"The children were all nestled all snug in their beds while visions..."
Wait!! It's not Christmas! It just feels like it!
We stayed at the new house as a family! All of us! The boys stayed in their room, Tara was in hers and we stayed in ours! The dog and cat were in heaven because they didn't know which bed to crawl into. I probably shouldn't say bed. We still haven't received any shipments yet but we purchased another air mattress and Tara made a pallet on the floor. (For all you city people a pallett is a country word for layering blankets and sheets on the floor to provide comfort while sleeping.)
What prompted the big move from all the comforts and conveniences of Mom's house? Nothin' really. We just felt like it was time. Tara and Tyler have made some friends and I really want to finish this painting marathon I started. Monday our express pack should arrive which means the WII can be moved from Grandma's house too. The kids have been watching movies on the computer and Kev and I have been pilfering some one's WIFI so I feel no need to connect cable just yet. I may change my mind quickly but it's been nice without the idiot box always on.
One thing I have always loved is thunderstorms. Due to the temperate climate of Hawaii that is one thing that I dearly missed. This week Mother Nature has welcomed me home with some wonderful storms with lightening that turns night into day and thunder so loud you can feel it rattle your bones. It is very nice to swing on the screen porch and watch and feel the storms blow through the neighborhood. One more thing to love about this house that is still not ours.
The YMCA is becoming a daily adventure. I even got my parents to join. They have a super cool splash pad around the pool for the kids to enjoy and they are all of age now where I can leave them in one of their childwatch areas and work out. Some one else will watch my kids for 2 hrs so that I can do nothing but work out! How awesome IS that? The church that we used to drive from Virginia Beach to get to is just around the corner. We really need to make a conscious effort to get back into the habit but it has been difficult with the lack of routine. Some semblance of a family with a routine or schedule is what I am hoping for now that we, and our few belongings, are all under one roof.
I think we are settling in....just a little bit.
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
We are here!! Sort of....
Okay so for a brief explanation of what's been happening.
We stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian Village for our last days on island. They now accept pets and since it was right next door to the Hale Koa it was fabulous. What better way to spend our last days in Paradise. (I do so miss it and would have stayed forever!!)
I have 2 great jobs.
One is a GS at Portsmouth Naval doing the same job that I did in Hawaii in the OB Clinic. The hours are M-F 0745-1600. The hospital is 15 miles away and through a tunnel which means a half hour to 45 min commute.
The other is a L&D position at a hospital in Chesapeake. Hours are 3p-11p 3x a week and it is less than 5 miles away. No traffic and no commute time.
As much as I want the GS I would be foolish to turn down the other. Believe it or not I still haven't decided. I am currently working in Chesapeake (had to have a job to make the mortgage people happy) but my paperwork is processing for the other position also. Decisions! Decisions!
The house on Dolph is a short sale (Ha! That's an oxymoron!). We have been pursuing this short sale since May. We have painted the entire downstairs, added a light and a ceiling fan, cut down trees and we still don't now if it is ours. The sellers 1st mortgage paperwork has gone through. We are waiting on the second. Our furniture should arrive next week along with the Jeep.
We have been living in the house since we arrived. (Sort of, my mom lives around the corner.) The kicker is that until the house goes into closing we pay nothing for rent. Zip, zero, nadda dime! I have talked to people that have said a short sale can take up to 7 months. I say bring it on!! I am just pocketing cash that I can use to do more to the house later. So for now we are just waiting.... and painting. But hey! Paint is cheap and it's just a little sweat equity on my part!!
Kevin and the kids are in KC. They stayed busy there as always. They went to a Royals game, took a train ride and the kids have spent lots of time with all their cousins. They went to the lake for a few days and the kids (Tara and Tyler) learned to water ski. Baby Trey learned the joys of a life jacket and spent his days jumping from the the dock into the water and climbing out to do it again! I flew in last Thursday to celebrate Mike and Judy's 50th wedding anniversary. It was a wonderful event and I hope to be able to go back in October to celebrate Barney and Rose's 75th wedding anniversary. Wow! I am in awe and very proud to be a part of the family.
So, I am now back in the house we don't own and Kevin and the kids are driving back as we speak. I may take the kids to the Outer Banks for a few days and Kevin finally has to report in to his new command. He is very excited to be back in a functioning command that serves a real purpose and back amongst longtime friends. For both of us, it's like coming home. I'll post pics later and I hope to get some from their KC adventures.
We stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian Village for our last days on island. They now accept pets and since it was right next door to the Hale Koa it was fabulous. What better way to spend our last days in Paradise. (I do so miss it and would have stayed forever!!)
I have 2 great jobs.
One is a GS at Portsmouth Naval doing the same job that I did in Hawaii in the OB Clinic. The hours are M-F 0745-1600. The hospital is 15 miles away and through a tunnel which means a half hour to 45 min commute.
The other is a L&D position at a hospital in Chesapeake. Hours are 3p-11p 3x a week and it is less than 5 miles away. No traffic and no commute time.
As much as I want the GS I would be foolish to turn down the other. Believe it or not I still haven't decided. I am currently working in Chesapeake (had to have a job to make the mortgage people happy) but my paperwork is processing for the other position also. Decisions! Decisions!
The house on Dolph is a short sale (Ha! That's an oxymoron!). We have been pursuing this short sale since May. We have painted the entire downstairs, added a light and a ceiling fan, cut down trees and we still don't now if it is ours. The sellers 1st mortgage paperwork has gone through. We are waiting on the second. Our furniture should arrive next week along with the Jeep.
We have been living in the house since we arrived. (Sort of, my mom lives around the corner.) The kicker is that until the house goes into closing we pay nothing for rent. Zip, zero, nadda dime! I have talked to people that have said a short sale can take up to 7 months. I say bring it on!! I am just pocketing cash that I can use to do more to the house later. So for now we are just waiting.... and painting. But hey! Paint is cheap and it's just a little sweat equity on my part!!
