School days

Aloha from far away,

Journee just got her school pictures back. You'll be receive yours with your Christmas card but I wanted to show ya'll her class picture. Journee's really good friend in class is Jeslyn (tall girl) but she gets along with everyone. She talks about a boy named Chaz a lot so I asked which one he was and she said "oh, you mean Mr. Slick," and laughed. She pointed him out (front row, second from left in white shirt) and said the photographer called him Mr. Slick but she called him Mr. Bling-Bling because of his necklace.

Her teacher, Jo Ann Iwami (pronounced ewome), is on the left and Ms. Mailes (prounounced mells), her student teacher, is on the right.

Journee is doing so much better in school this year and I'm so proud of her.

Hope you all have a blessed school year and can't wait to receive some school pictures myself.

Aloha,
Priya

Stampin Up

Aloha from Oahu,

Well, I went to my first card class this last weekend and had such a great time. It was just what my soul needed. Women, stamps and supplies. Only think missing was a Sonic diet coke with extra ice.

The cards we made took me 2 1/5 hours but I also had Journee with me and she took up a little time but not much. I took my laptop and she picked out a movie along with some pastels and sketchpad (she's quite an artist) and off we went. The drive was long, about 45 minutes, but we had a blast.

I can't even tell you which card is my favorite. I think the one with the wreath then I change my mind again. They were all fun to make but next time I'll allow myself more stamping time because I don't want to be rushed.

Take care and happy stamping,
Priya

My little ballerina

Journee is taking ballet lessons at the Mavis Tracy Ballet School here in Hawaii and she is loving it. It's something I should have done so long ago but better late than never. She always wants to wear her ballet outfit and dance around the house for me.

She was a little disappointed about wearing purple instead of pink but she is a positive person and is happy that she is in the purple class with her age group.

Beautiful, isn't she?

Thunder and Lightning

Well, well, well,

Last week I was just saying to someone how I missed the thunderstorms in Oklahoma and this weekend I got my fill of 'em. We had lighting and thunder, which are rare on the Hawaiian Islands) on Saturday night and Sunday night not to mention rain all day Sunday. I just dove into a couple of books and enjoyed watching Journee make up ballet dances for me (the audience). She even tells me when to clap. Hahaha..

Aloha from far away,
Priya

ps. I found the picture on the web -- lightning over hawaii

Trick or Treat

Aloha,

We had a great Halloween here in Hawaii. It rained most of the day but stopped for the 2-hour trick or treating time frame and then started raining again.

Journee was dressed as Princess Jasmine this year (for trick or treating) and she looked lovely (un-biased). She walked around my sister's circle and then down two other streets and she was done. There were lots more houses giving out candy but she was tired. So, we went home and it started raining two minutes after we pulled in the drive. She must be psychic.

Halloween in Hawaii is awesome. People here love this holiday so much and really go all out decorating their houses and porches for the kids. I snapped a pic of Journee before we headed out but the flash was hurting her eyes.

After going by my sister's house we went next door to Lori's house and she was dressed up as a witch, with green face paint and all.

The other pics are of people's houses on my sister's circle.

We had a great Halloween and hope you did too.

Aloha from far away,
Priya

New in town

Aloha all,

Had to share the news -- the first Walgreens opened its doors today in Honolulu. Kaneohe (my town) will have one in 2008 and I'm looking forward to it.

Take care and much aloha,
Priya

Pumpkin carving

Sunday evening we went over to my friend Danielle’s house for pumpkin carving. It was my first carving ever as was Journees. We had three little pumpkins. One was from the Treat Street that Journee picked out and two others that we bought. Journee drew her face and I carved out the top and let her scoop out the inside and while I carved out another small one.

Then, I decided to carve a big pumpkin since the small was had been easy and was very theraputic. The larger one was harder though and took more time but I was so proud of it.

This was such a fun event. Who knew I would love carving pumpkins. Maybe I was born to be a sculptor. Heeheehee…

Another costume contest...

Journee had so much fun Saturday at the Treat Street she wanted to be in another costume contest Sunday. I found one happening at the Swap Meet (open at the UH football stadium every Wed, Sat and Sun). She entered this one and played on their bouncy house until the contest. A little girl won this one and again Journee was a little sad but got past it quickly.

It didn’t detour her any because she is entering the school contest on Halloween.

The say that people who get a tattoo gets addicted and that’s why they get more and more – well Journee is addicted to costume contests I think. Heeheehee.

Treat Street

Today Journee had her first ballet lesson and totally loved it. After her class we got ready for the Kailua Treat Street in Kailua, HI. Journee went as the next ‘American Idol,’ and she looked so cute. The block party was so much fun with pumpkin picking, a costume contest and lots of games for the kids.

