... still looking back!

Everyone that left the island told us they missed it and part of me knew I would but I'm really surprised how much I am truly missing the lifestyle of GUAM and the easy going, no rushing, laid back ways.  We've been in California for 3 1/2 months now and part of me is still "looking back".  

These photos were taken by the amazing Brynja on our last full night on GUAM.  So thankful that the rain stopped long enough for us to capture our time and truly enjoy the island, the way I was hoping to - one last time! 

Mia still asks on a daily basis, "mommy, tell me again why did we move away from GUAM?  I want to go back now!"  Sweet girl... I wish we could... just one last time!  The last year flew by with Dale away on his deployment... it would be nice to have had one last year to enjoy it with him there.  I'm so thankful for our time and making such wonderful memories... some that will truly last a lifetime!

Mommy & her beautiful girls

Daddy & his growing boys

LOVE THESE KIDS!

BROTHERS

SISTERS

DANI

MO

MIA

RY

DALE & DOT

... saying FAREWELL to GUAM

TARAGUE BEACH

Our 3 years on Guam went so fast.  We loved exploring and enjoying all these beautiful locations - one of our favorite places was Tarague Beach.

Jazzie & Mia are a silly duo!  I loved watching their friendship grow... WE WILL MISS YOU, JazWaz!

US Naval Hospital GUAM... Daddy's last day of work!!  

We're now checked into our hotel room... 3 more days and we're leaving GUAM... I haven't been very good at keeping this blog up... I've started a different blog... but I guess we got too busy having too much fun on this beautiful island.  We will miss it here!

... more thoughts to follow... but as I type I'm facing the gorgeous ocean...

Attitude is Everything!

There once was a woman who woke up one morning,  looked in the mirror, and noticed she had only three hairs on her head. Well," she said,  "I think I'll braid my hair today?"  So she did and she had a wonderful day. The next day she woke up,  looked in the mirror  and saw that she had only two hairs on her head.  "H-M-M," she said,  "I think I'll part my hair down the middle today?"  So she did and she had a grand day. The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror  and noticed that she had only one hair on her head.  "Well," she said,  "today I'm going to wear my hair in a pony tail."  So she did and she had a fun, fun day. The next day she woke up,  looked in the mirror and noticed  that there wasn't a single hair on her head.  "YEA!" she exclaimed,  "I don't have to fix my hair today!" Attitude is everything! Be Kinder than necessary for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.. Live simply... Love generously... Care deeply... Speak kindly....... Leave the rest to God

Ephesians 4:2 (New International Version, ©2011)

² Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.


April 3rd, 2011 - 

Last night Ryan asked Dale to buzz cut his hair... just shave it all off - leaving a short stubble all around his head.  I'm not fond of it... but Ryan was so excited about the fact that he no longer has to do his hair... until it grows again, of course!  This story made me smile and made me think of RYAN. Never having to seek approval, really not caring what others may think... but just taking chances and smiling through it all!   I just hope that he will always use this attitude for GOOD things.  I've had some heart to heart talks with some of his teachers at school and they are also aware of his leadership skills... just channeling it in a positive way is the trick!  I LOVE his attitude.  I LOVE his happiness!


This morning, I found his older brother staring at himself in the mirror... running late for school I quickly asked him, "What are you doing?"  With a smile Mo tells me, "I'm wondering what it would look like if I buzzed my hair like Ryan's".  He's my thinker... my analyzer - never jumping into things.  One time a barber shaved his head like Ryan's haircut and he really didn't like it - yet here he was again analyzing it because his brother's attitude about his short hair was infectious!  This month he is turning 13.  I will be a mommy of a teenager!  The fact that he takes his time to think things through is exactly what I need to help me get through these beginning teenage years.  He announced a few weeks ago that he has a "girlfriend".  He's realistic about it all.   I LOVE that he is open enough to tell me this.   I LOVE his smile.  I LOVE that he thinks things through.

A few weekends ago I had a different situation.  We went to a baby shower and while the mom's were in one room... the daughters were able to go next door and get their hair braided, styled, nails done... just a little pampering session.  Dani wasn't sure if she wanted to get her hair done... decided on a braid... and after I asked the girl to braid it... she said she wanted to wait until her sisters b'day party 2 days later.  Well... the lady braided it anyway (because I asked her to)... and on the way home she was teary and I asked her why the tears?  Sweet girl didn't want me to get upset that she wanted to take the braid out as soon as we got home.  She didn't like it.  She was upset that I paid money to have it done... that she wasted MY money!  OOOoh my sweet girl... so thoughtful and considerate and always worried about others over herself.  We had a heart to heart on the car ride home and I told her not to worry and that it was okay if she took out the braid... LIFE is too short to be upset over these little things!  I LOVE that she cares.  I LOVE that she considers others.

