tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132746819882534142024-03-12T19:43:27.663-04:00A Hapa Girl and her Hapa Family!... a Navy Wife, mother of 3, and an Advocate for Down Syndrome Awareness. I've been hooked onto Extreme Couponing and learning how to use my Sony Alpha camera!The Hapa Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833292317486709616noreply@blogger.comBlogger273125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913274681988253414.post-11009826878538785242012-01-03T00:03:00.000-05:002012-01-03T00:03:46.464-05:00Happy New Year!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas Holiday and New Year! The kids and I had a great holiday, especially having my father here to celebrate with us. My kids were spoiled this year! <br />
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Although, we made great memories, we will always remember that their daddy, my husband, wasn't home to celebrate with us. Due to unforeseen circumstances, his deployment was delayed and his return home would be sometime after Christmas. I can't give out dates..OPSEC! But, at least (I HOPE) he'll be home before my birthday!<br />
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I've been debating if I should keep this blog up and running. Not that I don't have the time, it's just making time to sit and write. I probably could share so much more...Lillian's first year in school, deployment stories and making new friends.<br />
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I've decided to go ahead and keep the blog going, but won't kick myself in the butt for not being consistent with it. I can only hope, that someone somewhere will read and gain some knowledge about the things I write about. <br />
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Goodnight Everyone! I will catch up soon!</div>The Hapa Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833292317486709616noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913274681988253414.post-16412274638434732702011-09-22T08:17:00.001-04:002011-09-22T08:17:10.412-04:00Extreme Home Makeover<p>Wanna a sneak peek of the show? I might be able to help with that, only if you are an <a href="http://abc.go.com/shows/extreme-makeover-home-edition">Extreme Home Makeover</a> fan!</p> <p>I was lucky enough to get a chance to preview the season premiere for its new season beginning this <a href="http://abc.go.com/shows/extreme-makeover-home-edition">Sunday, September 25 on ABC at 7/6c</a> (and no this is not a paid advertisement). </p> <p>All I can say is “WOW”! I enjoyed the premiere and all the special surprises! If, you generally don’t watch the show, I hope you will this Sunday. Given the fact that my blog is geared towards a certain group, I think it would be a season to watch!</p> <p>So, here are some pictures and a clip of the premiere:</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:05674918-852c-4ad4-a168-51c191a8d793" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="236150ac-653e-4645-b987-0c4062c135ae" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3r7L4eUUmU" target="_new"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GhCJgH6rSzU/TnsnG_SWPQI/AAAAAAAAD5Y/nixXWvB7ueY/video77fce5042a64%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('236150ac-653e-4645-b987-0c4062c135ae'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"640\" height=\"360\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/h3r7L4eUUmU?hl=en&hd=1\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/h3r7L4eUUmU?hl=en&hd=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bseiE_Gfdkk/TnsnJoZXVgI/AAAAAAAAD5c/3m0yojGzP0o/s1600-h/EMHE%252520REVEAL-%252520preview%252520photo%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="EMHE REVEAL- preview photo" alt="EMHE REVEAL- preview photo" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3ATiTONhy8I/TnsnKWtA0_I/AAAAAAAAD5g/gHGs-zdOsXM/EMHE%252520REVEAL-%252520preview%252520photo_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="374" height="253"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sBIHu8rlndU/TnsnNcjMvyI/AAAAAAAAD5k/GSICB7K4MLI/s1600-h/IMG_6569-%252520MS%252520Good%252520Morning%25252C%252520Mrs.%252520Obama%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="IMG_6569- MS Good Morning, Mrs. Obama" alt="IMG_6569- MS Good Morning, Mrs. Obama" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xzCGPWWN9Go/TnsnOKNP8fI/AAAAAAAAD5o/r4NbTew_78Y/IMG_6569-%252520MS%252520Good%252520Morning%25252C%252520Mrs.%252520Obama_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="384" height="246"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gpNINy8Mtms/TnsnQicO1HI/AAAAAAAAD5s/OIW6BIRlCrU/s1600-h/IMG_6702%252520-%252520MS-%252520Ex%252520Ty%252520and%252520Mrs.%252520Obama%252520laughing%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="IMG_6702 - MS- Ex Ty and Mrs. Obama laughing" alt="IMG_6702 - MS- Ex Ty and Mrs. Obama laughing" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FaNfuYCnXtU/TnsnRd3QmeI/AAAAAAAAD5w/TyL9T7OdQrs/IMG_6702%252520-%252520MS-%252520Ex%252520Ty%252520and%252520Mrs.%252520Obama%252520laughing_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="386" height="261"></a></p> <p>Can you guess who the new team member will be???</p> <p>Please come back and let me know what you thought of the season premiere!</p> The Hapa Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833292317486709616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913274681988253414.post-72449388612742146922011-09-20T22:09:00.001-04:002011-09-20T22:09:38.865-04:00Within<p>I’m feeling much better now! Thank you to my wonderful sister in law for the gracious comment! You are just as beautiful as you say I am! And to my friend in Germany…you made me feel much better today. And to those on Facebook, the messages and notes have been nice too!</p> <p>It’s true, that being apart from my sailor played a big role on my frustrations about myself. But, our separation and the lack of his attention is not to blame.</p> <p>However, this whole ordeal got me thinking about myself and others like me. I generally have a very good self image of myself and try not to get bothered by negative thoughts, but I guess I can’t get away from it all the time.</p> <p>I believe, that sometimes, a person can be told over and over again that they are beautiful, but it is all meaningless unless that person believes it themselves. Just today I saw a statistic that only 4% of women consider themselves beautiful. That number is seriously low and makes me feel sad. </p> <p>I am a mother of two beautiful daughters and I want them to always believe and have the confidence that they are beautiful. I understand that as their first role model I have to teach them that you can have the appearance of being beautiful, but unless you carry yourself with respect, kindness and be slow to judge that your inner beauty will outshine the physical.</p> <p>It’s so much easier said than done. Out of the three characteristics, the slow to judge is the hardest. I read on a blog not too long ago about us women putting each other down when really it’s our low self esteem that makes us judgmental. How often do you find yourself putting another woman down without knowing who they are because they have nice hair or awesome clothes or great legs? Or how often do you judge yourself harshly when you walk past another woman who has what you don’t? I have to be honest, I do it often and almost every day. It’s a trait that I need to work on and fix. It’s a habit that I don’t want my daughters to inherit.</p> <p>Our children, especially our daughters, are bombarded on a daily basis on fake beauty. They are told that all these materialistic possessions will make them look and feel beautiful. But it never will. It will never truly make you believe you are and it will make you want more. Our daughters need to own it, possess it and believe that who they are, not what they have, is what makes them a beautiful person.</p> <p>I want our daughters to always feel the beauty from within. Then, maybe more than 4% of our daughters will believe that they are truly beautiful women.