Mom Has Finally Gone Home...

My mom, Elizabeth Puha Hoopii, has finally gone home to be with Heavenly Father this afternoon. Well, being that it is now 12:15am. Monday morning, I guess it would've been yesterday afternoon.
I don't know exactly how she died, but I know for sure that it was complications due to her Alzheimer's disease. My dad says that it may have been pneumonia because she's had such a hard time clearing out her lungs. Whatever it was, it has been very hard on all of us.
I think being here on the mainland has helped a little bit to not be so emotional and overwhelmed with the whole situation, but it's the very little moments where it seems so quiet that I can't help but think about it and feel really sad, and find myself shedding a few tears. Then I look at my kids, and can't help but feel so grateful for the wonderful Plan of Salvation. In fact, earlier this evening, I mentioned to Joey how great it must be for "grandma" to finally see her dad again. Because my grandpa died so many years ago, when my mom was young, she grew up MOST of her life not having her dad IN her life. I can only imagine how great her reunion with her family must've been! She's now able to see her mom, dad, sister, and four of her brothers. And now she doesn't have to suffer anymore! If her personality is the same now as before she got Alzheimer's, they're all in for a real treat!!
I have many memories of my mom, some not so great, but there are many that will always be special to me...two very special memories that I'd like to share:

The first memory is when I was preparing for my mission. My mom was so very supportive and caring. It was a very unusual "caring" that I had not really experienced before, or maybe just not remembered. She took me wherever I needed to go, to shop for whatever I needed, but it was more than that...it was her knowledge and wisdom, knowing what things I may need as simple as a blanket, a portable iron, stuff like that. And maybe something you wouldn't think was a need, but it sure came in very handy on my mission...a small rice cooker. Then she flew to Maui with me one weekend so that I could visit my grandma before going on my mission. I thought that was very special! We went sight seeing, and visited family and relatives. We had such a nice time together, just she and I. The last part of this memory was when she escorted me through the temple to get my endowments for the first time. She was a temple ordinance worker at the time, in the Hawaii temple, so she knew all the ins and outs, but what was very neat was to see her dressed in white with her "salt and pepper" color hair. She truly looked like an angel! Her voice was very soft and kind, something very unusual because she was very loud and harsh, but her countenance was amazing! She was VERY patient with me, and that helped so much since everything was so overwhelming for me. She was amazing!! I knew then that I was so lucky to have her as a mom.

My second memory is when I was on my mission. I had left for the MTC in May 1989, so I had missed a few holidays, that I would normally spend with my family. My birthday came and went, Thanksgiving came and went, Christmas came and went, but Mother's day in 1990 came and I thought, as I sat in Sacrament meeting, "I don't know if I'll get through this day!!". I missed my mom so much!! This was the hardest time of my mission to be away from home, on this Mother's Day. I was so glad when I got home and was able to call her to wish her a Happy Mother's Day, and just talk to her and hear her voice again.

These are the memories that I will hold dear to my heart. Just as I mention "her voice", I think about the last time I heard her voice. It was when we went back home for their 50th Wedding Anniversary...she didn't talk very much then but when you played music on the guitar and ukulele, she remembered the song and would even sing the song. My mom loved singing, I'll always remember that, and to hear her sing some songs when she could barely remember us, was such a thrill for all of us. When I went back this last time, in June, she was not talking at all. Not sure exactly when she stopped saying anything, but now she's probably talking up a storm where she's at, and maybe even scolding everybody, too!
I will miss my mom so much!! There were a few times in my life when I questioned why I ended up with a mom like her, but I know there was, is, and will have great eternal purposes, which I am deeply grateful for. I will be eternally grateful to my mom who raised us all well. Many things I have learned from her, has helped me a great deal in my life. This day of her passing will be a date easy to remember being that it is the same day Pearl Harbor was attacked 67 years ago.
My prayers now will surely be with my dad. I know he's going through a very difficult time right now. I am just so grateful that my dad took such great care of her. I hope that he will find peace and comfort to be able to now go on with the rest of his earthly life, however long that will be and do things he has not been able to do for about the past four years, like go to the temple.
I LOVE YOU MOM! We all love you and will miss you! Thank you for being my mom!

Thanksgiving Weekend

My brother, Kauhi, and his family joined us again this year for Thanksgiving. They live in St. George, so it's nice to have some family close enough to be able to spend the holidays with. It was just our family and his so it was a small gathering but it was nice.

We had the traditional turkey meal, and Kauhi brought a ham so we had that also. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, mainly for the FOOD, and we had a pretty nice "spread" of food! Our turkey wasn't as big this year as it was last year, which I'm glad. We had leftovers last year, for days, and I think I ended up even having to throw food away, so this year our turkey was smaller, but it was just the perfect size.

