Even the Shepherds were pretty.....

Girlie Bee has a thing for chap stick.  As in, needing to apply it ALL the time.  Her favorite one is pink and tastes like strawberries.  She dug it out of a bathroom drawer this morning, and was prancing around putting on her "Mmmmmm"........

Well, after 10 minutes of this, I got nervous (was busy helping Mr. F.B. with his school) and started thinking about strawberry wax and oil on everything.  

So, I asked her to go put it away and then come and play with the Nativity set we have that's just for the kiddos.  

Well........after lunch Killer brought a few of the figurines from the Nativity set over.  They were covered in a bring pink substance.....their faces, that is.  

I said, "Did Girlie get at those with a marker?"  

Killer: " No, this stuff is sticky!!!"  

Me: "Uh Oh...."  

Apparently, Girlie Bee didn't actually put the chap stick away.  She decided to combine the two pastimes- and even made the shepherds pretty. 

Recent Beeisms.....

Little Girlie Bee: "I need more DOPE!!!" (while taking a bubble bath and requesting more SOAP)


Mr. Fumble Bumble: "THAT is DISGUXING!" (Seeing something, not so out of the ordinary....and it was, shall we say, gross.)


Killer: "I learned about double dibbit distraction." (Telling his Grandpapa what he learned in math for the day- double digit subtraction.)

The Bees Go Owling.......

What a surprise- in the middle of a delicious chicken alfredo fettucini dinner.......Thunder, the guard dog in residence, put up quite a fuss for about 30 minutes.  This event is a little out of the ordinary (30 minutes' worth, that is!), so DH went outside to check out the circumstances......lo and behold, a beautiful ENORMOUS owl had made himself quite at home right by our back porch! Mr. Owl didn't even blink (or fly away!) when the little bees ran out to see him and enjoy this wonderful creation.

Anyone up for some BBQ?

What better pastime on a sunny September Saturday? Queenie's DH is off workin', but if he was home- this would definitely be on the menu. Enjoy a chuckle or a giggle or two. 

Yep.

Thunder

Thunder is actually MUCH bigger than his "First Day with the Bee Family" picture seen here- but growing Thunder pictures will come sometime soon.  Queenie didn't realize she'd neglected putting one of his itty bitty puppy pics up here!  Below, see Baby Bee and Thunder (In our new living room!), a full-blood Great Pyrenees, also known as Pyrenean Mountain Dog.....he is a wonderful guardian dog already!  (Not LGD...."livestock guardian dog"....more like CGD, "Children's Guardian Dog")

Beeisms from Mr. F.B.- as a brand new FOUR year old

On any given day, Mr. FB is known to spout philisophical musings- about which, it is highly probable, NO other human on the planet Earth has ever dreamed about.

"Mommy!  I just figured something out- Spider Man ALWAYS says "I love you....right before he kills the bad guy!" 

 Queenie.  had. no. words.  

ANOTHER SAGA....continues below

The other day, Queenie's DH unfortunately had a bad accident while out on his early (read: still dark) morning run.  He limped home for the last mile, and immediately requested that Queenie pack up the little bees and buzz (quickly!) to the ER.  The waiting room visit for Queenie and the 3 little bees drifted into its second hour......and Mr. FB dutifully broke the monotony by intoning,


"MOMMY!  I know why it's taking so long!  When they take the x-ray, the pictures of Papa's bones...., they have to cut his leg off first so they can fit it into the machine.  That's why we are waiting such a long time!"

Perhaps the glimpse of an elderly amputee sitting at the entrance of the hospital in a wheelchair on our way into the waiting room had a tiny little something to do with his outburst......but he stated it so matter-of-factly, and was not above asking Queenie to please request copies of those pictures. (of the bones) for his (and Killer's) future viewing.

The Wandering Part II

As Queenie logged into the "Juice" blog and pushed the "new post" button, she was hit with a sense of gravity and awe at all that has transpired- the blessings and surprises; the hard times and prayers answered- all within the last five, yes five months!

No single blog post alone could possibly encompass everything the Bee family has been doing, but hopefully you dear readers (if you are indeed still buzzing around somewhere out in this big, crazy world) will enjoy these few glimpses into the Bee family since March.

