I give up...

Goodbye Xanga....

It's been great, it's been fun....I've got to run.....

See you on myspace Blog! It's so much easier there for me to continue this madness

 ** Pardon my Xanga-Dust **

I haven't had the time to update lately... and to be honest with you, xanga doesn't make it easy to update with the plethora of pictures I post. I hate xanga uploader with a passion. So, without further-a-do...here's my half arse attempt to an update.

Monday - January 22nd

I have a confession to make, I love, love, love thrift store shopping.

I'm a vintage junkie so I find the cutest outfits at Thrift stores. This also helps when you have a frugal husband *winks* and a mama to 3 kids. I find a lot of toys for them that they truly enjoy. This was one of those lucky finds we bought that day:

Ukelele for a buck....and a tub full of transformers toys (in mint condition selling at fifty dollars each) for 5 bucks...Now that's what you call savings...cha-ching!

Looks like happy, happy, joy, joy all around!

Tuesday - January 23rd

The Lyles family have been nothing but nice to us ever since we moved here in Misawa. It was time to give back. We decided to take them out to lunch at Vikings. This was our first time eating at this place and it was ummm, ummm, good!

It's an all-you-can-eat buffet but you cook the meat yourself. They give you 90 minutes to eat and charge an additional cost thereafter. It's about 1500 yen per person (which is equivalent to less than $15 bucks but it's so worth it). I swear I've gained weight just by living out here. I ate as if it was my last meal! 

Here's a random picture of their vending machine. I'm obsessed with these things. It's amazing what you can buy in their machines. This is nothing out of the ordinary but I just thought I'd give you some ideas of how it looks. You can purchase cold drinks by picking the blue coded bottles and hot drinks by the red code.

I love their midget size cars too. It helps to have these small cars out here because the road is just so small. It's worse when it comes to parking....

Cheese!

Wednesday - January 24th

Happy Birthday Jasmine. We love and miss you!

Not much to report on this day. Just the same old routine. Visit Jay at the firehouse....

Makes you wanna....Slap Ya Mama! ha ha ha

How's that for an advertising name? Jay's co-worker loves hot stuff so he was kind enough to let me take a picture of his secret ingredient. That stuff's pretty potent!

Thursday - January 25th

The Kelly family was kind enough to donate some of their sons old clothes to CJ. They were all so cute so he decided to model a few favorites:

Just like his daddy.....

Thank for all the cute clothes!

Saturday - January 27th

Javid & Ashton's Birthday party bash at Davy Jones Locker:

Random pictures from the party:

The dads played musical chair

...and look who won the prize!

The end....

Sunday - January 28th

Today was their first day at CCD. They really enjoyed the class.

Wednesday - January 31st

Happy Birthday Gelly face! We miss you...

Thursday - February 1st

I took the kids to the library for story time.

Move over Jack Sparrow, there's a new pirate in town!

Look who's crawling! Time flies...it seems like it was just yesterday when I gave birth to the little guy.

After the library, we went down to McDonald's for a little fun. What can I say? We really do miss American food. One thing about the golden arches out here, the people that work there takes pride in their work. Their uniforms are immaculate (they look like flight attendants), they're super friendly, clean, and talk about fast service! Not your average McD's....

I'm a big kid!

The best ice cream around...

Look who's finally  using the cart cover. Thanks April & John for his babyshower gift. He is finally using it....

I turned around for a second and asked the hubby to take care of him and this is what I found. He gave CJ a chocolate covered pocky stick....Doesn't he look like one satisfied baby?

Later that evening, it was laundry time and this is my ritual everytime I do laundry....

He seems to have a blast in that laundry basket...I really have to capture this moment because it's going by so fast. I still remember when Clay  & Caitlyn were babies and they used to do the same thing....

Friday - February 2nd

We were getting ready to go to Nickie's bday shindig but it was just one of those tough nights. The kids were definitely not in a party mood so we just made the most of the night at home...

Saturday - February 3rd

Happy Birthday Anna Bowman!

Sunday - February 4th

I enrolled Clay in a Tae Kwon Do class and Caitlyn in gymnastics. We decided to go to the BX to buy Clay's uniform for his class.

Ok, laugh all you want. I don't know how to tie his darn belt.....ha ha ha

My harajuku girl!

At their CCD Class

It was snowing like crazy that day so we decided to take advantage of the situation. We took the kids sledding in our backyard. Michelle and Liezel decided to meet us and join in on the fun. Enjoy the random pics:

Being a kid is so much fun....

Snow Angels:

BTW, that red covered blanket is CJ on top of me....Couldn't leave him out of the fun!

Snowball fight

Michelle smiling from ear to ear....

Our turn to sled down the hill...Come on CJ...your first sled ride!

Believe it or not, he slept the whole time.....

Let's get back indoors where it's warm! Dinner time for the kiddies....For those that knows how I was growing up (Dexter and Derick remembers this well), this is my sweet revenge. I used to take forever when I'd eat as a child and now I've met my match....This is what the Capalad household goes through everytime it's breakfast, lunch, or dinner:

Mommy: Caitlyn, you better be eating! Caitlyn: I am mom!....

Mommy: Caitlyn, there better be food in your mouth! Caitlyn: There is mom (yells at the top of her lungs while she takes little rat bites)

2 hours later....

