The Birdhaus

My Little Crawler

2010-05-19T08:43:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it...way too soon for this little guy, well mom at least. Two days after he turned 7 months he began to crawl. Time to get out the gates and never forget to leave him upstairs unsupervised (our banister is soooo gappy). I am so thankful for this little guy in my life. He makes me smile all the time....literally, he smiles all the time. He only cries when he's hungry...he weighs in at 20 pounds, 2 ounces as of May 13th (one day shy of his 7 month birthday). Our little JoJo is what Zia calls him. I feel very blessed to be a mommy of some sweet and loving kids.

Can't Wait to See My Daddy!

2010-05-06T13:24:00.000-07:00

My Purpose

2010-05-06T09:37:00.000-07:00

My Mind in a Cloud

2010-05-04T20:05:00.000-07:00

Click for a bigger image and please share any thoughts you might have.

Thanks!

Prezi A New Look at Powerpoint - Excellent Lesson for Students, Too

2010-05-04T08:38:00.000-07:00

This new technology gives presentations a bit of spice. I really liked this one designed by a school teacher. Take a peek.

Changing the Rules of the Game of School on Prezi

Really, An Update!

2010-03-30T12:13:00.000-07:00

I should be taking a nap right now....no really I should be. The tonsils came out yesterday and things have been good thus far. I have just felt very overwhelmed with the many thoughtful wishes, prayers, and help from family and friends. My mom has been so kind again to come and stay with us. This will be her 4th time since October staying with us to help. The first being after Jonah was born (this included a c-section and the oldest child having the swine flu), the second time was when I got Mastitis in November, the third time was in December when I got strep and swine just as Jason left for a week to D.C. for work, and this fourth time (the plans initially were to be in Southern California having fun) is due to finally getting my tonsils removed after suffering with a bad case of strep 12 days ago.

It's amazing to have such loving parents, family, and friends to come to the rescue when we come to these vulnerable times in our lives. I am so thankful for modern medicine and the blessings of service and charity that so many people in my life have shown me.

I am crossing my fingers that these tonsils being removed will be able to help me in so many ways. No more strep (which isn't always the case, but hopefully if I do get it again it will be a much milder case), better sleep (I don't have sleep Apnea, but hopefully it will allow me deeper sleep, feeling more energized, and no more breathing out of mouth), and last of all a continued desire to get and stay healthy.

It's not a guarantee that I won't get sick again and with having kids I will continue having interrupted sleep....but this is a light that I look forward too. Bring on the sunshine, a baby that's now sleeping through the night, and a kitchen that makes me want to cook in.

I don't know if I should share this for the world to see, but I want to write this down so I can look back at this journal entry for motivation. Jason and I have been trying really hard to make our family goals a reality and I just want to write them down so I can report on them as time goes by.

Family Goals and My Personal Goals are:

Family scripture study each day after school with the kids. Get scripture mastery notebook in order. Review Conference talks and do Family Home Evening.
Personal scripture study during nap time or prior to bed....savor those moments, even if there is laundry to fold.
Personal Prayer-before getting out of bed and before climbing into bed. Most of all--always have a prayer in your heart.
Family Prayer-before school (whether or not the kids eat breakfast at home or school, at least a prayer before heading off to school). At bedtime is always a must--try to discuss with the kids what they are thankful for and the blessings they received that day as well as things they desire to have help with from their Heavenly Father. Also, discuss with them that they can always have their own personal prayer anytime of the day.
The kids personal goals: Work on these with them.
Teaching my Children: Life skills (cooking, laundry, cleaning, etc., and most importantly hard work and earning money to pay for things). Social skills, etc.
Healthy Lifestyle Changes- you're doing it already. Just keep up the good work.
Continue paying off our debt...buying needs over wants. Continue adding to our Savings too!
Get advertising for Preschool again!
Callings-Do Your Best! Support each other and write down the whisperings of the Spirit.
Family- Extended! Be supportive always and remember them in your prayers.
Missionary Work-For family, friends, and temple attendance!!!!
House Goals: Get rid of the clutter!!! Spring cleaning here we come. Get my office back in order. Get the garden started (do we add to it?). Treehouse plans. Fire pit. Painting-preschool, downstairs bedroom, hallways, etc.
Summer plans- Colorado, San Diego, Camping trips, Disney, and 10 year Anniversary. Budget, budget, budget!
There is always more to be added!

Doctrine and Covenants Section 88 vs. 63: Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

Yay, a Backsplash!!!

2010-01-06T05:02:00.000-08:00

Well here it is as a finished product...haha...you know these projects never end. At least it's presentable. I think the kitchen turned out pretty awesome. It only took us two months to finally select blue (our first color choice) for the backsplash. We ended up getting the tile at Home Depot, of all places. I do have to say that having an IKEA kitchen is where IT'S at!

Birdhaus Happenings!!!

2009-10-26T21:13:00.000-07:00

How many is that? Four!!??

Another Bird in the Flock!

The kids super scary haunted house...yum!

Check out the countertops, knobs, handles and well...the almost finished product!

Our Little Jonah

2009-10-14T20:35:00.000-07:00

It has been a very peaceful and enjoyable delivery day. Jonah was born via Cessarian at 9:48 this morning at McKay Dee Hospital. Everything went well and baby and Mom are doing fine.

Jonah weighed in at 8 pds. 4 oz. with a height of 20 in. The exciting part is that he might be our little redhead. He has a light layer of orange-red hair. Dad has been hoping and praying (he loves his redheaded babes!).

Unfortunately, the siblings did not get to visit. There is currently a restriction on visitors...no one under the age of 14 can visit and starting tomorrow only two people can visit patients during their stay. That means Dad and Grandma Terrie. This is due to the Flu pandemic hitting our area. In fact, Malakai tested positive for H1N1 this morning while Jonah was being born (thanks Grandma for taking him in). He is doing alright but will have to miss school the rest of the week. He doesn't like wearing the mask when out in public but he gets it.

Check out the pics of little Joe below...

Our Little Bruddah!

Cabinets, Countertops, and Appliances

2009-10-13T00:32:00.000-07:00

We're getting closer and the goal of having the sink in before Jonah comes is complete. There is still a lot to do but most of the function is available.

You asked for it...

2009-10-05T04:40:00.000-07:00

Another Can of Worms

2009-09-30T00:14:00.001-07:00

Well the painting is done. Time to get the rest of those cabinets out so we can....sscccrreeeech...stop everything...what about the plumbing.

I think this is ultimately why it felt right to do this project. We've been leaking behind the sink for some time (I could hear it...just not see it). Well we (thanks Robin for the help) found it.

I tried to just cap of the water pipes with valves since there weren't any but in the process I ended up pulling the hot water supply line apart (where the leak was). Didn't realize it however and when I turned the water, no water came out of the lines but the main water line kept running.

Well it created water damage to the carpet, ceiling and wall of the Ginger's room in the basement. It also kept Robin and I up past one. I'm gonna be trashed at work tomorrow.

I love life...it's full of fun...and I'm serious!!

2009-09-20T13:42:00.000-07:00

Well the suspense is over. Here's the kitchen with new sheetrock in place and a first coat of mud.

Thanks Frank

2009-09-20T01:07:00.000-07:00

Funny thing...the camera was lost for a week. Frank and Sara came over last night and by chance had their camera. Below are the pics. When we went to bed after they left I found the camera in it's little hiding spot. So the next post will show pics from what I actually did today. Can't ruin the suspense for you right now....right?

The changes to look for are

upper cabinets are missing

as well as the drop down boxes above them

nearly 250 feet of rewiring in the kitchen

new light fixture(s) (others coming soon)

the drop down from the old wall is now 3 inches shorter

Check it out

I'm Already Falling Behind...

2009-09-08T23:22:00.000-07:00

Well it looks like we may be getting that IKEA kitchen I've always dreamed about. I spent the day using the IKEA Kitchen Designer to digitize our ideas. (Ginger just doesn't want me to get the kitchen finished.) The only thing I accomplished on the project was knocking out the post. Wow...what a difference one 4X4 post can make. See below ---

Look at them muscles...ggrrrhhh!!!

Oh so proud!

My little helper finished off my tape measure so I "had" to get me a new one.

The Race is On

2009-09-07T19:40:00.000-07:00

The big question is -- Which will come first, baby #4 or a completely remodeled kitchen. Well, Ginger does have 8 months head start on me but with the progress I made this weekend, I bet ("hope" may be a better term) I'll be done at least a week before Jonah shows up. That gives me until the week of October 7 (Jonah due to come the 15).

Here are a few before and during pictures:

Finish writing in the week prior to coming Home!!!

2009-08-20T22:09:00.000-07:00

I have to finish the week of Hawaii.

Monday: Blogged in the morning, but will have to write in details later.

Tuesday: busy getting us ready to pack (maybe more). Jason spent the evening with Paul after work. Can't remember much! Jason then met up with us for an evening swim at the pool.

Wednesday: The kids and I took the bus at 8:45 a.m. to head toward Aiea (I think). We stopped at the fabric store I have been waiting to visit. I purchased some fun prints that I need to get busy working on. We stopped at a few other shops. Then walked to a park where Jason picked us up to take us to his Work Luncheon. What a great experience that was! We met up with about a dozen of his coworkers to an Italian restaurant (brain freeze). We were given leis and Jason was rewarded with a koa wooden surfboard indicating his time working for DISA PAC. It was so wonderful to experience that with him. What an amazing experience we have all had and the opportunity! Jason needs to write in the details of who presented him with what...but he received an Air Force pin and some other keepsakes from working there. It was so great!

Afterwards, one last stop at the swap meet. Yeah, we found the newly weds a gift! A turtle carved out of wood with their last name and wedding date inscripted on the shell.

That night....Makaha beach one last time. The waves were very disappointing. The kids managed to find their own crab this time. We'll miss it!

Thursday: Cleaning and packing. I'll have to check my camera to see if we did anything else that day.

Friday: Jason went surfing early morning, went into work for the last time to finish up some paper work, then came back home. The kids had to manage themselves while I did the last of packing. We then headed to Wet N'Wild till around 4 p.m. We came back to the house/condo to find that the cleaning ladies didn't see my note or didn't read it cleary to see that I had washed all the linens. They went ahead and changed it all, packed up the clean stuff, almost took our suits and towels out of the dryer, but thankfully Jason caught them in time.

We then finished up the house and Ryan picked us up. We went to Ige's for dinner. Yummy stuff, but not a good number on the tummies. Got to the airport and unloaded. Curbside would have been nice, but because of agriculture inspection it doesn't exist. Thank goodness we had Ryan to help as well as Jason to get me through the line. The journey to get home was a nightmare (see complaint emails written to Hawaiian Air and Delta for details). Not included on the email complaints was the terrible stomach ache I had, as well as throwing up the next day after having 1 hour of sleep.

Exhaustion but thrilled to be home. We got in the van at 3 p.m. to drive to Kmart and Arctic Circle for quick stops, to then head to Khloie's first birthday. It was so great to be home to see family and friends again.

That night we were surprised with a fully decorated house, including a decorated van, and a stocked fridge. What a blessing and memory to cherish.

Wet, Jamming, Bitten, and Chillin

2009-07-27T01:55:00.000-07:00

Wednesday the 22nd- Wet N' Wild...yeah for good friends to loan you their truck. The kids and I were only able to go for 2 hours because I spent the morning cleaning the house for a showing. But it was plenty of time for me...I am getting too tired of walking around, up and down stairs, and from pool to pool. Thank goodness Kai and Kezia help me out with Eli. I didn't have to go on one slide. The kids took Eli up the stairs to ride on the various slides that only the little ones can go on. Kai is also patient with the idea of not getting to go on the other bigger kid slides because he can't go alone...so he has to wait till Friday to go with Jason when we go to the Dive-In Movie Night...and some of the other slides are even closed at that time. Eli fell asleep right away of leaving the waterpark...which was sooo packed. Lots of kid day camps were there. Over 4,000 that day compared to 1/4 of the parking lot full on Monday.

We are having issues with Eli falling asleep for a late nap and not wanting to go to bed later when we are all screaming to go to bed. After waking him up from his nap for dinner (which was a chore), we went to the pool after dinner for an evening swim. So relaxing, especially when we were the only ones there.

Thursday the 23rd- Jason got to see the USS Hawaii Submarine arrive at Pearl Harbor to be its' official home. I watched the news broadcast about this huge creation and am blown away and the technologies...much of which were thought up 12 years ago.

The kids and I chilled for the day...laundry time for me and pregnancy exhaustion. We welcomed daddy home to go to Makaha Beach...but instead with not as much time as needed and some fears of the high waves going on, we went to Lagoon 3 for a relaxing evening. The kids love not having the enormous waves to get intimidated by and we didn't want to get home too late. Eli loved playing baseball with dad on the sand. Kezia loves creating Barbie's beach house. Kai had a blast learning to skim board. I loved just being able to put my feet up and watch!!! Jason has so much energy and I feel so blessed that he's so willing to play with the kids after a long and early day at work for him. We experienced an amazing sunset and got to listen to some great entertainment behind us at the Resort. I was really touched when the entertainer sung IZ's, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow". Please click on the link for a wonderful treat! Listening to this song and seeing the sunset was a humbling and memorable experience for me. I am going to miss this Paradise...and feel so lucky to have had this experience with my family.

Friday the 24th- no parade for us this year. It felt weird not being home to celebrate the 24th. Time in the morning was spent doing various things around the house. Mostly trying to clear some space on the laptop to get our camera's memory card empty. Over 12 GB's used in pictures and videos these past 3 months. Lots of fun memories.

The evening was spent at Wet N' Wild waterpark. This time the place was almost empty compared to Wednesday. Jason takes Kai on some of the bigger rides, while the little ones hang out with me at Water World. Thank goodness for free life jackets and that the workers allow the 2 little ones to go on the rides by themselves with the jackets on. We set up our things on a hill for the movie, "Monsters vs. Aliens" with a large curly fry, soda, and later 2 shaved ice. It was a fun evening out, even with the dumb flying ants and occasional other creatures.

Saturday the 25th--our last Saturday here! We made the best of it! We got out the door at 8 a.m. headed towards the famous North Shore. We ate breakfast at Kono's..yummy Belgian waffle with macadamia nut and banana topping, a loaded bagel, and a delicious breakfast burrito. I love that our kids are willing to try them all. It makes it so nice that we can share all three things and get a variety of eats. An early trek to 3 Tables Beach...good thing because the parking was already getting busy.

We had an amazing time. We ended up staying from 9-3 p.m. (I of course burned myself, but thank goodness the kids were fine.) I think this was my absolute most favorite day of the entire 3 months we have been here. We have done some fun things, but this day's adventures I will never forget. We set up our stuff under a few trees further from the water for the shade. But as the day went on and we didn't want to leave, we set our things up almost at the shore break. Awww...water hitting my fit while I sat in the camping chair was wonderful.

We set out with the kids with the floaties, snorkel gear, and me-a boogie board for the safety reasons to explore the reefs that lay ahead. The water at the shoreline is quite clear. About 10 feet out the water gets deeper and the rocks on the ocean floor appear. You barely have to be out very far to then stick your head under water to see fish! We saw Trigger fish (humuhumu's), parrot fish, yellow and black striped fish, and other varieties just swimming near the rocks. The kids loved it. Jason and I took turns for the day going back and forth with each of the kids and sometimes Jason would go out by himself and I would go out by myself.

Some of the fun things...Jason was being followed by a purple fish, possibly a Parrotfish, and got bit twice on the feet. Kai and Kezia said they saw an eel....I had a hard time believing that, so when I went out by myself I heard a man say, "Did you see the Eel?" I quickly went over there to say, "Where?". He pointed in an area. I swam to look and watched his finger point in the water. All of a sudden he puts his head up from the water and says, "That scared the ___ out of me!" I looked down in the water again to see this huge eel come out from the rocks. I said, "Was that not the eel you were talking about?" He said, "The eel I saw just got eaten by that eel you see now." I looked down again to see that the eel came out again from his home and started to swim toward me. It's one of the creatures I freak out at when it comes to the crazy creations in the ocean. This eel was as long as my arm from shoulder to finger tip or longer. It was huge and it freaked me out after it started to swim toward me. I didn't know if it would pass electricity through me, bite me, or what have you. I swam back and around and quickly to shore.

We also saw several squid (about 10 inches or so long), a fun crab, lots of sea urchins, and Jason got to see a rather big sea turtle. The sand there is amazing...lots of small colorful pebbles. We had a great time collecting sea glass and the younger boys had a blast playing on the boogie boards.

Around 3 we headed further north for a scenic look at one last time at the North Shore. The kids fell asleep quickly. Jason bought me and him a fried banana and some fresh corn ($1 an ear) from a place off the side of the road. While the kids slept a bit more, we parked out front of the 'Growing Keiki' to shop a bit. I found a homemade burp rag...I know I could make it for cheaper, but I loved it and had to have it. We also got a board book and Jason surprised me with a beanie for the baby saying "Bruddah". We drove down the road and stopped at the surf museum and at a surfboard resurrection art display and music jam session. The Artis family (11 kids) was all inside jamming out on their instruments and then you could walk around to see many of the used surfboards painted and formed into amazing pieces of art. Click on the links to see the surfboards and family music.

While waiting to be seated for dinner, Kezia (the little artist she is) enjoyed watching a man paint just outside of a shop from where we were waiting to be seated for dinner. He was painting a beautiful ocean scenery inside a painted whale tail. We ate at Cholos Homestyle Mexican. Not the best food, but it was fun with the family. Afterwards we watched some glass blowing and purchased a small honu (sea turtle) and then headed toward the Haleiwa Bon Dance and Lantern Floating Ceremony held at the Haleiwa Jodo Mission. People gather to dance to Japanese music to welcome the ancestors' souls. There was a variety of ethnicity's there dancing to the music, but my favorite was watching the elders dance to the music performing the necessary hand movements and steps to the music. It was very touching watching them. With all of the culture experiences we have had on this trip, it makes me wish we had more traditions to pass on to our children. The Festival ends with the Toro Nagashi/Lantern Festival. Paper lanterns are illuminated and then set afloat to sea symbolically signaling the ancestral spirits' return to the world of the dead. There were at least 1,000 floating lanterns lit up floating in the dark ocean. It was an amazing site.

