Greetings from Texas

Hello Hannah and Michelle,

Tonight we are staying overnite in San Antonio, Texas. We are staying with Bishop Teruya's son Kenny and his family. Guess who is here?

Do you recognize Sister Julie Teruya? she is here visiting her nephews Dane and Asher. Here they are with her and their mom Maggie.

Tomorrow Jenna and Maylani and their Mom and I will drive about 13 hours from San Antonio to Pensacola Florida.

I will be home on January 1 at 8:30 p.m. I can't wait to see you.

Hannah - I have not seen any cowboys in Texas. I hope you girls are being kind and obedient. I love you both.

hello girls

We are driving thru texas and there is snow on the side of the road! It is so pretty! It is cold though. Today we will drive 8 hours. I am writing this from my cell phone so I cannot write much. I will write more tonight on my laptop. I love you. I know you are being kind. Love Mom

Hi Hannah and Michelle

Well girls I am now in Arizona. Yesterday we drove 6 hours from San Diego. We stopped at McDonald's for dinner.

Today I am staying with a friend for the day and washing clothes then tonight we will leave at 7:00 p.m. to drive to El Paso, Texas.

Jenna and Maylani sit in the back seat of the car in their carseats. Their mom and I take turns driving the car. The car is packed with Jenna and Maylani's suitcases. It is really quishy in the backseat for the two girls.

Last ngiht Maylani was tired of sitting in her carseat. She started crying. I remembereed that I had a glow-in-the-dark bracelt in my bag. I gave it to her and she loved it. She was pretty good the rest of the way.

I will try to take a picture and post it tomorrow.

I love you both. Thanks for the email Hannah! I loved reading it! I knew you like the dolls you got for Christmas. I remember youw ere so excited when you opened them.

Be good girls. be obedient and know that I love you very much.

Love Mom.

Happy, Happy, JOY, JOY

Jacob's phone call today made this a FANTASTIC Christmas! It was so good to hear his voice - he is doing well, still has his great sense of humor, and is enthusiastic about his mission.

We talked for 1 1/2 hours and he told us about the many different experience he has had, about his companions, the people of idaho and the things he has seen and done.

Thank you to everyone who has written him and kept him in your prayers.

He is a such a good, loving boy. I miss him so much but am so happy that he is doing well and I know he is where our Heavenly Father wants him to be.

A Merry Christmas indeed!

Wouldn't Ya Know It!

I go to Walmart for not even 2 hours and what happens?

The mail carrier tries to deliver a box from Jacob!

We're not here so she can't leave it...gotta pick it up tomorrow.

So thoughtful that kid - sending us a box.

Can't wait to pick it up tomorrow, open it on Friday and THANK HIM OVER THE PHONE!!!

Gotta love that boy!

Confession & Wish

Gene is my best friend. But he has some competition...and its the competition I'm worried about.
So who is he? Well let me just say

...he's not new
...he sees me exclusively
...i love having him whisper in my ear
...he is the 2nd best traveling companion I've ever known
...i've tried to take care of him over the years
...i've bought him new outfits
...i've cleaned him regularly
...but now he's starting to get tired
...he's not his fun, entertaining self anymore
...he's actually thinking of retiring
...so i'm thinking of ending it

But not before Christmas - that would be unbearably cruel.

But Santa please - I've been really good - so can I get a replacement?

120 gig white with case protector

Oh - and so my new guy won't be lonely, could you throw in

Bose 15 - not the Q3

Please?

Family Party

It was nice getting together with the relatives at Sharlene's last night. Lots of food...chicken, noddles, ribs, sushi, chicken nuggets, salads, etc.

Uncle Kini and Aunty Judee, Candie and girls, Steve, Azeema, Herman, Bersolas, Tupous, Kala & fam, Moana and Fam, Ikaika and fam...really a great gathering.

Lisa is the best - she had games planned for the kids and adults too altho most sat around and chatted.

We didn't stay long - not even 2 hours...

...Hannah ran out the front door for the street and Michelle followed to "pet the dog"
...Hannah threw a doll into the pool and Michelle had to "rescue it from drowning"
...Hannah doused Cheyenne and Sorelle with water getting them soaking wet

Anway it was nice while it lasted.

Ain't kids grand!

This Weekend Begins

Tomorrow

...we clean out the patio - Gene has promised multiple trips to the dump.
...go to Sam's Club
...prepare Primary 2010 schedule
...do a little bit of Christmas shopping
...pick up a new bag I orderd
...bake a few Christmas treats for giveaways
...go to our ohana Christmas party!!!!!!!!!!

