car and find that they just lift up when you touch them. So back in the car and we do the u-turn. GOING THE RIGHT WAY
We make it to our first toll gate, give the guy our ticket... That is when all comes to a screeching halt. The confusion on his face as he looks at our ticket, he spouts out something way faster than we could comprehend then calls for help. Guy number two comes out waves us over to the side of the road, then we start with the commencement of Tarzan Japanese. We make lots of hand gestures and he is making a big X with his arms, then finally we figure out that the X of the arms and the making of a U he was doing was asking us if we did a U- turn. We say yes, he just starts laughing at us as he walks back to the booth. He comes back with a pad of paper to start negotiating the price for the toll. Needless to say it is one of our funnier moments here in Japan. I am sure we made that guys Month. We apparently got on at one of the Aomori gates, so they didn't know what to charge us. IT was just a funny story and one that I think everyone that has lived here would laugh at.

Things Happening this week in Japan

2009-04-27T10:04:00.002+09:00

OK here is an update on what is happening. We put husband on a plane and he is now vacationing work style in Korea! Oh what fun. The children and I are holding down the fort. Experiencing high winds, an earth quake, Thunderstorm and I am sure some more. We have had Crappy weather for three days straight then yesterday it decided that rain for three days wasn't enough so sent us some snow. YEP that is right the snow plow man came and everything. I hope my spring flowers don't die. My flowering tree in the back yard is just sad looking now. Grandma our wanna-be meteorologist would have enjoyed the weather we had a bit of everything this weekend.

The talent show is this week and Jill is singing of course so that is another fun thing we will be doing this week.

Easter 2009 Japan

2009-04-20T14:56:00.002+09:00

Another Easter in Japan. It was pretty simple this year, stayed home from church for General Conference, my favorite talk was Bro. Scott's. The kids are getting big all they wanted was a big Chocolate Rabbit, so we did that and Grandma Rose got them some cute little things that they got to open up on Easter morning.

The dog figured out she can bully the pig, she was so funny and pushy. It was fun to watch.

This is the picture updates. I will try and be on top of things.

Japan Day 2009

2009-04-20T14:52:00.003+09:00

The kids seem to always want to go to these Japan Day things even if they have been to the last 5 years. Jill and I were actually on Japanese television with her doing the flower thing. We were told by our Japanese teacher at school, so we are movie stars over here in Japan. hahaha. It was a nice day but it started getting cold around lunch time. Notice we still had a bit of snow on the ground still. brrrr

the pig and the kids

2009-04-20T14:48:00.001+09:00

Some how every school break my house gets invaded by rodents. We got the 3rd grade Guinea Pig (GP) so I thought is was funny with kids and pigs.

2009-04-20T14:46:00.001+09:00

Scouts

2009-04-20T14:42:00.001+09:00

Robert got a bunch of belt loops for scouts at the Blue and Gold, he had a blast, I also had to throw in a picture of one of the older boys badge display I thought is was just a great idea.

2009-04-20T14:39:00.000+09:00

pictures as promised

2009-04-20T14:29:00.002+09:00

Well, in this group of photo's we have husband who lovingly let daughter do hair!
We also have husband and son making a cake for the Blue and Gold banquet for scouts.

The money of April

2009-04-20T14:20:00.002+09:00

This is the lets spend money month. We had to pay for our JCI on my truck this month, so that is around $500.00 to fix it so it will pass JCI, then another $500.00 for the JCI itself, then this week we have Japanese Road Tax, about $400.00 for both cars, needless to say yowzers, Dennis's car was last month for the JCI thing, Next month I have just my normal insurance to pay. That is honeslty the only bad thing about Japan you have all of these different insurance policys you have to pay. I was talking to some of our Japanese friends and they told us that the Americans pay maybe half of what the Japanese have to pay for their JCI. Needless to say I don't complain anymore.

We will be heading up to Hirosaki this week for the Cherry blossoms, they are starting to pop here so they will be ready. Husband is off to Korea on Friday we think; still up in the air for that one. I think me and the kids will take a hop over to Alaska and stay with Kaye for a bit this summer. What do you say Kaye you up for big company from Japan??

