Thanksgiving 2009: Physical and Spritual Feast

Thanksgiving of 2009 turned out to be an exciting event. On Wednesday, John went to Hawaii Kai to pick up his parents and I was at work participating at our school turkey trot. We came home and welcomed the Kloeppels into our home. That night I was fortunate to go to a movie with the ladies, it was really fun going by ourselves. Thursday, was Thanksgiving and I had a list of food dishes to get ready, and a plane to catch in the late afternoon. It came down to the wire but I managed to accomplish the meal and at 12:00pm we had a wonderful luncheon. Good food, good company, good everything. Get to the airport by 4:50pm and catch a plane to Kona, Hawai'i at 6:00pm. I was so excited I couldn't contain my excitment!
Prior to the planning of this trip, which had been a goal of mine since January 2009 as one of my resolutions, I encountered a lot of stumbling blocks along the way. From the La'ie Hawai'i temple being closed to waiting a year to do the work, and then getting it done without any family members present. It was an attempt I had to do for my dad by myself it couldn't wait, he needed to be with an eternal family. His parents needed him. I needed the comfort to know that he had a place and parents ready to greet him with open arms. All was possible with the help of my Heavenly Father, prayer, personal revelation, and friends ready to serve. The spirit was so strong at the temple and I know that everyone was pleased with me. It made me grateful to know that I was able to do this because I was obedient to the Lord's commandments and promptings of the spirit all my life. My grandparents waited 30 years for this blessing. Just comes to show that you should use the talents and gifts you are given to one day bless the lives of others waiting for you. I learned to act upon the promptings of the spirit, and to not give into temptation.
I returned home Friday night and was very grateful and able to now focus on taking care of my immediate family. My children were happy for me. They missed me while I was gone.

On Saturday I went to a funeral. A member of our community passed away. The funeral services and message was very uplifting and the message and music was just what I needed to hear. Basically those that are called early in life have a great work to do beyond the veil, and family members left behind should talk and share experiences about their loved one that left. It's all part of the healing process. So share your memories about your loved one and talk about times you remember when they were here with you on Earth. Also don't be afraid to approach others and tell them what you remembered about their family member.

That evening my husband and I were able to go on a date to see a movie. The movie was inspiring, uplifting, and taught me to that one person can make a huge difference in someones life. Now it's on to Christmas and remembering to LOVE our family, friends, and the world we live in. So that was my crazy, emotional, busy, whirlwind of a Thanksgiving break.

Hauoli Halloween

Halloween 2009 proved to have some scary changes. Not only was the crowd not there in Laie but the treats were different too. All signs of the economic times. We mangaged to keep one tradition alive and that was trick or treating with Auntie Amie, Joshua and Lavania. Prior to that evening we went to Kaden's soccer game and shopping with mom. No time to buy and carve a pumpking this year, or even pick one from the patch. However, all in all we made our own fun, with great company, food, and a movie. We look forward to next year and hope it will be filled with a little less change. Now it's on to Thanksgiving...

Our 1st Memorial: Remembering Our Dad/Papa

On Wednesday, October 28, 2009 our family remembered Dad/Papa. We served his favorite foods and we invited close friends and neighbors that helped us last year through this difficult time. We watched a video that was made at his funeral, and we shared stories. It was a start of a new year for us. We made it through all the first without our family patriarch. It was a roller coaster year and we just hope that we will have a better year ahead. We love our dad and papa and we will continue to prolong his legacy here in La'ie and in our family. Mahalo to all those who shared this night with us.

Enjoying La'ie's Festivities

It has been a busy and fun weekend. I didn't even have to leave La'ie to find thrills, excitment, and socialization. On Friday, we went to the 2nd Annual Haunted Lagoon which took place at our very on PCC in La'ie. It has opened since the beginning of October but took me this long to build up the courage to go. However, it helps when you have a good friend to go with. So we arrived early, and then waited in line. It was top notch entertainment with excitment, thrills, and chills. Then on Saturday, we went to the college to attend the Foodfest. The weather was perfect, tradewinds were back, and the company was awesome enjoying eating dinner outside. Who could have asked for a better weekend? I'm glad I was able to enjoy the festivities of La'ie without getting in a car to go to town.

