October 30th

Today was Sierra's pumpkin carving day at school. She was cute. Here are some photos. I hope you check your email because I checked out the flights from GDL to MEX and it's cheap! But probably not for long. Let me know your dates and I'll get it booked for you.

October 29th

I got a last second call to sub SpEd at Koko Head and then straight to the Oahu Club for practice in which we did dress up relays. Do you remember those? I'll see if I can get a photo from Robin. I did take one of Robin and Lisa AFTER the relays. Lisa was dressed for coaching. Sierra and G'ma Jackie went to the Bishop Museum during the day because Sierra and Jay didn't have school. Jay and his group made his Spanish video. It's pretty funny. When it's done, we'll try to send it to you. I made "spider cupcakes" to take to Sierra's pumpkin carving party which is tomorrow at school. Sierra is practicing for Halloween by dressing up for bedtime. Check out her made up bunny pj's. You called on our way home from school. I'll look up some of your money stuff and also check into flights from GDL to Mex city. I'll let you know what I find out. LOVE and MISS you!

October 28th

Dad went surfing and I took Misty on a long walk. As I was writing yesterday's blog, you called! I've posted that and now I'm caught up and you're talking to dad on the phone right now. Dad has made a movie that you should see.
You can get it at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCkn8SZ-B5g
Isabelle came over to play with Sierra. We went shopping to look for a birthday present for Katie. Chris and Jay are making a movie for Spanish that involves an ape costume and a whoopie cushion. When the master piece is finished we'll try to send it to you. We hiked Diamond Head and then had dinner at CPK. The shaving cream says, "I MISS JACK."

October 27th

Dad went surfing early and then we went to Sierra's soccer game. Right after the game we went to see LION KING with Tutu, Papa, Helen, Bobbie and Susie. We had FRONT row and SECOND row center seats and it was AWESOME! I couldn't stop thinking about how much you would have LOVED to have been there. It was truly stunning. Afterward, we all went to OSF and retold every scene, costume, song, etc. We think you could play Zazu or Timon or Ed the hyena. I really want to go again but it's expensive. The 4 seats right behind us were empty. I was thinking that it would be possible to go at intermission and just come in the theater and look for empty seats and see the second act for free. Jay went to the football game and the flaming "P" because we only had 8 tickets. He had fun. You've just called!! I'm sorry you're feeling home sick. We miss you too and think about you all the time. So many people love and admire you, and we're all proud of your adventures and accomplishments abroad.

October 26th

Friday was a pep rally day so Sierra dresses up in her cheerleading outfit. After school, Jay's V2crew had a scrimmage against the faculty. Dad and I both played. With a little help from the refs, the faculty pulled off a sudden death overtime win (with yours truly scoring the winning goal.) It was really fun but Jay and the freshman were bummed because they didn't get to play very much. The upper classmen were the coaches and didn't sub evenly. After the game, we stayed to watch the V1 team cream Iolani 11-4. Then the team went to OSF for dinner. I took Sierra home after dropping the boys, and had to go back for them after dinner, since they needed rides. G'ma Jackie is on the big island and G'pa Jim went home to California today.

October 25th

I can't believe you called at the EXACT time as our scheduled lockdown drill. Literally, you called at 9:45am and we we're supposed to be ready for the signal at 9:45. It was a really big deal and I had 46 kids that I had to heard into the gym, lock all the doors, keep them quiet and call (on my cell phone) the office to account for all of us and explain our situation. It was a practice, but a big deal and there was NO WAY I could have stayed on the phone. In fact, I wouldn't have even had the phone if I wasn't supposed to use it to communicate with the PE office. I hope to go to yoga from 7-8:30am tomorrow, which is Friday, and I sub at 11:30am our time, so if you can figure out a way to call between 8:30-11:30am (I think 1:30-4:30pm your time) I'll try to listen for your call. If not, try to get ahold of us on the weekend.

Besides the lockdown drill (school wide) it was a normal day. Dad and Sierra took G'pa Jim to Kona Brew pub for beer while Jay and I went to the pet store on the way home from practice. Jay had to make an aquarium thingy for blogger (biology according to Georgia.) G'ma Wackie has gone to the Big Island to see her cousin. G'pa Jim goes back to California tomorrow so he stayed on Oahu. The photo is of Jay's self-sustained aquarium.

