The Road I Travel ...

My two girls

2010-10-05T08:54:00.001-10:00

My two daughters, Journee and Saydee. I never imagined life could be this wonderful but the Lord amazes me every day.

My family

2010-10-05T08:46:00.003-10:00

First the Lord blessed me and Journee with Jerry.

Then, He blessed the three of us with Saydee.

Back to Blogspot

2009-11-02T18:22:00.003-10:00

Back to Blogspot ... Shanna has inspired me to start posting again. If only scrapbooking were as easy.

There will be lots of photos in the coming weeks ... my life has changed a lot this past year and I've been blessed with new friends/family so I'm excited to share them with you.

The Flight Home

2008-08-16T16:47:00.001-10:00

Pics from our flight back to Oklahoma...

Final Days in Hawaii

2008-08-10T11:44:00.004-10:00

Aloha friends and family,

It's been a long time since I updated my blog but I'll do better from now on. Look for a lot of upcoming slideshows -- some are from hawaii and lots of new ones from oklahoma. Hope you enjoy them.

Sea Life Park adventure

2008-06-07T22:28:00.004-10:00

Journee and I had a great day at Sea Life Park for our dolphin encounter. We took my friend's daughter Selena to help take photos and just enjoy the day with us. It took Journee a second to warm up to the dolphins -- they are rather large animals. I must admit -- it was something I would encourage others to do with their children. Making memories -- that's what life's about...

Glow Putt

2008-06-07T21:44:00.002-10:00

Here's a slideshow from our evening with Journee's friend Kaitlyn. I took them to see Kung Fu Panda and then to play Glow Putt golf at Windward Mall in Kaneohe. We had a great time and it was fun for me to see Journee having a good time with her friend. We're sad about leaving our friends here but excited about seeing our friends in Oklahoma and making new memories with them.

2008-06-05T22:28:00.002-10:00

Here's a slideshow from Journee's last day of school. I attended the 6th grade graduation to see my friend's daughter Cheyenne graduate and give her a candy lei. Then, I went to Journee's classroom to help with the party. The keiki had such a good time and it's always funny for me to see them love to eat the spam musubi (spam and rice wrapped in seaweed). Journee's looking forward to the menu at Moore Schools. But, we are going to make leis for the kids there -- bring a little aloha to Oklahoma. Hope you enjoy the pics.

Polynesian Cultural Center -- video 1

2008-06-05T22:11:00.002-10:00

Here's a slideshow from the sea. I went out on a tour boat with friends who work on the boat. Hope you enjoy the slides.

Horizon's show at the Polynesian Cultural Center

2008-06-05T22:06:00.003-10:00

Here's a slideshow from the Horizon's show at the Polynesian Cultural Center. The evening show is great and entertaining. You see the different dances of the Polynesian islands. The performers are excellent and it's a must see too.

Polynesian Cultural Center

2008-06-05T21:57:00.002-10:00

Everyone must visit the Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu. It is such a great place with lots to see, do and learn about. The people are great and fun and it's a great family place. And, the proceeds go to BYU students. You cannot see and do everything in one day -- it takes two or three. We had a great time but my feet and legs were so sore after. Hope you enjoy the slideshow.

Samoan Fire Knife Dance

2008-06-03T19:14:00.003-10:00

Samoan warriors display courage, strength and bravery as they perform the traditional Samoan fire knife dance during the Horizons show at the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie, Hawaii. Slide show from our visit at the Polynesian Cultural Center to come.

Memorial Day Slideshow

2008-05-31T09:25:00.001-10:00

May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii

2008-05-25T08:34:00.004-10:00

Journee and classmates at May Day
Journee's class doing their Pokeman dance
Journee's class walking back to chairs after May Day dance
2nd graders dancing -- purple girl is Journee's friend Katelyn
6th grade conch shell blowers -- the did awesome

May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii

The first Lei Day was held May 1, 1928, and everyone in Honolulu was encouraged to wear a lei or many. Festivities were held in downtown with hula, music, lei making demonstrations and exhibits and lei making contests.

At Journee's school, the keiki (children) celebrated multi-cultural awareness (which here is japanese, korean, samoan, american, hawaiian, portuguese, chinese, vietnamese). The kids did an awesome job. Journee's class did a Pokeman dance and wore oversized aloha shirts wrapped around them and tied with a sash to represent the Japanese kimono.

I will miss the May Day celebrations.

Ballet Recital

2008-05-20T22:36:00.004-10:00

Journee in her beautiful costume (Lilac fairy)
Kris doing Journee's makeup
Me and Journee after the Saturday evening performance
On stage
In their dressing room (6 and 7 year olds)

Journee's ballet recital was this past weekend. She had so much fun getting her makeup done by Kris and then performing on stage. She had good fun but has decided she wants to take up gymnastics rather than ballet in Oklahoma. It was so much fun watching the kids dance and have fun.