She took so long eating, she actually fell asleep next to her plate. She had no idea I was watching her...with a camera in tow! ha ha ha...I have tons of incriminating pictures once these kids hit their teenage years....

Sweet dreams my little mini me. This is definitely my sweet revenge.

And now I leave you with a disturbing picture I made for the hubby!

Meet Jay Borat! Very Niiiiiiiiice.....LOL

Monday - February 5th

Happy Birthday Brooke White!

I took the kids to the library for a little story time in the morning.

Today was Clay's first day at Tae Kwon Do...

They were all so cute!

Tuesday - February 6th

Happy Birthday Celaya!

Wednesday - February 7th

Caitlyn's first day in gymnastic...

Stick it!

She really did enjoy her time and learned a lot in one day.

Looks like there's a fuure gymnast in the family too!

Thursday - February 8th

Happy Birthday Wendy Kan!

Happy Birthday Dennis!

Not much to report on this day except I took the kids to story time at the library.

Friday - February 9th

They're my little soldiers...just like their daddy.

Jay has been participating in the ORE (Operation Readiness Exercise) all week which meant we barely saw him at all. I couldn't let that dampen the kids mood so I decided to take them bowling.

They had so much fun. Clay's getting so big. He refused to use the ball wedge and decided to bowl like a big boy!

Read 'em and weep! Caitlyn kicked arse that day....82-78! Heck she does better than mommy...LOL

They've got the whole world in their hands...

See CJ crying in the background? He was frustrated because he couldn't crawl fast enough for the picture...

Ahhh...much better!

We couldn't end the fun from there....We hit the Weasel's Den in the evening and met up with the Lyles!

Too cute!

Saturday - February 10th

When the sun hits,

....break out those stunna shadez!

Sunday - February 11th

Howdy Partner! Check out CJ's war scar. He fell (not a bad fall) but he landed on his nose. Poor baby! He's such a tough and mobile kid.....

Monday - February 12th

Happy Birthday Malia! We love and miss you...

Tuesday - February 13th

We didn't really have a Valentines Day plan since Jay volunteers for Honor Guard every wednesdays, plus Caitlyn has gymnastics and Clay has a Tae Kwon Do so that pretty much plans the day for us. Since we can't really celebrate, we decided to just have an early Vday brunch...

Brunch at Los Guerreros Restaurant:

Not too shabby! It was a really uneventful day for us...

For dinner, I decided to treat my hubby like a king:

I really do know the way to my hubby's heart...Ribs baby!

Wednesday - February 14th

Happy Hearts Day to all you lovebirds out there!

Caitlyn got a cake from her teacher after her gymnastics class

The hubby and the kids managed to surprise me even on a busy day.

I love you guys so much!

Thursday - February 15th

It's been a tough transition for all of us. There's times I get home sick. I miss being able to just pick up the phone and call my close friends, and cousins......It was just one of those days for me! I am thankful for my belief in God and I am specially thankful for my extended family here in Misawa. They seem to always be there for me even when I'm ripping at the seams.

Here's CJ enjoying his time with his little girlfriend. Isn't Jayline the cutest?

Friday - February 16th

A Birthday celebration at the E-Club and an all you can eat shrimp night for the fam:

Happy Birthday auntie! We are so happy to be a part of your special day...

Enjoy my random pics from the party:

 Saturday - February 17th

Busy...busy....Saturday up ahead!

1st Party:

Baby Shower for the Tross' Family.

Enjoy my random pics:

I just love seeing that pregnancy glow...Oh how I miss it!

That's all folks!

2nd Party:

Black and White Party at Tubes: Island Style...

Enjoy the random pics:

Clay's sorrounded by the ladies. Check out CJ trying to learn the ropes from his big bro in the background!

CJ chillin' at the bar

He loves piggy back rides from daddy

Happy Birthday Amy!

Check out the guys in the back...They didn't have the money to get in so they decided to ruin our photo op

Bedtime for my baby

Excuse me Ms. Can I buy you a drink? Hey bartender, can I get milk on the rocks please!

You had to be there to enjoy this moment. These two boys were sitting at the bar looking at all the menu while their sipping on their water drinks. (Don't worry...they closed the restaurant down for this private affair).

Toast to that! Daddy's teaching him the ropes already

A kiss is worth a thousand words.....

That was one heck of a busy day for us!

Sunday - February 18th

The kids and I decided go down to Lake Towada to wach the snow festival. Michelle & Janice also met up with us. Enjoy our random pics:

Sorry I meant to rotate that photo.....

Those snow huts were amazing. They actually had bars and restaurant type stuff inside them...

J A C K P O T ! ! !

I loved the view out there

I picked a winner!

The ice stage was so amazing

My favorite part was the exotic food and hot wine....mmm....mmm...good!

Westsideconnect...LOL...nah just the bathroom and some lady making candles from scratch

That was such an incredible night for us

The kids re-enact the scene from Dumb & Dumber....They checking to see if their tongues will stick in dry ice...LOL

The kids gets ready to watch the fireworks....

While CJ caught up on sleep

My fairytale Happy Ending.....

Monday - February 19th

Happy Anniversary Jen & Timex...we love and miss you guys!

