Bits and pieces

Went and picked up another Winter uniform for Branden for elementary school. The sweatshirt and pants.
In 1 size bigger since they do shrink up some in the dryer and they sure have. Funny thing though, I wash Branden's gym uniforms all the time. He has a few sets of the short sleeve and short sets and a few sets of the long sleeved set pictured here. But he does bring his gym bag and switch with a fresh set daily. Anyway you know how in Japanese elementary schools the kids clean the school before heading home. Anyway while Branden was sweeping yesterday, Branden said, 2 of his 6th grade male friends were cleaning in the same hall and they said.... Branden-kun, your gym uniform smells fantastic! @_@ You smell like green apple. In Japanese they say blue apple. But it means green apple. Anyway Branden told me this story when I picked him up from the Plaza yesterday. He said...mommy, I guess my clothes smell good since they mentioned them. : ) I said,baby it's better for people to think you are clean and smell nice and like laundry soap. Then to be dirty and never change your uniform, right? Yes, that's right he said. LOL. But yeah....how funny. I mentioned to Noboru that this morning, he said yeah my coworker mentioned I smelled good a few weeks ago too. I said, Downy laundry detergent. That's what it is. : ) Anyway, yeah I thought that was a funny story thought I'd share. And nope I only use the amount I am supposed to, no more, no less. Go figure. : ) But yeah it does smell awesome though.
3 weeks to a month ago, this was the episode we watched of American Idol. If you haven't caught this episode then you might wanna skip this part of the post. I've just always talked about, what I'm currently watching and I will continue to do so. It's harder for me now that I am not on beat with the what's on Japanese cable or sattelite. But now I can relate or have something to talk to with those of you in the US at least. Sorry I am a bit ahead of you with Japanese cable. And I will try to put a spoiler alert warning when I update what I'm watching.
Jim Carrey's daughter tried out for our American Idol.
A pic of her with her dad.
A more recent pic. She sort of reminded me of Miley Cyrus in this picture. But not on the audition of AI though.
She made it, and she phoned her dad like many contestants often do. : ) Then AI went to my home state but instead of Denver they went to Aspen, and we've now went to 2 different other locations as well after that. This season has been great so far!
In other news, Noboru's mole traps have been delivered and he's set them up but so far he hasn't caught 1 single mole yet. He covers the traps area with upside down buckets, planters etc. And Noah's not allowed in the backyard while the traps are out there. I hope this mole war, Noboru seems to have going ends soon. Even last night he was on his lap top researching more ways to get rid of them. @_@ Anyway hopefully the moles will relocate for Noboru's sake. It's like an all out war right now between Noboru and the moles.
I made chicken parmesan recently, this is one of my family's favorite things I make. I coated the chicken and fried in a shallow skillet with olive oil. Then I drained all the excess oil from the cutlets. And baked them in the oven.
Five cutlets baked in the oven nicely and ready to put over a plate of pasta.
Yumm.
Another night recently, a simple fried pork chop, rice a roni and green beans.
And last week sometime, we had fajitas again. These were perfect in the colder weather. Good for the boys to come home and have a nice warm meal. Very filling.

Noah's final observation day at the yochien and my last mother's luncheon

January 25th, was Noah's final observation day at the yochien. I'm 99% sure of this, now I'm human and if one more should slip by before mid March then forgive me and I'll correct this one. But I seriously do not think so and I do think this is the final one. I know we have a "shopping day" coming up this month and the medal presentation in March. But I do think this is the final observation day. So we'll just go with this title for now. : ) This was the very next day after Branden's observation day and the snow and black ice day. What was on my "to do list" this day? Just 1 observation day and that's it. Noah and I went into the school. Noboru did come in with me for an hour before heading home and getting prepped for his work that day. But he knew this was indeed one of Noah's "lasts" and he wanted to come and I was glad he went. He left in the MPV after a while. This was the classes attempt at drawing their own faces. Noah's is the 2nd from the left at the top.
He made himself smiling. Noah's a very happy kiddo so, I think he did just great.
On the other side of the wall they all apparently did shuji with the Yayoi sensei. Here's Noah's. Says Noah. : )
I thought they all looked really good.
The first 2 yochien class years (for our school when Noah was a red badge and pink badge) was play, play and more play with little bits of learning mixed in. This final year of yochien has a lot of play still. But they are also really very focused on reading, writing, as you can see all the pencils, papers, pencil sharpener, globe for geography. The final year yochien kids are really getting prepped for entering the first grade (ichinensei) And Noah's been in Kumon since age 3 and a half so he's very ready for all that awaits him at elementary school. We watched the kids sing many songs. And then we went upstairs and that's when Noboru left.

