Girl in a Swirl

Back to school Prep

2011-07-28T15:05:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you... but
we start school
MONDAY!

Is that crazy?-

So I have been trying to wrap my brain around... what our fall schedule will look like.
Who is going where.. when do they need to be there...
Who is doing what sport... which activities... and how is everyone getting where they are going?

I know
it's a common phenomena.

Something I am excited to start are
BENTO Lunches- for the kids school lunches.

I ordered this cute Panda for my youngest.. (he loves Kung Fu panda).
(you can click on image- to order your own.)

My 6th grader was not sure about Bento lunches... but we did some browsing... and after seeing the amazing lunches on the Internet... he was in.
Below is the box he picked out on amazon... (there is a chopstick holder on the lid!)

I went to a dollar store and bought my third son his... and a few bento "tools" to help me along.

He wants to help prepare them! He's my more artistic one.. and he likes food.

I suspect... there will be some disappointment.. in our ACTUAL bento lunches...that they aren't as adorable as the ones on the Internet...
But I want our Bentos to actually be their lunch.
So tasty is #1 priority
"Cool" is a bonus.. if it is something they will eat... but not a MUST.
Two lumps of rice... I think would go uneaten by my fellas...
one... maybe.
all that broccoli.... (no way)
then keep in mind... everything is served cold
cold rice...
cold corn...

No.

At first I thought it would be impossible to please my children...
I thought... what is the "american" version to Bento? (the lunchable) Which is not adorable.. and the food isn't really that tasty. But it got me thinking... if I combine Bento Japanese food art + British Tea Time finger foods
............. there might really be hope for our family of picky eaters!

I mean... who doesn't enjoy "finger foods"?
So

Our "approved list" goes as follows: (this is just what I can remember off the top of my head.)
(I am thinking of making a menu... set meals... every monday is PB/Honey, every tuesday is a bagel or muffin with cream cheese, etc... then the sides will rotate with what is in season or in our pantry....)

Peanut Butter and honey or jelly sandwiches... (cut in circles and fun shapes with cookie cutters.)
tortilla roll sandwiches.... ( tortilla with lunch meat and cheese rolled and then cut)
Bagels and cream cheese
Muffins (banana bread with cream cheese)
musubi's... (kinda a hawaiian version of a california roll.)
pigs in a blanket... with ketchup to dip in... (my kids agreed to try it cold)
chicken nuggets ( again.. we are going to try it.. cold.)

Then sides include:
Fresh fruit sliced
Fresh berries in season
Trail Mix (nuts and dried fruits)
pretzels to dip in chocolate pudding (banana's are fun to dip too)
veggies to dip in ranch dressing
apple sauce
go-gurts
crackers and cheese
hard boiled eggs

if you have any ideas.. of lunch favorites in your family...
I am all ears!
Thanks for stopping by!

Cutest dress shop on the web!

2011-07-25T15:09:00.000-07:00

You know about there sale.. by now... 20% off... everything!

Their dresses are adorable and interesting.. just the little details and fashionable...

and MODEST-- hello-- that is hard to find.

(My birthday is coming up-- if anyone is looking for gift ideas... only 300 more days to shop...) Anyone??

In the mood for a give-away??

2011-07-22T10:29:00.000-07:00

My blog anniversary is coming up... and I am in the mood... for a blog give-away!
I am putting my thinking cap on....
and going to think of some fabulous prizes...
Get prepared..

I am thinking... the entries to win will be....
1 entry= join as a member/ follower to my site ( girl in a swirl )
1 entry = for posting on your blog about my entry

1 entry = join as a member / follower of my swirl sew simple site.
1 entry= post about swirl sew simple on your blog.... (different post from girl in a swirl entry
post.)

1 entry = join as a member/ follower of book club 4 boys site.
1 entry = blog about book club 4 boys (a separate post from the two above.)
1 entry = grab a button and proudly position on your blog side bar!

I am thinking ... at least 3 great prizes...
something celebrating... each blog site....

another.... Rainbow

2011-07-22T06:33:00.000-07:00

As promised...
another rainbow.
this was taken...in the wee morning...

I was running the last leg of a Relay for Life event.

It had drizzled the entire hour. (I am happy to say I ran the entire hour) and after... I looked up to see this glorious bow in the sky.

Why I adore living now and not in the Past...

2011-07-20T19:14:00.000-07:00

This is one of the cute focks at Shabby Apple -- 20% off sale... it's called Aloha.

I adore Jane Austin...

This summer... since I've been "un-plugged" I have had more time to read!

So lovely!

Strange... how much I love my computer and TV and miss the internet... yet....
I appreciate how they distract me from my daily grind and household chores... but... they also rob me of the luxury of relaxing to read.... (because in the corner of my eye... I see that mound of laundry on my couch.... or dishes left in the living room... or the piles of things-- not put away.... )

Since being unplugged.... I find myself... tackling those mounds and piles... and then

with a smile of satisfation... curl up with a good book, a really really good book.. and just relax and undwind....

I can enjoy all the luxuries that Jane's characters enjoyed being "upper class" (tasty foods, cute clothing, time to relax and read, sew, practice piano, social parties etc...) with all the comforts of modern convienences...
fans (no AC here in hawaii), showers, indoor plumming, washing machines, dishwashers (normally... but mine has been broken for 3 weeks!), but you get the idea.

I sometimes envy the "simple" life.... life before all this technology and fast paced living.... but I appreciate all the advances in medicine... and perks that come along with technology too... (all the FREE information on the internet... have a question? google it and you've got 200 plus entries about that topic...)

this summer I've learned...
I complicate my life.
My life can be slow and simple... (with the perks of technology)
I am the master of my life, my time...
what i do
what i read
how I spend my time
the things I consume---- not just food, but media and music...

I had just gotten lazy.
Hopefully... I'll continue on with my goal and be more aware... more cautious and calculated in how I use technology... and not "amuse myself to death"... get drawn in... and waste my life away (plugged in)... instead of living.

summer fun

2011-07-20T14:19:00.000-07:00

So ... summer is winding down for us... and we are getting ready for back to school.

Back to a routine...

This morning... my youngest wanted to "shave" with dad. It was so cute- my husband slathering the shaving creme on his face...

I grabbed a Popsicle stick (from a craft box) as his "razor"... and then ran to get my camera... but as you can see... they were almost done, by the time I got back.

I love watching my boys... following the lead of their dad.

They are such "little men"

Even in little steps... like wanting to "shave"... I am excited they want to follow his example.

I'm starting to get back to school blues... my husband who works every day... doesn't have that... deep sense of loss.

No more- kids running the neighborhood in and out of houses

no more long days at the beach, or short beach trips

no more lazy day picnics and reading under shade trees....

hey! I don't think I am ready for all the bustle and hustle yet!
Good thing I have a few weeks... of vacation left... and a few days before hockey starts up again.

I hold my glass of lemonade up---and say, "Cheers for the last few weeks of summer... here's to making the most of them!"

Top 5 favorite Shabby Apple items!

2011-07-15T15:54:00.000-07:00

#5 Favorite item from Shabby Apple....

I love this big blossom at the bust... I keep coming back to this dress... every few months... tempted to take the plunge and buy a dress from Shabby Apple.

so hard to choose just 5 items ... but

I felt i had to be selective... so on with the count-down....

#4 favorite item at Shabby Apple----

Red fox (this dress in red) or Grey Fox.
i like the scallop detail of the full skirt... cute, cute cute!

#3 Bon Voyage! I like Navy Blue... my natural hair color is close to this models hair color... so navy Blue looks good on me... and I love the pleat detail on the trim of the skirt.

(not that you can see it in this mini-me picture... but it is adorable as well.

#2 This red frock- called the new Caledonia (sorry the pictures are smaller than a postage stamp! click the link to see a better picture.)

This dress is a wrinkle -free... slip over your head... feel like your in your pajamas.. but look FABULOUS...while comfy.

So... sale.. sale ... sale...

temptation.. temptation... temptation...

if I had ANY reason/event coming up within the next year... i would justify a splurge on a new dress....

a high school reunion...

a wedding..

a vacation...

a pot luck

a trip...

an anniversary...

a birthday....

a school function....

I mean ANYTHING-

but as it is...

we are having a quiet year...

(last year being our zany and crazy year of 50th Wedding Anniversary for my in-laws, three trips to the mainland... big 15th Wedding anniversary celebrated....20th High School reunion etc.. etc...)

But don't let my

quiet year... spoil your fun on splurging... if you do buy one.. post and tell me how fabulous it is~

# 1 Lost at Sea skirt
I am a big fan of a-line skirts

and I love the lines on this- so unexpected!

I like to look for rainbows...

2011-07-14T12:03:00.001-07:00

Living in hawaii... the Rainbow State

It is fun seeing Rainbows... almost weekly.

real rainbows that is....

but one of the fun things I've notice during our un-plugged summer... are

the "un natural" rainbows around me too!

Rainbow colors

are so happy- together.

I think I'll post more rainbow pictures... when I see them... and share the joy.

SUper SUmmer SALE!

2011-07-11T18:53:00.000-07:00

Okay... we are having a Un-plugged summer... (I warned you about)... the reason I have been MIA.... but I was quickly checking my emails... (legal- every other day for an hour- cuz I am a MOM...) anyway... found this SALE at Shabby Apple!
such amazing steals... 20% off... and the practically perfect section... you can apply the sale code to also... so you might find one of their adorable dresses for around $40!

More Affordable!

I think one of the best things about being a girl... is the adorable clothes.
not having a little girl to pamper in my home.... I am afraid I am a sucker for a cute dress. (for myself.)

You should check Shabby Apple Sale Items out... especially if you have never been to their site-- most dresses are modest enough for moms... yet fun and fashionable enough for twenty-something olds.... (or teens.)

Okay... off my band wagon/soap box....
Just had to share.
After a week of camping at hukilau beach.... it was nice to jump in a warm shower (scrape off a layer of sea salt on my skin...) then slip into bed and browse their dresses... trying to forget sleeping with sand in my pants for a week.

Camping.. really was a blast. Our ward- camps every year at this beach. (that is to say, our church congregation) and they come up with the most fun activities...

Okay... I'll post more... later!

Un-Plugged Summer

2011-06-08T20:35:00.000-07:00

So Summer Break is here!

I challenged my family to Un-Plug this summer.
Meaning, no tv
no xbox
no movies
no video games
no computer games
no games on our phones

So I put up a poster with a $50 dollar bill . The person who goes the longest "un-plugged" wins the $50!

now.... there are exceptions... my husband works on the computer, and so do I. But I have drastically reduced my hours on the computer... doing much of the leg work... the old fashion hand & paper method.. instead of writing with the computer key board.

I check my email every three days or so.. and I only get an hour. So... blogging is going to be sparce... but will be well worth it!

Other exceptions are... if we want to watch a movie as a family... that is legal.

okay

gotsta run!

I'm BACK

2011-05-14T10:03:00.000-07:00

Sorry from the long break away...

not good blogging form... Just life... got crazy- nothing bad

just "busy mom"...

I have to say, I was enchanted with all the media and hype about the "Royal Wedding". I thought Kate looked beautiful and really handled all the pomp and parade wonderfully.

I was watching the 20/20 special last night about the blogger behind the NieNie blog... and "woah".. I was truly humbled. I got on my knees and prayed. Prayed for them, their family- and then prayed for me and my family....

What follies and vices do I hold important--- that really aren't that important? She is reconstructing not only her body after being burned 80%. ... but her marriage and family. That takes a strong spirit.

I logged on to comment: on her blog- to offer just support and encouragement...

when a news window popped up.. and talked about

How inspiring Kate is for waiting until she was almost 30 to get married.

You can read the article here: click

I had to comment! here is my comment below...

I married at 24. My best (girl)friends thought- I was too young... throwing my best years away. Missing the opportunity to travel, develop a career, etc... etc... etc... But now, 15 years later, these best friends are STILL single, and desperate. They feel like , 'all the good ones are gone'. They regret. They had opportunities- but let them pass by.

I feel so blessed- to have found a companion- who was willing to make that commitment to marriage, while we were young. We are growing old together.... as the wrinkles appear, and the gray hair start to come in... we just laugh and look forward to turning old and gray together.

We didn't wait to have kids either. Pregnant , 3 months into the marriage. (Very traditional and old fashion, we knew each other for 5 years- but saved sex for marriage.) I have four children- and I am grateful EVERY DAY I started in my twenties... being pregnant in my thirties... was harder on my body... and I can tell... my energy level ... is less.. as I reach forty. (Don't get me wrong- I eat right and run 3-5 miles, 3 times a week. I'm no couch potato) But I can tell... my body... I'm getting older, not younger.

I don't mean to stand on a soap box- I just want to share my story in contrast.

Now that my youngest is starting Kindergarten... i have plenty of time to work on that career... i've put on the shelf.

In fact: I feel more confident, more accomplished.
After serving President of (PTA) type organizations and other non-profit organizations, being active in my community for 15 years,coaching soccer/ & basketball and being a hockey team mom. I feel prepared to enter the work-force as a useful member of society. With lots of skills, that I didn't have in my twenties. (Another good choice- was finishing my education, in my twenties... )

Motherhood and marriage is the BEST adventure in life! And if you find the right guy- JUMP in with both feet and hold on to each other---- it will be a bumpy ride! Guaranteed. But ... amazing and so worth it!

It's good to be back...
Swirl

funny

2011-03-14T19:51:00.000-07:00

I thought this was a fun project.
In school my son had to design a wrapper for a candy bar.
(They were reading the story: The Chocolate Touch
click HERE to see our book club ideas for this story.)

My second son named his candy bar..
Chocolate Blast!

I thought this was too funny!
"Try Hunter's new and improved Chocolate Blast

it only cost 75 cents...

in hawaii
$1.25. "

My kids hate comercials on TV that show amazing prices for Pizza.. for example:

5 for $5 and then have a discaimer:
($7.50/each in Hawaii.)

I thought that was so funny he added that to his candy bar!
Oh... the injustice of it all!

New format for my book clubs.. and clubbing...:o)

2011-03-01T10:55:00.000-08:00

I would say we are in a slump..
My kids are feeling...

"Book Club- been there
done that."

Even my 8 year old has lost the twinkle in his eye- when I say book club.
What happened?

So all three of the older boys have moved onto
Movie/Book Club format.

I am happy...that means less work and prep for me.
but sad at the same time....

that's less "options" in the books we read.
They are only interested in books- relating to movies coming out in the theater.
(because they love going to movies... naturally. And they know if they want MOM to pay-- they have to read the book.)

Happily- my oldest is working on his Reading Merit Badge... and one of the requirements is to do a service project. He has started a "book club" for my youngest.
It is so dang adorable!
You can click here to see his story time using flash lights...
and click here to see his story time where we made PIZZA....

So I guess that is the natural progression of life...

change

I have to embrace the changing format and interest of my boys... and just be thankful they are READING!

I've been cleaning!

2011-02-06T16:49:00.000-08:00

I have a cleaning buddy.

My neighbor and I have been belly aching over our houses for years- and we decided ...

WHY not help each other clean?

I don't know about you, by the time I put everything away...

I have no energy to actually CLEAN.

So I go to her house for 2 hours on Wed. She comes to my house for 2 hours on Friday...

You would be amazed what 2 mom's cleaning together can accomplish in just 2 hours!

The WHOLE HOUSE!

Yup!

Anyway- she went overboard last week and cleaned out her closet! It was beautiful. I wasn't planning on copying her... but I just couldn't walk past my closet without thinking about it.

