Saturday, January 31

Project 365:

A little wrestling match before bed.

Gratitude Journal:

Keenan:  Playing with my brother. 

Valu:  I love Saturdays-my rest days.

Mom:  Finding lost friends. Hi Tiffany. :)

Dad:  I just love being near my wife.

Friday, January 30

Project 365:

We walked around the temple grounds during my favorite time of the day--the gloaming. So beautiful. I wish I knew more about exposure to be able to capture the amazing sunset that was here tonight. One day.-- As you can see, the temple is undergoing renovation. It hasn't had a face-lift since 1978. This 90 year old beauty could use a little TLC. It will be closed for 18 months. Sigh. We already miss our visits. 

What is this? Why...it is an albino cockroach. A disgusting and disturbing freak of a bug..... Listen up, you little bugger--Just because you are dressed in white does not give you the right to be here on temple grounds. And you certainly do not have the right to land on my arm while I am taking pictures. I almost dropped my camera as I flailed about trying to get you off of me. How dare you!!! You... you disgusting, freakish beast!!! Stay away from me. Far away! If you don't, I will destroy you and all your family and friends too!!

Gratitude Journal:

Keenan:  Eating fruit kabobs at school. Yum!

Valu:  Playing my Star Wars game.

Mom:  Watching TV with my main squeeze. -- Like the title of Howie Mandel's new game show, Howie Do It. Cute play on words.

Dad:  Nice to have an evening to hang.

Thursday, January 29

Project 365:

Why are little boys so mesmerized by trains?

Gratitude Journal:
Keenan:  Getting treats with Dad from Masa's.

Valu:  Te'a-she brightens my day with her waggly tail.

Mom:  No dirty clothes in the hampers--they are all washed and put away. :)

Dad:  Receiving text messages from my lover brightens my day.

Wednesday, January 28

Project 365:


Ok....so....this isn't technically a photo. But...who cares! I just figured out how to post a video to my blog! A pretty cool feat for this non tech-savvy girl.

Babe, this video is for you. Tonight when you came home you were humming the tune to this song. I giggle every time I hear you sing Engelbert. Engelbert Humperdinck!! This is your go-to music and it makes me laugh--hard. This is the music from your youth. Not the music that you listened to on the radio. (Was there radio music in Tonga in the 70's?) This was the music that played on the jukebox in the bar of your family's hotel. You were a teenage bar keeper. LOL. And one who didn't drink. Hee Hee. The patrons knew you were a goodie-two-shoes. And... they made sure you stayed one. :)
Even though I mercilessly tease you about your singing idol--I really think this quirk is quite endearing. The Humperdinck can sing. --Did you know that he was born in India. Is this the reason for your kinship-- because he was born in the land of your father? Did you further know that he actually changed his name from Arnold George Dorsey to Engelbert Humperdinck. Did he think that Engelbert would entice the ladies? Well, I don't know if it was because of his name, but he certainly was a charmer--in the 60's- LOL. And to be truthful--his music still charms me--through you. :)


Gratitude Journal:
Keenan: Eating HI-CHEWS candy.
Valu: Getting better at playing Linus and Lucy on the piano.
Mom: Hearing the boys playing and laughing together.
Dad: Eating lunch with my lover and Keenan.

Tuesday, January 27

Project 365:
Hey little handy man, if you turn your glasses around you might be able to see better.
--- or not. :)

Gratitude Journal:
Keenan: Watching "Annie" (the movie) she's my favorite.
Valu: Spending time with Dad this afternoon.
Mom: Deep belly laughs with the boys as we "enhanced" today's photos.
Dad: Hangin' with my son--the best!

Monday, January 26

Project 365:
I look forward to this serene scene every morning. We drive by here a few minutes before 7am-usually the sun is just starting to rise. Today the sky is overcast and in 5 minutes a powerful cascade of rain will fall from these dark and dense clouds.
You can actually feel the palatable quiet of the early morning here. Only in the wee hours of the morning is the bay this calm. The water is like glass. The boats are gently being rocked, almost like they are trying to awaken from their slumber. It is here that my spirit breathes an audible sigh. This scene is one of my tender little mercies. This beautiful scene nurtures the deepest part of me. And for this I am deeply grateful.

Gratitude Journal:
Keenan: Playing outside with my "brudder".
Valu: Being able to relax after school--it was a long day.
Mom: Grateful that Keenan took a long nap today--I got a lot accomplished while he was in dreamland.
Dad: Grateful for wonderful colleagues and the networking opportunities that arose today. It truly is a blessing to be able to associate with so many wonderful people.

