There are so many things being done with regards to getting ready for Noah's graduation. You wouldn't even believe it. This was asked of us and I submitted ours in January. What did they want? Well the yearbook pics were picked and chosen by us mom's. Us shaon kai mom's got to pick and decide which photo on the last "mother's lunch", like I mentioned earlier, however they also always add 1 extra pic without school uniform and they also ask for your child to sign his or her first name. That way in a few years time, they can look back and think wow...my signature sure has changed! You know what I mean. Branden did all this years ago. And now this was Noah's turn. They gave us 3 tiny pieces of paper and so we had Noah write his first name only (as they asked of us all), we then decided which of the 3 we liked best. And stuck it into the little envelop. next was find a picture, head shot basically. See the paper on the left, with the drawing. yep, head shot.
We chose these in January. These were the ones we liked best. And then we mulled it over which one. Luckily I have Branden's yearbook and opened his to see what his looked like again and his classmates and that helped being able to see Branden's yearbook. And finally decided the picture on the left was best for what they were asking for. So we submitted the pic of Noah on the left in his little jean Osh Kosh overalls and hat. And the signature we liked best. And basically are now letting the "yearbook mom's" work their magic.
This one was the one we decided of the two pics.And what else. I have a shaon kai meeting about once a week. We are getting seriously down to the wire! We have about 1 month or less, left until it's all finished, over and done with. We were supposed to get together LAST week however everyone has come down with the flu around here. except for our family (knock on wood, please stay that way)
When I worked that 1 day this month, half the hoikuen was out with the flu. Both classes, so I think the sickies are just basically making the rounds around Japan. And our yochien, Mei-chan was out nearly most of all last week. And many other of Noah's classmates as well. Noah and Branden meanwhile are as healthy as ever again knock on wood. But that meant the painting us shaon kai core/lead members were supposed to do last Thursday had to be cancelled because her daughter was sick. which is totally and completely 100% understandable. If one of my kids were sick, I'd have to cancel too. So I understand totally. What are we painting you ask? An ark!
Our theme for Noah and his classmates graduation is Noah's Ark. Us shaon kai members decided since we're a Catholic school, we went with something from the bible. And out of all the choices to choose from, we chose Noah's Ark. We liked the idea because many of the parents at our school know the story. It's kid (party) friendly meaning we can use animals for each table. Easy to decorate the hall. And we decided that last October. I wanted to share more details with you all, but I held off until now.
We know the only other 2 yochiens in the same tiny city are having their graduation on the same day as ours and they'll be held at the same huge hall where we're holding ours, separate banquet halls though of course. And the lady I work with, my teaching partner is in the shaon kai for her school.
Last week we were to paint the actual ark. It's made of card board and it's huge! We split the animals between us in the shaon kai. They look like this down below.
I'm doing the elephants, penguins and lions! ; )
What color, not to worry this has been decided already by us shaon kai members in January! : ) LOL. 
What are these? : ) Well, we decided to make flowers out of our kids faces. So, us shaon kai mom's passed out 1 blank/plain plate to every child. With a note attached that said, have your child draw, color, create their own face. You can use marker, crayons, your choice.... decorate it any way your child wants. Just let them do it. And all February we've been collecting these! I took this pic of some of them to show you all. While we were at Mei-chan's house for our weekly shaon kai meeting a few weeks back. This pic was taken in Mei-chan's living room. From left to right, we have K-chan's, the Jogosan's daughter's on the far left, she did an excellent job! I loved it! She had beading and everything added on hers. Then we have Mei-chan's and then we have Yukina-chan's and I liked the pink real piece of yarn used as a ribbon. And on the far right we have Sera's. I forgot to take a picture of Noah's. But I have a sketch used as the base for his that I'll share down below. Branden helped Noah a lot on his (gave him pointers, helped him decide on a few practice sheets before starting on the real plate) and Noah also did a lot of it too, he did the real plate all by himself from the pointers Branden gave him. I did not do Noah's not even 1 dot, but that's only because I knew it had to be kid made. So while I did sit in the kitchen and cheer the boys on by being in there and saying that looks good etc etc, I didn't draw it for my kids. So, I kept with the rules completely. So each plate will end up with petals all around the face (plate) and we will stick these on the wall in the hall when we decorate.
