December Already!

It's been a memorable and wonderful year, with Christmas activities in full swing now, the year 2009 is coming to its end very fast. Since last posting, we've enjoyed our family's FHE Thanksgiving, being with the Pierces on Thanksgiving Day, finishing up [almost] classes and scoring major projects, attending concerts and Christmas programs and university dinners and receptions--including Megan's Brass Ensemble's performance, decorating our holiday home, spending time with the kids and grands, keeping up with college football and seeing who gets upset--Sorry Iowa Hawkeyes!--We've also had fun making dinner for Megan's roommates, preparing, addressing, and mailing our 2009 Family Photo Scrapbook Update to friends and all, and of course Christmas shopping and getting menus and gifts ready, wrapped, and sent. I'm leaving out many, MANY details, but the gist of each of these events and activities is easy to picture. Too many highlights . . . I love this season. Especially now that I'm healthy again.

I still love, L O V E my days at home, though. Any night or day at home is totally pleasant for me. We've had good, dry-ish mostly, weather, so no complaints in that department. Bright Hawaiian Christmas days, for sure this December so far, just like the song.
Last week worked perfectly for Pierces to be away on a surprise trip for their boys to Disneyland. It was project week to finish up and score for my classes, so now it will be more focus time for Trevor when he is here for homeschooling M-W [Phonics and Lang. Arts] and for Devin and Kyle and their Nanna dates here, too. Bryson is growing much, and budding a personality, for sure. Miss Kylee now crawls and pulls herself up, so she is joining the boy cousins in adventures when she can. Keeps mommy Jenny busy....so do the boys for their Lindsey mom! Avery--now known often as "Aves"-- is growing and now attends part time day care so Mommy Erin can get some rest during the days since he is napping less. Her night shifts are varied with some days, too. Variety is nice. Snow...deep white snow...and some ice have blanketed their Pennsylvania home this past week, too. They did get out to do some sledding. I wouldn't mind seeing some of that white stuff . . . for a LITTLE while, anyway. I'd be tired of it by January, which is how it used to be many years ago when we lived in 4 Seasons Country.

25 Years in Hawaii. . . calling to mind those who were here then and those whom we still see coming and going here in Laie. Jenny now lives in the ward where we lived when we first arrived here--Laie 1st Ward. She is serving in YW and sees the grown up kids she used to be with in Primary as leaders in the auxiliaries. A fun revisit for her and Aaron, too. Hawaii never leaves you, even if you go away for awhile. We're grateful for our time and life's experiences we've spent at BYUH and in Laie. Changes, yes, but in some ways still the same. Progress is good, tradition is also; we like both.

And such is the J O Y that is found and given in simplicity. May we each feel family is the source of our "HAVE"s of life: being Heard, Appreciated, Valued, Encouraged. When I feel these, I truly know J O Y in those I love most.

Wishing all a blessed December.

Autumn Get-Away and Family Update

Mid semester. . . and it worked out that a trip to Pennsylvania for me was in order. Erin has been a trooper working at nights full time, being a full-time mom and at home, but we could tell she needed a little sleep and Avery needed a Nanna for a few days. It had been planned into my semester calendar, if needed, to get to the mainland if need be, and I think it was appreciated by Erin, Wil, and Avery to spend time with them in Lock Haven for Halloween and the week after.

Thanks to Bill for supporting this, and to Jenny and Lindsey who made sure dad had some company and meals to share! Flying is always relaxing for me, especially the serendipitous finds...autumn colors over Dulles as I flew in, and the pleasant fall weather in PA for most of the week. However, I did have memories refreshed about chipping at frosted windshields! Didn't have a scraper, so used the plastic ID card one morning...it worked fine!

I loved assisting Erin by playing with Avery so she could attempt to catch up on sleep! We watched all kinds of dvd's...he's a Micky Mouse fan, but we also enjoyed Backyardigans, Little Einsteins, and some others, too. I'm still humming the songs from Little Einsteins. "You can do it, Carmine, you can win the race, for you are an amazing music car." Funny was this week I heard some of those songs as I drove along to BYUH. :D We also enjoyed a Pizza Hut lunch day, and a few visits to feed the many ducks in Mill Hall. See Erin's blog for the photos and video. Lots of trips to Walmart for me which is just 10 minutes from her house--such a rare experience compared to our hour-long Hawaii treks planned there! Enjoyed the rides in the PA countryside, cooking some favorite dishes, and a quick shopping trip to State College on Erin's day off. Some of my favorite stores!! Mostly, just loved being with Aves, playing and cuddling, and visiting with his folks who also got to escape on a date together and see a movie--they said that was a real treat!

Erin seemed to appreciate the sorting and organizing that I can't resist when I'm around, so that was nice, too. I like to keep busy, so she helped me occupy time during Avery's and her naps in their lovely home. Wil works at Rest Haven Cemetery in sales and events. Also works at Radio Shack, but just part time. He likes that one and would love to work into full time eventually.

On Halloween I accompanied the family andtheir friend, Asha, around the block with Mickey-Avery. He was a CUTE Mickey, but he'll enjoy this all much better as he gets older. Aaron's folks, Ed and Colleen Jensen, stopped by to deliver treats to us all. Loved the popcorn balls and donuts!!! It was so COLLEEN!!! Some houses we visited were really decorated in the season' s theme so it was fun to be a part of LH's celebration.

