Went to the neurologist for Hannah yesterday. He had upped her meds a month ago (doubled them) because he wanted the Tegretol at a specific level and hopefully control her seizures.
At this appointment we learned that the blood tests showed the tegretol level in her blood didn't even go up 2/10ths - so very minimal.
Why - when the dose was DOUBLED???
Answer - her metabolism is too high - DUH! The doctor said this as Hannah was jumping around the office...and had already had 41 seizures that day.
SO - we are doubling everything AGAIN and seeing if that will work.
This metabolism thing is, of course, why she eats and yet stays slender, slender, slender.
I want to switch my metabolism for hers - just for one month. Please.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Sageet
We got an invitation to a Sageet (Engagement Party) for Steve and Azeema. It was on Saturday night. We didn't know what to expect - but the invitation said wear green and bring a south asian dish for potluck.
Then the women all danced a cultural dance and invited everyone to join them.
Everything was very interesting and the food was plentiful, different and yummy. Everyone was so kind and warm and one more thing I noticed - every single woman that attended (most were Indian/Pakistani I think) - everyone of them was absolutely beautiful! Like movie star beautiful.
These are the people that gave the party.
His name is Joe, I can't remember her name but the baby is Anwar.
All the furniture had been removed from the living room and there were mats and pillows around the edges of the room.His name is Joe, I can't remember her name but the baby is Anwar.
There was a beautiful decorated 4 poster bed at the "head" of the room.
Steve and Azeema sat on the bed while each guest hand fed them bits of a special doughnut
This was some kind of Asian cermony. It was very interesting.
This was some kind of Asian cermony. It was very interesting.
Then the women all danced a cultural dance and invited everyone to join them.
Everything was very interesting and the food was plentiful, different and yummy. Everyone was so kind and warm and one more thing I noticed - every single woman that attended (most were Indian/Pakistani I think) - everyone of them was absolutely beautiful! Like movie star beautiful.
It was strange for me to be at a party and realize, for the FIRST TIME EVER that
I wasn't the ONLY beautiful woman in the room.
I wasn't the ONLY beautiful woman in the room.
Miracles
So last Friday Susan told me that she lost her debit card...GREAT. She was leaving for Bali 2 days later and losing it meant she'd have to take just cash...which is not that great an idea.
We decided we'd let her take one of gene's debit cards.
On Saturday afternoon I got a message on my cell phone from a guy named Gary who found her debit card AND her driver's license (she neglected to tell me she had lost that too).
How did he get my number since its not on either card????
MIRACLE.
We picked it up that night and she left Sunday.
Someone's watching over us for sure.
We decided we'd let her take one of gene's debit cards.
On Saturday afternoon I got a message on my cell phone from a guy named Gary who found her debit card AND her driver's license (she neglected to tell me she had lost that too).
How did he get my number since its not on either card????
MIRACLE.
We picked it up that night and she left Sunday.
Someone's watching over us for sure.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Good News!
Its not a brain tumor!
So we keep plugging away hoping to get the right mix and dosage of meds to control the seizures.
Thanks for the prayers.
So we keep plugging away hoping to get the right mix and dosage of meds to control the seizures.
Thanks for the prayers.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Catch Up
Camping went well for Michelle - thanks to her awesome sister Susan. Both enjoyed the camp, beach and activities.
Hannah had her MRI on Saturday - but no results yet :-(
Gabe got back from Utah and jumped right into 3 weeks of drivers ed classes. He met a girl at EFY that he is particularly fond of - but she lives in New Mexico.
The mother of some good friends died so we'll be going to a funeral on Wednesday - gene is speaking at it.
Susan is starting to pack for her trip.
And I have a terrible cold. Not feeling good at all.
But could be worse.
Hannah had her MRI on Saturday - but no results yet :-(
Gabe got back from Utah and jumped right into 3 weeks of drivers ed classes. He met a girl at EFY that he is particularly fond of - but she lives in New Mexico.
The mother of some good friends died so we'll be going to a funeral on Wednesday - gene is speaking at it.
Susan is starting to pack for her trip.
And I have a terrible cold. Not feeling good at all.
