Love Through Kids Eyes..

Thank you so much for all of your kind comments and warm messages.

This issue of mine has been going on for quite a bit - this didn't happen yesterday. Some of my old readers already know that I used to post religiously, then my posts have become spotty. I hate it. But, many of you have suggested that I really need to find a middle ground for this blog. I love my blog and I want to keep blogging, but if I can't write what's important or be who I am on my blog, then, what's the point of keeping?

My blog style may change and it may take me for a while to bounce back, but I hope that I will find new found love for my blog and enjoy my journey with you.

Anyways.

I stumbled upon on a blog post the other day which totally warmed up my heart. They are actual answers from little kids when they were asked "What Is Love?" The quotes are super adorable and I thought I would share with you. I googled and tried to find the sources for these actual quotes and I did find the same quotes all over the internet, but I couldn't find who had done the interview the kids - I was hoping it was for a book or a magazine article.

It's funny how every thing the kids said made sense. I still remember when I was talking to my mentor, he said the first hearbreak that kids endure is from their parents. He said when their daddy or mommy get angry and yell at them for the first time, that's their very first heartbreak.

All of us were a baby at some point (no brainer!) and come to this world full of hope and promises - they are born equal regardless of color of their skin or language they speak, they are just babies. And baby gives full attention and love to their mommy and daddy - they smile for you, they cry for you.. Parents are everything to them. And I think kids know what unconditional love is. But sad thing is, when we grow older, we become more childish and selfish - love becomes somewhat conditional at times.

So, I asked my two daughters "What Is Love?" and here are their answeres..

* Soapy (4 years old): "Love is loving you, Mommy!!!! (sorry, she's only 4..) and spending time with your family!"

* JuJu (6 years old): "Well.. love is... fair. Love is...Um, I think love comes back to you when it goes somewhere or fly to some place, and.. love is always there when you need it. AND it's warm!!!"

Too cute and I think they know what love is.. LOL

Now enjoy children's actual answers to the question "What Is Love?"

“When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.” - Billy, age 4

“Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other.” - Karl, age 5

“Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs.” - Chrissy, age 6

“Love is what makes you smile when you’re tired.” - Terri, age 4

“Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK.” - Danny, age 7

“Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more. My Mommy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss.” - Emily, age 8

“Love is what’s in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.” - Bobby, age 7

“If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate,” - Nikka, age 6

“Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday.” - Noelle, age 7

“Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well.” - Tommy, age 6

“During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling. He was the only one doing that. I wasn’t scared anymore.” - Cindy, age 8

“My mommy loves me more than anybody. You don’t see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night.” - Clare, age 6

“Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken.” - Elaine, age 5

“Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Brad Pitt.” - Chris, age 7

“Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day.” - Mary Ann, age 4

“I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones.” - Lauren, age 4

“When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn’t bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That’s love.” - Rebecca, age 8

“When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you.” - Karen, age 7

“You really shouldn’t say ‘I love you’ unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget.” - Jessica, age 8

Have a sweet and a lovely week!!!

Daddy Is Home!!!

My husband has been home since Thursday. Our daughters and I are very happy he's back and we get to spend Father's Day together. He's flying out again tomorrow and starts another week of work in NJ... But I think he'll be able to commute more often soon, that's great news!!!

My dad is in Tokyo, so I don't get to tell him how grateful I am for all he's done for me and my sister. He is the best father I could ever ask for and I'm so fortunate to have him as a father... I love you, Daddy!!!

And to all the Dads out there - enjoy your day!! You definitely deserve to be treated like a King today!!!

xoxo

{Enjoy the images of dads in the world, famous or non-famous}

Happy Father's Day!!!!!

Have A Lovely Weekend!!!!

Hello my darlings, what are you up to this Mother's Day weekend?

Did you buy niceties for your Mom yet?

My Mama lives far, far away from where I am, and actually I haven't bought anything for her (Thanks to the water damage) - however, I'm making her an album of her granddaughters...

I miss her terribly and more I spend a day without seeing her each day, my love for her grows even more...

