Rice balls 101.. And other good info..

What do you feed the kids when they are hungry every 2 hours. Well here in Japan we fix rice balls. I seem to always have rice warming in my rice cooker. They are simple, inexpensive, and a great hold over snack for the boys. The boys eat them as fast as I can make them... The first thing you need is cooked rice. This is our second rice cooker. The first was cheap and lasted less then a year. My neighbor's Tiger brand has lasted them 14 years. They bought it the last time they were stationed here. After having it for a while I can now say it was well worth the cost. You want to use GOOD Japanese or sticky rice. I add 3 cups of dry rice. Be sure to wash the rice. Usually 3 rinses with warm water is good. One of my Japanese friends showed me how to add the water for perfect rice. Once you have washed the rice, fill the pot with water, stick your middle finger in the center ( you just want your finger to rest on top of the rice) fill with water until the water hits the first line of your middle finger. It works every time.

Turn off the rice and let it cool. I remove the rice pot and set it on a pot holder to cool.

Now I said in the beginning that we were making rice balls. They are not usually in the shape of a ball. Most of the time you find them they are triangle shaped. I think it's just easier to call them balls? Rice triangle just doesn't have the same ring... This is my rice mold. I bought it at the *yup you guessed it* 100 yen shop.

You will also need a plate.

And clear plastic wrap. I also get this at the 100 yen shop. They have EVERYTHING for 100 yen here..

I make my rice balls 2 different ways. The way we are making them today is with this little season packet. These packages contain seaweed, salmon flakes, and sunflower seeds. You can also buy just the salmon flakes. I didn't have any seaweed wraps so the boys get the packages this time. They prefer them to be wrapped in seaweed. They like the crispy, crunch of the seaweed on the outside.




You want a small bowl of water near by. Dip your fingertips into the water. This will help keep the rice from sticking to your fingers. Trust me it is much easier this way. The first time I made these I did not have the water. What a mess....

Scoop the rice, and TRY to just use the tips of your fingers.

Fill the rice mold, you want to pat the rice down. Make sure the mold is full and packed well.

After you have filled both sides with rice, sprinkle whatever you would like atop the rice. My kids LOVE salmon and seaweed, so I always add extra. You could add chicken, and carrots. Or sardines. (Ian loves Sardines, the boys and I do not)...


Next fold the mold. You want to close the 2 sides firmly. It will help the 2 sides to meet.

I lay them out on plastic wrap. Sometimes I have one that breaks a bit. I just add a bit of water to my fingers and fix my mistakes. They are super easy to make...




Once you have finished making your triangle shaped rice balls, refrigerate them to keep fresh. I stick mine in my butter slot. This keeps the boys from digging to far into the fridge and making a mess.

They do not last long in our house. Christopher had one at around 10 am. He wanted a *snack* to hold him over until lunch. I plan to bring more then a few of these molds with me when I fly home this summer. All of our family will get a flavor pack and rice mold. OH, won't they be just so excited.

Well there you have it. I hope you all try them. If you do not have a mold, you can made cookie cutter rice patties. Just sprinkle your goodies on top.


In other news WE HAVE HARD COPIED ORDERS. We received them today. As of today we have 89 days left. (give or take a day, you just never know with the Navy). I have done NOTHING. First thing first, I will go make copies of our orders. The last time we moved I think I needed 30 copies. Each place needs a copy for their records. Some places need 5 or 6 copies. Monday I will be running all over the base trying to get our overseas screening, and Dep Ent Appr. I also have to make appointments for our house hold goods. Making a decision on what to do with the car, and 200 other things. Wish me luck. The boys can survive off rice balls for the week....



Our plan is to fly into OKC the first of June and spend some time with my dad, and nephew. We will spend some time with Aunt Carlene, and Ian's grandmother. I am frantically looking for a rental van. They are NOT cheap. If you all have a company that you use and like please pass the name onto me. After some time with my dad, the 5 of us will drive to CO and see Grandma and Grandpa. I am SO excited. I am planning SOMETHING BIG.. (more information to come soon).



I can almost taste that Cherry Lime Ade....

Funny Sign...

It was the ggg that caught my eye.. I swear it was.....

Tokamachi Snow Festival

The boys and I had a great time. Our bus departed at 4:30 am. We settled in for the long ride from Kanagawa Prefecture to Niigata. (500 Kilometers) We did stop twice on the way to stretch our legs and eat. I will have to do a post just on rest stops. They are something to see here in Japan. We drove to Tokamachi, a town that is said to have the most snow fall in Japan. 50 years ago the town decided to start a snow festival. They wanted to embrace the snow as a friend. Everyone was so nice and friendly. As luck would have it 2 of Scary Teenager's friends and their families were on the same trip. Our tour guide did show us a few things, but the majority of the day we explored the town. Stopping to admire the sculptures. I would recommend this ITT (Information Tours and Travel) trip to anyone stationed here.

