Today's our 20th wedding anniversary...

This pic was taken at the free-standing Tiffany and Co. store inside the Narita airport after clearing security and immigration. They were expecting us and even had our names. : )

As soon as we gave our name we were seated down in a private table and chairs at the back of the Tiffany store. Noboru had been wanting to buy me a platinum ring for our anniversary and he trusts Tiffany and so we went with that. : )

Twenty years ago this very day. May 21st we were married in a Roman Catholic church in Osaka, Japan. His family was there. My family was there. And I married my best friend. 20 years later, 2 sons later. We're still head over heels for one another. And we dated for 5 long years before that, so we were super sure we were each others soul mates by that point. I'm not going to make this long. Not going to make this sappy or emotional. I'm just going to say, I love you honey! Thanks for always making me laugh in the best of times. Thanks for always holding my hand in the hard or sad times. Thanks for being "present" in our relationship every single day. Thanks for taking out the garbage every single week. Because you know..it's your guy job! Hahaha. Sorry! : ) Thanks for doing all the driving and letting me be your co-pilot (ha!) and letting me always get to pick *all* the music we listen to in the car! But to be fair... I do play good music though, so we're good.  Thanks for attending 99% of all Branden and Noah's observation days, you truly care (hey, sometimes he just doesn't get the day off and I *always* understand when he can't)...because you're such a rock star dad and husband and we know it! Thanks for every time that I see a spider... all I have to do is scream and I know you'll come running with a tissue to kill it! Thanks for the 2 times we saw a snake in the yard. I screamed and you without fear grabbed a stick and removed them to the field next door. You are truly a protector of this house and I love that. Thanks for taking such amazing care of our grass, we seriously have the best most fantastic lawn in all of Japan, because of you! Thanks for taking me for our once a year big vacation every summer, because you know how important that is for an expat living in a foreign land to go back to the US every summer. Thanks for taking me on husband-wife dates once a week for the past 20 years. That means to me... that you truly value me and value our marriage and so do I. Thanks for manning the BBQ grill like a total bad ass, all summer long too. Thanks for being such a wonderful family man, you truly put your family first. Thanks for just being you. If given the choice, I'd pick you and do it all again. 

What are we planning to do today or this evening to celebrate? I made everyone a special breakfast feast this morning. And after that Noboru went outside and did some yard work. Japan has suddenly been super hot the last couple days, but Noboru enjoys being outside in our yard working on things. It's been like 86 degrees F the last couple days. I miss the cooler weather days. Now I can see the hotter days are fast approaching. I rearranged my living room after breakfast this morning with the help of Branden and Noah. The furniture is totally flipped and looks totally different now and I love it. Remember I switched the boys furniture a few weeks back. Now the living room is complete. Anyway...in a nutshell. Our anniversary day has been rather uneventful and been spent at home. This evening the 4 of us will go out to dinner to celebrate as a family. And we're all looking forward to that. : ) 

My birthday...

March is my birthday month. March 22nd is my actual birthday date. I'm an Aries. I'm not into horoscopes at all... whatsoever... but in case someone's wondering, there ya go. LOL. Since it was my birthday month anyway...I just made sure I had a proper pampering a bit here and there all through the month of March. I had known Sephora.com (USA) ships to Japan for ages. However I have yet to place an order since I usually shop their actual store... when I'm in the states. But...ehh with it being my birthday month. I thought why not! I deserve it! : ) 

Just eyebrow products. Anastasia Beverly Hills products. And a pack of blotting papers. Dipbrow, a Brow Wiz and a brow pencil. And a brush with spoolie for using the brow pomade with. 

This isn't available in Japan and it wasn't even sold at the Singapore Sephora, not that we made it there anyway, but I did check though. So, I was happy to have placed my order. I received my order before Branden's JHS graduation. I say that... because I used some of these brow products on myself for his graduation on March 9th. 

Everyone seems to love the Brow Wiz and the brow pomade. I really don't ever hear talk about the brow pencil. And I have been using it since I received it and I love it. It's not waxy *at all* and it glides on and the color is a dead on match for my hair color. I have yet to try the Brow Wiz yet. 

Medium brown. The perfect ashy brown color that matches my hair color. 

Brow pomade in medium brown too. 

These smell like peppermint. And I will save these for summer. Japanese summers are very hot and I think this will be fantastic when summer hits : )

Love the brush and love the spoolie. Her (Anastasia's) spoolies are actually trademarked by the way. Like cult like status... her spoolies are! Hmm that sounded very Yoda-y didn't it? LOL.

