"International Jam Sessions"

12.26.10. I am grateful for a post-Christmas massage, cinnamon rolls, last day of 3pm church and jam sessions.

Post-Christmas, Fosi and Timo flew to Big Island for Jayden's baptism tomorrow. We slept in, cooked cinnamon rolls at Dinah's cause our oven went out! She gave me a mini massage, then we went to church, watched videos and I enjoyed an international jam session on Skype! Plah Plah!!!

"Merry Christmas"

12.25.10. I am grateful today for another Christmas filled with loved ones (including those who have moved on), gifts, movies, food, blessings and a lifetime of wonderful memories. Mele Kalikimaka to all of you and Mahalo ke Akua for my life. . .

Mele Kalikimaka!!! Another wonderful year, another Christmas. Woke up, prayer, opened gifts. I got my 'Blue' cologne from Fosi! I went shopping yesterday at Gamestop and Footlocker for Fosi-headset and gift card. Sonny got his remote control car and other gifts. I rested, watched tv and movies, ate and had Bella and the crew visit and gave me a great gift of a session with Aunty. Made gifts to my siblings of photo collages and CDs with all the old pictures I had scanned in last year for mom's funeral and all the funeral pics. Had Christmas lunch with Apa, Elu, Eseka, Kesi, Fili, TJ. Elu and Kalini stopped by to drop off gifts-a miracle! TJ flew to the Big Island to spend the week with his grandma and uncles. A nice, mellow, enjoyable Christmas. Missed mom and Feala. . .

"Christmas Eve"

12.24.10. I am grateful for Kaneohe carolers and a Christmas Eve time to remember our Saviour, be with family and a marathon of Christmas movies!!!

Christmas Eve, again. I've had a season full of Christmas music and baked goods. I rested, watched Tulsa kill UH and enjoyed caroling from Lina and her 'ohana. Had a nice devotional with Fosi, Sonny, TJ and Timo and then enjoyed a night of gift wrapping and watching Christmas videos: Home Alone 2, The Santa Clause and Miracle on 34th Street. So many memories of Christmases past wrapping presents and singing and caroling and visiting and dropping off gifts with Feala and family and friends. I've lived such a blessed life. . .

"Here Comes Ulima Claus. . ."

12.23.10. I am grateful today for delivering Christmas presents to family, friends and neighbor dogs, singing for KCCN's holiday part and the QEC Christmas party and hanging with my ladies!

Well, our Thursday consisted of delivering presents to my visiting sisters, Sonny's family, dropping off the house, collar and leash to King, singing at KCCN's party and Luisa's work party at a co-worker's house in St. Louis Heights-very nice! Made enough noise until the cops came, lol. Then stayed up late talking to Lina and catching up. Another full, busy day prepping for Christmas.

"Dinner with Dinah"

12.22.10. I am grateful today for Christmas shopping and dinner with Dinah.

Last day of work for the week! Went Christmas shopping while Fosi and Sonny went to a basketball game. Went to Windward Mall and didn't get to resize Fosi's ring at Zale's, no Footlocker's, disappointing dinner at Ruby Tuesday's but at least one meal was free. Five day weekend ahead and lots to do before Christmas.

"The Christmas Carolers"

12.21.10. I am grateful today for Christmas blessings and the joy of Christmas caroling with our keiki for our family and friends.

What a wonderful night we had Christmas caroling with Bella, Luisa and the kids. Sonny loved it-all the kids had hats and noise makers and we sang to Nani and the kids, the Nauahis, a friend of Kawika's (they gave us baskets) and Lina's family in Kaneohe. It was fun, fun, fun and we dropped off goodies and sang. What a great tradition for our kids! I LOVE Christmas caroling!!!

"Genki Fosi"

12.20.10. I am grateful today for Carmen's cookies, Mac 247, light bulb moments, Genki Fosi and a dog house for King.

The days are leading up to Christmas and a lot to do. Sang with Luisa and Bella for Michael Livingston's company party at Mac 24/7, they paid us $200 each (mahalo!) and we ate there. At night, I went shopping with Fosi, looked for a house for King and bought him a house at Wal-Mart. He'll love it! Ate at Genki Sushi with Fosi. Had a light bulb moment with my dear friends in Aussie and Japan. . .hopefully it helps!