Sunday the 27th--I am exhausted and couldn't seem to wake up this morning. Thanks to a loving and patient husband we made it to church on time with fed, bathed, and nicely dressed children. During sacrament meeting the kids made thank you cards for their teachers. They have really had a great time in this ward. Kai emphasized how much he'll miss it, but is so excited to come home too. After church, sleep again for me (now I am up past midnight typing his because I am too awake to go to bed) while Jason made snacks and dinner for us. Yummy grilled chicken, grilled pineapple, veggies, and so yummy sticky rice. After dinner we walked in and outside of the hotel just outside of Lagoons 3 and 4. The kids were envious of the fun pools they had there. We let them play on the playground for a bit and then got another glimpse of the amazing sunset.

We headed back home on the golf cart...to then stop to see the black swans. After telling Kezia and Eli not to throw things at the swans (making the swans believe it was food they were throwing at them), Eli got bit on the hand. His shriek was so loud and full of fear. No broken skin, just tears. We watched the 2 swans head back over to meet up with the 3rd swan. Then all 3 quickly swam back over to us...almost as if the 2 swans went and told their mommy that we were teasing them because the 3rd swan jumped out of the water and approached us. It had no fear of backing off, but instead made us get scared and quickly jump onto the golf cart to leave.

While backing the golf cart into the garage, Jason went to help me back up a little more with a push which in turn threw me off and I bolted backwards in reverse almost hitting the car and kids. Luckily I found the brake in time and we didn't have an adventure at the ER tonight and trips to the auto shop for 2 vehicles...I am so lucky!

Kezia won us all in a few rounds of Uno. Dessert was Boston Creme Pie (I think...not a huge pie fan, but it was good) and Neapolitan ice cream...again thanks to an energetic and loving husband.

The week ahead and last week here...not too much planned, but hopes to make the best of it!

Count Down till we Come Home!

2009-07-22T12:55:00.000-07:00

Is this thing working...the alignment is all messed up to post what each activity is below each picture. Will give it a try!
McDonald's Happy Meal Toys...they are life sized; another shot of the kids at McDonald's;

A snapshot of the Magic in Paradise magic show/A Date with my Babes.

The Naval Base; our Atlantis Submarine Tour--see the sea turtle on the boat under the sea.; Kai taking a shot at Hickham golf course; swimming pool fun; a stop at the weiner mobile; Kezia holding our finished tiki--
"Tangaloa" means God of Protection; the kids burying dad at Bellows Beach; The Shack; Makaha Beach sand castle; and last a fun day at Lagoon 3 at the KoOlina Resort with the McGerry kids.

I better write this down before I forget...where's my calendar to help me remember?

Tuesday (14th)- Today the kids had Matthew and Cailin over for lunch while their mom ran errands. We hung out at the pool and Sharon, Logan, and Allison (little neighbor friend) met up with us. Eli had a blast pushing the kids in...and then he takes it too far with the little ones or ends up falling in himself (a bit too close to the ledge). I can't remember what we did that night...I am sure we just took it easy.

Wednesday- Another showing for the house...so out of the house I went at 9:30 a.m. Picked up the McGarry kids and took them to Lagoon 3 with us. The kids had a blast. That night after a quick meal, Jason took Kai to Hickham for 9 holes of golf. Eli was out for the night and I felt bad for not having a girl's night with Kezia because I was so tired...but her and I just chilled for the evening.

Thursday- Makaha Beach after 3 p.m. until the sun went down. On the way there we stopped and toured the Weiner mobile.

Friday- I can't remember what we did today...I think I was too tired for anything and we just stayed home. Yes, I checked facebook and that's exactly what I did that day. I was officially awake around noon. We stayed in that evening so we could be up early Saturday.

Saturday- swap meet at 8 a.m. till 12 p.m. Yeah, we got our Tiki. This family is amazing. The boys in the family have amazing talent and chopping away to make these beautiful tiki and other creations. It was a must have for us. We had to have him make us one while we watched. They have some already ready to purchase, but we insisted on him doing as we watched. The kids love watching them everytime we come. This time we finally had time to watch and buy one ("You get Member discount!"). Following the swap meet we headed on the H3 to Bellows Beach with our packed lunch. I love this beach. Then the Shack for dinner.

Sunday- church, quick rest, then Family Pictures at the Lagoon and Golf Course. Thanks Jason!

Monday- water park, Eli took a NAP, Chicken and Dumplings (Bisquick style), computer time with the family pics and then watched a movie with Jason (The 7 Decisions) with motivational speaker Andy Andrews.

Tuesday-

a day out in the truck to the Post Office, McDonalds (had to pay $1.25 for each child to have a pair of socks)---a shaded and big playplace, finally! The outlet stores...oh wait, Eli took another NAP so we drove through the parking lot and eventually drove to Target. Hawaiiian merchandise not cheap! Home to get ready for my date with Babes! The kids were way excited to have babysitters. Asia and her brother, Ezra from the ward. Jason won a ticket to see "Magic in Paradise" when we stayed an night at a Bellows Cabin earlier this month. So he took me on a date to the dinner buffet and magician show. The magician's name is Mark Mauricio (Magicman808). He did a great job at entertaining us with fun comedy and great tricks. I feel bad the kids weren't there because I think Kai would have appreciated it a lot, however it was a much needed date and Eli would have been the pill. After the date, I drove the teenagers home and got anxious to have some "me" time. So I drove to Wal-mart to do some think shopping for a few birthday gifts till midnight. It was nice to have some "me" time, whether it was late and in a Wal-mart...it was still nice to do.

Wednesday- I am awake typing this. But I need to clean the house (AGAIN) for a showing for the owners. It's driving me nuts because not only do I have to put everything personal away, I have to wipe everything down to make it look good. The floors and furniture are all dark so I have to wipe them down often because of all the kids' fingerprints and dust that adds up quickly. I really didn't want to have to do this again with only a week before leaving. I have to do it all over again in a week...it's not that I don't keep the place clean (I do), it's just hard to put all personal items away and get it just perfect. So I am off to clean!

A Quick Summary just to have it written down...pictures to be added.

2009-07-14T00:12:00.000-07:00

Monday-cleaned the house, what did I do again? Blogged and let the medicine kick in! Went to the library, explored Kapolei a bit (didn't find the Post Office that was right across the street from the library), stopped in at Longs Drugs...had Fajita's for dinner.

Tuesday- Made peanut butter bars without a mixer ? I think that's when I made them. Wanted to go swimming, but didn't. Oh wait, we did go swimming at night after dinner with dad.

Wednesday- To the waterpark via bus with the kids, came home and chilled with dad, finished 'The Wednesday Letters', a quick sunset drive to the Lagoons to scope out a future photo shoot.

Thursday- toasted tuna fish sandwich, Leapster, Monster Trucks, Washing the bedding, blowing up balloons, organizing stuff, doing dishes, having silly conversation with my kids, reminding kids to eat over their plates...just some of the things we did today! Wanted to go to Costco that evening, but as we dropped off things to the McGarry's they invited Kai and Kezia over for dinner. Jason, Eli, and I went to get a car wash, ate at a Ramen joint with a Jamba Juice, found the closed Post Office, went to Target to get some odds and ends. I retreived the kids with Eli on the golf cart and was invited to have root beer floats and adult conversation with them.

Friday- went to Lagoon 3 with the McGarrys, Lynn, and Teresa's family, chilled at home and waited for dad to surf and then went to the water park for a Dive-In Movie "Happy Feet."

Saturday- Atlantis Submarine, Lunch at Hard Rock Cafe, Movie at Sharkey Theather "Night at the Museum", took various pictures at the naval base, a quick grocery stop, and home to bed.

Sunday- Aloha Oe to the McGarry's...very touching!

Monday- hung out with the kids...did lots of homework with them, me-slept in and so pregnancy tired, watch Lilo and Stitch with the kids and teared up once again because of Aloha Oe being sung to Lilo by her sister. Dad worked late, Kai prepared the Family Home Evening Lesson, chatted with Sara, peanut butter cookies with Zia, and the kids were off and on helping each other play games on the computer.

A Week Gone By....

2009-07-06T13:25:00.000-07:00

Pictures are all mixed matched to the timeline of what we did this week.

The boys waiting for the fireworks to start. Their hair has gotten so light and Eli's is so long.

Kezia insisted on having Cotton Candy. We've had numerous opportunities to have some, but we waited until we were at an actual fair for her to have some. Love the crossed eyes! YUMMY!

Kai's winnings at the Kids' ages 6-11 group Free Throw Shooting Contest.

Eli got a chance to hit some baseballs in the batting cage. He was pitched several and hit 3 of them. He looked so cute in the overly sized helmet.

We finally got a coconut drink at the swap meet. NOT my kind of tasting...very blah. Jason got the rest to himself, including the meat of the coconut.

Hanging Loose at the Miniature Golf Course at Bellows.

A Wet N' Wild snap shot enjoying sour watermelon gummies.

The very last hole Kai hit the volcano and it bounced off finding Kezia's head. Here she is letting the headache settle.

They didn't have another generator to blow up the pool portion of the slide. So Jason was in charge of catching the slippery kids at the end of the slide. His arms were sore that night!

The face expression Kai had when he opened the real 'Speed Racer' Video Game. Relief.

Fore-- I mean the Four of them all hitting balls at the same time at the driving range.

Look out a Big Pregnant Whale trying to Boogie Board!

The Ko Olina Lagoon 3.

Will I be able to remember it all. Thanks to a camera it helps remind me what we've done this week.

Monday- lounged around the house in our pj's most of the day until daddy came home from work. We then ate leftovers and then headed to the pool for an evening swim. It was very relaxing!

Tuesday- the kids and I headed to the Lagoons around 1 p.m. We didn't get home till 5:30 p.m. We had tons of fun playing in the sand and water. The boys had a hay day with their monster trucks in the sand. Creating all kinds of obstacle courses and jumps. The little girl had fun with Barbie and made her a hot tub with one of the sand buckets. We were loaned a crab for a while. A little boy dug it up and the family was leaving so they let us have it for a while, until we let him sideways crawl away. Jason didn't get home till after 7. He went surfing after work in Waikiki. He found it a bit more on the rough side (a big scratch on his arm). He then made his way to the store to get Kai some B-day gifts.

Wednesday- Half day for Jason at work. We left to Bellow AFS Beach for the night. We had reservations to stay in a 2 bedroom duplex cabin. We picked up a pizza in Waimalo ($4 for a Little Caesars--whoa!) The cabin was quaint and very hot. Not the most exciting, but it was fun for the time. The cabin was in a great location...close to the playground, Jason's work party the next day, close to the beach, close to the amenities, and close to the miniature golf course.

We got settled in and ate an early dinner. We let Kai open a few birthday presents early so he could use them at the beach. A beach football and some snorkel gear. We then head to the playground, followed by the beach. It's the most amazing beach. The sand is like powder. Jason and Kai did the boogie boards for awhile, while the 2 younger ones played in the sand. Jason then took them out one at a time...that's it! I had to try it myself. I always hesitate because of the pregnancy and last time I killed my toe..but I knew this beach was different (no rocks). I went out with Kai for a bit and then with Jason. I had tons of fun. Probably only caught one wave...the waves slowed down and I am not coordinated enough to run and hop on with a belly in the way. While rinsing our feet at the cabin, I got eaten alive by red ants! They were awful. Kezia got bit 2 times earlier. As I started to hose down our feet I accidentally had it aimed right at an ant hill...they didn't like being drowned and starting biting me all over the feet. Not fun!

Afterwards we headed to do miniature golf. We were 20 minutes too late and could only hit a bucket of balls at the driving range. It kept the kids content and a bit disappointed, but we promised them to do it the next day after the work party. After hitting balls we went to the Shopette and got a yummy Strawberry Icee and Kai- a Pepsi/Strawberry mix. We headed home and watched half a movie.

Thursday- HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAI (he's 7)! After a horrible nights sleep for me because lack of pillows to elevate the head to refrain from coughing (I ended up using towels to support my head)....we sung Happy Birthday to Kai and had him open presents. He got an adorable apron from Grandma Egbert (all the kids have one--reminder take a picture). He got a monster truck from Aunt Tori and Uncle Robert. Some money from Aunties and Grandparents. He got some Monster Jam PJ's, a Tiki man shirt, a red dirt homemade shirt by dad, and some diving sticks for the pool. Jason was mean and tricked him into thinking he was getting the Speed Racer video game...Kai unwrapped it thinking it was it and it was a dirt bike dvd. It wasn't till after breakfast that Jason had him open the actual video game. Kai's earlier face expression was teary eyed and disappointment to then huge excitement when he opened the video game he really wanted.

We went to the Aloha Breakfast (only offered on Thursdays). It was a nice breakfast. Door prizes are given out after breakfast. Jason wanted to head out because the kids were getting restless and we needed to pack up, but I insisted that we stay in case we win something. Kai won a keychain for answering the state fish (ha funny, the kids are watching HSM2 and we are exactly at the singing medley of the song as I type this) Humuhumunukunukuapua' Then Jason won an adult dinner and magic show ticket to the Hale Koa. We wanted to do this, but too expensive...so now we hope to go to it just as a date and use the money we'd save to get a babysitter (somehow, we haven't figured that part out yet).

After breakfast Jason's work party began. It was a treat. Lots of yummy food, a dunking booth, and wet slide for the kids, volleyball, and the amazing beach just over the hill. Jason was commented on a lot for his energy and fun spirited attitude. He was a great help with all the games. His boss commented to me that Jason has a lot of energy...a great strong point!!! When the work party slowed down, we headed to the beach. I didn't swim this time (I had tummy problems...followed by throwing up 2 times in the bushes). The man-0-wars were out. We saw about 2 kids get stung...and I got to see one in some kid's shovel. I didn't even know they existed...I only knew about the jelly fish.

After the beach we finally went miniature golfing. Yeah for the kids!!! I finally was some competition to Jason...I tried to actually play for points. I lost by 1! Another yummy icee for the road. The kids were out rather quickly on the ride home...yeah for the H3 (the most beautiful highway ever). Unfortunately that night, headed the other direction, a crash shut down the tunnel. We got home safely and the kids were out for the night (while in the car).

Friday- we headed out to Wet N' Wild. What a joke with the lines. They supposedly were unexpectedly busy (hello, it's visitor time and the holiday---expect it to be busy). The line to get in was a joke. Only one line taking non cash transactions. We finally got in and had some fun. We went back out to get lunch in the car to then stand in line again to get our picture taken for the summer pass (another joke--only one guy working the booth). It was worth to pay a little more to be able to come again and again till we leave. Hopefully we'll be able to go again this coming Friday for their movie night. Their wave pool is crazy! Not wavy, but curling white waves at the end...makes it hard for the little ones in the shallow end. Kai and Jason enjoyed the big rides, while I took the little ones and the pregnant whale (me) around to the kiddie rides and the lovely LAZY RIVER! Afterwards a trip to the store and yummy Panda Express (we would have rather had authentic, but we needed fast and convenience) to go!

Saturday- we had hoped to go to Wet N'Wild again, but being the holiday they didn't allow annual and summer pass holders. So we cleaned the house and headed to the swap meet (I got a new and unusual diaper bag) followed by the Naval Base 4th of July festivities at Pearl Harbor. It was a lot of fun. The party was full of exciting things! They had free little games for the little ones (Eli asleep however). A car show, a free train ride, a free petting zoo, free pony rides (not standing in that line), wrestling (hilarious watching Kai, he got nervous and didn't know if it really was pretend), a video game trailer, etc.... They had a free throw shooting contest in their gymnasium. I insisted that we give Kai a chance...as well as Jason and I to try. Kai won!!! The age group was for 6-11 year olds. He got 36 out of 50 shots made! He won 2 tickets to the movies and 2 Waikiki all day pass trolley tickets. We traded in the trolley tickets for 3 more movie tickets. (like mother like son--right dad? :) After the competition we headed back outside. The kids each got $3 to pick out an activity or two. Eli and Zia did a bounce house and a Ferris wheel, while Kai did the rock climbing wall. Dinner was great! $9 plate that fed us all! Oh and we had to buy drinks (slush puppies with ice cream, yum). It was so great to get out of there spending less than $40 having done all we did!

The entertainment was great! A Hawaiian band that was amazing...I loved when they did Israel's 'Somewhere over the Rainbow' song...while looking out at the sunset, palm trees, and naval ships and water. The kids entertained themselves well with the glow sticks they each got...usually we don't make those purchases, but it was worth the entertainment for them and us watching them. The fireworks display was great! What a wonderful memory! (--No missiles were launched at us.)