October 24th

Just getting home from a 15 hour day. After school (I subbed PE) we had a water polo game vs. Le Jardin AT Kamehameha. We won! It was close, 6-5. We got a 5 minute downpour in the middle of the 4th quarter so I had wet shoes/feet for the last hour. We are now the ILH regular season champions. Now we enter the championship tournament. If we win it, we win the ILH champs. If we lose, we will have a game against the winner of the tournament to see who is the overall champion. In other words, we have 2 chances to win the ILH title. G&G took Sierra to Kailua after school to play at the beach before coming to the game, and dad walked from Punahou to Kamehameha to get his exercise. When you called today, I was in the PE office and when I picked up I noticed that I wasn't getting any reception, so I ran outside the whole time yelling into the phone telling you to call back in 2 minutes because I'd be away from all the concrete and have some reception. Obviously, you didn't get that because you didn't call back. It's okay.... I like getting messages but some day soon I'd like to actually TALK to you!!

October 23rd

Here's a photo of G & G at Makapuu. They might use if for their Christmas picture. I subbed in Kindegarten today, upstairs from Sierra's class. I got to see her a couple of times which was really fun. After school dad took Sierra home for soccer practice and then he left her to play with G&G while he went back to pick up Jay at Punahou (after water polo practice.) They went to dinner and then a Fountains of Wayne concert-- they're still there as I write this.

October 22nd

G'ma Jackie and G'pa Jim went to Hanauma Bay in the morning and then went to "Into the Wild" movie during the heat of the day. After Sierra's piano, dad took them all to Point for margaritas and sunset. We had pot roast for dinner and discussed whether or not you'd find your tent underwater when you got back to camp. We all agree that we miss YOU!!

October 21st

So I guess you may have had a weekend of storms. Our weather report said that first a hurricane, then tropical storm was heading to Manzanillo and Colima. Are you okay? We went to Makapuu in the morning and had a great swim/surf. Dad had band practice in Kailua and then we all went to The Shack for dinner and to watch the very end of the baseball championships. The Red Sox beat the Indians and will now play the Colorado Rockies in the World Series that starts on Wednesday. Been thinking about you and hoping that your tent is not under 9" of water. WE MISS YOU!!

October 20th

Dad took Sierra, G'ma and G'pa to Makapuu this morning while I went on a long bike ride. Then we all went to Sierra's soccer game and after to CPK for lunch. We watched some football on T.V. then went to the LOST beach. Dad and I went out to dinner with the Ai's, the Fitter's and the Johnson's. Fun. Check out the great sunset at LOST. (Photos won't load at this time, I'll add them later.)

October 19th

School and water polo game vs. Kamehameha. We won 5-4. Jay had like 5 steals and won the only sprint we won. G'ma Jackie and G'pa Jim arrived mid-day, went to Kailua to hang out and then met us up at Kamehameha. Sierra and I made rice crispie treats for dessert and she's proud that she can get her own milk from the 'fridge now. (Assuming it's not too full, because that makes it too heavy.) We heard there's a hurricane off Manzanillo.... weren't you going to Manzanillo??

October 18th

I went to the 7am yoga class and then ran some errands and came home for some cleaning, laundry, etc. The plumber was supposed to come to fix the ice machine, but so far he's 45 minutes late. You called while I was in the bank and I've been hugging my phone ever since, waiting for you to try again. I really want to talk to you. Next time you're at the internet cafe, take a few pictures in there (and of the outside) so I can see what that looks like. Is that in Tecoman? G'ma Wackie and G'pa Jim sent you $150 for your birthday. I deposited it into your American Savings account. You can access it with your ATM card. Make sure to write them, or even call them (805) 215-0658 or (805) 546-9170 to thank them. (Did you thank Tutu and Papa for the $ they gave you??) Oh, the freezer guy just came. I'll post this and then add more to it tonight! I SOOO miss you & love you!

Sierra is going to write to you now:
i like your story and love your baby turtles and crocs but not the shoes. love, sierra
(Sierra wrote this almost all by herself. I only helped her with a couple of the words.)

October 17th

Wednesday was a long but fun day. After school (I subbed 3rd grade) I had our intermediate championships up at Kamehameha, which we LOST to Le Jardin giving us 4th place. We started only 7th graders and they got in a 4 point hole that we couldn't dig out of. No big deal, because we got all kids plenty of minutes in the game. Meanwhile, dad and Sierra were hanging out and getting some picnic food for Jay and Sierra to have after Jay's practice because dad was going to an "Asian Affair" at Dole Hall with other faculty and staff. I joined him after the game, and had some Thai food and Chinese food. We came home pretty late, read with Sierra and hit the hay.

