maui mama
Sunday, July 31, 2005
Off on the Wrong Foot
I am just DYING of embarrassment! We just came back from taking two dozen freshly baked chocolate chip cookies to our new neighbors.
The door was wide open and she was either sleeping or resting. ( minus one point, interrupted nap.)
After introducing me and the kids, I asked how many children she had, she said two. I said "Oh yes, I've seen two girls running around." She said she has a BOY and a girl. Utterly confused. What? Her kids come to meet us at the door...the "girl" is actually a boy with a long ponytail. (Minus ten zillion points for mixing up her child's gender!)
I was excited because her boy is almost the same age as mine, I asked if he liked skateboarding (yes), dirt biking (yes) and I said oh good! He can play with my boys, perfect! I tell her (WHY OH WHY?) that the old neighbors had just called the cops on my boys for riding their dirt bikes she said yes, she knows, they told her (hubby was RIGHT< they DID try to poison them with all they hated about us! Minus MORE points.)
AND I DIDN'T EVEN THINK TO CLARIFY that they called the cops telling them they were illegally riding on the street when really, they were legally riding IN OUR OWN YARD.
So, I gather that they already had an opinion about us, because she looked real wary when answering the door. And I made it worse. Oh well. I tried, right? ¶ 2:58 PM 19Mana'o
The door was wide open and she was either sleeping or resting. ( minus one point, interrupted nap.)
After introducing me and the kids, I asked how many children she had, she said two. I said "Oh yes, I've seen two girls running around." She said she has a BOY and a girl. Utterly confused. What? Her kids come to meet us at the door...the "girl" is actually a boy with a long ponytail. (Minus ten zillion points for mixing up her child's gender!)
I was excited because her boy is almost the same age as mine, I asked if he liked skateboarding (yes), dirt biking (yes) and I said oh good! He can play with my boys, perfect! I tell her (WHY OH WHY?) that the old neighbors had just called the cops on my boys for riding their dirt bikes she said yes, she knows, they told her (hubby was RIGHT< they DID try to poison them with all they hated about us! Minus MORE points.)
AND I DIDN'T EVEN THINK TO CLARIFY that they called the cops telling them they were illegally riding on the street when really, they were legally riding IN OUR OWN YARD.
So, I gather that they already had an opinion about us, because she looked real wary when answering the door. And I made it worse. Oh well. I tried, right? ¶ 2:58 PM 19Mana'o
Saturday, July 30, 2005
Losing Steam..
Me and the babies were laying in bed, and I'm not paying any attention to them because: 1. I want them to sleep. and 2. I'm engrossed in my second book in as many days (The Devil Wears Prada and now Citizen Girl)
They are doing their pre-sleep ritual, which is lay their heads on my belly/arm/chest, pop up, giggle at each other, repeat. But I'm feeling wetness. And they keep saying "ewwwww!" So I tear my eyes off my book to see why, and there is Isaiah, blood running out of his nose (the 2nd inexplicable nosebleed that day) and he's smearing it on my belly and Elijah was taking it off my belly and WIPING IT ON HIS OWN NOSE so he can be the same as his brother!! These two boys are so silly!
They are both sick of my reading. This morning, Isaiah was just fed up and pushed my book closed with his hands and said "ALL PAU book, bye-bye book" over and over!
He also has a new, all-encompassing fear of bugs now. Every little piece of lint or rubbish is cause for two steps back and a cry of "bahg! oh bahg!!" Nothing can convince him that it's not a bug either.
There are about ten kids here, taking turns on the trampoline and casing the joint. I'm semi-serious. These kids are young but some of them are headed straight for a life of crime, as they steal with no conscience whatsoever. Just slip it into the pocket and take it home, help yourself.
Just 11 more days till school...HALLELUJAH!
Gotta go bolt down some stuff now... ¶ 1:54 PM 7Mana'o
They are doing their pre-sleep ritual, which is lay their heads on my belly/arm/chest, pop up, giggle at each other, repeat. But I'm feeling wetness. And they keep saying "ewwwww!" So I tear my eyes off my book to see why, and there is Isaiah, blood running out of his nose (the 2nd inexplicable nosebleed that day) and he's smearing it on my belly and Elijah was taking it off my belly and WIPING IT ON HIS OWN NOSE so he can be the same as his brother!! These two boys are so silly!
They are both sick of my reading. This morning, Isaiah was just fed up and pushed my book closed with his hands and said "ALL PAU book, bye-bye book" over and over!
He also has a new, all-encompassing fear of bugs now. Every little piece of lint or rubbish is cause for two steps back and a cry of "bahg! oh bahg!!" Nothing can convince him that it's not a bug either.
There are about ten kids here, taking turns on the trampoline and casing the joint. I'm semi-serious. These kids are young but some of them are headed straight for a life of crime, as they steal with no conscience whatsoever. Just slip it into the pocket and take it home, help yourself.
Just 11 more days till school...HALLELUJAH!
Gotta go bolt down some stuff now... ¶ 1:54 PM 7Mana'o
Friday, July 29, 2005
My bedroom and kitchen windows overlook Nasty Neighbor's house. (Only those of you who have been around long enough know about these horrible people.) Every time I cook, do my dishes, or go into my room, I see their house and instantly, one of those black clouds hover above my head, like in the cartoons. It's just a real downer.
It can't be healthy to have a surges of blackness in your heart so many times a day! Just the SIGHT of their house causes a momentary flash of anger. Isn't that awful?