Kauhi and his family stayed with us for a couple of nights, and on their last night, we went to see the Christmas lights at Ethel M's Chocolate Factory Desert Garden. It was a pretty nice night...it wasn't too cold, which was nice, considering it had rained for two days a couple days before. Of course, we had to stop in the factory to get some candy, just the free one they pass out to everyone. Santa Claus was available in the garden for whoever wanted their pictures taken with him, but my kids didn't want to. They seem to think they're too old to sit on Santa's lap, I guess. But Kauhi's kids did, and Santa gave them chocolates on their way out.

All in all, we had a nice Thanksgiving weekend. I look forward to another one next year...as always!

Happy 52nd Anniversary, Mom & Dad!!

Mom and her missionary companion, Amy Brown

Dad and his older brother, Edward (Uncle Eddie)

November 1997

November 2006

June 2008

This whole day, I wish to dedicate to my mom and dad....music and everything! Today is my mom and dad's 52ND Wedding Anniversary!

A little history about them:

My dad, Robert John Hoopii, was born Feb. 3, 1929 in Kalawao, Molokai, HI. to Alexander Welau Hoopii and Mary Keakealani Kawai. Because his mom and dad had the infectious leprosy disease, he was taken from his parents pretty much at birth and put in a foster home, and was basically raised all his childhood life in foster families.

My mom, Elizabeth Puha, was born Nov. 27, 1928 in Olowalu, Maui, HI. to Adam Moke Puha and Helen Alani Tungloong.

Both my mom and dad were converts to the church. My mom, at a young age, along with some of her family members were taught by the missionaries, one by the name of Elder Sperry, while living in Olowalu. They were baptized, then a few years later, the rest of her siblings joined the church. My mom, along with her parents and maybe one or two other siblings stayed active in the church from then on. She even had the opportunity to serve a full-time mission in Japan. My dad on the other hand did not join the church until his adult life. Let me explain...

When they met?? This is the story I always remember. My dad's brother, Eddie, and my mom's cousin, Maria, were married. What a coincidence...brother and cousin. Anyway, my mom and dad were introduced and I think it was love at first sight for my dad. He was always a hard worker, worked hard even as a young boy, stayed at a job for a long time, learned quite well what hard work was all about. But he also had a talent for singing, and with the friends he had from work, working for the City and County of Honolulu, they liked to get together on weekends and drink, sing, and party. My mom was also a hard worker. She was a nurse living in Honolulu at the time. That's pretty much all she did...work and go to church probably. Since most of her family were on Maui, she would often visit her cousin, Maria, and for some reason...heeheehee, my dad was always there. My dad tried his hardest to win her over but she was a stubborn one and would always give him the cold shoulder. My mom was not attracted to my dad at all. Oh, my dad was also a boxer so sometimes he would get hurt and swollen from fights so my mom didn't think he was the greatest looking guy. But my dad, with his persistence and smooth ways, got my mom to go on a date with him. My dad worked real hard to get my mom to like him, and after a while he wooed her and won her over. He wanted to marry my mom, and my mom said that the only way she would marry him was if he joined the church. Guess what?? My dad loved her so much that he was willing to give up his vices. He met with the missionaries, got baptized, and about a week later, they were married...52 years ago...and the rest is history.

Since then, they've had six children...Robert "Lopaka" John Jr., Leila Uilani Moa, Taylor Halamapuana, Me - Luana Ululani Taukinukufili, Kaiana Kyle, and Kauhi Kell. For the most part, I think we've turned out pretty good. We've each had the opportunity to serve full-time missions. We also, now in our adult lives have been blessed to have our own families. We're not perfect but we try real hard...we've been reared well in the gospel, to know that even when we fall, we can pick ourselves up, and get back on track. What great knowledge we have of the gospel.