The semester is moving along. It's hard to get 14 weeks of learning into 13 weeks now! I had decided earlier that I would give up the individual/family mgmt. class to devote more time to the homeschooling and grandkids. This class was time intensive with both planning and grading, so feel it will be better for us all starting in January with only the family history class to teach. That sounds better already!!

Soccer season has ended, it's basketball time! We like that. November has all kinds of busy for Bill...first the Leadership Summit, classes, stake, SIFE, then the regional conference, and then Thanksgiving. Which means, Christmas is not that far away!

Jenny and Aaron have made a great transition here. Their home is lovely. Compact, yet lovely. Their time together has really increased since taking the PA post at the BYUH Health Center. This commute of 5 min. works out SOOO much better for them all! J is finishing up grad classes online and Kylee is now sleeping through the night. It's been a big year of change for them. A is now serving in a campus bishopric and J will serve in YW.

Lindsey's family just returned from an outer island escape to Kauai--Bryson's first trip. The Hawaii Pierce Clan enjoyed their stays there; L's blog has great photos and summary. Now it's back to the home scene for awhile.

Megan is into semester life and we see her through the week sometimes, here and there, and usually for Wednesday's "Subway Night" since Bill has meetings on campus then--SIFE and BYUH 2nd Stake. We also hear from her when she needs the car!! A highlight for mom and dad was hearing her play trumpet in a campus devotional recently. What a confident and lovely young lady she is. It had been a year and a half since we heard her play, and this arrangement with the brass ensemble and university concert choir truly was a precious "mom moment" for me. It filled the arena with a great sound, but filled the heart with precious, tender ones. :D

This is the monthly catch-up for now. Glad to see/hear from people on facebook, and see some Logan friends, the Wegeners, this week. GR A T E F U L for many things, so am writing one a day in FB status. It's nice to focus on the season in this way. It's been a good and filled month! Looking forward to more fun-filled days ahead.

NEAL Blessing Blanket, October Update, and More

Precious Sunday, October 4, 2009--Bryson Kealoha Pierce was blessed and wrapped in the Neal Blessing Blanket. This white, puffy blanket, edged in lace with a strip of blue and pink ribbon as a border, has been with each Neal daughter and each grandchild for their naming and blessings since Lindsey's birth/blessing in 1980. The blanket was made for us by Sister Leah Holmstead of Logan 19th Ward. This inspired Relief Society President knew just what I needed as I was preparing for our first baby to arrive. She taught me how to make these, and made the blessing blanket, 5 nightgowns, and Lindsey's favorite blanket that she still has and uses with her children! She taught ME how--and I am grateful to have shared that skill by making blankets for others through the years. I always think of Leah and her true compassion whenever I'm sewing those...and whenever it's time to bless a Neal baby. She was without a doubt an angel to me.

Standing in the circle was a new face in these parts, son-in-law Aaron Jensen. He, Jenny, and Kylee have now moved from Lock Haven, PA to Hawaii where Aaron is the physician's assistant for Dr. Nielson at BYUH, who has been our family physician for almost 25 years. It is a delight to have all of the Jensens here, staying with us temporarily, and we are enjoying our granddaughter, Kylee, so much. It sounds like "what goes 'round comes 'round"--Jenny's family may be living in Laie 1st Ward, near the Laie Park---that is the ward we attended 25 years ago when we first moved here. Jenny was the blonde girl in the nursery then...and got her blonde hair pulled a few times, I remember.

The Jensen move has fostered "going home" feelings for Erin and family. If it works out for them, they will also be trying to return to Hawaii at some point. PA is having a cold spell early, and some of them are not used to that! We hope and pray for the best for all of our family. Each is dear, whether close by or farther away. Avery is growing and is fun to see in online videos and photos and to talk with in cell phone calls. Technology does melt the miles some, thank heavens.

Megan has moved to a student house on Kam. Highway. She is living with 4 others in a house rented by our friend, Sherrill Erickson. Sherrill was the first beautician for the girls when we moved here that long ago...the girls used to sweep her floor while she cut the others' hair! Megan is taking some English classes, Japanese, and also some band classes. It is G R E A T to hear her play trumpet again. She works in the computer area upstairs in Snow Building for Kevin Schlag, not too far from Bill's office. She rolls around on her friend's skateboard and is involved in a few extra activities on campus and for Kahuku Debate judging. She seems to be liking college life here, and living in Laie makes that more convenient.

Lindsey's 4 boys keep her life very active. The baby blessing was followed by yummy soup in bread bowls and potlucking. But regularly, Trevor's schooling and soccer, plus Devin's mother's preschool, and Kyle the Playing Boy, and cuddly Bryson fill her days. With Trevor here at our house for 3 mornings a week of schooling, my time with the rest is more limited now. During summer it was so nice to be available almost any day for time to visit and play . . . now. with teaching two classes and volunteer work on Fridays at the Family History Center, the nanna-hours are numbered.

Fortunately, the classes this semester are moving along well. The 20/24 students in the HEC 220 and REL 261 seem more motivated, interested. That is a BIG help to me. Prepping is taking a new look--developing powerpoints for each daily outline to send myself. I'm now saving the curriculum in cyberspace as our computer grows older and since I don't want to ever lose all that I've done these past 8 semesters/terms. The family history updates online continue, so I'm always updating myself. Sometimes it's hard to keep up with all those changes. I'm very grateful to be an "early bird" in the mornings--generally, I see both 4 o"clocks in a day. Being on the computer by 3:30 each a.m. is a frequent occurrence. Wish it were not so as far as physical rest, but it is helpful for accomplishing my goals.

