Whales, Banyans, Burgers and Fondue

After our grueling experience on the road to Hana, we decided that a day of banyans, beaches, fondue, and whales would be the perfect way to relax.

Our resort was near the town of Lahaina, Maui. HH was thrilled about this prospect. After a wonderful year and a half living near New Bedford, Mass. we learned plenty about the early whaling days. Fancy that for Thanksgiving, we were right down the street from where the old whaling ships would come on their hunt for blubber. Lahaina once was the pit stop for these sailors thirsty for some land and food away from their endless days at sea. The town has tried very hard to retain the charm of these bygone days in a small historic center. HH couldn't get there fast enough.


I think we were both expecting a New England way of dealing with history...one thing about Hawaii...historical preservation of property is not a priority. The Lahaina preservation society has tried to put up plaques[5x7 size]along the main street that detail the significance of some of the buildings. Not being avid shoppers, we stopped to read them. This must not be a common site because several of the shop owners commented to us that they were happy someone was reading them. How sad. So, if you get to Lahaina, please take time to read their little white signs.





In the town square, there is the king of all banyan trees. Planted in 1873 in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Christian missionary work in Lahaina, this once 8 foot tree now towers over the square at 60 feet tall and has spread itself into 12 major trunks in addition to a huge core. As we approached the tree, HS stood awestruck and LD ran to the roots of one of the trunks and happily chatted. "WOW! This is a GREAT spot for me!" HS shouted over his shoulder has he began to climb near LD. We spent almost an hour among the shade of this banyan. The kiddos climbed, HH and I enjoyed holding hands and laughing as the kids played within the roots. Ahhhh...we are on vacation.


Lunch at Cheeseburger in Paradise next to the shore and a clear view of Lanai [another island in the chain] was the perfect way to enjoy our lunch. I couldn't believe how big the cheeseburgers were! They ooze cheese, special sauce, and are so tasty that you won't want to put it down. LOVED is an understatement. Although many people were enjoying the french fries with them, I give the onion rings 2 thumbs up. DELISH! After our lunch, we headed back to the resort for LD's nap, HS & HH's pool time, and my snooze, I mean reading, on the balcony.






Over the past few years, we have heard tales of the delish fondue dinners at a restaurant called "The Melting Pot." Maui happens to have one near the resort so after relaxing our afternoon away, we headed for dinner. I've never had anything more than cheese or chocolate fondue. I knew I loved that. Who wouldn't? We set our course for an Alpine feast. The kids enjoyed watching our waiter bring out all the little dishes for each course. HH and I remarked that it was akin to making Shabu-Shabu [one of our favorite meals in Japan aside from the ramen, udon, sushi, gyodon etc.] By the time we left, we were stuffed to the gills and HH thinks that he knows the perfect gift for Christmas for me...a fondue pot.

As the kids snoored in the living room, we cuddled up for some wine and a holiday movie on ABC's 25 days til Christmas. Yep. Vacation. Wonderful.

Just call us Crazy

I've always thought that HH and I perched precariously on the dangerous ledge of adventure. We've thrived off of exploring the hidden gems of our duty assignments. Usually, we share our stories and meet the look of "are you kidding me" or "wow...you're insane."

BK (before kids) we loved hiking, getting "lost" in Japan every weekend (hmmm...where do we want to go...peer at train map next to ticket kiosk...that name sounds good...what's there? I don't know but we'll soon find out. AK (after kids) we curtailed our adventures somewhat, but not by much. HS went out on a boat to look for whales at 6 months.....four hours way out in the middle of the Monterey Bay with a baby in a Snuggli is not what most parents consider "fun". Hiking straight up a hill with only a rope to hold onto and a baby in a snuggli, bus trips that took 6 hours, driving up the New England coast when I was about ready to pop with LD, sail boating with HH & HS in the Narraganset Bay when I was approaching the big phase of pregnancy. Flying several time without assistance with not only just 1 child over the pond, but now 2. It all seems so very natural to us.

Exploration. That's a word with a lot of meaning for our clan. However, I think we may have taken a jump off the ledge and even I am caught scratching my head at the choice we made on spending our Thanksgiving day.

