Happy Hearts Day

      

I just love the holidays.  I love to make them special.  My husband laughs, in awe, because he says this is a whole new world to him.  I stayed up late cutting and hanging up hearts in all different colors and sizes.  Then I woke up early to make the pancakes, hot pink ones of course.  I cut out a bunch of hearts and put the kids initials on one side and a coupon on the other side then hid them around the house.  They went on a scavenger hunt to look for the ones with their initials.  I was excited to wake the kids up for their valentines suprise, but when I woke them up it was more like a valentines nightmare.  Since church is already at 8:00 am, I had to wake them pretty early.  Once Malia and Shalye got what was going on they were pretty excited, but from Tevita all I got was a "DESTROY VALENTINES DAY" in a deep, loud growl. Then I just about destroyed him til he made my lei into a heart shape and told me how much he loved me. 

much ado about nothing....

Today started out with a 4:30 a.m. phone call from my dear friend Holli-Aynn to tell me to prepare because Hawaii is under a tsumani warning.  I hung up, eyes barely open, and turned on the TV.  There was Joe Moore telling us that this would not be like the other tsunamis, but that they expected BIG, and that everyone needed to heed the warning and

GET TO HIGHER GROUND.

So we packed our car with pillows and blankets, packed the coolers with whatever we could find in the fridge, packed the suitcases with diapers and clothes.  Threw the tent, coolers, rugs (thats how we roll in Hawaii), cots and chainsaw in the truck.  We waited for half an hour for gas, hit up the ATM and headed for the hill.  Luckily Tame's nephew and his family live on a beautiful hill in Hauula and were more than generous to let half of the town run up there to hide. 

So from 6 a.m. til one we camped.   Cards were played, books were read, oreos were eaten and smashed all over camp, and naps were taken (by one man in particular-- see the evidence).  We waited, and waited, and WAITED!

For nothing.

Thanks Heavens.

 I have an entire day with nothing to do and no where to go since everything is closed.  So today I will catch up on the blog.   

Dear Dad,

I think I am pretty lucky to have you for a dad.  You have been my rock, my core, and my example in so many ways.  I do not know another with as much integrity as you.  You have taught with love and understanding.

 I appreciate that you knew us and admired us kids as individuals, allowing us to discover for ourselves our interests, talents, and joys.

I love that in our family we all had a voice and were listened to and respected-- even if you did not agree.  You still listened.

I am sure it freaks mom out at times, but I love that you are following your dreams.  You have a gift that I hope one day the world can share what we as your children have been enjoying every day of our lives.

I miss waking up on Sunday morning to you pounding the keys on the piano.  tear.  What a peaceful way it was to wake up.  If I think for a second I can still hear the music playing in my head.

And I miss skipping Sunday School with you as we journeyed across town to the gas station that had the best mix of Diet Coke, to fill up your 44 oz cup.  I love how you are friends with every worker at every gas station in town.  And I love how it is important to you to become their friend because they are people too.

You are my hero.  Happy belated birthday!

I love you,

 Kari

Way too fast........

They just grow up way too fast.  Today had me in tears.  In a very happy, baffled, wierd kind of way.  To most people this post will be no big deal, but to me it was HUGE.  We are hosting a houseful of 10 year old girls from China.  Today they went to church with us.  I sent them to Young Womens and they went, reluctant and confused.  I told them where I would meet them afterwards.  Well, Tame was sick today so he and Shalye stayed home.  The girls were taking way too long to get out of Young Womens and I found myself debating if I had enough time to get Tevita and Malia from their classes before the girls would get out of their class.  Once I saw all the primary kids running the halls I decided I better get Vita and Malia and hurry back.  Well, when I got to Malias class her teacher said that she went with Tevita.  Panic.  New building, new people, new parking spot.  Where would they be?  I went to Tevitas class, the room was empty.  Umm, panic again.  Have no idea where to look next so I walked quickly towards the car only to see Tevita pushing Malias bum into the car while telling her that "Mom will just be here really soon".  How sweet that instead of running the hallways screaming, or climbing the trees outside he would go straight to Malias class, pick her up, and take her to the car.