Relay for Life: Yongsan 2014

This will be my families first year participating in Relay for Life. Not only is it an event that we can spend some quality time together, but also a cause that is important to us. 

I have sat and often reflected on the topic of cancer since signing us up. I know what cancer is, and how many people on this earth are affected by it. When I actually stop and took a few moments in silence, deep in thought, my reality slapped me in the face. How many people in our life have personally been affected by cancer or should I say infected. My mother in-law was a cancer survivor, yet passed away due to other health issues. Her mother passed away from cancer. My Gramma passed away from cancer. My Grandfather passed away from cancer. An Aunt on my side of the family passed away from cancer. Another aunt is a cancer survivor, but this year she learned her husband of many years has cancer. Recently my husband's cousin's 2 year old child passed away from cancer. An infection that is eating it's way through my family. 

My children know of cancer, but only know it leads to death. Since most in our family have passed away from it. Before they even had a chance to meet them. This year both my daughter and I cut our long hair and donated it to a charity that makes wigs for those battling cancer. In hopes that I teach her that there are ways to help others fight cancer, survive, live, and thrive. Or at least look good doing it :)

In the coming weeks we are doing a coin drive. Collecting your pennies, nickles, and dimes (or 10, 50, and 100 Won coins) for a change. To make a difference and to help find a cure. From now until the the walk on May 2, 2014. Thank you for your support :)

♥Jess, Chris, Danika, & Darius

Donate to Chris!
Donate to Danika!
Donate to Darius!
Donate to Jess!

Yam Chew fundraiser for Vannon & Falkor go to South Korea

The first dog treat fundraiser for Vannon & Falkor go to South Korea is our homemade Yam Chews. A natural dog treat that Falkor goes bonkers for, dried yams. Get a bag for $5 (which includes shipping).

To get your yam chews click the donate button below and include your mailing address. Thank You.

 

These proceeds will go towards keeping our family together. It is that time again when the Navy sends us to our next duty station. This time we are being sent overseas to South Korea. However great this opportunity is for the whole family, we are not prepared wholly for the financial duty of keeping our family together. Vannon and Falkor are members of our family, and this is their forever home. We were not expecting to get overseas orders, but are looking forward to the experience and are ready to take the challenges on together.

We will be on a 3 year tour to South Korea. These dogs are not just pets, they are our family and best friends. At this time we do not know if we will be flying civilian airlines or military airlines. There is a significant price difference. We are trying to raise at least $1,500. These funds will help pay for vet care prior to leaving the United States, airline travel to South Korea, quarantine costs in South Korea, and anything that may come up between point A and B. Any remainder of funds we would like to donate to a South Korean animal shelter. So far I have estimated vet costs at $425, airline costs $1,200 -$1,500 (civilian air), and up to $40 a day for both dogs for quarantine/pet kenneling until we can find housing. Once I get more accurate information I plan to update everyone.

Thank you for donating, and helping us keep our family together,

♥Jess, Chris, Danika, Darius, Vannon & Falkor

Donate to Vannon & Falkor go to South Korea

It is that time again when the Navy sends us to our next duty station. This time we are being sent overseas to South Korea. However great this opportunity is for the whole family, we are not prepared wholly for the financial duty of keeping our family together. Vannon and Falkor are members of our family, and this is their forever home. We were not expecting to get overseas orders, but are looking forward to the experience and are ready to take the challenges on together.

Vannon is a 10 year old Chihuahua. He joined our family in 2003 just after Chris returned from Kuwait in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Vannon has been an amazing therapy dog in support of Chris’ PTSD. Since then Chris has deployed a handful of times, and Vannon has been there for the kids and I during those hard times.


May 2006- Chris, Danika, and Vannon at military appreciation parade Bremerton, WA

Falkor found us in September of 2010. While at a park in Imperial Beach, CA, this mangy little mutt was fallowing all the kids at the park around. Initially we thought he belonged to one of the two families that were there until we witnessed one of the dads try to kick him, and the other family left. Falkor climbed the stairs to the big toy and would lay there as if it was his home. I could not in my right mind leave him there, so I picked him up and put him in the Jeep. So scared he hid under the seat. He was covered in fleas, wearing a collar that was too small, and what gangly fur he had was all matted. After getting him home, washed, and settled. I called everywhere trying to see if he was reported missing, and posted fliers around the park where we found him. No one stepped up to claim him. Falkor has come a long way with being socialized, and re trusting people. He still suffers from separation anxiety, but is making progress.


