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.

A sad day for many of us Americans...

Americans, how are you all doing? As for me here. Yesterday, I felt complete shock! Huge amounts of disgust. Anger! I felt like I wanted to puke. I felt such sorrow. Despair. Great sadness. Huge *huge* amounts of sadness. This morning? I am no longer shocked. That's the positive. The shock has definitely worn off. However, I'm still completely numb. On a serious note. I feel fear. Fear for American women period! Fear for the LGBT community. Fear for minorities. Fear for Muslims in America. And just fear for basically everyone in America period... regardless what age, race, income you have, etc you are. All I can say as an American citizen is...I'm sorry! I tried! I voted for Hillary and we lost! I did my part. I voted for the greater good. So while I know...I did everything in my power to do right. It just didn't turn out that way. And I wish like hell it would have turned out differently but it didn't.

For many of us. This was devastating.

On the bright side. Colorado voted for Hillary Clinton. When I saw the state of Colorado turn blue. I smiled and knew I did my part! Coloradoans wanted Hillary! I also saw, Oregon and Washington state also wanted Hillary Clinton too. So did Hawaii and California. And so did the state of Maine! So I know...so many many of us voted for the greater good. It just sadly...wasn't enough.

I hope for those of us, these 4 years go by fast. I hope these next 4 years World War 3 doesn't break out. I hope nothing major or catastrophic happens.

I am comforted to know that my son will be voting in the next election. Since Branden is 15 years old right now. That in 4 years we will have another American Democrat voting and hopefully we can get another Democrat in the White House in the next election, 4 years from now.

I pray for America, my country. I pray for us Americans, my people. And I pray for the entire world. That these next 4 years....he won't push the nuke button. And end the world as we know it. I will pray that we won't have World War 3 (yes I mentioned this twice, it's clearly on my mind and it's a genuine worry I have now). I just hope these next 4 years are uneventful. My love to those of you in the United States right now. Just remember love always wins. Love "trumps" hate every time. Here's hoping for a better tomorrow. A speedy 4 years. And I hope this is a wake up call for those who didn't vote.

Anyways, you guys today I won't be posting my TBT. I have had so many emails to me about the election. Asking my thoughts. That I think this is a bit more timely for today. : )  I will be posting something fun and nice tomorrow. So hopefully it can take our minds off this whole election nightmare business. Alrighty...talk with you all tomorrow.

Today's plan? I have observation day at Noah's school today.  And this Saturday, I along with all other 5th grade parents in our town have to go and collect trash. Hahaha. Oh dear! And at 8:30am nonetheless on a Saturday. @_@ Alrighty, I better go jump in the shower now. Have a great day you guys.: )

Noah and his dad, just some random pics from last week...

Noah loves to go riding bikes with his friends. Noah loves to play soccer and also play tennis with his friends/classmates too (our housing community has a very nice tennis court area inside our main park inside our community). They also like to catch zarigani/crawfish in summer too. And go crunch crunch crunch with their bicycles wheels on the Fall leaves in our housing community. Noah needed some maintenance on his mountain bike (used to be his brothers bike : ) There was a problem with the valve. But Noboru could fix it easily and quickly himself. Lucky kids to have such a handy dad like that. : ) 

Yep, that is one of the long sleeve tops we got at the Gap outlet a few weeks back. Noboru always wants to make sure as boys...they know how to do stuff like...filling the air in their tires. And hand dandy stuff like that. But he stands near to make sure... just in case but Noah's an expert at this already. Thanks to his dad teaching him this years ago. : )

I always give him the same mom spiel...that I give both boys. I said to Noah as he was about to leave with his friends. "Don't ride too fast!!!!" "Looks out for cars, even the quiet silent ones like mommy's car" "And have fun!" Also listen for the "come home bell"...I love you! : )

A few more pumps of air and he was on his way. The grass used to be bright green, but it is slowly turning a faded green as it gets colder and Fall starts taking a harder hold here. And it has. : ) Trees are turning all sorts of brilliant shades of red and gold. : ) Anyway...have a lovely Tuesday for you in Japan. And have a lovely...what...Monday evening for those in the US! : ) 

Americans in Japan, hope you all voted! I voted early, I voted October 21st. Tuesday November 8th is election day. The day we pick our new president...