</p> <p>So, do you believe you are beautiful?</p> The Hapa Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833292317486709616noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913274681988253414.post-72327867841531585702011-09-14T06:25:00.001-04:002011-09-14T06:25:13.319-04:00Beautiful<p><font size="1">*<em>I rarely speak about God and my faith in my blog. But this time I will a little. God is part of my life and always will be. I also understand that there will be those who find the thought of God to be absolutely ludicrous, but I’m OK with that. For, this is the path I have chosen, and it’s been a decent one to be on.*</em></font></p> <p>It’s 4:30 a.m. and I can’t go back to sleep. I had such a horrible dream. A dream that played up every negative thought that I’ve had about myself.</p> <p>Here’s a recap of this dream:</p> <p><em>The kids and I have a very rare (almost non-existent) chance to go visit my husband at the location where his submarine is docked at. I am super excited because I’m (1) Going to see my husband who I miss and (2) I get to visit a tropical island and enjoy the sand, sun and ocean in a different part of the world.</em></p> <p><em>When we get there, the families who came to visit have to sit through a briefing of what we can and cannot do while visiting the island. It’s also at this time my husband introduces me to his friend. A person who he has been spending time with since our separation. This person happens to be this amazingly beautiful girl with perfect skin, hair and body. Seriously…her?</em></p> <p><em>At this point, I’m starting to fall apart inside. We are told to take a seat before the briefing begins and we are sitting in the back of the room. And she suggest that we move up front, to see better. Well, the seats up front are tiny. He agrees with her and we move and I’m feeling more and more dreadful. Of course, I am now so uncomfortable because I’m forcing myself to sit in a chair that’s way too small for me.</em></p> <p><em>After this, everywhere we go, she is to go with us. And I become more and more resentful. But at who? Me or him? </em></p> <p><em>I drive myself crazy that I stop spending time with him altogether so he ends up spending time with her. It’s her…her…her</em></p> <p>I am awake now and feeling like crap. As soon as I woke up I sent my husband an email, but I knew I wasn’t going to get a response, but I need confirmation now to make get rid of this dreadful feeling.</p> <p>I’m realizing this dream is from a horrible seed that was planted in my head. I seed that I probably fed, watered and grew. “<strong>I AM NOT BEAUTIFUL” </strong>is the name of this seed<strong>.</strong> I am short, fat and ugly. Why would he be happy with me when he has so many other beautiful women to choose from? Why am I not happy with myself? Am I really that much of a looser? Do I really need him to make me feel better about myself? </p> <p><font size="1">I don’t know.</font></p> <p><font size="2">I don’t know.</font></p> <p><font size="4">I don’t know.</font></p> <p>What I do know, is every unwanted and ugly thought I’ve had about myself is risen back to make me feel worthless, again. Crap.</p> <p>Like I said, it was a seed. This seed started to grow the minute my husband left for deployment. And it grew every day. I started to feel unsettled and irritated. What little communication we had just seem to make it worse. I started having feelings that I put away a long time ago. Why now? </p> <p>Maybe, because I was never the beautiful girl or the prettiest. I was short and cute (really, who wants to be cute?). I have a sister who is absolutely gorgeous. I grew up with friends who had many boyfriends and I had none. The only people that told me I was beautiful were my parents…I mean, it’s their job.</p> <p>What was always lacking was making myself feel beautiful.</p> <p>Beautiful.</p> <p>Isn’t that what we all want? Just to feel beautiful?</p> <p>And then, there’s trust. You have to have trust. Our sailors visit parts of the world where they get to see beautiful things and very exotic women. But I trust him. I have in the past. I have to now. It’s just when you’re feeling bad about yourself is when you start to loose trust. But I trust him.</p> <p>See, can you see how one tiny little seed spreads like an ugly weed? </p> <p>Finally, I get an email…but not from him. It’s my daily devotional from Proverbs 31 Ministries “My thoughts vs. God’s words”.</p> <p align="center"><strong><em>“<u>The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy</u>. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10 (NKJV)</em></strong></p> <p align="left">I swear, this could not have come at a more crucial time. I get it. This thief was destroying who I am and my confidence by planting this horrible seed in me. He wanted me to feel ugly and untrusting of my husband. If keep believing this, he would succeed at destroying my marriage and killing who I am meant to be. I can’t give into him, because I know it will only destroy not only me, but my family.</p> <p align="left">God sure did come at a good time.</p> <p align="center"><em>Be committed. Matthew 5:33-37</em></p> <p align="center"><em>He watches my paths and establishes my ways. Proverbs 5:21, 4:26</em></p> <p align="center"><em>He will never leave me. He has plans for my life. Deuteronomy 31:6, Jeremiah 29:11</em></p> <p align="center"><em>and finally my favorite: <strong>I’m wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14</strong></em></p> <p align="left">I’m starting to see that I am beautiful.</p> <p align="left">Simply beautiful!</p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="5">~</font></strong></p> <p align="left">So, for the military wives out there, have you gone through this before during a deployment? What did you do to make changes?</p> <p align="left">And for the non military wives, what ugly seeds have been planted that just threw you off the path?</p> The Hapa Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833292317486709616noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913274681988253414.post-49443358705178999092011-09-09T18:50:00.001-04:002011-09-09T18:55:18.385-04:00Anniversary<p>Oh, the long break from blogging is almost like taking a break from working out/running. Once you stop, it’s almost impossible to get started again.</p> <p>I wanted to write today, specifically, because it is my 11th wedding anniversary to my wonderful sailor. And for the 8th or 9th time, we are spending this time apart from each other. Ah, yes, the wonderful life of a military wife! Right now, Charlie is playing with his friend and the girls are enjoying a snack in the kitchen. I’m sure, when they are much older, they will throw me a big party (I hope). </p> <p>My day has been pretty uneventful. Kids went to school, I cleaned house, and got to message my hubby to tell him happy anniversary. Kinda boring, huh? But, I’m content with this. As much as I would love to have him home and have a romantic night together, I understood this when I said “I do”. Does it suck??? Oh, heck yeah, it does. So, now I can just look forward to his return home to collect on this rain check.</p> <p>Oh, I guess I never told my blogging friends that on June 19 (father’s day), he came home from deployment. The return of his boat was apparently news worthy. I wish I would have known sooner, I would have sported something a lot more glamorous than my shorts and purple shirt. But what the hey, at least there was a quick second on his behind and my side <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-61OWKsOZN5o/TmqYSwQGlPI/AAAAAAAAD44/6czq5IvWwcc/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800"> One of the sweetest memories that happened on this day was a birth of a little girl. This baby timed it just right and mom went into labor as the sailors landed in FL, so her daddy was able to leave the airport and go straight to hospital to be with his wife.</p> <p>Click here ----> <a href="http://www.news4jax.com/video/28290574/index.html">News Coverage</a> <---- to see the news coverage that night of the homecoming.</p> <p>As you all probably know, he’s on another deployment. This time he left a couple of weeks after school started. His last deployment went by smoothly, but this time, adjusting to life is just a little bit harder. It broke my heart to see my babies cry as their daddy said goodbye to them. But, I know it will be mended when he comes back home…in 3.5 long months!!! It was much easier when they were younger, they didn’t think of him constantly and didn’t notice his absence so much.</p> <p>So, how many special occasions have you all missed? And, did you do anything special by yourself or just waited?</p> <p>Happy Anniversary to ME!!!!</p> The Hapa Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833292317486709616noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913274681988253414.post-16930114274928356442011-07-27T20:49:00.000-04:002011-07-27T20:49:22.804-04:00What...it's Summer!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So, the lack of updates on my blog is pretty evident...you most likely hear crickets when you come to visit here. I do apologize, but it's Summer Vacation! I still and will share the events of June. But just so you know, July has been pretty slow.<br />
