Thankful

Just a quick post before I leave town for a few days......

This morning I saw a picture of my # 1 grandson as a 2 year old that reminded me of the close connection he and I have. What made me think of it is that from the nose up he looks soooo much like I did as a child. Those big gorgeous blue eyes remind me of looking in the mirror when I was so much younger. Anyway, I got to reflecting on how much I love this beautiful boy!!!! He has been such a special blessing to our family, particularly me. He makes me face things that I would not have chosen to face, teaching me about unconditional love. That's something he shares always. His ready smile... Wow! I can't think about him without tearing up. (I know; it doesn't take much to make me tear up.) But my JJ is so special to me. I just hope I am worthy of his love.
I am so grateful for him.

I love you, Jonathan!!!

My 2 Girls

31 years ago my life changed forever. I had gone to Dr. Nanni 2 days before and he said "Honey, it's going to be a LONG time before this baby is born." Well, my tenacious # 1 had other things in mind. Labor started, and 33 long hours later, at 2:33 in the afternoon my beautiful, milk chocolate baby girl was born. Although her head was a "banana head," that changed quickly, and everyone thought she was perfect. We didn't know we were having a girl, as that was before cenograms were readily done. We had chosen to name her after Randy's sweet "Grandma Mique"- or Micaela.

Mique has been a wonderful daughter with many admirable attributes. She has always done everything in a big way. She lets her feelings be known- if she loves something or someone everyone knows it. And if she's unhappy, well, it's obvious. She loves to share her artistic talents and is very generous in her giving. She's a really good writer, and should publish a book someday. Her photography is beautiful, as well as her scrapbooking and blogging. She's a computer wiz, having no fear in figuring out any piece of equipment. If there is a problem, she tackles it head on, and makes a difference! And she's a true friend.

She has taken being a big sister very seriously since the day Jessica was born. She's a terrific mother who inspires others to be better, always advicating for her three kids. And she's a wonderful daughter who makes her parents proud every day!

Happy Birthday, our # 1!!!!!

And then there were 2......


Exactly 2 years (by calendar days) our life changed again. Even though she wasn't due for another week, Jessica appeared. I know she had just seen how much fun Halloween was and wanted to participate. She made thing so much easier on Me, coming after only 8 hours of labor. Her thick black hair and pretty face added to our milk chocolate family. (I know, you girls don't like chocolate! But you have to admit, it is a pretty color!) She was easy going from the start, which helped a frantic new mother of 2. After 2 major surgeries, she was good as new.

Jessica was alway pretty smart, and challenged herself to learn as she saw her sister go to school. When she finally got there, she surrounded herself with smart people and did very well. (Of course we thought our kids were geniouses.) Jessica always loved the arts, and earned the nickname "Lupdy" as a way of describing how she danced around the house. She took ballet, and was in theatre and singing groups. She is talented in drawing and figuring out how to make anything she wants to.

Her dimples have always been visible as she's generally happy, looking for the joy in life. Her bother and sister have always relied on her to be level headed, being what I have always called " a wise soul." Her spiritually has been evident since she was a very young teenager. It was no surprise to anyone when she decided to go on a mission. Her scriptures have always been WELL used.

And now she is also a wonderful mother and wife. We are so proud to call you our daughter.

Happy birthday to you, Lupdy!

I love you both more than you could know.. well now that you are mothers you might have a good idea . But until your children are parents, you'll just have to wait to see how much you love and admire them. It's SOOOOO much!!!! I am so blessed!!!!

A coincidence?

I usually go to the temple on Wednesday mornings with a group of friends. We have been attending weekly for about 2 1/2 years. It has been a real blessing in my life.

This week I went on Friday morning by myself, as we attended the funeral of another friend's mother on Wednesday morning and couldn't find another time to go together. While changing into my white clothes the thought occurred to me to take my reading glasses so I could read both the info about the person whose name I was "doing" and the Book of Mormon before going into the endowment room. I have never taken my glasses with me before.

While sitting in the waiting room I picked up the scriptures. I decided to look up scriptures to support my upcoming Primary lesson on talents. I went to the B of M index and found only 1 scripture reference- Ether 12:35. In that scripture it states that if we don't have charity our talents will be taken from us. I had never thought about the need to share our talents in that way before. I decided to go to the beginning and read the whole chapter. Wow! It is a beautiful chapter on 3 important principles of the gospel...Faith, Hope,and Charity. What started out as looking for ways to support a lesson on talents turned in a whole different direction. As I read and pondered this chapter, I was impressed with a renewed thought. That Faith precedes the miracle. That hope and faith go hand in hand, and I should strive each day to live with both.