Well, now the sky is blue, the birds are singing, and I am FREEeeeeeEEEEE!!
How, you ask?
Nasty Neighbors quietly sold their house and moved out while we were on vacation!! We KNEW they wanted to move, but scoffed at their asking price and said no one would pay that much.
Now every time I see the house, I have that second of pain before I stop myself and remember they're gone! REALLY GONE!
I love these new neighbors before I even know them. Even if they are mean, it will be a huge step up.
I was just washing my dishes and saw the man of the house watering the lawn. He's pretty young looking, mostly bald with a short MOHAWK. No kidding. I'm SO deliriously happy I don't have to look at the awful ogres anymore.
But I'm afraid to talk to them because hubby said the former neighbors probably poisoned them with their point of view about us.
I want to bake them something to welcome them to the neighborhood like on TV...do people REALLY do that??? ¶ 8:46 AM 9Mana'o
It can't be healthy to have a surges of blackness in your heart so many times a day! Just the SIGHT of their house causes a momentary flash of anger. Isn't that awful?
Well, now the sky is blue, the birds are singing, and I am FREEeeeeeEEEEE!!
How, you ask?
Nasty Neighbors quietly sold their house and moved out while we were on vacation!! We KNEW they wanted to move, but scoffed at their asking price and said no one would pay that much.
Now every time I see the house, I have that second of pain before I stop myself and remember they're gone! REALLY GONE!
I love these new neighbors before I even know them. Even if they are mean, it will be a huge step up.
I was just washing my dishes and saw the man of the house watering the lawn. He's pretty young looking, mostly bald with a short MOHAWK. No kidding. I'm SO deliriously happy I don't have to look at the awful ogres anymore.
But I'm afraid to talk to them because hubby said the former neighbors probably poisoned them with their point of view about us.
I want to bake them something to welcome them to the neighborhood like on TV...do people REALLY do that??? ¶ 8:46 AM 9Mana'o
Thursday, July 28, 2005
New Look
My buddy Tee found a blond surfer girl picture that made her think of me and then she fooled around with it to make it look more like me...even making the skin more tan! (Though thankfully, she didn't gp so far as to add thunder thighs and a big belly to make it realistically like me!) I was so honored that I spent the last three hours making me a new webpage look with it. Thanks Tee!
¶ 2:10 AM 9Mana'o
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
We're Baaaacck!
Will getting fishing line ready
Tee mentioned in her comment that she couldn't believe we live in Hawaii and go on vacation so much. Well...let's dicuss this! I believe that most people go on vacation to relax. For some reason, not a single one of our vacations are relaxing--we try to stuff in as much activity as possible into our trips--so much so that when we come home, we are exhausted! So maybe it's backwards that way. We need to get home to recuperate from our vacations.
This time, we stayed on the North Shore...away from everything. But it was a happening weekend on the North Shore! On Saturday evening, we went to Sunset on the Beach (where they set up an outdoor movie screen at Ali'i Beach Park and played a surf video with Bethany Hamilton, the girl whose arm was bitten off by a shark and then they played Shark Tale) and it was a fair with food booths, jumping castles, and stuff for sale. It was great and the movies were free. 
Then Sunday we went to the Swap Meet, where you can literally spend hours and not cover the whole area which is exactly what we did. Then we went to Ala Moana Shopping center,
where I saw an old co-worker friend
Tee mentioned in her comment that she couldn't believe we live in Hawaii and go on vacation so much. Well...let's dicuss this! I believe that most people go on vacation to relax. For some reason, not a single one of our vacations are relaxing--we try to stuff in as much activity as possible into our trips--so much so that when we come home, we are exhausted! So maybe it's backwards that way. We need to get home to recuperate from our vacations.
This time, we stayed on the North Shore...away from everything. But it was a happening weekend on the North Shore! On Saturday evening, we went to Sunset on the Beach (where they set up an outdoor movie screen at Ali'i Beach Park and played a surf video with Bethany Hamilton, the girl whose arm was bitten off by a shark and then they played Shark Tale) and it was a fair with food booths, jumping castles, and stuff for sale. It was great and the movies were free. 
Then Sunday we went to the Swap Meet, where you can literally spend hours and not cover the whole area which is exactly what we did. Then we went to Ala Moana Shopping center,
where I saw an old co-worker friend
then back to Turtle Bay which is 1 1/2 hours away. We barbecued at the pool (steak, fish, chicken, corn, veggies and rice) At the pool, Noa swallowed water and choked after having one of his "turning off" episodes, if you remember my mentioning that he has a "seizure-like" problem where he just collapses for no reason.
The next day we went to Hawaiian Waters waterpark.
Where Ha'a wanted to do the stationary wave. And that's ALL he did! He didn't go on any other rides. 
The babies just LOVED it. They played in the baby pool and screamed bloody murder if we had to take them out for anything. Noa had five more turning off episodes and the last one he fell and cut his chin so I thought, maybe now is a good time to see that Neurologist. They couldn't take us in and told us to go to the ER. So we spent the next four hours at Kapi'olani hospital where they scheduled us for a Cardiologist appt the next day and told us to schedule the Neuro the next morning. By the time we got home, it was bedtime.
