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.

SPRING, Birthday, and Moving Forward

SPRING--I so love this season! Bring on the plumeria, puakenikeni, other flowers, new life, green yard and lawnscaping, sunrises, daily outdoor exercise, sunsets, silhouettes before sunrise, watermelon, cherries, other delicious fruit, corn-on-the-cob from Nozawas, family picnic with lots of salads on Memorial Day and even beach time, travel for General Conference, AIR and SIFE, and of course, my birthday! Along with Christmas time, Spring is my favorite season. And I appreciate so much that this is the season I celebrate my birth!

Birthday--It's great to be 46! Well, so much so that it's my 15th anniversary of being 46. I'm not fond of ages that are prime numbers and it's one of those again now, so enjoying this approach so much more. Heard from many friends on Facebook, received some special cards and calls from dear far away friends who've been in my life for so many years, and also enjoyed angel food cake and strawberries and pretty flowers the day before with all my grands and family. Bill and I serve in the temple on Thursdays, so we led/followed a session for the first time together on birthday night. Celebrating then continued on Friday. We ate dinner at El Mariachi's in Kaneohe. MMMMMmmmm! Loved the guacomole, salsa, chips, and our "small plates" of enchiladas which were still too much food for us.

Much to be thankful for this birthday besides being still here, of course. Family, dear friends and a forever best friend, worthwhile opportunities, a missionary daughter in Nauvoo, enjoying good health so I can travel, teach, serve--even got a "promotion" calling--, enjoy family nearby, home and husband. Thanking the Lord for these blessings, and the ones I don't notice sometimes, too.

Life isn't exactly perfect--haven't moved to that cave I've pictured in my mind that would allow hermiting year round, not disappointing others, not being "in or of the world" etc. But it's a fine alternative most days.

Long for the cave sometimes. It is seeming like others don't get where I'm coming from these days. Especially in helping someone who is single and in recovering mode and has to be in bed temporarily. 11 years ago that was me. And I remember how much I would have loved someone there during those lo-o-ng days at home with me, just to look in on me or be available if I needed anything. I even remember very few phone calls -- because no one wanted to bother me. That was a very, very lonely time in my life, and it made such an impression. Wish my family understood that and thus my motivation to be there for someone else in the same predicament who doesn't have family nearby. It's also true that even now I would enjoy their support --and even some action--along with my efforts to help this someone else. Guess that is just too hard to understand if you've never been through it. I do feel sometimes like my cup is running on empty. And it's these times again I do feel those "alone" stabs of memory. Unfortunately, that does happen. I'm looking forward to my cup's refill. Sooner rather than later, I hope.

Spring projects include legal updating, and going through all my papers and sorting, throwing unneeded items, scanning family history photos and mementos, updating my personl history chronology. A good time always for me--Love to purge!

Travel days are coming, too--to Iowa and Nauvoo. I'm always looking forward to those experiences. We've also booked a mini-vacay to Victoria, BC, Canada for Labor Day. I enjoy the getaways spread out in the year. Even a "to Disney" after Thanksgiving is planned.

Life is joyful for me when there is peace in my heart and home, family and a few friends who care and seem interested in my doings and in just being with me, and having someone express being thankful for my efforts in their behalf, and having something to look forward to. Besides my faith in the divine, and temple service [which is very, very humbling, by the way] that's all the joy in this life I need. OH!~ and . . . Spring.

Family updates: Jenny's family has moved over the fence to a lovely, larger island-feel home on the edge of town. Very quiet neighbors--their back yard is in front of the cemetery! Lindsey's family is preparing to move up, and over! Their house will be lifted on its lot prior to a subdivision. Megan, that is, Sister Neal-- has "moved" into her Nauvoo Young Performing Missionary Mission--and will serve there this summer and eventually move to Utah in late August. This is such a great experience for her. Her photos document her joy, and it is easily seen on her face. Nice !!! We are so pleased she is having this experience and pray for her each day. Blow them away with that trumpet, Sis. Neal!