Kevin and the kids are in KC. They stayed busy there as always. They went to a Royals game, took a train ride and the kids have spent lots of time with all their cousins. They went to the lake for a few days and the kids (Tara and Tyler) learned to water ski. Baby Trey learned the joys of a life jacket and spent his days jumping from the the dock into the water and climbing out to do it again! I flew in last Thursday to celebrate Mike and Judy's 50th wedding anniversary. It was a wonderful event and I hope to be able to go back in October to celebrate Barney and Rose's 75th wedding anniversary. Wow! I am in awe and very proud to be a part of the family.
So, I am now back in the house we don't own and Kevin and the kids are driving back as we speak. I may take the kids to the Outer Banks for a few days and Kevin finally has to report in to his new command. He is very excited to be back in a functioning command that serves a real purpose and back amongst longtime friends. For both of us, it's like coming home. I'll post pics later and I hope to get some from their KC adventures.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Monday, April 07, 2008
Kalua Pig
I've had several ask and I am finally gettin to it! Here is the recipe for Kalua Pig.
2 Tbsp Hawaiian salt
1 (1/2 inch) slice ginger, crushed
1/4 C Soy
1 Tbsp liquid smoke
1 tsp Worcestershire
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 4-5 lb pork butt
Ti or banana leaves (opt)
Mix together first 6 ingredients. Place pork on leaves, rub with seasonings and let stand one hour. Fold leaves around pork. Wrap in foil. Place in baking pan and bake at 325 for 4-5 hours. Unwrap, shred, serve.
-Best of the Best From Hawaii
When I do the Kalua Pig I use a crock pot with or without Ti leaves. When the roast is done I remove the meat and leave the juice. Skim the fat off the top of the juice and add sliced cabbage. As I shred the meat I add it back in and allow to sit for 15 min or until the cabbage is crisp-tender, not soggy. Serve with white rice!!
2 Tbsp Hawaiian salt
1 (1/2 inch) slice ginger, crushed
1/4 C Soy
1 Tbsp liquid smoke
1 tsp Worcestershire
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 4-5 lb pork butt
Ti or banana leaves (opt)
Mix together first 6 ingredients. Place pork on leaves, rub with seasonings and let stand one hour. Fold leaves around pork. Wrap in foil. Place in baking pan and bake at 325 for 4-5 hours. Unwrap, shred, serve.
-Best of the Best From Hawaii
When I do the Kalua Pig I use a crock pot with or without Ti leaves. When the roast is done I remove the meat and leave the juice. Skim the fat off the top of the juice and add sliced cabbage. As I shred the meat I add it back in and allow to sit for 15 min or until the cabbage is crisp-tender, not soggy. Serve with white rice!!
Saturday, April 05, 2008
Big Guy up to Bat
Big Guy is playing T-ball but the rules are a little different this year. The league is allowing a coach to pitch to the kids. After three tries they can hit off the tee. Tyler hit the first pitch each time up to bat. After this swing the coach high-fived Big Guy for almost knocking him in the head!!
Aloha Spirit!
Tara participated in the International Aloha Spirit Cheer Comp at the Waikiki Shell. They competed for 2 days and their score was based on both days of competition. The MCBH D Dogs took first place in their division. This video is day 2!
Da' Flowrider!
Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park has this cool ride that creates this continuous wave so you can surf or boogy board. If you watch till the end you may appreciate how much control Big Guy has during the ride, by the force that spins and spits him out at the end!
Hula hula!
This video from Paradise Cove is a video of the kids doing the hula on stage. Jamie, Tara and Trey are right in the middle and Big Guy is hidding behind the "coach" in the grass skirt.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Mr. Obama- your response please!
This came from a friend and neighbor. Nate is stationed here in Hawaii and his response is one I would love to hear answered. What awesome rhetoric from a true American hero. He, along with many others on this base, risk their lives for people some say we have no business fighting to protect. He characterizes the Iraqi nation as "people that are important to me". If you believe in God and that all men are brothers there is no argument here. Thank you Nate! This is why I am proud to be part of the US Military!
Feb 19, 2008 8:02 PM
My name is Nate and up front I will say that I am not an Obama supporter. I am in the Marines and I have served in Iraq.
I just finished watching Obama giving a speech about hope. He spoke of having a different mind set then the one which led us to the war in Iraq. Then he spoke about hope.
The hope our founding fathers felt when facing the British...the hope the slaves felt...the hope women had to have the same rights as men...the hope our "finest generation" had while taking on facism and evil in Hitler's Nazi Germany, (not to be likened to Sadam's dictatorship at all, that is the wrong mindset and totally different).
Mr. Obama forgot about some people that are important to me...what about the hope that the Iraqi people have to one day be free from oppression and terrorism? The hope made possible by our "wrong mindset." By our Marines, Soldiers, Airmen, and Sailors. By our commitment to helping them to get out from the dictatorship of Sadam and to conquer the radical muslims. By President Bush's determination to not abandon our effort and to stand by freedom and democracy.
Mr. Obama was against helping these people all along, dont forget that, he always brings it up when it is popular. I wonder if he would stand by that comment if asked, "what about the hope of a nation in need of our help?"
.
Feb 19, 2008 8:02 PM
My name is Nate and up front I will say that I am not an Obama supporter. I am in the Marines and I have served in Iraq.
I just finished watching Obama giving a speech about hope. He spoke of having a different mind set then the one which led us to the war in Iraq. Then he spoke about hope.
The hope our founding fathers felt when facing the British...the hope the slaves felt...the hope women had to have the same rights as men...the hope our "finest generation" had while taking on facism and evil in Hitler's Nazi Germany, (not to be likened to Sadam's dictatorship at all, that is the wrong mindset and totally different).
Mr. Obama forgot about some people that are important to me...what about the hope that the Iraqi people have to one day be free from oppression and terrorism? The hope made possible by our "wrong mindset." By our Marines, Soldiers, Airmen, and Sailors. By our commitment to helping them to get out from the dictatorship of Sadam and to conquer the radical muslims. By President Bush's determination to not abandon our effort and to stand by freedom and democracy.
Mr. Obama was against helping these people all along, dont forget that, he always brings it up when it is popular. I wonder if he would stand by that comment if asked, "what about the hope of a nation in need of our help?"
.
Monday, February 04, 2008
Blogstipation
I apologize for those that search and find nothing new here. I admit it. I've been blogstipated. Although I love this island with every ounce of my being, the simple fact that I know we are leaving has left me without anything new to say. My thoughts have moved to the future and all of the HUGE changes that are going to occur to me and my family.
