Darrian is 7 today. Happy Birthday my sweet boy. Here he is opening a few gifts.

I thought this was so cute. From the mouths of babes.

The Devil

Two boys were walking home from Sunday School. They had just heard a firm teaching about Satan.

"What do you think about all that devil stuff?" one boy asked.

"Oh, I don't know," said the other one. "Remember Santa Claus? He turned out to be just your dad. The devil's probably the same thing."

For more Friday Funnies go on over the Kim's blog, Homesteaders heart.

Pray for baby Hailey

Pray for Baby Hailey who is going to CA today to find out what type of seizures she is having and what can be done about them. Here she is in 3D glasses.

Friday Funnies

Q: Why did God create man before woman?
A: He didn't want any advice.


For more Friday Funnies go on over to Kim's blog, Homesteader's Heart.

Fourth of July...almost here

We will probably enjoy a last minute bbq with our neighbors and then walk up the hill to enjoy the fireworks at night. The kids have a huge box of poppers they can't wait to play with. What is everyone doing for the fourth?

I'm reading Lake News by Barbara Delinsky and so far I am enjoying it. What is everyone reading?

Vacation Bible School

The kids had vacation Bible school at church this week and they are really enjoying it. They have some type of cosmic theme where the leaders are dressed as astronauts and they made the church garbage cans into robots. I still think the most fun the kids have is at the end where our children's pastor, Pastor Mel, throws out t-shirts into the audience and if you catch one you get to keep it. Doesn't everyone like something they get for free? Anyone else doing VBS this summer?

New Show

For fans of the series "Hopkins" there will be a new show starting Thursday, Boston Med. Boston Med was filmed at 3 Massachusetts hospitals, Massachusetts General, Brigham and Women's, and Children's Hospital Boston. Check out this website if you are interested, as for me I can't wait.

Scott's Pool part 1

Darrian giggling as he came down Scott's pool slide.

Darrian comes down the slide then swims back to me.

Geeze doesn't anyone get sick of the slide, I should talk, I love it.

A day at the pool part 2

Damian climbing rock wall at Scott's Pool HI. The clip is shaky at the beginning, but the ending is fine.

The hubby filming me at Scott's Pool.

Damian, rock wall, again.

Jr. getting his diploma...we were told not to clap until the end

Miss Chung (PHK Principal) speaking at Jr's graduation

If God texted the Ten Commandments

If God texted the ten commandments to Moses:
1. nol b4 me. srsly.
2. dnt wrshp pix/idols.
3. no omg's.
4. no wrk on w/end (sat 4 now;sun l8r)
5. pos ok - ur m&d r cool
6. dnt kill ppl.
7. :-X only w/m8.
8. dnt steal.
9. dnt lie re:bf
10. dnt ogle ur bf's m8. or ox, or dnky.myob.
Jamie Quatro on mcsweeneys.net

Family Talent passed from one brother to another.

Summer....hurray!

Tomorrow is the last day of school before summer break. I can't wait. On Thursday I will start enjoying my favorite thing. Packing up my cooler, sitting by the pool, and reading all day. Even exercise will be fun. Me and the kids always race laps up and down the pool until we are exhausted. Then we dry off and continue to laze around. Thanks to the crock pot I go home to a meal already cooked. It doesn't get any better than this. What are your summer plans?

Graduation day

Where's Waldo?

Congratulations Brandon and Happy Birthday Vanessa

Introducing class of 2010

Class song

Brandon and his girlfriend Adrianna (Adri) and her brother Jesse, with a bit of Darrian here at Chilies after graduating. Seems they saw many other classmates here. Without family close by everyone just kind of forms their own.

Brandon graduating

Sing this one at church and I really like it. For more Then Sings Your Soul Saturdays go on over to Amy's blog at Signs, Miracles, and Wonders.

Damian student of the quarter PHK

Damian's student of the quarter ceremony. 2nd clip end of the year speech by Mrs. Chung the Principal of Pearl Harbor Kai and then the student sing the PHK theme song accompanied by Ukulele.