Sunday-church was good. We're missing our ward. The kids are doing great at making friends and participating in primary. Kai got a CTR ring for his birthday. I was getting a major headache and having sinus pressure in Relief Society...in need of sleep. I crashed at home and woke up to more pain. We headed out the door around 5 p.m. hoping to find an available Urgent Care Clinic. WHAT A JOKE! I checked the web for any open clinics...they say yes, many of them should be open on Sundays. So I call, "please leave us a message because we're busy with other patients". So I assume, well they must be open so I might as well just be a walk-in cause they're not going to call me back any more quickly then just driving there. No- they are not open. So I call the Airport clinic...same answering message. Nope they are not even open on Sundays, but the sign says "We are not open on Sundays, and we're not open on the 4th and 5th for the holiday (the 5th is a Sunday)--they are messed up in their answering services, etc. Thank goodness their Physicians Exchange number had someone to talk too...they referred me to Waikiki to a 24 hour clinic. I called the clinic and they said, "yes, we take your insurance." I get there, sign in, wait an hour, to finally have the lady (oooohh she makes me mad) ask me to fill out the insurance paperwork. "Is this a PPO or HMO plan?" I don't remember and don't have any of the paperwork I put together for the trip over here...I said I think it's PPO. "You'll be responsible if they don't cover it." WHAT! I called earlier and you said you take my insurance. "You called this morning (trying to not blame herself for answering the phone)? No, I called 3o minutes prior to me coming in. So I try and call my insurance, they are closed for the weekend...I don't know what to do. The Medical Corner has another office in Waikiki that might have been open till 8 that I know takes my insurance, but I decided to do the 24 hour clinic just to know for sure I'd get in...and here she is asking me after an hour of waiting to find this out. I was steaming and crying. I could have been trying the Medical Corner an hour previously, now only having 30 minutes to see if they are even open till the closing hours of 8p.m. Anyways, thank goodness...a man walked in to have his daughter treated. The other lady at the counter immediately asks him for his insurance information. I quickly asked him...your card looks like mine, do you have my same insurance? He did and he knew they took it too. The lady that helped me initially had left her desk and so I was left hanging again. I finally told the other lady how frustrated I was and she gave me the paperwork and I got right in. The doctor questioned the medicine I requested...I wasn't about to have to come back in or call again to have something stronger given to me....but he says the kind I wanted probably wasn't the strongest...I didn't care, it worked last time and I don't have the car, time, and availability to get other medicine. Just give me what I WaNT! Afterwards, I had to ask to pay my co-pay. While doing so, I let the lady that had given me grief know how frustrated I was with her. She totally didn't even accept my frustration...and says, "I was gone, I wasn't here when you were needing to find out insurance". I told her, "Are you even listening to me?" Didn't care, she repeated herself again. I said, "I have been waiting for an hour and you finally ask me for insurance stuff, when I could have been making other plans if you didn't take my insurance." GRRRRR!

So I left. Walked across the street to see the kids and Jason being entertained my a street spray paint artist. Unbelievable work and entertainment. The kids had fun watching him and even participating in shaking the cans of paint. Tears of Joy---an crying eyeball (the iris being the earth) pouring into the ocean. Afterwards we finally found the Walgreens in Waikiki--crazy city! While I was getting the prescription, Jason called to tell me Eli just threw up all over himself in his carseat. Oh Joy! We got home finally! Jason didn't get to bed till 11 p.m. I love him! He's an amazing husband, with lots of needed energy to get the job done! On the way home, we had some good discussion on our goals for the next 30 years and concerns with some of our siblings. What a wonderful and crazy week we had. I feel very fortunate to be here on this journey. Sunday night, especially, was a crazy evening, but I did have a prayer answered. The Gospel is true, the power of prayer works, and we should always try and include Him in our daily journeys and choices. We're praying for you...our brothers and sisters....and even our parents that have to help deal with their adult children.

---

Kezia's 5th Birthday!

2009-06-29T00:53:00.001-07:00

Draft- needs some details, but will have to wait till tomorrow. GOing to bed.

I have been having too much fun to remember to blog recently.

Wednesday-trying a new job chart with the kids. Includes practicing the primary song for their solos in October. My favorite primary song 'Baptism'. Met up with Sharon and the kids at the pool. We had salmon! Yum! Later did some digital scrapbooking---so much fun!

Thursday- lounged around, did some school work with the kids, I took a nap (pregancy exhaustion), and then went to the beach after dad got home from work. We went to White Plains beach for a picnic dinner (daddy made us sandwiches) and watched dad surf. The kids played in the sand and dad took each kid out one at a time to play in the waves. Later that night I went to Sharon's to talk about digital scrapbooking.

Friday- McGarry Kids' Farewell Swimming Party, dinner at home (simple grilled cheese), and watched Nacho Libre. Let the kids stay up way too late, but too tired to get them in bed.

Saturday- Leonards Malasadas (Yum) What is it? From google- Bite into a fresh malasada and you’ll understand why this simple little bakery is so popular. The malasada is a Portuguese donut that's golden brown and crunchy on the outside, with soft, fluffy dough on the inside. This hole-less donut is then rolled in sugar for a delicious finish. We then went to the swap meet, submarine cancelled due to mirky conditions, walked along Waikiki and a few hotels, played at the park, the kids joined other Keiki's playing football and bubbles, hated the traffic, went to Target to get some odds and ends, Costco to get food for dinner tomorrow night. Baked a Costco pizza for dinner and enjoyed watching Michael Jackson videos. Thriller late at night with the little ones does not mix. I wrapped gifts for Kezia.

Sunday- lei for Kezia, Ariel in the tub, church, naps, McGarry's for dinner- kabobs, cupcakes (made with Kezia), and sherbet ice cream.

June is Almost Over!

2009-06-24T13:02:00.000-07:00

I can't believe this month is almost over. It doesn't help that the kids and I were sick for 2 of the weeks of the month. But all feeling better now (a bit of coughing at night as started again, let's cross our fingers).

Monday the kids and I took it easy around the house. Lots of movies (guilty mom), but I was able to get the laundry done and a bit of 'Breaking Dawn' in (will I ever finish it?). We met up with the McGarry's at the pool for an hour. Came back home and greeted dad shortly after that. He treated me to a new toy for the computer again. Some 4GB memory cards for the computer to back up pictures, etc. Instead of going to the lagoon we took the evening and planned the rest of our weeks ahead to make sure we got in all the activities we wanted before coming home. It was good to do because we have to budget in everything as well, with hopes of not going into any debt. We also tried planning what to do for the older 2 kids' birthdays. It should be fun in the weeks ahead.

Tuesday I got on my digital scrapbook program and finally figured out how to download free scrapbook page kits and put them into the program. I was so excited to find some fun beach and Hawaiin themed page kits. I hope I can get some done along the way. I also got some good facebook conversation in with Sara and Becky as well as a phone conversation with Eve and A. Tammie. It was so fun to hear from all of them. It makes me miss home even more, but it gives me comfort too. It was interesting to hear that Sara, Becky, and Eve are all going through the same bumps in the road with their husbands' current jobs and possible future jobs....who will live in Arizona, D.C./Virginia, Idaho, or other....we shall see what the future holds. I will be sad if any of them move (including us possibly), but I am sure it will be for the better.

That night we went out as a family to the Pearlridge Mall. We found a used book store and had some fun exploring there. Got a few books and a video for the kids. They had their giant insect display located throughout the mall(s). The mall is huge and it has an uptown and a downtown portion to it. We went to the Hello Kitty store and a few more and then went upstairs to take the $.50 shuttle/tram to the other part of the mall. The insect display was even bigger on that side of the mall. The younger 2 kids took a fun little train ride around the giant insects while Kai and I went to Payless. Who knew Payless would be selling Airwalks (better brands, eh)? But I wasn't about to spend almost $40 on 2 pair of shoes for Kai with even the buy one get one 1/2 sale going on. We decided to wait and shop around some more.

We heard about Moe's Grill (similiar to Bajios and Cafe Rio- but not as good) and was able to use 2 Happenings Book coupons. After dinner, the kids and dad went to GameStop and I hit a fun bargain store for some various b-day decorations and goodies for their birthdays.

Side note: While at the restaurant, CNN was on and Kai and Jason had a conversation about North Korea and the troops that are fighting in various parts of the world for our freedom. To back up a bit, located on Ford Island (where Jason is working) they had this giant golf ball looking structure. It's made to go out in the ocean and help with our missile defensive system for the possible threat that North Korea will send a missile on or around July 4th to hit the island. On our way to the mall we looked out toward the island and reminded the kids that the giant structure was gone and out to sea. While at the restaurant we wanted to educate Kai about what many of the men and women do in our behalf for our freedoms. We told him that the island had many areas where the military lived and worked to help make sure our freedom was protected. We didn't say anything about the possible threat of the missile launching toward us, but later that night before going to bed he came into our room scared. He was worried about missiles and our safety (even though we didn't say anything about the threat). It was a great opportunity for us to remind him of the importance of personal prayer and to have the desire to pray to Heavenly Father for comfort. He said a prayer with us that was so from the heart. He felt better and was able to go to sleep quickly after that.

Some Pictures!

Kezia's coconut piggy bank from Grandma Simmons. It's missing it's flower above the ear.

A view of our new place. I took the picture from the middle of the stairs looking down toward the first floor. Yeah for air conditioning.

Honolulu Zoo, Girls Night Out, Sea Life Park, and a Happy Father's Day!

2009-06-21T20:08:00.001-07:00

The Tiki Bar- Saturday's Linner!

A great read! This man was watching the dolphin show in front of us. Some good things to think about!

Pictures from Sea Life Park!

Stingrays

Honolulu Zoo

A great shot taken by Jason! This is the golf course/resort we are staying at.

The kids loved going through the tunnel to then come up in the middle of the tank to see the fish swim by at the zoo.

What a fun weekend. Friday, our new friend Sharon drove me and the kids along with her youngest and his friend to the Honolulu Zoo. We had a great time seeing the animals. It's not a huge zoo or anything unique, but it was fun to go and enjoy the day watching the kids look at the animals. Eli loved the monkeys. Kai of course loved the python (probably one of the only snakes on the entire island, since their illegal), and Kezia loved the pink flamingos (favorite color, I guess).

That night I was invited by Sharon to go with her to Lynn's home (a friend of Sharon's that I met at the pool several days previously). Sharon, Lynn, Sara, Angela, Alohalani, and myself had a great time playing Phase 10. It was so much fun getting together with other girls for some good laughs, venting, and just good conversation. Angela introduced us to 'Cardio with the Cullens' on YouTube.

Saturday we went to the east of the island to Sea Life Park. We invited Sharon's daughter and had a blast watching the beautiful sea animals. My favorite was watching the scuba diver feed the stingrays. I've heard of how big stingrays can be and I was amazed at the size of the ones we saw in this tank.

Afterwards Jason took us to the Tiki Bar in Honolulu. It was an older joint next to a boat dock. We then went to Kmart to do a little shopping.

Today the kids and I made a very late breakfast for Jason. I am not a morning person. Church was good. The kids are enjoying the social time. The ward is very good at making you feel welcome. Something I hope to always remember and to take with me. I am a shy person and I hope to use this experience to always welcome others better in whatever situation. I am sure the people visiting are nervous being the visitor and it's my job (shy or not) to fellowship them no matter what. We spent the evening just hanging out. Tired and all. We hope to get Grandma Simmons to visit us again (airline tickets are expensive right now) so we our exploring the options. Aloha and goodnight.

Enrichment Night--A Night Out for Mom

2009-06-18T01:06:00.000-07:00

Ko Olina- a smaller public beach at sunset

Eli and Dad surfing on the boogie board. It was so funny watching Eli paddle so hard with his arms.

Let's walk on Kai.

Paddle White Boy, Paddle! Jason paddling to attempt the surf.

Our backyard view in the Kailua House.

An early birthday present from Grandma. Two nights before she left she helped treat the kids to a night at Chucke Cheese.

The Ko Olina Resort. You can't see where we are staying. It's further east and a bit south. Seen here is just the Lagoons of the Resorts. Just north of the top Lagoon is a real small inlet. This is where we took the picture of the kids at the top of this post. There is another big lagoon and Marina to the south of the 3rd lagoon, not seen on the picture.

Monday the kids and I enjoyed an afternoon at the pool with Sharon, Matthew, Lynn (she's in the ward), and Lynn's kids. It was so nice to have some adult conversation. I felt like I was talking the most out of everyone. Jason and I talk when he comes home from work, but he knows and I know it's nice to have others to talk to as well. Talking to family and friends at home on the phone and over the computer have helped, but the actual real live interaction is nice to have.

Sharon left Matthew with us while she picked up her other kids from school. They all came back and swam with us some more. Later, Kai and Kezia went to their place for an hour to hang out. It was so nice of them to allow them some friend time...even Kezia...she hung out with their 9 year old daughter. Eli and I just chilled with a snack and the news after another short drive on the golf cart. He cried when we dropped them off at their house...he was sad to see his siblings run off and play.

That night we had a quick version of taco salad and headed off on the golf cart with dad to one of the resorts to walk around. The resort is very fancy, not too much to do there, but very beautiful. We walked around their outside aquarium and saw the fish, a few sting rays (one was at least 5 feet long), and they had several hammer head sharks lurking around another area of the water. They are about 4 feet long, not too big. You can't get real close to them, so it's hard to see them clearly, but it was cool seeing their top fin eerily coming out of the water. (d,d,d,d,d,d,d,--Jaws theme)

Tuesday the kids and I took a day trip to Lagoon 2. It's one of the smaller lagoons and less busy, however they don't' have the nice beach chairs from the resorts to sit and lay on. No big deal when you're always with the kids. We played in the sand, in the water, in the sand, in the water, etc. We were going to stay long enough for me to sunscreen the kids again when I smelled the little dude. Water and poo don't mix. Thank goodness for the outdoor showers they have there to get the sand off...yes, he streaked for a bit so I could get a final rinse off the little but. He wasn't the only streaker around there when it came to little ones :) .

That night we took it easy. Eli slept while I made dinner (Bisquick Cheeseburger Pie). I am getting to know the Bisquick mix pretty well when it comes to being creative with the limited items we have (it's nice having food storage at home). I then was setting out to make yummy fruit smoothies. I had a great chat with Sara on Facebook while the kids and dad watched "Hotel for Dogs." Then when I finally got everything ready to make the smoothies, the dumb blender was shot. It actually blended some, but didn't chop the ice at all. So I took out all the ice and blended the fruit and milk....chopped the ice with the refrigerator's ice dispenser and blended it in. It wasn't good at all. Disappointing.

Wednesday was a hard day for me to wake up. Because Eli took a late nap yesterday, he didn't go to bed till around midnight Tuesday night. I was feeling pregnant today....I couldn't wake up real easily, then had an late morning nap, and then another at 3 p.m. I was very lazy with the kids. They pretty much entertained themselves with the computer, t.v., and coloring. I took advantage as well and read some more of Breaking Dawn.

When Jason came home from work we all took a dip in the pool. I came home early to get ready to go with Sharon to Enrichment Night. We had a Bisquick pizza with yummy pineapple sausage from Costco and fresh Dole Pineapple as toppings. Enrichment night was great! Some of the sisters displayed items that they are crafty at or have hobbies for/talents for and then the Patriarch of their stake spoke about Patriarchal Blessings. It was a great lesson and reminder about the importance of Patriarchal Blessings. It's making me sad I left mine at home. I would sure love to read it right now.

I was very humbled and grateful for the sweetness that I received while at the meeting. So many of the sisters were quick to introduce themselves to me and want to know about me. We had a yummy dessert of fruit and cake as well as a decorated pineapple with various fruits skewered on it. Sharon has been so friendly to me since we've made contact. Her husband showed up at the church later with the kids to play basketball with the guys...I am sure Jason will love that next week...he'll be one of the few tall, skinny, white boys there. This ward has tons of natives...it's no neat to see so many of the sisters wearing moo moos. One sister displayed her amazing talent of lei making with ribbon and other means of fabric. Sharon was awesome and played one of her favorites "Bella's Lullaby". She absolutely loves the books. She is on the 3rd book for the 4th time through the series.

Speaking of, I am tired and want to go and read my book. Lagoon again tomorrow, this time with Sharon and her son Matthew. I feel very blessed she is willing to hang out with me. It's amazing to me that they are staying in the exact place we are (they sold their home just weeks prior, sooner than expected) and will be leaving in a month back to Utah to live with her parents (in our home ward) until they get a home finalized in the Syracuse area.

Aloha!

Weekend in the New Place

2009-06-15T00:34:00.000-07:00

Saturday after the enjoyable pool...it was nice and cool and not too busy. We headed out to Kmart and Costco. Kezia got a new bathing suit. It's too bad they don't make them to fit her bum and waist a little better because we found one that was so adorable. It was a 2 piece, something that I don't want to encourage, but it didn't show her tummy and it fit her well on top. But because of the small waist, the bottoms (it came with a skirt too) were too loose and would eventually get looser.

Costco- we can't get out of there without spending at least $2oo. It's unreal how much more things cost around here. Everything on average is about $2 more or so than things in Utah. Examples: Little Ceasers' Pizza $7 for a hot and ready medium, $4 gallon of milk, $5 for chocolate milk, candy bars $.70 or more, etc. They charge a fee for any canned or plastic container drinks. They will reimburse you if you recycle them.

After the trip to Costco, we went on a drive up the west shore and was able to pull over to watch some crazy surfers hit some crazy waves. Further up the coast they don't have it paved to wrap around the island completely. We have this great surfing map that indicates that in this corner of the island where it's not paved that the waves in the winter season can get up to 30-5o feet tall. Unreal!!! It's called Ka'ena Point.

On the way back down the coast we went to Kapolei and had Chinese Food. We stopped in at one restaurant and the entire place was booked for a graduation party. These people know how to party.

Side note: Along the coast line you'll find many parties going on with bounce houses and tons of canopies. The west coast line has several spots where tents and official beach bums are. I am sure it's a lot busier than normal because of the economy. It seems as though they weren't just beach bums, but actual homeless folk. It was pretty sad and crazy looking.

We found another Chinese Restaurant that was very nice. The people working there were Chinese and very friendly. The food was really yummy....and made for great leftovers today. Jason and I got a $1 movie- Australia. It was a good movie....lots of differences in the make of the movie, but I really enjoyed it.

