merry christmas! happy holidays!

Christmas is my favourite time of year! It's exciting to see family and friends and spend time with the kids:) I get anxious and excited because Christmas means that 2016 is coming! A new year is exciting and I always try my best to work on my new year's resolution and trying my best!


Christmas was wonderful! A huge real fir tree with sparkly lights and handmade decorations are so welcoming. Two turkeys full of stuffing, gravy, pumpkin pies and apple cider! The house smelled so good and we were stuffed, but of course we were all excited to play games!!! We do bingo, charades, singing, Pictionary, etc.,...It was so fun! I love how the kids are nervous but want to play cz if they do they get to win prizes and end up really having fun:)




We got so many wonderful gifts from our friends and neighbors, too! Mr. Joe got us a huge basket from Cider Keg and movies for the kids!  Mike and his family got Apple Place basket  food, clothes, toys and lots of gift cards!! Mr. Howe family gave us maple syrup!! yummy! Marie baked fresh bread and preserves! Pt Rowan MB church and friends got us toys and food! Thank you everyone and we are so lucky to have you all as friends!! Happy Holidays!

star wars!

I saw star wars today with friends and family! It was pretty good! Definitely to be continued...Don't want to spoil anything for those who haven't seen it but, I really liked the characters and it was nice seeing all the original characters!


The kids really liked it and even my 3 yr old sat through it and loved BB8 !! Now we have to watch all the star wars movies over again!

Another set back..

Life throws a lot of things at you..and well, sometimes you feel a little overwhelmed, tired, sad, frustrated, confused...and it's all normal to feel those things. But once you accept it, I guess you have to decide "so what are you going to do about it?". Well, my family got one of those setbacks again yesterday when my mom returned from the doctor's office.  Health issues are back and it's gotten worse.  I feel like "ok, what are we going to do about it? what can I do to attack this disease? how can I help?". I really want my family to live long and it's hard not knowing what will happen. All I can do is keep going, keep pushing, keeping hoping for good things. And keep praying.

Kids are back at school

Summer break came and went! But we definitely had a really nice summer! We did alot and went to a lot of places! And saw lots of people too! I was really happy with how the kids are growing up and have so many interests now! They are so close with playing with each other and taking on more responsibilities.  Daichi saved up doing chores around the farm/house and he saved up to buy his own 3DS and games.  Mika saved up too and she just got her 3DS and a couple of games! They are really doing well and I'm happy about how things are going with them. I hope the teachers feel the same!:)

back to school!

Summer's almost gone, and soon the kids will be going back to school?! The summer just flew by and fall will be coming! I've gotta do the kids back to school shopping next week. I'm planning on visiting my good friend Sharlene in Milton next weekend. She's inviting us all down to her house for lunch get together! I am really excited about that! So, before heading down there I need to get all the things for Daichi and Mika! They need new clothes, shoes, lunch bags, cups, pens/pencils, binders, gluesticks, paper, erasers, etc.,..

We are planning on getting a rental as our van is getting old and we're still on the look out for another vehicle. I like the SUV size, but my husband thinks another van type is more practical for us.  We definitely could use the space.

Daichi will be grade 5 and Mika grade 4.  I have to check their bus schedules too to make sure the times and bus numbers that they will be on this year.  Time is just flying by!

Wonderful trip

Our trip was so much fun! We had a great time and even manny kept saying "so where are we going next year?!". Emi loved all the animals and just being with Daichi and Mika! She's getting so big now!

We ended going to Niagara Falls Marineland. We stayed a few days at the Sheraton hotel. The kids loved the hotel and the swimming pool. I was so proud that Daichi's doing much better in swimming.  Mika is still trying to swim, and Emi had her first time in a swimming pool.  She went in with me and I supported her in the water and tried to get her to float and kick her feet. She did very well.

Marineland was really cute. The kids loved the King Waldorf show. It was a really cute show with dolphins, beluga whales, walrus and sea lions.  The trainers were really nice and were so friendly. We were on the red team and we were all screaming and clapping our hands cheering on our team.  The kids loved the rides too. Emi went on one ride and after that she kept saying "no more ride..scary!". So, she stayed with me, or was running wild through marineland.  Daichi and Mika went on most of the rides and had a lot of fun. Daichi loved feeding the carp fish and looking at the bears and whales.  My husband Manny and Daichi went on a really high up ride together.  That's the FIRST ride he's been on in like the 15 years I've known him! It was awesome:)

Gift shop was cute, but like any gift shop it was full of stuff that we just don't need! The kids got two things each and even picked something for the grandparents! Daichi got a fish toy and a turtle, Mika got a dolphin and clownfish, and I got Emi a marineland cup and dolphin bubbles.

The trip went by really fast and it was really fun! Manny's planning for next year already! He wants to go to the ROM in Toronto. If my sister Mari comes next year, we'll probably plan for Toronto Zoo again because the kids love it there! We'll see!

Vegetable garden

We've been finally getting more vegetables from our garden! I've been enjoying the snow peas, cucumbers, tomatoes, sweet banana peppers,  parsley, zucchini, eggplant, and kale.  So many more vegetables to come but I'm worried they won't due to the wet and cool temperatures we had for the most of the summer. I put down a lot of straw/bedding in the garden, grass clippings, and goat, chicken, and sheep manure.