The road to Hana is suppose to be one of the most gorgeous stretches of road in the country. The area prides itself on keeping Hawaii pristine and free of tourist clutter. It is nature at it's finest. I couldn't wait to see it. After briefing HH on it, he thought it sounded beautiful. It was settled. Getting up early on Thanksgiving, we piled the kids, DS, books, and of course, my travel bible, Frommer's into the rental car. We set our trusty Sophie (gps) to show us the way to our hidden Hawaiian paradise.

FACT:

Just because you are on Maui for Thanksgiving, does not mean that places will be open. Safeway, McDonald's, and Starbucks are your best bets.

In Paia, shops and restaurants all lobbied to be the "last stop" before Hana with antiquated signs waved us onward. "Whose ready, for this adventure?" I chimed. "I'm already hungry." HS mumbled. "Well, according to Sophie, we have 3 hours until we reach Hana and lucky for us, we've filled ourselves with Micky D's and have some yummy sandwiches, chips, and drinks!" I replied with pride. LD merely wailed from the backseat...3 hours must have sounded like a death sentence. "I don't think I'll make it..." HS grumbled. "We need to make sure to call everyone for Thanksgiving when we get to Hana." HH stated, avoiding Mr. Pouty's comment. LD giggled at her feet.

The first few miles were pretty, not unlike the stretch along the North Shore or Highway 1 as it approaches Santa Barbara. Open to the sound of waves crashing and the salt air filtered itself among the trees. There are very popular surfing beaches that were covered with mostly curious tourists watching the surfers. We watched in amazement as surfers enjoyed waves that were not for the faint of heart. In fact, this area we found out later is called "Jaws" because the surf will rip you up if you aren't good enough. Guess it is a good thing that we aren't that crazy.



Shortly after these beaches, we ventured into "the country" as Maui locals refer to the Northeastern shore. With Christmas music filling the car, HH began the curves. "WOW! Isn't that beautiful?" I exclaimed under my breath. "What do you think, HS?" Silence. "Hellooooo...." I inquired as I turned to look at the kids in the backseat. "I'm reading, mom." LD who had been busily playing with Cory, happily I might add began to cry. OK...I guess I'm the one enjoying this stretch, I thought.

Fact.

The road to Hana is not really a highway. It's narrow and patched together along 42 miles of approximately 600 curves and 54 bridges that lead to Hana.

As we approached the Koolau Forest Reserve, it was evident that the windward coastline here receives its fair share of the 60 to 80 inches of rain a year, as well as runoff from the 200 to 300 inches that falls from farther up the mountain. We enjoyed looking at trees laden with guavas, as well as mangoes, java plums, and avocados the size of softballs. HH, not yet into the serious curves of the road, commented on the beauty of this area. His driving stress was about to begin.

FACT:

About 1/2 mile after mile marker 6, there's a sharp U-curve in the road, going uphill. The road is practically one-lane here, with a brick wall on one side and virtually no maneuvering room. Sound your horn at the start of the U-curve to let approaching cars know you're coming. Take this curve, as well as the few more coming up in the next several miles, very slowly.

The tidbit to sound the horn was an understatement. I'm not sure that really would have done for us anyway. HH beeped the horn...once...began the curve and then began beeping it wildly since, well...it is a BLIND TURN in every sense of the word. I held my breath. HS read. LD let out a blood curdling scream. HH sighed.

Fact:

Hiking is an awesome opportunity to enjoy nature without the stress of life...especially when "trees are at work".

Waikamoi Ridge Trail, an easy .75-mile loop (Waikamoi means "waters of the king") meanders throughout fern, hala, and delightful smelling eucalyptus trees. LD enjoyed stretching her legs while HS searched for bees and beetles. HH and I chatted for the first time freely since getting on the road. Sitting along the roots of a huge tree, I checked the cell phone for service...no bars. Uh-oh.

Fact:

The Road to Hana is world famous for the natural beauty of its unblemished landscapes and towering waterfalls.

I couldn't get over the waterfalls along the drive. Some were just like out of a Hawaii picture book. They were serene, romantic, and well...jungle like. Tarzan could have swung by with Jane and HH would have missed it. I feel really sorry for HH. Since he was behind the wheel, he didn't get the opportunity to truly appreciate the size and power of some of the falls. We stopped at Puaa Kaa State Wayside. Puaa Kaa translates as "open laughter" and the sound of the falls lived up to that name. Beautiful ginger plants bloomed around the base of the waterfall and eager HS was devastated that he couldn't venture closer to the water. Others, disregarding the obvious barricades, went along the pathway, regardless. "Darlin', if it is misting down here at our level, it is pouring higher along the mountain chain. You don't want to be in the water." I reassured him as we walked back to the car. "OK. You're right." he pouted.