Bill is also enjoying his university life, especially teaching of Business Communications. He team teaches that, and also serves as the volunteer adviser for SIFE. First Counselor in the 2nd Stake presidency, he also has a full time position as the Assistant to President Wheelwright. His days, too, are busy. He has more energy at night than I do, but is patient with me as I collapse by 8:30 on the couch. Those early a.m.'s take a toll.

We love our "island retreat" home here in Hawaii. It has served as a pleasant, desirable place to get away from our work these past 6 years. We love our park and ocean view, our space, and the ease of care of this home. It is a joy to be at home and care for it. We both feel that way.

This month has brought changes, reawakened old memories, and made new memories--photographs in our hearts--that will grow in fondness in the years to come. From blankets, to cinnamon rolls for a wonderful, televised General Conference, soccer games and being with family on Saturdays. . .and beyond. . .we find blessings to be thankful for each day. This is a great time for us. We pray it may always be so.

Summer's End and What's New

The days pass quickly, and our end of summer/early September has brought new changes to our family scene. Lindsey gave birth to BRYSON KEALOHA PIERCE [the middle name means "beloved"--and he is] on August 26, her 4th and last C-section. He's a really sweet baby. So, her 4 little boys are keeping them and us ALL busy for now.

Lindsey enrolled Trevor in a charter/homeschooling experience called K12; several other families here have done that, too. Well, she sought some help with the Language Arts, handwriting, and phonics portions, so I have Trevor here 3 mornings a week for those subjects. Twice a week he goes to Waipahu [about an hour away] for in class study with his first-grade peers in history and science and for art on the other day. I've been helping with the driving since L cannot do that yet. He does some of those subjects plus his math with mom at home. PE is his soccer games/practices, so has a great curriculum, and can go at his own speed. Looks like he'll be done in April at this rate. It seems to be what he needed.
So, that keeps me on my toes with prep and mornings with him here. . . driving to Waipahu, driving to soccer practices, tending Kyle--the trampoline jumper and ball boy!!-- so she can teach, and just having "nanna dates" and playtime with all, including Devin who is another sweet playmate and GRANDson.


Quite a variety has been added to my "former" life. And more variety is to come . . .

Our other news is Jenny. Actually, her husband Aaron was just hired here by BYUH as their new physician's assistant. You may recall that Aaron grew up here too. The Health Center Director, Dr. Nielson, has been our and his family's physician so knew Aaron when they invited him to apply about 5 weeks ago when our BYUH PA for several years left for Provo's Health Center. The posted position closed last week, the interview was held early this week, and they accepted the offer last night.

SO, Jenny and Aaron and Kylee will move back to Laie by the end of September!!!! We'll be happy to have another family extension and connection here. Now 3 girls are living here--whoever would have thought they'd come home!!! Megan has started classes and works for the computer "Technology" crew. She moves closer to campus next week, across from Laie Foodland. Hooray, just in time for Jenny's family to use that room until their household goods arrive.


Erin is content to stay in Pennsylvania for awhile, getting that residency which may help with grad school costs. That's on hold another year as they recoup from their second across-an-ocean move. They keep busy with multiple jobs and their wonderful son, just turned one Avery. They will miss Jenny's family near, but fortunately, have a supportive, close branch. He's in YM and she's in Primary. Their central PA area is sooooo beautiful! I KNOW we'll continue to make visits to see them all.

So, besides those things, family history volunteering and individual assistance, Relief Society teaching, etc. and getting ready to teach two classes this coming semester, things are the same ! ! ! ! WHOA!! What an understatement!

For fun, Bill and I venture usually on Saturday afternoons after yardwork to enjoy an Acai bowl at KavaRoots in Sunset, or to Kaneohe, or beyond. Loved Julie and Julia, a fun film, recently. Our gardening in pots has been going well. Good dill, parsley, lettuce, tomatoes, garlic chives and spearmint have been producing, and our 5 yellow hibiscus shrublets are blooming more often now. That Alaska Fish Fertilizer is Amazing!!!

September 1 was the significant date of remembrance in our lives as LDS members. Life is so different from what we might have dreamed 35 years ago, but we are happy with how it has gone and where we've come to...and where we're heading.

Life is so good. We are grateful for that every day.

All of these things make life exciting and fulfilling. That's what they tell me, anyway!

25 Years in Paradise . . .

And I expected this to be a 3 year adventure!

AUGUST 13, 2009--Today marks Jenny's half birthday. . . and our 25 year anniversary of moving here.

Whoever would have thought our 3-year experience would have been extended this far! What would we have imagined back in 1984 if we had known this milestone would come?

We hope that life would have been the same in many ways, for our family internally, eternally, but we ponder how life might have been different for our family had we not come here. . .
educational opportunities in a multi-cultural setting, appreciating others who look different from us, tuition waivers for children, attending and graduating from church schools, growth professionally and through leadership roles, church callings including leadership roles, home ownership without snow shoveling, daily walks/exercise outdoors, travel opportunities, not needing to keep up with the Joneses or Utah "bigger/better/more" mindset, meeting general authorities and First Presidency members, meeting eternal companions and our amazing in-law families, performance/solos/family presentations in music and dance, frugality and simplicity, using mom's master's degree at university level, weekly spiritual fortification from devotionals . . .