What else did I get for my birthday? A new cell phone. Let me start off by saying. My cell phone I was using before this phone. Was so old. Like we're talking dinosaur status. Like way of the dodo type cell phone! So old...many of my apps wouldn't even work or run! LOL. This drove my husband and kids crazy! It drove them so nuts! For years...my husband said. Your phone is too old, let me buy you a phone! I was like..."nope, no thank you. As long as my phone can make calls. That's all I need." This drove everyone in my family absolutely bonkers. To be fair to me, I hate change. I start cooking dinner everyday at around the same time. I clean my house usually on the same days. Same day to clean Noah's room each week for example that sort of thing. Same day to clean the shower room twice weekly. I like and thrive on routine. That way...I stay very organized. It doesn't mean I don't have fun or anything though. But...I just like order and routine. So the thought of changing my phone and having all sorts of new buttons (okay not real buttons but ykwim) and apps. Hmm. Not exactly too appealing. But yep...I finally did it. And fwiw...the ONLY reason I changed phones is because my old phone was slowly dying and it got to the point that if I left my home and my phone was 100% charged and if I drove to pick up the kids from school it would be 10% charged by the time I'd get home. Considering it's a 5 minute drive form my house...ummm. The battery was dying... the phone was near death. So that's the only reason I finally changed phones. I have extended family who change their phones once a year.. just because they want the new model. And well...that's just not me. I keep my phone so long, too long. Like forever. : )

I bought a gold phone, I always knew if I were to ever get a new phone it would be gold. I bought an Android because I prefer Androids. And I bought one specifically with a super long lasting battery. Could be because I'm still recovering from the trauma of my last cell phone and it's short battery life, lol.

This battery lasts days and days and days on 1 charge. It even can power up other phones...which I wouldn't...but this battery is insane. And that's why I picked this one. I also didn't want to pick an expensive phone. Some phones now days are like 60,000 yen. Umm, no way am I spending US$600 bucks on a phone. I wanted to spend only 20,000 yen. And this was like a little over that but close to it. So, I was happy. It was affordable. The color I wanted they had and with a long battery. 

Noboru also purchased me a screen protector and a clear bendy case which I love. 

I love how my phone looks. But how do I like my new phone? Ummm...honestly? I love the new battery. But...it's too new for me still. I have so many apps and things that were not on my old phone. I guess...I'm still getting the hang of it. It will take me a long time to get used to this new phone. So, I like it...but I'm not used to it yet. Put it this way...on my old phone Noboru would LINE message me and I could pick up my old phone with 1 hand and message and reply within 30 seconds. Because the familiarity with my old phone was there. With this new phone? Noboru messaged me a few days ago and it took me a solid 5 minutes to reply. Because well for starters these new phones have ...fingerprint scans to unlock your phone so no one else can see your phone or read your messages but you. So, by the time I unlocked my phone with my index finger...and found the LINE app and clicked that...5 minutes had passed already. @_@  So umm, not quite second nature status yet. But I'm trying. 

So my main gift from Noboru this year for my birthday was a new phone. 

From my dad, I received electronic gift cards from Amazon.com (USA) and Old Navy.com and Gap (USA). And I will show you now what I picked. Also, many of the DVDs are too new and not able to ship but as soon as they can ship they will. I ordered the movie Fifty Shades Darker. 

I picked the movie A Dog's Purpose. This will flat out make you cry. And I can't wait until my copy gets to me. I'm so excited to get this.

Silence. A movie about missionaries who come to Japan and go missing. And I wanted to go and see this at the movies. However, it's 3 hours or so long? And nobody wanted to sit in the movies for 3 long hours. This drove me crazy...because this movie looks so good. And I really wanted to see it. It was available in English in the little city nearest me. However...nobody wanted to sit for a 3 hour movie. So...I was glad to order the DVD...that way I can see this at home. And pause it if anyone wants to go to the restroom or whatnot. : ) 

I like watching movies that show interracial relationships. I especially have huge respect for the couples from the olden days especially. Because it must have been super hard back in those days. I do own the DVD, Dragon the Bruce Lee Story that talks about Linda ( a white woman) marrying Bruce Lee. It's such a good story. And when I saw this commercial for this movie...I was like...wow. Stunned because it looked like a story needing to be shared. They were literally arrested for being in love. Interracial  marriage was flat out illegal in the old days. And this movie will be showing one couple and their story. I can't wait to get this DVD. 

I Am Sam, this movie is not new. But it's awesome. Sean Penn was brilliant in this. And I really wanted to have this in my collection. I also love the soundtrack to this. If I recall the whole soundtrack was Beatles songs. But by different artists though. 

Warmer weather is almost upon us. It's still frankly too cold for shorts weather and short sleeve weather in my part of Japan right now. But...I figured... might as well order a few pieces that will be appreciated and well loved this coming summer. I loved this cheeky black tee. And think it will go great with a pair of skinny bermuda length jean shorts and some low top black converse or flip flops.