 While DH was away at recruiting training in San Diego, Queenie and the 3 Bees stayed busy and happy at the wonderful home of The Jacobsons, Queenie's family!

 One of the most fun events was a re-enactment of The Battle of the Alamo at the historic site! Baby Bee here with her Grandpapa.....and sporting a Yellow Rose of Texas.

 

Killer and Mr. F.B. were awed and inspired in the presence of the actual Davy Crockett rifle....

 

 Back at Wild Rose (the Jacobson's homestead) Baby Bee works on her "happy heart" for a photo shoot with Mommy.

 

Queenie, her mom, little bro Natey and all 3 little bees took a fun day trip to nearby Lyndon B. Johnson state park.....all the kiddos had so much fun playing in the vast fields that we were too late to really see many animals, but we snatched a "pretend" ride in the wagon!

 

The Bees were so thrilled to meet their Great-Grandpa Carl when he visited Wild Rose during his birthday.....Queenie and her folks even serenaded him with a birthday ballad for the occasion- Queenie wants it to be publicly known that she is NOT above using a bass-string made from an old WWII water can. She found it quite enjoyable.

 

The joyful days at Wild Rose eventually came to an end, and the Bee family headed out to San Antonio for more recruiting training for DH....and fun day trips for Queenie and the little bees.

Oh, and BY THE WAY! What a beautiful mini-van DH got for Queenie.....beats the Japanese "lunchbox" by a mile!  Although, Queenie is sure she appreciates this one more because of the years spent bumping three inches above the road in the green box.  

 

Classic Car Museum staff is sure persnickety about antique toy cars.  A girl can't help but love this beauty of a ride!  Baby Bee was a bit naughty and tried to sneak a ride....after all, it's a toy!  Queenie was quite embarrassed but could hardly blame the child.

 

need some Buddy Holly background music here.

 

hmmmm.......perhaps a ride for another Bee family once upon a time?!

Mr. F.B. and his mommy...... enjoying a dinner out with DH and the fam before the craziness of recruiting sets in...

Exotic Animal Farm- Queenie braved this place by herself with all 3 bees.....Killer was in his proverbial heaven.

 

Bee Family's Wandering Part I

Thoroughly enjoying the hospitality of first the Bee's Abuelitos Bueno, and then their Jacobson grandparents (and 8 year old uncle!), the Bee family is in a wandering state after their enormous exodus out of the land of Japan.  Queenie and her little hive are without a permanent house until at least May, so they are basking the warmth of family they have missed for the past 3 years. 

Baby Bee playing with her Bisabuelita, DH's grandmother (on his mother's side)

'Most everyone from that day except Queenie who was buzzing about the camera....

Baby Bee's Outside View 

Baby Bee had everyone wrapped around her finger when she ooh'd and aah'd over all their pretty lovelies...DH's Tia Socorro even let her try on some beautiful rings!  Baby Bee was thrilled.

Bee Family's Exodus Part IV

Baby Bee finally gets her beauty sleep upon arriving at her Abuelitos Bueno's house in El Centro, CA. 

Queenie's new accessory that is worth twice it's weight in gold: The Peapod, a kiddie tent that pops up with no assembly required, and as a zipper so the tot can sleep peacefully anywhere, anytime.  It's fantastic.  Better than a pack'n play, because it folds into a tote that a 5 year old can carry (Queenie knows this fact because Killer has carried it all over America at this point!) After our move, no matter where the Bee Family has traveled, Baby Bee has loved the predictable and secure environment the Peapod gives her!

If two little busy bee boys are shown an empty dirt lot with stacked miscellaneous items (aka trash) that most people would haul away at the soonest possible moment.....what do they do?! 

Make a train, of course! 

This must be a circus train because Queenie saw a caged lion in the middle car! 

Bee Family Exodus, Part III

After traveling for 20 sleepless hours, the bee family with their Marine Papa landed in Seattle airport...only to be greeted by a 5 hour layover (sleepless the sequel), and a flight to San Diego. 

By the time they arrived at their hotel, all 5 bees had been awake for 30+ hours.

