New Days...updates for you

Aloha, Family--It has been a balmy and beautiful week here in Hawaii. It's the kind of weather everyone who's been experiencing winter for so long would be sooooo grateful to enjoy. But, even though it is home to us, Hawaii STILL is beautiful any season and we appreciate where we are every day.

This past weekend we enjoyed watching the many NCAA games. Even though I don't follow them through the year, except the NCAA II Seasiders, it is fun to watch these top college teams at home, here, relaxing together. Walter Roese's team [USD] was beaten, but it's great that his team got to advance to second round and it's just his first year there as assistant coach. Easter Sunday Megan was ill, but Dad joined me at church--a nice change as he usually is on campus for church services in assorted wards. The bunny lay a single trail down the stairs for Megan to follow one more time...then she found her eggs hidden in many places the other girls will remember...under the piano was one, of course. Remember where our bunny liked to hide his eggs?

Our Easter/birthday ham dinner bash was Monday. Both Lindsey and Dad blew out the candles on the Texas cake...with little guy helpers, of course. We'll have to have someone who was present with camera in hand to post one of those photos. It was a pleasure to have my "Hawaii Family" all present for that; Megan needed an additional day off from work to recover still, so she joined us, too. Now she's all better, and nearly has completed her independent study English class that she'd scheduled in for the break. She now has some time away from that and is enjoying Youth Conference with her friends today, Friday, and Saturday. Orchestra practice is Sunday, so it's nice that YC ends Saturday.

MY spring break comes soon...classes are going well and soon it will be finals time! Today was fun for me to make additional travel plans for the PA/Graduation trip in May. That always is fun for me! I used some RCI points that we'd accumulated to get Dad from Chicago to and from Scranton. Even linked him up with my flight back to Chicago...he'll arrive a little earlier in Scranton on May 5, which is good, so he can get the car and check into the hotel. I arrive later at night. We used RCI for the rental car, too.
Now we can make some arrangements in Palmyra area and we're nearly set for our adventure. We're calling this our celebration of "400th Month-aversary" since that will take place April 21. Married for one third of a century!! Whoever thought it'd last this long? [we did.]

I can truly vouch for GEICO and their good service. The adjuster came yesterday to trade the van title for a pay-off check. It's better than just having it die from need of being junked due to major maintenance, I guess. It does still seem strange without the van...even Devin thinks so still...but we're adapting. Think of all the gas we'll not have to use now??? And lower ins. premiums, and maintenance/registration/safety inspection, etc. Simplicity has been our style...now we're simple again in this department, like we were for so many years before Mazda truck, and Neon, and Camry.

My Friday will be the usual "Friday Tidy" time, then GG at 11, then off to the FHC for an afternoon to assist and learn more about the new fh online program. I think Dad is ready for a break this weekend...he's been living and breathing "WASC ACCREDITATION" for the past several months, and the team leaves tomorrow after their report. WHEW!! Dad is due for a break from that...and then comes SIFE!! Employee dinner for BYUH is next week, too. Always something in his hands...but as you all know, that's how he likes it!! At least we all know him. Please know it meant a lot to him to hear from you all today. Did I ever think I'd be married to a 59-year-old man!! But he's so young in spirit in many ways, so young at heart is what matters.

Closing this now, but letting you each know I miss you and hope to visit with each of you soon. Keep on blogging! Love this way to catch you all up at once and vice versa. Happy Weekend, everyone!

Nana-Van Go is now Nana Van Gone!!

BYE-BYE VAN BROKEN! It was hard to watch the ol' green van hauled away this morning from our driveway with twelve years of memories along with it. . .beach times, Spaghetti Factory and Honolulu Xmas lights, many, many airport runs, drivers' tests and first licenses, visiting company caravans, band practices, mom and dad's morning jogs/Meg's seminary drop offs, Daddy-drop offs at BYUH, years of orthodontist visits, and so on. Many happy family times with you all. Yup, it was like seeing a family member taken away. . . our scrapbook on wheels :D It had been towed here yesterday after the collision [see Lindsey's blog for photo] and after placing a protective tarp on it for the night the insurance towing came promptly this morning to get it to be inspected. Will it be able to be resurrected? No, this van will be laid to rest/sold to auction. It would take $6400 to repair it. [And that doesn't count the other deterioration it had been showing...leaking, rusting, hard water lines on the roof, middle seats that wouldn't go down, no A/C, etc. ] Of course it is good to know we got our money's worth out of this over the course of the years, and mom always LOVED to drive a car that's paid for.
Now we will move on. For our family, an era has passed. How fitting it is when Megan is graduating...interesting, huh?