These capri pants with draw string waist. The material is so light and will be so perfect once summer hits. And will be perfect in Japan since we dress a little more conservative and respectful in Japan. Meaning you rarely see folks in tank tops or booty shorts here. And if I were to take a flight, I could wear the Pardon my French top and these light weight capris and a distressed jean jacket and some flip flops or low top black converse and I'd be ready to go! : )

A navy blue top with cute ocean waves and I do love the beach, so I love this. And like the girl is wearing jean shorts I will probably wear mine with jean shorts or the navy shorts down below. 

Navy colored shorts. I own the black pair and tan pair of these exact same shorts already. I love these and I love the length... perfect for Japan. Can't wait to get these in preppy navy!

This black shirt is so cute. I also picked this tee in a color called berry smoothie. The bottom of the top is rounded. 

I also picked up the same capri drawstring pants in that airy material in army green. I got these pants on sale for $14 a pair. And a lot of my tops were on sale for US $8. 

Aha this is the top in berry smoothie. See the rounded bottom. It's super cute and having it in black and also this color will be great to wear with jean shorts this summer. The rounded bottom looks super feminine. : )

I also loved this green tee too. And with a pair of denim bermuda length roll up shorts this will be so cute. 

This top had so many likes and good comments. Everyone who ordered this... loved it so much. I too...am a very preppy dresser and with a pair of denim shorts and a pair of low top black converse...sorry if I'm sounding like a broken record here but...yeah this is going to be so cute. So yeah...I have 2 pair of denim shorts from last year and a pair of black shorts and tan shorts from last year that are still like brand new, so I will be wearing those plus adding these new pieces in too. : ) Slowly but surely. Warmer clothing ready...I'm getting there. Also the kids have been getting new summer stuff too, but their stuff will not be on this post...since this is just my birthday post. : )

Why did we fly back to Japan so early Tuesday morning? When we could have flown back Tuesday evening instead? Well because...Noboru was set to work on my birthday March 22nd. But...he had off March 21st, which is the day we flew back to Japan. So we had a family plan to go out for my birthday dinner Tuesday night versus Wednesday night. Which is more than fine. And because he had so many days to take off this month (Bran's JHS graduation, Noah's observation day, etc etc, I told him, not to take off for my birthday because the kids events were more important) Where did I pick to go for my birthday dinner? Jolly Pasta of course. : ) We started off with some appetizers of garlic bread. 

We each had a mini pizza that came with our pastas. We also each had a drink bar too.

We all ordered pastas. And we 4 talked and talked. Branden told us stories of karaaoke and we were laughing hearing so many funny stories. And we told him our Guam stories too. We ate. We talked. We laughed. And then we drove the 1 hour drive back to our town. This is called...living in *real* rural Japan. When everything delicious or good is hours away from where you live! Hahaha. : )

It was a day early but...we all had birthday cake. And my family sang so loud for me! I was laughing...that's how loud they sang! They're silly, they're funny and they always make me laugh. Ice-cream flavors..I almost forgot. Maple walnut and banana was the second flavor on my ice-cream cake. So anyway...that's the long and short of my birthday! It was wonderful! : )

Oh....I also went to the hair salon yesterday. I got 30% off since it is my birthday month, they sent me a postcard with the 30% off last month, for the month of March. That's why it is being mentioned in my birthday post. As you know my hair stylist is taking a 1 year absence due to her being pregnant. So, I am now just seeing any stylist who is available. I had a reservation yesterday morning at 9am. To get a Japanese thermal hair straightening. And a hair cut. My hair coloring, I am doing at home now and so far so good. I had a guy stylist yesterday. How do I like my hair? I love it. My hair is so super straight, so shiny and glossy and sleek. And my hair is all one length to my shoulders. I am so glad I got 30% off. Plus I needed to get my hair done before Bran's entrance ceremony. So now...my hair is all ready. : ) 

Noah's Observation Day last week...

This picture was taken on March 2nd, on Noah's Observation Day. Watching Noah's class in action was nice. The class was broken up into groups of 4 and they were making a mock newspaper article. : ) It was really cute to watch. There is only 1 fifth grade class in our school. This is the one and only. And they've been going to school together... since the first grade... so all these kids know each other really well. And they're going to be 6th graders this coming April/start of the new Japanese school year! I wonder who Noah's 6th grade teacher will be? This teacher in this pic is very nice and he's been Noah's teacher for the past 2 years...so I really doubt he'll be his teacher 3 years in a row, ykwim. Wish he could, but I doubt it.  

