ode to lizzy

Since Lizzy stayed with us for 6 months while Jan was in the Philippines, I thought it would be nice to post some pics in honor of her. While she was here, she played the role of cook, babysitter, therapist, chauffeur...the list goes on and on! She was basically my right-hand man and the boys' on-call SLAVE while Jan was away and we are so grateful to her! =) So, since you know I will probably never develop these pics (or if I do, it will probably be 10 years from now--it's the Jala Curse!) posting them up for all to see would be the next best thing.

WE LOVE YOU, AUNTIE IZZY!!!

With the year more than half way through, Jan and I were talking about the past months as well as our plans for the next few that are left. We've been in Hawaii for about 3 years now and can't believe how fast the time has gone by. From the moment we stepped foot on this island, our lives have been constantly changing and evolving. We've experienced birthdays and new life, struggles and heartaches, joys and sorrows, visitors from near and far, newfound ventures.

Now that our tour here will be coming to an end in mid-November, we have to make moves towards our future in a new state, new base, and completely new enviornment. We haven't received an assignment yet, but it is more than likely that we will be stationed in Langley, Virginia...and we are really hoping that we do end up there. Not only will we be able to experience the East Coast (and all four seasons--yay!), the area is pretty family-oriented, has great school systems, and is a primary outlet for Jan to look into opportunities outside of the Air Force. So say a little prayer for us and keep your fingers crossed...and we will definitely let everyone know once we receive orders.

To the future and the unknown: May we be strong in Faith, have our minds stay Focused, and keep moving Forward!

the REAL first post

So originally I started this blog as a way for Jan to stay updated with all the happenings of our family so he wouldn't feel like he was missing out on anything while he was deployed. Now, six months later, Jan is back from his deployment and I have yet to post an official entry. I know, I'm so bad!..but it's not like he was completely out of the loop when he was in the Philippines. Thankfully, we were able to talk to him practically every day and the boys spent plenty of time interacting with Daddy on the web-cam. Caleb sent him drawings, letters, and vice-versa, and even though Daddy was thousands of miles away, he still managed to spoil his little guys with care packages filled with toys, knick-knacks, candy, and really high-quality dvd knock-offs (including the old-school Tranformers cartoons and a 40-in-1 Sesame Street collection--really awesome!).
And so, even though Jan wasn't physically with us, he was still in-the-know of things during his 6-month absence. But even with his return, I am still in the same place with the blog that I was so eager and determined to start. And for those of you who know me, I am sooo NOT computer-savvy! Really though, just learning about this stuff and doing the settings and choosing the layout, etc., etc., was such a streeetch for me! =) But when it comes down to it, I am sticking to what I originally set out to do. So, with 6 months and 10 days after my first, not-so-real post, I would like to officially post my first entry on our family blog. With this blog I want all of our family and friends to stay up to date with everything that is happening in our lives here in Hawaii...and wherever else we may end up in the future. So make sure to check back often and stay tuned for more news about your favorite HI family!