Happy Birthday, Hayden!

12 years ago today, the sweetest, gentle boy joined our family. He really was a gentle sweet baby, and has always been such an even-tempered child. He has such a strong moral sense, always rooting for the underdog and giving empathy to others. I'm really proud of the young man I know he's becoming. He's a loyal friend, an honorable son, and a responsible human being.

This year is a huge milestone, turning 12. He'll be honored with the Aaronic priesthood, and start passing sacrament. He'll start "officially" babysitting McKenna, although for the past 6 years he has already been unofficially doing it; making her happiness his personal mission.

Hayden can always be counted to finish a job. He usually completes his homework at school, freeing him up to read, and play, and be my big helper. His interest in reading has really taken off. His book count since his last birthday is 47 books... real, independent reader books.

And, Hayden's doing fabulous in school all around. He's a math star, often given upper level work to keep him challenged. This one may just be an engineer someday...although he's always wanted to be a policeman, and now is talking about serving in the military. One thing is certain. He knows what he wants, and he's willing to work to get it. So, no matter what, he'll be ok. He'll be a good father and husband. He'll make us proud.

Hayden loves to swim, and read, and play computer games.  He is fast and tenacious on the soccer field. He loves ribs and ordering off the grown up's menu. He's the coolest kid I know.

 

So, Hayden Milo- Remember always, you are a child of Heavenly Father. You are our dear child. You are special. You are so loved. Happy Birthday!

New Post for the New Year! Albeit...a little late.

I just realized I "lost" this post in my draft folder. It was supposed to be a January update, but seems I never went back and finished it. My bad...

So, January had spirit week at the kids' school. My little material girl dressed up for "80's day". Isn't she, like, totally awesome?

Hayden decided to join in the fun for "Nerd Day." Look at our sweet little nerds. Don't you want to just have them fix your computer or something?

Then, our friends, the Scotts got here. They followed us from Germany, 'cause we're tight like that. They hotel-hopped for a few weeks, so we took them out to some sights and enjoyed some meals with their family til they could get settled.

Then, later in the month, Hayden lost a tooth in a bloody display of testosterone. He yanked and he pulled. That's just like Hayden to take matters in his own hands. Literally.

That's about all of the happenings for January. Other than our regular comings and goings...Dennis left for the Senior NCO Academy on the mainland. I guess the rest of the time just kept me busy as a temporary single mom. It passed without too much incident. Happy and healthy. Definitely blessed!

Playing catch up, once again...

Ok, so last you heard from the Terry family, we were getting ready to celebrate Hayden's 11th birthday. I asked him where he wanted to go for dinner, and all he really wanted was gnocchi. Thus began my search for an authentic italian restaurant on the island. We ended up at a quaint little restaurant downtown Honolulu with red check table cloths, decent pizza and pasta, but soggy gnocchi. Oh, well, we had fun and tried something new. I guess it's a little overreaching to think we can find authentic italian food as yummy as what we've been lucky enough to enjoy. But, here are the happy results:

During May, my friend, Stacey, took me kayaking. It was a nice smooth day, and we spent about an hour stalking some sea turtles that we saw moving under water, but wouldn't poke their heads up.

She's also got a hiking group going. We have taken 3 hikes, each different in the views and difficulty. She's been so great for getting my to try all these new outdoor things and enjoy the beautiful island we live on.

Also, Hayden has found his first pet. He caught his own gecko, which he promptly named Zack. (I think he has a preoccupation with Zack Efron). He lost him after about a week..."I don't know why he wouldn't stay on your scooter, Hayden..." But, then again found another a couple of days later (which he owned for two hours, which he named Zach II) and the next day found another one (that he still has) named Zach III. I know, he's pretty creative, that one...

Last month, I signed Hayden up for an after school sailing program. Twice a week he went out and learned the basics of sailing, getting certified to take us out on a sailboat as the responsible sailor. I tell you, it was the best $65 I ever spent. He was reluctant to try it, but ended up loving it. He was such a natural, and being Captain of his boat is very much in line with his personality.

In May, we also took Dennis to the beach for the first time, snorkeling in Hanauma Bay. I was able to try out my friend's waterproof camera, and can't believe how much fun it was! 12" fish about 2 feet from our faces!

On Memorial Day we went to the Sea Life park. It was a fun morning, but definitely not what we are used to for a sea park. Thankfully we got discount tickets for Military appreciation month, so the shows were worth it.

