The Lives of our Boys

My Keitai Pics

2012-01-02T05:01:00.000-08:00

December 28th--Christmas Party

A ￥1000 Mac set

New Year's Eve 2011--Candlelight Service

Jusco Amusement Park

New Year Bowling and Game Center

2012-01-01T19:16:00.000-08:00

Koji (1 of my 8 brothers) came to visit for New Years. We did bowling, metal games at the game center, played Mario Cart, and bought doughnuts.

Happy New Year!!

2012-01-01T17:09:00.000-08:00

Fire-works in Malaysia on the eve of 2012.

Another page has been written; another page has been turned. Happy New Year! Let's continue to live life to the full.

Tobu Zoo

2011-12-30T06:23:00.000-08:00

On Christmas day all of our cousins and we went to Tobu Zoo--recently renovated and made more attractive. There was nice entertainment and Christmas props made for better enjoyment. We had lots of fun.

Feed the deer

Animal petting

Fur Seal Show

Bumper cars

Snack Time

Merry Christmas!!

2011-12-24T04:43:00.000-08:00

Deryk's Happyokai

2011-12-18T01:25:00.000-08:00

Deryk did really good. All the children did. I was quite surprised that even 3 and 4 year-old's were unashamedly performing on that big stage.

Kenji's stance of meditation

This is when they were giving all the kids omiyage to take back

This Japanese gypsy-looking lady was so touched by the performance that she was crying

Daikeien Amusement Park

2011-12-11T04:54:00.000-08:00

Fay and me with Deryk and Fiona along with my brother's Hik, Aigo and Mas, and Meg went to this awesome amusement park. Around here, if you're looking for go-carts, Daikeien is the closest place.

This is Hik's new car

We had Fiona with us, and she couldn't stand the sound of the roaring go-carts, so I had to take her outside. This is a little play area for kids

I posted pics of go-carting in Fay's and my Anniversary. Fay and I have to admit that it's funner with more people. We did 4 on 4. Truth be told, I came out on top both times I raced. I learned the importance of aggression from the last time I lost to Fay. ha! This time I turned those corners real well.

This is us in competitive conversation. My brothers can't stand loss. The loser has to convince the others of the valid reasons

We did some hoops...

...ate ice-cream...

...got some goodies from the UFO catchers, but also missed some...

...and at some points we just hung out

The sunset was worthy of some picture-taking

After which we went to the over-crowded Costco, got two whole pizzas, and had to sit out in the cold for lack of space inside

Great day though! Tons of fun.

Peter visit and Castle Park

2011-12-04T04:07:00.000-08:00

On Sunday this weekend we visited Peter (of Hannah) at the hospital. We were going to take him flowers, but ran short on time. Instead we took him blue cheese (which Fay said all french ppl like) and crackers.

Then we went to castle park, which we regulate quite often these days. Our options sort of ran out after the earthquake. Castle park has been our usual option of choice because of the low radiation readings.

We chose a crazily windy day though. As you can see in the pics above, the grandmother willow trees' leaves are blowing horizontally.

Post-Pneumonia Weekend

2011-12-03T05:39:00.000-08:00

This was some cheap lunch deal they were having at Gusto for kids

My Post-Pneumonia Outing

I was indisposed for 2 weeks with pneumonia, and this is the 1st weekend I had with our boys since. We went to Costco, IKEA, and Kaldie's (or however it's spelled), took a Shuttle bus to the nearest station, transferred twice, and walked 15 minutes back to our house.

Merry Christmas

Somewhere on the way going from Costco to IKEA there was a classy high-class train exhibit. Inside was quite nice.

Kenji's Birthday Party

2011-11-28T23:07:00.000-08:00

Oh, it all went so well. Kenji requested that all the attendee's dress up like a ninja or some sort of warrior. And so during the few days that led up to it, I looked into the origami shuriken and a few ninja masks. I instituted the colorful decoration and the birthday banner--yeah, that took time.

Meanwhile, Fay was busy doing her magic--the whole McDonalds deal: hamburgers, shaka-shaka chicken, french fries, soft-drinks. It was good!

Calvin and I were the McDonald's front staff. Each kid would hand us 100 yen and they would proceed with writing down their orders. Once decided, the order papers would go to the kitchen, and they would get whatever they ordered.

Kappa

2011-11-28T22:47:00.000-08:00

Yep, we're at Kappa again, munching on those sushi's. We just thought that it'd be special somewhat to grab a bite to eat somewhere outside of home to acknowledge Fay's 1st job.

Kenji's Happyokai & Wood work

2011-11-28T22:25:00.000-08:00

Kenji's Happyokai

A demonstration to remind all the mother's and father's that their children are still children--that they're still lovable and can still be cute even though thin and stretched out.

Neighborhood mother's

A fun little local festival that happened on a Saturday

Some sort of Architectural Promo Festival

...Lot's of cutting, digging, sawing, hammering--everything thinkable that could be done to wood. Perfect for kids.

2011-11-12T04:40:00.000-08:00

It's been nearly a year since Fay and I moved out on our own--since I've been working roughly 50 hours a week, since you boys have been going to school. A whole year. That's a long time.

There's Christmas decorations up already--a month and a half before the special day--although the majority of Japanese don't know jack about the real meaning of Christmas.

Mommy had her 2nd day of work today. We went with her, ate pizza and hot dogs, and took the train back. At the station we took a few Christmas shots.

You boys might have a few quarrels with each other--little boy antics; not surprising, but enough to make you not want to be with each other sometimes--but there are moments that are so unforgettable, moments that remind me that you truly do love and need each other. I captured one of those moments here.

2011-10-21T08:17:00.000-07:00

Dear Mike and Aich, thank you for making it possible for Fay and me to do something special for our Anniversary. You guys are so wonderful!!

2011-10-14T23:10:00.001-07:00

Happy Anniversary, baby!--3 years from the day we first met, 2 years from when we bought our rings, and 1 year from when we became engaged

I want you to know that I still love you with all of my heart. And every day I still try to be a better man for you. That has not changed, and I pray it never will.
You are the woman of my dreams--not because you are perfect, but because you are not perfect and you complete me.
You remind me that clothes were before suits; not suits before clothes. I still have a lot to learn about the most important things in life--Baby, for which you are my life-long teacher.

