The Moovie Oovie Oovies

The whole family went to see the movie Transformers 2. One hour into the movie--Keenie was spent. So, the two of us went outside and burned off 1/3 of a snickers bar and pent up energy from not taking a nap. Sugar and no nap=an exhausted child that spins in circles. Being pent-up in the theatre made Keenan want to do the moovie oovie oovies (our rendition of doing the boogie oogie oogie). Come on, you know that song makes you want to boogie!! You boogied in your chair, just now, yes?! :)

I was actually happy to leave the movie--it was way too violent for me and especially for Keenie.

Gratitude Journal:

Keenan: Grateful that I could go to the movies with my family.

Valu: Grateful that I could watch Transformers 2--even though it wasn't as good as the first one.

Mom: Grateful for the exceptionally fast and efficient service we had at the restaurant tonight. Grateful -because everyone was hungry and tired.

Dad: Grateful that I am feeling better.

Music to my Ears

Awhile ago, I found this song via Steph's blog. Thanks Steph! Valu loves it as much as I do. I love to hear Valu's rendition coming from our piano. -- I love that Valu keeps checking Jon Schmidt's blog to see if he has released the mp3. Not yet! -- Seeing and hearing Valu's new love for piano is glorious music to my ears.




Gratitude Journal:
Keenan: Grateful that I am alive and not dead.
Valu: Grateful that my immune system is strong and is able to resist Dad's nasty sickness.
Mom: Grateful that Ki was able to rest today.-Sad to see him sick-he hardly ever gets sick.
Dad: Grateful for a wonderful nurturing wife who attends to my sickly self.

Photog Class

Wednesday, 24 June 2009

I loved taking this fabulous online photography class. I've learned so much from Karen. Not only is she an amazing teacher, she is an amazing person. I love how eloquently she shares her life and her experiences thru her work. She allows herself to be vulnerable. She is the real deal. So grateful that I took this journey.
Look at the thickness of the manual. The miraculous thing is I can understand the technical information on every single page of this thick book. --- Now, I just need to internalize and incorporate all of it. Practice, practice, practice!!

Gratitude Journal:
Keenan: Grateful that I didn't have to take a nap today.
Valu: Grateful for an entire day of play--I forgot to do my Kumon.
Mom: Grateful for a house full of joyful noise.
Dad: Grateful that home is a respite.

14 Years

On this day, 14 years ago, we made some covenants in this Temple--and forever changed our lives!

Good Grief!! Can you believe how young we looked 14 years ago?

Ha! Babe, love your stylin' fro--and look at your chiseled cheekbones.
And just think-the glasses that you were wearing 2 months before these photos-were DOUBLE the size of the monsters you have on.

I loved my bouquet of gardenias. The fragrance was divine.

Sheesh, we really were babies!

Babe, I just have to say--If I knew then, what I know now-- that night, 16 years ago, when you caught my gaze from across the room--I would have walked right over and asked you to marry me--right then and there. Yes, I would. If I knew then, what I know now, I would have said let's get married in the morning--I know the perfect place and we both have temple recommends. If I knew then, what I know now, I wouldn't let another day pass without you by my side.

Babe, I never thought that marriage could be this fun, this fulfilling. Thank-you! Our marriage is one of the things that has been 'easy' for us. The cynic in me kept expecting the bubble to burst--but it hasn't. After 14 years, I often think about how lucky we are. And then I realize it isn't luck. There is no secret formula to marital bliss. Paying attention to the 'little things" has kept our marriage blissful. --We don't take each other for granted. We remember to use magic words like please, thank you, and I'm sorry. You, my precious husband, show me the perfect example of expressing heartfelt gratitude. Your unconditional love has made me feel cherished and adored. I hope my love for you makes you feel adored. Because I do adore you! ADORE! The past 14 years have been the best years of my life! I can't wait to grow old and grey with you. Oh, wait--you already ARE old and grey. :) I love you!

Gratitude Journal:

Keenan: Grateful for my Mom and Dad and Valu.

Valu: Grateful that I could help pull weeds at the ward farm--as part of our scout service project.

Mom: Grateful for my darling precious husband!

Dad: Grateful that my wife said yes--14 years ago. Extremely grateful!

Water Fight Night

Monday, 22 June 2009

This is what the boys did for a FHE activity.

