Here's what I got for Christmas:
1. A two-week vacation.
2. Snow, which I wasn't exactly thrilled about.
3. The chance to shake a boy's hand who had always wanted to meet a "real soldier." I didn't mention that I was in the band.
4. Wake up every morning next to my wife.
5. See the faces of two kids light up on Christmas morning when they got just what they wanted.
6. See the face of my wife light up when she joined the 21st century.
7. Watched a brand new Disney animated musical with my kids. A dream that I thought would never come true.
8. Chocolate-covered rice crispy treats.
9. A head cold.
10. A reminder of what and who I want to be.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
Happy Veteran's Day
A short while ago, the Army School of Music Student Company took a trip to Washington, D.C. The purpose of the trip was to meet some of the musicians who work with the Army's top band, Pershing's Own. However, a secondary purpose was to help us remember what our role is as musicians in the Army.
While the entire day was spectacular, one of the most humbling experiences of my life occurred on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. There are nearly 100 hundred soldiers in Student Company and we all gathered at the famous landmark in order to take a company photo. As we marched across the National Mall, tourists and visitors started to appear from all directions to take pictures of us. We were warned beforehand by our First Sergeant that the people will look at us like characters in Disneyland, but nothing could have prepared us for the shear numbers of onlookers.
We climbed up the steps and lined up below President Lincoln's "temple." Still the people gathered, now pulling out their cameras to take pictures of us. I was touched by the excitement they had at seeing soldiers. A few minutes later, we were all in place and a civilian spectator offered to snap the photo. As he took a few pictures the crowd took advantage of the opportunity and the flashes and click-clacks of digital cameras reminded me of a rock concert. You have to imagine, the flow of people to the bottom of the steps of the memorial didn't stop until we left. They came from every corner of the National Mall to get a glimpse of the soldiers, all dressed in combat uniforms.
Finally, our leadership were satisfied with the photos and released us to spend the rest of the afternoon touring the Mall on our own. As we attempted to leave the formation, an applause followed by a cheer echoed throughout the park. Now stunned and entirely overwhelmed, we could only stand there, recognizing the gratitude the American people had for their servicemen and women, and yet feeling completely unworthy to receive such praise. After a minute or two the applause died down, and we were able to leave, but not before our company commander stopped us and said something very poignant: "When my dad got back from Vietnam he was booed and spit at. You should be very grateful for the way you are viewed today."
An unforgettable experience on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, just above the stone from which Dr. King spoke about freedom for all, and just below the feet of the man now considered responsible for preserving the unity of the United States.
I spent some time pondering about why that crowd of people gave us an applause. I think it was because we represent to them over 5,000 soldiers who have died in the last seven years. Maybe to them we represent someone they know and love who is in harms way right now.
We were constantly being stopped to take pictures with people; adults and children. We also had people yell at us from a distance, "Thank you for your service!" On my way to the Washington Monument, a man said, "Thank you boys for your service." I casually turned to smile, expecting to see just another person. When I looked at him, though, I saw that he was wearing a Vietnam Veteran hat. All I could say was, "No, thank you for your service." I had to stop and talk to him. It turns out he was there with some of his old war buddies to pay respects to one of their fallen comrades. They had built a small wooden cross and came to lay it underneath his name found on the Vietnam War Memorial Wall. He was kind enough to allow me to join them as they began to search the wall for their friend's name. Once they found it, they made a rubbing with a crayon, placed the cross on the ground, and then spent a moment in silence. The sacrifice they made, both the living and the dead, is far greater than anything I will have to go through. Once again, I was very humbled.
In the nation's most well-known cemetery, Arlington, I had a chance to pay my respects to the Fallen, particularly, the Unknown Soldiers. I watched the Changing of the Guard ceremony that happens every hour. Soldiers come out and carefully lay wreaths on the tomb and then a bugler plays Taps. It was very solemn. Very humbling. Those three soldiers represent the millions killed in action and the those who are still unaccounted for. The way that bugler played Taps made me understand a little better my responsibility as a trumpet player in the Army. He plays Taps every hour, every day and yet he played it like it was a special ceremony. I hope to be able to show that kind of respect to the soldiers whose funerals I get to play at.
It was an amazing trip. I was moved and motivated. I hope someday to tell these stories to my kids and then take them to D.C. to show them where they happened. In no way do I subscribe to the America-is-the-Greatest-Country-in-the-World doctrine, because I love another country and its people just as much. It's the great symbolism of freedom that America is, or should be, that I love. I'm grateful to represent not only those who fight for America, but those who fight for freedom of all God's children.
