4 Following Seas

7th Grade Dance!

2012-02-10T18:19:00.000-10:00

Finally got around to taking some birthday photos of my teen! She is on her way to a school dance tonight. Pretty cool isn't she?

Ka'ena Point

2012-02-10T08:39:00.000-10:00

There is only one spot on Oahu that you can't drive to...the westernmost tip of the island. It's about a 3 mile hike after the road ends but it's flat and well marked and well worth the walk!

The land is preserved as a bird sanctuary and is well known for being a hang out for the endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal. Of course if you go in winter you will undoubtedly see whales breeching as well as some monstrous waves. We were lucky enough to see it all! This post is photo heavy but considering I took over 200 photos, 36 isn't too bad! My blog cuts off the right side of my photos when they are landscape but if you click on them you can see the whole shot.

All of those photos were taken from the parking lot before we even left on the hike! Those waves were about 15ft and got larger as the day went on!

This is the "point" where the albatross seemed to get curious about us and came out to see what the fuss was!

They were much bigger than I expected - this little friend was hiding something that he/she let me see later!

Just past the birds we stopped to have lunch by the ocean and met some more friends. This guy was snoozing the whole time!

His buddy decided to join in the action and swam up to get some sun.

Pardon me, is this rock taken?

Sadly, it was time to go. On the way back out, she stood up showing off her chick!

Some days it's very hard to be me!

Happy Birthday Olivia

2012-02-06T13:43:00.004-10:00

Not sure if this made me happy or sad, maybe a little of both. Hard to believe and even harder to remember all those little things I thought I would never forget. Good thing we have pictures to remind us!

I think this was the most frightening moment of my life thus far, about to put her in the car seat and leave the hospital!

1st Birthday in Hawaii (no, it wasn't Jan. 1st 1994. Guess I hadn't mastered that part of my camera yet!)

This is the only shot I could find of her 2nd Birthday in Memphis. I remember taking it because she was wearing my shoes!! She always found the same pair in my closet and always put them on the wrong feet!

She turned 3 in Memphis also but I can't find any digital shots of that party. It was a dress up princess party and I remember it snowed that day and we almost had to cancel the party because a town like Memphis shuts down in the snow! Daddy drove around town and picked up all the girls!

This shot was from Easter that year.

4th Birthday in Virginia. This handsome young lad is now in college!! (Still handsome)

And his cute brother here is now an 8th grader!! I remember she had a fever this day and we took her from the bowling alley to the clinic! I think this is the first year they crowned me mother of the year ;)

5th birthday also in Virginia. Manicures and princess dresses! (When did she stop being this girly?)

6th in Virginia. This year she got a baby for her birthday ;)

7th birthday in Japan.

8th birthday in Japan

9th in Virginia

10th in Virginia

11th in Hawaii (I think I just answered the last question. 11 is when she stopped being so girly)

12th in Hawaii

Digging for these photos brought back some great memories. This year, no party. We are going for a staycation in Waikiki and will do dinner, beach and pool. We are having her favorite meal tonight with cake, just the family.

Olivia is an awesome gal. Independent, creative, funny, athletic, helpful and cool. I'm certain the next few years will bring a few battles, just like the last few years have. It's all part of the ride. I wouldn't change anything about her, but if you're reading this honey, feel free to clean up your room :)

Miscellaneous Stuff I found on my iPhone

2012-02-04T08:18:00.000-10:00

I posted shots of the girls after getting their hair cut but I found these photos of the "experience" on my phone last night. Pretty amusing. Emily was enthralled with the whole process and thankfully Tara allowed her to shadow and imitate!

Thankfully we had a cooperative customer that needed some work.

Told you she had a lot of hair before!

This week at school was Catholic Schools week which translates to no work, except for the parents. Sadly Emily got sent home on Tuesday with pink eye so she missed many of the festivities.

We made up for it with movies, pedicures and some retail therapy. It's kind of nice when your kid is home sick but not really sick.

She made it back for the last day which was eat lunch with your child day. Here are some shots of the little cuties. I didn't take any in Olivia's class, they aren't nearly as cute but she did write me a nice gratitude letter (mandatory assignment, not out of the kindness of her heart.)

I think I have mentioned before that I am sandcastle challenged. Turns out that I can hold my own in the sand turtle department.

That's all folks, a total hodgepodge of memories. I am mere moments away from being the mom of a teenager and the following week is you know what...Valentines Day. You know the madness that brings around here, as always, I am swearing not to overdo it this year...

2012-01-30T13:25:00.002-10:00

Dolphin Tale - free slideshow maker

Swimming with Dolphins!

2012-01-30T08:50:00.001-10:00

I know when I am MIA for a few weeks the usual assumption is that nothing big is going on, nothing to update. The last few weeks have been a bit of an exception.

Sadly, I had to say goodbye to my great friend Andy last week. Not a normal goodbye, because she is not a normal person! She is an extraordinary friend to many and since her husband is a bit of a big shot...there was LOTS and LOTS of fanfare.

It was a parties, dinners, gatherings, limos, penthouses, canon shooting, bells ringing, saluting, pedicures, laughter and tears kind of time. We all had a great week of celebrating their service but I must say, the following week was a bit melancholy as we adjusted to regular old life again.

Nothing helps to push the melancholy away like a catamaran ride and a few dolphins!

Sometimes I take a photo of him just to prove that he was there! To say he has been putting in some hours as of late would be like saying the water in Hawaii is kinda blue!

So we saw a few dolphins...

Just a few...

And maybe a turtle

Swimming so close that the kids were jumping off to swim with him.

My favorite shot of the day, "Two Sea Captains on a Boat"

Seems like you can always find a local who wants to share his love of Hawaii!