Sunday- we were 15 minutes late to Church because of leaving a tad late and for missing the freeway exit. The church was a typical Utah building look-a-like. A lot different than the ward house in Kailua. The building was actually a lot bigger than what I am used to...the hallways and classrooms were bigger. We felt very welcome. The McGerry's attend here. Jason's coworker was also there today, vacationing with his family. We felt very "fellowshipped". It was a great day. It's more of a Hawaiian ward, lots more native and not as many military...it just had a different vibe. We enjoyed the ward in Kailua, lots of friendly people, but it was great to get a more Hawaiin feel to it in this ward.

After church, we got on the wrong freeway entrance and then took a drive to Ewa Beach. Jason was able to find out where he can take the boat to get to work in the mornings. He may or may not do it based on time, but it will make for a fun outing as a family in the future. Nap time in the car and at home. We watched Wall-E and then took a night drive in the golf cart around the resort. We found out that at night it costs $ to park a car anywhere at any resort, unless using a restaurant for validation. It costs money no matter what with the car if the limited parking at the lagoons is full. It's not a place for many unpaying visitors...just whatever is available at the limited parking for the lagoons in the daytime. We can park with the golf cart pretty easily at the lagoons, but not after sunset.

Plans for tomorrow: Swimming with Matthew and Sherry. Kai is really excited to have some play dates. We've noticed more kids here at this place, so hopefully Kezia will be able to meet some little ones her age. Aloha and Good Night.

I'm Loving It!

2009-06-13T12:44:00.000-07:00

Wednesday afternoon we (the kids and I) went swimming in the backyard. It was crazy because my face was so hot (due to the sun and sinuses) and I couldn't stand to swim very long. I thought it was just me because of my sinuses, but the kids didn't want to swim very long either. So we went back into the hot house and hung out for a bit until I got an email from Jason.

His email said, "yeah, we can move in early into the new place (the town home) as soon as tonight." I was all over that! So I started to deep clean, do laundry, and started packing--sweating like crazy didn't matter, it was going to get done. Jason called after work and I told him let's move tonight because I was already going gun hoe on packing up. Unfortunately, he was invited to attend a dinner with his boss, the Colonel, and the General of his organization. I felt horrible, but he was feeling fine to say no to the dinner and come home to help us get out of there. We spent the evening packing as much as we could fit into the car and got to Ko Olina!

We have a lot to pack because we've got stuff to use for the next month. What an answer! It's a ton smaller, but it's so much more comfortable. We have air conditioning!!!! That night I slept cool, but was in tons of pain because of my sinuses. I only slept about 4 hours that night. That morning the kids and I got in the golf cart and took a little cruise to the resorts to check out the Lagoons. They are so beautiful! They have 4 Lagoons in the entire area. We are allowed to park our golf cart at 3 of the 4 Lagoons. The kids had a blast in the golf cart. The breeze and everthing about it was great!

We came back and I tried to take a nap while the kids entertained themselves with the nice cable....yes, I let them watch too much t.v. that day, but I needed the peace and relaxation. My sinuses acted up again (about 12 hours later, after the first episode in the middle of the night). Tylenol and the antibiotics just weren't kicking it. I called my dad and he suggested that if it didn't get any better by tomorrow to call up the Doctor and ask for something stronger and still safe for the pregnancy. I couldn't wait till tomorrow. It hurt so bad.

Jason got done with work and went back to the first house to finish packing up the house and finish the laundry. I called the doctor's office and had to wait over 2 hours to get a return phone call. The doctor was able to get me a better prescription. Jason got home with it that night and boy, did I sleep better that night. It literally felt like it kicked in that night. Finally!

Friday morning the kids and I got up. Jason put in 4 hours that morning and was nice enough to treat us to a day at the beach. We went to Nimitz Beach/Barber's Point. It was on the crowded side, but it was fun! Add- rocks, hurt my toe, nice new sand toys for the kids, Kai buried, Jason surfing,

Library- zia, practice practice

After, dinner on the bbq at home. Then a golf cart ride to Lagoon 3 to swim until the sunset. Oh so amazing! The sand and water was so relaxing. Then a golf cart ride home through the most beautiful golf course I have ever seen...we snuck into the course and drove through it exploring the twists, turns, frogs, black swans, etc. hoping to find a way out. We didn't find a way out, but just had fun taking a drive through it (including through the sprinklers). We eventually got back to where we started from and then got back onto the main road and drove home.

Saturday- a morning breakfast out on the patio. But first, Eli spilled the entire pitcher of orange juice on the kitchen floor. After all was eaten and cleaned up, we are now going to the pool and afterwards onto getting some groceries. Aloha!

It's Pretty Obvious Now!

2009-06-09T20:05:00.000-07:00

Kezia actually shed some tears as soon as she found out. We reminded her that she'll still be a great helper and will love having a baby around to help her mommy and daddy take care of.

So she said, "I'm kinda sad it's not a girl, but kinda happy too because we'll have a new baby."

Some ideas for names---ideas only: Keanu, Israel....just questioning the possibilities at this point.

Weekend Fun

2009-06-08T12:42:00.000-07:00

Eli and his 4 times daily breathing treatments.
The Makapuu Point Lighthouse.

Where we are living till Saturday!

Kailua Beach Park

Another view of the Lighthouse.

Saturday Jason drove me to the swap meet so I could quickly pick up a few items to send to the Birthday people. We have too many birthdays in June...but it's actually every month like this. While I was running through the maze of other swappers, Jason took the kids to Kmart and a grocery store to pick up items for his work party he is hosting.

What a great turn out we had. Jason had 4 co-workers (including his boss) come out with their families to join us for a bbq and swimming. It was a great success. Jason can write more-

Sunday, my sinuses were killing me. I was a zombie in the morning and was still afraid to send my kids to primary. Especially since Eli would be all over the toys. So we rested for awhile and then took a Sunday drive to Bellows AFB beach. We had a picnic (3 of us did- the 2 little ones were asleep in the car) and watched the beach bums living it up in the choppy water. Afterwards we took a hike (it ended up taking an hour and a half) up to see the Makapuu Point Lighthouse. What a beautiful view. You could see the east shore, south shore, and even further into Waikiki. Thank goodness it was cloudy and windy or we could have never survived.

Kai at one point sat on one of the many brick edges that are placed around the pathway. Jason had told him it wasn't a good idea to sit there because of the long drop behind him.

It turns out I couldn't sleep last night because of my killing sinuses. While I waited for the Tylenol to kick in so I could fall beack asleep, all I thought about was "WHAT IF". What if Kai had gotten up there and slipped and fell. He did it while we were catching up to him while walking back down the path. So instead of getting right back to sleep...I was thinking about this for quite some time.

There have been some crazy "What if's" that have occurred while away...but I am getting to the reality that I hope will always do my best to protect my kids, but when they do make some bad choices or Nature takes over that I will have the understanding that it's life or something like that. I am not making any sense, but my husband would understand what I am saying. We've had this discussion too many times with my parnanoid self.

Onto a breathing treatment for Eli!

Journal Entry...It's a long read for my memories sake

2009-06-05T14:10:00.000-07:00

Ficus benghalensis Indian banyan tree -this one is located in Maui

Monday- blogged, was and still is under the weather, and did nothing in the hot house.

Tuesday- continued to not feel well. The kids went to the beach with dad after he got home from work and afterwards swam in the pool. I stayed home with Eli so he could nap some...HA. He's having the worst time taking naps. It has to be on a car ride or exhausted at dinner time. If it's at dinner time, he then sleeps through dinner, wakes up just 2 hours before bedtime, then doesn't go to bed early that night. It has been tough for me to get any mommy time/quiet time and then I am never fully awake in the morning to deal with the kids in the morning.

Wednesday- grandma's last day. We're sad but happy she'll get some much needed cool air and rest. She also got the cold that Eli, myself, and Kezia have.

I called and was able to make an appointment just down the street for the kids. Thank goodness they were able to see us. It's walking distance from here and most convenient compared to the other places I may have had to take them to. Eli and Kezia both have bad ear infections in both ears. Eli's started the fevers last Friday and they continued off and on. After getting a mild fever Tuesday night, it was a for sure he needs to be looked at. I hesitated taking Kezia because her fevers never went over 100. I am glad I took her too. Her ear infections tend to occur often and with little pain...so it's hard to know when she gets them. She had the cough too, but Eli's was a lot more deep.

He was given a breathing treatment while at the doctor's office. I was then handed a machine and 3 prescriptions later, we are now giving antibiotics to both of them 4 times a day and breathing treatments to Eli 4 times a day. The antibiotic is suppose to help with the pneumonia/ deep coughing that they both have. Since Kezia's coughing wasn't so bad, he just left it up to the medicine for her and breathing treatments for Eli.

Who would have thought? It's June in Hawaii and we have possible pneumonia occurring!

After the doctors, pharmacy, vacuuming the rental car, getting a few groceries, library, it was time for the "exciting" doctor appointment. What will baby #4 be? A shy or stubborn baby it was being. The doctor's office was very quaint and unusual. She loves cats and for no particular reason she loves the Neuschvastein German castle...pictures of them both are everywhere. Her older nurse/assistant was very "touchy" and sweet....like a cute grandma would be. I was told just a week before that I wasn't going to get a big ultrasound until the doctor saw me first...and then I wasn't even sure if was going to be a "prescribed" one. The doctor's machine was old school and I asked about the big ultrasound and she said she gives an ultrasound to her mother's to be at each appointment and that she'd be able to see any problems...it was just odd to me though. I was hoping to get an ultrasound technician to give me DETAILS. Thank goodness the baby didn't move much and the machine was older, so yeah on the 9th I get to go to the hospital for a "Big Ultrasound". So we left her office with a couple of fuzzy pictures of the baby. Only a few days to go....I am wondering if we should even find out...but with having to wait 4 weeks and now another week...I have waited long enough...I have to know.

Later that day/early evening we went to Los Garcia's for dinner. We were referred to go there by the McGerry's. We were put in the cooler room thankfully and there were no other customers in that side of the restaurant. Eli fell asleep as I was parking the car. The parking situations around some parts of downtown Kailua is a JOKE. The Mexican food was pretty good...pricey, but to be expected. The waiter was good to us. He kept calling Jason "Bra/Bro" and he also was complaining about how hot the island has been. It was good to hear that from a local...that it wasn't just us visitors doing all the whining.

After dinner we took grandma to see the Iolana Palace from the outside. It was in the evening and the daily tours cost $. Kids under 5 can only go on the basement tour, so it was something we never pursued. We walked around the courtyard (after 6 p.m. free parking, wow some good news about parking). Across the street you could see the statue of King Kamehameha. In the back of the Palace you can see the Capital building. It is a unique shape. In between the buildings is a Ficus benghalensis Indian banyan tree. These trees produce limbs that go directly down to the ground and plant themselves into becoming another tree stump. They're crazy looking.

We got grandma off to the airport. Things went pretty smooth. It was a tad tricky with 2 cars and doing the whole curbside drop off when they're is security and lots of other cars around. We went to drop off the rental car afterwards and that became a joke. Trying to find a public restroom in and around Honolulu is next to impossible. I filled up the car at the Chevron (no restroom), the 24 hour drive-in restaurant (no restroom), finally we got to the car lot and thank goodness they were open (usually they are closed) and they actually had a restroom. While running up the stairs to inside the building a bug flew into my shirt (the 3rd time this has happened to me). I thought I got it out and then while I was using the bathroom Kai and Kezia notice it crawling on me while I was on the pot. So I stripped down while on the potty and never did find out where it went. As this was occurring we discovered that gum in Hawaii is very sticky. Kai let us know this. With all the driving around, finding parking, finding potties, etc. it all made for an adventurous evening.

Thursday- Grandma made it home safely...with my cell phone charger :) It's in the mail. I decided to venture with the kids to the beach. The trade winds are picking up. It made the waves quicker but the breeze was very nice. I hesitated putting lotion on my back for awhile because I need to get a base on my skin so I am not burning every time. I waited too long...I fried my back. It made it a hard night to sleep.

After the beach and a dip in the pool, we walked to the Pediatricians office and found out that Eli will need to continue breathing treatments 4 times a day till next Wednesday. So next week there will be 3 doctor appointments. The treatments are helping! Afterwards, Jason picked us up and drove us around the Marine Base. It was fun. To get to the beach you have to drive over the runway of the base. It's a beautiful base. Hill AFB is so blah compared. They had a really fun park. Finally a decently shaded and clean park to go to. The kids got to play for a bit (I have to be extra careful when I have Kezia and Eli in the sun because their medicine makes their skin extra sensitive to the sun).

When we got home, Jason took off to go surfing, and I microwaved leftovers. The kids were so good to me when I was so tired. Eli fell asleep at 7 and slept all night. He was my bedmate and kicked me all night, but I was glad he stayed asleep. I had a hard enough time coughing and dealing with my sunburned back.

Friday-Today, we're being lazy for my sake. The air inside the house is getting better. We did school work and now I need to go and make lunch and administer meds. Hopefully I'll have energy to go swimming (with a shirt). Jason has a work thing tonight, so we'll be spending the evening without him and hopefully a lot of the evening in the pool.

Nature Oh My! Waves, Jellyfish, Shrimp, and Centipedes!

2009-06-01T12:23:00.000-07:00

No, Jason hasn't taken up smoking. It's a picture from the web...it's about the same size that we found approaching the kids while sitting on the carpet.

Plumerias are everywhere in several colors. So Beautiful!

The USS Utah....what's left of it still remains. It was hit by 2 or 3 torpedos on December 7th.

A Surfer hanging ten at the North Shore Sunset Beach.

The Shrimp on the left were staring at me.

Thursday-lazy day...finally some rest time in the HOT house. My mom and I watched "New in Town".

Friday- swimming, Eli got a fever, the older kids with mom and dad went to see the new movie "Up" at the Windward Mall. Great movie. The boy scout reminded me of my friend Jack that I used to do daycare for. The old man reminded me of my sweet friend Heinz. He lost his wife several years ago, has problems with his hearing aid, has a cute dog, and raises all kinds of birds in his backyard. I used to take my scouts to see his animals. Miss you Heinz and hope you're doing well while your sweet wife Gisela is away for awhile in heaven.

Saturday- Eli still not feeling well. Instead of him napping, he insisted on getting in the pool with everyone else. It helped cool him off some. After we walked to the beach and enjoyed it full on. We didn't pack anything and just walked while wearing our suits.

Kai and I got pummelled by a wave. Thank goodeness I made him wear the floaties. I had a hard enough time pulling him up out of the water with them on. One floaty got ripped off his arm because the wave hit so hard. Eli and I had sores on our inner legs while walking on our way home. We are still not sure if it was a jellyfish sting or not. There was no stinging sensation, but the redness and stinging feeling it had when applying lotion killed. Pizza Hut delivered....even with a free medium pizza, it cost $30 for our large specialty pizza. Crazy prices!

Sunday-I stayed home with the tired me and tired Eli. He was still fevering off and on. Dad, grandma, and the older kids attended Stake Conference....well half of it. They didn't find the correct building right away and the speakers in the gym weren't working, so they got to hear about half the conference.

Afterwards, we had to get out of the house. It has been so miserably hot in the non a/c house. The trade winds are suppose to come on Wednesday, just after grandma leaves....sorry grandma. We took a Sunday drive to the North Shore. It was insane to watch those surfers attempt those crazy sized waves...and they aren't even as big as they get in December.

We then drove around BYU Hawaii campus and stopped in at a Shrimp bus for a snack....it's really hard to pack enough food for that long drive....so yes, we were a little naughty on the sabbath. It wasn't quite a snack though.....I thought the shrimp were going to come alive and eat us. Not really appetizing for me to see dead shrimp staring at you.

That night my worst nightmare came out to greet us. The biggest centipede was in the house coming toward the kids from under the t.v. stand. Jason hosed it with poison. It started wigglying even more as it came to a hault to die. I didn't sleep well. The kids are no longer allowed to fall asleep on the carpet.

Flutter...the wave of the Future

2009-05-29T10:02:00.000-07:00

Make sure you check out both of these videos...

The Machine is Using Us

2009-05-29T09:45:00.000-07:00

What a great visual of the history and future of computing...

anybody that's been touched by the Web 2.0 bug would appreciate it...

It's Raining...It's POURING!

2009-05-27T01:25:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Jason was in the pool most of the day with the kids. My mom, aunt, and I took a quick trip to downtown Kailua (the small city that we're staying in) to check out some of the smaller shops with expensive $ tags. They were very cute, but too pricey. I was disappointed to go into Baby Showers Hawaii and find hardly anything affordable and worth purchasing. I hope to buy some Hawaiian material at the swap meet and hope to sew some fun things when I get home. They want $20 for a burp rag and bib...but coming from the locals the merchandise was cute.

There are very few bathrooms around that are available for public use. That's been a real headache during this trip...um pregnant, with small kids, and with older ladies. You have to ask and then they say where the closest ones are and whether or not you can use theirs. I had to give a lady $20 in Chinatown to borrow her key, which I didn't end up needing because the restroom key didn't even have to be used. Getting to the crosswalk, crossing the street, going back up the street, driving a stroller through a narrow shop entrance, and up two flights of stairs (thank goodness I could leave the stroller with my mom and aunt) to finally get to the potty! Then I had to return the key to get my $20 back. ....up the hill both ways in the snow....ha ha!

That night we had a bbq with the daughter of our 2nd Counselor in our Roy City ward. She lives with her husband and kids in Kapolei. They'll be moving back to Utah at the end of July. It was a real treat to have them over. The kids finally had some friends to play with and we were able to say "thanks" for assisting us with great suggestions about the island.

I am thrilled to find out that we'll have them to hang out with when we move over to Ko Olina. They recently sold their home and are staying in the same condos we'll be staying at in the middle of June. Their youngest son is Kai's age and he'll be out of school by the time we get to the condo....Yeah, play dates will be great! The condos have a pool and the neighboring resorts have lagoons...so lots of fun in the sun. And yes, a/c!!!!!!! We'll definitely miss the beauty of Kailua and the roomy house, but I am happy to hear some good news about the new place.

