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.

From Darkness to Light . . .

The last week of 2008 will be remembered for our stunning Christmas Eve dinner, our relaxing and comfortable visits on Christmas Day, and our IN THE DARK Dec. 26/27.

Even though some throat issues are affecting both of us, it's been a good week, all in all. We enjoyed all of our company here for Christmas Eve dinner...though it was a bit hard to take without any of our own family here. Pierces were with the Pierce Ohana, so in some ways it was a smaller group here, but a friendly, congenial company seemed to enjoy the evening here with us. With so few children, adults were needed in the Nativity--even Ken and Lisa had starring roles.

Joining us for sandwiches on Christmas Day were the Pierce crew along with Nate and Christy Tilton and her brother, Jesse. At night, Ken, Lisa, and Sis. Taylor dropped by for a visit.

Friday was the "day we took the tree down"--re: Michael McLean--and by 12:30 we were normal once again. It is always hardest for me to take down the last area, the "in the meadow" with the snowmen and trees, and ornaments with my grandchildren's names. Mary's wallhanging made that so special, too, this year. The good thing is looking forward to NEXT Christmas with a new ornament for Miss Jensen, our anticipated granddaughter. Progress moves us on.

We thought Friday would be sort of normal, but we learned differently later. As the Cottle and Breinholt families from Utah left here [the Breinhold daughter was baptized at Alligator Pond] all of a sudden, THE LIGHTS WENT OUT! And they didn't come back on for 19+hours!!!!

We didn't realize what was happening island wide until a few hours later, thinking it was a "local thing" but it wasn't. We then got out our lanterns, candles, portable radio and played some hands of 2500 with the Rook cards. Bill drove to BYUH to check on students for a few hours, opening up the stake center so they could be in light if needed. Mostly international students only were still around. We heard the power would be back on in the morning, but they didn't mention that if you lived waaaaaaay out in the country that would more likely be mid afternoon.

We survived fine, and were grateful we didn't have to heat homes, provide milk for little ones, and just had to worry about us mostly. But having electricity is a blessing in our lives, and yes, we'd rather live with it than without it!

We're recovering from some throat/coughing issues, so it's good to just have days to spend at home, doing family history, reading [Bill finished his MAYFLOWER book today], and preparing my Sunday TFOT lesson.

We'll be in Honolulu Tuesday to Thursday, starting with a visit to Hickham Base for Nate's commissioning in the Air Force. Then we stay at Ala Moana Hotel to welcome in the new year with fireworks out on the barge in the ocean, away from smoke and noise from a Laie New Year's Eve here. It's then time to complete new syllabi for classes and get in the groove for 2009. I'm glad, SO glad, to have started this blog. I hope to expand my abilities with it in the year to come.

I count the many blessings of my life, gospel, husband, daughters and families, events such as graduations, births, blessings, several travel experiences, and the every day blessings of health, safety, a lovely home to keep organized and cared for, work which can be fulfilling, technology, and so forth. Just so grateful for ALL....so grateful for all of you. May the new year bring blessings the Lord sees we are worthy to receive. SCTTL--my lesson for the day--STAY CLOSE TO THE LORD.

N O V E M B E R & D E C E M B E R . . .

November Notes and December Doings

--It was so wonderful to have Erin and Avery with us for 15 days. Their extended stay came so that Wil wouldn't have to drive with them to Sydney twice, and it seemed to work well for all, even if it rained the first few days they were here in Hawaii.

Erin accomplished many things in a short time . . . Avery is now a dual citizen of Australia and also the United States. Wil has applied for his visa for their move to Pennsylvania. . . Erin has an updated drivers' license and new social security card. She took her GRE and passed--hooray! Mom had her annual wish fulfilled by playing our "Angels..." duet for RS enrichment night. We were able to shop for some basic life necessities and fun things for her family, plus she did her Christmas shopping at familiar malls. Special for all of us was having her and also John, Lindsey, and boys here for traditional Thanksgiving. Erin's yummy pumpkin roll was a hit. She and Avery enjoyed time with the cousins and L and J often, so it was good time for all. Kyle celebrated his 1st birthday, so we got in on his cake dig-in ordeal and celebration. Spaghetti Factory, Chilis, and 4 trips to Taco Bell and Jack in the Box for potato bacon cheese wedgies was also accomplished. Missed Jenny, Aaron, and Wil and Megan at Spaghetti Factory traditional Christmas meal, but we know J, A, and M [he-he JAM!!] will make their own fun Christmas in Pennsylvania.

During Thanksgiving time, Megan escaped to Logan to spend T'Day with the Petersons and Wil had a turkey sandwich since Aussies do not celebrate T'Day as we do. Megan is happy to be working two jobs now, one at Energy Solutions Arena, the other tutoring at West High near her LDSBC campus. It sounds like being a KHS grad is a help to her in dealing with some of the students she has in her stewardship. A quick visit with Lindsey's family was welcomed in early December. She now will be changing rooms in the dorm, moving 3 doors down with someone she has met this semester. We hope that goes well for her. Perhaps next fall she will be in an apartment. . . we'll see how it goes!! It sounds like she'd like to spend spring/summer in PA. . . but time will tell what is in store for her. With possibly a niece and a nephew there, she'd be a well-needed auntie for the summer season!!

