Good News!

HE LIVES!
And because He does - we shall too!
HAPPY EASTER!

Gray

My cousin Herman is so cute.

Sunday he says to me "I just noticed your hair".

Me: What about it?

Him: The color.

Me: What about it?

Him: Its all one color - gray.

Me: Yup

Him: Its really pretty.

I agree. I like it alot.

Gabe's First Review

Click here to read

Hannah

Isn't this the BEST school picture you have ever seen?

Blog Crazy

So - you're not going crazy - I am I'm playing with new backgrounds today

I made my layout with the Myspace Background Maker. Get myspace layouts, graphics, and flash toys at pYzam.

13 Posters

If you're in town - COME!

News and News and News

News 1 - Gabe's play open this weekend and runs for 2 weekends. Anyone want tickets?

News 2 - Hannah
Dr. thinks they are petit mal seizures. Trying to get us in to neurologist...hopefully in the next week.

News 3 - Jacob
Heard from him yesterday -

"This week was okay. we had interviews, which was cool. ill be moving in 2 weeks about, so tahts cool.

i ended up buying myself running shoes and exercise clothes for my birthday to help motivate me to be active.

im really tired right now. we played basketball for 3 hours today and football for 2. my brain is on auto pilot o_O

hmm...we do have a golden investigator, who will probably be baptized next transfer. so yeah, working hard and following the spirit is the key to good stuff.

hmm... what can i say now? i will just put my head down on the keyboard for a sec and think.............aegalsdhfhasdkbvsd

o yeah! i was gonna say that you, mother, are like the most wonderful of people. yup. you are amazing. and dad is pretty legit at being awesome. as is aunty. and i could go on but because you are all so humble i will leave it at that.

love you guys!

love, jake

p.s. "Wait! you forgot the crystals." Napolean"

Last Day

Of our California vacation. We'll spend this morning at Universal again (Curious George, Waterworld Show & Simpsons Ride) then back to hotel to change and check o0ut. One more stop at In N Out before heading to the airport.

Its been an enjoyable trip! The girls have been really good. And their ipods are godsends!

Had two more incidents with Hannah - 1 yesterday while standing in line for Studios Tour and one this morning in hotel room. Will get this checked out tomorrow when we get home.

The weather has been so fine here in so. cali.

Its good to go on vacation and good to go home.

Kinda Scary

So last week I got a call from Hannah's teacher because she had fallen over twice in about an hour and a half's time. First time she was sitting on a bench then apparently for no reason she fell over backwards onto the floor. About and hour later she fell backwards while standing. When she fell both times her eyes were open and remained opne while she was down but she did not respond - just stared. I called the doctor who said to watch her closely, call ambulance if she passes out but to schedule appointment dor followup.

After I picked her up from school she was fine, My intention was to schedule appointment when we got back from this trip we are on.

Last night at Devin's baptism it happened again. She was sitting on a chair next to Gene and next thing she was on the floor. Once on the floor she just went over and hit the wall. Gene picked her up and again she did not respind when her name was called. Eyes open but glazed over.

An hour later she's standing next to me eating ice cream and down she went. We called her name but no response. Her eyes were totally open but vacant. After a few seconds we got her up and she was fine.

Worrisome indeed and I will definitely be calling the doctor this a.m. and scheduling something for Tuesday morning.

Peculiar and scary.

I am thinking it might be the clonidine she takes - afterall it is a blood pressure med and could be makine her hypo-tensive. But a thorough follow up should clear the mystery.

Great California Adventure - Survived Day 1

Wow! We've learned alot! Like:
Michelle doesn't like
blue water in the airplane toilets
the toilet itself on the airplane,
the sound of lift off,
the red flashing sensor on automatic toilet flushing systems in public restrooms,
hand dryers in public restrooms,
the plane landing
the smell of a new rental car
Its A Bugs Life 3-D (this feature will elict a loud, hysterical shriek of GET ME OUTTA HERE NOW!!!)

Hannah doesn't like
most all rides and attractions in Disneyland except autopia, tea cups, carousel and its a small world.

