Kizuna

Our Noche Buena

2012-02-02T18:47:00.000-08:00

Here's our Christmas eve dinner that I prepared ( except for the cake ) last year and even though we had plan of going to Nagano next day to celebrate Christmas there, I prepared something for us to celebrate Christmas eve at home. The kids doesn't have an idea that we're going somewhere on Christmas Day while me and my husband were pretty excited about the Nagano trip because the trip is our Christmas gift to them^_^

Well anyway, here's our Noche Buena:

Bruschetta

Medium Rare Beef Steak with Mashed Potato on the side

Japanese Style Caprese

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2011 Christmas Stage Play

2012-01-29T13:34:00.000-08:00

I remember saying Haruka chan that she likes the role Mother Mary the time we attended her big sissy Wakaba's Christmas Stage Play during her kindergarten years. Haruka chan did her part of her role as 'The star' during her 2010 Christmas Stage Play and she did an excellent performance but I remember her still wanting the role Mother Mary. Mid-October of last year she said she passed the audition for the role mother Mary - finally! She was so exited and I can't remember for how many times she practiced the lines, singing in the bathroom room, singing while walking on our way home, whenever she's doing something, sometimes she'll hum the song lol!
I adviced her to make her voice louder when singing onstage so that the audience could hear her but she said 'Mother Mary is the chosen one so her voice must be soft not loud.' LOL!

Well anyway here's the photos and video of her as mother Mary during the Christmas stage play in yochien. A very proud moment of her that made my heart swell with pride (o^∀^o)

Haruka chan as Mother Mary

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Happy 10th Anniversary To Us

2012-01-28T07:28:00.000-08:00

Dear Yochan,

You are the one for no reasons, colors my day with for many reasons, made me laugh, sometimes cry and often times makes me blush. It has been 10 years since we are married and we have gone a lot most especially of last year but it has only made us stronger. I love you with all of my heart and I will be here right by your side and even when the trials might come, WE WILL STAND STRONG.

Happy 10th Year Anniversary to us, my love! ^_^

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-22T05:49:00.000-08:00

Christmas is forever, not for just one day,
for loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away
like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf.
The good you do for others is good you do yourself.

~ Norman W. Brooks ~

From our Family to yours, we wish you all a joyous Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!

Act and Help CDO

2011-12-19T16:22:00.000-08:00

Please help support Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines

~ For Donations ~

Donate thru PNRC Text RED(space)AMOUNT to 2899 (Globe),by using GCASH.Just text DONATE(space)AMOUNT(space)MPIN(space)SLB and send to 2882.Smart subscribers send RED to 4143.Valid donation amounts 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 500, 1000.

For donors overseas:

SAGIP KAPAMILYA Donate in Cash BDO Peso Account Account name: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya Account Number: 39301-14199 Swift Code: BNORPHMM

BDO Dollar Account Account name: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya Account Number: 39300-81622 Swift Code: BNORPHMM

PNB Peso Account Account name: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya Account Number: 419-539-5000-13 Swift Code: PNBMPHMM

BPI Peso Account Account name: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya Account Number: 3051-1127-75 Branch: West Triangle, Quezon City Swift Code: BOPIPHMM

BPI Dollar Account Account name: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya Account Number: 3054-0270-35 Branch: West Triangle, Quezon City Swift Code: BOPIPHMM

GMA Kapuso foundation donation for Sendong victims preferably cash. Contact (63)(02)9284299; (63)(02)9289351, www.kapusofoundation.com

The victims of Typhoon Sendong needs your help and prayer ..

秋の運度会~ Sports Festival 2011

2011-12-15T07:48:00.000-08:00

Our family had a load of fun at Haruka's autumn Sports festival at her school and it'll be her last undokai in kindergarten. My kids Grannies was there with full support (*^o^*)

This year's undokai was different as last year's undokai because we're still dealing with the mess of the radiation and since it's done outdoor,the school decided to make the program shorter to finished in the morning. It was indeed easy for some moms because we don't have to wake-up early and prepare obentou (lunchbox) for lunch but for me it's kinda "kulang".

Well anyway, even though it wasn't like the past undokai everybody had smiles on their faces and enjoyed watching and cheering on their kids. The day starts with the kids marching out, then with a prayer and after that, the undokai begins. Haruka did pretty well on relay race which amazed all of us! I bet she's just too active playing outdoor with some other kids in the neighborhood lol!

I also enjoyed the hilarious ( I mean it!) race with Mommies versus Daddies because we Moms have to wear an afro wig (LOL), remove our shoes and we put on rainboots and pose for a picture then run while the Dads have to wear a kigurumi costume ( sleeping wear party costume), pose for a picture and run. Pretty insane right? But everybody had a good laugh including us lol!

Beside the game, there were also some performances. Here's some of the photos that I've been wanting to share, ENJOY!^_^

Ready..... Go!!!!

Super fast!!

See on the right side,her big sissy is also cheering for her~ 'Gambaree!!' said Wakaba^_^

Hubby wearing kigurumi costume

That's me wearing afro wig lol!

Three-legged Race

Father-daughter tandem, perfect!!!

Goal!

Haruka chan with her Dad, all smile ^_^

Playing With Snow

2011-12-13T18:38:00.000-08:00

I'd like to share the happy moments that our family had in our 'Bukid ng Tra-la-la' that we're missing soo much and that we're wishing to be back HOME again!! We usually celebrate Our New Year at my PIL's home in Namie but due to high radiation level that can harm our health,we will be celebrating New Year at their temporary home in Koriyama.

We don't have much snow during winter here in Iwaki and the kids loves to go at their Grannies home because they could play snow and they always look forward to it. So bad we can't visit their home anymore...

But well, my husband and I promised not to tell the kids even if it's confirmed already that this month of the 25th, we will take the kids to Sugadaira in Nagano to play with lots a snow!! Can't wait to see the smile on their faces!!^_^

Wakaba at 2 years old

Wakaba at 4 years old

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Unicycling

2011-12-08T00:05:00.001-08:00

My daughter Wakaba seem to be interested in unicycling when some of the kids in the neighborhood were practicing their own unicycle near the apartment. She was itching to have her own and we decided to buy her one last summer. After she's done with her assignments, off she go to have a practice together with me for at least one to two hours a day. She was eager to learn and I knew she's a challenger and she seem to enjoy it with me ( she said that lol) and Haruka chan. Wakaba rides her unicycle almost everyday and even though she can now ride it herself without my help, she wanted me to see her doing it lol! I'm sharing now this video taken last autumn when Wakaba succeded unicycling for the first time without my help ^_^

Wakaba's proud moments ^_^

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スライム肉まん

2011-12-01T20:47:00.001-08:00

Dragon Quest's Slime nikuman ( stamed pork buns) appeared at Family Mart convenience stores here in Japan! I 'defeated' the monster and 'won' over the battle lol!

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Back From Hiatus

2011-11-23T21:25:00.000-08:00

Hello friends! I haven't been here for awhile and a lot of things happened already most especially to my kids. Been busy attending school events with Wakaba in gradeschool and Haruka in kindergarten. Wakaba chan is doing well at school and she's enjoying her Unicycle which we bought for her a month ago and she's out( with me of course) almost everyday busy practicing with balance and guess what? She can now do it by herself!^_^

Haruka chan had their Sports Festival, Bazaar and a couple of Observation Day and I've been busy doing volunteer works at her school lately. I must say that I love what I was doing with some moms at school although it took some time of my online activities.

There are so many things to write and photos to upload and I'm excited to share it to all of you guys^_^

炭火焼豚丼

2011-10-13T11:17:00.000-07:00

We had our lunch at Mori No Kitchen during a family weekend road trip to Mitsui Outlet Park in Sendai where we had fun window shopping. Sendai is known with their best Gyutan Sumibi Yaki　(charcoal grilled beef tongue) and Marumaya's Sumibiyaki Buta Don ( charcoal grilled pork in a bowl ). Eating out for Sendai's delicasies was our main purpose of visiting the outlet park and we don't mind driving for hours just to try what Marumaya has to offer and I swear, it's worth it! The mighty bowl dish is sure popular with pork lovers! The pork was grilled into perfection and had a rich smoky flavor which we appreciated ^_^

Haruka chan and big sissy Wakaba chan

Sumibiyaki Buta Don Set ( charcoal grilled pork ( well flavored with sweet soysauce ), pickles and miso soup for 800 jpy

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Haruka's Observation Day

2011-10-13T07:30:00.000-07:00

Haruka had her Observation Day at school in kindergarten and it was a good timing to tag-along Wakaba chan with me because Haruka's big sissy didn't have her class during that day. We observed the whole class but then Haruka's teacher invited Wakaba to play with them and joined the class~ it was kinda special observation day with special guest lol! The kids made a cone out of colored paper and used soap to make bubbles for the 'ice cream' and gave 'em to the parents. I was kinda WOW when my daughter Haruka handled me PLENTY of it which made my eyes rolling of how to bring them at home lol!

Wooden toys and hand puppets

Wakaba chan feeling nostalgic ~ Haruka chan's classroom was the same room during her time in kindergarten

The kids used whisk to make lighter, fluffier eggs errr I mean bubbles with less effort LOL!

dyaraannn! ' Ice cream ' for Mommy! ^_^

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Pinoy Style Birthday Party

2011-09-29T13:13:00.000-07:00

My kids friend, Mirai chan celebrated her 7th birthday last week and everybody, most especially the kids in the neighbourhood had a good time. The birthday girl's mother is a pinay friend of mine and helped her in the kitchen of preparing foodies to serve. It was such a long time for me to prepare pinoy foodies ( although I only prepared the chicken macaroni salad and helped wrapping the lumpia) coz my Wakaba and Haruka is picky when it comes to Philippine foods that is why I also brought my homemade inari zushi ( which I forgot to take a picture lol ) to the party. Preparing foodies at Mirai chan's birthday party reminds me to cook and serve Philippine foods more often at home, too ^_^

Well anyway, here's the foods that we prepared during the party ~ yep, the pinoy style and I loovet!!! \(^0^)/

Pork and Chicken Skewers

Boiled Shrimps

Kain tayo, masarap yan! ^_^

The Birthday Cake

Just having fun! ^_^

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Because I Miss Our Community In Namie

2011-09-28T20:09:00.000-07:00

I will be reposting the post I've written on the year 2009~ I am praying that the day will come that we will see each other again. ( wondering why? please read my Fukushima posts) Same happy faces...living on the same old town....

Reading my blog during the past years, I have been blogging all about our life in Namie ~ the so-called Our bukid of tralala....a big part of our lives is missing..

Sports Festival Part 2- Community Bonding

This was taken last year of October, and I don’t want to receive a call from my in-laws during that month coz there’s always a sportfest at my husband’s hometown and we’re forced to participate for the so-called “ community bonding ” wherein the community residents gather and do some sports act. Of course we don’t have a choice but to participate coz their blocks team don’t have any other younger members(?) and I guess I don’t have much more alibis to make–last year was I have my monthly period and the other year was ….unnnmmmn!! I forgot!!! and the other year was….. lol
Well,here are some of our sports act we did —the highlights includes stretching (LOL),tama ire games ( shooting small balls to the basket),tug of war, giant geta race ( wearing giant japanese wooden slipper with a member of six, kind of hard ), relay –for the aged about 16-20’s a 200 meter race, aged 30’s, 40’s and 50’s a 100 meter race and more. Would you believe that I ( on my 30’s ) did ( forcedly ) a 200 meter relay coz there’s no one participating on aged 20’s on our team?!!huhuhuu!!! My sore muscles reminds me how important excercise is!! So, here it is……I enjoyed it very much!!!!!!! Except for the relay (T_T)

Giant Geta Slipper Race

Team work!

Hubby and I,waiting for our turn..
Shoot that ball!!

The Button Relay

Our team placed 3rd—BANSAI!!! \(^0^)/

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Monitoring

2011-09-26T13:56:00.000-07:00

~ before ~

A lot of parents at school were worried about radiation, the soil that was exposed to radiation leaks at the playground of the school was removed ( please read my post about it here ) My daughter's kindergarten and in gradeschool is doing it's own monitoring here in Iwaki, Fukushima Prefecture and constantly getting the results that there are no problems. Before, kids at school are allowed to play outdoor for only 30 minutes but now the topsoil were removed, kids are now back playing outdoors ( but still time is limited but longer).