"The First Noel"

12.19.10. I am grateful today for keeping warm on a rainy day, Sonny and I singing in our ward Christmas program and spending the day with an old friend and his family.

Started with going to the Samoan ward with Sim and his family. Had to'ona'i-mom and dad cooked and we had a nice lunch with them and they hung out all day. Rain, rain, rain. . .and our ward Christmas program. Alyssa, Tichina and I sang a number, "The First Noel" and I think we did a good job. Sonny looked handsome in his suit and red tie, singing with the primary. After sacrament, we went back home to hang, eat and kanikapila with the Tiatia ohana. What a great Sunday.

"Festive Saturday"

12.18.10. I am grateful today for visiting with old friend Sim Tiatia, after many years, singing at the Funaki-Manutai wedding, the Kaneohe 4th Ward Christmas party and attending the adult Christmas party at the Nordgran's home-what a full and festive Saturday!!! I'm exhausted!!!

So my busy week hasn't ended, yet! Today was NUTZ! Sim and his sons came to visit in the morning, I prepared games for tonight's party at the Nordgrans. I picked up Lui, Belz and headed to the Funaki-Manutai wedding at Kualoa Ranch. It was beautiful and the set went well. Then to Kaneohe, ate delicious Hawaiian food and played for Bella's ward, Kaneohe 4th. Saw Kapewa. Then straight to pick up Fosi and headed to the Nordgrans, with couples, food, games, prizes and an all around fun time. I just crashed afterwards!

"Thanks, Wal-Mart!"

12.17.10. I am grateful for a Wal-Mart grant, Teen Day at the Kapolei courthouse and date night with Sonny.

It's been a busy week. Started the morning by accepting a grant check of $500 from Wal-Mart, prepared for and attended Teen Day at the Kapolei court house and spent the evening taking Sonny to use his gift card. He bought something for himself and his nephew and then we had dinner at Big City Diner and chilled at home while Fosi them went to the Iolani Classic. Sim's in town and we'll probably hook up tomorrow.

"Sonny's Big Win"

12.16.10. I am grateful for Sonny's big win today, breakfast with O'Brien and giving out lots of money to foster youth!!! Now THAT'S a good Thursday!!!

Attended Sonny's assembly, the choir and band performed, the choir was great! Sonny won a $75 gift card to Toys R Us-his visualization worked!!! I helped hand them out to all the winners, it was fun! Had breakfast with Fosi at the Pancake House and O'Brien Eselu was there, so we asked him to join us-we saw mom and dad and their friends there. Mailed out the checks and had a general great day and rehearsal for Sunday's performance at the chapel.

"Is That What You Call A Christmas Ornament?"

12.15.10. I am grateful for making Christmas ornaments with Sonny for the kupuna tonight and feeling like Santa Claus at work today (trying my best not to look like Santa this season. . .).

So nice to send out checks and gift cards to transitioning foster youth today, based on the grants awarded by the youth board. Gave me a warm, fuzzy feeling inside. After work, great visiting with Aunty and took Sonny to BFS to shop for supplies to make a Christmas Ornament for the kupuna. OK, can I just buy the easiest thing and make one semi-ghetto ornament? Oh well, Sonny had fun making it right up until the time we argued and I wen sasa him, where was my holiday spirit? We made up. Tomorrow is his assembly and class Christmas party. He's visualizing that he'll win a gift certificate at the assembly.

"HI HOPES For Filipe"

12.14.10. I am grateful for all of the wonderful work accomplished today and this year by the HI H.O.P.E.S. Youth Leadership Board. They are making a difference for youth aging out of foster care-so proud of them!!!

Long day at work, had a HI HOPES meeting to interview for new members and they chose Filipe, a young LDS Tongan boy who has changed his life around and needs an opportunity to grow and develop leadership skills. I was so proud of the board members who chose him for those reasons and sure he'll make a good addition!

"Checking Out the Christmas Lights"

12.13.10. I am grateful for checking out the Christmas lights in downtown Honolulu and Kaneohe tonight. So beautiful!!!

Another week of festivities and work. After work, Fosi, Sonny, Timo and I went cruising to look at lights-downtown and in Kaneohe, took a few photos and listened to Christmas music. Visited the Faumuinas and bought Cinnabons, took it home and had it with cocoa. Lovely evening.

