24 weeks.

Hard to believe that this little one has been growing for 6 months now!

Well, as everyone has told me and all the books have said…the 2nd trimester is awesome.  I have had so much more energy all day long.  Of course I am tired after work, but I still have the energy to clean, go for a walk, make dinner, etc.  I wish I had half of this during the 1st trimester!  Fingers crossed that it lasts a couple more months :)  I've been walking a lot more and getting in some shorter runs.  Feels great to finally feel well enough to get out and get the blood rollin'. This coming weekend my friend Natalie  (who is 12 weeks pregnant) and I are running a 5k race on Camp Torii.  I'm looking forward to getting into a race again - and for once I don't care if I have to walk or not!!!

As far as my appetite goes, I don't have a whole lot of cravings other than oranges and orange juice.  What makes me sick to think about are sticky rice balls (my sister would kill to have these on a daily basis!) and the pork sandwiches I used to eat the first month I came to Okinawa.  I'm not a big meat eater, especially pork and beef - but these were so good at one point..funny how things can change.

We are having (too much) fun ordering things off of Amazon lately :)  We got a new stroller, a jogger, and a swing that we really like!  Every time we get the shipment in, it seems more real.  I've started having dreams of getting to the hospital and delivering.  I hope the good dreams come true and the bad dreams can just stay as dreams ;)  The nursery is coming along, as well.  Just missing one big piece - the glider.  Okinawa apparently doesn't believe in a rocker/glider and we can't seem to find a company that ships them without charging an arm and a leg.  If anyone has suggestions, I'd be glad to hear them! There is ONE glider at the Exchange (our "Walmart" on base) that we may have to end up getting, but it is cheaply made so hopefully if we do end up getting it, it will last for a couple years!!!

We have our name picked out!  It's been the name since the first day we found out we were expecting (In September) and nothing seems to feel so right.  We keep our options open and of course there are many names we like, but it already just feels like her.

Even though it is ridiculously tough being away from our closest family and friends, we count our lucky stars each and every day.  Thanks to all of you who have sent messages, packages, and cards.  Your kind words and support are greatly appreciated and we can't thank you enough.  

IT'S A GIRL!

Well, I was wrong and Tony was right! (I hate it when that happens ;)

Last Wednesday we found out if we were having a baby girl or boy at our 22 week appointment.  It was more special than I ever could have imagined.  I can't believe how much SHE has grown.  I think we have an active, perhaps stubborn girl on our hands!  The technician was having a heck of a time measuring everything because she was ALL over the place.  Hands over her face, knees up to chest, stretching out, curling, in - all on repeat :)  It's fun to have a picture in my head now when I feel the kicks and punches!

The heart beat was 133 and she weighed 15 oz.  (the heart beat made me think even more it was a boy)
We had the technician take a picture of the baby's gender parts as we looked away.  We didn't get any physical pictures because the ink was gone and hadn't shipped from Tokyo yet.  Never thought I'd hear that one at an ultra sound.. Anyways, so we went home and had the intentions of making a really nice dinner, but I think we were so excited to find out (and a bit hungry) that we decided a frozen meal was a better thought!  After 6 whole minutes of "cooking" that, we ate and half-way through we looked at the picture (which the technician took with Tony's phone) and saw "GIRL PARTS" with an arrow :)

One of our best moments.

knees up :)

Kindergarten Update

I recently went back and read one of my first blogs I wrote on Okinawa being a Kindergarten teacher.  My sister's comment/suggestion was to write about the class every month as it will be so fun to look back on in 10 years.  I wish I would have done an update every month - but better now than never :)

Most days when you ask me how school was, I will respond with a large sigh and say "It was ok".  But by the time I get ready for bed, I think about how sweet those kids are and how just maaaaaybe I'm too hard on them!  I do forget that they are just 4-6 years old!  Sometimes I think I'm too nice and other times I think I'm too hard on them.  I just hope I have a happy medium 95% of the time.  Probably very similar to being a parent, huh.  What I have learned a whole lot is to absolutely stick to your word.  I admit, I'm a softie..but after a couple weeks of being that - it made my life a whole lot harder!

