Batman on scooter

UNDO Rush of fools Then sings my soul Saturdays

I love this song on so many levels. What I always wonder though is what do people do when they don't know Him. Who do they turn to. Where do they go. Who do they tell. And who meets them at the door when they say "I've been here before" Who do they ask "turn me around, pick me up, Undo what I've become, Bring me back to the place of forgiveness and grace." And who can forgive them like this. I saw my Father watching for his own with forgiving eyes, after all I've done he just ran to me then he kissed my face he would not let go of me. After where I've been He just welcomed me. I didn't understand but he put his robe one me. It was so amazing that he still calls me son/daughter.

Christmas dinner

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas

Hawaiian 12 days of Christmas

In Hawaii we sing the twelve days of Christmas completely different then anywhere else. The kids start this every year and after a while I am tired of a Miner bird in one papaya tree.

10 Honest things I love.....

I have been given an award called the Honest Award. My dear friend Rebecca at The Washington Walkers is the blogger who awarded me with this. I really enjoyed reading her's and I hope mine will be almost as fun. I have to write 10 honest things about myself and then pass it along to 5 bloggers. So here goes.

#1. I love being a wife and a mom. Same as Rebecca. I never had the urge to go to college, have a career, travel, or anything else. I just always wanted to be wife and mom. That's it. Plain and simple. I loved it yesterday and today and I am sure tomorrow.

#2. I love Christian contemporary music. I have to admit that I usually pick a church based not only on their teachings, but a little bit on their ability to play all the contemporary music.

#3. Reading. Anything and everything.

#4. I love TV. I know that's horrible. I watch most of it while the kids are in bed. It's kind of a vice. What can I say. Prison Break, Fringe, House, Ghost Whisperer...etc.

#5. I love Gevalia and French Vanilla creamer. I have to order my coffee. I can't help it. Okay it's another guilty pleasure.

#6. I love Hawaii, but who doesn't. I'm just lucky enough to live here right now.

#7. I love The Dallas Cowboys, I love The Dallas Cowboys, I love the Dallas Cowboys, Did I say I love the Dallas Cowboys.

#8. I love Addson Road. If you haven't heard this group yet, you don't know what your missing. Especially her songs like "what do I know of Holy."

#9. I love Target. I haven't been to one in 7 years, because we don't have one, but they are opening one in February, here, in Hawaii, 15 minutes walking distance from my house.

#10. I love chocolate. Especially Dove or Hershey's.

Now for the 5 people I pick...

I'm not sure I can choose 5 so if you want to play along go ahead and play. Please let me know cause this was a fun one.

video for daddy

Jr. on his birthday present

Blizzard

This is what it looks like in Washington. My daughter is the General Manager of Denny's up by Seattle and she has had servers sleeping there for a few nights since they cannot get home. Some hills on the highway and roads have been closed like the one in front of her restaurant. She has her daughter up with her friend farther north and hasn't been able to go get her for a few days for fear of not making it up that far. Some of the passes have been closed and one's like Steven's pass, although open, it is advisable not to travel through. More snow is expected up until Wednesday. So whoever asked for a white Christmas....well I guess you got it. Anyway please pray for the people who are stranded and the people who are loosing electric and water and whatever else. If you want to read more HERE is an article.

Cookies

Yesterday we decided to bake some cookies for Jr's birthday. Here is the items we needed. We made chocolate chip coconut cookies and gingerbread men.
Here I am mixing all the ingredients. The kids were excited to help with the cutting of the gingerbread men.
Jr. was most excited with the finished product. These were the chocolate chip coconut cookies. These were Jr's favorite. I'll have to say they were mine too.

Happy Birthday Jr.

Happy Birthday Dominic. 11 years ago today Dominic was born in a hospital in Heidelberg Germany. It took two hours to drive to the hospital in snow. I went into labor at my husbands Christmas party on a little post in Babenhausen. I actually went into labor on the 19th but did not have him until the 20th by C-section. He was a healthy 9.5 oz. my biggest baby thanks to gestational diabetes. Today he is a healthy 11 year old who plays soccer and football and loves his new ripstick G which he is holding above. Jr. is a loving sweet boy who can sometimes be a little bugger, his sister in Washington calls him buggy. But most of all he is a good kid who loves his family and friends.