Puohala Concert and Craft Fair

2008-05-20T22:18:00.006-10:00

Journee holding a bunny at the petting zoo

This year the 'pony ride' was actually a 'horse ride'
Me weaving my hat from palm leaves from a coconut tree
My palm leaf hat -- the finished product

We visited the annual Puohala Concert and Craft Fair for Puohala Elementary Hawaiian Immersion School. The fair is tons of fun and they had awesome dancers and performers as well as crafts, bouncy houses and a petting zoo. While Journee was playing on the bouncy houses I took the time to weave a hat with palm leaves. It took me an hour and a half but the end product was worth it.

Kualoa Ranch

2008-05-20T22:11:00.004-10:00

Kualoa Ranch from the road
Journee petting a horse with tourists in the background
Journee petting a horse. She has begged me to stop by everyday since this...

We pass Kualoa Ranch everyday and I always say we'll stop by one day. Journee had a field trip there once and had a great time. Well, lately the ranch's horses have been out in the front area and we stopped by to visit with them. Journee loves horses and is excited about coming back to Oklahoma and seeing my brother's horses. My brother Tim raises Paint horses and has quite a few from what I hear.

The ranch here is beautiful and next week during the holiday we'll stop in and visit the other animals on the ranch. Hopefully more pics to come.

Our New Baby

2008-05-20T21:44:00.005-10:00

Journee and Alana
Me and Thaoy
Alana sleeping
Thaoy's mom and Alana

My good friends Thaoy and Tin had their daughter 3 weeks ago. Her American name is Alana and her Vietnamese name is Thuy Lyn which means 'gentle spirit'. She is such a beautiful baby and I'm so glad we got to meet her. It was amazing for Journee to know Alana in her mommy's belly and then to see her at the hospital.

Thao and Tin are great parents and we look forward to watching Alana grow and see them in the future. Hopefully they'll be able to visit Oklahoma in the future and we are planning a trip to Vietnam with them.

We also met Thaoy's mom (we called her Auntie) who came to visit from Boston. Auntie and I went to Chinatown twice and had good visits. She was also nice enough to sew up some clothes that needed fixing. Thaoy's mom teased Journee about taking her back to Boston with her -- hopefully we can visit one day. She cooked many different types of food and desserts for us and hopefully I can get the recipes and fix for Oklahoma friends (don't scrunch your nose -- it's good food). heehee...

Mokapu Lighthouse

2008-05-20T21:28:00.004-10:00

Me at the top of the lookout
Kris and Ata
The lighthouse in the background
Overview -- isn't it gorgeous???

Some type of cactus we saw growing along the roadway up to the lookout. It looks like a seastar

Another day during my vacation, friends Kris and Ata (both from school) and I walked up to the Mokapu Lighthouse lookout. It is a long walk up and I was exhausted but it was so worth it once you see the view. This lookout is also the best place to see whales but we were late in the season. We had a great time and it was good exercise and good fun. I was so happy and proud to make it to the top and I screamed delight when I made it to the top.

Ocean Play

2008-05-20T21:00:00.005-10:00

Steven and Selena paddling in
Steven and Kris (it was raining hence the jacket)

Recently I had my vacation and did some ocean sports with friends as well as other outdoor activities to be blogged about later.

My friend Kris is a super outdoorsy type of gal and I love that about her. She has gotten me out of my comfort zone and into the great outdoors recently and it was awesome. Kris paddles for Kaneohe Canoe Club and she invited me out one evening to participate. I had a blast even though they just stick you in a canoe and turn you loose (12 man double hull for the newbies) and 6 man for the old timers. Not really do they turn you loose. They tell you to paddle out into the deep blue and it's awesome and scary. They make it look so easy but let me tell you it was rather difficult and my arms hurt for days after -- and so did my fingers from gripping the paddle so tightly. Paddling is really big here as you can imagine and I wish I had been introduced long ago. It was good fun and if you get the opportunity -- take it.

Unfortunately I don't have pictures from paddling but we also did go out and kayak one day with Kris's family. The same family who rides motorbikes (dirtbikes). Yes, I did mention they are outdoorsy. They would fit in well in Oklahoma. Kayaking was different than paddling because you were by yourself in the kayak (one-man) and the paddles are different.

I have pics of Kris's husband Steven and their oldest daughter Selena but when I paddled out with Selena I had Journee and their youngest daughter Korinn take pics and they ended up with a video. Maybe I can make it work for you to see.

If not, just imagine me out there laughing and paddling and screaming for Selena to not paddle too far away from me -- all while I was trying to not paddle in (into the sand).

It was good fun and something you should all try.