While the entire day was spectacular, one of the most humbling experiences of my life occurred on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. There are nearly 100 hundred soldiers in Student Company and we all gathered at the famous landmark in order to take a company photo. As we marched across the National Mall, tourists and visitors started to appear from all directions to take pictures of us. We were warned beforehand by our First Sergeant that the people will look at us like characters in Disneyland, but nothing could have prepared us for the shear numbers of onlookers.
We climbed up the steps and lined up below President Lincoln's "temple." Still the people gathered, now pulling out their cameras to take pictures of us. I was touched by the excitement they had at seeing soldiers. A few minutes later, we were all in place and a civilian spectator offered to snap the photo. As he took a few pictures the crowd took advantage of the opportunity and the flashes and click-clacks of digital cameras reminded me of a rock concert. You have to imagine, the flow of people to the bottom of the steps of the memorial didn't stop until we left. They came from every corner of the National Mall to get a glimpse of the soldiers, all dressed in combat uniforms.
Finally, our leadership were satisfied with the photos and released us to spend the rest of the afternoon touring the Mall on our own. As we attempted to leave the formation, an applause followed by a cheer echoed throughout the park. Now stunned and entirely overwhelmed, we could only stand there, recognizing the gratitude the American people had for their servicemen and women, and yet feeling completely unworthy to receive such praise. After a minute or two the applause died down, and we were able to leave, but not before our company commander stopped us and said something very poignant: "When my dad got back from Vietnam he was booed and spit at. You should be very grateful for the way you are viewed today."
An unforgettable experience on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, just above the stone from which Dr. King spoke about freedom for all, and just below the feet of the man now considered responsible for preserving the unity of the United States.
I spent some time pondering about why that crowd of people gave us an applause. I think it was because we represent to them over 5,000 soldiers who have died in the last seven years. Maybe to them we represent someone they know and love who is in harms way right now.
We were constantly being stopped to take pictures with people; adults and children. We also had people yell at us from a distance, "Thank you for your service!" On my way to the Washington Monument, a man said, "Thank you boys for your service." I casually turned to smile, expecting to see just another person. When I looked at him, though, I saw that he was wearing a Vietnam Veteran hat. All I could say was, "No, thank you for your service." I had to stop and talk to him. It turns out he was there with some of his old war buddies to pay respects to one of their fallen comrades. They had built a small wooden cross and came to lay it underneath his name found on the Vietnam War Memorial Wall. He was kind enough to allow me to join them as they began to search the wall for their friend's name. Once they found it, they made a rubbing with a crayon, placed the cross on the ground, and then spent a moment in silence. The sacrifice they made, both the living and the dead, is far greater than anything I will have to go through. Once again, I was very humbled.
In the nation's most well-known cemetery, Arlington, I had a chance to pay my respects to the Fallen, particularly, the Unknown Soldiers. I watched the Changing of the Guard ceremony that happens every hour. Soldiers come out and carefully lay wreaths on the tomb and then a bugler plays Taps. It was very solemn. Very humbling. Those three soldiers represent the millions killed in action and the those who are still unaccounted for. The way that bugler played Taps made me understand a little better my responsibility as a trumpet player in the Army. He plays Taps every hour, every day and yet he played it like it was a special ceremony. I hope to be able to show that kind of respect to the soldiers whose funerals I get to play at.
It was an amazing trip. I was moved and motivated. I hope someday to tell these stories to my kids and then take them to D.C. to show them where they happened. In no way do I subscribe to the America-is-the-Greatest-Country-in-the-World doctrine, because I love another country and its people just as much. It's the great symbolism of freedom that America is, or should be, that I love. I'm grateful to represent not only those who fight for America, but those who fight for freedom of all God's children.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Cameron's BCT Graduation
So...He did it. He graduated from Army Basic Combat Training.
Not only did he graduated, but he also was the Soldier Leader of the Cycle for his company. It sounds like that's the best award you can get at basic training. We are so proud of his accomplishments.
He got a certificate and two coins like this one.
Ok. So I know what you're thinking. What's with the glasses?! Yeah, they are government issued glasses. The Army calls them BCG, Birth Control Glasses. No kidding. That's what they call them. Everyone (who has bad sight) has to wear them. But you know, just because everyone is doing it, doesn't mean it's right. Those glasses gotta go.
