Update...

I've missed you all. I have absolutely so much to say. So much has happened. Has it been 3 weeks? It feels like a 100 years, since I got on here and caught up with you all. Before, I get you all caught up with our life now. Let me start with the day we left Japan. The 4 of us all left Japan with 6 pieces of checked in luggage. One of those checked in pieces of luggage was a big ol box which was/is my computer. My computer was totally fine. The flight in first class was quiet. And uneventful. That's Noah and Noboru in this picture. And Bran was sitting right behind me, like how Noboru was sitting behind Noah. And the seats lay down to flat beds.  

I watched the Shape of Water. It was a really good movie. I'm glad I saw it, but I wouldn't watch it again or buy the DVD.

I also watched Wonder. It was an extremely good movie. I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did. I wouldn't buy the DVD or anything though.

Enjoying some warm mixed nuts and a lemon coke. As soon as we left Japan.

A breaded chicken breast with mozzarella cheese inside, wedge potatoes and green beans. Noah had the same thing as me and Bran had the steak and Noboru picked the Japanese meal.

Dessert, a hot fudge sundae and a coffee.

Noah enjoying his sundae and watching a movie. So did Bran and Noboru.

We moved to the left half of the United States. However the only flight open the day we wanted to leave Japan was to Atlanta Georgia. So even though it was completely opposite direction of where we wanted to go. It was still a way into the US, so we took it. We landed in Atlanta. Thoughts? A gorgeous airport, and such super friendly people working in that airport. 

Since we were in Atlanta the home of Chick fil A. We all grabbed lunch while we waited to fly to the west part of the United States. Longest flight ever, omg! But we got there. At like midnight. We grabbed our rental SUV. Tossed all our belongings inside. Including giant computer box. And we all went immediately to sleep at the hotel. The bright side was that we were in the western part of the US. 

Our hotel room.

We're lucky in the fact that we worked our butts off, before we left Japan. Meaning we researched where we wanted to move. We found about 6 different townhouses and houses that we wanted to rent. We had 3 cars we were interested in buying. And because of that careful planning, we immediately the very next morning started looking at places to live... that were marked on our list. We checked place #3. And we liked it enough to rent that place. It's a 3 bedroom townhouse, 2 story. 1 year old townhouse, just built last year, so super new. Gorgeously landscaped. Grass and flowers everywhere. Yard work is included for us. Water is paid and each unit had their own washer and dryer in the individual unit/townhouse. We couldn't move in though...until 5 days. So we stayed in a hotel until we moved in. Meanwhile, I got my drivers license since I had an address. Opened a bank account. Noboru bought me a car, a black 2014 Volkswagen Jetta. Got license plates. Car insurance. What else, we moved in to the townhouse. Bought a shower curtain. Bathroom mats. Two laundry baskets, one for the kids and 1 for me. Laundry soap. Dishes. Had the power turned on in our townhouse. Ordered internet. Honestly you guys? It felt like we were on a hamster wheel on the fast speed for the 3 weeks. It was not fun. It was work. There's lots of work... getting your life set up in a different country... then what you were living in for the last 15-16 years. Even if it is my home country.

This is Noboru driving the rental SUV. This pic was taken about a 2 minute drive from our townhouse. Can you see the horse?
We made the decision last Fall for my dad to leave Guam and move to where the kids and I lived when we would move to the US. Because #1, there's really no point for my dad to be in Guam anymore... because he only moved to Guam to be closer to me in Japan. And with the kids and I in the US now. He didn't need to be in Guam anymore, there was just no point anymore. Plus, I have never in my life lived in this state. We picked this state because we liked it. And we didn't pick the capitol or surrounding areas because they're  heavily populated like normal bustling cities are. And considering my kids and I were used to living in the inaka/Japanese countryside. Moving to an average sized populated city in America, would probably send us running back to Japan. LOL. So, we mindfully and purposely decided to pick an extremely quiet, very rural area to move to. Granted there's still wonderful conveniences. Like shopping and places to eat. But there are an awful lot of horses. And tons of land. Wide open spaces. We picked the best place for us. 
Enrolling the kids in school. What a surprise. I was in communication with a school head by email. Granted she is a school head... for the next city near my new city. But what she told me was. As soon as you move. Because the school year in the US is nearly over, go ahead and pre-enroll your kids for the Fall semester. She told me to bring, proof of vaccinations for the kids. Proof of US citizenship. And their last report card from their previous school. We moved to the next city over because it was more countryside and we wanted that. And a better school district. But, I figured the same would apply. The boys would get pre-registered for the Fall. So, Noah's middle school is a 2 minute drive by car from where we live. Noboru and the kids and I went to pre-enroll Noah first. And we were completely shocked when they said that we would like Noah to start the following week? @_@ Holy goodness. We walked into the office. Told them hi and we'd like to enroll Noah. They asked us which city are you moving from? We said, we're moving from Japan!!! The entire 3 office ladies all swiveled in their chairs and faced us. JAPAN? They all said. Yes, mam, we've moved from Japan. Here is Noah's American birth certificate, American passport. Here are his American vaccinations that he had in Guam. And here is his report card. She gave me a huge folder. Said sign all these forms come back the next day. She took photo copies of all the documents we brought. We then went to the high school. And got the same complete and utter shocked look.... when we said...hello we'd like to enroll our son Branden. Which city are moving from. And when we answered Japan. You could hear a pin drop. The high school gave us way less forms to fill out. But we gave Bran's birth certificate, passport and US vaccinations and she made copies. That night, we went home and filled out forms for Noah and Branden. The schools told us this.... There is only school until June 12th. And they wouldn't get credit for going to school until June 12th but...they suggested since we're from Japan. And the boys have never gone to school in the United States before it would be a good idea for them to attend now and get adjusted now. And then in the Fall. By that time they're used to it. So we agreed.

