I'm Eeking Back....

Well, I am tired of opening my browser to have that previous ugly post staring back at me. It was a difficult year, and I'm hoping that I can put an end to it.

At the time, I had decided that some things had to go to ease the stress in my life. So, I took a break from blogging. I should have posted about my decision...for both of you who read my blog(wink). I decided to spend my free energy fostering local and online relationships, translating to less pressure and more rewards for me. Writing on the blog has always been too much of an ideal for me to live up to.

If you know me well, you know I don't do anything I'm not going to be good at. I read some wonderful, amazing, inspiring blogs. I have always worried about my consistency. Plus, I wanted to make sure I was sharing a variety of uplifting news. So, when we don't reach these benchmarks we sometimes set for ourselves, it can make us feel more failure. I didn't need that at the time, or now. So, I'm trying a fresh start with a new outlook in a new place--figuratively and literally.

We recently moved from one side of the US, actually from the furthest West in Hawaii, to the east coast, in South Carolina. It's been a BIG move, a huge ordeal, and the toughest move of all for our our family. We're finally in a home, still no belongings yet, but I need to get on task. Each week is getting a little better. In a few weeks when our home is in order, and I have a better routine, this will hopefully all be a distant memory.

But, today, I need to live the quote I have at the top, "Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life." All the good. All the bad. All the moments. And there are some really good ones in there. I should have chronicled them this past year, instead of rushing past them. This year will be different...better. It's up to me, right? Just be patient for me. And I'll try to be gentle on myself.

So, a little recap from my November 2011 post to now:
The holidays went off without too much of a hitch. Carols were sung, presents were gifted, merry was made. I did spend most of Christmas day with a migraine, but we got to skype with my whole family and speak to Dennis's on the phone.

The rest of the school year was a struggle for one and a breeze for another. That online K12 program certainly is easier on some personalities than others. For my oldest, Sabrina, she missed making friends and worked hard every day to stay caught up, cutting into any social life she may have wanted. For Hayden, he was in his element. He loved finishing his work mid-morning so he could have computer free time. He would minecraft with his friends in the afternoon and spend some days with his best friend doing school work, then playing. McKenna's school year went off well. She had a great relationship with her teacher, enjoyed school, and had some great friends.

We were able to take a trip to the Big Island of Hawaii during spring break, amazed at how much more untouched it was than Oahu. We had a fabulous week and saw another amazing part of this world. Maybe I'll do another recap post of that some time. My mom was able to come out a couple of weeks later, during the worst storm weekend we had our entire time on Oahu. It was such a disappointment to not be able to show her more of the beauty of Hawaii, but we were able to spend time together, and that's what really matters anyway.

My middle brother and his family came out at the end of May and spent 2 weeks in our home. They allowed us to be tourists and do all of the fun things Hawaii has to offer for one last time. The kids really enjoyed hanging out with their cousins since they don't get to often.

About April, we had started preparing to move off the island, knowing an assignment would come in May. The options of location weren't great, and we did get an initial assignment to Cannon AFB, NM. This base is so remote that after a process involving a medical board, the assignment was cancelled due to lack of facilities to support Sabrina's diabetic needs. Then began the waiting game...9 weeks to be exact, before we would get the new assignment.

The second week in August, we receive an assignment to Shaw AFB, SC, followed by a mad rush to get out of Hawaii before the end of the month. We started packing up on the 10th and cleared our house on the 20th. We flew out of Hawaii on the 21st and, 3 flights later, into South Carolina on the 22nd. The south definitely has a learning curve. But, we're adjusting. The kids all started school last week, and so far are holding their own. Now to see where this new adventure takes us!

Photography fun…

Last week was our photo outing for our photography group, a group of women sharing tips and motivation to enjoy and improve our photography skills. The group leader set up a location shoot at an old housing site here by the water using young women from our ward. It was a fun opportunity to get some great shots of my beautiful daughter.

Here are some of my favorites. Disclaimer: I don’t have a DSLR camera. I don’t want a DSLR camera. I’m too lazy for a DSLR camera. So, while I know that if I had used a high-end camera that my depth of field could have been better or my lighting could have been fixed with some aperture settings, I’m happy with my mid-size Canon. And, I think they are pretty good. All without any editing. Enjoy!

BFF on the island...

Pam has been one of my longest friends. We met on the steps at UCLA over 20 years ago. She was approachable, and I was lost. Fast friends, we ended up in each others' weddings. In fact, since living overseas, her wedding was the last time I had seen her. Her visit to Hawaii was probably one of the most anticipated things this summer. Yet, it has taken me two months to post pictures and celebrate the fun we had.

