Oh the troubles I cause!

Yes I pulled a Nakeysha. Ha. It hasn't rained like this in a long time. Possibly 3 yrs. The base is flooded. Cliff didn't want to ride his bike home and get soaked so I went to get him. Not realizing that I can't see how deep the road is flooded and am not able to turn around. Maybe you guessed it, but the car stalled out. Whoa is me. Luckily I was right there next to his office and we live on base. Luckily someone finally stopped to help us and I didn't have to push and steer anymore. Silly silly me. That just ruins the fun of driving through puddles. Guess I will just have to trade my van for a truck with soupped up tires. Then I would probably need a ladder to get in to the truck but man I could have some fun. Anyways, long story short, do not drive through puddles or let your husband walk home in rain. Ha Ha.

P.S. Kandon's friend has chicken pox. UHHH I'm praying, praying, praying.

Mele Kalikimaka from Hawaii

Mele Kalikimaka from Hawaii

Another year, another letter.

Well the new year began on a higher note as we visited Alabama and enjoyed
Fireworks with family. We came home and continued to beat Uncle Daylyn on the
Wii Mario Kart game via the Internet. Cliff was still deployed for his 35th
birthday but he still grew older and a little wiser too.

In February 3year old Kowen continued to kick moms butt in Star Wars Wii, learned his colors and counted to 12. All three kids were in a church short skit about a Princess Kilee who needed two knights to help her. It was suppose to be comical for the words, but ended up comical because Kowen stomped off with a fit several times and refused to continue. Kilee and Kandon kept the show going amongst the laughs. We also endured the Tsunami that wasn’t as much hype as expected, thank goodness, and can add that to the list of hurricanes and other things we have experienced.

March was a highlight when Dad returned from the war zone. The kids were excited
to watch his plane land and hold up their welcome sign and of course get hugs.
You would expect them to all say I love you and I missed you, but silly 3 year
old Kowen said, “Dad I want you to go home and change.” Cliff was wearing his
beige flight suit he had to wear for 7 months and the flight home. He of course
said he really wanted to change too.

April was full of sun and fun. We enjoyed going to the water park several times and Kandon enjoyed playing t-ball. He really improved and even hit 3 home runs in one game. Kilee and Kowen enjoyed being the bat girl and bat boy.

May was like an early Christmas because the neighbors gave us their nice wooden swing set that the kids spent many an afternoon on. It was also the end of another school year.
Kowen came to ask for a snack one day and I said, “Do you want yogurt?” and
his reply was “No, butter.” Yummy. I of course did not give in, but he continues to be so much like his dad who loves rice with his butter. Kandon too.

In June Kandon turned 7 and we had us a once in an eternity opportunity to
baptize Kilee. She waited til Dad returned and we could travel to be with
family for this special event. It was great to be with friends
and four generations of family, if only for a short time.

July was once again a last ditch effort to hit the beach and pools before they
closed, wait, we live in Hawaii. My bad, we hit them because school was going to start, not weather change. Kids whined, mom rejoiced.
Kandon was also in the play, The Princess and The Pea. He tried out and made
the part of a dust bunny. He was so cute, even when he looked so hot and tired.
Kandon also had the unlucky opportunity to have his tonsils taken out. He was
excited at first, but then came the pain. He hasn't been sick since then. The kids
all enjoyed taking swim lessons and improving their skills. Kowen enjoyed sun
bathing more and found the water too cold to enjoy. In reality, he just
didn't want to obey the teacher, just play with the other kids.

August began a new school year. Kilee is in the 3rd grade and Kandon is in 2nd.
They grow up so fast.
Kilee is still in the gifted and talented program. She says she hates it,
but that is only because she has extra homework to do before she can play.
She also scored high on her tests and is now reading at a 5th grade level.
Kandon is also the highest level reader in his class, reading at a 4th grade level.
We are so proud of them and hope they continue to develop a love for reading and learning. Even Kowen began pre-school and is loving being with friends, learning, and
being independent. He was my second son to say, I didn’t have to walk him in
because he was big enough to sign himself in. Not allowed, but a nice thought.
Kowen also learned to ride a bike without training wheels. The boys found a love
for dad’s hot tamale candies. Kandon began karate classes and felt so cool.