~ after ~

*** There were some 'wakaii mama san tachi ' ( young mothers) often says that they don't want to eat something that comes from our Fukushima Prefecture and that they're frightened of being exposed to radiation but are SMOKERS~ don't they know that they are directly exposed to radioactivity in cigarette smoke? Or is it just me being affected when somebody says something bad about Fukushima on TV? ***

Iwaki Star Festival 2011

2011-09-19T15:48:00.001-07:00

Tanabata Matsuri or the Star Festival is most famous in Sendai but we also have here in Iwaki, it's not that extravagant like of Sendai though. Tanabata matsuri is also the most awaited event for my kids during the summer. Colourful streamers hanging, games and of course, foodies! (*^o^*)

The main tradition of the the Star Festival is to write your wish on a piece of paper called the tanzaku and tie it to the bamboo branch. Wakaba and Haruka were able to enjoy the food and beautiful sights~ Iwaki transforms itself into a colourful festival town! We had a great time walking through^_^

Tanabata Matsuri 2009

Tanabata Matsuri 2010

What is your wish?
Wakaba's wish: ' I wish to be a designer someday.'
SMILE!!
Totoro
Sights of the festival

Haruka chan, beating the heat with kaki-gori ( shaved ice with fruity syrup)
Haruka and Wakaba was delighted to take a picture with this rabbit named 幸せ屋(Shiawaseya, supported by Merry Project ) that gives heart filled with message of encouragement which makes you really happy.
A family picture of us ^_^

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Updates

2011-09-18T07:36:00.000-07:00

I would like to share some updates and some good ( and the not-so-good ) news of my PIL's situation and for some of those who haven't known yet, they were forced to evacuate their home because of the high radiation levels that could harm their health. Their home is inside the 20 km government-mandated evacuation zone and the residents are now gone at their hometown leaving their homes, livelihoods and pets.

My PIL received 5 items of electric appliances from the Japanese Red Cross Society ( I would like to thank friends who funded for the Kizuna Love Fund , the received money was donated to JRCS ) and some relief goods from the government. They have returned to their home in Namie last month for two hours only wearing a white full-body protective suit to pick up some important belongings. They also looked for their pet Shiro but he's nowhere to be found.

It seems that we woudn't be returning to our home in Namie anytime soon and that makes us more depressed. It is said that it'll take 35-40 years to be able to come back and they are worried about how they will recover. Although their home wasn't hit by the tsunami but it feels like just the same. Home is gone! They still have a home but yet cannot live at their own house and make a living. Memories are precious to peoples live's and I feel sad too because Namie is my kids birthplace and although it doesn't show to their faces, deep inside they're hurting to be away with their home, friends and relatives . I can feel their sufferings, silently...

Moritto Balloon Art Show In Fukushima

2011-09-11T01:06:00.000-07:00

Wakaba and Haruka enjoyed Moritto Balloon Art Show held at Ito Yokado during the summer and luckily it was the same day of Aya Ikeda's Mini-Concert in Fukushima. So while waiting for the concert, they had fun interacting and making request to the artist ( Moritto ) for some balloon art. Moritto's Balloon Art Show is very entertaining and unique and most of her creations are her original designs. She made anime balloon arts ( Anpanman, Vikingman, Pretty Cure, etc) and speaking about summer, she also made a mikoshi that is used during matsuri ( summer festival ). She's very entertaining to watch and the kids adores her for answering any requests of balloon art to make.

Hubby gets a Chihuahua art balloon
Haruka gets an Anko ( goosefish) balloon art

Kids poses at the balloon art that was made and was given away by lucky participants after the show
Moritto and her creation, mikoshi ^_^

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Weekend Getaway At Twin Ring Motegi

2011-09-05T09:24:00.000-07:00

Taking an out of town trip together with my In-laws is what I looked forward to and we had chance to go last month since the kids were off for their summer vacation.Although the original plan was going to Tokyo Disney Resort but we called it off coz my FIL ain't comfortable with the flooding of the people around the magical place. My kids were itching to go but we have to set another date for that minus their Grannies.

We had a 2 days out of town trip and our day one was at Sano Premium Outlet in Tochigi Ken where we had a blast shopping then day 2 was at Twin Ring Motegi.The weather was on and off but still it wasn't a hindrance and I'm happy to see my In-laws enjoying themselves. We've been in Twin Ring Motegi many times already( read here and here ) and this trip with them is their first after the earthquake that hits Japan and their hometown in Namie is still dealing with the radiation mess of the nuclear plant in Fukushima. That's the reason why we invited them over coz for even for a short period of time they could at least forget the recent situation in Fukushima. I believe that going for a trip would be better for them rather than staying at home and do nothing.And for the brighter side, now is the time to go into trips be it short or long coz they now have all time which they didn't do much when they were still working. Before I bore you to tears I would like to announce some good news:

Me and my husband planned of giving the couple a treat to Hokkaido this month!! Although we don't have much, it's our time to give back the kindness they did to us and a trip to Hokkaido is not enough but it is heartily given for them ^_^

Well anyway here's the photos taken during trip. Thanks for reading and hope you'll enjoy the photos ^_^

My In-laws at Honda Collection Hall Indy Japan The Final Display
Hands on
Our dream car ^_^
My girls Racing Motorcycles
Racing cars Asimo Super Live And U3-X Demonstration
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Happy Fun Rides At Mobi Park

2011-09-04T04:40:00.000-07:00

What I love during our short stay at Twin Ring Motegi is that they have fun, friendly rides for kids and for the whole family to enjoy. Wakaba and Haruka had fun racing with each other and they looked like a real racers for a day lol! I was pleasantly surprised when I tried the Acro-X together with my kids and since I didn't know how to drive a vehicle, I can't figure out of how to drive smoothly without crashing the sides and the kids were laughing their hearts out because of that lol! They said that I can't be a driver( LOL) but it is nice to be able to ride together^_^

The kids rides are terrific and the kids enjoyed being able to go on rides by themselves and had fun riding it!
Haruka, racer for a day!
Wakaba tried her speed at Quick Racer

Acro-X Fun ride with Daddy
The machine looks like so heavy because of their Dad lol!
With Kochira Kun, Twin Ring Motegi's mascot

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ASIMO Goods

2011-09-03T09:02:00.000-07:00

We stayed at Hotel Twin Ring during our fun day together with my In-laws and we bought some omiyage (souvenir) Our trip wouldn't be complete without Honda and ASIMO goods. Yours truly bought some Honda Racing and ASIMO postcards for trade ( and for myself to keep)(^_^)v

Wakaba chans ASIMO stamp set(￣∀￣)

Haruka chan's fork, spoon and chopstick in a set and ASIMO mini flash light (photo not included)

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Aya Ikeda's Mini Concert

2011-08-28T01:21:00.000-07:00

Tadaima and it's great to be back in blogosphere! We have enjoyed our summer vacation and you will find me for sure blogging about it here at Kizuna ^_^

It was 35 degree C in Fukushima City when we went to the place to watch Aya Ikeda's mini concert held at Ito Yokado, Fukushima branch. Aya Ikeda has sung the theme song for the anime Heartcatch Precure and the ongoing Suite Precure ( my kids is so fond of the Pretty Cure anime series) and when we heard that she will be having a mini concert, we can't miss going out to see my kids idol. Too bad that videos and photographs during the concert is not allowed but the kids had a lot of fun singing and dancing at their seat. We bought our kids Suite Precure cd and dvd and let the singer signed it.

Here's my kids favorite anime sung by Aya Ikeda

Heart Catch Precure opening song

Suite Precure ending song

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Graceful Dolphin

2011-08-27T10:35:00.000-07:00

I wanna thank Rylie Cottrill, cutie host of E-Connections for sending me a postcard during their summer vacation in Florida. I really appreciate her time of writing me a message at the back of the postcard. Thanks a lot sweetie! Wakaba would be the happiest if you call her Ate ^_^

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Kizuna On Blog Leave

2011-08-19T17:50:00.001-07:00

Love Letter from WiddlyTinks.com

Homemade Bentou For Hubby

2011-08-11T14:10:00.000-07:00

My husband often receive compliments from his co-workers that even if he leaves too early in the morning to his work, I was able to prepare him a homemade bentou to take for his lunch.

And everytime he tells me so it gives me a smile~ my husband tells me that I did a good job and that he appreciates my cooking ^_^

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When We Watch Movie Together

2011-08-11T08:57:00.000-07:00

---When watching a movie in Japan, you can buy detailed books which give the full background of the movie, stars, directors, etc.---

The first time we watched a movie together was the time when I was still working in Fukushima . I was quite excited coz it'll be my first time to watch a movie in Japan but when we entered the cinema it wasn't what I expected. Watching a movie here is expensive, it's about 1,800 JPY!! And unlike the movie theater in the Philippines, it wasn't that dark and the people watching seems like to be soo serious ( well I guess they're also busy reading the subtitles--the first movie that we watched together was STARWARS Attacks of the Clone by the way so it was an English language movie ). I mean they're really, really QUIET. I can't remember if I enjoyed the movie with my boyfriend ( now husband) coz I was being observant on my first movie experience in Japan.
The second time that we watched a movie was two years ago, summer and of course with Wakaba and Haruka with us and it's their first experience to watch a movie,too. I wonder why Wakaba choose Evangelion:2.0 You Can(not)Advance instead of a Disney movie---it is a very complicated anime movie and not easily be understood by kids of their age but we watched it anyway ( coz we love the Evangelion anime series ) believing that they'll be sleeping during the half hour of the movie. Haruka did but Wakaba watched the whole movie! After watching Evangelion, I asked my husband if we can watch one more another movie ( I just can't let it pass!) coz my favorite TV drama series ROOKIES The Movie:Graduation ( the finale was form in the movie )was showing at the same time that day--my husband said yes but I have to watch it alone...Geees!! But I did lol! My husband tend to the kids at the mall while I was watching the movie ALONE lol. We don't watch movies in a big theater now but rather watch them at home on DVD's. We can't afford anymore to watch a movie on a big screen!!! ---Detailed book of the movie---

---trailer of Evangelion:2.0 You Can(not)Advance, you'll meet the new character in this movie and a lot of... ( don't wanna spoil it, better WATCH IT for yourself!)---

---I don't know how many times I cried to this movie---
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Sano Premium Outlet, Tochigi

2011-08-08T15:07:00.000-07:00

My husband and I have been planning a month ahead for a two day trip this summer and we invite my In Laws over~ we first thought of Tokyo Disneyland coz the kids were itching to go there but we cancelled it off coz my FIL doesn't like the idea ( he hates lotsa crowd and waiting in line for a ride lol ) and so we'll gonna save it for our trip next maybe on November of this year.

Our first day was at Sano Premium Outlet as requested by my MIL and the weather was on and off but we had fun shopping there because of bargain sale! It wasn't a first to give my In Laws some pressies but to give them branded one is a first. I bought my MIL a Coach wallet and a Nike sneaker to my FIL and yes it indeed put a hole in my pocket but the price at the outlet is really tempting and nevertheless, they love what I chose for them and was glad. The kids had a blast walking around and their Grannies bought them new clothes.

My In Laws

Lunch time, Ebi Ten Don ( shrimp tempura) Set
Kiddie meal
Shopping for Coach wallet
COACH
Le Creuset
Sano Premium Outlet
My In Laws and yours truly
Hubby's Mens Coach ~ got it 60% off! What a bargain!

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Taking Full Advantage This Summer

2011-08-07T18:31:00.000-07:00

I am taking full advantage ( again ) of our summer together while my kids is on their summer break. Even though they require a lot of time and energy, they all worth the effort! Our family had a couple of out-of-town vacation ( I'll post it here when I have the time ) together with their Grannies and since we will not be going home in Namie for the Obon Holiday , Wakaba and Haruka will be sleepingover at their Grannies home in Koriyama minus us. We promised to the kids that we will allow them to sleepover at their Grannies home as long as their homeworks from school is done and they did ^_^

Summer is ain't over yet and we will be out again for a three day fun in Nagano ( minus their Grannies ) before the class resumes. Hurrah for summer!!!
Had fun shopping with their Grannies at Sano Premium Outlet in Tochigi, Japan
Enjoyed lotsa rides at Mobi Park Twin Ring Motegi,Japan
Window shopping at Mitsui Outlet Park, Sendai Port Japan
Tanabata Matsuri

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Mitsui Outlet Park, Sendai Port

2011-08-06T14:53:00.000-07:00

The city of Sendai suffered tremendous damage from the March 11 earthquake and tsunami and have been completely restored ( except at the coastal area ). Our family went to Mitsui Outlet Park at Sendai Port recently and it's been awhile since our last visit there. Although we're not a person who goes for branded goods and stuffs, our family likes to explore factory outlets here in Japan most especially at Mitsui, it is the largest factory outlet in Tohoku Region. Mitsui is the place for shoppers who enjoys bargains and it is an open style shopping mall with nice surroundings and great foods. Sendai is one of the place we love to visit ~ read some of my Sendai posts here

Mitsui Outlet Park

A haven for shoppers most especially who likes branded apparels, bags and etc.