Friday - February 23rd

The Kelly's were leaving for Arizona by the end of the month so the guys at the fire department threw a goodbye hurrah for them. Meanwhile, the kids and I decided to have our own little party.

Skate night for us at the Weasel's Den

While I was too chicken to skate with them, I promised the kids I'll take them up on their offer next friday....

Saturday - February 24th

We visited their dad at the firehouse

We were watching 8 Mile in the dayroom.....

When we got home, the kids decided to make me their model and took a bunch of pictures of me. Brace yourself...vanity overload is headed your way:

Don't say I didn't warn ya

Sunday - February 25th

1st day of Lent....BTW, I gave up alcohol for lent....Talk about will power!

We were invited over at the Lyles for lunch....

It was a nice way to spend Sunday afternoon

Tuesday - February 27th

Family Day!

We finally had a day of family fun together. We decided to spend the day at The Museum of Aviation. Enjoy my random pics:

Come on mommy....let's go!

Time to pay for tickets

They get to fly planes that gives them the birds eye view of what pilots see in the air

Japan Airlines

This plane made me feel like a giant! And I'm only 5 foot tall....

Giant Hot Air balloon

This ride I rode simulates how gravity feels when you're in outer space...pretty neat!

This calculates how fast you run compare to animals and professional runners. Sadly, I run just as fast as Clay...LOL

This is my favorite toy of all. I forgot what those toys are called but remember those little square molds you stick your face in and makes a mold of your face? Well, they had a giant one over there so we decided to have fun with it.

When life....

Imitates art!

Whisper dish...they really work!

This machine measures how high you can jump

This is really neat. You control the plane just as you would a small pilot plane

Some of the rides requires you to be a certain height...Lucky for me, I just barely passed their criteria.

The lab.....The girls oogled over CJ and he seems to be enjoying the attention!

Batting cage anyone?

This shows you how fast you've hit the ball and replays it in slow motion and different split screens.

It shows how a tornado works...

Just me goofing off with the static ball while the kids learn how sound travels

I felt like a kid in a candy store

Here's the hubby trying to learn about the history of aviation....Alright who am I kidding, his feet was hurting by the end of the day. He was trying to cool off his heels....

Saturday - March 3rd

We celebrated Ivan & Simone's 10th Wedding Anniversary.

The cutest couple around

Enjoy my random pics:

Time to hit the dancefloor:

It's getting hot in here...

So take off all your clothes!

This is how the anniversary couple gets down:

That was a night to remember!

Sunday - March 4th

A more mellow day...back at the firehouse

Monday - March 5th

Big sis shows CJ how it's done

The power of Three! I just love how they interact with each other

Look who pulls up from himself up from the crib and anything he can get his hands on?

Thursday - March 8th

She loves posing for the camera...I wonder who she gets it from? tsk tsk tsk...

Friday - March 9th

Before our Friday Skate night ritual, CJ got himself in a tough situation:

He crawled under the bar stool, and couldn't find a way out...uh uh...LOL

The Lyles met us there too

Saturday - March 10th

We decided to bring the kids to daycare for 4 hours and take advantage of their "Give Parents A Break" program. The hubby and I needed this time alone. The last time we were alone without the kids were last year, on our Anniversary. That was only for 3 hours so we can enjoy lunch. We deserved this time alone...

I'm obsessed with these picture booths out here. I still can't quite figure it out (Everything's written in Japanese so most of our pictures looks like we were taken by surprised).

Then he took me out for sushi. My family (specially the hubby is not too fond of sushi) so I really felt special that day. He was too chicken to try the real sushi part. He ate all the cooked food. There was one dish I was not willing to try. They had raw horse meat. BARF! I just kept picturing Mr. Ed on top of that plate whenever that conveyor belt with that raw meat passed by me. Yuck!

After that we decided to check out the shrine we always pass on the way to the mall. 

I had no idea what this place was until my friend asked us if we picked our Japanese fortune. Now I have to go back just so I could...

My hubby's so silly

We had a great time. I haven't laughed with him like I did that day for so long. It was definitely much needed.

Until we picked the kids up at daycare:

The daycare tried to get a hold of us. She tripped and fell while they were out playing in the playground. She has skid marks all over her forehead, nose, and upper lip. It's even worse now because it turned into a scab. I wanted to cry....My poor baby!

So to make it up to my princess, I allowed her to play mom to her baby brother. My heart melts everytime I see her scabbed face. I feel like the worst mother in the world. I know it's an accident, but it's so painful to see.

Xanga uploader is officially on my poo-poo list!

Everytime I upload pictures, it gives me the error message. Grrr...this is what I get for paying premium! Curse you xanga uploader!

Ok, on to my regularly scheduled photo blogs...

Before I go on to my daily blah blahs, remember how obsessed I was with the bathrooms here in Japan? I wanted to give you guys a visual so you know what I'm talking about. P.S The pictures you're about to see is not for the weak of hearts...You've been officially warned...ha ha ha

Heated toilet seats....NICE!

All the bells and whistles! Talk about the Cadillac's of all toilet bowls....I can truly get used to living like this!

There is one thing I forgot to mention in my last blog about bathrooms....I've encountered the Hole...*Dooo-dooo-doo-dooo singing the twilight zone theme*

At first I was like...WTH?

