Happy Christmas

Instead of the traditional Christmas cards we usually send out, the Mister and I thought it would be kinda cute to make our own newsletter this time around. It turned out real well, dontcha think?

These three are my absolute treasures!

We have had a lot going on this year, and with the upcoming move, even more so around this time. The Mister and I made a concerted effort to keep up with most of the traditions we enjoy as a family, but sadly, with the added workload of the move, some were simply left out.

Either way, it was a joyous holiday season. We got lucky in that we properly gauged the right toys for the kids amidst the endless array of commercials in which we heard "That's what I want for Christmas!" Santa left us a bulk family gift: the Kinect for the XBOX 360 along with several games to go with it. What fun! Awesome gift, every one of us loves playing it! (expect a separate post on this) Dylan, who has outgrown toys, got a pair of basketball shoes he has coveted for the past three months, accoutrements for his phone, and some spending moolah for whatever else he'd like. Sophia's wishes for a zoo set and vet center came through. And Liv got her "stools" (tool) set and teacup piggies. The girls also got a dollhouse with furniture sets so mommy dearest can play with them. :-)

The Mister got the week off and we were able to take a breather from all the planning and preparing and simply enjoy time together as a family.

We hope all of you have enjoyed this season as much as we have. Merry Christmas! And here's to a Happy New Year!

Starting Anew

Hear ye hear ye! I will be launching a new blog at the start of the new year!

I am currently in the process of choosing a design, and whether or not I want to go through the trouble of writing the HTML myself or getting one made.

Initially, of course, it will cover the PCS process and will continue to share our adventures in our new place.

I will post an announcement upon its launch, and hope you all will

decide to subscribe/follow the fam through there!

What's in a Name?

...That which we call a rose. By any other name would smell as sweet...

In this case, it meant my boy's identity and sense of belonging in this family. At twelve years old, he has known the Mister's love for three quarters of his life. He knows he is treated and cared for and loved just as much as everyone else in our family. He knows that although Louie didn't have a hand in bringing him into this world, that he did play a huge role in bringing him up in it. But nevertheless, whenever the time called for his documented name and he had to sign a surname unlike the rest of ours, I could see the annoyance and even a twinge of sadness in my dear boy's face.

Now, after years of reasoning with the idiot who was the sperm donor for this wonderful boy (he must have taken after me), the change has finally come.

DYLAN LOUIS OCHOA

He had the option to change his middle name, which was orginally after his two grandfathers. But Dylan wanted to honor the man who has loved him as much as any other father would love his son, if not more. And so the middle name was chosen by the bearer himself.

With the decline of traditional nuclear families, it is rare for such strong relationships to result from marriages with children already involved. But, to my surprise, I was relieved to witness such a special bond develop between the Mister and Dylan. Now, as the awkward years of teendom and puberty approach, I find myself on the sidelines observing my boy reach out to the Mister, smiling as the two close the door to have a talk about issues that "Mom would never understand."

What a way to end the year, to see my son's ultimate dream of gaining the legal right to hold his father's name.

Movin' On Out

Smack dab in the middle of the military PCS (permanent change of station) process, I find myself conflicted (what's new?) whether to feel excited or sad. Having been through this enough times, I am fully aware it is pointless to try and settle for one emotion, as it is just impossible. I think of the possibilities of this new adventure to Alaska and become overcome with the desire to jump up and do a ridiculously goofy happy dance. And then I look at this home I built with my family that is slowly looking bare as a result from the "minimizing and decluttering" process, and I get all sentimental. It's a seesaw thing. I swear this move is making me bipolar.



Anyway, practically 45 days out from PCS, the Mister and I have realized we are slightly ahead of schedule. It was my goal from the onset of notification that we would not be the family running around at the last minute stressing over issues that have not been taken care of. Organization is the key! So, it's nice to know it has paid off. We are taken care of, and during this holiday season, the fam can actually kick our feet up and relax without nagging worries of unpreparedness.



Happy Holidays, everyone!

