Coming soon: Kindergarten!!!

The next big dilemma in the life of triplets:

To separate, or keep together in school….

When looking back on this, I guess it’s obvious that you can physically separate multiples, but you can’t separate the bond they share.

We planned on keeping the girls together in kindergarten, and it looks like we will get our wish. The school they will go to only has two kinder classes, and the headmaster asked us what WE wanted :) We would be open to separating them, but really wanted them to be together the first year, at least.

Why? All they have ever known is having two sisters with them. There is no way I would put two in one class and one of the girls by themselves. Is this an option down the road – sure it is. I did ask the girls if they wanted to be with their sissies or without. I wanted their input, and actually thought two of them might choose "without." They all three acted like, "How could you even ask us that - of, course we want to be together!" Yes, it will be nice to have the same homework, field trips, volunteer schedule, but what's more important is the amazing bond between them. Sure they are individuals, but they've also been together since conception (and we believe since God chose them especially for us), and I'm not willing to separate them from each other if they don't want or need to be - all in the name of "it's best for the individual," or "they shouldn't receive special treatment." God, what I would have given to have someone in my life I was as close to as my girls are. I'm going to do everything I can, for as long as I can, to promote that closeness!

I have an amazing peace in my heart knowing my girls have, and are so close to, each other. I will see that their emotional bond is embraced and nurtured, as long as we, their parents, see them thriving. Remember the NICU? The doctors and nurses understood, from experience that multiples do better and thrive when they are together. They moved Sophie and Izzy together as soon as they could, and we added Gracie back into the "pot" as soon as possible. They literally helped one another maintain body temperature and found peace, happiness, and contentment snuggling one another – I have the photos to prove it.

The greatest day in my life was April 12, 2003. The next greatest, was the day we brought them all home together to be a family.

School is important, but at 5, my daughters' emotional well-being takes precedence. I could care less if we have different homework assignments because I already know down the road that Izzy will be studying biology and geography. Sophie will be writing VERY LONG speeches, essays, and loving the debate team, and Gracie will be going to practice constantly - the question is: Will it be ballet, track, basketball, or gymnastics - knowing Gracie - ALL of them! She's very smart, but can't sit still to save her life :) She will also be the one dragging home every stray animal she finds – don’t know where she got that gene from. Because of their sisters, however, they will be well-rounded and have interests and exposure to all aspects of life.

We used to joke about them driving together. We decided that they would share a car – one of those big ole’ cadillacs. God help us, Sophie will be driving, with Gracie egging her on to go faster, but thank goodness, Izzy will be in the back seat dialing 911 because her sisters have gone over the legal speed limit. Hmmmmm…..good dream or bad dream? That is the question.

After prayers the other night, I asked each of the girls, "What makes YOU special?" They told me some SILLY things (I’m the smart one, I like snakes, I’m the cute one), but they understand the importance of being "ME," and the blessing of being TRIPLETS.

Our New Year's Party

Saturday, we hosted a New Year's party for our neighbors. 12 of the guests were our Japanese neighbors (Shozo-san, Kazuko-san, Chie, Monzen Family, Jin Family, Fumi & Takumi, & Kondo Family), one guest, Lee, is from New Zealand, Tom (Sam's boss) and his wife, Hami, our neighbors, Wayne and Kim (who helped me to get everything ready - thanks!), and us.

It was wonderful to have Hami there because she is from Japan, so she speaks Japanese and English. Bless her heart, I kept asking her to stop and interpret - she's the best!!

I made beef and chicken enchiladas, tortilla soup, guacamole, salsa, black bean & corn salad, and a lemon cake. I also had smoked salmon. Chie came over early, and we made Gyoza!! It really turned out yummy. Our guests brought lots of wonderful Japanese dishes. There was Onigiri, which is a triangular rice "ball" stuffed with different things (my favorite is salmon) and wrapped in nori (a dry, paper-thin seaweed), soba noodles, chicken croquettes, sandwiches, and a dish (su-meshi, maybe) made of fried tofu wrapped around rice and a few other ingredients, I'll have to find out what it was, because it's very good. I know I'm leaving off some dishes, but they were all wonderful!

We had the usual spirits of beer and wine, but we also got to try warm sake. It tastes totally different when it is heated, but really nice for a cold, winter night ;) Some of our Japanese neighbors liked Corona with lime. It was a lot of fun!! I did manage to embarrass myself - IMAGINE THAT! "Kampai" is what you say in a toast, like "cheers." Well, two of the men near me said something else in Japanese, which sounds similar, so of course thinking they are making a toast, I repeat what they say. It was a joke - a word that sounds similar to "kampai," but means something "else!" Very embarrassing!!! That's all I have to say about that :)

We (not me) ended up having an abdominal endurance test on my kitchen floor. I figure after carrying triplets, I'm automatically exempt :) Three of the guys tried to see who could hold their legs up the longest. We also ended up with several people receiving massages (all in very good taste) on the kitchen floor - one being Sam (and I've got the picture to prove it)!