Not even the quiet spell of night could keep the boys from behaving badly.

Te'a and I ran for the house and watched from the safety of the locked door.

Gratitude Journal:

Keenan: Grateful for water fights.

Valu: Grateful for a full day of fun.

Mom: Grateful that the boys' don't include me in all of their fun.

Dad: Grateful for my kids--love that they let me win most of our 'fights'.

Father's Day

Sunday, 21 June 2009

Love that we got to spend the day honoring this incredible father.

Keenan created this colorful tie for his Dad.

I love these hands.

These are the hands of a wonderful father and husband.

These are the hands that hold and bless us.

These are the hands that serve and comfort us.

I love that you can see Ki's strength and humility in these hands.

We played a ferocious game of Frogger.

We had a Potato Head making contest. We all won. :)

We finished off the night playing Phase 10 Dice, which happens to be our new favorite game.

Gratitude Journal:

Keenan: Grateful for my Dad. He is the best.

Valu: Grateful that my Dad is mine. I love you, Dad.
Mom: Babe, before we married, I knew you would be a great dad when I saw you interact with my nieces and nephews. But, when our boys entered our lives--I was blown away. I couldn't have wished for a better father, for our boys. I love that I get to walk hand in hand with you on this journey called parenthood.

Dad: Grateful for my family. So grateful that they love me.

A Very Sad Day

Saturday, 20 June 2009

This jumbled mess of cords is a photographic metaphor of my life without my computer. - Messy, unorganized and chaotic!

My beautiful and reliable computer is a bit ill. She keeps freezing up on me. I thought it was due to me maxing out her memory--but nope! I made an appointment at the Genius Bar today. I knew it would be a bit crazy over there with the new iphone 3GS debuting yesterday. Sheesh, it was CRAZY busy. They confiscated my computer and with a flippant, "We'll call you when it's ready" I was shooed away. I don't appreciate being shooed--but the chaos of that place made me a bit claustrophobic. I hurriedly stumbled through the maze of bodies to the quiet crowd outside the store. -- More than 50 people waited outside for their names to be called so they could purchase the coveted iphone. iPeople (apple product lovers) are a bunch of weirdos! Zealots! -- Yes, I shamelessly admit to being a part of this crowd. Well, at least the apple product loving part.

Gratitude Journal:
Keenan: Grateful I could buy toys with my Dad.
Valu: Grateful that I could hang with the family today.
Mom: Grateful that I have an external hard drive as well as Time Machine. We'll see if Time Machine lives up to its reputation as being a phenomenal back-up device. -- Sounds more like fear-induced hope rather than gratitude, eh?!
Dad: Grateful that I could be with my family today.

Beautiful to the End...

I don't usually keep flowers once they start to wilt. I usually pluck the ones that have 'had their day in the sun' from the bouquet. I don't want the lively ones to be diminished by their dying sisters. I had a hard time letting go of these beauties. It was almost like they tried their hardest to stay beautiful for as long as they could. You can see the strain on the necks of those who finally gave in. These beautiful flowers made my heart sing. They truly filled my home with bliss.

--- But the star of the bouquet is the flower featured in the middle. She is the reason I kept this debilitating bouquet proudly displayed beyond their time.

Just a few minutes before I took this picture, I stood in front of her enjoying her magnificence. I told her how much joy she and her sisters had brought me. I told her how miraculous I thought she was for not even showing any sign of degradation when her sisters had long gone. I thanked her for sharing her beauty with me. I enjoyed gazing upon her every day. Her very existence was truly a gift to me. I reached out to gently stroke the side of her petals like one would affectionately touch a loved ones cheek. As my finger touched her velvety petals...I said, "Thank-you, I love you." My slight touch started an avalanche. I gasped, "Oh No!! What did I do?!" The petals came cascading down in a beautiful spiral - petal after petal. Almost in slow-motion, so that I could watch the deliberateness of her actions. It was like she was shedding her skin. It was her last great act of love. Her last display of magnificence. It was as if she held on until she heard or felt what she needed and then... her work was done.

You can tell how full her magnificent bloom was by the wide stance of her strong and mighty sepal. I wish I had captured her in her full glory...petals in full bloom. Alas, I will keep her beauty stored in my memory, and that is good enough.