"New Beginnnings"

12.12.10. I am grateful today for teaching Relief Society, passing out Ulima Christmas cards and goodies at church and new beginnings. . .

So I was released from my stake calling today, seeing as Dawn moved out of the stake. It was sad for me, I had some issues, but I know that the right people are in place and the Lord has other plans for me. Of course, He moves quickly, and I was asked to teach RS today about the sacrament. I handed out our official Ulima Christmas cards and haole brownies and spent the night at home while Fosi went to his church meeting.

"Grants and Haole Brownies"

12.11.10. I am grateful today for being a part of making Christmas wishes come true for foster youth, date night with my son and mint cocoa with haole brownies!!!

HI HOPES Board meeting today-lots done, the youth went through board applications and grant applications-chose to interview 5 youth next week and gave out over $8,000 in grants and gift card donations. Its a good learning experience for them. Had a Chinese lunch for them, kinda a Christmas party without the gifts. Had them share what they like about the board and the person to their left. It was a nice moment even though I cried, what a baby! Lol. Bought haole brownies from Deb. Their ohana and Nani are selling to raise money for Christmas. I bought 8 cups to pass out at church and picked up our Christmas cards from Costco-nice!!! Took Sonny to use the rest of his money at Wal-Mart and dinner, then visited with the Kauhis and Aus's family and stayed home to rest and enjoy mint cocoa and brownies. The Christmas cheer continues!

"An EPIC Christmas Event"

12.10.10. I am grateful for a successful EPIC training and Christmas party and celebrating with the Peters' ohana tonight.

After a lot of stress and work, the EPIC annual training and Christmas party was a smashing success!!! Each department did a fantastic presentation (Admin did Hawaii 5-0), Big Island did a music video to Hoaikane's "Kailua Kona" but "EPIC Ohana is #1". Everyone was informative, creative, heartfelt. The food and decorations were fabulous, the company, the entertainment. Me, Val, Dayv and Brandy sang a cappella "Carol of the Bells" and "We Need a Little Christmas". Me and Bella led the group in singing and Theresa danced "White Christmas". Then me and Bella sang "O Holy Night". Brandy did her thing and Dayv was Santa and we did gift exchanges and got a letter and $50 from Arlynna. Straight to Walter Peter's birthday party and 1 year anniversary of Roman's passing at Empress Restaurant. TONS of food-took home Chinese and Polynesian. Some entertainment and dancing and went home to crash.

"Come Let Us Adore Him"

12.9.10. I am grateful for attending a lovely Relief Society Christmas dinner with my church sisters this evening and for my hubby helping to serve and clean up for the ladies.

The annual Relief Society Christmas dinner and social. "Oh, Come Let Us Adore Him" was the theme. Lovely atmosphere, food, singing, fellowship and talks from different sisters on their Christmas traditions that focus on Christ. It was lovely, touching, spiritual and heartfelt. I am grateful to be a part of such a wonderful sisterhood and be led by a great woman, Sis. Nauahi. Mahalo ke Akua.

"Time to Decorate the Office!"

12.8.10. I am grateful for decorating my office tonight with Fosi and Sonny. (Happy Birthday, Dinah!)

Fourth night of Christmas cheer. . .Fosi and Sonny met me after work and brought a snack and helped to decorate with my purple island decorations. I have to be festive at work! Another great night. Lots of work planning for Friday's annual training and party at EPIC. Dinah is 42 today! Hauoli La Hanau!

"Photos with Santa"

12.7.10. I am grateful for taking family photos with Santa Claus tonight!!!

Third night of Christmas cheer. . .took family photos with Santa at Pearlridge and had dinner there. Usually it's Sonny, but this year it was the three of us and it was fun! Came out great and I bought the CD so we can make it into Christmas cards-another first! We're on a holiday roll!

"Haul Out the Holly. . ."

12.6.10. I am grateful for decorating the house tonight-its Christmas at the Ulima hale!!!

It's a festive week here at the Ulima Hale! We decorated tonight and played Christmas music and had more hot cocoa with big Christmas mugs that Fosi bought. Put up all the stockings, new ones Timo decorated for mom and dad and him. No real tree this year, but the lights and pictures and old decorations bring back memories of Christmases past. I love Christmas!!!