We (mother's and about 4-5 dad's) all did an art project/game with our kids. Think along the lines as the game Candyland. Our kids made a game piece, 1 side was their face and the other side was their mom or dad's face. And we made a huge human sized game and we also wrote questions. Such as skip 2 spaces. Another question was for the mommy's, "which actor do you think is cute?" Another question for the kids, "what vegetable do you dislike?" "what's your favorite character?" It was fun. Noah won the first round we all played and he came in last place the 2nd time we played. But we all had so much fun. Us mom's chit chatted our brains out. The Jogo-san and I were chatting the entire time. And with Toma-kun's mom and the other mom's in our game. We had 4 huge games going at once upstairs. Next thing you know....the half day was done. It was 11am already and the kids half day was over. So, Noah and I waved good bye to all our friends, got into my tiny red car. We went to the store to get 2 more days of food since the weather was just so cold last week. And we went home. And had lunch.

2 days later, last Friday. Was my mother's luncheon. And that is for surely our last one. The Jogo-san and I road up in leggings mom's car. We chatted the whole way there. We had our final luncheon at the ANA (All Nippon Airways) hotel in Narita. We were like the last mom's to arrive. We had a room in the back/side reserved for us. When we walked in, the "yearbook mom's" (remember there's the yearbook mom's or the shaon kai mom's. I'm in the shaon kai team. So, the yearbook mom's handed us these huge sheets of yearbook pics. They had about 8 sheets of these papers. Noah had 6 pics, and they wanted me to pick which photo from those 6 that I liked best that would ultimately be in the yearbook. The Jogo-san was meanwhile choosing her daughter's. The Jogo-san finished first and came to see Noah's. I was debating between 2, but decided which one. I had kindly told the yearbook mom, "this one please" in Japanese, so she wrote the number down and that will be the picture I see of Noah in the yearbook. Everything done, decided pretso change-o just like that. I think the yearbook mom's are doing a fab job. And we appreciate it. I know us shaon kai mom's are also doing an equally fab job, and I know they'll love what we're doing when they see.

So, the Jogo-san and leggings mom and I sat down. We chatted. She told me...I skipped breakfast, so she was ready for this buffet. I laughed, because she's so funny. : ) And we went and got our first serving. We all ate so much. I started with a big salad, plate of fresh fruit (honey dew, pineapple etc) , then I had some pasta, the guy you could order 3 types of pasta and he'd make it for you. I picked fresh tomato and basil. This was great. I had fresh bread with that. After that I went back for a smaller fruit plate. I had a few iced teas. And then I had 1 crepe. They had ice cream here and a whole bunch of things, but I was done, my tummy was full. Many mom's still munched. 8 mother's did not show up for the final luncheon. Anyway the mother's that were going to pick up their kids at the regular time left. And so they left and that left only 9 of us, who let our kids do kagai until 3pm. Around 2pm, we left the restaurant and headed to the Jogo-san's house where I parked my car. Then we all headed to the yochien. Like a gang we went all cars following other cars. : ) And arrived at the school. The Yayoi sensei knew we had the luncheon. We were all sorta dressed up when we picked up our kids. Noah was having a blast, he was running all over the school grounds with his friends. we quickly went home. And then I switched clothes and we swung and picked up Branden. We had a nice quick dinner and enjoyed Friday and the weekend to have started. Anyway...that's what happened last week.