Erin is on her own awhile as Avery visits and stays 3 months with his dad in Australia. She will need to adjust to that a bit, knowing how much she will be/is missing him.

2011--January through March and then some

JANUARY
How quickly these months have gone! Normally blogging each month, it has truly gotten away from me. Perhaps there are some reasons for that. Teaching the Tuesday Family History Class at BYUH, temple service on Wednesday mornings and Thursday evenings, subbing for those who can't come, and the Friday Family History Center afternoons, along with Erin and Avery here and all my girls and their families nearby and the treasured Nanna Dates with my precious grands mean life is full... and I'm very grateful for it all.

A wonderful surprise, actually a late Christmas wish I had, came through in January. I had spotted in November's Church News an invitation to apply to become a young performing missionary in Nauvoo for spring and summer. It sounded SO MUCH like what Megan could do and gain from. . . . but her busy semester end made it impossible to complete an audition/CD to send in with an application. In January, she received an invitation to submit an application since they were short of trumpets! We encouraged her, she auditioned, and she did receive that invitation to go to Nauvoo then. So, it was my dream come true. . . I hope it becomes what she will value and cherish even more as the days come to be there and serve. I really felt she should give it a try. . .and knew that if it were what the Lord wanted for her it would happen. We will pray for her happiness and success in this unique service opportunity.

Erin made 3 months at Hyatt, and got a pay raise--great! Her car accident set her back in some ways, but seems to all in all have come out for the better after all, though it took 3 months for that to feel that way. Just grateful the Lord looks out for all of us. I'm very impressed that the 3 sisters have been so willing and caring for Avery's needs as she is away about 55 hrs a week from here. It is no fun being a single mom, but Erin does feel closer to us all now that they are living with us. Her birthday dinner was at a kid-favorite, Chuck E. Cheese, so the sisters could watch their kids play and have smiles. That was a great gift, I think.

In February, Jenny's Kylee got a super special 2-year-old birthday party on Saturday, February 19th at our house. Last year, her 1st birthday party got ":tsunami-warning'ed out" so a fun cupcake party, complete with cupcake decorating, apron painting, and bouncing castle, and of course FOOD made for a fun day for their family and other friends in our back yard. It was a perfect day! Jenny and hubby got away for J's birthday dinner and we tended for them. WE also loved watching our Saturday basketball games, sometimes watching both Trevor and Devin at the same time! They love the sport! Dad spent a unique week in the south Pacific, in Fiji and Tuvalu. His daily activities and mine are often in different spaces these days.

March came in and left like a lion! Oh, so windy and more rain, too. More weekly predicable routines, but that is good to report, also. The BYUH basketball team, unranked, made it to the final game of D2 NCAA and came very close. Our Jet Chang was MVP--he's been a guest at our home these past years at Christmas Eve dinner. We were thrilled with the success for the program and for our friends, Coach Wagner and Lisa.

The March 11 tsunami generated by Japan's horrific earthquake caused us to once again pack up the necessities and say a possible permanent good-by to our home. Fortunately, we were spared, but some big island places along the coast were affected, and also nearer in the boat harbor in Haleiwa. But, we do not complain. Instead, we continue to prepare our home and store basics. The economy finds itself even shakier than in recent months as the US is joining in a war in Libya, which is causing an increase in our gas prices, hence all other prices. We pray for the Lord to watch over us and our world. He is in control, and will manifest Himself and His works in His own time. I know this.

Lindsey had a March Birthday, along with Bill. Tending the two bigger boys allowed them a " with just 2 date" and she got to enjoy her sushi. A family dinner on Dad's 27th had a family TExas cake for both of them to blow out candles.