And why not. There is a lot to love. We had an amazing morning. Of course we all jumped in and swam with the dolphins for a long time. They swam just below us in pods for about an hour. Big ones, little ones, playing, spinning, and talking! Too bad I don't have an underwater camera but I do have a lot of shots to share, slideshow to come.

Oh yeah, then we got home, showered and changed quickly and walked across the street to catch the last quarter of the Pro Bowl game.

Because we can.

The New Do's!

2012-01-19T16:24:00.000-10:00

Sorry about the lack of posting this week, it's one of those "every day is double and triple booked" kind of weeks. Even still, I managed to make my semi-annual trip to the salon with my gals on Monday for some much needed haircuts.

I'm so off my game that I forgot the "before" pictures, but trust me when I say we cut off some serious hair!

Never one to miss a photo opportunity!

This was Liv at first, they had to flat iron it to see if the layers were even, but it's meant to be worn to showcase her amazing waves.

And there they are!

About 6" shorter!

Ok, not thrilling but it's all I got. Still no sign of those teeth either but don't worry. It's not like we keep telling her to say "S" words so we can giggle at her, nope.

Let it Grow

2012-01-12T10:55:00.000-10:00

Since all my friends are posting about snow, I thought I would send them some flowers!

Truth is, I was inspired to play with the new toy yesterday. This stem of orchids is sitting on my table after I accidentally broke it off the plant almost 2 weeks ago. They look as beautiful as they did that day, so I decided to take their picture. One photo of flowers led to another, and another and well...here you go snow birds!

She Has Nothing!

2012-01-09T13:12:00.000-10:00

I know we just finished Christmas AND Emily's birthday but we have a small plea for a sympathetic ear out there in blogger land.

Emily played at a neighbors house on Saturday so I told her on Sunday her friend could play here. It was then that I was informed that she would rather go back to her house because..."she has everything and I have nothing and it's not fair."

The "nothingness" mostly involved a kitchen set up (that apparently Martha Stewart would be jealous of) so being the indulgent mother I am - I picked up a few extra boxes on my Costco run and had them make a kitchen. You can see they are both miserable. Poor thing holding her $100 doll, in front of her cubicle filled with nothingness in her playroom. Sigh.

Instead of having a designer original cool room she had to resort to self-decor from her latest American Girl Magazine.

You know, in the room where she and her doll have matching ensembles and hand stitched pillow cases from her Aunt.

Which hardly makes up for her being forced to sleep in this bed...

So please dear friends and relatives, won't you take pity on my poor girl and send money for cool stuff right away? Let's right this wrong - together we can make a difference.

oh, she may never live this one down ;)

Makapu'u Lighthouse Hike

2011-12-31T17:17:00.001-10:00

After taking down decorations and cleaning for 3 days, I was ready to get out of the house today! Unfortunately, Olivia wasn't feeling good so she and David stayed home while Em and I went whale hunting! No letters from PETA please...hunting as in looking :)

We did see a few but as I have posted before, it's wonderful to see in person but translates to a large whitecap in photos so I will spare you.

It was a beautiful, clear day and we could easily see Molokai (or Lanai...or Maui...hmmm, might have to look that up)

One day I'm going to figure out the path that these folks take to get down to these tidal pools. It looks so fun and refreshing but the only way I can see to get there is straight down a mountain of lava. Um, no.

Two miles and minimal whining later we reached the summit, lighthouse and picnic spot!

Artsy shot...fancy new camera...don't say I didn't warn you

I would like this to be my view from the living room lanai please. Mahalo.

Happily Olivia is better - it was a medicine on empty stomach issue so we get to start 2012 in good health! Haouli Makahiki Hou from our house to yours!

Happy Day Emily

2011-12-27T20:28:00.000-10:00

I know that fancy parties are all the rage these days, but thankfully kids haven't changed much since I was one. They like each other, cake and maybe a tablecloth. Even the queen of overachieving is hard pressed to pull off major magic two days after Christmas but we always manage to have a special day.

Cupcakes, cool whip and lollipops

Matching outfits with American Girl Doll (including hair extensions that you can design and print online...thank you barbie.com)

Neighborhood gang, complete with their favorite American Girl dolls

Cool whip beats buttercream any day in my book!

Create matching jewelry for you and your doll

Eat

Gifts

Play

Only 7 short years and how she has changed our lives. We love you Miss Em. You are one in a million :)

Emily's party - Free Slideshow Maker

A few of our favorite things...

2011-12-26T09:39:00.000-10:00

And a merry Christmas it was! We had a fantastically relaxing and wonderful day. Thanks to all for the present bonanza...

Eventually we were all lost in gadget mania.

My new camera is the bomb! The above photos were taken old style but I have been playing with big guy since. Still working it out but don't worry, you will soon be bombarded with my artistic gift and more up close photos than you ever wanted :)

I know, you're all excited for Christmas to be over so I'll stop taking photos of ornaments but they make great test shots when learning a new camera!!

Now we sit and wait (and enjoy)...

2011-12-23T17:48:00.000-10:00

It feels good to be DONE! These next 48 hours are some of the best of the year.

The houses are decorated

The flowers are in bloom (well, they are in Hawaii)

Santa is loading up the sleigh

Friends are delivering Christmas morning treats

Goodies are lined up

Good eats await

Gifts are wrapped

NOW, I can sit and enjoy a little mommy time. I am thankful to be loved by my husband, children, family, friends and our Savior. May you all have the happiest Christmas!

All I Want For Christmas is...

2011-12-15T07:55:00.000-10:00

Candy Canes!

Christmas Parties!

A little time with Santa!

A cute dress!

My two front teeth!

Treats!