The boys had many snow ball fights all over town. At one point a group of Japanese men and their wives joined in. Watching a large group of American kids and Japanese adults have a snow ball fight was funny.

One of the first places our tour guide took us to was a tea ceremony. These ladies served acorn coffee and saki. They loved the boys being a part of it.

The kids also ate acorn cookies while they drank their coffee. It was also a chance to warm up for a bit.

Our guide explained this lovely lady has been making these cookies all of her life. I sat there for a while watching her. Every so often she would smile up at me. I could see a story on her face. I wished in that moment more then any, here in Japan that I could speak her language.

The boys found this huge wall and trudged all the way up. Trying to get down was a challenge. Noah found himself chin deep in snow several times that day...

All over the town were these intricate snow carvings. Trying to get pictures was interesting, as you can see it snowed A LOT. My goal was to capture the day without ruining my camera..

Umm, I am not sure what character this is. Or what he was doing. The kids sure like him.

Seeing these amazing buildings never gets old or tiresome. I could walked around just taking pictures of older building and homes. You can feel the history in towns such as this one.

Here they were preparing for a show on the stage. The seating was carved out of snow.

A real live *Hello Kitty*

After some time walking, having snow ball fights and sledding we decided a trip to the towns city hall to warm up would be GREAT! At this point we were all freezing. The boys sat by the fire, talking to the many Japanese people who ventured over. Where we were Americans are not common. Most of the Japanese people were blown away at the boys ability to speak some Japanese. The boys walked up to a food vendor and ordered their own lunch, sat down and ate with chop sticks ( this has become part of our daily lives), all the while oblivious to the stares and murmurs around them..

A Taiko drum show was held at one of the venues. With all the snow and cold they were still amazing to watch and listen to. Noah could very well have stayed right there for the duration of our trip.

As we walked around town admiring the sculptures taking pictures and acting like tourists, I thought for a moment about life in this tiny town. Our bus ride had us driving up windy roads, over VERY narrow 2 lane bridges. More then once we joked about what to do if a car came at us from the other direction. We would have had no choice but to back up all the way down the road. Did I mention the narrow OLD bridge we had to take...

While the boys played in the snow I ventured over and caught the tale end of a Kimono show. These ladies were beautiful.

She spoke last so I think maybe she won?

A torii gate to a shrine right next to a mini suburban neighborhood. Shrines and temples are common all over Japan.

All of the kids had a great time tubing.

At one point while walking the kids found an open space that had no been touched. Their answer, to make snow angles...

This character's name is Doraemon. He is famous throughout Japan. Noah HAD to get his picture with him..

Penguins are popular here. This picture was taken right outside someones home. There is a small restaurant next door. It seemed to me both the homeowner and the restaurant owner built it together.

Me and the boys with another statue....

I HAD to take a picture of this phone booth. These are not seen to often in the US (everyone has cell phones). Here in Japan they are still in use. Cell phones here perplex me. You can use them for everything (cameras, texting, and as an I POD) for cheap. But, if you actually call someone it can get expensive. Here we pay by the minute. Unlimited calling does not exist.

This park was beautiful. It was right next to a major intersection. The kids ran around and had a great time...

The boys at the entrance to the park.

And last but CERTAINLY not least. It seems every trip we take I find something *Hello Kitty* this one had me and a friend cracking up in the store.. I had to waste the 2 bucks and bring her home.....



We arrived home around midnight tired, and worn out. BUT, we had such a good time. This trip was not to an awe inspiring shrine, or famous tower. Spending the money, and the *long bus ride* was well worth it. Meeting new people, experiencing a small Japanese town was for all 3 of us one of the best trips we have taken thus far......

We are home and tired!!!

More to come after a LONG nap......

We have our own version!

Of commercials.. Here are a few of my favorites.





Now wasn't that great!




Did you have a good laugh??





This is one of my favorites!




Yup we have quite the budget don't we??




This REALLY is Ian, Peyton and I when we go shopping. Everybody stares and rolls their eyes..

Now do you understand why we were SUPER excited to get cable??

Another day in paradise!!! Valentines day Japanese style!!

Flowers were delivered.