October 16th

Tuesday.... we sat in traffic (kinda bad) on the way to school today. I subbed first half of the day in 2nd grade and then second half of the day in 1st and 2nd grade P.E. Then we had our last water polo practice for intermediate and then Vars 2. Dad and Sierra had soccer practice and then swam at the Oahu Club. We had fajitas for dinner and then hung around (T.V. and ice cream) before Sierra read to us and we went to bed.

October 15th

Monday, school day. I subbed 2nd grade. Sierra wore her new outfit that Tutu bought for her at Costco. Jay had a math test. Dad took Sierra to piano and the Club to swim. My intermediates had a game at Kamehameha and lost. We will play for 3rd in the ILH on Wednesday. We missed your call today. Call me on Thursday if you can!

October 14th

Long walk with Misty and Kelli for me this morning while Dad and Sierra went to the Club and Jay slept in. We hung around and did a few chores, including getting all the Halloween stuff out. A quick trip to Jamba juice and then hanging out at Sandy's before heading home for pasta and The Simpson's (and folding laundry.)

October 13th

Sierra (and Dad) had a soccer game this morning and then we went to Kailua to the Punahou cottage where dad and his band played music at a picnic for new staff. The Blue Angels were doing a show over Kaneohe so we got to see them too. Tonight Sierra and I are going to see a middle school play at Dillingham, "How to Eat Like a Child."

October 12th

I subbed 1st grade. Sierra had a field trip to Makaha Farms and Jay had a water polo game vs. Pac-5. The game went into sudden death overtime and we won. Dad took some video and will try to send it to you. Miss you!

October 11th

Happy 18th birthday to Michelle Wie! No subbing today but here is most of my day: Early yoga with Tutu, Jamba with Tutu, qick walk with Misty at the park, clean some screens, the patio and misc. other cleaning, load the car with White Elephant donations, big phone call to bank and credit card and other "business" without any power at the house (it was out for most of the day... don't know why,) stopped in Aina Haina to return books on CD at library and get some more, ask at the Clay Corner if they had any colorful ceramics that they were throwing away because I want to make a mosaic, (they'll call me when they do) stopped for gas and car wash on the way to Ben Franklin and was told that I needed a safety check, tried to get safety check but couldn't because we didn't have the registration in the car (don't know why) so I had to go back to Hawaii Kai to satellite city hall to get a new registration and then back to the Shell service station to get the safety check, then to Punahou for Sierra's kindergarten parent/teacher conference, then coach boys intermediate and boys V2, then drop a bunch of stuff in white elephant box, drive home while listening to Lemony Snicket Reptile Room, have pizza and salad for dinner with tutu, Yui and family, play with Sierra's hair and her new clips that tutu bought for her, decorate a pair of Sierra size black slippers with halloween pumpkins, bats, and ghosts, (with Sierra) and blue slippers with "buff" puff balls and flowers, checked my email, fielded a call from the woman who organizes the subs because she needs me tomorrow for 1st grade, wrote this blog while half listening to the Colbert Report, and lastly, after I sign off from here, I will get some ice cream, read in bed and go to sleep! Oh, and I have to reset the clocks in the house because the power outage screwed them all up. And the very last thing that will happen on this day is that I will be so grateful that out of all the 18 year olds in this world, I GOT YOU!

October 10th

Wednesday. You texted (sp?) me today. I'll need to email you to figure out what exactly it meant but sounds like you got to talk to Oliver. Dad got to surf in the middle of the day during a break. I went from Punahou to the Oahu club to coach, and back to Punahou for coaching and then to Iolani to watch the V2 game of Lejardin vs. Iolani. We took the team to watch. Iolani won. We play LeJardin again soon. Tutu is here tonight and so she got to read to Sierra AND she bought Sierra a new "Tinkerbell" outfit, which of course, she loves!!! Miss you so much!

October 9th

We talked today on the phone as I was heading to Sierra's kindergarten picnic at the Honolulu Country Club. We swam most of the time, ate lunch and then back to school.