I couldn't have her house be "one up" on our house...!

so on Saturday...

I spent the whole day cleaning out our closet!

It's beautiful.

This was half way.. .when I wanted to sit on my bed and cry

"WHY DID I START THIS PROJECT!?!?"

Why does it always have to look/get/be soooo bad-- before it looks good?

Beehive Book Club ideas

2011-02-01T11:13:00.000-08:00

I am still playing with the idea of a Beehive Book club this summer--(most my ideas for beehives are over at www.swirlsewsimple.blogspot.com.) I am still going to make a tri-fold book mark... but it is on the back burner for a bit. (Book Club ideas for BOYS are still my top priority.) BUT
having said that...
One idea/activity for this beehive book club is watch and compare refining of Miri (the princess in the book) and Mia in the movie Princess Diary.

(And maybe we'll talk about the refining process the Lord has in place for us- his daughters.)

This movie is actually based on a series of books! The Princess Diaries. (I haven't' read the series.. I don't know if they are any good.) I did find out that
Mia has her own blog in fact! click HERE

So that is kinda a fun extension from the book/ movie/ series.

Princess Academy

2011-02-01T11:00:00.000-08:00

I know. I know.
A girl book? REALLY?
I am a girl ya know? i really liked this book! I work with the beehives (girls ages 12-14) at our church and I was trying to find a book they would enjoy. (Maybe start a Beehive Book club?)
Because I don't have enough book clubs in my life. (lol)

I am working on a trifold book mark: I promise I'll add that link when it is ready.
But I was just brainstorming ideas of things we could do for our book club discussion.

Basic Summary: Miri lives in the mountains. Her people are hard working and honest. Twice a year or so the traders from the lowlands make the trek up the mountain to trade for the rock the mountain people quarry. They look down on the mountain people and often offer as little as possible for their trade. This time is different: the lowlanders come with news that the priests in the kingdom have declared the prince must marry a girl from their region- so a Princess Academy will be established to educate all eligible girls. Unfamiliar with the ways of the world outside their mountain... the people don't know what to think.

Miri can't believe any lowlander would allow a crown to sit on a mountain girls head, but she is eager to prove mountain girls are just as smart as lowlanders.

I really enjoyed the story, but also liked the themes in the book of
discovering self worth
value of reading and an education
a little romance (giggle)
and the idea of becoming a princess! (isn't that every girls dream?)

I'll post more later I gots to RUN!
I'll be late for interpreting!

Best Stocking Stuffer- EVER!

2011-01-24T08:55:00.000-08:00

I was sick- sick- sick this past Christmas- anything I hadn't thought about (stocking stuffers) before our trip to the mainland... wasn't even on my radar... come Christmas Eve.

Thankfully - my husband was on top of his game.
He went out a few nights before and took care of where I was lacking.

Something that turned out to be a true treasure-- are these little babies....

Each boy got one in his stocking. (Thanks Santa!)
and in a different color- brilliant! Now the boys can't steal each others-- they all know- whose is silver, whose is blue, whose is green etc....

Last night the three older ones went to bed - kinda late for us 9:30. At about 10- when my husband and I finally tumbled into bed... and turned our light off-- I noticed a glow coming from down the hall....

I got up to investigate.. who left what on....
and they all three were READING!

My heart jumped for joy!
I can finally be one of those moms who can complain their kids stay up reading too late!

I didn't even disturb them... I tip toed back into bed with a smile on my face.
MISSION: Accomplished!
My kids have FINALLY figured out reading is FUN!

It only took-- how many years?
How many book clubs?

How many treats? How many bribes?
So WORTH IT!

Happy birthday

2011-01-23T12:26:00.000-08:00

We had a fun weekend- celebrating a birthday-

Go Go Diego style.

My oldest son- was very helpful... he created an obstical course...

where rescue hero's had to go around under- in and out... to rescue a stuffed animal at the top of the slide...

then slide down

and the next Rescue Hero starts the course.

We're BACK!

2011-01-11T17:33:00.000-08:00

Since the kids were gone Christmas vacation- and since
hockey hasn't started yet..
they wanted to invite a few friends over.

(well- actually I don't know if they invited them over or not... )

I just woke up Saturday morning with a house FULL of kids!

We had a XBOX kinect- Sports challenge/Pancake morning...

and then...
as quickly as they came...
I looked up
while washing dishes
and
they were GONE!

Onto another house no doubt....
probably
trying to score another breakfast-- from a different mom.

SLACKER!

2011-01-04T19:31:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe I haven't posted since... NOV 4th!
It isn't I haven't been thinking of you!
I totally have~

I hope you check out my Swirl Sew Simple site-
(though I haven't been blogging there much either)

What have I been up to?
I was working MADLY on a HUGE 50th Wedding Anniversary book for my in-laws.. that turned out BEAUTIFUL- if I do say so myself.

and then ... well ... the holidays..
Christmas
a trip to "snow town"

oh- yeah.. and getting sick... but that was all in December.

Oh yeah and there was a bit of a fiasco-- getting the Anniversary book printed. (it was a digital scrapbook) But I'll tell you more about THAT later... (well maybe... if I am still mad about it.)

Big news is there is a GIVE AWAY going down on Bookclub4boys.com website.

A really great Young Adult book that is SURE to become a new classic.
So go check it out- it's not too late to win a free copy!

CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

It's never too late

2010-11-04T21:39:00.000-07:00

Here is my adorable IRON MAN- Today he was saying he wanted to go Trick or Treating again.
I tried to explain- it was a ONCE a YEAR kind of treat.

Well- he and his friends went out to prove me wrong.
They came running back 10 min later... with candy...
"Mom we trick or treat again!"

Looks like-- if you are 4 you can trick or treat even into Nov!

I took this picture and then - noticed my living room floor.

I know- Last post I said I was a flybaby... and look
at this conflicting photographic evidence!

But this is the culprit-
why my floor is never clean.

I pick them up- and then he just dumps them back out.

They need to be out and about- you never know when you are going to want to make ships and such.

It's funny because after I clean them up...
he comes back in ...
and sighs a big frustration....
as if to say...
"who keeps putting these away! I always have to dump them out!"

Here is our pumpkin..
and his pumpkin face....

Baby Step Pdf file uploaded?

2010-11-02T14:57:00.000-07:00

Here is my attempt to share my pdf file with all my bff's
as you know.
I am an official Fly Baby-- following the guidance of www.Flylady.net.
She has a program that teaches people who are not natural born cleaners and organizers.. how to develop some good habits in that area.
She teaches you how to de-clutter your home
How to SHINE your sink
and how to Swish and Swipe your bathroom so it is always presentable!

Yes it is true-
she's a magician
and your biggest cheerleader
so definitely go to her site to learn all her cool tricks....
I just needed a simple check off list-- so I don't have to run to my computer every day to see the next step...

If you want to use my check off list- click HERE.
We'll see if that works!
If so...
Big shout out to Michelle from Fiddlers Wife for teaching me!

** okay- the chart might need a little explaining at first...
Work down the list... day 1, 2, 3, 4,, etc...
then when it says start Morning and Night routine that is highlighted green.
Follow the green to the second column that lists a few things to do morning and night (in white).

You don't add the other color items... until you reach that day that is highlighted the same color.
Day 11 you add blue items...
and then you'll add purple items when you reach those days...

happy flying!

babysteps

2010-10-28T22:01:00.000-07:00

Does anyone know how to post PDF files?
I am starting my flybaby routine...
and I made a cute chart for the first month...
converted it to a pdf file... so I could share it with all you--- my bff's

but I can't figure out how to post pdf files.

So-
my neighbor Heidi
suggested we support each other in our efforts to re-claim our homes.
I've done the "fly lady" program when we lived in California... and it really works!
You can find it at www.Flylady.net

I know- you are thinking...
if it works.. why do you have to reclaim your house?

While we lived in California.. our house was under control and clean..
but then we moved.. and were in limbo
and I floundered in my routines.. that no longer fit our lifestyle in Hawaii...
and then I fell off the wagon completely and back to bad habits..

so anyway
if you want to jump in--
(help me figure out how to post pdf files.. and I'll share my goodies!)

Hey! It's almost Halloween!
I've got one little Iron Man who is itching to go trick-or-treating!

Halloween Book Club ideas

2010-10-14T14:22:00.001-07:00

I've just posted some Halloween ideas on my Book Club 4 Boys site.
you can find them HERE-

I know some of you are looking for book selections good for boys..
one book I've just started reading

It's an older book--
Lots of twists.. and a mystery...set around Halloween!

Things here are slowing down.
We are getting ready for a baptism in our family!
That is always exciting.
I cannot believe how the boys are growing!

I haven't been posting much on this site- because I've been posting a TON on my Swirl Sew Simple site.
You can click on the side bar button and see my progress with the LDS
YOUNG Women's Personal Progress Program.
I am having a lot of fun.

It's fun being a girl.
I mean- don't get me wrong- I love my boys...
and being a mother of boys...
but
it is nice to connect to my femine side - on a regular basis.

Play of the Dawn Treader highlights

2010-10-09T18:46:00.000-07:00

I've got to run---
but I wanted to post some pictures of our
AMAZING
Play in a Week
Production of
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
(a Narnia story)

My youngest was a "Sea Warrior"
(My husband was opposed to the term mermen.)

Second son-- one of Caspian's sailors

the only Sailor who didn't wear the right color pants.
(what a flaky mom! How did I NOT read the email I wrote and sent out... about costumes!?!?)

Another one of my youngest...
he practiced
all week-
and then
when it came down to performing... he had no interest!
(dang- stubborn 4 year olds!)

But he was the cutest Sea Warrior of all...

and then the last picture is of a friend of ours...

actually
Anjeny's son..
He was Aslan.

He helped create his costume... that is just cut brown butcher paper/ brown paper bag.. type stuff..

more details to come..
like I said..
I gotsta run!

Oh- Oldest son was the head of a Sea Monster
and third son was a slave...

It was a fun- exhausting week.

Fall Play

2010-10-02T22:45:00.000-07:00

Anjeny and I had a girls day a few days ago-
On errand for the Laie Fall Play
we had to find some costume props and such...

We made sure to stop- our shopping and grab a bite at Blazin Steaks...
so yummy!

Then look at this HUGE banner at our mall!
The PCC is really plugging their Haunted Lagoon!
If you haven't been- and you are on the island... you really should go this Halloween.

It is sp-ooo-ky!

Who knew Mormons could be so frightening!
I don't want to spill any secrets... just be prepared to
pee your pants.

Back to the Fall Play...
The performance will be Friday...
if you are in Laie- you should go
(but no Depends-protective underpants are necessary for this show-- )
You might chuckle a little.
Emily B. Our PTCO president wrote up a funny script- modifying the book
Voyage of the Dawn Treader.

If I go missing in action this week-
You can find me-- working on the play.

One script
a load of kids
a handful of volunteer parents
10 hours to practice
some butcher paper and paint
= one school play by the end of the week.

It's going to be a blast!

We had a birthday this month!

2010-09-30T21:53:00.000-07:00

All my son wanted for his birthday was this skateboard.so... we ordered it a few weeks before his birthday - so he could have it in time.
Then a few days before his birthday-
he was playing soccer... and goofed up his foot.

On crutches for a week...
Just so happens-- the week of his birthday! Here he is going off to school ... poor, poor birthday boy.

Poor guy has waited months for his skateboard...and had to wait a few more days before he could use it. Isn't that how life always happens?

Family Tradition:

Birthday boys always get to pick dinner and dessert.

It was a fun- low/key/family birthday of board games and pizza with chocolate chip cookies.

Happy Birthday Honey!

Long Awaited Puppy Pictures!

2010-09-28T21:26:00.000-07:00

We've had Bauer for 3 weeks now.

Here is my son... exhausted from me trying to get a cute photo of Bauer...

I was not exaggerating.

This is a non-photogenic pup.

Here my son is-- waking up early to walk the dog.

What a good son.

Over- all... Bauer is adorable.

He can sit and lay down... (if we have a treat)

He is great on walks...

he is a hesitant running companion...

(he's still young)

He is friendly and good with other dogs and kids...

He'll fetch for two throws.. and then he wises up and wont chase the ball.

(He just lays down and rolls over... and gives me a look like, "I know all you are going to do is throw it again- once I get it. So what's the point?")

He's so cute.

So far... so good.

We have a PUPPY

2010-09-26T22:03:00.000-07:00

Okay- it has been a while since I posted on this site.

Big news- is a new puppy in our home.

But- no actual pictures yet... reason being...

he's not very photogenic.

seriously

I am trying to get a "cute puppy" picture and

he always looks away or down

or he has "red-eyes"

or fuzzy...

We got him from the news paper.

They advertised them as

"Poi Dogs"

meaning

a Mix- mutt.

But some pups looked like this....

and the mom looked a bit Shar pei

and the owners thought the mom had some retriever in her...

Ours is a brindle brown color- his coloring looks more like a Tabby Cat- striped.

But he is a sweet heart and quiet. (for now- I am sure he will get his "bark".)

I am looking forward to a running buddy

kids are enjoying him.

we are keeping our fingers crossed.

Even my husband thinks he's a great pup... hopefully- he doesn't turn crazy-dog.

The only complaint my kids have so far... is he is too mellow.

TOO MELLOW?

not a problem- in my mind.

I would much rather have a lazy dog... than a wild crazy one.

hodge-podge of whew!

2010-09-09T00:19:00.001-07:00

Where do I start....??
today was not a usual day
drove the kids to school-- and dropped son #2 off at the office/ with crutches... (that is a long story- spent yesterday running back and forth from the health center- to Kahuku hospital for x-rays... ) It's not broken.
But it sure is swollen and sore.
Torn tendon or ligament--

THEN
my husband whom I never ever mention on my blog--
lol
(or nearly never out of respect for his privacy...
...I don't understand why he doesn't want to share all the details of his life - publicly on my blog- for whomever passes by to read.??.. )

Anyway- he was asked to perform a wedding!

It was today! A really nice/warm couple.

I love how life- throws in some unexpected zingers our way.

Good zingers.
I mean-
when I married an accountant- I didn't really ever think he would be performing marriages...

I didn't think we would ever live in Hawaii either

I love that life isn't as predictable as I expect.

.... the real fun part was....
I got to play the wedding photographer-
pretty hard to mess it up- when you have the ocean as a back drop.
........
I must tell you-
that was alot of fun.

I'm tempted to change professions.

their daughter was adorable and snapping photos too

Here's a picture of me- afterward
we grabbed a bite at Ted's bakery...
the food is very yummy
I highly recommend it--
even though drinks are about $2.50 a pop!
I recommend you bring your own.

(I made my little belt/flower- you can see how on Swirl Sew Simple.)

And here is batman (photo- for the grandmas)

This is a photo from a few nights ago

Our high school hosted a carnival for the

senior GRAD night.

Face Painting was a big hit-- but it down poured 3 or 4 times

so his mask was a dripping mess by the time we got home.

Handmade Christmas

2010-09-06T18:13:00.001-07:00

I know... I know... It is only
SEPTEMBER!!!!
What am I thinking?

well
honestly
to take a break from the FAll Break Play- I am helping plan...
and aside from planning up coming Book Club activities
and practice & prep for interpreting this fall term.. (yes- I've got the warm up and practice... it's been a few months since I've done any sign language...)

I've been thinking about our Christmas plans.
We are going to be on the mainland
in a log cabin
with lots of family
YIPPEE
but probably not alot of Christmas decorations- we will probably bring the stockings.. to be hung by the fireplace with care...