So Bran was in the 10th grade in March... but because of his age, he is with his same age classmates who will finish the 10th grade in June 2018. So same grade as Bran. Branden started American high school last Thursday. He's a sophomore until June 12th. How does Branden like it? OMG, you guys he freaking loves it. Because both my kids are 100% bilingual. And I was such a stickler on their reading and writing in Japan in English. Neither of my kids are in an ESL class. And neither is in a remedial class or anything. So Bran has been in high school for a little over a week now. Noah was supposed to take an assessment test last Friday, but the counselors were busy with an assembly. So Noah took his assessment test this Monday and we asked the school counselor. Actually Noboru did. He asked her how Noah did. And she said, he's right up with the kids in his grade. Noah has been in school and attending classes since Tuesday of this week. He's got a little group he hangs with and eats with and stuff. Middle school here is 6th grade, 7th grade and 8th grade. Noah is still a 6th grader until June 12th. And in the Fall he'll be a 7th grader. With his age kids.

Noboru left back to Japan today. This morning. I'll update more when I can.: )

It's snowing...

Just a super quick post. It's snowing in my town at the edge of the Chiba/Ibaraki border. I also heard that this week in particular will be the coldest week for Chiba prefecture in a LONG time. Sunday/yesterday I could feel it actually growing colder. You could feel a cold front...definitely moving in. This morning it was insanely cold. Honestly this morning when I dropped off Bran it was downright bitter cold. Freezing means 32 degrees F for us Americans. But all day long, it stayed 33 degrees F. Sorta teasing us all. 1 degree away from freezing and 1 degree away from turning into snow all day long. But raining like crazy all day today.

Noah got out at 3:45pm today. I was there at 3:10pm because I knew all parents would be picking up their kids in this rainy bitterly cold gray day. And sure enough... good thing I got there early because the parking lot was full by 3:30pm. And it's a massive parking lot.

Yesterday I made a hearty curry nabe soup for supper. Tomorrow night I am making nikujaga. Stews and soups in winter and perfect. But tonight...for variety I am making cheeseburgers from some of that lean 100% lean ground beef from Costco I bought last week. I ran to the grocery store this morning at 10am. Hit the bakery, bought 2 loaves of bread for tonight's cheeseburger night at home. Bought some lettuce for the burgers too. Also bought some potato salad and some macaroni salad from the deli. So tonight's dinner will be cheeseburgers, macaroni salad and potato salad. An easy dinner. Breaks up all the soups and stews we've been having and tomorrow we can enjoy some nikujaga. We also have a massive amount of mikan to eat too.

I am looking out my back patio window and I see it is snowing like crazy outside. Looks like a snowglobe outside my window right now. I am happy Noah is home safe and sound and nice and warm. Branden is already on the train and heading to our town as I type. When I go and pick up Branden later....I will be sure to drive slowly and cautiously. I hope everyone else can do the same. Anyway if you're in Japan, please stay warm!!! : )

Update...

How's everyone doing? Things here have been quiet and nice. It's been so super cold in Japan. So many areas have been hit with snow (Kyushu, Osaka, Tokyo, etc all hit with snow). But not our tiny town. No snow at all. Just freezing cold every single morning when I drop off Branden in the morning to the train station. And the sun starts to peek out by the time I drop off Noah to elementary school. But when I drop off Bran, it's like the deep freeze outside. Hahaha. Anyways, What have I been doing? Chillin' and enjoy our quiet uneventful January. Staying indoors and staying warm. I made cream stew one night last week. This is my favorite type...Hokkaido corn cream stew. It's super delicious. What else...

I made karaage. We don't eat deep fried too often. But, I will make karaage once a month and chicken cutlet or ebi fry once a month. About twice a month for us for deep fried. The big amount of chicken breast was for dinner and the smaller ziplocks were for the kids school obento and the other was for Noboru's obento and my lunch at home the following day. 

