Four Days in Kyoto

Not as long as Seven Years in Tibet, but adequate to get the job done.

Confused?

Last week we took a trip down to Kyoto for our first "in Japan" family vacation (probably last--it was exhausting). We left (via Shinkansen aka Bullet Train) Monday morning and came home Thursday night. (Kyoto is the setting for "Memoirs of a Geisha" and the former capital of Japan.)

Turns out our three sons don't care much about the changing seat of power in ancient Japan or the historical significance of Buddhist or Shinto temples and their place in Japanese Religion. But they DO like bullet trains and Samurai swords. So the trip was a win/win for everyone.

Rather than re-cap the WHOLE TRIP, (we packed a lot into 4 days) I'll just mention some highlights and lowlights. And I'll probably spread them out a bit. Cause, for example, right now it's bed time and I should be upstairs helping Doug.

But here's a start:

Visit to The Imperial Palace--where Emperors held court. The structures were often destroyed by fire and then had to be rebuilt. (You'd think at some point they'd have started building with more stone. But no.)

Highlight for the boys: lots of gravel to pile into "pyramids". Seriously. We took a tour this day and visited three different places. They're favorite part of the day was the gravel.

The GRAVEL!

*Note: The color Vermillion scares away evil spirits and is also thought of as a HAPPY color. The white gravel in the inner courtyard represents purity.

*Note: "The Oikeniwa Garden is a strolling garden, the main feature of which is a large pond with an artificial shoreline..."

Lowlight: Boy's playing in gravel all day makes for three REALLY FILTHY boys!

Note to self: Gravel and Crocs are not a good combination.

Each night ended in all three boys in the Hotel Tub soaking their nasty black feet.

To be continued...

Gabe's First Party

Gabe was invited to his first "friend party" ever. Madeline's party was held at the Weasels' Den

Before the party:
(He gave her a vintage Effanbee "Butterball" doll.)
(Madeline is one of his BFF's and he mimics her speech and mannerisms quite a bit. And her foot stomp.)
After the party:A good time was (obviously) had by all!

The Best Lunch EH-VER!!

Doug got home from his TDY* to San Francisco a few days ago. What? You didn't know he was gone? That's because I didn't tell you, CREEPY STALKER!!! (Have I mentioned lately that I live in a gated community protected by armed guards? I do. Plus, I keep a 50 lb. MagLite about my person.)

Anyway, he was gone for over a week. Went to a conference, learned some stuff, saw his wonderful parents, brother Mark & Co., went to eat with some fabulous old friends, and basically had a grand ol' time. (Plus, he did all of the shopping and fetching I required of him.)

AND, he ate out a lot. Jerk. (Doug's family; I use that affectionately.)

--Extensive and over-long digression:--

Now, since I've been pregnant, we (or just I) have been eating out a lot more. In fact, we (okay, I!) over spent our eating-out budget last month by, like, a LOT. Because when you're pregnant, and puking, and all of the sudden something sounds good--not just good--LIFE SAVING, well, you get it and eat it immediately.

For example: One day I went in to Arts and Crafts on a Saturday afternoon. I was hand painting some pots. My co-worker offered to get me lunch at the base Popeyes and I, being nauseated, but hungry, agreed.

Do you know what Popeyes is? It's a southern place like unto KFC. They do a lot of deep frying there. As in, everything on the menu is soaked in oil before being cooked and they don't even pretend any of it has nutritional value. This was my first experience actually eating food from there. She (co-worker) got me a meal. Three chicken strips, french fries, a biscuit, (bleh to biscuits) and large a root beer.

Let me tell you how often I order a fast food meal like this: Never.

But that day, it saved my life. Those french fries (which were greasy enough to have been triple fried) were the best artery-clogging goodness I've ever eaten. I thought about that meal all weekend long and went back Monday morning at 9:30 a.m. for seconds. A pregnant woman's gotta do what she's gotta do.

Since then, there have been more desperate cravings for Taco Bell Nacho's Bell Grande, (another new one for me--I'm usually a '7 layer, no tomato' girl.) Shrimp & Veggie Tempura, more Nacho's Bell Grande, Salmon, Steak, Hamburgers with fry sauce, a Chocolate/Banana shake, fruity carbonated beverages, and peanut butter apples.

