Wednesday, 17 December 2008

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

A Mother Venting :(

O.k. everyone. I am going to do some venting. I don't normally do this online. I usually call a tons of people to let them know, but I feel this is important. I had to pull my son out of preschool because of bullying, and now choir practice. These pictures are what happened in choir practice when he was playing in the children's bedroom.
He was hiding in the closet and they went after him. He tried to leave but they wouldn't let him. I am livid. I teach my boys the 3 strikes you are out rule. This week I have really been enfasizing(sp?) how the Lord made our bodies and spirit and is our job to protect them. When asked what to do, my son Zach now likes to say "block and punch". I understand a little rough housing, but when you son comes out with blood on his face and shirt, that is different. As a mother I will be his shadow for a long while, until I know he can properly punch someone in the nose. My opinion might change, but in the state I am in right now. I don't see that happening. If I decide to homeschool , or not have babysitters, or not have certain people over, or not go to choir practice, or anything to keep my kids safe, that is my right and job as a mother. This should not be happening at such a tender age. What are parents not teaching there kids?
I don't want to judge, but I am appalled. Anyways, I am looking for the possibility of leaving this island as soon as possible. I love my boys. They are everything to me. All 3 of them. Sorry I am a downer right now. Not that many of you have seen this side of me. Take care. Love you, Desiree

Here we are

I just want to say thanks for all your comments and for your support. We love you all a bunch and are actively trying to find a way to get back to you all sooner. Okinawa is nice, but we have been away for 10 years and I am really starting to go through some sort of withdrawal style homesickness. I can't wait to be surrounded by family again. I was thinking about Dad and all the activities we had at the house and all the friends and family that filled it so often. I want to do the same. We love you all and can't wait to see you again.

Saturday, 13 December 2008

Christmas 2008

Well,

Here's a super happy Christmas Message from the Monteith's (of Okinawa). We are living in a tropical wonderland of sun, water, and more biological diversity than you can shake a candy cane at. The weather here is actually quite good. I have only needed a jacket twice so far, and one of those times was at 2 in the morning in a steady wind.

Our year has been good so far, and looks to be continning(sp?) into the future just as well. The only off note is, of course, the fact that I have to write this note to you all. I would rather be discussing it with you over dinner. 'They' say its a small world, but it seems larger when I think of family and friends around the world. We miss you and love you very much.

Oh, let's just get to the details, so I can focus on the positives. Zachary Boy is 2 1/2 and smart as a whip. When we sing at bedtime he loves to sing his ABC song. We read the scriptures out loud and he repeats the words so he can be part. He rides a 'big boy' bike with training wheels and will be getting a newer one for Christmas. Don't tell him!

Michael, Jr. is learning letter and number games and how to recognize key words. He can add numbers just like his Dad. On his fingers! His only issue right now is the habit of scaring his brother for a laugh. He then wonders why Zachary won't immediately sit back down and play! Mostly though, they share what will make each other happy, and one thing I love to see is them teaming up to open our heavy front door. They are a great pair, and we love them very much.

Desiree is making friends as usual. She teaches a beginner's sewing class, hand and machine, for Relief Society, and is on the Enrichment Committtee(I got on a roll with those tee's). The two of us are on the Activities Committee(that's better) and we team teach the Sunbeams class in Primary(Michael, Jr. is in the class, also). She can often be found in the yard with friends watching the kids play, or trying some new recipe in the kitchen. All of us love her, and couldn't function without her.

I am in the U.S. Navy. I am proud to be serving my country, and my Heavenly Father by doing the best I can in work and my callings. I have recently become qualified as a Watch Commander and am in charge(on randomly scheduled days) of the training, care and distribution of a twenty man security team. It sounds cooler than it is, but it's still pretty cool.

Okinawa actually has a lot to recommend it and we have only begun to tap the well of tourist activities available. We have camped at the beach twice, wandered in foreign cities, and gone to Tokyo Disneyland (which was quite fun!). If anyone wants to come visist we will be gracious and enthusiastic hosts. We love you all and can't wait to see you again. Thanks for all your calls, letters, emails and care packages. We will be together again.

Merry Christmas,
Love,
The Montieth's
Mike, Desiree, Mike, Jr., and Zachary Boy

Monday, 1 December 2008

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree....



Well this year we made our Christmas tree. We left ours back in storage. We don't really have a lot of room in our house, so this was the next best thing. I actually like it. It reminds me of Dr. Seuss. The boys had fun making the decorations, of course it was a little hard to steal them away from the Steelers game. Our next project is covering our windows with snowflakes since we will not be getting snow here. We have already started making some, and Jr. was going scissor happy.

Until next time. Love you.

Just a couple of new pictures!!!