A Japanese New Year

 Heading to our neighborhood temple on New Year's Day to pray for a good 2012.

 The kids with otoshidama (money given at New Year's) from Mom and Dad.  I made the envelopes that we put the money in for the kids.  Can you tell that they are supposed to be dogs?

Every year I say I am going to make it and this year I finally did.  Traditional ozoni with spinach, carrots, chicken and mochi (rice cake) in broth.　Really good and very filling, if I do say so myself.

The First Big Hurdle of 2007

There seems to be a lot of reflecting and planning and resolutioning going on in Blogland, but to tell you the truth I haven't even given 2007 much thought. Maybe it has something to do with the conversations we have been having around here lately.

Exhibit One

Me: You know, if we have another baby and it is a boy I think we should name him Caden.
Hubs: Hmmmm.......
Me: And, if it is a girl I was thinking something like Shelby. Doesn't that just sound good- Bailey, Sophie and Shelby? But, I am not quite sure what we would do about a middle name. What do you think?
Hubs: Really? Three kids? I am starting to think two is enough.
Me: (almost spitting water all over the place) Huh?

Exhibit Two
Hubs: I need to start looking for a job in the States. I figure that we will be moving in about a year and a half. Think that'll give us enough time to save some money?
Me: That soon, huh? I feel pretty comfortable with life here in Japan. It would be nice to be closer to family, but I am not sure how I feel about moving back.
Hubs: Huh?

So, as these two exhibits clearly indicate we have no idea what the future holds for us. But, where ever it takes us, we are going together and that, to me, is what is most important.

Breathing Easy

Bailey's in the bedroom taking a nap.

Sophie fell asleep in the living room while I was attempting to change her diaper.

Hubs is on his way to pick up his grandmother from the nursing home so she can spend new years at her daughter's (MIL's) house.

I just finished cleaning the kitchen and am getting ready to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate.

On the last day of the year, life seems to have slowed down a little. Our little family is just enjoying relaxing and having fun together. I don't think any of us will make it until midnight tonight. Heck, I personally, don't think I could make it past 10:00. But that just means I will be better rested than all the rest of the folks vying for the best fukubukuro bright and early tomorrow morning. No telling what goodies I might get! Stay tuned......