Fact:

At mile marker 32, just on the outskirts of Hana, shiny black-sand Waianapanapa Beach appears like a vivid dream, with bright-green jungle foliage on three sides and cobalt-blue water lapping at its feet. The 120-acre park on an ancient aa lava flow includes sea cliffs, lava tubes, arches, and the beach.

We hiked down to the Waianapanapa Beach simply fascinated by the darkness of the sand as it met the sea. Black sand beaches are a marvel and if you haven't been able to enjoy one, I hope you do before your lifetime is through. The sand is nothing like the normal grit that sticks to everything. Black sand is more akin to little pellets. LD is enamored by them. We enjoyed a nice picnic lunch before taking in the coolness of the water. Although others were "swimming", we chose to just let HS and LD play in the sand and let the water rush over their toes. The undertow was nasty. At one point, I asked HH to move my fip-flops out harms way before he took HS to the caves. I proceeded to play with LD and giggle and scream in joy as the water crashed ashore. Until I spotted one of my slippers gliding towards the raging, churning waters. The other I suspect, had already brained a fish. Thank goodness, I had brought along my hiking shoes.

Fact: When you make the trip over to Hana, you'll see why it's referred to as The Land That Time Forgot.

"This would be the perfect time to call our families. Dinner would be over and we wouldn't be interrupting anything." HH said as glided his feet through the black sand. "ummmm...yeah. Let's see..." I said as I fumbled around for the cell phone in my pocket. [note:remember I said I had already checked and no bars...I checked each time we stopped and nothing. That being said,I expected a miracle if we had service here on a secluded beach]. As LD played on a log, HH, HS, and I huddled around the phone. I flipped it open. Groans ensued. The bars were nonexistent. We were after all, in paradise. Secluded. Charmed. Alone. Without service. Our Thanksgiving wishes would have to wait.

FACT.

The Road to Hana can bring you closer to heaven in more ways than one. With winding roads, blind turns, constant traffic, distracting views, narrow one-lane roads, cliffs, wet conditions, and locals who drive straight through yield signs, the road is incredibly dangerous.

We attempted to count how many yield signs we passed on our return back out of Hana. It was somewhere around 46. Although, I have to admit that we probably lost track because we were watching near death experiences with the cars ahead of us.

FACT:

The Road to Hana is amazing, a magical place where rainforests create vivid imaginations, and is unforgettable.

After experiencing the drive and marveling at the beauty along the road to Hana, I am glad that we did it, but would not need to do it again. The memories will last me for long enough and I don't think that I could pry the kids into the car again if they knew we were heading back down the curvy road to Hana. As HS said to one of our friends, "We survived the road!" We are crazy. What's next?

Note: Honestly, this is a gorgeous road but for our friends here on island, the road to Haleakala on Maui is just as breathtaking only without the risk of bodily injury. HH says that after driving it there is one way to appreciate the area without going insane: take a helicopter ride.

Happy Thanksgiving

Ahhhh....the smell of homemade pumpkin pie drifts across the mighty pond and embraces us. Instantly, we feel connected to all our family and friends who sit down to their tables and look towards the center where the turkey proudly is displayed and the table linens are crisp and neat. Kids chatter over their favorite part of the Macy's Thanksgiving day parade while sisters compare the bands who marched. Football cheers and jeers ensue as the men take a gander on who will win the game.

It's that time. We can envision it as we sit and relax on Maui. We miss each of you and look forward to a Thanksgiving when we can all be together. We will look forward to our table being set, the turkey proudly displayed, all the trimmings ready. As we sit down to enjoy it, we'll see your faces around our table as the spirit of this holiday brings us all together.

Rejoice and immerse yourself in "thanks" and "giving" and remember we love you as Thanksgiving fills your home this year!

Thankful Thoughts...Time

Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you.
~Carl Sandburg

Thankful for Time

Alone

It's interesting how much I crave solitude. I think it comes after I've spent the entire day listening to others, laughing and talking with my family and friends, and being on the go...constantly. I love to curl up on the bed and read free of distractions and the phone. Writing this blog while LD has her afternoon nap is always a joy. The moments of being alone help me recenter, refocus, and realize that my time alone ensures that the rest of the family will get a better piece of me.