The next day. Hubby drove Noa to town to the appointment and Maddy and I walked to the concierge desk to meet for our horseback riding
, but the van driver was late and I was getting antsy because I told Ha'a he would only have to watch the babies for about an hour so we decided to cancel the horseback riding and catch the bus to the waterpark for another day! We were on the bus for over an hour and still had to transfer and by then hubby and Noa were done so we got off the bus and they picked us up and we all went together. 
We stayed until closing, changed our clothes 
right there at the van and headed to the airport to go home. It was a crazy, non-stop trip! 
Friday, July 22, 2005
Me and My Big Fat Mouth...
We went to the beach today and hubby brought his fishing pole. He's not really much of a fisherman, it's more for fun.
So I told hubby if he caught a fish today I would eat it.
Why? I really don't know. I just opened my mouth and the words came out.
Well...he cast the line out and INSTANTLY caught a Papio....
So I told hubby if he caught a fish today I would eat it.
Why? I really don't know. I just opened my mouth and the words came out.
Well...he cast the line out and INSTANTLY caught a Papio....
...Guess what I'm having for dinner??
We're off to Oahu tomorrow morning. Can you believe the entire island is basically sold out of hotel rooms. The ones that are left are going for hundreds of dollars. We ended up renting a condo at Turtle Bay all the way on the North Shore. Check back Wednesday for tons of pictures!!
¶ 3:57 PM 10Mana'o
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Okay, it's my turn!
I meant to make a quiz when I was doing everyone else's but I forgot until I just took Kristine's .
Now let's see how well you know me!
Click here to take Sandy's quiz!
Today was Isaiah's urology appt. His surgery is on August 2nd. This is the one where the doc will force a METAL STICK up Isaiah's penis to make his opening bigger. Needless to say, we will need lots of prayer to get through this one... ¶ 7:20 PM 3Mana'o
I meant to make a quiz when I was doing everyone else's but I forgot until I just took Kristine's .
Now let's see how well you know me!
Click here to take Sandy's quiz!
Today was Isaiah's urology appt. His surgery is on August 2nd. This is the one where the doc will force a METAL STICK up Isaiah's penis to make his opening bigger. Needless to say, we will need lots of prayer to get through this one... ¶ 7:20 PM 3Mana'o
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
They love me, they really do!
Let it be known in all of blogdom that I am on a diet. Because, I noticed, the more that people know, the more "support" I am getting.
My pal Tee and I are diet buddies. We are part of Blogger Biggest Loser diet group.
She supports me by emailing daily and we are accountable to each other.
Well, today, I also got "support" from my son and hubby.
My son: while driving home from the pool, I reached for his Oreos and he slapped my hand. I said "What are you DOING?!?" He said he was helping me. I told him "You're not my father!!" He said no, he's my "Health Advisor!"
My hubby: We went to play tennis tonight (which I suck at) He's really good and usually he gets frustrated because he ends up running all over to get my wayward balls. This time I noticed that it was I who was doing a lot of running. I'd run waaay left, then run waaay right, back and forth. After a couple of minutes I realized what he was doing--he was doing it on purpose! He wanted me to RUN. Well, thanks a lot, honey!
So, now that you know about my diet, you can also help. If I mention how much chocolate I've had, you are free to give me a cyber-smack.
And for your info, I'm probably Blogger's Littlest Loser, as Tee has lost about 8 pounds now and I've only lost one.
Which the scale will probably tell me I gained back again as today I had two slices of pumpkin-custard pie, two Reeses Peanut Butter Cups, and some Oreos that I forcibly snatched away from son.
okay, okay, I know
*SMACK!* ¶ 8:49 PM 10Mana'o
My pal Tee and I are diet buddies. We are part of Blogger Biggest Loser diet group.
She supports me by emailing daily and we are accountable to each other.
Well, today, I also got "support" from my son and hubby.
My son: while driving home from the pool, I reached for his Oreos and he slapped my hand. I said "What are you DOING?!?" He said he was helping me. I told him "You're not my father!!" He said no, he's my "Health Advisor!"
My hubby: We went to play tennis tonight (which I suck at) He's really good and usually he gets frustrated because he ends up running all over to get my wayward balls. This time I noticed that it was I who was doing a lot of running. I'd run waaay left, then run waaay right, back and forth. After a couple of minutes I realized what he was doing--he was doing it on purpose! He wanted me to RUN. Well, thanks a lot, honey!
So, now that you know about my diet, you can also help. If I mention how much chocolate I've had, you are free to give me a cyber-smack.
And for your info, I'm probably Blogger's Littlest Loser, as Tee has lost about 8 pounds now and I've only lost one.
Which the scale will probably tell me I gained back again as today I had two slices of pumpkin-custard pie, two Reeses Peanut Butter Cups, and some Oreos that I forcibly snatched away from son.
okay, okay, I know
*SMACK!* ¶ 8:49 PM 10Mana'o
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Reasoning
As I washed the dishes, the babies pulled on my legs, whining.
So hubby swoops in the kitchen and scoops up Isaiah saying "okay, let's go to bed."
Isaiah flails around crying, saying "EEP! EEP!!" and pointing.
This word *I know* is his way of saying milk. (Don't ask me why because he can say other "M" words such as mom, moon, monkey...)
Not even hubby knew EEP was his word for milk.
How in the world could some stranger I drop the babies off to know that?
Or how would she know that Elijah needs a few extra seconds of support when putting him down because he's unstable?
Or that Isaiah needs to place his hand on (my) stomach fat while falling asleep?