We had yummy grilled pineapple and bbq hamburgers. It was an enjoyable evening. It'll be great to get to know them more.

Today was a slow starter. We didn't get out of the house till 11 a.m. I have been feeling tired more often and getting out can be slow. We headed to Kaneohe to the Byodo-In Temple. It was very beautiful. I read that it was used as a filming location in the first season of 'Lost", where it served as the home of the Korean woman Sun's father.

The Byodo-In Temple was built in the 1960's to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the arrival of the first Japanese immigrant workers in Hawaii. It was very peaceful and unique. The kids enjoyed making the big bell gong, while grandma got bitten by mosquitoes.

For lunch we went to Teddy's Bigger Burgers. That was fun since our Aunt is named Teddie. After a few errands to some other stores, we headed home with a tired Eli. He swam so much yesterday, you'd think he would have slept in this morning, but no it had to wait for a late nap today that turned into 3 hours.

It has been raining off and on today, but around 6 p.m. it came pouring down. The backyard ended up getting a second pool. The porch where the washer and dryer are started to flood. It was amazing to see so much rain come down at once. Guess what, you'd think it'd get cooler, but no it just becomes hotter and more humid. I have been so hot today! Well onto bed!

Kai's Videos

2009-05-25T16:56:00.000-07:00

Streamline Your Online Experience

2009-05-25T10:32:00.001-07:00

Streamline Your Online Experience

Posted using ShareThis

Memorial Day Weekend

2009-05-24T21:44:00.000-07:00

Grandma on top of the island. Behind her is Diamond Head and Waikiki

All the graves were marked with an American flag and Lei

Some of the many Scouts that volunteered that day to decorate the cemetary for Memorial Day tomorrow.

The Sweet Couple decorating a Grave.

Last night we had an enjoyable and relaxing time on the Al'i Kai Catamaran Dinner Cruise. It was so fun to be on the ocean. I briefly got whoosy, but it was worth the change of pace of being on water vs. land. The cruise left from Honolulu and took us east towards Waikiki and the Diamond Head Crater. The sunset was short and cloudy but still beautiful.

This morning we went to church. Following the meeting and lunch we took the Pali Hwy through the mountain to the Punchbowl National Memorial Cemetary of the Pacific. The Scouts from the ward and from the entire island went there around 11 a.m. to place a lei and flag on each grave. It was a sight to see. As we were going up the driveway to get to the cemetary, hundreds of scouts in uniform came walking down from the cemetary from volunteering the last few hours. It was remarkable to see all the work they had done. The punchbowl lies up a giant hill/mountain and inside the hill is the cemetary.

My favorite part was watching this sweet older couple at a grave. The wife was taking some native plants and flowers of Hawaii and individually cutting and placing them in a vase for the grave they were sitting at. The husband sat patiently next to her holding an umbrella for his wife to keep the sun and heat off her shoulders. He sat in the sun the entire time, switching his hands back and forth to hold the umbrella above her head.

After the cemetary we decided to take a right at the bottom of the hill. I mostly do the driving because I get car sick so easily, especially around all the turns. We were really grateful we went that way because it took us up the mountain and around and around to another mountain. We located some boys at the top of the mountain selling lemonade. They told us to keep going around and we'd find a State Park. Wow! What a view into the entire South shore. We could see Diamond Head on the left and all the way to Kapolei to the right. We were on top of the island.

I'll post pictures as soon as I can. Dinner tonight: yummy chef salad and garlic bread. Tomorrow we are having a day with Jason and that night, dinner with the Peterson's daughter and her family. Jason is comparing it to a blind date since we've only spoken to them by phone.

We wish you and your family a very peaceful and enjoyable Memorial Day. We feel very blessed to have so many people risk their lives for our freedom as well as the Plan of Salvation. Mahalo.

Notes

2009-05-23T13:00:00.000-07:00

A Rainbow Tree

Yummy Pineapple from the Dole Plantation

Just some random notes until I can journal more in detail later:

Luau- Bird Pics, Balls, Crafts-crane and lei, tattoos, canoe ride, bowling, spear throwing, pig roast, dinner and luau.

Bishop's Museum, Park- dropped them off, discovered disgusting park with tummy aches

Twilight- finally some relax time and hopes to finish #4 soon.

Dinner Cruise- tonight after a day of swimming with the kids (Jason), me exhausted all day, and going to face Costco on a Saturday afternoon. Will I survive the exhaustion? I feel like I am in the first trimester again....I am so tired. I can't keep my eyes open even after a cold shower and it's only 10 a.m. I'm loving it here, but I am missing my personal space of home.

I'll be detailed later!

A Quick Post...I am Tired!

2009-05-21T01:08:00.000-07:00

Monday we went to the yummy Dole Plantation. Not tons to do there, but it was enjoyable and yummy. First we rode the 2 mile train around the plantation and saw the big variety of plants....from Mangos, bananas, coffee beans, Ti, sugar cane, and the obvious pineapple. Did you know it takes around 22 months to grow a pineapple? It takes an additional 14 months or so to get the second pineapple off the same plant and that's all you get. They have several variety of pineapples. It is such a cute plant...very unique.

After the train ride we went in their store and purchased some yummy Dole Whipped Ice Cream....Homer drool. I want another. They top the sides with fresh pineapple...so yummy. We then took a self-guided and a guided tour of a garden they have there. Various plants and vegetation that are so unique and so beautiful. It was a fun visit.

Onto Waimea/the North Shore....those beaches are CRAZY! The waves are huge and crash into the sand and then push up the hill....to crazy for me. It really takes an adult and good swimmer to attempt to swim in the waves. We then took the drive to La'ie and saw the temple in the light. The sun was going down, but we did see it this time. It's being renovated (it makes me sad) until 2010, so the white has been striped on the outside and it looks gray, but it is still beautiful.

Long day and still a long drive home....but we made it home and ate dinner after 7 that night!

Tuesday we went to Chinatown. It was an interesting experience. Not something I'd do again with my double stroller and kids. It was fun seeing the fish, vegetable, and fruit markets. It was very difficult trying to push a stroller around the packed shops and it wasn't quite the food I really wanted to eat. We did however go to a restaurant that Jason's boss recommended. It wasn't bad. It was called Little Village. I was grateful to go there and sit down in a very clean, cool, and enjoyable place. I didn't really want to eat in the Food Court of the fish market....you know pregnant women and there sense of smell.

Another trip to Wal-Mart in Honolulu. I am so proud of myself that I was able to find it from Chinatown through the very crowded streets of Honolulu. It's a busy city and I am locating things pretty well in our car. Yea me! We live in a city that is far away from the popular things to do here, so navigating this place has been a great learning experience. I know all the freeways, highways, and I have almost memorized all the cities and where they are located. That's especially helpful when you are trying to use coupons and see as much as you can in a certain amount of time.

Today, Wednesday, we did the swap meet thing again. I hoped to go early (it's open as early as 6 a.m.), but it just had to be the morning my kids chose to sleep in! I have needed Eli to do it for some time now and he chose today to sleep in. We didn't get out of the house till after 9 a.m....so the swap meet got hot quickly. My poor kids are tired of that place, but it was more to allow the aunt and grandma to get in some good shopping...it's the only place to go for good prices. The first time we went I got an adorable baby quilt for $35. They told us it was cost around $60 or so in Waikiki. We eventually found it in a shop in Waikiki for $55. We've also seen various other items in other shops priced a lot higher than the swap meet.

We then went to Aiea and I found some cool and cozy pregnancy pants at Motherhood Maternity. Relief, but still in need of some cooler shirts. I packed horribly wrong for this trip. It has been humid and hot most of the time. With no a/c and a growing tummy, it has been difficult. I packed a few items that don't fit the tummy anymore and a few shirts that are maternity, but are too hot to wear. Big arms and g's make it extra hot for me.

Thanks to my wonderful babes and aunt...dinner was yummy. Spaghetti is always good. It was fun to come home and chill to AI...We knew the results prior to the show, hence the 3 hour time difference in LA. It was posted on Facebook and the web.

I am too tired to find the camera for pictures. I wasn't going to type this much. I am TIRED! Goodnight and Aloha!

Weekend News to Kai's Class

2009-05-18T11:13:00.000-07:00

Dear Class,

This weekend was the best weekend of all. I cannot believe what we got to do. We went to the USS Arizona Memorial. It was super duper awesome!

We went to the Polynesian Cultural Center. That place was the best! It had all different kinds of villages called: Hawaii, Fiji, Tonga, Aoetereoa, Tahiti, and Samoa. We saw a fireknife competition, which was the best show ever. The winner was Bula La'ie from Hawaii. My favorite village was Samoa because my dad participated in the show and got to learn how to make fire out of two sticks. Also we went on a canoe ride around all of the villages. In Fiji, we went to this musical bamboo stick dance which was hard. My dad and me played a Fiji version of shuffleboard. At the Samoa village there was a guy who climbed a palm tree. It was pretty cool!

This week I got to go to the Hawaii, Kailua Public Library and check out some books. Which were: Magic Tree House, Star Wars Bubba Fett, and Spongebob Comics. I have read 5 out of the 10 books so far.

Kami, I also got to learn how to surf in the pool and in the ocean. I barely caught the first wave. My dad was being crazy on the second wave because he wanted me to catch a big wave. It knocked me right over and I did 2 summer saults in the water. It freaked me out!

When do you all get to go swimming? Is tonight the bike drawing or was it last week? My mom and I can't remember.

Thanks for writing me back last week.

Aloha, Kai

It's Growing on Me!

2009-05-15T00:04:00.000-07:00

Tuesday evening my wonderful Aunt Teddie arrived. We ate taco salad for dinner by the pool. I stayed up late to watch the Biggest Loser finale (an hour into it...I need to go back and see the before and afters). It gives me some positive and negative feelings to the show....I was doing so well back in January and February...then the flu hit our household. It then turned into morning sickness and then it turned into full-time preschool and preparing for Hawaii. I just hope to do lots of walking with the kids and not too many macadamia nuts and Hawaiian bread....lots of pineapple, strawberries, etc.

Wednesday morning I woke up at 5:00 a.m. to go to Jason's work. I got a wonderful view of the sun continuing to rise from Jason's office window. He has an amazing view of the USS Missouri and looking out towards Pearl Harbor. I got to meet his Supervisor. Jason is really lucky to have such a nice boss for the time we are here. He is really enjoying his job so far. He says he'll miss it when he leaves. His boss sat us down in his office to discuss things to see and do with my family while we're here. Jason took me to get a rental car at 8:00 a.m. Yes, a caravan and no more laps. It's been heavenly to have it so far.

We went to the Swap Meet again. It was crazy hot this time for me and the kids. I finally found some family turtle stickers for the car at home....I had some purchased from San Diego awhile back and misplaced them. I needed new ones anyways with the added child in October. I have been counting all the family and friends, families' birthdays, etc. to determine what to bring home for everyone. I will have to purchase a suitcase just to bring it all home in...then the added $25 luggage fee too. After the swapmeet we attempted to go to the USS Arizona/Pearl Harbor. It was closed by the time we got there. After, poor Aunt Teddie got sick to her stomach while we were driving to Costco. She is doing much better now...we're not sure why she threw up 3 times...but Eli did it too the first night he was here. We love Costco! It's so much more affordable to buy things there than a normal grocery store. It's still more expensive then at home, but good to have food in the house. It keeps us from spending too much money everytime we go out. I fell asleep to Bride Wars...just too exausted from the early start of the day.

Thursday we explored Kailua...the area we are staying in. We packed a lunch and headed to Lanakai Beach/Kailua Bay. The water was so blue and colorful. Afterwards we went to the Library. Kai was in heaven. He checked out 10 books and has already finished 1 1/2 books so far. A yummy stop at McDonalds to cool off with a treat and then a drive to Waimanalo Beach and Makapuu Beach...I have no idea how to say most of these words. When we get directions or tell the driver to turn onto such and such street....I guess as to how to say it. It's a joke how well I can pronounce Hawaiian.

Later today/Thursday, Jason surprised us with a treat for himself. He bought himself a used surfboard and headed to the Pyramid Rock Beach in the Marine Corp Base in Kaneohe. He caught 2 waves...not necessarily standing, but he did it! He came home and treated the kids to a dip in the pool and to float and attempt surfing on the board. We had yummy chef salad with all the fixings, including huge fresh strawberries. Mahalo Aunt T and Grandma for fixing it for us! We are onto closing our eyes to a movie...oh, I mean watching a movie with the kids. I am really feeling relaxed now that I am here. It's so nice to have more books for the kids and a car to get around in. It's so beautiful and a lot slower paced around here. Most roads are 25-35 mph and the freeway signs aren't posted more than 60mph. It truly is starting to grow on me, even if I encounter 2 dead cockroaches on my bedroom floor in the mornings. Mahalo!

Dear Class,

2009-05-12T11:51:00.001-07:00

A message written by Kai to his class in Roy City. Following is a letter written to him by his class....so sweet and thoughtful.

I am writing in my journal right now and it's only 9 a.m. here, but 1:00 p.m. your time. I hope you get this in time!

Dear Class,

How are you all doing? I am having a great time in Hawaii! It is super fun. We found a new one in our pool. It was a crab. He is dead. Which is unusual.

I couldn't swim very well last summer, but now I can! I can jump in an 8 foot pool. It is really cool. Hey, that rhymes.

We have been going to the beach a lot.

We went to a mall on Friday. We took the bus to get there. I got a new truck and a pocket game.

We went to the swap meet on Saturday. I got four cars for me and my brother. While at the swap meet, my dad was getting pit pocketed by a stranger. It ended up being my mom's cousin's husband. They are from California visiting Hawaii for a few days.

On Mother's Day we had a really good breakfast outside. It was pancakes and eggs. It was so yummy. We went to church and my sister and I sang a Mother's Day song with the rest of the kids. After class, we got to play freeze tag, which was unusual.

I hope Mrs. Pilkington and Mrs. Miesch had a great Mother's Day!

Take care everyone! Aloha, Kai

Aloha Kai,

We are writing you this letter as class using the big screen. So each student is coming up with what we write.

The whole class says, "We really liked your pictures!" "We miss you so much!"

Auryn says. "I like the picture of the crab and it was weird that it was in your pool!"

Camraya wants to know how you are, and she thinks you look like you are having a blast!

Dakota says, "I can jump in to 10 feet deep water, it isn't scary, it is fun."

Felicity and Kyrah want you to have fun in the ocean, and think you might see more crabs.

Kami asks, "Have you learned how to surf yet?" River wants to know if you have been reading, and the class thinks MOST LIKELY you have!

MyKenzie says, "We like you so much!"We really appreciate that you take time to write us and send us pictures.

Nick wants you to have a good day, everyday, at Hawaii!

Aloha from Lakeview Elementary,

The first graders and Mrs. Pilkington

P.S. Mrs. Pilkington had a great Mother's Day and so did Mrs. Miesch! Thanks for caring!

We're Feeling Homesick Already!

2009-05-10T20:17:00.000-07:00

Friday- after the bus ride....we came home and had boiled potatoes, corn, and fresh pineapple. We were all tired from the long day.

Saturday-the Swap Meet. It's the only place to buy things that are affordable. We loved it and it's huge! We only got through 1/4 of it. It circles the stadium.

The most exciting part was running into my cousin, her husband, and her daughter. They are visiting cousins that live on the island. My cousin is from Southern California and to run into her at the swap meet in Hawaii is pretty neat. Her mom will be joining us on Tuesday. We can't wait to see you Aunt Teddie.

After the swap meet we went to see Jason's work. He works on Ford Island. As you go over the bridge to get to the island you can see the Arizona Memorial and the USS Missouri. It's an amazing site. You can drive along the pathways where the Pearl Harbor Naval Air Station once had planes coming and going off the island.

That evening the kids took a dip in the pool and discovered a dead crab in the bottom of the pool. Tired kids allowed for an evening out for Jason and me while Grandma watched "High School Musical" with the kids.

Adventure out to Waikiki and Honolulu isn't the greatest....I mean it's beautiful, but very busy and Vegas strip like (without the crudeness)....just busy with lots of hotels, fancy shops, and lots of people. I would never want to live there. We went to the Ala Moana Shopping Center and got an Orange Julius Smoothie...oh yes, heavenly to a pregnant woman that craves the stuff. We window shopped a bit and noticed how much more expensive things are there then at the Swap Meet. We avoided a $10 movie ticket and decided to walk along the beach. The sand is quite rough compared to the beach area we are living by. We watched a big cruise ship take off into the night, while watching standing paddlers with their glow sticks on paddling along the shore line about 100 ft. off the shore. When you don't want to spend money and it's too dark along the beach, what's left to do at 9pm at night?....Yep, we found Wal-Mart. Hoping to find some better deals on a few household items. A few items yes, but not great! Sunscreen was $2.50 cheaper...it's been needed quite a bit.

Sunday- a great day for me. I had the opportunity to spend Mother's Day with my mommy! Jason made us breakfast and we ate it outside. We went to church and enjoyed the meetings. My mom and I received a carnation and a yummy snack mix from the youth. It wa very sweet.

In reality...We are all feeling a bit homesick. We have been overwhelmed with so much fun and good times, but we are missing everyone and the comforts of home. We feel very blessed to have been given this opportunity to be here. It's been amazing! The kids are missing their bedrooms, friends, and comforts of home. The heat of the house and humidity outside has made it difficult to enjoy a whole lot. I feel bad that I am always getting after the kids....watch out for this furniture, be careful of the flowers, don't get too close to the pool, be sure to shut all the doors going outside, etc. It's been difficult.