"Banana Chocolate Chip Bread"

12.5.10. I am grateful today for Christmas movies, baking banana chocolate chip bread and hot cocoa on a cool evening. It's Christmastime!

Christmas at the Ulima Hale has arrived with hot cocoa and me baking my famous banana chocolate chip mac nut bread-delicious! The weather's been nice and cool and so we all enjoyed. Gonna decorate tomorrow.

"HI HOPES Hand Out Bags of Hope"

12.4.10. I am grateful for participating in the Family Programs Hawaii Christmas party for foster youth. The HI HOPES Youth Board pulled off a successful service project sharing "Bags of Hope" with transitioning foster youth.

What a day! After months of planning, the HI HOPES youth leadership board's "Bags of Hope" service project in conjunction with the Family Programs Hawaii annual Christmas Party was a success!!! 60 bags were handed out to transition aged foster youth, 14-18 mainly, some up to 24. It was a hit and everyone wanted them, filled with toiletries and resource information. The youth learned a lot and did a great job, despite the few ungrateful and rude people. Jen Cilfone gave them gifts and shirts and they ate. It was nice to have Fosi and Sonny with me there, enjoying and Sonny playing and getting gifts and them being there with me to help. Everyone except Jarvis (on Big Isle) and Adrian (sick) came. We took Noy home after and rested at home while Fosi went to a game.

"Christmas Around the World"

12.3.10. I am grateful tonight for a wonderful ward Christmas party. Moanalua I Ward rocked it with "Christmas Around the World." Great job to everyone for a successful event!!!

So the ward party was a success. I emceed, Fosi did music and the theme was the same as last year, "Christmas Around the World" put on by the High Priests. Each table was decorated in the culture and by assigned auxiliaries. YM-Africa (did Nago Haitian warrior dance, led by Timo, hilarious!), YW-Hula and Mexico, Silent Night in Spanish), RS-Chuukese marching solider dance, EQ-America, ward electric slide, HP-Japanes Silent Night and Okinawan bon dance. That was the best, the highlight of the night with the whole ward dancing it to a fun song. Primary-"Smooth Criminal" and Silent Night in Tagalog. Loren catered, good food, fun and Kaleo was Santa, gifts by Lokahi.

"Let's Tango!"

12.2.10. I am grateful today for business opportunities and Tango on my phone! Got to see downtown Sydney by phone tonight!

Attended the meeting for interested ATR providers, very interesting. Gotta roll along with that, lots to do and lots of potential for business! Used my Tango to speak with Roni while she walked through downtown Sydney, Australia-very cool feature! She showed me the bridge and opera house and took me into a pub! Gotta love technology!

"A Very Willie Christmas"

12.1.10. I am grateful today for lunch with Fosi, watching Sonny's Filipino hip-hop dance rehearsal (I'm not kidding, with the bamboo and everything), seeing Karey and getting a copy of Willie K's new album with Na Wai featured-love Uncle Willie! Buy the album, people, Happy Holidays!

Wow, this season is getting busier and busier. Had lunch with Fosi again, Sonny was asked to join 3 other primary kids to dance to Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal" for the Ward Christmas Party on Saturday, hip-hop and Filipino bamboo dance, hilarious! Met up with Karey Oura, who's here on Oahu to do Neil's entertainment for his inauguration on Monday and she paid us the $1000 for Na Wai and gave us our copies of the Christmas CD. What a blessed day!

"You Raise Me Up. . ."

11.30.10. I am grateful today for participating in great meetings, a lunch date with my hubby, homemade cheeseburgers, rocky road ice cream and being 'raised up'! =)

Busy day, lots of meetings, pad Thai noodles with Fosi for lunch, Timo made cheeseburgers and I had rocky road ice cream. The big news of the day was that I got a raise, a big raise and I will get retro pay from September until now. The Lord always provides, why I think I have control over things is beyond me, trust and faith is what I must always have. Mahalo ke Akua.

"Packing a Bag of Hope"

11.29.10. I am grateful for a successful packing party for the 'Bags of Hope' that will be passed out to foster youth at the service project on Saturday. Everything and everyone came together to make it a great event! Mahalo all!