Cameron's mom was kind enough to come with us to SC. She really helped us out a lot by coming. I mean...there's no way I could've taken those two WONDERFUL children to SC by myself. Besides, it really meant a lot to Cameron.
Cameron's mom was kind enough to come with us to SC. She really helped us out a lot by coming. I mean...there's no way I could've taken those two WONDERFUL children to SC by myself. Besides, it really meant a lot to Cameron.
Thursday was the family day and Friday was the graduation. We got to be with him for two days. The kids needed it. I needed it. And most of all, Cameron needed it. We still don't know how long Cameron has to be in VA (now doing music training), but he has his cell and his computer. So I think we'll make it.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
1st day - Disneyland 2nd day - Disneysea
We went to Disneyland!!! ディズニーランドに行っちゃいました。
Caden was soooooo excited to see Jesse and Woody that he couldn't stop dancing.恵伝はトーイストーリーのウッディーとジェシーを見て大興奮して、踊ってばっかりでした。
There were also Princess Aurora, Cinderella, and Belle. But Caden had no interest in them and Maya was scared (of course). My sister Nozomi, her daugher Hannah, and I were the only ones who got super excited.
他にもオーロラ姫とシンデレラとベルがいたのに恵伝は全く興味なし。真椰は誰やねんっていう目で見てたし。興奮してたのは、私と妹の望と姪の花ちゃんだけ。
I think Disneyland is funner to go with kids. Even Cameron who does not like Disneyland, had fun.
ディズニーランドは子供と行くほうが楽しい。ディズニーランド嫌いのキャメロンでもすごい楽しんでた。
We went to Disneysea the next day. It rained a little so we didn't really take pictures but we had a lot of fun.
Caden's Birthday
We've decided to have an early birthday party for Caden since we were moving. He wanted a firetruck theme party.
引っ越しやら何やらで忙しかったため、恵伝の誕生日パーティーを早めにした。消防車のケーキがほしいと言うので…。
作りました。
引っ越しやら何やらで忙しかったため、恵伝の誕生日パーティーを早めにした。消防車のケーキがほしいと言うので…。
作りました。Firetruck cake was a disaster...
I stacked blocks of cakes in front to make the front of the truck higher but it got too heavy and started to collapsed. I had to put graham crackers on the bottom of the cake to stabilize it. Unfortunately, it was after I put the frosting so it looked really bad. But the kids were excited so I guess it turned out alright.
でも前が重過ぎてケーキの前がつぶれてきてしまい、フロスティングをぬったあとにクラッカーとかを下に入れたり上にのせたりで最悪な仕上がりに。一応子供は喜んでくれたからいいかあ。
I stacked blocks of cakes in front to make the front of the truck higher but it got too heavy and started to collapsed. I had to put graham crackers on the bottom of the cake to stabilize it. Unfortunately, it was after I put the frosting so it looked really bad. But the kids were excited so I guess it turned out alright.
でも前が重過ぎてケーキの前がつぶれてきてしまい、フロスティングをぬったあとにクラッカーとかを下に入れたり上にのせたりで最悪な仕上がりに。一応子供は喜んでくれたからいいかあ。
We first played "put out the fire" game. Cameron made Wymount (our old apt) looking box and put red tissues everywhere to make it look like the building was on fire. Each kid got a water gun to put out the fire. We had fun.
最初にゲームをした。キャメロンがダンボール箱でワイマウント（前に住んでたとこ）を作って、赤いティッシュをいっぱい火事に見えるように作ってくれました。それを子供たちが水鉄砲で消すって言うゲーム。楽しかったみたい。
After we had did the cake and the presents, we all went to a fire station.
ケーキ食べてプレゼント開けた後、みんなで消防署に行き、いっぱい写真撮ったり消防車に乗せてもらったりした。子供達は大興奮！楽しいパーティーになりました。
ケーキ食べてプレゼント開けた後、みんなで消防署に行き、いっぱい写真撮ったり消防車に乗せてもらったりした。子供達は大興奮！楽しいパーティーになりました。
Even Maya had fun.
真椰も楽しかったみたい。
Sunday, May 3, 2009
"Wicked!"