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I can tell you that our summer has been filled with trips to the beach and playing inside when it rains. However, (please don't judge, but I think I'm not the only one who thinks this) I can't wait for school to start! This coming school year all 3 kids will be in school! As a stay at home mom, I have been looking forward to this for a long time! I've always believed that once the kids were all back in school I would go back to work.<br />
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But I am a teacher by trade, and finding a JOB is not an easy task these days! You know, budget cuts meant cutting teachers and closing down schools in this area. So, I'll just wait it out.<br />
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And although, we're not rich, we are comfortable. So, I will relish in the fact that I will be able to clean my house and keep it clean for at least the few hours my children will be in school. I am going to enjoy working out and not paying someone to watch my kid or just being able to run without pushing a jogging stroller around!<br />
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Now, let me explain one more thing. I love love love my children! My children love love love me! They want to be entertained at all times. They love to be near me (including bathroom and shower time). My children want to be near me all the time, even when they fight and yell at each other! My friend thinks it's funny that they each have their own room, but they never spend any time in it, because they want to be near me. I can be mean and grouchy, but they will still be by my side.<br />
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So, when school begins, I will breathe and stretch and unplug the t.v. and just sit in silence!<br />
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Are you like me or just the opposite? </div>
The Hapa Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833292317486709616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913274681988253414.post-29020869113406623552011-07-13T23:38:00.000-04:002011-07-13T23:38:11.658-04:00Guardian AngelsTonight, I just had to share something wonderful...something that really made me think twice about the younger generation. Four girls who exemplify courage, soul, generosity and love. <br />
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I know I sometimes post about adoptive families and their fund raisers. I'm not necessarily asking for money this time. I just wanted to share their blog and their mission. <br />
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Please come back and leave me a comment of what you think. I am so amazed by them and I hope and wish them well in their journey!<br />
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<strong><a href="http://guardianangels-love.blogspot.com/">4 Girls with a 147 Million Missions</a></strong></div>
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The Hapa Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833292317486709616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913274681988253414.post-89675342785100361272011-07-12T20:54:00.001-04:002011-07-13T09:45:08.555-04:00IEP<p>Before I get started, I wanted to just let everyone know that I am a slacker. I admit it, I am a slacker at home and in everything I do. I think a lot. I think a lot about doing stuff, but I think about it so much, that it never gets done…</p> <p>The past month has been really busy! I hope to share them with you, but today I wanted to share Lillian’s IEP experience, otherwise known as an Individual Education Plan.</p> <p>On June 8, I was preparing to meet with a squad of people from the school district to discuss her IEP for the following school year. I was alone. Her only advocate (dear husband was still out to sea). Needless, to say, I was nervous. Nervous, because before going into this I read up on many blogs about how awful their IEP experiences were. But, I also read how good some IEP experiences were. And Thankfully, I am joining the ranks of the positive IEP experience!</p> <p>Before actually attending the IEP meeting there were certain things that had to be done. All her evaluations took place a month or two prior to us meeting as a team. <strong>*This is important. I think having her evaluations done before the meeting makes it less stressful. And she did not have to be in attendance during the meeting*</strong></p> <p>Besides myself, the ESE teacher, General Ed. teacher, Evaluation Specialist, Speech Therapist and the Guidance Counselor were all present. Mentally, one could think that it was 4 people versus 1. This was not the case. We all worked together for Lillian and were able to put together her IEP successfully. All of my concerns were heard and were written into the plan. All the specialist going over their evaluations were just about spot on. And as a team, we agreed that our main focus would be speech, along with the regular preschool curriculum. Lillian will also receive Speech, Occupational and Physical Therapy while in school. Phew…it was a weird feeling, because it just seemed too easy. Oh, I also brought a picture of Lillian to share with the group. I thought it would be nice for the teacher and other’s who have not met her to see my beautiful baby girl.</p> <p>I also had a chance to tour the school (which I had already done before Charlie started school). I also had some alone time with her teacher-to-be. I am very excited for the school year to come.</p> <p>And yes, school year. This means that I chose to put Lillian in the Special Education Program through the school district <strong>*I have to also note, that you do not have to sign the IEP right there and then. You have the right to take it home and review it more in your time. Also, you are not limited to a Special Education Program. You as a parent will know what will suit your child’s needs. For us, the school program was what I felt would benefit Lillian the most*</strong>. Her day will not be spent inside a classroom, but she will be able to participate in all school activities and have some play time with the typical kids in the school. There will be seven children altogether in her classroom with one teacher and two aides. I am very confident that she will do well and learn a lot through this program. </p> <p>I was and still am very happy with this Experience. I can only hope that the school year will be a successful and positive experience for Lillian!</p> <p>I’m not sure how much this will help anyone, but I hope that my experience was some what enlightening. So, please please please don’t hesitate to ask questions or email me any concerns. I may not be an expert, but at least I have this one under my belt!</p> The Hapa Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833292317486709616noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913274681988253414.post-24144183847017988402011-06-14T10:22:00.000-04:002011-06-14T10:22:19.159-04:00Remember Maria?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Last year, there was a little girl name <a href="http://hapagirlhapafamily.blogspot.com/2010/03/reeces-rainbow-warrior-campaign-and.html">Maria</a>, that I fell in love with through <a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/">Reeces Rainbow</a>! She has found her forever family and I am over the moon! Please follow<a href="http://chasingcharlotte.blogspot.com/p/about-us.html"> Kelly and Kyle</a> as they are working so hard to bring their little girl home. </div></div><br />