Friday,October 21st, as soon as the kiddos went to school safe and sound. I... with a hot cup of hot coffee and some cinnamon cream, coffee creamer sat down at my computer and cast my vote for president of the United States. And I also had a whole bunch of Denver, Colorado specific amendments and issues to vote for too. If you see my voting online pic here, it is for Colorado voters. And then after I clicked this page it went to a more specific Denver voters page. Each city has different things to vote about. For example. The right to die, if you have a terminal illness (such as cancer) and you are suffering and in great pain, and your doctor gives the okay to give you a pill to take when you see fit. To terminate your life. So that was on the Denver, Colorado ballot this year too. That was for Colorado voters this year. And so, there were so many issues, that as an American voter I had to think about. And also some very very serious Denver, Colorado specific issues such as the "right to die" issue. I know Oregon has that law already in effect. And like I said in my last post regarding voting. I know some view voting as a super private "secret squirrel" type of thing. While others will proudly display their voting signs on their front lawn. And in my family we always stood by who we were voting for and our family always had a sign of who we were voting for too on our lawn. And so, I don't mind saying my opinions or who I vote for. I take voting very seriously. And I vote with a clear conscience. So, I stand by who I vote for. I with a great deal of thought...did vote to approve the "right to die" in Denver, Colorado. I feel if you are suffering and that's what you choose and what you have is terminal, meaning your life will certainly end and the end is quite near and you are in constant pain. Then it should be your choice and not some politicians choice. It is sad. And it is a very hot topic. But, I think we should respect somebody's choice. Nobody wants to die. But I also consider nobody wants to be in excruciating pain either. And again. It should be their choice. And up entirely to that person. So, I feel good about voting for that. I will be watching the Colorado elections closely and seeing and hoping that bill and/or amendment goes into effect. 

Yes as expected, I did vote for Hillary Clinton! Go democrats! Noboru and also my dad really liked Bernie Sanders.  

Also after I chose and hit the button for Hillary and it was selected and looked like this, it turned blue. Yep, those were my choices! The presidential vote took about 1 second, since I had decided who I was voting for a long time ago. Just click, but the Colorado things took a good 5-8 minutes. I took each vote...like I said very seriously.  And then I was done.

My ballot was successfully submitted to the Denver County clerk. I did allow 3 business days and did go and verify my vote. And I was just pretty happy that as an American citizen and a Denver, Colorado voter, I did my job! Granted, I didn't get a "I voted" sticker. Hahaha. But, I did vote! And I'm glad I did my part! : )  As Americans we will be deciding who becomes our next president Tuesday November 8th. Doesn't matter who you vote for, but please get out there and vote! And if you already voted? You rock! : )

By the way. Did any of you see the underhandedness of the FBI director...what's his face. Let me go and google his name real quick. James Comey. #1 he is a staunch Republican. He has donated 10-20 thousands of dollars to the Republican party for years. So he is most definitely BIASED. And so it came by complete surprise that 10 days before we elect our next president. He releases all sorts of crap about the Clinton's. Stuff that was sealed for like freaking 15 years plus ago! Charges that were dropped. And suspiciously 10 days before the whole country as a whole votes (besides us early voters)...he decides to release all this crapola right then?!!! Was that on purpose? Errr ummm you BETCHA! Duh! Doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that one out. Low blow. And I think we need to get ourselves a new FBI director ASAP after this election. I hope this will not affect Hillary Clinton at all. But yep, if that wasn't the most shady thing to do to a presidential candidate, then I don't know what is. That James Comey made the FBI look so bad! That was so dirty. So underhanded. So unethical.

Also by the same token. Trump, who is very anti illegal immigrant and illegal working in the United States without proper documents. And then it turns out that his wife worked in the United States for 7 years illegally? Errr Umm. Hello? What about your wife Trump? How about her? Are you going to deport her? She did something you hatehatehate. She worked in the USA illegally! And don't even get me started how her profile says university graduate. But classmates and school officials flat out said...she was a college drop out after the first semester. @_@

Love how so many singers and musical artists are coming out and have come out all this weekend to urge voters to get out and vote. Adele performed to urge voters to get out and after she sang she told folks...she can't vote because she's a British citizen, but if she could vote...she'd vote for Hillary Clinton! I found that adorable of Adele! Her flat out quote said "Don't vote for him" meaning Trump.  I love Adele and loved watching her rap in the carpool karaoke this summer with James Corden! She is so funny and I love that she came out to urge folks to vote for Hillary! J Lo also gave a concert to voters urging folks to vote for Hillary. As did Jay Z. Katy Perry, Alicia Keys. And so many others.  Please let Hillary Clinton win! I know, I voted. Now all I can do is wait and watch the election along with everyone else. 

Going to the movies with Noboru to see the new movie, Bridget Jones's Baby and going to lunch afterwards...