A Relaxing Break

Well I've come to the end of my Fall Break with the kids. It was so nice sleeping in, making breakfast, and doing housework. Normally I wouldn't say that I enjoyed doing housework but when I work all day it's just piles up. When I stay home it gets done. So I was glad I had more control over the housework instead of it controlling me. It made me realize though how much time is taken away from the home. There are so many distractions now in this world that it puts added pressure put on me to be too many places at once. I must continue to have a balanced life, get organized, and most importantly say to myself you have to give this up today to do that. So back to work I go tomorrow and I look forward to doing the best I can do and appreciate the breaks that are to come such as Fridays I'm off, and Winter Break.

Fall Approaching

So the seasons are hard to feel temperature wise in Hawai'i. The temperature is pretty much the same all day. I can tell when Fall approaches due to the scheduled football games. Most convinently going to Kahuku High School football games. Not only is my 15 year old daughter interested in going to the games, but her mother is interested in going too and spending time watching her interact with her peers. I have been blessed with a wonderful friend who likes to go along with me to these games and we have children close to the same age. (Mahalo Amie!)We deffinitely have fun together and get some good laughs too.
Therefore because Amie has done such a good job being a weekly Kahuku High School sports reporter she has inspired me to write about going to see Football. Pictures will come next time. Mikayla, Kaden, and Kahana sure enjoy seeing the crowd, players and eating the grindz and the Kahuku Football Games. I sometimes feel like a celebrity when children I've taught both at Kahuku and Laie come together to take a moment to say "hi" to me.
Kahuku football if you live Laie, you gotta love it! Go Big Red! (I'm still a warrior though don't worry Kamehameha fans) I love you both! Imua!

A Summer of Change

Well our summer break is winding down and this has diffinitely been a summer of change. We all knew it had to come that life would not just be the same as past years but time crept up on us quickly. It was time for the Akana/Kloeppel families to accelerate themselves into high gear. On June 1 we rented our parents house to BYUH faculty, we were fortunate that dad built us a home with mom in mind. Mom got to move in with us and we have enjoyed every minute of it. She has done so much to help out with the children. Craig and his family were able to stay with us and they then ventured to St. George. It was difficult seeing them go but I'm very proud of them they were blessed with opportunities that they wouldn't have gotten if they stayed here. Our favorite friends and neighbors from Utah the Lloyds came to visit us. This was deffinitely the most memorable highlight of my summer. We just picked up where we left off and enjoyed spending time together. We got to relax with them and enjoyed Hawai'i. Going to Waimea Bay, Macky's Shrimp Truck, Celebrating Mikayla's 15th birthday and going to PCC to say the least... The time sure went by fast. We look forward to our next reunion together. I also taught preschool and got my skills tuned up so I'll be ready to teach Kindergarten this fall. Afterall that is my forte. Toward the end of the month of July I moved from 6th grade to Kindergarten, and am part of a new team which have embraced me as their colleauge. So far so good and Fall is yet approaching...getting ready for the Football games and Holidays. Yeah!

2009 Choir Trip to Washington D.C. and New York

Last week Sunday Me and my mom were able to go on tour with the Ko'olauloa Childrens Choir. We ha two different flights we were on the first flight with Mrs. Wagner. I had most of my friends on my flight I was so happy. We left at 12:00 pm from Mrs. Wagner's house to go to the airport. On the way there everyone was so tired they were sleeping in the back of the bus. We were so bored once we got to the airport, we all couldn't believe that we were going to Washington D.C. and New York. Once we got on the plane we were going from Hawaii to Chicago a nine hour flight I think. Then we basically had to run to our next plane because we almost missed it. It was a good thing that Mrs. Wagner made sure that everyone was on the next flight. That flight was only two hours long, thank goodness.

Right when we got off of the plane we went to go get breakfast at the mall near by the airport. We meet our tour guide Becky, she was so awesome and cool. Then after we went to the mall we went to the Smithsonian. We were able to see four out of eighteen museums. We went to the Air and Space, Hirsch Art Museum, National History, and National American history Museum. After we went to the Capital to have a tour we took some pictures next to King Kamehameha. We weren't able to finish our tour because of two reasons one was that we had to go sing to Senator Akaka and the other was that there was some kind of incident that had just happened in the tour. It was so cool because we got to go through the secret passage way to get to the Senators building. Our tour guide even walked us to the Senate building himself. We were able to meet,sing and take pictures with senetor Akaka and the acoustics in the building was amazing. We sounded so good. After we sang to Senator Akaka we went to our hotel. We were so tired we went to bed as soon as we got there.