Sunday
...we go to church at 9
...take Gabe to his performance at the mall at noon
...feed the missionaries
...have Family Home Evening
...go see some Christmas Lights

Monday
...I work a bit
...prepare for Primary activity
...go Christmas caroling with the Primary

Tuesday
...I work a bit
...breakfast meeting with some colleagues
...get a pedicure
...maybe get a haircut
...finish shopping

Wednesday
...I work a bit
...wrap presents
...clean house
...cook for Christmas party
...host Christmas party at our home for a few good friends

Thursday
...I work a bit
...finish wrapping presents
...wash clothes
...cook for family Christmas Eve dinner
...enjoy Christmas Eve with my family at home
...prep breakfast casserole & sticky buns for Christmas morning

Friday
...(early) put gifts under the tree
...watch everyone open their presents
...TALK TO JACOB ON THE PHONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
...pack my carry-on
...leave for the airport by 8:30 p.m. to fly to Las Vegas.

From Saturday until the next Friday I will be there visiting Stephanie for a day and a half before meeting my friend Missy in L.A. and helping her drive (with her 2 kids) to Pensacola Florida!

I feel blessed that I have the means, health, support, energy, and ability to do all the things I need to do. I also am committed to reading my scriptures diligently this week and showing my gratitude to my Heavenly Father for this special season of love.

Then...
HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Still Waiting

The highlight of my week is usually Tuesdays. It's the day I get an email from Jacob. I am assuming Tuesdays are his Preparation Days and the day he is allowed to email and write letters (along with other once-a-week activities like laundry, recreation, etc.) The email usually comes through in early Tuesday afternoon.

I'm still waiting...

I am sure he's busy doing good things. Perhaps the public library (the place where they are allowed to log on) was closed or something.

But if it doesn't come this week there's always next week...

Oh - by the way - next week is the mother lode.

Email on Tuesday (hopefully!) then he gets to call home on Christmas Day! Yay!

Random Photos

Some photos off my camera...a cool statue of the Savior, Steve sleeping standing up next to Alo, Gabe in a parade, Michelle at a parade.

Glass Etching

So for Christmas this year I set up a workshop on Glass Etching with David at Rubber Stamp Plantation. I invited Candie (she ended up not being able to make it), Mellene, brandi, Susan & Azeema. We had the class last night.

It was so much fun - and easy, easy, easy. here are some photos of some of the pieces I made.

This last one needs explanation. Its a pie plate. My intention is to make a pie for our friends the Featherans. When they are finished with the pie they'll discover that I have etched their name in the bottom of the pie plate!

Blessings of the Year

In no particular order...

1. Weddings...my cousin Manu's, my nephew Ryan's, my niece Rachel's and my friend Suzie's son, Jared
2. Babies...Lehua and Carly Rose
3. Travel...Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Russia, Albuquerque, Washington D.C. Orlando, Utah, Palm Springs, San Diego, New York, Ohio and Missouri
4. Grey's Anatomy - after a lame last season - its good again!
5. Jacob's Two-Year Mission Call to the Idaho Boise Mission
6. Family Reunion
7. Another year with the BEST husband in the world.
It's all good and I am thoroughly convinced...
I must be God's favorite.

Some Reunion Pictures

My smart sister Alo sent some reunion photos. Here are a few.


Prettiest person at reunion.

Lisa and Jason

Ally and Uncle Kini

Queen Stephanie

My two girls Brandi and Susan

My other two girls - the Rice Eating Champ and the Coconut Hurler

More pictures and reunion memories to come...when I have time.

CRAZY!!!!!!!!

AND CRAZIER!!

And Gene and I were among the throngs!!





Its standstill traffic.
Its people parking ANYWHERE.
Its thousands walking alongside the road cause its much faster than driving.
Its neighbors charging up to $50 for prime parking along the roadway.
Its hundred of pro photographers with telephoto lens.
Its the mist in the air - not from rain but from the waves.
Its people of all ages and all in a really good mood -
Appreciating the beauty, power and AWESOMENESS
Of the winter swell of 2009!

Lucky we live Hawaii!

Jacob's Continuing Randomness

So i told my last companion to write Sue because he said she was cute (got my family pic up you sent me.) ^-^ i think he did a while ago. and we joked about her writing him before me lol.

Dad is awesome. So are you Jenny. SO is aunty.

CHRISTMAS is exciting.

IT WAS -7 degrees today and i was outside without a jacket on in basketball shorts and a shirt because it was hot in the gym. acclimation is miraculous.

THe BRadys mailed me today. twas randomly awesome. aske them where in Oregon they live because our mission covers part of it.

Got another Baptism for team Awesome (thats us, as in all who want eternal life)

I was thinking about Michelle somewhere in between what salsa i should buy and World of Warcraft, so tell her i said HI. Kawai too, i guess =]

THats all for now, you Stay CLassy!