Well Still Lost

2009-03-30T08:31:00.002+09:00

I am starting to think that our life is as busy and all over the place as the show LOST! yes I am still addicted to that show and can't wait for Sunday evenings just for that reason. Our drama lately has been working on my truck trying to get it ready for JCI, needless to say it needs a lot of work. Yesterday on the way to church we busted the radiator hose. The kids and I were laughing at the trail we left all the way up the hill to the parking lot. Needless to say Husband got to ditch church and run the truck home before it was completely out of freeze stuff. I told him not to fill up that fluid, just gives my truck something else to leek. My truck has some issues of leaking fluids form everywhere. Hopefully we can fix it all so we can JCI it. (on of the Japanese car insurances)I do have some pictures I can put on but have to get them off the camera's. Children are doing good, Jill is getting ready for the talent show, Robert is just a fun boy and likes to play boy things. OK think we are up to date. I will try and put pictures on next.

What Happened to US?

2009-03-05T11:57:00.002+09:00

As many of you may be wondering what has happened to the Germain Family? The truth is absolutely nothing. I have really enjoyed having my evenings with my family back after the extremely long swim season. We sit at home and often have evenings full of reading. We are reading the Fablehaven books right now. We love them, full of fairies and magic creatures and just magic. I think we are ready to enter the world again and hopefully you will get more pictures and more updates because the sun is shinning a bit more, it stays out a little longer and it is starting to warm up. Plus the snow is melting. I was actually thinking of getting my chair out and sitting outside for a while today. We hope that this finds everyone well. Our phone number will be changing the 1st of April for those that need the new info please email me and I will send it out.

pictures

2009-02-19T15:02:00.001+09:00

pictures

2009-02-19T14:53:00.002+09:00

Pictures

2009-02-19T14:40:00.001+09:00

Fast and the February

2009-02-19T14:30:00.003+09:00

This one is just too cool not to put on the blog!
The last full month of winter in Japan
Ok so I decided that I better get something in before February is over. Lots of things have been happening. We had our last swim meet with the Japanese who alway cream our kids, but it is always lots of fun to compete with them. They are truely just a joy to be around always good sports. Jill and Dennis enjoyed a week on the Northern Island at the Sopporo Snow and Ice Festival. They went on a school trip what a great experience. I will attach some of the 1000 pictures that they brought home. Yes that is right 1000 pictures. I am done with swim for the season and now don't know what to do with all of my time that I have at night time. Guess I will have to start cleaning and cooking again. Don't get me wrong we still have lots of things going on, it is really nice to be able to sit at home though. Ok I think that about covers it for right now.

Pinewood Derby and the Geography Bee

2009-02-02T14:24:00.003+09:00

Jill made it to the finals of the Geography Bee this year. Can you believe it? We were surprised and very excited for her. She got out in the second round with about 7 other kids. It was actually a fast one this year they usually take an hour or longer this year it was only about 30 minutes. Way to go Jill.

Robert got to do his fist Pine Wood Derby, His car was the white one with the teeth on it. It didn't do very well, and sometimes didn't even finish the race, the boys are excited for next year though. They have been looking on the internet for new designes and everything. Now we just need to buy the scout red blanket to sew on all of his extra badges that he is getting. He doesn't want the vest, he thinks they are funny looking. All in all it was a fun afternoon, and he got a fun little trophey out of it.

stepping out with the Charger Girls

2009-02-02T14:15:00.003+09:00

We took Robert for a night out with the hot cheerleaders for the Chargers. He loved it. He is all about the good looking blond girls. They came and did a show up here in Misawa then signed pictures and all of that fun stuff. It was fun and he really enjoyed it.

Strep and the Effects

2009-01-27T08:17:00.002+09:00

Well guess what happened to me this weekend. I came down with a case of strep. Now where did I get this from? Don't know. No one else is sick in the house. Needless to say just not feeling good. Hurts to talk, hurts to swallow I think that is the biggest one that is horrible. My eyes are watery, nose is runny. All in all just not fun.