Or that if you rub Elijah's head when he's sleepy, it'll take him right over the brink into the land of Nod?
Or the various strange things that Isaiah is afraid of?
No one knows the nuances of caring for my children more than I do. I just can't imagine leaving them with a stranger. So for now, the issue is settled (until the next stack of bills gets out of control)
And you guys are so right, they are only young once. I have the rest of my life to have my career. Thanks for the great advice! ¶ 9:42 PM 10Mana'o
So hubby swoops in the kitchen and scoops up Isaiah saying "okay, let's go to bed."
Isaiah flails around crying, saying "EEP! EEP!!" and pointing.
This word *I know* is his way of saying milk. (Don't ask me why because he can say other "M" words such as mom, moon, monkey...)
Not even hubby knew EEP was his word for milk.
How in the world could some stranger I drop the babies off to know that?
Or how would she know that Elijah needs a few extra seconds of support when putting him down because he's unstable?
Or that Isaiah needs to place his hand on (my) stomach fat while falling asleep?
Or that if you rub Elijah's head when he's sleepy, it'll take him right over the brink into the land of Nod?
Or the various strange things that Isaiah is afraid of?
No one knows the nuances of caring for my children more than I do. I just can't imagine leaving them with a stranger. So for now, the issue is settled (until the next stack of bills gets out of control)
And you guys are so right, they are only young once. I have the rest of my life to have my career. Thanks for the great advice! ¶ 9:42 PM 10Mana'o
Sunday, July 17, 2005
Hi ho! Hi HOOOOOO...
I'm thinking about going to work.
Yesterday I bumped into a nurse I knew when I was a student, she had a baby and said she only works two days a week now. I can do that, why not?
The babies aren't nursing anymore
They dont' NEED me anymore
Our bills are stacking up
Just two days a week can take care of that
But I have a really hard time thinking of having to pay someone to have the priveledge of raising my two darlings (and twice the pay at that!)
And there won't be anymore days of just picking up and going anywhere we want to
and I'd be missing my sons' TKD lessons or basketball games
and there will be days where I am too tired to do anything at all.
and will this mean I will stop school?
I don't know what to do! But just the thought of another paycheck is making me drool.
What's more important? What should I do? ¶ 2:01 PM 14Mana'o
I'm thinking about going to work.
Yesterday I bumped into a nurse I knew when I was a student, she had a baby and said she only works two days a week now. I can do that, why not?
The babies aren't nursing anymore
They dont' NEED me anymore
Our bills are stacking up
Just two days a week can take care of that
But I have a really hard time thinking of having to pay someone to have the priveledge of raising my two darlings (and twice the pay at that!)
And there won't be anymore days of just picking up and going anywhere we want to
and I'd be missing my sons' TKD lessons or basketball games
and there will be days where I am too tired to do anything at all.
and will this mean I will stop school?
I don't know what to do! But just the thought of another paycheck is making me drool.
What's more important? What should I do? ¶ 2:01 PM 14Mana'o
Friday, July 15, 2005
It's Stuff Portrait Friday time again!
It's Friday...and you know what that means! Stuff Portrait Friday! Where every week, Kristine lists three things for us to take pictures of and we post it and check out everyone else's posts too. Check her out and play!
This weeks items are totally tubular, Dude:
Something from the 80's you can't let go of
A picture of you from the 80's
A CD or movie you have from the 80's
Something from the 80's I can't let go of:
That would be...my husband! I don't think I have anything else from the 80's besides letters/pictures.
A picture of you from the 80's:
Like, pass the hair spray, dude.
Fer sure, totally.
In my defense, I rarely took the time to do my hair like that except for "special" occasions...such as preserving that memory forever in a senior portrait.
A CD or movie you have from the 80's:
C&K, Kalapana, Makaha Sons of Niihau, Olomana...the EPITOME of awesome Hawaiian music. Nothing compares to them now.
"I remember days when we were younger
We used to catch 'o'opu in the mountain stream
'round the Ko'olau hills we'd ride on horseback
This weeks items are totally tubular, Dude:
Something from the 80's you can't let go of
A picture of you from the 80's
A CD or movie you have from the 80's
Something from the 80's I can't let go of:
That would be...my husband! I don't think I have anything else from the 80's besides letters/pictures.
A picture of you from the 80's:
Like, pass the hair spray, dude.Fer sure, totally.
In my defense, I rarely took the time to do my hair like that except for "special" occasions...such as preserving that memory forever in a senior portrait.
A CD or movie you have from the 80's:
C&K, Kalapana, Makaha Sons of Niihau, Olomana...the EPITOME of awesome Hawaiian music. Nothing compares to them now."I remember days when we were younger
We used to catch 'o'opu in the mountain stream
'round the Ko'olau hills we'd ride on horseback
so long ago it seems it was a dream
Last night I dreamt I was returning
and my heart called out to you
but I fear you won't be like I left you
Me ke aloha ku'u home o Kahaluu....
...I remember days when we were smiling
when we laughed and sang the whole night long
and I will greet you as I find you
with the sharing of a brand new song
last night I dreamt I was returning
and my heart called out to you
to please accept me as you find me
Me ke aloha ku'u home o Kahaluu"
--Jerry Santos of Olomana
¶ 12:20 AM 12Mana'o
Thursday, July 14, 2005
Summer
Seriously, how can summer almost be over?
Ha'aheo has TWO book reports due by the first day of school and he hasn't even finished READING the first book.