Chuhai was consumed.. (Shochu is distilled with barley, and sweet potato's or rice). grown up koolaid with a kick..

My beloved even cleaned the floors for me! ( he was not interested in taking pictures)..

Here in Japan Valentines day is celebrate a bit differently then in America. (of course it is) It has become tradition that the women buy the gifts for the men. Women are expected to buy Giri-choco (chocolate of courtesy) for their co workers, and even married male friends. They also buy honmei-choco (chocolate of love) for their significant other. Women can buy 20-30 boxes of chocolate. In return on March 14 Th White Day is celebrated. (it is called white day because all the gifts are wrapped in white paper) This is the opposite of Valentines day. The men who received either Giri-choco or Honmei-choco are expected to buy for the women. Some common gifts given from the men to women are cookies, chocolate, jewelery, or undies. The gifts from the men are to be sanbai gaesh (literally translated it means "thrice the return".) Men will spend 3 times as much on the women. I was reading in the paper the other day that Japanese women are relieved that Valentine's day falls on a Saturday this year. They are exempt from buying for co workers. One Japanese woman was quoted in the paper.. I am happy, I do not have to buy for men I don't like. That is a good thing. What did you do to celebrate V day?????? Who votes we should have White day in March?

Happy Love Day!!

Run out, buy your beloved a heart shaped box of cheap chocolate. Maybe some long stem flowers, or an overpriced stuffed animal to be tossed into the attic.

Or remember the day before and shit when you hit the store EVERYTHING is sold out. My beloved will be getting a jar of Kit Kat~!!

Happy V Day...

Some days I am amazed!! *Mt. Fuji*

At the view that surrounds me! This is Mt. Fuji...

these pictures are from my friend Danielle's camera! She is an amazing photographer..

Finally your questions are answered!!

I know it's been a while.. Do you remember this post http://thirdculturekidsrmine.blogspot.com/2009/01/once-again-i-give-you-my-100-yen-zen.html.



This was where you asked questions about Japan. And now I give you the answers.





1. http://hollysjoy.wordpress.com/ Asked: If I have been to a public bath? Here in Japan they are called Onsen. I have not been to one yet. A group of us are planning a trip next week. I really wanted to experience it with Ian. He can't go. If you have tattoos they do not allow you in unless you can cover them up. In his case he would have to wrap more then half of his body. (shh, don't tell his mom! She would die, if she knew he had tattoos). I will be posting about our trip.





2. http://mhsrotties.blogspot.com/ Asked: How are tourists received?

We have had wonderful experiences here. My friends and I joke that if you end up lost in Japan, just stand there with a confused/lost look on your face and someone will help you. Noah and I were lost in the Tokyo subway and this wonderful older gentleman walked us all the way to our train. Speaking in English the entire way.

On another night the boys and I were on the train trying to figure out what stop we needed. We were trying to connect to another train line. There were 2 small boys who took us under their wing and stayed with us all the way to our stop.



The thing to remember if you visit Japan is personal space. It simply doesn't exist here. When people bumb into you or my personal favorite, when little old ladies mow you down to get on the elevator they are NOT being rude. It is just part of their society. All of us (Peyton included) understand that if there is a little old lady (or a pack of them) headed our way to MOVE! Japanese people are spry.



3. http://mamamia3.blogspot.com/ Asked: My girls are just wondering if there is a Hello Kitty World (like Disney maybe?)



Mia, yes here it is called Puroland. Our middle son Noah has been. This past summer his camp took a trip. He did not understand that Puroland was Hello Kitty world. He had a good time, but was upset that it is a *girls* place. Being the only *girl* in my family, I will have to convince a group of friends to tag along.. Here is the website (in English) for your girls to explore.. http://www.puroland.co.jp/english/welcome.html





4. http://bcmh.blogspot.com/ (family adventure) and http://goingoffthedeepend.blogspot.com/ (lucky me) both had similar questions.. Why are you living in Japan? How long have you been there? How long will you be staying?



We are here because Ian is in the Navy and it was an option for us. We were living in Hawaii with the boys and when Ian came up for orders we jumped at the chance to move the boys here. We PCS'd here June 2006, and will transfer in just a few months. When the Navy offered us another tour here in Japan (at a smaller base) we once again jumped at the chance. Our boys have also lived in Italy. People in the military have different views. Just like any big organization. I have many friends that would never think of living overseas. Moving away from their extended family, or for other reasons they just will not do it. In our case, I see the opportunity to live overseas as a benefit to the military life. If I have to up root my boys and move them every 2-3 years then by gosh we will all get something out of it. I want them to see as much of the world as the Navy will allow.