But could be worse.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Anticipation
Michelle leaves for camping in a couple of hours. How will she do? Who's to say? Packed food she will eat since I know she'll turn her nose up at what they will be serving - so filled the cooler with bologna sandwiches, pizza, chips, cookies, pears, orange crush and water. She'll at least survive.
Gabe home in 2 days - YAY!
Hannah's MRI in 2 days...praying.
Gabe home in 2 days - YAY!
Hannah's MRI in 2 days...praying.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
The Week That Was
...Gabe went to EFY in Utah and is now spending the weekend having fun with Jimmy Fitzgerald and family (Jimmy used to be in our Ward and was Gabe's Young Men's leader - he moved to Utah in Dec.)
...Got Lakona (Gabe's friend) off to Utah on Thursday night! Whew! He'd never flown before and was a bit nervous. Called me from each layover (3) so I could walk him through the process and guide him (over the phone) to the next gate.
...Hannah had 2 really bad seizures -she had probably more than 50 this week - but 2 were significant because she got hurt! A huge goose egg with one and a very bad cut and fat lip with the other. We took her in after the lip one and her neurologist finally got serious. He added another drug to her medication cocktail since he said he had "a bad feeling that Hannah is one of those people that will not benefit from medication". If she continues to get hurt then we'll start looking at helmets. Her sedated MRI to rule out a brain tumor is scheduled for next Saturday.
...Susan moved back home - sort of. Some of her stuff is here. She was here one night. Her bed and last bit of stuff and her body (maybe) should be here tonight.
...Michelle learned to make pancakes! Her first real cooking feat.
...Got a letter from Jacob's Mission President telling us Jacob got made an Area Leader - not sure what it is but it sounds good!
...Had a GREAT Family Reunion meeting the other night! Things are certainly firming up for this event. I love my Mossman Ohana.
...Spent a good 10 hours this week doing some Mossman family history research and discovered not only the location of Captain Mossman's store in Honolulu, but also refernce to and map of location where he owned a boarding house!
...Heard from my Mossman cousins in England =) and now have such a yearning to go and visit them and go to the family plot in Berwick again. Now if I only had the money.
...Got a cool email from my sister Leilani - reminding me to keep track of our brother Bobby.
...Had a great online chat with my cousin Lisa! Gotta love FB for that one. I'm planning a baby shower for my cousin Manu's wife on July 10. As always, Lisa is the connector in her family.
...Finished completing the tabulation of the Annual Salary Survey for my work. I had to do the formulas on the spreadsheet and everything. Those who know me realize this is quite an accomplishment cause I don't do numbers - only colors.
...Had a meeting with FOG about our upcoming Church History trip in late September. Awesome friends. We have the best potlucks for these meetings. Our travel plans are firming up and we will once again be able to stay at Marydale Inn in Jameson, Missouri. A wonderfully relaxing place.
...Made Sticky Toffee Pudding last night for Gene's dessert! Its the recipe from Augill Castle in Kirkby Stephen (Lake District England) where we stayed in 2006. Yummy and still some left!
...Broke the in-the-door-ice maker on the fridge. Luckily Gene is handy and will fix it (its the motor) today.
And that was it for the last week. Certainly B & B - Busy & Blessed!
...Got Lakona (Gabe's friend) off to Utah on Thursday night! Whew! He'd never flown before and was a bit nervous. Called me from each layover (3) so I could walk him through the process and guide him (over the phone) to the next gate.
...Hannah had 2 really bad seizures -she had probably more than 50 this week - but 2 were significant because she got hurt! A huge goose egg with one and a very bad cut and fat lip with the other. We took her in after the lip one and her neurologist finally got serious. He added another drug to her medication cocktail since he said he had "a bad feeling that Hannah is one of those people that will not benefit from medication". If she continues to get hurt then we'll start looking at helmets. Her sedated MRI to rule out a brain tumor is scheduled for next Saturday.
...Susan moved back home - sort of. Some of her stuff is here. She was here one night. Her bed and last bit of stuff and her body (maybe) should be here tonight.
...Michelle learned to make pancakes! Her first real cooking feat.
...Got a letter from Jacob's Mission President telling us Jacob got made an Area Leader - not sure what it is but it sounds good!
...Had a GREAT Family Reunion meeting the other night! Things are certainly firming up for this event. I love my Mossman Ohana.