Sunday, January 25

Project 365:
It would be nice if I could remember to take my camera to important things like this Court of Honor!! My iphone camera saves the day, again.

We ate a nice mexican theme pot-luck dinner and then our troop had a crossing over ceremony for the new boy scouts. They made a receiving line which consisted of all the troop's Eagle Scouts and Boy Scouts lined up in descending order of rank. Paul Waite is Troop 590's first Eagle Scout-circa 1980. They had Valu and the other boys who had recently moved up from cub scouts cross over a bridge and into the mentoring hands of their fellow scouters. As they walked down the line they shook the hands of all of those boy scouts. This was a representation of their commitment to help the boys through the scouting program. Loved the symbolism.
We have such great dedicated leaders. Paul Waite is Valu's troop leader and he goes beyond the call of duty to help his boys. Valu is a lucky kid.
I love this group of boys and men. I grew to love the scouting program while I served these boys as their advancement leader for 4+ years. Scouting really is an amazing program that helps boys learn to set and reach goals and have good 'ol camping fun. And most importantly they learn to serve. They are taught to look for ways to help their community. And they do it--with a cheerful heart. :) This program really does produce great leaders, look at Paul and the rest of this amazing group. So proud of them. :)

Gratitude Journal:
Keenan: Playing Monkey Ball on mom's phone with Mary.
Valu: Being able to earn my first merit badge-First Aid.
Mom: Grateful for our scouting program.
Dad: The amiable ambiance of the scout meeting tonight.

Saturday, January 24

Project 365:

Sheesh, do we really expect him to be a super-hero?

We finally watched all the programs that we recorded which commemorated the Inauguration. It was a bit overwhelming. I can't imagine the pressure that this man must be under? I don't know how he can possibly live up to all of the expectations that so many require of him. As I was ruminating on his daunting tasks I decided to re watch President Obama's speech. I got goose bumps (again) when I heard these words: "What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility — a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task. This is the price and the promise of citizenship."
Was I moved, Yes indeed. ---

And then I found this on the great world wide web. Have you seen this? I Pledge.

So, wanting to unite ourselves with our fellow citizens in this new era of responsibility, the members of our family will each make a pledge.

Heather:
I, Heather, pledge to live in a more active state of gratitude. I will actually express gratitude instead of just acknowledging it. When I pass by a military family or serviceman/woman, I will thank them instead of just smile. I will write letters to my children's teachers and express gratitude for their tireless efforts. When I hear of one of my local politicians making a good decision I will write him/her and acknowledge their fortitude. I will be the thank-you woman.

I also pledge to give up precious space in our garage to include paper,cardboard and glass boxes to our existing plastic recycling area. I will CONSISTENTLY fill and empty them. And I will stop complaining about how our State needs to improve their almost non-existent recycling program. Uhmm--in the spirit of gratitude I must say, at least we have a recycling program. :)

Valu:
I, Valu, pledge to become an optimist. I will speak more positively, no matter the situation. No more half-empty glasses for me.

Kivalu:
I, Kivalu, pledge to become a mentor again. I also promise to better define the boundaries of being one who empowers instead of one who rescues.

Keenan:
I wish he was old enough to be accountable for his promises---but if I could make one for him it would be:
I, Keenan, pledge to be 100% potty-trained through out the day. - What do you say, buddy? I'm not even asking for dry nights--just the day. Please! Pretty please. :)

Excited about our commitments.

Really excited about this. President Obama did promise transparency and I think this is a great first step.

Friday, January 23

Project 365:
Tonight while we were eating ice cream cones at Baskin Robbins, Kivalu turned to me and asked, "Did you take your picture for today? Because this would be a great shot." - Nice! Guess we are all on board with yearly intentions. :) Hey,and it took about 21 days. 21 days to create a habit, right? ----------Notice the tongue action in the photo. All 3 of the Keys have sensitive teeth. They all have to lick their ice cream, which means that it usually melts before they can finish it. Keenan sure tries to beat the melt -- look at him go.

Gratitude Journal:
Keenan: Yummy strawberry drink.
Valu: Eating at the mexican restaurant and catching up with the fam.
Mom: Grateful to have found a new Kumon school --which will lessen the amount of time we spend on the road. (Trying hard to simplify.)
Dad: Grateful for my wife who is also an excellent nurse tonight--feeling a bit fluish.

