We passed our driving test!

The Davises and the Glenns passed their driving tests!!! All four of us passed...with triplets! The girls were so cute and kept telling me, "Mommy, I hope you win!" I had the cutest little cheer squad cheering me on as I got into the car (It was VERY TEMPTING to flash him a photo of the girls and make sure he knew they're "triplets," but I DIDN'T) I'm telling you, I'm learning to take advantage of the "Triplet Card" more - LOL :)

The employees at the facility didn't like that our Texas driving record was a computer-generated signature. The Japanese use stamps a lot, and they wanted some kind of "real" signature or stamp to show the letter was official. Our wonderful interpreter, after about 30 minutes of haggling, got them to accept the forms....whewwww.

We had to take a written test, and when we passed it, they signed us up to come take the driving test. Fortunately, Lockheed provides practice sessions on the courses. Sam and I, being so competetive, were more concerned about what each other made......we both made 90s.

We practiced Course A and Course B (which is in their cars), but didn't find out until the day of the test, which course we would be tested on. We had to memorize the routes of the courses, know at what point (in their appointed cars) to put on turn signals, change lanes, make sure not to hit any curbs on the Japanese-type side roads (very narrow), and make sure to lock the car, adjust the seat and mirrors, put on our seatbelts, start the car, put it in drive, release the parking brake, put on the left turn signal, look right, left, right, and pull out to start the course. We were also tested after we finished to make sure we got close to the left side when parking, stopped at the pole, put the parking brake on before shifting into park, turn off the car, and look back over our shoulder before opening the door.

I finished the Course B, feeling pretty good - I didn't hit any curbs, which is an instant "fail." The only things I thought I might have missed was looking over my left-shoulder when turning left once. Other than that, I had done everything like a well-rehearsed dance. I was even NOT NERVOUS going into the test - yes, Michelle was not stressing about something!! Anywho, I get out of the car, and the tester calls me over with our interpreter. He is telling her that I apparently was cutting my right turns too short when in an intersection. I tell him (smiling) "Domo Arrigato" for setting me straight, and then get really upset (not to his face of course). I ask our interpreter, "I'll still pass, RIGHT?" She says that she's not sure. This was never a problem for me brought up in practice, and I know I hit the "arrow" in the road with the left tire. There's no way I could have cut it short!!!! I could accept failing, if I had hit a curb, turned in front of a car, etc., but not for this!! All this worry to find out - I passed!!!!

There weren't very many in our group who passed. I think maybe 9 total. Everyone told us that most people, Japanese included, have to take the test several times before passing. We were also told that groups, like us, usually don't all pass - it doesn't look good :)

It was a great day because - WE ALL WON!!!

Am I bragging??? You bet!!! We're really proud of this!

We passed our driving test!

Our Miracle Babies are 5!

Wow! I remember thinking (crying) I would never have a baby. Then feeling the joy of finally seeing the two lines on the pregnancy test...I waited 7 years to see those two little pink lines. I remember waking Sam up at 5:30 in the morning to tell him I was pregnant! I remember him saying, "but I signed us up for scuba lessons???" I remember being REALLY ANGRY with him over that statement. I remember taking "several" more pregnacy tests, because I just couldn't believe my dream had finally come true. I remember seeing the precious "flicker" on the second sonogram. The first sonogram was too early to tell.

I remember going in, at 12 weeks, to have our third ultrasound, with a new OB/GYN. I remember telling him I was getting big really fast, and him telling me, "You're pregnant, honey." I remember Julie, the sonographer, finding two babies...I was so excited - I had always hoped for TWINS!!! I remember, Julie, the sonographer, saying she had made a mistake...nope, we see two babies. I remember her saying, "No, there are three babies!" I remember Sam telling her to "QUIT LOOKING!" I remember being hysterical and being asked repeatedly if I was OK. OK??? I wanted twins. Who has triplets? I remember actually driving myself to the bank afterwords??? Seriously, who lets someone drive after telling them, "you're not having one baby - you're having triplets!!" I'm thinking the hormones/shock rank right up there with "INTOXICATION!"