Proof of the UGLY shirt

2009-01-11T18:10:00.003+09:00

Here is proof of the ugly shirt to church thing. Yes this was today. Husband likes to switch out the ugliy shirts from this one to the blue on with the deer on it. OH the disappointment on Christmas when no new ugly shirt arrived. The kids and I just laugh at him but he likes them. I particularly like the Military boots that match the shirt. This is just something that we have to have fun with and another reason why we love daddy and husband so much. He is truely entertaining.

Last night

2009-01-11T18:03:00.002+09:00

Last night we did a little night time cross country skiing. It was fun. We had to wait until the night time because it was snowing so heavy all day long. Hard work going through deep fresh snow. After that we came home and Husband and I made a Creamy Chicken Premivera, It was so pretty I just had to take a picture of it. The children actually seemed to like it as well

New Years Day Adventure

2009-01-11T17:49:00.003+09:00

We always get a kick out of the swans and ducks bottoms up. So you all get the pleasure of seeing them too. We went to the lake and fed the birds. We were surrounded by sea gulls, and tons of ducks. This is something the kids really enjoy doing even though it is freezing there all the time. After we were done here we went to the mall, which is the place to go for wonderful deals on everything. They have great gift boxes stuffed with clothes and all sorts of things usually less than half the normal price the only draw back on most of the things is you don't get to see what you are getting in the boxes of bags. So it is kind of a big surprize. That place was so busy though it was crazy just to find parking. It was a fun day though.

The New Year

2009-01-11T17:40:00.002+09:00

Had to get the picture update thing going. Here is New Years, of course the snow!!! The Tops in Blues concert, which we go to every year. We love it. Then on the way back to base from the concert the Japanese put together a huge Christmas tree and a tunnel made up of plastic water bottles then they light them up. It is kind of fun. These pictures just don't do it justice. Anyway it was just a fun night to walk around down town.

The snow

2008-12-28T10:29:00.003+09:00

It has been snowing here for the past three days straight with no break. Last night was particularly a good snow, we got about 2 feet of snow last night. Lots of shoveling and Dennis got the snow blower working this year so I am grateful for that one. I will post some pictures of this morning later on. Some of these snow banks around here are way over my head. The ones in our circle come up to my shoulders, oh what fun. The bad part is it has been windy too so that makes it really cold out.

2008-12-27T12:38:00.001+09:00

Finally the glory of Christmas morning to huge icicle swords. We had a wonderful Christmas and hope yours was great too.

December pictures

2008-12-27T12:29:00.001+09:00

The month of December in Pictures

2008-12-27T12:22:00.002+09:00

We did all of the normal stuff, gingerbread houses, this year the kids made them not the momma. To the first heavy snow. We had to shovel the night of the storm and still woke up to about 8 more inches of heavy snow. And our first board trip.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-14T06:39:00.002+09:00

Just wanted to get this out there and say Merry Christmas to ALL!!! The rate I am going on this thing is horrible. Good thing I have two weeks off coming up maybe I will be able to just sit down and enjoy my blog again. Hope you all have a great season. May Santa find your house warm and safe, and may your cookies be the best on the block. HO Ho HO

November is done?!

2008-12-01T13:23:00.002+09:00

Our Thanksgiving was wonderful here was the spread. Also threw in there the proof that we have survived yet another year of Marriagdom. Still keep on pluggin.

I don't know if we are ready for the crazyness of the December month. Good news is that we only have 3 weeks of Swim then we get to have a good break. Hopefully I will be more up to date on the pictures and all.

2008-11-25T19:40:00.002+09:00

first snow

2008-11-22T14:29:00.003+09:00

Well just wanted to let everyone know that we have hit the snow season early this year. Nov. 19th it snowed about 3 or 4 inches and has continued to snow. Will it be a horrendous year?

Last year we only had 155 inches of snow so it wasn't too bad. Don't know what this year will bring. We will keep you posted.

yokota Swim meet

2008-11-04T10:32:00.002+09:00

This was the last swim meet we have another one this Sunday with Towada

Me with some of the kids

Believe it or not this is Jill doing her mask thing. It is funny so we had to put it in.