Can you add to this list? Please share your thoughts... There was also growing up with cousins and an auntie & uncle for 5 years, also Aunt Dorothy was nearby for the first several, too, appreciating Koolaus and pineapple fields drives, hula, May Days, shave ice at Matsomotos, li hing mui, musubi, decorating Christmas trees while barefoot and wearing shorts, beach day for New Year's, hosting many family and friends on their visits here. . .

Bottom line, the Lord helped guide us to this smaller part of the vineyard, and we hope we have made Him happy with our labor. We have all benefited greatly from this journey, along with the typical life's road bumps to be expected along the way.

Love you all. Happy day to you.

The AMAZING Summer 2009 Vacation

June 16 - July 6 = 20 amazing days for Bill and Dianna on the mainland.

First, we traveled to Des Moines, Iowa. We visited my mother there and told her that all of my family would be assembling there with her on Thursday! She was quite s u r p r i s e d, of course, and the preparations were exciting as we gathered what was needed for their arrivals. The big surprise, though, was on us all--stormy, threatening weather slowed some flights, so the Pennsylvania children/grandchildren didn't arrive until Friday! Visits from aunts and cousins welcomed Lindsey's family. Photo ops dominated the scene on Friday at Union Park, and also at Grandma's Mercy Park apartment, when everyone finally arrived. It was a quick lunch there prior to us all leaving in a caravan for Shell Rock, our next destination.

By Friday evening all of my children were at the CF hotel, and a pizza party with Betty's family was followed by a fun swim in the pool. Leah's kids enjoyed it, too.

Saturday morning the Hauschildts entire family drove up to Cedar Falls and we assembled for a delicious picnic at George Wyth Park--with Subway sandwiches and Mary's yummy cookies for dessert! playgrounds helped break the ice for our grandchildren, and bocci ball entertained our big kids. It was just a great pleasure to visit and enjoy this time with them.
Once, we were 10, now we are 22! That happened in a 10-year span though we had started expanding by the time of their visit to Hawaii in 2003. We've always felt something special with the Hauschildts, and always will hold those special bonds.

From one picnic to another family gathering, we headed to Shell Rock for the Neal Picnic at Cindy's. ALL FAMILY MEMBERS WERE THERE! AMAZING! It was so well done, thanks to Trisha, Carol, and her extended family. Yummy food, and very tender, funny, memorable thoughts about Grandpa Galen Neal were expressed by many. His letter to family was read, with significance to all. More photo ops???? OF course!!

Sunday we attended church in Cedar Falls, took a family photo outside--thanks, elders--, then picked up Grandma Neal for a lunch and Father's Day dinner at Texas Road House. All of my family enjoys that place.
Then the Pennsylvania kids headed back to DM to catch an airplane--or they tried to. Another traveling surprise for them. Once again they were in Detroit for the night instead of arriving home. Good thing no one had work that Monday! We took Grandma to Shell Rock, to the farm where ashes were spread on two pear trees near the road, and in the adjoining field. It was a perfect day for this. Some breeze, and it was overcast slightly. Didn't feel the heat but watched the clouds as we headed back to CF. Hmmm....after naps, what was happening???
Tornado warnings!! Spotted in the CF area, this kept us inside--the PA crew would have had to drive through the tornado track if they'd left an hour later than they did!! No harm nearby, just one barn about 15 miles away.

Monday a.m. we headed to Cedar Rapids/Marion. We spent the day with the Hauschildts and the Pierces joined us later. Very hot weather kept us inside, but we did enjoy our Olive Garden together, and later maid rites and the left overs from Saturday's picnic. It was so good! Who won this 2500 game? ME! On the last hand. Amazing!!!

Tuesday we left early and headed to Oskaloosa for some hours to track down family history. I'd been wanting to go there for years, but hadn't gotten to do that. We found great help at the city/county library then headed to the cemetery to visit graves of my great grandparents {NICHOLS} and also found graves for the great-great grandparents {REYNOLDS} and my grandfather's older sibling with the same name, FRANCIS REYNOLDS. It was a VERY productive day, and meant to much to me to connect with these names, people, I'd gotten to know over the years.

Hot, sticky weather followed us to DM--and it also got stormy again after getting really dark so early! We stayed at home with my mother for dinner, and packed up for our departure the next day.

It was time to head to Boston via Chicago for Bill's conference...We made it to ORD, but then had a late plane departure, sitting on the runway for over an hour. Weather, wind affected this. Our arrival was 3 hours late into Boston, but we headed to our hotel in Back Bay, near where we'd stayed in 2002. Thursday was touring day with the Tuellers and a temple visit.



We visited Quincy, the homes of John Adams, JQAdams, and their families. Very interesting--and our informative tourguide was from Iowa City! Small world!

Bill's days were then busy until Saturday afternoon. I joined Laurie T. and the boys for some Freedom Trail walking, and also caught up on sleep, being 6 hours still jet-lagged from Hawaii, I guess. We enjoyed favorite restaurants here...Boston Legal Seafood, PFChang, and Cheesecake Factory, plus some new ones.
By Sunday, we ventured to Cambridge for church, walked back, and rested up. Monday we enjoyed the Freedom Trail together this time, and also visited Cambridge to walk the Harvard campus. Our Boston souvenir, which ended up being our trip souvenir, is a pewter tree ornament. We enjoyed cookies and gelato in "Little Italy" near Paul Revere's house on the tour. The fruit stands along the trail on Fri. and Sat. also provided good snacking for me. Loved the inexpensive fruit / blueberries!!!