Thursday, January 22

Project 365:
We love to take walks here in the evening. We lucked out that it was also low tide. Such a great place to explore, skip rocks and release boy energy before the day ends. Tonight we found a creature that looked like a centipede. It was grey and ugly --it scurried under a rock before we could get a better look. Is there such a thing as a sea centipede?

Notice what looks like black rocks all over the sand. They are actually kukui nuts. Thousands of them. They washed up after the big flood we had in December. Where is that forest of kukui nut trees? It must be immense to have so many nuts wash down the streams and into the ocean.

The sight of this sand makes me a bit sad. The flood run-off has turned the white sandy beach into a muddy brown one. Hope it clears up soon.

Look at the size of this trunk. It just washed up a few days ago. The flood was over a month ago. The day of the flood the ocean was littered with debris. From the shore you could see floating garbage cans (it was trash pick-up day), refrigerators, bicycles, lawn furniture. It was quite a humbling sight. --Too bad I didn't take any photos. :{ The city and county and fellow citizens, have done a stellar job cleaning up the aftermath. We are fortunate as we did not incur any damage. Many of our friends were affected. Most of Laie was flooded.
Here are some photos from that day.

Gratitude Journal:
Keenan: Walking Te'a on her rope (leash).
Valu: Exploring at the beach.
Mom: Taking time to breathe in the beauty and fresh air at the beach.
Dad: I took a 30 min nap after work--so refreshing and wonderful. I need to do that more often.

Wednesday, January 21

Project 365:
Yes, we are LOST fans. What? Babe, I know you secretly love the series too. Who was it that told me they saw you creeping around the set trying to get a look at Juliet. :) ---I don't know why us locals feel such an obligation to keep our distance from celebs and let them "just be". Maybe one day I will get my "geek on" and get an actual photo of the set or a cast member. Until then, this pretty cool downloaded photo from above, will suffice so we can remember that this amazing TV series was filmed in our backyard (well, sort of.) The grandeur of the Ko'olau's never ceases to amaze me. The beauty and majesty of this range is what keeps me sane on our long commute to and from school. It is on the top of my list of favorite things on this Island.

Gratitude Journal:
Keenan: Had fun just playing at home.
Valu: Love practicing the piano.
Mom: We have had the most delightful weather lately-nice crisp cool mornings-almost a little chilly. Hope it stays for awhile.
Dad: A wonderfully productive day. Feels good to check some things off my to-do list.

Tuesday, January 20

Project 365:
TO MY BOYLIES:
This photo took my breath away when I viewed it for the first time on my monitor. It is obviously not a technically beautiful photo but I love the meaning and symbolism it shows. I captured our little family photo along with a TV shot of the first dance at the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball. Beyonce' sang "At Last" which was perfectly fitting given that President Barack Obama is the first African American President. The first. You don't quite comprehend the significance of this day, mainly due to your age. But, one day I hope you look back on this day and wonder "What was the big deal of Barack Obama becoming president? Was race really a big issue in 2008?" --- I hope this is the last presidential election that we will ever address race as an issue in an election.

I (along with most of the people of Hawaii) am so proud to have a "local boy" elected as President. Being raised in Hawaii is undoubtedly a significant facet of Barack's upbringing and certainly helped mold him into the man that he is. Mayor Mufi Hannemann recalls JFK stating "Hawaii is what the rest of the world is striving to become." Boys--Hawaii is amazing. Not just because it is a beautiful island, but because the people are. The Aloha Spirit, which is the spirit of love- the spirit of service - the spirit of acceptance--is still very much alive here.

When your father and I discussed marriage, deciding where we would live was a critical aspect of our decision. We were concerned about the impact that our interracial marriage would have on you, our future kids. We knew that we could handle any bias that came our way but we were very concerned about the burden and impact that it would have on you as you developed. Did you know that my psych degree included an emphasis in intercultural studies? I spent many many months researching scientific journals and articles to determine which aspects were most influential in the development of a healthy interracial and intercultural self-concept. Do you know what I found to be one of the most significant aspects? Not a stable family, although that is important. Not the education level of parents. Not religious conviction. Not prosperity. It is...Community. Living in a culturally diverse community where the majority of its occupants are interracial was the most influential aspect. Interracial children need positive interracial adult role models and examples of successful interracial life. They also need to be among peers with whom they share such similarities. Interesting, eh? (If you would like to know more about my research, please ask to read my senior thesis. I would be flattered.) Guess where some of the most diverse countries on the planet were back in 1995? You guessed it-Brazil and Hawaii (Yes, I know Hawaii isn't a country but our geographical borders makes us feel isolated enough that it is reasonable to categorize us as such.)