Throughout the following temple endowment session, I was filled with renewed hope. I had put my dear JJ's name on the prayer roll as I arrived at the temple, and he was on my mind throughout the session. I kept pondering the verses I had read only minutes before, and had very strong impressions about faith and hope. As time for the prayer circle approached, I felt the urgent need to join, knowing that I would probably cry through the whole prayer, but I needed to be a part of that prayer. After the session, as I prayed in the celestial room, I was filled with gratitude and love for my family, for Jonathan in particular, and for a loving Heavenly Father who knows us and our wants and needs. Mique's last blog post about celebrating the small miracles was everpresent! I was (and am) filled with a new hope and faith for the future, especially for our special boy.

Then I watched General Conference thes morning. Elder Uchdorf's (SP) talk was on the very same topic! Same scripture! Coincidence? I think not! A tender mercy? You bet! My heart is filled with...Hope, Faith, and especially Gratitude!!!

Look who's one!!!

We went to Rexburg for Owen's 1st b'day. He liked the ribbons and the presents.
Then next day Jessica showed me around Rexburg while Clint was at school. She wasn't kidding when she said that Rexburg is a small town in the middle of nowhere. But there are some cute parts of town, and the school resembles BYU Provo- on a MUCH smaller scale.
(I know... not a very flattering picture of Grammy, but then, who's looking at her?)




















Friday night Owen modeled his cowboy boots. He loves his boots as much as he loves walking!
The boots were his daddy's when he was the same age. Way cute!!!





Saturday was party day. Jessica had made some cute decorations, including this hat. Owen actually liked wearing it! I'm sure she will have some fun blackmailing him in the future.

Papa got some much needed Owey" time.
And a fun time was had by all at Bear World. Doesn't Owen make a cute little cub?!

Happy b'day, little O!!!!!

Aloha!!!!!!

Randy and I went to Poipu, Kauai, Hawaii last week. We left San Diego Thursday morning, arrived in Kauai that afternoon. It was gorgeous! Sunny, green, and not too hot. Just the way I like it!

We took a catamaran tour around the Napili coast Saturday morning. Perfect conditions! Incredible scenery! Glassy water. Sun.
As we left the harbor for the tour we met a pod of dolphins. We saw several more pods along the way, including this one that had several young calves. This is a mom with twins! Wow!!! Way cool!!! I was in heaven!!! (I know my kids are making fun of me as they read this! Get over it!)
And we saw several turtles! Two of my favorite things... dolphins and turtles!!!
We made a point to have some good food, and couldn't leave without a pukadog for lunch and some Lampert's ice cream for dessert while in Poipu. Thanks for the tip, Nikki and Brian.
Tuesday morning Randy finally hobbled (another story) to the beach for a swim before we left for the airport to come home.

to good health and Great friends!

I was so lucky to spend 5 days with amazing friends at an awesome place! I learned so much about nutrition, my body, my spirit and the connection they all have. Thank you, dear Collette for the once in a lifetime experience!

Hot August nights (and days)

We were lucky enough to have lots of family time this August! Beginning with "Sluv" and fam.
Cici, and Julia had fun in the spa. We all spent LOTS of time at the beach! Cousin Greg joined us for some surf lessons. The water was Heaven! Even Jill and I enjoyed it. Wes and Zak were cute with Andrew as they golfed after hours at the beach. The Wii Fit got broken in! FUN! FUN! FUN! We hope A's family comes every year. In fact, we hope all of our family comes to visit us!!!
Jonathan enjoys the spa. (He took swimming lesson all summer and is now a true swimmer.)
Julia loves wearing her goggles to swim.

Aug. 23 Jessica and Owen came home. We had TONS of fun at the beach, enjoying being in this paradise! Clint arrived on the 29th in time to celebrate his b'day. The Provosts joined us for Labor day weekend. Our little baseball fanatic went with Daddy, Papa, and Julia to a Padres game, loving it!!! (Isn't he cute!?)
The last few days have been spent doing what Grammy loves... the beach. Owey loves it, too. I love having beach grand babies!
Today is the end of our summer visitors. We have loved having you all, and look forward to next summer.

August 1 is a very special day....

How did I get so lucky to have 2 special people in my life born on the same day?! Not only is today Randy's b'day, but my sister/aunt Janet's b'day,too.

