Naha Haarii

Haarii are dragon-boat races, said to have been imported from China, to wish for a bumper year and pray for the safety of fishermen. Dragon-boat races are held everywhere in Okinawa, but the boats used in Naha Haarii are decorated with carvings of dragonheads and tails. The main event comes on the final day, fittingly called the main Haarii, in which 3 boats - Naha (dark green), Kume (yellow), and Tomari (black) - compete for the years grand prize, after a traditional Ugan Haarii (boat-race of prayer). Other events include dragon-boat races by students and the general public, live concerts and fireworks. source




I had to drag Jason to Naha to see the Dragon Boat Races.  Jason is not a fan of crowds or fair like atmosphere.  Sadly I had wanted to race, but was unable to make the time committment this year - maybe next year.  There are 3 military women teams that compete annually.  It looks like lots of fun.  We went to the festival with some friends.  Lucky for us She knows more about the culture and language than we do so she helps guide us to food us land loving Americans will love and choices that are more daring.






We only watched on race.  Even though the boats are really cool to look at the race does not hold 6 children's attention for very long.



We ate yummy food.  In fact I think I could have stayed awhile longer to try some other dishes.  Jason disagreed, something about yen.  We sampled some easy safe things like chicken yakatori and corn on the cob.  It was so hot that after the race we went looking for something cool.  Some nice Japanese vendors led me to Fried Ice Cream.  I love it so I ordered 2.  This is corn flakes and tempura battered.  So it was a chewier coating than the Mexican version, but so yummy.



My friend bought Tako balls.  I didn't get a picture before they were all gone.  You get 6 in an order that are drizzled with a soy sauce based sauce and mayo (they love mayo).  I ate it and didn't mind it.  Tako is Japanese for octopus.  These little balls remind me of aebleskiver that we make on occasion.  We might have to start putting a piece of steak in some for Jason. (My friend says that the fish shaped pancakes are filled with sweet beans or with custard - didn't get to try one).

Snoopy was donated by a passer by.  Tennyson is in love.

After a few hours at the festival we headed back to the cars.  The men had the babies and before too long the 4 year olds could not carry on, so the Moms packed them the rest of the way.  They giggled all they way home.  This is our friend NaRee Malan and her sweet girl Elizabeth.  Good friends have helped make Okinawa home.

   

What do all of these pictures have in common?  Pacifier Clips.  I have had lots of interest in my pacifier clips and thought I would share how I made mine.  WARNING:  NEVER PUT A CHILD TO SLEEP WITH THIS CLIP.  NEVER LEAVE A CHILD ALONE WITH BEADED CLIPS, SMALL PARTS, CHOKING HAZARD.  THIS TUTORIAL IS PROVIDED FOR YOU PERSONAL USE AND YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ITEMS YOU PRODUCE AND USE. These pacifier clips are decorative and can and do break.  Charlotte and Tennyson have both used these, so over the past 4 years I have restrung a few times.  Some survived for 4 plus years.  I have a few tips to save you a few headaches.



Supplies:
Beads - whatever kind you like.  I have used natural stone beads, plastic, and metal beads.
~10 inches Flexible Wire -  mine has a diameter of 0.14 in (great for seed beads) and has a test strength of 10 lbs.  The wire will break if yanked on hard enough and I want it to break if it is getting yanked on very hard.
Crimp Beads - to secure clasp and the end loop.
Clasp - I found mine at JoAnn's or Michaels
Crimping Pliers - Found in the jewelry supply section.

1.  Design your pacifier clip, lay out your beads.



2.  String your beads onto your wire.  I don't usually cut min, until after I have the beads all strung.



More about the clasp.  I found it at JoAnn Fabric or Michaels in the bead area with all the other jewelry supplies.  I like it because it clips easily onto the neckline or collar of any outfit.  It does not damage any of the clothing.  I have had it clipped on velvet and it left no permanent mark.  It is spring loaded, so I just push it onto the neckline until the fabric slips through.



3.  Place two crimp beads on the wire and then the clasp.  I use 2 beads because then if it breaks, I usually have at least 1 crimp bead remaining to keep the beads from going everywhere.  (It usually breaks near the clasp or in the loop from attaching to the pacifier).



4.  You will then thread the tail back through the crimp beads.



5.  You will use the crimp bead pliers to crimp the bead.  Securely attaching the clasp.  The website Beading for Beginners shows you how to do this.  If you have any other questions about beading, they would be a great tool to use.  There are lots of tutorials out there on beading, this is the first one I came across to share.  This is a picture of the pliers (courtesy of Amazon.com)



6.  Now your clasp is attached,  you can now cut your wire (if you haven't).  Cut your wire leaving a 2-3" tail.  You then place two more crimp beads on the wire.  Create a loop by threading the tail back through the crimp beads and some back through the decorative beads.  I like about an 1.5 inch loop.