THE LAST RIDE in Nana-van was precious, and it will remain in my mind a long time. The last ride Megan and I had in it we had such a happy time laughing our hearts out as we drove to KHS band practice accompanied by Trevor and Devin in the middle child restraint seats of the van. First, Devin and Trevor played the carrying-on verbal battle game "No it isn't" / "Yes it is" and they'd reverse their own phrase at no notice. We thought that was cute. Then Trevor claims, "I like my middle brother, he's so fun." We asked if he liked his little brother, Kyle, too and of course he said yes. He was quick to add, though, that there would be just ONE more kid to love, ". . .and then my mom's DONE!" We about lost it, it was SOOO funny, especially the way he emphatically said "done." :D :D :D :D

The hardest part for me was having the little ones with me for that trauma. How I wish I could have spared them that. Whoever would guess the open gate wouldn't be secured. I had no idea what I'd hit. It appeared to be open when I came through at first and I was pleased both were open [but soon learned the one was not secured] and not the usual one-lane traffic for a non-school day as sometimes occurs. But it happened, and we can't go back, only forward. I'm grateful the boys weren't injured physically [so far?], and that I'd dropped Megan off from that passenger position just 30 seconds earlier. The bits of glass that did come in would have been aimed right at her. Fortunately little ones are resilient, but can learn and grow from their experiences. I do feel the Lord's hand in everyday events...this was no exception.

I'm also grateful my speed was minimal, maybe 10 mph. ?? as I was approaching the stop light. what IF I'd been going even a bit faster ?? well. . . I'm also grateful we weren't ON the highway, and quite off of it, in a relatively uncongested place. No other cars or pedestrians were involved. We were in a heavier vehicle. There were no fuels exploding/igniting. And Kahuku is now very knowledgeable that its entry gate IS sturdy. Not a dent on it. Wow.

Even though traumatic, I'm glad the boys could see the police officers in a helpful role, assisting in the report taking and phone calling for towing. More drama for the boys to imitate. Many helpful KHS employess, admin. and staff, and parents of students came by, offering assitance if needed. I was more fine than I could have been, I guess. [My typical shift into numb and non-emoting] It, like other situations, is doable. And I'm so grateful to all for their offers to help. Daily prayer is a boon, and helps so much in ways we don't even know. Now at night when I check in, I'll be adding, "Thanks for the prayers I didn't even know You answered and the protection and looking after I didn't even notice."

MEMORIES IN THE VAN: Does anyone remember a special time in the van that I left out? I'd love to have you comment on those. I've philosophized enough in this...no thoughts for the day this time.




First, I'm glad Megan wasn't in the car since the passenger side front was the severely damaged part from the unsecured security gate that was in our path and that Devin and Trevor have shown no physical damage.

Nana again! Quick Catch-up

It's time to catch up on life here, and reading Bill's blog is close to reading about mine in some ways. Sometimes our lives actually coincide, other times we are parallel, and sometimes it feels like we are both busy in several directions...but I hope we both are moving forward, hopefully, in the same direction together.

Delightful news from Erin tonight. I know how happy she and Wil must be knowing they are in a 'blue' mode for planning for baby. She is experienced for having a boy. I'm experienced as a Nana-boys, too!! I had needed those 4 little girls in my life after only brothers to grow up with. I loved the world of pink...no wonder Lindsey isn't a pink person--she had to live with that the longest!! But her boys are "the bomb" in blue, like at stake conference, and bring us tremendous joy. Loved holding Devin on my lap at stake conference. He rested for nearly an hour and a half...then woke with my pearls imprinted on his cheek--he is very loving and likes to accompany Nana on trips to the store and other little errands when I tend him. Wednesday morning is usually "Devin Day." Trevor liked having his back scratched after Devin found his way to Daddy-John's lap.
These boys are so reverent in church. They have been taught well by their parents, with discipline, and love. It shows. "Trevor Time" is usually Thursday afternoons, before piano lessons, when we can play and enjoy for awhile until Papa comes home for piano lessons. He would rather skip Nana's errands, though, and be at the house and play! Such nice events and visits bring joy to our weekly routines. "Kyle's ___" --I'll need a name for time with him! Any suggestions out there?? Stopping by to watch him and Devin as Lindsey picked up Trevor from preschool was a "bonus" Nana activity last week. He's so gurgly, smiley, and talkative now. What a delight! I like this age...interactive, and doesn't move too far or grab too much! A golden age of babyhood for me. Now we'll have to see our new little one in July/August. It will be GRAND to have another GRANDson--Baby Boy Howe!