Deciding on Hawaii was a no brainer. -- You are thriving in Hawaii. Being an interracial kid here is the norm. It is hard to make generalized stereotypes here because people are so diverse and multi-faceted. But in reality, aren't all people multi-faceted? Hawaii teaches us to look at people's hearts--their character. MLK hoped that one day his children would be judged by the content of their character and not by the color of their skin. Here in Hawaii--we are living his dream. It is not perfect here--but for our family, it is the closest thing to perfect we could find.

I know this is a lot to take in--but it is our family history. It is part of what makes us who we are. Today seemed the perfect day to share a bit of your interracial"ness". I know that this is something that we rarely discuss. Not that I wouldn't love to discuss such issues with you and hear your opinions. You know I LOOOOVE conversations such as this. :) It's just that, at least for now, it's a non-issue. -- I hope one day you will realize what a blessing that is. :)

I love you! Mom

Gratitude Journal:
Keenan: Playing with my friends at school.
Valu: I started piano lessons today and I love it.
Mom: Inspired by President Obama's inaugural speech and the call to take personal responsibility in our country's quest for change. Hmmm! What can I do to serve my community?
Dad: Grateful that I discovered Sling so that I could watch the episodes of 24 that I missed.--Jack is always responsible for the hundreds of thousands of lives that are ALWAYS at stake.

Monday, January 19

Project 365:
Keenan came into the den this morning and announced that he was making a special breakfast. "Great" I said enthusiastically. But in reality, I was a bit nervous. He has never even made a bowl of cereal before. But, I am all for encouraging autonomy. I heard cupboards open and slam shut. I waited for the sound of something breaking-it never happened. Keenan was so excited to present us our breakfast. Here is the precious scene we encountered. How cute is this darling kid? This is the dessert that we forgot to eat last night. Chocolate Macadamia Nut Pie. Pie for breakfast? Why not? It is a holiday today after all--MLK Day. :)


More pictures from today:We spent the day at Turtle Bay Hilton. It was a gorgeous sunny day.

This was the view from our room. Notice the little white speck ( middle of the picture, out in the deep blue part of the ocean)--it is a water spout from a whale. There were several of these beauties out there today. They put on quite a show for us.

Here is Keenan swimming independently for the first time. He resisted the floaties but once he got in the water and saw that he could actually swim by himself he was in heaven. Yahoo! This little guy has not been a big fan of the ocean. He has yet to go in chest deep. After being at the beach for 30 mins he is ready to go home. -- But, the pool he loves, and so does Valu. When we suggested that we hang out at the beach for awhile they both said - no, thanks. Valu chimed in with "We can go to the beach anytime." -- What? Are my kids actually blase' about the beach? Sheesh, I hope not. Valu loves the beach. Always has. But, I guess when something is in your backyard one can become a bit indifferent. (uhmmm--a little lecture from your loving mother): "Boys indifference is a choice. Don't ever take this beautiful place for granted. This place is magical. Always keep your heart open and be present so that you can hear and see the magic surrounding you." :)

Gratitude Journal:
Keenan: Swam all by myself!!
Valu: The pool slide at Turtle Bay is awesome.
Mom: Having food and drinks brought to me while I lounged by the poolside. Bliss.
Dad: A great day. Loved playing with my boys. I am completely exhausted. I must be getting old. :)

Sunday, January 18

Project 365:
The 3 Keys enjoying a relaxing afternoon watching "Shrek 3".

Gratitude Journal:
Keenan: Seeing my friends at church.
Valu: Food tastes sooo good after fasting all day.
Mom: Grateful to be involved in our ward's 31 day fast. A different family each day fasts in behalf of our ward members and for missionary opportunities. Feels good to be unified with others for a worthy purpose.
Dad: Enjoyed attending Hauula 2nd Ward Conference--felt the power behind the theme of their conference--service.

