Friends,
The below email is from one of our pilot friends here at Misawa AB. He lost his good buddy in the F-16 that went down off the coast of Italy. http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/local-news/body-of-air-force-academy-grad-captain-lucas-gruenther-found-in-the-adriatic-sea-after-f-16-crash
One week after GAZA's body was found, his first child - a little girl named Serene, was born. Please consider supporting/giving to Serene's college fund in honor of GAZA. He made the ultimate sacrifice in honor of our great nation.
-----------------------------------------------------
Weasels,
My good friend, Major Lucas "GAZA" Gruenther, was killed a couple weeks ago in the F-16 that went down over Aviano. The River Rats have started an Air Warrior Courage Foundation fund in his name to help his daughter, Serene, attend college later. She was born about a week after Gaza was killed. Mom and daughter are doing well and are healthy. Please read the message below from the River Rats on how to contribute, if you would like. Just follow the simple instructions. Gaza was a great man, a great husband, and would have been a great father. Thank you for supporting his family.
Cave Putorium!
Thud
Christopher "THUD" Behrens, Capt, USAF
35 OSS/OSK
***In response to the tragic loss of our fellow River Rat and Active Duty USAF F-16 pilot, Major Lucas "Gaza" Gruenther, the River Rats in conjunction with our charitable arm, the Air Warrior Courage Foundation (AWCF) has established a college 529 to accept tax deductible contributions for his daughter's college education.
It is very important to follow the directions below, particularly the "In Memory..." verbiage.
All contributions are tax deductible.
There are two ways to give.
1. Send a check to the AWCF, P.O. Box 877, Silver Spring, MD 20918. In a note or on the check say "In Memory of Major Lucas 'Gaza' Gruenther."
2. Using a credit card. Go to our home page at http://www.airwarriorcourage.org/ . On the Home page is a DONATE button. Click it and it will take you to a page with a GIVE DIRECT button. Click it and fill in the blanks. In the COMMENTS block put in "In Memory of Major Lucas 'Gaza' Gruenther".
Please help us get the word out so that we can all support the Gruenther family, part of our River Rat family now and forever, and please give.
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Thanks, and please spread this entry to as many folks that you know who would be willing to help Baby Serene Gruenther and her family in this time of unfathomable loss.
Katie
Our Babies
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Back and Not Private
Hi Readers,
Well, after the last post - since removed - I recieved a mixed bag of comments. Mostly positive, some incredulous and some downright stunned by what I had shared. I forget that what I write affects so many close to me, so I chose to remove it, stop blogging for a little bit and pray about how to share about what I have truly gone through.
I know it has helped people immensely, but I don't want to hurt anyone in the process of being honest. So, I will return with my story, my updates and will be more careful with my words.
Stay tuned.
Love you all.
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Winter wonderland
We've been skiing several times while here - and it is yet early in the ski season so we are pumped. I've skiied for almost 2 decades with my mom and sister; from British Columbia all the way to the east coast (NOT real skiing in my opinion!). Aside from my favorite mountains (Breckenride, CO and Whistler, BC), Mount Okunayama here in Japan is running a tight race in being my first choice!
My mom comes Thursday for 2 weeks! She's a skiier too so we will be going - Mom, Noah and I - while Dan has an exercise and Elly will go to school. Can't wait for her to get here so we can show off our new home.
Monday, December 17, 2012
Parties and Earthquakes
The season is upon us! Lots of Air Force events, parties, and fun with our new friends/family in Japan.
Last week we had Dan's Ops Group Christmas party and the Bealls won a new waterproof "Bloggie" camera. Just what we needed because I have managed to ruin 4 of our last 4 nice cameras! We were excited.
The kids are in Santa mode and can't wait to open presents. It has been hard to keep them out from underneath the tree. My mom can't stand it anymore and will be visiting most of the month of January. I CAN'T WAIT! Gah, I miss my mom, dad, and sister/brother in law soooo very much. This is a terrific experience for us four and we are loving each moment of it but being away from our precious family is tough.
What isn't tough is getting to enjoy the S-N-O-W!!!! This place continues to awe me with how it turns into a Winter Wonderland with each snow fall.
