A New Year Welcomes Us!

It's 2014--We greeted this new year by enjoying a movie on New Year's Eve, then tried to stay awake until midnight--and we made it.  Barely.  :)  This ended officially an amazing season which started for us November 27, when we boarded the plane to Phoenix, via SLC.   All our family were waiting for us at Jenny's.  We photo'ed the occasion, and my heart smiles at the memories of all of my adult kids and husbands in the kitchen finalizing the dinner preps.  Megan's table decos were lovely, too, and so fun for the kids as well.  Hanging out, time with the GRANDS and Polar Express, "Frozen,"  shopping, OG-!! -- so much in just a few days.  Then all were off to Disneyland/California Adventure.  We shared a door with Lindsey's, Jenny's shared a door with Erin's, and Megan floated between.  The Shutterfly book and new calendar captured so many great shots.  Loved our graphic on the T-shirts Meg designed, sweet memories with all plus individuals.  A great way to start our season.   Still cherishing.

Megan joined us for the remaining weeks of December, so we saw her some while she reconnected with Hawaii HS friends.   Her life is changing from being a full-time employee to student at UVU.  Finally achieved in-state status, a two-year goal.  Her decision does affect us also, mostly since she's needing assistance in housing and insurance.   But she seems motivated to complete her course of study, so we support her in striving toward economic independence and happiness in her life's chosen profession.

Meanwhile, the Jensens continue to settle in Arizona, the Pierces made the move to Utah and settled in Saratoga Springs, and Erin and Will and Avery enjoyed the 3-week getaway from AUS to the mainland including Iowa, Nevada, California, and Arizona.   Grandma Neal loved their trip to see her!  So did the Hauschildts. 

And more Meanwhile, we now need only TWO tickets for our basketball game attendance at BYUH--quite a change from recent years of 8 - 13 seats.   Downsizing?   Oh, yes, indeed.   We've also lost a few hundred pounds !!  these two weeks when we've had a temple recess for cleaning.   So, the temple got cleaned, but we did too here at home.   Christmas things, Erin's and Megan's and Bill's and my tubs of remembrance, plus things we no longer need, and about a half ton of books have found new residences or places to depart this existence.  It's always liberating to do this.  We are streamlining so we can make a more efficient move to the mainland one of these years soon.  Scanners will continue to assist with that, so we're counting them as late Christmas presents to us.   5 boxes of piano music, and that many boxes or more of memories we hope to digitize this year.  Still continuing digitizing the videos, too, for family future reference.   Glad they were captured, just need to have access.

Since it's been since May that I've posted, a few catch ups are also in order now.

MAY and JUNE:  Temple time mostly, but enjoyed a trip to KC for Enactus Team's support in their 2nd place national win and Bill's surprise induction as an officially-recognized, permanent Enactus Fellow.  Kaleb left here for his new Enactus position. We prepared for two weeks on the mainland, AZ and Iowa. Lindsey's family sold their life's possessions mostly in preparation for their move. 

JULY:   The two-week Temple recess allowed us to visit our Jensen family in Surprise and enjoy them and their new digs. It WAS hot--as promised.  But Betty joined us, and we all enjoyed a great visit, including 4th of July fireworks, with caramel corn in the van.  We saw our Iowa family and friends while in the Midwest.  No plane challenges this year, thank goodness.  Iowa was much greener this year, so beautiful.  While there, Lindsey's family camped out at our house in Laie for 3 weeks prior to their move.  We resumed Temple service upon our return.

AUGUST:   Dalein T. moved in for a few months, moving into what has become our Enactus/SIFE housing space.  :)  She was a delight, and so accommodating.   Some guests are just so easy.  We missed 5 GRANDS' birthdays this month, but we are grateful for Facetime which does help melt away the miles for at least a few minutes.  Big news was a surprise move to Hawaii for Betty!   Her position interview came up fast, with the offer right after, so she is once again on island with us.  We are happy, so happy, about that. 