Pearl Harbor Kai winter songfest

Dominic Jr. underneath kid with green t-shirt.
This was the kids songfest. There are a bunch of pictures and clips for dad in Iraq. The kids did We Wish you A Merry Christmas while the sixth grade played the Ukulele. That was pretty neat. Darrian bought his teachers Christmas present home and said she didn't want it. When I told him I was going to call her he told me not too. It seems he wanted her gift. Oh well it was better then telling me the other day that I couldn't bring tacquitos to the Christmas party because Miss Ikeno says you can only bring cake. Oh and pizza. But that's it.

Pearl Harbor Kai songfest

Darrian (or deer caught in headlights)
Darrian
Damian
Damian
Damian (friend of deer caught in headlights)
Today was the kids winter songfest. It is always a huge success. I have posted a bunch of videos for dad to see in Iraq. The Kindergarten was awesome doing Pickles and Tannanbaum and the other kids did a great job. I always like their Christmas songfest because they never use traditional songs.

Pickles and Tannenbaum at PHK

We wish you a Merry Christmas...Ukelele

Damian's class singing December in America

This is Damian at his songfest. Above him and below him are kids with blue leis on.

Dominic Jr.

Here is Jr. in his songfest at Pearl Harbor Kai. He is below a kid with a green shirt.

tacos and camels

Taco Time
Like I told hubby, "don't you guys have
anything better to do then play with camels.

Thank You Cheryl

A few weeks ago Cheryl at Hope for each day had a give a way and I was lucky enough to win it. I received this beautiful tile in the mail today. I wish you could all see it in person. Thank you Cheryl. It made my day and I will display it for everyone to enjoy and when I look at it I will think of you my friend.

What can I say...

5 Super Bowls
18 Division Titles
10 Conference Championships

Me and Vanessa and a video clip for dad

Here is a picture of me and Vanessa when she was a little girl. She found this one while she was visiting my dad. Vanessa is 18 now and couldn't believe how small she once was.
Here is a little clip of Darrian and his friends at the park. I don't know what they were doing, but it looks like they have a plan.

Forgiveness

Some say they are forgiving people. Some say they are Christians who know how to forgive. Some say they choose forgiveness every day. Some people live forgiveness. The San Diego immigrant who lost many in his family is one of those people who put forgiveness into action. Please pray for Dong Yun Yoon whose wife, two young daughter's and mother-in-law were killed when a military jet crashed into his home. Dong Yun Yoon, in the midst of his grief, said "I don't have any hard feelings. I know he did everything he could. Please pray for him not to suffer in this accident. I know he is one of the treasured for our country." Yoon has shown us what forgiveness looks like when it's put into action. Next time you think you can't forgive something remember Dong Yun Yoon, and know through Jesus ALL things are possible.
Here is a link to the complete article:Immigrant doesn't blame pilot for deadly crash.

Pickles and Tannenbaum-can he be anymore enthusiastic

For the Christmas songfest at the kids school next week the kindergartener's are performing a song called "Pickles and Tannenbaum." I am assuming this will be one of the funny songs. Usually the 4th grade does the Mexican hat dance and that one is always really good. Anyway whoever heard of pickles and Tannenbaum.

Tag-I'm it

Cheryl at Hope for each day has tagged me so here goes

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?

Both, no or about it.

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?

Wraps.

3. Colored light on house/tree or white?

Whatever lights I can find from last year that still work. This year it's all white inside and out.

4. Do you hang mistletoe?

No.

5. When do you put your decorations up?

I start the day after Thanksgiving.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?

Mashed potato casserole.

7. Favorite holiday memory as a child?

almost getting killed on a toboggan (my mom's idea).

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?

I heard it from my friends.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?

Yes the one's from my parents

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree?

I have ornaments I've saved and I buy some new one's. Many the kids make me.

11. Snow. Love it or dread it?
Could care less. I guess living in a warm climate makes you not miss the cold at all. No shoveling, ice, crazy drivers.