September brought Kilee to the realization that since she had to go and hang out
for Kandon’s class, she might as well join. Kowen had to wait til the end of
the month to start on his 4th birthday, but he was able to manage
by sitting outside and copying all the moves.
They have all learned to do their forward rolls and take down the enemy.
Kowen's excitement and funny comments bring much laughter to us and his teachers.
Kandon is enjoying learning ways to escape and protect himself.
Mom is just glad his glasses are still intact.

October brought out Mario, Ben 10, Cleopatra, and rock stars. Kowen wore his Ben 10 outfit every chance he got. They had to dress up at school, two trunk or treats, and the Saturday before Halloween. Yep, mom was a meanie this year and didn't allow them to go out on Sunday. We had enough houses on two blocks to make it worth while. To redeem myself and because I printed off like 150 or more invites to the rededication of the Laie Hawaii Temple,they got to hand out candy if it came with an invite. Plus the neighbor was moving and had a box full of candy leftover to give to them, so all was forgotten.
Kilee was also a part of the STAR Performers and put on a show where she sang and danced. Just another stepping stone on her way to fullfilling her dream of being a rock star.


November brought such a joyous occasion. We were able to visit the Laie LDS
Temple with the kids before it was rededicated. It was a wonderful sight to see.
Our eyes thoroughly enjoyed it, while our ears were blessed with the sound of shoes
rubbing their feet together in plastic booties. It was funny. We tried all we could to get the kids to walk with their feet a little bit more apart, but was useless, and just enjoyed the smiles of workers as we passed. Kids, got to love them as they make life fun.
We also were able to spend Thanksgiving at the beach. It was a beautiful day
and we were able to spend some nice relaxing time enjoying the beauty of the island.
And no one was able to escape mom's need for a picture moment.
Thanksgiving wouldn't be the same without one.

December has brought Kilee’s 9th birthday and a visit from Grandma and Grandpa
Nowell. Kowen also became the first child to get stitches as he learned not to
kick glass in flip flops. Of course dad was the one to save and inflict pain
upon him as he stitched him up. He got to be the good guy and the bad guy. However,
the scar does look mighty fine.
They all recently received trophies for their newly learned skills in Karate.
Kilee got one for most improved and the boys each got a trophy
for most enthusiastic, which was a given.Kilee is looking forward to a possible small solo in the church Christmas program and the boys get to sing Jingle Bells again with actual bells.Woo-Hoo.

We have spent another year together and have survived the ups and downs,
laughter, and joys.

Maybe this next year will be just as joyous and beautiful in Dayton, Ohio. Cliff got an Air Force Residency in Family Practice and we are bound for there this summer, assuming he gets into Wright State for a Masters in Public Health and then later the next year start residency.

May all your goals for next year be achievable and memorable.

May your homes be full of the Holiday Spirit this season and joy meet you around every corner.

Love, The Nowell Family

Clifton, Nakeysha,
Kilee 9, Kandon 7, and Kowen 4



I'm bouncing off the walls

Ok so Kilee had to choose a poem to read in school next week, but she had to have the assignment for tomorrow. Of all the cool poems and intellectual or spiritual things she could have chosen, this is what she decided on:

I'm bouncing off the windows.

I'm bouncing off the walls.

I'm feeling like my feet are made of bouncing rubber balls.

I'm running like I'm crazy.

I'm running like I'm mad.

I might seem like a lunatic

but, boy, I'm feeling glad.

I'm jumping like a kangaroo

or like a jumping bean.

I act this way at least a week

right after Halloween.

-Kenn Nesbitt

Yes it may be totally true, although i'd argue about the week after and say all day everyday, but what a choice. Now I got to get her to read it with feeling and fluency.

So to all moms who are going crazy because of sugar overload, just remember the candy never lasts long, or perhaps you can donate some secretly to the schools treasure box or upcoming carnival. Hang in there, but Christmas stockings are just around the corner. Maybe I could write a poem for that. Maybe not.

Cute, Cute, Cute- work that surfer look til we aint surfin people no more!

Ok, these pics are just too cute not to post now. Kowen got to bring home George their preschool mascot. He took him to the beach, showed him some karate moves, taught him how to buckle up, how lame soccer practice is, and how cool Ben 10 is.

Early Halloween

This is our trunk or treat at church on Oct. 9th. Dad is taking the picture, but he is on crutches as mom's real patient because he has torn ligaments in his ankle again. Kilee is Cleopatra, Kandon Mario, and Kowen is Ben 10. Love Kilee's glow in the dark earrings. For early Halloween yesterday she was her Rock Star costume and sprayed the dog colors. Bella wasn't quite a rockstar dog, but she was colorful.