During all of this, we were busy wrapping up school. Unfortunately, neither of the kids' schools did anything really special for their prospective "graduations". To celebrate the end of kindergarten, McKennas class participated in a water fun day with slip and slides and sprinklers. For the middle school, they had a closed 8th grade dance during school, with no celebrations for family. Two photo opportunities I'm disappointed to not have. But, we are glad to be done and enjoying summer...the 8 weeks we have anyway...the kids will start school again on August 2nd.

So, while they are out, they've gone kite flying, spent time at the pool and beach, and I took them kayaking. This day was much rougher waters, but they had a fun taste of it.

Then last week, a friend from Germany, 14 years ago came to Hawaii for a business trip and brought her 2 daughters. We had fun showing them around and being tourists, ourselves. They went kayaking with us, and spent a day at the north shore, snorkeling with schools of fish at Shark's Cove, getting shaved ice, and stopping by the Dole plantation for yummy pineapple whip ice cream! After an hour in the Pineapple Maze I had hit my frustration limit, though.

On top of all that, McKenna started soccer last week, complete with all pink gear, and said goodbye to her BFF, Ellie that leaves for Texas this week. You wouldn't think two 1st graders could stay up til 1am, but they did, and swore they still weren't tired!

Lastly, I've started a successful summer outings group like we had in Germany. Next week we are visiting the Ho'omaluhia Gardens. Whew! No wonder I'm so tired! Having it all in one place really makes me realize how much we've been doing. This is a lot to absorb in a 6 week period. I'm going to need a vacation from my summer vacation!

Happy, Happy, Hayden!!!

Today, my baby boy turns 11...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HAYDEN MILO!

It sounds cliche, but I can remember like it was yesterday, when he was rushed to the hospital with RSV at 9 months old. He had this little struggle for life so early and has continued to progress and succeed in whatever he truly desires. I have been wanting to do a post highlighting all of his special qualities, so this is the perfect time to do that.

Hayden is funny. He is always making us laugh with his antics and impersonations. I have picture after picture of him (future blackmail, we tell him...) as Santa, sitting upside down, in a dress....

Hayden is loving and kind. In surprising tender moments he'll come over and cuddle next to me on the couch. And, he has made it his life's mission to make sure McKenna is happy and comfortable. He carried her on his back all through Paris and Italy. He has put on a Snow White dress and regularly gives in to pleas from her to play Barbies or Little People. What a great big brother! He also often takes new kids, or socially struggling kids, under his wing to help integrate them. All on his own.

Hayden is highly logical and black and white. He is responsible, follows rules, and generally follows through with what is expected. He will go far in a career in law enforcement. He has always been a leader, and his own person. He knows who he is and what he wants and is not easily swayed by others....well, except his sweet spot for McKenna.

Hayden's favorite outfit is his suitcoat with a bow tie....it makes him feel a little like a spy. He loves to play with his motion detector, booby traps, and other spy gear. He still collects Bakugons and is a big fan of the Lego Wii games.

As much as he likes to dress sharp, he has embraced his new surroundings, deciding to keep his "sweeping bangs" haircut. His tan is coming along, and he's enjoying the sun and outdoors.

Hayden is a great athlete...putting his whole heart into it, or not at all. He is wiry and fast, a little ball of speed and determination. This past year, he has played AYSO soccer, achieved both his Webelos badge and Arrow of Light, and was instrumental in helping me teach McKenna to ride her bike recently.

Hayden is a loyal friend, an amazing boy, and a fun addition to our family. I can't wait to see him grow and become a young man we know we can count on. Hayden have a great day...may all your wishes come true!

Our own March Madness...

Following my last post, some crazy stuff came up...my computer locked up and would only open up in safe mode, so I had to back it all up and Dennis wiped it back to start. It took a few days to get back up and running and even longer to make it feel like my trusty old computer again.

Then, we had Spring break...yes, we already had spring break. Never mind that spring just started...ha ha. I guess when it's warm year round they can schedule breaks whenever... I took the kids to the beach a couple of times, although this day at Bellows Beach was so windy and chilly that I had to buy this cute swim shirt at the shoppette. Sabrina was at Girls' Camp at the beach. She had a great time and bonded with some of the younger girls. Yes, that's my goofy girl in the background with the crooked hat.

