After School Naps

I love the after-school hours. Emma comes in the door and calls out, "I'm home" and I call back "Hello". It's our routine. She then grabs a quick snack, usually a bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios and then starts her homework. Before she is finished with the book work she has fallen asleep. She is not picky about where she naps. The living room couch, the family room couch, her bed, my bed or Dad's office floor. This is the same child that refused to nap at 18 months old and has just recently realized how heavenly a nap really is.

When Murray is in town she will wander into his office and tell him about her day at school. Last Friday Murray laid down on his office floor with Emma and they had a nice discussion about their days; hers at school and his at work. I was in the next room and listened to them talk about normal, ordinary, everyday things.

It wasn't too long until I learned that Emma loves, really loves the new Camaro and thinks it would be a great gift for her 16th birthday in two years. She also wants to go to the high school football game this weekend, "would you go with me Dad?" "Could we rent the party room at the ice rink for my birthday and invite all the kids from church. And could we order pizza and soda for everyone?" Soon I heard a very quiet snoring and knew Murray was asleep and Emma would quickly follow.

Aaahhh.... Every day should be this good.

I Hereby Declare, an Oath.....

Today was a remarkable day for 52 people from almost as many countries as they pledged an oath because they wish to become United States citizens. Murray and I attended this ceremony by invitation from Eric Hertert, a family friend, who is originally from France. He has been living and working here (with all the legal documents) for 20 years. He met and married Barbara and they have two children, Pascale and Noah.

If you wish to read the oath go here. The countries that were represented were Ghana, France, Trinidad and Tobago, Cuba, Egypt, Lebanon, S. Korea, Peru, Pakistan, Guatamala, Canada, Ethiopia, Jamaica, Vietnam, India, Iraq, China, Cambodia, El Salvador, Hong Kong, Laos, Greece, El Salvador, Phillipines, Dominican Republic and Columbia. Each person walking up to the assistant district attorney to shake her hand and receive their certificate of citizenship had a smile on their face. For some, this process had taken years to achieve. All of them thanked the judge. Their dream had come true.

Congratulations Eric, thanks for sharing your day with us. Remember what you promised Barb regarding how you would vote when you became a citizen.

Three Haoles Visit Oahu

Last week we found ourselves on a surprise trip to Oahu, Hawaii. Murray had business meetings with the 25th Infantry Division based at Schofield Barracks. We took Emma out of school and made it a family vacation. Maholo(thankyou) Cisco Systems for those meetings that could only be handled in person and not by telepresence. Maholo(thank you) again for a nice hotel room with a nani(beautiful) view of the pacific kai(ocean).

In between meetings and conference calls we managed to have tons of fun. Emma and I went to the pool and sunned among Aussies and Brits and realized how strong the sun is in Hawaii. Emma was totally mesmerized with the Twilight series; she had her nose in the books the entire trip.

Pearl Harbor was amazing. To see where the US became involved in World War II and battleship row was a history lesson. It takes away some of the guilt I feel knowing her absence from school is classified as "unexcused" when I know she is learning something that she can't get from her teachers at school.

We ventured north of Oahu to Laie where BYU-Hawaii is located as well as the LDS Temple. The campus of BYU is smaller than it's Utah counterpart though equally pretty and well manicured. The students, all 2700 of them, don't look old enough to have a driver's license. Seriously, they looked soooo young. The temple just next to campus is beautiful. I wandered into the Distribution Center and was surprised to see some good friends we know from Fort Bragg, NC and Fort Hood, TX, Ted and Karen Thomas.
We have been stationed at the same Army post with Ted and Karen two different times. Imagine my surprise that we would run into each other in Hawaii. The temple grounds are always a good place to happen upon friends you haven't seen for a while.


The North Shore was our next fun outing. Just driving around the Island is great. I couldn't take my eyes off the vegetation, mountains and the native islanders or inhaling the scents of the nanu(beautiful) flowers.

We stopped at Waiamea Bay and walked across the hot sand and set up our beach mats and towels close to the water. Murray went in with his snorkeling gear but gave up soon as the water was cloudy. I joined him in the kai(ocean) and was quickly knocked over by the rough waves. I tumbled and rolled and laughed so hard. I crawled out of the water (so I wouldn't be knocked over again) and I stood up and found my suit literally full of sand. I had sand in every location possible! Yes, even there!

We ate the most ono(delicious) kau kau(food), fresh fish called Opacapaca, Onu and fresh vegatables. I was a very happy haole(caucasion) malihini(visitor). The Hawaiian people are friendly and gracious. Our experience was limited to those we came in contact with during our stay so if you know any different don't burst my bubble. I did not want to leave the nanu(beautiful) island and lani(heavenly) weather. Emma finished volumes 1,2 and started volume 3 on this trip. She is totally hooked and looks forward to the movie. My visit to Hawaii was great. Any suggestions on which island to visit next time?

Seven Years Ago

Semtember 11, 2001

I remember the clear blue sky with crisp clear autumn air. Coming home from my morning walk and rounding the corner onto Garden Road in Concord, Massachusetts where I lived my neighbor stopped me and asked "have you seen the news this morning?" She mentioned an airplane flew into one of the World Trade Center buildings. As I entered my house the telephone was ringing. My father-in-law just checking on Murray's whereabouts. I told him Murray is in San Jose. His concern for Murray's safety evident in his questions about when Murray was returning home.

I had no idea what I would learn by the end this day, September 11, 2001. I was glued to the news on television all day. At first I couldn't imagine that "hate" fuels something like this. Surely if Osama Bin Laden hates us so much he can learn to ignore us. Silly me, I was thinking like a mom, like I tell my kids. "if she is bothering you please ignore her".

I wasn't processing this tradegy very well. As I began to learn more about Al Qaeda and Osama Bin Laden; anger began to build within my heart. I wasn't just irritated, I was angry that someone would do this to my country. And did he think we wouldn't play the defense? A few songs were written and recorded describing the feelings many of us were experiencing. As they were played on the radio and my patriotic feelings swelled. I don't personally know anyone that lost their life that day. I prayed that the families of those who did would feel wrapped in the comfort that only the Holy Ghost can give.

Today, seven years later, much of the news footage has been replayed. Seeing the planes deliberately fly into the towers, pentagon and a Pennsylvania field bring some of those feelings to life again. Over time I have grown to love this country more, and possess a gratitude for my freedoms that come at so great a cost.