Travel to NYC was on AMTRAK, and we enjoyed the "quiet" car on our way there. Our midtown hotel was not luxurious, but was so close to Times Square, Columbus Circle and Lincoln Center, and proved to be just what we needed. I'm glad we were on the second floor, though. Our whim was to find tickets after we arrived for West Side Story. FABULOUS! Very drawn into the story and the music was tops. The next day we wandered to Lincoln Center to investigate...and found our theatre for the South Pacific performance. Also had another whim...we found tickets for the NY Philharmonic Summer Concert that night! So, our 15 block hike wasn't bad at all with two round trips there that day and night. Excellent, in all ways. Special occasions we'll always cherish.

Thursday we walked across from Lincoln Center to the Manhattan Temple. So glad to see and enjoy this, too. In the evening, we had our L O N G walk to 34th and 2nd Avenue for a dinner with Beznik Loxha, our friend from Kosovo. SOOOO special to dine and be with him. Umbrellas came in handy! But it cleared after dinner for our two mile walk home.

Friday was another AMTRAK day. Not much time is given between the "all aboard" announcement and the departure! So much different from airlines. But love the spacious seats and large bathrooms. Clean trains. Enjoyed our relaxing trip to Union Station in Washington, D. C.

Jenny, Aaron, and Kylee arrived about when we did. Met them and their puppies at the hotel. We had an amazing experience at this hotel--MADERA. Again, second floor, so we could walk easily to our rooms. Had an interesting dining experience, but then visited in our room and ate our Krispy Kremes.

Saturday Wil, Erin, and Avery drove up to join us for the Independence Day activities and to see the museums, too. After baby naps, ours too, we got ready for dinner at Buca then for our fireworks visit. Loved the clean metros and stations in DC. We saw lots of those in our two days there! We all sat just steps away from the circle of flags at the Washington Monument. Perfect to view the spectular display that started about 9 p.m. After, it took two hours to make it home as all needed to board the metro! Next time idea: stay in a place nearer to the capitol building so we can walk home!!!!!

Sunday right after church Erin's family went back to PA. Jenny, Aaron, Kylee and we enjoyed a brunch at a newish, organic restaurant in capitol hill area on Pennsylvania Ave. Aaron had wanted to see the Botanical garden, near the foot of the capitol, so we enjoyed that peaceful, green, pleasantly fragrant respite. Home for naps, and time for the Jensens to head back then. By 8 p.m., both little families were home. That's when we headed out to see the monuments lit at night. Walked past the White House, saw them all, even got to view for the first time the World War II Memorial, one of the more recent memorials in the area. I liked the words on the dedication that described it was fitting to be between the Lincoln and Washington memorials....these were 20th century heroes, Washington was an 18th century hero, and Lincoln was a 19th century hero. All had done what they could to defend the freedom we continue to enjoy. It was a special time for Bill and me. An experience to cherish as we finish up our time in DC and our wonderful 3-week vacation.

These weeks were filled with family, friends, family history, memory making as well as remembering, new experiences, renewing old acquaintances, adventures, professional opportunities, history appreciation, and appreciation, generally, for all of our blessings that mean so much. LET'S DO IT AGAIN!!!!

We are rejuvenated in our return to paradise and our lovely home, ready for a new semester's preparation time, a new grandchild, new experiences and opportunities that await us all.

The Great Summer 2009 Trip to Iowa, Boston, NYC, and DC: A Travel Budgeting Guide

Mom’s Travel Planner Budget Guide

Anticipating a trip? Let this be a guide to expenses you may anticipate.
•Pay for as much in advance as possible, even months ahead.
•On-line hotel booking: find at a travel website, but book through the hotel itself.

TRANSPORTATION
Airfare
Luggage charges [can cost less if booked when you print your boarding pass]
Tips/skycaps
Car rental/insurance costs [if using debit cards = holds on funds until
after stay;Must prove return flight for rental cars]
Gas
Mass transit/metros/subways
Cabs
Tips
Train, buses
Ferries
Toll roads
Parking at hotels/big cities/events [inquire prior to visit—pricey in large
cities]

LODGING
Relatives/friends in area [aim for 3 nights or less [unless pre-invited for
longer or staying with parents]…if staying longer, leave money for
groceries/food, utilities usage]
Hotels, motels [if using debit cards = beware of holds on funds until after
stay]
B and B's, vacation rentals [deposits may be req. in advance for these]
(try prepaid online packages/Costco, airline sites)
Tips for bellmen, hailing cabs, valet
Deposits/holds on credit cards, debit cards
Pet accommodations
Parking at hotel

FOOD
Breakfasts [#days x daily amount and tips]
Lunches [#days x daily amount and tips]
Dinners [#days x daily amount and tips]
Snacks, refreshments [#days x daily amount]
Water to carry
Host[ess] reimbursement/take to dinner

ACTIVITIES/TOURING
Maps/guidebooks/tour guides
Transportation/gasoline to location
Admission/booking fees/service charges
Treats

MISCELLANEOUS
Replacement costs –yes, the curling iron might break!
Grooming items replenishment
Laundromat/laundry and detergent/dryer sheets [pack quarters, supplies]
Souvenirs
Shopping
Host[ess] gifts, mail-keeper gift, pet care-giver gift, chauffeur to airport
gift, other thank you’s
SURPRISES: unexpected extra charges—always occur!!!!
[allow at least $50 - $100 per week]

COST CUTTERS
AIRFARE: use companion certificates,
vouchers
Use skymiles/mileage plus reward miles
Internet sites : airlines/travel zoo/cheapoair/tripticker/sidestep, etc.