I experienced my first Japanese earthquake the night of the Christmas party. I had just gotten out of the shower, Dan and Noah were out at the Tree lighting ceremony on base, and Elly had just awakened from a marathon (typical) nap. I was literally wearing nothing but my Spanx when I got a siren alert on my phone in Japanese that had a picture of a man running..... What in the world, I thought.
Not 15 seconds later, the house began to sway and shake and groan. I kid you not, I thought I was dreaming. I threw on a t-shirt, still in my Spanx only, grabbed our 2 year old and held her tightly under the door frame of our bedroom. I just started praying and pleading the Blood of Jesus all over us, our home, my husband and son who were outside and then my mind shifted to all the thousands of people killed/affected by the earth quake in Southern Japan last year. I thought "what in the heck am I still doing inside?!" while things fell all around us.
I ran down the stairs shouting for God to protect us and straight out of the door... into the falling snow.... with all of our neighbors (high ranking officers and families) around us... with my babe in arms.... IN MY SPANX!!!! I squatted on the porch in a tshirt and Spanx and prayed that a) we'd be safe and b) that no one would see me! After about 3-4 minutes, the earthquake stopped and Elly looked at me and said "mommy, why you in your underwears?" HAHAHA!!!!!
It registered at 7.8 magnitude off of the coast (about 10 miles from our home). So what we felt registered at just under 5 magnitude in strength. No joke! We were fine but I was definitely in the throes of laughter and fright!! I also got a lot of "welcome to Japan" comments that night at the party.
It has been sad not to get a lot of Christmas cards this year - a favorite of mine during the holidays. But I know it is because people think we have a foreign mailing address. It only takes a stamp though since we are on an American military installation. I didn't know that till we moved here - I thought postage would cost a fortune!
On the other hand, I did order our Christmas cards from Shutterfly mid-November and they still aren't here!!!! I had to place a complaint and they re-sent them... haven't gotten those either. So I can't complain because ours havent gone out either :(
Love you all and miss you tremendously
The kids are in Santa mode and can't wait to open presents. It has been hard to keep them out from underneath the tree. My mom can't stand it anymore and will be visiting most of the month of January. I CAN'T WAIT! Gah, I miss my mom, dad, and sister/brother in law soooo very much. This is a terrific experience for us four and we are loving each moment of it but being away from our precious family is tough.
What isn't tough is getting to enjoy the S-N-O-W!!!! This place continues to awe me with how it turns into a Winter Wonderland with each snow fall.
Not 15 seconds later, the house began to sway and shake and groan. I kid you not, I thought I was dreaming. I threw on a t-shirt, still in my Spanx only, grabbed our 2 year old and held her tightly under the door frame of our bedroom. I just started praying and pleading the Blood of Jesus all over us, our home, my husband and son who were outside and then my mind shifted to all the thousands of people killed/affected by the earth quake in Southern Japan last year. I thought "what in the heck am I still doing inside?!" while things fell all around us.
I ran down the stairs shouting for God to protect us and straight out of the door... into the falling snow.... with all of our neighbors (high ranking officers and families) around us... with my babe in arms.... IN MY SPANX!!!! I squatted on the porch in a tshirt and Spanx and prayed that a) we'd be safe and b) that no one would see me! After about 3-4 minutes, the earthquake stopped and Elly looked at me and said "mommy, why you in your underwears?" HAHAHA!!!!!
It registered at 7.8 magnitude off of the coast (about 10 miles from our home). So what we felt registered at just under 5 magnitude in strength. No joke! We were fine but I was definitely in the throes of laughter and fright!! I also got a lot of "welcome to Japan" comments that night at the party.
It has been sad not to get a lot of Christmas cards this year - a favorite of mine during the holidays. But I know it is because people think we have a foreign mailing address. It only takes a stamp though since we are on an American military installation. I didn't know that till we moved here - I thought postage would cost a fortune!
On the other hand, I did order our Christmas cards from Shutterfly mid-November and they still aren't here!!!! I had to place a complaint and they re-sent them... haven't gotten those either. So I can't complain because ours havent gone out either :(
Love you all and miss you tremendously
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Beautiful Japan
We TRULY have fallen in love with this country. Living on base surrounded by awesome military families has helped, too. But this place is exquisite. We are in the North and have snow covered mountain ranges all around us. There are evergreens everywhere, dense forests, and amazing sushi and food. The Japanese here love the Americans so much. Misawa City is a sweet, crowded yet rural town.
