Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Serious Illness - Know the Cure?
Our travels (Gene's and mine) have taken us to Canada, England (4 times?), Scotland (3), Wales, Ireland, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Italy (2 times), Switzerland, France (2 times), Belgium, Netherlands, Germany (maybe 5 times - lost count), Luxembourg, Ireland (2times) and to almost every sector of the U.S. But still we've got the illness.
In 2010 our travel group (FOG) is planning to go to Oberammergau in Germany. That'll be in Sept 2010. But that won't cure the illness - that's too far away!
What to do? What's the cure?
Only one thing - to quote Willie Nelson "...on the road again!"
To get us on the road to recovery we MUST plan 2 short getaways (this does NOT count my business trips - cause Gene will have to stay home and watch the keiki while I'm on those!). We are saving our pennies - cause you all know we travel on the cheap, cheap, cheap.
To avoid complete debilitation we MUST go this fall/early winter. The cure will only last about 4 months so we MUST have our second dose around late winter/early spring 2010 (like maybe February).
But where should we go? Your thoughts, dear reader? (Do NOT suggest Utah)
Not more than 4 days on the ground plus 2 traveling should make us GOOD AS NEW. (We have babysitter complexities as you all know!)
So far the contenders are:
1) Church History areas (Palmyra (NY), Kirtland (OH), Nauvoo (IL) etc.)
2) France (only 1 day in Paris though - the rest in the country)
3) Krakow (Gene's been wanting to go there forever)
4) Croatia (you can rent a lighthouse to stay in just off Croatia!)
5) England (my relatives in the Lake District make the whole country so special!)
6) Ireland! (ah! heavenly!)
Anyone want to GET HEALTHY with us?
Friday, August 28, 2009
FOUND!
I posted a plea here this morning - and not an hour later got an email from her with her email and contact info!!!
I won't tell you her name right now - but soon...
I will share her info with all of you so that you can all forward your spam email to her! You can also post her number in truck stops across the U.S. Also, if you call her directly (and I will post her phone number) she will even PAY YOUR BILLS!!!
You will want her on speed dial!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Fix What You Can Fix
Adopt it yourself and see how it works.
It has already helped me have a brighter outlook on this new day!
Email from Elder Jacob Wright 8/24/09
You will hear more from me soon,
Love, Jake (Elder Wright) ;)
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
True Confessions
The only seats available
Were at the slot machines in the middle.
So I sat.
Well of course you know...
Those seats are for players only
So...
I had to play.
Penny slot.
I put in $1
And won $3.
I decided to let it ride
And bet the max on all lines.
I won $48!
So that's my confession.
Filthy lucre...
All mine!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Some Utah Photos
Hannah loved the stairs and was usually crawling up and down them head firts. I got her to pose on one of her climbs.
Here's a picture on Michelle sitting at the kitchen bar.
Gene and I both slept really well at this place - sleeping in until 7:00 on some days - unheard of back home in Kaneohe!
We went to dinner our first night in Utah with the Boman Family. It was just the beginning of our "over-eat" vacation.
I cooked at the townhouse several nights - one night we had our old friend Dave Monobe over for dinner.
The Bomans had a nice BBQ for us one night! Steaks and all the works. It was great visiting with them and with the Hillstroms, both old friends from our former life in Ogden.
My deaf friends had a BBQ for us too on Friday night at Cindy Tuckett Kerr's house in West Layton. It was great to see her, her family, Chris Brown, Heidi Ercanbrack, Pam Tuckett Bowker and Cindy Frew. It felt good to sign again and to understand sign language. I was surprised at how quickly it all came back...and also how patient these gals were with my signing!!!
On my last night in Utah we went to Steve and Kathy's for another BBQ. it was fun to see all their grandchildren! Hannah turned the water hose on all the kids and got them all soaked. Steve and Kathy have such a nice family.
We also went to our niece Rachel's wedding on Saturday at red Moose Lodge in Eden. The temperature was supposed to hit like 106 but, thankfully, it didn't. The chairs were in the shade so it was a very nice afternoon. I'll post wedding pictures later.