We have also been spending a lot of time at Tripler with the patient educator getting the training we didn't receive in Germany. In a couple of weeks we are expecting Dr. Chase from the Barbara Davis Center in Denver for a conference. We get a one-on-one with him to assess where's Sabrina's at and make improvements. I'm really happy we are getting so much care here, but it's time consuming and exhausting.

Also before Spring Break we were called into a meeting at the school for Sabrina's English teacher. It didn't start out too positively, but ended up agreeing to re-assess her with a different test. She didn't finish all the questions, but what she did finish she did really well, so now they are looking at the time it takes her to process things. They have agreed to make adjustments to how they grade her, breaking things down and giving her more time for things. All of a sudden, this english teacher is Sabrina's best friend. Odd how judgements will affect the effort they (teachers) put in...I'm hopeful, though that it really helps pick up her grades this final quarter and eases the workload, because as much work and frustration as it is for her, added worry makes it is moreso for us...

Hayden earned his Arrow of Light, the highest cub scout badge, this week at the Blue & Gold Banquet. He will move up to boy scouts when he turns 11 next month. We're so happy with the work he's done to get here.

Today, I spent the morning at the beach with 2 girlfriends playing "hooky" from being a SAHM while the kids were in school. It was relaxing to sit there and "talk story" as they say here in Hawaii. Plus, no lugging boogie boards and sand toys...bonus!

I'm going to sign McKenna up for soccer next month. She has been asking for 6 months now, and they have the base soccer starts in June. The AYSO doesn't start until August, and I'll put Hayden and Sabrina in that one...it is really well run, and with them being older, I think they need that. Plus, having them all 3 have games on a Saturday could pose a problem with only 2 parents...conceivably 3 locations. McKenna will be finishing around the time they are starting, so it works out well.

So, now the kids are back in school, back to routine, and I'm trying out new things...I'm trying a hiking group next week and plan to work in some kayaking sometime in April. What fun Hawaii can be!

What's up?

The past few weeks have been focused on the upcoming spring break, when Sabrina will have YW camp at Bellows beach, and the end of the school quarter. We plan to take in a movie, hit the beach a couple of times, and maybe visit the Discovery Center for hands-on fun.

Hayden finished his 5 week Starbase field trip to Pearl Harbor complete with successful rocket launch! Dennis and I each spent a day chaperoning. He had a "blast" and got a ton of flight and space education, including CAD engineering design.

We have started weekly appointments to get the training we should have received when Sabrina got her pump in Germany. We have a FAB.U.LOUS. patient educator here at Tripler Hospital that has really taken a caring interest in getting Sabrina's pump therapy running smoothly. We have lots of fun "homework" like going out for a burger, french fries and milkshake, and using a square-wave bolus. Next time we get to try pizza with a dual-wave bolus. Sabrina's thrilled!

McKenna ate an entire appetizer platter of shrimp last week. She has a strange pallet for a 5 year old.

Sabrina had an etiquette night at church, complete with a fake date and a fancy dinner. Hopefully she took it all in. Have you seen her eat? I told her no date would take out an animal like that a second time!

We also finally replaced Sabrina's glasses with a new style she's excited about. Maybe they'll help her be more studious?

We had our dental checkups this month...found a dream of a dental office. Everyone passed with flying colors...but poor little McKenna, those dang baby teeth are no good!

Sabrina and school-- She. is. not. organized. Period. I, however, THRIVE on being organized. So, each quarter it boils down to me working to get her caught up with semi-decent grades. This quarter has been no exception. Her teachers just have not been helping. Dennis and I met with her English teacher (who, by the way, teaches from behind her desk...always) and got a rundown of how she thought Sabrina may have a 1st grade reading level. Really? Last year she was in the average range for 7th grade in the Terra Nova. She backtracked 5 grades?

So, we stood up for her, discussed her medical conditions, looked for possible reasons she wasn't producing grade-level work and testing well. She gave her a different kind of assessment, and lo and behold...she scored mid-senior and post high school on her vocabulary and comprehension. All of a sudden this teacher, that thought Sabrina was a slacking loser, is her best friend...in her corner...helping to prepare an education plan that takes into account her medical needs and focuses on the main rubriks to help her succeed. I'm so hopeful that it will turn around for her...and us. It has been an exhausting year! This next quarter will be the real test to see if it works.