Then, I realized it's an actual commode without the commode...get it? So I was finally schooled by one of our trusty Japanese friends on how this is properly used:

Step 1.) Pull underwear and pants down DUH!

Step 2.) Leave one side of the pants on one leg, while you carefully hold the other pant leg up to keep from getting dirty

Whew....that's the last time I'm trying that!

Enough bathroom talks, let me switch it up a little and talk about how miniaturize everything seems to be out here. When we first got here, the Japanese movers giggled and pointed at how ginormous our livingroom set seem to be for them. I just simply shook my head and went on my merry way. Until I started shopping for furnitures and appliances. They actually have furnitures that fits my midget sized criteria!

The pictures can't really do no justice to what I've seen. I can actually touch the ground when I sit on their sectionals! You don't know how happy this makes me...I'm tickled pink!

Look at those tiny blenders...Too cute!

....And then there's their washers and dryers....I can honestly just wash CJ's clothes in there. It would be a lot faster if I did our clothes by hand!

No need to be confused on which gas year to pump here on base since it only comes with one: 93...Ahhh, simplicity at its best!

OK so I lied about having only one choice, there's also a Leaded pump next to this...so sue me!

Last but not least, my drug of choice these days: Hot Coffee right out of the Dydo vending machine! Heaven....Gosh, I love their vending machines out here...

Enjoy my picture continuation updates:

Monday - December 25th, 2006

The Lyles family invited us over for Christmas dinner. She cooked authentic Mexican dishes to die for. I've been craving down home Mexican cooking for the longest and she helped hit the spot. Thanks again for the invite. Enjoy the pictures:

Baby Carrington, Cathy & Paula....CJ & Jayline

Lyles & Bianca

Thanks again for the wonderful dinner!

Tuesday - December 26th, 2006

Jay went back to work today but the kids and I were invited to celebrate Reggie's birthday at Karinba restaurant. They were even nice enough to pick us up since we're still living with off of one car. We enjoyed the food and company as always. Here's some random pictures from that evening:

Happy Birthday Reggie! 

Wednesday - December 27th, 2006

Happy 5th birthday to my baby boy Clayton!

I'm sorry we didn't have a big bash on your special day but mommy and daddy promises to make it up to you next year! It was just such bad timing for all of us. We just moved plus we didn't have time to put together a party celebration. To top it off, it was raining like crazy and Jay decided to buy his big Transformers toy the last minute at the BX so of course they ran out. Grrrrrrrrr! 

Either way, Clay enjoyed his day at The Weasel's Den....

Time to open your presents:

Daddy's ghetto-fabulous paper brown bag as a gift wrap..he he he

One happy 5 year old!

Time to play miniature golf...Thank you for those that made it to his special day!

Sunday - December 31st, 2006

The family and I have been super sick. It all started with CJ as a stomach flu. I was up night and day trying to console my little man and of course trying to keep his food from coming up. Then it was Clay and Caitlyn's turn. Talk about mommy doing double time...Whew! I can honestly say I've only slept 48 hours out of the past 4 days which also resulted in me eventually catching the stomach flu. 

Thank goodness that's all behind us now. 

Since it's New Year's Eve, our sick stricken family decided to celebrate the new year with a bang at home. And when I say with a bang, I mean literally with a bang...with our ghetto-fab pots and pans as a noise makers. We've done this back in `05 so the kids still had fun. We don't have cable that's up to date with the States (we're a couple of months behind on shows) and our network channels consists of 50% Japanese shows so we did our count down the old fashion way...by watching our clock! ha ha ha

Enjoy our madness:

Happy New Year...See you all in 2007!

   Monday - January 1st

Happy Birthday Cousin D! Wish we were there to celebrate your day. We miss you...

Tuesday - January 2nd

Ok...so the Japanese aren't too keen on the whole Xmas holiday shopping madness, but they are just as passionate as Americans when it comes to the after New Year sales. WOW! I felt like we were re-living black friday all over again.

The family and I were feeling a little better and decided to hit the local Shimoda mall. Every prices were slashed beyond belief. There's people everywhere we looked. The parking lots were completely full and people were actually driving for half hour to find parking.

When we finally got inside the mall, it was like total chaos. Note to self: Never shop after the New Year...Whew....

The kids didn't mind since they were so mesmerized by the hustle and bustle of it all

Wednesday - January 3rd

Since Jay was on his Kelly days (meaning 3 consecutive days off in a row), we decided to find a local Ramen restaurant off base. For some reason, I was craving ramen that day.

Ummm...ummmm...good! This isn't your ordinary ramen. We also sat Japanese style...on the floor!

Peaces Yo!

The kids in our soccer van!

Home sweet home! The kids have been eating on the floor since the movers messed up our dining table and chairs *Sighs, the angst of moving*. We finally decided to toss it and find a new one...

Friday - January 4th

Yay, we finally have a table to eat on!

We got invited over to Jade's house so we can celebrate her 21st birthday...Ahhh! To be young again...Jay was working that day so the kids and I flew solo. Since we were without a vehicle, we got really lucky that she's just a hop and a skip away. She lives right behind our backyard so we just walked over there.

Happy Birthday Jade!

The girls and the yummy food that her hubby prepared!

The men!

....can't leave the kids out!

