Back to Life...

It has been over two weeks since the BIG earthquake that changed Japan forever.  To know more see my other blog http://holyfirejapan.blogspot.com/

We have just moved house and are trying to get back to "normal" life, but it seems surreal.  Everything has changed, our home, our things, our entire situation seems to be completely different from two weeks ago.  We went to the park a few times and that helped ground fears and gave the children a chance to be themselves. 

Fear is hard on parents but even harder on children.  When our children see mommy and daddy rushing to get everybody huddled into a safe place for the next aftershock they see the reality that mommy and daddy are not in control and that we can be afraid too.

A lot of children can have trauma from an event like this.  We are praying that our children will not be affected in such a way.  We are doing our best to be safe, but also to try and get into a rhythm of life that is healthy again.  Having to ration food and water is not fun with children who do not understand why they have to save food for later when they are hungry now.

Let us hope for things to settle and for peace to return in the coming days and weeks.

Waiting for Spring

Well it is now March in Japan, and that means Spring is getting ever so closer.  Although recently it certainly does not feel like it.  The last couple months we have gotten little opportunity to play outside with the girls.  When they are outside, especially in the yard and playground behind our house it is a precious time.  When they are inside they tend to fight more over toys and what TV show to watch or are just a lot more fussy in general. 

My guess is that being inside, close to each other with limited space to run, dance, and play, causes both stress and irritation.  The girls are all free-spirited and strong willed in their own way and as soon as somebody steps on somebody else`s toes, the bell rings and the craziness begins. 

Another thing about inside activity for most of the day is the issue of boredom. This eventually leads to a lot of trouble making, as we all know;  I.E. tearing wallpaper, writing on the furniture, getting into cabinets, sneaking snacks, and tons of other types of mischief.  Being one person having three girls to look after, chores to do, meals to make, and many other motherly duties leaves my wife exhausted when I arrive home from work. 

This makes winter the hardest time of the year.  Getting the kids outside makes a huge difference in home life.  Being able to let the kids be messy and creative outside is a real joy.  They almost naturally cooperate with each other in that context.  I see one talk to the other about making something and then the other ask one to bring a tool to the sandbox and it`s like all of a sudden I feel like a "good" parent! LOL

So I guess what I want to say is that at times winter has its charm, but for a parent of three, I can`t wait for spring much longer! So let`s get on with it.