I remember calling our families to tell them the news. I remember my big brother, Phil, laughing at me. I remember Sam doing a lot of research and being so incredibly strong for both of us. He related all the positive and dealt with the other possibilities. There is so much more that I remember:
~Telling our parents, brothers and sisters, and dear friends about our miracles
~I had to eat A Lot when first waking up in the morning
~The first kick
~The first "Baby Party" at 4:00 in the morning
~Craving polish sausage dogs, cherry icees, and Fruity Pebbles
~Having my mom and Sam's mom and dad see the girls on ultrasound
~Finding out we we're having three girls
~Deciding on names
~Anxiously awaiting each ultrasound and doctor's visit
~Worrying about not knowing what a contraction felt like
~Making it to 28 weeks
~Having to have physical therapy (and the wonderful back massages)
~My back going out while trying to lift a laundry basket
~Snuggling Sam and letting The Girls kick him :)
~Watching my stomach when all three were active
~Looking at my swollen feet and thinking, "Ewwww!"
~No longer fitting behind the steering wheel
~Working up until 31 weeks - GO GLENN GIRLS!!!
~Going to the hospital on April 12th
~Having my husband by my side
~Having my momma and friends there with me
~Getting the spinal - they kept telling me I had to bend over more (Hello, have you seen the stomach?!?!
~Seeing Sam come through the doors :)
~Being told that Baby A was delivered, followed by B and C
~Hearing quiet then 3 precious, miraculous cries
~Holding Gracie on my chest
~Aching to hold Izzy and Sophie, but knowing they were in good hands
~Getting to snuggle Gracie all night
~Getting to hold Izzy for the first time
~Praying all night for God to heal Sophie
~Getting to hold Sophie for the first time

So much has happened between now and then - both difficult and joyous. God has led us through so much, and we, as a family, are grateful for his blessings of health, family, and friends.

We are so proud of our daughters. We don't know what God has in store for us, but we try to listen with all our hearts. The girls tell me often, "I believe in God, Mommy."

There is so much about our 3 little ladies that make us proud!!!

We thank our family and friends for supporting us over the last 5 years, and we thank God for His wisdom, guidance, and love.

Yep, I'm an Idiot! An OLD idiot!

We went to the 100 yen store today. Sophie has had her eye on a flute there for a few weeks. Izzy decided she wanted a flute too - what? no stickers, insects, or dinosaurs?!? Gracie (that's my girl) decided she wanted to be different :) Does she go with the stuffed animal, the bag of cotton balls, ANYTHING quiet???? Nope, she goes for the little drum (it was a toss-up between the drum and guitar). It's a 100 yen store drum...how loud can it be? Did I mention what an idiot I am?!?

So, being the good mother (I wish), I go out front to water the flowers that I planted with them yesterday (being the good mother). I hear this "noise"... there are various vehicles that drive around town blaring messages in Japanese...but, none to my knowledge that play Hannah Montana???? Yep, it's coming from the second story of OUR house, exactly where the Glenn Girls' room is located. As the blood begins to boil, I remind myself of all the times my parents came running into the room to tell me, "Turn that music down!" Although I'm sure I wasn't 4 going on 5! About that time, Izzy throws open the front door, and plays her flute for me. I take a very, VERY, deep breath, and ask that she goes and tells her sisters to please turn down the music (with a smile). I finish watering...Izzy, either didn't make it upstairs to deliver my message, or, I shudder to think.....ignored me. By this point, I figure I must capture this on tape and share with the world - you know, to get even with them (mwaahaahaahaaa!).

So here are the Glenn Girls accompanying Hannah:


I didn't catch Sophie's introduction at the beginning of the video, "Intro-ducing, the greatest singer in the world - ME!" We may have issues, but self-esteem issues isn't one of them.

Love and Hugs!
~Michelle

A Day of NOTHING!

Sakura no hana

Today was great, because we had absolutely nothing to do or prepare for. The girls and I planted some flowers, cleaned and weeded the front "yard" some, visited with Chie (I got to pet her dog, Jiru), and played. I also called my friend, Cindy today. It was great to hear her voice!!!

I'm so sorry I have been so bad about emailing - we have been very busy the last few weeks!

Yesterday, we had the Playgroup's Easter Egg Hunt. It was a lot of fun, and we got to see some beautiful cherry blossoms. Sam took the "good" camera and got some wonderful pics. My friend, Kirste, and her son, Jake, also got back from Australia, so I was excited to get to see them!!! We were able to hunt Easter eggs, play, and have a picnic before it started raining.

All business!

Last weekend Sam and Mike took Gracie and Izzy to Osu Kannon for the St. Patrick's Day Parade. I think the highlight was feeding the pigeons :) Sophie and I stayed home and attempted to clean.