Falkor October 2010

We will be on a 3 year tour to South Korea. These dogs are not just pets, they are our family and best friends. At this time we do not know if we will be flying civilian airlines or military airlines. There is a significant price difference. We are trying to raise at least $1,500. These funds will help pay for vet care prior to leaving the United States, airline travel to South Korea, quarantine costs in South Korea, and anything that may come up between point A and B. Any remainder of funds we would like to donate to a South Korean animal shelter. So far I have estimated vet costs at $425, airline costs $1,200 -$1,500 (civilian air), and up to $40 a day for both dogs for quarantine/pet kenneling until we can find housing. Once I get more accurate information I plan to update everyone.

Thank you for donating, and helping us keep our family together,

♥Jess, Chris, Danika, Darius, Vannon & Falkor

Vannon & Falkor go to Korea

In the recent wake of our upcoming move to South Korea. I thought it would be like any other move we have done with the Navy. I always start on this as soon as I find out we have new orders. I did not know that this overseas move would be ten times as stressful as a normal PCS (Permanent Change of duty Station).

For the last few months we have been thinking about what is best for our furry members of the family. At first we didn't think they would be able to go with us. We talked with members of our extended family, and were hoping someone would be able to care for them without it being a burden. Unfortunately, we did not have anyone able to do so. We also thought it would be less stress on the dogs if they did not have to travel.

Then we found out our two fur babies could indeed go with us. Excited I started getting the ball rolling, and now as much as I'm ready for the challenges I realize we will not be able to fulfill our financial duty. I've decided to put together a fund raiser in order to keep our family together. Any excess funds will be donated to a South Korean animal shelter.

You can donate by visiting our Go Fund Me page at



I plan to do a bake sale as well as dog treats.

Thank you for your donations, and helping us keep our family together,

♣♥ Jess

Let Us Hike: Tijuana River Valley Regional Park

We grabbed our day packs, the two kids, the two dogs, and loaded up in the Jeep. We decided to try a trail we had never been on, or even been near in years. We had a rough idea of where we were going, and how to get there. On account of it being years, I quickly noticed things had changed from my recollections of the roads. Our choice was Border Field State Park. We had heard about it, and been on the border of it, but never actually went in the 8 years we have been in and out of Imperial Beach.

We headed down Saturn Blvd toward the farmlands, and came to a gate that was not there the last time we had been. I remember the road turning left where that gate was. We had no choice but to go right. Fallowing it down we took in the sights of horse corrals and lots of beautiful horses, and foals. Eventually coming to a little trail head, but it wasn't where we wanted to stop. We turned around and headed back down the road, and decided to take another approach off of Dairy Mart Rd heading south toward the border of Mexico. Again passing farms, and ranches. The road becomes Monument Rd, and at the end you will find Border Field State Park. As we come up to the entrance the gate is locked. We got an early start and were out of the house by 7:30am. The park does not open until 9:30am. Then we notice the sign that has a dog on it, and is crossed out with red. After reading the information board, Border Field State Park is home to many migratory birds to which the dogs affect, so to not disrupt the habitat we decide to move on. We had passed up a few trail heads on our way in, so we went back to investigate them. The parking wasn't exactly spacey to unload kids and dogs, so we ended up turning onto Hollister St. Where we came across the Tijuana River Valley Regional Park. There was no entrance fee, vast parking, picnic tables, horse trailer parking, holding corrals, and even a butterfly and bird garden (which I will have to take Danika on a different adventure). The dogs were allowed on leashes, but the kids did not need to be on a leash.

We finally found a staging area, and everyone filed out. Chris took the lead, and I took up the rear as headed down a trail, which was actually a road, the one road with the gate that I swore wasn't there before that turned left. I guess they can make many changes in 11 years. I hardly recognized the place. Back in 2002 we were on this Ghillie suit making kick. One time we came out to the woods to test it out. Well back then it was nothing but canary grass, and a few over sized shrubs on the side of a dirt road. I could tell you that story, but I will save it for a different time.