Morning Awesomeness

2008-04-24T14:37:00.003-10:00

This morning Journee and I walked out our apartment and up to our car and saw this beautiful sight. The moon just resting between mountain tops with the 'crouching lion' to the right. Hope you can make out his paws, head and tail.

Hawaii is really a beautiful place and I'm amazed at how different it always looks. Next week I'll post more pictures from around the island during my vacation.

Twin Day

2008-04-23T13:23:00.005-10:00

Journee and Kaitlin -- the twin Hannah Montanas.
Journee and Kaitlin -- the twin Hannah Montanas

Today is a spirit day at Journee's school and they are celebrating twins. So, two students in the same class get to dress as twins for the day and the classrooms competed in a contest to get the most twins.

Journee and her friend Kaitlin dressed as Hannah Montana. Journee was so excited about today she hurried up and got dressed this morning and sang Hannah Montana songs the whole 30 minute drive into school. Yeah!!! Well, actually I sang with her. Part of my mommy duties.

The girls looked so cute and I had to share the pic.

Island Reggae

2008-04-14T15:13:00.004-10:00

Journee at the concert with Diamond Head crater in the background.
Me, Journee, Aunty Thao and baby Alana (soon to appear).
Thao sticking her tongue out at me with the stage in the background. Remember your children do as you do. Heehee ...
Reggae band at local diner down the street from our house -- on Sunday afternoon.

Journee and I went with friends to a Jammin Hawaiians concert Saturday evening at the Waikiki Shell. There were about 8,000 people there and we had a great time. Great music, great friends, great food equals great fun. The Waikiki Shell is an outdoor concert hall and my parents saw Jimmy Buffet there three years ago. The concert lasted a few hours and we saw bands like Fiji, J Boog, Laga Savea, Big Every Time, Lukie D, O-Shen, Kekoa, Rebel Soldierz and more. It was such an awesome concert and I'm so glad I went.

Check out the following Web site for a reporter's pics from the concert.

http://starbulletin.com/blogs/sonecessary/jammin-hawaiians-pics/

Then, as if Saturday's bands weren't enough we stopped at the local diner by our house for a reggae-fest on Sunday.

It's hard to believe I love country music and reggae music both and they are both so completely different.

Dirt Bike Sunday

2008-04-14T14:58:00.005-10:00

Me and Kris
Selena, left, Korin and Journee
Korin and Journee with their earrings they made from things on the ground. Cute, huh? Talented our girls.
Journee with Steven
Me on Selena's bike

Journee and I went out with friends (Kris, her husband Steven and their daughters Korin and Selena) dirt bike riding last Sunday. We had a blast and can't wait to go again. Journee rode with Steven and I rode Selena's bike by myself. It was scary but fun and I would suggest trying it if you ever get the opportunity.

We had lunch and laughed and the girls gathered flowers and sticks and made earrings. Cute, huh?

House Arrangements for Sale

2008-03-26T15:45:00.003-10:00

Plants for sale along the side of the road
Our home arrangement with eggs hidden around. Next to the plants are our old glass fishing buoys. My mom got them at an antique shop and I love them.

House arrangements for sale along the side of the road are a common site in Hawaii. Journee and I stopped by this one and picked out a small arrangement for our new home. We are lucky to live in such a wonderful place with beautiful plants and flowers.

Tetherball

2008-03-24T15:18:00.003-10:00

The bunny cake Danielle's mom decorated
Journee and Jacey playing tetherball
Journee and Jacey playing tetherballJournee and Jacey playing tetherball

After hunting eggs with Danielle's family we went back to her house and had dinner and entertainment. The dinner was great as always (ham, mac-n-cheese, brussels sprouts, rolls and an easter bunny cake. The keiki provided the entertainment playing tetherball that Danielle's brother Jason built.

I was surprised Journee wanted to play but she was a trooper, much more athletic than me.

Easter Egg Hunt #3

2008-03-24T15:05:00.004-10:00

Jacey and Journee running towards the hill where the eggs were hidden
Journee running down the hill in search of eggs
The beautiful backdrop of the Koolau Mountains
Sleeping grass
Me and Journee at the hunt

Easter egg hunt #3 was held at Ho'omaluhia Botanical Gardens. There are lots of little park areas there and people do egg hunts in this one special (steep) hill area. It was so beautiful and fun. We went with our friend Danielle's family and there were 105 eggs and eight kids. The kids hid in the bathroom while the parents hid the eggs. Then, we let them loose. The little kids, Journee, Jacey and Kayden came running out first. Then the older kids.

Journee and I were also introduced to 'sleeping grass' (aka known as shy grass). When you touch it, it closes up and acts shy. It's the most amazing thing I've ever seen. It really makes you aware of the grass being alive and gives you a new perspective. I took a pic of the grass but am unable to capture the movement without video. That's something for me to try to get for you. I don't know if they have this on the mainland or not but you must see it. It's something special to see.