On Sunday, the Easter Bunny came and left eggs all over the house. He also got credit for cleaning up the house, as it was cluttered with toys the night before. Sunday afternoon, Sam took his four girls to see Enchanted. It was really good. We can't wait to get the DVD :) Want to feel better about movie prices in America? Adults here are $18, and kids are $10! Drinks and popcorn are not as expensive though, and you can get biru :)

It's hard to believe our girls are going to be 5 in a few weeks!!! This will be the first year we don't have a huge party. I think we're just going to go and spend the day as a family. Of course, I'm female, so I reserve the right to change my mind at the last minute :) Sam wants to get them a Baskin Robbin's ice cream cake. I'm sure they will enjoy that.

I need to go study - we have to take the written portion of our driving test next Tuesday - Ahhhhhhh!!!

Love to you all!
~Michelle

A Visitor, A Wedding, and Another Day in the Snow!

We've had a great week, but I think we are all exhausted. Sophie fell asleep on the couch before dinner. I think we're going to try and chill a little tomorrow.

On Monday, we picked up Sam's cousin, Mike. He is traveling the world, and took time out to spend with us. I was his first official "car ride" in Japan....he got back in the car with me on Tuesday, so I guess I'm doing OK :) We've really enjoyed the company and getting to know/catch up with one another. The girls love him, too. He's also been a great help with the girls and the house! He will tell them to pick up their toys, and he can give the "look" when they're misbehaving :) I think they were a little disappointed that he wasn't just going to bow down and let them run over him. It's funny, sometimes they call him, "Mike," but most of the time he's, "Daddy's cousin." Bless his heart, he's a light sleeper, which doesn't work well in this house :) When he arrived, he told me how nice it was to be able to "talk" to people again. I'm thinking at this point, he's wishing he were alone again in the Australian Bush! Again, it has been wonderful having him here!

On Tuesday, Mike, the Girls, and I met Sam for lunch at CoCo Curry, and then we took Mike to the Aquarium. We had lots of fun, and it's always nice having those extra hands/attention with the girls.
Wednesday, was playgroup and shopping for flower girl dresses! They were so good about letting me pick dresses for them that I liked. Although, later that evening Gracie informed me that she thought the white ones WERE prettier (I chose the pink ones).

On Thursday, Izzy, Sophie, and Gracie were flower girls in our friend, Ai-san's wedding!! The girls enjoyed having their nails painted, hair curled, and I let them wear a little makeup. Again, Michael was so sweet with helping me get the 4 of us out the door on time. Ai-san made the most beautiful bride I've ever seen! It was the most amazing experience to get to see the traditional wedding kimono! Ai-san also changed into a beautiful blue gown! The girls were so excited and did really well. They stood side-by-side, and after being announced, the doors were opened for them. The whole room was turned and looking at them with cameras flashing. I was a little concerned they would turn and run the other way, but they walked up to the front and presented Ai-san and her husband, Zoran, with their flowers. They even tried to say, "Omeditoo Gozaimus," which is, "Congratulations!" They kept telling me how beautiful Ai-san was, and how they felt like princesses. Sophie was Sleeping Beauty, Gracie was Ariel, and Izzy was Gazelle (aka: Giselle) - LOL :) I was very, very proud of them! We had a couple of 4 year-old moments, but they recovered nicely - they love Ai-san and knew that this was a very special day for her. Our Tokyu friends and our friend, Hami, were so wonderful with the girls! Eri-san and Hami helped me dress the girls before and after their duties. We also got to see Akaya-san for a minute and grab a quick hug :) It was an enchanting time!
Today, Sam was off, so we headed back to the mountains for one more day of snow fun before the season ends. Sam rode the gondola to the top of the mountain and boarded down. The girls and I played in the snow, and they practiced boarding on the trainer board Sam bought them. Then we went in and grabbed lunch. They have a play area inside for the kids, so we spent the rest of the time inside. They made friends and had a great time. They talked me into getting them ice cream cones, so we got those and went to sit and eat them. As they were finishing , I noticed Sam on his board. He fell down, so I called him on my cell so Gracie could tell him it was an awesome fall. Then we all waved to him from the window :)

We went back to play some more in the play area. Sam came over with an ice cream cone, and there was this adorable little boy, who locked in on Sam, or should I say Sam's ice cream. He literally went over to Sam and poked him in the side and smiled. Sam motioned to his momma if he could have one and went and bought him one. Sam said the little boy's face, as he's walking toward him with the ice cream cone, was the highlight of his day. I think it was probably the highlight of the little boy's day as well :) We spent some more time playing with him and his family, and he kept taking pictures of Sam and the girls with his momma's cell phone.

We have just had so many precious moments with so many precious people!!! We're counting down the days until we get to visit our precious family and friends in the states!

Sleep deprived......will add more pics tomorrow.

