Look Out World

Be afraid! Be very afraid!

On 1/12/2011 at 3:28 p.m. - the streets of Oahu became a bit more frightening.

Gabe got his license!

And like all teenagers when they first get their license he asked me, "Can I run any errands for you mother?"

That helpful attitude should last oh I'd say - 2 weeks tops.

Congratulations son!

Trying to Catch My Breath

Its been a whirlwind! Yesterday spent all day taking a friend to various medical tests in town. Today I went to help a friend dress her mother's body for funeral. Usually wear white when we do this - and I thought "oh no, I gotta go buy a white muumuu" then I remembered that I wore a white muumuu when my mom died - now where is it?

At the back of my closet I found it! Still fit - thanks to weight loss 2010! But - small yellow age stains on it...oh no! Then I remembered something about lemon juice and the sun.

So I doused it in lemon juice and hung it on the line. 2 hours later - voila! White as snow!

Got to the mortuary by 2:00 then raced home to meet Hannah's bus at 3:45.

Tonight I'm going to a community council meeting with a friend - she'll owe me big time for this.

Tomorrow - taking the Monday friend back to hospital then racing back to Kaneohe for the funeral and then to Laie for burial and then racing to pick up Gabe to take him for his driver's license test (beware!!!) by 3:00.

The rest of the week isn't much better - huge engineering banquet on Sunday that I'm in charge of - then next week I'm on the speakers circuit - giving FASD workshops - and preparing for a tradeshow the following week.

Bonkers!!!

But am grateful for:

1. Back and leg improving!!
2. Supportive husband (he's da best!)
3. Kids are being so great (no dramas!)
4. Susan's a huge help
5. Gabe's busy with rehearsals (so he's not in my hair!)

But one bad thing - I was late emailing Jacob today =(

2010 at its BEST

Highlights of the year -

Anniversary (34th) in Sonoma in February!

Gabe's performance in "13"

Michelle's Soccer Award from King Intermediate After School All-Stars

Steve & Azeema's wedding

Church History Tour

Puerto Rico Trip

Gabe's dance concerts (2 of them)

Grandma's visit to Hawaii

Getting back in contact with some dear friends - Michelle Stagge & Malia Robinson

But the absolute # 1 highlight was my Mossman Ohana Reunion held in November. I love my Mossman family - TOGETHER FOREVER.

Accomplishments 2010

Before setting goals for 2011 I decided to see just what I have accomplished in 2010...hmmmm...can I think of 5 things?

I gave up eating red meat (except In-n-Out Burger when I'm on the mainland)

I lost some weight!

I converted to a MAC (and I'll never look back)

I reversed into a parking space TWICE (that is a big deal for me)

I have conquered my fear of heights (thanks to a hot air balloon ride)

Its the little things ya know.

Hauoli Makahiki Hou from Home

Got home just before midnight - starting the New Year where I want to be. Here's hoping each of you is where you want to be and with those you love.

Happy New Year!

Something's Changed.

Its the closest to empty nest that we'll ever get.

Susan staying with friends in town.

Jacob on his mission in Idaho.

Gabe traveling this week in New York.

That leaves Thelma and Louise aka Hannah and Michelle.

It is quiet.

Thank goodness for ipads and ipods.

Glee!

Michelle loves Glee - the t.v. show.
Since we don't have tv we just download the episodes to her ipod.

If you don't know the show -
WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?

Michelle loves singing all the songs from Glee -
but her favorites are
Poker Face,
Bad Romance
and
My Life Would Suck Without You.

I told her she has to stop singing
Like a Virgin
and
Papa Don't Preach.
Somehow the "like a virgin - touched for the very first time"
and
"Daddy please don't we're going to get married"
lines don't sound good coming from her mouth.


She says her sister Susan is Sue Sylvester
(cause of the hair not the name)

This is Sue Sylvester

She says Gene is Mr. Schuester
(again cause of the hair)

This is Mr. Schuester

She likes Mercedes - but spells her name Peresaides
(pretty good when you consider Michelle has a severe hearing loss)

This is Peresaides/Mercedes

She calls herself Rachel Berry - who she sometimes says is
the greatest singer in the world
and other times says is
the most beautiful singer in the world.

This is Rachel Berry

She says I am Rachel Berry's mom.

This is Rachel's mom (my twin)

Sometimes she calls herself Quin Fabray
(no doubt because Quin had a baby)

This is Quin.

She says her boyfriend is Finn Hudson.

This is Finn.

But she (Michelle) got in a HUGE fight with Hannah yesterday because Hannah said she (Hannah) was Santana and her (Hannah's) boyfriend is Puck.

This is Puck and Santana.

Michelle has no tolerance for people invading her fantasy world.

Of course if you don't watch the show then
you have NO idea what I am talking about...
GET WITH THE PROGRAM! (pun intended)

Kindness of Strangers

Got this email this morning from a wonderful stranger -

Hi Sister Wright!

