Aunty Natalie

About 2 weeks ago I came home one night and Michelle rushed to greet me. The conversation went something like this:

Michelle: Oh mom! I love Aunty Natalie! She has 3 dogs and a pool. She said I can come to her house tomorrow and play with her dogs. She said I can walk her 3 dogs. I love her. Aunty Natalie has a pool and she said I can swim in her pool and play with her 3 dogs! I love Aunty Natalie.

Me (to Gene): Who's Aunty Natalie?

Gene: The census worker.

Fast forward to Mother's Day - I open my card that Michelle made for me.

On the outside it says:

Happy Mother's Day Aunty Natalie
(then Aunty Natalie is crossed out and the word mom is written below it)

On the inside she wrote:

Roses are red
Violets are blue
Is it fast Sunday?

GREAT Day

It was a great Mother's Day for me. Jacob called and we all got to talk to him - we talked for about 1 hour and 45 minutes. He sounds so good.

He is healthy and happy and enjoying his mission. He is in a totally biking area now so is getting a lot of exercise. He said a lady in a store bought him a bike helmet - totally random.

His faith in the Lord has grown and I can hear the love that he has for missionary work in his voice. The area he is in, Eagle Idaho, is a rich area and he and his companion live in the basement of a members home on a golf course.

He says they eat at different members homes every night and fend for themselves for breakfast and lunch. he and his current companion share food.

He said last week he went to a sushi p0lace to eat - it was a pslurge - $25 per person - and he stuffed himself and got sick.

Love that boy and talking to him made my day!

Only 7 more months til I hear his voice again - Christmas.

Mothers I Love

I am lucky to know some really great moms out there - so on this day I am wishing all of them love, peace and joy wherever they might be. So here's my shout-outs to some special ones that have been such great examples to me (listed in no particular order): (HMD-Happy Mothers Day)

Stephanie (my Oprah style girlfriend) - Can't find the right words to tell you how much you mean to me. When we reconnected it was like - BINGO (hehehe). How did I ever get along all these years without you girlfriend? Loving growing old with you. HMD

LeAnn (my #1 BFF always - the only person who can sling it as good and as quick as I can) - A near perfect example of motherhood (laundry done or just folded?). A perfect example of a friend. One of the few people (outside of my family) that is as smart and pretty as me. I miss you! (We gotta dump these kids and husbands for a few days and get away!!!) 30 years as friends and an eternity to go - lucky, lucky me. HMD

Lori (the BEST neighbor I have ever had) - Such a joy to know. Hands down the SUPER mom of the century. Lori does it all. But her greatest gift is her genuine interest and concern for others. She walks the Savior's walk - and my life is richer because of her. Its been 5 years or so since she moved but I feel her love thru the miles. HMD

Susie (my mirror image so they say) - Your heart. If there is anything I covet - its your heart. When I think of you I think of the quote from Proverbs "...her children rise up and call her blessed" Throughout our lives people have always said we look a lot alike - how lucky I am since
that means I must be tall! HMD

Alo (my gorgeous, talented socialist sister) - Your strength and determination inspire me. Your intellect might just surpass mine - if that is possible. Your politics make me nauseous. HMD.

Sharon (my Kentucky mom)- thanks for rescuing me last Sunday! Such a blessing in my life in ways to many too mention. HMD

Candie (my cousin extraordinaire) - Knowing there are moms like you bringing up the next generation of keiki puts my mind at ease as far as what the future holds. I am so impressed with all you do as a mother and the obvious joy you find in being a mom. Although I hope your current obnoxious fixation with all things Twilight is just a stage you're going through and that you will snap out of it quickly. HMD

Kathy (the sister with the same body frame as me) - Beautiful inside and out. So much like mom it makes me teary. Just one thing though - you need to eat more. HMD

Mom (my sunshine) - The epitome of a kind, supportive, loving and JOYFUL angel. Gene says if I am like you when I am older he will be a lucky man. My goal - to be JOYFUL like you. I am so looking forward to seeing you again someday - I can see it now - you'll be wearing something long, flowing and purple I'm sure. HMD

Ada (my mother-in-law) - My example of faith, humility and generosity. Blessed every life you touched. You taught me so many lessons of life through your stalwart and quiet example. I am sure Heaven became that way upon your arrival. HMD

Aunty Ginny - First, last and always in my heart. HMD

Disaster Area

I have been in Nashville since Monday. I was supposed to arrive on Sunday but Nashville airport was closed due to tornados and storms so I flew into Louisville and caught a bus down to Nashville.