How long will we be without housing?
How do we make all of these trips occur in a timely manner?
Can I really travel across country with my children and not kill them all?
Can we live in a pop-up on the beach until we get housing??
Will the base be as I remember?
How are the schools?
Will Kev be gone all the time?
Where will I work?
Will I be able to put Trey in the CDC?
Will my kids be happy?
How long will the blogstipation last?
Are you still reading this list? Hehehe!!
These thoughts and many more have turned my brain to mush. See? Blogstipated!!
Tara has really started concentrating on cheering. Her comp season is approaching and I just hope they will do as well as last year. After 2 1/2 years of trying to persuade her to take gymnastics she finally said yesterday she wanted to start. Great timing! She is still growing so fast she doesn't even have time to break in her clothes. I swear she has legs from her neck down. Another thought from the future: We will live close to the Outlet Mall in Camarillo and a Target. Hoorahh! I can't remeber if there is a Kohl's in Ventura. Gotta check that out.
Tyler has been seeing the docs about his ongoing speech issues. He has improved but not as quickly as we had thought. He had a hearing test and he passed but the doc said his R drum was not vibrating as much as it should so now we are waiting for our appointment with the ENT docs. I certainly hope he discovers something that is fixable. Audiology doc thought perhaps a drain if there was fluid but I am not sure how that works if there is no infection to build up the fluid. Pshew...guess that's why we see an ENT. I sure hope it is something as simple as a blockage/fluid etc.
Tyler has become a football savant. He sat on the couch yesterday and watched almost the entire game. Enthusiastically I might add. I really didn't care who won but cheered for the Giants simply because they took down the Cowboys. Tyler would come into the kitchen and inform me of the score if I wasn't watching. When I told him I was rooting for the Giants he scowled at me and walked away. He got to the door, turned and said "Ma! Giants gonna lose!" Ha! Joke's on him!!
Baby Trey was very happy with my birthday cake. The cake was very cute BTW. My dear friend Emily had Happy Almost 40th Birthday Maria! written on it. When the kids came back for seconds after the game Trey was egged on to take a big bite out of it. He was a cake monster! I am waiting for Em to send me the pics so I can post 'em. Baby Trey is amazing us everyday with all he has to say. His letter recognition is getting better and anytime he sees letters he is pointing them out and telling you what (some) they are!!
Kev is still in Dallas and won't be home for about a month. We actually connected to Windows Live Messenger so we can video conference with each other. The kids love it cause they can see Daddy. It is very cool and something I wish we had done sooner.
So I am now 39. No big deal. I'm looking foward to 40!!
How long will we be without housing?
How do we make all of these trips occur in a timely manner?
Can I really travel across country with my children and not kill them all?
Can we live in a pop-up on the beach until we get housing??
Will the base be as I remember?
How are the schools?
Will Kev be gone all the time?
Where will I work?
Will I be able to put Trey in the CDC?
Will my kids be happy?
How long will the blogstipation last?
Are you still reading this list? Hehehe!!
These thoughts and many more have turned my brain to mush. See? Blogstipated!!
Tara has really started concentrating on cheering. Her comp season is approaching and I just hope they will do as well as last year. After 2 1/2 years of trying to persuade her to take gymnastics she finally said yesterday she wanted to start. Great timing! She is still growing so fast she doesn't even have time to break in her clothes. I swear she has legs from her neck down. Another thought from the future: We will live close to the Outlet Mall in Camarillo and a Target. Hoorahh! I can't remeber if there is a Kohl's in Ventura. Gotta check that out.
Tyler has been seeing the docs about his ongoing speech issues. He has improved but not as quickly as we had thought. He had a hearing test and he passed but the doc said his R drum was not vibrating as much as it should so now we are waiting for our appointment with the ENT docs. I certainly hope he discovers something that is fixable. Audiology doc thought perhaps a drain if there was fluid but I am not sure how that works if there is no infection to build up the fluid. Pshew...guess that's why we see an ENT. I sure hope it is something as simple as a blockage/fluid etc.
Tyler has become a football savant. He sat on the couch yesterday and watched almost the entire game. Enthusiastically I might add. I really didn't care who won but cheered for the Giants simply because they took down the Cowboys. Tyler would come into the kitchen and inform me of the score if I wasn't watching. When I told him I was rooting for the Giants he scowled at me and walked away. He got to the door, turned and said "Ma! Giants gonna lose!" Ha! Joke's on him!!
Baby Trey was very happy with my birthday cake. The cake was very cute BTW. My dear friend Emily had Happy Almost 40th Birthday Maria! written on it. When the kids came back for seconds after the game Trey was egged on to take a big bite out of it. He was a cake monster! I am waiting for Em to send me the pics so I can post 'em. Baby Trey is amazing us everyday with all he has to say. His letter recognition is getting better and anytime he sees letters he is pointing them out and telling you what (some) they are!!
Kev is still in Dallas and won't be home for about a month. We actually connected to Windows Live Messenger so we can video conference with each other. The kids love it cause they can see Daddy. It is very cool and something I wish we had done sooner.
So I am now 39. No big deal. I'm looking foward to 40!!
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
More Family is Coming!!
Ok so the craziness shall continue!! Pam and Doug left Friday evening. I think they had a great time. There is not much on this island they didn't do. Even Michael managed to snorkel and boogie board with a broken leg. In case anyone needs a waterproof caste cover Google Protectacaste and you too can order one. Very cool product indeed! So the Thurmans left and re-entered the world of ice and snow. I went to the Hale Koa yesterday and lounged around the pool watching the palm trees sway while hoping I wasn't burning beneath the bright blue skies in the heat of the sun. Hahaha!!!
Somehow the moon and stars must be aligned in some perfect order allowing all things to be wonderful. I called this morning and was able to make a reservation for yet another cabin here on our beautiful beach. The B Furey family will be vacationing here Feb 8-17. These dates are rather significant because they include the weekend of the Pro-Bowl. Pete Furey made plans last year to be here for the Pro-Bowl and will have 3 friends with him. My- what a fab time that will be!! Sorry Kev, do well in school!!! ;) We will miss you!