Every trip off base is an adventure - there are so many Ramen and sushi restaurants! Our favorite is Kappa Sushi where you order your choice on a computer at your table, the sushi is freshly made and it shoots out on a little train and arrives at your table. We love that!
Since being here, I have acquired a mamasan - she comes once a week (or more if needed) to clean our house, teach our children Japanese, babysit and cook should we need it. It is amazing and I was so excited to find her.
Noah has made his lifelong BFF in Aaron, they live down the street and both of our families have fallen in love with the other. It is so sweet how our children love each other and how us parents love the other's children. Noah's had about 6 spend the night parties and they have become brothers. It is so fun watching your babies meet their first best friend.
Dan's job is super busy - but as a commander, he is doing a fabulous job. The troops and leadership love him and I am really proud.
We have had about 5 snowstorms already and they have rid the trees of the final beautiful colors Japan had to offer. We are all decorated for Christmas and can't wait to spend the holidays with our new Misawa family. This is far different than being at home - which we really miss - but new experiences are fun and exciting too. Plus we get the advantage of starting our own traditions as a little family of four.
Noah is loving his Taiko drum classes. He goes each Tuesday and is really into it which is great. We are still waiting on him to get off of the waiting list and into his preschool. He and Elly go to a sitter several hours a day so I can get some work done but he's desperate to get back into the routine of school; as am I..... I am expecting a call anyday that he's off of the list but every day waiting is still agonizing.
We had the privilege of having Trace Adkins come perform on a USO tour. Not many people make it up this far north so for him to make that effort spoke volumes about his patriotism. My friend, Denise (Aaron's mom), is the Squadron Commander for the unit that helped get him here. He performed in an aircraft hangar and we were on the front row. I'm not a huge fan of his music but having him here was a big morale booster for the troops. Afterwards, Denise took us back and we got to spend some time with him before he left for his quarters. It was great.
Every trip off base is an adventure - there are so many Ramen and sushi restaurants! Our favorite is Kappa Sushi where you order your choice on a computer at your table, the sushi is freshly made and it shoots out on a little train and arrives at your table. We love that!
Noah has made his lifelong BFF in Aaron, they live down the street and both of our families have fallen in love with the other. It is so sweet how our children love each other and how us parents love the other's children. Noah's had about 6 spend the night parties and they have become brothers. It is so fun watching your babies meet their first best friend.
Dan's job is super busy - but as a commander, he is doing a fabulous job. The troops and leadership love him and I am really proud.
Noah is loving his Taiko drum classes. He goes each Tuesday and is really into it which is great. We are still waiting on him to get off of the waiting list and into his preschool. He and Elly go to a sitter several hours a day so I can get some work done but he's desperate to get back into the routine of school; as am I..... I am expecting a call anyday that he's off of the list but every day waiting is still agonizing.
We had the privilege of having Trace Adkins come perform on a USO tour. Not many people make it up this far north so for him to make that effort spoke volumes about his patriotism. My friend, Denise (Aaron's mom), is the Squadron Commander for the unit that helped get him here. He performed in an aircraft hangar and we were on the front row. I'm not a huge fan of his music but having him here was a big morale booster for the troops. Afterwards, Denise took us back and we got to spend some time with him before he left for his quarters. It was great.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
What about the love?
"...I went to see my brother
On the 32nd floor
Of a building down on Wall Street;
You could hear the future's roar.
He said, "Here we make decisions,
And we trade commodities;
If you tell me where there's famine,
I can make you guarantees." I said,
"Is this all there is, Power to the strong?"
Something's wrong.
Something's wrong in heaven tonight.
You can almost hear them cry.
Angels to the left and the right, Saying,
"What about the love? What about the love? What about the love?"
Years ago, our family friend, Amy Grant Gill, wrote a song called "What about the love?" In light of yesterday's election, I have to ask the same question...
WHAT ABOUT THE LOVE?