Update: October 8

2011-10-08T02:59:00.000-07:00

Those little things that never used to irritate you before now become little pebbles in your shoes, a complete nuisance. School is like work for you, for any child going to 1st grade. A whole new world opens up, and you are forced to stretch. This is good for you, as it helps you grow. But try to not forget how rich in happiness we are inside.

Kenji was given an opportunity for a sleep-over with his friends--something that he told me would be a stress-reliever for him. Before he went he asked if he could use my hair wax, and this is how he chose to style his hair.

My New Office

I love it!!

My new office. Not that I use it for much.

Computer Junkies

Online computer games and Wii Sports is putting other more important things into jeopardy. Although I can't blame you, 'cause when I was 10-13 I was a Nintendo and Joystick junkie myself. ha.

Deryk's Undokai

2011-10-02T03:24:00.000-07:00

Deryk's first Undokai.

Tug-of-war: Deryk's team won 2-1

Their dancing was so cute

Whichever team split their ball open first wins. Deryk's team split it open with the first ball.

Mommy's awesome obento. Kenji hasn't been feeling well for almost a week now. Today also he had to stay home for the morning. But they came later at just before noon with another one of Fay's unforgettable handiwork's.

Vladek's Dark Fortress

2011-10-01T05:36:00.000-07:00

A lego set called "Vladek's Dark Fortress" which I would have had no idea about had I not looked it up on the net. Fay and the kids brought back a big bag of lego pieces from a throw-away one day, and it took me 3 months to finally complete it. Actually, I haven't even finished it. But it's pretty awesome.

Rollerblading and Skateboarding

2011-09-30T23:45:00.000-07:00

Rollerblading and Skateboarding

So we were playing ball tag, and I was told to throw a ball from like 10 meters away and hit them on the trees. First of all, getting past the leaves and branches was hard, then when I hit Deryk on the knee, he said that since it hit his knee-pad it didn't count. After a couple more throws I hit him square on the chest. He said that his clothes were armor so it bounced off.

So I started aiming for their arms and faces. When I hit Kenji on the arm--an unmistakable hit--he was shaking the tree obviously out of boredom. He claimed that every time he shook the tree it created a FORCE-FIELD around him. So it didn't seem to count either.

In the end, after like over 100 throws, they each had like 50 points and I had 0. Games are never fun for them unless they win, and not only win, but never lose any points.

Recent Happenings

2011-09-28T05:10:00.000-07:00

Sky-Tree/Tokyo Tower

Took a few snaps on our way into and out of Tokyo. Picked up a near-brand-new flat screen that was being sold for real cheap by an Indian couple who were leaving the country. We decided to meet Juri as well

Tokyo Sky Tree--formerly known as New Tokyo Tower

Led by Tobu Railway

Scheduled to be completed by February 2012 (Public opening 22 May 2012)

Tokyo Tower (333m)/Tokyo Sky Tree (634m)

Tokyo Sky Tree is currently the tallest tower in the world--2nd tallest structure in the world after the Burj Khalifa in Dubai

Kids Camp--August 29-31

Billiards/Darts with my brothers

Aigo was visiting us from Tamba, so we met out after work and played billiards and darts. The girls wouldn't be pulled into billiards, so naturally we ended up playing darts for most of the time.

Festival/Flea Market

Celeste/Gracie's Dance Event

Celeste and Gracie asked Fay to prepare some snacks for the event--said that we could sell it. Went good. Kenji said that basically all the attendee's bought something

Skate-boarding

It's no use learning how to skate-board from someone who doesn't know how to--like me. Gotta' have someone who knows how to do it. So Phil taught him a few things.

2011-09-14T06:24:00.000-07:00

Water Park with Leika and kids

Kento's Birthday Party

Matching T-shirts. Yay

B-Day boy on I-Pad

Kento's 4th birthday. Happy Birthday Kento!

Not possible to take the PERFECT photo with all 8 children smiling. In 20 photo's, these two are probably the best ones

August 13th-18th

2011-08-21T04:57:00.000-07:00

Our camping/rafting in brief: Aaron/Joice, Andy/Juri, and Dust/kids/Sunshine joined us for rafting on Saturday. Dust and Kento camped with us on Saturday night. On Sunday, Chris/Florence/Pete came, and we had another series of rafting. I went home with Dust/Kento, and Fay/kids stayed with Chris/Florence/Pete on Sunday night. And from the early morning of Tuesday on through Thursday a few more families came for camping.

Kento kept trying to take my hat. Don't know y

One of Promise and Hope

2011-08-09T07:07:00.000-07:00

When I was younger I thought I understood the concept of fate and destiny and choice, but as the years go by I realize that I know less and less.

...I have more unanswered questions, less theories, and thus, more frustrations. Despite my frustrations, I've scrambled one conclusion--that I'm not meant to fully understand.

So I've given up my deep thoughts and have turned them to ones of my family and our future; real down-to-earth thoughts; ones of logic and realism; futuristic and old-age thoughts.

Having turned 25, I feel no more capable of facing my life then the year before. But I think that I've already accepted that I'll never feel those comforting thoughts, nor do I want to. I feel that I'm behind 10 years than that of an average successful person, but I'm hoping to catch up--to make 20 years of progress in 10.

Thank you for helping me out, babe, and for making the 1st year of our new life together on our own one of promise and hope.

Camping and Rafting

2011-08-06T19:09:00.000-07:00

The weather forecast was 90% rain, but heck, when I had to notify my workplace a month in advance for an extra day off to camp with my boys, it would have been sad if we couldn't. So we went anyway despite, and indeed were caught in a downpour. But the next day was all sun and blue sky, and we had an awesome time taking the boat down those fresh rapids, didn't we boys?

Rafting

We smashed into so many rocks that about an hour into the down-current, Daichi began ducking at the sight of on-coming rocks. Once we hit the rapids we couldn't see some of these protruding rocks until it was too late to turn.

Pitch that Tent

Showa park with shi chan.

2011-07-31T16:52:00.000-07:00

Had to post this pic for you leika. cause he looks so cute. ha

Txs for staying with us, we miss you. come and visit again.
(shi chans last park outting with us)

Summer Fun at a water park.( In chiba)

2011-07-31T16:46:00.000-07:00

Kento loves this plane floaty. as u can see in both pictures.