Easter Egg Hunt #2

2008-03-24T14:56:00.003-10:00

Journee showing off an egg
Me and Journee with her bunny the 'Bunny' brought her
Journee and Auntie Teresa getting the jelly beans out of the eggs
Journee with her Cheetah Girl doll Auntie got her
The green lizzie -- Can you find him?

Easter egg hunt #2 happened at my sister home. Teresa, my sister, hid 45 plastic eggs in her yard for Journee and they all held pink (Journee's favorite color) jelly beans except two. Those were the money eggs. One money egg had four dimes and the other one had a dollar bill. Journee was so excited about going to Auntie's house that she passed three eggs just walking down the path to the door. During the hunt, I came across a green lizzie (lizard) in the shrubs and had to take a pic. Can you see him?

After the egg hunt, Auntie Teresa and Journee dished out the jelly beans and Journee opened her Cheetah Girl doll that sings. Thanks bunches Auntie. We love you.

Easter Egg Hunt #1

2008-03-24T14:45:00.004-10:00

Journee's balloon bunny
Journee getting 'inked'
Journee's bunny tattoo. She loves tattoos and has a moon one above that one (covered by her sleeve).
Journee and the Easter Bunny on base

Easter egg hunt #1 took place on K-Bay Marine Corps Base where I work. We went to this egg hunt the first Easter we spent here and Journee was one of the 'slow' keiki (children). This year, she was out the gate but a little upset the eggs weren't 'hidden'. More like just thrown in the grass. But, she still had a grand time. She also got a balloon bunny and a bunny tattoo. She even asked for it to be red, white and blue -- I thought that was sweet. We also listened to stories about Easter eggs and how the bunny ended up bringing them and watched a puppet show.

Hope ya'll had a happy Easter. Look forward to coloring eggs and hunting in Oklahoma next year.

The Great Outdoors

2008-03-04T10:13:00.006-10:00

To the left outside our front door. To the left of this rock formation is the 'crouching lion' -- i'll get pics of it soon.
To the right outside our front door. This is where we saw the humpbacks. And Journee said she likes hearing the sound of the ocean in the morning. I must admit it's beautiful to see and hear.

As you know, Journee and I recently moved to Kaaawa (w sounds like v and a's are said twice - elongated on the second one). I will be posting inside photos later on this week but the outside view is wonderful. We sit right under the 'crouching lion' (to the left) and directly across and above the ocean (to the right).

So these pictures are what we see when we walk out our front door and look to the left and right.

We saw whales (humpback) from our parking lot this past weekend. We just saw them rolling and playing. A friend saw them breaching (jumping out of the water) on Sunday. Hopefully we'll be able to get some pictures of them soon. They'll travel back to Alaska in May.

Look for inside pictures of our new home soon.

Many alohas coming your way...

Picture day

2008-02-29T10:54:00.003-10:00

Thursday was picture day at school. Most of Journee's clothes are a little old so she got to pick out a new outfit from Children's Place. She was so excited and had to show me everything. She plum wore me out showing me outfits and trying them on. She decided on a pink skirt, pink leggings, white long-sleeved shirt and a two-tone pink spaghetti strap top. She wore her Hannah Montana shoes with the outfit. I had to take a full pic of her that morning because I didn't know how they would pose her for the picture. Oh, and she had a pink scrunci in her hair, which was newly cut but you can't see it.

I love leggings and Journee loves them too. We hope they are popular in Oklahoma. She's so excited about not having to wear a uniform to school.

Tea Partytime

2008-02-29T10:44:00.004-10:00

Journee finished her 400 sight words and we celebrated by having a tea party. Journee fixed the bologna pizza (taught to her by her Grumpy [grandpa]) and I supplied the cookies and chocolates. Not to mention the sparkling berry lemonade.

We ate chocolate and drank lemonade until we were full. I didn't eat the bologna pizza but Journee did. In fact, it's her favorite.

Now, she's onto a new sight word book. For those of us who don't know what sight words are -- they are the most frequently used words in the english language and sometimes words that children cannot sound out. The must be looked at and said -- memorized. Such as believe -- cannot be sounded out phonetically.

When we get back to Oklahoma we'll have tea parties for all to attend.

Journee being Journee

2008-02-19T11:26:00.003-10:00

Well, now that she's 7-years-old Journee's personality is coming out. She got some new Hannah Montana shoes for school and the rule is to wear socks with them. The last pair she had were so stinky I threw them out. So, to make this rule a little easier we purchased some Hannah Montana and High School Musical socks. She loves them and it certainly makes my driving experience much less fragrant.

This morning she decided she likes mix-matching her socks. It was so cute I had to get a pic.