Alicia has sent an email with plans to come in late Feb for a few days. Mom is coming Mar 4th and Barb keeps claiming she will make it out here too before we move. Kelly and Lexi want to come again in April and Judy will be here in May. I need to find some time to escape to California before we leave too.
Speaking of California it is looking more and more like the Dillon's may get orders to Mugu also. Em and I have joked that once again she shall be the social coordinator and I will be the activities director. I like to go go go and she meets people and draws in friends like flies to ...... well you get the idea. Looks like the Am Coffee Club will continue!!
My dear children are getting excited about moving. I have no idea how this will all pan out but I believe we will be traveling most of the summer while waiting for housing. This is a caution to any and all- I may show up on your doorstep with the children in tow so make plans now to skip town! It may be your only escape from us darkening your door!!
Somehow the moon and stars must be aligned in some perfect order allowing all things to be wonderful. I called this morning and was able to make a reservation for yet another cabin here on our beautiful beach. The B Furey family will be vacationing here Feb 8-17. These dates are rather significant because they include the weekend of the Pro-Bowl. Pete Furey made plans last year to be here for the Pro-Bowl and will have 3 friends with him. My- what a fab time that will be!! Sorry Kev, do well in school!!! ;) We will miss you!
Alicia has sent an email with plans to come in late Feb for a few days. Mom is coming Mar 4th and Barb keeps claiming she will make it out here too before we move. Kelly and Lexi want to come again in April and Judy will be here in May. I need to find some time to escape to California before we leave too.
Speaking of California it is looking more and more like the Dillon's may get orders to Mugu also. Em and I have joked that once again she shall be the social coordinator and I will be the activities director. I like to go go go and she meets people and draws in friends like flies to ...... well you get the idea. Looks like the Am Coffee Club will continue!!
My dear children are getting excited about moving. I have no idea how this will all pan out but I believe we will be traveling most of the summer while waiting for housing. This is a caution to any and all- I may show up on your doorstep with the children in tow so make plans now to skip town! It may be your only escape from us darkening your door!!
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Happy whatever the occasion may be that I have missed lately!!
Happy Thanksgiving!!
Merry Christmas!!
Happy New Year!!
Yes- I suck! I've been gone a while and I make no promises for the future but...... I have been posting pictures. Check those out if you haven't.
Kevin is now gone for 2 months (boooo! hiisss! come home! We miss you already!)
We have family coming in on the 8th. Yeah! Time for some island fun!!
Merry Christmas!!
Happy New Year!!
Yes- I suck! I've been gone a while and I make no promises for the future but...... I have been posting pictures. Check those out if you haven't.
Kevin is now gone for 2 months (boooo! hiisss! come home! We miss you already!)
We have family coming in on the 8th. Yeah! Time for some island fun!!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Catching Up
I've got lots of catching up to do! We all left Oahu behind on the 21st and headed to Maui.
I must say the 20 min flight was much more enjoyable then the usual 6 hrs we spend on a plane when leaving the island. The kids sat next to the windows and enjoyed pointing out the places they knew on our island and watching the other islands as we passed over.
Maui was beautiful. Imagine this- It's a lot like our island, only different! He he he!!!
We stayed at the Grand Wailea. It was a fabulous resort with 9 pools, a water park, swim-up bars, amazing restaurants, gardens and beaches. It also has the designation as being the spot for the most expensive lunch ever. But that's a story to be told by Mike Furey!
We ventured out for a few excursions. We went to downtown Lahaina and visited Banyan Tree Park, the Marina and browsed through shops.
There are a ton of pics to view.
Our other family outing was over before it started.
The Road to Hana is described as an adventure that is the journey, not the destination.
The journey involves 617 turns, over 50 one-lane bridges and 62 miles of beautiful scenery.
The Road to Hana's journey is supposed to be filled with stops along the way to photograph or swim in waterfalls, hike along breathtaking trails and visit remote beaches.
During our dual van journey, our Road to Hana quickly turned into our Road to Hell!
The road is nothing but switchbacks along the side of mountains on the East side of Maui. The switchbacks yield to one lane bridges with breathtaking views into deep gulches or down the sheer mountain cliffs.
Big Guy was the first, but then the others began to get sick in quick succession. We (I should say Judy since I was holding a sleeping Trey) had just cleaned up from Big Guys puking extravaganza when Van I pulled over and we pulled in behind them in Van II.
I was excited. I sprayed everyone in Van II with bug spray, grabbed my camera and headed over to Van I ready to hike to what I was sure would be a great waterfall.
I got there excited and ready to go and what to my wondering eyes did appear? But pukers, pukers everywhere!
Kathy was bent over the fence losing her breakfast, Ellie was about to begin and Kevin was just thankful the car had come to a stop before he lost his eggs and bacon too. Judy then admitted she was feeling a little green around the gills.
So began the road to hell!
The next puke stop we made I hustled some Drammine from some other tourists but Kathy was too far gone for it to help.
The sad part of this story is that the road ends at the Seven Sacred Pools. Then you have go back the same way you came.
The journey along the road to Hana turned into a "perilous, non-stop, get the hell out of here as fast as you can" road trip that only paused for more puking, a brief lunch stop for those that weren't queasy and a much appreciated break as we hiked to the Seven Sacred Pools. Poor Kathy!
Needless to say there wasn't a chance of me convincing anyone to drive up to Mt Haleakala the next day!!!
Kevin and the boys golfed, we stayed by the beach or the pool and the kids loved every minute!
Thanks Allied! What a great place for a concrete convention!
Mike and Judy flew over after the Convention came to an end.
They spent the week hanging out with the kids. Judy must have played 50 games with Big Guy, Mike taught Baby Trey the "tickle tickle" game and Tara chatted non-stop.
Judy and Mike had the joy of attending the annual Mokapu Halloween Parade, Judy joined us for trick-or-treating and Mike had so much fun passing out candy that when we got home he was passing out cash to the kids!!! (True story!)
As always, we were sad to see them go!
They got home just in time for Mike's birthday- HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE FUREY!!!