Kento and his kakigori.

All the cousins and their Kakigori. (Txs Grandama for buying it for us)

I had so much fun splashing around and crawling around that i got so tired.

Airplane Museum.

2011-07-31T16:38:00.000-07:00

We went with Grandma, daichi, Sam and Leika,Oli and Lily and Aaron and his kids.

They had a stamp rally. where you go around looking for the stamp to your passports, when you find them all you get a small present. ( Toy)

We had so much fun, txs for inviting us to go with you. O/L

Noda Mikoshi Matsuri.

2011-07-31T16:31:00.000-07:00

Our favorite thing about the Mikoshimasuri, is that we get yummy snacks and juice. We even got ice cream.

The Pool right out side our house, with Deryk, Pat,Fiona.

Shimizu Current Pool

2011-07-31T15:50:00.000-07:00

Josh & Al's, Oli & Lily's, Sam & Leika's, Ours and Ryan's--kids galore

Thx to our auntie Tanny for the dolphin.

Cheesy-ness

Ryan, this photo was taken for you.

Not Trouble-free

2011-07-08T08:32:00.000-07:00

Deryk--too tired for home-work

All is well with the moment, but life is not perfect. We have our trials, our fears, and our worries, like everyone else. Fun photo's and exciting outings does not indicate a trouble-free life for us. There are days of exhaustion, of too many burdens and cares to think or even dare to talk about. Like the rest of the world, we wake up every morning to face a reality that grows old and stale if we do not own up to it.

Tostadas

2011-07-02T17:30:00.000-07:00

Fay's wonderful handiwork, yet again

And then some faces of jaw-dropping enthusiasm

The guys were having some ridiculous business topics for kicks at first, and then we settled in for some awesome finger foods, and eventually a game called Women are from Venus and Men are from Mars

A Park

2011-07-02T17:18:00.000-07:00

Here's a picnic at some park people call windmill park and others tulip park and yet others athletic park. It's got a windmill, and it's got an athletic course, and in the spring season it's also got the tulips, so they're all right. But I'll just call it a park. ha

Josh & Al, Oli & Lily, Leika, Paula, and us with all of our kids

Arrgg! Too many good photo's

2011-06-18T07:50:00.000-07:00

A Pizza Lesson from the pro

A Mercy Visit

Pasta Night

And of course a pasta night to ensure good memories

But alas circumstances bind us, more than when we were childhood friends or sentimental pen pals

Deryk, his summer pre-school clothes, and his asagao (morning glory)

Yochien Visitation
Below are photo's from a parents visitation day of him and his classmates.

Castle Park

Baby Sheech at the wheel

And a nice sunny day amidst the rainy season. May the gods of rain be absent forever. ...Too many Spartacus' perhaps

And again, the gang

Update: Daddy has so much to think and plan these days that when the weekends arrive only one day goes to you boys, if even. While it does seem that you are quite happy and fulfilled with your lives, I often wish that I could have more time with you. You boys are getting so big that when I stop a moment like right now to reflect I find it hard to believe how fast you're growing. Before I know it you'll be teenagers.

In this time of fluctuation we are all depending on friends. In Japanese society at large, even for daddy, good relations are built on superficial things and momentary interests. Though it is a process, we are all building valuable friendships that are helping us mature and grow our roots as Japanese people.

Happy Birthday Fay

2011-06-11T08:54:00.000-07:00

To Our Future Relationship

"A gift has no great meaning. It's only object is to express a caring heart."

Fay loved the make-up I bought for her. I'm so happy! I live for you, baby!!

Thank you so much everyone for coming to Fay's birthday event in the middle of your busy lives. You are her true friends, even those who desperately wanted to come but couldn't. You will be remembered in the collage of our memories.

And most of all, happy birthday, to you, hony. You have given more than some have in a lifetime, and deserve only the best and dividends in return for your selflessness and love and care. You will be remembered not in one but MANY hearts who hold you dear.

June 12th--Happy Birthday Fay

2011-06-10T09:54:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, my love. You are the best thing that has happened in my life. I would have no reason to clarify this if it weren't true. I am honestly a lucky man to have you, to be able to share my life with you, and to build something together that most people are only given the chance to do once--a family.
With each passing year we have built yet something more substantial together. Looking back to see our discoveries, our trial-and-errors, and greater awareness through our mistakes, we are a better man and woman, more fit for each other than the year before.
We faced starting a new life from scratch together, of calculating the risks and taking all matters into consideration to have a happy home for our boys. We have succeeded, and though very far from arriving at anything glorious, at this pace we are prepared to face anything together, no matter how hard.
No matter what our regrets are about our upbringing, the unpreparedness we might feel at times, the doubts or loss of faith, at the end of it all when we lie in our beds to sleep, we still pray to the same God that we have prayed to all of our lives. Perhaps our interpretation of him is different now, but our sincere prayers are answered and manifested by our not lacking anything.
All that to say, with words too much, as often happens once mouth is opened, I love you.

Kenji's Undokai

2011-06-05T04:41:00.000-07:00

In remembrance to Kenji's Undokai these are pics of his first days at school and how well he has been able to blend in with all the other dozens of red and white hats out there of children his own age.

2011-05-29T04:24:00.000-07:00

Love Birds

Rainy Season

2011-05-29T04:21:00.000-07:00

Grainy photo's off of my keitai. Last resort when I forget the camera

Kenji is able to walk to school by himself now. Big boy. I still watch him until he's out of sight.

Stayed over at Sam & Leika's place on Saturday night (thanks so much guys!). Played Wii, watched Battle Los Angeles (was a little disappointed; thought it would be better), had Mexican for lunch the next day, went to a kids gym, and ended our day at Noda Home's monthly event

Sunday--May 15th

2011-05-14T23:34:00.000-07:00

The park closest to our house, Darren, and some neighbor kids, with remote-control cars and a kite

Saturday--May 14th

2011-05-14T07:04:00.000-07:00

We lined up for a free scoop at Baskin Robins, paid our due to the earthquake victims, and enjoyed our chocolate-cookie munchies with Aaron and Joice's family at Lala Port, Kashiwa.

