On the Mend

Had my first physical therapy session today and it went well! Got lots of recommendations etc. I'll have this beat in no time!

My immediate goal is to be able to drive 5 miles without pain. I can do this.

Something I Heard in the Night

The other night I kept hearing Elvis (the dog) barking. After several hours I went out to look. I opened the door, turned on the light and a little dog ran in the house! I am not an animal lover but this dog was a cutie and obviously belonged to someone.

Luckily he had a tag - I called the number on the tag and it actually was a neighbor 2 houses down. She was in the hospital but said her sister in law was supposed to be watching the dog. Even though this lady had been our neighbor for maybe 4 years we had never seen this little dog - she kept him inside.

It was 4 in the morning - and our dog lover Michelle was asleep - what to do??? We were so tempted to wake her up - and finally gave in to that temptation. She thought she was dreaming!

Someone came to pick up the dog later that morning and Michelle cried when She came home from school and realized Lucien Lau was gone.

Stuff

So I am on a steroid, pain killers and about to start 8 weeks of PT for pinched L4 nerve and blown disc. Also found out I have severe arthritis in my back. I think the steroids are starting to work and I really haven't had to take the pain meds much. Things are looking up!

Gene was dear - yesterday there was a breakfast meeting that I HAD to attend for work and he took the day off to drive me, with for me and bring me home. (Can't drive on the meds). He's a keeper alright!

I was supposed to leave for Washington D.C. on Sunday for FASD meetings but had to cancel because of my back problems...

No Christmas tree yet but hopefully tonight - it will be fun decorating it. I like the LIGHTS!

Am looking forward to 22 days from now when we get to talk to Jacob on the phone - yay! Then 2 days after that I fly to Las Vegas to meet Stephanie and we drive to Utah for Vanessa's wedding reception. Hopefully the back will be good by then.

I can only sit for about 5 minutes at a time so blogging (and any other type of sit down activity) will come in spurts.

Now's my nap spurt though...zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

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?

Updates

Got back from Puerto Rico - it was GREAT! I would like to go back there for a vacaion with my fam! I had great company in Puerto Rico - lots of fun.

Came back and went to 2 nights of Hawaii International Film Festival. Yipee!! Saw 2 Chinese movies - Under a Hawthorn Tree and The Star and The Sea, 1 Swedish movie - The Girl who kicked the Hornet's Nest, 1 Japanese Movie -Shodo Girls, and 1 Hawaiian movie - Under a Jarvis Moon. I highly recommend The Star and The Sea - a sweet story of Chinese pianist Xian Xiang - and Under Jarvis Moon - the story of young Hawaiians sent to colonize Pacific islands just before World War II.

Fully involved now in arrangements for our Mossman Ohana Reunion which is just 2 1/2 weeks away!!! More registrations coming in every day. I am so excited about meeting new relatives!

Looking forward to going to the Temple Open House today.

On the homefront - all is well. Gabe is in rehearsals for Dance Concert which is Nov. 12-13-14. He also found himself a job teaching hip-hop dancing at a studio down the street. He's salivating to get his license.

Susan is busy with work and her boyfriend George. Hardly see her it seems.

Hannah is Hannah. Seizures continue - the meds do not slow them down - and do not slow her down either.

Gene is doing great as usual. He is always busy being of service to others.

We hear from Jacob each week - he is always so positive and enjoying his mission - even if the weather is turning colder. He'll be home in July!!!!

Trying to post this before the girls get up and the real action starts. Once they're up - its over.

Buenos Dias Girls

Well I am here in Puerto Rico girls. It took about 20 hours to get here - 3 airplanes. My hotel is very nice. It is on a coast but to get to the beach the hotel has a boat that we get on that takes us to our own island called Palomino where there is a beautiful beach and horseback riding and a restaurant. I have not had time to go the island because I have been busy in meetings.

In Puerto Rico they have a little frog called the coqui frog that lives in the tress and shrubs. There are millions of them here. They are tiny and you cannot see them because they hide. BUT you can hear them all night - they sound like really loud birds chirping all the time. Luckily, if we close our door and turn on our air conditioner we don't hear them.

I miss you both. I hope you are being obedient and trying very hard to be helpful. I know you are being kind. Kindness is very important.

I love you.

Mom

When it Rains

It pours!

Gene's supposed to leave next Tuesday for India. Well he is sick - down flat. He actually has been battling a cold or something for about 2 weeks. He thinks its progressing but yesterday he could hardly get up and he'll probably stay home from work today too.

He went to the Dr. on Wednesday for his precautionary malaria pills for his trip - Dr. sent him to get a flu shot and also told him the malaria pills are actually good for bronchitis.

So we are thinking maybe his cold will get better soon

And maybe that flu shot gave him a small dose of the flu...