Hope you all have as wonderful of a morning as I did.

God has blessed me dearly and I enjoy sharing our memories. Hope you enjoy sharing in them.

Beach day

2008-02-19T10:50:00.003-10:00

Journee and her boogie board.
Me and Journee enjoying our sunny afternoon.
Ducks for sale on the side of the road.
Journee petting a baby duckling.

Journee and I spent the day at the beach Monday and had a blast. The waves were small and slow which was perfect for Journee to boogie board. She had a great time except for a little belly rash from the board. We were in a town called Waianae which is about 50 miles from where we live so the drive takes about an hour and a half. The ocean view is amazing and the water is crystal clear.

On the drive home we saw some ducks for sale on the side of the road. When I was young my mom ordered a fancy duck package from McMurray Hatchery. These ducks arrived in the mail in a box and we had so much fun raising them. So, I thought it would be nice to let Journee see some baby ducklings and now she's excited about her chance to raise some with her grammy.

Happy Valentine's Day

2008-02-14T15:00:00.006-10:00

Me and Journee this morning
2008 Valentine's cards (4x6)
2008 Valentine's cards (4x4 - for teachers)
Bag toppers for candy bags for Journee's classmates (flower ones) and my co-workers (tag ones).

Hope ya'll have a wonderful Valentine's day. If you haven't received your card yet it should be arriving soon. I made a variety of cards as you can see in the picture. I also made bag toppers for Journee's classmates for their candy bags and for co-workers. This was a lot of fun and it's a great idea that can be used for all holidays.

Journee's class had a party today so she wanted her hair fixed up in pigtails. She looked so cute I had to get a pic of us.

Our Valentine's plans are to go to Pizza Hut and then head over to Farrell's for an ice cream sundae.

Pro Bowl Baby

2008-02-14T14:39:00.004-10:00

Danielle, Me and Shani tailgating
The stadium from our parking spot
This guy was letting people hold his birds and take a pic for a small fee of course.
Half-time show
The wave

Friends went to the Pro Bowl this weekend and I was fortunate enough to be able to go with. The game was great, the half-time show was awesome and tailgating was so much fun. We sat in the shady section so it was kind of chilly.

I had such a terrific time at the game I can't wait to attend OU games when we are back in Oklahoma.

Gung Hee Fat Choy

2008-02-14T14:06:00.004-10:00

Jim and Lori standing with the Lions
Me and Journee heading next door for the party.
Fighting show
Firecrackers going off while drums are played and lions dance.
Our friends Tin and Thao. They brought Journee back this green outfit (an Ao Dai - or long dress) and crown. Journee changed into it during the party.

Happy Chinese New Year...

Journee and I went to our neighbor's Chinese new year party this past weekend. They had a great party complete with lion dance and entertainment. There were three lions performing and fireworks. This is Jim and Lori's third annual party and it just gets better each year.

Many mahalos to Jim and Lori for inviting us. We had a blast.

Hannah Montana

2008-02-04T12:33:00.000-10:00

Journee and I went to see the Hannah Montana movie yesterday and we had such a good time. It was our first 3D movie and the special effects from that are great. Journee was singing the songs and smiling the whole time. She even reached out to grab some of the 3D action and told me to do the same (which I did for fun).

We had a blast and are glad we got to go.

Moments like that make me cry out to our Lord "Thank you so much for bringing such joy into my life," which I did when we got into the car. Spending fun time with your child just makes you appreciate what you have been blessed with.

I took a pic of Journee by the poster inside the theater but wasn't able to get the one inside with her 3D glasses on. You can only imagine how cute she looked sitting there in the booster seat with those big glasses on looking wide-eyed at the screen patiently waiting for her idol to appear.

My prayer is that you all experience moments like this -- and share them with me.

All my love...

Those Terrific Trees

2008-02-04T12:28:00.000-10:00

Aloha,

Hawaii has some of the most beautiful trees I've ever seen. And, believe it or not, I have been out of Oklahoma and seen trees other than our 'slanted from the wind' types.

This tree is by Journee's ballet school and I love it. I keep meaning to take my camera and keep forgetting so I took a pic with my phone. Before I leave Hawaii I will get a pic with my camera to share. I don't know what kind of tree it is but it's beautiful.

It's hard to tell but the trunk is in the middle and the branches have grown out and down into the ground as well making it huge.

I took a pic from the distance and one looking up. Hope you enjoy. More tree and flower pics to come.

Aloha

100 Days of School

2008-01-28T11:51:00.000-10:00

Well, yesterday Journee and I had to work on her '100 Days of School' project. We originally had other project ideas and settled on this one. We chose to make a poster containing 100 stickers. After going to the scrapbooking store (instead of looking through what we had at home first) we decided on dog stickers. And, the theme '100 Dog Days of School' was born.

