Shopping in Zushi Ginza

The other day after we went to the mochi festival, on our way home we stopped at a few local stores and picked up some goodies.
I added a few picture's here. :)
The 1st is a wine cooler type drink. It's caller 2 dogs, and wow its good! Each can is a different Fruit Flavor and its odd... but it tastes A Lot like the fruit.
Ethan and I both enjoyed trying a few of the flavors. I think Grape and Lemon [or grapefruit] is one flavor... what a taste!

I have always been in love with the bakeries here in Japan.
When we were out, i picked up a Loaf of Bread [fresh and mmmmmmmm] and a few semi sweet donut twists[for b-fast the next day].
[The sliced bread was from another shopping trip.]
On base we have the option of buying Loaf Bread but it's shipped in and Frozen. So, it does not have the same Softness and Texture as Real Bread. So, these little bread shops are just wonderful and Delicious!
I have also come to learn about making homemade Tortilla's and MMMmmmmm. Tortilla's are a GREAT bread substitute. We are loving the Warm Fresh Tortilla's around here!

We also bought a few new things to try [dessert]. Each one of these pack's were 118Y [that's about 1.20$]. The Strawberry one is similar to a lite waffle with strawberry whipped topping inside.. mmmmmm and we have not tried the chocolate one. I am thinking Eclair like. But, something i have learned from japan... is just because it looks like that... it could be something TOTALLY different [like filled with bean jam...]...:)

Here is a picture of the Veggies we bought at the Open Air Market here in Zushi Japan.

Mmmm Delicious.

The head of cauliflower & carrots are just huge!

Mochi Festival

Today we are invited to a Joint CPO {American & Japanese} Mochi Pounding Festival.
It was a Nice Day, no rain... and not to cold [in the sun].
I did again, sigh... forget my camera... but DON'T WORRY... There was not much to take pictures of! I'm not joking, ... there were VERY long lines and 4 small areas they pounded the Mochi.
There was a "Santa" and he was OK... but he did not have enough candy for all the kids [it was candy bags...] and so Olivia did not get one.
I had to Fight through MAJOR MAJOR HEARD of PEOPLE to get that ONE!
There was LOTs of Free Food... and Drinks.
But, i was really hoping for a neat Mochi performance.
They did let the kids pound the rice... and it was neat. We stayed for about a hour.
We did not even really eat. We waited in a line for OVER 30~45 minutes for some Yakitori. Oh, and Olivia and Ethan stood in a 20 minute line for some Yakisoba. After we watched them make the Mochi... saw Santa... tried some jpn food and of course ate Mochi... we left.
In Sasebo at Ethan's old command CFAS they do a Mochi Festival every yr, and ... it's SMALL and so Enjoyable!
This event had a FEW hundred people attend.

The good part of today... We took the JR line home. {same train we took when you were here, Kookoo...}
We took the JR from Yokosuka to Zushi. While walking the one block over to the Keiku Line... we stopped in a few stores. We also bumped into our friends Tim & Kathleen. We ended up buying some Veggies at a fresh food stall and some Fresh meat from a special Meat Store... mmmm and ... some other odds and ends. [some jpn beer for Ethan].
I just cant believe how many veggies i bought for 600 yen!!
Carrots again, a huge head of cauliflower and a bag of potatoes! I don't know about stateside... but here ... It's a Deal!
Also the veggies on base suck big time, so... this is double the reward!

I'll add pictures later of the goodies we got @ the store's. :) enjoy!

Mid-Week update

Not much going on here. I just finished round 2 of Christmas shopping.
I 'think' i am done. haha

We are slowly continuing to up pack. We have 4 boxes in our room, one in Olivia's... and 2 boxes in the Den. oh yea... and a few things in the Under stair closet.
That's It! I mean... i think that's good thinking we got our stuff on Friday evening! :)

We have the tree up and Not decorated yet... not even 'fluffed' yet... just out of the box.
So, this weekend we will work on finishing those boxes, and 'doing' the Tree.