Couple Time

Evenings chatting on the lanai when the house inside snores and dreams, brings HH and I back to where our relationship first took root: a wonderful conversation. We love our moments together on date evenings and enjoy snuggling on the sofa during a movie or while watching one of our favorite TV shows. Time spent just the two of us makes sure that the intimacy so vital in a relationship is burning. The kids will thank us when we celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary.

Children

What better way to remain young at heart than by sitting on the floor building with Legos or playing princess. HS keeps me in line with the school age angst, interests, and laughter. LD makes me stay limber as I dance around like a silly nilly while belting out our favorite songs from Music Together.

Time stands still for no one. That's while I'm thankful for the time that has been given to me. The seconds turn into minutes; minutes into hours; and hours into the memories that I reflect upon. Time brings me the joy that creeps across my face as witnessed in the smile or wink of a loved one. Time. What do do with yours?

New Moon Crazed

Honestly, I read the first book in the Twilight series because it was the read of the month last year for a book club. I was less than impressed. I know...I know...that's like saying Chocolate ice-cream isn't yummy or that Snickers bars need to be made without all the caramel and nuts. My feeling of the first book is that it had potential...so, I read through the first book...painfully holding onto it without putting it down unfinished. The second in the series, was a little less painful. The writing had evolved and I trudged through without as much pain. The third kept me awake reading way into the night and by the last book, I swear you would have thought that I had transformed into a vampire with the pale face and sunken eyes...only I didn't glisten like diamonds as they do in the book.

As far as the movies are concerned, I'm feeling like they are moving along as well as my readings of the book. I hated the acting in the first, guess I chalk that also to the fact that I am not a teeny bopper who is addicted to the latest heart throb. However, the excitement and anticipation for seeing the second movie, New Moon, led me to a gals night out and standing in line with 100 of my closet friends.

We enjoyed sitting in near-perfect seats and were enthralled for the next two hours with the fact that a 17 year-old could have muscles like the ones that Jacob had. Cougarville here we come...by the end of the movie, I am definitely more excited for the next in the series to hit the big screen. From the numbers who flocked to the theaters, Eclipse, the third in the series is sure to be another gal evenin'. Thank goodness for Fandango and fun friends.

In case you were wondering:

* New Moon makes history, becomes third biggest grosser.
* By the end of opening weekend it had made $140.7 million and $258.8 million
worldwide.
* I am still enthralled by Team Edward...but for this movie I ran to Team Jacob's
side.

Special Note:
Thank you HH for watching the kids so I could squeal along with the other 10 gals who joined us on this movie evenin' and giggle like a schoolgirl during the movie!

Thankful Thoughts...Nature

The hot sultry days of Hawaii are beginning to disappear as our cooler tradewinds fill the day with glorious 75 degree weather. I have to admit, it feels wonderful to wander around the house and look out my windows to a crystal clear blue sky and see the beautiful blue hue of Pearl Harbor lapping our shores. LD can go outside and play now at 10 and not be scorched by the sun's rays and I can still tinker around the flowerbeds during her afternoon nap without roasting. Nature provides us with backdrops for some marvelous things in our lives. I'm thankful that I've been taught how to appreciate beauty in what others may find disgusting, and I'm thankful that I have a family who is not afraid to step out into the unknown of a hike through God's beautiful quilt we call Earth. Today, I'm...

Thankful for Nature

Mountains

The more rugged the better. I adore the feeling of hiking along a trail not knowing what lies ahead...a squirrel in the tree? A chipmunk peering over a boulder twitching his tail as I walk by? A mongoose scurrying across to the trail in search of the perfect sleeping spot. Mountains rising from land are inspiring. The knowlege that it has taken them thousands of years to become what I see is humbling.

Prairies

I'm not fearful of seeing forever, I'm terrified of being trapped amongst buildings. Praire land opens it's abundance to me as I wander the fields around my Aunt's farm and I hear the call of the cattle in the pasture, the buzz of a bee checking to see if I'm sweet, and the touch of the wheat as it tickles my palms. To see my children now enjoying the same brings tears to my eyes...they, too, have the West in their hearts and it is growing within them like a beautiful butterfly grows within a cocoon.