... and then there's little Mia.  Her hair is taking it's sweet time to grow in.  She makes comments often about wanting to go to school.  We heard a trick that when kids can reach their arm over their head and touch their ear... then they're ready for school.  She takes this literally and every day her little fingers are getting closer and closer to her ear... and the excitement of it all is building daily!  She did manage to move up to the Kindergarten class in church because she turned 4 years old.  That was exciting news!  She couldn't wait to get to church!  Then reality hit.  She was the only new kid.... and the kids were singing a song she didn't know.  Looking at me with uncertainty I snapped a photo of her and decided that I needed to leave the room before she changed her mind. Without saying goodbye, I started to shut the door and our eyes locked... with tears welling in her eyes... she gave me that big girl wave and my heart just sank knowing my little girl is growing up!   She did awesome... she stayed and didn't come running after me.  Definitely the easiest one to separate from me, showing no drama (unlike the three older siblings who all acted like I was ripping off their arms when I left them in a class alone).  I LOVE her independence.  I LOVE her eagerness to try.


Attitude is Everything!  I go to bed at night wondering if I did enough for my kids... did they learn anything from me... do they know they're loved unconditionally... are they enjoying their LIFE now and not wishing or wanting it to speed up.  As a kid we always want to rush life... but now as an adult... how I wish it could just slow down!  I'm so grateful to be able to enjoy my children at every stage... thankful to a loving husband who understands the need for one of us to be home and present for our kids.... and a partner in life who is actively involved in raising our children together!   It makes all the difference!

Guam Seahawks Basketball with Coach McAllister

 If an egg is broken due to outside force LIFE ENDS. If it breaks from inside LIFE BEGINS. Great things always begin from inside... so always believe in yourself:) ♥

Mainland USA... first stop CALI

2nd Cousins - Ramirez & Savala Crew

Coming back to the mainland for the summer, after living on Guam for 2 years has been a nice change of pace.  It's eye-opening to see how much there is here.  The conveniences.  The options.  It's a bit overwhelming!   I'm sure I will enjoy coming back to the mainland... but I know there are parts of Guam that I will miss terribly.  So glad that we still have a little over a year left to enjoy the slower island life of GUAM.  It has been a wonderful tour so far... except having to spend most of final year without daddy (Dale) with us.

Mia w/ Chloe

We stopped in California first and adjusted slowly back to the time zone.  It was so nice to spend time with family.  My cousin, Gladys picked us up from the airport and we were plesantly surprised with the cooler temps California was having.  We had to put on sweaters... ahhh a nice change from hot GUAM! Our kids got re-acquainted and enjoyed each others company.  Mia especially enjoyed their new dog - Chloe.  Such a cutie pie!!

-with my beautiful niece Cassandra

Driving on the freeways in California was a big adjustment for me.  On Guam the speed limit is basically 35 mph... and a few stretches of 45 mph.  So you can only imagine me trying to follow my cousin in California... speeding down the freeways at 75 plus miles per hour!  I had to self-motivate myself that "I can do this... I can do this..." as my niece, Cassandra laughed at me as she sat in the passengers seat.   I'm usually a fast driver... but that proved to be too much too soon!  Especially not knowing where I was going and everyone driving much faster... and how very crowded it was on the road.

Our first day in California was a marathon.  After traveling approximately 15 hours... we arrived in the west coast at 5am... took a mini nap and then saw the LION KING, the musical show that night.  It was amazing!  The music, the costumes... too bad at one point I found myself fighting to stay awake!  But what I did see was incredible!  Mia is still talking about it!

While here on the mainland... Daniella requests Olive Garden as often as possible... Ryan was craving Chik-fil-a and Morgan, at the stage that he's in, will eat anything and a lot of it!  Mia just goes with the flow.  The one thing she STOPPED drinking a lot of was milk. This is around the same time Dani stopped liking white milk.  Mia used to drink it all the time.   I guess this is a good thing... since water is easier to have when traveling!