This is a view of our tree from the front door. We have Stairs to the left... the Kitchen door to the immediate right and the closet and the bathroom to the very far left/right [to give you an idea].
Olivia & Evan decided to add a few things to the tree... but, we will truly decorate it this weekend. :) Enjoy!

How are You All Doing [family & friends...] reply back to me [those who get this in e-mail] and give Me an update! PLZ ;) Also fellow bloggers... leave me a comment and let me know how your doing... :)

K-Cup update...

The NEX has started to carry K-Cups for us Keurig lovers in Yokosuka! :):):)
I am still going to stay w/ the Green Mnt Club and get my Shipments.
[I enjoy getting 4 boxes at a time... variety!!!... and Free Shipping!]
But... when we run low on a basic flavor [or hot cocoa for Ethan] i can always get it in One Day! YEA!
[Happy Dance!]

Its a Smaller box... of 18 for 8.99 per box.
With my Club shipments is about 12$ a box... but it's got about 24 K-Cups per box.
Anyway you look at it... its about .50 cents a cup.
Mmmmmmmmmmmm!!! Delish!

LIVIN [Yokosuka, Japan]

On Saturday after Breakfast w/ Santa we decided [because we were already dressed & ready] to head out to 'LIVIN'.
LIVIN is a Japanese version on Wal-Mart. It has Wal-Mart brands [like George for clothing].
It was just so enjoyable to stroll through the BIG Store. They have a TON of 'stuff'. I don't know why any American could complain about not having a Super Center here in Yokosuka.
Although the prices are NOT walmart. haha

LIVIN is just past the main gate on 'new' 16 [water way drive]... only about 3~5 minutes driving. In the Spring... when it's not raining... it MIGHT be a nice 45 minute walk from the main gate. It only took us about 35 minutes to drive, and parking was Free! And would you know i FORGOT my camera in the Car! Yup... i remembered to bring it... forgot the thing in the car. I took pictures of what we bought. Not much. We will return to LIVIN! :)

Inside LIVIN is a nice size Hellp Kitty Store. They had EVERYTHING a girl could want, and even somethings for Boys. I was in love with the Shinkansen Items! [for Evan].

There is a Small Air Chamber with Papers floating inside, near the front of the store.
You pay 500Y [5 dollars] and have a chance of pulling a ticket w/ a BIG prize written inside.
[The prizes are NOT typically 'toys']

Olivia pulled for a chance at a Hello Kitty prize. She was excited to win a Kitty Dish! It's the perfect size [little] for a Snack, and very worth 500 yen!
It's glass and she always wants to eat off of it! haha
[These will be 2 of many prizes! lol I just LOVED these 'games' while living in Sasebo. I still use a large size salad bowl i 'won' from the Kitty Air Ticket Game.]

Evan pulled for a chance at the Snoopy prize. He did not win big,... but he did like what he won!
A Snoopy towel!! It's Plush!! Not the thin type from 100 Yshop... It's double the size shown here, and the same design on both sides.

I let each of the kids pick a bedroom water cup. The heat in this house [when on] is So Dry. I mean, heat is dry in general... but i feel like we are turning into jerky at times! haha

We also bought a bathroom brush [and i feel odd blogging about this... but... you gotta know...]. I have had a HARD time finding a bathroom brush w/ holder on Base. It's the oddest things you don't realize you'll need and cant get ... unless you venture outside those gates!

We also picked up this tape that is used to help things [my couch] from sliding on these floors. Oh and we also picked up a Shower Handle adjuster. Here on base [and off too] we have Japanese Style Shower heads... they are the kind w/ a hose attached. [they have them in America too...].

Anyways, we wanted to get a holder so we could make the kids shower Lower... like perfect for their size. CUTE!

Little Did You Know...

Not many people know that as a child i was called Mona Lisa. Yup! It's known to the world now! haha
When i was driving to "LIVIN" on Saturday afternoon i saw this 'cafe' on the side of the road.
Its a pretty close match to Mona... but i thought it odd that I was BORN in 1978.

Neat!!!