I am so grateful for the missionaries that found my mom's family! I hope to one day meet them and thank them. I'm grateful that my dad had the courage and strength to trust and have faith that his life would turn out so much better, not only to marry my mom, but to accept the gospel in his life. I know for sure that he knows that! And I'm grateful for the faith and obedience of my parents and their unwavering testimony of the true gospel on this earth. I will always be grateful to my dad, for his great example as a man who always honored his priesthood, and was never ashamed to share it with us, and for my mom who was always there by his side. I'll always remember my dad's persistence of waking us up at 2:00 am., each morning before he had to go to work, to have family prayer, and never letting us go to bed at night without having family prayer. I'll always remember scripture reading nights, family home evening nights, Sunday evening "singing" nights since we weren't allowed to watch t.v. on Sundays. It sure helped us get familiar with all the songs in the hymn book, let me tell you. I'll always remember priesthood blessings when we were sick, and blessings when we started a new year of school. I'll also remember blessings at times when we just needed them. I'll always remember my mom and dad staying after church once a month for their temple meetings. Then going to the temple almost every week. I'll always remember my mom and dad going to the temple as ordinance workers each week when they lived in Utah. I'll always remember helping my dad at the Bishop's Storehouse each week on Tuesday and Thursday, since he was the storehouse keeper. I'll always remember family outings at Ala Moana Beach Park or Magic Island, when my dad would run over to the park right after work and save us the best spot! Then having barbecues and spending the whole day at the beach. I'll always remember my dad being home from work, even before we'd leave for school. He did that for most of my life, so he was also Mr. Mom to me, alongside my mom who didn't have to work outside the home because my dad worked so hard to make it be. I'll always remember our yearly vacations to Maui to visit and help my grandma. I'll always remember the many times we were asked to sing at birthday parties, weddings, luaus, graduation parties, get-togethers, missionary farewells, missionary homecomings, sacrament meetings, funerals, firesides, Christmas parties. Wow...we did a lot of singing! We had a motto in our family.... "A family that sings together, stays together!"...I think it still pertains to us to this day. I'll always remember my dad's wonderful falsetto voice and my mom's beautiful alto voice. Thanks to them...it's where we've gotten our talent for music and singing in harmony. And last but certainly not least, my dad's two favorite scriptures...I think he and my mom shared the same favorite scriptures, and he would often quote it to us by heart: Proverbs 3: 5 & 6 - "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 22: 6 - "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he shall not depart from it."

My mom and dad have truly lived these scriptures. What great examples!!

And now, in their "seasoned" lives, as they continue on their journey, my only hope and prayer is that my dad will get to enjoy my mom for as long as she will be with us. A few years ago, my mom was stricken with the dreadful Alzheimer's disease. It's been hard on me, as well I'm sure as the rest of my family. But it hasn't stopped my dad's loyalty and love to and for her. He has sacrificed so much in his life to dedicate his time and physical abilities, in his old age, to take care of her. She is bed-ridden now, so he takes care of her as she is now unable to take care of herself. But I'm sure his testimony of and love for the gospel and Savior goes on strong. Thank goodness for the knowledge we have that this life is only temporary, and that families can be together forever!

I, Luana Ululani Hoopii Taukinukufili, have "truly" been born of goodly parents. I am so grateful to my mom and dad for all that they have taught me, for their strength, wisdom, and love for me throughout the years, and for their love and concern for me and my family today. I'm grateful for the clear examples that they have set for me, and hope I can be at least half as strong and faithful a parent as they have been to me. I am thankful for their faith in the gospel, and deep-rooted testimonies that have constantly strengthened mine. I have been blessed in my life to have them as parents. I have also been blessed to have experienced life from and with them and I wouldn't ask for anything different.

I LOVE YOU, MOM & DAD!! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

You Asked For It!

Okay, as much as this grosses me out, I'm still going to show you what it looks like, since some of you asked to see it. This is Bryce's injury that just about cut off his fingertip. He's such a trooper, I tell you. So strong and brave! I thought I could handle it, but I....CAN'T!!

Can You Say...ACCIDENT PRONE?

In the last three weeks, Bryce has had to go to the emergency room two times. Two times in three weeks...is that normal? I don't think so.

Anyway, both accidents happened at work, and the first one was the day before Halloween. He was cleaning up some debris, and as he tried to push down some trash that was in a big cardboard box, there was a piece of sheet metal in the box and it cut his right wrist. He said it was deep enough where he could see the tendons move as he moved his fingers. He had to get five stitches in his wrist. Of course, I cannot stand the sight of blood or stitches. I can't even hear about it, so I probably seemed very insensitive and not comforting at all. I was most worried about this injury because it happened the day we went to Salt Lake City to help the Schroeders get their shower in, and I didn't know how Bryce was going to do all of it, but he did. He said that he actually didn't feel any pain as soon as it happened, I guess because the sheet metal was so sharp.

The second accident happened about a week ago. It was something like, they were putting a big huge pipe up on the ceiling and it wasn't secured very well. One side of the pipe fell and he tried to catch it but instead, because of the weight of it, it pushed his hand up against the wall, cutting the fingertip of his right middle finger almost off, and basically smashing two other fingers. This injury hurt more. I think what saved his fingertip from coming all the way off was his glove. I'm sure if he didn't have his glove, it would've definitely cut off his finger tip.