12. Can you ice skate?
Yes although the last time I was on skates 2 years ago I shattered my wrist. Requiring 9 hours in emergency and surgery. Of course Dominic was away at the time. Kind of like Murphy's law. Nothing goes wrong all year but when the hubby's away everything goes South.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift?
anything Barbie

14. What is the most important think about the holidays for you?
Jesus' birth.

15. What is your favorite holiday dessert?

Pumpkin pie with lots of cool whip and milk, ice cold milk.

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Not sure.

17. What tops your Christmas tree?

Star.
18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving?
GIVING.

19. What is your favorite Christmas song?
Feliz Navidad.

20. Candy Canes. Yum or Yuck?
Yum!

21. What do you want for Christmas?
Haven't really thought about it.

22. Do you attend an annual Christmas party.
Sometimes.

23. Do you dress up for Christmas Eve or wear PJ's?
PJ's.

24. Do you own a Santa hat?
Yes, it is actually a Pittsburgh Steelers hat, black and gold.

25. Who do you normally spend Christmas with?
My hubby and kids.

Now I get to tag 5 people.

1. Jen @ A good cup of coffee

2. Sandra @ A diary of a stay at home mom

3. Elizabeth @ Elizabeth embracing life

4. Darlene @ Everything to me aka Puff's pocket

5. Nadine @ Just being me

Here are the rules:

1. post the rules on your blog.

2. Fill out the Questions.

3. Tag 5-7 people at the end of your post.

4. Pass on the tag.

Have a great day all!

Cheryl

Christmas fun fest

Darrian in the bounce house
stamping Christmas wrap
Decorating a Christmas card
Decorating a picture frame
Yesterday we went to the Christmas fun fest on post. It was a fun time. The kids do it every year. The older one's were running around with their friends so I only took the little one around. Later on the older one's went to the beach. (Only in Hawaii).

video for daddy

video for daddy

video for daddy

video for daddy

Then Sings my Soul Saturdays

I absolutely love Addison Road and even more I absolutely love this song. I saw it posted on another blog but wanted to share it here for anyone who didn't get to see it.

For Daddy

Who do you want to be

I am reading a book, The Christmas Sweater, by Glenn Beck. Although Beck is not my religion (he's Mormon), I find the book is not religious, it pertains to all people. One of the things he wrote in this book struck me as something I really believe. One of the character's Russell says to Eddie "People probably ask you all the time what you want to be when you grow up, but that's the wrong question isn't it? The question people should really ask is who you want to be." Later on Russell goes on to explain to Eddie "The what doesn't matter. I mean who do you want to be, what kind of person." I thought it was so true of a lot of people in this world. They don't care abut what kind of people they are, they are more concerned with success (as the world describes it) or power, or fame. When they should be concerned with the things that really matter like being good, gentle and faithful. I am thinking that is why the shape our economy doesn't really bother me. Having stuff just isn't important to me. I don't really care about houses, and cars, and jewelry, etc. I just care about the things that really matter, God, my husband, family, and friends. Really what else could anyone want. I guess I just don't get it. That's probably why I am glad to be in this world, but not necessarily of it.

On the first day of Christmas....not!

Did anyone hear the price it would cost to purchase all the items in the 12 days of Christmas in 2008? Apparently $86,609. So unless your true love is a millionaire you probably won't be getting a partridge in a pear tree. Who wants a partridge anyway.

random stuff

Be all that you can be
Hide and seek

Can anyone spell Christmas shopping

AMAZON.COM

My heart breaks for Tammy and her family

Today Tammy lost her son Nick who battled brain cancer. If you get a chance to go on over there and leave a message I would encourage you to do so. If you click on her side bar you can see Nick's blog. I have gone back many times and read posts on Tammy's blog and looked at many pictures on Nick's blog. I promise you this family will touch you in some way, especially Nick. He has the face of an angel and what a brave warrior he is. There has been some heavy traffic on Nick's blog, but don't give up, like I said he was an amazing young man and he will live on, not only with Jesus but with us here on earth. You can find Tammy at My heart...His words

Chocolate milk day

Darrian said: "I want more chocolate milk."
I said: "No you already had a cup."
Darrian said: "but it's chocolate milk day."
I said: "No there is no chocolate milk day."
Darrian said: "Yes there is you know, Sunday, milk day, tuesday, chocolate milk day, Wed, Thurs, Friday, Saturday."
I said: "There is no chocolate milk day." Now if he had said champagne day I might of been able to buy that.