Coasts

I remember my first time seeing the beaches of Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra, Florida. I thought I had died and gone to heaven as we moved into our apartment. That was the first beach area that I can rember sighing and saying, this is beautiful...for water. When we arrived in Monterey, California for our tour there, I looked at HH and hugged him for getting an assignment with such remarkale natural aspects. Finally, I was away from the "big" city life and enjoyed wandering along the bike path with HS in his stroller listening to the bark of the sea lion, the splashes of the sea otter, and feeling quite content with the mountains crashing into the rocky coastline of the West coast. Our tour in New England brought me back to the love of a rugged coast as we explored Rhode Island all the way to Maine. The smell of the salt air became invigorating, the chatter of the sea gulls over our heads as we hiked in Acadia, and the fishing boats leaving harbors for their quest for lobsta and fish brought about a calm that I had never experienced. I am in love with the ruggedness of a beach that can provide such wonderful moments with nature.

I have become a lover of the ocean and rugged mountains.

Thankful Thoughts...Health

I headed over the mountain today to visit my DF. There was no denying that today would be our day to chatter away...she had written herself onto my calendar! At about 7 am, she called..."hey! I know you're coming over this morning, but would you like to go running?" I love friends who try to keep my work-out schedule in line. "Sure." I replied. As we ran along the trail near the ocean, I couldn't help but think...God are we lucky people. Today, I'm...

Thankful for Good Health

My health:

I'm terrified of contracting some kind of cancer. I am. I freely admit it. I'm also scared of losing my mental abilities or my ability to move. Although I "hate" running, I love the feeling my heart gives when I've hit a good pace and I'm thankful that my legs will move.

My children's health:

Both of our children are blessings. After a miscarriage before HS and then struggling to keep him in my womb, I can still remember thinking how grateful we were that he had all ten fingers and toes. Then came five years of trying for another blessing. LD is a miracle. I lost count of how many miscarrages I had between HS and LD. Each brought me deeper into a purple funk that I felt hopelessly pulled into. Upon hearing that I was expecting, I remember crying and praying and screaming out in jubilation. The icing on already wonderful news...she, too is healthy.

Miracles of Medicine:

My family may be healthy now, but rain falls upon us all. I'm thankful that we have medicine and science on our sides. Treatments, early detection, and the brains of doctors who love their job will help when the need arises. I have experienced those treatments and people...a surgery to remove so many fibroids from my uterus that the only one who truly believed it would work out OK was the doctor who preformed the myomectomy. Proof of his ability: LD. My father went through testing, upon testing for early detection of prostate cancer. He, too, had a strong set of doctors and is now cancer free. We are lucky in our country. Medicine is important and health of our people is important. May we always be thankful for that.

Clark! Have you seen Superman?

I've thought for years that HH could go into a phone booth without hesitation and come back out as Superman. There was only a few minor missing pieces.

Before, he wandered around without his glasses. With a minor astigmatism there was no need. That was before the constant hours working and straining his eyes on computer screens, books, and briefs. Although I think he hated to finally face the fact that the dry, red eyes and blurry vision was his astigmatism gone mad, a trip to the optometrist and a vision screening proved that he was indeed Clark Kent and needed the missing piece: a nifty set of good looking glasses.

I was surprised during lunch today, when my Superman came through the door looking like a Clark Kent in Navy gear. Perfect in every way he could be. Including the glasses.

Thankful Thoughts...Words

It's interesting how one moment you're in the hum-drum daily living and the next POW! you've been hit by a funny word, an interesting story, or a phrase pops into your head. That's how it's been for me lately, anyway...well, actually, that's how it's been my entire life. I've been surrounded by story tellers. People who can make the pages in a favorite book come to life by portraying characters using special voices. I've had others that have given me some of my favorite sayings, ones that make people stop, wonder, and then giggle as they finally get what I said. Then, their are the sweet words. Ones that you don't hear very often because if you did, they would be overused and lose the nuance and special vibes that are given off when used infrequently. So, this Wednesday finds me:

Thankful for Words

Silly Grandpa Sayings (SGS):