My GAP girls ^_^

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Help!

2011-08-04T17:05:00.001-07:00

I' m screaming for D-E-S-S-E-R-T-S!!! \(^0^)/

Macapuno Ice Cream

Chocolate Ice Cream Parfait
Halo-halo
Banana Split

I hope I won't gain weight by just looking at them!

Food Trip Friday is a weekly Friday meme hosted by Mommy Willa

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Abukumagawa, Fukushima

2011-08-03T17:43:00.000-07:00

Abukuma River has become a tourist spot because of the famous ducks and swans seen during cold weather and many visitors including us visits the place to enjoy. It was a delight for Wakaba to have seen ducks and swans for the first time and we let her try to feed the birds some duck-friendly food but when they came for food, my lil Wakaba was afraid of them. I know... what an insane amount of ducks and swans and is overcrowded, too lol!

Happy fleet of ducks and swans put a smile on Wakaba's face!

The Abukuma River (阿武隈川, Abukuma gawa?), with a length of 234 km, is the second longest river in the Tōhoku region of Japan and the 6th longest river in Japan. It runs through Fukushima Prefecture and Miyagi Prefecture, rising from springs in the peaks of the Nasu Mountains, collecting water from tributaries leaving the Ōu Mountains and the Abukuma Highlands (阿武隈高地, Abukuma-kōchi?), then emptying into the Pacific Ocean as a major river. It has a 5,390 km² area watershed, and about 1.2 million people live along its basin.[1]

The Abukuma River flows north through Fukushima Prefecture's Nakadōri region, past the cities of Shirakawa, Sukagawa, Kōriyama, Nihonmatsu and Fukushima. The portion of the river flowing between Nihonmatsu and Fukushima forms a deep ravine called Horaikyo.[2] Crossing the northern edge of the long but low Abukuma hills, the Abukuma River then flows into Miyagi Prefecture, past the city of Kakuda and between Iwanuma and Watari before reaching the Pacific. Abukuma has a tributary called the Ara River.
source
Crowd of onlookers

To be with my Wakaba is one of my life's sweetest pleasures ^_^

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Ebisu Circuit Fun Racing

2011-08-01T13:00:00.000-07:00

My husband had his car racing at Ebisu Circuit located in Fukushima, Japan and together with us is some of his friends~ just having fun and driving hard! Ebisu circuit was re-opened and was badly hit during the earthquake that hits Japan and the garages were halfway down a cliff and even the track has damaged. We're glad that the circuit was safely rebuild to its glory.

Ebisu Circuit is one of his favorite tracks for practice sessions and loves to have fun with friends surrounded with awesome cars. There are good variety of cars blasting up around for time attacks during the day. There were a total of 15 cars entered in the time attack portion of the days program and my husband was satisfied with his best lap time than his previous lap time of last year. My husband have been car racing for 5 years now but he's an occassional race driver~ he only race when invited with friends and loves to do some hot laps at the track as his stress reliever ^_^

My husband with his CL7

Daughter Wakaba watching his Dad doing some hot laps

Time attack!
My kids goofing around lol!
Future car racer?
Surrounded with awesome cars
Enjoying ourselves
Tongiru soup and yakisoba for lunch

Father and daughter bonding at Ebisu Circuit
He's all set for time attack
My husband is looking forward of getting back there for another try

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Othello Board Game

2011-07-31T07:00:00.000-07:00

My kids Grannies bought them an Othello Board Game during our stay at their home in Koriyama. It was a surprise that both of them drawn instantly with the game that they didn't even went to play outside. The game was fun, quick to learn and challenging~ it teaches strategy and how to plan in advance. We've had fun playing together and end up playing several games at a time. Their Dad said that it was his favorite board game in his childhood and had fun playing with Wakaba and Haruka. I would highly recommend this educational board game~ aside from the fact that it is a great thinking game for kids and adults, it is of course, good for family bonding moments.

Here's how you play the Othello Board Game:

You put down your black disk, enclosing your opponent's white disk between another black disk already on the board. You then flip the opponent's disk from white to black. You and your opponent take turns until there are no more available moves and the player whose color dominates the board is the winner.

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July Linky Love

2011-07-30T17:07:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all my friends for all the support of reading Kizuna and for leaving your comments and for dropping EC. Another month has passed by and I would like to give some linky lovin' to the Top 10 Commentators and Top 10 Ec Droppers for the month. I will also put their links at my sidebar. Thank you very much!!

Thank You, Top 10 July Commentators

Thrift Trip (11)
Pink MagaLine (8)
Dhemz (8)
chubskulit (7)
anney (5)
☆Mama Ko☆ (5)
Ms. Burrito (4)
Mel Avila Alarilla (4)
Tetcha (4)
Baguio Girl (3)

Thank You, Top 10 EC Droppers

GCHK - 16
Text To Speech - 12
Adelante Care Institute - 11
Fashion Blog - 11
Big Stick - 11
the Crazy Suburban Mom - 11
Vintage Blog - 10
Princesscj Haven - 8
Christina Fong - 8
The Rising Cafe - 7

Please feel free of visiting their respective sites as well ^_^

Kawaii Sandals

2011-07-30T07:49:00.000-07:00

Osh Kosh summer sandals for my kids to go with their sundresses. I bet they'll gonna enjoy the summer with a blast! ^_^

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Haruka's Bicycle

2011-07-25T01:15:00.000-07:00

Haruka chan received a red bicycle from her Grandparents as a gift on her 5th Birthday last Febuary. She was itching to have a new bicycle for her birthday ( coz we bought her big sissy Wakaba a pink bicycle ) and was happy to get a new one. Her old bicycle was from Wakaba in which she inherited and used for years. My girls loves bicycling together with some of their friends in the neighborhood.

Now, both of them wants us to buy them a unicycle coz most of their friends has it. It's a fad here, well I guess in our neighborhood only^_^

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We Thank YOU!

2011-07-23T04:30:00.000-07:00

We are aware that people from around the world is supporting Japan like giving donations to established charities, saying a prayers, giving letters of hope and care packages and the people in Japan were very thankful. I was surprised when Haruka came home from school with a beautiful crayon drawing at her hand and a message. The drawings of the students of Glendall Elementary School and Eastern Parkway United Methodist Church ( Sunday School) were distributed to our town Iwaki and Haruka's yochien ( kindergarten school) received lots of 'drawings of hope' and distributed to all the kids in yochien.

We wanted them to know how thankful we are most especially the kids at school of receiving a drawing from a complete stranger which gives a smile on our faces. The drawing came from the girl named Audrey as it was written at the back of the drawing and we would also like to thank their teacher, Mrs. Patricia N. Roeser for sending the drawings of her students all the way to Japan.

In behalf of Wakaba and Haruka and the kids at Haruka's school, we thank you all from the bottom of our hearts!

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Eating Puto Bumbong In Japan

2011-07-22T01:09:00.000-07:00

I can't remember the last time I have eaten a Puto Bumbong which is a pinoy treat for Christmas. I remember lining up together with some of my barkadas in Manila at our favorite stall just to have this native delicacy and usually you could only find these during the Christmas season. I don't want to pass the season without eating one!

Sadly, we don't have pinoy stores near us here in Japan but luckily I found where to shop pinoy foodies online and ordered puto bumbong of my dreams. It was frozen and just nuke it at the oven range but it wasn't that good like of those in the Philippines and it's kind-a- odd coz it's summer time but what the heck, it definitely satisfied my cravings ^_^

I miss those great puto bumbongs with fresh grated, then toasted, coconut and sugar!!!

Trivia:

Puto bumbong is a dish made from purpled-colored ground rice cooked in bamboo tubes that are placed on a special steamer-cooker. Then, they are removed from the bamboo tubes, spread with butter and sprinkled with sugar and niyog (grated coconut). They are then wrapped in wilted banana leaves which will keep them warm and moist until ready to be eaten.

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Kaki Gori

2011-07-18T08:59:00.000-07:00

Well, talking about Japan's soul food for summer~ Kaki gori! ( A japanese style shaved ice with fruit flavored syrups) Last year, I bought my kids a Hello Kitty ice shaver for the summer and invited their friends in the neighborhood for a kaki gori party after going out for play. Gees! Summer here is too hot and the kids are too sweaty lol!

The kids just love to turn the handle of the shaver and I love to see them making their own kaki gori. Although the kaki gori made at home is just ordinary and unappealing, the kids love 'em! ^_^

Kaki gori at home
Haruka chan in charge
With friend, Mirai chan
summer, 2011
Hello Kitty Ice Shaver

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Goodies, Goodies and More Goodies!

2011-07-17T10:44:00.000-07:00

I would like to thank Mommy Dhemz of World Explorationfor all the goodies she sent for us. I didn't expect that she will send us that much stuff and oh boy, I was shocked of the amount of stuff she sent us. Mommy Dhemz, we love everything you got us and had fun going through the box. Thank you for always being a sweetheart, generous and kind to me and my family. You have spoiled us ^_^

American goodies
Pinoy goodies

Tees for the whole family, Mother's Day card, photos and Hollister Body Mist Spray

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Sangyo Matsuri Gourmet

2011-07-14T10:36:00.000-07:00

Our family went to a local event called the Sangyo Matsuri or Industrial Fair here at Iwaki last year ( yep, found this post buried in my drafts ) which features an exhibitions on agricultures, industrial goods ( locally made ) and of course gourmet, gourmet, gourmet and gourmet! We looked around the stalls selling local specialties and then bought and tasted some local foods to support our Iwaki. We wanted to have a taste at some interesting local food and Kakuni Manju is new to us. It comes with a steamed bun with layers of meat and fat and the belly pork meat is a melt-in- your mouth yummy goodness!

Ramen

Paella and Bacon

Jumbo Croquette

Kakuni Manju~ is a steamed bun with a fatty chunk of barbequed pork inside.

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Yotsukura Destruction

2011-07-13T19:01:00.000-07:00

I could feel how lost they must feel, the shock of what has happened to see their homes and loveones go when tsunami hit. To have watched the tsunami aftermath on TV was shocking but when you got to see the destruction with your own eyes, the shock was even more bigger. It's been 4 months since the 3-11 Earthquake and the talk of the town is all about the radiation mess and some people has forgotten the tsunami disaster.

The neighborhoods at Yotsukura, Iwaki, Fukushima Prefecture were still in ruin even up to this day.

Massive damage

Debris

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My Kids Doodles

2011-07-11T15:00:00.000-07:00

I attended Wakaba's Observation Day at school last week and this week is another busy week for me. Went again at Wakaba's school for PTA duties with some mums. We cut out some bell marks from products then the marks get traded in for supplies or useful stuffs for the school. Then at Haruka's yochien ( kindergarten school ), mums at school started a project since last week for the bazaar event and now I'm almost half to finish. I will post the finished product here at Kizuna as soon as it's done^_^

Although my energy is almost drained but when the kids come home with a full of life drawings, it gives me power to be energetic again!

Apple Tree by Wakaba
Rainy Day by Wakaba

Haruka's drawing

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Hello Kitty Character Bento Deluxe Set

2011-07-10T23:49:00.000-07:00

Just when I thought that I need some bento gadgets for bento making for Wakaba and Haruka last year, I found this Hello Kitty Character Bento Deluxe Set from ToysRus which is the store's original. The bento set includes Hello Kitty Onigiri sushi rice mold, Hello Kitty veggie food cookie cutter, Hello Kitty disposable mini food cup, Hello Kitty mini baran food divider, Hello Kitty lunch picks and Hello Kitty parts cutter.

I started to make Hello Kitty character bento to my kids for their lunch at school , I was anticipating that they will come home with an empty lunchbox but to my dismay 'twas the opposite. I thought that they were just full till lunch or just no appetite at all but later found out from Haruka that the bento I prepared for them is delish but Hello Kitty onigiri daw is so 'kawawa' ( pitiful) to eat (T_T).

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Manga Artists Visited Fukushima

2011-07-06T18:31:00.000-07:00

Our family went to Fukushima Airport last month coz we heard that famous manga/anime illustrators will be visiting Fukushima for an event to cheer the Tohoku people with their Joint Work Illustration plus a Paper Airplane Project. Manga artist displayed some of their works, comics, T-shirts and postcards, they also signed autographs to fans and had fun games during the event . No matter how much I would like to feature the persons behind the manga but with all respect, I just can't...

My husband and I have been a fan of the manga 彼女のカレラ ( My Favorite Carrera ) and we were excited to see the face behind the manga and finally met Kia Asamiya in person! I brought my manga with me and let him signed of course~ it was enough for me to have seen him person and to my surprise, he drawed Reina Todori ( the manga's main character) at the back of the books cover with his sign on! It'll be my ' takaramono ' ( treasure ) forever and he also gave me a signed postcard. Wakaba and Haruka however enjoyed making their paper airplane and was given some gachapon and candies.