Gene and Ginny like
Its a Small World - this is a super long ride which allows for a great NAP!!!

Really the girls were so good yesterday. After a red eye flight they stayed awake and energetic and in good moods all day! We got to the park at about 8 and stayed until almost 4. The walk back to the hotel (which seemed so close in the morning) was challening for all at the end of the day. But they made it - their feet were sore but the bodies were eager to hit the pool when we arrived back at the hotel.

My dear dear cousin Ruth Ann joined us at the park and is the best best best with the girls. I also so enjoy talking with her. Where has she been all my life? Or more like where was I all of her life!

My brother Bill came by last night and we went to dinner at Cheesecake Factory - the food was TERRIFIC. It was so wodnerful to spend time with Bill and Ruth Ann.

Its almost 8:10 a.m. and the girls are still asleep. Will wake them soon then breakfast and off we go to the north and to devin's baptism tonight - which is the real reason we are here in California,

Jacob, Jacob, Jacob

Jacob's birthday is coming up on April 8 - so if you'd like to drop him a line please do - his address is in the right side bar.

Here's what Jacob emailed yesterday. He's so crazy.

So yeah, some lady destroyed our car doors which was exciting because it broke the monotony of what would otherwise have been a normal day. crazy stuff makes the mission more fun. oh yeah, spritual stuff! Well, iwas reading Acts and even Paul got an "Emergency Transfer" from his companion. So it shows that even the best of us can sometimes blow our cool and need to take a break from the stressfull things of life. But that doesnt mean ignoring them, just taking a breather and them tackling giving it another go. in missionary work, we have to always be patient and tolerant of the weaknesses and short coming of others, but even more so to be aware of those things in ourselves. oh yeah, tell Skyla i say 'sup' and grats on the baptism marriage thing =]

Another spiritual thing: Abraham had one tight entourage. And when his brother lot was captive, he was like "You 300 come with me and we are gonna go get my brother back!" and they went and owned all of them. He was like, the O.O.G. (original original gangster) that and he had, like, a bazillion kids in his family tree BECAUSE he was so righteous and paid his tithes. So if we follow his example we can inherit great mansions.

Songs of Soloman shouldn't even be IN the bible. Like,where along the line did someone decide that it was a good idea to include it? (on a side note, it does provide some entertainment when you are completely bored during the 1 hour of personal study time)

Well, as the Romans say, "Live long, and prosper" (or someone kinda like them)

love yas, jake

p.s. We all live in a yellow Submarine.

p.p.s. oh yeah, one of our investigators is on the run from the law. which makes it hard to set appointments. any sueggestions?

Counting the Hours

Yesterday Michelle asked "How many more hours til we go to Disneyland." I answered "36". She was dismayed. (isn't it funny how when you're young time passes so s-l-o-w-l-y but when you're older it races at break-neck speed?)

But those 36 hours are passing quickly.

Its 3 a.m. and I've got tons to do before we leave for the airport (in 17 hours).

• Finish updating directory for work NOW
• Download stuff to 3 ipods (mine, Hannah's & Michelle's) for use on the trip
• Pack girls lunches for school 5:30 a.m.
• Meeting this a.m. from 7-8 a.m.
• Take Gabe to get his Driver's Permit at 10:00
• Drop off Directory proof at printers 11:30
• Download and print a reservations, etc. 1:00
• Laundry 1:30
• Pack my suitcase 4:00 p.m.
• Go over Gabe's schedule with him 5:00 p.m.
• Take Gabe to rehearsal 5:30 p.m.
• Do bills etc. 6:00 p.m.
• Clean house 6:30 p.m.
• Get girls ready 7:30 p.m.

Thank goodness Michelle insisted I pack their bag 2 days ago.

Its gonna be a loooooooong day.

But the flight tonight should be restful...we all got upgraded to first class...gotta love my American Airlines!

St. Patrick's Day

Hannah's teacher sent this photo to me today. McHannah O'Hannah.