His injuries are looking so much better now. He already got his stitches out from his wrist, but I think the stitches in his fingertip will just dissolve or something. YUK!! It grosses me out just thinking about it. I still haven't been able to look at it. I feel so bad that I can't be more sensitive to Bryce's injuries.

I hope these are all the injuries he gets, at least for a long while. I'm sure his company feels the same. My poor husband! Who would've thought plumbing work would be so dangerous?

Creativity In My Blood

Sr. Primary, Silver Springs Ward














Jr. Primary, Silver Springs Ward

This past Sunday, I finally discovered that I actually AM creative after all!

For the last three Sundays, in singing time, we've been working on two Christmas songs from the Primary Children's songbook, "The Shepherd's Carol" & "Who Is the Child?".

I have to admit...I've adopted some ways of teaching music from my mom, when she taught the music in Primary many years ago. No complaints here, though. The kids may complain, but the outcome is always good when I get compliments from the parents. I teach the same ways to my own kids, so I guess it's been like this for a long time. Because I'm not creative with my hands, a lot of my teaching of songs are by "rote", which means that we sing a line or two over and over again until the kids sing it right. I'm a very "technical teacher" when it comes to music and singing. It's very important for me that the kids sing the right note, and if they don't, I have them sing it again and again until they get it right. I'll throw in a game or two, here and there, but like I said, it's mostly by rote.

Now it's not so much coming up with the IDEA of "dressing up". I've heard about that idea many times. It's mostly having the creativity to put the costumes together. I think that's why I don't like Halloween and coming up with costumes for the kids. Creative ideas, a lot of times, can be in my head...I can think of things to do and picture it in my mind how it would look like, but actually putting it together using my hands can be really hard for me.

Well, this past Sunday I think it was a shock for everyone because I decided to put together some costumes so the kids could dress up as characters in the songs, like a "Nativity" scene. I think I even shocked myself. Saturday, while trying to get and put everything together, I still had no idea how it would all turn out. But I'd have to say, it turned out great!! I was pretty proud of myself, and the neatest part of it all was actually feeling the spirit as I saw the kids IN their costumes. I had goosebumps and my eyes welled up with tears. I had a great time, and I think the kids did, too, because they were saying how they wanted to do it again! I just wished we had more time so we could get the rest of the kids to dress up as well.

At least I'll have some "nativity" costumes on hand, whenever needed. I'm not one to hold on to things and pack things away. I'll get rid of things as quick as I get 'em if I think it'll take up more space for me, but these costumes are definitely keepers!

Happy Anniversary, Honey!! A Stroll Down Memory Lane...

Our first memories.....




