And Happy Anniversary to Grandpa & Grandma Brandt
Let's see... Is it their 67th? I think they got married in 1941 on August 1. Anyway, Happy Anniversary you two!!
Happy TENTH Anniversary!!
Wow! Erica and Zack have been married ten years today. Can anyone believe it?
Candace's Link, "Eisley Rain" is really cool.
Candace maid very brief mention of her blogspot, Eisley Rain, which is where we can see the stylin' stuff she's making available for parents and grandparents of trendy babies. Unfortunately, I've piled so many posts on here that I buried her post. So, please accept my apology, Candace, and , everyone else go to the Eisley Rain link in the right margin of this blog. Lots of cool stuff and lots of great photos of little Eisley modeling the wares she and Candace have created. Pass the word.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BRENTZIE!!!!!
Happy Birthday, Brentz from all of us. Your happy, radiant, energetic, vibrant soul has brought so much richness into our lives. Thank you for being the instigator and igniter of so many memorable family moments. We love you and thank Heavenly Father for you every day. From Paul, Dash, Zane, Andrew, Hilarie, Daniel, Candace, Eisley, Erica, Zack, Owen, Emily, Jeff and Marin. Mahalo!!
One More Picture
OK there has to be at least one shot of the ocean. For more, check out our blog paulandbrentz.blogspot.com
View From Our Balcony
Though the ocean is only a short, intensely scenic walk away, our view is of Bali Hai. My camera does not show the details, e.g., the ribbon-like water falls that start near the top of the mountains and can be traced to the bottom.Since this isn't video, you can't hear the frogs, pigeons, crickets, an occasional rooster, or the breeze; or see the swaying branches or soaring birds. This place is Garden of Eden-like.
Woo Hoo!! Off to Kauai!!!
It was a last minute decision and we chose Kauai as the place to celebrate Brentz's birthday. It was a late night with almost no sleep, we passed up the early morning flight and caught the 10am flight to Phoenix and barely got on the 2pm flight to LiHu'e (lee hoo' ay). We have a new blog started--paulandbrentz.blogspot.com. It looks pretty utilitarian right now but it's a start. Help!! Candace!! Can you set us up with a link from brandtcentral to paulandbrentz? The email address for paulandbrentz is paulandbrentz@gmail.com and the password is changa01
We're phasing out utbrandts@comcast.net. Too much junkmail. It's still active but we only check it every several days.
Just getting started and very excited!!
So, I just started the blog for my craftiness!! It doesn't have much on it yet and I'd like to make some adjustments to it, but I'm excited about having something up for people to look at and hopefully order things!!Eisley Rain is the name. www.eisleyrain.blogspot.com. Spread the word to all those baby having, baby shower going, grandparent friends of yours!! Thanks!!
I put a link to my site on the side!
I put a link to my site on the side!
A fun evening
This evening we went to the park for a surprise birthday party for one of Marin's new friends that she met at soccer last week. It was a lot of fun. Jeff and I chatted with the other parents while Marin waited anxiously with the other kids for Isabella to show up with her family. When she did, Marin was at the head of the pack of kids running to meet Isabella in the middle of the field. Marin ran with arms wide open and gave Isabella a big hug. It was so cute! There was so much excitement among the kids as they ran to the playground to play, then came to the pavilion for cake, and then ran back to the playground. All three of us really had a great time! We are so happy here!
We really enjoyed walking around this evening, to and from dinner at the Community Club, to the park, and then to lodging in the dark and the quiet rain. It smelled so good outside, and felt so peaceful.
We would have taken pictures, but it was already getting too dark. The sun sets here at about 6:50 PM and is totally dark by 7:30. Then it's already getting light at 4:30 AM and 9:00 AM looks like noonday. It's really different here. I wonder if Japan got confused on what time zone they're actually in. I really have no idea. I'm curious to see how early it gets dark and light in the winter!
Anyway, we are very, very excited to be here. There is so much for us to do, Jeff's leadership (who he will work for when finished in processing) are totally laid back, relaxed, and very excited to have him working for them, and me? Well, I'm not sure yet what I'll spend most of my time doing, but I am very excited about many opportunities and possibilities. This is a dream come true for us, to live in a foreign country and to immerse ourselves in the culture. We are already very at home here.
See my personal blog for more stories and pictures on our adventures!