Halloween Invites

Well, I pulled another Nakeysha. Kids kept eating the Halloween candy, so I hid it. And of course I cannot remember where. Luckily it wasn't all hidden and we have some. Hopefully we will make it through without digging too much into the kids stash. So, we went around the neighborhood last night, about 36 houses at least and the kids got some candy and some dirty looks, but we did it anyways. I gave in and let them sit outside handing out candy instead of setting out a bowl, with the the stipulation that they have to hand out an invitation to the Laie Hawaii open house and rededication. Ha Sometimes in the past I have handed out pass along cards, but this year we have the temple invites. They are just cheezy words on paper, but who knows. I heard today from our Home Teacher that there was a man from the Navy base that rode his bike all the way to the Northshore from here, that is oh more than 45 miles or so, about a hour and 15 or more by car. Anyways, he passed the sign for the temple and thought oh cool, a buddist temple. Yes laugh here. So he went inside and just knew this was the church he was suppose to join. Came to Sacrament in my ward last week and again today and is almost done with the discussions. Wow.. And I knew nothing about it. You hear these stories, but now I hope to see one. Now I know there probably won't be anything from my handouts or the kids who handed some of them out friday to the neighbors, but maybe just maybe I can live with a seed. Wish I know I planted it, but hey. Oh well. I can live with a GO ME!.

So yes we did the ward trunk or treat on Oct. 9th, sent the kids out last night alittle, and there was a smaller trunk or treat down the street once we learned it was official that the base chose Sunday, not Saturday like alot of other bases do. So hopefully the kids got their Halloween fix in and I can declutter, I mean dedecorate. And move on to the next holiday. So here are a few of my pics from this month. Enjoy!

Joy of Music, laughter, and peace

Music is such a joy at times. It can truly change your mood. Sad to happy, mad to inspired, even joyous to tearful. I love turning up the music channel and letting it clear the mood in the house. Not many enjoy that it is on the christian music channel, but I swear it helps. Even in the car, Kowen will tell me to turn it to dad's songs. I like alternative too, but when staying on my channel I don't have to worry that my 7yr old son will ask what a womanizer is or hear people talking about bumping and grinding and other things. So, I guess I can say that I am not a loyal fan of any one station, but I have my favoirtes. It sure beats Old MacDonald and ABC's. I am glad we are out of that phase, although Kowen totally skipped it, preferring dad's head banging artists. Sometimes it makes things crazy around here and sometimes it just makes heaven on earth.
I also love to hear other peoples problems when we are out, ie. kids fighting and chitchat because it makes me feel so much better, ie i'm not the only one going through this. Such as, in Target parking garage the other day. As I passed a car I heard this cute little voice tell her mom, "You farted! " The mom of course denied it and the simple quarrel continued. I know most people wouldn't post this on a blog, but it was just so cute coming from a 2 yr old girl in a well to do car. It just was a refermation that my life is ok and as normal as others, could be a whole lot quieter and cleaner, but if I listen real hard and take the time to write things down, I see the joy too.
I did my visiting teaching this month, so a plug for everyone to get it done by the end of month. While discussing the temple Ensign special this month, we totally got excited that the open house is going on this week and in a month or so the temple will finally be open again. It ended up taking almost 2yrs to renevate. We finally got our reserved tickets last night to go through the open house. Kilee did a scavenger hunt of things we need to do to be able to go, like a hint of be clean--bathroom. It ended with the computer and dad had to reserve the tickets. We go next week. It's on the same island, but with traffic takes a minumum of an hour.
Well with joy comes worry and sadness, have to have one with the other. Cliff got an email about being deployed again soon for 6mths. We are awaiting the details and clarification if he was the one chosen.
So life goes on. The joys, the saddness, the ups and downs, and I am so glad there are others to share it with, others to laugh at, others to let us know we are ok, and music to affect our spirits whether we want to cry, laugh, dance, or scream. So crank it up loud, and be inspired.

That is just freakin crazy.

Sorry about the last post I will have to edit on my old computer later, but now dinner is burning again and I have no idea why my kids are not home on time for dinner, so I have to scoot. Aloha


ok all is well i fixed it. yes I had to use my old trusty old laptop, but hey it worked.

