grateful for my Japanese heritage

It is my desire to dive back into my Japanese heritage after long years of enjoying the melting pot of Southern California culture. My kids know only a few Japanese words related to food: gohan (cooked rice), sushi (you should know), and hashi (chopsticks). There are possibly a few more words but we don't exercise their tiny Japanese vocabulary often.

My husband and I and our four kids recently took a road trip to

Northern California to spend time with both of our families. We planned on going to the San Francisco Cherry Blossom Festival in San Francisco with my parents. To find parking, we had to brave the crowded and narrow streets to find a lot close enough with a walk to Japantown without having to take a breather. But since I managed to forget an important toddler necessity, we took a break at the local Safeway to buy diapers. And because I am married to the smartest guy on the planet, we enjoyed two warm lattes to help us battle the brisk city winds. Heavenly.

The sights and sounds of the festival brought back memories of my local cultural center's summer festivals that my sister and I participated in during our childhood. Back then, we danced in the traditional Japanese Obon, a custom to honor one's ancestors. I recall the dance practices, the kimono fittings, and how tight you had to tie the obi around your waist to carry all the noisemakers. My favorite things were the dainty Japanese fans and the sparkly silver and pink hair ornaments you were fortunate to wear if your mom remembered to bring them.

But here, in San Francisco, we followed the beating of the drums to the center stage to watch the talented Taiko performance. The ornate and artistic backdrop possessed certain beauty to the entire crowd of excited onlookers, from every walk of life. The style and flair of the exhibition was amazing, although the drums were a little too loud for our three year old. Yes, our adorable kids love the stage!

A few of us entered the Katana exhibition of the Japanese sword. Our eight and ten year old had many questions about the majestic swords. I was somewhat wary of them getting so close to exotic but deadly weapons, but it turned out to be a learning experience for them.

After splurging on some chicken and sushi, we ended our day with observing the karate demonstration. The best part of this entertainment were the kids that were up on stage enjoying the limelight. I thought our 8 year old son would plead to learn martial arts, but it was our 10 year old daughter that urged us to sign her up. 

Our trip to the Cherry Blossom Festival in San Francisco was a taste of Japanese culture that I had enjoyed growing up. Thank you mom and dad for raising me to be a American citizen, proud of our country. And thank you mom and dad for also giving me the opportunity to cherish the Japanese heritage to which I was born. Thank you mom and dad, I am grateful.

locks of love

There was only one time in my life that I had my hair cut shorter than shoulder length. In some strange way, I feel like I can be more mysterious behind my long hair. Naturally, I've loved my girls to have long hair, flowing, glistening, and shining in the Southern California sun. 

A short time ago we talked to our oldest daughter about trimming her long, soft tresses. I mentioned to her an article that I had seen about girls donating their hair to worthy causes. She liked the idea and over time decided to take the challenge.

I am proud of her! She had a few surprises along the way...she didn't like the initial haircut, but endured the awkward stages. I thought she was graceful the entire time. And she gave up something for the sake of others. Not easy for any 10 year old.

Months later, the short hair is only a brief memory. But it serves as a reminder of a small sacrifice. She complains when I try to fix her hair. "Mom, why do you make such a fuss about my hair? Can't I just do it like I want to??" Sigh. 

Go, beautiful daughter of mine...be free of mom's controlling hair issues...be free of mom wanting it to be perfect in every way! I'm just starting to understand that it's just right for her, without me getting in the way.

So here's a candid shot while we were on a field trip to the neighborhood dump. Isn't she confident? Radiant? Naturally beautiful? 

Up next...Do you know where your trash goes? Do you know where your recycled materials go? The trash site story is for another post, for another day. 

sweet jewelry

My daughter has loved jewelry since she was old enough to talk. She loves little bracelets and necklaces that match her uniqueness and beauty! We made this cute glass piece together, made from authentic japanese papers. It was our first one...I think it turned out wonderfully!

Also, since the beginning of last year, I've started a journey of love for the written word. What I mean is I've been interested in

writing and designing jewelry with words "written in my heart," that is words of affirmation, inspiration, and passion.  This one is personalized but I'm in the process of creating others with a heartfelt message. It is a sweet hand-stamped sterling silver disc with gorgeous crystals or semi-precious stones.

I'd love to also include creating jewelry with acai beads, a bead that is a by product of acai berries that are known to give wisdom, strength, and good health. They are eco-friendly and acai is saving the Amazonian rainforest from extinction.

Lots of ideas and so little time...

giggle and wiggle

I've been into videos lately - can you tell? I giggle every time I watch my son wiggle! I just learned how to post videos on you tube, blogger, and facebook. I know, finally! 

cheerios monster

I have a cookie monster eating cheerios in my kitchen. He's not blue or from Sesame Street but he's cute...

sweet valentine

Hope you had a terrific Valentine's Day! We sure did! Our kids made precious Valentines for us. Our 3 year old daughter decorated a card for me. She lovingly gave me this one...(ERSHP) and she said, "Here's your card, mommy!" How wonderful! I think it says mommy on it? 

We had a blast at the kids' homeschool Valentine's Day party yesterday. The mom who organized the party was so creative! She made a bingo game and had the girls decorate cookies and cupcakes, to name a few of the activities to keep the kids occupied. We were indoors because of the rain, but we made the best of it! I'm going to post some pictures on facebook so you can see the creative talents of all the kids who made tasty goodies!

You probably love music like I do. You'll have to check out Pandora for free internet radio. You'll love it! I'm listening to Pandora right now while I'm typing. You can set up your favorite songs to play with no commercials! Oh, just had a thought! And yes, it works! You can type in "Disney" and with just a click of a button you can set up Disney Channel songs that play with no interruptions! No bothersome commercials that sell the kids on stuff that they don't need but think they need because they heard it on the radio or saw it on TV. Thank you Pandora!

mommy intelligence

I have felt unintelligent before. I'm a stay-at-home mom of four and homeschool the two older ones. I put all my efforts into raising and teaching my kids, while saving some time and energy for my husband! Very little left for just me to do what I want to do. I mean, how much intelligence does it take to do a load of laundry or turn on the dishwasher or change a diaper?? If you have felt like this before, I have hope for you.

You need to read The Success Journey by John C. Maxwell. Books by him, in my opinion, aren't usually geared for the mom types. I used to think that they were mostly for the corporate business minded types. But lately I've been very glad to have them around. I was cleaning the living room (miracle!) and came across The Success Journey. He has a section on "Steps to Building a Strong Family." In this section, he states that there are certain tools for us to help us appreciate each family member's uniqueness and to enhance our ability to see each other's natural talents. One of the tools is Thomas Armstrong's book, Kinds of Smart.

There are seven kinds of intelligences in Kinds of Smart. Now, I do not have linguistic intelligence, logical-mathematical intelligence, spatial intelligence, or the few others that are mentioned. My husband is blessed with those! But what did catch my eye is the Interpersonal Intelligence. It is described as understanding and working with people. Armstrong says, "Those who have this intelligence are able to perceive and be responsive to the moods, temperaments, intentions, and desires of others."

I HAVE INTELLIGENCE!!! I know when my friends need someone to talk to. I know when my kids need a pep talk. I know when my three year old needs a spanking. (Ok, not rocket science.) I know when my husband needs me to be his sounding board for his ideas and thoughts. I am no longer just the housewife...I am MOM and I am INTELLIGENT!