<center><a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/sponsordirkes"><img height="320" src="http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s62/WilliamtheOutlaw/charlotte.png" width="204" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.chasingcharlotte.blogspot.com/">Grab This!</a></center></div>The Hapa Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833292317486709616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913274681988253414.post-40676680312944915022011-05-24T22:05:00.001-04:002011-05-24T22:05:49.471-04:00Lillian<p>Almost everything about Lillian has been unplanned from the moment of conception. She was an unplanned and unexpected child. Her birth day didn’t go as planned. And her diagnosis was really unplanned.</p> <p>Apparently, Lillian had her own ideas. Her diagnosis was part of her plan. I mean, there was no sign of concern during all my blood work, there was no sign of concern during any of my many ultrasounds, and there was definitely no sign of her tiny little heart murmur popping up on my weekly non stress test. I’m glad that we followed her plan, it seems to be working just fine.</p> <p>She hasn’t shared her future plans with us just yet. But I do know she will grow strong and be happy. She will definitely shine and sparkle. And most of all, she will give people a reason to smile, laugh and learn, as she has shared those gifts to us.</p> <p>Lillian born 02/21/2008</p> <p>And now a message from the End the Word Campaign. Watch and let me know what you think. </p><iframe height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/T549VoLca_Q" frameborder="0" width="560" allowfullscreen></iframe> The Hapa Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833292317486709616noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913274681988253414.post-67161429935789189312011-05-23T03:00:00.000-04:002011-05-24T06:58:28.482-04:00Five Fabulous Bloggers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/clk;240683257;63558113;i" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="65" src="http://static.fmpub.net/banners/20110510/4dc991fe0d39btrop50_logo.jpg" title="" width="125" /></a><img border="0" height="0" src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/N5371.federatedmedia.net/B5459754.15;sz=1x1;ord=[timestamp]" style="height: 0px; width: 0px;" width="0" /> <br />
Thanks to Trop50 for sponsoring my writing about fabulous bloggers. This year Trop50 is granting 50 Fabulous Wishes. <a href="http://r1.fmpub.net/?r=http%3A%2F%2Fad.doubleclick.net%2Fclk%3B240683257%3B63558111%3Bg&k4=2004&k5={banner_id}" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enter for a chance to win $1,000 to celebrate a friend with a refreshing attitude about looking and feeling fabulous! <br />
<strong>So, I’ve been given the task of picking FIVE FABULOUS BLOGGERS (which wasn’t easy, since I like a lot) and write about why I like them. But, let me give you my definition of Fabulous, so you all can understand why I choose them. </strong> <br />
<strong><em>FABULOUS: an adjective </em><em>Exciting, Wonderful, Sometimes Daring and/or Enticing</em> </strong> <br />
<strong>My first three choices are all military spouses. I think I found them by linking up with one blog and then discovering the others. They are all fabulous to me! They all had their blogs nominated for the </strong><a href="http://milblogconference.milblogging.com/"><strong>milspouse blogging</strong></a><strong> award and they all had the chance to attend the </strong><a href="http://milblogconference.milblogging.com/"><strong>milspouse blogging conference</strong></a><strong>. </strong> <br />
<ul><li><a href="http://www.household6diva.com/"><strong>Household Diva of Six</strong></a><strong> Like I mentioned above, Ann Marie is a military spouse. I am drawn to military spouses, well, because I’m one myself. I like the fact that her blog has brought so many other military spouse blogs together in one place. She has created a very supportive community. She shares her life, her loves and hobbies. AND she was on the top ten nominees for Military Spouse Blog of the Year! </strong><br />
</li>
<li><a href="http://www.goodnight-moon.org/"><strong>Goodnight Moon</strong></a><strong> is one of my favorite military spouse bloggers. She is very forward and straight to the point. Goodnight Moon is very descriptive in her language, which sometimes reminds me of a sailors mouth. But that’s what I like about her! </strong><br />
</li>
<li><a href="http://www.ridingtherollercoaster.com/"><strong>Riding the Rollercoaster</strong></a><strong> Wife on the R.C. is not just awesome, but totally awesome! I love how she highlights other military spouses through her </strong><a href="http://www.ridingtherollercoaster.com/p/mil-spouse-weekly-roundup.html"><strong>Milspouse Weekly Roundup.</strong></a><strong> I not only think she is fabulous, but so does the Homefront United Network, as she just became a new contributor! </strong><br />
</li>
<li><a href="http://theunknowncontributor.blogspot.com/"><strong>The Unknown Contributor</strong></a><strong> TUC is fabulous in every way possible. She may not be a daily post type blogger, but when she does I can’t wait to read what she has to say. Her writing skills are captivating and strong. I found TUC through the Down Syndrome Community of bloggers (we are in full force!) I’m so happy I did! She’s inspiring and very honest. And I like that she and I have that one thing in common. </strong><br />
</li>
<li><a href="http://comeandpeek.blogspot.com/"><strong>The Sunday Baker</strong></a><strong> Love love love her blog! It is laid out so beautifully and so are all her post! Her food, decorating and craft ideas are enticing. I go to her when I need some inspiration in all those areas. I also enjoy the ease of her writing, along with the directions to all that she does!</strong></li>
</ul><strong>There just are so many fabulous bloggers out there it’s so hard to keep up with (including myself…ha ha ha).. But I know I can always count on these ladies for deep thoughts, enjoyment and inspiration!</strong><br />
<strong>If you haven’t already checked out these bloggers, go ahead and do it! Do any of these ladies fit your definition of FABULOUS?</strong><br />
Don't forget to <a href="http://r1.fmpub.net/?r=http%3A%2F%2Fad.doubleclick.net%2Fclk%3B240683257%3B63558111%3Bg&k4=2005&k5={banner_id}" target="_blank">enter the 50 Fabulous Wishes contest</a> for a chance to win $1,000 to celebrate a friend with a refreshing attitude about looking and feeling fabulous. I was selected for this <a href="http://r1.fmpub.net/?r=http%3A%2F%2Fad.doubleclick.net%2Fclk%3B240683257%3B63558111%3Bg&k4=2005&k5={banner_id}" target="_blank">Tropicana Trop50</a> sponsorship by the <a href="http://r1.fmpub.net/?r=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.clevergirlscollective.com%2F&k4=2013&k5={banner_id}" target="_blank">Clever Girls Collective</a>, which endorses <a href="http://r1.fmpub.net/?r=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogwithintegrity.com%2F&k4=2006&k5={banner_id}" target="_blank">Blog With Integrity</a>, as I do. I received compensation to use and facilitate my post. </div>The Hapa Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833292317486709616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913274681988253414.post-52321142104247186422011-05-19T13:21:00.000-04:002011-05-19T13:21:09.614-04:00Great Deals on Great Meals<a href="http://greatdealsongreatmeals.com/deals">Great Deals on Great Meals</a><br /><br />Just wanted to share some Publix Store Coupons! Now go save some money!The Hapa Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833292317486709616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913274681988253414.post-85073327207407606452011-05-17T22:13:00.000-04:002011-05-17T22:13:15.489-04:0010 Years ago today....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I was sitting in my hospital bed staring at my beautiful baby girl! My first born! I was so excited to hold her and have her in my arms! When I say beautiful, she really truly was, and is, a very beautiful girl. But the greatest gift is the beauty inside her. <br />