I am so grateful my mother has been here for me while Jason has been at work. She has helped keep me sane. Aunt Teddie will be here shortly and we hope to have more freedom with getting a vehicle to get out more and enjoy the sites. $$$$ is what matters when traveling in Hawaii and entertaining 3 kids at different ages...it's been a challenge, but wonderful memories are being built.

There is a play group planned on Tuesday with the ward...we may be able to go, depending on the bus situation....it's not the easiest route to get to for the beach they are holding it at. We'll wait and see.

Till then, Aloha and a Happy Mother's Day to all my wonderful Mothers, Sisters, and Friends out there!

We Braved the Bus!

2009-05-08T22:26:00.000-07:00

Bob's Pizzeria- Thursday night after the Farmer's Market.

Our local beach in Kailua

Jason's Office View of the USS Memorial.

Surfing the Hammerhead!

Skinny Pigs

Just Bird Talk!

Chilling Chameleon

Rough Day!

Last night was fun at the Farmer's Market. Still things are quite expensive. We purchased really tall green onions ($1), 3 tomatoes ($2), 2 onions ($2), and 4 small corns on the cob ($3). We also purchased some Beignets (French donuts), a bag of French Cookies, and a French Baguette. We sampled some local sea asparagus. Jason loves his squid jerky he purchased a few nights prior at the local Long's Drug. We decided not to eat the semi costly cooked food while at the market...thinking it would be more affordable to go somewhere else. We did find a pizza joint, but it still wasn't quite affordable. A drink and 2 overly sized pizza slices were around $6.

I am trying really hard not to spend a lot of money, but you can't help it if you want to go out. Today we braved the bus. For grandma, myself, and the kids it was $5 one way. We went to Windward Mall in Kaneohe. It is a beautiful commute. We decided to go there since it would be indoor, a/c, and they'd have a play area for the kids inside. All went well getting there. Unfortunately for Kai, he was too tall for the play area and was told by a security guard that he couldn't play. I was too busy with the other 2 kids to notice the height requirements. He is always trying to be taller so he can ride more rides at Lagoon and today was the opposite for him...he had to watch all the other kids play.

While at the mall, we found a Chinese $.99 store. Lots of things in Chinese that I couldn't really determine what the item actually was. We did find a few items for the house. The guy we're renting from doesn't rent out normally so we have had to purchase a few items for the kitchen...including Teflon utensils so I don't scratch his pots and some more plastic ware so we can eat outside.

The majority of shops were ones you could find at a mall at home. It was to be expected...but great fun to get out and explore. They had a pet store with some cool animals. I have never heard of a skinny pig. Hawaii doesn't allow snakes...so Kai was once again bummed during the trip. But way happy we found a little hand held old school game with lots of games on it for $2.

I am probably boring, but once again I am journaling for my sake.

While exiting the bus, poor Kezia got terrified by being the last one off and the back door being to heavy for her to push and it closed on her. I had gotten off with the double stroller, my mom was helping sleepy Eli off the steep steps, and she was behind her and the door closed. The driver luckily knew what was going on and the people on the bus were nice enough to open it for her to get off...no handles for me from the outside to open it from. Once I got here she started bawling. She was terrified she was going to be left on the bus. Poor thing. ....A part from this and things from earlier, including Eli getting a small bloody nose while in one of the stores, Kezia chipping a tooth while at the play area, and Kai being bummed off and on...the day went rather well. We'll be experiencing the bus again. TGIF....the weekend makes for more visitors at some of the tourists sites, but we hope go to Pearl Harbor tomorrow and see where Jason works as well as the Swap Meet (hopefully some better prices). We are thrilled to spend the day with Jason/Daddy!

The Black and White Spotted Cow

2009-05-07T12:52:00.000-07:00

The picture is our backyard. The egg swings are so fun!

The Black and White Spotted Cow...Yep, that's me! The last 2 days I have gone swimming in the pool and the ocean and I have missed putting sunscreen on several parts of my body. So I am sunburned on the backside of my upper arms from one day ago and now on both inner knees when I was sitting on the sand. Once they become tan I'll be dark in those spots and white on the rest of my body...and being that I am looking more and more pregnant, hence the cow!

The pool man for the house confirmed my worse nightmare. The dead centipede in the pool is poisonous. So I need to be on the look out while the kids are playing in the yard. At least the cockroaches aren't. Eli keeps throwing his binkie on the floor of his bedroom in the middle of the night. This morning I found two new cockroaches upside down slowly dying from the poison, close to where he throws it. So when he does it I hesitate grabbing it off the floor in the dark...hoping it's the binkie and then I have to go wash it off because I am not sure what the bug poison looks like and where it is actually in the room and just the fact the floor is dirty with the bugs crawling around on it. It's part of the beautiful experience here in Hawaii.

I hope to post pictures of Jason's office view. He says he has view of the USS Missouri off Pearl Harbor. We hope to take a tour of the base on Saturday after the swap meet. YEAH!

I am going through sunscreen tons. I bought the spray kind...costly but convenient. I am almost out of it, so I decided to get a cream version at the grocery store so it could go further....$10 later for an 10 ounce tube and $5 for an 8 ounce bottle of aloe vera. Not cheap. There is a Costco coupon we are waiting to use to get more. We would like to make a stop at the Wal-Mart, but they aren't everywhere here. That is a good thing though. It allows for more mom and pop stores to be available.

Last night we drove around Kaneohe Bay, which is close to the Marine Corps Base. They're are a lot of Bases on this island. Yeah, we found a Redbox/DVD Express inside of the Foodland store.

I am looking forward to the days ahead to see more details of the island. My mom got to go to Pearl Harbor the first day she was here with Jason. The kids and I were still on the plane when she did this. I look forward to seeing it soon. I have driven past it on the freeway, but it's hard to see much of anything....just lots of buildings and industrial stuff.

Tonight we hope to go to the Kailua Farmer's Market. I'll try and post a slideshow soon. With time!

Aloha says the Cow!

2009-05-05T09:53:00.001-07:00

I've got to journal our days here...so for those that are reading I hope you don't find it too boring. The house here in Kailua is so beautiful. It has an amazing backyard with lots of beautiful foliage. It has an amazing tree...Jason knows the name of it. It has 2 egg swings hanging from it and the kids go crazy for them. It has an 8 ft. deep pool. We found my worse nightmare at the bottom of it....a centipede that's about 6 inches long or more.
The house has 4 sliding glass doors that go the backyard....so I don't relax easily when it comes to sleeping in. I don't sleep in because I am terrified Eli will get outside and fall in. The doors have locks but he's smart enough to test them and figure them out. We debated on getting a playpen, but we know he'll overcome it and flip himself out of it...all the rooms have tile so we don't want a damaged head from him falling out. The only bedroom without a sliding glass door in it is the one I share with him. No cuddling with Jason for a few weeks. We debated on getting a gate in that bedroom too, but lots of $ later it probably still wouldn't work. So I am up with the kid at 6 am most mornings....the jet lag in us all and the amazing birds chirping in the morning and the sun coming into the house is what gets us up so early.
We were VERY LUCKY to have gotten to rent this house. The owner is out of town for the weeks we needed it and he never rents it to strangers, but felt it would be good for him to do so. It's gorgeous in a gorgeous area. When we move to Ko Olina in 6 weeks we'll be bummed and missing the beauty. Ko Olina is in a resort area and not so done up in it's near surroundings. Kailua is awesome. We have the ocean about a block away and in our backyard you look up and see some amazing mountains.
The house does come with it's visitors...cockroaches. About every morning we wake up to some upside down ones....waiting for the poison to eventually kill them. They are big! My first experience with one was while we were waiting for Jason to bring the care to pick up our luggage. The kids and I were sitting on a bench and running up the backside of the wall was one. Then that same night, Jason went to close the sliding glass door and 2 were running up the screens. There are small lizards in the yard...we think they eat the roaches. Just now I am noticing a huge snail in the garden climbing the fence.
The hibiscus plant/flower is my absolute favorite and they are everywhere. We went to the temple late Sunday night and WOW they have this driveway that takes you to the temple and it's loaded with yellow hibiscus plants. Another favorite are these trees that have small bunches of flowers. You'll see them in our hair on some of our pictures.
The kids have been great until yesterday! Eli has been hitting his sister and then onto Kai when I was trying to drive to Waikiki. I did it though! I drove through the island to Honolulu and Waikiki and then to the airport to drop off the weekend rental car. We won't have a second vehicle for the week, so onto learning The Bus. Hopefully it won't be too hard with the kids.
While in Waikiki we went to an aquarium. It wasn't huge and not too much to see. The one in Sandy is just as good...a few more exotic fish were there and a seal. We walked to the boardwalk and looked out at the ocean. Waikiki is a bit too busy for me. While driving past the beaches it was crazy! It was like the strip in Vegas. Lots of people and lots of hotels. I am glad were not staying there. Too much hussle and too many people. The kids, grandma, and I found a Ramen restaurant that we had a Happenings coupon for. It was around the corner of the freeway entrance, something I needed since I had to get the rental back quickly and I didn't want to get lost. The food was good. I was proud of myself for getting around down there and locating a little food joint and experiencing that uniqueness.
After we dropped the rental car off, we squeezed into Jason's car and went to Target. Prices are high on a lot of things that I wouldn't expect....like Hawaiian attire. But all in all milk is priced between $3.92-$3.99 a gallon, better than we expected. Pineapples are affordable, duh! Bananas are $.99 a pound and Costco prices on fruit are a bit higher too. We bbq hamburgers for dinner and enjoyed our HUGE strawberries from Costco.
Jason seems to be enjoying work so far. He says everyone is really layed back around here. He has been invited to go golfing on Thursday....$40 plus a $30 registration fee....he's debating it because of the price. He says no, but I hope he considers it because it would be an experience for him. We'll see though. He's being smart though because he wants to make sure we save money for new windows for the house...a neccessity.
We have had a full weekend so far. Today we hope to take it easy...swim in the backyard or take a stroll to the beach and play in the sand. Hopefully we'll finally be able to relax. Aloha!

Aloha!!!

2009-05-04T12:16:00.000-07:00

Well we made it all in one piece. It was tough, but worth it! It all started rough Thursday night. We didn't leave our home till 11:30 at night and got to my mom's after midnight. We almost had the packing correct, with the exception of 2 bags being too heavy and one being way light. Jason fixed that!

He left around 5 a.m. with my mom and dad. My dad drove them to the airport. After Jason and my mom were in the terminal and my dad had gotten to work at Primary Children's, he noticed his bag missing. Jason had accidently grabbed it, thinking it was my mom's. My dad got to the airport just in time for Jason to run back out of the terminal, hand it to him, go through security again to then get on the plane just as they were boarding. Lucky!

I left my mom's at 11 a.m. with little sleep. I tell ya I was frazzled at this point already. I almost forgot to deposit some tuition checks at the bank and while doing so I remembered I had left the camera battery charging at my mom's. So back up the hill I went to pick it up, to then pick up my mother-in-law, and then to the airport.

Curbside checking is awesome! Even the security check went fine....8 bags later including getting out all the electronic devices, liquid bags, shoes and jackets off, etc. We ate lunch at the airport, boarded the plane, and all went smooth. No fever for Kai. My medicines helped my tummy and head conjestion.

We landed in LA and doom! It was tough at that point. I had to drive the stroller loaded full of all of our stuff outside of the airport, board a shuttle bus, then walk to another terminal to then do a security check AGAIN! This time longer lines and lots of eyes on me! I was looked at oddly as soon as I exited the plane into LAX.

We got through security, found our gate, used the bathroom, and the 1 1/2 hour layover was gone in an instant! We got back from the potties and they were already loading the plane. It was tough, but the kids were all champs. The airline checked a few of our bags under the belly which was great! I didn't have to walk to the very back of the plane carrying 8 plus bags...with little help from my little kids. They flight was great. Eli fell asleep quickly and slept the rest of the way. Kai and Kezia did great. The food was awful though...some Italian pasta salad stuff...not for kids...but thank goodness I packed other snacks.

We were greeted at baggage claim with a smiling Jason and Mom! They greeted us with some beautiful Leis. Hawaii is so beautiful! It's been amazing so far. We are so pale then everyone...this is to change. Please continue reading Kai's journal entry. He sums it up well. Aloha and Mahalo to all!

The following is a journal entry written by Kai for his weekend news that he shares with his class at school. His words explain a lot of what we have done so far this weekend.

Dear Class,

I know this is late for the Monday Weekend News, but we are 4 hours behind Utah and it's been busy to finally sit down and write. Hopefully our internet connection will work while I type this.

Happy Birthday Kami!

It's great in Hawaii. Our island is Oahu. When I went on the plane, it wasn't just one plane I went on, it was two planes. One to Los Angeles and the other to Honolulu.

Mrs. Meisch, I have already finished reading "High Tide in Hawaii." Thank you for the book. It is good!

Mrs. Pilkington, I have to write on my journal and my mom and dad put it on the computer.

At Hawaii, my family- me, Kezia, Dad, Mom, Eli, and Grandma Simmons went to Costco on Saturday. We had to get a lot of food and stuff to help our house. We also went to the beach park in Kailua. This is where we are staying for the first 6 weeks. We went swimming in the ocean and then came home and went swimming in our backyard.

On Sunday, I went to church. The hallways of the church were outside. I met some new friends. After church, we went on a trip around the island. We saw the Pacific Ocean. We went to the North Shore and ate at a restaurant across from the beach. We went to the Pipeline to see the surfers. We went to the Laie Temple. It wasn't lit up at night because they are remodeling it. Instead we went in the Visitor's Center. There were all different kinds of Book of Mormons in many different languages.

We have come across many insects and birds. In the mornings, we can hear all kinds of birds chirping. We have lizards in our backyard. A few cockroaches in our house that slowly die after eating the bug poison. We also saw a frog and centipede in our swimming pool.

Have a nice spring and summer. Kai

P.S. My name is the most popular word used in many names of places. Such as Kailua--the city we are staying in. We are staying on Kainui street. We have driven past Hawaii Kai.....Kai in Hawaiian means "Ocean".

In Loving Memory of Hser Ner Moo

2009-03-31T14:52:00.000-07:00

Today brings back some sad memories. It was a day of late night searching and the next day of all day searching for our friend Hser Ner Moo. She disappeared in the afternoon of March 31, 2008. Family and friends were looking for her well into the night. She wasn't to be found that evening. It was on April 1st, 2008...not a day of pranks, but a day of a big community of so so many people coming together to find her. It was an incredible search effort. The local church was packed full of volunteers looking for her. It was a scene of distress...but is was also a scene of love between strangers and friends to come together to search for "their little girl." It was incredible to see all the people, donated food, and law enforcement all in the cause to find her.

It was an unfortunate ending that evening of the 1st. However, it was an incredible effort of Christ like love amongst so many. We will miss her so much. Her smile and sweetness will never be forgotten.

Hser Ner Moo...I really got to feel your sweet spirit the most when I was gathering pictures of you and taking pictures of the memorial and your funeral. I felt your presence so much. Especially, at your graveside service when I felt your spirit tell me to give a hug to the man's mother who took your life. You gave me hope and a sure testimony that the Plan of Salvation is REAL. I know you continue to be with your mom and dad and brothers in spirit. Your entire family has brought so much love to our community. I love you and miss you! Until we meet again.

I'm Bored...yet I have a checklist of so many things!

2009-03-12T14:52:00.000-07:00

I have tons to do, but I don't want to do any of it. So instead I am blogging it. This sounds ridiculous. I could be vacuuming upstairs, cleaning the bed linens, scrapbook (you know how easy that is to dive into...not), finish Eclipse, sort my desk, pay some bills, get my lesson plan put together for preschool next week, read this week's R.S. lesson (just in case the teacher comes unprepared, I need to study it well in case I have to teach it. It comes with the calling :) I could be loading the dishwasher, finish putting the laundry away, there is always DUSTING, cleaning old files off my computer, updating my pictures onto dvd's in case my computer crashes, oh and baking some cakes (I need to have 3 made for Tues.), rotating clothes in my kids' rooms, clean the bathrooms, EXERCISE (something I have been putting off ever since I have been getting nausous)....Ok, enough with the long list. I need to start checking these items off. Oh forget it, not tonight....I have one hour to get ready to go to Salt Lake to see my sweet sister-in-law at her drill team performance and to take the kids out to dinner prior to it. We deserve the night out.....we're dying not having dad home. It's nice to have a night out of not cooking, especially since dad has been out to eat all week in Washington, D.C.

Speaking of this! The coolest thing! Jason is having dinner with his brother tonight. It's Jason's brother, Brandon's, mission hump day. Uncle Brandon has been serving his mission in D.C. a whole year today. They get to see each other tonight for dinner and then Jason is going out to teach with him. It's so cool. We miss you Brandon....and are so proud of you!

Come on Spring!

2009-03-03T11:25:00.001-08:00

Today was an uplifting day to go outside with my preschool class and do things that start with the letter "S"....in the Sunshine. I know it may be snowing again soon, but I welcome the sun and warmth gladly. We skipped, walked slowly like snails and sloths, and pretended to be a long snake. As well as we played on the swings, slide, and seesaw. It was a great day to get out and play. I love teaching preschool. I feel very blessed to have so many great students and a super mother to share her teaching supplies with me.

Also, Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!!! (yesterday)

2009-02-12T17:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to my little man. He turned 2 on Sunday. These kids are growing too fast. I hope you enjoy the fun pictures. The one photo is Little
Man's basketball court cake.

20 Years Ago....

2009-02-02T18:27:00.000-08:00

I just have had a fun time looking up past friends from over 20 years ago when I lived in Tucson, Arizona. I was able to find Adrienne, Lorana, Crystal, Nikki, and hopefully Deana too. It brings back a ton of memories....especially the great weather. My parents moved us to Utah in 1987. It was a tough adjustment, but I am grateful for it. I believe it saved my brothers from some crazy times.