My crazy mother (I can say that because I'm pretty sure she hasn't figured out how to access the world wide web yet, let alone a "blog") stood in line early in the morning this past December to buy the whole family tickets to "Wicked!" as a Christmas present. We've all been waiting in great anticipation for April 30th to roll around when we could experience the "real story" of the Wicked Witch of the West.
In preparation, my wife and I listened to and became familiar with the soundtrack and checked out some video footage of the original cast online. Other than that, all we knew about the musical was that it was about the Witch before she was The Witch who tried to kill Dorothy and her little dog, too. I am typically the kind of person who likes to know the ending of things before I experience them. For example, I know the entire story of Harry Potter just by word-of-mouth. Whenever I asked people about the details of "Wicked!" however, they responded, without exception, "You have to see it for yourself." So, I curbed the desire to find a synopsis of the show, and went in without knowing anything but the very barest of bones.
For those of you who have not seen "Wicked!" I say, "You have to see it for yourself." I was totally overwhelmed by the two leads, Donna Vivino's Elphaba and Katie Rose Clark's Glinda. I was brought to tears once by the story, but I teared up at least twice involuntarily due simply to the brilliant performance of these two actresses. I was rendered entirely speechless and could have sat through the entire production again right away.
It has now been a few days since "Wicked!" I was sure by now the magic of the show and its impression on me would be long gone. But even now when I think about that night, the music and the performers, my reality is once again suspended. I was so lifted by something so...secular. Whatever it is that I do in life, I hope to make people feel as good as I did, and still do, because of "Wicked!"
I'm starting to feel like I should bear my testimony, so I will now shut up.
In preparation, my wife and I listened to and became familiar with the soundtrack and checked out some video footage of the original cast online. Other than that, all we knew about the musical was that it was about the Witch before she was The Witch who tried to kill Dorothy and her little dog, too. I am typically the kind of person who likes to know the ending of things before I experience them. For example, I know the entire story of Harry Potter just by word-of-mouth. Whenever I asked people about the details of "Wicked!" however, they responded, without exception, "You have to see it for yourself." So, I curbed the desire to find a synopsis of the show, and went in without knowing anything but the very barest of bones.
For those of you who have not seen "Wicked!" I say, "You have to see it for yourself." I was totally overwhelmed by the two leads, Donna Vivino's Elphaba and Katie Rose Clark's Glinda. I was brought to tears once by the story, but I teared up at least twice involuntarily due simply to the brilliant performance of these two actresses. I was rendered entirely speechless and could have sat through the entire production again right away.
It has now been a few days since "Wicked!" I was sure by now the magic of the show and its impression on me would be long gone. But even now when I think about that night, the music and the performers, my reality is once again suspended. I was so lifted by something so...secular. Whatever it is that I do in life, I hope to make people feel as good as I did, and still do, because of "Wicked!"
I'm starting to feel like I should bear my testimony, so I will now shut up.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
Zoo
It was a beautiful weekend so we went to the zoo on Saturday. Both Caden and Maya were excited to see all the animals, in fact, Maya got so excited that she didn't want to leave.
先週末はとっても天気が良かったので、動物園に行ってきました。恵伝も真椰も久しぶりに動物を見たので興奮してました。特に真椰は離れたくないとフェンスを離しませんでした。
again...
また．．．真椰の方がアニマル的やったりして。
Since we couldn't ride on a real elephant, we settled for this fake one.
本物の象さんには乗れなかったので、この偽物で満足？
But the oldest Caden was too scared... he decided to ride on a smaller animal.
でも、一番おにいちゃんの恵伝はこの象が出す音が怖かったみたいで近寄れず、結局ちょっと小さめのサイに。
先週末はとっても天気が良かったので、動物園に行ってきました。恵伝も真椰も久しぶりに動物を見たので興奮してました。特に真椰は離れたくないとフェンスを離しませんでした。
again...また．．．真椰の方がアニマル的やったりして。
Since we couldn't ride on a real elephant, we settled for this fake one.
本物の象さんには乗れなかったので、この偽物で満足？
But the oldest Caden was too scared... he decided to ride on a smaller animal.
でも、一番おにいちゃんの恵伝はこの象が出す音が怖かったみたいで近寄れず、結局ちょっと小さめのサイに。
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Finding the Way That Will Make All the Difference
When I was a kid, I always wanted two things: to teach Seminary and to play music. I'm not saying those were my only goals because mission, school, family have always been, you know, up there on my to-do list. But with regards to a dream job, I wanted to teach Seminary full-time and play music on the side.