Saturday, January 17

Project 365:
Tonight we watched the movie The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. As we were walking out of the theatre--Kivalu turned to me and said: "What did I do to you that you would torture me like that? I almost died in here tonight." We both burst out in LOUD laughter. I had no idea he was hating the movie. I quite enjoyed it. The ambiance of the film was breathtaking. The cinematography was brilliant. I was simply awed by the lighting. AWED. I was intrigued by the unique plot. The soundtrack was lovely. Cate Blanchett was luminous and flawlessly beautiful. Brad Pitt wasn't so bad to look at either. I especially loved the tenderness that was displayed throughout the movie. --- Babe, the movie may have been a bit lengthy but how could something so beautiful be so torturous? I suppose you will be the one to pick our next flick, eh? :)

Gratitude Journal:
Keenan: Playing games with Trysta was fun.
Valu: Grateful that Keenan was calm tonight.
Mom: Grateful for a darling, responsible babysitter. Seriously, Trysta is a godsend.
Dad: Grateful to be alive. LOL!!

Friday, January 16

Project 365:
Definitely not 20-30 ft waves. The ocean at Sunset Beach was a bit angry. I love the ocean. Love her different moods and personalities. I do respect her and honor her moods and never eva turn my back to her. :)
Other than a bit of rain, the storm that was supposed to come never materialized. Yeah! With all the flooding we have had it is such a blessing that this big storm missed us.

Gratitude Journal:
Keenan: Loved my muffin from Ted's Bakery. Yum!
Valu: Loved having some time to play my new video game - Star Wars: Empire at War.
Mom: Grateful for a relaxing day with the boylies.
Dad: Grateful that the power stayed on and we didn't have any power surges.

Thursday, January 15

Project 365:
The boys are excited because a newscaster just announced that school will be closed tomorrow due to a high wind advisory. In fact, most gov't agencies are closing down tomorrow also. The drive to and from school today was a bit scary as there were tree branches falling into the road near Kualoa Ranch and all throughout Kaneohe and Kailua. Gusts up to 60mph. Tonight and tomorrow we are supposed to be experiencing more severe gusts. -- But, things are unusually calm on our side. Not a stitch of wind. The calm before the storm? We shall see.

---edited: (noon Jan 16) The bad weather we were expecting stayed farther north than predicted. Hardly any wind at all on our side. At 10:30am the weather service reduced the high wind warning to a wind advisory. However, there are big swells expected on the North Shore--20-30 feet. We might head over to the beach and watch the wave show.

Gratitude Journal:
Keenan: So fun to stay up late and play. (10pm-bed, usually in bed by 8)
Valu: Love staying up late--so excited for a 4 day weekend.
Mom: Grateful for a reliable weather service that keeps us informed of potential problems.
Dad: Grateful for our sturdy home--it has weathered well in past wind storms.

Wednesday, January 14

Project 365:
My ipod and itunes are on my Top 10 list of favorite material things. I love music. Always have. These 2 items have changed my world. I love that I can store all of my music on my pocket jukebox. LOVE LOVE LOVE. I also love podcasts. I have over 200 stored that I need to listen to. lol. Not enough hours in the day :) But, my favorite is being able to listen to books on my longggg commute back and forth to Valu's school. Makes the time almost slip-slide away. -- Currently, I am enjoying Malcolm Gladwell's "Outliers"--fascinating read. This book solidified my angst at having Keenie start Kindergarten this fall. I will definitely be holding back my December born little boy. -- Another year of pre-school and play will be perfect for my little guy. Now, if I can just find the perfect pre-school for my high energy boy. :)

Gratitude Journal:
Keenan: I miss my cousins. I need my cousins. (aka: The Whitney Family)
Valu: The video game I got for Christmas came in the mail today--finally!
Mom: Sad to see the Whitney Fam leave. On a positive note--I am grateful that they were here for 2 weeks--although the time seemed to fly by. Sigh.
Dad: So glad to be home after a long day. Left home at 6am- Returned at 10:40pm. (Long Indeedy!)

Tuesday, January 13

Project 365:
Le Jardin's 6th Grade Invention Convention. The room was buzzing from the 6th graders enthusiasm. So refreshing to be around inquisitive minds that are excited about learning. Valu's invention was called the Swiffer Pencil. He poked a folded swiffer wipe on the top of a pencil. It whisks away and grabs onto those annoying erasure shavings. Seriously, I loathe erasure shavings. Even the smell of them bothers me. Loved Valu's enthusiasm as he shared his invention with others. I love this kid.
-photo taken with cruddy camera phone again--still better than nothing:)

Gratitude Journal:
Keenan: Valu's school is fun.
Valu: Presenting my invention.
Mom: Being around creative 6th graders--so inspiring.
Dad: Listening to cute kids explain their inventions.