Bee Family's Exodus Part II

4 hours at this military terminal.....before our journey even began!  Playing on the endless rows of hard plastic chairs was much more interesting since their little friend Coryn was there, as well

(waiting for the same flight as the bees).

Bee Family's Exodus Part I

Baby Bee is kept busy with lovelies while Queenie prepares for the movers...

Mr. Fumble Bumble and Baby Bee enjoy one last cuddle on the couch before the boxes start flying..... (and thankfully at that time, FB and Baby Bee were safe at loving friends' houses!)

There and Back Again..... A Marine Wife's Holiday

Three years ago, after deciding to relocate to a United States Marine Corps base in Iwakuni, Japan, the Bee family embarked on what would turn out to be an adventure of a lifetime.   

All adventures, regardless of their exciting beginnings, must eventually come to a close.  However, the end of one adventure is merely the beginning of the next, and the Bee family is excited to announce that they are starting their next escapade back in America. 

Queenie, her DH, and the three little bees have been living in America for three weeks now, and the cultural aspects of normal American life are jarring, intriguing, and amazing all at the same time.  Below, dear readers, please enjoy some of the "in-ordinary circumstances" that we have been facing as we re-integrate into the "American Dream".


---Ten minutes after disembarking their final flight (after almost 30 hours of traveling) in San Diego, Queenie attempted to buy the 3 little bees their first meal in America, it was 10PM and the only thing open in the terminal was McDonald's......there was oatmeal on the menu!  She was so excited to finally give her little bees something healthy to put in their tummies before crashing at the "People's House" (what the bees have named hotels).  However, upon paying for the meal at the cashier, Queenie was completely dumbfounded to see a completely new type of credit card machine!  It was the world's longest 5 minutes as she tried time and time again to understand the buttons and slots.  When the cashier condescendingly offered to swipe her card for her, Queenie humbly accepted.  Upon receiving her receipt (which she incorrectly tried to SIGN with a ballpoint pen), she also tried to show them her military ID....an attempt which was met by a blank stare from the cashier who responded, "Ummmmm....you don't need to show that here."  Queenie's yellow stripes turned  a deep orange with embarrassment for almost an hour after that incident!


---Bee family was 100% pedestrian for a day or two following their flights, due to the fact that both cars were sold back in Japan- that, and the fact that even the world's smallest "golf cart with a roof" can't fit on a 757. Walking to breakfast the next morning, they walked past a Target.  Killer started asking "What's a Target, Mommy?"  Queenie replied, "It's a store here in America!  You can buy clothes, and shoes, and food, and laundry soap and stuff."  Killer answered back, "WOW!  Shoes and food in the same store?!?!?!" It was then that Queenie realized they had an audience of about five other Americans walking through the parking lot, staring unabashedly at the family that appeared to have just escaped an electricity-free commune.


---Queenie wondered why in the world she felt "dressed up" walking through Target wearing corduroys, t-shirt, scarf, makeup, and leather boots.  When did corduroys become "dressed up"?


---ONE omelet at IHOP fed all 3 little bees.  Sometimes enormous portion sizes can be a great thing!


---Queenie wondered, at times, why the restaurants were placing the Yen rate right next to the US dollars price.....until she realized it was the calorie count for the item listed!


---The Bee Family doubts they will ever walk in the door of a Burger King again.  (BK was one of the very few  American restaurants available in Iwakuni, Japan....and was overly frequented!)


---The taste of genuine, Amish-made, chunks of bleu cheese from a gourmet booth at HEB grocery store.......priceless and unforgettable.

---The sight and sound of Killer reading every sign he sees in Wal Mart, not just for items, but the sales posters as well: "20% OFF, Buy ONE get ONE HALF OFF, 50% OFF, BIG SALE, NEED NOW, GREAT DEAL, MARKED DOWN, HURRY FAST, multiplied by about 200 times......Killer was VERY thorough."

A Name Without Clothes

Riding home from church on Sunday, Killer looked over at Queenie and (very solemnly) asked:

"MOM!  Do I have a naked name?  Because (my brother, FB) has one!  DO I HAVE ONE?"

Queenie (quite taken aback, and a bit sheepish):  Hmmm....a naked name?! 