Here I am, years later. I was able to go through the Seminary teacher training program and even had the opportunity to teach some Seminary classes, which was a marvelous experience. However, the dream of teaching full-time ended in 2008. I won't go so far to say that I was devastated, but I did have a hard time swallowing the news. As the months passed, even until now, I still have visions of "what could have been." But, reality check! Seminary is over. What about the dream to play music?
Some time in 2006, I was looking at different options for regular playing gigs around the Salt Lake Valley. I always had an eye out on the message boards in the music stores I frequent for any news of bands needing a trumpet player. I'm not sure how I came across this, but for some reason I found some information about playing in the Utah National Guard 23rd Army Band. After looking into it, I decided that it was too much of a time commitment for a college student/slash new father, but my curiosity had been engaged. In an attempt to learn more about the Guard band program, I contacted a liaison for the mid-western region. He taught me not only about the National Guard band, but also about the Army's full-time bands. Though I did not join any of them at the time, correspondence with him continued on and off for the next few years. Mostly, he would email me and ask how school was going and say something along the lines of, "So, when do you graduate, again?"
Speaking of graduation, as 2008 came to a close, I found myself seriously going over the career options I saw in front of me. I could try to keep living off of private trumpet lessons for another couple of years while I earned a Masters Degree; perhaps I could work for an instrument making company, there is one in Sandy; maybe I'll just move to Japan and teach English. With all of these thoughts swirling in my head (they seemed to be swirling in my stomach, too, as the Unknown tends to give me gas), I, almost in desperation, recalled what I had learned about the Army bands. I contacted the liaison and requested as much information as he could send me. From this point, he would contact me once a week to see if I had any questions.
On one February morning, I got an email from him saying that he was coming up to BYU (from Las Vegas) and we could set up an audition if I wanted to. I figured, why not? A few days later, I met him in the HFAC at BYU and went through the toughest audition of my life: not just a prepared piece, but a piece that effectively showcased specific trumpet skills of tonguing and range; all 12 major scales, two octaves with arpeggios, in 16-th notes at 80 bpm; all three types of minor scales in all 12 keys, two octaves with arpeggios, in 16-th notes at 80 bpm; a chromatic scale from as low as possible to as high as possible and back; sight-reading of six or seven rough etudes; and some Jazz techniques.
Fortunately, I passed. I didn't really expect it at the time, but that 20-minute audition changed my entire life. After a few weeks of discussion, thought, and prayer, my wife and I decided that joining the Army full-time would be the best thing for our family.
I ship to Fort Jackson, SC, for Basic Training on July 1st, then I go to the Army's School of Music in Norfolk, VA, for six months. Upon graduation of the School of Music, we will move to San Antonio, TX, where Fort Sam Houston is. After my required 3 years of service are up, we will decide if we want to make a career out of the Army band, or use the experience there gained to see what other doors can be opened.
To sum up, I am living a life-long fantasy. I didn't get to teach Seminary full-time, but I did get to teach Seminary. Now, I get to have a life as a full-time, professional trumpet player. I can't ask for more. Well, not much more.
Here I am, years later. I was able to go through the Seminary teacher training program and even had the opportunity to teach some Seminary classes, which was a marvelous experience. However, the dream of teaching full-time ended in 2008. I won't go so far to say that I was devastated, but I did have a hard time swallowing the news. As the months passed, even until now, I still have visions of "what could have been." But, reality check! Seminary is over. What about the dream to play music?
Some time in 2006, I was looking at different options for regular playing gigs around the Salt Lake Valley. I always had an eye out on the message boards in the music stores I frequent for any news of bands needing a trumpet player. I'm not sure how I came across this, but for some reason I found some information about playing in the Utah National Guard 23rd Army Band. After looking into it, I decided that it was too much of a time commitment for a college student/slash new father, but my curiosity had been engaged. In an attempt to learn more about the Guard band program, I contacted a liaison for the mid-western region. He taught me not only about the National Guard band, but also about the Army's full-time bands. Though I did not join any of them at the time, correspondence with him continued on and off for the next few years. Mostly, he would email me and ask how school was going and say something along the lines of, "So, when do you graduate, again?"