The kids at my son's school sew a lot! Like a whole lot! This is the most recent project Noah made! It's a bag and the design is sharks! I think Mr. Gorgeous did a fantastic job on his latest sewing project! Noah and his classmates also cook and bake a lot at his school too! Good school...good school. : )

Anyway what happened with the whole tons of meetings after Noah's observation day? And what happened regarding the PTA? Well here's the deal. In America you have the option to join the PTA or not. It's your own personal choice. However here in Japan. You do not get a choice or option. You are in the PTA whether you like it or not. Whether you are a hard working mom... working full time! It also...doesn't matter if you have kids at different schools (one in JHS or yochien) and that all on it's own....is a juggling fiasco all on it's own, if you have more than 1 kiddo here in Japan and deal with PTA stuff. Nope...they're not interested in your excuses. You're just...in the PTA whether you like it or not. So...now that you know the rules. @_@ Here's more. Again this is for our town. Not sure what other areas do for theirs. Just know how ours... does ours.

You must join the school PTA once in all 6 years per kid. So if you have 3 kids, you will be in the elementary school PTA 3 times. It is a 1 year of service per kid. Okay...so that means... me...Gina has 2 kids. So I had to do PTA at the elementary school 2 times. Okay, got it? : )

Also...now here comes another ball you can try and juggle too. We have something called the Kodomokai (Kids Club) in our town. And you must give 1 year of service for this too but this is just once...no matter how many kids you have. So if you have 3 kids, 1 year of service is enough. So...if I say kids club PTA that is this.: )

For Branden...I raised my hand the very first semester when Branden was a first grader. Why? Because Noah was not in yochien yet. He was only a toddler. And I had the time. And I also heard from the grapevine... the one to apply for...try for...is the traffic safety PTA. And I got that! What was my job? Super easy! I just drove down my area and looked for any PTA signs that needed replacing or signs that needed tightening. It was so easy. I had Noah strapped in his baby car seat. Branden in a booster seat since he was 6. And I drove my white minivan...the Mazda MPV at the time...around my town checking the signage. And that was so easy and I would say... I knocked that out of the way in an hour! Best...most easiest job ever!!!! And my PTA duty for Bran was done...finito! Since his first year of elementary school!

I also did the Kids Club PTA too. Vice Prez!

Now for Noah's elementary school years. I raised my hand when Noah was a first grader. I badly wanted to get that same job...traffic sign patrol again! The problem is...5 other mothers also raised their hands too. @_@ And so...we rock paper scissored. And I could not get it. I tried again in Noah's 2nd grade year. And nope. many mom's wanted that job. And I was once again..out-rock paper scissored. Noah's 3rd grade year...I was Fukukaicho for the Kids Club that year...and rules state...I can't be PTA for both places same year. Noah's 4th grade year I was...frankly burned out...by the whole PTA thing having just completed a whole year as fukukaicho. And didn't raise my hand at all. Lucky for me...I wasn't picked. Noah's 5th grade year...I got my energy back and I once again...tried for the traffic sign PTA. And once again...I lost. Clearly I suck at rock paper scissors! Haha! : ) And this year...manner wise? I know...I have to raise my hand for something. And manner wise...I have to volunteer as tribute! LOL...Hunger Games reference. So....I knew. Considering.. everyone should take a turn and it's now our family's turn. And I have yet to do PTA for Noah, I have to do it this year. It's right we do something this year. Because we cannot escape the PTA. I know that.

However also please keep in mind. I do have 1 more kiddo. And I very well...might be elected in the PTA for Bran's high school. Everyone pretty much speaks English. So...yeah...it's pretty much...a possibility too.

But...do I want to be in the PTA at 2 different schools this year? elementary and high school? Honestly? Not really. 1 is fine. But 2? Ehhh. Not too crazy about juggling... the PTA for both schools. So, Noboru and I talked about the possibility. The night before Noah's observation day. And the morning of Noah's observation day. And Noboru said. You will never believe what he told me. He said..."You did the PTA for Branden. You did the Kids Club PTA too. We don't know how Branden's high school will handle the PTA or even if they have one. However thinking back on you doing the trash pick up with the other mothers. Hauling all those heavy newspapers and beer cans. You did more than your fair share. And they're my kids too. So, I should do something too. So, I will raise MY hand and I will do the PTA for Noah this year" .....my face.  was like. @_@ "Really?" He said, really. I said...Are you sure? He said reassuringly..... "I'm so sure, I've got this." What a guy! Talk about being happily surprised. So, I said...okay. Thanks. Truly thank you! I'm very glad...that my husband is very modern thinking. Sure living 16 years in America helped. I'm just glad that he doesn't just *expect* absolutely everything should fall to my shoulders. So for me...that's reassuring and helps me a great deal. : )