LODGING:
Vacation club week/points, if we are in the annual
allotment schedule
Package deals on airlines/car/hotel
Costco
Internet sites: Sidestep/travelocity/expedia/orbitz/kayak/hotels.com
/vrbo/lastminutedeals . . .but book through the hotel!!!
Hotel points/awards [Marriott/Hilton, etc.]

RENTAL CAR:
Vacation club points, if available
Mileage plus/Skymiles points [???]
Costco
Internet Costco,enterprise/Alamo/national/budget/advantage/etc.

FOOD:
Eat heaviest meal midday = less costly than at night
Pack healthy, filling snacks
Take a portable, folding cooler if traveling by car
Bring/buy breakfast items to eat in the room; refrigerator
“Doggie bags” of restaurant take-home food for later
No sodas or beverages with meals, just water

SOUVENIRS:
Household items/practical needs mom’s favorite = shoes!
Flat items [ornaments, mouse pads, etc.]

MILESTONE DAY ! ! JUNE 9, 2009

It has been too long since I've posted, but today is a day to remember forever. My 59th birthday began with an actual good night's sleep--almost 7 hours. Unheard of for me compared with my usual 4 to 4.5 hours a night.

After toning exercises and watching the sunrise, it was time for our early morning jog. I did a mile ... well, that is, two .5 miles, broken up by .1 mile walking. Finished with another round of walking, but it felt great as it does each day! A beautiful morning with sweet fragrances all around the BYUH circle--jasmine and mock orange are in bloom. Home for donut-breakfast, birthday cards, and phonecalls started...Megan's was first. Yellow hibiscus are blooming outside the door, and the rainbow near the mountains during the morning "pineapple shower" was magnificent. John Denver and Carly Simon on the radio...nice golden oldies just for me!

Heard from Jenny, Erin, and my mom in the early morning. Read the Book of the Week for awhile both morning and afternoon. Attended an inspiring, eloquent devotional given by Elder Baxter from Scotland. Saw Pres. Wade who was visiting, spoke with others, and wished Ivy K. a happy mutual birthday.

Enjoyed a peach for lunch, read the facebook and gmail entries, and ate more... continuing munching on a batch of scotcheroos we'd made last night. My diet today has been mostly sugar!!!

Played my harp and read my book. Sue Carey called me from California, and Mary H. called me later in the afternoon. The afternoons on the lanai upstairs are helpful for either reading or nap...or both! Janice joined me upstairs to enjoy reading outside, too.

The book is almost done! Bill called and we packed the car for our trip to Pizza Bob's...we took the angel food cake and strawberries for our Sunset Beach sunset dessert--variation on a picnic. Pierces joined us, so we got there just in time to say "good bye" to the sun as it went to see the other islands until we see it again in the morning, Trevor said.

AS I write there is serenading by the piano duet players...and I'm writing now about this beautiful, absolutely wonderful day.

I feel 34 at the most...but am grateful for the 25 years experience I have at this.

Life is good. I'm grateful for each day, and especially that I could live long enough to see another year...2 new grandchildren plus another on the way, 7 trips to off-island destinations, baby blessings, accompanying Bill to activities and giving a devotional on campus with him: Take the Next Step teaching two classes for two semesters, success in family history endeavors, including publication at last!! of the Yurich Directory, teaching Sunday lessons in RS, attending temple weekly until end of December, signing onto facebook and blogging, catching up with old friends like Kay Anderson and others, as well as wonderful at home times here with frequent visitors--home is a place I love to be. It's fun staying connected with my children, among the greatest blessings of all.

This is a blog of GRATITUDE! Thanks, Lord, for another day, and yes, for seeing another year!

Nana's Update . . . April

The months have flown by. A crunched new semester schedule, Erin and Avery visiting, zooming to PA for Kylee's first weeks and visiting Jenny and Aaron, Jenny and Kylee's visit to Hawaii for Karen's wedding, niece Kayla and friends here for 5 days, Basketball tournament time, SIFE team's big victory, Dad's big birthday, and now, finally, t i m e to look ahead. It was all so fun--the school part less fun due to the crunching into 13.5 weeks instead of 15, but, it is thankfully done for now and we can revamp and move ahead.

That will be my spring, or some of it, anyway. Some travel is coming up, and definitely reorganizing my office and school things.

Megan has moved from SLC and has joined Jenny's and Erin's families in PA, though Wil is still waiting for final clearance to join them, too. May 2 is the target day to reunite the little family. They have webcam and daily chatting time and cell phones to stay in touch. We live in an amazing age! A quick visit to DC this weekend for a sealing is their way to celebrate Easter break.