The game portion was fun and exciting~ fans will have to request the illustrators to draw something in one minute! The best illustration that will be chosen and will be given together with a sign and the worst illustration will be displayed at their 'worst display whiteboard' for everyone to see till the event ends. It would be embarrassing for them but no matter how pro they are, they still have some weaknesses just like when a kid requested them to draw ultraman, lady illustrators had difficulties of drawing it and of course it was displayed as worst lol!

Fukushima Airport
Kia Asamiya sensei's work
Works of famous manga illustrators
Wakaba chan
Haruka chan showing off her paper airplane
Wakaba chan had fun over gachapon
Display of worst illustration chosen by fans
Fukushima Airport's Souvenir Shop
Nagatsuki Misoka
My kids~ sketched by Nagatsuki Misoka sensei

I would like to thank the following manga illustrators who came in Fukushima

麻宮騎亜先生 Asamiya Kia
岩本佳浩先生 Iwamoto Toshihiro
こうの史代先生 Kouno Fumiyo
ときた洸一先生 Tokita Kouichi
とだ勝之先生 Todakatsu Yuki
長月みそか先生 Nagatsuki Misoka
杜野亜希先生 Morino Aki

and guest 天神秀貴 Tenjin Hidetaka

ありがとうございました。

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June Top 10 Commentators And EC Droppers

2011-07-02T14:29:00.000-07:00

Top 10 Commentators

Dhemz (14)
chubskulit (14)
niko (13)
anne (6)
Mirage (6)
Vhen (5)
Tetcha (5)
Vernz (4)
♥ joei (4)
♥♥ Willa ♥♥ (4)

Top 10 EC Droppers

the crazy suburban mom 19
Mumsy 17
Adelante Care Institute 15
Feedourneighbors 14
Vintage Blog 13
Fashion Blog 12
Sieuthigiga 8
bloggingChristina Fong 8
The Rising Cafe 6
Big Stick 6

Please feel free of visiting their respective sites as well ^_^

Wa-Wa-Wa

2011-06-30T23:49:00.000-07:00

I love my husband for taking me out for lunch and spend quality time with me minus the kids. It is the only time where we could eat ' real foods ' is when the kids are at school. LOL! Sometimes he would just say in advance that I need not to prepare obento for him for lunch then he would surprise me with a message at my cellphone to go out for lunch with him ^_^

Well anyway, we went to Wa-Wa-Wa which is just a minute walk from Iwaki Station ~ a two storey standing and dining bar and they also serve lunch menu. The first floor is a standing bar ( but they also have chairs to those who doesn't like standing while having a drink) and with a huge projector. Wa-Wa-Wa's second floor is kind-a-cozy and romantic. They always change their lunch menus and the lunch set for that day was Loco-moco Don, a Hawaiian meal in a bowl~ white rice with a bed of veggies plus a hamburger patty with a tasty sauce and poached egg over it was just amazing.

Wa-Wa-Wa's Fish Carpaccio with wasabi dressing, Tomato Bruschetta and Mashed Potato starters made a great impression

Loco Moco Don

I love breaking the runny golden yolk with fork ^_^

Dolce: Tiramisu

The ' I LOVE IWAKI ' cheering message board

Tel. 0246-23-2488
福島県いわき市平字田町68 １Ｆ・２Ｆ

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Mommy Moments- Home

2011-06-30T23:06:00.001-07:00

I would like to share with you our second home~ we've been missing this home which is a 20 km away from Dai-Ichi Nuclear Plant in Fukushima and is inside the danger zone. My PIL has to leave this home because of the radiation level ( I can't hold my tears as I was writing this ) that could harm their health and sad to say that my husband's hometown now seems like a 'ghost town'. Everybody has evacuated the area including their livelihood...

I guess you're wondering why I preferred to write about my PIL's home~ my kids spend their first few years at their Grannies home and they grew up with them. They played with their cousins and tend to their favorite dog, Shiro. Wakaba blurted out one day that she wants some corn and I told her that I would buy her some at the market but she told me that 'she wants the corn from their Grannies farm' and it's kind-a hurting me knowing that it would take awhile for us to come back. And I'm sure that the one's hurting the most is my PIL, BIL, SIL and hubby~ he grew up there and has so many memories. It was hard for them to leave their home and their livelihood but there was nothing else that they could do but HOPE and PRAY. I'm praying for the day that we could all be together again at our home in Namie.
Peace - that was the other name for home.

~ Kathleen Norris ~
It takes hands to build a house, but only hearts can build a home.
~ Author Unkown ~

Where thou art- that- is Home.
~ Emily Dickinson ~

There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort.
~ Jane Austen ~

Home is a shelter from storms- all sorts of storms.
~ William J. Bennett ~

Every house where love abides
And friendship is a guest,
Is surely home, and home sweet home
For there the heart can rest.
~ Henry Van Dyke ~

Home, the spot of earth supremely blest,
A dearer, sweeter spot than all the rest.
~ Robert Montgomery ~

A house that does not have one worn, comfy chair in it is soulless.

~ May Sarton ~

He is the happiest, be he king or peasant, who finds peace in his home.

~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe ~

The light is what guides you home, the warmth is what keeps you there.
~Ellie Rodriguez ~
Quotes

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Gaga Over Pretty Cure

2011-06-29T18:34:00.001-07:00

Wakaba and Haruka is a big fan of Pretty Cure and they both love to imitate the anime dances, songs etc. They're both a lover of all-things-magical-girl! Sometimes you would just hear them saying some lines of the anime that would end fighting with their Dad as the ' bad guy' lol! Sharing with you a homevideo of them taken year 2009, this video makes me smile ^_^

Isn't it so much fun to go back and just yank them all out and just sit there and reminisce? ^_^

*Nostalgia is a weekly Thursday meme hosted by Ate Rose--please play with us by clicking the linky badge.*

Father's Day 2011

2011-06-23T10:17:00.000-07:00

Wakaba and Haruka baked a cake to make their Dad happy on Father's Day~ their Dad went to Tokyo that day and the first thing that the kids did was to bake their Dad's favorite chocolate cake~with my help lol. Kids in the neighborhood was calling them out to play but they want to finish first baking before playing with them. Lucky Daddy, he is loved so much by his children!

The Mommy however didn't prepare fancy dinner to celebrate Father's Day coz he doesn't want me to do so and he just want his ' curry rice ' for dinner~ a leftover in our pantry and curry tastes so much better when it is reheated ^_^

A kiss + a hug+ kids letter for their father+ curry rice + Gâteau Chocolat = Happy Father's Day!
Wakaba is improving her baking skills but I still have to support her

Gâteau Chocolat

Daddy's dessert plate

Wakaba's letter from the heart

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Fast Food Bento

2011-06-23T09:32:00.000-07:00

There are times that I don't want to cook during lunchtime coz I am usually alone at home and local take-out bento meal is an option and bento is of course, yummy and affordable. Each bento meal comes with a rice, salad, pickles, meat or fish in a well designed disposable package.

Yakitori Don Bento

Nori Bento

Yokubari (value set ) Bento

Tonkatsu Bento

Gyu Kalbi ( Beef Kalbi ) Bento

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Summer Treat

2011-06-22T19:12:00.000-07:00

Every summer time, I love to treat out the kids in our neighborhood ( they're friends of my kids, with the consent of their parents of course ) and last year's summer, we went out to a community swimming pool near our apartment where the kids had a blast! I'm still thinking of where to treat the kids this summer and the pool is not an option anymore coz we're still dealing with the radiation mess here and most of the outdoor pools are now closed. Even at their school, they suspend outdoor swimming classes which makes my Wakaba sad coz she was looking forward to go for it together with her friends. I guess most children here in Fukushima will not be able to swim outdoor this summer.

We can't even go to Spa Resort Hawaiians like we did some time ago coz the indoor pool has been closed due to the earthquake that hits Japan. Oh dear, where to go?

A Community pool near our place
At Spa Resort Hawaiians

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Harapeko Aomushi

2011-06-19T11:56:00.000-07:00

I guess some of you recognized The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, it is called Harapeko Aomushi here in Japan and the books are quite famous among japanese children including to my Wakaba and Haruka. They watched the story at youtube ( of course in japanese) and they love to talk about foods and or count the foods that the hungry caterpillar ate lol! Last month, I bought a Harapeko Aomushi Memory Game for us to play at home and to help them exercise their minds. My kids loves the game and it passes the time quickly.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Memory Game

Kids are like caterpillars, they will eventually grow up and when it's time to let them go, we have to let them fly and be grateful with their time with us ^_^

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Late Bloomer

2011-06-18T16:56:00.001-07:00

Haven't I told you that I have dream? I haven't finished school and yes, I sometimes regret of not finishing school and was not able to receive a diploma. Life has been cruel to my family that finishing school was not the main anymore and when I was looking for a job, I usually get frustrated because companies wanted applicants with a degree required which I don't have and usually land to a job with a low salary. Nope, not that I'm complaining but having a good job with high paying salary is best advantage, right?

Finishing with a degree is my dream and online degrees could make it all now possible coz it would fit my schedule. Tending to my kids and husband while studying online degree programs in business on my own time, on my own pace is not a bad idea! I would be the happiest to complete a degree as an advantage.

Going back to school is a challege and http://studentaid2.ed.gov/gotocollege/collegefinder/advanced_find.asp helps me to get off a great start ^_^

Hello Kitty Onigiri Case

2011-06-17T06:44:00.000-07:00

Every Monday is Haruka's onigiri ( rice ball ) day and the kids at school will only have just one onigiri during lunch time. It is because that the school wanted to let the kids think that there are people who has eaten less for the day and they let the kids at school experience their sufferings. Every Monday the kids at school offer money as a donation to give to the poor.

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Strawberry Mousse Cake For Wakaba

2011-06-16T04:07:00.000-07:00

Made this Strawberry Mousse Cake during Wakaba's 8th Birthday last week and since the party was a yakiniku party, I decided to go for a refreshing dessert which I made earlier before the party starts. I was worried coz I thought there will be no more room for dessert for them but Wakaba says she wants her birthday cake as soon we came home from the yakiniku restaurant ^_^

Well, anywho I wanna share the recipe to all of you coz it's really easy to make and the how-to's step by step. Enjoy!

Strawberry Mousse Cake: ( 18 cm cake round pan )

Ingredients:

18 cm sponge cake, sliced

your favorite strawberry/raspberry sauce or jam
Fresh strawberries- 30 g, cut in dices

For the mousse:

Fresh Strawberries - 200 g
Gelatin - 10 g
Water - 50 g
Sugar - 70 g
Whipping cream, cold - 160 g

Directions:

1: Soften the gelatin with water, stir until the gelatin is dissolved

2: Whip cream until thick but not stiff, set aside
3: Puree strawberries by a food processor or mixer
4: Put the pureed strawberries on a bowl and add sugar then mix
5: Heat the dissoved gelatin for seconds at the oven range and stir while it's still hot then pour it to the strawberry mixture and mix
6: Fold the whipped cream into the strawberry and gelatin mixture
7: Cover the bottom of the cake round pan with a plastic wrap and secure with rubber band around it then prepare your 18 cm sponge cake like of the photo above ( you'll only need the half of the sponge cake, please cut your sponge cake smaller than the size of the cake round pan ).

8: Pour the half mixture unto the sponge then add some diced strawberry then cover with the other half of the mixture. Chill in the refrigarator for 2 to 3 hours
9: Option: Spread in your favorite strawberry/raspberry sauce and then chill for another hour
10: Transfer Strawberry Mousse Cake to service plate then release the cake/unmold the cake with the help of a hot towel to soften the mousse. Decorate with fresh strawberries.
Sharing with you my daughter Wakaba's birthday cake ^_^

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Daddy Moments

2011-06-16T03:08:00.000-07:00

Dear Daddy,

We love you so much and appreciate all that you do. You're the best father to us and we are so lucky to have you. We want to thank you for giving us everything we need to be taken care of. Nevertheless, we want to thank you for taking us on lots of walks, playing with us and having lots of fun with us all the time! We love you, Dad!

Happy Father's Day!

We're lucky you're our Daddy,

Clarence Claire
Wakaba chan
Haruka chan

"I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father's protection."

~ Sigmund Freud ~

" Once, God gave me the greatest gift ever. I call that gift: DAD."

~ Kurt Avish ~
"Any man can be a father. It takes someone special to be a Dad. "
~ Anne Geddes ~

"Other things may change us, but we start and end with family."

