.....10 YEARS!!!

I am at work so I cannot add a picture to this post. However, I would be remorseful if I didn't put something up today. Kalani and I were married 10 years ago, today. It doesn't seem possible that it has been 10 years, already. These last 10 years have been full of everything from laughter, tragedy, stress, good times and hard times. But the thing that has been the fullest is love. I have never felt as loved and protected and safe as I have with my true heaven, Kalani (Kalani means Heaven). I have enjoyed every step of our journey--because we are traveling together. I love him with my entire heart and soul. It is a privelige for me to be his wife, friend and eternal companion. I thank you, Kalani for loving me and all of my 'quirkiness'. I adore you. I love you. I cannot wait to see what the next 10 years gives us. Happy Anniversary, love.

Cute girls in costumes....

Since we have lived here in Hawaii the girls have really been involved with their Polynesian dancing. There is just something about the dancing and chanting that makes me tear up and get a tight throat. When my girls dance I just become mesmerized. I am amazed at their ability to memorize and recite the chants. I am amazed at their beauty. I am amazed at their ability to move their arms, feet, hips and mouth at the same time--I don't know where that comes from because I can barely walk and talk at the same time. But since we are leaving in a few short weeks we wanted to get their pictures in the natural element of the island. We spent the day driving around looking for good picture taking spots. These pictures are just a sampling of our efforts. The ones below of Pineapple Princess show her in our favorite costume. This is the one she wears when she dances Tahitian. Kawehi and Pineapple have honored their dad with their dancing. Kalani's heart has been touched to have his beautiful daughters embrace his heritage. We are so blessed to be a part of this heritage. A heritage of beautiful traditions. A heritage where love, kindness and respect are weaved in lessons of everyday teachings and living. Aloha means hello, goodbye and love. What a wonderful word. A wonderful remembrance of how to be through out the day. Live Aloha.

A.L.O.H.A.=LOVE. LOVE=FAMILY. FAMILY=HAPPINESS.

"The Gift of an Ordinary Day"....

I recently saw the title of this post as the name of a new book that is out. I saw it in a real short review and it didn't give much detail about what the book is about. But I cannot get the title out of my head. It got me a thinkin'!!! How often do I thank my Heavenly Father for an "ordinary day"? NEVER. How many times do I think of my days that are ordinary as a gift? NEVER. How often am I frustrated about the everyday 'ordinary' stuff I have to do? ALWAYS!!! My eyes have been opened. I am going to make it a goal of mine to everyday be grateful for my ordinary life, my ordinary days.

Today is the perfect example. After school me and the kiddos worked on homework. TCIG made mac n'cheese for him and big sister, Pineapple Princess. Monkey boy warmed up Ravioli for him and the two little ones. (Yea, I am letting my secret out--we don't always have the most nutrious meals) We played a mean game of SKIPBO (love that game) and RUMMIKUB (love that game even more). Daddy is at school. So it was me and the 5 kiddos--just hangin' out. We were listening to music--I happen to be one of those 'cool' moms who actually like/love some of the same music my kids like so they are always sharing new songs with me. Then our favorite song came on.....In the Air Tonight by Phil Collins. We all love this totally awesome song. We know all the words by heart. If you haven't heard it or listened to it recently I dare you to go find it somewhere and listen to it. That song has the GREATEST drum solo. It doesn't even come up until almost the last part of the song but it is sooooo COOL. We all do 'air drum' and just let lose!! Even my JAG who is only 6 knows the song and does the air drum with us. As I sat there enjoying my ordinary day I couldn't help but think what an EXTRA-ordinary day it has been.

WHAT THE HEEBIE JEEBIES IS THAT?.....

Look at this UGLY thing.....This is a centepede!!! Isn't it gross???? Kalani found this thing...slithering out of the shower drain....We measured it and it was 6 inches long. This is the kind of things we see over here. We have seen cockroaches that measure almost that big as well!! Not everything is beautiful over here. Heehee.

There is Beauty All Around...

One thing I can say about Hawaii--there is plenty of 'beauty' all around. I am totally fascinated with the foliage over here. These pictures don't do it justice but the SIZE of leaves over here are HUGE. That is one of my favorite things to take in, is just the absolute size of the vegetation that grows here.

I wish I knew had to take better pictures, but this is a picture of an ocean wave coming over a small wall into a natural 'warm spring' that we were at. Those are my kiddos waiting for the wave.

This is Waipio Valley. I think it is one of my favorite places I have seen. We are standing way above looking down. You have to go down into the valley via ATV or a 4x4. We are on an observation platform.

Another view of the valley....so gorgeous!!!

The most beautiful sight of all........

"I know that my Redeemer lives...."

• On Tuesday I was driving back from Hilo (the other side of the island) from a doctor's appointment with my daughter. I had my IPOD plugged into the stereo system. It is about an hour and 15 minute drive. I was enjoying the peace and quiet of the music when a very special song came on: "I know that my Redeemer lives". (sung by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir). As I listened to the words, I began to sing along..then before I knew it I was wiping away my tears. I have heard this song many times before in my lifetime, but never til that day did I really hear the words. I am not sure why I needed to hear those words at that time..why they affected me so much, but they did. I believe prayers are answered in many different ways. I believe our Father in Heaven will talk to us in ways that He knows we will hear Him. Mine is through music. I am touched by music. These are the words I needed to hear:
• He lives to bless in time of need
• He lives to comfort me when faint
• He lives to hear my soul's complaint
• HE LIVES TO SILENCE ALL MY FEARS
• HE LIVES TO WIPE AWAY MY TEARS
• He lives to calm my troubled heart
• He lives and LOVES me to the end

I know that my Redeemer Lives....what joy this sweet sentence gives. I am grateful for this knowledge. I am grateful that I am a daughter of God. I am grateful that I was taught by loving parents and loving youth leaders that I am special , I am unique. I am grateful for all of the testimonies I have heard over my lifetime because I know that every testimony I have had the pleasure of hearing has added strength to my own testimony. I don't know a lot of things "for sure" but I do know this.....I know that my Redeemer lives.

Sometimes great MEMORIES come in small packages..

HEY YA'LL! This is Cori Sue. I convinced her to let me do a blog on her blog! SO HERE GOES!This is my best friend in the WHOLE WORLD! :) Her name is: MOM. She has been there for me through literally EVERYTHING! WE do everything together, and we love spending time together. She is always there when i need someone to help me, a shoulder to cry on, or someone to play rummikub with. I can talk to her about anything, and she doesn't judge me. We have had countless laughs, an unbelievable amount of hugs, and an everlasting amount of love for one another. I love my mommy. She means the world to me, and i wouldn't have any other mom in the world. :) This picture was taken on our sealing day. I love this pic of her and I. :)

This is my old house in Idaho! I absolutely love this house!!! We have had some AmAzInG times in this place! Everything from late nights with friends, waking up early for school, running around during a game of late night hide-and-go seek, family get togethers, and lots of laughing! So here is my FAMOUS house.. <3

Okay well this is all i have for right now.. i love you all!!! :) I can't wait to get home and see all of you again.. :) I LOVE YOU!!! SWEET HOME IDAHO!! :)