Even though this account may seem a bit dramatic, it is just my attempt at trying to convey the sacredness of this moment. I believe that there is sacredness all around us. Simply acknowledging the sacredness is our gift.

I agree with Alice (in Wonderland):

"You can learn a lot of things from the flowers,

For especially in the month of June.
There's a wealth of happiness and romance, oh...

Flowers:...the golden afternoon!" - lyrics from the song: "Golden Afternoon"

Gratitude Journal:

Keenan: Grateful for yummy sandwiches.

Valu: Grateful for a fun afternoon with my family.

Mom: Grateful for the magical power of flowers.

Dad: Grateful to be able to 'veg' with my family tonight. Just what I needed.

A Typical Outing

Just in case you are wondering why Valu is not a prominent figure in my photos.

If I photography him without his permission--not only does he sabotage his shots-but he will bump into me, cover up my lens and blocks other shots. He wins. I don't mess with the Valu Man.

The backpack full of Star Wars paraphernalia must be worn at all times, especially for outings. His father is just grateful that the purse is no longer a part of our outings.

As we wait for our chicken at the BBQ- Keenan can't keep his eyes off the sugary pink bottle.

He doesn't get any--that stuff is like liquid cocaine to his little system.

But, he always trys.

Instead, he tops off his meal with a humongous cookie.

This expression appeared milliseconds after the last photo.

Seriously, the expressions on this boy keep us laughing.

Umm, Dude? Are shirts used as napkins?

Thank-you!!

I mean, this Melona bar is how he really topped off his meal.

Did I actually catch my boys holding hands?

Well, if you define hand-holding as a way to control your brother. :)

Gratitude Journal:

Keenan: Grateful I could play in the rain.

Valu: Grateful that I could play with Keenan--he can be a lot of fun.

Mom: Grateful that the boys were willing to help me clean and de-clutter their playroom.

Dad: Always grateful for the time that I get to spend with my family.

My Little Model

This little guy does make stuff up...all the time--and we LOVE IT. Keenan has such a cute sense of humor. He loves to make us laugh. He can act quite silly just to get a laugh. We love his fun personality!

His shirt says: I make stuff up...all the time...like right now.

Gratitude Journal:

Keenan: Grateful that I could earn a Star Wars toy by letting my Mom take my picture. ( -- Umm it's true. I will bribe my kids to have them model for me. -- I can't even bribe Valu to model for money.)

Valu: Grateful that I could hang-out with Dad today while he worked.

Mom: Grateful that Keenie and I could bond while the Ki's were together.

Dad: Grateful for a day with Valu, He is such an amazing kid. And he is growing so fast! These 12 years have sped by. Almost 12 years.

A Big Slice of Humble Pie...

...that's what I was served tonight. Remember, when I was 'boasting' about how I love to cook for others? Well, after tonight, I take it all back.

This dish may not look appetizing to the eye-but trust me. It is delish. The chicken is wrapped in ham and the sauce is a yummy cream-of mushroom/cheese mixture that tastes really good over rice. This main course is actually one of my fail safe recipes. I have been making it for years. It is liked by young and old. Even the locals like this dish. That is why I decided to make this meal for some friends who just had a baby.

I made an extra pan for my family. As we were sitting around the table enjoying our meal, Valu holds up a piece of his chicken and says, "Umm, Mom? Is this chicken cooked?" I don't really look closely at his--but I throughly look at mine. My chicken is well-cooked. I even cooked the chicken a little more than the required hour that I usually do. In fact, I tend to over-cook chicken because I am paranoid that it might be under-cooked. I assure Valu that the chicken is MORE than cooked. The red coloring he sees is from the ham. The coloring in the ham does indeed make the outside of the chicken pink. He says, "Ummm, are you sure? Because I can barely cut this thing." What? I grab his plate to take a closer look. Sure enough, it is not only undercooked, I believe it could be considered raw. What the heck!!! How did that happen? My chicken was throughly cooked as well as Ki's and Keenan's. --- I rush over to the cooking pan and inspect the rest of the chicken. All of the chicken around the sides of the pan are raw. The middle pieces however are all well-cooked.

