Our Church

Every time we visit Kauai we make sure we spend a day on the north side of the island. We go to beaches, drive around go through shops eat and visit the church we were married in.
We love this church. We take pictures in the same places to document the growing or our family and how big the girls get. We love it so much. The girls really like it too, Kelsey had so many questions; like who was the flower girl, why wasn't she the flower girl, who walked you down the red carpet, where did you stand. All of these were followed by Shelby; I was there, I was the flower girl, I walked mommy down the red carpet and I stood over there.
It was really funny. And of course I had to get a few cemetery shots.





These last photo was when we were here in 2006 of the girls and I and Stephen with the girls.

Fun in the Kauai Sun

Ok, so am I done with the sun yet nope..and from what I hear I will be getting more sun when I get home. That's ok with me.
Another fun couple of days, we visited two beaches yesterday. We snorkeled and played Frisbee and had a fabulous time at Lydgate State Park. I actually snorkeled. I haven't in almost 7 years. It was fun, and the only reason I did it was because we were in a protective cove and there were no turtles or crazy looking sea life. I am a wimp and I don't care.
Then we went to another beach that we have to hike down a cliff too. It is an amazing beach you can't swim there because the current is so rough even on a calm day. We didn't stay long because it turns out it was a nudist beach. And trying to explain that one to Kelsey was hard. Plus, we didn't want to see some of the things that were just "hanging out".

Poipu Kauai

Aloha!
We are having such a great time here in Kauai, the weather is beautiful, the last two days have been really windy with a little ok a lot of rain, but we still managed to get a lot of sun on our pale white bodies!

We see whales every morning and afternoon, from our lanai. Yesterday Stephen and the girls and I moved to our own room. We were staying with my Sister and Brother in law for the first 4 days. It would seem that it would have been crowded or inconvenient but it was so far the best 4 days.

Our new room has a great view and is a bit larger. which is nice for the kids.
Here are some pics that I have taken. I am finding that I am living more in the moment and not taking to many pictures. But that will change today.
I miss all my Green Tangerines friends.....

Since I totally copied on post from a friend....and I lack any thoughts of my own for my own blog I am stealing this one too, from a different friend... Kinsey

100 things

as the title says...the list is of 100 life experiences, i think you are supposed to bold what you've done.

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band does High School band Count?
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Held a praying mantis
9. Climbed a mountain
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill...I know shocking, but Karma bits hard.
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied..money really doesn't make you happy or satisfied.
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo's David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in personI was two, but it totally counts
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone's life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100.Read an entire book in one day

There are a lot of things that I have done, but even more surprising some of the things that I haven't done, well I feel like I should and that I might be interested in pursuing. Interesting list.
Try one yourself.

Goodby 2008...hello 2009!

This is going to be my year! I think my universe gives me good years in odd numbers, so I am really excited for this one.
I am stealing this idea from my friend Raimi . So here goes.
1.What did you do in 2008 that you have never done before? Had surgery twice in three months. Yikes, that was not fun. First the Grumpy Gallbladder then the Pesky Hernia! I think I am done for at least my life time.

2. Did you keep your 2008 New Year's resolutions and will you make more for 2009? I am going to have to research that one. But since I still have 50lbs to loose I am going to take a guess and say no! So this year will be not to take my health and body for granted and treat it the right way.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth in 2008? A couple of cousins had babies this year, my niece turned one -- so that counts kind of.

4. Did anyone close to you die in 2008? Yes, my in-laws dog Kona, she was a wonderful dog.

5. What countries did you visit this year? Well, I think I am going to change this one. I didn't travel to any other countries this year, but I did travel to other counties! I guess that isn't the same.

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008? More time with Stephen, with both of us working and his overtime, we may see each other once a week, for more than 4 hours.

7. What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? I would have to say election night. The speeches were wonderful, and the mood was up lifting. Regardless of how the outcome came out, it was a powerful night and one that will remain special to me.

8. What was your biggest achievement this year? This one is hard, I would have to say, getting Kelsey to school on time. Last year was tough, so I am really proud of us that we didn't have one intentional tardy.

9. What was your biggest struggle this year? Probably my body image. I have struggled with it my whole adult life, but this year was the hardest. With two surgeries,there was really nothing I could do for a while. So I plan on 2009, not to struggle with acceptance. I am sure it is a much more peaceful place.

10. Did you suffer any illness or injury in 2008? Oh did I. First the Grumpy Gallbladder and all the pain full attacks and then the surgery, then to Boob issue which is resolved and we are just waiting for the next mamo and us in March to make sure everything is as it should be (2009 is my year so it should be fine). And then the Hernia, I have had my share of injury and illness and I am looking for a healthier year.

11. What was the best thing you bought this year? Our new truck! We love it and Stephen loves it. This probably wasn't the best year to buy a new truck, but since his old truck was diesel and it died, we had no other choice.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration? Can I say mine? The children were very whinny this year and it was not pretty.

13. Whose behavior disappointed you? that's a hard one.

14. Where did most of your money go? Bills, and hobbies, with my scrapbooking and Stephen's fishing and hunting we have very expensive hobbies. But we are extremely lucky that we are able to splurge on the things that keep us sane.

15. What did you get really really excited about this year? Stephen and I went on a little vacation away by ourselves to a little fishing cabin up in norther ca. Just the two of us doing what we both love. Me scrapbooking and Stephen flyfishing a few days just us being us. It was fantastic.
Also, watching Kelsey learn to read it is so amazing to see her learning and processing. We can't keep the books our of her hands it's so great.

16. What song will always remind you of 2008? The twilight soundtrack.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: much happier, much nicer or richer? All of the above, richer not in the monetary sense but in love, family and friends.


18. What do you wish you had done more of? Exercised.

19. What do you wish you had done less of? Surgery.

20. Did you fall in love this year? Yes, with Edward Cullen!

21. What was your favorite TV Program in 2008?Grey's Anatomy AGAIN, and the Biggest looser, how could you not just love this show. All it does is give people a chance at a better life.
Oh and the Office, and Kath and Kim, I know a little tacky but I do love tacky!

22. What was the best book you read this year? The Twilight Series.

23. What was your greatest musical discovery this past year?Muse and Linkin Park, totally random and not me, but a day does not go by that I don't listen to both of them.

24. What did you want and get this year? A Camera, and great report from Kelsey's teacher and time with my family.

25. What was the best movie you saw this year? Well, since I hardly ever see a movie, at home or in the theatre, I will have to say Twilight! I know there is an addiction there.

26. What did you do on your birthday and how old did you turn? My hubby gave me a party, with friends and swimming a little cake and some nice wine! I turned 32 and cried most of the day, I did not want to be 32, I think it just was a premonitions of what the year would be. If I could I would skip it and be 33. it's the odd years I am telling ya!

27. What would have made your your year more satisfying? Organization! Acceptance.

28. How would you describe your personal fashion statement this year? I am a jeans and tshirt girl. Have always been and will always be.


29. What kept you sane this year? scrapbooking and chakra therapy.


30. What celebrity did you fancy the most?oh, not so much a celebrity but a character. Edward Culllen.

31. Who did you miss this past year? Friends that I lost track of, things get busy and one thing leads to another and then you realize you haven't spoken in 6 months. That weighs heavy on my heart.

33. Who were the best new people you met this year? I met a lot of new people. Some ladies I met at Green Tangerines would have to be on the top of my list! And old friends that I was able to get in touch with via Facebook, girls that I grew up with and haven't seen or talked with in over 12 years.

34. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned this year:You are your own happiness. And not to take your body or mind for granted.