<br />
10 years and she's grown to be kind and loving.<br />
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I see nothing but the stars and moon when I think of my baby girl.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Happy Birthday Sweetheart! Mommy LOVES you so much! </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix0pIPXLFv4Q5tXe_WYfYbjK3szDeQpDlb-osbI0_OA1RcUkzfcHC4EIjJx2IU0B63GovQqWTzJr0_bVKJK8wbeNgfLVrdClFGbndLup8pNO5hgRHx0wGSpFdTQPdYcJIQw-yyooL0v20/s1600/Katie007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix0pIPXLFv4Q5tXe_WYfYbjK3szDeQpDlb-osbI0_OA1RcUkzfcHC4EIjJx2IU0B63GovQqWTzJr0_bVKJK8wbeNgfLVrdClFGbndLup8pNO5hgRHx0wGSpFdTQPdYcJIQw-yyooL0v20/s320/Katie007.jpg" width="227" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5lDbZZAnZVYyLPNL-ChGdkiZciETC-XwlnK5sn6tklMGiu-yNNrLI4ixblutz4rkJzDJT62o0GVTQxKhfqeshVZ8TohKa2DPhuGxISa-chz0GmJI9syMOSyPaNAztcFyWujPZX24YANA/s1600/katie+slushie+19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5lDbZZAnZVYyLPNL-ChGdkiZciETC-XwlnK5sn6tklMGiu-yNNrLI4ixblutz4rkJzDJT62o0GVTQxKhfqeshVZ8TohKa2DPhuGxISa-chz0GmJI9syMOSyPaNAztcFyWujPZX24YANA/s320/katie+slushie+19.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div>The Hapa Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833292317486709616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913274681988253414.post-65176662023818315432011-05-13T12:49:00.001-04:002011-05-13T12:49:23.291-04:00Couponing for the Community<p align="left">Today, I had the pleasure to share the joys of couponing by donating some of my extra “free” items (52 to be exact) that I have been stockpiling for the past month! I was really excited, because all the items the kids and I donated were items I paid $.50 or less, some were even free!</p> <p align="left">As, you can see, the items we donated were not only non perishable foods, but toiletries as well. </p> <p align="left">The kids and I drove to Dunkin’ Donuts to meet <a href="http://savingthefamilymoney.com/">Karen</a>, <a href="http://www.frugalfunfortune.com/2011/05/12/couponing-for-community-photo-update/">Meagan</a> and <a href="http://frugaljacksonvillemom.com/">Ali</a>, where they set up a drop off location for donations. All three of these ladies have their own couponing and savings blogs, here in the Jacksonville Area. So, it was kinda cool to actually meet them in person after reading about them!</p> <p align="left">Every year bloggers and readers across the U.S. participate in <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CouponingforCommunity?sk=app_161683100556760#!/CouponingforCommunity?sk=app_201742856511228">Couponing for the Community</a> to help local charities in their communities. So, from May 8 to May 14th, you have a chance to help and make donations of your own too! I’m just happy that my new couponing skills have allowed me to participate without sacrificing money from our piggy bank.</p> <p align="left">So…for all you guys who think that there just aren’t any coupons for things they need can now use those coupons for charity instead.</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_r4e7BCAVdc8/TcyZ1pAl7MI/AAAAAAAAD3E/xnVBDVORs_0/s1600-h/DSC03316%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC03316" border="0" alt="DSC03316" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_r4e7BCAVdc8/TcyZ2Wrp-AI/AAAAAAAAD3I/qbe-Tn9njJk/DSC03316_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="307" height="212"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_r4e7BCAVdc8/TcyZ4jf6zhI/AAAAAAAAD3M/6UQUE1VTZHQ/s1600-h/DSC03317%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC03317" border="0" alt="DSC03317" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_r4e7BCAVdc8/TcyZ5JHeCGI/AAAAAAAAD3Q/vlGVoxcZ-Bw/DSC03317_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="313" height="216"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_r4e7BCAVdc8/TcyZ7CXbmaI/AAAAAAAAD3U/ylUt0My9h_w/s1600-h/DSC03318%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC03318" border="0" alt="DSC03318" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_r4e7BCAVdc8/TcyZ7qwMAtI/AAAAAAAAD3Y/chLXR7eUwL0/DSC03318_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="319" height="221"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_r4e7BCAVdc8/TcyZ81iyauI/AAAAAAAAD3c/5EFf0HAh570/s1600-h/DSC03319%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC03319" border="0" alt="DSC03319" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_r4e7BCAVdc8/TcyZ9aTVBLI/AAAAAAAAD3g/XdycUsgkROo/DSC03319_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="367"></a></p> <p>And just think…my pantry has double that amount you see here!</p> The Hapa Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833292317486709616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913274681988253414.post-82405625824721039362011-05-11T23:25:00.000-04:002011-05-13T16:47:29.880-04:00One Word<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Retarded<br />
<br />
"People must think I'm retarded cuz blah blah blah"<br />
<br />
Tonight, I was reading through some of my favorite blogs, leaving comments and reading comments and the above sentence struck me down. I didn't realize how sensitive I was...am...about that word. I stopped. I couldn't even remember what I wanted to write. I was still stuck on that one word.<br />
<br />
Why? Because sticks and stones may break my bones and words will never hurt me is the biggest lie ever. <br />
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Words hurt...even if they weren't towards you or about you.<br />
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I wanted to be like "Oh no she didn't..." but I didn't go there. It wasn't my blog and I don't like to start drama. But, I think if I'm going to advocate for my daughter, I have to start somewhere. </div>The Hapa Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833292317486709616noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913274681988253414.post-59635973592634458322011-04-28T21:22:00.001-04:002011-04-28T21:23:24.008-04:00Pixel Perfect Before & After<p>It’s Pixel Perfect time again. It’s been a long time since I participated! This is an older picture of the girls, but I really liked it!</p> <p><a href="http://www.pixelperfectblog.com/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4060/4439779044_27e3214dc0_o.png"></a></p> <p>SOOC Before<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_r4e7BCAVdc8/TboSvEMNdEI/AAAAAAAAD2s/jC-k0ypzOrQ/s1600-h/100_1500%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="100_1500" border="0" alt="100_1500" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_r4e7BCAVdc8/TboSwepbxiI/AAAAAAAAD2w/LEVLHG3AQF8/100_1500_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="475" height="371"></a> <p>After edited with Picnik.com, cropped and lightened exposure, ended with Cross Process<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_r4e7BCAVdc8/TboSzluVACI/AAAAAAAAD20/QyOqsZerpEw/s1600-h/pixel%20perfect%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="pixel perfect" border="0" alt="pixel perfect" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_r4e7BCAVdc8/TboS0SglrVI/AAAAAAAAD24/1Qp-_rgfbic/pixel%20perfect_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="477" height="333"></a></p> The Hapa Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833292317486709616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913274681988253414.post-80314731404714931452011-04-27T21:51:00.001-04:002011-04-27T21:51:13.851-04:00Ring…Ring…Ring…hello?