So I started day dreaming about
sewing projects + Christmas+ decorations in mind...
and

immediately thought of these cute fabric banners I see every where on-line.

Outside Blue-line banner sold here:

Outside Spring Banner How To: HERE

How cute are these?

Whenever I go on etsy- I always think

Oh- I could make that!

then do I?
no.

But I am motivated to make a Christmas banner

and I went to www.fabric.com (because unless you are looking for Hawaiian print fabric... there really isn't much selection on the island)

and a hawaiiana Christmas is a cute idea... but

since we are going to be on the mainland- with snow and such

I thought it would be fun to make more of a "traditional" Christmas theme banner- with a twist.

I found this cute 12 Days of Christmas fabric-- then pulled the colors (red, olive, black) from the print.. to pick the colors for the other flags.

I probably ordered 5x too much fabric for this project.

We'll have to see.

If so

I feel a blog give-away happening around my Birthday.
(Cuz I just love blog give aways at my birthday!)

I am thinking... I am going to make my flags move-able

which means they could be re-move-able

which means... I could use them for more than one holiday in the future!

Like... once Christmas is over...

I could make some snowflake ones... pull off the 12 days fabric flags and black flags... and change up my banner....

Then for spring- rotate out the snowflakes/snowmen?? fabric flags and add floral flags...

I dunno

I'm thinking...

it might be fun to have an inter-change-able banner.

AND WHAT A GREAT CHRISTMAS GIFT WOULD THAT BE???

With birthday fabric flags... and such??

Okay-

I best run

I am making cake balls...

and have to clean for a BBQ

and prep the meat for the BBQ

but it was fun the day dream a few hours away...

ops! before I forget

Merry Christmas banner: sold here

Time to Start a Book Club!

2010-09-01T17:22:00.000-07:00

This fall there is a great line- up of movies coming out based on beloved books.
My two oldest sons are VERY MOTIVATED by movies as rewards to reading the book.

if you've always wanted to start a book club- but were worried about hosting a book club...
MOVIE/Book clubs are the easiest.

Here's the line up for our club this fall.

Movie Opening Dates:
Sept 24th Legend of the Guardians
Nov 19th Harry Potter Deathly Hallows
Dec 10th Chronicles of Narnia: The Dawn Treader
Dec 22nd Gulliver's Travels

So- gather you book club
Pass out the list.
Make sure you have the books ASAP so they can start reading.
Our goal is to have book one read in the Guardian series before the movie... on the 24th. Some kids might read past.

You can do this!
Happy Reading!

So much to do, to do, to do....

2010-08-31T14:21:00.000-07:00

Okay
I am trying NOT to get overwhelmed.. but seriously
So MUCH to do!

I've started a new blog project: www.swirlsewsimple.blogspot.com
because I don't feel like I have enough blogs yet...
No.
Because I am a new advisor to the Beehives ( girls ages 12-13 at our church) and they are so sweet and adorable!
I am having so much fun!

Anyway- you know how I've been obsessed with the whole re-making a dress idea.
I wanted a place to work out some simple ways to sew and re-style clothes.
Also - I am working on my own Personal Progress Award... so this will be the place for me to work that out. Write my thoughts and such... I found some really inspirational blogs of young women (of other faith) writing about modesty and virtue..the importance of being an example for good.

And I thought- YEAH! I want to join their club.. posting my thoughts... etc..etc..

So this new blog is a new project to put on my pile... of to do's
along with...

starting book clubs for my boys this year

up dating my book club 4 boys website

the Fall play in October

and interpreting a few hours this fall?

plus keeping our home presentable- for our fall students who are renting

So much to do...

but today-

I am washing windows- getting the students bedroom clean

AND re waxing our floor.

{ugh}

There has got to be a better way to re-wax a floor. (actual waxing part is not so bad... it's the scraping and getting the old wax off that is tedious. I spent 6 hours so far...

scrape

scraping... and I haven't even finished our small kitchen yet.

Lame linoleum flooring!

So I've got to run..

I just wanted to check in - let you all know I'm alive...

and kicking..

Second Dress Modification

2010-08-27T09:49:00.000-07:00

Okay- not only is this addicting-
I think I am on to something here.... especially for a young women's project!

While I am only 5'4 we have a handful of girls in our church who are tall. I've heard Martha's challenge of finding dresses and skirts long enough for her daughter who is well above 5'7.
I bought this dress on the mainland/at a thrift store.
I really liked the color... bright and fun...
I liked the zip up - fitted feature the dress has...
The main problem is the top.
A little too young for me---
It looks like an apron (AT BEST)
Worst thing about it... I can't fill out those bust flaps....
(story of my life.... but we wont get into that.)

So I cut those bad boys off.

(The fabric pattern= butterflies)

Cute- no?

So my styling idea-- is to just wear it like a skirt. (not rocket science... )

A high-waisted skirt...

With my L-O-N-G torso... high-waisted stuff looks pretty good on me....

But what to do with those butterfly/bust flaps??

Ya could make an accessory type thing from the extra material...

it kinda resembles a sailor type collar.....

While Tim- usually says "Make it Work!" I think here he would advise....

LESS IS MORE

So Thanks to my friend Grace- who reminded me of soccer practice....

that is where I wore my new skirt.

I love that it is just a fun playful print... I can wear casually around

with slippahs...

Because while on the mainland... the end of Aug and beginning of Sept means cooler weather...

Here in Hawaii... we are gritting our teeth with the upcoming HOTTEST month of the year.

The trade winds die down... so no more ocean breeze to cool our un-airconditioned homes... and we just have to sweat it out.

(but I can't cry too much--- that just means ... more play time at the beach. And the kids willingly take showers at night so they can cool off and sleep better.)

It's hard taking pictures of yourself.

Have you ever noticed that?

Also - I am learning something new about myself in this project.

I don't have very good facial expressions.

Some gals can pull of playful looks,

flirty looks,

happy,

contemplating- deep in thought looks

you know.... a full range of emotions on their face.

I look either happy/sad/ angry/ or trying to hard.

BAck to the project: I say if you have a daughter or work with young girls ... you have GOT to try this altering a dress business!

I didn't even sew anything on my first dress! (yes the zipper flew off..)

So this time I did... I simply turned the new cut edge over on itself and sew(ed) a straight line. (making a new stopping point for the zipper.)

SIMPLE!

no hem

you don't have to know how to make button holes, zippers, bla bla bla...

just a straight seam!

My Version of Dress Dare

2010-08-24T16:47:00.000-07:00

So here is the dress I picked from our local Savers Store.
I'll admit.
I went the "safe" route.
I didn't pick a mumu or something ghastly for my first attempt.
Because- #1 I couldn't find a dress for a dollar and #2 I did want to wear it in the end.

It looks a bit dark and frumpy in the photo. But really it is light weight breezy material and I love the flounce and bounce of the skirt... and a bonus.. the waist is cinched with a hidden side-seam zipper!

(because I have a long torso-- so my small waist is one of my more flattering areas.)

Small problem with the dress...
First.... is the flattering side-zipper waist.

This dress is sized 2P
and I guess I have big ribs.

I never thought of myself as petite... so this was not a big shocker.

Second problem is the length of the dress... too short for a BYU-Bishops wife to be strutting around campus in. {Especially on a BYU Devotional DATE!} I can hear the rumors now!

So my plan is to make a BYU- standard skirt out of this dress.

because I love the construction of the skirt part..
and the colors and pattern....
(teal has been my new favorite color for over two years now....)

So I am going to chop off the top

Now I have two pieces...

Word of warning for those going to accept the challenge to re-style or revamp a dress.... when you cut a dress... and go to put it on.... SEW up the ZIPPER before putting it on... (Make a new stopping point for your zipper!) If not... you will ZIP yourself .. right into the dress... and

the zipper handle will just fly off the garment.

I've made a mental note.
Next comes the fun part... I've got 30 minutes to style this baby for my date. First I try the obvious..

(uh...huh..... I can't pull that off.)

But the skirt is cute!

right?

am I right?

I could hear Tim-- in my mind... encouragingly say ...

"MAKE IT WORK"

Next.. I try making a funky scarf from the extra material...

That is a maybe.. when the weather gets colder...?

My final attempt with 2 minutes to spare... is pairing it with a sweater to bring out the teal in the dress... and I added a belt (to show my waist) but this is for my niece.. Kelsey.

***Side Story: While visiting cousins this summer. Our oldest niece was having a fashion war with her sister over a little belt they each wanted to wear to dinner. So they had a debate and asked us who should get to wear it. One niece wanted to wear the belt as a belt... through the loops of her pants. (but between you and me... her pants fit like a glove and could stay up on their own. BUT it was her belt.) The older sister argued she had been wearing the younger sisters belt ALL DAY and she wasn't going to give it up now.. right before dinner.
(she was wearing it over a shirt to accent her waist.)

My oldest son says- " just one question. WHY are you wearing a belt - OVER your shirt? That doesn't make ANY sense?"

My husband agreed along with Uncles and nephews.. they didn't understand the function.

And it was a big laugh... but she brushed it off... rightly so

That she wasn't going to start taking fashion tips from teenage boys.

(She's in college for goodness sakes!)

Where was I? to defend her fashion sense? you ask??

In my defense-- I was showering and getting ready. So I didn't hear the arguments.. I just heard the laughing and got the details later...

BUT that was the first thing my husband noticed when I walked in his office.

He said, "Oh dear.."

I said, " Yeah! This is for Kelsey!"

He admits that he still doesn't understand it-

but since that argument he HAS noticed women wearing their belts over their tops.

So for our date- we went to Devotional.

(really great talk)

And then visited a new restaurant in town.

SURFING TACOS

the food is tasty!

As far as my outfit. I think it will be a regular fall outfit! (If I can fix the zipper.)

Today was a bit HOT for a sweater and shirt... (even in the AC at Devotional.)

And I know- a date implies I was with my husband- so why wasn't he in the picture?

He took the picture... but honestly... he doesn't understand blogging

and he especially didn't want to be apart of any photographic evidence.

That's alright.

There are PLENTY of things "I don't get" in his world. (and don't want to try and get.)

My Attempt

2010-08-24T10:09:00.000-07:00

Okay... remember this gal?
Re-making 365 dresses in 365 days for only $365 dollars?
I went to one of our thrift shops on the island and picked up a little ditty-- to re-style.. to wear on my weekly "BYU Devotional" date with my husband. {wont he be surprised?}

But I was hard pressed to find a dress for a dollar.
And it made me a little skeptical...
Then I was reading her post here:
www.newdressaday.wordpress.com/2010/08/23/day-267-98-day-and-99-left-to-go

There is a GoodWill in New York that sells items by the POUND! How amazing is that! She just piles on a bunch of clothes at check out and the lady has one of those huge fruit basket scales... and that is how much she pays...$1.69/lbs.

Amazing...
tomorrow I'll have photographic evidence of my weekly devotional date with my husband... as well as... my ability to re-style a frock and wear it in public.
tee hee...
I am excited!

Deep Thoughts about ambition...

2010-08-18T11:29:00.000-07:00

Two days ago- I was introducing myself to one of my new neighbors.

(5 people moved out of our townhouse complex- so there are a few new families to meet and greet.)

I was not just welcoming them to our little patch of heaven- but I was also secretly working undercover- trying to figure out their talent so I could hit them up to volunteer in our School Fall Play.

Have I mentioned that yet?

The PTCO President thought our Spring Play was such a success- we should do it again!

(Honestly- I was already planning and plotting

and adapting a story for just such a project...

but I was planning on being behind the scene again... not front and center!)

So you are now reading the blog of the most recently appointed "FINE ARTS Chair" at our small little island school.

ANYWAY- back to my new neighbor.

I briefly caught her up to speed on the in's and out's and do's and don'ts ...

(not really- I'm not that much of a know it all-- I'm still trying to sort that sort of stuff out.)

But I tried casually mentioning the school play and at what capacity would she be interested in helping? ( I know- kinda pushy. But on this day, I had just realized we had lost 3 of our magic makers from the last play- so I was feeling a bit of pressure to fill these major roles.)

One of our directors,

The Lady who made all the costumes last time

and Our Pianist who compiled all the music at the last play.)

I must have overwhelmed her- (for her benefit: she didn't see our last play that we threw together in only a week and a half time. She hasn't figured out - what a talented and creative community she has moved into...)

Standing wide eye-- she said, "My you are ambitious!"

But sounding like she was thinking...

'coo-coo... what a nut? Why is it the crazy neighbors always introduce themselves first?'

And I've been stewing over it...

Ambitious!- if she only knew what a truly under achiever I can be! She wouldn't spout out such comments!

I mean - I know I have lots of ideas

and I like to start lots of "projects"...

but

Ambitious?

Ambitious people do BIG stuff.

They are able to stick to a task... L-O-N-G term...

{unfortunately- I am very short term minded.}

I wish I could stick to something.. a project long term.

I set a goal- and if it can't be accomplished in 3 months... then it usually gets abandoned.

{hence- why I still don't play the piano.. speak spanish fluently... know how to sew properly... the list goes on... }

Yesterday on Yahoo- they spotlighted a gal who set a goal to make 365 dress in 365 days only spending $365 dollars.

Talk about AMBITIOUS!

Her blog is amazing! http://www.newdressaday.wordpress.com/

She is on Day 262!

And every day she shows a before picture

and after picture

and a picture of her wearing her dress out.

Okay- she's single.. so ...

She doesn't have little ones under-toe

But even when I was single-- did I have social events to goto every night?

It is and amazing feat!

100% of the dresses are hideous to start with. (or torn or have holes... )

25% of them still look pretty bad after their re-make

50% of them are dresses I could see being worn out and about...

and then every few days... she creates a real knock out!

Besides being the newest FINE ART chair at our school. I was just called to serve at church with the youth/ young women.

I TOTALLY want to do this with them!

take them to a thrift shop and have them pick out a dress...

and then bring it home and try to remake it into something they would wear...

have a fashion show.. with before pictures and then them strutting the after ...

Okay- I'm inspired! Off to fold a mound of laundry!

one more sneak of summer

2010-08-16T13:36:00.000-07:00

Friday night we took the kids to KIHA for Open Skate. It really is a beautiful facility. The older boys were skating and playing pick-up hockey with friends when my youngest pipes up- "I want to skate!"
You have to understand.
He has resisted all things hockey up to this point in his life.
And we've learned it is pointless to try bribe or encourage him into anything...
so we quickly asked the manager if they had any equipment for little ones- and sure enough- they did! He had a blast. It was really cute- I'll load more pictures later- but all the older brothers came by to take him around the rink and encourage him skating.

Then Saturday- we slept in (until 8:30- I had to laugh- I remember when sleeping in meant 10 or 11..) And then I made pancakes (thanks to some coaching from my sister-in-law this summer I learned the secret to yummy pancakes. Patience- is the key factor I was lacking..)
And THEN as if that wasn't enough pleasure for one day
we piled the kids in the car and headed to Sharks Cove for some snorkeling.

I tell ya- 4 is a magical age in life.
We had a great time.
Minimal complaining and groaning
It felt like we got to cheat one more day of summer vacation

AND THEN
as if we hadn't done enough in one day...

My husband and I started de-cluttering our house.

It was a bit of an intervention.

He sat down and said, "Okay honey. I'll do any chore you want me to do. What can I do? "
I sat down next to him on the couch and looked around... and I think he could see how overwhelmed I was...
there is so much to do... where do you even start.... ??

I can't remember exactly what was said- but it was really sweet.
It wasn't so much the words- but the intention behind it... we talked about our hopes for our home..
I told him I wanted our home not just be a "pit stop" in our busy life... but that it is a place where our boys will want to bring friends, a place for people to gather and laugh and play and have fun... and right now it's not functioning very well.