I must say the 20 min flight was much more enjoyable then the usual 6 hrs we spend on a plane when leaving the island. The kids sat next to the windows and enjoyed pointing out the places they knew on our island and watching the other islands as we passed over.
Maui was beautiful. Imagine this- It's a lot like our island, only different! He he he!!!
We stayed at the Grand Wailea. It was a fabulous resort with 9 pools, a water park, swim-up bars, amazing restaurants, gardens and beaches. It also has the designation as being the spot for the most expensive lunch ever. But that's a story to be told by Mike Furey!
We ventured out for a few excursions. We went to downtown Lahaina and visited Banyan Tree Park, the Marina and browsed through shops.
There are a ton of pics to view.
Our other family outing was over before it started.
The Road to Hana is described as an adventure that is the journey, not the destination.
The journey involves 617 turns, over 50 one-lane bridges and 62 miles of beautiful scenery.
The Road to Hana's journey is supposed to be filled with stops along the way to photograph or swim in waterfalls, hike along breathtaking trails and visit remote beaches.
During our dual van journey, our Road to Hana quickly turned into our Road to Hell!
The road is nothing but switchbacks along the side of mountains on the East side of Maui. The switchbacks yield to one lane bridges with breathtaking views into deep gulches or down the sheer mountain cliffs.
Big Guy was the first, but then the others began to get sick in quick succession. We (I should say Judy since I was holding a sleeping Trey) had just cleaned up from Big Guys puking extravaganza when Van I pulled over and we pulled in behind them in Van II.
I was excited. I sprayed everyone in Van II with bug spray, grabbed my camera and headed over to Van I ready to hike to what I was sure would be a great waterfall.
I got there excited and ready to go and what to my wondering eyes did appear? But pukers, pukers everywhere!
Kathy was bent over the fence losing her breakfast, Ellie was about to begin and Kevin was just thankful the car had come to a stop before he lost his eggs and bacon too. Judy then admitted she was feeling a little green around the gills.
So began the road to hell!
The next puke stop we made I hustled some Drammine from some other tourists but Kathy was too far gone for it to help.
The sad part of this story is that the road ends at the Seven Sacred Pools. Then you have go back the same way you came.
The journey along the road to Hana turned into a "perilous, non-stop, get the hell out of here as fast as you can" road trip that only paused for more puking, a brief lunch stop for those that weren't queasy and a much appreciated break as we hiked to the Seven Sacred Pools. Poor Kathy!
Needless to say there wasn't a chance of me convincing anyone to drive up to Mt Haleakala the next day!!!
Kevin and the boys golfed, we stayed by the beach or the pool and the kids loved every minute!
Thanks Allied! What a great place for a concrete convention!
Mike and Judy flew over after the Convention came to an end.
They spent the week hanging out with the kids. Judy must have played 50 games with Big Guy, Mike taught Baby Trey the "tickle tickle" game and Tara chatted non-stop.
Judy and Mike had the joy of attending the annual Mokapu Halloween Parade, Judy joined us for trick-or-treating and Mike had so much fun passing out candy that when we got home he was passing out cash to the kids!!! (True story!)
As always, we were sad to see them go!
They got home just in time for Mike's birthday- HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE FUREY!!!
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Hello? Hello? Are you there?
I have a confession to make.
I bought my 7 1/2 year old daughter a cell phone!!
Yes, I have lost my mind! Yes, she will probably lose it!
Before ye cast the first stone- let me plead my case.
I went shopping with the sole intention of utilizing my new every two phone deal with Verizon. Kevin made a huge deal of informing me before I left that all he needed was a phone. He needed to be able to open it, close it and make and receive calls. Simple.
The simple phone included pictures. (I new I was in trouble when I had to get a phone that included a camera.) With this simple phone they were giving away 2 additional phones. With me now at work all day I like to be able to call Tara and ask if they are on their way to school or are they home yet. One of the older kids in the neighborhood watches them but I still worry. So when they offered the extra phone, for free, I thought why not? As I was standing there contemplating the idea and how my DH would react the salesman honed in on my indecisiveness. He began to describe the child watch program they offer. The child watch is a GPS locator for kids. I can set up safe zones and if the phone leaves the safe zone I will be notified via text message. I can also use the GPS locator in the phone and zero in on her on a map using my phone or a computer.
I was hooked. He didn't even have to go into the fact that the phone could be set-up to only allow calls from the pre-programmed phone book. Mr. Salesman, you did your job well. I had a momentary thought of getting one for Big Guy but that would have been true insanity.
She even got a cute little pink phone case. There. My confession is complete.
I also set up her phone so that she she can only call out from her contact list. If you are on her list beware.
I bought my 7 1/2 year old daughter a cell phone!!
Yes, I have lost my mind! Yes, she will probably lose it!
Before ye cast the first stone- let me plead my case.
I went shopping with the sole intention of utilizing my new every two phone deal with Verizon. Kevin made a huge deal of informing me before I left that all he needed was a phone. He needed to be able to open it, close it and make and receive calls. Simple.
The simple phone included pictures. (I new I was in trouble when I had to get a phone that included a camera.) With this simple phone they were giving away 2 additional phones. With me now at work all day I like to be able to call Tara and ask if they are on their way to school or are they home yet. One of the older kids in the neighborhood watches them but I still worry. So when they offered the extra phone, for free, I thought why not? As I was standing there contemplating the idea and how my DH would react the salesman honed in on my indecisiveness. He began to describe the child watch program they offer. The child watch is a GPS locator for kids. I can set up safe zones and if the phone leaves the safe zone I will be notified via text message. I can also use the GPS locator in the phone and zero in on her on a map using my phone or a computer.
I was hooked. He didn't even have to go into the fact that the phone could be set-up to only allow calls from the pre-programmed phone book. Mr. Salesman, you did your job well. I had a momentary thought of getting one for Big Guy but that would have been true insanity.
She even got a cute little pink phone case. There. My confession is complete.
I also set up her phone so that she she can only call out from her contact list. If you are on her list beware.
Monday, October 15, 2007
100_4540dbl
Are these not the cutest kids ever?? We had parent teacher conferences today. Both of their teachers gave them glowing reports! I don't know why I am so amazed but I am near speechless. When I got home to tell them what good kids they are they gave me these pictures. Great pics and great report cards! What a day!