Happy 11th Birthday to my son Damian. He is growing into an exceptional young man. We love you Di.

Vegangelical

Vegangelical (VEE-gan-jell-ih-kul) Someone who cannot stop proselytizing about the benefits of being vegan.

Then Sings My Soul Saturday

Be careful little eyes what you see
It's the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings
Be careful little feet where you go
For it's the little feet behind you that are sure to follow

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
It's a slow fade, it's a slow fade

Be careful little ears what you hear
When flattery leads to compromise, the end is always near
Be careful little lips what you say
For empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray

The journey from your mind to your hands
Is shorter than you're thinking
Be careful if you think you stand
You just might be sinking

For more Christian song choices go on over to Amy's blog at Signs, Miracles, and Wonders.

Friday Funnies

ON TITHING:
A man died and went to heaven. He was met at the Pearly Gates by St. Peter who led him down the golden streets. They past mansions after beautiful mansions until they came to the end of the street where they stopped in front of a shack. The man asked St. Peter why he got a hut when there were so many mansions he could live in. St. Peter replied, "I did the best with the money you sent us."
For more Friday Funnies go on over to Kim's blog at Homesteader's Heart.

Happy Mother's Day

My son Josh, who lives in NJ, sent me these flowers for Mother's Day. I wanted to share this picture of them because they are so pretty. Hope you all have a wonderful Mother's Day.

Happy (Late) Anniversary to my mom and dad

Anyone watch this horrible movie?

A thoroughly mind provoking film about 3 young women whom, under tragic circumstances see themselves cast away to a Magdalene Asylum for young women t in 1964. One of many like institutions, the asylums are run like prisons and young girls are forced to do workhouse laundry and hard labor. The asylum, one of many that existed in Theocratic Catholic Ireland, is for supposedly 'fallen' women. Here, young girls are imprisoned indefinitely and endure agonizing punishments and a long, harsh working system which leaves them physically drained and mentally damaged. As the girls bond together, it soon becomes clear that the only way out of the Magdalene convent is to escape, but with twisted Sister Bridget running the wing, any chances seem limited... Written by Anonymous

A library after my own heart

I can't wait to see the new Seattle public library. Everyone knows I love book. Everyone knows I love the library. Who wouldn't love this 11 story library. I know I will. Tour the Seattle Public Library online.

Hello again my old friend

When we lived in WA we used to eat at a place called Anthony's. The best thing about Anthony's was their Australian lobster. It has a slightly sweet taste. I also loved their version of Asian dressing. The view ain't bad either. This is one of the first places I can't wait to go when I get back to WA.

Hello my old friend

Change of plans. Headed to Ft. Lewis Washington. We have been here before and really like it so it won't be a hard move. Much easier when you know where everything is, right off I-5. Hello Mt. Ranier, Pronunciation Ranear, not Ran-ee-ear.

WTG Stephen

Way to go Stephen. Stephen Baldwin appeared on Celebrity Big Brother UK and remained true to his Christian faith all the way through. Because he stopped taking lucrative rolls in movies that portrayed sex and violence at a level he didn't find acceptable when he became a Christian, his income went down by 70%. Gee doesn't this tell us the way this country is headed.

Then Sings My Soul Saturdays

The song "Held" by Natalie Grant is a powerful song of God's love holding us and sustaining us through unspeakable pain. I always like listening to this one. Somehow it seems to catch the essence of God and His meaning.

Here is a post that explains this song quite well.
For more Then Sings My Soul Saturdays please stop by Amy's blog at Signs, Miracles, and Wonders.

Shame on You University of California

The University of California does not approve high school religious or ethics courses unless they “treat the study of religion or ethics from the standpoint of scholarly inquiry, rather than in a manner limited to one denomination or viewpoint.”

Read full article here.

The kids are enjoying this tire swing that my neighbor put up. So far it's kept them busy for two weeks. Does it get any better than this?