I wonder how much of my day is actually spent teaching the kids Math, Language Arts, etc. as opposed to disciplining them and teaching them proper manners.  There is so much tattling, picking noses, "accidents" every once in awhile, pencil stealing, playing in the bathroom, looking in the girls changing room, lost crayons, homesickness, crying because someone hurt their feelings,…the list goes on and on.    I have without a doubt gained more patience throughout all of this.  Your welcome, baby brown ;)

I just told the kids that there is a baby in my tummy.  Immediately a boy yelled "NO there's not!!"  I'm not sure where that came from or why, but it was a funny response.  As I am starting to show more now, they love talking to the baby, asking the baby what they had for breakfast, singing to the baby, and putting their ear up to my stomach to see if they can hear anything.  It'll be fun when they can feel some kicks :0)

The kids are smart.  I am very pleased with their progress and it makes me feel that maybe I'm not doing such a bad job after all!  It's a bit intimidating to look at the Core Standards at the beginning of the year and know that YOU are in charge of getting the kids there!  Most of them are writing sentences very well and have addition and subtraction down.  They're great kids who just need a whole lot of reminding :)

SO tired of having P.E. inside, so we all decided to play "red light, green light" in the empty parking lot!  Better than nothing.

A mid-day stroll when we should have been in Science class.  Too nice of a day to be in!  

I'm not sure if this should work - but had to share this one.  

4th graders reading to my class :)

While reviewing our spelling words, I wrote a sentence with one of the words: "toe".. The sentence was THE BOY HAS A STINKY TOE.  The kids thought it was hilarious.  I came back from the bathroom and saw this on my desk.  Great - I stink ;)

Now Riana stinks, too? Poor girl.  Little devils!  That was the last one by the way - had to take it away. Not happy about it.

Cherry Blossom Festival

Last weekend I went to the Cherry Blossom Festival up in Nago with my good friend Natalie and her two adorable kids.  We both were a bit disappointed as we thought we'd be swimming in cherry blossom's, but the trees were only 40% bloomed.  Regardless of that minor detail, we had a wonderful time.  It was beautiful and the park we went to was every kids dream!  I'm sure we'll be back :)

We're having a baby!

You read that right - Tony and I are SO excited to announce our little one coming this June!  The weeks are going by fast and we are beyond anxious to meet him/her :)
Today, I am 18 weeks, 4 days :)  My next appointment is next Friday, which I'm very much looking forward too.
It's been an "interesting" 1st 14 weeks of pregnancy.  Haven't felt the greatest, but I just take it as a reminder of the miracle growing inside.  We find out the sex in just a short 3 weeks!!!

We are beyond blessed.

16 weeks

16 weeks.  About the size of an orange :)

Law & Order and Early Bedtimes

Tony has been gone now for a week.  He returns in 2 weeks - so here is what this means…

For 2 more weeks I can go to bed as early as I want and not feel bad whatsoever.  This doesn't happen most nights when Tony is here because he gets back from work at 7:30-8:00...soooo if I want any quality time with my husband, 8:30pm bedtime doesn't look too promising.

The next most exciting thing for me is that I can watch as much Law & Order as I want.  This is Tony's least favorite TV show.  So much that he refuses to watch it.  Similar to me refusing to watch most of his stand-up comedy shows that he likes, but worse.  I've always been a fan of L&O, along with McGyver, Renegade, and Quantum Leap.  My brother would understand.

As much as I enjoy these two things -  I will be more than happy to have him home again ;)

On my way home from work I called a friend on island and she informed me that her husband was being deployed to Afghanistan in April for 6 months.  My heart ached for her.  I realized I have never been through a deployment with Tony (he's been on 3) and I hope I never have too.  I won't complain about 3 weeks or a month here and there….