Speaking of graduation, as 2008 came to a close, I found myself seriously going over the career options I saw in front of me. I could try to keep living off of private trumpet lessons for another couple of years while I earned a Masters Degree; perhaps I could work for an instrument making company, there is one in Sandy; maybe I'll just move to Japan and teach English. With all of these thoughts swirling in my head (they seemed to be swirling in my stomach, too, as the Unknown tends to give me gas), I, almost in desperation, recalled what I had learned about the Army bands. I contacted the liaison and requested as much information as he could send me. From this point, he would contact me once a week to see if I had any questions.
On one February morning, I got an email from him saying that he was coming up to BYU (from Las Vegas) and we could set up an audition if I wanted to. I figured, why not? A few days later, I met him in the HFAC at BYU and went through the toughest audition of my life: not just a prepared piece, but a piece that effectively showcased specific trumpet skills of tonguing and range; all 12 major scales, two octaves with arpeggios, in 16-th notes at 80 bpm; all three types of minor scales in all 12 keys, two octaves with arpeggios, in 16-th notes at 80 bpm; a chromatic scale from as low as possible to as high as possible and back; sight-reading of six or seven rough etudes; and some Jazz techniques.
Fortunately, I passed. I didn't really expect it at the time, but that 20-minute audition changed my entire life. After a few weeks of discussion, thought, and prayer, my wife and I decided that joining the Army full-time would be the best thing for our family.
I ship to Fort Jackson, SC, for Basic Training on July 1st, then I go to the Army's School of Music in Norfolk, VA, for six months. Upon graduation of the School of Music, we will move to San Antonio, TX, where Fort Sam Houston is. After my required 3 years of service are up, we will decide if we want to make a career out of the Army band, or use the experience there gained to see what other doors can be opened.
To sum up, I am living a life-long fantasy. I didn't get to teach Seminary full-time, but I did get to teach Seminary. Now, I get to have a life as a full-time, professional trumpet player. I can't ask for more. Well, not much more.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Farm Country ポニーに乗ったよ。
先週末、恵伝と真椰の病気が治ったのでthanksgiving pointにあるfarm countryに行ってきました。そんなに大きくないねんけど、色々動物が見れるし、ポニーに乗れるし、入場料$3.50やし、２歳までタダやし。恵伝は前に１回行ったことあったんやけど、真椰は今回初めてでした。もう入って牧場内に足を踏み入れた瞬間に恵伝はダッシュ。
We went to Farm Country (Thanksgiving point) last weekend. It was nice to get out since both Caden and Maya were sick for almost 2 weeks. As soon as Caden saw the pony ride, he ran.
乗った時にはもう大満足の笑顔。
You can see how happy he was.
真椰は全く笑わず、何が起こっているのか把握出来てなかったような。2回目に乗った時はずっと馬に話しかけてました。
Maya had no idea what was going on. She enjoyed it more the second time around, though.
その後、最近ちょっと歩けるようになった真椰は調子にのって段差のあるとこを1人で降りた為転けてしまいました。鼻が血だらけになってかわいそうやった。
After the pony rides, Maya thought she could walk on her own so she did. But she tripped and hit her nose on a wooden wall.
恵伝は動物達に話しかけたりして楽しんでました。これは恵伝がにわとりに挨拶してるところ。別にやらせたわけでもないねんけど、私が『恵伝、こんにちはってゆった？』って聞いたらえらい頭下げて『こんにちは、チキン。』やって。
Caden had a blast talking to all the animals there. This is the picture of him saying hello...well, Japanese style.
We went to Farm Country (Thanksgiving point) last weekend. It was nice to get out since both Caden and Maya were sick for almost 2 weeks. As soon as Caden saw the pony ride, he ran.
乗った時にはもう大満足の笑顔。You can see how happy he was.
真椰は全く笑わず、何が起こっているのか把握出来てなかったような。2回目に乗った時はずっと馬に話しかけてました。Maya had no idea what was going on. She enjoyed it more the second time around, though.
その後、最近ちょっと歩けるようになった真椰は調子にのって段差のあるとこを1人で降りた為転けてしまいました。鼻が血だらけになってかわいそうやった。After the pony rides, Maya thought she could walk on her own so she did. But she tripped and hit her nose on a wooden wall.
