I hate to admit it.......

This is 'The Dog', Duane Chapman, the Bounty Hunter. A few years ago when Kalani was going to school at night I would try to wait up for him. I was 'channel surfing' one night and came across this long haired guy and his family chasing criminals down in Hawaii. It was like a car accident--ya know you shouldn't watch it but you can't help it. So I watched. And to my surprise I actually liked the show. I felt like it was a "dirty little secret" and didn't tell anyone about my new favorite show. Heehee. Anyway, I watched it for a few years and then gradually stopped for whatever reason. But when we moved over here I 'secretly' wished that maybe someday we would run into him. Not much of a chance since we are on a different island. But last week Kalani and I were in Honolulu stuck in traffic and I happened to look over and saw.....DaKine Bail Bonds. Dog's office!!!! He wasn't there but I quickly grabbed the camera and snapped the first two pictures. The actual picture of Dog was one I found online. Crazy, huh? I hate to admit it..but it brought a little excitement into to my life. What about you? Do you have something you would hate to admit? Come On' I know you all have something you don't want others to know. Heehee. Aloha, Dog, maybe our paths will cross again someday--hopefully not with you coming after me. Heeheehee.

The older I get......

The more I realize...this is all I need.

Let FREEDOM Ring......

I have to say the 4th of July is one of my favored holidays. I love the Patriotic songs, the symbols of our great country. There are those who gripe about the bad things that are happening in our country and I admit there are days when I agree with them. There are days that the outlook is very bleak. But when I stop and think about the good in this country I am astounded at our blessings. The very fact that I am FREE to do or choose what I want is in it of itself the greatest blessing our country offers us. I won't get up on a soap box or anything, I just wanted to share my gratitude for this wonderful country that we live in. If I knew how to add music to my blog I would add, "America the Beautiful", "My Country tis of thee", "Star Spangled Banner". Love them all.

One of the reasons I love July 4th is my grandma was born on this day. One of my favorite stories is how her father changed her name at the last minute to "Gloria" in honor of her b'day. My favorite memory of July 4th is from the year 1994. My g'ma was getting pretty sick and we all knew she probably wouldn't be with us much longer. So, in honor of her b'day our entire family came to Las Vegas to celebrate her b'day. I was pregnant with my first baby, CS and was having a very difficult time. My entire extended family was there and we played games, bar-b-qued, went swimming, and just hung out. It was so fun. Then g'ma got tired and needed to lay down. My mom and Aunts suggested I go take a nap with her since I was feeling kind of sick, too. So, I tucked her in her bed and laid down next to her. I just stared at her and her beautiful face. She had the sweetest smile. She protested a little--she didn't want to miss out on any time she could spend with her family. But after just a minute she fell into a deep sleep. I reached out and grabbed her hand and just caressed her sweet soft skin. Oh, how I love her!!! She died on August 2 so we had her for just a little longer after her big b'day. The last few months of her life it was my pleasure to spend every Saturday with her, so my G'pa could work at the temple and my 2 Aunts could spend time with their families. I wouldn't trade the time I spent with her for anything. We watched "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman and Murder She Wrote" more times than I care to admit. We ate soup and twice baked potatoes every week for lunch. We talked. I would read to her from the Ensign. We would look at family photos. I learned so much from her. And then in the middle of us doing something she would say, "Katie, I need something sweet--there is some ice cream in the freezer." haahaa. So funny. G'ma had a sweet tooth for ice cream--she loved it. We are so blessed to have grandparents. They are our link from the past to the present and shape our future. I am grateful Heavenly Father created how families work. I am so grateful that when it is my time to cross the veil I will not be alone. I will have ancestors and those I knew in this mortal world to meet me. Hold tight to your memories. Sweet remembrances grace my mind this 4th of July. May we all be safe and have a great day. May we always remember those who have died to keep our freedoms. May our prayers be that of verse 4 in "My Country, tis of thee"; Long may our land be bright with freedom's holy light. Protect us by thy might, Great God, our King!"

Happy 13th Birthday, TCIG

This is our eldest son, TCIG and today he is 13!!! I can't believe how time has flown and how fast this youngman is growing up. He is at Scout camp this week so he isn't even home right now. I miss him!!! He and I have had some wonderful conversations lately, all about 'how to be a great husband'--funny, huh? It totally freaks me out to think he will be a husband and father someday. This guy makes me laugh, he makes me think and sometimes he makes me want to hit my head up against a wall--but no matter what he makes me love being his mom. He is so loving and always knows when to say something sweet (lesson #1 to becoming a great hubby) and the thing that is so great about him is that he has been this way since he was a little guy!!! He is funny, kind, a good worker, he loves to read, he loves to help others, he loves to pass the sacrament, he loves Scouts, he loves learning new things, he is a great brother, son and example to his friends and family. We love him with all of our hearts and so blessed to have him in our family. Happy Birthday, TCIG!!!!

He loves football. We loved watching him play!!!