More parties, and a sister who can entertain the crowds!

All that's left is cookie baking and gift wrapping

(and one more party)!

Slideshow

2011-12-10T08:58:00.000-10:00

Christmas 12 - making a free slideshow

Testing a new slideshow maker I found!

Don't put me on the naughty list!

2011-12-09T08:07:00.001-10:00

Awwww. Guess the talk of Santa is making the rounds at school :(

David told me today that I probably need to translate:

"Dear Santa
Is it true that you get all the way around the world in one night? Some people say you don't exist but I believe in you. I am a good girl, please don't put me on the naughty list. Love Emily, to Santa"

Christmas: Hawaiian Style!

2011-12-08T07:47:00.002-10:00

I had the absolute pleasure of attending a Christmas party at the Nimitz House last weekend. After the official event wound down a few of us stayed for a "come sit" (as my friend calls it) and we were treated to some magnificent local talent. I had met this man many times and his beautiful wife just that night and never knew he had this hidden talent! These special moments I am allowed to be a part of far outweigh any difficulties of being a Navy family. Just wanted to share with you...

2011-12-08T07:46:00.001-10:00

This young lady plays the violin in the orchestra, is a Hawaiian chanter and competitive hula dancer! Her father is next to me in the video and you can hear him singing along as well. Later in the evening she performed a hula and chants - sorry no video, I was too into the moment :) Trust me, she was magnificant!

2011-12-08T07:45:00.002-10:00

I had such a great time but left feeling a little inadequate ;) Well, no one can clean like me right? Off to polish my trash can! Enjoy...

I notice that YouTube changes the screen once you have played the video, if you want to see it again just hit the replay icon.

2011-12-05T09:18:00.000-10:00

I just noticed some of Emily's artwork this morning! While I was busy lighting the tree to rival any lighthouse beacon on the island, my little elf was decorating her bookshelf!

How cute is that? I particularly like the "love and Peace" at the bottom.

And here are the stars, probably in order of importance...

Rudolf

Frosty

God and Jesus

Santa if you are listening, we need more bendaroos for Christmas!

Oh Christmas Tree!

2011-12-05T08:09:00.000-10:00

We have been busy getting in the spirit this year - the calendar is already full of holiday events and the advent calendars are the first thought of little minds bright and early each morning!

I was part of a team that hosted a cookie and ornament exchange on Friday night.

We had our "festive" on for a beautiful sunset party at the boathouse lanai. It's so nice to be able to celebrate outside in December!!

It was a delicious high carb evening!

Saturday was full too, beach party in the afternoon and Christmas party at night. I forgot my camera that day but I suppose you aren't interested in my beautiful beach shots right now :)

Sunday was tree day!!

No trouble finding the right height since they cut it off the top!! This way, the tree grows back without replanting.

My outdoor elf!

Yes, I'm still in love with my Hawaiian tree but it does have some drawbacks, namely lighting. The only real way to light this tree is to go out and back on each individual branch. Not easy and not cheap! I think our final count was 15 boxes of lights and one run to Target!

My indoor elf, who is always ready to stop on a dime, throw that hand on the hip and smile for the camera! Toddlers and Tiaras here we come :)

I told you, it's a LOT of lights!

Mele Kalikimaka!

Thanksgiving Day, Aloha Style!

2011-11-25T07:44:00.000-10:00

After a few rainy, grey days we awoke on Thanksgiving morning to a beautiful day!

And after days of preparation we were ready! Thankfully our crowd was smaller this year, and my guests were Americans who could help me cook :) Cook we did...

No matter how old we get, we always miss our families a bit on holidays and yesterday was no exception. Fortunately we had a fantastic group to share the day with. Friends that pre-date our marriages, our silly kids, and a few folks from the ship that are young, energetic and just starting out.

It was a day to be thankful for sure.

Of course, this stuff doesn't just happen! Since my plan was so popular last year I thought I would share again. It was a busy week complete with obligatory virus from my kids! I am taking black Friday off but next is to go get my cute Hawaiian Christmas tree!!

DGUTS!!

2011-11-13T09:14:00.000-10:00

Granted, it's about 2 weeks late, but I finally finished David's birthday present! Here is the Lake Erie battle flag proudly displayed on our lanai! No, I didn't sew it or anything, it just took me that long to find the right pole and get it mounted!

Here is the story of the Battle of Lake Erie (the ships namesake) and DGUTS:

The Battle of Lake Erie

Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry's Lake Erie squadron anchored at Put-in-Bay,

Ohio, severed the British supply lines to their sailors, troops and allies

on the Detroit frontier. The commander of the British squadron on Lake

Erie, Commander Robert Heriot Barclay, having been effectively blockaded by

Perry's squadron for five weeks was forced to seek battle.

At daybreak on September 10, Perry's lookout sighted Barclay's

squadron of six vessels northwest of Put-in-Bay, Ohio. Both commanders had

two critical factors to consider: guns and wind. The British squadron

consisted of six ships with sixty-three cannons, while the American flotilla

comprised nine vessels and fifty-four guns. The British were armed with

long guns that could throw a cannonball approximately one mile, accurately

to about one-half mile. The American ships were primarily armed with

carronades. The carronades needed few men, could be loaded and fired

faster, could inflict much more damage at close range but had less than half

the range of the long guns. Perry needed the wind to his back to close

within carronade range.

When the nine American ships sailed from Put-in-Bay at 7:00 a.m.,

the wind advantage was with the British. Perry maneuvered his fleet, but was

unable to gain the weather gauge. Just before 10:00, as he decided to engage

the enemy, the wind suddenly shifted in his favor. The British furled sails,

hove to, and prepared to fight. Just before the battle opened, Perry

hoisted his battle flag to the topmast. It was a large blue banner with the

crudely inscribed words "DONT GIVE UP THE SHIP" - the dying words of his

friend, Captain James Lawrence, killed in battle in June, and for whom

Perry's flagship was named.