All of these things, when I got them in my hot little hands, were the best things I'd ever eaten.

Until Thursday morning when Doug got home.

--Now back to the point:--

And he gave me this:

Fresh Bodine Sour Dough Bread and Clam Chowder!!!

(I devoured it immediately!)

BEST!LUNCH!EVER!!!

(at least until I start craving nachos again.)

Welcome home Sugar Lips!!! And thanks again for LUNCH!!!

*Temporary DutY: (Most of the acronyms around here make no sense.)

Misawa is in TCCOR 3!

I don't actually know what TCCOR 3 means. But I DO know there is a tropical storm headed our way and we're in for some rain and high winds.

This is what the flyer left on my door said:

*Residents will secure all outside equipment and properly secure/store it.

*Trampoline owners will remove safety net & turn trampoline upside down.

The last big wind storm we had relocated our trampoline to someone else's backyard. Guess they're trying to prevent that from happening again!

Should be fun to watch!

Fitting in and Cleaning House in Japan

I have this problem. (One of many.) I'm house-keeping challenged. I blame my ADD. See, every time I try to clean a room, I get side-tracked by some small insignificant detail in the room. For example: I might go to put something away and notice the drawer where it belongs is a mess. So I start cleaning out and organizing the drawer. Then realize that to properly organize said drawer I need a drawer organizer. Which means a trip to the 100 Yen store. Which may take a few days to get to. And wherein (when I eventually make it) I will be sidetracked by all the cool stuff, buy supplies for an art project I'll never complete, and forget the drawer organizer.

So you see, my home is never very tidy. (But I'll be darned if my drawers and cupboards don't look AWESOME!)

I thought it was pretty bad!

Then I got pregnant.

Got morning sickness.

Got tired.

Got pukey.

Took lots of naps.

Got a nasty cold.

Got over the cold.

Got the flu.

Didn't shower or get out of bed for two days.

etc. etc.

(ad nauseam, if you will)

And weeks ago I gave up even trying. The kitchen makes me sick. The bathrooms make me sick. Thinking about cleaning anything makes me sick. So I've stopped all that nonsense.

And it turns out I must have been accomplishing something before, because things around here have actually gotten a lot worse.

Doug helps all he can (with only a slightly disgruntled air) but he's only home for so many hours. And he's already doing all the cooking.

Desperate times call for desperate measures.

I called in the heavy artillery.

I hired a Mamasan.

What is a Mamasan? A Mamasan is a magical being.

A Mamasan is a Japanese lady--usually an old lady--who will come to your house and work wonders.

She is (usually) hired to babysit or clean.

She (usually) rides to your house on her bike.

The standard fee is (usually) 5,000 yen/day. (Roughly $60.)

And she (usually) wants lunch. Or in some cases, coffee or a Coke.

My Mamasan (whose name I wrote down but now can't find the paper) came at 8:30 a.m. last Monday and left around 14:45. (2:45 p.m.) I got her a Subway sandwich. (Like I said--I don't go in the kitchen these days.) She brought her own Instant Coffee.

While she was here she cleaned the kitchen, the bathrooms, straightened the bedrooms (made the beds) and vacuumed all the carpet.

While she was here, I left and did my Visiting Teaching!

Talk about a win/win.

She's coming again next week and I can hardly wait.

I know it wont last long. Doug is too cheap and my nausea is easing somewhat. But I'm going to enjoy it while I can.

And on a totally unrelated note:

Isn't this a cute family tree Max and I made? It includes three boys, two parents, and six grandparents.

That makes three whole things I've accomplished in the last 3 months. Hire Mamasan to clean: check! Visiting Teaching: check! Help with school project: check!

Good to know I can still pull my own weight around here!!!

(Oh yeah! And Write Blog Post: CHECK! I'm totally awesome!!!)

My Mom Thinks I'm Funny. Doug doesn't.

I got an e-mail today from someone at "The Bump" telling me to nominate myself and my favorite blogs for "The Bump Mommy Blog Awards". I like voting for other blogs! I like blog awards! I like recognition!

BUT, I normally don't bother with this kind of thing because then I have to REGISTER and fill out--like--ten lines of information. And WOAH, that's just too time consuming.

But then I noticed the winner gets a $100 Pottery Barn gift certificate. And I'm highly motivated by money. Even when nauseated.