Deryk spying on Grandma and mommy from the 3rd floor

...and narrowing his vision

Bingo Game

Number 1 prize was a high-vision video camera; Number 2 was a 8GB iTouch; and Number 3 was a Play Station.

There were 9 prizes; Number 9 being a ￥1000 gift card. Fay and I got somewhere in the Number's 5 and 6 I think. Those are the things we won. Awesome huh. It's Father's Day soon. June 19th--jot it on your calender.

Update: We have Paula-san and her baby visiting for a while, so our house is pretty squishy. It's been raining all week, and a busy week at work, finally getting some fresh sunshine over the weekend is really nice.

2011-05-06T03:19:00.000-07:00

Boys, not to the point of being a complete nuisance, but I want you to remember to enjoy life. There are certain things that I will virtually force you to do like, proper manners and etiquette, studying hard, working hard, and not being a loose-end. But you have to enjoy life while you're at it.
Some superiors at my work place were talking about this today--about the earthquake and how fragile a life is. How one can be working so hard and for such long hours, for money and for a better life. But it can all end with a tsunami like it has for thousands of people. Money, house, car, business, and pet, POOF! Gone in a second.
I just got back from work and I was thinking about it.

Children's Day

2011-05-04T05:41:00.000-07:00

Quotes on Children

・Every child comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged of man. - Rabindranath Tagore
・While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about. - Angela Schwindt
・Before I got married I had six theories about bringing up children; now I have six children and no theories. - John Wilmot
・The soul is healed by being with children. - English Proverb
・No one has yet fully realized the wealth of sympathy, kindness and generosity hidden in the soul of a child. The effort of every true education should be to unlock that treasure. - Emma Goldman
・If we wish to create a lasting peace we must begin with the children. - Mahatma Gandhi
・A child miseducated is a child lost. - John F. Kennedy
・Better to be driven out from among men than to be disliked of children. - Richard H. Dana

One hour train-ride in the jam-packed train. What did we expect anyway on a golden-week day. And Daichi hung from the ceiling handles and pretended to be a monkey. And yet at times he can be the real charmer. I love it when after he brushes his teeth he comes up to me with such serious passion and says, "ting!"

Ueno Zoo

For free, but literally, hoards of people

Expecting it, we still wanted to give our kids the experience--mainly for documentation

Fay's been away for a few days to baby-sit her sister's kids. We met at Ueno Zoo and when I saw her I fell in love with her all over again

Hi, baby, I love you so much. I know this is early, but happy Mother's Day! You're the best mother we could possibly have.

The last photo taken before the battery ran out

2011-05-01T08:21:00.000-07:00

Cycling

Nice little bicycle course with mountain bikes for kids and adults and cute helmets to match. Wish I could have taken more photo's, but it was a virtual wind storm out there.

Barbeque

Yamashita family gathering amidst some pretty risky weather. After a spin on the BMX course we threw a bunch of stuff on the bbq grill and tried to beat the rain.

It had its own unique fun--like all logical reason pointed twd not having it. The wind was seriously crazy. While the fire was being stoked, I played fetch-doggy with some of the kids using a Frisbee

Another Packed Weekend

2011-04-27T05:08:00.000-07:00

(Saturday) Children's Hall

1+1=3 and Rain=Indoors (Simple mathematics)

Rock climbing

"Take that!"

"Man, I can't take this sock off my arm!"

Ball Pool

Ken's

けん　has got this awesome deal going. For about 2500yen you can have a very filling meal of steak, curry, rice, salads, soups, and desserts for your whole family. Very nice.

(Sunday) Flea Market

We met with Leika and her kids, and Deepa and Tomoko

Who's in that tree?

Guess who? While the mommy's were shopping at the flea market, the boys turned this tree into their little playground

After this, we went to the monthly Noda home event

Farmers herd in for protest

2011-04-26T15:21:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

More than 200 farmers, with two cows, converged Tuesday on Tokyo, where they shouted and punched the air in a protest to demand redress for products contaminated by radiation spewing from the crippled Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant.

Farmers took turns shouting their frustrations into a microphone, their words carried over a loudspeaker mounted atop a van, as lunch-hour passersby in the busy office district stopped and gawked at the animals.

"Tepco, give us back our cows and pigs and chickens," one farmer shouted.

Meanwhile marking the 25th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear accident, 87 Japanese antinuclear groups issued a joint statement criticizing Tepco's failure to prepare adequately for a large tsunami as "immoral and criminal."

(The Japan Times)

2011-04-23T19:16:00.001-07:00

Har Har

2011-04-22T18:08:00.000-07:00

　　”Even if I can't be the savior of one, if I can impart a kind word to millions in my life-time, I would choose the latter. ”

Kenji and Deryk are adjusting well to this whole new situation. While Kenji's not too quick to assume that he has any friends at school, Deryk seems to think that everyone is his friend.　Such a simple child he is.

Our lives together are centered mainly around the weekends and an occasional early day off at work for me. Then we can eat dinner together and play a few of their favorite computer games. (Check out "miniclip.com" or "friv.com" for some cool 3-6 yr-old computer games).

２ years ago

The good part is that they're interacting with and living with a class of people that they were not able to before--the public: kids just like them who they can otherwise tend to feel like they're in a different bubble of a world from. Maybe they are, and perhaps they always will be, but I want my boys to be able to access that world if they want to, and to not feel like they need to go to any extremes to do that.

At times I wonder how I can be more charitable, and how I can encourage my boys to be too. Being in the world at large, though it can seem small on one hand, is a world that I know God made and has an intricate hand in. In which case, every soul that I meet among the billions that walk the earth, are counted. And even if I can't be the savior of one, if I can impart a kind word to millions in my life-time, I would choose the latter.

Typical Sunday--Friends and Family

2011-04-17T04:51:00.000-07:00

Close to everyone's holiday in Japan. And when it's an awesomely sunny day like today, the best parks are packed. Check out the tulip field at the bottom.

God, I need a hair-cut

Chase--Aaron and Joice's youngest

The older gang

Every obstacle had a line. There must have been a few hundred people on these obstacles, not to mention the hundreds of others in the other parts of the park

That was an awesome tulip field in the back there

Update: April 16' 2011

2011-04-15T09:31:00.000-07:00

Crawling out of bed at 7 o'clock, our day hits us with a bang with Mommy's yummy breakfast. Too excited (or apprehensive) about school, the delicious breakfast suddenly becomes difficult for Kenji and Deryk to eat. Daddy gulps down his coffee and asks a few questions about school to see if you boys are still on the same page.