We really enjoyed walking around this evening, to and from dinner at the Community Club, to the park, and then to lodging in the dark and the quiet rain. It smelled so good outside, and felt so peaceful.
We would have taken pictures, but it was already getting too dark. The sun sets here at about 6:50 PM and is totally dark by 7:30. Then it's already getting light at 4:30 AM and 9:00 AM looks like noonday. It's really different here. I wonder if Japan got confused on what time zone they're actually in. I really have no idea. I'm curious to see how early it gets dark and light in the winter!
Anyway, we are very, very excited to be here. There is so much for us to do, Jeff's leadership (who he will work for when finished in processing) are totally laid back, relaxed, and very excited to have him working for them, and me? Well, I'm not sure yet what I'll spend most of my time doing, but I am very excited about many opportunities and possibilities. This is a dream come true for us, to live in a foreign country and to immerse ourselves in the culture. We are already very at home here.
See my personal blog for more stories and pictures on our adventures!
Apple and iPhones!!
Very early Sunday morning (around 2am, so it was more like Saturday night) I dropped my iPhone on the hardwood floor and ruined the display. All that was visible were vertical lines. I was sick about it. Then being without my phone, text messaging, clock, flashlight, alarm clock, music, weather report, easy access to email and my calendar left a gaping hole in the next 42 hours. Tonight I went to the Apple Store at The Gateway to see if they could fix it. I hoped they could have it repaired soon and without too much expense. Without asking any questions, they replaced it with a new phone!! It was still under warranty. Actually, there were only two days left on a one-year warranty. Yay for iPhones and Apple!!
At the moment, I'm syncing my phone with my computer--restoring music, calendars, contact lists, etc. and hoping the battery on my Mac doesn't die (I left my charger at work) before the syncing is completed. That would be a drag but I am so thrilled to have "my" phone back.
At the moment, I'm syncing my phone with my computer--restoring music, calendars, contact lists, etc. and hoping the battery on my Mac doesn't die (I left my charger at work) before the syncing is completed. That would be a drag but I am so thrilled to have "my" phone back.
Way to go Dash!!
Dash went for it and has experienced the audition process first hand. Way to show up, Bud! We're proud of you!
72 new pix at oze.me
Erica, Zack and Owen have been doing some serious traveling, too, and just posted 72 photos on their blog at oze.me. Check it out!
The Andersons are ahead of us!?!?!?!
Since Jeff, Emily, and Marin flew west to get to Japan and since it is nine hours earlier in their day than it is in hours I made the assumption that they were behind us. What a surprise to read (at 2:00 pm MST, on Sunday) Emily's post about their experience at church! Either their new ward meets shortly after mid-night or they're actually fifteen hours ahead of us rather than nine hours behind us. Sure enough. I checked my iPhone and Jeff, Emily, and Marin (and a few million Japanese) are getting out of bed to take on Monday while I'm about to settle into bed for a Sunday afternoon nap. I'm not sure how I feel about this but I do like the thought that they are a whole day closer to coming back to the states. I miss those guys.
Sunday in Japan
Well, we had our first Sunday in Japan. It took us about 30 minutes to drive to the meeting house in the middle of Zama City. Most of the roads were so narrow that if another car had come the other way there would have been a real problem. The actual meeting house has three stories to it. The first level is for parking, the second is where the chapel is, and the third has classrooms. The Japanese wards share the building with us and it is absolutely wonderful! We met several other families and are excited to be apart of the branch. The Branch is quite small with only 10 sisters attending Relief Society, 11 kids in primary, and 6 Elders in the entire priesthood quorum at the moment. They say that after Summer the Branch will get bigger. Marin loved Primary as well. There are several young girls about a year younger than Marin, but she gets along with them just fine. Oh yes, Marin wanted to be sure we let you know the building has an elevator!
We also found out how dedicated the members in Japan really are. The work week here is 6 days with the only day off being Sunday. Top that off with a regular 12+ hour work day and you can understand why these members are truly dedicated. They give up their only day off in order to attend church and fulfill church callings. They don't go on many excursions or outings because they keep the Sabbath day holy. What dedication and sacrifice.
The Church is true. Even here in Japan. I hope the spirit of the Sabbath will rest upon you today and that you will find peace and comfort in the Savior's promises.