Last Tuesday: Snow, black ice, teaching and Branden's observation day

The forecast last Monday said Chiba would snow that night. I took the advice, made sure I had a couple days worth of food. But wasn't going to hold my breath too much because I know a lot of the time, it fizzles out and it won't snow. Just get very very close to snowing then falling short. However true to the forecast it did snow. So last Monday, I sent Branden and Noah to school. Noah went to swim club, it was so freezing cold temp wise but not a flake of snow to be had. Branden went to Kumon and no snow. Now it certainly did feel like snow was in the air though. The sky grew gray though it's been gray all week then it grew an almost whitish color. And stayed that way. We drew the blinds around dinner time. The boys took showers and then a bath. I took a shower after. We did the night time books before bed which is always so much fun and the snuggles and cuddles that go with. And as I walked downstairs, Noboru said, big huge snow flakes are falling from the sky. Hmmm, @_@ so I looked out the big sliding window in the living room and sure enough snow was falling. Finally, at last at last! I was happy to see it snow. I look forward to snow all winter long. However this time the timing was just bad. I had work the following day. And wasn't exactly looking forward to driving on sheets of black ice. : ( Anyway, it is, what it is. And it happens when it happens. : ) Sometimes you just have to roll with the punches right? So, Tuesday morning we woke up to this. Pretty typical snow fall for our area in Chiba. Not huge amounts of snow, like how I grew up in Colorado. But still very pretty. I woke up at 5:30am, yep I am now fully adjusted on my morning routine time now. : ) I had a cup of coffee, read my emails. And around 5:50am started breakfast for the boys. Easy cheese omelets and toast. And 1 instant packet each of cinnamon roll oatmeal. They ate at the table, then watched morning cartoons. Branden then went upstairs and got ready for school. I went upstairs did my makeup, my hair and got dressed. I also made an obento for Noah. And made sure he got dressed. Noboru took Branden to school Tuesday morning since I was going to be leaving soon, and I was doing last minute getting Noah ready for yochien things with him. Meanwhile, my teaching partner and I were to meet up at the hoikuen at 9am. It's an hours drive away on a normal day. However because of the snow and Noboru came home saying the roads were all black ice. I left 30 minutes earlier. I left around 7:28am. That way if the roads were bad, or traffic were bad, I wouldn't be late. Here is a pic of Noboru outside last Tuesday morning walking the backyard looking for mole hills. with cup of coffee in hand.
So, I'm now at the hoikuen, I arrived at 8:43am, good thing I did leave early because the roads were black ice for 80% of the way there. On the sunny streets it was starting to melt, but many areas all the way there are shaded. So, I was glad I planned ahead some. So, I am waiting in my car. We usually meet in the parking lot, my teaching partner and I. 9am rolls around and no teaching partner. Hmm. I'm patient. So, I waited in my car with the heater on. 9:05, still no teaching partner. This is not like her. Now I'm starting to worry a litttle. Just then my cell rings, her name shows up. I answer, and she says she's stuck in traffic and will be 10 minutes late. There was a huge car accident up the road. The staff at the school know I'm clearly there and in my car, the parking is right across the street and when they open the curtains upstairs in the auditorium where we teach, to let the sun in, one of the hoikuen teachers waved at me already that morning. : ) I waved back. Anyway she finally got there safe and sound which was nice. We taught both lessons, and I must say we rocked it! I've been teaching at these 2 hoikuens for 6 months now and I love it. I like that I don't have to plan the lessons from scratch (sorry everyone's different but I like the ease this way). I think the lessons are great, very thorough, we teach them tons of things, the kids have a blast, they learn heaps. And leave with huge smiles on their faces. They all know me, the kids, I give them all 5 on the way out, some I give 10. A few of the boys I give them the knuckle hand explosion thing too. LOL. I in all seriousness, have a complete and absolute blast. I guess I just have the right personality to be a kindy English teacher, the kids are so fun to teach! I love it. And the money is excellent. I even get the hoikuen sensei's into it too. One sensei at the other school loves our class so much. She's one of the loudest in the class. : ) when I say something and the class repeats I always hear that particular sensei. I know they enjoy the class too. I may eventually start to teach lessons at my home in the future and then plan the lessons by myself etc and I'm fine with it. But for now, I'm just really enjoying these 2 times a month, lessons we give. It doesn't take too much time and I really do have a ball with it. I like interacting with them.
Anyway after our class, we went to the office and had hot green tea with the principal. This is the school where the principal loves America, has all sorts of books etc and so we talked for a good 45 minutes before leaving. Oh yes, My teaching partner went to South Korea over the Christmas/New Year's vacation. She kindly brought me back this omiyage (presents) red chili pepper seaweed and a face mask made from snails. She said it's all the rage now days. I still haven't used it yet. I just can't wrap my head around putting snail slime on my face yet. Anyway if I try it, I'll let you know. : ) I think though that was very thoughtful of her to bring me something and I thanked her. And I will build up the courage to try it.
It is supposed to leave you with super clear and radiant skin.
Still, Tuesday. Up the hill, Noah and I went to Branden's observation day. It was so cold walking up the hill, the wind went right through you. And wearing my work pants it felt painful, the wind was so strong and cold. But I will be here for you kiddo! And for what it's worth, I would have not worked that day if Branden would have let me know ahead of time. He had the note in his randoseru and didn't show us, and when my work emailed me asking if I was free that day, we checked the calendar and nothing was written down. So, that's why I said yes. 3 days later Branden said, whoops forgot to give you this note and by that time, it was already too late to cancel with the school. So last Tuesday was a busy day for me. Which was fine. As long as I made it to everything I was supposed to do. Then it's all good.