I'm so blessed to have this little Munchckin - It's funny the hibiscus is almost bigger than her face...

And this little princess of mine... She just takes my breath away...

I'm such a lucky mom to have them in my life!!!!

Have a sweet weekend with your mom and the people you love...

xoxo

Ju Ju & Valentine's

Don't we all love Valentine's Day? It makes you feel warm inside... And my oldest daughter Ju Ju is learning the meaning of Valentine's Day for the first time. She had gotten Valentine's goodies when she was in Pre-K, but now, it is more of a big deal for her - I think she really gets it...

Ju Ju is so excited and wants everything to be perfect. When we went Target to shop for the goodies for her classmates, she wouldn't stop asking me questions or rejects some ideas I threw in to help her finding candies that she wanted for her friends. She decorated Valentine's cards for herself and even written messages on the cards. 16 students and friends she shares everyday life with - I think they are all important to her. After she finished writing stuff on the cards, I told her to go to bed. I told her I would finish everything for her. She was VERY skeptical. Side note: The dining table was full of candies, goodie bags, cards and chocolate - it was like hurricane stormed through the house. So I could understand her concern and this is the conversation we had after two hours of doing the Valentine's preparation for her school.

Ju Ju: "Mama, ARE YOU SURE???"
Me: "Yes, I'm sure.."
Ju Ju: "But Mommy, how are you going to wrap everything?"
Me: "Don't worry about it.."
Ju Ju: "Are you sure?? Is everything gonna be ready when I wake up?"
Me: "No doubt about it.."
Ju Ju: "But Mommy, are you going to put everything in the bag?"
Me: "Everything.."
Ju Ju: "Are you sure you know who is who and name and everything?"
Me: "............."

After convincing her that everything is going to be okay, she finally went to bed. And I wrapped all the candies, chocolate and cards and this is the final photo.. (sorry for the bad quality of pics) - I also placed the card on the table Ju Ju made for me in her class today... The card was SUPER adorable!!!

I can't wait to see her face tomorrow morning. Have a lovely Friday everybody:)

The First Valentine's Day

I was talking to one of the clients today when she asked me what she should get for his new boyfriend of two months. She is smitten and wants to get something for him, but because they've been dating for only short time, she is just not sure how much is too much. She also thought about him not getting her anything and that's making her nervous too.

My boss and his wife kept telling her not to get him anything and let him do the work... I, on the other hand told her, if she wants to get him something, then that's what she should do. She said she was going to get his favorite movie on DVD and maybe a certificate for a round of golf. Oh boy, my boss and his wife were like, "Are you crazy? What if he doesn't get you anything? Just go and see if he gets you something. Once the relationship gets serious, then you should get him something.."

Now, I still remember the look on her face; the disappointment or the confusion because I know she wants to get him something. They are definitely going to dinner together - she just doesn't know if she should get him gifts.

What do you think everyone? What would you do if you're only dating your BF for a few months and celebrating Valentine's Day together for the first time. I know I would be so excited! Wouldn't you want to get him something - I mean, I would. Or am I wrong???

Please let me know and help her out!!!

Just the Three of Us

My husband first told me that he's thinking about moving back to NJ to work for his father two days before Christmas last year when him and I went out for dinner just two of us. It's no secret that we've been through a lot since he first suffered from seizure episodes six years ago and have tough time finally as well..

We've moved around three states because of it and he's had tough time holding job. The day before Easter last year, he got really sick and was in the ICU for a longest time. Every time we thought he's doing better, he gets sick again. The uncertainty has always put a lot of stress and pressure on me and my husband because we have two daughters who totally rely on us. We are responsible for two most beautiful souls.

So, today, my husband JT packed his stuff and moved to NJ by himself to work for his father again. Ju Ju still has school to finish and right now, we call Florida our home. So, as much as it hurts, Daddy is doing what he's gotta do - to do what's best for our family.

After dropping off Daddy, Ju Ju was crying looking out the window at the bay saying that she misses her daddy. "Land Slide" by Dixie Chicks was playing in the background and she wouldn't stop crying while I was holding her tiny hand (BTW, I was also driving with my left hand. LOL) - on the other hand, Soapy was like, "Well, mommy, we can go and see him every weekend!"