I could say that it was just too much fun...that I'm still recovering from all the fun. But, the truth is, that after the golden time of vacation-- and fun-- and laughter, real everyday life gets in the way. So, I've been amiss to share the joy she brought into our home during her short stay.

She arrived on the kids' first day of school, so I had planned some fun things for the mornings and others to include the kids after school. Right off the bat we went up to the PCC, Polynesian Culture Center. We had a great day soaking up the sun and island culture, catching up just like old times.

The next day, we went kayaking in the morning at Hickam Beach. It runs alongside the airport runway, so it's isn't unusual to catch air departures in the background.

That same day, after the kids were out of school, we took advantage of Hayden's recent sailing instruction. He took both of us and the other kids out around the harbor, showing off his mad skills. Pam said it was one of her best memories.

Dennis went with us one day to Waikiki, on an underwater adventure in a submarine. We went nearly 100 feet down and saw some cool sights...turtles and fish.

Since Pam had been to Hawaii several times, I tried to show her some things she may not have seen before. We took her to Pali lookout, where it's always windy, but an amazing view of the east side of the island.

On her last day, we made it to the Arizona Memorial. It was the first time our family had been there. It was an amazing place to spend a morning. We watched a historical video and took the boat out to the memorial. (I think this was McKenna's favorite part!)

These five short days meant so much to me. Unable to live close to family, for a short time she brought memories and a sense of "home" that we have missed being away from those we love.

Sweet Pam is a kindergarten teacher, and she embodies that in every sense of the word. She is the most sincere and open person I have ever met. She engaged my children, treated my husband like an old friend, and won over my friends from church.

My only regret from this visit is that it wasn't long enough, though she left promising to return next year. With some of the tourist stuff out of the way, I'll look forward to more long chats and enjoying each other's company. Because over all, she definitely wet my appetite for more. We welcome our visitors. Book your tickets now!

Hawaiian Summer 2010...a drive-by...

Ok, so I'm bad...very bad blogger...

I have so many great pictures and fun stuff we did this summer...and the kids have been in school already, 3 weeks! I should have told you about it by now. But, I've been easing back into routine, albeit a NEW routine for Sabrina's new hybrid charter school, but I'll save that for another post.

So, when we left off, it was actually right before my 40th birthday. I've spent the first part of the year watching friends from school turning 40 one by one...it's a big year...it's a milestone...what wild and exciting way could we celebrate? I thought about doing some fun Hawaiian touristy thing, but really, I've been trying so many amazing, out-of-the-box things for me, that I really couldn't think of something that I was interested in doing. I did go with a friend to a day spa for massages....nice! Turns out, all you need for hot stone massage is some rocks from the yard and one of those BX crockpots we all had in the Kaiserslautern Ward! But, it felt so gooooooooood.

I did have a great friend and her visiting sister-in-law take me to lunch at the Cheesecake Factory, YUM!! SUPER YUM!

Then, dinner that night with the family, which is always fun to see how excited the kids get over giving me gifts. I'm so blessed! And after 16 years of marriage, I finally had a homemade cake (that wasn't by my mom!). Sabrina made one all by herself... (Post later about our Cake Boss Marathon). It was super yummy, but after a day of way too much food, I couldn't eat very much. And, I found "over the hill" balloons on my door.

Then, over the weekend, it was Father's Day, so we went to our first Luau at Paradise Cove...I think Dennis had a good time...what do you think?

We continued with our summer outings...getting out and about on the island. One trip up to the north shore to the Laie Temple and Shaved Ice was a fun day. The temple has been closed for renovations the entire year we've been here, but will be opening up in November. I'm looking forward to taking the kids and Dennis through for the Open House before the dedication.

Another week, we went to the Ho'omaluhia Botanical Gardens. It was a lush, green landscape with bright spots of tropical flowers and a short hike ending at a lake full of the most ravenous goldfish...we all brought bread, and even some tortillas, to feed them. I warned McKenna not to turn her back on the frenzy...kinda creepy.

Then, we had an opportunity to watch an aircraft carrier come into Pearl Harbor, the USS Ronald Reagan. Hundreds of people lined the shore on Hickam to watch it come in...pretty cool with all of the aircraft, and the sailors lined up on deck in their whites.

I have also used my "mad skills" and made several batches of freezer jam...thanks to fruit that is overripe when it gets to the island...so only lasts a day or two before needing to cook with it or throw it out.

To wrap up this post, we celebrated 4th of July at Pearl Harbor naval base, next door to ours. Since it was on Sunday, I wanted to stay close and not spend money because of the sabbath. Our church teaches us to uphold our country and be celebratory of our freedoms, so I wanted to try to celebrate in a semi-reverent, family way. We had a good time and enjoyed our down time waiting for dark for the fireworks. I know it's late, but Happy Birthday America! More to come...

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!