Nashville has been declared a federal disaster area. There is flooding and devastation everywhere - except on the little hill where my hotel is.

It is such a strange experience being here under these circumstances. I will blog more when I get back to Hawaii.

I am safe, the area I am in is safe, my meetings are going fine - and I'll be home by Mother's Day.

DDD

D = Driver's Permit (not license) which Gabe got yesterday - YAY!
D = Driving Lesson which he also got yesterday - from me.
D = Dance Concert which Gabe was in last night.

D #1 - Yup! he did it - I waited in the car while he went in. He said he yelled and jumped when the lady told him he passed. It was his second try, and hopefully he has learned that YOU GOTTA STUDY THE BOOK TO PASS THE TEST!

D #2 - Like all Mormon parents, I took him for his first driving lesson in the church parking lot. He was cautious and drove slowly - I know that will all change...

D # 3 - The Dance Concert (called Dear Diary) was absolutely WILD. Over 3 hours long too. Gabe was the lead in at least 6 numbers and back up in another 2. He is a GREAT dancer and I was so proud of him. He has a concert tonight and one tomorrow and IF I were going to be here I would be going to each concert. Lots of talent in Castle DanceForce - not the least of which is our son Gabe. His performance is nothing short of electrifying - AND I AM TOTALLY UNBIASED!

And There Wasn't Even A Hidden Camera

Gabe had an assessment/interview by a couple of school district people reviewing his progress, grades, etc. In the written report they wrote

"Gabe appeared to be at ease with the examiners and quickly built rapport. He was friendly, engaging, animated, and occasionally burst into song"

I can see it all...

And I do not doubt one word of it!

I'm A Little Bit Country

I leave tomorrow for Nashville. I am attending the annual Building Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) State Systems meeting and the Native American/Alaska Native/Native Hawaiian Expert Panel on FASD semiannual meeting (I am a panel member representing Native Hawaiians).

Its kind of hard to go at this particular time - with Hannah's health issues still up in the air. Fortunately she has a capable and loving father who will be here with her.

The meetings are usually quite intense (with some content - mostly the medical - over my head) but it helps me to stay on top of the latest research and information about FASD, the devastating scourge that affects my two youngest children. There is hope out there as more and more people recognize the disability and wider research and treatment options are made available.

I have kind of a down day on Tuesday so I am planning to drive to Louisville to visit my step mother. Its about a 3 hour drive.

Expect blog updates sporadically - and mostly addressed to the girls.

I get home on Friday night - then will spend the whole night cooking and preparing for our ward's annual Mother's Day Breakfast. Fun!

Looking at my whole itinerary I have to ask myself - "WHY did you schedule a flight with a 3 hour layover in San Francisco - the airport with the smallest Admirals Club in the world and the one with NO SHOWER???" I must be slipping.

Dance Concert

Tonight!!!

So exciting - and sure to be loud. Castle Dance Force dance concerts are the wildest things you will ever experience. Its a total audience-goes-nuts event. (The audience pretty much screams throughout the whole thing - kinda like a rock concert).

Gabe is in 6 numbers - which means 6 costumes (ouch says my credit card).

The weeks of grueling practice (at times more than 8 hours a day) culminate on the stage tonight

And I shall be sitting like a proud mama in seat C16 (3rd row - center seat) and screaming

"That's My Boy!"

Washington D.C. Photos

World War II Memorial

Washington D.C. Temple
We got to go to a session! Such a beautiful place!

Washington Monument
We've been to D.C. probably more than 1 dozen times and this was our first time inside the monument- of course this photo was taken before we went in.

Guess Who Got Their Driver's License?

Some Call It The Happiest Place On Earth...

We call it Stupid Hat Kingdom.

Who Loves The Merry-Go-Round?