We're not sure about many things, but JT will be commuting between FL and NJ. We're hopeful and we can't wait for Daddy to come home for Soapy's birthday in March. For now, I have to play both Mommy and Daddy for the girls..

Just the three of us, there will be lonely nights and missing Daddy like crazy, but I know we're going to okay!!!!

My Mom Deserves Something So Precious...

Oh, I haven't done this in a while. But Kat is one of my favorite persons on blogsphere and I know I always do her assignment when I'm feeling down. Somehow, when I see her prompts, they make me smile and lift my spirit...

Today, I picked her prompt #1: If You Give A Mom A Moment...

{If You Give A Mom A Moment...}

If I could, I will give my mom a moment to be with my daughters... A moment that she hasn't had for over two years.

A moment that she can sit on the couch and watch Ju Ju and Soapy sing in front of her.

A moment that she can holds my daughters hands and walk around the lake..

A moment that she can talk to Ju Ju and Soapy in Japanese even though they wouldn't understand it.

A moment that she wants so desperately desire, but it seems I can't give...

Many of you know that my mom is on dialysis, so she hates flying, especially from Tokyo to Florida is such long hours. I don't want to say we're struggling, but because JT losing job last year right before Christmas (for 3 months he was out of job) and JT became sick during Easter weekend, we have had tough time with our finances since. We haven't been able to fly back to Hawaii which is a LOT closer to Japan. We couldn't even fly back to one of my best friends' wedding in September. Therefore, I haven't seen my mother for more than two years.

We do talk every day on the phone, and Ju Ju talks to my mother in Japanese. My mom is just happy to hear her first granddaughter's voice and she's very upbeat. But I'm very sad. I know it's like a broken record, talking about her and how much I miss her over and over again in my posts, but I do miss her.

I miss watching my mom spending time with my daughters. I miss every things that I can't share with my mom because she is such a beautiful person who can give so much to my girls... She deserves to see my girls while they are small and cute, running around like tiny bugs. I'm disappointed in myself that I haven't been able to bring the girls closer to my mom.

But, I hope my dad and my mom can fly here together soon - that would be nice...

My Daughters

I was giving my girls a bath tonight as always. As I tried to wash my Soap's hair, she said, "Mommy, I can do it..." and asked me to pour shampoo on her hand. Soapy couldn't wash her hair on her own or didn't even want to wet her face in the tub or pool a few month ago. Now, she is not afraid. That's when it hit me... Those little tiny things are growing up, fast. And it kind of makes me sad about it.

They are 5 and 3 - obviously they are still small and give me so much joy by just looking at things they do. And I won't lie about it: The size of their hight or body are just so cute.

I sometimes tell my girls, "Can you girls, please stay the way you are now? Don't grow up. Stay tiny for Mommy..." They always look at me funny and Ju Ju points out, "But Mommy, I'm always your baby, right?" And she is right.

They will always be my babies and they will always be the most important things in my life. There will be time where they will start dating or their hearts get broken or the first kiss; I want to be the mom that they can come to me and talk honestly and share those important moments in their lives, like my mom was there for me and my sister.

It really scares me sometimes to think about their future.. I don't know what awaits them. So what I can do is to read their favorite books or cook their favorite food, or hold their hands when we walk around the lake, or that tell them I love them every chance I get, hoping that they know that their mommy loves them and they can count on me....

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. I can't wait to share some funny stories from our vacation in NJ this week!!!

xoxo
Maki

P.S. I Love You....

I love movies. I love to watch movies, especially when I am feeling blue because it gives me a brief opportunity to escape from a reality that may eating away at me at times. It's sort of therapeutic.

Anyway, I jsut finished watching "P.S. I Love You" on Demand and this movie totally shook me and touched me to the core. I am sure many of you have seen it already. I somehow didn't bother to see it before because I didn't like the preview. But I was flipping through my Fios' movie listing and decided to see it because JT is still workinga and our daughters are already in bed. And oh boy, I could not stop crying... My eyes are totally puffy and look horrible right now! LOL.