 

 

The trail was a mix of dirt and sand, and the trees provided ample shade. It was a hot day, and pretty humid in the morning still. There were a few little scenic points on the trail to pull off of and discover for a bit. Horse tracks and the occasional pile of horse manure. We really had to keep an eye on our fuzzy dog since he really seems to enjoy rolling in that stuff when we are at the farm visiting family. After going up a slight incline we came across a bigger peak that was a sandy hill, but the view on top was surprising.

 

 

 



 
I should have set my camera to take a panoramic view, but I forgot I could do that. The view at 360° was amazing. The city, Mexico, the water, and the mountains. Everything from one little peak. Just before this little peak we came to a point where several trails branched off. We back tracked to that point and decided to head toward the river basin. As the trees turned from the dry brittle ones to the vast greener ones it got a bit cooler, but still muggy since it is a river basin.

 

As I stopped to take this picture I realized I was standing in a plume of mosquitos. Being eaten alive I pronounced we keep moving since I had not packed repellent, and the kids and I were in sleeveless shirts. I guess I spaced the whole river valley thing, and mosquitos love rivers and humid weather. As we keep trekking, and slapping mosquitos the area around us started to look like a place you would find fairies. Both of the kids seemed to really enjoy the exploration of that after all we have been reading The Spiderwick Chronicles.

 

 

My one second photo opportunity was not worth the ten mosquito bites we each got while standing still. Chris had ran ahead to see if the trail would give us any relief, but shortly there after I got a text saying turn back or be eaten alive. (Chris managed to make it out of the basin with maybe three bites. The kids and I had at least thirty each scattered over our arms and legs.)

 

As we got back to the Jeep there where two old guys saddling up their horses, each drinking a Red Stripe beer. While loading up they had noticed our Seabee dozer sticker and struck up a conversation with us. We exchanged some small stories about the trails, and got a few tips from them as they came there often. 

 

As much as the mosquitos bugged us I would still want to go back, covered in repellent. There was so much more to explore, and the vast change in scenery was relaxing. Especially since it is less than a 5 minute drive from Imperial Beach. I had no idea there was this much nature literally in our backyard.

 

♣♥ Jess

Dinner with a Movie: A League of Their Own

You can not go wrong with dinner and a movie. It is the perfect date night in, whether it is with that special someone, the whole family, the girls, the kids, or just by oneself.

Tonight's recipe inspiration is from A League of Their Own. Staring Tom Hanks, Gina Davis, Madonna, and a handful of other well know actors. This WWII era movie explains the history behind the world of woman's baseball. While their men are at war women keep the American baseball dream alive . Two sisters join the first female professional baseball league and struggle to help it succeed amidst their own growing rivalry.

First on the Menu is Roquefort Peach Salad. A little sweet, a little savory, and packs a curveball. Best served with a glass of Riesling. A few of my favorite brands are Schmitt Söhne, Chateau Ste Michelle, and Moselland Black Cat. It pairs up beautifully with the Roquefort blue cheese.

Roquefort Peach Salad

Makes 4 Servings

2 Peaches
4 Cups Spinach
1/3 Cup Blue Cheese Crumbles
1/4 Cup Blue Cheese Dressing
1/2 Cup Glazed Pecans (My homemade recipe coming soon)

Dice Peaches. In serving dish combine all ingredients by layering. Starting with spinach, peaches, dressing, blue cheese, and pecans or equally separate ingredients on four salad plates.


The night would not be complete with out Betty's Spaghetti. My kids raved about the meatballs the size of baseballs. I literally got compliments for a week. As simple as this dish is it was a home run.

Betty's Spaghetti

1 lb Lean Ground Beef
1 lb Ground Sweet Italian Sausage
1/2 Cup Italian Seasoned Bread Crumbs
1/4 Cup Milk
2 Eggs
1/2 Cup Parmesan Cheese
Salt & Pepper to taste

1 lb of Your Favorite Pasta
1 Jar of Your Favorite Sauce

Pre heat over 400°F.
Start boiling water for pasta.
In large bowl (I use my kitchen aid to mix this batch up.) combine meats, bread crumbs, milk, eggs, cheese, salt and pepper. Mix until well combined. Shape meat balls just smaller than your palm, and place in deep baking dish. Bake in oven for 30-35 minutes.
Boil pasta, and heat sauce in a pan.