So he offered to help- help me eliminate some of the excess I am holding onto.
{alot of books and clothes and just stuff we don't have space for.... }
The books were painful... but
I was good.

I limited myself to one book shelf for favorite story books, one shelf for beginning readers and one for small chapter books. Then my oldest son has a book case in his room I filled with favorite books and books I've bought that I think he will like... and in the end... I had about 4 boxes of books to give away!
( I am hoping the kindle will help. 3000 books can be stored on a Kindle!!!)
Okay- I have a confession- I do have another small bookcase with seasonal and holiday books.
And I'm not saying books are bad.
They aren't
It's just here, where we live
material objects get destroyed, mildew, mold, rodents - chew and gnaw... things rust and decay
And the books were really just BULK not being enjoyed...

I asked him where he took all those boxes... and he assured me they were in a "happier place."
I don't want to think too hard about where or what that means...

But it was a great start to a very long project.
I'll keep you posted on the progress.

Homework Blues....

2010-08-12T16:01:00.000-07:00

It's only August and we are already back to school... my kids are suffering a little from the "homework blues".

I can tell because besides the usual side effects my kids have added an extra
complaint to homework...

"He's looking at me!"

"Stop Looking at me! "

and " He's started it!"

I didn't know how distracting that could be ... when trying to write spelling words or while working on a math sheet... but the gaze of a brother has some kind of drilling effect that burrows into the brain and causes all kinds of confusion... so to keep the peace and my sanity.. I made some dividers out of file folders.

I simply snipped off the tabs of one folder... and glued two together to get a nice tri-fold.

I even added pockets that can hold weekly spelling lists... or flash cards of multiplication facts...

Honestly- it has worked out nicely.

It's still new... so we'll see if it is a long term solution...

but for this week... it has helped.

And lets face it- I am working day-by-day.

Onto some electronically and more exciting news.... I did it.

I broke down and bought a KINDLE...

I've been wanting one for a few years now.. but had many excuses NOT to buy one. {financial being the biggest draw back...}

And some sentimental reservations:

I like books.

I like to hold books.

Touch books.

See books.

Could this handheld device really replace that? {I mean- what would I stack on my shelves and in drawers and cabnets and on side tables from now on????}

But my oldest son is in an honors English class. The teacher has planned 5 required books this year and one pick-your-own book to report on. He is a little nervous. He's a good reader, but if it is not of high interest level... he is a s-l-o-w reader.

So I thought he might like to use a Kindle.

There are 2 features I am eager to explore.

1. The dictionary. If my son is unfamiliar with a word- all he has to do is touch the screen and a definition will pop up. I am hoping that will take some of the stress off of reading harder books.

2. The Read-aloud function. I am hoping if he is frustrated and feels slow... he can use this function and follow along. {I think it is very robotic- the voice. But it might just be what he needs to plow through difficult passages....}

I dunno.

We'll see...

But I will For SURE let you know my findings!

I have been very curious about how helpful a Kindle will be for reluctant readers... if it is a medium that they {reluctant readers} might embrace?

Because in addition to the 2 features above... another barrier for RR (reluctant readers) is the SIZE of the book... "The book is too big or too long...." and with Kindle.. you can't see that.

New Move In's

2010-08-10T20:28:00.000-07:00

One consequence of going on vacation for a month.. is un-welcomed move in's....

Our house - smelled stale

Every cupboard and drawer had cobwebs and spiders

even yuckier than that {if that is a word?} is the evidence of other unwanted guests who had moved in...

I didn't think to start taking pictures- until after I cleaned up the pile of tin foil on my stove..

you know the saying... "While the cats away the mice will play? "

I guess the rats were hard up for food-- so they nibbled on the foil that I lined my stove-burners with...

How random is that?

To motivate my cleaning spree--

(having to clean and wipe down every shelf, drawer and cupboard in the house... )

I bought my self a little house warming gift.

I love this little catch all wire/iron basket

(the metal is coated in a thick black plastic like surface- so I am hoping it doesn't rust... we'll keep fingers crossed.)

Something yummy- my sister introduced me to while visiting ... are the tasty treats of

CAKE BALLS!

it is so easy to turn a simple cake

add frosting and roll into

innocent looking little balls....

Then dip them in melted baking chocolate to make a

no- fail yummy and dare I boast

elegant treat!

I made the mistake of using

semi-sweet chocolate...

my kids didn't dig them as much as my sisters

But it was a great first attempt

and Martha and other friends appreciated the tasty treat.

Don't they look cute?

The secret is the sprinkles..

Everything looks adorable in sprinkles.

I was trying to make mine smooth and "professional" but

that comes with practice- I hope

If you want advice from a professional- on cake balls
visit Bakerella {click HERE}

she definantly knows the secret behind getting your cake balls to look professional.

Summer Summary

2010-08-06T18:32:00.000-07:00

Okay, Okay I know I have some deep repenting and groveling to do-

to beg for forgiveness...

I have almost completely abandoned my blog over the summer.

I went MIA-

with little to no warning..

I have an excuse...

a pretty darn good one...

{don't I always}

But I wont even try to excuse my absence- so let me just highlight some of our Summer Highlights..

We went to the Mainland for a MONTH! Yes- a month!

And while we did bring a lap top- that was mostly so my oldest son could finish his on-line math class. ( He's such a smarty- and wanted to get ahead in math this summer.) Thankfully that all worked out... with a 6 hour time difference I was worried we wouldn't get all our ducks in-line . But he worked hard and even got an A from the course!

I didn't even bring my camera! { I flew with the 4 kids myself... and had a bunch of carry-ons and bad planning on my part...}

So I have little photographic evidence of our Summer adventures...

Luckily- Crash- blogged about one magical moment on our vacation...

The magic quilt was sent to my sister-in-law to deliver to special family in her ward.

It was neat to see it in person

I remember when the magic quilt was just a twinkle in Crash's eye... and to see the project from conception to presentation to the recipient.. is/was very cool. {for lack of a better word}.

Amanda, Emily and I contributed fabric to the project. (My fabric wasn't on this particular magic quilt.)

Here Amanda was delivering the quilt. {My husband was taking the picture} I love how Stan isn't sure how to accept it. Like who? what is this crazy project? What is this all about???

Here Stan has the quilt snuggling with his grand kids. {He get's the idea now.}

He has decided to stop treatment and just enjoy life & the "now" with his family.

I feel very fortunate to have had a small part of this project.

It feels good... to do good... and be apart of good things.. .and associate with good people.

I'll blog more about our Summer Vacation- my eyes are tearing and my kids are home and I feel inspired to stop- and just enjoy my life, my kids home from school and enjoy the "now" with my family. HOpe you all have a great weekend.

If you are family- post more pictures of our adventures... so I can steal them and re-post them here!

My clever son

2010-06-29T19:11:00.001-07:00

A week or so ago my two oldest sons went to the movies with their friends and watched Toy Story 3. Son #3 was sad he couldn't go... but without an adult going... I told him he couldn't tag along.
Then a few days ago the boys wanted to go to the theater again and see Karate Kid, this time as a family and parents paying...
We told them we want to save our money for our upcoming family trip.

All the boys were a little disappointed- but didn't put up too big a fuss. They are too excited to goto Mainland and visit the cousins and grandparents.

But last night- my son #3 approached me so sweetly and asked, "Mom, can you and I go on a date? Just the two of us?"

I was so flattered - I quickly agreed and asked "So, what are we going to do... on our date?"
Guess.
Can you guess?
He suggested we go see the movie Karate Kid. (And said for it to be a real date we should share popcorn and soda too.)

The other boys are a bit deflated that he gets to go to the movie-- but at the same time--- kicking themselves that they never thought of that!

I predict in the future, my date schedule is going to start filling up fast... my husband might have some competition... (tee heee)

My husband is going to stay home with the other boys tonight- while I have a one-on-one with son #3. I know he just wants to see the movie- but I thought he should be rewarded for his clever thinking.

Kids! What can you do when they start outsmarting you?

Meet my friend

2010-06-27T18:51:00.001-07:00

I have so many talented friends who inspire me.... too many to really a name all of them... but you know a few already....

You've met Martha- who is a superstar athlete whose kids always win the National Jr. Olympics.
She's always helping people connect to the inner athlete.

You've met CRASH who is hilarious and can always spin a tale to make you smile, laugh and cry all in one post.
http://crashtestdummydiaries.blogspot.com/

You've met my friend Anjeni- who is my Polynesian stampin sistah. Who is always ready with her cuttlebug to make a card or special invitation...
http://ramblingsofanislander.blogspot.com/

I want to introduce another talented friend of mine- SHARA!

She is an amazing artist.

The first time I went to her house- (about 9 years ago) I couldn't help but notice all the beautiful oil paintings. Then I noticed a handful of her children and I realized- she was the artist!
She's painted murals on bedroom walls.
She's taught art classes in her community for children
She also paints family portraits

YOU have got to visit her website: http://www.studioshara.com/

She has such a talent for capturing the spirit and likeness of people- while adding light and joy in her work.
I don't know- how to describe it. I've seen other artists and portraits and their work seems flat and sometimes lifeless and dark...

Her work and attention to detail- just shines in each painting.
I am trying to encourage her to start a blog-
she is hilarious and a ton of fun.
But also to showcase more of her work.
_________________________________________________________
On our family note:
I am trying to pack up this week- we are heading to Maryland for some vacation!whoot whoo!
One of my sons has come down with SHINGLES
Poor guy.
Hopefully he'll be comfortable and able to recover quickly..

Another project I am working on is cleaning our house before I go...
Another friend of mine has this amazing ability to organize her home-- and teach her kids.
I went to drop something off at her house the other day and I noticed a 3X5 card taped on her porch by the shoe shelf... (detailed directions on how to clean the porch).

I didn't go in and inspect her house-- but I can TOTALLY see her having these 3X5 cards around the house... how to clean the living room, Kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, etc...

I mean, if you are like me and not BORN a cleaner or organizer, a list is a great place to start.
Just go down the list.
You don't have to think about it..
I was thinking of adding a picture too-- to inspire them.... (or me)
"SEE? see what this room could look like if you did what is on this list?"

Anyway-
Go Meet shara!
Be inspired!

Sneaky Summer Writing

2010-06-16T13:32:00.000-07:00

Okay maybe these ideas aren't so sneaky- but as a mom- trying to encourage my kids to do a little summer learning... I try to sneak it in as much as possible.

Encourage little ones to write letters in sand- be it at the beach or sandbox at the park.

This summer I was contacted by a book club in Virginia who were looking for Summer pen pals. Their book club just read the book Dear Max. I happily bought postcards and wrestled up a few boys in her age group. POSTCARDS are great- especially for pen pals. It's an interesting picture on one side and small space to fill with words. Kids are less intimidated by writing one or two sentences on a post card, than trying to fill a blank page with a "letter".

( I snatched this photo of postcards from here:www.johnwhitephotos.com/postcards.htm)

Lastly- my attempt to encourage summer writing in my home is journals. But not just your typical diary or spiral bound note book. Oh.. no... blank pages... are stumbling blocks... or writers blocks... for reluctant writers...

No.. I've found some great journals that were made with BOYS in mind.

My second son loved this series- so when I saw this Do-it-Yourself Diary at Cosco.. I had to buy it. ($15 at cosco- wish I would have bought it from Amazon.) He's already attached a picture of himself and started filling in the pages. Many of the pages have 'assignments' or things to do.. so it's a no brainer of what to write.

Grandma actually sent this journal to my oldest son. "Wreck This Journal"- precisely! I love this book- the first page says to "crack the spine"... it's an... anything goes journal. There are promps to put stains on pages, drips and spills...,poke holes in pages with your pencil, .. a page for collecting fruit stickers...

It is a really funny journal- that gives you permission to do whatever you want with your journal. I love it- while I wouldn't eat candy and then lick the page in MY journal... maybe my son would like to do that. And what do I care...? I like that it is a book for kids... there are no right or wrong ways to the creative process..

And I just want him to write.

Yes there are right and wrong ways to handle scriptures or library books. And yes...I prefer my boys to handle school books (text books) and book club books kindly... but their journals... I mostly want them to write in them and if that means I get doodling on the side and pencil holes.. great. Their journals should reflect them- and their personalities . Be a free space to write, draw, doodle, journal whatever they would like.

In one of my sons journals - I found a list.
Good- Okay- and Bad.
Then there were columns of names under each category.
Dad was under good along with some friends,
a few of my sons were under the "okay" with a few of his friends...
then Mom and the remaining sons were listed under BAD.
At first I thought he was ranking our hockey skills... but the sons on the list with me are good at hockey... ??

I just laughed- what am I so "bad" at? And I am dying to ask... but I can't.

I don't want him to know I read his journal!!

( I am so like my mother! She would read our journals and then ask questions to clarify- and I was always mortified! I felt so violated! Yet- I kept writing in my journal.)

Summer Plans---
I am so excited- I just ordered books 1-7 from the Capital Mysteries Series. We are going to read them before our trip to Washington D.C!!! We've read a few- from our library.. but they don't have the whole series.. and the few copies they had were so great! They are fun stories and a great way to get familiar with the different monuments and museums at our Nations Capital.

Summer Reads

2010-06-11T18:02:00.000-07:00

I love it - when I catch my kids reading-
especially to each other...
Is this what they look like when I read to them?

I suspect not... I think part of that expression- is the fact that his cool big brother is reading to him.

Okay- for weeks...
WEEKS
WEEKS- I tell you...
I have been wanting to compile a list of GREAT BOY books to read this summer...

such lofty ideas of writing some summaries of each and what I love about each one ... blaa blaa bla...
Sorry kiddos... not going to happen.
June is almost half over and where is my list?

So here are some of my absolute favorites-- and more importantly-- some tried and true-- BOY 100% fail proof books boys love!!!! list.

Starting with Older boys moving down to younger....

Getting your husband to read....
I recommend ANY TITLE by Harlan Coben

Okay- years ago I was in a book club- and someone suggested we pick a book we could "read with our husbands".

Someone recommended this book.
I bought it.
That night when my husband crawled into bed.. I told him I wanted to read the book together.
(He reads all day for work- so to relax- reading is not top on his list.)

I offered to read aloud.
He moaned, if I remember correctly,... and rolled over ... warning he will probably fall asleep.

This is a page turner! At the end of chapter one.. he was snuggled by my side and said- "read one more...."
It is sooo good.
People Magazine says, "The only plausible reason for setting down this book is to make sure your front door is locked and double-bolted."

That is exactly how I remember it.

This is a great read! A page turner! Along the lines of Bourne Identity, or the Alex Rider series... I enjoyed this series so much more! Click Here to read my official review.

This is a really good read- a boy into football would appreciate. All the pain and sweat it takes during summer training and trying to get the upper edge and make the team.

Independent Reader Recommendations:
(or this series would be great for older boys with lower reading skills.)

This series is GREAT! For boys who like hiking and a bit of adventure.... CLICK here - to read my official review and connect to an article of a boy who really DID climb Mount Everest!
Intense - is how I would label the content.

Independent Readers Continued......

This is a fun book and would be a great movie/book club! (Very tame and nothing too scary- regarding the content of the book.) Especially good for kids who aren't into magical and mystical.

This is the series we are reading this summer. It is sooooo good... and magical and a little creepy. If your kids read Spiderwick- or saw the movie... this series is great. (We are only on book 2) They are more advanced than Spiderwick...