I was so lazy, tired, and bored today and I thought "why in the world do we stay home, day after day, when I have a van and the kids aren't doing anything?"
Four loads of laundry is all I did today. That and a three hour nap with the babies. What an accomplishment. Considering the average human's life span is only 70 or so years, I just wasted precious time. I really blew it.
At the beginning of summer, I had a sit down chat with the boys about their hopes and expectations for this summer.
We better get to it because it's almost over!
We're going camping on the beach next week, then fly to Oahu for a couple of days to go to the waterpark which just opened a new stationary wave ride (Ha'aheo's dream come true--he's been begging to ride a stationary wave for YEARS)
I hate to admit it, but I think blogging's got me boggin' (sorry, I'm watching MTV's Made where a 16 year-old Jewish kid wants to be a rapper and now everything's getting funky in my head)
Cue beat box *puts hat on backwards*
yo, yo
If I didn't read ten million blogs a day,
I'd go out with my kids to play
We'd go to the park and run
or swimmin' at the pool would be fun
No, but really, I feel bad. But I can't quit for sure
I'm just going to slow down....a lot.
And spend some quality time with my kids
Sun, Sand, and Surf, here we come!!
(slap me upside the head next time I choose my computer over my children, okay?) ¶ 12:27 AM 9Mana'o
Seriously, how can summer almost be over?
Ha'aheo has TWO book reports due by the first day of school and he hasn't even finished READING the first book.
I was so lazy, tired, and bored today and I thought "why in the world do we stay home, day after day, when I have a van and the kids aren't doing anything?"
Four loads of laundry is all I did today. That and a three hour nap with the babies. What an accomplishment. Considering the average human's life span is only 70 or so years, I just wasted precious time. I really blew it.
At the beginning of summer, I had a sit down chat with the boys about their hopes and expectations for this summer.
We better get to it because it's almost over!
We're going camping on the beach next week, then fly to Oahu for a couple of days to go to the waterpark which just opened a new stationary wave ride (Ha'aheo's dream come true--he's been begging to ride a stationary wave for YEARS)
I hate to admit it, but I think blogging's got me boggin' (sorry, I'm watching MTV's Made where a 16 year-old Jewish kid wants to be a rapper and now everything's getting funky in my head)
Cue beat box *puts hat on backwards*
yo, yo
If I didn't read ten million blogs a day,
I'd go out with my kids to play
We'd go to the park and run
or swimmin' at the pool would be fun
No, but really, I feel bad. But I can't quit for sure
I'm just going to slow down....a lot.
And spend some quality time with my kids
Sun, Sand, and Surf, here we come!!
(slap me upside the head next time I choose my computer over my children, okay?) ¶ 12:27 AM 9Mana'o
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
My Interview
The babies' (ahem, I mean the BIG BOYS') Birthday Ice Cream
I have been "interviewed" by Marie.
here are the "Official Interview Game" Rules:
1. If you want to participate, leave a comment below saying "interview me."
2. I will respond by asking you five questions - each person's will be different.
3. You will update your journal/blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview others in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.
Marie, these are great in-depth questions, made me think!
This is what she asked me:
1. I love to read your stories about your family. There is obviously a great deal of love there...you can see it in the photos and read it in your tone. Tell us the story on how you met your husband and when you realized that *he* was the one you wanted to share your life with? Also, what would you say are the major contributing factors to the strength of your marriage?
I met my husband at a high school after-Winterball-party. He went to another school and he was not (gasp!) my date. I saw him at Winterball and my jaw literally dropped. I turned to my friend and said "Who is THAT guy with J___?" and I kid you not, this thought entered my head: "THIS is the man I will marry." (NO ONE believes me when I say that so don't worry if you don't believe me either!) We met at the party afterwards and our friends got together on weekends and hung out, it was inevitable : )
How did I know he was the one? Well, we got pregnant with Ha'a at 19 and I had told myself all my life that I would give my children both parents no matter what, no divorce. So it was set in my mind that this will be forever. And that's a good thing, because we grew well together.
Major contributing factors to the strength of our marriage:
Healthy Communication. I think the one thing that could change any relationship is to know how to fight. I read an eye-opening article and followed its advice. Which was to always say how YOU feel, without attacking (because that puts them in the defensive and then no one is listening anymore.) So always start with "I feel..." instead of "you always..." (case in point: yesterday, hubby worked, came home, napped, went surfing, we went to evening service, then he went to play basketball. I told him I felt like a single mother, which wasn't actually the best way to put it, but a discussion ensued and I was able to tell him that lately, I felt like no one was around to help me and he didn't realize that--because he doesn't read minds--and he ended up offering to stay home with the babies so I could eat with my friend...but she was bringing her kids too anyhow so I just told him to go anyhow. It's the thought that counts, right?)
Be Appreciative. Instead of dwelling on the unfinished flooring or the toilet paper never getting on the roll, I have to keep reminding myself of the things he DOES do and how I couldn't do any of this without him.
and...last but not least...
Keep Him on His Toes. We give each other secret "come hither" looks all the time and when no one is looking, I grab his butt, or....something else. I love keeping the tension high. I love that my hubby is still hot after all these years too : )
2. I know that your faith and being a Christian is a very big part of who you are. How has your faith contributed to the way you lead your life and in who you are right now? How would you react if any of your children later on in life chose to disregard their faith or Christianity as a whole?