You can imagine what I am thinking? Oh no, I took over an uncooked meal to a new mommy. Ugg! You would think I would get a little sympathy from the boys. Umm, NO! They rub it in. "You probably gave that poor family salmonella poisoning." "You are going to be known as the cook that kills people." "Everyone from here on out, will be terrified of you." "When you show up at a pot-luck, a deep horrified gasp will fill the air." "Your reputation will haunt you even when we move, because Oahu is a small island." "Oh, the shame." "We won't be able to go anywhere without people looking in amazement that we are still alive." "We will be known as heroes for staying alive despite your killer cooking skills."

--- deep sigh ---

I did call up my friend-who is the sister-in-law of the people I fed--she lives next door to them. I begged her to go over and find out if the chicken was cooked. I was afraid if I asked the couple I cooked for, they might lie to me if it was raw. I had to know the truth.--My friend called me back and assured me that the chicken was indeed cooked and the meal was actually a hit.

phew!!!

So, I have a theory of why the chicken was undercooked around the sides of my pan. I used a silicone pan--which I hardly ever use. The silicone pan was small enough to allow me to cook both pans in the oven at the same time. -- I think that somehow the silicone sides are actually a heat barrier instead of a heat conductor. It's the only thing I can think of--because in a rational world the middle of the pan is the last thing to cook. That's why one always tests in the middle-to ensure the dish is cooked. I'm right, yes? Sigh... And, even though I trust that my friend is telling the truth and checked the chicken...a bit of me still wonders. And my desire to cook for others...SQUASHED!

Gratitude Journal:

Keenan: Grateful for Power Rangers.

Valu: Grateful that 3 hrs after I ate raw chicken...I am feeling fine. I am so grateful I am not sick. Extremely grateful. ---- (Such a funny boy.)

Mom: Grateful to be able to laugh at situations that actually make me want to cry.

Dad: Grateful that my wife puts up with us and our raunchy humor.

He IS The Fish Man

Kivalu received a bit of flack from his last fishing adventure. Many questioned his masterful fishing abilities. Here is his latest catch:

But, this time he did 'catch' it on the side of the road from a local fisherman.

Gratitude Journal:

Keenan: Grateful that I get to play ALLLL day.

Valu: Grateful that the power was only out for a little over an hour. - Made me appreciate the convenience of electricity.

Mom: I too am grateful that the electricity came back on quickly. I love air-conditioning. It has definitely turned into summer over here. Hot and muggy. I am extremely grateful to have air-conditioning in our home.

Dad: Grateful for talented fishermen. 

A Day Filled With Prayer...

...but not in the way you might think... Today, my primary lesson was based on prayer. I was in charge of Sharing Time today, too. The subject? You guessed it-prayer. I also did my Visiting Teaching today and the message, of course, was prayer. The power of prayer is one of my favorite things to teach/discuss. I love that we all can communicate with Heavenly Father. It really is a profound concept--the ability to commune with Deity. As I look back, even as a young child, I felt Heavenly Father's presence in my life. He listened and answered my childhood prayers and concerns. He still hears me. He directs me. He comforts me. He is my polar north star. 

My Sharing Time consisted of using examples from the scriptures where prayer was the avenue to unlock miracles. I ended my Sharing Time by explaining how singing can be a prayer - D&C 25:12. I shared how singing can help us feel closer to Heavenly Father. I also shared the 2 songs that are on the handout, above. I love to give something to the kids to take home. I believe handouts help solidify concepts learned at church.--My hope is that parents see the handouts and it leads to discussions that were taught at church. At least that is my intention on making a handout. :) 

I found the cute handout on  Emma's blog. I emailed her last night to see if she would send me the file and in less 20 mins it was in my inbox. So grateful that she shares her talents. I am especially grateful that she helped me at the last minute. Notice how she emphasized the 4 steps of prayer-exactly what I wanted to emphasize. I was able to whip out (print, cut, and adhere to cardstock) 32 handouts in less than 45 mins. All due to Emma's skills and thoughtfulness. So grateful!! 

I also made these handouts for the ladies that I  Visit Teach. I made them 5x7 so they can put them in the frames we made at Enrichment. My Visiting Teachers happen to be 2 of the ladies that my companion and I teach. So, in an effort to reduce redundancy, we meet at my home on 2nd sundays for lunch and the sharing of the VT message. We are really enjoying our visits and our cleverness in "killing several birds with one stone".  :) Our VT lunch has turned out to be one of my favorite things to look forward to each month. Today, I made easy peasy Taco Soup, salsa, and a 7 layer dip . I find that I really enjoy cooking. Especially, for those who appreciate my cooking. - Yes, that was a huge passive aggressive plug directed at my boys.  :}

Gratitude Journal: 

Keenan: Grateful to go to church.

