When I am in the midst of studying Japanese I really enjoy my break time.
So this is my study break tonight – all my favorite Japanese language links. I hope these are helpful for anyone that wants to learn or brush up on their hiragana or katakana.
These are the beginner links – mainly the alphabets – hiragana and katakana.
I think this is the BEST LINK because you can choose what you want to be tested on and it’s easy and helpful -
A fun hiragana game that I still have not come close to “growing all the flowers” -
http://www.langexpress.com/Kana-Game.htm
For those who always liked multiple choice tests in school -
http://www.easyjapanese.org/kanaquiz.html
http://www.msu.edu/~lakejess/Kana_Page.html?bg=1
You’ll have to use your imagination to hear me sing this -
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWR1Ziynt8g&rel=1]
Here is Eric multi-tasking: reading a board book to Noa AND practicing his hiragana (one of the two phonetic alphabets in Japanese). A teammate passed on a bunch of kids books last week and we were thrilled to find this Japanese one that Noa and Eric can enjoy together. I am going to try to find some more similar ones for both of their benefit 
We have started brushing Noa’s teeth regularly, as she already has 8 (with 2 or 3 about to pop out, I think)! She loves it. I think it feels good to her and she likes the taste of the toothpaste. Being a passy girl, she also loves to have something in her mouth to suck on 
Usually, I have her lay her head on my lap (which is gradually disapearing) while I brush her teeth and gums, and then I let her “brush” on her own for a bit. She loves it and usually fusses for a second when we take her toothbrush away. Enjoy the pictures!
This morning I didn’t have a very good attitude when I woke up. I hadn’t slept well and I was feeling particularly achy (this pregnancy has been a bit harder than my last one in this way). When Noa woke a little bit earlier than normal I didn’t feel ready to jump into the hustle and bustle of getting our day started. But, what can you do when you have a baby who is awake and wants to get out of bed? So we came downstairs, and I put Noa on the floor to play while I was going to make breakfast. It was pretty cold so I decided to lie down on the floor with her with a blanket for a few minutes to play, as she didn’t seem too hungry. Almost immediately, Noa crawled over to me, snuggled her little head into my chest, and FELL FAST ASLEEP! Just like that! We layed here for about an hour, her sleeping, me dozing on and off and in between thinking what a gift this was. I know it sounds small but any mom will understand how big a blessing unexpected rest is and the refreshment in brings to body and soul. When Noa woke up she still lay there with me for about fifteen minutes playing with my hair and face and neck, and singing with me and “talking” to me. Those of you with toddlers also know that its hard to get a little one to stay still for so long and to just be. What a precious time this was and I will not soon forget the joy it brought my heart. I’m also thankful for the “second chance” the Lord gave me as I began my day.
The picture above is today. Noa and I were matching with our Old Navy vests so I wanted a photo of me and my girl
