I love the fact that Ki loves his fish. I really do. It is full of omega 3s. Most importantly, eating fish is one of his very favorite things to do in this whole world. No, I am not exaggerating. I am so grateful that we have this wonderful grill to cook Ki's masterpieces on. He really is a fantastic cook. It's a good thing that cooking is a wonderful release for him. -- Because sadly, I don't think I will ever cook him fish. I can't do it. It is just too gross. The smell--the guts. I can barely handle touching raw chicken and beef. I really am on the verge of completely converting to vegetarianism. The problem is...every once in awhile, nothing tastes better than a tasty, perfectly seasoned piece of flesh. I said flesh, not fish. :)
We are seriously considering an outdoor kitchen in our next home. Just think--no more smelly food odors traveling thru the house. No more heat from the ovens making the house too hot. Yes, we are thinking an outdoor kitchen might be a VERY good thing.
Gratitude Journal:
Keenan: I am moving to level 2 in swimming. YIPPEE!
Valu: Grateful for a great school week and a homework-less weekend.
Mom: Grateful for a relaxing evening and tender-hearted conversations while eating dinner and soaking up the ambience of the beautiful gloaming.
Dad: I truly am grateful for fish and how readily available it is.
...that bring the greatest joys. A breathtaking sunset. Walking hand in hand. A wink from across the room. A smile. A thank-you.
And...cute teeneyweeney gum ball machines.
This little cutie is less than 3 inches tall and dispenses 1/4 inch gum balls.
So cute. He made our day today. A $4.50 purchase of pure delight.
Why are miniature little things so delightful?
Gratitude Journal:
Keenan: Grateful that my tummy is full of 'nana bread'.
Valu: Grateful that I finished all of my assignments at school. I am loving this year.
Mom: Grateful for a day to organize myself. Clean house. Clean clothes. Clean sheets (my favorite). Answered emails. Paid bills. A very good day, indeed.
Dad: Grateful for my wife. She is a wonderful organizer. And she does it all effortlessly. She makes sure that we are ready to fly out the door in the morning. Lunches made. School papers signed. I know I don't know everything that she does-because she doesn't boast--but I am so grateful to her. Our family is greatly blessed because of her efficiency.
Keenan helped make banana bread tonight. Can you tell which ingredient he was in charge of?
Yes, the flour.
Keenie was a little disappointed to discover that the bread needed to cook for an hour.
He will get his anticipated taste in the morning. When his tired little head hits his pillow he is out in a wink. He still needs a nap but his busy little schedule won't allow the luxury. He does catch a few snoozes on the car ride to pick up Valu from school. But, the jarring of the road usually wakes him after a few minutes.
Gratitude Journal:
Keenan: I love banana bread.
Valu: Grateful that I am caught up with my school work.
Mom: Grateful for days full of purpose and sleepy bodies at days end.
Dad: I am really grateful for the soothing rhythm that is returning to our household.
I have been driving past this beautiful old deteriorating sugar mill for the past 20 years. I keep telling myself that "one day" I need to stop and take pictures. I realized that "one day" needed to be now. Her walls keep tumbling down--I would hate to think that this beauty might not be around much longer.
The story behind this sugar mill has always touched me. I can imagine the angst that the parents felt when their young son fell in a vat of boiling sugar syrup. The agony of hearing and watching their young boy suffer from burns, is beyond comprehension. The mother couldn't bear being near the mill that stole her son away from her, and left their home. The father sold his share of the mill and left soon after. Oh...the suffering they must have felt. Their hopes and dreams that were so idyllic on this fairytale property were squashed by the devastation of a horrid accident. My heart aches for them--The Wilder 'Ohana that lived over 100 years ago.
Even though this story is tragic--these ruins don't seem to be carry the energy of tragedy with them. When I see them--I see hope. I see walls that were loving constructed with anticipation. These walls held the dreams of innovative young minds who were on the crutch of starting a new business. A new life. A new beginning.
I like to think that the Wilder's found peace and happiness, that their lives were redirected to something even better than their idyllic dreams. One can hope.
*edited--- I just found this article that states that Mr. Wilder made a fortune in inter-island shipping and railroad. Well, even though we don't know the state of their hearts, I suppose it is nice to know that at least they had monetary comfort.
These columns look like regal sentinels protecting the ghosts of this sanctuary.
Gratitude Journal:
Keenan: Grateful for my lego toys.
Valu: Grateful that my school has study hall--so I can get my work completed at school and not at home.
Mom: Grateful for the beauty that surrounds me. I will never tire of the beauty of this isle. Never.
Dad: Grateful for my beautiful wife. It is hard to notice the beauty around me when she is near.