The kids eating with the birthday girl, and the uber cute Bryson boy....

My lovely Meeeh-shell modeling food!

I love the picture of Kiani looking deeply into CJ's eyes. I have a picture similar to this when Clay was about his age. I have to scan that one day so you can see the similarity.

Saturday - January 6th

Happy Birthday Richie Rich!

We have been attending one party after another since we've moved out here. Now that's Misawa life and I'm loving it.....

We attended two birthday parties that day.

1st party: Kendall's 4th birthday at the Weasel's Den.

Happy Birthday Kendall!

 I felt so bad because I honestly thought the party started at 1pm. It was almost over by the time we got there....

2nd Party: CJ's 5th birthday at Davy Jones Locker

Happy Birthday CJ!

Kids games: Over - Under...

The adults also had their own version of the Over-Under game...Guys Vs. Girls

The girls definitely kicked butt! We won by a landslide

Sack race

Random pics

CJ enjoyed being serenaded by Kevin....Island style!

That was a long day for us...

Sunday - January 7th

Happy Birthday Erica!

Since Jay went back to work, I got a call from Michelle inviting us to a family day filled with fun stuff for the kids. How could I resist such an offer?

1st part of the day: Weasel's Den

They had that customer appreciation week so the Weasel's Den kicked off with free miniature golf, go kart rides, one snow sled per family, and food & drinks. Sounds like a bargain to me. Enjoy my random pics:

Clay and CJ waited while mommy and Caitlyn rode on the go-kart

Weeeee! that was fun

Anyone up for a game of miniature golf?

Michelle and I decided to mock the gorrilla that day...Look at the ba-dunk-a-dunk on that monkey!

Clay, Liezel & Caitlyn by the pond

The kids couldn't resist the twister bouncy

And a friendly game of boxing...

Clay and Liezel could barely lift their gloves..those things were gi-normous!

Michelle and Liezel's photo-op by the go-kart

2nd half of the day: Kiddie Disco

Yup, you heard right! They have kiddie disco every sunday on base at the Enlisted club from 6pm-9pm. They actually have a DJ that plays all kinds of Kids Bop songs, a balloon clown, bouncy castle, and dinner for really cheap. Hey, I can get used to living like this!

Lani, her mom, and the kids also met up with us that evening

The kids had a good night's rest after the end of the day...

Ahhhh...a mother's job is never done!

Tuesday - January 9th

Jay got a ride to work today so I was in possesion of our vehicle. Plus, I needed to pick Liezel up from school today since Michelle started work. Congrats woman!

We finally had dinner with the hubby at the fire house so it was also the first time for us to visit. Enjoy the tour. It's huge compared to Tyndall AFB. It's also only 4 years old so it's still pretty new.

As you enter the door, this is what you'll see

The Misawa Fire Department team...you'll find my hubby's picture on the bottom right of the wall. I had to take a close up picture....

Their prized truck....It has some sort of an infrared scope attached to the front of the truck. I've never seen anything like it before

Ladder truck...something Tyndall didn't have

The station captain's office

Their conference room was huge! You can combine the two rooms for big meetings

Last but not least, my hubby's career path...I had to take a picture as a motivating reminder *wink, wink*

Load up the family....snow is starting to fall!

Home - Sweet - Home

I promised the kids that we'll bake brownies that evening so they were more than elated:

Empowerment goes a long way!

Wednesday - January 10th

Jay volunteered to represent the fire department at a parade off base today.

It seems like it's been forever since I've seen him in his blues

Everyone has told us that it has been uneventful when it comes to snowfall this year. I'm beginning to think that they're right. We had to make the most of the snow we did receive so the family and I went sledding in our backyard.

Clay

Caitlyn

...daddy, me & CJ

Friday - January 12th

Happy Birthday Aubrey!

Michelle invited us over today for a bon-voyage BBQ for her hubby Jimmy. He's leaving for Iraq on Wednesday so please keep him in prayers.

The kids were busy doing their arts and crafts before heading over to the BBQ

It all started so innocently...

Then the alcohol kicked in shortly after and the rest was history:

Who would have thought the common household products could be this sexy?

Chicken.......yummmm!

The guys grew weary of our madness in the kitchen...CHEERS!

The kiddies had their own agenda

A prelude of what's to come during our next Ladies night out: Enjoy the random pics:

Our car ride out

...and the highlight of our evening..visiting Janice at the work. She couldn't come out and party, so we brought the party to her! Ha ha ha

Saturday - January 13th

The morning after....

The kids missed me so much the next day. My daughter kept telling me she wants to have a girls' night out with mommy too. I had to explain that mommy had a different time out with the grown-ups than what I would normally spend with her...

Gotta love her!

Sunday - January 14th

And yet, another birthday party!

Our car ride to the party....

Happy Birthday Neveah!

Enjoy my random pics from the party:

Good night!

Monday - January 15th

Happy Martin Luther King Day....

Since it was a 3 day weekend for most people (except my hubby), I decided to invite Jade and the Leon Guerrero's over for some good 'ole karaoke:

Sing away!!!