Vacation

We are taking the girls this week on a little vacation. We leave Wednesday night for California. Our plans include Disneyland, visiting my sister Susie in Ventura, going to a baptism in Lompoc and also going to Universal Hollywood. We come back Monday night.

I hope to also see cousin Ruth Ann and my brothers Bill and Bobby. Maybe...

The girls (especially Michelle) are SUPER excited.

Gabe has to stay home cause he has rehearsal - his show opens in a week and a half. Hoping he behaves while we're gone - he is, after all - 16 now!

Super Hawk

Well Michelle did get to be the Super Hawk at her school...but not before a bit of trepidation. The Vice Principal forgot to announce her name. And Michelle, who knew she was going to get the award, looked forlorn. But then the teacher went up and whispered to the VP and the announcement was made - and there was even cheering from the audience!

It was supposed to be a surprise but her teacher told her about it. Actually she had been told that if she got x number of stickers she would be the Super Hawk. She knew she had the requisite number so it was not a surprise.

The photo below is blurry - but it shows you how little she is compared to other 6th graders - and she's also a year older than the other kids

A Surprise Tomorrow

She doesn't know it yet but Michelle will get a Super Hawk Award tomorrow at a school assembly. It's like an outstanding student award. They give them out quarterly. She's gotten it twice before over the years. So excited for her. She is a such a sweetheart. Here's a picture of her taken on Wacky Wednesday - they were supposed to come to school looking wacky. She wore her clothes inside out and asked me to do her hair.

Arizona

We had a great visit to Arizona. Our first day there was beautiful. Our second day was rainy but still beautiful.

The above is Montezuma's Castle and is a cliff dwelling north of Phoenix.

We also went to Sedona - but it was too rainy for pictures =(.

We stayed in a cute condo in North Phoenix and hired a personal chef who made this yummy dinner for us our first night.



It was a fast (and cheap) trip that yielded some great memories and a BUNCH of frequent flier miles.

Customary love shot.

Can't Believe It's Not Hot

So a couple of pictures (sorry blurry) of the raw food we learned to make (and that we ate last night)

This first one is crimini mushrooms and some noni pinenut alfredo sauce over zucchini linguine. All cold - all fresh - totally vegan (it could pass for the real thing don't you think?)

And it was DELICIOUS!

The second is basil tomato olive marinara on zucchini spaghetti. Again - all cold - all fresh - totally vegan.

And also, DELICIOUS!

The place to try this LUSCIOUS food is Liscious Dishes - they are at KCC Farmer's market once a month.

Raw Food

So a couple of week's ago I went to the KCC Farmer's market and tasted the most delicious Garden Burger I have ever tasted! It was from a booth called Licious Dishes. They specialize in raw food - food that is not cooked - I think mostly vegan.

The "Burger" was accompanied by the best homemade mustard and mayo! In the photo above it shows the onion flat bread (no wheat!) and the fries are zucchini.

I told my friend Rochelle about the find and she went to the Licious Dishes shop and proclaimed the "burger" delicious as well. She arranged with the woman to come can teach a class to a group of women.

So tonite's the night! I am very excited.

Birthday Boy

Today Gabe is 16!!!!

Watch out world...

His plans for the day

Woke up today at 5:10 a.m.
Did a little homework
Went to Seminary at 5:45
Hopefully at school now
Stay after school for Social Studies help til 3:30
Go to T-mobile to buy new phone with his birthday money at about 4:30 p.m.
Rehearsal from 6 - 9 p.m. (we'll take pizza)

Busy day for him - but its pretty typical.

He's a great kid and we feel so blessed to have him as a part of our eternal family.

Happy Birthday Gabe!

Prepared

There is a tsunami warning in effect for Hawaii due to a major earthquake in Chili. The state will not sound the warning sirens for another hour so the only way people know now is if they were up in the middle of the night watching t.v. or if someone who was called them and told them. I was one who received the news via the latter method.

Gene just went down to the bank machine to grab cash. He said the lines are nuts and the parking lot at Safeway is packed. It seems alot of people are up in the middle of the night watching t.v.