Fall vegetables are being planted and I'm looking forward to japanese radish (daikon), hakusai (Asian cabbage), and japanese greens. I'll be making lots of jars of pickles again this year. The brine I make is usually 10 cups vinegar, 3 cup sugar and about a tbsp of salt.  It's nice to make a lot as I can give to family and friends !

Jurassic world

Jurassic world was awesome! My husband manny and his friend joe were going to see it together for joe's birthday. Then Daichi and mika wanted to go, too. And then manny was like "come with Emi too". Mika and Emi wanted to see the "minion movie" and it was playing at the same theatre and at the same time, too. So we rushed to pick up joe and drove to tillsonburg to see it. When we were about to go through the doors we saw a huge poster up saying "minions movie sold out!" Mika was so sad and so I decided that we all go to see Jurassic world. I definitely wanted to see it!

I've seen all the Jurassic park movies! I loved dinosaurs when I was a kid and even dreamed of being a paleontologist. Well Emi loved it! She kept saying "dinosaur walking!! Grrr!" Mika was kinda scared at some parts cz the hybrid dinosaur did have some scary parts for kids. But I loved Chris Pratt in it! He did such a believable part in it and the raptors were cool! Loved it! Sorry for sharing about it late!

Packing for trip

Our end of the year trip is in a few days! I enjoy doing this for my kids, but sometimes just the packing and preparations for a trip are overwhelming! I pack everything needed and prepare everything (directions, maps, snacks, etc.,...). I hear it's supposed to be very hot Wednesday to Friday so I have to make sure the kids have lots of clothes and stay cool! My list of things to bring is so long! Some of the things I need to pack are: snacks, clothes, sunscreen, asthma medicines, Tylenol, pull-ups, wipes, contacts, glasses, stroller, camera, charger cords, etc.,..

I wish my sister and her two kids could come with us! I miss her and the kids a lot! They will come next year and we'll prob stay in Toronto for a while and maybe I'll visit my friend sharlene and her family in Milton! I am planning on visiting Sharlene in a couple of weeks with the family.

Lots to do! Will it all fit in our rental car? I hope so!!

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is my favourite! I use organic extra virgin cold pressed coconut oil. I usually get it from the health store or health section from Superstore. I use it to make my face scrubs, use as is for hair mask, use for face moisturizer (add vitamin E and essential oils), lip balms, body scrubs, oil pulling, and to make chest rubs for winter (add essential oils) or when breathing problems hit with my children.

Some of my friends use the virgin oil for making deodorant, baking/cooking, sunblock, toothpaste, tinted moisturizer, etc.,...It's my favourite and everyone in my family uses them, too. We dont' use cream/lotion/moisturizers from the store anymore.

Give it a try! Works really well and it's nice knowing that the only ingredient you're putting on your face/skin is coconut.

Jane and Rogers BBQ party

My husband and I and our 3 kids went to a BBQ party hosted by roger and jane! They are such nice people and we had a lot of fun! I was a little worried about how long we'd be staying over with the kids as it was a HOT day and Emi would get irritated! But Mika, Daichi and Emi played in the fort all day and used the slide. They had water guns and played with balls and other outside toys. We got there around 4:30 and left at 10pm! The kids had fun and were tired in the car. Manny grilled the sausages and hamburgers using one BBQ. I grilled on the other BBQ grill the ribs I marinated ! Everyone was happy and ate and had fun. It was nice to meet new people too ! I met neighbors Roy and Sharon, and neighbor barb, janes boss Betsy, Lisa and James and their daughters, Steve and Debbie, sandy and hung with Marie and Robert and Gary! Thank you so much for the invite! My parents would love to come next yr!

Emi is 3yrs old!

Emi turned 3 on July 5! She was so happy and we decorated the house in Dora the explorer decorations! She loves balloons and streamers! We had rainbow cupcakes, teriyaki chicken, pizza (requested by Emi ), watermelon and blueberries, etc .,..All things Emi loves! It was such a nice day that we had the anpanman (japanese character) hanging off a tree and had water balloons! I was just so happy and Emi kept saying "happy burday Emi!"  all day. I feel sad sometimes cz she's growing up so fast! She reminds me so much of my oldest child Daichi . They love nature and are curious and have temper tantrums! Hehe! It was wonderful!

Good Report Cards

Daichi and Mika both did really well on their report cards. I am happy with their grades (A's and B's). So, I guess that means I can go ahead and plan the end of the year trip for us!! My older sister Mari and her two kids Aki and Shunki won't be coming this year to visit us from Japan. They will come next year! So, I'll have to save up some money so that when they come next year, we can have a fun time and go somewhere!!

Pretty sure we'll go to Marineland Niagara Falls, ON. I've never been! I've been to lots of places in California where we used to live (Universal Studios, Hollywood, Sea World San Diego, Disneyland, California Adventure, Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific, Los Angeles Zoo, etc.,..) but haven't been to Marineland and i'm looking forward to it!