....yes, that is the sound that a goat makes. -- Keenie takes swimming lessons at Gunstock Ranch. One of the bonuses of taking lessons there is seeing all the farm animals. After lessons, we stopped to watch the goats eat their evening meal.
I forget how freakish goats are. Why do their eyes have to have such funky pupils?
Except for you, darling. You are adorable!
Hey! Billy Goat Gruff. You are being too rough.
Big Bully! Pick on someone your own size!
This is the cutie pie Mr. Bully was head-butting to get to the food.
Eeeeww! Boylies, this is what it looks like when you don't close your mouth when you chew.
Disgusting, eh? Now you know why I say, "Only animals chew with their mouths open."
Please, my darling boylies, don't chew like an animal.
If you do, you may grow scary appendages under your chiny-chin-chin.
It could happen.
Gratitude Journal:
Keenan: Grateful that I can TOTALLY dive to the bottom of the pool!
Valu: In one day, I have already read 100 pages of "The Amulet of Samarkand".
Mom: Grateful for a wonderful day. We are healthy and happy--what could be better?
Dad: Grateful to be well-fed. That is much more important to me than being happy.
We stopped at one of Ki's job sites to take some pictures of the work in progress. It was fun to stop and see his creations come to life. We hardly ever do stop by--we don't want to get 'under foot". :/
What I need to do, is to drive around the island and take photos of all the jobs that he has completed through the years. That would make a nice coffee table book, eh?
Gratitude Journal:
Keenan: Grateful to be with my dad. I love him the mostest.
Valu: Grateful that I stayed home -- I really hate going into town.
Mom: Grateful for the relaxing day. Sometimes just being together is enough.
Dad: Grateful that my wife is so wonderfully supportive.
Today, Hawaii commemorates it's 50th anniversary. --- Did you notice that I didn't say celebrate? Well, that is due to the political unrest that still permeates from the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian kingdom in 1893. I don't know what can be done to rectify the wrong doing. But, I am hopeful that a rational resolution can be made. I appreciated the comments made by our Governor. I agree with her when she stated, "Perhaps our most important contribution to America is serving as a model of diversity for the rest of the nation. Most would agree that our diversity and the way we celebrate that diversity is Hawai'i’s greatest strength. I believe it will also be our lasting legacy...Our various backgrounds, unique perspectives, individual hopes and dreams and the respect we have for one another are what makes our state so rich."
I am so grateful to live here and be a part of this wonderful community and culture. I believe in the unified goodness of the people of this beautiful island. Together we can accomplish anything.
The yellow hibiscus-our state flower.
Gratitude Journal:
Keenan: Grateful that I can dive under the water.
Valu: Grateful to be able to live in this beautiful state, even if my school didn't allow us the day off.
Mom: I have been watching this web-cam as I have written this blog entry--and I can't stop laughing. I love tourists. So entertaining to watch. ---- Oooo... a statue...let's pose take a picture.
Dad: Today was a holiday?! Why didn't I get the day off? -- Grateful that I have a job that I love in this uncertain economy.
I decided to take my camera with me today--and catch some of the views that I have missed seeing during our summer haitus.
Look at how bright the blue sky is today. And the big fluffy white clouds...
....CRASH!!
My trigger finger pushed on the button out of shock--lucky the shot is in focus. I almost dropped my camera. I was shaking for a good 5 minutes afterward. I guess my little old nerves are wearing thin. I must be getting OLD!
Gratitude Journal:
Keenan: I love my school. Wish all my friends went to this school.
Valu: Finally, I went to all my classes. Looks like it is going to be a great year.
Mom: Grateful for the healing power of laughter. It ease stresses and just feels so good.
Dad: Grateful for my family. I love being a part of them.
Valu stuck his head out the car window to take these photos.
I have never seen the person who creates these rock formations. I imagine that whoever it is, creates in the wee hours of the morning. These rocks are located near a treacherous spot on the highway. Right across from Crouching Lion. There is not enough shoulder on the highway to even walk there--let alone make the crossing while cars whisk around the blind corner. Scary. I find myself sending out little prayers of protection to whoever creates this art.
Please...whoever you are...be safe!
Nice focusing on this one, Valu!
Gratitude Journal:
Keenan: Grateful to be able to play and play and play.
Valu: Grateful that I didn't have any homework today.
Mom: Grateful for our lovely commute. I didn't think I would miss it--it is long, but oh so lovely!
Dad: Grateful that we are going to sleep early tonight. I forgot how early 5:30 feels.
Valu didn't want any fanfare. -- I was lucky to at least snap his new backpack and coolio shorts. "7th grade is no biggie", he said. "It's my second year of middle school. No big deal."