Anyway - also the dryer is broken

And the ice dispenser on the fridge door is broken.

And did I mention the air con in SHRED (our Toyota Echo) is broken?

And the "change oil" light is coming on in the van?

And the safety inspection on EDGE (our Toyota Camry) has expired?

And Mike the Mechanic cannot come to repair the cars until next week?

But there are still things that make me smile

Like Michelle wearing one of THREE pairs of 2 1/2 inch heels Leo gave to
Hannah for her birthday.

Only the most fashionable wear them with socks.

Reversal

Last January Gene was diagnosed with high blood pressure - both his parents had it.

We changed our diet. Very little red meat and very little dairy. (just In-n-Out and Five Guys when we are on the mainland.

Two weeks ago he went to the doctor.

Blood pressure normal!

Lost almost 18 pounds!

He's the man!

Home!

Arrived late last night.

Trip was most enjoyable.

Good to be back.

Everyone here survived.

Lots of mail -

Reunion stuff!!

Jet lag...

My body is still in Ohio

And New York

And Missouri

And Illinois...

Busy week ahead -

Sharon and Noah coming on Saturday.

Gabe's play -

Final performances this weekend.

Got my tickets!

Then next week -

Gene leaves for India

And I am Puerto Rico bound.

Aloha from Missouri Girls!

Hi Michelle & Hannah!

We are in Jameson, Missouri now. We are staying on a beautiful farm for 2 days and nights. There are some cows on this farm and one of the cows is named Eva and Eva has a new baby calf named Stew! When the farmer calls Eva's name, Eva comes running because Eva knows she will get food.

The farmer also has a dog named Rusty who is big with long orange colored fur. Even though Rusty is big he is very friendly.

Missouri is a very beautiful place. They grow many thing around this area - soy beans, hay, corn. There are not alot of houses - just farms every few miles. You would enjoy this place because you love animals!

Last night we had a fun activity here at the farm. Uncle Manu and Aunty kookie taught everyone how to do a Samoan dance.

We will be home in 3 days - on Sunday night.

I know you are both being kind and obedient. I love you both - you are such wonderful girls - but the thing I like best about you is that you are both so kind.

Love,

Mom

Its Tuesday Girls!

We are in Rochester New York. It is very rainy here and we did not bring an umbrella!

Today we will go to Joseph Smith's old home and to the Hill Cumorah. We are having a nice time but miss you very much.

Last night we ate dinner at a place called Five Guys. Some people think Five Guys has the best hamburgers in the country. We do not agree. We like In-n-Out Burger so much more. Even the french fries at Five Guys were not as good as In-n-Out Burger.

We will be home on Sunday night. I hope you are having a nice time with Susan. I know you are being obedient at home and at school. I know you are being kind - you are both such kind loving girls.

Love,

Mom

Greetings Girls -

Hi Hannah & Michelle,

After 3 long airplane rides we arrived in Ohio yesterday. We visited Historic Kirtland Village where Joseph Smith once lived.

We are staying in a hotel called the Residence Inn. It has two bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Uncle Manu and Aunty Kookie are staying in one bedroom and Dad and I are in the other. The hotel has a free breakfast which I will go downstairs to eat in a few minutes.

Today we will visit the Kirtland Temple which was built by the early members of the church. Then we will drive to New York.

It is not too cold here but it definitely is fall here. The leaves are changing colors - red, yellow, orange. So pretty!

Did you have a nice Sunday with Susan? I hope you are being obedient and helpful. Remember to make your beds each morning. And remember to be kind.

We love you,

Mom and Dad

I'm Sooooo In Love

And his name is MAC.

Yup - I'm lovin my MAC.

Should have made the switch long ago.

If you're thinking about it - JUST DO IT!

Updates

Had a busy week at the tradeshow and a good weekend.

Went to Kastle's mission farewell party. Kastle has been a good friend of Jacob's since Jacob was 4 years old. Kastle's mom Kookie is one of my best friends. Kastle has been called to serve in the Japan Nagoya mission.

Jacob's friend Colin also got his mission call - to Raleigh North Carolina!

And if that isn't enough great mission news...there's one more -

Telenoti Mafi (Sii to most of us) - my cousin Mellene's son has been called to the Guam Micronesia mission.

Feeling so blessed to know such fine young men.

Also this weekend I went to Gabe's play twice! It is really good - just so above and beyond anything he has ever done. And I have the best family - Uncle Kini, Aunty Judee, Candie and her girls, and Aunty Leo and two of her friends came out to see the show! So supportive! It meant so much to me and to Gabe.

This is Gabe's first play with a mostly adult cast - and it shows - the caliber of talent, maturity of singing voice and dance versatility is obvious. And for Gabe it has meant he comes home exhausted!!!

Only 2 more weeks of performances - although they might extend.