Megan has now officially ended classes and has done well in her first semester at LDSBC, and is looking forward to her escape in a few days for PA. I think some skiing and other fun things are planned.

Jenny and Aaron moved into their home in Lock Haven. How nice to finally be on their own officially. It sounds like they are happy homeowners, but had to go through the usual initiation of challenges. It's great the rest of the Jensens are still close by so they have a support system if needed.

The semester has ended here, too, with classes done, and grades yet to send in by this Thursday, but can do. The local floods created havoc, though; we did have an opportunity to offer assistance with laundry and housing and meals for one family. This community is very nurturing, so many came to the aid of others. Laie is a good place if one is in need.

Graduation was a grand but somewhat soggy event...enjoyed very much President Eyring's talk about being a learner in all aspects of our lives adn that it's important to know how to work hard.

Travel time to Iowa was a welcome, wintry wonderland for us last week. We headed straight for the Hauschildts and experienced with them the "down home" variety of Christmas I have always wanted to spend. Dinner out, then home to their log cabin room for games, talking, snacks, caroling, fireside friendshipping, it was just. . . way, way grand. On to Shell Rock for visits with Grandma Lois Neal, Auntie Betty, and meetings for Bill. We got in a day of shopping, with no one at the malls, due to the seasonal "snow scare" and ice warnings. :D Good for us! Visited UNI one morning, and walked around our former campus. . . and yes, we'd both do it all over again, in spite of the changes, and cold weather. It brought back warm memories. . . and those will stay forever. We did some of our favorite places and new places for eating out -- Olive Garden, Panera, Gravy's Diner, and MAIDRITES. YUM!! Mallard Pointe is a grand place for retirement. We think Lois is really in a good place and wish her happiness there for a long time. The meals there were great, too.

We even surprised my mom in Des Moines on Wednesday, taking her and cousin Mary Ann out to a favorite restaurant, Latin King. Again, ice was in the forecast, but we did okay and no one fell down. That was fun, to see how she got excited that we'd come all that way for a quick time to visit.

Our trip back to Laie from the airport on Thursday seemed a bit different...so much water was on the side of the roads...and then we learned some friends had 2 feet of water in their faculty homes in Laie! Shocking! It is still threatening for part of the week ahead, but we hope to manage well, Lord willing. It's time for sun here.

More traveling . . . Lindsey, John and the boys had a winter getaway to Utah then California while we were in Iowa. They got to see Megan in Utah and play in the snow. Disneyland is also one of their favorite places, so it will be good to hear about their adventures when they return this week.

I've been commemorating this eventful week in my life thinking hard on my experiences from exactly 9 years ago. It was a surprise then, too--A Christmas Around the World surprise for Lindsey's performance, then home to some, uh, tests and biopsies. What seems like a dream now was very real then. Those days brought me to this: I'm so thankful for each day, and especially each cancer-free day.

These holiday times are very different from most with floods and after effects seen throughout the island, and with my four little girls now grown up and most on their own. . . but we have so much to personally be grateful for. We'll be celebrating in some usual ways. . . Christmas Eve, Honolulu stake concert on our 34th anniversary. Of course, the music is either on or playing on the harp or piano. Today I got out the Min-prepared CD of Megan's Christmas programs...and loved, of course, hearing my favorite trumpet player of all time in the solos and trumpet sections and whole band. What special memories those bring back for me. Yup, I'm tearing as I write, [oops, a little more flooding!] but it just means Megan, you're right here. I'm so happy for you to be in such a good place, and to be able to celebrate with your sisters. Hmm! That's you calling now on the phone . . . you must have known I was thinking of you. :D

Life is good, and the Lord is so good to each of us. May we continue to know Him and recognize His hand in all our doings. ly mom

Newsy November for the Neals

It is time for a brief catch up of our lives this new month. It's a time to gather together -- at least in thought--and recount our many blessings again.

November includes the last of the soccer season for Trevor, weekly visits with the 3 boys, Thanksgiving , visits from Erin and Avery, basketball season begins, Megan starts a new job, Jenny gets ready for home ownership, BYUH concerts, plays, Hon. Symphony, and at-home Christmas music and other gifting and prep.

It seems very different to be at home alone, just dad and mom. It is very true that we are keeping busier in some ways compared to our lives last year. Dad's new responsibilities for Napua Baker's job plus his former responsibilities mean he is serving for about 10-11 hours at work each day. With children here, that wouldn't have been very doable. The Lord knows what we can handle. . . and when.

We decided the other night this year has turned into his "first mission." He does need/spend more time on BYUH projects. I help by not nagging about his early to work/later arrivals home. It is easier to do this with just the two of us, and I'm thankful he was around as much as he was while the girls were growing. I also assist with typing or proofreading a bit for him here at home. We've had some nicer dinners here, later ones, usually, and fortunately, he doesn't mind if I get on a "South Beach" kick for a week or so here and there. We're still committed to looking good in the decade approaching quickly!!!