~ Anthony Brandt ~

"A truly rich man is one whose children run into his arms when his hands are empty."
~ Unknown ~

Mommy Moments is a weekly Friday meme hosted by Mommy Cris

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Their Laughs Is My Joy

2011-06-15T18:30:00.000-07:00

I love to listen to my kids when they get laughing at something or just goofing around. Just hearing them laugh is wonderful!^_^

Isn't it so much fun to go back and just yank them all out and just sit there and reminisce? ^_^

Nostalgia is a weekly Thursday meme hosted by Ate Rose

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Wakaba's Happy 8th Birthday

2011-06-12T09:33:00.000-07:00

Wakaba celebrated her birthday last Tuesday with a blast! Wakaba's Grannies granted her wish to celebrate her birthday with us and not only that, her Grannies stayed for the whole week at the apartment. They brought along some japanese futon coz we don't have extra for them at home lol! Wakaba was excited coz her Grandpa dropped Haruka to school in the morning and picked Wakaba after her class in the afternoon and that was almost everyday^_^

Her Grannies shopped some clothes for Wakaba as a birthday gift ( and Haruka, too ) on her big day then we decided to have a yakiniku party like we always did when having special occassions but our favorite Za-Za Yakiniku Restaurant is now closed because the said restaurant is 8 km away from the nuclear plant in Fukushima and I'm afraid we will not be able to lavish their high quality meats anymore... We went to Gyu-Kaku instead which was just a minute walk away from the apartment and enjoyed the foods while having some good laughs and drinks. We handled her our gifts at home and ate the birthday cake ( which I made earlier ) for dessert.

A Grandpa's love
Gyu-Kaku Yakiniku Restaurant
Us with the birthday girl
Birthday gift from us~ Tamagotchi id L, latest model ( released last March 19,2011 ) featuring 32 virtual Tamatomo characters.
Another new Eco-friendly Water Bottle for her to use at school
Hello Kitty Pencil Case
Happy Birthday, Wakaba chan! We love you!

Kids In Doodles: Where Kids 'n Fun Collide is a Monday weekly meme hosted by Mommy Willa. Join us by clicking the linky badge^_^

Chopper and Rilakkuma Lunch Box

2011-06-11T11:45:00.000-07:00

Wakaba is gaga over the One Piece anime nowadays and after seeing this Chopper Man Heart lunch box, I didn't thinked twice to buy it for her since she needs a new one for the school year and since she's a big eater, 500 ml is just exactly what I need for her.
Haruka however loves Rilakkuma and no wonder, it's uber cute!
Reusable water bottles are good to the environment and my kids brings water bottle to school for water or mugicha ( roasted barley ) everyday. As a mother, I would recommend bringing water bottles for eco ^_^
More of my kids homemade bento here

Color Connection is a Saturday weekly meme hosted by Ms. Burito join us by clicking the linky badge ^_^

Iwaki-Shi, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan

2011-06-08T03:41:00.000-07:00

It's almost 3 months after the earthquake and tsunami disaster in Japan, life in downtown Iwaki has slowly returned to ' normal '... running water, electricity, most of the supermarkets were open filled with stocks of foods, no more cars lining up too long when filling up a gasoline, damaged roads were done and etc. BUT not at the disaster striken area on the coastal area in Iwaki. The ruins remained untouched since the earthquake and tsunami.... Coastal area in Iwaki is 20 minutes away from us and everytime we passed by to the place, there is this something that grips my heart~ it looks like we're in a different world.別世界です。。。

We wanted to feel and see with our own eyes most especially to Wakaba and Haruka although it would be shocking for them but we want them to understand of what's happening and think about the devastated area that was striken a tsunami. We went to Ena, Toyoma and Onahama ~ we stopped and walked around the area. I couldn't explain how I felt, the scenery has changed...The area surrounding us was overwhelming in it's devastation. A minute or so, we're all speechless...

This is the scenery at the coastal area in Iwaki when the tsunami strikes the area
Clearing the road
7-11 convenient store in Toyoma operating and open despite of the store's damage I almost cried to have seen the damage
Some of the few items sold were all placed inside 7-11's truck
頭が下がります。がんばろう！！
Abandoned and ripped house Speechless Photos washed away by the tsunami

Onahama

Someone's car, washed away by the tsunami

Ena

Collapsed

Damaged bridge

Almost 3 months after the disaster but it still looked like that at Ena
Scenery at Toyoma

Nostalgia is a weekly Thursday meme hosted by Ate Rose

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Almost 3 Months

2011-06-04T13:20:00.000-07:00

なのに震度５弱。(-_-;)

子供達が泣いちゃいました。(T_T)

Doutor Coffee

2011-06-02T09:36:00.000-07:00

Me and my husband loves to take some morning walks after sending out our kids at school during his day-off on a weekday ( kids ruin everything lol! ), then we usually go for a quick bite and enjoy coffee at Doutor at Iwaki Station. They have tasty sandwiches, simple coffee, snacks and is cheaper too. Doutor is also a hiding place to spend my 'Me' time for sometimes. Finding a table is usually easy to do~ just love to sit down, read a book while having a good coffee. Tried their hot Tiramisu Latte and it was a nice treat ^_^

Hot Tiramisu Latte and Baumkuchen

Doutor's Morning Set ~ Bacon Potato Salad Sandwich and your choice of coffee for 380 jpy

Doutor's Morning Coffee Set~ Shrimp Salad with Avocado Dressing and iced-cold Cafe Latte

Doutor's Morning Set ~ Ham and Egg Sandwich and hot coffee~

Food Trip Friday is a weekly Friday meme hosted by Mommy Willa

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May Linky Love

2011-05-31T16:59:00.000-07:00

It's time to give a special linky love to my Top 10 Commentators and EC Droppers for the month of May for taking time of visiting Kizuna. My outlet Kizuna wouldn't be possible if not for all of you my friends who continues to support by reading my blog. Thank you very much ^_^

Top 10 May Commentators

chubskulit (8)
anney (5)
anne (4)
raya (4)
Mirage (4)
Rossel (4)
♥♥ Willa ♥♥ (4)
sHeNgKaY (3)
tejan (3)
Mel Avila Alarilla (3)

Top 10 May EC Droppers

Mumsy 26
the crazy suburban mom 19
I For Skills Online 9
Skaviados 7
Walk On Your Life 7
NY Car Safestreets 7
Sieuthigiga 6
Campus Town 5
Vintage Blog 5
Hedge Fund 5

To my friends who didn't make it to the top 10 and to my silent readers, your visits is highly appreciated. From the bottom of my heart, I wanna thank you all for always dropping by and for leaving a line or two at my shout-out corner, it brightens my day ^_^Please feel free of visiting them also thru their linky.

My Kids Bento

2011-05-26T11:59:00.000-07:00

Yours truly have been preparing bentos to Wakaba and Haruka almost everyday since last week coz the School- Lunch Center serving at their school was being affected during the 3-11 Earthquake in Japan but this week, milk, a piece of bread and something extra are served as school lunch. According to our PTA meeting, gakko kyushoku will resume next week.

Wakaba's problem with ' gakko kyushoku ' ( school lunch ) is that the serving is too small for her (she's a big eater kasi ) and she's shy to ask for an ' okawari ' ( asking for refill of food or another bowl of rice lol ). I remember what she told me when she came home from school and talked about her first school lunch~ Wakaba told me that she was shocked about the size of the hamburger steak at school, she said the size was far different of what's she was eating at home lol! Well, the serving at school ain't bad it's just that my girl wants a larger size of her favorite meal lol! School lunches serves healthy menus~ it has main dish, side dish and milk.

Well anyway, here's what I prepared for my girls bento~ everyday is a twist, easy and healthy that they love ^_^

Rice seasoned with furikake, fried chicken, potato salad, tomato, cheese, hijiki nimono (simmered thin seaweed ) and strawberries
Chicken teriyaki, chikuwa ( fish cake ), kanikama ( crab stick ), cucumber stick salad, tomato, takuan ( japanese picked daikon ) and takikomi gohan ( japanese rice dish seasoned with soysauce with mushrooms ) topped with nori.
Wakaba and Haruka's Bento for school
Kanikama Maki ( crab stick sushi roll ), kinpira renkon ( braised lotus root ), flowery ham and egg, tomato and apples
Wakaba and Haruka's Bento for school
Tamago yaki ( japanese omelet rolled with nori ), rolled bacon with asparagus, rice ball, tomatoes and grapes

Oval onigiri wrapped with seaweed, wiener, veggie pork stir-fry and strawberries
Wakaba and Haruka's Bento for school

You'll find some of my homemade bentou's of my girls here, my FIL's bentou here,my kids Sports Festival bentou here and here, picnic time bentou here and my husbands bentou here.

Food Trip Friday is a weekly Friday meme hosted by Mommy Willa

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Dealing With Radiation Mess

2011-05-23T15:00:00.000-07:00

Parents ( mostly Moms ) had a couple of PTA meetings at school of Haruka in kindergarten about dealing with radiation mess of the nuclear plant in Fukushima. Parents were concerned of the kids condition bout the safety limit of exposure ( the school authority limits 30 minutes of letting the kids play outdoor ) and most request from the parents were to remove topsoil from the playground of the school because the soil was exposed to radiation leaks...

Last Sunday, March 22, 2011, the school granted the request with the cooperation of the teachers, staff and parents by digging up the topsoil from the playground ( although the tests showed that the radiation level were low ) so that kids at school can resume playing outdoor activities. The digging started at 8:30 in the morning and wasn't expecting many volunteers to come but was surprised that most of the parents were present.

Sunday, 8:30 A.M. radiation measurement at the schools playground: Before⇒０．５５μSｖ/h
radiation measurement at the schools playground: After ⇒０．１３μSv/h

Parents, cleaning up school playground

Digging up soil and was replaced by a clean soil

The sand box at school was covered by a blue sheet~ it wasn't used since the class resumed

Working together

The School Director thanking everyone for the cooperation and for a job well done.

The amount of radiation dose on the surface has dropped and we are hoping that the troubled nuclear plant would remain stable soon.

Nostalgia is a weekly Thursday meme hosted by Ate Rose

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Spring Time Photo Shoot

2011-05-23T07:43:00.000-07:00

Haruka chan and I spent much time together last month because her time at school was only on a half-day class. We usually spent our day out at the nearest park passing by with beautiful blooms and during one of our time together, we went out with my camera and took some spring time photos ^_^

I love spring time most especially the yellow colours that brighten up my day and sneeze in between lol! It's hard to have a pollen allergy and I'm always ready with my nasal spray in hand whenever my allergy attacks.

Yellow Spring Flowering Shrubs
Had a wonderful time with Haruka chan

My favorite flower ^_^

No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow.

~ Proverb ~

Kids In Doodles: Where Kids 'n Fun Collide is a Monday weekly meme hosted by Mommy Willa.

Outdoor Wednesday is a weekly Wednesday meme hosted by Susan

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良い事

2011-05-22T17:49:00.000-07:00

この間ママ友からメールをもらいました、もらったのは良いんですけど漢字読めません！（T_T)　その時良い翻訳会社をさがしましたそしてサイトを読んでいる時に良い事を思いついていました！

私みたいなブロガー自分のサイトを世界中に見てもらいたいそのためには Transliaの翻訳サービスが必要。たとえば日本人ブロガーだとTransliaの英語翻訳サービスのお手伝い良く世界中に自分のぺジを見てもらいたい。自分のウェブサイトやビジネス文書はもちろん。よりはやくクオリティはパーフェクト！

これで私にもメールの中身読めるし返事もできる！今度のご飯のレシピ、ブログに乗せちゃう！楽しみ、楽しみ！　ウェブサイトをチェクしてみてねえ！　＾＿＾

Mother's Day 2011

2011-05-19T15:19:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Mother's Day in a simple way and we celebrated it at home ~ baked cookies with my kids! What makes it more special? I heard my kids talking bout their plans for Mother's Day and that is to bake cookies as a surprise gift for me but the problem is that they don't know how to do it! I was laughing out loud but Wakaba and Haruka melts my heart! It may no longer a surprise gift for me by lending a hand but baking delicious treats with them brings joy and happiness! And the most important of it all, they enjoyed what they do~ from cracking the eggs into the bowl, sifting the flour, mixing the batter and the dough. Believe it or not, they did it themselves~ I only supervised them on what to do, did the cutting of the cookie dough and of course, cleaning the MESS. Lol ! They wanted to wrap the cookies beautifully just like they did to their Dad's gift last Valentine' Day but it ended up as our afternoon snack for the day ^_^
Wakaba says to her sissy Haruka: ' Wait for your turn, Haruka chan! ' while sifting the flour
Haruka says to her big sissy: ' Oneechan, don't lick it! It's still a powder! ' LOL!
Mom says: ' Be careful not to overmix the dough, Wakaba chan '

Haruka chan, doing her part

The vanilla dough and cocoa dough is being ' smooshed ' to make the marble effect

..... and rolled into a log, wrapped into a plastic and chilled for hours

Messy hands and joyful faces
The cookies may not be in a perfect circle, they did a lovely present for me!
Marble cookies~ made with love of my kids fresh from the oven ^_^

Mommy Moments is a weekly Friday meme hosted by Mommy Cris

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Bandai-Azuma Roadway, Fukushima Trip

2011-05-17T18:17:00.000-07:00

Yes, in Fukushima! And why not? I wanted to let the world know that it's safe to visit Fukushima as long as you stay away at the exclusion zone around the nuclear plant. Fukushima is rich with beautiful sceneries like mountains, lakes and nevertheless, Fukushima needs all the help that they can get most especially tourism industry. I can't believe that there was less tourists travelling to Fukushima during the peak season of the Golden Week ( longest holiday here in Japan) unlike the past years and it makes me sad. During our trip there, we didn't encountered bus full of tourists.

