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!!!

Life is for making memories....

I ate a Dove chocolate (my fave) mini-bar today. When I opened the wrapper the little message typed on in the inside said, "Life is for making memories". That got me thinking. I, actually, have been in a reflective mood of late. It seems since we moved to Hawaii I have been in this reflective mood. Probably because I am so homesick for the mainland and family and friends that I have been thinking of certain people and events over and over again. But this little morsel of truth has made me think all day about 'Memories'. I can't help but think of the line from one of my fave. songs by Barbara Streisand, Memory--memories light the corners of my mind. I feel that way exactly. Isn't it great that a song, or a smell, or a word or a smile can bring back so many memories. I am not just talking about the wonderful, special memories--but the ones that sometimes hurt. Our minds are amazing aren't they? How can all of these things we call memories stay in our minds? It boggles my mind of how our Heavenly Father created our brains to work. At a point in my life not too very long ago I was consumed with memories of a certain time of my life that was not a good time. I was so overwhelmed with re-living the memories that it prevented me from having fun and allowing happy memories into my memory bank. I was eventually able to put those "bad" memories on a shelf in the back of my mind so they aren't there all the time and occaisionally they come back, however through all that I have been through I can honestly appreciate the scripture 2 Nephi 2:11. You can't appreciate the good without some bad. I choose to remember the good. I love memories. I have a very special Aunt who I just adore. I always remind her that she is one of my top 10 memories. Let's just say it involves her, a lot of rain, no umbrella, a VERY busy street corner in San Jose and a diaper on her head. I laugh out loud every time I think of her and this memory. I have had some truly wonderful memories: in the temple being sealed to my hubby and children, 2 years ago; growing up with my hubby and getting my driver's license with him next to me; standing up as a Beehive Class president and making a decision the rest of the youth didn't like; having my oldest daughter hold my hair back while I am leaning over the toilet throwing up (pregnant) and her little 3 yr old hand patting my back saying, "It's ok, Mommy just get it all out"--and that same daughter now 14 lays next to me while I am taking nap and lovingly strokes my hair as I sleep and wake up to looking at her beautiful face; my little boy who is now 12, but when he was 4 told a beautiful lady at the Longs Drug store in Salinas that she was beautiful and she took me aside with tears in her eyes and said that was the nicest thing anyone said to her all day, and that same little boy and I had a discussion the other day about what makes a great husband; my 2nd son who at 3 and learned that his baby sister just passed away and saw me in such despair said "Mommy, I will be Superman and fly to heaven and bring her back to you" that same little boy who at 11 can melt my heart with his kind words and big hugs; my little Kawehi whose dimples can make me smile instantly and tells me all the time I am the best mommy she has ever had; my JAG who shakes his "groove thing" to make me laugh and then tells me I am his best friend; my sister who calls me out of the blue to ask me a question and then we start giggling--and I am at work and have to try to giggle quietly; my mom who makes every occaision one to remember; my brothers who make me laugh until I cry; a friend who taught me how to make french bread; a friend who showed up to surprise me after not seeing her for 10 years; a friend who refused to allow distance to ruin our friendship; friends who have made me laugh; who have allowed me into their world...so many memories that I cannot name them all. Life is for making memories. For memories and knowledge are the only things we can take with us to the other side. So I hope you all have a great time making MEMORIES.

You know you are in Hawaii when you see......

Signs like this.....Should I be nervous?

When you see foliage with "24 INCH" leaves...this picture doesn't do it justice but the leaves here are HUGE. I love looking at them. The foliage goes right to the roads you travel on, it is almost like you can put your hand out the window and touch them as you drive by. It is one of my favorite things to look at here in Hawaii.

You know you are DEFINITELY in Hawaii when McDonald's carries Taro pies....YUCK!! If anyone has ever heard of POI, this is what it is made of....Taro. I, personally, can't stand the stuff...neither can my HAWAIIAN husband. It is one of those things that you either love or hate. We hate. Hate is such a strong word, maybe I should tone it down a bit......No, hate is the right word.