(If you have any left overs after dinner, which I generally do because this recipe makes more than enough to feed my family of four, I place a little sauce in the bottom a baking dish. Dump in the remaining noodles, place the remaining meat balls on top, and cover with remaining sauce. Then I store it in the fridge as another meal. Before I heat it up I add some mozzarella and parmesan to the top. To reheat: Place in 400°F over for 20 minutes, or until cheese is nice bubbly and golden.)

♣♥ Jess

Life Without Together

As we sit in the gastroenterology office today waiting on Chris' appointment, an old lady wheeled up her little scooter next to me. Huffing away at her oxygen bottle, she struck up a conversation with me about how she needed some fresh air since she was falling asleep. I always listen to my elders no matter how small the conversation. After all one never knows what piece of advice they may have to offer.

She informed me it may be a while since they have been running behind all day. Her husband was in for a procedure. Patiently she had been waiting for him. The conversation had moved to why we were there, as I explained it was for my husband. At first she had assumed it was for me. I guess I didn't look to good with my anticipation on what Chris' diagnosis was going to be. ( I know gastroenterology all to well with my own set of troubles many years back. ) We then exchanged a few qualms about husbands, and how she has been married for 56 years. Her husband is at the beginning stages of dementia. One could see the frustration and pain that is starting to eat at her. Him not remembering the simplest of things, constantly reminding him, and his worries eating him whole as his mind clings to one thought at a time. I joke that even when they are a pain in our ass we still love them (Pun totally intended). Then lovingly she said she could not imagine life without him. He was one of the last Navy Seals to leave Vietnam, she stated. As the thoughts of our years of marriage and our deployments through war times flooded my emotions, Chris was called. I stopped my thoughts, and told her to keep keeping on.

I tried to stop those thoughts. Tuck them away in their compartment. One should never let those thoughts surface, because they make you vulnerable to the weakness of tears. I have come across many veterans in my travels, and always when I least expect it. Their stories stick with me, and sometimes haunt me. Even though there are so many years apart we share a common bond. The Military Life. These stories have given me goose bumps. Especially, when I have been in a similar situations and can empathize with them. Put myself in their shoes. I try not too, but sometimes it can not be helped. My own military life story gives me chills when I actually stop to think about it, and sometimes I can not help but wonder how the hell I got through it. Then I look at my husband and think no matter how bad it has ever been we have made it through. Together, and have become stronger because of it. I could not imagine life without him. Even when he is a pain in my ass.

We finished up in the office, and stopped by the lab for some fallow up blood work. It was pretty empty, only a handful of people for a change. After Chris walked in back to be sucked dry by the vampires, I tried to take a deep breath and just be. About that time the little old lady in her scooter came down the hall. Her husband in tow, one hand on her seat hanging on like a crutch. She got their ticket for line, and their number was called promptly. He couldn't find his wallet, and she panicked that he may have misplaced it but found it in her basket. The clerk helped them, and sent him to the back for his labs. She wheeled her chair back as he walked up to the door. Once at the door he turned around, looking lost he couldn't remember why he was there. She kindly reminded him of the next step. When he did that step, her hands braced her face as she took a deep breath. The frustration of a long day was beginning to set in. I watched silently and was trying to bring my words to the surface when Chris walked out. She noticed him and asked how he was with a perk in her voice. Like she had seen a familiar face that she hadn't seen in a long time. As I stood to meet him she noticed me, and Chris replied with a little small talk as he headed toward the hall. Her face went a little pale as she looked at me, and said "They found cancer".  Instantly I felt her pain. Knowing how anxious she was in the waiting room at the clinic, and then to hear her fear had come to light. I was struggling for the right words. I gave her a hug, and told her to keep being strong. I caught up with Chris, and tried to hold back the tears that welled up in my eyes without him seeing. I failed.

To think enduring such great challenges throughout life with someone for 56 years, and then to start losing them slowly. It struck a cord with me today. I do not want to waste any more time on senseless bull shit. Life is much to short to not forgive mistakes and move forward. This journey is about learning, and making it through the tough stuff together. Even thought we can be a pain in each others asses, I could not imagine life with out Chris.

♣♥ Jess