On Tuesday for breakfast we sang to a southern Flordia choir. They probly had twice the amount of singers in there group then we did. They were also a all boys choir. We sang our Aloha Chant feeling all proud after we sang it and then they did a African song that made us look really bad. We all felt really stupid and wanted to leave as soon as we could because we were so embaressed. Then we were off to Pennsylvaina were we haven't embaressed ourselves yet. We saw the Liberty Bell, Independence hall where the Declaration of Independence was signed, an old fashion ice cream and soda parlor, we clibmed up the "Rocky" stairs(where rocky was filmed), Benjaman Franklins grave, Betsy Ross`s house, an alley that has been there since the 1800,and other cool and neat places. Then we went to back to our hotel in New Jersey.

On Wednesday we went to go see the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Empire State Building. Then we went to this cool resterant called MARS 2112. Everyone who was working there was dressed up as aliens from Mars. It was so cool.

On Thursday we got to meet the other choirs who we were going to be singing with on Saturday. That was also the first day that we got to spend with our director. She was so fun and exciting. She made sure that we sang the music to our fullest. Then went to go sing at St. Pauls Chapel. For the rest of the day we had free time which was really nice.

On Friday we had rehearsal again in the morning. Then later on we went a braodway play. We went to go see as a choir The Lion King. It was so cool and amazing all the bright colors and all of the costumes. I loved it, I just wish that we could have seen another Broadway play while we were in New York.

On Saturday we had rehearsal our last rehearsal until we sang at Carnagie. When we went to Carnagie for another short practice we were all shocked we could not believe that there were 2,700 seats in there. We then went back to the hotel and got to go to bed I was so happy. Then before we knew it we were singing in Carnagie, we got a standing ovation, and a hana Hou. We were all very happy and excited. Once we got back to the room we were all screaming and hugging people we were all so proud of ourselves. Then we got to go on a Cruise and dance. Me and my friends were so tired after the concert that we just chilled on the seventh floor of the ship. I was planning on not going to sleep because the crusie finished at two and then we had to wake up to go and catch our flight at four.

On Sunday I was so happy to be home finally I was glad that we got to go to Washington, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, and everywhere else we went to. But man when we came home we were so tired that I just crashed.

Kadens Baptism

Hello again we haven't written in our blog for a very long time. Kaden just got baptized yesterday at the Laie Hawaii Stake Center. It was very short, nothing compared to my baptism. I think my baptism was the whole day well at least it felt like it. Kadens was very small we had our family and some of his friends there. It was very peaceful and wonderful to see my brother getting baptized and receiving the Holy Ghost. When Kaden was under the water he said he felt like he was dead. He was glad for my dad to pull him out. Our family also felt my grandpa there in spirit, I know he was proud of Kaden. While we were waiting for Kaden to come into the room. Sister Ried was playing the piano and Kahana was conducting at the black stand in the front of the room and he was on the beat as well. Everyone was laughing at him. Then he would hide behind the piano and come back out to do it again. When we were giving Kaden leis Kahana ran up to him and said, "Aden" really loud. I had a great time at the baptism yesterday. We got to see some of Kadens friends and our family.

In exactly one week I will be on the plane going to Washington D.C. and New York with my mom. I am so excited for the KCC trip. Love ya Kayla...

YOUTH CONFERENCE

IN THE PICTURE ABOVE JOHNATAN,P.J.,REBECCA,ME,HANNAH UNDER ME,ELIZA,SISTER MILLER, CONNER,MARRISSA (GREEN SHIRT),KATIE,AMBER,AND TEUILA.