So, we drove 2 cars to the school for one, because we had talked about it at home beforehand. And we both went to Observation day. We then both sat at the class meeting. PTA was brought up almost immediately. 3 houses out of 39 kids have not done PTA yet. Noboru raised his hand and said...we are one of the families and that he would like to volunteer. He did immediately cover me pretty much from the get go... because he knows how to deal and speak with Japanese because he's Japanese. He said right away...."my wife did the PTA for our older son at this shoggako as many of you know. She was also fukukaicho for the Kids Club too, as many of you know. And our older son is going to an English high school starting this April...and we are thinking my wife has a strong chance of being picked for the PTA. So...to take the burden off my wife since she will more than likely be doing PTA this year also...but for our older son. I will take the PTA duty for Noah's final year this year."...by Noboru saying that immediately and right away! He nips anything in the bud ASAP! And everyone chimed in and said...oh yes you're wife is always helpful....yes she was in the PTA. And you see people shaking their heads. And one says...Branden is going to an English high school? How wonderful. Yes...I bet they will pick your wife for the PTA!" And heads were nodding. And they said...We agree. And they then said...how wonderful you are taking this on. And so...they asked Noboru...would you like to do the yearbook? Side note...yearbook duty meets every single week of your year. @_@ Newspaper duty...newspaper they meet every week too (parents of this write what the grade/class was up to and what they will be up to next). He also tried for PTA for the traffic signs. But nope. But he and 1 other person signed up for ...."undokai and weed cutting day"...the lady said she's done it before...it's super easy and she will raise her hand to be kaicho since she's a 6th grade parent and Noboru can be VP if he wants. But they do not meet once a week. They get together 1 day before undokai and stream up the flag banners. Help on the field. And help the day of undokai too And that's it. And as for grass weed day...just make sure everyone signs in. And then cut the weeds. That's it. He's very happy with this. And so...PTA duties are done. For our town. 

To be fair. There is one papa, in Noah's class. He has been in the PTA every year. He loves being in the PTA. He also has a JHS daughter. So the dad's in our town do volunteer. Volunteering for dad's in our town at least...is not that uncommon. Good dad's...good dad's. : )

After the class meeting. I found Noah and we also met up with Branden and the 3 of us went home. I popped the enchiladas in the oven and made the spanish rice. Got dinner all ready to go. And Noboru went to the school wide meeting. He went to the district meeting. Then he came home. To a nice hot piping dinner. So a win win for everyone. : ) 

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Opening Day...

A quick picture of Branden and Noah outside the movie theater in Ibaraki Japan last night. Our nearest movie theater in the little city nearest us. It was freezing cold outside. Noah and I were bundled in our winter coats and Branden and his dad didn't wear coats since we went from house to car to movies and all those places are heated. However just the walk from car to movies was reason enough for Noah and I to need our coats. But Bran had on a long sleeve top and one of his Gap sweatshirts though. And we went right into the warm building as soon as we snapped this pic! We were so nicely stuffed from the cheeseburgers and fries I made for us all at home beforehand.  

We had 2 large popcorn's. 4 sodas, a soda for everyone. And snacks inside my bag for everyone.

Chocolate covered almonds for me. That was my movie snack that I picked. Noah and Branden picked chocolate covered almonds too, but picked a different type and they also picked and shared a pack of grape Hi-Chew, that you can see in this pic between Noah's sweatshirt and coat. And Noboru picked Pretz. : ) We had the best seats. Nobody sat near us. The movie theater had people in it of course... but honestly maybe about 25 people at most including us were in the movie. And that's awesome...so glad we live in the boonies!!! And Noboru even left a space between he and Bran. He said because they could spread out and they put the movie posters there and popcorn too in the empty seat. The Rogue One posters, we got 4 of them.... for going on opening day! Branden also received some *very* good news from the JHS regarding high school yesterday too! So needless to say...we were in the best BEST mood last night! 

Our present for going on opening day in Japan!

How did we like Rogue One? How did we feel about the movie? We freaking loved it!!! It was way better than the one last December, The Force Awakens! This one had it all. Number 1...this was written so well. From the second this movie started...you are immediately learning Jyn Erso's story. You are drawn and sucked right into this movie and story. So it's not like a slow start. No no no. It starts right away. Draws you right in. I felt so sorry for Jyn seeing how everything went down when she was a little girl. I really felt for her. So great story! All of the characters were amazing. Not just 1 or 2 characters, but honestly they were all fantastic. That droid named K2 was hilarious. So funny. You will love him! This movie basically ties the older ones from the 70's together to this one. You won't understand what I am saying now. Because I'm not going to say and spoil it. And I am not going to say who from the old ones... are in this one either. But...you will totally understand after you see the movie. Love love loved Rogue One. Would I buy this on DVD? Honestly? Yes, I would. And I wouldn't have bought the one that came out last year, The Force Awakens. Don't get me wrong... the one that came out last year was good, but it wasn't great. And I felt at times, The one from last year The Force Awakens was slow. And it didn't draw me in like Rogue One did. This movie gets 2 thumbs up from us. This movie has no slow parts or laggy zzzz parts to it. This was flat out bomb dot com! If you're into the Star Wars movies at all You will love this! Anyway, we really liked this movie a whole lot! : ) 

Our trip to Guam this October...