This was chopped up around 11:55am. And I always add a tube of ginger to my chicken first. It instantly mellows out the chicken flavor. And infuses an amazing ginger taste. I let it marinate for about 30 minutes just with the ginger. 

I buy generic brand X/store brand ginger because it's like only 59 yen a tube. Versus 98 yen a tube. And after 30 minutes of marinating with just the ginger. I then leave the ginger in there obviously and add this karaage liquid in the ziplock bags. 

From 12:30 pm-ish until about 4:30 pm. As soon as everyone is home. I roll in plain unseasoned flour. And then fry in a clean batch of oil. And it's very flavorful and so good. We had ours with macaroni salad. Steamed broccoli and rice. 

Not sure if you can see in this pic...but a new mole had come to our house. 

He made a good sized mole hill. Noboru was pretty mad. As you may know Noboru has caught/killed 2 other moles who came into our yard. I think all moles in this area must...dislike my husband so much. Since he is a mole killer. Hahaha. As of right now. It's been about 5 days and so far Noboru can't catch this new mole. @_@ 

What else has happened? I baked a batch of cornbread. 

Last week, I went to Costco Inzai/Chiba New Town. I was already in the parking lot by 10am and grabbed my cart and headed into the store. I was on my way home pretty quickly. I picked up a big amount of lean 100% ground beef. A rotisserie chicken which I turned into taco night. A huge amount of flour tortillas. Mozzarella cheese. Provolone and a big hunk of Colby/Jack cheese. The Easter stuff is already for sale at Costco Japan. Just a friendly FYI.

Not sure about other locations. But if you hit my store before 10:30am, on a weekday... you can shop in peace and quiet and with hardly anybody there. I love shopping here on the weekdays in the morning as soon as they open up.

Not even many people in the food court or ordering food. I haven't eaten at Costco for lunch in ages, even though I shop at Costco about 3 times a month...I just haven't eaten lunch there...so I had a slice of pizza this day... before heading back to my tiny town.

A quick slice of combination pizza.

I also ran into the Besia grocery store after Costco, they're both right near each other. And this was on sale for 500 yen for a box/case of these. My kids love these yogurt drink boxes so to get a case of these for super cheap was a deal. 

I put them all in the fridge and that way when the kids want one, they can get one.

What else have I been doing? I have still been doing my weekly house cleaning. Daily house cleaning. And cooking of dinners. I am still loving washing every one's bedding, blankets and fleece blankets and pillow cases etc every single week at home in my bigger washing machine, that I got in August? Or was it September, but yes a bigger washer totally helps. All of my bedding can fit in 1 load. And the kids bedding can fit together in 1 load. There is seriously nothing nicer than laying down on fresh bedding. 

Movie, yes a movie! Last week, at the beginning of the week... Bran asked me, if he and his bestie could go to see a movie on Friday? Last Friday. His bestie is hafu too. His bestie was born in Japan but raised outside of Japan and went to an international school, so he prefers English. Where as Branden was born in Hawaii and moved to Japan around 10 month's old. They wanted to go and see...the new Kingsman movie. Yes I know...we have the DVD. And I told Bran, "if you want, ya'll can watch your DVD during lunch at school, just take my mini DVD player" But Bran said...the fun part is going on the adventure to the movies with my friend, getting there and coming home. Keep in mind... Bran is from the inaka, meaning he's a country boy. I never let him run wild or go out and about after elementary school or in JHS either, unless it's just in the neighborhood sure but farther than that? Nope. In our country town kids in shogakko went zarigani hunting/crawdad hunting. Or fishing. Riding bikes in the neighborhood was it really. They're not train savvy... like city kids are in Japan. So since he's a 9th grader now...he's learning. He's a super good kid. So I said. Okay. So they got out of school Friday at 3:45pm. They ran to catch the train to Narita. Took the shuttle and they caught the 5:20pm showing of the movie. Bran had movie and popcorn money and money for dinner afterwards. Again Bran is an extremely good kid. Both my kids are. They don't just disappear. They know...I am letting them out and about... because I am trusting them. So, he messaged me when they got on the train heading to Narita....then took 2 pics inside the movie. This one and...

This one. I replied to Bran..."have fun kiddo but shut your phone off, lol" He told me later, he had the rice cracker and peanut mix. And his bestie picked french fries. apparently they didn't want popcorn. LOL. 

And as soon as the movie let out...he sent me this pic. There is a walkway from the Narita Humax (movie theater) that goes back and forth to the Aeon mall. His message said...a quick..."mom, the movie is out and we're gonna go eat dinner now" I replied..."have fun" I know the type of kid I have. He's certainly no punk jerk bad kid. He's an extremely good kid. Good student. Extremely respectful of adults and other people. He told me at home. He picked udon to have for dinner and his bestie picked McD's. 