The LG's and Ed

Kiani and her contagious smiles

Tuesday - January 16th

I was on babysitting duty today. It was Jayline's first time being left alone with the kids and I in an unfamiliar territory....Our house! To sum it up, she was not a happy camper. My poor Jayline. She cried the whole time she was here. I tried everything I could to make her happy but all she wanted was her mom and dad. I felt so bad. This was the first time I couldn't make a baby happy and it broke my heart to pieces.

The kids even tried as well but had no luck. However, I did manage to take cute pictures of them during a short period of time when she was in a good mood:

Better luck next time....

After my baby sitting duty came to an end, I decided to take a breath of fresh air so I drove around the base with the kids in tow...

How ya like my stunna shadez??? It's been forever since I've worn them

The kids seemed to enjoy the ride out as well

Wednesday - January 17th

Happy Birthday Janice!

A relaxing day spent at home with the family: Jay was on his kelly days so we were low key

My poor baby fell asleep from bouncing too much!

Caitlyn's photography skill...not bad for a 3 year old. I expected my head to be cut in half...LOL

Thursday - January 18th

Clay's photography skill..since Caitlyn took a picture of me last night, Clay also wanted to take a stab at it. Not too shabby!

Come on baby...try to crawl!

Cheese...their happy time

Mommy's punishment for fighting with each other....I always make them hug each other in the couch until they decide to make up....I know, cruel but the tactic works. They always think twice about fighting now....

With every sibling rivalry, there's always room for laughter

My happy ending~

...Mama-san returns to Xangaland!

Happy New Year Everyone!

I have tons of catch up stories to tell. We are still trying to get acclimated in Japan but I'm happy to report that the family and I are doing well. I missed you all!

As always enjoy my picture blogs. Sit back, grab a coffee...because this will take a while!

 Wednesday - October 18th, 2006

I don't remember what happened on this day but I did find a cute picture of my hubby and CJ. Don't they look sweet together?

Thursday - October 19th, 2006

Happy Birthday Ate Cora! We love and miss you...

Pumpkin patch at Publix...he he he...& CJ with his new haircut!

Friday - October 20th, 2006

Since I was getting ready to visit our family back home in Cali, I decided to get my highlights done at Dillard's. I needed a change and I was so happy to drag Claudia along with me. She too got her hair done!

Before pics:

Goofing around before the big transformation. Don't we look prettiful?

After! What a difference a haircolor makes...

Since it was still early, the hubby and I were able to take the kiddies to the Annual Fall Festival on base. This was our final year to attend so we made the most of it.

Pony rides...CJ looked like he was afraid of the horse

After the fall festival, our friends invited us to bowl at the bowling alley. Enjoy my random pics:

Saturday - October 21st, 2006

Happy Birthday Patrick!

The kids and I attended another fall festival. This was held at Clay's school so it's not as big as the main base event. You know we couldn't miss out on that.

Weeeee! That was fun...

Since the hubby worked that evening, I decided to have the girls over for some karaoke fun:

Sunday - October 22nd, 2006

Happy Birthday Athena!

We were in the Halloween spirit so the hubby decided to try on a few masks that day:

The many faces of Jay...ha ha ha

That's all folks!

Monday - October 23rd, 2006

Happy Birthday Jenn!

Tuesday - October 24th, 2006

Happy Birthday Cora Lowry! (You'll forever be the mother I never had)...

I still have the right to make a phone call... ha ha ha! This is how my kids torture their baby brother.

Wednesday - October 25th, 2006

Clay's Pre-K class went on a field trip off base to visit Panama City's Fire Department. Thank you Chevy for forwarding these pictures:

Thursday - October 26th, 2006

It was such a sad day for my baby boy. We had to pull him out of Pre-K today since we're getting ready to leave Florida. I think I was more of an emotional wreck than he was.

We couldn't leave his class without a Bon Voyage party. Enjoy my random pics:

Thank you Ms. Batyski and Ms. Sue for everything you've taught Clay!

Group Hug

He will truly miss you all! *sniff, sniff*

Later on that evening, we attended Tyler's 1st birthday party. Enjoy my random pics:

Happy Birthday Tyler!

It was so cute...they had pumpkins ready for the kids to paint as a part of his birthday activity!

Look Drea...the beanie you knitted finally fits him. Thank you for making my baby look so stylish!

Friday - October 27th, 2006

Happy Birthday Neveris!

Saturday - October 28th, 2006

Happy Birthday Stephen Martin!

Happy Birthday Dex! We'll see you in Cali soon...

I'm so blessed to have wonderful friends here at Tyndall. Claudia and Hale threw a going away party for us at their house. They did such an amazing job putting the gathering together. It was definitely bittersweet. Enjoy the pictures from our party:

The guys

He uses "SURE" deodorant! ha ha ha

My rolldawgs!

They've got each other's back! ha ha ha

Words can not express my gratitude towards all of my friends. You will be missed!

Jason and the kids were also able to join us at the going away party. They decided to sleep over so we the cousins ended the evening with a little bath time fun:

Sunday - October 29th, 2006

The next morning, we headed over to church to get my Godson Evan baptized.

Doesn't he have the most amazing blue eyes ever?

Thank you for allowing me to be a part of his life.

 Tuesday - October 31st, 2006

Happy Birthday Claudia!

I love and miss you girl!

Happy Halloween from Clark Kent/Superman, Night time Care Bear, and Tigger from Winnie the Pooh!