This week we're bust getting things settled before we leave on our trip to church history sites on Saturday. Really looking forward to that tour and spending time with good friends.

So grateful for all I have - especially the gospel of Jesus Christ and the blessings the knowledge of the gospel brings - that families can be together forever, that I have a Heavenly Father who loves me and that I am never alone.

Where Did It Go?

The week I mean...

Monday - blur
Tuesday - blur
Wednesday - blur
Thursday - blur
Now it's TGIF!

But really, yesterday Michelle and Hannah gave great presentations in the Governor's Ceremonial Room at the FASD Awareness Day Proclamation Signing! And my sweet cousin Candie came with her 2 girls! So supportive! And Jill and Chad came too! Gotta love 'em.

I'll post pictures when I get them.

This weekend Gene got a cabin at Bellows - so maybe a little R&R.

Yesterday Michelle asked me for a computer and Gabe asked me for a plane ticket to the mainland for his Fall Break.

Ahh...as my old boss used to say "Life's tough and then you die".

Saturday

What a great day it has been. We did...nothing different...

Horseback riding for Michelle from 9 - 10. She loves to trot!

Came home then went to Sam's Club.

Came home again and cleaned the fridge.

Made dinner (salmon of course) and that was that!

Oh but the one thing that made it GREAT was...

A hand written letter from Jacob!

HAPPY!

Incognito

Someone gave Michelle a wig for her birthday in May.
I had it hidden.


She found it.

I'm Converting

Yup - its true!

Its finally gonna happen I think.

After searching, studying and pondering I've decided.

I know you're probably shocked.

The change is coming.

I know it'll take a while for me to feel totally comfortable.

But I've made up my mind.

I'm doing it -

MAC - here I come.

Faith

I read a sad news story. A Bishop of some ward in Visalia, California was sitting in his office at church yesterday and some guy came in and shot him to death. Police were unable to determine motive or relationship. The gunman committed suicide after the shooting.

The Bishop left behind a wife and 6 sons, the youngest less than 6 months old.

As the wife of a former Bishop, I can attest to the fact that Bishops work so hard and so long. After their regular full time job they then spend about equal amount of time during their church work as the Bishop. Their pay is opportunities, challenges, relationships and blessings.

Through their service Bishops develop a great amount of love for those in their congregation. They are always there to help - anytime, any place, anywhere, anyone.

They usually serve without fanfare - but always clothed in humility.

Bishops have the opportunity to develop a close relationship with the Savior as they try to emulate His life and work.

This Bishop who died was killed while doing the Lord's work.

His family will be devastated but will survive because of their faith that Families Can Be Together Forever.

A Question

How did I get so luck?

Birthday Picnic

Last week Saturday we went to a birthday picnic for Carly and Lehua at Blaisdell Park (which is not across from Blaisdell center but is in Pearl City -- luckily I corrected Susan or she would have showed up at Thomas Square - which is the park across from Blaisdell Center).

It was great party! Jill and Chad worked so hard and it was perfect - great food (chili, hot dogs, steak, lumpia, noodles, salads, beans, and more), great weather, fun games, lots of prizes and a jump house!

It was wonderful seeing our 2 special little girls.

Lehua is now 2 years old.

Those eyes are magic!

Carly is now 4 years old.
Still has that great smile.

We love these girls!

Countdown to a Case of Nerves

I am an accomplished public speaker. I have made presentations on a variety of topics to audiences both large and small. So what's causing me a bit of self-doubt?

The Healing Our Spirit Worldwide Conference to be held here on Oahu Sept 6-10. The conference brings indigenous people from around the world together to discuss issues around alcohol and other substances, healing, culture and leadership. More than 2,000 people have registered.

On Wedensday (as in 2 days ago) I was asked to present a workshop with 2 other women. I know the other 2 women - we all serve on the Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian Expert Panel on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders for the SAMHSA Center of Excellence. One of the women in from Alaska and the other from U.S.

The presentation is only 1 hour long but I'm still nervous (and I usually don't get nervous...). So why this time?

1) Its such short notice!
2) We will officially be representing SAMHSA (the federal gov't!)
3) Over 2,000 attendees (I know they won't all be coming to our presentation...)
4) Lots to say in a brief period of time!
5) Its at the convention center and I don't like the parking there!
6) Most of the attendees etc. are in the medical field or human services field and I am not.

But I'm glad to do it since it will bring attention to FAS. Anything that will improve life outcomes for my two little girls and other like them.

Relying on the Lord for inspiration and confidence...

Suck it up and face your fears!

Phone Call

So my good friend who runs a therapeutic massage clinic and school called and asked if I wanted to come in tomorrow morning for an 1 1/2 hour massage...for FREE!

How sweet is that?

I Am Good At...

So to boost my self esteem a bit (everybody can use that at one time or another) I decided to share one thing I am really good at.