Barclay's flagship, DETROIT, fired the first shot at LAWRENCE at

11:45. At 12:30, when Perry opened fire, he thought he had the advantage,

but the Commanding Officer of the U.S. brig NIAGARA mysteriously kept his

ship out of the battle. The now unchallenged QUEEN CHARLOTTE pounded the

LAWRENCE. By 2:30, four of every five men on the LAWRENCE were killed or

wounded; all of her guns on the engaged side were out of action. Collecting

four unwounded men, Perry and his boat crew rowed through a hail of shot to

the undamaged NIAGARA and sailed NIAGRA toward the British line. DETROIT

and QUEEN CHARLOTTE attempting to maneuver into better firing positions,

collided, becoming hopelessly entangled. Perry broke through the British

line, raking the ships on both sides with NIAGARA's heavy guns. The battle

was over in minutes; the British struck their colors.

The victory in one of the biggest naval battles of the War of 1812,

and captured in Perry's famous words penned to Major General William Henry

Harrison, "We have met the enemy and they are ours." gave the American's

control of Lake Erie - control which would not be relinquished for the rest

of the war; control which would enable the American recapture of the

northwest frontier.

Ooh la la SPA

2011-11-11T11:28:00.000-10:00

Emily has been working on a surprise for me for the last few days...

Today I was treated to a complimentary morning at the "ooh la la spa"

I was pampered with a foot bath (including sea salts, lemon juice and stones)

A banana, honey facial with a cucumber eye patch

And a makeover...Emily style!

Well worth the price ;)

Aloha October!!

2011-11-01T13:32:00.000-10:00

Dear October,

Good riddance! I knew on day one you were going to be a challenging...I had no idea how much! In 31 short days I have been to 2 dinners, 2 Dr. appointments, 6 meetings, 11 events or parties, 4 bible studies, 1 trip, celebrated life, death, birthdays and Halloween.

At least you ended better than you began:

Lake Erie, Arriving!

2011-10-29T12:01:00.000-10:00

Seems like a long time ago we were informed that David was going to command USS LAKE ERIE, March 2009 to be exact. No complaints about the wait - we have had the good fortune to sit it out in Hawaii and as you know have been having the time of our lives! As such, we got to celebrate the day yesterday with amazing friends that we wouldn't have if we had just shown up this month.

Well worth the wait...it was a beautiful day, a beautiful setting, and celebrated, of course, with the beautiful people!

Well placed in front of the Oklahoma State flag!

One can only maintain "church" behavior for so long!

We were showered with aloha!

The whole day made me reminisce about our first command long, long ago. That day we celebrated with our families, the Newmans and the Chapmans. You were all missed this time around but not far from our thoughts.

(Scott, David and I might have had a little giggle remembering "From Clam to Thunder")

Thanks to all for the unconditional love and support you always show us. We are blessed. Go Navy!

Why Overachievers Shouldn't be Room Mom's

2011-10-26T09:27:00.000-10:00

Because

we don't know how

to do anything

simple!

I have spent the last few days cutting out the centers of plates, stuffing marshmallows in bags, drawing pictures, counting candy, pasting google eyes, cutting out shapes and coordinating a buffet fit for royalty. Yes, this is me "throwing together a little something simple for the kids." Yes, I know they are 6 and don't care. Yes, I need help.

I'm off to treat the little one's to a few hours of over the top fun that will probably leave them all crying from the sugar crash. I'm really not very good at this room mom thing.

BOO!

2011-10-21T07:50:00.000-10:00

We are finally around to getting our Halloween on! Yesterday we pulled "Wanda" out of storage and got busy decorating!

While we were at the store stocking up on candy, decorations and all those other things you didn't know you needed until you showed up at Target, we got BOO'D!!

Thanks for the loot "secret pumpkin". The girls were very excited and luckily we were ready to keep it going!

Emily and I grabbed our bags and headed out just after dark. Wanna feel young again? Go place treats on doorsteps, ring bells and run like crazy! We had a great time but it just wasn't the same without our getaway cohort that we had last year. Aunt Betty...we missed you!

No matter the fun, a life of crime isn't in the cards for me. I had a text on my phone calling me out before I even returned home!

Enjoying Fall!

Back Home

2011-10-15T09:08:00.000-10:00

Although I would have preferred better circumstances, it's always nice to be with family. Gary's funeral was a nice tribute to his life and hopefully having the grandkids around provided some comfort to his parents.

New high heels!!

Beautiful flowers

Lovely service

And fun with cousins!

Lots of life lessons learned in one short week. I don't think we should live like we're dying, else we would eat ice-cream all day and never discipline our children. We have to live like we will live to be 100, but I do think we should pause along the way to make sure our priorities are in line and those around us know that we care and love them.

This sign brought tears to my eyes yesterday. Our little friend was badly hurt in a horseback riding incident a few weeks ago. She was released from the hospital and is making great progress. I see many welcome home signs in our Navy community but this, by far, is the sweetest one ever!

Time for us to re-join our lives and get back to the craziness that we call normal. We are blessed to have fantastic family and friends who cared for us deeply these last few weeks and a powerful God who sprinkled in some miracles along the way.

Uncle Gary

2011-10-07T20:23:00.000-10:00

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." John 14: 1-3

Rest in Peace

Happy Day to my sweet friend

2011-10-06T08:16:00.000-10:00

Friends, this has been a tough few weeks for our extended family. We have had disturbing medical diagnosis, and horrible accidents (plural). I don't care to go into details but I am longing for a happy thought today.

