Ureshii na!!

(Literally, I'm happy! Probably gives you a hint as to why there's so much "nonsensical" English around here. . . the two languages are just VERY different!!)
The reason why I'm happy, well, one of them is, this weekend I bought daffodils!! Aren't they cute?! I've been meaning to put something in my pots for a while, and since my outdoor plant died while I was home at Christmas, I decided to go to the home centre to see what I could find. . . and so spring has arrived (at least inside my little house! :-)


Another exciting thing that happened today was. . . all of the "foreigners" -- ie. the Hiebert family and I -- got to wear kimonos!! Two older ladies from church have been working so hard at getting everything ready (including asking numerous people and a rental place if they happened to have a kimono long enough for a 183 cm tall girl -- we ended up giving up ;-), but it's only noticeable in the sleeves!!). Then, two of their friends came to help put the kimonos on us this morning (it's quite a process -- what I'm wearing in this picture was my "underwear" -- 3 layers before you actually get the kimono on!) Making sure everything is in the right place, getting the bottom to lay nicely, and the obi (belt) tied is something that, these days, most Japanese people can't do on their own, and rely on special "dressers" for these kinds of occassions (which, are happening less and less).

My church family -- at least, those who were there this morning! Funny how we are dressed in traditional Japanese garb, and it's the Japanese who came in jeans! The Hiebert family and I in front (L-R): Trenton(12), Brandon(17), Laurence, Leona, and Cambria (15).

Cambria and I showing off the obi in the back of our kimonos. . . notice how Cambria's kimono has long-sleeves (for young women who aren't married) and the bow is tied up (hard to see in this picture). Here they often refer to young women "older sister" and a little bit older (30s-50s) as "aunt", even older becomes "grandma". It's the same for men. So, I was joking with everyone that I had already gotten "promoted" to the "aunt" style of obi tying -- no longer "cute and fun". . . ;-)


Just me (and my camera) -- having a little fun at my house! Definitely a special memory. . .

Couldn't resist. . .

Here she is. . . little miss Acacia. . . wearing, I must say, something I'm sure she will treasure for the rest of her life!! (thanks Suzanne :-) Only thing is, I know she's already surpassed me in terms of charming, and it's only a matter of time with sophistication. . . ;-)

So, this is Christmas. . .

. . . reality check. . . so I was already having a few identity issues about "visiting Canada" for 2 weeks, when I fell, out skating with my dad and brother. Ok, so I wasn't that great at it even when I did live there. . . It was definitely a lot of fun to skate out on the little river like 1/4 of a mile away from my house -- first time ever, so I guess you can't say there was NO benefit to all the rain. . .
Bob and I at New Year's -- yeah, I'm guessing that's probably quite "self-explanatory" for many of you. . . Had a great time hanging out with a few Bethany friends at Rochelle and Harley's place! Bring on the bowl game, Cranium, and a whole lot of Rochelle's amazing fruit and taco dip (NOT the same thing, in case you were wondering!)
My "new and expanded" family. . . Absolutely fabulous to spend time with my family -- laughing, playing games by the fireplace, and being together!! And it was nothing but amazing to finally meet my Acacia (niece). . . definitely one fab girl who holds a big place in my heart!! Hard to explain how proud and blessed I feel. . .

Kristin, Foord -- I apologize, well, in retrospect. . .?! Yeah, sorry, no privacy regulations on these blogs. . . I can't say how much I love all of you, my friends, and how incredible it was to spend time together -- reminisce, be crazy and share our hearts.
The continuation of New Year's (sorry, I'm too scared to try moving things around in here because I've had it backfire before. . . and you know how often I write, so that could end up being more than a little detrimental ;-) Out in Rochelle's backyard (before being bombarded by snowballs) enjoying her hot tub in the, well, early hours of the morning. . .

I have to say that I was blessed to spend with all of you at home during my time there -- I was refreshed by seeing you. I often remember you, pray for you and miss being with you. Thanks for enriching my life in so many ways!! XOXO