KHS: Concern of the Week It has been an interesting experience to finish up our children's 23 years of public schooling this year. Starting with band and going beyond, I can't say there has been much of anything to be proud of when it comes to Megan's schooling at all this past while, except for a great English teacher and class that has motivated her this year. Ms. R/W has shown me how much Megan would have really liked to connect with KHS, with positive teachers that can be a good influence upon her. The latest concern is how some recent poor decisions on someone's part have really offended many in the LDS culture here and affected students in grades 9 - 12 for life!! It's been disappointing and utterly shocking to learn some things that were condoned/took place last week. All I know is that we have about 45 more days before our association with public schooling in Hawaii ends. It won't come too soon. I expect to do a victory dance of my own the night of Megan's graduation. Education--a good education, balanced education, quality education, respectable education--which we value so highly, has been harder to come by...and that is on my mind quite often. Sadly, gratefully, once upon a time that was not so. KHS was much different back then. It would be hard for me now to sell this place to non-islanders thinking about moving here. I must move on from negativity, though, and think forward, grateful we can all move on. We learn from these less desirable experiences in life, too.
I hope and pray Megan can overcome and move on, as well.

A new week!

Mrs. Organization strikes again! What a wonderful feeling now to have a garage that is more orderly and manageable. The addition of THE shoe rack necessitated a modification there. The whole space now looks so nice. My spring organization/clean now moves inside onmy next break to the kitchen. We need to have someone look at the non-functioning ice maker, so a good time to spruce up all over in there--appliances, cupboards, etc. I enjoy caring for my home! I'm grateful for these beautiful surroundings and conveniences that enhance my/our days.

It's Easter Bunny time, too!! Another fun thing on my Monday/prep day/home day was decorating in a simple way the garden window. I'd found the Easter container in the garage--THAT's where it was! We're now ready for Easter...and little boys who like to come and hide Easter eggs. Lady Bunny and her basket of eggs are near the window by the front door, ready and waiting for them to "practice"!! A quick trip to town with dad tomorrow for a meeting will allow me to find a few more "yard things" for the boys now that the weather has gotten SOOOOO pleasant.

It's great to read about spring where you all are, er, fall for Erin? Or is it called spring anyway? I need a clarification on that. Pondering vacation time ahead these next two weeks for Megan--work and soph. English to do. . . student teaching assignments for Jen, work and baby preps for Erin, and school concerns for Trevor. Perhaps you all remember that mom made it a point to be sure you were all ready for kdgn...and that our summers we always held some sort of "homeschool" and supplemental, organized daily activities. Supplementing what the schools did was a part of my parent mission since I was concerned way back then with education in Hawaii. It is now needed today, too, no matter where one lives.

Thought for today: Janice and others: Happiness is a choice. The 90- 10 principle applies: We choose 90% of what happens to us, 10% of what happens to us we don't get to choose, but we do get to choose our attitude. Yes, I need to remember that, too!! L2U all.

Thoughts on Sunday

It's late Sunday afternoon. . .daylight savings time is now blessing the lives of our wintry mainland friends and family. You get to see snow one more hour each day! Lucky you.