We took my niece, Alyssa, and she was dressed as a fairy. Though she’ll be 20 in December she still loves to dress up.

Halloween is such a huge holiday here in Hawaii. The contest had over 400 contestants. Journee wanted to win a trophy so badly but the costumes picked were mostly homemade ones from cardboard boxes that people (parents) decorated.

We had a great time and enjoyed looking at all the costumes. Journee loved seeing the dogs dressed up.

Journee and Alyssa even got a picture with Wally Amos (better known as ‘Famous Amos’ the cookie guy).

Speakeasy

This was a busy weekend for us. Friday evening Journee and I went to a ‘Speakeasy Party.’ These types of parties came about in the 20s during prohibition. The party was lots of fun but keeping up the acting was difficult.

I have always wanted to dress up as a flapper and this was my chance though Journee looked much cuter than I.

Everyone looked great and we had such a blast.

Here’s the plot to the murder mystery party:

Tess (played by Christine the lady in red) works for a guy named Rey (not pictured) who throws this party at his new club, The Crimson Pear. Rey ends up being murdered and we (the partygoers) have to find out who did it. We were given fake money to bribe people with for clues.

Everyone had a great time and in the end, after all the bribing, we found out it was Jack Archer, Rey’s right-hand man (played by Ronald Stauffer the man in black).

Journee had a great time playing her role as Molly and orphan child who worked at The Crimson Pear as a shoeshiner and singer/dancer. My role was that of Sharon Singleton, a woman of great money, though no one know where it came from. I drove the getaway car in a bank robbery and got money from that.

We all had a good time and look forward to our next murder mystery party.

A little magic

Aloha all,

Well, we had a visit from the Toothfairy last night. This visit was the most special so far because she left pink fairy dust in Journee's tooth container.

I was getting ready this morning when I heard Journee scream "Mommy, look" and I could hardly believe my eyes when she showed me her fairy dust. It was so beautiful and Journee was so excited (which made my heart burst with joy).

And, here's the best part......Journee shared it with me. So, today we both have a little fairy dust on our cheeks.

Aloha,
Priya

Day at the Beach

Aloha all,

Recently Journee and I went to a beach birthday party. Journee decided to finally use her snorkel mask and look under the water. She was amazed at the world in the water and doesn't seem to be afraid of touching the stuff she sees. We had to talk about touching things when we don't know what they are. I don't want to scare her but I don't want her to get hurt either.

It's wonderful to see your child discover the things God created, isn't it?

Aloha and malama pono
(love and take care),
Priya

The meme game...

Aloha friends,

This game came from Christa (who tagged me). Please read the following and participate along with me.

First off what does 'meme' mean...according to Craig another blogger, "I think that meme (pronounced like meem) is actually a word that describes cultural ideas or practices that are passed down similar to genes. I think the idea is that this middle name thing will be passed down over and over and become a meme."

The rules: you must list one fact that is somehow relevant to your life for each letter of your middle name. If you don't have a middle name, use the middle name you would have liked to have had.

Here’s mine: Priya SHAWN Jenkins

S – Sunny days here in Hawaii make me homesick for the first snowfall, the sweet smell of spring, morning dew on the grass, Red Bud trees, seeing firewood outside grocery stores in winter and flowers in spring. ‘These are some of my favorite things…’

H – Heaven. When I get sad thinking about my short time here on earth with Journee, I remember that one day we’ll be together again in Heaven.

A – Amazement is what I feel when I think of the awesome responsibility God gave me when he graced me with Journee. Every time I watch her I am amazed at how absolutely wonderful she is and how blessed I am to be her mom.

W – Water. Since living in Hawaii I drink more water on a regular basis. You know in Oklahoma the tap water isn’t always the best but in Hawaii it tastes like bottled water.

N – Nonsmoker. That’s what I am now and forever (going on 6 months now and don’t even want to smoke).

Should you decide to add this game to your own blog then at the end of your post, you need to choose one person for each letter of your middle name to tag. But, I say just tag whomever you want.

I am tagging Michelle, Hope, Heather and John. If you want you can play along just by leaving an anonymous comment. I would love to see your middle name and a relevant fact about your life.

Love and miss you all.

Many alohas,
Priya

PS – Look for a blog from Journee over the weekend with her middle name.

'Homegrown Celebration'

Here are some more pictures from the Windward Ho‘olaule‘a. Journee enjoyed the bouncey houses, the swings and slides. I enjoyed watching her and listening to the beautiful music. I even called my mom so she could hear the music she is missing back in Oklahoma.