He is a great big brother!!!!

One of the sweetest kids--EVER!!!!

There is Sunshine in my Soul today.....

I am trying really hard to find something to be grateful for or things that bring sunshine to my soul...everyday. This world can be so hard sometimes. I find if I can concentrate on the positive or uplifting things it lightens my load and brings me sunshine...so here are some things I am grateful for...

-----A sweet hubby who is in the next room helping two of my sons get ready for Scout camp and help pass off merit badges; listening to them talk about first aid, erosion, family unity, personal safety, how to help the environment, leather working, etc. etc.

----A daughter who does the laundry for me--without complaining TOO much

----Listening to my IPOD--I love music; one song is the Tabernacle Choir (Called to Serve--it is wonderful) the next is Beyonce--All the Single Ladies. I love the randomness of it!!

----A daughter who benefits from modern medicine when she gets 'owies'

----A little boy who finds joy when we are on our nightly walk; he sees his Daddy's shadow and tries to 'walk in it' as we walk; hearing him giggle just brightens my soul; and then that same little boy run ahead to catch up with his biggest brother, inserts his little hand into his brother's and they walk hand n' hand. I love seeing my children give loving touches to each other.

----A daughter helping her brother think of ways to use natural resources to pass off a merit badge--it's a family affair.

----Thinking of my sweet parent's anniversary this weekend.

----Thinking of my dad and remembering something we did or talked about. I miss him.

----A husband whose back hurts but leans down to give me a kiss because I have had a bad day.

There is my list for this day. I cannot take back yesterday, I cannot see tomorrow. I only have today, right now. I hope Heavenly Father will accept my thanks and gratitude, for it is by HIS bountiful hand that I have what I have. I am grateful for all that I have. I am grateful for the love I feel from Him, above. I hope our Heavenly Father will continue to bless us all. Aloha!!!

"Loogey 101......"

WARNING: If you don't like talking about 'loogies' STOP right now:

Our family has been going on walks everynight. Last night as we were walking, TCIG and I were talking and I mentioned I had something in my throat, (I think I am getting a sore throat) he told me to just "hawk it out". I told him I don't 'hawk' anything. He said, "Mom do you even know how to hawk a loogey?" I told him, no. He then proceded to instruct me on how to "Hawk a Loogey". I almost fell to the ground laughing!! Kalani is the one who said, "Loogey 101". Just made me laugh!!! I think it is so funny what kids come up with and then talk about. I hope all of you mothers have topics of discussions with their kiddos that..um....might be 'off'. Please tell me I am not the only one.....

Happiness is.........

On Saturday June 6, Kalani and I were able to spend the whole day together----just the two of us. I know you can't see me but I am writing this with a smile on my face!! It seems like we have not been able to have just us time in a REALLY long time. We have been so busy moving, packing, unpacking, finding jobs, going everywhere as an ENTIRE family (kids, in-laws etc.) Somewhere in all of this we have forgotten about 'US'. So, we planned all week--made lists of places we needed to go, things we needed to get etc. We went to Hilo, which is on the other side of the island. It takes about an hour to get there. We were gone from 8:00 a.m. to 8 p.m.!! It was a glorious day of togetherness. So, I wanted to savor every second we had and I discovered that the things that make me the happiest aren't things at all....it is time spent together!!! But having said that here is what happiness is... for me:

*talking in the car with NO interruptions ("Mom..so and so is bugging me", "Are we there yet?", "Dad....." you all know what I am talking about)

*walking in the rain, hand in hand, at the local farmer's market looking for yummy fresh fruits and veggies, with the love of your life

*the love of your life stopping at a Quik market and getting 'my drink'..now this may not mean too much to y'all, however it means the world to me. It was pouring rain & Kalani jumped out of the car & went to get the nectar of Gods for me. He does this all the time for me, and at times there is a 'drive' to find the right place. He fills the cup with ice just perfect and just the right amount of soda. Perfection!!!

*finding a .......SCRAPBOOK Store here on the island..Yeah!!! Ok so it is across the island but still......

*finding the mall and walking hand in hand..the mall is really small but it has "Cinnabon"

*finding and eating at TACO BELL!!! My favorite. Yeah. I am starting to feel a little normal again.

*having the means necessary to provide for our family (groceries, and other needs etc)

*looking deep into my sweetheart's eyes as we talked over our tacos. He has the most gorgeous brown eyes and long eyelashes. Makes me go weak in the knees everytime.

*laughing with him, talking with him, holding hands, having FUN no matter where we are (even at Home Depot in the toilet section)

*singing 80's songs in the car at the top of our lungs.

I could go on and on. It was a glorious day. Perfect in every way. I love the time we spend together. We don't get much 'alone' time so we savor every morsel we can. On the way home that night a song came on that I don't remember from growing up but I loved one particular line..."I am going to celebrate life..today. I am going to be grateful for what I have..today". Couldn't say it any better than that. Happiness is...time. Enjoy yours!!!