Easter Blessings!
~Michelle

Another great day in the mountains!

Gracie decided that surfin the snow was more fun than sledding.

Spring is in the air: Sunny and 65!

Happy belated 4th Birthday to my precious niece, Livvy!!! I'm looking forward to seeing my nieces and nephews (and EVERYONE), and I know the Girls are going to love playing with their cousins!!

It was a gorgeous day today, so the Girls and I went out and planted seeds. Izzy wanted corn, Gracie wanted lavender, and Sophie picked Mirabilis. We also planted sunflower, cherry tomato, large tomato, dianthus, and morning glory seeds. We used small cups to start the seedlings. That way the girls can watch them grow a little. Of course, they helped me for about 15 minutes and then were off observing (harassing) spiders and other insects. Sophie was already out this evening checking on the seeds. It's still difficult for them to grasp the concept of a few weeks :) I also planted some cilantro. It is 498 yen for a small bunch, but it comes with the roots, so I kept them to plant. I think it will do really well, as I had one little stem survive the winter. If only I could find some jalapeno and green chile seeds, my salsa garden would be complete. We're going to one of the bigger flower/plant stores on Friday, so hopefully I can find some sort of hot pepper.

Saturday, we had a going-away party for Miss Ivana. I made chicken fajitas, tortilla soup, spanish rice, guacamole, salsa, 7-layer dip, spinach dip, my momma's scrumptious banana cake, and a few other things. It was fun providing our Japanese friends with their very first fajita and showing them how to "make" one. Akaya-san brought his mandolin and played and sang for us. He's really wonderful to listen to and actually plays in a country and western band. We also all got together and sang, "Happy Trails" to Ivana. We're so happy for her, but are going to miss her so much. It was really nice getting to take care of our Tokyu friends for a change - they have done so many wonderful things for us!!!

Sunday, we just chilled and played as a family. We went to Saizeriya to eat. The girls can get cheesy Foccacia bread. Sophie also wanted some sticky rice. She and Izzy both had a plate of fried shrimp, and Gracie had "pusketty." They ate every bite!!! Then we went to one of the many wonderful parks near us. We saw some beautiful, little (sparrow-sized), green birds. I took pictures, but Sam and I both were wishing we had the "big" camera with us. He bought this really nice, little compact camera, but lost it to his darling wife :) Anyway, the girls played in the bamboo "forest." They reminded me of kittens. They would run ahead and "hide," but between the CONSTANT movement and giggling...Sam and I really had to put our parent acting skills to the test - "Oh where can they be?" Finally, we made it to the playground, which is more of an obstacle course. They have assorted beams of different heights to walk on, a REALLY HIGH swinging bridge-type thing, and a rock-climbing wall with nets to climb on the other side and a slide. Poor Sam's nerves were totally shot in about 2 minutes. Izzy, would walk to the edge of the really high thing and lean over the edge, or shake it to see her sisters freak out. I really don't know where she gets that little ornery streak from???? Sam says she just gets that sadistic look (I call it a twinkle) in her eye, and when she's really naughty, she has this scary laugh to accompany it. We feared this would happen, but Izzy has officially crossed over to the dark side (temper tantrums, ignoring me, telling me, "no!"). They did really well on the climbing wall, and they have no problem scurrying up the nets. Such a cute sister/triplet moment - they would race to the top and then all three would put their legs and arms around the sister in front and slide down just squealing.

Speaking of squealing, their Granny Glenn sent them three new movies. One of them was THE NEW BARBIE MOVIE- 'Mariposa'!!!! Oh my gosh!!!! They squealed like I've never heard before. Gracie and Sophie are such girly girls. I swear by 9:00 A.M., Gracie has changed her outfits three times, and she will not leave the house without her pink, butterfly belt (which usually the butterfly buckle is on the side or completely in the back). Sophie loves to accessorize, and Izzy, again MY GIRL, digs through the dirty clothes to find the one pair of jeans that she really likes - comfort is of the utmost importance :)

We were driving the other day, and a lady was crossing the street (not in a crosswalk). No one was behind me, and we're usually not in a hurry, so I stopped and "motioned" for her to cross the street. Here's the conversation that followed:

Izzy: "Mommy did you use your hands because she can't hear you?"
Me: "Yes, Izzy."
Izzy: "Mommy, some people can't hear or talk, so they have to use their hands."
Me: "That's right, Izzy! Why do you think some people can't talk?"
Izzy: "They can't talk because someone 'stealeded' their voice!"
Me: "Oh my! So why do you think some people can't hear?"
Izzy: "Because their ears are broken."
Me: "How did their ears get broken?"
Izzy: "People screamed too loud into them."
Me: "So I guess we should be careful and not scream in people's ears."
Izzy, Gracie, & Sophie: (Giggle then enter blood-curdling screams)
Me: "I think that lady on the sidewalk just peed in her pants."
Izzy, Gracie, and Sophie: (Giggle, EXIT compassion, more screaming)
Me: "THAT'S ENOUGH!"
Repeat last two lines again.
Threaten to pull car over.
Giggling, but no more screaming.