The kids stayed in their costume all day. The first place on our Halloween agenda was my orthodontics office. This was our last treatment at Dr. Campbell's so the kids were able to trick or treat there first.

Since Jay had to work at the firestation, we couldn't miss showing him the kids costumes. They also received their second batch of treats at the station.

After we left the firestation, Jay surprised us by coming home that evening. His boss was nice enough to let him go home so that he can enjoy Halloween with his children. Plus, the manning at the fire house was way too full that evening so it worked out for the best.

Their first trick or treat house

 Wednesday - November 1st, 2006

The morning after Halloween...

What a nice treat!

Saturday - November 4th, 2006

We finally passed housing inspection so we moved to TLF that evening. It has been a busy move but we were finally happy to have R&R at our temporary home. I have to admit that TLF is a lot bigger than the rinky dink house we had on base so I was definitely happy.

The cousins came for the weekend 

Monday - November 6th, 2006

My final Girls' Night Out at TGIF

Wednesday - November 8th, 2006

We were trying to spend as much time as we can with their cousins so we drove over to Fort Walton Beach. There's never enough time when we're trying to make up for loss time. I will miss all of your smiling faces.

Thursday - November 9th, 2006

Since we would not be able to spend Thanksgiving with our friends in Florida, we decided to throw a pre-Thanksgiving dinner for them at TLF.

The food was to die for! Yummmmm

Enjoy my random pics:

Thanks again for coming out to see us one last time.

Saturday - November 11th, 2006

Happy Veterans Day...

Happy Birthday Elisa Jae!

Happy Birthday Jamie!

Happy Birthday Gage!

Our last day with our friends at the Panama City Airport. I still cry whenever I see this picture. I will love and miss you all.

We're off to Cali!

Sunday - November 12th, 2006

We visited Jay's best friend's house in the valley. Enjoy my random pics: 

Monday - November 13th, 2006

Spent some quality time with Grandma Gloria

Tuesday - November 14th, 2006

Reunited with my cousins at last!

F-A-B-O-L-O-U-S! ha ha ha

After visiting my cousins that evening, we drove over to Valencia so we can celebrate Alex's birthday bash. Enjoy the pics:

Wednesday - November 15th, 2006

Happy Birthday Caroline!

CJ started eating solids today! He's growing up so fast...

Quality time with Grandpa Jerry

Friday - November 17th, 2006

Mini-Reunion with my High School friends at my cousins house. Enjoy my pics:

Saturday - November 18th, 2006

We decided to take this photo op before leaving my cousins house.

Manny Pacquiao's Boxing fight at Ate Lisa's house: Enjoy my pics...

Sunday - November 19th, 2006

Monday - November 20th, 2006

Dinner at my Ate Zen's house

Tuesday - November 21st, 2006

Wednesday - November 22nd, 2006

Since our litte sister Carmina had a half day at school, we decided to take the kids over to Glendale Galeria

Thursday - November 23rd, 2006

Happy Birthday Alyssa!

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

We spent our Thanksgiving lunch at Jenn's family's house

 We then drove over to Ate Lisa's house in Valencia for dinner

Friday - November 24th, 2006

Happy Birthday Alan!

Black Friday...the craziest shopping time of the year! I couldn't believe how dangerous shopping could be. People can be pretty vicious when going for the after Thanksgiving sales. I can't believe I was one of the crazed shop-a-holic who woke up at 5am so I can hit the best sales. Sheez! People actually beat us to the punch by camping out at the local Best buys the day before. *Note to self: Never shop again during Black Friday*

We visited Jay's God daughter Marissa and family later on that day:

We've been bouncing from one house after another during our visit to Cali. It was time to go back to my cousins house for more quality time. Only this time around I was hurting. It's been so long since I hit the bottle and boy did I pay for it the day after. ha ha ha...good times! 

Saturday - November 25th, 2006

Happy Birthday Glenn Santos!

Happy Birthday Keoki!

Sunday - November 26th, 2006

Karaoke time with my cousins

Monday - November 27th, 2006

Goodbye LA...

Thursday - November 30th, 2006

We finally made it to Misawa Japan! We traveled for almost 24 hours since we had a stop over in LA. The kids did great until the last leg of flight. They were cranky, hungry, and tired (not to mention, mommy and daddy were too). I was so happy to land that I could have kissed the ground we walked on. I was so loopy by the time we got to billeting. The Lyles family were nice enough to pick us up at the Airport with groceries in tow. I'm just glad we had friends out here because we would have been so screwed if we depended on our sponsor for help. Atleast I know how nice it is to have friends like the Lyles family so that if we ever become sponsors ourselves, we would know how to treat the next family ease into a smooth transition.

Enjoy our picture from our first visit to the Commissary

Friday - December 1st, 2006

Happy Birthday Mom Gloria! We love and miss you...

The Lyles and Manlee family took us to the Giga Outlet furniture and the Shimoda mall that day

Here's a sneak peek at our tiny hotel room. This was their biggest room for families so we were there like packed sardines. LOL The livingroom was about 500sq feet which included a small kitchen and a dining table that didn't quiet fit anywhere. There was a pull out couch in the living room area and a full size bed in the main bedroom. I'm just so glad this is now a blast from our past. My poor kids were going crazy in that tiny room. It felt like we were in a glorified prison.