Branden helped Noah out, this was one of the practice faces, they worked on together. And then Noah was ready to draw it onto the plate. Noah's face plate doesn't look much different then this picture, so this at least gives you a general idea at least. Sneak peak, I guess. : ) My dress. I think this does fall under graduation prep. It's relevant so I'm adding it. I ordered the first dress. It got here, I tried it on. Complete disaster! Just didn't look right. And I felt like, I didn't work out hard for the past 14 months to feel frumpy in this horrible dress. And knowing how if I waited until mid March it would most likely be sold out. So, I sent it back in January immediately. And I basically went on a hunt for a dress. I ended up go figure, finding it at Nissen. Regular Nissen. Order was placed first week of February. I was so nervous...kept thinking gee I hope it looks good. But what if it doesn't, then what? Like triple disaster you know. So, it got here, I tried it on and it fit perfectly. Amazing dress. Love the dress! So dress problem avoided thank goodness. It's now safely in my closet safe and sound. I will be wearing this dress for Noah's graduation ceremony and his entrance ceremony. It has a corsage, however I'd like a bigger one, so I'm on a mini hunt now for a bigger corsage right now.
Noah's outfit has been decided. But that will wait until I make my massive...getting ready for the ichinensei post! : ) Anyway thought this would be a perfect time for a graduation prep update.
Our small town in our neck of the woods in Chiba, was really in a deep freeze since last week. Last Thursday is when it snowed for us. Our 2nd time of the season. It wasn't just a sprinkling, it was a fairly good amount for our area.
Pictures of the snow from Noah's room.
The jungle gym completely snowed on.
The rice fields and everything. This picture was taken from the kitchen patio window. Thursday morning Branden was sent to school. Black ice all over. And then we (Noah and I) came home and I made obento for Noah. Sent Noah to school. And every single mother in the parking lot stared at us pulling in. @_@ Now they're all my friends, but yeah it made me a bit nervous, why were they staring? Is there something wrong with my car or? So, Noah and I got out of the car and they said in Japanese. Did your town get hit with a lot of snow?!!! Seems like much more then we got here in the city (where most of them live and where Noah's school is located) Why do you ask, I said? : ) They said the amount of snow on the top of your hood and top of car was shocking! I turned my head, and then glanced at their cars (no snow). I shook my head in agreement and said I guess we do seem to get a lot more snow in our town then you all get here, I added. Smiled and see ya later-ed them.... then ran Noah into the yochien. Mystery solved, phew. And I mentioned that to Noboru and we both agree, it seems that even though it's 20-25 minutes away we do seem to always get more snow then the small city nearest us. And it always seems to melt away in that city, where it seems to linger more here in our town where we live. The snow all but melted away in the city Noah goes to school in by the time I picked him up in the afternoon. However not really the case in our town. It stayed for the most part. And then would you believe it happened all over again Friday evening too (the 3rd snow of the season)! For our town we still had snow from Thursday. Then Friday came and more. We got both boys sent to school. I was happy the weekend was here however the news forecast kept saying, our area would be getting snow! So, I went and washed all the bedding last Friday. I mean, every single blanket from Branden's bed, Noah's bed, our bed, and the blankets we cuddle with on the couch even. Made sure everything was clean and cozy for the snowy weekend. Picked up Noah after I went home and made all the beds. No snow in the smaller city. We went back to our town. Picked up Branden. And a few of my elementary school mom friends said, we'd for sure be getting snow that night. When Branden got into my car, he said, Haruhi (sp?) (a girl in this class) told everyone expect some snow for our town tonight. We had dinner, miso pork, rice and veg and Noboru and Noah also had miso soup to go with. We all had the shower and bath routine and sure enough great big snowflakes started falling. And we ended up with even more snow. Saturday morning the boys quickly got dressed brushed their teeth and headed in the backyard to play. I meanwhile got started in on breakfast.
Hi boys!
Making snowballs.
Pack it really good Noah! : )
Oh, look at my gloves! Kids! ; )
Noboru suggested they build a snowman. He showed Noah how to start rolling a tiny ball into a great big huge part of the snowman's body.
Noboru standing by watching, making sure he got it right. Branden already learned a few years ago and was already rolling the base of the snowman.
I meanwhile had bacon starting to crisp! We like crispy bacon at our house. Omelets for both the boys, over easy for Noboru and vegetable and cheese omelet for me. I had the fan going in the kitchen and you could smell the bacon outside in the backyard and the front. It smelled like a yummy breakfast being cooked inside our home, Saturday morning.