Enjoyed the Concert Choir performance this evening. A great way to end our semester and celebrate our Easter. Little boys will come by in the morning for an indoor Easter Egg Hunt, ala Papa-Bunny style. :D He always has the funnest places to hide them! We'll also go to Lowe's for a new kitchen faucet...that's needed for the new counter tops and sink we finally get to have installed. We've waited for 5 years, so it is something we hope to enjoy a long time. I think some SIFE preps are also in store for us, and a quick stop at Windward Mall. My, we'll be out and about!

The winter was fast and furious, but we've been mostly healthy, always a great blessing to say that. The Hawaii balmy weather has been "on vacation" for over 4 months now, so those of us in the islands are ready for it and the sun to return any time soon! I haven't seen a blue ocean in weeks. GRAY still. Let's see...maybe if we buy rain gutters the skies will dry up! That's our luck with such things. Life is what happens when you make other plans. John Lennon beat me to coming up with that one.

Joyce Chan had a good quote on Facebook today: The storms rain down on us all even if you do build your house upon the rock.

Guess what--it's RAINING!!!!

I'll end this right here for now.

It's GRAY!!!

I'm not just talking about the weather. But, it is true about "paradise" for the moment. I shudder to drive by Naniloa Loop and Hale Laa Blvd to see the temple grounds and the House of the Lord on the hill all gray. I hope the refurbishing goes FAST and that it can be quickly restored with the white beacon it is in our community. I'm curious what effect this is having/will have in the days ahead on our community.

Temples continue to be in process and repair....Megan just visited the beautiful Draper Temple at open house there. I'm so glad she had that opportunity. She was impressed.

Meet the Couple

him.
1. Sitting in front of the TV, what's on the screen? HGTV, news, ER
2. You're out to eat; what kind of dressing does he get on his salad? Creamy pesto or vinegrette
3. What's one food he doesn't like? Kraft mac 'n' cheese or anything "old"
4. You go out to a restaurant, what does he get to drink? water, sprite
5. Where did he go to high school? Waverly-Shell Rock
6. What is one phrase he says all the time? Used to say at dinner, "What were the highlights of your day?"
7. If he was to collect anything, what would it be? piano music...has MANY file boxes of it so far . . .
8. What is his favorite type of sandwich? turkey, with provolone, cukes, sprouts, etc.
9. What would this person eat everyday if he could? ice cream or chocolate anything
10. What is his favorite cereal? Cheerios
11. What would he never wear? tank top
12. What is his favorite sports team? loves college Fball and Bball
13. Who will he vote for? the winner, usually
14. Who is his best friend? hope it's me, but many are members of his official fan club
15. How many states has he lived in? Hawaii, Utah, Virginia, Iowa, with short stints [summers] in Minnesota and Indiana and Washington.
16. Does he have any nervous habits? finger-pats his hair down when he doesn't know the directions while traveling in the car.
17. What could he spend hours doing? traveling with Dianna or working at BYUH or being on the computer
18. He is: an organized, committed, and goal-driven hard worker, supportive hubby and caring dad, great piano player and dedicated student group adviser...spiritually grounded and has a fun--though sometimes in a very teasing way if he knows you well--personality.

me.

1. Sitting in front of the TV, what's on the screen? CH 59 or news
2. You're out to eat; what kind of dressing does she get on her salad? Creamy pesto or house
3. What's one food she doesn't like? cooked green veggies, except green beans are ok
4. You go out to a restaurant, what does she get to drink? water or rasp. lemonade
5. Where did she go to high school? St. Joseph's Academy, DM, Iowa.
6. What is one phrase she says all the time? "Roll with it!" or "1 - 2 - 3"
7. If she was to collect anything, what would it be? it's all junk I'd have to dust, no thanks. Favorite souvenir when I travel? SHOES! functional, memorable
8. What is her favorite type of sandwich? pastrami on rye or rueben
9. What would this person eat everyday if she could? guacamole...Mariachi's
10. What is her favorite cereal? Cheerios
11. What would she never wear? swim suit without a cover up
12. What does she always wear? Strawberry Champagne splash--VS
13. Who will she vote for? very selective...and sometimes I leave it blank
14. Who is her best friend? One hubby and a few selective others. They know who they are.
15. How many states has she lived in? Hawaii [25y], Utah [7y], Virginia [2y], Iowa [the rest]
16. Does she have any nervous habits? Yes
17. What could she spend hours doing? family history, travel and travel planning, learning, HGTV, catching up with family on blogs, facebook, teaching and prep
18. She is: excited for new adventures, glad to be at this point in life. And OH SO GRATEFUL for EACH DAY!!!!!!!

January is ending . . . time to move on

The month has passed quickly. School time this first month is so demanding. Getting syllabi ready, then classwork for the new university calendaring system which means combining what I used to teach into fewer sessions. This revamping has taken some time and my filing system for papers/lessons needs to be redone. Still doing that in my spare time.

I had the privilege of meeting with 37 students so far since Jan. 21, with just 3 left for Monday, February 2. At least the students are now heading in a direction that I hope will take them to success in both the management class projects and their family history. With conferences over, now I have a little more time, I hope, as the month ahead brings its own new experiences and travel and memories to make.

I got to watch a TV clip today of Kelly Hauschildt Butzen on the Ellen Show as she won tickets to the SuperBowl. What a fun thing for her!