Here is a picture of my co-workers out for brunch on Saturday morning.  These ladies are awesome - and have helped my whole transition to Okinawa

Left to Right
Ms. Ashley (Kindergarten A) from Canada, previously taught in Korea
Me (Kindergarten B)
Ms. Erlinda (2nd & 3rd grade) from Phillipines, taught in Louisiana
Ms. Amber (4th & 6th grade) from Florida, taught in Florida
Ms. Pamela (1st grade) from Texas, taught in Korea with  Ms. Ashley

The Best Week Yet

This past week has definitely been the best week since Tony and I have moved to Okinawa.  My sister and her husband came out to visit and we had an absolute blast.  It didn't seem that long ago that I was counting down the days starting at 62.. and now they have come and gone - with memories that will last a lifetime!

Where to even begin.  They arrived here on Monday night December 30th at 9pm.  I was home all day by myself on Monday and was anxious as ever to greet them at the airport.  I was sure to remind Beth that once they get to the baggage claim in the Okinawa airport, they will probably see us through the glass doors... but once you go through the glass, you can't go back in!  I remember when I first arrived to Okinawa, I had to wait for 20 minutes for my bags to come through WHILE I could see Tony on the other side of the door.  It was torture ;)  Beth was smart enough to just let Chris get the bags himself!  Thankfully he did because I don't think I could have gone that 20mns more without a hug from her!

 

When we got back home (we live about an hour north from the airport).. Chris and Beth were champs!  They stayed up a while and talked - I had some Sake (alcohol from Japan) next to their bedside, but Beth wasn't really in the mood.  Guess I can't blame her ;)  

 

I had a rough idea planned for the week they were here.  We did some of it - and chose to skip the rest!  The weather gods were sure with us the whole week!!  We were able to sit on the beach, play cards, have some drinks, and just relax for a couple days!  Those days I thought it was going to rain, so I had museums lined up, the aquarium, etc BUT we all would have much rather soaked up some Vitamin D..especially those midwesterners ;)

Beth had her good share of sticky rice, taco rice, soba noodles, and sushi.  I think she can now understand why it's so "dangerous" living here.  The food is very good - and different.  Chris was a champ and tried more sushi than he probably ever has.  I think it's safe to say that he MAY even LIKE it now???!!!!!

Tony and Chris were able to golf during the week, while Beth and I were sure to get in a few good walks, endless conversations like always, and some shopping.  She was able to come to my school and help me out a bit, so that was fun to have her there!  Of course, the great teacher she is/was with a Kindergartener herself, I got some great tips :)

Looking back on the whole week, I would have say my favorite times were the beach and playing cards.  And boy, did we play A LOT of cards.  It was so fun..not only because I won most of the time, but just knowing that there was nothing else any of us should do or had to do was priceless.  Oh, since they were always up very early every day (because of the jet-leg) I never had to make coffee!! I will miss that!

They left on Monday morning - and that wasn't very fun.  I had to leave a couple hours earlier than they did to get to work (which was heavy in itself!!) So the good-byes were quick and quite sad.  It was a long Monday, but I reminded myself about a million times how amazing of a week it was.  I will never forget it.  

(I didn't take a whole lot of pics.. you'll have to look at hodenblog.blogspot.com for more if you're interested!!!)

 

Beth and I in our "USMC Snuggies" as we like to call them.  I bought Beth and Chris each a pair.  So you can imagine what it looked like every night at our house last week.  4 adults wearing the same "USMC Snuggies"  We probably should have gotten a picture.  Then again, maybe not.

 

First day in Okinawa.  Checking out the water and Cape Zanpa

 

I'm sure Beth isn't too happy that I posted this picture.  But she also knows I could have posted a worse one!  She was an absolute zombie the 2nd night she was here.  eyes were glossy, mouth was open, and an absolute wreck!  It was pretty funny :)

 

New Year's Eve.  Cards in our "Snuggies" with a little champagne.  Oh - and we celebrated NYE at 9:00pm on the dot.  I wasn't going to stay up - and lord knows neither was Beth!

 

A run in Yomitan

 

Saturday night Sushi -- Beth was in HEAVEN!!! Not the beer, the sushi!!