You invite me in...that about covers it!

Deck the Halls

We started decorating for the holiday. I hope we get done by Dec. 25th, here everything is a work in progress.

Happy Thanksgiving...

...from our house to yours

Little drummer boy

just Darrian

Last night we were having raviolis for supper. Darrian went running to the park after school and yelled out loudly "We're having CRABIOLIS for dinner." I'm not sure if this sounds good or bad.

The Devils Arithmetic

This was a very graphic movie but told the stories well about the Holocaust. It was a movie based on a book that was very popular with young adults so they made a movie out of it. It is hard to watch in many parts but it shows some very brutal things that went on in the concentration camps and it teaches a young girl lessons she will never forget. Great movie for teens, and adults, who want to experience this piece of history, but for teens who are able to handle the disturbing scenes shot for this movie in order to keep it as close to reality as possible. The clip pretty much sums up the horror of this time in History so you may want to watch it when no children are around.

video clips for dad

Texas hold em or Poker, take your pick.

for daddy

Here is a video clip for dad to watch in Iraq. I hope you enjoy it.

Soufflenheim France

Soufflenheim, despite its German name, is a town and commune in North-eastern France, in the Bas-Rhin département, in the Alsace région of France. It is also known for its pottery an is also known as Cité des Potiers

We lived in Germany for 3 years and we went to visit this place in France where we bought the above piece of pottery. Soufflenheim is famous for it's pottery around Europe. I think everyone from my post went there to get some. It is a beautiful little village with an old fashioned bakery with pastries to die for. On the way home we stopped at McDonalds where we had the drive through girls hysterical and then the rest of the kitchen hysterical. Contrary to popular belief they do not speak fluent English and we do not speak French so ordering food was another experience entirely. I did however know how to say Pommes Frites, which is the French word for French fries. Believe me you have never tasted a frie until you've tasted pommes fties. We also enjoyed this place because it was during Christmas when we were able to go to the Christkindlesmarkt (otherwise known as the Christmas Market). The Germans and French set up huge markets where they sell home made Christmas things. They go all out for Christmas. We had a great time and if I ever got the chance to go back and live in Europe I would, but who knows where the Army will take us next. The above pictures are of the town of Soufflenhem and the Christmas Market and my piece of pottery.

Then sing my soul Saturdays

This is one song that is very close to my heart. Not many songs effect me the way this one does. There is no other description for what Jesus does to us.

What cat?

Here is what my 5 year olds card said to me today. Happy Thanksgiving thanks for my cat. We don't have a cat anymore.

Pictures

I will be posting many pictures over the next year so Dominic can see new ones almost daily over in Iraq. So you will be seeing a lot of us.


First picture, Big Head and grandpa, second picture Big Head (It's a rough life), third picture (same same) and fourth picture Jr and Big Head

Jr.

Michael Jr. Christian comedian

Common misconceptions about Heaven

People do not become angels# God created angels as angels (Colossians 1:16). They have never been anything else. People do not become angels when they die. We do not know how many angels there are, but the Bible refers to them as an innumerable company (Hebrews 12:22).
# God created the angels as spirit beings (Psalm 104:4). Because they are spirits, they are unseen by human eyes. An angel takes on a form that can be seen temporarily if this will help an angel do his assigned task on earth. In the Bible, angels are highly diverse in appearance. They are usually so awesome when they appear that their first words are, "Fear not." Angelic appearances in the Scriptures include being seen as a bright light, fire, having wings (but never a halo), or like an ordinary person. As spirit beings, angels are not only invisible but also immortal. They never get sick or die. They are without gender as we know it, being neither male nor female, and they do not marry (Matthew 22:28-30).