<p>I wanted to share our fantastic Easter Gift! <p>The kids and I shared our Easter with some great family friends, so we wouldn't be home alone. They put together a great lunch and Easter egg hunt for the kids. <p>Thank You Friends! <p>So, on this day, my phone is ringing like heck from family and friends texting or calling to wish us a great Easter Day. <p>But the greatest phone call was from my man, who was out ten miles off the coast of somewhere! The captain was nice enough to let the boat up and let the guys text and call for some time! This was the first time I had ever gotten a call like that! <p>It was pretty amazing except for the fact we have one of the crappiest phone services around. We kept getting cut off, but the other guys were chatting away. So, when he gets home, we are getting new phones. <p>I wouldn't want to miss out on another phone call! <p>Have any of you guys gotten phone calls from unexpected places?</p> The Hapa Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833292317486709616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913274681988253414.post-48127013071409969852011-04-26T23:17:00.001-04:002011-04-26T23:17:12.571-04:00Wordless Wednesday<div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:66721397-FF69-4ca6-AEC4-17E6B3208830:288e6e3c-5ad9-40f4-a392-ecea61f6857a" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><table border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='outline:none;border-style:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;width:632px;border-collapse:collapse;'><tbody><tr><td style='margin:0px;padding:0px;outline:none;border-style:none;width:auto'><a style="outline:none;border-style:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;" target="_blank" href="https://cid-bae60e1be5d7d800.skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?page=play&resid=BAE60E1BE5D7D800!137&type=5&authkey=y7ZkWKa90aA%24&Bsrc=Photomail&Bpub=SDX.Photos"><img style="outline:none;border-style:none;padding:0px;margin:0px;border:0px;background:none;background-image:none;vertical-align:bottom;" alt="View album" title="View album" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_r4e7BCAVdc8/TbeKt-Mj5mI/AAAAAAAAD2Y/0LLTeAMwrek/album%5B10%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" /></a><div style='width:632px;text-align:center;overflow:visible;padding:0px;margin:0px;'> <div style='width:632px;overflow:visible;'><a style="text-decoration:none;" href="https://cid-bae60e1be5d7d800.skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?page=browse&resid=BAE60E1BE5D7D800!137&type=5&authkey=y7ZkWKa90aA%24&Bsrc=Photomail&Bpub=SDX.Photos" target="_blank"><span style="line-height:1.26em;padding:0px;width:632px;font-size:26pt;font-family:'Segoe UI', helvetica, arial, sans-serif;" defaultText="Enter album name here">Weeds</span></a></div> <div style="text-align:center;padding:9px 0px 0px 0px;margin:0px 0px 0px 0px;font-family:'Segoe UI', helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size:8pt;"> <table border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style="text-align:center;width:auto;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;padding:0px;outline:none;border-style:none;border-collapse:collapse;"> <tr> <td style="vertical-align:top;outline:none;border-style:none;margin:0px;padding:6px 12px 6px 0px;"><a href="https://cid-bae60e1be5d7d800.skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?page=play&resid=BAE60E1BE5D7D800!137&type=5&authkey=y7ZkWKa90aA%24&Bsrc=Photomail&Bpub=SDX.Photos" border="0" target="_blank" style="font-family:'Segoe UI', helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size:8pt;outline:none;border-style:none;text-decoration: none;padding:0px;margin:0px;">VIEW SLIDE SHOW</a></td> <td style="vertical-align:top;outline:none;border-style:none;margin:0px;padding:6px 0px 6px 0px;"><a href="https://cid-bae60e1be5d7d800.skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?page=downloadphotos&resid=BAE60E1BE5D7D800!137&type=5&Bsrc=Photomail&Bpub=SDX.Photos&authkey=y7ZkWKa90aA%24" border="0" target="_blank" style="font-family:'Segoe UI', helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size:8pt;outline:none;border-style:none;text-decoration: none;padding:0px;margin:0px;">DOWNLOAD ALL</a></td> </tr> </table> </div> </div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <p>Click to enlarge the pics.</p> <p>Working on focus on these pictures. Having a hard time. What setting are you using to focus? </p> <p>Also having fun with texture and playing with color.</p> The Hapa Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833292317486709616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913274681988253414.post-72107843084692568402011-04-19T22:45:00.001-04:002011-04-19T22:45:41.661-04:002 Weeks<p>It’s official. It has been two weeks since the husband has been out to sea. What a transition for me and the kids! Actually, they are doing much better now. In fact, they are handling my ever so mean hearted witch like mood swings I've had since the arrival of my monthly visit from Mother Nature has taken place! <p>Normally, daddy is around to protect our children from being persecuted for leaving crumbs on the floor, but he's not here right now. And I've been trying really really hard to make a conscious effort to divert the inner witch, but my son has unleashed her lashings more than once<font size="1"> (only because he finds it humorous until he's been punished)</font> until my inner self was able to put her away. <p>I wish I could share stories of how hard and depressing it is without him...and I just need someone to be here to help...or the this is when I need my family the most type stories. But I don't have any right now.. I do have some very close friends of the family who have lend their support, but for the most part, we're doing pretty good! Don't take me wrong...I do miss him a lot. And the kids really miss him too. I just think we know how to keep ourselves occupied so we don't think about his absence everyday. <p>I say this now, this is only a one month sea trial. So, I might be singing a different tune when he's gone for four! We shall see! <p>For now, I thought I would share some cool pics for you all. They are not high quality, but still cool! They are pictures of the day the boat pulled out. The kids and I never saw this before<font size="1"> (shame on me)</font> so I found it pretty exciting! It kinda made me proud that my husband was working that boat! <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_r4e7BCAVdc8/Ta5IgT3GgWI/AAAAAAAAD04/FfFQXaz3veQ/s1600-h/SDC13269%5B18%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="SDC13269" border="0" alt="SDC13269" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_r4e7BCAVdc8/Ta5Igt_kafI/AAAAAAAAD08/ySVgjAQZR8A/SDC13269_thumb%5B15%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_r4e7BCAVdc8/Ta5IixoQTaI/AAAAAAAAD1A/tOhAbkQvmQQ/s1600-h/SDC13271%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="SDC13271" border="0" alt="SDC13271" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_r4e7BCAVdc8/Ta5IkxFH4rI/AAAAAAAAD1E/DPms35F4aps/SDC13271_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_r4e7BCAVdc8/Ta5Imt_UiuI/AAAAAAAAD1M/Esn1C97qzj8/s1600-h/SDC13272%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="SDC13272" border="0" alt="SDC13272" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_r4e7BCAVdc8/Ta5Imy5WKHI/AAAAAAAAD1Q/WD7WoZ9KzrA/SDC13272_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_r4e7BCAVdc8/Ta5Io4boVyI/AAAAAAAAD1U/HnEqzfpFa2E/s1600-h/SDC13273%5B11%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="SDC13273" border="0" alt="SDC13273" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_r4e7BCAVdc8/Ta5Ipapay7I/AAAAAAAAD1Y/JWpa4MDA1ZQ/SDC13273_thumb%5B8%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_r4e7BCAVdc8/Ta5Iq1Z9EHI/AAAAAAAAD1c/J3Ft2xOTHdY/s1600-h/SDC13275%5B18%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="SDC13275" border="0" alt="SDC13275" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_r4e7BCAVdc8/Ta5Iri45u6I/AAAAAAAAD1g/nZg239y7Dj0/SDC13275_thumb%5B15%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_r4e7BCAVdc8/Ta5ItE-IdUI/AAAAAAAAD1k/yEP9YgSa-Cg/s1600-h/SDC13278%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="SDC13278" border="0" alt="SDC13278" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_r4e7BCAVdc8/Ta5ItbKVUtI/AAAAAAAAD1o/K9Dg30lZVmc/SDC13278_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_r4e7BCAVdc8/Ta5IwEfmPjI/AAAAAAAAD1s/5RENSWSA-vA/s1600-h/SDC13279%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="SDC13279" border="0" alt="SDC13279" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_r4e7BCAVdc8/Ta5Iwn1VCII/AAAAAAAAD1w/YIENavRNu-I/SDC13279_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_r4e7BCAVdc8/Ta5IyTgAwHI/AAAAAAAAD10/LbH6TiB78Wc/s1600-h/SDC13281%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="SDC13281" border="0" alt="SDC13281" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_r4e7BCAVdc8/Ta5IzHwzUvI/AAAAAAAAD14/7I96Q_nVuFw/SDC13281_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_r4e7BCAVdc8/Ta5I0gVxYJI/AAAAAAAAD18/e-XJy9YDZJY/s1600-h/SDC13282%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="SDC13282" border="0" alt="SDC13282" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_r4e7BCAVdc8/Ta5I0y2iDcI/AAAAAAAAD2A/9vxJNgCHP8E/SDC13282_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a> The Hapa Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833292317486709616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913274681988253414.post-76458895834722535012011-04-14T08:41:00.000-04:002011-04-14T08:41:31.191-04:00Sweet Deal...National Geo for Kids<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I'll be putting this on my coupon page, but wanted to share with you here, too. <br />
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<a href="http://www.mamapedia.com/">Mamapedia</a> is offering a sweet deal to order <a href="http://deals.mamapedia.com/deals/national-geographic-little-kids?ref_id=331966&utm_source=share_link&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=national-geographic-little-kids&utm_term=331966&utm_content=gmail">National Geographic for Kids</a> for only $10 for a year subscription. Also, if you use code "NATGEO3" you may get additional savings!<br />
<br />
One more thing...use coupon code "FRIENDS5" to receive an additional $5 your first <a href="http://deals.mamapedia.com/deals/national-geographic-little-kids?ref_id=331966&utm_source=share_link&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=national-geographic-little-kids&utm_term=331966&utm_content=gmail">Mamapedia Sweet Deal</a>!</div>The Hapa Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833292317486709616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913274681988253414.post-9610401239253046662011-04-14T00:01:00.000-04:002011-04-14T00:01:16.355-04:00Best U.S. Military Spouse Blog Nominations<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">There are SO MANY Military Spouse Blogs out there and many of them are Wonderful! The spouses are blogging on just about everything possible, but the common thread is being a Military Spouse.<br />
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Right now you can vote for your favorite <a href="http://milblogconference.milblogging.com/401/best-u-s-military-spouse-blog/#idc-container">MilSpouse Blog</a> for the <a href="http://milblogconference.milblogging.com/401/best-u-s-military-spouse-blog/#idc-container">6th Annual Milspouse Conference</a>. If you want to nominate your favorite blog, please remember to read the rules to make sure the blog is properly nominated.<br />
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Now, go <a href="http://milblogconference.milblogging.com/401/best-u-s-military-spouse-blog/#">nominate</a> someone!</div>The Hapa Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833292317486709616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913274681988253414.post-68376918362396731222011-04-13T17:56:00.000-04:002011-04-13T17:56:36.127-04:00Alexander's Birthday Blitz<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Hey Everyone! <a href="http://taylorvillethree21.blogspot.com/">Christie</a> from T-cubed is having<a href="http://taylorvillethree21.blogspot.com/"> Alexander's Birthday Blitz</a>...right now! The purpose is simple, to help bring Alexander home, save him from going into an institution and giving him a chance of love and happiness! <br />
<br />
Love and Happiness....would you be willing to help? She is currently doing an iPad2 giveaway. There is also a jewelry fundraiser and of course an AVON fundraiser from me! <br />
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yes yes yes...we can't save everyone, but we can sure try. And my goal right now is to try and help Christie and her family bring Alexander home, where he belongs!</div>The Hapa Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833292317486709616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913274681988253414.post-34297477624726515972011-04-10T22:15:00.000-04:002011-04-10T22:15:33.522-04:00Pre-Deployment...Navy Style<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">OK, I really should say Pre-Deployment Sub Force style. I say this, because surface ships and submarines run a little differently than what most people think. Both surface ships and sub boats will have similar sea trials (this is where they take the boat out to make sure all is working well), but communication is extremely different. But, these sea trials really prepares both sailors and families for their 3, 4 or 6 month deployments, depending on the type of submarine they are on.<br />
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Currently, this family is in the beginning of our first sea trial. It's been a good 3 years since our last big separation, so the kids are taking this differently than I expected. Although, my sailor is only going to be gone for a month, Katie seemed to have taken it the hardest. I truly thought, she would be OK, since she remembers all the other times daddy was out on deployment. But this time was hard. It was hard for me to see her so sad and then finally break down and cry. She's much better now, as she now has her own email account where daddy can send her direct emails. <br />
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I honestly thought, Charlie would be the one who would have the hardest time. But, he's taking this quite well. In fact, he said, "I really miss daddy. I need him to help me pass the next level for Lego Indiana Jones". Yep, my kid only needs his dad for video games!<br />
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Lillian is still really young and new to the whole thing. For a few days, it seemed as if she didn't notice his disappearance, until the day she took my phone away to call daddy. She had the longest conversation with him, I only wish he was really on the other end to hear all her babbling! <br />
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And for me...yes, I really do miss him! But, all three kids are doing a great job of keeping me very busy. This is the part where I have to put together a new family plan, a new system, to keep us going and staying sane. <br />
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The communication aspect of being a submarine wife sucks! It really really sucks! It sucks because there is barely any communication at all. And what little communication we get is through sporadic emails that are not very personal at all (because they are screened). AND, being a wife of a submariner sucks more when your sailor is serving aboard a Trident/Boomer submariner, versus, a fast attack sub. To me, because we've done just about every type of submarine deployment, I like the fast attack sub life a little bit more. There is actual communication, via phone and web chat because they port at different locations around the world. And, if you are lucky enough, you can actually travel to the different ports to be with your sailor. <br />
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Every situation and lifestyle for each family aboard the boats are different, so above "sucky" parts just happens to be my opinion. <br />