Why is Janet so special to me? Well let me tell you, we have been close for 37 years. That is when I invited myself to go stay at their house. Here I was, a 16 year old who just decided to ride with my Sunday school teacher to Logan. He was going to visit his family, and I thought "me, too!" (I can't believe my parents let me go with a single man 1000 miles in a car. He did have his 2 small children with him, though.) Anyway, I got to Janet's just as she learned that her mother was dying of cancer. I arrived in time to help babysit kids while Janet did what she needed to. I think I was there about a month. I hope I didn't cause too much trouble!

Janet was always the fun aunt. She always had a fun project or place to visit, usually a practical experience like hiking or quilting, getting squeaky cheese, canning or just "going in to town."

She taught me more about cooking than my own mom. She's an awesome cook!

Janet has been at every important event in my life. She was at my wedding, my kids' weddings, asking her "24 questions", making sure no one was making a mistake. She has been so good to my kids, always welcoming.

Janet is one of the most wise people I know. Through struggles of raising a family, marriage, working, being a friend, health issues, she has actually learned the lessons she's needed, and when appropriate, passed on her wisdom to others with grace and class. Her life has been a lesson in perseverance and endurance.

Janet is the most loved person I know. Probably because she loves more than anyone I know. She knows EVERYBODY! I was always so amazed that she knows everyone's phone #'s in all of Cache Valley. She has more "children" than she can count. Including me. She has taken on role of mother to so many strays, always welcoming, giving generously, finding something to love even in the most unlovable. Her children have been so generous to share her with the rest of us! Thank you, Jim, Raelyn, Rob, Marci, Shane, and Munch.

And thank you, Aunt Janet, for being my big sister, my friend, my mentor, and for just being you!!! I love you.

What does Barbra Streisand have to do with today?

When I was 13 I got hooked on Barbra Streisand and the movie "Funny Girl." It's the ONLY movie that I've seen multiple times, and used to be able to quote. I knew every word to every song, which for me, says a lot! That is when I fell in love for the first time....with Omar Sharif. To this day, thinking about him makes my heart skip a beat. But I digress.

One of my favorite songs from that movie is called "My Man." I would cry every time I heard the words. "Oh, my man, I love him so...." Well, eventually, I got my very own man who is just as gorgeous as Omar Sharif. They have a few similarities. They are both dark, soft spoken, and charismatic. But my man is so much more.

I fell in love with my man the first time I saw him across the ballroom floor. VERY CUTE! Getting to know him was my challenge. After all, in social dance class you dance with new partners all the time. Our class probably had 50 people in it. But I was up to the challenge and used every trick I knew to be in the right place at the right time so we would have to talk. And the rest is history!

In getting to know my man, I discovered someone who has many great qualities. He has worked hard his whole life. No material blessing was handed to him. Everything he has, he earned. And he happens to love his work- a real plus! Because of this, he has given our family so many things. In turn, we can give to those in need and who are less fortunate.

My man is smart. He knows more trivia than anyone else I know. Having no college degree hasn't stopped him. He is self taught, and amazing.

I discovered a person who loves people and is always kind. Everyone loves him. I think he only has one enemy in this world, and that person is just plain jealous!

I found a happy person. He's very rarely on a bad mood... maybe 5 times in the 33 years I've known him. I always say that his teeth glow while he's sleeping because he's smiling. Really!

I fell in love with a man who was trying to find out who Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are, and what they really want him to be. He has a strong testimony and shares it by being one of the most Christ-like people I know, and who honors his priesthood and blesses our family.

I fell more in love as we became parents. He was a calming influence in our home from day one. He could make the kids laugh, or put them to sleep. My man is a great dad!

And last but not least, my man loves me and shows it every day. Even when I'm not so kind, my man treats me with respect and dignity, and tries to make me feel beautiful.

So on this day that we celebrate his birthday, "..... wherever my man is, I am his, forever more."

Memories

In reading my girls' blog yesterday, and receiving an email from my longtime friend, Sidney, I realize that I LOVE reading blogs, but am NOT good at keeping mine up! All 3 blogs reminded me of so many good memories with 3 very special "girls" in my life.

(I have known Sidney for.... 35 years? Wow, how time flies! And as Sidney's blog reminds us, so do hairstyles! You always hear when you are young that the older you get, the faster time flies. It's so true. I just need to keep up by blogging. I will try to repent and blog more often.)

So Miq and Jess's blog challenged us to recount favorite memories of them. Toooooo many to record in one paragraph. To any who might read this, go to their blogs and see what others remember. It's pretty fun.