Rev. James MacDonald clarifies common misconceptions about Heaven

1. Every time you see a shooting star there is an angel in Heaven who gets their wings. Comes from "It's a Wonderful Life." Great movie-not Biblical.
2. When a child dies people will say "I guess God needed another angel." As if God were saying in Heaven "Hey were short on angels so somebody run over little Billy with a bus." Is that not a tragic view of the loving kindness of an almighty God.
3. Heaven is a place where you sit on clouds for eternity and play harps. How boring it would be to be in Heaven all that time just playing harps. No wonder we're so attached to this world with all these misconceptions of Heaven.
4. You won't know if your going to Heaven until you get there. Like you'll arrive at the gates and St. Peter will be there standing at the gates and he kind of looks you in the eye but you're not sure if you're getting in and he's going to ask you some skill testing question like "what's the square route of 75?" and if you don't answer it right there on the spot there gonna be like "release the hounds." And you're finished.
5. You can get to Heaven by being a good person. What an affront to the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary that you can get to Heaven by yourself. I guess He died for nothing. Does anyone believe that Jesus died for nothing? Jesus Christ did not die for nothing. He died to pay for our sins because He is the only hope for eternal life.

Jr.-Division champs-Aiea Eagles

Jr. fifth player from the left #72. End zone Aloha stadium

Aiea...Eagles...You know!

Well today was a big day for Jr. His pop warner football team went to the play offs and the nice thing about going to the playoffs in Hawaii is you get to play in Aloha stadium, home of the Warriors. The kids got a kick out of putting their things in the lockers, and using the showers. They got an even bigger kick at watching themselves on the screen and seeing their re-plays. They also liked hearing their names and number called over the sound system. Play by play just like the big guys. The game ended 0-0 so they put the team who won the coin toss on the 10 yard line facing their goal and that was the other team who scored the one and only touchdown. So we are at the end of our season but the kids are division champs and even better they had the experience of playing in the stadium that UH plays in. Very exciting. Here are some pictures. Jr. is a lineman #72.

Thanks Cheryl

Can you believe I won this prize from a give a way that my friend Cheryl was having. I don't win things all that often and was surprised when Cheryl e-mailed me that I won. It really made my day. It's always nice to find out you are getting a gift and it is even nicer to find out it is from a very special friend. This give a way was done in honor of Cheryl's sister Jan who is battling cancer and who is someone I pray for. Things are going well right now for Jan and I am praying they continue to go well. If you want to pray for Jan too go on over to Cheryl's blog "hope for each day" and offer up a prayer for Jan. By the way Cheryl's blog is really awesome too.

Prayer request

My sister Stephanie needs your prayer's right now. You all know she has breast cancer and has had two surgeries so far. She found out that she has MRSA also. They are treating this before starting chemo so please pray that this resolves itself quickly and that she can continue on with her chemo and get back to the business of being a wife and mother without having to worry about what's next. My niece Leah who has epilepsy needs your prayers. Even though she does not have many seizures, she has had some recently and has been in the hospital for testing. Please pray that this is resolved quickly also. Obviously our family has a lot going on including the passing of my mom in June so I am calling out to all my sisters in Christ to stand by me and my family in this storm. I thought my sister would like this video since she likes Disney things.

Father please hear our plea on behalf of my sister and niece and please continue to hear our pleas for our friends out their in need. With you on our side who can be against us. I am trusting in you and putting these needs in your hands. In jesus name I pray Amen.

Happy Veterans Day

Dominic and the other guys have arrived in Kuwait and will be there about a week and a half before they actually set foot in Iraq. They are not due home until January 2010. The sooner they get into Iraq the sooner their tour starts so we are all hoping here that they get to Iraq ASAP.

Today my son Brandon was in a Veterans Day celebration for NJROTC down at the sub base on Pearl Harbor. They do this every year to honor the veterans and the kids always have a great time and learn a lot about having pride in their country and the people who have served.

Hope everyone has had a great day.

Then Sings my soul Saturday

http://signsmiraclesandwonders.blogspot.com/2008/11/then-sings-my-soul-saturday-grace-by.html
I know I am a day late for posting Saturdays song, and I know I have posted this one before, but there are so many out there needing prayer that I felt led by the spirit to post it. Please pray for Elizabeth, Cheryl's sister Jan, Nick, my sister, my husband and anyone else you can think of in need of prayer.