Bran and his bestie caught the shuttle back to the Narita train station. His bestie went back to the bustling Chiba city. And Bran returned to our teeny tiny town. Where I was waiting in my car at the train station for my kiddo. He doesn't message me constantly, so please don't get it twisted. Just a few handful of times to keep me in the loop. And I appreciate that... because it's such a peace of mind. I'm glad I raised such responsible kids. And same for Noah. He has a cell phone. In Japan kids often have cells. And when Noah plays at the park inside our housing community. He will message me once or twice while playing. Keeping me in the know of...who he is playing with. And what time he will head home. It's also a big relief that Japan is just such a safe place to raise kids. 

I bought a small turkey last week. And I roasted it on Monday of this week. This was only an 8 and a half pounder. So quite small. I seasoned him quite well and he came out very juicy. I wanted the turkey for sandwiches. Both Bran and Noah took turkey sandwiches to school on Tuesday. And we had a simple turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy dinner on Monday night. The turkey is gone now... but it was nice to get 1 dinner out of it and about 2 sandwiches out of it, for each of us. So that was nice. : ) 

Half way there pic, while carving the turkey.

Anyway anything else to add? Branden doesn't have school today or tomorrow. Why? Because this is the season for JHS students, 9th grade kids. To take exams to get into high schools in Japan. So because kids are testing today and tomorrow. Branden and the rest of the kids at his high school... do not have school today and tomorrow since the final year JHS kids are testing at his school today. 

Bits and Pieces...

Hi!!! Holy goodness it's been about what....6 days since I have had the chance to update? I'm so sorry about that, you guys! Even right now, I have a free 30 minutes right now... before I go and pick up Noah from school. I was at Costco this morning. But I really don't have the time to update properly right now (have something else to do too), but I will... just so I can touch bases with you all real quick. Hopefully I can get this thing written in like 5 minutes or less so here we go! Hold on tight ya'll! : )

Let's see, where have I been and what have I been doing? That's the million dollar question right there! : )

Sunday afternoon, both Branden and Noah took the Eiken. Bran Eiken 1 and Noah Eiken 3. Bran's test was so so long... that we sat there for hours! Seriously for hours! @_@

Sunday...same day as the Eiken. Immediately after the Eiken, with packed carry-ons in the car at the Eiken place and empty suitcases, Noboru drove Bran, Noah and myself to Narita International Airport Sunday after the Eiken. Because Monday (like 2 days ago type Monday) was a holiday with a day off school in Japan. So Sunday evening the kids and I flew to Guam. My dad picked us up. And we did some Halloween shopping, Fall shopping and Thanksgiving shopping. We also ate good things and went to the movies to see. The movie title is super long..."Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children." Directed by Tim Burton and this movie was really good! We had popcorn and nachos and sodas that we bought at the concession stand and chocolate or candy that we snuck in from the grocery store (Noah picked Skittles, Bran and I picked Snickers Peanut Butter Squared) We flew back to Japan Tuesday morning. We landed a little before 10am or so. Yesterday. Bran actually went to school after lunch and so that means he won't be counted as absent yesterday, since he did attend a half day.

Today, you know what I did today.... I just said...I spent my morning at Costco. : )

Tomorrow, Thursday, I have a hair color appointment at the hair salon I will go in the morning, my appointment is at 9:30am. I also have a lunch date with the hubster after my hair appointment,

And Friday, I have a movie date with my 2 closest girl friends/mom friends of mine. We're going to see the new Jason Bourne movie, whatever the new one is called...but hopefully you all know what I mean. And Friday at 5pm...the 4 of us have an appointment for our flu shot! We made that appointment a month ago. Bran only needs 1 shot now. He gets the adult amount now. But Noah has to get a 2nd dosage a month later.

And Saturday we're taking the boys to go Fall and Winter clothes shopping. But luckily we have no...undokai or street cleaning or anything we "have to do" if you know what I mean...so this weekend is actually just pure...do what we want. And this weekend we are so looking forward to. : ) Just very appreciated to have a real weekend for a change. : )

And as for meals....tonight we're having cheeseburger night at home. We love this night so much! I bought some super lean ground beef last week. And froze it into thirds. And we will have cheeseburgers at home with all the toppings. Lettuce, tomato,pickles, onion, jalapenos if you want. Cheddar or mozzarella, really good cheeses. I bought the buns fresh today which is why the trip to Costco today. : ) And I'll make some potato wedge fries too. So tonight is going to be a very filling but fun supper!