First Field Trip

She didn't quite understand the concept of a field trip, this being her first one. So when we turned down a different road on what she knew as her ride to school, Liv pitched a fit like no other, insisting I turn the car around as we were going the wrong way! Not until she spotted her teacher and BFF J at the entrance of the pumpkin patch did she comprehend it was a "special school day."

The kids were allowed free time to play amongst the different playgrounds in the courtyard and pet the farm animals in their petting farm area.

The tractor ride took us to a patch filled especially with teeny pumpkins like this one. Liv spotted hers right away, stepping into the field several feet and zoning in on a bright orange one.

We didn't stay long. I'd like to say it's because she would have been bored anyway, but really, I chose to wear a hoodie that day and I was starting to sweat buckets. But, all in all, it was an excellent first field trip and a perfect way to bid farewell to the autumn season.

Go ahead, TSA, TOUCH ME!

If absolutely necessary, anyway. I am REALLY getting tired of all this bull about "invasive" pat-downs and revealing body scans at the airports. So many people have complained about these mandatory searches and I have had it!

Sure, if you have concerns about the radiation levels of a scan, you have the liberty to opt out of it and subject yourself to a body patdown. But are people really worried about the x-ray levels here? Or are they just worried that others can see the silhouette of their unattractive physique? Maybe your junk isn't so impressive and you don't want these security guards to know the limitations of your endowment....Or the thought of strangers knowing exactly how many spare tires you have around your middle sends chills up your spine.

And then you complain about the extent of those pat downs, TSA's manhandling your "treats." Really? You opted out of the scan that leaves you unscathed, and then you feel violated? Your choice, buddy.

My choice? Do whatever you need to, TSA! I'd rather let these guys, who won't remember me anyway, get a little chuckle out of the disproportionate body of my fat little midget self than have to worry about my plane going down in flames because they missed a terrorist who hid a firing pin in his ass crack.

It seems to me America has forgotten 9/11, or refused to acknowledge that they are NOT the exception to security measures. So, TSA, here is a grateful American, giving you the invite to do what you will to keep the skies safe. I'm sure you won't enjoy touching this body anyway.

Perfect Planner!

In my exhaustive search for the perfect planner, I think I have found one, or a near-perfect one anyway. The size of a smallish notebook, it is large enough to fit all of my notes and to-do's, but small enough to fit in my beloved purse. I love the colorful contemporary designs available, and mind you, they are available for customization. There is a perpetual calendar for important dates in the front section, followed by a two-page yearly calendar which then continues onto the monthly calendars. My favorite is the weekly layout, divided into morning-day-night sections, with most pages containing a "to-do" and "goals" area in the margin. I also appreciate the included sticker labels that I use to identify set appointments. The spiral binding isn't the most attractive element of the package, but I am relieved to be able to write on the left-hand pages without the book suddenly shutting on me. Instead, the book sides lay flat.

My only big complaint is the writing surface of the stickers themselves, most having too much of a plastic-esque sheen that leads to smudging if you don't write with a ballpoint pen (I have an extra fine point Sharpie pen). I would also want to move the pocket page to the inside front cover instead of in the back, making it easier to access.

But, all in all, SO much better than a Franklin Covey any day, and SO much cuter as well! Check it out! www.erincondren.com

For the past week or so, I've been in a funk, allowing myself to get fired up over a situation that has been bugging me lately. Many times, I've clicked on "New Post" and tapped away my anger and hurt in a self-involved diatribe that thankfully, I have had the sense to simply delete instead of making it a permanent piece of my online oversharing. And now...well, now...I think I'm at peace with the whole thing and hopefully, I am able to express myself here and avoid hurting anyone else.

Growing up the way I did, permanent relationships were hard to come by. It was a given goodbye's were inevitable and it was natural for one to form simple friendships...fully aware of their ephemeral state. I suppose it was bound to happen....considering this place is now officially the location I have called home the longest...that there would be hope of a more lasting and therefore permanent friendship. I allowed myself to form strong kinships, and although just a short while ago I regretted doing so, I've come to realize that this is simply something that just happens just because.