...Spent a good 10 hours this week doing some Mossman family history research and discovered not only the location of Captain Mossman's store in Honolulu, but also refernce to and map of location where he owned a boarding house!
...Heard from my Mossman cousins in England =) and now have such a yearning to go and visit them and go to the family plot in Berwick again. Now if I only had the money.
...Got a cool email from my sister Leilani - reminding me to keep track of our brother Bobby.
...Had a great online chat with my cousin Lisa! Gotta love FB for that one. I'm planning a baby shower for my cousin Manu's wife on July 10. As always, Lisa is the connector in her family.
...Finished completing the tabulation of the Annual Salary Survey for my work. I had to do the formulas on the spreadsheet and everything. Those who know me realize this is quite an accomplishment cause I don't do numbers - only colors.
...Had a meeting with FOG about our upcoming Church History trip in late September. Awesome friends. We have the best potlucks for these meetings. Our travel plans are firming up and we will once again be able to stay at Marydale Inn in Jameson, Missouri. A wonderfully relaxing place.
...Made Sticky Toffee Pudding last night for Gene's dessert! Its the recipe from Augill Castle in Kirkby Stephen (Lake District England) where we stayed in 2006. Yummy and still some left!
...Broke the in-the-door-ice maker on the fridge. Luckily Gene is handy and will fix it (its the motor) today.
And that was it for the last week. Certainly B & B - Busy & Blessed!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Reunion Meeting
Got one tonight at 6 at Bina's house. Its always a game to see who is going to show up. Hopefully it will be productive and we will get all plans finalized.
I've set a goal to get all registration info out by June 15th but I can't do that unless everything is finalized.
Here's hoping!
I've set a goal to get all registration info out by June 15th but I can't do that unless everything is finalized.
Here's hoping!
Monday, May 31, 2010
Long Weekend
Gabe and company finally got to Utah after having their departing flight cancelled last Thursday. He began his Especially for Youth week at BYU Provo and I am sure he is having a blast.
He'll end up staying for 2 weeks cause I ended up getting Lakona a ticket and registering him for the EFY session next week - so had to register Gabe for next week's session as well. They'll have a great time. No regrets about the expense. All worth it.
We spent most of this holiday cleaning screens, louvers, windows, floors, walls, closets, rooms and rearranging furniture in anticipation of Susan returning home today for about 3 weeks. She leaves for Bali on June 20.
Gene went to the dump TWICE cause we had so much JUNK!!!! Feels good to get rid of stuff...
Not much else going on - but decided we had to have some kind of barbecue for Memorial Day - so just started some chicken - probably eating late cause I got such a late start! Oh well - food is food!
He'll end up staying for 2 weeks cause I ended up getting Lakona a ticket and registering him for the EFY session next week - so had to register Gabe for next week's session as well. They'll have a great time. No regrets about the expense. All worth it.
We spent most of this holiday cleaning screens, louvers, windows, floors, walls, closets, rooms and rearranging furniture in anticipation of Susan returning home today for about 3 weeks. She leaves for Bali on June 20.
Gene went to the dump TWICE cause we had so much JUNK!!!! Feels good to get rid of stuff...
Not much else going on - but decided we had to have some kind of barbecue for Memorial Day - so just started some chicken - probably eating late cause I got such a late start! Oh well - food is food!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
More reunion
Just spent 3 hours viewing 300+ webpage references to either Mossman Family Hisotry, Captain Thomas James Mossman or Mossman Ohana. Lost to weed through - but all in all a reqrding experience.
I found a blog of a woman I know we are related to who is in Northumberland England. I sent her an email.
Found a reference for a Thomas Mossman who I think is my mother's first cousin - sent him an email.
And found the website for Shirley Mossman Nisbitt whom I know we are related to - sent her an email.
Hopefully will make contact and spread the news about our upcoming reunion and get to know these folks too.
But hey - aren't we all related anyway?
Anyway - all this research has made me homesick (yup, homesick) for England. So don't be surprised if I take a short journey there sometime before November...wanna go back to Berwick where the Captain came from, wanna go to Edinburgh again and this time visit John Knox house (which is really the Mossman house), wanna see Keith & Viv at Hill House and visit Ian & Marian in Plymp Wales...oh and as long as I'm there...gotta see Les Mis ;)
I found a blog of a woman I know we are related to who is in Northumberland England. I sent her an email.