Last night, as I was telling the girls that the next day was their mom and dad's 15th wedding anniversary, it brought up a thought in Sierra's mind. Sierra is a very sensitive, kind, and forgiving person. She's also a very deep thinker. Simple but deep...is that possible? All these things have become much more apparent to me as she's gotten older. Anyway, she made a comment to Cheyenne that made me think how lucky and grateful I am for this whole union between Bryce and I. This is what she said..."Cheyenne, do you know that if mom and dad never got married...we wouldn't exist??". My jaw dropped and it really opened my eyes to think that her thought is SO true!! It made me sad to think that if we never met, fell in love, and got married...we wouldn't have the beautiful kids we have!
So now as I go "down memory lane", it takes me back a little over 15 years ago......First of all, I had been back from my mission about a year. I had moved to Utah from Hawaii in the summer of 1991, and lived with my sister, Leila, and her family which was only her husband, Sonny, and her first child, Matthew, who at the time was about 10 months old. Matthew was "the apple of my eye"! He pretty much was the reason I moved to Utah. And then of course, it felt right to be in Utah.
I got a job as a teller at Bank of Utah sometime in 1992. I didn't do very much outside of work. I hung out with some friends, from my mission, on weekends. I had been on a few dates here and there but none at all serious (I'm so glad!). But I mostly hung out with a great friend, Luisa Pope. She and her family lived just a couple houses up from Leila. She had five little kids, and I'd always be there, helping her out and whatever. They were a Tongan family, and one of a very few "Polynesian" people I knew. We became very close. In fact, we confused the ward members a lot...I guess because Luisa and I hung out most of the time, they thought I was Luisa's sister instead of Leila's sister. I was just glad to be acquainted with other Poly's. At work, everytime a "Poly" walked in, I'd get so excited! Finally, people I could relate to in some way! Sometimes I'd talk to them, but I would mostly acknowledge them, and they would seem to have the same reaction towards me, which was nice.
One day while at work, in February 1993, I was at my teller station, and I noticed a Polynesian man walk in. We weren't busy at the time, and I don't think I was helping a customer, but I looked over and acknowledged him. I smiled and he smiled back. I saw him sit at the New Accounts desk so I assumed he was opening an account. A little while later, he came up to my teller station. He introduced himself as Saia, said that he lived a couple blocks away, that he had a construction business, and wanted to open a business account at the bank. If I can remember right, I think he asked if I was Samoan. I told him no, that I was Hawaiian, and he told me he was Tongan. We talked a little bit about Hawaii because he said he had lived there before. He seemed like a real nice man...I didn't feel afraid at all. Slowly, other customers started to come in, but there were other tellers that could help them so Saia and I continued to talk. Then came the more serious questions...Saia asked if I was LDS. I told him yes. He asked what ward I went to and I told him that I was going to a singles ward. Then he asked that ever uncomfortable question, "Do you have a boyfriend?". I told him no. So now here goes...he said he had a son that just got back from a mission a year before, and that I should meet him. "Oh no!" was my thought. He continued to say that maybe he and his son would be interested in coming to the singles ward. I thought, "whatever" and gave him the directions to and information of the ward. I told him that I had gone on a mission, too, and he said that it was perfect, that I should for sure meet his son. I was very hesistant, but I said, "Why don't you bring him in so I can meet him. He said, very excitedly, "Okay!". Two days later, Saia walked in to the bank, and a few steps behind him comes walking this very handsome guy with the most beautiful eyes! Saia introduced his son, Bryce, to me. Bryce stuck his hand out to shake mine and I couldn't help but notice the biggest forearms I had ever seen on a guy!! WOW!! What a hunk!! In my mind, I thought, "Okay, I could do this!!" heeheehee I think for me, it was love at first sight! In fact, my co-worker, Megan, said "Hey, if you don't want 'em, I'll take 'em!" I said, "No, it's okay. I'll take 'em!". The rest is history...or maybe not.
It was now about May 1993. Bryce and I were dating and stuff, but nothing serious. It was more like friends. We'd also go out with a bunch of my friends. But I could never figure Bryce out...if he liked me, or if he just liked the company. I was getting frustrated because I was liking him a lot, and could even see myself marrying him, but of course I was older than him. At that time I was 25, three months shy of 26. I was ready to settle down and get married, but Bryce was only 22, very young, and I don't think he was ready to settle down. I talked to Luisa many, many times about this whole situation with Bryce, but felt helpless. I finally decided that I was going to move back home to Hawaii. It felt good, and I thought that maybe the reason why I wasn't finding anyone to marry was because I was in the wrong place, that maybe my future husband was in Hawaii. So that was it...I was going to move back home. Luisa and I were sad about the decision...I didn't want to leave such a dear friend, and I also didn't want to leave my sister or Matthew. I was torn, but what do I do! Then one night in early June, Bryce and I went on a date. He took me up to, gosh what do they call that place, the hill overlooking Salt Lake City, up by the state capital. Can't remember what it's called. We talked, and talked for a long time. Then all of a sudden, out of the blue, Bryce asked me to marry him. I was shocked!! I wasn't even expecting it, but I was so happy! I, of course, said yes! He didn't have a ring for me, which was perfectly fine. We were both poor anyway. I was just happy he proposed to me. That night after our date, I had to tell Luisa the good news so instead of going home, I went over to her house. She seemed happy for me, but in an unusual way. Then she told me that she KNEW he was going to propose. I was confused. She explained to me that she had told Bryce of my plans to move back to Hawaii. Bryce wasn't very happy about it, so she said, "Bryce, if you want Luana to stay, the ONLY way she'll stay is if you ask her to marry you. I promise you, that is the only way she'll stay, but I know she'll say YES.". And it WAS!! Now the rest is history!!
Bryce and I had talked about it later...the morning after he proposed to me, he woke up thinking, "What did I do?", "What am I getting myself into?". I felt kinda bad for him because I know he was young and wasn't quite sure if he was ready to settle down. But I was so sure, and now I'm just glad he took that great big leap of adulthood and responsibility. Now look at us...15 years later. Oh, of course, we've had some rocky times. We've had our ups and downs, more ups than downs. But we've hung in there, and we keep working things through. I have to always remember and be grateful for all the UPS! We're happy and we have such a wonderful family! I love them so much!! I don't know what I'd do without each one of them. Like Sierra said, "if mom and dad never got married, we wouldn't exist", and OOHHH is she right!! To my husband, Bryce...I love you so much!! Thank you, thank you, thank you for all your hard work all these years, to provide for our family, for your constant willingness to serve others, and for the joy and happiness you've brought to my life! I love you, honey! Happy Anniversary!