My name is Starla Jeppson and I live in Boise, Idaho. My husband is the ward mission leader and we made breakfast for our missionaries this morning and they are having their meeting right now with him, going over the members of our ward. Your son was just transferred into our area at the last transfers, but I thought you would like to hear that he is warm, fed, and doing the Lord's work over here! :D He seems like a very nice elder...we look forward to working with him more here in our ward.
We also have a son out serving a mission, he is in Nicaragua, and I know I would LOVE to get a picture of him, so I am including the two pictures I took this morning. I took the first one, then told them both to smile! :D His message to you is: "You are awesome...to you from me. TTYL!"

Have a wonderful Christmas phone call!

A fellow missionary mom,
Starla

And here's the photo

I am totally going to do this when missionaries come over to our house!

Means so much to their families (moms especially)

Rain and More Rain

It has been raining for 3 days straight - heavy, heavy rain. I am grateful for a roof that doesn't leak, walls and windows that protect us from the wet and wind. I am grateful that the electricity hasn't gone out - although it went out 3 times at Ala Moana Shopping Center I hear.

Its nice snuggle weather.

30 days

Today marks 30 days since I got my back/leg injury. It has been a challenging and rewarding 30 days.

I was forced to slow down and rest - that has been a great blessing. I feel quite relaxed despite the pain - and I have yet to get bored.

My family has been so supportive and helpful to me.

I learned that the bed we have is too soft - so the last week I moved to the couch. I think Santa will bring a very firm futon bed for Christmas.

I am doing so much better and am pleased with my recovery. My aim now is to continue gaining strength and hopefully have feeling return to my left leg from my hip down.

I am planning a trip to Utah next week for a wedding - I'll be driving up from Las Vegas with my cousin - will probably have to stop a bunch of times and stretch but I think I can do it.

Wish me well.

Next Up!

Exciting news - Gabe got the lead role in Castle Performing Arts Center's spring production of the musical Brigadoon! The part is the role of Tommy Albright (played on the silver screen by Gene Kelly).

Gabe is thrilled since he said its always been a dream of his to get a Gene Kelly role. To him Gene Kelly is the total package - actor, singer, dancer.

He's been taking voice lessons to extend his singing range - and it seems to have paid off. He's gotta take tap dancing now but he feels pretty confident that that will go well - he is a good dancer.

Show runs every weekend from March 25-April 10.

So guess who'll be 3rd row center seat for all 9 performances? Anyone care to join me?

Where's George?

I got one of those dollar bills that has "wheresgeorge.com" stamped on it. And if you go to that website you can track where the bill has been.

I was very excited to get it - I had gotten one before and accidentally spent it before I could go online to track its history.

So I checked online and found that this particular dollar bill originally entered into the where's george program on March 23, 2010 and in those 239 days it has traveled....wait for it...a total of 7.3 miles!!! All the way from Honolulu.

Talk about disappointing!

Funniest Thing Ever!

Susan was going to the store so I asked her to buy me a can of Orange Crush.

As she walked out of the door with Hannah she said, "Hannah, help me remember to buy mom a can of orange crush."

I don't know which is funnier - Susan asking Hannah to remember OR Susan actually thinking Hannah can remember.

You gotta know both girls to appreciate the humor.

Tis the Season

The tree is up - thanks to Gabe and Michelle. And I was such a good mom I only rearranged like 6 ornaments.

Of course pine needles are everywhere...

There was a storm that passed through here last night - thunder and lightning all night long...

Got an adorable Christmas card from our nephew Cody and his cute family in Utah and an equally cute one from cousin Lisa and her family...

And with only 15 days left until Christmas I'm just starting to think about shopping. Hoping to do most of it online this year. My leg/back isn't really up to mall shopping yet...

Can't Believe It!

Am doing sooooooo much better today - could it be the pain meds?

I am doing just what the physical therapist told me to do - certain stretches every half hour. I can sit for 20 minutes with a towel rolled at the small of my back!

Still numb but all in all doing so much better!

And...yesterday I got a text on my phone from a lady in Idaho who had just had lunch with Jacob and his companion - and she sent me this picture!

His hair is longer than I've ever seen it!

On the Mend

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

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

Something I Heard in the Night

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

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

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

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

Stuff

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

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

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

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

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

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

Now's my nap spurt though...zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Challenging

That's what this last week has been. My back pain went to leg and hip pain that has kept me down for most of the week. I was able to pull off the Ward Thanksgiving dinner - that got moved from the church to the district park at the last minute - then went right back down after that.

Sooo thankful for a supportive and capable husband. He really came through and took care of things around here and also took care of me.

It is a beautiful sunny day here in Kaneohe - the sky is clear blue and the breeze feels good. So much to be grateful for.

Gene took Michelle to horseback riding. Before she left she told Hannah, "After horseback riding lets go to Waikiki Beach Hannah!" Haha - that won't happen...but if they are good Gene will stop at 7-11 and let them get an icy. He took them to the beach yesterday - but not Waikiki - not sure where she got the idea about Waikiki Beach.