Branden's sensei.
We are still talking about sweet potatoes. : )
One of Branden's Winter diary's, hung up with the rest of the classes. These 2 pics are, one of Branden and Noah at the pool area at the Hilton over Christmas and the other is of Branden sliding down the slide. So many mother's came to read this and see his pictures. It was cute. His teacher loved it too.
Another thing to use sweet potatoes for, make stamps out of them.
Top 3 places sweet potatoes come from in Japan. #2 is Chiba and #3 is Ibaraki, and we live right along the border of both, so no wonder we talk tons about sweet potatoes here. : )
Did he grow up or did he grow up? If you've been reading for a while, you'll know this kiddo is Genki-kun! He is such a sweet boy! He went to yochien with Branden. I give him a ride to our housing community at least once a week. He's a very good kid.
I get smiles and waves from all the kids at our local elementary school! They all know me. Know who I am. I'm always nice and friendly, so I always get tons and tons of smiley faces from these kids in return.
The 3rd grade teacher for the #2 class. Also known as my fellow yochien mom friend too. And mom whose gone to Costco with us before. I hope like heck she's Noah's teacher in April! I seriously hope.
And that smiling sensei is the Yuka-sensei, Branden's former 1st and 2nd grade sensei. All the teachers switch classes this year. Who will Noah get this year? Who will Branden get?
Jump rope!

And into the gymnasium Noah and I went.
Hi Branden!
In this door was a haunted house! The Ringu and the Juon and stuff. Lots of scary characters in there!
Branden chatting away. And that was what happened in our neck of the woods last Tuesday. Some snow, some black ice. Teaching 2 classes, picking up Noah, getting the both of us up the hill and into the elementary school we went, then I chit chatted with so many kids, a handful of mom friends and quite a few teachers and most importantly to show up for Branden, he was so happy. Then, Noah and I headed home. I prepped for dinner. Put my sweatpants, sweatshirt on, pony tail in my hair, and then Noah and I went to pick up Branden and bring him home. Branden got started with homework and finished. Meanwhile I finished making supper. Phew, long day...long day. The weather dropped again that night. And I knew I was done teaching for January. I have my schedule for February already and I'm only working 1 day this month. Which again is nice. I'm super busy with the shaon kai at the moment anyway. Plus with taking care of the house and laundry etc. Anyway that was last Tuesday for our family. : )

The Ami Premium Outlet Mall

Last Sunday in our neck of the woods, our little area was having it's 3rd straight day of rain. And the weather, last Sunday? Bitterly cold and heaps of rain. However we had a plan, to go to the closest outlet mall nearest our house and look for jeans and sneakers for Branden.
And to Gap we went. They had nil when it came to boys jeans. But they had a puff vest Branden has been wanting. He had a yellow one years ago that Noah's wearing now that he's the right age to fit it. And Branden has been asking for a vest. And they had them here at a cheap price.
Coats 1900 yen and puff vests 1200 yen.

After finishing up all our shopping, we went and bought some hot tea for the boys from the vending machine and we each had a can of hot coffee from the vending machine also. And we went into a shop that sells jelly filled donuts. So we sat and had some donuts (cinnamon apple filled, strawberry filled and blueberry filled) and coffee, the boys had hot tea while we waited for the jeans to be altered at Edwin. When they were done, we left the mall and headed home. And had dinner. We had crock pot chili con carne (Texas type chili, think sort of like Wendy's ; ) It was so good.
Gap, Adidas and Edwin.
We also bought Noah 1 hat for 300 yen. It was too good a deal to pass up and too cute a hat.
Branden's reversible vest. 1 size bigger because he wears these in winter time with sweatshirts and turtle necks etc, which means kids are bulkier in Winter, because of the extra clothing layers. So the bigger size was the right idea. The price excellent honestly.
Bright happy orange.
1 pair of jeans.
1 pair of sneakers.
That's it, not so much. But glad we found what we were looking for.
A quick try on to see if the length was perfect, a little extra room to grow, so perfect. Anyway, that's what we were up to last Sunday. : )