Happily I can report a pleasant drive to and from Niu Valley in eastern Hono. for orchestra for Megan today. Maneuvering around motorcycles was the most challenge today. Finding a shady place to park for two-and-a-half hours is the other challenge, but I did find some shade and had time to edit my students' personal history segments and even take a brief nap. Love those Sunday ZZZzzzz's. I was up at 4:30...got to sleep in :D

NEWS and views of the neighborhood. . .the neighborhood is changing and has been in transition since December. The duplex in front was sold to a woman in Hawaii Kai. She rents to two families and there have been many changes to the property since she took possession. The multiple pourings of concrete now dominate the yard both front and back. [Hmmm...the Tongan fellow in 003A pours concrete for a living. Coincidence???] The entire front yard for those two units is now a "driveway." The003B garage was redone in front to become what is probably a family room. An entry door in front and two new ones in back were inserted. The laundry is now outside on part of the back "lanai." It could be interesting in heavy rain with no grass/ground to absorb the water anymore. Will we flood? We'll see.... A doggie whom I call "Chewy" is a frequent visitor now, too, so we find we need to park our shoes in the garage. .. Megan's new slipper disappeared, and my good brown shoe disappeared until I found it at Helena's. Our running shoes were on the driveway, so I was glad to retrieve those. Then there's the, uh, "presents" the unleashed dog leaves in our small yards...hmmm. We haven't met the owner yet, but would like to!!! Our quiet restful surroundings are feeling a little more, uh, populated now. But fortunately, our back view outside provides a welcome sight. We're looking forward to selecting some lanai furniture for upstairs...if Pres. Bush's $$stimulus package in May comes through. . . .Costco has had some interesting groupings to consider.

WELCOME Spring!! It's coming!! For fun and to welcome spring, this week I bought a few plants...some flowering red begonias, and a few taller, healthier plants to place in the outside blue planters. Also bought a green onion plant since I use Helena's so much. It's in a blue planter also...we no longer have the shoe rack there [see above paragraph] so the teak chair is on the diagonal with the onions to the side. If I can keep these 5 plants blooming and green, I'll feel like a real farmer. The hibiscus shrubs are kept as "low-biscus," so we haven't had many blooms. Helena's papaya trees and the avocado tree and her other plantings and herbs are doing well. We enjoy being "neighborly" and look after each other. It's nice to have someone next door who likes to neighbor!!

UPDATES for the week: Dad has updated all on our M - Saturday. We enjoy Ola's at TB for its view and interesting menu. Dad had the greatest salmon there! It was even a close runner-up to the "airplane food" Devin and Trevor handed out yesterday. :D [they had no peanuts, though.] They're such fun guys. Kyle is a joy to watch, too...one of my favorite ages is 3 - 6 months. The personality starts coming through for all to enjoy. Megan's select band DVD arrived yesterday, so we got to see her play. It is amazing what young people can do. What an opportunity she had/is having by sharing/developing her talents. You've all been blessed with musical talents and I hope your blessing brings you joy.

Enjoy the beginning of a wonderful week. Sending love and thoughts and prayers many times a day to each of you.

Thought for the day: from KHPR: A great nation deserves great music.

Time and All Eternity

Happy ALOHA Friday to all. Catching up on our lives here and thinking of each of you.

Last night was a special night for us and for 30 couples in our family line. With the help of Megan to tend the boys, with John and Lindsey and Steve and Laurie Tueller, and Johnson Mak, also a fellow named Dave Paddock, we had the privilege of performing sealings of couples. One of the highlights was having Lindsey and John be the couple for Elzaver LINDSEY Neal and Roxana Whitcomb. How interesting after all these 28+ years that she would be at the altar at the time the person for whom she was named would be sealed! Also, L. acted for ROSE Lodge who was sealed to dad's Grandpa, James Wilbur Bearse. These were special moments. I was remembering all of YOU and the time we were all together in the sealing room a few years ago to do this.

At the end of our session, the Tuellers were at the altar when my oldest known ancestors on my dad's paternal line were sealed, too. John Walker and Catherine Barless as well as Joseph Falcuss and Eleanor ?? were couples married in the early part of the 1800's. Many others were significant in this group as well, plus Lucy Hay's parents. I was truly touched with the Walker/Barless and Falcuss/Eleanor couples, and feel now more "complete" knowing my/our eternal chain can go back that far. One thing is for sure, more work is left to do to get back to Adam! I think that my daughters get to help do that ! ! !

School week ended fine. It was the popular "credit card sandwich bar" day, so they were fed when they left and seemed to like that. Moving on to credit ratings, risk management and investments, then identity theft/fraud.