Teachings, Pink Palaces, Air Shows & Birthdays!
Friday Oct 6
The kids were all sick. I thought Big Guy had gotten better but he proved me wrong. I felt so bad for them! They had the entire week off and they were all miserable! How fun is that?
Kevin and I had been checking for room availability at the Hale Koa. When something finally opened I jumped on it! I had been off the week so we could hang out and do fun stuff. Instead I spent the week taking care of sick people! I don't even do that at the hospital! My DH had been going to work every day and playing softball every night so I stayed at the Hale Koa the first night by myself. No kids, no husband, no cooking, no diapers, no puking and no crying!! Aaahhhh. I even managed to have a massage. Double aaahhh!
Anyway, the family tracked me down with their GPS locater I am sure they embedded in me some night when I was unaware.
Hale Koa Day 1 they spent like zombies around the pool. I asked them all if they wanted naps and each one readily volunteered. Everyone woke up four hours later in a much better frame of mind. The DH and I decided we had better take a nice long walk to burn up some of their new found energy.
We meandered over to the Hilton to watch some of their pool-side Luau and take in the sites. They have a caged area set up with pools and rocks where they keep several penguins. We stopped, of course, because Baby Trey was screaming and pointing and demanding it of us. While I was holding him praying he wouldn't jump in the pool and tackle the poor penguins I heard my daughter talking to Big Guy.
"Tyler, do you see those two penguins hiding in the cave? They are mating!"
I was frantically giving my DH the LOOK as I was backing away hoping he would decipher the "Quick! Grab them! Let's go!" vibe I was sending him telepathically. I wanted to be out of there quickly before she went into more detail about penguin mating. My daughter is an expert on all things from Animal Planet or Discovery Kids. The crowd had collectively quieted and was waiting for her to elaborate.
We made a hasty exit before she was able to give the other sweet children an anatomy lesson.
Hale Koa day 2 the kids were once again enjoying the salty waters of the pool. We always plant ourselves in the gated area of the kiddie pool. Baby Trey can splash with no worries. Little children are best kept happy by bringing toys to the pool. The usual are balls, the whole sand castle building bucket of stuff and small floaty things.
On this day a little boy brought a bucket of plastic fish in amounts that boggled the mind. They were in every variety and every child there had a handful. Tara, the knowledge sponge that she is, was surrounded by toddlers as she named the fish and explained where they lived.
I was sitting in the pool scooping fish off the bottom and putting them back in a bucket. I looked at one and gave it to Tara.
"Look Tara! A sword fish."
It had a long sword-like thing on the nose. Sword fish right? Oh no! This wasn't a sword it was a twisted sword-like thing.
"Mom. That's not a sword fish. I can't remember the name of it but it lives in the Antarctic with the Beluga"
Who am I to argue with the Discovery Kid?? (To her credit, I don't remember if she said Arctic or Antarctic and I am just happy I know a Beluga is a whale!) I determined right then I wasn't needed and left her to her teaching.
_______________
I have wanted to visit the The Royal Hawaiian and never gotten around to it. It's the big pink hotel along Waikiki Beach that's been around since the 1920's. It was designed for the Hawaiian royalty. The kids and I took a walk and found our way to the beautiful old hotel. The boys didn't really care where we were. Tara was quite impressed with it's opulence. I must confess the decor and architecture was overwhelming. You could feel and touch the history of the place but.... it seemed incredibly small!
There is no sprawling lobby adorned with local flora and island plush furniture. The pool was tiny, the lounge chairs, while nicely embellished with pink pads and thick terry cloth pink towels and pink umbrellas, were crammed together with little room for walking. The beach beyond it's borders was narrow and over crowded.
I had promised the kids an ice cream when we finally reached our destination. Of course there were no simple ice creams at the Royal Hawaiian. No ice cream sandwiches or fudgesicles here! My 3 kids dripped Hagaan Daas happily down their faces and begged for drinks I refused to buy. I left the Royal Hawaiian very pleased to have seen it but I had a new appreciation for the Hale Koa. One more site crossed off my list!
Fri Oct 12
This is the weekend of Blues On The Bay! Yeeaahh! (Pardon my ambiguity but I was stationed at the winter home of the Blue Angels and have personally seen them enough for a life time. Barb and Suella- I am sure you understand!) In honor of the festivities the kids were once again out of school. This holiday was labeled Waiver Day. To celebrate Waiver Day we went to the Air Show. It was military appreciation day. The masses were kept off the base till Saturday and Sunday. The private chalets were not yet private so we had the run of the place.
Kevin had been taking the kids to a nearby hill almost daily to watch the aircraft's practice. I didn't think I needed to force the kids to watch planes they had already seen but the Blues are much better if you can hear the narrator's chatter that accompanies their show. We skipped most of the day and showed up for the main event.
We stood directly in front of the blue F-18's as they fired up their engines and made their way into the air. I was concerned about the noise bothering the kids but they were so enthralled with the excitement they didn't mention the screaming engines.
Trey was so excited he didn't know where to point or look. I was fearing whiplash as fast as he was turning his head! Big Guy was laughing and full of Oohhs! and Aahhs! My DD watched, but you could tell she would have much rather been doing "girl" stuff. As we left they were still flying and I proudly told them they were listening to the sound of freedom. They are pretty awe inspiring!
_______________
Today is Trey's birthday! Yeah! He's two! He's also rotten, adorable, spoiled, mischievous, smart, bad and absolutely perfect! He had ton's of presents (thanks everybody!) and a huge bowl of ice cream cause that's what he loves best. When we sang he buried his head in whoever was closest and if he could have crawled under the table he would have. As usual he was the center of attention. Happy Birthday Baby!! Pictures have been posted. Lots of pictures....
The kids were all sick. I thought Big Guy had gotten better but he proved me wrong. I felt so bad for them! They had the entire week off and they were all miserable! How fun is that?
Kevin and I had been checking for room availability at the Hale Koa. When something finally opened I jumped on it! I had been off the week so we could hang out and do fun stuff. Instead I spent the week taking care of sick people! I don't even do that at the hospital! My DH had been going to work every day and playing softball every night so I stayed at the Hale Koa the first night by myself. No kids, no husband, no cooking, no diapers, no puking and no crying!! Aaahhhh. I even managed to have a massage. Double aaahhh!