SEPTEMBER:   Midway through, Jenny and the 3 kiddos joined us here so Jen could prepare for the Party in Pink.   Lots of walks, leaf collecting, yard cleaning, pool time, and toy time, too, were included in this sweet visit.   Daddy Aaron surprised the crew for a long weekend, and Jenny then had help to get this young and energetic family home to AZ.  

OCTOBER:  More Temple time, evenings, and enjoyed Jenny's still.  After she left, I became aware of the opportunity to take Madelyn N. for walks each Monday on our P-day.   She had a massive stroke last December, and though she is making progress daily,  still needs assistance in many ways.   The walks have become a joy for me that I anticipate, a distraction for her, and perhaps a break for her family.  They have been so wonderful to her.   Husband is an MD, son is a physical therapist, daughter and family live with them, son is the chef and caretaker, too, so family is sustaining her in giant ways.  She taught my girls to dance or love dance and folkdance.  I look forward to the day she can dance again.   That's my not-so-secret wish and continuing prayer, anyway. 

NOVEMBER:   Preparing for the Thanksgiving trip was foremost on our minds when we weren't at our second home - the Temple!  Many new patrons, sealings, and wonderful ordinance workers and presidency make it a wonderful way to spend our days. Peace, Power, Protection.  Couldn't ask for more.  We feel inadequate in so many ways to be partakers of this great privilege of serving. The books we acquire and read have enhanced our learning so much. 

What a great getaway for Thanksgiving, though, as mentioned and described above.   Truly looked forward to this, and the times and experiences delivered even more than expected, indeed.  We decorated the house before we left as knew it would be a short Christmas season when we got back on the 4th.

DECEMBER:  Always a busy temple month with graduation, and with others having sealings prior to the temple closure.   We  were    B U S Y   indeed, so our days sped by.    Our anniversary on the 21st was a special one.  Although a day off, Bill was a sealer for a much needed ordinance.   And, we too got to be across the altar once again when Pres. Pierce assisted.   This year--I counted---was the best year ever for us in being able to perform needed ordinances.  I learned it's one of the reasons, rewards, we have of serving now.  New Christmas electronics for us all--and dinner at Tanakas instead of S. Factory.  But some traditions don't change.   Christmas Eve was quieter, but still enjoyed our traditions plus missionaries the Hoopes, plus friends Ben from England and Nowah from Togo.  Christmas Day we three enjoyed a Disney movie, Saving Mr. Banks.   A Hanks film--can't go wrong. 

And now a new year --  where will these next months take us? ? ? ?    We're doing a cha-cha with our home legal issues. . . . but that is no surprise.   We will continue to serve, to stay, to downsize, to digitize, to teach online, to cha-cha, perhaps, but still enjoy paradise a little more.  Who knows for how long  ? ? ? ?   Only He knows, and we are grateful for all these blessings, but always to be in His hands.   

AND NOW,  THE 2-QUART CROCKPOT

Time is so telling.  Just watched the recently-posted videos vintage 1985 - 1995 of our young family   at our family site online at Facebook.  There it was, our first crockpot, the olive green RIVAL one we purchased in Blacksburg, Virginia-- our first year there on Hampton Court  while at VPI [Virginia Tech] back in October 1975.   It served us through the USU years in Logan also, and even to the townhouses where we were living when it was on the counter there, as in the video.   Now I see two crockpots on my counter here in our home on Kam Highway, May 2013 . . . a shiny stainless steel one, about 6 quarts . . . and our newest one, the recently purchased, tiny, 2-quart model, a little black crock pot. 

Truly time has marched on for this family.   Many family occasions and favorite meal memories such as Christmas roasts, Christmas Eve wassail, Lisa's stroganoff, and our yummy RIVAL beef stew were slowcooked by whichever crockpot was placed on the counter at the time, plugged in, heating up and sending amazing wafts through the air of yummy food to be eaten as a family.  I'm remembering how the jalousie windows and their not-so airtight openings would attract a congregation of flies when we'd get home from church to eat the stroganoff!