Life is good. I hope it is that way for you all, too.

Thought for the day: When we look for the good in others, we discover the best in ourselves. Martin Walsh

MARCHing in like a lamb....

The weather is so balmy and wonderful! I feel for those of you who are cold or in the snow at the moment. I hope Jenny made it home okay from Buffalo/Niagara Falls in the weather they were experiencing last weekend. Erin is cold we hear, even though fall is coming. Will I be ready for AUS in July? ? ? I keep my heavy black coat handy.

BIG NEWS: Mom has her tickets now for the trip on April 30 - May 12 for Graduation at U PA. I will see Grandma R. on the way, then arriving in PA on May 5. Dad and I were talking that we'd enjoy going to Palmyra area again...this time with perhaps additional peaceful surroundings...[AHEM] adn visiting the temple and other attractions. So, now my travel plans are finalized for spring AND summer. Uncle Visa is a grand ol' card! Now to work that so it's paid for by the time we come. Can't wait to go on both of these excursions. Much to see and experience.

The back bumper of the Toyota now looks as good as new. Once we get back from our spring/summer travels we'll have the front bumper done....and to think we had the van A L L those years without any dents that were my doing. I'm so glad we still have the van. Two vehicles is such a help to us being this far from campus.

Our dinner last night seemed to go well. Pres. Wunder mentioned being here for dinner at the beginning of his devotional thoughts [the warm up] . That was nice. They are neat people! What a good chance to get acquainted. For those who were curious, the chicken roll ups, fresh fruit, steamed fresh veggies, and rice, plus LeiLei's dessert were the menu. Yup, I did spend most of the day in the kitchen. Today we have a break--mom teaches, so it's McDonald's Salad Night for us. RS Birthday party dinner is tonight, and I have a part to share on the program: "What do the prophets say about doing family history?" Boy, I hope I can find something to say on that!!!!! Anyone have any ideas?

We are reading in ALMA [about 41, 42] about restoration...I hadn't thought as in depth about that until this time. I love this book and how some things reread have more meaning than times before.

Life is good. I'm well, and dad is getting better. We were able to run one time around and walk the other lap today. That's an improvement. We've missed more due to illnesses and busy schedules recently. It's a blessing to keep these legs moving!!!

Hope you'll catch up the blogs soon. I look every day for updates!!

Laws of marital adjustment: [aka Dianna's Laws]
1. There is more than one way to do the same thing right.
2. If you want something done your way, be willing to do it yourself.

Thinking of you!

SATURDAY, SUNSETS, and other beautiful things . . .

It was one of the best sunsets we'd seen in a while. It seemed to come quicker than I remember, though. Our Subway experience seemed to S L O W us down, but we did have time to make it to Ehukai, find a table, gulp down our sandwiches and chips, and then set up chairs on the beach and join the other worshipers and enjoy the sunset and accompanying color cloud show. We enjoyed that time together with Janice. She is seeing many people in 5 days! I'm glad we're on her list to visit.

Saturday held some usuals, also. Temple session, then time at home. Sprucing up the car and yard. Listening to the online feed of the BYUH-Hilo game--WE WON 2 AWAY!! So they're probably off to the tournament. One Uh-oh for the day: A new lawn mower is in our future. . .

But Saturday also brought a great treat in the morning--our GRANDsons here and Lindsey while John went fishing. It was a good waffle day, so we enjoyed those with them and enjoyed while they played here. Afternoon treat was Erin's call--I'm glad she is healthy and that she and Wil are making it through their work weeks...then our Subway picnic/sunset, etc. So a VERY Good day!

Megan is at the Priory for debate all day. . .and we hope to touch base with Jenny, too, soon. We know she and Aaron are in the "homestretch" and with student teaching [as I can remember 34 years ago] she is very busy, plus the coaching she is doing.

I woke up to read scriptures for SS assignment this morning--the 2 Nephi Isaiah chapters...I enjoy the words echoed regarding Messiah & about His coming. I can tell I need the "CLIFF NOTES" version for these chapters...I'll listen up in SS this morning!

Sunday's quote for the day: Alma 34:38 . . .live in thanksgiving daily . . .