In any case, coming to the realization that you have been outgrown or discarded in a sense still hurts. Phone calls become rare, and even time spent together seems forced and awkward. The demise of a friendship, whether from a sudden blowout or a gradual drifting such as this, is always a sad thing.

Perhaps this just fits into the natural order of saying goodbye to this place. Utah has been an ever gracious host, and no matter how painful the goodbyes will be, the memories with friends both past and present will always be treasured.

I Can't

Potty training in reverse. Lately, this adorable little monster has been afflicted with the "I-Can't"s .

Crossing her legs and grabbing her crotch in a dramatic display of the classic pee dance, she yells, "Mom, I have to go peeeeeeee!"

"Well, go to the bathroom then."

She looks exasperated, as if she has never displayed an umpteen amount of times that she CAN proceed through all steps of doing her business all by her capable little self. "But I CAAAAAN'T!"
By this time, hopping up and down has been added to her writhing repertoire.

This argument continues with both sides simply repeating their case.

I've tried to play hardball, insisting she would unfortunately have to release her bladder onto the floor. But she goes on with her dance as she fills the house with her shrieking. I suppose I should just stick to my guns because when I give in, choosing to preserve my hearing and sanity, and accompany her to the bathroom, she goes about putting her seat on the toilet, positions the stool, steps on, pulls her pants down, does her thing, wipes her thing, pulls her pants up, and flushes...all by herself.

I stand there with my hands on my hips, "See, you CAN do it by yourself."

She looks up at me, big ole eyes brimming with innocence, and shakes her head, "No, I can't."

New Read

I loved this.

"There was a time when he woke gently, rising through the layers of his own soft darkness until his consciousness emerged, whole and round and perched on the radiant horizon of his day."

A story of a man coping with the tragic loss of his wife while raising their young son, a woman struggling to find her feet in an unhappy marriage, and the eventual occurence of their worlds colliding. There was so much quiet anguish on each page, I could feel my heart breaking with each word. I almost quit on this novel, thinking it was too sad. (I like happy endings.) But I saw it through and although the ending isn't the conventional loose strings being tied deal, I still felt satisfied at how it came about. I don't want to give too much away, it really is worth your time to witness what happens.

Skype Book Club!

I am SO excited about this! A dear friend and kindred spirit in subjects of books, Christmas, parenting, and home decor has extended an invitation of a book club to be conducted through the cyber channels of Skype. I love that I don't have to tiptoe around issues that may be considered offensive/touchy/off-limits when it comes to a good read. Technology sure has come a long way, hasn't it? With Nooks and Kindles involved...this is as electronic savvy as a book club can get!

Junior Ranger

Every time Team Och ventures out for an adventure, we usually find ourselves in a park...national or state...and discover that it hosts a Junior Ranger Program. We had first become aware of this genius idea when the fam camped out at Bryce Canyon National Park with the base's outdoor recreation group last year.

At each Ranger Station or Visitor Center in the park, young visitors can pick up an activity book (some parks offer it for free, some for a small 2 or 3 dollar fee). The activities have great information aimed at children about the park itself and encourages conservation. Upon completion, a ranger reviews the book, swears the new junior ranger into the corps, and hands the little one a certificate and a badge.

We had started out with Dylan and Sophia participating, but since our boy is advancing into the "I'm too cool pre-teen" age, Sophia has been the key Junior Ranger of the family. She loves the challenge of the activities, and especially loves the shiny badges or colorful patches she receives as reward.
So far, she has earned junior ranger badges from Bryce Canyon, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Bear Lake, Antelope Island, Garden of the Gods, and Mount Rushmore.

It is a great way to enrich a child's experience in these wonderful places. To this day, Sophia can still explain how a mesa gradually transforms into a spire (like the ones seen in Bryce Canyon). So hopefully, when she is older, she just won't shrug and say, "Yeah, I went to the Grand Canyon when I was a kid...it was big."

Prepping for the Nipply Cold

Since returning from the uber-fun (and drama-filled) mini-vacay, days have been filled with intermittent bursts of internet browsing in preparation for the below freezing temps Fam Och will soon be living in early next year. I've heard a bunch of stories from various sources and have since confirmed or debunked them one by one.