Gonna take it easy next week - need to be tip top by next Sunday when I leave for Washington D.C. then New Jersey (to see Les Mis!!!) then to Connecticut to see my friend Suzie. So looking forward to reconnecting with that girl!

I really should be Christmas tree shopping - but not up to it.

Hannah's seizures are as bad as ever - actually I think worse. And we've upped her meds again. Visit with the neurologist on Dec. 7.

But all in all - life is good.

Home again

So I was in Washington D.C. last week. had an all day meeting then on Saturday did a private D.C. Tour - I've been to D.C. many times, have seen the monuments etc. but this was the first time I had been on a tour like this. I used Vera - Gene and I had used her last May for a Lost Symbol Tour. She is a very smart young woman!

Anyway I think I enjoyed the Library of Congress the most - it is so beautiful inside - reminded me alot of Europe with all the murals, frescoes, etc.

It was a hard trip. Jst before I left I strained my back. Got a blessing from Gene and in his prayer he asked that I might be able to travel in comfort. THAT WORKED! While I was on planes, I was pretty good. However, when I had to walk or transition from sitting to walking it was tough.

Because the back hurt I started walking weird - which led to pain in my lower back and legs. I went and got a massage on Friday afternoon at a nearby spa and that helped alot. But after Saturday's tour I was walking like someone who needed a hip replacement. I had another massage (in-room) on Saturday night - too hurting to go to the spa. That massage was worth nothing. The gir was lousy - too into the "energy" and her won deep breathing.

Anyway I made it home and today I will get real comfort from dear Rochelle my massage therapist friend who will definitely hurt me to help me.

Oh and the Mossman Ohana Trip to Scotland next October - already 24 people have expressed an interest!!!! So the research begins as to lodging etc. Praying that airfares come down.

My friend's mother died. I am speaking at her funeral tomorrow. I am not yet prepared but will be tomorrow.

Ohana Reunion Planning Committee meeting tomorrow night - it will be good to get together with the expanded group.

Am in charge of the ward Thanksgiving Dinner on Thursday...imu turkey...mmm,mmm good!

Family Reunion Day 1

Last week was our Mossman Ohana Reunion - and it was GREAT!

It began on Wednesday with the Gathering of the Clan - a get to know you event with a stew and rice dinner. Over 200 people attended. The evening started with the sounds of a bag pipe - as a lone piper wearing traditional kilt greeted us with Scotland the Brave. he then played a haunting rendition of Hawaii Pono'i. Definitely chicken skin!

Got to see 2 of my favorite relatives

And met so many others!

Here's a look at our t-shirts designed by Allie!

Don't ya just love them?

Stay tune for Day 2...

Elections & Surfing

All my guys LOST!!! Am I a jinx????

Well at least some strides were made on the national scene.

Its a day of mourning.

And then Andy Irons dies.

With a daughter that moves in the surfing crowd, I cannot help but be moved by Andy's passing - at 32 years old.

Comfort comes in knowing that we go on forever and this life is but a short time in the grand eternity.

Whirlwind

Last Thursday Hannah has 46 seizure at school (by 12:30 p.m.). After phone consult with her doctor we were advised to take her to emergency. She was admitted so they could give her megadose of medication. Stayed overnight - the megadose makes her feel so disoriented and off that she cries pitifully for hours...poor thing.

We got to come home Friday to prepare for the Halloween weekend.

Because we observe a rather strict Sabbath we did Trunk-or-Treat at our church on Saturday night. It was a blast!!!! Hannah was a princess (with high heels of course) and Michelle was...get ready for it...a baby doctor! She felt this gave her license to carry babies - but it didn't - fortunately there were two puppies there that night to distract her from the many babies that were also there.

Today is a school holiday and so is tomorrow. Hope I survive with these two little dears...

Family Reunion next week - whew! Will I make it to next week?

Updates

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

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

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

Looking forward to going to the Temple Open House today.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Buenos Dias Girls

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

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

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

I love you.

Mom

When it Rains

It pours!

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

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

So we are thinking maybe his cold will get better soon

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

Anyway - also the dryer is broken

And the ice dispenser on the fridge door is broken.

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

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

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

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

But there are still things that make me smile

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

Only the most fashionable wear them with socks.

Reversal

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

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

Two weeks ago he went to the doctor.

Blood pressure normal!

Lost almost 18 pounds!

He's the man!

Home!

Arrived late last night.

Trip was most enjoyable.

Good to be back.

Everyone here survived.

Lots of mail -

Reunion stuff!!

Jet lag...

My body is still in Ohio

And New York

And Missouri

And Illinois...

Busy week ahead -

Sharon and Noah coming on Saturday.

Gabe's play -

Final performances this weekend.

Got my tickets!

Then next week -

Gene leaves for India

And I am Puerto Rico bound.

Aloha from Missouri Girls!

Hi Michelle & Hannah!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love,

Mom

Its Tuesday Girls!

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

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

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

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

Love,

Mom