Found a reference for a Thomas Mossman who I think is my mother's first cousin - sent him an email.
And found the website for Shirley Mossman Nisbitt whom I know we are related to - sent her an email.
Hopefully will make contact and spread the news about our upcoming reunion and get to know these folks too.
But hey - aren't we all related anyway?
Anyway - all this research has made me homesick (yup, homesick) for England. So don't be surprised if I take a short journey there sometime before November...wanna go back to Berwick where the Captain came from, wanna go to Edinburgh again and this time visit John Knox house (which is really the Mossman house), wanna see Keith & Viv at Hill House and visit Ian & Marian in Plymp Wales...oh and as long as I'm there...gotta see Les Mis ;)
Reunion
I am on the Planning Committee for our upcoming Captain Thomas Mossman Reunion scheduled for November 10-12, 2010.
It has been an interesting experience...I'm a "just start doing it" kind of person and not into yapping about it - just DO it.
Sooooooooooo it was great meeting with my subcommittee comprised of my 2 cousins Godfrey and John this past weekend and planning out two days of reunion activities. We got so much accomplished in a one hour meeting! Both are solid and dependable and have great families who I know will give them support to carry out the reunion functions. I love these guys!
For a peek at what we will be doing check out our reunion blog at http://www.mossmanohana2010.blogspot.com
It has been an interesting experience...I'm a "just start doing it" kind of person and not into yapping about it - just DO it.
Sooooooooooo it was great meeting with my subcommittee comprised of my 2 cousins Godfrey and John this past weekend and planning out two days of reunion activities. We got so much accomplished in a one hour meeting! Both are solid and dependable and have great families who I know will give them support to carry out the reunion functions. I love these guys!
For a peek at what we will be doing check out our reunion blog at http://www.mossmanohana2010.blogspot.com
Almost Off
Gabe leaves tonight for Portland and then Provo. He will be visiting the Bradys in Portland. They used to be our neighbors here in Haiku Village about 8 years ago and we visited them a couple of times after they moved to Virginia. Their kids were Gabe's best friends - I am sure they will have a GREAT reunion. Wish I could be there too.
Lori Brady (the mom, and the BEST neighbor I have ever had) invited my sister Alo over for dinner tomorrow night to see Gabe. I am so happy that connection between the Bradys and Alo will finally be made. They have alot in common - big dogs, bike riding, hiking...plus pretty me.
Gabe will then fly to Utah on Monday to attend Especially for Youth Program at BYU Provo. He enjoys EFY so much and it it totally worth the money for him to go!
If I had enough $ I would send Lakona too. (He's Gabe's friend who sleeps at our house about 4 nights a week - but alas $ doesn't grow on trees).
Gabe has spent much of the last two days cleaning his room and getting his things organized for the trip. I know he'll have a good time, make and renew lasting friendships and strengthen his love for family and God through his experiences over the next 10 or so days.
Ah to be 16 again!
Lori Brady (the mom, and the BEST neighbor I have ever had) invited my sister Alo over for dinner tomorrow night to see Gabe. I am so happy that connection between the Bradys and Alo will finally be made. They have alot in common - big dogs, bike riding, hiking...plus pretty me.
Gabe will then fly to Utah on Monday to attend Especially for Youth Program at BYU Provo. He enjoys EFY so much and it it totally worth the money for him to go!
If I had enough $ I would send Lakona too. (He's Gabe's friend who sleeps at our house about 4 nights a week - but alas $ doesn't grow on trees).
Gabe has spent much of the last two days cleaning his room and getting his things organized for the trip. I know he'll have a good time, make and renew lasting friendships and strengthen his love for family and God through his experiences over the next 10 or so days.
Ah to be 16 again!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
This Brings Back Memories
If you go to this link
http://living.aol.com/morning-rush/great-catch-good-morning-america/87902748001
You'll see a video of something that happened recently with a little kid. The exact same thing happened to Jacob when he was the same age at Windward Mall.
