Newing....

We celebrated Jamin's 18th Birthday yesterday....and yes, his birthday was 20 Feb but Mike was home with Dad Earl.

Jamin asked that we go canoeing (dubbed newing by Stacia) after Chapel. Here are some shots - random order because I'm TIRED....and they all looked fine on my computer...and flipped in PB...but I'm hoping they'll flip back on the screen like they did sometime between last night and this a.m. in the previous post. LOL


Stacia & I kicked back and enjoyed the ride.


Ah - always thinking ahead! I love this man.

















Check out that drop from the slide....














We finally figured out how to transport two canoes...check it out! ::snort::














We had thought we would sell both canoes before our move. We're not so sure now. It was so nice to get out away from everything...except near the park where ONCE AGAIN a kid aimed a bb gun at us....and there was that potato rocket too.

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

Sharing Homeschool Handouts

I've put some documents at scribd.....Homeschool 101 - Homeschool Curriculum Resources, Favorite Homeschool Books, Homeschool Approaches compared (with links), Favorite Lapbooking Resources... You should be able to click the badge in the sidebar (and below) and view and download what you want.



No, I'm not an egomaniac....some have emailed and asked for them after hearing I was compiling them and I figured this would be easiest. I could post them here....but it's just as easy and won't slow down this site if you click on over yourself. ::snort::

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

Ramen!

This is my "Random Thought on Japan" for the day (maybe).

Soon after hearing we were moving to Japan, I began to hear the strangest comments from those who have lived in there. "You'll get Ramen Stands!" And this was said with ENVY. In fact one dear friend sent the name of his favorite Ramen Stand in the Misawa area. I have to admit that I was perplexed. My thoughts went like this..."If Ramen Stands are the best thing to look forward to in culinary delights in Japan - we're in for a LONG three years!"

I went online to find a photo of a Ramen Stand...

Pretty much what I was picturing...but look at this "Ramen". Two things are quickly noticed....1. to think Top Ramen is Ramen is like thinking Taco Bell is authentic Mexican food and 2. CHOPSTICKS???? Soup with chopsticks????

Ah....spoons...

I can't wait to try authentic Ramen from an authentic Ramen Stand.....though the geeky American pizza below looks appealing too. ::snort:: For a list (and photos) of different types of Ramen click here. I'm learning which type to avoid if I don't want pork. ::snort::

I'd best quit posting things I discover and photos or you'll be tired of hearing about Japan before we arrive. I suppose that is ONE good thing of having only 3 months before our adventure begins instead of the expected 6 months..... less time for me to wear y'all out. (Yes, I'm a visual learner and am spending time searching for images of things I'm told about....and yes, the whole Pizza Hut thing was a rabbit trail as I searched for a photo of authentic Ramen and a Ramen Stand....do you SEE why we get behind in school? ::snort::)

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

Fun Quote of the Week

In my searching...THIS is my favorite quote of the week: "There is a simple fact that pizzas have strong connection with geeks. Large amount of pizzas (and cokes, of course) consumed in front of every computer screens. From this fact arises one clear theory to increase the sales of pizza: Attract geeks." I think this may be the link to the entry where I found the quote... Evidently, Pizza Hut has a campaign in Japan to attract "Geeks" Convent girls.....see more here... I'm pretty sure I'm not understanding the subtleties of the issue but the quote above did CRACK ME UP!!!! AND I now know there are Pizza Huts in Japan. ::snort::

Evidently, if you order from Pizza Hut online you get free Oolong Tea with your pizza - I believe that is the coca-cola label at the top of the can...which makes me wonder if coke in Japan means "canned drink" like it means "any type of soda" down here in TX.

This is going to be FUN! We do love experiencing different parts of the world. Hmmm....and now I have a strange desire to go to a Pizza Hut...must be because I'm a geek? BTW, I think the girls are darling...they don't look like Geeks to me. Evidently they are convent girls....attend a convent school? Hmmm...more to research.

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

Let the Repairs Begin

It appears that the previous owners of this home wired the stove directly into the wall. In other words, there was no plug in. IF we'd have had an inspector who was ON HIS TOES when we moved in this would not have passed. Mike fixed this today.

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

Our Young Artist

Stacia sings, "It's mine, it's mine" as she paints this tiger....
Again - this is RIGHT on the photobucket site but shows side-ways here....


Later, I discover that she is painting one of ZANDER'S tigers. ::sigh::

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

Random Thoughts on Japan

The kids and I are reading library books, watching documentaries and surfing websites.....here are some of our random discoveries from today:

• It is RUDE to tip in Japan. (De'Etta tips 20%; Mike is thrilled to hear this piece of culture).
• Kim tells me that she pays $4 for 3 apples in Tokyo - but they're bigger than we get here.
• Kim told us that honeydews go for $100 (first she said watermelon and that was truly alarming).
• It is 5,978 miles from Josiah's apartment to Misawa.
• It is 4,487 miles from EBC to Misawa.
• It was 6,915 miles from EBC to Davao City, Philippines.
• This is the first "Homeschooling in Japan" website I found...I haven't a clue what it says but it makes me smile BIG to stare at it. We are very excited for this Asian Adventure!

Oh, oh. Zander just asked Mike, "Dad, will I ever see Everson again after we go to Japan?" I better go...

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.