The Bandaisan Gold Line, Bandai Azuma Skyline and Bandai Azuma Lakeline toll roads are a good way to enjoy the scenery and a popular sightseeing spots here in Fukushima Prefecture, northeastern Japan. Actually, we've been a couple of times there already most especially on autumn but it's a first to visit there during spring time. Enjoyed both winter and spring on the very same day! We planned to climb the Mount Azuma- Kofuji and walk around Goshikinuma Lake but because of a sudden change of weather, we didn't had a chance to do so. However, we enjoyed the trip of awesome mountain ranges and great scenery.

Mt. Azuma
Lake Hibara
Eco friendly boats is operated at Lake Hibara
My kids with their Daddy
Bandai Azuma Lakeline
Yours truly took full advantage with the whole family during the holiday Loong road
The climax of our trip was the Snow Corridor reaching four meters in height during the start season but it was 3 meters in height the time we went there
I can't believe I have photos of the famous Snow Corridor during the peak season of the Golden Week!
Average height of 1,622m above sea level
Mt. Issaikyo, 1949m~ one of the peaks of Mt. Azuma
Mt. Issaikyo is an active volcano
Bandai Azuma Toll Road

We planned to visit again the place as scenery changes with the season~ next time in green ^_^

Outdoor Wednesday is a weekly Wednesday meme hosted by Susan

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Alice Mad Tea Party

2011-05-16T05:25:00.000-07:00

Mad Tea Party is a multi-colored teacup ride that spins madly inspired by Alice In Wonderland at Tokyo Disneyland . It was a bad idea to let Wakaba chan to be in charge at the wheel, as faster she turns the wheel, the more the ride goes spining around and faster! Please pardon my voice for I can't help but shout for I was feeling dizzy! Gosh, tumatanda na ako lol!

Kids In Doodles: Where Kids 'n Fun Collide is a Monday weekly meme hosted by Mommy Willa.Join us by clicking the linky badge^_^

Kizuna Around The Blogosphere

2011-05-01T22:12:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Fukushima!

It's almost 2 months since the 3-11 earthquake in Japan and we're getting our feet back to ' normal ' and hoping for the best of everything...

Before anything else, I would like to give thanks to friends all over the blogosphere who send so much help and prayers to me and my family and to the people of Japan. I should have done this earlier, pasencya na po...

It is so heartwarming to see much love from Mommy Bloggers of Pinay Mommies Communities for raising Kizuna Love Fund for my family without asking in return, just pure help and was overwhelmed by everyone's generosity and concern. I feel so blessed and grateful that we are not alone and it warms my heart for the kindness bestowed on us. The Kizuna Love Fund that I received from my paypal is now at the hands of the Japanese Red Cross Society . We may not have much, but they ( those affected by the earthquake and tsunami) need the money more than we do. The japanese word Kizuna conveys a powerful message of unity and I am a living witness of the mommy bloggers strong bond. Thank you po for your PRAYERS, ENCOURAGEMENT and SUPPORT!

Special thanks to:

(edited) Mommy Sheila of Milestones,Simply Happy Life,Worth's World,E!Fashion Talk,Life Mix,Life & Family Online,In Pursuit Of Success,Oh! Gosh Goodies,Shy's Mixed Thoughts,"Hey Babe! What's For Dinner?",Ea$y Money Blog!and Pinay SAHM

Mommy Willa of Postcard Perfect,Food Trip Friday,Smart Mommy,FickleMinded,The Smart Shopper,My Everyday Life,Pixel Minded,Happy Meals, The Blogging Traveller,and Smart Boys.

Mommy Peachy of The Peach Kitchen, Peach and Things , The Wandering Peach and The Mommy Who Never Sleeps

Mommy Tetcha of Pensive Thoughts and Delight My Appetite

Mommy Rossel of Topics On Earth, Moms Ups And Downs and Kitchen Essentials

Mommy Jade of Momma Finally and Life Of A Filipina Blogger

Super Mommy Jem of Experience Of A Super Mommy and Life's Learning Of A Filipino Work At Home Mommy and Online To The Fullest

Mommy AC of Happy Home Working, Cheecky Munchkins, Come Dine In and Join My Stroll

Mommy Marita of Kid's Turf,Amazing Grace,Gracia Fashionista and A Walk To Remember

Mommy Gen of Life's Journey With Foodies, Wonderful Things In Life, Made By Gen,SAHM's Hangout,Mom On The Move,Chris Adventures, The Love Bug, Gengen Studio, Nakina Blueberry Farm, My Life's Adventure, Rewards Stationand her etsy shop at Momgen's Corner

Vernz of On This Side Of Town, Ang Sandayong, Consumer Mom Talks, Anything Davao, Chalk Dust, Some Things Are Free, Vernz Daily, Woman Elan Vital

Mommy Lulu of Daily Snippets, Mouth's Delight, Bitz 'n Pieces Of My Life and Musings Of Life

Mommy Yami of Mom Writes Health Stuffs, Yami Kitchen, Travel And Musings, Sketches, Yam's Files, Pen,Paper,Pan, Mom Writes For A Cause, Yami Online and Neru Online.

Mommy Ruby of Proud Mommy Of Three,Life'S Memoirs Online Pink Thoughts,
Pinay Mommy Online and founder of Pinay Mommies Communities AND THE ANGEL BEHIND THE KIZUNA LOVE FUND! Maraming salamat po, Mommy Rubz!

and

Bambie of Kawaii Princess Story, Mommy Jac of Mom's Special Diary and Mommy Seiko of Seiko's Diary ~~ thank you very much for offering us your home, thank you for the happy, teary phone calls, and thank you for trying your best to get in touch with us なにからなにまで、本当に　感謝しています。

Thank you everyone for touching me and for making me a better person. May God bless you more!

Tohoku Earthquake 2011

2011-04-20T13:30:00.000-07:00

Last March 11, 2011~ a 9.0 magnitude earthquake that ever recorded has taken many lives of people living in Japan. Many are homeless, injured persons and some are still missing. For those who lost their families and friends, may their souls rest in peace. My heart goes to them...Words cannot describe how terrible I feel for Japan, it breaks my heart to think of the towns I've visited before were simply washed away by the tsunami...so sad... It's devastating to see all that has happened and the destruction left behind. It's been a month since the 3-11 earthquake but it feels like yesterday to me....

March 11, 2011 ~ Friday

I started my day as usual: waked up early in the morning, cooked breakfast and made bentou for my husband and went to my morning duty for a 'hata toban'. I went out with a yellow flag as a cross guard and spent 30 to 40 minutes at the cross walk until 15 to 30 children leave the neighborhood for school. Then did my laundry after, cleaned the house and dropped Haruka to school before 9 am. Hours later, wrote an entry to my Friday favourite meme and bloghopped for awhile. It is a routine for me to do bloghopping when the kids are at school, it's one of my 'Me time'.

Picked up Haruka before 2:00 PM at school and went home early without letting her play after school coz my kids will be picked up by their Grandfather for a sleepover at their home in Namie for the weekend. 35 minutes later, Wakaba came with her project from school and as we're gladly looking at her drawings, we could feel the shaking in our apartment and thought that it was just the usual short earthquakes but it wasn't..the shaking was so violent and long. Though we have experienced an earthquake simulation before during an event, I have never experienced a strong earthquake before here in Japan and panicked for 'twas real! It felt like a lifetime to me. I guess Japanese are well trained on what to do when earthquake strikes coz after I shouted " jishin! " or the earthquake, Wakaba and Haruka went under the table and both of them seemed so calm unlike me. It felt to me like our apartment was on a railway car that was being pushed back and forth on it's rails. It was scary, terribly scary! The moving was violent, shaking and the things were falling all over and was afraid that our HDTV would tip over so I hold it but 'twas rocking from side to side and I'm also losing my balance!

The earthquake was long, felt danger inside the apartment and called my kids to run outside, Wakaba runs first, then me holding the hands of Haruka. Friends in the neighborhood were also outside and couldn't help but worry constantly. I didn't even noticed that we're on our barefoot until a friend told us so. Minutes later my husband came, still with his white uniform on ( he's a radialogist ) and was relieved after seeing us outside. He went up to the apartment to get some blankets, some food and checked if we have running water but there was none and hurriedly went to the nearest conveniece store to buy some food and bottled water to drink. My husband came back with a few snacks in hand--he said that the convenience store were all cleared of all food. We don't have power, gas and communications were knocked out! We were given sandwiches and bread to eat for the night and gave them our bananas in return. Blessings! Don't know why but tears came falling down...Things aren't looking so good but hopefully something will work out for us...with God's help.

We decided to spend the night inside the car although the kids would feel uncomfortable but being inside the car is safer rather than spending a night inside the apartment which is on a second floor. Every once in a while, an aftershock would strike and it really scares the hell out of me, we could feel the ground shaking. Me and my husband watched the news inside the car and was shocked! Little did I know that a tsunami washed away Tohoku! Sendai is a favorite place of ours, Namie Machi is our second home, Onahama Machi is 10 km away from us. God, please help Tohoku!

Next day, we checked inside our apartment and this is what we saw....

Our wooden clothes cabinet, toy storage have fallen down Our desktop has moved backward, fallen down Dishes rattled We're still getting constant tremors inside our apartment that lead us to run outside every once in a while. All forms of communications were knocked out Watching the news over the navigation screen Wakaba and Haruka sleeping inside the car

March 12, 2011 ~ Saturday

We had our gas and electricity back and immediately cooked rice then made onigiri ( rice balls ) for breakfast and cooked curry for large batches that will fill our stomach for a couple of days. We've got no running water but luckily, I didn't throw the water that was being used during our ofuro( bath tub)~ it helped us a lot on flushing our toilet. What we didn't have running water and a kerosene to fill our heater but we have our blanket to warmth us. My husband went to collect water at a water station/delivery services run by the local government. He brought with him some jars and lined up for 4 hours to get water.

Little did I know 'bout the nuclear accident at Fukushima Nuclear Plant~ I never thought that three disasters could happen at the same time in one country... The government is asking the people to leave for those who are living 20 km( danger zone) near the plant. Us, ( living 40 km) however instructed to stay indoors. My SIL's house is 15 km and my PIL's house is 20 km from the plant. Worried, really worried about them but we can't use any source of communication. No phone, no internet!

What really shocked me was the convenience stores were all cleared of all food!

March 13, 2011 ~ Sunday~

My Mama tomo ( Japanese friend mum) came with a plastic bag that's full of cup soup, instant soup, cup ramen and tuna can. What a blessing! She asked me if there's something anything else we need~ I feel so blessed with generous friends!

Another blessing! Our neighbor brought us some snacks for the kids, we gave them our few bottled water in return. I'm so blessed to be here~ friends, residents help each other in time of need. I'm so grateful!

March 14, 2011 ~ Monday~

I went early to get some water~ good thing that the water station is giving water 24 hours, there's only a few people getting water, no loong lines and went smoothly and filled up my jar with water and when I was on my way to get home, saw cars lined up through the gasoline station. Little did I know that some drivers waited all day for just a few litres of gasoline.
Went to the nearest supermarket to buy drinking water~ stores forbid customers to buy one box (12pcs, 1000ml) of bottled water per person and luckily bought for us. Even at supermarkets were cleared of all food~ I was afraid that supplies would soon dry up.

Called to my Mom in the Philippines at the supermarket's phone box~ she cried upon hearing my voice, I wanted to convey to her that we're all safe and sound but she can't help but get worried most especially about the radiation threat. I told her we've got enough gasoline just in case the government warn us to evacuate the area...

March 15, 2011~ Tuesday

My husband went out to look for food but to his dismay, all the stores were all closed. I went out to check for other stores and looked around. The surroundings were different and it looks like a ghost town--no people, no nothing!
to be continued....
**********
Here's some things that you should have on hand just in case there is an earthquake. These includes foods, waters, flashlights and radio with batteries, wet tissues, plastic/food wrap or a cling wrap and aluminum foil. There is, of course, no guarantee that nothing will happened, but try to be prepared.