October 7th & 8th

Something happened to my Sunday post... so I'll just tell you about our long weekend. On Sunday we hung around and Sierra had to go for her soccer pictures. We went to Barnes & Noble after to cruise the book aisles. Jay went to Nick Seabright's for the day. We swam at the club and I had to pick up the Fitter's at the airport and Jay from Nick's. Then on Monday, Colombus Day holiday, dad did some yard work and then we went to the club for a swim. Jay, Sierra and I went to the bank and then to City Mill to get some stuff to fix the blind cords that have broken on both Sierra's blinds and our blinds. It took a couple of hours to fix but they're better than new now because the cords I bought are thicker than the originals. Dad and Jay went to Makapuu while Sierra had piano lessons. We had broccoli soup and salad with Bob Tam and then watched a movie about our reliance on oil and how we're going to run out soon. Kinda depressing but educational.

October 6th

Sierra and dad had soccer this morning. I had an intermediate game (we won.) We hung around at home and now I'm heading to a dinner and silent auction with the Guss and Recish family and dad is going to take Jay and Sierra to the beach-- but first they're making noise in the music studio.

October 5th

Sierra dressed for the pep rally, dad came home from camp, Jay (V2) played Iolani and won 7-6 and then I drove to OSF so they could bond. Got home very late...

October 4th

"It was really, really fun to share today because I got to count to 30 by 3's." Sierra- age 5.75. She made a "chart" of counting by 3's and she took it to school for sharing. "My favorite thing was something that was really, reallly cool. I builded this thing with Emma and it was 3 feet tall and 3 feet long and it was a castle farm. But the other best thing I did today was do Strawberry Shortcake during the football game." There was a JV football game on campus and from the K playground, the kids could see the game so they spent a full hour cheering like monkey's behind a fence. You could hear them from Forrest Hall. When I went to get her, she was practically hoarse from yelling and then insisted we walk right by the cheerleaders so she could oogle their every move!! The artwork shown here is a sample from something she did a few days ago.

October 3rd

Wednesday and dad is still at camp Timberline. I drove Jay and Sierra to school and then as soon as I got home I got a call to sub for Mrs. McKibbin so I went straight back to Punahou. Immediately after my last class, I picked up Sierra from K and we went straight to the Oahu Club so I could coach swimming. As soon as swimming was pau, we went straight back to Punahou so I could help coach the end of water polo practice. We went to Boston's to pick up a pizza on the way home because it was too much to think of cooking. After I put Sierra to bed and while Jay was doing homework, I took a trip to Safeway to buy milk and fruit, etc. After folding the 2 loads of laundry that I'd done when we got home, I crawled into bed exhausted. Sierra snored in my bed until I couldn't stand it any more and had to put her in her own bed. One big happy - busy- family (minus the eldest son, and the husband who will be back on Friday night.)

October 2nd

I subbed 4th grade today and then went straight to water polo practice. Tutu and Papa picked up Sierra and took her to soccer practice. They've gone out to dinner with Pete and Ingrid. Sierra is practicing "math" and Jay's doing homework. Misty is laying cross-legged as I write this. You need to try to talk to the Proj-Ab office asap so that they Costa Rica people are not put off by your change of plans. Miss you mucho!!

October 1st

Bunny bunny. It was so great to talk to you yesterday and your new photos on your blog are AWESOME! What's that shirt you're wearing on the beach with the babies crawling all around you heading to the ocean? I've got that picture as my screensaver. Love it! Tutu and Papa have put $100 in your bank accound for your birthday. You can use your ATM card to withdrawl it or just leave it for later. (Send a thank you card.) Dad went to 6th grade camp today so our family will feel small this week. Sierra had piano and she's really getting good. Jay made $400 selling laser videos on the internet and he sold his ipod on Craig's List for $200 so he's preparing to buy the newest ipod. Made a beef stroganoff in the crock pot for dinner but had to throw the whole thing out because as I added the noodles, I poured about 300 bugs from the pasta bag into the pot. I didn't know that they were living (dying) in the bag. But, of course we got to eat more of your birthday cake!

September 30th

Happy Birthday to you! I carried my phone around with me all day because I was NOT going to miss your call. Of course, it came just as our food was being served at ChaChaCha. I went outside to talk to you and they bagged my lunch and I ate it when we got home. I put more money on the phone card, so feel free to call again! We made a birthday cake for you and sang in your honor. You're represented by the bull pinata in the photos. Sierra said she'd blow out the candles since your weren't here to do it. See dad's video for more laughs. Of course, I thought about you all day (I usually do, but especially this day.) I don't know where the time has gone. I hope you enjoy your chocolate cake that your friends got you. That sounded fun! When your box comes, have your friends put a candle in the treat that I sent and make a wish!! LOVE YOU!