 

Ok - I'm about to admit something.  Yes, I live in Japan.  No, I do not know how to use chopsticks.  Saturday night was my best attempt and it went ok.  I can't tell you how frustrating it is when I'm hungry and I can't even pick up a freakin' piece of lettuce!  No wonder the Japanese people are so slim.  It take FOREVER to eat!  Well, for me it does anyway.  I think i'll stick with a fork - or atleast pack my own in my purse from now on.  Classy.

 

He's ready for more!!!!!!

Our First Christmas in Okinawa

It has been far too long since I have last posted.  Not only do I think so, but my sister isn't shy about telling me so..

Well, Christmas here in Okinawa was bittersweet.  It has been SO nice having the week off from school.  I was able to get some things done around the house and just relax awhile!  I go back on January 6th so 1 week left of vacation with the Hodens!  (save that for another post)..  On Christmas Eve day, Tony and I did a-b-s-o-l-u-t-e-l-y nothing.  And loved it.  We recently (I know, we're behind the times) ordered Netflix, which has been eye opening!  There is so much AFN (Armed Forces Network) that we or anyone can take.  I have memorized every commercial unwillingly.  It's painful.  As I hate to admit my ignorance to the great invention of Netflix, I originally thought that it meant we were able to "rent" 3 movies at a time and they would be sent to us in the mail.  Apparently that isn't the case anymore.  So Christmas Eve day we started two TV series "Breaking Bad" and "The Walking Dead"… hooked.

Anways, back to Christmas.  We had an enjoyable evening.  We loaded up on the veggies and protein and made a pretty good chicken stir fry.  After about an hour of chopping and preparing the vegetables, we decided to open presents.  One of the presents was a vegetable chopper - boy that would have been nice about an hour ago!!!  We played Christmas music with a candle lit dinner and felt very blessed.  Of course, we missed being home - but reminded ourselves all the good things happening right now and how blessed we are to have such amazing family and friends.

Christmas 2014?  See you in Decorah :)

This was our "lame" tree.  But hey - it was a tree RIGHT???!!!  

The worst part .. ;)

YUM

As much as I don't want to - I have to give some GINGERBREAD HOUSE credit to Tony.  This is a pretty good one.  Don't expect to ever see mine on this blog.  Sad, sad, sad.  And to think I teach Kindergarten….

Olivia and Grace made this for us.  So we had 2 Christmas trees in this house!! :)

Thanksgiving Mile Run.

As many of you know, we have quite the Huinker Thanksgiving tradition.  As much as we complain about it year round - we do have a lot of fun with it.  Typically, the 1st place runner has to write an article after the race… but since Tony will probably win every year (until Max catches up, at least) - we decided to let others have a turn at writing it!  Here is what my sister wrote this year…. 


Turkey Trot 2013

As most of you know, the turkey trot has not been one of my favorite traditions.  Every year I start thinking about it mid-October and every year I do nothing other than think about it!  Other than year 1 (2001) when Brian was still recovering from his broken leg, arm, foot, etc. and the year that Amanda was 7 months pregnant with Grace (2009), I have gotten last place. So basically, I have never beaten a legitimate competitor. Until now. Thus...I am doing the recap this year. I told myself years ago that if I ever beat someone, I will write it! So here goes...


The tradition we all love to hate continues for a 13th consecutive year. Rules remain the same. You run it no matter where you are in the world. Never did we think this would actually mean someone would be running it on another continent!

Unbelievable weather in Decorah on race day (Saturday NOvember 30) It was a bit windy on the straight away, but overall we couldn't have asked for a nicer day to run!

Runners started the race at 10:30 AM...just in time for us to recover slightly from the night before, for Grady to be up from his nap,  to allow the kids to eat lunch and be at the free movie matinee with Grandpa Rog by noon!

Kiddos were fabulous this year. All 4 of the big kids (Max, Mya, Olivia and Grace) gave it their best shot. To see those little legs moving around the track was awesome. At the 3/4 point of the first lap, Chris was yelling at Max to slow down. He was keeping up with him step for step. Olivia, Mya and Max all finished the race and got a recorded time! Looking forward to watching these guys grow up together and continuing the tradition.