Working on the Schroeder's Shower

Weekend of Fun at the Schroeder's

Me, Max, & Cheyenne

Kristi & Cheyenne's feet

Vaughn & Sierra playing in the leaves

Cheyenne

Sierra

Cheyenne

Sierra & Cheyenne having fun

Halloween Weekend with the Schroeders

Last week Thursday, we packed up and drove up to West Valley City to spend some time with the Schroeders. Unfortunately, Gary's mom's health is getting worse so she'll be moving in with them in a couple of weeks. Since they have a tub in their bathroom, they felt that it would be too difficult for "grandma Schroeder" to climb in to, so they thought that putting in a shower would be easier for her. Because of Bryce's expertise in plumbing, he offered to help them, and since it was Halloween weekend, it worked out perfect for the kids to trick-or-treat in their old hometown. The initial plan for the shower was to put in a shower surround but because no one had it available right then, Bryce suggested to do tile instead, and I think that worked out even better.We had such a great time with the Schroeders! Although we had to forego taking showers for a couple of days while Bryce worked on their bathroom, it still turned out well! Yeah, maybe we were stinky, but it didn't seem to bother any of us...a little spray of perfume worked! Wow, if I could do that and not worry about taking a shower for a couple of days, I could probably go camping and survive fine. Okay, NOT!! hahahaIt was amazing how the whole weekend worked out! It was truly a blessing for all of us!! First of all, I was so worried that it would be cold and miserable for the kids to go trick-or-treating, but actually it was beautiful. The temperature was nice throughout the whole time we were there, and the night of Halloween was great! The wind was blowing, but it wasn't cold at all! It was really nice! The weather during the daytime was perfect for Bryce and Gary to work. They had to cut the tiles outside, but the weather was beautiful for just that...the sun was out and the wind wasn't blowing very much. It was nice and cool.As far as the sleeping conditions, there was a lot more room in their house for everyone than I thought there would be. Kristi was nice enough to let Bryce & I sleep in her room. We would've been fine sleeping on the floor. That's where Bryce slept anyway, because he was so dirty. The girls and Kristi slept in Grandma Schroeder's room, which was Robbie's old room. And the boys slept with Robbie in his room, which was Kati's old room downstairs. Friday night, Staci and Max were over for Halloween, and they ended up sleeping over, too. Everything just worked out great!Saturday night, Bryce got all the tiles put in. He had to let it set overnight. Then Sunday morning, I finally got to take a shower. Oh, it was so nice!! The shower looked great! Even Gary and LuAnn took showers. I think Bryce ended up taking a shower Saturday night. He said he had to bless it by taking the first shower or something. Whatever!! Anyway, after everyone took their showers, Bryce waited for a little while to let it all dry, then he grouted it. It looked so good...I was so glad it was all done. I was most worried that Bryce wouldn't have enough time to finish it, but he did. Of course, Gary helped out so much because he helped Bryce take off all the old tile from the wall, and then they had to break out the cast iron tub, and finally Gary did all the cutting on the tile, and Bryce just had to set it in. Wow, what a great job they both did!!Finally, Sunday afternoon we left. I wished we could've stayed longer. Too bad Bryce had to be back to work on Monday...I think we would've stayed longer. Well, in any case, we had a nice weekend, and a great time with the Schroeders. I guess we'll just have to do it again!

I've Been TAGGED!! "Where Were You?"

LuAnn is playing a game of "tag", so I'm it!! Now I am to tell "where I've been", "where I am", and "where I will be". So here goes:

• 20 years ago - October 1988 - Wow!! Do I even remember that long ago?? I was living in my homeland, Hawaii, with my family. I was 21, working for a travel agency in Waikiki as an accounting clerk. I had a boyfriend named Pat. By then we had been dating for about 2 1/2 years. I may have been contemplating going on a mission around that time. I was the Mia Maid Advisor in Kalihi Ward. That's all I can remember about 20 years ago.

• 10 years ago - October 1998 - I was 31. Bryce and I had been married for almost 5 years. We built our very first home in West Valley City, and had been in the house for a year. Joey was 3, Vaughn was 6 months old, and I was about 2 months pregnant with Sierra, and sicker than a dog! Can you believe it?? Yes, Vaughn and Sierra are 13 months apart.

• 5 years ago - October 2003 - I was 36. Bryce and I married almost 10 years. We were still living in our house in West Valley City, but in the basement. We were renting out the upstairs floor. Bryce still had his plumbing business. I was working as a teller for Cyprus Credit Union. Joey was 8, in third grade, and Vaughn was 5, in Kindergarten, both at West Valley Elementary School. Sierra was 4, and Cheyenne was 2.