We had a wonderful time, and I look forward to doing it again next year! Although, I'll keep my mouth shut, unless I know what I'm saying (OK, we all know that's impossible, but I'll try). I'm always amazed at how well we can all communicate, even though we speak different languages.

We had Japanese lessons again tonight. I really feel they are helping so much. Each week, I get a little braver. I can use more words, but need more practice with the sentence structure. For example, I was looking for salmon onigiri, but they make different kinds, so I asked, "Sake desu ka." Which interprets, "Salmon????" It would be nice to be able to ask, "Which one of these is Salmon?" I have to work on sake, the drink, compared to sake, the fish. It's stress-related like the American word, present (a gift), and present (offer or give something). Hope that makes sense :)

Saturday, we are meeting Kirste and Jake, from playgroup, at Outback to celebrate Australia Day! Should be lots of fun!

Who would've thought Sam and I would transform from shy, hermit-like caterpillars into social butterflies? :)

Every day is a priceless gift!
~Michelle

Our New Year's Party

A shrine, a playgroup, and a party - what a week!

We have had a great week! Saturday, we went to Atsuta Jingu with Kirste and Jake from playgroup. Jake just turned 3 on January 6th! He is the sweetest, most adorable little guy! Kirste is from Australia, and I could listen to her talk all day long. She told me she loves my Texas accent, so we have great fun visiting with each other :) We met her husband, Takashi, in Sakae for Baskin Robbins. We rode our first train, and the girls were so excited - especially Izzy. We walked around Sakae for a little while and agreed to meet at Outback on Australia Day - YUM!

Asuta Jingu is a Shinto shrine founded about 1900 years ago. It is supposedly the largest in Nagoya. During WWII, most of its buildings were destroyed by fire (they have since been rebuilt). Walking to the shrine, we were shown what Jake called a "hairy" tree. The very large tree is over a thousand years old! The girls and I threw a five yen coin into a large area and said a prayer. The Japanese throw their money in, clap, and make a wish. The five yen coin is supposed to be lucky, but some throw 1,000 yen bills in! We asked our teacher, Keiko-san about this, and she said that allows them to make MANY wishes :) We also got our "luck" for the year. All four Glenn girls got the same luck - not bad, not great. I'll try and find someone to interpret all the details, but apparently the papers are very difficult to read, even by most Japanese. We kept our papers, but most Japanese have a special place at the shrine to tie them. It's very pretty seeing all the papers tied. There were lots of booths set up along the walk into the shrine offering food, toys, and souvenirs. We look forward to going back!

Wednesday we had playgroup and then a much needed romp at the park with our friends. We love our playgroup, and I enjoy my visits with the other moms at the park. Most of you know how hot-natured I am (plenty of insulation), but many of the Japanese moms couldn't believe I wasn't wearing my coat when we got there (I was eventually forced, by the wind, to put it on). Sam also gets questioned at work by his co-workers because he wears short sleeves a lot :) Crazy Americans :)

Last night we had Nihongo lessons. We couldn't remember what our homework was from before Christmas break, but Keiko-san was very nice about it. Last night we learned about numbers, which was really fun! I can say my phone number in Japanese - woohoooo! Of course, I've slept since then......

Tomorrow, we have our New Year's Party with our neighbors. We are hosting, so I'm a little nervous (Ok, a lot nervous) about it, but we know it will be so much fun. I'm making enchiladas and some other Tex-Mex type foods. Chie is coming over at about 3:00 to show/help me make Gyoza. We'll let you know how it goes :)

I have also had two amazing encounters with Japanese children wanting to practice their English with me. The first was at McDonald's. There was a group of six, 5 year-olds. They were so funny, but the girls actually got a little jealous of all the attention their momma was giving/getting. Gracie came to get me because one little boy kept holding her and would not let her get on the slide. I could tell he wasn't trying to be mean, but not sure what the problem was. So, I went over, looked at him, and said, "Sumimasen." He looked very distraught, but moved aside so Gracie could get on the slide. As she was climbing up, he looked at me, and started pointing to the sign above the shoe cubicle and "telling me all about it!" Dohhhhh! Gracie forgot to take her shoes off!!! I then apologized to the little boy in Japanese and made Gracie immediately remove her shoes. After that, he was happy as could be, and they all played so wonderfully together and had the best time, except when Mommy was being the center of attention :) Then Monday we went to a new park, and the girls met several friends there. They have the best time together, and the Japanese children are so incredibly kind and patient. Again, there were a couple of kids who wanted to practice with me. They just giggle and laugh when I try to speak to them in Japanese - so cute!!! Keiko-san told me they are required to take English in school.