Kilee's Baptism(Sorry so late posting)

Oh, I give up. They won't post pics after I write today, always go to top. So scroll down for Kilee's Baptism Posting. We were so lucky to have so many come. Thanks to my Brothers and families, Grandparents and Great-Grandparents and friends for coming.

Sorry, when I figure out what is wrong with my posting skills and the computer editing skills I will get this right. For now, my beginning paragraph is at the end and I don't want to retype it, but it won't copy it so you'll have to scroll down. ha For now these are the pictures from Kilee's baptism in Alabama last summer.

Grandpa and Grandma Nowell. We are so glad they could make it on my special day.

Grandpa Emmertson and Aiti. Gotta love them. They let us stay a whole two weeks free, and they actually wanted us to stay longer. Go figure. So happy we could spend time with them and thank them for all they did.

It wouldn't be a family reunion with out the Great-Grand Parents. This is my Granny and Paw-paw on my mom's side and Cliff's grandma on his dad's side. We were there, but didn't get a four generations picture. Bad me. A three, and a skip a few, but not a full one. Got to love everyone for traveling so far just to be with me, whatever, to share in seeing the rest of the family too.

Oh, can't ya just see the love. It's Kilee's day, Kandon has no two front teeth, Cliff's so handsome, and Great Grandma is in the picture, but to me, Kowen steals the show everytime. That is unless he is in a picture with Daylyn's daughter, Addy, she starting to be competition with her cute faces.

Well on our trip this summer to Alabama, one of the things we did, or I should say, the most import thing we did on our trip, was baptize Kilee. We decided to just do it in Alabama so our family could be there. We were lucky to have both sets of Grandparents, and 3 Great Grandparents there, plus all my siblings, and friends. It was so nice to see everyone there and to have so many. We waited because Cliff was in Iraq and since we were already going to Alabama. What was two more months of waiting to have family be there. Now, we did have to wait forever for her scriptures. I ordered them in April and they just came in October. Apparently they were reorganizing them and adding more pictures. I use to be one to say if they house burned, grab the pictures and geneology and not scriptures because we could buy more, apparently not. So I think I need to order Kandon's so they will be here by next summer. My boy is growing up too. Time flies by too fast. Anyways here are a few pictures of her baptism and people who came. Her dress we had to of course order online bc my dress wasn't modern enough I could say nicely, for her. But it turned out ok. Enjoy.

Kilee

WEll Kilee was in a small performance. I say small,, but there were at least 65 kids. It was only 6 songs long and she did 3 of the them with the groups. It was nice to see her trying to live her dream of being on stage. She has alot, alot of stage presence to work on and overcome her fears, but she has the desire and beauty. Can't miss a blonde blue eyed girl amid alot of darker hairded kids. That's my girl. And if mom could ever find the cd she lost that uplinks her video camcorder to the computer and figure out how to load to youtube you might just see her in action, along with Kandon's performance back in July. Yeah I am behind, in alot, but Hey I Went Surfing today. Didn't stand all the way up, but I could blame it on small short waves, but It was aslo me. And I was so tired of paddling with my arms I just wanted to nap and let the waves carry me in. I need to work out. Even if it just gets me farther out to see to catch me a big Wave. Well life is short and I got to run. To do something, somewhere. As soon as I figure out what, I'll do that. Smile. Paradise is somewhere all the time, if we open our eyes and move our feet to enjoy it. Hey maybe I'll get out again or try hiking. Anyways this was about Kilee. We decided not to do this particular singing group again because they were doing Christmas songs and Kilee wants to be a popstar. Too bad, the hours and price were great. Let her dreams live on, as long as it doesn't cost too much.

Wow Posting Week

Just for those who haven't checked in a while, I have had a posting week with 7 new listings, so be sure to check them all out if you've got the time. Thanks Plus has anyone had troubles with publishing. With the new computer we got internet explorer and windows 7. I have to save a draft on a new post and go to edit to publish. Then if I want to actually edit a post it will not let me save it or post it, but I can edit all I want without saving. Any ideas, or I can just edit on my old laptop. Thanks a bunch.