We've only owned a few of these appliances through the years.   The olive green one was first with the crock that was planted permanently inside [hard to clean!] and we did own that a L O N G   time! Did a blue one came next??.    Then the forest green one, with the plastic lid that melted, but we used a spare stockpot lid for that one anyway, and even have it up on the pantry closet shelf right now, in case [perhaps hoping the day will come] we need a spare.   We added the stainless steel one, the 6-quart one, last Christmas season prior to having our now 17-member family all come home to join with us to celebrate the holidays, an amazing December 2012. We have lots of photos as proof!   PCC, Disney's Aulani, dad's waffles here at home, decorating the tree and just spending time here.  It was the season.  This time the crockpot held two roasts for the french-dipped sandwiches cooking through Christmas morning.  Oh, the yum. And I won't forget the Christmas Eve wassail for us all to toast!

These crocks parallel our story, growing years, expanding years, of family and memories, and now the little one reminds us of where we are now, downsizing, and where our once young family has grown to become and now mostly moved on to.  Seeing it setting there on the counter makes me miss them.   Sad yet glad at the same time, happy for their progress and growth and moving on. That's what parents do.  It's our job.  Yet, we are so glad some are still close, Lindsey's.   But, life does move us all along.  Even Lindsey with her new at-home travel and cosmetic businesses.  But yes, we have the Howes in Australia, the Jensens in Arizona, the Megan in Utah.  Dad is retired, or mostly, from BYUH, [downsizing his classes from hybrid to just online now] and I am also not teaching for BYUH either.   And we are here, the two of us most of the time except for company who stop in to stay awhile.  Lowell's mom for  the February wedding, then for his April graduation, Jenny's family prior to their move from here to Arizona,  Betty here to enjoy a brief Iowa winter break, Kaleb for a visit to assist Enactus and renew friendships,  Fransis and Jeannette Simram prior to departure to Pohnpei.  So, yes, sometimes we still need the bigger crockpot, but the little  one is mostly what we need these days. Soup is becoming our thing. Life has changed.

Our temple service which began October 28, 2012, has been as we'd expected in some ways, a place where we have much, oh so much, to learn.   We feel we've been sustained amazingly, including the freakish car  incident in September plus having energy for even 12 hours at a time on our shifts to serve.  That's amazing for me!.   But the level of temple experiences and what we've been able to learn so far are unparalleled . . .  Precious in many ways, amazing in others . . . . I have kept a separate journal for those experiences which are more sacred in nature.  But it is acceptable to say the learning curve, at least for me, seems much greater than I ever could have imagined.   Yes, I'm still not quite calling this "real" yet.   Perhaps the day will come when I can say it feels "just right" for me to be there in this capacity.  But, in honesty,      I   am    not    there    yet.   The Lord still has a work to do with me, but I doubt He is surprised at that.  

Our time at home is a true luxury now as Bill and I get to be together much of the time.  This allows us what we've [I've] looked forward to.   More time for yard work,  family history work,  and getting our home the way we'd like it to be, pending, someday, a move to the mainland -- to be closer to our family -- as the trend is to head that way if all plans work out. One thing we have learned, though, is NOT to plan it toooooo far ahead, since the Lord may have another plan!!!  But . . .  Life is simple, and we like that.   We've adjusted to the fixed income status of retirement that we now live, and so far it has been quite doable.   We have been very, very blessed, and see the Lord's hand each day in our lives, at the temple, here at home, still in the lives of others, especially in the lives of our children and Grands--of whom we say, 8 is great!!!  If this is what downsizing means, that we have more emphasis on blessings received, not worrying about excesses or accumulating things, then downsizing is the way to be.  Little crockpot, I will look forward to encountering this next life passage with you.  I'm adjusting, but confident. 