My grandpa certainly knew how to use his saying to get our attention, reinforce a concept, or demonstrate the emotion he was feeling. I owe many of my funny speaking to him, so for those of you who wondered how in the world I came up with the saying, "full as a tick," well...I'm not the mastermind behind it. I frequently heard my grandpa say it after he had eaten a good meal while we were camping. Or "colder than a witches left tit" when our temperatures were dropping across the western chain in the winter. My favorite saying from him, "drier than a powder house fart" was in frequent use during the dry hot of the summers. I didn't coin these phrases. But I can't help but think of my grandpa whenever I use these and more. Not many days go by that I don't wish that I could sit with him near a lake while he "fishes" and begin giggling as he asks if I'd pull his finger or make him bear the pain. I know you're not suppose to have "favorites" in your family, but I think it is no secret, that to all of us, he was one of the most talented and loving individuals we'll ever know. He knew me to a "T" and thankfully, he still can be heard...in my quirky sayings.

Papa's Readings:

Growing up, my papa would read aloud several of the classics. My sister and I would sit on baited breath as Tom Sawyer's adventures came to life or we went on a wild adventure with Long John Silvers. It was the sound of his voice, the facial expressions and the theatrical readings that kept my sister and I looking forward to the next night when more of the story would be told. He is my inspiration for learning how to use my voice and give characters the chance to live within the sound of my voice as I read to HS and LD. I'm thankful that I had a dad who was and still is, willing to step out of his skin for awhile and let the voices of the characters live outside of the book binding.

Love from my family:

I'm not an easy person to get along with. I'm opinionated, strong-willed, and driven. I don't like to feel cornered and I can't stand to disappoint. I become a lioness when I feel my family, my kids, or my close friends are being attacked and the knowledge that these people love me for who I am serves as one of my greatest sources of happiness. Hearing my family say they are proud or say they love me is something that I am certainly thankful for. Many people may not feel how loved they are because they don't hear it. Telling someone they are "cool" or "awesome" not only pumps them up, but makes the one saying it feel good. I'm thankful that I've heard those words enough from my parents, husband, and children that I feel comfortable to share the same sentiments with others.

Sounds of Music

The other day, HS raced into the house after piano lessons holding out a book. In a breathless state of excitement he announced: "Look, mom! Lines! I have lines to play now! And...guess what...you don't need to play Christmas music on the stero...I can play the music now!"

I think after a daily dose of watching big brother play the piano, LD has decided that she is ready to begin her training. Only problem...she can't reach the pedals! That didn't seem to stop her from shouting out: "Mama! Watch!" as she busily played her own song.

Yes, we have sounds of music coming from our house. I doubt with a line reading pianist living here that much will be played this year over our speakers. I'm perfectly fine with that. Nothing sounds better than the plinking of a budding artist who is loving what he's doing. Right by his side is a sister who thinks the world of making music with him. Stop by and you may hear singing, giggling, Jingle Bells, a personal composition, or even if you're really lucky...the sounds of two kids playing for the love of hearing the world pause for a moment around them.

Thankful Thoughts...Music & Motion

Over the week, I've listened to HH whistle as he got rady for karate, watched HS practice his piano and enjoy his excitement over playing with "double hands", and loving that LD dances up a storm whenever she hears music. So, all three lead me to my Thankful Thought for this Monday:

Thankful for Music & Motion

Singing: Music has always been apart of me. Songs have inspired, cheered, encouraged, or reminded me. I can't help but being thankful that I have that voice. That I've been given the ability to use it with the students I taught, with my HH when he's down or just wanting to be silly, and with my darlin' kids. The gift of voice is a powerful antidote. It has helped them when they're sleepy and needing a little sense of calmness, it has given them favorites to sing with me, and now, I've heard them begin to pass along their love of using their own voices with people...and objects around them. Got to love the sound of a child's voice. Thank God they've been given the talent.

Piano: It was not a question of "if" or "maybe" for my children to learn how to play piano. It was a question of "when". I am thankful that for at least four generations members of my family have learned how to play and have loved playing the piano. The circle of players remains unbroken and the happiness that comes from sitting down and playing a tune for another remains intact. Just come over during piano practice one evenin' and you'll find HS and I sitting together playing for HH and LD as they play on the floor.

Motion: I am so very thankful that my children are healthy thus far. They have full range of motion and enjoy jumping, skipping, leaping, climbing, and dancing. The idea of having them ever loose that ability terrifies me, but now, I will rejoice that they are indeed not only happy, but very active and full of motion.