Breakfast w/ Santa

On Saturday morning about 7 am we got up... Yes, 7 am on a weekend. Why you might ask?? For the Children!
We went and had breakfast with the big guy.
It was a Reservation only deal... and it was a breakfast buffet. I have to say... Wow... i just loved the french toast! It was just like Harbor View's french toast [in sasebo japan] and i just love it! haha

Ok, enough about the Food!

Anyways, i forgot my Camera! UGH! I did. But, hey... we were 'moving in' the day before, and got up at the @ss Crack... i just forgot. haha

The Santa was Great. I will write a comment about to the Club. Super Good Santa, and the kids had a great time!
We will go again next yr!

We recieved our 'stuff'.1

On Friday our HHG's arrived!
Amazingly only one thing broke. Our Printer. Now, It was a $$$ printer, so i am more than happy to buy a new one on the navy! haha

Other that that, everything came with out mold... [unlike last time] or damage!

So, this is the reason i have been Quiet.
We already have about 80% of the boxes unpacked. The only thing i have not opened are boxes of wall decor or shelf's and stuff. I am not sure where i want to hang things, and i am sure ... i am buying new wall shelving.

Other that than that... we have been exploring our area a bit more... so a few more blogs to come!

Evan's Lego City

I had to take a picture of his Lego city before i try and move it upstairs.
[I am in clean up mode because the movers come tomorrow.]

He is only 3... and he loves these Micro-Lego's for ages 6+.

I Love the Whole World

This is a Video, so if you recieve this via e-mail... you will have to visit My Blog to view.

I just love this Discovery Channel Commercial! It's got a GREAT tune... and always cheer's me up. The 2nd Video is 'homemade' video from the same song... Disney Version! CUTE!!!

Enjoy! The World is such an Amazing Place!!

Family Movie Night [Holiday Movie Selection] It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie

Tonight we were watching It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie.
I usually don't enjoy The Muppets. They are not a Favorite of mine.
The movie was really good though!
It was a good holiday movie to add to our collection.
Olivia (7) really Enjoyed watching it!
Evan (3) could care less.
Ethan's favorite Characters are The Muppets. :)
The kids have really enjoyed having Daddy around.

I really loved this movie... as i Really like Joan Cusack.


This photo was taken with my Web Cam, as my Kodak Camera is out of batteries.

And 9 Weeks Later....

We DID NOT find out we are Pregnant... LMAO!!!...
What's the NEWS???

Our Household Goods will be Delivered!!!
Yup! Friday is the Day! :)

I am soooooooooooooooooooo excited and happy. We will have the entire weekend to get the house workable for the upcoming week.
:):):)
I am hoping that our items fit into this place... and we are happy with the flow.

Ok! That's the News!

Learning to Read

Olivia came to me this afternoon and said "Mom i am starting this book!"
I said... oh yea??
She started to tell me about it, and showing pages she read.
I pointed to the 1st page in the book, and asked her "What about this page?"
She said... "Oh... i did not read that page... i am sure there is nothing interesting on that page.."

LMAO!!!!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA
(Sooo something a 7 yr old would do... to me. A new 7 yr old at least.)

She proceeded to show me the next 2 pages... and tell me allllll about them.
haha...
I now see why the 1st page nothing she wanted to read... There was no Illustrations! She LOVE's the Small Pictures that go with the story's.
Me too, i have to admit.

Happy Birthday Olivia!!!

Happy Birthday Olivia!!!

7 years ago you were born!!!!

Olivia was born in Sasebo Japan. She was 8 pounds and 20.5 inches long.

Little Olivia was born in a Small Japanese Hospital in rural Sasebo.

She was delivered by a Dr. Higashigima at exactly 10 am.

Her Daddy, Meemaw & Grandma-ma were in the room.

She has a special birthday because she was born in a forgein counrty, but also because she shares her special day with her Grandma-ma & her Grandma C. [My Mom & Ethans Mom.]

Happy Birthday Grandma's!!!!!

