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!!!!!!!