Here she is. My happy thought. What better way to bring a smile than to posting a picture of a terrific gal, celebrating turning 40 at the tacky party.

Her twinkie cake

Being the good friend that I am I won't let her go down in infamy without me. Although I never intended to post this lovely shot, it does make me laugh and that's what I'm going for today. Yes, the hickie is fake, the blue eye shadow...that's for real baby!

Happy day to my silly friend. I'm glad you have finally joined the club.

My Emily

2011-09-22T12:27:00.002-10:00

Whenever I talk with anyone and they ask, "how's Emily?" my reply is usually the same. "Oh, she's crazy!" Truth be told she is hard to describe.

She is almost never "bad" or misbehaved, yet she can drive you totally bananas. She demands 110% of your attention at all times yet usually just wants to watch a show or play a game. My money is totally on her in a street fight yet she is very kind and loving to her friends and family. She talks a lot but cries even more and when you ask her why she says matter of factly, "I just have a lot of tears in me today." She is the ultimate hostess when we have guests and genuinely hates when people leave. Those of you who have visited know that one. Her wardrobe is her ultimate possession yet she would give you the clothes off her back. I could go on and on but you get the gist. She is a complicated and fantastic girl!

Don't know if you all got the memo but the new Barbie movie came out a few weeks ago. It's now mandatory in our house that we buy it the same day it's released and watch it straight away eating only pink food. I'm not kidding.

You will be happy to know, Barbie Princess Charm School did not disappoint and even had a character named Emily along with all the other standards...nice girls, mean girls, cool fashion, big hair and glitter.

Emily is also a BIG drawer and note writer. She leaves notes and pictures all over the house. Her spelling leaves something to be desired (namely vowels) but once I decipher the message it usually cracks me up. The other night David found this diagram. Allow me to translate:

One circle - Boys

Boys swim without a shirt on

Other circle - Girls

Girls don't

Intersection of circles - Same

they both swim.

All those silly marks you see on the letters is the new reading. Seems like every sound has a special mark through it or over it that is supposed to teach them to read better. Frankly I'm lost, but she seems to know what she's doing.

The other day she showed me a picture of a girl at a desk with scribbles all over it and when I asked what it was she said (again, not kidding) "this is a girl who isn't controlling her impulsivity."

Ok.

So last night was a big night. Not the first tooth, but a big one. Emily has an extremely low tolerance for pain so tooth pulling is not a fun experience. Let's just say there was some screaming.

She is not a fan of her new look so hopefully no-one laughs at her today. Luckily I had a free dress pass for school so she got to glam it up a bit. As you can see in this photo, she often wears stickers on her ears to look like earrings.

That's my Emily!

Diamond Head Lighthouse

2011-09-14T06:16:00.001-10:00

If you haven't heard from me in a while you can almost be certain it's workshop time! It was. Yesterday was our kick-off event for the year and we were fortunate enough to be invited to the Diamond Head Lighthouse for the morning.

The home is occupied by the Coast Guard Admiral in command of the Pacific.

Views like this are available from every room (including the kitchen sink!) This might be the only house where people fight to do the dishes.

Not a bad day's work!

Of course, we all got to tour the lighthouse itself. Many stairs - and they only got skinnier and twistyer.

Worth every step!

I don't know how they get anything done living here!

The event was awesome!! Our speaker was funny and informative, our seats were full and the sky (as you can see) was cloudless. I'd like to take all the credit but honestly, it's hard to mess up with this backdrop!

School Photos

2011-09-02T08:35:00.000-10:00

Since I can promise I won't get around to sending these out before Christmas card time (and in the past I have been known to forget about them when that time comes), I'll give you a preview of this years school photos!

Normally I'm not a fan of professional photos because they look so posy and never seem to represent my kids personalities but I think this is a particularly nice photo of Liv. She is growing up so fast but I love her look and smile in this. It shows confidence which is the one thing I hope to raise her with.

This one doesn't capture Em as well. This girl is so full of life that she probably can't be contained in 2D!

But if she could it would look more like this! Doesn't everyone scooter to the pool half naked in silver heals? That's how we roll :)

VOTE for Olivia!!

2011-08-29T15:57:00.001-10:00

You'll find it hard to believe but I have been accused of "over sharing" on my blog. Truth be told, I'm sure I do but that's why I have a husband to look over my shoulder and make suggestions as to what to delete! In the interest of trying to be better I took the liberty of editing these posters that Olivia worked on this weekend. They are super cute, too cute not to share, so I deleted her grade and last name.

As you can see she is making the most of our surfing photos and I was really impressed with her results. Wish her luck, voting is at the end of this week.

We are proud that she is anxious to take on a leadership role at her school - is that what happens when you attend a school for more than one year? Go Olivia!

SURFING!!

2011-08-25T14:39:00.000-10:00

You may just see this photo again around say December ...nothing would give my kids greater pleasure than NOT to hear...It's Christmas card photo time!!

Em was a little nervous so "uncle Louie" had her practice before the real thing.

She got over it, fast!

Wasn't long before she was waving to her fans. David was a pro from the start, no surprise. Look at the determination on his face!

Olivia got the hang of it very fast also.

I Love that you can see her smiling in the photos! I was only out there for about 10 minutes and as promised, never got more vertical than this.

What goes up...

You might see this one again too :)

Technical difficulties! Please stand by.

2011-08-24T15:31:00.000-10:00

I haven't fallen into a volcano, I'm just patiently (or not) waiting for some photos to become available so I can show you our AWESOME surf day!

The girls had last Friday off (already) so David took the day off and the three of them went for a surf lesson. The company was amazing and even had a photographer on hand with his handy telephoto lens to capture the madness.