  

Father Knows Best

Certainly this title is the one that is most fitting. The TV show which is from early TV years was well-loved, and had great messages, great family stories. It reminds me of now. It's been a wonderful summer which is now ending, but this week has been indeed one that we will look back upon as life changing. What a way to cap the summer...but first...  

JUNE meant anticipating travels at month's end while enjoying some downtime from teaching in what is now known as the "Bridge" here at BYUH, teaching 7 weeks in spring, off 5 weeks, then teaching another 7 weeks through mid-July and August to complete the semester. This was unquestionably one of the finest groups of students I could hope for, taking the REL 261 Family History class. Motivated, not without challenges, these 11/12 students made their way to climb their family trees with great skills, and love, for their family and for the unselfish benefit of others. Wonderful feelings about this group which will last for some time. Bill also taught the second set, and sat in on the class the first part of the bridge to get an idea of how he could proceed. He really enjoyed the financial planning class, and learned much about these topics himself. It appears he has affected lives for some time as well, and I'm glad he could do this.

 JULY --or actually beginning the last 2 days of June, we headed to the mainland for our Utah/Iowa vacation, during the 2+ week closure of the temple. No subs to obtain to cover our shifts made it even less stressful. We set our sights upon Utah to see Megan, but also to explore our retirement possibilities there--homes and/or property in the mountains of Utah County, potential employers there, meeting up with people we care for who now live in that area. Nice dinners and luncheons with these good people. We enjoyed time with Megan at Provo's July 4th Stadium of Fire with the Beachboys--amazing! and such gala fireworks. We will remember that for a LONG time! We even found a great property site in Highland. It faces the mountains which in that spot remind us of Logan. Ahhhhh......we both fell in love with that. Now, to come home, get the house on the market and sold, then ...we're out of here!!!! Petersons and others were happy for our choice. Bill's family was also supportive, looking forward to coming/even moving !!! to this Utah area, too! Our visit to Iowa was Maidrite-filled, at the CF site and Waverly DQ, too... and our annual "It's Christmas" shopping at Williamsburg outlet mall. Found lots of things :) More Ahhhhh....... even though we were so sorry to see the drought-stricken farmlands there. We celebrated Grandma Neal's 92nd birthday and stayed at the Shell Rock Neal Farmhouse, Carol's, for a few nights in her renovated and updated home. How lovely that was! Enjoyed time with Betty, too, and relaxed in the Midwestern style. We also visited brother Mike R. in Minneapolis the night before we flew home. A quick visit, that was pleasant, too. The ending part of July meant we visited over and over ONO YO, our favorite Kahuku treat trailer, and enjoyed once again our summer in Hawaii, since, after all, it may be about our last one here!  

AUGUST came around the corner SOO FAST! Classes, temple time, and a beautiful new grandson to prepare for. Evan Robert Hoakua Jensen arrived August 12, a handsome, beautiful, sweet and sleepy boy! 8 lb. 10 oz.--some hair, and good one for a brother in their cute Jensen family! Enjoying all of the grandchildren before their July 30 date to return to school--Matsomotos was a place we all congregated to celebrate a good summer gone by. Jeanette Simram from Pohnpei joined us for the month preceding BYUH beginning. She is a delight and has become a fun auntie for the grands to enjoy, too. About August 10, though, before the excitement of Evan arriving, we received an interesting phone call one morning from the secretary to Elder Richard Maynes, of the presidency of the Seventy of our church. She asked if Bill and I could arrange to have a speaker phone conversation with Elder Maynes on Friday, the 17th. We agreed, but of course, the questioning in our minds began.......

Oh my! WHAT would this be about? Would Bill be needed to help as an auditor? Yes, that must be it. But, in reflection, we remembered some leaders here who had wondered "When is Bill retiring?" Two of those were the current Laie Temple President and incoming Temple President. Maybe we were going to be asked to be new missionaries ???? but ....we are scheduled to teach this term! We'd need to be retired. So, no, that's not it . . . . . The morning of the phone call Elder Maynes inquired first that I tell him about our family...and our health. He then issued a calling to Bill from the First Presidency of the Church to become the second counselor to Pres. Kanekoa of the Laie Temple beginning November; I would be serving as temple matron. << P A U S E >> OH MY!!!!