Friday we're having ebi fry/furai. Fried shrimp basically. And this coming Sunday we're having taco night. I have a whole weekly menu but...my menu is on the kitchen table, and I'm being a tad lazy and not getting it. But...those are just things from my memory. But very excellent meals this week. : )

I know, I still have yet to put up Noah's undokai/Sports day post and that's not really fair to Noah to post Bran's without posting Noah's too, you know how I feel about being fair with the boys/kids. So...you know I will most definitely be posting that one. Gotta be fair. And I'd like to post the trip to Guam of course too. And of course I have many more posts to get up and things to say. You know just the...everyday type of stuff. : ) But because my Thursday (tomorrow) and Friday and Saturday are spoken for. I am not sure if I'll get the chance or not in the next couple days. But...I will be posting super good updates soon. Probably from next Monday... But...I am alive and well. Hahaha. : ) I'm just having fun. Taking trips. Going to the salon doing regular girl stuff. Hanging with friends, you know...regular normal people stuff. : ) And in between...cleaning house like a maniac. Cooking and enjoying my time with my fam-bam. And just you know...watching TV or...doing regular stuff. : )  I will try my best to do my TBT tomorrow. And then after that... hopefully I can start with some Sports Day or the Guam trip type of posts. : )

Summer update...

How's everyone's summer been going so far? As for us here. It's been really nice. I do have a bigger "bits and pieces" post to put up soon. But, I did just want to touch bases with you all today real quick though.

Today's Saturday here. And today our family plan is to go to a kakigori shop that specializes in making shave ice/kakigori. We're looking forward to that. And I just just finished getting my pizza dough set and it's resting now for the day covered nicely in the kitchen. So homemade pizza and salads for supper for us here.

Tomorrow, we're going to be having a quiet little backyard BBQ. And backyard BBQ's are always nice.

This week's plan is to either hit the pool or the beach. So, I have decided to make a karaage obento when we go. Since last time we brought sandwiches with us to the beach.

We leave Japan for vacation August 21st. I think we get back to Japan on like the 31st or 1st. I'll have to double check the dates, but somewhere around those dates.

Going on vacation means. Rest and relaxation for us all. But it also means since I live in Japan. If there is any food item I need, I better have that food list written down and not forget. Also if I need any cosmetics or face wash or face moisturizer. You know what I mean. It means. I have to have things written down. So when I am walking around Target. I can stay on track and remember what it is that I'm looking for. So, I have been watching my favorite 3 American YouTube vloggers and if anything seems like it would be interesting to me. I have been writing it down. So I have been watching videos like "what's new at the drugstore" and "what's new at Sephora" Those types of videos, when I have a bit of free time.

Two of Noboru's coworkers family's are in Oahu right now. 1 of Noboru's coworkers family is in Guam right now. One of Noboru's coworkers family could not get on the flight to Honolulu. yes a 3rd family and so they ended up going to USJ and visiting the Osaka area. Which is disappointing for them because they had their heart set on Honolulu. : (  1 of Noboru's coworkers is leaving 1 day before we leave, but they're heading to Florida to go to Disney World. And 1 of Noboru's coworkers is leaving the day AFTER we fly out of Japan, but they're going to New York, he and his family.  We have our room already booked and the car rental booked too. So we're just trying to quietly chill here in Japan enjoy the summer and BBQ, swim and eat plenty of shave ice. And just quietly get ourselves ready for our trip. : )

The New Mexico Big Jim Chili's have arrived...

At long last the chili we ordered over a month ago have arrived! Totally worth the wait for sure. There is this Japanese farming family who sells and grows over like 100 plus... types of varieties of chili from all over the world. Thai chili. Chili from Mexico. And all sorts of different chili from the USA. The prices for them are quite affordable. And we ordered from him last year. And have ordered from him this year as well. The chili called Big Jim originates from New Mexico, these are wildly popular in Colorado too. They grow to about 10-12 inches long. Which is gigantic in size hence the name...Big Jim. These will be great used in chili rellenos. : )  When ordering these, he said they were too tiny at that time and to wait about a month... and we said absolutely no problem. They then sold out, lucky for us he sold out *after*.... we placed our order. Phew. Again we only need 10 plants, we're not like professional farmers or anything. Just growing as much as our 1 family will use and need. : ) We will be roasting them and freezing them. This is what they looked like when they arrived.

Hi 10 Big Jim's. Well they're not big yet. LOL. Baby Big Jim's. : ) Seedlings. But they will be. Update? The jalapenos snapped out of their funk so thankful about that and have been on the mend. They were transplanted to soil as I said in my last jalapeno update. And these Big Jim's have been transplanted into soil already as well, in fact they look a bit bigger than this picture. I will be keeping you all updated with pictures with how their growing as things progress. So in a nutshell. The jalapenos are doing A-okay. And the Big Jim's are doing okay too. They're all in our backyard thriving in the sunshine and getting watered daily. : ) 