Artists at work

On Saturday, Sept. 22 Journee and I went to the annual Windward Ho‘olaule‘a (Homegrown Celebration). The festival featured local entertainment, ‘ono (good) food, unique island crafts, keiki games, a silent auction and high-tech Imaginarium. The bouncey houses were the same as the ones at the Benji fair but Journee didn’t mind.

There was a booth set up for painting fish. It’s actually a form of art some people do here with real fish. But, it is really difficult (even on the rubber fish we used). First, you pick your fish (Journee picked the seastar and I picked a regular fish). Then you pick your paint colors (by the time we used it you were lucky to get any color other than black). Next, you paint your fish and then place the paper over it and hold it and press on the outside areas. Then you let it dry.

Both picture are hanging on Journee’s door. We like them and will eventually frame them.

See Tamara, we’re aspiring artists too. :-)

Climbing the Rock Wall

Each year at the Benji Fair (this is our third one to attend) the ride people bring a rock climb. Journee has never climbed it nor have I encouraged her to – until this year. I told her she should try it and that I would be right there along with the guys who assist the kids.

Well, she had trouble at first and then got the hang of it. After she was about 25 feet in the air she finally looked at me and when she saw how high up she was her face lost all of its color and she decided to come back down.

She was such a trooper. She didn’t want to do it again but she was proud of herself for doing it – as was I.

A day at the fair

Journee’s school recently held their annual Benji Fair (Benji for Benjamin Parker Elementary). The different grades have booths selling various items (Journee’s sold spam musubi – local delight [rice and spam wrapped in seaweed]– and had a fish pond) in order to raise money for the school. The school provides bouncey houses, face painting and other games.

A favorite game of all the children is the paperclip toss where the keiki (children) toss a paperclip into cups. Of course all children are awarded a prize -- a goldfish. Journee ended up bringing home 6 goldfish.

I’ve selected various pictures from the Benji Fair.

One is of Journee and her classmates doing the Macarena dance for the audience. Another is of her getting her face painted by the school counselor. In the spinner ride are Journee and her friends Katelyn and Kierstan (and Katelyn’s little brother). The last picture is of Journee working at her class’s booth. She enjoyed working the fish pond booth.

When I was her age, my grandmother took me to the annual Flag Day parade in Wanette, Okla, and I loved selling items for the Eastern Star. It made my heart smile to see Journee enjoying to help the little kids catch a fish (gift).

Land of Plenty Rainbows

Aloha all,

As my header says... Hawaii is the 'Land of Plenty Rainbows.' I say plenty meaning many in pidgin (local Hawaiian). I took this picture one recent morning. I was taking Journee to school and saw this pretty rainbow so we pulled over and got this picture. Just wanted to share this with you.

Aloha and have a terrific weekend,
Priya

Family birthday party

Aloha all,

Well, last night was Journee's family birthday party. We had my sister, brother-in-law and niece over for dinner and cake. Journee had a great time and couldn't wait to wear her new jacket Aunty Teresa got her to school this morning.

Aunty also brought over an ice cream cake from Cold Stone (Journee's favorite -- only because she doesn't remember Braums) and it was delicious. Journee chose a chocolate devil's food cake with chocolate ice cream with chocolate shavings in it. It was great but so rich -- truly from the devil.

Journee was so happy with her parties and gifts. This was truly a blessed birthday for all of us.

Take care and look for more blogs soon.

Priya

Aloha all,

Well, the party is over, the confetti has been swept up and birthday exhaustion is almost a thing of the past.

The party was a success. Everyone pitched in to help us out. Dean’s friend Kalani showed up early to help set up the tents and do last minute shopping. My friend Danielle’s dad and brother brought over tables and chairs and Danielle picked up the helium balloons. Everyone blew up balloons and we grouped them with paper clips (great trick) and tied them to the corners of the tents for decoration and hung crape paper from the tents as well.

Journee’s colors were disco pink, baby pink, plum and lavender. It was a great combination for a Hannah Montana party.

The bouncy house guys delivered and set up the waterslide, which was a hit. So much so that the kids didn’t want to play games but did at my request.

We played the donut eating contest (donuts hung from the tent by curling ribbon and the kids had to eat the donuts with their hands behind their backs. The little girls played the ‘pin the hair on Hannah Montana’ game.

We ate hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and chili and rice. And, of course had cake (both chocolate and yellow) and ice cream (chocolate and vanilla).

I put miniature water guns in the goodie bags and the parents had a great time playing with those as well as some water balloons I had. And, after the little kids left the parents had a blast on the waterslide. I was a little scared about climbing up the ladder and going down the slide (even though it is bouncy – I am still clumsy) but I decided that it had to be done or I would regret it later on. Let me just say that I have decided I want a waterslide for my birthday party (I’ll throw it myself). Heehee…

Once we turned off the water at 5 p.m. (started at 11 a.m.) the party was over and everyone started leaving (which was okay because I was tuckered out and so was Journee).