Finally, I have to say how much I love my husband. He brings one of the Girls or me flowers at least once a week. I love always having fresh flowers in the house! He always tells me how much he loves what I cooked (even when I buy ground pork instead of hamburger). He can be such a "man" at times, but he does pretty well for one surrounded by a pack of Girls :) God knew what he was doing when He gave Sam daughters.

I have pictures to post with this, but that will probably be tomorrow :)

Love and hugs to you all!
~Michelle

Glenn Girls' Night

Daddy had a Guys' Night Out, although he referred to it as a "work get-together." His work get-together involves food and beer.....enough said :)




Anyway, I made a big pallet in the floor with lots of pillows, and the girls snuggled up with popcorn and Diet Coke (I'm bringing them over to the 'Dark Side' - honestly, they haven't had Diet Coke in a LONG TIME) and watched Stuart Little 2. Two of them were "interested" in watching E.T., but not quite brave enough yet. They are fascinated, yet very afraid, of that movie - LOL :)


I got some great snuggles at bedtime then went to do the HUGE PILE of laundry on my bed.


Love to you all!
~Michelle

Gracie's Body Guard

My friend, Kirste, sent me an email telling me about an incident that happened while I was getting my hair cut. Hopefully, she won't mind me sharing her email. By the way, Jake turned 3 in January. Here's the email:

I forgot to tell you about what happened as Jake, Grace and I were coming out of the Hilton bathroom. Jake is lately really hating any attention he gets from stranger old ladies. If they smile or talk to him, he will say "Da-me!" or blow a raspberry or something. A Japanese (older) lady was coming into the narrow bathroom entrance as we 3 were leaving it. The lady said "kawaii!" and lunged to pat Gracie on the head. Jake threw himself in front of Gracie, bringing his elbows up as a barrier in front of himself so that the lady couldn`t touch him or Gracie. But the old woman didn`t respect that and laughed and patted or went to pat Jake on the head. I heard him bare his teeth/growl a bit at her but she just laughed and continued walking into the bathroom. It happened so fast & I was impressed with Jake moving so fast and that he tried to protect Gracie! I wonder if Gracie even realised what the old lady or Jake were doing??

He is one of the most wonderfully behaved, sweetest, and cutest little boys I've ever met! I love him even more now ;)

Thanks Jake!

~Michelle

Communication Problem - An accident with a name stamp and a house

I got a call a few minutes ago. It was a Japanese caller. I told her, "Nihongo wakarimasen," which is "I don't understand Japanese." She told me, "Chotto matte kudasai," which fortunately I knew meant to hold on a minute. Another lady comes on to try and communicate with me, but she only knows a few English words. So I'm hearing a string of Japanese words with "name stamp, husband, house, hospital, and call" thrown in. She then gives me the number to call, from what I can gather, the hospital. I asked her, "Is my husband in the hospital?" She says some more Japanese and then the word "call" again. I'm trying not to panic, and try to call Sam's cell. Of course, there is no answer. I then try to call the hospital number I was given, which I repeated back in Japanese to make sure I had it written on my hand correctly - no answer. Little Miss Gracie had heard my conversation and wants to know if Daddy is in the hospital. I tell her I don't think so, but Mommy needs to make some phone calls. I call our friend Mike, who works close to Sam and explain what has happened. He was so sweet and ran over, with Tim, to check on Sam for me. I get a call a few minutes later.....it was Sam asking me WHO was in the hospital? I called Mike back to tell him thanks. I think Sam, Mike, and Tim were LAUGHING about it all! So, he is OK. There was no crazy accident with a name stamp and a house, and I am having a glass of wine before 5 o'clock :)

Chalk it up to more incentive to learn the language.

~Michelle

A Week of Fun and A Schnauzer with Chicken Pox

A what??? Izzy drew a picture of a puppy for me the other day. She brought it to me, and said, "Mommy, what is your favorite kind of puppy?" I told her I like all puppies, but I think Schnauzer's are so cute! She looked at her picture, looked back at me, with a disconcerted look, and said, "Look, I made you a picture of...... a Schnauzer with chicken pox!!" I looked at my beautiful picture and realized that I had given the wrong answer. I think my favorite dog was supposed to be a Dalmatian, but Izzy cleverly and quickly changed her plan to accommodate me.