For boys who are starting to read chapter books---

This could be a movie/book club series-- although the movie doesn't follow the books loyally.. so it would be a great conversation of comparing and contrasting the two. My boys LOVED and devoured this series-- you can click here and read my book club outline.

Well- I hope this helps you find something to suggest to your boys-- of all ages! ;)
Happy Reading!

Thinking about Summer Reading....

2010-05-22T20:56:00.000-07:00

Summer ...summer ....summer
- is fast approaching...
I saw this headline "13-year-old is youngest to scale Mount Everest"
on Yahoo news.
Amazing!
it reminded me of this great series of books!

Everest Series by Gordon Korban

Soo-oo Good!
Reading Level: 4th gradeWould be great for older boys with lower reading skills too.Trilogy and each is less then 150 pages!
Summary: Mount Everest- The highest mountain in the world. The ultimate climb. For four lucky mountaineers it will be their chance to be the youngest person to ever reach the summit.The mountain has claimed the lives of many adults, so the American Junior Alpine Association hosts a competition of intensive training to weed out the real talent from the wanna-be's. This climbing contest began as a competition. Some are not ready for what they face, while others will stop at nothing to reach the top. Once on the mountain things turn life or death where no one is guaranteed to survive!

Again-- so so good!
I am compiling a list of books-- with summer break themes.. that I've loved and my kids have enjoyed...
I'll be posting them on Bookclub4boys.com
later next week...
Summer -- summer -- SUMMER!
Can't WAit!

past musings...

2010-05-20T22:02:00.000-07:00

I've never considered myself a very good writer--- but I was reading one of my past journals and I happily stumbled upon this entry dated Oct 24, 2004.

"Lately I've been so hard on myself.

depressed

Disappointed in my short comings.

Disappointed by my weaknesses

my inabilities

my frailties

my faults

things I'm just not good at.

If desire and wishing made it happen or be true...

oh! how would I be...

I would be gracious and warm and welcoming to everyone I met.

I would be patient and loving and full of service and kind deeds to my husband and children.

I would have quiet wisdom-

to know the right thing to say

at the right moment

and the right thing to do.

I would reach out to people with my arms and my heart.

People would look at me and would feel the genuine love and concern I had for them.

Oh if wishes came true- just by wishing!

I would be a wonderful writer and a skilled musician.

Whatever was needed- I could fill the void.

I would be a poet and a peacemaker.

Yes- the things I would be and accomplish!

Great and small.

And truly- not for the glory of the world- but because it is nice to be needed.

It is nice to feel wanted and loved.

It's a nice feeling to be able to help.

I'm willing- but my skills are lacking.

I'm willing- but my patience is thin.

I'm willing - but I'm too tired to make the effort

I'm willing - but I feel to awkward

too much a stranger , to reach out

But there is hope.

The hope is Heavenly Father just asks for a willing heart

and He does the rest.

He'll give me wisdom

He'll bless me with charity

He'll whisper what I can do to help others..

I just have to be willing and listen."

Champions!

2010-05-18T21:40:00.000-07:00

Can I hear a "Whoot Whoot!" ?
My three oldest boys just finished their hockey tournament.
Whew-
all that hard work
came together....
and most importantly---
I survived.

My third son played up an age group and competed on my second sons team... He was sooooo adorable! Half the size of some of the players... he would skate right at the other team members and try to take the puck from them.

He did a great job- holding his own.

My second son- goalie- had a SHUT-OUT and was given Most Awesomest Over All Goal Tender Award. or something like that... he had the best stats of shots blocked/goals saved.

My oldest scored the game winning goal in two games.
The final game score was 1: 0.

What will I do for the next week with no practice?
(5 extra hours 4 days a week?)

Possibilities endless.....

Just browsing....

2010-05-06T09:45:00.000-07:00

A really adorable idea- at the Idea Room.
She has a short tutorial on how to make animal felt finger puppets.
I serve in the Nursery at our church-- and for singing time-- these little puppets could go a long way.

Also- for a story time- it would be a great way to get little ones involved. Stories like:
Old Mac Donald's Farm
(really ANY farm story)
Little Red Hen
I wrote to the Zoo
Three little pigs

The possibilities are endless!!!
What a great crafty idea!

(I know it is only May- but I saw on my "Labels" Handmade Christmas projects... and this would definitely be a great gift for someone with lots of little ones! How cute would that be?
A book and a handful of finger puppets!

Oh I am SO getting my hot glue gun out and getting started!
( or ... a baby shower gift?)
Cute - Cute - CUTE!

May DAY!

2010-05-05T14:21:00.000-07:00

Here are my boys- in their May Day costumes.

My fourth son enjoyed running around the stage-- performing the LIMBO and the Mexican Hat Dance.

Then I don't know what it is about my third son.

People look at him.. ... and just envision muscles.

He does have the heart and attitude of a warrior.

His class performed the New Zealand Haka

My second son-- strutted his stuff... performing

Rag Time to represent United States.

How dapper he looks in a hat- what a stud!

What a fun performance.

It is always great to see the community out supporting

the kids.

Always amazing to see the costumes

and dances the parent helpers come up with!

Like I've always said- we live in an amazing community.

I know you friends and family are ASTOUNDED I got these pictures posted so fast!

Neither my camera, nor my computer gave me any trouble! It's a miracle!

My NEW love...and pastime

2010-04-28T17:47:00.000-07:00

I use to sign ALL THE TIME with my oldest boys when they were younger.
I also had a few deaf friends who would come and hang out... so it was more applicable. It wasn't just a "game" we played, it was a real language we used!

It was funny- because I signed to my friend, "Yeah, I sign to my oldest.. but he never signs back." I left the room to grab the baby who was waking up from a nap and when I came back my deaf friend was laughing... she said, "As soon as you left the room he started signing to me!"

She explained some kids are like that.
He knew I didn't need to use it- so he didn't sign to me.
It is really common with kids who have one hearing and one deaf parent... they only sign to the deaf parent- even if BOTH parents sign to him.

So recently- a mom asked me to teach her family sign language- they have a 2 year old born without an ear. I agreed to help out - but wanted to find a DVD series that they could watch to practice on their own. I LOVE THESE DVD's! They are so colorful and fun! I love that they have the image, the written word, the verbal word AND the sign. All my boys have enjoyed them!

Since I started interpreting again- and they've met a few deaf people in our small community- by boys are interested in learning to sign.

Last Sunday- we had a "voices off" morning. How pleasantly quiet it was..

My youngest son has been watching the DVD's and not really signing along. If I saw him try.. I would sign with him .. and he would disengage... run off and play. So I didn't know how much he was learning.

THEN just TWO DAYS AGO!
I went to pick him up from preschool and in a different class- The special- Special Ed class... I recognized a deaf woman- picking up her son. I went over to say Hi-- etc... and my youngest walks up... signs "Hi, my name is Heath" (a name sign for Heath I had given him.) The woman was pleasantly surprised.

She introduced herself... he was more interested in her son (who was the same age).

But I was FLOORED!
This son is going to preschool for speech- and he - without hesitation walked up to a stranger and introduced himself!

She knows I sometimes work as an interpreter and she was so impressed I was teaching my kids.
(ehem... I didn't tell her I wasn't! That all I did was plopped him in front of the TV and let the DVD teach him!)

The series is a little expensive.
Checking them out from the Library is challenging- they always have a HUGE waiting list!
I LOVE this idea of a video a month!
What a great way to learn a new language!
I love her songs too...

Just an over all- great product! (and it really works!)

numb

2010-04-25T18:57:00.000-07:00

I am having a zombie day

Just a nagging headache

but grateful for a day of rest.

Why Sundays are the BEST!

I love having one day- to forget all my worldly woes

a day to reflect on the past week

the good

the bad

the ugly

and a day to forgive and move on

a day to look forward to what fun things lay ahead-

I day to come to grip with my imperfections

and resolve to do better

A day to meet and greet friends I love-- whom I don't see through out the week.

My son is into the movie: Incredibles now.

There is a quote I love...

"I never look back, it distracts from the now"

While I do look back... try to learn from my past,

I like the point of not dwelling on the past

not getting lost in the past--- because it can distract from the now.

Deep thoughts-- I know

Not usual for me..

:0)

It must be my headache..

all those thoughts tossing in my mind

crashing into each other

message in a bottle

2010-04-21T07:37:00.000-07:00

I went to the beach to write more names in the sand.

We had another funeral for a baby this month. He was actually a 3 years old in my nursery.

Complications from strep/pneumonia.

The parents were so composed at the funeral. They both spoke.

Is that normal? I've been to 2 funerals for kids/babies in the last 4 months

and at both- the parents were the main speakers.

I am amazed and astounded and ... humbled.

I couldn't help but wonder what I would be able to blubber out...if I had been asked to speak. (not that they would have asked, I was just a blubbering mess.) It was a beautiful service and they shared such a wonderful , peaceful, hopeful message.

Knowing they will see their son again and he is their compass now pointing their hearts back to heaven. (His name actually means compass in Samoan! His father said he named him with a speech in mind. He was practicing his speech--- when his son reached those troubled teen years-- he was going to sit him down and say, "Son. Do you know what your name means?

Compass.

You need to get back on track, Stay the course. Keep yourself pointed in the right direction!"

(I smiled- I do that too... prepare those types of speeches.)

But the father said- He realized now... he felt inspired to name his son Tapasa (compass in Samoan) because his son was meant to be HIS compass back to Heavenly Father. To keep him on the straight and narrow.

So I was at the beach and this is what was waiting for me!

Have you ever found a message in a bottle?

Me neither.

But wouldn't that be cool?

Actually - I was a little giddy when I walked up to it to look... I mean...

How would I respond to a message in a bottle? No return address

I was actually relieved there wasn't a message.

The bottle was a little "occupied".

I didn't really want to touch it.

There were little crabs crawling on it- having a nice afternoon meal... and those little barnacles had the animals still inside!

I was going to throw it back in the water... but.. thought twice about it.

one- I really really didn't want to touch it.

two- is that technically considered littering?

three- (I guess I thought thrice about it- and this is the main reason.)- it was such a surprise and little bit of wonder that brought a smile to my face... I wanted to leave it so someone else could happen upon it-- like I did-- and have a moment of wonder.

The thrilling feeling of maybe finding a "message in a bottle".

so little time....

2010-04-07T17:16:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my last day of work-- until Fall term.
I'm not heartbroken.
I didn't want to work this Summer- we have family plans to visit the East coast.
But now... what worthy cause to apply my extra energy and effort into??
so many choices....
so little time!

I just learned that some people don't dream... I was talking to one the other day.

I thought-- WHAT?
What do you want to do?
What is your passion? Your hobbies? What would you like to try your hand at?

She doesn't know.

I am a BIG DREAMER.
HUGE dreamer...

I always have a Dream or Scheme I am spinning in my head.
ALWAYS
go ahead...
test me
if you live near me- I dare you to stop me at the store, at the park, at church-- and just ask me, "so what are you planning now? dreaming now?"
I will have an ear full to tell you

Remember when I said I was livin the dream?
I am !

But how would I have KNOWN that
if I hadn't allowed myself to day dream about it those many years ago?

My sister-in-law sent me a link to an ADORABLE article.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/21/fashion/21GenB.html?pagewanted=1&adxnnlx=1269176798-cVDfjcNuwOUYD/JxzSU4iw

If you ever thought about reading to your kids... READ THIS ARTICLE
Truly inspiring!

I've started reading to my two middle sons- in the morning.
I've done it in the past... it really make a world of difference in getting them up and ready for school.
I crawl into their bed (right now they share a king size bed--long story-- we're renting to two students to we moved twin beds into our 'guest' room for the college guys and moved the king into the boys room... all to pay for our San Jose hockey tournament last January.)
Anyway
I crawl into their bed with a book and wake them up-
They roll over so they can see the pictures... one morning one of them even snorted/laughed. (Weird School by Dan Gutman is a great series!)
After 15-20 min , I stop and STEAM ROLLER over them - on my way out of bed... (that gets a few giggles and groans..) and
they are magically up and
pulling on clean clothes to get to school!

So much better than- coming in 15 times
and yelling at them.
(not that I ever did that-- I'm just saying...)

Okay- off to hockey.

Little Thoughts

2010-03-28T22:17:00.000-07:00

No big news.
Just some little thoughts...
for those of you wondering what we are up to.

Mentally - I've been holding out for the rainy season.
In years past we have had buckets of rain... 40 days of rain... flooding... all kinds of paddling up main street and kids playing with boogie boards in the streets kind of rain and water.

Not this year.
It has been very mild and occasionally drizzly- and I guess that is all we are going to get this year. It is strange.

My youngest- who is changing more and more into a little boy and less "baby" -and I wrote some names in the sand.

The temple is coming along nicely.
I can't wait for the OPEN HOUSE- maybe the end of Summer/ Fall.

As far as my ideas of "discovering myself artistically" ( I can't help but laugh at myself.) I've started 2 BIG paintings ... and they are sitting /propped up on my kitchen floor....)

I'm stuck... blocked...
And the kids have been home with Spring Break- so I haven't had time to ... "discover"... or be artistic...

but surprisingly- I'm okay with that.
I've been busy.
And busy is good.

Looking forward to MONDAY- you know how I love the start to a new week...
And APRIL is right around the corner... and I LOVE LOVE the start of a NEW month!

{hugs} Happy Monday to everyone~

highlights of Peter Pani Po Po

2010-03-19T18:06:00.000-07:00

Here we are at a Hukilau... a huki- huki-huki- huki - huki- huki lau...

Here are the warriors doing the Haka- and threatening to throw pirates into the sea.

Here are Pirates... singing "yo ho a pirates life for me..."

Mermaids tempting Peter to swim with them... they had a really adorable dance with streamers etc.. but Micheal scares them away-- by doing a cannon ball dive...

Peter Pan was a stud. He was brilliant! Here he is with his lost kids...

A funny thing happened... Beth T offered to take care of the program, so she forwarded it to Crash on the mainland. (since Crash helped with the original script). Crash didn't know it was a school wide production-- she thought I had asked her to just write a skit for our townhouse kids to perform in my living room.

Poor Crash-- she has already forgotten how BIG and OVER THE TOP we are here in Hawaii....

no small production... no no no... that would NEVER do!

It was wonderful!!!

Thanks to all the parents who helped! ( not that I really think they visit my blog... but if they do.. or did... I want them all to know how amazing I think our small community is. )

{Whew!} It's over...

Kids are wondering... What play is next?

But I think we'll let parents regroup and rest before we spring another play on them..

Why I've been MIA

2010-03-18T23:35:00.000-07:00

What do all these pictures have in common?

Hukilau- a fishing method in Polynesia where you throw a big net, out into the sea, and the little fishes come swimming to me... (it's also a catchy hula song....)

The Haka- a New Zealand tradition.
War haka (peruperu) were originally performed by warriors before a battle, proclaiming their strength and prowess in order to intimidate the opposition. Today, haka constitute an integral part of formal or official welcome ceremonies for distinguished visitors or foreign dignitaries, serving to impart a sense of the importance of the occasion. (definition from wikipedia)

Pani Po Po- a very yummy Samoan bread slightly sweeten with coconut milk.

And Peter Pan-A mischievous boy who can fly and magically refuses to grow up, Peter Pan spends his never-ending childhood adventuring on the small island of Neverland as the leader of his gang the Lost Boys, interacting with mermaids, Indians, fairies and pirates, and from time to time meeting ordinary children from the world outside.

Can you guess?

Give up? huh? huh?

Our school is putting on a Play this Spring Break...