  Mommy leaves the house with Kenji at 7:40, and before she comes back I have already left with Deryk to his kindergarten. I come back 10 after 8, and daddy and mommy have a little chat time, before I have to leave for work at 8:15.
  The morning is quite the rush. We're still trying to get it down to a routine, but for a while we'll be adjusting and readjusting.

  Monday's through Friday's I see you for a short time in the morning, and sometimes at night. But we get to spend Saturday's and Sunday's together, so we're happy.

  Our lives have become quite the conventional one. Kenji goes to the Elementary school that every other mother around this area will send their 6-11 year-olds. And Deryk goes to Kindergarten just like the other kids his age do. Meanwhile, daddy works 5 days a week, and mommy takes care of the house and is looking for a part-time job to fill in the gaps.

  Our weekends have been busy lately with meeting and visiting friends and just enjoying the community. When I wake up in the morning one of the 1st things I do is look at the news. When I get home after a shower and dinner, fay and I watch a TV series. Such a conventional life. Am I happy? Yes.

  We are still Christians and try to live good lives. We pray. We interact with Godly people--people who are trying to do good. We do our part to support missionary work. And in all of our actions we try to do the loving thing.
  In all of my life I have never felt so included into society and the world. On one hand, I worry that I'm getting sucked in; on the other I know that I have never been able to communicate with the vast majority better than I do now.
  You boys are happier, and more fulfilled. There's a certain glow in your eyes--a beam of joy and inner excitement. It makes me convinced that we are in the right place at the right time. Because I live for mommy and you. You are my world. And God and others of course.

Cherry Blossoms

2011-04-10T19:29:00.000-07:00

1st it was the gymnasium on Saturday. The daddy's got to play a game and a half of basketball before the one dozen kids swarmed us. Ivan and Aiki versus me, Oli, and Sam. I'd be lying if I said that our team had lost.

The kids had lots of fun--manifested by sweat and dirty clothes

On Sunday we had a cherry blossom picnic. Weather was warm, blossoms were full-bloom, and there was a flee-market. Aiki and Mary's family came, along with Sam and Leika's, as well as Aaron and Joice's.

Deryk took care of Taiki for me--held his hand and helped him up when he fell.

Keito and [Aiki and Mary's youngest] team-working to slaughter an ant

And then Aiki saving the day

1st day of School

2011-04-10T15:30:00.000-07:00

Man, it's hard to believe that it's Kenji's and Deryk's 1st day of school today. It's actually happening. The apprehension and excitement.

Kenji's lying in front of the heater now changing his clothes as slow as a turtle and telling me that he doesn't feel ready for school. He wonder's if he'll ever get used to it, if he'll ever make friends, and if he'll ever be able to speak enough Japanese to feel comfortable and in place. I know how he feels. That's how I felt every time I got a new job, on my 1st day of work.

But I encouraged him and told him that hey, "Ray's going to school today, and so is Mandy, and so are a lot of other kids for the 1st time. You're all in the same boat. And though Darren doesn't speak really good Japanese, he's been going to school for a year now and he's learning and having fun. So will you."

Bliss

2011-04-08T01:41:00.000-07:00

Kenji's and Deryk's Entrance Ceremonies--Congrats!!

This is a breath of really FRESH air. I've been wanting you boys to go to school from like 2 years ago. And now it's finally happening. Congratulations boys. You are awesome!

We are so proud of you!!

Kenji has officially entered his 1st year of school--a remarkable time of his life.

He vows to stay on the straight and narrow road--THAT'S RIGHT!

Deryk's Kindergarten

Life sure is a journey, and can seem so long sometimes. But when beautiful things like this happen, and when I can see a vision in my children's eyes, it encourages me to go on. It gives me strength.

However awful the influence of other children might be, if my children can walk down the street and know that they are just like them, and yet they have Jesus and a cause to live for more than money, then I'll be proud of them forever.

Another Anniversary

2011-04-08T01:36:00.000-07:00

On January 16th--two years since we decided to let the whole world know that we were officially together, we toasted to our anniversary.

I never thought that I'd live to see the day, but I love beer.

Apart from celebrating birthday's, Christmas's, and New Year's, we celebrate October 16th (the day that we met and the day of our engagement), and January 16th (the day we officially started to call ourselves boyfriend and girlfriend).

Funny Fundraiser

2011-04-01T20:19:00.000-07:00

I thought this was an awesomely funny article.

Harlem fathers & their daughters dance for fund-raiser

More than 40 fathers and their daughters are set to dance the night away at a special fund-raiser in Harlem this weekend.
Tickets for the fund-raiser are $70, and can be purchased by calling
(212) 690-0500.

The Buzzard, The Bat & The Bumblebee

2011-04-01T17:26:00.001-07:00

The BUZZARD

If you put a buzzard in a pen that is 6 feet by 8 feet and is entirely open at the top, the bird, in spite of its ability to fly, will be an absolute prisoner. The reason is that a buzzard always begins a flight from the ground with a run of 10 to 12 feet. Without space to run, as is its habit, it will not even attempt to fly, but will remain a prisoner for life in a small jail with no top.

The BAT

The ordinary bat that flies around at night, a remarkably nimble creature in the air, cannot take off from a level place. If it is placed on the floor or flat ground, all it can do is shuffle about helplessly and, no doubt, painfully, until it reaches some slight elevation from
which it can throw itself into the air. Then, at once, it takes off like a flash.

The BUMBLEBEE

A bumblebee, if dropped into an open tumbler, will be there until it dies, unless it is taken out. It never sees the means of escape at the top, but persists in trying to find some way out through the sides near the bottom. It will seek a way where none exists, until it completely destroys itself.