I just had an amazingly awesome weekend, even though it took up my Thursday to Saturday night it was so worth it. So as some of you know youth conference was this weekend. The Laie Hawaii stake center is were our youth conference started right after school on Thursday at about 3:00 pm. We all got these fancy name tags they had our name on it, Laie Hawaii stake youth conference April 9-11, 2009,what ward we were in, I will go with the armour of god Ephesians 6:13, and what tribe we belonged to on the side,our tag was also our tribe color. There was six tribes Zion(green), Nephi(blue),Zarahemla(red), Manasseh(yellow the best group),stripling warriors(purple the leaders), and Helaman(orange). We all got registered by 4:00 pm, then we had opening exercises. Each of the wards in our stake made a flag we didn't get to see it until the last minute. Their was three people that was presenting the flag to the stake. Me, Katie, and Rebecca were sitting in the front and then all of the sudden sister Thee tells us that we are the people who are presenting our flag to the stake. We were all very surprised that we had to present it,so me and Katie told Rebecca that we will hold the flag if she explained what our flag was about. On our flag we had a person that had half of his armour on and the other half was a missionary with Scriptures. Rebecca explained how today we are trying to reunite with the past so that we don't make the same mistakes in the future. She also explained how we have to be prepared to put on the armour of god. After opening exercises we had dinner, then we all got on the bus to go to turtle bay resort to have a dance. At first it was freezing in the room but after everyone was in the room it got really hot fast. Me and my friends danced to a bunch of different up beat songs I had a blast. There was this one dude who was brake dancing on the floor. I think we were a little bit to loud because the visitors came to the door way and asked the policeman if everything was all right because we were screaming and jumping and running all over the dancing floor. I dance with Johnathan Lautaha during a slow song it was really funny because he was trying to spin me around the pole with balloons on the top but we almost knocked it over. The dance seemed like it would never end though we were dancing from 7:00 pm to 10:30 pm. It was funny me and my friends were counting down how many minutes were left until we left. On the way back everyone was super tired we got home at about 11:00 pm.


The next day our youth conference started at 7:00 am. We got our youth conference shirts they looked really nice. On the front was I will go to fit the Eddie would go theme. Then there was a shield and sword in white on the back of the shirt and then our scripture theme the shirt was black. We went on the bus to turtle bay to do a service project some people went to the beach to pick up trash. Another group went to the trail and painted trees to show people were to go on the trail. The others went to the horse trail I was in that group. We had to pick up trash we had some guys go into the bushes they were stuck in there for a little while. As we were walking we realized that our group had left us so we just kept walking then all of the sudden it started to pour. We ran under the trees which helped a little bit we thought that we should keep walking to see if we could find any trash. We kept walking and then all of the sudden we saw a tent almost on the beach the guys thought that we should go on the beach. So they walked through were the tent was and then all of the sudden a homeless guy poked his head out of the tent we all ran like crazy. We came to a Field that had a ton of pipes. We kept walking we couldn't remember if we were going back or if we were going more into the "woods". We just kept walking and the rain just kept on pouring on us. We thought we were lost for sure we started looking for the paint on the trees to find our way back but I think we went farther into the "woods". We thought we were the only group that was lost but then we found another group and they were lost too. I think it was funny how the guy on the golf cart said to be careful because we might get lost. I don't think anyone believed him but sadly he was right. I turns out that when we finally found our way back all of the other groups were lost as well they just followed the ocean. After we got out we thought we were finish cleaning... Nope we just started we then walked up the the parking lot and picked up all of the trash and leaves, sticks, and so on. We walked back down to the main tent and played our first game. It was called 7 up down. It was a really fun game but it was hard to keep up with. I was in the bottom 3 in our little circle. Once two people won they played with all of the other colors. We ended up winning two yellows vs one green. Everyone on the yellow team was so happy that we won. The prize was that we get to choose which game we wanted to play first. We choose capture the flag, then we rotated every hour. We played capture the flag, rugby, jump rope, tug-a-war, funny galloping game, and human Foosball. The Jump rope we had to see how many people we could get to jump at one time the most people that we got was 20. Human Foosball was the funniest I think it was also the most painful one too. After all of the games we finally got to go home it was fun but I was so tired after just two days. We went back to the chapel we had a glow in the dark dance with the other Laie Stake. It was nice to see all of my friends over the weekend. It was so hot in the stake center though. There was a sign that was in the back and it said be a warrior ask some one to dance. I honestly thought that sign wouldn't work after what happened last night. But I was shocked that it did, almost everyone was dancing on the dance floor. I had a great time that night I got to see all of my friends who are going to other schools.