Looks like we are headed for Ft. Campbell Kentucky barring any unforeseen circumstances. We will have to report by August 10th. Dominic likes this only because he is Air Assault qualified and he loves nothing more then repelling out of copters.

Happy Easter to all my blog friends out there and I hope you all have a great day. We are going to my neighbors house for a bbq in the afternoon. There will be lots of neighborhood kids around so that should make it fun.

I was reading Real Simple magazine last night and they had a really good question in it this month. What is the last book you read in one sitting? I haven't read a book straight through in years but the last book I did read in one sitting was Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas by James Patterson and I can still remember it. All I can say about this book is "unforgettable."

This is one of my favorite Christian songs. The video that goes with it is awesome. I hope you all enjoy it. For more Then Sings My Soul Saturdays you can visit Amy's blog Signs, Miracles and Wonders.

Which Way to Heaven?

Reverend Billy Graham tells of a time early in his ministry when he arrived in a small town to preach a sermon. Wanting to mail a letter, he asked a young boy where the post office was. When the boy had told him, Dr. Graham thanked him and said, "If you'll come to the Baptist Church this evening, you can hear me telling everyone how to get to heaven."

The boy replied, "I don't think I'll be there... You don't even know your way to the post office."

For more Friday Funnies go on over to Kim's blog at Homesteader's Heart

Can you say "gotta have vanilla"

Today I made these brownies. They were awesome. The best thing about them is they are organic. I coupled them with a scoop of Stoneyfield Farms organic ice cream I bought at Whole Foods. All I can say about the Stoneyfield Gotta have vanilla ice cream is "Oh My God." I will never, ever buy another brand of ice cream. For junk food, these two products are top of the line, and organic to boot.

Brandon's Birthday

At Bubba Gumps

Happy Birthday Brandon

It's my son Brandon's 18th birthday. Time really does fly. I am not sure what we are doing tonight to celebrate but he did get to celebrate with his friends last night. This picture is of him and his girl going to the prom last week.

Happy Birthday Rielyn

Hoping my granddaughter has a great birthday over there in Mexico. She is 2 years old today. Praying for her to have a happy and blessed year.

Meet Savannah...

This is my son's best friend Savannah. Today I am babysitting her and her 2 brothers because her mom has an appointment for her baby sister at the neurologist. Her 4 month old sister has epilepsy. Or what they thought was epilepsy but now have discovered may be something on her brain that is causing these strange seizures. Please pray for Haley who is only 4 months old has already suffered a grand mal seizure. Anyway Savannah and Darrian are enjoying a little snack and each others company.

Day 2 Spring Break

Day two of Spring break went well. We decided to go to the pool because it was such a nice day. What do you think the kids want to do tomorrow? The Ice Palace. So much for 70 degrees and sunny.

Farrell's

Today the kids were off for Spring break. With my 12 year old off to the pool with the teen center, I decided to take my 10 and 6 year old to lunch at the local old fashioned ice cream parlor,Farrell's.

Farrell's...part 2

In search of the perfect green smoothie

Last week I bought a vitamix machine and now I am trying out every smoothie recipe for green smoothies that I can find. I think I've gotten pretty close to one my family will enjoy. The kid on the right doesn't like any vegetables at all including carrots, corn and mashed potatoes. Occasionally he will eat a salad made with only lettuce. Today I got him to drink his veggies. This smoothie contained cabbage, carrots and spinach. I'll be thanking God for this one tonight.

Spring break

The kids are on Spring Break from school this week so we should be able to do a lot of family things. Play games until late at night, go see movies, go to the beach, stay up late, and just have a fun time. The kids look forward to this and when they get back to school it will be only 2 months before summer break and 4 months until we move who knows where. Basically this is the calm before the storm. The storm of packing up and getting ready to leave. The Army still has not stationed us, but they will, they always do.

Welcome to my library

I spent a part of yesterday loading up my new bookcases. My daughter said I didn't have enough books to fill them. Obviously I do.

