Getting Caught Up

So, life has been tripping merrily along since our return to the world of big cars, big hair, and lots of traffic. I enjoyed life as a say-at-home mom for six months and became completely addicted to "the Dog Whisperer". Aaron and I still have bouts of what we refer to as "homesickness." Fortunately these pass relatively quickly. Ridge and Holt have nearly completed first grade and pr-K, respectively. Ridge, not having attended an English kindergarten, was slightly behind in his reading but has since raced forward and constantly amazes us with his newfound abilities. Holt has thrived in pre-K and can hardly wait to join Ridge at Specht Elementary come August. As for me, I took a job in January as an educational assistant at an Elementary school. It's a super-positive place and I really enjoy going to work every day. Next year I'll try to jump back into a teacher job, though. It's time.


Adjusting to life in America has presented some challenges, a few tears, but an equal number of laughs. Initially, Aaron and I struggled the most. English words bombarded our ears and eyes. Cars moved too quickly and we were overwhelmed by a sense of not belonging. For the boys, the reaction was somewhat delayed. Ridge missed his friends, riding his bike with Ryuuya, and his small first grade class.


One day, Holt earnestly asked, "Mommy, why do we have to keep our shoes on all day at school? We even have to keep them on at nap!" He was simply dumbfounded by this rule. On more than one occasion, he commented on how odd it was the everyone, "speaks English!" We also heard plenty of, "I miss my Japanese friends!"


IN fact, the boys still ask about when we will return for a visit. I think Ridge is really counting on it (we've told him that we'll go back after Daddy finishes nursing school).


We've had some funny conversations about Power Rangers. There are actually about 5 kinds in Japan. One is called, “Genki Renga.” Recently, Emma, (Holt’s “girlfriend” from school) informed me that Holt had taught her all about “Genki Renga.” This was a deviation from her usual announcements regarding her marriage to my youngest son. They’re very fickle about the wedding plans, so I’m not hiring a caterer yet.

Ridge is also doing well in school, both English and Japanese. He is so like his father and has discovered the Discovery Channel. Ask him anything about “Dirty Jobs,” or “Myth Busters” and he’ll talk your ears off! Last night was his first ever open house. Ridge was so excited that he could barely contain himself. Part of that was due to the fact that Grandma came, also. It’s really wonderful to have three generations all under one roof