An idea to save water~ cover plates with wraps before putting the food on then peel the wrap off and disgard it after eating to save much water. Believe me, food wraps helps a lot! Quakes can be very terrifying, but we have to be prepared for them. Let’s do the best we can.

***********
*Nostalgia is a weekly Thursday meme hosted by Ate Rose--please play with us by clicking the linky badge.*

Glance Of Sakura

2011-04-16T22:33:00.001-07:00

We're so blessed to have all the beauty of sakura near our apartment but I didn't even recognized it coz I was very down spirited because of what's happening in Fukushima ( most of you probably know ) until a friend reminded me of spring and hope. We went out for a quiet walk like we always did every spring time but I don't know why, this year's hanami ( flower viewing ) was different. The bright blue skies and cherry blossoms seems like a sign of hope for me and it feels like that everything is more colourful and more alive! Although sakuras are short-lived, I found happiness of those blooms of hope. 気持ちが落ち着く!

Brought some homemade lunchbox and had our lunch under the gorgeous sakura trees

" One day your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it's worth watching "

~ Anonymous ~
Sakura burst into full bloom!

Us, enjoying every moment of spring in Japan!

Haruka chan gladly posed for me ^_^

Wakaba and Haruka played at the park~ it was good to see them running around and that day was especially fun because they were playing mostly indoors during the past weeks.
Wakaba chan
I pray that those who suffer and grieve will find strength and courage to carry on and that they may have hope.

Things That Bother Me

2011-04-14T22:08:00.001-07:00

Fukushima Prefecture is experiencing discrimination and it breaks my heart! The news says cars from Fukushima being refused in giving fuels fearing of nuclear contamination and that people from Fukushima cannot enter restaurants, convenience stores, refuse to accept as guests in a hotel. I have read news from the net that some shelters and healthcares are refusing accomodations to Fukushima evacuees without a screening certificate or a radiation card ( read here) and some kids from Fukushima being bullied (read here).

My SIL's family has evacuated in Chiba ( abandoned their livelihood and home that is 10 km away from the nuclear plant) and is trying to make a new start but worried about her kids being bullied because they're from Fukushima. If the problem arises, she said they don't have a choice but to go back again in Fukushima. I feel for her coz we're also from Fukushima Prefecture and we have children. I don't want my kids, my kids cousins and kids from Fukushima called 'hibakusha' who were shunned for fear that they might make others ill. If the news ( photo above, not mine) is true, it' ll be really disappointing.

Some products from Fukushima were being pulled out from the market because of the spreading rumors on radiation most especially rice from Fukushima. I would understand if the rice was produced this year but the rice being pulled out were produced last year!

We are dealing with the all the mess of the earthquake and nuclear plants, but it's a big deal to be honest, people/media is too exagerating. The goverment is supporting farmers in Fukushima, the radiation levels are far below the set health limits. I live 40 km away from Fukushima Nuclear Plant, here we can eat any thing! Hope that people from other prefecture would buy Fukushima veggies, they're safe to eat.

Messages during interviews in the TV says " Ganbarou, Fukushima! We are with you!" but reality says everyone is scared that they might contaminate radiation. Evacuees from Fukushima will need all the help that they can get. Please don't feel that evacuees from Fukushima are going to harm you. Please. <(_ _)>

Genpatsu Kun

2011-04-13T17:45:00.000-07:00

Genpatsu kun ( Nuclear Boy ) is a video made for the Japanese kids trying to keep the explanation simple about of what's happening right now with the nuclear plant in Fukushima. It's nothing to do with being funny or a joke but to teach kids at their level. I never thought that a video ( uploaded at youtube weeks ago) 'bout a stinky poop and fart would make me cry...

Please pray for the HEROES of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant for sacrificing their lives for preventing the plants from melting down for the sake of the people in Japan. Japan is still struggling with the damage but I believe that Japan will SURVIVE and be even STRONGER. Please continue to pray to the people of Japan. GANBAROU, TOHOKU!!

Evacuated!

2011-03-19T10:30:00.000-07:00

Five days ago, my MIL called informing us that they're (MIL and BIL,my FIL is doing volunteer job at a evacuation center at Towa, Nihonmatsu Shi)heading to Aizuwakamatsu to evacuate and asked to go with them. Lack of water supply, radiation leakage, no deliveries of supplies are increasing in Iwaki and I guess same to all areas in Fukushima. We decided to pack our things and headed to Aizuwakamatsu using the highway for free ( I guess the toll fee are free for those are leaving). The road were bumpy, some areas have cracks due to the earthquake but we arrived there safely.

I was expecting an evacuate center that's full with evacuees, cold and dark room but it was the opposite. Generous groups of 'ryokan' owners here in Aizu letting evacuees stay for free at their banquet hall for shelter with free meal! In return they need volunteers (seen at their white board that they're looking for volunteers)to serve the evacuees well. Registered my name, I can't help it...I need to do something! I was given then a schedule of duties and rotation for the next day and get excited.

We didn't have something to sleep on, not even a single blanket but one of the evacuees (same room )handed us her futon, we're very thankful for her kindness!That night, we had dinner...onigiri(rice ball),pickles and miso soup...HOW LUXURIOUS!!!Evacuees can use their onsen ( hot spring--with fee but there's some ryokan that evacuees can go for free onsen) and after a week of not taking a bathe, we're able to do so. Really seeing the light...eventually!

We looked around, we found that supermarkets and convenience here are open and with stocks--bought foods and stuffs to be used during our stay here (good for 20 days), books for the kids to keep them busy and not to feel stress but they're the ones giving our fellow evacuees a smile on their faces and am happy to see most of them smiling!

I would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all of you my friends for your support and PRAYERS. Your heartfelt comments here and messages really made me cry for joy! I just want to let you guys that we're all okay here. We will be here in this shelter for awhile-- I believe that we will come back to our apartment the soonest. Please pray for the 'heroes' of Fukushima Nuclear Plant, some of them haven't seen their families yet...

Evacuees are treated well here ( we're 43 together in one room here) we've got medicine,diapers for the babies and toddlers,adult diapers for the oldies too, books and toys for the kids. Yesterday we were given a towel to use and some bread and today yogurt and juice. We evacuees here share tables, share foods and stories...stories that was simply heartbreaking. We can't do much but letting them know that we care, we listen to them to make them feel at least lighten up, to lessen the burden that they're carrying on and when receiving 'thank you in return', can't help but cry inside. Kung meron lang akong magagawa para sa kanila...

Hope you'll continue to pray for TOHOKU and being one of many evacuees from Fukushima

一緒に未来に向かって　がんばって　いくべ！

We are SAFE!!

2011-03-16T17:31:00.000-07:00

I would like to thank everybody for the prayers, for the concern to me and my family. Yours truly Clang, Wakaba, Haruka and Yochan is safe from the tsunami and earthquake that hits Japan. We are living 40 km from the area and we are far from harm from the radiation from a Japanese nuclear power plant but my MIL and family have evacuated from the area for they're living near the plant( 20 km). We still don't have water supply yet but we are fine most especially the kids--I didn't see any stress from them during this time of crisis.

I would also like to let everybody know that IWAKI is far from harm from the radiation!! The supermarket near us don't have stuffs/goods and trucks can't deliver some foods all the way here because of the news. I cannot blame people for panic buying because the stores here only have limited stocks for sale so please, let the trucks enter IWAKI shi, Fukushima for us to have food.

Please continue to pray most especially to the TOHOKU area ( Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima), to those grieving for lost ones and those who are injured.Please pray for them too.

ps: here's the message I posted at Pinay Mommies Community:

Message to all my friends:My heart is overwhelmed with gladness knowing all your concern to my family.I received an amount to my paypal from Mommy Seiko with lists of names, to those who donated maraming salamat po talaga but I decided not to use them for my own but to donate them po sa mga mas nangangailangan talaga.Please don't feel bad,hinde po masasayang ang naibigay nyong donation.Mas magagamit po nila to kesa sa amin. Ang wala lang po sa amin is water supply, meron pang naka-stock na pagkain, pag medyo ok na ang radiation problems dito,lalabas kami to look for foods.Lahat kasi ng supermarkets dito eh sarado at out of stock kasi lahat ng panic buying na.Meron mang naka-open, you have to wait for 2 to 3 hours just to get in at makapamili. Hanggang 4 hours din ang waiting time ng pila dito for the water supply kaya hanggang ngayon wala kaming ligo,hanggang punas lang. We have gasoline just in case kailangang mag-evacuate makaka-alis kami, walang laman ang heater namin but we have blankets. Okay lang apartment namin,hinde pa kami nakapagligpit kasi it's still unsafe,meron pang aftershocks but WE ARE FINE! Nakapag-evacuate na ang family ng MIL ko kasi affected ang place nila sa radiation,nasa kamag-anakan sila tumuloy.Wag na po kayong masyadong mag-alala talaga. Pag dumating ang panahon na kailangan naming mag-evacuate due to radiation,pupunta kami sa kamag-anak ng asawa ko sa Koriyama. Ganun na lang ang pasasalamat ko nung bumalik na ang phone at internet connection namin kagabi and had time to post this today. Wakaba and Haruka is well,alam na nila on what to do pag medyo lumindol dito,nauuna silang tumakbo sa amin. Wala naman akong napapansin na-stress sila. Nakapag start na rin akong makapag luto dito,ang mga anak ko takot na mawalan ng pagkain, hinde na naghahanap ng extra rice.Save for tomorrow daw sabi ni Wakaba,napa-iyak ako sa sinabi nyang yun...

To Mommy Rubz of PMC,maraming salamat po sa bayanihan cause,sinabi po sa akin ni Mommy Seiko ang tungkol dun. Pag medyo nakaluwag sa time and all,aasikasuhin ko po kaagad. Maraming salamat po sa mga tumulong at sa mga prayers.

Bambie chan,arigatou sa tawag. Gusto kong mag-comment at magpasalamat sa inyo isa-isa,kaya lang kulang sa time.

ps:ngayon ko lang nabasa ang threads para sa akin dito,hinde ko akalain na marami palang nagmamahal at nagwo-worried sa akin at sa aking pamilya.Hinde ko pa rin mapigilang mapa-iyak....

Ngayon lang ako nakapag post ng mahaba,pasencya na po--sinasamantala ko lang po ang pagkakataong ito.Hinde ko alam kung kelan ako makakapag update uli.But I will talaga!Maraming salamat po talaga sa inyong lahat.

Clang

Mommy Moments--Green

2011-03-10T10:14:00.000-08:00

My kids got hooked on pond fishing when their Dad treat them for fun experience during the summer. It was however a man-made pond and we were given a prepared, pelleted fish food as bait and paid for the fish that are caught after. Ponds are still a great place to catch fish and the kids had a blast every time they had a strike. Together with us is their cousins, my BIL and their Grandfather. Their Dad helped them with the bait and let the kids catch some fish and do their thing! I guess they don't want what kind of fish that they will get but all that they want is some ACTION! They're full of excitement and we praised them with their effort. It was a fun summer activity that my kids enjoyed. ^_^

Wakaba chan and Daddy: " We did it!!! "

Father and daughter bonding

Beauty of outdoors and fun experience

Fishing with kids

Haruka chan and cousin Yuina
Fishing is one way to make lifelong happy memories with the kids. Take them outdoors and enjoy the beauty of nature^_^

Any GREEN to share? Share them here at and join us!

Soba Dining Azumino

2011-03-10T09:28:00.000-08:00

Ladies Zen Lunch Set

During one of our ( me and my husband) usual walks at Iwaki Station, we happened to encounter a sophisticated sobaya-san named Soba Dining Azumino at Latov and went there for lunch during his day-off on a weekday, minus the kids. The ambiance is remarkable and the soba ( buckwheat noodle) itself is fresh, homemade and the "dashi " ( broth ) has deep flavors and the soba was served with a perfect firmness. My lunch set includes one small appetizer plate ( very small portions, changed daily ), veggie salad ( daikon, lettuce and tomato with ume-shiso dressing), rice balls (small size ), choice of soba ( hot or cold) and soba dango for dessert. I really enjoyed eating the foods most especially their 'little bit of everything', kind-a healthy foodie and all were presented nicely. My husband however enjoyed their seasonal menu, Gousetsu Soba that is available only from months of January to March.
Shirashi and Pickled Plum Rice Balls
A lil bit of everything
Soba Dango ( buckwheat balls in sauce, a new addiction! )
Soba Dining Azumino

An entry for Food Trip Friday. Chibugan na!!\(^0^)/

Pretty Cure All Stars Show

2011-03-09T07:16:00.000-08:00

Heart Catch Pretty Cure ( Cure Marine and Cure Blossom)

One of the most awaited part of the summer activities of my kids is watching quality live stage shows where they could see their favorite heroines really upclose and enjoyed fun activities like choreography dancing and singing and shaking their favorite heroines hands after the show. Last year we went to a summer special event for families and the fun includes some games, pools, gourmet and a live show performance of Pretty Cure All Stars which happened to be my kids favorite anime character on TV. And because they're 17 Jewels, the stage were too small for them lol! Wakaba and Haruka enjoyed a lot most especially when we bought character figures for them that day^_^

Pretty Cure Splash Star ( Cure Egret and Cure Bloom)
Futari wa Pretty Cure Max Heart ( Cure Black, Shiny Luminous and Cure White )

Fresh Pretty Cure ( Cure Berry, Cure Passion, Cure Peach and Cure Pine )

Pretty Cure 5 Go Go! ( Cure Mint, Cure Rouge, Milky Rose, Cure Dream, Cure Lemonade, Cure Aqua)

17 Jewels Pretty Cure All Stars

Watch my kids dance, they really love Pretty Cure!