It's been warmer here lately. Not Japanese middle of summer type sauna weather. But definitely the days are like in the 70's. The nights are still cool (not cold). The day time around where we live still has a nice cool breeze. Which in middle of summer there is no cool breeze at all. LOL. So the weather right now for me is the best...most ideal. Warm but nice and breezy too. Mosquitoes are starting to be in season. At most stores now here in Japan... you see anti-mosquito sprays and coils, like what is pictured right here at my front door step. There are mosquitoes about here and there. However not in droves or anything. I think because our housing community is elevated from the rice field. We're pretty high from the water level. Yeah sure a few here and there. But nothing compared to... if our house was at water level of a rice field. However...we do keep this coil burning every day. Usually around 3pm-ish we'll light it. It burns nice and slow and the smell of the original one, is the scent I love the most. They do have newer scents like misc. different types of flowers and stuff but I prefer the original scent. It reminds me of ..."Japanese summer" and I love that smell. : ) It does keep 98-99% of all mosquitoes at bay from hanging around our front porch. On weekends if we are home, I will light it in the morning around 8am-or so because I know Noah's friends will be by to ride bikes and or their RipStik's or to go play tennis (Noah has been playing a lot of tennis lately and has his own racket, so does Branden, sicne our housing community has really nice tennis courts) so I keep one lit all day that way no mosquitoes will be near our front yard while Noah or his friends come by. : ) And of course we'll light a new coil in the evening if the morning coil ends. If you buy one like in the picture... can you get a ton of coils inside and these are pretty cheap to buy and repurchase. : ) I am pretty sure most households in Japan use these. : )

Anyway it's Saturday here in Japan! It's baked chicken parmesan on top of that homemade pasta from Costco for our dinner tonight. We'll have salads and garlic bread too. Last weekend we were so busy with school and housing community obligation stuff. Last weekend was crazy! @_@ It felt like an almost "no weekend type of weekend" last weekend. But this weekend is nice...just hanging at home. Relaxing. It's nice to have a nice leisurely weekend doing nothing. Especially considering last weekend was so crazy busy. : ) Anyway, off to bake a batch of brownies with Noah right now. Bran is studying his ever loving brains out in the kitchen... but he's about to call it a day soon. Anyway have a great weekend everyone. : ) 

Hi you guys, we're back...

 Hi you guys, we're back! : ) It's so nice to be catching up with you all, right now. Let's see, where to start...where to start. We got back from Honolulu, Sunday night, July 26th Japan time. Monday, Noah had swimming at the local elementary school from 10am to 11am and then everyone goes home... but/except the swim team, stays and has practice until noon. At public schools around our area of Japan, from 4th grade to 6th grade if you're fast, they will ask you to be on the school swim team. They could not ask Noah until this year, since he started the 4th grade this April. Branden swam for our elementary school, when he was in elementary school too. Noah didn't raise his hand or apply, just....during regular swimming during PE, before summer break the swimming teachers and head teacher saw Noah swimming. They called a handful of kids from 4th-6th grade over the intercom to go to the gym. And from there... they were asked to join the swim team. Noah brought home a parental consent form, before we left to Hawaii and we asked Noah...most important..."do you want to do it?" If not...no worries. Noah, said he wants to. So, we signed it. He missed the first 2 practices since we were in Hawaii. But he went on this Monday right away.  So...yep, that's what Noah's been up to since we got back. Monday we also went to the regular grocery store and to Costco to fill up the pantry and fridge. Noboru meanwhile...has the haunted night at the school this Friday, July 31st, and he and the Father's Club dad's are preparing for that. The dad's are also thinking about staying the night in the gymnasium Friday night too. Hahaha, if he stays... which I think he should...the dad's will probably have a lot of fun! Branden and I are taking Noah to that, this Friday.

What else...the trip to Honolulu was so nice, you guys. We went to the beach. I took 650 photos? Seriously....that's an awful lot of pics! Hahaha. But then in my defense, I am the keeper of memories. : ) We did see 3 movies...The new Terminator. Inside Out, and the new Minions movie. We bought some stuff, but not tons. We just mostly....relaxed. Spent our days at the beach, eating shrimp twice, going to 3 movies. Just recharging the ol' batteries and enjoying some much needed family time. I barely put the pictures on my external hard drive today. So, I'll get it up and posted. But honestly...I don't think it'll be up for a few days at least. I've just been enjoying my quiet time here at home with the family. Oh guess what...while we were in Honolulu, I made a point...to be unplugged the entire trip. I didn't check my email, not even once the entire week. Didn't get online at all. Noboru checks his mail daily and stuff, even while on vacation, which is fine... but I can honestly go without it. So that was really nice for me. To go on vacation and just concentrate on my kids...and just concentrate on my husband/best friend, does that make sense at all. Hopefully some of you "get that"....or know what I mean. : ) Anyway...so we are back. I'm not moving a whole lot...online, because I'm enjoying my time irl (in real life) with the family at the moment. But I am around. : ) The Honolulu post maybe by Monday? And I might have to break it up in smaller parts/posts...if that's okay with you all too. That's just a little easier on me.  : )

Oh...we had a very nice simple backyard BBQ last night. That was so nice. Everyone had kalbi beef and I had 2 chicken breasts with the same type a sauce. For dessert we had the sweetest fresh cut up pineapple from the store...it was so good...yesterdays pineapple. Hahaha. : ) Anyway...I better end this for now. Just wanted to say...hey and hello! : )

Good eats. TV Talk, that new Scream TV series on MTV, is so good! Salon visit complete. And an update on our summer vacation plans...