Anyway, the family tracked me down with their GPS locater I am sure they embedded in me some night when I was unaware.
Hale Koa Day 1 they spent like zombies around the pool. I asked them all if they wanted naps and each one readily volunteered. Everyone woke up four hours later in a much better frame of mind. The DH and I decided we had better take a nice long walk to burn up some of their new found energy.
We meandered over to the Hilton to watch some of their pool-side Luau and take in the sites. They have a caged area set up with pools and rocks where they keep several penguins. We stopped, of course, because Baby Trey was screaming and pointing and demanding it of us. While I was holding him praying he wouldn't jump in the pool and tackle the poor penguins I heard my daughter talking to Big Guy.
"Tyler, do you see those two penguins hiding in the cave? They are mating!"
I was frantically giving my DH the LOOK as I was backing away hoping he would decipher the "Quick! Grab them! Let's go!" vibe I was sending him telepathically. I wanted to be out of there quickly before she went into more detail about penguin mating. My daughter is an expert on all things from Animal Planet or Discovery Kids. The crowd had collectively quieted and was waiting for her to elaborate.
We made a hasty exit before she was able to give the other sweet children an anatomy lesson.
Hale Koa day 2 the kids were once again enjoying the salty waters of the pool. We always plant ourselves in the gated area of the kiddie pool. Baby Trey can splash with no worries. Little children are best kept happy by bringing toys to the pool. The usual are balls, the whole sand castle building bucket of stuff and small floaty things.
On this day a little boy brought a bucket of plastic fish in amounts that boggled the mind. They were in every variety and every child there had a handful. Tara, the knowledge sponge that she is, was surrounded by toddlers as she named the fish and explained where they lived.
I was sitting in the pool scooping fish off the bottom and putting them back in a bucket. I looked at one and gave it to Tara.
"Look Tara! A sword fish."
It had a long sword-like thing on the nose. Sword fish right? Oh no! This wasn't a sword it was a twisted sword-like thing.
"Mom. That's not a sword fish. I can't remember the name of it but it lives in the Antarctic with the Beluga"
Who am I to argue with the Discovery Kid?? (To her credit, I don't remember if she said Arctic or Antarctic and I am just happy I know a Beluga is a whale!) I determined right then I wasn't needed and left her to her teaching.
_______________
I have wanted to visit the The Royal Hawaiian and never gotten around to it. It's the big pink hotel along Waikiki Beach that's been around since the 1920's. It was designed for the Hawaiian royalty. The kids and I took a walk and found our way to the beautiful old hotel. The boys didn't really care where we were. Tara was quite impressed with it's opulence. I must confess the decor and architecture was overwhelming. You could feel and touch the history of the place but.... it seemed incredibly small!
There is no sprawling lobby adorned with local flora and island plush furniture. The pool was tiny, the lounge chairs, while nicely embellished with pink pads and thick terry cloth pink towels and pink umbrellas, were crammed together with little room for walking. The beach beyond it's borders was narrow and over crowded.
I had promised the kids an ice cream when we finally reached our destination. Of course there were no simple ice creams at the Royal Hawaiian. No ice cream sandwiches or fudgesicles here! My 3 kids dripped Hagaan Daas happily down their faces and begged for drinks I refused to buy. I left the Royal Hawaiian very pleased to have seen it but I had a new appreciation for the Hale Koa. One more site crossed off my list!
Fri Oct 12
This is the weekend of Blues On The Bay! Yeeaahh! (Pardon my ambiguity but I was stationed at the winter home of the Blue Angels and have personally seen them enough for a life time. Barb and Suella- I am sure you understand!) In honor of the festivities the kids were once again out of school. This holiday was labeled Waiver Day. To celebrate Waiver Day we went to the Air Show. It was military appreciation day. The masses were kept off the base till Saturday and Sunday. The private chalets were not yet private so we had the run of the place.
Kevin had been taking the kids to a nearby hill almost daily to watch the aircraft's practice. I didn't think I needed to force the kids to watch planes they had already seen but the Blues are much better if you can hear the narrator's chatter that accompanies their show. We skipped most of the day and showed up for the main event.
We stood directly in front of the blue F-18's as they fired up their engines and made their way into the air. I was concerned about the noise bothering the kids but they were so enthralled with the excitement they didn't mention the screaming engines.
Trey was so excited he didn't know where to point or look. I was fearing whiplash as fast as he was turning his head! Big Guy was laughing and full of Oohhs! and Aahhs! My DD watched, but you could tell she would have much rather been doing "girl" stuff. As we left they were still flying and I proudly told them they were listening to the sound of freedom. They are pretty awe inspiring!
_______________
Today is Trey's birthday! Yeah! He's two! He's also rotten, adorable, spoiled, mischievous, smart, bad and absolutely perfect! He had ton's of presents (thanks everybody!) and a huge bowl of ice cream cause that's what he loves best. When we sang he buried his head in whoever was closest and if he could have crawled under the table he would have. As usual he was the center of attention. Happy Birthday Baby!! Pictures have been posted. Lots of pictures....
Friday, October 05, 2007
Buffett, Remotes and the Dentist
The DH and I went to see Buffett last night for the Honolulu stop of the Bama Breeze tour. I apologize to any and all that I called while there to torment with me yelling "Listen!! I'm at Buffett!" and then holding the phone in the air for them to hear the show on their voicemail for at least 5 minutes. Kevin and I left the house with no idea where the Waikiki Shell was even located. With the help of friendly Parrotheads we found the stage and even snagged some Jello-shooters on the walk in. Once upon a time it was illegal to bring cameras or video recording devices into a concert. I wanted to be able to snap a picture so I smuggled in the DH's small digital camera. People everywhere were holding their huge DLRs with their ginormous telephoto lenses. I guess I need not have worried. So lots of people probably have spectacular images of Jimmy on stage and I have a barefoot blurr in a yellow shirt and blue jean shorts. Yoohoo!
Chantell arrived at the show around 4 in the afternoon to get in line to get in, an hour and a half later. You go Chantell! She got the best lawn seats in the house! Great job and thanks!