So I did it! (Registering only took about 32 seconds, so it wasn't THAT bad.) And nominated myself of course, because HEY! My mom says I'm funny! (But really cause I want want $100 PB bucks.) And then I nominated some friends. And now I'm telling YOU! So you can vote for me! Er, I mean, yourself and possibly win a $100 PB gift certificate. (But if you win I want a full report on what you get from Pottery Barn. And I promise to be happy for you...and only a little bitter that you snaked my victory.)

Interested? Click HERE!

P.S. I'd never heard of "The Bump" before today. But it looks like a pretty good site having to do with all things baby related! I'm planning to check out the section on "Baby Names" later.

I Dream of Crazy

In my dream, it's dumping snow outside. Tons of white fluffy snow is piling up and making it look like a Japanese winter wonderland. Doug looks outside and immediately gets excited. He starts pulling out Christmas decorations. White light covered Christmas trees and garlands. He's putting them up everywhere and the house is starting to look quite festive. In the midst of the decorating chaos, I have a sudden realization: It's late September! I was about to start decorating for Halloween! I bought all those decorations from Target 75% off last year! I yell...

"Doug, DOUG STOOOOOP!!!"

All of the sudden Doug is spooning Cheerios into my mouth.

"Thanks Honey" I mumble groggily. I assume he's on his way to work and helping me start the day off without nausea. Just to be sure I ask;

"What time is it?"

"It's 4:45."

I'm a little confused. It's very early. I take another bite.

"Why am I eating this?"

"Because you woke me up. Violently."

He doesn't state the obvious; "...and I assumed it was because you were about to yak."

Crunch. I take another bite.

It's probably the 5th time he's been up tonight. Sam had a nightmare and climbed into our bed--twice. Max has a cough and keeps crying out for comfort.

And then I go and wake him up.

Violently.

Maybe I'll just wait till tomorrow to tell him I just wanted him to stop putting up the Christmas decorations. Yeah. I'll just wait.

Sorry, Honey!

Cheer me up. NOW!

I'm in a funk.

It's been a bad week.

I'm tired, cranky, hormonal, and puke-y.

The kids had the day off today.

My house is a mess.

I can't clean and I can't cook.

(I'm not saying I don't want to, (I don't) I'm saying I actually can't because I'll just end up heaving in the nearest garbage can which helps no one.)

So I'm asking for YOUR help.

You have three choices:

Do my blogging for me. Write something funny or silly or entertaining. It can be one sentence or a long story. E-mail it to me and I'll post it on my blog. (emilydeon(at)gmail(dot)com)

OR

Give this picture a funny title or caption: (It sums up perfectly how I'm feeling.)

OR

Wire me some money.

You choose.

Now get to work!

IT'S A...

BEAN!!!

I had my first ultrasound today! Based on the ultrasound and the FDLP date, I am officially allegedly 9 weeks and 4 days pregnant with a due date of April 10th, 2010.

We heard and saw the heart beat, and saw the tiny line of a spine and the leg and arm buds.

It looked to be a decidedly female bean to me, but I'm not getting my hopes up. (Who am I kidding?!)

In other news, Sammy FINALLY started kindergarten yesterday, got his first "Green" today, and now has a fever and probably wont go tomorrow. (Big sigh from Mom.) Nothing like a Back-to-School virus to get me all excited about the upcoming cold and flu season.

In even otherer news, Gabe wants me to entertain him the entire time his brothers are gone. The ENTIRE TIME! This means we play "catch". A LOT of "catch". And boy is he mad when I want to STOP playing "catch" after 3.5 hours...
So to punish me, he's climbs out of his crib at nap time and/or runs away to the neighbors when my back is turned.

And here I thought having only one at home would be EASIER!

That's all for now. Will blog again when there's a break in the nausea.

Queasily yours--
Em

The State of Things

I'm nauseated.  24/7.  (But so far I'm not puking, so that's somethin'!

Doug is participating in an "Exercise" this week.  This means, instead of seeing patients, he runs around in Chem. Gear and a Gas Mask from 6a.m. - 6:30p.m.  Or later.  He's not happy about it.  I'm not happy about it.  (Understatement of the year.)  I teach Wheel at 6 p.m. sharp people!!!