Since Bill is not yet retired and did not have an exit date in mind from BYUH, we made him aware of that, and he offered us time to review this over the weekend. We gratefully appreciated that time to think this over and did that. This came as such a shock, such a surprise. We THOUGHT we were supposed to SELL the house, RETIRE from BYUH, MOVE to the mainland and buy a house outright, then TRAVEL, then serve a MISSION. Now if we accepted this the order was much changed! One thing I had always prayed for since last November was that the Lord would be very DIRECT in letting us know if we were on the wrong track, what would be best. Well, apparently, the Lord was good to us and DID indeed let us know what we were to do! ! !

 A visit to the temple made it very clear what our answer would be, but we did inquire about our capability financially to take this big, life-changing step. Apparently, the Lord thinks "we have enough." We are honored, humbled, and . . . so much more that words cannot describe. Truly the Lord answers prayers, He knows us, and knows our needs, and . . . knows what we need most. This I am keenly aware of.

So life moves on for us, in Hawaii for now, and we trust and know it will be for our good. May we prove to be all He needs us to be. And so, life goes on. Our girls were permitted to find out once we received our letter from the First Presidency; it arrived August 30. We are so grateful for their love and support--all 4 of them were happy for us. We can do this, not of our own strength, but with strength that rests in the Lord. Indeed, we trust that Father Knows Best.