Shimonaka family

2011-03-31T15:53:00.000-07:00

That's a pic of our family 4 years ago. Still, 3 people are not in it

Good Times and Bad Times

2011-03-30T16:13:00.000-07:00

It's hard to think of a time that I was more content in my life. Even as I rode the bicycle for the first time as a tot, or bathed on the tropical beach in the summer breeze when I was 14, sipping fresh coconut and experiencing the joy of simplicity, youth, and utter freedom and rebellion, having not a care in the world, neither sense of responsibility or danger or healthy fear. I had never a more complex mind than I do now, but amidst my analytical thinking and complicated questions I am happy. I can say with honesty that I have not had more joy.
  Yet, life has not been perfect and has not surprised me with things on silver platters (although I hoped), but when I look into the eyes of my wife-to-be and my children, I see a life of love. And at this point in my life that's all I need.

  "You cannot fully appreciate the light, unless you have tasted the darkness."

  Amidst my positive thinking, I am aware that life has proven to be many things--and there are times that just simply ~~suck~~. When something is showing obvious good progress of being constructed and built, there is harmony and sense of reason. But then when it is knocked down and the structure that you had put your life into building is in the ruins, and all that is seen is rubble and debris, often reason and logic will be thrown out, and hope with it.
  All the more reason to appreciate the good times now, because they are not guaranteed to last forever. I wouldn't understand the meaning of life if it wasn't for its difficulties and pain. I realize that it's through those hard times that we become better men and women. ... that I truly learn what it feels like to have joy in the good times. I agree that a little pain enables us to feel the pleasure.

Drinking Water

2011-03-29T16:20:00.000-07:00

We're nearing 3 weeks since the earthquake happened, and it looks as if at least around this area things are returning back to normal. Still, though, our summer electricity limits are dependent on our going easy on it now (mainly for businesses), the racks in the stores are not completely restocked, and we're still not drinking tap water.
In fact, for a few days now we've been getting clean water from a water tanker of some sort--a distributor in this crisis time.

Noda Home's Event

2011-03-28T15:59:00.000-07:00

Fay, me, and the boys went to Noda home's Sunday event this week. It was like the 1st or 2nd event of this sort that I went to since we moved here. I have to say, though I've distanced myself from most spiritual activities recently, I really enjoyed this one.

The Modern Shrek

2011-03-26T19:26:00.000-07:00

WOOHOO!!

2011-03-26T19:21:00.000-07:00

Today's a Sunday, and a beautiful one at that.

#$%& I liked my other phone better. It had a 5.0. This one's like a 1.2. Such a grainy shot. But anyway, Kenji and Deryk are planting pansies.

Good ol' Monopoly

2011-03-24T08:46:00.000-07:00

Monopoly is sorta' a traditional Tamba game. We bring it back to life every time we have a reunion.

Awesome Get Away to our country-side home

2011-03-24T08:32:00.000-07:00

Kenji and Deryk, we need to remember this alright? We cannot underestimate the power of disasters. Indeed, it causes great pain, separation, and loss. But hearts are warmed, families are united, and the shortness of human life is realized.

Aigo and Deryk Ninja and Kenji

Just chatting

Well, it was a great time for us brothers to get closer. Koji was back after 4 and half years of being in Columbia. And Hik and Mas had come to visit for a few days from Saitama.

Himeji Castle Zoo

Checking out those rides

Monkey says "Boo!"

Tamb's Local Hangout

Bowling

Two alleys. Three games. And daddy ~~sucked~~. Well, I wasn't really trying so hard. Ha

Billiards

We went for billiards after bowling. Got two tables for an hour. Played triples. Losers had to pay tribute to the winners.

Dinner Competitive monopoly

Left to Right--Alisa, Koji, Dad, Mas, Me, Kengo & Deryk, Kenji & Joe, Aigo, and Mac.

Himeji--Lunch

Gosh, man, I look like a half-century old there

Himeji--Kenji and Deryk Hanging on Mas

Tamba Home--Fay's Crepe Special. The occasion was Koji's Birthday gift to my dad

The role of daddy

2011-03-18T03:06:00.000-07:00

  "Kenji also needs a daddy--not just someone who works and brings in money. I realize that he, more importantly, needs a daddy who can give him a piggyback ride, collect sticks with him in the mountain, and splash around in the snow and mud."

  Kenji and Deryk are not without their favorites. For the first 4 years of Kenji's life he was with only a mommy, and for Deryk it was his first 3 years with his daddy. After daddy and mommy met and assumed the role of parents to both, instinctively and naturally they would, for the months and years to come, cling to one more than the other.
  However perfect our union was, it was with sacrifices and compromises--as every couple must be willing to make. Mommy and I were once single parents and were both father and mother to our own, but when we met that had changed.
  But slowly.
  Yet quicker than I thought.
  The transition period had its immense hardships. Slowly but surely we were taking on the roles that we were meant to.

  The catastrophic earthquake that happened in Miyagi prefecture on March 11th was a time of tremendous loss and heartbreak for millions. But amidst this tragedy, I'm seeing something beautiful happen: hearts and lives are uniting, compassion and care are regaining its importance, and there is much more of a recognition of human frailty. What you have spent years trying to build can be destroyed in a minute.
  Fay and I have put everything into building our lives despite setbacks and lack of moral and community support. We have come far. And when this earthquake hit and the panic and confusion of it caused us to evacuate, for a moment I considered that we were also putting into jeopardy everything that we have built so far.
  Perhaps I was wrong.
  Today Deryk was in tears and he told me that he thought I didn't like him anymore. I realize that this time away from work is a healthy get away; a time that was much needed to regain a closeness with the thing that is more important than work--my family.
  Often, work can take predominance over everything, even the things that are more important. Though without work, thus without money, one cannot live and support his family, everyone needs a time to come away from the trees to see the forest; to be able to put things back into perspective.
  Just as Deryk needs a mommy, Kenji also needs a daddy--not just someone who works and brings in money. I realize that he, more importantly, needs a daddy who can give him a piggyback ride, collect sticks with him in the mountain, and splash around in the snow and mud--things that mommy's usually don't do but that boys need.
  Though there was much loss and pain and separation because of the earthquake, I'm sure that we are not the only ones who are experiencing reunion.