PETER PANI PO PO

a Polynesian adaptation

As parents we always moan and belly ache about what to do with the kids during our long breaks. (Especially now we have furlough Fridays and it seems like our children are ALWAYS on break.) So we were talking about how we should do a play. (This was about 10 days ago- mind you.)

So I was determined.

What play? I thought about it-

and Peter Pan popped into my head.

But with only a week to prepare and perform... I thought how could it be done?

Use songs and dances the kids already know or are familiar with-- (The Haka, Hukilau Hula, Aloha oe)

and have a narrator to help the story move along- with kids just shouting out one-liners. (easy to memorize.)

Peter Pan was so easy to adapt... because WE LIVE on an island! duh!

And happily we replaced the 'Indians' with actual Polynesian warriors.

So that is my claim to fame. I came up with a simple story line.

THEN what happened was truly magical and mystical and all things good and glorious!

I asked for help and so many people came together - out of the wood works to get this project off .

I offered to help with props and paint back drops... but everything else was out of my talent zone.

I needed serious help for actually WRITING the script. ( My sister offered alot of help and support. Crash wrote an adapted version with lost boys cruising in on boogie boards, my neighbor Emily B (an English teacher) made the final arrangement with ideas with input from the kids for the final script.) It is adorable!

An amazing woman: Teresa K offered to do the costumes.

We found parents to lead each group of characters (warriors, hula dancers, pixies, mermaids, lost kids, Main cast, and of course pirates.)

Caryn H, along with Diane S- offered their musical skills in teaching all the songs

The PTCO President of our School - has been great! Helping every day with sets and supplies- whatever has been needed.

The Principal of the school has been so supportive in letting us use the school all week and the cafeteria and stage.

And then the parents of the kids- coming and helping with whatever needed to happen that day.

We started from scratch on Monday

and our performance is TOMORROW!!!

My oldest is a Lost Boy, son 2 is a Pirate, and son 3 is a Warrior.

I am so excited! The kids have worked so hard-- just 2 hours every day this week.

The principal showed up on the first day... and everyone was in their groups working on songs, or dances, or painting back drops , or making costumes. It was intense and FUN. But more astounding was... the limit of prep time! I still can't believe what we've been able to do this week!

So tomorrow might be a flop- (I'm teasing)

It is going to be so great.. because the kids have created this and been apart of each step... , we have a BYU-student coming to video it.. so all the kids can have a DVD.

Anyway

That is why I haven't posted lately...

i've been consumed!!

Keep your fingers crossed for us tomorrow!

In our Play- Peter Pan likes to visit Tutu because of her Pani Po Po and that is why he wants Wendy... to make Pani Po Po.. he takes the Darling children to Neverland/Hawaii to a hukilau. But warriors are angry and accuse Peter and friends for stealing the Plumeria Princess. Pixies come to the rescue and mime the tragic tale that Captain Hook really kidnapped the Princess and is framing Peter. So all go off to save the Princess! When she is saved it's time for the Darling kids to go home.. Neverland characters sing Aloha oe- while Tinker Bell sprinkles pixie dust on them and they fall asleep and leave Neverland. Tutu comes in to check on the sleeping kids.. when she sees their shell leis (from the luau) and she touches her own shell lei... remembering her adventure with Peter from long ago...

Pani Po Po is super yummy if you would like to try it

5 ½ to 6 ½ cups plain all purpose flour
1 packet yeast, 7g (¼oz)
2 ¼ cups milk
1 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp butter 30g (1oz)
1 tsp salt
Canola Oil

In a bowl mix half the flour with the yeast.
In a saucepan heat the milk whilst stirring, add sugar, butter and salt till warm and butter has just about melted. Add this to flour mixture and beat with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds scraping bowl constantly.
Start adding the rest of the flour until you get a good doughy texture that is easy to pull but not dry. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 10 minutes.
Shape the dough into a large ball place in a large bowl coated with canola oil, rolling it around to make sure the entire ball is coated. Cover with a tea towel and place in a warm place to rise for 45 minutes to an hour, such as over a sink of warm water, in the oven on the top shelf with a bowl of hot water beneath or even in the back window of the car.
Punch down the dough and roll into balls.
Place the balls into a large ungreased baking dish, cover and let rise for another 10 minutes.
Now to make the sauce:
2 cans coconut milk
¾ cup sugar

Simply combine the coconut cream and sugar and pour over the buns.
Bake at 190°C (375°F) for 20 minutes
Important note: The sauce will bubble up and spill over if the dish is not large enough, so use two baking dishes if necessary. Always place a tray under the baking dish to catch any spills; this will save you a lot of clean up afterwards.

Art-n-Sewl Art challenge

2010-03-04T19:35:00.000-08:00

Here is this weeks submission for the art challenge over at Art-n-Sewl. It is fun to have a reason and excuse to pick up a paint brush and create.

Once again-- inspired by the ocean...

perhaps it was "tsunami on the brain". That was a very interesting day- helping students move to higher ground and trying to prepare for whatever was going to come.... big waves, washed out roads... power outages, or... nothing. (as it turns out.)

One student on campus was wearing a shirt that said, "Tsunamis Tsuck". I think that is so funny- he has a Tsunami T-shirt.

When I was transferring my picture to the computer I started playing with different settings.

I really like the way this translated. I think I like this copy better than the original... just higher contrast? I dunno.

Can't wait to see what everyone else did this week. YOu should check out her site- and be inspired!

On Book club updates:

We are currently reading Diary of a Wimpy kid-- so we can go see it in the theaters this month. Our book club actually read How to Train Your Dragon a few years ago-- and they really liked the book and book club. I asked if they wanted to see the movie and surprisingly- they don't! (The movie is very different.)

So- there you go!

My third son- who is reading Me and My Robot- are anxious for book club again. (we just had it last week!) I'm holding them off- because I am looking for the next book to do. My son requested we read a dog book... because he has a project (painting bobble head dogs) in mind. So I am trying to find an easy reader book about a dog.

I guess that is all. Hope everyone has a great weekend! We most likely will be at hockey!

No Poem as lovely as a Tree

2010-02-26T00:07:00.000-08:00

At one of the hockey rinks we play games at
there is this
AMAZING
tree!

So perfect for climbing and hiding in.

This tree me and my siblings would be all over!

I love how it reaches it's branches down.. inviting kids and the young at heart to crawl in it's arms.

If only I were small again!

I could fit in it's trunk--

what a great hiding place....

I accepted the challenge over at Art-n-sewl to be creative weekly.... (it kinda goes along with my creative identity goal.. I've been blabbering about.. one of my new years resolutions... bla bla...)

I took some time to play with photo shop and enhance a portrait of this beautiful tree.
When I say beautiful-- I acknowledge- it's kinda mangled and ugly
with all it's twists and knots...
it looks like an old dinosaur almost..
it's probably as old as a dinosaur...
but it's the LOVE...
that makes it beautiful.

If you stand next to it--
you cannot resist it

to hang off it's odd shaped branches

I don't even know really what I did...

I just kept trying different techniques..

until I got this ..
But I love the texture... it kinda looks like a Seurat Dot painting... especially the background.

Yeah! I really like it!

I might have to get a hard copy and frame it!

Taking Flight- up date

2010-02-18T20:19:00.000-08:00

You can read HERE- my review of this book. I still think it is delightful.

So as I mentioned... here are some paintings I've done... and some of my kids!

(I love it- I love seeing my kids create.) I only have one rule for myself- on this artistic journey. I am determined to only focus on what I DO LIKE about my creations.. and not be critical of the -"over all" project. Because this is me-- playing!

Years ago- I gave up doing art.. because I expected everything I did... be frame worthy. I want a frame-able product when I was done.. and I lost the joy in just playing and experimenting and creating.

So here we go....

The concentration...

I used her paper piecing techniques to give added dimension and depth-- behind the paint. I love that effect!

My first painting.. is inspired by my sand names project.

son two is also inspired by our surroundings-- this is the scene as we drive to hockey every day. And it was funny-- at the time.. I thought, "why is the WHITE on the bottom?" When I think of clouds-- they are in the blue-- or above the blue....

But this weekend- we were driving and I said, "SON! There's your painting!" The clouds were low above the mountains with BRIGHT blue sky above.

My oldest son is inspired by hockey....

while my youngest is inspired by.... ketchup?

Just kidding.

It was a fun painting session as we all played with paint and color.

This is my second painting-- trying to capture the rolling hills as we drive home from hockey through the pineapple fields.

2010-02-18T19:13:00.000-08:00

We've got our Lightening thief book club tomorrow!

Going to see the movie in the theaters.

Wearing our cool book club T-shirts.
(If you are IN the book club- I have the shirts and will pass them out before. It will be

random which shirt you get... or

should I say we'll leave it for the fates to decide

which cabin you belong to!)

The word on the street is

- it's "nothing like the book"!

This review comes from a 10 year old on my sons hockey team.

I'll admit- I am just as excited to go as the kids.
and NO- I didn't see Twilight with a matching T-shirts
but if YOU did-- then you can understand why this is fun for the kids..
to be in a club, go see the movie as a group, etc...

If you need ideas for a book club- be sure to check out my site
Bookclub4boys.com

No Clever Title

2010-02-17T18:55:00.000-08:00

I am so brain fried... I couldn't think of a clever title for today's post.

So Sorry.

Tonight is our Blue & Gold/ Pinewood Derby!

Yours truly is the new Cub Scout Committee Chair!

I've been making awards, cooking food and helping put final touches on my sons derby car.

(This morning it was still a block of wood-- with a slight angle cut.)

Today was a good day-

I was very overwhelmed with our laundry mound...

so I called my husband and proposed we

sneak off campus for a lunch date.

Subway-splitting a $5/foot long

That was alot of fun.

15 years ago when we were still in school

and I was working as an interpreter

and he was studying to be an accountant

I said,

"I hope some day we will work at the same campus

and be able to have lunch together

and commute together"

HONEST!

We're livin the dream.

It's just as good as I thought it would be.

Anjeny wrote up a great post: summarizing our Friday

VALENTINES DATE.

You can click here to see some pictures and hear her side.

(she's a better storyteller.)

And remember my post about my yellow meal?

I didn't realize it -- but our Friday dinner was a GREEN MEAL!

That is really spooky!

(that is something my mom would say)

* Yes the rice was tinted green with some seasonings... there was a green sauce on the steaks and then the Zucchini's... that is their natural color-- I can't help that!

But is that strange? Should I be worried? Does anyone else ever do this? Very strange!

Valentines Day

2010-02-15T13:37:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a great Valentine weekend!
Friday night - my cooking club friends-
got together and we made dinner for our valentines.

Anjeny took pictures...

the meal was DE-LISH!

So my duties were: buy steaks, prepare our specialty drink and dessert.
Anjeny - made appetizers, and a side dish of fried zucchini
Isabel- was in charge of cooking the steaks in some Argentinian way and some yummy rice side dish.

It was so much fun! Isabel and her husband ended up not coming- she had prepared her portion of the meal.. but her husband called on his way home from work/school and told her he had gotten Jon Bonjovi tickets!!! She felt horrible on skipping out on us... I told her no sweat (especially since she was still bringing her food over-- I don't know how to make Argentinian Steaks!!) I told her.. if it were professional hockey tickets... we would have done the same thing!

So it turned out to be just Anjeny & Husband and Me & My husband.
It was so much fun! Very relaxing. (Kids were out of the house- our 4 year old was being watched by Anjeny's daughter.)

It was funny yesterday- the college boys in our home brought their girls over. The boys had bought their girl friends earrings.

The girl friends asked me what I got for Valentines day and I said,
"oh.. I'm still waiting for my earrings.... but if I don't get them today...
It's okay... I'll just get them tomorrow when I'm in town.... I know how much my husband likes to spend on me." :0)

My husband cringed. I didn't see it-- but I heard him in our eating area give a low groan...
I admit- was being a brat.
But I think it is good for these girls to see... the difference between "COURTSHIP" and what it's like when you've been married 14 years.

I might have gotten sentimental and emotionally bent out of shape when we were married one of two years... but now... it's not a big deal. We show each other every day we love each other.... I don't get wrapped up on holidays.. expecting special gifts.

The Specialty drink was a Lime Slushy... so yummy.
3 cups pineapple sherbet, 1/3 cup lime concentrate , 3 cups milk... blended together...
It is so refreshing!

Dessert - was brownies (cut out with a heart cookie cutter) with ice cream and drizzled chocolate sauce.

A Unique AWARD

2010-02-10T14:37:00.000-08:00

I have to admit- I don't usually follow the rules to these
"Blog Awards" but when I was awarded this one...

I had to blush... the Manly Librarians at this blog are HE-larious!
I wish I lived near them.. I think .. my boys would be inspired to read more if we could frequent their Library.

You have to go over and visit to see what I mean.
(CLICK HERE)

Now to properly recieve it I have to post:

1. Favorite Guy Book - Harry Potter series!
2. Favorite Sports Moment - Miracle on ICE!
3. Favorite Manly Sweaty Movie - I Spy
4. Favorite Manly Sweaty Music - ?? My kids singing Eye of the Tiger on Rock Band.
5. Manly Favorite Food With No Nutritional Value - PIZZA. (but it kinda has nutritional value.. no? At least that is what I tell myself.)

Now to nominate 10 other blogs: (These are either literary blogs I follow, OR Funny Moms with boys blogs.)

My sister- HERE

Two Teachers at http://readingyear.blogspot.com/

http://www.thestorysiren.com/

http://crashtestdummydiaries.blogspot.com/

http://onemomfiveboys.blogspot.com/

http://ramblingsofanislander.blogspot.com/

http://onemomfiveboys.blogspot.com/2010/02/hearts-hearts-and-more-hearts_09.html

My YELLOW Meal

2010-02-09T16:52:00.000-08:00

I do this all the time...
and wish I didn't.

When I plan a meal--- I never think about what color the food is. I mostly think.. what will taste good with ... what?

This was a casserole of chicken lasagna, homemade rolls (note the subtle hint of pride as I mention Homemade... ) and then a can or corn.. warmed in the microwave to be our token vegetable for dinner.

How un appetizing can I possible present this?
On a yellow plate?

I didn't notice it until I finally sat down to eat with the family.
One of the kids says, "oh no.. not the yellow meal..."

YUP.
Everything tasted yummy enough--
we just had to rely on our children's colorful language to give us variety that night.

Oh - we started a cute tradition last week.
I bought a few bags of valentine chocolates shaped in hearts.. and put them in a large container. On it .. it says...
"Have I done any good in the World today?"
and
"Have I helped anyone in need?"
Then we go around the table and answer those two questions..
and they can pick a heart out.
It's amazing how chocolate can inspire goodwill & service.

off to hockey...

Promoting Peace

2010-02-04T19:31:00.000-08:00

This post isn't meant as a guilt trip.

I met an amazing woman.
She seems by appearance- quite ordinary.
A musician who once had a dream of backpacking in Europe.

Little did she realize - her trip to Europe would turn into a
life mission of bringing music to children in war torn countries.

You can visit her site and organization by clicking HERE.

Today- while listening I felt very small
and yet my mind and perspective was enlarged.

Did you know- that children are now the TARGETS in war?
It is sickening.
She helps them heal and deal with their war past through music.

I know there is much media over Haiti- and with reason.
If you are like me- you get a dozen of calls a week from organizations asking for donations.
It is easy to be overwhelmed with all the NEED in the world.
Easy to feel helpless
unable to make a difference
"I can't help everyone- everywhere in the world..."
easy to do nothing
sometimes I am overwhelmed with just raising my own kids
Yet I heard a quote that motivates me to do something--
even if all I can do is blog about it to pass along the information...