So now I'm headed home to see my Carly and Lehua! Can't wait!
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Elder Wright
Here is Jacob the day he entered the Mission Training Center in Provo, Utah (Aug. 19). I made him take off his glasses cause he has some that go dark when you go outside. I thought he looked so handsome in his new charcoal gray suit. He tried it on, with no intention of wearing it that day, but once he got it on and looked at him self in the mirror he said, "I'm wearing this. I look good!"
We dropped him a little before noon. He looked happy and excited! One last hug and he was gone...and I cried all the way from Provo to Thanksgiving Point.
So proud of him. He gave his Dad his cell phone and Gabe a BB gun. He gave me an IOU on an arm massage.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Humbling Morning
It was so special - the temple workers treated Jacob so special, the temple president was so kind to him. I am so grateful for such a great son who has kept himself worthy in every way to enter the House of the Lord.
His maturity and readiness to serve the Lord were very much in evidence today.
I am truly blessed.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Today's the Day
By the time you read this it will be Monday and on Monday night you will fly on the airplane with Susan to utah. You will actually fly on 3 planes. The first plane will take you from Hawaii to Los Angeles, California.
On that first plane it will be a good idea to go to sleep. Susan can help you if you need to use the bathroom on the plane. You will be on that plane for about 5 hours. You will be sitting in row 11.
You will get to California in the early morning. You will be at the airport in Los Angeles for about 1 1/2 hours. During that time you can go to the bathroom and maybe eat something for breakfast.
You will then get on the 2nd plane which will take you from Los Angeles California to Dallas Texas. You will be on that plane for about 3 hours.
You will arrive in Dallas at about lunch time. Maybe you will get something to eat at the Dallas airport. You will be there for about 2 hours.
Your 3rd plane will take you from Dallas to the airport in Salt Lake City Utah. You will arrive in Utah at about 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon. We will be at the airport to get you.
Please be obedient to Susan. Remember to go to the bathroom before you get on every plane because the airplane bathrooms are small. Do not wait until the last minute to go to the bathroom.
On Tuesday night we will have dinner with Aunty LeAnn and her family. Maybe we will get to see Heather that night. Heather will cut Hannah's bangs. Heather is Vanessa's sister. You will like her - she has a dog and she is going to have a baby!
I love you girls and am so excited to see you very soon! Remember to be kind to your friends and Susan too (especially as you travel).
Love,
Mom
Oh What a Beautiful Morning!
Why you ask? Well..it was the final song that made it so special.
Can you imagine seeing and hearing the Choir in person as they sang "Climb Every Mountain"?
Simply awesome!
Friday, August 14, 2009
Hi Girls
It is hot in Utah. It is 90 degrees.It is very green and pretty. There is a waterpark near the townhome we are renting!
Please be obedient at school and get all your work done.
I miss you and will see you soon.
Be kind to everyone.
Ilove you.
Mom
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Hello Michelle & Hannah
Tonight and tomorrow night Aunty and Aunty Brandi will be with you. This weekend Aunty Brandi and Susan will be with you.
I hope you have a good day at school and that you are helpful to your friends.
Please be good big sisters to Carly and Lehua! They love you both so much. Make sure you don't carry them because when you carry them they can't exercise their leg muscles.
Michelle - I downloaded 5 new episodes of Rugrats on your Ipod. You can watch them on the plane.
Hannah - Have a great school day with Ms. Juliet and have fun on the monkey bars! Maybe you can read a book to Carly tonight
I love you, remember to always be kind.