And there he is. I am not even sure what prompted the boys to use an upside down flower planter as a hat? They were so proud though! I went outside with a pony tail on and sweats. That looks fantastic, I said! Not bad for beginners I'd say. It was freezing outside, so I went inside. And everyone else followed because breakfast was ready! We enjoyed our breakfast. And would you believe it remained actually cold enough that the snowman stayed with us all Saturday and even now at Monday he's still here. He stayed the weekend with us. Every morning both Branden and Noah wake up and go and check on him. Is he still there, they ask? His eye might have popped off and they'll put it back on. Or his arm might have fell out. And they keep building him back up. Noboru wants to take him down today. : ( I hope he lets him stay until he melts away 100% though.
I hope, everyone had a lovely Valentine's Day. : ) We really had a nice one over here. A nice quiet one as usual, but nice nonetheless. Look at all the goodies the boys brought back from school this Valentine's Day 2012. @_@ Branden brought home 5 gifts from 5 different girls. @_@ Noah brought back 1 from a little girl who just totally likes Noah to no end. I think that was so cute. Which now means, I will in turn have to whip up something for these little girls come White Day though.
Homemade chocolate chip cookies from Saya-chan her names on the right heart on the bottom right.
And from another girl.
Noah's box of chocolates.
And what did I get for Valentine's Day? I did the same thing as last year. I put a DVD order from Amazon.com in, came to $106 US. Which is like what...8,000 yen? 8,500 yen? Somewhere around that. Anyway, Noboru said go ahead, if that's what you want for your Valentine's Day gift, done. I said, yes please and I ordered them. Which movies did I pick? Let me go read my order, real quick. The Twilight Saga Breaking Dawn part 1, Shark Night, Real Steel, A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas, Paranormal Activity 3 and Hop. Everything has been shipped already except Hop, will ship mid March. I am really happy for getting the DVD's and I look forward for my shipment to arrive. So, I wasn't expecting anything else at all. But Noboru bought me this box of Belgium chocolate assortment and they were so delicious. Thank you Noboru for being exactly as you are, I appreciate you so much. You are a good man and a wonderful husband and father. : )
If you've been reading for a while, you'll know I usually bake Noboru and the boys cookies and cupcakes every year For Valentine's Day, and the fun part is the boys always help me a day or two ahead, every single year. It's something they just look forward to. This year we out did ourselves we made so many pretty little heart cookies. They were delicious. Noboru loved them!
Noah cut out the shapes for half of these and Branden cut out the shapes for the other half. They did so well.
And these were the treats I showered on Noboru and the boys who also enjoyed eating them as well as getting to make and bake them with me. Strawberry cupcakes with a whipped cream frosting. And heart cookies. They weren't too overly sweet, they were just perfect.
And a blast from the past, this picture was taken back in February 2008 a day or two before Valentine's Day. The boys and I were just about to roll out our Valentine's cookies in this picture! Yep, we've been making them for as long as the boys have been alive. Even when they were in their high chairs I'd wheel them near mommy and they'd watch and clap for me while I baked. : ) They have always been involved in making these. It's a family tradition for us. Noah and Branden cookie baking for Valentine's Day 2008. When they look back in their photobooks/scrapbooks and see the same type of pictures through the years except they just keep getting bigger as the years roll on. These are the memories they'll look back on and smile about, I know it. They can tell their wives, yep, my mom had all these family traditions with us. We always baked cookies with her for Valentine's day and Christmas also. Etc etc. you know what I mean.
Branden in 2008 sprinkling the sprinkles on the cookies.
We made big hearts that year. This year we made smaller ones. Both are nice though!
And these are the cupcakes we made from 2008! Always cookies and/or cupcakes and always baking them together Branden, Noah and I. Anyway there you have it, our Valentine's day 2012 and a blast from the past from Valentine's 2008. : )
Sunday February 5th, we had our first backyard BBQ of the year. Weather outside, that day? Absolutely bone chilling freezing cold, just about sums it up! : ) I had sliced up the meat that morning after breakfast and let it marinate all morning and afternoon. By the time 4pm rolled around, Noboru started the grill. Noah went outside to "help" daddy.
Just about done! Good thing because it was just way too cold to be outside. But boy oh boy did it smell yum!