Love,
Jeff, Emily, and Marin
We also found out how dedicated the members in Japan really are. The work week here is 6 days with the only day off being Sunday. Top that off with a regular 12+ hour work day and you can understand why these members are truly dedicated. They give up their only day off in order to attend church and fulfill church callings. They don't go on many excursions or outings because they keep the Sabbath day holy. What dedication and sacrifice.
The Church is true. Even here in Japan. I hope the spirit of the Sabbath will rest upon you today and that you will find peace and comfort in the Savior's promises.
Love,
Jeff, Emily, and Marin
Thanks for the update, Emily!
It was great to read about and see the pictures of your new home. Thanks! And great job figuring out how to post so quickly. Now, if I can just figure out how to call you guys on Skype. I love you.
I think we landed in Paradise!
Camp Zama
Well, here we are! We're in Japan! We are doing very well and LOVING our adventure! Everyone is telling us too, that this is a great assignment---very kicked back and relaxed, and lots of amazing cultural and travel opportunities for the whole family---and it's evident in how happy and relaxed they are as they tell us. We are given tons of time to in process and acclimate to the new time zone at a very relaxed pace. Jeff wont even start working til August 1st, but we're finally getting paid again! Phew!
Japan looks very different from the US. I don't even know how to describe it well, but to say that everything here is very cramped and compact---cars, streets, walkways, buildings. Camp Zama has more of a US feel to it, not so cramped, but most everything here is Japanese made.
The vegetation is beautiful. We can see mountains. It's extremely humid here. Virginia's humidity is nothing compared to this. I love that it's low elevation. I struggled with the high elevation last week in Utah. I could hardly stay awake, but here I have lots of energy! Marin and I adjusted quickly and easily to the new time zone, but Jeff is still working on it.
Camp Zama is very small and everything that we need is within about 5 minute walking distance from Army Lodging---shopping and dining (the basics, nothing fancy), Army Community Service Center, medical and dental offices, schools, the library, the park. It's a good thing because we don't have a car. We'll get a nice cheap one after we take the class for driving in Japan next Tuesday. There's a '98 Beamer for sale for $5000, but most are for maybe $2000 or even much less.
Last night we had Mongolian BBQ. It was so good!!! The set up was buffet style where we each filled a large bowl with all the raw veggies and raw meat that we wanted stir fried together and then they took it back to the kitchen to stir fry it for us. Even Marin's pizza was a self made pizza that they took back to bake.
Everyone here tells us that this is a great assignment and to kick back and relax! The work load and work schedules here are very light, even for the Lt. Colonel (high ranking and usually a very busy position). He met with us yesterday for a while to welcome us and chat for a while. That's not the case anywhere else in the military. Anywhere else it would be a quick, impersonal 5 minute "hi, welcome, we'll see you at work".
This morning we stopped by the MWR facility (Moral Welfare and Recreation). That's where we can check out sports and camping equipment and sign up for fun trips to do all kinds of fun things---group hikes, trips around Tokyo and other areas for festivals, Disneyland, clam digging, berry picking, you name it! This is staring to feel like a 3 year CRUISE!
We are SOOOOO excited to be here!
This may be unrelated but it's just too cute not to add it. Last night Marin was whimpering in her sleep and I knew that she was having a bad dream, so I woke her up from it. Her bad dream was that some "bad guys" were taking a Pegasus away. She beat up 3 of them, but the rest of them still got away with the Pegasus. Is that so cute and funny or what? She's such a 5 year old girl! :}
After the 11 hour flight, with our 11 bags! Marin wouldn't look.
Our very first sight of Japan.... HOW THE HECK DO YOU FLUSH THE TOILET?????
Well, uh, I'm not sure this is much better...no thanks...
Yen!
The bus from the airport stopped next to a sweet car show for a little 10 minute break. I couldn't resist taking some pictures! Too bad it was getting dark out.
Check out the mail boxes here! Somebody like Star Wars.
I promise I don't normally do such longs posts. I hope no one minds that this one is so long. From here on out they will be much shorter.
Well, here we are! We're in Japan! We are doing very well and LOVING our adventure! Everyone is telling us too, that this is a great assignment---very kicked back and relaxed, and lots of amazing cultural and travel opportunities for the whole family---and it's evident in how happy and relaxed they are as they tell us. We are given tons of time to in process and acclimate to the new time zone at a very relaxed pace. Jeff wont even start working til August 1st, but we're finally getting paid again! Phew!