And now we are in April! We boarded a plane April 1 for Salt Lake City and stayed there for Conference and Bill's President's Circle meeting on Monday. While he was in the Monday meeting, dear friend and our SLC hostess Janice Morgan and I made our way around the city finding modest missionary-style clothing for Megan. We seemed to have success here and also found the fabric we needed for band uniform skirts. Time to sew when I get home! Keeping fingers crossed that goes well! Seems I don't sew that much now that these 4 little girls have grown up. A surprise was seeing and visiting the rehearsal of WE LOVE TO SING -- a choral ensemble of 300+ women [and a choir of men, too]under the direction of our dear Marilee Webb. She continues to influence not only some in the world, but the whole world as she directs music in church-wide meetings held in fall and spring. She is a blessing in the life of so many.

As I sit here in the Hyatt Regency San Francisco in our beautiful bayview room, it's wonderful to catch up a bit on the blog. It is always wonderful to travel together, and this relaxation time has been so welcome. We enjoy our travels as times to reconnect as a couple. Have to admit the days and weeks are very packed at home. Our getaways are welcome and do reunite us in our "couple-ness" if there is such a thing. Many service opportunities at the temple, FHC, SIFE, plus family, plus BYUH connections seem to fill our days and weeks. We are grateful to be a part of these things, and they do keep us busy in what we hope is FOR GOOD.

A Season of Love:

November 21 Laie Temple Dedication was held in 3 sessions here. We were privileged to attend in the celestial room, noon session,seated in row 2. Bill's leadership in the hostessing booth allowed that opportunity. Words cannot express that adequately, nor the experiences in manning the booth daily. I was in DM for 2 weeks, so he was off to the temple grounds each day by 7 [excluding Sundays]. Serving others is Bill's forte. The Pierces were heavily involved, also, and sat across from us at the dedication. All 4 daughters attended in the temple also. Memory to last a lifetime.

November 25 Thanksgiving at our home--a privilege we'd waited for a L O N G time---All our children and their children were present. Photos captured that momentous occasion, our first all together in Hawaii--and that photo will remain in my heart. We'd been together in Iowa the year before, minus Mason and Bryson, though. so this was rare and so treasured.

December 2 Got a phonecall from Des Moines that afternoon. Mike was reporting that Grandma Reynolds had been readmitted to the hospital again, in ICU. He and Dan were first responders. I stood by, then on Friday morning got a call that the hospital was suggesting we all get there, that her life could be taken at any time. Bill and Joyce were flown in on a company plane. I spent the early morning hours finding a flight, then prepared my school FH lesson and sub, temple assignment subs, and FHC volunteering sub in preparation for a late flight that evening. Mixed emotions were involved here, as wanted to be in two places at once. Missed Megan's fall concert, Devotional performance, Salsa Band performance, and also one with the Concert Choir. That was very hard on me. Christmas shopping was still at the stores waiting for us. That had to be put on hold as the next 11 days were spent getting to and staying in DM and tending mom in the hospital.

December 4 Mom began improving and was moved upstairs to a regular room, nice and spacious, room 347 at Lutheran Hospital. Her bungled arm injection caused her to be weakened further, and her strength for recovery compromised. Could tell she was so tired, and she admitted that. It was determined that either nursing home care or hospice care was in order for her. We examined a few places, and through fasting and prayer, it was easy to tell her best option--The Taylor House Hospice, where my dad had been for 20 hrs. before he passed away in 2003.

December 9 Mom liked the idea of Taylor House when it was presented to her by Bill, along with us and Dr. Buchsbaum in the room. Immediately, it seems, she was transported this Thursday by ambulance there, while Pam, Joyce, and I brought items from her apartment--the drum table and items on it, photos from the TV, Stafi's Christmas boxes Xmas tree, and her nativity scene. The site was pleasant for her and for her family. Bill, Joyce, Mike, Pam and I were on call in the room. Couches, TV's, internet access, lots of treats and take out food available. We'd all take turns staying in the room and actually had bonding/family time like we'd never had in all our adult lives.