Anyway, I want to tell you about my fun time with my favorite granddaughter last week. I look forward to several days of one-on-one time with my Jules every so often. We have been having these "times" since she was a toddler. Never having this luxury with a grandmother myself, nor my girls with their grandmas, I treasure these times. I try to think of fun things to do, sometimes with a friend, but most often just the 2 of us.

The time started with Mique bring all three kidlets down to spend the night on a Friday. Julia was my date for a wedding reception for one of my favorite seminary students. We both had a good time, me mostly introducing her to friends and showing her off. Julia is famous for her funny statements, and that night was no exception. When asked by a friend what she had planned to do while at Grammy's, she said "We're going to Grammy's cousin's farm." Several months ago I had told her that someday I'd love to take her to visit Cousin Raelyn, and show her around their farm. Obviously, Julia is looking forward to that visit.... SOMEDAY! (Maybe I'd better ask Raelyn if she'd like visitors before we just show up.)

The next day, after Mique took the boys home, Julia spent the whole afternoon in the spa, perfecting her newly learned swimming skills. Yep, 3 hours in the spa! She finally got out to get ready to go with Uncle T and Papa and me to an exhibition water polo match with the Olympic team, and a friend of Papa's . Funny to watch her swim, then go watch these crazy good swimmers! She was exhausted by the time we finally drove home after a long day.

Julia enjoyed coming with me to my Primary class the next day, and felt very grown up attending class with 7 and 8 year olds. They were very sweet to her.

Monday we went to the Wave Waterpark in Vista. Last year we went there, and she wanted to go again to show off her new skills in the water. She played in the big pool, floated in the "Crazy Lake" (that's what he called the Lazy River), played in the water play structure. Lots of fun; a full day in the sun!

Tuesday was breakfast with my former neighbors, hosted by Susan Yermanos. Nicole Yermanos was very sweet to play with Jules, and Julia didn't want to leave. But she knew we were going to the beach, so that made it OK. We joined some mothers and kids from the ward, and again Julia didn't want to leave, after 4 hours in the sun. (Even I was getting tired of so much sun!) Thanks, Rocky B. for entertaining us all!

Wednesday we picked Morgan Cummings up at 9:30 and headed to Stagecoach park. The girls had met last summer at a beach night, and Julia couldn't wait to play with her again. We came back home, had lunch, went in the spa for a few minutes, played with as many toys as they could, then it was time to take Morgan home. Then we picked Kloe Porterfield up to go to the movie- "Kit Kitridge, An American Girl." Kloe was sweet to join us, even though she is several years older than Jules. Both girls have AG dolls, so they loved the movie.

Thursday was time to go home. We went to Long's to fill a prescription for Papa, and picked up some treats to take on the train. We headed to Oceanside, after saying goodby to Uncle T. The train ride was fun; Julia was a very good girl!

Am I a lucky Grammie or what?! I hope I can make many more memories with all my girls. And I love my boys, too! Owen will be here in a few weeks for a 2 week visit. I'm sure we'll have more fun. And 'Drew and JJ are such special boys. No grammy is more proud than this one.

Now, if I could just learn to post pictures, then you would see my beautiful kidlets. I'm hoping to learn that soon. In the mean time, please look at their blogs!

Mom on moms

In the past Mother's Day was a very difficult day for me. I didn't have a Mom to celebrate, and always felt so inadequate. But today was different.

I had a conversation with Heidi the other day where she told me about the talk she was asked to give on Mother's Day. (Troy is very lucky to be married to her... he had asked her to give the talk.) I'd never really thought about her interesting experience with her 3 mothers. Just let me say, that it got me thinking about being a mom.

As with most women, parts of mothering were difficult for me. The biggest challenge was to just enjoy my children. As I watch my own daughters mother, I realize they are so much better at it than I was. I was (and am) so impatient! I so wish I had taken more time to play with them. I wish I had been better at embracing each child's uniqueness. I mostly wish I had been more cheerful. The worst day of the year was Mother's day where I just wanted to go hibernate somewhere.

Now I understand how mean that was to my kids. THEY WERE KIDS!!! They just wanted to be loved by mom. I get it now. I hope they forgive me.

On the plus side, my kids turned out great, despite my failings! They are loving, and generous, and thoughtful, and still treat me like I did a great job mothering. They are good spouses, and parents, and children. I'm so lucky to have been blessed with them in my life. Their examples teach me so much more than I ever taught them.