Sunday, October 9th as soon as the boys took their Eiken written tests in Narita City (Eiken 1 for Bran and 3 for Noah-chan) Noboru dropped us off at Narita International airport and we caught our flight to Guam! 3 hours later, the boys and I landed at Guam International Airport. And my dad, who is the most awesome person on the face of the planet! Yes, I am totally biased. : ) But it's true, he is. : ) Anyway he picked us up and we were pretty exhausted. So we actually showered and went to sleep. We all woke up bright and early the next day. Monday October 10th. And we 4 immediately went and had some breakfast. And went and did a little Fall shopping, Thanksgiving shopping. First stop. McD's for some bacon, egg and cheese biscuit breakfast sandwiches. These are the best ever ever and mine and the kids favorite way to have breakfast whenever we're in America. : ) Next stop. 2 Cost U Less stores. Think along the lines of Costco except you don't need a membership! : )

Now, I am not a fan of candy corn. I know... that makes me a very uncool American here. : ) I am sorry. : ) They had all sorts of specialty seasonal flavors. This was an apple mix. Green apple and apple pie. I bet a lot of people liked this one.

Gee whiz they sure had a whole bunch of varieties. : )

I usually don't post pictures of actual Guam. But it is such a gorgeous stunning tropical island. And just look at these cute huts alongside the beach and their roofs are super cool. Is that a grass roof or what is that? I don't know what sort of roof that is...but we don't have those in Denver. And so to me... they look really cool! Very tropical paradise-y for sures! Hahaha. : ) 

Beautiful island tree. They have these types of trees in Hawaii too. Just seriously...a gorgeous island paradise. I'm always floored when I come here. And you can literally snorkel any day you'd like. Or swim.

Subway, Panda Express and Yogurtland (fro-yo) They seriously...have like everything there! Cinnabon. TGI Fridays. Chili's. Like seriously...everything. I love Guam so much. I love that it's so close to Japan, so I can come often.

After finishing up our shopping. Except 1 trip to Kmart which would be saved for after the movie. But we did take time out to have breakfast, have lunch and yes...go and enjoy a movie. : ) The kids had nachos. My dad and the kids and I had popcorn and we all had drinks. And some chocolate bars I snuck in. But again...everything else we bought at the concession stand. : ) 

This is the movie we saw October 10th!

Longest movie title ever. Not sure what they'll call it in Japan, but I am sure it will be shortened. We went and saw. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. This movie was excellent! The kids loved this movie so much. So, did my dad and I too. Would I run right out and buy the DVD? No, but I did enjoy the movie though. : )

As of October 10th, this is what was playing. I am sure these movies are not even playing there anymore. Since it's about a little over a month later now. : )  Bridget Jones Baby was just released for us in Japan...this November. : ) And the movie Girl on the Train, I ordered on DVD yesterday on Amazon.com in fact and it should get to my home in Japan as soon as it's released in the US. : )

At Kmart now, the 4 of us after the movie. And look at all the Halloween candy!!! Like humongous Halloween section/area. And huge selection too.

40% off on almost everything too!

Branden smiling and talking to all of us, he's such a happy teenager. Noah pulling a few mushrooms off his slice of pizza. Branden used to do the same and now he likes them. I know Noah will too, hopefully. So I keep leaving them on there. Hahaha. : ) Just the kids and I and my dad, enjoying our meal. Talking, laughing having an honestly...wonderful time!

We ordered 1 large pizza and 2 orders of breadsticks. And sodas. We were all a tiny bit full still from the movie popcorn and nachos and chocolate bars.

Now that's a lot of breadsticks. Good thing we have that marinara for dipping. We ate...we talked...we ate some more. : )

Pizza and breadsticks and an 11 year old suspiciously looking at his slice of pizza...wondering..."did I get all the mushrooms off?" Hahaha. : ) 

Noah munching! It was honestly so fun being there. The next morning. Tuesday, we flew out and headed back to Japan! We didn't say good-bye We just said...see you later. See you for Thanksgiving! And we hugged. And we headed into the airport and checked ourselves in Tuesday morning.