Yesterday I bought 2 large bookcases from Walmart. They're pretty nice and not to expensive. They should hold all of my books. My 19 year old daughter was nice enough to put them together, which only took about 4 hours to complete both. I think she did a great job. Now all I need to do is fill them.

A Little Taste of Oxaca....

My daughter Kira and her family are living in Oxaca, Mexico. I'm sharing a bit of the place not many people know about. The 5th largest city in Mexico.

I will be starting this book this week. I am a huge Danielle Steel fan. What is everyone else reading?

First Assembly of God Moanalau. Vanessa was in a human video with her young adult's (The Reef) group at church. She is sitting on the stage in the front row with her friend and she doesn't get up until about 3 or 4 minutes in. It was really good.
Filmed from the left at night service:
Filmed from the right at the morning service.

Tsunami...Not really

Well we woke up to a tsunami,or as my 6 year old said,a salami warning and then surrounded the tv at 11:05 to see what would hit Hilo. All that happened, thankfully, was 3 feet waves. So catastrophe averted. At least we know our evacuation plan works.

The monkey finally found a new tree

A little of this and a little of that...

My daughter has been practicing at church for a human video her youth group will be performing next Sunday. I'm hoping to get a clip of this for my blog next week. I'm praying it goes well for her.

Tomorrow I am renting "The Box," can't wait.

Tonight Dominic will be home late so it's just tuna sandwiches, mac and cheese, and veggies and ranch dip.

My son Darrian went to the Dole Plantation for a field trip today. He said he loved the maze and he enjoyed riding on the train. The plantation is beautiful and has the most awesome pineapple flavored ice cream. Me and dad always get this when he comes to visit.

Hope you all had a great day.

PS If you get the chance to read this post my sister did on a book and epilepsy go over and read it. It was a really good post and generated great conversation. I'm sure we can all relate to the use of labels.

relaxing weekend

We ended up going to Chilis for dinner Saturday which was a lot of fun for the kids and fun for me because I got a break from cooking. Tonight is church and Royal Rangers. I am looking forward to Tuesday so I can rent this movie that I wanted to see: The Box. I love the idea of popping a movie in, making my own snack, and being able to pause it whenever I need a break. Oh the wonders of DVD.

Update,,,,and books

Vanessa is fine. No surgery at the moment. The doctor said it isn't blood coming from her cyst but little bits of pineal fluid. It also wasn't new. Her shunt is magnetic so he put the magnet on top of her head and found out her shunt was set wrong. It was at a 2 and it should be 1.5 so he reset it. There is a little growth so they still want to MRI her head every 6 months, but hopefully the cyst will someday start to decrease instead of increase.

For you book lover's out there, here is a site I found while reading a magazine at the Dr. office yesterday. www.WhatShouldIReadNext.com Plug in your favorite books and get a list of other one's you'd likely enjoy. I haven't tried it yet, but it sounds like a good site.

Prayers for Vanessa

After Vanessa had her shunt done in May she had no more problems until yesterday. It seems she has a condition known as pineal cyst apoplexy. As you can see in this article under objective and importance, a pineal cyst apoplexy is rare, only 18 known cases. We are praying that the her doctor will guide us in the right direction. Her Doctor in San Diego specializes in pineal cyst, so for that we are thankful. We are having a consult on Tuesday, but for now she is stable.

Do you want to join the roadkill list?

Pretty sure I won't be participating in this one:
Alaska

In Alaska moose, caribou and bear are considered state property under the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and anyone who finds roadkill must call a state trooper, who turns the carcass over to charity "if it's not too squished. When they receive news of a moose roadkill, volunteers rush to the scene to butcher the animal, which must be quickly bled, gutted and quartered so the meat can cool as fast as possible. The meat is taken to churches, which distribute it to needy families, and soup kitchens make stew. Around 820 moose are distributed in this way each year Local residents may also register to be included on the "roadkill list" in the more rural areas, ensuring that the valuable meat is not wasted.[

What amazes me about this is that it snows for 40 hours and people just keep on driving. I wonder if they could give lessons to the poor people who got hit so hard with snow on the East Coast. I guess if you live in AK a little snow ain't gonna stop you.