My one thought on this "mission" is that I hope he can enjoy the moment. With so much stacked on top of each other, the activities can seem more like checking off a to-do list instead of parts of a journey to be enjoyed. . . I hope he can get enough time to feel "re-created" at some of the events we're able to participate in/attend. . .

Our nights try to be relaxing, or at least, together, unless it is a church night for dad. SIFE, other invitations out, BYUH plays/musical productions are mostly shared. Last night was a special one. It was the unveiling of a restored copy of the first publication of the BOM in Hawaiian. Megan's former seminary teacher, Dean Ellis, had it restored; his grandfather had donated it to BYUH long ago since it was a departing gift when he left here in 1920 on his mission here...but it was in the vault for 30 years at BYUH, then the last 16 months it was taken out of the archives and redone [because of the efforts of Bro. Ellis' family] and now is on display at the Visitor's Center, a rightful place.
We were able to see it and hear about the history of Bro. Ellis' grandfather who served a mission or two here. It was very interesting and I felt it was a great opportunity and privilege for us.

After, we watched the BB team get a good start on the season with an "ice cream night" because of their high and victorious score over 100. It was Lisa's "coach's wife" kind of game :D We hadn't seen much of the Wagners lately, so it was great to reconnect awhile with Lisa and watch the game, too.

Soccer ends today for Trevor. We'll spend time at their house to be with the boys awhile due to a funeral. Being with them always brings us smiles and memories in those chances we get to do that. Although our visits may seem spaced, at least we're "not in their face" all of the time and hopefully, we're a welcome instead of dreaded [ugh, not you again!] sight!! Lindsey and John have their hands full, and we are very proud of them for their investments of time and selves into their kids.

For a diversion, I'm looking forward to the Brahms at the Symphony tonight, too, with some shopping and eating out included in the adventure in town. An oboe soloist is on the program...I've enjoyed that instrument more and more in recent years. . .

I reread and realize that this posting is not that much of a headliner, but it's nice to be up early and be able to update my life for a bit. We'll attend the temple this a.m. also, and a few more times until it closes in late December for what will seem like a LONG time.

Classes march on, and the semester ends in just 4 weeks, then one final day to meet with students. I'm grateful for the opportunity to still teach, though I'm weary of some of the study and attendance habits of my students. [Yes, these are moments I probably need to enjoy more.] Perhaps my days are counted in this. . . at least the HEC class. I hope I last until Megan is out of school!! It's nice to have a chance to help out with her expenses while I can and as I did for the others. It's gratifying to see you've all had a chance to be away from home and to have independent time to prepare each of you to thrive. . .

But that brings me back to the beginning, in a way. With everyone seemingly involved in their own "moments" it is a great feeling as a parent to know how thriving everyone appears in their own worlds. We all have so much to be grateful for. The times can be trying as we look beyond our lives, but some things are firm and unshakable. Our faith, our beliefs, family, make it a calmer environment within in a world of change and uncertainty.

Let us all press on!!!!

TAGGED --by Erin

As of October 25, 2008
Just 2 more months until Christmas!!!

8 FAVORITE TV SHOWS
1. Designed to Sell
2. House Hunters
3. Sell This House [the home staging show]
4. Rick Steve's Europe Through the Back Door
5. Thank [Goodness], You're Here [AUS]
6. Curb Appeal
7. Gilmore Girls
8. Great Race

8 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS
1. Cheesecake Factory [Sweet tamale cakes appetizer]
2. Tanaka's of Tokyo or Benihana-style Japanese Restaurant
3. Phuket Thai
4. Long John Silver's/A&W in Mililani
5. Olive Garden
6. PFChang's
7. 23 Degrees North [Turtle Bay] or Ola's or Leilei's, too
8. Most any . . . not cooking is just my VERY favorite!!!

8 Things that happened yesterday
1. coughed . . . lots
2. dr. appointment
3. got medication [Foodland Pharmacy!!] for bronchitis
4. sent mailings to 3 girls, bought stamps
5. met my student at FHC
6. helped a patron at FHC
7. came home and rested
8. picked up and enjoyed time with Dad at home


8 Things I'm looking forward to
1. going to Pier One today..."Pumpkin Swirl" spray and candles
2. voting--giving my voice, even if I write in candidates!
3. being healthy again
4. giving my RS lesson tomorrow: Daughter of God
5. preparing for my next travel...not sure where/when yet
6. Halloween--seeing the boys dressed up
7. Preparing for the "Erin and Avery" visit
8. Any time with dad, like today.

8 Things on my wish list
1. new, nice kitchen counters and sink
2. finished bedroom [painted walls, window coverings, rugs, etc.]
3. gutters for house before rainy season...maybe
4. travel
5. travel
6. travel
7. good health
8. good wishes for each family member

I'll add one other list:
8 Things I'm grateful for
1. beautiful family and time with them
2. upbringing with solid values passed on to me, through me
3. The Lord's blessings in every aspect of our lives/Gospel
4. Dad's wonderful opportunities through the years
5. Beautiful places we've lived since 1974
6. Learning and loving it
7. Loyal friends through the years
8. best husband in the world for me

best wishes always to you. ALOHA! mom/Dianna