Everyone!

Even Big Kids

Nicaragua

Gene's Managua Nicaragua bound for his birthday. He leaves the 14th of May (his birthday) and returns on the 19th of May.

I am not even sure where Nicaragua is much less what to see there...but we have a good friend named Larry who is from Nicaragua so we'll be calling him to get some ideas.

Why Nicaragua you ask? Simple - 55,000 frequent flyer mile special (and all in 1st class)!

I'm not going. Not interested at all. In fact, after my meetings in Nashville next week I am home for at least 4 months. There's really only one place I want to go - Las Vegas to see my cousin - but I'm not sure if I can pull that off.

What Can You Do????

Is Hannah still having seizures? Yes - like 3-5 per day
So the meds are not working? Apparently they are not.
So what's next? Dr. tomorrow then neurologist next Tuesday.

But note - the seizures are small ones and once she snaps out of them she is fine.

But here's the worst part. After 3 seizures per day the school says they won't keep her so she has to come home...I think that is illegal.

Hello Hannah and Michelle

Hi Girls!

We are in Washingotn DC. It is suppsoed to rain today. I have been in meetings the past 2 days. Today we will go on a tour and see some places like the Capitol and the Washington Monument. We will go on the metro which is an underground train.

We miss you very much. I hope you are both having a great day and that you have been obedient to Susan.

We will come home tomorrow night. we will have to catch 3 airplanes to get home.

Love you - be kind to everyone - especially each other.

Love,
Mom

Hannah Update

After a full day in the ER, Hannah is spending the night in the hospital to stabilize meds. She is having such a difficult time being there but hopefully all will be well and she will be home tomorrow. After a total of 7 seizures in 4 hours the ER was the only route.

Silver lining - because she was admitted, her neurologist moved up her appt. from May 17th to May 4th.

Hannah

Poor thing - seizures up to 4 times a day...and we're still waiting for the neurologist to get back to us!!!

What a Face!

Here's a picture of Michelle at her Young Women's activity last night.
They made dips. She likes chips!
She's so small. The other 2 girls are barely 12.
Michelle is almost 13.

This Week

Since we're leaving on Thursday for Washington D.C. I'll have a busy week but am looking forward to 3 more films - Mid-August Lunch, Bran Nue Dae, and A Good Rain Knows. The first is Italian, the second Australian Aboriginal and the third is Korean (I think).

Michelle keeps asking what I will do in Washington D.C. and can't quite believe that all I will do is go to meetings. She's right - we do plan on going to the temple one night (Friday) and also meeting up with some friends (the Blacks) while we are there.

Its 4:30 a.m. and I just woke Gabe up to finish his homework. This is a rough time for him - Dance concert rehearsals are brutal. They run 4-9 p.m. weekdays and 10-6 p.m. weekends. And he comes home dead tired (and REALLY grouchy) - but homework trumps everything.

Dance concert is two weeks away so the end is in sight...for all of us!

The Problem With Foreign Films

...is they don't come with a rating...so while I don't go to R rated movies normally, one that should get an R rating slips in at the film festival.

Last night's Girl With The Dragon Tattoo was one such film. Lots of action but...the R rated stuff just doesn't suit me.

Yesterday afternoon's Korean film, A Brand New Life was definitely G rated. Its the story of a young girl who is left at an orphanage by her father - through most of the film she holds on to the notion that he's coming back for her - then finally abandons that hope and embraces another - as she flies off to be adopted by a French couple. I recommend this one.

A Film Recommendation

The opening film of this year's Hawaii International Film Festival's Spring Showcase did not disappoint. Mao's Last Dancer is one of the top three movies I have ever seen in my life.

From the Academy Award nominated director Bruce Beresford (DRIVING MISS DAISY, TENDER MERCIES), comes the inspirational true story of Li Cunxin and his extraordinary journey from poverty to international stardom. MAO'S LAST DANCER beautifully captures the intoxicating effects of first love, celebrity and the pain of exile. Ultimately, the story depicts the aspirations of all immigrants and the fulfillment of the American dream.

Superb music, inspirational ballet, beautiful cinematography and a heart-warming story of sacrifice, dedication, determination and family.