At dinner, we were having our daily discussion of which animals are mammals (we've been discussing this for a year now - sigh). Anyway, one of the girls asked me, "What about bears?" I told them that yes, bears are mammals. Gracie looks at me very seriously, and said, "What about Pooh Bear?" I said, "Of course, he is a bear." She looks at me, and says, "I don't think he is a mammal." To end the debate over whether Pooh Bear is a mammal, I finally tell her, "He's warm and snuggly - of course he's a mammal." She was satified with that, and we moved on to solving some other world problem :)

As for Sophie, we were driving in the car, and I told the girls, "Wow, Mommy's tummy is really upset today!" Sophie begins a lecture. She tells me it is because I'm not drinking enough water, and that I'm drinking too many Diet Cokes. At this point Izzy pipes up and throws in, "And wine." So now, I have an upset stomach and a VERY guilty conscience about being a Diet Coke junkie and a wino. I guess I will be replacing my vices with more water. Next they'll be wanting me to exercise!!! :)

We had our weekly lesson with Keiko-san and she was telling us the Japanese word for shoes. Sam looked at her kind of puzzled, and asked, "So what's zapato then?" I leaned over, giggled, and reminded him, "Zapato is the Spanish word." We both just laughed :) Japanese lessons are at the end of a work day, so most of the time, our minds are a little slow.

Last Wednesday, we met our friends from playgroup at the Aichi Children's Center. We had so much fun, and the girls were so excited that I would let them go by themselves to play. Of course, Izzy stuck to my side like glue, but Gracie and Sophie went on and on about being "big girls" now. We always go over the rules on the way to activities. They crack me up! From the back of the car I'll hear, "Rule number 46 - no rough-housing." Then someone else will follow with, "Rule number 13 - we do not run." It's funny the random numbers and crazy "rules" they come up with.

Friday, I took them back to the Children's Center. They made clay sculptures, and then we went outside. They climbed and did the big slides. We had a great day!

Saturday, we had our Winter Social with Lockheed. It was so much fun!!! I painted the girls' nails and did their hair. They put on lipstick, body glitter, and a little bling. We bought new shirts the day before. Of course, it ended up with the usual - the girls were beautiful, and I was trying to do my hair and makeup in 5 minutes :) We took the subway to the Marriott at Nagoya Station. We had a wonderful buffet and drinks. I had built up the party all week, telling them how they were getting to be big girls and go to a big-girl party, so they were excited! Sam and I ordered Shirley Temples for them, again telling them they were big-girl drinks. Gracie looked at me and said, "Babies don't get to have THESE." They were really good girls and had wonderful table manners (for 4 year-olds). They would just go off to visit with our friends. They are truly social butterflies :) Izzy took pictures. She did a great job, until she made her way to the table next to our party. Sam said they didn't look very thrilled with the barrage of flashes. She apparently was also making faces at them. She thought she was just being cute, but I was mortified. I'm not sure what happened to my bashful girl, but by the end of the evening, I was beginning to question just what was in those Shirley Temples.

As we were getting on the subway to come home from the party, Sam was invited to an after-party. I told him to go on - the girls and I would be fine. He got off at the next stop, and Sophie was asleep before the door closed behind him. She can just pass out anywhere. Izzy followed soon after, and Gracie, of course, had absolutely no plans of nodding off. I was really proud of them for holding it together. They were cranky, but the only problem I had was explaining to Sophie that she couldn't rest her head on the stranger sitting beside her. With the subway, an adult is allowed to take 2 children for free. Going, Sam was with me, so I didn't have a ticket for an extra child. Coming home, I had three kids, and no extra ticket. I was prepared to pull the "Wakarimasen!" with the station attendant. As we were going through the exit, I started pointing to the person in front of us, telling the girls to get with "her." I kept rushing them to catch up with her. Apparently, he bought that we were "with her," but the girls, and probably the complete stranger I kept trying to push my girls on, thought I was a crazy :) The girls asked me if we could PLEASE catch a cab. Hmmmm.....make my exhausted, very cranky no-longer-big girls walk 15 minutes to our house, OR pay to take a cab. I would have paid A LOT!!!