Got this from Youtube, it's the same of what we saw on the show

Isn't it so much fun to go back and just yank them all out and just sit there and reminisce? ^_^
*Nostalgia is a weekly Thursday meme hosted by Ate Rose--please play with us by clicking the linky badge.*

Couple's Corner--When We Thought It's Over

2011-03-08T10:12:00.000-08:00

Overreacting...that's my problem... I tend to react over lil things and being annoyed and then end up on the so-called cold war... I have to admit that our marriage ain't perfect but we have now fewer problems than when we first got married. Last month, we have this "lil cold war" ( again) that lasted for days and I believe for myself that I was right and don't feel sorry 'bout my acts. One night he was drying his hair and I blurted out something that he didn't get to listen because of the sound of the dryer/blower. He stopped doing his thing and said " What? What are saying?" and so I started to talk again but he began to blow his hair again. Annoying right? He doesn't seem interested of what I'm trying to say to him. I was annoyed with him and stopped talking and remained upset for days. I've learned that it's best to take initiative in trying to make peace over cold wars but that time, I don't want to do the first move. I began thinking that we could no longer live together and that I should just quit trying to make the marriage work. End of the world? Yes. I can't talk to my Mom 'bout my marital problems coz I don't want her to get worried of me.

In the end, we were both able to calmn down and talk things over peacefully. He said he was sorry when I told him what made me really angry and he said " wouldn't it be nicer if you first let me continue to dry my hair so we could have a nice conversation after?" for me think about. I understand what he's trying to convey to me--during that time, I was just thinking of myself and I'm glad that he gave me time to cool down. I now recognize that I too have faults... Daldal ako daldal--kita ko namang may ginagawa cya eh. Pwede nga namang mamaya na lang ang daldalan pagkatapos ng ginagawa nya...eh anong magagawa ko, madaldal akong tao eh lol!

Any stories to tell? Head up to Mommy Liza' s fun meme only here at

Hinamatsuri 2011

2011-03-03T13:29:00.000-08:00

Chirashi Zushi Cake

Japanese Doll Festival or Girls' Festival is celebrated on March 3 when people pray for the happiness and healthy growth of little girls here in Japan. Our Hina-ningyo ( Hina dolls ) was bought by my PIL when Wakaba were still little and now displayed right our entrance in our apartment. I was down to fever for the past few days ( I'm well now, thanks God) and displayed the Hina dolls day before the special event and will be kept away today--not because of the superstitious belief ( that if Hina Dolls isn't taken down right after the festival, the girls might have to wait to get married), the Hina Dolls is quite huge and we don't have much space here lol!

It is customary to eat sushi at Hinamatsuri and this time I prepared Hinamatsuri Chirashi Zushi Cake and they're really easy to make! I formed them with a circle ( 18 cm, used for baking cakes) and from the bottom is the sushi rice, layered my favourite and handy soboro meat then topped again with sushi rice and decorated with egg strips, boiled carrot and peas. You can easily make your own by mixing and layering the ingredients.

Here's my awase-su (seasoning for the chirashi zushi ) 3-5 tbsp rice vinegar, 2tbsp sugar, 1/3 tsp salt. Mix this on your 3 cups of rice then layer your favorite ingredients ^_^
Wakaba chan and Haruka chan with their Hina Dolls
My homemade Strawberry Short Cake
Japanese Potato Salad
It's their day^_^Hinamatsuri Festives

An entry for Food Trip Friday. Chibugan na!!\(^0^)/

Share your ORANGE here at and join us!

February Linky Love

2011-03-01T21:55:00.000-08:00

Kizuna wouldn't be possible if not for all of you my friends who continues to support by reading my outlet. Special thanks to my Top 10 Commentators and Top 10 EC Droppers for the month of February and at the same time, their links will be shown at my sidebar as a linky love for their continued loving support for Kizuna. Thank you very much!

Anney (8)
Chubskulit (7)
Dhemz (6)
♥☆♥Shydub♥☆ (4)
Chris (4)
♥FoodTripFriday♥ (4)
Luna Miranda (4)
Mauie Flores (4)
Cecile (4)
Gmirage (3)

A big thanks to my Top 10 Ec Droppers

Namz Crypt 28
Life and Style 17
Con Artist Trickster 16
MC ASOC AUTOS 16
Lingua Translations 15
Healthy Living Tips 14
Home and Family Sites 14
Free Library 14
Online Mommy's Corner 9
A Maiden's Testimony 8

And to all my friends who didn't make it to the top 10 and even if you don't leave comments, your visits and messages left at my shout-out box is highly appreciated. Thank you very much!^_^

Food Trip Friday--Haruka's 5th Birthday

2011-02-24T08:46:00.000-08:00

Double Berry Rare Cheese Cake

Haruka planned a simple birthday party at home herself telling me what kind of cake and foods she wanted. Haruka requested for a Ikura Inari sushi ( salmon roe sushi, her favorite ) and made three varieties coz my husband ain't a fan of seafood and the birthday girl also requested for a cheese cake and made a no bake rare cheesecake decorated with blueberry and strawberry fruits on top for her--it only requires a lil time of chilling and is easy to prepare at home. I'm happy about the outcome of my cake and my family likes 'em! While waiting for the cake's chilling time, we went out to buy Haruka a gift ( new bicycle ) at the nearby bicycle shop and hubby opted for a Yakitori party at home and then bought some yakitori (skewered grilled chicken) at the supermarket after. I wasn't busy in the kitchen that day coz I always have soboro ( seasoned ground meat) stocked in my fridge and is handy for my soboro inari sushi that day. Here's how I prepared my Soboro Inari Sushi and my Soboro Bentou recipe if you like--you can also make donburi out of that recipe.
I'm also sharing the recipe for the Double Berry Rare Cheese Cake for it's really easy to make ^_^

Double Berry Rare Cheese Cake

Ingredients:

250g Cream Cheese, softened
100cc Plain Yogurt
200cc Fresh cream

40g Sugar
2 tbsp Lemon juice

8g Powder gelatin
3 tablespoon Water

1 package of Graham crackers
40g Butter

Fresh strawberry and blueberry fruits ( thawed if frozen )

You'll also need a rolling pin and a plastic bag.

*option: you can also use your favorite jam if you don't like fresh fruits to your rare cheese cake. Cut a slice of cake, add jam as topping and serve.*

Directions:
1: First make a graham cracker crust ( you can also use oreo cookie if you like ) take a package of graham crackers and place it in a plastic bag. Roll over it with a rolling pin mashing it into the crumbs. Melt the butter in a microwave. In a medium bowl, add your graham cracker crumbs, melted butter and mix it together. Press the crumbs into the bottom of a round cake pan (18 cm) using a spoon. I would also suggest to chill the crust after.
2: Mix powder gelatin and water in a small cup and set aside. Stir cream cheese in a bowl until softened. Put water and gelatin mixture into microwave and heat for a minute. Add yogurt, sugar, fresh cream, lemon juice and gelatin into softened cream cheese and mix well. Pour the filling into the crust and spread evenly then refrigerate until set.

3: Top with fresh berries^_^
Soboro( seasoned ground meat) Inari Sushi, Ikura (salmon roe) Inari Sushi and Plain Inari Sushi
Homemade Double Berry Rare Cheese Cake, Garden Salad with Prosciutto, store-bought Skewered Grilled Chicken
Haruka and Wakaba
The Birthday girl, Haruka chan^_^

An entry for Food Trip Friday. Chibugan na!!\(^0^)/

Mommy Moments--Valentine's Day 2011

2011-02-17T10:30:00.000-08:00

Wakaba and Haruka are so sweet to spend their allowance to buy for chocolates to their Daddy as a present during the Valentine's Day of last year but this time they wanted to bake some homemade chocolate muffin as a surprise Valentine gift. I guess some of you here already know that celebrating Valentine's Day in Japan is way different from the west and some other countries. It is only the women who gives presents ( mainly chocolate ) to the men and men, who received chocolate on Valentine's Day should return the favor on White Day, March 14.

Well anyway, when my girls told me 'bout the idea, I have to request their Dad to go somewhere before the big day for 2 to 3 hours so we can bake the surprise gift for him and when he asked me why, I just winked at him and he got my message^_^ But their Dad is a teaser, he acted that he was leaving the house but went back to chek out--you should see my girls reaction, they're like "w-w-wwe we're not doing anything strange! " lol! I cracked up when I saw their facial reaction and so is my husband! \(^0^)/
I supported my kids baking their homemade goodies--Wakaba is in charge of measuring the ingredients while Haruka is in charge of the sifting and while Wakaba is mixing the batter, Haruka holds the mixing bowl. I love the teamwork while listening to their arguments in between lol!
BeforeAfter-- cooling the chocolate muffin
I let them do the decorations of the muffin on their own--I made one for me too and ate 'em afterwards lol!
Haruka chan
Wakaba chan

You bet, they really are serious!!
Homemade baked goodies, made by my daughters!!
And is beautifully wrapped to be given the next day
Wakaba gladly posed for me, with a smile^_^
Happy Valentine's Day, Daddy!!

How did you celebrate your Valentine's Day? Share them here at and join us!

Food Trip Friday--Kaiten Sushi

2011-02-17T09:31:00.000-08:00

Kappa Sushi serves 94 yen per plate of sushi during the lunchtime on a weekdays and of course kaiten sushi ( conveyor belt sushi ) is always served fresh at a reasonable price and they have what they call a 'sushi shinkansen' ( miniature bullet train sushi ) which are delivered to your table directly from the kitchen via shinkansen when making special orders. My daughter ordered her favorite ikura (salmon roe), tuna roll, inari and mine were yaki salmon, chu toro ( fatty meat of tuna ), uni sushi ( sea urchin), sea eel and etc. Haruka wasn't patient of waiting for the sushi to come her way, but was hooked and made all our sushi orders via shinkasen lol!

Miniature Bullet Train Sushi
Salmon Gazpacho ( with Italian Dressing )
Sushi Plates
Chawan Mushi ( Japanese Style Steamed Egg Custard )

An entry for Food Trip Friday. Chibugan na!!\(^0^)/

Nostalgia--Haruka

2011-02-16T14:35:00.000-08:00

The first few months of Haruka...

Wakaba thought Haruka was the coolest toy we ever brought home....
Born on: Febuary 20
Time: 8:29 A.M.
Weight: 3, 300 g
Length: 51 cm
Daughters are like flowers, they fill the world with beauty

Haruka wakes up with all smiles no matter the day or time

A brief moment of happiness in the high low bed & chair
Haruka loved to roll around
Haruka's favourite toy
Haruka loves crawling around the room, exploring her surroundings and everyday she surprise me with something new
Look who's ONE!!
The greatest joys are found in beautiful moments spent with those we love

It's amazing how much you have grown and on the 20th of this month, you will be celebrating your 5th birthday! How time flies!

At the beginning and end of each day, I always count my blessings...I thank God for having you. I love you, Haruka chan!

Postcard Exchange-- Friends In Japan

2011-02-15T08:58:00.000-08:00

I've met these wonderful mommies from Japan through blogging and I do look forward of meeting them and their family in person. We've exchanged nengajo for the past years as a form of greetings during the New Year and I'm always glad to receive nengajo from them! I bet you have met them through blogging and through Facebook too-- they're Bambie of Azumi My Kawaii Princess Story, Mommy Jac of Mom's Special Diary and Mommy Seiko of Seiko's Dairy. Thank you very much for being soo friendly!^_^

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T02:54:00.000-08:00

May no gift be too small to give, nor too simple to receive, which is wrapped in thoughtfulness and tied with love.
--L.O. Baird

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO EVERYBODY!!! \(^0^)/