The first night there we had a "picnic" of mom's favorite food--Latin King cavatelli, and salad, and other things she loved. She ate well, and seemed to enjoy it and us very much. Aunt Ruthie came to see her, also cousin Mary Ann. Nice to be gathered all around her, enjoying what she loves, no attention any more to salt. The nights wore on, though, and she grew weaker. Some close to death experiences continued to be near and witnessed as we were there...about 6 or so of those since I'd arrived on the 4th. We'd watched her mouth Christmas carols we were listening to, comforted her, recalled early memories. . . but mom mostly slept.

December 10 - 13 I was so glad to see mom resting. She had lived a life of willingness to work hard. Time now to really r e s t . She ate for the last time that Friday, a taco salad the hospice chef, John had prepared and she liked it. She continued on her oxygen, but meds were stopped by Sunday morning since she was nauseated Saturday by those probably because of an empty stomach, I think. She kept hanging on, not much conversation here, but probably communicating intensely with those beyond the veil. At one time she asked me directly, "Did the baby get home?" Referring I'm sure to Avery's arrival finally to Erin in Hawaii. And was glad to say yes to that.

She kept telling me to go home [all of us, actually, and to get something to eat! always a mom] ...and with the lingering continuing, I tried to rebook my flight to Hawaii the following Sunday, so I could cover for the brothers who were needing some time back at their work. But . . . no flights were available this busy, overbooked weekend before Christmas from the midwest. I was either finding a flight on the 14th or 21st of December--and chose the 14th, only one day later than my original return since I needed to get back to grade late projects and the take-home finals, calculate grades, all by the 22nd. But . . . I could return if needed Christmas evening, and the brothers were supportive. Dan arrived again Sunday evening as he'd gone back to Colorado then on to Florida for business meetings. Mia the Friday nurse was straight with us, saying by Monday we'd know more about mom. The dr. told us Monday morning that she had about 24 hrs. give or take a few. He was absolutely correct.

December 14 The brothers were all out of the room for a time this early Tuesday morning and I took the opportunity to really visit with mom, even though she couldn't speak to me then. I told her I was going home as she had asked me to do, that she would be hearing good things in the world to come. I encouraged to let go of ill feelings that might not be accurate. Sometimes we don't know the whole story. Her sisters would want her to feel good about their children when she saw her sisters again. I also told her to go ahead, that if it were one of us 4 kids lying there, she would rather we let go, too. No one had mentioned these to her, that I know of, so maybe they were some other little steps for her. Shortly after the boys came back, the decision to take off the oxygen was suggested. Since she was breathing through her mouth anyway, it was fine. How very interesting the next several minutes . . .

The 4 of us went out to the great room to finalize some funeral arrangements. . . Mike came back from a visit to go back and get something in the room he needed and said mom's eyes were open, and she was hardly breathing. Was she waiting for all of us to be away??? maybe. We did return quickly, though, and it seemed we witnessed her heart stopping. It had hardly been beating that morning. The visual that remains with me is how at peace this was at the end. Her eyes were open, head tilted slightly to the right, and mouth dropped, as if she were seeing Something Wonderful. About 9:25 a.m. The nurse was called back in, told us after using the stethoscope, "Her heart has stopped." I could only wish to look like that when I pass. My last words to her were finally "sleep in heavenly peace." So, her song will always be Silent Night. I truly felt at peace. I felt like mom's life had been extended several times in the past few years, she was such a fighter. I was so grateful to have had the chance to bring all of my family to see her alive in June 2009. That was my plan and it was great then to feel it had come to pass. I felt it might be their last time to see her again. But Erin and Megan saw her in this summer's hospital stay, though, as they passed through Iowa onthe way to Utah.

Now it was indeed time for her final rest, and we all felt that relief for her. She is with dad now. And parents, and siblings, and many others, too. Of course, she is in good hands. His Hands.