M A Y 2012

MAY: A Favorite Always The past few months again have flown. . . I'm trying to cherish everyday here, and the sunshine, flowers, fragrances, early-morning coolness on walks, home fix-ups help me enjoy it all the more. March to early April brought General Conference [President Uchtdorf's STOP IT! talk], Easter Sunday, Graduation, [over 50 since 1984 for Bill!] Kaleb Valdez as house live-in for awhile, success for SIFE in Hollywood, CA, Devin's "Super Raider" assembly, and the end of the semester. On Bill's birthday, our FH class day, we enjoyed dining with Elia and Sona Gourgouris at Leilei's. They are a couple we enjoy and hope to know better as the years go on. His Greek background and her conversion are unique and so interesting. We wish them well in their move from Colorado to Florida. April brought a surprise travel experience for me. I had originally decided not to go to Utah in April for the internship experiences resulting from IIPP since companion tickets were unavailable. But the last Saturday in March Barbara Barrington-Jones called me with word that Bill would be surprised that night, April 21, in receiving a recognition at the black tie closing banquet, so. . . I made a decision that would possibly be worthwhile in the eternities. I'm glad I went to support Bill and witness his recognition--he received a beautiful crystal award for "strength of a leader" for students worldwide. How wonderful after all these years of preparing leaders and assisting them with experiences like they otherwise would never have known to be recognized at last for this. I'm so glad someone noticed. He doesn't toot his own horn at all, so this was indeed a moment of a lifetime for his professional contributions to students. It was truly out of our realm to see him wear a tux and for me to find a formal to wear and take to Utah, Thanksgiving Point was the setting, to get hair and nails done, and be a part of a scene which was an "adventure" for sure. Thanks to tall Erin, I was able to wear her royal blue satin "Lady in Waiting" long formal dress from MayDay 2003! Being over 60, I was amazed it fit as well as it did and we have photos to prove we looked pretty good for an older couple! I do like sporting fingernails now, though I do miss playing my harp as the nails mean too much clicking when I pluck the strings. I'm tempted to find gloves so I can enjoy both! Although Bill knew I had changed my plans, my Utah visit was a surprise to Megan. She was surprised, as was Christen, her vademacum, roommate. I was glad to catch up with her/them, and Megan has been enjoying her work at MarketStar in South Jordan since Mid-March. She is successful, too, and now drives that trek a few times a day. At teh moment she misses Christen, so now will need to adapt to her surroundings and new acquaintances...especially as she moves [by July, we hope] to South Jordan area. In Utah, we stayed at Barbara's home for the quick visit, enjoying the area, people, and the Mt. Timpanogas Temple, and other commercial digs, and I did connect happily with Petersons as their granddaughter was born to Matt and Betsy while we were there. Could we possibly enjoy Utah as a stop on our way to full retirement? Perhaps. . . so we will continue to search and one day find where it is we need to be next. Classes for Summer begin--I returned home to start class the next day--I'd prepared before I left Hawaii for the trip--and I am happy with this small yet diligent class of 13 students. It was also time for Mormon Helping Hands Saturday, and Lindsey, Bill, and I had "done our publicity thing" in getting the stake ready for participation here on the Windward beaches of Oahu. Bill's new calling--his return to Hawaii brought a visit with President H. Ross Workman at the temple. . . Bill was interviewed, called as a sealer, and set apart. He will have the awesome responsibility and privilege of sealing both living and the dead. Truly a new and unexpected opportunity in his church service. He still serves as Hauula 3rd's Sunday School readout preparer, though :) Family times are treasured times. . . My Trevor was a Super Raider, we enjoyed 3 boys in Kahuku Elem. MayDay at the Cannon Center, with Kyle dressed as Woody in Toy Story, Devin as a Taiko-simulating Chinese drummer, and Trevor as a Sunday Best dresser in Sister Act. Kylee and Mason and Bryson were there too, even Bryson, Brysie, was dressed as a Woody, thanks to Halloween costuming!. We miss Avery, but he is enjoying his life in Australia with his mum and dad, swimming, learning rugby skills, and growing and growing! Erin is another zumba queen, so glad she can stay in shape in their brrrrrr!! wintertime!. School will be out soon here, so maybe some beach days and picnics at Nanna's are in store ? ? ? ? Loved the special cards and lei and dinner for Nanna/Mother's Day. Aaron and dad made the dinner so special for us. It was a Sunday I was supposed to teach. . . but bishop sent the ward home to enjoy their day with moms. Nice touch. Worked for me!!!! We love getting our home ready for spring, too. The new chairs, rugs, and hose winder on the lanai do give it a more finished look, and the red flowers make it ready for our coming Memorial Day holiday. All we need to set out is the flag. Betty visited briefly while here on Oahu to see Alana, and we all enjoyed so much some favorite hang outs--Kahuku Grill and Ono Yo--our frozen yogurt haven! Now I'm on my own again [which I don't mind], as SIFE team left for Kansas City last night. Bill has had his head there already for some time. Only a time [year?] or two left to support this, I keep telling myself. But, then I wonder what he'll find next for his full-time hobby? ? ? ? ? ? Time will tell.

MARCH Madness, et cetera

It's been awhile since I've written my thoughts again. Hope this bit will at least make sense. These 3 months have flown. The "new" semester is almost done, I've taught 11 Sunday School lessons and learned so much already, have enjoyed serving in the usual spots, temple and FHC, and also as Director of Public Affairs for the stake. Church work keeps me, us very busy, although Bill is now released from presidency of the Married Student Stake so now spends Sunday going to church with me. I'm grateful for his assist on the SS readouts for class members.

It's hard to capture my life beyond the above, except for my dear family, of course. We catch up with Erin and the aussies on Sundays, usually. Kylee has a Tuesday nana-date, Devin and Trevor are Wednesdays, Kyle and Bryson are my buddies on Thursday, and I try to give Mason his hugs and listening conversation :) when I see Kylee or when he and mommy and daddy and Kylee stop in here. We learned this month that Jensens will have a little boy grandson to add to our wonderful pack of love!