We are ready - thanks mostly to a church that teaches us to be prepared - we have everything we might need.

But I've often thought that its what you know in your head that is probably more critical than what you can carry in your arms and on your back.

Thankfully, again, the church programs have taught us much of what we need to know in emergency situations.

We should be fine - our home is in a safe zone - we're stocked and ready - we are healthy.

And, of course, no matter what happens we are being watched over constantly. What a peaceful feeling!

Busy Weekend

It starts tonight!

Gene's taking Gabe and some of his friends for an overnighter to Hilton Hawaiian Village for Gabe's 16th birthday (which is Monday). I'm staying home with the 2 girls and making cupcakes with sprinkles!

Tomorrow Gabe's got rehearsal and then tomorrow night we are going to a big 50th birthday party in Wahiawa (my friend's husband's bash). We're making homemade root beer (note to self - buy the dry ice!!)

Sunday is church then we are having a family dinner for Gabe's birthday and Carly and Lehua are coming over for dinner!!! YAY!!!

Then we move on to Monday and a new week - which looks busy as well...oh, and did I mention we are going off island on Friday? Going to Phoenix. Back Monday the 8th.

Farmer's Market

There is an outdoor Farmer's Market at the District Park near our home. Its every Thursday from 10:45 - 11:45.

You can get some good deals on veggies and fruits - not a lot of vendors - maybe half a dozen.

When I went today I realized something - when you look around the market all you see is gray and white hair...and mine is among them.

Same thing during my morning mall walk.

Funny how the top of my head looks old but my mind and spirit feel young.

Lost then FOUND!

Jesus Sanchez - he was lost...to me at least.

Who is he? A 3rd generation Vatican bookbinder and, according to some, the foremost bookbinder in the world today. I had read about him and had heard that he lived in Hilo.

Over the last 2 years I became almost obsessed with finding him and, eventually learning from him.

It was our daughter, Susan, who sparked my interest. You see, 2 years ago she gave us handmade books for Christmas. She had taken a book arts class in college and made these gorgeous hard cover beauties! I was intrigued!

I began searching for bookbinding workshops and classes online. I was willing to go anywhere to learn. That's how I first heard of Jesus Sanchez.

You might remember that I learned - quite by accident - that my neice Allie was into Book Arts. So last June I flew to Portland to take a 3 day workshop from her. I LOVED IT!

I loved the process - which requires you to take it slow. I loved the exactness required to do it right.

Allie taught me more (how to make a box) when she was here in November.

And through it all I kept thinking about Jesus Sanchez...

Every now and then I would google him to see if he was offering a class...once I saw that he was and signed up for the class...but it got cancelled.

In January of this year I decided to google him again. There was a link about him going to Cuba (he has a massive historical books project that he is doing for the Cuban gov't).

I clicked on the link and saw not a picture of Jesus Sanchez but a picture of...Tomas Belsky - husband of my cousin Moanikeala Akaka!!! Tomas had gone to Cuba last year with Jesus!

I got on the phone right away and called Moani. "Yes," she said "Jesus is a good friend of ours! he's in Cuba right now but should be back soon"

The connection was made - and yesterday Moani called to give me Jesus' cell number!

Haven't called him yet but I did call Allie and Susan to see if they'd be interested in maybe going over to Hilo and meeting Jesus and perhaps learning from him. They were both enthusiastic and ecstatic about such an opportunity. So am I...Can you imagine all the things we can learn from this master??

What a small world! And how blessed am I??? The person I had been trying to find for 2 years happened to be a friend of my own cousin. How great is that! Am I Heavenly Father's favorite or what????

Jesus Sanchez..FOUND!

Breakfast - Maybe

So its 4:40 a.m. and I am contemplating the new day - Sunday.

Traditionally its a day when Gene cooks breakfast - Michelle wakes up and asks for bacon, eggs and rice lately - but I don't think that request will be fulfilled today (we've cut back on meats of all kinds - not counting IN-N-OUT Burger).