And my personal favorite sign I have seen.......Isn't this hilarious? But you literally have to watch out for falling coconuts. Love it!!!

ALOHA. Come anytime. We miss you all. Wish you were here or I was there.

Simple Fun, Funny Sayings, Decorating Graves

One of my greatest joys as a mother is to watch and listen to my children. I love to hear them laugh. I love to see them at play. My kids are great at finding fun no matter where they are or what limited "things" are around them. They don't need lots of toys or entertainment to keep them occupied. I love that they are resourceful. This last week we have been busy with lots of different things. Last weekend we moved from the house upstairs to the apartment downstairs. While we were busy doing this, JAG discovered the always, fun, putting a tissue on top of the fan (while it is on) and watching it fly upward. He was laughing so hard and loud I heard him in the next room and had to come in and see what he was doing. I laughed so hard, just listening to him. It also made me think of my beloved, Dad. 'Grandpa' used to do this exact same thing with his mouth. He would put a tissue over his mouth and make like he was sneezing and the tissue would go flying upward. The kids would laugh HYSTERICALLY. Many memories of those sweet times with Grandpa. (those are the pictures below). Yesterday we spent the day in Hilo (on the other side of the island) doing many things. I will post more about all of those activites later. But we had to go to a fabric store. G'ma and Auntie needed some Hawaiian material for costumes. They were having a great sale, so long story short----we were there for a LONG time. Actually, according to my children we were there "FOREVER". Anyway, Kawehi and JAG found fun playing in the car together. I am not sure what you call it, but you all know what I am talking about...see above picture. Ya know, when you slap your hands together and do different motions. When I was a kid we sang "Miss Merrie Mack, dressed in black...".. They were singing a newer song. But they cracked each other up. Kalani and I were laughing, too. Kids find the sweetest joy in every day life. They are a great example to me. Find joy in the little things.

On the way to Hilo we stopped at a really pretty water fall off the side of the road. As we were walking to the falls, JAG was right in front of me and said.."Mom, look at this cool pinecone". I walked up to him and looked down. This is a coconut. He is my Idaho boy!!!! So funny. We were in lots of totally gorgeous places yesterday and I would scoop him up in my arms and say "JAG isn't this beautiful?", He said, "Not as pretty as my old home, Star Idaho". What are ya going to do? We are in paradise, but we miss our Star, Idaho.

(ok, I don't know what happened to my picture of the coconut, it was here and then it disappeared, and then re-appeared way up above....SORRY. And it copied another picture of JAG. I am still not sure what I am doing with this blog thing)

We went to a couple of cemetaries while in Hilo to put flowers and decorate some graves of my mother-in-law's relatives. It was a neat thing for my kids to experience. We bought some gorgeous flowers at a local farmer's market and then decorated #10 cans with tea leaves and made a really pretty arrangement. This is Kawehi and JAG making one of the arrangements. It is so important for my kids to be a part of certain traditions. While we are here on the island we want to make the most of our experience here. What better way to do that, than to honor ancestors? I taught the Beehives today in my ward and the lesson was on journal writing and family history. There is a quote from Pres. Spencer W. Kimball, that I love: " I promise you that if you will keep your journals and records, they will indeed be a source of great inspiration to your families, your children, our grandchildren, and others, on through the generations. Each of us is important to those who are near and dear to us and as our posterity read of our life's experiences, they too, will come to know and love us. And in that glorious day when our families are together in the eternities, we will already be acquainted!". Isn't that a great promise? My beehives were in awe of that last part of the quote. They never thought about that before. What a blessing it is to know that we have loved ones waiting at the veil for us.

Have a happy, safe Memorial Day. Remember those gone on before us. Keep them close to your heart. I will be thinking of my dad. Jensen. Uncle Norm. Grandpa and Grandma. Great Grandma Elsie. They all impacted my life. I have empty spaces in my heart--my mortal--heart without all of these loved ones. But I am comforted to know that my eternal heart is being built with them on the other side of the veil.