Mika will be in grade 4 next year in Mrs. Long's class and Daichi will have Mrs. Summers again in grade 5. Emi will be in school end of next year (JK)!!

Good job guys!!

End of the year trip

I started the "end of the year trip" a few years ago. If my kids worked hard all year around and did well on their report cards, we'd reward them and take them where they wanted to go. Last year we went to Toronto Aquarium and stayed in a suite for a couple of days with my sister and her kids. The year before that we went to Toronto Zoo and stayed at hotel close to there for couple of days.  The drive is quite long, so we definitely need to stay over somewhere.  It's always fun and exciting to go away on a mini trip. This year I'm still planning, but pretty sure we'll go to Marineland Niagara Falls, ON.

Mai Khahn School of Dance Recital was a success!

The Dance recital was today at 2-4pm at pt rowan community centre.  I was there with the moms and students at 12pm.  Students from Mai Khahn's Mississauga class attended as well. After the recital we would have some refreshments and food. I brought a few cases of bottled water, 4 fruit platters, plates, spoons, forks, knives, napkins and cups. 

It was nice seeing the other moms and the kids dressed up in their bright costumes.  Everyone all anxious and nervous. Very exciting and so fun to see the kids just waiting and feeling proud to share what they have been working on for so long. I printed out the programs and handed them out to everyone and it was such a nice dance recital!

My daughter Mika did really well in her group (Zoe, Sarah and Gracie). They did a jazz dance to "girls just wanna have fun". And it was nice to see them so confident and having fun up there on the stage. My husband Manny came to see Mika with our two other children Emi and Daichi. Our two friends came as well; Mrs. Jane Caron and Mrs. Marie Risdon. They enjoyed and even had gifts for Mika!! Lucky girl..

Thank you to Mrs. Mai Khahn Tran as she is an excellent teacher and so patient and encouraging! We will see you again in Sept! thank you again..

Our Goat had Triplets!

HARU one of our female la mancha purebred goats had her triplets today. She had 3 kids (2 males and 1 female). The males are light brown and the female is light brown, white and dark brown. So cute and so small. They look like little stuffed toys! Mika and Emi were so happy to see them and pet them this morning. We had to separate Haru from the other goats (Sushi, Natchan, Satsuki, Wasabi, Karashi and Mei) so she could tend to her kids. I will definitely take pictures and include them after. So cute!

Mika's Dance/Ballet Recital

My daughter Mika has her dance/ballet recital again this year. It will be held at Port Rowan Community Centre and is scheduled for June 14, 2015 at 2-4pm. There will be lots of students again this year as the instructor Mrs. Mai Khahn (Mai Khahn School of Dance) has her Mississauga classes attending again this year. Mika did her ballet dance at last year's recital to the Gummy Bears song. This year she is in intermediate level and doing a jazz dance to Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. Mika missed out a lot in ballet this year due to her surgical cut in her foot. But, next year we will be increasing her ballet/dance hours and she will doing more than one dance hopefully.

Next Tuesday is the official recital poster and the students will get their pictures taken. It will be posted at the school (port rowan ps). It's always nice to see how many people turn out to the recital! Looking forward to it. I'll be there practically the whole day to help set up chairs, stage, costumes, hair preparation, food & refreshments and tables! See you there!

Gardening

I've been busy the past few weeks with planting seedlings for our garden. So far we have 4 kinds of tomatoes, 2 kinds of peppers, sweet corn, kale, bok choy, peas, lettuce and cucumbers transferred in the garden. I have to do our Japanese eggplants and lots more (zucchini, pole beans, kidney beans, edamame soybeans, cabbages, and lots lots more!). We don't use any chemical weed sprays or any chemical fertilizers. We use only compost and manure from our livestock (goats, sheep, chickens).

My husband Manny is thinking of going to St. Jacob's market to sell our veggies there as we definitely need to make some income off of our hobby farm. Plus, manny's good at customer service and speaking to people. I'm the shy one and i'll let him do what he's good at!

Hay time is coming up soon so Manny will be doing that for us this year as my dad can't be on any equipment for quite some time due to his surgery. Lots to do!

2015 is a busy year

I'm back and at it again. I have been struggling taking care of my kids, my parents, our farm and just surviving really. It's been a tough year and it's hard because my health hasn't been too good lately as well. I suspect it's due to stress and so i'm trying to be more active and take care of myself. It's tough though as no one seems to see how stressed I am.

I've wanted to have an etsy shop for some time. But something always got in the way. Whether it was the farm, kids, health issues. So, I decided to do it. I started sewing origami butterflies on etsy and my shop is DaichiMikaEmi . This is in the hope that it will spark something inside me and I will feel more confident and happy. My kids love everything I make and so they are great for motivating me.

Life has been very busy lately and well, I realize that life throws things at you, but I also know now that you have to do something that makes you happy. The sewing does and it always has for me.

thanks.

ann

Etsy shop DaichiMikaEmi

I just wanted to let you all know that I have an etsy store now. It is called DaichiMikaEmi and it's slowing progressing. I have origami cotton butterflies that I've made in my shop. I hope you browse and see something you like. I will be soon having my items shipped to the USA. Please be patient.

Thank you