How's everybody doing? I know you guys in the US are already on summer vacation (since June, right?). As for us here in Japan, school is still going, but luckily winding down. For our town, the elementary and JHS, last day of school is this Friday and it's a half day letting out at 11am for both Bran and Noah's schools. So that's the good and positive thing, summer break is so close ya'll... we can almost touch it! We can already feel, just how near it is! : )  How have things been here for us? Pretty good. This is a random pic from a dinner we had this week. You know already, what this is, most likely. : ) I made this a few weeks back too. This is 2 lean blocks of pork, rubbed down with some BBQ rub. Slow baked in the oven one day. While everyone was at school (the kids) or work (Noboru)

It was so tender. I just pulled it apart with 2 forks. And covered in tin foil. Until everyone got home. This time, I did not add any BBQ sauce to it. I think for Noboru, being Japanese the sauce is a bit too overly zesty, which is fine (it doesn't bother him with ribs but this shredded with sauce can be a bit too zesty and intense... though he didn't mention anything and wouldn't...he's just too sweet, I could sorta tell the last time, that it was a tad/pinch zesty for my 3 guys though). And so the BBQ rub was more than enough seasoning and actually I too... prefer it this way and this is perfect for our family. Will be making it this way, from now on. : )

Making this 2 times ago, I was worried, should I go and get mini baguettes of bread to make this? But you know what...it's cheaper using hot dog buns and they're so soft and it's actually super delicious this way. Coleslaw bought at KFC, again just makes dinner easier. And some Bush's Baked Beans on the side. Branden had 3 of these sandwiches, Noboru had 4 of them, he loved these! Noah had 1 bbq sammy and extra beans on the side. His tummy tank is just tinier than everyone elses. : )  What else is there.... to talk about real quick. 

I have been cleaning house like a crazy woman. Because, I really hate coming back from vacation to a dirty or dusty house. I know it sounds weird. But I say this every year and those of you that are long time readers know that. I totally prefer clean the house spic and span before we leave and that way when we get back to Japan, we feel happy...to come home to a nice clean house. May sound weird but eh.... it just makes me feel way better. I'd say about right now. The house is just about ready! Oh and that blind duster is a good one and I bought it at the Daiso/100 yen shop. : )

TV talk...I keep wanting to mention this, but I keep forgetting to mention it, each time. I have been loving the new Scream TV show/series on MTV. You know...how when movies become.... spin offs or TV shows, they almost always suck. Well...this one does NOT. This show is on *fleek*. It's actually really good! It just recently started, it's a brand new show and I have been watching it weekly ever since it started. I really like it a lot.

Last Saturday, July 11th at 10am was my hair appointment, I got my hair cut, colored and I got that super hair straightening thing called...the Japanese thermal hair straightener. Took forever at the salon, but in the end it was worth it. Flat irons are used twice during the process and it's super pin straight now. My hair is shiny and all one length at my shoulders. The hair is on point...the hair is indeed on point, ya'll! Just saying. ; ) And I'm just happy... to get it all over and done with... and now I don't have to think about my hair...worry about it... for summer now. And the hair straightening makes it superly easy to take care of. The simple cut alone, also make it even easier to take care of. So one more thing scratched off the list, of things to get done before summer vacation. : )

At the end of each semester each child in elementary school brings back. All their stuff. Paints, crayons, earthquake safety thing/seat cushion. Just everything. Noah has been lugging stuff home all this week. He's already brought home his paints, his shuji/calligraphy stuff. Each day he brings more. He's almost brought everything, I think his last day, he'll bring the seat cushion and inside shoes. : )

I am so sad, Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck are indeed getting divorced. Like the cutest couple, ever, am I right. He couldn't have married a sweeter girl. When I heard it at first, I was like...that has.... got to be a lie! It can't be true. They're too cute together...plus they've been together for what...10 years. It's got to be gossip news. An untruth. And then sadly...they said it too. Sigh. Just super sad. : (

An update on our travel plans. #1, there are like 1 or 2 typhoons approaching Japan (I thought there was just 1, Noboru says there's actually 2 different ones coming). OMG, why now right, well the logical answer would be...typhoon season is still trying to cling and hold on! And it's getting hard to know...will they affect our flight. And if so... will it affect our flight in a good way? Meaning all other stand-by passengers got stranded elsewhere and therefore could not make it to the flight, therefore leaving all the seats for us? Or affect us in a bad way...meaning the flights canceled. Or in another bad way...meaning everyone stand-by just moved to our flight? That sort of thing. So...yes...the 1-2 typhoons coming to Japan somewhere between Friday and next week are starting to worry us. Granted since we are on this side of Japan....usually they pummel/hit other parts of Japan first (sorry), so we are just hoping they loose their steam before they get to the Narita area. So the weather...we have been keeping a close eye on the weather. I just wish this typhoon would change directions and save us all in Japan the headache. Hahaha. Many of us are indeed trying to get back to our home countries and this can totally wreck the plans here. Bad typhoon...bad bad! : ) So the typhoon is a worry.  Straight up...it is.