Hayden earned his Webelos badge last week, and he is set to earn the Arrow of Light at the upcoming Blue and Gold banquet this month. We are so proud of all of his hard work...he is doing his 3rd hike this Saturday...just for fun, he doesn't need to fill a requirement. He'll be moving to the 11 year old scouts on his birthday in April.

Dennis has been acting superintendent this past month--a job he'll gladly relinquish when someone else comes in soon. He can't get ahead of the volume of email.

Me? I just can't wait to sleep in on Friday...and every day next week! That's the best part of the school breaks for me...Yay!

A week in the life....

Let's see...

• Last week, after Hayden had the flu, Sabrina started getting sick over the weekend. After a horrible showing at New Beginnings Sunday night, we took her in to the Dr. last Monday, and she was dehydrated with walking pneumonia. Six hours and a bag of I.V. fluids later we got to go home with antibiotics. I felt just a little bad I made her go fulfill her YW obligations...just a little...

• Last Thurday, Hayden's teacher had a rough morning and told him and his friends, if they wanted to continue to talk, take it outside. So. he. did. Phone call to mom...

• Yesterday, I was standing in line in Ross and a woman told me McKenna was beautiful...happens a lot, but then she suggested we put her in pageants. I nodded and smiled, but then she proceeds to tell me how her sister puts her kids in pageants and they are all messed up, ruining kids' childhoods, putting people in debt, etc. Whaaaaat?

• Also yesterday, I was pulled over and given a ticket, while the truck I was following at the same speed drives on. How is that fair? Shouldn't he have lasered the first car coming down the road if he thought the cars were speeding? I will admit, I'm sure I was over 35, but it's hard not to feel a little like the "local" got away...

• And, again, yesterday, when I got my ticket, I was rushing to pick up Sabrina from an afterschool tutoring, and she was stuck on the second floor. The gates to the stairwells were locked. Violate fire codes much?

• Dennis's exercise ended, thus ending his 12 hour shifts (that really turned into 13-14 hours, but I digress...) and is now acting Superintendent so now we get to see him at dinner...usually.

• This is the first week that no one in our house is sick. Yay!!

• I have finally gotten tired of the little "spots" in the house with stuff from the move that had no home...so I've put a huge dent in it the last two days and feel so liberated! Now I can get to the list of 101 Things Lisa Wants to Finish this Year. (Doesn't everyone have one of those?)

• Tonight is my first Enrichment I'm putting on and instead of doing research for my class, I'm writing this post...can you spell P- R- O- C- R- A -S -T- I- N- A- T- I- O- N?

Week 2 of unpacking and getting on track...

Ok, so I thought I was smart...Isn't the unaccompanied shipment supposed to be the one that is flown over with the stuff you need up until the last minute and the first stuff you'll need when you get there? I put in our silverware, pots and pans, sheets, the kids' soccer cleats (for the season that started this week), our tennies, hampers, the kids' computer, the bulk of Sabrina's diabetic supplies, plus more necessities. And, it's STILL.NOT.HERE. Our main shipment was delivered 12 days ago. What's up with that?

We did get to our new ward this past Sunday, though. We were welcomed with shell lei's and big smiles. It looks like a smaller ward, but I think it's a larger ward, just about 1/2 active. Sabrina is one of only about 6 young women. McKenna is the only girl in her primary class. A woman sat next to me in Relief Society and said her son thinks Sabrina's pretty, said he was being obnoxious to get her attention...she said it twice. So I asked Sabrina about it after church. Yes, apparently Jason was acting silly in class...she noticed. And, DAVID passed her a note that indicated he thought she was cute. Two boys, in 2 hours. Not bad...are we in trouble here?

Sabrina has definitely started to feel at home. She likes school (although the fact that homework has been all but non-existent could have something to do with it). She's made friends. She has boys following her. She has been doing really good getting out the door at 6:40am for the bus. Her attitude has changed, and she has been doing her chores without fail. We just found out that she's been getting lazy with checking her blood sugar and taking insulin...not a good thing. I guess it was getting TOO good...