Seldom has a film left me so inspired and satisfied. I walked out of the theater smiling and crying at the same time.

Wonderful, wonderful!

It is supposed to open in theaters in the fall.

Treat yourself!
(Tomorrow its A Brand New Day & The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo)

Playing Tourist

Going to Polynesian Cultural Center today - got the Super Ambassador package - private tour guide and all.

Something different...but I know it'll be a loooooooooooooooooong day.

A Little Sympathy

Hannah wanted me to take a photo of her i.v. yesterday. Camera phone=blurry picture.

I'm into Nostalgia Today

So when I decided to redo the blog banner I ran across a bunch of random photos I thought I'd post. Its the labeling that I find tedious...

Gene & I in Cinque Terre Italy

Gene laughing while playing Hi henry in Italy or Scotland (I forget where)

Pretty Ladies

My handsome men

Gene's Debut

I think Gene's "Lost" episode was on last night. I saw online that the episode that was on last night was about Hugo - and Gene said the episode he was in was about Hugo...so I figured...

Since we don't have t.v. I am currently downloading the episode from itunes to my ipod. Will let you know if its the one -

For those of you who watched it - maybe you already know -

Or maybe not...

13

Some pictures from '13'.

That's my boy!

Girls and Some Friends at Universal

California Cousins

Here's some pictures from our visit to California last month. We got to visit with my sister Susan and her awesome family. I love my sister! She has the warmest heart! She is a wonderful mother - I am in awe of her!

We hung out at her house - let the kids play in the backyard with the dog - Trooper. We went to the pool and out to dinner. Everything was low key and relaxing.

Her oldest son is Dylan - same age as Jacob. He is tall, handsome and smart. Very interesting fellow - we enjoyed talking to him.

Sam is next. He is very friendly so he reminds me of Sue. He taught Michelle how to play wii!

Then there's Emma! She is a cutie - but the BEST thing about her is that she is sooooooooo kind! She was so patient with the two girls! She was the highlight of their trip!


All of her kids have Sue's warm personality and winning smile. They are AWESOME people.

Playing Catch Up

So after being sick for about a week I am playing the catch up game...and here's my list for today:

1. Get my tradeshow work done - about 2 weeks late!!!!
2. Compile Salary Survey for ACECH - about 1 week late!!!
3. Write my boy!
4. Clean the house
5. Compile Family Reunion email list
6. Post California pictures to the blog

Let's see how far I get.

Other news -

• Gabe was ordained to the office of a priest yesterday!
  
• Tomorrow we take Hannah to the hospital for EEG. She has fallen 16 times in the last month.
• Gabe's play closed on Saturday night. I saw every performance (7) and I LOVED EVERY MINUTE!! I would see them all again and then some. I will try to post some pics later.
• Susan is preparing for a summer trip to Thailand and Bali...ooh to be young and free!
• We got to see Uncle Kini and Aunty Judee a week and a half ago at Gabe's play. Uncle looks great with his oh-so-distinguished-cane.
• Jacob bought a new suit and tie with his birthday money.
• Gabe's in rehearsals for Spring Dance Concert and another play. Such a busy guy!
  
• We are getting ready to leave next Thursday for my annual meeting in Washington D.C. - in preparation Gene is reading The Lost Symbol.
• We have a friend, Mary Boman, coming in from Utah to visit. We'll meet up with her at least a couple of times this week.
• I just bought tickets for the Hawaii International Film Festival's Spring Showcase which starts this Friday with the film Mao's Last Dancer. Then we'll see films on Sat., Tues., and Wednesday. I have a great friend who willingly goes with me to the films.

So much to be thankful for!

A Wonderful Easter

Today was a most glorious day - Easter Sunday. A perfect day to think about all that I have been blessed with. Reasonably good health, a nice warm home, supportive friends, the comforts of life, a job, relatively healthy children, an active mind, new opportunities to learn and grow each day, the chance to repent and do better tomorrow, a wonderful family...and the knowledge that we can be together forever because of HIM whose resurrection we celebrate today.

Oh sweet the joy this sentence gives...I know that my Redeemer lives.