Gabe learned how to climb out of his crib.  Right now I'm watching him run towards the neighbors house because I'm too tired to put him in bed for his nap--again.

Someone keeps peeing in/on the training potty.  Only it isn't Gabe.  (And whoever it is doesn't have good aim.)

Sam is ticked off that kindergarten starts a week after regular school and complains about it--loudly--multiple times daily.

Max wants to work for a T.V. station when he grows up so he can "watch T.V. all day long."  (Most disheartening thing I've heard all year.)

Sam got an in-home visit from his Kindergarten teacher today.  He got out every weapon we own and repeatedly punched things at random.  Awesome.

But on the bright side...

Today Sam said:   (While "tagging" the air.) "Mom, did you know Jesus--I mean da Hoey (Holy) Ghost--is down heo (here) and I'm pwaying (playing) tag wif him?!?" 

So at least there's THAT!

Items of Note/Notorious Items

All of these items could be their own post.  But I don't have that kind of time so take what you get and be happy about it!!!

*Sammy had a birthday and turned 5. 

*Doug and I had a big fight but we made up.  And then we had our 9 year anniversary the next day.  Maybe I'll post about it one day.  (The anniversary--not the fight.  That would be like admitting we don't have a perfect marriage.  Which we do.  BTW, we fought on our 8 year anniversary too.  It's our new fun anniversary tradition.)

*I'm supposed to be returning from hiking Mt. Fuji right now.  But I'm not.  (FORTUNATELY!!!)  Because I have bigger fish to fry/people to buy food for.

*I was called to be "Camp Food Coordinator" (or something) and I'm headed to church GIRL'S CAMP Tuesday morning.  (And the commissary is closed on Monday, and I can't shop on Sunday, so I had to shop on Saturday, which meant I couldn't hike Mt. Fuji.)  (FORTUNATELY!!!)

*Though I LOVE camping, I never really liked Girl's Camp as a 12-16 year old.  Too much drama.

*And frankly, I'm pretty sure I don't like camping with Morning Sickness, either.  (How's THAT for drama?!?)

*If you noticed I'm getting fatter and asked if I was pregnant...I forgive you.  ('Cause I am and I am.  But I didn't know it at the time...so nevermind...you're not forgiven.)

*Doug participated in his FIRST TRIATHALON on Saturday morning and did quite well.  Not that I would know as I was home sleeping and didn't arrive on scene until 40 minutes after he finished.  But I HEAR he did quite well.  Go Doug.  (But NO Doug.  You may NOT buy an expensive bike.)

*I personally believe marathons and triathalons are for MASOCHISTS!  Yeah, you heard me every.single.female.friend I have!!!  Masochists and CRAZY PEOPLE!!!!!

*I (also) personally believe the only good reason to run is if you're being chased.  By a mugger.  (If I've said it once, I've said it 10,000 times!!!)

Well, that pretty much sums up the last two months.  Any questions?

"Max Power...is his name..."

SOME how, at some point, probably when my back was turned... (he used to do a lot of naughty things while my back was turned)  

this little boy... 

...grew up!  

Maxwell joined our family when we were still newly weds going to school and living in Provo, UT. 

He turned us into an official family.  Sure, marrying Doug was great and all, but we were just playing house until this kid came along.  (And he made it so I didn't constantly stare at all the other babies at church on Sunday and comment to Doug how CUTE they were!!!)

(People at church would stare at him and comment about is huge toothless, slobbery grin.)

He moved to San Francisco with us where we lived for four years, and then tagged along when we switched coasts and lived in Rhode Island for two.  

Now he lives happily in Northern Japan.  

Not bad for an almost 8 year old!  

And at some point...he went and grew.  

And stopped pulling stuffing out of pillows and sneaking Lucky Charms while I showered blissfully unaware.

Now he makes his own sandwiches*.

Practices piano and writes in his journal.

And begs for "reading time" with Mommy at night.

He even learned how to put a diaper on Gabe!  (But only to save himself from embarrassment and our family from a reputation as exhibitionists.  Too late!)He's just an all around cool human being.

I Love you Max!  Thanks for being part of our family!!!

*Made with organic "Whole Oat" bread which Max loves because he considers it "white bread" which has been banished in this house since 1861.