After weeks of stressing out about whether or not we'd get the items from Wal-Mart, it all came through. Bella and Fosi helped transport the bags and the whole HI HOPES board showed up to help and a number of people with items from the Hawaii Community Foundation. We only had to do 60 bags and it was all done in 1 hour! Then we had a pizza party there at the Hawaii Foster Youth Coalition. It was a successful event, now on to the party this weekend to pass it out! Fosi and Sonny fed the missionaries tonight.

"The Divine Gift of Gratitude"

11.28.10. I am grateful today for Sis. Long and her wonderful lesson on 'The Divine Gift of Gratitude' in Relief Society! How could I NOT be grateful for that today? =)

Working on stuff for ATR, finally went back to church after weeks. Talks were great and the lesson on gratitude was wonderful. I'm full of gratitude, trying to just focus on love and joy and positivity and abundance and gratitude. Youth conference meeting at night. Busy week ahead with the service project for the HI HOPES Board. Have a great week everyone!

"A Day in Bed"

11.27.10. I am grateful for spending a much needed day and night in bed. . .

I think that traveling finally caught up with me, I've been feeling under the weather. So I spent the entire day in bed, sleeping, watching tv, reading "The Power" and eating. Perfect weekend to rest-did a little work for ATR. So great to sleep, sleep, sleep. . .

"Lucky I Live Hawaii"

11.26.10. I am grateful today for enjoying the beauty of Hawai'i. . .the tradewinds were strong, the waves were pumping, the ocean was the bluest blue and the beaches were full of families and happy surfers. Am I lucky to live here, or what?

Today, I slept in and then we went for a little ride around to Makapu'u and Waimanalo and Kailua. It was windy and the waves were rough, but it was sunny and beautiful and people were out and I was so grateful to be in Hawaii. I love this place and am blessed to live here and be from this aina. Enjoyed an evening at home.

"Happy Thanksgiving"

11.25.10. I am grateful today for a year of blessings. Heavenly Father blesses me daily with the gospel, with an eternal family, wonderful friends, my doggies, meaningful work, my church calling, music, a home, health, abundance, exciting opportunities and the most amazing place in the world as my native homeland. Happy Thanksgiving everyone, may you all enjoy gratitude every day!

Thanksgiving Day, 2010. Can you believe how quickly the year has gone by? I am so grateful for my life, for all the blessings my family and I have enjoyed throughout the year. Fosi made potato salad and I made stuffing and dessert. Niu brought drinks and ice cream and Apa and his house brought 2 turkeys and gravy. Kesi said he's bring ham and didn't come with a small ham until nightfall. Ah well, so much for planning. It was still a great day. I cooked and did laundry and ate and relaxed. Got stomach ache that evening but survived, just another holiday story! I am grateful, though, for today and everyday. . .

"Dinner with the Concepcions"

11.24.10. I am grateful for having dinner with my law school gals and their ohana. It was great to see Georgette and family visiting from Guam.

After a day of work, it was nice to have dinner at the Macaroni Grill at Ala Moana with Georgette and her ohana, Lise and Amy and Catie. Zach and Georgette are doing great, built a new home in Guam, the girls, Bailey and Skye are getting big-Skye is so cute and talkative. So nice to spend time with my law school buddies. Just like no time goes by at all, talking and laughing. They treated, so nice of them. Can't wait to visit them in Guam one day! Thanksgiving tomorrow, I'm making my famous banana dessert.

"Home Sweet Home"

11.23.10. I am grateful today simply to be home and to sleep with my doggies again. =)

Started the morning with a 7:30am CP Hui breakfast and had meetings and work, but it was great to rest with my doggies again and be home. Fosi got me an Android phone, trying to adjust. Can't wait until the holiday weekend.

"Mahalo Florida, Aloha Hawaii!!!"

11.22.10. I am grateful for a wonderful Florida adventure with my ohana and returning home safely to my beautiful island. Hawaii no ka oi!!!

We have had a wonderful time in Florida and we are grateful to God and the Livingstons for this gift. Our family has been greatly blessed. It is time to go home. Packed and ready to roll, another one of Disney's wonderful perks is baggage check-in and boarding pass printing right in our hotel lobby. The Magical Express picked us up at 10:10 am after breakfast and a fond farewell to Port Orleans French Quarter, wearing our matching reggae Mickey shirts, we were off. Flew to L.A. and was delayed an hour, changed planes and seats ( a little mix-up), ate dinner at Chili's, bought dad a LA hat and got safely home, tired but happy, after 10pm. Always wonderful to see the Honolulu city lights welcoming us home. Great to see mom, dad, the dogs and Timo. Gave them their gifts, they had slept in the house together the week. Mahalo ke Akua!