Fire Chief Kowen

Ok, so tonights FHE was Kowen's turn and since he had a field trip to a fire preparedness activity, he did a fire evacuation drill. We tested all 5 smoke alarms to the whine of Kilee and the cry cause Kowen wasn't holding his blankey during the upstairs ones. But we did it and Although Kowen kept yelling "Go" for everyone to get out of bed, instead of "FIRE FIRE", we managed to get out the door, across the street with dad trailing behind with, well you guessed it, the dog. There was a small arguement over who would get the dog, everyone but mom of course was involved, although she knows full well if dad isn't here its her job whether she likes it or not. Kowen was constantly talking about every instance where we would go out a window even if there was only smoke or just for the fun of it. He wore his fire hat and we had rice krispies to show how things melt with heat. hahahah. So we need to get out fast instead of find our toys and dolls and stuff. To make things short. It is good to know that the kids know how to go out windows now, not. Now mom has a new fear of what she might find them doing one day when there isn't a fire, and they are just practicing so they say.

Oh and the kids always like to say good night to the dog before going to bed. Usually this is after family prayer and hugs n kisses, but we combine FHE prayer and they ran for treats with no hugs. So Kandon decides to say goodnight to the dog and let her kiss him all over, if that isn't grossing you out already, I am. Then he goes and tries to kiss me on the lips. I don't think so. I sent him to brush his teeth then come back. What does he do? He brushes, but then kisses me and says hahahah I didn't brush my lips. YUCK. Double Yuck and haha on mom. For all yal dog lovers out there, more power too ya, but I do know where that dogs mouth has been and that is a no for me. Aloha.

Here are the pics Tracy!

Okay Tracy here are the pics of our new bedroom furniture. I literally have to raise my knee high to climb into bed, and watch it when I slide out. Did not think this one through, but it is nice to have and its growing more on me. And I think it will look better once we move , wherever and get a bigger room. Enjoy. And yes it is messy. Sorry.

It's just one of those months!

I see I forgot to talk about the big red spot on Kowen's forehead during his pool party pics. And no it isn't a huge mosquito bite. Well, that was the beginning of this months troubles, and I mean starting Oct. 1st. It is always nice to have the neighbor boy knock on your door and say "um Kowen's hurt. He fell down and now his head is bleeding." Kowen was using someone elses scooter that was raised too high for him and of course not borrowing a helmet. So without details, he kissed the ground hard the day before his party. But thankfullly it was just his normal bow bows. He could walk, talk, run, complain, and go right back to playing. No throwing up, no loss of consciencness, no concussion then. Then a week goes by and I get a phone call. It's Cliff calling me from the ER. He has sprained his ankle and torn ligaments. Then today, Kandon comes running up bleeding from the mouth. He apparently learned he can't fly. He tried to jump from the playground and well his chin met his knee and his tongue got squashed btw his teeth. Luckly this time I was able to say, "Hey Doc. You have a patient waiting in the bathroom." Rare, but sure is nice to say. Cliff sacrificed a few min. of the AL game to see he was fine and sent him off to play. I'm sure Kilee has come bleeding, complaining, damaged somehow and me too, but this month just seems to be one of those months. I hope it ends before Halloween, cuz I know we don't own fake blood. Well I hope this explained Kowen's Red dot on his head. Enjoy the pics.

More pics

Just more pics that for some reason wouldn't load on my last post. Probably bc I had so many, haha.

Kandon working out, Kowen's stand in bc He dislikes dressed up sweet onions, Kowen's Do Not Drink future W of Wisdom lesson, and Kowen's preschool group.

Pumpkin Patch

Well Kowen's preschool went to the pumpkin patch and since the other two were out a week for October break, they got to go too. It was hot but thankfully not humid. Kandon was brave enough to go into the corn, but after he jumped out thinking there was a bee, the other too wouldn't dare go in to that scary place. We came away with 5 large pumpkins and 9 small ones somehow. Kandon walked the long way to the end of the pumpkin rows looking for the all white glow in the dark pumpkins, but wasn't too happy when mom caught up to him and told him there weren't any available just orange ones. But the pictures turned out and here are a few. Kandon tried lifting the big ones, but found he needs to pump more iron. Kowen is still afraid of dressed up people and wouldn't take a picture with the sweet onions in surfing outfit so his friend Caroline stood in for him. He loves going to preschool and misses the days he doesn't. It was nice to feel like being on a farm again, but so glad to leave. You can see that Kowen got a little dirty. I find it funny that the sign says DO NOT DRINK. I guess later we can use it in a Word OF Wisdom lesson, but it was really talking about only washing your hands, and face for Kowen, and not drinkable water.