Mom
Friday, August 7, 2009
You Know You're From Hawaii
1. You buy large quantities of toilet paper in case there’s a longshoreman strike…
2. You don’t understand why anyone would buy less than a 20 lb bag of rice…
3. You would serve spam as a meat for dinner…
4. You can taste the difference between teriyaki and kal-bi
5. You know what a plumeria is and which color would die first: yellow,white or red…
6. You know why there’s shoes and slippers outside of front doors…
7. You know why there are alphabets on trees or any posts on graduation day (this isn’t how everyone does it?!)
8. You know what lei day is…
9. You know what is the “stink eye”; and how to give it…
11. You can correctly pronouce kalanianaole, kalakaua and aiea
12. You know what is in the big breakfast at mcdonald’s
13. You know what a “huli huli chicken” is…
14. You can name 3 varieties of mangos…
15. You have at least one family member whose name is “_____ boy; or “tita”…
16. You have said “wat, owe you money?,”; “karang your alas”; or “da kine”…
17. You know the difference between being hapa and being hapai
18. You give directions using mauka and makai…
19. You know what is “hawaii pono’i”…
20. You know what it takes to get into kamehameha school…
21. You know how to correctly pronounce “Likelike”…
22. Someone says the word “UKU” and your head starts itching. eeww…
23. You raise your chin to say “wassup” instead of nodding. (like one haole)…
24. When making “Shaka” the back of your hand is facing out. (Except I am partial to the ‘lazy shaka’)
25. You say, “Nori” not seaweed paper…
26. You say “Brah” not “Bro”…
27. You despise the movie “North Shore”…
28. You know why Sharks Cove is called Sharks Cove…
30. You laugh at couples with cheesy Aloha attire…
31. If you get one pair of “tata” slippers…
32. When you e-mail mail people in pidgin…
33. You know what is “Morgan’s Corner”. (And it still scares you!)
34. If you’re immune to “leptospirosis”.
35. When it’s 70 degrees and it’s freezing to you.
36. You use “tako” instead of worms or fluorescent pink fish eggs for bait…
37. You got lickins’ with “da rubbah slippah”…
38. If you can walk through Waianae and not get mobbed…
39. You know that “Kukui nut” is not some mental person…
40. You’ve given Kahi Mohala’s number out to a guy/girl you didn’t like… (This is a good idea, haha!)
41. You call it “saimin” not “Top Ramen”…
42. The surf report is on your speed dial…
43. Your local kids wear slippers and shorts in November in Michigan! (inside the house, of course!)…
44. “Dressing up” means shorts and a aloha shirt.
45. You say “shave ice”, not snow cone or shaved ice…
46. Rainbow Drive-Inn is a special date.
47. You go Kam, not Aloha, swap meet.
48. You know pineapples don’t grow in trees.
49. When you hear the words fund raiser, you know it means Zippy’s Chili
50. Your mouth waters when you hear the words li-hing mui.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Poke Bowl
2 days in a row I've devoured them! First I tried the ahi shoyu poke bowl, then last night the limu ahi poke bowl
Broke da mout!
Planning Jacob's Farewell
We've scheduled a BBQ farewell party for Jacob this Saturday from 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. at the District Park. That is our kind of setting - lots of run around room, playground equipment, bathrooms, lots of parking and did I mention free? (and only 3 blocks away).
How many are coming? Who knows! We've invited a bunch so planning for maybe 100?
It will be a great opportunity for Jacob to see everyone before he leaves. He has invited his girlfriend Sam and her family so we will get to meet her parents (and sister I think) for the first time.
Our good friends, the Featherans, are helping us with tables, tent etc. but that's as fancy as it'll get - it's a bring-your-own-lawn-chair affair.
I have been so touched by the friends who have called to ask "What can I bring?" - I am usually not a "potluck" person so its been hard - BUT, the friends who have asked are really close friends and will get irritated if I don't allow them to help.
So here's the menu -
BBQ Chicken (made with my special secret recipe)
BBQ Ribs (made with another one of my special secret recipes)
Hot Dogs (the red ones - cause I love Michelle and she loves them)
Hamburgers (this one is still a maybe...thinking about it)
Noodles (Aunty Leo ordered!)
Sushi (Aunty Leo again!)
Pasta Salad (my not-so-secret recipe)
Potato Salad (Kookie Laumatia specialty!)
Chinese Chicken Salad (by Gourmet Chef Friend Larry Medal)
Baked Beans (our neighbor Bob Meyer's specialty!)
Rice (Rochelle Featheran's got the biggest rice container I know of!)