Some of my memories include: Kissing Nick and Sean in Mrs. Shackleford's Kindergarten class and then beating one of them up in his front yard. Lots of fun times with sleepovers. Going swimming in Crystal's pool naked. Upsetting Adrienne's mom when we were pretending to be pregnant...and her mom was pregnant. Also, playing soccer with Adrienne. Walking home from school and stopping to get a treat at the Ice Cream Man's usual post by the wash. Feeling horrible that I missed Lorana's baptism. Getting bit by Nikki's gerbil. And the funnest memories were all the swimming memories at the neighborhood pool. According to google earth maps, it doesn't exist anymore.

Some fun memories. I am so thrilled to be in contact them once again.

The Snow 'Bird's' Luge

2009-01-14T15:49:00.000-08:00

We have had a fun winter so far. This week it will be sunny all week and in the 40's...and still cold. Hello! San Diego is in the 80's right now. A shout out to my Aunts TJ and Tammie, who are enjoying that weather.

This is a fun video of our sledding hill we have built over the last few weeks. This video was taken last week. Currently it is icy and scary for me to watch the kids go down. Winter surprisingly has been fun for me this year, due to my children having a blast in our first home. We all feel so blessed to have Snowbird in our backyard! :)

BAM....it's going to be okay...a new day awaits.

2008-12-29T19:33:00.001-08:00

Do you ever have one of those days when things are going better than expected and it continues to be a good day...then BAM it's the evening time and one event ruins the whole good day you were having? But a loving husband is trying his best to keep my spirits up so my day does end well. Thanks Babes for being my best friend and always willing to be a listening ear.

It's these experiences and trials that makes us stronger....but boy I don't like dealing with...nope I am not going to say it. I am going to leave it at that.

P.S. Thanks for the Christmas cards to many of you out there reading this.

Oh So Sneaky!

2008-12-19T08:22:00.000-08:00

We're trying to teach our littlest to "try" and say prayers. The other night this is what he did....this is take 2. He was a lot funnier the first time, but I didn't have the camera then. Have a great day!

I don't know what I am doing

2008-12-17T09:22:00.000-08:00

I was going to go private on my blog but then I realized I sent this web address to friends in Germany...so nevermind. Sorry for the email. Thanks for reading.

Below is our beautiful sunset from our backyard.

The Chill of Washington Monument

2008-12-09T18:18:00.000-08:00

Just a Few Pics from My Trip

2008-11-05T10:49:00.000-08:00

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetery. Above is the Changing of the Guard and below is the New Guard in place. The Tomb contains the remains of unknown American soldiers from WWI, WWII, the Korean Conflict and (until 1998) the Vietnam War. The Tomb is guarded 24/7 all year long by specially trained members of the 3rd United States Infantry (The Old Guard).

President George Washington and Martha Washington's Graves located at their estate in Mt. Vernon, Virginia. Some school children brought flowers for the grave/tomb. The worker opened up the gate for the children to place them inside. I was lucky to be able to see it all opened up.

Door Handle and Keyhole to President Washington's Old Tomb. He was buried inside here initially until they dedicated a new tomb just up the hill on his estate in Mt. Vernon.

These were just a few pictures from my trip to D.C. I know many of you have seen some of the images in your own way/trip, but I had to display them for myself. It was an amazing trip for me. My first to D.C. I feel truly blessed to be a part of this great nation. Several highlights (I may post those photos later) of my trip were seeing all of the amazing monuments, a few of the Smithsonian's (bummed they didn't have my Great Uncle's Picture displayed anymore in the Air and Space Musuem --T. Keith Glennan), going on a ghost tour on Halloween in Old Town, eating mussels (Jason- it was clams and all), viewing the newly dedicated Pentagon Memorial, touring inside and up George Washington's Monument, touring inside the Capitol (tunneling under it from Senator Hatch's office from a block away), going to the Temple, taking the Metro everywhere (except I drove myself to Mt. Vernon in our 1 day rental--a big fear conquered), seeing the Archives of the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Declaration of Independence (John Hancock is a relative of mine ;) ) and touring the White House. While inside the White House on the West Wing, I looked out the window looking toward the south lawn to watch the Marine One Helicopter land and out of it walks President Bush. I was able to snap a photo on my camera phone. Shhh...no camera's were allowed, but they didn't say no the to the camera phone (well they didn't hear or see me take the picture). He came out and waved to the small crowd awaiting him out front. It was cool to think I was in the White House the same time he was.

I had an amazing time. Very humbling for me. I hope to always be grateful and in gratitude for all the men and women who lost their lives in battle for me to have the wonderful freedoms I enjoy. Inscription at the WWII Memorial: "They fought together as brothers-in-arms. They died together, and now they sleep side by side. To them we have a solemn obligation." - Admiral Chester W. Nimitz

Oh, So Cool! This is Jamey Turner. He's a Wine Glass Musician and is Amazing. We got off the Trolley in Old Town and saw him on the street playing. I recorded him here playing "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing". You can see more on You Tube.

I just got back from D.C. My Heart is Full!

2008-11-04T16:32:00.000-08:00

To the Man I Love so Much-

2008-10-24T12:49:00.000-07:00

I LOVE YOU BABES!

Let the Flu Season Begin!

2008-10-20T16:25:00.001-07:00

We're not sick, but many of our family and friends are. I had a fever a week and a half ago because of the exposure to kids and their friends at school and church. Well, I am expecting to get strep. I am being exposed to one of my daycare kids right now that has it and is waiting to see the Dr. I am just praying to get through the week and hoping my kids don't get sick for grandma next week. Let the trip to D.C. work out well for us all!!!!! I hope you and your family are surviving the sicknesses that are out there.

P.S. Never attempt Frightmares at Lagoon on a beautiful Saturday. I have never seen it so packed. We did about 3 rides or so. We had fun though with the packed house.

I had to post this photo. It doesn't give the Great Salt Lake justice. We went on a Sunday drive up Farmington Canyon and wow what a view. We could see the north side of Antelope Island and the lake just went on forever. It was incredible to know that's our backyard. I have seen the lake from a plane on a few spots, but not quite like this. We are thanking our Father in Heaven too for answering our family prayer. Our car died at the top of the mountain. It was an intense ride down the mountain and we know our Prayer was answered...our tank was on fumes and it had to be in neutral with the engine on so the power steering and brakes would work. It's a windy and narrow road. Glad to be home.

Good Job Kai!

2008-10-10T15:11:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to say how happy I am for my little boy. He got a certificate today at an assembly. He was 1 of 2 picked out of his class to be recognized for his good work at school. It was the first assembly of the year and they'll recognize2 more kids from each class in all grades throughout the school year. I am proud of him...Proud in a good way :)

It brought back upsetting memories for me. I won a Patriot of the Month award in 9th grade. Each month a boy and a girl from each grade were picked for the award. Well the Vice Principal made the mistake of calling during a time when I would be home answering the phone. I noticed the caller id for the school and new I didn't do anything wrong. I knew the VP's voice, so I just knew what it was. I confronted my dad and he said yes, you'll be receiving the award. I told my good friend who was in homeroom with me. The homeroom knew I was receiving the award that morning. So just prior to the announcement for the 9th grade girl, my homeroom school mates were cheering for me and they announced it prior to the actual announcement.

My 7th grade English teacher was in front of us with her homeroom and she was not happy about the blown surprise. After I made my short speech in front of the entire student body, went back down the steps to sit with my class, she pulled me to the side aisle and lectured me. My entire homeroom and several of the other classes surrounding the area noticed she was talking with me. The next thing I knew they were dismissing us winners to go upstairs to have refreshments with our parents. As soon as she was done lecturing me, I was in tears. I turned to face my school mates to walk up the aisle and I was crying. It was not a good day. I wished I had been more defiant and told her what she was doing to me was not right. She made me feel bad, when she could have been congratulating me. She knew I was a good student that didn't make trouble. I'll never forget that day...for the good and the not so good.

After school Kai's teacher said he was really good at keeping it a secret. I didn't end up telling him to keep it a secret because the teacher didn't tell me to keep it a secret. But I am glad it worked out.

Let the Halloween Fun Begin!

2008-10-06T08:57:00.001-07:00

We had a wet and scary time at Lagoon. Make sure you see the last picture.

Kai had a bike accident a few days ago. He matches the gentlemen quite well with their bloody injuries. Yummy Worm!

Say Cheese!

We were quite wet!

Jason on the Subway Diet!

Our First Field Trip of the Year!

2008-09-26T08:37:00.000-07:00

We had a blast yesterday visiting the Fire Station with Preschool. Next month is Fire Safety month. It's a great reminder to us all to remind our children what to do in case there is a fire....a home escape plan, "stop, drop, and roll", and to have a fire drill. My preschoolers surprised me on how much they remembered what I taught them Tuesday and then were asked Thursday by the fireman. They knew the answers to many of the questions. Stranger Danger is a huge reminder too!

All By Myself

2008-09-19T08:39:00.000-07:00

Jason got to go to D.C. last week and had a great time learning for work and traveling around. He had a few other coworkers join him on a few of his ventures...but these are pics he took when he was "All By Himself". Yeah! I get to go with him next time he goes for work again. I am so excited.

I'll get to read a book while I am traveling. Any suggestions? I read Twilite. Do I want to read New Moon or something else?

I am...

2008-09-16T15:53:00.000-07:00

I don't know what to say, but just have to write it down. I am exhausted, yet somewhat content. I am thrilled to be a Preschool teacher, daycare provider (2 kids after school till 6), primary teacher, wife, mother (that alone can include tons of other careers/jobs), and more. It does make me happy to be all of these things, but boy I am tired and beat.

Do I really have time to do more? I'd like to strip the wallpaper in my kitchen, paint several rooms, shampoo my carpets, read a good book, etc....But things I should be doing are: dust my house, water my plants, vacuum my house, sweep my floors (preschool room, bathrooms, kitchen, playroom), disinfect all my tables and bathrooms, oh and organize my office...including my desk and dining table that has papers and mail everywhere. These are just a few. But wait, first I need to put all my laundry away (thanks Babes for folding it all for me)-this includes camping clothes, blankets, towels, etc.

What's my point? Hmmm....Take one day at a time and not fret about what other's lives are like. My life is different than everyone else's and just enjoy the fun, exciting, and busyness that I do have. But that's the thing. My kids aren't in soccer, dance, have little or no homework, etc. So I am not busy with those extra things. But, my kids are still quite young so they aren't as helpful when it comes to all of these chores. The kids do have some chores, which helps some. They say, "Don't wish these times away with your kids." I am not trying to, but boy am I exhausted. Anyways, thanks for letting me vent some. I hope no one is annoyed with me, "you're not tired enough to blog!", but just know that I needed to vent a bit. On to laundry.

Flash Back Friday!

2008-09-12T11:05:00.000-07:00

I just came across these photos and had to share them. This is when Zia was 16 months old and the other is of Kai when he was 3 . It was his first day of Preschool and he fell on the concrete while playing with the parachute. Nice goose egg!

Preschool Begins!

2008-09-09T18:21:00.000-07:00

I posted this on my other blog, but wanted to post it here as well.

Preschool has started and I am loving every minute of it. I have some adorable students. Last week we had a pretend bus tour around the preschool. This way the kids were shown where all of our centers are and the necessary items we use in the preschool. The Gingerbread Baby (the Baby version is a lot better than the Boy version because he doesn't get eaten by the fox) left us a note in which we were sent on a scavenger hunt to find Gingersnaps and frosting decorations to make our own Gingerbread Baby faces. We fill the day with lots of books, fun, and various activities.

This week we are talking about our Bodies. We pretended to be a giant caterpillar and played Body Part Bingo. We also talked about our 5 senses. We are having a blast.

We are working on many new things, especially the Pledge of Allegiance and the Days of the Week (sung to the tune of 'The Adam's Family').

I feel so blessed to have this opportunity. Next year when K goes to Kindergarten, she'll be going full day. I am sad about this, but very excited that I get to be her teacher this year.

P.S. This is where Jason was tonight. A nice perk with his new job.

Fort Buenaventura Fun!!

2008-08-30T14:43:00.000-07:00

Road Kill

Get ready for the Candy Cannon, hosted by the man in the loin cloth!

The Candy Cannon had a bit too much gun powder. The top tootsie roll was fried and it tasted that way to Jason too.

Grandpa at the Fort.

Watch those cat fish!

We had a blast today with Grandma and Grandpa Simmons, our Cousins, and Aunt Eve and Uncle Matt in Ogden. When I was a girl my dad would take me once a year to a traditional Pow Wow or Mountain Man Rendezvous. We made it this year to the one close to our new home. The one I absolutely love for its' scenery and uniqueness. It brought back a lot of memories.

I Double Dog Dare You!!

2008-08-18T08:33:00.000-07:00

It wasn't quite a dare, but I had my lips frozen to a Popsicle a week ago Saturday. I was awarded this Saturday at our Family Reunion with the "Smoothest Move" Award . I stunk at golf and didn't get any awards for that, but instead was awarded for a new category. The laugh is on me. A little girl was selling popsicle's on the side road next to the golf course. We decided to get one to cool off. Little did I know, she was cooling them with dry ice and boy did it stick. I was able to free my top lips with the ice water I had, but had troubles with the bottom lip. A picture was then taken and then I finally got some assistance to free the lower lip. It hurt! I was swollen for the next 10 minutes and later had a bit of skin peeling that week. If you click on the picture you may be able to see the top picture on the award where my lip is being pulled out where the popsicle is still stuck. Also included are some pics from the reunion. Jason's cousins did an awesome job with the activities. There was a giant waterslide, water balloon launch, and a man-sized game of foosball. We had a blast! Yummy! Drooling Tootsie Pop Boy Below!

8 Exciting Years of Being Married...only Forever to Go :)

2008-08-12T08:33:00.000-07:00

This last Sunday was 8 years ago for us Birds. We celebrated all weekend with family. Saturday, we golfed "Family Reunion" style at Stansbury Park. We'll see who wins the trophy at the official reunion coming up. Later that evening, we took the older kids to see the Raptors. Ogden's Baseball team. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa Simmons for watching the kids all day. Sunday, we didn't have to speak in church, but will soon! We had a BBQ at Grandma and Grandpa Birds. Monday, we went out with the kids again. Little girl got her ear's pierced. We saw baby Khloie (our newest cousin/niece). Gorgeous little cutie. For dinner we ate at Red Robin with Grandma and Grandpa Simmons and then enjoyed another Physics Demo by the coolest guy...Beehler!

Babes, I love you and am so thrilled to have you as my Eternal Babes!

Summer Fun!

2008-08-07T11:31:00.000-07:00

Well we have been hunting online for a used playground. They go crazy fast on KSL. So no luck so far. We eventually want to build our own tree house. But check it out! Our relaxing, homemade swing. It changes out to our baby swing as well. It goes so far and high. We love it . Another project done by the handyman. What would we do without him? Thanks Dadda!

A Feeling of Belonging!

2008-08-05T13:02:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to say how great I feel today after having 4 moms from my neighborhood come over and play with their kids. We had around 13 kids playing in our yard and in the preschool room. It was great fun to get to know the moms more and see the children play with their new friends. I'll be getting to know the primary kids a lot more. I was called to be a permanent substitute teacher in the ward. Particularly every other week for Kai's class and any time a teacher needs me as a sub. I am excited because it will be a constant reminder for me to teach my kids the gospel on a daily basis and be reminded what their being taught to then be reiterating what they learned throughout the week.
I am feeling so relieved and uplifted too. Some of the mom's are considering me for their kids' preschool teacher. I am getting my sign put on my house today and I have a sign on my car (Thanks Sara for your help). I need to continue delivering fliers and praying a lot for guidance.
Thanks to my friends back in SL. For keeping me a part of your life still when I am so far away. Plans are underway for a BBQ and some volleyball. Chow for now!

I was Tagged...a Long Time Ago! But No...Check the Flying Birds and Gold

2008-07-28T17:23:00.000-07:00

SkyCoaster Fun!

A Look Inside My Preschool...I added more Pics!

2008-07-15T20:37:00.000-07:00

Any Comments or Suggestions would be great! Things are a bit bare. It's hard to have things out with little Eli to get into things. Oh and you can laugh at the orange floors and wood paneled walls. Once I get some cash flow I want to paint it. I want to do school house colors. School house red with a chair rail in the middle and above it painted a cream color. Thanks for supporting me with Gingerbread Preschool.

Memory Game

2008-07-14T23:01:00.000-07:00

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.

Stitches Again...Are You Kidding?

2008-07-09T14:46:00.000-07:00

Before he was disinfected and given a haircut.

Sucking on a lollipop while getting his hair cut.

I don't have after shots of his 4 stitches because the camera died and Eli's taking a nap.

No, I am not kidding. This time it was Elijah. Yes, all 3 of my children have had stitches and all 3 times it was in their heads. "When do we push children?" When we're pushing a swing!" It was more of a knock over then a push. Kezia couldn't see her movie, gave Eli a tap while standing on a cushion chair/bed, he stumbled on the cushion and fell with his head hitting the table of the entertainment center. There was blood, not as much as the others, but a bigger gash. I didn't have a car to take him because Jason drove the van to work. Thank goodness he was able to get off work early and thank goodness he only works 5 miles away.

Eli did a great job. He sucked on a lollipop while the wound was cleaned out and he received a haircut (he just got one yesterday). Same story with Kai. Kai had to get his hair cut too and had a real one the day before. Elijah fell asleep while waiting for the doctor. The doctor and assistants then woke him up with a needle in the head and 4 stitches later. He was a champ though. He did cry while we held him down, but he did great!
Please, no more office visits! Check out the pics. for the other kids. OUCH!

Here's Kai, just last month, having received 3 stitches in the top of his head. Before...

After...Check out those swollen eyes.
Here is Kezia awaiting to get her stitches back in 2006.