So this popped up online and I've been thinking...

Should I?

Jacob

I haven't posted Jacob's letters or email lately 'cause although there have been quite a few, they are incredibly short as he is very, very busy. This week's email was 2 lines.

BUT -

• He is doing well!
• His address in the side bar is still good.
• He's gotten all of your letters, cards, boxes, etc. and says THANKS!
• He is still thoughtful and kind - he sent Gabe a new video game!
• He gained 15 lbs. then lost 5 (due to lots of bike riding and walking)
• He is, in his words, "working hard, playing hard"
• He said his favorite pudding is tapioca and his favorite jam is raspberry.
• He has had a steady stream of baptisms.

AND...(drum roll)...as of today...

He has been out for 6 months already!!!!!!!!

Time does fly!

Disaster Diverted

Thanks to Susan a terrible disaster was diverted.

Before leaving on our trip we had noticed that one of the chickens had laid 13 eggs right by our doorstep. Something needed to be done but Gene thought it could probably wait until we returned.

Fortunately, Susan took matters into her own hands and took all 13 eggs to her home in North Shore.

Not sure if she did it because she recognized the seriousness of the situation or she was just plain hungry...but whatever the reason I applaud her initiative!

And, let's be honest about it - it was the thought of free food that motivated her.

Thanks Susan!

Final Surprise!

So this whole trip was a series of surprises for Gene.

Surprise 1 - Destination! I only told him 2 days before.
Surprise 2 - Winchester House. We had heard about it but never gone to it!
Surprise 3 - Cottage - I knew he'd love our own little place!
Surprise 4 - Safari - He knows how I feel about animals so was totally surprised I booked this!
Surprise 5 - Redwoods - This was on his bucket list!
Surprise 6 - Hot Air Balloon - Knowing my fear of heights, he was in awe that I planned this!
Surprise 7 - Point Bonita - I know these ocean, cliff, fog things are among his faves!

The final surprise - Surprise 8 - was extra special and I didn't tell him about it until a few hours before.


While we were at Point Bonita I hired a personal chef to go to the cabin and prepare and serve our anniversary dinner.

The menu - I selected Gene's favorites:

Appetizers:
Mushrooms stuffed with spinach, bacon & goat cheese
Caprese Skewers

Soup:
Warm Tomato Soup with Basil Coulis

Entree:
Breast of chicken with Apricot/Cherry Sauce

Vegetables:
Stuffed Baked Potato
Glazed Baby Carrots

Dessert:
Apple Crumb with Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

When we returned from Point Bonita our cottage had been transformed into a romantic restaurant complete with flowers and candles.

I forgot to take pictures of all of the food but here's the mushrooms (or 1/2 of them at least)

And here's the chef, Elyse Bolton of the Brass Spatula, and her assistant Kathleen. Can't believe they prepared such an extraordinary meal in such a short time in our cottage!

And not only do they prep, cook and serve, but they also clean up too!!!

Gene thought the dinner was fabulous - and I was thrilled that I was able to pull off all 7 surprises and that he loved them all. I am so happy I made the WRIGHT choice 34 years ago!

THE END of the 34th Anniversary Tale
but NOT the end of our Story!

Stay Tuned..for Time and All Eternity

Point Bonita!

I had heard about this lighthouse that is only accessible via a rickety wooden bridge that only allows 2 people to cross at a time. I knew I would be soooooooooooo afraid and I knew Gene would love it - so it definitely was a MUST on this trip.

Point Bonita Lighthouse is located in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The hike to the lighthouse is steep in some spots but flat in others. And every great hike needs a tunnel!



It was a very foggy day when we went - which made the trek more exciting! The power of the ocean below the trail is unbelievable!

The bridge to the lighthouse is indeed wooden, rickety and scaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrry! (That's it in the background!)

I am so brave! The bridge sways with the wind!
And as you can see from my hair it was WINDY!

Love shot at Point Bonita!

Gene loved this place - and because he loved it - SO DID I!!!