Monday, January 12

Project 365:
Sunset Beach at sunset. Too bad there was cloud coverage ruining our view of the setting sun. It was still a beautiful evening. Our last hurrah with the Whitney Family before they head back home Wed. morning. After the beach we ate at Haleiwa Joe's and had ice cream at Angel's Ice Cream Parlor. Good times. Love this family. Love the connection that we have--especially the ones that the older boys share. They really do seem more like family than just friends. Keenan keeps calling the whit kids cousins. He obviously feels the same way. Grateful for their friendship. Love that they all know how to "hang" like locals. :) Love that they can relax, kick up their feet and feel at home. Love that they can JUST BE. Love them.

Gratitude Journal:
Keenan: Eating Ice Cream at Angel's.
Valu: Sharing a steak with Drew at Haleiwa Joe's.
Mom: Spending a lovely evening with friends.
Dad: Nothing better than an evening with good friends who are also good company.

Sunday, January 11

Project 365:
I love coming home to our comfy little home and being greeted by this scene. Photos on the walls make a house a happy home.



This picture actually makes my heart swell and skip a little beat. Tara Whitney captured our little family perfectly. She is amazing.

Gratitude Journal:
Keenan: Ice cubes on the trampoline are fun and COLD.
Valu: I love to be able to jump on the tramp -- on sunday!
Mom: Enjoyed teaching sharing time at church. Love teaching kiddos.
Dad: Enjoyed Heather's sharing time. - Glad I don't have to teach kiddos. :)

Saturday, January 10

Project 365:
The kids had a blast playing at a new bounce house in Windward Mall. Not the safest place in the world. There are no age limits for the inflatables. No one is monitoring how many kids are allowed on or inside the inflatables. Notice the noodle floatie as a safety cushion on the metal bar. Will it really protect you when you fly into it and bonk your head? The boylies really had a good time rough-housing. Other than a few cuts, a black eye and a few bites (from the 9 year old who wouldn't give up his position on the "King of the Hill" bouncie) no one left with serious injuries. I hope they stay in business--the boys can't wait to go back.

-photo taken with my phone camera--doesn't do action shots. This photo was the least blurred from my batch of +20.

Gratitude Journal:
Keenan: Love eating candy at the movies. (He obviously doesn't get this treat very often.)
Valu: 808 Jump is a blast.
Mom: The Tale of Despereaux was darling--a complex plot for a animated child's movie--loved it.
Dad: Loved the movies and the trampoline house.

Friday, January 9

Project 365:
Feeding Frenzy 2 is Keenan's first video game. I downloaded it as a special "big boy" activity for Keenie while the other 2 Keys were having their adventure in Tonga this past summer. Keenan is a natural at maneuvering the mouse. This simple game of dodge and chase is quite entertaining.

Gratitude Journal:
Keenan: I LOVE the pool. (He swam in the pool for the first time--1st swim in any water. Big day. Sure wish I had a picture of this event.)
Valu: Turtle Bay Resort's pool with the Whitney's.
Mom: A lovely phone conversation with my sister Carrie.
Dad: Playing in the pool with the boys.

Thursday, January 8

Project 365:
Keenan loves his little Star Wars guys. The Clone Troopers are his favorite. Right now he lives, eats and breathes all things Star Wars. He loves to pull his guys apart and put them back together again. Over and over. I love that I find his little men all over the house. They are darling little reminders of this quirky stage. I smile when I find a little light saber tucked into a jean pocket or hidden in a special spot waiting to be re-discovered. This precious momento of childhood tugs at my heart-strings. :) Keenie actually keeps pretty good track of his beloveds. The little parts inevitably end up back in his cherished cases.


A view of Keenan's cubbies. He keeps them amazingly organized. Pretty impressive for a little boy who just turned 4. -- He has always been a tidy child--I am so lucky!

Gratitude Journal:
Keenan: I like my Star Wars guys. :)
Valu: I am really enjoying the piano.
Mom: Enjoyed the long car ride with my kids by singing at the top of our lungs.
Dad: Loved the conversation I had with Valu on the way to school.

Wednesday, January 7

Project 365:
I often crack-up when I go in to re tuck-in the boys and kiss them once they have fallen asleep. Valu is always all over the bed – legs and arms flailing.