Yesterday, Friday, November 4th, Noboru had the day off work. And we had a husband and wife date planned. We would go to the movies and see Bridget Jones's Baby! The movie started at 9:50am. We went to the movie theater in Tsukuba, Ibaraki where the Old Navy is located. You know, the Aeon mall there, I've mentioned it a few times. All our closest movie theaters to our house are all located in Ibaraki prefecture. Versus Chiba prefecture. See...we really and truly do teeter totter the Chiba/Ibaraki border where our home is. Our closest Chiba movie theater is in Narita but that Bridget Jones's Baby didn't start until after 11am. I think 11:45am. And that wouldn't work for our schedule considering what time the kids got off school...I mean we'd make it...but it would be a rushed thing. And so...  not too fun if you feel rushed. So this just worked way better for us. The morning movie was best and Tsukuba is quite close for us. And absolutely no rush. : ) 

Has anyone seen the previews to that new movie by J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter) called Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them? This looks pretty good and like a movie I will definitely be taking the boys to see, when it comes out. I think it comes out for us in Japan at the end of November. 

Hi, Brig! Can't wait to sit down and enjoy this movie! And yes that is...McDreamy (Patrick Dempsey!) He was such a sweetheart in this movie. : )

We went on ladies day and there were about a good 30 other folks in the movie with us. There were a handful of sweet husbands with wives. But the bulk of the folks were women. And a really nice middle aged ladies duo sat on the left of us but about a 3 seat space/gap from us and they were cracking up laughing too. So, was I. It was hilarious!

Noboru went to the restroom real quick and nobody was in here yet, so I quickly snapped a few pics. Our drinks and large popcorn (large sized for Japan and really fresh and delicious).

Seat numbers. Yes, if you live in Japan, you know this obviously. But for those in America, or Canada or elsewhere. You have to pick your seat, before the movie starts. So this is the spot for my soda and so there is never an issue with someone taking your soda holder etc. I actually sort of like this way. 

Each back of seat has a very high purse or bag holder, so you don't have to place your bag on the ground. Everything has a spot or place. And it's just very nice this way. : ) 

Somebody snuck in a couple Halloween treats! I did it, I did. I admit it. But considering the cost of a movie, the cost of concession stand popcorn and sodas, I actually feel okay sneaking in a few mini chocolate bars. : )  How did we like the movie? I love love loved it! But then I am a girl! I love romantic comedies! I also adore Bridget Jones! So, I am totally biased. I didn't care for the 2nd Bridget movie too much. But the original one I loved. And this one was excellent too. Would I buy the DVD for this? Honestly? I might. How did Noboru like it? To be fair. he doesn't like girly romance movies at all. But he loves me and he knows how much I wanted to see this, so he went with me. Best husband ever! So sweet. So thoughtful. And for what it's worth. There's a Japanese movie coming out soon that he wants to see. And I will definitely go with him and see it too. He seemed to enjoy Bridget Jones's Baby though. It was really a good movie. : )

We were deciding what to have for lunch. Subway Sandwiches or ramen. Subway or ramen? We both picked ramen. I picked my favorite spicy noodles. Tantanmen. And Noboru had a whole lunch combo/set. We had a nice leisurely lunch and we were home by 2pm. Considering the kids didn't even get out until 3:45pm (Noah) and Bran rode his bike and didn't get out until 4pm. We were home with plenty of time. We got home. I made and set the rice cooker. And at 3pm, I rolled the buffalo wings in their seasoning and baked in the oven. Cooked some broccoli. And by the time Branden rode in on his bike, dinner was set and on the table hot and freshly done. We all ate and enjoyed our night.

Anyway...today is Saturday. Tonight, I'm making homemade fully loaded nachos. Noboru is at work. : ( Tomorrow, both the boys have their second part of their Eiken to take. The interview part. Noboru and Branden will be in Tokyo taking the verbal/speaking interview. For the Eiken 1. And Noah and I will be in Narita City and Noah will be taking the Eiken 3 speaking interview. Noah got 100% on the entire Eiken 3. As in....Noah didn't miss or make 1 mistake the whole writing part of the Eiken 3. That's hilarious. We knew Noah would do fantastic and well. But 100%!?! Holy crap! Kid..you are smart as heck Noah!!! 100% super duper proud of you Noah! Branden did not get 100% obviously...considering it's the Eiken 1... but he slayed that test! So they're both rock stars. My only wish...is that I could be in 2 places at once tomorrow and be there in person for both kids. : ( However...I am only 1 person and I need to stay with our youngest kiddo. However Noboru is still going to go and protect and support our oldest kiddo. So...he will not be alone. : ) Of course. And they will go and have lunch at some amazing place in Tokyo, I am sure. I told them already...go and enjoy some delicious lunch you guys! Father and son lunch. Right now they're sort of leaning towards Shake Shack (famous burger place from NYC, 100% beef burgers, breaded chicken breast sandwiches and frozen custard, omg sounds so good) : ) As for Noah and I. We don't have too much in Narita City for lunch choices. : ) Hahaha. So we might go to a delicious Japanese bakery on the way home. Or maybe McD's.  Awww, okay...their lunch choices tomorrow totally beat the crap out of our lunch choices tomorrow. But that's quite alright. Because it's family and you always want the best for family. The bright side is, both kids will be getting their Eiken done tomorrow. Branden will now be totally done Eiken wise. Meaning he can go no further because he already reached the top. So there is a bright side. After tomorrow, as long as everything goes well we can scratch Branden off the Eiken list. And Noah is following in his big brothers Eiken footsteps. : )