• 3 years ago - October 2005 - I was 38, now living in Las Vegas for about 1 1/2 years. Bryce was working for a plumbing company out of Pleasant Grove, Utah, called U.S. Mechanical, doing the plumbing on brand new schools. Joey was 10, in fifth grade, Vaughn was 7, in second grade, and Sierra was 6, in first grade, all at Hal Smith Elementary School. Cheyenne was 4, and home with me and I loved it!! We had so much fun together, just the two of us. We lived in a 2-bedroom trailer, but we made it work. It was okay actually...nice and cozy.

• 1 year ago - October 2007 - I was 40. We had bought a house in Henderson, Nevada . We had been living in the house for about 4 months. Bryce was still working for U.S. Mechanical, still doing plumbing on brand new schools. So many new schools were being built this year. Joey was 12, now a Deacon, and in seventh grade at Greenspun Junior High. Vaughn was 9, in fourth grade, Sierra was 8, in third grade, and Cheyenne was 6, in first grade...all at Gibson Elementary School. I'm sure I was volunteering in Cheyenne's class. Bryce was called as the Scoutmaster over the 12-13 year old boys, and I was serving as the Primary Music Leader and probably relieved to get the Sacrament Meeting program done. I think I was teaching the Primary kids "The Twelve Days of Christmas" in Hawaiian with hand motions, for our Ward Christmas Party in December.

• This year - October 2008 - I turned 41 in August. Bryce & I will be married 15 years next month, Nov. 6th. Still living in Henderson. Bryce is still working for U.S. Mechanical doing plumbing on a new visitors center out at Red Rock. He continues to serve as the Scoutmaster over the 12-13 year old boys, and they've gone on a lot of campouts...some a week long, but mostly overnighters. Joey is now 13, in eighth grade at Greenspun...his last year. This is his third year playing the flute, but this year he's in Symphonic Band which they have more concerts and performances, will be wearing a tuxedo as their uniform, just played in his first parade for the Green Valley High School homecoming, and has improved greatly in his flute playing compared to last year. Lately he's been wanting to learn to play the drums. He is now the President of the Deacons quorum. Vaughn is 10, in fifth grade, his last year in Elementary school. He is in G.A.T.E., and is also a Safety Patrol Leader for the school. He is a Webelos in the scouting program. Sierra is 9, in fourth grade. She attends Achievement Day Activities each month and loves it, and is working really hard on her "Faith in God" book. Cheyenne is 7, in second grade. She's doing pretty well in school, she loves it, and she's really liking her teacher, Mrs. Carter, who fortunately is LDS and sings in Gladys Knights choir. They still attend Gibson Elementary. I'm still hard at work with the kids, family, and home. I'm volunteering at the school in Cheyenne's class each week. I'm still the Primary Music Leader in our ward and we had our Sacrament Meeting Program in September. It went really well, the kids did a great job, and now we are working on Christmas songs. I'll also be teaching the kids other fun Christmas songs to get ready for our Ward Christmas Party. The Primary kids always get to perform at the party and I thought it would be fun to do songs other than the ones in the Primary book. The ward members really enjoyed "The Twelve Days of Christmas" last year. This year we'll be doing "C.H.R.I.S.T.M.A.S.", and maybe I'll stick in "Mele Kalikimaka" and teach some girls the hula for that. I think they'll really enjoy it.

• Yesterday - October 24, 2008 - It was a relaxing day for me, although there were a ton of things I could've done. After getting the kids ready and to school, I was on the computer chatting with my sister and sister-in-law, Danielle, on Facebook. Bryce had the day off from work, but he had some things to do to get ready for their scout overnight campout. After the kids were home from school, Joey and Bryce were busy packing up for camp and the younger kids and I went to a Primary activity. It was their "Cookie Party", which basically means that at the beginning of the year, the Primary President, Janelle Evans, challenged the kids that if they learned and memorized their songs and did a good job with it, they got a cookie. She made an oven and everytime the kids passed off a song, they'd put the cookie in the oven. Yesterday they celebrated their job well done of the songs and program, also did special recognitions for the kids who memorized all the Articles of Faith. I was very proud of Vaughn, Sierra, and Cheyenne for memorizing all the Articles of Faith. Bryce and Joey went on their campout and the younger kids and I went over to the Herbert's for a few hours, then we came home and went to bed. Other than Bryce getting into a fender bender in the afternoon (it wasn't his fault, someone ran into him), he's really okay, and everything was great.