Ice Cake (old fashioned kind courtesy of Ice Cake Queen Korey Teruya)
Cup Cakes (Brandi doesn't know this yet but I am going to ask her to buy these=D)
Chips (my super secret recipe - buy them at the store!)
Is your mouth watering? Then come on down!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Invasion of the Time Snatchers
This morning I remembered that the new kids' Guardian Ad Litem was coming over at 9:30. Luckily she called and said it would be more like 10:00.
I say luckily because this is what I forgot. Michelle's therapist was coming over at 9:00. She was on time.
The Guardian Ad Litem showed up at 9:50 so I kicked the therapist out.
I also forgot that Lehua's Enhanced Healthy Start worker was coming over at 10:30 so when she showed up I kicked out the Guardian Ad Litem.
Its 11:38 and the Healthy Start gal just left.
Whew!
Honestly, 7 kids is no work at all compared to the time it takes to deal with all of the adults assigned to offer us "support services"! This week alone I have spent 12+ hours either meeting with, talking on the phone to or corresponding with these "helpful" folks.
And its all the same - same questions, same discussion...
I'm tired - and its only Wednesday - and the dreaded Catholic Charities social worker is coming back tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Questions, Answers & Blood
And while she was here:
- She had to talk to each of us individually.
- Jacob talked about preparing for mission and importance of Family Home Evening (yea!)
- Gabe talked about his performances and importance of Family Home Evening (yes!)
- Hannah talked about the ocean and a doctor kit (huh?)
- Michelle talked about how she didn't want to talk to the lady but wanted to go outside with Elvis (yea!)
- The lady let Lehua play with her file folder
- Lehua got a cut on her finger from the lady's file folder and bled everywhere
- Gene had to take Lehua to emergency cause it was bleeding so bad and wouldn't stop
- Jacob had to go along to apply pressure to the bleeding finger
- Hannah wet her pants twice.
- Michelle, Hannah and Carly got into 3 screaming fights over the toy doctor kit Carly got for her birthday.
- I had to find Gabe a ride to the airport (for his trip to Scotland) cause Gene had taken the car to the hospital with Gabe
- Michelle kept nagging for dinner saying "But Mom I am so hungry."
- The lady kept asking her stupid questions!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you are a social worker - get a clue - tune into what's happening around you and adjust!!!!!
Dinner was at 7:30 - rice and eggs
The Good News
Lehua's finger got glued (can't wet it for 3 days - yea, right - try that with a 1 year old!)
More Good News
Gene did sneak out later and got Panda Express for he and I - sweet date!
REALLY, REALLY BAD NEWS
The lady is coming back on Thursday cause she didn't get to talk much to Gene cause SHE made my baby's finger bleed so bad he had to leave and take her to the hospital!!!
Monday, August 3, 2009
New Picture
Monday, July 20, 2009
The Show Must Go On
He leaves for Scotland in 2 weeks so this week I need to devote time to getting him ready for his trip as well as for the start of school (which he'll miss the 1st two weeks)...sounds like a money drain to me!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
On the Mend
Gene has been so great at helping with the baby at night especially and Susan came over on Thursday night to help.
Next week is sure to be better!!
Monday, July 6, 2009
Sick Sick Sick
This too shall pass.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
The First Week
- Some things have changed - there's Similac, Similac with iron, Similac Advanced, Similac R.S., Similac Isomil Advanced etc. etc. etc. and they all cost about $22.00 per can! (calculate x 2 cans per week)
- Some things have not changed - cornstarch is still as good as baby powder.
- An 11 month old, a 35 month old and an 8 year old cannot fit the same size diaper - no matter how you alter the thing. (Believe me I've tried)
- It is totally unrealistic to expect Hannah to NOT play with, touch, monopolize or break the new kids' toys.
- Job, hobbies, sleep take a back seat to everything these days.
- The best way for a 55 year old to get down off the hill in the backyard in one piece (while holding on to a child) is on one's ample butt (the 55 year old's - not the child's).
- "Hi Mom!" are nice words.
- "I sorry" are too.
- "Mom - can you download another episode on my ipod?" are bad words.