Ahh yes, the ease of traveling now that the kids are older.  No more diapers.  Kids are grown and able to help.  Even when our seats were scattered throughout the plane... the kids did fantastic!  Thankfully, kind strangers moved so Mia & Dani could sit next to me.  Can you imagine NOT moving for a child?

 

HERE'S the MAIN reason we made our stop in California... it was to meet the newest members of the family... the TWINS!!!  Kaia & Noah!   And of course their big sister - Arielle!  Only 3 1/2 months old... I just couldn't wait to see them and hold them!  What good little babies they are too!  Already on a schedule and growing like weeds!

 

These are Dale's younger sister, Evelyn & Jake's kids.  So these are the ONLY 1st cousins for our kids.  What a special time to be able to get together and let our kids hang out and reconnect.  We're excited that by next year, we'll be closer to them and able to spend more time together since we're "penciled" in to move to San Diego, CA by September 2011.  Nine years on the east coast... and overseas twice (Italy & now Guam) it will be nice to connect with the west coast side friends and family!

Thanks Jake & Evelyn for letting us invade your home and hang out for 3 days.  Look how quickly you're catching up to us in numbers!!!  :-)  Do you dare have another to make it four?!

Joshua 1:9

We started a new blog called, STRONG and COURAGEOUS.  It's basically another chapter, if you will, of this blog... just one that the kids and Dale can update from time to time.  Letters to Daddy and basically our LIFE while daddy is gone.  The new blog started on July 11 - the day Daddy Dale left for his training before his 8 month deployment to Kuwait.  The blog title is from Daniella's favorite bible verse found in Joshua 1:9 - "Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your GOD will be with you wherever you go."


http://www.everyday-joshua1nine.blogspot.com/

It's the beginning of our countdown for Dale's return to Guam.  Life without my hubby and without the kids daddy is just not normal!  We miss him a lot!  But we also support his decision to be where he is.  We pray that he will be a light to all that he comes in contact with... and that his talents will be used wisely!  We know that GOD has great things in store for him there... and that this time apart will pass quickly.  Skype will be our BEST way of communication while he is in Kuwait for the next 8 months.      He's currently training at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, California and we are currently hanging out in Florida, enjoying time with my parents and all the conveniences the mainland has to offer especially after island living for the last 2 years.  March 2011 is his approximate arrival back to us.  Daniella is hoping it will be before her 10th birthday on March 14th.

I'll make some updates of our summer on this blog soon!  It's been way too long!  So much has happened since finding out about Dale's deployment!

When one door closes...

"When one door closes; another opens... but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us."  - by Alexander Bell

What doors are closing on you today?  What doors are opening up for you today?   Where are you standing... are you staring at that closed door feeling sad for that lost opportunity?  Or do you surround yourself with people who will help you open the next door for you?

... it all adds up!

Math, it's everywhere.  I'm currently in the midst of it on a daily basis.   Quizzing and testing my kids their math facts... multiplications... division.  Teaching short cuts and fast tips... but reminding them that there are some things they just have to know and memorize.  I'm sure there are times it drives them crazy - but they'll thank me later... that's what I tell myself anyway!

Well, we've known for 6 days now and I've only shared the news with a handful of family & friends... because that's how I deal with things when LIFE throws me a curve ball (again, math!).  When I say things out loud... it becomes a reality.  So far I've been okay and at peace... until tonight.   ... until my girl did the calculations in her head.  

When she heard, "Daddy will be home when you turn 10"... all she could say was... "but I'm not even 9 yet!"  (she will be in a few days 3.14)  That's when it hit her... and she quietly retreated to her room.  Only to come back out 5 minutes later to hug me with tears in her eyes!   That's when it hit me... and that's when I cried.  Not for me.... but for my sweet girl who absolutely adores her daddy!

The countdown to Kuwait begins...  JULY 2010 - MARCH 2011

Mom & Dad Ramirez

We had a surprise visit from Mom & Dad Ramirez!  Although too short... we were so happy to have them visit us on Guam!  The girls enjoyed painting with LOLA and embellishing their jeans with hand painted flowers... and the boys had fun playing basketball with LOLO.  Just being TOGETHER, sharing stories, eating dinner & laughing was the highlight of it all!  We hope they can stay longer next time! 

Our 2nd CHRISTMAS here ON GUAM

We were so glad to have my parents visit us twice this year! They arrived early enough to enjoy all of the kids CHRISTMAS programs, plays and HONORS AWARDS. Every night we had something to attend during their first week back on Guam.