"Good Food Choice"

When I was in High School, my mom would try to temper my sugar addiction by asking me;

"Now Emily, is that a good food choice?"

Translation: "Emily, if you eat that bowl of ice cream for breakfast you will be a cranky, raving, hypoglycemic mess by 9 a.m.  So maybe you should consider Oatmeal as a sensible alternative...!?!"

Well, sometimes I listened, and sometimes I didn't.  And I'm still trying to make "good food choices".  One small step we've taken is to try to buy things without High-Fructose Corn Syrup and/or MSG.

So seeing these two videos on another blog made me laugh and laugh!

I just found out my sis-in-law Chrissy is still in the hospital.  They found out what's wrong with her:  Aside from the collapsed lung full of fluid, she has 3 pulmonary embolisms.  

NOT GOOD!

So please throw some prayers and good vibes her way!  

This:

Resulted in this:

in her lungs!

Love you Chrissy!  Get better IMMEDIATELY!!!  I'm already planning your visit!!!

-sigh-

My brother stole my blog again.  

AGAIN!!!  

But before I knew anything about it, the post was taken down!  (Most likely by my sis-in-law who says she informed him "It's only funny the first time".)  

Anyway, I got to read the removed post because it was still in my "Google Reader".

(Then I searched through my blog settings and removed "Brandoneous" as my blog 'administrator'.  (The AUDACITY!!!)  Silly me.  Can't believe I didn't look there before.)

So hopefully my blog is safe for a little while longer...again.  (A girl can dream, right?!)

  

(BTW, you will get zero delicious No-bake Cookies for your evil deeds, Brandon.  NONE!  You have to earn them through GOODNESS!)

Anyway, Brandon asked an important question in his illegal/unauthorized post, and since I really am genuinely curious about your response (though I do NOT condone his methods) I'll ask it again here:

So here goes:

If you were the youngest (and therefore most picked-on) child in a fabulously dysfunctional family of five, and you had the choice between the following, which would you choose?

Plan A:  A trip to Utah to attend a family reunion at Aspen Grove with the Call Kids.  (Plus, we'd probably have a reunion with Doug's family too!)

OR

Plan B:  A trip to one of the following for the same price, possibly much less; Australia, Thai Land, or China.

A few points to help you make your decision:

* We just hit our one year mark here.  Only two years left to visit the locals mentioned in Plan B.  (Cause let's face it:  It's now or never.)  

* Whereas, Aspen will always be an option.

* Family Reunions are great for kids.  Aspen is great for family reunions and the kids would have a blast with their cousins.   Which I do realize is important.  (I always loved seeing my cousins at reunions growing up.)  

* ...But did I mention it's really REALLY REEEEEALLY expensive?  And they'd have as much fun at the local park with their school friends?

* Some of my family members don't like me that much.  In fact, I'm not even on speaking terms with all of them at the moment.  Which is surprising considering how naturally charming and witty I am.  (People who aren't my siblings really like me!  Really!!!)

* Jenny and my SIL Christina still like me.  (I think.  Haven't talked to Jenny today...)  (Christina, you rock.  Thanks for defending my blog.  Get better SOON!!!)

* We would get to see Doug's family and they're super cool.  (Though they don't tell as many inappropriate jokes.  Is that good or bad? You decide.)

* Absence makes the heart grow fonder.  Just think of how much everyone will love us if we stay away another 2-12 years.

* A little of my family goes a long way.

(And if you'd like to argue that sentiment, Brandon, please recall your recent de-flowering of my blog and all the arguments I managed to get in in a short 5 day period.)

* Trip to Utah: 24 hours of travel x 3 kids = 72 hours of hell.  (Trust me.  The math works)

* Trip to Utah: 2-4 days of jet lag x 3 kids = 12 lost days.  (Trust me again.)

* Did I mention Australia???

So, what say you blog readers!?!?

Please cast your vote:  I even designed a poll for the sidebar!  (Why?  Because I can.)

Plan A = Utah 

Plan B = Dream Vacation

Now let your voice be heard!!!

*Also, please feel free to send as much spam as you want to the following e-mail address:

brandoneous@gmail.com*

Last Chance...

to enter to win "Hard Times and Holy Places" by Kristen Belcher.

Just leave a comment HERE!!!

(Chop chop, people!!!)

Overheard...