After some hugs and expressions, we sprung into coordinated action, packing up and removing items from her room, signing off papers [Mike] and getting things ready for the airport run. An hour later I was seated in the airport, with new arrangements since my plane had been delayed in DM, so all other connections therefore had to be rearranged, too. But a sweet consequence was a helpful Delta agent, Tony G. I was booked through LAX, then would be on first class to Hawaii. Tony had previously had a good experience with Barbara Barrington Jones' New You group, and had stayed at the home of the Duponts here in an emergency layover situation once. He was kind, and nice to visit with. Think I needed that personal touch then, right at that moment.

Talked with cousins I hadn't spoken with in years while at the airport and during the hospital stay. Toni Fuller, Donna McFarling, Judy McNerney. Good to connect with these, also with Pat and of course Ruthie and Mary Ann. Sometimes these sad times are family connecting times. It's a fact.

December 15 It took an overnight in LA to finally get my final plane home. [It was my 32nd plane this year] It was a relief in a way to have a hotel room at the LAX Travel Lodge on Century Blvd. Clean, and spacious, I was able to repack and make that last trip to the airport at least for a while, I hope, more efficiently.

December 16 - 18 Finals and grade calculating, Temple assignment, FHC, tending the boys for Lindsey and John's 9th anniversary, Christmas shopping, and the Honolulu Tabernacle Christmas Concert/pre celebrating our anniversary [Bubba Gumps, and Kua Aina sandwich, too! spending our last 20 dollars cash anniversary gift from mom--our 36th card from her, this time in Mike's signature.] --plopped back into life in its busy-ness, but loved being here, reunited with Bill and family, at peace, and knowing mom was at peace, too.

December 19 - 23 Arrival of the Jack Petersons, shopping for Christmas dinners and other preps, helping Elizabeth Fong find what she needed for BYUH, wrapping presents, making povitica, addressing all the Christmas messages and sending them out. Christmas Night Lights and dinner at the Spaghetti Factory [reservation for 21--WOW!] Making 36 twice-baked potato shells. It was a concentrated Christmas preps time for us, but it all got done. We made our list and checked it twice.

December 24 This preparation day for our favorite night of the year in our house with family who could come and the Wagners. We worked hard...Bill cleaned and set up all day! Prepared toasting wassail, punch, and 16 stuffed birds, cranberries, and the veggie trays. We set the table for 19, but 2 basketball players didn't come. So, 17 in all, but 18 with Mason in his own chair. It was a great night. All went well, though we missed the acting out of the nativity. We need more little kids! Lisa's feel they are too big for that now. Maybe next year. I slept a bit before getting final things ready for Christmas while Megan, Elizabeth, and Bill watched Grinch. Later, we enjoyed a Kenny and Dolly song . . . We then waited up and welcomed Erin home from work and enjoyed being the first to wish her Merry Christmas. She felt it was good to be home. Her first time in 4 years. :)

December 25 Christmas Day It was a great day to wake and play an abbreviated harp carols concert with the tree lights on for Bill. It's one of my favorite things to do every Christmas, and I had done that most early mornings since my return to Hawaii. Enjoyed povitica, thinking of mom not being alone anymore at holiday time. Watched Avery enjoy his presents with his parents, and then got the lunch ready for my whole family! How fun to have them all gathered here on a bright Hawaiian Christmas Day--blue sky, sunshine, green grass. Wonderful time. Avery's jeep was a hit with 5 of these cousins driving around in the big back parkyard. It doesn't get better than this. We are so grateful for a wonderful Christmas Day. Visited the families' homes to see the kids' gifts from Santa and parents. Visited the Wagners home, too. Time for a long winter's nap--but prepared for a Sunday RS lesson first!

Being able to provide for our children and others is what we usually give to each other, that, and >"Knowing you're in love with me is the greatest gift of all." truly, "you make this a Christmas to remember!" Fun to have a husband who gets into the decorating and celebrating, entertaining, --and cleaning, too. Christmas is such a wonderful experience, the favorite among our favorites each year.

This was indeed a season of LOVE. . . and transition, and will always be remembered, cherished as long as I live.