Myth 1: Alaskans need to keep their cars plugged into a heater overnight.

---I thought this must be an exaggeration. Ummmm, no. Engine block heaters, currently retailing for 150 a pop, are a necessity in the land of ice. We'll take two of those, please.

Myth 2: The sun does not rise during the winter/The sun does not set during the summer.

--Not so much. Maybe if you live in Barrow. But in Anchorage, the day of the winter solstice is when there is the least amount of sun. And during then, the average is five and a half hours of sunlight. During the summer solstice, there are 24 hours of sunlight. (Hello, midnight golfing!) I don't think this concerns me so much. Nothing like halogen lamps and blackout curtains can't remedy.

Myth 3: It is sweater weather all year long.

--This I am happy dancing about. Not so much a fan of the sun and epidermis-searing heat, nothing is more comfortable than lounging in hoodies. And it's always cute to layer clothes when you wanna look extra spiffy for the day. No sticky icky sweat. Hooray!

--On the other hand, when the cold winter months roll around, it's more layers of base layers, polar-tec fleeces, puffy down jackets, hats, gloves, wool socks, boots, and in extreme weather...face masks. LOL. Base housing better have big closets!

Fam Och has been gifted with yet another exciting adventure. We can't wait to start it!

The Issue of Punctuality

Many years ago, as I was pouting and grumbling about having to get ready for an appointment two hours before it was set, my father said,"Being late is inconsiderate of others. Being inconsiderate means you don't care about the other person you set up a time with. Being inconsiderate means you are selfish. Selfish people are the worst kind of person."

I don't think I was late ever after that....well, give or take a few instances in which I couldn't help. But I was never ever late to a time I had previously agreed upon on purpose. My father lectured about the issue of punctuality from that moment, during the drive over, and during the drive back from the appointment. Let's just say it stuck.

I will go to great lengths to ensure I meet every appointment, or meeting, or what-have-you...from mentally running through the next day's timeline to ensure I can successfully accomplish everything to the most minute detail (to include bathroom breaks) AND still avoid being late. I am especially hard on myself when it doesn't work out as planned, and I am genuinely shamed. And so, I expect the same courtesy of others.

My husband, all too aware of my hypersensitivity to this issue knowingly refrains from committing to a time if it means he cannot 100% guarantee he will be there at least five minutes early.

So...if you agree to a time with me...don't keep me waiting in the car with the engine running after I had stayed up late the night before packing and showering and preparing just so we can keep the schedule. Because then, I'll just think you inconsiderate, and therefore, selfish, and therefore the worst kind of person.

Alaska Bound!

Yes, folks...we are Alaska bound in a little over five months! Happy Dance time!

First Day

Oh, it just breaks my heart. Countless times I have prayed inwardly for these three to all be old enough to be at school just so I can get a measly little break. I got one today...I don't know if I'm as happy as I thought I would be.

I remember, for each of them, the very instant I laid eyes on them. Soft downy hair, teeny tiny little fingers and perfect little toes, that tender soft spot on top of their heads...and that unmistakeable sweet baby scent. I remember how protective I felt, knowing instantly I would take a bullet for them no questions asked. I remember how helpless they looked. And now, well...now they are picking what to wear, laughing at inside jokes they share between them, and going off to school. *sigh* What was I thinking wanting to grow up so fast?

Oh no! She is ALL grown Up!

My youngest is a preschooler.

All ready to go (wearing an outfit she picked out herself, btw) at Utah Bravo Arts Academy.
Excellent school...they teach sign language and piano primer in addition to the regular curriculum.

She had this cheesy grin the whole time. So happy for my baby. It seems she has gotten bored with Mommy as company all the time. :-(

Before I know it, this little one will be asking for an allowance...or a car...or a prom dress...This whole growing up business is a little hard to swallow.

Sand Flies and Brine Shrimp Stink

Really, if you get past those two majorly negative factors, it's quite breathtaking on Antelope Island. For those of you non-locals, Antelope Island is the largest island in the middle of the Great Salt Lake. Although named after the pronghorn antelope that found their way across the salty waters to make a home there, it is more famous for the 600+ American bison herd that freely roams the area during the warmer months (they are corralled in the winter).