And what's for supper tomorrow? I'm thinking miso chicken with a salad. And some rice and some steamed veggies. But, I am really in the mood for a salad. Which is why I said salad before rice or veggies. : ) Either that or...fried pork chops and Rice a Roni and some steamed corn or broccoli and a side salad. I have ingredients here at home for both. I can go either way. Whatever we don't have tomorrow night, we will have the next night. Also...Noah and I are driving to Narita City tomorrow. And about 10 of Bran's 9th grade classmates will also be taking the Eiken level 3 with Noah, which makes me happy. Because that means... there will be a whole bunch of our country/inaka kids from our town there too, which is so nice because Noah and I won't be alone, we will have many kiddos/friends of B's to talk with and stuff. All those kids are so nice, so if we have to wait in line we might as well have lots of good chatty friends to talk with. However, Noboru and Branden, I think are riding the train to Tokyo. So, I am unsure what time they'll pull back into our country town. Noah and I should be back home by 2pm tomorrow. And I will just start supper as soon as I get home. Make the salad. Steam the veggies. If it's pork chops, I can start frying them. If it's miso chicken, I can marinate the chicken and stick in the fridge in the morning before we leave. And have everything 100% ready to roll, for whenever they get home.  I told ya...time management is my super power. And time management regarding dinner...is my ultimate super power. I always have things ready to eat as soon as you come home. Not cold and stiff... like it's been sitting for eons. But fresh and ready. How do I manage it? Not sure, but it's fun for me...to make sure it's hot and freshly served when they walk through the door. I'm nerdy like that....: ) Hahaha. : )

Anyway...I am going to finish up this post and enjoy my night here at home. I think I have a load in my dryer upstairs that's just about to beep and be done. : ) Have an amazing weekend everyone. It's sure getting chilly in Japan lately isn't it?  : )

Throwback Thursday. Thanksgiving 2008...

Hi everyone! Today is Thursday, and a holiday for us in Japan! It's called Culture Day which is called "Bunka no Hi" in Japanese. The kids have no school today! So anyway, today's TBT takes us back to our family's Thanksgiving from 2008 here in Japan at our home. For Americans, as soon as Halloween is over. We start thinking and dreaming about and looking forward to Thanksgiving! A day we share with family and loved ones. A day we think about being thankful and having gratitude and being lucky and grateful for what we have. Just a very grounding holiday. A family holiday that we totally love!  Plus we get to eat lots of yummy delicious food too. A holiday that we are already thinking about and looking forward to! We can barely wait! Happily looking forward to with great great GREAT anticipation. : ) 

And homemade pumpkin pie for dessert as always. : ) I love November so much! : ) Gobble gobble, I can't wait! : )

We will be watching this one tonight. This movie is a straight up American classic, doesn't matter what age you are, it's such a great short movie. : )

Anything else to add? Tomorrow/Friday morning, Noboru and I have a date. A morning movie date to go and see the new movie, Bridget Jones's Baby. Starts at like 9:50am. Noah doesn't even get out of school tomorrow until 3:45pm and Bran gets out at 4pm. So, we will have a nice morning movie and more than likely some lunch together afterwards. I am so glad tomorrow is Friday. Anyway have a wonderful Thursday everyone. Today's plan? Just relax and rest since it's a holiday here. The house is pretty clean. I kicked it so hard...house cleaning-wise all this week. We are going to have a fun 1 pot meal on the dinner table tonight, we will be having curry nabe, the 4 of us. With lots of fresh veggies, sliced chicken breast, nabe meatballs, udon noodles and of course sides of rice.  We will watch this 30 minutes Thanksgiving DVD, to get us revved up for Thanksgiving. And then I will watch my regular Thursday TV shows. Little Women LA and tonight, the premiere of Little Women Dallas. And after that American Horror Story Roanoke. Alrighty, Happy Thursday everyone! : )