Saturday was the funniest well at least the funniest. We had workshops all day but they were funny one was a scripture scavenger hunt around the chapel. Horse radish never ever eat. So the teacher was telling us about the passover for the Jews. She told us to take some food. She didn't tell us that there was horse radish, so one of the guys who was sitting next to me took a huge spoonful of it and ate it he started crying, coughing, sneezing. He was so mad at his friends after that because they all told him that it was so good and it was the best thing that have ever tasted. After all of the workshops we had a "cheer fest" vs each color. I think the red and the purple did the best. After we had testimony meeting I thought that it would be boring but it was so hilarious. More then half of it was funny. They talked about how president beaver is such a joker and we all looked at him in the most weirdest way. We had so many testimonies that the guy who was conducting testimony meeting had to tell them to cut it short. This one person went up and said I am really sorry for cutting everyone in line but I really have to go the bathroom. Then there was another person who was thanking the "stake presidency" but she said I would like to thank the bishops and then asks if they are bishops. I had a blast at youth conference and cant wait until next year. By Mikayla

Paying it Forward

I've demonstrated this concept this week, to give back to individuals who have influenced or served me in someway, and it's really made me feel joyful. I've had a rough five months since the passing of my hero, my daddy. Being by his constant side these last four and a half years since I've moved back home has been a blessing, but also caused me the most heartache because I'm not use to having him not here. I miss serving him, listening to his voice, learning from his wisdom, following his example, laughing at his sense of humor, and meeting all his friends. Anyways, spring break was meant for me to clean out his home (our home we grew up in) and to do it alone was not a happy day for me. Flood of memories poured out and as I look back it's an impossible job right now and I'll have to continue it when mom comes back. But that night I heard a song that touched my spirit and healed my soul, and that was "When Someone Cares", in the song it says, "and with God nothing is impossible and you just need to take his hand..." Therefore, I must have God's help to heal me and do what I need to do to accomplish this test in my life. Thanks to all my dear friends who have listened and cried along with me. I will continue to try to focus my life to giving and serving others and to not wallow in my self pity. So Imua! Go Forward.

Twilight Madness

On March 20th I went with a friend to Walmart to pick up the dvd of Twilight. It was the craziest thing that I'd agreed to do in a while, maybe even in my lifetime. We arrived at 8pm and found a place to stand by the cashier stand in the electronical section. It's a good thing I was with someone because we took turns waiting, one would hold our spot than the other would go to eat or shop. Luckily we were the first and second to recieve the party favors and dvd at 12:01am. The excitment and anticipation was in the air and we made some new friends there too. The vendor from Twilight took our pictures and also the employees at Walmart. We felt like celeberties wish we would have brought our cameras. Actually, I still need to buy my own digital camera and have it readily available just in case I decide to go on another adventure. We returned home at 1:30am, my friend has already taken Nov. 20th off of work so she can see the release of New Moon. I haven't gotten that far into it yet.
Or have I? Also I received a Twilight Series book set from one of my BFF's and to my surprise I thought she got it for her but it was for me. So Sweet. Thanks again for the funtimes and great way to start off my Spring Break!

Personal Progress Award!!

Oh my gosh...So today in church I got rewarded for finishing my Personal Progress. I had so many people congratulate me on finishing my Personal Progress. Sister Thee and my mom gave me a lei during sacrament.My dad was the one that presented me with the award. As I was going to class Sister Reid gave me a big hug and told me how proud she was of me and how I am such a good example. Then Sister Ah Sue said that I was young to get my personal progress and that I got it before any of her daughters. After Sunday school class I went to Young Women's and all of the Young Women gave me a lei and a big hug. Eliza wasn't able to make it so she gave Hannah a gift to give to me. Before I knew it, it felt like there was a bunch of books on my shoulders and I was going to tip over. Then my mom and dad talked about how wonderful I am and how much of an example I am to my brothers and parents. My dad talked first because my mom was trying not to cry. As my mom was speaking she was still crying I think it was because she was talking about Papa. Or because she was proud of me. I was the first one to get my personal Progress passed of this year. My mom heard some of the beehives saying that they are going to try and complete their personal progress during their first year of Mia Maids. Walking home in the wind was the hardest. I had my scriptures, my dads scriptures, my gift, the box that my necklace came in, and some paper. I was trying to walk straight with out hitting anything or anyone every now and then my leis would start to fall of of my head. After all of that I was so tired. My cousins came over at about four. My auntie took my picture because Sister thee wanted it. I looked like I just graduated college or something. After I went to "turtle beach" with our visitors. We watched the sunset and saw a lot of turtles in the water. Then we came home and had beef stew, with some bread from the Nemrows, with pasta salad, rice,and pineapple. Then my friends Rebbecca and Becca Came over and gave me a plate full of cake and a card that said congratulation's we are so proud of you. I had a great day today and I am glad that it is over after all I can only handle so much attention from everyone. MiKKa or what ever I put last time.