They all did great, but none as well as my littlest mermaid! Emily had a "private" lesson which translates into being on the board with a cute hawaiian who literally pulled her up with him. You should have heard her - or better yet seen her. She was riding the waves within minutes and spent her time waving to all the other schmucks doing their best in the water around her. What a hoot.

The photographer got fantastic shots and for the low, low price of $40 they got to be mine...in 3-5 days. Grrrr, today is day 5 but that includes weekend days and to be honest 5 days in Hawaii can be anywhere from 7-15.

I didn't pay for a lesson but they gave me a turn too - I'd say I was about 75% vertical for about 4 seconds but that was enough to get some shots of me "shredding" the waves. Ok, not really. It's comical but we had an awesome family day.

Pictures soon - I hope!

The rest of our life is pretty standard; school, homework, soccer, but now we are adding hula, gymnastics and confirmation class. We were suffering from underachievement issues.

Fire Power

2011-08-17T08:15:00.000-10:00

As promised, here are a few short videos of the gun shoots from the cruise last week. In typical Jen fashion, I found a little nook one level down from the crowd that provided me a good viewing spot. It was a little "bridge" for lack of a better word, tucked away and I was all alone.

I was pretty psyched when I captured this shot as I really didn't know when the gun would shoot (someone did, just not me) and I have a lot of video of nothing.

I tried for one more, what I thought was the last shot of the day. You can see me jump on this video when they started to shoot the forward and aft guns sequentially about 8 times each! I was VERY surprised and really had that "life flash before my eyes" moment as I was right in the middle of all this gun fire and no-one even knew I was there! I know, you're thinking only me right? Wrong, Olivia does stuff like this too :)

For the next shoot I happily stayed with the crowds! This "sea wiz" (not sure of that spelling) or R2D2 as we like to call it shot some ridiculous amount of ammo no time flat. I think they said 300 rounds in 5 seconds? It was over before it began!

Ok - that was for all my nephews. I know how you love things that explode. Speaking of - here is one of my favorite shots. I like to use it as a screen saver when my kids are mis-behaving :0

ANOTHER Cruise!!

2011-08-13T08:31:00.001-10:00

Navy style!!!

Olivia and I got to spend the day at sea yesterday for the LAKE ERIE dependents cruise!

We got underway about 8:30 am

Amazing to see the water go from blue to brown - she churns up a LOT of water!

We backed out and made the turn to head out of the channel right by the Missouri and the Arizona memorial.

The size of this ship never ceases to amaze me - she is a beauty!

Turning around Hospital Point.

Even the tugs put on a show for us...doughnuts :)

Just outside the bridge, ready to go!

Once out in open ocean they opened it up to 30 knots and we were MOVING!! I can't even describe the sounds and color of the ocean. Stunning, and very windy!

Just to be cute they did some high speed "S" turns and nearly killed us all! You can see the pattern in the wake and how far off vertical we are!

This is "back aft" at top speed

I think someone is contemplating her future life in the Navy!!

This is just after they "put on the brakes." Believe it or not we stopped in about 2 boat lengths - it felt like a plane landing!

This was the last spoken command of Captain James Lawrence and soon became a battle cry for the American Fleet - most famously as the motto emblazoning Oliver Hazard Perry's battle flag at the battle of Lake Erie.

My little nerd in the engineering spaces

My big nerd ;)

Heading back home

A fantastic day. As always I am proud and impressed by the skill and might of our military. I have a few videos to post also but for now I have an anniversary to celebrate - 17 years. Better than ever.

Deja vu

2011-08-08T06:43:00.000-10:00

I really have done more in the last week than just take cruises. Really, I have. For instance, I have driven to school a billion times, packed lunches, signed untold amounts of back to school forms and nursed my kabillionth cold/sinus infection. My Mommy board has gone from one, nice neat little calendar to an explosion of schedules, meetings and important dates to remember. Week two and all three of the females in the house are now sick.

None of that however is as fun to photograph as a cruise. Yes, we were invited to go this weekend and who are we to decline such fun.

Minus the colds we are off to a good start this year. Hopefully we will be on the mend by Friday. We have BIG plans...you'll

have to tune in for that one!

Aloha Summer

2011-08-02T08:32:00.000-10:00

Hard to believe that our summer is over! Seems like only a few weeks ago Em was having her tonsils out and we flew to PA for a visit. Oh that's right, it was just a few weeks ago!

We sent it out with a bang with one more set of visitors. This group of kiddo's were all together in Japan when Liv was 7 and Em was a baby! They have all grown up so fast.

Emily giving her new friend a paddle board ride.

This is her America's Next Top Model jump! (Always face the camera and smile honey)

Emily was excited to start today as a big first grader! She had no anxiety at all and ran to meet her teacher and friends.

Can't say Liv was excited per say, but I can tell you it's a dream to be returning to a familiar place instead of starting over. Hard to believe she is in 7th grade!

Although we stayed put for a change about 13 families left the neighborhood this summer which was very hard. We all lost some really great friends and are trying to adjust. School and routine are a good distraction and I'm sure as the hood fills back up we'll have new friends in no time.

Here's to a great year!

Happy Birthday!

2011-07-18T08:02:00.000-10:00

Thanks for all the birthday wishes!

My girls showered me in plumerias

And took me to the beach

What day isn't made better with your toes in the sand?

I can hardly believe school starts in 2 weeks! We have had a fantastic summer but considering the amount of bickering my two angels do in a day it just might be time to get back into the routine. Olivia is attending an "ocean camp" for the next two weeks and we have one more set of visitors coming on Sunday. As usual, it's 100 mph here!