Princess is still at the vet. She's not in the clear yet, but she gets a little better each day. We really appreciate your prayers for her and Mom and Dad.

I'll go back and proofread this later. Right now, there is quite a bit of activity going on around me :)

Hope you all have a great weekend! Love and Miss you all!
~Michelle

Thanks and praises to God!

Malorrie and her family have received the news they are so deserving of - REMISSION!!! We are so thankful to God for his miracles! My little girls have been praying throughout the day for Malorrie and Princess. I'm so proud of them!

Princess has developed pancreatitis, which was a concern because of the damage to it in the attack. She is being so tough and really holding her own, so please keep her in your prayers. Dr. Young is incredible and doing everything he can to save her.

We had a great day with friends from playgroup, but I'll write more about that later. I just had to share Malorrie's miraculous news, and thank you to those of you who have been praying for her.

~Michelle

Sophie wants a brother....

but she's not getting one!!! She wants one for all the wrong reasons. She told us tonight she wants a brother, so he can be a prince! You see, it's hard to play "Prince and Princess" when you have two sisters. Daddy's good and all, but apparently, a brother could be controlled and molded more easily :) With our luck, we would end up with THREE princes :)

We had Japanese lessons tonight, so I asked Keiko-san if we could go to the Supa (Supermarket). We went, and I was able to find out about several things I needed. I bought a permanent marker - woo hoo! I found out more about the varieties of milk, rice, soba noodles, gyoza, cleaners, and SAKE. I have tried sake twice since we've been here, and liked it both times. Keiko-san gave me a crash course on sake. I brought home two different kinds. I have another love.....it's a peach sake - yumilicious!!! The other sake is stronger, but not too bad. I'll have to bring some home when we come in the spring :) As we were leaving the supa, I grabbed a Diet Coke, and Keiko-san grabbed a hot drink. They actually have vending machines that serve a variety of canned and bottled hot drinks - just another really "hot" Japanese trend :)

Please keep your prayers for Malorrie and Princess going. Hopefully, the next day or two will be filled with wonderful news.

~Michelle

Prayer Requests Update

Princess made it through the night. I called and checked on her this morning. They said she is "hanging in there," but in a lot of pain (they do have her on pain meds). She will stay again tonight, and I'm guessing at least a few more days. She may be tiny, but she's tough. Mom said she's won everyone's hearts at the vet's.

Mom and Dad are doing OK. Mom is still obviously upset about Princess and mad about the whole situation. Dad is still upset and confused, but took Bandit for a walk today. I'm so proud of him! They will go see THEIR doctor tomorrow, which will make me feel better, as they are both having a hard time. Princesses tummy area was pretty much ripped open, and she was crying and bleeding badly - very traumatizing for them both :( Mom was also worried that she was making Princess endure pain, and if that was the wrong decision. I assured her that Dr. Young would let her know if he didn't think Princess could pull through this. Please continue to pray for her, and Mom and Dad - this little furry baby means the world to them.

There is still no news on Malorrie's results. Please keep praying for remission!!

Thanks so much for your prayers!
~Michelle

Prayer Requests

Please pray for my parent-in-laws' little dog, Princess. She was attacked by a big dog while Dad was walking her and Bandit. She has had surgery (they had to stabilize her first because she was in shock), but now runs the risk of infection, and there is concern for her pancreas. It was torn loose during the attack. Fortunately, there were witnesses, and they know where the dog lives. Dad is OK, but very upset over what happened. Fortunately, he doesn't remember a lot about it, but he knows Princess isn't doing well. Bless her heart, she is so tiny. Dr. Young is taking care of her, so I know she is in the best possible hands. I am so thankful for the couple who drove alongside Dad as he carried Princess back home. The dog apparently was still following them, but they would honk to scare it off. I'm so mad, because this was one of the things Dad could really do independently. He enjoyed walking Bandit and Princess so much! Again, I'm so thankful Dad wasn't hurt, and that Bandit seems to be OK -just traumatized. So, please pray for Princess, she is such a sweet little dog. We all love her so much, but she means the absolute world to Mom and Dad.

Also, Malorrie's bone marrow test results should be coming back soon. Please, please, please pray that she is in remission now and free of all the cancer.