My Mom Says That I Need to Write More

I don't know what to talk about, it is me ayla, this is what my little brother calls me. Doughnuts tomorrow, I'm going to New York in four months and doughnuts are helping me get there. I'm getting there one bite at a time, ha,ha, ha...So I think I threw away my homework which is really lolo of me. Hence I need to be more careful and aware of what I'm doing. And since I have a test on it on Monday having my homework paper just might help. Oh well, guess I better spend time pleading with my teacher to help me out...till next time mahalos for reading! Mik Ayla

Ke Kukini Me Ke Aloha Pau'ole

The Great Aloha Run took place on February 16th, early risers awoke at 4:00am,we then journeyed to the Aloha Stadium. From there we were bussed to Aloha Tower to start the race. 20,000 people registered to race and the air was buzzing with excitement. Everyone came and trained for their own reason. Mine was to prolong the memory of my father. He always taught me that exercise was important and he too had walked in the Great Aloha Run. When the race started at 7:00am I didn't know quite what to expect. I played in very safe and careful not to injure myself in any way. The first mile that I started seemed to be the most difficult. Over the next few miles I was use to the strides and actually enjoyed the scenery. I received numerous cheers and a rose as bystanders cheered us on. Although I walked alone, I felt very comforted that I was with my dad. He can enjoy a painfree life and I can keep working towards taking better care of me. So there is next year, let the training begin, and maybe you'll see me there again. Me Ke Aloha Pumehana, Chris-Chris

Happy and Healthy

I'm so thankful for good health. It seems like ever since the new year started the Kloeppels have been striving to reach toward good health. It started with Kahana and his fever episode which I don't wish to relive. Then Kaden and his asthma, me and my sprained ankle, Mikayla was able to sleep two days which saved her from getting sick, and lastly John who has been battling Laryngitis and Bronchitis. I appreciate a healthy body free from sickness, and I wish the same for all those that are battling some kind of illness. I am also thankful for the power of the priesthood. It has miraculously saved our family. I guess sometimes you need to get really sick to have worthy priesthood members exercise their priesthood for the healing of the sick on your behalf. Through faith and diligence in keeping the commandments of the Lord, we are blessed even through sickness.

Ho'olohe means to Listen

I just got finished attending a Kahua Workshop. This workshop has enlightened my mind, body, and soul to how to better help the learners in my classroom. On Friday we were able to learn and give back to the 'aina or land by doing community service. The elementary teachers broke up into groups and rotated in five stations. We learned about the Hawaiian culture, the Ahupua'a and the Hawaiian values that our ancestors practice back then. There were many ideas and aha moments that I had but one in particular that stands out is to Listen and observe. Back then in order for the Hawaiian people to live and build their villages to feed their people they had to rely on listening to others and observing what they saw. When it rained the water fell on the tops of the mountains and trickled down to the land, the flow of the water was where people decided to build their homes,their gardens and ponds to help the villagers survive. Hawaiians were master engineers back then, they worked together and relied on each other for life and sustenance. So I take this lesson with me this week. I will be a better listener, not to quick to talk and react, but to observe and listen intently to life and others around me...

A Proud Moment

Today we took our Laie Elementary 6th grade students to The Egineering Expo at the University of Hawai'i. We met the students at 6:30am in the morning and made arrangements with parents to help transport them down to UH. The students were excited and had high hopes of doing their best and maybe coming home with the experience. They were the only elementary school there the rest were intermediate schools, but they diligently worked in the different stations to show the spectators what they could do.
The Bridge Building team had a chance to take a picture with Pamela Young from KITV news. One of our students had an interview and appeared on the news. The RollerCoaster team was able to work together and come up with a design to take a marble on a ride landing in a cup. They had oak tag, chopsticks, tape, and scissors to create a roller coaster. The Solar Car team was the team that came away with a reward to take home. Who would have thought that are little Laie students would come away as 1st place winners...
Yes it was hard for us to believe at the time, but these little sixth graders were mighty mature critcal thinkers, and team players. They worked so well together to build the solar car and then held their composure as the raced their cars, ignoring the taunting and cheering from others around them. The students consisently won race after race, without a lot of pride they were mainly relieved. Finally the champioship race. there were two teams and casually our team raced and came away as the winners. They walked away in amazement, not shouting or cheering, but they were humbled they learned that doing your best and working together as a team does pay off...I am so proud of all of them. This is why teaching is the best job for me, to witness the results of hard work paying off. Congratulation Solar Car Team...you created a moment in Laie Elementary history.