Japan looks very different from the US. I don't even know how to describe it well, but to say that everything here is very cramped and compact---cars, streets, walkways, buildings. Camp Zama has more of a US feel to it, not so cramped, but most everything here is Japanese made.
The vegetation is beautiful. We can see mountains. It's extremely humid here. Virginia's humidity is nothing compared to this. I love that it's low elevation. I struggled with the high elevation last week in Utah. I could hardly stay awake, but here I have lots of energy! Marin and I adjusted quickly and easily to the new time zone, but Jeff is still working on it.
Camp Zama is very small and everything that we need is within about 5 minute walking distance from Army Lodging---shopping and dining (the basics, nothing fancy), Army Community Service Center, medical and dental offices, schools, the library, the park. It's a good thing because we don't have a car. We'll get a nice cheap one after we take the class for driving in Japan next Tuesday. There's a '98 Beamer for sale for $5000, but most are for maybe $2000 or even much less.
Last night we had Mongolian BBQ. It was so good!!! The set up was buffet style where we each filled a large bowl with all the raw veggies and raw meat that we wanted stir fried together and then they took it back to the kitchen to stir fry it for us. Even Marin's pizza was a self made pizza that they took back to bake.
Everyone here tells us that this is a great assignment and to kick back and relax! The work load and work schedules here are very light, even for the Lt. Colonel (high ranking and usually a very busy position). He met with us yesterday for a while to welcome us and chat for a while. That's not the case anywhere else in the military. Anywhere else it would be a quick, impersonal 5 minute "hi, welcome, we'll see you at work".
This morning we stopped by the MWR facility (Moral Welfare and Recreation). That's where we can check out sports and camping equipment and sign up for fun trips to do all kinds of fun things---group hikes, trips around Tokyo and other areas for festivals, Disneyland, clam digging, berry picking, you name it! This is staring to feel like a 3 year CRUISE!
We are SOOOOO excited to be here!
This may be unrelated but it's just too cute not to add it. Last night Marin was whimpering in her sleep and I knew that she was having a bad dream, so I woke her up from it. Her bad dream was that some "bad guys" were taking a Pegasus away. She beat up 3 of them, but the rest of them still got away with the Pegasus. Is that so cute and funny or what? She's such a 5 year old girl! :}
After the 11 hour flight, with our 11 bags! Marin wouldn't look.
Our very first sight of Japan.... HOW THE HECK DO YOU FLUSH THE TOILET?????
Well, uh, I'm not sure this is much better...no thanks...
Yen!
The bus from the airport stopped next to a sweet car show for a little 10 minute break. I couldn't resist taking some pictures! Too bad it was getting dark out.
Check out the mail boxes here! Somebody like Star Wars.
I promise I don't normally do such longs posts. I hope no one minds that this one is so long. From here on out they will be much shorter.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!! and YOUR CLOCK!!
During the next 24 hours it will be 04:05:06 07/08/09 for one second twice.
Jeff, Emily, and Marin are in Japan!
Emily has sent emails updating us about their flight, arrival, bus ride to the base, and their temporary home in hotel-like accommodations on base at Camp Zama. They are happy and having fun. Hopefully, they will post here or on Emily's blog, RocketChick.
OK, I think I might be on the verge of actually posting something and not just commenting. Thanks Candace for the coaching. Finding the dashboard was a trick, though, down at the bottom left where it says "blogger" in tiny letters with a line under it. Clicking on that is what finally took me to the dashboard. And I think I'm going to even get a picture in my post. Unfortunately, the most pertinent thing I can find on this computer is a picture of Changa. I'm using Dash's computer... lots of games and pictures of Dash. So Erica, Zack, Emily, Jeff, Dash, Roca... represent!
Hey hey, its Zane. Just checking in. New job is going well, making sales the first day and sleeping in my chair the second day. Haha jk only sleeping in between sales.
Here it is!!
Here is our rough beginnings of a blog!! If you have any suggestions let me know. I'm really not a pro at this, so chime in with anything. We sure are going to miss Jeff, Emily and Marin!! Hopefully this will allow us to keep in touch better! Love you all!
Also, in case you haven't noticed, there's a poll being taken on the sidebar. Cast your vote!!!
Also, in case you haven't noticed, there's a poll being taken on the sidebar. Cast your vote!!!