Thank you for all your love and prayers - they mean the world to us!

~Michelle

Happy Birthday, Sam!

Today was Daddy's birthday! The girls helped me make a chocolate cake. We put cherries in between the two layers and frosted it. Each of the girls picked a "decoration" for it. Izzy chose a puffer fish, Sophie chose a....duh-duh-duh...pony (you're shocked aren't you?), and Gracie chose a cheetah :)

Sam went to Sakae to the camera store to pick out his present. We went to the 100 yen store and bought presents, and the girls wrapped them. At this point Sam asked me how many times I would poke myself in the eye before realizing it hurt? I can say, after a "few" glasses of wine, and the girls are soundly asleep, that it was worth every minute! :) That wasn't exactly what I was saying a few hours ago ;)

The gifts: Sophie bought him, and there was no changing her mind, a wrench. Gracie bought him a little lantern flashlight, since she is always stealing his others. And Izzy bought him a huge metric tape measure. I bought him some cold winter supplies for his car, so I don't have to worry so much :)

Anyway, I hope my darling husband had a wonderful birthday and knows how much his girls appreciate him. We love you so much, honey! You are an awesome dad and husband!!!

pics

Click on the pictures for a larger view.








Snow covered mountains and Nagoya Castle

Happy New Year!

2008 is the year of the mouse (rat). We went to a New Year's Eve party (about a 5 minute walk) hosted by some dear friends of ours. We had the best time! The girls actually stayed up until about 1:00 a.m. The wagon picture was taken when we got home at 12:45. This is the first year we've let them be "big girls." We did have to put on a movie for them so that the other big kids could have some peace :) They were so sweet and tolerant of our little ladies, who were wielding toy guns and swords. I have to say I was quite impressed that they all stayed up for New Years. The other kids (5th graders and up) all go to NIS, where the girls will go to school THIS fall :( Their parents were Irish, French, and British. It was wonderful getting to talk to them and spend time with our friends.

Our neighbors, Chie and Kazuko, came by New Year's morning. We got to see them dressed up in their kimonos. They looked absolutely beautiful! They were on their way to a shrine.

Also, on New Year's Day, it snowed! Not for long, but it was still beautiful!

Christmas is celebrated, but New Years is the biggest celebration of the year here. Our friend, Ai, invited us to the Tokyu Hotel for New Year's festivities. We were so excited to be able to take part in some wonderful Japanese traditions. The girls got to watch and help make mochi. Here's a link explaining what it is: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mochi Afterwords, we sampled some foods made from the mochi. We got to see the lion dance. He looked like a dragon to us :) We got to get our picture with him (after quite a bit of coaxing). Supposedly, if he bites your head, you will have good health for the new year, but none of our girls were going to take the chance. We did feed him some money- only Gracie would go with me to make an offering. We got to see traditional Japanese dancers and take part in a tea ceremony. We hope our friends at the Tokyu know how wonderful it was to be a part of the Japanese New Year's traditions! We got to see Akaya-san, who is like a grandfather to us, Niwa-san, Eri-san, Miss Ivana, and of course, Ai-san. Ai also gave each of the girls an envelope with money in it. It is customary to give the children money at New Years. We just can't begin to tell how much fun we had, and how much we appreciate all that our special Tokyu friends mean to us!

We also received wonderful news from Ai - she is engaged. We are looking forward to her wedding in March!!! We couldn't be happier for her! She has taken such wonderful care of us!

Miss Ivana told us she would be going home to Brazil at the end of March. We are so happy that she will get to be close to her family, but we will miss her so much!

After the Tokyu, we went to Fushimi to the Hard Rock for lunch. The girls were given some adorable little bears by our waitress. She and one of the managers remembered us from when we were staying at the Tokyu - so sweet.

After lunch, we went back to Sakae and went to the huge 100 yen store there. The 100 yen stores are awesome :)

We then made our way to Nagoya Station to see the lights. The girls were very tired by this point, but trudged along (oh, how we heard about it though). We watched the trains come and go out of Nagoya Station. Izzy loves to watch the Shinkansen! Then at 5:00 the lights came on, and Sophie said, "This is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen!" That was the icing on the cake :)

We found out that so many businesses take off from January 1st-3rd. I went out last night after we got home, and almost everything was closed, and there were very few cars on the street. A big difference from earlier in the day when we were downtown. It is just impossible to describe how many people there were, both on the street and on the subways.

As you can probably tell, we just love it here! We are delightfully overwhelmed with all the wonderful experiences we're having :)

We love and miss all of you in the States!
~Michelle