Star Gazer

It was a clear night last night and Kaden was admiring the brightness of the stars. He wanted to lie down outside and just stare at the stars all night. The images of the stars were so clear, not a cloud in sight, it was as if we could just reach up and touch them. It was a surreal moment as we stopped to admire the constellations of the stars.
Imagine if we just paused and took time out of our busy schedules to look through the eyes of a child, and marvel over the beauties they see. We sure would appreciate how blessed and lucky we are to live in this world that our Heavenly Father created for us...

Little Laughing Hana!

I have joy in listening and watching little Kahana give out a hearty, loud, laugh that doesn't stop. Don't you notice that the simple things make a child laugh? Today it was the curtains, hiding in and popping out of the curtains than seeing us on the otherside. Again and again he is amusing us and himself. A little energetic monkey...says his sister. I'm glad we have little ones to help us enjoy the simple things in life...

The Fish is Back in the Pool

Mikayla was overjoyed today to go back into the pool. The BYUH pool has been closed for over a month and the Kahuku Swim Team has had to practice on dry land or at the beach. Mikayla expressed gratitude for the chance to swim in the pool instead of swimming against the strong waves.
Last Saturday was her first JV tournament and the team scored 4th place overall. Pretty good for not having a pool to practice in. I'm very proud of a daughter who enjoys her talent of swimming and sticks to a sport she loves...GO Kayla!

A Historical Moment

It was a wonderful day, a day that will always be remembered. A momentous historical event, the innaugaration of our first African-American president. I viewed the ceremonies on tv before work, I made my class watch tidbits at work, and I watched it after work. Many thoughts and feelings overpowered me, Pres. Obama's words were that of hope, change, comfort, and excitment for what the future holds in store for each one of us. I told my class that Pres. Obama's dream came true and that all of you here can one day reach your dream even if your dream is to be President of the United States of America. And for this one day when I saw people united from around the world to listen to President Obama I felt proud to be a citizen of the United States of America...where love and unity have no boundaries.

The Evil Nut

January 19, 2009
Today started off to be a lovely day, and I took a walk. Then I came in contact with the Evil Nut, I told my family to take a picture of this nut, but they just laughed at me. If you grew up in Laie around the PCC parkinglot is where I was walking, there is the home of the evil nut.
Why do I call this nut evil? On my walk I was listening very intently to my neighbor's housing dilema and this nut convinently slipped its way under my shoe, as soon as I knew it I met with the asphalt. Yes I ate it! I now have a sprained ankle and have to deal with staying off my foot. I have so much to do, I have to go to work tomorrow, I guess it's just my turn in our family to have a trial. There ends the story of the Evil Nut. Sorry nut for blaming you...

January 17, 2009
I'm still familiarizing myself with the blogger. Today is a gorgeous day in Hawai'i, the weather is perfect and it's a good time to go outside and do something. I am rewarding myself after doing a days worth of chores to go out with some dear friends. We have been planning a girls night out for awhile and the day is finally here. It's going to be fun. Aloha!

January 16, 2009
Well I just fiqured out how to start being a "Blogger", at least I played around by clicking here and there and this is what I got. It's pretty cool the 21st century of journal writing. I still have to learn how to get pictures on here. I guess the next step is purchasing a digital cameral and then downloading so I'm told. Maybe my computer savy sister-in-law can help me in that area.

Today is the ending of an unusual weather advisory that didn't happened like the weatherman predicted. Better safe then sorry though when schools were asked to be closed. I enjoyed my time catching up on my grading and doing some neglected housework. I'm also nursing two sons back to good health. I tell you nowadays good health is essential to having your days running smoothly.