Outdoor activities abound, from swimming at the beach, picnicking, hiking, and wildlife viewing. We only stayed long enough to hike up Buffalo Point and earn Dylan and Sophie their Junior Ranger badges for this state park. The trail is only a half mile each way, with a great 360 degree view of the island at the peak. There were lizards scurrying all over the rocks along the trail, which of course delighted our animal lover Soph.

One thing we were so grateful we took along: our Kelty child backpack carrier. The trail doesn't accomodate strollers and we weren't about to carry little lazy Liv all the way up and down the path. She was perfectly content riding in it, shielded from the sun and bugs with the screened sunshade. Priceless!

It is only a $10 entrance fee once you cross the 7.5 mile causeway (just follow Antelope Drive all the way west). The views are amazing. After awhile, the smell (dead shrimp) and the flies (wear long sleeves and a hat) can be ignored.

Note: Every late October-early November, there is a bison round-up and the public is welcome.

Greetings new Reader!

Since I am of the curious sort...I have a new reader from Germany who has been frequenting the site. I have a slight inkling of who it is (a dear friend from tech school), but either way, would you leave a comment on here to say hi?

Possibilities

Hawaii...England...Germany...and now Alaska...

I think it's come to the point that I really could care less any more where we get orders to. I'd be perfectly happy just to KNOW where.

Possibilities are high this time around. The Mister claims he has everything straightened out with his personnel coding that we shouldn't have any obstacles against getting orders for this cycle. Locations have been published. It's slim pickings for him...Osan, Korea or Elmendorf, Alaska. Odds are high Alaska is the place since they need a total of six with his rank.

Mister has been dying to go back (he spent a number of years in high school in Adak, AK) and I am not wholly opposed to the prospect of relocating there. I heard it is beautiful.

Sea kayaking, glacier hiking, wildlife viewing...many many outdoor adventures await this outdoorsy family. So cross your fingers for Elmendorf. I know I am.

Hosting Guests Etiquette 101

#1. Do not give your guests your USED and soiled comforter/sheets/pillows to use during their stay.

Doesn't that seem like common sense. It seems, my friends, that it is not it all parts of the country.

Loved Twilight? Here's another one for you!

Could-not-put-it-down

Jackson Wyoming Day 4

The last day of events involved a stewaradship project arranged between Teton Science Schools and the rangers of GTNP. We were given a quick familiarization to the vegetation of the park, and we were let loose at an area of the woods in which an aggressive weed was invading and choking out the natural feeding grounds of the pronghorn and moose.

Our group cleared out millions (I don't know, it was a very large area though) of acres of the houndstooth weed, with everyone including the littlest ones chipping in to help. Another valuable lesson for the kids about taking responsibility and ownership of a natural treasure.

Dylan and Sophia especially eagerly participated, and even broke a sweat, taking part in this. They really got it. Now, the Grand Teton National Park holds a special place in their hearts. Every now and then, Soph would say, "Can you believe we saved the plants for the deer and pronghorn to eat?"
Because of this tasking, the kids were exempt from attending a junior ranger program (this was a much bigger deal after all) and were automatically given their Junior Ranger badges for the park.

Jackson Wyoming Day 3

The first half of day 3 involved a float trip down the Snake River and a hike. Again, the girls were left behind, not that they minded.

This is George the bald eagle, his mate Martha was flying around the area.

We saw a total of 6 bald eagles in the span of two hours during this float trip.

The minimum age for float trips is six years old. It was very very tame, no whitewater at all. I gather the only reason they don't let babies on is for insurance purposes. Beautiful again, of course, with the Tetons in the background.

We drove to the Gros Ventre area to eat our picnic lunches in Mormon Row. A road of old settlements in the area. We were able to view herds of bison and watch the ground squirrels scurry around us.

After a FOCUS discussion group, we drove into town to watch the local fireworks show. A long and tiring but otherwise perfect day.