Also...the flight itself.  We sort of know by now, which flight is the one, for us to try and catch. The flight we think we have the best chance to get on. As for Friday...straight up, there's no chance for us to catch a flight this Friday, too full. So Friday...forget Friday, Friday for us is out. Also, the flight we are trying to catch, there are 15 available seats in first class. We are like # 6,7,8 and 9 on the stand-by list. Being 6-9 is a bit scary, we've never been that bad of a number on the stand by list. However, there are a lot of older Americans who have been with Delta since Noboru and I were in kindergarten or elementary school, apparently...trying to get on that flight. And so while yes.... they're as old as the Crypt Keeper, they do have the seniority, which is totally fair...but also for us frustrating. So, while these people were hired and already working in the 80's. I was...off riding my Big Wheel in the 80's and collecting Strawberry Shortcake dolls and Noboru was off fishing or collecting Ultraman dolls. @_@  So...what will we do. We will attempt to get to California for 2 days. And we actually might get on those flights. The following day has like 22 seats available in first class. So we do actually have a shot here! Again though..is the typhoon going to make flights delayed and add more stand-bys on our flight?  So we have agreed that the best thing for us to do is...we will spend 2 days trying to fly to California. And again...we might actually get on the flight the first day. Who knows. However though it is always smart to have a plan B. Or back up plan. Our back up plan is this...if we cannot get on the California flight for 2 days. We will then say forget California. It's not California's fault. Hey...no worries, but we also don't want to waste valuable vacation days... sitting at an airport either. So, again we will spend 2 days trying/attempting to get to LA and if that does not happen...we will say no worries. We tried. Best to forget it. And move on. And plan B is...we will go to Honolulu. The Honolulu flight for us is wide *wide* open. And most Americans (stand-by) fly to Hawaii from the mainland US. So not much older folks with higher seniority... to worry about from Japan to Honolulu. And we'd be like #1-4 on the stand by list. So...it wouldn't even be a worry or second thought like..."gee, I hope we get there." We know, Honolulu is a definite. Granted our first choice and hope is for California. But you know...if it wasn't meant to be...at least we have plan B. We have our hotel booked in California already and car...gee, since way over a month ago. And this morning we checked for the availability of our hotel we like in Hawaii and it's available. Again we like to plan ahead and prepare for the worst. So...I think by Saturday or Sunday morning we'll pretty much either be in California or know..if we will have to switch plans and destination. The good news is and I do always believe there is a positive, shorts and tee-shirts and swimsuits can go to either destination. Meaning it's not like we're going to Antarctica and the Caribbean and would have to pack for 2 totally different types of weather....and therefore pack different clothes. I hope we can get to California you guys. And I can't tell really right now...which way things are going to end up. My feelings on stand-by? I still absolutely love it! The fact, we can fly for free. Plus we don't have to sit in coach/economy so the seats are very comfortable.  And not have to spend $800 US each... for each of our family of 4 or even $1000 US each... for our family of 4, for airplane tickets. I love that! That just saves us money. Money we can use towards, our hotel, or going to the movies while there, eating out... or on things we plan to purchase at Target or Sephora and whatnot. Knowing we can save such huge amounts of money, by not having to pay for our airfare really helps. I absolutely do not mind flying stand-by at all. We love you Delta, you take good care of your employees, best company to work for. So, nope we do not mind flying stand-by...not at all. I do want us to go to California. But hey...if we can't...saving our family US $3500-$4000 for the flight and going to Honolulu and sitting in paradise for a week...isn't exactly bad either. Which way will the coin land? I honestly don't know. It's Wednesday here in Japan already. And again...we're just trying to keep a close eye on the flight and a close eye on the typhoon. We'd love it if the typhoon would just skip Japan all together. That way we'd have 1 less thing to think about. : )  Anyway that's the update on the flight situation. We're going somewhere, but as to where? We're still unsure, which of the 2 places it will be. 
Dinner tonight, homemade tostadas (beans are done boiling on the stove already, I will mash and fry them after lunch). Alrighty, it's lunch time and that grilled cheese and some sliced dill pickles are calling my name. : ) The house is clean for today and a load of fresh clean towels is flapping in the breeze, heavily clipped on the laundry poles on the back patio, I'll bring them in, after my lunch. I'll catch up with you all again, I'm sure... before we leave. : ) Bye for now. : )  Both the boys get off school at 3:45pm today. : ) The boys and I, will also be going to Guam this summer as well. But after we get back from our main summer vacation. : )