Valu,
I just want you to know that your Mom is very proud of you. As I was reflecting over the blessing that your father gave to you this morning, I couldn't keep myself from tearing up. You are an incredible kid. Thank-you for being obedient. It is a choice. And I am so grateful that you choose to be respectful to your parents. I have always been amazed at your brilliant brain and your insightful questioning and reasoning. Your inquisitiveness will take you far in this life. This morning as I was trying to help Keenan stay focused on his homework--I realized this is not something I have ever had to do with you. You have always stayed focused on your school assignments. This past year--not once did I need to check on your assignments. Not only did you keep track of all your assignments and deadlines-you allowed yourself time to fine tune them before they were actually due. I love that you are self-motivated. You are a self-motivated learner. Such an amazing skill to have.
I just want you to know that I adore you. I always have. Always will. You are an incredible young man. It is a pleasure and an honor to be your mother.
I hope you have a wonderful year - full of frivolity and joy. You deserve all the joy that you can muster. I hope you can muster oodles of it. :)
love always,
Mom
Gratitude Journal:
Keenan: Grateful to be home with my brother-I missed him.
Valu: Looks like it is going to be a great year--we were told that we will be able to get most of our assignments done in school. Yes!
Mom: Grateful that the boylies are in great schools. So very grateful.
Dad: Grateful that we were able to find schools that can stimulate their desire to learn.
These beautiful mountains are a constant reminder to me that Christ is the foundation of my faith. He stands firm and immovable. As I lean on Him--I can stand stalwart and brave.
Gratitude Journal:
Keenan: Grateful that I have friends at church.
Valu: Grateful to have teachers and church leaders who care about me.
Mom: Grateful to have the knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It sustains me. I have peace because of my faith. A great sustaining peace that is firm--firm like the mountains around me.
Keenan agreed to get in the ocean--his first time past the shore break.
Umm...didn't go over very well.
He would much rather swim in a sand pool created by his dad.
We have had quite a bit of rain lately. The shore was littered with branches which were carried down from the mountains. We were fortunate to find that at least our beach waters were clean. We stopped at Pounders -- but the ocean was full of sticks and leaves. The boys were a bit bummed that they couldn't get in. The waves were great-but you don't want to get pounded by a wave and have a big branch beat you up, also.
At least the boylies were able to entertain themselves with the sticks.
Why do they always have to become weapons?
Really? Why?
You could build a fort. Build a raft. Build a ship.
Make a fishing pole.
Why?
Gratitude Journal:
Keenan: Grateful that I went in the ocean. -- Maybe I will do it again.
Valu: Grateful that my friend could spend the night and hang out with us.
Mom: Grateful for a fun last day of summer. It has been a wonderful break--excited to get back on a schedule.
Last week, before I tucked the boys in bed, they wanted to hear some stories about my summer adventures when I was a little girl. I told them about going to swimming lessons in the morning and then spending the rest of the day in the pool. Growing up in Arizona, my summers consisted of lots of pool time. LOTS. And then I remembered, I also loved to roller skate. My boylies had no idea what I was talking about. They have never seen anyone roller skate before. -- It's a little sad, but I think that might be true. We don't see anyone in skates or even online skates anymore. I used to LOVE roller-skating. L-O-V-E. I used to ROCK the roller-rink. I told the boys how I used to make up skating routines and perform on the driveway, outside my parents house. I would entertain myself for hours perfecting my moves. The boys thought I must have been really bored to do such things. lol.
I fell asleep reminiscing about my roller skating adventures. How had I forgotten that was such a huge part of my life when I was 8-10 years old? When I woke up the next morning, a song was in my head. I couldn't figure out where I had heard it--or even remember the title. As the day went along the little ditty stayed in my head and I found myself humming and singing parts, "Your smile is a thrill to see. Your eyes hold me tenderly...." and then I remembered the chorus, "Keep me suspended in time with you..." I immediately remembered that Olivia Newton John sings this song. I checked out You Tube and spent a good hour clicking on video after video. As I watched and sang along I realized I still knew all the words to these songs. These were the songs that I used to choreography my roller-skating routines. Xanadu came out in 1980. I was 10 years old. Suzette and I saw it together--we had a huge girl crush on Olivia Newton John. It was our first time at a movie theatre without an adult. We felt so mature! Ha! Suzette and I came home from the movie and re-enacted scenes in my parents funky 70s wall-of-mirrors family room. I spent many many hours, dancing in front of those smoky-veined mirrors.
How gorgeous is she? No wonder she was my idol.
How I wished I had her cute Australian accent. I even feathered my hair to look like hers. I spent hours in the bathroom with my curling iron trying to achieve this look.
When I saw Olivia make her grand entrance in this video clip--my 10 year old girl crush heart flipped. I was helplessly devoted to all things Olivia. (In actuality, I don't think my Olivia phase lasted too long. Certainly not past the 6th grade--when hormones and cute boys took over. :)
Don't forget to scroll down and pause my playlist music.