By Tuesday 12 noon we were back in Japan! And Monday was a holiday for us in Japan, so school was closed Monday. And Tuesday after lunch, I drove Branden to school at 1pm. He was a bit tired, but we don't want him to have 1 day of absence his final year in JHS. And so...he could not be counted absent as long as he was there in the afternoon. : ) Noah missed Tuesday, given he's only a 5th grader we let him take the day off. And I just spent a good hour. Unpacking. And taking pics of what we brought back to Japan. This is the table pic of everything we brought back to Japan. October 2016. 

Frozen ravioli. I love this! Tastes so homemade. Makes a wonderful dinner. 1 bag will feed the 4 of us no problem. : ) We will be having the final bag of this tonight. 

Fall and Winter means plenty of baking. And most recipes call for a pinch of salt, and I never add it. I just use salted sweet cream butter. : ) Now I have enough to make 2 from scratch homemade pumpkin pies. And Christmas cookies and other things. So the butter is for baking. : ) And 24 slices of cheese for a grilled cheese sammy kind of day! : ) 

Halloween treats for my kids.

Pop Tarts. S'mores.

Chocodiles.

Blueberry muffins and brownies. Again, I bake a lot in the Fall and Winter for my family.

I had 2 yellow cake mixes at home already. So, I brought back these. A yellow cake with chocolate frosting. And a red velvet cake mix with yummy cream cheese frosting. Yep, I do like to bake for my family in the colder weather.

Chocolate chips for cookie baking. And I do not mind 1 single bit...not 1 iota if it's store brand. If it saves money. Then that's alright with me. : ) 

2 batches of rice crispy treats. Yes please! Again, I want to make sure the kids have a treat at least once a week. Whether it be a batch of cookies or a cake or some muffins. : )

Noah asked to get these pizza Pringles. He brought them home and he split them with Branden. So a snack shared. : ) While they watched TV one evening. : ) 

I love American chicken flavor cup of noodles. I wish we had this in Japan. Ironic...I know. My husband told me one time the shio flavor/ salt flavored one in Japan is the same. I have tasted that and yuck. Sorry not the same. : ) 

2 pounds of popcorn for movie night. 

Pancakes happen at our house twice a month on a weekend and so syrup is definitely needed. : ) 

You all know, I buy an American calendar every year and have ever since I have lived here. American holidays are not on Japanese calendars. And I need an American one. This was only $4.99. It was so funny the kids loved this one. So, I picked this one. For 2017!

That cow nose. Adorable!

This one in particular cracks me up. 

Angry squirrel. Don't even try to move in...on his squirrel chick! : ) Hahaha. 

Thanksgiving things. 2 cans of pumpkin pie filling plus the evaporated milk needed for those. My pantry now has 4 cans of pumpkin pie filling. So I am now all set pumpkin pie wise. A can of whole cranberries. 2 cans of black olives. Poultry gravy. Stuffing these are twin packs so I have 4 packs. And Miracle Whip for leftover turkey sandwiches. We are already dreaming about those delicious leftover turkey sandwiches. And cheese and garlic croutons, these croutons are so good.

Beans. Again, with living in Japan, you sometimes have to stock up on stuff, you know you'll use and you'll need. 

Chili yum. Texas style chili. Wendy's style of chili beans. And I was so happy to bring back 2 huge big containers of this. 

Ice Breakers for me. And some gum for the kids.

Diced jalapenos.

Italian American ingredients. I use those Italian breadcrumbs for my meatballs and for my chicken parmesan. And Kraft parmesan cheese.

Baking helpers. Crisco for greasing cake pans. Baking soda for cookie baking. And Christmas colored sprinkles for Christmas cookies.

Hot sauce. Love hot sauce. Weekday breakfasts need to be fast! Sometimes it's frozen waffles (thanks Costco) Maple pecan danish (again thanks Costco) Pop Tarts. Cereal. Yogurts (they have yogurt *always* regardless whatever else they eat, they need the calcium) and about twice a week I will crack 5 eggs, whisk, make some scramble eggs and add a bit of shredded cheese and add some hot sauce pictured here and roll into a flour tortilla. And the kids have quick fast breakfast burritos before school and a yogurt and it's out the door for them...with a packed lunch. : )

I always buy the kids plane snacks and I bought these for myself for the flight back to Japan but I didn't eat them however, I snacked on them one afternoon after cleaning the house...while taking my break.

Love these butter noodles. I use these as a main dish, I add some diced pan/skillet fried chicken breast and a handful of frozen broccoli and this is a favorite meal for my kids! They love this. : ) 

Bath and Body Works is now available at the DFS in the Guam airport! Right on! I picked this up at the airport on the flight back to Japan. I will pull this out to use a day before Thanksgiving. Certainly makes washing your hands after cleaning a raw turkey...nice and fresh. This really cuts the meat smell on your hands. : ) 

Toilet tabs

Just an extra box of tampons and some kids ibuprofen.