I wish I had baby pictures to share, but i dont. [everything is on CD at the moment in Ethans' paperwork.] [New Laptop, as the old one died the 1st week of our move.]

She is a chearful, loving & compasionate child. I could not ask for anything more in a Daughter! She is my little livynea.............

---> i did what could with disposable pans and supplies--->

------------> Thank You Grandma-ma!!! I just love 'Holly' my new doll------>

-----------> my very own brother present. hahahaha---------->

Evan got her the Fairy's DVD & Grandma-ma got her the doll.

Mommy & Daddy got her the LPS, Polly pocket & Ticker bell Sticker book.

Also, thank you to Tim & Kathleen for the Kitty Cat LPS [not shown] & the 2 $ bill!!!

Remember, please click the picture if you want to see it larger.
Also, this is not our furniture. We are still living with Navy Loaner 'stuff'.

K-Cup Heaven!

They have Arrived.......................... THANK YOU ERIC & KITTY.................. :) x1000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

This should last us a while... Ahhhhhhhh!

I had a "Our Blend" tonight and it was wonderful with Vanilla Spiced Rum Creamer... MMMMMMMmmmmmmmmmmm [no alcohol ]

I just placed another order of a more holiday selection... i hope they get here!! We will see... I sent them to our FPO Address.

Fingers Crossed!!

Evan at Kamakura

Evan at Kamakura...

Happy Thanksgiving from Japan!!

Happy Thanksgiving from Japan!!!!! We truly miss our family and friends during this holiday.
It has been sad... but we are making the best of it.
We REALLY missed Meemaw & Peepaw's Company... and of course home made food. We have spent most of our Thanksgiving's with Meemaw & Peepaw over the last few years. So having it with out them this year... is sad.
I of course miss my Mom on this day... i know she could use our help today... as she is having some major company.
My sister Diana is Pregnant... I sure do miss her.
I miss my Dad & Molly & The girls too!!!
Kelly & Kitty... my Very best friends... and their family's... GOSH... I have so very much to be thankful for this year.... Thankful for the WONDERFUL AWESOME Family & Friends.
I miss KY in the Winder & Ethan's Warm Wonderful Family. I am sure we are missing out on some fun 'cabin thanksgiving'.
I have so many things to be thankful for this year....
Thank You... for being Awesome Family & Friends ...................... We love you!!

This year... due to lack of 'stuff',.....We went to the Officer's Club this year. It was a nice place ... and we got dressed up... We never do that!!!
The $$ was ok... 35 $ for the Family {olivia and evan being free}.
I do have to say... there was NO GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE! OMG.... doesn't everyone have that??? I guess they don't in Japan.
I have to say... we will be having a Big Homemade Christmas Dinner this year!!



I do want to say Hello to my Friends Anne & Tiffany who are spending their Thanksgiving away from home. Anne is in Tokyo & Tiffany is in Kyoto! How Fun!!! Take pic's Girls... and i cant wait to hear all about it!!!!

Evan ...

This is a Video of Evan playing today in the down stairs bathroom.
He just can make anything into a 'toy'...
I love how he balanced his toothbrush upside down and made a 'bubble'...
Very Creative.

If you want to see this video in better quality just click the video... it will go to youtube website & click watch in high quality. :)

[If you get this via e-mail, you might need to visit the actual blog to view the video. my website ]

K-cup Katastrophe

Whats the Catastrophe? .... The NEX does not sell K-Cups. Well, they sell the Hot cocoa... but, that's it. :(
Thanks Kitty for turning me onto the Keurig... the best coffee machine ever... i just might have to put in a Request for the Commissary to carry at least One Variety.
So yesterday I made the 1st batch of homemade cookies in our new house, I wish we had a Cup of Joe to go along with... They were good anyways. :)
I have to thank Kitty & Eric for 'Sponsoring our Addiction' and letting me order k-cups [&having them sent to thier house...] and they are shipping them to me Via Priority Mail, so i will be able to receive them this year... haha.

On a Up Note, the cookies were Delish!!!!!!!!
Homemade cookies sure make it feel like 'home' around here.

awesome commercial