Kowen is Four

Well Kowen turned four at the end of last month and because he got shortchanged last year and didn't have a party because we had just moved and went through a batch of the flu, we gave him a pool party and invited like 19 plus kids and siblings. Not all showed up of course, but just to be safe to having a good size crowd we invited alot. I had games planned, but all they wanted to do was swim. So, Cliff entertained the older boys by allowing them to chase and tackle him. We had a quick 20 minute decorated cake, cupcakes, and drinks and opened presents during the lifeguard breaks and it was fun. He would tell everyone he was four for almost all of September, but now its official. My baby is getting old.

The new, the old, and the SNOW?

All is well, just had to do some tweeking with the computer. Managed to upgrade the printer as well. I'm better than I thought, ha.

Well after almost 11 years of marriage we finally bought a bedroom set. It wasn't my wow I love this set, but we both agreed. It actually fits in our tiny room, after some shifting and tossing. I have to say it is interesting, we forgot how tall it would be with drawers underneath and a box spring, so yes, we actually have to crawl in to bed. It makes the room look even smaller, but its nice to say we have something other than my brothers old teen set, or side of road find, or goodwill bargain. Now the hard part is finding room to keep the old set so we can have it when we move.

The kids enjoyed playing in the 11 boxes, huge submarines, airplanes, and boats, too bad mom only said they could play one day bc trash day was this morning. Oh and not to forget the snow in Hawaii yesterday, nope not real snow of course, but I came downstairs with more boxes to take out and there was white everywhere on ground and flying in the air. Maybe you guessed already, but after I had said no, Kandon led Kowen in a stirofoam digging contest to make snow. They were covered head to toe, the box was full and the yard was a mess. So yesterday was a first for me. We actually vacuumed outside. Yep we vacuumed the patio, inside the box bc the wind was continuing to blow it out, and the ground. Its better, but no taking puppy out back to pee or she will eat it. And by the way the dog goes potty outside but after 8 plus wks she still doesn't get to pee on the pad. oh well. And she still smells and I'm running out of candles to burn.

This was just an update on life. We are here and moving on. Cliff is interviewing for residency programs again so wish us luck. Maybe this year is the year. Finally. Wishing everyone a blessed Halloween. Another perk of living on base is the trick or treating on Saturday, not Sunday. Hallaljuah.

This is just a test

I'm having troubles viewing my site. Oh the joy of a new computer has ended. That's what i get for buying HP.

Gosh, Why hadn't I done this before!

Well the inevitable happened. Kowen lost his blankey. It seems we are always searching for that thing at bedtime, but Monday we scoured the house countless times. We even went outside with a flashlight and checked under all the cars. Cliff the loving dad that he is, went back to the beach to see if somehow he might have taken it there, eventhough no one remembers it being there but the 3 year old. Then on to the BX stores to see if someone had turned it in to customer service. Nothing. It was like it just vanished, just like Kandon's bear a year at Christmas. Mom and Kowen made the older two ride bikes to school so we could be the first one's at the beach, well early to beach anyways to look for his long lost blankey in the sunlight. So we get there, and yes its the dog beach, but its not even 8 am and its beautiful, if you past the brown seeweed, coral stuff at the edge. But you can walk way far out because it was low tide, Kowen of course wanted too because he thought the tide came up ashore, stole his blankey, and washed it out there to the mangrove trees. No mom wasn't walking out to the mangrove trees, but we instead looked at the crabs, coral, and seeweed, few fish by the water pipe, and just walked. Other than the fact that it was 8am, a dog beach, and a school day. Why hadn't we done this before? I mean we live 1.5 miles exactly from this place and the real beach isn't much further. The only reason I know exactly how far is bc Cliff had me do the milage as he ran to the dog beach monday and we drove of course. The little puppy would never run that far, not to mention mom. Oh and by the way the poor dog was miserable being dragged in the sand and water, just wanted back in the car. Funny, sad, and pittiful to look at.
So I guess seeing the dog beach, some place we hadn't been to in the 3 yrs here and it being 1.5 miles from our house, just added to the feeling that we really havn't seen many sights on the island other than the main ones. We have probably only a little over 8 mths left here, yes a long time, but with school, afterschool activities, and regualar life, not long left really. So, many wonderful sites and so little time. I think it calls for a list, a calendar, and dedication. Mostly mom motivating or bribing kids somehow to go and spend their saturdays siteseeing. Not sure it is going to happen, but maybe I can set a small goal.