Everyone really enjoyed not being lapped this year. Spirits were much higher at the end of the race, even if times were down a bit:)

Yellow shirts were in full effect. It took some digging, but we found our old "Go Tara" shirts from 2007 and made some homemade "Go Tony" shirts. It was sad that they weren't there to run with us, but we wanted them to be with us in spirit!

Twenty two days after giving birth, Amanda was out jogging around the track while pushing the stroller and finishing with a respectable time all things considered.

Rog and Pat were on kid patrol and timing duty. I fully expect Rog will be back in action next year. A certain 2 year old was a handful this year:) She wanted to continue the tradition that one kid has to start bawling as soon as everyone takes off. Next year my bet is on Grady.

Overseas runners didn't quite get the trot in on time even though they are 15 hours ahead of us. Tony had to leave for mainland Japan so they were a little late on the run. Don't worry though...we did not reveal our times until after they ran. I didn't want them having an unfair advantage! (like they need it, but hey..)

Times for 2013 are as follows:
#1: Anthony Brown: 5:54
#2: Chris Hoden 7:48
#3: Tara Brown 8:20
#4: Max Hoden 9:02
#5: Beth Hoden 9:04
#6: Brian Huinker 10:35
#7: Mya Hoden & Olivia Huinker: 12:55
#8: Amanda Huinker: 13:35

                                                      proof that Tara ran one mile:)

It's been awhile…

I can't believe it's been 3 weeks since I've last posted.  Time has been going by pretty fast lately!! I will post pictures for this post soon!

To be very honest with the blogging world/readers, we have had somewhat of a tough month.  I think it really hit us (especially over the holidays) that we are truly living in Japan and we'll be here for quite awhile yet.  As there are times I think it will go by fast and things will be great, there are those times where it weighs pretty heavy on me.  I want to be honest of where we're at now so we can look back and remember all these times!

I remember my brother telling me back in the day (I'll actually never forget it..where I was, what I was doing, how I was feeling - even what I was wearing) that "before things get better, they'll probably get worse".   And the reason for the 3 week "pause" for blog writing?  You can probably guess…

So I'm not writing this to ask for any sort of sympathy or attention, but I am writing this because this has truly been an experience of a lifetime and we are just 4 months in.  It's been a roller-coaster of feelings since we have gotten here.  And since I hate roller-coasters, it's time for our life here in Japan to start feeling more like the "Lazy River" ride :)!!!

I have come to realize that not everything comes easy in life.  In the states, there are many things at your fingertips that can make you happy.  In my case, shopping for clothes or groceries was one of "happy" places.  Or having a handful of friends to go out for happy hour and then to meet up with a bunch of people later on was awesome.  I haven't found that here, YET.  And if I don't, It's definitely ok.  There are some really neat places in Yomitan, but it takes work to figure out what is actually inside.  I, of course, can't read anything here.  I can usually tell if it's a restaurant - but that's about it.  So in order to know, you have to simply walk in and figure it out yourself.

I often tell Tony how much LESS we would see of each other if we lived in a place, such as Minneapolis.  I would have more plans on the week nights and weekends, as would he.  What better time of our lives - as newlyweds - to have ALL this time together.  I do often complain of his long hours at work, but the second he is home, I am there. (poor guy ;)  We are blessed.  And we appreciate it.

So all this being said - I had SUCH a great day today.  Tony went golfing with a couple of buddies, which was great for him!  And I went for a coffee date with my good friend, Natalie.  On my way home I decided to venture off on the side roads and came across an awesome Thai place called Sirojuma.  I had some amazing curry soup :) ... and then to fulfill my love for shopping, I found this amazing warehouse with TONS of stuff that is very reasonably priced.  And the greatest thing about this place is that they accept any credit card, Yen, OR Dollar.  You don't get that in Yomitan.  Places rarely take our USAA credit card and accept only Yen.

I think I'm going to enjoy this "Lazy River" ride here in Okinawa :)


"Be brave enough to live creatively. You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. You can only get there by hard work, by risking and by not quite knowing what you are doing. What you will discover will be wonderful: Yourself."
Alan Alda