The difference between the old me and the Christian me is like night and day. My priorities before were: me first, my child, my husband. The proper order is: God, my husband, my children. I try. My faith has changed every aspect of my life for the better. Life before had no purpose or meaning and I'd feel that sense of emptiness and not know what it was I was missing. I was selfish. Even though I had a good heart, that meant nothing if my actions led to nothing. I can't say that I truly live my life for Christ, because that would be lying ( I am still quite selfish and self-centered,) but living my faith is a continuous process that helps me grow, learn, and be a better parent, wife, and person.
If my children disregarded their faith, I would be heartbroken and would pray for them unceasingly. I could not imagine eternity without them.
3. You mentioned in a previous post that although you love and adore your sons, there is a part of you who misses having a daughter. What is it about having a daughter that most appeals to you and do you think that you and your hubby will try for a little girl down the road?
I have always imagined having a daughter. Though not a "girly girl" myself, I envisioned pink, lacy dresses, ballet lessons, pigtails, painting tiny little fingernails, shopping together. I think, maybe to live vicariously through her, for the things I have not been able to do myself. Is that unfair?
No, I do not think we will have any more children. Our little house is overflowing and we can't afford it. It's okay, because I told each boy to have at least five daughters then I will have 20 granddaughters to spoil! : )
4. I know that one of your lifelong goals is to be a part of and work in Medical Missions so that you could help others in need of assistance. Do you have another personal goal that means a great deal to you that none of us knows about? If so, what would that be?
My ultimate goal would have to be...lying on my deathbed feeling accomplished and content, knowing I did everything in life I have wanted to and having no regrets.
5. What would you say are your 5 greatest strengths and your 5 greatest weaknesses?
Oh, this is hard. 5 greatest strengths:
1. I'm usually happy-go-lucky and try to be positive
2. Adaptable to situations
3. Super honest and trustworthy
4. Always try to make everyone happy
5. Dependable.
( I can imagine people who know me IRL are rolling their eyes!)
5 greatest weaknesses:
1. CHOCOLATE. Okay, not just chocolate, but anything I find yummy, I have no willpower to deny. Big weakness.
2. I'm a lousy housekeeper/lack organization (household-wise)
3. Impulsive (shopping, making decisions)
4. Easily hurt. I can bring to mind almost any bad thing that ever happened to me all the way back to childhood.
5. Self-conscious. About everything. I'm too fat. Too ugly. Too old. My breath stinks, my teeth are yellow, I have B.O., I'm a bad mother, bad wife, bad friend, bad Christian. You name it, I'm not good enough! And now, I'm being too honest. Anyone still my friend?? lol
Okay, anyone wanna play? Just say "interview me!" and I'll send you your personalized, extra-special, super nosy questions...tee hee hee
¶ 12:42 AM 11Mana'o
The babies' (ahem, I mean the BIG BOYS') Birthday Ice Cream I have been "interviewed" by Marie.
here are the "Official Interview Game" Rules:
1. If you want to participate, leave a comment below saying "interview me."
2. I will respond by asking you five questions - each person's will be different.
3. You will update your journal/blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview others in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.
Marie, these are great in-depth questions, made me think!
This is what she asked me:
1. I love to read your stories about your family. There is obviously a great deal of love there...you can see it in the photos and read it in your tone. Tell us the story on how you met your husband and when you realized that *he* was the one you wanted to share your life with? Also, what would you say are the major contributing factors to the strength of your marriage?
I met my husband at a high school after-Winterball-party. He went to another school and he was not (gasp!) my date. I saw him at Winterball and my jaw literally dropped. I turned to my friend and said "Who is THAT guy with J___?" and I kid you not, this thought entered my head: "THIS is the man I will marry." (NO ONE believes me when I say that so don't worry if you don't believe me either!) We met at the party afterwards and our friends got together on weekends and hung out, it was inevitable : )
How did I know he was the one? Well, we got pregnant with Ha'a at 19 and I had told myself all my life that I would give my children both parents no matter what, no divorce. So it was set in my mind that this will be forever. And that's a good thing, because we grew well together.
Major contributing factors to the strength of our marriage:
Healthy Communication. I think the one thing that could change any relationship is to know how to fight. I read an eye-opening article and followed its advice. Which was to always say how YOU feel, without attacking (because that puts them in the defensive and then no one is listening anymore.) So always start with "I feel..." instead of "you always..." (case in point: yesterday, hubby worked, came home, napped, went surfing, we went to evening service, then he went to play basketball. I told him I felt like a single mother, which wasn't actually the best way to put it, but a discussion ensued and I was able to tell him that lately, I felt like no one was around to help me and he didn't realize that--because he doesn't read minds--and he ended up offering to stay home with the babies so I could eat with my friend...but she was bringing her kids too anyhow so I just told him to go anyhow. It's the thought that counts, right?)
Be Appreciative. Instead of dwelling on the unfinished flooring or the toilet paper never getting on the roll, I have to keep reminding myself of the things he DOES do and how I couldn't do any of this without him.
and...last but not least...
Keep Him on His Toes. We give each other secret "come hither" looks all the time and when no one is looking, I grab his butt, or....something else. I love keeping the tension high. I love that my hubby is still hot after all these years too : )
2. I know that your faith and being a Christian is a very big part of who you are. How has your faith contributed to the way you lead your life and in who you are right now? How would you react if any of your children later on in life chose to disregard their faith or Christianity as a whole?