Evacuation

2011-03-16T00:52:00.000-07:00

  At 8p.m on March 13th we made a swift departure from Kanto and arrived in Tamba at 1p.m the following day, but not without its obstacles. A closed expressway, shortage of gasoline, a 6.0 earthquake in Shiz, and a major detour--were only a few things that made ours an evacuation rather than just an ordinary trip.
  These are not hum-drum days of unchanging monotonous life in Japan. Symptoms show that something is amiss if not seriously underway. 60 earthquakes of over 6.0 magnitude, and over 200 of over 5.0--rattling and breaking the very foundations of this country that we call our home--is no small matter. We are not in a war, but the danger is not much different. We are being hit at all sides by what we are familiar of as the natural disaster, but this is moving about as if it has an agenda of its own.
  Though risks are involved, we have decided to remove ourselves as far as we can from the danger. Once the nuclear plants are under complete control, and the earthquake plates pose no signs of danger, we hope to return home. Let's pray for it

Earthquake Update!!

2011-03-13T05:50:00.000-07:00

  SENDAI (Kyodo) The death toll from Friday's devastating earthquake and tsunami in northeast Japan will likely surpass 10,000, the police chief of hard-hit Miyagi Prefecture said Sunday.
  The magnitude of the devastating quake was meanwhile revised upward the same day from 8.8 to 9.0, making it one of the largest in history, the Meteorological Agency said.
  According to the agency, said there is a 70 percent chance of another quake greater than magnitude 7 occurring within three days, and a 50 percent chance of one hitting in the three days after that.

  We'll be having an official blackout from 6:20-10:15 tomorrow morning to 16:15-22:20, I think, of the same afternoon. The food racks of all of the convenience stores and supermarkets are bare due to the high demand and sudden cut of restock. Half of the gas stations are out of fuel, and the other half have had lines of cars for the past 24 hours, causing major traffic jams. This is when money has little worth, and when friends and loved ones are most important.

  Mommy and I have contemplated many things--of packing up and leaving tonight perhaps out of this quake-infested place. But then our thoughts went out to our loved ones, and if anything bad were to happen to them or to us, we agreed that we'd want to be near them. Other than my family back in Tamba, all of our loved ones are right here, so this is where we're staying for now, earthquake or no earthquake.
  In times like these people you love become exceedingly clear. The ones you want to protect, and to ensure are safe, are those who you want to be with through times of ultimate danger.

2011-03-12T17:03:00.000-08:00

Life is precious, and we fear to lose it, but in the end it is ultimately not ours to choose. We are forced to surrender our lives over to the one that created it and to the one that caused the disaster to happen.

Devastation in Japan

2011-03-12T07:26:00.000-08:00

At 14:46 on March 11 there was an 8.9 magnitude earthquake in Miyagi prefecture, the biggest in Japan and Pacific in recorded history (over 1000 years), and said to be the 5th largest in the world.

Since that time until now, March 13th, 12:06, just after midnight, there have been 106 earthquakes of over 5.0 magnitude. Due to the earthquake I won't be having work for at least a few days. I'll be sitting at home watching the news, reading articles, and listening to earthquake warnings. Apart from that, I'll be enjoying my time with my family, visiting friends, and jumping at every tremor. It's been said that it's a matter of time before another big one hits.

These photo's below are only a small portion of the reality that's all around us right now in Nagano, Niigata, Ibaraki, Iwate, Miyagi, Yamagata, Fukushima, Utsunomiya, Tokyo, and Chiba prefectures.

2011-03-12T01:29:00.000-08:00

  In the moment of undeniable danger, when something is as powerful and uncontrollable as the earthquake that hit yesterday, one must admit that he is weak. Even the strong man will be given the chance to look death in the face and feel fear for either himself or his loved ones.
  Kenji and Deryk, you may be too young to understand the magnitude of what just happened and may even think that it was slightly exciting, and I myself will soon forget about this too, but the reality of the present is that people are dying, suffering, and are still trapped amidst fallen rubble and flooded waters. We were very close to being in that situation.
  Whatever happens, mommy and I really love you, ok?

Facebook Posts

2011-03-11T12:44:00.000-08:00

Shimonaka Yushi
Just so glad that all of us are safe. Good to know that you, Hik, and Mas, are alright. Tried to get in touch with you, but couldn't.
Shimonaka Yushi
I'm sitting at my computer at home at 5:40 in the morning. Tremors continue every 10 or 15 minutes. It's been said that the water of this entire area is going to be cut off in 20 minutes, so we've filled up our bathtub.
Shimonaka Yushi
A building next to ours was in flames and fire engines were just then rushing to the scene. None of our cell phones worked; splendid, when it was the one most desired time to call our loved ones.
Shimonaka Yushi
After the 1st quake, we all took a dash to the 1st floor and then outside. Freezing our butts off by the sudden change of weather that seemed to turn on us from sunny to rainy; rainy to snowy, a non-religious Japanese man looked into the sky and said that God must be angry with us.
Shimonaka Yushi
Sirens were blaring, and a man was yelling through the speakers to run to the nearest clearing. We were huddled together. Suddenly strangers were becoming friends. Ha!
Shimonaka Yushi
Man, that was freaky! It was only a low 6 on the Richter scale where I was, but I was on the 2nd floor of the place I work, and when things started to shake real bad I was freaked! Hundreds of boxes and containers were falling off of shelves 5 levels up, thick dust filled the air, a wall came down, and our building was obviously cracking.

2011-03-11T12:14:00.001-08:00

The 2011 Sendai earthquake and tsunami (東北地方太平洋沖地震 Tōhoku Chihō Taiheiyō-oki Jishin^[3]^?, literally "Tōhoku region Pacific Ocean offshore earthquake") was an 8.9-magnitude megathrust earthquake that created tsunami waves of up to 10 metres (33 ft).^[4] It was measured at 7^[5] on the Japan Meteorological Agency seismic intensity scale in the northern Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, with an initially reported magnitude of 7.9,^[5] while the JMA's tsunami warning listed the magnitude as 8.4,^[6] later updated to 8.8.^[7] The earthquake focus was reported to be off the Oshika Peninsula, the east coast of Tōhoku on 11 March 2011, at 05:46 UTC (14:46 local time) at a depth of 24.4 kilometres (15.2 mi).^[8] News reports by Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS) indicate that at least 1000 people have died and another 530 are missing in six different prefectures,^[1]^[2] although it is feared the total number of dead could be far higher.^[9]^[10]
The magnitude of 8.9 made it the largest earthquake to hit Japan in recorded history^[4] and the seventh largest in the world since records began.

Even Fonder Memories

2011-03-01T18:42:00.000-08:00

Amanohashidate beach, like a hundred years ago.