Mahalo!!

2011-07-15T16:50:00.000-10:00

My girls couldn't have been more excited when a few days before MY birthday a giant box showed up with gifts for them!

Emily's face was priceless when she saw this adorable Hello Kitty birdhouse made by Grandpa Hughes! I had to giggle a little at the thought of him buying these paints and adding the glitter :) What a good Grandpa!

Olivia was equally happy to see hers didn't have a spot of pink on it! So cute!!! Our weekend project is to find a place to hang these.

The giant box also contained two gorgeous hand made afghans - also in the perfect colors - and with glitter.

Thank you so much Grandma and Aunt Betty, they are just perfect and a real treasure for the girls to have handmade gifts from their family!

Of course the gifts for David and I were equally as perfect. I think the Hughes ought to buy some stock in Starbucks! We should be getting a cut of all this.

All snuggled up. We had to turn the AC down so she wouldn't burst into flames but there was no telling her she couldn't sleep with this in Hawaii!!

2 years!

2011-07-11T07:10:00.000-10:00

2 years ago yesterday our tired family arrived in Hawaii. We hit the ground running, found places to live, started jobs, enrolled in schools, made friends and set up our home.

Normally, we would be starting to pack it all in for the next adventure about now, but we have the good fortune to be staying put for another few years. Although it's hard to watch many of our friends heading onto their next chapter, we are blessed to be staying put in what really feels like our home.

"You can't control the wind but you can adjust your sails."

Indeed.

Aloha!

2011-07-06T10:55:00.001-10:00

Today is the day!!

Here they come!

And there they go!

Welcome home - we missed you!

4th of July Recipe

2011-07-05T08:33:00.000-10:00

Ingredients:

One festive pedicure

One beautiful day

20 giant cupcakes

One peach cobbler (yes, it was delicious)

One cute project for little hands

One tasty project for bigger hands

3 matching outfits

2 normal shots

2 goofy shots

A bunch of cute neighbors

One brand new friend (6 yrs old, going into 1st grade, at the same school...thank you very much!)

At least one cute baby up way past her bedtime

And one outdoor movie screen.

Mix all together and enjoy! We sure did. That might be the best non party, party I never threw!

The best part is that our countdown to Daddy is almost over. We are so excited to be getting him back!!!

Sad Farewells

2011-07-01T22:33:00.000-10:00

Sadly, goodbyes are a part of military life. You would think we would get used to it, but much like moving...it's painful each and every time.

We spent another day downtown today preparing to say farewell to our dear neighbors.

They have been a fixture in our lives since we got here two years ago and watching the girls say goodbye was like watching sisters being separated.

It was a fun day full of sun, swimming, food and fireworks.

We stayed as long as we could but it was finally time to go.

Emily always told Abigail she was her BFF for infinity F's. I know they will remain friends for life, just wish they could stay next door! Fair winds and following seas friends, we miss you already.

Unscheduled Fun

2011-06-24T10:23:00.000-10:00

I'm sure there are hundreds of thousands of mom's out there in the same predicament as me. What to do today? That's the burning question of summer (along with what to make for dinner, which has no season.)

I know in the "old days" our mothers didn't schedule endless crafts, play dates and learning experiences but I'm tired of that argument. Those days are gone sister. Gone, like Elvis and Bugs bunny cartoons. How we got here? Who knows but here we are.

Most days I give in and head to the pool, the beach, the movies, the playground, the museum (well, not the museum so much but it makes me sound better), the gym, the whatever will keep them moving and happy place that my friends and I agree upon the night before.

Then somedays you realize everyone is exhausted, the floors need vacuuming, the toilets cleaning and the laundry done (for you new mom's out there; these things do not happen by themselves while you are on play location making your children into better citizens and all that).

So then you announce proudly "we are having a quiet, inside play day today. I don't care what you do (BIG lie), just do it happily and let me get some stuff done." And then they go right for the paint and glitter. (Now you are remembering why you schedule above mentioned character building activities.)

So as you can see, we painted, colored (with glitter), practiced our Japanese, sketched...

Got really fancy with salt painting which involves...wait for it...another mother favorite...food coloring!!!

And finished off our relaxing home day with some sushi making.

Is it just me or do all of us turn a "down day" into tactile learning, lessons in watercolor shading, and culinary expeditions? What the heck is wrong with me? There must be an intervention in my future. Yes people, this is a cry for help.

Oh well, until my "vacation" at Tranquil Springs gets scheduled for me...we will keep on laughin!

Just in case your wondering, today we are heading into Waikiki for a pool day at the Hilton ;)

Happy Day Dads!

2011-06-18T20:31:00.001-10:00

To the three Dads in our lives...wishing you each a Happy Father's Day today.

Sadly we can't be with you today but we are thankful for each of you and the joy you bring to our lives. Cake is good too!

What did you do this week?

2011-06-15T13:08:00.000-10:00

They may have gotten in a day late but we didn't let that stop us! They got off the plane and we hit the ground running! In the last five days we have taken a boat to sandbar, driven around the island, shopped at swap meet, been to a luau, snorkeled at the North Shore, ate pineapple ice-cream, been on a catamaran cruise complete with dolphins and sea turtles, and paddle boarding, to the Arizona Memorial and are finishing up with mongolian BBQ on the sunset lanai tonight. They will need a vacation from their vacation but we had SO much fun! Here are just a few of the highlights:

Cousins!

2011-06-11T09:42:00.000-10:00

It was a long way to go for a short time but the trip to PA to see my family was great! The kids had a blast being together!

Sharing their favorite tunes

Acting like hoodlums

They got a little too good at that!

Ahhh, that's better. 6 and 7 yr olds should be getting mani/pedi's...not acting like girls in the hood. Wait, what?