Killer: YEAH!  A NAKED NAME!  You know, like, Shorty Pants (Mr. FB).

Queenie (quite relieved and trying not to laugh too hard):  OH!  A nickname!  Sure, Killer, you've got a nickname!!! 

Baby Bee and her New Christmas Jammies

Grandpapa sent new jammies all the way to Japan from Texas......for Christmas, of course.  Baby Bee's soft and cozy sleeper is in a muted leopard print.

She has deemed this set of sleepwear her "Meow Meow" jammies...

Killer Finds the Silver Lining

Sadly, one of the adorable stuffed Christmas bears we pull out each Christmas emerged from his storage box missing an eye.  Still jauntily sporting a green elf hat, and holding a festive wreath.....he is nevertheless a little worse for wear, only showing a bright red nose and an eye.

Pulling Mr. Bear out of the box, Killer looked at him aghast for a moment, and then took a deep breath before stating,

"Well, that's okay.  We can just pretend the Christmas Bear is winking!"

Killer the Bee Lurns to Spel

In the main bathroom of the apartment, Queenie has placed two bottles: one of hand sanitizer, and one of a fun "Kan-Do" soap that foams up bright green and is nice and easy for tots.  

Mr. Fumble Bumble likes to push the boundaries and always attempts to use the clear bottle of hand sanitizer instead of the kiddie soap that Queenie bought for him- the only reason being that the hand sanitizer is the bottle that is off limits.  (besides being almost completely alcohol- which poses problems in itself for a 3 year old, it's also a rarity around our overseas base where the store may or may not have it in stock when you need it!) 

Queenie is constantly repeating herself by telling him: 

"F.B.!  PLEASE use the fun green soap!  That other one is for Mama's and Papa's"  

Queenie's DH was washing his hands the other day and afterward presented Queenie with the bottle of hand sanitizer, upon which a black sharpie had phonetically scrawled (compliments of F.B.'s brother, Killer):

Fo.

Momo.

and

Popo.

Queenie and her DH must have laughed for half an hour.  Killer not only took it upon himself to label the bottle of hand sanitizer, but had assumed that his three year old brother could actually read it as well. 

Killer the Bee Masters the Engrish Language

Well, it's needless to say life in Japan is unique, amazing, and baffling at the same time.

Queenie finds herself and her little hive of busy bees constantly walking a narrow line of hanging onto American traditions, unwittingly absorbing parts of the Japanese culture, and even trying to instill some Mexican (Queenie's Marine hubby hails from a Mexican town right on the Mexican/American border in Baja) accents into their daily lives.

Even though dear hubby speaks Spanish on a routine basis with the kids, Killer the Bee seems reluctant (and even sometimes confused), because to him, all things "Non-American" are "Japanese", not "Spanish or Mexican".  The only reason for this is because that is what he's exposed to, on a 24/7 basis....the Japanese way of things, grocery stores, elderly folk, flower shops, etc..

At any rate, he was counting the trucks on the expressway (Japanese "inter-state highway")....when he shouted out,

"MAMA!  Look, there are Eareven of them."

Not eleven, mind you.  Eareven.  Queenie howled and hooted with laughter all the way to the next exit.

Her 5 year old, American-Mexican son had just spoken fluent Engrish.

Mr. FB's Plans for the Future

During a recent restaurant family dinner, Mr. Fumble Bumble (age: 3) was asked what he would like to do when he grows up....

Mr. FB: "Hmmmmm....well, I would really like to be a Maween.  Yes, I am gonna be a Maween who fights bad cows.  Those bad cows will be dead."

Queenie: "Awww, that's funny. Bad cows. hahahaha. A Marine like Papa.  So cute."

Mr. FB: "No.  It's not funny.  It's see-wius."

Queenie: "Serious?  Really?"

Mr. FB: "Yes!  It WOULD be see-wius.  It be see-wius for those cows!"

Baby Bee Tries to Smile

Now that Baby Bee has a mouth full of pearly whites, Queenie has been dutifully brushing her teeth each night before bed.  She first animatedly says, "Open up your mouth, Baby Bee!  Say, Awwwww!" So, Baby Bee soon learned to open up her mouth wide.  After brushing all the new molars, Queenie says, "Smile!", to clean the fronts of Baby Bee's little teeth. 