So this Mother's day, I was able to sit back and reflect, enjoy a quiet day, feel the love from the kids and Randy and know that I am good enough. Not perfect, but good enough. My kids still love me even though I didn't make it easy at times. I love being their mom, and the grammy of their kids. I'm glad I could be a stay at home mom, with fruit ready for them when they came home from school, and art projects everywhere, and games to attend and yell at. I'm glad they weren't too embarrasses to bring their friends home, and they made pretty good choices growing up. I'm glad they wanted to experience the joys of mothering- that their mother gave them enough to know that it is the greatest blessing in life to be a mother!

well....... catch up time

I can't believe it's been 2 months since my last entry. I've written several times, in my mind, as I've gone on my walks, only to come home and forget that I needed to post. That's my techniphobe mind for you. I keep thinking I will finally remember how to post pictures. I even took a computer class. To no avail. I can't learn on someone else's computer in a classroom, then go home to my computer and not be able to do anything that I thought I understood. Kids, please help your deficient mom!

So I'll try to catch up a bit. (I'm sure I won't remember LOTS!!!)

One of the blogs I created in my mind was about all the boys in my life. I have been blessed with some terrific males over the course of 52 3/4 years. A good dad, the best husband, a son that makes me so proud, 2 awesome son-in-laws, and 3 fabulous grandson. In thinking on this topic, I was equating my relationship with these, to my relationship to Heavenly Father, and Older Brother, Jesus. I am truly blessed!!!

Then I have to acknowledge the girls. My daughters make me proud EVERY DAY!!! And Julia is so precious to me.

I was able to attend the awards assembly where Jonathan received an award for best effort. He is so much of an inspiration to me. And Julia got an award for academics. Not only is she adorable, but sooooo smart!! Wow, I thought my seams would burst with pride!!!!

A few weeks later, I met Mique and Julia for some girl time at the American Girl Cafe in Hollywood, where we dined and talked and even shopped a little. I LOVED it!!! I think they did, too. The only draw back was that I had to get back to a temple session, and couldn't stay as long as I'd have liked to. But so fun!!!! (check out Mique's blog.)

I've been able to spend a little time with Jessica and Owen recently. (Clint, too.) He's a cute little guy. We sure know how to get cute grandkids!!! (pics on their blogs.) Jess is busy training for the 1/2 marathon that she, Mique and several others will run on Memorial day. Jessica and Clint are good parents!

Tony finished his 2nd quarter at graduate school. So much time involved. I think he did well. I know he will be glad when this is all behind him, but he's getting invaluable education. It will all be worth it. Today he's my hero. He may seem laid back, but he fights hard for what he wants. I saw that in him 25 years ago when he was fighting for his life. He continues to show that spirit.

I learned much from conference this weekend. I look forward to reading the talks in the Ensign. I especially loved hearing the support of the brothern for our new prophet, Thomas S. Monson. It was interesting to see the mantle of the calling falling on him. Pres. Hinckley was so beloved. But it is apparent that Pres. Monson is also loved. We are so lucky to have a living prophet.

I'll catch up more soon. I promise.....

A beautiful sunset

Tonight, as I was driving west there was a gorgeous sunset! I so love a beautiful sunset! Today, as I watched the programs and funeral services of our beloved prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley, I have been overcome with emotion. Actually, since I got the call from Jessica on Sunday evening, soon after the announcement was made that he had passed on to the next life, I have been so emotional. I have been filled with gratitude, even in my sadness.

Pres. Hinckley taught me so many lessons. He shared with us all the "Be" talk. Simple words, but perfect beatitudes of our time. Be smart, be clean, be true, be humble, be prayerful, and be grateful. I am so grateful for him! Thank you, Mique for a perfect, beautiful reminder of these "BE's" as a Christmas present. I will try to "be" more!

He taught us to love one another. He showed by tremendous example that we are all, every one of us, a child of God, our Heavenly Father who loves us each individually. He taught that we in turn have to love each other, even when we disagree. He embraced the differences in us, and realized that we are all family. I know he loved me. I felt that love every time I heard him say it, or even read his words.

He taught the importance of family. The Proclamation on the Family is a beautiful document that I know is scripture, written by he and the first presidency, for the world to know the Lord's expectations of families. He loved his family, and often spoke on the importance of husbands and wives to love each other and treat each other with respect. His children were loved and nurtured by he and his wife, Marjorie. I just know they were amazing parents!

He taught me that hard work is the a necessary blessing in life. He worked until 2 days before his death, at the age of 97. And he loved his work. I hope I can do more because of his example.

Education was so important to him. The church schools grew under his guidance. He was a lifelong learner.