Gratitude Journal:
Keenan: Singing in the car.
Valu: Grateful that T'ea is feeling better.
Mom: A quiet day with Keenan. Loved it. He has been needing some one-on-one time with his Momma.
Dad: Coming home and eating lunch with Keenan was the best part of my day.

Tuesday, January 6

Project 365:
Jeff Whitney taught Valu the song “Right Here Waiting” by Richard Marx. Valu has an excellent ear for music. He has the song almost down just from hearing it. Looks like he is a natural pianist. Time to start those piano lessons, eh? :)

Gratitude Journal:
Keenan: Sitting next to Nate in the car.
Valu: Learning a new song on the piano.
Mom: Dinner was delish. Garlic Chicken Alfredo. Yum.
Dad: I got my work groove back.

Monday, January 5

Project 365:
Poor Little T'ea. She ate some macadamia nut cookies - thanks to her feeding pal Keenan. She progressively got worse throughout the day so I finally called the vet. Found out that mac nuts are toxic to dogs. Poor baby had to get x-rays and a nasty charcoal treatment. -- Seems to be feeling a bit better. At least her little ears are perking up.

Gratitude Journal:
Keenan: Had fun chasing birds and feeding fish at the Byodo-in-Temple in Temple Valley with McKenna and Anna.
Valu: Hanauma Bay with the Whitney's was a blast.
Mom: Grateful for my big 'ol comfy car that is not only safe--it is comfy too.
Dad: Grateful for the fun of the holidays--BUT, glad that they are over and that I can get back to business.

Sunday, January 4

Project 365:
Squished faces in the trampoline screen make me laugh—hard.

Gratitude Journal:
Keenan: Having friends to play with.
Valu: Jumping on the tramp--especially on a sunday.
Mom: Teaching Keenan's CTR 5 class--we got CTR rings.
Dad: Sunday naps are the best!

Saturday, January 3

Project 365:
Keenan makes sure he gets every tooth clean.


Gratitude Journal:
Keenan: Playing with my "cousins" - (The Whitney's)
Valu: Waimea Beach is my favorite beach.
Mom: Loved watching everyone play at the beach. Good times.
Dad: Being in nature--the beach is rejuvenating.

Friday, January 2

Project 365:
Keenan likes to be wrapped up tight and needs a blankie to be able to fall asleep.


Gratitude Journal:
Keenan: Jumping on the trampoline. I can do a back flip.
Valu: Enjoyed a day of rest. Especially after a sleepness night from camping.
Mom: Love date night!
Dad: One-on-One with my lover--the best!

Thursday, January 1

Project 365:
The Whitney’s are here on vacation. Drew, Nate and Valu wanted to camp outside. The rain made them compromise. They did sleep in a tent—in the garage. Way to “rough it” boys!











Gratitude Journal:
Keenan: Alligator Pond is soooo fun!
Valu: The beach was fun--even the babyish Alligator Pond.
Mom: Love the start of a new year--so full of possibilities.
Dad: Love hangin' with the fam--nothing better.

Project 365 and Gratitude Journal

Our family's theme this year is to focus on gratitude. This blog is dedicated to achieving this goal. We will be recording our daily thankfulness in a Gratitude Journal and capturing our daily life in photos. I imagine that most of my posts will be centered on these 2 things.
PROJECT 365:
Over the last few years I have been inspired by those who have kept a photo journal (Project 365) of their daily photos. For years I have been wanting to join the project 365 masses--but it just seemed like one more thing to do. Not this year. With the littlest Key in school half-day I feel like I have time. Wonderful, blessed ME time. :) I have been wanting to improve my photography skills. Taking a photo (or something similar) every day will help me to focus on this goal.

GRATITUDE JOURNAL:
Last year I wrote in a gratitude journal every day. It changed my life. My heart has expanded -- I have become so much more aware of the goodness around me. My family decided to join me in the daily gratitude journal this year. I am excited about our unified quest in seeing the spectacular disguised as ordinary.

I am excited about our new journey and hope that the blogging learning curve is easy. Wish me luck.

My first post

I succumbed. I couldn't handle the pressure. I love reading other people's blogs--but really- the pressure to find something witty to say seems daunting.  But--here we are anyway. We are ready to connect with all you tech savvy peeps--and no we aren't doing the facebook thing--not yet anyway. :)  

The Ramanlal 'Ohana  jumped into the 21st.