Sorry you gotta watch some short commercial first.
http://living.aol.com/morning-rush/great-catch-good-morning-america/87902748001
You'll see a video of something that happened recently with a little kid. The exact same thing happened to Jacob when he was the same age at Windward Mall.
Sorry you gotta watch some short commercial first.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Wedding
So my brother Steve is getting married to Azeema I think the weekend of August 7. I am looking forward to helping them in any way I can.
Should be an exciting time.
Should be an exciting time.
Returning - Semi
I have been without a desktop computer for 2 weeks. It is difficult running 2 businesses from a small netbook and near impossible to blog - but here goes...
News of Note -
Gene got back from Nicaragua - he found it interesting and depressing - in his words "its not the destination, its the journey". Although the hotel he stayed in was 5 star the entire area of the capitol is like a slum. he said people begging everywhere, buildings slapped together, alot of poverty. he hired a private guide for a day and went hiking, saw an active volcano, took a boat ride on Lake Nicaragua and saw some historical sites. he had an adventure on all of the flights (cancellations, rebookings, etc.) but was in first class or business the entire time - so not too tough. Bottom line - he earned 58,331 miles.
Michelle had her 13th birthday on Saturday. We spent the night before in a cabin at Bellows then on Saturday we rented a pavilion at Bellows. it came with a jump house and 20 rounds of mini golf. It was perfect. We invited about 50 people and they all came!
We started the party at 11:00 - the jump house was a big hit! The spot was also next to the drivng range so most of the teens and men spent the day hitting balls. Kookie and Manu Laumatia and 6 of their 10 kids came, Kookie's friend Stephanie and her 3 kids, Uncle AKini, Aunty Judee, Tehani & Jonah, Candie, Cheyenne & Sorrel, Wena, tricia, Kawena & Kaliko Adams (friends from church) came, Renny & Heather (Michelle's classmates) and their family came, Carly and Lehua, Chad & Jill and their new baby CJ came, Gene's friend from work, Steve and Azeema, brandi and my sister-in-law Debi (Bill's wife) was visiting so she came too.
We had chili, hot dogs, chicken, rice, salad, cornbread and cupcakes.
We were suppsoed to end the party at 2:30 b ut didn't end until almost 5.
A fun day for all -- and now we have a 13 year old!
News of Note -
Gene got back from Nicaragua - he found it interesting and depressing - in his words "its not the destination, its the journey". Although the hotel he stayed in was 5 star the entire area of the capitol is like a slum. he said people begging everywhere, buildings slapped together, alot of poverty. he hired a private guide for a day and went hiking, saw an active volcano, took a boat ride on Lake Nicaragua and saw some historical sites. he had an adventure on all of the flights (cancellations, rebookings, etc.) but was in first class or business the entire time - so not too tough. Bottom line - he earned 58,331 miles.
Michelle had her 13th birthday on Saturday. We spent the night before in a cabin at Bellows then on Saturday we rented a pavilion at Bellows. it came with a jump house and 20 rounds of mini golf. It was perfect. We invited about 50 people and they all came!
We started the party at 11:00 - the jump house was a big hit! The spot was also next to the drivng range so most of the teens and men spent the day hitting balls. Kookie and Manu Laumatia and 6 of their 10 kids came, Kookie's friend Stephanie and her 3 kids, Uncle AKini, Aunty Judee, Tehani & Jonah, Candie, Cheyenne & Sorrel, Wena, tricia, Kawena & Kaliko Adams (friends from church) came, Renny & Heather (Michelle's classmates) and their family came, Carly and Lehua, Chad & Jill and their new baby CJ came, Gene's friend from work, Steve and Azeema, brandi and my sister-in-law Debi (Bill's wife) was visiting so she came too.
We had chili, hot dogs, chicken, rice, salad, cornbread and cupcakes.
We were suppsoed to end the party at 2:30 b ut didn't end until almost 5.
A fun day for all -- and now we have a 13 year old!
Monday, May 10, 2010
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:
On the inside she wrote:
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)
(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?
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.
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.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
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
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
Thursday, May 6, 2010
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.
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.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
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!
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!
Friday, April 30, 2010
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!
"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.
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
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!
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.
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.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
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.
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.
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.
Monday, April 26, 2010
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
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
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