Had we gone home first I would have found all of our scratch and sniff stickers and we could have done '100 Stinky Days of School'. But, that can be used in the future I'm sure.

It turned out nicely and I don't think my doggie drawing came out to shabby. I copied from the internet.

Journee liked her final project and was carrying it proudly this morning to school.

Stamping Day

2008-01-28T11:47:00.001-10:00

Sunday we stamped. Journee and I went to my Stampin' Up ladies home for 4 hours of fun. We made three beautiful cards and were given a Valentine's treat (idea) as well as fed lunch. Journee had a blast playing with her dog, Lucy, a cute little Lassie dog.

The cards we made were gorgeous and if you want instructions I'll be glad to send over. I want everything Stampin' Up now that I'm getting more into it.

Baxter the Cat

2008-01-28T11:28:00.000-10:00

Friends,

Well, I've seen it all. Journee and I were at a friend's house Saturday for a girls' night (food, fun and movies) and I saw their cat jump onto the counter to drink from the fish tank. I took a pic with my phone. I think this is one of the funniest things I've ever seen and had to share it.

Happy Belated New Year

2008-01-28T11:08:00.000-10:00

As you know, my new year was in turmoil so I am posting a belated pic of Journee. She had so much fun putting streamers in her hair and twirling sparklers. In the pic she is holding sparklers with her friend Jacey.

Losing Weight

2008-01-28T11:05:00.000-10:00

Family and friends,

In my effort to be more healthy, I have changed my eating habits and started exercising. A girl at work took a picture of me because I was wondering if what I saw in the mirror was what other people saw. Here 'tis.

Now, I have to work on developing a healthy emotional image. More on this topic later.

Waterfalls

2008-01-28T11:02:00.000-10:00

One day I was driving into town (Honolulu) and pulled over to take a pic of some beautiful waterfalls. I will always love the Hawaiian Islands and the majestic scenery you find here.

North Shore Big Waves

2008-01-28T10:37:00.000-10:00

Friends,

Journee and I took a trip to North Shore Jan. 13 to catch a glimpse of the big waves on North Shore. We stopped at Laie at one of my favorite lookout point on the island. While there I ran into some friends from Kaneohe who were fishing off the point and had been there all night -- they said they got washed out from the waves coming into their car -- about 20ft above sea level.

The waves at Sunset Beach (where Journee is posing) weren't that big during that time of day but I found a place to get the best pics by Waimea Bay but a person needs to know when they'll be coming in and head out there early for good parking.

More pics to come.

Priya

The Breakup

2008-01-28T10:30:00.001-10:00

To my family and friends,

As ya'll know Dean and I broke up. It has taken me a while to get back to blogging -- at the insistence of Tamara I've returned.

I am still in the healing process and am working through it slowly but surely and with the help of God, my family and friends I'll come through gloriously.

Thank you all for your support during the past months.

Priya

School days

2007-11-08T07:56:00.000-10:00

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

2007-11-05T11:25:00.000-10:00

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

2007-11-05T11:19:00.000-10:00

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

2007-11-05T11:11:00.000-10:00

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

2007-11-02T10:02:00.000-10:00

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

2007-11-02T09:50:00.000-10:00

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

2007-10-31T08:34:00.001-10:00

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...

2007-10-31T08:32:00.000-10:00

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

2007-10-31T08:30:00.000-10:00

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

2007-10-31T08:20:00.000-10:00

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

2007-10-19T11:14:00.000-10:00

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

2007-10-15T10:55:00.000-10:00

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...

2007-10-11T11:02:00.000-10:00

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'

2007-10-02T13:03:00.000-10:00

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

2007-10-02T13:02:00.000-10:00

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

2007-10-02T12:52:00.000-10:00

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

2007-10-02T12:38:00.000-10:00

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

2007-09-21T08:46:00.000-10:00

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

2007-09-20T09:06:00.000-10:00

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

2007-09-18T10:01:00.000-10:00

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

2007-09-09T20:20:00.000-10:00

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

2007-09-04T09:53:00.000-10:00

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

2007-09-04T09:33:00.000-10:00

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

2007-08-29T07:40:00.001-10:00

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

2007-08-24T08:44:00.000-10:00

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.

Smoking: It's a choice

2007-08-22T13:21:00.000-10:00

New Web sites of interest

2007-08-21T20:48:00.000-10:00

Aloha all,

I added a couple of new Web sites to my favorites. One is labeled 'raw music' and I found it on Twister's (101.9 OKC) radio station. On this site you are able to see videos and listen to songs from artists before all the glitz and glam is added. Just their vocals with some instruments. The other Web site is labeled 'pandora music'. On this site you can register and set up your own radio station with different artists and those within the same genre and just listen all day. My new editor told me about this site and I like it so far. Check these out and let me know what you think...