Hmmm...what could it be?

I know...

I am a good pie maker! I really am. I detest store/bakery bought pies. I would never think of serving such inferior products in my home or at any dinner for which I am responsible.

And I DETEST as in HATE premade crust!!!!

I love homemade pies. Fruit, pudding - any kind!

I love the process of measuring the flour and salt and butter and water.

I love mixing the dough to just the right consistency.

I enjoy rolling out the dough with a wooden rolling pin.

I revel at stretching the dough to the perfect size to fit in the 9 inch glass (it must be glass!) pie plate.

I love filling that smooth surface with something yummy.

I love the smell of my kitchen as the pie cooks.

But most of all...

I love seeing how much the love of my life enjoys eating my pies!

Tonight its pumpkin topped with vanilla ice cream!

Quick Update

Been awhile and I still am busy to the max so this will be quick...but - things are gong well at our hale!

Gabe is soooooooooooo busy with rehearsals. His show, Once On This Island (from the Broadway caribbean Little Mermaid production), opens on Oct. 10 at Paliku Theater. This one is giving him LOTS of exposure and learning opportunities in the world of theater - not high school level as he has had in the past. Its working with almost all adults in a very professional atmosphere.

Honestly - he is involved in so many things I'm not sure which is which. I know Saturday he was doing some kind of Kung fu panda voice over work with James Hong. I know he is supposed to be auditioning for a touring show with Kaiser Permanente and then there's Dance Concert rehearsals. And with all that going on we got a GREAT progress report from school - A's and B's! Hope he keeps up the good work.

Michelle is enjoying 7th grade and horseback riding. She got her hair cut short on Friday. I'll post pictures later. She is so funny - the other day she said:

"Mom today is PE in the weight room! I love the weight room!"

I said, "What do they have in the weight room?"

She said, "A bicycle and another thing that you hold."

I said "What do you do in the weight room?"

She said "I ride the bike and I burn 6 calories!"

I said, "Wow! 6 calories!"

She said, "Yup! Can I have a Pop-Tart?"

Hannah is now in 5th grade. We are still struggling with her seizures. She averages about 16 per day : (

Despite those seizures she's still a bundle of energy. As in "Hannah stop climbing on the door, Hannah stop running around the house, Hannah get down off that shelf, Hannah quit kicking that..."

Every morning she say "Hey mom, want me to play you a beautiful song?" Then she proceeds to play the same 5 notes of her original piano composition for me. Everyday the same notes...at least she's not banging on the piano.

Its great to have Susan home. She is such a helpful girl! Yesterday we went to a birthday party for Carly and Lehua and she spent most of the time holding baby CJ. She is back working with Kaily at Castle High School but with a schedule change - she works Tues, Wed, Thurs. only. Now she can pick up sub jobs on Monday and Friday.

Gene ran a half marathon on Saturday and did well! He can't wait until his birthday next year when he turns 60 because that will put him in an older category - he jokingly says at that age "everyone's a winner - just like in Special Olympics".

Oh yeah, he got called again to be an extra - this time on Hawaii Five-O. But after his last experience (which was too much sitting around and waiting for him) - he had to turn down the role. Such a diva!

Jacob is fine and so appreciates those of you who write him. He only has ONE YEAR LEFT! And only 4 months until he can call home (on Christmas!)

He is so sweet - he sent Hannah a ball through the mail. Just wrote her name and address on it and had it stamped and mailed. The mail carrier said "This is a first for me!" She's obviously new because he sent a ball to Michelle in May. What makes this even cuter is that he sent it for Hannah's birthday which he THOUGHT was on August 14th - but its really on September 14th!

Am looking forward to a week of catch up. Honestly, I came home from Virginia, and instead of delving back into my mounds of work, decided to go to lunch and the movie with a friend! Oh well - paying for that slacking day starting tomorrow.

Happy Friday Girls!

Hi Hannah and Michelle!

Yesterday we drove from Richmond Virginia to Newport News Virginia. It is about a 60 mile drive and should have only taken us 1 hour but it took much longer because it was raining. In fact, it was raining soooooooo hard that at times I could not see the car in front of us. We also saw alot of lightning!!! It was actually very beautiful. The thunder, however, was very, very loud!

I got to see Uncle "Rainy" and cousin Avery. We went out to dinner with Avery and her parents and her little sister Braylee. We had a great time.

We are staying at a Holiday Inn hotel - we have a 1 bedroom suite which means there is a bedroom and a separate living room with a dining room and kitchen area. There are 2 t.v.s here! There is also a swimming pool but I forgot to bring my swimming suit!

I will be here only 2 more days then I will leave on Monday. I will be home on Monday night. I can't wait to see you!

I love you very much! Have a fun weekend! I know youa re being kind to everyone - especially each other.

Love,
Mom