For ages 2-11. Noah's 11. Branden uses regular Advil tablets now. Thank goodness. Buying a container of 200 of those are perfect for Noboru, Branny and myself. I do however...keep this on hand if Noah should get sick. Considering what's in my closet. I have 3 of these kids ibuprofen bottles now. That just gives me peace of mind. Granted nobody wishes for a sick kiddo. And heck if you live in the US...you have the ease and luck to know...you can stroll into any Walgreen's or Walmart anytime of day or night. However with living in Japan. It is smart to stock pile a couple. Not tons. But a few, is just smart. And yes my kids get a flu shot every single year. As a precaution. However it's not 100%. And so keeping this on hand...does give me peace of mind. : ) If my son should spike a fever on a Sunday night and the doctors office is closed...I can just give my child this until the doctors office is open. Again...I just feel happy to have a few of these upstairs in the hall closet. : ) And again you see, I buy the generic store brand one. Again it works just as good.

A tube of cinnamon toothpaste for the fam-bam. And an orange toothbrush for Noah and a green toothbrush for Bran. Bran loves green. And Noah loves yellow or orange. : ) 

I have mentioned this before but the salon I used to go to in Denver, when I was living there was located in Cherry Creek. And they always washed my hair with the Aveda Rosemary Mint shampoo and conditioner because it was an Aveda salon. I was single and a university student and so I splurged on that shampoo for myself to use at home too. So, I have always been fond of that scent. Suave is famous for making "knock-offs" of all sorts of pricey shampoos and conditioners. And they make one and if you see this pic...it says...Aveda...because this is the knock off for that one. It's like US$2!!! It's super cheap. Smells exactly...and I do mean exactly like the Aveda one. Is this deep conditioning? Nope, but neither is the Aveda Rosemary Mint one either. It's more so for normal hair. So, I do find myself buying this one off and on and have for ages. 

Another Suave knock off. This time of Keratase. I will be trying this one for the first time soon. 

I'm also a fan of American Pantene. I say it like that... because we have Pantene in Japan and it's okay, I don't dislike it. But it doesn't smell the same at all. I love the ones in the US. 

The shampoo and conditioner's we brought back this trip. And a green apple Head and Shoulders for Noah. 

Deodorant.The 2 far left are for Noboru. 1 Denali for me. 2 for Bran and 1 for Noah. Bran wears deodorant daily. Granted he's a teen and a good smelling teen, at that! Noah is 11, a 5th grader and he does *not* need deodorant every day, but he does use it on days he has marathon practice or on sports day. That sort of thing. 

A travel gel for Noah and a molding paste for Bran and some Stridex pads for Branden. Just keeping his teenage skin clear. : )

Three magazines and 1"circle it" word search. I love doing these word searches. : ) Ever since I was little and would do these in the Mini Page, in the newspaper. 

I really enjoyed this update on the Gosselins. I used to watch that show all the time. Jon and Kate Plus 8. I enjoyed the show a lot because it was so wonderful to see a western mom and an Asian dad, plus kiddos. These couples are rare. But then the mom kept getting bossier and would scream all the time during the show. And the dad like...eventually...emotionally checked out towards the end. They would constantly fight and scream and holler. @_@ And it began to get very hard to watch that show anymore. Then he was found cheating. and they divorced. And blah blah blah. Her spin off show without Jon, I felt tanked and it was just not fun anymore. Just more bossy mom stuff. Her screaming at the kids and them crying. And I sort of stopped watching. So...yeah it was nice to see them on this cover. And I thought...yeah...I wonder what they're up to these days. I know the older 2 girls are 1 year older than BrannyMcB for sures. And the 6 younger kids are 1 year older than Noah, they are 12. But yeah very close in age. I did enjoy this article. Seems her son Collin has emotional issues or psychological issues and he is living in a treatment facility? Has been for the past year. @_@ That REALLY took me by surprise, poor kid, I hope he can get things worked out. But yeah interesting article. Oh and she was very tight lipped about what specifically was wrong with Collin. She didn't want to say. Which is understandable, I guess. Anyways, it was very nice to read what the Gosselin kids are up to these days.

Anyway, that's our Guam trip in a nutshell that we took last month. And the goodies, we brought back from Guam too. I also brought back, 2 tubes of Pillsbury Cinnabon Cinnamon rolls and 2 tubes of Pillsbury Crescent rolls. Not sure why I failed to take a picture of the Pillsbury things. Sorry about that. : ) We have since eaten our cinnamon rolls, but the crescent rolls we still have and are keeping for Thanksgiving.