Valu: Grateful for sunday game nights.

Mom: Grateful for a full day of sunday goodness. I am grateful to be able to teach--as I am usually the one who learns the most. 

Dad: Grateful that I was able to serve my family today.

Winking Roses

Saturday, 13 June 2009

These flowers have been flirting with me all day. Every time I pass by, they wink at me. Their flirtation worked. I can't keep my eyes off of them. They are absolutely gorgeous. 

The roses were sprayed with a fine glitter mist. So pretty!

Gratitude Journal:

Keenan: Grateful that I could have fun at alligator pond.

Valu: Grateful that we could go fishing. It was fun even though we didn't catch anything.

Mom: Grateful for the beautiful roses that are on my table. I forget how wonderful it is to have fresh flowers in my home. I really need to bring them into my home more often. Flowers heal a part of my soul. Pure delight!

Dad: Grateful for a wonderful relaxing beach day.

Mr. Clean

Gratitude Journal:

Keenan: I LOVE to play with my brudder Balu. 

Valu: Grateful for a fun relaxing day. I am loving summer vacation!

Mom: Grateful for the beautiful roses that our house guests gave us. They are GORGEOUS!

Dad: Grateful for a wonderfully productive day. I love getting a lot crossed off my to do list.

'Star Wars' Boy

This little tyke loves to snuggle in his Star Wars blanket wearing his Star Wars PJ's. 

Gratitude Journal: 

Keenan: Grateful that the missionaries came over tonight and ate dinner with us.

Valu: Grateful for a nice evening with our company.

Mom: Grateful that Ki took over tonight cooking for, feeding and entertaining our company (visitors in the casita and missionaries) while I was at a baby shower (I was in charge of games and prizes). Way to go Babe, you are amazing. Not amazed that you can do it all--but that you do it ALL with such grace and ease. :)

Dad: Grateful to have the missionaries over. Love the spirit that they bring to our home.

Haircuts...Please!

Our family is in dire need of haircuts. Keenan's mohawk is droopy.Valu's fro is froophy. And Te'a, poor darling Te'a is beyond needing a haircut.

This sweet dog is allergic to her own hair. If we don't keep her coat short she will pull it out.We could put her on meds but were told that it could weaken her heart--and Poms are susceptible to heart problems. So, we keep her trimmed in her Mufasa style haircut and all is well in the world. :)

Te'a did get her much needed haircut tonight. Hopefully, I can get my clippers in the boys' hair this weekend.

Gratitude Journal:

Keenan: Grateful for a fun day of playing.

Valu: Grateful that Dad joined us on the trampoline tonight.

Mom: Grateful for a delightful evening of SYTYCD. The 29 year old ballerina, Melissa--moved me to tears. 

Dad: Grateful for my wife. Just the sight of her makes me happy.

Dentist

We have been trying to get Keenan in the dentist chair for the last 2 years. Today, he did it! Keenan got his first cleaning with x-rays to boot. A big day for our little Keenster. His sensory issues have made teeth brushing a bit of a struggle, to say the least. But, the last 8 months he made a huge turn and began brushing himself. We have been preparing him for this dentist appointment for a few weeks. We talked about the sound the machines would make, how the dentist would put a fork-like tool in his mouth--etc. We really talked up the ordeal -- He was a trooper. But, I almost lost him at the get-go. I forgot to tell him about the reclining chair. He almost bolted when the technician started the recline--but he stuck with it. Once he got over that little mishap--it was smooth sailing. Well, about as smooth as one can feel if you are a sailor in a leaking ship being tossed about on an angry sea and don't know how to swim.

Keenan was a bit freaked out over the technician's eye-shield and visor.

As she snapped on her latex gloves -- Keenie actually jumped.

Look at his sweet little petrified face. 

Are those lil' eyes screaming "HELP ME!", or what?

The spit slurper actually made his little toes curl.

But, the payoff was worth all the torment!

Gratitude Journal:

Keenan: Grateful that I got to eat candy and popcorn at the movies.

Valu: Grateful that we got to watch Night at the Museum 2.