We just had to get out of that room so the family and I decided to attend the lighting of the tree. It was within walking distance to the hotel so that was definitely a plus for us.

Saturday - December 2nd, 2006

Our snow experience has begun...

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

The Lyles family took us to the Weasel's Den so that the kids can have a little fun. I loved this place. It had go karts for the bigger kids, miniature golf, rock climbing area, bouncy castles, soccer field, batting cage, arcades, etc...

Sunday - December 3rd, 2006

We met up with the John family and decided to have brunch at the Enlisted club. We met so many Islanders that day that it was a bit overwhelming. It was hard enough for me to remember names in small groups but in a big group like this, WHEW...wish me luck!

After brunch we hit the Hachinohe mall with the John and Leon Guerrera family. The malls out here in Japan are unbelievable. I've never seen a grocery store within a mall before. (Besides Eagle Rock Mall in Cali but that doesn't count! LOL..that place is pretty ghetto compared to the malls here in Japan). They also had this huge dome for kids to play in so that was a plus in my book. This place is so clean and neat. You don't see people eating on the go even at the malls. They have designated places for you to drink and eat and they actually obide by that. The Japanese people have a lot of pride for their country and it truly shows by the way they take care of it. The other thing that mesmerizes me is the technology they come out with here. I always hear talks about how technologically advance this place is from my aunts and uncles but you really have to be here to soak it all in. I feel like a kid in a candy store.

I even have a dorky confession to make. The minute I got off the plane to use the public restroom, it took me 20 minutes to get out. I was so amazed at how clean the bathrooms were and how much gadgets it had. It had bidets that washes the front and back of your naughty bits.  The toilet seat changes covers within a push of a switch and....GET THIS....heated toilet seats!  How many times have you used a bathroom when it's cold and it takes awhile for you to do your business comfortably? I know I've done that many a times. They even have a courtesy flush that you push in case you pass gas loudly.  I know, you can say it...I'm a dork!

Enjoy my pictures from the mall:

Tuesday - December 5th, 2006

We finally got offered base housing in the North side. Whooo hoo...Good bye lodging!

Home sweet New Home...

Two story, 4 bedrooms, tons of closet space, huge kitchen but the living room space is a bit small. Still, I'm thankful we finally have our own place. Grant it it's far from everything in the main base but beggars can't be choosers. Thank you Lord!

Clay and Caitlyn's bedroom

Thursday - December 7th, 2006

Happy Birthday Kris!

Michelle was nice enough to drive the kids and I over to Shimoda mall. I just found it we were going to my hubby's Christmas party that weekend and I didn't have anything nice to wear. We were still waiting for our household goods to arrive so we were without our stuff for quite some time. The Air Force loans out temporary furnitures here in Japan until your household goods arrives but it was still hard not having everything you own accessible to you. We were even lucky to be neighbors with Michelle because they were the ones that loaned us linens to get us through hard times. *Sighs* Growing pains...This is our first overseas station so atleast we know what to expect and do the next time around. 

Friday - December 8th, 2006

Happy Birthday Jason!

The Christmas party was really nice. I met a lot of good people from his shift. It seems like the firefighters here are close knit compared to the ones in Tyndall. I have a good feeling about this place. I can't wait to get to know everyone.

The evening was exceptionally nice because they provided free babysitting at the daycare center for four hours. The timing couldn't have been more perfect! The hubby and I really needed this time alone to regroup.

Enjoy my random pics:

Thursday - December 14th, 2006

Happy Birthday Isaiah!

CJ rolled over today! My baby boy is growing up so fast. *Tears*

We also received our household goods sometime last week. We have our stuff all over the place and it literally drove me off the wall. The house was so bad you couldn't even walk on the floor without stepping on anything. I know there's an end to all of this madness... 

Saturday - December 16th, 2006

We finally bought a Christmas tree!

Sunday - December 17th, 2006

Finally, some sort of normalcy...Our house is finally starting to look like a home!

Mama's got a van! We're still living off of one car but I'm so happy we have transportation. Don't let this bad boy fool you. It's faster than any car I've ever owned...ha ha ha

I just have to get used to driving on the right side of the vehicle and staying on the left side of the road at all times. *Sheez* I also have to learn to park in itty bitty parking spaces and very narrow roads.... And in case you didn't notice, in snowy conditions too. Boo! 

Monday - December 18th, 2006

I finally got my Japanese license today so look out world! Mama's on a driving mission.

The kids and I decided to play out in the snow today. Enjoy my pics:

Tuesday - December 19th, 2006

My princess is all grown up...

Thursday - December 21st, 2006

I invited Michelle over for karaoke night...

Saturday - December 23rd, 2006

Our first inflatable carousel! I just love this time of year....

Sunday - December 24th, 2006

Getting camera ready for our Xmas party....

Merry Christmas from the Capalad family!

Enjoy my random pics from the Christmas Eve party at Davy Jones Locker with our new friends:

Santa Claus is coming to town!

We got home after midnight so we couldn't resist but give let the kids open their presents early. They've been good all year!

 To be continued.....

We made it to Misawa Japan!!!

We're still jet lagged so once the dust settles I'll update everyone with pictures and fun stuff.

Miss you all...

~Until my next blog!