I love to go to a Buffett concert. People are there of every age. We had teens on one side and a group that had to be in their late fifties on the other. Buffett is timeless. There was a guy that I chatted with that was bringing his daughter to her first concert. She must have been all of 10-12 years-old. That made me laugh. My DD had told me a couple of hours earlier
"Mom! That's not fair! I want to go! He sings the Cheeseburger song!"
That made me proud. My seven year old knows who Jimmy Buffett is. Sorry Paula- I met no one from Utah. The place was packed. The usual beach balls and balloons were a flyin' around, the smell of Maui was everywhere, and Jimmy commented on how awesome it is to be on the beach and then walk over to enjoy the show. The music was as it always is- fantastic. I hope he tours for many more years!
_______________
Emily stayed with the kids last night. We were almost late leaving because we couldn't find the remotes to the TVs. FYI- Kev went into Tyler's room this morning and found 5 remotes and a phone. The question is not just why but also who???
_______________
We all went to a new dentist yesterday. The kids were great. Tara expressed her concern over the fact that she has only lost 2 teeth. The dentist assured her she would lose more. He told me she would probably lose them rapidly around the same time. He did point out that Tyler would probably be the exact opposite. His roots are already deteriorating. He might actually beat his sister at something! Usually when I go to a dentist I open my my mouth and I see $ in their eyes and can hear the "Ca-ching" of money flying from my account. I loved this guy! He said
"Your teeth look great!"
Holy guacamole! No crown? No artificial bone grafting surgery? No root canals? No belittling for not doing something that I do already? I wanted to add him to my Christmas card list right there in the chair! The entire place was friendly! I never get this excited over a dentist!! I am still in disbelief. Not that anybody wants to know this, but the bone graft worked! My pockets were reduced from 7-9 to nothing but 2-3s. If you have no idea what I am talking about that's good. If you do then you know that's great!! Okay, I am going to quit gushing about a dental visit now. Don't forget to floss!!
Chantell arrived at the show around 4 in the afternoon to get in line to get in, an hour and a half later. You go Chantell! She got the best lawn seats in the house! Great job and thanks!
I love to go to a Buffett concert. People are there of every age. We had teens on one side and a group that had to be in their late fifties on the other. Buffett is timeless. There was a guy that I chatted with that was bringing his daughter to her first concert. She must have been all of 10-12 years-old. That made me laugh. My DD had told me a couple of hours earlier
"Mom! That's not fair! I want to go! He sings the Cheeseburger song!"
That made me proud. My seven year old knows who Jimmy Buffett is. Sorry Paula- I met no one from Utah. The place was packed. The usual beach balls and balloons were a flyin' around, the smell of Maui was everywhere, and Jimmy commented on how awesome it is to be on the beach and then walk over to enjoy the show. The music was as it always is- fantastic. I hope he tours for many more years!
_______________
Emily stayed with the kids last night. We were almost late leaving because we couldn't find the remotes to the TVs. FYI- Kev went into Tyler's room this morning and found 5 remotes and a phone. The question is not just why but also who???
_______________
We all went to a new dentist yesterday. The kids were great. Tara expressed her concern over the fact that she has only lost 2 teeth. The dentist assured her she would lose more. He told me she would probably lose them rapidly around the same time. He did point out that Tyler would probably be the exact opposite. His roots are already deteriorating. He might actually beat his sister at something! Usually when I go to a dentist I open my my mouth and I see $ in their eyes and can hear the "Ca-ching" of money flying from my account. I loved this guy! He said
"Your teeth look great!"
Holy guacamole! No crown? No artificial bone grafting surgery? No root canals? No belittling for not doing something that I do already? I wanted to add him to my Christmas card list right there in the chair! The entire place was friendly! I never get this excited over a dentist!! I am still in disbelief. Not that anybody wants to know this, but the bone graft worked! My pockets were reduced from 7-9 to nothing but 2-3s. If you have no idea what I am talking about that's good. If you do then you know that's great!! Okay, I am going to quit gushing about a dental visit now. Don't forget to floss!!
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Pity No More!!
I hate feet! Feet are gross. I have a pedicure every now and then just to have a pound of flesh removed from the bottom and sides of my too often bare and quite neglected feet. The women stuck performing this task often shake their heads and as the pile of dead skin grows higher and higher they have been known to call friends over to marvel at the mounds of sloughed-off skin. I am like a carnival side show when it comes to pedicures. I always have my toe nails painted in a very blah french tip style. I want no one starring at my feet ohhing and ahhing over a selected color because with the prolonged look they may notice what I have always known- my feet should be chopped off and donated to science.
On my last visit for skin removal I took my dear daughter. She has her father's feet. For this I am eternally grateful to the little bits and pieces of DNA that determined her parts distribution. She proudly picked the brightest bottle of polish on the shelf. She sat perfectly still and enjoyed the massage chair and didn't mind one bit while someone labored over her feet. She didn't wiggle or squirm and sat very stoically through the entire procedure. The lady assigned this task was quite impressed by her behavior and added a very beautiful flower to her toes at no extra charge. She loved every minute of the fuss over her feet!
I noticed something too. While everyone was marveling over the beautiful young lady I had beside me, my feet were not the center of attention. The lady merely looked at me and I got the pitied head shake and tongue "tsk! tsk!" but I was not barraged by the normal group of oglers. I may take this wonderful distraction with me more often.
On my last visit for skin removal I took my dear daughter. She has her father's feet. For this I am eternally grateful to the little bits and pieces of DNA that determined her parts distribution. She proudly picked the brightest bottle of polish on the shelf. She sat perfectly still and enjoyed the massage chair and didn't mind one bit while someone labored over her feet. She didn't wiggle or squirm and sat very stoically through the entire procedure. The lady assigned this task was quite impressed by her behavior and added a very beautiful flower to her toes at no extra charge. She loved every minute of the fuss over her feet!
I noticed something too. While everyone was marveling over the beautiful young lady I had beside me, my feet were not the center of attention. The lady merely looked at me and I got the pitied head shake and tongue "tsk! tsk!" but I was not barraged by the normal group of oglers. I may take this wonderful distraction with me more often.
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