And into the house. A very super simple dinner. Nothing fancy shmancy but oh man, was it fantastic! We sat, chatted and enjoyed our Sunday dinner together as a family.
Super Bowl Sunday happened for us last Monday morning, it was live! Sent Branden to school. Quickly made Noah's obento, the pregame stuff was going on then. Ran him to school and came back just in time. It was a great game! Both teams played well. The NY Giants won it though. Anyone hear about the whole supermodel Gisele Bundchen tidbit that happened after the Superbowl though? She's married to quarterback Tom Brady by the way. Some heckler was talking crap to her and her husband, saying "Eli Manning rules! Eli Manning owns your husband" She being a protective wife, backed up her husband. Granted being married to the quarterback, she should've just ignored the rude comments and known better. But she's human like us all. And she shot back! To defend her husband and in the end it basically sounded like she took a swipe at her husbands teammates. I bet they weren't thrilled with that. @_@
The half time was freaking awesome! I knew it was going to be Madonna. As did all of us. But wow, when the first start of the music, it gave me goosebumps! It was such a great half time show! It was like a mini concert. She played so many songs! LMFAO was with her for a bit, Nicki Minaj who I really like, also performed with her. MIA performed with her and flipped off the camera and it was a huge hoopla, the comments on yahoo over that! @_@ People were fuming. However honestly, I didn't catch her gesture because my eyes were on Madonna. And I read a few comments saying the same thing. Didn't catch it....was too busy watching Madonna. Same here. I thought it was tacky MIA did that though. And apparently Madonna's quite angry with MIA over the whole thing as well.
February 4th, the day after Setsubun, our family headed to Wanwanland in Tsukuba Japan. It's a place where you can pet many many dogs and spend time with them. There's tables where you can even bring a picnic lunch and have lunch here. We didn't do that this time. But it is a nice place where people who don't have a dog, but who love dogs, can go and spend a day and pet and visit with many dogs. Our family has been here a couple times before and it's always fun for our family to be here.
Noah and this black lab really hit it off. He was as fond of Noah as Noah was of him. There were 2 black labs here but this one, without the sweatshirt that day was his buddy for the day.
Branden smiling looking at all the dogs.
There's Noah and his buddy again. ; )
Branden and this red haired dog really hit it off. She was a big one and Branden petted her for a nice long while. The dog stretched out and had the face of..give me more...come on pet me some more! Branden obliged her!
This dog took a shine to me! I was just sitting there enjoying watching both the boys have a good time. And I was kind of enjoying watching Branden and Noah have all the fun. So to me, that was fun. And all of a sudden this dog jumped right up next to me and cuddled. I talked to her gently, massaged her a bit before she fell asleep next to my thigh.
This dog jumped up with Branden. And Branden cuddled her. The dogs here are very nice and very used to getting many cuddles from us who visit here.
Noah and another very nice dog.
This dog also liked Noah a lot and he had 1 blue eye and 1 brown eye. Beautiful dog!
Taking a snooze.
They have one large area for the big dogs.
And 1 large area for small dogs or very old big dogs. : ) And they heat the areas and give the dogs with thinner coats a sweatshirt etc. They do try their best to take very good care of the dogs here.
The lady who works here covered this other dogs ears with a cover, she said, this particular dog gets cold ears. : ) Nice that they know their personalities this well.
Noah cuddling my good friend who had been sitting nicely near my leg. But she also took a shine to Noah. So they had a nice visit.
After a fun afternoon spent at the dog park. We now were going to head home. The boys were starting to get hungry. Though we were to have dinner at home. It was half prepped before we left. But we stopped at Mc D's for lunch. Noboru had the Big Mac combo. Branden 2 shakashaka chickens and a cheeseburger and fries. Noah 1 happy meal. And I had a small fry and a salad cup with goma (sesame) dressing. The boys also shared a hot pie for dessert. We headed home and had dinner. And then everyone had showers, jammies and we enjoyed Saturday family movie night. The next paragraph is about Glee. So, spoiler alert ahead.
A couple weeks back, 3 weeks? They had a Michael Jackson tribute on Glee. It was amazing. I mean seriously amazing! Then the following week Ricky Martin was on Glee as the substitute Spanish teacher. This week looks amazing too! Here they were spoofing the video Scream, Artie and Mike.
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