Morgan called us at the house the day of his awards (yeah... at least he remembered to CALL)   We rushed over to the school to cheer and holler for achieving HIGH HONORS (3.5 -3.9 GPA) during his 1st quarter in Middle School!  We're so proud of you, Mo! Keep up the great work!

The Middle School had their 1st dance of the year.  Turns out that Morgan was voted in his class as one of the top 3 boys - to be named DUKE.  Because of this, he wanted to show up and see where he placed.     In 6th grade - they're named Duke & Duchess, 7th grade - Prince & Princess, and in 8th grade - King & Queen.  Morgan was voted "runner-up" & I love that he just smiled and was happy to be "in the running".  I'm not sure if he actually danced at this dance, but I showed up towards the end to snap a few photos of him with his friends and get a little "peek" into my growing boys world. When did he grow up so fast?  Every day he's looking more & more like his daddy!

Daniella, along with other 3rd & 4th grade GE (Gifted Education) Students performed a Math Drama with Sherlock Holmes. There was singing and dancing and a lot of memorization & hard work put into this play! Ms. Moore did an awesome job with the kids, as always!

BAND HOLIDAY CONCERT

Morgan has learned a new instrument this year - the alto SAXOPHONE! It's his first year in beginning band and we were all very impressed with their Holiday performance! "Santa" Hats off to an awesome band teacher - Mrs. Goldhorn (don't you love her name?) I'm always amazed how teachers can pull all these kids together - and make it look so effortless!

RYAN w/ MomMom & PopPop

Ryan ended our week with his performance in the 4th grade Choir. Ryan loves the stage and singing and performing... so it was no surprise that he came out as SANTA in one of the songs... skinniest Santa I've ever known, that's for sure! :-)

Once again - another wonderful and fun-filled program. Ms. Mansell out-did herself and it was so neat to see all the hard work turn into a fantastic performance!

We even enjoyed a fantastic musical performance at the Harvest Life Center.  All these awesome performances truly put us in the HOLIDAY SPIRIT!

PopPop & Dale, along with 2 other men - sang a few quartets for church service at Agana Heights SDA Church. While the kids sang and also played their recorders for the CHRISTMAS PROGRAM!

Mia wanted me to take all these photos of her by the tree.  She stood by it and said, "Mommy, picture me"  As if she doesn't have enough photos!  I love digital cameras and being able to snap as many photos my little heart desires!!!

My mom's sister, Ruthie Ranchez or better known as Lola "Roofy" (as Mia pronounces it) arrived on GUAM to visit with us before heading to her conference in the Philippines.  What a great treat to have her for the holidays and spend some time with her.

Our neighbors - Pame & Jason are always ready to take the kids on an adventure!  We love that our kids have them in their lives!  Such GREAT fun role models!  Jason also grew up in a Navy family and one of 4 kids - so he can truly relate to our kiddos!  As you can see from the photos above - the adventure was to the waterfalls... and then a quick hike to the red mud pits!  Imagine the fun I have doing laundry for my Guam Aborigines!   The other day, Pame took Daniella on a bike ride (on Dani's new bike from PopPop for Christmas) and they chased a wild boar around the golf course in our backyard.  LeoPalace is just one big natural playground for our kids!

My bro - LEN got snowed in and had to wait a few days to leave Philly due to cancelled flights and blizzards on the East Coast.  We were all so excited when he finally arrived (2 days later).  We all had to greet him at the airport.

With only 2 full days with Len - we spent the day before Christmas playing in the water & on the water at the always fun ABC - Alupang Beach Club, thanks to our wonderful friends Carmen & Steve!  The day started off cloudy & rainy...but by the time we got there - the day started to clear and it turned out to be a great time!  We jet-skiied, kayaked, dolphin watched, fished, parasailed & rode the banana boat.  Amazingly, with the clouds hiding the sun - we actually felt a bit chilled on GUAM!  *smile*

S I S T E R S 

CHRISTMAS LUNCH with my Parents, my bro - LEN, Auntie Ruth, the Hwangs & the Hyatts.  A fantastic spread of delicious food prepared by my mom &auntie "Roofy"!  Yummm!  What a gift to not have to cook!!  THANKS Mom & Auntie Ruthie! 

... Christmas Day ended with more friends (Lee's & Mercado's) & visiting family members (Gemma's parents, 2 brothers & their families) join us for desserts, fellowship... a little Beatles Rock Band - and by sundown we were all singing & Praising God for another wonderful Christmas with family worship.