Saturday was also Hina Matsuri, or Girl's Day. It is celebrated throughout the weekend. Young girls recieve Hina dolls, which represent an emperor and empress. They display the (very expensive) dolls for a few days and put them away for the next year. The girls received sweets from their friends at playgroup, Sean and Joe. They also received sweets from another playgroup friend, Jake. We just wanted to say "Thank You" again!!!

Sunday I had a Mommies' Night Out with my friend, Kirste. We were scoping out places for a future Mommies' Night with the other playgroup moms. We shopped for an hour or two then went to the Hard Rock Cafe for dinner. After that, we went to the Elephant's Nest, which is an English Pub, for drinks. We caught the subway, and I didn't make it home until after 10:30!!! Talk about feeling like a big girl!! :) Kirste wants to try Karaoke next time. That should make for great photos!

Yesterday, for the first time in over a year, I got my haircut!!! We met Kirste and Jake, and we had lunch then went to the Hilton. They were having a charity event. I got my haircut and got to make a donation. We were running late (big shocker), so I sent Kirste on to get her hair cut. The girls, Jake, and I had a nice, leisurely walk to the Hilton. I told Kirste that I always was amused at the looks I got with just the girls. When I threw Jake into the mix, the looks of confusion were hilarious. To add to the "show" we sang, Happy Birthday, The Wheels on the Bus, and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star as we walked. At the Hilton, we met up with Emi, another friend from playgroup, and her mom, Betty. After our cuts, we went to have a snack with them at a pastry shop. Emi had made a little mess with her straw, and in the effort to clean up her mess, she dropped her straw on the floor. Betty was giving her the same lecture the girls have gotten MANY times about how that wouldn't have happened had you not been playing with it. As the girls would have done, Emi looks at her mom and asks for another straw. As Emi and Betty are discussing why Emi doesn't have a straw, Gracie pipes in, "Can't you just get her another straw?" Oh no she did not just say that to an adult!!! Gracie then got the "She has a mommy - you need to worry about you and YOUR business" lecture from me. I did let Kirste and Betty know that if they ever needed parenting advice that I could loan them one of the girls, since they seem to be authorities :)

After a day of lots of walking, visiting with friends, visiting the Tokyu Hotel, etc,.. I had to push my luck and take them to the grocery store. As we were standing in line at the checkout, I was griping at the girls about their behavior, blah, blah, blah. I look up and my friend Lana is standing behind us grinning. The girls start telling Lana random stories (Izzy looks at her and says, "My favorite sandwich is ham and cheese"). I just look at her, grin, and ask the girls, "Who wants to go home with Miss Lana?!" We laughed, but I did end up bringing them home with me - better luck next time :)

Saturday, we are having a going-away party for our friend, Ivana, from the Tokyu. She will be returning to Brazil. We're really looking forward to the party, but will miss Ivana terribly. :(

Sorry for the novel! If you've made it this far, thank you for reading! We appreciate the sweet, kind comments and love hearing from you!

Love,
~Michelle

WOW ! What a day!

So today I (sam) took my first beginner snowboarding class and it’s a lot harder than it looks.
I was able to find an instructor at Takasu who said she would do the class in Japanese and English. Turned out that she demonstrated everything very well so there wasn’t much need for English instructions but her English was great as she lived in US for a while. Because I had to leave the house early the family decided they would pass on this adventure. Left the house at 6:15 and at 8:35 I was parked at the ski resort, the roads were clear all the way up and it didn’t start snowing until the last couple of miles. Got dressed for snow, went to the information booth where it took a few minutest to get it communicated that I was looking for the snowboarding school, one of the workers walked me over to where the checking booth was and I signed in at 9:05. The classes started at 9:30 and went over all the basics of how to put on your board, how to move around on flat ground, how to turn, stop and most important, how to fall which I’m quite good at. I had what Michelle and I call a “Japan moment”, while I was sitting in the snow I took a second to take in the beauty of the mountains while it’s snowing and looked around to realize that everyone around me is Japanese and I’m on the side of a mountain in Japan trying to learn how to snowboard … WOW. Then we went over to the BIG hill, ok so it wasn’t that big but when you strapped to board trying to make your way down it for the first time it really seems big. She taught us how to get up and slide sideways so as to not go to fast. My first few tries didn’t go very well but when class was over at 11:30 I tried the bottom of the hill a few more times and the last time I was able to make it the whole way (less than 100 yards) down without falling. It was now 12 and it had been dumping snow all day so I decided to call it quits on a good note and figure out how to get off a snow covered mountain and make it home. Loaded up the car, changed into shoes, took off the ski pants, jacket, a sweat shirt and headed out. After almost not making it up the hill out of the parking lot I had to pull over and put on the snow chains. While I hated driving with the chains on I was very glad to have them for the drive down the mountain. About 3 to 5 miles down is a little town where I pulled over to take the chains off. The scenery driving down the mountain was spectacular, the trees had a bunch of snow in them and it was snowing the big fluffy snow flakes. It was almost 1 when I got back on the road and finally got home about 2:50. While I didn’t get to actually snowboard much I did learn the basics, got to ride a little and had a really great time. Can’t wait to go again!