After...4 stitches later.

It's Official! GINGERBREAD PRESCHOOL

2008-07-03T15:10:00.000-07:00

I officially have a Business License! My Business Name is: GINGERBREAD PRESCHOOL. I am so excited...yet I have a lot to do still to get ready. I hope everyone has a terrific 4th of July!!

Party Fun & a Big THANKS

2008-06-29T22:11:00.000-07:00

We are so blessed! I am feeling so overwhelmed with feelings of gratitude, love, appreciation, and so much more. I just want to thank all of our family and friends for supporting us these last 8 years of our married lives as well as our entire lives (thanks mom and dad). We have so much to be thankful for.

Saturday was an eventful and emotional day. We had so much help from so many of you. I can't name you all...you know who you are. It was amazing to see so many of you drive so far and take time out of your busy lives to come and visit us at our new home.

Our children had a wonderful birthday party (sorry it went overtime into the housewarming party) and were blessed by so many thoughtful Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and Friends.

We want to say THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to all of you for your love and support. We couldn't have been blessed by this wonderful home without many of you supporting, helping, and loving us along the way.

We are so thankful to our loving Father in Heaven for blessing us with our wonderful family and friends. You are amazing examples. We feel so blessed to have a loving Father in Heaven with whom we know can and does play an active role in our lives when we include Him in it. Thank you all for everything you have done for us....moving us in, babysitting, meals, friendships, and so on. Mmmmwwwaaaahhhh!

I Miss You!

2008-06-23T11:16:00.000-07:00

I was reminded yesterday when a lady at my church bore testimony of the Relief Society and was so grateful for the many activities it provides us ladies to get to know each other more and develop our talents more. I told her "Amen" to that and said how much I was missing my last ward's Relief Society Sisters/Friends.

I miss you all so much and just want you to know how grateful I am to have had the priviledge of getting to know many of you. Thank goodness for blogs! I get to see how you're all doing by reading your blogs and it gives me some comfort. Thanks for being my friends. Please check your mailboxes for our invitation for this Saturday's Dinner. The invite is a bit slow getting out to you...I hope it's not too late of a notice. Anyone, Someone, let me know when you get it!

I can't wait to see you! Hopefully our cooler will be installed and will work well for that day...don't hestitate coming because of that. We have plenty of coolness out in our yard. Come for yummy teriyaki chicken. There will be water games for the kids and volleyball for the adults (us bigger kids). *Be sure to RSVP at the number given on the invitation! We hope you can make it!

Stitches...this time Kai

2008-06-16T22:57:00.001-07:00

I'd have pictures but I am still getting my computer all put together. Kai unfortunately had to get 2 stitches tonight on top of his head. We have all 3 kids in the same room and are debating on getting A/C put in the house. We got our answer tonight. The kids' bunk sits really close to the ceiling fan and knew it was a danger. Just last night Jason took the bunk bed's ladder apart, drilled new holes, and placed it in opposite of the fan. We indicated to Kai, don't look over the bed at the end of your bed because you'll hit your head on the fan. We thought it over and decided if needs be to only have the fan run on it's lowest setting at night. This would only be temporary because we were going to have Kezia move to her room in about a week after our Master bed was painted. We're in her room for now so we can work on ours.

Well it happened! The kids were sent to their rooms this afternoon to rest, read books, and to give mom a break...yes, they were in trouble. Eli was already in the room asleep with the fan on full blast because it was hot. I totally forgot about this situation when I sent them up there. Jason came home from work and just after 5 p.m. we heard a big cry from upstairs. If any of you have seen a head wound, they bleed bad. Kai was able to get off the bunk bed before we even got to his room. His face was covered in blood. The bleeding eventually came to a stop. We ate leftovers while I looked up a clinic near us that took our insurance. They got us in pretty quickly and Kai came home with 2 stitches. Pictures will be posted later.

Home Sweet Home

2008-06-09T08:29:00.000-07:00

Well, it finally happened and it really was a miracle. It was amusing to see the disbelief of those who helped us move but didn't realize how much STUFF we have.

THANKS, THANKS, THANKS!!!

It was calculated at approximately 2200 cubic feet of STUFF. That equates to one 24" Moving Truck, Bishop Naylor's 16" Moving truck, Farnsworth's 16" open air trailer, and 2 minivan full loads.

We beat up very many good people...I'd name all of you but I may forget one or two and you know who you are...Thank you sooooo much! Even the moving companies couldn't have done that job in one day and so far, nothing is broken.

The older kids got to come home for the first time last night and they loved their new back yard, basketball hoop, and bike riding hill.

Friends Forever....Last post for awhile

2008-06-03T13:14:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to say thanks to all our friends in our neighborhood. The kids are going to miss all their friends they made at school this year. We want you to know we will miss you all very much (we'll see each other soon) but we want you all to know how much we've appreciated our neighbor friends. We have some good memories and wonderful examples. Thanks for being so good to us. We love you Haven Ward!

My Big Cheese

2008-05-30T09:15:00.000-07:00

Hello all. Well, the big move is nearly upon us and we are full of emotions. We love our ward and stake. We love being close to so many family and friends. South Salt Lake has really become our home.

We know that we will be able to find friendship and a sense of belonging at our new place but nonetheless it is hard to move away (not to far) from what has become so much a part of us.

One thing though that I am especially grateful for among all the changes that are taking place right now is my wife and beautiful children. Last night as I lay in bed I was overcome with appreciation for Ginger. She has truly made it possible in so many ways for me to become who I am today.

Below is just a small list of things she has done for me:

- Encouraged me weekly (sometimes daily) on my mission
- Helped my find work and transportation when I got home from my mission
- Helped me get enrolled in college
- Married me!!!
- Supported me while attending school for SEVEN YEARS
- Carried and delivered three of the most beautiful and lively children ever
- Supported me in seeking out a career path
- Supported me in serving in the bishropric
- Found my "dream home"

She has sacrificed so much for my happiness and I just want you, Ginger, to know how much I appreciate you. It's too bad that the following statement is so cliche but you really do complete me.

By the way, it would be great to go on a date tonight. Would you consider it?

Happy 1st Birthday IKEA Draper!

2008-05-24T21:01:00.000-07:00

Today is one year ago that we stayed the night at IKEA. It occurred on May 23rd, but being leap year it really was a year ago today. Jason was 27th in line and I was 72 in line. We each received a Poang Chair, t-shirts that read "I slept with IKEA...to be the first 100 in line." The kids received a stuffed heart. They had lots of giveaways...frisbees, key chains, gift cards, etc. It's a fun memory.
We went last night (the 23rd) to shop once again. They had cupcakes and specials throughout the store. We looked for ideas for the new home and had some yummy meatballs with Grandma and Grandpa. We love IKEA! Duh. ;)

Flashback Friday!

2008-05-23T12:33:00.000-07:00

I thumbed through files on my computer and found these. I am the youngest of 3 brothers and Jason is the oldest of many brothers and sisters. I took ballet when I was 4, but the outfit I am wearing was just a loan. I went on to play soccer at 5 till high school...no more dancing for me. The outfit was a part of my mother's doing. I look like a little showgirl surrounded by my pimps! :)

American Idol Mania!

2008-05-19T09:30:00.000-07:00

Just a look into the past...time to embarrass Jason a bit since he embarrassed me a bit at church yesterday. Heee Heee! I was looking through older pictures on the computer yesterday and I thought it would be fun to post one of them. Jason was supportive enough to go with me to see American Idol when Reuben Studdard and Clay Aiken were winners. We weren't going to go and the last week prior to the concert I checked out the tickets again. The Pop Tarts sponsor put up front row seats at the last minute. I couldn't resist and bought them. Anyways, Remember to Vote for David Archuleta everyone! Personally, I would buy his cd more than the other David's. David S. has a good voice, a bit raspy at times, but realistically I would buy David Archuleta's cd before I bought his.

One Letter Away from Heaven

2008-05-04T21:08:00.000-07:00

I know most of you heard this but I wanted to have it written for my own good and I wanted to share it again because I believe it's true.

I was released from my calling at church today and had the opportunity to say a few words (I spoke too long) and I chose to talk on Elsie Fitt's (one of the originals of our ward) observation that:

HAVEN WARD IS ONLY ONE LETTER AWAY FROM HEAVEN!

Upon pondering this statement I thought it would be interesting to look up the term "Haven" in Webster's Dictionary.

The 3 brief definition's are as follows:

1. Harbor, Port

2. a place of safety; refuge

3. a place offering favorable opportunities or conditions

It was amazing to see how this truly applied to our ward in unique ways.

1. Harbor, Port

Haven ward brings in vessels of all kinds with business of all kinds. This may be true of many other wards throughout the church but I am reminded of when Pres. Eyring visited our Stake Conference a few years ago and said:

The South Salt Lake Stake is a "crossroads" within the church.

Many members of the church can tell you of someone they know that has been a member of the stake at one point of their lives. There are many good people trained up by those stationed in the Stake and then turned loose to serve elsewhere in the church.

2. a place of safety; refuge

Many are aware now of the refugee situation that abundant in our ward. It has been such a growing opportunity to serve these humble and faithful people who dealt with a great deal of turmoil and now move forward in a strange place, usually confronting a strange language, and always among the strangest customs. We are truly blessed by the opportunity to serve these wonderful people.

3. a place offering favorable opportunities or conditions

Finally, anybody who walks through the doors of our chapel will tell you how hard it is to run faster than those who would like to put you to work. There is a great need for service in our stake and what is even better is that eternal truth that with service comes satisfaction, even an eternal joy.

We are not gone yet and we will always have a place in our hearts for the Heaven...excuse me, Haven Ward. Thanks for all you have done for us. We love you.

...After

2008-05-01T12:19:00.000-07:00

I needed to add a new entry...so I decided to add photos of the completed room. Jason had it completed a long time ago. Looks good, huh? All is well and busy in the birdhaus. I am packing, waiting, cleaning, and hanging with the kids...while Jason has started his new job...learning, commuting, and computing!

Let's Get Opinionated

2008-04-14T22:39:00.000-07:00

Hello all.

It's been a busy few weeks as you may know. We are going to be moving up to Roy in the next month with my new job on Hill Air Force Base. I will be working at DISA (Defense Information Systems Agency). I went to school for an Information Systems degree and am very excited to put it to good use. Many have told me that working for a Federal Agenciy is great. My first day is April 28.

We are also in the process of buying a house and I was hoping to find out what people think. I'm guessing that if any of you don't like the looks of it you won't be bold enough to say anything but nonetheless I'd love to hear your thoughts - positive and negative.

Here are the pics

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Now playing: Sam Bush & Friends - Molly And Tenbrooks
via FoxyTunes

Reflections of Hser Nay Moo

2008-04-01T22:56:00.000-07:00

I was blessed by the loving smile of Hser Nay Moo a few times. She attended our church with her family, who was seeking love in a foreign land. She really did have a warming smile that is hard to forget (with or without her two front teeth).

As I have listened to people ask the question "Why?", I have thought to myself that even though this may seem like a senseless act of evil, we may be able to extract some light out of it. The media has helped to make the community aware of the refugee situation in the Salt Lake Area and they have only covered the tip of the iceberg.

In the past four years of living in this neighborhood I have personally worked with about a hundred missionaries. My efforts haven't been great but enough that I know that refugees need help and lots of it. Not just food, money, clothes and other material items but the opportunity of becoming a good part of the community. This communal integration can't be brought about by one person with a lot of time. It takes the entire community giving a little here and a little there.

I feel if we must have an explanation to the disappearance and eventual death of Hser Nay Moo then this is it. The community should seek out ways to help integrate refugees into our community so that they can lead successful, enjoyable lives in this exciting but strange land. Maybe just offering a smile. Taking some time to talk with them, giving them an opportunity to practice English. Finding out about their culture. Help them with work/education opportunities. Simply being nice.

I only knew Hser Nay Moo through her smiles and doing the "twist," but I bet she would want us to know that her life and death can serve a purpose for good.

God bless her family, especially her parents. May He comfort them.

We love you.

Easter Thoughts

2008-03-26T22:26:00.000-07:00

I thought I would write some memories from this Easter Weekend. Saturday night we dyed Easter eggs at Grandma's. I took a photo of Kai's egg in the red dye and it reminded me of blood. Later on that night, Jason and I were talking about the Atonement and Resurrection and the symbols of Easter. I indicated that maybe we dye them as to symbolize our bodies being born (perfectly clean...white like an egg) and as we live our lives we have to go through a refiners fire (boiling the eggs to become solid) and then as we get old and have many aging spots and cracks (dyeing the eggs-sometimes in red dye and getting cracks here and there) we then die. After we die we will eventually be resurrected and given a new body that is perfect (cracking open the egg and seeing a hard boiled egg that is white and perfect and clean again, but this time it is solid/whole and won't break like the white outer shell). Just a thought.

Another thought that came to my mind was the fact that Easter came so quickly upon us. I wasn't at all ready for it. Since our front room has been under construction I didn't get any Easter out till the night before. I was totally unprepared and procrastinated till the last minute. Having done this made me think of the Second Coming of Christ. Will I be ready? Am I procrastinating? This Easter "sprung" upon me so quickly...just like the Second Coming...it too could come any time whether I am ready or not...my lamp being filled or not (or my Easter baskets as my comparison).

Another thought...

The humorous part-The Easter Bunny hid our hard boiled eggs throughout our play room. The kids went searching and found all but one. I was in no way going to leave the one not found. Kai had a great idea..He said, "We should email the Easter Bunny and maybe he could tell us where it is." If only we had done what Kai and said. Sure enough the last egg was found hiding on top of the computer (hidden under a half fallen picture frame). If we had gone to turn on the computer to email the Easter bunny we would have found it a lot quicker.

The more serious part-I thought about that last egg. I wasn't about to leave that egg in the house not found. Just the thought of the smell or the mess it could bring if Eli found it, or whatever, it HAD to be FOUND! It reminded me of the Savior and how He knows us personally and cares for each of us personally.

Matthew 18:11-13
11 For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.
12 How think ye? if a man have an hundred asheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?
13 And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.

The song in my head is about this very idea/scripture. I absolutely love listening to Stephanie Smith. http://www.stephaniesmithmusic.com/

I hope you enjoyed my Easter thoughts.

Best Wishes Uncle Brandon

2008-03-19T09:41:00.000-07:00

It's been a week since Uncle/Brother Brandon went to the Mission Training Center. We're so proud of him. He's going to the Washington, D.C. South Mission. Jason was very excited for him, knowing what wonderful experiences he'll have there and on his mission. The MTC brought back many memories for Jason. It's hard to believe Jason went into the MTC 10 years ago and 1 week prior to Brandon. Two years goes fast.

Remodeling

2008-02-23T21:30:00.000-08:00

Well, the dungeon is looking better all the time. Ever since we have moved in we have noticed a musty smell every time it rains and the furnace kicks on. It never concerned us to much until my birthday a few months ago. When we were cleaning up we discovered about thirty square feet of wet carpet behind the couch. It has taken a few months and a lot of melting snow to actually pinpoint the source but we're almost there.

As much as I didn't want to tear down the entire wall this Friday I decided it had to be done.

HERE'S THE FUN PART. When I brought Kai home from the bus I asked him if he heard about the earthquake. He had and I said, "Wait till you see what it did to our apartment." He couldn't believe his eyes. His reaction was, "WWWHHHAAAATTTT the Heck!" (Picked that up from his dad.)

When Kezia came out and noticed the wall she asked me, "Dad, are getting the rats out of the wall?"

Playing along I said, "Yes."

"Where'd they go? Did you throw them away?"

Chuckling, I responded, "No, I just let them go find another wall."

"Oh!"

It can be a lot of fun when kids aren't taken too seriously. She is such a cutie.

I sort of like the "New York Overpriced Penthouse" look. Since there will be messy sheetrocking to be done, we are also adding in little closet. It will help with the clutter.

Eli's First Birthday

2008-02-09T11:21:00.000-08:00

Well that year went a little too quickly. Eli had an excellent party due to the wonderful family that we have. Many cute outfits and some fun, mostly educational toys. His mother went to town on the cakes (thanks Eve for all your help) all while sufferings symptoms of some flu-like bug. Check out the pics.

Look at that, I have more to say after the pics. I wanted to mention my feelings on the passing of Pres. Hinckley. It's amazing how we only fully realize what we have when we lose it. As has been said many he left a legacy of Temples, Communication, Indiscriminate Love and many other things.

My testimony has most been strengthened by his legacy of love. When I went to say my goodbye's to him I was overwhelmed by the feeling of his love towards me. His responsibilities covered millions, even the billions of people on Earth and for some reason I could feel that he loved me personally. It was humbling. It helped me better understand how much the Savior loves me personally.

Finally, as I contemplated the new presidency of the church I found myself feeling very confident with the selection that was made and I look forward to the exciting progression they will bring to the church and world. I know Pres. Monson is the prophet of God and as Pres. Hinckley led the church in inspired ways, so will he.

Monster Mayhem

2008-02-06T11:27:00.000-08:00

Anybody that knows Kai, knows he loves Monster Trucks. We found this fun video on Youtube and thought we would share it with all. Take care.

Ginger and Mom on the News

2008-02-01T08:48:00.000-08:00

It's only for a second but about midway through this segment on President Hinckley's viewing you can see Ginger and her mom as they are viewing the President.

Fox 13 Broadcast (Click on me)

If only the Spirit of the moment could be felt through the TV (computer monitor). Actually, Ginger's posting below does a very good job of bringing that Spirit. It looks long but it's a quick read. Take a minute...you won't regret it.

A musical tribute to President Hinckley

2008-01-31T15:55:00.000-08:00

Copy and paste this link to hear an amazing tribute to President Hinckley...
http://media.bonnint.net/birg/1/128/12841.mp3 or go to www.fm100.com