Rewards, Sushi, and Burping

Within the soul of every child, there is a part of them that yearns for a moment to share with just their mom. Away from the pressures of childhood, free from the happy chatter with friends, and without the distractions of a sibling. I remember taking mommy dates and papa dates and thoroughly enjoyed the time of being the focal point where I could freely chat. The apple hasn't fallen far from the tree.

As a way to encourage good behavior in school (I know...for those of you who don't believe in bribery then this may not be the post for you...) HS sets a goal for himself. Sometimes, his reward is very small, like an ice-cream cone from McDonald's or a game evening that he gets to stay up past 7:45 on a Friday (whoa! Night owl!). Other times, he shoots for the big stuff: a cool sound effects gun perfect for the daily wars games of our neighborhood, a new Lego set, or a family outing. Depending on the level, that sets how long he has to have a TIO free week.

Well, bless my soul, he still throws in a "mommy date" and that's the most recent reward he was trying to achieve. Now, please don't take the idea of this wrong. It's not like he's ignored all other points of the weeks that he doesn't strive for this outing. This one is extra special. He's by himself with me. He gets to pick where we eat and what activity we participate in (within reason...I'm not skydiving!). For the past two weeks, HS had set his sights on going to a local kaiten sushi bar followed by a movie with popcorn. Sold. All this could be his for just keeping quiet in class, following directions, and otherwise acting as a wallflower...not easy tasks for a child who gets his energy off of other's excitement! Achieve the reward was a daunting task...with each morning getting a kiss and a smile, followed by "I'm going to do GREAT today!!!" and then a flash of a wave and he was in his class line. Each afternoon, he'd enter the car and proudly give a thumbs up and announce how many more days he had to make it through in order to receive his prize. Finally, he was down to just "1". "I'm sure I can make it, mom...just you wait! I'm going to zip my mouth shut today!!!" Well, I'm sure he didn't go to extremes, but by Friday afternoon he was jumping up and down when I picked him up... "I MADE IT!!! Look!!! NO TIOS!!!!" Saturday afternoon couldn't come soon enough.

From the moment he got in the car, after being sure to comment on the fact we were taking the car that LD couldn't ride in because the car seats not in it, he was a chatter box. He sung to the crazy music with me, he giggled as he told little jokes that only a seven year old boy would truly think were funny, but his attempts and giggle got me giggling. He then proceeded to go over all his week's activities and the times that he had to tell people to hush..."mom, that's hard work...they just seem to have to talk to me!" We danced the sprinkler, dice roll, and window wash. All the while from the back seat I heard the pleasant sound of a child who had reached a level of happiness that is so nice to see...especially when it's over something that has been earned.

I had told HH before going on this date that I expected the bill to be about as high as if we went out just the two of us. "No way, hun...he's still little." Well, I was right...after chatting, talking, and devouring anything on the little conveyor belt, the bill proves that he is certainly growing up...and his belly is, too! It delights HH and I that he enjoys sushi just as much as we do. He's not squeamish and is quite adventurous when it comes to trying new food.

As we were finishing up our meal, HS leaned over. With a serious look on his face he said, "I've got the best mom in the world!" I smiled and said, "no...I have the best son in the world." For a moment, it was if time stood still. He giggled. "Do you know that some people can burp really loud after they eat lunch at school? It's disgusting!" Well, our touching moment was gone quickly, but followed by another round of chatter...I don't care what he talks about as long as he continues to think it's pretty cool to chat with his mom.

Thankful Thoughts...Kindred Spirits

“Kindred Spirits are not so scarce as I used to think. Its splendid to find out there are so many of them in the world.”

~Anne of Green Gables


Over the past few weeks, people have stepped in to offer assistance from the most menial to monumental tasks. The constant motion of a military life makes you extremely dependant surrounding yourself with good friends. Some, if you're lucky, become as close as family. Some of the people who step in to help are already members of my family. I'm surrounded by kindred spirits...people who make me a better person, share similar talents, or dare me to step away from my comfort zone of type-A personality.