Aloha,
Priya

Go Vote...

2007-08-21T10:04:00.001-10:00

Howdy friends and family,

Just found something interesting to share. Go vote for the photos that show the best of Oklahoma's unique character. Winners will be announced Aug. 26 I believe. I haven't looked at the places yet I just immediately thought that Oklahoma cannot help but be pretty but the people are what make the state beautiful.

For my photographer friends, please send in your photos --

Here's the url for the centennial page: http://www.newsok.com/centennial

Bible verses to share

2007-08-17T12:11:00.000-10:00

From me to you...

You say: "It's impossible"
God says: All things are possible
Luke 18:27

You say: "I'm too tired"
God says: I will give you rest
Matthew 11:28-30

You say: "Nobody really loves me"
God says: I love you
John 3:1 6 & John 3:34

You say: "I can't go on"
God says: My grace is sufficient
II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15

You say: "I can't figure things out"
God says: I will direct your steps
Proverbs 3:5- 6

You say: "I can't do it"
God says: You can do all things
Philippians 4:13

You say: "I'm not able"
God says: I am able
II Corinthians 9:8

You say: "It's not worth it"
God says: It will be worth it
Roman 8:28

You say: "I can't forgive myself"
God says: I Forgive you
I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1

You say: "I can't manage"
God says: I will supply all your needs
Philippians 4:19

You say: "I'm afraid"
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear
II Timothy 1:7

You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated"
God says: Cast all your cares on ME
I Peter 5:7

You say: "I'm not smart enough"
God says: I give you wisdom
I Corinthians 1:30

You say: "I feel all alone"
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you
Hebrews 13:5

God determines who walks into your life....it's up to you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let go.

Daily prayer…
Father, God bless all my friends in whatever it is that you know they may need this day! And may their life be full of your peace, prosperity and power as they seek to have a closer relationship with you. Amen.

Make everyday a beautiful day.

God Bless,
Priya

Hurricane watch

2007-08-14T19:38:00.000-10:00

Aloha all,

Well, today at work all the talk was about the hurricane and if it would hit us. It's kind of odd how different it is from tornados. With tornados there are storm chasers out there telling people where the tornado is at all times but people don't chase hurricanes. All the information comes from satellites and buoys I guess.

Actually I haven't been keeping track of it much. I worry about Journee's friend Katherine who moved to the Big Island last month with her parents. We'll have to check on them.

Yesterday at school, Journee's teacher talked with her class about hurricanes and being prepared, so this morning Journee informed me that we need a big flashlight, some bottled water, some canned foods and of course milk in case the electricity goes out. You know how much she loves milk -- I didn't have the heart to tell her you can't keep milk if the electricity goes out. Oh, and yes, she still drinks a lot of milk -- about one gallon every 2 days.

Journee is doing great in school so far. She made a 100% on her first spelling test and she is looking forward to her upcoming birthday party. We have booked a bouncy waterslide for the party so she will be able to invite more friends this year. She has also requested a Hannah Montana birthday cake so I am making a rock star style cake (too bad I don't know how to make a guitar cake) and will decorate it will sprinkles and pink frosting of course.

Well, I guess that's enough for my daily update. Take care all and we love you.

Priya

Animal Farm

2007-08-13T21:11:00.000-10:00

Well, it seems that my last blogs have been about animals so keeping the pattern but not for long. I just wanted to share some pictures of our visitors. more you ask? yes, i'm afraid so. those who don't like slimy animals (amphibians) please look away. last night i noticed a baby gecko above my closet. we often see geckos but i wanted to take a picture and tell you a little story. one day, shortly after moving here, journee came running in to me enthusiastically stating she had caught a gecko. she was so happy. i just said to be careful with it and be nice. a few minutes later i heard journee screaming for me so i ran to her only to find her crying and pointing at the gecko attached to her lip. she had been talking to her baby and she gave it a kiss and it gave her a bite. she doesn't kiss them anymore but she still likes to catch them. yes, she is my daughter but i don't know where she got that side of her. i really wish i had a picture of her face and that gecko but i couldn't very well ask her to hang on while i get the camera (how maternal would that have been -- but good scrapbooking though). heehee...
next we have a big gecko i found on the back lanai (deck). it was just hanging out on the wall and i thought i would try and get a good picture of a big one. kind of creepy how it's eyes look, yeah?
lastly, we have my niece's frog that journee is frogsitting. the frog's name is martini because it is green and i guess alyssa (my niece) thinks martini's are green. my sister and her family are going to maui tomorrow and journee will frogsit until sunday. she isn't sure if she wants to feed the frog it's daily cricket but thinks she'll attempt it. i hope she can because i would hate for the frog to miss out on it's cricket diet because aunty priya can't catch a cricket. totally gross -- so journee will probably love it.
we didn't see the chickens today -- they must have moved down the street. oh, but we are sending animals to oklahoma. journee's cat, princess, just flew to oklahoma. so now her hawaiin kitty is a world traveller and a sooner fan.
well, enough of priya's animal habitat for now. we'll see what's new here tomorrow.