I would suggest to all to rent a bouncy house waterslide at least once in their lifetime. This was the best birthday party I have ever thrown or been to (according to my friends and Journee’s).

Not only did everyone enjoy it, Journee gave me hugs all day, telling me thank you and how happy she was. She said it was the best day of her life and honestly it was probably the best day of mine too (except the day my Lord blessed me with her).

Priya

Midnight Snacks

Aloha all,

Well, my sweet Journee has decided that she needs to keep a midnight snack by her bed. When I asked her if she knew what a midnight snack is she said 'no'. So, I explained that it's what we eat when we wake up in the middle of the night and are hungry. She boldly stated that she needed one and fixed herself a container of cocoa puffs and teddy grams to keep by her bed.

So, tonight before I read her a story she decided to eat some of her snacks just in case she didn't wake up at midnight she said.

Journee is so funny and sweet. She makes my days and nights.

My cup runneth over......

All my love,
Priya

Not the Cereal

Aloha friends,

Just wanted to share something sweet and funny with you this morning. You know how most parents have some type of nickname for their children. Well, I have called Journee 'Journee Bean' all of her life but I also call her Sugar Pie. And, as if that isn't enough I even add on Honey Bunches of Oats. So, I call her my Sugar Pie Honey Bunches of Oats. You may laugh, but I like it. Well, I sometimes ask Journee if she's my Sugar Pie and of course she says yes.

So, here's the funny part. Last night after Journee got out of the bathtub she walked by the kitchen where I was and said "Honey Bunches of Oats is out of the bathtub now." I had to keep my chuckles in but I thought it was so funny and sweet.

It's amazing how our words affect our children. Especially our terms of endearment.

More funny stories to come.

Party Time

Aloha friends,

Well, it's almost Journee's 7th birthday and the invitations are being sent out. We already had one RSVP.

As many of you know, Journee's birthday is actually on the 19th but we is having a party at home with a bouncy waterslide party on the 15th. We have a couple of party games planned. Journee wants to play 'pin the tail on the donkey' and 'donut on a string eating contest'. If you have any game ideas, please pass them on.

I have attached photos to this blog: one of the invitations I made on my computer and one of the waterslide I pulled from the company's Web site where we are renting it from.

I can't believe Journee will be 7 years old. Man how time flies.

We will miss you this birthday but I am so happy that we have such wonderful friends who care about Journee so much and and proud to watch her grow.

Local delight

Aloha all,

I just wanted to share some pictures from my dinner the other night. We took out dinner from a local place up the street called Sumo Ramen.

This pork katsu (pork strips battered in panko) and fried to perfection. The meal also came with soy beans and spicy kim chee (cabbage like veggies) and a bowl of Miso soup (a traditional Japanese soup consisting of a stock called dashi). We also ordered a side of steamed rice and a side of california-type rolls (sushi). These are in the black bento box. They can come with an assortment of veggies and meat (raw or cooked) and wrapped in seaweed and rice. They come with a side of wasabi (very spicy hot sauce).

My meal consisted of the ramen (noodles with veggies and fish cake (pink and white)) with a side of fried rice and a side of chicken katsu (made the same way as pork katsu). The ramen sometimes smells a little strong but is delicious and their fried rice is the best I've ever had. I don't eat the red ginger though. I also had a side of gyoza (dumplings filled with shrimp, pork or chicken). They didn't make it in my picture so I downloaded a picture from a restaurant Web site. The sauce they come with is like a soy/terriyaki sauce. It's very good.

I know this is a little different from "normal" Oklahoma dishes but it's delicious. While eating this meal I came across many different smells, tastes and textures and it made me thankful to have all of my senses. I would hope that all of my friends take a step away from their comfort zone and travel to a places that serve Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai, Indian, and other ethnic cuisine just to try it once and remind yourself why you love to eat.

Take a chance and see what the world has to offer.

All my love from far away,
Priya

Ope'ape'a

Last night at Journee’s school’s family fun fair the keiki (children) made craft projects. The theme was bats. A children’s book author was supposed to visit to talk about her new book about the Hawaiian bat (ope’ape’a) and how it is endangered. The Hawaiian bat lives on the Big Island, Lanai’i and Maui.

In support of the book and reading, the children made bat mobiles, bat clips, bat cookies and pom pom spiders last night. Journee had a great time and said the bat cookie was her favorite activity. You can see in the pics why she would think that.

Look out this Halloween, a bat clip or pom pom spider may be creeping your way…BOOooOOoo.