Housing plans move forward at a snail's pace. For example, it will take two months to schedule a time for the Planning and Permitting crew to come do their inspection. So, will this all take more than 10 months to accomplish? Tune in December to see! I would be very surprised if it occurred before then. But, I must admit, I''m excited at the prospect of moving somewhere else. . . time for an edventure, for sure. At least to nest in a new place, I think. Our minds feel something else is out there for us, back on the mainland. It will be interesting to see what that thing is. Praying and hoping to be receptive to learning what it will be.

I have little to share at the moment, but know it's important to write. I feel somewhat like the writers of Omni at the moment. But the important thing is, they wrote!

Life is good, and happiness is my choice. Even if I am getting tired of the local scene, I will never tire of where my home is and our wonderful feelings being right here with ocean steps away and our green park outside the door, too. Surely to be missed someday, so it is easy to appreciate these as know the days are numbered until we depart. As it was in Logan, the hardest thing to leave will be my home. People who are close stay close, and are only a memory away. May it always be so.



Aloha.

Ring out the Old, Ring in the New! 2011 to 2012

Ringing out the old is indeed sweet, as it has been a good year in so many ways. Years of some things same, some things changed, and some transition too.

So blessed to have family here, ALL here for the holidays! We all mostly lived 2011 in Laie, except for summer when Avery was in Australia and for Megan's Nauvoo mission/Provo move. Now, DEC 30, Avery is back in Australia, and Erin has traveled there just now, taking him to join Will there to live. Megan is home for a bit from Provo over break, so then will return back to live and try to work also. Residency is the goal. She will have a favorite friend for a housemate, so things look up for her because of that.

Our family activities and Christmas memories included our Spaghetti Factory feast and parade to see Honolulu City Lights. PCC Lagoon Christmas Story & Ride, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Sunset Beach sunset picnic, and just hanging time for all. Erin finished employment at Hyatt early enough to enjoy these activities with us all and had time to pack up also. Megan divided her time between us, Dominoes, and friend Christen. It's been a fun season.

Transition is still on the top of our minds as we consider where we will be before too long. Exploring here and there, and even in between, has been fun to play with mentally. It was so interesting that October brought Bill's move, the retirement seminar, Shane's assessment of our situation, and the preparedness status we have needed to keep in consideration. In November, the estate papers got finalized. Hmmmmmm. . . . It truly is time to start putting things in order and consider life on the mainland . . . . somewhere! Now THAT is the question-- W H E R E ?????

The hardest thing now is to be able to count the Lord's blessings for the year and not forget anything! We love our work, our service, our opportunities to be with family, our time to live in such a lovely home and environment, to be able to continue these in decent health. So Many Blessings!

We have felt the Lord's hand in so many ways, and pray we may continue to feel that. Wishing all that is good for those we love, too. Let's ring in the new!!! Hau'oli Makahiki Hou!

Travel and Trips, Twists, and Transition Times

TRAVEL Summer, 2011
Our spring travel to Salt Lake City for Conference weekend and a BYUH Leadership meeting launched a week which then took us to San Francisco. These places had drastic contrasts--snow with daffodils popping through in SLC, then on to the springtime in the Bay. It was great to travel there, and we enjoy both locales very much, for either business or pleasure.

Early spring took Megan on a TRIP to Nauvoo, Illinois to serve as a Young Performing Missionary. Her 3.5 months there were a unique opportunity. She did blow her lungs out, and did get a glimpse up close of missionary work. She met many people and we are grateful she was an influence for good. Saw her so smiley and seemingly fulfilled in many ways. Her growth was noticeable.

July in Iowa, and also Nauvoo, to see family and friends, provided its own set of TWISTS, especially as we traveled through airports. Never expect things to go as planned is a great motto this time, as in a few other summers regarding air travel. But we made it none the less to Des Moines, Nauvoo [2x], Waterloo, Shell Rock, and Cedar Rapids, plus Oskaloosa as destinations in those two weeks. Friendships renewed, families served, and time cherished crammed those days. We returned to painting time here, too, and renewing our enjoyment of being at home in Hawaii.