A day in Alaska

I am really hoping we get stationed in Alaska after viewing this. This video shows one entire day in Alaska, time lapsed of course. When I see this I think about our universe and it's creator.

It's my birthday today and I am going to go to church and then watch the super bowl. I love football so I was happy to find out the game was on my birthday. You all know I got a Kindle from my dad (thanks again dad), that I am now in love with, and hubby usually gets me flowers and a card. He also said I can buy some books for my Kindle since he knows this is exactly what I wanted. So all in all it will be a nice birthday. Hope you are all having a fun weekend.

Furlough Friday

Well today is another furlough Friday for our kids here in Hawaii. So far they haven't been able to work this issue out. It's now affecting the military as you can see here in this article called: Furlough's Hurt Military Views of Hawaii schools. The kids here have been on a 4 day week since Oct. with Friday's off due to financial problems within the state. So far they have not worked this issue out. We are lucky. My kids principal decided to keep the kids, all four days, an hour later in school so that they could have the extra 4 hours a week to make up for some of the 7 hours they will miss by not being in school on Fridays. She also makes the teacher's send home packets of homework consisting of enough material to cover the other 3 hours they will miss due to school closure on Friday. It's funny because I don't actually love the furloughs because they cut out some of the education my children should be entitled to, yet I find all 3 boys, especially my 10 year old Damian, seem to be absorbing more information at a faster rate then before. The teachers have noticed this too. I asked my son and he says having the extra hour keeps him on track and knowing the week is over so soon keeps him motivated. In Japan they go to school for much longer days but I don't know if they get a 3 day weekend. I'm wondering if furloughs may have some benefit if not a whole lot. Given the choice though I still think I want my kids in school for at least 5 days a week if possible. We are moving this summer but I really hope Hawaii resolves this because there are many families here that have children in an already substandard school system and this, to me, is not fair.

Cooking Thursday

Sandra from Diary of a Stay at Home Mom is hosting Cooking Thursday. I recently got this book (all you Eat Well Save Big Cookbook) and in it is the most delicious recipe for Slow-Cooker Barbecue Turkey Meatballs. So far I have had the book only one month and have cooked the meatballs once a week since. We serve them with mashed potatoes and corn.

Slow-Cooker Barbecue Turkey Meatballs
2 Tbsp. Vegetable oil
1 small onion, grated (or finely chopped)
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 lb. ground turkey breast. I use ground turkey that comes in a roll in the frozen section. I actually use 3 rolls for this recipe.
1 lg. egg lightly beaten
1/2 C rolled oats (not instant)
2 Cups BBQ sauce (I use 1 plus 1/2 bottle)
1. Warm vegetable oil in a small skillet over medium high heat. Add onion and celery and cook stirring until softened, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and saute' for 1 minute longer. Transfer to a small bowl and let cool.
2. Place turkey in a large bowl. Add onion mixture, egg and oats. Use your fingers to gently but thoroughly blend ingredients. Dampen hands lightly and form mixture into small meatballs. (about 2 inches round).
3. Pour a small amount of bbq sauce over bottom of slow-cooker. Add meatballs, alternating with bbq sauce. top last layer with bbq sauce and cover and cook low about 6 hours. Or cook high about 3 hours. I use low for about 2 hours and then switch to warm all day. My crock-pot cooks a little hot on warm.

The best things about this recipe is it is low cost and delicious.

My mom made these quilts (Steelers and Cowboys) a few years ago. I'm the Cowboy fan, hubby is all about Steelers. Luckily for me Mr. Chris (Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala formerly of the Pittsburgh Steelers works as the sports director where my son goes to the Teen Center just behind my house. My son is going to ask Mr. Chris to sing hubby's blanket. If only Tony Romo worked at the Teen Center.