"Animal Kingdom and Epcot"

11.21.10. I am grateful for spending our last day in Florida with the wildlife at the Animal Kingdom and the evening at Epcot. Soarin, the Epcot countries, dinner in Japan and the fireworks were simply breathtaking. Disney World is absolutely amazing and we were so blessed to spend time here as a family!

Our last full day at Disney World and we spent it at the Animal Kingdom and Epcot. We did the safari and saw the animals and watched 'The Lion King' and 'Finding Nemo' shows and saw the tree of life and ate at the 'Rainforest Cafe'. It was lovely and we wish we had more time there. We rested and went to Epcot at night and waited 70 minutes for 'Soarin', a virtual ride over California. Epcot was lovely at night and the replica of the countries (Norway, China, Japan, etc.) was breathtaking. We ate at Japan, real Japanese food with people from Japan. Walking through the countries at night, with food and music from the countries was astounding and Fosi and I really want to spend more time there in the future. We loved it! Packed and ready to go home tomorrow. Its been a dream come true and we had a wonderful time as a family (learned that I need more patience with Sonny and taught him about gratitude, but was hard with him and the time change) and we were so blessed to be there. We are ready to go home, though, we miss Hawaii and the dogs. We're exhausted and happy. God Bless Arlynna and Michael for their gift. Aloha a mahalo ia Orlando. . .aloha no Hawaii!!!

"Blizzard Beach and Fireworks"

11.20.10. I am grateful for a day at Disney's Blizzard Beach water park and a night of fireworks at the Magic Kingdom.

Today was Sonny's favorite day-we went to the water park, Disney's Blizzard Beach. It was not crowded, cool but pleasant enough. Sonny and Fosi went on all of the slides and rides except the 120 ft. drop ride, the longest in America. It was a ski slope theme and a lift took them up to the higher rides. I read my book and went with them into the lazy river. We went back to the hotel, rested and spent the evening at the Magic Kingdom to watch the electric light parade and fireworks. The Magic Kingdom is beautiful at night, with the castle dressed up for the holidays and changing colors. We ate dinner and ice cream there. It was very crowded but the fireworks were magical. Sonny and Fosi went on the Speedway ride and People Mover and I went to the Monsters Inc. and Stich Ride (junk). Tired and long day, but another great day at Disney world!

"My Day with Harry Potter"

11.19.10. I am grateful for a fantastic day at Universal Studios and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!!!

So my dream came true today. When I watched the opening of the "Wizarding World of Harry Potter" on television a few months ago, never did I imagine I would be standing there before the end of the year. We paid for transport to and from our hotel. It was about 35 minutes to get there. Universal Studios were amazing! Islands of Adventure is where Harry Potter was and we went straight there. There were a bit of people, all who went there, of course and it was magical for me. Hogsmeade was recreated, with the Hogwarts Express, stores like Zonko's and Honeyduke's, Ollivander's (with a long line), Dervish and Banges, we ate at the Three Broomsticks and drank Butterbeer (caramel cream soda-yums!!!). Hogwarts was fantastic, to scale and the virtual broomstick ride in the castle was the best of the whole trip!!! I was afraid I'd fall out, but I didn't! We walked through the castle to get to the ride and walked through Dumbledore's office, the Potions classroom, passed the Sorting Hat and Mirror of Erised and Professor Sprout's hot house. Wow! I bought a wand, Professor MacGonagall's wand appealed to me the most and I bought a Hogwart's shirt. I was SO happy there and Fosi and Sonny had to put up with me, lol. We went to Jurassic Park and rode the Jungle River adventure and I thought it was a mellow ride but it was like Splash Mountain! Ugggh! I know now that if a ride says 'thrilling' and has a height requirement and locks you in, then that's a hint that it's a scary ride! Sonny and Fosi rode a ride over Jurassic Park and we went to Seussland (so colorful and just like the books) and Sonny rode "One Fish, Two Fish" ride while I went on a computer. It was so cool to walk through Marvel Comics land and see the Hulk roller coaster. We went to Universal Studios Florida next door and went to Shrek 4-D and ET ride and walked around. Went home and the boys went to Downtown Disney shopping while I went to watch Harry Potter 7: Part I by myself (I fell asleep) but it was a little darker and mature. What a day!