Oh me, Oh my!

At playgroup yesterday, we were doing a really cute craft to celebrate "Girl's Day." I was telling Gracie to glue her "crowns" on. Crafts are great, but three, four year-olds with glue can get a little crazy. One of the other moms was helping Sophie - so sweet! I came back to Gracie and she had glued a "crayon" on each of her princesses heads! I just died laughing. You see, I was telling my mom the other day how Sophie says "crayon" so funny, but that I can't mimic how she says it. Well now I can, Sam asked Sophie what was on the head of her prince and princess. She said, "A crown." Sam asked her what she used to write her name on her craft. She said, "A crown (crayon). Hmmmmm....I guess I know what we'll be doing for "speech" next week :) My Granny Combs is smiling down from Heaven over Sophie's accent.

In the last couple of weeks, letters and phonics have just clicked with the girls. They have been watching Letter and Word Factory for one, and they love to play with their Leap Frog Fridge Phonics and Word Whammer. All they want to do is write letters and any words they know. They will write a string of letters and ask me what word they wrote. I think they like hearing me try and pronounce things like,"BGSQAME." They LOVE dot-to-dots (numbers and ABCs), mazes, and anything drawing/coloring related.

Izzy was playing with one of our Magna Doodles, and I asked her what she was doing. She said making a shapes picture. I looked at her picture, and asked her what shape has three sides? She pointed to the triangle. I decided I would turn this into a teachable moment, and I asked her what TWO shapes have 4 sides? What would YOU have said?? She stops, pauses, and says a diamond...I roll my eyes and say, "You're right! A diamond has 4 sides! Now what OTHER two shapes have 4 sides?" She thinks for about 3 seconds, and says, "A square." Yeah Izzy! "There's one more shape - do you know one more that has 4 sides?" She thinks, and says, "A Wektangle." I was telling Sam about it, and he was impressed and all, but really concerned that the first shape that came to her mind was A DIAMOND ;) That is their birthstone.

And Sophie.....I was hoping to sleep in a little this morning - didn't go as planned :( Anyway, I was talking to her about something, and she mentioned an "elderly" lady. I grinned at Sam and told him to listen. I said, "Sophie, what were you telling me about the OLD lady?" She looks at me and says, "Mommy, we say, Elduhwee (elderly)." This comes from a conversation in the car where the girls referred to an "Old" lady on the street. I told them that "old" wasn't a really nice word, and they should say "elderly." Well, Heaven help me, a few weeks ago I said something about someone being "old." Sophie quickly corrected me and said, "Mommy, we don't say OLD, we say elderly."

Hamamatsu

One of the kites

A windmill - there are lots of modern windmills in Hamamatsu because of...well....all the wind :)

We went Hamamatsu yesterday. It takes a couple of hours to get there and is about half-way to Mt. Fuji on the Pacific side. It actually snowed on us while we were at the beach!

It was a very beautiful beach - the water was a gorgeous blue! We got to see the Nakatajima Dunes - they make it a long walk to the ocean. Because of all the sand, the Loggerhead Sea Turtles come to nest there. Apparently, the eggs are gathered and kept until they hatch. Then the hatchlings are released to return to the sea. Hopefully, we will get to watch this in the future!
We saw surfers and then I understood why Sam wanted to go "exploring" here. He told me this is where he wants to take kite boarding lessons.

We also got to watch some people flying their kites - really large kites. They have a festival every year in May. Over 160 kites take to the air at the same time for the kite battle. They literally fight each other, trying to cut the strings of the other kites. The festival originated about 430 years ago, when the lord of Hamamatsu Castle celebrated the birth of his first son by flying kites.

The Shijimizuka Ruins are also located in Hamamatsu. They are the ruins of a primitive village from 3000 - 4000 years ago. Houses were reconstructed to help show the life style of the primitive people. The park includes the Hamamatsu History Museum that displays excavations from the ruins. I didn't get to go to this, but look forward to going back to tour it.

As with the other places we've gone, it was a beautiful place with a lot of fascinating history.

~Michelle