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So, really, this is a sucky pre-deployment to gear up for an even suckier deployment.</div>The Hapa Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833292317486709616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913274681988253414.post-22808541867788068422011-03-25T00:54:00.001-04:002011-03-25T00:55:54.747-04:00PCS move, house and the beach<p>I first want to share with the world that my three children traveled from California to Florida like champs. They were absolutely the most wonderful kids on the trip across country…it was simply amazing! I’m still in shock and can’t believe that they were my children who were traveling with us!</p> <p>I know I haven’t shared much about our PCS move from CA to FL, well, because I just haven’t. The drive was kind of boring, we didn’t stop to view the scenery, and the weather was icky. So, there are almost no pictures to share. </p> <p>But, this move marks our return to another Sea Duty command. We will be adding 3 more years of saying “HI” and “Bye” every three to four months as they deploy and return back home. I should be used to it, since our family has been through many long and short deployments and unaccompanied tours. But this time I will be adding one more kid to this crazy venture. I think it will go well…I hope it will go well! We shall see <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_r4e7BCAVdc8/TYwflrraOsI/AAAAAAAADx0/MimtCLGAk2s/wlEmoticon-smile%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800"></p> <p><a href="http://soniabrown.avonrepresentative.com/online_event/view.php?rep_spnsr_evnt_id=130594"><font color="#666666">The</font></a> exciting news is I might have more interesting things to blog about, because being a wife of a submariner who is assigned to a boat means there will be some sort of drama…scandal…something that will buzz around the wives group (and girlfriends too). And for the rest of the world who might get mad that I say wives group and not a spouses group, it’s only because there are no women serving aboard submariners (at this time). But, I am curious to see what will happen when female sailors are introduce to the boats. From what I’ve been told, there will be about 3 women on a submarine among 150 (+ or – a few) sailors. I hope they all behave well.</p> <p>And yes, I know there are no submarine bases in Northern Florida. Technically, he is stationed in Southern Georgia, but we chose to reside in the Northern part of Florida. AND, we are now homeowners to a brand new house that is literally 10 to 15 minutes away from the beach, which is really the topping on the cake. AND, no, I am not completely moved in yet and I still have boxes to go through. I have no pictures and curtains hung. And there is a total lack of design taste in the house too. But, I guess I’m not in any kind of hurry, since I know I won’t be moving for a very long time! OK…truthfully, it’s because I’m spending most of my free time at the beach <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_r4e7BCAVdc8/TYwflrraOsI/AAAAAAAADx0/MimtCLGAk2s/wlEmoticon-smile%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800"></p> <p> </p> <p>(These pics are SOOC…so feel free to let me know how you would edit them to perfection)</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_r4e7BCAVdc8/TYwfmoGbLoI/AAAAAAAADx4/1A6PnKtQMEU/s1600-h/DSC02940%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="DSC02940" alt="DSC02940" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_r4e7BCAVdc8/TYwfnAGkMbI/AAAAAAAADx8/ttb7BJTHgZE/DSC02940_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="161" height="240"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_r4e7BCAVdc8/TYwfoTf20II/AAAAAAAADyA/7U_MQ2gEarY/s1600-h/DSC02943%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="DSC02943" alt="DSC02943" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_r4e7BCAVdc8/TYwfo3pPG7I/AAAAAAAADyE/EBcWOqts4bs/DSC02943_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="161" height="240"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_r4e7BCAVdc8/TYwfq8opMkI/AAAAAAAADyI/l0iFOUw7ksI/s1600-h/DSC02944%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC02944" border="0" alt="DSC02944" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_r4e7BCAVdc8/TYwfrZG9NxI/AAAAAAAADyM/xsk_DtezZzQ/DSC02944_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="165" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_r4e7BCAVdc8/TYwfspWqVmI/AAAAAAAADyQ/KWZn9MQ_vNI/s1600-h/DSC02946%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC02946" border="0" alt="DSC02946" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_r4e7BCAVdc8/TYwftOGu82I/AAAAAAAADyU/Sqv3xerebAo/DSC02946_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="165"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_r4e7BCAVdc8/TYwfuDpYuCI/AAAAAAAADyY/j8gyfmALsHU/s1600-h/DSC02954%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC02954" border="0" alt="DSC02954" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_r4e7BCAVdc8/TYwfuqRwUkI/AAAAAAAADyc/tiHcaUZgrMQ/DSC02954_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="165" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_r4e7BCAVdc8/TYwfv9JSUsI/AAAAAAAADyg/Q7fh0MVzZq4/s1600-h/DSC02957%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC02957" border="0" alt="DSC02957" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_r4e7BCAVdc8/TYwfwCFGJRI/AAAAAAAADyk/SzEli_w3qjg/DSC02957_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="165"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_r4e7BCAVdc8/TYwfxrW0qfI/AAAAAAAADyo/xaguAmU4-m0/s1600-h/DSC02971%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC02971" border="0" alt="DSC02971" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_r4e7BCAVdc8/TYwfx70paBI/AAAAAAAADys/c4TCKaqC25I/DSC02971_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="165"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_r4e7BCAVdc8/TYwfz8-VbBI/AAAAAAAADyw/qKkxzEVRHto/s1600-h/DSC02997%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC02997" border="0" alt="DSC02997" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_r4e7BCAVdc8/TYwf0Qo6bkI/AAAAAAAADy0/3OLLpLXBxxc/DSC02997_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="165"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_r4e7BCAVdc8/TYwf1bMmItI/AAAAAAAADy4/mt1va6gsLps/s1600-h/DSC03009%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC03009" border="0" alt="DSC03009" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_r4e7BCAVdc8/TYwf1qbL14I/AAAAAAAADy8/x8zZsISzrUM/DSC03009_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="165" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_r4e7BCAVdc8/TYwf3bYiXRI/AAAAAAAADzA/KsOGhYyu2OI/s1600-h/DSC03023%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC03023" border="0" alt="DSC03023" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_r4e7BCAVdc8/TYwf365YMjI/AAAAAAAADzE/8Biojg9Is4s/DSC03023_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="165"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_r4e7BCAVdc8/TYwf5rZlBfI/AAAAAAAADzI/dGpJSyWeWD8/s1600-h/DSC03029%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC03029" border="0" alt="DSC03029" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_r4e7BCAVdc8/TYwf6HN6uoI/AAAAAAAADzM/_xrsuRqcPk0/DSC03029_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="165"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_r4e7BCAVdc8/TYwf76E26QI/AAAAAAAADzQ/BPZF2jPas4o/s1600-h/DSC03054%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC03054" border="0" alt="DSC03054" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_r4e7BCAVdc8/TYwf8YCO38I/AAAAAAAADzU/eMiDSQhHRuk/DSC03054_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="165"></a></p> The Hapa Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833292317486709616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913274681988253414.post-14334346106809649702011-03-22T01:22:00.001-04:002011-03-22T01:22:25.120-04:00help<p>ummmm….so my blog is falling apart and I don’t know why. Anybody up to fixing it?</p> The Hapa Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833292317486709616noreply@blogger.com0