I guess this blog was to just motivate me, and you,whomever might read it to get out and see the sites around you. The nicest thing might be 1.5 miles from your house and you will never know it. Maybe it will motivate me to run in the mornings Kowen is at preschool, or hike, or take up surfing lessons, or hula. Probably not likely, but it was a nice morning after all.

Oh and by the way, we came home after searching the mall again, and told a neighbor to look out for it, and 5 min later they rang our doorbell to say, isn't that it over on the other neighbors fence. Sure enough it was on the temporary housing units fence. Guess they found it on the ground and hung it up. Gosh should of used a better flashlight that night. ha.

WELL hope all is well with everyone and you notice the beauty and sunshine in your own lives.

Getaway

Well Cliff n I finally got a short second honeymoon. Quick and fun. We just hit the Gulf Shores beaches before too much oil sets in ashore. Had fun on the go carts and slides at waterville, had some throwed rolls from Lamberts, and just relaxed. And ya know what, the kids survived. I can't say too much for Aiti and Aunt Jill's sanity. They kept busy with the mall water park, pictures, movie, chucky cheese, pool and lots of crazy stuff. Can't Thank them enough for enduring the chaos. The weird thing is. We took a camera, but I guess without kids, there just wasn't the motivation to take any. So no proof of our little escapade, but we are thankful anyways. We recommend it to anyone, and you don't have to wait ten years to have one. Be spontaneous.

Pictures, Pictures, Pictures

Pictures just catch the cuteness and personality so well. They are definately something I can't live without, pictures, and one of the great inventions of all time to me.

Well its that time again. Picture time with the 8 grandkids. We had lots of fun, many laughs, and spent loads of money, but the memories are worth it. Here are a few of the good ones. It sure is getting harder to find the ones where everyone looks good all at the same time. First is the girls, then the boys, and groups.

Its my Birthday and I'll cry if I want to!

Well I know I haven't posted many pics lately. With a new phone not connecting well and well just a crappy computer, but thankful to have one at all, I am lucky to type now and then.

WEll today I am another year older, can't at all say wiser, but definately older and can feel it. I don't know if it is all mental but the 1 after the uh, well 30 just is awful. It is both dawnting to write and think about. I'm old. Not on deaths bed, but old. The body knows it too. I was hoping to fit into my wedding dress at moms again. Don't think so. The body is different and refuses to let me think I can be that again. One day for I HAVE A DREAM. I can cry all I want, but I can't stop time, just enjoy the ride downhill is all. Smiling might help, screaming at times too does wonders.

For my Bday, we spent the morning at the hospital for Kowen to have a small minor surgery that went well and he was home swinging and jumping on trampoline immediately. He woke up hungry and wanting to go home and play with uncle bob who was nice enough to watch kilee and kandon since it was FURLOUGH FRIDAY -oh how we love those days off, not.
Later, we lounged and sent kilee off in a limo. A sweet white suburban like one. Can you believe here a mom splurged on an 8 yr olds bday with a limo for 11 plus girls riding around town and then a huge blow up slide tomorrow. Can you believe I let my daughter go off in a limo w strangers I've never met? Oh well I know where they live huh. jk. Gone are the days of simple sleepovers. Yet I am not one to beat the Jones, so sorry Kandon you have a regular sleepover next wk. Poor boy.

Well since Twilight I have read many books which I didn't use to do. So Cliff has noticed and splurged on an Amazon kindle for me. Now I just have to get over my cheapskate idea of rent from library and return and actually buy something to read. I also have to get rid of the idea to actually hold a book I buy and put on shelf. Now it seems money for nothing I can't hold, but I'm sure i'll get over it, especially if I buy twilight huh. not.

I'm acutally into the beverly lewis amish books. Seem fun. Need to spend more time on my baby clothes quilts for the kids or geneology, maybe having to buy books will get me to spread out the time I read.

Or maybe we can finally have that couple time and read a book together like we start and never finish.

So Life is short , fast, and running out. So as birthdays always remind us to catch up on what we miss, fix whats wrong, and set goals for future, bc we will be old, well older in 12 months n counting. They also give us the chance to break diets and eat brownies. I decided against the cake, or cheesecake since I'd eat the whole thing myself, and made brownies. The kids were begging to open the presents and didn't want to wait, but mom wanted her bday song. So I finished the brownines, cooled like 5 min, n I have to have them hot or not at all, so i quickly stuck 31 candles in the brownies, oops telling my age, and lit them. Do you know before I could do that n blow, all candles were melted to the string, falling and wax in brownies. yummie, but got job done w icecream n sauce. delicious .

