Challenging

That's what this last week has been. My back pain went to leg and hip pain that has kept me down for most of the week. I was able to pull off the Ward Thanksgiving dinner - that got moved from the church to the district park at the last minute - then went right back down after that.

Sooo thankful for a supportive and capable husband. He really came through and took care of things around here and also took care of me.

It is a beautiful sunny day here in Kaneohe - the sky is clear blue and the breeze feels good. So much to be grateful for.

Gene took Michelle to horseback riding. Before she left she told Hannah, "After horseback riding lets go to Waikiki Beach Hannah!" Haha - that won't happen...but if they are good Gene will stop at 7-11 and let them get an icy. He took them to the beach yesterday - but not Waikiki - not sure where she got the idea about Waikiki Beach.

Gonna take it easy next week - need to be tip top by next Sunday when I leave for Washington D.C. then New Jersey (to see Les Mis!!!) then to Connecticut to see my friend Suzie. So looking forward to reconnecting with that girl!

I really should be Christmas tree shopping - but not up to it.

Hannah's seizures are as bad as ever - actually I think worse. And we've upped her meds again. Visit with the neurologist on Dec. 7.

But all in all - life is good.

Home again

So I was in Washington D.C. last week. had an all day meeting then on Saturday did a private D.C. Tour - I've been to D.C. many times, have seen the monuments etc. but this was the first time I had been on a tour like this. I used Vera - Gene and I had used her last May for a Lost Symbol Tour. She is a very smart young woman!

Anyway I think I enjoyed the Library of Congress the most - it is so beautiful inside - reminded me alot of Europe with all the murals, frescoes, etc.

It was a hard trip. Jst before I left I strained my back. Got a blessing from Gene and in his prayer he asked that I might be able to travel in comfort. THAT WORKED! While I was on planes, I was pretty good. However, when I had to walk or transition from sitting to walking it was tough.

Because the back hurt I started walking weird - which led to pain in my lower back and legs. I went and got a massage on Friday afternoon at a nearby spa and that helped alot. But after Saturday's tour I was walking like someone who needed a hip replacement. I had another massage (in-room) on Saturday night - too hurting to go to the spa. That massage was worth nothing. The gir was lousy - too into the "energy" and her won deep breathing.

Anyway I made it home and today I will get real comfort from dear Rochelle my massage therapist friend who will definitely hurt me to help me.

Oh and the Mossman Ohana Trip to Scotland next October - already 24 people have expressed an interest!!!! So the research begins as to lodging etc. Praying that airfares come down.

My friend's mother died. I am speaking at her funeral tomorrow. I am not yet prepared but will be tomorrow.

Ohana Reunion Planning Committee meeting tomorrow night - it will be good to get together with the expanded group.

Am in charge of the ward Thanksgiving Dinner on Thursday...imu turkey...mmm,mmm good!

Family Reunion Day 1

Last week was our Mossman Ohana Reunion - and it was GREAT!

It began on Wednesday with the Gathering of the Clan - a get to know you event with a stew and rice dinner. Over 200 people attended. The evening started with the sounds of a bag pipe - as a lone piper wearing traditional kilt greeted us with Scotland the Brave. he then played a haunting rendition of Hawaii Pono'i. Definitely chicken skin!

Got to see 2 of my favorite relatives

And met so many others!

Here's a look at our t-shirts designed by Allie!

Don't ya just love them?

Stay tune for Day 2...

Elections & Surfing

All my guys LOST!!! Am I a jinx????

Well at least some strides were made on the national scene.

Its a day of mourning.

And then Andy Irons dies.

With a daughter that moves in the surfing crowd, I cannot help but be moved by Andy's passing - at 32 years old.

Comfort comes in knowing that we go on forever and this life is but a short time in the grand eternity.

Whirlwind

Last Thursday Hannah has 46 seizure at school (by 12:30 p.m.). After phone consult with her doctor we were advised to take her to emergency. She was admitted so they could give her megadose of medication. Stayed overnight - the megadose makes her feel so disoriented and off that she cries pitifully for hours...poor thing.

We got to come home Friday to prepare for the Halloween weekend.

Because we observe a rather strict Sabbath we did Trunk-or-Treat at our church on Saturday night. It was a blast!!!! Hannah was a princess (with high heels of course) and Michelle was...get ready for it...a baby doctor! She felt this gave her license to carry babies - but it didn't - fortunately there were two puppies there that night to distract her from the many babies that were also there.

Today is a school holiday and so is tomorrow. Hope I survive with these two little dears...

Family Reunion next week - whew! Will I make it to next week?