Its all good.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
They're Here
Some challenges but lots of love and excitement.
"Reestablishing" a nursery and baby proofing the house after 8 years has been a fun, interesting and cash draining experience! But we bought the toddler bed, high chair, clothes (they came with practically nothing), the baby food and the most awesome stroller!
The other kids are over the moon about these new ones as are we. Pics up soon.
Oh also Susan is moving to Sunset Beach area - moving into a house with a bunch of friends. We will miss her (and our car which she is taking for a little while). She plans on coming over on Sundays for church, dinner and the washer and dryer.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Well Its True
Hannah and Michelle are over the moon about being big sisters.
As soon as we take photos I'll post them but until then we are busy arranging, rearranging, scheduling, rescheduling and just getting so excited about the whole thing.
The Lord truly has us in mind and we continue to lean on Him for support and guidance while rejoicing the the great blessing He is about to bestow upon us.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Special News for Hannah & Michelle
I have some special news - on Thursday we will find out about 2 little girls who will soon come to live with us.
One girl is almost 1 years old. Her name is Lehua. The other girl's name is Carly Rose. She is almost 3 years old.
I know this is a a big surprise. It was a surprise for Daddy and me too. The social worker just called and asked us if we wanted more children in our family.
So after my airplane lands then Dad and I will go to the social worker's office. They will come home to us in afew days.
I know you are both ready to be big sisters. I know you will be kind and helpful to the 2 little girls. You can help today by making sure you put all your toys away and put the little toys up high so that Lehua doesn't get them in her mouth.
I love you!
Mom
Good Morning Hannah & Michelle!
Tonight is my last night here in Portland. Tomorrow morning I will catch the plane home. I should be home by the time you get home from school.
Cousin Ally and Aunty Alo have a great big dog named Arlo. He is a Malamute. He has lots of white, black and gray fur. He has blue eyes. Aunty Alo rides her bike and Arlo runs along the side of her as she rides.
Michelle - Did you like Young Women last night? Dad said you went to see the movie "Up". I hope you will be able to go to Kamaaina Kids today!
Hannah - I was happy to hear that you read Mrs. Wishy-Washy. You are getting to be such a good reader.
I love you both very much. I know you are being good and being kind to all your friends and family.
Love,
Mom
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Good Day to My Two Girls!
Hello Hannah and Michelle!
I am still in Portland with Aunty Alo and cousin Ally. Ally is teaching me how to make books! It is very exciting, interesting and fun. Above is a picture of their cat named ReeRee.
Have a great day at school! Remember to always be kind.
Love,
Mom
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Pictures for Hannah & Michelle
Today I will drive from Salt Lake City to Las Vegas then I will catch a plane to Portland, Oregon.
Did Jacob tell you his exciting news? He has been called to serve a mission in Boise Idaho! He will be a missionary for 2 years! He has to come to Utah for training in August then he will go to Boise. So in August our whole family will get on the airplane and come to drop Jacob off in Utah. You girls will get out of school for maybe 1 week or more so that you can ride the airplane with us and come to Utah. That will be very exciting!
Friday, June 19, 2009
Jacob's Missionary Call
A Big Hello to Hannah & Michelle
Well Thank you for the email Hannah! Michelle - I am sorry you missed your fieldtrip but that is so fun that you got to go and pet that mouse!
I got to Las Vegas last night. This morning I will drive to Utah with Aunty Stephanie. It will be a 6 hour drive. Tonight we will go to dinner at a special restaurant next to the Salt Lake Temple. It is a very beautiful place.
I will try to post a picture tonight.
Did you like the lockets I left for you? Did you like the pictures inside?
Have a great day at school! Remember to be obedient and always be kind.
Tell Mr. Brindle or Ms. Juliet to do me a favor - I don't know Michelle's teacher's name and I don't have Jenelle's email address so I hope you can tell them to allow Michelle to read the blog everyday if possible. Jenelle can email me her email address and phone - Ms. Juliet you can give her my phone number if she doesn't have it. Thank you so much.
Love to both of you girls!
Mom