My friend, Nicole and her family, are of the Mormon faith; like Presidential candidate Mitt Romney. She might be one of the most fun and sweet people I know. However, she suffered much criticism regarding her faith yesterday OVER FACEBOOK. "Thanks, Romney's god?" "His god sure showed them." How could that possibly do anything to serve and uplift others when one is disappointed by the election results?! That demonstrates pure hatred, not love.
Then we have the race issue.... people calling for another OJ riot situation if their man doesn't win. Or the Black Panthers showing up to initimidate people at the polls. How does that serve to unite our broken country? The ONLY thing that will unite us is Jesus and all of us showing each other the love of Christ.
The first thing we MUST do is pray for our president. Pray that if he doesn't know Jesus, that his heart is changed 100%. And that if he isn't making Christ based decisions, that God touch him and win his heart and mind.
My family is serving (in as much of a selfless manner as is possible) in a foreign country that was once our enemy (Pearl Harbor 1941). There are days that we long to be back home, that we wish that service before self wasn't a requirement. But, if people like Dan don't do it, who will? We deserve no thanks or glory - we are just choosing to serve Christ in a way that is challenging and sacrificial for us. Others do much more extreme things - like serving in forsaken places far and wide. Where there is no drinking water, etc.
Let's remember in this time of challenge and not much transition that we are ALL God's babies and that we must treat each other as such: Muslim, LDS, Christian, Buddhists, no matter what - let's show the love that was shown us thousands of years ago when Christ died for ALL of us.... no matter the color or religion. No human or candidate is an "awful human being." We are all the beloved of the Most High God.
On the 32nd floor
Of a building down on Wall Street;
You could hear the future's roar.
He said, "Here we make decisions,
And we trade commodities;
If you tell me where there's famine,
I can make you guarantees." I said,
"Is this all there is, Power to the strong?"
Something's wrong.
Something's wrong in heaven tonight.
You can almost hear them cry.
Angels to the left and the right, Saying,
"What about the love? What about the love? What about the love?"
Years ago, our family friend, Amy Grant Gill, wrote a song called "What about the love?" In light of yesterday's election, I have to ask the same question...
WHAT ABOUT THE LOVE?
My friend, Nicole and her family, are of the Mormon faith; like Presidential candidate Mitt Romney. She might be one of the most fun and sweet people I know. However, she suffered much criticism regarding her faith yesterday OVER FACEBOOK. "Thanks, Romney's god?" "His god sure showed them." How could that possibly do anything to serve and uplift others when one is disappointed by the election results?! That demonstrates pure hatred, not love.
Then we have the race issue.... people calling for another OJ riot situation if their man doesn't win. Or the Black Panthers showing up to initimidate people at the polls. How does that serve to unite our broken country? The ONLY thing that will unite us is Jesus and all of us showing each other the love of Christ.
The first thing we MUST do is pray for our president. Pray that if he doesn't know Jesus, that his heart is changed 100%. And that if he isn't making Christ based decisions, that God touch him and win his heart and mind.
My family is serving (in as much of a selfless manner as is possible) in a foreign country that was once our enemy (Pearl Harbor 1941). There are days that we long to be back home, that we wish that service before self wasn't a requirement. But, if people like Dan don't do it, who will? We deserve no thanks or glory - we are just choosing to serve Christ in a way that is challenging and sacrificial for us. Others do much more extreme things - like serving in forsaken places far and wide. Where there is no drinking water, etc.
Let's remember in this time of challenge and not much transition that we are ALL God's babies and that we must treat each other as such: Muslim, LDS, Christian, Buddhists, no matter what - let's show the love that was shown us thousands of years ago when Christ died for ALL of us.... no matter the color or religion. No human or candidate is an "awful human being." We are all the beloved of the Most High God.
Friday, November 2, 2012
Forever...
If you want to see a snippet of true love, then please watch this. It is a 4 minute montage of my sister and Adam's wedding on October 20. Be blessed by this as I was.
http://vimeo.com/52519912
http://vimeo.com/52519912
Thursday, November 1, 2012
We're Here!
We are here! Actual residents of Misawa-Shi, Japan. This is crazy!! It is absolutely beautiful, quaint, full of lovely Americans and Japanese families and there is SO much to explore and take in. We are within one hour of the mountains and resorts where we will spend the winter skiing/snowboarding and within one hour of some of the most beautiful, rocky coastline in the world.