Love, me ( Jake )

p.s. "The Spirit of God, like a Fire it Spread...the persecution the spirit the peaceeeeeeeee." A Nashiville tribute to the Prophet.

p.p.s. He who doesnt hear the music thinks the DANCER is crazy

Jacob - December Greetings

we got transfer calls and i was supposed to stay in Jerome, but on Saturday night President Yardley called me and said i was going to Boise, so i leave there tomorrow. you can mail stuff to me at 1111 south cole Road, Boise, Idaho. 83709.

im excited, mostly because it is 10 degrees warmer there on average. its a car share, so half-bike-half-car. but my last companion let me "borrow" his bike for as long as i need one. he will be in a car area for the rest of his mission, so it all worked out good. elder naylor is awesome like that.

i was thinking the other day about being left handed. altho im not really a lefty, because i do just as many things with my right hand, but im not abidextrous either because i cant do things with both hands. so weird.

so i get christmas stuff? AWESOME!

oh yeah, my next companion i THINK will be elder owen. this other elder in my district served with him and apparently has terrets syndrome. sounds like funnn!! =D

peace out, and smile at someone random today. we do it all the time and you will be surprised at their reaction.

love ya,

-Jake

p.s. "She was more than a beauty queen, off a movie scene..." -Michael Jackson, Billy Jean

p.p.s. Screaming takes more energy than smirking and laughing. -jacob wright

Jaob's Thanksgiving Greeting

HHHHHHAAAAAPPPPPYYYYYTTTTHHHHAAAANNNNKKKKKSSSGGGIIIVVVIIINNNNGGGGGG!!!!!!!! aka merry turkey day.

so the work here is going good. lots of baptisms coming up in December (because its Christmas maybe?)

we left a pamphlet on the restoration with a potential investigator. and when we came back he actually read it. Blew my mind.

a cool thing i have realized is (and its not steryotpyping, just based on my experience) that every person we have met who speaks spanish believes in Jesus. its fact. the hard part is getting them to come to our church because they all also belive in tradition, doing things just because their parents did it that way. on the other hand white people as a rule are more rebellious and find great joy in doing things differently from their parents! but white pepole also belive in being unique, and because there are so many mormons in Idaho they tend to shy away sometimes. that and we dont offer as many shiny trinkets to decorate our house with like zen gardens or bhuddists shrines. unless you are from sons of provo, in which case "Mormons can be bhuddusts too!"

I say 'Less-Activessss' with a serpent like hiss at the end. sometimes its just like "GO TO CHURCHHHHHHHHHHHH!!" and they are like "But i have watch TV"

and i love how when we give Book of mormon reading commitments we walk in on them watchin football and are like "Oh, we were working and i had to mow my lawn 3 days ago so i didnt have time to read 17 words which make up the 2 versus shich we said we would read so you would leave our house faster.

im just venting, everything is going great here tho =]

give everyone my love!

love yas, jake

p.s. When life gives you lemons, make grape juice, sit back, and let them wonder how you did it

p.p.s. Im not crazy, im just a LITTLE unwell -Matchbox 20, unwell

Jacob - Mid November

heya, so down to business:

My comps name is Elder Jordan Naylor. he is pretty cool/crazy. not sure what to say tho...

we have a lot of investigators at the moment tho. and a baptism planned every week for the next 3 weeks (another we need to set a date for somewhere in there)

everyone in jerome is nuts. nothing changes there.

everyone is getting sick here with the flu. its redonkyulous.

im not really sure what to say, im not that exciting a person.
Oh wait! i was a pirate for halloween and my comp was richard simmons. the other 2 elders we live with went as flavor flav and our zone leader. ill send pics laters =]

i think i am sick because i have a fever and feel dizzy.

love you guys, take care, and thanks for everything!
love,
elder wright

p.s. "...and you ask yourself, where is my mind?" the Pixies
p.p.s. "A steel lock wont protect the contents of a paper chest" -jacob wright

Reunion Recovery

So its been 1 week since our reunion ended...but I'm still in recovery mode. It'll be a few days before I will have the chance to blog about it but suffice to say - it achieved what I wanted it to - we honored Uncle Kini and spent some quality time with loving family members.

While most have flown home I am seeing the aftermath in several ways:

1) Sharlene has planned a SUPER family Christmas Party on December 19 at her place.
2) I've heard lots of good comments from attendees about how much they enjoyed themselves.
3) It certainly has helped me get into the Christmas spirit of love and joy.

Yes - I will blog about it soon - but for today its - MONSTER WAVES ON NORTH SHORE!!!! Gene and I are going out there today - cause we love witnessing the power of the ocean even if we have to suffer through stop-and-go traffic. 60 foot wave faces - totally worth it!