In August, upon Megan's release, she had made the decision, indeed a TWIST to go to Provo and look for a job while gaining residency in Utah, her next destination for schooling, if she so chooses to return. I was able to see her home off the airplane in SLC, then we stayed with friend Janice Morgan in West Valley City a few days to get things for her apartment life. She resides in Provo, though some turns in events have given her a new set of learnings about life and survival. She'll make it. She is tough enough, and she has a great background to get her moving along as she needs. But, these months have certainly given her an interesting new perspective about being on her own and becoming who she wants to become.

For us, too, it has been a TRANSITION TIME. For a good while now we have felt a change coming, though we weren't sure what it would be or when it would be manifested. We learned part of that in early October as Bill's role took a shift in locale and his responsibilities also more closely realigned in quantity to what he was doing 4 years ago. He welcomes greatly the chance once again to influence students in the classroom also as that is where he will be half time starting in January 2012. The new title seems appropriate, especially now that he returns more closely to the role he had back then before he took a retiring VP's responsibilities over. As a part of those new responsibilities then, he hired and trained a great man for one position and seemed to be successful in this as now the young man will stand on his own as a director. Although Bill will miss his large office adn all the personnel, he will have a less public location upstairs so he can continue into his 13th year [28th at BYUH] the administrative planning and assessment duties, plus others he's acquired along the way, with fewer distractions. His crew will be smaller, but is glad to continue with them in their university service. But it's no secret though, WE KNOW he loved all those distractions because he enjoys always working with people and being connected to so many. So now his influence will refocus on the classrooms of students. As long as I've known him, that's been his driving force in loving university association.

Our transition from working life to retirement life is approaching, though it seems we'll be here until 2015, possibly. But again . . . we'll see what the days and events hold for us, especially in light of those recent university changes and the prompt to look around while looking ahead. At least for now we are on track to enjoy Hawaii a while longer, fix up our home at last, and enjoy most of our family nearby. The bedroom changes have been most welcoming, and our home and yard, inside and outside, would still be our favorite haven.

The Fall getaway to Victoria over Labor Day was a pleasant, new experience. Great weather there, and seeing dear friend Diane who introduced us long ago and her husband added to our lovely time in the Pacific Northwest. Butchart Gardens, on our so-called "Bucket List/Sand Pail List'" lived up to its glowing reputation as a place of wonder and beauty. We also walked the inner bay, traveled on our hop-on bus tour a few times, and walked the streets to various destinations. Love, love that walking! Always my favorite way to see and experience a new place.

Teaching for me will also make a transition or twist as I expect to be teaching for the first time in 2012 Summer/Spring, what is known as "the Bridge." Finally, I can teach family history in 7 weeks, have a 5 week break, then resume the last 7 weeks of class. A new adventure! We'll see if the students agree with the extra time to know about and share their family finds. Who wouldn't love extra time to accomplish a goal, or take a class?

Fortunately, as I write this today near the end of October, ALL of my grandchildren still live here in Laie. Avery returned from 3 mths. Daddy Time in Australia this fall , and the sisters, minus Megan, help with his tending when Erin works at the Hyatt. Lindsey's family is in transition also as they raised their home and set it back. Renovations will take a total of 6 months for them. John's parents kindly house them for this time. Jenny and Aaron moved to their lovely home in spring, and the 7 GRANDchildren all seem to enjoy cousin time, family celebrations, and Nanna time, too. Devin says if I weren't a Nanna then we couldn't have Nanna Dates. :) These indeed are some of my favorite times of the week! Playgrounds, play dough, and lots of time spent just being at home here with me make my days, weeks, very fulfilled. I know this may not last forever.

I feel this in my very being. Change is good, helps us to grow, and gives us opportunities to be better pruned for life here and beyond and to benefit our families. How grateful I am for faith to know Someone Else is in charge, and He is to be thanked daily for looking after us, for all the blessings He gives.