"To the world- you might just be one person.
But to one person... you might mean the world."

I like that. I don't have to change the world.
Just do what I can do

Every day try to answer the question: "Have I done and good in the world today?"
And as far as donations go-- I've made a little money from my blogsite: www.Bookclub4boys.com. I made a small donation from that account. I like the idea- that my mission to promote reading can help her mission for promoting peace. Kinda cool.

A few years ago our kids wanted to donate money to a special cause-- and my husband and I really felt we didn't have any money to spare.

But not wanting to let the opportunity pass- we agreed any spare change we could find in the house, car, etc... we would collect and donate.
If I remember correctly- we found over $20 worth of change-- just floating around our house! (under couch cushions, coin purse, jewelry box, in junk drawers, behind appliances, in the car, etc.....)

Tomorrow for our furlough Friday activity- we are going to clean and do the same for Haiti.
I truly believe giving small is better than not giving at all. HeY- that rhymes!

Anyway wishing you all gentle days...
kiss your little ones
hug your big ones

Turning into a TEENAGER!

2010-01-31T19:49:00.000-08:00

My oldest just turned 13!
ThirTEEN!
a teenager- am I ready for this?

Here he is - 5 years ago when we first moved here to Hawaii.

This was at Ward Camp and these two rascals became

best buds.

(awe anjeny- aren't they adorable?)

How did this teenager want to spend his birthday?
Having a HUGE day of Nerf dart gun wars and playing Hockey.

Here they were rearranging teams and gathering ammo....
Nerf guns-- what a life saver!

Our ORIGINAL plan was to
go on a hike,
play hockey,
eat pizza
then walk to the beach

come back and have brownies and ice cream.
But as my luck has it-

it rained.

They were able to get in a short game of hockey.

It was hard core- half the kids had roller blades and the other half ran around barefoot!
luckily no toes were lost in the process.

Here he is ...
in his element..
sharing his love of hockey
with his friends.

Happy Birthday!

2010-01-27T18:25:00.000-08:00

I made an ordered some cool shirts for our Lightning Thief book club coming up in February.

I was going to make all the same shirt- but then my son had a cool idea- that they could each be from "different cabins".

Here are just a few, but I made 5 different designs. If you would like shirts for your book club click HERE to order!

Books that go along with Scouting- NEW Feature!

2010-01-25T18:14:00.001-08:00

Here is a NEW Feature at Bookclub4boys.com!

As a mother, I know how easy it is to feel overwhelmed with all the
Must do.....
Should do ....
and Wish I could find time to do... .
items on my daily TO DO list.

Some of you think, "Hosting a Book Club for my son is a great idea... " but answering all the when? how? what? It is easy to get overwhelmed.
It is tempting to just put it off to the magical day when "we won't be so busy".

As I've been hosting book clubs for my sons, I've made a connection between the FUN- ACTION oriented activities offered by Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts and BOOKS.

You heard me right sistah!

When I am previewing a book for book club- I get soooooo excited when I realize
I don't have to think of fun games and activities for our book club meeting.

Activities are already planned!

AND when we do them for book club---- my boys are working on SCOUTS at the SAME TIME!!! (is that beautiful or what?)

We are passing off electives and achievements...
while having fun...
while rewarding them for reading a book!
PLUS these activities help them RELATE to what they were READING!

It is such a WIN- WIN situation!

So if you haven't started a book club for your child... but you take the time to do scouts...
WHY HAVEN'T TEAMED UP and STARTED A BOOK CLUB?
You are already do fun activities!

And if you are a DEN mother--- then REALLY you must! You are ALREADY hosting a group WEEKLY!!?

Typical 4 Year Old birthday

2010-01-24T15:25:00.001-08:00

So my baby isn't a baby any more

We celebrated his 4th birthday!

This was his first friend party. I planned it short and sweet.
(One Hour)

My friends teased...

"Oh it's a drive by.. drop a gift off and pick up a cupcake kind of party."

Basically.

Actually- that would have been EVEN BETTER! We could have set up a Mc Donalds type "Drive Thru Window" and he could take the present and then given out the goodie bags and cupcakes.

(Mc Donalds is his FAVORITE restaurant right now because of the chipmunk toys inside the happy meals. ) Chipmunks are his FAVORITE movie! (Be it the first or the Squeekwal.)

(We've moved on from Kung fu Panda and before that.. it was Cars...)

I had planned playing at the park and a pinata...

but naturally it was raining for the one hour our party was planned.

SO we had balloon fun inside first.

And then he remembered he was turning 4

And you shouldn't have too much fun at your own birthday party.

And what is a party without the birthday boy

tantruming for a good half hour?

He ran upstairs-- yelling down, "LEAVE ME ALONE! I NEED A TIME OUT!"

So we went on with our Party plans and next decorated cupcakes.

This is one of my more brilliant ideas.

Why decorate the cupcakes in advance? Decorating cupcakes is half the fun of eating a cupcake! All the sprinkles and decorations etc...

So I just passed out paper plates with a dollop of frosting and they passed around the sprinkles and candy to decorate their own.

I couldn't get my son to come downstairs... so we just started singing Happy Birthday without him.

It was too funny! He came tearing down the stairs by the end of our song--

There was NO WAY he was going to miss blowing out the candles!

And here he is..

happy again...

He must have realized "oh yeah! It's Happy Birthday to me... not have a screaming tantrum fit- of a birthday..."

We jimmy-rigged the Pinata in our garage...

Took a million turns at whacking it- until we gave up and just had the kids pull the legs off Optimus Prime... so all the candy could fall out.

Put the candy in the goodie bags and ...

before I knew it

His first birthday party was over.

{WHEW!}

look at those dimples! He knows how to melt my heart.

Happy Birthday!

Darn slippery camera connector!

2010-01-22T12:45:00.000-08:00

I have so many darn cute pictures to post on my blog-- but my camera connector cord keeps disappearing! I like to just "leave it connected" to the computer. That way I always know where it is... but the fellas in this house always need to charge their ipods.. and who knows where it gets tossed to!

So frustrating!
So -- in my defense-- to both sets of Grandparents..
We did celebrate son #4 birthday.
I did take pictures.

I will post them...
When the cord re-surfaces...
hopefully that will be sooner than later....

Beginning Reading Book Raves and Reviews

2010-01-21T19:50:00.000-08:00

My third son and his friends are loving this book.
It's a really clever book about what Pirate school might be like.
Some of the rules are: Never Cry Over Spilled Milk and Finders Keepers Losers Weepers!
It is a #2 All Aboard Reading book.
You have probably seen these types of books in the stores..
they have a level 1 that is for kids beginning to read,
then level 2 for Reading with help
and then level 3 for Reading Alone.

My son and friends were able to read this level 2 by themselves easily (They are in first grade), so naturally... I am thinking our next book should be a level 3.

I browsed the back cover of the book where they list the Titles of books in different levels.
I have to admit
I was very disappointed!

Tell me what you think.
Amistad: The Story of a Slave Ship
Barack Obama: An American Story
George Washington's Mother
Hillary Clinton; An American Journey
A Horse Named Seabiscuit
Just a few Words, Mr. Lincoln
Tiger Woods
Terror Below! True Shark Stories

I am soooo disappointed-- because we have loved loved loved many of the books by this company. Books like.... The Gingerbread Kid Goes to School and Me and My Robot.

They have helped my beginning reader... start reading... but now that he is "Reading Alone" the fun stories stop and his Political Training begins?

What in the World are they thinking? It's tough being a kid these days- if these are the themes they have to read.

So I am on a mission friends!

It's sad we can't grow with this company. (That would make my job too easy. )

But I accept the challenge.

I need to find a set of books that bridges the gap between easy beginning books with a few words on each page and easy chapter books (Magic Tree House level/ Weird School level) If you have any leads... let me know!

Round Up - HELP!

2010-01-15T12:06:00.000-08:00

As some of you know- I have a Book club Round Up page... where I am trying to gather "like minded" parents and educators who are forming and hosting book clubs for kids.

I give away free stuff from time to time-- when free stuff comes my way. ( A book give away next month!)

I would LOVE for it to be a page where we can share our book club outlines! Get ideas from other parents who are doing the same thing!

So I have a contact form: people can fill out and I got this message....

Name: Suzanne
Email: Christensen
Name of Book Club: Warriors
Message: We have met for almost a year- all 3rd grade age boys. We were inspired by your site! Is there a place to post the books we have done and activities? It would be great to share!

Suzanne- if you ever find your way to my blog again! Please give me your FULL email so I can respond! I would love to post your book ideas and activities!!!

YES!

((hugs)) & HOPE

2010-01-13T12:00:00.000-08:00

I wish I could {{hug}} all the mom's who have ever lost a child-- and some how that ... that, a simple {hug} could make it all better.

I cannot imagine.

My youngest was born 2 months early and I had to leave the hospital without him.

I remember how empty my arms felt.

I was blessed to be able to bring him home a few weeks later. He's now the rough and rowdy 4 year old I chase around.

A sweet sweet Sister in our community just lost her baby. I hate that phrase "lost".. but at the same time don't know another way to say it. Her baby boy got very sick with RSV and continued to get worse while visiting family on the mainland for Christmas.

Today is the funeral for their sweet baby boy Gavin.

I've been following their family's story on her blog:

http://www.natalienortonphoto.com/

They are an amazing family of faith.

I took a moment this morning to walk over to the beach.
I know they are busy and bustling with preparations, I just wanted to put his name in the sand.

A small tribute and token in his honor.

But really -- what can you say? what can you do?

It seems so trivial and small, anything I think of.

I heard a great quote yesterday. That inspires me to ACT even when I don't know the right words or actions that might help....

It goes something like....

"To the WORLD you might just be one person.

But to ONE PERSON you might mean the WORLD"

We never know when one small simple act of kindness...

means the world to someone struggling.

Taking Flight

2010-01-11T14:36:00.000-08:00

(This entry is for my goal of 52 books in 52 weeks.)
I was sooooooo excited when my book arrived last week! Kelly Rae Roberts is an artist I found on etsy- selling her original work. I love her pieces- but never bought anything. I was more of a stalker.

Then one day- I went to visit- and she had MOVED!
Her new site: http://kellyraeroberts.com/ is her new home to showcase her work.
And there I found she had published a book!

Taking Flight: Inspiration and Techniques to give your Creative Spirit Wings.
I ordered it right away from Amazon and have been waiting curb side at the mailbox waiting for it to come!

I soooo wanted to see her methods! How she found her "artistic identity".
I am an arts and crafts type person...
but I don't feel like I've found my "artistic identity" yet.
I play.
I dabble here and there with drawing and such..
but I don't have a "style" that is "ME".
I might be like Grandma Moses and find my artistic identity in my 80's.
And that is fine.
I am content with that.
A time and season for everything.
I don't have to "know" everything about myself right NOW.
In fact- I like that there is more to me to know... and every year I learn more about myself.

If you like her work- You will LOVE her book! It is very clever and insightful. In addition to sharing secrets about how she creates her art... she has other contributing artist who inspire projects to do along with her.

A very fun book. I can't wait to use some of her techniques and create something of my own. Maybe... I'll even post them here... we'll see... I am not so daring as Sarah.

So if you haven't picked up a book in weeks, months, years... why not?
Why not today?
and if you absolutely do not have time today....

at least take a moment to think about a book you would be interested in reading.. and order it!
Be it from the library or store...
Then when it arrives...
You'll have a happy gift to yourself and a reason to curl up in a cozy spot and take a well needed break!

Happy Reading!

I double Dog - DARE you!

2010-01-08T18:19:00.000-08:00

I've had my first day home
ALONE

Kids back in school....

No work today--

so what did I do?

Read?

Stamp?

bake cookies from scratch?

sleep?

You'll never guess!

Okay

I'll tell you.

I cleaned my refrigerator out and shined my sink!

(am I so Fly baby or what?)

This is THE only cleaning/ decluttering program that has ever worked for me.

It's all about baby steps.

Shining your sink is step one

getting dressed to your shoes is step two

It's about establishing routines.

Anyway- I was pretty proud of myself.. that I didn't stop at the sink..

but made my way to our gross refrigerator.

Okay- but the dare part.. sorry I meandered mentally...

I was so proud of myself- I've spent the rest of the afternoon-

blog surfing!

Reconnecting with other bloggers!

Luv finding new zany people in the blogsphere...

I found TWO DARES I want to join.

52 Books in 52 weeks

and

The Love Dare.

I haven't heard... what are you up to?

This is my official "summary" for book one of this years dare 52 in 52.

Written by Marla Cilley aka The Flylady

Sink Reflections is for the overwhelmed

Disorganized and

those living in Chaos.

She is not a natural writer- but the book reads like a converstation with a good friend/ mentor.

Someone who truly wants you to live your best life.

She's funny and more important-- HELPFUL.

She helps you pace yourself in reclaiming your home and encourages "BABY STEPS"

"Your house didn't get dirty in a day- it wont get clean in one either."

She hits the heart of the problem--CLUTTER and helps you sort through the emotional baggage of why we keep it.

I was a flybaby in 2003 and really got our house in order (within about 6 months of living her ideas.) Our house stayed that way until we moved here.... then Chaos crept back in my life with the move- bedrest- a new baby- another move- etc...etc..

So I dusted the book off- and reread it to motivate myself to be a faithful flybaby again.

It's a NEW Year- Start a Book Club for YOUR Boy!

2010-01-03T16:23:00.000-08:00

So there is a buzz in the air- as I talk to my boys about the fun of setting goals.
As they talk about things they want to work on- why does it NOT surprise me- not one of my boys is interested in setting a reading goal?

hum --- must I still jump through hoops to get them to pick up a book? Unfortunately YES! Some boys ( and girls for that matter) just don't like to read. I know I didn't when I was going to school.

Happily- in December, when my kids first started Winter break they each asked when their next book club was and "what are we reading?"

They aren't into reading... yet... ( I am still hopeful) but they do like their book clubs. So if you can relate. Why not try starting a book club for your reluctant reader? What's stopping you?

If you are interested in starting a book club for your child check out my tips HERE

If you would like to see what books we've done in the past you can look...

HERE for Confident Readers (5th grade- and higher reading levels)

HERE for Independent Readers ( 2-4 grade reading level)

HERE for Beginning Readers ( K- 1st grade reading level)

If you have an older child with lower reading skills-- be sure to check out my ideas HERE on how to motivate them to read.

These are the books we are currently working on in our own clubs.
Leviathan I will be posting our review late February. The publishers actually made a trailer to help reluctant readers connect to the characters and plot! You can see that HERE. I thought that was very cool! (My 13 year old is reading this with his friends. They are meeting every 3 weeks to discuss as they read through the book. I am excited to see this group start leading their own discussions and such. )

My 10 year old is reading The Lightning Thief. The movie comes out in February. Move book clubs are the easiest to host. So if you are interested in starting a book club.. this would be a great selection to start with. Pass out the books and then set a date that the group will go see the movie in the theaters! Then after go out for ice cream or such and discuss/compare how the book was different or similar to the movie.

My first grader is reading this next selection, Pirate School . I just ordered copies for his club. It is a really cute book and an easy reader. I haven't planned our book club yet-- but I predict a treasure hunt & map as one activity.

Happy Reading!

I could have Stamped all night.....

2010-01-02T16:54:00.000-08:00

My goal was to use scraps--- and just have fun. I pulled out my Stampin Up! Catalogs to get some inspiration. They have lots of examples of cards and projects: even though I don't own all the stamp sets-- I can still use elements from the cards pictured-- the layout/ or color combinations.