Noah will start school off base next week. He will attend Pre k at an all Japanese school and wear a uniform. Ellyotte will go to MDO out there as well. What better way to immerse our children!?
I am hiring a mamasan to come in and clean once a week and watch the kids when I need her. They are typically older traditional Japanese women - and are supposed to be the most attentive, wonderful caregivers and cleaners. I am looking forward to all of us learning Japanese culture through having someone come into our home weekly.
Dan is off tomorrow so we are going to go exploring! There are apple orchards everywhere - and about 2 hours away they have some mountains where wild horses run. Bonsais and evergreens are everywhere - it is so cold here and the snow starts in a week or so.
I received my Japanese drivers license yesterday - they drive on the other side of the car and the other side of the road. I am scared to take my SUV anywhere!!!!
The trip over here took about 40 hours total - we were exhausted. But so thankful to be here and a family again in our own home. Gumbo kitty was happy to have us here too.
The kids and I went off base with a friend today and had our first real Japanese sushi - let me say: it puts anything in America to shame! I got an entire fresh order of two rolls for 200 yen (about $3.00). What?! It was divine. I think this might be a good diet plan that I actually will enjoy for the next 2-3 years.
The kids had a great Halloween. Noah was a ninja and Elly was a monkey. So cute. We went to the squadron Halloween party then trick or treated on our road, which is Commander's Row. It was a fun MOB scene! So cold so everyone had out their firepits and handed out candy - most houses elaborately decorated. I never lived on base before but this is HEAVEN! Grocery store, gym, mall - all within one mile. Not to mention the amazing people who live around us. Truly a patriotic and all American place to be!
Jet lag has taken its toll on us! We passed over 6 time zones (14 hours ahead of Central time - the future) so they say to give yourself a day for each zone to get over jet lag. I cannot sleep past 3 am each morning. And Noah and Ellyotte have wanted to take marathon naps so theyve had some issues at night.
There is so much to write and share. This is going to be the adventure of a lifetime. Stay tuned if you are interested in hearing what living in Japan is truly like!
Noah will start school off base next week. He will attend Pre k at an all Japanese school and wear a uniform. Ellyotte will go to MDO out there as well. What better way to immerse our children!?
I am hiring a mamasan to come in and clean once a week and watch the kids when I need her. They are typically older traditional Japanese women - and are supposed to be the most attentive, wonderful caregivers and cleaners. I am looking forward to all of us learning Japanese culture through having someone come into our home weekly.
Dan is off tomorrow so we are going to go exploring! There are apple orchards everywhere - and about 2 hours away they have some mountains where wild horses run. Bonsais and evergreens are everywhere - it is so cold here and the snow starts in a week or so.
I received my Japanese drivers license yesterday - they drive on the other side of the car and the other side of the road. I am scared to take my SUV anywhere!!!!
The trip over here took about 40 hours total - we were exhausted. But so thankful to be here and a family again in our own home. Gumbo kitty was happy to have us here too.
The kids and I went off base with a friend today and had our first real Japanese sushi - let me say: it puts anything in America to shame! I got an entire fresh order of two rolls for 200 yen (about $3.00). What?! It was divine. I think this might be a good diet plan that I actually will enjoy for the next 2-3 years.
The kids had a great Halloween. Noah was a ninja and Elly was a monkey. So cute. We went to the squadron Halloween party then trick or treated on our road, which is Commander's Row. It was a fun MOB scene! So cold so everyone had out their firepits and handed out candy - most houses elaborately decorated. I never lived on base before but this is HEAVEN! Grocery store, gym, mall - all within one mile. Not to mention the amazing people who live around us. Truly a patriotic and all American place to be!
Jet lag has taken its toll on us! We passed over 6 time zones (14 hours ahead of Central time - the future) so they say to give yourself a day for each zone to get over jet lag. I cannot sleep past 3 am each morning. And Noah and Ellyotte have wanted to take marathon naps so theyve had some issues at night.
There is so much to write and share. This is going to be the adventure of a lifetime. Stay tuned if you are interested in hearing what living in Japan is truly like!
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