Iraq

Tonight my husband Dominic is due to leave on a tour to Iraq. He will be gone for a year or more. He may get a 2 week visit home halfway through. Please pray for his safe travel and the safe travel of the others deploying with him. Also pray for their continuing safety and the continuing safety of the many other soldiers deployed all around the world.

PS Pray for my sanity. It's just me and them. All alone. Enough said.

I'm back and I'm not sure what to say

My dad had a good visit. We didn't do anything really interesting, just spent time as a family. On Monday my dad and my daughter flew back to NJ. My daughter will be back on Dec. 11 and then start college in January.

It had been an interesting evening watching the presidential election and although I had huge disagreements with both sides, I woke up feeling pretty good. I was not on the side of voting for Barrack Obama, but his victory does say something special to me. Not only can anyone become president, but my son who is half Mexican can be told that "yes you can too." He used to ask me if he could be president and I would tell him of course, but in the back of my mind I thought no way. Only because it didn't seem possible that a half Hispanic kid, who definitely doesn't look white, could actually be voted into the White House, but now I can feel that yes this is possible. I cannot say I agree with many issues, and I cannot say that I voted for Obama, but I can say that him getting elected has made a way for other people who may not have had that way before.

Then Sings my soul Saturdays

This song has been playing here quite frequently on the radio and for some reason it has been on my mind a lot lately. Just watching the way things are going in this world and how many people are giving themselves away without even knowing it. So I am sharing this video because it always reminds the subtle way that Satan can take us away from the Lord piece by piece and let us slowly fade into the world without us even realizing it.

For more then sings my soul Saturdays go on over to Amy's blog.

blog break

My dad is visiting for three weeks so I will not be blogging too often. Just to let you know my sister had surgery last week and is doing well. Please keep praying for her as she goes through treatment.

Addison Road

I listen to this song many times a week and I never get tired of it. This girl has a wonderful voice and this song has a great message. Everything always did ride on hope now, we just don't always realize it.

Breast Cancer

The View this morning was about breast cancer and there is a movement going on to help women find a cure. You can go to sign up to be in the Army of Women on Dr. Susan Love's website HERE

The Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation and the Avon Foundation, a global leader in breast cancer research, joined forces to launch the Love/Avon Army of Women.

Our revolutionary initiative has two key goals:

• To recruit one million healthy women of every age and ethnicity, including breast cancer survivors and women at high-risk for the disease, to partner with breast cancer researchers and directly participate in the research that will eradicate breast cancer once and for all.
• To challenge the scientific community to expand its current focus to include breast cancer prevention research conducted on healthy women.

Join us in this movement that will take us beyond a cure by creating new opportunities to study what causes breast cancer—and how to prevent it.

Happy Birthday Dad

Tomorrow is my dad's birthday so I just wanted to let him know we are thinking of him. The bad news is we won't be there to celebrate, but the good news is he will be here next Tuesday so we can celebrate then. What better then looking forward to a trip to Hawaii on your birthday. I put this song up as a celebration of father's and daughter's.

Then Sings my Soul Saturdays

I know this has been posted before, but I love the ballet, the piano, and the song.

Once again my sister needs more surgery since they found some more cancer in a node that was tested. She will be going in for surgery on Oct. 17, so please pray for her surgery to go well and for our Lord to guide the doctors into taking out all the cancer. Of course this is disappointing since the news was so good that the other nodes were clear, but we all know that Jesus is strong enough, and through his strength my sister will be strong enough to do what it takes to defeat this disease and to defeat the enemy.

Awards from my dear friend Cheryl

I want to thank my dear friend Cheryl for blessing me with two awards. If you do not read Cheryl's blog, Hope for Each Day, you are missing a blessing. Her posts always inspire me. She has a way of posting scriptures and really bringing out their meanings. She also has a heart of gold. We have spent awhile now praying for each other's families, and I am glad to call Cheryl my friend. The first award means "this blog invests and believes, the proximity (meaning that blogging makes us "close"-being close through proxy. I feel very close to Cheryl and am very thankful she feels the same about me. The second award is


Autumn Friends Award which has the most adorable picture to go with it. I am going to try to get these in my sidebar but so far I have not gotten the hang of this yet as you all can see. Anyway I thank you Cheryl my friend whom I have grown close to through this new world of blogging.