Playing Uno on the back porch...(a recent obsession.)

Thomas:  "It's not about winning.  It's about having fun."

Maxwell:  "No, it's about winning and having fun.  'Cause winning is fun!"

Blah Blah Blubber

Just so you know:

I've gained a little weight over the past year.

And I've made some unfortunate wardrobe choices.  

(The empire waist may be "in" but it's not slimming!)

This has led to a few people asking me if I'm pregnant.

The answer is no.  

No, I'm not.

But we have been trying unsuccessfully for a year which has led me to soothe my soul with copious amounts of M&M's.  

So in a way, I AM carrying a baby.

A ten-pound food baby.

(We're happy together.)

Just wanted to clear that up!!

Oh, and one more thing:

To the Bratty Girls in 1st-12th grade who used to look me up and down and say 

"UGH!  You're so SKINNY you make me SICK!"  (Not a compliment.)

I just have one thing to say:

...I'm still skinnier than you.  

Sorry.

xo

-Em

(But to all you NICE girls out there, don't worry!  You are WAY skinnier than I am!  Really!  I'm so sorry for being bratty!  It's because it's way past my bedtime and I had way too many M&M's tonight while watching Burn Notice!  Can you forgive me???!!!???)

Book Review and Giveaway

I just got an IM from my mom.  In a few short hours, she'll be on a plane headed for the Dominican Republic.  Awesome!  Tropical weather all year round.  Aren't ya sorta jealous?

Well, for those of you who aren't headed to an exotic destination, here's something to keep you busy...  Head over to Gratuitous Reviews for a book review and giveway!  You wont want to miss this one!

http://gratuitousreviews.blogspot.com/2009/07/hard-times-and-holy-places-book-review.html

Good luck!

Em

A Boring-ish Post about a Really Fun Trip--Plus old photos

Newlyweds John and Faezer. Headed to the D.R. in a few short days!(Any trip that includes a visit to Rubio's for Fish Taco's is bound to be a success. The American Fork location is no where near as nice as the Southern California locations, but the taco's taste just as good.)

Anna's parents: Some of my very favorite humans!!! (Bishop C. is half responsible for Sam's middle name. Doug's dad is responsible for the other half!)

This is my sister Jenny talking to Kristen who was my next door neighbor on Camino Circle. Her older brother Aaron came too with his cute wife and girls! It was so fun to see them for the first time in YEARS! Kristen even said she likes me now that I'm not an annoying little brat.

I get that a lot.

Speaking of friends we haven't seen in years, we were THRILLED to see Lynn, Jeph, and Johnny S. Also neighbors from good-old Cottonwood Heights. Lynn raised five boys (part of the time as a single mom) and lived to tell about it. She's my idol!And yes. As mentioned on Brandon's blog, I went on my first date with Danny. (Son number 2 not in attendance.)

That went down something like this: "Mom and Dad, I know you're going to want to set me up for my first date on my 16th birthday. But whatever you do, don't set me up with Danny (said with fingers crossed behind my back.) 'Cause that would be, like, so embarrassing." Mom and Dad: "Huh?"

Fabulous former roommates Anna-Banana (on tip-toe so she can be taller than me) and P.B. (real name=Michelle) holding sweet little Preslie.

I fell in love with Preslie instantly--even though she was a little unsure about me. P.B. started a great blog after Preslie was born chronicling their adventures in and out of the hospital. Seems like most of the first few months of Preslie's life were spent in the hospital. But I'm pretty sure they think she's worth it.

Did you know that 80% of Downs Syndrome babies are aborted? Can you believe that?!? Those misguided folks don't know what they're missing! (Why don't they give their baby to ME?!?)

Another great friend, Fletchy, lived with us in Carlsbad for a little while. I'm so glad you dragged your whole family to Springville, Fletch!!! (Real name=Brenda)
Faezer and I holding my newest Cousin-Nephew Coleman. Cousin Kimmy's first baby! I love you Cole!!! I love your faux-hawk!!! Come visit me in Japan, okay?!?!

(Some of) The Fam. Thanks for hosting the after-party Bubba.

But no thanks for hijacking my blog you flaming lunatic!!!

(Dear Readers/Commentors, I promise it's safe to come back now. I wont let the bad man mess with my blog any more, okay?!?!)