Mom: Grateful for a fun filled day with my 2 boylies.

Dad: Grateful that my family was able to enjoy themselves today. So proud of Keenan. Proud that he was willing to do something that made him nervous.

Every Man Jack...

Monday, 8 June 2009

...is my new favorite soap. The citrus smell is to die for. And, the exfoliating granules are amazing. My skin feels so soft and smells so yummy after I step out of the shower. I know the company markets this product for men--the wood grain box--even the glycerin soap is tinted a manly brown color. But, I love it. I think citrus smells good on everyone. So, it may be made for a man--but this woman is devoted to every man jack.

Gratitude Journal:

Keenan: Grateful to be able to play outside as we ate dinner.

Valu: Grateful for the yummy BBQ.

Mom: Grateful for Ki's delicious BBQ and our wonderful friends who were such great company. So nice to sit and visit. It is definitely beginning to feel like summer.

Dad: Grateful for an evening of good friends and good food.

Scripture Study

Sunday, 7 June 2009

This is where I study my scriptures-and I love it. I love being able to reference the Sunday School and Relief Society curriculum on the web. If I have any questions, I can quickly find resources to answer questions or further my curiosities. I love the web. Many are afraid of the dangers that lurk in the mysterious triple W--but the 'www.' has enhanced almost all aspects of my life--even my spirituality.

Gratitude Journal: 

Keenan: Grateful to be able to play with my train, Debbie.

Valu: Grateful for another fun-filled game playing night.

Mom: Grateful for the scriptures--they truly fill me up and nourish me.

Dad: Grateful for the sabbath--it truly is a day of renewal.

Wireless

Saturday, June 6

We spent most of the day setting up our new wireless network. My Mac connected to the network and the new wireless printer-easy peasy. The PC notebook---not so easy. I'd really like to know why PC makers can't get their act together. How hard can it be to streamline like a Mac? Feeling a bit embarrassed for PCs and their owners. -- Wow, I really am a Mac snob. :) 

The specs on this little beauty are pretty sweet:

4GB SDAM -- 320GB HDD -- 2 Duo Processor

The cost--almost HALF the price of a comparable Mac. 

Now, THAT is sweet. 

I guess PCs are not THAT bad, after all. :)

Gratitude Journal: 

Keenan: Grateful that Trysta could come and play with me tonight.

Valu: Grateful for my new computer. I love it. 

Mom: Grateful for a night out with my Lova'--it seems like we haven't had a date night in a long long time--in actuality it has only been a few weeks.

Dad: Grateful for our new computer set-up. I don't know why we didn't go wireless (printer) sooner.

Keenan's Last Day of School

Keenan's school celebrated the last day of school by having a water day. A perfect way to end a wonderful school year.

There was a slip and slide.

Lots of waiting for the kiddie pool to fill up.

And lots and lots of happy wet kiddos.

My camera and I did not stick around long--WAY too much water flying everywhere. :)

Gratitude Journal:

Keenan: Grateful that I got to play in the pool at school.

Valu:  Grateful that I got a new laptop. Big Grin.

Mom: Grateful that today marks the 1st official day of summer. I am ready for some unstructured play days. 

Dad: Grateful that I could spend time with my brother. I enjoy his visits.

Lunch at PCC

Thursday, 4 June 2009

Today we ate lunch at the PCC. I don't know why we don't frequent these amazing facilities more often. The 'ono food satisfied our diverse taste buds. The atmosphere was divine. Soft breezes in the air, soft Hawaiian music in the background, and the sound of a lovely waterfall behind us. Bliss I tell you. Pure bliss.

How cute is this kitschy grass-skirted umbrella? I ran an action on the photos to represent the era I felt like we were in. Something about the PCC makes me recall all those kitschy Hawaii movies that Elvis made back in the day.

Here is the delightful waterfall that was behind us. I love the sound of waterfalls. Soothes my soul. Sets me right!

Gratitude Journal:

Keenan: Grateful that I could eat at the PCC. I love the PCC. I love to go with my cousins (Auntie Kim and family).

Valu: I enjoyed eating at the PCC, too. I forget that the PCC exists.

Mom: Grateful for the fun bonding that can spontaneously occur during a simple excursion like a lunch date. I really think that the peaceful ambiance of the area helped facilitate the bonding. Beautiful surroundings can really set and change one's mood, almost immediately. So grateful to be surrounded by such beauty! So grateful.