He understood the importance of temples, building so many all over the world so everyone could have the opportunity to share the blessings that the temple offer to all who attend it. I'm so glad to have the opportunity to attend our temple often.

During his presidency the church grew in huge numbers. Through the efforts of thousands of missionaries and members, the gospel has been shared all over the world. What an honor it was for me to have 2 children serve people in other countries during his presidency, sharing the message that the gospel of Jesus Christ is for every person. Pres. Hinckley loved every person on this earth, and wanted all that the Lord has to offer for each of us. He also understood that we, church members, need to be examples of Christ. He raised the bar for all who wanted to be missionaries, and in turn, for all who are members of Christ's church.

His generosity has touched many lives around the world. Under his guidance, the church has been involved with humanitarian opportunities all over the world. Whether the Perpetual Education Fund, the Welfare program for members, the disaster relief efforts, the aid to 3rd world countries in the way of food and water. The list goes on and on......

His sense of humor was so endearing, so real! I would have loved to know him as a friend. I bet he was fun to be around! As he spoke at conferences, or in interviews his keen sense of humor always crept in, when appropriate. I hope I can look at life with hope, humor, optimism, and enthusiasm as he did.

He bore unwavering witness that Jesus is our Christ, the Redeemer, the Savior of all mankind. I'm sure that He was there to greet our beloved prophet as he passed from this life.

I truly love this man. He has touched my heart in profound ways. Being so imperfect, I know I have much to work on. But because of his great example, I will try harder, love more, give more, complain less, and look forward to the time when I can meet him in Heaven and say "thank you"!

I hope he could see our beautiful sunset tonight. I can't help but think that Heavenly Father was giving me a tender mercy as I say tonight "'Til we meet again! I love you, Pres. Hinckley!"

What a way to start a new year......

I'm exhausted!!! The month of January is supposed to be quiet. Well, not here. With the advent of our 31st anniversary, a girl trip, an anniversary trip, and kids' b'days, January has proven to be..... BUSY!!!

Actually, I can't complain. It has all been fun. We went to the restaurant at the Four Seasons, "Vivace" for our anniversary dinner (thanks to Scott and Sharie Ferrell's Christmas present.) Beautiful, yummy, great company. Nothing to complain about. A very nice evening.

2 days later, it was off to San Antonio with the bp's to celebrate 2 special b'days. What a fun riverwalk! We had a great time. Karin brought a fun girl game, where there are written questions that you answer. I hadn't laughed so hard in a very long time! Karin should be a comedienne! We walked a lot and ate a lot and just generally had a good time. I'm lucky to have great friends!

We got home Sunday night; I did laundry, went to "cards", got ready for the next trip. I had hoped to go to Santa Clarita to celebrated Jonathan's 8th b'day, but I was soooo tired. I'm really glad that the Provosts were there to celebrate with him. I will make a very special effort to be there next year! Luckily I had sent his box of present before leaving for San Antonio. (I had also sent Krista Wischmann's gifts, as she turned 10 on Jan. 12.)

Thurs. morning, before the sun came up, we left for the airport for our trip to Maui. The flight was nice, even arriving a few minutes early, so we got to our hotel in Kihei a little after noon. We had a really nice trip. GREAT weather, fun excursions, snorkling and whale watching. I love sea life!!! We saw sooooo many turtles and fish varieties, and several whales. Lahaina is a fun town to window shop. Kihei has changed so much. I was disappointed in the fact that it's so busy. Not the sleepy, on stop sign town anymore. We actually went with a realtor to look for possible condos to buy. No luck. Everything in our price range needs lots of work, and isn't what we would want to spend any time staying in. So a vacation home is on the back burner for awhile. That's OK. The only real disappointment in our trip was the hotel. We stayed at the Marriott Wailea. It is newly acquired and in the middle of renovations. I won't go in to details. Just know that it could have been nicer for the cost!!! But our trip was a nice get away. Randy got some much-needed sleep. I just love being in a tropical setting. So we're looking forward to another trip there sometime soon. With the Fam.

Today I wrote letters to some dear local friends inviting them to join me in a fun charity group. I'll write more about that as the group develops. I hope others think it's as good an idea as I do.

And I have Julia's 6th b'day to look forward to on Wed. Jessica, O, and I are planning on going up there for the afternoon to help her celebrate. I hope it works out. I miss those kiddos!!!!

Then only one day will be left in January, and I can catch my breath. I hope to get organized with my goals- eating better, loosing the tummy, walking the miles that the girls are running to train for the 1/2 marathon (minus the long distances.) I have to get in control!!!!!!