What can u say about my Life. Lots of good memories from pics of the old days of college n growing up. Some forgotten some want to forget, but mostly fun , oh yeah I forgot that.

I'm trying to put together a scrapbook for kilees baptism, but its just a humongus stack right now and not much time left. I am so thankful to be a part of the technology age and well just have pictures and the ability to remember at anytime. We say we will remember, but without pictures or journals life is definately lost in the chaos.

Well I'm starting to jumble my thoughts and not speak well, so I think I will cut my losses and go to bed early. Hey its my bday and dad can put them to bed huh. Sweet, maybe sneak a brownie treat.

Motherhood must contain laughter to survive.

Well I am always amazed at the funny things kids say. Despite all the craziness that comes with it, motherhood is filled with laughter. One example is when Kowen just came into the house while I was upstairs. He said, " Mom, I know you are in here, come out, come out, where ever you are." He is so cute.

Kandon has a spiritual example. We were discussing in FHE about trees and people needing stakes when young to help us grow straight, then we don't need so many ones when older and Kandon was explaining how when older and on own can read scriptures, say prayers, go to church, have a good sin. yep it was a hilarious. We all know how much that strengthens us, not.

As Kilee's baptism approaches I am reading her journal and asking for favorite stories about her and the funny ones always stick out, but just trying to remember her when little til now is moving. Although its been years, it seems so short of a time. Do I really have a daughter of baptism age?

Well life happens and I must return, dinner awaits. May all moms smile tomorrow and count their many blessings both as moms and wives and daughters too.

Totally grossed out

Oh Totally grossed out today. Thought I was going to lose my dinner. Kilee finally got me to give into making Spam musubi after 2yrs of beggin. She really liked it without the spam but I made it w/ spam, or hot dogs, or plain, Also instead of seaweed I tried spring roll paper. Well let me say, I am glad I made it through. You take 4 cups rice, w 1/2 cup rice vinegar, 1/2 cub sugar, 1tsp salt, Seaweed strips, and spam or hotdogs. Fry meat. wrap like sushi. Well i couldn't even close my teeth on my bite I was already gagging. I definate can't go on any tv shows like fear factor or places where you eat weird stuff. So sorry. Even watching the kids bite after bite after bite was getting me. Clifton tried it out of love for me, but he got 4 bites in and I told him, thanks but you really dont have to eat anymore cause I hate it too. I loved sushi this lady brought w/ avacadoes and fake crab, even though I hate crab. Guess was avacado taste that got rid of crab and sea weed taste. So since I cooked all of it. I sent kilee of to mutual with two huge containers of it and said dont come back w/ any even if you have to trash it. Thank goodness they love it here. I do not share their facination with spam here, but i'm glad I dont have to eat it. Definately not a food storage item i'm going to add. Had to have chocolate to settle my stomach, might even need a bowl of popcorn too since I'm out of icecream. WEll i'm glad the kids liked it, but its not going to be a meal mom will ever make again. oh darn. Maybe i'll try lumpia next time.

It's the small things that getcha!

Well although I gave in to the cravings for chocolate, I must pat myself on the back. I lost 22lbs since last April. Took a year, but I did it before Cliff got back from Iraq. Just wish my wedding dress was here so i could say I could fit into it again. I do fit into my black pants from the dances. Sad to say I have those still in my closet and used them many a time for encouragement to shape up. Its just that darn pooch that slims but wont go away no matter how much I loose. It must be the chocolate. Guess I'll have to live with the pooch. Oh the joys of modern day----Hershey's. Yum. I think there is some hidden in the freezer. Gotta run!

Oh the torture of Chocolate!

Well another day has closed. Each are small acts of survivial in themselves, but add up to years too quickly. Todays challenge was the Easter candy on sale at the checkout line at the commissary. They are so nice to line it up as u are in a line. Sadly I must say I failed. I bought the chocolate. Hersheys is my weakness. The only one I'll admit at least. So much for the diet, but boy was it delicious. There are always tomorrows challenges, maybe I'll suceed without the chocolate.

I know , I know

I know , I know its been so long, but this wont be long. Cliff is back. Life is good. All is well. Weather is still good. ha Will actually miss the beach when we move next year. We have extended for one more yr here. Hope yal are good. catcha later.