"The Magic Kingdom"

11.18.10. I am grateful for a magical day at the Magic Kingdom with my family. =)

So today was the day that we took Sonny to the Magic Kingdom and it certainly was magical. It was already decorated for Christmas and there was Christmas music playing and we took pictures everywhere. It was cool, not too crowded, lines were great. We started with the Dumbo ride and it was kind of a long line (and Sonny cracked up when I screamed on the ride)! We did the 'Tea Cups' and I screamed and got dizzy. We actually did Space Mountain and can I just say, NEVER AGAIN?!! Fosi was thrilled, Sonny was in shock and I was terrorized! We bought the pictures for proof. What was I thinking??? Sonny loved the Speedway Race Cars (he drove his own) and we did 'It's a Small World', 'The Haunted Mansion', they did 'Splash Mountain' and I watched the 'Wishes Come True' performance at the castle. I was just so touched and grateful as I stood there. We had made it to Disney World and it wasn't anywhere on my radar, but the Lord knows and provides! How blessed I am and we are as a family!!! We had lunch and I had ice cream, we watched the afternoon parade down Main Street and it was great with the characters. We rode the train around the park and went on the 'Pirates of the Caribbean'. The boys rode the 'People Mover' and we rode the Jungle safari boat ride and 'Aladdin's Carpet Ride'. Went back to the hotel by 5pm, rested and ate at the hotel and rested. We needed the rest, it was a long day of walking, especially the boys-they were still jetlagged. Gotta get up and out early tomorrow for Universal Studios and Harry Potter world!!!

"From Tampa to Orlando. . ."

11.17.10. I am grateful today for driving safely to Orlando, the safe arrival of Fosi and Sonny and an evening in Downtown Disney.

So I checked out and got my car at National. I literally cried when they said they were out of GPS and I got one. Hello, I needed it to get to Orlando! Driving across a strange state, I get lost in Hawaii! I prayed all along the way and listened to music. It was a nice, simple drive. No traffic. Took about 1.5 hours, like everyone said, to travel 100 or so miles, all on freeway. Dropped off the car at National, met the boys at American Air baggage claim and caught the nice Disney Magical Express to the Port Orleans French Quarters at Disney World about 3o minutes away. Disney World is HUGE, their own city!!! Tired, rested a bit and then spent the evening eating at T-Rex and looking around Downtown Disney. Tomorrow is at the Magic Kingdom-so great to see my boys. Sonny was so excited!!! Thanks to God for watching over me!

"Alone Time. . ."

11.16.10. I am grateful today for alone time, for being a part of work that improves the lives of foster youth and knowing that my boys are leaving Hawaii tonight to join me in Orlando tomorrow!!!

Great sessions at the convening, I attended the ones on Youth Engagement. The work the Initiative does is amazing and changes the future for these young people. Its great to be a part of the work and meet with and work with dedicated people! Its been hard to be so alone, but great, too. I've enjoyed room service and reading a new book and watching television and being alone with my thoughts on the balcony. I spent the morning crying there, missing mom and Feala and home. Silly of me, yes? No, it was necessary and I'm grateful for it. That's what happens when you're alone! Fosi and Sonny on the plane tonight, I'll see them tomorrow-if I can make it to Orlando by car!!!

"Jim Casey Fall Convening"

11.15.10. I'm grateful for starting my day in the Gulf of Mexico, enjoying a stimulating conference and ending with a starlit rooftop dinner. (Happy Birthday, Fosi! Can't wait to see you guys in 2 days!!!)

Got up at 6, took a walk on the beach, its so clean. There were seagulls and pelicans diving for fish. It was nippy and empty, but for a few people jogging or walking. Very privatized area and not crowded like Waikiki at all, more like a private island, almost. The conference was great and we ended the day with dinner at the top of the hotel-freezing but met some nice people from Tennessee. Soaked in the tub! I'm still jetlagged and missing my boys, can't wait to see them. Jim Casey rocks!!!

"The Gulf of Mexico"

11.14.10. I am grateful to be in Florida, to have a gorgeous suite and an amazing view of the Gulf of Mexico. God is good and has watched over me every step of the way. To be clear, though, Hawaii no ka oi!!! Miss my family. . .