This movie trully has showed me how wonderful and special it is to love and being loved; how fortunate it is to have someone you love is healthy and well; how beautiful and deep one person's love can be; and how important it is to make sure the person you love knows that you love her/him. Yes, it's just a movie, it's fictional, but also this film was so real to me. (Maybe it has a lot to do with JT became ill a while back or his uncle passing away, too and celebrating Memorial Day)

I would never wish upon a thousand stars to lose my husband before his time nor my husband does for me. But I truly hope that me and JT know that we both love each other and will be able to leave something behind for each other to stand strong.

Gosh, this movie totally wrecked me in a great way.... I think I'm just babbling. I am sorry!!!

JT and I are going to see much anticipated {Terminator Salvation} tomorrow!

So, ladies and gentlemen - what is your favorite love romance film???

I hope all of you had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend...

Do You Like It Young?

Another Hollywood Couple whose wife is a lot older than husband.

The news at my salon this week is that my co-worker (another receptionist) C's mom got married. It's nice to know that C's mom found a new love at the age of 54. Everybody was so happy for C's mom and excited for C. But there is a little twist to the love story. C's stepdad is 37. Yes, you read me right. C's mom is 54 and her new husband is 37. 37!!! The guy is 17 years younger than C's mom. It's been funny experience for me to see all our client who are often older ladies go Goo Goo Gaa Gaa over C's mom's marriage. I bet they are jealous.

When C told me about her mom getting married, she was honestly happy for her mom. She said as long as the man treats her mom right and makes her happy, it doesn't bother her that her mom is marrying such a younger man. C said that her mom looks younger than her age and mom's new husband looks older than 37, so it evens out... Okay.... She often jokes, "I call him Daddy just to tease him." C is 27, so she could never call him Daddy for real.

I am a firm believer of love coquers everything. As long as you love one another, nothing matters. It's great that C's mom got it going and went for it. A lot of people including myself would hesitate marrying a guy who is 17 younger than her age. Wouldn't you??

Then, I thought about a post I did a while back. It's about these high school kids thought that I was hot. I am 35 and they are like 16 - 17.. Now I know I could never be with anyone who is so young (and oh, I'm already married, so I don't qualify for marrying another man, do I?), but it's interesting that some men do attracted to older lady. If you want to know what happened, read this post.


What about you beautiful? Would you like young boy or older man? If there is any male reader, would you like to date older woman? Also, what is the age limit for the guy you date? Mine would be: I could probably date 9 years senior or 8 years younger... My husband is 8 years older than me and thank God he looks young and acts young.


Hope you're having a great Sunday!!!

Spring Is Here...

It was gorgeous day in Florida today... So I decided to go for a run with my girls pushing the stroller. I do it once a week when the weather is nice and run for 3 miles with my girls; from our house to a nearest shopping plaza and back.

Usually, my oldest Ju Ju rides her bicycle (and she has no training wheels now) and Soapy is in her stroller as I push and run, except Ju Ju's toe was hurt, she couldn't pedal today. So I had to push two girls in the stroller which was rough!!! I couldn't believe how easy it is when Ju Ju rides her own bicycle.

Anyway.

As we were running the street, we realized the sprinkler was going full force in front of us. Bunch of sprinklers were spraying water and the girls and I were laughing so hard as we ran through it... The girls were screaming for joy and oh, it was really cute.

They said, "Mommy, one more time!" - Of course I said no...

But, because it was soooo hot when we got to the plaza, I decided to take the girls to Rita's to have some Italian ice. We got two chocolate ice. Ju Ju and I shared a cup and Soapy? She finished the whole thing all by herself!!! She was soo proud and her mommy? Not so much because it was very sweet and all the sugar she ate made her mommy nervous. But we had a very nice time... This is when I feel the happiest.

Oh by the way, we were able to run through the sprinklers again on the way back. Yay! LOL

Aw spring time is here, at least here in Florida..