Dad: Always grateful to be surrounded by my family- they are my beautiful surroundings.

Recycling Center

I got a good chuckle as I walked past our recycling bin. Not because of the obvious. (Ki's brother is visiting and the beer bottles are his--not mine.) I was actually giggling over the irony. You see, I do have an alcohol problem. A rubbing alcohol addiction. (You can see the evidence of my addiction behind the beer bottle.) -- My giggle stemmed from a little story that I like to retell--but I don't think I have officially recorded. But tonight I will share one of my most humbling moments. --

Valu, (in Kindergarten, at the time) told the entire school that his Mom was an alcoholic. OH YES, HE DID! The school was having a DARE assembly. They were talking about the danger of drugs and alcohol. Cute little Valu, being the talkative boy that he is, outed his Mom. He told the entire campus, " My Mom is an alcoholic. She goes to Wal-mart and buys lots and lots of alcohol. She fills up the entire cart with alcohol bottles." -- Uh hmm, I do. He wasn't exaggerating. I tend to stock up on the stuff when we make the long trek into town. That day, we had a long conversation on the difference between alcohol and isopropyl alcohol. :) Teachers from his school still give me sheepish grins.

So, even though my alcohol addiction may have given me a bad reputation, I won't give it up. I really do love to clean my counters and even my tile floor with this wonderful stuff. Not only does it sanitize--it cleans away sticky stuff. Sticky seems to be the goo of choice in this household of boys. 

Gratitude Journal:

Keenan: I love jumping on the tramp when Valu gets it slippery with soap.

Valu: Grateful that Keenan and I could jump on the slippery tramp.

Mom: Grateful for a fun relaxing evening,

Dad: Grateful that I could spend the day with my brother.

Enrichment Night

Tuesday, 2 June 2009

Tonight our Enrichment Night was focused on making our homes more like the temple. We had 3 classes. One on organization, another on literature and music. I was asked to teach the 3rd; how to make our homes like the temple through beautification. I basically shared the concept that it is our divine right to create-referencing this talk by Uchtdorf. I really do believe that our homes should rise up to greet us when we walk thru her doors. I fill my home with things that I love and their presence gives me great joy. Everything I shared was extremely economical and doable. I am especially inspired by words--great quotes--scriptures--songs. Therefore, I had to do a craft that encompassed my passion.

This is the actual craft that we made. 

I bought these frames (on the left) for $2.

I printed the 2 different word art on clear transparency film. I brought tons of patterned paper for the women to decorate their frames and background. Everyone went home with their own unique framed art in colors that inspired them. 

I also brought some of my favorite things from my home to share.

1. I display my kid's art work in frames--all great art deserves to be framed. :) I found that I was getting lazy switching out their art work regularly. So--I took out the backing and taped the art to the glass front instead. I love the transparent look and their art gets rotated much more frequently.

2. I saw this idea on Decorating with Cents. Love how the foliage drapes over the confines of the frame. (The frames were a few dollars because of broken glass).

3. The new Gospel Art Book is only $1.50 when bought in lots of 20, $3.50 otherwise. At this price you can get 2 (one to cut-up and frame). The quality of the book is really quite amazing.

4. I brought a mirror and showed how I write little love notes to my family on them using markers. Easy peasy love notes. I also take it off the wall and use it as a dry-erase board during FHE. I love items that serve many purposes.

5. One of my favorite places to get great quotes is from The Foundation For A Better Life. I love the downloadable billboards. I put this and this on our fridge. Every time I walk past the kitchen--they make me smile. 

6. I brought one of my favorite finds. A photography book full of some of the best photos taken in the last century. I got it in the clearance section at Borders for $4.99. I plan on cutting out the fab photos and hanging them in Ki's office.

Do you know what these metal circles are? They are stove-top covers. I think they make a really cool magnetic board. I am loving circles these days. $3.49 for all 4 at wal-mart.

Gratitude Journal: 

Keenan: Grateful to be able to eat lots of yummy food tonight.

Valu: Enjoyed hanging out and BBQing.

Mom: Grateful that the craft was a hit. Never know if something you love will be loved by others. My framed flowers did not go over well--but I still love them. :)

Dad: Grateful for BBQ night.