So the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach is brand new and all suites with kitchens. Gorgeous, HUGE. The bathrooms are large with tub and shower, the rooms are grand, my bed was a tall, king sized. Full kitchen, large balcony looking over the Gulf of Mexico on the 14th floor. I LOVED IT! I literally screamed with joy when I saw it. The gulf of Mexico was lovely, but not as blue as Hawaii and the beaches are fine white sand, but very different from home. Its mid-70s in the day and down to mid-5os at night. Miss my family, hard to sleep alone but I crashed because I was so tired. I am just so grateful for this opportunity to travel and enjoy different people and places and get paid to be here! WOW-Life is GREAT!!!

"On My Way to Tampa. . ."

11.13.10. I am grateful for a safe flight and sitting next to a friendly newlywed couple. (41 degrees in Dallas-yikes!)

So I made it, after all my fears about 12 hours of flying next to another big person and being miserable, I sat next to a friendly Mexican newlywed couple from Texas. The wife was small and the flight went well. Dallas was cold and I enjoyed hot chocolate while I waited. Sat next to a friendly small girl on the way to Tampa. Mahalo ke Akua for watching out for me on my travels!!!

"Travel Preparations"

11.12.10. I am grateful for a day off to prepare for my Florida trip!Took the day off to prepare for my trip tomorrow.

Morning hair color at Paul Brown's, shopping, and more shopping. Whew, I'm tired already and nervous for the travel alone, but I'll be alright! I'm excited!

"Temple and Memorial Day"

11.11.10. I am grateful today for a family tour of the Laie Temple and a family potluck at the grave to honor mom's anniversary and visit dad, grandma, grandpa and Feala. Families are Forever. . .

Early trip to Laie, went through the temple tour with both Parker ohanas, Dinah, mom and dad Ulima, Tiah, Timo and us. It was beautiful. Spent a little time at the graves, Niu's family joined us. Mac them had to go home and Deb them went later, Nani them on Saturday. It was a little disappointing to not have everyone, but nice to clean mom's grave and visit dad, the grandparents and Feala. Holiday and tomorrow off to prepare for my trip this weekend!!!

"Anniversaries and Birthdays. . ."

11.10.10. I am grateful today to remember two very important women in my life. Today marks one year since my mom's passing AND the birthday of my best friend, Feala, who passed away two years ago. I love and miss you both-thank you for blessing my life and watching over me from above! (And happy birthday, Dad Ulima!)

I can't believe that its been a year since mom's passing. It is also Feala's birthday (she would've been 43) and dad's birthday. Wow. Lots of memories and still hard to imagine that mom is gone, but happy in the knowledge of where and who she's with. Going to the grave tomorrow to visit her and Feala and dad. We miss and love you mom! I'm so grateful for my life which is a product of your love and sacrifice. And thank you, Feala, for your friendship, sisterhood, acceptance and love. I miss you all the time! Mahalo ke Akua for both of these women in my life!

"The Future Mrs. Tiah Ulima. . ."

11.9.10. I am grateful today for meeting my new future sister-in-law, Tiah. Timo's happy, hope we don't scare her away!

Tiah came in today and I met her after work. After youth practice, we had dinner at Zippy's. She's a cute, short, Navajo girl. Very friendly, giggles a lot, seems fun-loving and mature. She and Timo seem to really get on well and love each other. I think she's good for him and I'm grateful for her in his life. I wish the best for their happy and successful future. Welcome to the Ulima ohana, Tiah!

"We Got Your Back!"

11.8.10. I am grateful today for Sisterhood, nothing like knowing your girls got your back, no matter what!!!

Girlfriends are the best! Spent the evening talking with Mz. Ozzie and laughing as she got incensed talking about past 'irritations' in my life. She was ready to throw down, lol!!! You just gotta love knowing that your girls got your back all the time!

"Wedding Plans. . ."

11.7.10. I am grateful for a fun time with the aiga today planning for a wedding and spending time together.

Family over today to eat and meet about Timo and Tiah's pending wedding in May 2011. We didn't go to church. We will meet the new sister-in-law in a few days. Lots to plan for, money being the biggest issues. Looking at about $500-$700 per family. Let's see how that goes! =)