This roller-skating disco was so cool--hard to believe the craze didn't catch on. ;)
Gratitude Journal:
Keenan: Grateful that I can play with Valu's friends too.
Valu: Grateful to be able to stay up late and watch movies--so fun to have friends spend the night.
Mom: Grateful for music and the ability it has to take me back in time. Loved remembering this fun tidbit about my childhood.
Dad: Grateful that Valu has good friends. Its always a pleasure to have them come and spend time with us.
Today we organized all of Valu school supplies. (Keenan didn't need any supplies.) Tomorrow, Valu will meet his new teachers and put this huge load in his locker. School starts monday morning at 7:45 am. It's hard to believe that he is already in 7th grade. Time doeth flyeth.
Gratitude Journal:
Keenan: Grateful for the rain.
Valu: Grateful that I finished my summer reading book, "Two Moons". It wasn't my favorite.
Mom: Grateful that both boys are ready for another exciting year of school. I am grateful that they both enjoy learning.
Dad: Grateful to be out of the rain. I was driving in it all day. After a long day, there is not a better feeling than stepping through the welcoming door of home. Home Sweet Home.
As I sat under this magnificent and noble tree, I became a bit mesmerized by the wind rustling through the leaves. Such a peaceful sound. In my sedated state, I realized that this sound is not something I hear often. We are beach people. Whenever we get a chance to frolic on this beautiful island we do it near the shore. Breaking waves are a melodious sound, yet they drown out all the other sounds around it.
I must remember to sit under more trees. Their delightful presence and sound should not just make me reminisce about yesterdays long ago. I need to fill our tomorrows with lots of glorious trees.
I think we need to go on a picnic--and it won't be at the beach. :)
I loved hearing the creak of the branches, too. Is this why the bark is in such discerning layers? To allow for creaks and sways? Hmm, this is something that I have never considered. Amazing what can transpire when one sits under a tree.
...has been trying to conquer the monkey bars his WHOLE life. Today he did it! Keenan made it across the whole length of the bars--ALL BY HIMSELF!
Look at him swing those hips.
Whoot! Whoot!
After Valu finished his Kumon, we met up with Ki at Denny's. We love their breakfast menu. Why is breakfast so much tastier when you eat it for dinner?
The eyes on this child make me swoon.
Look at those lashes? And the penetrating deep brown color.
Swoon, I tell ya! Swoon!
Gratitude Journal:
Keenan: Grateful I can swing from the monkey bars.
Valu: Grateful for a relaxing day of play.
Mom: Grateful for little achievements--that really are not all that little.
Dad: Grateful for yummy food. I was starving by the time we ate dinner. I had been in town and in meetings all day. I love food.
Keenan decided that he likes big legos better than the small ones.. He actually said, "I like HUGEST things best."
I guess the little legos will be in storage until his 'hugest' phase fizzles.
Gratitude Journal:
Keenan: Grateful for plants and green.
Valu: Grateful to be part of this family.
Mom: Grateful that Keenan paid attention to my primary lesson--it was on how faith is like a little seed. If planted it will grow. -- I gave my class tiny pots and seeds to watch their own little miracle take place. :)
Dad: Grateful to be able to be alive in this dispensation when our Savior's gospel has been restored. Extremely grateful.
As we walked along the beach tonight we came across thousands of Blue Bubbles. Our beautiful sandy beach was littered with them. Luckily, the ones that wash up on our shore are only an inch or two long. They may be small but the sting of the tentacles are MIGHTY.
This bright blue boy is one of the largest I have ever seen. A good 3 inches long. I wish I would have put something near it for comparison.
Look at the long tentacle on this one. That baby could wrap around a body, twice. OUCH!
We tried to avoid stepping on them--but there were so many we couldn't help it.
We knew when we stepped on one because we would hear a pop. A pop like the one you hear when you pop plastic bubble wrap.
You can see they follow the outline of where the waves washed them up on the shore.
I wonder if their presence has anything to do with Hurricane Felicia that is heading directly to us? (Edited: Felicia was downgraded to a tropical depression by the time she hit our island, Wed.)
The sky was magic this evening. Seeing pink in the sky makes me giddy.
Gratitude Journal:
Keenan: Grateful for a day with my dad.
Valu: Grateful that we didn't go swimming after-all.
Mom: Grateful for our beautiful sunsets. I will never tire of their majesty.
Dad: Grateful for walks along the beach with my family.
Blissfully married for 14 years. Mother to 2 amazing boylies. Living a happy, simple life on the North Shore of Oahu. I created this blog in 2009 to house our family gratitude journal and a daily photo project.