Thankful for Kindred Spirits

Mom and Sister:

I remember when I was in middle school, my mother and I fought like cats and dogs. It was terrible. We (usually me) screamed, fussed, fumed, stormed and otherwise had very little healthy communication. Now, I wish I could take those moments back. Although we don't always agree, she is the first person that I think of to call when I really need to vent or cry. I know she'll listen and offer advice, but she'll never push me to make a decision based upon what she says. I have made many of my best choices after our phone calls. "I really wanted a brother..." my sister told me when I was also in that same tumultuous years of middle school. That statement drilled right through my core. I haven't forgotten it. Yet, I said some pretty bad things to her, too. She is the one person who never forgot to send a finals care package when I was in college, the first person to call and ask how a major event went, and the first person who will stay on the line and chat for an hour and a half without us even realizing we've been talking that long. God made us sisters, but our hearts have made us friends.

Long Time Friends:

Some friends have been in my life since I was very young. We've kept touch, called, and shed tears of happiness at our weddings. Others were made very early on our military road and we've rejoiced when our tours are co located, , chatted frequently when they weren't, enjoyed many dinners and outings, cried hard when the moving truck departed with household goods to a new duty assignment, and it is clear why our kids refer to these individuals and "Aunt" and "Uncle". These are the friends that don't have to ask how my day has been...they can tell just by my tone of voice.

New Friends:

A cup of coffee at Starbucks, chats on the lanai, walks around our island, and wonderful dinners shared between families have new friends quickly becoming dear friends. This tour I've been lucky to meet several ladies that have over the year, become near and dear to my heart. I have no doubt that years from now, we'll still be picking up the phone, laughing over TV shows, or fuming over long hours at work.

Thankful Thoughts...Fantastic 4

Lately, I've been enjoying reading other blogs. I think that's what inspired me to write my own in the first place. I enjoyed the idea of family and friends being able to quickly get the latest update without having to wait for an email or get a "mass" email...remember those? Writing the blog seems to also be my moment. My time to sit, reflect, and process the world that is moving around me.

During November, I find myself thinking of how quickly the holiday season is upon all of us. It was just yesterday that we were dressing last year's Thanksgiving turkey...now I'm gearing up to dress another! This year, I'd like to take an idea from a blog that I frequently read...she has been listing three things she is grateful/thankful for each day. Well, I'm going to modify that to my Monday and Wednesday posts for all this month. So, here are what come to mind for this Monday:

Grateful for the Fantastic 4

HH:

Talk about a patient man. He sat in my college dorm room and just listened to me chat about silly stuff. He waited for me to say "yes" to dating him after repeatedly hearing me say, "no...we're great friends!" Thirteen years of marriage, and he is still happy to sit with me snuggled up and hear me chat up nothing in particular. He is my sounding board and thank God for his patience. I'm not always easy to take. I'm enamored by him. He is dedicated to his job, his kids, and me. Even on his most demanding days, he will walk in the door, give me a kiss and answer the call to playing with one of the kiddos. He is an amazing man that when I first met him really didn't know himself nor did he have the confidence in his ablities. Now, he is confident, driven, and continues to inspire me to be better through his example.

HS:

My adventure buddy, my unique little soul who looks like my HH but has my personality. He has tried my patience since entering elementary school, but his compassion, creativity, and quest for adventure keep me mesmorized. I'm always wondering what he'll say or do next. He's better than watching television. He is on a mission to excel in what he does, he just marches to the beat of a different drum from many around him. That makes me love him all the more.

LD:

I'm so thankful to God for finally giving us the opportunity to add to our clan. Years of pain and tears left our family of 3 feeling like we were strong together but were missing an important final piece to our clan. LD is that piece. She's mellow, loving, happy, and 100% addicted to the rest of us. She gets us all in the spirit of dancing together, laughing at her silly faces, and yearning to always be the person who she can't wait to tell a story to.

My Darlin' Kids Together:

The kids are changing at an almost alarming rate. I never thought when I was teaching and watching parents with their children that when I had my own children the days would fly. I've mentioned frequently in my posts how I wish there was a pause or freeze button (conversely, for those moments that they are being holy terrors, I wish I could hit a fast forward). Lately, I've realized how much HS has evolved into a very independant soul. He is going to morph overnight into a teenager and I'm honestly not ready...he aleady is almost my height! LD no longer has her baby face. I've shed a number of tears over that...I know she is our last baby and there are days that I wish I knew I was capable of having more. Knowing that makes me wish she'd stay little for much longer. I can barely remember holding HS in my arms and now, LD with a full head of hair that is now as long as her shoulders, I have to really concentrate to remember her baldness.