We spent the rest of our time at ball games

Lots and lots of ball games

And the new pool!!!

Fantastic trip!

Sadly, my next group of visitors isn't so lucky. They were supposed to arrive yesterday and are still stuck in Denver! This is no way to start a trip to paradise but I am determined to make up the lost time for them. We have a week of fun planned...

Memorial Day Sunset

2011-05-31T09:37:00.000-10:00

After a particularly difficult day of parenting, cleaning and packing, I was feeling a bit bad about not doing anything "Memorial Day ish".

Luckily, we are surrounded by history; so a remedy was only minutes away.

We grabbed a few chairs and a few sippy cups of wine (I told you it was a particularly bad day) and headed to Ford Island.

The USS UTAH memorial was on the sunset side of the island so that's where we set up camp. It was a very peaceful evening and a fantastic sunset through the mountains.

You can see the overturned ship in the water and it was an eerily interesting walk along the shoreline where we saw lots of pieces of the ship melted into the banks.

We finished the circle of the island on the other side and stopped for a moment to peak through the trees at the Arizona Memorial.

Beautiful from any angle.

Thanks to all. Past, present and future.

Getting back to normal, whatever that is!

2011-05-29T07:45:00.000-10:00

It's been a long week but my little princess is doing very well!

This was her just after surgery when they let me into the recovery room. (Yes, I share a little extra when Daddy isn't home - he likes to be kept in the loop!)

This was a mere 2 hours later on 2 doses of morphine :) Tonsils, shmonsils!

It was very boring in the hospital so we were happy to get home the next day to all sorts of new toys! I must say we are a fortunate family to have such nice neighbors and friends - she was showered with gifts which very much helped pass the recovery time.

Playdough banana split anyone?

Although we thought soccer was over for a while, Olivia was invited to help fill the gaps on a U14 team created by so many military families moving this month.

We found ourselves playing downtown yesterday so I took the opportunity to show my mom (who has been working overtime on this vacation) the swanky Kahala resort!

Nothing says thanks like a margarita on the beach!

After we shared a $100 plate of nachos, vegis and drinks, we let the girls swim a bit.

Perfect way to start the summer! Congrats to both my girls for another round of straight A's :)

We head to PA next week to see our cousins and then the Oklahoma cousins are coming here the following week. Can't wait for both!

All dressed up!

2011-05-22T16:55:00.000-10:00

The school had an end of year performing arts banquet last Friday and Olivia and her pals decided to go. She looked magnificent in her new outfit - perfect for my edgy little tween!

Maybe too magnificent! I can't believe this is my little girl. She has had a great 6th grade year!

Lake Erie Completes Trident Fury - and Hell hath no Fury Like a Bad Burrito

2011-05-16T14:32:00.002-10:00

Last week was busy, can't even remember with what but I'll take my word for it.

The rains finally stopped around Thursday and we are back to glorious weather! The girls and I went for Mexican Saturday night to say goodbye to some good friends who will be leaving soon. my 3 lb. burrito was delicious and sadly for me I ate the whole thing! Food poisoning is the gift that keeps on giving and am just now starting to think about ever eating again. No promises. Sick doesn't even begin to describe.

While I was doing that the mighty LE was out shooting stuff again. Here is the latest from them: (click on the link)

Lake Erie Completes Trident Fury

Because you can never have enough relaxing spaces!

2011-05-10T06:34:00.000-10:00

Steps to create the perfect outdoor retreat...

Find a friend who is moving and get her gazebo. Then find 4 strong gals to carry said gazebo out of her yard, across the playground and to your house!

Find another friend who is moving and take all her plants

Buy a new cover and when it doesn't fit...buy yet another one

Continue doing your part to stimulate the economy with furniture purchases

and more furniture

Add lots and lots of cute accessories like pillows...

Candles

Coral (that you got yourself at sandbar last week)

A lantern

and finally a rug. Viola! One perfect spot to relax in the shade.

Now, make it rain like crazy for 9 days straight so everything is soaked and you have yet to enjoy one cup of coffee or wine in it! Oh well, it will dry out eventually and I'll be ready! I'm actually still working on the curtains but I have a sneaky suspicion they will still be in the bag when my Mom comes in two weeks. She has yet to be here for a visit without being on curtain duty. Sorry Mom!

Ok honey, I warned you this was going to happen while you were gone. You love it right? I know you will and I can't wait to sit out there with you and ignore our kids together. Oh, now I need the Bose system. And for you to get another job here. I'm just sayin.

Single Mom

2011-05-08T18:48:00.001-10:00

The girls and I continued to have a great day. We ended up going ice-skating because what else would you do on Mother's Day in Hawaii right? Fact is, when Dad is gone you do whatever to keep the time moving. At dinner tonight Olivia surprised me with a few gifts. One was this poem titled Single Mom. I am having a proud moment so please indulge:

No one to help you

As two pairs

Of needing, helpless eyes

And greedy, playful hands

Wait for you.

Your only refuge

Miles away, fighting the current

But you are brave, strong.

Your love and determination can do this

Again.

Your soft voice

Warm hands

Tell your burden

"It's alright, try again

The worst is over, all you have to do

Is wait"

Patience is key

As you calm, cook and care

All alone.

You have done this for as long as I can remember

The rock of my life.

Funny, we all try our hardest to pretend one of us isn't missing, but it comes out in it's own way. How lovely that hers comes out in poetry. I do love my expressive, loving, little girl.

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T09:02:00.000-10:00

My girls did a great job this morning! I got flowers and breakfast and they did it TOGETHER...without fighting!

Now that is a gift!

Happy Day to all the Mom's!