5. And last but NOT least: http://greeneyedmama.blogspot.com/ (tracytreasure) asked: How old is Ian? He would love for me to tell you he is 21. But he is 36.. More then half way to 40. And, looks darn good for 36 if you ask me. And I know you all just did!



A few moths ago I found this blog...http://sgtandmrshub.blogspot.com/. She is an Air Force wife and mother of 3 BEAUTIFUL children. She has started a Military misconceptions Q&A session. What a great idea. So I am going to try the same thing here.

So bring me your questions and misconceptions (come on I know everyone has 1 thought about the military)... Just PLAY NICE!

"HEY MOM" Is getting a bit expensive around here!

Scary teenager came home from school a couple of weeks ago. "Hey mom, I signed up for the school play". "Oh, really" (I was a bit skeptical).. What part did you sign up for". "Yeah, right, mom get real. I don't want to be in the play. I want to do the lights and music. You know like the assistant?". Now that sounds like my kid! And off he went.. There will be some sort of uniform. God, I hope it's all black. ST has the covered!

Fast forward a week or so. Who can keep track of time with all these kids demanding things like clean clothes, and food. You would think if they can operate the TV and DVD player by 4, turning on a washer and adding soap would be easy. And, how hard is it to push buttons on a microwave?

"Hey, MOM, can I sign up for track?" Track? Like running? that track? "yes, mom, geesh. Track is running". (smart ass, he gets it from Ian). He goes to practice 4 days a week for an hour and a half. After the first day of practice in he walks...





"hey, mom, I need running shoes. My shoes are good for skateboarding, but not for track." OK, so off we head to the NEX. Can I just say right here that shoe companies are CROOKED. I should have called Ian's aunt for the shoes. Next season she is my first phone call. Here is where they get you. If your child wears up to a size 7 they cost about $45. Not so bad. BUT! If your child has skies (sorry kid but it's true), and needs say a size 8, you get to shell out $80. FOR THE EXACT SAME SHOES! OH, and now we can log on to the Internet and track his shoes, or how far he runs. Some new scheme for the government to KNOW where kids are . That might not be a bad idea. You log onto the Internet only to see an e mail from NIKE. (We are e mailing to inform you that your sons shoes are now in little miss blonds bedroom).. Could work...





Day 2 in walks the ST....





"hey, mom" I need to drink more milk, and eat more bananas". OK, seriously people we already drink an entire cow of milk a day! I need to start an underground milk business. Sneak the stuff in for half price! We will be broke before this season is over. But, I press on and buy the stupid, dumb, (why the heck can't Ian pick it up) milk..


Then!!


Last night was the parents meeting. The coach is AWESOME! His girls cross country team has been number 1 for a few years. That is no easy task when these kids go up against international schools.. He stressed team work, and teaching the kids work ethic. It is not about winning. Although the fact that they win is GREAT!.. After listening to him Ian and I feel like ST will have a good time.





Towards the end of the meeting we are handed a form. It is a spirit pack for our kid. Sweats and sweatshirt, (and the bag to keep his junk in). Now I don't know much about track. AT ALL! I run on a treadmill for a reason. I don't like the out doors. Ian is the runner. Running to him is relaxation. (yes, I am frantically trying to get him in with a shrink). He runs 5-6 miles a day. So he is totally in his *I am dad, this my kid realm*!! What I do know about is the uniform (I am a fashion diva).. It consists of shorts (realllly short shorts) and a tank top. When they are not running, they need something to wear. And, well I want my kid to have it. Ian wants one to. The sweatshirt will have Christopher in Japanese on the back. Ian can wear it to his meets and take it on deployment with him.





This morning I hear "hey mom" (from Noah). My eyes began to twitch!


Yes, hun. "can I take guitar lessons?" They only cost $50 a month! Can you all see my head spinning round and round?





As Noah is walking out the door I hear once more "hey, mom, I need 3100 yen for the field trip". At this point my "HEY MOM, I need" tank was full. So what do I say. "look kid, I will drop off the money when I pick you up at 11.. But (and this goes for both of you) you will eat ramen for a MONTH!!!! Someone has to pay for laundry soap.


And within that month they will both know how to cook for themselves.....Ramen is a food group dangit~~~!

OK: this post needs to end. I have to go pay for baseball season for both boys! Anyone want to donate to my kids extracurricular activities? Or maybe my therapy bills? I will need therapy with all this 6 am Saturday mess.

Happy Birthday Ian~!~

We love you!!!!