For this card I hid the punched out parts of this scrap with the main image of the card. ( sshhhhh- no one will know!)

I really liked the simplicity of this card- with the happy little flowers on the bottom. I used the same color scheme- but different stamp set.

This one I copied exactly- I DO OWN this set!

Then I got wild and crazy on my own!

The butterfly card: I only had a few scraps of turquoise, but I had ribbon to match.. it's a keeper.

I made a few variations of this card. One with dark purple card stock as the main card color. Another few with pink being the accent color. I really really liked this lay-out.

Then a bunch of cards- using the scraps- to punch out a window and stamp an image inside. Really adorable.

I made over 60 cards. ( in the last 2 days.)

Amazing- pathetic- ummm... I'm not sure what the right word is-- or if it is anything I really should be proud of....

But today- besides uploading the pictures--- I've been catching up on housework & laundry... and cleaned one bathroom, vacuumed the living room and took down all the Christmas decorations.

whew!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T13:55:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a spark-tacular New Years! Personally- I stayed in my Pajamas playing boardgames and watching a movie with my family... just the way I like it! We got a really fun game for Christmas called Ticket to Ride.

(Thanks Nicole!)

It is a quick and easy game to learn and fast moving- so great for short attention spans. I highly recommend this game~

I am so excited!

It is a New Year.

(You know how I like Mornings and Mondays- new beginnings... the start of a new day, or new week... )

So you can imagine how much I love the 1st of January!

So far every day this year I've ....

gone running

gotten dressed to shoes (as a flybaby)

and blogged

and I haven't had a single soda!

(Vanilla Pepsi is my favorite- but can't find on the island anymore so I figure- what's the point? When I drink other kinds- they are not my favorites and are just a waste of money and calories.... ) wipe a tear and bow a head... as I accept reality and I mourn the loss of my favorite beverage...

my kids taunt: "We'll see how long this lasts...."

(Baby/mini) Tri- For -FUN- athon

2009-12-29T15:12:00.001-08:00

One of my good friends had a birthday Monday. She told me about 4 months ago- for her 44th birthday she wanted to do 44 daring things. One of which was do a triathlon. Well - I personally love triathlons and not to brag... but I have done 4. (2 in college where I did the whole distance (a total of 26 miles) doing all three events- Swim, Bike, Swim.) I didn't break any records. But it was more a personal sense of satisfaction. The last two I did were as part of a team. Once I was the running leg, and the last I was the swimming leg of the team.

Anyway- enough bragging - when Beth said she wanted to do one- I was all for making this birthday wish come true. We decided to host our own. (Since all the triathlons here in Hawaii require OPEN WATER swims... and biking along Kam Hwy... and are on Sunday.)

Believe it or not- this picture was at the end of our race. We look pretty refreshed no?

Emily (sistah in the CRUSH shirt) blogs, ""It was the friendliest triathlon ever, as we waited for each other at the end of each event, took pictures, and talked as we went. The bike ride was especially relaxing as we breezed our way through the neighborhoods of Laie."

That was fun- cheering each other on-- we definantly could improve the 'transitions' into the next event.

Here we are- starting before daylight our swim at BYU pool.

It was so much fun- all day I had a tired sense of accomplishment and slight body aches but I was able to get up this morning and go for my usual run with my friend Julie ( in the black shirt). She is training for the Aloha run in 6 weeks.

I haven't committed. I still feel like I am pushing a wall- every time I run. When you are not in shape running is grueling. There was a time- in time gone by- when I was in shape and ran for fun. Seems like a million years ago- but I hold to that hope that one day (and hopefully soon) I will feel good while I run and not just after the run.

Next year- we talk about doing one of these baby/mini- Tri-For Fun- Athons for each of our birthdays... maybe we'll be able to increase the distances...and a year from now be able to do a real one!

Christmas pics!

2009-12-26T11:44:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone has had a wonderful Christmas!
I never knew I had so many creative neighbors!

Bradshaw family dropped by this pineapple-Santa- I thought he was too cool.
(I then cut him up- to serve at our Christmas Eve party.)

The Tuller family had their free car wash for neighbors. You can see pictures on their website here.

Then the Scotts family- dropped in on our Christmas Eve party for the BYUH students and brought a pkg of popcorn and a list of DVD/VHS tapes they have that we can borrow the up coming year.

( I thought that was a great idea- between all us families- we probably have a great pool of videos to share. We could all save $ on movie rentals. )

I've only been a Bishops wife for 6 months but I'm getting the hang of this entertaining bit.

luckily I made a TON of food thinking we would eat left overs Christmas day- it turned out to be just right.

We munched on Sweet n sour meatballs, rice
Blow-torch (7 layer dip) with chips
some other little finger foods- using puffed pastry and cheese/spinach
Decorated Christmas cookies- played Rock Band
Then sang Christmas carols- and read Luke 2

It was really fun having students spend Christmas Eve with us. They were all so funny and entertaining!

Rock band seems to be a good activity- that crosses multitudes of cultures.

(I don't know if you remember when we had some Chinese girls staying with us for a week- they LOVED rockin out!)

Hubby and I didn't craw into bed until 2 am- then to have the kids wake us at 6:30 it was rough.
We tried to stall them until 7:00- but my oldest reminded us that WE wake THEM up at 6:30 every morning for scriptures.....

it did seem a bit hypocritical... so we dragged our bones out of bed....

I got the most awful sweater from my mother & Sister.

This photo doesn't even come close to "capturing" it.

The pineapples are all sequenced.
the palm trees are free dangling across my chest-- and the details don't stop there!
There is a bigger pineapple on my back-- sequenced naturally.
And if you look closely you can see the palm tree on the sleeves too! Of course the palm trees have big beads for Coconuts on them...
IT is just plain AWFUL and obnoxious! I so wish I had opened it up to wear at our Christmas Eve party. I would have been the Bell at the Ball.

Christmas Eve Service Scavenger Hunt

2009-12-22T10:49:00.001-08:00

This years Scavenger hunt sheet- I decided to make it more festive.

We are going to invite the townhouse kids over in the afternoon

have them go on the service scavenger hunt and then come back to our house for some muddy buddies. Last year it was fun to hear the kids share stories of who they served and what they did.

Now off to get my car washed by my neighbor! Love this season of service!

Merry Christmas!

Christmas musings

2009-12-21T14:23:00.000-08:00

I'm lovin my digital Studio from SU!
I'm still trying to figure everything out- but it's sure fun to play with!

My side of the family- decided to make CD's to exchange this year. I thought it was such a fun idea.

This is the "cover" for our family CD.
My 12 year old is going to burn our disk- since I have no idea how to do that. (He is also going to do that for my sister-in-law/brother who have no idea how to do it either.)

But I can't wait to get the CD's from our family- to hear their family favorites.

It will probably sound like a hodge-podge... with each person picking one or two of their favorites--

Actually- now that I think of it- I should just have my son burn ONE disk for the whole extended family. Each person just email us the fav songs and I can arrange them into similar "groupings". Songs from cousins- ages 0-4 yrs old, 5-8, Pre-teen-teens, and adults....

Anyway- I just thought it was a great idea, more personal than the usual "gift card". I come from a creative family- last year my sister thought of the "Family Boxes" we exchanged last year. That was alot of fun. I won't mention any names... but were still waiting to get ONE family box. You can read about that idea: HERE. It's great if you live far from family and would like to get to know cousins better.

I am busy planning a Christmas eve party for BYU students who aren't going home for the holidays. I'm thinking easy- finger foods. Students I think will be "dropping in" so we aren't going to have a SIT DOWN dinner. Meatballs, pupus as they are called here "finger foods". We are going to decorate cookies, play some board games, and hopefully hear some international traditions from the students. Then right before we put the kids down- read the Luke 2 story.

I just got a great gift from our neighbors. They did this last year too. They dropped off a coupon/card to take our car to their house on Tuesday for a FREE car wash! ( I know for those of you who live where it is below 0... you are thinking WHAT??) I think that is a great idea though-- a family service project for your neighbors.

Last year I hosted a Service Scavenger Hunt on Christmas Eve day. (the kids were just SO EXCITED for Christmas and HYPER and under toe-- while I was trying to clean and cook and prepare for Christmas Eve festivities. Some of the kids in the neighborhood have asked if we are going to do it again. I can't believe I almost forgot! You can read about that {here}. It was fun and many neighbors appreciated the help and diversion for the kids.

So Merry Christmas! I love hearing / reading what everyone else is planning!

2009-12-18T17:14:00.000-08:00

My oldest son just hosted his OWN book club! Yippee!

I am trying to "wean" him from me planning and organizing and leading the book club discussion and making the treats, and coming up with the ideas, etc. etc. etc.

He made the calls- reminded friends

Asked if they could munch on the many Christmas Cookies I've been baking

Thankfully Anjeny stayed behind.... (when she dropped off son and friend)

The boys needed a bit of "re-directing" back to the topic of books.

We read the first chapter together and made a reading schedule.

(5 chapters a week- they decided.)

Sounds like a good plan.

Well- I'm off to shuttle boys hither and thither.

Hoping everyone is happily planning and enjoying moments of the season!

New Book Club Ideas!

2009-12-03T23:34:00.000-08:00

congratulations!

2009-11-28T22:13:00.000-08:00

You are now reading the blog of
"An Accomplished" Sign Language Interpreter.

I got the results back -- of the certification test I took 10 weeks ago!
There are 4 levels of certification here in Hawaii... Level 2, Level 3, Level 4 and Level 5.
(Being a level 1 means you are still a student and not qualified to really interpret anything yet.)

I'm a level 4! a FOUR!
I was very pleased with the results.
But I think it is interesting- now that I am trying to find blogs of interpreters... but interpreters I guess don't blog about work.

I mean- Yeah- I know the code of ethics and all... keeping everything work related confidential.
But interpreting is such a fascinating career- I would be very interested to learn about other interpreters and their experiences. How they keep up to speed on new signs? How do they continue to progress professionally?

just thought I would share my exciting news.
I think my husband is starting to tire of my saying... "I'm accomplished".

blog-give away-- don't miss!

2009-11-24T09:02:00.000-08:00

This isn't even MY blog give-away.. .it is from my stampin- sistah... / my soul sistah... on my "partner in crime" friend Anjeny's blog.

Here is what she is giving away--

A little bit of something that touches a nook and cranny into her different hobbies.

1. pampering herself-- with chocolates and bubble baths

2. creating cards

3. crafting with her sewing machine---

I kinda can't believe she didn't invite me over to sew the day she made this cute crayon roll up and matching tote... I mean... I TOTALLY always invite her over when I am planning some sewing project!

( partly because I don't own a sewing machine-- but more so-- because she is a sewing guru!)

So adorable! I want to make some of these for CHRISTMAS!! Anjeny!!! when will we do that??

Anyway-- go over and put your name in the comment box if you need a little perk!

Luv ya Anjeny!

Did you see??

2009-11-19T14:40:00.000-08:00

Oh My!
Did you see this?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGL-nG3Mpwg
(okay- sorry I don't know how to add it directly to this post-- but go watch it!)
It is a bit old news... but I just saw it yesterday for the first time...
the footage of a Women's Soccer Game gone - ugly.

(It caught my eye-- because it involved BYU-provo, our sister-school here in Hawaii... and I thought: "Oh Dear.. what happened now??" Thankfully- the unsightly maneuvers were not from players on BYU.)

I didn't realize how physical soccer is! The common elbows and tripping...
it is rough..
just the normal stuff you can do while trying to get the ball!
- Another reminder why I didn't play soccer growing up.

I am not competitive.
Don't get me wrong-- I like sports..
but I don't have the killer instinct.
I'm willing to let someone take a shot on goal {or hoop...}
I'll try to block --once the ball is shot..
but I don't try to take out the player while in the motion of shooting...
(probably why I spent most my time on the bench during HS basket ball.)

But putting all my emotional baggage aside....

This video was so disturbing-- so of course I've watched it about 20 times.
I just can't stop thinking about it.. and then I start thinking...
' no.. it couldn't be as bad as I am remembering.... '
so I go back and watch it again...
AND IT IS!! JUST AT BAD!! AS i REMEMBERED-- OR WORSE!

I have a few things to say:

First: I am thankful my ugly moments have never been caught on tape. I mean that other player is seriously in the wrong- and could use some anger management coping techniques, but the poor girl has to see it over-and- over and over and now the whole world has seen it and will people give her the space to grow and move on??? I mean- how humiliating? But if she didn't realize how out-of-control she was... then perhaps this is a good "wake-up call"...

Second: I have to applaud the BYU team. Not only DIDN'T they fight back and retaliate
they stood their ground.
They didn't get intimidated.
They went on to confront her again and again and take the abuse.
They are some tough cookies!
(cuz at first glance-- they don't look that physically intimidating.. I mean... I'm just saying.... they are all willowy figured and cute.) But NO! They stood firm!

I am so impressed by that!
How many times have I let other people make me feel bad?
(just with their words... not actually punching me in the face or pulling my hair so hard I fall to the ground....)

I have stronger resolve now.
To stand up and stand my ground when I feel I am in the right.

Well done BYU Cougars!
Next time I get stiffed at the drive thru... I am pulling around until they get my order right!

Hope everyone is doing great!

Fundraiser-yippee!

2009-11-07T19:16:00.000-08:00

As most of you know--

we are a hockey family living in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

We are so lucky to have found a competitive roller hockey league here on the island.

One that challenges to the kids by playing other teams and holding tournaments.

(When we first moved here, we put them into ICE hockey and there aren't enough players to even have two teams- on the whole island! So they just practice and play each other. While they like the aspect of ICE hockey... it's not much fun just playing yourself week after week, month after month, year after year.....)

So we switched to Roller Hockey.

(Another factor was as the kids advanced up in the program the game days were switching to Sunday and we try to keep that day set apart for worship.)

So it was a good change.

We could get all our hockey fix in on Saturdays and the kids get to play multiple teams on multiple islands.

BUT NOW.

My two oldest sons (because their teams are so good-- not to brag or anything....)have the opportunity to travel to the MAINLAND and compete in

San Jose (SHARK territory) and compete
with other teams in our "region"!

HOW exciting and COOL is

THAT?!?!

We are very excited!

But as coolness starts to warm up - reality has hit-- as we plan the trip-- that ugly reality of finances. ($$)

So we are trying to raise some funds. There are so many expenses-- details.. charges for hockey bags on the airplane.

( I suggested the team just wear their gear ON the plane and check their skates in their luggage.Can you imagine the stink? It would be like flying in a smelly sweaty locker room...

:0)

To expenses of plane tickets, tournament fees, hotels, meals, etc..

So anything we can raise will help!

Some of the families are doing car washes, selling baked goods, etc..
I thought I would sell (on ebay)- some Christmas Cards.

So DETAILS......

Each set of cards was ofcourse... made with love and my own 2 hands....

but is a set of 10 cards with envelopes. (2 cards of each design.)

Each card has multiple layers of card stock and some kind of embellishment- be it brads, ribbon, "hodge-podge" element, etc..)

This first set is called-- "Rustic" cards are made with olive green , not quite navy, brown and burgundy Stampin UP card stock.

This second set is called "Preppy Christmas". (Old Olive paper, more mustard, Burgundy.)

This set is called "Peppermint Twist"
(Real Red, Pink, old olive green)

(There is a 5th card-- just not pictured...)

"Classical Christmas"
(dark green, real read, white)

"Blue Christmas"