Jackson Wyoming Day 2

Saturday was our first foray into the Grand Teton National Park. Our scheduled activities were not conducive to the safety of the little ones, so both girls were left behind at the provided daycare on campus. They were busy with arts and crafts and playtime with other kids their age. (Actually, Sophia was old enough to go with us, but she opted out since she is deathly afraid of the water because of a near-drowning incident two years ago.)

So what's cool about GTNP?

1) It's quite smaller than the neighboring Yellowstone, so it was not even close to as overwhelming.
2) The Tetons (the mountain range) are seen from every freaking where in the park. They rise up out of nowhere...with no foothills to block the view. They are breathtaking.
3) Because Yellowstone is right next to it and attract the brunt of visitors, GTNP is quiet with NO traffic. Great place to really appreciate the beauty of nature without dumb tourists doing stupid things like trying to pet the bison.
4) Bald eagles, moose, bison, pronghorn, marmot, beavers....I can go on and on. Yes, we saw them all except the grizzly bear (but I don't think I really wanted an encounter with one in any case).
Our first excursion was at String (er) Lake at the foot of the Tetons. Dylan took the front position and the Mister took the rear while I in my carpal tunnel syndrome glory took the position of "duffer," a glorified title for lazy-ass-sitting-in-the-middle-doing absolutely-nothing-but-taking-pictures-and-taking-in-the-view.


D was very nervous about taking the lead position, arguing he was not near as strong as his dad to paddle our canoe around. But after a bit, he caught on and was a natural, always good to cue his dad instructions on switching paddling sides. The Mister and I always lamented on the circumstance that we have not been able to have private bonding time with our oldest since we usually had to cater to the girls' interests most of the time. This day was fantastic time for us three without the distractions of little girls needing emergency potty breaks.

Look at that view.

We ate our packed lunches on the water, our canoes tethered to all the others in our group. Our fabulous and extremely smart group guide, Kelly, led us around the lake, pointing out beaver lodges and other geological features of the mountains in the forefront. I don't think Dylan would have cared what a glacial morain is if it weren't for our cute guide. :-)

We turned over the canoes to the next group, and we hitched our backpacks on and hiked to neighboring Jenny Lake.

Check out the bald eagle's nest in the background.

Back "home" playtime with the little ones began before a yummy dinner of beef tenderloin.

Liv ecstatic to have the family back to pick her up from "school."

Jackson Wyoming Day 1

What: Operation Purple Family Retreat

Where: Teton Science School Campus, Jackson, WY

Why: Rest, Relaxation, Adventure for families who have endured deployments

Fam Och had never heard of the Teton Science Schools until this retreat, but apparently, this non-profit educational center specializes in environmental science and preservation education for those eight years old and up. They host day camps throughout the summer, and have dormitories, I believe for in-resident studies throughout the traditional school year.

It is here that we stayed, in the dorms built from 100% recycled material, powered partly by solar panels stationed throughout the campus, which of course was a great thing because it gave us an opportunity to explain the importance of energy conservation to the kids and have them experience it firsthand.

The dormitories

The campus lay in the Coyote Canyon, nestled between aspen groves where pronghorn antelope can be seen grazing at the tops of the hills above us. Along with the excursions, all lodging and meal expenses were provided in this retreat. There was no cleaning staff, however, and so each family teamed with another each night to take over kitchen cleanup duties. I have never seen Dylan excited to wash dishes before this! He was in charge of rinsing with teenaged twin boys of another fam, while the Mister dried dishes. Sophie vaccuumed the entry rugs, while Liv and I sprayed and wiped the tables and chairs in the cafeteria.

The first day consisted mainly of checking in and getting settled in our room. A double bed and two sets of bunk beds, in our case. Being nestled between canyon walls led to a consistent and oftentimes chilly breeze, but this did not stop Sophia from partaking in some relaxing in the rocking chairs situated outside the dorms.

We got to know all the other families from different branches of the military. Some came as far as Georgia. We had icebreakers and family arts and crafts (one of them had us creating our family flag), followed by free time playing lawn games and romping around the playground.

It was a fabulous start to an even more fabulous weekend.