2007-08-13T11:58:00.000-10:00

Aloha all,

Just in case you're wondering about Hurricane Flossie here's what she is looking like right now. For new updates check out www.noaa.gov

Below are maps of the Hawaiian islands and one of Oahu. I marked where we live with a red arrow. You should be able to see on the hurricane map that we should be okay except for some high winds and rain storms (not much different than Oklahoma during tornado season).

Take care all and know someone in Hawaii loves you...

Priya

Feeding Tweety

2007-08-12T18:49:00.000-10:00

Journee loves holding Tweety and feeding her from her hand. I think Tweety enjoys it just as much.

Our new pets

2007-08-12T18:36:00.000-10:00

Well, this weekend was the grand reopening celebration of Windward Mall (the mall by our house). Yesterday the pet store was giving out free goldfish to the first 1000 children wanting one so I took Journee. I thought the goldfish might be the little 12 cent ones you can easily buy but the store gave out some really pretty ones. Our new fish is the one on the right. The other one is Oscar. Journee won him at the Benji Fair at her school last year. When we got him he was only about one inch long and now he's about 4 inches long and he has lost most of his gold color and turned white.

While we were at the pet store I saw the parakeets were on sale so I decided to get one. I love birds and have wanted one for a long time and this seemed like a perfect time. Journee and I picked Tweety Bird because she had the yellow on her head and we liked that. She is a sweet bird and Journee loves her.

We love our new animals but have decided that maybe we need to stay out of the pet store for a while or we won't have to visit the zoo because we'll be living in one.

Our visitors

2007-08-08T18:22:00.000-10:00

These are the visitors Journee and I found in our front yard when we came home this evening. You see chickens here a lot of places but this is the first time for our yard.

From me to my friends...

2007-08-05T08:12:00.000-10:00

Hope you all know how much you mean to me. Though I am far away you are always in my heart and in my cell phone...heehee. I love you all.

Happy Friendship Day,
Priya

Vacation 2007

2007-08-02T20:34:00.000-10:00

These are pictures from our vacation last week. I decided to take vacation because Journee had a week before school started without childcare and I thought we could have some bonding time. We had a great time.
Monday we went to the Honolulu Zoo. Journee loves the zoo and she showed me all around. We saw the flamingos first and right before leaving I remembered to ask someone to take a picture of us together. At the zoo we had a picnic lunch and a peacock came right up to our table. And I thought they were scared of humans.
Tuesday we took Journee's friend Jayce and we went to the Hilton Hawaiian where Journee loves to visit the penguins and she actually got to pet one. Jayce wouldn't pet the penguin but I did and they are really slick and soft. Then we went to the Waikiki Aquarium. There are so many fish and corals there. We had a great time and they have little radios you can push display numbers and listen to a recording of what you are seeing in the display. I think we listened to each number. Journee loved that too.
Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday we went to the swimming pool. Journee had a great time and she is really wanting to learn to swim now.
Thursday we just stayed home and spent time with my mom. She brought toys from Oklahoma that I had to put back together and we had a tea party that Journee served us.
All in all we had a great vacation week and it was music to my ears hearing Journee tell me "This is the funnest day ever" everyday.

Before and After

2007-08-02T20:28:00.000-10:00

Here are two pics of Journee I love. She wanted those spongy rollers in her hair so badly. One night after her bath and washing her hair I rolled it up and took a picture of course. She slept in those rollers all night and didn't even complain. Girls are amazing and insane about what they will put up with -- I can't stand sleeping in rollers.
Well, the other picture is of course the next morning. She loved her curls. It's too bad that her hair is so super fine that it doesn't hold curls long so they fell out by the end of school. But, she loved them and that's what matters.

Journee and Hilo

2007-07-31T20:06:00.000-10:00

Journee and Hilo at the beach. We wondered if Hilo could swim but he was moving his legs before they even hit the water and he trucked it onto the beach. He enjoyed his day but didn't like the water much. We'll take him again soon and see how he likes it now. He enjoys jumping into the tub with Journee. Maybe he doesn't like the salt water much.

Priya and Journee

2007-07-31T19:56:00.000-10:00

This is one of my favorite pictures of me and Journee. We were sitting on the sofa one day and she wanted to take a picture of us so I held out the camera and clicked. I have one of us like this when she was 3 years old. I wish I had 4 and 5 but I'll start now at 6 and take one like this every year to see our changes.