Bill and I lead separate day-lives, but enjoy starting our days together--walking, praying, eating breakfast, reading scriptures . . . and then we have our weekends. School times are quite involved for each of us. But we've enjoyed seeing together some successful basketball games in town and at BYUH, and we are now ranked highest ever in our NCAA II history--4th nationwide, and lead the division. We've even enjoyed Spaghetti Factory twice in this month on those nights at the Blaisdell arena...an easy ride up Ward Avenue to see the games.

We've tried to catch some jr. basketball for Trevor at Laie Park on Saturdays, too. Maybe now that it is warming up it will be even more enjoyable. Our wet, cold, cloudy January did make us think and feel like "this is winter--brrrrrr"--at least, Hawaii's version! We've enjoyed bball indoors also at the CAC, and love having the Pierce Ohana join us. The boys remind us where the popcorn and snacks are sold, so we all enjoy these refreshments together and cheer on the Seasiders. Love our boys!!!

Preparing for Erin and Avery's time here is now at the top of the list for Dianna's Dine and Doze. I'll pick them up on Tuesday morning, February 3. I hope their trip away from Australia will go well...it will be hard to leave daddy behind for a few months, but their reunion will be special in late March when they meet to travel together for a BIG move to Pennsylvania.

Jenny and Aaron await little one who is due shortly. Pennsylvania calls for me to make a week's visit there the last week of the month. I'm excited and hope to be a help as Jenny recovers and gets back up on her feet. I wish her and Aaron the best and know it will be exciting bringing her to their new, lovely, family home.

Megan is back at school, too, so has gotten off to a good start once again in SLC at LDSBC. Her working time and school time and social life time balance out pretty well. I catch up with all the girls' lives and happenings at Facebook and blogs.

I was very happy with remarks on my class evaluations last semester! What a nice feeling to help others on their paths through life. . . brings me satisfaction. I enjoyed a comment from someone else I respect who said they enjoyed my teaching. I'm glad to play a part in sharing what I've been blessed to share. Such comments are rare enough to really stand out when they are expressed.

This weekend is a preparation for school weekend again...with a midterm coming up, it's time to continue the class revamp for MGMT. and prepare a review and a new test.

Life seems busy, full. . .but that is a good way to be.

I am grateful still for all that we are able to enjoy in this life . . .blessings abundant--how fortunate we are. Happy January--good bye, Fun February--Greetings!

House Memories . . . an era ends

While visiting Des Moines on our December 2008 trip, Bill and I drove by where I used to live. It is significant that I share this essay [written 1993] and the addendum at the bottom, written just now. This is for my family to know more about my life.

THE DINING ROOM - An essay about my home by Dianna Reynolds Neal

It was the largest room in our white, story-and-a-half, asphalt-shingled house. Over the years it contained many of the pieces of the put-together lives of my parents, three brothers and me.

I remember how big it must have been to hold two doilied buffets, one glass-faced china hutch, a coat rack, a photo gallery and a plate glass mirror, and the painting of the Last Supper. The upright piano and bench stood beneath a tier of three small windows on the east, framed by short, sheer curtains and mom’s shelf of African violets. The large, rectangular table surrounded by five matching Duncan Fife shield-back chairs was its centerpiece.

The sixth chair, the armchair, flanked one side of the doorway from the kitchen. That armchair, draped over the years by my brothers’ baseball shirts and football jerseys, welcomed helmets , caps, cleats, golf balls, bowling balls, basketballs, and other sports paraphernalia into its open arms, and dutifully served until my brothers were ready again to go out and play.

The table was a white-linened repository for school books, mail, clean laundry, school projects, doodads and gizmos, with a lush green philodendron at its center. I remember it served as the office at tax time, the term paper typing and assembling center at exam time, and the gift-wrapping and or cookie decorating center at Christmas time. It was the hub for extended family gatherings and those were the only occasions I can remember when we actually ate in there!

The sprawling legs of the table provided a twisted thoroughfare for toy cars and trucks, trains, road race sets and so on. They also served as the hills and dales for the battlegrounds of G.I. Joe and his buddies. The veil of the long tablecloth was a popular hideaway during a rainy-day game of hide and seek or provided a quiet place to be in this occasionally too-busy household. This room was the evidence of our living.

The dining room looks smaller to me now. I hear most things shrink with age. But almost everything there is still in its place, except for us. We’ve departed, taking all of the paraphernalia with us. But the armchair still faithfully sits in its place, this time holding all the memories it has kept for us through the years. And whenever we return it welcomes us again with its open arms.

The Reynolds family home was located at 705 Arthur Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa, just 3 blocks north of Union Park. It was sold in January of 2005, and after that it deteriorated and was leveled fall 2008. Glen, Elma [my parents], Bill, Mike, and Dan [my brothers] and I lived there from December 1957. My mother sold the home and moved in January 2005 following dad’s death in Nov. 2003. Other significant features of this home included the “R” on the aluminum screen front door for 47years, with an oval-windowed wooden door from the porch entry to the living room. A gingko tree grew on the front parking and a beautifully-shaped,scarlet oak tree filled the backyard with shade in summer. Rhubarb grew out behind the wooden garage, and Dianna cherished the fragrant, pink and white peony bushes near the garage on the east. She would pick a bunch of peonies on her birthday, each June 9. Lily of the Valley and a bleeding heart bush plus tulips or other flowers were also blooming in spring on the back and side of the house. Winter outdoors included games of “fox and geese” in the snow…with red foil JOYOUS NOEL as the window greeting on the enclosed front porch at Christmas time.