Apparently, Baby Bee carries those instructions along for photos as well. After saying "Smile!!!!", Queenie is greeted by a big, open-mouthed "Awwwwww!!!"

Baby Bee and Baby Spider

Baby Bee just got tucked into bed, all the while she was singing babbling the Itsy Bitsy Spider.   

For some reason, she's positively smitten with that song, and does her utmost best to make her chubby little fingers do the spider walk.  

*so cute!*

Some Credit in the Day...

Uptown Nanny I don't trust because I've never met her, can't afford, won't come because the kids are sick,  am too busy to call for the day: $100.00

5 Star Housekeeper I don't want to see my house in its current state, can't get booked, who would be yet another warm body in our already broiling and crowded apartment: $80.00

Ordering KFC delivery because Queenie is exhausted, frustrated, overwhelmed, craving fried chicken and coleslaw: $18.00

The image of Baby Bee strapped to Queenie's back in a baby carrier while her mommy scrubs a cup of dried sunscreen off the fish tank because Mr. Fumble Bumble was sure that "Beluga the Goldfish" was too hot under his aquarium light: PRICELESS.

Happy 5th Birthday to Killer!

It's a bittersweet birthday for Killer.  His Papa is traveling and is unable to be here to celebrate with everybody this year.  Nevertheless,  Queenie is doing her best to make wonderful memories for the little boy bee. 

She is buzzing with joy because, this year- for the very first time- she can write Killer a note that he will see in the morning....a note that says:

"Happy Birthday, Killer! (well, she didn't write Killer)
I love you.
5!
Love,
Mama"

And he will read it ALL by himself and know that his Mommy loves  him sooooooooooo much. 

When I grow up......

Killer the Bee (Age 4), 

1st day of K5

Bee Family Homeschool 2010

........this marks the beginning of what will now be a yearly tradition for each of the 3 bees. *smile*

A Kitten Named Banzai

There are two Japanese words that have extremely similar sounds.  Bonsai , referring to the pruned and manicured artsy tree, and Banzai, which is actually part of an ancient war cry meaning "May the emperor live 10,000 years!!!".

Banzai the kitten (only 4 weeks old!) is a little firecracker, so of course, his namesake would have to be the word that displays a bit more action and spunk. He was found by a local Marine stuck in a drain pipe, starving and dehydrated.  The base veterinarian coaxed and nursed him, as well as his sister, until they were well enough to go to a new home. We are excited about this little bit of furry nature prancing through our tiny apartment.  

Apparently, he enjoys fighting fires....

and battling dragons and dinosaurs.

A true military cat, Banzai also has an affinity for rifle magazines.

Killer the Bee and the World's First Guard Cat

Mr. Fumble Bumble is attempting to muster up some gentleness...

Even Killer knows Banzai is tiny!

.....and Banzai simply must end the day in his basket snoozing with a cuddly bear. 

Beeism of the Day- Killer Wishes He was All Grown Up

Queenie and her 3 bees went to have lunch at the food court here on base last week.  They were approaching the line, and Queenie gave Killer 2 choices:

"Tacos or Taco Salad, Killer?" Queenie asked.

"Hmmmmmm..." Killer quietly thought.

Then, he continued, "I want Taco Salad.  Because Taco Salad is BIG, and I want to be a MAN."

Beeism of the Day... Stuffed Animal Faves of Mr. Fumble Bumble

Mr. Fumble Bumble has a favorite bean-stuffed animal named Pickles.  Pickles is a leopard, and the manufacturer actually named it Freckles, but to a 3 year old little boy.....Pickles sounds just close enough.

Queenie thought this was humorous at first, and now the name has stuck- Freckles is no longer Freckles to anyone else in the family....Pickles it is.

Today, Mr. FB found a bean-stuffed ostrich from Queenie's kiddie bee days, and when she asked Fumble what he had named the ostrich, he replied....

"Ketchup!"

Baby Bee and her new mascot...