Gym gathering

When Fay and Kenji 1st visited us in Tamba

On our way to Juri's place at Atago station

Lala Port

Vacation

Our Family

November 15--Kenji's Birthday!!!

2011-01-28T17:55:00.000-08:00

Let's just say that my good excuse for being late to post this was our move into Chiba.

We had it in downtown Namba, Osaka--as city as it gets. We went to a Thai All-You-Can-Eat Restaurant. My parents showed up, and my brothers and sisters and their girlfriends and friends--it amounted to nearly 20 people

Kenji wanted Daiki to have a go at throwing the Shurikens

John and Love and some of their kids came too.

Mommy made a Tank Pinata for Kenji--order-made, and we invited our neighbors to join us out on the streets to tear it up

That's the awesome cake mommy made

And you would wonder why my mom is on the phone

Btw, I did the decorations

Christmas of 2010

2011-01-17T01:40:00.000-08:00

December 26th' 2010

Christmas with the Yamashita's

There are a lot more fun pics of time spent, but I need to filter the photo's real well lest I get negative feedback.

December 27th' 2010

Christmas at Noda Home

Our Kitchen, Dining, and Living rooms. Check it out!

2011-01-17T01:34:00.000-08:00

Dining room

Kitchen

Living room

December Update

2010-12-13T22:57:00.000-08:00

  Fay, the kids, and Grandma Sunshine left for Chiba on Sunday night, November 28th, while I stayed on in Osaka for a few more days. I finished up work, completed packing, and attempted a proper parting with our close friends. On the night of the 2nd of the next month I found myself on an over-night bus--whisked away. By that time my terrible cold had subsided, and I was able to travel in ease.
  We immediately went to see a few houses, almost settled for a few, but reached an agreement on a particular one that I had basically thrown out of our options because I didn't think it was homey enough. This was on the 9th, a week later.
  Now, the paperwork is done, and we have the key to our new home. We'll be moving in on the 17th. So, heads up for photo's on our blog soon, of our new house. It's a big burden off our backs for sure, 'cause it's been 2 weeks since we got here, and we hadnt a home until now.
  ...The next hurdle is a job.

Cute Baby Chan!!!

2010-11-08T02:46:00.000-08:00


Isn't she just the cutest.We got this suzy zoo on the day we got engaged at a UFO catcher,its the same size as Baby chan.

Halloween !!!

2010-11-08T02:40:00.000-08:00

A Friend invited us to a Halloween party for half kids,( that find it difficult to fit in japan.) its was super fun the kids had a BLAST, They got so much candy. I keeped telling the People to not give them sweets, 1st they didn't, but after a while it was to hard to keep saying no. anyways, they got so much candy, cookies and osenbes. a whole bag full. enought to keep for shinner snack for quite awhile.


Didnt know it was a Halloween party, so hadnt brough anything for them to dress up in, I was so Embarassed. Yushi didnt tell me it was a Hallowwen party . ( But brough balloons so maded them dress up like this.) I hope its looks ok. o well did the best i could, but they didnt keep it on for very long.

Pinyata. Yeah.

Some of the kids.

The Present that i got for Yushi ! On the day we got Engaged!

2010-11-08T01:52:00.000-08:00

The Proposal!

2010-11-08T01:38:00.000-08:00

On October 16th , Went to a very fancy Restaurant in Umeda. it was super nice. Txs for taking me Honey.

Were Finally Engaged!! Yeah !!!!

Happy Birthday! Little Sis.

2010-10-17T20:38:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday! Juri We Love You!

Happy Birthday Mom!

2010-10-17T20:35:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday ! Mom I love you! Wish you the best this year.

Fun at the Train Museum.

2010-10-17T20:30:00.000-07:00

New Friends (From Australia)

Anchor

A Light house Glass.


Train			Today we went to the train museum and by a miracle it was for free.( Yeah)

Baby Karen

2010-10-17T20:17:00.000-07:00

Baby Karen (Jonathan/River)

Deryk and Karen

Summer Festival Performance and Kids Billiards

2010-09-23T03:20:00.000-07:00

That to the left there is a Chinese ice-cream delicacy. To the right is a 3-D art performance. Performers come from all over Japan to audition, and there are 3 days in a year where about 15 to 20 of them come to perform. It was lots of fun seeing them.

Kenji and Kasandra (or however her name is spelled) is playing billiards. They were actually pretty good. We got this awesome 15-game table that has lots of fun games. Crazy huh!

Aquarium with Lily Frushey and Nozo

2010-09-23T03:09:00.000-07:00

This is a petting pool, where kids and adults alike can touch sharks and stingrays.

Merch's Breezy Visit

2010-09-23T02:55:00.000-07:00

I was working for this Turkish man making Turkish food for a bit. It was fun while it lasted. I quit after 2 weeks because he said that he'd lower my pay due to bad business. 'Tis could be the way of Turkey, but such disorganization is not the way of Japan. Yet, he is a sweet man, and he gives us ice-cream once in a while.

We are all familiar with Kaiten-Zushi aren't we? And yet some would say that it is not REAL sushi, that if you want to eat real sushi you will need to pay 3 times more. But I go there because I like it anyway. And it was a lot of fun, wasn't it Merch?

Letter to Fay

2010-07-21T02:52:00.000-07:00

July 21st' 2007

Hi Hony

I want to thank you for everything you've been for me--the encouragement, faith, support, and love. Though at times I forget about it, you have been all these important things and more.

No matter what we go through in life, and what sort of nonsense comes out of my mouth, I want you to know that I love you. I hope that I can be a better person for you, and that my fears and apprehensions, though many, will not get in the way of my love for you.

I do not want to have a conventional relationship of two people constantly struggling to live up to other's and each other's expectations, and losing the romance and affection through the struggle, as what seems to happen to many if not most.

I would rather live a life different from other's, taking a route through the unusual--not living as other's would expect--and so maintaining the beauty and purity of us--not making the regrettable mistake of losing all that makes a relationship valuable and meaningful.

I think I would need help to make a mindset change, but I know that it would be a change worth it. Where there's a will there's a way. Despite my rotten attitudes and hurtful words, I would like for these words to have precedence over them at all times: "I love you!"

Your Sweetie