7.  Crimp the beads and you are done.  Your finished clip should be about 7.5 inches long.

8.  The last step is to thread the loop through a hole in your pacifier (the handle or little holes) and then thread the clasp end through the loop to secure it to the pacifier.

I am sure you could use larger beads - wood, metal or stone and make a great boy version.  Again, please remember that they should never sleep with the clip or be left alone with it.

Storage Issues

I am having storage issues, so I couldn't finish the tutorial.  Hopefully I will have it resolved by tomorrow.  Sorry!

Scraps of Fabric = Budding Fashionista!

When every I am sewing this kids always grab whatever scraps of fabric they can and incorporate them into useful objects for their games.  They wrap up people, make booby-traps, tie things (sometimes a little too well), and so much more.

This time Charlotte used it as a fashion accessory and Jason recognized the photo op.  The two of them had a little photo session.

Tutorial tomorrow!

The Easter Egg Hunt!

Like everyone, I have visions of beautiful Easter Egg Hunt pictures.  Then, there is reality - we are just lucky to get it done with everything else that day.  This year it seemed harder that usual to focus on the true meaning of Easter.  We are so grateful for the sacrifice of our Savior.  I am so grateful for my boys who remember the special Easter Egg Hunt (with messages about the true meaning of Easter) and made sure we did it on Monday night.

   He missed one, so Charlotte quickly found it after Grahm moved on.

 I love this picture, she spotted an egg!

 Their adopted Aunt and Uncle brought over little basket for each of the kids.  The boys got these hilarious sets of glasses and noses.  The girls got bunny ears (I didn't get a picture).

Double Digits

Jayce did have a Birthday a few weeks ago.  He has hit the double digits - the big One Oh!  The big day was shared by two other major events, which made the day extra special and extra crazy.  Of course his biggest request this year was books.  He added over 5 books to his collection and I think finished all of them by now.  A few new clothes for the summer and a remote control helicopter.  The helicopter did not survive 20 minutes of use before it was busted.  We thought maybe we should have supervised a little more, so it was replaced and that one was busted in record time.  Jason then spent time using parts from here and there to give him a more play time before they both went in the trash.  Live and learn, I guess.

For food he requested: grilled Salmon with a dill sauce, fresh tomatoes, deviled eggs, giant pickles, raw green onions, fresh mushrooms, oven roasted potatoes and cheese biscuits.  For his cake - Shakes!

Happy Birthday to my Jayce!  You are one unique kid.  

-You love to read and are developing a fun sense of humor. 

-You love anything Greek or Egyptian.

-You are busy writing a book, or is it 5.  You are planning on being an author when you grow up.

-You have an awesome imagination and love to create whole new worlds in your head. 

-You like to draw, especially dragons and fighting scenes.  You plan to illustrate your novel.

-You occasionally refer to yourself as a "ginger", you are proud of your red hair.  You think you are more Irish than you are. 

-You excel at anything you decide to.  

-Your favorite food is seafood.

-You wish we could move to Idaho now.

-You want to do what is right, a great example to your brother and sisters.

-You are the best big brother and are such a great help to your Mom and Dad.  

You are one amazing person.  I know things are not always the way you want them to be, but life is still great and I love spending it with you.  We love you and are so proud of you.

Self-Soothing

 Getting ready to sleep.



Tennyson has a cute way of self-soothing.  She likes to put a finger in her belly button.  She usually does it when she is tired, stressed, or upset.  I think it is cute, well... who doesn't love a toddler tummy hanging out.  My only concern is that one day she will be 5 at school with her shirt pulled up.  We have started putting a onesie on her during her waking hours to see if we can limit it to sleeping.

Hanging out in the living room.

 Waiting for breakfast.

Urasoe City Park

Just before we left for The States we hunted down a really fun park.  It took us about a half hour to figure out which roads would get us over there.  Like we have said before, the parks here on Okinawa are the coolest.

Jayce and Grahm doing a little climbing.

Charlotte's style of climbing.

Huge, awesome roller slide.  These slides are lots of fun.  The friction though can burn your rear.

This is the first park we have been to that has a toddler sized roller slide.  Tennyson was really starting to enjoy it by the end.

This slide is really wide and not too long, so they can't really get hurt.  It was Tennyson's favorite.

Jason sliding on his feet to avoid a burnt bum.

He was catching up to Charlotte so he had to put the brakes on and almost went somersaulting.

This is a view of the climbing and slide area.

Everyone needs to come visit, just so they can go to a park.

Busy Body Bread

Tennyson is my busiest toddler.  If she can reach it she will have it and she will get it quick.

The blurry smile is evidence of how pleased she is with herself.