I hope spring is coming to your way very soon, too, and warm your heart...

Say,"Icceeeee!!!"

Mommy, this ice is so good...

I don't even know why I took this photo.
I guess I just wanted to show you how long (short) my legs are.. LOL

Happy Happy Birthday Soap Soap!!!

Today, my little Soapy turned "3"...

I can't believe how fast she's grown. I feel like she was born just yesterday....

She is the apple of my eye. She is my little angel who has such a tender heart...

I'm so fortunate to have her as my daughter and she will always be my little baby.

Soapy,

Happy Birthday, my little girl.
Thank you so much for being such a good daughter..
Mommy and Daddy are so lucky to have you in our lives.
But most of all, your big sis Ju Ju is so happy to have you in her life.
She was all alone and always wanted to have a sister..
Three years ago today, her wish came true.
You are her best friend. Always together you both will be...
We love you so, very much...

Love,
Mommy, Daddy & Ju Ju

P.S.
Soapy's birthday photos and video to be uploaded soon!

Meet My Mom & Sis....

Sis T, Mom & Maki

Today, I am doing MamaKat's writing assignment - this is my second try.

And I picked prompt #5: Who is the best listener you know? What makes him or her such a good listener?

The answer is very easy. I must say the best listener I know is my Mom. And I think I have to add my younger sister T right next to her. I usually don't talk about my family back in Japan and Hawaii. It is hard for me to talk about them because I miss them terribly and honestly, more I think about them, I get sad and start to cry. But today's prompt was hard to pass, so I decided to be strong and talk about my beloved family...

My Mom and Dad raised me and my sister by continuously saying, "Sister and sister, love each other and help each other..." My sister and I are only 18 month apart, so we're really close in age and whatever we did, we did together. I left Japan to study English at tender age of 15. Then my sister soon followed me after she graduating her high school in Tokyo.

Anyway, I am the baby in the family. I cry easily and tend to act like a little child even I am 35 and oldest daughter. If something happened between me and JT, I would call my mom or my sis T right away. And they are always there for me.

My Mom is an angel and she is my rock. I don't even know what I'd do without her. She is not judgemental. She just listens whatever I have to say. Even when I become emotional wreck and I could be saying something foolish, but my Mom always corrects the wrong for me by saying something really sweet. She wakes me up from those bad thoughts or feelings.

My younger sis T also has Mom's trait. She is a very good listener. She also gives me a very good advise whenever I need it. It's funny how I always call her and ask, "So what do you think??" - then she always has an answer for me!!! She is a very leveled individual who is a lot mature than me who is in fact, older than her. Kind of embarrassing, but oh well. LOL. And my sister knows everything about me - she even knows my darkest secrets that most of my friends or family don't know (and what would that be one might ask?? ? ).

On the other hand, I, Maki is a terrible listener or so does my sis T tell me. And I think the jury may agree with sis T. Don't get me wrong, I have had many friends come to me crying about their boyfriends or husbands and I have been there for them. But, I tend to butt in too much and try to solve their problems instead of just "listen"... Sometimes what people need is a friend who just listens to their problems, right?

So, I am truly grateful and fortunate to have such wonderful liseners in my life - my Mom and sis T (sorry Dad, I love you, but you're like me, not a good listener, but great at giving advise). It breaks my heart that they are thousands miles away. My dad always tell me when I call them crying homesick, "Even we're far away, our love will never change or fade. Distance won't matter..." - and I know he's right. And my Mom always say that I have a new family; JT, Ju Ju and Soapy. She is right about that too... But then, I think I'm allowed to miss my parents and my sister, aren't I?? If I miss them so much, does that make me a bad wife or bad mother? I just don't know..

Now I am getting sad again.. I think about my Mom who is on dialysis, who don't get to hold my daughters or see them grow up via live. Or my sister, who truly cherish, adore and love my daughters... And my Dad who would do anything for me or my sis or my girls. I miss them so much.

I tried the same photo above with my Mom, only this time I'm the Mom

This is last year's Christmas

Sis T & Mom

Me, Soapy & T