Hayden is a new kid in school too. I told his teacher he likes to get up and help other kids when he is done with his work, and she said he just cracks open a book and reads! That's not like him. But, he does like his teacher and his class. He's doing well and started soccer this week. Boy, is that a workout...1.5 hours and hard core running and work in 88 degree weather. He is working hard.
McKenna started Kindergarten this week...she didn't even miss me! She's having a blast and loves to walk to school with Hayden. Her teacher is so sweet and McKenna is really taken with her. She starts gymnastics today and has been enjoying coming home from school and playing out back in the blow-up pool.

Dennis is working long and hard. He leaves for work before 6:30am for meetings and had some pretty physical, not to mention hot, PT several days in the week. He is exhausted when he gets home and, frankly, not really excited to be still putting furniture together. I don't blame him. Apparently, bolts and screws to two things are MIA.

I have been living at Walmart and Target getting curtains, returning curtains; getting a can opener, returning a can opener; getting a hose holder, exchanging for another. It's getting old. And, I'm down to the last few things to really finish setting up HOME. A few pictures left to hang, the other shipment to arrive, and I'll be happy. I am, however, knee deep in putting away the craft supplies...but have made quite the progress there, too. I'm loving the space. And, happy to have somewhere to put things away and pull them out when I need them.

We had our first Gecko lizard in the house last night. And our first Hurricane warning...that didn't pan out, thank goodness. And, we have had little crickets alot. Man they are fast! I can't figure out where they are getting in. And earwigs...but that's about it. It can be worse...we've been warned about centipedes and cockroaches and other tropical loving pests. I'm listening to the housing lawn crew take care of our yard right now. How awesome is that?! Even if it's a little disconcerting to have strange men with weed wackers outside your front door, I'm sure I'll get used to it.

As a family, we have been spending lots of time together, although Dennis says it's not quality family time to be out shopping. Not fun for who? ha ha. But seriously, with one car, I have to run errands when I get the chance. We have been preparing dinner together, jamming to IPod music, sitting down for family dinners (sans bench...one of the missing screw pieces), and gathering in the living room to watch Shark Week on the Discovery channel. (I love HGTV and watched 3 episodes of Clean House on the Style Channel yesterday.) No car, so I'm most productive in the mornings at home. Eventually when Dennis's car gets here, I plan to go out and get a part-time job. Lucky me.

But, we are getting on a schedule and feeling at home. It's a feeling I've missed.

It's Hayden Style...

My, sweet, sweet boy...I'll tell you, he's got his own style.

He's always been small, so he's gotten used to wearing belts. Doesn't phase him, I think he actually likes the security of it.

You'll find him usually with his shirt tucked in, buttoned all the way to the top. No matter how I try to get him to "loosen up."

He loves to wear this bandana he got from a favorite teacher two years ago. Never mind if the rest of his outfit isn't Luau style.

He's been growing his hair longer to prepare for that "surfer" look. It kills me to not see his eyes, but I understand him asserting his style. (since typing this post, I DID have to cut his bangs...it's ok, he'll try again...)

And, right now, you will always find a bag clipped to his belt. The hot thing right now are Bakugons, and Hayden is busy collecting and trading them with the rest of the boys his age. He wears them close to pull out at recess, the library, the food court...any time, any where.

And, don't forget the cool sunglasses and Jonas Bros necklace. Yes, definitely signature Hayden.

Happy Birthday, Handsome boy...

This post was supposed to start out with a picture of my sweet boy with his new ID card...he's been looking forward to this milestone for 6 months, turning 10 and getting his own military ID. We prepared a power of attorney to get this done months ago in preparation, knowing Dennis would be gone for his birthday. Unfortunately, the best laid plans....


We celebrated his birthday yesterday, knowing that today would be super busy with activities and errands, went to dinner for his favorite, gnocchi...opened gifts. Blew out the candles on his cupcakes.
Today, his actual birthday, the one thing to look forward to was getting his ID. I called yesterday to verify their hours and what I would need to bring. I told them I was bringing him in after school today, as it was his birthday. He wore a special shirt, he was contemplating whether to smile or not..."did dad smile in his?" he asked me. He cleaned out his wallet when I picked him up from school in preparation.


When we get there, they were CLOSED...early today for a squadron function. Do you think that would have been something she would have mentioned to me yesterday? Saved a special trip to base and all of this disappointment? I walked my dejected child back to the car feeling so sad that the one thing special thing he was doing today was snatched from him.


So, we'll try again later this week...and they are going to get an earfull...or comment card-full. Happy birthday, anyway...sweetheart.