The difference between the old me and the Christian me is like night and day. My priorities before were: me first, my child, my husband. The proper order is: God, my husband, my children. I try. My faith has changed every aspect of my life for the better. Life before had no purpose or meaning and I'd feel that sense of emptiness and not know what it was I was missing. I was selfish. Even though I had a good heart, that meant nothing if my actions led to nothing. I can't say that I truly live my life for Christ, because that would be lying ( I am still quite selfish and self-centered,) but living my faith is a continuous process that helps me grow, learn, and be a better parent, wife, and person.
If my children disregarded their faith, I would be heartbroken and would pray for them unceasingly. I could not imagine eternity without them.
3. You mentioned in a previous post that although you love and adore your sons, there is a part of you who misses having a daughter. What is it about having a daughter that most appeals to you and do you think that you and your hubby will try for a little girl down the road?
I have always imagined having a daughter. Though not a "girly girl" myself, I envisioned pink, lacy dresses, ballet lessons, pigtails, painting tiny little fingernails, shopping together. I think, maybe to live vicariously through her, for the things I have not been able to do myself. Is that unfair?
No, I do not think we will have any more children. Our little house is overflowing and we can't afford it. It's okay, because I told each boy to have at least five daughters then I will have 20 granddaughters to spoil! : )
4. I know that one of your lifelong goals is to be a part of and work in Medical Missions so that you could help others in need of assistance. Do you have another personal goal that means a great deal to you that none of us knows about? If so, what would that be?
My ultimate goal would have to be...lying on my deathbed feeling accomplished and content, knowing I did everything in life I have wanted to and having no regrets.
5. What would you say are your 5 greatest strengths and your 5 greatest weaknesses?
Oh, this is hard. 5 greatest strengths:
1. I'm usually happy-go-lucky and try to be positive
2. Adaptable to situations
3. Super honest and trustworthy
4. Always try to make everyone happy
5. Dependable.
( I can imagine people who know me IRL are rolling their eyes!)
5 greatest weaknesses:
1. CHOCOLATE. Okay, not just chocolate, but anything I find yummy, I have no willpower to deny. Big weakness.
2. I'm a lousy housekeeper/lack organization (household-wise)
3. Impulsive (shopping, making decisions)
4. Easily hurt. I can bring to mind almost any bad thing that ever happened to me all the way back to childhood.
5. Self-conscious. About everything. I'm too fat. Too ugly. Too old. My breath stinks, my teeth are yellow, I have B.O., I'm a bad mother, bad wife, bad friend, bad Christian. You name it, I'm not good enough! And now, I'm being too honest. Anyone still my friend?? lol
Okay, anyone wanna play? Just say "interview me!" and I'll send you your personalized, extra-special, super nosy questions...tee hee hee
Monday, July 11, 2005
Best Friends Forever!
Remember my post about the 5 things I miss about childhood?
This is Kelly, one of my "Best Friends Forever"
Over the years I have tried finding ways to contact her but knew she had married with a different last name.
Recently, I had tried Googling her brothers' names but there were a million men with the same name.
It turns out, she's been trying to find me all this time too! We had the SAME ideas, going to message boards that find people and--get this--we BOTH had the insane idea of calling one of those talk shows that do reunions. I imagined myself on stage crying, recalling the fun times and missing my friend, when all the while she's sitting in the audience waiting to surprise me *high pitched squealing and jumping around ensues*
How do I know she's been trying to find me, you ask? Because SHE DID!! She got in touch with me through a friend on Classmates.com and we spent the morning on the phone catching up!! MY BESTEST FRIEND!!! Kelly, I missed you! I gave her my blog address, so if you're reading this Kelly, here's my ode to Kelly..nah nah, just kidding.
But I am on cloud nine, I am so happy. I am trying to get her and her family to come visit us here, like next week, or tomorrow would be okay : ) Can you believe this, she lives in TEXAS, where I was just a couple of weeks ago! We could have met up then!
*high pitched squealing and jumping around*
This time, I promise not to lose your number, my long lost friend. ¶ 1:13 PM 9Mana'o
Remember my post about the 5 things I miss about childhood?
This is Kelly, one of my "Best Friends Forever"
Over the years I have tried finding ways to contact her but knew she had married with a different last name.
Recently, I had tried Googling her brothers' names but there were a million men with the same name.
It turns out, she's been trying to find me all this time too! We had the SAME ideas, going to message boards that find people and--get this--we BOTH had the insane idea of calling one of those talk shows that do reunions. I imagined myself on stage crying, recalling the fun times and missing my friend, when all the while she's sitting in the audience waiting to surprise me *high pitched squealing and jumping around ensues*
How do I know she's been trying to find me, you ask? Because SHE DID!! She got in touch with me through a friend on Classmates.com and we spent the morning on the phone catching up!! MY BESTEST FRIEND!!! Kelly, I missed you! I gave her my blog address, so if you're reading this Kelly, here's my ode to Kelly..nah nah, just kidding.
But I am on cloud nine, I am so happy. I am trying to get her and her family to come visit us here, like next week, or tomorrow would be okay : ) Can you believe this, she lives in TEXAS, where I was just a couple of weeks ago! We could have met up then!
*high pitched squealing and jumping around*
This time, I promise not to lose your number, my long lost friend. ¶ 1:13 PM 9Mana'o
Happy Happy Birthday times two!