Thanks soooo much to a certain hive in VA for sending little Baby Bee her 1st birthday bee!   She thinks it's just perfect to chill out with....do bees chill out?  Well, this one comes pretty close.  *wink*

Buzzing for Babies....

Last night, Queenie called the base repairmen to please, oh pretty please, come fix her refrigerator which was leaking icky fridge water all over her kitchen.  They weren't able to come until this morning- at 8:30AM...and Queenie hadn't even served the little bees their breakfast yet!  She was glad they arrived bright and early, but scrambled around trying to find something easy to grab from the pantry- tools and repairmen speaking fast Japanese blocked the rest of the kitchen.  Killer, F.B., and Baby Bee ended up getting a breakfast of individually packaged applesauce, graham crackers, and juice from a new jug poured into their water bottles.  (Queenie couldn't reach the cups!)  

It was an eventful morning, but while the boy bees were playing with cars in their room, Queenie was able to tuck in the last strands of yarn on a baby gift she crocheted to give at a baby shower in exactly.....one hour!  She hopes the new baby girl enjoys her lovelies....Queenie wishes she had some in her size! 

"Deep and Wide..."

There's an old children's Sunday School song that goes,

"Deep and wide, 
Deep and wide, 
There's a fountain flowing-
Deep and wide....."

It has a catchy tune, and those same lyrics are repeated several times before the end of the song.  It's one of Mr. F.B.'s favorite tunes, and he can be caught, occasionally, milling around the house and humming it while he plays.

A few days ago, much to Queenie's delight, it was discovered that Baby Bee had just enough hair to pull up into the cutest little top pig-tail.  The baby hairs sprayed out in the most hilarious way, and upon seeing his little sister all dolled up with her new hair-do, F.B. exclaimed:

"LOOK, MAMA!  She has a deep and wide!" 

Queenie expects that was his little way of trying to say her tiny pigtail looked just like a fountain.  She definitely agrees.

Killer the Bee visits the Farm

Killer the Bee visited a farm- a farm in his imagination, that is. 

Today, Queenie was stuck in the hive with a 4 year old who sported a tummy ache, slight fever, and stuffy nose.  She used Adobe PhotoShop in an attempt to bring a smile to his cranky little bee face....the results were successful!  Killer laughed out loud 
when he saw himself smack dab in the middle of his own drawing. *smile*

Episode 2: Summer Pre-K/Kindergarten Fun- Buzzing to a Beat

 It seems that Queenie is daily astonished at the amount of incredible and completely free resources available on the internet- some of which are absolutely perfect in accessorizing a preschool/kindergarten home school education!  Killer and Fumble Bumble are learning piano with their mommy, and since they are both very visual and hands-on learners, Queenie was scrounging around looking for examples to show them of children practicing and performing on various instruments- so that they could see what a "real" musician is like.  One of the resources she found is from PBS, and is astonishingly thankfully available using our Japanese internet connection!  We hope you, dear readers, appreciate a little music culture with your breakfast tea, coffee, juice, milk  nectar as well!

 From the Top at Carnegie Hall

Episode 1: Summer Pre-K/Kindergarten Fun Via You Tube!

Mr. Fumble Bumble's Birthday

Mr. Fumble Bumble, Esq....is no longer a toddling two year old.....this past week he turned THREE!  Queenie and the entire bee family were so blessed to see many friends at his recent "Firefighter Party"- and Queenie was tremendously blessed that a few friends grabbed cameras and caught some precious shots.

Queenie also hopes you readers enjoy the pictures below- happily,  her first attempt with "felt crafting for kids" (the fire vests pictured below) was apparently a success.  Mr. Fumble Bumble had a tremendous time climbing and rolling around with the other kiddie-firefighters.  Thank you to Heidi, Ashley, and Rachel for capturing these darling moments while Queenie was otherwise occupied! 




Mr. Fumble Bumble himself, blowing out the candle for his 3rd year...

"Pin the tail on the dalmatian, anyone?"

The Fastest Firewoman Ever!

Move over, Smoky the Bear....Firefighting may have two new mascots!

F.B.'s brother, Killer the Bee, rescuing something from atop...a perilous bridge, perhaps?