恵伝は動物達に話しかけたりして楽しんでました。これは恵伝がにわとりに挨拶してるところ。別にやらせたわけでもないねんけど、私が『恵伝、こんにちはってゆった？』って聞いたらえらい頭下げて『こんにちは、チキン。』やって。Caden had a blast talking to all the animals there. This is the picture of him saying hello...well, Japanese style.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Thursday, February 5, 2009
お弁当
最近、恵伝は食べることより遊ぶことのほうがいいらしく全然自分で食べようとしないし、前みたいにおかわりもしなくなった。だから、ちょっと工夫してお弁当を作るようになった。日本にいるお母さん達にはちょっと恥ずかしくて見せられへんくらいヘボイけど。昨日はパンダのおにぎり。本間はkungfu pandaのはずが、子供らが腹へったと泣き始めたので普通パンダに。でもすごいよろこんで、全部食べてくれた。写真では見えへんかもしれんけど、初めて鶏肉と豆腐のチキンナゲットを作ってみた。中がふわふわで、油もん嫌いな恵伝も私達の分も食べた。クックパッドで見つけたレシピで作ってんけど、もし作ってみたかったら教えて。レシピメールしたるわあ。むっちゃ簡単やから。
ブログ頑張るわ。
ずーっとめんどくさくてやってなかったブログ。ちょっと頑張ってみることにしました。２月３日一応恵方巻き食べました。豆まきは真椰がびびったので中止。せっかく頑張ってつくった巻きなのに、恵伝は食べ始めてすぐ寝てしまい結局２口ぐらいしか食べなかった。その時間．．．6時。ちょっと寝るの早すぎ．．．!!ってあせったけど、朝７時半まで寝てました。私もやってみたい．．．１３時間半の睡眠。
Sunday, January 25, 2009
What gives me gas?
It doesn't take much to give me gas. I get gas from the simplest things, even ones that should help relieve gas. I get gas from pasta, cheese, Tums, beef, pork, chicken, eggs, rice, milk, Extra gum, hamburgers, lettuce, pot stickers, wheat bread, ultra violet rays, yakisoba, peanut butter, chocolate ice cream, Bucky Covington, carrots, potatoes, radishes, Lucky Charms, Evian, 18th century Impressionist art, the Book of Leviticus, anything above a high C, riboflavin, brocolli, asparagus, bananas, tomatos, potato chips, spinach, lemonaide, french toast, hot dogs, hot chocolate, Hot Pockets, Moscow ID, french fries, G.O.R.P., cherry cobbler, Skittles, raisen bran, oatmeal, curry, elk, grape juice, Kenny G, Disneyland, early morning Priesthood meetings, Zuppas, Pez, green beans, brown beans, black beans, jelly beans, strawberries, Tylenol, snicker doodles, tuna, breadsticks, meat balls, and apples.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Happy New Year
Though I should make a New Year's resolution to be better at updating my family's blog, I'm not going to. I realize that this isn't going to come as a blow to most people, but to those of you (like me) who thrive on the new updates of friends and family via one or more products offered by Google, I apologize.
All in all, we had a pretty good year. Sure, we had ups and downs along with the rest of the world, but it turned out to be just fine (as it always does and always will).
Maya came to us in January and has brought so much happiness with her goofy little personality. She and Caden absolutely complete my wife and I. It's amazing I made it this far in my life without those people. Maya's coming, however, wasn't at all easy. A week after she was born, Ai had sudden and unexpected complications that almost took her from me. In fact, doctors were preparing me for the worst. But, I put my hands on her head in a special way and we both knew that she would be fine.
I have always wanted to be a Seminary teacher, but I found out this year that it wasn't to be. This gave me a new resolve to focus on another love: music. I have really worked hard to be a better musician and have found such satisfaction in doing so. I have been able to work with people in the music world that have changed my life. One of them shared this poem with me:
"I sit here as a man humbled
by the gift in my hand.
Burdened by the weight of my humanity,
Amazed by the power of God.
Who am I,
That the God of this world offer me this gift?
Who am I,
That I have been chosen,
to touch the heart with sound?
Really.
It's not because of who I am,
But because of who he is.
He chose what was least in this world,
So that his glory might be seen.
I am by all accounts one who is
Least in this world.
I have failed more times
Than I have succeeded.
Even with the best of intentions,
I get it wrong.
Yet I know,
That when I close my eyes and blow,
He moves through me."
- Maketta Nicole Wilcoxson
I try to practice, teach, and play with that philosophy and it makes a differece. It's amazing what happens when priorities and motives are in the right place.
The kids are well, Ai never ceases to show me what true love really means, and I'm just trying to keep up with them.
Happy New Year! Things were great in '08, and they're gonna be fine in '09!
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