• Today - October 25, 2008 - We're getting a slow start, mainly because I'm not feeling very good, but I've already taken a shower and that always makes me feel better. Bryce & Joey still aren't home from camp, the other kids are cleaning their rooms, and I'm obviously on the blog. I was talking to my sister-in-law, Barbie, earlier. She is having a YW Personal Progress party this afternoon, a "Hawaii" theme and she wanted to know some words in Hawaiian (directions like left - hema, right - akau, forward or upward - i luna, and back - i hope). I think they'll be going through a maze blindfolded and the girl leading will have to give the directions in Hawaiian. That should be interesting just to hear the girls fumble through the pronunciation. She also wanted to know words in Hawaiian as names she could give to each girl. Very simple names like "hoku" - star, "mahina" - moon, "lani" - heaven, "pua" - flower...just simple like that. I wished I could be there so I could help her with the activity. What are we doing today? I need to go grocery shopping later, but first I'll need to get some clothes washed and folded, and the kid's bathroom cleaned. There's always things to do. Maybe Bryce & I will get our voting done at the mall. Oh, and I definitely have to prepare some last minute things for primary tomorrow.

• Tomorrow - Sunday, October 26, 2008 - We'll be going to church for sure. I don't think Bryce will have to teach a lesson. Joey will be passing the sacrament. I'll be teaching the primary kids "The Shepherd's Carol" and "Who Is The Child?" Really nothing out of the ordinary of a Sunday. I'll be going to Choir practice after church...we're going to be learning Christmas songs. That's about all I know so far.

• Next Year - October 2009 - Well, let's see...Hopefully there will still be a demand in the construction business and Bryce will still have a job. I'm hoping he'll have another calling instead of being the Scoutmaster. Joey will be 14, almost 15...WOW!! He'll be in ninth grade at Green Valley High School (that's if we're still living here). Vaughn will be 11 and in sixth grade at Greenspun Jr. High, and I'm sure he'll have all accelerated classes. Yeah!! I hope he'll be taller. Sierra will be 10, and in fifth grade, her last year in elementary school. And Cheyenne will be 8, so she'll be baptized by next year. She'll be in third grade, and I hope she'll do a lot better in school. I of course will be a hundred pounds lighter!! Uh huh, right!! But I hope to be lighter, whatever it may be! And I'll be a year older...42!! WHOA!!! I hope to still have my Primary music calling because I love it!! I hope my mom will still be alive. I hope my dad will still be alive. I hope we'll be debt free, and have our food storage well filled. I think my nephew, Matthew, will be leaving for his mission around this time. Maybe he'll come to Vegas to go to the temple since the Hawaii temple will be under renovation. I may be going to Provo to take him to the MTC, along with his family I'm sure. I'll be crying like a baby, his mom says...probably worse than her! That's all I can think of.

Okay, now I have to tag someone...so I am tagging...my sisters-in-law, Danielle & Barbie, Todd Larson, and Christine Kuia. You all are IT!! It's actually fun, you'll see!!

Labor Day Weekend with the Schroeder's

At "The Fremont Street Experience".

Out at Red Rock.

Packing up.

Before the Schroeders leave for home.

LuAnn, Kristi, and Kati came to Vegas to visit us over the Labor Day Weekend. It was so nice, as always, to have them spend time with us. The kids always get excited when they come. This was the first time Kati has been here since we moved into our house. The nice thing about having the Schroeders come is that they really enjoy playing with the kids...they don't feel the need to go anywhere. They're just happy being at home and hanging out. I had a 300 piece puzzle that I was trying to put together, so they all helped me with it, which was really fun for me. Of course, we had to go see the water fountains at the Bellagio one night. And before going to the Bellagio, we took them to "The Fremont Street Experience". It was pretty fun, but we always have fun at the water fountain show. The day they left, which was Labor Day, Bryce took us out to Red Rock. Bryce works out there now, at the Visitors Center, but it was the first time for the rest of us to see Red Rock. Bryce really likes it out there...it reminds him a little of Bryce Canyon, where he grew up. It was real pretty. You wouldn't think you'd see a place like that out here in the desert. There were a lot of people hiking, but the Schroeder's didn't have a whole lot of time since they had to head back home so we just went for a little while, got out to take pictures, but it was a real nice, relaxing drive. The boys didn't go with us this time, but I think they would really enjoy it out there one of these days, maybe for a hike. I'm glad the Schroeders came. We'll have to somehow get Gary to come one of these days. I think he'll like it, at least to get away from home, and see the kids. He's "daddy Gary" to the kids. That's what the kids called him when we lived in West Valley City and the Schroeders babysat for us. They are such special friends!