You went from here :
and here
To here,
in less than a year...
And grew
and grew
And grew
oh so dear!
Before we knew it
you turned one
with hula,
music,
presents,
and so much fun!
Another year of smiles,
cuddles
,
and lotsa poo...
Oh my, how can it be true?
My tiny little babies....
...... turning two!
Happy 2nd Birthday
Elijah Paul
Kahiaukaulanahemakanamakamaenokalani
and
Isaiah Keolapomaika'ililoloaikeAkua
I love you!
Thanks to Xtessa for this idea.. ¶ 12:38 AM 18Mana'o
You went from here :
and here
To here,
in less than a year...
And grew
and grew
And grew
oh so dear!
Before we knew it
you turned one
with hula,
music,
presents,
and so much fun!
Another year of smiles,
cuddles
,and lotsa poo...
Oh my, how can it be true?
My tiny little babies....
...... turning two!
Happy 2nd Birthday
Elijah Paul
Kahiaukaulanahemakanamakamaenokalani
and
Isaiah Keolapomaika'ililoloaikeAkua
I love you!
Thanks to Xtessa for this idea.. ¶ 12:38 AM 18Mana'o
Sunday, July 10, 2005
Last Night
Jason (in red) and friends. Aunty Koko made his centerpieces...a Gatorade bottle covered with a BobbleHead Jason in his football uniform.
The first of three bands (the drummer not in view.) The last band played a reggae/hawaiian mix. It occurred to me to tell you this because I don't think any other state has this reggae fascination more than Hawaii. Bob Marley is highly esteemed here.
A typical Hawaiian plate. Clockwise from top left-right:
Kalua Pig, rice, opihi, two bowls of poi, Squid Luau (a misnomer because it is actually octopus, not squid. It is green because it is boiled with luau leaves), Lomi Lomi Salmon, and on top/next to that is Poke (raw fish), and lastly, chicken long rice.
A month or so ago, I got a call of distress from my Aunty Lei, who lives down the street. She uses me as her personal Nurse because she can't seem to understand how to do her blood sugar and she's diabetic. She used to walk here every single morning and have me do her blood sugar and blood pressure. (I really should walk down there and do it now that she's stopped) Anyhow, anytime anything comes up, she calls me. (and I panic because I worry someday I will not know what to do) So this time, I ran down the street to find Uncle Tommy gurgling in his own vomit--he's laying on his back and he can't move himself. All I really did was flip him to his side, take a quick assessment, take off his barf-filled shirt and clean him up before the ambulance came (she had already called them before I got there.)
A few days later Aunty Lei calls again. This time I decided to be prepared and sent Noa to get my stethoscope and blood pressure cuff (his blood pressure is ridiculously high.) Well, this time it was just fever, chills, etc. So all I really said was to take tylenol, rest--the usual.
At the party last night, Uncle Tommy walked over and kissed me hello and pressed something into my hand. I looked at the HUNDRED DOLLAR BILL and said no I can't take this! He insisted yes, I insisted no, back and forth until he told me to stop making a scene and that was that. Wow. I really didn't do anything to deserve it but I know where it's going (bills--blech.) God's timing is always perfect.
This morning at church we were blessed with a hula from our Christian Hula team ministry...and I just happened to still have my camera in my bag : )
¶ 1:43 PM 4Mana'o
Jason (in red) and friends. Aunty Koko made his centerpieces...a Gatorade bottle covered with a BobbleHead Jason in his football uniform.
The first of three bands (the drummer not in view.) The last band played a reggae/hawaiian mix. It occurred to me to tell you this because I don't think any other state has this reggae fascination more than Hawaii. Bob Marley is highly esteemed here.
A typical Hawaiian plate. Clockwise from top left-right:Kalua Pig, rice, opihi, two bowls of poi, Squid Luau (a misnomer because it is actually octopus, not squid. It is green because it is boiled with luau leaves), Lomi Lomi Salmon, and on top/next to that is Poke (raw fish), and lastly, chicken long rice.
A month or so ago, I got a call of distress from my Aunty Lei, who lives down the street. She uses me as her personal Nurse because she can't seem to understand how to do her blood sugar and she's diabetic. She used to walk here every single morning and have me do her blood sugar and blood pressure. (I really should walk down there and do it now that she's stopped) Anyhow, anytime anything comes up, she calls me. (and I panic because I worry someday I will not know what to do) So this time, I ran down the street to find Uncle Tommy gurgling in his own vomit--he's laying on his back and he can't move himself. All I really did was flip him to his side, take a quick assessment, take off his barf-filled shirt and clean him up before the ambulance came (she had already called them before I got there.)
A few days later Aunty Lei calls again. This time I decided to be prepared and sent Noa to get my stethoscope and blood pressure cuff (his blood pressure is ridiculously high.) Well, this time it was just fever, chills, etc. So all I really said was to take tylenol, rest--the usual.
At the party last night, Uncle Tommy walked over and kissed me hello and pressed something into my hand. I looked at the HUNDRED DOLLAR BILL and said no I can't take this! He insisted yes, I insisted no, back and forth until he told me to stop making a scene and that was that. Wow. I really didn't do anything to deserve it but I know where it's going (bills--blech.) God's timing is always perfect.
This morning at church we were blessed with a hula from our Christian Hula team ministry...and I just happened to still have my camera in my bag : )
¶ 1:43 PM 4Mana'o
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